>>11880


PS: What IS our current plan to get a cash flow?

That's our job! I say we first sell illegal drugs we get from the herbalist. Then we move up to theft, then up to extorting money from towns.

>>11886
Do they require/own anything else they can bring to assist? Starter seeds, equipment, crafting stuff for arrows and weaponry?

If so, take them.

Otherwise, what is our next step?

>>11886

Awesome. Lets head back to base and start expanding.

Muschio 2009/07/23(Thu)20:52 No. 11924 ID: c01408
File 124840756788.gif - (15.37KB , 800x600 , 175.gif )

Very well then.

Tislomer brings a few potions -- healing, sleep-inducing, and a mild poison -- as well as a variety of herbs, his spear, and some camouflage for ambush-hunting.
Babrakus has little to offer, but provides some common plant seeds to get us started should we need to till the soil and grow our own crops.

With my new hirelings selected, the four of us set back towards the Den of the late Red Fang and my new home. I really must come up with a better name soon.
Mentally, I begin going over my preparations. What must come first? Perhaps a reappraisal of the entire dungeon is in order.

Fen of Muschio.

>>11924
Perhaps a decent blueprint-like map of the place would help your more decisive half, Muschio.

Let us see what we have to work with.

Pinch Finesse's bottom and then head back to the dungeon. See what Finesse can do about the monster gate, how fast can she get it running again? We want to be ready to defend our spoils lest we end up back where we started and have to go get stabbed some more.

>>11924

We should call our fort Malebolge

Muschio 2009/07/23(Thu)21:08 No. 11936 ID: c01408
File 124840852357.gif - (9.65KB , 800x600 , 176.gif )

>>11926
Yes, an overview of the dungeon! How very prudent. That should help plan out what we're going to do with each room, where we're going to put our supplies, and where our people are going to stay.
Let me see if I can produce a decent mental image from what I remember.

First let's make sure the place hasn't been taken over by feral gnolls in the meantime.

I don't suppose Muschio had any /preexisting/ ideas for making money?

>>11936

Some time later, we must locate your quarters further away from the entrance.

Muschio's Murder Mansion!

I suggest we give it the moniker of 'The Vault'!

Suggestion 2009/07/23(Thu)21:30 No. 11944 ID: bd2eec
File 124840983277.png - (20.91KB , 800x600 , durp.png )

>>11936
1 is where Finesse will sleep and work as well as where we will store common supplies.
2 is temporary sleeping quarters for Babrakus and Tislomer. We need Finesse to deactivate any traps that would keep them from getting there for the time being.
3 is where you will obviously stay and work.
4 is the monster portal that Finesse needs to get back up and running as soon as she can. Till she does, we need to pass ourselves off to any wandering adventurers that this is simply our new home that we cleared out already and the minions are simply hired hands helping with getting you set up.
5 is where the aforementioned kobolds need to set up a small farm and garden. We'll need to get the tools first if we don't have them. If the prices of such items aren't that much, we should be alright.
6 are areas that we need to consider opening up further for more room to work with once we have someone who can do that.

>>11943
I like "The Vault", but I'd prefer something more exotic and foreign-sounding, like "Volta del Fantasma".

I think we should keep it simple for now and rename it to something more menacing when we can handle the outside interventions of outgoing heros. I was thinking The Dive.

>>11945
I like this name. It sounds sufficiently Italian (Volto-ian?).

Muschio 2009/07/23(Thu)22:01 No. 11951 ID: c01408
File 124841168725.gif - (6.72KB , 800x600 , 177.gif )

Yes... I think for now I shall call it "The Vault". It stands a fitting enough name for the time being.

We arrive after a brief and uneventful walk back out of the woods. Luckily there are no gawking lumberjacks in our path this time around.
The soil out front of the dungeon seems fertile enough to be tilled, and I inform Babrakus that a field should be set up here. The only seeds we have now are simple staple crops but they'll do fine for what we have. Babrakus already has the necessary tools to begin farming -- most notably, a shovel and a tilling hoe. But as the day is growing late, we'll begin tomorrow.

>>11944
The alcove is narrow and dangerous. I wouldn't recommend putting the Kobolds in there. The Monster Quarters and Workshop could both serve as sleeping quarters for the time being, and should it be required I suppose I could share my chambers until we manage a bit of expansion.

The day grows late, so we should begin setting up. Final designations are required.

putting the 'bolds up in the monster portal room seems fine to me. Its moderately huge even with the wreckage on the floor. Finesse gets the workshop.

Share your quarters with Finesse. What could go wrong.

Say, examining the archive for room layouts, I ran across those mysterious runes in the OHGODTRAPS hallway again. Any chance Finesse knows crazy moon language?

>>11957
>>Share your quarters with Finesse. What could go oh so right?
Fixed it for you.

Muschio 2009/07/23(Thu)23:45 No. 11966 ID: c01408
File 124841792157.gif - (15.14KB , 800x600 , 178.gif )

>"Not a bad place, boss."
We re-enter my newly-claimed Vault and I begin relaying the accommodations I've thought up on the way here. Babrakus and Tislomer both head into the Monster Quarters to unpack their belongings and prepare a place for themselves to bed down for the night. I inform them, on their way, that work will begin prompt and early tomorrow.

Finesse, meanwhile, takes in the sights. She seems less impressed than the Kobolds.
>"I kind of expected more."

>>11966
"So it's a fixer-upper. Every lair's gotta start somehow, right?"

Wait, we still don't know what that grate leads to, do we?

>>11966
Well... we're working on it, ok?

>>11966
"It is humble, for now.
But I don't intend to stop until this humble little dungeon sits at the center of an empire that spans the entire globe."

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)00:27 No. 11977 ID: c01408
File 12484204409.gif - (16.41KB , 800x600 , 179.gif )

"I suppose it is a bit humble now, but I have great plans for it. It's a fixer-upper -- and that's why I hired you three, of course."

>"Fair enough."

"Through this door is the storeroom. It was originally a carpenter's workshop, so Babrakus may have to make use of it from time to time, but you'll have access to a workbench for any of your tinkering projects.
Further, this will be your room for the time being, so if -- oh.

Yes, uh... you may want to clean it up a bit before you bunk down for the night."

>>11977
"Sorry about that, you could ask one of the kobolds to help clean it up."

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)00:45 No. 11979 ID: c01408
File 124842155087.gif - (13.64KB , 800x600 , 180.gif )

"You... may want to get the Kobolds to help you clean that up. Here."

Opening the door to the Monster Quarters, I find the two Kobolds are already hard at work clearing the debris to one side and establishing their areas in a primitively-territorial manner, each claiming a corner.

The skills and abilities I hired them for come as an added bonus to their natural capabilities for manual labor. Babrakus, being a farm worker, appears more physically capable than the other, and hauls heavier stones in a shorter period of time.

Presently, I realize I've become so distracted watching the demi-human hirelings work, I forgot Finesse was standing right next to me.

>"What exactly is all that rubble?"

She's going to be pissed when we tell her its the monster portal..

Weeeeeellllllll...
That used to be our monster portal. It was either push it over and break it, or becoming supper for the denizens lurking within.

>>11979
"That would be the monster portal. You said you'd repair it no matter what condition it was in, so don't get uppity about it."

>>11979
Let's just... not mention the part about how we broke it.
We're a leader. It's not our job to take responsibility.

Think of it as a golden opportunity to test your skills. If we require resources, ask, and we shall strive to obtain them.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)00:57 No. 11985 ID: c01408
File 124842225192.gif - (6.16KB , 800x600 , 181.gif )

"That would be the monster portal. You said you'd repair it no matter what condition it was in, so don't get uppity about it."

Finesse seems unamused.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)00:59 No. 11986 ID: c01408
File 124842236842.gif - (6.31KB , 800x600 , 182.gif )

>"Yes, I did say that. As long as the pieces are all still there I should be able to get it working again. All the runes should be self-contained within the portal itself, so it's just a matter of putting those runes together the proper way.
>It's just going to take a while."

>>11986
"Better get to work, then."

>>11986

"we're in no hurry"

I always was fond of puzzles. Keeps the mind sharp. Helps with spatial thinking.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)01:35 No. 11993 ID: c01408
File 124842451618.gif - (8.88KB , 800x600 , 183.gif )

For whatever reason, Finesse seems slightly disconcerted with our current situation. But this will pass.

The Kobolds set up their respective areas and Tislomer hands me two flasks, one containing a hearty red fluid he explains is for healing, and one containing a pale bluish mixture which he says induces deep sleep.
He asks me to put them in storage somewhere, and that his potion-making services will be available henceforth, should the necessary herbs and alchemical composites be available at the time.

With that, the two of them proceed with Finesse to the workshop to clean up the mess so the Goblin Tinker can get some sleep.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)01:42 No. 11996 ID: c01408
File 124842492319.gif - (15.32KB , 800x600 , 184.gif )

It's not long before the corpse and its remnants are removed, and my new hirelings are settled sleeping in their respective rooms.

I suppose this is my room now. It may lack a bed for now, but I can make do.
It's a rather fitting place.
In this throne I feel powerful, accomplished. Ready for the trials that must surely lay ahead.

...and yet, for some reason, I can't sleep.

Maybe it's the bloody smear? Or the skull on the wall? Those don't seem like they match your aesthetic tastes.

>>11996 >>11997
We NEED to redecorate.

Right, get some paper and let's start seriously planning this shit out.

Object number 1:
Getting some cash-flow in. Underhanded or honest work? By honest I mean exploiting the FUCK out of the local natural resources, and by underhanded I mean exploiting the FUCK out of local inhabitants.

Also, we need to start planning on how to remodel our dungeon. The master chamber is FAR too close the entrance, an adventurer could just walk in and stab us in the face.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)01:53 No. 12002 ID: c01408
File 124842560471.gif - (15.37KB , 800x600 , 185.gif )

Firstly, a complete rehaul of the dungeon is in certainly order soon -- but aesthetics can follow after we have our basic necessities established.

Secondly, we have no one capable of rebuilding the dungeon's layout, lacking hirelings strong enough to act as miners and stoneworkers.

And finally...

...I believe I can hear a faint knocking sound coming from the front door.

>>12002
Well, answer it you oaf! Just because you're evil doesn't mean you have to be discourteous!

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)02:04 No. 12004 ID: c01408
File 124842626994.gif - (43.40KB , 800x600 , 186.gif )

>>12003
Very well, let's see who it is.

[Animated]

CONFRONT THE INTRUDER.

INTERROGATE THE INTRUDER. WHY HAVE THEY COME TO OUR LAIR?

>>12004
"And just who the hell are you supposed to be?"

>>12004
Check and make sure he's alone. If he is alone, plan to kill him, he's seen too much.
If he brought friends, be extremely courteous.

Be polite and friendly, explain that we only took up residence here to prevent other gnoll-kin from using this place as their lair.

Suggestion 2009/07/24(Fri)02:09 No. 12010 ID: ed469a
File 124842659022.png - (49.90KB , 1084x845 , map_new.png )

Here's my suggestion for expanding the place.
Will need plenty of stonework.

Also, we should totally look into getting a scrying device. Every successful evil overlord has one.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)02:10 No. 12011 ID: c01408
File 124842665034.gif - (17.31KB , 800x600 , 187.gif )

>"...so it really is you."

I feel as though I should know this man.
I'm sure I've seen him somewhere before.

THE GATHERER OF FUEL, THE SLAYER OF WOOD.

>>12011
THINK! You have the memory! Is he one of those revolutionaries who killed your father? That could be a problem.

>>12011
He probably saw you buying equipment or walking somewhere.
You have a very distinctive countenance.

Unless... he's a remnant of your old kingdom.
QUICK! Interrogation!

DEMAND TO KNOW HOW THE INTRUDER KNOWS US.

>>12011
"I see. I wasn't expecting you. Do come in."

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)02:19 No. 12017 ID: c01408
File 124842714538.gif - (9.13KB , 800x600 , 188.gif )

He's... one of the woodcutters from earlier. I passed him going into the Timore Woodlands.

And yet... there's more than that.
Something from a long time ago.

A LONG TIME...BEFORE THE LOSS OF OUR BIRTHRIGHT? THIS ONE MIGHT BE AN OLD MINION FROM THOSE TIMES.

HE MIGHT STILL RETAIN HIS TRUE LOYALTY. INQUIRE FURTHER.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)02:25 No. 12020 ID: c01408
File 124842751397.gif - (7.21KB , 800x600 , 189.gif )

Rungord Hookdon.

I haven't seen this human since I was still attending classes among the other high-class students.
Rungord was, for lack of a better term, my rival in those days.
My nemesis.

He played a rather nasty trick on me once when we were studying under the same tutor.
I retaliated.

That was perhaps a year before my father's throne was usurped.

>>12020
Oh. Yeah. That guy.
Of course!
...
Ask him what he wants.

>>12020
Alright boss, play it safe.
Don't want word getting out that we are still around and inhabiting a dungeon.
We don't know if he really truly recognizes us yet.
Play it off like we don't remember him and inquire as to why he has come upon your door at such a late hour.

>>12020
*laugh inwardly*
It seems Muschio is doing better than that guy these days. How delicious.
Perhaps it would be prudent to be generous and offer him a job.
Nothing would be better than having our old nemesis be our servant.

TELL US MORE, PRINCE. IS THIS PERSON A THREAT OR A POTENTIAL ASSET? IF THE FORMER, LURE IT FURTHER INTO YOUR LAIR, THEN DESTROY IT. IF THE LATTER, ATTEMPT TO PERSUADE HIM TO JOIN YOUR CAUSE.

>>12010
May also want to build a stairs for up and downstairs levels access.

>>12025
BUT BEWARE THE ENTICING BLUE METAL. THE HORRORS SEALED BEYOND WILL SPELL DOOM UPON OUR EFFORTS.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)02:35 No. 12027 ID: c01408
File 124842810199.gif - (16.97KB , 800x600 , 190.gif )

Rungord seems so far removed now from his former self, once guffawing with guttural laughter at my own humiliation before my peers.

"All right. So why are you here? What do you want?"

A look of soulless desperation crosses the human's face. He looks broken, empty. I half expect him to begin weeping, but his eyes are dry.

>"I didn't come here to fight you, Muschio. I don't have any more anger in me. I only followed you because... I have to know."

He avoids my eyes, staring down at the floor with a hollow gaze.

>"Please. Just tell me what happened to her."

Suggestion 2009/07/24(Fri)02:35 No. 12028 ID: ed469a
File 124842813287.png - (63.45KB , 1084x845 , map_new2.png )

>>12025
Like so? Also, that grate needs checking out.
Also, do we have any kind of drainage here?

>>12027
TIME FOR SELF-SERVING LIES.
"She's imprisoned in the old kingdom.
...
Say, would you wish to assist in freeing her?"

WHAT IS THIS 'SHE' IT IS SPEAKING OF?

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)02:49 No. 12032 ID: c01408
File 124842899059.gif - (17.00KB , 800x600 , 191.gif )

>"It's been a long time, now. I- I still think about her every day. Ever since she went to the palace with you for private studying.
>I don't expect to ever see her again. And I didn't come here to try to make you feel guilty.
>After all this time, I still don't know what became of her. I just need to know. Please. What did you do?

>I need to know what happened to her."

WHETHER YOU SPEAK LIES OR TRUTH MATTERS NOT. YOU ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF DESTROYING YOUR NEMESIS IN EITHER CASE.

TRY HONESTY. WE ARE INTRIGUED BY THIS STORY.

>>12032
Maybe it's truth time.
"I caught her in the barn with one of the stableboys. I spread the rumors around to get back at you. I didn't expect her to drown herself. I'm sorry."

>>12032
Tell him he might see her again.
But he has to do everything you say.
From now on.

>>12032
Do you know what he is talking about?

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)03:15 No. 12040 ID: c01408
File 124843054698.gif - (4.54KB , 800x600 , 192.gif )

>>12038
Oh, yes.
I remember.

He's referring to Linbella.
I recall they were quite in love while we were students.

And then I recall he chose to cross me.

One of my finest moments, to be sure. Here indeed stands my old nemesis, utterly broken.
I suspected this would haunt him, but perhaps I underestimated to what extent.
Perhaps he should know, after all.
Should I tell him?

No. SHOW him.

Tell us exactly what you did then we'll decide what you should tell him.

>>12040
Yo should use what you know to press him in your service.
He appears to be stronger than your sub-human minions and at the same time spineless enough to be manipulated.

>>12040
We must use this as leverage to gain power.
If we give him closure he would have no motivation to become our minion.
Dangle the hope of seeing her again in front of him, if he does what we tell him to.
Under no condition actually give him closure.

IF YOU DECIDE TO TELL IT, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SUITABLE TOOL TO REND ITS PITIFUL FORM ASUNDER SHOULD IT BECOME VIOLENT.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)03:45 No. 12046 ID: c01408
File 12484323055.gif - (6.79KB , 800x600 , 193.gif )

No part of me wants this human around. He is weak, spineless, broken. I feel an aura of odium emanating from his repugnant form.

This pathetic shell is all that is left of this once-proud man.

"If you truly wish to know what happened to Linbella, drink this potion.

...And I will show you."

PROCEED.

>what happened to Linbella
So you're gonna molest him behind the barn while he's passed out?
Not cool dude.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)03:50 No. 12049 ID: c01408
File 124843261075.gif - (84.88KB , 800x600 , 194.gif )

Rungord Hookdon takes his time deciding.

[Animated]

THE SIGHT OF YOUR RIVAL TORMENTED BY ITS OWN INDECISIVENESS BRINGS A DARK GLEE INTO OUR HEART.
WHAT WILL YOU DO NOW?

Devour his heart to claim his vital essence.

No, no killing. We must prepare this carefully. He would make an excellent minion.

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)04:11 No. 12053 ID: c01408
File 124843387377.gif - (200.66KB , 800x600 , 195.gif )

[animated]

WHERE DID YOU ACQUIRE THE COFFIN?

...

NO MATTER. A MOST CRUEL, YET CLEAN METHOD OF ELIMINATING A WITNESS. ARE WE WRONG IN ASSUMING THE GRAVE WILL BE HIDDEN IN THE FIELD?

Muschio 2009/07/24(Fri)04:16 No. 12055 ID: c01408
File 124843417582.gif - (4.65KB , 800x600 , 196.gif )

I think perhaps I shall sleep well after all.

REST WELL, MY LORD.

*blink blink*
That... That was beautiful. I am in awe.

Now. Do we let him die or do we dig him up just before he suffocates and brainwash him to be our servant?

Awesome.

>>12057
NO. IT WAS A BROKEN, PITIFUL SHELL, UNFIT TO BE IN OUR SERVICE.

Good-night, sweet prince.

I feel bad for the rival, but if we are to be evil, we have to be evil.

I look forward to chapter three.