Nalthar 2024/10/26(Sat)20:10 No. 1099083 ID: 355e44
File 172999861190.jpg - (132.88KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_78 more goats.jpg )

The party circles around the goat. The small caprine rotates his eyes at them, makes a short bleat, and goes back to munching.

Murdoc: "Well this is clearly domesticated, right? And it didn't come from the forest so we're on the right track."

Gnapper: She sniffs the goat, which bonks his head on her snout. "This little fluff wouldn't last long in the trees no. Looks too tasty for that."

Murdoc: "Well don't eat it yet. If we bring it back to whoever lost it then that's a good start to making new friends." She looks around, but the mountainside is empty as far as the eye can see. She hoists the goat up onto Gnapper's back with her, where he immediately begins snoozing. "Mirrak, Hilgar; we're going to try and find the goatherd. The rest of you follow along a little ways behind."

Heading steadily upwards through heather and brush, the party doesn't see anything for most of the morning. Then from the other side of a rise comes the sounds of jingling bells. The little goat in Murdoc's lap wakes up and lets out a loud bleat, which is answered by several others.

Coming over the ridge, they find a whole herd of goats. Each goat has a little bell tied to their horn, but there doesn't seem to be anyone else around. A stone hut stands nearby with its door shut.

>>1099083
Looks like a wooden crook over there by that bush. Go say hello.

>>1099084
Thats either a pair of ears or hornsnpoking out if it too.

Announce your approach.
Dont want to startle them.
Compliment the qualities of the goat youre returning.
The bell and ribbon mark it as special. Plus it imparts that you are aware of the thing you are willingly returning which in turn implies honesty.
A good introduction, even if you end up startlingbtge bush dwelling goatherd.

>>1099083
Someone in the bush. Calmly return the goat to the herd. There will probably be an initial language barrier, so try to show a body language of peaceful intent.

Nalthar 2024/11/02(Sat)19:53 No. 1099305 ID: 355e44
File 173060243624.jpg - (71.07KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_79 maybe not a goat.jpg )

Even without using her new electro-sense, Murdoc's keen hunter's eye notices the obvious horns sticking out of the conspicuous bush. She dismounts and trots over to investigate.

Murdoc: "Hey hey, no need to hide. I think we found one of your's and brought them back." She parts the leaves to reveal... not a goat?

Nalthar 2024/11/02(Sat)19:54 No. 1099306 ID: 355e44
File 173060245337.jpg - (72.72KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_80 yeah thats not a goat.jpg )

???: Ahhhhh!

>>1099306
Is it... wearing goat horns? Maybe a headdress identifying profession.

Give them some space.

>>1099306
Eh. Take a step back and see if they calm down a bit.

Don't worry, horrifying screams are just normal noises goats make. He is goatkin, living among the goates to become one with them.

>>1099306
Give the poor odd thing some space.
You have to admit with all the fleshcrafting a gang of hunters on velociraptors would be a perturbing wakeup call.

See if the screams are communicative or just panic.

1/2 Nalthar 2024/11/10(Sun)21:50 No. 1099616 ID: 355e44
File 173130423086.jpg - (128.81KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_81 took a little tumble.jpg )

Murdoc: "Whoa, sorry. I'll give you some space." The hunter backs off from the rustling bush, which unravels into a lanky salamander.

salamander: "Ahhhh! Demon goats!" He tries to scamper away, but quickly trips over a rock and tumbles down the slope, shedding leaves and his horns as he goes.

2/2 Nalthar 2024/11/10(Sun)21:51 No. 1099617 ID: 355e44
File 173130427417.jpg - (111.38KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_82 splat.jpg )

His flight ends as he bounces off Gnapper's leg and sprawls on the ground. The little goat bahs a greeting and hops down onto his belly, eliciting a small "oof" from the panting salamander. The bunnbolds come over to check on him.

Mirrak: "Are you alright?"

salamander: *Sniff* "No I'm not alright! I fell down and lost my horns and now the goats won't respect me and Palla was right and now I'm going to be dragged down to the dusty pit of hell!"

>>1099617
Aww. Fetch the poor guy his horns.

>>1099617
"Uh... okay, that's... progressive? The jerk neighbors I used to live with said everyone with horns deserved to go to hell, and... screw those guys?"

They're just goats...

>>1099617
Curious, there's no difficulty understanding him.

Help him up and return his horns. Explain that you are foreigners who have come to this land to settle.

I will smuggle you into Heaven! I will have you know that not having horns is a very silly requirement to go to Hell. My people don't have horns and they've been doing just fine. Let me help you up, and give some food, see if you are down in the dumps after that.

Nalthar 2024/11/26(Tue)20:31 No. 1100438 ID: 6c233e
File 173268189087.jpg - (201.13KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_83 taking a moment.jpg )

Hilgar helps the guy sit up, which is a little difficult as he is kind of floppy.
Hilgar: "There there, we're not demons. or goats. We're robolds!"
Mirrak: "We're here to trade, and not in souls!"

The salamander sniffles and wipes his eye. "So that isn't one of the pillars of hell come to herald the endless day?" He looks to the distant Jormun, drifting ever downward.

Murdoc: "Nah, mate" the hunter says, plopping the horns back on his head. "Just a big wurm."

The three surround the goatherd, eagerly awaiting him to make the next move. The lizzbolds have adjourned to some nearby rocks to nap in the sun. The salamander pets the goat in his lap while staring at Jormun for a while, glancing nervously at the bolds around him.

salamander: "So, uh, if you're not from around here, how do you know our language?"

Mirrak: "Just a little brain trick we robolds have!" she taps the side of her head. "Don't worry about it."

salamander: "Oh that's, huh." he seems a little lost, but shrugs it off. "Sorry, we don't get many visitors up here. It's just me and the goats. I'm Sinni, by the way." Climbing to his feet and brushing the last loose leaves off, Sinni backs up a step and gives the bolds a sinuous bow. "Please be welcome on our lonely peak. So eh, what is it you seek on this lonesome peak?"

>>1100438
Information, first and foremost. We seek knowledge of these lands, like what settlements are nearby and what resources there are to trade for. We can provide numerous services that are likely in short supply in these parts, and maybe some interesting materials not found here, though in that case we have a limited supply...

One important thing to seek would be making it clear that Jormun is just a longboi and not a pillar of Hell. He did accidentally (?) fall into their world, and then fell into it again recursively, to avoid crashing into the ground. I imagine if there are sapiant beings nearby, they might be a little concerned about it.

>>1100440
On the note of services in particular - healing (and potentially alterations) are some of your specialties. Do they require maintenance, or are they set-it-and-forget-it kind of things? I don't remember. Anyway, ask if there's anyone who is sick or injured, you can help. Alterations have the potential to be even more valuable, but also could cause consternation and should be approached tactfully in case e.g. they take it as an affront to the Creators or st.

>>1100438
We would like to make contact with a local settlement.

1/2 Nalthar 2024/12/14(Sat)20:07 No. 1101257 ID: 6c233e
File 173423563773.jpg - (194.56KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_84 gaze upon our wurm and see your fut.jpg )

Mirrak: "We're new to the area, so we were looking to meet our new neighbors. Since we dropped in so unexpectedly we're having a bit of trouble getting established. It looks like there is a settlement on this peak, so that seemed like the place to start. Are you with them?"

Sinni: "Oh, the temple?" He looks up the mountain, though the structures near the top aren't visible from this angle. "It's supposed to be hidden you know. Ah, but your wurm can see from above huh?"

The salamander shrugs "We're not hiding anything important, just keeping away from troubles, you know. Shaping and communing with the stones. Well they do, I just keep the goats." He shrugs again, a liquid gesture that seems to use his whole body. "Sorry, I'm not the best for conversation. I only go up to the temple once a week or so, usually I'm on my own."

"If you want to talk to the stonecarvers I hope your business is stone related. They don't really care about anything else up there. They live at a stone's pace too. Not like the fast paced goat life down here." He gestures his charges, who are languidly browsing the hardy mountain grasses.

The rest of the party comes over the ridge to join up. Sinni looks a little alarmed. "Whoa, that's a lot of predators. They're under control right?" His head perks up as he catches Jitter and Grina chattering away. "Wait, they can talk? Could they always talk?"

Mirrak: "They can now!" The trader puts a companionable arm around his leafy shoulders. "Just one of the many improvements Robolds can bring to your life." She leads him along while the others regroup. "Come, lets break bread and discuss what we can do for you. Er, if you have bread that is, we didn't bring any."

Sinni: "I have some, and cheese too."

Mirrak: "Score!"

2/2 Nalthar 2024/12/14(Sat)20:08 No. 1101258 ID: 6c233e
File 173423568306.jpg - (166.92KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_85 shut up and eat your cheese martah.jpg )

The robolds bring out a few tarps and set up a picnic. Sinni disappears into the smaller hut and returns rolling a stone cylinder. Setting it up on its side the salamander runs a lightly glowing finger round one end, following a neatly carved groove. The stone flows under his touch until with a pop the end drops off to reveal the alabaster cheese stored within.

Mirrak: "Oh ho, that's a neat trick!"

Sinni: Blushing at the praise, "Oh it's nothing really. Any Grakashon could do as much." He scoops out some of the soft, aromatic cheese to distribute to eager bolds. "You're not shon, but I suppose your people have a magic affinity too. Wood perhaps, or maybe clay?"

Martah: "Living flesh" the shaper says offhandedly while trying to figure out how to get some cheese into him without revealing his raggedy curse-knit mouth to their new friend.

Mirrak's smile freezes on her face as she sees Sinni grow pale. The goatherd starts shivvering, eyeing the sharp teeth on display on both ro and lizz type bolds. "F-f-flesh you say?" he queries, shaking several more leaves loose.

Mirrak: "thank you Martah." she hisses under her breath as she tries to think of how to salvage this situation. She's getting that twitch in her eye again.

>>1101258
Explain a bit more. Tell him you can reattach limbs, save people from what would be otherwise deadly injuries, and modify the body to improve and change. Don't mention any of the more harmful applications.

Go through with this information. First and foremost, ask if the goats need any kind of improvements to ensure they live better lives and yield better products? Want their metabolism to speed up or slow down? Sharper claws to attack predators or sturdier skin to defend against their bites? Does he need them to produce a higher quality or higher... quantity of milk?

...Would his tribe be okay with the male cattle producing milk?

>>1101258
Don't worry, we're medical practitioners. We use it to treat things like sicknesses and disabilities.

Oh, and you can use it to attach new parts onto people. If he wants real goat horns then that is something you can help with. Well, with the right materials anyway.

I would emphasize healing first and foremost, as (it seems to me) medicine and healing are common to almost every culture and thus least likely to be taboo or somehow evil. Secondarily focus on subtle improvements to animals; like Kome mentions:
>>1101260
Appeal to their wallets as it were, while still permitting the comfortable mental distance of "it's just animals". It might not be practical to completely avoid the topic of people-shaping, but I'd be very delicate about it and deemphasize it. The weirder (more removed from what they've experienced) something is the more likely it is for it to be interpreted as bad, I think. Don't forget what drove you all here in thr first place; don't let it happen again. I think if you approach it from the right angle with enough caution you should be able to get these people to accept what you do, but it may be tricky.

Art by Derklord Nalthar 2024/12/19(Thu)18:12 No. 1101398 ID: 6c233e
File 173466076978.png - (135.81KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_86 piqued interest guest art derklord.png )

Mirrak: "Ha ha, Martah can explain it better than that." The bunn drapes a friendly arm around the shaper, digging her nails into his shoulder. "Can't you Martah?"

Martah: "Oh sh- healing, I meant healing! We can mend and strengthen flesh and bones, even reattach parts if they haven't rotted. Like this!" Snatching a leaf out of the air, the mouzbold skitters over to Sinni. A quick pass of his hand and the leaf reconnects to a vacant stem, fresh and vibrant. "Ta dah"

Sinni stares hard at the little leaf blowing in the breeze. As the awkward silence drags on Martah and Mirrak exchange a nervous glance.

Mirrak: "Eh, ah, was that too-"

Sinni: "How many?"

Mirrak: "What?"

Sinni: Grabbing Martah by the shoulders "How many times can you do that?"

Martah: "I... maybe hundreds in a day? It wasn't much of a much really."

The salamander runs his tongue over stubby teeth. "So uh, if I take you up to the temple, and you help me with a uh, a little personal issue, what- what would you want in exchange?"

>>1101398
Oh boy here we go. Time for the more economically-minded to haggle on prices. Obviously we can get some good information but there might not be enough *valuable* information to be worth the services, so perhaps we can get some materials or currency out of this too.

"We will demand much, I warn you. And it will not be a price many of your strongest will wish to pay.
... We demand a world where fathers do not sell their children to demons. Where strangers do not look upon love and curiosity with hate and disgust. Where what is needed to live well is what is always freely given. And most importantly, we demand a place in such a world.

Can you meet that offer?"

Your first born son.

..No wait, we'd are looking for a place to settle down, with plenty resources to eat and trade with, so if you know of a good place to start a settlement and ways to get on the locals' good side, we'd be very happy.

Also, how what kind of horns do you want?

>>1101400
Indeed, we should allow the traders to haggle our services.

Oh, crud. I almost forgot: We should also look into someone who can remove Martah's curse.

I mean I don't think he really tolds us who caused and why, and he's a fleshcrafting wizard who got exiled for fleshcrafting too much, so he probably deserves it, but let's break it anyway, because he is the protagonist and that's what must be done.

1/2 Nalthar 2025/01/06(Mon)19:25 No. 1102051 ID: 6c233e
File 173622035146.jpg - (136.57KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_87 shoehorning in backstory for the ch.jpg )

>Time for the more economically-minded to haggle on prices.
Mirrak: (That's meeee!)

>We will demand much... yadda yadda... And most importantly, we demand a place in such a world.
Mirrak: (The old better world gambit. Its never worked in the past, but sure, worth a shot.)

>Your first born son.
Mirrak: (Eh, he's cute, but kind of a limp noodle. I can't really see myself... oh you meant like thaaat. No.)

>horns
Mirrak: (Mmm, he would look even cuter with some real horns. I'll have to work that into the pitch.)

>We should also look into someone who can remove Martah's curse.
Martah: (Oh uh, that's a nice thought but... walk with me for a minute. Er, float, waft, whatever.)
Mirrak starts in on Sinni with the hard sell, while Martah leads you around behind the cheese shed.

Martah: (I don't like to talk about this, but we're friends by now so you ought to know. Since I was just a little boldling I've had a great talent for shaping. Enough that everyone wanted me to apprentice with the most accomplished flesh shaper. He wasn't keen on it, but must have felt pressured, so he ended up agreeing.

I, being a naive kid, was just ecstatic about working with a great master and all the awesome things I was going to make. And at first it was fine, I was still learning, but eventually I was out pacing his lessons. He would get more strict, snapping whenever I would try to do more than I was tasked, or ask too many questions. Then one day, I tried fusing two beasts together, a really advanced technique, and I succeeded. Half marten, half snake, it was so cute.

When I went to show the master what I had done he was irate. He... snapped its neck right in front of me. And when I protested, well...) Martah unlatches his mask and slips it off. There's a gap in the fur on his muzzle, a line of scarred flesh where a maw should be. (He said that I talked too much, had ideas above my station, and that this would teach me humility. And for years I believed him. I shut myself in, barely spoke to or even saw anyone.)

(I would have just withered away if it hadn't been for Murdoc and Donvan. When they came back from their apprenticeships they immediately dragged me out of my misery and into therapy. And now years later here I am, doing pretty well, all things considered.)

(Aaaaaanyway, spite is a powerful force, so this curse is going to stick around. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm very talented. If I can't shape it, it can't be done. Thanks for thinking of me, but well, maybe someday.)

Mirrak: "Martah Martah Martah quick, get over here!"

2/2 Nalthar 2025/01/06(Mon)19:26 No. 1102052 ID: 6c233e
File 173622040263.jpg - (112.12KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_88 bashful bush.jpg )

Mirrak: The trader giddily waves the shaper over. "Tell him, tell him what this is all about!"

Sinni: "Well, uh, its my friend, Palla. We're really close, if you know what I mean. The elders don't approve, so we've only met in secret. And we haven't been able to, m-mate" Sinni blushes and retreats into his bush "because when shon mate we shed all our leaves, so we would get caught right away. But with your help we could finally, finally..." a shiver rustles through his leaves.

Mirrak: "We gotta help him, Martah. Its for love." she shakes him by the shoulders. "For looooove!"

Martah: "Okay okay, I get it! So what are you proposing Sinni?"

Sinni: "W-well I can take you up by the hidden path, and then... well I'm not sure. I've never done something like this before. Maybe some of you could try meeting with the elders to distract them. Or we could just sneak in. Any ideas?"

Oh, those leaves aren't clothing, they're part of him! How interesting.

>>1102052
Well, meeting with the elders would certainly work as a distraction, but our main trade is flesh-shaping, so our flesh-shaper would be occupied during the distraction.
How would sneaking in work?

I mean, is Palla stuck somewhere under the watch of the elders? Can they just meet you somewhere hidden? If the elders are expecting a telltale sign, they may not be watching your actions as closely. Also, how long will the leaves need to be maintained? A few days? A full season? (Also, can you suppress the process itself rather than reattaching hundreds of leaves?) It would also be good to know more details about their biological cycles so we don't accidentally e.g. make one of them infertile or MUCH TOO FERTILE or something.

Oh also, a thought - be careful: if the elders find out you're helping somebody get away with something illicit, subverting their authority (especially if they find out BEFORE you've made yourselves indispensable to them), they may decide to brand you as public enemies, and that's the same old kettle of fish all over again.

>>1102051
Wild idea: What if instead of trying to fix your cursed mouth you just seal it off and create a new mouth?

>>1102054
Good ideas

>I fused two animals together. It was so cute.
You need therapy, man.

Hmm, we should find out why exactly the elders don't want these two to be together. May not be as arbitrary a reason as we suspect.

But first:

>Spite is a powerful force
I'm an impotent soul living vicariously through the actions of others. I am FULL of spite. Probably not the only one, either.

Tap into our combined essences and wring, I say WWWWRRRRRING the power to undo the curse from the cosmos! Existence entire hath no fury like whatever-we-is scorned!

I think it would be easier to flex his biology so he doesn't shed after mating.

>>1102069
Oh, could also just... remove the mouth entirely and put a whole new one on. If your lips don't work, use someone else's!

>>1102052
He's eh... he's got a lot of leaves on him.

>>1102189
It leaves a lot to the imagination, heheh. We should definitely get a look at what we're working with.

1/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:14 No. 1102934 ID: 6c233e
File 173795848162.gif - (217.70KB , 709x800 , fallingcity_89-always-watching.gif )

>Tap into our combined essences and wring, I say WWWWRRRRRING the power to undo the curse from the cosmos!

Voice in the back of your minds: (Did you forget? The stipulation on coming back was that you could only give advice. You may not physically intervene. I do hope you have not also forgotten that your time in the afterlife is not to be discussed with the living.)

(But surely you remember the most important rule: )

2/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:14 No. 1102935 ID: 6c233e
File 173795849926.jpg - (76.54KB , 709x800 , fallingcity_90 wink.jpg )

(Have Fun!)

3/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:15 No. 1102936 ID: 6c233e
File 173795853509.jpg - (211.58KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_91 wait.jpg )

>What if instead of trying to fix your cursed mouth you just seal it off and create a new mouth?

4/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:16 No. 1102937 ID: 6c233e
File 173795857879.jpg - (528.84KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_92 whyyyy.jpg )

Martah is grappling with the realization that he had concentrated on living with the curse so much that he overlooked what now seems appallingly obvious. He will be unavailable for a bit.

Sinni: "Uh, is he okay?"

Mirrak: "Sure. I mean who doesn't clutch their head and silently scream from time to time, right?"

Sinni: ...

Mirrak: "Right?"

Sinni: ...

Mirrak: "Moving on!"

5/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:16 No. 1102938 ID: 6c233e
File 173795861370.jpg - (296.95KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_93 there she is.jpg )

>meeting with the elders would certainly work as a distraction, but our main trade is flesh-shaping

Mirrak: (Well yes, but our close second is arts and crafts. We have a lot of crafters champing at the bit to get materials and patrons.)

>find out why exactly the elders don't want these two to be together.
>may decide to brand you as public enemies

Mirrak: "Now, as much as I want to help you Sinni, we really can't be making enemies right now. What's keeping the two of you apart?"

Sinni: "Well, its just, up at the temple they just care about stone. Shaping it or listening to it, or seeking truth. I don't know, I've never been able to shape more than a pebble. It's why they stuck me down here. The goats basically look after themselves, I'm just... out of the way. Guess they would feel bad about exiling me just because I'm useless."

"But Palla, oh she has so much talent. She can do such wonderful things with stone. They've never said anything out right, but you can tell the elders think she's wasting her time with me. They always have her so busy when I come up with the cheese. She says they can't stop us, but I dread to think what they might do if they found out just how close we are. What if they throw her out? Where would we go?"

"I just don't want her to get hurt."

6/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:17 No. 1102939 ID: 6c233e
File 173795867074.jpg - (243.22KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_94 aw they're hugging.jpg )

>can you suppress the process itself rather than reattaching hundreds of leaves?
>how long will the leaves need to be maintained?
>We should definitely get a look at what we're working with.

Mirrak: "Right, we can work with this. As for the task at hand, we could make it so you don't loose your leaves."

Sinni: "Oh, er, that sounds unpleasant. What with the, uh, the twining together. And eh, the... the sliding along her... her ah... hnnnn!"

Mirrak: "Oh ho! Well in that case, why don't we work on getting your leaves to grow back fast, instead of reattaching so many."

Sinni: "You can do that? In less than a day? It normally takes weeks to grow back after a full shedding."

Mirrak: "Sounds simple enough. Martah?"

Martah: "Give me a day to study him, then yes." He replies, not looking up from his distraught pose.

Mirrak: "Good good. I'll leave you two to work that out. I've got a diplomatic team to assemble."

7/7 Nalthar 2025/01/26(Sun)22:18 No. 1102940 ID: 6c233e
File 173795870172.jpg - (528.69KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_95 pick some sillies.jpg )

Mirrak: (Hmmm, now who would make a good first impression on a bunch of old farts?)

The Elders are obsessed with stonemelding. Does your Scrivener have any related knowledge? I'd say if so he'd be really good at talking them up. Share interests, that sort of thing. He's also supposed to be seen as wise, which will help.
Your hunters also have things in common with the villagers I expect, they share a certain skillset. But we only really need one of them to come with.
And of course our courtesan has a way with words.

We know these folk view the lizbolds as predators and we'll cause a panic if we walk into the village with our newly-enlightened fellows in tow without any warning. If we talk to the guards beforehand it might go okay as far as violence is concerned but the whole village would have to be informed as to the lizbolds' uplift before we could go in with them, I think, and that would take some time. Though maybe if only ONE of them comes it'd be okay? Eh. Only major benefit is that it would get them used to the idea early, and possibly prevent any misunderstandings if someone encounters the members of our group who are staying outside the village. Ah, I suppose we should figure out where we're staying tonight. We'll have to talk to someone about lodgings, and maybe the lizbolds will have somewhere to stay, or at least an assigned area nearby so that no misunderstandings happen.

>Rock and Stone
Making a creature that sucks on stone and leaves figurines behind would impress. You want to insinuate that you can't stoneweave like they can, but you're good at trying new things out - and can help them with the 'boring' parts of boring holes.

If they focus lots on mining, than tailings and minerals leeching into the water might be an issue. Can plantlike organisms be made to remove problematic substances from soil (or excess amounts of useful materials), and form them into something useful and also a cohesive solid that won't crumble, that can be harvested and stored safely, or maybe used? Like crystal flowers, ruby cacti, steel stalks, or glassteel fronds?

Rune Nerd for nerd to nerd connection and Comfort Bunny to be disarming and charming.

>>1102937
hahahahahahaha

Hmm. Do these guys consider the lizards as evil, or just scary? If evil, we might want to save their introduction for later. "Foreigners allied with evil monsters" isn't a great first impression. Either way,
>>1102942
they should have a rider when they're seen - a scary animal walking about is cause for panic, but if it has somebody on top that's cause only for trepidation (and possible awe). Being clearly part of the group should help, but if a loose predator is the first/only thing sb sees before shrieking, it could be problematic.

1/2 Nalthar 2025/02/01(Sat)20:10 No. 1103159 ID: 6c233e
File 173846942881.jpg - (561.12KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_96 hidden passage.jpg )

Mirrak: "Lantil, we're going up tommorrow to impress some old stone worshipers. You carve in stones sometimes, so you should have a lot to talk about."

Lantil: "I do more than that!"

Mirrak: "Yep, lots in common. Hilgar, you're with us. I have a feeling we'll need all our charm for this one. Also might need to fight our way out, you never know."

HIlgar: "Right'o boss."

Murdoc: "Hey! I'm the boss of this expedition!"

Mirrak, Hilgar, and Lantil: ...

Murdoc: "We're doing what Mirrak said, get to it."

Martah pulls himself together and runs some tests on Sinni. By the next morning he has a quick body mod developed, tested by denuding Sinni's tail. The leaves grow back in minutes, though this does leave the salamander quite hungry. To deal with that he will be bringing two full bags of goat milk for a quick recharge after the big event.

With the sun peeking over the peaks, the four follow him to an unassuming nook. Sinni grabs an outcropping, and what had seemed a solid rock face opens noiselessly to reveal a narrow passage up.

2/2 Nalthar 2025/02/01(Sat)20:11 No. 1103160 ID: 6c233e
File 173846948257.jpg - (446.46KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_97 the stone temple.jpg )

A brisk climb, and the party reach the temple grounds. Blocky architecture and precise angles fill a stepped bowl, with a view of the vast desert beyond the mountains.

Not many are out and about as Sinni leads the party down the many steps.
Sinni: "Okay, uh, I'm going to pass you over to one of the acolytes and find Palla before she gets assigned anything. You should be fine. Just eh, don't expect them to show much interest unless its about stone."

Sinni stops by a gaunt grakashon who is slowly polishing a stone sphere. "Fair morning, brother." he says, bowing low enough his body forms an N. "These fellows are here to see the elders sbout a trade deal. Annnd I need to... deliver this milk! Yes. So eh, bye!" Sinni grabs Martah and scurries off.

In the awkward silence that follows the guy polishing stares at the three. Sighing, he sets down the stone. "Hrmm, trader are you? It's been some time, perhaps we could use something. What do you bring us?"

(Mirrak remembered to bring some examples of robold handicrafts. What should she show?)

>>1103160
Show something shiny, something intricate, something organic.

Start by appealing to their wants, like a devil, only to showcase more ambitions for both spiritual fulfillment and the needs of the many, like an angel. Ramp the show up the second they start looking intrigued.

Start with the wheat flensing machine. Just stick a bundle of wheat in the small container and let the instinctually-driven metal tentacles whip the grain from the chaff. Then it's on to the Sorter, which double-checks your grain filter and nabs grains with pinpoint precision. Finally, the autochef, which is a living cookpot that boils your rice to perfection, and learns different recipes as you cook alongside it.

>>1103160
Start with the more normal crafts, like textiles, then go into your peoples' service skill as medical practitioners and animal tamers.

>>1103160
Start with some mundane domestic crafts then bust out some of the more exotic fare, I wonder if we could offer to improve any crops/livestock they have.

1/4 Nalthar 2025/02/12(Wed)22:05 No. 1103702 ID: 6c233e
File 173942673965.jpg - (342.11KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_98 what are ya selling.jpg )

>machines and things

Mirrak: (You think we lugged heavy machinery up a mountain? Or that we know anything about farming? We're robolds! We do the crafting! I don't even know what a wheat is! Hence... why we're up here in the first place.)

>More normal crafts. Something shiny, something intricate, something organic.

Mirrak: "Why we bring crafts, both useful and intriguing. Just take a look."

The acolyte's eye passes over intricately carved ivory and serpentine filigree to stop on some simple bottles.

acolyte: "Ah, worked stone, and by hand even. Not afraid to let the stone's shapes and patterns shine through. Better than those down in the valley with their vapid clay. Yes, I think the elders will see fit to meet with you."

The party are lead down the tiers and into the largest structure. Inside is a seeming labyrinth of halls, alcoves, nooks, and chambers. Down and down their guide takes them, until they reach a hall dominated by a stepped pit.

"Wait here. The elders will be with you shortly." The acolyte says, leaving them with a slight bow.

2/4 Nalthar 2025/02/12(Wed)22:07 No. 1103703 ID: 6c233e
File 173942682714.jpg - (393.23KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_99 elder shrubbery.jpg )

What feels like hours later, even Hilgar's cheerful smile is slipping.

Lantil: "Three hundred and eighty nine steps."

Mirrak: "I'm still getting four hundred and ten. Sigh, we'll just have to recount again."

Before they can go truly crazy there comes a shuffling from the entryway. Five shon, so hunched they look like walking bushes, make their way slowly down the steps. Arranging themselves before the bolds they look up at them with suspicious eyes.

After an awkward silence the middlemost shon speaks up in a dusty voice "Well? We don't have all day. Why have you come here?" Mirrak rallies herself and puts on her best, if strained, trader smile. "We just wanted to introduce ourselves as your new neighbors, and start things out on the right foot."

"Eh, neighbors?" the shon grumble "What do you mean?" "Where are you from?" The one on the end moves to poke at the Mirrak with his staff, but is intercepted by Hilgar with a sharp edged grin. "We've just arrived in the valley, on the big wurm." the trader replies.

"The what?" "Ridiculous, no one lives in the valley!" "When was this?" The elders seem confused. "The big pillar." Mirrak clarifies "Up in the sky?" She looks around their blank expressions "Did- did you not notice?"

3/4 Nalthar 2025/02/12(Wed)22:09 No. 1103704 ID: 6c233e
File 173942694113.jpg - (759.16KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_100 that sneaky wurm.jpg )

"Why did no one tell me about this?" the elder complains, bonking the acolyte from earlier on the head. "How did this happen?" The acolyte bows "I don't know elder. You have always said there is nothing worth noting in the valley." he dodges a second bonk.

Quite a crowd has followed them up to the rim of the bowl, wind whipping by as they gaze at Jormun in astonishment. The robolds seem to be forgotten as shon whisper among themselves.

Mirrak: "Eesh, I hope Martah is having an easier time of it."

4/4 Nalthar 2025/02/12(Wed)22:10 No. 1103705 ID: 6c233e
File 173942704898.jpg - (542.56KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_101 clandestine meeting.jpg )

Martah is not having an easier time of it. Sinni grabbed his lady love and, after briefly introducing the shaper, the two hastily retreated into a store room, leaving Martah to guard the door. Which in retrospect was foolish, seeing as the robold sticks out like a sore thumb. The white furred bold is trying to lean on the door casually while the pair go at it inside, quite audibly too.

Now a pair of shon carrying a large wicker box between them are approaching. "Sir? Could you let us by? Are you- supposed to be here?"

Martah: (Uh uhhhh, help!)

Of course we’re supposed to be here, just as much as anyone is supposed to be anywhere. Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Then what a silly question that is.

"Look, I don't know what a 'devil tango' is, but the rancher's goat ate my cheese wheel and he kept telling me it was the only thing he had that he could trade me as repartitions. If he can find it."

Nervously look at the door.
"These buildings don't have secret exits, right?"

"Sorry, I'm afraid this store room is off limits at the moment, I've been told to prevent anyone from entering. You can go ask the overseer about it, if you like?" (Depending on how long it's been you might speak loudly, to the effect of "HURRY UP IN THERE".)
If you want to outright lie, you could say somebody got sick in there, everything's gross, and we don't want anyone else to catch whatever they had until it can be cleaned up. "Or, are you here to clean up all the barf, is that why they sent you? [Eye them eagerly.]"

>>1103705
Tell them that there's been a spill inside the storage room and there's dangerous shards everywhere, you can't let anyone in until the cleaning crew gets here. They've already been notified, by the way.
Tell them to just leave the basket by the door, you'll make sure it gets stored after the room's clean.

>>1103715
Ah, good addition, offer to take care of their task for them, so they can stop thinking about it

>>1103705
"I am doktor assistant. Doktor in procedure, do not contaminate."

Nalthar 2025/02/18(Tue)09:45 No. 1103996 ID: 6c233e
File 173990071369.jpg - (454.00KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_102 that sounds bad.jpg )

Martah: "Ah ha ha ha ha, what a silly question! Anyone can be anywhere right?"

shaggy shon: "Huh?"

spiky shon: "Sure sure, but we need to put away these linens."

Martah: "dghhtdkh uh, but uh, there's a mess! If you go in you could step on something, uh, sharp. Or gross."

spiky shon: "So who's cleaning it up?"

Martah: "Uh, Sinni?"

spiky shon: "Why's he here?"

Martah: "He was delivering... milk?"

shaggy shon: "Why aren't you in there helping him?"

Martah: "I'm a doctor. If he gets hurt-"

shaggy shon: "Sinni got hurt!?"

Martah: "No if he gets hurt I'll fix him right up."

A particularly loud moan comes from inside the storeroom.

shaggy shon: "Ah! Sinni's hurt! We have to go help him!"

spiky shon: "Yeah mister goat doc, lets get in there."

Martah: "I- I'm not a goat! That wasn't a pained moan, he's probably just-"

A high-pitched cry interrupts him.

shaggy shon: "Oh why aren't you helping him? He sounds really hurt!"

spiky shon: "Snrk, yeah that sounded bad. We'd better see what's going on."

Martah: (Why is it always me who gets in these situations?)

>>1103996
Uhh. You should've stuck with one explanation...

Oh well, one of them caught on to what's really happening. You already said who's in there so there'll be trouble unless you get them to keep quiet, and the only good way to do that is bribery. Offer body mods in exchange for their silence.

When in doubt, bribe your way out.

Well, it was always going to be real difficult to explain away NOISES. Sinni owes you for this, I don't think running interference was part of the deal. I guess the only thing for it is to resort to hushed, conspiratorial whispers and let them in on the deal, see if we can get them interested in our services. If they want something from us, they're less likely to act against us. Note that this is leading towards you becoming the hush-hush secret affairs people, so...I guess decide how comfortable you are with that, haha, and steer accordingly. Seems likely a powerful position, but also one that can turn on you in an instant.

>>1104000
>>1104001
Yes indeed.

Quick take off your mask and repeatedly stab your mouth.
"You fools! I tried to warn you but you're so dense! Run! Scream - scream while you still can!"

1/2 Nalthar 2025/02/23(Sun)21:39 No. 1104177 ID: 6c233e
File 174037557459.jpg - (409.18KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_103 tricks up his sleeve.jpg )

Martah: (It's not Sinni's fault. As soon as his friend realized what I could do for them she dragged us in there. I barely had time to do the gene therapy before she was all over him. It seemed awkward so I stepped out, but now I'm just stuck out here. I did get to see that they're hermaphroditic though, so that's neat.)

Martah: "Alright look. Sinni and his friend are having an indiscretion. They hired me to cover it up, and then went and got loud anyway. So if you two would help we'd owe you a big favor."

spiky shon: "Finally! Good for them."

shaggy shon: "Oh yeah? What kind of favor are we talking here?"

Martah: "Whatever you can imagine."

2/2 Nalthar 2025/02/23(Sun)21:40 No. 1104178 ID: 6c233e
File 174037564296.jpg - (414.92KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_104 now that we have your attention.jpg )

The elders have finished bickering and called the party over.

head elder: "The stones have never spoken of anything like this happening. You really are... from another world?"

Mirrak: "That's right."

head elder: "Ah, please, forgive our rudeness earlier. We would very much wish to study your ah, friend. May some of our senior acolytes accompany you on your return?"

Mirrak: "Certainly, and we would appreciate some assistance with farming in return."

Lantil: (Wasn't there something else we wanted?)

>>1104178
Yeah we're interested in information about the world, like nearby civilizations and other points of interest. And also, considering we're in a geomancy-focused settlement why don't we ask about stone and metals? We do need building materials.

>>1104186
Good plan. Food stability is the big thing, but we also need information.

Our first priority should be claiming territory rights. Emphasize that your tribe was prosecuted to Hell and back because the outlying nations repeatedly claimed bites of your territory over generations until you were stuck in a land that was going to be 'legally' conquered and exterminated. You're not making that mistake this time. You want to buy the land you're settling on, make your ownership permanent and non-negotiable. No technicalities, no tolerance of hostile takeovers of land. From now on, your nation will always have housing for whoever lives within its boarders. Look to the wurm and claim you've got the power to make that a reality.
>Elder: How did you survive
Don't kill drifters on first contact. Simple rule, never broke it. One of these drifters came from another world, and they helped us talk to the giant from another world. We were saved pretty easily after that.

Hmm, I wonder if there's merit in hiring a stone mage for the city.

>>1104447
We don't have much need of stonework on Jormun right now, but if we want to expand to the ground below it would be very helpful. Either stone buildings, or just ensuring good foundation for buildings.

1/3 Nalthar 2025/03/07(Fri)14:20 No. 1104626 ID: 6c233e
File 174138602436.jpg - (543.77KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_105 come into my study.jpg )

Mirrak: "We would also appreciate if you could tell us about our standing here, and how to deal with the people around."

Elder Kesha: "Yes, of course. Please, join me in my study."

The party follow her down the stairs once more, getting plenty of cardio for the day. Lantil notices some runework on the side of a building and wanders off in conversation with that orange acolyte, who apparently is an accomplished scrivener himself. Yet Mirrak and Hilgar manage to stay on task and accompany the elder into her chamber.

The room is a simple domed shape, lined in sandstone of an oddly pleasant roughness. Shelves circle the room, packed with rocks and crystals. Moving about the room Kesha touches portions of wall and floor with slight glows of magic, and with gentle grinding hidden compartments are revealed. A round table rises slowly from the floor, upon which she arranges some simple cups and a teapot.

She places the pot on a stone disk. Pressing a rune on its side, it soon glows with cherry-red heat. Mirrak and Hilgar seat themselves as she pours out steaming greenish liquid for each.

2/3 Nalthar 2025/03/07(Fri)14:21 No. 1104627 ID: 6c233e
File 174138607111.jpg - (1.08MB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_106 around the valley.jpg )

Elder Kesha: "We are rather isolated up here, you understand, but I can tell you at least who you will find around the valley."

Mirrak: "To start, will we be causing any trouble showing up like this? Are we encroaching anyone's territory?"

Elder Kesha: "Not in the valley itself. There are a few Grakashon families, but they keep to their farms high up the mountains, away from the predators in the forest. We trade service for their excess crops, on occasion. You might approach them for seeds and things to get your own farming started.

Past the valley if you follow the river you'll come to a city of Miskashon. I can't recall its name. They're the common variety of lowland shon. Grubbing about in river clay, with their outlandish runes and contraptions. Don't know the value of good, solid stone. They come up here sometimes, begging for metals. Rarely with anything worth a trade. Perhaps you'll have better luck with them.

They never come up here, but I hear there are a number of the river folk, the Selkashon in the city as well. I think they would dry up in the mountain air, or something of that nature. If you could protect them from river predators they might visit you, although I don't know what they have to offer. Fish perhaps?

The desert is home to the Dreffeshon nomads. They're a prickly sort, both of body and mind, but it's understandable given the harsh sands. We deal with them when they pass by, for news of other Grakashon holds and temples mostly. There should be a clan coming here very soon.

Beyond that I do not know. Any other settlements are over the horizon, and we tend to look down here rather than out.

3/3 Nalthar 2025/03/07(Fri)14:21 No. 1104628 ID: 6c233e
File 174138609716.jpg - (271.81KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_107 hang on now.jpg )

Elder Kesha: "I suppose you lot are after metals as well? Its all anyone comes up here for. No respect for good stone at all. The stones were here before everybody you know!"

Mirrak: "Actually, we were admiring the stone working you have up here."

Hilgar: "Yes, such sharp angles. The forms are quite striking."

Mirrak: "So if you grant us the services of your people we would be happy to let you sate your curiosity about Jormun. He's very old."

Hilgar: "Sooooo old."

Mirrak: "And very made of stone, I think. We heard you have a talented stone crafter named Palla we would love to work with."

Elder Kesha: "I thought you just got here. How did you hear about her?"

Mirrak: "Ah..."

You talked to some random farmers and workers along the road. Some of them talked about master stoneshapers and their latest works. Why? Is Pella important?

>>1104628
Tell them you met a goat farmer on your way here that seemed to have a lot to say about her. Why the concern?

>>1104633
Ideally we won't indicate there was one, specific individual who talked about her. They might start paying attention, and start putting pieces together as evidence starts piling up.

>>1104628
These ears were made for listening.

Nalthar 2025/03/25(Tue)20:44 No. 1105408 ID: 6c233e
File 174296064664.jpg - (504.89KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_108 still going at it.jpg )

Mirrak: "Well we met a farmer on the way up-"

Elder Kesha: "Sinni." she sighs "That boy is a distraction. Hmm, this might be just what she needs to get her mind focused properly. How old did you say your friend was?"

HIlgar: "Well we found him in a place from the oldest stories I've ever heard of. So maybe, as old as the world? Our old world, that is."

Elder Kesha: "Its decided then. If anything will keep her rightly fixated on stone its old stone. I'm tempted to visit myself, but the humidity down there is hell on these old joints. Let us go and inform Palla of the good news."

Mirrak: (I think that went well. And it's past noon so surely they must be done by now.)

///

Martah: "Shouldn't they be done by now?"

spiky shon whose eyes now sparkle in the light and can see twice as many details (Saranna): "They've been waiting for this for a loooong time. Got a lot saved up to get out, hur hur."

shaggy shon that now has a much longer tail (Tremo): "A lot of love in their hearts?"

Saranna: "And eggs, Trem."

Tremo: "OH" blushes

Martah: "Someone's sure to come by soon, and robold's are notoriously bad liars."

Saranna: "Yes, we noticed. Heh, why don't you get in there and help them finish up?"

Martah: "Oh, well sure. Sorry, I assumed shon aren't as free-love as bolds."

Saranna: "Th-that was a joke. You'd really do it with them, just like that?"

Martah: "Why not? They're cute."

Saranna: "..."

Tremo: "Oh my~"

Saranna: "So uh, where you're from, are they taking visitors?"

Hilgar: "Ah there you are." the courtesan peeks around the corner, startling the two shons. "We've finished up with the elders. Now they're looking for- oh they're still going? Well the elder's looking for Palla, so we're going to have to do something about this."

>>1105408
I think the only thing we can do is to tell them to finish up, they're out of time. And also that Palla's going to work with us, which means Sinni will be able to visit her unsupervised.

Well, no choice.

We will have to entertain the elders with stories of your people.
And also breaking your mouth curse. That'd be a neat party trick.

Oooh also, all this loving reminds me of something very important.

You gotta help me, Martha, you gotta help me deal with the Mainframe.
She's this weird lizardy-dragony-serpenty creature with wires coming out of her body and connecting her to all across the heavenly dome and precides over the passing of soul to and from meatspace, and she looks like this >>1102934 Martha. Can you see the mental image, Martha? Yes? No? Yes?

Anyways, she's mean, Martha. She doesn't let us do stuff like breaking your mouth curse with our dead ghost energy, or divulge secrets about the afterlife, like the evil soul-devouring lich at the center of Creation, or how ice-cream machines always break because they all die upon assembly and their souls end up there.

She hates me, Martha. She hates me because I meddle, but I only meddle because I love, Martha! I love this world, and I love her.
I love the Mainframe, Martha!

I love her but she doesn't see it! Together we would be so wholesome. We would help everyone, Martha, both living and dead!
We would love each other so much and have so many children, who would love and care for mortals just as much as their mama and would aid her in helping people. Servers, we would call them.

I love her so much, Martha, but she keeps blowing me off, Martha. Says I'm too lame, or something like that. I don't know, I just run away crying every time she says no.
You gotta help me, Martha. You gotta help me conquer her heart, and her mind, her mind full of cosmic wires, Martha.
Please, Martha, I'm so needy! Help me prove myself to the Mainframe! Please, I'll give you ice cream, the afterlife is full of the stuff now!

>>1105410
You know what, this could be funny. Go for it.

>>1105408
Yeah, we might need to step inside and get them to hurry it up, then. The promise of moving to our place and getting to bang frequently far away from the elders seems like a good motivator.