Well, what can she do to assist us? (Hi, I'm new here! Suffer my noob self poorly!)

>>690367
Merry Christmas, bud, welcome the the entrapment that is Weaver update cycles

>>690374
Ah. Well, I'd assume Weaver's probably off now for Christmas or other holiday created stuff. Still, thanks!

Also, I'd think it best to go up the mountain and see what the light is. If there's something good there, go and see what it could be, and if it's not, try to head a little ways back down the mountain to rest, just far enough to not get spotted hopefully.

...It's been a month since last post...

...jeez, this is like Boxdog all over again...

I can probably guess why a "targeted blink" wouldn't work, but I'd like for her to humor us. Ask her why.

>>685342
An explanation would be helpful.
>>685378
Another form of quick magical transportation would be helpful, especially if the destination could be ascertained beforehand.

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:00 No. 712622 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Why don't you explain it to me like I'm stupid."

>"Okay.
>OH MY GOD IT'S SO SIMPLE WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU HOW ARE YOU NOT UNDERSTANDING THIS, DID YOU FALL OFF A PIER WHEN YOU WERE A KID??"

"...I meant explain it in simple terms."

>"Oh."

Take notes, everyone.

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:08 No. 712625 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Well, I mean, I dunno. It's hard to explain without getting into the guts of magic. But like, okay? Okay. So. A blink is like a teleport, right? Except it's not. A teleport is a thing to a place. It's sorta like a "THIS, HERE". Right? Everyone knows that. But a blink isn't a teleport. It can't be targeted because of what it is. A blink is just a "NOT", okay? Like all it does is say "not this, not here". Like, anything else than what it is. So a teleport, you're like writing a sentence in a book. You're saying who and where. But a blink is like ERASING a sentence. Like just now, the book said "us, in Tela Cruz". And then I erased it. Now it's not.

>Get it?"

I think that'll do for my magic lessons for the day.

Makes sense. If magic alters reality, then she altered it so that you weren't in Tela Cruz anymore, but didn't specify where. You were essentially "nowhere" for the briefest of instants. Reality then went "wait, where are you then?!?" and put you somewhere arbitrary.

Let's move on. Go check out the light!

Yeah, let's head to the light.

So she can blink anywhere in the world. Now the question is: Can she target the blink on someone else from a distance or does she have to blink herself along with anybody else in contact with her at that time?

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:33 No. 712633 ID: 8d2d5e
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I suppose her explanation will do for now.

The hike up the mountain's face won't be too difficult -- after about a half hour I estimate we'll reach the road by shortcut, whereupon travel will become doubly expeditious. We'll arrive at the mouth of the cave within the hour.

I take this time to reflect on what I know of these mountainhomes.

It was said that some short decades ago they were inhabited by Dwarves, but a great upheaval pushed them south. Last I heard, it was the domain of Orcs, who had settled into the carved spaces as though they had been born to. I do recall around the time of my exile there was a campaign by the Elves of the Shimmerwood to push the Orcs out, but whether that came to be, or what success it met, I suppose I never learned.

If the mountainhomes are settled by Elves, I should have a fairly easy time of it. Elves are arrogant and self-serving, but agreeable enough to the other races of Men.
If it is still occupied by Orcs, I imagine I should still handle myself serviceably. The last few months have proved quite adequately that I can handle the so-called "monstrous" races with aplomb.

I should be able to secure passage out in the morning, in either case.

Why do I get the feeling it's not going to be any of those races

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:55 No. 712642 ID: 8d2d5e
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I admit the only thing that worries me is the smoke.

Dragons. Surely not?
Dragons are powerful and reclusive creatures, but the mountainhomes have in ages past been plagued by dragon attack. Rumor stood that one of the great caves on this range was once the roost of one of the greatest dragons that ever lived.

I have never met a dragon, nor met any men who have. My understanding is that they range in intellect as well as temperament. But intruding uninvited to a dragon's domain would be a foolish move to even the most peaceable sorts.

The odds of a dragon roosting here, now, are -- well, such a thought is nearly preposterous. Yet still, I should anticipate that possibility, as far less likely things have come to pass in the few short years since I left my home.
Whatever calls this place its home now, I hope to be prepared.

Well, if we encounter anything too dangerous, we can always blink again, right? What's the cooldown on that?

What are the odds that both the orks and the elves are still fighting after all of this time? That might make things a bit more difficult but you have some good experience on walking through war zones.

In any case, that much smoke is not normal for any non-industrial town. Proceed.

It would be too much to hope it's an agreeable but reclusive fire mage looking for work. Oh well, there's not much for it other than to proceed with caution.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)11:56 No. 712696 ID: 8d2d5e
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We reach the entrance of the cave.
It's... breathtaking.

The enormous space the cave's mouth opens into is no raw cavern, but an opulent, colossal antechamber of carved, pale stone. Titanic columns, paved walkways, and ancient, soot-stained tapestries decorate a hall lit with standing basket-torches and flickering braziers. An array of open stone doorways flank the great hall, and at the terminus, a towering portal of feverish scale, seeping dark smoke from its cracks.

I confess, this staggering scene is not what I had anticipated.

Let's get a move on then, proceed with caution and make sure Npoa is ready for fight should there be one.

Oh damn, maybe this was a Giant Kings hall or something? Take a look around, maybe check out the giant door, but be careful, I suspect we are not alone. The sconces are lit so someone must have been through here recently.

>>712696

Are those smaller doors along the side? If so, whatever huge thing lives here has small servants, who must be the ones lighting the incense. Also, employ your royal tapestry appreciation skills. Is that a whale tail that one of them is depicting?

As for what to do... announce your presence? This place seems lived-in. Can't be a rude guest.

Is that a mural above the giant door? Can we get a closer look at that?

Th- those dwarves, man...

Check the little door to your right.

>>712696

it's a cult shrine place

gonna meet a bunch of dudes in hoods

betting 50$ it's cjopaze

What device in on those banners and is it a familiar one?
If they or the decorations above the great door are unhelpful, we may want to check one of the passageways more to our scale.

>>712696
>no light
>tonnes of smoke
>not well kept
Well, that rules out elves at least. Maybe orcs, as well. Here's hoping for both of our sakes that this is merely the work of dwarves, and not something infinitely more powerful.
Just kidding, I want this to be a dragon or a balrog so badly

>>712712
>implying pitch black
Correction: I meant no magical lighting or even more proper light fixtures other than the occasional basket torch.

Also, is that regular wood that is being burnt, or can you detect some incense?

Wait, all that smoke comes from braziers and other ritual lights?

Careful, make sure it isn't too smoky before you proceed. You don't have gas mask technology so you'll have to make due with some sturdy bandanas.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)14:53 No. 712729 ID: 8d2d5e
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The scale of this room is overwhelming. The "tiny" doors that run the sides of the hall are more than large enough for myself.

I peer through the nearest passage, which appears lit.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)14:54 No. 712731 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Well, well. What have we here?"

well, introduce yourself and explain your predicament.

Just a simultaneously fortunate and unfortunate volto man and sprite woman looking to find their bearings after a little magical mishap. Random teleportation, you know the sort of thing, I'm sure. We saw the smoke coming from the mountain and thought, that looks like an important place with a good view that might give us a clue where we are.

So, um... you couldn't tell us where we are, could you, sir and/or madam?

Introduce yourself as humbly as you can.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)16:01 No. 712748 ID: 8d2d5e
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"It's a funny story, really. You see, my companion and I were in Tela Cruz and ended up here quite by mistake when--"

>"Save your story. You'll need your breath."
The figure drags me through the adjacent hall, towards the lit chamber beyond.
Npoa follows.

>"They'll be happy for some fresh meat."

Hope you like robes Muschio.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)16:25 No. 712753 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"My friends... your attention!"
The robed figure shouts to the lighted room beyond.
>"It seems we're not alone."

>"Two uninvited guests have deigned to join tonight's... festivities."

Npoa, prepare a blink...

Muschio, give him your left arm, get ready to grab his neck with your right.

This could be bad.

Is it a sex cult? Tell me it's just a sex cult.

Maybe it's just...a theme party! Nobody likes people crashing their theme parties.

oh wait i just realized that the name of this chapter is "We're Not Alone" which is what the robed dude just said. shite.

A sex cult would be good, a cult of cannibals would not however. Be ready for a fight if necessary, Npoa get ready for some more magical games!

>>712753
>The teeth

IT'S A CULT OF NINO!

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)16:52 No. 712773 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Oh, simply marvelous! And here things were just starting to quiet down."

It... appears to be orcs after all?

>>712773
Oh hey, high society. You're finally in your element!

*sigh*
Ask the robed guy what sort of party this is. Also ask him why he is in robes. And why he acted so curtly towards you.

This still doesn't sit well with me, we're never this lucky. Perhaps they are actually cannibals? Just of a more aristocratic sort. Be on your guard.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)17:06 No. 712779 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Gracious! A party crasher, at our own little party! And a traveler too, from the look of it! We don't see many Volto in these parts. Well, please, please! Come in!
>To be completely honest, this whole affair was becoming PAINFULLY pedestrian. I do hope you've brought stories!"

Well this is a nice weird way to start 2016.

Now, are these "Incompetent" nobles or "Decadent" nobles? Blink out if they're the latter.

Next thread wastes no time starting up:

http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/712785.html