Khoros and supply depot. Taking their resources for ourselves would be ideal.

Khoros. When it comes to infiltration ability, he is unmatched.

About Supply Depot, I don't think Khoros would be able to use his powers well underwater. But if he can, he gains the advantage of being able to communicate with Outissa without words, so, underwater communication.
But I don't think hitting the Supply Depot would cause them to leave. I mean, supplies get delivered all the time and they could just call up for more.
However, I'm still going to choose the Supply Depot for two reasons. Firstly, it seems to be unguarded because.. well, being underwater is a pretty safe place to be. The second reason is that we can always strike the other two locations if this one is a dud. Who knows, maybe the Supply Depot is actually a power station.

PAM ARE YOU A SERGAL

Pam what is "([BALL])"?

>>815251
This is also a valid point. Even if they do not leave due to loss of the supply depot, we will be better equipped for continued operations.

Supply depot seems like the best option to hurting them without attacking them head on.

Khoros, because Beatrix is annoying as hell and seemingly useless in combat situations.

>>815208
One more for Khoros.

Khoros and depot. We need to do everything in our power to never have Beatrix within our attention ever again.

Supply depot, with Beatrix.

>>815200

Beatrix. Get that Yinglet Spear Dance going and win ALL the battles.

Supply Depot first to learn about what they're doing storing things in the first place and also to get some sweet sweet loot. Khoros should go with us because he might be better at combat should we need to fight.

Outissa 2017/07/13(Thu)17:52 No. 815581 ID: 01764f
File 149999353887.png - (112.95KB , 800x800 , xq129.png )

>Khoros, Supply Depot
Alright, ya'll! That door'll lead you straight to a maintenance shed near the lake!
"Bye for now, prettylady and ozherperson! Beatrix will play with Pam and Siphon!"

I step through the door. My brother follows me. He still does not sing. The door closes behind us. We are in a different place than we left. This is a very, very strange Ruins.

>>814780
>>814880
>Allow us to talk to Khoros
>Khoros Khoros Khoros Khoros Khoros
Voices, you said a lot of things to Pam I did not understand. I am okay with that. But there is one thing that scares me and makes me worried:

How did you find out my brother's name?

>>815581
oh yeah your dad occasionally talks to us and some people have pledge to serve him and we occasionally see the past where we named your brother and thats pretty much it. Do you have anyother questions?

There are many problems you should not concern yourself with just yet.

I am somewhat wary of your brother, and the supply camp will not be entirely undefended, and the both of them are more pressing concerns.

>>815581
We saw visions of his past. The conditioning your father put him through. He is broken. Your father believes he is loyal, but from what we have seen he cares mostly about you.

Had some kinda of weird flashback that your brother's name was mentioned in. Also yeah, someone claiming to be your father occasionally butts in and pesters us. Bit of a pain really.

They seem to keep twisting the facts to make it seem like they're in the right, even though we're still figuring things out. One thing they did say is that Khoros might have a bit of a reaction if a load of us talked to him at once. IDK if it's a reverse physiology or what to get us to / not to talk to your brother, so going to leave it up to your judgement. You know your brother better than we do I think?

>>815581
Didn't we name him, before the both of you escaped from your "father"'s research facility? We lost our memories, and regained one. Unless it was a false memory... He says you erased them for your own nefarious ends, but I suspect we erased them ourselves or cooperated with you in erasing them, because by then I bet a lot of us were being tainted by him. Well, bad news, some of us went right back to him and are tainted. Six of us. I haven't checked to see how many of them are speaking regularly to you. The majority seems to be on your side.

He's not even your real father, is he?

We talked to him in a flashback.

Time doesn't seem to work exactly the same for us as it does for you. We skip around some.

Now, your father thinks he is loyal to him. Khoros, for his part, seems to care about you. I think your father did something to your brother's brain, put some trick or contingency in it or something.

I think that Khoros, when he is in control of his actions, would never ever ever harm you.

...But I worry that he is not always in control of his actions. People have done... things. Terrible things to him, and his body, his brain, his mind. Things that will take a long time, a lot of nights full of tears, and a strong sister, to fix.

Also, your father said that we shouldn't talk with your brother too much. Now, I don't trust that asshole, so I want your opinion. Is it safe for us to talk to him?

Might we be able to talk to... both of you at once or something? Some sort of telepathic link? You, him, us? At some point in the future I mean? Could you maybe be a bit of a buffer, help him manage our... exuberance and multitudinous voices?

We saw an event in the past, and learned his name there! That or we named him, or perhaps some sort of combination of both?

Your brother is... hurt, to say the least. Some people, probably the military men that you ran from previously, did some real bad things to him, though we assisted him in his escape. I'd recommend you keep an eye on him, just to make sure he's recovering from his experiences.

>>815581
According to what your brother said, we helped him name you, but we never named him.

We left for a long time, then we finally came back and helped give him a name.

It happened so long ago that we forgot. But our memories are slowly starting to come back. Emphasis on the word slowly.

Maybe we shouldn't talk to him directly at all. Outissa, you can talk to him, right? Can you relay messages? That way if we try to say weird stuff to him you can refuse to relay the message.

Outissa 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815635 ID: 01764f
File 150000926088.png - (167.96KB , 800x800 , xq130.png )

>We named your brother
>Visions of his past

>They know my name because they were me.
Brother!? Can... can you hear me?

>Yes. I can think again. I can hear again.

Khoros 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815636 ID: 01764f
File 150000926191.png - (75.77KB , 1000x516 , xq131.png )

>We saw visions of his past. The conditioning your father put him through. He is broken.

>My mind and body are broken.

Khoros 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815637 ID: 01764f
File 150000926492.png - (56.40KB , 1000x516 , xq132.png )

>But...

Khoros 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815638 ID: 01764f
File 150000926808.png - (144.84KB , 1000x516 , xq133.png )

>Could you maybe be a bit of a buffer, help him manage our... exuberance and multitudinous voices?

>Voices....
>You are pieces of that broken me.

Khoros 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815639 ID: 01764f
File 150000927163.png - (76.01KB , 1000x516 , xq134.png )

>It happened so long ago that we forgot.

>However... you are not me now.
>...you have not been me for a long time.

Khoros 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815640 ID: 01764f
File 150000927452.png - (31.70KB , 1000x516 , xq135.png )

>People have done... things. Terrible things to him, and his body, his brain, his mind...

>Huh?

Outissa 2017/07/13(Thu)22:14 No. 815641 ID: 01764f
File 150000927678.png - (80.60KB , 800x800 , xq136.png )

>...Things that will take a long time, a lot of nights full of tears, and a strong sister, to fix.

>>815642
Aww. You're a good sister, Outissa.

>>815642
We'll see about returning that hug once you save us. For now let's get to work!

Mental reassimilation can wait, we have people to kill in the name of our demigod!

If Beatrix insists on a threesome, punch her buck tooth out. This is not the time.

Your brother needs shelter, focus on finding a hideout.

Hm, so we began as lost voices in the chorus. But what is the chorus? Are you two actually siblings? If so how are you so different?

>>815658
We have a hideout already. We also have a target. Let's get on with that. Can Khoros function underwater?

I have a lot of questions but, eh, hugs first!

Take your moment of solace. Once you are ready, step forth.

>>815641
>Things that will take a long time to fix
It may not take that long. I mean, all we need to do is return to where we came from and he's gonna be good as new!

However, I fear that we have grown and changed too much and that our pieces don't fit anymore into the puzzle that is Khoros.

Dear Khoros, although I can't return to you whole, if it's possible, please accept this smallest piece of myself from which I emerged back into yourself. May it fill the gaps in your heart.

>>815640
>>815755
>Khoros
I am thou, thou art I.
Though we may never be whole again, I pledge my loyalty to you, if you would accept it.

Will you form a contract with me and ignite the spirit of rebellion in your heart?

Outissa 2017/07/14(Fri)19:36 No. 815864 ID: 01764f
File 150008616648.png - (128.47KB , 800x800 , xq138.png )

"Speep! S-stop! Your father needs you! And you too, whoever y-you are! You kids are coming with, um, with me!"

ENCOUNTER BEGIN

!Suggestions are restricted by faction during this encounter!:

Dzi: "Laertes's" Loyal Ones only. You CAN Pledge Loyalty to Laertes at this time, if you voted during any of the "agent selection" steps he did.
Outissa: Anyone who is NOT pledged to Laertes.
Khoros: He is not under suggester control at this time.

HOW THIS WORKS:
This encounter will last several rounds. The goal is for every round to represent a series of back-and-forth actions.

During every round, each person can post as many suggestions as they want! You are encouraged to respond to other suggestions.

At the end of each round, I will go back and, in chronological order, will use the most clever suggestions for a multi-panel update.

We'll keep doing this until the encounter is over! (The number of rounds and how long each round will last is a secret.)

Round 1: BEGIN Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/14(Fri)19:37 No. 815866 ID: 01764f
File 150008623334.png - (391.50KB , 1000x625 , xq139.png )

CHARACTER INFO
The exact capabilities of the characters aren't really known, so I encourage you to make stuff up - if it's cool enough and makes sense, I'll go with it.

Outissa:
-Extremely fast
-Very agile
-Possesses sharp claws and teeth
-Has enough food in her for at least two rounds of the encounter

Dzi:
-Energy magic gives him control over heat and cold (by removing heat from something). Also, electricity.
-Most powerful magic is making a fireball
-Cannot create ice unless there's water nearby (hint: you guys are right by a lake)
-Ketza magic is more about being clever than raw power

Khoros:
-Acts independently, but will assist Outissa when possible

FINALLY - At the end of the encounter, I will reward whoever gave BEST and COOLEST suggestion with a free sketch. More details to come at that time!

>>815866
climb a high wall turn around and moon Dzi saying "Na na na na na na~ you can't catch me!" ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

Outissa: Seize the initiative and go for his eyes with your claws. Rip them out, negate his sole advantage over you. He doesn't understand your danger, so show him.

Good predators favor haste over cleverness. Strike quickly and you will end it quickly.

Outissa, you should relocate the fight. Get away from the lake so he can't use ice magic. Optimally I'd suggest going somewhere with a lot of foliage so you and Khoros can hide then ambush Dzi.

Lure him into Pam's domain. She probably has control over the rooms, so it would be easy to set up an ambush with her help. Ketzas are quadrapedal and floofy. If you can fight him in a room with alcoves and a high ceiling, then you'll have a mobility advantage.

Outissa: Stay on the defensive while Beatrix and Khoros set up a funny flank sneak attack steak.

That's a nice scarf you got there. It'd be a shame if Dzi burned it to a speep!

>>815869
This.

He needs to see where to aim his magic, so removing his sight will help!

>>815873
>Outissa, you should relocate the fight. Get away from the lake so he can't use ice magic.
This!

>>815878
>Ketzas are quadrapedal
You sure about that? He looks like he's bipedal right there.

>>815881
Beatrix isn't here, it's only Outissa and Khoros.

Also, his objective is not to kill or otherwise mortally wound you.

You are bound by no obligation.

>>815866
>Outissa
Use your agility to leap up onto his back. While you're on the way up, grab him by the head, and use the momentum to swing around. Hold on tight, and the weight and centrifugal force of your body should twist it hard enough to snap his neck. Quick and clean.

You're capable of much more finesse than a quick murder. He's timid. A single slice in the right place can be all you need to cripple morale. Cut shallow, and make it clear that the mercy is intentional. Use your mobility to keep this on your terms. Scare him, rebuke him, and delay his replacement.

>>815902
She does not have the food reserves to toy around. We have a job to do after this is done. After Dzi is dead he will make suitable rations to boost her for the task ahead.

>People trying to murder a father and husband who was pressured into working for someone he probably doesn't want to work for
Come on, Outissa. You're better than this. You came here to find friends, not hurt people.

>>815910
Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. And I don't think any of us told Outissa either.

But I think that might be why he's here. His family might be in danger of being killed if he doesn't do this and his willing to get himself killed if it means there's a chance his family can be saved.

But, that's just a theory, there's no actual proof that's true or not.

Murder is practical. You cut down this agent effortlessly, and Daddy isn't likely to send a threat this large your way again for a while. I bet that's more ketza than you've ever eaten in your life, too.
Cut this beast down, he's standing in the way of your task. He's not your friend, he is food.

>>815916
Outissa has said people aren't food though.

OH. I just realized, since we can't speak to Khoros, Outissa will have to be sure to tell him what she's going to do. Communication is important in a battle where you don't have a plan in place beforehand.

While it would be nice not to kill Dzi, we need to at least ensure he won't come back to fight us again for a long time. Giving him a crippling injury would work. Break one of his legs, maybe?

>>815924
Dead things aren't people. Outissa has already said this.
>Giving him a crippling injury would work.
You know, people don't have to live with being dead the rest of their lives.

Pam has control over the doorways of the ruins, maybe she could prevent him from getting anywhere near Outissa.

Also, Ketzas aren't quadrapedal. They have a posture that allows them walk on all fours for better traction, though. This also makes it difficult for them to defend against attacks from above.

>>815927
He's not dead yet, therefore he is not food.
Also, you CAN recover from a broken leg.

Amaranth commands me that I turn this skirmish into a sexual encounter.

Outissa, you should stay back and wait until Dzi attacks. No matter what attack he does, you should try to evade it, and then counter-attack. The counter-attack should consist of you straddling Dzi's neck or face and holding onto it. Possibly upside down.

Without any Loyal Ones to guide him at this point, Dzi takes several steps backwards in the direction of the lake. His clawed hands weave a pattern in front of him as he starts a spell.

(Control of Dzi will be ceded back to the Loyal Ones once they start suggesting.)

Dzi what spell are you casting? Also I recommend dodging attacks and try not to drop any body parts. If you wanna go on the offensive try getting her in the lake, maybe use ice under her to do so.

>>815939
Dzi nods and gives full control back to the Loyal Ones, who may now dictate his actions.

>>815939
Dude. Be more assertive. Dzi is under your control. This is your time to shine!

Blinding or slaughtering a coerced pawn? Wow you "good guys" sure are vicious.


You're outnumbered. First thing you need to do is even the odds, put them on the defensive before you're overwhelmed. Can you surrround yourself with a lasting ring of fire hot enough to keep them out of arm's reach? The scarfed one is very fast and agile, capable of leaps and lunges and terrible claw attacks. The other can become a swarm of insect of some sort. Both are deadly if they reach you. Use the fire shield to keep them back and then try to drive them towards the lake with the ring and gouts of flame. Outissa at least is very flammable. Light one or both and they'll have little choice except to jump into the lake.

Dzi:
Fire shield ->
Drive enemies to lake with shield and directed flame blasts

Oh and if you're able to speak without disrupting your spellcasting, just keep telling Outissa you need her to come with you or your family will die. (I don't recall if that was explicitly stated, but run with it).

To Khoros, just keep reminding him that his Father needs him, that he wants Khoros to help you take his sister home.

rolled 10 = 10

---

Khoros feels a song call to him. This will take effect at the end of the round.

>>815947
You would certainly be untouchable with such a shield.
However, your mission involves not harming Outissa and this shield would do that exact thing.

Outissa, calm your mind and charge straight for Dzi. Notice that his fire attacks are not directed at you and that Dzi has no choice but to deactivate the fire shield before you reach him. Do the, uh, grappling technique I mentioned earlier!

To Khoros: This isn't your home. This isn't your father. You need not worry about the future, for it is right in front of you. Outissa needs your help.

>>815947
>Blinding or slaughtering a coerced pawn? Wow you "good guys" sure are vicious.
Says the one helping to coerce the pawn. If we had rallied as one to oppose 'Laertes', perhaps Dzi would not be in this situation.

>>815952
They want you to believe that they are in control. That they keep you safe.
But if you stay with Father, you will never know the truth.
This is not how it has to be.
There is an evil that holds you there, and you must try breaking its grasp.
If you go back there with them...
Then you leave her to her doom.

The flames are not to kill, but to direct. I'm sure Laertes would understand using the threat of pain to control another's actions. Remember that, Khoros. Remember where your loyalty lies. Remember what happens to failed agents, Dzi.

*twirls moustache*

Outissa: Strike fast, darting in and out, disorienting him and preventing him from landing a strike on you!

I will be choosing and illustrating the best actions now.

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:13 No. 816014 ID: 01764f
File 150015323114.png - (70.49KB , 1000x625 , xq140.png )

>>815867
>>815873
>>815878
>>815883
>>815884
>>815929
>Lure him towards the doorway, stay defensive

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:13 No. 816015 ID: 01764f
File 150015323426.png - (31.57KB , 1000x625 , xq141.png )

>>815867
>moon Dzi

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:13 No. 816016 ID: 01764f
File 150015323905.png - (314.62KB , 1000x625 , xq142.png )

>>815947
>Can you surrround yourself with a lasting ring of fire hot enough to keep them out of arm's reach?

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:14 No. 816017 ID: 01764f
File 150015324234.png - (124.87KB , 1000x625 , xq143.png )

>>815947
>Use the fire shield to keep them back and then try to drive them towards the lake with the ring and gouts of flame.

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:14 No. 816018 ID: 01764f
File 150015324581.png - (254.52KB , 1000x625 , xq144.png )

>>815949
>keep telling Outissa you need her to come with you or your family will die.

"Y-your father - he is going to kill my family! Please, please come with me... I beg you... please... I don't want to harm you..."

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:14 No. 816019 ID: 01764f
File 150015324813.png - (59.08KB , 1000x625 , xq145.png )

Father sent him? I do not know what to do.I am very sad. I do not want his family to be hurt.

Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:14 No. 816020 ID: 01764f
File 150015325148.png - (108.77KB , 1000x625 , xq146.png )

>>815952
>Guard and defend when forces hinder an—

>>815956
>To Khoros: You need not worry about the future, for it is right in front of you.
>>815964
>There is an evil that holds you there, and you must try breaking its grasp.
>>815967
>Remember that, Khoros. Remember where your loyalty lies.

...
Khoros is overwhelmed by too many people talking to him at once. His mind cracks again.

Khoros 2017/07/15(Sat)14:14 No. 816021 ID: 01764f
File 150015325478.png - (344.50KB , 1000x625 , xq147.png )

>SISTER....
Khoros starts a new song.

Round 2: Begin Outissa vs Dzi 2017/07/15(Sat)14:14 No. 816022 ID: 01764f
File 150015325605.png - (221.06KB , 1000x625 , xq148.png )

>I can almost hear
>Your heart in the darkness
>How fast it is beating
>How close you are to me

Nononono... Brother... no....

Khoros, don't have a cow, man!
Khoros, add sister to inventory!
Khoros, don't stab Outissa with that knife! Let's talk about our feeeeeeeeeeeliiiiings! Bahahaha.

Given the ratio of Outissa posts to Dzi posts, you accomplished surprisingly little, Sister. My suggestion is to think of Dzi's children, just go with him to see your father! But feel free to take a few fireballs to the face first. To make it convincing.

Outissa: Khoros's mind is having issues again. Dodge, delay him, give ground as his is unstable right now. He should hopefully calm down soon. Also: you have no proof that this person's family is in any danger. He could easily be lying.

>>816022
Outissa, you aren't going to be able to fight without hurting either of them. Both of them are focused on your capture. Use this to your advantage. If you can get past them, then lead them back into the ruins. The military that's giving Pam and you so much trouble have likely set up an ambush. Let them capture the ketza and your brother. With those two off your back, you can focus on disrupting their communications and rescue your brother after he regains his sanity. It's not the original plan, but we weren't expecting this guy to show up so quickly.

>>815967
This is all your fault! Do something!

>>815956
Hm? What's that? Did somebody say "your fault"?

>>816022
Alright I think it is time to give those two some space get going back to Pam.

Oh for goodness sake, we were warned about this. Don't all try to yell stuff at Khoros. Wait, I recognise this song. I'm sorry if this backfires but I have to see what happens if we try to change the track.

Finding solace in the knowledge of what's right.
All that's holy, sacred and divine.
Guarding over all within its sight.

>>816047

Outissa! Sing this song with your brother!

It might calm him down. Worth a shot, no?

To.. no one in particular, I sing these words:

No tears Outissa please stay strong
your brother cracked he sings a song
but worry not just don't stay near
and pray with us that he may heal

Reflect your pieces in your eyes
odd visions form but they are lies
remember songs your sister sings
the saddest one forever rings

You do not presently have the food available to survive until the song runs its course. Exit through the door and leave Dzi and Khoros to be the only available targets for one another.

Looking on the positive side, it is unlikely Khoros will suffer the same hesitation that you do to eliminate his opponents. He really is so much better than you are.

I will be choosing and illustrating the best actions now.

Outissa 2017/07/15(Sat)19:57 No. 816073 ID: 01764f
File 150017385803.png - (1.18MB , 978x620 , xq150.png )

>>816064
>>816029
>>816035
>Leave them to each other and go back to Pam.


...and so I left. I walked away.

I found out from Pam later that my brother went to the bottom of the lake and destroyed the supplies. They were food and weapons. The scary people left after that.

They tried to come back a few times, but each time my brother drove them off.

I do not know what happened to Dzi. I hope he is okay. I hope his family is okay.

I have not heard from my father. I think he stopped trying to get me back.

I stopped hearing the voices - I think they rejoined my brother. I hope he is happier now even though he is a monster now. He lives in the deep parts of the Ruins. Pam is happy. She says that people like to pay money to come and see him.

Pam let me stay in her realm. There is food here and a place to sleep. I have a lot of fun jumping between the buildings that float.

Siphon still visits Pam. They are friends. They make each other laugh a lot.

I... I know better now what a friend is. I made a very good one.

Beatrix is my friend. She gives me hugs when I need them, and she taught me to write. She leaves sometimes for a little bit, but she always returns. I miss her when she is gone but when she is back I am very happy.

She told me that I should write down the things that happened to me. She says that a lot of people will like to read my story. Her friend Ammy is helping me with the parts I do not remember. Ammy is very big and very soft and very nice and I like to hug her. She is very nice.

Beatrix say she has a lot of friends that she wants me to meet, in a place that she calls "Station." I am going to go with her and live there. Ammy says I can have my own home. I have never had my own home before.

I have a new name now. I gave it to myself. People still call me "Outissa" and that is okay, but I like having my own name. I think it is a good name.
~

Oh! Beatrix is here. It is time to go now.

-Aletheia



XenoQuest END.

Secret Ending, "Time to Move On," achieved!

Raptie 2017/07/15(Sat)19:58 No. 816075 ID: 01764f
File 150017392439.png - (35.84KB , 800x800 , xqend.png )

Thank you all so much for spending this last month with me and XenoQuest. It was always meant as a little side project, but it's blossomed into so much. When I drew that first panel with Outissa on the cliff, I had no idea where she was or what would happen.

She has many more stories to tell, and there will be many more adventures to come. <3

Special big thanks to Slinko for his assistance and graciously allowing me to use a small part of his wonderful Dragon Romance setting. Go read Dragon Romance if you haven't: https://tgchan.org/wiki/Dragon_Romance . Heck, go read all of his quests, they're fantastic. <3

Another gigantic special thanks to Valsalia for giving his blessing to use his yinglet race. They're featured in Out-of-Placers, which is a must-read: http://www.valsalia.com/

Finally, come check out the XenoQuest disthread: https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/112766.html . I will be using it for all of my quests going forward, and just for my stuff in general.


I love all you guys, and I look forward to having you quest with me again. <3
I have a FurAffinity page: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/caedere that I update fairly regularly if you're interested in seeing more stuff from me!

...What just happened?

Yeah okay bye sis. Now Khoros, we're alone at last. Together forever...

Wanna listen to my mixtapes?

It's time you learned what kinds of porn are the Good Shit, Khoros.

>>816108
>>816112
Truly, you are in good hands.

I sing for you
I think of you

I remember when I lost my mind.