When you chop off your hand make sure not to tell Finesse beforehand, and just yell "HEY FINESSE LOOK AT THIS" *chop*

>>290185
What a great idea. Possibly combined with burning it off.

Don't chop things off until you know for sure it's getting worse. But hey, if it comes to it, you just happened to bring your tinkerer, AND she's an expert on mismatched hands.

Fuck it. I guess there's not much hope of fixing it. Seems like cutting it off is probably the best way. Let Finesse know that you will be requiring a prosthetic as soon as is feasible. And a reliquary to house your hand as well, though creating that might be a task better suited to Ona. We wouldn't want any of that magic getting out.

Muschio 2011/03/22(Tue)19:01 No. 290209 ID: 543aa6
File 130084571229.gif - (10.75KB , 800x600 , 1258.gif )

Very well.
I'll miss this hand, but I'd miss my arm more. After a quick conferring, it appears this is my best option to preent the spread of decay.
Unfortunately, it also means amputation below the wrist.

Some strong liquor, a worker skilled with an axe, and one chopping block later, it's time to say goodbye to one hand.
I never was one for long goodbyes.

>>290209

MUSCHIO WAIT!

THAT'S THE WRONG HAND!

Muschio 2011/03/22(Tue)19:05 No. 290212 ID: 543aa6
File 130084595769.gif - (10.75KB , 800x600 , 1258.gif )

Oh wait.

If it were the wrong hand, I couldn't be using it to hold this bottle.

Maybe I'm just drunk.

>>290212
now Finesse's earband thing is on the wrong ear. She may be a shapeshifter in disguise!

SHE'S A SKRULL!

Continue being drunk.

Muschio 2011/03/22(Tue)19:11 No. 290217 ID: 543aa6
File 130084626215.gif - (4.71KB , 800x600 , 1259.gif )

I must say it's not a flattering new look for me.

>>290217

You will probably experience some mental trauma, so just be prepared for that.

have fin get started on a mechanical replacement.

>>290217
Just imagine CLAW HAND. Or something similar. It'll be totally awesome villain shit.

>>290217
Fix your hair, man!

Get drunker. That's going to hurt a lot.

>>290217
It occurs to me that the only extremety you haven't had horrible pain is you manhood.

Buy a cup.

>>290217
Pfft, don't worry man you live in a world of magic. You'll grow that shit back like a gecko once we or Ona find the right spell/voodoo/magic shit. Probably.

Look into something that can catch and turn a blade. Possible one with a kung-fu grip you can slip another weapon into.

Have Ona and Finnie collaborate on a prosthetic hand. Maybe Tislomer, too. Just a hook would not be sufficient. Sure, it would be intimidating, but would it be intimidating enough? It'd be functional, but would it be functional enough? If nothing else, it'd give a good downtime project for people for a good while. Maybe you could have a whole array of artificial hands for various purposes.

>>290217
This will become an opportunity to be awesome, mark my words! A new hand will be had, be it mundane, magical, mechanical or monstrous! Or perhaps you can just take the assassins hand when we finally kill him, fair is fair after all.

If the guards hadn't confiscated the wristbow, we wouldn't be in this mess. The clear answer is that we need a prosthetic hand that conceals a weapon, as well. We can magically enchant it, so it functions like a golem controlled by your will. Hide your crossbow thing in it, and make it modular so you can add more stuff later. You'll be like Samus Aran. This is awesome.

Congrats, you know have a fucking bad ass physical deformity around which you can build some awesome iconography.

Also, yeah, invest in a cup.

>>290217
Would have preferred to delay, but eh, what can we do?

Now, Muschio, revel in all the people you have inspired! They are yours~

(p.s.: Finesse. Awesome mecha-hand. Lasers. Make it happen.)

fornax_subscriber!OyXaNA7k1o 2011/03/22(Tue)20:50 No. 290256 ID: f4854a
File 130085224102.png - (454.18KB , 640x480 , Kuro_Captain.png )

>>290220
>>290252
something like this, but with a more intimidating "hand" part.

>>290256
WE ARE NOT DOCTOR SWORDS-FOR-HANDS

Some kind of device enchanted to morph into different tools and weapons at your command would be boss. If that's not possible, then a simple metal hand with super-strong death-grip would be acceptable as well.

Or how about a prosthesis that channels and magnifies your own magical abilities?

>>290217
Actually, with the right prosthetic and accompaniments, this could totally be a good look for you.
If you can't get a working tinker hand, I suggest getting a base that you can swap various attachments out with on the fly.

>>290264

So, a flamethrower? That sounds good!

>>290217
you lost your hand
you gained an army

pretty damn fine trade there. Especially considering we have the resources to likely get you a suitable prosthetic.

 

>>290217
You can make an awesome mechanic hand with just the right stuff!! NO MAGIC NEEDED!!

Finesse!! Watch this and get to work!! :D

>>290269
Not a great trade, really. Consider how many hands he has, compared to how many armies there are.

Save the hand. Even if reattachment is impossible, there at least might be a way to analyze the magic that destroyed it. Gain some insight into just how powerful the assassin is. You will most likely see him again.

>>290217
We will find you a nice magical clawhand prosthethic thingy. No worries. Meanwhile you should ask Finesse to get started on making a replacement for you. And then ask the Patriach what enemies he might have who would hire that douchebag who you're going to kill in painful ways.

>>290288
this is imperative, maybe finding a counterspell or something before you meet him again is the best thing to work towards

>>290288

Tentatively agreeing with this. For all we know, though, that could be his plan all along. Some way to spy on us or something along those lines. We'll need to keep it in a very secure place.

>>290404
I'm pretty sure the "INSTANT-DEATH BEAM" is exactly that: designed to kill you.

Clearly this calls for a cannon arm. If it's good enough for Gutts it's good enough for you!

>>290469
>Gutts
Must you spell his name one letter away from Butts?

Muschio 2011/03/29(Tue)23:06 No. 291786 ID: 543aa6
File 130146521377.gif - (11.06KB , 800x600 , 1260.gif )

The Matriarch and Patriarch lose no time. In short order, they've put together a political push so strong not even the most defensive counselor can stand in its way.
With the kind of careful yet confident handling that any leader could learn from, they spin the tale of the assassin's encounter into a point of political revolution. And as I am tended to for my injuries, I watch their saga unfold before my eyes.

The two rulers are united as one again, and the Mesas not only accept it, they celebrate the union. The tide of civil war is not broken, but redirected into new avenues of productivity, entertainment and commerce. Manufacturers are promised a continued bloom, and with myself and any present or future consulates, nations, or kingdoms under my rule given status as sworn allies of the High Throne, we're promised enough arms to supply an entire country, as well as the military alliance of one of the most eager and powerful forces in the southern continent.

awesome. get ona out here or samples to her and they can be fertile too. would probably make the already excited city go super nuts.

>>291785

Sweet!

Our only worry now is that this will alert your enemies. See if you can mitigate that if at all possible, but place your recuperation on top priority.

KICKIN' RAD!

Now about your hand... how is it doing?

>>291786
Cool, now you can outfit whatever goblin horde you recruit from nearby your base. You should probably get on recruiting that goblin horde as fast as you can when you get back. Or lets put that into things to do after getting a magical replacement hand.

>>291786
ONA! GET OUT HERE! WE NEED YOU FOR BUG SEX! DON'T WORRY, IT'LL BE CONSENSUAL AND NOT IN A CAVE!

>>291786
Wonderful, soon our conquest of the southern continent can begin. Then once we have that... THE WORLD! Our revenge will be sweet and all those against us shall falter.

>>291785
Whoa. That's some NICE rewards there. But yeah, let's not forget about the fertility treatment. Try to get a private audience with them to discuss it.

Muschio 2011/03/29(Tue)23:20 No. 291799 ID: 543aa6
File 130146601241.gif - (10.33KB , 800x600 , 1261.gif )

As for my own health... I've remained in the Mesas for a brief period of days to recuperate.

My hand is the very picture of advanced decay. For... whatever reason, Finesse had brought along a glass jar, which we've used to preserve the hand, as much as we can. Perhaps at a later date we can study it and get some kind of insight, but I do not believe the magics of the masked assassin have left much possibility for recovery in this amputated limb.

I'll miss that hand.

We'll get you one ten times more awesome and more diabolical.

After all, what's villainy without a little self-aware humor and fun?

no worries boss. magic and tinkering can make a better one.

>>291799
We still need Ona for bugsex. Think, Muschio. If it is YOUR responsibility that they are fertile and have a heir, then you would traditionally become the godfather. And if they meet a tragic accident, then you become the REGENT. And if the heir meets an accident...

Best part about this plan? IT WORKS EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE IT. If you don't bump them off then you still have the massive goodwill you get from them for allowing them to have a child.

>>291799
Well we're going to get you a new and more awesome one. Ask the royals if you can hit their library in search of answers or clues about magical artifacts that can be used as hands for people deprived of their own. Or more monster thingies.

Muschio 2011/03/29(Tue)23:43 No. 291804 ID: 543aa6
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Three days I've spent on the mend, and today at last I'm well enough to prepare for my departure.
In those three days the nation has radically restructured itself and the production and workforce seem none the worse for it. If nothing else can be said of the Red Mesas, their industry is a well-oiled machine.

The Matriarch and Patriarch have wished me all the best, both coming to see me personally and deliver thanks every day for what I've done not just for their nation, but for their relationship. Now that I am ready to make the trip home, we've ironed out the last details: an open route for trade and communication, with necessary runners supplied by their side. Should we need to send a message or open commerce further, those avenues will always be open.

Before we leave, we're given one last gift of gratitude from the reunited couple: Two valuable living resources from the kingdom's own cabinet and employ.

Wes Fumo is the premier blacksmith in the Red Mesas, and was under the Court's official employ. Evidently he was a significant enough craftsman that even during the civil war, rather than risk losing his services, both sides agreed to share his continued employ. The fact that they are now willing to sign his labor over to me speaks volumes of their gratitude.
I also recognize him as the man who cut off my destroyed hand.

Pendle Khaneh is one of the royal consuls of war, and until now has been under the Patriarch's employ. He is a master strategist and a scholar of some renown, well-trained in the histories of warfare, as well as fields of more classical education.

And now, they have both been sworn in allegiance to me.

>>291799

I say destroy the hand. Don't bring it back with you. If your adversary is that cunning, and his magic that powerful, then I don't trust it. It could be trapped, or possessed, used against you or to spy on you. The hand's no good to you now... it's useless at best and potentially dangerous at worst - I wouldn't risk bringing it home.

Hey uh back home. How are the little digger dudes doing? We need more space asap and a forge, if possible! We also need to get MORE of those little dudes, somehow.

Fuuuuuuck, I didn't expect new folks...

at BEST the hand can let us figure out how to counter act that magic in the future. making it so muschio here can take a blast o th face to no ill effects.

>>291804
>>"The fact that they are now willing to sign his labor over to me speaks volumes of their gratitude."

...or their duplicity.

Let Wes know you're going to at least need to see his face before he starts working for you.

Even then, keep an eye on both of your new hires.

"Beware of bugs bearing gifts."

>>291804
Cool, ask Wes to get started working with Finesse on a replacement hand.

>>291804
Excellent. We'll have the Odds make a forge for the blacksmith and a library or study or whatever for the scholar.

The blacksmith shall equip your men, both with weapons and with armor.
Assuming we get some metal for him to work with, that is. This would be a good thing to look out for.
Furthermore, he can make the parts for your prosthetic which Finesse has been designing.

>>291805
The magic was designed to preoccupy us by harming Finesse. I highly doubt it has a purpose beyond the obvious.
And even at worst, it's an important memento.
>>291808
We need not be so suspicious of people whose problem we've just solved.
And we should not impinge upon Wes' privacy, especially so soon after meeting him.

Hey, Pendle is looking a bit nervous. Ask if he's alright.

Muschio 2011/03/30(Wed)02:32 No. 291818 ID: 543aa6
File 130147753406.gif - (9.76KB , 800x600 , 1263.gif )

I'll be sure to have the Odds dig out new quarters for my two new crew additions, but first, something's bothering me.

"Gentlemen, it's good to have you aboard, but as I did not specifically choose you for my ranks, you will have to understand I still have a few concerns."
Khaneh speaks up.
>"Of course. For most, it would be foolish to look a gift horse in the mouth, but for men of your stature and elevation etiquette must often yield to security. You're concerned of our allegiance."
"In as many words, yes."
>"I assure you, I am a devoted worker and a man of trustworthy character."
"All the same, you will understand there may be some precautions. Wes Fumo -- I'll ask you to remove your hood."

The lanky artisan hesitates, then removes the heavy, soot-stained leather article bearing the glass pane.
>"I-i-it's a blacksmith's hood. I haddit s-special made. I use it t-t-to keep m-my face from gettin' burnt."
"Is something making you nervous?"
Pendle speaks up for the young man.
>"I beg your pardon, Lord Muschio. Mr. Fumo has a mild stutter. It's not something he can help."
>"S--s-sorry."

"aw naw dont even worry about it dawg"

>>291818
He doesn't look very buggy. More gnolly in fact. Whatever, as good as he's good at what he does then that's all we need. Reassure him that you don't care how he speaks as long as he can do his job.

Adorable!
I wonder what his story is?
Seems rather shy though, don't wanna put him on the spot.
Tell him it's quite alright.
Quickest way to build trust is to get to know someone. Ask Pendle about himself.

Muschio, for the love of all that is good and holy, give Wes a sandwich or something. He's nothing but skin and bones.

>>291821
>>291822
Might as well combine these 2. Ask their stories over breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or high tea, or midnight snack, depending on what time it is.

Tell them about the voices in your head that tell you what to do!

seem like friends if pendle kows all about fumo's stutter. also assure that a stutter is no problem at all. and... is that a cloth wrap on fumo's chest?

>Gnoll forgemaster

>Pyromaniac gnoll

>In the same cave

Errr....

looks more like a mouse or something then a gnoll.

>>291868
I expect kids by winter.

>>291883
They're probably both chicks.

He has whiskers, probably some kind of rodent person instead of a gnoll. In which case he looks a bit more 'characteristic' than incredibly ill (although, metal toxicity 'could' be a a bit in there.)

I would put off suspicions of metal toxicity for now unless he really starts being sick. The bugs' food might have just not been suited to him, he could just need to stuff his face with delicious meat. You need to stuff your face with delicious meat too, Muschio.

>>291890
>"Gentlemen, it's good to have you aboard, but as I ...
>"I beg your pardon, Lord Muschio. Mr. Fumo has a ...

Ummm.... not sure on how gender works in your 'verse, but...

>>291818
Hmm, interesting. Ask how he came to live in this nation.

By the gods, Geppa will tear poor Wes apart... Lets hope she doesn't get affectionate.

Yay good end! (Minus the hand.)
We have a new ally and two more minions.

But...I feel like we forgot something.

...

...OH CRAP WE FORGOT TO LOOK FOR MANNIKINS.
Also when we get back ask Pendle about the minerals that disabled the Odds.

He's an intellectual. It's worth a shot.

It's probably a good idea to ask Khaneh his full, candid opinion of the strategies employed in the war between the matriarch and patriarch. Solid battle tactics and maneuvering are fine, but if he's stuck in the mindset of a clean war over territory with as few serious casualties as possible... that's a rather niche viewpoint we won't have much use for honestly.
Basically, find out if he'll be useful for plotting out campaigns and more sneaky things, or if he'll only be useful for coordinating battles and such.

>>291895
's probably another kind of bold. Like whatever the name of that crossbow-wielding woman in Ridder's troop was. She looked similar.

Ignore speech impediment, politely welcome them to your party.
Think of solutions to this missing hand issue, it needs to be replaced soon. Ona and Wes can help you with that, but you should also seek advice. I suggest a mechanical hand, for strength and badassery.
Inquire existence of nearby manikins, make note or go after them since you've a few days rest.
Return to base and put Wes to work on better weapons and armor for your comrades.
Ona is having some trouble with Dompag and Geppa as I remember. I don't think she'll be so willing to help if rape is involved.

Muschio,

Your priority right now should be Geppa. Yes it's more important than your hand. She is completely insane and only bad things can (and WILL) come of her being in The Vault. She will sow conflict and all other manner of bad amongst the staff, and they are your most valuable resource. Dompag is patient and nice, but if all it took to cure the mentally ill was a kind smile then there would be no mentally ill people. Unless Dompag has a secret education in his past he is NOT CAPABLE of curing her of the crazy, and neither is anyone else in The Vault. Ask the Matriarch/Patriarch to recommend a psychiatrist you can hire.

If Dompag is attached to her, explain to him that he's done all he can by calming her, and that if he actually cared about her he'd want her to get the help she needs. Tell him to tell Geppa that it's little brother's turn to look out for big sis. Hopefully she'll eat that up.

Issue the second: Knowledge is power. It's insufficient to employ Pendle.
Step one: Construct and stock a library.
Step two: Learn. Everything.

You're smart Muschio. There's nothing special about that assassin; you can learn everything he knows and become even more powerful.

Muschio 2011/04/06(Wed)15:26 No. 294445 ID: 543aa6
File 130212881830.gif - (5.89KB , 800x600 , 1264.gif )

Well, everything seems straightened out for my departure.

I just need to decide if I'll be holding on to what's left of my hand, or discarding it.
I should weigh my options carefully.

>>294445

Well, you could keep it and have Finesse, Ona, and Tislomer study its magical residue.

On the other hand (sorry), we could dispose of it barring any danger it might cause.

I'm going to say study it.

>>294445
Lets keep it, as a memorial of things sacrificed in the struggle and to keep the rage fresh. Someone hired that guy, someone cost you that hand, you're going to find out who and then they're going to be lacking a number of limbs.

>>291805

>>294445
Yeah, Ona is a professional. I'm sure she'll have some crazy ass magic defenses up for studying this thing. Not to mention if this happens again we could gain a cure.

yeah mang. have the thing surrounded in magic circles and shit and figure out what can be done to make sure the spell can't hurt you again.

Well I don't think it's TOO likely to crawl out of the jar and strangle you in your sleep.

As long as that lid's on there securely.

No reason to keep it. For one thing it has become a symbol to the Red Mesa people, so letting them keep it would only strengthen our emerging relations. Also, it may still be enchanted and/or capable of opening some sort of hellportal in the Den and I would rather not take that chance.

Hang on to it. It's unsalvageable, but Ona may be able to replicate the spell used. If we can harness it, that would be cool.

Keep it, study it.

>>294494
Well, if people are going to bump the thread:
Probably this.

Forget about your old dead hand, work towards getting an awesome new mechanical hand! The bug folk should see if the hand leaves any clue as to who did this.

I think studying it is worth it, any edge we can get against that guy is going to be needed. He pretty much kicked your ass, and that was with the Patriarch also fighting.

Keep that eye where you, or someone under your employ, can see it. Last thing we need is some weird decayed clone of you walking around.

The decayed arm is not a sign of your weakness, it's a symbol of how resolute, daring and self-sacrificing you can be.

And what's a villain that isn't emotionally attached to his past victories and tragedies?

Keep the hand. As a keepsake, if nothing else.

Muschio 2011/04/08(Fri)17:48 No. 295110 ID: 543aa6
File 130231013633.gif - (10.71KB , 800x600 , 1265.gif )

Very well. I elect to take the hand with me. Finesse carries it along home as we depart amicably from the newly-reunited leaders.

We have earned much today from the Matriarch and Patriarch.

And as we depart, I reflect on how we've left them: The two of them are now bound together once more in a pact of eternal and devoted love.

Muschio 2011/04/08(Fri)17:56 No. 295112 ID: 543aa6
File 130231056510.gif - (9.16KB , 800x600 , 1266.gif )

It's a shame, really. I rather liked them, and would have wanted a more fortunate ending.

But I suppose sometimes bad things happen to good people.

>>295112
lol Muschio you so edgy XD