Greet Jai. If she asks what you were doing, just say you were sleeping with Asala. Or taking a walk in the forest.

"Hey Jai! What's up? Besides the stars, I mean."

>>116744
I greet her happily, and she stands and rushes to me, grasping my shoulders tightly to look me over. Her eyes are red and puffy, and Sal'an is nowhere to be seen.

"A-a-are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" she asks in a shaking voice.

Er...

>>116748
Say that you're fine.

>>116749
"I'm fine, Jai." I reply. She must have been..
"I was worried sick about you, damnit!" she growls.

>>116780
I think we shouldn't mention we've been hanging out with the vorn. Just say you got lost while in the forest.

>>116780
Tell her you met with some interesting people, and you couldn't turn down their hospitality.

>>116783

Why should we lie?

I suggest Telling her we met the vorn queen, and were spirited away for a bit, but we think that we've befriended her.

>>116849
I got lost, but met with some interesting people. They made me some nice pie and I couldn't turn down their hospitality."

She looks me over and sighs. "Well, at the very least you're all right. Let's go to bed. Er. I mean. We should... uhm. Go to our seperate beds. Yes. That is what I meant." she says, running into the hut and blushing heavily.

>>116855
Pie? Really? Is that what you call it nowadays?

Go on and get some sleep.

Yes, do sleep. For tomorrow we must hang out with Jai, SCIENCE, or both.

>>116859
>>116870
This is why I asked if you're tired.

>>116870
Sounds like a plan. I slip into the darkness of the hut.

Jai is here. She is awake.
"City boy... it's cold." she murmurs.

>>117067
Hahaha. Suddenly you're popular with the ladies.

It's time to cuddle.

Yes, by all means, remove your armor and cuddle.

>>117079
I remove my armor and embrace her under the sheet of leaves. She is quite warm.
"I'm sorry I... insult you so much." she mumbles. "I... I do not like showing my heart to others. Mother said that.... that's how you get it broken."

>>117080
Maybe a broken heart is better than an one that has never been used for its true purpose. Like a sword gathering dust on a rack. It could break if used... but reforged given time.

>>117084

"Maybe a broken heart is better than an one that has never been used for its true purpose. Like a sword gathering dust on a rack. It could break if used... but reforged given time."

She pauses, her hand sliding from my back, to sit over my chest.
"You lived in an ivory tower, sheltered from the schemes and inanities of women." she murmurs. "What makes you think I'm talking about myself?You're such a good little city boy, Antares." she murmurs, pushing hair from my face.
"But I... Am a dangerous, wild woman of the southern lands, prone to leaving a trail of broken men and jealousy. Can you handle me, little boy?" she smiles, her lips close to my ear. "Can you trust a girl you met only a few days past?"

>>117088
It would be rather foolish to do so...

She has done things to prompt some measure of trust though.

>>117088
Shrug and say "What I said before applies as well to me as it does to anyone. I'd rather experience the heat of passion, even if it burns... then never use my sword at all." Then smile wryly.

>>117090
"I think... You're a risk worth taking." I murmur.
"Good awnser." she says, her lips curling up. "Now let me teach you a few things about the real world, city boy."

She kisses my lips gently...

Ah, no you don't friends. Sorry.
---------------------

==>

>>117092
The morning comes quie-
WhydoIsmellsmoke.

>>117094
Take a look outside.

BURST OUT OF TENT.

ASCERTAIN SITUATION.

>>117096
I burst out of the tent and trip over a carapaced head.
It's the mount-creature's.

I look up to see.... what looks like a living oil slick. Its eyes burn red, blood-like smoke roiling from its hands and fingers. It notices me, and it grins, a Cheshire-cat smile of triangular, sharp teeth.

Good morning, you fool.

>>117098
Do you have all your charms and stuff?

Ask who it is.

"'Sup chuckles, what's your name?"

>>117099
No... at the moment all I have is my dagger.

"Who are you?"

You and your pathetic demon familiar may call me Achilles. And show some respect before a creature of higher station![i]
White-blue bands of power grip my knees, forcing me to the earth.

[i]Let me be clear, pathetic little pink worm that you are. I am not without fairness. But I'm also not stupid. Your father sent you here and spread rumours of great treasure here on false premises. He thinks a troupe of children can defeat me, master of life that I am. I will give you a single chance to leave. A week, to decide. Should you remain... I will ruin you utterly. Do I make myself clear?

I draw my dagger and point it at him.

"You do not frighten me, you foul de-"
Bands of power tear it from my hand, pointing it at my neck.

Do not test me again, deadspawn. Do you understand me!?

>>117102
Say yes. We can't handle him right now. Not without some way of eliminating his telekinesis.

Say you'll think about it.

>>117104
"I... understand."

The creature crosses his arms.
Good. Very good. I'm glad. Because you see, the problem with humans is how utterly unreasonable they are.
He turns around in time to see Erhgal take a flying leap at him, hammer held high. He smiles wider and catches the blow in a flash of blue power. He's shoved several feet, his feet making furrows in the sand, the air warping with heat around Erhgal, fire in his very eyes.
They don't understand when they have been beaten.

Sal'an rushes from the sand below, exploding forth in a cloud of earth, axe arcing through the air... to be caught by the other hand, with another flash.

They think that with enough effort, and enough will, they can overcome any obstacle. I am glad...

Bands of power surround the two, lifting them into the air.

...that you listen to reason.

And he points out, over the sea, and away they fly as he laughs. A grating, screeching cackle. "Goodbye, city boy." he growls, his voice exactly like Jai's.

Obtain your armor, Tell S... Jai what happened, and that you have to go find Asala, then go find Asala.

>>117106
Grab your armor and stuff, then try finding Jai. I really, really doubt that was him last night. I mean, ew. EW.

>>117108
Okay, find Jai first. Or search for her for a good 30 minutes, then find Asala and enlist her aide if you can't. Also tell her about her dad.

>>117108
I rouse Jai.
"What's wrong, city boy? Want to go aga-"
"Not right now. This is important. Get geared up, I'll be back with Asala. I don't want to have to repeat myself."

I run out and onto the sand, buckling on my armor as I run to the best of my ability. I run and leap up onto the boat, scrabbling onboard, looking for Asala's room.

... The door is locked.

>>117111
Knock on it.

>>117111
Knock.

>>117111
Bang on the door. "Asala! Wake up, I need your help!"

>>117114
I bang on the door.
"Asala! Wake up! I need your help!"

She opens the door groggily, holding a blanket up against her... otherwise... naked....

Agh, no time for this!

"Get dressed, we have something important to talk about."
She shuts the door, equally unaware.

And then it catches up to me.

My father lied to me?!

You're taking the word of someone who wants you to leave. Someone very powerful and probably evil. Over your own father.

>>117116
Maybe. Achilles could be lying as well, not knowing the reason you were sent here.

It would be nice if Hattori had lied about Ella, though. It would mean she isn't dying. I think we should try to get some panacea just in case.

>>117118
I... I agree.
Asala exits the room in full armor.

A strange look runs over her face.
"What happened to father?"

A creature appeared in front of my tent. Your father and Sal'an were magically .... erm... thrown over the ocean. Probably back to the continent.

>>117119
Tell her what happened.

>>117123
I explain the events of the morning and she looks at the floorboards.
"I see... Then we are... without assistance."
"What?"
"Don't you understand? This...demon has removed the only truly capable people here, no offence to you." she steps closer to me.
"Antares, I'm frightened. I'm not someone who's very good at combat, and... and I'm scared..."

>>117149
Not good at combat? Ridiculous. Not many people can even compare to Erhgal and Sal'an. That thing she did where she ran up the Taken's arm was pretty fancy. She's really strong, too.

>>117149
"Asala, you're stronger than me or Jai. I'm frightened too."
"B-b-but-"
"My father always told me that fear is not something to be ashamed of. It is a natural, simple reaction to danger. What you should be ashamed of is letting it control you."
On impulse I kiss her lips, pulling her close.
"I won't let this monster hold my heart and mind in his hands like clay." I state simply.

>>117367
Hmm. Hug her until she calms down some, and then we should get back to Jai. If we're gone too long she'll get worried again.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/23(Sat)19:00 No. 117440 ID: 6faa8c
File 126430200632.jpg - (70.90KB , 650x1130 , JaiReady.jpg )

>>117400
I hold her close as she shakes slightly against me.
"And... Neither shall I." she murmurs, squeezing her hand with more strength than I thought she had.

We run down the beach, and spot Jai kicking out the fire, decked out in an outfit... I appreciate, but is clearly made for battle. She spins a small contraption in her hand into a holster, looking over at me with steely eyes.

"So what is our plan?" she asks simply.

>>117440
SWEET! A GUN! I guess technology has advanced a bit since the we helped Hattori!

Ask her how much ammo she's got for it, how big the bullets are, and how many shots she can fire before she has to reload.

Oh, and the plan... Hmm. One option springs to mind immediately, and that's going to the Vorns for advice on how to fight Achilles. Before we suggest that and get stared at like we're crazy, let's ask Asala if she knows anything about the area.

>>117444
A gun?

Jai smiles.
"Like a crossbow, city boy. Only much better... Well, everything. The only problem is ammo manufacture here, since I only have 72 bullets..." she sighs. "At any rate, shall we go to the Goblins and try to fortify or do we retreat? Or... do you know of any other options?"

Mention that you met with the vorn earlier, that they're the people with the hospitality. And that they're willing to render aide.

>>117484
Don't mention the vorn.

>>117458
Go to the goblins.

>>117458
I think we should mention that the Vorn aren't hostile. She's seen how they reacted to you. She'll believe it.

>>117484
"Well, the vorn aren't hostile."
Both the girls look at me. "It's... hard to explain." I manage, blushing, "But trust me. They have a much better chance at being able to help us than the goblins."

Jai pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Explain."

>>117509
Um... Uh... Just say that one let you ride on it.

>>117509
"I was taken to the main hive, one of the bugs allowed me to mount it. The queen was very kind and explained that the evil acts were necessary to fight a greater evil, the fellow who showed up here. She has offered us aid if we decide to fight him."

>>117516
Jai give me a long glare.
"And what did you offer her?" she asks. "You can't barter on fai-"
she pauses.
"Asala... your father, what did he do when he met them?"
"He got mad they were stalking him and he beat them into the ground."
"And did you see any stalking you on your treks, Asala?"
"No..."
"So, tell me, Asala. Why would the vord queen stalk the only males in the area?"

Oh.
Oh no.

"You got lost, huh?"

Blush heavily.

Also mumble "She needed my help."

>>117521
And sheepishly rub the back of your neck while looking at the ground.

"Fine, I should've told you. I was worried what you'd think. Especially considering how worried you were when I came back. It was stupid and selfish, I apologize."

>>117530
I blush heavily, looking at the ground while itching a nonexistant scratch on the back of my neck.
I sigh and look up at her.
"Fine, I should've told you. I was worried what you'd think. Especially considering how worried you were when I came back. It was stupid and selfish, I apologize."

There's a long pause.

"I'm not your girlfriend. And niether is Asala, as far as I know. You could have told me before. I'm just angry you lied." she shrugs. "Apology accepted. Don't do it again."

Ask them if they're willing to try the Vorn for help/counsel. Also, examine Asala, see how she's taking this.

>>117541
I thought they would be more shocked at you doing that kind of thing with the bug queen.

>>117563
point. Especially considering how they don't know she's humanoid.

>>117558
"So, as I said, we should go see the Vorn and see if they're willing to help."

Asala looks... sad. Something in her eyes I cannot place.

"Fine." Jai says. "If you were willing to sacrifice what you did for their freindship, we may as well take advantage of it."
"Sacrifice?"
"Having your first time with someone you loved and cared for, city boy, is a privelage that only sentient and sapient folks recieve. And you lost it. We'd best milk it for all it is worth."

>>117596
...I don't really agree with that. The first time you have sex is a bumbling mess where you don't know what you're doing, regardless of who you're doing it with. Now, the first time you have sex with the first person you fall in love with... THAT is special.

If you ask me, it's better to lose your virginity with someone you don't love. That way when you find someone you really care about... it will be less awkward.

In other words, it's not the act itself. It's the feelings behind it.

>>117614
P-p-p-personally, I would honestly prefer not to talk about the whole matter!

"We'd best get m-moving then." I manage. The G-"

"You called." speaks a familiar voice, a cloaked creature, hood up. Green eyes sparkle under a deep hood. Asala stiffens, but Jai smiles.
"Excellent timing."
The Queen dismounts with a sigh. "I wish I could say as much..." she mutters, as a rather large group of creatures, large and small, clamber out of the woods.

Oh no.

Achilles had made a second stop.

What do you mean? DID HE ATTACK THE HIVE?

>>117670
Hrm. Well, there goes one village. How many creatures are there, and what do they look like? Ask the Queen if she can fight, or brought troops or something.

>>117677
She removed the hood.
"My warriors, my elite guard, my food, my shelter, has been ruined. And the bastard now will make minions of them all."

Damnit! DAMNIT! Every time I think I have something...
Jai spins the chambers of the gun and cocks it.
"Fuck that." she growls. "Queen, build a new home here."
She turns to me. "Can you make any fire? Big, big fires?"

>>117687
I think... if we Blessed a tree and lit it on fire, it might make a large fire.

>>117690
Wait, that might work.

Blessing enhances the percieved purpose of an object. Were I to place it on a torch, for instance, it would take longer to go out. Perhaps if I used it on firewood...

"Queen..." I ask, "That strange goo?"
"Incredibly flammable."

Both me and Jai trade smiles.
"Perfect."

>>117692
Uhhh... what's the plan?

>>117704
Asala looks up.
"What are you two planning?"

Jai smiles.
"We're going to give those poor little bugs a nice ceremonial cremation." she says, spinning the gun on her finger. "And send a message to this... Achilles."
The Queen throws away her robe and smiles, growing massive, beautifully patterned moth-like wings. The mount she rode on bows before us.

"There will be resistance." the Queen states. "We must prepare quickly, if we are to strike before he manages to turn their bodies into more of his underlings."

>>117853
Ask her if she knows how he does that.

>>117928
"He seems to be able to alter organic matter." the queen says simply. "And he can do so either in person, or via small spheres that are placed into bodies."
I nod quietly, taking a thick branch and wrapping one end in cloth. Asala oils it quietly as we mount up on the large creature.
"I shall warn the goblins personally. You all shall burn my former nest.

I nod, and the creature rises.
"Hold on tightly." I say softly, gripping the saddle with all my might as it launches into the air.

>>117932
We leap up and over the goblin village, and as we land, I see an incredible sight. One of the goblins, less armored than any of them, is fighting a strange creature, made of black muscle and sinew. Losing my grip, I'm thrown from the mount.
"Start the fire, Jai! I'll be along in a moment!" I call, throwing her the unlit torch. She catches it just before the next leap, and I land harshly.
I look up to see the thickest fist of oily skin rush at me.
And suddenly, the goblen is there, blocking it with two crossed arms, sliding back in the dirt.
"Ysl Repay debt now!" she calls, and I see a scar on the back of her head as she pushes the huge fist away, the other coming for her side. With a kick, she fends it off, while the other slams straight for her.

She meets it with her own.

A huge, rippling sound of cracking bone and snapping flesh resounds as the small goblin shatters an arm easily ten times her size, sending the rest of the creature reeling. With a warbling cry, she slams her fist into the center of the odd thing, punching through a red eye and tearing out a wriggling... thing. She crushes it in her hand, tossing it aside with contempt.

She steps over to me and offers her other hand to help me up. She is slimmer and taller than most goblins, looking more human than they are. She wears a simple robe that hangs off one shoulder, showing a dangerous amount of one breast.
"This one Ysl. What name, He-who-saved?"

>>117985
Tell her your name. And do that goblin head thing.

>>117993
"My name is Antares." I say, cocking my head to one side.
"This one is called Ysl." she replies, doing the same. "You on mission. You hurry! Things come to village, try hurt it. You, go to source, help friends?"
"Yes. Goodbye for now."
"Yes yes. Go!" she smiles, turning and running towards the high wooden walls.

>>118009
Wow. Is strength like that normal for a goblin? She'll be of great assistance regardless. I guess she must've been ambushed before.

Is there another mount or something? I'm not sure how you're going to get to the nest.

>>118078
Last time I threw a size 5 blessing on my shoes. Now I know far better.

Etched!
Size 2 blessing to boots
size 1 Augment, Size 2 courage to dagger -> Dagger becomes longsword!
I run faster than I have in my whole life, dashing forth through wood and bramble, breaking through to see the massive inferno of the nest.

I stop, and the boots burn out.

Jai, hiding behind a nearby boulder, is here. The mount is crushed under a massive rock.

>>118083
Oh hell. Duck behind the boulder as well, and ask what the situation is.

>>118083
Ask Jai what happened.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/24(Sun)19:20 No. 118116 ID: 6faa8c
File 126438963471.jpg - (165.04KB , 1023x668 , TossathumpaandSpotta.jpg )

>>118084
I duck behind the boulder beside her.
"What happened?"
A huge rock slams into where I was, digging a furrow. I now realise that this rock was also thrown.
Jai looks over at me. "The fist rock hit the mpount thing on the head and he stumbled... I lit the torch and tossed it while me and Asala slipped away..."
I look over the rock and peer over it.

On the ridge of the hive entry, there stand two creatures... one grabbing another rock with two large claws, the other scanning the perimeter.

>>118116
Where's Asala? Also, I wonder if you could Augment+Blessing Jai's gun to make it bigger as well. Although the bullets might not fit for reloading, then. Would erasing the runes revert it to its normal form?

>>118123
Erm, I mean augment+Courage.

>>118123
Nowhere I can see...

I wonder...
"Can I inscribe your gun?"
"No. It'd ruin the complex mechanisms." she says curtly. "Look, if you can distract them long enough, I can hit the spotter. Can you do that?"

>>118144
No problem. Just inscribe your boots with some Blessing so you can dodge the rocks.

>>118147
I nod, leaning down to inscribe...
What should I inscribe?
1: Very small speed increase. Can be maintained for roughly half an hour. Good for distance running, allows you to treat sprinting as jogging.

2: Speed increase twice that of 1. Can only be maintained for fifteen minutes. Allows you to treat sprinting as speedy walking.

3: Speed increase twice that of 2. Can only be maintained for three minutes. Allows you to treat sprinting as walking. Roll a DC 5 saving throw to avoid passing out.

4: Incredible speed that defies known physics. Allows you to break the sound barrier. Can only be maintained for less than half a minute. Roll a DC 10 to avoid passing out.

5: Time stop. Can only be maintained for ten seconds of relative time. You will pass out.

>>118210
Go with size 3

>>118210
Better do a size 3. When they're dead, find a safe spot to deactivate the runes just in case you pass out.

>>118214
INSCRIBE!
Blessing 3: Boots.

I dash out from the rock, and the spotter sees me through the fire. It isn't long be-
The spotter notices my speed and lashes out with one hand, the arm turning into a long whip of muscle and bone, slapping into the stone, altering its course.

Option available. DC15 to leap onto the rock and use it as a stepping stone to the monster. Failure will result in medium wounds. When opting for this, roll with 'dice 1d20+2' in the email field.

>>118219
Dodge the stone.

>>118221
I stop short, and the boulder falls ahead of me. Already another one is flying for me, and I leap over the first, landing and running just in time to evade.

There's a sound of thunder, and the spotter's head is simply gone.

"Thanks for standing still." Jai laughs aloud.

>>118233
What about the other one? Is he even trying to throw shit now that his helper is dead?

>>118236
It's holding the rock up and looking towards where the spotter was.

Oh.

It doesn't even have eyes.
A blonde walks up behind it and draws her blade, then turns away.

The clawed arms give way as they fall to the ground, along with the rock, despite the creature being in the way.

>>118240
A blonde? Sounds like Asala. I wonder how she got over there?

Oh by the way you might want to get to a safe location, just in case you pass out when the rune expires.

rolled 19 = 19

---

>>118245
What do you mean by that? This size is perfectly safe, after all.
I wander back to Jai and smile.
"Well, that went well, considering." I say with a smile.

>>118247
I think you should tell Jai you saw a blonde.

>>118247
Let's find out if that was Asala or not.

>>118252
>>118256
"Probably was. She's got arms like an ogre."
"Arms of a what now?"
"GAAH!" Jai cries, jumping back as Asala sheathes her blade.
"Tunnel." she says, pointing behind her. "Probably a bolthole the Queen used."

>>118260
We should seal it, then. Don't allow our enemies to bypass the fire.

>>118271
Asala shrugs.
"We got here in time, looks like. Burned the bodies before they could change them."
"Still, it might be worth it so he doesn't establish a foothold later."
"No point. He'll make a new one if we collapse it. I say leave it."

>>118274
Let's at least cover it with something so that it's not easily discovered.. If we need to use it ourselves in the future for some reason we can just uncover it.

>>118275
"Sounds like a plan, Antares." Asala states, pulling a bush from the ground and setting it over the hole.

"Like an ogre, Antares." Jai whispers to me.

>>118289
Smirk and whisper back "Oh, be nice. Hey... maybe it'd be fun if you gave her some advice later."

>>118307
She scoffs as we hang back, allowing Asala to trailblaze for us.
"I doubt she even owns a dress."
"But she does." I reply. "Nicely tailored, too."
Jai appears thoughtful.
"She must have been raised by her father..." she says quietly. "Poor girl..."

>>118309
Hmm, ask Jai what it was like growing up with her mother.

Objective unlocked

Set up Shi and Erghal.

awwwwwwww yeeeaaaahhh.

>>118317
"So what was growing up like for you?"
"With Mother? She taught me everything I know. Things that are... useful." she smiles knowingly at me. "Especially when it gets cold."
We emerge at the Goblin town, where orders are being shouted in a loud, gutteral tongue at the others by a small one with a cane.

>>118375
Ask them if they need help with anything.

>>118536
"You folks need help with anything?" I call out.

"Nono, wearefine. Ysl said she meet you, near yourhome. Asks for alone." he says. "Luckylucky. Ladies, could youyou help with the mealmeals?"

Asala almost says something, but Jai smiles and grabs her hand. "Certainly!" she says, humming loudly over Asala's protests as they walk into town.

So... do I talk with the elder or head to my meeting?

>>118586
I think Ysl wouldn't like it if you stand her up, and if you talk to the elder, you could be here for who knows how long? Go meet Ysl.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/25(Mon)19:24 No. 118592 ID: 6faa8c
File 126447625188.jpg - (99.70KB , 809x1500 , CryingKnight.jpg )

I nod, thanking him, and lean down to engrave a lvl 2 Blessing on my boots, launching into the undergrowth with all my effort. The path by now is no-

I slam into something heavy and huge. It turns around and looks down at me.
Its breaths are heavy, wracked with sorrow, but it does not speak.

>>118592
Apologize to it, tell it you should look where you're going, and introduce yourself.

>>118596
"I'm sorry, sir, I should really look out where I'm going."
"..."
"Sir? My name is Antares. I'm sorry for slamming into you like that."
It draws a sword.
I notice that the eyes behind the visor are weeping heavily and filled with horror as it raises its blade.

>>118598
I believe this poor fellow is being mind controlled, yet with full knowledge of his actions. Achilles is kindof a dick.

Defend yourself. You've got speed 2 on your side. Try to find a weak point in his armor.

>>118602
What?! That monster... He had better have a damn good excuse for all of this!

I barely manage to avoid the blow from the massive zweihander it weilds with one hand easily, leaping over it as it swings it towards my side. I manage to get inside his gaurd, kicking up while my hands support my weight, sending the he-
Good lord.

What was once a noble and handsome knight is now a mere shade of himself, a huge mass of tendrils wrapped around his head and under his skin, bleeding slowly where they peirce his pale flesh. The pain must be horrific. The eyes torn away from me, but the large red one on the creature that controls him turns towards me. I barely evade the knee to my gut, flipping backwards and almost fumbling my landing because of the shock of the sight.

>>118610
I think he would be very grateful if you killed him and ended his suffering. Don't hold back.

>>118624
Agreed.

Hurm..

STUNNING INSIGHT!

These things. Their brains are behind their eye! or rather, the eye is incredibly vital to them. I let it swing at me again, from the side, and leap onto the blade, then up, onto the shoulders. My dagger sinks into the red eye with eyes, the tentacles shriveling and dying instantly as the armor falls back.

He looks up at me with thankful eyes, then slowly closes them, the last tears flowing out as he dies.

>>118631
Hey, check to see if any of the armor is usable.

>>118637
Even as I touch it, it simply disintegrates, leaving a bony corpse.

Weird...

>>118643
Um, cover it up as best as you can and pay respects. Then resume to Ysl.

>>118643
Grumble. Hey. Does the Blessing on your leather armor burn out?

>>118648
Oh, it did a while ago. Thanks.

Level 3 blessing inscribed to armor.

Re-inscribed level 2 blessing to boots.

I continue to dash out to the sea, stopping (after some effort) near the water. I look to my left to see Ysl perched on a rock, wearing the same outfit as before, but now with golden rings around her wrists, peirced through the scales near her head, and around her ankles.

"G-good d-day, Ant... Ant... Antaries."

>>118663
Don't correct her. It'll be rude. Greet her and do the goblin sign of respect.

>>118663
Gently correct her and say not to be so nervous. We just met, after all...

>>118665
"Good day, Ysl." I say, putting away my da-
What.

I pull out my sheath and shake out the obstruction inside, a small earring inside.

"Oh, good! Wear that, it's very helpful." Ysl says, her tone now more confident and clear.

>>118676
It's translating for you! Do wear it. The language barrier was going to be a pain in the ass.

>>118678
Very well. It's a small orb of amber with a small fishbone inside, tiny, really. I slide it into my ear, enduring the slight pain that soon quickly dissipates.

"Yes, that's much better." Ysl says, "Jai was very helpful, giving me one too." she holds up her arm, one band with a bead of amber. She pauses, clearly uncertain where else to go with this.

>>118683
Hmm, you have a high tolerance for pain I see. Getting a new piercing is usually quite painful.

Sit next to Ysl. Say it was impressive how she handled that monster from before. How do the orcs manage to stand up to such strength?

>>118690
I sit beside her.
"You are very strong. I'm impressed with how you saved me from that thing before."
"A Thumpa." she replies.
"What?"
"Thumpa. It has bony ridges on its arms. No hands, just clubs."
"Ah... so how are the Orcs such a problem to you?"
"Many ways." she says, laying back on the rock and inhaling deeply. It's a flattering action. "They are backed by the demon. Their raiding parties, backed up by terrible monsters, some bigger than a Thumper, some with armor, some that have glowing metal. They're also more... advanced than us. They have these long sticks that... sound like thunder. They can peirce armor and even shell."
She reaches back and touches her old wound.
"They're strong. Not as strong as us... but strong. Were it not for Vorana, we would all be dead."

>>118693
Boomsticks? Sounds like something similar to what Jai has.

She's taller than other goblins, yes? Ask her why that is. Also, tell her a bit about yourself.

>>118699
"I noticed you're taller than the others..."
She laughs.
"Males are shorter. You don;t see many of the women because they're almost always out hunting, or cooking, or mothering. The men do gaurd work."
"Ah..."
"You seem different from the older man."
"Erhgal?" I chuckle. "You could say that. I'm... a scholar. Not really a fighter."
"Not a fighter? How do you survive?"
"By wits. Cunning. And staying out of trouble. Though that last one hasn't gotten much excercise."
Ysl giggles.
"The way Jai said it, the other two don't get much either."

You might blame that on us, then again, self deprecating humor is always good.

Ask her if she thinks a goblin could use one of the long sticks if they were to capture one. Our allies might suddenly be alot more useful if we can raid an armory.

Ask her what she, or the goblins think of Vorana.

>>118705
"Hah, yeah. Been doing little else than beating things senseless lately." I say. "You think you could use them? The sticks?"
"No... They are too complicated. Too dangerous. Lost some men who tried."
"Mmn. What about Vorana?"
"Trusted friend and ally, Vorana. Men like her more, don't know why. She is very kind to us, most days."

>>118707
"Most days?"

>>118707
We haven't gotten any visuals yet. What areas do her spikes cover? How long are the spikes? Does she have hair or what? Scales? Fur?

Verify with her what the custom dictates you're supposed to be doing. Talking and stuff? Something more formal?

>>118732
She comes up to my belly almost exactly, but is well-proportioned. Her front is lightly scaled with a long band of lighter brown belly scales, the others so fine as to seem like brown skin until touched. Her breasts are small, but well rounded.
Her back, tail, and shoulders are covered in layers of spiny bands, however, she seems to have purposefully dulled and shortened them. Instead of hair are long, finer spines that are very thin and bendable, almost exactly like hair. Her eyes are a bright green now that I look at them.

"You have the eyes of a shaman." she says suddenly.
"What do you mean?"
"Eyes of... fresh blood, of blushing cheeks, of gentle flowers. Deep with knowledge, gentle with wisdom."
I blush slightly.

>>118708
"Most days?"
She giggles at the appaerant change in subject.
"She is... a young queen. Inexperienced. At times the orc blood priests are able to sever her connection with some of her children... and set them upon us."

>>119093
Ask her what she likes to do.

>>119157
"I like fighting the most." she says. "Or, uhm. Play-fighting? Competition fighting." she nods to herself. "Goblin wrestling."
"Hm?"
"Wide ring. Ten lengths." she puts one hand on her head and the other pointing at her toes. "Ten lengths wide. You throw other goblin out of ring, you win." she shrugs. "We use it to solve disagreements."

>>119168
Ask her if she wants to practice fighting with you. If she accepts, tell her she might want to go easy on you.

>>119175
Her eyebrows raise.
"Old man try."
"Erhgal?"
"Yes, Erhgal tried to wrestle with our strongest."
"What happened?"
"Well, we kinda wanted a new entryway..." she says dismissively. "Are you certain? I'm not very good at holding myself back."

>>119177
Antares, can you tell us the effects on each size of blessing on your gloves quickly?

>>119180
1: Minor strength boost. Increased protective ability.

2: Moderate strength boost. Grip strength increased.

3: Large strength boost. Grip strength further increased, bone and muscle durability and tensile strength increase.

4: As before, with a greater strength increase than before, and flsh becomes hardier around the hand and gloves, like hide.

5: (Too large to be inscribed)

>>119185
Inscribe a size 4 and say you're sure.

>>119191
I place my hands on my gloves and inscribe. My hands look like they are made of light. Incredible.

I smile at her.

"I am certain."

She laughs. "You may keep the gloves and your pants." she says simply, stretching as she etches out a perimeter. "Traditionally, males go... topless."

>>119194
Hmm... If you don't take your shirt off, she might get upset. So I say take it off.

>>119195
I agree. I unfasten the hide armor from the rest of itself, slipping out of it and the undershirt. It is, happily, surprisingly warm. I walk into the circle, nodding my head to one side, and she does the same.

"There is one... other rule." she adds, playfully. "Those that lose all their equipment are disqualified."

>>119197
Tell her okay. And allow her to make the first move.

>>119212
I lean down. I know some basics of wrestling - Utkal taught me - but I'm actually a little worried.

She rushes at me, and I smile, leaping up so she runs through the space I once occupied, landing behind her.

I have moments to act!

>>119222
Try and make her fall down by grabbing her legs.

>>119226
There's a startled and adorable sort of warble that rises from her throat as I grab her ankles and pull them out from under her, letting her fall on the sand.

But then she pushes up and away from it, launching herself up and off, twisting sharply in midair to pull free... her sandals sliding off in the process.
I toss them aside and smile, standing defensively.

>>119331
What is Ysl wearing from what you can see?

Try to hold both her arms behind her back.

>>119341
The first exchange of grabs and repels goes by ve-
I see the world from very high up. Oh my g-g-god. She threw me.

"I'll catch you!" she calls, running under me in the sand, laughing as I fall heavily in her arms.

"You last longer than old man did, at least." she says and laughs aloud, setting me down. We walk back and I put on my armor again.

Vorana laughs from a perch in her tree, now covered in a belted robe. Two of the humanoid Vorn float beside her, their faceless heads tracking my motions.

>>119344
Greet her and ask how the situation is.

>>119362
"Hello, Vorana. How are things?"
"We are settling in well. It will take some time before we are able to spread out the nest and create dwellings, however."

>>119444
Vorana sighs.
"But I can tell you are qu-"
Is that steam on the horizon there?
Yes. It is. The ocean is boiling at a single point some... ten? fifteen? miles away.

>>119639
Tell the others that you see steam and where you see it. Achilles could be up to something.

>>119676
"I see steam out there." I say, pointing.
The others look out and nod, Vorana floating up.

"It's a person. A male human."

>>119715
Um... I think we should investigate it. Also ask Ysl if she had fun fighting us and if she'd want to do it again sometime.

>>119741
"I would deeply appreciate it." she says softly, then runs back into the woods.

I peer closer.
"How old is he?"
"His hair is white..." Vorana says softly. "I cannot move closer, the heat pushes me away."

>>119758
White hair and heat related stuff means Erhgal is trying to get back onto the island. He's a LOT faster than we expected.

...weren't we supposed to spend the day with Ysl? Maybe she felt a little awkward and decided to cut it short.

>>119835
I can feel the heat already, even though I can now identify him.
His face is torn into a rictus of pure, unmitigated rage.

[holy shit | run | flee | Abscond | RLH | Attempt to talk ]

>>119841
I suggest moving out of his way.

>[holy shit | run | flee | Abscond | RLH | Attempt to talk ]

I choose [holy shit]

>>119847
>>119852
I dive out of the wat of Erhgal, who runs past me, glassing the beach with ease as he walks by into the forest, turning North.

>>119866
Better follow him to make sure he doesn't get himself killed. Badass or not, a frontal assault is a bad idea.

Do you think blessing 3 on your boots would allow you to catch up with him? If so, go for it, if not, then don't go for four.

(also, shot are we supposed to roll when we do these things or would you rather?)

Try to get close enough to yell to him, So you can tell him Asala is safe. That should temper his rage a little.

Does heat affect the undead? If not, it might be a good idea to inscribe a charm with a decent size of that.

>>119895
He's not moving very fast anymore. I manage to loop around him. His heat aura is huge at this point, easily reaching trees thirty feet away and blackening them.

"Erhgal, your daughter is fine!" I call.
"Good t'hear dat, boy, but dat's not mah grievance wit dis monstah."

>>119952
Ask him what his grievance is, and say that he'll be far more likely to succeed as part of a plan with you and the others...

>>119956
"Then what is?"
"He insulted meh!" he roars. "Either you admit defeat or kill or something, but no, he tosses meh aside like a peice of gahbage!" his eyes harden. "Eithah yeh get outta mah way, or I put yeh there, boyo."

>>120031
"If you do this, Achilles will just teleport you again and again!" Then be prepared to get hurt badly if this fails.

>>120040
He hefts the hammer in his hand.
"An' Ah'll keep commin' back, pissed more each time." he says quietly. "Even if dis arsehole is dang'rous... even if I mah die... Let meh go out with a bang. Let this ole man have one last adventchah."

>>120052
Get out of his way. And do the goblin sign of respect.

>>120055
The heat haze vanishes and he steps close.
"Watch mah girl." he says softly, "And tell her this story."

He looks me in the eyes.
"There once was a slave. A great, strong slave, he was, for he worked the forges of his master, unendingly. Great, bursting muscles covered his entire body, but he could no break his chains. So he asked his master, Please, sir. Give me a longer chain.
"So the master did. Every month, the servant made his appeal, until finally, after a whole year, the slave made his gambit. He fed all the slack chain into the forge, melting it down. But he did not run for his freedom. Out of the chains that bound him, he crafted a sword that knew no equal. With this sword, he slayed his master, and went on his way."

He presses a sword's handle into my hands.
"In case I am unable... finish the job for me."

And then he marches into the north, the heat erupting from hos body once more.

>>120063
Inspect the sword. Then go back.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/28(Thu)14:48 No. 120079 ID: 6faa8c
File 126471889810.jpg - (17.53KB , 336x387 , SwordFromChains.jpg )

>>120067
It appears simple. The hilt work is younger than the blade itself by many years. Originally, this was probably made whole, as opposed to the blade being fitted into the hilt.
I feel, however, a soft magical vibrance in it, a different feel than my father's items. I can feel it intuitively, this weapon is magical by virtue of the tasks it did, not the soul inside it.

A sudden wave of emotion overwhelms me.

Had he told me his story, just now? One he never told even my own father?

>>120079
Well, this is the first time we've heard the story, so yes. I think we should get back to camp.

>>120079
Can't say for sure. I guess he might've told Hattori after we were gone. That sword is pretty special though.

Erhgal, you are forever a badass to me. Lets head back.

>>120080
I make my way back to the hut, setting the sword down carefully.

Asala is here, tending the fire.
Before I can say anything, she says, softly,
"I know."

>>120310
Tell her Erhgal wanted you to tell her a story. And then tell it.

>>120320
"Erhgal wanted me to tell you a story." I say softly. She turns to me with rapt attention as I relay it, then nods.
"I... I see."
She looks up at the sky in silence.

>>120358
Antares, is it a good idea at all to etch magical items?

You could try asking about her mother.

>>120505
>Antares, is it a good idea at all to etch magical items?
Er... No one has tried that.

Rather, no one's tried it and reported what occured.

Er, I misspeak. People have tried it, but no one close enough to know what happened were able to report back.

"So... What is your mother like?"
Asala visibly stiffens.
"I don't know." she says softly.

>>120511
Erhgal never spoke of her?

>>120520
"N-no... He didn't." she says softly. "And she died when..." her hand touches the scars on her arm.

>>120525
Oh. That's when Erhgal lost part of his strength, I wager.

>>120544
I'd be incli-

Terrible thinder rolls across the landm the trees shaking.
I turn to look to the north, and I sheild my eyes as Asala lets a whispered "No..." escape her lips. A fireball, so huge as to cover the whole of the horizon, rocks the earth, turning into a massive pillar. It slams into the moon above, leaving a black mark. Then the fire dissipates, slowly.
"No. No. Ple-"
I pull her down as a comet rockets down and slams into the fire, smashing it and scattering it...

The center of the crater holds a white-hot hammer, which melts into a puddle of slag, then... nothing. The fire is gone, the smoke billows away, and the heat from the metal cools.
And then Asala begins to cry.

>>120549
Hug Asala. And tell her that he wanted to go out with a bang.

>>120549
Well, he certainly left his mark. I don't think anyone will be forgetting Erhgal anytime soon.

Hold Asala tightly.

>>120553
I elect not too. She's sobbing too loudly to hear me. I hold her close, letting her cry on my shoulder.
Her hair smells nice.

I am sad for Erhgal as well. But... Tears do not come. Something tells me... he wouldn't want me to cry for him.

>>120936
I suggest just helping her calm down. She's emotionally vulnerable right now. Maybe you can go check the damage Erhgal made when she's alright, to see if he exposed any weakness you can exploit.

>>121581
I gently pet her hair, murmured soothing noises in her ear. It takes time, but she calms down a great deal.
"I don't want to go home anymore." she whispers quietly. "I... I want that bastard dead."

>>121656
Oh, he'll get what's coming to him.

>>121693
"He will get what is coming to him." I murmur, looking her in the eyes.

She looks back.
And then kisses my lips.

>>121694
Hmm. It wouldn't be right to go any further in the state she's in. She's just had quite an emotional shock. But uh... you should kiss her back so she knows you're interested.

Kiss her back for a few moments, then break the kiss and hug her tightly to your chest. It will not go further then this, do not allow it. She's vulnerable right now, you shouldn't take advantage.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/30(Sat)01:11 No. 121703 ID: 6faa8c
File 126484268613.jpg - (217.73KB , 785x884 , LittleGirl.jpg )

>>121698
I do so, ending the kiss slowly and carefully, simply holding her close. She slowly falls asleep. The warmth of the cooling metal envelops us, and I, too fall asleep.

But not before I see a young girl with a glowing red eye staring at me from the woods. Her lips form a few words before I slip from consiousness.

I'm watching you.

>>121703
I awa-
Whyaretherespearsinmyface.
I blink, looking around. Black lumps of slime, behind large sheilds, surround me. A ring of spears closes on my body.

"Aren't they adorable?" murmurs a soft voice in the trees above me. "I made them myself, you know."

Is Asala still in your arms?

Look up in the tree to see who the voice is. Reflect on how they are, in fact, adorable.

>>121708
THEY ARE NOT ADORABLE THEY ARE DEADLY!

Ask them what they are.

>>121710
They're adorable AND deadly.

>>121711
No. Just deadly. Do you REALLY want to get Antares killed?

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/30(Sat)01:29 No. 121717 ID: 6faa8c
File 126484378419.jpg - (347.05KB , 570x852 , 1257197470393.jpg )

>>121710
"What are they?"
The form in the tree giggles.
"Every nation needs rank-and-file." says the voice above. "Now, stand, boy."
I see no reason not to, waking Asala as I do so, who stiffens and clutches me tighter.
Part of the mass moves aside as a young woman drops down.
"Achilles is angry, little boy." she holds out one hand and a long, barbed spear forms in it from black sludge. "That means I get to have fun!" her smile turns predatory, her left eye burning red.

>>121717
Um, ask it why Achilles is angry. Just to confirm.

>>121718
"Why is he angry?"
"Because he's lost something important to him." she growls, black lines etching her face. The spears around me slide backwards. The Sword sits on my foot. "Because someone walked right through my little 'geals and melted them!"

>>121717
Pick up the sword on your feet. Say "Melted, eh? I guess they couldn't stand up to the heat of Erhgal's fire. I saw the pillar of his flames from even here."

I'm trying to figure out what kind of magic triggers the sword has, in case you're wondering.

Grab your sword, leap into the air, and attack the leader with everything you have.

Yell a battle-cry that will wake the dead.

"Melted, eh? I guess they couldn't stand up to the heat of Erhgal's fire. I saw the pillar of his flames from even here."

I pick up the sword.
threedegreestoyourleftandbehindhighthenlow

"That bastard murdered my children."she murmurs. "Hundreds of my little girls."

You were supposed to pick up the sword FIRST. You have to be holding a magical item before you can use any of its verbal commands. Oh well whatever, we can figure it out later and just use this passive power.

Check to your left to see if the sword is warning you of an incoming attack.

>>121724
I peek.
The opening is there, but since I did not act, it is gone just as soon. The sword remains silent.

"...And I..." she murmures, hair falling over her face, "...Don't like losing my little babies..."

>>121731
This is obvious, but ask her why she's taking it out on us. We need more time for the sword to speak again.

>>121731
Ah, it tells us of chances for attacking someone, not incoming attacks. So we need to encourage another opening. Try saying "Well I can kindof understand that, nobody likes losing their children." Gesture at them doing so. Move around a bit.

>>121733
"I can see that. Why take it out on me?"

She rears back the spear.

directlybehindandlowthenupandover!

>>121740
Strike the slime behind you, then uh... Perhaps, jump over the slime to use its shield for cover from the girl's spear toss?

>>121741
Without thinking, I reverse the grip, striking low, under the sheild of the phalangeal behind me. Taking Asala's hand, I leap backwards and up, pulling her with me, Up, and over, landing behind the slimes. I catch Asala in my arms, and she blushes heavily.

runrunrunrunrunrunrunrun

>>122104
Better run now! You'll need some space before you can do much of anything. You'd need speed 4 or 5 to kill that many foes. Or some source of lotsa fire.

>>122113
I run directly south, And I hear the distant cries of the vile woman. Spears rain down,m but all of them, miraculously, miss.

They are out of sight.

>>122130
Run a little more, just to be safe.

>>122133
I ran farther, just to be safe.
Gently, I set down Asala.
She's holding something tightly in her hands, but her face is still as red as before. She seems to have trouble meeting my eyes.

That sword is SWEET. You would've been dead, no question about it, if it hadn't been for that power. I'm considering maybe looping around and ambushing them, but Asala might not be enough backup to protect you while you're unconscious from the effort.

...did you jostle her clothing a bit when you lifted her up? Or grabbed an inappropriate location?

>>122149
N-no...

"I... I've never been saved like that before." she mumbles quietly, looking away.

>>122150
"You can thank your father's sword for that. What are you holding there?"

>>122173
Oh wait, better phrasing "Looks like your dad's still looking out for us. What's that you've got there?"

>>122181
"I..." she holds out the oddly-shaped hunk of metal that was once a hammer. "It's all I have of him."

>>122187
How big is the lump? Erhgal wouldn't want it to remain in such a form. It should be reforged into something useful. If it's big enough, a dagger to stab in one of Achilles' eyes would suffice.

>>122335
It's big enough to be reshaped into, well... anything, assuming it's the same size as or smaller than the hammer.

>>122345
Ahhh, shouldn't this be Asala's choice anyway? Just suggest that it should be reforged. We barely knew the guy, and you haven't been around him much longer.

Possible options I can see are: A new sword for Asala, a shield, or a suit of armor.

>>122374
"You should reforge it." I say, looking it over. "The metal is very pure."
"R-really?"
"Quite. Father told me that he both mined and smithed his won hammer, so..." I shrug.
She nods, holding it closer to herself, smiling slighty.
"We need to destroy those beasts." she says shortly, putting the metal into a bag on her back. "Do you have a plan?"

>>122761
"...I'm uncertain." I say after a long pause. "We'll need to either assault them or... I don't know something clever."

"Yer father woulda preferred the lattah." says a familiar voice behind me.

Look at source of voice.

I think I know who it is but it's not like we don't have an enemy who can fake us out like that.

Also, what do you know about leviathans?

>>123358
Leviathans are a sea creature of incredible size that inhabit the seas east of the New World. Not much else is really known.

I turn around and Sal'an wakes, covered in seaweeds and one starfish.

Greet him heartily.

What do people of this world know of flying machines? Regardless of that, we need to get some recon on our enemy before we can form any sort of plan. Did you see any vorn capable of flight?

>>123415
"Good to see you back!"
"Good to be back." he replies, opening his torso. A deluge of water pours out, a single fish flopping on the beach. "I hate watah." he grumbles, tossing the fish back.

Flying mashines? I'm not sure... those spears were made for throwing as much as they were for frontal assault.

We need one of those spears.

Here's what we're gonna do. You're gonna put blessing 3 on your shoes, you're then gonna run back whence you came and obtain one of the spears, and bring it back here (after using a slightly winding path to confuse our enemies) Then, we're going to attach a tiny vorn to the spear, and you're going to bless the spear, at which point Sal'an will throw the spear over Achilles's holdings and Vorana will draw us a map. Run this idea by your allies and see how they like it.

>>123437
I clearly don't like it.

>>123448
No? Can you think of something better then? T'was just a thought.

>>123437
It makes sense.
"Asala, contact Vorana. I'll be back shortly." I lean down and inscribe Blessing on my boots.

I then dash towards where I know the mass of foes lies.

>>123497
be sure to take the long way around when you return so that they cannot pinpoint your point of origin.

>>123518
I quickly make my way through he forest and burst out near the mass of bl-
"AWAY!"there are repeated sounds of thunder and loud whining noises.

That's Jai's voice! She's nearby!

>>123532
spear mission takes second priority, assist Jai.

rolled 9 = 9

---

>>123587
Right!

I veer towards her voice, seeing her atop a rock. There's discarded sheilds all around her, but even more of the black monstrosities. I see them pull spears from somewhere within the mass of gel, and rear them back.

I leap into the air, catching Jai, and tumbling to the ground.
!!!?!

My shoulder! Agh, damnit!

>>123590
Oh hell, not the wounded shoulder thing again. Well, you've got a spear now, in a way. I suggest running, and using Blessing on Jai's gloves so that she can carry you easily if you pass out from the pain. We should get back to Asala and those healing potions.

I wish there was some way to weaponize fire to take out those slimes. Only other way I can think of is using Blessing 4 or 5 on your shoes and just killing them all conventionally.

rolled 17 = 17

---

>>123593
What do you mean, again?! I continue running. Agh, the pain is incredible! At least I'm clear of most of them now.

>>123595
You should be good. Just a bit farther.

rolled 10 = 10

---

>>123597
That's right. Just a little further. I've lost them... My arm is warm and wet... my shoulder doesn't hurt anymore...

>>123604
Goodnight! Looks like we weren't quite as lucky this time around, but we were lucky enough I suppose.

>>123605
Goodnight? What do you me-

%#$%@#

Oh, goddamnit. He passed out. Stupid city boy! I didn't even need your help!

>>123606
Um, hi.

>>123607
Oh man, it's the genius parade in here.

What the hell did you put poor Antares up to now?

>>123606
Well he saved some ammo at least! Let's get him back to camp, then organize a proper assault. If the spear's still stuck in him you may want to remove it and try to administer some sort of temporary bandage if you've got supplies.

Keep the spear, though. It's part of a plan to scout the area.

>>123609
I'm not saying he didn't help. I just didn't want help from him. He makes things complicated. Emotionally and practically.

I remove the spear carefully, bandaging the wound to the best of my ability. I can't believe Hattori sent this bumbling idiot out here. Does he want his son to die?!

>>123611
Well... Either Hattori sent him here to try and fight Achilles with rune magic, since normal magical items can just get taken away and make Achilles even more powerful... or his wife is really dying, and needs that panacea.

I guess it could go either way, what with how fate seems to work around here.

>>123625
Ugh. I don't care at this point. I just want to g-

What.

The boat...

The boat is flying in the air?
I'm not kidding, the boat that Asala was in is flying through the air and oh no not the mountain!
That was my only way home!

>>123628
Then we'll just have to wait for the next boat. There will be one, if we manage to survive long enough.

>>123647
R-right! Just gotta survive!

What the hell were those things?

I pick up the city boy and begin to take him back to ogre-arms.

>>123648
You saw them. The only other thing we know is that they have some kind of 'mother' who looks like a normal teenage girl, but can generate the same slime-based weaponry the smaller slimes do.

Oh, and they're weak to fire. There's so many of them though that it's going to be hard to fight them. If they didn't throw their spears we could use formation tactics and choke points but... it's like fighting a squad of archers with shields. Antares has a trump card, as he can Bless his shoes with a bigass rune to stop time, but uh... then he passes out. I'm not sure if we can kill all of them like that.

>>123659
Hmm...
I have an idea...

Sal'an is made of metal... so... if I were to get him coated in that weird red stuff...

>>123661
Hahaha. Fire golem? Interesting idea. I support it. Is he tough enough to not be bothered by the spears though?

Another idea is to make explosives by inscribing large runes on bottles... but we don't have a Fire rune available, and I'm not sure I want to find out what the blast radius of an Undeath exploding bottle is. I guess we could try a Blessing or Augmentation on a bottle full of red stuff...

>>123685
I don't really know anything about this rune malarky. He'll be fine in a few hours, and those slimy things don't seem inclined to do much else than sit in a big circle anyway.

Finally.

"Oh my god! Ant-antares!"
"He'll be fine. The damn things didn't throw very hard. Hey, clunker!"
"What?"
"How do you feel about being set on fire?"
"Er."

>>123698
I think he might need a bit more detail. Explain about the slimes and their vulnerability to fire.

Asala should have some bottles with Healing inscribed on them, for Antares.

Tell us if Vorana shows up while he's out. We have a plan to scout the enemy that requires her assistance. Actually, it's why we need the spear, and why Antares was running around with blessing on his shoes in the first place.

How many bullets you got left anyway?

Hmm, while we're here, could you tell us about your offensive and defensive abilities? It'd help our plans if we knew for sure what you can do, and this way you can avoid bringing up something that may be embarrassing in front of our "conquering hero" over there. Just a thought.

>>123731
I have forty left. The goblins said they might be able to make more, but... Well, the rounds couldn't be copper-tipped, they'd have to be iron tipped. I'm uncertain how well that would work.

Vorana? Oh, butterfly... She'd not back yet.

"If we cover you in the red stuff that butterfly and her boys make, and set you on fire, you might be able to really hurt the enemy."
"I'm not sure I could handle that..."

>>123759
Ask him why not, and tell him that it'd be awesome. He's get to feel all powerful as he rampaged about.

>>123826
"Heat softens metal." he says simply. "I'm certain I would die. Plus I'm not all steel. Some of my innards are copper, and I think my thinkin' bits ah made of glass."

>>123918
Damn.

Well, they're just sitting in a circle, maybe we can make a catapult and lob burning shit at them.

...wait no that would take way too long.

Are they in the middle of a forest? Um... We could just hollow out a tree, put a bunch of red gel in it, and light it on fire and have Sal'an throw it at them, instead of using a catapult.

>>123936
His eyes dim for a moment in thought.
"first..." he smiles. "Get a tree, I'll hollow it out. I gotsan idear."

>>123945
Alrighty. How big a tree?

>>123958
"Thicker the better." he replies. "And a peice of flint, too."

>>123985
Okay. Got anything for chopping down trees, or can you just rip one out of the ground with your crazy claw hands?

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/02/02(Tue)19:37 No. 124137 ID: 6faa8c
File 126516825070.jpg - (438.11KB , 1000x1050 , YoungQueen.jpg )

>>124016
No. He hands me a saw from somewhere in his storage compartment. I use my... dominant hand to begin sawing down the widest tree I can find.

Something lands on my shoulder, looking up at me silently. A tiny Vorn is escorting it.

>>124137
Oh hey, that was quick. It's uh... Vorana's new kid. Heh.

Say hi.

>>124137
Say hi to Wriggle.

>>124149
"Hello?"

It tilts its head to one side, placing a finger to its lips, antennae quivering.

I sigh.
Adorably useless.