>>83273
Thus closes such a tragic tale, though the light must now prevail, wonder for whom was this travail?
Mayhaps a victim of betrayal, love though lost, does not soon fail.

Ridder 2009/11/29(Sun)14:48 No. 83289 ID: fb5d8e
File 125953492113.png - (100.42KB , 700x700 , c6-40.png )

Well said. This.. This challenge ends with mixed feelings.

I leave the morbid ballroom and have a cautious look through the last remaining door. It has a waterbowl similar to the ones in the baths, and a large oven. I understand it's a kitchen.
As all the other rooms, it's completely stripped.

>>83289
Check for a cabinet door under the water bowl, you may find the source of their water.

>>83289
Go outside and retrieve your spear, checking the shape of the walls to see if there's any suspicious unused spaces. There could be a secret room somewhere.

Ridder 2009/11/29(Sun)15:09 No. 83297 ID: fb5d8e
File 125953619227.png - (66.21KB , 700x700 , c6-41.png )

There is indeed a hatch under the waterbowl. Inside is a box with a myriad of pipes, and even a few cogs. I have no idea what to make of it.
There is someone written on the box is a script unfamiliar to me. Presumably elven.

This technology may be as lost as the ruin's construction material.

Stripped!? That's odd... people shoulda died in the ball room if they were sackin the place...

Find the water source, and begin using the place

>>83297
Hey, grab that scrap of paper and read it.

Then another step in our plans is to add an elf architect to our fleet. They should be able decipher the technology and help turn this base into a well functioning facility with the help of our carpenter... better yet let's find a human interested in elven architecture and language instead. A real elf may have objections to using this as a base.

>>83303
Also, elves are assholes!

>>83297
Apparently, there is nothing quite as mystical as INDOOR PLUMBING.

Ridder 2009/11/29(Sun)15:45 No. 83307 ID: fb5d8e
File 12595383144.png - (167.12KB , 700x700 , c6-42.png )

The scrap of paper is in elven script as well. I take it with me.

Outside I find my party feasting around a steady fire.

"Hey, master! Come sit! I saved ya a piece.. We always ate ever'thing already."

Looks delicious. What is it?

>>83307
"Once we clear out all the corpses, this will make a fine base"

>>83307
Excellent. Eat it, tell them what you found, and enlist Black Fang in cleaning up the room with the hanging corpses. I don't think the kobolds would be too up for that.

>>83307
BTW, your species looks herbivorous - I hope this isn't the case?

Ridder 2009/11/29(Sun)16:06 No. 83323 ID: fb5d8e
File 125953961779.png - (167.22KB , 700x700 , c6-43.png )

We are definitely not herbivorous. Our body was made for the hunt, though I admit that as our civilization evolved we may have gotten weaker.

I gratefully take the meat and join them.

"I have cleared all the rooms. This will make a great base once cleaned. ..Especially one room, Black Fang."
"Hurhurr, I get what you're saying, master. I bet ya left a whole pile of bodies."
"Something like that, dear squire."
"No problem, I'll get rid of 'em before the lil' kobolds trip."

>>83323
You may want to keep the hooks and harp combo itself, could be a handy trick later down the line.

>>83323
I can't wait to see Black Fang's reaction to this.

Ridder 2009/11/29(Sun)16:36 No. 83340 ID: fb5d8e
File 125954138060.png - (71.55KB , 700x700 , c6-44.png )

I'll try to figure out how the hook and harp contraption works, but for now I'd rather not.. be reminded of it.

When we have cleaned up I have to return to pick up my tinkerer. In the mean time Black Fang and Nakraska can build some furniture while Iesgip scouts the surroundings.

First.. I need a little break.

>>83340
You've earned a brief respite and some chill time. When you're ready, head out to collect the tinker.

>>83340

OH SHIT GET UP! QUICK!

>>83383
...I don't mean to pry TOO much but this seems like the best time to follow up on it, but earlier you said you were saving your first 'everything' for your true love. While noble, I just think that taken too far might be offensive and prudish.

Kissing a girl on the lips = save for love.
Kissing a girl on the hand = do it whenever it's expected/polite.

Just a random token of advice.

>>83418
That's probably a given, what with the chivalrous rules of courtesy. However, What was being asked of him in Sepia Town was rather more than a mere kiss on the fingers.

Anyhow, Tell us Ridder, what kind of preferences do you have in these intimate matters. What do you look for in a mate?

Our eyes and ears stretch rather farther than the bounds of your skull alone, if you must know. We can keep an eye out for likely prospects and send them your way.

We warn you however, certain minds are... apt to give different views of the world, (the lens of your mind is rather different from say Tim's who has a rather more... fantastic take on reality.) Thus our perceptual reliability is skewed somewhat.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)06:46 No. 83588 ID: fb5d8e
File 125959241165.png - (47.45KB , 700x700 , c6-45.png )

What kind of partner I'm looking for?
I.. honestly haven't given it much thought.

Well, I hope that she will have a kind heart. A woman who loves the world and everything in it..

I suppose I also hope she will be willing to bear my children one day.. but I don't want to burden her with the daily fear of becoming a widow.

"Ey! Ey! What ye zonin' out fer?"

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)06:47 No. 83589 ID: fb5d8e
File 125959243790.png - (96.80KB , 700x700 , c6-46.png )

"I get all meh steff roight 'ere. We leavin' thes hole or whet?"

>>83589

Let's head on out then. Go set up shop.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)07:22 No. 83598 ID: fb5d8e
File 125959456658.png - (38.59KB , 700x700 , c6-47.png )

I'm glad to say that the journey back is uneventful.
We walk unbothered through gentle winds until we reach the forest.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)07:39 No. 83601 ID: fb5d8e
File 125959558567.png - (149.02KB , 700x700 , c6-48.png )

When I return the two kobolds walk up to greet me. It looks like they've been doing nothing for a while, as Black Fang is comfortably napping against a tree.

"Cleaning is done, sir!"

Iesgip salutes, full of energy.

"Awaiting new orders, sir!"

Which brings me to the question..

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)07:39 No. 83602 ID: fb5d8e
File 125959559036.png - (100.50KB , 700x700 , c6-49.png )

..what will be a proper layout?

>>83602

Everyone can sleep together in the harp room, preferably in a big pile. It will promote a feeling of camaraderie. Convert one room into a sauna, and another into a bitchin' kitchen.

>>83589

Be sure to tell her about the various mechanisms in your new abode. It should pique her professional interests and lift her spirits.

>>83602
Harp Room will become your new throne room, and banquet hall.

Dispense the sleeping quarters as appropriate.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)10:08 No. 83610 ID: fb5d8e
File 125960451027.png - (115.80KB , 700x700 , c6-50.png )

Then I shall assign the rooms thusly.

I will let my tinkerer have a look at the elven technology and let her set up her equipment.
I will request Nakraska to begin work on necessary furniture, and ask Black Fang to assist him with his superior strength.
Iesgip, who continues to be relentless in her enthusiasm and pseudo-military attitude, may 'patrol' the area and gather useful herbs for her own workshop.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)10:08 No. 83611 ID: fb5d8e
File 125960453159.png - (124.66KB , 700x700 , c6-51.png )

Things are coming together perfectly.

>>83611
We should get that replaced.

With an actual window instead of a gaping hole open to the elements.

>>83611
It occurs to me that having the windows cleaned would do a considerable amount towards restoring this place to its former glory.

>>83611
Ridder, I am disappointed in you. Such extravagance. What are you, royalty? This "throne room" of yours is far too grand for you, and completely unnecessary. Turn this space into a war room and get a small, modest office for yourself.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)10:31 No. 83616 ID: fb5d8e
File 12596059132.png - (123.97KB , 700x700 , c6-52.png )

Oh yes, this window.
Glassworking is particularly expensive.. and I don't know if any glassworker will even come this far out of town.
The windows of the other rooms have already been cleaned. This one posed an obstacle due its size. Perhaps Nakraska can build some scaffolding in the future, but I don't see it having any priority at the moment.

>>83616
Ridder, where do those stairs go?
Please tell me you don't have an entire floor that you haven't explored.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)10:38 No. 83618 ID: fb5d8e
File 12596063221.png - (136.45KB , 700x700 , c6-53.png )

The stairs go up to a balcony overlooking the ballroom. It is where I plan to make my personal quarters.

Turning this room into a warroom is a great idea, but I don't have the means for it. I only have this undetailed map.
I can have Nakraska build a bigger table and sets of chairs. A bigger map and anything else that goes along with planning and strategy I will have to acquire by myself.

>>83616
Well.

At least put some kind of overhang or shutter. We don't want to get rained out in our own office now, do we?

Let's see... we have our bare basics, which is good, but only a start. If we're going to be starting a battle against evil, chances are we are going to have to expand. We also need someone to spy on the enemy. While spies maybe be low level they are a near requirement when doing battle. They are, for lack of better words, a necessary evil. On the note of confrontation, do we have any plans to meet up with this 'Boss' Character? While I'm sure there will be no chance to persuade him to turn his paths, a face to identify as evil is one of the biggest steps in forming a unified force. I think the next step in our operations should be to confront this 'Boss' head on.

>>83618
Do the other rooms have ceilings as high as the ballroom, then? It would seem, from our view of the building's face, that the roof falls no lower on that portion of the building. This would imply that there is some sort of space there.

If you want to maintain the respect and cooperation of your hirelings and allies, you should see to their comfort and basic cooperation.
Given that the Goblin tinker comes from a village highly-afraid of Black Fang, she might be a little frightened. While she won't have to share sleeping quarters (good idea separating by gender) with the beast of a man, you should definitely introduce the two of them and see that they get along well. Also, find out her name already!

Just... you know, see that she gets along with everyone here. Introduce her cordially and oversee some interpersonal relations. The kobolds and Black Fang already get along quite well, so just be sure she works with the group, too.

There are like windows or alcoves on the second floor of the ruin when viewed externally. Are these purely cosmetic or is there a secret second level?

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)14:19 No. 83786 ID: fb5d8e
File 125961955823.png - (156.82KB , 700x700 , c6-54.png )

Thank you, voices. I'm not used to leadership outside of the battlefield. Your advice is invaluable.

I will immediately call together my underlings for proper coordination.

"Hello, dear underlings, I have gathered you here for a proper round of introduction. I'm sure some of you have already talked with each other, but I'd like to make sure no one gets left out. Our relationship with each other will be key to the success of our operation. Even when we expand in the future, us five will remain the original backbone."

It looks like they understand.

"So let's just go in a circle and introduce ourselves. I'll go first: My name is Ridder. I used to be a knight for the late lord Malto of the Kingdom of North Piacevole, before the revolution. Eventhough I am now in exile, I continue to love my land and its people. That is why I am heading this operation in the name of lord Malto, to protect his rightful heritage.
Black Fang?"

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)14:19 No. 83787 ID: fb5d8e
File 125961956147.png - (45.54KB , 700x700 , c6-55.png )

"Yeah, uh.. I'm Black Fang. I, uhm.. I grew up in the desert in the far south. I worked as a mercenary through most of my.. my teenage years. Then I saw that kind of existence was pretty meanin'less, so.. I decided to become the ultimate swordsman. I used ta think it was all 'bout strength, so I need men like Ridder to set me straight.
That's.. that's pretty much it."

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)14:19 No. 83788 ID: fb5d8e
File 125961956653.png - (43.02KB , 700x700 , c6-56.png )

"Name's Grek. Grew up inna feckin' shite'ole with a buncha feckwits as fam'ly, all sayin' my works're dange'ous. Feckin' ditched that place ferst theng. I rolled with buncha merchents fer a while, then r'turned ta me home and show the feckers how dumb they're, but then this harlot Finnie cams 'round. Feck. See, when I beat her inta te ground, see who's smert, eh? Feck.
I'm 'ere ta fix shite 'n make steff go bam."

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)14:19 No. 83789 ID: fb5d8e
File 125961957099.png - (42.16KB , 700x700 , c6-57.png )

"Sir! My name is Iesgip, sir!"
"At ease, soldier."
"Y-yes, sir. My duty is gathering plants, tracking and trapping. For dinner. But also for medicines. That's what I pick herbs for. I can also get herbs for other things.
I grew up back home. I'm here to make a difference in the fight. I-I want to protect my home. Sir."

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)14:19 No. 83790 ID: fb5d8e
File 125961957467.png - (29.74KB , 700x700 , c6-58.png )

"Hey, everyone, I'm Nakraska. I'm from the same place as Iesgip here. It's pretty nice. About me, I like to work with my hands. In my free time I like to carve statuettes, or play some games. So, uh, I hope we can all be good friends."

Excellent. Note for the future, don't call them underlings.

Note: get some time for sparring and general combat practice/training with Black Fang when you have time.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)14:59 No. 83817 ID: fb5d8e
File 125962199717.png - (158.72KB , 700x700 , c6-59.png )

"Thank you, all of you. I hope this made you more comfortable around each other. Perhaps it took care of some misunderstandings, or even made you realize you have more in common with each other than you expected.
I have to leave soon to secure more information regarding our enemy. That means the base will be in your hands. You all know your duties, but I'd also like you to look to each other for help, and be willing to lend someone a hand.
Is that agreeable?"
"Aye.."
"Yeh."
"Sir, yes, sir!"
"That's fine."
"Thank you once again. Please take your time to settle in and make improvements where you think they're needed. Dismissed."

So then... Timotei and Sticks would finally have things to do.
Note to find them at some point and bring them together.
And to see what you can do about not getting killed by the refugees from the other town when they track you down. (you stole her chocobo...)

>>83828
She probably stole it from Lord Malto, though. Regardless, he needed it.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)15:33 No. 83855 ID: fb5d8e
File 125962403854.png - (58.98KB , 700x700 , c6-60.png )

Do you have any idea where I can start my search for Timotei and Sticks? It is true that I have a better place for them now.
I will also need to search for the necessary items to turn my office into a war room.

First, I will look into the hidden floor theory. The ballroom is the only room that is two floors high, and the mansion's front also suggested two floors, but I haven't seen any stairs or doors leading to anything but this balcony.
This is where I'd like to put my bed, overlooking the war room.

As you can imagine, this was the only place not looted. However, the wooden furniture and carpets were rotten, so we had to dispose of them.

Mess with the candlesticks, might unlock a secret path!

>>83855
Pull on the candlestick holder!

protip: get fang to throw you up from the outside if the candlesticks yield no result

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)16:00 No. 83881 ID: fb5d8e
File 125962560254.png - (61.33KB , 700x700 , c6-61.png )

Ah.. In hindsight I suppose that should have been obvious.

>>83881
While exploring yet-unknown parts of this place alone sounds fun, you should at least let the others know what you're doing.

>>83881
It's like you've never adventured before.

>>83887

also bring your trusty spear.

seriously.

>>83887
Be sure to close the door back up before you leave the ballroom.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)16:26 No. 83905 ID: fb5d8e
File 12596271902.png - (89.71KB , 700x700 , c6-62.png )

No, I have never adventured. I am at home on the battle field. Mounted and spear in hand, leading the charge into battle.

This must be the real private quarters. It is remarkably well preserved. There are no traces of flora or fauna.
That also carries the consequence that the air is very stale.

>>83905

Examine book.

>>83905

IT'S A TRAP.

Fondly regard the nice eleven ass in the painting. Christ she has some fine hips. Dusty old elf really had some taste. I bet there's some good wine around here for celebration.

Watch out for traps and move in on the desk. Anything special about that shit on the ceiling?

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)16:57 No. 83913 ID: fb5d8e
File 125962905583.png - (75.85KB , 700x700 , c6-63.png )

All the decorations seem completely harmless. I tread carefully anyway.
The book is in elven script, as is the plaque under the painting.

>>83913
This must have been the bride... I wonder what happened.

It occurs to me that procuring the services of an individual who can read and translate the elven script might well be in your best interests.

>>83915
I concur. I also think that this is a much better place for your quarters than on the balcony. I mean really, the war room would be a joke if it had a bed overlooking it.

>>83913
Does the desk have any drawers? Perhaps with stuff in them that you can take?

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)17:35 No. 83928 ID: fb5d8e
File 125963130090.png - (86.96KB , 700x700 , c6-64.png )

Very well. I shall make this into my private working and sleeping quarters. The balcony shall be my public office and the ballroom the warroom.

The desk has one small drawer in the middle. Inside are two gold rings.
They have a certain glitter about them that I can't quite place.
I suspect they were the wedding rings.

>>83928
Save them. They might come in handy later.

>>83928
I wouldn't mess with them. Such things should be treated with a certain, modicum of respect. Especial when the owners have been confirmed to be rather restless.

>>83928
You should bury them out front. As a memorial to them... I wonder if the bride is still alive in the same way as the groom...

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)17:47 No. 83933 ID: fb5d8e
File 125963207710.png - (120.93KB , 700x700 , c6-65.png )

Alright. I respect the sacred bond of marriage..
Alright. I respect the sacred bond of marriage..

I shall take them out front, and bury them underneath the male and female statues next to the door.
I shall take them out front, and bury them underneath the male and female statues next to the door.

>>83933
Say... is there an echo in here?
Are those rings echoing?

actually, better idea.

Save them for your 'shining star'. The girl in the painting would have wanted that, as would have the... undead husband.

>>83933
The rings seem to transfer thoughts between them. On second thought, hold on to them. They could prove to be useful later on.

>>83937
So wait, we aren't being possessed? It's just a magical walkie talkie?

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)17:57 No. 83939 ID: fb5d8e
File 125963261971.png - (124.20KB , 700x700 , c6-66.png )

Yes, it seems so. I thought that you were simply repeating yourself.
Yes, it seems so. I thought that you were simply repeating yourself.
I agree with the theory that these rings are transmitting my thoughts to eachother.
I agree with the theory that these rings are transmitting my thoughts to eachother.

I have to admit it's making me rather dizzy.
I have to admit it's making me rather dizzy.

>>83939
Put them down! And like I said, they could be useful later.

>>83939
Well they don't seem to have any overt curses associated with them. Perhaps just place them aside in a safe place them till the 'right time" comes.

Drop one of the, first of all.

Better, take both to one of your henchmen. Time to do some testing.

Take one to one of your underlings and find out their range.

Ridder 2009/11/30(Mon)18:38 No. 83959 ID: fb5d8e
File 125963510064.png - (123.48KB , 700x700 , c6-67.png )

Very well. Let's put this theory to the test.
I put one of the rings on my finger.
Very well. Let's put this theory to the test.
I put one of the rings on my finger.

I find Black Fang outside helping Nakraska carry wood to the workshop.
I find Black Fang outside helping Nakraska carry wood to the workshop.

"Black Fang, spare a moment, please."
"Black Fang, spare a moment, please."
"Yeah, master?"
"Yeah, master?"
"Put this ring on."
"Put this ring on."
"Aye, o'course. Tis' magic, I presume?"
"Aye, o'course. Tis' magic, I presume?"

>>83956
"And I wonder why you're thinking about my genitals."

End of Chapter 6 Black Fang 2009/11/30(Mon)18:42 No. 83963 ID: fb5d8e
File 125963533625.png - (81.48KB , 700x700 , c6-68.png )

"That's what I'd like to find out."
"I get it."

I wonder if his manhood is small enough to fit this ring around.

HAH! xD

Did you think that, or did he think that about you, and that made you think it?

>>83971
my head hurts. 6_9

>>83963
Well you're not going to find out by just standing there now are you?

>>83963
That does not seem a respectful nor effective use of these items.

>>83963
>End of Chapter 6 Black Fang 09/11/30(Mon)18:42 No. 83963 ID: 9b97d3
>Black Fang
You DO realize that's Black Fang that thought that right?

>>83963
Whoah, hey there boyo. Crazy headvoices do not approve.

inb4 Blackfang is Ridder's true love.

Kinda missed your chance to find out back in Sepia Town, Black Fang. Why? You swing that way or something?