ugh, hey, who you calling defective!

Sanya 2010/11/04(Thu)15:21 No. 252335 ID: 7c97d9
File 128890927430.png - (110.07KB , 640x480 , 2.png )

>>252313
Oh, you're awake. You passed out right after I talked to Meron, so I had no choice but to bring you in for the night. Don't mind the guy.
Anyway, we're in the middle of the Olun Desert, but we're on route to Migrowle Manor. It's the shortest route, so without any delays we'll be in the Manor by sunset.
This guy right here is Wala. He's been acquainted with Meron for quite some time. Wala usually sells Meron's merchandise to faraway places, but he also offers delivery upon request. Wala admits he only made a couple of visits to the manor because of its condition.
... Is there anything in particular you want to know? It's better if we can get more information from Wala.

>>252335
Couldja tell him we're untrained and effective?
If I spoke to him directly I'd probably say some rather unkind things, and I don't think we need that kind of conflict at the moment.

hmmm, i got nothing.

What are the usual dangers of the desert? Sandstorms, monsters, sandworms, what?

Sanya 2010/11/04(Thu)16:20 No. 252366 ID: 7c97d9
File 128891283419.png - (110.04KB , 640x480 , 3.png )

>>252336
Trust me, you don't want to argue with Wala. My first impression of him is a douchebag. Well, he's not really one, but he's the type of guy who won't stop arguing about something even when he's in the wrong.
I don't want to waste my energy like that.
>>252353
Wala mentions some stray raiders, though it's peculiar that he says they're just trying to survive in this place. They wouldn't hurt anyone if they'll just leave something they need.
... Ugh, walking on this desert's killing my feet. The sandy ground makes it harder to stand, but Wala's caravan doesn't have any space for me to rest on.

Do you not have shoes on or something? If not, that was very silly of you not to buy any with your sweet sweet bounty money

well. on the upside the more you do this the less it feels weird as you get used to it.

Maybe wrap your feet in that neck cloth you're wearing?

What is a Scout Watcher supposed to do anyway? Do you normally ask a glorified compass why goblin males are stubborn unto death when you boink their brains out? Aren't Scout Watchers just supposed to like... report positions of things around you? Seems odd to be attempting to use such a thing to ken the secrets of a goblin's attitude.

>>252366
LOOK BEHIND YOU! A HAND!

>>252691
oh shit, he's right, i thought i was a rock.

Sanya 2010/11/08(Mon)12:42 No. 254065 ID: 7c97d9
File 128924897887.png - (174.18KB , 640x480 , 4.png )

> shoes
... Remind me that when we get to the manor. I doubt they have shoes that'll fit my size, though...

> Scout Watcher's use
I wasn't addressing you that time; I thought you were a mindless scout at that time. I've seen hunters use Scout Watchers to locate their target. Others utilize their acute sense of sight to alert them of a possible ambush. If you tally those up, it all comes down to using Scout Watchers as an extra eye.
I guess they never saw someone diminutive and relatively harmless like you as intelligent and crafty?

> ??? behind
I turn around and notice something moving from the distance. I call out to Wala. "Can you stop for a moment?" Wala brings his caravan to a halt as I look at them more closely.
There seems to be four - no, five of them walking towards our direction. Their long tattered robes disrupt me from getting a good look at their faces, though I can tell they don't have much with them.
They're not in a rush or anything. I'm not sure if these are the stray raiders Wala was talking about or someone else...

>>254065
Keep going, but keep a eye on them.

hmmm, hang on.
[zoomx10]

Sanya 2010/11/08(Mon)13:45 No. 254092 ID: 7c97d9
File 128925270558.png - (107.15KB , 640x480 , 5.png )

'Zoom'? You can do that? It's hard to see from my side... But I guess you can give it a shot, and hopefully a better view...

(Your vision starts hazy, but quickly it magnifies itself.)

Tell me what you see.

>>254092
Goblins, five of them.

let's see, we got five goblins. 2 yellow, a red, a blue, and a purple. can't see much beyond that due to the shadows. they could be a lure, you stop to help the poor lost goblins and BAM ambush. but they could also actually be lost. call to them from here.

odd skin tones too, one purple, one red, one teal, and two yellow. Their hiding themselves quite well, id be suspicious.

>>254092
Yeah we can focus in pretty well actually.

They appear to be goblins. The two in back are yellow, and the others are red blue and purple. Nothing of their eyes nor much expression can be discerned past the hoods. If anything they look tired, but when walking in the desert that isn't saying much. Maybe Wala can ID the group as raiders based on the colors alone?

Btw, perhaps if fitting shoes aren't readily available some manner of wrapping with a thick fabric would do the job. You'd have to know how to do that right though or it would just make it awkward to move.

>>252312
They look distressed, but then again, they may be bluffing (at that distance?). Anyway, you are escorting a caravan in the middle of hostile territory, you don't have time for random acts of altruism.

BTW, are those thing on your head ears or horns?

>>254097
Good plan. Be sure to have a weapon ready in case the ARE raiders.

Sanya 2010/11/08(Mon)16:51 No. 254158 ID: 7c97d9
File 128926389677.png - (100.06KB , 640x480 , 6.png )

> Ask Wala for ID on potential raiders
I turn to Wala, who gazes at me with tired eyes. He doesn't seem to like waiting out here in the open desert. I look once more at the approaching entities.
"I see goblins: one red-skinned, one blue, one purple and two yellow. Do you think they're ra-"
"They aren't."
I take another glance at Wala, to which I get a silent but harsher look in response.
"I said 'stray raiders', not smart ones. No good raider would actually do his thing in a very unopportunistic place like this. And even if they are, they wouldn't reveal themselves out in the open so easily."

Not raiders, according to Wala... So what do we do now, then?

Call them over, they might be lost or in need of supplies. If they can't pay, you can make them work for you for a while.

then call out to them and stuff.

Clearly Wala finds them as no threat.

Best to leave the choice of waiting for the goblins to get closer or continue on to him. It is his caravan, not yours, after all. You are just the hired muscle. Don't want to irritate him TOO much. Might cut into your potential pay.

Sanya 2010/11/08(Mon)17:17 No. 254164 ID: 7c97d9
File 128926542573.png - (209.63KB , 640x480 , 7.png )

> Call out to them
Since they're around here, I assume they have some information I can use for when we actually get to Migrowle Manor.
I call out to the goblins, waving my hand. Their reactions are delayed and their pace is slow, but they get to our position. Most of them seem to be confused, but one of them - the blue-skinned guy who looks like their leader - stands affirmly compared to the others. His voice is coarse and tired, but he goes straight to the point.
"... We hunger."
The other goblins hear his call and echo his voice.
"Hunger..."
"Food..."
"Danger..."
"... Food..."

Wala yelps a little, mildly upset. "Ugh, beggars..."

I think those guys are zombies

Try throwing them a piece of bread, but be prepared to kill them if they don't want it

>>254164
Danger? If they have real warnings of danger hereabouts, ask them what it is. Reward them for actual help with some spare rations of yours, if you've any. Don't offer food first though, in case they just make something up for it.

i second the zombie thing. put one hand on your spear while you ask them what the mean by danger.

Sanya 2010/11/08(Mon)17:48 No. 254191 ID: 7c97d9
File 128926730247.png - (243.21KB , 640x480 , 8.png )

> Ask about 'danger'
I ready my spear at hand, just in case they start to attack. I repeat what one of the goblins groaned.
"Danger?"
The word seems to trigger something within the goblin, as he starts breathing heavily. I can tell he has a story to tell. The others follow his words as well.
"Danger within the coal black box!"
"Danger! Danger!"
"The viper that guards the box, she dresses up wounded. Pulls you in! In! Behind her eyes that spell forgiveness lies the venomous fatal bite!"
"She! She!"
"A pair of farmers, close as brothers. They look at the box in the darkness. Oh! Their grimy, slimy, dirty little hands! As if the other had smacked them!"
"Smack! Smack!"
"The viper that guards the box, she dresses up nicely. Pulls you in! In! Her bite creates deceit, and poisons the will!"
"She! She!"
"The farms were left untilled, the livestock all suffering. The farmers? Gravely ill, but against one another! And the viper? Happily filling herself with feed!"
"Feed. Feed."
"The viper that guards the box, she dresses up roughly. Pulls you in! In! Her venom plagues one's life, but keeps it awake for nights..."
"Nights. Nights."
"The viper takes away the soul, but also takes delight. Seduces you, entrances you, and takes away your sight."
"Sight... Sight..."

>>254191
Whoa. If there's anything to all that it's a tad worrisome. No need to stick around anymore, I doubt you'll get much more coherence from them than that. Say thanks, throw them some bread and be off.

fuck, inb4 they all have their eyes gouged out.

>>254191
Make your best "WAT" face, and start backing slowly. Ask to see their eyes (and prepare to freak out)

Sanya 2010/11/08(Mon)18:47 No. 254239 ID: 7c97d9
File 128927085145.png - (199.12KB , 640x480 , 9.png )

> Give bread and leave
I put some bread on the blue goblin's hands. I quickly notice the missing fingers. "Thanks, uh... We'd better be going now."
The other goblins smell the faint aroma of the bread and start to surround the goblin who holds it. He lets out a weak smile through his dry lips. "We return to spread the viper's evil deeds," he said as the group of goblins venture on, not even thinking about joining us instead. Their direction? Who knows. They might have been circling this desert all by themselves.
He was trying to scare me off with those words, but he's implying something... But what? Damnit, if only he was blunt enough to tell me what it is.

>>254239
Well... Keep going, that manor is not going to come to you...

Ask Wala if any of that made any damn sense to him at all.

>>254295
Yah. We need another opinion, and he's the only other person around. -_-

Sanya 2010/11/10(Wed)18:47 No. 254992 ID: 7c97d9
File 128944367129.png - (123.73KB , 640x480 , 10.png )

> Ask Wala for interpretation
As soon as we start walking again, I can't remove the goblin's words from my mind. A viper? A box? Two farmers? Ominous as his words may be, I don't really know how to make up my mind on this.
Eventually I resort to Wala for his own thoughts on the goblin's words.
"He might be telling a story in an indirect way. Whether it's his story or something more significant isn't my responsibility to know."
"... 'A pair of farmers'... He might be referring to the two warring tribes: the Shikitsri and the Resilm. Word of mouth is that they used to respect each other mutually until their ancestors' dispute over a large patch of soil and land that is now the ground of the manor."
"The others, well let's just leave it that way. We aren't here to talk about vipers or boxes, anyway."

Sanya 2010/11/10(Wed)18:48 No. 254993 ID: 7c97d9
File 128944369272.png - (124.21KB , 640x480 , 11.png )

"... Besides, we just found something we really have to worry about."

Sanya 2010/11/10(Wed)18:49 No. 254994 ID: 7c97d9
File 128944378678.png - (111.96KB , 640x480 , 12.png )

... Bajeebus. That's some giant... THING we got there!
"You know what that thing is, Wala?!"
"I- I'm not sure. I've never seen something like that..."
"I don't think we have any other choice once it finds us!"

give it a wide berth. i fit comes after you then it is not a real animal as ignoring a kill in favor of a living thing would go against everything an animal's instincts say. if it does then you need to focus on agility, and lots of it. large critters have a hard time turning.

>>254994

Aww it's a cute pangolin.

...RUN FOR YOUR LIVES

>>254994
Holy hell, an armored aggressive dire desert maneating anteater! Unless it's now full you're going to have a big fight on your hands.

Approach this as if you're fighting a dragon, except the flying and fire breathing. Hopefully.

>>254999
>>254998
... you DO know going around is an option? it's not like we are on a road or something.

>>255000
We can try, but she still must be prepared for combat. I get the feeling it has a keen sense of smell, in which case we should stay downwind of it. And it might be extra sensitive to vibrations and sound, in which case... chances of evasion are mostly screwed.

Sanya 2010/11/13(Sat)15:06 No. 256011 ID: 7c97d9
File 128968960018.png - (101.10KB , 640x480 , 13.png )

>move around it quietly

"Hopefully it hasn't noticed us yet. We'll go around it."
Wala lures the horse into walking a few distance away from the pangolin, while I guard the side facing it. I pull my spear out as a precautionary measure, sidestepping slowly with the caravan.
The pangolin looks around, sniffing loudly.

Sanya 2010/11/13(Sat)15:07 No. 256013 ID: 7c97d9
File 128968963519.png - (101.91KB , 640x480 , 14.png )

As if it picks up a scent, it turns towards our direction. Without any delay, Wala starts whipping the horse.
"It saw us!"
"Sanya, the caravan won't make it by itself if the creature charges towards us. Distract it in any way! We can't lose this six months worth of resources!"

wave your arms around and make loud noises!

Halberd out, charge at it curving around away from the caravan. Maybe it'll run, or at least if it runs at you, it DEFINITELY doesn't look like it can jump, while you can.

Sanya 2010/11/13(Sat)17:03 No. 256060 ID: 7c97d9
File 128969659478.png - (135.89KB , 640x480 , 15.png )

> charge at it!

With my spear out, I take the initiative and rush towards it. It fixates its attention on me instead, raising one of its paws at me. I stand back immediately, making sure I don't get caught by its swipes.
[Charm] The creature stands there, waiting for me to move. It's obviously agitated, but it seems frightened of us.
Looks like we're both anticipating for each other's moves.

you don't need to beat it, just keep it distracted long enough that the cart can get away. hold the tip towards it and slowly move it back and forth. play max defensive.

Uuugh, armored scaled, long claws...

Sloooowly step back, stay on guard. Let the caravan get well out of harms way, and you out of the creatures, before any sudden movements. Make sure you keep yourself between it and the caravans path and within your spear range, lest it decide to ditch you for it.

>charge it
nigger what, she's alone and is using a spear, claim victory on the first hit or you're fucked.
That thing looks like it has a thick skin, you don't want to do this alone.

Sanya 2010/11/13(Sat)17:37 No. 256074 ID: 7c97d9
File 128969866147.png - (141.93KB , 640x480 , 16.png )

> hold weapon up, slowly step back

I keep my spear raised at the creature. As I begin to step back, it curls into a ball and starts rolling towards me at high speed!

leap to a side and smack it with your spear.

Run to the side, hopefully the hill will slow it down.

Evade to the side! Don't bother with a counterattack right now, even a glancing blow from that thing is going to mess you up bad. Afterward, watch it as it goes past, inertia will keep it from stopping close and find a chance then.

PANGOLEM used ROLLOUT!

Wait, if you just dodge it'll go right past you, and to the caravan! Quickly set the butt of your spear to receive the center of the charge, and position yourself as low and far to the side as you can. Hopefully you can skewer it through its thick hide using its own momentum.

Brace your spear against a charge. Aim the tip 3/4 the height of the creature. Not 1/2. It will roll over the spear if you place it that low.

What are your secondary and tertiary weapons?

Sanya 2010/11/13(Sat)20:26 No. 256147 ID: 7c97d9
File 128970879030.png - (112.86KB , 640x480 , 17.png )

> set up the spear so that it impales through the creature and evade
I'm not fast enough to set that up properly!
I dig through the sand with my spear as hard as I can, burying the butt part down. I can't turn back fast enough to check if it'll do anything to its scales, so I jump off to the side and hope for the best.

Sanya 2010/11/13(Sat)20:26 No. 256148 ID: 7c97d9
File 128970880326.png - (162.40KB , 640x480 , 18.png )

I hear the spear snapping in the process, but I think it went through the creature's scaley armor. It groans out loudly, rolls so it lands sideways and keeps itself curled. I don't think I actually killed it, but I definitely did some harm.
... Ugh, there goes my only weapon. Granted it's those cheap-quality ones I usually buy from any weapons shop, but I'm probably screwed if this doesn't stop the creature.

>>256148
Should be good enough, it shouldn't want to fight anymore like that. Animals aren't usually big on suicidal vengeance, and currently just going after you is going to hurt it. Just get the hell out of there.

And if the spears are so damn cheap, why not carry a spare? Can't rely on having just one weapon, even if you don't consider crazy shit like this happening.

>>256148
Wait and see what it does. If it looks safe then go drop some food in front of its nose and remove the spear fragment.

Also, I'd like to point out that you, Sanya, were the one who started this fight.
I'm not saying you should put yourself in harm's way, but it was only defending itself and you've established dominance.

go and get that pod thing that was near it and put it down near it.

>>256159
Hey, it attacked first.

Sanya, you need to get better weapons. Do you have knives, or things like that? Whatever, at this point, just get the hell out of there.

Sanya 2010/11/15(Mon)14:44 No. 256708 ID: 7c97d9
File 128986108350.png - (50.78KB , 640x480 , 19.png )

> spare spears and weapons
Ergh. I've always found carrying more than one weapon too much to handle. So much clutter.
I fancy myself using spears and such. Spear fighting complements my height, and there's a certain kind of leverage that I utilize while I'm at it.
Still, I can probably wield an axe or a club. I'd like to get down and dirty during battles, you know.

> who attacked first
Does it matter, really? All that matters is who wins in a battle. And I won.

> spear fragment
It's too dangerous to pull it out.

> pod thing
It seems to be a wooden shield... Or maybe it's just a board... Anyway, it's holding a pair of horns in it that matches the corpses'. Looks like it belongs to them, not the pangolin. Why they attach the horns of their own kind into carved wood planks, I have no idea. Well, it'll hopefully have better use to the living than to the dead.
We'd better get back to Wala when we have nothing else to do around here.

Obtained BOARD WITH HORNS!

hmm, okay. sure let's continue on to wala.

>>256708
Some weird cultural thing? I mean it doesn't look particularly useful to be on there so there has to be another reason. Wala probably knows, ask him about it. Speaking of which did that guy ever slow down or did he run clear out of sight already?

>>256708
Did you notice that Wala assumed the Pangolin would attack, even though it was preoccupied?
Or the panic in his voice when he said he had never seen it before?
Or how he knew it could charge even though it's legs are obviously incapable of anything beyond a brisk waddle?

It's not even close to a desert species, so something odd must be going on if it's all the way out.
The most likely explanation is that smugglers were involved; it either escaping from them, or chasing them to free its young.

Regardless, drag a corpse over to the Pangolin and toss it near the thing's mouth. You can get quite a bit of information by observing its response.

Sanya 2010/11/15(Mon)15:49 No. 256744 ID: 7c97d9
File 128986498395.png - (80.15KB , 640x480 , 20.png )

> Wala
I start walking towards the direction where Wala bolted off when I see him already. He has two rather decorated daggers on his hands and looks to have been wanting to join the fray.
"I guess you already took care of it, huh?"
"Not really. Where's the caravan?"
"A bit of a walk from here, but you won't miss it."
Wala's probably just taking the benefit of a doubt, especially with a huge creature like this. It certainly beats having to wait for a potentially violent reaction before making a move.

"... You broke your spear?"
"Yeah..."
"I'll get you something you can hold on to until we're through with this."
"Okay, just give me a sec."

Sanya 2010/11/15(Mon)15:50 No. 256745 ID: 7c97d9
File 128986500273.png - (58.38KB , 640x480 , 21.png )

> Drag corpse over to the pangolin and observe its response
I move the corpse close to the pangolin, but it does not uncurl itself. Seems it's not really fond of our presence after that whole thing.
"... Do you know this creature? Seems you were lying about not knowing this at all."
Wala keeps his eye on the pangolin. "... These creatures usually live in forests and swamps, and there aren't any of those nearby. Not to mention this one's mightily huge compared to the usual ones."
"I wasn't technically lying about knowing any desert-living pangolins this size."

>>256745
The problem is that it's not a desert-living pangolin. Ask why he thought it would attack.

Have any rope? If you can safely remove the spear point from it, you should.
... Here, hold on...

[Fly over to the pangolin and try to speak to it]
Hello, there! What are you doing in this place? Would you like us to remove that thing from your back?

Ask Wala if the smaller swamp-dwelling sort are always so damn aggressive and hungry and if there any particular reason it would charge the caravan. It's hard to believe it was still violently hungry after it's little snack right there.

Ask him what is up with that horned shield too. Then get yourselves out of here and away from this damn mess.

Sanya 2010/11/15(Mon)19:03 No. 256809 ID: 7c97d9
File 128987658458.png - (55.10KB , 640x480 , 22.png )

> ask Wala about the horned board
I hand in the horned board to Wala. He takes a brief glance at it.
"Do you know what this is?"
Wala lets out his trademark grunt that tells me he's rather uninterested in the matter.

> ask Wala more about the pangolins
I have this feeling I shouldn't be riddling my client with questions while we're stopped like this.
"Any idea why this one attacked us?"
"... It saw the caravan when it turned to us. It got frightened 'coz it matched up its size and thought it was a predator."
Wala starts walking back to his caravan. "We don't have time for this, Sanya. We have a caravan to deliver."

Sanya 2010/11/15(Mon)19:03 No. 256810 ID: 7c97d9
File 128987662183.png - (111.73KB , 640x480 , 23.png )

> ask the pangolin
Oh-ho, I don't think so, little bugger. If I don't even want to go near it right now, what makes you think you'd be safer?
Besides, let's leave the poor thing alone already. Judging by how it's all curled up and unwilling to relax itself, it's terrified.
Wala doesn't want delays anyway, and this is just making things worse for him. He has supplies to deliver.

>>256810
I'm pretty certain his supplies are of the less-than-legal variety, but you're the boss.

>>256810
Nothing more to do here, keep going.

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)15:51 No. 258762 ID: 7c97d9
File 129038346953.png - (68.14KB , 640x480 , 24.png )

We both return to the caravan, which is situated not far from the pangolin's site. Wala climbs the caravan and gets something from inside. After finding it, he hands it to me.
Equipped FALCHION!
It looks like a sword, but it feels rather heavy for a short one. Looks like it's meant for whacking out stuff with, sort of like an axe.
It's only a short walk before we finally arrive in our destination.

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)15:51 No. 258763 ID: 7c97d9
File 129038347826.png - (163.75KB , 640x480 , 25.png )

Migrowle Manor... Finally we're here...
... Where's the people? The place doesn't look deserted, but there's no one around here.

Are those pigs? Maybe they're all in some kind of town meeting, or it's prayer time or something. Try knocking on a door.

>>258763
Staying inside where it's cool? Not much to do outside? Just a quiet town? Just ask Wala. Or grunt and comment "Lively place here."

>>258763
There are no signals of an attack, and the chances that the town are trying to ambush their own the supply caravan... are low. Go with "Lively place here."

PROCEED
SHOW NO WEAKNESS, BE CONFIDENT, IF ANY PEASANT SEES YOU LET THEM KNOW NOT TO FUCK WITH YOU.
This is practice, you'll probbably never see any of these people again.

You may be dirt poor but image is everything, pretend to be mighty and wealthy and people will treat you as such.

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)17:47 No. 258801 ID: 7c97d9
File 129039043388.png - (80.53KB , 640x480 , 26.png )

> proceed
We both take a few steps in-
*FWWPT*
GAH, WHAT'S UP WITH ARROWS COMING AFTER ME LATELY?!
"Argh, I told you not to miss!"

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)17:47 No. 258802 ID: 7c97d9
File 129039044651.png - (51.07KB , 640x480 , 27.png )

The voice is coming from up there.
???: "Damnit... You there! What are you doing with our caravan?! You have Wala as hostage, don't you?!"
Sanya: "No, you moron! I-"
???: "Spare your words for when you meet your maker!"
Wala: "Hold it there! She's my bodyguard!"

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)17:47 No. 258803 ID: 7c97d9
File 129039045372.png - (51.07KB , 640x480 , 28.png )

???: "... But that roar from earlier-"
Wala: "It's not her, guys. It's a long story, but we're all safe and good here, right?"
???: "... You there, down there! Check that... thing beside Wala and let them through."

Wala pats me by the back. "Things are rather... finicky around here because of the abductions. I guess they heard the commotion with the pangolin earlier and alerted everyone in."

Yell out "YOU FUCKING BASTARDS, DON'T YOU FUCKING CHECK BEFORE YOU SHOOT?!"

abductions?! sounds like a QUEST to me!

>>258805
It's probably best to try and be friendly and keep in good relations with them. You don't have to hide that you're annoyed at getting shot at but trying to get back at them won't gain anything.
Not to mention that staying on good terms with villages can be beneficial for; finding employment, information gathering, residence while traveling etc.

>>258811
This, but DO complain...

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)20:37 No. 258878 ID: 7c97d9
File 129040062970.png - (115.31KB , 640x480 , 29.png )

> complain
Heck right I should complain! That's not a way to treat a visitor around here!

They let us through the gate. There we see lots of humans in peasant clothing, most of them terrified. They're all looking at me like I'm covered in blood or something.
"Why'd you shoot at me?! That was uncalled for!"
The guy in front of me speaks, albeit in a shaky manner. "S-S-Sorry, sir!" is all he could let out.
... Sir?!

Sanya 2010/11/21(Sun)20:38 No. 258880 ID: 7c97d9
File 129040070053.png - (94.50KB , 640x480 , 30.png )

On the other hand, Wala casually talks to the guy earlier, who looks rather different from these humans. He looks more like a cat.
???: "-and I thought she got you tied up and all that. But seriously, a bodyguard?! You aren't that old, are you?"
Wala: "Oh please... I only need her for me to travel safely. Besides, she doesn't really *murmurs the rest of the sentence*."
Wala: "Anyway, meet my bodyguard Sanya."
The cat stares at me as if I just said something silly. "She should know better than to call me a moron. Stupid ignorant lots." He trudges off inside after leaving some orders to the peasants around, which soon disperses around the manor.
Wala pats me once more, this time on the shoulders. "He's Akil, a Felia and an old friend of mine. He's got a brief but colorful history around here, and people respect him despite his hasty attitude. But he's not the one who controls these people, mind you."

so uhhh, now what?

>>258880
[Fly over to Wala]
"He does know she called him a moron because he shot at her, right? Or is there some sort of racial oppression or stereotype that we don't know about?"

>>258880

Wala's keeping some info from you, Boss.

Better to just hurry up and get this thing over with. Then you can leave Mr. Sourpuss to his newcomer-hating ways. Quite amusing considering he was new here as well not too long ago, himself. But anyways.

==>

>>258880
That Cat is the one that ordered carrot-top to shoot at you. 'Respected' or not, his decision nearly got you shot. Even the most savage of societies would not accept any of his actions or words so far as an appropriate show of remorse.


However, he isn't in charge. The master of the manor is, in the end, responsible for all actions of those that take orders from them, or indeed, everyone living in their territory. The one who must make amends is Akil's master.

Sanya 2010/11/23(Tue)16:05 No. 259260 ID: 7c97d9
File 12905571364.png - (39.78KB , 640x480 , 31.png )

>>258951
"What was that you told Akil about me, huh?!"
"Nothing much. Just told him how green-horned you still are in terms of battling..."

...

>>258933
(You fly over to Wala, who looks at you indifferently.)
"He does know she called him a moron because he shot at her, right? Or is there some sort of racial oppression or stereotype that we don't know about?"
"He shot at her thinking she's one of the abductors. Akil's a hair-trigger, reacting with his feelings rather than his thoughts."
"It's a long story why... We'll have to meet the landlady first."

Sanya 2010/11/23(Tue)16:05 No. 259261 ID: 7c97d9
File 129055715061.png - (141.77KB , 640x480 , 32.png )

A handful of humans open the door to the manor. There, we are greeted by three ladies, who glance at me with a curious look. The one in the middle is the only one who greets us, mostly Wala.
"Welcome back to Migrowle, Wala. Please, let my maids bring your supplies."
Wala does not directly return the greeting. "Akil almost got my bodyguard here killed. Have things been worse since I last left?"
The pink-dressed lady gasps then raises her eyebrows as a sign of worry. "Oh, I am definitely sorry! Akil has not slept much lately, for the mysterious abductions have increased over the last few days. He is just doing his best to lessen these horrible deeds, I feel helpless myself..."
"Tell me, able-bodied companion... Is there anything I can do to lighten up this situation?"

>>259261
"I'll settle for an explanation about these abductions. And not getting shot at any more, that would be nice too." Try to say this with a grin. No sense getting pissy in this kind of situation. Lighten the mood yourself, and find more cooperation down the line.

Something really weird is up here and they don't seem to want to talk about it, work to earn their trust as well as you can and it might just save your life.

>>259261
"Is there a price on the heads of the abductors? Maybe a reward for the return of the missing people?"

See if you can find out more about what's happening in this town. Something about 'being between two warring barbaric tribes'. Does this have anything to do with the abductions?

>>259280
You're currently on a job so avoid asking about a bounty, looking like you're trying to moonlight or get your next job when you're supposed to be focusing on protecting Wala is bad form and unprofessional. You just finished a job with a good pay-out so money isn't the biggest priority right now, I think showing you're good at what you do to improve your reputation for future jobs would be priority. Being greedy will only make them think that you only care about their money.

Sanya 2010/11/23(Tue)18:18 No. 259309 ID: 7c97d9
File 12905650928.png - (67.04KB , 640x480 , 33.png )

> Treat us as friendlies, ask for explanation on abductions
"Two things... One, I don't get shot at any more."
"Yes! I shall see to that right away!"
"Two... I'd like to be informed about these abductions."
"... Not to avoid the subject but... Talking about these in front of my people affects their esteem. Please, walk with me as I attempt to keep you informed."

Wala lets me off with the lady as the other two behind her begin to help him unload the caravan. I listen as she begins her explanation.

"I must introduce myself first. I am Cynthia Protel, daughter of the late Sir Gradrion Protel the Third. This manor and the little patch of land this stands on have been handed down to me by my father, who have inherited these from our clan's generations. Thus, it is my responsibility"
"We have been experiencing a series of abductions, almost hitting fifty since the first report several months ago. The occurrences seem to be in random places and time: we've even had abductions of some of our maids from inside this very manor. However, most of the abductions were done when the victims were alone."

Sanya 2010/11/23(Tue)18:18 No. 259310 ID: 7c97d9
File 129056510617.png - (66.45KB , 640x480 , 34.png )

"And to think that this happens when the two tribes that surround us have waged war against once another... We are caught in the crossfire, and this only worsens our situation. We find ourselves having to fend off those who cannot be reasoned with and raid our place, as well as panicking at the news of new abductions. Please understand our predicament."
"Because of our situation, we always keep a close eye on anything that might signal trouble. Once we see any sign of it, we would ring the bell on top of this manor, which warns my people to hurry themselves to the manor; in fact, I ordered the bell to be rung when we heard that ominous roar. I had specifically ordered Akil and his men to trust their judgment on an incoming fellow. This might explain his hostile reaction towards your arrival, so I apologize once more."

>> 259301
I don't have to be involved in stuff like this... Let's be real here: the manor really isn't my direct liability. My job is to protect Wala until we get back to town.
We don't have to do everything ourselves, but maybe we can help them out in some other ways.

>>259310
Well, protecting this place protects Wala by proxy and his business. Sure it isn't your job to help out, but we didn't say you should do it for free. Find out more about this war that they're in the middle of. Also tell her the source of the roar and your dealing with it. Maybe she'll have more insight into it's peculiar presence there in the desert.

Something to wonder about, but perhaps not ask: If these abductions are really so random, quiet and unexpected perhaps it isn't invaders but some kind of inside job? Or if not, perhaps the warring tribes are suffering from the same thing. In either case keep your eyes peeled, you don't want to get assaulted yourself.

But you can't leave Wala alone while you go investigate an unrelated quest, let's try to help, but keep an eye on him.