Eeyfel 2020/05/09(Sat)21:41 No. 966090 ID: 6f7a5a
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Eeyvel stomps across the outer courtyard of Castle Crym
'Do this Eeyfel, do that! ' the acolyte grumbles 'collect the taxes Eeyfel, sort the potions Eeyfel, sweep the ritual chamber Eeyfel, don't fall behind on your studies Eeyfel!'
The Kobold spits in disgust 'Fifth Acolyte, Bleh! More like first slave!'

Eeyfel shakes her head as she continues stomping her way to the fountain 'Why should I warn of escaped prisoners? Eeyfel has her own problems . . .'

>>966090
Like what?

>>966091
we are intrigued

also look out for an angry hydra

Those prisoners encroach on your authority. You won't have a castle to live in if they send it careening down the cliff with their bombs!

Own problems? Explain as you make your way to inform whoever of the prisoners, cause if you don't the Hydra will become one of your own problems.

Ok, tell us what other things you have to do, besides what you are told.

The reason you must warn about escaped prisoners is to make those escaped prisoners other people's problem.

>>966104
I think this reasoning is the most Koboldinous.

>>966090
Those problems will only multiply if, in abandoning your duty, you are assumed to be helping the prisoners.

If she treats you this poorly as a student, how would she treat you as a criminal?

That's crappy bosses in a nutshell, you can expect no reward but if you mess up? Kiss your tail goodbye.

Eeyfel 2020/05/21(Thu)14:37 No. 967402 ID: 6f7a5a
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Eeyfel's words are barely more than a whisper '... deathly problems' the acolyte winces as she lifts her pained arm, still suffering from the merest touch of the plagued unliving creature.

she shudders with the memory, and dreads the future it foretells.

Eeyfel 2020/05/21(Thu)14:40 No. 967405 ID: 6f7a5a
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As dangerous as her emerging affliction might be, the kobold knows that failing her mistress would only yield a worse fate.
the Acolyte glances around the courtyard wary of prying eyes, she actives a hidden rune.
A secret passage opens at the foot of the memorial shrine leading into the darkness.

You'd better get that treated as soon as your errand is complete. It's going to be even more of a hassle serving the duchess's needs with one arm.

I suppose we'll just have to see where shes going.

Let me guess, the Duchess treats your arm as an 'ongoing experiment'.

>>967468
Near the end of chapter one she was grabbed by an undead and it messed up her arm

Yeah, just get this done and think about who might be able to help you.

Eeyfel 2020/06/07(Sun)14:01 No. 969138 ID: 6f7a5a
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Eyfel descends the stairs grumbling, frustrated over steps made for creatures with legs too long or numerous.

Eeyfel 2020/06/07(Sun)14:03 No. 969139 ID: 6f7a5a
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Reaching the bottom of the stairs and looking into the gate of the ritual chamber the Acolyte is faced with a tough choice:

A) She enters the chamber and alerts her masters to the current crisis, but risk interrupting a crucial ritual.
B) she waits till they finish, which could take hours and loose precious time resolving the crisis


Eeyfel knows with out a doubt that if she makes the wrong choice she'll be blamed and punished harshly.

>>969139
Sneak into the chamber, without alerting them, and try to work out if it's something you can interrupt.

Alert them now. Don't give the prisoners time to plot and scheme - Kalez's plotting and scheming must take the position of all pieces into account.

A. You'll be in trouble either way but you might as well get in trouble for doing your job.

>>969140
Right approach

>>969140
Sounds good. Be really careful not to get discovered unnecessarily.

>>969140
This

>>969139
The prison break is time sensitive. They must know.

Enter, but have tact. Make sure you show in demeanor that you have dire, time sensitive information. Show proper respects. And do NOT cut off anyone that will be too angry at you.

A little peek to make sure you're not interrupting wouldn't hurt right? Enter, check, leave if important.

>>969140

Agreed. If you're caught, then stick with A and just tell them what they need to know. If you aren't, then base your choice on what you see.

Knock on the door until you are ordered to stop. Then explain the situation as quickly as possible.

Eeyfel 2020/06/25(Thu)15:45 No. 970672 ID: 6f7a5a
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Eeyfel tries to quietly open the door, but the activation charm grinds the doors fully open.

three imposing figures turn their attention to the interruption.

State your business. 'The prisoners are escaping, my liege!' Then duck for cover.

"They blew up the dungeon! How shall we crush them, Commander?"

>>970672
And yes, duck so hard your tongue licks your brain.

>>970672
Inform them that the prisoners have escaped and of the explosions.
Also stand your ground firmly so you don’t look like a coward infront of your leaders.

>>970672
Ok, never underestimate our masters. They thought of everything, probably.

Apologize and get the news out quick. Tell them what you know. I assume Eeyfel knows that it was the 'heroes' she encountered days prior that have escaped. Explosives were used but they teleported out. Fate of the Warden unknown, caught in the blast.

>>970681
Yeah, do this but don't be bold. Brace for whatever punishment is coming.

LW 2020/06/29(Mon)20:51 No. 971001 ID: 6f7a5a
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'You dare disturb my rituals?' High Priestess Kalez hisses, more annoyed by the disrespect than anything else.
'Many apologies Mistress!'the kobold servant pleads 'but the prisoners are escaping mistress!'
Shock and furry fill the rachnid having no better target she vents it upon her minion 'WHAT!? who dares! tell me everything or I'll toss you into a brazier!'

Eeyfel as quickly and clearly as she can manage explains what happened, starting with the guards waking up,moving on to the Hydra running beyond the kobold guards, then encountering the strange wizard that blew up the Hydra and finally finishing with handing over of the strange basket found in the guard mess.

Furious beyond words Kalez can only chatter her chelicerae in a series of seething clicks, she shoves the basket into the hands of her first Acolyte, a vavver named N'Thar.

N'Thar Examines the basket with fascination 'This marking on the top it looks similar to the symbol on Miss Hearth's Flag'
'you think she's involved? ' Oragat the armorer blurts out.
'She might be . . .'N'thar ponders for a moment before addressing Kalez 'If I may Mistress I have some thoughts for a plan of action'

Kalez . . .
A) Punishes Eeyfel for her many failings
B) indulges her adviser and listen's to his plan
C) comes up with her own superior plan
d) something else

C/b: Listen to his plan, then rebuff him with the same plan but better.

>>971001
B) indulges her adviser and listen's to his plan

>>971002
I think so too.

>>971002
I like this one.

Punish Eeyful while listening to your adviser's plan

>>971001
A. Toss her into a brazier. Then B.

>>971016

>>971002
Ya, this. We a petty bitch. Don't punish Eeyfel, this is an emergency, and she made a good call to save you time, and it's hard to find servants who aren't completely useless.

>>971060
Realistically, punishing Eeyfel could be an important part of the new plan.

A and B, but don’t punish her too much Eeyfels trying her best

Punishing her for getting the message to you instead of running away or waiting when swift action must be taken will just condition incompetence.

C/D Yell at the advisor to write his plan up on a chalkboard while you come up with a strategy. You'll listen if he can write up with something faster than you.

B) Time is right now fleeting, we need to make sure we act fast.

>>971001
D) Have N'thar collab a plan with Eeyfel, though with him mostly planning it out with her making slight edits. Make final touches after.

Also see if we can send a search party/rescue team for the Hydra. Not that we care or anything, just the resources and time put into them would be a serious waste if they truly were killed by a few explosives placed by treacherous, arrogant 'heroes'.

>>971001

B. If we're going to have an advisor, it seems a waste to not at least hear them out.

As for Eeyfel, there are many failings we could punish her for besides interrupting us. However, since she did the right thing by bringing us the information as promptly as she could, perhaps a lighter sentence is in order. Still punish her, as we don't want her to get too comfortable, but nothing overly harsh for this loyal minion.

>>971527
do this

Tell Eeyfel that she did well, and her reward is... a new set of clothes! She may take what she likes from the castle wardrobe. Of course, this means her current outfit has to go. Go with A and tear apart the clothes under her cloak.

>>971648
This sounds like a fitting punishment

Kalez 2020/07/14(Tue)11:49 No. 972227 ID: 6f7a5a
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'just a moment' Kalez responds to N'Thar, before lifting Eeyfel up a carrying her to the nearest brazier.

'Eeeeiaa! Please Misteress! I told you everything just like you asked!!' the kobold screeches as the fire scorches her outfit.

Kalez hisses in response 'Everything? wrong! you falied to explain where you were durring all this, how you failed to prevent any of the disaster or why I should keep such a worthless servant!'

Eeyfel continues to beg and plead for mercy

Might as well take her undergarments while we’re still punishing her. Leave her to return to the castle in nothing but her cape.

>>972227
Burn her enough to leave permanent lasting scars without hindering her physical performance.

>>972300
Okay, that's going too far. Just the underwear being gone is fine, we're evil not monsters...Okay, we're monsters but not "monster" monsters.

You know, those are good questions. Maybe Eeyfel should answer them, unless she wants to become an eyefull.

Tell your mistress you were attending your duties elsewhere. Collecting taxes, sorting potions, sweeping, studying, yes? Just as she requires of you!

Don't ask for mercy Eeyfel, give answers. Or excuses. It's expected from someone in your position.
Kalez, put her down and send her to deliver your orders. With kobold minions, You get what you pay for, and/or beat into them day in and day out.

Snap (Water Slash or Molten Bolt) the links on those panties and expose her vulva to the heat. But ultimately give up and tell her not to fail you again. Then turn to N'Thar and his plan ideas.

We've made our point. Toss eeyfel to the ground and go to hear the plan which will stop the real danger from getting away and destroying the castle.

>>972425
I agree. A little terror goes a long way.

But those who trespassed against us must face our true wrath.

Tell her that begging for mercy is not the answer to your questions and she needs to stop avoiding the question. You do not tolerate weaklings who begs for mercy within her position.

You're harsh, but fair. Tell her You'll give her one more chance with this choice, but because of not answering questions the first time around, it comes with a punishment: either keep avoiding the question and die a fiery death, or she can answer your questions properly and grant her mercy, but at the price of incinerating all the clothing she owns and not allowing her wear any form of clothing for an entire month, even while on thr job, as punishment for the failings and for now avoiding our questions and begging for mercy. She'll need to learn the hard way to tough out this trial if she wishes to serve you again.

The humiliation of having a minion be so incompetent- in front of others no less! is inexcusable.
If you show mercy in return she will never learn.

Take her undergarments and let her shame be seen by all.
Perhaps the rest could use likewise a reward for their services?
Either way council with the advisor with the plans for this unforseen hitch.

Kalez 2020/07/17(Fri)16:46 No. 972585 ID: 6f7a5a
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Eeyfel squeals a little more before Kalez tires of the torment, and throws the kobold to the ground by her chains, snapping the undergarment off of her.

Kalez 2020/07/17(Fri)16:48 No. 972586 ID: 6f7a5a
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Kalez Turns to her adviser 'Speak your plan'

N'thar bows to Kalez and begins 'Thank you, the way I see it we have a number of pressing concerns that have require multiple solutions, We'll never find that cloaked magician now, but with any luck Garrin will succeed in slowing their ally's progress in the north. I advise that we Send Eeyfel or some other unremarkable individual into town to discover the source of this basket, the Hatchley and Hearth guild hall being the best place to start. Regarding or wayward warden I shall collect the Hydra personally I've cultivated a loyalty with the beast I can bring it back from the second level.'

The Armorer steps forward 'I'll not be sidelined again!'

The advisor smirks in response and continues 'Never fear Oragatt, I've not forgotten you, Someone should collect that giant we used, she's desperate for help that we can provide, and your homelands dealing with giants shall prove invaluable.'

The Armorer seems to accept this

Kalez considers the whole plan, she can't take credit for it, there are to many witnesses for it to be amusing

A)She accepts N'Thar's plan
B)She makes changes
C)She attends one of the objective's personally
D)she comes up with something completely different
E)some other reaction

B/C, go with Eeyfel to investigate the guild. If they are involved they will expect us to investigate in some way since the Hydra is a witness, and they will likely recognize whoever we send simply from being on high alert. It's possible we can distract them by being super high profile and making a big fuss, while Eeyfel sneaks in and does the actual work. A two-pronged attack.

B: High risk high reward strategy: N'thar's "we'll never get that cloaked magician now" is an admission of weakness. He might not be able to get them, but of course not! You are the mistress of magic around here, and you will not have lesser sorcerers trampling in your territory without your leave! Announce that you will track this interloper, where everyone else would obviously fail.

Success will surely show your power and dominance, and even if you somehow don't get your hands on this magician themselves, so long as you bring back something, you'll have gained some benefit that N'thar would have not even attempted to achieve.

>>972586
B/C) This situation has escalated to requiring your own hands and claws in this. Lets relieve N'thar of retrieving the warden so he can assist with one of the other tasks. We'll go after the Hydra ourselves, to make sure they don't complicate anything and to also gain favor with them. They are after all, one of our best non-acolytes. If the other two objectives fail, we'll have a powerful guardian on our side with our other minions. Assuming we can ensure loyalty, and their safety.

>>972601
This is kind of bullheaded. While we may not be able to find them now, we could certainly find them eventually. We should start an investigation into the individual and try to track them down. Chasing after them now is a waste of time. Its not weakness, its being smart.

>>972586
A

>>972610
N’thar’s plan is well thought out and smart. I think it’s the best and safest course of action for us seeing how a good amount of things haven’t been going the way Kalez wants them too.

>>972601
I agree completely. Accept this suspiciously quickly well thought out plan with your addition as an example to Eeyfel of what a loyalist to her mistress looks like.

C: Remand the Hydra yourself.

Parts of N'thar's plan are likely to go awry. This is a powerful adversary.

But if we graciously accept it, he will look foolish, and become a better subordinate in the future as he begs for our forgiveness.

>>972598
this but
>>972602
We go get the Hydra while N'thar goes with Eeyfel to investigate.

Also we need to do something about Eeyfels arm.

A)seems reasonable enough of a plan, and no true leader does the dirty work themselves.

I’m not sure Kalez herself going to the Hydra is such a good idea. As N’thar says he knows her better and is probably our best bet for calming her.

Hatchley and Hearth guild hall? I thought they were not from these lands, as mentioned by Vivian, she was just a foreign exterminator.

Oragatt... wouldn't it be too slow for them to collect the giant? Like, if they do that, would they still be able to meet Vivian or Sabria? I'm not sure what other job they could do tho.

Make changes: Send Nifel instead of Eeyfel. Eeyfel would be too conspicuous. It would also be too conspicuous if Kalez would assist there.

I think Kalez should go check out the prison, how was it that the invaders were able to get in there. This basket, could it be some sort of a teleportation marker? Is there any spell that could help us with this?

Kalez should also contact the trolls to help Garrin.

Kalez 2020/08/07(Fri)14:08 No. 974091 ID: 6f7a5a
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Kalez pauses for a moment and "A guild house? I thought that Hearth woman said she had newly arrived?"

'indeed she did' N'Thar responds with a smug expression 'but even then I suspected most of her words were half truths our outright lies, I investigated the matter and found that a guild house bearing her name was set up three years prior, and she's been operating in this kingdom for some time. '

The golden scorpion finds his self satisfaction revolting, and responds with sarcasm 'you're very clever first acolyte'

N'Thar pretends the compliment is genuine 'Thank you High Priestess'

Kalez ignores this and continues '. . .Yes too clever I think to be wasting talent tracking down our multi-headed warden, I'll find the beast myself, your sparkling wisdom will go with Eeyfel and and show her what it means to be a competent servant.'

'Of course high priestess' N'Thar responds with a sneer.
Neither Acolyte seems pleased with this change but both hold their tongues on any further comment.

Are there any further changes Kalez will make to the plan?

Sounds like a good plan set in motion. We should hurry and start putting it into action before any more prisoners get away.

Best be off then, get the warden and restore order to the prison. Save Kalez's definitely-not-daughters, adopted or not best non-alcolyte(s). Maybe we should ask for N'thar's advice on handling them but I think we'd be wasting time.

Plan is good.
Now to think of a fitting punishment for Eeyfel.

Nope, that's plenty of ideas to call it your own. Poor N'thar, was probably planning to do some black market shopping on the side.

Kalez 2020/08/18(Tue)12:25 No. 974681 ID: 6f7a5a
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Satisfied Kalez dispatched her Acolytes, "Good! now get going every second will cost us"

All Acolytes will begin carry out their missions unguided, select a character too follow to guide them carefully and unlock story moments, unselected characters missions will be jumped to when something goes horribly wrong, or if a task is going to take a long time.

A) Follow High Priestess Zarcadia Kalez as she stays in the castle and goes about collecting of the lost Hydra.
B) Follow first Acolyte Aebin Nurom Thar and Fifth Acolyte Eeyfel Scrunge, as they head into town to find clues about the infiltrators.
C) Follow Second Acolyte Garrin Veraki as he escorts Princess Reefa and prevents monster hunter Vivian Hearth from crossing Belgate Bridge.
D) Follow Third Acolyte Oragatt Ruingarth as she goes to reinforce Herocea and attempts to further detain Inquisitor Sabria.

E)if you select any other character, I will pick the acolyte most likely to interact them on their mission

[/b]

>>974681
A

A

In order of my preference: C B A D

A

C. Sounds like we'll have the most fun there.

>>974681
Order of my preference: B C A D

A

C

A, we must find our baby.

Oh, and tell Eeyfel to dress herself. She won't work "properly" like that.

B

>>974681
A.

Ooh, tough choice! D.

Both B and C sound fun!

>>974681

C's my pick, I wanna check back in with Garrin and the gang.

>>974681
A

>>974681
D. Always choose the D.

>>974681
A

>>974681
A

tough choice, but C

Kalez 2020/09/03(Thu)19:01 No. 975587 ID: 6f7a5a
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As Kalez leaves she hears N'Thar providing Eeyfel with a long list of requirements and orders she must obey on their mission.

His displeasure pleases the golden scorpion, she doesn't know why he wanted to enter the ward of the second level, but no doubt it involved circumventing her authority and gaining further favor with the creatures that dwell there.

The creatures are not fully under Kalez's power, and might turn against her if she's not careful. Kalez resolves to bring a couple of the serpent mercenaries with her, they are relatively loyal and slow with stairs, making them useful decoys if retreat is needed.

Kalez considers if she should bring any additional protection

The serpents should be enough. Too many minions and the movements will be too slow and crowded.

>>975587
The two serpents should work.
Do we even have a plan for calming down the Hydra?

Hydras are heavy, and your snakes are no good with stairs...

This is an arcane chamber- could you summon something with more power than that?

Nah, it's fine.

>>975587
Bring the serpents. Though keep them on standby, hidden away when encountering the Hydra.

Kalez 2020/09/05(Sat)01:07 No. 975709 ID: 6f7a5a
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Kalez decides to not bring anything else for protection

Kalez pulls out a map of the second level, and quickly marks with an "X" where she imagines the Hydra will likely have fallen. She
has no currently plan to detain the Hydra but is certain something will come to her by the time she gets there. She considers summoning a powerful elemental spirit to subdue the beast but thinks better of it, the risk of then having two deadly monsters on the loose is too great.

The Golden Scorpion refocuses herself she needs to choose a route to level two, she disregards the path up from level three, too many wards she'd have to shut down to allow the serpents to pass.
She decides either down the stairs from level one, or up by the supply elevator from the docks.

What does she decide?

elevator

Elevator

Not bringing anything else still means the snakes, right? It takes more than one head to deal with a many-headed monster. Might want to have guardian weapon at the ready, and be prepared to knock her off balance before casting grapple spells.
Take the stairs, it'll be faster

Elevator sounds like a good idea. Will help the snakes with movement at the very least.

>>975709

B: Elevator

>>975709
Take the elevator, you may be boxed in but speed is probably going to help us with the situation right now.

Kalez 2020/09/23(Wed)19:49 No. 977053 ID: 6f7a5a
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Kalez decides on the Elevator, it'll be quicker and arouse fewer suspicions.

After contacting her two favored mercenaries with her crystal she walks down to elevator room entrance, and waits for her soldiers to come in from the city

* * *

The Golden scorpion is not kept waiting long.
Azzeki and Sezeda arrive, but another serpent Lylene has followed them

Kalez 2020/09/23(Wed)19:52 No. 977054 ID: 6f7a5a
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Kalez feigns anger'I told you two to come alone'

'It's not our fault!' Azzeki pleads 'she followed us here!'

Madam Lylene tries to muster all the nobility and dignity her disgraced bloodline can muster 'Asss lasst knight of Crym it is my duty to render aid where needed'

Kalez holds back a chuckle, and attempt to remain serious 'oh how did you even know I had a task to be done?'

Lylene gleefully chimes 'I didn't! I've been following Sezeda everywhere! I know she's one of you favoritess for dangerouss tassks!'

Pleeaassse make her sstop. Sezeda groans.

Kalez Likes Lylene, She's spent the last several months secretly helping the hopeless girl achieve far beyond her normal capabilities.
It has been a fun hobby rigging her to win contests and competitions all the while having her earn the resentment of her peers.

However Lylene will probably get eaten alive on this mission.

Does Kalez care? will she find some way to get rid of her?

>>977054
I mean, you like her, shouldn't you care?
Trying to get rid of her might not work though. She might just follow you anyway.
How about you warn her you've been tracking her career and this is the most dangerous thing she's ever attempted. You don't think it will go well for her. If she insists on coming, then tell her you will try to keep her alive (and you mean it, but that doesn't mean you'll keep her unharmed).

Once again, we will need all the muscle available to move the hydra. She should stay.

Live or die, can't let our hobbies interfere with important work like this.

>>977054
Take Azzeki and Sezeda with you, give her the super important task of guarding the base.

Ask Azzeki how she's doing once out of earshot.

She cares, a cocky hand can spill your deck to your opponents. Not a useful decoy, so unless her unnatural abilities include swiftness of scale she's off. Dress her down and task her with finding the midriff of that getup.

>>977055
I agree. It could be good for her to earn a few scars in a real battle scenario. If she wishes to be useful, she must experience real danger. Kalez will be right behind her to safe her life, but she will not hold her hand.

>>977054
Keep her along. If anything she can be used as bait or a distraction during the confrontation with the Hydra.

Tell Lylene that if she comes along, she'll be covering her own butt.

Might as well bring them along. More cannon fodder in case something goes wrong.

Yes she cares a bit, let Lylene know that there are unknown risks, things contests have not prepared her for. You have a somewhat personal stake in this, you cannot afford dead weight or a loose cannon contributing to the unknown factors at hand. If she insists on coming, so be it.

>>977068 Agree, don't hold her hand.

>>977054

Bringing an unprepared minion on a mission where they will almost certainly die serves no purpose other than inflicting mental stress on all other minions present when they inevitably bite it. While it might be nice to use her as a meat-shield, it's better to get rid of her now. The last thing you need is dead weight.

Plus, she's good entertainment.

A small show of cruelty now to keep her from following may wind up being a greater mercy overall. You can warn her of the dangers to try and get her to leave on her own, but it may just be quicker to assert your authority and/or strength to force compliance.

Kalez 2020/10/19(Mon)22:47 No. 979034 ID: 6f7a5a
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Kalez decides she could use a little more expendable flesh,
she cares for Lylene but this mission is important enough to risk a favored pet.

The sigh Kalez give is genuine 'very well Madame Lylene Eshekath, you can follow.'

the young naga is clearly pleased but makes a modest effort to hide it.

* * *

Kalez leads leads them inside to the elevator room.

Ulric Ikenhart, the new castle grounds-keeper and gardener is here.
Ulric is preparing the supply shipment to the second level, blissfully unaware that this task has cost the lives of so many before him.
'Ulric!' Kalez calls out.

he turns and bows to the Duchess as she approaches 'forgiveness your graces, I wasn't expecting you, Nethar didn't tell me . . . actually he was suppose to be here already.'

Kalez 2020/10/19(Mon)22:50 No. 979035 ID: 6f7a5a
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'Nethar will not coming' Kalez respond

a smile spreads across Ulric's face 'he's not dead is he? he owes me coin.'

Ulric is quite young but up close Kalez can see the illness that six month of this task will inflict.
'I had work for him in town, I'll be going up this time.'

This seems to delight Ulric further 'The old lady will be so happy to see you, I've been told how much she misses your visits'

Kalez shudders at the thoughts of visiting that horrid witch, with any luck she hopes she won't have too.'I'm sure she does . . . take us up now Ulric'

The wolf seems a little surprised 'Are you all going up? I'll have to send you up in two trips, along with all the supplies'

Very well, Lylene and you will take the lift up and wait upstairs for the rest of the train to follow you.

>>979035
>along with all the supplies
What if he didn't send the supplies? Could he send the four of you up in one trip on your own?

>>979037
His primary job involves the supplies. There's probably personnel awaiting them too. Causing a delay would reduce productivity, and reducing productivity would reduce the taxes we perceive.

>>979036
This, Kalez can get a small conversation in with her about what she’s about to fight.

>>979035
Clearly whatever is making him waste away has already affected his common sense. Delivering you and your retinue is much more important than briefly delaying a few crates.

If it must be two trips send up the two more expendable snake kind first and then go up with your favorite.

Kalez 2020/10/23(Fri)15:20 No. 979362 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160349160968.png - (532.77KB , 657x858 , Pentacle147.png )

'I'd send you all up at once but three nagas weigh a LOT' Ulric adds as Kalez clicks in irritation.

'Lylene, you're heaviest, with me.Kalez orders and boards the elevator

Lylene follows after her'Sssssoo! who's this old Lady the gardener mentioned?'

'Via Vardek' the scorpion retorts.

Lylene seems unsatisfiedIs that someone I should know?

Kalez can't help but find the serpents imbecilic naivety endearing 'Hah! not any more, just a relic of the past'


Kale considers this conversation
(A) She tells her about Via Vardek
(B) She warns her about the other dangers of level 2
(C) She asks her a question
(D) She tells Lylene to be quiet

>>979362
B.

>>979362
B

A. An enquiring snake's got a right to know.

>>979362
Definitely B. Try to discourage her from going, give her an easy out or hint at a different task she could be doing instead to save face. You might not like it, but it would be the easiest and mostly painless way to get her useless tail out of your way.

A.

>>979362

B. Give her all the information she needs, and see how she performs with it. Failure is on her shoulders if she falls to a known threat.

B) Now is the time to warn her. While the others can not see as well.

>>979362
B) she doesn't need to know who's who, merely those she may need to fight.

A. Maybe B as well, altho I don't think it's possible for Kalez to discourage Lylene.

Kalez 2020/10/29(Thu)12:17 No. 979984 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160399907939.png - (332.40KB , 657x858 , Pentacle148.png )

Lylene misses the meaning entirely 'A relic? iss sssub dungeon two a sshrine?'

Kalez' thoughts drift to the past 'perhaps a shrine to hubris, in my arrogance I thought I could cure them'

'cure who?' the naga asks

'The prismaticans, the nobility of Teroth. the few that survived Nerexi's invasion only to be devastated by a horrible plague'Kalez adds in the vain hope that the dimwit understands this was intended to be a hospital for them . . .but it ended up as a their tomb
'
Lylene's peanut brain lights up at the word "tomb"'ssso they all died?' she remarks.

Kalez can only shake her head'you simple fool, you know nothing of death, they suffered for month after month wasting away or developing horrid growths,it was a hall filled with screams and torment, it took five long years for King Flagrion to finally let it all end, to give up on the afflicted and seal away three hundred souls away here forever, only then did they start to die . . . '

Kalez pauses for a moment but no stupid comment from the snake comes so she continues 'I am damned to the burning hells for I could not do it, I held for a half year as they starved, with the strong feeding on the weak, and then I betrayed our King's order and brought them food and water. I could not let them all die.'

Kalez turns to her right and is delighted to see the serpent is still awake and engaged 'they're still there Lylene, still clinging to life after thirty years in the dark.

Lylene seems defiant and unimpressed.I'm not afraid of ssome old sstarving ssick people

>>979984
The strong fed on the weak. That means the ones left are strong. Also you've been feeding them so they're not starving.

"You should. Every beast under the sunlight seeks life; if it does not fight tooth and claw against its own just to survive, it will throw itself into fire just to save its successors. They are all enslaved to the perpetration of their lineage.

These beasts do not live under the sunlight. They will throw themselves in packs just to bury us under their corpses. They will cripple themselves just to scratch us with plague-infested nails. They will destroy their own souls to ruin ours with their visage.

I lost my faith in religion when it ordered me, indirectly, to create this Hell."

Never underestimate the will to live, to survive, especially from those whose life is pending from a thin thread, those who have nothing to lose. No one is exempt of this, its on our nature, and in the moments of great crisis, the will to live makes us fight on, beyond our limits, our morals and our loyialties. Only the ones that are truly strong can maintain their psyche intact against despair. That is how TRUE heroes and legends are born, unlike that horrid vixen.
Perhaps yours will be tested today and it will show your true resolve.

Kalez 2020/11/09(Mon)18:43 No. 980708 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160497621386.png - (424.60KB , 657x858 , Pentacle149.png )

'Never underestimate a starving animal Madame Eshekath, desperation and a deep rooted drive to survive can make even the meek formidable enemies'
Kalez lectures to the fool'the nobles trapped here however are not meek, once they were this kingdom's greatest warriors'

Lylene remains adamant'I'm am thisss kingdom's greatesst warrior, I am last knight of Crym!'

'And you never stopped and thought about what happened to all the other knights?' Kalez questions

Before Lylene can answer the Elevator reaches it's destination.

Alright get out and prepare for battle.

Get out of the elevator and wait for Ulric to come back with the last two. You want to be fully prepared for when this starts.

>>980754
I agree, let us wait for the rest.

>>980708
We brought back up for a reason. Be alert and wait for the others.

Kalez 2020/11/23(Mon)18:53 No. 981904 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160618641447.png - (743.38KB , 657x858 , Pentacle150.png )

Kalez and Lylen disembark from the elevator.
moments after the elevator trundle back down a figure emerges from the shadows.

Ehhh, someone you know Kalez?

>>981904
Cast swipe to take away this mystery serpent’s weapon before he can do anything.

Yeah I have no idea how to react without knowing if this person is supposed to be here.
Looks like a guard though? So... say hello?

Lylene seems at least a little flustered. Let her talk, see if she trips over her tongue.

Be ready for an attack if this isn’t someone we know. Let Lylene show her cowardice or courage, put her on the spot.

Kalez 2020/11/29(Sun)11:52 No. 982407 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160667952784.png - (331.11KB , 657x858 , Pentacle151.png )

Lylene seems ready to fight! . . . and be destroyed, she's no match the the knight Commander Kalez knows

She speaks out to avoid a pointless fight. "Knight Commander Eghosco! Hold!"

the armored figure halts for a moment

Kalez is delighted, he appears to be trying to think."don't you recognize me Ghosk?" she asks

The armored figure stares at the golden scorpion with blazing eyes, moments pass before he speaks "Kaalleezzz . . ."

Spooky. Does Eghosco always appear ready to open a can of snake oil on every passerby?

Well that bodes slightly well. He remembers you. Tell him you and your group are going to pass through.

>>982407
Try to recruit him to the mission. Now we can have four members in the snake party.

Convince him you and your snakes are no threat and to go about his rounds again, the less time around this unstable warrior the better. Make sure Lylen keeps her big fat mouth hinged.

Kalez 2020/12/03(Thu)21:09 No. 982729 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160705855638.png - (603.15KB , 657x858 , Pentacle152.png )

Lylene completely misses the danger of the situation 'Iss thiss wierdo alwayss like thiss?'

'No, be quiet and show some respect to your commanding officer'[/i] Kalez responds, she considers for a moment bringing Eghosco along to order around Lylene, but quickly dismisses the idea, the commander is not reliable enough, and could quickly turn on them if they aren't careful.

Eghosco's eyes drift towards the ceiling 'Ii caann't ffiinnd thee sssuunn Kaallezzz . . .'

Kalez tries to reason with the addled commander 'I can't help you there, but me and my serpents will leave you to your search, do you mind if we pass through here?'

Eghosco seems to respond but doesn't look in the scorpion's direction. 'Daanngerroouusss . . .The deeaad wwaalk iinn thhe sshhaadoowwsss, haavve too ffiind thhe sssun.'

I'm sure a light spell is within Kalez' power, but maybe she shouldn't cast it near the commander lest he be fixated on it.

He likes to speak in abstract thoughts. Give him something he can sttach his own meaning to. Like "sunrise is a gift for the patient sentinel" or somesuch.

>>982731
This

>>982731
Voting this as well, keep yourself between him and your allies just in case.

Kalez 2020/12/09(Wed)20:21 No. 983277 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160757408978.png - (511.52KB , 657x858 , Pentacle153.png )

Kalez's other two serpents arrive with the elevator, Sezeda ghasps in shock seeing the knight commander.
'Woah! who'ss long dark and brooding! Thiss where you been hiding all the man meat Duch?'

Duchess Kalez Sighs This is Commander Eghosco, now I need you two to-

Commander Eghosco? Eghosco Ejardon? Azzeki interupts 'but the Ejardons were wiped out decadesss ago I don't undersstand . . .'

'He can wipe me out anytime~'Sezeda adds

Channeling Kalez' increasing annoyance Azzeki retorts you realize Commander Eghosco should be over a hundred years old by now!

"Mmmm! thenn he'sss got a LOT of experienccce!" Sezeda coos

Ask the commander to show his face to your foolish followers.

If you seriously want to spend the rest of your days down here, by all means go and further medical research, but being the only sane person down here will drive you crazy soon enough.
Now no more mackin' on the patients!

It's so hard to find good professional help these days. No workplace romances!

>>983277
Pinch Sezeda's "butt" with a crab claw, tell her to focus and not to lewd the zombies.

Well, at least you have to concede that Sezeda has good taste, Kalez. I mean look at him, the things he could have done in his prime~

Anyway. It's time to move. We should avoid direct confrontations. We could use the commander's help, if he wishes to serve once more for a good cause.

>>983304
Yeah, give her a pinch to remind her you brought her here for a mission.

Time to move the troops. We've got a job to do and time is of the essence. Move around the commander and go.

Kalez 2020/12/18(Fri)14:00 No. 983852 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160832883695.png - (640.47KB , 657x858 , Pentacle154.png )

Kalez avoids a playful pinch, Sezeda has made it very clear that she is unable to appreciate the pleasures of the fairer sex
instead the golden scorpion grabs her about the neck and pulls her onward and away from the knight commander.
Eghosko doesn't even react to the second two serpents as the pass.

'Ack! you never let me have any fun!' Sezeda whines
'Do it on your own time, besides Ghosk isn't interested in filth like you' Kalez responds

The word have more truth then she says
they aren't interested in Sezeda's mongrel flesh.
they lust for divine flesh from pure bloodlines

but Kalez was still surprise how strongly Eghosko responded to Lylene
the moron must be of good breeding, possibly a virgin too, Ghosk was practically animalistic in his reactions and As a half breed the illness is far weaker in him than most of the patients here.

'What are alll thessse doorsss? they llook odd.'Lylene asks

'They are the last barrier between life and death, yours specifically if you don't stand back'
Kalez warns, before continuing to muse to herself,
He was hungering for her clean flesh in the desperate hope it might cleanse his corrupted body.
but Aebin's been here many times recently he and his flesh would be nearly as pure as hers, he must have found some way to shield his presence.
a powerful spell no doubt, one he's decided not to share.
Kalez considers how she'll punish him for this deception.

If he is found guilty by his own admission, and not just your spotless logic, his punishment will be lessened to a public dacking. If not, honestly, isn't this a punishment detail already?

So, how pure is your own bloodline?

>>983858 That's a good question I'd also like to know the answer to. As well as what this new discovery we made of Lylene means for us outside of every creature locked down here wanting her blood or body.

As for Aebin, a surprise questioning is due to find out what else he has been hiding from us. How he got this particular spell if it's something he learned. Hold off on the punishment for now, in case he gets his mission done well, don't want to take that victory away from him.

Kalez 2020/12/29(Tue)01:02 No. 984428 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160923254494.png - (397.29KB , 657x858 , Pentacle155.png )

Lylene seems to take the danger as a challenge and gets closer to the door after being warned peering into some of the cells.

Kalez doesn't notice as she ponders her own breeding, other then a few traces of old priests she's as common as deserts sands, her position as Duchess is built on lies and stolen titles.

'SKREEEYYAAAK'
Twisting metal mixed with monstrous shriek.
A hand burst through the cell window grasping Lylene before she can recoil.

How does Kalez React?

Kalez doesn't do anything (for a while) to let Lylene know the consequences of her actions of not following Kalez's warnings. She'll rescue Lylene once Lylene understands the weight of the situation.

Yell at Lylene to take action, hopefully the girl listens and slices the arm clean off.

If thy neighbor's arm offend thee, cut it off.

>>984428
Command Lylene to give it her top or skirt, as only her perfume can calm it down now.

Nip this problem in the wrist with a pincer.

Let her fend for herself on that one. If she loses clothing, that shall be a lesson.

>>984440
I am on board for this.

It has her by the shirt. Cut off the shirt, cut out the nonsense.

Did the undead and the lich leading them exist BEFORE these royals succumbed to the plague?

>>984428
Allow it to tear off a bit of clothing, but intervene the moment it tries to sink its claws into her neck. A little humiliation in front of her peers is a fair punishment for ignoring your warning.

Kalez 2020/12/31(Thu)00:08 No. 984549 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160940212989.png - (481.89KB , 657x858 , Pentacle156.png )

Kalez waits to see how this plays out

The breastplate is torn from Lylenes body 'EEEYAH!' she shrieks 'that pervert stole my top! nobody look!'
her plea goes ignored Sezeda snickers at her situation, Azzeki flushes at the sight, Kalez shares her appreciation of Lylene exposed lithe form.


What does Kalez do?
A)Kalez wants to punish Lylene and strips her further
B)Kalez wants to make Azzeki squirm and strips Lylene further
C)Kalez simply wants to see Lylene's body herself and strips her further
D) Having seen the danger has passed Kalez puts an end to such play and urges her serpents to continue
E)something else?

B. This snake's fate is sealed.

>>984549
D.
In fact you really should get that breastplate back, in case she needs to fight something for real.

>>984549
i think C would be amazing

D.

C, for curiosity

B

Sabotage her clothing more subtly, but in a way that everyone but Lylene notices so it might fall off later or tempt Azzeki

>>984549
A is the justification, C is the real reason. Snip her bra with your claw so she can't hide her shame and remembers to be careful for the rest of this mission. Keep an eye out for opportunities to destroy the bottom half of her outfit.

Her incompetence is kinda cute after all, perhaps you can mold her into someone useful?

D

D
And get her breastplate back. If that’s not possible, or would be a waste of effort and time, command one of the other serpents to give Lylene their own breastplate. If Kalez does strip her further that would greatly damage the trust Lylene has in the scorpion.

C Those clothes with those gems looks quite expensive. Convince her to continue with only her swords, Bra and Panties.

D. Her lesson was learned. But she won't be getting her breastplate back tk really hammer in the idea that what she did was stupid.

C

D. Perhaps now she will learn to take this place serious now. But the view is appreciated.
"Let's keep going, but be smart about it, you see what overconfidence does."

D.That breastplate is coming out of her salary btw...wait do we even pay her?

C, but I'd really like Kalez to be more handsy too!!! That'll show her!!!

C what else she’s hiding under there.

>>984558
This. Subtle sabotage of that skirt for later, and and in a way that Lylene won't notice until it's too late.

D. We're going to need to keep on as much armor as possible what with possible enemies ahead.

>>984549
C) and toss it into the creature's cell

>>984549
D. Keep it moving, more opportunities will come up if Lylene hasn't learned her lesson.

D. Kalez should stay her serious self. Of course, if anything else happens to Lylene, that's none of her business :smirk:

>>984549
B. A taste of vulnerability may be just what Lyene needs right now. Might stop her from doing something stupid once things get really dangerous.

Kalez 2021/01/06(Wed)21:16 No. 985151 ID: 6f7a5a
File 160999658315.png - (545.11KB , 657x858 , Pentacle157.png )

Kalez stealthily snips weak points in Lylene's skirt so it will break but that it'll happen at a future point

Kalez doesn't have long to wait, after adjusting her loose bra Lylene tries to stow her scimitars, unable to take the strain the skirt fails.

Lylene gasps in shock 'Aah!'

Allow Lylene to put her undergarment back in place. Hopefully that will teach the girl to listen to you and take this dungeon more seriously as you journey further in.

Tell Lylene that she is wasting valuable time trying to adjust her clothing and sternly order her to just leave them behind as punishment and to make up for lost time.

Scold her for her poor choice in wardrobe, and suggest she leave the skirt behind in order to not have it hinder her later.

Tell her she should've gotten a more durable set of armor.
Can you fix the dress so she's not a useless blushing mess for the rest of the trip?

>>985151
Realize a little too late that you've just exposed a whole lot of that succulent noble flesh to any number of dungeon denizens.

The Knight Commander may have a stronger reaction if he sees this spectacle

>>985164
This. Of course, helping does give you the chance to more closely appreciate her figure. And quirk an eyebrow at the... lucky underwear?

Still, this could get dangerous. Imprint on the young fool that, out of everyone here, she is now the most... exposed... to danger and should act with more care.

>>985164
>>985173
Changing suggestion to these

>>985151
Chastise her for letting her defenses down and command Azzeki to protect her by using her hands to cover Lylene.

Also remove that top, she's no champ and it's borderline heresy for her to insinuate as such after this show of weakness.

Well Lylene, you got in a fight with a locked door and lost. Perhaps you should stick closer to Kalez for the rest of this errand.

>>985151
Allow her to reclothe herself to the best of her ability, but also make her explain her ridiculous 'mommy champ' underwear. I'm pretty sure that'd be more humiliating than actually losing said underwear.

Kalez 2021/01/13(Wed)03:46 No. 985574 ID: 6f7a5a
File 161053839917.png - (499.05KB , 657x858 , Pentacle158.png )

Kalez doesn't question Lylene's "Mommy's Champ" undergarments, they seem custom made, expensive and likely commissioned by Lylene's mother, Captain Eshekath.

she does however use a mending spell to repair the damage, neither her nor Lylene comment as the serpent redresses.

* * *

'this is where she fell' Kalez comments as she approaches the illuminated passageway.

'That fire? is that the Hydra?'Lylene keeps her voice to a low whisper, her confidence shaken
Sezeda scoffs Hydra's not big on lighting torches idiot, and theirs nothing to burn down her Azzeki then adds 'even if there were the Hydra would never be this quiet'

Kalez agrees, knowing the constant arguments those heads have all to well, 'She's not there, not anymore. Via Vardek has taken the Hydra and waits for us inside'

Sezeda cocks her head 'who?' Azzeki sighs in annoyance and chides 'Via Vardek, Maybe you'd know who she is if you paid attention to anyone without a penis' Sezeda smirks and responds 'Did someone say something? sorry I wasn't paying attention'

'Quiet you two! let me think!' Kalez snaps. The golden scorpion does think, she thinks of Via Vardek something she generally avoids. Vardek taught her most of what she knows and is exceedingly cunning, worse still she has an annoying talent for seeing the future which makes her dangerous beyond measure.

'I thought Vardek was just a relic?' Lylene squeaks

'Do you have any idea how dangerous some relics are?' Kalez retorts, though she is impressed Lylene actually remembored what she said, she sees fear in the young snakes eyes and answers the unasked question 'Vardek has my Hydra, if we leave now I'll never see it again.'

What does Kalez do?

Give those snakes a lesson on who Via Vardek is.

Rescue the Hydra!

Obviously we need to get the hydra back. You obviously lose in terms of preparation to the seer, so you'll need to beat her in terms of cunning and power.

She sends Sezeda and Azzeki in to watch for traps and then deals with her hydra thief personally.

>>985583
Yeah i like this option.

>>985574
We need a bit more information. How much can Vardek see into the future? How much can they use this ability? How accurate is the future sight?
Whatever you do, I expect deception to fail. Can't use any clever tactics, so any fight would just be brute force.

You should approach with diplomacy first. See if there's something Vardek wants in exchange for the Hydra.

Rush !

Lets rescue our dau- our hydra. Size up Via, how powerful that future seeing is, and her personality in general.

Send in the troops first. Then go in after they clear the room of any visible dangers.

>>985574
Best to assess Via's abilities and see about a plan of action. If she can see the future, then a few extra minutes of planning wouldn't hurt.

Kalez 2021/01/28(Thu)14:44 No. 986444 ID: 6f7a5a
File 161187386961.png - (462.10KB , 657x858 , Pentacle159.png )

'What do we do, mistress?' Azzeki asks.

‘Yes, mistress is the right word,’ Kalez responds, ‘Just as I am mistress to you, Via Vardek was my mistress.’ Kalez takes a moment to consider, ‘Well perhaps not exactly as how I am mistress to you.’
After giving Sezeda a moment to roll her eyes Kalez continues, 'Via Vardek first taught me magic; her guidance is the foundation of everything I know but I have surpassed her in all regards save one.'

None of the serpents understand anything of magic and as such remain silent.

Kalez continues, 'Divination. Through magic she can see anywhere, anytime, into people’s minds--those who lived hundreds of years ago or wouldn't be born for centuries. Nothing is outside her grasp. Even now she could be reading your darkest secret of crimes you've yet to even commit. She could see a thousand futures for anyone here and engineer the most painful outcome.'

'That's impossible! No one could have such power!' protests Azzeki.

'Impossible yes, but also true. I've doubted her in the past and was made the fool for it. However, even the greatest powers have limits. She could know or do anything I've mentioned, but she can't do all of it. Every minute she spends in the dreamscape to view the past, present or distant places is a minute she loses in the real world. In addition, she has no direct control of fate. Any action she takes based on new information can dramatically change the futures she has seen. Thus, she has to keep checking those futures to make sure her plans are intact. It's maddening, really.
‘Vardek tried to teach me but I didn't have the patience for it.' Kalez admits, but keeps to herself the mind crushing enormity of understanding that made it impossible.

Szeda just shakes her head ’well I don't understand any of this . . .'

Kalez sighs. This is why she hates dealing with Via Vardek when it's so much easier just to avoid her.

It's a difficult question, what DOES Kalez do?

Contemplate the heir needed to inherit your insufferable mentor's final secret. You know they are not among the fools circling your greatness, but for that you should be ashamed. You should have looked for a promising student long ago; however endangering a colleague would be to your power, such an ability is the epitome of all wisdom and to lose it forever is to fail the living you swore to protect.

Then turn your mind to less troubling thoughts, like the types of suitors Lylene would be willing to accept. Nothing too demanding, but see if the fool will follow a lead instead of wallowing in idiocy and perverted old men.

Just spend a couple minutes stopping and starting various strategies and changing your mind, then bullrush her while she's busy trying to read the future.

>>986446
This. This is the galaxy iq play

Nah she'd predict that too.
Just go on in without any plan at all.

>>986448
That is true, changing my suggest to this

Go visit Via Vardek then. Perhaps she could give you some info on Vivian and how she's able to pull off the feats she does.

>>986448
This but with a few touches. Be ready to make snap on the fly decisions without any foresight or planning on what to follow up with. At the same time, do not allow her to narrow down the potential possible outcomes, she's likely going to try and do various things that eliminate potential outcomes.

Be ready to do something she would never consider you to do. Something that might go against your very character or at least how she sees your character as.

Anything you or your allies can do that disrupts her "future sight" will also help.

No point in worrying about it. If shes already seen the future then you won't be able to change that. Go in quickly and try to find your hydra before getting out. If battle happens do your best.

Kalez 2021/02/11(Thu)00:38 No. 987663 ID: 8cf71e
File 161303273765.png - (571.33KB , 657x858 , Pentacle160.png )

Let's just go in and hope for the best she informs the serpents.

Kalez enters the room Via Vardek is here who ushers the scorpion closer with the motion of her hand and a rasping whisper 'my wayward *cough* pupil Zarcadia, I'm so *cough* happy you're here . . .' to someone who didn't know Via the words might sounds kind.

Kalez notes the two prismaticans on either side of Vardek as her grandsons Vadico and Vahejak, the two eye the golden scorpion in turn with an almost feral hatred yet make no sound.
Kalez scowls back 'I see you're still keeping these dimwits around'

Vardek adopts a wounded tone 'Dico and Jaki take good care of me . . . after you *cough* left me here'

Kalez caring none for the act retorts 'You're lucky I let you live, and if you just let me take my hydra back maybe I'll let you keep on living'

'not *cough* yet . . . I've been waiting so long *cough*, please sit with me a while' Vardek again motions for Kalez to come closer 'I was (cough) ab- *cough* about to do a *coughing* reading, you'll *cough* like this one' Via lies
Kalez has received countless "readings" from Via Vardek across a hundred years and never enjoyed a single one

>>987663
Where's the exit? I don't see one.
Just go to the exit. See what happens if you refuse the reading.

You are in Rome, and when in Rome...

Diplomacy is running thin, but you're going to go along with it, because if things go loud, you'll have to kill everyone in this room.

Be regal, but be patient.

>>987663
Endure the old meddler. Just be prepared to cow your escorts into silence about what is about to transpire

Play along and hope to get this over with without any violence.

Let her know you’ll sit with her once you see for yourself that the Hydra is safe and unharmed, don’t give in until you can confirm she hasn’t done anything to them.

Flip her table. She’ll never see it coming.

If at any point in this interaction, we intend to become violent, she will always be a step ahead of us. The more time we take settling in, the more time we grant her to move her pieces into place to make her victory certain.

If we want to take the diplomatic route, then we need to stick wholly to it. By the time we decide to strike, it will be too late for us to win. If we want to fight, then we should strike early and strike hard.

Tell her that you're only interested if she helps you with Vivian

"Nope. 'Twas foretold that your guards would attack me while I was listening to your reading."

Kalez 2021/02/20(Sat)23:24 No. 988683 ID: 1d109c
File 161389226807.png - (538.81KB , 657x858 , Pentacle161.png )

Kalez looks around the room, she knows it should be a large chamber but tattered curtains block of most of it.

'thisss isss magic? how doesss painted wood know the futurre' Azzeki comments skeptically.

Kalez shushes the serpent and locks eyes with her former master 'I won't endure any of your drivel till you show me that my Hydra are unharmed!'

Vardek blinks feigning surprise but your hydra are already harmed *cough*, the sooner you listen the sooner you will be able to *cough* tend to them.'

'I'm not playing your games! show me my Hydra!' Kalez attempts to overturn the table, but it doesn't budge.

'oh! *cough* it looks like someone bolted the *cough* table to the floor' Vardek chuckles to herself 'why would *cough* anyone do that?'
Kalez hisses and glares at the ancient prismatican.

Vardek flips over a card '"A contest between thieves"' naming it 'Zarcadia Kalez and Garrin Veraki, desert thieves will find each other at odds, fighting for the same prize'

Kalez scoffs 'the meaning of these cards are not literal you senial old crone! you've forgotten your own game.'

Ever bemused Vardek just smiles 'have I?'

Kalez hates this, she always hated her masters games, hates feeling trapped. Kalez grits her chelicerae and tries to calm herself 'Garrin has ever been loyal to me, are you certain he wants something I have? The rogue Vivian Hearth might not the card instead refer to her?'

Vardek' infuriating smirk remains 'don't worry we'll get to Vivian Hearth, shall I continue?'

>>988683
Fine. Let her continue. This almost seems like useful information. You can prepare for conflict with Garrin, or... find out what he wants, and if you can't both get what you want.

Just sit there silently and pretend to be bored.

Just deal with the reading. If you sit through it we might get the hydra back without any violence.

Remember that if Garrin is going to betray you, it might be because you take action to prevent him from betraying you and he betrays you for it.

Happens all the time.

The sooner we are done with her, the better. Besides, a little bit of future reading never does harm, as long as you don't get obsessed with it. It is as you said, it helps you see all posible posibilities in the future, not THE fututre.

Allow her to continue. As long as shes happy this might go without a fight.

>>988683
Remember that she's possibly telling you this to engineer fate in her favor or against you. Simply take note of the information she tells you for later.

I suppose we can prod for other subjects for Via to look into, keep her distracted on the possible future of others rather than this potential confrontation. Allow her to continue while thinking of whose fates you'll ask about.

Take detailed notes so you can forget her insufferable gloating. Offer one of your retinue as an 'intern' so she'll stop being so 'lonely'.
Remember, you intend to be the biddy old lady spouting mystic knowledge to dimwits one day. Find out if having a harem of fawning apprentices is preferred or reviled among the old, now rather than later.

Perhaps the treasure that Vardek is referring to is the princess. If Garrin takes interest in princess Reefa, that wouldn't actually be bad. Because as long as she doesn't find out about Midas, it doesn't matter if you or Garrin has her. If this happens, the only thing you need to make sure is that Garrin takes her somewhere far away or something like that.

Anyway, tell Vardek to continue.

Kalez 2021/02/25(Thu)21:44 No. 989162 ID: 1d109c
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Kalez mulls the the concept around, acting on Garrin's potential betrayal may be the exact thing to cause the betrayal Vardek wants, unless Vardek wants her to be defiant towards the prediction and not act on a suspicion she might normally feel, in which Garrin might betrayer her only if she does nothing. Kalez starts to feel a painful throb in her head and groans. 'Fine continue'
Vardek chuckles 'you don't have anything he wants, but he has something you want' she flips the card and names it '"Virgin Sacrifice"'

'Reefa Multero' Kalez concedes

Vardek claps her hands together in delight 'yes! YES! the crown princess, now you see'

Sezeda takes momentary interest'boo! I like thisss card better when it hasss the naked man on it' Kalez considers donating Sezeda to Vardek, all past donations have never been seen again so this idea appeals to the scorpion.

Kalez Glares at Vardek'you're the one who wants to hold the girl's beating heart in your hand not me! If Garrin can stop her from finding out about Midas he can keep her.'

Vardek sighs'. . . and Garrin could crown himself king'

Kalez is invested in defending her acolyte if only to counter her master 'Garrin is loyal to this cause! he desires nothing more than a taste of royal flesh, once he's had it the allure will be gone she'll be nothing more than a crooked toothed beanpole and he'll caste her aside like any other girl'

'he won't let her be sacrificed'

Kalez objects 'neither will I! That is not my plan! I won't kill her.' Kalez doesn't need Vardek to call the lie for what it is.
Vardek calls the lie anyways 'yes you will, of course you will, you need to, there's no other way for Midas to be crowned king'

Kalez is filled with doubt, her words are weak 'you don't decide the future . . .'

Vardek gives a motherly 'My dear Zarcadia, don't cry. destiny is liberating.'

Kalez fights back tears, and fights back memories of past horrors. while she still has the strength to fight she refocuses on Garrin 'he won't know'

Disappointment is clear on Vardek's face Kalez sees the temptation to torment her further, Vardek relents and answers instead 'unless someone tells him'

Hatred becomes Kalez you threaten yourself you stupid old crone! and for nothing.

'Ahahahaha *coughing*' Via Vardek cackles 'I wasn't talking about me telling him'

“If not you then who?”

>>989162
Who else knows about the plan? ...aside from everyone in this room, now?
Also why are you gonna kill the princess, exactly?

Wait, she said Garrin could be crowned king... maybe you could use that? Garrin's under your thumb now, you could keep it that way, even when he's king. Use him as a puppet king. He doesn't have anything you want *right now*, so let him have what he wants now in exchange for giving you something you want *in the future*.
That's the real way of using destiny to your advantage. Find victory in an inevitable defeat rather than struggling against it.

The alternative is to set up an ambush to kill or otherwise disable Garrin as soon as he comes back, so you can do what you want to the princess. That's probably the wrong move. Public opinion is against you already, do you really want to commit more crimes? Perhaps by allowing Garrin to marry the princess you could even get her on your side, somehow.

Also, obviously the third card is going to be the person that tells Garrin.

Trying to learn the future through Vardek seems unnecessarily risky.

Try instead to reverse engineer what she's telling you to discern her plans. If you follow her advice, who or what would most benefit?

>>989166
This seems like the smart way to go about things. Don’t let her get the best of you!

Whether Garrin is killed off or becomes king, he'll point an army at the undead and that is where you need him. Any non-political enchantments preventing Midas from obtaining divine-class weapons while Reefa is alive can be worked around with careful hacking, which is what you're overtaxing the peasants for.
In short, do your job and don't listen to this predatory lobbyist.

Let's make two assumptions:

1: The future isn't set in stone, and by knowing what lies ahead we are capable of changing it. We risk causing the exact predictions we wished to prevent, but we at least have the potential to steer away once knowledge of the path is granted.

2: We cannot prevent Garrin from being told about what will happen to Reefa. Even if we drastically alter our course of action to put Reefa in no harm, he could be given false information and act on it. Whoever betrays us to warn him will do so, and we lack the knowledge to prevent it. Since Garrin will be told, Garrin will betray us. This seems to be the basis of Vardek's divination. Even if she gives us a name, it may happen before we have a chance to intercept their acts.

So, what options does this leave us with? Let's go down the list:

1: Discard Garrin entirely. He is unreliable, and should be discarded.
-Pros: Straightforward, outcomes are easy to understand.
-Cons: Discards a valued minion, may cause significant problems if he escapes, definitely a case of us inciting the betrayal.

2: Persuade Garrin to stay loyal, grant him an incentive that may outweigh or invalidate whatever he's been told.
-Pros: Potential to keep Garrin, succeeding lets you tell Vardek that her destiny is to shove it up her fat ass.
-Cons: Potential to lose him anyway, working against fate is an uphill battle, you would have to make good on a generous offer for this to succeed.

3: Discredit the things he will be told, so that he has no motive to betray you.
-Pros: Potential to keep Garrin, cheap.
-Cons: Potential to lose him anyway, very very difficult since you won't know the exact details of what he will have been told, your charisma score is probably too low for this route anyways.

All in all, I think our best option is to try and persuade Garrin away from betrayal, while keeping as close an eye on him as we're able. It's very likely that we may lose him anyway with this choice, but it's a gamble that may be worth taking. Having Garrin is better than not having him, and he may be worth whatever fee it takes to keep him loyal. Even if that fee involves complicating your plan in regards to the royal family significantly. After all, you only have to make good on any promises if he stays loyal. And if he does, then that's one more piece you have on the board to maneuver around any tricky situations.

How about this. Tell him Reefa's safe if she's very far away. Omit what the threat is, or be very vague. Possibly play it off her capture as a desire to protect her. They elope. He gets the girl, she's out of the picture, somebody else has to take the seat of power.

>>989185
Perhaps I should elaborate a bit.
He said you'd fight over the prize, which is Reefa.
However, that's a mistake. Your real prize is the rule of Midas.
Ergo, the fight is avoidable. Very much so.
Reefa is a big obstacle to the rule of Midas. However, your goal is simply to keep her out of the seat of power, so that Midas may take it.
If Reefa is very far away, maybe if she elopes to self-imposed exile or is forced to flee by "somebody" who lusts after her, the little game is avoided, as she will fail to take the seat of power.
Thus, if you, for example, tell "somebody" that a prophecy foresaw her death if she stays close to the seat of power, that the further away she is the safer she is, he'll have motive to get her to flee. Also to keep her away. Just omit that *you* are the threat. Though if he figures it out, a fight with you would still be tough, so tough that it'd still be easier to flee.
He gets what he desires. You get what you desire. If they break exile, well, as a fallback, their death still works.

>>989189 >>989185
This is magnificent. Seconding this, especially the prophecy part.

>the treasure is Reefa
Damn, I totally nailed that one.

"I suppose you wouldn't know the name of the person that informs Garrin then, would you?"

>>989189

That's not a bad plan. Actions speak louder than words, so if we go out of our way to show concern for the Princess' wellbeing, and take actions that wouldn't line up with whatever Garrin is told, he may decide that the rumor he's been told was a lie. Informing him that the prediction Vardek gave was that she'd die is especially clever, as it raises the stakes for going against you. Sure, you could be lying, but is he going to risk her life to determine that on little more than a hunch? Especially when your actions paint a wholly different story?

If we want to prevent a future in which Garrin works against us, this is looking like our best option. As with most, he could still choose to not trust us anyways. But if he's that insistent in not believing in us, then it was a lost cause trying to keep him loyal in the first place.

>>989189
Consider this plan and continue with the reading. It'll give you peace of mind to think rationally so we can get what we came here for.

"I suppose the next card is who informs him...or is this the part where you keep that information a secret?"

>>989189
Extra bit:
You could actually order him to flee with her. Help him get her far away. Let him borrow a ship, perhaps, as that would get them quite far.

Kalez 2021/03/11(Thu)19:42 No. 990764 ID: 1d109c
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The King of Pentacles craves the princess's soul, even without divining she sense it.
He promises so much power just for one deed, Kalez won't do it for as tempting as the offer is the scriptures speak of resisting and clinging to what matters, To never give in. Kalez won't give in to Vardek, she'll achieve her goals her own way. Whether it is as simple as sending Garrin and the princess to the farthest corner of the world or some other way she'll make it happen.

Kalez centers herself and addresses Vardek'if not you than who?'

Vardek flips the card 'Liar's prison inverted: a truth speaker set free'
Kalez's immediate thoughts reach her mouth 'that's a new one'
Vardek nods in agreement 'it speaks of Daiqio Xietzu who will tell Garrin everything and beg for his aid'

Kalez scoffs 'My scribe? Laughable, she doesn't even know about Garrin let alone anything of value, and she couldn't find Garrin even she did'

Vardek Shrugs in her typical way ' . . . and yet through pure dumb luck she walks right into Garrin's lap . . . perhaps in more ways then one.'

Kalez focuses ignoring the tempting final comment 'I don't think so, she's under constant watch there's no way she can leave this city'

'Hopefully by more competent servants than the ones you brought here . . .'Vardek indicates to Sezeda, who's lost interest in the reading 'Heeyyy talll darrk annd danngerrousss, granny sssee me in yourr futurre ' she hisses as she cuddles up with Vahejak

Vardek smiles at this and licks her lips while staring at Sezeda, ' . . . but seeing as Xietzu been gone three days by now I imagine competence is in short supply among your household'

Pushing her embarassing serpent from her mind Kalez responds 'What nonsense are you speaking, do you mean in three days she will some how escape?'

'I mean what I say plainly, your scribe is gone she's with Garrin now' Delight fills Vardek's features.

'What!?' Kalez Exclaims

Via Vardek cackles with mad laughter'KREeAhaHAha! even now your Acolyte Nethaar races back to the castle to tell you what I'm telling you now! and it's more than just a missing scribe! it's so much worse!'

>>990764
...and the final card is going to be you besieged by enemies, no doubt. Don't even bother letting her flip it over. Take it and look for yourself.

>>990764
Defend your snake's honor! She just wants love and there is nothing wrong with that!

Slap your mentor. However wise and prepared she may be, her bullying is a crass insult and a sign of true weakness; for all her power, all she can think about is how badly her life sucks and how to make your kingdom suck more.
Order her to get her head back in the game, and come up with a strategy that will mitigate this clusterfrack.