Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/12(Tue)09:57 No. 693203 ID: 0fff38
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in a secluded forest stands a small convent. in that convent lives a young Gargoyle nun named Opal. Opal does her nightly duties on a rainy summer night. as she sweeps the entry hall, a small sound wakes her from her daydreams. a tiny rapping upon the church door.

when she checks outside, a small basket lays on the rainslick steps. in the basket, lays a sleeping baby.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/12(Tue)09:57 No. 693204 ID: 0fff38
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choose a race and gender!

GARGOYLES: stout of body, stout of soul. gargoyles are as unmovable as the mountains.

MURDERSCRUBS: Death begins, death ends. Murderscrubs are masters of the fine art of killing.

FURIES: anger within, fury without. Furies burn with a righteous and uncontrolled rage.

ZENLINGS: fleet of foot, fleet of mind. Zenlings move like a cold breeze, and strike like a sandstorm.

Female murderbug!

Zenling, female. Maximum dex.

The key to surviving dungeon crawling is being able to outrun anything.

Zenling
female

female Zenling.
We shall be free to go wherever the wind blows...

Female Fury.

We are one hot tamale!

Male Fury

Now we can play as Ghost Rider

Torn between murderbug or a fury. But so far the option of being a bug seems to tip the scales.

A male murderbug shall be my choice.

Murderscrubs or zenlings. Don't really care about gender and just put my vote towards whatever races has more votes out of the two I picked.

>>693204
MURDERSCRUBS MAlE

Femling

Female Fury

Female zenlings!

So declare the fates!

female gargoyle

Murderscrub.

Female.

female zenling

murderbug or furry, preferably bug.

female zenling

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/12(Tue)13:16 No. 693277 ID: 0fff38
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15 years later, a young Zenling maiden sits in a quiet tavern. like every Zenling before her, she caught a terminal case of wanderlust. she said her farewells to the nuns who raised her and set off to seek her fortune.

that was about a month ago, and now she's sitting here in this tavern, less than 10 miles from the convent. she realizes she has no idea how to adventure. how do you even start? shouldn't there be some mysterious old man in the corner of the room? or maybe a cursed amulet?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/12(Tue)13:16 No. 693278 ID: 0fff38
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"this seat taken?" a Gargoyle sits down beside her with a drink so strong she can smell it from where she sits.

"no, go ahead." the Zenling replies, "what're you drinking?"

"Krude." the Goyle grunts, "it's the only thing strong enough for what I need."

"are you celebrating something?" the Zenling asks.

"Mourning, more like." she replies, before taking a hard swig of the thick concoction. "the name's Ruby, by the way."

"nice to meet you." the Zenling smiles, "my name's ******"

Choose a name!

I chose Scarlet

Ritz.

cox

Charity "Coral"

Aqua

Rythe. Or is it Rhythe?

>>693298
I like that.

Surname is Foundling, obviously.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/13(Wed)09:49 No. 693477 ID: 0fff38
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"my name's Scarlet Rose Quartz, but everyone just calls me Ritz."

she nods, "well it was nice to meet you, but I must be going now. I have some... unfinished business to attend to."

she spirits away, leaving Ritz alone to ponder her next move. how does someone get a start adventuring? does she just go out and look for a dungeon or does she have to go on a quest or something?

If you're looking for a mysterious old man, that gargoyle may have fit the bill... Maybe you should follow him and see what he's doing.

Dungeon hunting!

Why not look for a book on local legends about nearby caves, or a bounty board for bandits on the lam?

Adventure is all about getting into other people's business, and that guy had business to stick your nose on. So, follow your heart gargoyle!

Well the gargoyle you just met was a mysterious older person. With unfinished business. Maybe following her is an adventure hook? I mean, it is a little odd for her to come up, offer introductions, and then immediately leave.

What are you carrying? What skills do you have? You might not be suited to solo dungeon delving until you learn a thing or two and scrape together equipment.

Failing anything else, you could scout the local quest board for something that looks doable.

...maybe you should have asked one of the nuns for advice. Were any of them once the adventuring party healer type?

well other then someone coming to them to grab them from a job I sometimes heard adventures lesion in on rumors going around and cherry pick the ones that actually sound like it could lead towards adventure and cash. That or just wonder around and hope to get lucky and run into something.

Maybe you should wonder after Ruby, it sounds like she's going somewhere and hopefully somewhere where we can get this adventuring thing started.

Looked more like a kobold to me. Follow the kobold a bit, but don't expect too much. Adventure happens.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/13(Wed)22:56 No. 693723 ID: 0fff38
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>What are you carrying? What skills do you have?

Ritz isn't particularly worldly. in truth she's never ventured past the forest around this sleepy town, but as a child she spent quite a lot of time exploring the woods, so she's quite quick on her feet and has a strong sense of direction. she only has what she had when she left the nunnery. mother Opal gave her enough food for a few weeks and as much money as the church could spare, 52 gelt. it's not much but she can maybe get some equipment at the trader. he should be open right now.

>maybe you should have asked one of the nuns for advice. Were any of them once the adventuring party healer type?

Mother Opal said she used to travel with a tough crowd, but she never told Ritz much about her life before she joined the church

>follow the Gargoyle you dipshit.

unfinished business? that sounds like a quest hook! Ritz darts to the door and into the cool autumn air of the hamlet. she looks around quickly, but it seems that Ruby has moved on. the street is mostly empty, except for a few townsfolk going about their business.

"hey did anybody see a brooding gargoyle walk by?"

"yes. we're all brooding Gargoyles. that's just a thing gargoyles do."

"this one was a woman with a big coat and hat."

"yes. we all- how long have you lived here?"

Ritz sighs. she could look for Ruby, the town is pretty small, or she can go around and ask if anybody needs some quests adventured, or she can check the town's bulletin board and see if there is something there, or she can go to the trader and buy things.

...or she can do something completely different.

Look for Ruby, but buy some basic armor and weapons. A crossbow seems like a good choice for starters.

Find the board in town and see what needs to be done, don't buy anything until you know what you're going to be doing and keep an eye out for ruby as you wonder around town.

Kill giant spiders in the forest to grind experience levels.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/14(Thu)03:06 No. 693738 ID: 0fff38
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Ritz decides to check the bounty board before she goes and spends all of her money on toys or goes off to get assaulted by spiders in the forest. she keeps an eye out for Ruby but there's no sign of her.

she scans the board...

gullible female needed for naked play rehearsal...

twenty chinamen and a zeppelin requested for elaborate practical joke...

unpaid internship available, subjects must have discernible anatomy and "aesthetic jaw bones"...

WANTED: someone to go back in time with me. this is not a joke...

help urgently requested! applicants must be adequately able to describe a horse to me nightly. each horse must be unique. you will not be paid...

brave and morally bankrupt warrior requested to slay a Cobalt Necromancer.

"hey I can do that!" the Zenling reaches for the flyer.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/14(Thu)03:08 No. 693739 ID: 0fff38
File 145276967983.png - (46.33KB , 1000x1000 , 0008.png )

"no you can't." a Murderscrub snatches it away.

"h-hey!" Ritz yelps, "I saw that quest first!"

"hey do me a favor, sweetie pie, and buzz off. this is out of your league." she then chuckles, "heh, who am I kidding, you're not in a league."

"excuse me?" Ritz replies, taken aback, "what are you implying? that I'm not good enough to go on a quest to defeat a sorceror."

"pfft." the Scrub looks Ritz up and down, "I'm not implying anything, kid. you're dressed like you're going to go out clubbing, you have no weapon, no equipment, and don't try to tell me you're some kind of caster. save yourself the trouble of a closed casket funeral and leave this to the professionals."

"well how am I supposed to get started, then? if I'm not good enough to beat up a Cobalt?"

"you don't." the Scrub spits, "why the hell would you even want to be an adventurer?"

Ritz doesn't want to give this douchebag her life story, she just wants to get out and adventure. she needs to get that flyer.

>you're dressed like you're going to go out clubbing, you have no weapon, no equipment, and don't try to tell me you're some kind of caster.

This coming from someone who only comes up to my crotch, only wears armor on her lower half, you know the half without all of your vital organs, and honestly looks like a kid who just entered there brooding teenage stage and because she got her hands on some hand me down pieces of armor is a bona fide adventurer. Seriously you look like you should be more worried about getting home in time for curfew then hunting down anyone.

Also be prepared to dodge incase she tries to strike out at you. I mean with all the armor on her legs it's got to slow her down at least somewhat and you have a longer reach then she does so try to stay at the edge of your reach just incase she's the violent type.

>>693739
If you're really fast you could just snatch it out of her hands and book it.

>gullible female needed for naked play rehearsal
Hey you could totally do that! ...but you're not going to. They probably won't pay a fair rate!

>"hey I can do that!"
Why do you think you can kill anyone, let alone a necromancer?

>>693741
Yes, this. Lay down the smackdown.

I'm dressed for clubbing, says the one with ridiculous fishnet sharkbites in their outfit.

Go "Oh! Is that a Polonium, uh Fireomancer over there?"and swipe the note. Keep her at arms length after.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/15(Fri)03:42 No. 694027 ID: 0fff38
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>Why do you think you can kill anyone, let alone a necromancer?

sure, it's a necromancer, but it's also a Cobalt. Ritz could stomp a Cobalt, no problem.

"how are you any better equipped than I am? you look like a toddler in pajamas." Ritz retorts.

"look kid, when I was your age I-"

"YOINK"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/15(Fri)03:43 No. 694028 ID: 0fff38
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Ritz dashes into the town and away from the Scrub.

"ok let's see here... brave and morally bankrupt warrior requested to slay a Cobalt mage. flexible pay, see kindly trader Bearscum Beefwax for details. do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers."

Ritz groans. she does not like dealing with Beefwax, but at least this is a paying job, and she can go ahead and buy some gear from him while she's at it. should she go see Beefwax now or do something else first?

well the only thing we had left to do after finding a job was to buy equipment but since we can do that while getting the details that saves us the trip. Hell we might be able to even get better gear then what we normally could if we just have him take it out of our pay. Again get details first then buy gear. Oh and keep on keeping on keeping an eye out for ruby and now also the scrub you just ditch cause she's probably going to be pissed at you and they're called MURDER scubs for a reason

So... cobalts are wusses then?

Do you consider yourself morally bankrupt? Nuns are usually big on morality. Did they manage to drum any into your head?

What's wrong with Beefwax?

>go now or somewhere else
Do you even have anywhere else to go? It's a lead, you might as well follow it.

Yes, having him take the equipment's cost out of your pay is basically taking a little of your pay in advance. A wise decision, should you not turn out morally bankrupt enough.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/15(Fri)19:51 No. 694212 ID: 0fff38
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>So... cobalts are wusses then?
they're three foot tall rats that walk on two legs. Ritz couldn't think of a better villain to topple as a novice adventurer.

>Do you consider yourself morally bankrupt? Nuns are usually big on morality. Did they manage to drum any into your head?
Mother Opal had always hoped to mold young Scarlet into a fine Guad fearing young lady; but unfortunately, like all Zenlings, she is wild and free spirited.

>What's wrong with Beefwax?
Ritz doesn't dislike Bearscum Beefwax, it's just that he's a bit... eccentric. it makes conversing with him an involved undertaking.

"hey Beefwax." Ritz waves the flyer in front of his face as she approaches, "you have a Cobalt problem?"

"congreetings susana. you noticed my advertissement." he mumbles, "I don't surmise a girl like you could denact my problems for me?"

"I'm not sure anybody can denact your problems, Bearscum, but I can get rid of the Cobalt."

"good on you Margarette." he murmurs.

"I was actually wondering, before I go fix this Cobalt issue, maybe you could give me an advance on some equipment?"

he nods, "hrm, I can arrave something like that."

"great!" Ritz beams, "let me see what you have for sale."

Ritz has 77 gelt to spend.

10g: Healing potion
20g: Dagger
25g: chain mail cloak
40g: Long sword
45g: Light cross bow +25 bolts

>>694212
want to go against the armor since it would probably slow you down and right now you're best defense is not getting hit. Plus I don't think the armor would do jack shit against spells. Kinda want to get the crossbow but that's over half your money and I'm not sure on how good of a shot you are. Plus coblats are small so they're probably a bitch to hit at a good range.

I'm torn between getting two daggers and a healing potion or a sword, a dagger, and a healing potion. The first because I feel like you'd be better with knives then a sword but the second because I feel the sword would be more useful and with both you'd have a spare weapon.

Ah fuck it, go with the sword dagger combo with the healing potion thrown in. Daggers are cheap so it would be easier to buy on later if we ever decide to do that.

The problem with a bow is you need a certain amount of practice to hit things reliably. Stabbing is much easier, unskilled.

Get two daggers and an hp potion. We'll rely on natural speed.

>>694212
Get the cloak if you can move freely in it. Then get whatever weapon you're skilled in, and a couple healing potions.

2 daggers and healing potions sounds good, but... isn't the point of an advance to spend some of the reward money now? Or does he just not seem to understand what you're saying.
(Get the chainmail cloak too if he gives you that advance.)

Crossbow and a dagger. Plus a healing potion just in case.

Test out the crossbow before you buy it, make sure that the bolts don't break on impact.

This guy is totally Homsar, isn't he.

So...what do you actually feel comfortable using?

>>694271
Simple and effective combination.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/17(Sun)21:26 No. 694933 ID: 0fff38
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>isn't the point of an advance to spend some of the reward money now?
Ritz did in fact get a 25g advance.

Rits decides to buy the sword, dagger, and health potion. she also manages to haggle the crossbow down to a price she can afford. she has no more Gelt, but Bearscum tells her he will give her an other 100g after she brings him the Cobalt's headdress.

she checks the grips on the weapons; that's a thing that adventurers do, right? she can hold the sword and dagger in opposite hands and she thinks she can fight with both, but she;'s not completely sure. the cross bow seems pretty solid, as well. she tries to load it and with a bit of struggle, she can pull the string back and load a bolt. the sights seem fine, it's a pretty accurate weapon. Beefwax may be a bit unhinged, but he has good product.

Beeswax tells her that the Necromancer has a small hut in the forest about 5 miles north of town, and that he has a couple of thralls, maybe three.

if she leaves right away, she could reach the area where Beefwax thinks he is right after nightfall. should Ritz embark immediately, or should she wait until tomorrow morning? if she does, he may have moved on, but she'd rather not fight a Necromancer and a handful of revenants in the dark...

>>694933
go ahead and sleep, plot-crucial quests tend to stay in one place no matter how long you wind up taking.

>>694933
well you don't have any money for a room so might as well head out. Also for now just use the sword and keep the dagger off to the side for now. While you could probably learn to use a dagger sword combo it's probably best not to try to learn in a life or death fight.

Remember we have competition. If we wait, the murder-bug will track down our quarry and gank our kill. Get going.

It's best to do sneaking under the cover of darkness. Go find your necromincemeat.

Find some torches and set up a base of operations close to the Cobalt's location.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/18(Mon)20:13 No. 695322 ID: 0fff38
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>Find some torches and set up a base of operations
Ritz would buy some torches but she used all of her money already.

Ritz is hesitant to go out, but she knows that if she waits, then she might not ever have a chance to catch this guy.

she skulks through the forest, trying to be as stealthy as possible, scared out of her mind. every noise in the forest sounds like a Revenant hiding in the underbrush, ready to slice her ankles. she tries to shake the feeling, but she can't help but freak herself out in the darkness of the woods.

as the moon begins to creep out from behind the trees, Ritz begins to hear a noise unlike the normal din of the woodland. it sounds like a crackling fire. she sees a glow from deep withing the brush.

"h-here's the place." she whispers, her heart beating out of its cage. no doubt the person tending that fire is the Necromancer. she sighs heavily, now that she's here, Ritz is terrified. she wants to get up and run away; to sprint back to the nunnery and into Mother Opal's arms. she can't do that, though. she can't go back, not yet; not without making something of herself. she couldn't look anyone in the eye if she came back a coward.

how should she do this?

>>695322
You have a crossbow, this is what it's for. Check your target, make sure you aren't exploding your rival's head. Open fire and don't stop until the Cobalt stops twitching.

>>695322
It's just a Cobalt. See if you can sneak up closer, then rush it to put a dagger in its eye, using your speed to take it by surprise. If something bigger gets in the way you'll want to use the sword. Without any experience at all with dual wielding don't try it. You need to at LEAST smack a training dummy around for a while to get a feel for it.

Save the crossbow for when it counts. You're only gonna get one shot out of it probably.

>>695327
You may have overestimated the firing rate of a crossbow.

Stick to the shadows, get in close, and when you have a sure shot, take it. Don't be scared. You are the things that go bump in the night now.

Oh hang on, I'm not terrible at pattern recognition. I bet the person at the fire is in fact the fire, and is the Fury we could have chosen at character generation.

Climb a tree, or at the very least get line of sight, actually make sure this is the guy you're after and not some weirdo camper.

>>695322
Sneak around, look for a good spot to shoot them from. They're lit up, you're in the dark. So long as you keep quiet, you have plenty of time to aim.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/20(Wed)02:02 No. 695776 ID: 0fff38
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Ritz lays down on the ground and approaches slowly, so slowly. she crawls through the underbrush as slowly as she can, doing her best to remain silent. with each foot, her terror grows. the glow appears to belong to the hut that Bearscum mentioned. outside, a Cobalt sits beside a campfire. his robe is bound tight to his body by a breastplate made from the bones of various creatures, and Ritz thinks some humanoid bones, as well. she looks around, but she can't see the revenants, but that doesn't matter. as soon as the Necromancer is put down, the revenants will just be corpses again.

She levels the crossbow and takes aim.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/20(Wed)02:03 No. 695777 ID: 0fff38
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"I know you're there, lifesprout." he says in a tiny voice that turns her blood to ice, "your heartbeat is screaming at me."

FIRE! as in shoot.

aim for his center of mass, don't try any fancy trick just try and make sure your first shot is a hit.

Ok, he is either prepared to dodge, or he has some kind of magic armor, if it's the former, theres not a lot we can do, try grabing a rock with your left hand and trow it to him, if he moves, try to shoot him fast.

>>695777
Peg him.

>>695777
Announce that that's not fair.

After shooting him.

Bet his heartbeat sensor can't stop a crossbow bolt.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/20(Wed)18:21 No. 696015 ID: 0fff38
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Ritz doesn't wait to say something witty as she fires a bolt at the Necromancer's center mass.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/20(Wed)18:22 No. 696016 ID: 0fff38
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the necromancer whirls around and with a sickening thud, the bolt spears his hand. no blood seeps from the wound.

"this is what I hate about you lifespings..." the Necromaner says in an even and calm tone, "you never have the courtesy to indulge me before you try to destroy that which you don't understand."

he stands and turns to Ritz, "at least give me the decency of telling me your name, before I rip out your essence."

Lets not, try and charge it with you sword, no sense in retreating and hiding, as he can sense you anyway.

Reload. Do not talk, he does not want to listen to your reasoning and you don't have anything to offer. Kill the @#$%, continue with his entire family, and butcher both his comrades and his victims until ANY of them have the common decency to speak up and parley.

Because one word can change everything.

This douchebag didn't even try.

"Ritz. Why should I listen to you?"

Don't tell it your name. That could be how its spell works.

Calm yourself down. Do you still think you can take out this Cobalt? Was that murderscrub right? There's no shame in retreating if you're over your head.

>>696016
Oh come on, I was paid to try and kill you, what's decent about that?

Keep your distance, reload, keep your eyes and ears peeled. It's possible he's only talking to distract you while his thralls close on you.

Move to another vantage point and reload.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/21(Thu)04:33 No. 696139 ID: 0fff38
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"m-my name...?" she stutters panickedly, "I'm not telling you my name!"

he laughs wetly, his lungs sounding shredded and vestigial, "you're smarter than you look. in fact, you seem very intelligent. it's a pity you decided to hunt me, you may have been able to make something of yourself..."

she hurriedly puts her crossbow away and goes to draw her sword.

her arms ceases to move, in fact, her entire body stands rigid, like a statue.

"I'm afraid I can't have you doing that." he approaches, and Ritz's heartbeat begins to hurt, like it's going to break out of her chest, "let me guess. you saw the posting on the bounty board. you thought, because of my birth race that it would be a simple matter to put me down, like some kind of animal."

he stands a scant meter from Ritz. she can smell rot. "well, here I am, hero. now's you chance to exterminate the Cobalt."

she doesn't care if everyone in town calls her a coward, or if she has to pay bearscum back for the advance, Ritz just wants to run, to sprint back to the Convent and to never come back to the forest, but her muscles refuse to move.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/21(Thu)04:33 No. 696140 ID: 0fff38
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"how about this? I'll give you a sporting chance..."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/21(Thu)04:34 No. 696143 ID: 0fff38
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"RUN."

>run
Stay where you are, on the ground.

If you're gonna kill me anyways, I don't see a point in taking it from behind.

If you're not gonna kill me, I need to do something about this hole in my chest, not run around pumping more blood out.

Killing them is off the table, obviously. Fission Mailed. You're clearly outclassed.

Yea, running is probably not gonna work. So, lets hope you are filled with adrenaline, because the only thing left is to fight. The problem is, he's an undead, your dagger is not going to be very effective. Try to grab and hide the dagger, wait to see if he downs his defense, and strike the head or his hands.

>>696143
RUN LIKE THE WIND!

you need to cut his head off.

Take off at a brisk walk. Give the little guy a sporting chance, too.

fucker casting something, he's doing something to make you afraid, THAT ASSHOLE! He's staring at you and he's still flesh and blood, you're on the ground and in the middle of some woods. Grab a handful dirt and throw it into his eyes and draw your sword.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/22(Fri)03:34 No. 696378 ID: 0fff38
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Ritz isn't going to die running, she's been running her entire life. she's going to die on her feet.

Ritz tries to stand up and fight, but the pain in her chest keeps her grounded. every breath she takes is like a shard of hot glass in her lungs. in fact, she can't hold any breath at all. every gasp turns into a hacking, wet cough, and a thin jet of scarlet blood shoots from her chest.

"you can stop struggling, now. your body won't let you." the necromancer laughs evilly, "I bet you feel like a drowning rat right now."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/22(Fri)03:34 No. 696379 ID: 0fff38
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"TAKE THIS! MY STRONGEST KICK!"

the Necromancer topples over, as a Ludeling dives foot first into his diminutive form.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/22(Fri)03:35 No. 696380 ID: 0fff38
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"hey kid, you still alive?" a familiar voice whispers from behind her. the Murderscrub emerges from the brush, and pulls Ritz in.

Ritz trties to reply, but instead emits a pained moan.

"don't try to talk." the Scrub replies, "your chest cavity looks like a plate of lasagna that got stepped on. you got a pot?"

Ritz stares back, blankly.

"a pot. you know? like, a healing potion? nevermind, I've got one."

the Scrub tilts Rit'z head back and the red liquid seeps down her throat. she starts to feel better.

"thanks for distracting him, kid." the Scrub empties the potion into Ritz's mouth, "we might not have gotten a shot at him otherwise."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/22(Fri)03:35 No. 696381 ID: 0fff38
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the Ludeling rockets through the brush, landing hard on her back.

"scary guy still fighting, miss Kusinagi." she gasps out, her wind stolen by the impact.

the Scrub nods, "keep him busy for a minute, ok Ysmir?"

"yes ma'am!" she smiles and pounces back into the fray.

the Scrub returns her gaze to Ritz, "ok, kid, tell me what you know about this guy."

cocky, maybe paralyzing spell.

Not much, he knew I was there when I was sure I was hidden, and then I just...Froze up, couldn't move even if I wanted to.

he is some kind of zombie or other kind of undead, he stoped a bolt with his hand.

also, he can sense heartbeats

>"ok, kid, tell me what you know about this guy."
Cobalt, necromancer. Knew I was there before attacking. Took an arrow to the hand, didn't bleed. Talks a lot, resentment. Supposed to have a few thralls around, haven't seen 'em. Wanted names.

Um. Thank you. A lot.

small, cocky, don't let him know your name, seems to have some bullshit aura around him that makes everything around you seem 10x more frightening then it is, and something that makes it damn near imposable to move. Oh and don't let him touch you, he's a cobalt still but he mixes magic into his attacks which can really fuck you up. As for the name thing no idea what it does but when he asked me and I basically said no he said something that made it sound like he had something planned for if he did learn it. Also he's a right ass.

>>696381
He can hear heartbeats, has a paralysis spell, and... some kind of touch-based green flame attack.

Oh yeah, hand over one of your healing potions so she still has one.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/23(Sat)02:41 No. 696596 ID: 0fff38
File 145354569375.png - (65.30KB , 1000x1000 , 0027.png )

"he's able to paralyze me with fear." Ritz recounts, "and he was able to push his fingers through my chest like a sheet of paper. he could also notice I was there because of my heartbeat, and he didn't react at all to being hit with a crossbow."

"standard necromancer stuff." the Scrub nods, "thankfully I'm pretty tough to crack, and Ysmir isn't smart enough to be scared."

"and um... thank you."

the Scrub smirks, "don't thank me yet, we still have to deal with the Necromancer."

"um, miss Kusinagi!" the Ludeling calls out, "there are Skeletons here now!"

"alright." the Scrub replies, "I'll be there in a second."

she produces a handful of shuriken, "ready to kill a lich, kid?"

Sakura peers out of the brush and sees three skeletons and a necromancer battling with her hired help. she is carrying two wakisazi and 25 shuriken. Ysmir is unarmed, but that has never been a problem for her before.

you can now control Sakura Kusinagi and Ysmir Redlude!

>>696596
Ysmir: Beat a skeleton with another skeleton. Keep the Revenants occupied
Ritz: Reload crossbow, engage sneaking mode. The necromancer has dismissed you as a threat, and it's clear from Sakura & Ysmir's sneak-attack that he can't do this sense-your-heartbeat trick when distracted
Sakura: Engage necromancer.

Ysmir, you're on crowd control duty make take care of any undead minions that get sent our way to make sure they don't overwhelm us.

Sakura, you're going after the cobalt, throw whatever and chop him into bits, just don't get grabbed and watch out for his fear attack

Ritz, reload your crossbow and act as support. Anytime the little guy looks like he's going to try and cast a spell shoot the bastard, if it looks like Ysmir is having troubles you might need to pull our your sword and help as the crossbow probably isn't to effective against skeletons. Just stick to the outside and engage the ones around the edges. But yeah main focus is the cobalt since if he goes down so do his minions. Oh and watch your back.

>Ludeling
>Lewdling
Pff-hahaha. Slutty catgirl (dogirl?) race.

>>696598
>>696610
Pretty much this. The two experienced adventurers doing what they're good at, the less experienced adventurer using range and her fast reflexes to make a difference where she can.

Remember if anyone gets into a tight spot, you still have an hp pot, and could use it on them.

(For reference, wakizashi are shortswords.)

Ysmir, be sure to throw those skeletons' torsos very far from their legs. One of them has a very long pointy stick you could use to split the other two in half.

Scrubkura, when you see the necromancer go for his arms. The eyes are probably redundant, but those claws are very pointy. Are those skeletons the three thralls mentioned in the job description or just lesser minions?

Headshot

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/26(Tue)22:44 No. 697527 ID: 0fff38
File 145387709772.png - (50.84KB , 1000x1000 , 0028.png )

Ritz crawls through the underbrush as she pulls back the string with great effort. she loads an other bolt as she reaches a vantage point. she can see the Necromancer, and takes careful aim.

Ysmir makes short work of the Revenants.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/26(Tue)22:46 No. 697528 ID: 0fff38
File 145387717092.png - (49.01KB , 1000x1000 , 0029.png )

Sakura spares no time herself, landing several deep cuts into the Necromaner's lifeless flesh.

"I suppose you expect you can kill me like the last one did?"

"if you're trying to get in my head it won't work." Sakura replies, "can you shut up so I can claim my bounty?"

"so you're just a mercenary, working for glittering Gelt?" the Necromancer hisses, "aren't you tired of living without any reason?"

"can't say that I am." she replies, "you're stalling because you know I can beat you."

"defeated?" he barks, insulted, "by some aged nobody wearing her father's clothes? if you were half the fighter he was, he might not have died."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/26(Tue)22:46 No. 697529 ID: 0fff38
File 145387718376.png - (63.62KB , 1000x1000 , 0030.png )

"..."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/26(Tue)22:46 No. 697530 ID: 0fff38
File 145387719894.png - (66.20KB , 1000x1000 , 0031.png )

"OOF!"

Sakura takes a massive blow to the gut. by the time she lands, she's already unconscious.

shoot him again.

>>697531
This.

"Would you die already, you fucking necrophile?!"

>>697530
Shoot him, then try to get a healing potion to Sakura while Ritz engages the necromancer.

Ritz, shot the bastard while you have the shot, then rush over to Sakura and see how badly she's hurt.

Ysmir, the minions are down and all that is left is the little boney bastard. Take him down quick before he can summon more help and then make sure your friend is ok.

>>697530
Shoot em again.

Then while the lewdcat distracts it, use speed to get to the murderbug and apply potion.

Well she is half the fighter he was, unless he walked around without a cuirass too. Or did her father wear fishnets..?
I'm getting distracted, shoot that guy. Also, Ysmir should smell the scent of burning client and come back right away for some more dropkick action.

>wearing her dead father's clothes
Well now I feel a little bad for making fun of them earlier.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/28(Thu)03:51 No. 697782 ID: 0fff38
File 145398188070.png - (61.99KB , 1000x1000 , 0032.png )

the shot takes him by surprise and thunders as it impacts with his skull. the Necromance falls on his back hard, and gasps, dying.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/28(Thu)03:51 No. 697783 ID: 0fff38
File 145398190692.png - (44.78KB , 1000x1000 , 0033.png )

Ritz runs to the Scrub and looks at her. she looks almost peaceful, like she fell asleep. Ritz gulps and tries to gently lift the Scrub's head to feed her a potion, but her eyes open.

"Sensai? er... no, I guess not." she mutters, "hey kid. I messed up."

"so did I." Ritz replies.

"don't waste the pot, you might need it later." she sits up, "I'm fine."

"PLEASE MASTER!"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/28(Thu)03:52 No. 697784 ID: 0fff38
File 145398193996.png - (57.83KB , 1000x1000 , 0034.png )

"GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!" the Necromancer staggers to a uneasy gait. a dark figure seems to materialize beside the Cobalt. it looks like a Fury, but their flame has gone out completely, leaving only ashes.

"would god or nature give you a chance?" the dark figure responds calmly, "you only wish to forget your mortality, you do not strive beyond your mortal bounds."

"I can evolve! I can adapt!"

"you never have, though." it coldly replies, "if a creature does not reach its potential, it is trampled underfoot by those that do."

"please! I-"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/28(Thu)03:53 No. 697785 ID: 0fff38
File 145398198395.png - (57.38KB , 1000x1000 , 0035.png )

the Necromancer's shriek pierces the silence of the night and chills Ritz to the core of her being.

"what a pity."

it looks toward Ritz and her companions, "which one of you is responsible for this?"

-Ritz
"uh"
look at the scrub and see what she has to say cause I have no damn idea what's going on right now.

Look back at the scrub, then back at the ashen fury.

Um, I guess I am, but I had help?

Pray to yourself it's not about to kill you or tell you you just earned the cobalt's spot as an undead abomination.

It's all the scrub's fault!

group effort

>>697785
Shoot him in the dick, just as an insult of course.

"WHO DO YOU THINK, @#$%TARD?!"

Well, it was kind of a team effort. That's how these things usually go.

Adventuring, amirite?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/29(Fri)01:28 No. 698019 ID: 0fff38
File 145405971287.png - (55.85KB , 1000x1000 , 0036.png )

"I... we all are." Ritz replies.

"yes." the creature nods, "I suppose so..."

it stares into Ritz's eyes and then turns away, "I suppose I am similarly responsible, for letting such a young pupil the freedom to damn himself to the grave he was so afraid of. thank you for clearing that up, Zenling."

"um... you're welcome?"

"you seem a driven, curious individual." the Fury produces a small card, "have you considered a career in sorcery?"

...does this involve turning evil and having a bounty put on your head, like him?

...considering how the other one ended, no.

Uh, the retirement plan is looking a little... sub-par. Plus, judging from the last guy's teeth, I'm gonna assume dental's not included.

ON THE OTHER HAND if you just don't become a necromancer I'm sure it'll be fine. If you can just become a wizard then OKAY!

>have you considered a career in sorcery?
uh, I've might have given it a courtesy thought once or twice when I was younger but never had to think about it to seriously before now.

I'm sorry but, uh, who are you exactly?

I can't say I have but...I'm not against learning either.

>sorcery
Quick, think to yourself. What do you know about sorcery. Is it all a bad idea? Is it different or more than necromancy? Did the nuns preach against it? Is practicing sorcery a death sentence?

>have you considered a career in sorcery?
Not... seriously? You've considered a career in adventuring and to be honest you're having a hard time telling how well that's going right now.

You know, magic is cool, bounties on your head or smelling like that last guy not so much?

>also
Give desperate looks to your ally. You have no idea what you're doing and saying yes is probably a bad idea but this guy is terrifying, right? Keep talking like an idiot?

I used to think I'd be a cleric, growing up in a convent and all, but raising the dead sounds much less ethically obligated. Sure!

Take the card but explicitly state that you do not intend to join any faction yet. Keep your options open and all that.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/30(Sat)13:31 No. 698312 ID: 0fff38
File 145418951802.png - (36.74KB , 1000x1000 , 0037.png )

"are you asking me if I want to be a fugitive necromancer?" Ritz asks, "after you just roasted your last pupil?"

"Necromancy is is just one facet of my knowledge." the Fury replies, "I can teach so much more about life, death, and the esoteric laws of our realm; but I am indeed a harsh master, as harsh as nature is to her children."

Ritz has to admit, learning how to manipulate reality is quite an appealing prospect. Mother Opal never pushed the idea of learning to speak to the divine beings and cast miracles, but Ritz knows it's what Opal would have wanted for her; still, this guy seems like a villain. she bets this guy has a dungeon. as far as dungeoneering goes, Ritz would prefer to be on the "adventurer" side of things.

the Necromancer hands her his card, "think about it, young one; and when you decide to seek me, burn this card with a pinch of brimstone."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/30(Sat)13:33 No. 698316 ID: 0fff38
File 145418962442.png - (51.72KB , 1000x1000 , 0039.png )

"well that was weird." Sakura says finally, "can we go home now?"

Ysmir picks up the Necromancer's headdress, and turns to the Scrub, "it'll take a while to get back to town, maybe we should just camp out for the night?"

"we don't have any bedrolls." Sakura replies, "I think there might be a church nearby. we could slum around there for the night, what do you think, Zenling?"

Ritz snores softly in response. she seems to have nodded off, still lightly clutching the Sorcerer's card.

"she's had a long day, I think, miss Kusinagi." Ysmir says, leaning in and sniffing the new friend.

"can you not be weird for a second, Ysmir?"

"sorry," she smiles, "she smells really good. like pine needles and incense."

"just pick her up. we'll carry her for now."

"she's really cute, too."

should Sakura and Ysmir head back to town, try to camp here, or go to the church?

Church. It would be awkward if you were jumped by adventurers looking for the same necromancer you just killed.

church then town. might not be much but a bed and blanket sound much better then the cold ground and chilly night air.

Church.

>back to church
...does killing a necromancer violate "thou shall not kill?" I mean, he was basically dead already, the nuns can't be upset by that kind of thing!

>card, magic
Maybe ask your new companions how bad an idea this is. I mean, that guy was obviously terrifying, and scary, and powerful, and probably evil. But, uh, magic, right? Faustian deal magic, but still magic.

...is Ysmir gay?

Get back to town and rent a room. Begin screaming.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/01/31(Sun)02:18 No. 698480 ID: 0fff38
File 145423553494.png - (47.48KB , 1000x1000 , 0040.png )

>does killing a necromancer violate "thou shall not kill?"
Guad, the Gargoyle deity, has a much more "fire and brimstone" style morality.

>is Ysmir gay?
Ysmir is a Ludeling. there's not much she won't share a bed with.

the two make their way to the church. any roof over their head would be an improvement compared to the cold earth.

Sakura knocks on the heavy oak door, and after a few moments, a Gargoyle in a black habit opens the door.

"yes may I... S-Scarlet?"

"oh." Sakura glances over to the sleeping Zenling, "is that her name? I suppose you know this kid?"

she stares at the girl's sleeping form for a long while, "...the two of you must be quite exhausted, would you you like to step inside?"

>Ysmir is a Ludeling. there's not much she won't share a bed with.
Toldya, Lewdling.

>would you you like to step inside?
Thanks.

Cut to next day, Ritz wakes up in her own bed and has a horrified moment of thinking everything was a dream and having never left.

sweet, maybe we can get a few beds with no strings attached.

How many beds will the party be needing, one, two, or three?

Yeah, thanks.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/03(Wed)15:16 No. 698779 ID: 0fff38
File 145454140605.png - (29.48KB , 1000x1000 , 0041.png )

the two follow the Garoyle into the warmth inside of the chapel.

"the guest rooms are down the hall, to the left." she says, "we don't have much, but you're welcome to any supplies in the building."

"that's not necessary." Sakura replies, "we'll be heading back to town tomorrow morning."

the nun nods, seeming to be lost in thought, "er... yes. before you settle down, would you like some tea?"

>>698779
No, but you would like a lick of Pea.

Lol pun

Soup would be nice.

I, uh, okay? Why not.

>>698779
Okay sure. Ask how she knows Scarlet.

Uh, sure.

Hey free food is free food.

I think she wants to talk, and so we shall.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/05(Fri)12:10 No. 699242 ID: 0fff38
File 145470300012.png - (30.79KB , 1000x1000 , 0042.png )

"uh... sure." Sakura follows the mother, while Ysmir takes Ritz to one of the guest rooms.

"you're Crawlers, right?" she asks.

Sakura nods, "just finished a job, actually. the kid did pretty well, for a rookie."

she smiles warmly.

"can I ask how you know her?" Sakura asks, as the Gargoyle hands her a steaming cup of tea.

"she's my daughter." she takes a long sip from the cup, "I used to be a Crawler, myself, you know."

"so she's sort of following in your footsteps, I suppose?" Sakura replies.

she sighs sadly, and keeps drinking, "how many Crawlers have you seen die on a job?"

Sakura doesn't answer.

"I don't want to bury my daughter." she sighs, "I'm tired of burying people I love."

Sakura awkwardly fidgets in her chair. neither of them speak for a while.

"I'm asking, one crawler to an other, please don't lead Scarlet into this life."

She's been doing that since she first met Ritz, actually. I guess we could start out with additional berating instead of thanks when she wakes up.

>I'm asking, one crawler to an other, please don't lead Scarlet into this life.
Truth be told I tried. Saw her green as grass looking for a job on the town's job board and tried to talk some since into her then and there. Her response, grab the job out of my hand and run before I could even say anything important. We just kinda bumped into each other during the job since we did take the same one after all. Now I could tell her to stop, try to tell her to look for something else but like most youths she's dumb as hell and stubborn as a rock... doubly so since she also a Zenling. She'd probably try and find another job as soon as I open my mouth just to prove me wrong. But if you want, maybe I could give her a few stories about jobs that didn't go so well... maybe you could to and tell her why you don't want her to be a crawler. Even if it doesn't work you'll at least give her an idea of what not to do.

>>699242
Ma'am, I tried to talk her out of taking the job and she snatched the posting out of my hand and took off running. We were lucky to catch up.

Sometimes you can't stop the headstrong going down their path. If she won't be lead, well, someone to pull her behind out of the fire is the next best thing.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/07(Sun)01:30 No. 699661 ID: 0fff38
File 145483742935.png - (50.46KB , 1000x1000 , 0043.png )

Ritz wakes up slowly as the warm morning sun glows upon her face.

she looks beside herself, to the sleeping Ludeling. if not for her softly sleeping presence, Ritz would scarcely believe that last night had even happened.

>>699661
Did someone leave you a note?

Pet the Ludeling.

Oh, I think I see a note. Also since you've got time now just how fucked is your shirt? I'm noticing that the little bastard actually tore a good size hole in it when he scrambled your insides.

Pretty big bed for a church orphan. I mean, that thing is wide enough to comfortably take two people!

>just how fucked is your shirt? I'm noticing that the little bastard actually tore a good size hole in it when he scrambled your insides
Realize you've been showing off a nice big boob window ever since you drank that potion.

You came home to church with your chest out!

>what do
Sneak out of bed, change shirt, read note.

>>699662
>>699664
These.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/08(Mon)01:19 No. 700003 ID: 0fff38
File 145492317441.png - (43.59KB , 1000x1000 , 0044.png )

>Pretty big bed for a church orphan.
Mother Opal let Ritz sleep in her bed for a few nights when she was younger, and after that, she just let Ritz have the master bedroom.

>just how fucked is your shirt?
it's pretty fucked. Ritz realizes that she's been showing off her underaged cleavage all night. it's fine. the sisters have seen all of that mess before, she thinks.

the Ludeling looks pretty cute asleep, so Ritz scratches her behind the ear, and she perks up immediately, her tail wagging happily.

"good morning, miss Zenling!" she says.

"hello." Ritz replies, "my name is Ritz."

"good morning, Miss Ritz!"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/08(Mon)01:20 No. 700004 ID: 0fff38
File 145492320606.png - (84.86KB , 1000x1000 , 0045.png )

Ritz picks up the note and reads.

hey kid, left the headdress, and the dog. don't worry, she's house trained.

"aw shit. I just got dumped."

Ysmir tilts her head curiously, "what do you mean?"

"I think the Murderscrub took off in the night."

"no way." she beams, "she probably just went out for some breakfast!"

Ritz shrugs, not convinced.

"come on, let's go turn in that quest!" she smiles, "we can get some money for food, and then we can look for miss Kusaragi."

what should Ritz do next? she could turn in the quest, or she can look for the Murderscrub, or she could do something else. whatever she does, it seems like Ysmir will tag along.

>>700004
Murderscrub left the headdress. That's like outright telling you to hand in the quest.

Hmm. Maybe you should ask the clergy how much power they have here. If you summoned the Fury necromancer, could they defeat him? If he's got a bounty on his head...

well you're flat broke so you should probably get some cash before you do anything, then we can look for people. Oh and you should probably say bye to your mom at least.

Find homicide noob.

How does an entire race get named *murder*scrub, anyway?

Maybe you should actually ask your parent about adventuring while you're here? Or at least sorcery. Not the church dogma- the practical side of things ie, how you deal with it / how dangerous it is. (Presented as how to deal with sorcerous baddies after your run in with the necromancer, hopefully hiding that you're trying to evaluate how crazy getting yourself involved would be).

Then yeah, we should hand in the job. If you see the scrub later you can split payment, since she saved your ass.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/10(Wed)02:10 No. 700666 ID: 0fff38
File 145509900028.png - (43.49KB , 1000x1000 , 0046.png )

Ritz looks for Mother Opal and almost collides with the Gargoyle from the tavern yesterday.

"my apologies, miss..."

"Scarlet." Ritz finishes, "just call me Ritz."

"yes. my apologies." the Gargoyle replies.

"did you finish that business?"

"er... yes I did." she replies, "excuse me, I must be going. I suppose we'll be seeing each other in town."

"ok." Ritz beams, "have a good day!"

the Gargoyle moves past Ritz.

"who was that?" Ysmir whispers, her hair is standing on end, "she smells like corpse ash."

"Ruby." Ritz replies, "I met her yesterday."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/10(Wed)02:10 No. 700667 ID: 0fff38
File 145509905721.png - (42.85KB , 1000x1000 , 0047.png )

Ritz finds Mother Opal in the garden, tending to the flowers.

"good morning, Mother Opal." Ritz approaches.

"good morning, Scarlet." she replies, "did you sleep well?"

"yeah." Ritz nods, then she coughs nervously, "so last night I uh... I met a sorceror. could you tell me anything about sorcery? you did say you used to travel and I was wondering if you knew anything about it..."

"Sorcery is the catch all term for multiple sciences devoted to using leylines in order to alter the material plane. there are Daemonologists, Necromancers, Elementalists, Enchanters, and Abjurers, among a few others."

"what about.. uhm... Necromancy?"

she looks back at Ritz for a moment, then goes back to the flowers, "Necromancy is... an unsavory science. they control life force, but not like a healer would. they steal life force from others and redistribute it."

she stands up, dusting off her smock, "if... if you're interested in learning more about the different sciences of magic, I can teach you a bit of healing magic. it would be very helpful if you decide to... erm... travel."

>>700666
did she lose an eye? maybe I just didn't notice last time since she had the brim of her hat down.

>>700667
>I can teach you a bit of healing magic.
That would be very helpful actually, and cheaper then have to keep buying health potions. Also offer to help with the garden, I mean it's been over a month since you last saw you mom, may as well spend some time with her and see what she's been up too.

>introduced yourself
Didn't we give Ruby your name when you first met?

>she smells like corpse ash.
I wonder if she's mixed up with this Pyre business too.

>Sorcery is the catch all term for multiple sciences devoted to using leylines in order to alter the material plane. there are Daemonologists, Necromancers, Elementalists, Enchanters, and Abjurers, among a few others.
A lot less negative sounding than I expected. And there might be non-terrible things to learn, if you can trust that dude at all.

Is healing magic the same kind of a thing?

>I can teach you a bit of healing magic. it would be very helpful if you decide to... erm... travel.
Is it that easy to just pick up?

It's undeniably useful, and if you want a safe way to feel out if you really have a preference or knack for spellcasting, this is pretty much it.

Depending on time involved, we might want to cash in your bounty first and get lessons later.

Mother knows best! Definitely accept her offer.

A combination of healing magic and necromancy.

So yeah, take your mom's offer. Also, ask her about stuff.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/21(Sun)11:02 No. 704185 ID: 0fff38
File 145608137037.png - (59.66KB , 1000x1000 , 0048.png )

"that sounds great." Ritz replies, "would it be that easy to learn?"

"well, learning how to sing prayers is not so difficult, but the prayers themselves may take some practice."

"crap... I have to sing?"

she smiles happily, "you would make an excellent singer, Scarlet."

Ysmir grins, while Ritz tries to regain her composure, "would you like some help in the garden?"

"oh no, miss Ritz," Ysmir interjects, "that's not work for a master race! I can do it for you!"

"it's fine." Opal beams, "these old bones need some sunlight, anyway. I'm just happy to see you home again."

"yeah... I need to get going, then. I need to get my payment from Beefwax before it gets too late."

"oh... ok." she nods, "I understand... well, take care, Scarlet, and be careful."

Mother Opal hugs Ritz tightly, and Ysmir giggles lowly to herself. Ritz tries to hide her embarrassment from the Ludeling.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/21(Sun)11:03 No. 704186 ID: 0fff38
File 145608139654.png - (86.81KB , 1000x1000 , 049.png )

"oh! I have something for you before you go." Mother Opal produces a package, wrapped in cloth, "it's from back when I used to... travel."

inside the package is a pair of wickedly curved blades. these don't look like something a nun would be carrying around.

"it's bluesteel." Opal says, "the blades are really sharp, so you need to be careful."

Where did you find those?

These should help...

>>704186
Oh, wow. Thank you, I'll take care of them. And be careful.

Try an experimental swing with one- aimed away from the others. (If you want to test the sharpness you could use a piece of paper. You have a note or two you're not gonna need again).

>>704186
...ok that is just cool as hell. Thanks, I mean it. But uh, since I'm going to be coming back here to learn to sing... think you could give me some pointers to how to use this in something more then just "swing like crazy and hope you hit the other guy"?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/26(Fri)02:33 No. 705585 ID: 0fff38
File 145648280974.png - (55.81KB , 1000x1000 , 0050.png )

"thank you!" Ritz stares at the brightly shining blue metal daggers, "would you be able to teach me how to use these?"

"yes!" she beams, excitedly, "I can teach you how to- to... defend yourself, if the need arises... while you're traveling."

Ritz waves goodbye to the Mother superior and the two of them start walking toward town.

"those blades smell like bitterbell." Ysmir remarks, "why does your mom have daggers that were poisoned?"

"I don't know." Ritz replies, "maybe bitterbell poison is common for traveling priests?"

"traveling assassins, more like." she sticks her tongue out.

"...hey! Mother Opal isn't my mom, that just means she's the highest ranking nun in the convent."

Ysmir nods, "I know what Mother superior means, but she's also your mom."

"no, she's not." Ritz repeats, more firmly, "my mom and dad are..."

she sighs, "well I don't know where my mom and dad are."

"are you sure they're even alive?" Ysmir asks.

"they have to be." Ritz furrows her brow. Ysmir notices Ritz's mood turns, so she doesn't push the subject. instead she notices a noise in front of them, small at first, but growing. it's the rumbling of an engine.

Ysmir instinctively pushes Ritz behind herself and awaits the unknown vehicle.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/02/26(Fri)02:34 No. 705586 ID: 0fff38
File 145648287741.png - (50.92KB , 1000x1000 , 0051.png )

A fury riding a shining metal contraption rolls up, slowing down and stopping beside the Ludeling.

"we-he-hell, the scenery is looking miiiiiighty fine this time of year." the Fury grins, looking Ysmir up and down. he looks young, really young. maybe 18. Ritz has never seen a machine like what he's riding. this boy must be ludicrously rich, or from a different continent. maybe both. Ritz can't help but think he's pretty good looking.

"have either of you chickadees seen an Armada around?" he grins, "pale skin, black hair, smokin' figure? goes by the name of Harvess?"

"no." Ysmir barks shortly, "we haven't."

"woah, kitty cat!" he says cooly, "push those claws back in."

Ysmir relaxes a bit, and Ritz walks around from behind her, "an Armada? one of those weird pale people from the south? I thought Armada never travel north?"

"yeah, weird, isn't it?" he grins.

should Ritz and Ysmir keep talking to this guy, or continue to town?

>>705585
>poisoned
Hooo boy, do not use those without training, and definitely carry antidote. If you cut yourself, that's a problem.

>>705586
Oh THERE's the Fury player character. Talk a bit more, it'll hasten his eventual insertion into the party. Ask why he's looking for Harvess.

talk, might as well see what he's doing around here. I mean this place isn't really a tourist attraction and from what I saw from the job board their's not much work outside of sorry sad sacks hoping some girl will wonder by and strip for them for free... maybe that's why he's here.

Talk with him, feign interest in his contraption.

Kill him for your master!

...No wait wrong quest.

>why does your mom have daggers that were poisoned?
Cause she wasn't always a nun.

Pertinent question is if they're still poisoned. That rather changes how deadly they are, and the risk to yourself using them while still unskilled.

>Ritz can't help but think he's pretty good looking.
Ritz, honey, no. Ignore the siren call of motorcycle riding trashy rebellion.

>what do
Might as well ask what his interest is.

Fuck off Nic Cage!

Keep talking, You might read something useful between the pickup lines. Keyword "might."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/03/08(Tue)03:24 No. 707779 ID: 0fff38
File 145743625143.png - (57.77KB , 1000x1000 , 0052.png )

>Pertinent question is if they're still poisoned.
it doesn't seem like it. the scent is very faint.

>Ignore the siren call of motorcycle riding trashy rebellion.
Ritz is 15. she can't.

"why are you looking for this girl?" Ritz asks.

"a wildfire like her?" he grins, "who wouldn't?"

"he's a snipe." Ysmir growls, "they go around snatching up bounties before the Crawlers have a chance to."

"woah, hairy momma. let's not go saying 'snipe' like it's a bad word."

"it is a bad word." she retorts, "it was literally invented as a word so we can insult you."

he shrugs, "well that's just your opinion."

he mounts his vehicle again, "well, mister and missus 'card carrying crawler', I guess poor unwashed Ash Rathracked will get back to his peasant affairs."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/03/08(Tue)03:24 No. 707781 ID: 0fff38
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"g-goodbye!" Ritz calls as he speeds off, then she turns to Ysmir.

"what do you have against that guy?" Ritz asks.

"wh- did you see him?" Ysmir barks, "he's a trashbag!"

"he seemed nice until you started with your guard dog routine."

"yeah he seemed reeeeal nice." Ysmir sticks her tongue out, "you know he's stealing your job, right?"

"he's not stealing my job!" Rits fires back, "he's just collecting a bounty on some Armada. if the Crawlers weren't so slow to post jobs in the first place you wouldn't have people sniping the good bounties."

Ysmir scoffs, "you can wipe the drool off your chin now, I don't think he was impressed with you."

her face softens and she starts to whine, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!"

"it's okay, I-"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/03/08(Tue)03:25 No. 707783 ID: 0fff38
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"OOF!"

"no really I didn't mean it! I'm sorry!"

Ritz rubs Ysmir's head and the Ludeling sighs contentedly. Ritz decides to start heading to town again, as soon as she manages to pry Ymsir off of her.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/03/08(Tue)03:25 No. 707784 ID: 0fff38
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Elsewhere, an Armada walks into town. she looks around at the small village. there are children playing, birds chirping, men and women go about their business. the sun is shining and bathed the town in a warm light.

she winces. she hates the light. she wants to get back to Armistice as soon as she can, but first she needs to find someone. a Zenling.

where should Harvess start looking?

>>707784
start at the bar/tavern and ask around. If anyone has been through here lately they've probably passed through there at least once or at the very least someone who's seen whoever you're looking for has pasted by at least once.

>"you know he's stealing your job, right?"
Hey, it's not like we'd gotten the notice, even.

>she needs to find someone. a Zenling.
Any one in particular?

I would start looking in the bar, which she is definitely old enough to drink at.

Be smart about this. Ask around for the closest botspots, then cross off anywhere that your target isn't likely to go, apartments and whorehouses included.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/03/10(Thu)12:36 No. 708171 ID: 0fff38
File 145764218185.png - (28.02KB , 1000x1000 , 0056.png )

Harvess trudges through the sleepy hamlet, blind to all the dumbfounded looks of the locals.

she enters the Tavern and trudges to the counter.

the Bartender doesn't look up from his glass, "Crawler, huh?"

"no." Harvess replies, "I'm looking for someone."

"looking for a friend, or..."

she grins, "no."

"I'd like to help you out, but I'd rather not have you killing anybody on my doorstep, miss..."

"Harvess." she replies, "and I won't be killing anybody today. I need to find a girl and bring her back with me to Armistice."

"ech." he grimaces, "she might be better off if you just kill her now."

"not my concern." she snaps back. "the sins of the parent are the sins of the child. it is the law of Armistice."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2016/03/10(Thu)12:36 No. 708172 ID: 0fff38
File 145764220437.png - (71.16KB , 1000x1000 , 0057.png )

"just tell me all you know about 'Rose Quartz'."

[end of chapter]

Well, all I know is she's Steven Universe's mother, she led the Crystal Gem rebellion on Earth for thousands of years, and was kinda-sorta reincarnated as her own son? Don't know why that's relevant, though.