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File 150160377866.png - (43.50KB , 462x555 , ToP1.png )
819884 No. 819884 ID: 7e370e

Shacking hands insert a talisman into the sword.

?: Don't let this be a fake, please don't be a fake talisman.
Expand all images
>>
No. 819885 ID: 7e370e
File 150160382751.png - (20.68KB , 553x555 , ToP2.png )
819885

?: Please spirits, ancestors or whatever reside in the talisman. Pledge your powers to me and make me King! I beg you!

Mind Talisman level 1. Powers; Guidance, Attraction

level 1. Shadowless strike. Make an invisible cut around the owner once every 30 seconds. Reach: arm's length

level 1. Remodeling. The shape of the sword can be changed freely but not the mass and size.
>>
No. 819887 ID: 486e87

Hey. What up?

You sure this sword's not going to shatter the moment you try to use it for anything? It looks like it's made out of glass.
>>
No. 819888 ID: d79f26

>>819887
well, i doubt this guy would that big of an idiot.

>>819885
hey yo what's up? making you king? sure, easy enough, is there a current king you are trying to depose or are you making a kingdom from scratch?
>>
No. 819889 ID: 143250

Hey, we're a sword. How are you doing?
>>
No. 819890 ID: f505e7

So are you in line to the throne or by the way hello
>>
No. 819892 ID: fc33ea

>>819887
It's probably jade or something. And magical.

Can we morph into like a Punch puppet cane so this guy isn't talking to thin air?

First off, who's asking?
>>
No. 819894 ID: 2483f6

Another wannabe king...?

Alright, Let me ask you a question. Why should we help you? You're not the first to ask us that, I assure you. What makes you think you deserve to be a king?
>>
No. 819901 ID: 7e370e
File 150161198141.png - (16.80KB , 533x554 , ToP3.png )
819901

?: Oh it talks so it's real and good and and thank the Pantocrator!

>>819887
?: Glass? No no it's made out of emerald so it strong very strong! And light.

>>819888
>>819890
?: No I meant King as in someone big, powerful and and important. Why did i say King? there isn't a King in the Middle empire, there has not been an emperor either for hundreds of years.


>>819894
?: The gods of fate presented to me the opportunity to have both the talisman and the sword. So it must be destiny.

?: Oh I am just so relived you were the real thing. Good, good good good.
>>
No. 819902 ID: 7e370e
File 150161207027.png - (22.06KB , 555x554 , ToP4.png )
819902

?: No wonder this guy didn't want to give you up.

?: Oh right my name, well since I am now a thief and a murderer I can't use my old name. Better to leave the past behind so why dont you give me a new name.
Also should i just keep calling you Sword or something else?

At level 1. you cant morph into a punch puppet
>>
No. 819905 ID: 015058

How about Emmy or Emerald or something. Once you get the rest of the talismans we can be all sorts of stuff other than a sword!

You monster. Killing some poor bastard and stealing his stuff. You should be ashamed.

Just kidding. If you want to found a kingdom on a ocean of blood we can go that route. Or the more subtle way if you like.
>>
No. 819907 ID: 8d4593

Holy shit that sword we're in is a monster.
Go find a Strength talisman. I wanna see you cut a horse in half.
>>
No. 819909 ID: d79f26

you can be both, a big powerful man who rules over all. a double king.

how about Leon? is like lion.

and how about you call us Crystal. because we don't have to be a sword, could be an axe or something. also, which part of us did you take from that guy?
>>
No. 819910 ID: 59eaee

>At level 1. you cant morph into a punch puppet

You hear that? We could potentially develop into an ENEMY 「STAND」!

Er, normal stand. Punchghost. Whatever.
>>
No. 819911 ID: 143250

Call us the sword of tgchan.
>>
No. 819920 ID: 9876c4

We are clearly some sort of Falchion, so call us Falco.
We will serve your ambitions as long as you are worthy of them.
>>
No. 819921 ID: e1f59e

The talisman is called Orb of Infinite Psyche, or Orb of TGChan. As for the 'sword'? Mutagen.
>>
No. 819922 ID: 13fded

We are Bob.


...you should probable get far away from the crime scene.
>>
No. 819924 ID: 3373e2

Call us Bolek, or 'Bo' if ya like.
>>
No. 819926 ID: 4854ef

While we don't understand the current situation, you may wish to get away from the corpse/knocked out individual.
>>
No. 819932 ID: 015058

Jam the sword in that guy over there before he gets to cold. We thirst for blood and souls.

(Also grow some sinister looking spines as we think this at him to sell things.)
>>
No. 819936 ID: f505e7

>>819932
Call us what you will and second this
>>
No. 819939 ID: 7e370e
File 150162556460.png - (30.97KB , 538x555 , ToP5.png )
819939

The man hurriedly leaves the yurt. The cool night air calms his nerves and the shacking stops.

>>819909
?:Leon sounds like a good name yes. From now on i will be Leon and you will be...

>>819911
Sword of teegeechan? Doesn't really roll off the tongue.

>>819920
Ehh you look more like a Dao than a Falchion to me.

>>819924
Bolek! Yes that sounds good. Leon the human and Bolek the sword.

>>819905
Leon: The corpse in the yurt was Taizu the wise hermit of the hills. People came from far away to ask him for advice, but i learned that the source of his wisdom was one of the talismans of power. I tried to steal it from him but he woke up and i had no choice but to stab him.
>>
No. 819940 ID: 7e370e
File 150162562972.png - (32.13KB , 538x555 , ToP6.png )
819940

Leon: What? No i wont desecrate a corpse or do what you tell me! Besides I am the one in charge here.
Now i plan on trekking through the night to a certain town far from here so if you would do me a favor and turn into a staff or something else since weapons are not allowed inside towns.
>>
No. 819942 ID: be0718

"Or something" it is. Add some ribbing below those spikes. Assume a rounder shape.
>>
No. 819943 ID: c88e6d

>>819939
You seem like a bandit to me. Either way, becoming king will be a long, brutally dangerous and stressful process, and even then you will probably die.

Still, if you really wanna be king, murdering that guy was a good start. As a commoner with no great wealth or army, you're gonna have to kill a LOT of people to become lord of this land. First up, you need to leave your village to go find another village since they're probably gonna be pissed you murdered Taizu.

If you don't wanna leave your village now, do so as soon as possible. Either way, you need to gather supporters that will start your army. Anyone who can hold a spear or farm implement will do. Next, head to the nearest conflict area and scrounge up some real weapons for your peasant. At that point you'll be a bandit leader, so you'll need some legitimacy. Any prophecies around you can use to help you in that regard? Otherwise you'll need to start by overthrowing a lordling or a robber baron and taking his lands, and that's much harder when you don't have anything but peasants.
>>
No. 819944 ID: 3abd97

>>819940
Turn into a dragon dildo.
>>
No. 819945 ID: e420b6

>>819940
Can this thing change colour or will it still look like a jade staff?
maybe an umbrella would be better, could spin it as a novelty item made of coloured glass.
>>
No. 819947 ID: 91ee5f

>>819940
Ok, whatever you say.

[Turn into an object shaped like a penis]

Oops, how embarrassing! >///< ;;

Uh, sorry about that, let's try that again!

[Turn into a staff]
>>
No. 819949 ID: a363ac

>>819940
http://saintsrow.wikia.com/wiki/The_Penetrator NSFW This but with a dragon dildo.
>>
No. 819950 ID: 094652

Remodeling("Burial Blade");
>>
No. 819953 ID: 90f3c0

Transform into a very long bead necklace.
>>
No. 819955 ID: 4854ef

>>819953
Voting for this one, peaceful beads
>>
No. 819956 ID: b27cac

Hey lets try something. Turn into a chain. I wonder if we can do segments.
>>
No. 819975 ID: 9dc26d

>>819902
Hahah you punked that Taizu guy.

Now, I want you to always remember that if someone punks you for us, I'll laugh at you too.

But for now, sure, why not help you?

So Leon what do you got in the way of war materiel? Allies, resources, soldiers? How productive are your holdings? Are you taxing appropriately? Are you keeping your taxpayers secure?

>>819955
Yeah, prayer beads are usually ignored. That's a good one.
>>
No. 819977 ID: f505e7

(hahaah he thinks hes in charge) the beads sound like a good idea
>>
No. 820053 ID: df00b4

>>819949
Dear Lord yes!
>>
No. 820056 ID: 25f1b2

Prayer beads sounds neat.
>>
No. 820057 ID: ba56e6

>>819949
This.
>>
No. 820058 ID: 031add

Though it would be nice to be a fancy cane that much jade make's us a target for any roving thieves or bandits. It might be best if we were to turn into something more subtle... Upper arm bracers perhaps?
>>
No. 820059 ID: 8d4593

Gonna go with dragon dildo
>>
No. 820066 ID: d79f26

let's just do the beads if we can. staff if we can't.
>>
No. 820080 ID: da1652

>>819940
so, we are housed in a massive hunk of magical emerald, and you are wandering, alone, dressed like either a peasant or a bandit.

We predict you will have to fight to keep us before noon. You DO know how to kill people while they're awake and on guard, right?
>>
No. 820089 ID: 486e87

Heh. Ok, let's try turning into a staff, or failing that, a ornamental / training sword, one that's obviously blunt and not a weapon.

You know, we're still made out of emerald, so we're gonna attract attention even if we aren't obviously a weapon.
>>
No. 820101 ID: 8d4593

Huk guy?
can you find like... a thick bamboo pole or some sort of hollow stick that we can hide our selves in?

Or like.. a normal looking sword sheath?
that way you need only wrap our hilt?

We don't actually Care who has us, but if you want to keep us we recommend you keep us concealed.
>>
No. 820120 ID: d79f26

>>820101
even if you don't care i would say we are obligated to help our wielder.
>>
No. 820237 ID: 8d4593

>>820120
Most certainly.
But if our wielder changes then what?

It's not like this guy has built a rapport with us.
>>
No. 820392 ID: 9dc26d

Leon we need to settle this. Please pretend to be someone else for the sake of this argument.
>>
No. 820411 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150185809932.png - (17.83KB , 581x600 , ShamfurDispray.png )
820411

Leon: Ancestors! No!

LEON WAS INTIMIDATED
>>
No. 820412 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150185812785.png - (16.84KB , 600x600 , ToP8.png )
820412

LEON HAS RECOVERED

Leon: Bad Bolek! Bad!

In twilight night
Whackering is heard
Echoes on rocks~
>>
No. 820413 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150185818225.png - (13.47KB , 600x463 , ToP9.png )
820413

Leon: Smart idea but looks like your form can't change into flexible or complex things yet.

Leon: I am not a bandit! I am a Shinobi, a proficient spy and a dabbling saboteur.
And my village is far far in the southeast from here. You see i stole the sword from there and placed a painted wooden fake in its place, then i traveled here to Taizus yurt and got the talisman.

The fake sword ruse is most likely already been discovered but it should have bought me a few days.
>>
No. 820415 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150185834007.png - (14.31KB , 600x523 , ToP10.png )
820415

Leon: Now we are talking!

>>820089
>>820080
Leon: Im not terribly concerned about being robbed. The legend of the magical swords and talismans was so popular that it became fashionable to have items made out of jade or simply painted green.
So any observer will hopefully just think of you as a tacky fashion object.

>>820101
Leon: Sadly bamboo doesn't grow this far north, i could buy some cloth to wrap you in.

Leon: Allright time to head out.
>>
No. 820416 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150185849465.png - (14.65KB , 600x519 , ToP11.png )
820416

After running through the night Leon reaches his destination town of Assan in the early morning.

Leon: Here we are and the guards barely even looked at me. Plain clothes, bald head and they just think of a harmless pilgrim.

>>820120
>>820237
>>820392
Leon: Well that is why i asked you to Pledge your powers to me! So even if i get disarmed or you get stolen your loyalty would be to me and my cause.

>>819975
>>819943
Leon: Uh actually my planning ends here, i was hoping you would know something about the location of the other talismans.
Anyone with a talisman knows to keep quiet about it. Just look at Taizu, i hear he has a talisman and few weeks later he is dead.

But the last guy who got hold of all the talismans ended up conquering the whole middle empire.

Leon: They say that Sages, Princes, Witches and other powerful people flocked to follow the first emperor when he got his hands on the mind talisman. So followers should appear as long as i am near people.
>>
No. 820418 ID: be0718

well that would suggest that your only solid lead on the location of talismans is the emperor. If you're done beating your meat in the woods, that is where we are headed!
>>
No. 820419 ID: 8d4593

>>820416
>Well that is why i asked you to Pledge your powers to me!
Well it seems not all of us have agreed. Perhaps you should make sure you arn't disarmed for awhile. I for one would love to see you get maimed. At least just a little bit.

>Bad Bolek! Bad!
Please don't do that. It doesn't harm us, but it does make you look quite dumb.
>>
No. 820424 ID: a363ac

>>820416
To obtain our loyalty you have to prove yourself at least somewhat of an interesting character more than just "I killed a guy and now own you." at least you poor Cheery Boy.
>>
No. 820426 ID: 7fad5d

Shave your mustache if you want our help. It's creepy looking.
>>
No. 820427 ID: 015058

The thing is we don't have to pledge anything to you. But if you keep us entertained we will go along with whatever horrible life choices you make.

I mean the smacking us on rocks might have been therapeutic for you but we don't feel pain. So if you want to access all our best powers you need to convince us you are worth it.
>>
No. 820428 ID: e37a06

You haven't given us any credence like you as of yet, so some information on what's going on in the world and your place in it.

And yes be as detailed as possible.
>>
No. 820429 ID: 3ccfc3

*use shadowless strike to remove mustache* Sorry pal, but It wasn't a good look for you...that and It'll be a little harder to identify you now. (provided I didn't just accidentally remove his face.)
>>
No. 820433 ID: 91ee5f

>>820416
>Uh actually my planning ends here, i was hoping you would know something about the location of the other talismans.
Sorry, but we only know of our own location. We don't know the location of any other talismans.

>But the last guy who got hold of all the talismans ended up conquering the whole middle empire.
I'm pretty sure that guy dies of old age or something. But it's obvious whoever he entrusted the talismans to after he died was incompetent, considering the fact that the talismans are scattered about everywhere.

Or maybe that emperor guy was killed in his sleep and the talismans were scattered by whoever killed him. After all, you don't conquer the entire empire without making enemies.

Oh and one more thing.....
[create tiny little spikes where Leon's hands are holding the staff]
That's for beating us against a rock, you jerk!
>>
No. 820442 ID: e420b6

>>820416
While we have no intrinsic knowledge of the other talismans, with some time to get our bearings we'll be able to find the path.

For now, let us get familiar with each other, tell us about yourself.
>>
No. 820468 ID: f505e7

>>820433
yes do this
>>
No. 820469 ID: 8d4593

>>820426
>>820429

You know... I could live with the mustache if he grew out the ends and curled them...
...And if he grew out a pointy little gotee underneath...

Maybe he could get a plucky dog sidekick who's purpose is only to chuckle sinisterly to go along with it.
>>
No. 820474 ID: 751120

Unfortunately, you may have to explain every single cultural thing on this journey. See, we don't actually know anything about your world - when you killed the previous owner, almost all the spirits who advised him left to find new clients. We latched on when the talisman sent out a request beacon across dimensional rifts.

Typically yes, clients tend to gain followers quickly, thanks to our above average communication skills and knowledge of advanced technology. Just find a place with troubles and we'll figure something out.
>>
No. 820484 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150188438564.png - (90.43KB , 500x500 , ToP12.png )
820484

>>820426
Leon: Shave my mustache? But it has taken me so long to grow it, its the only facial hair that I can grow and how else will I show people that I am no longer a boy but a man!

>>820429
WHACK
(The shadowless strike uses whatever form the 'sword' is in when used. So a blunt staff in this case.)
>>
No. 820485 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150188444094.png - (80.68KB , 500x500 , ToP13.png )
820485

Leon: MMMMmmmotherfffffffff LIP!

>>820433
Leon: ffffFFFFFKNN HAND! AaaAAH pain!

Leon drops the staff as tiny spikes prick his hand. After a moment of cursing Leon hurriedly picks the staff back up.

Leon: Gods above and below! If it means that much to you guys ill shave rather than have another hit like that.
>>
No. 820486 ID: 1c9bbd
File 150188460420.png - (117.14KB , 500x500 , ToP14.png )
820486

The sun rises higher and the town starts to wake up around you.

>>820427
Leon: How about a deal? I won't smack you and you wont smack me? If you don't want to pledge yourself to me yet fine, but can you promise me that much?

>>820442
Leon: Not much to tell really, I was taken in as an orphan and trained to work as a spy. They tried to make me think the whole village as my family but it didn't stick, and since I had no sense of obligation to the village I decided to seize my destiny into my own hands.

>>820418
>>820433
Well for starters The Emperor has been dead for 700 years and he hid the swords and the talismans before his death.
The Empire is being run by an army of eunuchs and nobles, the system is called "The Imperial Bureaucracy"
I can give you a history lesson while I get a shave and something to eat. Do you want the long version with only the stuff concerning the talismans and the swords or the long long version with other history too?
>>
No. 820487 ID: b27cac

Sure, no hitting.

Give us the whole story.
>>
No. 820488 ID: 015058

Long version. We have been asleep for awhile and our long term memory is horrible.

As for the smacking we will be nice if you treat us nicely. If you are worth our loyalty you will get it.

Maybe we can figure out some magic to grow you a majestic beard later.
>>
No. 820490 ID: 91ee5f

[Remove tiny spikes]

No, you don't have to shave. Your mustache is fine the way it is.

>Do you want the long version with only the stuff concerning the talismans and the swords or the long long version with other history too?
I don't care which version you give us, just get some food and go somewhere you won't be heard. If people see you talking to your staff, you'll just draw attention to yourself.

In fact, that dog person you just passed is giving you a funny look because they heard you talking to your staff. They probably think you're a crazy person.
>>
No. 820492 ID: 8d4593

>I won't smack you and you won't smack me?
We won't smack you if you do not deserve it and we do not find it humorous.
Luckily for you jokes die quick.

Give us the Long Long Version.
But say any parts about the talismans in a Flowery Voice.
It may seem silly to you, but it will greatly help us is understanding you.
>>
No. 820506 ID: d24cff

Don't waste money on a shave. Hide yourself and we'll remodel the blade into an easy-shave razor blade - guaranteed not to kill you if handled correctly or a thousand times your money back!
>>
No. 820527 ID: ca661e

>>820486
What, shave!? No don't do that! It gives your face so much character!
>>
No. 820535 ID: d79f26

is several of us in here, jostling for control. imagine a cart with an ox, and 20 people arguing over the reins.
>>
No. 820536 ID: be0718

Use Invisible Cut to sever the left and right halves of his brain. It's painless, non-fatal and would probably give you a better idea of what it's like to be a sword.

The long long version will keep us entertained longerer.
>>
No. 820540 ID: 9dc26d

Let's all in here agree to leave the kid's 'stache alone. Everyone knows that's an important hidden stat, and messing with it means he can't offer to give mustache rides to those that need them.

>>820486
So, less important than history is current events. The picture you're painting here is one of a nation held together by a self-correcting and self-sustaining bureaucracy. One that's remained stable for seven centuries without a figurehead! It is actually very impressive when you think about it. It means the bureaucracy has a way to cull the overly ambitious and to select the competent to become administrators. Likely related to keeping nobles from using power consolidation methods too much, like accumulating too much fungible wealth over the course of generations with strict estate taxes.

I guess we did a good job last time. Probably even better than I could have imagined, seeing as how the Emperor decided to hide us rather than take the risk that some upstart n-child of of his would fuck everything up.

I mean it's been 35 generations since then. That's a huge potential pool of pretenders to the throne who could make a giant mess of things. But if the competent people are all loyal to the idea of the country, rather than to the bloodlines that united the country originally, then you've got something that's able to keep providing all the advantages of a country without the periodic civil wars.

Anyways here's something to chew on: “The bureaucracy is expanding to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy.” That's held true for pretty much any successful bureaucracy, and I expect this bureaucracy is quite large by now. Since you were trained to be a spy, you know this essential truth: the bigger they are, the more cracks in the security you can slip in through.

The question you should be asking yourself, Leon the First, is what methods do you think are completely unacceptable for taking control of people? Are we going to tear the country apart and start from scratch? Are we going to do things the slower way and figure out how to make the bureaucracy report to you? Or maybe the dangerous compromise appeals: a deft application of lies and practical power could upset this self-correcting system so that when it balances out again it's in your favor.

Whatever we do, we'll need to know who has their hands on the reins right now, where the food comes from, what the external threats to the country are, and what the internal threats to the country are. Current events, you see.
>>
No. 820556 ID: 9dc26d

>>820536
Don't goof around like that. We're a blunt instrument right now, we can't cut anything.
>>
No. 820557 ID: be0718

>>820556
A concussion is fine too. Besides, it's unlikely that a phantom cut in the air depends on our actual sharpness at the time.
>>
No. 820558 ID: 3ce125

>>820536
Can we not?
>>
No. 820561 ID: 045962

Enough with the violence, there's no need for that... for now.
>>
No. 820568 ID: 8d4593

Yeah no need for violence at his moment.
Besides, if we get tired of him we can just turn into a ring around his neck.
and then a smaller one.
...And then a smaller one.
>>
No. 820570 ID: e37a06

I think the message you should be getting here is that this is not the most safe occupation Mr. Leon
>>
No. 820627 ID: be0718

>>820568
Still can't change our size...
Perhaps the talisman apertures can be widened or narrowed, though.
>>
No. 820681 ID: 4f444e
File 150198524193.png - (21.01KB , 502x750 , ToP15.png )
820681

>>820490
>>820506
>>820527
Leon: Alright I wont shave my mustache, but tell me if you change your mind and ill find a barber. I want to keep my head on my shoulders.

>>820570
Leon: Sounds like any other day Spying. You mess up and get caught you end up dead. Or worse, you get your hands cut off and have to live the rest of your life as an invalid.

Alright now where to begin...

(Note: If you really want Leon dead you could just remodel into something sharp and Shadowless strike him in a vital spot.)
>>
No. 820682 ID: 4f444e
File 150198532508.png - (239.05KB , 750x750 , MindMap (2).png )
820682

>>820540
Leon: Currently the center of the empire is the river valleys of the three great rivers. The area is said to produce enough food to feed the whole world three times over, it is also the source of the empires wealth and prosperity.
The bureaucracy has grown immense, they say that it has over a thousand eunuchs and hundreds of noble officials working daily and more are trained every year. And they say that no one man can learn even half of the bureaucracy workings during a lifetime.

For centuries now the empire has bribed barbarian tribes to defend its borders eliminating the need for a imperial army. "One does not waste good iron making nails, or good men making soldiers." As they say.
There is an Imperial Navy though, protecting the sea-trade routes from pirates and monsters. The fleet is big and they have many wizards trained in the arts of water and air magic.

The only way that I can think of taking control of anything is if I have enough Talismans that people start thinking its my fate to take control.

But things were not always as they are today...
>>
No. 820683 ID: 4f444e
File 150198549520.png - (37.62KB , 300x464 , ToP17.png )
820683

Leon: I will now tell you the history of the land as I have been told it by the elders.

Long long ago the land was wild, the rivers untamed and deities both small and big stalked the land and all the people worshipped them.

Then from beyond the sea came a giant who radiated power and commanded terrible magical powers. The giant called himself Pantokrator!

The Pantokrator set about to tame the three great rivers, banishing the other gods and their followers and mandated that the people living in the valleys worship him and live by his guidance. And they did.

Thus began the age of the Pantokrator.

When the Pantokrator felt his time nearing its end he forged the last of his powers into seven Talismans of power to be placed in the seven magical swords to enable his seven children to wield their power. He then divided the lands equally among his seven children.

But then the Pantokrator went and had his last child, a boy named Gin Yi.
>>
No. 820684 ID: 4f444e
File 150198562706.png - (24.42KB , 300x476 , ToP18.png )
820684

Gin Yi Was given a magical sword but since the Pantokrator died soon after his birth he was without a Talisman of Power.

Years passed and Gin Yi grew jealous of his siblings and in secret he reforged his swords, it now had seven places for talismans.

Gin Yi slaughtered his siblings, stole their talismans and declared himself as the first Emperor of the Middle Empire.

The family and followers of the six slaughtered siblings rejected Gin Yis declaration and the whole Empire fell into a civil war.

The fighting went on for years and there are countless stories of heroics and treachery, but in the end peace was declared and Gin Yi became the Emperor.

Thus began the age of the First Emperor.

The Empire spread to its current size with the conquering of the highlands and the eastern plains.

But it seems that fate has a sense of justice, for even though the Emperor had a harem of hundreds of women he could not father children. A fitting fate for someone guilty of the crime of familicide.

So to stop his throne from falling to the hands of his cousins the Emperor started forming the Imperial Bureaucracy as his legacy.

And just before his death the Emperor hid the Talismans and the Swords.

Thus began the age of the Bureaucracy.
>>
No. 820685 ID: 4f444e
File 150198576517.png - (107.54KB , 600x467 , ToP19.png )
820685

Leon stretches after finishing his meal.

Leon: So there you have it. Or the version that i have heard the most at least. Some versions paint Gin Yi as the hero or a tragic character instead of a butcher.
Anyway the truth about the talismans faded into myth and legend, copies and fakes were made, people forgot. But Suddenly around two hundred years ago the Talismans and the swords resurfaced, though it seems no one person managed to gather a significant number of them.

Leon: But now finally things are beginning to change. They say that the old gods are sneaking back into the land, the prayers in the imperial temples go unanswered more and more often. And most worryingly the rivers have started to act unruly. So after 700 years we are again living in interesting times!
>>
No. 820687 ID: be0718

And you, are living in a barn. Well, go freshen yourself up before seeking an information broker.

Invisible Cut: Spank the ass.
>>
No. 820689 ID: d79f26

there seems to be an ass behind you.

anyway, hopefully we can get a clue to another real talisman soon. hmm....

[scan for talismans]
>>
No. 820693 ID: 13fded

You should try to make contact with those cults and, if possible, the gods themselves. They may wish to destroy their enemy legacy but it's preferable to have this legacy serving their interests. If they refuse to see the reasoning we can be sure Pantokrator was right to forbid people from following their wills.
>>
No. 820746 ID: 094652

Well, the OTHER would-be emperor we're currently advising comes from a backwards country that literally popped into the ocean thanks to eldritch-level planar shifting dimensional warp tom@#$%ery. It's possible this Panko Flakes guy was from some other world entirely.

We'll help you take over because you're our client, but honestly? Focus on obliterating the bureaucracy. A system that is too powerful to be challenged and literally cannot be understood is ripe for corruption. There might be entire departments dedicated to rerouting the most rebellious barbarian threats into fighting each other!
>>
No. 820748 ID: 4854ef

Is this Dominions!? Love that game series.

The odd thing is we cannot really remember the past, we don't even remember the hermit.. We wokeup when you inserted the talisman, so we have no power or knowledge without the sword.
>>
No. 820749 ID: 045962

>>820687
How about no?

So, we're now in Gin Yi's sword? Neat.
>>
No. 820751 ID: da1652

I wonder which will be harder: getting the talismans from whatever people and creatures are powerful enough to hold onto them currently..

or getting the bureaucrats to recognize your authority without upending the working system that's in place
>>
No. 820791 ID: 26dfe4
File 150205140724.png - (75.53KB , 500x436 , ToP20.png )
820791

Thats a Bingo!

>>820687
>>820689
Leon: It's a donkey or maybe an onager? It must have been sleeping behind the boxes. And no spanking! Causing needless suffering to animals gives you real bad karma.
It has a collar with "Bishop" written on it. Who would keep a donkey as a pet?

>>820693
Leon: I don't know about contacting cults or gods. If they are powerful enough wouldn't they just try to steal you from me? Anyway I have no way of finding where these gods or cults are, maybe if I asked around the temples pretending to be a zealous pilgrim out to convert the heathens?
Still we are out in the sticks so if there is somewhere those cults or gods could slip in unnoticed it's here in the north.

>>820746
>>820751
Leon: I don't know about that, the bureaucracy has been around for so long that there must have been people trying to topple it, right.
But then again it might be a paper tiger, powerful looking from the outside but actually weak when seen from the inside.

>>820687
Leon: Ill head out now to gather whatever info I can. Maybe well get incredibly lucky and there is another talisman nearby.
>>
No. 820792 ID: 26dfe4
File 150205153873.png - (158.17KB , 750x600 , ToP21.png )
820792

After a day of eavesdropping and questions Leon is led to a tavern, music and the sounds of revelry are coming from inside. The sign names the tavern as "The Cursed Shield"

Leon: From what I gathered there is a hound who goes by the name "spymaster" here. Obviously not a real spy with a title like that, probably just a local lowlife with some info. But he is the only one in this town who might know something useful.

This is a mercenary bar for the northern barbarians, you can tell because they always have names with a weapon in it. And the owner always has a story of heroics involving said weapon, or shield in this case.
Mercenary bar means thugs and a rough crowd. The "spymaster" likely has some goons for protection and intimidation.

I don't think a pilgrim would go into a place like that, so i am going to have to come up with a role that doesn't raise suspicions, especially if I start asking about the talismans.

Maybe I should buy a hat.
>>
No. 820794 ID: 8d4593

Pet donkey?
Someone loves dat ass.

As for a hat, get yourself a tricorn.
>>
No. 820800 ID: 91ee5f

>>820792
Uhhh, that donkey is following you. That usually means that something is suspicious about it! I don't trust it! Be careful!
>>
No. 820802 ID: 4854ef

The Donkey seems to have taken a surprising liking to you, it's following you.

But as for a role.. you could be a refugee? Or potentially you could just be coming there for information or protection for travels.
>>
No. 820816 ID: be0718

Who said anything about spanking the animal?

Invisible Cut: Spank ass, harder.
>>
No. 820832 ID: 094652

Find a beast in the forest so we can carve its head into a helmet
>>
No. 820855 ID: 844e25

>>820792
Yeah uh, That smack to the face was an accident, was meant to shave you but...let's just say we're a bit...heh...RUSTY
>>
No. 820880 ID: 8d4593

>>820855
Sorry to be so blunt about it, but that was strikingly bad.
>>
No. 820938 ID: 697a5e
File 150213330267.png - (141.77KB , 600x600 , ToP22.png )
820938

>>820816
SPANK
The suspicious donkey brays loudly and gallops away!

Leon: Gods that was loud! And what did I tell you about bad karma!

>>820794
Leon: Tricorn? Like a cone hat? It could work.

>>820832
Leon: I don't know how to track beasts, and it would probably take far too long anyway.

>>820855
>>820880
Leon: Funny, you didn't strike me as a joking sword. (heh)

>>820802
Leon: I can think two ways of getting this information from the spymaster. Either I go in disguised in a nonthreatening way and trade for the info while avoiding suspicion.

Or now that I have a magic sword...

I dress up as a shinobi, you transform into a sword, I kick open the door and demand answers to my questions!
Anyone tries anything funny you cut them down with your powers and everyone else will be too scared to try anything.

(Reminder: You can use the shadowless strike once every 30 seconds.)
>>
No. 820943 ID: 25f1b2

>>820938
How about a compromise, you do the first, and if things get bad we do the second.
>>
No. 820957 ID: 4854ef

>>820943

This does seem to be the more general option. While we could deal very well with people and it may be quite efficient with northern barbarians it'll certainly give away that you have something of major note.

Which while good for making you seem incredible, would also make you a major target very quickly within this realm of T'ien Ch'i.. Er the Empire.
>>
No. 820966 ID: be0718

Darn, missed.
Well, I like dressup! this 'spymaster' is operating in enough of a backwoods that his reach should be minimal, for a spymaster I mean. You better be strong enough to actually kick down a door though.
>>
No. 820985 ID: cc5ab4

You can't rely on us in a real fight right now. The swing we've been using is something we can't do more than once a minute or so. It would seal your victory against a swordsman of equal skill, but would never save you against a master. Wouldn't stop an arrow either.

Also its a form of ambush protection, since we don't seem to sleep and see differently than you do.

There would be some heavy bluffing involved in plan 2, basically.
>>
No. 820993 ID: ca661e

>>820943
I think the "break out weapon if things go bad" is an implied part of the first option, which I am also voting for.
>>
No. 821576 ID: 96fd4c
File 150239858878.png - (124.16KB , 500x563 , ToP23.png )
821576

Sorry for no updates, I have been trying out new styles to make updating faster

>>820943
>>820957
>>820993
Leon: Yes, yes you are completely right. We are still not powerful enough to draw unwanted attention, or take on a tavern full of people.
I guess I had a lapse of judgment there since I haven't slept in two days.

>>820985
Leon: I don't actually have any training using a sword, but if we are careful we shouldn't end up in a situation where that matters.

Leon buys a conical hat and some cloth to finally wrap the sword(staff) from prying eyes. Then he heads inside the tavern.
>>
No. 821577 ID: 96fd4c
File 150239864174.png - (274.06KB , 900x589 , ToP24.png )
821577

Inside "The Cursed Shield" is filled with pipe smoke and an unseen band is playing somewhere in the tavern.

Leon: With this background noise and with my mouth covered I should be able to communicate with you by mumbling.

The "spymaster" is supposed to be a short male Hound with pointy ears. There are only two who fit that description that I can see.
One sits alone smoking a pipe, the other is with a huge man covered in scars.

Which one should we approach first?
>>
No. 821579 ID: be0718

The bodyguard is most un-subtle if that is truly the spymaster. Let's hit them up first.
>>
No. 821580 ID: 90f3c0

The one sitting alone seems more like as spy master to me, that big guy draws too much attention. Talk to him first.
>>
No. 821584 ID: a363ac

>>821577
attempt to woo a nice looking wolf lady instead in order to have a cover that you just like furry people.
>>
No. 821588 ID: 8d4593

>Leon: With this background noise and with my mouth covered I should be able to communicate with you by mumbling.

Have you tried just pointedly thinking at us?
I'm not sure if it will work with you but it usually works for others pretty well. Try it.

If the spymaster is a true professional, then he is the big dude. The description would lead you to him without revealing his identity.

If your hunch about him being just being a well connected local is correct, then he is the relaxed guy with the pipe. His body language suggests that he is totally within his element. That there is nothing to worry about here, even given this places colorful clientele.

Whether or not the pipe guy is the man you're looking for, be respectful if you approach him. He is among friends.
>>
No. 821608 ID: 497732
File 150240709593.png - (67.08KB , 474x508 , ToP25.png )
821608

>>821588
The bodyguard being the actual spymaster would be pretty clever. But I think a ruse like that would get exposed pretty fast, especially if the spymaster was a bear of a man covered in scars.

>>821584
What's a wolf?

>>821580
Leon approaches the 'pipe guy' first.

Leon: Greetings and forgive my intrusion but I am searching for a man called 'spymaster.' Would you happen to know where to find him?

Spymaster(?): Well now that depends on why you are looking for The Spymaster. If you have blood on your mind then The Spymaster has skipped town, if you are looking for information then The Spymaster might be sitting right under your nose.

Leon: ...Information.

Spymaster: Well then, sit down stranger and tell me what is it that you want from The Spymaster.

While sitting down Leon thinks as loud as he can. This guy has read too many spy stories holy shit.
>>
No. 821620 ID: 8d4593

>This guy has read too many spy stories holy shit.
We can hear you!

Also, Thinking like that accentuates what you say to us. Now, can you think like This or THIS?!?!?!

>>821608
Do you not have wolves on this plane?
Medium sized four legged animal with a head like the gentleman in front of you. Carnivorous apex predators that hunt in groups called packs.

>especially if the spymaster was a bear of a man covered in scars
Don't underestimate a professional.

Speakin' of which, this guy isn't one. Seems more like a generic street Hustler to me. Still treat him seriously however.

Don't ask him for any info yet. Instead ask if you can do him a favor first. If he knows what you're looking for first he'll either up the price or start asking questions you won't want to answer.
>>
No. 821676 ID: 13fded

>>821620
It's difficult to imagine having dogs without having wolves. Maybe They aren't native to this region, maybe they were exterminated long ago...


Offer a favour up front in exchange is a good way to prevent overpricing and avoid, or at least delay, rumours about your search. On the other hand he may not know any useful information. Either way he can also lie to you once he gets what he want.
I say you should offer the exchange and insinuate the need for future services to stimulate honesty.
>>
No. 821741 ID: 497732
File 150241998828.png - (120.14KB , 600x471 , ToP26.png )
821741

>>821620
Please stop yelling inside my head!

Apex predator, medium size, walks on four legs and hunts in packs? Sounds like a leogryph to me. Don't know about the face though since they have a terror-bird like head.

Spymaster: You know you don't really need to carry a staff with you boy. I don't know what kind of stories you have heard down south but unless you start trouble you won't get into trouble up here.

Leon: Best to be prepared on the road nowadays, the times are changing.

Spymaster: Well that is true, the imperial roads just ain't what they used to be. But enough about that for now, what can The ol Spymaster do for you? You looking for info on the fighting? Or maybe something else.

Leon: Actually I am more interested in what I can do for you.

Spymaster: A favor eh? Not really my style, I don't even know your name yet stranger. You can find me but I have no guarantee that you won't just vanish with your favor after you get what you want.

Leon: The name is Leon and I was hoping this would be a start of something more long term. That is if your info is any good.

Oh I got him with that, pride cometh before the fall eh?

Spymaster: Listen my info is good. I got people in the right places, ears and eyes where they matter. I'll even throw you a bone, one free question.
Go ahead Leon see if my info is any good.

Right I got a freebie, but I don't think this guy is that interested in favors or money for that matter. If it really comes down to it I can give away some secrets from my old villages spying network. But that should be a last resort.
>>
No. 821804 ID: a363ac

>>821741
who do you spy for?
>>
No. 821817 ID: 3ce125

You could get the info you came for, you know. He's offering a freebie, so take advantage of it and ask him if he knows anyone who's got any unusual magical items. Or just straight up ask about talismans, if you think nobody will overhear and he won't go off and warn people that you're looking for talismans.
>>
No. 821902 ID: 8d4593

>>821741
>Please stop yelling inside my head!
Think like that when you really need our attention!

>leogryph, terror-bird like head.
Sounds closer to a Lion than a Wolf. Well, Minus the bird head.

This freebie works in your favor.
Act as if you are incredulous. Like you don't expect this next question to be answered.

Oh yeah?
Then lean in so you can say this more quietly.
Then where can I find the nearest Talisman?
>>
No. 822172 ID: 094652

Who is searching for the talismans to rule the empire? And by who, I mean people who actually matter.
>>
No. 822188 ID: 0f38f8
File 150254641367.png - (85.84KB , 500x500 , ToP27.png )
822188

>>821804
Now way is this guy working for anyone but himself. He is too much of an amateur.

>>822172
It has been long rumored that the nobles and the eunuchs have some of the talismans and the magical swords in their possession. And I bet one could get rich if they sold a talisman to the empire. And I am talking Middle Empire Rich.

>>821817
>>821902
Leon: Well then do you have any info on some unusual magical items? Something like a Talisman perhaps?

The Spymaster gives Leon a funny look before starting to talk.

Spymaster: You know, I have a friend in the Imperial post here. Lately there has been a series of robberies on the Imperial road nearby, and the bureaucracy has promised to pay for any material losses on roads that its supposed to be keeping safe.
So when people want compensation for their lost goods they have to fill a form and write down what they lost.
So around a week ago there was a magician looking foreigner dressed in red robes who said he was robbed by a large green Drake. And on the form he had written among other things "a magical talisman."

Spymaster: So that is yer freebie, pretty good right? The thing is, you ain't the first one who has come to me asking about 'unusual magical items.'
But that info will cost you.

He was looking left and up when telling his story. So he wasn't lying. Should I ask for more info?
>>
No. 822204 ID: 91ee5f

>>822188
A drake?! I love drakes! They're adorable! Can we keep it?!
>>
No. 822212 ID: 4854ef

A large.. Green.. Potentially Emerald Drake..Hmmmm..

That actually maybe really good potential information, if someone is using something to store a talisman of their own, or an emerald weapon of sorts.
>>
No. 822215 ID: 13fded

The foreigner mage probable called his stolen artefact an talisman be cause he wasn't familiarized with what this word imply around here. It shouldn't be what we are looking for but a drake hoarding magical items can be very lucrative.
He knew what you meant with talisman yet he gave you directions to an unrelated event. Even if it's worth pursuing you need to find out if others were mislead to believe it's a Talisman of Power.
Explain our concern about the nature of this magical talisman and as if there are people who believe it's the genuine artefact. It may not be worth compete for junk with people who believe it's a treasure.
Also ask what can he tell about the sort of people looking for magical items? For what purpose?
>>
No. 822221 ID: 51aede

I wouldn't recommend saying too much about <i>why<i/> we're looking for objects like these, obviously, especially since that, if this guy is willing to talk about the identities of people looking for magical items for gold/profit, it stands to reason that he would sell information about us to anyone also looking for these items. Of curse we can get around this by saying as little about yourself as possible, or just by giving by false information, which should be pretty easy given your spy training...
>>
No. 822222 ID: 3ce125

>>822188
Where on the road? Has anyone else investigated the crime?
>>
No. 822226 ID: b8d03d
File 150257094246.png - (89.44KB , 500x496 , ToP28.png )
822226

>>822212
Emerald... Talisman... Drake? No way is that real or even possible. Right? I mean if the swords had that kind of potential, or some talisman did things like that someone would have written about it. People would know. Right?
It's just a regular ol' green swamp or forest drake. Got to be.
>>
No. 822227 ID: b8d03d
File 150257103502.png - (66.30KB , 440x498 , ToP29.png )
822227

>>822215
Leon: Do you think the foreigner mage meant he lost a talisman, or a talisman?

Spymaster: Hol up, I gave you everything you are gonna get for free. So unless you have some valuable info for me we have nothing left to talk about.

Right, I have no choice but to cough up some info on my old village. Don't know why I was even hesitant to give my secrets away, its not like I can go back anyway.

Leon gives away the location and inventory of the closest safehouse belonging to his old spy network.

Spymaster: Now you are talking The Spymasters language boy! Right from what my friend told me the foreigner mage specified that the talisman he had been robbed of was small and disklike, like a coin.

Leon: So these other people looking for 'unusual magical items' did they believe that it was the real deal, a talisman?

Spymaster: From the amount of additional questions they asked I believe they did.

Leon: Can you tell me about these other people, what were they like and why were they after magical items?

Spymaster: One was a stranger dressed like one of them tribesmen from the mountains, he came asking about magical artifacts of great power and where they could be obtained. I think he was some kind of cultist.
The other one was a damn finelady, I don't usually think of humans that way but I wouldn't have thrown her out of the bed hehe. Anyway, she smelled of incense and wore a mask and heavy robes like she didn't want to be seen, so I believe she was from the temple district here in Assan.
Both of them paid money for the info and neither one told me why they were after the artifacts and I didn't ask. Like I haven't asked you, since The Spymaster is nice like that.

>>822222
Leon: Where did the mages robbery happen exactly? And has the Imperium decided to act upon it yet?

Spymaster: Knew you were gonna ask that next. Knowing the bureaucracy it's gonna take them a few months to do anything, and in true Imperial style they will probably hire some mercenaries to get rid of the Drake. Or cut out the middle man and just pay the Drake to stop robbing people heh heh heh.
The robbery happened on the North West Imperial road about two days walk from here. The mage said it happened where the road curves deep into the forest after going by a field of rocks.
>>
No. 822251 ID: 8d4593

>He was looking left and up when telling his story
Don't use the looking left or right method to discern lies, it's too unreliable.

Someone looking around could just be uncertain or nervous. A bold faced liar will typically look you straight in the eyes, and often offer too many details.

This guy has been quite helpful, but has also divulged many details. He will likely tell others that you seek the same thing.
He could also have goons ambush you should you head straight toward one of his destinations.

Best take a roundabout way.
>>
No. 822253 ID: ca661e

>>822251
I'm going to agree with this guy, getting info out of this 'spy master' was far too easy, though I wouldn't exactly say he is lying.

If you get the chance, see if you can make an excuse to talk with the other Hound. Don't interrogate him, just chat for a bit to confirm that the first guy wasn't some kind of a charlatan.
>>
No. 822282 ID: 4854ef

To be truthful we don't know the exact power.. I mean lets be honest, you can't exactly be crowned the new emperor if we weren't somehow powerful. Maybe later you could tell us what stories and tales of the power we might possess.

I mean for now we can turn into various weaponry and strike from a slight distance.. As well as.. Actually we have a few mind powers, I suppose guidance is what we are doing for you. The other I'm not sure of, but it may be why the Onager followed you earlier. It's simply known as attraction.
>>
No. 822290 ID: b8d03d
File 150258753758.png - (108.96KB , 500x451 , ToP30.png )
822290

>>822251
My teacher told me that people tend to look left when remembering. But it's just one part of reading a person.

If this was all a setup to rob me I can think of many easier and more reliable ways, but just to be safe ill ask about this Spymaster.

>>822253
Leon thanks The Spymaster for his time and walks over to the table with the other hound and the bear of a man.

Leon: Evening and sorry to interrupt you but could I ask you a few questions about this Spymaster I just met with?

Short Hound: Umm sure, ask away.

Large man: Oh! a new acquaintance! Please sit down have a drink, everyone else here is already heard all my war stories. I am Rook and this little fella is Clip.

Leon Introduces himself but doesn't take the offered drink yet.

Leon: I just wanted to ask about how much faith I can put on the information I got from 'The Spymaster.'

Clip: Yeah um his name is really Wonton and he is an old comrade of mine. He is a reliable guy really, so um you can trust things he tells you.
Except if he said anything about me, don't believe anything he said about me.

Rook: Yes you see he took up this 'spying' thing after he became an invalid as sort of a hobby. Seems like he has gotten good at it by the amount of people visiting him.

Clip: Yeah Im just happy he is doing something with his time. Far too many comrades get injured and end up just um drinking and slowly wasting away.

Rook: Bah! Lets forget about sad things for tonight, please Leon join us in drinking and reveling and storytelling. We just ordered some food.

Is that what was going on with the Donkey/Onager? And it might be happening now too. They say that people and magical creatures gathered to join the Emperor when he gained the mind talisman, though they were Longmas and other mythical creatures. Not Donkeys.

These guys seem alright. And I don't think I have enough energy to do anything productive tonight anymore. Is there anything in particular I should talk about with my new friends?
>>
No. 822294 ID: 91ee5f

>>822290
>they were Longmas
What are those? Please picture them in your head for us to see.

>and other mythical creatures.
You mean like that Drake the "Spymaster" mentioned? We could get a Drake!
>>
No. 822297 ID: 094652

Poke us with a dragon and we'll hijack their mind. Affected species include Nedynvor, Ogres, Mudkips, Fallen Angels, Owlbears, and the occasional shapeshifting overlord.
>>
No. 822327 ID: 13fded

The drake is a road bandit. A confident criminal who would rightly see himself as stronger than Leon. We shouldn't be too hopeful in our chances to make him an ally.
Those guys on the other hand are unoccupied veterans. Combat experience have much more value than most people think. Get friendly with them, with some luck one or two may be interested in help you deal with the drake. If we manage to construct a trusting relationship with this group eventually it may be possible to start a militia with them.
>>
No. 822332 ID: 4854ef

Hmm.. If nothing else, new friends will make one self better. You cut ties with your village, and I doubt you desire to be alone with just a gem for a friend.
>>
No. 822339 ID: 3373e2

Sit down and have a nice time. Its probably been awhile since you had a good time with friendly people.
>>
No. 822368 ID: 8d4593

It seems people trust you more than they should, though Rook seems naturally trusting. This passive power of ours will be a boon to you so long as we remain concealed. It may become a nightmare if we are revealed. Thieves and enemies floating in a sea of smiling faces.

That said, as we have not been revealed, by all means have fun. Just don't get too drunk.
>>
No. 822747 ID: 3b332f
File 150275648022.png - (214.26KB , 600x501 , ToP31.png )
822747

>>822294
Longma is a dragon-horse or a horse-dragon? They are rare river spirits and seeing one is a really good omen. According to the stories The Emperor had a two of them as a followers. No mention of him having Drakes as followers though.

>>822297
Is... That how it works? That sounds scary as all hell.

>>822339
Yes! Let the good times roll on!

Many drinks are had and many more stories are told during the evening and well into the night.

Rook: "...See They had a curse that could make someone or something attract arrows, so they decided to cast it on a bunch of shields. The idea was to have only few shields on the battlefield render the enemy archers useless and have more soldiers wielding long poleaxes. But the curse didn't distinct between 'friendly' and 'enemy' arrows. So at first the shields worked fine and were soon covered in arrows fired by the enemy from the front. But then their allies fired their own volley and all the shield-bearers turned into pincushions!"

Clip: That story is such bullshit though. Why didn't they just cast the curse on a wagon and wheel it infront of the army? Or why didn't they think that of course the curse would attract their own arrows too?

Rook: Yes and I have never heard of this arrow curse except from this story. But the owner of this tavern claims that the story is true and that he has one of the shields locked away. Now there is another story about a curse that I know is real, see back in the day...
>>
No. 822748 ID: 3b332f
File 150275650543.png - (218.81KB , 600x499 , ToP32.png )
822748

After the tavern closes the party takes to the streets. Wrestling is a popular pastime among the drunken mercenaries, and Rook turns out to be an a Expert wrestler defeating many a drunken challenger.
>>
No. 822749 ID: 3b332f
File 150275653625.png - (170.17KB , 600x489 , ToP33.png )
822749

Later when the hour grows late and the party starts heading towards home Leon gets an idea.

Leon: Pst psst psst. Hey Bolek, turn into something big and phallic. This is gonna be so funny!
>>
No. 822754 ID: 91ee5f

>>822749
>Pst psst psst. Hey Bolek
Hmm, what is it?

>turn into something big and phallic.
Oh, now you want us to do that? No way! You hit us against a rock last time! So you can just forge-

>This is gonna be so funny!
.....curse us and our love of practical jokes! Fine, we'll turn turn into something! Just don't hit us against anything!

[Turn into a dragon's dick]
>>
No. 822759 ID: 3ce125

>>822749
Dude no! Aren't you trying to keep a low profile so people don't assassinate you before you find more talismans?
>>
No. 822765 ID: 35a0e0

Your drunk, no. We're trying to keep a low profile.
>>
No. 822766 ID: 8223cc

>>822759
We are...

...but it proably WOULD be really funny.

LETS DO IT.
>>
No. 822768 ID: 7fad5d

Yeah, sure. One ogre-sized dragon dildo coming right up.
>>
No. 822769 ID: 13fded

Turn into dickbutt.
>>
No. 822793 ID: 3b332f
File 150276319532.png - (153.86KB , 600x498 , ToP34.png )
822793

As Rook and Clip turn around they are awestruck by the sight of an Emerald Dragon Dildo Bursting from the wrappings!

Leon: Bow down peasants! Your new Emperor is here!

Clip: What is that?! How did you do that??

Rook: Yes of course my liege! I am your humble servant.
>>
No. 822794 ID: 3b332f
File 150276323867.png - (36.75KB , 600x496 , ToP35.png )
822794

Leon: Come my followers with this blade no one can stand against us! Charge!

Rook: Yes! I will follow you to ends of the earth and beyond my Emperor! Charge!

Clip: No seriously how did you do that? Are you a wizard??

Leon: Magic! It's a magic sword!

Clip: But it was a staff!

Leon: Charge!
>>
No. 822795 ID: 3b332f
File 150276325088.png - (342B , 300x300 , Scene Missing.png )
822795

...
>>
No. 822796 ID: 3b332f
File 150276326502.png - (134.27KB , 600x510 , ToP36.png )
822796

Leon: ZzZzZz
>>
No. 822798 ID: 90f3c0

Good job blowing your cover last night. Better get up and get going before someone comes for your magic sword.
>>
No. 822799 ID: 35a0e0

Wake up Leon. We got shit to do today.
>>
No. 822801 ID: be0718

Invisible Cut (with the blunt end): Slap him awake, then turn back into a staff.
Get up, you professional carouser.
>>
No. 822804 ID: 91ee5f

>>822796
Stroke harder.
>>
No. 822812 ID: 13fded

Let's turn back into a staff.
I hope you have a good excuse ready. Maybe a scroll of illusion or something.
>>
No. 822817 ID: 3ce125

Don't beat him up over something we agreed to do.
>>
No. 822835 ID: 91ee5f

>>822817
This!

>>822801
Cancel that Shadowless Strike!
>>
No. 822844 ID: 4854ef

Do not strike, turn back into a staff.
>>
No. 822869 ID: bf8f3f

Then how about SHADOWLESS THRUST!
>>
No. 822884 ID: 8d4593

How about a shadowless vibration.
>>
No. 822935 ID: 957e05

Damn, why so aggressive and unreliable?
>>
No. 822957 ID: 7fad5d

Yo, Leon, wake up. Time to figure out what happened and manage it.

DO NOT hit him.
>>
No. 822967 ID: 4bc7e7
File 150281932070.png - (139.46KB , 600x505 , ToP37.png )
822967

>>822884
At level one all you can manage is a shadowless wiggle while transforming into a staff. It is enough to wake Leon up.

Ohh Pantokrator my head!

Leon steps out of the closet he was sleeping in.

Ahh! Bright! Who puts an East facing window into the bedroom?

>>822798
I Remember running towards the town and that's about it.
>>
No. 822968 ID: 4bc7e7
File 150281941181.png - (143.38KB , 600x515 , ToP38.png )
822968

In the next room you find Clip sewing a shirt.

Clip: Morning Emperor!

Leon: Morning. What happened last night?

Clip: First take sip from that bottle on the drawer, it's a hangover potion. But it's real potent so just one sip!

Leon: Thanks.

Leon takes a sip from the potion, it tastes like honey and herbs. A sweet numbness starts to spread from Leons lips towards his head pushing away the worst of the hangover.

Clip: Last night after you showed us your... Um Thing. We ran around town causing a ruckus and wrestling more people before heading towards the Temple District to mess with those pious monks and nuns. But all the temples were um already closed.
Then you finally crashed and Rook carried you here. You wanted to sleep in the closet for some reason, we tried to wake you up for breakfast earlier but you just shooed us away.

Clip looks up from his sewing.

Clip: Hey um, Rook is out getting some more drinks and food. So can you um tell me who you really are? And what's up with that staff? I know Rook is never gonna bother asking so it is up to me. Sorry to be so direct about it.

Damn what a night. How much should I tell him?
>>
No. 822974 ID: 8d4593

Ok, so as long as you don't mention the talisman, you are golden.
We can be a magical sword staff dragon dick all day.
Your choice if you wanna tell him that we can talk to you. If he want's proof we can talk to him if he touches us. I mean... We'll be some jackasses when he does, but that's kind of our thing.

Also, that stuff he just gave you probably contains willow leaf and opium poppy.(Or whatever your world's analogue is.) Chug some water and eat whatever Rook brings back lest you want your stomach to bleed.
>>
No. 822977 ID: 4854ef

Well there's no denying that we are a potentially magical gear, but it may be best just to mention the fact that the emerald 'staff' is just able to swap between various things that you decide on.
>>
No. 822982 ID: 35a0e0

Tell him that we're a magic sword that has the limited ability shapeshift that's been passed down from your family from generation to generation and your going adventuring for fame and wealth.
>>
No. 822987 ID: 13fded

It's a sextoy based on the legendary sword. It turns into giant phallic forms.
I though it was the funniest thing when I got it, but it got embarrassing to carry around. Thankfully the cylinder form look normal.
To tell you the true I would love to get the real thing. (What are we talking about here legendary sword or dragon dick?)
>>
No. 823021 ID: 4bc7e7
File 150283884049.png - (123.09KB , 600x375 , ToP39.png )
823021

>>822987
Leon: It's a magical sex toy based on a legendary design. I bought it for laughs, like a party toy.

Clip: ...Thats horse shit.

Leon: How so?

Clip: No one would waste that much power to create a sex toy. A shape-shifting staff made out of magical emerald? That must have taken years and a fortune to create.

>>822982
Leon: Alrriiight buddy you got me there, i was just pulling your leg. A Joke hehe! Man this potions is some goood shit!
Anyway, it's actually a magical shape-shifting sword that has been passed down in my family for countless generations. I decided to put it to use and go on a adventure for money and fame!

Clip: An adventure to become the Emperor.

Leon: Sure maybe, i mean you gotta aim high right?

Clip: With a heirloom that powerful.

Leon: Yep!

Clip: Right. And let me guess, you are from a village somewhere so far away that i haven't even heard of the place?

Leon: Yes! That's actually true.

Clip: ... Fine keep your secrets.

Heh poor boy probably though he was being clever, sending Rook off to get food and having me take the potion before asking questions. But little does he know i was trained by people who invented being clever.

Clip: So what do you want to do today mister Emperor? Rook should be back soon with the chow.
>>
No. 823030 ID: 3ce125

>>823021
Tell him not to make that face. You just met him yesterday, you'll tell him more at a later date.

Anyway, if he's up to it we can go check out the rumor of the green drake causing trouble. It's bound to have a hoard with some valuables, so it'll be a good haul for the whole party.
>>
No. 823060 ID: 4854ef

Yeah, if this Swamp Drake is pilfering, it's got to have lots of goods, riches.. Or at the least, a small horde full of things.

If he's incredulous do tell him you are more skilled then you appear.
>>
No. 823237 ID: 91ee5f

>>823021
>mister Emperor
Tell him to not call you that. You're trying to keep a low profile because not everyone would like hearing about you trying to become the next Emperor.

If he asks why you didn't keep a low profile last night, tell him that was a momentary lapse in judgement brought forth from too much alcohol.
>>
No. 823244 ID: d4805b
File 150289649407.png - (275.41KB , 750x637 , ToP40.png )
823244

>>823030
Leon: Heyy mannn don't be like that, we just met yesterday. I barely know anything about the two of you either.

Clip: True. And um I don't think you are a bad guy, or a wizard or anything. But these days you have to be a little careful with who you trust.

>>823237
Leon: And you could stop calling me Emperor please? I just threw it out last night as a joke.

Clip: Sure, Leon.

...

Rook returns from shopping and the posse decided to have a picnic outside. The sky is clear and promises another scorching summer day. Leon goes over what he heard from The Spymaster about the Drake robber.

Rook: Mmmm yes. But why would a Drake start working as a robber? It's not like there is any shops in the forest, and besides if there were the Drake could just take what it wanted with force. If you ask me someone hired the Drake to rob people.

Leon: That would explain why it was after magical items. But if it doesn't need money then what would someone be paying it to rob people?

Rook: From my previous experiences dealing with Drakes, I would say sheep.

Leon: Sheep?

Rook: Mhm yes, in the north the mercenary companies sometimes summon or hire magical and mythical creatures when their powers are needed. Most of them want their pay as food which they have no easy means of getting. Like sheep.

Clip: Food trumps pieces of metal when you are living inna woods.

Rook: So the way I see it we could buy some sheep, throw them on a wagon and head on out to the road where it stalks. But we would need to gear up, show that Drake that we aren't easy to roll so it decided to barter with us instead of just taking what it wants.

Clip: But what if it's been paid like... 100 sheep a month? I don't think we can afford or transport more than like 5 sheep.

Rook: Hmm well then we have to be ready to do battle with a Drake, with spears and bows and that magical weapon it should be doable.
We just need some protection against its poison breath.
And maybe get clever, like make a trap or something.

They seem pretty confident about taking on a Drake, but there might be easier ways of getting that talisman from it.
>>
No. 823295 ID: be0718

Yeah, like ditching these guys while they "negotiate" and tracking the drake to its lair afterward.
>>
No. 823297 ID: 8d4593

We could just change to a sweet spear. or a sword.
Then when you pass by, let the thing rob you of us.
Then we'll shadowless strike it in the neck.
Easy peasy.
>>
No. 823298 ID: 4854ef

Are drakes that weak? It's surprising that one thinks it can be easily taken like that.
>>
No. 823299 ID: 91ee5f

We could always try and trick it into eating sulphur. Then it'll go to a nearby river and drink until it explodes!
>>
No. 823315 ID: 35a0e0

Hmm how about we have one guy guiding the sheep forward posing as a Shepard and the other two wait until the moment the Drake is distracted to attack.
>>
No. 823325 ID: 8d4593

>>823298
Everything with a jugular is that weak.

I mean we're a nigh unbreakable emerald sword.
Our blade can probably be near infinitely sharp like a macuahuitl's, but with the benefits of being made of a much harder material that magically can't lose its edge.


There is the chance though that there's just so much flesh in the things neck that in our Level 1 state we can't cut deep enough with a shadowless, or that the things scales are harder than beryl. Though as a spear we could just shadowless into its eye. As a forked spear, we could shadowless into both.
>>
No. 823479 ID: b59d3d
File 150299409107.png - (94.06KB , 600x377 , ToP41.png )
823479

Leon start bouncing ideas off of Rook.


>>823295
Leon: How about tracking the drake to its lair?

Rook: We could do that, if you know to track drakes? No? Besides cornering the drake would be a bad idea.


>>823297
There is no way I am letting go of you until you pledge yourself to my cause to the very end.


>>823299
Rook: Where are we gonna get enough sulfur? And how would you trick even the densest drake to eating sulfur?


>>823315
Rook: There is no way we can sneak up on a drake, its senses are too sharp.


>>823298
Rook: Well I mean compared to like true magical creatures like Elementals or Spirits or Demons.

Clip: Or anything that can fly like uhh Wyverns, Gryphons or Amphipteres.

Rook: Then yes you could call drakes weak. Swamp drakes poisonous breath is the main threat, we get protection against it and it is just a slow big lizard.
The method to fighting something like that is to exhaust it by harassing it with spears and arrows while dodging it's attacks before going for killing blows.
Also in my experience beasts have a low morale when it comes to fighting and are quite happy to giving up or running away when things don't go well for them.

>>823325
Rook: I know me and Clip can handle ourselves but im not so sure about you Leon.

Leon: Well I have my magical weapon and I can strike magically from a distance with it.

Rook: Really? Care to show me?
>>
No. 823480 ID: b59d3d
File 150299413568.png - (84.35KB , 500x391 , ToP42.png )
823480

Rook: That tree is about as thick as a drakes neck i'd say. Why don't you give it a few magical swings and see what happens.

Alright Bolek, lets try out a sword and the spear thing atleast. Maybe an axe or something too?
>>
No. 823484 ID: 91ee5f

>>823479
>Where are we gonna get enough sulfur? And how would you trick even the densest drake to eating sulfur?
You put the sulphur in a sheep's carcass and the drake eats it.

>>823480
[Turn into a naginata]

Shadowless Strike on that tree!
>>
No. 823490 ID: 7fad5d

>>823480
Claymore and then pike shadowless strikes. Let's see how well we fare.

>>823484
>Japanese bladed weapons for chopping
>Japanese bladed weapons for anything that isn't lightly armored flesh
Even if we're magically unbreakable, the shape of the blade isn't ideal and I get the feeling we'll want every advantage we can get, just in case.
>>
No. 823492 ID: 179409

>>823480
Turn into a Halberd (Swiss version.) its the best of both worlds if you want a spear and an axe.
>>
No. 823498 ID: be0718

Wonder sword powers, activate! Form of: a chainsaw!
>>
No. 823500 ID: a37482

Summon Whirligig Saw
>>
No. 823535 ID: 4854ef

We can't exactly make mobile parts! We've tried that before. Can't exactly make a saw that does well enough if we can't even make a single moving part

*Turn into claymore and shadow strike*
>>
No. 823546 ID: 179409

>>823492
Almost forgot. Shadow Strike.
>>
No. 823762 ID: cc5ab4

Gonna second the Claymore. And Shadow Strike, obviously.
>>
No. 823820 ID: 5bcb58

Chainsword and guys it's called shadowLESS strike.
>>
No. 823852 ID: 8d4593

>There is no way I am letting go of you until you pledge yourself to my cause to the very end.

Then impress us, oh wise and mighty dragon dicked emperor to be.
>>
No. 823999 ID: ec9e13
File 150327016941.png - (158.60KB , 571x1000 , ToP43.png )
823999

Rook and Clip stay a safe distance away while Leon attacks the tree.

>>823484
Oh a naginata I know this weapon. Alright you do your thing Bolek and ill just... Pose I guess?

...

>>823490
Claymore huh, this blade seems familiar from somewhere?

Rook: Hey it's a Greatsword! I have fought with one of those.
>>
No. 824000 ID: ec9e13
File 150327021477.png - (135.38KB , 571x1000 , ToP44.png )
824000

This 30 second wait between strikes is kinda annoying though.

...

>>823492
Leon: Look at this guys! I don't even need to be looking at the tree to hit it!
>>
No. 824001 ID: ec9e13
File 150327027471.png - (150.92KB , 571x1000 , ToP45.png )
824001

>>823500
Uhh whirly-what ? It's just a disk with teeth on it, doesn't seem to be that effective.

...

>>823820
This is just seems silly. And yes it's called shadowLESS because it is invisible. Duh.

Well now I have a good grasp on the range of the shadowless strike. An invisible 'kill-zone' around me so to speak.
>>
No. 824005 ID: 9dc26d

We should be a naginata so that Leon may use us as a weapon in addition to our Shadowless Strike, or a halberd so that we can do the most damage possible.

Leon if we could... convince... this opponent that following you is a better idea, would you be open to that?
>>
No. 824011 ID: d79f26

what if you swung and we used a shadowless strike right at the same time we hit the tree? two for one the impact site.
>>
No. 824021 ID: 094652

>>824001
Damnit, those pointy bits are supposed to MOVE. The material seems to have issues with generating complex moving parts. Or maybe it needs fuel before it can move without shapeshifting. Try to find oil.
>>
No. 824027 ID: 4854ef

>>824021
We can't even generate beads that'll become flexible, why would OIL suddenly mean we can move! We don't have any complex parts.

Anyways, Naginata.
>>
No. 824036 ID: 3ce125

Alright, take a look at how deep each cut was. Tell us what the best two weapon types were. I don't trust my eyesight from the range we're looking at it right now.
>>
No. 824047 ID: 8d4593

For a drake you'll want us to be a Naginata, Halberd, or pole-axe. We do not have the requisite weight required to be a hammer or sidearm axe, and swords are a poor weapon choice against beasts. Polearms are your friend in this fight.

Try swinging us at the tree. I want to see what happens when we shadowless strike at the exact moment of impact.
>>
No. 824087 ID: ec9e13
File 150329218958.png - (126.80KB , 600x525 , ToP46.png )
824087

>>824011
>>824047
Leon swings at the tree as hard as he can, just before impact the shadowless strike hits the tree. The naginata sinks one third into the tree!

Weapon art learned [Double Strike]!

Opa! Double striking the same spot is very effective! I bet a strike like that could pierce armor and shields too.

>>824021
You aren't made out of metal so you aren't going to rust right? So no need to oil or coat your blade.

>>824036
The deepest cuts were made by the naginata and the halberd, I think it is because they had the longest shafts? The Spear thrust was about a finger deep.

>>824005
I mean, maybe? More followers would be better but they don't really let magical beasts like Drakes walk into towns and certainly not into the Capital. And how much would it cost to keep fed?
>>
No. 824089 ID: 91ee5f

>>824087
Alright!

Now let's-

Uh oh. Uhhh, Leon? I think we're stuck. .....yep, definitely stuck. Well, this is embarrassing. Could you, uh, you know, pull us out?

You might need to yank really hard.
>>
No. 824090 ID: eb7f0c

>>824089
If we're stuck couldn't we just turn into something smaller like a knife?
>>
No. 824092 ID: 91ee5f

>>824090
We can only change shape, we can't change size.

Turning into a knife will just make us a really big knife, which is more commonly called a "sword".
>>
No. 824093 ID: 5bcb58

If we're picking a battle for I'm going for a Bishamon Yari.
>>
No. 824099 ID: 13fded

Let's turn into something short and tick to either expand the wood to either break the tree or create enough space to release the weapon when we revert to a naginata. What about a giant version of a triangular knife?
>>
No. 824101 ID: fe7355

Well, we're stuck, but I think we can just shift our shape into something real thin and you can pull us out. ...Or maybe... Hm... I wonder how much force our shape-shifting can exert. Don't pull us out just yet, Leon, I want to test this. [Shift blade head to add uniform small spikes to sides (for grip) and continually increase thickness of blade] Lets see if we can push the gap wider to crack the trunk open. Failing that, [return blade to naginata form, then shift blade head so blade edge is oriented parallel to tree trunk and keep widening the blade head] Lets see if we can break out a chunk of the trunk.
>>
No. 824102 ID: 3ce125

We can change shape which means we can make the blade thinner or push ourselves out. We're not stuck.
>>
No. 824112 ID: 91ee5f

>>824102
Shhhh! Let's just see if Leon's physically strong enough to pull us out on his own before we change shape and make it easier for him!
>>
No. 824113 ID: 9dc26d

We don't need to be oiled but maybe we like it, have you thought about that Leon?

Anyway getting stuck in is no problem, we just change shape so we slide right out.

>>824087
I have no idea how much a drake eats, but as you may or may not have noticed, you're already drawing followers. Bishop the donkey, Rook and Clip... it always starts small and snowballs as we attract others. The nature of your interactions with them will shape how they serve you. But they'll want to follow you, because of us.

If you want to try to befriend the drake, you have a much better chance with us than you'd have ever had before. But it is probably better to just slay this one. You should probably be more famous before you try bringing exotic wildlife into cities.

You'll want someone who can sing your praises. An entertainer, courtesan, or someone like that. Keep an eye open for such and make an effort to interact with him or her when the chance comes.
>>
No. 824119 ID: 3ce125

>>824112
The only reason the "we're stuck" thing came up is because YOU decided we're stuck. How about you stop trying to control everything?
>>
No. 824127 ID: 8d4593

Thats right. The longer pole means that when swinging the weapon the head strikes with greater speed and force.

You may want to invest in a sidearm length mace, hammer, or war axe, as those are things we can't effectively replicate.
Also since we're apparently made of enchanted beryl, no need to oil us.
Though you could do so and light the oil on fire for added effect. We could even toughen our surface or become hollow so we could burn longer or spit burning oil when you swing. We can take the heat. Nothing less than a forge can even begin to harm us.
>>
No. 824128 ID: d79f26

we aren't stuck, and it would be comically easy to get unstuck if we are.
>>
No. 824377 ID: 947b4f
File 150344677724.png - (168.06KB , 514x900 , ToP47.png )
824377

>>824089
>>824099
>>824101
What? You aren't stuck! But hold up, lets see what happens if you actually stay in the cut and expand.

Leon runs further away while he naginatas shaft starts shrinking and the blade starts widening. The tree groans and cracks until suddenly the tree shatters with a loud KRAK! And topples over.
>>
No. 824378 ID: 947b4f
File 150344683319.png - (119.88KB , 500x437 , ToP48.png )
824378

Seems like you would make an excellent crowbar Bolek.

Clip: Damn! Imagine doing that to a living being. It's honestly kinda worryingly how powerful your staff is Leon.

Rook: Mmh, it is a powerful tool no doubt about it.

Leon: Well it's fine as long as I have control over it's power right? Eh he heh.

...

Rook: Well you have us convinced Leon. With your magical weapon and our knowledge the drake is as good as done. Do you still want to negotiate with the beast or just face it and fight it?

Clip: We got some supplies and gear in the cellar, and I think I can go and borrow a cart and a horse from one of the neighbors.
>>
No. 824380 ID: be0718

Slap the beast around with dildo-mode and Double Strike. This is the best plan.
>>
No. 824389 ID: 8d4593

You decide Leon. We will support whatever decision you make in this endeavor.

Show is how an emperor handles this situation.
>>
No. 824500 ID: 4854ef

*Return to staff mode* It may be best to attempt negotiation first.. The idea of having a Drake on our side sounds positively good.
>>
No. 824746 ID: 9b80a5

what type of armor is commonly used by people or is armor uncommon
is it plated metal? chainmail? or something else? if you've seen any can you think of it so we can see? if you can get us those details we probably could turn into the optimal weapon for fighting them in case we need to. also we should try to hit things that are behind something with the shadow strike. if it can armor is utterly useless cause we could shadow strike the person directly
>>
No. 824749 ID: 9b80a5
File 150358651628.png - (3.73KB , 400x400 , emerald sword 2.png )
824749

[turn into this] its primarily for thrusting and can cut but due to its triangular cross section which makes it better at thrusting through things like chain mail it wont do things like lop off arms easily but necks and stomachs are good targets as its just alot of meaty bits and its got alot of hand protection
>>
No. 824750 ID: 9b80a5

also the the ring is so its really hard to disarm you if you have a finger in there
>>
No. 824751 ID: 9b80a5

(not a suggestion){oops i accedentaly hit spoiler immage derp}
>>
No. 824754 ID: 91ee5f

>>824500
But like Clip and Rook said, if we do manage to get the Drake to join us, we'd have to have enough food to feed it. How are we going to be able to provide enough food for it?

It's not like we can just let it go raid a village for food every time it gets hungry. People won't accept Leon as the new Emperor if he allows one of his followers to do that!
>>
No. 824755 ID: 8d4593

>>824754
Honestly, if Leon hopes to be Emperor a hungry drake would be the least of his problems.
Either way we'll cross that bridge when we get there. I just want to see how Leon tries to resolve this so we have a better image of what we have to work with.
>>
No. 824757 ID: 4854ef

>>824754
We don't need to directly influence it to join us, a negotiation could provide a method for beneficial trade as well.
>>
No. 824770 ID: c31aac

Why aren't we just defaulting to a Macuahuitl, those fuckers could decapitate horses just made out of stone and wood.
>>
No. 824771 ID: 9b80a5

because they are just a REALLY sharp paddle it would be REALLY unweildy and thats what a sword is for especialy one with a forward curve which gives it more chopping power
>>
No. 824794 ID: d79f26

>>824770
that thing is powerful because it's extremely sharp, we can make any weapon we are just as sharp without having such a weird shape.
>>
No. 824848 ID: 9b80a5
File 150361365964.jpg - (20.54KB , 515x512 , Macahuitl.jpg )
824848

but yeah would you rather have this?
>>
No. 824849 ID: 9b80a5
File 150361367584.jpg - (102.24KB , 1024x768 , longsword.jpg )
824849

or this?
>>
No. 824860 ID: 91ee5f

>>824849
I'd rather have this sword.

You know why? Because it's probably a weapon that Leon has some familiarity with. He's probably never even seen one of those paddle things, so he wouldn't know how to use it!
>>
No. 824865 ID: 9dc26d

What's wrong with the naginata? He's demonstrated he's got some ability with that!
>>
No. 824868 ID: 8d4593

>>824848
Due to our magical nature we are very light.
This means most blunt force weapons are not terribly effective.

While the Macahuitl is very cool, Leon would only benefit from the edge, not it's secondary clubbing capabilities. The edge's quality depends on material instead of form. Since our material is constant, it would make more sense to take the shape of a more manageable and familiar weapon that can slash and stab instead of slash and bash.
>>
No. 824910 ID: 094652

Wait a minute.

Could we buy a sawed-off shotgun and combine it with Bolek? Most shotguns don't use heavy-duty Dragon's Breath fire shot because it warps the barrel from heat, but if we use a shapeshifting barrel...

We could also feed Bolek some oil-saturated wood pulp and get a flaming sword for like thirty seconds.
>>
No. 824916 ID: 9b80a5

this is medieval i don't even know if they have GUNPOWDER much less MODERN WEAPONRY like ffs
>>
No. 824925 ID: 8a07c9

We should just stick with the shit we practiced with. The ones that work at least.
>>
No. 824932 ID: 3ce125

>>824925
Yep.
>>
No. 824945 ID: 5bcb58

I still say Bishamon Yari if we're going with a pole weapon but I also like the default sword cause it reminds me of Bleach.
>>
No. 824991 ID: 9dc26d

>>824910
Wait are we Bolek or is the weapon Bolek? I thought we were Bolek!!!

Oh god I'm having an identity crisis. Leon, help.
>>
No. 824999 ID: 8d4593

>>824916
Black powder probably exists, but if this world is anything like ours then it's either a state secret or a novelty.

>>824910
We could. That would be neat.

>>824991
Bolek is what Leon calls Us.
Our Talisman is the Talisman of Mind, and I don't believe we were given a name for the sword.
>>
No. 825006 ID: 9b80a5

again this is a medieval era place even IF they had black powder they still wouldn't have MODERN GUNS at the very most they would have cannons if even that
like for fucks sakes what are you thinking
>>
No. 825007 ID: 9b80a5

also at the beginning he said we weren't able to make anything moving remember the beads and how they were just stiff spheres so making a shotgun wouldn't work and we wouldn't be able to have ammo either as we cant shoot bits of the sword and black powder would as you said would either be a state secret or a novelty the first situation would make the ammo near impossible to get and the other means we would have to hand load musket like shots in even if we COULD do it cause bullet jackets and the machines to make them WOULDN'T EXIST
>>
No. 825008 ID: 9b80a5

like just get a longbow or (if they have it) a crossbow normal pretty easy to aquire and much more versitile
>>
No. 825012 ID: fff296

>>824925
This.
>>
No. 825070 ID: 9dc26d

>>825007
Strictly speaking you don't need moving parts to make a gun. It helps a lot, but at its simplest a handcannon is just an empty tube with a touch-hole for a match at the end.

But, a one-off weapon is just a novelty. The real power of a muzzle-loader gun is that it can be mass produced and used in firing lines to terrific effect. For that you need resources to build the guns in the first place, and soldiers to carry them.
>>
No. 825077 ID: 9b80a5

yeah but as it that would need
1: black powder if it even exists
2: large amounts of metal for the barrel and ammo (though you COULD use rocks i guess)
3: a blacksmith to make a large amount of metal tubes
4: more people to use them cause shooting once every like 45 isn't effective ESPECIALLY as you need to stand still while doing it so you'd only be able to get off 1 shot in a battle so as i said a crossbow or a bow would be WAAAY more effectivve if he wanted a ranged weapon
>>
No. 825079 ID: 9b80a5

and again hinging on if they have gunpowder
>>
No. 825083 ID: 8d4593

Leon can you handle a bow or a cross bow?

Gunpowder isn't really useful for a skilled warrior anyway. Up until the invention of the modern bullet, the real benefit to hand-held gunpowder weapons was that they could make effective soldiers out of commoners with weeks of training, as opposed to entire lifetimes.

That said I guess Leon could make use of grenades. There is nothing stopping him from making black powder with our guidance.

Hell, if he happens upon a chemist with a decent set up, we might be able to get some nitroglycerine made.
>>
No. 825093 ID: 9b80a5

ok seriously your making this REALLY meta like i like meta things like say the protagonist recognizes us as voices in their head or spirits or little handkerchief dolls like in HALL quest but this...... jeeeez like telling someone in a tgchan quest from an era where they use swords and bows how to make guns bombs and modern explosives like nitro glycerin is just annoyingly meta, like pixel quest managed to pull it off well cause it was in a humorous way but this is like.... ugh
>>
No. 825094 ID: 9dc26d

>>825077
Volley fire, from firing lines. That's how you solve the slow reloading times. But yes, this is very premature at best, and probably wholly inappropriate for Leon's situation.
>>
No. 825097 ID: 9b80a5

its like if it happens i'm just like:

OW i cut myself on that shattered fourth wall

also cabosh i think please don't let the protagonist overhear this argument please like yeah its your quest and you can do as you please but jeez that'd be like taking a deathray to the 4th wall
>>
No. 825113 ID: 8d4593

>>825097
>>825093

All I'm sayin, is that if we can tell him about wolves, which don't exist, then why can't we tell him about other things?

Besides that, we're The fucking Talisman of Mind. We know shit. At the very least we should know how to make black powder.
>>
No. 825116 ID: 9b80a5

ok the wolves was from us not knowing it wasnt in this universe and it was covered a little by someone suggesting that the wolves existed on a diferent plane like the one the mind talisman's voices were on. but maybe we could have knowledge of black powder if it existsas we were with the emperor for a while and they could have discovered it then but either way lets not tell him and instead ask like "do you know of a black powder that combusts when lit?" or something like that so the author can decide if he wants black powder in the quest or not that way if the protagonist says yeah he has or meybe etc we could probabaly inform him idk though
>>
No. 825119 ID: 9b80a5

either way i just think quests are more fun with the fourth wall intact and if the author wants its pretty fun to blur the 4th wall but not shattering it then it just get a bit weird like the end pf lixelquest 1 weird
>>
No. 825121 ID: 9b80a5

pixelquest*
>>
No. 825418 ID: 0d7f92
File 150380966309.png - (147.60KB , 600x525 , ToP49.png )
825418

>>824389
Yeah you are right I have to start acting more like an Emperor! And Emperors love followers, so well try negotiating with the drake first.

Leon Sends Clip to get the cart and the sheep while he follows Rook down to the cellar to check out the equipment.

...

>>824749
Leon: Hey Rook do you have swords made for just thrusting and stabbing up north?

Rook: What? Swords just for stabbing... Yeah we have those, they are called spears.

Leon: Oh.

>>824991
Bolek is what I call all of you spirits or voices or whatever you are.
>>
No. 825419 ID: 0d7f92
File 150380975136.png - (218.65KB , 600x525 , ToP50.png )
825419

In the cellar there are stacks and crates of armor, weapons and other equipment laying about.

Leon: Woah! Hey Rook funny question, uhh why do you have an armory in your basement?

Rook: Hm? This isn't my house, it is a mercenary housing. It's been used by different mercenaries for decades, maybe even centuries. We just live here this summer. All this stuff is just leftover.

>>825083
I have been trained with using a bow.

Leon: Are there any crossbows or bows here?

Rook: There are bows probably stashed somewhere. But no swords or crossbows since the mercenary companies want to keep tabs on those and confiscate them if they find them in their housings.
>>
No. 825420 ID: 0d7f92
File 150380982469.png - (196.41KB , 600x503 , ToP51.png )
825420

Rook: Right. Our speed will be our advantage against a slow beast like a drake, so I think we can manage with just breastplates and maybe helmets. We don't want to wear too much when fighting in the summer heat.

Leon: What different types of armor are here?

Rook: Well you got all kinds since some mercenaries order their equipment from faraway lands. Then you got some armor parts passed down the generations or looted from the enemies. Lamellar and mail are the most common types.

Leon: What are these markings?

Rook: Some old mercenary company's marks or the armor makers logo. You find all kinds of different signs and seals on the stuff here.

I have no idea what GUNPOWDER or BLACK POWDER any of those things are.
>>
No. 825421 ID: 0d7f92
File 150380986999.png - (41.21KB , 600x590 , paperinukke.png )
825421

The (soon to be) Emperors new clothes! Draw some clothes or armor on that boi or suggest what you would like to see.
Also the (soon to be) Emperor needs a sign/signet or a logo designed for himself.

Should I make a questdis thread?
>>
No. 825424 ID: 24caf8
File 150381109862.png - (61.12KB , 600x590 , 150380986999.png )
825424

fight smarter. something less constraining too keep you light in yer feet. chain mail undershirt maybe. and something to conseal a weapon.
>>
No. 825425 ID: 3b09e3
File 150381138820.png - (39.62KB , 471x579 , obligatory.png )
825425

>>
No. 825426 ID: 094652

>>825007
I'm just saying, we could buy a PARTIALLY CONSTRUCTED weapon (with all the moving parts) and use Bolek for the static parts. Bonus points because it'll be harder for guards to identify a complex weapon if it's unfinished and unusable without a shapeshifting weapon they've never even heard of!

For instance, we could buy the appropriate enchantments to simulate a motor (higher energy cost but whatever), and then turn Bolek into a jagged-edge sword with easy-attachment handles, and now we have an automatic hacksaw weapon! Since Bolek can shapeshift, any damage done to the flimsy jade teeth can be repaired instantly!

>>825421
Wear a Poncho with emerald laced pockets.
>>
No. 825453 ID: 62488a

Definitely go for the light/sneaky approach for clothing. Have some type of armor undershirt. As for the logo have some type of strong animal on it. Mayhap a eagle/griffin/tiger/lion/ect.
>>
No. 825456 ID: 4854ef

Questdis would be nice

Would be nice to have a sigil of our own.. But a bit early, something that doesn't stand out would be fine, you'll want something comfortable but durable for a trip like this.. Though I am liking 24caf8's idea.
>>
No. 825485 ID: 9b80a5

maybe this for the icon with the talismans and the sword
>>
No. 825486 ID: 9b80a5
File 150385779055.png - (3.12KB , 260x260 , emblem.png )
825486

oops i forgot to put the picture in
>>
No. 825513 ID: 9b80a5

try to get a gamberson tunic, you know what it is right? its like a long coat but made with 10-20 (i think) layers of linen/wool and was amazing at stopping cuts stabs and blunt force trauma.
also if you want to can put like chain mail or plated parts over it and be the juggernaut (bitch)
>>
No. 825568 ID: 9b80a5

(im the)*
>>
No. 825570 ID: 8d4593

>>825420
>I have no idea what GUNPOWDER or BLACK POWDER any of those things are.

Most of the strange things we were talking about would take a long time to explain.

Black Powder is a mixture of Charcoal, Sulfur, and Saltpeter that explodes. It's extremely useful and extremely dangerous in the right hands.

It's one of those secrets that will get you killed if the wrong people know you know, but if you can get your hands the ingredients, you can make some terrifying weapons with it.
>>
No. 825578 ID: 9b80a5

in hindsight that emblem looks like a gross bug and not 7 talismans and a copy/pasted sword on both sides
>>
No. 825594 ID: 91ee5f

Why don't we just get a dragon as our symbol?

It's a classic and you can't go wrong with that! Plus, the drake might be more willing to talk to us if we have a dragon as our symbol.
>>
No. 825705 ID: 56fe40

>>825486
Dragon, Dragon! Rock the Dragon! Dragon Ball Z!
>>
No. 827066 ID: 9dc26d
File 150435725832.png - (61.61KB , 600x590 , IPLEADTHE5TH.png )
827066

>>825424
This is good, but... check out that shirt over there!

Get that, it looks good. And most people wouldn't realize what it is, besides the funny dye job.

But put a cuirass over it too. Just in case. And wear baggy pants or something, so you can move quickly.
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