??? 2010/05/08(Sat)20:51 No. 175254 ID: f35d0a
File 127337709483.png - (133.60KB , 700x600 , 02.png )

"I went on this journey... in a search..."
"So many hardships... So much blood... All this time... Just for you to betray me?"
"How can you do this to me?! You... I can't believe, of all people... IT'LL BE YOU?!"

?!?!?!!?

??? 2010/05/08(Sat)20:55 No. 175256 ID: f35d0a
File 127337730859.png - (165.60KB , 700x600 , 03.png )

"... You just killed my closest friends..."
"Gazzene promised me she'd free Alcardia from the council... Gezzono wanted to free himself from his own restraints..."
"Murdelp and Amina... They wanted to be beside me all the time! But they don't deserve this..."
"WHY, DAMN IT?! WHY? IT'S ONLY ME YOU WANT, RIGHT?! IT'S JUST FRIGGING ME!"

yes Sanya..

We ARE your father.

Sanya? Are you dreaming? Talk to us, wake up!

??? 2010/05/08(Sat)20:58 No. 175260 ID: f35d0a
File 127337750750.png - (291.07KB , 700x600 , 04.png )

"And to think... that it's my father who caused all these hardships... When Sanasha herself got killed... I started to doubt..."
"... Now it makes sense. It wasn't my father. It's you all along. And he was right: I need to end this cycle of hardships once and for all."
"I might have failed in attaining the power that the prophecy foretold, but I will use all my strength to defeat you. Every ounce of energy, sweat and blood... I will try to finish this!"

??? 2010/05/08(Sat)20:59 No. 175261 ID: f35d0a
File 127337755069.png - (2.59KB , 700x600 , 05.png )

"... I will fucking kill you, WISDOM STONE!"

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!?!?!!?!?

Sanya we're not responsible for this. We did not take any kind of action. Someone must be trying to trick you.

we just saw them alive, they are fine.

Oh yeah? Well. You're ugly.

We're far too incompetent to betray you.

Other stones, haven't you got anything to say to this?

Gezzono 2010/05/08(Sat)21:03 No. 175267 ID: f35d0a
File 127337780420.png - (31.02KB , 700x600 , 06.png )

???: "-succesfully cleansed the blue stone. Somehow, the fluid that covered it was affecting it in some way, but apparently it needed physical contact to work its way inside this magical stone."
Gazzene: "And what of the chosen one?"
???: "Unconscious, but recovering. She is more affected by the fluid, and it acted as more of poison than a paralyzing one. Gladly, we had enough time to extract part of it that entered her system."
Gazzene: "... I feel responsible for not figuring this out... However, I must hold my feelings and give you my thanks. If you may, I'd like to have a private time with the party."

This looks like the work of a corrupted stone.
Still, we need to make sure these events don't come to pass; I like these people.

hello?

>>175267
Ok, we're back in the land of not-crazy things. Where are we, Gez? What happened? Will Sanya be ok? Are the goblin kids ok?

Are we evil

Other stones tell us if we're evil

i think sanya is being attacked mentally by the last stone. that orange glowing seems like something bad.
gezzene, i think it best if you hold us.

>>175271
I know for a fact that we're evil, but we also have enough good to balance it out.

Gezzono 2010/05/08(Sat)21:27 No. 175279 ID: f35d0a
File 127337926991.png - (75.44KB , 700x600 , 07.png )

*SNIFF*

Good to have you back, Wisdom Stone... Did you know how close we were to losing you and Lady Sanya?

No... I shouldn't worry you about that... But it's hard to suppress my feelings when death was so close to claiming lives away.

Gazzene: "We're all worried about Lady Sanya, brother. You're not the only one."
Amina: "... Sanya wouldn't like it if she sees you sad like that."
Murdelp: "Don't worry! Sanya wouldn't die just because someone puked on her!"

>>175279
How close were we? How COULD it affect us? What happened after we passed out? Will Sanya be ok? Are the goblin kids ok?
Oh, and we had a rather unpleasant nightmare where Sanya accused us of betrayal and killing everybody, and we had an orange glow. On the remote chance that was a vision of the future, I want you to be ready to smash us if it comes to that.

i think it's more likely the orange glow is from the last stone. she THINKS we are going to betray her but that could just be the other stone whispering terrible secrets to her. also, the fact that we are linked to her mind could mean that destroying us could kill her.

Gezzono 2010/05/08(Sat)21:44 No. 175286 ID: f35d0a
File 127338028617.png - (35.43KB , 700x600 , 08.png )

>>175280
I'm afraid we couldn't exactly figure out how the vomit had even affected a purely magical and ethereal being like you. You and Lady Sanya were both affected by it, but Lady Sanya suffered much greatly. It could be that her biological status affected you as well, but none of us could really give out a straight answer.

Gezzono: "Gazzene, the Wisdom Stone wishes to know what happened to the prisoners."
Gazzene: "I had them brought into the castle, and gave specific instructions not to harm them in any way. I had been thinking about bringing them back to the Nocitome Tribe and to King Yelims, but I'm afraid the council wouldn't let that happen so easily."
Gezzono: "The Wisdom Stone also wishes to switch perspective from mine to yours."
Gazzene: "Ugh, no thanks. I don't want its perverted thoughts to interfere with official business. Besides, I have to talk to the council to make arrangements for Lady Sanya and her party."

... Let's not talk about your dream for awhile. It's a rather scary thought.

okay, just hold on to us. don't want her having a wake up flip-out and smashing us.


so what do you want to do?

>>175286
Could you tell Gazzene that we (or at least one of us) apologize(s) for the earlier misconduct and wish(es) her the best of luck in her dealings with the Council?
...Anyway, what do you think we ought to do? Stay here with Sanya until she wakes up, or is there anything you'd be allowed to do while you're here?

>>175286
That's probably for the best, for now. Let's just hang with you for a while then, because we rather suck about keeping secrets.

Figure that was one of three things: A vision of a possible future, a false vision meant to sew doubt, or simply a nightmare. Seems too specific for a mere nightmare, but between us and whatever corruptive influences are at play it could be just that without any real meaning.

If a corrupted stone is at play it could have done that intentionally for some reason. If it is a vision of the future, even a slightly possible one, then we ourselves are in danger of corruption.

...Maybe we already have... Can we be certain that contact with the poison has had no lasting effects? Don't mean to cause you even more worry, but we have to be prepared. And yes, we'd sooner ourselves be destroyed than fulfill that vision.

>>175286
I know they're physically safe, I wanted to know their medical status! Are they free of the plague? How well were their injuries healed?
Can Gazenne learn a spell to counter the plague?

>>175283
I'm pretty sure Sanya would rather die than risk our friends.

I didn't even know we could die. Anyhow, lets go on a shopping montage where we will no doubt somehow be spurned into events that will reveal the meaning of all this conflict. Lets get cracken on that Tonberry culture.

Is there a Tonberry arena where we could earn your respect back in a battle of sport as well? Maybe some thrill of the combat without the stress of failing your buddies, your town, or the world on your shoulders will do you some good, bro.

Gezzono 2010/05/08(Sat)22:48 No. 175319 ID: f35d0a
File 127338410461.png - (67.60KB , 700x600 , 09.png )

>>175288
Gezzono: "The Wisdom Stone would like to apologize for any misconduct it caused to you, and wishes good luck on talking to the council."
Gazzene: "... Tell it I'm more bothered by more important stuff to even recognize about its ruckus. Still, we both know I'm going to need all the luck I can attain for this."

>>175291
>>175293
We do not know if you are free from your own status; we lack the necessary knowledge to properly check up on an ethereal being like you. However, Lady Sanya has most of the poison out of her system and only needs to rest up for a few days.

I can only hope the vomit doesn't have lingering effects on you.

I ask Amina and Murdelp what they're planning to do now that Lady Sanya's resting.

Amina: "I'm staying here with Sanya and Conan. I'm probably the only one beside Sanya who knows how to take care of Conan, so I need to stay."
Murdelp: "I'll come with you! I can probably learn a thing or two from hanging around with you."

Gezzono 2010/05/08(Sat)22:48 No. 175320 ID: f35d0a
File 127338413046.png - (69.37KB , 700x600 , 10.png )

Here's the map of Alcardia. The ones on red are the areas I can't go to.

Gezzono 2010/05/08(Sat)22:49 No. 175321 ID: f35d0a
File 127338413915.png - (104.15KB , 700x600 , 11.png )

...

>>175319
The goblin kids! How are they?

Well, where would you want to go? The market is certainly of interest and a good place for gossip, but I can see how you being there might be a problem with all those people. Maybe the temple is a safer place, and you can ask more about what has been going on around here. Also, we're curious what the unknown area is about. Do you even know if you are allowed there? Ask about it.

I wanna discover question mark.

I'm thinking we could check out the Market and that ?.

(Just visiting here to clarify something)

>>175327
Gezzono talks about the goblin kids when he refers to "prisoners". And to answer that, see >>175286.

>>175496
I know where they ARE, I want to know how they're DOING!
Was the plague cured? How are their injuries?

>>175497
he doesn't know.

>>175321
Take us to the ???, and then the Temple, please?

I can only hope the people of the faith still offer you some kindness.

Gezzono 2010/05/09(Sun)19:48 No. 175684 ID: f35d0a
File 127345971385.png - (80.23KB , 700x600 , 12.png )

The Temple sounds like a fine place to stop. It's the only place where I can proclaim sanctuary, and the clerics and priests at that place are the only ones who openly talk to me. Murdelp would also benefit from not seeing much of the commotion my presence would bring.

Afterwards, we'll go to that unknown cave-house. It's always closed in my previous visits because the owner was away. I'm still wondering why they left that area accessible for me.

???: "Jaja, jaja! Look dat tall guy! He no tail!"

Gezzono 2010/05/09(Sun)19:49 No. 175685 ID: f35d0a
File 127345976665.png - (64.16KB , 700x600 , 13.png )

???: "Don't look at him! No matter what, don't look at him!"
???: "But he so strange!"
???: "Just don't, before a guard sees us!"

>>175685
Geez, It like they think you've got leprosy or something

I'm sure you're used to this by now. Carry on.

the 'before a guard sees us!' makes it sound like it's less no one wants to talk to you as no one is ALOUD to talk to you.

When this is over, we promise you, crotches will be punched.

Fucking A man, how do you get used to this? Goddamn, no one shows respect in this joint because of a goddamn mistake. Man, fuck them Tonberries. If by some failure on our part, you don't get accepted back in, maybe we can find some actually nice tonberry society on another continent or something.

So Gezzeno, how were we like when you had us? Were we any different?

Gezzono 2010/05/09(Sun)20:39 No. 175696 ID: f35d0a
File 12734627849.png - (57.13KB , 700x600 , 14.png )

I am aware that the council tries to keep me isolated from the Tonberries as much as possible. They know that as a masterful elementalist, I pose as a threat to them and Alcardia.

Even with my capabilities however, I cannot do anything to the council. They might not have the symbolic power that the royalty like Gazzene holds, but they have the influence over the Tonberries.

As for the part of the innocent civilians, they're better off fearing me than supporting me. The guards around here, influenced by the council, keep a close eye on them. They make sure they never get a close encounter with me, or any other foreigner in this place.

"Murdelp, whatever they do to me, do not interfere. I do not want you to get caught in this."
"What do you mean? I don't understand-"
"Just do me a favor. Even in my condition, I will try my best to at least show you around Alcardia. You might be able to use the information you'll be getting to good use."

>>175693
You were... less wise... And less perverted. I appreciate the sense of humor you seem to have accumulated after I last held you.

It's perhaps for the better that I let you go during my candidacy.

I think when you say "wise" I think you mean "lucky".

>>175696
We were less wise? Perhaps the Stone of Wisdom has no power on its own, and merely 'learns' from each holder. Or otherwise gains wisdom from each attempted Trial.

Let's move along.

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)13:56 No. 176194 ID: f35d0a
File 127361136639.png - (45.96KB , 700x600 , 15.png )

We reach the Temple without attracting much unwanted attention.

"Paring Korellu!"
"... Gezzono? Is that you? It must be! Come closer, child... I want to hold you close to me once more."

>>176194
I believe it is hugs time.

Who is that, by the way?

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)13:59 No. 176196 ID: f35d0a
File 127361158996.png - (57.90KB , 700x600 , 16.png )

"... Your voice sounded younger, and even your skin has gone smooth... Has something happened to you recently?"
"It is a long story, Paring... How goes the things around here?"
"Solemn, as always. Tonberries come and go to express their fears, and I share with them my wisdom. Most of them walk away relieved and glad."
"And Alcardia itself?"
"I'm afraid I've grown too old to be wondering around listening to news. It brings illness to my heart to hear the same kind of issues being addressed around, the council giving new ordinances and such."

yeah, we are REALLY starting to think the council has gotten corrupt. every single time we hear about them it get's more obvious.
alas, we cannot do much right now. let us tell him of what has happened.

>>176196
Tell him that you're conflicted; the council speaks for your god/spirit/thing and banished you, but that same being restored your arm. People who are banished are supposed to have been forsaken by him, but yet it still granted your wish.
Ask him what that means about the council, your banishment, and what it all means.

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)14:41 No. 176201 ID: f35d0a
File 127361406875.png - (27.69KB , 700x600 , 17.png )

"Paring Korellu... You know I am exiled from here because the council said Moddo was disappointed at my failure, but he nevertheless granted my wish... What does this mean?"
"... The council has its own business, and that, we won't talk about. I do not know myself if Moddo was really infuriated at the result of your candidacy, but him granting your wish only shows the limitless patience he has for you and for everyone. He loves you, and will not leave you to your own fate."
"... But, the council..."
"Ichi sailu, reka ma opkio sailu id maero... I have told you this before, yes? Or have you forgotten?"
"... 'Pay no attention to someone else's sins.'"
"Yes. Moddo himself knows everything, and he will not let blindless fury and greedy intentions win ultimately. Time will come, young one."

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)14:43 No. 176202 ID: f35d0a
File 127361422761.png - (27.68KB , 700x600 , 18.png )

"Now, promise me one thing, child. Do not let your anger consume your pure intentions. Otherwise, all the effort you have done will come to waste. Patience, young one, is all I ask of you."
"... Does it come first after justice?"
"Justice does not rush. It will always catch up, and it will find the best time to take action."

>>176202
I agree.

Now is not the time to pursue justice. It can wait. Endure the persecution.

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)14:54 No. 176206 ID: f35d0a
File 127361488675.png - (28.03KB , 700x600 , 19.png )

"I believe an old friend is waiting for you. She wants to greet you after so long."
"Huh?"
"She has changed a lot beyond the point of recognition, but fret not at the initial expressions that will come to you. She means well. I believe you will meet her much soon."
"... You've always looked after me, Paring Korellu. I'll stay with you for a bit longer; it has been long since we had a talk like this together."
"... An old Tonberry cannot keep up with youth in terms of energy. I need to rest. I have nothing to give to you but my prayers. May you and your comrades travel safe and securely, and keep faith."

>>176206
Before you go, ask him about that small unknown area near the temple.

let us go and perhaps see this person.

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)16:15 No. 176227 ID: f35d0a
File 127361975476.png - (28.03KB , 700x600 , 20.png )

"Who was that?"
"Our chief priest. He used to watch over me when I was little, and kept supporting me even after my exile. Being a holy priest, he's granted exception by the council, with some conditions."

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)16:16 No. 176228 ID: f35d0a
File 12736197885.png - (38.00KB , 700x600 , 21.png )

???: "Conditions, all right!"
Murdelp: "... You?! Why are you here?!"

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)16:16 No. 176229 ID: f35d0a
File 127361981771.png - (24.56KB , 700x600 , 22.png )

"Why, I have my own home in Alcardia! You'll never guess how I got in, though!"

>>176229
"You flew in on your broom?"

Oh fuck no.

Gezzono 2010/05/11(Tue)16:28 No. 176233 ID: f35d0a
File 127362050984.png - (24.56KB , 700x600 , 23.png )

>>176230
Now, now... It's not the time to crack a joke on a total stranger, though I have a feeling Murdelp already met her.

"Excuse me, but who are you?"
Murdelp: "She's Meta! She's the one who made Gazzene feel depressed!"
Meta: "All I did was help her find what she was looking for, my friend. Besides, it was her who wanted my services."

Meta fixes her stare at me. Is she waiting for something from me?

Meta: "You must be very hungry. Come, my place isn't far from here. And it's around the area accessible to you, so don't worry."
"How did-"
"I know. You can ask your friend about that."

... Now, I never really asked Murdelp or Gazzene about this issue, as I thought Gazzene would be able to solve this on her own. Should I, though? Or should you tell me what is going on?

>>176233
We're not entirely sure why she's so shook up. She asked for information about why her tiara stone wasn't talking anymore, and got a few fragments of conversation.

I assume she had more knowledge about the context of what was said. To us, it was pretty hard to come to any conclusions at all.

Okay... okay fine, I'll work with you Meta, because you're the only one who could have any information on this. What can we pay you to learn exactly how we, the Wisdom Stone, are causing all these horrible trials to befall Sanya and the world?

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)17:47 No. 177494 ID: f35d0a
File 127388445851.png - (56.61KB , 700x600 , 24.png )

Miss Meta here apparently is the owner of the unknown area, and mentions to us that she has been exploring outside Alcardia "for some special ingredients" for a few months. She says she is "totally unliked, but seriously feared upon" that even the council does not do anything against her stay as long as she does not cause any trouble.

Her cave-house seems to be bare but ordinary. We are greeted by two feather-stuffed benches, on which we sit upon.

Meta: "Nevreans make goooooood stuff, I tell you."

Murdelp seems unwilling to trust Meta, and moves away from her a bit. Meta, on the other hand, does not let go of her gaze towards me.

... Is Meta the one Paring Korellu was talking about? But I have never met her before...

Ahh, sorry, Wisdom Stone. I forgot that you accompany my conscious state. Anything in mind?

>>177494
Ask if she's on drugs.

Because she looks like she's high as a kite right now.

>>177496
it was explained that their race are born with an expression and cannot change it.

also, we don't actually have any real reason to not trust her, she just showed us what we asked.

Ask where she got that radical hat.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)18:41 No. 177511 ID: f35d0a
File 12738876764.png - (31.60KB , 700x600 , 25.png )

>>177498
Indeed. Murdelp must realize this.

Gezzono: "Young Murdelp, I think highly of your concern for Gazzene, but to despise another for her sake is not a wise course of action. She did no harm to her, and you know this."
Murdelp: "But Gezzono!"

From out of nowhere, Meta cracks up a laugh. A moment later, she stops.

Meta: "Ah, do forgive my outbreak. I am easily amused by my influences upon those around me, be it positive or negative..."
Gezzono: "What is your business that led you to a stay in Alcardia, Miss Meta?"
Meta: "I am a practitioner of several arts. Your companion has uttered one of my specialties: Foresight. It proves handful once mastered, you know."
Gezzono: "And it concerns Alcardia... How?"
Meta: "Dreadful events brood paranoia and fear amongst the tonberries. Though they perceive me as strange and scary, some of them come to me for... help."

A wanderer who takes advantage of things or a paladin working on an unknown course. I hope she is the latter.

>>177511
My money's on some combination of the two, but we can work with that.

>>177511
She seems very neutral, if you ask me.

Ask her if she can help us find the last Stone.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)18:57 No. 177517 ID: f35d0a
File 127388866526.png - (31.38KB , 700x600 , 26.png )

>>177513
>>177515
I certainly find neutrality hard to believe. Everyone acts due to a reason, and reasons can take sides. Meta must have some sort of ultimate goal she is trying to achieve.

Gezzono: "Will you help us find the last stone?"
Meta: "You already failed the first time. What makes you think the second time will work once more?"

Meta breaks her gaze, looking down.

Meta: "Ah, forgive me once more. I did not mean ill when I said that. It's just..."
"You, Gezzono... The Elementalist Tonberry. Your race is not well-known for its magickery; your case is quite an exception. Still, even with such an advantage, you could not attain the stones during your candidacy. What makes you think I would be able to help you?"
"... I mean... Have you not considered the possibilities of me snatching the stone for myself, or worse?"

...

>>177517
I don't think she thinks it's a good idea to assist you.

At any rate, tell her it's not you that's in charge now. It's Sanya. If she won't help us directly find the stone, how about just helping us with the whole plague business?

it has been considered. but taking it without us, the wisdom stone, on your side will result in it not doing much.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)19:06 No. 177523 ID: f35d0a
File 127388917997.png - (31.60KB , 700x600 , 27.png )

Meta: "Just kidding! I would never steal something that would serve no function for me."
Gezzono: "So you will join us?"
Meta: "... No. But I will support you in any way I can, under one condition."
Gezzono: "What is it?"

...

Meta: "Once you finish your business here, you are to go straight back in this house alone, and will abide by my bidding for a day."
Gezzono: "... Your bidding?"
Meta: "Like what you have pondered upon, I do have my ultimate goal. It concerns myself, and myself alone. I will be needing your help to assist me in attaining that goal. Mutual benefits, in short."

as long as it doesn't involve waking an elder god or killing a bunch of people that seems like an okay deal.

>>177523
So long as it doesn't result in hurting anyone else, sure. She said it concerns only herself, so it should be a safe deal.

>>177524
>>177525
Or her getting into Gezzono's pants.
...Just trying to lighten the mood a little. Unless, Gezzono... nevermind.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)19:29 No. 177530 ID: f35d0a
File 127389058954.png - (23.39KB , 700x600 , 28.png )

>>177526
Silly Wisdom Stone!

Gezzono: "As long as it does not conflict with moral values, I shall agree."
Meta: "Wonderful! Now, you must be starving. I will be going to the Market to buy you food..."
"... Whatever you hear, do not go out of this house until I return, my guests. No matter what."
Gezzono: "... Is that a warning?"
Meta: "Yes. One that you can ignore, as long as you deal with consequences."

She walks out.

when someone who knows the future tells you to stay put, you stay fucking put!

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)19:32 No. 177533 ID: f35d0a
File 127389072152.png - (49.19KB , 700x600 , 29.png )

"... What was that all about?"
"Meta can see through the future, she said. Her words might be some warning from a future event. Or she might just be concerned about my status as an exile. Eitherway, our judgment must be critical."

Yeah. Something's probably going to happen to draw you out, don't let it.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)19:33 No. 177535 ID: f35d0a
File 127389082439.png - (49.07KB , 700x600 , 30.png )

Suddenly, we hear shuffling feet and agonizing screams.

???: "NOOOOOOOOO! WE DIDN'T TELL HIM ANYTHING, I SWEAR!"
???: "Jaja! Stop hurting jaja!"

... Those sound like the ones we met earlier!

could also be she will make noises that sound REALLY horrible and if you rush out she will just go 'gotcha'. i trust her to twist words but she won't outright lie.

>>177535
Oh great. Some dumbass guard thinks the kid said something to you.

You can only make the situation worse.

if you rush out then it will be 'oh look, comes to protect his cronnies. they may beat them a little but i HIGHLY doubt it will come to killing. if it does then we just have one more crime to put on the council.

Hide behind the couch. Murdelp! It's up to you!

My advice is you should get a really uncomfortable look on your face as the screams outside turn to the sounds of rending flesh. In the uncomfortable silence that follows, crack an awkward joke to Murdlep.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)20:16 No. 177564 ID: f35d0a
File 127389338197.png - (56.56KB , 700x600 , 31.png )

I am in a dilemma. Conscience and guilt tells me to go outside, but self-awareness and trust forbids me to.

"... Why aren't we doing anything here?!"
"Murdelp... We cannot break our promise to Miss Meta. We must stay put."
"They're hurting the two! And we just sit here, minding our own business?!"

???: "No exceptions! You wish to endanger Alcardia with this action of yours?!"
???: "But we honestly did nothing... My son only pointed at him and-"
???: "Aha, so you admit your son's also into this! Treason!"

WOW they're stupid. Like, mind-numbingly stupid.

You can hear them from there, obviously they'll be able to hear something you do. Make a really loud noise with your magic, and stay inside. You're a goddamn elementalist, and murdelp's here with you, you can handle some guards with IQs lower than the planet's crust if they come in to attack you.

Most importantly, you won't be leaving the house.

>>177564
If I were you I'd step out and get the offended persons attention. If traitors all, perhaps none would be hurt.

...But we don't know enough of the consequences of that. Do you? Would you be willing to accept them?

The guards are probably provoking you. They want you to step out so they can get angry at the big mean powerful wizard attacking them without provocation. Call their bluff and they'll give up on the small fry, that woman and her daughter.

Also you really need to kick the ass of whoever exiled you, because as you can see they're hurting people for no reason! People other than you! You call that protection? I call it extortion!

if we leave and stop them then they will finally have a reason to attack you.

Perhaps we can send Murdelp out as a neutral party?

Tell him we'd only make it worse. The guard might be renowned for harsh idiocy so the council may give them some slack, especially on a child. Surely they can't be so fucking strict that they'd convict a child for treason just for pointing to or or hell even talking to an exile.

Tonberries with authority are assholes (except your sister), Gezzeno. Just admit it. Any sign of insubordination will send them off their rockers and they'll crack down on everybody. They're bustas.

Also when Meta returns, punch her in the face for me, then go to the execution grounds, guns blazing. They'd probably enjoy being exiled better than being executed...

Plus what better way to make your grand exit!

>>177574
>Most importantly, you won't be leaving the house.
There's an idea. Open the door and stand there, still inside, and have Murdelp get the jerk attention. Then wave at him and go back inside.

this is a old paladin dilemma. you are between the innocent you care and the village burning.

i would not be surprised if it were a act.

realize that there is no dilemma. those that seek to hurt are only a stepping stone. there is no village burning, there are no undead outside, there are no children crying, there are no walls separating everyone.

all that exists is you, the villain and a soon to be corpse to protect. use the sum of all that you are to render the situation inert.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)20:34 No. 177592 ID: f35d0a
File 127389444976.png - (53.70KB , 700x600 , 32.png )

>>177582
Meta warned both of us earlier, not just me. It is evident by her wording: "my guests".

>>177576
I am willing to accept any punishment I might acquire to save those two, but I am also concerned about Meta's trust and Murdelp's safety.

>>177585
I do not know if you only utter these half-baked words to encourage me to go outside, but you might be digging both of us our own graves. What about Lady Sanya? And my sister? Possibly even Alcardia?

The council banished me. I cannot touch them, no matter how determined I am. As much as I aspire to stand up against their atrocities, I simply am not able to.

>>177589
... You might be on to something. You mean to say distract them from within the house and leave the two alone? I see...

The sudden multitude of voices from within you still confuses me, Wisdom Stone. I need to hear a clear answer from you whilst I weigh in on the options myself.

>>177592
We get his attention from inside the house. Distract the guard, and the victims can escape.

yes. distraction while not leaving sounds like a good plan.

Dress up like an attractive Tonberry female and lead him inside like Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny. You know nothing of them but we do, so ignore our knowledge of extraterrestrial comedies.

Okay, no, you don't have to dress up. That was a sarcastic remark. Still lead him inside with an illusion likely to attract a guard or something. Or Murdelp's voicing an "OH MY GOD, SAVE ME HEROIC TONBERRY GUARDS! SAVE ME!"

For crap sake. She can see the future. She wouldn't have worded it as she did if this wasn't an option.

MAKE SOME NOISE, GEZZONO. Prepare to fight.

maybe you could throw a rock or something.
the guard will be more mad that he got hit with a rock and go looking for the culprit. Why? Because I bet that's just the kinda dude he is. Or you could get Murdelp to pretend to be a he's being attacked make it sound good and he should be more concerned that an "exile" is hurting a "tonberry" he should come running.
we could also just I don't know yell something along the lines of "OH LORD WHAT IS THAT!!! A FORGOTTON BEAST MADE OF STEAM IS HERE" and get him to run away...
just don't leave the house.

>>177592

Hm... usually you don't need to touch them so much as expose them. If wanton killing of innocents like this doesn't backfire on them, then I fear your race may not be worth saving. But what I think is that if people knew what the council was doing, if the guards knew that they, not outsiders, were the only danger to the town, then people might be able to patch things up.

The council exiled you directly? Of course they would try to make themselves immune to retribution. Many criminals try to externalize their own guilt on others, in a vain attempt to bring justice by punishing those who should not be punished.

And half baked?! Why I oughta. If I wasn't a voice inside a stone I'd totally be uh... staying far away from the Tonberry village as possible. But assuming I was here I would totally be active in changing the situation!

In addition to the distraction, the guards themselves we see you, and thus be just as "guilty" as the poor mother and child. They would be far less likely to turn them in, if she could turn around and say they did just as much.

But then again perhaps I'm assuming too much about the effect of the guards seeing you would be.

Gezzono 2010/05/14(Fri)20:59 No. 177605 ID: f35d0a
File 12738959477.png - (56.67KB , 700x600 , 33.png )

The main consensus is that we perform something to distract the guards into leaving the two and going after us. Experience tells me the most effective way would be provoking the guards with my magic. They will perceive that as a direct threat and will pursue me for it. Hopefully they'll just treat it like a threat and not some sort of attack, though...

Argh, no more thinking about my own safety.

>>177602
Take it from me, Wisdom Stone. These guards are simply misled and influenced. They do not persecute their own people on their own.

"Murdelp, you are right. We cannot sit here and ignore the pleas of the innocent. We will do something about this, even without leaving the house."
"... Lure the guards in here?"
"That is correct. You are starting to think more analytically."

>>177605
I approve of this plan.

best bet would be something big, showy, but ultimately non-damaging.

>>177636
You mean like a campfire right outside the door?

>>177605

I agree with you. That's why the guards need to realize how dangerous they are being to their own people. At any rate, enough politics. Moar sexy crossdressing lures!

You have the sexy eyes Gezzono! You can do this!

Gezzono think for yourself, we're just here to advise you. If we ARE corrupted in some way, best you should make sure we aren't giving you bad advice somehow.

This advice though is good.