>>85900
I think you mean Sticks.

Ridder 2009/12/04(Fri)14:58 No. 85908 ID: fb5d8e
File 125996749419.png - (79.34KB , 700x700 , c8-38.png )

"Black Fang! Iesgip! Report to the front gate, please!"

Iesgip scitters to the front with such speed I don't notice her until she's already standing next to me, saluting and holding her breath in anticipation.
Black Fang casually trots out of the hallway.

"Iesgip, see to it that our new companion settles into the womens bedroom. Her name is Sticks. Sticks, we'll have a full formal introduction during dinner."
"Got it, chief. Thanks for the help, Iesgip."
"Iesgip at your service, ma'am! I'm the gatherer and trapper here! But I mostly cook."
"Wait-- Did you say 'traps'?"
"Yes.. Why, do you like traps?"
"I think we'll have something to talk about, you 'n me."

When the chatter disappears through the doors I turn to Black Fang.
"Welcome back, master."
"Thank you, Black Fang. It's good to be back. Was everything alright while I was away?"
"Kinda.. Did ya see the grave outside?"
"I did. Please tell me what happened."

Black Fang explains all of the occured events.

"Did the ring help?"
"Aye, I 'spose it did.."
"Would you like to hang on to it?"
"As you wish, master. I'm pretty confident in my own abil'ties, so maybe it'll 'elp someone else more."

>>85908
Give the ring to Sticks, we want to make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble.

I feel we should give the ring to Sticks.

Wait, in order for us to speak through the ring, do you have to be wearing it? If not, give yours to Sticks.

>Wait, in order for us to speak through the ring, do you have to be wearing it? If not, give yours to Sticks.
Yeah. We mostly just seem to be getting Ridder into trouble, or else pointing out obvious things he already was going to do. The ring should go to someone with even less common sense than us.

>>85908
Black Fang does indeed seem to be able to take care of himself pretty well.

Sticks, uh, not so much. Give her the ring.

Ridder 2009/12/04(Fri)15:41 No. 85967 ID: fb5d8e
File 125997010811.png - (143.88KB , 700x700 , c8-39.png )

"Very well. Then please give the ring to our newcomer, Sticks."
"Aye, master.."
"Black Fang."
"Aye?"
"I'm sorry about your sister in arms."
"Live by th'sword, die by th'sword."

I give the gnoll a reassuring nod as he follows the women.
I continue in through the double doors. Nakraska has already finished a large round table, placed perfectly in the middle of the ballroom. I spread the map on it.

Perfect. The only thing needed now is a steady stream of up to date information.

>>85967
Cackl- I mean ponder.
Like you're doing.

>>85967
>steady stream of up to date information.
I think we just found a job for Sticks.

>>85972
Billiant. And the rings will allow us to quickly get reports, none of this "Send out a scout and wait a week" business.

Well, first you need ANY up to date information. You still have little idea of what you're up against.

You need to put the enemy dungeon under long-term observation. You also need a source of cash other than stripping. Timotei apparently was able to raid nearby bandit camps. That's probably a good source of cash and XP. How do you find bandits?

>>85977
Incorrect. What we need are more strippers.

Ridder 2009/12/04(Fri)16:21 No. 86011 ID: fb5d8e
File 125997245919.png - (143.88KB , 700x700 , c8-40.png )

Sticks did make clear she did not want to sit around the base waiting. However, I have to wonder if it will be prudent to send her at this stage.
I have no means of providing her with additional equipment, survival gear, or even long lasting food rations. She needs a secondary base near the 'Boss's cave to operate from.

Using the ring as longdistance communication might be an amazing solution, if it is indeed functional on such distances. Well, there is only one way to find out.
While she has the ring, however, you won't be able to assist anyone at this base.

As for unrooting random bandit camps, I don't see the fruit of actively searching for them. They travel a lot as there are little ambush spots in the fields.
Perhaps Timotei used his evil sense to find them.

>>86011
Oh, right, did we mention someone hired violet fang to clear out your base of goody two shoes? I suppose we can get cash by fending off evil adventurers.

Alternatively stripping. Even more alternatively, sell potions.

>>86018
Sell potions designed to be useful to the good but burn those who are evil, market to paladins for extreme profits.

Well, you can send her to test if the communication works or not for starters. Finding out if more of <color> Fangs are gonna show up could be good too.

For future plans you might want to get the window cleaned and the glass repaired or replaced.

I have a feeling the potions market may be just a little flooded at the moment.

Possible locations for a secondary base near the Boss's lair are: The kobold camp we helped out, the goblin camp we helped out, the church again, and the refugee camp.

To get in the refugee camp, she could say she was a survivor of the fire. It wouldn't be a lie. Of course they would be suspicious since it's been so long since then. Also, nobody in town would recognize her. So maybe that wouldn't work out.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)05:29 No. 86142 ID: fb5d8e
File 126001978268.png - (143.67KB , 700x700 , c8-41.png )

Of course! We have allied with the goblin settlement. It will be their duty to house at least one of my agents. Anything she may need can be provided there.
I best inform her about this plan at once.

Regarding the Fang Mercenary Company threat.. From what I understand, they see this camp as a minor challenge for now, but also have it under surveillance. What comes to my mind is the question why the 'Boss' would hire mercenaries to take me out if he sees me as a threat. On the other hand, it could be that the mercenaries keep my location a secret to ensure their employment.
Or there may be a third party involved..
I don't know how I can find out.

Creating stable revenue in order to purchase supplies and equipment will be more beneficial than simply looting falling enemies.
Iesgip seems skilled at herbal medicine. However, her focus seems to lie on simply cooking and doing menial tasks to make everyone comfortable.
Nakraska's work is of high quality. However, I have no mode of transportation to get his furniture to other settlements. If I have to contact trade caravans that'll mean giving away our position.
Black Fang's strength is needed to protect the base, now more than ever.
Sticks will be send out on assignment, as we just discussed.
That only leaves Grek, who.. I have no idea what Grek is doing. I took her in at your advice regarding a technology arms race. I just don't know what she's really doing.

its probably those damned revolutionaries.

if we come across some money it might be prudent to counter-hire the same mercenaries.

>>86142
You should check up on her, then, and find out if she's making traps or what. Speaking of traps, maybe we can get Sticks to help work on trap layouts before we send her on spy duty? She seemed quite interested in talking to Iesgip about that, and it seems that practically everyone else save perhaps Nakraska has some experience in trap setting. Well, actually we can't be sure if Grek has experience in that, though as a tinker she should be good at making the mechanisms.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)05:54 No. 86148 ID: fb5d8e
File 126002127355.png - (77.53KB , 700x700 , c8-42.png )

Very well. I should find Iesgip, Sticks and Grek in the womens quarters.

There seems to be quite the racket coming from there, though..
I find Grek and Black Fang in the hall.

"Ya don't just feckin' berst inte a gerls room, ya feckin'baber'an!"
"The master wanted me to give this ring to the newbie."
"Then ye feckin' kneck! Gemme that!"

>>86148
"Would you two lovebirds settle your differences already? Sheesh. Please give the ring to Sticks, Grek."

>>86148
Ask them what the problem is.

>>86148
Take the ring from Black Fang and bust into the girls' room to give it to Sticks yourself.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)06:20 No. 86154 ID: fb5d8e
File 126002280853.png - (77.72KB , 700x700 , c8-43.png )

"Please don't let your lovers squabbles interfere with your work."
"..."
"Wh-wha.. Eye, ser. I'll get the reng te the newbie."
"I'd also like to discuss your work, Grek."
"Oh! Reght. Cem in."

Looks like you hit closer to the truth than they want to admit. Don't let on that you were anything but completely serious, but make a note to treat the matter with a bit more sensitivity from now on.

Continue in.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)06:57 No. 86156 ID: fb5d8e
File 126002507691.png - (84.75KB , 700x700 , c8-44.png )

I follow Grek into the womens quarters.
She tosses the ring at Sticks, who sits with Iesgip on one of the beds. Sticks nimbly catches it, as expected.

"Big hat wents yeh te wear it. Now 'hen, look et thes. That feckin' Fang merc that came 'ere had yer shapes.. Neh effense. I werked a bit on 'er arm'r te mekkit fit yeh."

>>86156
Sweet, new digs! ...I guess Black Fang aimed for the head, then. Compliment her on her resourcefulness. Then try it on.

>>86156
While we're talking about outfits, ask her about that big hooded suit she has. Seems rather unusual.

Always thought it was their equivalent for a labcoat or hazmat suit. Something thick and leathery to be in between her face and acids.

Grek seems a chemist type to me, while Finnie is the mechanical tinkerer one.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)07:42 No. 86166 ID: fb5d8e
File 126002773089.png - (106.89KB , 700x700 , c8-45.png )

"Great! Thank you, Grek. I commend your resourcefulness."

With Iesgip's help I try on the new armor.

"While we are on the topic, may I ask what that big hooded suit of yours is? Is it to protect you from the dangers of your work?"
"Yeh, tis'. Sometimes steff blows up or turns te poison's ges. I'm tryin' te make non-megic 'splosives I can masspreduce. S'far I only been able ta make shite feckin' hot. Used some o' it ta bent the metal on this 'ere suit."

>>86166
I dunno, the armor looks a bit womanly to me. Though it is in fact much better than nothing.

>>86167
Its the skirt. He might need to lose it, or be known as a transvestite paladin.

>>86166
Uh, it looks like the armor is attached to a dress. Perhaps part of the fabric could be removed? That would additionally serve to make it lighter.

>>86170
Politely ask if you can turn that skirt into a cape with the good old malto insignia?

We need to look badass here people.

How thick is the skirt? imean, maybe its there to protect the legs, no?

Also, perhaps now we can get grek working on some weapons, such as a better blade for fang or a pike or glaive of some kind for us, i mean we're okay using our banner as a spear but it cant be at its most efficient, also, you stand a chance of having the banner torn.

I like the skirt. W/o it it our skinny legs would make us look off balance.

But if everyone else is so insecure, let's see what a set of heavy greaves and boots would look like.

Don't worry about it, boss. It looks good on you.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)08:11 No. 86180 ID: fb5d8e
File 126002946545.png - (110.27KB , 700x700 , c8-46.png )

Ofcourse it is for protection. I don't understand how you could even imagine someone attaching a skirt to their armor for no reason, even for a woman.
It's layers of padding. Not the best quality, but efficient.

It is true that though the spear and the banner have a strong place in my heart, I always fear the banner will be damaged further. I'd much rather place it in the warroom as a testament to our loyalty.

"Very well done. Perhaps you could create weapons as well?"
"Create? I jest said I worked'n thes armor we got from th'Feng gerl by superheaten' et. Then I jus' beat on et till it got a shape that'd fit ye. I dun know an'then bet weaponsmethen."

You're not wearing your pants under it?

...at least remove the frills on the bottom. There's no excuse for that.

>>86180
okay okay, good point on the skirt

but at least remove the frills...

>>86180
Maybe we need a smith now? Get some greaves, ditch the dress.

>>86187
seconded, we can keep the tinker on by to work on explosives and for general alterations, they'd be handy. She can also compliment any smith we get with that superheating capability.

>>86180
...ask Sticks how it looks.

>>86194
hot daym we are going to give her a nosebleed

>>86180
So.

A dragoon's armaments seem to be making their way to you. With spear and armor, you shall be a force of valiant judgment on the battlefield.

Also, while the leg is revealed, try flexing it this way and that, to test how the weight of the armor has settled on you.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)09:23 No. 86203 ID: fb5d8e
File 126003379736.png - (53.98KB , 700x700 , c8-47.png )

Getting a smith would be extraordinarily cost inefficient. I have only two warriors in my force at the moment.
I turn my attention to Sticks.

"What do you think, Sticks?"
"Ah- Uhm.. Very dashing."
"Thank you. Now then, I would like to discuss your first assignment with you. As to your preference, you will be working the long range information channel. I need you to spy on our adversary from a nearby goblin settlement. The ring I gave you may let you communicate with me, or at least the voices they let you hear, who can in turn communicate with me. If not, we will have to think of another system of communication."
"Oh yeah, alright. When do I start? ..Do I still get to join you for dinner?"
"Of course. If you agree, you will leave tomorrow when you are ready."
"Alone? Or.. will you take me there?"

Taking her to her destination will be faster and more secure, but will not let us test the ring's range until I've returned. More importantly, it will cost time that I could spend preparing other things.

>>86203
"I'm afraid you may have to wait for dinner. There is much to do, and as much as I would enjoy your company, I have duties of my own to fulfill."

>>86204
She means tomorrow.

>>86203

We should bring her. She likes ya, boss.

>>86203
i think you should take her there.
make sure shes safe and all that

>>86203
Hold up a moment. What "other things" do you mean?

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)09:55 No. 86211 ID: fb5d8e
File 126003574041.png - (55.40KB , 700x700 , c8-48.png )

The other things are anything you could think of that requires me to be at the base. Obviously, I can lose a day's worth of opportunity to do those if I ride out.

"Very well. I will look after your safety."
"Thanks~ I was worried I'd have to walk all the way. Y'know.. It kinda feels like you got stronger since our time in the church."
"Thank you, Sticks. I try to be there for my followers."
"It shows."

..Well, I should go do something until dinner.

Analyze our new map of course.

>>86211
When she said "It shows" she meant that your outfit doesn't leave much to the imagination.
You should go have a talk with Blackfang about how to treat ladies.

>>86211
Take a look at the new map.

Also, take a moment to speak to Black Fang. He wants to find true strength, and is likely at least somewhat disheartened by the fact he had to kill a comrade.

But more importantly, he faced someone who did not have the will to follow their own path, and bested them. This could be noted to him, for his path to strength, that being able to walk a path of your own forging, to fight for what you choose and not what you must, is what causes a warrior to become truly strong.

If you have any anecdotal stories about you (or better yet your parents, as he might feel more similar to them) finding the paths in life you wish to take.

No worries. When a guy wears one, it's called a kilt. Or whatever the romans called theirs.

Have Black Fang instructed to try and raid the countryside for bandits, like Timotei did. They'll have cash and information. And XP.

>>86211
I would suggest doing some training with Black Fang. You're supposed to be making him the ultimate swordsman, remember?

>>86203
I suppose it could be rather inefficient for now but when you get one depends on the rate that you think you will acquire troops at.

Then, on our way to the goblin village tomorrow why dont we see if we can acquire some new weapons?
Might as well while out and about.

waaaiiittt.... mass produced non-magic explosives?
... we have a map... we need to mark where things are in the immediate area. Mainly fields, mines, and hunting grounds.
We need labor too.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)11:58 No. 86241 ID: fb5d8e
File 126004308824.png - (341.78KB , 700x700 , c8-49.png )

A good plan. I can see about acquiring new weapons on the way back from Sticks' destination.

I ask Iesgip to send Black Fang to the ballroo- I mean warroom. She happily obliges.
I wish the ladies good afternoon and hear there myself.

The map is enormous. It covers the entire table.
With it came a piece of paper with an extensive list on it: The map is indexed, from A-1 to Q-21.
What parts are essential to know about right now?

>>86241
A15

Is that giant skull between B8 and B10 just for show? I sure hope not. If so, J/K 4.

>>86241
...I think a good question to ask is, where are WE? Where is THE EVIL PLACE?

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)13:31 No. 86253 ID: fb5d8e
File 126004870654.png - (350.23KB , 700x700 , c8-50.png )

Both A-15 and K-4 are far removed from our position. What do you hope to find there?

We are in the forest's edge. The 'Boss' is in this rock formation.

oh, i just remembered something, we still have to pick up our little goblin friend from the tower to the south. We should also consider keeping tabs on the tower as we know of their affiliation with "the boss"

>>86253

What about H-12?

Start regularly scouting adjacent squares with da boys.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)14:23 No. 86262 ID: fb5d8e
File 126005179722.png - (375.04KB , 700x700 , c8-51.png )

I honestly doubt I will still be welcome at Commander Coriander Salamander's tower. I do agree it will be good to keep track of them.

The area near H-12 is the Old Graveyard, according to the index. I would suspect it to be a place where evil men gather to hide, but considering its close proximity to the true den of villainy Sepia Town, I doubt we have anything to fear.

Iesgip already scouts the area when she gathers food and herbs. She reports anything odd to Black Fang, who looks after the safety of the base.

Well then, I suppose there is nothing you really gain from having this map without knowing the location of our enemy's troops.
I'll turn my attention to Black Fang.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)14:46 No. 86269 ID: fb5d8e
File 126005320610.png - (152.99KB , 700x700 , c8-52.png )

"Aye, ya wanted ta see me, master?"
"Yes, I want to talk with you about the incident with Violent Fang."
"Already told ya all I r'member 'bout it."
"That's not what I meant, Black Fang. I'd like to talk about your feelings."
"I 'ave a life full o' death behind me, master. It ain't affect me anymore. But I'll talk with ya, if ya wish."

>>86269
We'll probably be coming into conflict with more of them. What do you know about them.

>>86269
"I think the strength of will, the dedication to your choices that led you to prevail in the struggle, was part of the path to the ultimate swordsman."

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)16:23 No. 86317 ID: fb5d8e
File 126005901634.png - (152.85KB , 700x700 , c8-53.png )

"I won't force you, Black Fang. It is sad that she had to die. However, I believe that the strength of will, the dedication to your choices that led you to prevail in the struggle, was part of the path to the ultimate swordsman."
"Thank ya, master.. I.. I did my best."
"Just remember not to become as cold as your steel."
"Master.. I don't understand. Ya tell me my dedication's my strength.. Why not lose myself in it?"
"A true warrior needs a goal to fight for, Black Fang. Something that fuels the fire in his heart. To become a stonecold killer means becoming nothing more than an animal."
"...hrrr..."
"Is something wrong?"
"Nay, master.. I just.. just was awed fer a moment. Hrr, d'ya need me for anything else?"
"Yes. We are sure to encounter more of your former colleagues. Please tell me about the Fangs Mercenary Company."
"Hrrr, I can't tell ya much, master. I was- well, the muscles, not the brain. My talent was jus' tearin' and slashin' things apart, so White Fang ne'er let me in on much. All the others.. well, they all played their part."
"Was White Fang the leader?"
"Aye.. He was an albino gnoll which branded 'im an outcast from the moment 'e was born. I heard that's why he set up the Fangs, ta provide a home to all gnoll orphans 'n runaways. Y'could say he raised us all."

>>86317
Ask him about Orange Fang, the only other not to stay with the group.

>>86317
Hug Black Fang while considering if you yourself would have the resolve to go against those that raised you if need be.
Whisper "I'll be your family now" into his ear.

then fuck him

>>86317
Yes, lets ask about this Orange Fang fellow, perhaps he could be of some use?

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)16:41 No. 86323 ID: fb5d8e
File 126006008363.png - (41.81KB , 700x700 , c8-54.png )

It is indeed awful to hear about someone going against their family, blood-tied or not. I cannot imagine fighting my own parents.

"What about Orange Fang, the third one to leave?"
"Orange Fang.. He was the odd one out most o' the time.. Would only comfort'bly speak ta White Fang. He just.. He was always goin' on 'bout things the rest o' us didn't understand. Magic 'n stars.. A wizard-type 'e was."

>>86323
Why are you always snarling, Black Fang?

>>86323
"Well, Black Fang, if you ever feel I am not keeping you in the loop, please tell me. I would not want you to feel excluded. I value your opinion as a fellow warrior. Besides, what kind of person would I be to learn from if I did not take interest in the student?"

>>86323
Ask him if he has any idea where he might've gone. Even if he can't be persuaded to help us directly, perhaps we can get advice from him.

Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)17:04 No. 86336 ID: fb5d8e
File 126006147699.png - (152.38KB , 700x700 , c8-55.png )

"Do you have any idea where he might have gone?"
"Nah.. I only 'eard from Violet that he left, 'n I ne'er knew him well."
"I understand. ..Well, if you ever feel I am not keeping you in the loop, please tell me. I would not want you to feel excluded, Black Fang. I'll do my best to be your new family."
"..Master.. Th-thank you.."

We exchange a form handshake, much like when we first met. But when it lingers this time it's with a much stronger feeling.

>>86324
Habit, probably. Looking tough was a major proponent of the job around which his formative years were oriented.

>>86336
Okay, now's the time he would be most receptive.

Maybe do some light sparring, try to get a sense of any particular flaws in how Black Fang fights, and try to help him with them. He should pay a good bit of attention to what you say, considering what just happened. This is pretty much the ideal teaching situation, here.

And in it, a chance for you to limber up and make sure your skills don't wane.

>>86336
RIDDER KISS BLACK FANG

>>86336
I suppose some sparing to work up an appetite for dinner later may be in order.

Proceed to dance the tango.

>>86336
Bromance is a beautiful thing.
Also I suppose a little sparring wouldn't hurt.

Less homosexuality. more Sticks-loving. Bromance is fine, though.

>>86350
I must see this.

>>86350
The tango of blades
Our dancing is ALWAYS DEADLY

Hey... If we can learn how to use the hook trap, we could replace the hooks with less lethal objects like spheres of wood and have people train dodging with it.

Knight Blades: End of chapter 8 Ridder 2009/12/05(Sat)19:46 No. 86435 ID: fb5d8e
File 126007119226.png - (140.60KB , 700x700 , c8-56.png )

Black Fang and I have a light sparring session. We exchange techniques and alert eachother of our weaknesses.
Dinner time comes with the setting of the sun. During it we welcome Sticks to the group.

Tomorrow I shall ride out to the goblin settlement, leaving the base in the hands of my beloved followers once again.
For now, all is peaceful...

...but I can't shake the feeling that I overlooked something very important.

>>86435
Dinner with Sticks!

Unless there's something else.

dessert?

>>86435
the harp
do you know how to play it?
if you do have a ball

Still got a hole in the window?

Well, duh! Looking for your father.

Wait... wrong quest.

>>86445
You're close anyway.

We could've gotten more backstory on Ridder's parents