Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)16:17 No. 211321 ID: 6547ec
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A long time ago, Jiniki was a sad and lonely girl. She was separated from her mother, who had succumb to a dangerous force known as "majicka". Majicka mutated them both, turning her mother into a huge monster, and herself into what she is today.

Recently, her mother had been cured of majicka's corruption, and now the both of them seek out their home in order to start a new, peaceful life. Jiniki retains her majicka powers, and is capable of moving objects around. If she wanted to, she could probably even use her LONG RANGE MAJICKA COMMUNICATION to talk to her friends for some hilarious cameos. That'd be silly, though.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)16:17 No. 211322 ID: 6547ec
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Their backpacks contain various supplies to get them through the desert. Jiniki's mother, Ishiji (renamed by Amiel to be "Susan"), wishes they could have found a compass. The HAND TORCH should be handy for making fires if they can find the materials, and the UHIKI'SHA, a device that can shoot high voltage electricity at short range, has five uses.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)16:17 No. 211323 ID: 6547ec
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Susan checks the map she drew based on everyone's knowledge of their surroundings. They are currently just outside of Zalika, a safe haven for all races, and they hope to get north of the Tezakian nation, where their home should still lie. What should they do?

Use the Vision Enhancifier to look for interesting shaped rocks in the distance.

Funny rocks?! MUST INVESTIGATE!

yes, go to the rocks, then the oasis north of them then a straight shot west.

Find rocks. Looks for round ones especially: if they are cracked, the cracks will tend to be aligned north-south due to solar heating.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)17:42 No. 211350 ID: 6547ec
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>>211325
>>211329
Susan gets a closer look at the rocks. Apparently when Sekani mentioned "one huge giant rock" he meant to say "actually it's a bunch of smaller ones". Hey, wait...

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)17:43 No. 211352 ID: 6547ec
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She zooms in further.

Oh. There's the big rock he was talking about.

"What do you see, mommy? Jiniki asks, using her majicka to communicate.

"I believe I'm looking at an encampment. Judging from the flyers I'd say they are Tezakians."

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)17:44 No. 211354 ID: 6547ec
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Hmm. Didn't that bird mention something about a war between the Tezakians and the Lians? Maybe this is a military outpost.

"Well, let's go say hi! We can make all kinds of new friends and it'll be super great and maybe we can share some candy even though it'd probably melt in the sun and then we'd all be super messy~"

Jiniki tends to ramble when she gets excited.

>>211330
As far as Susan knows, the Tezakians are neutral to her and Jiniki's race, so it should be safe there. Should she take any precautions?

>>211338
Susan feels her CHANCE OF GETTING COMPLETELY AND HOPELESSLY LOST drop a good bit.

Your daughter's weird glowiness might freak those folks out. CONSIDER THIS.

>>211354
Precautions? Uh... Well, getting a closer look at the camp, and checking it out again with the v-e might be worth it. Otherwise, Jiniki should hang back a little behind you so if they're hostile she's in less immediate danger.

Precautions... yeah, hiding the glowy might be a good idea. Other than that, play it by ear to see how paranoid they are about people going in and out of the territory.

Call Sekani and ask him if he knows anything about this outpost. They likely to be friendly or hostile towards Klis-khar? ...Or do they even know about them? He didn't seem to recognize the buggyfolk when he first arrived at Rishkahn, but we never said our boy Sekani was ever too bright.

>>211357
She's not likely to understand 'stop glowing it is scary', so just tell her to glow a color Tezakians can't see. Bonus points if making her glow gamma rays gives you superpowers again.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)20:42 No. 211424 ID: 6547ec
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>>211379
"Hi mister birdie~" Jiniki says to Sekani through long range communication.

"Oh-- um, hello," he replies, "What's up?" Everything okay?"

"I think so. We found a bunch of other birdies near the giant rock and we're not sure if they like us or not. Do birdies like us?"

"Um, well, Tezakians are really heavily focused on the Lians, so we don't really spend a lot of time dealing with other races. I think I might have sort of kind of fallen asleep in the class that talked about your kind. But um, we're told not to hurt any non-Lians that don't appear threatining."

There's a pause before he continues, sounding almost as if he was thinking aloud to himself. "Strange. we don't normally camp out in the desert..."

>>211361
Upon closer inspection, it seems the majority of the people at the camp are conversing. From this distance it's impossible to tell much more than that, but Susan makes note to check again once they're closer.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/23(Fri)20:42 No. 211425 ID: 6547ec
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>>211357
>>211367
"Jiniki, can you turn off your glowing?" Susan asks.

"What? Why?"

"I'm just worried it might scare them."

She instantly regrets her choice of words.

"What? But I'm not scary. I'm pretty now-- Everyone said so. They weren't lying, were they?"

Jiniki's glowing changes color as it often does to show her mood. It looks like Susan's attempts to be a better mother are not off to a good start.

"of course not, you is very pretty. but people often fear new things no matter how wonderful they are."

"Of course you're beautiful, but you're also different, and people are scared of things they don't understand."

>>211425
She's very pretty. Unusually so, in fact. Things that are unusual could cause paranoid people to be suspicious. It's just something that might be a good idea to turn off when meeting guards or something. After the introductions are complete, it'll be fine.

Of course you're pretty... pretty scary! Ha!

Jini is a pretty-pretty princess, but ninja princesses can't infiltrate places if they're glowing!

She IS pretty, that's just it. Not everyone is as pretty as her, they could feel... bad about themselves...?

Kindling 2010/07/24(Sat)01:15 No. 211587 ID: 6547ec
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Jiniki, didn't you always want to be a ninja? You must be quiet and invisible.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/24(Sat)01:45 No. 211610 ID: 6547ec
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>>211429
>>211431
>>211432
"That's not it at all, Jiniki."

"It's not?"

"It's just that creatures tend to fear those they don't understand. Your glowing is... Um..."

Slinkoboy 2010/07/24(Sat)01:45 No. 211611 ID: 6547ec
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>>211587
>>211448
"Your glowing is so pretty that everyone would get scared from jealousy! Hehehahaha!"

"Really!?" Jiniki perks up instantly.

"Of course! And more than that, you're a ninja princess, so you need to try and hide your pretty colors so we don't overwhelm them with how beautiful you are!"

Susan is the worst final boss ever.

"I knew it! I always knew I was a super awesome ninja princess! Okay mommy, I'll hide my colors SUPER good so they don't get jealous!"

Slinkoboy 2010/07/24(Sat)01:45 No. 211613 ID: 6547ec
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They approach the encampment after a couple of hours. One of the Tezakians sees them and starts heading their way. It peeps loudly at them, but they are unable to understand it. A few others poke their heads out of their tents.

Susan wonders if this was such a great idea.

it's only one and they seem to be curious not angry. probably loud to get your attention.

>>211613
What? Language issues? Sekani didn't seem to have any trouble talking to you before. Um, just stay still and ask if there's anyone here that speaks your language.

Hands out in the open, where they can see them. All your hands.

Jiniki, expect to be spending some time relaying messages back and forth with Sekani, unless you happen to know crazy bird languages. You can do those cute chirp sounds, right?

"SEKANI IT'S PEEPING WHAT DO I DO"

Probably just a negotiator, or a diplomat, or someone just checking to see if you're carrying guns or weapons or whatnot.

Just let him come, stand right there, and don't look threatening.

You were a queen once. You know how to be a diplomat. Or at least a commander. I think.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/24(Sat)17:13 No. 211923 ID: 6547ec
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>>211650
>>211632
"MISTER BIRDIE IT'S PEEPING WHAT DO I DO"

"What's he or she saying?"

"Um... Peep peep peep peep peep peep?"

"My girlfriend is NOT a slut! I mean sure she's been spending a lot of time with Dilia lately but that doesn't mean anything! Tell them that they can peep peep peep peep!"

"Huh? um..." Jiniki tries to copy Sekani's message, causing the Tezakian to give a questioning "Perp?"

Slinkoboy 2010/07/24(Sat)17:15 No. 211926 ID: 6547ec
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>>211755
>>211624
>>211622
They do their best to appear friendly and non-threatening. The Tezakian seems to relax a little.

"Oh, how rude of me," It says. "Of course you can't speak our language. Do you speak the common language?"

"Yes, we do." Susan replies.

"Okay, good. You're... Kris-kahn, aren't you?"

"Klis-khar, yes."

"What are you doing so far south?"

Susan wonders if she should make something up or explain about the facility. Currently, Sekani and the others are turning it into a place of peace, with intent to stop the Lian-Tezakian war. There's no saying how these people would react to that.

"The little one looks kind of...strange. Almost as if she's glowing a little bit."

Oh dear. Jiniki doesn't seem to be suppressing her glow as well as they hoped.

>>211926
You could say... you had gotten treatment for your daughter at the facility south of here. The glowing is a side effect of that treatment. Say that she can control the glowing, too, and that it looks pretty.

This is very close to the truth, yet omits the bits that would make them nervous.

Insist it's just the light reflecting in weird ways. She just shed, and is still a little... moist. Hopefully, he'll get the message and be too skeeved out to ask further.

>>211926
She's just glowing with excitement about seeing all these new places and people! We've been traveling around the world for a long time, and we're on our way back home now. We haven't passed through this area before, could we get directions to... (were are we headed? Would they even know of it?)

"Oh, that? It's just something she does."

If anyone questions why she is able to glow, respond with a confused look and a shrug.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/25(Sun)01:03 No. 212110 ID: 6547ec
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>>211942
Susan isn't sure that she wants them to know about the facility just yet.

>>211953
>>212044
>>211970
"Oh, we do that sometimes. This is the first time she's seen so many Tezakians, so she's... glowing with excitement!"

Susan laughs nervously, and is somewhat thankful nobody has any sunglasses.

Jiniki doesn't say anything. A true ninja princess is silent and deadly, and then finds the prince and saves the day~

Slinkoboy 2010/07/25(Sun)01:05 No. 212112 ID: 6547ec
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"That's pretty interesting," the Tezakian says. "I don't see any weapons on you, so I'm going to assume you're not here to cause trouble. You can, um, put your arms down."

They comply. Susan's arms were growing sore, so she's thankful. Sitting in a portal for two generations is bad for your muscles.

It continues. "You're welcome to rest here, but try not to get in anybody's way. This is a military camp, so some of us are really busy."

"I see," Susan replies. "Thanks, miss...ter...?"

"Oh, I'm Neks. Um, generally females are duller and their tails point downward if you're confused about gender."

Susan asks about the surrounding area in hopes of getting pointed in the right direction. Necks points in a specific direction, saying if they head northwest they can reach an oasis. Then it's more or less west to the Klis-Khar area. He admits he's not all that sure where the Klis-khar area actually lies, though.

thank him for the info and ask around a little for more but try to be unobtrusive.

>>212112
Okay, rest for a little while, since they offered their hospitality.

You know... that's a... very interesting thing wrapped around his wing. Ask about it, would you?

Oh. And ask where one can find those Tezakian Fashion Pants like that one purple male in back. Say you have a friend that lost a pair of his and wanted to something nice for his hatching day.

Just a thought for something nice to give if you ever run into Sekani again.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/25(Sun)16:42 No. 212295 ID: 6547ec
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>>212116
>>212147
"So what's that on your arm?" Susan asks.

"Oh, this is my military armband. It marks me as a rank three scout." He smiles a bit, or at least seems to. "I've flown about thirty missions to Lian and I've yet to be spotted! My feathers make me nearly invisible during sundown."

Susan presses for more information, and learns that the Tezakian nation is preparing an all-out assault on the Lians to finally make some headway in their war. They sent a low level scout to one possible weak point, but he never returned. Another scout had been dispatched just one day prior, and should be nearing their location pretty soon.

"Mommy," Jiniki communicates so that only Susan can hear her, "That scout might find Mister Birdie. Maybe they'll be friends~"

Neks continues to explain that they've been seeing sandworms nearby, so Susan and Jiniki should be on their guard.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/25(Sun)16:42 No. 212296 ID: 6547ec
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>>212199
>>212117
It's difficult to put into words how Susan feels about what that bird had done. It's very strange to both lose and gain everything in one fleeting moment. Still, she feels she owes him at least this much.

"He was upset when he lost his old pants so I think this will make him super happy~"

"...Yeah."

Susan isn't sure how she's even going to get these to him.

we'll figure it out later.

Can't you just mail them? Aren't going to that one town with Dilia?

At any rate, ask around and find out why this war's going on anyway.

>firepunc- wait, that doesn't apply here.

Jini: totally call Sekani to rendevouz to pick up his pants. It's not like you're that far out. Just make sure you do it at night and outside of the camp's range.

>>212366
failing that
>>212341

You guys are secret missionaries! Your quest is to find the unhappy and downtrodden, and lead them to your safe haven! You have to be secret at first though, to keep only one kind or another from taking the place by storm.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/26(Mon)01:23 No. 212443 ID: 6547ec
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Susan adds the SOMEWHAT MUNDANE TEZAKIAN FASHION PANTS to her inventory.

>>212398
>>212366
"Go ahead and contact the bird and see if he can come out tonight. I guess we could stand to wait here so he can get these. Maybe have him bring some more food and water just in case."

"Okay~"

A few moments pass.

"Um, he says okay. He also wonders if we could try to break some of these birdies' stuff so they can't fight the Lians because he wants to make less people die and I think we should help them and make them not want to die too. He says 'pleeaassseee'"

"Hmm. we did set out to help people. I think we should try to convince them to abandon the war and head to the facility. If that doesn't work, sabatage might be our only option."

"I'll help them with my ninja princess powers!"

Slinkoboy 2010/07/26(Mon)01:23 No. 212444 ID: 6547ec
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>>212341
All three of them are staying in Zalika to turn it into a place of peace between the Tezakians and the Lians, as far as Susan knows.

"Excuse me--"

"Peep? I mean. Yes?"

"I was just wondering. Why are you guys fighting the Lians, anyway?"

"Wow. Have you been under a rock this whole time?"

"Something like that."

"The way I hear it, our leader's son was going to marry their princess when she turned up dead. They blamed us for it, but they obviously framed us so they could convince their people to go to war! We're just trying to survive out here."

"I see. Thank you."

"I might be remembering my facts wrong, of course. This happened before I was born."

In the distance, they hear a frantic bird call.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/26(Mon)01:23 No. 212445 ID: 6547ec
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Oh dear. That could become an issue.

If that's another Pikachu, there is going to be violence.

...Oh boy. Quickly ask everything they know about those things!

Fighting it directly would be effective, but would probably alienate you from the Tezakians. If you can, try and redirect the worm away from the Tezakians themselves, but towards whatever machinery they're intending to use for the war effort.

>>212469
ah yes, random worm comes by and wreaks all their stuff they can't attack. and they can't blame anyone.

Right, a sandworm. We've got to be totally subtle about that one.

...Naaah, who'm I kidding? Blow it up, Jiniki!

I don't suppose that we can just let it come here and see the Tezakians in action so we can tell what's important to them.

Let the Tezakians fight it. Maybe it'll wreck something vital and set them back a while on the war effort!

You're just two poor civilian Klis-khar. Let the Tezakians handle it.

Worms hunting birds.

madness

Slinkoboy 2010/07/26(Mon)19:20 No. 212638 ID: 6547ec
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>>212517
>>212447
Hmm, they seem to be moving to protect that wagon that's been here this entire time.

"What's a sand worm?" Susan asks as they scramble.

"Normally they're just large worms and aren't a problem, but the ones in this area are... different. They're very threatening-- Let us handle this!"

Slinkoboy 2010/07/26(Mon)19:21 No. 212640 ID: 6547ec
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>>212538
>>212536
>>212474
The Tezakians attack by throwing EXPLOSIVE DEVICES at the worm, but they don't seem to do a lot of damage.

Susan whispers. "Jiniki, if you can get the worm to crash into that wagon, then... um, people won't die so much."

"Ooh! You're so smart, mommy~"

Jiniki guides the worm as the Tezakians continue flinging explosives at it.

"Oh no," Neks exclaims, "It's heading right for the bomb cache!"

"It's heading for the what!?"

>>212640

Oh man so many people are going to die so hard.

Jiniki, forget about the wyrm, keep that wagon from getting so much as rocked!

have the worm swallow the wagon whole, dive underground and leave. they will be very confused but no one will die.

I don't suppose you could contain contain the blast, or protect the Tezakians so that no-one gets hurt?

>>212663
yesyesyesyes!

>>212663
SANDWORM DISLIKES SMOKE

Move the wagon out towards the sandworm! :D Away from everyone else, of course. The sandworm and wagon should be friends~

Wait. Before doing that, is there anyone in the wagon?

>>212663

Can it... do that?

Slinkoboy 2010/07/27(Tue)09:06 No. 212855 ID: 6547ec
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>>212663
Jiniki forces the worm's mouth open and leads it right to the wagon! Much to everyone's surprise except hers, it swallows it hole and heads back underground.

>>212740
Apparently!

>>212735
Oops. Um, it didn't look like anyone was in it...

Slinkoboy 2010/07/27(Tue)09:08 No. 212856 ID: 6547ec
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There was something...familiar about that worm. This can't be a good sign.

"Well, I guess that's that. We can probably just let it go."

"That worm has majicka," Jiniki says, sounding strangely solemn.

"That can't be right. Are you sure?"

"I think so."

>>212664
"We should probably blow it up, then. Can you shield the encampment?"

"I'm getting too tired."

Jiniki's majicka is very powerful, but she's never been able to keep at it very long.

"Okay. Move the worm as far away as you can, and then take care of it."

Slinkoboy 2010/07/27(Tue)09:08 No. 212857 ID: 6547ec
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>>212734
This is how friendship works, right?

Jiniki triggers the bombs and the worm explodes! Hopefully there aren't any more of them.

Hmm. Susan hopes nobody was looking at Jiniki while she was doing all that.

Quick, Jiniki, guard on your right! Go into stealth mode!

>>212857
I think maybe we should get ready to run away.

>>212857
>Susan hopes nobody was looking at Jiniki while she was doing all that.
Somebody was looking at Jiniki while she was doing all that. I don't know if you should try and come up with an on-the-spot cover story or what, though. :/

>she's... glowing with excitement!
This ought to be easy enough to play off of.

Hey Jiniki, have you ever seen sandworms that up close? It looked like you couldn't keep from waving your arms around in excitement.

OH MY GOD don't blow up the--what, why? How would you like it if someone tried to blow you up just because you had majicka, instead of letting you get away! As for looking familiar, that worm had antenna, and segments like you guys... it was more like a centipede than a worm really. Otherwise, no idea.

Hug our daughter for being an awesome ninja princess! Note 'She's scared!' if asked why. Jiniki, please talk to our friends in Zalika. "There are magic sand worms out here! They produce the most precious substance in the universe is the spice Melange. The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel.They are majicka! Can someone find out about these things?"

Susan, how good of a Queen were you? could you use your Royal Diplomacy to stop this war? That would be nice and friendly?

Annnyway, what the heck happened to Rishik and Kaness? Didn't they never want to leave you?

*peers*

*peers closer*

Was that Magic Johnson?

>>213054
Oh, crud a doodle do.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/27(Tue)23:32 No. 213110 ID: 6547ec
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>>212878
"Oh man that was SO AWESOME it was all PPSSSHHBBBBB and then I was all like WOOOAAAHH and then it was so super pretty~" Jiniki says honestly.

"Um, did... Was she...?" Neks asks.

"She's just really excited."

"But she spoke like, in my mind. I heard her voice in my head."

"We're psychic."

"Oh."

>>213036
Amiel-- is that the Lian? Amiel taught Jiniki the value of sentient life, but it looks like she hasn't yet realized that all life is...

Hmm. Finishing that sentence would be pretty hypocritical, wouldn't it. But it's probably for the best that she did what she did. Though the worm had survived so many years unnoticed, there was still a risk of somebody discovering it and learning about majicka.

>Annnyway, what the heck happened to Rishik and Kaness? Didn't they never want to leave you?

It's too risky. Susan don't want the Klis-khar nation to get its hand on any Ki-jaara. It's actually a huge risk taking Jiniki there, but with the right type of covering she can more or less pass for normal, and she's extremely good at escaping dangerous situations. Saying goodbye to them was really hard and coincided with Susan getting some dust in her eye.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/27(Tue)23:32 No. 213111 ID: 6547ec
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>>213054
NO. That's impossible. Susan tore him out of the Lian and...he couldn't have survived! Either way, he's dead now! Dead!

Just thinking about him fills Susan with the same fear and rage she felt the first time the Lian used him against her.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/27(Tue)23:33 No. 213112 ID: 6547ec
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>>213052
This time Jiniki decides to contact Tayza.

"Hi Tayza~"

"Oh, hi Jiniki~ Are you being a good girl~?"

"I'm super good! I'm a ninja princess!"

"Oh my~"

"Oh but um we found a worm and it had some majicka in it."

Tayza's tone shifts. "What? That can't be right, unless the scientists were so retarded that they injected majicka into everything within a 5 mile radius. Not that I'd put this kind of stupidity past them."

"I blew it up though~"

"Oh. Well that takes care of that, I guess. We'll see about making a sweep and injecting nearby animals with the Cure."

"Okay good. I'll see you later Tayza~ Tell Amiel I said hi!"

"Okay~ Be good~"

Suddenly, Neks begins yelling.

"Oh, great! The worm got our wagon! Now we have to go all the way back home to get another one! Once again this stupid war manages to screw me!" He continues shouting in Tezakian, presumably to swear some more. Those are some really menacing 'peeps'.

Jiniki, walk up right close to him and ask as sweetly as you possibly can, "If it's so stupid, why are you doing it?"

Jiniki: Remember as many of those peeps for later as you can. They sound important.

>>213124

Stole my plan. They could come in handy someday.

>>213112
Oh god, don't remember any of those peeps.

Anyway, Susan, put a motherly hand on that shoulder and ask how else the war...ahem...messed with him. It sounds like he really don't like this war very much.

And if Magic Johnson just happened to be thrown into the giant world portal where he could find a sandworm in the desert and take it over, then - oh, but that's silly talk!

Jiniki! Time to burst out into a song! "Give peace a chaaaaance~"

Slinkoboy 2010/07/28(Wed)21:00 No. 213374 ID: 6547ec
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>>213124
Jiniki tries her best!

>>213172
"Hey, it's okay. How did the war mess with you? Is there anything we can do to help?" Susan asks.

Necks is silent for a moment.

>>213113
"Why are you fighting if it's doing bad things~? You should just not fight and be happy~"

His eyes glaze over for a moment, his anger turning to sorrow.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/28(Wed)21:01 No. 213375 ID: 6547ec
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"I have nothing else. I've lost my child and my mate to this war. I hate the Lians. I hate fighting them. I hate--" he gestures at the camp. "I hate this."

He sighs.

"I'm just tired, I guess. Tired of this war, tired of everything. But this is pretty much all I know, so I guess all I can do is continue pressing on. At least, that's what I keep telling myself, you know?"

"I understand," Susan says.

Find a good place to sit down and talk to the guy, get him comfortable, and look concerned.

"What were they like?"

>>213375
That's not true. There is another option. I think we should tell this guy about the facility.

Ask him what if there's another option? Don't tell him about the facility yet. Gauge his reaction to that.

>>213385

Do this, but also remember he hates Lians and that there happen to be a few at the facility. Make sure he won't do anything stupid if he goes there before proposing the idea.

>>213380
I like this. You're a caring mother, work with that.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/29(Thu)09:34 No. 213566 ID: 6547ec
File 128042127127.png - (102.93KB , 700x500 , 31.png )

>>213380
He proceeds to tell them about his fallen ones, how his mate was the most beautiful Tezakian he had ever seen. She was going to go back to school and become a defender of the law. His son would always speak of how in these dark times nobody would ever just stop and appreciate all of Lakicia's gifts to them. He intended to start a flower shop once he had served his term, but he will never get the chance to.

Listening to his tale made Susan reflect on her own life. She was a kind queen once, but the magicka corruption had all but robbed her of that. She became cold and unfeeling, caring only for her ambitions and majicka's desires.

And yet, hearing this stranger tell his tale made her feel...strange. She couldn't quite describe it. She listens silently as his voice becomes strained and his breathing heavy. He must have been holding all of this in for a very long time.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/29(Thu)09:38 No. 213567 ID: 6547ec
File 128042150450.png - (63.91KB , 700x500 , 32.png )

>>213382
>>213545
>>213385
"You've been through so much. Why don't you stop fighting? You've given more than enough for your country."

"Stop fighting? But this is all I know. I don't think I can just go home. Not to my lonely house."

"What if there was another option? What if there was a place you could go and serve your country without having to take any more lives? A place with the desire for peace between your nations."

"I, um."

"You shouldn't throw away your life out here, I don't think. Your skills could go a long way toward ending this war without putting more Tezakians and Lians through what you're suffering now."

He doesn't respond immediately, but his eyes betray a feeling of longing.

"...I-I couldn't just. I mean. I... I don't know. What about my men? What would they say?"

Does he know any other Tezakians who share his feelings about the war?

Even if his comrades don't harbour misgivings about the war currently, maybe speaking to Sekani and Amiel and the others would help them see the futility.

>>213567

If he plays this wrong, he could end up being branded a traitor and deserter in the worst light, and the, uh, neutral zone could end up being branded a rebel camp instead.

Add to this the possibility that Tezakian command learns about majicka and believes it to be a weapon, developed by the Klis-khar, perhaps to aid their enemies, and you could end up with a bigger problem than you started with. Then there's that remote possibility that someone learns that you're the queen - er, were the queen, even in retrospect - and you have the possibility of a nice, fat, diplomatic incident to add to the whole lot.

Also remember that the Tezakian and Lian people hate each other. It is almost certainly the will of the people that is fueling the war, not the will of the front line soldiers. Convincing a few soldiers to desert would be very unlikely to even impede the war, but if you were identified as the cause of desertion, the people and government may be less likely to listen to you should you get a chance to talk to them.

Lastly, consider the implication of people accusing Jiniki of mind control should they learn that she can use majicka, and noting that formerly loyal soldiers become deserters after encountering her.

On another note, consider getting Jiniki some BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS DRESSES that just happen to cover her glowing bits. That ought to reduce the likelihood of her majicka being discovered, while also averting any reduction to her self esteem.

>>213567
I think we should spend a little longer here, talking to each person to find out what their feelings are about the war.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/29(Thu)23:58 No. 213815 ID: 6547ec
File 128047313551.png - (62.05KB , 700x500 , 33.png )

>>213569
"Do any of the others feel as you do?"

"I don't know. This isn't the kind of thing you go around talking about. You'd get accused of treason. I'm...kind of glad I got to talk to you about it, though. Thanks."

>>213580
"Well, I happen to know--"

>>213660
"...Um, what I mean to say is that you can talk to me any time you want. We'll be staying through the night, and I'd be happy to be a shoulder for you."

It feels very alien to say something like that. This isn't something she's used to at all.

She decides against telling him about Zalika for now. Better to learn as much as she can about how they feel and Tezakian customs first. Still, she must keep in mind that Zalika is designed to be a safe haven for people who are sick of the war above all else.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/29(Thu)23:59 No. 213817 ID: 6547ec
File 128047319637.png - (137.33KB , 700x500 , 34.png )

>>213715
Susan takes a quick look around the camp. Most of the Tezakians look downtrodden and exhausted from desert travel.

There's a purple one who seems to be especially depressed, and a greenish one who looks extremely shocked-- most likely from the giant worm Jiniki forced to eat the wagon right beside them.

Further back, she sees one tending to some strange animals, and another tending to a wagon, presumably full of food and water.

Looking at how small this encampment really is, a startling realization comes over Susan.

"Neks, were you guys sent out to spy on the Lians?"

"Huh? No, we're going to be attacking them. Or we were, if our bombs weren't eaten."

There's no way the Tezakians would send a force this small unless it was for one specific purpose.

These guys are a diversion for a larger attack elsewhere. They've been sent to Lian to die for their country.

>>213817
Well, shit. That's a good reason for them to just vanish isn't it? They weren't going to come home anyway.

Talk to the purple one. Try to find out what's wrong.

Talk to the purple one, yeah.

Point out your reservations regarding the size of their force. They're small, vulnerable, and would easily be overpowered - do they know they're on a suicide mission?

>>213817
Yeah, ask them if they're aware of the implications of their force size and anticipated mission. I mean, if they know and have accepted that, it's one thing, but if they don't, I mean...

>>213988
Yeah, that. Also! SUPER PRETTY NINJA PRINCESS CELLPHONE MAGIC! Talk to Amiel! Tell her that there might be a really really big boss battle army thingy heading for the Lians! What do?

>>213989

Maybe! We don't know that yet!

Also, go inspect the worm. When it blew up the blast cleared out to the surface, though it's probably mostly filled with sand now.

...poor wormy ;_;

Regardless of what we're going to do next Jiniki should contact someone in Zalika now and let them know what's going on here.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/30(Fri)20:09 No. 214078 ID: 6547ec
File 128054576982.png - (77.75KB , 700x500 , 35.png )

>>213981
>>213912
That does change a few things. It's been a very long time since she's negotiated in ways other than threatening people, but Susan will see if she can convince them to abandon their suicide mission.

"Are you okay?" Susan asks, kneeling down near the Tezakian.

"What? Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"You don't seem okay."

"That was a really big worm. I-I don't like big worms."

Oh dear. Worm-a-phobia.

>>213981
>>213988
"Where are the rest of your guys?"

"Huh?"

"This is way too small a force for a direct assault."

"I thought so too, but I assumed we'd be merging with a larger force," He says with a shrug.

"Did your briefing mention any such merge?"

"N-no... Maybe we'll get backup?"

Slinkoboy 2010/07/30(Fri)20:10 No. 214079 ID: 6547ec
File 128054583091.png - (78.95KB , 700x500 , 36.png )

"I really don't think so. I used to be... a commander, and when we set up a diversion, we did so with the understanding that they wouldn't make it back home."

"What? But-- but I don't want to die! They-- they made me join! But if I go back home and run away, they'll punish me for treason! WhatdoIdowhatdoIdo"

This one at least seems like he'd be more than happy to flee the battle and head to Zalika.

Slinkoboy 2010/07/30(Fri)20:10 No. 214080 ID: 6547ec
File 128054585628.png - (183.41KB , 700x500 , 37.png )

>>214003
Jiniki inspects the hole where the huge worm exploded. She wonders if maybe she shouldn't have done that. Do worms want to live too?

Slinkoboy 2010/07/30(Fri)20:11 No. 214081 ID: 6547ec
File 128054586660.png - (69.35KB , 700x500 , 38.png )

>>213989
>>214018
Amiel can't use majicka, and because of this she'd be unable to respond if Jiniki tried to talk to her. This realization makes her kind of sad.

At Susan's request, she instead contacts Sekani.

"Um, mister birdie, I think these people are gonna die."

"What!?"

"Mommy says they're a 'version, a whole bunch of Lians are going to kill them and they should get to live."

"Version? A...diversion? But they passed a law! The law says they can't do that kind of shit anymore!"

"Mommy says they're not sent to scout so it's the only reason she can think of. What's a scout?"

"Jiniki, listen carefully. You have to convince them to come to Zalika. You-- you have to!"

"Okay. Um, also there might be a super big army headed to Lian."

"What? Oh, man...you're right. We have to inform the Lians. We have to stop this somehow. Just-- just leave that to us, okay? You concentrate on getting those guys safely to Zalika."

Jiniki wonders if this would be a bad time to ask if Amiel can go with Sekani when he comes to get his pants.

IT'S NEVER A BAD TIME FOR AWESOME PANTS.

>>214080

Yes worms want to live too. Didn't you see the look in its eyes when it scarfed down all those bombs?

Nothing we can do about it now though. If another worm comes you can make sure it's attacking next time, and not just trying to be friends!

That's a big hole. I wonder how far down it goes.

you need to see what everyone thinks about leaving and if they all agree then rip open a space hole and send them to zalinka.

>>214087

You say that like ripping open the fabric of space were no big deal. Easier to have them just walk there.

Find out who is in charge here. Does the leader know this is a suicide mission?

Slinkoboy 2010/07/31(Sat)09:53 No. 214226 ID: 6547ec
File 128059522573.png - (64.39KB , 700x500 , 39.png )

>>214083
>>214086
Jinki considers that close enough of a sign to ask about Amiel.

"Um, mister birdie..."

"Hmm?"

"Do worms want to live too?"

"Um, I think so, probably. Most living creatures would prefer being alive to dead, I think"

"Oh..."

Oh geez, does this mean Jiniki was a bad girl? She was just trying to stop the birdies from dying.

"Can--" She pauses. "Can Amiel go with you when you come get your pants"

"That'll slow me down a bit, but um... I'll ask her, okay?"

"Okay..."

Slinkoboy 2010/07/31(Sat)09:54 No. 214227 ID: 6547ec
File 128059524621.png - (56.97KB , 700x500 , 40.png )

>>214087
>>214089
Jiniki is unable to create portals. Her majicka is limited to manipulating objects and glowing pretty colors. Technically she can also manipulate other majicka, but that might not be a huge issue out here.

Susan decides to speed things up by gathering everyone at once. She ponders over what she should say to them. Convincing half of them to come would only decrease the others' odds for survival, so she hopes to convince all of them to see things her way.

"How many of you are aware that your force was sent out to serve as a diversion for a larger force?"

It's alright Jiniki, you did as best as you could for the situation. Think you can take the magicka out of the dead worm?

How many of you signed up to die? Were you told you weren't going to be coming back from this? How many of you have family still alive? Anyone who would miss you if you conveniently died in the service of your country? Your little group with the one cart of bombs against the entire Lian army? Did they tell you that you were going to join with the rest of your army, or did they just leave you in uncomfortable silence?

Don't kid yourself, this group will get no backup or assistence. It's a diversion, a suicide mission to distract the Lians while the rest of your army attacks. Really you lost the moment you signed up for this war. You have nothing left; your country knows this, and takes full advantage of it. Do you like killing people? Do you like risking your lives? Is all of this doing any good? No, the reason you're all here is not because you want to be here. It's because you've been given no other option. Die as forgotten war heroes or die for disobeying the very people who sentenced you to death. That is what war is. War is nothing but death. Nobody wins. Any glory in it was lost the moment your leaders lied to you and tried to trick you into thinking this mission would be just another day's work.

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but it's true. As soldiers you should know this well. War is won not by who is right, but by who is left. But your commanders, your state, they're people just like you. Would you be able to convince someone to go throw their life away? Wouldn't it be easier if they just assumed that they were going to be okay? That's why they haven't told you. It takes a powerful person to send you to your deaths, and many people don't have it in them to do that, so instead they trick you, and they never tell you the truth.

I'm telling you the truth today, not because I am strong or powerful. I don't have the power to send you to your deaths. I don't have the power to stop you if you go to die. But I do have the opportunity to give you another option.

You don't have to die. This war doesn't have to continue. Because I know of a secret, a secret place where you can be safe. Where you can learn the truth about the war, about yourselves, about your enemy. I represent a group, a cause dedicated to offering another option. Instead of war, instead of treason, I offer you sanctuary. You war weary, tired travellers, come with me to Zalika. There we can work together not to win this war, but to end it. To end the war with the power of love, peace, understanding and magicka.

wait, not that last one. Just love peace and understanding.

Don't talk to the group, talk to the leader.

And make sure Amiel stays the hell away from the Tezakians. Things could only go badly if they saw her.

>>214267

This.

Can Tezakians even slow clap?

Slinkoboy 2010/08/01(Sun)06:15 No. 214559 ID: 6547ec
File 128066850368.png - (62.75KB , 700x500 , 41.png )

>>214267
As she gives her speech, all she can ask is...why?

Why is she trying so hard to save them?

Is it guilt?

Is it because of that bird? Does she feel some obligation to him or his gods?

Everything's blurry.


Neks walks up beside her and addresses the others himself.

"This war has taken my mate and child from me. I know it's taken loved ones from you as well. Did they die like we would, in battles they were never meant to win? The thought makes me sick."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/01(Sun)06:15 No. 214560 ID: 6547ec
File 128066852060.png - (68.92KB , 700x500 , 42.png )

He rips off his armband.

"We all knew the truth, we just refused to admit it. They put me, a scout, in charge of this group. They did this because I was expendable. Scouts are a dime a dozen. Well, they've taken enough from me. I don't owe them a damn thing, and neither do any of you. Those of you who wish to come with us, tear off your bands and meet us outside the camp tomorrow morning. Those who wish to remain can fight and die for their country. I can't stop you."

Everyone looks at each other and there are some murmurs. After a moment, someone else rips off their armband.

"My father died for them!"

Slowly, everyone else begins to rip off their armbands, shouting the names of those who gave their lives for this endless war. Susan's speech was a complete success, and there was nobody who wanted to continue fighting their endless war.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/01(Sun)06:15 No. 214561 ID: 6547ec
File 128066855350.png - (156.90KB , 700x500 , 43.png )

>>214229
Jiniki concentrates and feels the majicka that inhabited the worm surround her. Without a host body, it will lose the last of its power and fade away.

She has never tried this before. She isn't quite sure what to do...or how to feel.

Tell them that they move out at 0600, and to get their bags, supplies, and tents.

And Jiniki, dear? Mind keeping your distance a bit? We haven't ruled out that being a sentient bit of majicka.

>>214559

Hahaha dance my puppets dance!

Seriously though, you tried to kill him and he responded by saving your life I'd say that's a pretty good reason to help him out. Plus, Jiniki managed to contact the klis-khar to the north, and you probably don't want to invite them into a war zone. War in general is stupid, a social stratifier and a drain on any economy that touches it, and you'll want none of that business in building your new empire!

>>214564

Silly, how sentient magicka is only depends on how much power it has! This little bit probably only has the mind of a kitty.

>>214561
I don't see why we need any more power. Too much of this stuff can have negative mental side effects, remember? Just try to focus it together and see what kind of majicka it is. If it's healing majicka then it might be nice to have. If it's an offensive type then just let it go.

As for the worm... well, it was hostile. You used its violent intentions to help save lives. There's no reason to feel bad about it.

Jiniki: Give the majicka thing to mommy. She has more experience with this than you do.

>>214681

Think back. It was explicitly mentioned that having more power does not make them more mentally unstable.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/02(Mon)10:18 No. 214845 ID: 6547ec
File 128076948587.png - (90.22KB , 700x500 , 44.png )

>>214760
>>214681
Jiniki feels a little bit better. She decides to take the majicka to mommy to see what she should do with it.

"W-what is that?"

"I think it's ice majicka. I found it from the worm. Do you want it?"

"N-no, no. We... we should get rid of it. It... it is dangerous. We've... we've seen what it can do to people if left unchecked."

It probably won't last much longer. Neither of them have any idea if they could just...absorb it, or what it would do if either of them succeeded in doing so. Susan's hands betray her desire to try.

>>214845
For the love of all of the gods, do not, repeat, do not let Susan try absorbing the majicka.

Ever.

Maybe Jiniki, but not Susan.

Yeah, I'm gonna say maybe Jiniki - ooh! Maybe you can keep it and give it to Amiel afterward!

Absorb it, do not give it to mommy. Terrible idea.

Hopefully you can reject it later if it tries to give you trouble.

I'd say definitely let it dissipate. We've seen time and again that it's a very slippery slope, best not get into the habit.

If I remember correctly, the problem was that certain people have more problems controlling majicka than others. Also, the stronger the majicka, the harder it is to control. Susan *might* be able to control a little bit of Ice majicka but to be honest I don't want to take that risk.

Remember, most can't even use more than one type... the only creature we encountered that could use more than one was... well, we don't want to become like that.

You should just let it dissipate.

Let it dissipate.

Be a good girl and do what your mother says.

You are all cowards. Hide it in Susan's canteen. That should keep it safe until we have a suitably hilarious moment for it to show up.

>>214903

Wait.

That's brilliant.

Can you imbue it into an object? Make it a focus for those that don't really want to be affected by Majicka?

>>214845

Go for it Susan. You're a different person now, you can handle it. And besides, it's just a little bit of Ice Majicka... and isn't that desert awfully hot? Go on, take it. There's more cure anyway, so what's the worst that could happen?

>>214913

Sure, if the object is alive.

So basically, no. Magicka is symbiotic, meaning it can't live without a host.

That said, are you sure the water in your canteen doesn't have any life in it? ^.^

Slinkoboy 2010/08/03(Tue)00:11 No. 215030 ID: 6547ec
File 128081945925.png - (68.75KB , 700x500 , 45.png )

>>214903
>>214913
Jiniki shoves the unsuspecting majicka into a WATER CONTAINMENT DEVICE. Either it'll fade out anyway, or she'll be able to keep it going a little while longer. Either way, she realizes that giving it to mommy might make her sick again, so she decides against it.

Mommy doesn't say much as the rest of the day passes. She glances at the bottle from time to time, but quickly looks away just as quickly.

Eventually night falls, and they leave their clothes in the Tent that was made for them on the off chance it'd actually trick anyone into thinking they're still sleeping there.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/03(Tue)00:12 No. 215031 ID: 6547ec
File 128081953893.png - (75.90KB , 700x500 , 46.png )

"Oh MAN these pants are SO KEEN! I can't wait to store some items in these bad boys!" Sekani says excitedly.

"You're a very strange bird," Susan replies.

Amiel runs up to Jiniki and hugs her. "Jiniiii I missed you so much"

Jiniki giggles. "I was only gone a day, Amiel!"

"I don't care~ It was a very long day~"


Sekani turns to Susan. "So how'd it go?"

"I managed to convince them to head to Zalika, I think. I hope none of them change their mind by tomorrow."

"If you want, I could lead them back for you... though I'm not sure how they'd respond to Amiel being here."

"Hmm." Susan says as she considers her options.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/03(Tue)00:14 No. 215032 ID: 6547ec
File 12808196566.png - (71.19KB , 700x500 , 47.png )

>>214852
"Amiel I got you some majicka~"

"What, like, in this canteen?"

"You can use it if you want so you can live longer so you and mister birdie can be happy forever~"

"Um... Thanks, but the last time I got majicka put in me I became kind of unpopular. I don't think we have and more huge chapters to devote to me handling this stuff a second time."

"You say silly things sometimes~"

Jiniki might be able to convince Amiel to take it if she really wanted to. Otherwise she'll go ahead and let it dissipate.

>>215032

Well good grief give it to someone. Don't you got eggs to wake up or something?

Tell Amiel that if she doesn't want it, Mommy sure seemed keen on taking it. But hey, if she's sure she doesn't want it...

Man, I'd never thought I'd fall behind on a one-a-day thing.

Susan, you did what you did not because of guilt. What you did was because you're trying to be a good person. What you didn't see is that you still are a good person, it's just that majicka made you lose sight, and then briefly abandon that thought. You might not be up to your own morality now, but the good thing is that you're trying.

Now. As much as it pains me to suggest this, and I really don't want to suggest this, go see Necks, explain what it is, and all of what it does, and offer it to him.

Ah forget it, it's not like the author really planned on us doing this anyway.

>>215032
It's OK, Amiel. Everyone knows that what happened before wasn't your fault, it was Magic Johnson. This is just ordinary Majicka that won't compromise your personality in any way.

Jiniki is young and already has powerful Majicka so giving her too much is a risk and Susan knows she doesn't deserve Majicka that might harm others even if she wants it. Amiel is the best person to have it so she can have a long life with Mister Birdie and keep in contact with Jiniki herself. There's still plenty of cure at Zalika if she changes her mind.

>>215133
Well, not too much of a change. Anyway, you aren't the main character, Amiel. You're a Indirect Character. See!

>Amiel, Cha-cha.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/03(Tue)13:08 No. 215241 ID: 6547ec
File 128086608666.png - (74.85KB , 700x500 , 48.png )

>>215034
The eggs were all broken except for Sekani Jr, who was given majicka by mister birdie.


>>215133
"You shouldn't be sad about what happened last time. You were sick, but you got better. And if you get sick again you can just use a cure!"

"That's true..."

Amiel looks over at Sekani. "I feel so fashionable and awesome~" He says gleefully.

"...I'll think about it," Amiel finally says. "Thanks, Jini."

For a moment, Jiniki thinks she hears the sound of a passing train. Must be her imagination. They talk for a few hours, and decide to go ahead and meet Neks. His group would run into the Lians at Zalika eventually anyway, so Susan decides to get them used to the idea while she's still around. An hour before they're to head out, they ask him to come with them.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/03(Tue)13:08 No. 215242 ID: 6547ec
File 128086611345.png - (64.90KB , 700x500 , 49.png )

"What is this!?" He exclaims. "Why's this spine-arm here!?"

"She's my super friend!" Jiniki says happily.

"You're friends with these things!?"

Amiel waves sheepishly.

Jini, explain how awesome Amiel is, and how much she and Mister Birdie love each other and how they're going to have adorable little monster babies!

She wants peace too! The Lians are people just like Tezakians.

>>215242
Remind Neks of how they were lied to about their "backup". Suggest that tactical maneuvers may not be the only thing their superiors are lying about.

If he needs proof, you can point out the fact that Amiel is being nonthreatening, hasn't flipped out and tried to kill everyone, etc.

Does Neks really think that Tezakians are the only ones who can be tired of the war?

CRAP you weren't supposed to go meet them first, Amiel! It was supposed to be the birdie monster. Now they think it's a trap! There's only one way you can move forward in this situation safely. Rock mode.

"Did you really think you're the only kind that can see the futility of this war?"

>>215310
"Do you believe that love can bloom on the battlefield?"

Seriously, rock mode. If Amiel rolls around like the long tailed little pangolin that she is, they'll be unable to be scared of her.

Quietly suggest Amiel take a sip of her WATER CONTAINMENT DEVICE. You know, to... break the ice.

Nervously sipping at your WATER CONTAINMENT DEVICE is acceptable.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/04(Wed)01:43 No. 215432 ID: 6547ec
File 128091143248.png - (98.94KB , 700x500 , 50.png )

>>215243
"She's super friends with mister birdie too! And they're going to have a million babies and live happy together forever~"

"Wha--?" Neks says, clearly unsure how to feel about this.

"I don't know about all that," Amiel says, "but Sekani and I were able to put aside our differences and become really close."

Neks stares at Sekani for a moment. He seems to notice that Sekani looks a bit...different, but doesn't say anything.

>>215246
>>215287
"She is not your enemy," Susan says. "Her tail is down, and she's holding hands with one of your kind. She isn't a threat to you. The Lians are tired of the war too."

"Argh," Neks replies, sounding frustrated. "This is a lot to take in, you know. Your kind killed my family!"

"The Tezakians killed my father," Amiel says calmly. "He was everything to me. But I didn't blame your race-- I blamed the war. That's why I want to help stop it."

Neks is silent. He looks at Amiel, then at Sekani, then at Susan. He starts pacing back and forth, making strange gestures with his arms.

"Your government killed your family. This war killed your family. That is what you should be blaming-- that is your enemy." Susan says.

"Just-- give me a minute, okay? I need a minute." Neks says as he continues pacing.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/04(Wed)01:44 No. 215433 ID: 6547ec
File 128091144798.png - (51.24KB , 700x500 , 51.png )

>>215377
>>215412

Slinkoboy 2010/08/04(Wed)01:44 No. 215435 ID: 6547ec
File 128091146975.png - (56.72KB , 700x500 , 53.png )

Uh oh.

Kindling 2010/08/04(Wed)01:47 No. 215436 ID: 6547ec
File 128091164126.jpg - (13.84KB , 72x72 , 33omrfd.jpg )

>>215435
VICTORY

DO NOT SWALLOW FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD SPIT IT OUT NOW!

....you already swallowed didn't you.

>>215438

Well. If this is the case, I hope that you really liked breakfast this morning.

Jiniki, remember how you helped Sekani get control over his majicka? We can do that for Amiel now!

Wait. Why can't Jiniki just take back the majicka from her and put it back into the canteen?

Amiel: excuse self and make TACTICAL WITHDRAWAL. Tell Neks she respects that this must be hard and she'll give him time to adjust to the idea of working with a Lian. Also that he should be the one to tell the others about her since they trust him. Then retreat at a non-threatening pace.

Bad Amiel! No drinking the crazy kool-aid! Spit it out before that shit causes more problems, bleh.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/04(Wed)11:35 No. 215574 ID: 6547ec
File 12809469356.png - (12.84KB , 700x500 , 54.png )

>>215438
>>215528
AMIEL ISN'T SURE IF SHE SWALLOWED ANY OR NOT OH GOD

Slinkoboy 2010/08/04(Wed)11:35 No. 215575 ID: 6547ec
File 128094695093.png - (67.74KB , 700x500 , 55.png )

>>215485
"Okay um I respect how hard this will be so I won't try to pressure you or anything I mean it took me a good five or ten minutes to get over my racism and get a crush on Sekani so I know these things take time and anyway we'll be waiting for you over here and I hope you make the right choice um bye!" Amiel says rapidly.

"D-don't worry Amiel," Sekani says less rapidly, "We still have eight cures left."

Neks just watches them walk off. "She's... kind of strange."

"Yeah, she's kind of hard to figure out sometimes." Susan replies.

"It's going to be hard working with them, but...all right. I'll talk to the others and try to get them to see things your way."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/04(Wed)11:36 No. 215576 ID: 6547ec
File 128094696360.png - (51.44KB , 700x500 , 56.png )

"They're... they're good people," Susan says. "Even when given no choice but to kill, they still seek to find another way. If anyone can bring peace to your races, it's them."

"You've done so much for us, stranger. What's your name, anyway? I don't think you told me."

She originally went by 'Ishiji,' which roughly translates to 'Radiant Hope'. During her reign over the Majicka Research Facility, she took on the name Iiji, 'Hope'.

And then Amiel decided her name was Susan, which doesn't translate to anything. She played along to avoid causing trouble, but now she can choose any name she wants. It's not like Amiel's going to be around to object.

"My daughter is named 'Jiniki', and my name is..."

Who are you kidding.

Your name is Susan.

>>215576
Enduring Hope. Whatever that spells out.

>>215576
A name which sounds like "Susan", but also has a nice meaning.

>>215574
Amiel: does ice majicka taste cool and refreshing?
Jiniki: go with Amiel in case she needs the vision quest thing again.

Enduring hope, but you aren't here any more. "Susan" is our name now. Maybe 'Joyful Lotus'...How does that sound?

Amiel? I am -so- sorry! You shouldn't have drunk that. Jiniki just wanted to talk to you from far away!

I will have you know that Susan is a very symbolic ad revered name in the ancient language of the Bah-hustards!

However, as that race died out long ago, it's sort of moot. Go with whatever, but try and avoid the letter I. That's what started this mess.

How about Orange Army?Cut it and use the other half, maybe? Just whatever Radiant would be.

Your name is still Susan! It's a lovely name, and it suits you well. If you want something else though... Well, what are some of the words in your language?

What would "Rekindled Hope" be translated as?

>>215713

If this has a meaning without "E"'s and "I"'s involved, count this as having a vote!

Slinkoboy 2010/08/05(Thu)06:14 No. 215766 ID: 6547ec
File 128101406654.png - (49.47KB , 700x500 , 57.png )

>>215592
Kahiji?

>>215598
"Susan" doesn't sound like very many Klis-khar words. She isn't actually capable of pronouncing it very well.

>>215601
'Joyful Lotus' would be roughly 'Ni'kisha'

>>215713
'Rekindled Hope' would translate into 'Iji-nikahr"

>>215653
Hmm. If she uses synonyms for the words 'rekindled' and 'hope' to avoid the letter I...

"Um, miss?" Neks asks.

"Oh. sorry. I spaced out for a moment there."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/05(Thu)06:15 No. 215767 ID: 6547ec
File 128101413367.png - (48.44KB , 700x500 , 58.png )

"My name is Shela'ka. You can call me Shela for short."
The translation is closer to 'I hope to be rekindled', but that's the closest she can come without using an 'I'.

"Um, okay, Shela."

"That Lian might try to call me 'Susan', but just ignore her because she's kind of silly."

"I noticed that. Anyway. Thanks for everything, Shela."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/05(Thu)06:18 No. 215768 ID: 6547ec
File 128101428885.png - (86.08KB , 700x500 , 59.png )

Neks manages to convince the others to come with him despite the presence of Lians. They pack everything up and head out, following Amiel and Sekani.

>>215599
>>215601
"Um, mommy?"

"Hmm?"

"I wonder if maybe I should have said I was sorry to Amiel 'cause it's kind of my fault she accidentally drank the majicka and I feel super bad."

"Don't feel bad, my child. Whether or not she goes down that road is her decision, and they still have cures if she decides against it."

Jiniki ponders silently for a moment.

"Um, should I go with her so I can go into her head and help her?"

"I don't think it'd do her much good. Majicka will reflect what she desires regardless of if you're there or not. We just have to trust her to make the right choices for herself."

As she watches them fade into the distance, Shela wonders if the name Sekani chose for the facility had any special meaning to him. She kind of wishes she thought to ask before they left.


Despite what her mommy said, Jiniki still kind of wants to say something to Amiel via majicka. Amiel might not be able to respond, but she'll still be able to hear it. But what should she say?

>>215768

Say "BOO!"

>>215768
Tell her to be careful and wish her luck with the new Tezakians.
Maybe also say that if she still hates the letter 'e' she should realize that her name contains an 'e' (Amiel) but she can't go around calling herself Ami'l because that would be silly.

"Have fun storming the castle!"

>>215768
"Don't worry! Whatever happens you'll still be Amiel!"

We should warn them about all the new recruits we'll be sending, even after this initial group. Because we are recruiting EVERYONE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The good news is now that we have both Lians and birdiesTezakians at the facility so they can probably field anyone we toss their way without our having to accompany them. Onward to home!

Now let's go find some fellow bugs!

OH GOD YOU NEED MORE ROBOTS

>>215849
This. Say this to Amiel.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/06(Fri)05:18 No. 215921 ID: 6547ec
File 128109712685.png - (94.04KB , 700x500 , 60.png )

>>215780
"Have fun storming the castle~"

Huh?

>>215849
"Mister robot is going to get super tired with all these people around so you should make a new one! All you need is a billigan wires and some computers and some super glue and a pony I mean I don't know what a pony has to do with making robots but come on it's a pony!"

Silly Jini~

>>215783
"We'll keep sending people if we find then and maybe we'll find some doctors too so mister robot can take a robot break and eat a robot snack~"

Amiel is going to miss her ramblings. They always give her such a head rush.


>>215781
"Also um don't worry about the majicka too much you should just do what you want and no matter what happens you're still Amiel and we'll be super friends forever okay~?"

Sigh... Amiel really wishes Jini didn't have to leave.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/06(Fri)05:21 No. 215925 ID: 6547ec
File 128109727946.png - (94.12KB , 700x500 , 61.png )

>>215771
"So um see you later Amiel-- hey I just realized don't you hate the letter E? And your name has an E in it. Ah-mEE-ehl! That's kind of funny I wonder if you ever noticed that before~"

....

Slinkoboy 2010/08/06(Fri)05:21 No. 215926 ID: 6547ec
File 128109729046.png - (76.73KB , 700x500 , 62.png )

Shela helps her daughter get dressed for the journey ahead.

"Now I know it's a little constricting, but we're going to be walking a lot more today, so let's try to keep our cloaks on top of our arms and bodies this time, okay?"

"Okay mommy~"

They embark and travel for a couple of hours without incident.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/06(Fri)05:21 No. 215927 ID: 6547ec
File 128109730346.png - (123.99KB , 700x500 , 63.png )

After a while, they see a figure in the distance.

>>215927
Let's see who it is.

Sense for majicka?!

Probably not, get a little closer... unless it looks like it's running at you.

>>215927
Be careful, it might be the pain train.

Pull out the Binos and look at them.

Deploy the far-seer!

>>215970
>Farseer
>>215345
>Love Can Bloom?

ANyway, just walk up, casual-like. To your knowledge, they're not here to kill and eat you. Binoculars might be a good idea, but just act cool.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/07(Sat)07:48 No. 216085 ID: 6547ec
File 128119251145.png - (125.42KB , 700x500 , 64.png )

>>215970
>>215928
>>215968
It looks to be a Diuban, wearing some strange clothing. It's stumbling forward, panting.

>>215929
It doesn't look like a Ki-jaara, and Jiniki detects no sign of majicka.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/07(Sat)07:48 No. 216086 ID: 6547ec
File 128119252341.png - (50.93KB , 700x500 , 65.png )

>>215996
Casual...

"Um... 'sup?" Shela says awkwardly as they approach.

The Diuban falls to its hands and knees. It appears to be male. "Help... water..."

He collapses.

Paused Slinkoboy 2010/08/07(Sat)07:50 No. 216089 ID: 6547ec
File 128119264229.png - (54.71KB , 700x500 , 65 PAUSE.png )

[Taking the rest of saturday off to prevent such nasty things as fatigue and burnout! Next update on Sunday.]

Sure, give him some water. Ask him why he set out into the desert without proper provisions.

Jiniki, he's wearing some pretty cool mysterious character type clothes.

Assume he is a vampire hunter on the run. Don't let anything he says change your mind.

Give him some water. Good thing you gave Amiel that magicka water.

He is sufficiently unique. Give water, recruit.

You jerk. You're going to make him wait 24 hours before you give him a drink? It'll probably be too late by then!

Gee, I hope Amiel left a canteen to replace the infected one she took with her. If not, you probably can't spare the water he needs.

Note that the coat he's wearing looks awfully heavy. Not exactly desert-wandering gear, is it?

Slinkoboy 2010/08/09(Mon)11:22 No. 216717 ID: 6547ec
File 128137814721.png - (89.99KB , 700x500 , 66.png )

>>216116
"Oh gosh it's a vampire!"

"It's not a Vampire."

"He's going to get huge pincers and then he's going to pinch us!!!"

"...Do you even know what a vampire is, dear?"

"They're scary!"

>>216135
The bird brought some extra water with him, although the net gain was very little due to losing one container to the Lian.

>>216117
>>216119
Shela offers some water to the poor fellow. With the water they had been drinking while walking here, they are now down to three canteens.

>>216157
This is very true. This Diuban was clearly unprepared to wander the desert. Why would be he out here without food or water, in clothing ill-fitted for the heat?

Slinkoboy 2010/08/09(Mon)11:23 No. 216718 ID: 6547ec
File 128137820443.png - (40.24KB , 700x500 , 67.png )

Suddenly, Shela notices the air shift with her Antennae. She can't see anything yet, but she can feel others making their way here. They must be moving pretty quickly if she can sense their movements from so far away. Could they be looking for this fellow?

>>216718
He's running from someone! Great, we got caught up in something. Quickly find out what his story is before they get here. We don't have anything to go on at the moment.

>>216718

Uh oh it's the cavalry. Hide behind the... uh... shit, bury yourself in the sand. They'll never... why are you travelling the desert during the daytime anyway? Isn't it hot?

Hide behind that lizard!

Tell Jini to get ready to flatten some bitches if it comes to that.

Jiniki: COMBAT OPERANDI: This is a drill! Get the mysterious Belmondo underground immediately via awesome telekinetic digging prowess!

Oh, and leave some air with him.

Bury him slightly. Get him camouflaged. Stand with one leg on him so that he can't do any "leaves while you were distracted" BS.

Oh. And collect the leezard. The leezard is awesome.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/09(Mon)17:58 No. 216817 ID: 6547ec
File 128140193273.png - (42.88KB , 700x500 , 68.png )

>>216731
...

Shela thinks this won't work.

"Mommy, I think somebody's coming."

"Get ready to use your majicka if they try something. Looks like we might get caught up in a...situation."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/09(Mon)17:59 No. 216818 ID: 6547ec
File 12814019772.png - (56.71KB , 700x500 , 69.png )

>>216722
"Are you being followed? Why are you out in the desert with no supplies?" Shela asks.

"I can't...let them. Please help."

"Can't let them what?"

"I know. They... I know and they don't want me to tell anyone. I know and they don't..."

He must be delirious from heat stroke.

>>216726
Yes, but the heat isn't a huge problem to their species so long as they're covered properly. The cold of night is far worse.

>>216743
They just bury him.

>>216750
"If he tries to run away, would you pin him down, child?"

"Okay~"

Shela doesn't see much point in taking a poor lizard out of its native habitat.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/09(Mon)18:01 No. 216822 ID: 6547ec
File 128140210551.png - (80.18KB , 700x500 , 70.png )

Another Diuban rides up on a... What are those things called again? Li'ki? Shi'ki?

"Awwww~ Can I pet it, mommy? Pleeaaase?"

"No, no. It might bite."

"Ahem," The Diuban interrupts. "I am looking for somebody. Have you seen him? He's about this tall, kind of a bluish grey, wearing a brown coat?"

"You've got me curious," Susan replies. "Why are you looking for this person?"

"He's wanted for a number of crimes. I would tell you more, but it's against security protocols. Surely you understand. Just know that he's dangerous and should be captured immediately. Now, have you seen him? Also why is that little one glowing"

>>216822
We ain't seen jack.
Tell him you're coming back from a renaissance fair, and Jini's wearing a new kind of glowing facepaint.

>>216822

There's nothing wrong with her. She's just a glowing girl.

BIG LEEZARD! :D

"Well, I can't say that I do know what these security measures are all about. If you need to catch a criminal, you would need some reason to warrant him an arrest. Besides, I've been to a lot of towns and places and have seen a lot of blue Dieubians in brown coats. Perhaps if you would let me know why he's being arrested, I'd be able to tell you by what the townsfolk know."

"Oh. And she just does that."

As for what to tell the guy, I'd like to remind you that Tayza is BORED. Bored, bored, bored. Stuck doing stupid diplomacy and not killing things. It has been HOURS, maybe even DAYS since she pounced on her prey and feasted on its delicious, tender, only slightly-armored flesh.

Point towards the facility, and state, "He went that way."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/10(Tue)15:54 No. 217167 ID: 6547ec
File 128148089466.png - (73.51KB , 700x500 , 71.png )

>>216854
"You know how children are. They glow up so fast," Susan says.

"I...see."

>>216862
"I don't presume to know about your peoples' securities, but I have been to many places and have seen many of your race. If I had a little more information about his crimes, I might be able to remember rumors I've heard about him and at least point you in the right direction."

He grunts. "Fair enough. But you must swear to keep this information to yourself."

"You have my word."

"Okay," The Diuban says after a sigh. "He's wanted for theft. He took a couple of documents and an important gem from one of our government buildings, and it's very important that we get those back."

>>216910
"Hmm," Shela thinks for a moment. "I think I heard something about stolen government property in a facility I visited not long ago. I'll give you some directions to find it. Ask for someone named Tayza, I'm sure they'll be able to help you."

Shela struggles not to smile a bit. It's been so long since she's gotten to send someone to get hunted by Tayza. Of course, the modern Tayza's probably not going to eat them. Oh well.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/10(Tue)15:55 No. 217168 ID: 6547ec
File 128148095416.png - (37.68KB , 700x500 , 72.png )

"All right. Thank you for your help. I'll be off now." He tilts his hat at them and proceeds to ride off.

"Bye mister Lizard~" Jiniki waves.

...Did it wave back? Nah, that can't be right.

Now to decide what to do with the Diuban they just covered for. He's suffering from heat stroke. They could try and revive him here, or drag him with them to the Oasis. If they want to revive him here, they'll need to figure out a way to get him out of the sun.

Unless being buried in the sand counts as "out of the sun".

>>217168
Jiniki could levitate a block of sand to make shade. We do need to get him to the oasis though...

Heat stroke? Well, shit. Now I almost feel bad about making Amiel sexy again, instead of helping this guy. Almost.

Jiniki can probably make a really cool sand ninja parasol, but that only helps to a point. According to this handy guide I'm sure you brought along, you should also elevate his feet, strip him naked, rifle through his pockets, and get him cooled down in the nearest oasis.

And mourn that you never finished that jetpack for Grasshopper.

>>217184

As sexy as a walking pincushion!

>>217168

Don't try to revive him here. Get him cool and wet as soon as possible. Do however rifle through his pockets to read the papers he's carrying and feel free to hold that magnificent gem for him.

You can use his leather overcoat as a sun shade. You just need some sticks to hold it up away from anyone's body. It might be better to use it as a stretcher actually, should slide along the sand easily enough until you get to the oasis.

You can hide the gem and papers somewhere noticeable before you reach the oasis. That way if they ambush you they won't find anything but the Diubian, so they can't kill any of you. Then you can escape once their back is turned since they don't know about Jiniki's unique abilities.

... D'awww.

While carting him around, do be sure to keep him nice and hydrated. And you might ask Jiniki to cut the top of that cactus behind you and extract the water from the pulp and add it to any empty canteens you might have. Should be the last reserve you should use as water because it just might be poisonous, but any port in the storm, right?

Slinkoboy 2010/08/11(Wed)16:20 No. 217435 ID: 6547ec
File 12815688301.png - (102.41KB , 700x500 , 73.png )

>>217184
>>217246
>>217303
They slice open the cactus and fill a canteen with QUESTIONABLE WATER.

Shela carries the Diuban, noticing he doesn't feel nearly as heavy as she expected. Strange.

She's unable to read any of the papers on his person, as they're written in Diuban. The gem is light blue, and sparkles a bit in the sunlight.

They do their best to keep him cool and hydrated at the cost of a canteen, leaving them with two canteens of clean water. It takes a while, and Jiniki has to rest a couple of times, but they eventually make their way to the oasis.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/11(Wed)16:20 No. 217436 ID: 6547ec
File 128156885620.png - (155.58KB , 700x500 , 74.png )

"Aaaaahhh that's so much better," he says. Jiniki splashes around happily.

"You could have died. Why were you out in the desert with no supplies?"

"I had to leave. They were after me."

"Why?"

"I...borrowed some stuff from some people. They didn't appreciate that very much. I had to get away."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/11(Wed)16:21 No. 217437 ID: 6547ec
File 128156887169.png - (155.51KB , 700x500 , 75.png )

"You mean this?" Shela says as she pulls out the gem.

"Um-- yes. Exactly."

"Normally I wouldn't intrude on other peoples' business, but since I saved your life and hid you from your pursuer I think it's only fair you tell me what this thing is."

He pauses for a moment. He looks away, then back at Shela.

He sighs. "I guess I owe you one. All right. That gem and those documents prove my family's claim over a bit of land. The government is trying to screw us out of what's rightfully ours. I thought that by taking the proof I could make my way to the prime minister and prove my claim. I was found out, and fled to the desert to lie low for a while."

"I see."

"I know it's hard to believe, but Diuban politics are...complicated at times. The lower government bodies will try to screw you if you're not careful."

so, you are sure that the prime minister would side with you and not with the others?

I don't really care about his Diubian whatever whatever, but why did he flee into the desert wearing a thick leather jacket? For that matter, what do they make those jackets out of? Oh my god is he wearing the skin of a fellow Diubian

Refill all your canteens with the oasis water.

His story fits, I suppose. It seems slightly off somehow but there's nothing seriously out of place.

Bah, politicians! You can't trust the lot of them! From the lowliest clerk, to the most royal queen!

Try asking Dilia to translate the documents.

No, don't do that. I just wanted to see you try to moo.

Oh, hey, that story is entirely too tidy. He's still massively suspect until you have some way to have this translated. You're probably out too far for a bipedal Dilia to get to you quickly, so he's just going to have to tag along for now. Keep the gem and the document concealed on your person.

Still, no reason not to ask Dilia if that story sounds reasonable or not. Translating the note through Tayza or Sekani might not be feasible, but asking about Dubian government should be easy.

Jiniki: Ask Sekani to ask Dilia if Diuban Vampire Hunters often have to worry about their government illegally seizing their secret base of operations.
:3

Slinkoboy 2010/08/12(Thu)10:43 No. 217675 ID: 6547ec
File 128163503622.png - (38.73KB , 700x500 , 76.png )

>>217510
Haha, yeah. Those queens are the worst. Hehehe...

Slinkoboy 2010/08/12(Thu)10:45 No. 217679 ID: 6547ec
File 128163514268.png - (69.81KB , 700x500 , 77.png )

>>217552
Dilia can't use majicka and thus can't respond.

>>217565
"Tayza~"

"Hi Jiniki~ What's up?"

"Um, we found this 'Duban' and he said a buncha stuff about the gov'ment and we were wondering if maybe Dilia knows if he's lying or not."

Tayza takes a second to relay the Diuban's story to Dilia. Moments later, she responds.

"Um, Dilia says she hadn't dealt with the government much in years-- she had been traveling with her friends in the desert for years. But she doesn't remember ever hearing about the government seizing land from anyone. That's not to say it's impossible, but it doesn't sound like something they do very often."

Tayza pauses for a moment.

"Oh, by the way. A Diuban showed up not long ago asking about some kind of outlaw. Says you referred him to us. Did you guys want me to do something specific with him?"

Jiniki considers her response.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/12(Thu)10:46 No. 217681 ID: 6547ec
File 12816351639.png - (109.62KB , 700x500 , 78.png )

>>217438
"Why would the Prime Minister accept this document from someone who stole it?"

"Because he's one of the few people left who respects the law. I know if I explain it, he'll realize the local government is being corrupt. I know he'll do the right thing."

>>217455
"So why'd you flee into the desert wearing that coat? Don't you know that thing absorbs heat?"

"Well, I didn't really... I mean I thought you're supposed to wear heavy clothes into the desert."

"You have to consider the type of clothing as well, you know."

"W-well I was kind of in a rush!"

>>217559
"Right. Anyway, you clearly don't know anything about desert travel, so I think you should come with us for a while."

"Um..."

"Would you rather face the desert alone with no supplies?"

"N-no..."

"I'll hold on to this gem for safe keeping, since I think it best that you don't wear the heavy coat."

"But-- that gem's important to me! I can't just trust you with it!"

Tell him that you gave up royalty, that should at least help him not think you'll pawn it or something.

You know, jewelry isn't used for real estate claims very often. What's up with that?