C first. The others can tell him what she is singing. Then he should keep looking for what could be causing this.

A, don't need to give the other sisters a headache. Just ask them the lines of the song she was singing.

Additionally, ask the sisters if Laret also mentioned hearing that singing or did she suddenly just break out into song. Might give us an idea on if this progresses to something worse. Maybe grant the Hydras permission to shut you up if you start breaking out in song uncontrollably.

B makes most sense to me in case more information is revealed.

Lets put the pumpkin back and ask the Hydra how much of the song they remember themselves. If any of the other heads can remember the whole song then we should just put Laret to sleep.

Learning those lyrics might be crucial information, HOWEVER! If N’Thar could already hear the music *while* she had the pumpkin in her mouth, it’s fully possible this song is being spouted forth from other vessels scattered across town, which could be REALLY bad, depending on the contents of the lyrics.

Therefore I would prioritize a plan of C then D, but if you absolutely must know the full song immediately, then >>1090950 seems the way to go about it. C -> A if the remaining sisters can give us the full song themselves The pumpkin still being put in to inquire as to whether they can recall the lyrics, then taken out for B in the event they cannot.

N'Thar 2024/05/22(Wed)10:52 No. 1091575 ID: 0d1c28
File 171640032553.png - (1.08MB , 657x858 , Pentacle282.png )

N'thar returns the pumpkin and places a simple charms to sooth Laret into a peaceful sleep
bringing silence back to the chamber.
Solia sighs 'Thank you first acolyte.'
He asks the hydra about the music 'What do you know about the song Laret was singing?'
'It was mostly treasonous talk about the royal family'Remia answers honestly.
Fason growls 'Shouldn't you know? you were pouring over those papers yesterday, the ones Eeyfel found in the streets'
N'thar has only a faded memory of this 'Yes well I seem to have misplaced them'.
Mifal narrows her eyes 'You gave them to Niffle for safe keeping'
The Vizier thinks he remembers this but can't imagine why he would have given them to that scrounging rat.

Hang on a minute, that isn't correct. Didn't you give the parchments to Eeyful? You left to go tell Kalez, and you told her to give them to Midas. She then went on to be attacked by the undead. Is the hydra just misnaming the 'bolds, are both of these actions you took, or is something wrong with your memory of the incident?

There's some foul magic at play, and it seems targeted at your mind. You need to take the threat of this song seriously, and take care of it before you lose touch with reality.

Yeah, something is definitely fishy here. Especially if it’s capable of tampering with so many minds at once. Whatever this song is, it’s trouble.

Does N'thar have any spells which can detect the presence of other spells? If he can, using it to try to find where the song is coming from could be wise.

Probably best to try to find where the song is coming from before it causes permanent brain damage to you and others who is cursed with this song if it's able to mess with your memories.

Considering it is music based, maybe a bard is causing it? Maybe vriolo? are you hearing any instruments along with the singing, like say, a harp?

N'Thar 2024/06/04(Tue)09:30 No. 1092369 ID: 0d1c28
File 171751864122.png - (1.16MB , 657x858 , Pentacle283.png )

Vriolo the bard, a strong suspect even before current events. Kalez took him with her to the tournament, She wanted him far from Crym-Z'Garr.
First Acolyte is confident Kalez will take no chances.

N'Thar feels a few fleeting memories drift back, Niffle had some mediocre ability to sing in the local tavern, Midas claimed to need a singer, with Eeyfel having failed her delivery Niffle made an obvious choice.

He casts forth the spell SEEK RELIC to track the parchments, quite likely the source.
N'Thar is guided in the direction of the Duke's tower mostly filled with the gallery, audience chamber and guest rooms.

Go after them! While you do, perhaps a recap on what all spells you know might be prudent.

I agree with both of Himitsu's courses of action.

Go get ‘em!

Now that I think about it, are we absolutely sure that Vriolo isn't around? (I couldn't see any mention of him being moved elsewhere in any previous chapters or the Discussion thread so I'm wondering if the idea that he's in Kalez's custody could be a false memory too.)

N'Thar 2024/06/17(Mon)14:03 No. 1093044 ID: 0d1c28
File 171865821886.png - (1.15MB , 657x858 , Pentacle284.png )

N'Thar hears voices ahead. the music seems to have faded away but the whiny chattering is hardly better

'uuuuugh there'sss nothing to do here, we can't play cardss, we can't patrol, we can't even train!'

Serpents fill the entry way to the Gallery
It's Madame Lylene Eshekath speaking, Last knight of Crym.

'It's almost like his grace wants us to die of boredom' she moans

The woman is a complete joke but Kalez finds her amusing.
Tradition dictates that he Arch-Duke is to be guarded by knights at all time so usually she's assigned to this pointless position.

Another Serpent Niole nods 'Indeed, thiss new edict prohibiting drink iss worsst of all!'

Thats a new one N'Thar thinks, another cost cutting measure surely.

Now hang on, you have reasonable cause for suspicion here. A new law just materializes right as the song goes away? The music stopping means whoever was doing that fishy song thing decided the song had done whatever it was supposed to do. Did it somehow plant weird memories throughout the castle? This could be really really bad. It could also be nothing at all, but it’s worth investigating cuz you could be in massive trouble if things are allowed to take their course. Who KNOWS how the people’s minds have been altered?

Are all these guards normally assigned to this post? Why aren't they patrolling?
It's not befitting your station to share goss with the guards, but if her grace has forbidden consumption while on station, then they should spend it soberly guarding rather than kvetching!
(Ironic given the titlecard?)

I'd assume the lack of drink is due to everyone having been drugged to allow the prison break awhile back. Keep using the spell to find what you need but it probably leads to just normal items we own as this is a gallery place.

>>1093046
Yeah this is pretty suspicious

N'Thar 2024/07/03(Wed)15:40 No. 1093735 ID: 0d1c28
File 172004642216.png - (1.06MB , 657x858 , Pentacle285.png )

>>1092371
N'Thar considers his magic as he waits for the clearly blind underlings to notice him

N'thar's Magic(listed are his lower and moderate powered spells, each spell can be cast once per day)

Spell power 1:
-Golden Mirage (create an illusion of treasure)
-Dust cloud (stir up blinding cover)
-Preserve (keeps an object fresh and clean)
-Stash (hide an item in a safe place)
-Soothing Sleep (sooth an individual to rest) SPENT
-Sap health (steals life force and gives it to you)
-Alarm ( a magical sensor that sounds loudly if disturbed)

Spell power 2:
-Mirror form (blind foes and repel magic)
-Slave (forces the weak willed to obey orders)
-Golden key (unlocking spell)
-Trap maker (Casts with another spell to create a delayed reaction)
-Guardian Weapon (enchants a weapon to protect and attack)

Spell power 3:
-Magical circle (allows casting of more powerful ritual magic)
-Seek Relic (guides you in the direction of an object) SPENT
-Crystal barrage ( batter foes with thousand of razor sharp crystals)
-Spell Steal (take a target's spell)

Spell power 4: Ritual magic power 1
-Curse Treasure (Cause treasure to mark those not permitted for punishment)
-Remove curse (cleanse weaker curses)
-Searing sand (a powerful burning spray able to repel numerous foes)

'Oh! Lord Vizier! how long havve you been sstanding there?'Lylene finally takes note'Isss there ssomething we can help you with?'

Too bad you don't have Golden Beer Mirage, or you could see what happens when violation of this so-called edict occurs.

I'd suggest setting up a magical circle, but your most powerful arsenal might not work as well as a subtle approach. If this is a curse, it certainly is not a weaker curse, and you have no particular treasure location you need to defend with curses or searing sand.

Probably just best to continue on in search of the parchments. You can't be letting that seek relic spell go to waste.

>>1093735
Ask Lylene how she got her special underwear from mommy.

Wait, wrong thread. Ask her about the edict. Not just what it is, but who gave it, how it came about. If it's a result of this mind-altering song rather than any actual law, grilling her about specifics might raise her suspicion and get her working with us against the songmaster.

We should tease her about her underwear if we can justify it though. It'll be funny

I'd say finding the parchment first and then asking about the edict makes sense (I don't know how long the Seek Relic spell will last so making the most of that seems logical).

Agree with >>1093763
Especially on the undies teasing. Not sure how it’d be justifiable but I DEFINITELY wanna see it.

N'Thar 2024/07/28(Sun)11:42 No. 1094863 ID: 0d1c28
File 172219214035.png - (1.18MB , 657x858 , Pentacle286.png )

the Seek Relic charm points towards Midas' chamber within the gallery, it seems likely the first acolyte that the parchments are in the Arch-Duke's possession.

however before N'Thar moves foreward he is curious about this strange edict. he addresses Niole, What is this edict you speak of? last I checked I was responsible for new laws in the duchess absence.

Niole begins'Well you ssee his grace-' Lylene interrupts 'Sssorry sssir but I'm in charge actually and that edict isss on a need to know bassssisss' she hisses

N'Thar is not impressed 'I'll acknowledge your authority "Champ " when your appointments are relevant and not merely presents from your mother to make you feel valuable in the same way as the trophies you wear under your clothes.'

Lylene huffs 'H-hey! are you making light of me?'

Niole 'Lord Vizier with all due ressspect this came from the Arch-Duke himself, hisss grace told usss sstrictly to not drink any alcohol, sssaid it would be dangerousss with the magic in the air'

Did you have any alcohol recently sometime before the singing happened?

Wait, how did N’Thar know about the trophies under her clothes? Scandalous!

Well that makes sense after the last drinking time. Really drive home that you're making fun of Lylene by using Slave on her. Then make her do a little snakey dance out of her armor to show the undergarments you speak of to the others.

Since when is the archduke in a condition to give orders?

>>1094868
Hey now, we shouldn't waste that too early. What if there's someone else who deserves greater teasing. We can probably find some excuse to make her strip without magic anyways. It's Lylene, she's a pushover.

>>1094869
Something is definitely up. We need to see the archduke, or whoever is giving orders in his name.

>>1094907 Legit question here. Who said this was the archduke's orders? Figuring that out gives us a lead. What's wrong with investigating? Either it's legit and we get lauded for Opsec or it's fake and we uncover enemies.

I agree that trying to see the Arch-Duke ASAP is a good idea to check that he actually gave that edict.

N'Thar 2024/08/30(Fri)12:35 No. 1096705 ID: 0d1c28
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N'Thar is pretty sure both himself and Laret have partaken of wine.
could this decree have some connection to the song?
he needs to know more'Who said this was the archduke's orders? did he tell you in person? did you see him?'

Niole flushes 'welll no, Niffle told us '

Of course! N'Thar remembers, he had tasked Niffle with delivering the paper to the Duke.
did Midas really relay this order through Niffle?
'didn't that strike you as odd? since when is the archduke in a condition to give orders?'

I ssupposse ssince now?Niole guesses

Niole apparently knows nothing.
Does N'thar go in to see Archduke Midas? or is something else that needs to be done first?

Looks like Niffle's fiddling with people's brains.

I wonder if it's connected to Niffle specifically or if the rat's weakened everybody's will. We could try giving a few orders to the snakes ourselves, see if they budge.

~~And I'm always up for a chance to strip Lylene~~

I think he should go and see Midas while asking someone else to find Niffle so they can be questioned about what's going on.

N'Thar 2024/09/24(Tue)19:46 No. 1097781 ID: 0d1c28
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N'Thar decides to test if the serpents will has been compromised'Lylene, remove your clothes'

Lylene flushes 'W-whaat?'

N'Thar nods satisfied 'Testing to see if you accept every command without thought'

'Hey! I'm not that dumb!'Lylene objects

Nothing to learn here, first acolyte continues inward to the gallery proper.

* * *

N'Thar enters the old planning room, like everything in the "Gallery" all surfaces are covered with a thin layer of gold, these days it's only used for testing the [POLISH] spell.

To the left is Midas' resting chamber.
To the right is the art vault.
Ahead is the Exhibition Hall, N'Thar can hear voices within

>>1097781
Going to resist the urge to go see the exhibitionism in the exhibition hall and check on Midas's resting chamber first. Unless we can glean some information about what's happening in the hall by listening more closely

Head to the resting chamber. We should see if Midas is in fact awake enough to give orders. That would be a problem.

before you leave, inspect the pictures on the walls, they're nice, but I think each pic tells a story of some sort, especially the one in front of us. Give us the lore!

Try listening in to se what the conversation is about first in case they're somehow connected to the odd things which are happening.

N'Thar 2024/10/06(Sun)09:00 No. 1098303 ID: 0d1c28
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The Vizier looks up at the engraving.
it focuses on the founding of Terrotha, Multero Prisma second prince to the emperor, second to found a new kingdom. Multero offered coin, magic and power to the kobolds who once held this land, of course it wasn't long before the kobolds to squandered their gifts and the coin, magic and power belonged to Multero again. Kalez claims there's a lesson to this, but she never specified.
N'Thar can imagine a few.

N'Thar listens to the voices
a squeaky voice seems to be pleading '...I can't! it would be treason!'

Eavesdrop!

yes, Eavesdrop. We might catch some information

Eavesdrop the hell out of that conversation

Eavesdrop and try to figure out who made the treason claim if the voice is recognisable.

N'Thar 2024/10/20(Sun)22:14 No. 1098831 ID: 0d1c28
File 172948769067.png - (1.15MB , 657x858 , Pentacle290.png )

N'Thar listens in

A deep voice responds to the first 'Treason? that isn't what you fear, else you wouldn't disobey me.'
The calm patriarch can only be Arch-Duke Midas Multero, favored champion and god's chosen.

His grace isn't ill, well not as the common people would understand it. though he is meant to sleep...

'Your Grace these words have the stink of the heretic!' the simpering voice can only be one of the castles kobolds, perhaps Niffle

'Ah the heretic, Diavola Channler back from the dead it seems.' Midas muses

'the pages are magic your grace! perhaps the same dark magic that brought her back, they're dangerous!' the kobold pleads.

Midas speaks with a steady gentle voice as one would use to calm a child 'Indeed they are, but one must confront danger to destroy it'

b-but... the kobold stutters

'Niffle, sing it again.'Midas says with finality

wimpering and the shuffling of pages can be heard

Does N'Thar interrupt or continue listening?

Interrupt. Oh, THERE are those papers! Thank you for finding them, Niffle!

Interrupt!

Caught them red-handed. Yes, let's interupt them. But how should we go about this, go in playing dumb, and put pressure on them, or go in confronting right away

Playing dumb may be safer but I doubt the Duke would fall for it (at least unless you wait a couple of moments so it's less obvious that you heard the conversation).

Interrupt, but try not to come off as too hostile. You were simply investigating an issue of song where there was not meant to be, and that investigation led you here. You would like an explanation for the kobold's actions.

>>1098837
Yes, play the dumb functionary.

N'Thar 2024/11/02(Sat)09:25 No. 1099286 ID: 0d1c28
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N'Thar enters the exhibition hall, the floor is polished to a mirror shine yet no one ever seems to slip.
the hall is filled with monuments to the Duke's many triumphs, or at least that's what the mighty lord calls theme. this is the Arch-Duke's favored room.

Midas Multero lazily looks to the advisor following him as he approaches 'Hello N'Thar.'

N'thar give a deep bow 'Your grace, please forgive the intrusion.'

'You are forgiven', is the duke's curt response.

The first acolyte feels his confidence fading 'I was investigating a song you see'

'the song you sent me, curious that it's right where you had it delivered' Multero smiles as if amused but N'Thar sees only a predator barring it's fangs.

The Arch-Duke radiates danger, N'thar knows the Duke has no love for him. and could crush him should his mood take that turn.

Explain that you actually hadn't sent the song. That is why you were investigating.

>>1099286
So, we should probably get those pages away from him.

You did have those pages delivered to Multero, as well as Kalez. You tasked Eeyful with informing them of the situation.

Explain that you are surprised, not that he has the pages, but that he's chosen to sing the songs from them despite knowing their source. Clarify further that you're concerned of potential charms hidden within them, either to affect the reader of the page or those listening to the melody.

>>1099323
this

I agree that you should say you didn't send him the song.

N'Thar 2024/11/22(Fri)21:54 No. 1100230 ID: 0d1c28
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N'Thar can't claim he didn't send the parchment to Midas.
He did send them and Niffle will verify that.
'Well I didn't expect you to read them'

The Vizier approaches his lord, and the lord raises a mask to conceal his twisted face 'Are songs not meant to be sung? how else would you know it's tune.' the smile he gives and the words her speaks are meant to be warm, but Midas is no longer capable to inflect his old charms.

N'Thar's clears his throat 'Ah well you see this song is charmed and-'

'I know' Midas widens his smile but the bones under his flesh don't move the way they should, he is tainted, heavily so and by all right should be locked in the dungeon with Via Vardek and her ilk.

'Y-You know?'N'Thar stammers

Midas shifts his position, armor bulges and strains across his right arm'I'm doing research of my own, finding out how this magic works' Midas's armour is not for his protection, it's to protect others from him.'how it is corrupting my people'

N'Thar tries to calm Midas 'You're grace, you should be resting, It is my task to find-'

'You are taking too long, you must Work quickly Aebin, every day that passes her plans threaten ours.' Midas places a large hand on Niffle, a hand that could effortlessly destroy the small kobold

N'Thar Pleads'Forgive my your grace I-

'You are forgiven, now find Diavola Channler, destroy her again, don't force me to handle this myself' Midas takes the Parchments from Niffle and offers them to N'Thar.

Bow, tell him you'll take care of it and quickly get out of there.

Take the papers and leave quickly.

N'Thar 2024/12/21(Sat)16:53 No. 1101479 ID: 0d1c28
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N'Thar bows'I will not fail you' then approaches to gather the parchments.

Midas raises his hand 'Niffle carry these to N'Thar's chambers'

Niffle doesn't waste any time and follows the First Acolyte.

N'Thar plans for the confrontation to come.

Oragatt 2024/12/21(Sat)16:54 No. 1101480 ID: 0d1c28
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Far to the north on the upper foothills of the Ivera province
Kalez' third acolyte Oragatt Ruingarth stalked her pray.
Oragatt has been doing so for weeks hiding inside rocks, but she had learned all she coul so now was the time to take action.

her prey was the Harbinger group led by inquisitor Sabria, they'de been tailing Kalez' giant Herocea
there was nine of them now, the Harbinger sisters had supplemented their number in the village of Itan with hardened miners and workmen

Oragatt couldn't let Herocea fall into the hands of the Harbingers
she had some ideas
A) Throw them off course (Oragatt has been doing that, and though it buys time Oragatt would like a more definitive end to her mission)
B) Bury the Harbingers in a rock slide, (Sabria is a powerful warrior, would this work?)
C) Set up and Ambush with Herocea
D) Help Herocea cross the nearby border into the kingdom of Globala
E) something else? Oragatt wants to impress Kalez and show that she's so much more than a forge slave

E. Get the new hardened men to drop their agreement with the sisters and instead get them to try and take the ladies for their own playthings. They will lose probably, but the distraction will break moral and also make the sisters have misgivings about their work and who to trust.

C. What if you hid in a rock that she tossed into the camp, and attacked them from the rear?

Go for a good old reliable ambush.

C, Prepare an ambush and be ready to cover Herocea's weaknesses. Don't let them run her off again.

C sounds best to me.

D. Herocea's failed to overcome these harpies before, your job is considered complete if they cannot pursue her.

>>1101480
C. Justice for Herocea.

Oragatt 2025/01/08(Wed)14:18 No. 1102102 ID: 0d1c28
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An ambush Oragatt decides, it's only a matter of time until something as large as a giant is found, better to focus on what happens when she is.

The third acolyte leaves her hiding place within the boulder.

Oragatt needs to get back to Herocea, she could focus on speed and fly there, but might be spotted and followed. Instead she could walk it would however take more time that could be spent on ambush perpetration.

how does Oragatt make it back to Herocea?

If both possibilities could lead to less time to prepare an ambush, then stay low and remain unnoticed.

The best ambush is the one that comes fast and hits hard, so go with that approach.

Fly. Being followed would only draw them into your known turf for a better ambush.

Walk it out. Your best tool here is surprise.

Walk!

I'd say fly while staying as close to the ground as possible, or walk if she can't do this to try to keep the element of surprise when the ambush happens.

Oragatt 2025/01/24(Fri)16:33 No. 1102798 ID: 0d1c28
File 173776520916.png - (1.10MB , 657x858 , Pentacle296.png )

Oragatt knows her red wings would fly like a flag, she'll travel by foot, stealth and secrecy have always served the pentacled cult well.

it won't be as quick on foot, but Oragatt could scout out possible ambush locations before meeting up with Herocea.


A) Scout locations first
B) go to Herocea as quickly and directly as possible

Go see Herocea first. She could know some spots already.

B. No time to waste.

I have to agree with he consensus of B, lest Herocea blow the ambush while we aren't looking. She's not exactly subtle.

B is Best

I agree with B.

Oragatt 2025/02/10(Mon)20:37 No. 1103614 ID: 0d1c28
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Oragatt has no time for detours, she's taking enough extra time as it is walking.

* * *

The village of K'lov, such as it is.
it's a small settlement of Rachnids that Kalez placed as a reserve in case she ran out.
They should believe in the cause but that was fifty years ago.
At least they seem willing to hide the giant for now.

A peasant sits outside.

Should Oragatt...
A) Walk in with authority
B) find a back way to sneak in
C) address the peasant.
D) something else?

Walk in with authority, as you do.

A, Carry yourself with authority. Whether or not they actively believe in the cause, you don't want to leave any openings for them to needle you with any concerns or doubts they may have. A firm opening will make only the more resolute in their disagreement willing to speak up.

A, swagger in

I vote for A.

A) We are far too powerful for any other action choice.

Oragatt 2025/03/16(Sun)22:06 No. 1104985 ID: 0d1c28
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Oragatt Strides into the mining village of K'lov with authority.

The mining folk gather and look up at the rare outsider.
One of the miners ventures a question 'What brings a warrior to our doorstep?'

Oragatt 2025/03/16(Sun)22:07 No. 1104986 ID: 0d1c28
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'Cower servants, I am armorer to the golden lord!' Oragatt bellows

the congregation kneels before the third acolyte, she is delighted, she almost never gets to do this.
'Who speaks for this village? she adds

Oragatt 2025/03/16(Sun)22:10 No. 1104987 ID: 0d1c28
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A portly rachnid appears under the overhang
I'm foreman Baphora, I speak for K'lov.
Oragatt slams the base of her staff to the ground 'The King of Pentacles looks to your village this day.'

Baphora frowns 'So you're here to collect the giant then?'
Oragatt nods'The giant is of interest to me'
The foreman sighs 'good. we've done our part sheltering her but we'll be happy to lose the heat'
Oragatt doesn't like the casual nature of this woman.

Does Oragatt have further business with the foreman or does she go to the giant?

Don't comment on her tone, even if it's a bit casual, there's no explicit disrespect in her words. If it helps, just assume she's ignorant on how she's meant to behave. Let someone else correct her at a less critical juncture.

Go collect Heroeca.

>>1104988
Yeah! Agreed.

How fares the giant in your care, denmother?

Ask for the location of the giant but give a firm reminder to the forewoman as to who she is talking to.

>>1104987
On the hand, K'lov has been perfectly obedient, our giant is apparently in good condition, and Baphora is casual but not disrespectful.

On the other hand, we are on a power trip here and dressing down Baphora, possibly literally, would be in character. Maybe just, casually strip her a little as we ask questions about how our giant is doing, see if she dares to struggle

I'd say just collecting the giant and leaving ASAP seems to be the best course of action.

Collect the giant, tempting as it would be to stop and strip Baphora for such a small offense, those Harbingers need to be taken out of the picture. Kalez needs the breathing space given all the other failures that have happened so far.