>>42629

Jump on back. Initiate quick-time event. Attempt to unlock her top.

It's a key that will "get you to the top"?

Oh, Ash.

>>42701
Sword sword sword sword sword sword sword sword sword

Muschio 2009/09/11(Fri)22:34 No. 42706 ID: 12bd87
File 12527336561.gif - (156.70KB , 800x600 , 418.gif )

Of course!
The KEY!
The key "that will get me to the top"!
It's all so clear now!
The key...

...doesn't fit!

No matter! I always have a backup plan!

...I really hope there's a good reason for me to be doing this!

[Animated!]

>>42706
There HAS TO BE!

There is no reason a warrior would have something locked on them for no reason!

>>42706
Oh, there's no reason at all for this. We just thought it'd be cool. Thanks for delivering, boss. You were awesome.

>>42706
It was a control-top.
Mind control, that is.

No, actually we just wanted to see if we could see her boobs.

Make sure you say it was an accident so she doesnt lift you over her head and rip you in half..

Suggestion 2009/09/11(Fri)23:02 No. 42745 ID: ed8d8a
File 125273534040.png - (14.61KB , 800x600 , ohnolasers.png )

Oh no! That was the only thing stopping her lasers from firing out of control!

Hiro!J02Ujjg4Nw 2009/09/11(Fri)23:07 No. 42750 ID: 34d3ad
File 12527356317.gif - (2.93KB , 250x242 , What the Heck.gif )

>>42745

Suggestion 2009/09/11(Fri)23:09 No. 42753 ID: 8b14a1
File 125273575998.gif - (278.11KB , 480x360 , flapjack joy.gif )

>>42745
This makes me extremely happy.

Totallynotsamefag!!V1AJL5LzHl 2009/09/11(Fri)23:09 No. 42754 ID: 962d6b
File 12527357514.gif - (421.70KB , 268x288 , oh you girl.gif )

>>42745

Titties are their own purpose.

Suggestion 2009/09/11(Fri)23:12 No. 42758 ID: e49d30
File 125273594838.jpg - (28.85KB , 400x309 , 1244074236614.jpg )

>>42745

>>42703
This was a general suggestion to cause grievous bodily harm with a sharp and pointy piece of metal, by the way...

>>42745
REFLECT THE LASERS WITH YOUR SWORD BACK INTO HER NIPPLES, CAUSE AN OVERLOAD!

Suggestion 2009/09/11(Fri)23:39 No. 42788 ID: 43d730
File 125273755173.jpg - (97.13KB , 407x405 , Advice-Dog-REFLECT-THE-LASERS-WITH-YOUR-SWORD-BACK.jpg )

>>42767
It had to be done.

>>42788
No. No, it really fucking didn't.

>>42793
Sorry.
=(

...The key is the Mannikin, isn't it.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)00:35 No. 42848 ID: 12bd87
File 12527408998.gif - (7.57KB , 800x600 , 419.gif )

The deed is done!

The Commander gets back to her feet.

I... don't really know what that accomplished!

"My bad!"

>>42848
... well what're you waiting for, Boss? Backstab!

>>42848
Maybe she's modest - now she'll have at least one hand occupied?

"Nice pair, kid."

Assume a defensive stance.

>>42848
If there's a rape mana, you're getting a lot of it, Muschio.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)00:51 No. 42857 ID: 12bd87
File 125274189531.gif - (8.26KB , 800x600 , 420.gif )

She turns around and approaches me, but her posture seems non-threatening.

For the first time, she speaks.
>"You... you saved me.
>But... how did you know she was using that device to control me?"

>>42857
...

It was a natural deduction, of course.

"I am wise in many things."

>>42857
Play it smooth!

"I felt an offensiveness... a wrongness emanating from the artifact, and let my intuition guide my blade."

"I am Muschio Malto, madam. It is my business to know these things."

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)01:01 No. 42864 ID: 12bd87
File 125274247413.gif - (6.90KB , 800x600 , 421.gif )

"Commander Salamander. My name is Muschio Malto, and in my line of work, you must know these things. I simply looked upon what you were wearing and something inside me screamed that it did not belong there. That it had to come off."

>"Wow. It must be like a sixth sense.
>...Thank you again for freeing me from that horrible, mind-controlling artifact."

"I do what I can."

Say "Mabel Syrup did this! We should get ahold of her before she can escape!"

Then do so.

>>42864
She seems to be a fairly competent fighter, unless that was the mind control. Ask if she'll help us get the Odd Mannikin from Syrup - regardless of her answer, offer her a place living with us if she has nowhere else to go.

After all, you did cut her up a bit, boss; and if we can get the Odd Mannikin soon, we can easily build suitable living quarters for both her and Ash.

>>42869
Not to forget the Mannikin.

MOAR RECRUITS! And see if she knows anything about the Mannikin.

While we have the chance, how about we ask what the lower floors are like? Also ask if Ash has the wing strength to fly us down from her floor; that could let us avoid the rooms altogether if they're too dangerous.

Do we have enough rooms for Coriander and Ash, though?

At any rate, see how Ash is doing before we head up.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)01:41 No. 42879 ID: 12bd87
File 125274490722.gif - (11.73KB , 800x600 , 422.gif )

"Mabel Syrup did this to you. It's time we got her back."
>"I hear you on that one. I'm gonna put the hurt on that woman for putting her grubby fingers in my head."

Ash is all right, but she's a little woozy. She won't be accompanying us to the top.

Together, the Commander and I burst into the lowest level of the tower. I quickly realize why Mabel was surprised I'd reached the top unscathed.

>>42879
Time to pull a Those Who Hunt Elves: RIP OFF ALL THEIR TOPS, COMMANDER

Crazy lesbian author mumblegrumble.

Have the COMMANDer COMMAND them to stand aside.

>>42880
But Cori might be able to bluff her way past them for us. After all, as far as they know she's still their commander.

So... wait and see what happens?

>>42879

What in the hell is going on in this tower... Syrup has some 'splainin to do.

Well if everything seems to go badly just tell them you offer better pay and you won't harass them like Syrup... you think.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)02:09 No. 42890 ID: 12bd87
File 125274653977.gif - (10.72KB , 800x600 , 423.gif )

The guards seem hostile. They also seem well-trained.
...well, not that well-trained, if they didn't think to grab their weapons while there was obviously a fight going on just outside the front door.

As they move for their weapons, the Commander bolts through the crowd like a phantom, and with a great shredding of fabric, she rends clothing apart and disrobes the guards well past the point of decency.

>>42890
Are there any containers suitable for liquids around? I hear Minotaur malk has some quite unique properties.

>>42890
Oh dear. Now we're obligated to recrui- I mean, help them.

Okay, what kind of childrens book author keeps a bunch of highly trained, well endowed female guards around and orders them with mind controlling leather belts for tops?

.. come to think of it, every sort of 'guard' we've encountered thus far has been female.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)02:27 No. 42897 ID: 12bd87
File 125274765397.gif - (9.58KB , 800x600 , 424.gif )

The Commander hardly hesitates and proceeds straight up the ladder. The guards seem very changed, strangely confused, and more than a little bit embarrassed. At any rate, they don't seem to have any interest in pursuing us.

I scramble further up the series of ladders to try and catch up with the Commander, but she's on the warpath now. Her actions are strong and deliberate, fueled by thoughts of revenge.

As we pass through the room where I met Ash, I briefly make note that the smell of smoke still lingers, though it also masks any other smells that may have remained in the air.

>>42897
Convenient.

Now hurry along boss, I wanna watch this.

>>42890
Look out for the mutated trunk the commander apparently just grew.
Those are tricky.

>>42897
Wave to the Rabbitguard as you pass her. Say hi!
Then continue on.

>>42896
Olber obviously made himself female.

As a perverted old man, he recruits only women and controls them with mind-control bras. It makes perfect sense.

tl;dr: Syrup is a man wearing a Belt of Reverse Gender.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)02:35 No. 42905 ID: 12bd87
File 125274810089.gif - (8.21KB , 800x600 , 425.gif )

Hm.
That other woman with the checkered cap isn't here anymore. I wonder where she could have gone.
The censer is extinguished, too.

>>42901
!

Rabbit gaurd had no bra.

>>42905
try the key on the safe.

>>42905
Use KEY on SAFE.

>>42905
Check to see if safe opens, if not, move on.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)02:49 No. 42910 ID: 12bd87
File 125274895060.gif - (14.42KB , 800x600 , 426.gif )

...how strange.
Mabel's office is empty.

I wonder where Commander Salamander went.

>>42910
Ermm.. Up?

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)02:52 No. 42912 ID: 12bd87
File 125274914030.gif - (14.38KB , 800x600 , 427.gif )

Oh, you're right, the chest! I was in such a hurry I forgot to try it.

I'll just head back down to-

>"Why'd you do it, goddammit?! You answer me or I swear to God...!"
>"The same reason anyone does anything, Cori. Money. Power. With the arcana it was child's play to rig up controlling device that filtered through soft tissue. Affecting natural brain chemistry to be subservient to certain tones. But they were given to conflict with certain hormones."

>>42912
I suppose the chest will still be there when this is all over. Should we go up and watch the chicks fight for cheap thrills? Perhaps lend a hand as needed?

Go up and get ready to burst in.

>>42913
Go watch.


And an idea for the future: If we're going to recruit female assistants, how about we fracture the orb in a controlled manner and embed each servant with a shard?

>>42912
Don't get all heroic now. Take a small peek through the floor hatch before bursting in.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)02:59 No. 42917 ID: 12bd87
File 125274955313.gif - (14.38KB , 800x600 , 428.gif )

If you think it's wise, then sure, I'll go lend the Commander a hand. But I don't see what's to be gained by just watching them fight.

>"Hormones? Is THAT why you chose only women? Because it worked better on us?"
>"No, my dear, sweet Cori. It's because -- arcana or no -- you're simply easier to control. Everyone knows women are the weaker gender."

WHOA. you have to admit this will at least be entertaining to watch muschie~

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)03:02 No. 42919 ID: 12bd87
File 125274976133.gif - (14.58KB , 800x600 , 429.gif )

Things sound like they're getting heated up there... You're right! I need to go up and see what's happening.
Because -- you know -- Cori might need my help.
I mean, the Commander.

...actually, it's pretty quiet all of a sudden.

>>42919
That's not a good sign, boss. Better check what's going on.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)03:16 No. 42923 ID: 12bd87
File 125275057221.gif - (15.74KB , 800x600 , 430.gif )

>>42921
I know.
I'd better hurry up to th--


...oh.

>>42923
Who's 'dat?

>>42924

Looks like the boss lady

>>42923
... um. She'll be fine, right? I mean, she jumped down before with no problems. Right?
... she'll be fine.

Well...
I suppose that's that. We can start rummaging through Syrup's things now.

Ms. Salamander has apparently handled that quite nicely. With Miss Syrup disposed of, looting can continue. With or without minions included in things looted.

>>42923
Uh, boss, was that Coriander or Syrup?
If it was Syrup, that's fine, though you might need to calm Cori down a bit.
...If it was Cori, she's going to need some medical assistance, and fast.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)03:30 No. 42930 ID: 12bd87
File 125275143564.gif - (16.86KB , 800x600 , 431.gif )

That was most certainly Mabel Syrup I saw falling past. The Commander returns from the roof and tells me to go to the entrance, so I oblige her.

The rooms are all empty as I pass. I can't find the Odd, which is strange. The women, likewise, have all left in a hurry. Scraps of their clothing remain.

When we reach Miss Syrup, it becomes clear she's beyond saving.

>>42930
... TIME FOR LOOTING.

>>42930
Complement her on her efficient work.

>>42930
We'll give her a proper burial. Right after we LOOT AND PLUNDER.

>>42930
Well then.

Thank Ms. Coriander for her help, and ask her if she knows where the Odds manikin is. Since you did free her and all, she'll probably be grateful enough to hand it over without complaint.

...Probably.

>>42930
That's good, then.
Congratulate Coriander on a job well done. Maybe toss in a comment about how pleased she must be to be rid of the bitch Syrup was.

Seconding anything related to finding the Mannikin.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)03:41 No. 42937 ID: 12bd87
File 125275208688.gif - (18.58KB , 800x600 , 432.gif )

The Commander moves forward to inspect the body... and removes its wig!

The black, hollow eyes and the scars around the throat are unmistakable! In a surprise twist, it looks like Mabel Syrup was, in reality, the dark sorcerer Olber, the first occupant of this tower! Could it be that he's been here all along? That the stories of this place repeatedly changing hands was merely a front to keep people off his demonic scent? Hiding in plain sight all these decades?

...I totally called that, though! Didn't I? I could swear I did.
I know somewhere in my head I thought "it's really Olber".
NAILED that one.

Burn the body just to be sure.

>>42934
Tislomer's the dude in charge of farming, right? I bet some plants might grow better with a body for fertilizer.

>>42937
You're totally the greatest, boss! Your insight and wit knows no bounds!

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)04:07 No. 42952 ID: 12bd87
File 125275363276.gif - (10.99KB , 800x600 , 433.gif )

For the next hour, Ash, the Commander and I sort out things at the tower. There's some cleaning of blood, some tossing of the late Olber on a hastily-constructed pyre, and some demanding of Mannikins, by me.
Ash still wants to come with me, and I still want to bring her under my employ, so we'll be leaving together. But the Commander decides to stay and set up her own command in this tower. In light of our cooperation and my agency in liberating Coriander and the others, the Commander and I form an alliance, between the Vault and the newly-named Salamander Tower. She says I will always have her thanks, and her support should anything arise that needs to be taken care of.
She plans to form a militia here. I suppose she must be good at that.

Before I head out, Commander Coriander Salamander presents me with what I came for in the first place: Not one, but THREE Mannikins in the form of Odds.

With that, my saga here at the Tower is finally concluded.
And it's time to go home.

>MANNIKINS ACQUIRED: ODD (3)
>ALLIANCE CREATED!

>>42952

Hell yeah let's head home then.

>>42952
Yeah about that. Ask if you can ride Ash like a mechan- err, ride on her back while she flies you above the carp infested waters.

Fuck yeah, I'd say you should do a victory dance, but there are people watching.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)04:11 No. 42958 ID: 12bd87
File 125275389086.gif - (13.01KB , 800x600 , 434.gif )

This was a successful outing.

I think, for once, things are finally going my way.

Muschio 2009/09/12(Sat)04:12 No. 42959 ID: 12bd87
File 125275397024.gif - (5.66KB , 800x600 , 435.gif )

...FUCK.

Have fun with those fishies, Muschio.

What happened to the babe with the checkered cap?

>>"The same reason anyone does anything, Cori. Money. Power. With the arcana it was child's play to rig up controlling device that filtered through soft tissue. Affecting natural brain chemistry to be subservient to certain tones. But they were given to conflict with certain hormones."
>given to conflict with certain hormones

Smoke made the bunnygirl randy, had removed mind-control top to get bizzay, was no longer MC'd. Probably ran away after being intruded on by Muschio.

>>43047
She disappeared, like all the rest of the guards.

Wait... so we didn't use the key at all? Odd...

Suggestion 2009/09/12(Sat)13:15 No. 43119 ID: 8b14a1
File 125278652267.png - (22.90KB , 600x400 , Odd.png )

>>43089

I have a funny feeling Muschio was using it to open the trap doors.