Maybe you should ask the Kobold for advice.

>>108298
You were always much better hero than a villain my lord... if I may say so. Hero's... they can be glorious, even when they fail, a villain, they are only great 'if' and while they are winning.

>>108298
Your minions are fine. It's you that's the problem. You don't really plan ahead or see the big picture, which is a bad trait for someone that wants to be a leader.

>>108298
So, why DO you want to be a villain? You should be old enough to know there's no such thing as a "villain," only people with opposing goals. Why shove yourself into a stereotype?

>>108308
It's because in his experience.. the villains won! The rebels deposed him, he lost everything... so they must have been right.. no honor, no glory, just blood and hell.

But the story isn't over is it?

>>108306

I think planning is our job.

>>108319
Half-heartedly parading into his old village on his own and getting slapped around wasn't our idea.

Muschio 2010/01/09(Sat)19:56 No. 108323 ID: 18b9f0
File 126309578355.gif - (11.38KB , 800x600 , 842.gif )

>Your minions are fine. It's you that's the problem.
>Why shove yourself into a stereotype?
That's precisely what I'm SAYING.

>"I can not believe that, Muschio."
To my surprise, Ridder nearly jumps up with uncharacteristic passion in his words.
>"You are a strong and charismatic man. You always have been made to lead others, to help those without a dream find one and work together under a grand cause like your father used to do. Remember how we used to watch him sit with the soldiers while the nobles snorted? I have never pictured you to become any different, Muschio. Loving and beloved."

...He raises a strong point. My father's power was founded on many things, and the Malto name was always known -- and sometimes looked down on -- for its associations with the 'lesser' folk. The subracial clans, the soldiers and the common men, all welcomed with open arms as one of our own.

"Maybe that's just it, Ridder. Maybe I've forgotten how to care for my constituents, my men and my soldiers. Maybe I've become so lost in this grab for power, my real problem is I've forgotten to care about my workers."

Have I been so blind? The poison sewn in my ranks -- was it really as simple as neglect?
Have I become the very Ivory-Tower noble I've always despised? Grown so distant and detached from my own underlings, rather than living amongst them, sharing their hopes and dreams?
By the Gods!

"If I had ignored the men society called beneath me, then you and I would not be friends, Ridder. And now, perhaps more than ever, I'm thankful that we are."
He smiles slowly, a warm and earnest expression on his face. He and I may not see eye to eye on everything, but I know nothing will ever set us at odds. Our friendship is made of sterner stuff.
"You have a wise man's way about you, friend. I've always said it. You are so focused, so driven, so silent. It draws the women to you, no doubt. But a man of your ambitions could find a grand following from souls of all races, genders, and creeds. You may not be of noble blood, Ridder, but I have always believed you would make as capable of leader as any white-haired noble."

>>108323
Stalker spotted!

You're just overwhelmed by the scope of what you've made. The only thing that's really gone wrong was the poison swap, which you know wasn't out of malicious intent. And you were even aware of that before it happened.

None of this is unmanageable. Finish brooding and head back home.

Maybe you guys could both be kings or something. Also you DO know there's a female kobold directly in front of you, right? You should tell her she's in the wrong bath.

>>108323

Well to your luck your subordinates still have the impression that you have some concern for them.

ask him what he's been up to lately already

The goblin village being subverted by this unnamed enemy could do with some empathy.

Really, all the surrounding provinces could use our aid, to ensure they won't be turned to your enemy's cause. A good start would be visiting the local sub-races within the forests and mountains and their towns to gain their support.

You know, without burning them down.

>>108330
I don't think that's female. Just a very erect male nipple.

Which is unsettling.

>>108337
That would be an excellent empire-building step. Cementing an alliance with the nonhumans of the forest.

Muschio 2010/01/09(Sat)20:10 No. 108348 ID: 18b9f0
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My friend's smile quickly fades as uncertainty replaces assurance.
>"S-surely not me, prince. I- I greatly appreciate your praise.. but I come from a line of mercenaries. My way is that of armies and war, cruel as they be. I.. could never guide a community to prosperity."

"Ridder, listen to me, my friend. In my youth I saw many an ambitious young man who one day hoped to hold some legion beneath his command. I saw aspiring Kings-to-be and frizzle-haired Rulers in the making, but never once did I see as driven and powerful a young man as yourself."
This is one subject of which I have been sure for quite some time. Ridder could have been a General, if he set his sights low. I firmly believe he could be one of the greatest Warrior-Kings this world has ever seen, if only he could see his own potential.
"You're a born leader, Ridder, and you can't keep living down simply because you view yourself a mercenary."

I can see it now. His eyes seem to burn with inspiration.
"You were built for grander stuff, my friend."
Perhaps he can't see what I see, but at the least, I must push him to open his eyes.
"I believe in your abilities, Ridder. And once you've arrived, there won't be a man in this world who can stand in your way."
A pat on his shoulder. A knowing smile.
"Well, except for me of course!"
A laugh he doesn't share.
He seems too deep in thought to joke. But perhaps this means he may yet take my advice to heart.

>>108348
I propose a contest: Whoever becomes King first wins.

>>108348
In b4 Ridder becomes the final boss, risen to King status

>>108356
Maybe a leadership of two thrones?

>>108359
Is that allowed?

>>108362
It been done, even the Roman Empire tried for a will... they had other problems though (mostly the fact that the thrones were over a thousand miles away from each other.)

>>108362
"Allowed?" Well, there's no one above a King, so who would say if it wasn't?

Muschio 2010/01/09(Sat)20:26 No. 108370 ID: 18b9f0
File 126309758476.gif - (12.63KB , 800x600 , 844.gif )

He seems to have taken it to heart. I can see he is still apprehensive about taking center stage, so accustomed he is to following orders, but I know he could make a grand leader if he put his mind to it. It would certainly be a more welcome appointment than any of dozens of other kinds and barons these days!
Our allegiance is resworn, and we shake determinedly on our friendship, and our aspirations. I feel we have both taken away some grand insight in this fateful meeting.

>"Thank you. Thank you, Muschio, my dear friend. I.. I will not let your trust be in vain. May our followers march side by side one day."
Yes -- oh no. Our minions! How could I ever march my men alongside his? He would see me a villain, and how could he face me again? What would that do to him, the betrayal of his oldest friend to the forces of darkness?
I feel a very sudden urge to get back to base and finally put my affairs in order. It has been a long time coming.

But for now I will have to avoid the possibility of joining forces. I know he must expect me to ask him along, but how can I like this? I must retain my secrecy, for now.
"Yes, one day! I -- well, as I said, I'm in a bit of disarray right now, or I'd ask your support now. But ah, I'm sure someday we'll unite under a common banner once more."
Thankfully, he seems agreeable to this.

>"Certainly. I have no intention to rush you: My aid will be available at a moment's notice. Let me draw out where my current base of operation is. You may visit when you find the time-- But perhaps in about a week would be best. I confess that it is not the most presentable right now."
"Excellent! My friend, this was a most fortunate encounter. I'm so glad fate has crossed our paths again. And with this, I shall be sure to see you again, in short time."

>>108368
>>108369
Okay. Both Muschio and Ridder will become kings. However, the loser of the contest has to crossdress.

Muschio 2010/01/09(Sat)20:30 No. 108375 ID: 18b9f0
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I feel I've learned a lot from this exchange. And it's good to know my old friend is still alive and well. But he has driven me towards something better, and I feel the urge to whip my underlings into shape. I can no longer dwell on my mistakes -- I must strive forward towards a stronger future. And what better time than now?

"But now, I must be off. Your words have inspired me. I return at once to my men!"
>"The very best of luck, my friend. May we meet again very, very soon!"

Ah, and something in the wind tells me we will.

>>108370
Ech, boss, I hate to even think about suggesting it, but...
...Maybe changing sides, movin' away from the whole 'evil' thing would be somethin' to think about - especially if you're ever gonna work more closely with this old friend o' yours.

...That, or gettin' him to change his views on things. I dunno which would be easier, really. It would be a damn shame if the two of you became bitter enemies, boss, that's for sure.

>>108375
Uh, what about that person you were going to meet? Or do you not care about whoever it was? Wait, was that person the kobold?

>>108376

Evil is more important than friendship.

I've yet to see any suggestion that we're actually evil, other than our penchant for claiming that we are. The most evil thing we've done is the accidental and bumbling burning of a village, killing some evil men, defending ourselves and accidentally helping others.

Ridder would have no problem allying himself with us, unless he has some bigotry against Goblins or Ogres, or something.

>>108375
Don't worry so much.
As you know, as he himself has attested, your father treated the monstrous races fairly.

And certainly, as your friend, any ally or minion of yours should be cast in a favorable light by him.

>>108375
Also, that third occupant in the bath has been watching YOU, specifically, it seems. Be wary getting dressed.

>>108379
That's pretty arbitrary, isn't it?

>>108375

Muschio, man, you gotta work out or something. Put some meat on those bones.

Go find a town that sells Powerbars or weight-gain powder.

By the way, K.D. Lang is gay. Don't know what that means for the centipede girl, although to be fair, she only did a cover.

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)00:38 No. 108571 ID: 18b9f0
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I stop off at a familiar Goblin village on the way back to the Vault. I didn't realize how hungry I was, I suppose. I had more pressing matters on my mind.

That run-in with my old friend has certainly given me a lot to think about. About my path, my goals, my methods.
To begin, I'm certain I need to be more in touch with my underlings. I've been too distant, too often a boss, too infrequently a true ally, a compatriot. That will change.
Further, my grasp for power has been limited in my tired morality plays. Maybe I've been thwarting 'good' for the sake of thwarting it. A more entrepreneurial approach would be to ignore morality altogether, and take the pragmatist's way of simply doing whatever is more advantageous or profitable.

I don't know. Perhaps evil isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Mind you, I'm not about to go goody-goody on this, but it's an odd thing, being too ashamed of my actions to relate them to my oldest friend.

Strange things are in the wind tonight.

>>108571
Perhaps your motivation for evil was more rooted in emotion than you want to admit.

What made you decide to be evil, anyway? When did that start?

>>108571
Congratulations, you have officially graduated from "Card-carrying villain" to "Vile Bureaucrat". You may pick up your Lawful Evil certificate in the mail or at your nearest Evilco dropbox.

>>108573
lawful? Seems more neutral evil to me.

True, but if you base your actions solely on profit and advantages, you could wind up losing all care and reason for why.

You might need to find a balance of some kind...

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)00:44 No. 108577 ID: 18b9f0
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When I leave the Goblin village, a low cloud cover has moved in, and beneath the starless night, a veil of darkness draws over the world.

This morality stuff is all very confusing.
All I know is, at the very least, I want to attempt it. I want to be able to visit my old friend without any dark secrets on my conscience. At least, without any recent dark secrets.

>>108577
Well, what'd you do that was really evil? And I mean on purpose. The burning of the town was accidental, you managed not to actually bury that one guy alive, and killing an intruder to your fort intent on murder is hardly an evil act. Even poisoning the enemy spying on you didn't work.

Then again you haven't really done any GOOD acts on purpose either.

Ignore the naysayers. A lust for power is a far greater motivation than a desire to twirl your mustache and torment children. You don't even have a mustache. Or children.

Finish your meal and return to the vault.

>>108577
Whatever boss, it's all your choice in the end. We just help you out when we can. :3

>>108577
Do be careful on your way back, wouldn't want to end this trip on a sour note.

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)00:54 No. 108584 ID: 18b9f0
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Well if nothing else, I should attempt it in preparation of my visit with Ridder.

So there it is: Starting now, and for at least until I visit my old friend, I will keep my nose clean. No more evil!

I return home to find Finesse waiting up for me.
>"Master Muschio! Oh, it's good to see you return! I've been waiting for you."
"Finesse, I'm very tired, and it's very late..."
>"I have something special for you! I know you'll like it."

>>108584
...well? Go see what it is.

This may be clothes. Give her a bit, it could be monumentously worth it.

>>108584
Well. Whatever it is, she needed Dompag's help. Maybe she needed his muscles to lift something? Actually she's got her eyeglass on so I think this is something mechanical. I don't think she will have anything unpleasant in store for you. Quite the contrary.

Be sure to apologize for your outburst; you were just frustrated at the time.

>>108584
What could she have been up to while we were out? She sounds rather excited, so brace yourself for something awesome.

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)00:59 No. 108594 ID: 18b9f0
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"Allright, Finesse. What is it?"
>"No, not here! I can't show you here. C'mon, let's go to the bedroom."

Follow her, it's not she'll let you go to bed before you look at her present.

>>108594
...heh

I think perhaps you should try to find out what's going to be in the bedroom before you go in.

I like the protractor banner. Tres chic.

Anyways, tread with caution. Surprises in the bedroom are usually of... carnal nature.

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)01:13 No. 108601 ID: 18b9f0
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"Finesse, it really is too late for surprises..."
>"No no no, c'monnn, just a little further. It's gonna be great. You'll LOVE it."
"Where is everyone?"
>"Don't worry about them. They're probably off havin' a good time."

"...Finesse, are you drunk?"
>"A lil' bit."

Don't look at the chalkboard, don't look at her face. Just keep tiredly ambling...

>>108601
Stop stalling and just go.

>>108601
Just humor her.

After all, you said you would be closer with your minions compatriots, correct?

If you refuse, she'll only keep bugging you. Follow along.

Say, I wonder what happened to the aphrodisiac wine we overheard Finnie talking about a while ago...

>>108601
remember when she was the apathic one and you were the proactive guy? Those were the days

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)01:20 No. 108615 ID: 18b9f0
File 12631152337.gif - (9.80KB , 800x600 , 851.gif )

>"C'mon Master, in here... c'mon, c'mon..."

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)01:21 No. 108616 ID: 18b9f0
File 126311531481.gif - (7.93KB , 800x600 , 852.gif )

>"Ta-daaaaa~♪
>What do you think, Master? Does this make you... happy?"

>>108616
What? What is it? We can't see!

>>108616
ib4 everyones dead

>>108616
inb4 guro

>>108617

Well, judging by the wide-eyed stare and the hair standing on end...

A slinky negligee?

>>108616
What?
What?!
What did she do?!
Turn the camera orb! We can't see!

Dead leferran?

Fingers crossed for a hostage. Anti-Malto revolutionary, stray adventurer, something that could only be used for evil.

A cat would be fine, too.

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)01:37 No. 108632 ID: 18b9f0
File 126311623992.gif - (12.05KB , 800x600 , 853.gif )

>"Well? Well? Aren't you impressed? I thought it up, and Dompag did most of the work! Isn't it great? Don't you love it, Master Muschio?"

>>108632
Erm...What, specifically, is it?

"I uh......he uh....we uh....what."

Anyone you know?

>>108632
No. Get her out of there. We're not doing this.

>>108632
What.

>>108632
So Muschio this is the deciding point
Good
Thank her, for her effort,but explain it was unnecisary and let...lovely woman go.
Evil
Thank her, her then ask them to leave.

>>108632
Tell the others to leave. Shoo them out, but do NOT make clear your objection now.

Apologize to the woman for the misunderstand and talk with her.

>>108632

Yes. Sexy tiem!

Ask her exactly what it is you're looking at?

You're too tired to deal with this stuff right now...

"Sister?"

...Demand to know why she isn't blindfolded.

>>108643
WHAT

Well, what the fuck are we going to DO with her?

>>108643
Did not see that coming? You are a master of the quest as always sir.

Muschio 2010/01/10(Sun)01:50 No. 108652 ID: 18b9f0
File 126311705150.gif - (5.22KB , 800x600 , 854.gif )

...There's no mistaking it.

That's Princess Vittima.

Daughter of the current King of Northern Piacevole.

My old Kingdom.

>>108652
>Vittima
a fitting name

>>108652
Well isn't that increadibly interesting. Thank Finesse for a job well done. Now we just have to figure out what to do with her. Executing her for her fathers crimes seem a bit to extreme and simply letting her go make all that effort useless.

Neutral time! No rape, no letting go, but ransoms! Ransoms for all!!

... Though it would have been better if she hadn't seen Muschio's face, Finesse.

>>108652

She's cute.
And tied up.
...Let's see just how well you can stick to that whole "no evil" idea of yours, shall we?

>>108652
>daughter of current king
>those who marry nobles usually share their titles in some form or other
>MARRY BACK INTO POWER

Oh wow... uhm, yeah, it looks like your organization is gong to have to be clued in on the whole "alignment shift" thing you just had.

Whoops...

Doesn't anyone wonder how Finesse... Ah... Persuaded Dompag to help? Especially since we already know Dompag's obsession?

Heh.

Oh Finnie... Finnie, Finnie, Finnie.

You just can't catch a break, can ya kid?

Best course of action is probably to talk with the princess. She's of the nobility, so we can expect her to have a reasonable awareness of the wider political situation at the moment. It may be pertinent to try and learn something about this violent anti-Malto group Ridder encountered; while the revolution was a long time ago if there are any zealots out there we don't want to be caught flat-footed.

Otherwise, be a gracious host. Good manners cost nothing, and a little style never hurts no matter what you ultimately decide to do.

>>108766

That's not going to make her forget she's been fucking kidnapped

If it's anything like our world nobles kidnapping each other should be rather common. The problem here is revealing Muschio is a threat, so for now i'd say keep her captive and see what she's willing to reveal about the kingdom. Without torturing. And in a decent room.

>>108652

Say "No, Princess Vittima, I expect you to dine!"

>>108779
I don't know, it might. I would sugest specifically recount the events of the day, minus incriminating details and specifics about Riddler. Talk about how he got there and his change of heart about things.

Freeing her is probably the best course of action, I can't imagine Dompag was all that subtle about it. If the kings men track her back we're in deep shit. Apologize about happened and ask her about her story, maybe there is a way to make it up to her and help her besides just letting her run off.

Hmm... I wonder if we can communicate with her directly?