"By the way, if you're still attracted to her. While she was trying to fix my clothes, she got to my pants, and things... responded. She also requires that part of the male anatomy to be symmetrical, both shaft and balls. The spell to ensure it was... do you want me to describe how painful it was?"

>>826755
>>826760
The journey is in the attempt. Even if he gets rebuffed, its in Story's nature to try. (And honestly, it'll likely be funny and/or a good story either way).

Save the warning and surprise Zirkala.

We have plenty of people to hang out with here that could use a proper goodbye.

Plus we want to see the show. Wandering home before the final will miss out on the last bit of the story.

Stay here to finish things. We can introduce our lich girlfriend in person.

Still need to work on a Enlu three way with Kexluk. And more godly seduction attempts.

If Story Seeker is sent ahead, there will be a (somewhat brief) perspective swap to Kexluk to close out any glaring loose ends.

Keep story here then. We can stop outside his home cavern so he can announce the rest of the party before they come in.

You should stay. How can you tell the proper story if you don't see the ending?

>>826780
We spent a long awkward time on Kex doing social stuff before. No swap, stick around, let Story have his victory lap traveling sedately with friends and various ladies instead of running away alone for the dubious advantage of giving Z a warning she almost certainly doesn't need.

>>826740
The lich knows that the artifact is coming one way or another weather SS and Kexluk succeeded or not so their is no real reason to go ahead. I suggest a montage of picking up Tulip and fucking the Sandfin, pick up all the stuff hidden in town, and then lets head on back to Enlu's.

>>826777
Yeah, let's stay and see things through.

Oh when you see Reilqin again ask why she never complained about you being attracted to her. She shot Kexluk down quick but never did so for you.

Do that mean you might have a chance after all?

>>826789

I actually don't think she so much shot him down as she was just annoyed that him avoiding looking at her was messing up his posture. He didn't actually make any sort of advance, and she seems like the kind of person who wouldn't respond directly to the possibility of one unless he did.

However, her not going for either Kexluk or himself does give Story the opportunity to express curiosity about what she would hypothetically like.

Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)17:52 No. 826800 ID: bfb318
File 150431353508.png - (121.18KB , 800x800 , 9-433.png )

"Well, I may yet try to seduce the goddess, but I suppose you should have a fair chance!"
>"... when you say seduce, you don't mean... she shot me down fast. Don't tell me she didn't shoot you down?"
"I kid, halfway! Maybe. My chances are slim, I admit, but I will have to ask her why she didn't do it as explicitly as you. However, while she picked at my posture and arranged my clothes, parts of me reacted, and likewise I could ask why she didn't physically alter you to be perfectly symmetrical and straight! I can tell you tales of pain as she found that what laid beneath my pants was not symmetrical."
>"I do not need to hear all your tales, Story Seeker!"
"Very well, I will spare you! I will also stick around, there are too many people I would simply leave without a word if I were to leave now."
>"Alright. Then, if you've got so many people you'd like to talk to, let me go to the church tower to pick up Tulip."
"Alright, then let's meet back at Lady Enlu's party."

I figure that Reilqin would prefer if I do not interrupt her meeting with Lady Enlu, so I head to the chaos den. There are many kobolds scampering about, and I get pointed to Howka.

>"Story Seeker! You're safe."
"Yes I am."
>"We did not steal either artifact! Was total failure, but hear so because you got thing?"
"Yes, you've all done well, and I come bearing good news! The relic has awoken, and the Goddess Reilqin walks the earth, now."
>"Story Seeker, Howka's language is not so good but thought good news is supposed to be good?"

>>826799
Fear not for soon she will leave for she has found the Lizards of this town have perverted her Order and can not bear to to see such a disgrace perpetrated in her name she is giving the town to Tom to deal with!

It turns out the goddess is nothing like the rumors!

She is kind and loves kobolds and lizardfolk alike but is very angry with how the lizardfolk have treated the kobolds in spearstone. She did not realize how bad things had gotten on the surface.

So she is yelling at the nobles right now and plans on leaving the town so Tom can take over and make things a bit more chaotic and improve stuff.

Trust me its the best thing that could have happened. I will be leaving town soon to escort the goddess to a new home but would like to say goodbye to everyone and wish them well. I will be sure to keep in touch. Without all of your help this would not have gone nearly as well.

>"Story Seeker, Howka's language is not so good but thought good news is supposed to be good?"
She'll be walking the earth outside of spearstone. The relic turned goddess is rather upset with the way the lizards have treated her legacy in her absence.

She doesn't much approve of messes, falling down slum buildings, and guards who shove goddesses pretending to be kobolds.

In her absence I expect chaos will have the reign to make changes!

"It's good news because she's leaving! She has looked around instead of just listening to the priests tell her things, and she is very disappointed. She thinks it would be good for chaos to take over here as well! She is going to give the nobles a chance to defend themselves, but I think she has made up her mind already."

Adding in the "she thinks it would be good for chaos to take over now too" line would be a good idea specifically just in case the chaos kobolds go "oh no she sounds nice after all".

>>826800
Ask her what she's been told about past interactions with Reilqin. From what she told you, she had a good relationship with the kobold community.

Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)18:05 No. 826811 ID: bfb318
File 150431433773.png - (110.77KB , 800x800 , 9-434.png )

"What have you been told about past interactions with Reilqin?"
>"Know nothing, but Lizards shape selves in Reilqin's image, so Reilqin must be bad, yes?"
"Except that the lizards seem to have done a poor job! It turns out she is not at all like the rumors! She loves kobolds and lizardfolk alike. She walks among us now, but soon she will walk outside Spearstone due to how disappointed she is in how things are here. She does not approve of the violence or slums and such messy things, I believe that soon, although she will give the nobles a chance to defend themselves and their decisions, Tom will be here to upheave the system."
>"That is not good news, that is great news! We should have celebration! Join us?"
"I apologize, but please do have a celebration! I, on the other hand, have to leave earlier than expected, and so I am going around saying goodbye to everyone."
>"What!"
"But when times are more free, I will remain in touch! Without all of your help, this would not have gone so well."
>"Stay!"

Hm, she is not making leaving easy!

>>826811
I can only stay for one or two round of Bardly duties then I need to go see Sandfin.

>>826811
"I really can't, but I can at least give you a sweet farewell." Let's see if SS's charm is broken or if it's just Reilqin.

Hmm, if we bed Howka, I wonder if Reilqin is going to disprove of SS smelling of sex and sweat after. Not to self: clean up before returning to the OCD goddess.

>"Stay!"
Alas, I have responsibilities. I must see Reilqin safely away from Spearstone, to where she can do good.

If I stay who knows where Reilqin might wander. I need to help her get to a certain set of caverns so that she can help some friends.

I will be here for a few hours yet so if you can get a party going with everyone I will say my goodbyes then.

Thank you for everything Howka.

Well, you can stay a little. You need to tell the gryphons that chaos is about to happen, which will probably make things more free for outsiders in the long term but which they should probably be prepared for. You should talk to that undead guy, too - maybe Reilqin could do something for him and the other undead tomb guardians? Soothing what's been disturbed sounds like something that might be within the purview of order.

You do need to go at some point, though. Hmm... perhaps this might be the time to let slip a little hint at your connection with Muo? You could say that when you leave it will be in the direction of her home, and maybe you could ask her to come over here! So you should do that soon, right?

That would probably be a good idea anyway. Having Muo present would probably make Tom's power here even greater, BUT she is also a moderately nice slime lady and has a way of tempering Tom's shenanigans with a little more compassion. The things that happen here will be even more chaotic but a more pleasant kind of chaos with her around.

1/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)18:31 No. 826825 ID: bfb318
File 150431588958.png - (109.39KB , 800x800 , 9-435.png )

"Forgive me, but I have a responsibility to help guide Reilqin away from Spearstone where she can do good, and Spearstone is free to rebuild! Send everyone my regards, and have a good time for me."

I give her a peck on the cheek, and that seems to be good enough for her to allow me to escape!

2/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)18:31 No. 826826 ID: bfb318
File 150431590231.png - (93.99KB , 800x800 , 9-436.png )

I run off to grab my 6-emblem chaos compass to locate Sandfin's new location, next.

>Oh, hey, just who I needed, someone to tell me what the hell's going on out there."
"If I am to explain in a single sentence with cherrypicked facts, I would say that the goddess Reilqin has been resurrected, a guard pushed her into the dirt, and now she is leaving!
>"Seriously?"
"With a longer tale and many details inbetween, yet the end result is precisely that, yes! She shall be leaving, and Tom will be coming."
>"Nifty. Guess I'll get to go outside after all. Tom better not be coming with any sandstorms or some shit like that."

Yeah... we need to beat it before the chaos god moves in. Say goodbyes to everyone quickly and then off to Sandfin if we have time. Otherwise, straight back to Kexluk so he doesn't embarrass himself again.

>>826826
well I am on a bit of a time limit but I do have a promise to keep so lets get right to it!

Dang, posted too late.

Well, tell him that you had the idea of asking Muo to come over here, and like I just suggested (>>826824) her being around will probably make things more chaos-y but a more fun and not horrible kind of chaos.

Oops; posted as the update posted.

Anyway, yeah, can we ask Sandfin if he wants to come with us to visit Muo? Alternatively, take him up for that "visit". Too bad we probably don't have time to listen to his stories if he doesn't come with us though.

"Probably not."

Hopefully Tom will think of a more creative idea to start things off.

I will be leaving in a hour or two with said goddess to escort her to a new home. Going to try and set her up with a nice apartment next to mine in Zirkala's dungeon.

Thanks for all the fun and help while I was here. If you are ever in my neck of the woods stop on by.

Then ruffle his cute fluff and give him a kiss before you see the next person.

>>826826
You have no way of predicting a chaos god. All you know is it won't be terribly violent. Tell him you're going to have to leave with her as well. You want to give him a proper goodbye.

>>826825
Cute. Probably the right way to handle it too, Story doesn't have time for something more involved right now.

Spearstone isn't too far away fro the caves Story lives in, he can always come back to visit in between other adventures and see how things turn out. Hang out with the local bolds, swap stories about what happened after chaos really came to town.

>Tom better not be coming with any sandstorms or some shit like that
I doubt Tom will be so predictable as to use a sandstorm in a desert. His entrance will probably be stranger than that! If you want to avoid excitement, I expect the turnover will still probably be exciting, one way or another.

1/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)18:52 No. 826838 ID: bfb318
File 150431714763.png - (88.72KB , 800x800 , 9-437.png )

"Hopefully Tom will have something more creative to start things off with. A snowstorm is more likely, but maybe nothing so predictably opposite? I could not predict it, that's for sure! I would have liked to keep my promise about a more lengthy visit, but I'm afraid I am on a time limit!"
>"You live far?"
"No, so when things settle, I may come back for a visit sometime!"
>"Hey, if things get properly messed up here, no reason for me to stay."
"Would you like to come with?"
>"Oh I'm not missing the main event, hell no. Afterwards, though. Tell me where you're staying at, maybe I'll stop by."
"That sounds excellent, and you can also visit Muo if you so like! Or perhaps I could ask she could come over here? That would make things chaotic in an assuredly benign manner."

2/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)18:52 No. 826840 ID: bfb318
File 150431716020.png - (113.62KB , 800x800 , 9-438.png )

I ruffle his fur, partially to make a more affectionate goodbye, partially because I can't remember if there is any other place I should head to! Reilqin seems to move quickly and make decisions even quicker, so I'm sure she's moved on to talking with other nobles. I may just wish to head straight back to Lady Enlu's estate.

We need to get Tulip and maybe give the crazy alchemist a thumbs up. After that head to Enlu's unless you can think of another person who needs a goodbye.

Yeah, Story, it's not like we've been pestering you about Tulip or anything. Let's go check on her.

Tulip was already picked up, maybe heading to Enlu's is a good idea but first pick up your flute so we can torment some Rich Lizard nobles with the coming of the Kobold uprising by making music at the party.

>I can't remember if there is any other place I should head to
Who's left. The undead guardian? The griffins? The goblins? (You'll probably see them on the way back). The alchemist? (Did we even use his potions?).

Enlu and Nece are both back at her place.

Yeah, Tulip and Enlu seem to be all that remains, as far as I remember.

Not sure what we can do about that undead guy though; leaving his gravesite in peace really doesn't seem in the cards for either and Order or Chaos dominated city.

If Reilqin is already talking to the nobles then rumours may have already started going around. Some lizards may already be looking for premature revenge, so be careful on the streets.

There are a couple of people you could say goodbye to but they were in the chaos den and you already left. You could maybe check on Vailla and see that she gets out before Tom does something like turning all the lizards into kobolds and vice versa? Though if I were here I'd already be packing up, and if she's left the guard tower you won't know where to find her. So, unless you can run by that place quickly, maybe you should go straight back to Enlu's. You probably need to... sort of apologize to her?

Story did you remember to get some food for that starving kobold?

Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)19:29 No. 826868 ID: bfb318
File 150431936107.png - (133.27KB , 800x800 , 9-439.png )

Perhaps I should have made a few moments time to delve deeper into the chaos den to say goodbyes to the alchemist, check in on the undead warrior, the gryphons, and so on. The trip to the chaos den is a bit of a long one, however, so I hope that my regards through Howka will be suitable until I make a visit another time, for them.

I'd be tempted to stop to make sure Vailla has gotten out, but with the recent attacks, and Vailla being inside a guard tower, it's simply too risky for me to go in without taking up too much time. I'll hope that she has made it out. Instead, I head strait to Enlu's estate, where I find Kexluk chatting with Enlu herself. Tulip appears to be in a bag, carried by Kexluk. While I would be concerned about the sight, Kexluk appears to be calm, so I can presume that Tulip is simply asleep, or knocked out, which I should not be surprised by considering the likelihood in which she has been hit by potions.

>Did you remember to get food for that starving kobold?
I did not! There is plenty of food at this party, however, and I'm sure I can leave with some.

What I did do, however, was pick up my flute. Just in case.

>>826867
Better go make sure Enlu isn't seducing him into something stupid.

Looks like a certain big guy is blushing. Go take Tulip off his hands so he can sneak off with the host guilt free if he so desires.

Or even better find a place for Tulip to be put safely and consider finishing what you started with Enlu. With you and Kexluk working her over you should be able to thoroughly satisfy her this time. (unless this course of actions could jeopardize your chances with Reilqin that is)

>Tulip alseep
Hahaha, kobold papooses.

>I did not! There is plenty of food at this party, however, and I'm sure I can leave with some.
Good plan.

>>826869
Nah if Enlu seduces him we should completely endorse that.

(Just so long as he doesn't do anything stupid as a result).

Seems like she got over her mistrust of him, at least, they're talking amicably.

Oh no, someone has cut out Kexluk's fins! That had to hurt.

Maybe Enlu is going to offer him some comfort. Or is alluding to what you revealed about yourself and him and Zirkala. Or both. Have yourself a sidle on over like an attentive kobold servant ready to attend to his master's needs.

Yeah, let's make sure Kexluk's not doing anything stupid. Come to think of it, where's Reilqin? I hope Kexluk doesn't embarrass himself in front of her. Also, we do need to get out of here before Tom moves in.

1/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)21:37 No. 826919 ID: bfb318
File 150432707798.png - (94.90KB , 800x800 , 9-440.png )

I wander close to eavedrop in on Kexluk and Enlu. It certainly seems that Enlu is attempting to seduce Kexluk somewhat, but she isn't attempting to get him to do anything stupid! I believe this is simply Enlu's manner of getting major players on her side. I could not judge!

Nece, who is nearby Enlu, points me out. I get waved over.

>"Hello, Story Seeker."
"Hello, Lady Enlu! I apologize, I didn't mean to intrude. Say, have you seen Reilqin?"
>"She has left towards the palace. She has already spoken to the other lords and the high priest, and will speak to our warchief before making a public statement. She has decided it will take place here, as there are so many high profile individuals gathered under this roof as is. Stick around if you would like to hear. There has already been a decree that all kobolds are to be welcomed, although I doubt word will be fast to get out. I am not in a rush, either, my food supply was not made for that..."
"Would you like me to take Tulip off your back, Kexluk."
>"I, erh... yes, actually, I think that may be for the best, to keep an eye on her, if you will."

2/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)21:38 No. 826920 ID: bfb318
File 150432708840.png - (83.78KB , 800x800 , 9-441.png )

I take Tulip to a nearby bench to sit at, and that seems to wake her up.

>"Ah. Story Seeker?"
"It is I! How are you?"
>"I'm okay. I still do not know what happened to me. One moment I'm serving priests, then smoke and..."
"Just potions of odd effects. Temporary things! You need only rest."
>"Okay."

Let's not cockblock Kexluk, then. Be prepared to deflect anyone inbound to cause trouble, but otherwise let's just chill with Tulip.

"Caught up with the latest news yet?"

come lay thine head upon mine lap and rest my dearest desert flower~

Give her a update on what happened when she was out. The Kobold uprising and how the order god is pissed with the lizard's being jerks. How Tom is going to sweep in and get society leveled out a bit.

Then say that you will be traveling with Reilqin to your home cavern with Kexluk and some friends. She is of course welcome to join you or can stay in town to witness what happens here if she likes.

The choice is of course hers.

>>826920
Let's ask her what she's been doing in between the last time we saw her and now!

>>826920
Take a couple minutes to catch up with her before you bring some food to that kobold.

1/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)22:44 No. 826960 ID: bfb318
File 150433108330.png - (102.38KB , 800x800 , 9-442.png )

I begin to get Tulip up to date as I sit next to her, but she merely puts her head on my lap. She is not asleep, but she does not seem to be listening. I will still presume that she plans on coming with us, so I will carry her as needed and fill her in when she is more lucid, as well as ask what had gone on with her while we were seperated. Nece stops by, and I manage to get her assistance in watching Tulip for a mere 10 minutes while I run outwards in order to feed the kobold, who thanks me profusely before I return to Tulip's side.

A herald runs by, shouting into the building.

>"Come outdoors, Goddess Reilqin is atop the wall to shout her message across town!"

2/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)22:44 No. 826961 ID: bfb318
File 150433109297.png - (69.96KB , 800x800 , 9-443.png )

Everyone leaves, and though Reilqin is barely visible atop the wall facing Enlu's estate, her voice booms across town. Despite the volume, it is calm and almost monotone.

>"Hello, I am the goddess, Reilqin, and I am disappointed. So I am leaving this town. I will return if I am satisfied with future performance, and in how you do on the trials to come. Tom, the God of Chaos, will not be blocked from making his advances, and he will be the one testing you all. Succeed in this trial, and I will return to block him out. Your goal, your trial, is not maintain order at any cost. Your goal is to maintain internal order, as individuals, townfolk, and neighbors. Behave rationally in the face of chaos. Behave in such a way that if people told your story and removed gender, races, and position from all details, you would be the hero. Commit no pro-active violence. Leave no area of town in such terrible condition as the slums. Quit treating kobolds like trash, as they are to be respected, even as slaves. I will come back for the worthy who do these things. Mosxa, the current warlord, and various priests that I will post in town center are now put under exile. Other priests and lords may remain in their positions, but the church will answer to the palace in all regards. The new warchief is Enlu. Funds will be transferred to her for the betterment of town. Enlu will cover further details. That is all. Goodbye. Remain civil, and this goodbye will be temporary."

With that, she begins to turn her back on a stunned silence.

Quietly slip out from under Tulip and go warn Kexluk that his goddess will be here soon. But only if he has disappeared with Enlu.

He might not want his new god to wander in and find him banging her.

>>826961
Congratulations, Enlu!

Welp. That was quick and blunt. Yeah, see if you can warn Kexluk if he's not busy. Come to think of it, we might have to interrupt soon anyway; I don't think Reilqin will want to wait for him to finish coitus so they can leave. Also, Enlu might want to make a speech or something as the new warchief?

I wonder if Reilqin plans to leave right this instant. It's a bit dark... maybe we can get onto a caravan.

Also I half-expect the town to erupt into chaos near immediately.

>>826961
Her voice was loud, so if Kexluk and Enlu just so happen to be in Enlu's bed, then maybe they heard everything.

Also, silently wonder to yourself if Kexluk could even fit on Enlu's bed? And if he could, could the bed support his large frame or did it collapse under all of his massive muscles?

Story Seeker 2017/09/01(Fri)23:23 No. 826981 ID: bfb318
File 150433343071.png - (104.43KB , 800x800 , 9-444.png )

I think Tulip is gathering her senses, and it seems like people are choosing stunned silence over rampaging about, so it is safe enough, I feel, to leave her as is. I can hear many people scrambling to gain audience with Enlu as well as trying to chase down Reilqin. Since I cannot seem to find Enlu around the normal party area, I walk swiftly to her bedchambers. Nece stands guard, there, but allows me to walk in. I hear the sound of a tortured bed.

>"Wait. Who's there?" I hear Enlu say at the end of the hall, a bit out of breath.
"It is Story Seeker!"
>"Good. What is going on? Stay in the hall."
"Reilqin is done with her speech."
>"What? I just heard it was starting."
"It was short. Did you not hear?"
>".... No. Urgh, I'm beginning to see why the adults had so much trouble working with her... Okay. Kexluk will be out soon. As will I, to prepa- that is, make a speech. Think of some preparations you must organize for your journey back, so that Nece has something to buy time with in case Reilqin is already coming here to get Kexluk back."

>Caravan
Well, that is the first idea that springs to mind!

>>826981
Caravan, carriage fit for a demigod of order(doesn't have to be fancy, just very very well constructed and hopefully enchanted to have a smooth ride), and perhaps an honor guard.

Didn't those merchants who hustled you on that race say they had access to some teleportation thing? That'd be awfully convenient.

>>826981
>I hear the sound of a tortured bed.
So Kexluk can fit on her bed and it can support him, if barely! I wouldn't be surprised if, as soon as you turned around to walk away, you hear a loud snap that signals the death of that bed as it breaks!

>"Wait. Who's there?" I hear Enlu say at the end of the hall, a bit out of breath.
She's out of breath?! You barely got her to work up a sweat! Are you sure Kexluk isn't somehow secretly a bard?

>Things to get?
Food and water for the journey back. And make sure you get enough for the extra passengers we're gonna get! Especially since one of them is a dragon!

I wonder how your village is gonna react to another dragon showing up in their cave? Happy for another guardian or upset because it means giving up more food for tributes or both?

Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)00:08 No. 827003 ID: bfb318
File 150433608182.png - (179.11KB , 800x800 , 9-445.png )

>She's out of breath?! You barely got her to work up a sweat! Are you sure Kexluk isn't somehow secretly a bard?
It's a shame I doubt I'll get the chance to ask Enlu, and that it will most likely embarrass Kexluk to ask for his secrets!

>Didn't those merchants who hustled you on that race say they had access to some teleportation thing?
I believe the only teleportation they used was a teleporter to White Wind from our first town, which we completely missed and is how they hustled us in the first place! Once we reach White Wind, we should be able to teleport to Duststop, which is much closer to the caves. If, of course, my memory serves!

"Understood, Enlu, I shall get supplies! This may be the last time we speak until I can visit, so be well!"
>"Goodbye, Story Seeker. Thanks for coming by, and I don't just say that because I'm in charge now."

I rush off to the goblins.

>"Ah hey, little guy. Whattaya need? We were just thinking of heading out."
"How convenient! So were we."
>"Why the heck are you leaving?"
"We got what we came for. Why are all of you leaving?"
>"A chaos overhaul is a damn fun thing, but it's usually bad for business, not good. We want to get out before shit gets down. Want to ride with us?"
"We would, but we have more companions this time, and may need more supplies! If you are able to suit these needs, then we would gladly have your services."
>"Then lemme ask again, whattaya need?"
"First of all, food and water, lots of it!"
>"Define 'lots. Like enough to feed that big guy with you?"
"More, we'd need enough food and drink for a big dragon!"
>"Haha fine geez. Yeah we can stock up easy."
"Secondly, a carriage."
>"Wait seriously?"
"Yes! Preferably one without bumps."
>"It's the fuckin' desert, we can do without bumps but a carriage... you know what, we can fix up something real fast. Wait, how good of a carriage are we doing?"
"One suitable for the gods!"
>".... no problem. We'll get the best damn carriage in town."
"You can construct such a carriage on such short notice?"
>"We can construct a carriage, yeah!"
".... there are no other carriages in town, are there?"
>"Hell no there aren't!"

My guess is that Kexluk's secret involves him being many times SS's size, strength, and other things relevant to physical activity. Also probably getting to the point rather than having to seduce Enlu like SS did.

Anyway, tell them it has to be kept as perfectly clean and symmetrical as possible. Ask if the word "suspension" means anything to them in the context of a carriage.

>>827003
Maybe they should just skip it then. A hastily constructed carriage would just irritate her. Do they have something very orderly that said god would ride on? Evenly spaced everything, clean construction.

Alternatively... do they have any well-crafted chests? Big enough to hold an object the size of your torso? Reilqin might prefer to travel in her relic form if it comes down to it.

>>827005
We don't need to ask any of this. Because if Reilqin doesn't like it, then she'll fix it herself!

1/5 Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)01:47 No. 827015 ID: bfb318
File 150434207602.png - (93.70KB , 800x800 , 9-446.png )

"Say, will the word 'suspension' mean anything to this carriage?"
>"I dunno, does the phrase 'let's fucking get the hell out of here some time this week' mean anything?"
"I understand! In that case, let us skip it entirely. Perhaps I could hire you to clean up your caravan's cart? Perhaps help make it perfectly symmetrical, and smooth the wood. Oh, if you have any particularly well crafted chests, perhaps I could see that as an option?"
>"Wait you're coming onto me aren't you."
"Not right now, no!"
"Haha okay, but god damn, who the hell's gonna ride with us, Reilqin?"
"..."
>"Oh fuck me we got a customer you guys, clean that fuckin' shit and if it isn't the first thing to make that girl grin then I will beat the shit out of you myself! Except not in front of her. I'm assuming you guys can pay a crapton of coins."
"We can!"
>"Okay then!"

In the brief time this takes, I fetch Tulip.

2/5 Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)01:49 No. 827019 ID: bfb318
File 150434219345.png - (84.42KB , 800x800 , 9-447.png )

Shortly thereafter, on the outskirts of town...

>"Absolutely revolting." says Reilqin. "I would rather somersault across the desert than step on this crude, rotten plank on what I refuse to acknowledge as 'wheels'."
"Hm, perhaps we can think of something else... say, do you know where Kexluk is? I was expecting him with you.
>"Yes, he is fetching the dragon."
>"What." says the goblin.
>"Wait." Reilqin pauses, looking over the horizon. "What is that?"

3/5 Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)01:50 No. 827020 ID: bfb318
File 150434221023.png - (53.24KB , 800x800 , 9-448.png )

Oh, is that...

4/5 Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)01:50 No. 827021 ID: bfb318
File 150434224781.png - (171.91KB , 800x800 , 9-449.png )

It is! I did not expect to see her here. Also some kind of gnollish monstrosity!

5/5 Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)01:51 No. 827023 ID: bfb318
File 150434227196.png - (160.04KB , 800x800 , 9-450.png )

Ah, she notices us, too.

Reilqin power walks up to the cart, empties out a chest, climbs into it, and shuts the chest over herself.

>"I am going to sleep. Do not wake me up until we are at our destination. Thank you."

>>827023
Tell Reilqin goodnight.

Wave to Muo. Don't delay the caravan but I guess you could go say hi and catch up later.

Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)03:19 No. 827041 ID: bfb318
File 150434755025.png - (187.96KB , 800x800 , 9-451.png )

"Goodnight, Reilqin!"

I run over to Muo and share some hello's, but we both seem to be in a hurry, so I rush back before that gnoll decides to do anything to me that Reilqin would disapprove of.

A while later, as stated, Kexluk and Luzona catch up. The dragon is breathing pretty hard, and every step shakes a bag he has on his back that rattles. Judging by the goblin's gawking, I think that might be the part of his hoard that did not go towards spearstone reparations and general charity!

>"Where..." the dragon huffs out. "Is the next break...?"
>"In about 10 hours!" says the goblin.
>"Hohhh... oh god."
>"Hello, everyone." Kexluk says. "This is Luzona, the Spearstone dragon menace."
>"Don't mock meee!" Luzona whines.

>"That's the most harmless dragon I've seen in my life, to put it nicely." whispers the goblin girl.

>>827040
Introduce yourself! You haven't met him yet. Heh, we're gonna have a dragon living in the same general area as a drake posing as a dragon. Ask him if he's territorial, because there's already one dragon in the caverns.
He's too big for the cart, isn't he? I did not realize he was so out of shape. Does Kexluk have any endurance-granting spells he could use to help Luzona? Do the goblins have any potions or enchanted items that would either make the dragon lighter on his feet or otherwise more easily able to make the trip?

It occurs to me that if the prophecy IS still active, Reilqin is in a vulnerable state right now. Someone could steal the chest, with her in it. Tell Kexluk that he may well need to defend the caravan at some point. Oh hey you can ask Kexluk how his duel went too!

ummm... where is her pendant/necklace thing of tom.
could it be that the tom pendant is that "gnollish monstrosity" with her?

Well, Story, you know what a bard's duty is on a long journey, right? To lift people's spirits with song!! Seriously if you have some sort of magical stamina boosting song I think our dragon friend will need it. But if not then a regular song will do. It should be easier going for him if he doesn't have to carry a bunch of gold. If it won't fit on the cart, maybe you could set up some sort of litter for him to pull over the sand?

Anyway, make sure you have a secure guard for Reilqin's chest at all times. Make your notes on when and who you'll come back to visit, but remember you have a bunch of friends at home who have only known you a little while from their perspective! You have a lot of catching up to do. You'll probably need to explain/apologize for whatever Reilqin's going to do in and around your home, anyway. You should compose the whole thing into a song, or saga. Make sure to emphasize Kexluk's part! A bard has to sing his knight's praises, you know, and the story of his receiving Reilqin's favor will be a good one.

Umm... We might have to reconsider the song thing, at least until Reilqin's out of earshot. I think I remember her disapproving the last time SS proposed a song, and we probably don't want to be too loud and possibly wake her up before we get to the caverns. We can still think up/write the song on the journey there though.

Come to think of it, when's the last time we actually slept? Ugh; too bad we probably can't leave Kexluk to guard Reilqin alone. He still seems just as vulnerable as before to females, and even though he might try harder for Reilqin, we shouldn't take that risk. We either need to sleep in shifts, or depending on how light of sleepers we are, sleep on top of or clutching the chest. I don't know if we can fully trust the goblins with the chest either.

Yeah, I second telling the dragon about the cavern's "dragon". We should also ask Zirkala where he can stay, since I doubt the cavern will welcome a second dragon, and he can't really wander around. Best case scenario is that Morgana lets him move in with her, which will probably require some convincing.

Also, if there's no room on the caravan, how tough are the dragon's scales? It'll be a bit degrading, but maybe he could be dragged behind the caravan, since we're traveling over sand for most of the journey. Otherwise, any potions/spells the goblins/Kexluk have is probably our best bet.

Welcome the dragon and get things sorted for the journey. We do have a time limit on things so do your best to get the big guy moving. (God he is going to match Morgana now that she has been doing nothing but eating and lazing about. But keep those thoughts to yourself. Maybe we can get them both on a exercise program later)

Wrap Reilqin's box in a nice blanket so it does not rattle around and the sounds of your journey do not bother her. Tell her what you are doing and ask the box politely if she minds you singing along the journey. No response means approval.

Then pace the trip based on how long we have before the portal becomes unstable. Want to get there with plenty of time left over.

Actually, rather than worrying Luzona with the idea of meeting another dragon (I imagine he'd be nervous about any such thing), I suggest delicately probing Luzona about how he'd like to be a drake instead of a dragon. Maybe hinting that we might know a drake who wants to be a dragon. There's probably some sort of mind/soul swap magic somewhere, right? Maybe Reilqin herself might even take a look at them and think their souls would match better in each other's bodies and transfer them using order mojo.

Anyway, singing. I'm sure Reilqin won't mind it any more than she'd mind people just talking, and I imagine the goblins at the very least will be chatting to each other, as well as the rest of the gang wanting to pass the time.

>>827041
You might want to tell Kexluk where Reilqin is and pass along her message of, "Don't wake me up until we've reached our destination."

>>827046
>Heh, we're gonna have a dragon living in the same general area as a drake posing as a dragon.
Shhh! Don't say that out loud!

Sure, Luzona is gonna find out eventually, but don't let the goblin and her buddies hear that!

>It occurs to me that if the prophecy IS still active, Reilqin is in a vulnerable state right now. Someone could steal the chest, with her in it. Tell Kexluk that he may well need to defend the caravan at some point.
Good point.

Although, the prophecy said a kobold with a 6 line Emblem would do that and since Story Seeker is currently holding an Emblem with the 6 lines on it, I think the prophecy is referring to him stealing Reilqin away from Spearstone.

>>827049
No, that's actually one of Tom's followers. We see him at the start of Thread 1 of the Work of Chaos quest, which is where Muo is from.

>>827097
>(God he is going to match Morgana now that she has been doing nothing but eating and lazing about. But keep those thoughts to yourself. Maybe we can get them both on a exercise program later)
Make sure you get Clunker in that exercise program too!

Make sure to hit on the goblin when you've got a spare moment.

>gnollish monstrosity
Oh good to see he's still around and he seems to be working for Tom now.
I'd really like to know how his story played out but that is for another time.

>>827041
Oh MY GOD I forgot how adorably fat and useless he is, what is gonna go through Morgana s head when she meets him.
Maybe encourage him by telling him that at the end of this journey he ma get himself a girl.

>I hear the sound of a tortured bed.
Score one for Kex.

>Reilqin locked herself in a chest
Called it. You might want to use your bardic magic to soundproof it (or at least to dampen incoming sound) to minimize how much she's bothered by antics outside.

>>"That's the most harmless dragon I've seen in my life, to put it nicely."
It does work out rather nicely, as we might not have enjoyed the company of a harmful dragon!

Go be nice and introduce yourself to the nice scourge of Spearstone. Cheering her up a little might make her less bothered by the work.

Give Luzona a noogie.

>>827100
>No, that's actually one of Tom's followers. We see him at the start of Thread 1 of the Work of Chaos quest, which is where Muo is from.
That was actually Sandfin. Tom probably hasn't taken such a direct form himself, though, so it's probably a new follower.

>>827143

He does resemble >>354654 much more. Besides, he's too thin for Sandfin. Plus, Sandfin said he can't unretire.

Oops. I don't know how cross thread links works.

https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/354592.html#354654

is what I meant

>>827143
>That was actually Sandfin.
No, it wasn't. If it was, he'd already have tentacle arms. Plus, he's already in the city, he wouldn't be outside the city going towards it.

I'm telling you, it was this guy: >>/questarch/354593 from Thread 1 of the Work of Chaos quest. And then Tom did this: >>/questarch/354654 to him when he became a chaos follower.

Compare that to this guy: >>827021 and you'll see that's the guy I was talking about.

>>827148
I figured Sandfin just "got better" at some point, but you're right. Sandfin must have been a second follower himself, then.

1/2 Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)13:45 No. 827166 ID: bfb318
File 150438512836.png - (119.67KB , 800x800 , 9-452.png )

>Kexluk still seems just as vulnerable as before to females
I'm uncertain about that! Although he seemed to get into bed with Enlu rather quickly, I would need to ask rather probing questions to find out if it was well controlled or if he simply couldn't resist. Other than that, he seems to have done an admirable job of resisting temptation.

>Where is Muo's Tom pendant/necklace?
A question I thought of too late, unfortunately.

"Hello, Luzona, it's nice to meet you!"

He wheezes something back.

"Say, are you territorial? We may have a place for you, but do you get along with others?"
>"Uuugh, like a dragon?"
"Possibly! I hear you had interactions with drakes, too."
>"I don't really caaare, I just want to stop. Kexluk took my protective artifact, toooo..."
>"It's for the best." Kexluk says.
>"Yeahhhh but I can't protect my own things! I'll take anywhere that's safe!"

I suppose I may sort out details later. It will still be a good while before we're at home.

Story Seeker Chapter 8 END Story Seeker 2017/09/02(Sat)13:46 No. 827167 ID: bfb318
File 150438518846.png - (165.57KB , 800x800 , 9-453.png )

Once Luzona's wheezing begins to get on people's nerves, even after he follows at a distance and Kexluk carries his hoard, I begin to play songs as we travel. The goblins happens to have a fine lute that I purchased to do so, since my first was broken. I'm sure to use magic to keep Reilqin's chest as quiet as possible, and I think I will sleep on top of it, as well, to guard it, since the goblins have shown themselves to not be entirely trustworthy! I still flirt, of course.

Although a lengthy trip, the return trips always seem to be much shorter, so I'll be home before I know it.

Another successful adventure, Story. Well, successful for you, and the people you like, and not so bad for others except for people who deserved it. In other words, what any adventurer would call a happy ending!

You've been tossed around from time loops to crazy caravans to here and back, so take some time off with all your friends when you get back home. You've got a good few new stories to tell!

>sitting and sleeping on a goddess' chest

Congratulations on a successful end! It was so nice to see this quest again and participate in it.
Story Seeker is the most Bardly bard I have ever seen. May he go down into legend.