>>835021
This. Give the Prisoner her boots back if there's nothing suspicious about them and maybe a blanket or something.

>>835019
Yeah! Niffel should cuddle up with her for the night. He'll definitely keep her warm.

Option 2, I'd say, you'll have to make sure everyone's on the alert. Have the snakes rest up for the first part of the journey so they're decently rested for the most dangerous part, they're the most capable members of your group.

Give Icker something to keep her warm.

>>835019
>>835033
Don't give the rapey kobold what he wants.

Only evil people rape and we're not evil!

>>835039
Agreed. Though we follow someone that might be evil, we ourselves are not.

>>835039
He can't do anything though I thought he was too broken.

>>835014
the snakes will keep them warm during the night via body heat.

also head back to the inn and rest well better to show the towns people what happens when they fuck up and get well rested then to rush and screw up the job.

We're not evil, we're expedient.
Just like it 'd be expedient if the prisoners were well-behaved and compliant.

If not, well, it'd be a real shame to make them suffer...

option 2, but do this: >>835021

>>835042
Niffel was knocked out, not broken.

>>835044
You mean you want to risk some disreputable tavern goers to secretly be Freedom Fighters and they free our prisoners and take us captive?

No thanks.

>>835041
We aren't evil, we are just being practical with Niffel's ambitions.

Go to the inn. If the innkeeper does something unprofessional, you can come back there next week to 'tax' everything that isn't nailed down.

>Option 2: Camp here ETA:14 hours to castle
make sure we have someone keeping watch both on our surroundings and on the prisoners during the night. Also try to keep the separate just to make sure they don't try and free one another or something like that and I guess throw a blanket or a tarp over them. That or just place them next to the campfire if we set on up. That should keep them from freezing while also keeping them in a lighted area to make them easier to watch so they'd be less likely to pull something... or at least we'd be more likely to spot it if they do.

Option Two. Also offer to the Rabbit to take his clothes so that his can use his body warmth to help take care of his bee companion.

Wait shouldn't we strip-search the other thieves to make sure they don't have any hidden weapons or escape tools?

Go to the Inn, have two guards on night patrol with orders to kill the prisoners if they go into alert status. Two exhausted guards is an acceptable detriment for a well-rested remainder of the squad.

Option 2. Monster time.
Get the bee a bit of covering. We are tax collectors, not a roving display case for a brothel.

Option 2 might be best, but like others said, move a little forward.
>>835116
You might be joking, but it's probably a good idea to take some of the rabbit's clothes and give them to the bee, like his shirt or (preferably) his pants.

>>835017
Yes, Have a kobold keep Icker warm. Maybe comfort her too.

Option 2. Sezeda can keep all of the prisoners warm and secured at the sssame time.

>>835014
Regardless of choice of camp, the tax collectors must cavity and clothes search the rebels for methods of escape!
Do you think it unlikely they'd hide something useful in a "taboo" area? I don't.

LW 2017/10/25(Wed)18:21 No. 839745 ID: b93a7b
File 150898086335.png - (673.28KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch53.png )

Eeyfel: 'Then we'll just give her YOUR shirt!'

Dolan: ' . . . I guess I can only blame myself for this obvious outcome'

Eeyfel removes the rabbit's shirt and slips it onto the bee woman.
she considers putting Icker's boots back on, but that would involve undoing all the work she just put into tying up those weird legs.
I's too much effort she decides and leaves them off.

Eeyfel: "If that's not enough vermin, I can tie the Rabbit to you to keep you warm"

Dolan: '!!!!'

Icker: 'Th-that's okay, the shirt should be enough!'

Vriolo: 'Are you sure? I've seen the way you two look at each other~'

Dolan: 'This is no time for jokes Vi we are within the clutches of the enemy!'

Vriolo: 'I'm not worried the king will have us freed soon enough.'

Dolan: 'I wish I shared you confidence . . .'

Eeyfel get's the impression it would take only a couple of careful words to change the prisoner's mind about keeping each other warm . . .

The Acolyte shouts to her lessers, having made up her mind about how to proceed.
Eeyfel: 'Everyone! I don't want that cat bringing a whole troupe of bandits on us, so we'll march forth for an hour before making camp. Now let's pack up and move out.'
The Tax collectors grumble but obey.

All the more reason to keep them separate. Maybe Vriolo and Icker should be tied together instead when we camp. Tightly, like firewood.
Let's hear a hearty traveling tune led by Bowin! Eeyfel you're a very persuasive leader but I would delegate the duties of morale officer if I were you.

>>839745
Tell them this could be their last chance. Embrace what comfort they can get before they face the courts tomorrow.

Tell them it could be worse. You could have buried them alive.

Also, you're digging trenches tonight.

Guess where they get to sleep.

>>839745
What's the king like? From what we know of him, do we think that he would be willing to let them go without some form of punishment?

>>839745
>I'm not worried the king will have us freed soon enough.'
Too bad for him. The Duchess has already said that she's taken care of that and the King won't interfere. Not that we're gonna tell them that.

>Eeyfel get's the impression it would take only a couple of careful words to change the prisoner's mind about keeping each other warm . . .
Taunt the rabbit by telling him that the bulge in his pants makes it fairly obvious on how he feels about the bee.

So if they want to do anything, they'd better get it outta their system now before we put them in separate jail cells.

Should probably try and get Niffel up and going again if possible. Could use his insatiable lust to get them talking by pushing him against he Bee. They give more information, we hold him back. They don't he does his thing.

Niffel took a lot of damage, he should probably ride in the carriage. Yappa too, for that matter.

>>839789
>Taunt the rabbit by telling him that the bulge in his pants makes it fairly obvious on how he feels about the bee.

I think this is a good idea.

>>839824
I'd be surprised if he could get it up again so soon after Eeyfel sucked the life out of him.

>>839779
This, but bury them only up to their shoulders.

>>839834
Do you have any idea just how much work it is to dig a hole that can hold a person? No, we need them to rest.

Don't make them dig holes, why would we do that.

It's a good idea for punishment, but digging holes kind of defeats the purpose yeah.

So is it possible for the rebels to strike back eventually? Some of the tax collectors didn't really get stripped all that much, like Eeyfel and Yappa (plus Dolan). I think it would only be fair to level it out ;). I know that breaking is supposed to leave party memebers out for a day, so the rebels could potentially break free and start up another fight after the night is over.

Perhaps Vriolo should share his partner's pragmatism instead.
>>840166
>>840168
Denying them rest will soften them up for interrogation, not to mention the psychological and practical effects of digging their own shallow grave.

LW 2017/11/12(Sun)20:57 No. 844656 ID: b93a7b
File 151054906985.png - (524.20KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch54.png )

the travel is slow and grueling the troops are unhappy but willing and the carriage rattles down the path home.

>What's the king like?
on the trip Eeyfel's mind wanders to thought of her King.
Flagrion Multero is a clever and powerful leader ruined by faith,pride and love.
. . . Or so Duchess Kalez has described him.
Eyfel has never met the king but she gets the impression her mistress is both disgusted and impressed by the man.

>From what we know of him, do we think that he would be willing to let them go without some form of punishment?
Eeyfel isn't sure, the King's pride compels him to keep not only the letter of his word but also the spirit of it,
if he made any promise to these "freedom fighters he'll probably honor it . . . if he can.

LW 2017/11/12(Sun)20:58 No. 844657 ID: b93a7b
File 151054913063.png - (483.70KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch55.png )

the Tax collectors travel for an hour and are about to beak for camp, when Bowin notices movement in the trees.

three pale robed Arthros emerge from the forest and approach the slow moving carriage, one of their numbers waves at Bowin seeming to wish to speak.

>>844657
Attack first, ask questions when they're naked.

Bark at them to make way for the Duchess' chosen!

>>844657
WHAT???

"Sir, it has been a REALLY long day, please step aside or we will treat you as combatants."

Are those undead?

>>844667
This sounds good.

>>844672
Yeah, they look worryingly skeletal.

>>844717
They're exo-skeletal.

Could they be bees or wasps like our "guest"?

The undead aren't known to parley, are they? Speak quickly, you were about to break anyway.

Let's not alienate any of the locals. Especially not if we're planning to rest up nearby. Greet and ask them what ho.

Also, Azzeki - or someone - stand by to gag the bird if he starts squawking something silly, provocative or, worst of all, really clever.

LW 2017/11/19(Sun)14:00 No. 846209 ID: b93a7b
File 151112881436.png - (442.04KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch56.png )

As the robed Arthros step onto the road, Bowin calls out to them and waves them away from the slow moving carriage.

Bowin "Sirs, we are the Duchess' chosen and it has been a REALLY long day, so please step aside"

the Arthro's oblige his request. As the tax collectors slowly roll past the leader of the Arthros taps at the carriage window to get the occupant's attention

Eeyfel reluctantly draws back the curtain to see the figure's deathly pale face.

Z'Theno: "I am Z'Theno a Pastor of sorts and we are all pilgrims in this strange land we want for nothing but a solid meal and a warm dry place to rest "

Eeyfel has never seen an undead creature before. this guy creeps her out but then all Arthos do with their horribly soulless eyes . . .

Z'theno: ". . . please help us"

Eeyfel is not sure what disgusts her more, this hideous freak of nature's appearance or it's revolting plea for charity as if it has any right.

>>846209
Capture them! They may know more about why the undead are attacking. (like how they're being forced into it by the wicked Queen)
The easiest way to capture them would be to agree to their request and then when you've set camp you can easily surround them and force them to surrender.

>>846211
But are these guys really undead or are they just unfortunately deformed from their heritage?

Simply tell them you only have enough provisions for yourselves already, and that was before taking three "guests". You're already stretched too thin.

We haven't got much of those things to spare since we're feeding and hauling prisoners and wounded. and given the reports of undead attacks I'm not sure we should be aiding them at all.

buuut, if they're willing to take up a watch and aid in defense we might be able to work something out. Otherwise, tell them about the inn down the road and wish them luck.

You were about to camp, were you not? Show an understanding between holy messengers and generously allow them to partake of your rations, though sharing a campfire would compromise security a bit too much for your liking. It's not like the prisoners needed to eat anyway. Pick one of your own to bring them their share - though I would suggest you go yourself, as you are the best prepared in case of deception and can trust Bowin to keep watch over the team in your stead.

Disgusting yes. But still worth showing charity to.

Let them hang out with you while you camp.

Since when undead eat? Ask them what would they give in return, since your provisions are limited and can't be given for free.

>>846209
Put hands on weapons and Don't allow them to st closer. Ask them what food they want.

Show them what charity you can; they've been cordial. Do however mention that, due to security issues, they can't share your particular campfire, though as you are about to camp soon, they can camp nearby. Duty must come first.

At the very least you can be charitable and friendly within the confines of your duty and obligation.

>>846217
This because maybe we should spread good will with whoever we can because we're hated.

>>846234

I don't think they realize they're undead.

Give them a unit of rations, and warn them of the upcoming war. Specifically, against THEIR nation. If this man is indeed a missionary, he should gather his followers and leave this country before the army is forced to assume they are combatants / spies.

Ask the bee her thoughts.

It will sound odd but Id say we give them something. One never knows how helping now will help us later.

>>846306
Wait, does she still have some honey? Maybe they could have that.

>>846309
this

I think we should inform them of our enmity, and tell them that we can give them no aid.

Due to circumstances, we won't attack them if they depart now.

LW 2017/11/26(Sun)09:58 No. 848127 ID: b93a7b
File 151171908127.png - (697.71KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch57.png )

Eeyfel is loath to hand over any of her newly acquire loot, but she also doesn't want to risk conflict with her band so exhausted . . .

>Ask the bee her thoughts.
the abelite is asleep from exhaustion,

she produces one of the Abelite's honey pots from the supplies
Eeyfel: 'perhaps this will-'

the jar is snatched from her hands only moments after it is seen.
Guard1: 'FOOD!'
Guard2: 'Must feed!'

The Pilgrims fall upon the jar of honey like a pack of animals, and tear into it with ravenous hunger

LW 2017/11/26(Sun)09:59 No. 848128 ID: b93a7b
File 151171918828.png - (492.93KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch58.png )

taken off guard by the developemnts Eeyfel is too slow to evade the decripit priest's grasp

Z'Theno: 'You must give us more! please we need more, we all need more!'

His grip is strong, far stronger than should be possible given his feeble health

Eeyfel: 'Let go of me!'
Z'Theno: 'Please! We must have more! give us more!'

His touch breaks something of the illusion for the the Acolyte
She is doused with the overwhelming musty smell of ancient rot
She feels the priest's despair, unending and all consuming, she feels it eating into her soul.
she sees the creature for what it is, a sun bleached husk eaten from the inside out from the hunger that will not let it truly die.

and then the moment passes and she is merely gripped by the wretched creature she first laid eyes upon
Z'theno: 'PLEASE!'

can Eeyfel use sap health on undead targets? If not stab it in the face and get ready to fight... or just grab another jar of honey and fling it into the woods and hope the run after it, whatever works.

While we are fighting the undead hoards, I mean we could use this. We could offer them all the honey they want as a threat to our captive bee's home. They haven't attacked us per say and they could be used as a unit against anything else coming our way. Just a thought.

>>848128
If you've got another jar of honey, throw it into the woods so they chase after it!

Then tell your group to run for it!

>>848132
>We could offer them all the honey they want as a threat to our captive bee's home.
Our captives already think that our group is responsible for creating the undead, so let's not give them any reason to believe those false rumors!

We've used our sap health spell for the day - toss the bird to the scavengers and hurry away from here!

Just throw the rest honey on them; maybe it'll make them eat eachother or something.

Damn it! They've been driven mad by their unending zombie hunger! On the plus side, the rebels finally realize where their tax money goes - stopping these unfortunate near-hollow from eating everyone. If they escape, they'll understand the real threat now. So focus on the undead and neutralize all targets, lethal or non-lethal!

This has gone so far beyond cool it's almost volcanic.

There should be a general show of weapons and aggression until Eeyfel is unhanded safely. They need to go, then we need to.

Ooo yes. I like this idea of tossing honey all over the undead to cause confusion and panic.

I'd add poison to the honey but I doubt that would have any effect on unsexy corpses.

Now you see why the undead are a threat - they are driven by mindless hunger, a shell of their former selves. Pity them, and send them to the rest they crave.
Some more sticky bombs to distract them while you make haste away from here, until the cries for food leave your ears.

You should do what you can to help these poor souls.

Give them everything you can.

Throw clothes (preferably with something sweet and sticky) at the undead to sate them and run while they're distracted. Probably starting with the prisoners' clothes. They'd go for that, right?

LW 2017/12/09(Sat)11:26 No. 850577 ID: b93a7b
File 151284761688.png - (621.10KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch59.png )

Eeyfel: 'I SAID LET GO!'

Eeyfel grabs a near by object and throws it at the monster in the desperate hope it will dislodge the priest's grip, she misses horribly the jar of honey sailing past him out the window.

Z'theno: 'FOOOOOD!'
Guard1: 'Food!'
Guard2: 'Must FEED!'

in a stroke of fortune it works anyways, hunger drives the depraved being and the kobold is forgotten and released in favor of the delicious nectar

Eeyfel: 'Bowin! Get us out of here!'

The coachman needs little encouragement and his Molebeast even less, it takes off at as fast a speed as it can manage
and the people on foot need to change pace to a casual jog to keep up.

Let this be lesson. Okay, camp setup, take two.

We should check to make sure we have not lost anyone once we're at a safe distance.

BOOK IT. Only stop to maybe have the people following behind get on/in the carriage a while down the ways. Keep going until dusk or so and even then keep things as hidden as possible; no fires to alert anyone and either keep somewhere open so that you can see anyone approach or keep in a dense foliage area. Cover your tracks as you go as well so they can't easily track you.

>>850577

Be on the lookout for a defensible camping location.

Now that we know for sure undead are active in the area, I think heading for the castle at top speed is the only reasonable option. Camping to rest before then would invite an attack.

Speed to the castle, awayyy

LW 2017/12/29(Fri)13:00 No. 854510 ID: b93a7b
File 151458122944.png - (484.07KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch60.png )

>We should check to make sure we have not lost anyone once we're at a safe distance.

Azzeki takes a look to see if any stragglers have been left behind
her three companions run past her as she slows for a moment

confident that everyone is accounted for Azzeki follows

>Be on the lookout for a defensible camping location.
no one seems interested in camping any more.

>Speed to the castle, awayyy
Exhaustion is momentarily forgotten as everyone travels at double speed castleward

>>854510

Continue going?

Yes, let's continue going.

Okay, run til you drop or reach the castle. That's the kind of expedient service the Duchess rewards.

get dysentery

End thread and start part 2? Feels like a good breaking point and we're getting a little long.

>>854556
Some of us like to see the initial updates and art.

How far away is the castle? The battle they just fought was long and sundown is surely closing in by now. Traveling at night can be full of peril but it seems that might be their only option at this point. Any number of things could happen while they are frantically rushing forward in the state of their party, especially when it's getting darker. Members could get lost and run off in wrong directions, or their still panicked molebeast could make another error.

There's a good chance for some more action and obstacles ahead, especially if they aren't careful!

LW 2018/01/04(Thu)19:19 No. 856226 ID: b93a7b
File 151512234905.png - (517.19KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch61.png )

The journey is long and the kobolds travel in relative silence.

Eeyfel clutches her pained arm, still at a loss to the cause.
the fiend Niffle chuckles in his sleep as Yappa groans on the floor of the cabin.

The events of the day cannot be put from her thoughts
Z'Theno and his undead flock, so close to home and so much more real then the stories of her youth.
the boldness of the bandits attacking in broad day light,
and the cocky statements of the foppish Vriolo promising royal retribution on her mistress.

the hours rattle on, Eeyfel is trapped with her thoughts and her pain
both of them eat away at her bitter resentful mind.
and for the first time she questions her mistress' power.
for the first time she is filled with doubt.

LW 2018/01/04(Thu)19:20 No. 856227 ID: b93a7b
File 151512244713.png - (893.43KB , 1170x750 , Testmatch62.png )

As the sun sets the tax men finally make it.

Crym-Z'Garr the most southern port Teroth, and gateway across the Talon sea.
Bowin looks at his home with lifted spirits, the city has never looked so welcoming.
the undead and bandits stalking the road seem so very far away.
He longs to pause and just admire the view, however duty demands otherwise

The Archduke of Castle Crym and his Duchess consort await.

Chapter End

Thank you for reading my quest!
I hope everyone enjoyed it
feel free to place any questions or comments here!
https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/111417.html
I'll be making a number of posts there myself talking about what's next and taking feedback.

>>856226
>Eeyfel clutches her pained arm, still at a loss to the cause.
An undead grabbed your arm! That's obviously the cause!

When you get to the castle, have someone look at your arm to see if it's infected! You better do it as soon as possible or else you'll be adding yourself to the undead horde!