Trust has to start somewhere... If Sisah can't see anything more than just the Truth rune, then stand upon it and tell her the Queen had him locked up somewhere else to start with.

>>721600
inb4 we get the horrific news that our sister was sided with our racist brother all along, we get the news that our dads "health" is the sister offing him so no real contention to her rule occurs, we get the news that our sister and brother are in an incestuous relationship and would rule as king and queen only after kronos is dead, we find out that our only possible choice of being saved in these few moments where we tell her everything.

OH WAIT

If the thing isn't a trap, why don't we force her to stand on the carpet first, and ask her if she has any loyalty to your brother? Either of them.

Is it possible that there's an enchantment on the room or the floor that would override the carpet's? Or alter its functionality? We can't discount the possibility that this room was prepared beforehand to screw us over even if we check the carpet. If that's worth worrying about we can switch rooms. Thalia can veto a room if she wants.

>>749522
they wanted to switch rooms to begin with, staying there is best option....
if she isn't up to no good...
well fuck
this seems like a good tragedy story
>>749518

>>749526
Fate has had a habit of revealing new information just so we can be wrong, but it's more likely This is just as it appears- a mutual misunderstanding, or Thalia trying to weasel out of a situation where she's in over her head.

The trial is in a few hours, we'll see who owes who an apology then.

Kaktus 2016/09/24(Sat)10:52 No. 749560 ID: 65a774
File 147473957336.png - (47.53KB , 686x526 , 94B.png )

>Just out of curiosity, Kronos, what is the punishment for using torture on the nobility?
Death? Of course, it’s a bit irrelevant, as it doesn’t seem like she wanted to actually torture you.
>Is it possible that there's an enchantment on the room or the floor that would override the carpets? Or alter its functionality?
Of what you remember of magic theory, no, there wouldn’t be something like that.
>We can't discount the possibility that this room was prepared beforehand to screw us over even if we check the carpet.
First off, we’re not actually standing in the room she wanted us in. Second, if she has something like that she would have sprung it by now.
>Even if the rune did make me tell the truth, it's only what I believe to be the truth.
That is indeed correct and is the biggest flaw of the usage of the rune. That’s why you always have to take everything people say with a grain of salt.
>inb4 we get the horrific news that our sister was sided with our racist brother all along.
…it wouldn’t actually surprise you anymore… wait, that would mean… you would become king? Oh gods no, you don’t want to become king!


>Let the torturer know he can leave if he wants to.
Wait, is that an actual suggestion or a more forceful “suggestion”?
Actual suggestion. I’m not going to force you to do anything.
Oh… then… um… I guess I need to stay? I mean, the general did commission me to do some work and… err… you know…
>I'm sure he is not planning on torturing a member of the royal family... Right?
Oh, I’m actually not the one who… um… torture people. I’m more of a truth mage, someone that makes these runes and is used as a conduit for them. Now, if you want someone tortured you have to talk to my partner Jerry, he’s a real professional. In fact, it’s been ages since he actually needed to hurt anyone, as he can get people to talk just by explaining what all his tools does. It’s quite something watching him do… his… um… I’m sorry, I’m rambling, aren’t I?
>Who ordered those two assassins tortured to death?
Who? Oh, those servants that attacked you? No one did, sire. We never had to lay a finger on them before they spilled their guts… figuratively, of course. But you know how those nobles are, they jump on even the smallest chance to have some old fashioned, traditional fun, eh? Especially after your sister started to make laws against hunting and hurting the lower classes… or, well, started to enforce the already existing laws on the noble families.
Wait, the nobles are torturing people for fun?
Well, according to them they aren’t people, but oh yes. Why, I remember under the war it was quite the spectacle. Now all they do are complaining about how your sister dares making the law affect them. After all, “they are of noble blood, laws shouldn’t concern them”! Why, I didn’t go to school for years just to hear those born lucky, never worked a day in their lives “high born” complain all day, no sire… which reminds me of a funny story about that one time in torture camp… err… Oh, but I’m rambling again, aren’t I?
I’ve heard that these truth runes have a feedback effect… but you’re not even using it yet?
Oh, you know, after years in the business there will be side effects, eh? This is why I have to bind my beak when we work, but oh well…
>If nothing else, ask that the torturer unfurl the carpet on both sides so that sisah can inspect it for tomfoolery like fire magic runes or something.
That is indeed a rune of truth… and its newly drawn too. I can’t find any other magical traces, sir. It’s clean.
Of course it’s clean. I quite literally fished carving it a few seconds ago.
Are you done interrogating my… “interrogator”?


>Is there some way we can both help each other find the truth, without threats and magic?
Seeing as neither of us trust each other…
>If I wanted to murder you I wouldn't be making a spectacle of it here in the hall! And why would I come in person?
To gloat? I know firsthand that some in your family loves gloating in person before killing someone.
>Why don't we force her to stand on the carpet first…
…I guess it would only be fair…
Err… actually, I can’t reuse the same rune on multiple people and… um…
…and that thing took an hour to carve. We don’t have the kind of time to carve another one.
…you know, this is quite a coincidence…
Actually… again… I do have a solution… kind of. If you stand on at the same time when I activate it you both should be under its spell and… err… as long as you don’t leave the rune circle it would still be… working?
You want us both to stand on it at the same time? But… it’s rather small?
If we stand back to back we can-
You both need to face the c-center of it… actually… err… so… you have to face each other, I guess?
…why is the universe always against me?
I ask the same thing all the time.
>Trust has to start somewhere...
There… is it working?
Let’s test it out. Tell me your name, age and that you’re a Sakkilian.
I’m General Thalia, 27 and I’m a Sakkilian.
I’m Prince Kronos, 23 and I’m a Sakkilian?
Truth, truth and a lie… yes, it is working. Now then, go on. Ask each other questions.
>and ask her if she has any loyalty to your brother?
I do not have any loyalty to your brother, you sister or anyone else. My loyalty lies with the kingdom, no matter who leads it, and I will do anything to protect-
Errt! A lie!
Almost anything to protect this country. Your brother is a clear threat against it… so I need to know his location before he does anything to threaten us again.
I don’t know my brother exact location, no… nor do I know anything about a jailbreak. In fact, I hold no loyalties to him.
Ert!
…I hold no loyalties to the man he has become… but I still remember him as he was and are loyal to his memories.
>How do I know you didn't break him out and just claim you didn't find him in there?
Then I wouldn’t be asking where he was? I, too, have had nothing to do with any kind of jailbreak-
Ert!
Any kind of jailbreak not concerning war prisoners under the war, so I haven’t been aiding your brother. Are you conspiring against the crown and / or our kingdom?
No, I am not. Are you?
No. Hmm… are you against Sakkilians?
>I wouldn't be going through with my marriage with Briannah!
Which might be a rather big motivation to do something stupid if you don’t like Sakkilians, no?
I’m not against Sakkilian, I’m all for this alliance we have and I love my soon to be wife!
Err…
Don’t tell me I just lied.
It’s a bit complicated? Parts of you assume it’s the truth while others… do not? You’re kind of split on the whole love thing… and… there is someone else who also holds your heart?
As fun as it is to hear about your love life let’s move on. While my thoughts on Sakkilians are less than pristine, I know for a fact that this alliance is more important than any personal feelings I might have.
>I know for a fact that both you and him have had quite a few private meetings of your own, so I have reason to believe you are aiding him!
I was trying to find something I could use to prove his guilt! I’ve known for a long time that he did… horrible things, but I was never able to find anything concrete. But he caught on just a few days ago and… well, let’s just say I’m lucky he likes to gloat. Now, I must ask, why did you bring so many guards with you?
To protect myself and make sure you wouldn’t dare to do anything rash.
…then I had you pegged all wrong. You are not your brother, no. I must apologize for how I have acted. While it doesn’t absolve me completely from blame, understand that I had a similar run in with your brother the day before his arrest, where he came to me with a plethora of guards with the aim to silence me permanently. It… clouded my judgement a bit when you did a similar entrance. That, combined with that horrible nightmare I had… So my apologies, my prince.
So… are we done here or?

Oh, there is one last question. Do you know what the church is up too?
The church?
The grand temple. They are hiding something… planning something. Their priests have started training for combat and gathering weapons, the messages sent between the temples have increased tenfold this last year and they seem to be gathering in the grand temple, as if something big will happen soon. So, you don’t happen to know anything about that?

>>749560
just tell her "I know some of what they are doing but in order to retain some semblance of sanity to my reputation I should talk about it publicly. though you might want to be prepared for an coup by them in the coming days"
if she presses i guess tell her the rest

>>749560
Yes, the church is trying to create a new god, and you don't think it will turn out well.

Ask her about her nightmare. Did it seem like a vision of the future? You had one of those too... a vision of a god on the throne of gods, who killed everyone on the planet.

The carpet doesn't detect when you leave out information, only when you say something we don't believe is true. So let's tell her enough that she'll be against the church, but not enough that she'll side with them. After all, in the end the church is acting towards the apparent benefit of the empire.

>Oh, there is one last question. Do you know what the church is up to?
You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say something like that. Because for a while, I thought I was the only one that noticed that. I was starting to think I was just getting paranoid and started to doubt myself.

>Church is starting to act like a small army.
.....ok, I'm less happy about you saying that.

>What to say?
I honestly don't know how to explain this where I don't sound like I'm crazy, even with the truth rune. But here it goes.

*ahem* Tell her everything you've learned, but leave out the part about creating a god. And then tell her that you're worried about Belseth, your wife's brother and your future brother-in-law, and how you're trying to save him from the church.

"I do. And I'm working on thwarting them."

Then walk off the carpet and don't say ANYTHING else in front of all these guards.

>No one did, sire.
Hm, remind me how we caught flak for that again? any idea who was involved?
>Do you know what the church is up too?
Yes! Maybe we should go someplace more private? or send people out so I can stay on the rune, this might be difficult to believe.

Tell her everything, trying not to sound like a conspiracy theorist. Gods are dead (sorry to drop that bomb but there's no gentle way to say it), with the exception of one that's completely insane. Archbishop is trying to create a new one using Belseth, results will be dire in any number of ways, to fucking up the cycle of souls from the mortal coil to the mana river and back, to just conquering the world unopposed. They're doing it in the catacombs, particularly under the strange growth in the garden. There's a supernatural figure who can destroy the soul cradle needed to create a new god, but he's a douchebag who may not care about collateral damage. I'm going to try and convince Belseth to back out, but other than that I can't do much of anything. Also, mention Elete as a person of interest and that you've brought all of this to the queen.

I like him, he's a nice guy. Give him a bonus.

>That, combined with that horrible nightmare I had
Woah woah woah tell us about thus nightmare

Kaktus 2016/09/24(Sat)17:27 No. 749637 ID: 65a774
File 147476325064.png - (33.04KB , 686x526 , 95.png )

>Tell her enough that she'll be against the church, but not enough that she'll side with them. After all, in the end the church is acting towards the apparent benefit of the Kingdom.
Of course, if they are actually doing this to benefit the kingdom and the consequences won’t be as dire as you’ve been led to believe, you have no reason to oppose them in the first place?
>I like him, he's a nice guy. Give him a bonus.
Who? The torturer? Well… he is a nice guy, especially considering what he works with…

>You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say something like that. Because for a while, I thought I was the only one that noticed it.
I’m surprised other’s haven’t noticed it either…
>I do. And I'm working on thwarting them.
You do? What do you know? Wait, thwart them? How?
>Maybe we should go someplace more private? or send people out so I can stay on the rune, this might be difficult to believe.
You’re the one who brought all the guards, not me.
…right. Can I have your word that you won’t try anything if I ask them to leave?
As far as I can see, it seems that we’re on the same side. So you can have my word.
Guards, go guard the corridor outside. Sisah, you’re staying.
Of course.
Men, you heard him. Move it.
…I guess I’m… staying here as well, or…?

>Ask her about her nightmare. Did it seem like a vision of the future?
My nightmare? Why would you want to know about that? And no, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a vision.
>You had one of those... a vision of a god on the throne of gods, who killed everyone on the planet.
That sounds a bit... out there, to be honest. But I did dream something about a throne as well. I saw the throne room, with a hideous deformed beast sitting on it while mutilating the corpse of the queen, even using her as a puppet.
Really…
>Also, mention Elete as a person of interest.
Ah, yes, Elete. I’ve already been keeping an eye on her. I do believe she is an agent for the Archbishop herself… she might even be one of her body doubles. She is indeed part of this somehow.
>and that you've brought all of this to the queen.
I’ve tried to get her attention as well, but she simple told me to drop it and let her deal with it. Now, you said you had information about their plans?
>Tell her their plans…
…they are what?
He isn’t lying…
I can understand if you don’t believe me but-
While I admit I don’t believe they can create a god, yes, but that isn’t what’s important here. What is important is that they believe they can… do you know how much power something like that would require!? It doesn’t matter if they can or cannot… either way the consequences might be catastrophic! This combined with their other actions… are they trying to conquer the whole… world?
We can’t let something like this play out in secret! We need to work together to do… do something!

>>749637
Well, we know where the corpses of the gods are. With her help we could just barge in here and expose them... or sabotage everything once we're inside and make it impossible for them to carry out the plan. For instance we can destroy any infinity runes to reveal their operations to Life.

That premonition about the queen being manipulated by a monster certainly sounds foreboding. Can we get a more detailed description of the monster? Was it perhaps, a skeletal avian?

FINALLY! Someone in high command who realizes the consequences of this threat.

This isn't your ordinary cultist problem. These guys are literally the church; they have resilient fighters with fanatical morale, they can hinder political movements with public condemning, and the ability to hide their assets in public gives them enough wealth and the connections necessary to throw the highest bribes.

All of this gives them an extreme defensive force, and their end goal is a ticking time bomb in the heart of their base.

We can't use an overwhelming force, backhand politics, or corporate strategy, except as distractions. Which leaves us with three main strategies.

1) Sneak in and disarm or controlled explosion
2) Hack into the bomb's systems from the outside
3) Convince members of the church to switch sides

General, what's your opinion?

I don't know what to do. But there is one thing I know I have to stop. They're going to do something to Belseth and since he's family, er, I mean, he's going to be family once my wedding to Briannah has taken place, I'm not going to let them hurt my family! I just need to think of a way to convince him that what the church is telling him isn't right.

>with a hideous deformed beast sitting on it while mutilating the corpse of the queen, even using her as a puppet.
Was it a vaguely Sakkilian skeletal thing with four arms, or an undoubtedly Sakkilian skeletal thing with crap posture and/or a halo?

>We need to work together to do… do something!
Belseth is the one they're trying to turn into a god. I think it's some kind of predisposition, but he could be chosen because the Archbishop found a way to manipulate him. Either way, I'm going to try to convince him to back out. Hopefully it's the former case and it'll put a dent in their plans, but... do you have any other ideas?

Storming the church won't be any good, there are golems in there and they'll be defending a tunnel system we don't know anything about. We don't have the authority or manpower to finish the siege it would become. If the Archbishop has body-doubles as you say, a coup will be impossible, and I'll bet she's got the unbending resolve only insanity can give to boot. Sneaking in and destroying the rune that keeps the Old Man out so he can destroy it, if you're right about the energy buildup, will turn the city into a crater. An appropriately biblical end given some people's idea of entertainment, but kind of shitty for whoever draws the short straw. And the whole situation is far-fetched enough that nobody will believe us if we try to go public.

Maybe if I get Belseth to bring what he's seen to the queen she'll take action, but it's possible she's already planning something and doesn't want us to know about it. I think her reaction when you told her my brother was missing might just be how she does things.

>We need to work together to do… do something!
Unless we can get to the corpses before them to retrieve them and burn them in a pyre, I'm not sure what we can do. Forming distractions to slow them down to have the time to learn how much of this is fact and how much is just conjecture may be the best we can achieve.

Kaktus 2016/09/26(Mon)11:07 No. 749841 ID: 65a774
File 147491326467.png - (47.41KB , 686x526 , 96.png )

>That premonition about the queen being manipulated by a monster certainly sounds foreboding.
You hope it was just a dream. You don’t want to lose even more of your family…

>Can we get a more detailed description of the monster? Was it perhaps, a skeletal avian?
The monster? Why are you so interested in my dream? Hmm, I think it was… kind of like a Varkian?
>This isn't your ordinary cultist problem. These guys are literally the church!
While I admit they have power, I don’t think the whole church is in on it. If other parts of the church knew the truth, then maybe…
>With her help we could just barge in here and expose them...
Attacking the church without any proof in this rather fragile political climate? We’ll turn it into a civil war the kingdom won’t survive! No, attacking right on is only viable in the most desperate of times. There has to be another way.
>We can get to the corpses before them to retrieve them and burn them in a pyre.
Except for all we know that might turn the capital into a crater. I rather we have someone that actually have studied magic for years deal with the corpses… not to mention, how are we even supposed to get in? It’s bound to be well guarded.
>Hack into the bomb's systems from the outside.
…err… what?
>Form distractions to slow them down.
Hmm… I believe I can do that, yes.

>Belseth is the one they're trying to turn into a god. I think it's some kind of predisposition, but he could be chosen because the Archbishop found a way to manipulate him. Either way, I'm going to try to convince him to back out.
Belseth? …the Sakkilian priest? Hmm… why choose a Sakkilian? If he is as crucial to them as you claim, convincing him to join us would be invaluable.
>Maybe if I get Belseth to bring what he's seen to the queen she'll take action, but it's possible she's already planning something and doesn't want us to know about it.
The more proof we can find the better. As for the queen… I know from experience that she has a tendency to… well, wanting to personally deal with everything. It’s possible she has already started to take action… if only there was a way to convince her to let us in on her plans.
>General, what's your opinion?
I do believe you’re on the right path with this Belseth you mentioned. Try to convince him about what might happen and get back to me with the results. Meanwhile, I’ll have my men try to find more information and proof of their misdeeds, as well as to find ways to slow them down.

Well then… now, I do believe I have a lunch with my fiancé at eleven to get to.
Err… it’s only ten o’clock, sir…
What? Really?
You did get here rather early…
Well, if we have the time… let me tell you again that I’m sorry for… acting so impolitely, what with the truth rune and the like, even before you surprised me with your guards. So… is there any way I can make it up to you, my prince?
Hmm… well… I’m sure I can come up with something…
Oh, and speaking of your fiancé, is she privy to this? That the church is…?
I’ve told her, but I’m not sure if she’s taking me seriously.
From personal experience I can say that while she might act like it isn’t serious, she tend to take even things that sound outlandish into consideration. If she isn’t too busy hitting on people, that is…
Oh, I know how she is…
She even tried to convince me to join both of you in the bedroom, but I didn’t even consider it, of course.
…err… actually…
THE GODS DAMN IT, I forgot about this blasted carpet!

Now kith.

> I do believe you’re on the right path with this Belseth you mentioned. Try to convince him about what might happen
To be honest, before I even found out about all of this, he was talking to me and he sounded like he was already starting to doubt the Archbishop on his own.

>Oh, and speaking of your fiancé, is she privy to this? That the church is…?
I had to tell her because Belseth is her brother and I'm sure she'd be very upset if something bad happened to him.

>She even tried to convince me to join both of you in the bedroom, but I didn’t even consider it, of course.
>THE GODS DAMN IT, I forgot about this blasted carpet!
Snrkt! Pffft HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! XD

>Now what?
Try not to trip on the carpet, where you fall forward onto her and then your beak ends up touching her beak for an accidental kiss! Because then Bri will just so happen to see that and/or hear about that and then you will not hear the end of her teasing you about it!

>>749841
>why choose a Sakkilian
They are really good at eating large quantities. The ascension plans involve the consumption of five or six corpses, so yeah, gonna need a Sakkilian, even if the corpses are reduced in mass because of decay or something.

As for the last thing she just said tell her you wouldn't be opposed to that yourself, but you're trying to limit that sort of thing to one a day so she'll have to wait.

>Why are you so interested in my dream? Hmm, I think it was… kind of like a Varkian?
They've been going around. That enough would be enough to take notice, but one even predicted the attack where I lost my eye, so I'm a bit keen to hang on them.
>You did get here rather early…
Only like, ten minutes...
>THE GODS DAMN IT, I forgot about this blasted carpet!
Tease like a schoolboy for as long as you can refrain from laughing, or until she steps off the rug in a huff before you relent. I want to see how pink this one will turn.

Thalia, How Lacivious! Just think of the gossip! Well go on, tell me! Is it my roguish eyepatch? My boyish charm? Could it be, a woman of you stature is into married men? or maybeee...Married women? Or has it just been a while? Oh, but how much truth is in that lie? Did you just bounce it around a bit, or have you been unable to push it out of your head?

Oh, I'm teasing. Bri brings that out in people.

>>749883
Don't forget to ask her if she's into scars, or if she accidentally spoiled a big surprise.

Also waggly eyebrows.

Realize that, if General Thalia feels the situation is becoming dire, she may make decisions based on this knowledge that we may not like.

Such as having Belseth assassinated so he's much less likely to become a god. Compared to the Archbishop, he's an easy target, you know..

>She even tried to convince me to join both of you in the bedroom, but I didn’t even consider it, of course.
I can only say that if you did agree, it would really just be a fling for fun. There's no--Only one person I could see myself having a serious relationship with aside from Bri.
> …err… actually…
And, uh, if you ever do take the offer you should probably make it on a day off. She has ways of making things wild, and it would be awkward to go back to work without time to recuperate.

> Why choose a Sakkilian
Because their extremely high birth rates and acceptance of cannibalism mean that less people are going to stare when they order multiple sacrifices of the same race to be consumed by a single anointed member. This is a huge opportunity for the church to perform a highly controversial ritual in public on normally restricted sacred ground. Overall, it lowers their profile in what are otherwise blasphemous and outright illegal conspiracies.

Not to mention, there are more test subjects they can take from the same background. Worst-case scenario, they can make multiple Chosen Ones and do the ritual from anywhere at a lowered success rate. For whatever success in their favor actually means.

Now for lunch. General, do you have a spare regiment on break so that I can go to the city and get some chocolate fondant orbs? They do these funny little skits where they make small golems wrapped in chocolate fondant kill themselves.

Kaktus 2016/09/27(Tue)09:34 No. 750034 ID: 65a774
File 147499409145.gif - (118.60KB , 686x526 , 97.gif )

>Only like, ten minutes...
And we’ve only been talking for fifteen…
>Realize that, if General Thalia feels the situation is becoming dire, she may make decisions based on this knowledge that we may not like. Such as having Belseth assassinated...
She said it herself; she doesn’t like taking action when she doesn’t know the consequences. After all, assassinating Belseth might not even do anything!
>Also waggly eyebrows.
Waggly eyebrows engage! Full speed ahead, captain!
>Now kith.
Tempting… if only to mess with her…
Err… someone is lying to themselves…
Shush.


>Thalia, How Lacivious! Just think of the gossip!
“General decks the Prince”, yes, I can hear it already.
>Well go on, tell me! Is it my roguish eyepatch? My boyish charm? Could it be, a woman of you stature is into married men?
You’re the rich, handsome prince. I’m sure there is a lot of woman who desire you for that alone. Of course, I’m sure most of them change their minds when they get to experience your personality first hand.
Ouch…
>Oh, but how much truth is in that lie? Did you just bounce it around a bit, or have you been unable to push it out of your head?
The only thing I can’t get out of my head is the image of me strangling you.
… … …hey, don’t look at me, she isn’t lying…
>Don't forget to ask her if she accidentally spoiled a big surprise.
What? No!
>Oh, I'm teasing. Bri brings that out in people.
Yes, I know. I got to work with her… gods…
>Tell her you wouldn't be opposed to that yourself, but you're trying to limit that sort of thing to one a day so she'll have to wait.
…I know I shouldn’t be insulted… but somehow I am.
>If you did agree, it would really just be a fling for fun.
If I agree, yes. Which I’m never going to do.
…
Okay, that’s it! Fuck this carpet! I’m stepping off it now!
I didn’t even say anything…
And if you don’t stop waggling those eyebrows, I swear to the gods…!
>I want to see how pink this one will turn.
…well, she got more red than pink… which is a… bad sign?

Kaktus 2016/09/27(Tue)09:35 No. 750035 ID: 65a774
File 147499413364.png - (23.87KB , 686x526 , 98.png )

>They've been going around. That enough would be enough to take notice, but one even predicted the attack where I lost my eye, so I'm a bit keen to hang on them.
You had an actual vision? Hmm… and others have had these nightmares? We need to look into this more, then.
>To be honest, before I even found out about all of this, he was talking to me and he sounded like he was already starting to doubt the Archbishop on his own.
Then you could be able to convince him easily. Just use… your “boyish charm” or what you called it.
>They are really good at eating large quantities. The ascension plans involve the consumption of five or six corpses, so yeah, gonna need a Sakkilian.
Wait, you were literal about that? I thought it was just something symbolic!
I’m not sure if it’s symbolic or not, actually…

>Now for lunch.
Well, thank you for your time, General.
…Likewise…
But I guess I-
Prince Kronos?
VARK!!
Where d-did…?
Dammit, Doxan, don’t sneak up on me like that!
My apologies, sir, I will try make more noise next time.
So… why are you here?
Ye fiancé sent me, sir. Wanted to make sure Thalia didn’t try to assassinate yah… or yah trying to assassinate ‘er. Or check if yah were making kissing faces with ‘er… or ‘er ASSassin...
Kissing faces!? Why would she think we would-
If yah were, she wanted to invite yah to some fun tonight, when Kronos is busy elsewhere.
Gods… give me strength…
That sounds like Bri, doesn’t it…
So… it looks like there weren’t any assassinating going on… neither the normal kind nor the one that starts with three capital letters?
Of course not!
…so… any other orders, sir?

Regarding the bedroom thing:
Use your personal sense of charisma and decorum to say something like this, but with more elegance and in your personal speech style:
"Regardless of any taboo thoughts that either or both of us may have had, we don't need to be intentionally adding drama to our lives. Until these world-threatening circumstances have calmed down, we don't want to even cause a hint of scandal. Let any hypothetical thoughts remain such, and table any inevitable heart to heart conversations for now, shall we?"

>>750046
...dang it too late.

>…well, she got more red than pink… which is a… bad sign?
Sign nothing, juvenile antagonism is it's own reward. She apparently like you because you're rich too, and that's no good.
> “General decks the Prince”, yes, I can hear it already.
Ooh, catty, aren't we?
> The only thing I can’t get out of my head is the image of me strangling you.
Whatever rocks your boat, I guess.
> neither the normal kind nor the one that starts with three capital letters?
Sorry Belseth, you were minutes too late for the post-ambush purple-prose and sweet-nothing laden flirting. The torturer played a wonderful violin.

Thalia might like you to share what you learned on Reconnaissance inside the temple, but other than that I can't think of anything.

>>750060
>Belseth
shit, I meant Doxan.

>>750035
enjoy yourself tonight Doxan
you did get that wine and cheese right?
is there anything else you might like as a reward?

after we get done wit doxan
thalia on a more serious note, your job is rather stressful and i don't want to see it send you to an early grave, i want to see you enjoy yourself, whether you take bri and me up on some extracurricular fun or find someone else to play the game with doesn't matter. If you already have someone play with them more frequently because you not only deserve it, you need it.

Kaktus 2016/09/28(Wed)10:00 No. 750203 ID: 65a774
File 147508201387.png - (52.76KB , 686x526 , 99.png )

>She apparently likes you because you're rich too, and that's no good.
She didn’t say she liked you because you were rich, she said that a lot of girls like you because you’re rich. Seeing as she’s a general, thus someone that already makes a lot of money… well, gold might not be that big of a factor anymore.
>Sign nothing, juvenile antagonism is its own reward.
Well… it was fun teasing her…
>Ooh, catty, aren't we?
You’re not sure if she is subtle enough to be considered catty…


>Sorry Doxan, you were minutes too late for the post-ambush purple-prose and sweet-nothing laden flirting.
Flirting!?
Things did become a bit exciting, no? The torturer even played a wonderful violin to set the mood!
H-hey, leave me out o-of this.
I’m not sure what reality you’re currently stuck in, Prince, but-
S-should I leave? I mean, I rather not get between these two l-love birds…
LOVE BIRDS!?
Well, the tension between you to is… err… and… I’ll just… see myself out?
>Thalia on a more serious note, your job is rather stressful and I don't want to see it send you to an early grave, I want to see you enjoy yourself.
…I’m fine, thank you for asking. I don’t need to “enjoy” myself any more than I already do.
Err… that’s not... um…
I’m not even standing on the carpet anymore!
Well, there’s still a weak link between you and the rune, what with the P-prince still powering it with his e-essence and… err… g-going by your s-stare I’ll just… s-see m-myself out… bye?
Now, can we please drop this subject and never talk about it again!?

>Thalia might like you to share what you learned on Reconnaissance inside the temple.
…hmm? He’s been inside it? This I must hear. Every little detail!
Every? It’s… been some time so I’ve might ‘ave forgotten some of… I’ll need to get some notes I wrote first, if I might, sir?
Of course.
>Enjoy yourself tonight Doxan… you did get that wine and cheese right?
Wine and cheese? No, I ‘aven’t gotten any-
Sir?
VARK!
GAH!
‘OW!?
Might I remind you that you wished to gift them in person, sir? Also… might I suggest keeping your hugging of ladies to a minimum? People might talk, sir…
H-hey! Let g-go of me! I wasn’t hugging him / her, he / she was hugging me!
He sought protection when you scared him.
She didn’t think who she grabbed when you startled her like that.
Of course, sir and ma’am. But here, the wine and cheese you wanted to give away?
Right… Here Doxan, a token of my appreciation for your dedicated work for me.
Hmm? A bottle of… wait… is that… Dorixhan red, 975?
…is that a good year?
Good year!? T-this thing… it’s… its worth several times more than I make in a whole year! I never thought I-I would be a-able to sample something as fine l-like this and… y-ye are just giving it to me?
…wait, you didn’t pick one of the more expensive flasks, did you Cain?
Of course not, sir. That bottle is one of the cheaper rare ones we have, and is thus for more everyday use, sire. Well… “special” everyday use…
Well then. No, I’m not just giving it to you. I’m paying you for a job well done, Doxan. Look at it as a bonus for your hard work.
I… I… I don’t ‘now what to say…

>Is there anything else you might like as a reward?
Huh? N-no… t-this already too much, master.
Glad you liked it, Doxan.
I… y-yes… b-back to work. *Cough* Is there anything else yah desire, master, or should I just stay ‘ere and discuss my experiences with the lady general? Oh, speaking of a lady general, the mistress wishes to meet yah in the garden, near the big pond, for lunch… she said she ‘ad prepared a picnic?

Well, is there anything else you desperately need to do before the trial? Or should you just head for the garden and relax a bit before lunch? Maybe you should say a few parting words to general Thalia? …or was it something you wanted to ask of Cain?

Right, time to get off the rune.

>I’m not sure what reality you’re currently stuck in, Prince, but-
Oh take a joke, I'm being facetious.

Apologize to Thalia for being a tease- by which of course I mean teasing her- and ask Cain if there's any news on the trial or otherwise.

>Hugged each other when scared.
"Well, at least I didn't grab your butt when we got scared by Cain. Speaking of which, would you kindly remove your death grip from my butt?"

>I’m not sure what reality you’re currently stuck in, Prince, but-
"That's exactly what I'm talking about! Relax and learn to take a joke already!"

>Lunch with Bri.
Let's get going. Don't want to keep her waiting!

>>750203
ask doxan if he has any hobbies (that aren't worshiping your wife's booty, wanting to get eaten, and generally being a spooky bastard.)
i mean we know on a basic level all the guards in our retinue, our cooks and staff and provide a very good living for them because we care, doaxn is officially apart of our house now and we should treat him as family.

we really should have treated him better from the start but to much just kept happening all at once and this is the perfect time to correct that.

maybe we can get him to walk us through our wine cellar sometime and educate us our own wine better since he seems to be very knowledgeable. seriously who ever heard of a prince that wasn't at least a basic entry level Sommelier. wine drinking world tour commences

Kaktus 2016/09/30(Fri)07:13 No. 750407 ID: 65a774
File 147524482098.png - (32.75KB , 686x526 , 100.png )

>Right, time to get off the rune.
The rune has already burned out, becoming nothing more than an oddly shaped stain on the carpet.

>Oh take a joke, I'm being facetious.
And every crude joke you made makes me dislike your face more and more.
>Well, at least I didn't grab your butt when we got scared by Cain.
I grabbed your hip and pulled you close to make you easier to protect. A better question is why you tried to cop a feel when I did?
I didn’t, my hand just slipped when you moved me.
…
…
The torturer really is gone, huh? Err… I mean…
>Apologize to Thalia for being a tease.
Next time apologize for being annoying, please…

>Ask doxan if he has any hobbies.
‘obbies? Why do yah ask about my ‘obbies?
Because I want to know more about you? We’re going to work together a long time and I rather consider you a friend than a stranger? So… except for a fine taste in wine and poetry… as well as worshipping my wife boo- I mean, doing whatever your mistress wishes and generally being a… um… spooky guy, what do you do?
Mistress?
Well… I do love my job, master. Lurking about is always fun… except when my life is on a thin line, eh? Apart from that… I like to read books… and play games with the mistress, I guess?
…games? As in board games?
At times, yes.
>Maybe we can get him to walk us through our wine cellar sometime and educate us our own wine better since he seems to be very knowledgeable.
Oh, that would be exiting! I can’t wait to see what kind of treasures yah ‘ave stored in a palace like this!
>Ask Cain if there's any news on the trial or otherwise.
Well, the trial itself seems to be going on schedule, sir. There are only some minor hiccups with the… ah, attendees. Your sister, the queen, have been hard at work to make sure they don’t accidently offend anyone to much and so far it’s a bit of a bumpy road.
Offend anyone? You mean calling someone a bad name or…?
For example, the Pendleton sisters came with matching handbags, both made out of the finest Sakkilian leather, while some Sakkilian war veterans had to asked to refrain from discussing and trading cooking recipes which main ingredient are Varkians.
Oh… that kind of offense…
So far there hasn’t been any major accidents, but it’s still souring the mood of the queen even more so what with those harsh nights she’s had recently thanks to bad dreams.
Bad dreams, huh? Hmm…

>Let's get going. Don't want to keep her waiting!
Well, I need to get going. Doxan, stay with Thalia here and answer any questions she has about the grand temple.
Yes, master. Should I go get my notes, lady general?
Wait… with mistress… did you mean General Briannah? Do you do anything she asks of you?
Lady Briannah’s wishes are my desires…
Really? I wish my soldiers would have such devotion….

…

You find yourself nearly alone in this part of the garden, with only a servant or two scurrying around as well as guard patrol walking its given path. It’s clear that you’re a bit early… but having some time to relax and appreciate the warm weather has never hurt anyone, has it?

A bit early, eh?
Oh, Bri… you brought lunch?
Right ‘ere in the basket. Didn’t ‘now what kind of sandwich yah liked, so I brought everything we need to make our own instead.
Make… our… but… I don’t-
So, ‘ow did it go with the general? Did she try to kill yah? Or were yah on the same page? Oh, there weren’t any kissing, eh? Maybe a slap or two in between but still kissing?
Bri…
Just teasing… but still, what did she want? What did yah two talk about? She’s still alive, right? Always liked that gal… so easy to tease, heh…

>>750203
Okay, that's more than enough teasing. Actually, it was more than enough teasing last update. You didn't like this sort of thing when Bri did it; you shouldn't be taking on her bad habits while she's trying to improve herself.

Try and apologize for disrespecting her. It's clear she doesn't actually want to do anything with you, so you shouldn't act like she did. It's also clear she doesn't appreciate it as a "joke" either, so don't try and act like it's her fault for not "taking" it.

>Bad dreams, huh? Hmm…
Gonna have to ask sister about that later, I guess.

>I brought everything we need to make our own instead.
"There's a reason I'm not allowed near the kitchen anymore. I'm such a bad cook, the kitchen exploded.....and I wasn't even making anything, I was just passing by in the hallway and BOOM the kitchen blew up! So, building my own sandwich is dangerously close to being in a kitchen. Don't ask me how or why, but somehow this is going to literally explode on us right now!"

>Just teasing… but still, what did she want? What did yah two talk about? She’s still alive, right? Always liked that gal… so easy to tease, heh…
Go ahead and tell her about what happened, including the misunderstanding and threats, and what was talked about. Then tell about Doxan scaring both of you. Then tell how Cain did his usual thing and scared you, Thalia, Doxan, and Siash.....and Doxan's upset that he still can't figure out how Cain does it. Just, leave out the teasing and Thalia's slip of the tongue that started it all. She really wouldn't want Bri to find out about that.

>>750407
The meeting went pretty well. You both stood on a lie-detecting carpet and were able to clearly demonstrate to the other that you aren't traitors to the crown or anything, and you ALSO got her on your side when it comes to the church's ambitions.

Ask how her plans are coming along. She must be doing something on her own.

>Make… our… but… I don’t-
Bri I can't make any food I've spent too much time in the hospital already. Once I tried to make stew and the military tried to weaponize the results as some sort of chemical or biological weapon. The generals said using it would be a crime violating the laws and standards of warfare, and the colonel who brought it to weapons trials was nearly put in front of a tribunal.
> questions
She was planning to force information from me with a truth rune, but overwhelming guard presence prevented that and she got indignant thinking I was in league with my brother and trying to silence her. For some reason. Anyway, we both stood on the truth rune and worked out that we're not enemies, and she revealed the church is building up an army and has been increasing communications tenfold.
> so easy to tease, heh…
I learned that too. I also learned she really doesn't like being teased, so no there was no kissing. I also learned, thanks to the truth rune, that she's at least a bit attracted to me so there was no slapping either. Or maybe we just have self-control or the ambiance was lousy, who knows.

Kaktus 2016/10/01(Sat)12:19 No. 750570 ID: 65a774
File 147534957698.png - (17.54KB , 686x526 , 101.png )

>Gonna have to ask sister about that later, I guess.
It can’t be a coincidence, can it? That everyone, including yourself, are being beset by bad dreams?
>You didn't like this sort of thing when Bri did it; you shouldn't be taking on her bad habits while she's trying to improve herself.
…you have to admit, you’re starting to actually appreciate Bri’s teasing…
>Try and apologize for disrespecting her. It's clear she doesn't actually want to do anything with you, so you shouldn't act like she did.
Maybe you should apologize… properly this time.


>The meeting went pretty well. You both stood on a lie-detecting carpet and were able to clearly demonstrate to the other that you aren't traitors to the crown or anything…
Oh? Truth runes? I bet one of yah let something saucy slip?
Err… kind off?
>Go ahead and tell her about what happened, including the misunderstanding and threats, and what was talked about.
So… she’s after ye brother? And the church? I guess she can ‘elp us then, eh? That’s good news, we need more people if what yah’re saying is true. As for the temple army, I’m pretty sure it’s to defend the ‘oly men and ‘ealers out on the border lands.
From what? Why didn’t they already train people to aid in the war instead?
Because the empire ‘ave ‘onor contrary to ye enemies of today. We did try not to kill civilians, which includes the ‘oly men of the temple and the ‘ealers they employ. Yah did the same, no? But the dynasty in the south… and their “brigade” minions? They relish in the slaughter for its own sake, sacrificing anyone they can get their ‘and on to their mad “god”. Suddenly, even those without arms need to defend themselves, no?
>I also learned she really doesn't like being teased, so no there was no kissing.
Really? Oh, yah’re wrong, she loves being teased! …well, as long as she can strike back, that is. Maybe she was a bit careful what with yah technically being ‘er superior?
>I also learned, thanks to the truth rune, that she's at least a bit attracted to me so there was no slapping either.
Oh? So she let it slip, eh? …and yah?
…what do “yah” mean with yah?
I’m sure yah let something slip as well?
Err… well… I admit she wasn’t too bad to look at but… um…
Knew it!
>Ask how her plans are coming along. She must be doing something on her own.
Well, I’ve been a bit busy, sure… but sadly not with anything concerning this.

>Bri I can't make any food I've spent too much time in the hospital already.
…it’s a sandwich! ‘ow can yah end up in a sick bed from a sandwich??
>There's a reason I'm not allowed near the kitchen anymore. I'm such a bad cook, the kitchen exploded!
…really?
…well, I might be exaggerating a bit but… it did catch fire!
>Once I tried to make stew and the military tried to weaponized the results as some sort of chemical or biological weapon.
…exaggerating again?
…the stew did eat through the pot… and the oven… and the floor… and the floor under it..
…wait, really?
I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been hospitalized. That boiling water really caught flames quickly!
…alright, alright, I get it. I’ll make the sandwiches. Just say what yah want on it? ‘am? Chicken? Let me just butter it up first and- FIRE! ‘OW CAN BUTTER SPONTANEOUS CATCH-

Kaktus 2016/10/01(Sat)12:19 No. 750571 ID: 65a774
File 147534958940.png - (39.86KB , 310x751 , 666.png )

-Fire will purge those of sin, as our new god ascends to his throne of the celestial heavens. Even we, so faithful to his will, must redeem ourselves for our deeds. Therefore, I will no longer lead us in the times ahead, instead I will name Belseth of the Light as the new Archbishop, as when he ascend as god he will be the new leader of the grand temple. We are… simply filled with too much corruption from our deeds to lead the world into the age of light he as envisioned. We are-
-king of Risavia! King of the Serene coast! KING OF THE WORLD! GOD! I AM THE GOD OF GODS! I AM THE GOD! THE. ONE. GOD! How dare they deny my true heritage!? My fate!? I AM THE TRUE GOD!! KIRA! BETRAYER QUEEN! I WILL FLAY YOUR FLESH FROM YOUR BONES, FEAST UPON YOUR FEARS, CONSUME YOUR VERY SOUL! YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU’VE DONE! YOU WILL PAY! YOU WILL ALL PAY! You will… all… Kronos? Where… I can feel… you? Brother…?

>>750571
Hahaha holy shit Kronos you're MAGICALLY bad at cooking. So bad at cooking you make other people bad at cooking. This needs research. Maybe you can control it.

>>750571
And the magic triggered a vision too. How about that. Wait are you still in the vision? Get ready to run, but first, tell him he needs to stop. You will destroy his prison and give him a proper burial but he has to stop this. It's not your sister's fault; he should blame Xuv.
(if he is in charge of an undead army, then sending him against Xuv will keep him busy when we go down to start taking apart the prison of souls)

>‘OW CAN BUTTER SPONTANEOUS CATCH-
I WARNED YOUUU!

NOW the archbishop's plans appear more ambiguous, opening the possibility that Belseth's not-so-hypotheticals pertained to things that already happened.

You have a magical curse that makes you, and apparently anyone near you, supernaturally bad at cooking. Agree that this needs research. Does it extend to alchemy or chemistry and other things that resemble cooking? Can it be weaponized? What about using food materials for things like arts and crafts? Can the curse be fooled? How powerful is it's capability to warp reality to cause disaster? What is the range of the effect?

.... You wouldn't have some powerfull latent magic inside of you that is only triggered by experiencing the elaboration of food either by you or by someone close to you, right? Controling such powerfull force capable of bending the rules of reality itself would be quite usefull in the days to come...

Anyway... Is that... Krotos...? I guess that's something that is happening right now... So that means... Your late brother is actually "alive" and may be powerful, and probably dangerous and possibly mad? Well... He seemed to recall you... if that somehow helps.

Wait... If that is a vision and not a hallucination, you brother was the Betrayer God, somehow. But... How? Was he the one who the Archbishop made to consume the corpses of the other Gods? Is that what's turns his body into that? Did the Archbishop realize they did wrong, and that's why they want Belseth to take over?

>Brother…?
VARK!?
"If this is some true vision to another place, and you can hear me, then it seems you have some attachment to the world of us mortals, still. Keep hold of that. You no longer look Varkian, but that doesn't mean you can be one inside. Don a mantle and hide yourself, if you give yourself away, there's a 'Force' that kills even Gods and will target you, whether it was your fault or not."