Nalthar 2026/06/09(Tue)05:33 No. 1127851 ID: ce8213
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You start awake. You have no idea where you are but it's dark. In the gloom you can just make out bars and the glint of eyes watching you.

Check yourself. Are your injuries any better? Are you restrained?

Whisper a hello. Ask about where you are.

There is a possibility that this is a friend or an opponent. Offer it your tail and see how they will respond.

Seems you've been caught.

Nalthar 2026/06/14(Sun)02:28 No. 1128041 ID: ce8213
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The stranger doesn't move so you cautiously take stock of you're condition. It hurts to move, that you notice right away. Your back screams at you but you manage to sit yourself up against the cage bars. Your toes and tail all move as you command, so you suppose you're lucky.

Eyes adjusting to the darkness, you glance around. The cage you are in is rather spacious, for a rat. Thin vertical bars rise to a tapered peak. The room around is cluttered with several other cages, piled on top of boxes and battered human scale furniture. One side of the room is dominated by a dark curtain, pinpricks of light picking their way through the weave. Oddly enough the other walls depict moonlit landscapes, quiet towns and farms. Its like this room is meant to be perpetual night.

Your glare returns to the mouse in roughspun robes across from you. A short coughing fit prevents your first inquiry. He gathers up his hem and rises, padding quietly to your side. He holds out a waterskin to you and speaks in a soft voice. "Be at ease, my son. Your time in the wilderness has ended, for the good lord watches over you now."

The mouse's tail tip sways, drawing your eye, then flicking it towards something above the center of the room.

Nalthar 2026/06/14(Sun)02:28 No. 1128042 ID: ce8213
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Descending from the ceiling is a metal tube ending in the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen. A metal trumpet and curved glass are framed by tiny winged humans, of all things. The whole of it glitters golden even in the dim light.

Check your surroundings some more. Seems like you might be in some kind of Chapel or some kind of worship room in the house.

not a fully bad spot to be in... and who's this good lord?

This is a cult, gathere all information that you can. Just don't let that worshipping out of your sights. I don't trust him.

Nalthar 2026/06/19(Fri)01:55 No. 1128254 ID: ce8213
File 178183411832.jpg - (664.48KB , 800x600 , cadvere3 04 Dis aint good.jpg )

Taking the proffered waterskin, you give your parched throat some relief. While you splutter and cough you take another look around.

The cages scattered about the space are of varying shapes and designs. They seem like they've been repurposed. They are also all empty, save for one. A rather small cage near yours holds a curled up shape surrounded by fluffy squirrel tail. Dis lies very still, the slight movement of her breathing the only indication she's alive.

Nalthar 2026/06/19(Fri)01:55 No. 1128255 ID: ce8213
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The mouse follows your gaze "Ah your companion? She's not- well, she's not injured. S-surren she just needs rest." He gives you a pat on the shoulder, faltering as you turn your sullen glare to him. "And just who is this... lord?" you growl, shoving the skin back in his hands.

The mouse's face breaks into a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Why the lord God of course! I should introduce myself; I am the humble Brother Juan, friar of the Franciscan order. Allow me to bless you." The mouse lays a hand over your head and leans to whisper in your ear "Play along and you'll survive."

"Now" Brother Juan steps back "If you are asking after who's house you find yourself in, that would be King Pendle Cadvere of the principality of Malevento. He is eager to meet you, and formalize your surrender. If you feel up to it I could help you there." the friar (whatever that is) offers his hand.

>>1128255
Nothing to do but cooperate until you see a chance to do something. Especially with your wounded back. You need rest.

Ask him if the king can understand your language.

Prolong things as much as you can. Say you will need to rest and pray for the others that are not with you before making any decisions of surrender.

Nod in agreement, good thing that this cage priest didn't lose it completely.

1/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:43 No. 1129157 ID: ce8213
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You allow the little mouse to pull you to your feet. You would try to delay but, if you really are being watched, you don't want to draw anymore ire than you already have. That voice last night sounded very angry, and not all that sane.

The pain is manageable, especially as you immediately put most of your weight on the shorter friar. He takes your burden without complaint, leading you to the cage door and creaking it open with a foot.

As you get closer to the curtain and further away from the spy glass he whispers to you again. "You know what this place is like but I beg of you, do not scream. Do not insult the king. His subjects yes, but never him. He's going to give you a role. Don't contradict him" Juan pauses, his hand set to push the heavy fabric aside "and don't mention anything about the outside. Play along and you'll survive."

You shield your eyes at the gap in the curtain, stepping into the bright room beyond.

2/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:43 No. 1129158 ID: ce8213
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Brother Juan lets you stand there for a minute to take it all in. An entire landscape stands before you, more green than you've seen in many months. If it wasn't for the massive human-scale door across the room you may have been fooled. As your eyes adjust it becomes clear that the sky and clouds, the rolling hills and mountains, are all paint on the walls.

You look around more as your guide leads you on through a strange garden path of minuscule trees and potted shrubs that smell of felt and glue. To your right stands what seems to be half a building, mouse-scale. Four stories of rooms tiered like a stack of boxes, all missing one wall and a ceiling.

High over the tree tops you see a slender stone tower, topped by glittering gold. A gilded cage sits at the lofty perch, surveying all below.

A soft squeal of metal catches your ear as you look up. Another spy glass is gently lowering itself near you. It slowly rotates to keep facing you as you pass by.

3/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:44 No. 1129159 ID: ce8213
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Crossing the huge room you are lead around a row of hedges and get a look at another bizarre structure. You would say it was some kind of castle or palace, but it's strangely squat. Through the open double doors it doesn't seem to have a roof, and indeed the doorway doesn't even have a top.

Rats in shiny armor and colorful uniform flank the doors. Many of them dangle from wires, still as statues. Others stand on their own, and you hear the now familiar clicking of control mechanisms as they regard you with glowing eyes. The polearms they clutch look quite sharp.

4/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:44 No. 1129160 ID: ce8213
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You stop just inside the hall, still leaning heavily on Brother Juan. The sides of the space are crowded with folk in gaudy costumes, all lace and ruffles. Mice, rats, shrews, even some weasels. Almost all of them are puppets, but not the decrepit kind you saw downstairs. These have neatly groomed fur and all their limbs. Aside from the wires, its their glassy dead eyes that give them away. In a distressingly synchronized move they all turn to look at you.

Its the ones that don't turn as quickly you notice more. Here and there you spot some you seem to still be living. A mouse maid cringing behind the line, clutching a broom. An ermine in a ridiculous floppy hat, tugging at his too tight ruff collar. A rat lady hiding behind her fan. You even get a glimpse of bright butterfly wings, away down near the end.

Also near the end you spot Lisel. She's standing next to the throne, still dressed in her familiar coat. As she sees you her face brightens, though not by much as she looks back at the throne's occupant.

Seated at the end of the hall is what must be the smallest fox you've ever seen. As it shifts haltingly on its wires to regard you, you realize with revulsion that its a kit. The body is draped in a rich red cloak lined with fur, a brocaded tunic, and topped with a jeweled crown. Light glints off its glass eyes as it leans forward. Its movements are stiff, with a slight shudder after each one as though its limbs are constantly locking into place. It gestures you forward with suprising articulation, and its jaw flaps but the voice you hear is tinny and comes from above you.

"Ah, the man who has given my troops such difficulty, brought to heel at last. Come, approach the throne and introduce yourself to the court good sir."

Overcome your complete and totally unjustified revulsion and bow before him!

>>1129160
Hmm, definitely a madman. Won't even show his true face to his captives. Likely the deer is the only one who's seen it...

Bow and introduce yourself, and state that in defeat you are obligated to serve. What does your new master wish of you?

We have to get the fuck ou out of this fucked up rat utopia! Play along but stay alert all the time. Never forget where your allies are and look for any openings or flaws in the security.

So we are part of a puppet show, let's perform our roles to the best of our ability. Do what is asked of you, and if you can come closer to your friend, talk with them, and find out what they learned about this cage.

I have not come to kneel before you but to formally challenge you for the thorn!

You're expected to formalize a surrender, and your words might affect your companions well-being. You're too badly injured to do anything brash or defiant, and you don't want to become a puppet or half-living revenant so best to play along.

Might as well introduce yourself in a fitting and civilized manner. Tem'Rty, hunter of beasts that stave off hunger or threaten kin, scout of places dark and unknown.

Do not say anything about the outside, whether that it is winter, that you come from Gravel Pit (lest he send ravens to your home) or similar.

Admit your defeat and try to sound selfless, that you fought to ensure the safety and survival of others. Try to hide your pain /injuries, lest you be offered a gruesome surgery to 'fix' them.

>>1129214
Challenging a puppet to the throne would be suicidal. Even if the challenge was 'accepted' and they 'won'... They'd win the honor of becoming a corpse-puppet with kings garb.

Since this room seems to be much more well-lit than the others, are the mechanisms or systems that operate the puppets and wires more visible up above? Not to mention the source of the Tinny Voice or the strange glass orb that seems to be in most of these rooms.

1/2 Nalthar 2026/07/21(Tue)00:08 No. 1129641 ID: ce8213
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Brother Juan tries to ease you forward, but you wave him off. Deliberately you take a step forward, then another. It feels like your legs are fighting you for control but you won't let them win.

The crowd is hushed as you make slow progress past them. Some whisper amongst themselves. A bat with glowing eyes and a ridiculously puffy dress leans to murmur to her neighbor, a glow-eyed rat in shiny armor. His body jolts with a scoff, his look at you one of soft derision.

A quiet jingling draws your ear. The puppets around you have hung motionless, save to turn their unblinking faces to track you. Now a stoat scantily dressed in gauzes and coins twiddles her fingers in your direction. When you turn your head her way she tilts her's, giving you a slow wink with all the emotion of lantern's hatch closing.

Her behavior unsettles you, and you quickly look away. But even with your eyes fixed ahead, her unnatural movements replay in your mind. The faintest sizzle, followed a breath later by her snapping into a new position. Her expression as stiff as a mask. It fills you with revulsion. Pushing those thoughts aside you press on.

2/2 Nalthar 2026/07/21(Tue)00:14 No. 1129643 ID: ce8213
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Reaching the space before the throne, you stop. Haltingly, agonizingly, you do your best attempt at a bow. Your legs finally give out, dumping you in a heap. Your back feels like its on fire as you push off the floor.

Gentle hands help you to sit up. Lisel is by your side. With her assistance you get upright enough to look the puppet king in its dead eyes. "I am Temerity, hunter of these woods!" Not sure what else should be said you lapse silent as your words echo.

A high chuckle that's not quite a giggle sounds out, once again from somewhere above and behind you. "So humble! Good man you are more than that. The barbarian general who's hordes very nearly reached sight of our walls. A feat not equaled in over two hundred years!" The fox puppet gesticulates in an exaggerated way. He flings a hand out, pointing behind you. "Come! Stand and let us see that spirit."

With Lisel to lean on you manage to rise back to your feet. A harsh squealing draws your glare up. Another gilded spy glass descends from the ceiling, stopping just a few inches above the fox puppet.

"Yes, we see the fire of defiance in your eyes." the king's voice comes from the brass trumpet, tinny and hollow. "Theodoric! Great general of the Visigoth! We will show you the fruit of civilization and then. Yesss, and then you will bring your people to the fold. House Cadvere has a place for all! What say you?"

>>1129643
Say you will do what you must to save your people.

Oh boy, being named after a historical figure the mouse likely has zero context of. And on top of that, being named general and expected to betray the rest of the survivors to 'join' the mad king's little play.

Humor the king for now to see his 'wonders' but make no promise you can sway the people as a single mouse. Maybe ask some probing questions about your 'role'. Stuff like 'what brands us as barbarians within this house?', or 'what do you know of our ways or culture?'.

Also possibly cast derision at his troops since you're seemingly allowed to do so. 'Your words may ring true here, but your troops act unspeakably in the dark corners of House Cadvere where few can witness their crimes. They maim and strike without warning, offer no surrender, kidnap us like mere beasts or slay when convenient.' and the like.

If this control freak wants to get his hands on your relatives might as well and try to get something out of this rotten deal. Ask if he can provide some food for your starving tribe.

>>1129676
The madman is clearly an expert (al)chemist, they could just lace the food with poison and kill everyone - or sedate everyone to allow them to be effortlessly captured en-masse. Or some other horrible concoctions.

'Delivering' the food would also expose the hidden colony. Negotiating with him will just end badly as they're clearly mad.

Notable is that the Master might not even be human (could be a small/large animal trying to be human), alive (revenant or half-dead), or mobile (seems to be monitoring the whole house with glass-eye cameras, likely from one place he never leaves). The mansion is clearly decrepid and he likely never left the attic in weeks. He also doesn't seem to sleep, given a single sound alerted him to the mice in one specific room and the mice never seemed have periods where there is no risk of puppets.

Best guess, scientist who did a frankenstein puppet show for guests as part of a grand dinner party, got disgraced/disowned for how macabre it was, and went into mad isolation for their genius not being recognized. Might also be paraplegic or suffering some kind of ailment that limits his mobility, hence the need for servants.

This 'kingdom' of his also seems... Childish at best, or an escape from reality. A man-child, or maybe an actual child?

So let him elaborate on his idea and the logistics of how it will work out. Is he willing to let you go in order to bring your people to him? If that is the case, then play along with it, but I fear that this will go in the direction of you needing to tell him where your people are while he is torturing you for that information. The more we know how he envisioned all of this to happen, the more information we have about knowing where the weak points in his plans are.

1/2 Nalthar 2026/07/31(Fri)19:49 No. 1130174 ID: ce8213
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You've never seen a play, though you've heard of the practice. Some of the elders had visited the deep wood long ago, where folk don't need to hide themselves so much and can pursue such frivolities. You wonder how far you can push Cadvere, before you stray from a script you haven't seen.

"My people struggle and die, just for enough food. Your mon- eh, troops hunt us down like..." you falter, not sure what a human would hunt, not wanting to say rats. "dogs" Lisel supplies. You suppose she would know, though that seems odd. "like dogs." you call out "Are you not the barbarians here?"

The fox thing turns his head and waves a paw dismissively "We have no need of thieves and beggars in this house. Those we catch will have manners pressed upon them, if they will not submit." King Cadvere leans back forwards to loom over you. His voice hisses down "I have found though, that those who come willingly are much more.... useful. Able to hold a decent conversation. Come to me willingly, show me you can play your role, and I may allow concessions for yours."

2/2 Nalthar 2026/07/31(Fri)19:50 No. 1130175 ID: ce8213
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The king whips back with a sharp clap, Lisel jolts beside you. "But come!" Cadvere cries "The sun draws high. It is time for luncheon. Your instruction in civilized virtue can wait."

"As my guests you and your soothsayer may have first pick on where to sit. I'm sure my fine subjects are eager to get to know you."

You hear a scraping of wood behind you and turn to see servants, mostly puppets but some with glowing eyes, pulling up sections of the floor into long banquet tables and benches. Looking over the crowd, a few figures stand out:

The Bat, her glowing eyes shining under her wide hat, looks your way with an affectation of disinterest. Her bearing speaks of a person in authority.

The Rat, with ostentatiously polished armor and brilliant plume, meets your eye with a smirk. For all his martial dress his stance is loose and relaxed.

Brother Juan does not stand out, in fact if you didn't already know him you would never notice him in the crowd. Perhaps that is a trait he cultivates.

The Butterfly, wings glittering, she flicks her gaze across you and dismisses you just as quickly. You notice that her lower arms are chained to a heavy-looking brass weight.

Let's approach The Bat if she is the person of authority. She might know who does what and where everyone is positioned. Talk with her and gather information.

the bat, it's good to get a feel for what's considered authority here. give a bow or a nod of acknowledgement, having her favor may be more valuable than you expect

Bat and Rat might be under the masters direct control or have their thoughts monitored/regulated. They're unlikely to stray from whatever script they have (as a noble-woman and a esteemed general) without instant pain. Best case, they try to flatter you (the bat flirting, the rat impressed by your martial prowess), worst case, they mock and humiliate you for the barbarian you are, or try to get info out of you discreetly.

On the other side of the table, the Brother Juan might help you out discreetly with advice, though clearly would rather not draw attention, and you have no knowledge of religion.

The butterfly seems to be an enigma. She's clearly a living prisoner (restricted from flying) but her attitude and role is hard to discern.

Overall:
- Bat seems worst choice as they already seem to dislike you and are a revenant. At best we use their ego against them. We also don't want to flirt with a revenant.
- Rat fits what you know (hunting, fighting) but is a revenant and might just be a bastard or poke you for tactical info on how you fought or where you hid. Easiest to act your role around though and might gleam insight into Revenants.
- Brother Juan is the 'safe' option. Keeps you humble and discreet. But you lack religious knowledge and Juan wants to stay out of the limelight.
- The butterfly is a wildcard. Could be helpful or indifferent and we have no idea what their role is. Clearly restricted from flying, unlike the bat.

The choice might have the king assume your own opinion of yourself between noble (bat), general (rat), humble/faithful (Juan) or whatever the butterfly's role is (courtesan?).

You can also potentially trick the rat/bat into going off-script and get punished for it.

My vote is between Butterfly and Rat.

Butterfly might be their resident kinky freak. So let's get to know her better, I am hoping that she is into getting tired up.

Let us sit with the bat.

Is the butterfly still like alive? It might be a good mental note to take although i would refrain from telling it to them if their reaction is to do a immediate rescue operation, since it would probably end with everyone dead.

>>1130175
BATFRIEND

Let's have a bat chat.

Go talk to the butterfly. Is it for strength training?

1/2 Nalthar 2026/08/09(Sun)00:28 No. 1130764 ID: ce8213
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You make your way towards the lady bat. She has the fanciest hat, so you figure, must be important. As you walk, Lisel by your side to support you when your back twinges a stumble out of you, you hear a rattling creak. Over the palace wall you see ropes shaking, set in a square and leading up to vanish into a hole in the ceiling. With a squeak they stop, so you move on.

The bat and the rat make space as you approach. The lady dips her head in acknowledgement, but doesn't say anything yet. The king claps again "Be seated friends!" Everyone takes their place on the bench in front of them, so you follow their lead.

from the entrance to the hall come glowing eyed servants, pushing carts loaded with food. A basket of small strips of bread crust is placed in the center of the table. You and Lisel are served bowls of savory smelling soup and plates of some sort of salted meat, but her eyes are wide and glued to what's placed before your neighbors. Both the rat and the bat receive no food, but small corked vials of luminescent fluid that seethes and hisses. Its not much, enough for two gulps.

Since no one else is eating or conversing, you wait as the servants finish and push their now empty carts back out of the hall. As they leave the king waves a magnanimous paw across the assembly "Eat, and be merry!" he calls and then stills.

As conversation and the clinking of utensils breaks out around you, you hear the squeal of pulley's again. You glance over the bat's wide hat and see the ropes moving once more. A wooden platform rises between them, bearing the servants and a much larger dish of food, as well as a human scale bottle of wine. Feeling the lady's eyes on you, you turn back to the table.

2/2 Nalthar 2026/08/09(Sun)00:29 No. 1130765 ID: ce8213
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"Well met, warrior." The bat says to you, her voice polite but without warmth. "I am the duchess Allonza Per Costa. Perceptive of you to seek me out. The king has his dramas, but I dare say they would fall apart without my stewardship."

On your other side Lisel is dealing with the attentions of the slickly groomed rat. "Ah, my lovely snowdrop, pale northern flower. How your very presence quickens my heart. You must tell Pietro, captain of the guard, all about yourself."

Lisel leans away from him a bit, brushing against you. "Oh I'm not much to speak of sir. But tell me, what is that fascinating elixir before you?" Pietro picks up the vial and taps his claws along it. "This? Why this is just a... health tonic. A pretty thing, but its sparkles are as dun compared to your eyes, flower. Perhaps I could tell you more in exchange... for a kiss?"

A) Calmly chide the Captain for lack of tact. A kiss isn't something to barter for. Or otherwise criticise his flirting as shallow and objectifying.

That would get the lech rats attention off of Lisel (but also annoy him) and possibly impress or amuse the Duchess.

B) Lisel insults him herself, maybe even threaten to slap him with a glove or napkin.

C) Lisel removes her goggles to hopefully repulse the rat with her burn scar apppearance and make him look a crude fool.

D) Lisel claims she's already taken / loyal to another. Or not interested.

Hey, your girlfriend is in danger. You should do something about it.

Swap places with Lisel at the table, other than that continue the conversion with the bat and pretend like nothing changed.

Schmoove on Lisel by protectively wrapping a hand around her shoulder while she's leaning against you. Depending on how you consider your relationship.

Now that we're not in a frantic life-or-death fight, in close proximity and everything is well lit, I think it's an ideal time to use all your senses to gauge out what the glowing-eyed ones actually are. Are they alive, or dead? Do you smell rot, decay, or see other signs of decomposition/unnatural reanimation? Do they breathe? Why are their eyes glowing/smoking? Any sign of the paper mechanism in their head/under clothes, or the clicking of its mechanism audible?

As for the Duchess, ask what the nobility heiarchy is. Presuambly she's right under the King, so who/what does she govern in this kingdom? Is there a duke she shares lineage with, or other 'noble families' of note?

lisel should tell him he'll have to work much harder for a kiss. perhaps a demonstration of ability since he's feeling so bold?

anyway, ask the duchess ab how the court normally functions. or even the roles the others at the table normally play.

Snark at the guard. Ask if he's trying to make up for his lack of knowledge on proper courtship with his knowledge of snake oil.

1/2 Nalthar 2026/08/17(Mon)20:20 No. 1131050 ID: bb0461
File 178699802055.jpg - (797.90KB , 800x600 , cadvere3 16 the cad.jpg )

Trying to keep your fur from bristling, you turn and put an arm around Lisel. The chemist leans against you, so you rest your head on hers. "Is this how a captain of the guard is meant to act?" you glare at the glittering fool.
The duchess sighs behind you "Do forgive the captain. His passion outstrips his charm at times."
"Tch tch tch" Pietro wags a finger at Allonza "You may chide me when we are wed. Til then I shall give the ladies what they need."
The rat reaches towards Lisel to cup her chin. Two hands block his way, your's and Lisel's. The white mouse addresses him cooly "I can not imagine what it is a lady would need from you."

Pietro leans back, preening his whiskers with an oily grin. "Ah, not a snowdrop, but a white rose. Like the duchess, you hide behind your thorns. But I-"
"Your tongue is very slick, sir." you interrupt "I fear its only use for ladies is words though."
Pietro's lip curls in a sneer "You may bark, cur." he snatches up the glowing vial, pulling its cork with his teeth. "God gave me a role, and I was born to play it."

The captain downs the seething liquid in several rapid gulps. Steam curls from his maw and his eyes flare as a shudder runs through him. Without even a glance your way he sets the empty vial down and turns to his other neighbor, engaging them in some inane conversation.

2/2 Nalthar 2026/08/17(Mon)20:20 No. 1131051 ID: bb0461
File 178699805019.jpg - (740.75KB , 800x600 , cadvere3 17 the duchess.jpg )

After a moment its clear the captain isn't going to bother you two any more, so you turn back to the meal. Lisel remains leaned against you, but helps herself to some soup. You can't quite read her expression through her thick lenses, but she's not trembling or even breathing hard. It's been a long while since you ate, so you quickly eat some bites of meat. You see others around the table using utensils to cut and spear food, so you mimic them. Its not a practice you're used to, but you don't want to play into this barbarian role too much. Even if its just some game, you can't help but be offended.

Allonza unstops her vial and takes a small swig of the fluid. You can feel Lisel leaning around you to observe. A low sigh escapes the bat's lips along with a thin cloud of steam, as she corks the vial and sets it down.

"Madam, or, how should I address you?" Lisel asks. "Milady will suffice." the lady says, turning her cool gaze on the ever-curious mouse. "Ah, milady. May I ask, what should we know about the peerage here. I take it you are directly under the king." Lisel nods at Allonza "But who else is, well, important."

"Indeed, I am mainly in charge here, and am tasked with keeping the servants in line." the duchess regards Lisel with what may be the beginnings of interest. "As for the rest. A rabble, vying for the king's eye to rise above their station. Why just yesterday former-duke Amalfi and now-duke Callo had a duel and now..."

While duchess Per Costa continues on about a court drama you take the time to observe her closely. Other than the fierce light within her eyes, you wouldn't be able to tell that she is dead. If she is even really dead. Her chest rises and falls like a living breathing person's would. The veins in her thin ears don't appear dark with coagulated blood. Her gray fur is neat and even, not ragged and falling out. Even her scent carries no hint of decay, just something light and floral.

On her back though, another of those brass contraptions. You don't look too closely, lest she notice, but you can hear it occasionally chatter. If its feeding her some instruction she hides it well, her speech never falters.

Putting your attention on her face once more, you are struck by a bit of familiarity. Not that you've met many bats in your life, but you see a resemblance between her features and Sorrel's.

Why don't you ask her to tell you about her life? I am referring to the previous one, and while we are on that topic, ask about her current state of existence: is she dead, alive, or something in between? We need to know her history, how did she end up here, and what happened to her?

damn... that'll be some news to break to sorrel. ask if there's anyone you should avoid and for what reason.

Bats can hear much better than the rest of the company here. You might be able to whisper her a message without anyone but her hearing, while both being in your 'role' or not causing disruptions (or pain, for her).

But we also need to establish if we can trust her, with that device and the King controlling her. She could be lacking memories of her time before Cadvere, or prefers this... Role over her old life.

>>1131067
Might be a bad idea to do directly. The King / device might be actively forbidding that topic of discussion in favor of a fabricated royal backstory, or she might not know her past at all anymore.

A potential approach could be asking about her 'lineage/family' and then discreetly asking if she has/had any siblings, relatives, heirs - estranged or otherwise.

And maybe spin a tale of becoming the mouse you are today "after watching a bat cloak herself in grief and Sorrel-*cough*, sorrow after a tragedy."

You should also ask about the 'duels' topic. Surely not one to the death? That seems a brash way to settle arguments or end a lineage.

As for the 'health tonic', could ask if it is a bitter medicine as most are, or if it is one that burns the throat like a strong spirit.

Milf detected, time to imitate the captain and try to seduce her. Start by trying to make her smile.

i dont think we should pry too deeply, considering that most everyone here is being controlled to some degree, but being able to gleam some info would be good

Ask if she were in charge, what would she do with you?

Nalthar 2026/08/28(Fri)01:53 No. 1131397 ID: bb0461
File 178788200436.jpg - (655.15KB , 800x600 , cadvere3 18 romantic rival.jpg )

You want to come at this obliquely. "It must be quite a task keeping this lot in line." you slip into a lull in the conversation. "Do you have any help? As we say back home 'With children's help, barren dirt becomes fields of sorrel" You feel Lisel scoff at your ramshackle idiom.

"Sorrel" the duchess blinks at you, her face freezing "Fennel-" rapid clicking interrupts her. The contraption rattles to a definitive final click, and she twitches once, sharply. "No, I am unmarried sir. And I will thank you not to add yourself to my roll of suitors. I have plenty enough, fine gentlemen all."

"Wait..." Lisel remembers something that jerk said "Not the captain!"

"Yes the captain!" Allonza snaps. "He is a charming and accomplished man. He just needs a woman's touch to cool his blood." The bat sighs "I do hope he and Thomas don't come to blows again." She glances at you. "You'll have met Thomas. He is the general who brought you in. He seems a brute but, there's something..." She catches herself with a little start, a light blush suffusing her cheeks. "Ah, I just, I would not wish to see him end up like Pietro's last rival."

the bat waves a hand in the direction of a well-dressed and groomed rat across the table from you. It hangs from its wires quietly, expression vacant. The meal facsimile of painted wood sits before it untouched.

Ask her what would happen if something horrible happened to the captain. Would an opening be made to pursue her hand in marriage?

Seems like these duels are indeed to the death... And any puppet with blue eyes likely was tonic-infused and machine-controlled before somehow getting 'killed' and remade into a puppet.

The Duchess certainly seems to remember her past, but the machine reacts to correct any 'bad thoughts'. If only we knew how to free them of the devices without making them go mad/die. Or insert our own spools of paper as more benign instructions.

Thomas the general... Could that be the tonic-infused rat whos paper spool was cut during fighting? They might have fully free will now that a machine isn't binding their thoughts, but would still need that tonic to live...

Ask about the citizens of this Kingdom - do they have a caste system or species differentiation? There are plenty of rats, mice and bats in the court, but not many bugs or arachnids.

Also worth asking who the others seated at the table are in more detail - whether puppets, the King, the friar or the butterfly, she likely has to know them as part of her role/act.

Ask what happened.
Knowing how to properly disable a puppet could be very useful. It's possible that this is just roleplay and he's not actually disabled though.

>>1131412

I agree with this suggestion.

Nalthar 2026/09/06(Sun)02:54 No. 1131680 ID: bb0461
File 178866329029.jpg - (655.91KB , 800x600 , cadvere3 19 you don't have it.jpg )

You consider the foppish rat across from you "This man fought the guard captain?" you ask the duchess, unable to keep a hint of skepticism from your voice. You find it hard to look at the man, his empty glass eyes, but he doesn't appear to have been very strong.

"Count Caravaggio was-is, is a passionate man. A painter you know. Such wonderful paintings, I do miss them." She trails off wistfully, until her controller clatters sharply. "Ah but his latest work is... fine... as well. Different, yes." She shakes her head once, a sharp jolt to clear her thoughts. "He was an ardent suitor. I believe he truly... But he allowed Pietro to bait him. And that was that."

Lisel pipes up "This Thomas though, if he is who we met downst- on the field, then he is a right mountain of a rat. Surely he would have no trouble in a duel."
Your back twinges. Oh yes, you have no doubt who she's talking about. The ratcatcher, who you still owe for your rattled spine. You wonder how he's dealing with the glass you left in his control device. "Yes the general, is he here? I should like to... meet him."

Allonza narrows her eyes at your tone "He is often in the field, bringing your ilk in line. But you'll see him tonight. He always returns for the evening meal." She sniffs "And I see in your eye, you are thinking you might take his place. Well" she grabs the vial and takes a swig of fizzling fluid. Facing you, one claw delicately pulling her eyelid down, her eyes flare with that cold and ghostly light. "It will take more than a duel to enter the king's service. Especially for a foreigner. Don't think you can just put one of us down so easily."

She turns from you and downs the last of her elixir, setting the vial neatly before her.
Lisel takes a bite of meat in the tense silence that follows. "Soooo, who is that then?" She indicates the butterfly down at the end of the table. The chained beauty sits as stiffly as any of the puppets. Only when the glow-eyed guard beside her pushes her arm does she take a bite of her food, and then goes defiantly still once more.

"Ah, the princess has caught your eye, of course." The bat sniffs "Issabella, of Espania. I wash my hands of that one. Too willful, unbecoming of a lady. The king, he will not let her go, for her beauty, but she will not come to heel. His majesty has offered her hand in marriage to any who can tame her." Allonza scoffs "But thus far it has been the doom of any who tried. Bewitched by her, they try to steal her away. As if the king's guard are not ever vigilant."

As the conversation continues you notice a change sweep through the room. The puppets that had hung so still, now pantomime as though conversing with their neighbors. You hear a squeaking and turn to see the platform descending from the ceiling, its cargo of plates now empty. After it passes bellow the castles walls it stops, and servants with carts enter to begin clearing plates and glasses.

Inquire about the chains that the princess has. Wouldn't they leave a mark on such a delicate creature? Also, ask the bat if she would be interested in getting a painting from us. We should try to get on her good side.

Seems her gesture is saying 'the kings service means you have to become a blue-eyed revenant'. That's absolutely a bad idea. Though helping Thomas against Pietro through courtly shenanigans could help both Thomas and the Duchess. But that's a plan for later.

Yes, asking her about the... Arts... In this place would be a good topic of conversation. You might have to learn or adapt a form or art that doesn't involve murder if you're forced to stick around.

Also could ask a bit about brother Juan. You are unfamiliar with the religion(s) or faith(s) practiced in Malevento, and how... Tolerant the kingdom is about such matters. Having to 'convert' to a faith or abandon your beliefs might be required or demanded.

The butterfly being 'bewitching' sounds iffy. Either there are bugfolk who keep trying to reclaim her (or force her into the act), or she coerces other folk into unsuccessfull rescue attempts.

And from the sounds of things, she's too 'delicate' to puppet or reanimate by force, but also too pretty to kill off.

Ask about 'Espania'. Is the 'kingdom' at war with that place and its people, to have its princess held against her will here?

>>1131680
looks like we gotta talk to the butterfly next. ask her what happens if someone never returns to the court. do they search for them? or presume them dead?

So that butterfly is clearly Lady Icktechi, who the moth priestess and the beetles are trying to rescue. The priestess foresaw us ending up in this situation, the princess is going to be our ticket out of it. We need to find out as much as we can about her, figure out how to get close to her, and decide what we're going to say to earn her trust. Getting her out of here will not be easy, but it's going to be our overarching objective now that we're here.

In the meantime, I agree with asking Allonza about Malevento's history, arts, culture, and society. Dive into it, press her on little details. The more we push at the limits of whatever fabricated backstory Cadvere has come up with for them, the more it might strain his control over their minds.

We also might ask her a few questions about Cadvere himself. After all, it only stands to reason you would want to know about the illustrious monarch you will soon be working under, and all of his glorious deeds. You've heard rumors he's some kind of miracle worker, is that true? (Don't be afraid to lay it on thick here; if Cadvere is as much of a manchild as he seems, he's almost assuredly also a narcissist, and so obsequious flattery will be the best way to get him to lower his guard and possibly spill his secrets.)