Bump 1/3

>>12397403
Start off by giving her food and drink.

Then politely ask for the information we want.

>>12397546
Release her to do so? And what information DO we want?

>>12397573
Never release her...

And as for information...
Her target, her objective, how she planned to accomplish it, who employed her, what pay does she get per target.

And other questions regarding her employment (and our potentially hiring her.)

LETS GO /tg/! MORE PLAYERS FOR DRAGON QUEST! COMEON! WE ARE A RED DRAGON< WHO IS ABOUT TO INTERROGATE AN ASSASIN! GET IN HERE NOW!

Alright. Make sure she's bound securely, hold a blade to her throat, then remove the gag.

We did gag her, right?

"So, would you care to introduce yourself?" you say at last, having dumped her into a chair in your bedroom. Annoying to have to bring her here, but there is almost no furniture anywhere else, the house is truly equipped with the bare minimum.

Unfortunately, your captive seems intent on making this as difficult as possible. Her sole response consists of what sounds like venomous threats and oaths in another language.

"Come on, please be reasonable. We both know you have to be able to speak the local dialect. You were hired, weren't you? I'd hate to have found out that I caught myself an artist, or someone who thinks they do it for the joy of their job."

You finally get a response, as the assassin responds in accented common, "You. Caught. /Nothing!/ I will /kill/ you.".

"A pity, a very certain pity. You see, anger only is stronger than fear as long as there is something you could do with your rage. You are, I should think, quite helpless at the moment; if you weren't, you would have escaped while you were under the stage, yes? Simply put, you have startlingly few options. Getting along with me, and getting me to like you, is, I should think, the best you can hope for." you reply, amiable and reasonable.

"/Kill/ you." the prisoner replies, staring daggers at you. How annoying.

>>12397772
We did. Let's pretend I remembered to mention cautiously removing it.

>>12397806
"Why do you choose to be so difficult in this matter?
I don't want to get blood on the carpets again, and I am sure you don't want to spend time with my Demon. (Use demon, not devil.) Alone. Defensless. It would be much easier if you were to tell me what I wanted to know, and then maybe, just maybe you will find that I can offer work to you. We shall see about that however. First, what is your name?"

>>12397806

Well ain't that a damn shame. I think we should see about finding a more permanent place to keep her. It looks like we could be at this a while.

>>12397914
>>12397885
"Hmm. A shame. Not only would I hate getting blood on the carpets, you are being most foolish. Not a promising start." you reply, a hint of regret in your voice. "Scinnari, what do you think?"

Scinnari has been watching your exchanges, and is staring at the prisoner with a hungry look. "Three hours. Three hours with her, and she will be a gibbering wreck. I will strip her soul bare and flay he-" Scinnari begins, not looking away.

You smoothly interrupt her. "Indeed. So unless you want me to leave you in the exceptionally capable hands of a literal demon, unarmed, bound, and defenseless, I would recommend a more cooperative attitude."

That generated some uncertainty there, she still gives off only hate, but you notice her eyes flickering back and forth between you and Scinnari. Scinnari, for her part, has partially dropped her mortal guise, and is tapping her fingers, more like talons, on her chin.

"I am Asha." she states, after a few moments.

"Excellent. I'm so glad we can get along. You have not yet been fully introduced, but I'm sure you heard Scinnari, here, and I am Free Captain Azal. Perhaps now we can discuss your occupation, and, more specifically, you latest attempt?"

[dice 1d100]

rolled 19 = 19

>>12398161
I'm not really allowed to roll dice, but what the hell. Best of 2 right?

What could go wrong?

rolled 74 = 74

>>12398161
rollin

>>12398188
That, apparently.

>>12398201

But it's totally okay cause we'll just use this roll >>12398197
Right?

rolled 48 = 48

>>12398244
hopefully

>>12398197
>>12398188
No response.

"So perhaps we can begin with a question to your methodology. Who was your target? Lydon, I presume?"

A grudging "Yes." is all you receive. Still, you're making progress here.

"Wonderful. And you intended to kill him, how?" She looks on the verge of telling you to go copulate with yourself, but you add, "Please, let's be civil. Bloodstains on the carpet, and all."

Off to the side, Scinnari interjects with the helpful but rather sinister, "I could do it without causing bleeding, if you like."

"I intended to-" she begins, almost visibly swallowing her pride, "I intended to use my speed to gain access, and then make myself invisible after killing the Lydon."

"I see.... Did you cast the haste yourself? My apologies, a foolish question. You are obviously a sorceress of some power; are you able to haste yourself on your own?"

A reluctant "No.", after a lengthy pause.

"I see... so you intended to get on stage, slit his throat, and... escape through the crowd, invisible? Perhaps into the water?"

"Yes." she replies, you suspect getting some small twisted pleasure out of how unhelpful it is.

>>12398352
Ask her how much she was being paid.

>>12398352
Are you hungry? thirsty?

What is your current kill tally?
How many of your targets have been killed by your hand?
What is your success rate at killing targets?
How many contracts have you completed succesfully?

>>12398352
"So unhelpful. Alas, I may be /forced/ to remand you to Scinnari's care. You realize, of course, that she is almost certainly still upset about your attack upon her?"

"I... intended to escape through the crowd, and return to the city."

"I see. And who was your employer?" you ask, jumping to the next question. "Finn the usurer, perhaps?"

"It is very poor form to reveal an employer." she replies, taking care to give off no indication. You are mildly impressed; perhaps she's had actual training somewhere, but she seems an excellent 'face'.

[What now?]

>>12398411
That it is.

Let our devil play with her, but leave the orders that she is to retain her sanity, as I want a useful assasin later on.

Say it in her presence.
Then leave and go eat dinner.

succed gif<
will do captcha

>>12398411
>>12398465

Well, we don't ACTUALLY need to get her to answer that question. We already know. I don't think we should roll out the big guns just yet.

>>12398390
>>12398393
"Fair enough, though I may have to return to that question. As an assassin, though, it seems an odd choice for a sorceress." Her eyes literally flash, and you feel her hatred boring into you. An odd response, perhaps you hit a nerve. "How many jobs have you performed? Successfully? Do you keep count of your kills? Incidentally, I'd imagine you're thirsty, having been stuck under the stage most of the day. Perhaps you would like a drink?" you ask. A flurry of questions, keep her off balance, keeping up.

"I... am an accomplished assassin. I have been hired on over twenty times, and have succeeded almost all of them." you frown, glancing at Scinnari, before looking back. It's enough, she amends her claim, "Twenty two times, now. I have been successful in seventeen times." Her word-choice is odd, further suggesting it's not her first language.

"How much were you paid? And would you like a drink, perhaps? I would be happy to provide." you offer.

"I... Six hundred fifty gold. I do not have it on me." she answers, ignoring your offer. Of course she doesn't have it on her, not only would it have been a pain to escape with, had she been successful, but she would have been relieved of it by the guards, you feel certain. "Ah, but have you been paid in advance?" you ask more precisely.

"I received none of my payment in advance. It was to be on completion."

Have the previous threads been archived?

I've been gone for a while and want to catch up.

>>12398547
yes
>>12398546
A pity. Was the woman that hired you a priest? or was it a male accountant?

Or have you gotten your contracts through a diffrent method?

>>12398547
X: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12377973/

IX: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12352461/

VIII: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12329848/

VII: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12314471/

VI: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12304272/

>>12398579
Wait, what?

>>12398465
Still do?

1d100 still, please.

rolled 10 = 10

>>12398651

>>12398651
Ask her if the person who hired her was male, or female, and if they were an accountant, or a priest.

And Lets wait on the devil.

rolled 8 = 8

>>12398651

>>12398679
>>12398687
"I see. And the person who hired you... Might we know their gender and profession?" you ask, as always, eminently reasonable. It is insufficient, however.

"I told you. No." she says, doing a fair job of hiding the anger in her voice. At least she's figured out it's in her best interests to get along here, you suppose.

Slow day, huh? [Bump 2/3]

rolled 86 = 86

>>12398925
fairly slow.

And now let our devil do the interrogation.
I want the assasin sane, and usful in the future though...
Maybe bound to us?

>>12398939
If you want her to be useful, don't use our devil. Ask her what exactly she thinks is going to happen to her now that she's under our mercy. She hasn't really given us a reason to not give her to Lydon or to be executed at this point.

>>12398939
Binding mortals is tricky work, if at all possible.

"I guess that's that. Well, then, Scinnari? I want her coherent. Coherent and sane, and ideally without permanent damage, specifically. Feel free to be creative. I intend to go get dinner. Will you want me for any of it, or to bring anything?" you ask, standing.

"No... No, I don't think so." Scinnari responds, then corrects herself, "Perhaps some vinegar, or salt water, though. If it isn't too much trouble."

"Of course. Well, then, without further ado, I will bid you ladies a good evening, though I suspect only one of you will be having one. And Scinnari, you don't /have/ to be bloodless, but please make it easy to clean up. Stains in the carpets and floor tend to draw questions." With that, you leave, heading downstairs. Your final glance tells you Asha is still defiant, and you are pleased by her lack of begging; given a fate, she is willing to face it. She might have some actual promise in her, if you can establish some ground rules.

Putting on a jacket, you hear the first of presumably many, screams from upstairs. "Gag that!" you shout back up. It's not like you have paper-thin walls or are wall-to-wall with your neighbors, but being cautious only rarely hurts.

Putting a coat on, you step out into the brisk evening air.

[Where to?]

>>12399039
Ugh... Now you run the risk of our devil really being in control of the assassin rather than us. If she is planning on betraying us at some point, you may have just given her a lot more power in regards to that.

I can't think of anything to do at the moment honestly... Maybe see if we can find the home of the guy who hired the mercs to kill us? We did get keys and that bell from his body and if we're lucky, there might be some more info on the cult in his home.

>>12399086
dice 1d100, and we could timeskip, if you so desire.

rolled 51 = 51

>>12399039
To the kobalds. we ought to set up some kind of buisness right now. Maybe even train one or two in the art of wizardry.

>>12399131
To the Kolbalds!

rolled 38 = 38

>>12399176
>>12399131
Oh!
just thought of something!
We ought to have the kobalds create an underground area for our house... to allow us to visit them while remaining in the comfort of our home!

rolled 31 = 31

>>12399086
It's been like a day or two? That might be expecting too much from the kobolds. Rolling for finding the guys house.

rolled 80 = 80

>>12399131

>>12399176
>>12399188
>>12399131
>>12399193
>>12399131
Well, his house is difficult to find. Eventually, you try envisioning the lock the key fits, and succeed in using your innate powers to locate his house. 'House' is probably too generous, though. More of a shack, or hovel, really. On the edge of the Eastern district, it turns out to be a small building, tucked at the end of a row of shoddy buildings, next to a tailor's. Entering, you find it curiously abandoned; no one here. Perhaps he had no family.

There is very little of value, here, a few chests with clothes too small to be of any use, and a few household items. Idly, you imagine dragging his furniture back to your house, but suspect that it would be worth far less than the effort it would take.

[Anything else, or on to the kolbalds?]

>>12399275
Kobolds it is I guess since everyone else wants to.

Don't know what we're gonna do with the kobolds. They're probably still busy with redecorating.

We could go see what Cygnis wanted to speak about after the event.

>>12399409
Did she want to talk? Then talk to her. I honestly think it's too early to see the kobolds and if we see them every few days, we're basically holding their hands and they'll be useless since they can't do things independently.

>>12399371
It is a simple affair to approach the kobolds again. This time they are much more respectful, uncertain that it is you, but unwilling to risk offense. As you approach, a guard comes out uncertainly, whether to halt or greet you, you don't wait to find out. Sweeping past, you ask, "Have you purchased the warehouse?"

"Yes, lord." the kobold replies, almost-running to keep up with your longer-legged gait. "Much silver, much gold. They sell, though. Warehouse is ours."

"Indeed.. and is Kantak or Jarrik on hand?" you ask, slowing enough for the kobold to catch up, and then pausing long enough for it to get the hint and lead you.

"No, lord. I don't know where they are. Er, what can this one do for you, lord?" it answers nervously, obviously uncomfortable with the duties he is now left with.

>>12399459
Well I have no idea what to do with the kobolds but we shouldn't start giving orders to the others if we're trying to make Jarrik and Kantak as the big honchos amongst the kobolds. Tell them to inform them we we require them presence at some point and leave.

rolled 41 = 41

>>12399459
Give this message to Jaffik:
At midnight every two days, send one Kobald to our place of residence. I want them there at midnight, so we may get reports on how the Clans fair.

I'm trying desperately to catch up with this, looks good.

>>12399574
Glad I can get that much interest, I hope to please.

>>12399507
>>12399530
"Well, then, please be so kind as to tell Jarrik to send a messenger, not come himself, to my estate. He'll know where it is," you assure, as the kobold starts to ask, "Send a messenger to my estate, every two nights. I wish to be informed on how your tribes are doing."

"Doing, lord?" the kobold blanches. He doesn't seem so enthused.

"Of course. I could provide you with more jobs, or profitable ventures, if I know what you are capable of handling. I could use a basement addition to the lair I am using in this city. Kobolds are reputed to be great miners, yes?" you say, pausing long enough to get an agreement. "Things like that. Living here, you are a city dweller like all the other races, that means exchanging services for money." you say, raising the level of the conversation until it's obviously well over the guard's head. The best reasons can't be argued with. For one reason or another. "So do pass that along to him, please. Thank you for your time."

Turning, you head north, towards the Merchant district and your own house. Scinnari should be quite enjoying herself, and you are certain to receive interesting news when you return.


[If there's nothing else, let's get a 1d100+40 for how well Scinnari has done for herself.]

rolled 63 + 40 = 103

>>12399693

rolled 72 + 40 = 112

>>12399693

Plus 40? Okay.

rolled 84 + 40 = 124

>>12399693
Torture,ho! Might be worth going to Cygnis after we find out what news she gives us.

rolled 21 = 21

>>12399693
>+40

I like that mod.

>>12399730
>>12399736
>>12399739

Where the hell have those rolls been?!

>>12399752
Obviously the dice gods are in it for the bitches.

rolled 12 + 40 = 52

>>12399693

>>12399827
Now that's more like what I'm used to.

>>12399899
Why me? why does /tg/ hate me so much!?!

>>12399959
Because you touch yourself at night?

>>12399959
>namefag

>>12399736
>>12399730
Nice.

With light steps, you ascend the stairs, intending to surprise Scinnari. Mostly not wanting to interrupt her work, and not wanting her to interrupt her work, if she hears you coming. Witness it in it's natural state, as it is.

A fairly grisly sight, as you open the door. The ropes binding Asha's wrists are hung on one of the wall hooks, and evidence suggests that Scinnari has been idly tracing the tatoos up and down Asha's back with an exceptionally sharp blade. There are several spots where her skin is pink and shiny; moderate burns, if you're any judge. Scinnari seems to have gotten impatient, and gotten her saltwater herself; currently, she's dipping a rag in a bucket, and whipping the assassin with the soaked result.

As you enter, Asha almost jumps. Despite being gagged, she begs at you rather eloquently with just her eyes and expression, along with her tortured whimpers.

"Almost done?" you ask Scinnari, breezing past the assassin's pathetic form.

"Just about." Scinnari replies happily, lashing out with her soaking 'whip' again. "You wouldn't believe what I found. We've got /royalty/ here, isn't that right, Asha?"

Asha, for her part, shakes and does her best to dodge Scinnari's attack. It isn't all that much, considering she's standing on her toes.

"Royalty? Really?" you say, stopping halfway across the room. You had been planning on studying your magic while Scinnari finished, but are distracted and intrigued.

>>12400009
"Really! She's a bastard daughter of the Sultan of Tashz, though a disowned one, it seems. She seems to have been a thoroughly useless daughter, with a penchant for causing trouble. After all, a young sorcerer's powers are /so/ hard to control, isn't that right, Asha?"

Asha responds miserably, unable to actually communicate much through the gag.

"Yes, it seems after a little too much property damage, she decided to run away, and decided killing was fun. Fun! Of course, disowned, that meant she had to run after she unwisely took a bit too large of a contract. And she ended up here!"

"Imagine that..." you answer. Scinnari still seems to be going at it, (the thought occurs to you that perhaps you walked in on her 'cool down' phase?), but she obviously has more information.

>>12400019
And is that all you've learnt in the time I left you alone? Perhaps said with slight disappointment in our voice, as if we expected her to do a lot better. That should encourage her to spill more.

>>12400019
Let her speak. Grab the assassin's chin and stare her down.

Royalty, eh? I'm starting to think we may have made a mistake torturing her. If we can get her cooperation (unlikely) or mind-control her (more likely) then we'll have a legitimate way to take over a country.

>>12400073
I also agree it was a mistake to torture her but we might as well use it to our advantage now. Scinnari was the bad cop and now is our chance to be the good cop. Based on the way she seemed to be begging with her eyes when she saw us, I think she'll be more cooperative. Much more cooperative.

>>12400073
She was (apparently) disowned. I think we're fine.

Though I think it's time to take over from here. Scinnari's had her fun, time to get back to business.

We should continue to play the gentleman. Say things like "Now, I didn't want it to turn out this way, I would much rather just sit down and have a nice chat. Wouldn't you?"

Keep her restrained so that she can't cast anything, though otherwise treat her better. It's time for the good cop part of good cop, bad cop.

>>12400122
> Now, I didn't want it to turn out this way, I would much rather just sit down and have a nice chat. Wouldn't you?

After we just let Scinnari torture her? That... that's so deliciously evil. I love it.

>>12400140
We did try to do things nice, if you will remember.

i think it would be far cooler if we ask the assassin, "are you willing to have a civilized conversation?"

maybe start giving the carrot maybe in the form of a healing potion if we can spar any. Maybe point out that she has no where to go and that her former employer will try to kill her as well for failing even if she did not tell, it is standard operating procedure in these parts.

i think we should try to recruit her but lets not let that desire blind us. to try to minimize risks

I agree with good cop/bad cop routine.

Make sure Scinnari knows what we're doing though. That way she gets to play too.

And if the assassin gets disagreeable we can get up and leave while Scinnari "sharpens" her claws. That oughtta break her down.

>>12400113
>>12400073
>>12400069
>>12400019
Just to explain, I meant that Scinnari obviously had more information she had extracted, but she was still busy torturan'.

>>12400073
>>12400113
Seem to sort of agree.
**************************

"Well, then, it looks like you've done quite a number on her." you say, sitting on the edge of the bed facing them. "Why don't you let her down and we can discuss this further? In a more civilized manner."

Scinnari frowns, but obeys, lifting Asha up with surprising strength to get her wrists off the hook. Her arms immediately go limp, and you notice that Scinnari takes the opportunity to smile sweetly at Asha, who shudders. Definetly been more going on here than just what you arrived to see.

"So. Care to tell me who hired you?" you ask, returning to the question you left off on.

"F-f--nn" she says, having trouble getting the words out. Throat raw, voice lost.

"But, she neglects to mention, he was the intermediary for someone else. Someone high and mighty, I would suspect, I think your guess was correct about someone on the Captain's Council wanting Lydon not on it." Scinnari interjects.

"In her defense, I don't think she left it out deliberately." Good cop: Two. "Do you have any guesses as to who the true hirer was?" Asha shakes her head no, still shaking and shuddering herself. "I see. Well, that's alright. What else?" you ask, turning to Scinnari, "If this is it I will be rather disappointed; so much for so little? I thought better of you."

"It is not, of course, lord. Among other things, I believe I know what she is capable of, as a sorceress, and I think I have impressed upon her the dangers of crossing you, lord."

>>12400370

"Crossing me? That was all personal. I'm afraid if we're going to be political figures, you're going to have to understand that sometimes people will be hating us. And doing their best to attack. Really, why did you have to take it out on her?" you ask, genuinely curious, as well as using it for the role, "It wasn't personal with the serpent-creatures, nor with the.. Well, it almost was with Cygnis, I'll concede, but why?"

"I... cannot say, lord." Scinnari replies. You may have to speak with her later, though you suspect she realizes the impression you're trying to make.

"Well, in that case, please go and acquire healing services for Asha. Now." you specify, when Scinnari seems reluctant. "You've done more than enough so far."

Scinnari scowls at her curt dismissal, and, on the way to the door, again takes the opportunity to give Asha a sadistic smile. "See you soon..." she whispers, and Asha shuffles back from her, sobbing. Towards you, actually, you notice with satisfaction. An excellent start, Scinnari is a good partner in this.


"Here, let me give you a hand there." you say, helping the assassin into a chair. Drawing a knife, you notice her start shaking violently, and it's with some effort that you still her enough to cut her bonds.

Twitching her shaking fingers, she immediately starts to cast, or try to cast a spell, but it fizzles out. Unable to maintain the proper focus or movements, you suspect. Too much shaking.

"Calm down. It's okay. I'd like you to help me, and I can help you. I made a mistake leaving you for Scinnari. I'm sorry, okay?" you say, comforting her. Slowly she calms down, and, while still shaking, she could probably cast spells right now, but isn't trying to. Another good sign.

[What do we ask?]

>>12400379
Where was she supposed to meet her contact after successfully assassinating Lydon?

>>12400379
Huh. I don't know.

I guess ask her why she came to Freeport? Get a dialogue started. Then move on into if she has any permanent employer or just takes contracts. Then move on into saying we could have a business proposition.

>>12400449
ill agree with that

>>12400449
Business proposition and protection from Scinnari. Devils are rather full of pride and vengeance. We might be the only things that could protect her from Scinnari. Even though that's a lie, with her current state of mind she might totally buy it.

Also might want to offer her help with her sorcery since we ourselves are magic users. I know we're not that good but perhaps we could help her control her powers to a degree since what Scinnari said earlier made it sound like she has trouble controlling it.

who was the real employer from the start would be nice. Also ask her is she would want some food and water considering till now we have been horrible guests to her. maybe ask for more information on her considering since she may be actually want someone to share her feelings with. try to recruit her but try to win her loyalty.

>>12400465
>>12400449
But again, ive said it before, lets get some decent food in her belly, and liquids to replenish what was lost.

>>12400469

Try and see if we can't slip a little low-quality mind control in there. Nothing total, stick to this post's suggestion, but anything we can do to her brain-meats might go a little ways towards securing her loyalty.

>>12400469
>>12400465
>>12400449
>>12400439


"Where were you going to pick up your payment after the assassination?"

"I- I was to go to the Sealord's Ball; I would take the place of a-a visiting merchant." she answers. Hmm.

"That does suggest that one of the Captain's council would be there... It does indeed." you say thoughtfully.

"N-no." she corrects you, "It-it's a party for all the nota-ble people."

"Ah, merchants, visiting dignitaries, that kind of thing. And you were supposed to be a merchant princess from Tashz, yes?" you ask. She nods.

"Well, thank you for the information. A word of warning though, you obviously realize- realize all too well," you admit, "that Scinnari holds a grudge." You hold up a hand to ward off her protests.

"I know, I know, it was nothing personal on your end; you moved in for the kill, and I, totally oblivious, distracted you. She moved to help me, you defended yourself... A cascade of unlucky coincidences." she nods miserably.

"Still, I must warn you, demons and devils are often very prideful. Pride and vengeance, along with," you admit regretfully, "A healthy does of sadism. I'll do what I can to... limit her opportunities to indulge it. But please, it would be best if I could tell her you're with me. No!" you say, again warding off complaint, "No, you don't have to do anything. I'll just tell her that we've come to an agreement, and she is to keep her han- claws off. It's okay." you finish, patting her on her shoulder, gingerly. Whatever it was was exceptionally sharp; she seems to have already mostly healed from many of the cuts. Probably to Scinnari's delight, since, if you weren't here, she'd be able to re-carve them.
[cont]

>>12400789
We should still have her tied up or at lest some restrain on the hands.

>>12400863
Not if we are trying to get her to work for us. She could be a very valuable asset.

>>12400880
ok, if we dont restrain her we should get something to prevent/ lessen magic. It still to soon to trust her and she will want to run away from Scinnari.

Now that we have the information should we divulge what we found to Lydon. This all depends on how many seats are up for graps. If its only one and we lose having further endeared to us cannot hurt

>>12400936
The threat of Scinnari should be enough of a threat to keep her near us. The second she's gone, she'll know she has a devil hunting her. One that will enjoy it. As long as Scinnari makes that clear when we tell her she's under our protection, I don't see her leaving atm.

>>12400950
that summing she doesn't kill us and Scinnari does care

She should be in a cell for her protection of course. We have some control over of devil but sometimes she can get carried away

>>12400789


"Look, do you have any friends in the city? A place to crash? Or have you been guest of this 'Finn'?" she nods. "Oh, you really aren't going to want to go back there. Please, I would not advise it. This is Freeport. City of pirates, you heard the festival. A standard method of covering your tracks is disposing of the tool. You don't want to go back to Finn."

>>12401099
Your silent for a few moments, feigning the appearance of thought. You actually are thinking, but the silence is for her benefit.

"Alright, here," you say, offering her a blanket off the bed, "wait here. I need to go check a few things. Don't worry, I'll be in the next room. Shout if Scinnari comes back, I'll be back in a moment." Getting up, you head out into the hallway, vindicated; Scinnari is waiting outside. Shutting the door, you motion her off to the side.

"Excellent job. She's in the chair, near the bed, here's what I want you to do:" you say, walking through the other rooms of the top floor. One of the guest bedrooms actually seems to have furniture. Good. Nodding at Scinnari, you start walking back, as Scinnari wills herself away. You hear a startled, terrified scream, which cuts off almost instantly. If you weren't listening for it, you might have missed it. Naturally, you start running, bursting through the door to see Scinnari, hand over Asha's mouth, and gleaming claws held before her terrified eyes.

>>12401106


"No. Scinnari! Cut it out." you order, anger suffusing your voice. Scinnari looks up, outrage and anger on her face. "No. Leave her alone. I told you. Get out." you order, pointing at the door, "Leave us. I'll be with you presently." you command, menace dripping off your last phrase. Scinnari scowls and glares at you, but leaves. She, of course, takes the opportunity to whisper a few threats in Asha's ear, before shouldering past you. She may be playing it a bit much.

As she passes, you grab the pouch she has, and move to Asha. "Sorry about that. I didn't know she'd be back so soon. I must say..." You admit, glanicing up and waiting for Scinnari to shut the door behind her, "I only keep her around because she's so useful..." Opening the bag, you pull out a few healing potions, handing them to her.

[sorry for delay, friend wandered in. Another longer-than-usual one as I'm going to pack up and go get dinner, but next post should be up faster. What do, when do it, and should we timeskip. Please respond.]

>>12401112
What are her thoughts on this protection? Is she willing to stay with us and not kill us? Oh, we might want to muse outloud on Scinnari's rage if something were to happen to us. Probably would be even worse than what happened to her.

Otherwise, we slowly have to work to keep her loyalty now and find out what exactly she can do. I can't think of anything else at this point other than talking to Cygnis about what we found out although I don't know how we can justify keeping Asha to her... Unless we're such gentlemanly adventurers that we'll put her on a better path!

>>12401112
Offer her employment and temporary shelter. Tell her she is still free to take contracts, just run them by us first. After she eats and crashes into sleep I think it's about time we presented our favorite devil with her collar. Then we can skip.

>>12401187
Yes, we should most likely point out that Scinnari would be extremely displeased with her should she try to assassinate us, and we would no longer feel inclined to stop her tender ministrations.

As for Cygnis, I think we can spin a convincing tale of the hardships a disowned merchant princess has gone through, and how she jumped at the chance to leave behind her horrific previous lifestyle and join an adventurer such as us. She is suitably repentant, ect.

"I'll speak to her, order her explicitly, this time, to leave you alone. Sorry about that." you say, watching her drink one of the potions. Despite how thoroughly Scinnari worked her over, she seems to not have actually been hurt that much, and the first potion seems to bring her back to full health. You let her drink the second, just in case. "Again, I'm sorry, I'm glad I got back in time." you apologize.

"I am too." Asha agrees, emphatically.

"Look, like I said, I'll keep her on a tight leash. I have just the thing for it, even..." you say, moving over to a desk, "Collar. Not an obvious one, but one that should restrain her enough to be.. safe. Safe to show in company, and all that." you jest, and receive a tentative laugh from Asha.

"I... I thank you for your magnanimity." Asha replies, bowing her head.

"I've got it!" you say aloud, "Asha, under the 'working with me' guise for Scinnari, and don't worry, I'll inform her as such immediately, whether or not you agree, how would you like to be... I don't know what the proper term for it is, perhaps my personal assassin on retainer? You obviously are skilled, and it would be an excuse for me to maintain my offer of housing. I don't need your services at the moment, of course, but I guess it's axiomatic that eventually a politician will find there are certain people he'd rather not have around. You would, of course, be free to take commissions on your own, I'd just ask that you run them by me first.." you trail off, as if you're still working out how this might function. Catching yourself, you add "You can still stay here tonight, of course, but it would give me a reason to keep an eye on you, and make sure that Scinnari isn't pursuing her vendetta in her free time."

>>12401468
"I... you are generous. I thank you. I... will have to think this over, perhaps I can give you my answer in the morning?" she asks. She seems much more in-control of herself now that she's healed.

"Of course, of course. Now I'll go talk to Scinnari, I swear, sometime I don't even know why I keep her around. Still, she seems to have decided she will ride to greatness on my coattails, I can only hope my greatness. Ah, word of warning," you pause near the door, "I can understand if you wish to take vengeance upon me, sympathize as well, but I must reccomend against it. Scinnari would be downright /infuriated/ if she thought someone had take the 'chance' I represent from her. It's happened before.... It was not pleasant." you say with a grimace. Asha for her part pales noticeably.

Stepping outside, you close the door, and greet Scinnari, fuming. She mostly drops the act once the door is shut, but remains slightly resentful, you suspect. Jealous, perhaps.

[Gentlemen. We have the tempermental helltart. How shall we go about it?]

>>12401485
Giving her her gift of course and show how pleased we are with her. Comment on how valuable she is and how things are going so well thanks to her, etc etc.

>>12401485
Relocate Asha to the guest room and get Scinnari under the anti-scrying for the gift. Say how at first we were unsure about her, but she has proven to be far more than we had expected and we would be glad to have her by our side as we carve out our empire. Say that before our contract was somewhat forced, what with her being bound and all, but now it's different. Present her with the collar and offer it to her, saying that if she wishes we will release her to do as she pleases on her own... or she can take the collar and we will continue our current contract indefinitely.

rolled 42 = 42

>>12401505
>>12401607
"Thank you for that." you greet her harshly, an ambiguous reference. Asha, should she be listening at the door, will assume that you are being sarcastic, or referring to her leaving the room.

Gesturing down the hallway, you lead her to where you can see the door, should Asha try to follow, and proceed with your actual intent.

"Scinnari. Thank you for your efforts, and assistance." you say.

"But of course, Lord Cibach." she replies, with a smile.

"When we first met, I shall admit, I was worried. I almost listened to Sigmund, the dwarf." you tell her, "However, you have proven an exceptional assistant, teacher, and partner. Far more than I ever expected. In fact, I think it's fair say that no small part of what I have today is due at the very least to your assistance."

"I do my best to serve." Scinnari replies, obviously interested in where you are going with this.

"You mentioned Empire." you say, resisting the urge to start pacing. "It has become apparent that you would be an ideal partner to have with me, as I do carve one out. Despite the somewhat one-sided negotiations of our original contract, your service deserves reward." you pause, letting the gravity of what you're about to do sink in.

"Scinnari. Should you so desire, I release you from our compact. You are free to leave, go your own way, and pursue your own agenda. As you wish.

"Alternately, if you were honest in what you spoke of. If you do desire to stand at my side, if you desire dominion with me over an empire, to rule...." you use your slight pause to pull forth the choker from your cloak, and holding it out halfway, "I offer you the choice to re-enter into our compact."

>>12401938

"I... " Scinnari starts, and for a moment, you worry that she may actually take you up on your offer. Then....

"You offer me no choice, but great praise." she says, bowing her head. Reaching out, she takes the choker from your open hand, and fastens it around her neck. "Lord Cibach Azaladon. I accept your offer. I am yours."

>>12401993
Not the most enthusiastic acceptance, but still great success. Inform her of the protections on the choker, but not the tracking. then I suppose we can retire and timeskip. Unless we need to visit the sealord's ball?

>>12401993
Most excellent. Does our tempermental helltart seem appeased now? Also inform her of our plans with Asha if we have not in how we aim to get her loyalty and such.

>>12401993
She starts to bow, but you interrupt.

"Rise. I am honored to have you, Scinnari." you say, taking her hand, "And am pleased that you choose to remain by my side. You are, without a doubt, the most valuable addition to my hoard." you state, testing how much she actually meant it. She did, evidently.

"Thank you, Lord Azaladon. I am yours to command."


[Sorry about that. I have no idea what happened.]

>>12402068
>>12402065
>Sealord's Ball
No need to, I should think. We aren't invited, and though we might be able to talk our way in, it probably isn't a good idea.

"Alright, then. Asha is a delicate case, I must warn you." you say, recounting the details of your conversation. When you are finished, Scinnari lets out a delighted, musical laugh.

"Without a doubt, I chose rightly." Scinnari states, kissing you on the cheek. "Excellent handling. Hah. That's exactly what you are to her now, a handler." she chuckles. "I can do that. Of course, I am can keep up a series of indirect threats, taunts... Oh, I shall /like/ having a houseguest."

"I am glad you will, just remember, I have explicitly ordered you to leave her alone, and not to bother her. Don't make a liar of me."

"Of course, Cibach."


[Anything else we should do before or during the timeskip, then 2d100]

rolled 98 = 98

>>12402155
Get Scinnari to continue getting a hold on Finn. Continue our magic learnings and generally get Asha to trust us more. Nothing specific but general dialogue, being nice, etc etc. Also, do more investigating into the sword we took from the wizard. He made a big deal out of it so we missed something about it.

Only doing one die roll so someone else can do another.

rolled 78, 22 = 100

>>12402155
Can't think of anything.

rolled 51 = 51

>>12402155

rolled 25, 49 = 74

d100s

d100s everywhere

rolled 78, 67 = 145

>>12402155

>>12402181
>>12402176
>98, 78

Five days pass, and things progress wonderfully. Asha, much recovered, decides to take you up on your offer, and you continue to act as sympathetic and helpful as you can. Cygnis, for her part, buys your story of a dispossessed merchant princess grateful for a chance at a new life. Enough in fact to worry you, you think she has been hinting that you should use her to replace Scinnari, as the wife or consort of Captain Cibach Azal. Something that just won't do; it doesn't matter HOW much of her money you're using, she does not get to dictate your love life.

However, it seems there is a god devoted to making sure that things never go well for too long.

You are in the Library of Alset, following up the next set of scrolls and spell-theory that Scinnari recommended. Brother Arman, recently promoted, you understand, partially as reward for his part in the retrieval of Cygnis, (minuscule though it was,), approaches you, near the exit.

"Greetings, Cibach. It's good to see you again." he says, something obviously on his mind.

>>12402346
Sigh. What a bother.

Cheerfully greet him and ask him if there is something on his mind.

"Brother Arman! It is good to see you again as well. To what do I owe this pleasure?" I guess. Can't see anything else to say at this point and I'm sure he'll fess up what he has to say on his own.

>>12402346
"You too, of course." you reply amiably, knowing that Cygnis could be watching. Indeed,

"Cygnis asks after you, by the way. She hopes you are well." he says, nervously. Distracted.

"What is it? You obviously have something on your mind, Arman."

"Yes... Yes..." he says, glancing around, "I think it would be best if you didn't mention this to Cygnis, either. She still seems to be recovering from her experiences at Eidomon's hands. I- Well, to begin with, I, I'll just start from the beginning, I was at Cygnis house the other day, making sure she was well, and helping her with some of the work she's doing; the Sealord's Guard were not especially careful when they returned her library, that Eidomon stole from her. I was helping her re-bind some of them, and it was getting on in the evening, so I told her to go to sleep, and that I would finish up." he recites, obviously agitated, "Anyway, It took a little longer than I thought, and when I finished, I thought I would stay and rest for a few minutes before I walked home... Well, that's what I mean to do. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, my candle had burned down and out.

>>12402521

"But, when I woke up, well, something told me not to actually get up. I opened my eyes, and sat there, trying to figure out what was going on. My eyes slowly adapted to the dark, and I saw a... a thief, of some sort, move out of the kitchen, take a book of the table, and leave. I was too terrified to do anything, but.. When he left, I re-lit the candle, after a few minutes, and that book was one of Eidomon's cult-books that had been accidentally shipped to us.

"I don't think you stamped out this cult, I think it's still around, and obviously aware of who escaped them."

"I see..." you respond at length, intrigued. "And why did you say I shouldn't tell Cygnis? After all, it's her house the thief broke into, shouldn't she know?"

"Well... I've been over at her house late rather frequently recently, and, well, she isn't completely recovered, and still occasionally is... is terrified, has nightmares, I think, about her, her kidnapping... I don't wish to worry her, I was just hoping you could look into this, please?" Arman finishes apologetically. Actually, come to think of it, he might actually be more than friends with Cygnis... Your thought leaps away with you, and you have to repress a smile. You're CERTAIN he doesn't know what she is, whatever the truth of the matter.

"I've been looking into Eidomon's actions, as he seems to have been a cultist all along, and I think I found something, too!" Arman continues, "I think he had another identity, as merchant. I've found where he kept residence under that name, and, if you could investigate, I would be most grateful. I- I don't have much, but I can offer you the three hundred gold I didn't have to pay you last time.." He trails off, torn and feeling awkward, asking such a favor.

>>12402529
I say do this without accepting money because we're obviously friends with Cygnis too right? Besides, surely this fake merchant will have things we can loot.

I also have a potentially amusing idea... What if we find some kind of sorcery that will let us manipulate Cygnis' dreams? Keep making her have terrible nightmares that only get better when the dreams have us in them. Have us always saving her or whatever but I'm sure that'll keep her off balance if we did that. Although it might also make her more suspicious...

>>12402559
I say that we take the money and investigate. Ideally we can get some filthy lucre out of this if he owned a merchant company.

In a different shapeshifed form, of course. We don't want the cult thinking we are getting into their business again.

>>12402559
Well, we do have that Book of the Binder, if we so desire to look into it...
########################


"I'll be happy to do this, of course. Least I could do, and it sounds like Cygnis needs it. I do hope she's alright? Well, getting better, at least, nightmares and robberies doesn't sound very all-right." you respond. A merchant will likely have far more valuable items than a mere priest would, and the 'Cult of the Binder' has already proven itself rather wealthy. To your satisfaction

The address Arman gives you is in the Eastern District, a boarding inn. It should be easy enough to go and investigate, or even send a minion to do so... You have a small gaggle of them, now. Of course, you think as you bid Arman good bye, agreeing to keep it secret, and so on, Scinnari or you would likely be the best bet; both of you have experience with the cult from before hand.

>>12402702
The book that burned us when we tried to touch it? That might not work so wel- Hmmm. I wonder if that applies to Asha?

I think we should go alone. It lets us use the emerald and if anyone is watching the place, they won't see anyone entering. I just hope the dice rolls don't hate us like they always do...

>>12402767
It burned Scinnari and some beggars we got to touch it. We haven't done anything with it. (I could be wrong, but that's what I remember.)

>>12402795
Might be worth asking Asha about it at the minimum then. Even if she doesn't look into it herself.

I'm thinking we should (not now, but sometime in the future) get rid of Arman. When we asked Scinnari if there was a boon she wanted, she mentioned him, then dropped it. We might want to ask her about that again.

Judging from what he told us, she's still in a bad way mentally, and it's likely that she's using him as an emotional crutch. If we get rid of him, and make it look like the cult did it, that would put her even more off balance. We could also play on that weakness and get her to turn to us for support.

Not now, but something to keep in mind for the future. We should talk to Scinnari about it at some point.

>>12402841
I approve of this idea. If we find anything cult obvious in this guys home, it might make it even easier to do. Unless we use Cygnis' own blade to kill him since as far as she knows, the cult had it last.

>>12402841
> she's still in a bad way mentally

This should refer to Cygnis, by the way.

Actions, or should we cut it off here tonight?

>>12402896
I'm all for going alone with the emerald but mayhaps it should be called for the night. It seems a little slow with only myself and one other person.

>>12402932
Worse than I thought. Alright. Seems a good idea to wrap up, in that case.
Thanks. Good progress.

I'll be able to do it tomorrow, I should think. Hope to see you guys there.

Getting golden Cygnis even more unbalanced and dependent on our Red sounds positively tantalizing to our chromatic ear canal.

If you have nothing to do (Asha? Magic study? Binder book?), go yourself. Else, send a couple of kobold 'procurers' to case the place.

>>12403055
We do have other things to do, of course, but it would be easy to fit it into our schedule.

We should most definitely look into the matter of the cult ourselves. Not only are they most likely linked to, if not directly responsible for our original predicament, but they might also unwillingly provide insight on how to control a dragon such as the gold. Not to mention more information on the Book of the Binder.

I very much like the idea of invading Cygnis' dreams and making her reliant on us. Now that Scinnari is more permanently bound to us, she should have fewer qualms about us being friendly with Cygnis. In this case, we can consider Asha practice for breaking a person into a pet.

rolled 37 = 37

Sorry I missed thread, input from me this thread? Destroy dragon controlling stuff in general guys. That shit is not cash as a dragon. That means someone or something could stumble upon it, or use it. GET RID OF IT!

Also, good thread writer-dude

>>12403442
>>12403055
>>12402858
>>12402841
>>12402559
I love this idea. We must make it so.