All right, so we've reached the target town? And it appears to be dark out? Time to look for shelter and/or this priestess, Lydia.

Luckily, you may be able to combine those goals, as the local church or temple is sometimes place travelers can stay.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)10:40 No. 557859 ID: db9156
File 138989762860.png - (102.09KB , 620x496 , time.png )

>>557857
according to your sheeplex, it's 17:45 with 32 seconds, your horns sense a moisture of 33% and an UV index of 6; enough to burn a mouse's tail skin after a while, but your tough sheep skin has little to worry about, it is autumn and the sun is setting somewhat earlier

I think we have enough time to speak to Lydia before we need to find a room for the night. Head for the church.

With that "Magic Stone" spell, you can keep a small set of sling-stones enchanted in advance, right? Cast that now, if it lasts a long time.

(Could you please re-post Lina's stats and image for this thread?)

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)12:05 No. 557875 ID: db9156
File 138990272746.png - (318.00KB , 886x800 , Linacomplete1.png )

>>557866
up to three small stones, in Lina's case, years of familiarity and force of need, she can apply the enhancement bonus to empty glass bottles, she has proficiency on using glass bottles as thrown weapons (she knew better than to toss full bottles of expensive wine or beer, and you never know how liquids might mess with magic, so let's not get there please) BUT it lasts 30 minutes, for the sake of this quest, let's say it lasts for up to two encounters within the same day unless there is a marked time skip


yes, sorry, I knew I was forgetting something

she can auto take 10 on the skills she has

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)12:10 No. 557877 ID: db9156
File 138990302505.png - (147.01KB , 1184x287 , templefar.png )

>>557862
near the store, you find the temple, it seems fairly modest and rundown, three male mice are working the field in the back and carrying fresh water around, Lydia is seen heading towards the main road carrying a large basket

Well, approach Lydia, introduce yourself, and try talking to her. Offer to carry her load perhaps.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)12:39 No. 557881 ID: db9156
File 138990477401.png - (166.50KB , 561x778 , MeetingLydia.png )

>>557878
aproach Lydia and introduce

the Capybara priestess quickly takes notice of you and happily greets you, your name doesn't quite rings a bell but newcomers are always welcome as long as they behave!

she'd love to indulge in small talk, but right now she has to deliver some food to a family in need

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)12:42 No. 557882 ID: db9156
File 138990494012.png - (51.98KB , 331x378 , bitchplease.png )

>>557878
offer to carry the load

at first she refuses, it'd be rude, but seeing your eagerness, she accepts and hands it over, and she is quite impressed as you singlehandledy take it and stroll casually by her side

-"are you by any chance the warrior we hired last week? I was expecting a Coyote, but I'm not complaining! we are very thankful for your arrival, miss Lina!"

Explain the truth, you're not the warrior they hired (although you would be willing to help out anyways), and that you're looking for your master.

See what she can tell you about your master, or why the town is in need of a warrior.

>>557882
No lying to the lady.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)13:26 No. 557886 ID: 2ef3a6
File 138990758210.png - (188.53KB , 833x414 , walkingexposition.png )

you politely explain that you are not any kind of mercenary, but you where taught never to leave anyone in need alone, that said, you explain her that you are looking for your master, briefly giving her a description

>>557883

-"these are hard times, my lass, we had recently started using the nearby mountains for mining gems, it gave our humble town a nice help, but soon, those who went there started going crazy"

she looks down and sighs
-"the food we are taking are for orphaned kids, their uncle worked in the mine, one evening he returned and killed both their parents and his sister in a rather crude way, cases like these have been becoming more recent saddly, that is why I saw fit to hire someone strong to look into what is going on."

she makes a little smile and gives you a glance "he was here, spent a week with us and helped us greatly, it was thanks to him that we are harvesting this so soon, but just yesterday he departed for the entrance to the mountain mines to see if he could do something himself, even though I told him not to. I pray to our Lady Provider for him to return safely, perhaps it is best for you to wait here for his return, we could use your help"

>>557886
Err, I don't understand. Was it your master that entered the mines, or someone they hired? Did the Coyote arrive yet? If she means that your master entered the mines, then we should wait for the Coyote then go with them to the mines to search for your master.

well like you said you're not the type to leave someone in need so you probably would have helped even if he didn't go up there so might as well... after you drop off the food of course.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)13:53 No. 557892 ID: 2ef3a6
File 138990921114.png - (117.88KB , 429x448 , thinkingontheway.png )

>>557889
Was it your master that entered the mines, or someone they hired?

Master did, you have no further information of others aside villagers going in

Did the Coyote arrive yet? If she means that your master entered the mines, then we should wait for the Coyote then go with them to the mines to search for your master.

the Coyote has not arrived, wich is strange since the guild where they hired them is no more than two days away

there is a bit of concern in your heart about acting fast, but the voice in your head tells you to await for reinforcement, never mind now, focus on not dropping the basket for the time being!

Yeah, focus on getting the food safely delivered first. But then, ask if the coyote's guild-hall is at all on your way into the mountains. Might be worth hiking over there to see what's up.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)14:42 No. 557902 ID: 2ef3a6
File 138991212920.png - (184.14KB , 611x439 , delivery.png )

rolled 1 = 1

---

after a bit of walking and some thinking you arrive with the family, the two eldest siblings, apparently just a few springs younger than you, greet you effusively and promise Lydia to make up for it with lots of hard work, as you help distributing the harvested goods you notice a particular mouse boy giggling and blushing at you. Well these people are sure full of gratitude! how nice

******
1= she has no idea, someone was sent to contact them but they havent been seen
2= she has a faint idea but isn't sure, it was a merchant who established the contact
3= one of the elder siblings knows where it is, but it's on the other direction
4= one of the elder siblings knows where it is, and it happens to be along the path

during the delivery, at some point all the siblings get busy in their chatter and Lydia sighs as she aproaches and shakes her head
-"I'm sorry, I don't know where the guild is, I am concerned in keeping my children well, but that has lead me to be very isolated of the outside world, I asked the siblings for any information but it was just one of their friends who knew where the guild is, they said they haven't seen him returing, so..."

she shakes her head and pats your shoulder
-"shh, here they come, chin up and smile, we have to give them hope"

>she has no idea, someone was sent to contact them but they havent been seen
Hm, maybe we can ask who was sent to try and find out about their whereabouts?

>>557908
a friend of the siblings, who was alwyas considered excentric, preety much everyone else is afraid to stay in touch with mercenaries but he was always talking about having to be prepared

About the ones who went to the mine and came back crazy, how long were they gone for? A time frame would be nice so we can have an idea of how much of a hurry to be in.

>>557911
Lydia gives you a harsh look as one of the kids perks an ear up, perhaps this is not the best of places to talk about it. you'll have to wait until they finish storing the goods and she gives them their blessing

So I suppose the Coyote is missing. We will have to visit the mines alone.

Help as much as you can and maybe show off a cantrip to the kids.

How far away is the mine entrance from the village? And how deep is it? (Trying to determine when we should start worrying if her master left yesterday).

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)16:00 No. 557926 ID: db9156
File 138991684516.png - (124.97KB , 355x505 , juggling.png )

as you ask Lydia about the mine, two of the smaller kids get teary eyed at the sole mention

-"I thought I had asked you to wait until we where out..." she gives you a mild glare and shakes her head, how insensitive!

you do not think using the powers granted to you by nature itself to amuse little kids is going to do ANYONE any good at all, but yeah, why not, what better way to defuse tension than some entertainment, you decide to juggle for the kids a bit, after all, you've done it for quite a while back at the inn, however, it soon comes to your attention that this armour, aside from warm and cozy, IS a bit bothersome and restricts you from moving as freely as you are used, resulting in a bunch of fallen onions.


... after with Lydia politely asks you to STAY OUT until she gives them their blessing.


three minutes later, Lydia comes out with a charm made out from flowers, it would have looked quite good on you but she doesn't seems very pleased right now, she just signals you to move along and return to the temple

once on the way, she makes sure nobody follows

-"The mine was opened six months ago, well, more than mine, it was a cave, our people found gems preety easily, so there was little digging to be made, all but some service tunnels or reinforcing structures as it got deeper, last month, there where talks about digging further in, but there was a lot of disagreeing considering the danger involved"

>>557911
she gazed over in the sunset's direction, then back at you
-"the first case happend soon after, the mine isn't that far off, you could walk it in six hours, but to be safe and help with the burden of tools, we used carriages that make it consideably faster, one of them used to go per week, a good Horse could take you there in no time, but most horses refuse to get near the entrance"

she stops at the main square and glanced around "the first one.. we thought she killed her neighbor out of jealousy, so we let it go, but then, every week, every time a group returned, two or three would act strangely, some killing themselves, some harming others, it was until a whole group returned demented that we decided to forget about the mine, but every now and then, curious travelers wander in and they all seem to find their way back here, probably the safest bet is to seal down the thing..."

>>557926
...but we're supposed to be proficient with leather armor! Oh well.

Tell her at the very least we can intercept your old master so that he doesn't come back into town and make trouble. That's assuming he has been driven insane like the others.

Uh, whoops, I completely missed that non-image update where she asked us to shut up. I suggest putting something in the subject field if you're going to do that.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)16:43 No. 557940 ID: db9156
File 138991940506.png - (60.79KB , 303x197 , hesfine.png )

>>557930
the choice was for Hide over Leather because of the greater protection

Hide armour is still within proficiencies (counts as medium), so, attacking, defending or such aren't hindered, however, in exchange for offering more protection than a leather armour, the Hide armour is bothersome, particularly around the shoulders, so while she can do preety much everything 'normally' things that require a big amount of finesse like juggling -will- be impaired slightly


You would really rather not think about the alternative and hope he comes back sane and already fixing the problem, you do not want to face someone twice as tall than you who is able to shape stone at will; but beyond that, you can't even get into the idea of raising your hand at him

... yeah! he's seriously strong, how could you even doubt him? he's probably already on his way back from sealing the cave, in wich case, you should be meeting him on the way with his favourite drink!

.... right?


after a moment, Lydia gives a tug to your left horn
-"You still here? so, what will you do?"
the Capybara gives you a serious gaze, but she seems to be in a better mood now "I can't leave my children alone, not now, but if you do decide to help us, even if that is just for helping your master, I'll do what I can to help you out"

>>557931
noticed!

if there are weird drawbacks to things you need to list them BEFORE we buy them. we only had prices and that more expensive was stronger.

Who is the last person who was in the mine without going insane? We might ask them what they saw, and get a map of the mine.

>>557942
Penalties to some actions is a standard DnD thing, but I guess not everyone has played DnD so explaining things like that would likely be worthwhile.

sorry, thought it was for most part implied that the more protection it offers the more it hinders (yet, not in such a way that it prevents her to fight/defend efficiently, just for subtleties, however, I'll make sure to assume less and inform more! learning experiences and all, also, feedback like this is greatly apreciated to make this a better experience for all~

>>557940
Of course we'll help! Any assistance with the endeavor would be welcome.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)17:10 No. 557947 ID: db9156
File 138992102731.png - (32.17KB , 214x201 , LydiaClose.png )

>>557943
-"good thinking, well, Galeos, one of the lads that takes care of the temple's harvesting fields today, used to work at the mine and came back from one of the last trips, however he never went beyond the lower levels, and he really does not likes talking about it. You'd like me to talk to him or would you rather do it yourself? just remember it IS a touchy subject for many around here..."

Maybe she could talk to him first? She would know him better than us, and we are not always the best about touchy subjects.

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)17:44 No. 557953 ID: db9156
File 138992307252.png - (61.97KB , 361x334 , rodenttalk.png )

>>557948
Lydia nods and goes over, instructing you to stay over while she handles the rest


as far as mice go, and for what you can see, he's not bad looking, but eh, you HAVE seen better in your hometown


after what seems to be typical small talk, things suddently tense, you can hear ocassional squeaky spikes in his voice, Lydia appears to be as comforting as she can be, but you can see him growing more nervous, his tail trashing and swishing in the floor, kicking up some dust

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)18:03 No. 557964 ID: db9156
File 138992423594.png - (62.45KB , 496x430 , townmountainmap.png )

>>557943
Galeos screams out, he runs off to the temple's side and sits there, Lydia calmly follows him and the two sit together for a while, they are out of sight, you curiously inch around and try to get a closer look but by the time you do, you see Lydia aproaching you with two pieces of paper, you can barely make out the figure of the rodent sitting by the temple, curled up and clearly sobbing

-"he really doesn't wants you... or anyone to go, but I had to convince him that it's for the best of everyone, all he agreed to is to draw some crude maps, it isn't much but... hey..."

Netsuki 2014/01/16(Thu)18:06 No. 557965 ID: db9156
File 138992436393.png - (56.70KB , 361x334 , napkincavemap.png )

-"at this point I think I lost him, he started grinding his teeth and shuddering, he only knows the ground level section, what used to be the cave, he never dared going down the actual perforation, he says it always made him uneasy"

Lydia looks at you concerned, but clearly she is pained for having to put one of her children trough that, yet, she knows that you'll need ALL the help you can get

Was there anything specific he saw that was strange in the mine, or just a deep but nonspecific dread?

>>557971
she didn't saw fit to further press into the matter considering his state

yet, she doesn't seems to get the impression that he was scared at something in particular either

Hmm. Its probably demon magic, but in the case that the effect comes from some kind of gas pocket they dug up do they have anything that might help?

I guess the next thing to do would be to ask if there is anyone in the town we could see who has lost their mind to the mountain.
Obviously we won't get much conversation, but there is still quite a bit we could learn.

No point in seeking out the coyote. If no one else can provide an answer to the question, "Did any of the crazy people say anything noteworthy?", then it's time to head out where the map says.

Thank Lydia. You can tell that wasn't easy for her, or the mouse she was talking to before.

Hmm. Something to think about: if the mine is corrupted or dangerous in some way, if we're an earth-elemental priestess, does that mean we'll sense it when we get close? (No idea if that offers us any protection).

Netsuki 2014/01/17(Fri)07:56 No. 558070 ID: db9156
File 138997421854.png - (27.33KB , 194x184 , comfortinglydia.png )

rolled 3 = 3

---

>>558067
you not only thank Lydia but also try and comfort her, you gulp and ask her about survivors with the maddness, she gives you a cold stare for a moment but then she relaxes, by now she knows you have nothing but good intentions and it's just your way of helping

-"... I'll be back, I... need a drink"

with that, she makes her way over to the temple, leaving you alone with the sobbing Galeos

that little voice on the back of your head gives you yet another yank, it's true, you are far more attuned to the earth than anyone else, while you are no mole with natural insight into stone structures, you sure could pray for enlightment if you are close enough

there is a little bit of hope, after all!

Lydia returns, holding a curled horn from where she drinks a red wine, you find that... somewhat morbid, but whatever, it's her deity's tradition... right?

she looks at you and:
=============================
1- I'm sorry, I had to put the last one down for our own safety and burned his belongings
2- He killed himself, but his house is left untouched
3- he is confined to his house, we dare not taking him out
4- my helpers chained him on the back of the temple, every day I pray to our lady Yondalla for his recovery and we keep him fed

We probably can't go in there, but we should go there and at least try to talk to him through the door or something.

I'm trying to think, do any of our abilities do anything that would allow safe communication we someone effect? Insanity is no minor wound, the target for purify looks wrong, er, can magic stone be used to talk through rock or anything?

>>558079
"Magic Stone" (if it's like the D&D/Pathfinder spell) is for making sling ammo more powerful. Not useful here.

But yes, trying to listen through the door and then say hello might get us a little information. Even if it's just mad raving like "Cthulhu f'taghn!" that'd give us a clue of what we're dealing with.

>>558079
specifically, magic stone enhances a mineral to do more damage when flung, think pebble->minihandgranade transmutation

Virtue could offer you a small degree of protection by further comuning with your Goddess, however, a small degree is better than none!

Sanctuary can shield you from being targeted by spells or even physical attack, as long as you don't initiate an agression as well

you know your master could have removed any kind of curse, dispell magic or even cure diseases with ease, but that might be out of your league right now

then again, you get the impression that those who have been nearby would have been affected by now, after all, the only ones with the madness are the ones that went to the mine


...right?

Netsuki 2014/01/17(Fri)11:28 No. 558083 ID: db9156
File 138998692104.png - (89.33KB , 463x253 , JenaiHouse.png )

>>558077
>>558080

you ask Lydia about that house, she points past the town square, not very far from the store from earlier


making your way, you come across a hut that certantly looks far more elaborate than the others, the more you walk closer, the worse the scents get

the windows are shut tight with boards, some of them dripping with rotten remains of food, a makeshift hatch is secured with a piece of iron, likely where they toss the food in for poor Jenai


you're not sure you can handle the smell, but you do your best to inch closer, nothing is heard at the moment

Netsuki 2014/01/17(Fri)12:15 No. 558085 ID: db9156
File 138998971161.png - (39.93KB , 260x155 , Linalistening.png )

>>558077
>>558080

covering your nose, you knock twice at the hatch, thinking it is more likely to grab his attention

nothing... but just as you where about to get up, you hear steps

"tree eagle short?" the voice pauses, then a loud, shireking squeak echoes before you hear a loud thud


... silence for a few seconds before you hear scratching around the metallic hatch

... the scent is unbearable

hello? you meekly ask

"lantern eight drill for -"

and then banging, loud banging against the wooden wall that makes you pull your head away

after that, sobbing and whimpering, followed by a few drops of blood trailing from the edge of the hole

Let's just go to the mine.

i'm not even sure if letting them live or killing them would be kinder.

Hm. Words, but in no apparent order, and violence, but not constant. All the evidence so far has been strangely nonspecific...

Let's thank Lydia an head off to the mine I guess. Time to see if we have a SAN stat.

Netsuki 2014/01/17(Fri)13:15 No. 558094 ID: 4c204d
File 138999330124.png - (102.65KB , 620x496 , sheeplexlate.png )

>>558088
you get the impression that the townsfolk are keeping him alive, probably he was someone important to them, probably out of pitty, it'd be best to double check before taking such a drastic action, or better yet, find out if there is a better way to handle it

>>558089

well if I had to assign a sanity stat, I'd go by the book and multiply the wisdom score x5 plus a token 10 free points, seeing how earth priestess are meant to be level headed and steady, so, you have a total sanity score of 85, if it matters!

you check in on your sheeplex, it's past 21:30 with 15 seconds, you've never been one to be afraid of the dark, and time is of the essence now, but resting never killed anyone in the past, right?

you make your way back to the temple to thank Lydia and think about your course of actions along the path

at this point, you really don't care about the idea of dinner, you barely managed to hold on to your meal as it is

Alright, let's get a room for the night and set out tomorrow morning for the mine.

>resting never killed anyone in the past, right?
Resting has killed a number of people in various ways. Of course, so has not resting.
I say we go ahead to the mine now unless you are feeling tired. Time of day won't matter much underground, but being well rested can be important.

The SAN thing was a reference to how this is looking more and more like we are playing a DnD character in a Call of Cthulu campaign.

Netsuki 2014/01/17(Fri)16:56 No. 558121 ID: db9156
File 139000656306.png - (91.09KB , 341x239 , Linathinking.png )

>>558102
>>558103

go for it without even a plan?
but then she might regret not having rested well

crash in for the night?
will she even be able to sleep knowing her Master might be in danger?

she could really go either way, the temple closes in and she has yet to make a choice, but she knows this is for sure, she HAS to clear her mind and soon


(sup guys, figured it was about time to have a bit of space to splash and flail about, so, here you go, the discussion thread:
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/79113.html )

Rest. If you are lucky, someone else might turn up who might help out. Maybe that mercenary they mentioned. In the worst case you still have to go alone but you will be at your best.

Stay a night. Prop something like the hatchet against the door so it will fall and clatter if something tries to sneak in during the night. (There isn't any disadvantage to doing so, and I have a vague suspicious feeling...)

Everyone who has rushed into that mine has been killed or horribly messed up by it. Charging in blindly is our worst option.

We need to poke around the edges, talk to the townsfolk, look at the victims and so on. That way Lydia will have at least have SOME idea what kind of thing she needs to be protecting herself from from.

Also, I noticed from >>>/questdis/79114 that Lyda knows Virtue and Bless, which grant bonuses to will and morale saves. Preparing those could be a VERY good idea for protection against the mine.

>>558156
(Lydia is the capybara priestess from town, you are Lina, just sayian, but I know what you meant!)

she's staying, need to figure out what panels to draw but I'm running low on steam, better aproach this early on, however:

she is crashing at the temple and following the hunch of adding an alarm of sorts, a precaution she is not stranger to, from living in an inn

OK well since you're staying try to do some exercise. Run around the village, do 300 hammer swings and stretch thoroughly. Then see if you can meditate and pray to become tuned with the earth.

Also see if you could borrow some gloves. If you have to handle potentially dangerous gems in the mine later on then it might be best to not touch them directly.

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)10:43 No. 558412 ID: 3419eb
File 139015699590.png - (292.01KB , 1280x800 , why would you do such a thing.png )

>>558194
>>558088

there's not enough time to get a good night's sleep and do all that, so you decide to combine it in a single sweep, you begin working a swing with your hammer as you run across the village, soon, you 'accidentally' hit that weird smiling kid, reducing him to a pile of red goo, as you are on practice swing #85, you decide to turn direction and put that poor crazed mouse out of his missery, you become a whirlwind of ramming doom as you trash across the peacefully sleeping town

90... 140... Crack! 230, Splatter! and finnaly, 300, you feel your muscles somewhat cramped and you come to a halt, standing atop the skull of what once was that bitchy store owner, that was good! now to stretch




okay, no, none of this happens, not even in your imagination, just the artist recovering from a hangover

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)10:48 No. 558413 ID: 3419eb
File 139015733240.png - (368.39KB , 995x766 , insidethetemple.png )

>>558156
>>558140
>>558137
>>558089

well, your head is cleared up now, isn't that great?

inside the temple, there is a very pleasant fruity scent, some familiar, some unknwon to you, as you walk close to the altar, Lydia greets you with a somewhat sad expression
-"I'm sorry to bother you with this all, but, you have our gratitude, may your actions be guided by Lady Yondalla and bring you and your master to Safety"

as you explain your idea of spending the night, she extends her hand

-"if you don't mind, you can stay in the storage room, and feel free to help yourself to anything you may find, I do ask, however, not to turn on any fire in there, we store a fair amount of grains and you know how flammable that can be, if you feel around, you'll be sure to find a couple of mattresses in the corner"

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)11:15 No. 558422 ID: 3419eb
File 139015893787.png - (26.98KB , 213x255 , storageroom.png )

You are led to the storage room, from the dim light filtering in, you manage to see one of the matresses in the corner, complete with a cozy looking pillow, on the walls, several shelves seem bursting full with fruits, stacks of vedgetables and indeed, all over the place there are huge sacks full with several grains and even some with sugar

you well trained barmaiden nose also picks the unmistakable faint scent of wine and beer, but clearly not with the quality you are used to

you can't quite make out the other corner, as it is too dark, but you assume it should be where they keep the barrels and the other bed

Do any of your spells glow enough when cast to see by for a moment? I am a bit curious about what is there, though if a spell isn't bright enough go prod it rather than lighting a torch, since a grain fires are a legitimate risk as well as a fire when we were asked not to is ruder than we have reason to be.
Do remember to do the thing with the door before going to sleep, though.

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)12:25 No. 558432 ID: 3419eb
File 139016315522.gif - (525.11KB , 1280x800 , darkroom1.gif )

>>558426
the first thing you do as you close the door is prop the hatchet, not going to forget something as basic as that!

next, you try to examine around but you notice glass cracking as you step, that's not going to bother your strong hoofs, but you don't know if it's a good idea to be walking around blindly.


you don't think spells work that way, but for the hell of it, you prepare your strongest spell and focus fully on making it count, since Sanctuary -does- covers you in an aura, it might just work, probably

still, not hoping for much, you cast your spell and keep your eyes as open as you can

Well that is a thing. We should ask the priestess about why there are glass shards on the floor of the room. Was there some kind of accident?

>>558443
the way the glass cracked is familiar to you

and then there's the overwhelming scent of stale beer, so probably there's just that a few bottles got knocked over, after all, it is hard to navigate in a dark room

if you feel uneasy you could always go talk to Lydia, but then again, what's the point of bothering her for something so trivial, better go to sleep, it will be a long day tomorrow!

Well, there is maybe a bit of another thing, but asking about it can wait until morning. We do need to get a good night's sleep, after all.

>>558412
(That probably belongs in questdis rather than here.)

>>558432
There are manacles on the wall. It should be simple to go and feel them there to confirm this. Also we have a lantern! Light it.

>>558461
Ok I guess we will be asking about that then. Asking about it in terms of manacles and stains sounds like an accusation though, and you don't go around accusing your host of things, so we should first ask about the glass shards (which appear to have been involved) first as a non-accusatory way of finding what is likely a perfectly good explanation. It also happens to be good investigative practice to find out as much as you can before letting on what you suspect, but the other reason is still valid and I think more in character.
Don't light the lantern; it takes fire to start and flour explosions are a real danger.

I figured we are relatively prepared against an ambush at the moment so we should get some rest before opening that can of dire worms, but now it has been brought up.

>>558468
We can light the lantern from outside the storage room.

Heck, we could leave the lantern entirely outside of the storage room to lend more light to let us see more of the room. Ambient light is a thing.

I'm not interested in sleeping in a room with BLOODY MANACLES on the wall.

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)17:31 No. 558479 ID: 206866
File 139018149039.png - (108.88KB , 424x413 , lantern outside.png )

rolled 16 = 16

---

>>558469
>>558470

no way you are resting now without finding out some about what the hell is going on

you peek out and notice nobody is around, apparently Lydia went to her room already, so you walk out, set the lamp on the floor, close the door, light the lamp and once again walk into the room

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)17:47 No. 558484 ID: 206866
File 139018242650.png - (198.93KB , 536x553 , darkroominspection.png )

>>558461

(me bad, I drew her out of the armour but it was NEVER said that she took it off so assume it is on)


you take your time in examining the place, your intuition seems to be on your side, coupled with your natural wit and experience, you notice the following:

- the blood is dried off, it seems to be originated by slams against the wall and dripping from the manacles, your educated deduction would be that someone injuired was trashing a lot. Plus, the blood in the floor doesn't seems to be all that much but it appears to have been spread by feet shuffling a lot, it's not near enough blood for someone to die from blood loss

-the blood seems to have dried several days ago, and the beer bottles are entirely dry, also, you notice no signs of blood or hints that the bottles where used to cause harm, it was either an accidental drop or a deliberate action, maybe to conceal the scent of blood?

-the manacles look relatively new, and from watching your father make improvements on the inn, you know that those little piles of dust near the wall mean that they where installed recently, at least within the last month

-the storage room has Yondalla's emblem in several of the crates and shelves, you might not know a lot about their faith but what you do recall is that she is a good deity wich favours protection and fertility, sacrifices aren't a thing they favor

-you aren't very skilled with your nose, but you do find small clumps of white fur and some black hair, yet that has little meaning to you

Hmm. Waking the priestess up to ask is probably going to get you the answer, "That's from one of the people who went mad in the mine; don't worry about it." If she's secretly evil, that only serves to tip her off, and if she's not, it only sounds like a pointless accusation. Also, you weren't locked in, so that's a good sign.

So, don't ask until morning when you can bring it up politely.

>>558484
...this was the room they put the survivor in, to heal the injuries he suffered when they captured him. He was here while they prepared the boarded up house, and once that was finished they relocated him there.

Much more likely explanation than foul play, and nicely explains how they got the survivor into the house. Snuff the lantern and let's get some sleep. Prop the hatchet up against the door again anyway, that's a good habit for a traveler to have.

Really the only question I have at this point is why they didn't clean off the blood and pick up the shattered bottles.

>>558492
They probably want to have as little to do with the room as possible.

>>558085
Hmmm. I'm wondering if we could have tried to purify the rotten food. Or used sanctuary to talk to him safely.

Regrettably, I'm not seeing anything in our spell list that would really have helped him, unless we could cast virtue on someone else, or if it bolstered resistance to mental maladies.

>kill him?
Seems premature if he's being contained and cared for. It's possible if we deal with the source of the problem that the afflicted might recover. Or that we might find some other cure. We only consider mercy killing if we're sure he'd be stuck that way for life.

>>558479
Careful with that torch. Remember, this place is a tinderbox. Douse it safely, soon.

>manacles, blood
I would assume this is where they restrained someone afflicted. Lydia doesn't seem like the kind of person who would hurt anyone, and their faith isn't a bloody one. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

...I don't suppose your past experience enchanting glass bottles gives you any affinity? Could you sense or divine anything from the shattered pieces.

1/3 Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)20:01 No. 558500 ID: 3419eb
File 139019051848.png - (33.98KB , 475x504 , Sleeping.png )

you realize the armour will just not let you sleep so you remove it (granted, it can be left on but you risk being fatigued the next day and we don't want that on a trip!)

finnaly you settle down on the couch farthest from the shackles and close your eyes, a little moment later you realize you can somewhat see the outlines of things as your eyes get used to the darkness


but right now that no longer matters, and hey, you are close to master~!

time to give in now~

>>558499
right on the first two accounts

and, no, but you know the difference between bottles being broken intentionally and accidentally, these shards show no violence

(also, disclaimer, the hatchet IS propped, forgot to mention it!)

2/3 Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)20:16 No. 558502 ID: 3419eb
File 139019140872.png - (43.89KB , 252x362 , youareten.png )

>>you are now 10

it's a very bright and sunny day, you are in a small makeshift wooden stand in front of a crowd, singing a happy song about the spring meadows

if such a sorcery as autotune existed, you'd put it to shame with your natural built in echo-bleating, making you quite the center of attention, and you -love- it!

3/3 Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)20:26 No. 558504 ID: 3419eb
File 139019199583.png - (100.38KB , 495x357 , Lydiasparents.png )

your mama and papa are right in the front, watching you proudly, you pick up the beat a little more and the crowd cheers

it was to be expected of the daugther of the owners of the inn

this turned out to be the best spring festival in your life!

to see your parents so proud at you made it even better, making you feel a mixture of bliss and the peaceful sense conveyed by the song

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)20:38 No. 558506 ID: 3419eb
File 139019269448.png - (433.53KB , 1280x800 , sunnyfields.png )

the song and the warm temperature start to fade, but the pleasant feeling remains

you're not quite sure of what time it is, but you feel very much rested and refreshed, also, the room seems far more lit as sunlight filters from under the door and some small creaks in the ceeling, allowing you to have a much better outline of everything around you

assuming previous experience and points aquired trough roleplaying, you wake up as a level two, congrats~ refer to discussion thread for preparing spells and see what new spells are available!)

>>558502
Oh, the blue isn't natural. Makes sense, I guess. (Raises the question if it's a natural or magical dying process, though).

>what do
Get up, wait a moment to see if anything seems out of place (sense, smell, hear anything wrong?) and if not, start getting dressed and preparing for the day.

Netsuki 2014/01/19(Sun)21:45 No. 558514 ID: 3419eb
File 139019673851.png - (106.57KB , 585x458 , wakeupgrababrushandputalittlemakeup.png )

everything seems normal, hachet in place, no unusual scents, other than the fact that the rest seems to have done wonders on you, you feel better than ever, ready to take on the world and you even feel the bond with your element stronger than ever, you better spend a little time in meditation to attune with earth itself before you get ready to take on the world! :D

after that, though, you have to make up your mind about what you saw, ignore it or talk to Lydia?

any final preparations before the trip?

There is actually one more thing I thought of to check before we depart. So far we haven't considered how the mine is a mine, which means both that people come in and that minerals come out. We should find some of the retrieved gems (from the lower levels if possible) and inspect them for anything unusual.
(This will also be a good time to try out the Detect Magic we will hopefully be getting from the level up.)

Should probably have at least a meal before heading out.

...I don't really see a need to discuss what you saw with Lydia. Although, maybe we could purify it? Seems to me that kind of spell might do away with bloodstains and spilt spirits. If we're right, they only left it because it was painful for them.

1/2 Netsuki 2014/01/20(Mon)09:57 No. 558600 ID: db9156
File 139024066734.png - (51.58KB , 267x291 , purifying.png )

>>558516
you vaguely remember your Master explaining you once that detect magic only works for a short period of time, so, unless there's an active spell it might not make much of a diference (and if there was an active spell, everyone would be afflicted by now, woulnd't they?)

... you're not sure purify food and drink works that way, but it's worth a shot!

the blood is no more than living tissue, and hey, what do you know? after you wave your hand with the spell in focus, the red hue from the blood begins to fade and a mark of moisture remains on the wall, however, as you work your way to the glasses, the scent of beer intensifies quite a bit as it gets refreshed

2/2 Netsuki 2014/01/20(Mon)10:07 No. 558605 ID: db9156
File 139024122262.png - (63.04KB , 451x229 , shelf.png )

well, with that dealt with, you retreat to your bed and begin meditating, finding your bond with mother earth far stronger today, you get enligthment for a couple new spells!

after that is all said and done, you stand up and remember what Lydia said about helping yourself freely, and those potted stacks of fresh lucerne sprouts and clover look awefully tasty, and why not pick a small packet of dried grain mix? they might not kill hunger but they'll do great for a snack

with food out of the way, you change into the combat robes and begin donning you armour, and prepare to face the day!

Blood takes a while to clean up, let's save that for later when we're not pressed for time.

Off we go then.

...At this rate that mouse is probably going to follow us into the mine.

All right. Say your goodbyes to Lydia if she's up, and after, or if not, head out.

>At this rate that mouse is probably going to follow us into the mine.
Maybe we should try to catch him before then. Leading a child into danger certainly isn't going to help anything.

Netsuki 2014/01/20(Mon)11:59 No. 558643 ID: db9156
File 139024796956.png - (117.84KB , 792x743 , Closeddoor.png )

rolled 9 + 6 = 15

---

okay, enough is enough

you're tired of having the sensation of being watched and that shadow was way too suspicious, either you catch him and give him a good lecture or you take him to Lydia for her to deal with, or just let the poor scamp go about his stuff and move on to more important matters

(you are preety sure you heard her voice sometime after finishing meditating)

(in case you do decide to chase, the result of this roll is the reaction speed of the boy, roll a 20 to see if you where fast enough)

rolled 9 = 9

---

>>558643
Alright.

rolled 6 = 6

---

I think we should talk to him yourself. After all, we're not interested in getting the scamp in trouble- we're looking to stop him before he follows us into danger.

rolled 20 = 20

---

Jeez that kid is fast!

Well, better talk to him in case he knows anything useful. Then make it clear that you don't want him heading into danger.

Offer him a lock of wool? =)

Netsuki 2014/01/21(Tue)13:58 No. 558872 ID: 2ef3a6
File 139034148495.png - (89.28KB , 361x450 , alreadygone.png )

(taking in account either the first result or the one with a most meaningful description, in wich case, no luck)

you try your best to sneak and suddently lunge at the door, but by the time you open it, he is already sprinting down the hall and while you decide to give chase or not, you can already hear the footsteps diminishing until there's not a sound

oh well, no harm done, you resume packing your stuff and putting on your armour

Netsuki 2014/01/21(Tue)14:03 No. 558874 ID: 2ef3a6
File 139034178110.png - (224.27KB , 551x690 , ready for travel.png )

>>558858
sounds like a sensible idea, you cut a nifty lock of wool and tie a preety ribbon on it, you'll try your best to find him on your way out of town, with how often he seems to be sneaking by, it might just take a small taunt to lure him in

but for now, let's get moving!

Netsuki 2014/01/21(Tue)14:08 No. 558877 ID: 2ef3a6
File 139034211201.png - (64.35KB , 259x396 , Lydiasweeping.png )

>>558631
you head out of the temple, your eyes straining a little to adjust to the morning sun

sheeplex says 07:58 with 12 seconds, little bit of delicious morning dew with some mildly chilly wind, yet the sun makes up for it

Lady Lydia is sweeping the front section of the temple, she looks fairly relaxed and quite happy to see you.

You aproach and thank her for everything, giving a little compliment on the food

you decided not to talk about the manacles, so, anything else to mention before you leave?

>it might just take a small taunt to lure him in
Maybe the next time we know he's watching, you could distract him with singing?

Netsuki 2014/01/24(Fri)22:00 No. 559345 ID: 3419eb
File 139062960537.png - (96.40KB , 413x361 , hoers.png )

as you talk with Lydia, a sound aproaches, you raise your gaze and notice Galeos aproaching, riding a horse, he gives a little nod to both you and Lydia and perks his ears up "... I apologize for breaking down yesterday, but know that you have not just mine, but the gratitude of everyone in this town, if there's something I could do for you, let me know, the least I could do is get you closer, if you'd like"

Thank him for his help, and ask if he can think of anything aside from the dread that he or the other miners experienced. Politely decline his offer to travel with you to the mine; we wouldn't want to expose him to whatever is in the mine more than he already has been.

I think it would be safe for him to bring us TO the mine, so long as he doesn't go in.

Thank him. It will certainly help if he can get us closer, although we don't wish to put him in any danger.

Netsuki 2014/02/05(Wed)16:40 No. 561051 ID: db9156
File 139164720065.png - (381.77KB , 1280x800 , leaving.png )

for those who didn't checked the dis thread, I have been QUITE absent as of late, I just got a spot as a high school teacher so yey, that plus some personal projects and my usual work at tech support put a little strain on me but now I'm back and hopefully at full force, I am really eager to see what ends up happening in this story~

Galeos helps you on his horse and starts walking by your side, looking somewhat embarrased
"ya must think I'm a no good scaredy mouse dontcha? ah can only bring ya to the midpoint, ah don' recomend ya to take the horse past that point, gets preety wild, either way, ah'm a fast runner, we'll get there in a blink"
he looked aside for a moment, then closed his eyes

"sure I was never the bravest around, but I just can't help it missy, still, I repeat myself, ah'm very thankful for what yer doin' fer us"


he gives a pat to the horse and gives a look up, as if looking for aproval

Offer him reassurances. He's doing what he can, and there's no shame in being afraid of an actual danger. You're just lucky you might be in a position to help.

It is quite understandable for him to be scared, considering all the things that have been going on there recently. The horse thing is interesting though. I wonder if whatever effect causes that shows up on Detect Magic.

Netsuki 2014/02/06(Thu)14:43 No. 561189 ID: 1c2a0c
File 139172661094.png - (110.23KB , 412x556 , advancing.png )

>>561139
after giving Galeos some reasuring and acklowledging his bravery in helping you, he brightens up quite a bit, you do notice he has a very fast pace, far more than what you could achieve on your own, in a few minutes, you advance almost half to the destination, by now he has forgotten about the incidents and just keeps telling of how much close the group is and starts telling of the fun parties Lydia throws up with food and lots of drinks

they sound a whole lot to what you are used, you might consider joining them in one after all is over with.


over the horizon, you can kinda distinguish the hill with the tall tree, will you proceed on your own or keep with the enjoyable company?

Keep going to the agreed upon stopping point. We're making good time.

Part ways (politely and gently) if we'be reached the midpoint. Otherwise, we haven't seen any reason to separate prematurely.

Netsuki 2014/02/09(Sun)20:19 No. 561767 ID: 3419eb
File 139200599695.png - (79.63KB , 461x274 , goodbyefornow.png )

destiny favored you

the horse starts to move uneasily as you aproach the landmark, a few meters away, the horse refuses to give one more step and Galeos shrugs "I guess this is it, I am sorry I could not be of more help"

you smile, shaking your head, thanking him for all the help and let him know this has been a big help in your trip

remembering something, you reach for one of the pockets and pull out the lock of wool, are you going to let him keep it or are you going to instruct him to find the peeping kid and give it to him?

Maybe give it to Galeos and ask him to keep an eye out for that kid who you think might be following you on his way back. After that examine the well and tree.

Give him the charm. We can always do something else for the peeping tom, if we encounter him again out this far.

Netsuki 2014/02/09(Sun)21:32 No. 561778 ID: 3419eb
File 139201036715.png - (329.68KB , 1280x800 , between pond and tree.png )

he looks at it silently and nods, doing a poor job at trying to hide a wide smile


as he gets on the horse, he starts galloping away but you don't sense him as anxious as before


anyways, seeing as you are alone, it's best to draw out your hammer, and might as well check the surounding

Cast Detect Magic

pointing the hammer towards the tree reveals nothing, however, if you point it towards the well, you sense a hint of something unsettling, there is definitely a magic precence there and it doesn't feels welcoming at all, yet it feels somewhat faint

there doesn't seems to be another source of magic other than the well, will you keep investigating or just move onwards?

Well, there's not much point in using detect magic if we don't check when we ping something.

A protective ward of some kind on a water supply wouldn't be surprising, but I wouldn't expect that to feel malignant. Bears taking a look, at least.

It seems plausible that the well might have a tunnel or something connecting it to the same cave systems as the mine. Even so, we should avoid going down the well if we can since climbing down a well isn't the best idea even without evil magic involved.

Quickly checking for the other magic source sounds worthwhile.

rolled 15 + 2 = 17

---

you touch the stone hammer to the edge of the well, closing your eyes you focus to sense the vibrations on the earth...

(sorry, no tablet handy, will retrieve it soon as I get to the office in about two hours)

oh god what is that thing Netsuki 2014/02/10(Mon)06:28 No. 561835 ID: ffeaf5
File 139204250553.jpg - (107.93KB , 400x563 , MM35_PG10.jpg )

rolled 37 + 80 = 117

---

the moment you peek in to the darkness, you get a feeling of dread and sadness, you remember vaguely your master describing about the spirigs that linger after suicides and this feels preety much like it, as curiosity makes you sharpen your detect magic spell, a mental image begins to form in your mind

you realize the shadowy being has no interest in you, you can sense it kinda does looks for something but that something isn't quite you-flavoured

common sense would dictate that it's a good moment to break the detect magic, and you do so, stepping away from the well and breaking physical contact with the stone walls, with a deep breath, everything around you goes back to normal and you preety much forget the shadowy figure altogether

Ah. A shade of some kind.

Well, if it's no threat to the town, yourself, or the water supply, and we don't have a quick and easy way to give it what it wants (and maybe help it move on) we should leave. Dealing with the problem at the mine is more pressing.

Possibly it was a mad miner who jumped in the well or something. I don't think we have any magic that can communicate with spirits, and for that matter I am not sure whether we could harm one if it came to that, so lets continue onwards.

Netsuki 2014/02/10(Mon)16:46 No. 561944 ID: db9156
File 139207956595.png - (716.64KB , 1280x800 , path.png )

you shrug and keep going, a quick check on the sheeplex reveals

14:50

you keep walking

the sun starts to wear you down a little but it's nothing you haven't faced before, however eventually the sun stops being so harsh, you think you spot the hill with the red roof on top at a distance, but soon you are distracted by a scent

as you stop walking and cover your nose, you hear some rustling, fixing your gaze on the path, you see the corpse of a rodent and two hungry wolves who are tugging and nipping at it, one of them seemingly successful in ripping a chunk of leg off

Looks like they either killed whoever it is or are scavenging a body killed by something else. In the first case, I think we can beat them in a fight and probably should, since we are better equipped for that than the villagers seem to be. In the later case they will probably run away if we shout at them, and we can then investigate what did kill the mouse.
In short, shout to scare them away but be ready in case they attack.

The villagers didn't mention anyone missing, or who was supposed to be out this way, did they?

I suppose scaring the wolves off and trying to determine what happened to the poor soul is the pragmatic course of action. ...assuming they scavenged the body, and that they weren't it's hunters. In the later case they may be more trouble.

>The villagers didn't mention anyone missing, or who was supposed to be out this way, did they?
Well there is the guy who was sent to get help from the guild. That guy was sent a week ago though...

It could be the 'help from the guild' on their way to the village.

Netsuki 2014/02/11(Tue)15:31 No. 562094 ID: db9156
File 139216151654.png - (39.05KB , 284x269 , scarewolf.png )

>>561954
handle animal
you are so well accustomed to dealing with all kinds of beasts, it doesn't really takes much more than a deep, rumbling bleat and a straight gaze at the wolves as you aproach with your hammer over your shoulder for the wolves to run away in a yelping fit, one of them runs away with a piece of leg and the last one manages to rip off a chunk of the stomach before dashing off

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhfEBhK-g_g seems legit

>>562094
Oh neat, I didn't know we had that ability.

Investigate the body. See if you can see if it has any wounds not caused by the wolves. Maybe also check his pockets.

Netsuki 2014/02/11(Tue)15:48 No. 562099 ID: db9156
File 139216252267.png - (104.53KB , 446x382 , inspecting the corpse.png )

rolled 45 = 45

---

>>562002

alright, you can do this!

you reach down, the smell isn't as bad as the one from the hut, but the sight isn't one you'd rather be witnessing from this distance

the face is ripped off and that seems to be fresh, but there's no wounds at the neck, a little nudge from your hammer here and there reveals there aren't any broken bones, as you look away from the bloody mess, all you notice is the dirty clothes, not talking about little stains but rather thick, deeply impregnated dirt, no mistake this was a miner, examining closer, you notice the ribs to be quite exposed and chunks of headfur seem to be missing from quite a while

as far as you can tell, it was not a sudden nor violent death, but then again, you haven't seen a corpse this bad off before

(also sanity check)

Netsuki 2014/02/11(Tue)16:05 No. 562100 ID: db9156
File 139216351386.png - (30.68KB , 244x171 , throwup.png )

rolled 2 + 1 = 3

---

>>562098
(it's in the skills at the character sheet up here in the thread and also discussed at the questdis thingy)

>>562098
you gather courage and dig in, poking at the pockets you find nothing but dirt and a couple of little green gems, however you don't get to enjoy the sight much as you also notice several maggots squished in the pocket -and- crawling in your hand, you pull away and barely manage to throw up away from the body, this was a bit too much for you to take

Wait, what? The body was bloody but also rotting? That doesn't make sense. Well, whatever.

Time to move on. Give a prayer for the body if you can do that sort of thing, and advance further towards the mine.

Huh. We don't know how recent his death was, or what killed him, though. Was he wandering the wilds, mad? Or had he just escaped the mines only to fall now?

I suppose the only lesson we can take is that there may be others out here.

...what do we do with the body? We don't have time or tools to bury it, or to return him to the village. Do we leave it to nature? Or perhaps, we could purify the remains away like we did with the blood?

Netsuki 2014/02/11(Tue)16:50 No. 562111 ID: db9156
File 139216624856.png - (26.44KB , 154x227 , praying.png )

>>562105
the body isn't rotting/decomposing, but exposed entrails and fresh blood isn't on the list of favourite scents for a sheep

>>562106
there's nothing in particular to purify, the RIGHT thing would be to bury it, yes, but yes, if you stop to bury it,you risk endangering many others

it's up to nature, it seems, you slam your hammer down on the ground and pray for the soul of this rodent to rest peacefully and for it's body to go back to mother earth, may the balance of the world enforce it's own law

with that, you swing your hammer over your shoulder and walk away, as you walk a little further, a sound catches your interest, several little yips and whines echo and the last thing you see is one of the wolves from earlier surounded by kits, with that, you give a little nod and move onwards

Who wants to bet that those gems came from the mine?
Anyway, onwards towards the mine.

Netsuki 2014/02/12(Wed)09:47 No. 562171 ID: db9156
File 139222722296.png - (134.47KB , 604x800 , Almost mountain.png )

after walking for quite a while, you sigh in relief, a large cloud obscures the sun and the sun itself becomes less instense, the sheeplex reads
16:24
looking up, you see the range of mountains where the mine is supposed to be, and just a couple of meters away, the hut with the red roof

from the little idle chatter with Galeos, he tells you that's where the partners/wives/relatives of the miners would settle temporarly and cook for them, of course it had been abandoned ever since the incidents

Is there someone standing in front of the hut?

Regardless, we should probably check there before we get any closer to the mine.

Huh, it looks like of like they have a hammer...

Well considering the hut is "a few meters away" I'm guessing that is the PC standing in front of the hut.

Go on in and take a look around to see if anything is immediately out of place.

>>562252
(Lina's head is at the bottom, so, no~)

Netsuki 2014/02/12(Wed)16:18 No. 562254 ID: db9156
File 139225073461.png - (278.57KB , 1280x800 , graves on the hill.png )

>>562179
you climb up the small hill (that's Lina's dress btw :v ) and notice several.... a total of fourteen graves up the hill, the soil is very freshly removed and there are twigs over the graves, you'd recognice that crest anywhere!

it's the elemental symbol of earth, no doubt, and it's what you would have given to the corpse from earlier

Netsuki 2014/02/12(Wed)16:39 No. 562256 ID: db9156
File 139225196255.gif - (930.97KB , 690x692 , statue.gif )

as you reach near the top of the small hill, you come across this sight, standing by the house, a stone statue stands still

... the wool it has on it's limbs seems VERY familiar

>>562256
Is that the same sort of wool your master has? Or is it your sort of wool? In the latter case haha I guess your master made a golem that looks just like you that's not creepy at all.

At any rate, approach cautiously and call out to see if your master has taken up residence here.

Is that our (un-dyed) wool? Even aside from how someone would get it off of us, did we have that much wool on us when we came here, or did our master carry some of our woll for some reason?
That statue might not actually be there, so we should Detect Magic to check.

The forces at work here saw you coming, and built an effigy to mock you?

Detect magic. I want to know if this is a trap, or if that thing can be animate.

If it's not a threat (of immediate mirror match, anyways) investigate closer. What is the wool? (It couldn't actually be yours, right?). What's the blood from?

Netsuki 2014/02/12(Wed)18:10 No. 562282 ID: db9156
File 139225743487.png - (217.43KB , 568x475 , wovenwool.png )

Detect Magic

you raise your hand and point it at the statue, a shudder runs down your spine, you can't be mistaken

that's Master's magic influence right there, you spend about a minute examining in meditation and detect:

-very faint traces of earth to stone transmutation, from your elemental school

-clear hints of sculpt stone, judging by the strenght of the spell (quite faint by now, only able to be percieved by earth elementalists)it was probably cast about a day ago, two at maximum

-a much stronger animation spell focused on the emeralds on the eyes, the magic feels somewhat persistant and it doesn't seems to come from your school, probably aided by a scroll or book

-the magic is still latent, and it seems like it will stay like that for a while, but there doesn't seems to be a trigger

--

shutting down the focus, you look down at the wool, it IS yours, and you don't know if to be flattered or saddened, you recognice it as parts of a scarf you made for him with your own wool last winter, it was quite long, so there's probably a lot of it left

the blood is darker than what you have seen in the past, inspecting the hammer closer, there are scattered blue thick hairs along the splatters of blood

as you look over to the statue, you see several dent marks, clear indication of clash of stone against stone scattered in a couple of spots, not the clean sharp type of impacts a steel weapon would do

So, it had to fight against some possessed miners, most likely. Approach and ask permission to enter the place. Or just holler at the door to be let in.

>>562286
as of today you KNOW what mouse blood looks like, fresh and dry, decomposed and just out from the tap, and this looks far thicker

also most rodents you have ran across have delicate fine fur, this thing has thick, unruly hairs

>>562289
Uh

Blue, non-mouse hairs? That doesn't mean anything to me. Blue means dyed hair, that's all. The scarf basically proves this golem was made by our master so there's no reason to assume it's hostile unless it's set to attack all approaching persons, which is possible since it'd be hard to keep people out otherwise. It's guarding the house so this must be our master's shelter.

The only issue is how to get our master's attention or get inside without activating the golem.

Try yelling to get his attention if he is currently inside the house.

Alright, so your master made a golem in your image, and it's seen battle against... blue things.

The stronger enchantment in the eyes says to me it was left as a sentry. Possibly it's still recording, or sending information to him. (Dunno if we have a way to tap into that)?

Once you've exhausted what you can learn from Dolly there, check inside the house.

Also, obvious question: why did he shape the stone in your image?

The two possible answers that occur to me are (a) if there's some kind of bonus or advantage to shaping stone into a shape you are familiar with, or animating something that represents someone / something significant to you or (b) if he knew you would you would be following him. In which case, a guardian cast in your image, and wrought partially of your cloth would not be a threat to you (it would recognize you as part of itself), even if it's set to attack anything else.

I'd rule out accidental unconsciously or sentimentally doing it. He took time to make this thing (casting from a book, tearing pieces off the scarf and adding them to the work)- it wasn't something done in haste or without thinking.

>>562312
(c) he's a perv. The golem is designed to appear naked.

Netsuki 2014/02/13(Thu)09:41 No. 562367 ID: db9156
File 139231331636.png - (94.81KB , 501x463 , EnterHouse.png )

rolled 20 + 4 = 24

---

>>562286
you ask permision to the statue, nothing happens

>The stronger enchantment in the eyes says to me it was left as a sentry. Possibly it's still recording, or sending information to him. (Dunno if we have a way to tap into that)?

well, golems need usually a precious gem as a functioning core, the placement is preety arbitrary

a sending, whispering, or scrying active spell would register very strongly on detect magic, unless he shielded against it, but then, you would not be able to detect anything at all, so, it's very likely it has some kind of bond, it must be simply given a few basic instructions, the fact that it didn't turned you into a fine red goo at sight is kinda nice

>>562293
you call out a loud 'hello!' no answer, after that, a 'Anyone home!?' near the door, no answer, however, as you open the door, you hear shuffling and a loud 'thunk' followed by two femenine voices

-"do you hear something?"

"shh, quiet, he's probably back"

>>562312
depending on a spellcraft dice roll check, I'll specify what Lina knows about Golem creation at http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/79113.html

Hmm, people who can still speak coherently and work together yet hide from (and possibly want to ambush) our mentor. That isn't a good sign. On the other hand the golem didn't attack us, so this might be a golem-attack-parameter based misunderstanding.

Now that the door is open and they can hear better, say hello again and ask if Lydia sent them.

>>/questdis/79696 Also for future reference putting the board name like /questdis/ or /quest/ is how you refer to a post if /ques/ from /questdis/ or visa versa.
Wow I had forgotten how tough stone golems are relative to low level characters. We will have to be especially careful around it since it can one-shot us to unconcious with a slightly above-average roll and to dead with a high one.

Hmm, maybe our master told the golem to follow our orders. Quietly order the golem to guard you until you say otherwise. Then order it to open the door, just in case there's a trap prepared.

>>562382
We shouldn't send the golem in or command it for now; these guys don't sound gibbering-mad, so it is fairly likely the golem attacked them when it shouldn't have. In that case, if they hear us command the golem or send it towards them, they would consider us an enemy.

We shouldn't go in the door yet either though; we opened the door so now we can talk to them from where we are.

>shh, quiet, he's probably back
Well, that's not a good sign if they think your master is someone to hide from.

I wouldn't enter the house without their permission, in case the golem is set on sentry duty (ie, they see you as an intruder, and then so does it). Try talking to them from where you are.

I uh, can hear you. I don't mean any harm, I promise. Please, can we talk?

Assuming they reluctantly come out, try and find out from them what happened. Don't be surprised if they react with surprise or alarm when they see you, since they've likely seen 'your' golem in action.

Netsuki 2014/02/13(Thu)11:51 No. 562391 ID: db9156
File 139232109461.png - (54.20KB , 483x375 , blindmouses.png )

-"Segnus sir? back so soon?"

one of the femenine voices shakily asks, you tense up slightly, someone -dares- to speak his name? you can't resist and open up the door, the house inside seems rather well kept, if not dark

inside, you find two mice, who are preety baddly beaten up, they take a step back, the shorter one perks up her ear

"... brother...? are you back?"

>someone -dares- to speak his name?
Geeze. Touchy, girl.

>brother...? are you back?
No, I'm sorry.

Seems like this might be time to break out the cure minor wounds. You can't fix these two, but you can at least, help a little.

Talk to them, try to find out what happened here.

...that dead mouse might have been their brother, but I don't know how to break that to them. Also, we don't have a way to confirm his identity.

>>562391
Walk up to them and Cure Light Wounds on both
"No, but I'm here to help - what happened to you?"

Introduce yourself as your master's apprentice, and explain you only just arrived here, then start working on healing their wounds. Wait, doesn't your master have healing abilities? Is there a reason why he wouldn't be using magic on them? Better ask first, to make sure you don't trigger some sort of hex.

Also ask them what happened.

Netsuki 2014/02/13(Thu)13:40 No. 562407 ID: 3419eb
File 139232765494.png - (107.09KB , 520x308 , healing.png )

>>562396
>>562395
the first thing you do is step close and prepare a cure minor wounds, you hold your glowing hand in front of the mouse but you don't feel that particular 'drain' as you get close and your eyes get used to the darkness, you realize they have no open wounds, mostly scars

>"No, but I'm here to help - what happened to you?"

the taller one lowers her ear and slowly returns to the chair, stumbling along the way

"we used to live in here, tending to the miners, when everyone started going crazy we decided to stay and help as much as we could, three days ago we had a Coyote and a Lynx mercenaries stay here and rest, then they left for the mine"

she goes silent for a moment, then the short one reaches up to touch your shoulder
-"Vael, my brother.." she lowers her voice "and her husband" she points her nose in the direction of the taller mouse "came back two nights ago, we recived him, we where about to tend to his wounds but he attacked us in the middle of the night"

she breaks sobbing, the taller mouse faces away and begins talking
"the moment he started attacking her, some huge hideous critters like disfigured bulldogs bursted in trough the door and began attacking us, we both thought we'd die... maybe we did... but then Segnus arrived, and handled everyone right away, however Vael managed to escape when he started tending us"

she takes a moment to recover, then shakes her head slowly "we asked him to go after Vael, but he said it was more important to deal with the problem on the mine, he said he warded the house against evil, if you had been evil, you'd be writhing in pain by now, that's why we know you can be trusted, but we thought it'd be him, he said he'd heal our injuries fully when he was done with the mine and... well, n-never mind"

>>562407
Hmm, I see. He must have a more advanced healing spell. Also, those bulldogs were blue, weren't they? Confirm that with them. There's nothing we can do for these folk right now. Make sure they'll be okay if you're gone, then ask how long ago he left and how you would recognize Vael.

...actually I wonder if Vael was the dead mouse we saw on the side of the road.

Netsuki 2014/02/13(Thu)14:15 No. 562413 ID: 3419eb
File 139232974833.png - (21.73KB , 249x192 , ew.png )

>>562409
you're preety sure he's not able to re-grow limbs with his magic, but then he's very crafty

the younger one shudders
-"not quite bulldogs, they where grotesque, I mean, I can't quite describe them, kinda ape-like, but those fangs... also they lacked eyes, not like, lost them, but more like, it's like they had been born without them, they had blue skin with odd patches of fur here and there, each of them carried .. s-stone... axe.s.. she cringes, starting to shake


an awkward moment later, they start describing the mouse, the description, saddly, kinda fits with what you saw, you are somewhat thankful that they can't see your expression of disgust as you conjur the mental image of the mangled corpse

-"Segnus? he left right that morning, he just made sure I'd be okay after my loss... and then he left, I was really looking forward for his return"

Alright, well, tell them you found Vael, and give them your condolences. Ask if there's anything they need.

>>562413
"I found a mouse on my way here. I'm sorry.

Segnus should have been back by now. I'll go in after him, but first I should take you back to town - is that alright with you?"

...break the news to them, gently. They deserve honestly, at least.

>take them back to town
Not a terrible idea (for their safety, anyways) although that does set us back another day. Although, it's already 4:30. Could we move two injured and blind walkers to town before dark? If there's anything out there hunting people, we wouldn't be in a good position to protect them. In the short term, a closed house with a sentry golem might be safer.

Longer term, of course, they need care and food.

For the moment, they're relatively safe guarded by the golem.

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)14:14 No. 631795 ID: ec1947
File 142775008899.png - (583.19KB , 1280x800 , SoOutOfIt.png )

what are you even doing here?

the stomach revolving imagery of the mangled corpse, the locked out hut, all the pain, all the suffering, are you even up for the task?

Master... so close, you should chase after him! leave these dumb mice, what hope do they have anyways?


but wait, -HE- tended to them, HE taught you to respect and care for the lives of others, they clearly are in need and he can handle himself right?

right?


... but why did he gave his name so easily to these two? why do you want to care for them just so they can steal his attention away from you?


do you even diserve that attention? the daughter of an innkeeper should be just that, why are you here...?




your head spins, that's the fifth time this thought rolls around your head, your ears are ringing and there's a bit of nausea, you think you hear something like a whisper in the distance but...

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)14:47 No. 631799 ID: ec1947
File 142775205862.png - (158.43KB , 570x565 , Leribroken.png )

... what are you saying? you're better than this, those aren't even your feelings, but why does it hurts...? why does ...

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)14:53 No. 631800 ID: ec1947
File 142775239795.png - (174.72KB , 561x470 , jumpscare.png )

"LINA! MISS LINA!"

a hand heavily lands on your shoulder, you feel a massive headache and are abou to throw up but the sudden touch was DEFINITELY uncalled for

and who is calling you by name anyways? that... dirty... fucking....

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)14:56 No. 631802 ID: ec1947
File 142775260782.png - (326.61KB , 1051x605 , facepunch.png )

...RAT

"STOP TOUCHING ME!"

the surprised squeal is echoed by the younger sister's scream in confusion

w-why did you punched her? you didn't meant to? did you? it's her fault... she could hold him off for you, she didn't had to trouble him, she... what are you even...

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)15:00 No. 631803 ID: ec1947
File 142775283114.png - (261.32KB , 1280x800 , aftermath.png )

...doing!?

you are suposed to help these people! you are a gentle priestess of earth, the embodiment of balance and peace, what has gotten into you?

you can barely see, the sheeplex is out of service, the sun set already? how long where you out of it?

your train of thought is broken by the sobbing of the younger mice and the coughing of the elder, who fell flat on the floor, who is shuffling back in fear of you now

(sorry for the absence guys <.< back now! )

>>631803
Shit, you're infected or cursed or something. Get away from them. You're basically on a time limit now. Go find your master before it's too late.

Apologize and say that you think you are starting to become effected by whatever is happening, and need to step outside to compose yourself. Then go outside and check how clear your head is now and whether time has actually passed. (The darkness in here, and looking back the mention of the husband going insane at night makes me wonder whether the effect is linked to being in physical darkness.)

>can't see
See, this is why I wanted to pick light.

>what happened
Something preyed on your connection to your master, and exploited it. It found a seed of jealousy to foster in a crack of your defenses. Made you doubt yourself, and lash out. Possibly exacerbated by the fact you seem to have some lingering issues of self-worth.

If the threat here is psychological in nature, you need to understand and face your own weaknesses.

>what do
Apologize. You're sorry. You were a overwhelmed there for a moment, you're not going to hurt them.

Bless might be appropriate to cast. If there's something preying on your emotions / fears, it might alleviate it. And if the mice still count as allies it'll help calm and reassure them.

How many spell castings do we have left? It's been a while.

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)16:55 No. 631821 ID: 225ed3
File 142775970967.png - (528.28KB , 1280x800 , Runexclamationpoint.png )

your first response is to get away, unsure if it's for their own safety or your sanity, but you rush out of the door, stumbling, you fall to your knees outside, rather than darkness, you are greeted by the oh-so-comforting blue pale glow of the full moon, before you realize it, your balance feels weird and you throw up a little, coughing as you feel your mind starting to clear...

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)17:06 No. 631823 ID: 225ed3
File 142776038207.png - (437.90KB , 1280x800 , Full Moon.png )

you kick some dust over the little mess you made and look up at the moon, as you take a deep breath, you feel much better, calming down, you realize the scent of blood inside of the house was a bit too much for you to take

glancing back, you see both mice sisters in the hut, it seemed to be more of an issue of your sight blurring

"I- I'm sorry... I don't know... I'm just..." you sigh and start to stand up, brushing the dust off your knees as you reflect a little on what happend "... I'm scared and confused"


silence

with a glance over your shoulder, you notice there's a tiny hint of red hue on the mountains, and purple in the sky, not all the stars are out and the ones that are are blocked by the moonlight, the sun must have set not long ago, you probably zoned out some two hours or so

your mind is a little hazy, not able to really conjure up a spell on the spot right now, nor measure up how much mystic energy you have left (yet, you feel it's still there) but you decide to do what's right...

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)17:20 No. 631826 ID: 225ed3
File 142776122458.png - (311.65KB , 752x795 , prayingformice.png )

you drive your hammer to the ground and softly begin chanting a prayer, as you do, you can't help but to feel silly about all the fuzz you made, but you do realize it's all true to a certain degree, it all seemed nice and dandy at the village but the closer you get the more you realize you've never been this close to real danger before

as you end the chanting, you get up feeling refreshed, the fear is still there, but the resolve seems clear now, you -do- want your Master to be safe and for the people in the village to be safe

you turn away with a sigh and fling your backpack over your shoulders, before you hear a little whisper

-"be brave, Lina... for us, for our people" turning back, you find the young sister by the door with a little smile before she closes the door

Something's wrong.

You know this, even if you can't figure it out. This whole quest to find your master is slowly turning into a nightmare of blood, guts, and gore. You know something's wrong, you didn't want to hit the little girl, nor call her bad names.

Choose a different path to your master. Whatever is tormenting you will likely win if you keep playing whatever sick game they've inflicted upon you. You might not know who they are, but that doesn't mean you can't play by your own rules.

Take detours, learn non-priestess skills, recruit bandits, do anything that seems too ludicrous to be a predictable or manipulative move! Whatever you do, do NOT abandon hope - IN YOURSELF. Your faith may be a guide, but do NOT close your eyes.

>>631826
Alright let's get going.

Right. So... we've freaked out and wasted two hours, but we never actually resolved our dilemma. What to do with the blind mice?

Leaving them helpless and injured to fend for themselves is worrisome, as is trying guide them back to the village in the dead of night.

Netsuki 2015/03/30(Mon)18:04 No. 631834 ID: 225ed3
File 142776387405.png - (567.53KB , 1280x800 , NotAlone.png )

it has to be done, no doubt, but, this is true, diving headfirst is a sure way to lose it

you still feel too dazed to even recall the spells you learned trough months of practice, however, right now you do feel the connection to mother earth's strenght more powerful than ever

but what of it? you can't go off on your own path, it's not sheep nature, sheep follow, sheep obey.... then again, how does that turns out for feral sheep....?

as you look back at the mice, you realize even trying to escort them in your present state might be more dangerous to them, a glance at the golem makes you feel even more confused

you can't help but to feel a bit jealous that he spent so much magic power to create something like that to protect someone other than you.... but then you can't deny it's flattering that it's on your image, reflecting on that, you DO realize you are in no shape to watch over the sisters, and decide to leave it up to the golem.

leaning your hammer over your shoulder, you nod once and start walking down the path, towards the mine. those two hours felt like over a year, perhaps it's time to start doing things -your- way

>you can't help but to feel a bit jealous that he spent so much magic power to create something like that to protect someone other than you
Girl, it's not a slight. If you could spend magical power like that to protect them, if you could have. In fact, you have spent magical power to protect people who aren't him, today. Your spells just aren't that good yet.

Take comfort in the fact, that in some way, you got to protect them after all. He thinks of you as a protector.

>perhaps it's time to start doing things -your- way
Well, what is your style, then?

Not sure it's the best idea continuing on in the state we're in, but standing around in the middle of the night isn't a good idea, either.

You chose to refuse a way of life that has led you into fields of horrifying things that you did not want to see in your lifetime, that's a very intelligent and mature decision.

Now boop/honk the golem.

Onwards to the mine I guess.

>Now boop/honk the golem.
Let's not poke the war machine to see how it reacts.

>chose to refuse a way of life that has led you into fields of horrifying things that you did not want to see in your lifetime, that's a very intelligent and mature decision
That's not an option. We're already in this situation- now we choose how to deal with it. Denying reality isn't at all the mature decision.

>>631863
I meant the "I'm not going to blindly obey if that means becoming jaded, miserable, and dead" part.

Netsuki 2015/03/31(Tue)09:24 No. 631974 ID: 225ed3
File 142781907515.png - (594.94KB , 1280x800 , walkingforward.png )

... the golem makes you feel a little uneasy emotionally and you decide not to mess with it

the house grows distant and the cave nears, with your head cool, you realize it should be closer to 22:00, judging by the moon's position, wich, is making the night walk fairly comfortable, there's enough light and you can barely feel the chill of the night


-believe in your own strenght- ... really who needs magic when you can swing an oversized stone hammer?

you can feel the mana flowing in you stronger than ever... why should you limit yourself to Master's teachings? surely you can do better than that


for now, though, there's only one question, judging by the shadow of the mountain, the cave seems less than 3 hours away, will you dive headfirst into the maw of the cave, or will you try to have a night of rest?

>why should you limit yourself to Master's teachings? surely you can do better than that
There's certainly more than one path to self improvement, and nothing says you need to walk exactly the same one he did.

That said, be careful. Watch your thoughts. I worry now that something might be preying on your pride, the way it did jealousy before.

>really who needs magic when you can swing an oversized stone hammer?
People fighting ghosts? Or who need healing. Not every problem is crushable.

>What do
Let's get closer to the cave and find a campsite. I'd rather be rested and have daylight at our backs than go in tired.

Netsuki 2015/03/31(Tue)17:47 No. 632039 ID: 225ed3
File 142784924634.png - (295.72KB , 1280x800 , Near the mine.png )

two hours later, the moon is still rather bright, other than the ocassional wilderness critter roaming, most respectful of your prescence and the ones that didn't took little less than a gentle pat in the head from your hammer to take the wise choice of running away.

you feel much more refreshed after some reflecting in the run, it might not be as effective as full-on-meditation, but it sure helped you feel much better

the path seems to come to end at last, as expected near a mine's site, you can spot some structures nearby, a large barn-like building to the far left, nearest to you, what seems to be a run down stable, closest to the mine is a decent sized shack, and damn near to the entrance you spot two smaller structures, probably tool sheds or administrative booths?

there's also the wilderness, at either side of you, but given what happend recently, sleeping out in the open doesn't seems like a very good choice

>>632039
Check out the barn. Hay bales are relatively soft and you won't be too close to the mine in case nasty things start coming out of it.

Stable or barn might be safest, if you can pacify the animals. They'd also act as an early warning beacon- get worked up if anything approaches while you sleep.

Should make sure no one's in the shack, though.

Netsuki 2015/03/31(Tue)18:42 No. 632051 ID: 225ed3
File 142785252837.png - (368.34KB , 1280x800 , InsideThestable.png )

the Stable seems preety much abandoned, no hint of animals inhabiting it in the recent weeks or perhaps more, perhaps it was abandoned well before the incidents?

it is relatively well kept, no signs of violence nor unpleasantries, there are several piles of hay, some look comfy, some even look nibble-worthy, scattered around the area you find some planks of wood, brushes, crops, straps and the ocassional horseshoe around


(guys, need help with 1d100 rolls, need to determine something~ with at least three people rolling I'll have enough to choose)

rolled 80 = 80

---

Still think you should at least check the other buildings, make sure there's no one else nearby, even if you stay in this one.

rolled 9 = 9

---

Grab some clean hay to much on, then do a quick survey of the other buildings before you bed down for the night.

rolled 17 = 17

---

>>632052
Yep

Netsuki 2015/03/31(Tue)21:23 No. 632086 ID: ec1947
File 142786222515.png - (310.51KB , 1280x800 , hutinterior.png )

totally down with this!

you set down your heavy backpack in a corner, placing a horseshoe over it so you will be able to tell if someone moves it, picking up only your hammer

after picking up a handful of good looking hay, you head out and get a closer look at the hut, it seems to be shut closed with boards and nails, going around it, you find a small hole in the wood and peer in, there seems to be enough moon light to give you a good view of the interior, it's preety desolated, no furniture or signs of wear, however the slight scent of decayed fruit lingers as you get close to the hole, it's not bad, but not exactley pleasant

pulling back, you take another bite at the hay and realize you could break down the door if you wanted to, but, what would the point be of runing a perfectly good door?

(yay guest artist for this one and the next |3 )

It's barred from the inside. Someone may be in there, and the scent of decayed fruit could be from, say, an alcoholic beverage?

Try knocking or something.

Try to use your intelligence to open the door without using excessive strength or magical skills. A good door will be useful for defending yourself!

>>632095
serving drinks and cleaning the kitchen for years taught you well the difference, not even the cheapest drink you know has that scent, this is more like bannanas and melons gone bad

it -is- strange, specially for these typically non-magical folks, so you knock a few times.... to no response, skirting around it, you peer down other holes, no sign of anyone there, feral or anthro

Netsuki 2015/03/31(Tue)21:47 No. 632106 ID: ec1947
File 142786363420.png - (487.45KB , 1280x800 , barninterior.png )

moving on, you notice the barn is closed in a similar fashion, the wood here seems far more deteriorated, as you peek inside, you notice a big hole in the roof and several moonbeams filtering in, there's a disctint lingering scent of nuts, dried fruit and a slight bit of kerosene...? or something similar, , there seems to have once been a second floor but it's almost nonexistant now


>>632099

you know the doors aren't that tightly shut, probably with patience, some twigs and leather straps you could struggle to open them somehow, but then, you -are- tired, probably best to wait?

>>632106
Oh hey, the barn is more secure. Climb up to the top and drop down into it.

This might be a flammable trap. Just sleep on top of the barn for now.

netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)05:32 No. 632258 ID: 225ed3
File 142789153299.png - (300.28KB , 1280x800 , sketch1427891552141.png )

rolled 15 = 15

---

It does seems safer and hey, food, but climbing up the roof? That never ended well for you, you shuffle back to the stable and return with a thin leather strap, crop and some chips of wood and attempt to release the bar of the door....

netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)05:43 No. 632259 ID: 225ed3
File 142789218763.png - (341.52KB , 800x1280 , sketch1427892053586.png )

The twig slips from your hand and you nearly drop the crop but somehow you grip it in the last moment and manage to twirl the leather strap in place, with your strenght it's easy task to release the bar but you realize it might take more than two mice to move it unless miner mice are stronger, wich they should very well be.

There is a rack by the door with three lamps and some flasks of fuel for them, at the left several sacks of yummy stuff
Well, for now you , move a bunch of comfy haystacks to the barn, and after triple checking that you are indeed alone, youjam the bar in place and secure it closed with the strap

All right. Do a last sweep of the room for dangers or ways things could get in, then go to sleep.

At least we found some provisions. Who knows what we'd find underground.

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)10:11 No. 632279 ID: 225ed3
File 142790830199.png - (226.06KB , 663x800 , Yaaaawn.png )

there isn't much other than the hole in the roof,the best choice would be to place several nails and shattered glasses directly under it, thankfully there are no ropes or structures near it, so if someone or something comes there, they'll get a nice greeting on their way down

at last you remove your hide armour and get to stretch, tired? yes, sleepy? not really, however, you look at a small plank of wood in good shape and some leather straps and ideas begin forming in your head....

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)10:27 No. 632280 ID: 225ed3
File 142790925372.png - (366.80KB , 1280x800 , newgear.png )

... it's better than nothing, right

you look over to your stone hammer, and the words of one of the regular customers at the inn echo in your head "it's not about the size, it's about how you move it" you're strong enough to punch trough bricks effortlessly, is it really necesary to have such a massive weapon? Master always praised you for being able to effortlessly handle such massive tool, but you might do better with something more delicate and elegant!

grabbing a piece of metal from the ground, you drag your warhammer over to a pile of hay to work...

Recall the shape of the best bludgeoning tool that you have ever seen, and slightly lighten the hammer until you can twirl yourself and attack all around but still stop on a dime without staggering.

>is it really necesary to have such a massive weapon?
Well, the bigger it is, the more inertia it has. Although, you have to overcome that inertia in the first place to move it around. Trade offs.

...although if your strength is magical and literally allows you to move your weapon effortlessly, than yes, using the most massive weapon possible is advantageous. You get to scale force with mass without having to spend the energy to accelerate it in the first place.

Maybe a smaller weapon would be more maneuverable in the confines of a tight cave?

I suppose it all comes down to what you're comfortable with. And you're an earth mage- if we need a new big rock, it's not like we can't get one.

I do kind of think you might be better off getting some sleep than doing improvised weapon paring down in the dark, though.

1/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)17:25 No. 632410 ID: 225ed3
File 142793431460.png - (55.33KB , 252x503 , youare12.png )

(little bonus image over at the Thigh day thread at questdis~)

after messing around with your hammer, you lay down for some well diserved rest...

your dream once again takes you to times past, at the age of 12, things changed, folks still enjoyed your song but the wolf calls and uncalled flirting from old drunks made it harder for you to really enjoy singing on stage anymore

2/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)17:28 No. 632411 ID: 225ed3
File 142793448666.png - (267.85KB , 1280x800 , parentsarguing.png )

it didn't helped that your mother had a little... escapade with a customer... or two... kinda explains the gifts you've been getting lately from strangers, your father started arguing with her more and more and she kept threathening to leave, neither of your parents assisted to this year's spring festival to hear you sing

3/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)17:29 No. 632412 ID: 225ed3
File 142793459873.png - (300.63KB , 1280x800 , InnTable.png )

years began dripping by in a blur, wake up, clean the bar, move barrels around, cook meals, open the bar, serve drinks, deal with lewd comments and stand the badmouthing of your mother's ocassional absences, each day blended with the previous and was indsicting from the next one

4/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)17:33 No. 632413 ID: 225ed3
File 142793482370.png - (198.50KB , 769x800 , be16.png )

tension

it was sometime in autumn, little after your 16th birthday, you hadn't seen your mother in well over three months, at this point you gave up singing after all you get are calls to strip down and dance

to make it worse, this one blue feline kept harrasing you more and more...

5/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)17:36 No. 632416 ID: 225ed3
File 142793498754.png - (274.88KB , 743x731 , Bullycat.png )

... until THAT one night, your father out getting supplies for the week, the feline cornered you on your way out of the inn, you shudder at the memory of his breath, cheap liqour and slurry words, he begins bragging of the things he did to your mother and demanded -YOU- to pick up what she left pending

6/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)18:37 No. 632435 ID: 225ed3
File 142793866165.png - (426.49KB , 1033x800 , BamHeadshot.png )

... That's when you met HIM

it was all a blurr, one moment you feel him running his hand around your hair and pulling you close, the next, he's tumbling back with a loud yowl, as you sidestep, you see a tall, hansome deer, in a split second, his left hand starts glowing as he kneels down to bash the feline's face down to the ground, the feline spasms for a moment with a harsh meowl before remaining fully limp, the deer turns around and looks at you straight in the eyes "-are you okay, lady?"

7/7 Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)18:40 No. 632438 ID: 225ed3
File 142793881427.png - (124.69KB , 536x491 , omg.png )

... perfect black eyes... velvet-like cream hued coat of fur as he smiles, you feel a tingle as he stands up and offers a hand to you, the tingle however, makes you dizzy, slowly, the image starts fading and you feel your counciousness waning.... the same dream... however it rarely ends here, why did you had to wake up in the best part...?

>why did you had to wake up in the best part...?
What's the best part?

Now that you're awake, look around. Is your campsite as you left it?

Are you sure he didn't hire/manipulate that cat so that he could "save" you himself?

Well, you can figure it out later. You're not some dissed barmaid, you're an adventurer. Focus on surviving when there's nobody to save.

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)18:47 No. 632441 ID: 225ed3
File 142793924798.png - (410.98KB , 1280x800 , Crossbowtotheface.png )

>>632439

except for the loaded crossbow three inches from your nose, everything is preety much as you left it, yes

you get the impression that you where somewhat of a heavy sleeper tonight

>loaded crossbow three inches from your nose
Well, shit.

Don't move, and say "Hello?"

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)19:06 No. 632447 ID: 225ed3
File 142794037667.png - (854.23KB , 1280x800 , Crossbowtothefaceorangeglow.png )

the scope on top of the crossbow gives off a faint orange glow as your vision clears

-"what did you do with the mice?"
is the sole response from the raspy, masculine voice

insctintively, you try to hold both hands up, but you notice your wrists are tied together, just as your ankles

"don't you try anything sneaky... "miss" why don't you show me your true form and tell me where the miners are?"

Stay calm. We've got a paranoid adventuring type, here. Apparently investigating the same things you are.

I did nothing to the mice. These buildings were empty when I arrived earlier tonight.

I'm a priestess. If I demonstrate my abilities, will that prove to you I'm not something else disguised as one?

>>632447
"If you mean the pair in the cabin, they should still be there, safe as is possible this close to the accursed mine. I swear by the earth underfoot that this is my true form, and I would prefer not to reveal any more of it to a stranger, armed or otherwise. My name is Lina: What is yours?"

>>632447
Tell him the mice are down the road, in a building guarded by a golem that looks like you. They are safe for now. The miners are probably all dead, you don't really know.

Ask him why he thinks you're involved. I mean, you're sleeping in a barn.

>The miners are probably all dead
Don't say that. We don't know that for sure, and it will probably just aggravate him. And it could be misinterpreted as taunting him, which he could use to justify his suspicions we're part of this.

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)20:13 No. 632464 ID: ec1947
File 142794443947.png - (937.39KB , 1280x800 , Crossbowtothefaceorangeglowtokidoki.png )

the glow increases as you shuffle to think of an answer but lessens as you do, you can't help but to notice him whimpering slightly

you tell him about the mice in the cabin, but yeah, probably talking about the golem or dead miners won't end up well

-"you expect me to believe a sheep... a priest of all things, is going to be here all alone?" he glances quick to your armour on the floor

"wolf skins? no sheep could have that for clothing" he turns back to you, shaking a little, he seems disturbed "but it is clear you have magic in you, it's what brought me here... so... Sheep..."

you can see his right arm twitches and hear the trigger's mechanism tensing "I-I don't know what cabin you speak of, but if that's a t-trap it won't work well with me"

Tell him that it's an ironic fashion! You're just following someone and this entire adventure got so WRONG so fast!

>is going to be here all alone?
I came searching for my master, who came this way and did not return.

...who is it you've lost? (Stab in the dark, but the way he's tense and nervous, and taking this personally suggests to me he's got a personal stake in the missing people).

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)20:31 No. 632470 ID: ec1947
File 142794547676.png - (198.04KB , 860x650 , justwakingup.png )

focus Lina...

raspy voice, pointy snout, thin ears, certantly canine... inhale... think

dog? dingo? coyote?

you explain you're just looking for someone, and with your most sincere body language, explain how it all got waay out of hand, he doesn't seems convinced, he glances over to the stone hammer and visibly shudders "I knew I should have killed you while you where sleeping, I knew you would not give any information about the mice,very well... " he rolls his shoulder and props the crossbow, preparing to shoot but he IS quite shaken at this point, not really convinced

>>632468
(going to assume this is right after he takes aim!)

the comment about your master does makes him re-consider and he flicks his ears at your last sentence

"a mercenary has nothing... or nobody to lose, Sheep" he steps back and points the crossbow at your chest "I don't need to explain anything to you, but I have to prove myself, and no foul magic using demon is going to make me doubt about it"

...can we still cast while bound in iron? Sanctuary on ourself would be really helpful right now. We could make him lose his already shaky will, and tank a hit even if he fires. Plus, it is divine magic. Proof we're not a demon.

Say that the priestess Lydia in town mentioned him. She said that they had hired a mercenary from a guild and not heard from him since; I guess he is who she was referring to?

rolled 19 - 1 = 18

---

You can cast most divine spells with your focus handy (stone) but right now, you tap into your insctint and begin humming , weaving the earth's mana into the sounds as you look at him...

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)21:48 No. 632499 ID: ec1947
File 142795008407.png - (119.86KB , 467x394 , pufffff.png )

rolled 20, 16 = 36

---

... and it seems the magic didn't quite hit home, you attempted to calm down his feelings but he seems too altered and it had the contrary effect, tears swell on his eyes, however you do manage to mention Lydia, he whines

"It's just too scary! I am tired of this!!!" he pulls the crossbow away but his finger slips

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)21:55 No. 632506 ID: ec1947
File 142795055805.png - (102.79KB , 357x538 , ouch.png )

rolled 6 = 6

---

the canine steps back, looks at his empty crossbow, then at you, he stutters, the crossbow falling off his hand as he stumbles back "I- I'm..."

that certantly -hurt- you've experienced many things but the pain from your right arm is on a whole new scale, you feel an odd warmth irradiate from the bolt for a moment, but then it dissipates inmediately and it's replaced by the sharp pain

Ow. Ask if he can untie you so you can heal the wound.

Netsuki 2015/04/01(Wed)22:21 No. 632512 ID: ec1947
File 142795206627.png - (82.13KB , 355x488 , snap.png )

he runs back, heading for the door, trying frenetically to open it but you seem to have secured it too firmly

you get up and realize the rope he used isn't really that good, it only takes a firm flex of your left arm and the rope snaps, slowly, you prop yourself against the wall, twisting your legs slightly, you snap the rope on your ankle with surprising ease

Knock him unconscious. You can discuss this after he takes a nap and you heal that wound.

The crossbow is on the ground, right? Pick it up (without pointing it at him) and tell him to calm down and not go outside without his weapon. If he does try to get it make him promise not to shoot you again before giving it back.

>>632513
We might have to, but we should avoid that if possible, as physically attacking him will make it even harder to get him to stop panicking.

Pick up his weapon (don't load or aim it) and calmly ask him to stop running away. He shot you, he's not the one with something to be afraid of.

Stand there until he comes to his senses.

If he protests more : if I was a demon I would have struck you from behind while you were panicking.

Now would you help me get this arrow out? I can only reach it with one arm and I can't heal this with it in the way.

>>632512

Oh man.. the hammer is a divine focus, needed for magic, right? That probably won't calm the fella down at all.

Tell him he does not need to kill to prove himself here. The goal is protection. Rescue. If the curse of the mine can be sealed away again, or lifted entirely, that will save more lives than culling the victims of its magic. Your Master knows this too.

Netsuki 2015/04/02(Thu)07:03 No. 632604 ID: 225ed3
File 142798342970.png - (229.25KB , 860x800 , holdcrossbow.png )

you glare at the crossbow and resist the urge to stomp on it, instead you pick it up as harmlessly as you can (not that you'd even know how to operate it) and step towards him, as you start the 'if I was a demo-' he interrupts you placing a hand up in front of your face...

Netsuki 2015/04/02(Thu)07:16 No. 632605 ID: 225ed3
File 142798417766.png - (433.73KB , 1280x800 , Tanavar.png )

"... that bolt was aligned to destroy evil, you'd be withering in agony, if not dead by now if you where evil" he lowers his ears and undoes the scarf covering his face

"... for that matter, how DID you endured that bolt? you clearly aren't evil but now I can see how you made it this far on your own...you are strong...very strong"

he glances away and nods softly "... my clan has always been poor, and I joined the mercenary guild to bring fame and something to the table, I thought rescuing a bunch of mice would be easy, but I had to deal with all sort of weird things... I'm just so in edge..."

he lowers his head "I'm very sorry, miss, let me help you with that bolt... I won't promise it won't hurt though, I just hope you can forgive me"

Netsuki 2015/04/02(Thu)07:36 No. 632608 ID: 225ed3
File 142798538282.png - (153.69KB , 586x413 , pullitout.png )

"... name's Tanavar... by the way... are you ready? at your signal, I'll pull it out"

>afraid, on edge
>I just hope you can forgive me
He's going through the same thing you did, when you lashed out at the blind mice, before.

Understand, and forgive. Accept his help in treating your arm.

Exchange names, stories.

>>632609
And, I don't suppose you can help clear his mind the way you cleared yours?

>>632608
Yeah, alright.

Cast cure minor wounds afterwards.

Netsuki 2015/04/02(Thu)12:46 No. 632632 ID: 225ed3
File 142800396114.png - (175.04KB , 586x413 , yank.png )

rolled 3 + 4 = 7

---

>>632629
you nod and grit your teeth, he takes a deep breath and suddently pulls out

he reaches up with trembling hands to tend your wound but you shake a finger and reach down, taking a small pebble from the leftovers of your hammer, taking a deep breath, you focus on the healing spell and nod at him "... see? all is good now"

Ok, now that we are healed and calmed down we can discuss what we have seen so far and our plans next. The mice said that aside from our master they saw coyote and lynx mercenaries; has he seen either our master or the lynx? Also, has he been in the mine itself so far or just its surroundings like we have?

I was expecting a second post what with the roll.

Sit down, compare stories.

Check sheepedex. What time is it?

1/2 Netsuki 2015/04/03(Fri)10:09 No. 632756 ID: 225ed3
File 142808097864.png - (313.22KB , 1280x800 , sketch1428079109748.png )

after you explain the gist of your story, he nods and starts organizing his gear in the ground

he's an initiate in the silent howl guild, a pack of canines who work to support their comunity and earn respect

since he started this journey, he saved a ferret mother and her kid from a pack of weird blue critters, he tries to make himself sound brave and tough, but you know all too well the fear reflected in his eyes as he describes it, it seems he managed to barely have survived it

out of curiosity, you ask how many times he has been hired, to wich he lowers his ears, saying that other than menial jobs like escorting or rescuing kittens from trees, this is his first actual mission, wich he was already considered on quitting

he had a lot more weapons and equipment but he traded most of it for a special magic stone that glows in presence of magic, convinced by a sneaky saleswoman, wich he mounted on the crossbow, it's not very precise but it's a good indication, in retrospective though, he kinda regrets having sold his compass...

he has seven regular bolts, two bolts aligned to destroy evil, two bolts aligned to destroy chaotic beings

three throwing daggers, three healing potions, three packs of rations (ew, dried meat)

grappling hook, rope, healing kit and a set of climbing claws

2/2 Netsuki 2015/04/03(Fri)10:18 No. 632757 ID: 225ed3
File 142808149623.png - (309.32KB , 1280x800 , sketch1428078593387 (1).png )

he shakes his head when you ask about him being in the mine, he arrived from the east, skirting the mountains, since he sold his compass, it was the only reliable way to make it, but that did costed him an extra day and half of traveling

Lynx... and Coyote, he looks away for a moment, then nods

"if those are who I think... they're the glistening fangs... the coyote is a traitor from our guild, since he can read our jargon and shares contacts, they tend to steal our jobs, usually by less than honorable means, the lynx is an outright bandit, preety dangerous group, with the coyote's scent tracking and strenght and the lynx's hearing and sight, well..." he looks up at the hole in the roof "we might as well be wasting our time here, it's likely they have already either rescued what miners where there or dealt with them, we should just go back home"


while he talks, you adjust your sheeplex and do a quick check, 07:45 23 seconds, you can't get a precise moisture reading but judging from the moon yesterday, it didn't seemed likely to have rain today

I don't know about the miners, but it would take more than a pair of thugs to take our master down, and as far as we know he is still in the mine. Besides, if he hasn't come back yet that means that whatever evil is lurking in the mine is still there. He can head home if he wants, but we are still going in.