August 2011/04/02(Sat)15:04 No. 293266 ID: b870d3
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"I'm not going away."




"What do you have?"

>>293266
Well what do you have on you right now? I guess maybe the linespinner might work. Or just some thread from it.

Or the offer of a favour or a service. Like leaving when you get the mask or something like that.

We could give her the Phoenix Egg or some Frostshot, or the hunter's cologne, or the firecrackers or smoke bombs.

I wish we knew what the whistle or wand did. Then we could tell if we would be willing to give them up. Interested in a little experimentation?

>>293270
I don't think it's safe to experiment here. If anything magical, we should give her the frostshot crystal, as we have a spare. However, if we can avoid something magical and vauable. the better. Perhaps the firecrackers or smoke bombs might work... You've got her to open up at least insofar as being open to the idea of trade, the question is what appeals to kobolds? Shiny things and curiosities we've got, but we don't want to lose anything irreplaceable.

>>293270
>>293268
Of these I would offer until she is interested, in order: Firecrackers and smokebombs (easily replaced but she might not be interested), a frostshot, the phoenix egg, and finally the linespinner (the most interesting one for her probably, and not terribly powerful but we'll honestly never find another one). Not the whistle and certainly not the wand, lets not even mention that one.

If you have any other minor trinkets, feel free to offer those up first.

>>293266
Honestly I'm all for kicking the door down and then running.

Frostshot crystal is twinkly and something I could see you affording to replace for your mentor. Linespinner is the only intresting thing that is yours.

Or you can give permission to start a rumor of them that they can then claim to have evidence that it was started by you. And if you don't deny it people will consider any further claims as sour grapes orignating from you for some magnificent victory Catterbast had over you. The loss of face will be slight and will primarily have people speculating how Catterbast has humiliated you. Any real tension will be fake as the head of Catterbast's family knows the real deal. And you can do a public visit back here to apologize to the matriarch if so wished that will hopefully consist of tea while the everyone else thinks it's to appease her. A pretty good deal I say and I think they should take it. Oh and Catterbast owes you big time after this.

>>293422
Odd plan, but really the magic doodads are the only thing I'm willing to give up. Linespinner is OURS dammit.

>>293423
Not odd. Perfect.

And one August should take instead of offering useless trinkets as it not only works as protection for them from further blackmailing but could grudgingly bring the families slightly closer. Allies behind curtains so to say which is always good as it comes as a surprise to others. Oh and Catterbast will owe us big time.

August 2011/04/04(Mon)13:19 No. 293845 ID: b870d3
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Well, the frost crystals are replaceable, I've even made a few myself, the process it just a bit laborious to select a proper rock crystal then etch in all the proper engravings by hand.

"Well, I could offer to start a rumor for you two that would be traceable only back to me, also, I have this, a magical stone."

"What kinda rumorstory?.."

August 2011/04/04(Mon)13:25 No. 293847 ID: b870d3
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"Is prettystone... and special tingly maybe.. but how say is magical? Must think us stupidbold to think you have magic. Master says you just tricksy juggler, oilytongue, and pocketsnatch in schoolyard."

You could instruct her in its proper use, or you could demonstrate yourself right now. Ask her if there's anything she wants frozen.

Just do a few basic cantrips if you can, summon a small fire, or hell, a magic 'trick' or two could even work. This shouldn't be that hard.

"And if I were those things and found myself in mortal danger, I would need some dangerous trickery to get myself through it, wouldn't I? That's what this is for. So is this." Then you show her the phoenix egg, which might just be so shiny and nice looking that she makes a deal for it. Just be sure she understands its dangerous.

don't show the egg, she just wants to know what makes the crystal magic is all.

A rumorstory that would allow the two of them to live together without getting blackmailed. Catterbast can take the offer or leave it. As token of acceptance you'll have the biggest and ugliest toad that can be found here. That is all.

It's a pretty stone useful as paper weight and stop offering potentially dangerous objects to the bold like the ball of fire. Or showing how to use them for that matter. Master was a bully, thick-headed, cro-magnon. Also a kid and has since grown up like everyone does. Mayby.

Most likely the best way to do this is to 'demonstrate' use of the stone in some harmless way, maybe freezing Catterbast's aquarium, and then giving the stone to the bold. That way, she'll have her 'proof' that it's magical, but in all likelihood will lack the actual instructions on how to make proper use of it. We wouldn't ACTUALLY want to give her (or Catterbast) anything dangerous or potentially a weapon. Methinks the kobold will all in all misremember the key wording used to invoke the stone anyway.

August 2011/04/05(Tue)21:46 No. 294271 ID: 98a59d
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"Bring me something to drink and I will show you."

She fetches a goblet of wine while I absently wonder what it is that's driven proud Catterbast to take his time, so to speak, with a kobold maidservant. A knight in his prime should be drowning in available, even unavailable women.

Suppose it's not 'really' my business, but still, I'd like to think I have an inquisitive mind. The threat of dishonor it could bring, the size differences, and well... kobolds have never been known for their longevity. Surely he must know that.

August 2011/04/05(Tue)21:51 No. 294274 ID: 98a59d
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Iasashhzzz'aictak"
I mutter under my breath as I open up the channels. A gout of coldfog wreaths it's way around our wrists and tiny icebergs are left floating in the wine.
...
The girl gives a little gasp, her hands trembling at the sudden chill.
"Is magics. Yes!"

August 2011/04/05(Tue)21:55 No. 294275 ID: 98a59d
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She sets down the drink and scampers to the untried door turning back a moment to say "No peepen." before disappearing inside. She re-emerges momentarily with my mask and the respective items trade hands.
"Thankyou, but be careful with that. It is rather more troublesome than a homemade mask. I assure you"
"Yes, is cold, fair trade we say."

August 2011/04/05(Tue)21:57 No. 294276 ID: 98a59d
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I exit the door prize in hand. Finally, we can be gone from these wretched swamps. Perhaps my mask gains even more value fr-
...

FFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

okay, play it cool. offer him a quick deal, you say nothing, he says nothing and no one has to get hurt. get a hand on something to hurt him with if he attacks but don't start it.

>>294276
Tell him not to worry, you didn't touch a hair on her head. Or anywhere else.

Tell him you've seen his secret, and you're just going to leave now. It's none of your business, and you don't want to tell anyone.

He doesn't NECESSARILY recognize August, what with the disguise and everything, but unless we're quick enough to hide the mask in our hand it's unlikely that he's dumb enough not to make the connection. And considering that Catterbast has training as a knight, I'm sure he can kick your ass if it comes to any sort of physical conflict. Perhaps this might be the time to utilize one of those smoke bombs before making your escape?

It'd be rather poetic... Catterbast returns from your cunning distraction only to see his rival stepping out with his prize, only to vanish in a cloud of smoke.

Then again, that's assuming it's a NINJA VANISH smoke bomb and not a "let the three-second long fuse burn down and it'll eventually make quite a smoky cloud" type.

>>294276
Well that's hardly ideal. Say hello to him and tell him you were looking for him. His sister said something about wanting some mask from his room or something.

He's probably not going to buy that, but it might give you time to find something heavy enough to brain him with and then tie him up in his room and leave some not on the door about not disturbing. Probably going to have to tie up the 'bold as well if you do that.

But don't just start running away. That just gives you away as guilty.

>>294276
Say "Hello" and keep walking as if absolutely nothing is out of the ordinary. When he confronts you act a bit confused as if you have no idea why he's acting like that.
You'll be FAR more convincing than if you offered an excuse right away, and he'll be much more likely to believe that you believe what you're saying.

Since we don't care and no support was received for a mutually beneficial plan I guess it's time for violence. I thought it was good.

Smoke bomb is a good start, firecracker thrown at face is known to distract people and swift kick to abdomen should allow you to pass him by. Extra kicks depending on how vicious you wish to be. Then it's just seeing if you can lose him long enough to get home.

>>294276
He certainly sorted that out quick.

"She's waiting for you in there." Might be a nice, ambiguous way of splitting his concentration, as it will tell him that you know of his kobold ladyfriend, but not necessarily the condition she's in.

Either way.. Catterbast's relationship, whether romantic or otherwise, may have been inspired by something beyond 'beauty'. But these mysteries are not for us to learn now.

August 2011/04/09(Sat)19:22 No. 295344 ID: 98a59d
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"Oh well, hello there Sir Catterbast Sperenze, you're back early. No worries, your secret is quite safe with me. In fact I do think she is waiting to show you something of value she acquired recently."

August 2011/04/09(Sat)19:25 No. 295345 ID: 98a59d
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"What? Who are-"

August 2011/04/09(Sat)19:26 No. 295346 ID: 98a59d
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"What me? Just a dragon, Raaawr.~"
"YOU!"

August 2011/04/09(Sat)19:30 No. 295352 ID: 98a59d
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"Ahahha *cough* *cough* Haha! Well met and we'll meet again I'm sure!"
"Aaaahggg I'll*cough* I'll tan your hi-*cough* your hide Aug*cough*!"

>>295352
Excellent. Now get out of there before the guards can mobilize.

great job! now book it!

>>295352
Yeah let's just run for a bit. Once we're in a populated area try to slacken the pace so people don't immediately try to stop you though. Act like you're in a hurry but not running away from anyone.

Don't run into any walls.
Tuck your mask away somewhere safe.
Don't drop anything.
Remember, you'll be wanting to head down and out.

>>295366

Tough luck you had to blow your cover for the kobold, as now your best bet is to make a hasty escape.

Since this was a warship, some of the bulkheads should be sealable from one side only. You might be able to buy time by sealing and dogging a hatch. But Catterbeast knows this vessel far better than you, and would know ways around. Only do this if you're certain about how to operate the hatch.

>>295352
Great, now you need to find a good ambush corridor and something to smack him hard in the head with so he goes down.

You need time to get the horse, and that would be quite difficult to accomplish if the guards are after you as well as this guy. So you need to take him out before he can raise the alarm too much.

August 2011/04/10(Sun)22:16 No. 295577 ID: 98a59d
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Ohsaintsheisfast!
"Pardonmemadamverysorry"
"Why I never!"
"Aaahhhhh, Slow *cough* down August we need to... talk~."
"Maybelaterverybussymustgoquitesorryhaveanapointmentreally,it'snotyouit'sme."

August 2011/04/10(Sun)22:19 No. 295578 ID: 98a59d
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Ohshit
"Haha gotcha punk."
Thinkfast
"Odd, do you smell something burning?"
"E-

August 2011/04/10(Sun)22:22 No. 295579 ID: 98a59d
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Sonofah!"

August 2011/04/10(Sun)22:27 No. 295580 ID: 98a59d
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"I though you 'had him'?"
"Ell 'old up a minute, e jest sploded like."
"Exploded"
"Yeah... that."
"Into paper confetti and baker's sugar?"
"Well..."

August 2011/04/10(Sun)22:36 No. 295582 ID: 98a59d
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"He's around here somewhere, find him."
"Shall, ah raise the 'larm?"
"Yes, wait, no. I mean... no. My mother, she doesn't need to be bothered about this. It's... a private matter.

Get one or two you trust tight-lipped, maybe a bold or something, just... find him, watch the exits. I... have to go check on something for a moment."
"Watever yeh say sire, yer call."

nice exit, very dramatic. can you keep going through the vents ? if not then i guess wait until he leaves then get out and see about a disguise. just raid someone's laundry and wear something different.

>>295582
Be wary. If you can fit in there the bolds definitely can. They'll probably be in frequent use.

Most definitely do not move yet, it'll make too much noise and y'all have too good ears NOT to hear it. Wait a bit.

>>295582
Excellent, make your way lower and then get out. Need to go to the stable to get the horse. And possibly steal a change of clothes alongside with an alternative mask. Also possibly check the kitchen for that frog.

Then it's time for a daring escape.

>>295582
Wait until there is nowhere near and come out again. Do you have a change of clothes that looks different? Or some way of changing your appearance? Now would be a good time to switch into something new.

August de Sauterelle 2011/04/12(Tue)20:36 No. 296194 ID: 98a59d
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Mmm yes, will want to wait here a bit before moving on, but not too long. If one of them get the bright idea to shove a kobold in here there will be no end to our troubles being caught in such a tight spot. Doubt they could manage to squeeze themselves in though, imagine it's the sole advantage of a scholarly musculature.

Next chapter:
>>296192