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File: kobolt klan adoption 2.png (134 KB, 474x670)
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Previous thread:
>>5084905
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Recap:
You adopted a klan of kobolts, and were cursed with turning into a dragon. You managed to recruit a muscular female plague doctor to help keep your insides inside.
More pertinant recap:
You just entered a town, there's goblins in their well and the townspeople are being really mean about it. You've also managed to catch dragon tuberculosis.
Also of note is that you've decided to REALLY INSIST on looking over an alchemist's lab, due to there being a lot of signs
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"Sir. I'm going to have to INSIST." You say, stepping forward. You're just about done with being nice, and if the alchemist does even the slightest thing that might indicate that he's going to be a problem about this, you're going to deck him in the face. The guard, Martin, is trying to keep things under control, and turns to you:
"Knight! This is a matter of law and safety! You can't just-"
"I very much can. I have the means, will and ability to search this place. Now shut up, boy." You say, letting anger color your voice. The guard seems to be a bit surprised at the outburst, but you're kind of over it at the moment. Yet, he still insists, and the alchemist stands behind him.
"All the same, if we permit this kind of thing it'll have long-term repercussions. There's a reason we-"
"I am a wandering knight. Helping people is my entire purpose, and I know that there is a high chance of my friend being in danger. Now will you let me search the place that has her dagger, or are you going to stand in my way?"
The alchemist then makes the mistake of stepping forward.
"This isn't some kind of... public library! Letting anybody in is a danger to my experiments, especially with the amount of thieving little lizards you apparently elect to take with you!"
He pokes his finger against your armor as he keeps ranting:
"And who are YOU to try and stop the advancement of science, hmm? Do you just seek to make things difficult for everybody? Is that why you bring those little things everywhere? I will demand it, even if the guard refuses to do so! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

You lean forward, slowly. The face you're nearly a head taller than the little man really comes into play.
"Make me." You say, before you wave to the kobolts:
"Search it, find me a place where-"
Pink is already yelling before you finished giving the order.
"Hatch under the rug!" She yells, and the alchemist freezes up.
"There's... there's nothing down there. Just some of the more dangerous alchemical reagents! You'll die without protection, it's toxic down there."
The guard, meanwhile, finally steps in.
"SER! That's enough! I'm putting you under arrest for trespassing and vigilantism!" he yells, putting his hand on your arm and trying to pull it behind your back... to no avail. He doesn't have the strength.
"I'm checking that hatch." You say.
(cont)
>>
You walk towards the rug, and pull it off in one go, revealing a wooden hatch.
"Dangerous chemicals and only a wooden door to protect yourself? Interesting." You say, while the guard proceeds to take out his sword.
"FINAL WARNING! BACK AWAY NOW OR BE-"
You grab his wrist and squeeze, making him scream and drop his sword, which you quickly pick up.
"Shut up and help me find my friend." You say from between your teeth, while some of the kobolts check inside the hatch... Though it doesn't take long before you hear two familiar voices.
"COLLAR! THE KEY IS IN THE DRAWER, HURRY!"
"I DON'T WANNA TURN INTO A WEREWOLF!"

...

The guard freezes at the sound of that, and then turns to the alchemist, who is taking steps back... and reaches inside his cloak.
"You don't understand. I was performing VITAL experiments. It could grant more knowledge of the human body and beyond than you could even imagine! And they... they should be HONORED to-"
You step forward, but then he raises a round bottle into the air:
"ONE MORE STEP... AND I BLOW YOU TO HELL!"
The bottle looks as though it's frothing and bubbling all by itself, as though it's looking to escape by itself. The guard, meanwhile, seems to realize that he should certainly back YOU over the man who just admitted to kidnapping two people and keeping them in a basement.
"Sir! I need you to drop the bottle and come quietly! Don't make this worse than it has to be, alright!?"
He's clearly intimidated by the bottle.
You're personally just really, really mad.
He DARES?

>Burn him alive like the pig he is

>Try to talk him down
You'll need something to say, though.

>Toss the closest object at his face.

>Rush him down and tackle him.

>Toss the guard's sword
>>
>>5126555
>Toss the guard's sword
But say a stupid one liner first, like "Alright I won't step forward, you have a point about the knowledge...unfortunately /I/ HAVE A POINT TOO!"
>>
>>5126523
>>Toss the guard's sword
Encourage one of the 'bolts to catch the flask before it shatters
>>
>>5126587
That seems like a good way to lose a 'bolt
>>
>>5126555
>Toss the guard's sword... at the bottle
Surely nobody is crazy enough to actually just have a loose potion of kaboom on their person, right? ...right?
>>
>>5126555
>Toss the guard's sword
I want this fucker dead as soon as possible.
>>5126608
He was certainly crazy enough kidnap two people in the name of "Science". Frankly speaking, we have no idea exactly how far he's willing to take this, so we can only assume the worst.
>>
>>5126555
>Toss the guard's sword
I will GUT YOU you maggot!
>>
>>5126555
Oh, hay, wait, Spinejuice. If we kill this guy, and the place doesn't get lit up brighter than a witch to a stake, can we loot the place?
>>
>>5126591
IDK man, they seem nimble eough
>>
>>5126555
Fucking autismo wizards
>Try to talk him down
"If you try anything, you're dead. All your work will be for nothing.
If your goal is furthering science, we can help you with that. We have contacts at the alchemists' guild. From what I hear a position recently opened up there.
Just put down the flask. You can carry on with your work and nobody needs to get hurt."
>>5126591
Seconded. We could kill this guy no problem. I'm more worried about the kobolts getting hurt.
Also yandere gob waifu is best waifu
>>
>>5126674
my autism fueled rantingI wonder if we can claim everything here, then send to off to our Alchemist friend's new workshop. She lost her old set up, but can claim everything here. Oh! And there's also the happy coincidence of claiming the reward money for the werewolf whom is probably the one downstairs.
I wonder if we can also claim some sort of finders fee for dealing with the alchemist as well, in addition to whatever money he had laying around this place. Better yet, what if he has a couple of healing potions?


>>5126682
They are very nimble, but it's needlessly dangerous.
>>
>>5126693
It is needlessly dangerous, so why not try to talk him down instead?
>>
>>5126700
I think we're more able to skewer him than talk him down. Granted we could probably try talking, then sword throwing should that fail. I just down talking would work since hes stuck in his own little world.
>>
>>5126707
I'm just worried that if we skewer him he'll drop the bottle and we all go boom
>>
>>5126710
That's a fair point. Okay, I'll change my vote to talking him down, but sword throwing should that fail. That sound good with you?

>>5126555
Changing my vote.
>Try to talk him down
Say this >>5126689 but maybe add that if he complies we can put in a good word for him at the alchemist guild town. We've a good reputation there, so they're bound to listen. We understand that at the end of the day he wants to help progress humanity, but the ends don't always justify the means, not always. he can do his job so much more safely, but he shouldn't mess around with werewolfs without proper security measures. He's lucky the worst of it was a few mauled sheep. If he gets careless, he could be one of those sheep, or god above someone else.

Failing that, throw the sword.
>>
>>5126724
Sure. If talking him down fails, sword toss is our next best bet.
Also if it comes down to killing him, giving his supplies to Paracelcus Is definitely the way to go. Though I don't know how the guards would feel about that.
>>
>>5126555
>Toss the guard's sword
>>
>>5126730
How we can convince the guards to let us keep all the alchemist's stuff? Oh that would be way too easy. There's a bunch of reasons and excuses we could make, like how they can't use all the equipments and reagents as good as an actual alchemist can, such as our friend, or the fact that they failed the protect her and this second guy from being kidnapped and experimented on. Someone needs to pay for the bullshit they went through, so what better way than to keep the alchemist stuff. Also being a traveling knight we can tell other towns how this little racist village is a crock of shit for booting us after all the work we put in. That would probably hurt the town's revenue.
>>
>>5126747
Paracelsus should be allowed at least whatever we can help her carry out of here as just compensation for being kidnapped and imprisoned. Also if there are more fire grenades we could use those down below against the goblins.
>>
>>5126700
Because he insulted our 'bolts and kidnapped our medic.
>>
>>5126555
>Toss the guard's sword
>>
In theory, we can get payed for
>dealing with the alchemist
>waiting for the caravans to prove the roads are safe in 1-3 days
>dealing with the goblins
>dealing with the werewolf
Two of these we can solve right now. The werewolf bounty had a not to small sum of Marks with our name on it, plus any werewolf tails left over from all the werewolf transformations. The goblins we can probably deal with tomorrow morning, and if we wait a few more days we can claim the 300 marks.
All in all I think we can net something around 2k marks or more for all the jobs.
>>
>>5126555
>Burn him alive like the pig he is
>>
>>5126555
>Other
Keep him distracted while subtly motioning for our sneakiest bolts to get behind him
>>
>>5126555
>>5126689 +1

Also QM you might wanna link here https://lws.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html in the future the old archive is no longer secure
>>
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>>5126555
What are the odds of us encountering more kobolt klans, or wandering kobolts to add to our kobolt horde?
>>
Fighting back the urge to...
To do something involving breathing? You don't know, you had an inclination towards... something odd.
You shake your head, and try to remain calm. Raising your off hand, you tell him:
"If you try anything, you're dead. All your work will be for nothing... If you really seek to further science, and the understanding of everything, I can help you with that. I have contacts with the alchemist's guild, and I know for a fact that a position has just opened up there. If you can just remain calm, lower the flask, then you can keep working all you like."
The alchemist scoffs:
"Are you serious? Did you take me for some... independant moron? I've GOT connections to the guild! I just live in this town, hell, I live here to get away from their restrictions! Do you have any idea what I could do with lycantrophy? We could have soldiers that could take over the WORLD! My treatment would cure even the most grievous of injuries! Your little whore insulted my work, and she's an outsider besides! She deserves to be put to use!"

Then, you hear a grunt, and you see Paracelcus stepping out... covered in scars. Her robes are tattered, and it's clear she had to fight something off in there... but guessing from how active she is, she probably won.
"YOUR THEORIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISPROVEN YOU UN-EDUCATED MORON!"
"SHUT THE HELL UP!" the alchemist screams back, his voice cracking. "WHAT DOES A BRUTE LIKE YOU KNOW!?"
Brute?
As the alchemist turns to Paracelcus, however, you see the guard moving in, making a gesture to you to indicate that you are to remain quiet. Quickly moving in, Marvin then moves in and then grabs the alchemist by the arm and puts his hand over the vial.
"RELEASE IT NOW!" He screams, while you move in to help out. The alchemist, perhaps foolishly, tries to wrench the vial free, instead.
So you just skip to the point, and proceed to punch him in the side of the head. Instantly, the vial is released... and kept in the hands of Marvin, who proceeds to place it on a nearby table. The alchemist slowly tries to get back up after your punch, but you just put a foot against his chest.
"Don't." You say, and he seems wise enough not to do anything...

Marvin then steps back, after disarming the explosive.
"That was... I... You know I can't permit this, right!? You went against my direct orders, you started ransacking his lab... H-he's going to claim entrapment!"
You blink.
You blink again.
"He... Had two hostages in his basement."
"And it's his well-respected word against yours!"
You shake your head in confusion:
"And YOUR words?"
"I can't interfere, I'm a guard! People will think I'm... I'm trying to make it sound bigger than it is!"
You are growing increasingly irate. Balling your hands, you take a deep, shuddering breath.
"Your town... is... Infuriating." You say, slowly, and then you look to Paracelcus. She looks pretty ragged, and those scratches across her body are still bleeding.
(cont)
>>
>>5127625
Let's make a deal with the gobbo that we'll let her unleash the goblins if she'll murder this here alchemist...

Nah, nevermind. The layperson of this town still doesn't deserve torture and suffering even if the organizations here are infuriating.
>>
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"Tell me about it" she says, as she rubs one of her wounds. "He had me fight some kind of... rabid animal he caught. Not a werewolf, because it dies when you stab it enough times with a normal dagger."
"What kind of creature was it?" You ask, while the guard seems flustered about being ignored. Paracelcus just waves him off, and then adds: "Looks kind of like a wolf, I suppose, but a werewolf is considerably less ragged than that thing."
"BOTH OF YOU! Keep this up, and you're both under arrest for disobeying an officer of the law!"
"What do you want, then?" Paracelcus says. "Do you want to arrest us for being kidnapped? I think we both know you can't hold a candle to Reynauld in a contest of arms if you want to try anything."
"I, uh.... I need to..."
Oh he doesn't actually know what he wants. Wonderful.
You answer it for him:
"Tell you what. You take claim for finding what the alchemist was doing. We interrogate him. We find out more about the werewolf problem, and I get at least a partial bounty out of this. You get to have a promotion for doing good work. Sound good?"
Marvin doesn't look so sure for a moment... adn then just nods sheepishly.
"O-okay. I mean... It's just that... T-the chief would yell at me if I, uh... yeah. If I arrest the alchemist. They have this deal going, but I... I guess this is too flagrant to ignore, right?"
The alchemist under your foot struggles for a moment, but you just push a little harder, until the guard finally catches on he should use those handcuffs. In the meantime, you check in the hatch for a moment, and see that there are two operating tables, and that the lad you captured along the road is still strapped in. There's an infusion kit right next to him, as well, though he's not getting infused, fortunately.
"Oh thank GOD! Please! I-I'm sorry I tried to steal from the alchemist, okay!? I just... I needed something for the road, is what I thought! H-he'd never notice!"
Paracelcus seems confused for a moment:
"Wait, you stole something? I thought he knocked us both out..."
"He, uh, he injected you with something and told me he'd melt the skin off my bones if I tried anything. B-because I took that spoon that was all silvery."

Paraculcus rubs her temples in annoyance as she hears it... but you sigh and release the boy. God, he's stupid.
"Come on, we're getting out of here."
You take a quick look at the dead creature in the bigger cell here, which you suppose is the thing that Paracelcus has to kill with nothing but a Kris.
It's... kind of like a dog, but the proportions are all wrong. The hind legs are far too long, and most of its fur looks ragged. The claws look too big to comfortably walk on, and the snout seems to be a bit... stunted, somehow.
"What the hell was that thing?"
"A golem he made... using some werewolf parts. Tried to transfer the curse unto dead flesh. It worked, up to a point, but it's feral and shouldn't be transmittable."
"He made you fight it?"
(cont)
>>
"More accurately, I escaped when he tried to make it bite just my arm, but he opened the door. By the time I won, he prepared and tossed an anesthetic at me, and bound me again when I fell."
"He was... purposefully trying to infect you, then?"
"I suppose. Golem infections isn't an avenue that's considered viable. Like I said, the flesh is dead, and most of the magic used is just spent on trying to animate it. Lycantrophy is almost impossible to transmit without a good dose of magic to keep it running. So, the chance of infection is pretty much zero. And, if I really am unlucky, I know how to make a cure."
"And the boy?"µ
As you say that, you see Chad is quickly releasing him from his bindings, while Humper is trying to calm him down with some success.
"He was going to be infused with infected blood. That would have worked, obviously, but you came in just as he was preparing to do so."

You are brought to the question of import, however:
"Where did he get the werewolf parts? Is he one?"
"No. I couldn't coax that information out of him, so it's a mystery."
You suppose that's everything.
"Grab what you think you can get away with, Para... maybe it'll get you a tailor."
"I can sew things myself. I'll just be taking his bandages."

You step outside again, and see the guard is still waiting to bring him to jail. He seems to be waiting for you to join him.
"Come on... I, uh, I'm still gonna need your statements, right? The chief needs to hear that. A-also! Hand me my sword back, please?"

>Fine.

>I have different plans
Which are?
>>
>>5127639
>I have different plans
>"Are you stupid! The chief made a deal with this fuck. He is going to put the blame on us to safe himself from his corrupt doings. We need to expose that man or get rid of him."
>>
>>5127639
>I have different plans
>Firstly
>"The fuck you meant by 'they have this deal going'"
>>
>>5127652
Preferably get this conversation back inside the alchemist place so we can get the whole picture without making a scene in the middle of a streat.
>>
>>5127646
>>5127652
Support
>>
>>5127639
>>5127654 +1
>>
>>5127639
>>5127652
Supporting this.

Also, once we're done here, can we just toss that bomb flask in the lab and drop the alchemist down the well? No? Can I at least fantasize about it?
>>
>>5127652
+1

>>5127639
Start breaking the Alchemist's fingers. Where'd you get the werewolf parts, boy.
>>
>>5127652
>>5127654
Fuck I would start with a lie that we dropped something in a lab. So he won't get defensive and have second thoughts and we can get him inside.

So best way to do it give him his sword back then lie so we can get him back inside. Insert us walking in on naked good doctor applying bandages. Start questioning little shit.

Additional good question. Who exactly is his boss and when he showed up? Is guards old crew or some new guys? Who trowed goblin into the well?
>>
>>5127652
+1
>>
"Hey... Come back inside, I need to talk this over with you."
"S-sir, I really can't-"
"You want your sword back?"

Sheepishly... The guard returns, and you hand him his sword in no time at all... though then you put your hand on his shoulder.
"Listen... You said yourself the chief has a deal going with the alchemist. What kind of deal is this?"
"I-I don't know! I'm new! I was told to leave this man alone... That's all I know, alright?"
"You're new, huh? Alright. Look, I'm sure you and me can both see that there are some seedy things going on, and I need to know more about this heart of darkness."
The guard... seems to realize that he's in trouble, and you can tell he's really conflicted about this.
"S-sir, I... If I... If I do the wrong thing, here, people could get hurt. That includes me... that includes you. I think... it might be better if you just moved on, okay?"
"We're past that." You say. You're going to solve this issue.
The alchemist speaks up again:
"Don't you DARE, BOY! I KNOW YOUR FACE AND YOUR NAME! YOU DO THIS, AND-"
Suddenly, Paracelcus slams her hand against the man's mouth, and... he loses the ability to talk. Upon closer inspection, it seems some kind of foam is now growing over his face, and while he can mumble... he can't talk.

"I was wondering if i'd ever get to use that." Paracelcus adds, and then she looks to you and the guard.
"Come on. Talk. If you were going to be a problem to us, you'd have used your whistle." She says, crossing her arms. Slowly, the guard, turns a little red, and you can tell there are tears forming in his eyes. He's in a panic, you can tell.
"Look... i... The guard here is... Uh... Corrupt. They sometimes take travellers along for, uh, their safety, but none of them ever come back. I once saw them bring them into the alchemist's home, but they never came out, and..."
He huffs.
"I was scared." he admits, only for Collar to suddenly hug him, quickly joined by Teensy. They both get a leg, considering the difference in height, and the guard seems genuinely confused as to why.
"It okay. You just scared. Legal Omission not apply." Collars says
"How do you know that?" The guard asks, and Collar replies: "I ate lawbook once."
Of course she did.
(cont)
>>
>>5128250
Oh my god I love Collar, this is hilarious. Can we feed her more books? How does she like her books served?
>>
>>5128256
With wine and a side-dish of pasta
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"Anyway, they're doing something to people, but... this town doesn't have a part of that, okay? They're... mistrustful, sure, but not... they're not with the chief."
...Marvin doesn't actually know anything, you can tell. He's not a bad man, just... perhaps a bit too rigorously by the book. But you should ask:
"Say, the goblin that was tossed down the well. Who was responsible?"
"I... It was... that wasn't a goblin, it was a monster. I think... it was a cultist, or something? Under that mask there was just... nothing but meat and teeth, it was corruption. So they had to send her below, drown her."
"In your drinking water?"
"They were gonna fish her out, but... she just wasn't there. Then, later on, the ferals started getting more organized, it was... it was proof she was some kind of demon. Right?"
You stare at the guard, shaking your head slowly, and he seems to realize just how complicit he was in some very bad acts. The glitter in his eyes turns to full-on tears, and he starts to plead:
"I DIDN'T KNOW! OKAY!? I'M NOT A BAD GUY!" He yells, accidentally kicking away Teensy as steps forward. He starts wringing his hands together.

You understand. You've seen it before with one of the servants back in your family's estate, he was just too scared to do anything. For fear of his family. He still ended up warning you ahead of time.

"I get it. But you'll have to help me get this under control, now. Are there any other guards like you?"
"No... But there's, uh, there's some mercenaries in the inn! They'll, uh, they'll help out!"
"For free?" You ask, more to point out the flaw in that plan.
"Well... no. But the chief's bound to have money, right? O-or the bounty if the corruption's revealed and they're brought to the city!"
Not ideal, you don't have time to bring them in yourself... But hell, it's a start. If you need the mercs, they're available.

Or, alternatively... perhaps the goblin has more than enough of a point?
What do you do from here?

>You'll deal with this yourself. March to the guard's main office.

>Hire the mercs with the promise of looted gold

>Hire the mercs with the (less certain) bounty of corruption

>Head down into the tunnels and request help from the goblin.

>See if Marvin can't bring you to where they were bringing the travelers
>>
>>5128261
>See if Marvin can't bring you to where they were bringing the travelers
>Head down into the tunnels and request help from the goblin.
>Hire the mercs with the (less certain) bounty of corruption
In this order.
>>
>>5128267
+1
>>
>>5128267
Makes sense. +1
>>
>>5128261
>Hire the mercs with the (less certain) bounty of corruption
>Head down into the tunnels and request help from the goblin.
>See if Marvin can't bring you to where they were bringing the travelers
>>
>>5128261
>Head down into the tunnels and request help from the goblin.
Welp, now I feel bad about killing those feral Goblins.
They probably would have been useful for what's to come.
>>
>>5128368
Nah man, we can't use the ferals no matter what. It'd turn the townspeople against us, it doesn't take a genius orator to say 'hey he's got goblins on his side so of course us the city guard are the good guys'
>>
>>5128261
>Send Paracelsus to recruit the mercs, offering the possibility of bounty

>Head back to the sewers to recruit the gobbo

>Bring material to make a flag of truce to wave
>>
>>5128476
>Sending Paracelcus on a social task
Are you retarded or just a madman?
>>
>>5128376
Yeah using the ferals seems like a bad idea, they'll turn public opinion and I question the ability to prevent serious collateral damage
>>
>>5128507
Mercs do jobs for coin, not friendship. Her direct manner may be useful. Send the boy with her, too, just in case, and a kobold who is decent at talking. Maybe Pink?
>>
>>5128540
Negotiating contract work with people who fight for a living still takes a certain amount of social skill and grace, an amount that Paracelcus has so far failed to display. Also,
>splitting the party just moments after we went through all bullshit that to un-split it
>>
>>5128267
Supporting
>>
>>5128261
>Tie and lock alchemist in his basement (leave him in underwear to ensure no tricks
>Interrogation thru torture??? [Y/N from chat]
>Lock the dead beast back in cage just in case
>Paracelcus stay here and prepares some nasty surprises from whatever alchemist has in stock Pink might stay here to help
>Go to the goblin explain situation and discuss course of action
>Go to the mercenaries
>>
>>5128267
>>5128277
>>5128332
>>5128931
Idk why people want to risk element of surprise by having kid lead us straight to locked up travelers.
>>
>>5129044
Fair enough.
Changing
>>5128267
to
>>5129038
>>
>>5129038
>>5128261
For me it's Yes on torture btw. I think it should be ok without giving to the dragon part as this guy did some fucked up shit.
Add to that
>After potential torture ask our guard boy if there are people that openly dislike captain/alchemist.
Let's find out if we can get traditional crowd with torches and pitchforks going.
Probably should ask if he has family or sweetheart he wants to save from up and coming purge but we don't him to second guess himself more then it's necessary.
>>
"I need you to bring me to that place they were bringing people. They might be kept there... or at least, we'll have proof of their goings-on. First, though, I'm going to need some information from our now mute friend here."
The alchemist scowls at you, and then you pick him up and carry him under your arm.
"We're going to use his basement. No sense wasting good tools." You say, and the guard sheepishly follows, unsure of what else he could try doing. You have Paracelcus lock the cell on the corpse of the golem wolf-creature, and then get to work making sure the alchemist can't escape.
As soon as you finished strapping the alchemist to the same bench as he put Bait, you figure you're going to have to get some info out of him. You have Paracelcus pour some vinegar on his foam-covered mouth, to make the foam disintegrate, and then you...
stop.
Hmm.
How would you get information out of this guy?

"Anybody have ideas on how to press this guy for info?"
Bait skips to the... first solution.
"We could try breaking fingers... That'll loosen him up."
"Torture is abhorrent." You reply back... though you have to admit that you're on a bit of a tight schedule here. Paracelcus has an alternative option:
"Bribe him, instead. The promise of being able to leave instead of getting lynched is bound to be appealing."

Bait stands at the ready with some pliers he found, clearly intent on getting some revenge for almost getting werewolf'd, while Paracelcus just sits on the operating table next to the one the alchemist is strapped to.
The alchemist himself, however, doesn't say anything... Though as soon as you step forward, he proudly states:
"I won't tell you ANYTHING! YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"
"And if I were to let you go, afterwards?"
"Don't take me for an idiot!" He yells back, and Paracelcus shrugs and states:"Too late for that."
Ignoring the comment, the alchemist continues:
"Not a damned chance in hell you're going to let me go! I just need to survive, and when the guards come and kill you and the traitors, I'll be back where I needed to be!"

He's confident.
...

>Torture him. He's just some rat between your talons. He'll squeak with some pressure.

>Threaten him with something

>Bribe him(?)

>Leave it be for now. He's fine in there... Go check out the place they were bringing travelers.
>>
>>5129165
>Leave it be for now. He's fine in there... Go check out the place they were bringing travelers.
>tie him up, blindfold, gag, complete immobility, make sure the only way this guy leaves is if we come back to let him out.

Do not do this, that's the curse talking trying to fuck with our mind, and accelerate the mental corruption

>>Torture him. He's just some rat between your talons. He'll squeak with some pressure.
>>
>>5129165
Let's not torture him per-se.
"So you just need to survive long enough? That's fine, let's take that option away from you. Your crimes are such that the typical punishment would be execution, but I am willing to delay that somewhat so rejoice."
Slit his wrists such that he'll bleed out slowly if the wounds aren't addressed.
"Now that your punishment has been delivered with delay, would you rather speak and have it delayed for longer or test your luck that the guard will come for you before you get what you deserve?"
>>
>>5129165
>Torture him. He's just some rat between your talons. He'll squeak with some pressure.
>>5129178
Should get him talking
>>
>>5129178
don't fool your self it's going to be torture, and it will empower the curse, the option literally is from the perspective of a dragon crushing down on a rat, it literally says "He's just some rat in our talons" don't fucking do it

>>5129191
do you not care at all about the mental corruption boost going through with this will have?
>>
>>5129165
>Leave it be for now. He's fine in there... Go check out the place they were bringing travelers.
>tie him up, blindfold, gag, complete immobility, make sure the only way this guy leaves is if we come back to let him out.
Torture doesn't even work without secondary sources of information to confirm it. So we are more likely to feed the curse for no reason or reward other than sadism.
>>
>>5129191
Little
>>
>>5129193
Nonsense, we're just performing our function as a Wandering Knight to execute a criminal and using our discretion in the methodology to do it.
>>
>>5129225
a knight would do it quickly cleanly and without undue suffering, even if he is scum.
>>
>>5129165
>Gag the alchemist close the hatch and take key with you.
>Leave it be for now. He's fine in there... Go Contact the goblin.
Goblin might have better way to go where we need and without being noticed if people want to go there for whatever reason.
Also this
>Ask our guard boy if there are people that openly dislike captain/alchemist.
>>
>>5129227
So far as executions go bleeding out is fairly painless.
>>
>>5129243
Just to be clear? Making somebody bleed out so he'll talk is still torture. It is still something naughty to be doing.
>>
>>5129231
Cjangimg my vote to this, we should go to the place where they send the prisioners last before confronting him.
>>
>>5129165
>Torture him. He's just some rat between your talons. He'll squeak with some pressure.
>>
>>5129165
>Threaten him with something

Specifically, with >>5129178
>>
>>5129165
>Threaten to destroy his lab gear and research
If he is not intimidated, actually start destroying his abominable research.
>>
>>5129551
This is a good idea, physical torture is notoriously unreliable but if he is truly obsessed with his research the threat of posing his life's work should be pretty effective
>>
>>5129178
Still not very knightly behavior, the guys a monster but that doesn't mean we should become one
>>
>>5129165
>Set a fire to his lab notes
>Ask Para what is the best way to set back experiment knowledge to an Alchemist
>Let her and Bait get creative.
>>
>>5129165
this too>>5129551
>>5129848
>>
>>5129551
This with elements of
>>5129848
>>
>>5129165
>>5129551 +1
>>
"Sure thing. Kobolts? Gather up his notes. All of them, anything paper. Just stack them up here, and I figure we should start burning things."
"I'll start pouring water into his liquids." Paracelcus mentions, and that... seems to actually activate the alchemist.
"Don't you DARE! YEARS of research are in there, you'd be setting humanity back by decades! DECADES! This is for everybody's good!" He screams, pulling at his restraints.
"Well, you can stop us just fine." You say, while the kobolts happily start to toss everything that they can find in a pile. They're FAST when it comes to tossing things together like that, and they're not afraid to drop some glass things as they pull things off, though they're careful not to drop anything that's containing anything. Probably for the best, considering it's hard to tell what they have in there, could be some kind of acid or worse. Paracelcus, meanwhile, only pours water in the things that are actually marked, which is kind of ahead of the program.
Bait is just laughing, in the meantime, though he's not really in a position to help out.

"This is the best, dude!" He says, clearly happy to get some payback for almost getting werewolf blood injected into him. You figure Bait's more one for physical torture, but you're not into that.
Destroying research attained through this bastard's methods?
You'd say that's just par for the course, almost. At any rate, the alchemist doesn't budge yet. Once the pile is finished, though, you see Paracelcus taking out a lighter.
"Last chance, friend."
"...Fine. FINE! OKAY! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT TO KNOW!? JUST... DON'T DESTROY IT! DON'T YOU DARE!"

There you go. But what ARE you going to ask him?

>I need to know about...
All questions placed will be asked.

>Lol I dunno, I just wanted to make you sweat
>>
>>5130315
>What is your deal with the captain of the guard of this town?
>How many guards are in on this deal? Who else is in the know of your experiments?
>Where are you getting all the werewolf samples from?
>What do you know about where all the travelers are being lead to? I heard none of them ever come back. Wait, they were all lead into your lab weren't they.
>Tell me everything you know about the goblin that was thrown down the well. What'd you guys do it?
>How are you paying the guards to be compliant with you experiments? Who else is helping you?
>How many people have you killed? What happens to their belongings?
>Tell me where you keep your potent elixirs (healing potions, poisons, bombs. Pretty much anything we can use in or out of fights.) Have Paracelcus confirm the goods
>Where do you keep your G O L D !
>Who else are you affiliated with/ Do you have any connections with the dead bandits, any witches, or whoever is making the pig demons?

Does Paracelcus, Baits, or the guards have any questions of their own they want to ask the alchemist?
>>
>>5130321
Good questions. +1
>>
>>5130321
Support.
>>
>>5130321
Can't think of anything to add to that list. Supporting.
>>
>>5130315
>>5130321
How many of your experiments are on the loose?
How many people have died thanks to you?
>>
You start going over your questions for a moment. Fortunately, you've got a mind like a steel trap, as if everything was written down in some sort of narrative sense that could easily be retrieved just by backtracking for a bit.
or something like that i dunno.

"First of all, what is the deal you have with the captain of the guard?"
"...Any corpses he doesn't want to deal with, I get. I didn't do much with them, mostly I just broke them down to their most useful components. Sometimes, I got access to a live one he needs disappeared because the benefactors didn't want them... Other than that, I get him money from the alchemist's guild, and the occasional bit of counterfeit money I could make. He protects me, I help him. Simple."
Hmm. Interesting stuff. Makes sense he'd feel safe.
"How many guards are in on this... deal?"
"All of them. The ones that don't comply when they're informed are... They disappear. Most are pushed out, others I dissolved myself, some are given to the benefactors."
Marvin whimpers at the sound of that. You suppose he really is new.
There they are again, getting mentioned. You should ask it now:
"Who the hell are the benefactors?"
"They're the ones that take the undesirables... and in exchange, we get riches, materials, power... whatever they can bring in. I don't deal with them, and I know better than to ask."
"This deal's bigger than just you and the chief, is it?"
"...Yeah. If they know about the benefactors, they know about me. Hey, I'm just as much a victim of this as anybody else!"

Why do they always end up saying that?

"You're not and you know it. Now, to keep going: Where are the travelers brought towards?"
"Some... lake, deep in the forest. Like I said, I didn't ask. I can only tell from the mud on their boots, they kept tracking it indoors. I was curious, but... not curious enough to go risk my live."
You sniff in disdain, and keep asking questions.
"Where did you get the werewolf samples from?"
"...You don't need much, once you have a big enough sample. The curse spreads through blood, so I just need to add in enough of the infected blood into fresh blood. The golem there is made out of former experiments."
"And where did you get the first sample from?"
"Some... goblin. I took what I needed from it, and then we tossed it down the well. The church of the Light had already marked her, so nobody complained, and the fish down there likely grew fat from her corpse."

...ohhhhh.
(cont)
>>
"How many people have you killed?"
"...None. I didn't kill them. I just helped along what was already going to be happening! I'm no killer, I'm just a pragmatist!"
Of. Course. You're inclined to hit him, but resist the urge.
Bait does it for you, though, and you don't try to stop him.
"Lying prick." Bait says, shaking his hand after that punch. Seems a bit odd considering he was a bandit a few days ago, honestly. The kobolts are also glaring at the alchemist, apparently not being too shy at showing their disdain.
"And their belongings?"
"Evidence lock-up, sold to merchants along the way... some of them just taken and used."
"Alright. Paracelcus? Did you find some of his high-quality goods? Bombs, acid... even healing potions, if he has them?"
"Not a lot, but I found a singular healing potion. Or at least, that's how it's marked. I'm not inclined to trust him that easily, it doesn't look like any I've seen before."
Sh holds up a little phial, barely more than a thumb of liquid could fit inside. It looks to be a dark crimson on the inside.
"Alright. Now, apart from the guard, any other affiliations? With bandits, a witch... maybe even the bastard making the pig demons?"
"None of them!"

You feel a heat in your chest for a moment... but you manage to resist the urge to cough. Almost. A singular cough escapes you, and you give a raspy little growl as you try to contain the rest of it. The pain is manageable but... still unpleasant.
"Alright... Where... do... Where do you keep your gold?"
"What? In... In my safe. Behind the drawers there. You thief."
"Shut up." You say, as you move to the drawers, pushing it aside, and then stand before the safe. It's... left unlocked. How stupid of him. Inside, you see five gold bars, lying at the ready. You grin, chuckling, as you grab one of the bars and-
Get kicked in the back by Paracelcus.
"You're going lizard. Don't do that."

...Ah fuck.

Well, anything else you needed to ask, or are you headed to those... benefactors?

>I have questions

>Head to the "benefactors"

<Grab the gold, you need it.

>Head to the goblin

>Head straight to the guardhouse and get to work.

>Head to the inn and buy the mercs with the gold bars
>>
>>5130381
>Head to the inn and buy the mercs with the gold bars
>Then head to the guardhouse and get to work
This is exactly the sort of purpose a Wandering Knight serves, to be an outside agent that stands up for the people when those that are supposed to do so become corrupt.

After we hit the guardhouse and gain more info we can go after the benefactors.
>>
>>5130381
>Head to the goblin
>Then head to the inn and buy the mercs with the gold bars
>Lastly head to the guardhouse and get to work.
>>
>>5130315
>What is your deal with the captain of the guard of this town?
>How many guards are in on this deal? Who else is in the know of your experiments?
>Where are you getting all the werewolf samples from?
>What heppened to the travellers the guard was taking in? Did you experimentbon all of them?
>Were you involved in throwing the goblin down the well? Were your eaponsable for the mouth face?
>How many people have you killed? What happens to their belongings?
>>
>>5130381
>Head to the inn and buy the mercs with the gold bars
>Head to the goblin
>>
>>5130393
>>5130388
What do you want from the goblin? Unleashing the ferals will only turn the townspeople against us no matter if it goes well or not.
>>
>>5130388
+1

>>5130401
We're not going to use the ferals. The goblin might know more about what exactly is happening, and even if she's not exactly useful in a fight, she did manage to land a hit on Reynauld. We may be able to convince her to assist us, now that we have the same goal, and if we take care of the corrupt parties and let her have her revenge, we might be able to convince her to spare the rest of the town.
>>
>>5130406
I think even enlisting the yanderegobbo risks the legitimacy of this enterprise in the eyes of the townsfolk. Right or wrong, they were convinced she was a monster (and that she died). I guess it's fine to enlist her help as long as we don't let her take a visible role.
>>
>>5130412
>I guess it's fine to enlist her help as long as we don't let her take a visible role.
That was the plan. We'll have to be sneaky about everything we do, anyway, considering we're going up against the town guard. Not to the point where we're creeping around the back alleys, but we don't want to draw any unnecessary attention to our actions.
>>
>>5130381
>Grab the gold, you need it.
We do
>Head to the inn and buy the mercs with the gold bars
But try to not spend all of it. So we don't have to go through something like this when we next need something
>>
>>5130401
No ferals, just information and maybe a couple of shots from her crossbow.
>>
>>5130401
That both of us are were what is happening and none of us will bring unknown to upcoming events. We don't want hord of feral goblins attacking in middle of guard purge or Light only knows whatever she concocted.

>Unleashing the ferals will only turn the townspeople against us no matter if it goes well or not.

Townspeople are against us no matter what we are purging local guards. That's given
>>
>>5130381
>Grab the gold bars, and send Paracelsus and Pink to recruit the mercs with them
>Head to the goblin
>>
>>5130388
this is the only use of the gold that I can legitimately support, any other use is dragon curse fuckery and using it in this way is a fuck you to the curse for getting us to even ask about it, support

right so we need to get the gobo girl to rally to our cause and take down the town guard, the new guy can come with us, or die alone.
>>
spine I love your quest man, I was surprised to see you back on old 4 chan, but I guess I can understand why a normal none coomer focused quest like this would not do well on akun.
>>
>>5130579
"Back".
Bro I literally started on akun and came here so i could work outside of a set schedule. I can just pop in an update when the fancy strikes me, it's relaxing.
And besides, my quests are not coomer focused either. We've done the math, alright?

Only 3.372623437% of cataclysm: yellow zone is lewds, and I made them easy to skip on purpose.
>>
>>5130381
>Grab the gold, you need it.
Ask Pink to hold onto it. We cant touch gold.

>Head to the inn and buy the mercs with the gold bars
After we purchased some help we can...
>Head to the goblin
To get more information.

Ask Paracelcus if healing potions have to be applied orally, or if they can be applied externally. If it can be the latter, maybe a very small poke on the Alchemist, get a dropper, and drop a single drop of "healing potion" on the pin prick to see if it's the real deal. If it is then it should heal him.
>>
>>5130583
>trigged much

I joke, though you have to admit akun has it's reputation for a damn good reason, anyway I hadn't realized you got your start on akun, that's pretty cool, anyway still loving the quest.
>>
>>5130381
Before we leave, can we make absolutely sure the Alchemist is secured, and doesnt have anymore tools or potions on his body that we missed?

>>5130388
+1 changing my old vote to support this, but we should still take all the gold. I dont know how many mercenaries there are, but maybe one is enough to pay for all of them?

>>5130381
Does Pink have any idea how much a single bar of gold is worth? There should be a measuring scale within the alchemists home if that helps. It would give us an idea of how many bars we need to pay to the mercenaries.

>>5130401
Answers, and possible help from the nonferal goblin. The ferals are free to stay underground. I'm pretty sure she would be more than happy to help us if it results in her getting to kill some corrupt guardsmen. I also think she might like have the rookie guardsmen apologize to her, even if hes not directly responsible for throwing her down the well.

>>5130412
Shes good at sneaking and using a crossbow. I think she should be well suited for this. It's around night time too isnt it?

>>5130430
My thoughts exactly. The gold could be used to fully repairing the armor, and getting additional armor for our kobolts.

>>5130576
It should be fine if Pink holds onto the gold, right?
>>
>>5130631
>It should be fine if Pink holds onto the gold, right?
I agree pink should handle it for us, we should at no point directly touch or hold onto it deny that dragon fuckboy curse
>>
>>5130760
So instead of handling our hoard directly, we're having our kobolt minion do it for us? Yeah, that's certainly not dragon-like at all.
>>
>>5130838
Given dragons sleep on their hords and will kill/eat any kobolds who look at there shinies wrong, I do not think so.
>>
>>5130853
A good way to move around the curse is to give the money to someone else, who can manage it for us. Pink is better at handling finances for us, and she did want to be our accountant or something.
At least this way we can donate any excess money we do not need, while still having enough for supplies and repairs.
>>
>>5130760
Support.

Her wish is to become a great trader so we can have her handle gold on our behalf. She gets to gain experience by managing party funds and we can just ask for whatever we need without dirtying our soul by hoarding shinies ourselves
>>
>>5130760
Support we shouldn't directly handle wealth until we've got this curse out of us
>>
...you step away from the gold, and sigh. You don't say anything for a moment, and then turn to pink.
"Whats the value of these? We can buy the mercenaries with it."
Those words feel oddly foul as you say them, but you keep going. Pink gives it a quick look, and after only a few moments, she shrugs:
"About 200 per bar, I'd say. It's converted lead, that reduces price and purity. 1000 total, then."
If that's not enough for the mercs, you don't know what could be.but, you have another ally to attain, first.

"We should get the goblin involved. No doubt she'd want some payback"
The kobolts balk at the mention:
"But she hurt the dragon! Shes mean!"
"And crazy!"
"And stinky!"
You calm the kobolts down: she was also right for us not to trust anybody, and she let us go. Even gave us a kit to remove the bolt with... Though, yeah,she is crazy. Let's go get her"

Much grumbling, but they agree... And before long, you're in the tunnels again. You elected to leave the alchemist down there in his cave, for now. Paracelsus also sprayed his mouth shut again, and is joining you along with Bait.
The name grew on you.

You call out to the city goblin:
"WE WERE BETRAYED! ALMOST KIDNAPPED AND EXPERIMENTED UPON... WILL YOU HELP US TAKE DOWN THE GUARD?"
.... Silence, and then you hear her voice again:
"Want to... But can't. Too late at night. It's dangerous.... But what is plan?"

Hmmm. You do have to explain some things, right?

>Are you a werewolf, miss?

>March to the inn, hire mercs,march on the guards, remove guards. Simple!

> We might need a more in depth plan...
>>
>>5131283
>>Are you a werewolf, miss?
>you have my word on my god and honor as a knight you will not be harmed
>>
>>5131283
>Are you a werewolf, miss?
>We might need a more in depth plan...
We could just detain and slaughter all the guards, but I imagine the townspeople would freak the fuck out. Let's try and hash things out first before we do anything rash.
>>
>>5131283
>I know that you are the werewolf, the alchemist took the sample from you
>He wanted to turn my friends too
>I also know how bad it is, my curse is also trying to turn me into something.
>We got a bunch of gold, we are going to hire mercenaries, storm the guardhouse and than deal with tbeir benefactors.
>If you have more knowledge of the town, it would help
>>
>>5131283
>Are you a werewolf, miss?
We can help you. We can make a cure. I swear on my honor as a knight.

>>5131319
+1
>>
>>5131319
Supporting this one.

>>5131283
>>
>>5131319
+1
>>
"Miss... Are you werewolf? Listen, it's alright if you are. I have an alchemist with me, we can cure you."
There is silence in the caves, and everybody seems to be very much on guard as a result. You step forward into the darkness, your new eyes allowing you a more clear view of things than it would before.
"Listen... We took down the alchemist that took samples from you. He was seeking to turn my friends, as well. It's possible to cure you, we've known the secret to that for almost a century!"

Still nothing.

"Listen... I'm dealing with something similar, myself. I've been cursed by a dragon to... also turn into a dragon. A final spiteful act by that lizard. I'm going to archmage to get fixed, but you just need to come to us, and we'll help."
Then, finally, you get an answer, the darkness responding in a shaky, squeaky voice.
"Nobody else comes closer! Y-you drop all your weapons, now, and I'll.. I'll... I'll listen to you. ONLY you!"
She sounds terrified, somehow. Perhaps she's expecting the worst. Well... It wouldn't be right not to try and help her. You slowly put down your weaponry, glad that she lets you keep the armor at least. Honestly, you're not too sure if you want to try and risk it without it.
"O-okay. Step forward. Leave the others!"
You step forward, into the darkness, though your kobolt klan is quick to start yelling that you shouldn't trust her, and Chad and Collar are already running towards you. You raise your hand, and order them to stay put. Skidding across the stone floor, they stop... though it's with great reluctance.
"No get hurt.?" You hear Collar ask, as she wrings her little hands together. You nod, and then head deeper into the caves.

It's pitch-black. Too dark for even your eyes to see much, but then, in the distance, you see a light.
"I'm... over by the light." you hear echoing. While the echoes still make it impossible to tell the direction, you figure you should head into the light anyhow. As soon as you enter the light, coming from a simple torch being held by the goblin. She's holding her crossbow against a stone outcropping, aimed at you.
"You came."
"I did. Are you willing to trust me now?"
"...Why did you come here, truly?"
"I want help to take down the guards that did this to you... not to mention help you, if you really are a werewolf. And, if you want to know why I came this village, i was passing through and stuck around to get my arms and armor fixed before continuing."
She looks around a little, almost shaking. Then, slowly, she asks:
"Is it... just the guards that did this? Not the people?"
"Looks like it. These... "benefactors" they talked about are likely the root cause, but first we need to clear out their main arm."
"Of course... But... You can't cure me. I'd have to be a beast and it'd be... it'd be too dangerous."
"I can handle it. You wouldn't be the first time I did it."
She just looks at the ground.

She doesn't know what to say.

>Insist you can help

>Let her choose what happens next
>>
>>5132045
>Insist you can help
>As I said, I've done it before, I killed a dragon and my curse seems to be stronger than other curses or diseases.
>It's horrible, to have something in the back of your mind, constantly telling you to do things you would never do. To be brutal and heartless, to be hreddy and possessive.
>No one deserves this, not me, and not you
>>
>>5132062
support
>try for a slow comforting hug as we offer solace and hope with out words
>>
>>5132062
>>5132144
Word, then hug, then more words.

>>5132045
Porque no los dos? Supporting above.
>>
>>5130583
You don't have to schedule anything on akun if you don't want to.
>>
>>5132144
>>5132187

I'mma laugh my ass off when yandere gobbo stabs us in the gut since we went for a hug. Save it for after we've actually done something for her to establish trust, or better yet: try to develop better tastes.
>>
>>5132205
>I'mma laugh my ass off when yandere gobbo stabs us in the gut since we went for a hug. Save it for after we've actually done something for her to establish trust, or better yet: try to develop better tastes.

>gobo get's off the stab on reflex she didn't meant to, starts babbling an apology
>knight bro: no, no it's fine I shouldn't have startled you, *cough* *bubblely wheeze* now come on let's see about taking down the guard and a check up for you
>>
>>5132205
>comes to the quest about hugging and helping tiny sympathetic monsters
>lol look at this idiot, trying to hug a tiny sympathetic monster
>>
>>5132260
>Comes to the quest about hugging and helping kobolts
>Invaded by filthy goblin lover degenerates
ftfy
>>
>>5132282
We don't need to fuck her, anon. I just want her to have a friend.
>>
>bonk the goblin for shoting us it the gut
or
>pat the goblin

not sure if we can do both
>>
>>5132293
Bonk her with the palm of our hand
>>
>>5132282
>>5132260
I don't know why these waifu wars are so amusing to me, I should've expected this to happen.
Anyway, can we please save our attempts at initiating physical contact with the twitchy, paranoid goblin for when a) we've actually earned her trust and b) we're not in the middle of waging a fucking war against the local power structure?
>>
>>5132045
>Insist you can help
>>
>>5132062
Support
>>
>>5132205
>>5132227
>>5132187
>>5132144
>>5132282
I don't understand why some of you are up in arms against the goblin. We're a Wandering Knight that's all about compassion aren't we? We don't have to lewd the goblin if we want to be nice, and we can sympathize with her magically induced medical issue.
>>
>>5132880
Some seem to be worried that if we so much as hug her, she'll stab us to death.
>>
>>5133021
I just don't think going directly for a hug is entirely appropriate at this moment.
>>
>>5133301
My proposal was "words, hug, more words". The hug is contingent on it seeming appropriate, helpful, and welcome.
>>
>>5133301
>>5133305
I think a hug should be dependent on how she reacts. To words
>>
>>5132045
>Insist you can help
>>
Should our knight boy cum inside Pink to ensure that Reynauld isnt seduced by the wide goblin shortstack?
>>
>>5134070
Paracelcus is the patrician's choice
>>
>>5134238
Based
>>
"Really... I can help you. I've done this before. I killed a dragon, even, and... well, my curse is evidently a bit stronger than most other curses or diseases..."
You look away for a moment, admittedly indulging in a bit of self-reflection, but it's some reflecting that the goblin may get some use out of:
"It's a horrible thing... having something in the back of you mind, telling you to do things you shouldn't... couldn't ever do. Have something insist on being brutal... heartless... greedy. Goodness, the greed."
You repress a shudder at the thought, and you swear you feel your lungs burning a little brighter than before. You resist the urge to wheeze... but as you take in a breath, your resistance falters. You begin to cough again, every cough hurting a little more than the one before it.
And it just keeps going. You try to take in a breath, but every little morsel of air you manage to take in just burns a little harder, before being expelled in yet more racking, wheezing coughs.
Before long, you're forced to the ground, the lack of air grabbing you. It's not the first time... but it hurts.
It hurts more than you could imagine, and your gasps for air are turning desperate. Your vision blurs, splotches and stars.

"H-hel..." You wheeze out, before coughing again. Choked gasps, now, until... suddenly.
You feel something come loose.
It's a horrific feeling. It's as if something inside you "shuddered, and then just fell off like a rotten fruit. Your stomach turns, and you desperately grab at your helmet to pull it off, before...
You were too late.
Agonizingly, you vomit up more of your inside, your throat itself seemingly disintegrating as the agonizingly hot curse wreaks havoc. You may have started screaming, breathlessly, but you can't tell anymore. Everything is... agony.
You vomit in your helmet, a mix of blood and blackened chunks... mixed in with some fiery orange gunk. It sticks to your helmet, leaking out and coming out of the holes, only partially... Until, suddenly, the helmet is tossed off. You retch up more and more...
And then...
Finally.
Things are quieting down. The agony retains its sting, but it's lessening, and you greedily begin to gasp for air. One of your lungs feels... off. Like it's too big, and you can't feel anything with it. Like a numbed side of your body.

You vomit again, this time coughing up nothing but orange, glowing gunk. It's searing hot, and you feel the inside of your mouth being burnt... but it doesn't even hurt. You feel as though a layer of flesh just... crumbled off, and joined the cinders and gunk in the heat.

You back away, slowly.
Gasping...

And look up.
The goblin looks terrified, and she's still clutching your helmet... shakily.
(cont)
>>
You take a slow breath.
And then, you say:
"...I swear. I can help you."
"B-bu... D-don't you need some friends, or, or-uh... WATER! HOLD ON!" She squeaks out, as she takes out a waterskin and gives it to you. No sooner did you see the waterskin as you began to drink from it. The cooling liquid is like an angel's kiss... And you stop tasting ash and stone. Mercifully.
"Thank you... truly." You say, and then...
You are suddenly hugged.
"It hurts. Okay? I know what that's like."
"I didn't... think you'd be doing this so quick."
"You trusted me. No weapons. You're even sick. I get it. But... I can't cure myself. It's how I get... this."
She squeezes a little tighter, though it's hard to tell past the armor

You don't follow.
"Get what?"
"Do you feel safer?" She says, hugging you a little tighter. To be honest, not really, though you do appreciate her gesture. She keeps talking before you can answer, however.
"I need the wolf to feel this. It's... insurance. If I get hurt, I can go into the moonlight and... heal. I feel all the pain melt away, I feel powerful, I feel... everything. I lose some control, but I can "steer". If a sheep needs to die to help me... it's no different than it appearing on some fat guard's plate."
She says that last part with clear disdain as she explains herself.
"I don't want to be cured. And even if you forced me, it wouldn't help me. I'm already branded from the church, anybody that sees that will see me as some... monster. Not to mention, my mask? Anybody that peeks under there will want to kill me as well!"
You gather up your wits again, getting past the pain, and then you shuffle forward a bit.
"I won't. Neither will anybody reasonable."

There is a short moment of trepidation... and then she removes her mask. Despite yourself, you gasp at the sight. Her mouth has been ravaged beyond the pale. Most of her lips have been torn off an cauterized, guessing from the ugly brown scarring. Her sharp teeth are permanently on full display, but as if to spite the rest of her, she still has enough lip left to talk... mostly normally. Her cheeks have suffered a similar injustice, leaving her with a huge, unnatural grin on one end, and nothing at all on the other. Some stitching was done to keep the grin intact, but whether it was the work of an amateur or a torturer is hard to say. Her chin has even cuts, five total, with the one at the tip of her chin having been burnt shut again, leaving a flattened piece of flesh. It seems her nose was spared the most, though it has the telltale sign of being broken and healed wrong.
"Who..." You ask, feeling righteous indignation at the cruelty that was performed on this woman.
"It doesn't matter. I just made sure they suffered. But you understand, yes? I can heal almost anything that isn't burnt shut. I was able to heal after they tossed me down the well. I was... It's safer this way."

You see her point. But you're not sure if you agree with it.
>>
>Accept it, and try to do your plan when the moon isn't out

>Propose to protect her, even when the wolf can't.

>Ask to see her brand, to see if that, at least, might be masked in some way.

>Something else.
>>
>>5134344
>Propose to protect her, even when the wolf can't.
>Ask to see her brand, to see if that, at least, might be masked in some way.
>>
>>5134344
>Propose to protect her, even when the wolf can't.
>Ask to see her brand, to see if that, at least, might be masked in some way.
>>
>>5134349
support
>>
>>5134344
Being ostracized for and branded as an outcast, the burst of power received by the werewolf transformation is extremely enticing.

The ferals still have to be dealt with and I wonder how well she will take it.

In order:
>(Something else)Tell her of you and your merry band of outcasts
(consisting of a cursed knight, his kobolt klan ward, a doctor who was chased off of her premises and a former bandit picked off of the road - laid out this way it's a miracle that they work together so well)
>Ask to see her brand, to see if that, at least, might be masked in some way.
Finally
>Propose to protect her, even when the wolf can't
>>
>>5134344
>Ask to see her brand, to see if that, at least, might be masked in some way.
>Something else.
Has she considered seeking expert medical aid? Perhaps someone can help with the scaring, and reset her nose so it heal properly.
>>
>>5134413
Support.
Join the ragtag band of Misfit!
We've got.
>Dragonbreath Reynauld and his carnival of kobolds
>Paramedic Paracelsus
>Bandit Bitchtits Bait
>>
>>5130381
>You are no mere lizard... You'd like to see a lizard with this much gold.
>>
>>5134413
>>5134721
>>5134750
Holy shit, we literally are a band of outcasts.
>>
>>5134754
So just a Darkest Dungeon party?
>>
>>5134760
Yeah, but we have over 4 people in our party. If the goblin joins us, that puts us at 12 people.
>>
>>5134791
the kobolds don't count just like the huntsman dog doesn't
>>
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Can you show me your mark? I've seen a lot of creativity when it comes to hiding scars and marks. While I have to admit that your face is... going to require somebody very skilled, a brand I can work with."
"...Okay." She says, as she turns around and, after opening up a few buttons, she removes most of her clothing and reveals her bare back and, if you weren't actively trying to see anything you shouldn't, a lot more.

This was... contrary to your initial expectations. Like, you did NOT expect to get an eyeful and, uh-

Okay, the brand looks... workable. Maybe a skin graft? It'd still look off, but if its turned from the Mark of the Abomination to just a burn, she'd be able to get a lot more done, you suppose.
Though, then again, how often does she get naked enough to reveal her back like that?

>We can work on that! Please put your clothing back on!
Remain calm.

>PLEASE PUT YOUR CLOTHES ON GOOD LORD


>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
>>
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>>5135021
>Cough
That's a nice uh, brand yes.
>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
>>
>>5135021
>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
>>
>>5135021
Suddenly lewd
Reynauld has already braved a careful inspection of Paracelsus's perplexingly bodacious glutes - he can take it.
>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
>>
>>5135021
>We can work on that! Please put your clothing back on!
>>
>>5135021
>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
>Spaghetti = Spilled
>>
>>5135021
>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
inb4 a worried member of our entourage walks in on this at the most inopportune moment
>>
>>5135021
>>Fight past your flusteredness and tell her that you can protect her
>now *mhm* please put your clothes back on

there are moments to be a prude and there are moments to push past it, this is one of the latter moments
>>
>>5135021
>spill spaghetti
>all the spaghetti
Nothing improves a woman's self image like a swell sperg indirectly calling her pretty.
>>
>>5135021
You know, I understand that she has been branded with fire and all of that. And that doesn't seem to heal properly after the gobowolf transformation. But wouldn't just slicing it off cause the area to heal over normally? You mentioned that they can regrow limbs and things. A bunch of muscles on the back and some skin has to be easier. Or did I miss something somewhere?
>>
"ah, uh, huhMm... Yes. It's.... Workable. I've, uh.... Seen people deal with, uh, worse ma'am. "
You are blushing... Its one thing to be surprised by a sudden eyeful, but you aren't wearing your helmet... You don't know how to act with tour face left uncovered. When she turns around, revealing her... assets, you flinch and cover your eyes.
"Am i... That bad to look at?"
Goodness, no! Q-quite the contrary But please, ma'am, put your clothes back on. You're indecent!" You say back.
You need your backup helmet. This is mortifying.

Fortunately, the goblin has dressed herself once more, and is staring at you.

You speak: " so... The brand, we xan fix, your nose as well. Though i fear the rest is... Beyond saving. At least as far as science can help us. Listen... I understand the need to feel safe. As such... I'll protect you myself, as long as you need it."

There's a long pause, while every emotion seems to pass over the goblin's face over the course of a few seconds... Until she seems to settle on scared.
"Do you promise?"
"On my honor as a wandering knight!" You state... And then she nods.
"Fine... But im keeping some of my blood on me. If things ever go wrong... I have my out."

If that's what it takes.

"Very well. Now... The ferals?"
"Once the guards are dealt with... And those benefactor people. Then, ill even help you. Deal?"

Even if yiu agree or not, you should plan on how to cure her. She can only be cured when transformed, after all. You'd better be prepared.

>Deal, ferals for after everything else

>I need to solve this problem now rather than later

>Find a way to tie her down that still permits you to carry her through the hatch and into moonlight
Think carefully. The ladder goes about 12 feet
>>
>>5135519
>Deal, ferals for after everything else
>>
>>5135519
>>Deal, ferals for after everything else

we would in my view be extremely retarded to try anything else
>>
>>5135519
>Deal, ferals for after everything else
>>
>>5135519
>Deal, ferals for after everything else
I would like to introduce her to our Alchemist friend. Her bedside manners leave much to be desired, but she is a good person. Perhaps I am wrong, and she can help with your facial scars.
>>
>>5135519
>Even if yiu agree or not, you should plan on how to cure her. She can only be cured when transformed, after all. You'd better be prepared.
What is the process to becoming a werewolf? Do you only need few seconds of being turned, or a full hour of exposure?
If she's agreeing, we can tie her up, then ask our doctor buddy to sedate her with heavy anesthetics so we can perform the cure on her without her foaming at the mouth from the pain.
>>
>>5135519
>Deal, ferals for after everything else
>>
>>5135519
>Deal, ferals for after everything else

>We really need to stop helping any town then; priority would be slaying the dragon inside before it gets out and rain desolation on the land
>>
"Deal. The ferals will be dealt with after everything else. Now... are you ready?"
"How are you going to do this?"
"Figured I'd tie you up and get you sedated. Forcefully transforming back is agonizing."
"Speaking from experience?"
"Yep. Was only for one night, and under controlled circumstances, but that sticks with you. I wasn't even all the way transformed and it hurt like hell, the guy I brought in was delirious from the pain."
"Why didn't they sedate him?"
"They didn't want to spend the cash. Fortunately, we have an alchemist here that's going to be donating a lot of supplies."
"The guy you killed?"
"We captured him, actually. Keeping him in a basement."

You finally reach your party again, and you can tell everybody has been... nervous.
"We heard the coughing. I-if you didn't tell us to stay..." Pink says, shaking. "Are you okay?"
"Vomited up something that felt and tasted like liquified burning coals, and I'm pretty sure my mouth is fireproof now. I'm feeling downright awful, to be honest."
"Where's your helmet, dragon?"
"Vomit-covered... and our new friend here has it on her."
"She is NOT a friend!" Pink yells back, scowling at her. "She shot you and she wears a scary mask!"
"Pink... Calm down. It's just a mask, and she was just scared. It didn't even hurt me."

The other kobolts pout, and Pink crosses her arms in protest... though nobody else has complaints. Paracelcus is already standing at the ready:
"While you were talking, I made the cure. Anything else?"
"Do you have sedatives?"
"You realize those won't work on a werewolf, yes? Wait, is she a werewolf? I just assumed."
"She is, and the sedatives are for the transformation back. It's very painful."
"...If you insist. These things aren't cheap, you know. Pain is temporary, and she's likely to go into shock. She won't remember a thing."
The goblin takes a step back at that, glancing at you and then back at Paracelcus. You can tell she's rolling her eyes under her mask, though you think the goblin can't quite tell.
"I have the opiates on me, don't worry. Just... get her outside after we tied her up. How long does your transformation take?"
"...Several minutes, I think?" The goblin says, uncertain. Alright, you can manage that.

You hope.

She climbs up the ladder, behind you, and you pull her into the moonlight in one quick heave. Almost instantly, she starts shaking and convulsing, and you are starting to understand why she wears all those rags. Seems like she can just grow out of them as she transforms without damaging them. She's gasping and panting already, rolling around as she's obviously trying not to shout from the pleasure.
It's a very pleasant feeling, as you know, but you should tie her up rather than musing on past experiences. Paracelcus has prepared the needle, and Bait is... at the very least skilled at tying knots.
So he has ONE skill, at least.
(cont)
>>
>>5136099
Oh shit, Reynauld was a werewolf once. What a colorful history on this man.

>and Bait is... at the very least skilled at tying knots.
>So he has ONE skill, at least.
Lets give the boy a lasso. maybe he could be good with lassoing people too.
>>
It's freaky to see a woman's skull kind of explode out of her mouth like that, especially as she coughs up teeth. Her skin seems to grow slower than the rest of her, though it seems to catch up as soon as the fur grows. Her legs crack, the balls of her feet disapearring as her shins snap backwards instead, while the rest of her bones, in a similar manner, crack to form the shape of a great big beast. Regardless of race, a werewolf is always going to be big, and in the case of this goblin... she's considerably larger already. Too large, in fact, as her torso seems to stretch upwards and outwards, her spine bulging outwards against the flesh in an obscene manner.
She's bashing her head against the cobblestone of the village, lost in the throes of ecstasy, while you use your considerable strength and frame to hold her down, the ropes barely keeping up with her transforming body. Eventually, the size difference is enough that you go from a bear hug to a full nelson, using the weight of your armor to keep the creature on it's knees. Considering the way it's build, this is a very weak position for it. Werewolves are generally rather top-heavy if they've been werewolves for long. "Young" werewolves tend to have distorted proportions, like legs that are too long.

She's been a lycanthrope for a long time, guessing from her proportions. She retains a fairly humanoid shape, hell, it's even possible to still tell she's a woman, which indicates she's been a lycanthrope for a very long time.
This also carries with it a considerable amount of strength and size, unfortunately.

You... aren't sure if the ropes and your strength are going to hold her, actually. Paracelcus stands at the ready, but things might get a little hairy if you can't hold her!
Just... need to hold her for a few seconds, so the cure can be administered.

Man, your chest hurts.

ROLL!
1D100+20
Best of 2
DC: 80
>>
Rolled 16 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5136111
Fuck
>>
>>5136101
You know your life blows when the highest praise you get is that you're good for more than just being zombie chow.
>>
Rolled 68 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5136111
an oof
>>
>>5136115
Bless you anon. Fuck. This test had me worried.
>>
>>5136111
I thought Paracelcus would cut up goblins face first so she could regenerate properly but I see we are kinda not doing that...
>>
Fortunately, and perhaps luckily, you manage to keep her under control long enough for the needle to be plunged inside of her... followed shortly after by another big needle.
"There. That should... help."
Paracelcus paused for a moment when she noticed how close she was to getting her shoulder bitten. You only barely managed to slam your arm against the creature's throat in time, and you're glad.
"Okay. That was... We only had enough for one cure, so I'm... thankful you stopped that. Yes." She says, perhaps with a bit more squeak to her voice than usual. Considering she just fought a golem wolf with nothing more than a knife, its a bit of a start reminder of how different a wolf golem is compared to a "proper" werewolf.
Speak of which, the creature is currently wheezing and convulsing, as well as shrinking. The tail has already fallen off, and it's just kind of collapsing on top of you. You pick it up as best you can, and the kobolts help to bring her into the alchemist's study. No sense waking up the town when she starts screaming.

You just barely make it, though you can tell that the sedatives are helping a lot.
"What did you give her?"
"Something usually used on horses. Figured that'd work out well enough."
"Probably." You say back, as you place the transforming lycanthrope on the ground, and place a biting stick in her mouth just to be sure. I also makes sure she doesn't make as much of a ruckus.

The rest of the transformation back is... unpleasant. Most of the kobolts end up moving into a corner, looking away from the bloody mess of parts that will, eventually turn back into a goblin. Bait joins the kobolts, though Paracelcus stares at it with a dispassionate stance. You can't see her face behind the mask, however.
You stand at the ready, just in case, and Marvin is shaking in his boots at the sight, but he felt like he was obligated to help keep watch.
"Oh man, oh light, oh goodness..." He mutters to himself, clutching his sword tightly as the beast convulses its way back into a goblin... Then, it's finished.
And she's out cold, probably due to the sedatives.
...

Hmm.
You went through a lot of effort to get her help, and now she's too sedated to actually be of help. What a shame.
Oh, she's also naked.
Anyway, what's next?

>Go buy the mercs

>Head to the benefactors

>Head to the guardhouse

>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up.

>>5136117
Things have been seared do not heal properly even when lycantrophy is involved. Her face is, essentially, too far gone. The disfigurement was clearly done with her lycantrophy in mind.
>>
>>5136143
>Go buy the mercs
>>
>>5136143
>Go buy the mercs
>Head to the guardhouse
Hit the benefactors' military arm (they surely had a reason for employing the entirety of the Guard via bribes) then hit the benefactors afterwards.
>>
>>5136143
>Go buy the mercs

>Things have been seared do not heal properly
Couldn't Paracelcus cut seared parts out?
>>
>>5136143
It would be nice to leave someone behind to look after the poor girl, but who? The kobolts need to stay with us, plus they're probably not too keen on her, Para is a dingus and Bait can't even be trusted to look after himself. If we weren't pressed for time, I'd vote to stay put until she wakes up.
>>
>>5136157
Leghumper and lock the place up
>>
>>5136157
On second thought, yeah, I'd say let's go with it.
>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up
1) She's a better fighter than the majority of our party, as long as she gets to do her thing.
2) Splitting the party has never gone well for us, there's no reason to expect that to change now (and yes, I do consider her to be a party member now).
3) Friends don't leave friends alone, naked and knocked out in a mad scientist's lab. We're better than that.
>>
>>5136143
>Leave Humper to watch the goblin, and to keep her clothed and safe
>Go buy the mercs
>Head to the guardhouse
>>
>>5136143
Question this is walled settlement right?
>>
>>5136238
Correct.
>>
>>5136239
What type of gates do they have and how many points of entry(like a small side door or something)? Something your guard boy should know.
>>
>>5136245
2 big gates, several smaller doors along the wall that are usually blocked off. Easy to defend if opened
>>
>>5136308
this was me btw
>>
>>5136143
>Go buy the mercs
If we wait too long they might get suspicious of our activities.
>>
>>5136143
>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up

Wouldn't be a great show of trustworthiness to dissappear after curing her when we told her we'd protect her when the wolf can't.
>>
>>5136143
>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up
We made a promise to protect her. Now is the time to keep it.
>>
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you have some very nice adventurers.
I will "borrow" them for a bit.

https://files.catbox.moe/uztnml.txt
>>
>>5136508
That's fair. Changing my vote from >>5136235. Still, let's send Paracelsus to get the ball rolling on the mercs, maybe?
>>
>>5136593
Is that really a good idea? She isn't exactly a social butterfly and we'll most likely have only a single chance to pull this off
>>
>>5136143
>>5136155
I will switch my vote to
>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up
>Ask Paracelcus if she can wake her up with something if it goes for longer then an hour


Also we shouldn't go to the guardhouse but gate houses and smaller doors first to block way of escape or entry. And also to attack smaller pockets of guards.
>>
>>5136657
She'll have gold bars, and Pink for backup.
>>
>>5136538
Well, this is an interesting avenue that I haven't particularly thought of
>>
>>5136143
>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up.
We said we would protect her. This will go a long way to building that trust.
>>
>>5136143
>Wait until your goblin friend wakes up
We're trying to build trust here, see if Paracelcus has any naloxone
>>
I need two handfuls of kobolt butt.
>>
>>5137397
Ditto
>>
>>5136538
Expected a collector BAD END interlude, got wholesome goblin lewdness yet again instead.

Honestly though should Reynauld encounter him, it'll become a <test of his resolve>.
>>
>>5137476
Reynauld does not generally tolerate undead. Eldritch undead especially.
Personal beef.

>>5136538
Good shit, strange pairing but I dig it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You elect to sit back for a moment, and wait for your kobolt friend to wake up. Before long, though, you decide to ask:
"How long will she be knocked out?"
"That will depend on her. Some people take it better than others, and she's recovering from horse tranquilizers. The lycantrophy also make it a bit of a difficult thing to place."
"...Is the drug still in her system?"

Paracelcus points at all the blood and parts that are left all around her. Transforming back is a messy business, but transforming back into something about a fourth of the wolf's size is.. a lot more messy. Bait has also pocketed the werewolf tail, apparently having overheard that those things are valuable. He stares at you for a moment, but you don't have the time or energy to actually do anything about that.
Also, you don't care.
Paracelcus, meanwhile, decides to spend her time collecting the teeth that fell out. There aren't that many, as it's only the extra teeth the lycanthrope had that fell out. The rest just transformed her regular teeth into bigger ones.
"Lucky." you mutter, as you spit out another tooth. You felt the gums under it burn when you vomited earlier, but it took a bit before the tooth fell out properly. Carefully touching it, you sigh as you feel like you've lost about half your damned teeth already. At least your gums and tongue are appropriately stronger, as well.
You get back to cleaning your helmet, so you don't have to walk around without it. You are at your most comfortable when you are rendered immune to most common forms of damage.

It's then that you notice that Bait is staring at you, fearfully. You give him a peek back:
"I, uh... I hadn't seen you without your helmet a lot. What's going on with your teeth, dude?"
"Dragon curse."
"oh, Gugh." He says, recoiling. "That's gross. So, like, do your teeth just fall out?"
"Nerve and all." You say back ,deadpan. You're just over it. Bait seems to be curious, still:
"So those sharp teeth... Is it hard to chew with those?"
"Not yet, but when my molars start going, I'm going to have trouble."
"The fuck are molars?"
"Do you ever stop swearing? Your back teeth, the flat ones."
"Oh."

There is a pause.
"Hey, uh... So... I-i don't really have anywhere to go. And you guys have been, uh, nice enough. All things considered."
"You have a place to go. You ran from a farm. Head back there."
"I can't do that!"

(cont)
>>
"Why not?" You ask, staring him in the eye as you ask. He... doesn't have an actual answer. You elect to keep talking:
"If you're afraid of being judged, I guarantee you that they'll be happier to see you again then they'd care to be angry. If you have a family, return to them."
Bait seems unshaken:
"But I want to be a knight... Like you. Righting wrong, getting paid for it, getting-"
You interrupt him, frustrated at how he thinks a wandering knight works.
"Shut up. If you want to get paid for it, you're a mercenary. I need money to be able to move faster, or more specifically, i need a horse."
"So, like... just take one. You're a knight, they can't stop you."

You glare at him.
"They lose a considerable amount of effort and money if I do that. Horses don't grow on trees."
"But aren't you more important than-"
"I am not!" You just about growl back. This is an insult. "People aren't worth more than other people! Who the hell raised you to spout such drivel, boy?" You say back. He recoils from your outburst, though you calm yourself shortly afterwards.
"You don't have the makings of a knight. Sorry to say it."
"Then make me one! I don't... I don't want to keep being me. I was going crazy in the farm, and I... I just got stuck in the woods. I would have figured something out, eventually!"
"You would have starved to death." You say, drying off the helmet after you finished cleaning it, and finally putting it back on. "Go home, Bait. Be a family man."

Bait flinches... But doesn't add anything. He just stares at the ground, dejected.
Well, now you feel bad.
You hear the goblin stirring, at least, so you finish the conversation here:

>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.

>Reinforce him a bit, and remind him that a life spent working justly is a life well spent.

>Call him an idiot and move on.
>>
>>5137641
>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
Chad needs a nemesis to compete with on his quest to knighthood.
>>
>>5137641
>>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
Bettering the world means bettering any person that need our help.
>>
>>5137641
>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
I have no idea why he thinks our life is anything worth striving for but if he's serious we'll try to at least shape him up better than he is.
>>
>>5137641
>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
Even if we fail, it would possibly rehabilitate him a bit
>>
>>5137641
>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
Funny how Bait can look at where the knight life has led Reynauld - associating with outcasts, hiding in a cellar waging war against the police, and literally falling apart - and think that this is something desirable. Then again, if we can lead a bunch of kobolts to better themselves, there's no reason why we can't do the same for this chronic fuck-up.
>>
>>5137641
>>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
>>stop calling him bait

if you guys are serious about training him, then come up with something better than that it's cutting and not something a good master would use.
>>
>>5137658
That's fair, we could treat the kid with a little more respect, and retiring the use of a humiliating nickname is the least we can do. We never even bothered to try and find out what his real name is, have we?
>>
>>5137641
>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
>Chad is your senior squire now. Follow his example.
>>
>>5137676
>We never even bothered to try and find out what his real name is, have we?
nope, we just started using the 'name' our socially inept plague doctor used when she was deriding him with scorn.
>>
>>5137641

>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
>Chad is your senior squire now. Follow his example.
>...What's your name, anyway?
>>
>>5137689
+1

Bait is being impressioned or whatever ehatever by Reynauld. Seems kind of sudden. We'll need to know a little bit more about Bait before we can determine if Knighthood is right for him, else it's just basic bitch training for him.
>>
>>5137641
>Move on
>>
>>5137634
For all he's told us (and as far as I can remember) he left to be an outlaw because he was bored out his mind and hated doing farm work(?)

>Reinforce him a bit, and remind him that a life spent working justly is a life well spent.
Autistic rant of virtues incoming
>"I nearly struck you down in our first encounter, a doll...? whatever, paralysed you and a mad alchemist would have turned you into a werewolf since you were with us. What has you so terrified that you'd rather take these chances than turn back home?!"
>you keep saying it's too late to, but every rotten day you stay away you deny your people, your family, the chance to forgive you.
>" There's repentance in returning. Regardless, absolution isn't yours to take by force, nor to earn by effort - it is given to you by grace."
>"Stop being a child, following people you think you can watch to learn to live. Grow up build your own life. Become a man, boy.
>"Should you the still hear the call to arms then...then heed it."
>>
>>5137641
>Perhaps I was too harsh... I'll see if I can't train you to be proper. In manners and morals, if I can't train your body.
If he can master the chivalry and ethics lessons them an only then will we see to training him to fight.
We can still give him some basic fitness training as that's useful for any non-academic proffesion
>>
How did we even become a knight, who trained us? Was it a monastery or some kind of order? If he wants to be like Reynauld so much, then the boy should seek where he had come from.
>>
>>5138907
The trainer was sacrificed to a Thing From Beyond The Stars, so that's not likely to be an option
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...You stop, and turn back to him.
"Alright. Maybe I'm being too harsh... I'll train you. But I'll be working on your morals first and foremost!"
"Yesss... People will finally respect me when I get through this!"
"Is that why you want to be a wandering knight? The respect?"
"It's a life of adventure! I mean... it's scary here, sure, but once you can kill anything that's a threat, it's exciting, right?"
You sigh.
"It's a duty. I don't do this for fun... I don't enjoy killing, but when done righteously, it is a chore like any other."
"That is the coolest shit I ever heard anybody-" You interrupt.
"Please. Stop swearing unless it's needed. Consider that your first task... Other than that, consider Chad your senior squire." You say, turning away... but then turning around: "To be clear? Legally, you are not a squire. Wandering knights don't have those in an official capacity."
"Oh light, more law sh- stuff."
It's a start on the swearing.
"WAIT A FUCKING SECOND." He then shouts.
Of course. You resist the urge to place your palm against your face.
"YOU'RE PUTTING ME BELOW A DAMNED KOBOLD!?"
"It's pronounced Kobolt." You correct him. "And yes. That's going to be one of the bigger things you need to learn. Race means nothing, it is the individual that is to be judged."
"But... They're vermin!"
"And they've also done more than you, up until now, so what does that say about you?"
"That's not... that's not fair!"
"It IS fair. That's why you don't like it. Now come on, we need to look after miss." You say, pointing at the stirring goblin. You placed a blanket on her earlier, so she's not exposed, and you just place the clothes next to her and turn away.

"Whenever you're ready, miss." You say, and she just grunts.
"...Thank you." She just says, perhaps a bit shakily, while you have everybody look away at your insistence as she gets dressed. It doesn't take long, at least.
"I suppose I can get some proper clothing, now, instead of easily removed rags... " She muses. She huffs, afterwards. It's still a bit traumatic, but then she takes a deep breath.
"Okay... Let's go get those mercenaries you talked about, then we'll go kill all those bastards."
"Maybe." You add. They might not all be malicious, some people are cooperating out of fear, you're certain of it.
...Then again, they went along with enough to be considered responsible.

You don't like this kind of moral issue. Anyway, how are you going to get the mercs? Are you going to do something in particular, or do you essentially march in with a kobolt holding gold bars.

>Yes. Walk in the inn and essentially yell that you need people with sword arms

>Approach in a more subtle manner

>Do something else instead
>>
>>5139420
>Do something else instead
Ask guard lad what he knows about the mercenaries, everything he knows. If they're in on this deal then it might be relevant. What do they look like? What of their manners? How do they treat others? Knowing who we're dealing with before hand might help us deal with them later.
Then...
>Approach in a more subtle manner
Okay, out of all of us who's the biggest social butterfly, and who's the most perceptive at reading people? We'll need them present during our talks with the mercenaries.
>>
>>5138907
Reynauld had a nobleman's upbringing, though it was a not particularly important house and he was a middle child. He was schooled and got some martial training the average man wouldn't get. After the crusades gave him experience and trauma, he came home and slaughtered his remaining family and burnt his family home to the ground, so he didn't have much better to do than do crazy shit hoping to die from it.
When he kept surviving and noticed how much he could serve as relief to people, he figured there are wayyy better things to do than trying to die, and got himself legally certified as a knight be heading to the king's court, getting the king himself to accept it, and then getting it figured out that he can't own property anymore and doesn't pay taxes.

On a technicality, the wandering knights have their origin in the Grey Knights, which was an old order that is, by now, functionally extinct. They had a similar approach, in that the grey knight is forced to tirelessly fight for what is good, albeit in a somewhat limited moral sense. They were very black and white, and they were also forced to never accept help from anybody, which left most of them emotionally dead wrecks that would, most of the time, simply collapse rather than die to any outside threat.
They were instrumental in saving a lot of people, and after a grey knight saved a prince from a kidnapping, they also enjoyed tax benefits for the order.

The wandering knights were grandfathered in at a later date, being less of an order and more of a status. Wandering knights are generally respected, though there have been bad apples in the past, hence why either the monarch or spiritual leader of the country have to look them over and decide whether or not they can be one. The pilgrimage is considered to be part of the "initiation", so to speak, though one needs proof of several "heroic deeds", which is a bit of a tenuous thing to actually try and describe.

Grey knights are still around, but very rare. All the same, you can always assume that they're able to kick your ass.

also i stole the grey knights from this image it's from Hushabye he does good stuff look it up
>>
>>5139430
We might be the highest social butterfly to talk to mercs.
Dragonslayer and all that stuff.
>>
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>>5139440
Pic related is WIFE!
Is Reynauld more or less related to the crusader in the Darkest Dungeon game? Does that mean that the super holy sword is buried somewhere in the ashes of what used to be his home? A sword that's harder to break would be nice, but I don't expect the quest's life expectancy to extend far enough to retrieve it.

Is there a list of weapons that Reynauld can and cant use?

Why doesn't Reynauld use a shield?

Could a Grey knight kick Reynauld's ass?
>>
>>5139446
>>5139440
When I say pic related I meant your grey knight pic, but argonian bandit lady is wife too.

>>5139445
Ah, shit. That's unfortunate. If only we had some kind of "I killed a dragon" badge.
>>
>>5139446
Reynauld is not related to the crusader from Darkest Dungeon. The man has been turned into a saint for defeating the Heart of Darkness, though he did not survive the process. He was chosen to come unto his maker. Being a saint, Reynauld turned into a popular name for Light-worshipping households, and even outside of those after some time.
Also, you could have guessed there is no relation between our Reynauld and DD Reynauld, as DD Reynauld was a farmer rather than a nobleman.

Reynauld can use almost any melee weapon to full effectiveness, though he's the most trained with a sword. When it comes to ranged attacks, he has trouble using bows accurately. He has the basics, but just never managed to get far. Crossbows worked out better, and guns are his forté when it comes to ranged.
Also, i do mean almost anything when it comes to melee, he could use a whip, flail or a shield quite effectively.

He doesn't use a shield because he just prefers not to. He likes having a hand free to grab or punch his enemies, and the plated glove lets him block quite a few strikes. Also: he has several pistols on him, and he prefers being able to quickdraw

A grey knight would be about equally matched with Reynauld, and Grey Knights are more pain-resistant than him. Fortunately, it's unlikely they'd ever fight.
>>
>>5139454
How well known is purge of Reynauld family within the kingdom?
>>
>>5139459
Very, though more because of the fact that they were worshipping the eldritch. The fact that their returning war hero crusader son did the act is interesting, but not as well known.
People mostly assumed said middle child is either dead or mad.
>>
>>5139420
>Approach in a more subtle manner
Ask the guard if he knows who the mercs are and try to speak to them separatly from the other patrons.
>>
>>5139460
Good to know. Although MC might be uncomfortable with it name drop is good tool to have.
>>
>>5139420
go into the inn
Stand in a stool.
open some random paper.
"By the crimes of heresy against the church and the murder of travelers in two confirmed occasions. The captain of the guard has a bounty on his head of two gold bar, dead or alive.
Any of his associates and further proofs of his crimes will increase the reward up to five gold bars.
A list of his know accomplices are as follows:
[insert names]
I will personaly hand over the rewards."

something like that, not sure how to sound official.
>>
>>5139420
>Approach in a more subtle manner
>Find their commander.
>Use as excuses buying their services in help of slaughtering pig people.
>Talk in private and explain situation.
>Go from gate to gate barricading it and dealing with guards.
>>
Also we killing all of the guards right? Or are we attempting capture them?
>>
>>5139515
You're mad. We can get these mercs on board for waay less than the full 5 bars. We need that gold for our hoard/future traveling expenses.
>>
>>5139528
It should be also noted that those "Benefactors" might overbid the mercs. We shouldn't skimp on the payment or it will possibly bite us in the ass later.
I also wonder... maybe we should do something like this Anon suggests >>5139519, but instead of dealing with the guards we could strike the Benefactors instead? The corrupt guard won't be such a problem if they're gone.
>>
>>5139519
support

>>5139521
>Also we killing all of the guards right? Or are we attempting capture them?
if I understand the situation right everyone but that one guard was in on the plot and working for the benefactors, so they all should burn in my book
>>
>>5139538
They can but also we are killing them so mercs are getting whatever we are offering + loot from benefactors + their souls are not condemned + fame from whatever we are killing there.
>>
Also bonus thoughts.:
Undead on a road and pig people may lead to idea of who benefactors are Necromancer/Pigomancer maybe both. After killing guards we should ensure that man won't be raised turned into zombies. Heavily armored and armed zombies.
>>
>>5139420
>Approach in a more subtle manner
The guard turncoat should be useful for intel qnd maybe making contact.
>>
>>5139515
Way too much money to be opening around.

>>5139538
Maybe, but the guards are the ones who willingly accept the bribes from the benefactors. They either need to be hanged, or imprisoned.

>>5139557
Yyyyeeeaaaah that's probably the benefactor. If we have enough gold left over, we should either use it to filly upgrade our armor so it doesnt look like piss, or use it to pay the mercs in helping us kill the pig demons.

Anyone have any other ideas on how to converse with the mercenaries? Maybe start out first by asking for their rates and how much they charge for a job?
>>
>>5139722
>Maybe start out first by asking for their rates and how much they charge for a job?

Real Condottieri Questions. Why splash the cash if they'll likely cut a throat for a handful of coins anyway. Whatever they give you for a rate, haggle it down even if we think it's already low. There's not a lot of room for comparison shopping in the local market so we know they'll be highballing us to start off. Keep the promise of loot/salvage quiet until the end of los negocios to reduce the out of pocket cost even further. I'd also dangle the possibility of a longer term engagement if we get their price low enough and they don't cock up the first job.
>>
>>5139840
Doesn't seem like Reynauld's forté. Leave or to Pink?
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>>5140415
Pink could tutor Reynauld, then he could use the knowledge to negotiate with the mercenaries.
>>
>>5140415
Why would a noble knight be unfamiliar with the details of engaging a free company of footmen for a battle or campaign? Seems like it ought to be well within his area of competency, unless he was raised by the sort of posh fucks who left that sort of work to the chaimberlain or seneschal.
>>
"We should probably use a subtle approach to buying the mercs." You say, after a short bit of deliberating. The others seem to agree, especially Martin:
"Y-yeah. There's, uh... probably off duty guards at the inn. Some people like to stay there instead of the barracks, and they have the money for it..." He seems to realize something as he says it. "I guess now I know how. I just figured they came from a well off family or something."
You shrug, and head to the inn with Marvin in tow... and the kobolts. As Marvin explained, seeing you without the little creatures would be more suspicious than without, though as long as they don't do anything crazy, it shouldn't form an issue. You leave everybody else in the alchemist's lab, for now, though you'll be back for them soon... and you also made sure to explain to them that if they hear anything strange, they're free and advised to just head outside and do what comes natural. While you would like to take them with you, somebody needs to look after the goblin for a moment, and you won't take long to get some mercenaries.
Hopefully.
The walk across town is mercifully uneventful. A few guards look your way, but when they see Marvin (who is unfortunately exceedingly nervous), they don't seem intent on saying anything. The inn sounds like a busy one, carrying much hustle and bustle. You suppose it's almost closing time for the bar, though, it's really late at the moment. Which means all the drunks are getting their last drinks in.
Merry comes easy when one is sloshed.

Snikt is quick to basically attach herself to your leg, nervous at the prospect of so many people, while Chad walks with his head held high and ready for a fight. You suppose they're all a bit high-strung at the moment, which is fair.
You enter the tavern, and it takes no time at all to find the mercenaries. They're just hanging around the table, looking like a collection of bad customers. Still, guessing from the lack of damage or filth on the table, they're smart enough not to cause a rucked. Most of them seem to be using hatchets, though there is one man who has some better armor than the others, and seems to have a hook on him. Ah, a classic.
He's the only one without a drink in front of him, and he seems to looking a map over. On a hunch, you walk up to him.
"Excuse me, are you the leader of these mercenaries?" You say, leaning forward. The man looks up at you, eyebrow raised, and then gives an affirmative grunt... And then he looks to the kobolts.
He puts the map on the table, and turns to you. Still quite taciturn, it seems.
"I have a job for you, but I'd prefer to talk of it privately. It involves pigs."

The man looks to his crew for a moment, and then knocks on the table twice before getting up. Two other mercs get up alongside him, and he jerks his thumb towards a private room. You decide to follow, and once inside, the man says his first word:
"Speak."
His voice is scratchy, but the tone is neutral enough.
(cont)
>>
"I have an issue with the town guard. In that they're kidnapping and likely murdering random travellers in the name of some vague collection of "benefactors". I have evidence and witnesses, but now I want to take these guards down. How much to get that done."
The mercenary looks at you for a moment, then to your kobolts, and then he decides to say:
"Taking on a town guard looks bad if you're wrong. We're going to need enough to make a getaway if it goes wrong. Five thousand. That's five hundred per man."
...shit. That's probably going to cost you all five bars, almost. You... don't actually know the exact value. You think it over for a moment, but then Pink calls it up:
"We've already found some of the loot in one of the accomplices office! We can give you allll the bars! Three big gold bars, sir!"
What is she doing? She speaks with a higher pitched voice, and she's clearly talking like a simpleton. The mercenary leader seems interested, though:
"Three bars? Hardly enough, and I don't know how big. Tin can? How big are these gold bars?"
Pink waits for you to begin to speak, before interrupting you:
"THEY'RE THIS BIG! As big as my dragon's old paw was wide! As long as mister knight's fore-arm!" She screams, excitedly, while you try to stop her.

The mercenary grins.
"...Give us the rights to keep the guard's equipment, and we're yours for those bars. Nothing less than that, though. Don't bother haggling. I know what you're good for."
...
Wait, hold on, he's only asking for three.

>Deal!

>Deal. But look reluctant about it.

>No.
>>
>>5140873
Good shit, Pink.

>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
>>
>>5140873
>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
Throw in a glare at Pink - apologize later
>>
>>5140873
>You're asking for a lot here...
>Fine, it's a deal, but don't expect anything more than that.
Note to self: Think of a way to reward Pink later.
>>
>>5140861
Also, we left Paracelsus behind with a patient AGAIN?! I sure hope the lab isn't in flames or just straight up gone by the time we get back.
>>
>>5140873
>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
Got to make them think they are getting a good.
>>
>>5140873
>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
Personally I would like to have armour set or two for ourselves because we are walking in scraps
>>
>>5140923
Nah we're walking in full proper armor, it's just been non-aesthetically patched.
>>
>>5140926
We should call dibs at least on guard captain armor. That piece of shit we currently walking in is held together by hopes and dreams of our kobolts
>>
>>5140933
Actually, it's held together just fine, it's just "ventilated" if you take away the metal patches
>>
>>5140933
id want the captains armor either way, so +1 vote
>>
>>5140943
>>5140933
>Ruining Pink's clever negotiations for secondhand armor
>>
>>5140873
>"...Give us the rights to keep the guard's equipment, and we're yours for those bars.
You're getting payed in the gold bars already. You get to keep the equipment of the guards you actually kill. You get what you're payed for, no more no less. Equipment will be defined as their armor and weapons that you find on their bodies. I dont have the authority to literally let you take the keys to their homes, or loot their armor, theres only so much bullshit the government will tolerate.

We cant let these gimp us on the cash, plus farm boy needs some armor.

>>5140923
>>5140926
>>5140933
>>5140943
Same sentiment, but are we going to let the mercenaries keep the belongings of the guards we kill? Because that would be stupid.
>>
>>5140873
How important is Reynauld's armor to him? Sentimental value, or would he just replace it with a better set if he could?

>>5140944
Armor is armor, and farmer lad lacks that. If not for us then for him.
>>
>>5140955
He'd replace it, easily. He's not one to get attached to weapons or armor, he just keeps patching this one up because it's more affordable and because it's a very good set of armor.
>>
>>5140953
>Same sentiment, but are we going to let the mercenaries keep the belongings of the guards we kill? Because that would be stupid.

Why would tat be stupid? We would want them to upgrade they equipment anyway especially if we plan to hire them for benefactors.
>>
>>5140873
>Deal but look reluctant about it.
>>
There should be more than enough guards for everyone. I just want two sets one for bait and one for us in case of emergencies. If everything goes well we end up with two bars of gold to upgrade Kobolts and maybe replace some of our shit.
>>
>>5140962
>I have evidence and witnesses, but now I want to take these guards down. How much to get that done.
Its stupid because we specifically said we wanted the mercs to help take down the guards, not the guards and the benefactors, and we would only have two gold bars left. If we wanted to hire them to help with the benefactors, we'd need additional capital to convince then to help us. Plus we need a new set of armor and a sword.

>>5140965
I refuse to give the mercenaries the loot from our kills. That's like giving them money for just participating and not actually doing anything. Granted they're expected to deal with their own guards to fight with, buy we're fighting our own battles.

Plus with us killing most if not all the traitor guards, the town will be without its defenders, so some militia men would be needed to help temporarily defend the town until the king sends reinforcements. Which means the Militia will need spare arms and armor, which also means fuck the mercenaries, we're not letting them act like mag pies and steal everything.
>>
>>5140873
>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
We Jewed the guards didn't we?
>>
Guard captain should have shit ton of cash. SO as long as we get to loot his place we are golden.
>>
>>5141078
That's the problem isnt it. We need to reword the contract so the mercenaries are looting the entire town.

>>5140879
>>5140880
>>5140886
>>5140888
>>5140914
>>5140923
>>5140926
>>5140933
>>5140943
>>5140944
Really if you think about it, if we kill a vast majority of the guards here, what's stopping the mercenaries from pillaging and looting?
>>
>>5141185
>"Taking on a town guard looks bad if you're wrong. We're going to need enough to make a getaway if it goes wrong. Five thousand. That's five hundred per man."
If they're smart and concerned enough to bring this up they're businessmen, not bandits. It's bad publicity to loot a town.
>>
>>5141185
>We need to reword the contract so the mercenaries are looting the entire town.
I don't know what you are saying here.

>Really if you think about it, if we kill a vast majority of the guards here, what's stopping the mercenaries from pillaging and looting?
They will have to kill us obviously because they have to take into account we can just label them criminals if they steer too far away from our orders. There are locals that will probably gather in force when we start doing our work. Idk what else
>>
>>5141193
You can never be too sure about these guys. Mercenaries are all about getting payed, so if they're exceptionally greedy then might try something.

>>5141197
Sorry, *aren't looting the town.
Dont know, I'm worried. Theres at least ten mercenaries that are armed and armored, and just 1 Reynauld, an alchemist, a fresh guard recruit, a failed bandit, and eight lightly armored kobolts.
>>
>>5140873
>pause of silence ..."deal"
>>
>>5140873
>Deal, but look reluctant
>>
>>5140873
>>
>>5141693
>>5140873
Shit, forgot this

>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
>>
>>5140873
>>Deal. But look reluctant about it.

It's pretty standard for mercenaries to loot what they personally kill. Looting rights are actually a pretty big deal. We might want to clarify what's normal vis-a-vis looting rights in setting with the QM.
>>
>>5140873
>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
>>
>>5140936
No stealing the uniforms, ID bullshit magic badges that identifies one as a guard, no stealing important shit. Money. Armor, and weapons should be free game.

OP what if Reynauld modified his gauntlet things to have metal spikes where the knuckles are? Would he deal more damage if he needs to punch a bitch?

Does Bait or whatever his real name was know any actual fighting techniques? Does he at least know how to bare fisted brawl? Has he ever chopped with with an axe? Is he at least good at throwing things? Can he use a slingshot? That's a basic enough bitch weapon even he couldn't fuck up using. Give him some iron balls and he should be good to go.

We've been training Chad to properly wield a sword, and I think it's been showing in his attitude, but what about the other kobolts? Have they been making any martial progress?

How expensive would it be to get everyone their own backpacks so they can securely carry their own assets, rather than dumping everything into the wagon? How much for a kobolt sized dress, or a little girls dress since that would fit the twins?

Was there a horse stable in this town? Can we sell the healing potion we have in exchange for a horse? You said horses cost at least 1k, or at 1k the minimum, while a proper horse costs 1.2k. If we sold the potion (with Pink's help to haggle) with whatever gold bars we had left, we should in theory have enough money to buy a horse, some feed for the horse, bradles, a saddle, and horse feed?

Would it be against Reynauld's knightlyness to loot the dead bodies of the guards we kill? If yes, would our kobolts buddies do the looting for us?

How's Snikt's back doing? I think it's been a day or two, but has her posture been improving?

How expensive would it be to outfit Chad with a kobolt sized set of alchenically treated steel armor?

Has Collar's stab wound (thanks a lot Baits) healed yet? I hope kobolts cannot get tinnitus.

After we kill all the guards, would that leave Martin the new head captain of this town?

Theoretically, would Reynauld be able to donate one of his eyes to one of the twins so they have full 20/20 vision, if his eyes were capable of regenerating? Would it be possible to test that theory our by cutting off one of his pinkies? In theory? If it regrows, that must mean his eye can regrow, right? If anything we can check dragon related books regarding dragons growing back eyes.
>>
>>5140958
Would it be a good or bad idea to get the twins eye patches for their blind eyes? Would they like the idea if they eye patches had embroidery of gems?
>>
>>5140873
>Deal. But look reluctant about it.
>>
>>5140958
Is Raynauld a virgin?
>>
>>5141882
An eyepatch is not very princessy. I think they'd rather go for a half-mask or a veil, or something more fashionable like that.
>>
>>5141955
Not if they are pirate princesses
>>
>>5141955
Eye patches can be princessy if they're fashionable enough and match the colors of their scales.
>>
>Spiked gauntlet
This would obviously work, but would be more lethal obviously. Also, those knuckle-spikes can get in the way.
>Bait combat skills
He's useless in a real fight, but he's done some axe work in the past. A decent thrower, too, but he'll need a lot of practice.
>Kobolt martial progress
Chad is the most noticeable because he uses the most complicated weapon. Snikt started out as skilled, and the Twins have to train on their own. The others know how to poke things with spears or stab them, and they've got decent footwork. Little more. Chad is also the only one that's more confident because of it, the others just see it as a basic skill.
>Backpacks and dresses
A backpack for the kobolts can put you back about 100, if you want an actual sturdy and deep pack. A simple pack will only cose you about 30. A kobolt sized dress, using children's clothing, will cost 60. At least for a fancy one.
>Horse stable
Yes, and he uses the base price of 1.2K. You're also correct on selling the gold bar, but the man selling the horses only takes cash, not things they might be turned into cash.
>Looting
Reynauld has no issue looting things he killed himself on it's face, but he's against gathering riches due to his oats and Wandering Knight-ness. So, usually, he only takes supplies instead of valuables. And yes, kobolt will take anything that isn't nailed down if you let them.
>Snikt's back
Her posture is better, but it's only been a few days. That brace is going to need a few weeks.
>Alchemically treated Kobolt armor
6000 Rosarians. It is very expensive to get a set of this stuff, and Reynauld got it through gathering goodwill.
>Collar's stab wound
It wasn't very deep, and her thigh has already healed fully. Collar heals fast;
>Marvin head captain
They'd have to send over a new detachment of guards from the nearest city, which by itself is going to be a bit of a legal issue. The journey is a few days, but it's still going to take up to two weeks. Marvin will be the temporary leader of the militia, but will likely be asked to come to the city to explain what the hell was going on in there
>Donating eyes
Even if it was compatible, Reynauld's eyes are being transformed, not replaced. Also, kobolt eyes are like two or three times the size of human(oid) eyes. They got some BIG peepers
>>5141936
>Is Reynauld a virgin?
Could be.
>>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You sigh, very glad that you're wearing your helmet, because you're garbage at acting.
"Very well... But I'd ask you don't use this to pretend to be the guards. And I don't want this village pillaged!"
"We just want whatever will sell. Nothing more. And we're not raiders. That doesn't have good long-term effects for us."
"Alright... and if I were to ask for you to help me take on the reasons the guard is corrupt?"
"We'll see. Might be a freebie, if the looting's good. So... When do we start? Do you have a plan? Our plan of action would be to surround the guardhouse, break the doors down, and get busy."
"Not a bad plan, but-"
"Also, now's the time for it: do you want prisoners? If anybody surrenders, we'll just take them in for you, no questions asked. Or we kill them. Again, no questions asked."

These guys are ruthless.

...Hmm.
You could start right now, but a plan might be in order. They seem plenty independent...

>Just get going

>Plan something

>Add in more things they need to watch out for if they want to get paid
>>
>>5142015
>Prisoners
Take over the jail first. Anyone that surrenders and puts down their arms can get thrown in to await the proper authorities. They don't surrender, they die, simple as. Not sure how that'll work longer term but considering how we're going about this it seems most humane
>>
>>5142022
This

Is what Reynauld wearing alchemical treated, or your standard set of steel armor?
>>
>>5142022
Wait no that's actually a terrible idea now that I think about it.

>>5142015
Changing vote to guardhouse.
This needs to be hit first because it will have the highest number of guards in one location. Do the guards sleep in here? If yes, what we need to do is approach the guardhouse, toss in several of Paracelsus's plague grenades to soften then all up, then wait for then to start running out. They'll be too weak to put up an actual fight, and as a consequence be easier to disarm and take into custody. After we chain gang style tie then all together, we can make our way to the jailhouse. THEN we can jail them all.
>>
>>5142015
>Plan something
in the middle of the night, create a commotion out in the middle of a field. any guards which come there to check it out will either be captured or killed on the spot dependent on their involvement in this entire scandal. this way we can thin out the guards ranks before the assault inside the city, and any form of commotion could just be blamed on the werewolf attacks getting much closer.

this way, we could get the guard out of their secure barracks, thin them out. cause panic and restlessness before we storm them.

and in the assault of the barracks the day after the night skirmish, we will have a mercenary throw blight and other bio/chemical weaponry that either Paracelcus or the alchemist has through the air pathways into the barracks as to soften them up for the quick charge.
>>
There's been a bit of a mis-communication:
The Mercenary leader is asking if you just want all the guards dead, or if they're expected to take prisoners. While this town does have a jail, it's only got two cells and is mostly used to keep the town drunk somewhere as he sobers up.
>>
>>5142047
Dude theres just 20 guards minus Martin. so it Raynauld, Paracelsus, our 8 kobolts, not Baits because hes liable to die, Martin, up to ten Mercenaries, and our goblin friend. vs 19 guys. There's also the fact that this is a village, not a city. Smaller place. Considering how the guards are in on the whole "werewolf" thing I expect them to be relatively lax at night and not all too worried, which means we can gas them while their not paying attention.

Some traps would be nice too. If the guardhouse or barracks door swings inwards, you can just tie a length of rope across a few inches off the ground so who ever goes through trips on it. Imagine a dozen guards panicking out the door due to the plague bomb gas, only to literally trip on each other.

>>5142051
If the mer entry leader wants 500 gold to be payed to each of his guys, what if we just hire fewer than ten of them? Can we choose to hire just five of the mercenaries?
>>
>>5142015
>Yes, take prisoners

>>5142046
Seems sensible. Support!
>>
>>5142015
Let's not kill anybody we don't have to. A knight shouldn't condone killing a surrendering foe, and two drunk jail cells should be enough to fit everybody who gives up while we deal with the bigger problem. The captain needs to be captured alive no matter what and interrogated about the "benefactors".

As for a plan, if our cover is not yet blown, could we just march into the captains office with the wolf tail and the goblin's mask and report our success with the issues? Then, while we're in, the mercs can attack from the outside and we take over the office and fight outward. Surrounded, pancking guards are more likely to yield.
>>
>>5142015
>Yes, take prisoners.
>Just get going
We lack intel to plan further, and don't have time to acquire it either
>>
>>5142015
>Take prisioners
>>
>>5142046
support

>take prisoners
>>
>>5142015
>Just get going
>Take prisoners
Let's get this over with
>>
>>5142046
I'd say take prisoners but don't make it a priority
>>
"Take prisoners if you can. We move now."
"Great. Let's get this done. We'll grab the gold on the way to the guardhouse. You can pay us after the fact, we just need to see the goods first."
Perfect, you were planning on going there anyhow to pick up the others.
"Very well."

...there isn't much to say after that, apart from one thing where Marvin points out the guards that are off duty in the inn right now. Considering that this is going to be a quick and dirty job, you sigh and let the mercenaries do the work.
There is a lot of screaming to follow from the few civilians present as the guards are tied down without a fight. Five strong men with weapons make it a short fight, after all, though one of the guards starts yelling:
"NO WAIT! THIS IS ABOUT THE BENEFACTORS, RIGHT!? YOU CAN'T STOP US FOR THAT, IT'S VITAL THAT WE DON'T-"
Then he gets kicked in the head, and falls unconscious.
Well, you were going to get more information out of the head of the guard, anyhow, so you don't mind too much.
The march through town brings forth ill omens. Most of the townpeople are asleep, and any guard that is found along the way is either captured or slain. If they're alone, it's a capture... But one guard was killed when they took out their sword and charged. He wasn't alone, either.
Once again, ten mercenaries against two lone guards isn't a fight, though you did step in on the last one by punching him, instead. He fell to the ground, and was quickly tied up. You broke his jaw, but he'll live.
Four captures, one death.

Now comes the guardhouse.
You finish up a coughing fit before you head in, and once again, you end up vomiting up some kind of orange, glowing, coal-like substance. It.... hurts considerably less, but it's as unnatural as you've looked. The mercenaries give you a look,but know better than to question the guy that revealed three gold bars to them.
They're also looting the weaponry, money and the metal plating on the guard outfits. The rest, they leave alone. There isn't much to steal, but that stuff will add up.

They're about to cut open the doors. If you want to do one of the plague grenade plans, now is the time. Just know that those plague grenades are lethal.

>Continue as per normal, break down the doors, move in, kick ass.

>Different plan
>>
>>5142634
>Continue as per normal, break down the doors, move in, kick ass.
Chemical weapons in a "civilized" settlement sounds like a terrible idea.
>>
>>5142634
>Continue as per normal, break down the doors, move in, kick ass.
If the gas goes out of control, it would put the civilians against us even more.
>>
>>5142634
Have Paracelsus and the slingers ready to support with grenades and stones if shit goes sideways... But for now:
>Continue as per normal
>>
>>5142634
Do the plague grenades yeah
>>
>>5142634
>Continue as per normal
Let's not use the gas then.
>>
>>5142634
>lethal plague grenades
Wait really? I thought they only severely debilitated
>>
>>5142634
>>Continue as per normal, break down the doors, move in, kick ass.
>>
>>5142634
>Continue as per normal, break down the doors, move in, kick ass.
>>
Hand holding with Pink
Change my mind
>>
Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>5142758
Debilitate a person enough and they die.
--------------------------------------------------------------
With a quick nod and a shout, the mercenaries kick open the doors, and break open the ones that the guards decided to lock. The fight... likely won't take long. Guards are generally well-trained, to be sure, but there are a lot of mercenaries and they have the element of surprise. You suppose it just remains to be seen how effective this all goes.
You join in as well, though you still feel a bit sick... Better than before, though.

Roll:
1D100+10
Best of 2
DC: 30-70
>>
Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>5143361
In the name of the dragon get on the fucking ground!
>>
Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>5143361
Nat 1
>>
Rolled 84 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

thank fuck we have a plus +10 on this
>>
hey someone else also roll with the mod so that we can have a case for spinejuice to take the rolls with the right modifiers rather than the unmodified ones
>>
Let's hope we are not fucked
>>
>>5143379
Just let the rolls be rolled, the modifier can just be added.
>>
The fight did... not go according to plan.
While most of the guards did fall in the initial surprise attack, the guards were able to rally very quickly, and now they've retreated into the office of the captain of the guard. The guardhouse is mostly standard issue, to be sure, but he seems to have been spending a lot of money on making it all very pleasant and, most of all, sturdy. While there's really only one obvious way in or out, there are currently five guards and a captain inside one small room, and you'd be funneled in. The mercenaries refuse to attack on that principle, especially considering two of their men got injured already.
The guards suffered more, however. Only two guards actually surrendered, and about a dozen more were killed on the spot.

You understand them not wanting to head into a firing squad, obviously, but now they have a well-defended position and guns. You also caught a short glimpse of the captain. The man has fancy armor, to say the least; Black iron with gold trimmings... No doubt that those "benefactors" are paying him well.
He's also really, really fat. That armor isn't going to fit anybody in your party, even if you get to loot it.
Either way, you're at a stalemate.

What now?

>Try to talk your way in

>Wait them out. You have time, probably.

>Get Paracelcus. Toss a plague grenade. That'll flush the bastards out.
>>
>>5143385
>Get Paracelcus. Toss a plague grenade. That'll flush the bastards out.
>>
>>5143385
>Get Paracelcus. Toss a plague grenade. That'll flush the bastards out.
Atleast it did not go completly wrong. Hoefully we won't barely pass the DC again.
>>
>>5143385
That's why I wanted call dibs on captain armour. But much dragon curse will probably cuck us from getting it
>>
>>5143385
>>Get Paracelcus. Toss a plague grenade. That'll flush the bastards out.
>>
>>5143385
>Get Paracelcus. Toss a plague grenade. That'll flush the bastards out
>>
>>5143385
>Try to talk them out
"Lay down your weapons and surrender, you will not be harmed. Cooperate, and you may avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Otherwise... well, do you know what a plague grenade does to a human body? I, for one, don't, but my alchemist friend here can explain (in quite graphic detail, I'm sure)."
And if that doesn't work, the grenade is going in. All of the grenades.
>>
>>5143404
Hey that's a good idea
>>
>>5143404
I'm alright with this, but I really don't think they deserve the warning. These guys are the last holdouts, the men loyal to this corrupt captain and his benefactors. They're the ones sacrificing people to grim experiments and throwing helpful shortstacks down wells.
>>
Alright.
They brought this one on themselves.
"Paracelcus? Plague grenade."
"Are you certain? They might not come back out."
"The door is right there. That said..."
You knock against the door, and the reply is a musket going off and impacting the door. It doesn't manage to break the solid oak door, though it does make you pause, for just a moment.
Okay.

"I'M GIVING YOU ONCE CHANCE TO COME OUT NOW. YOU COME HERE, AND YOU WILL NOT BE HARMED! I NEED INFORMATION, NOT CORPSES!"
The only thing you get back is silence. Alright then. You take Paracelcus' grenade, and then kick the door once. Locked, of course... You kick the door, once, hoping your armor will protect you if it were to suddenly open, but even with all your might, it's not enough to break down the door. Breaking a hole with the axe is likely not an idea, but... you might be able to break the hinges with the right kicks.
Another attempt, though this time you over-exert yourself... and feel queezy. A sudden wave of nausea overcomes you, and you rip off your helmet just in time... You retch once, and rather than a slow expelling of the red-hot goop, you end up spitting a a mouth-ful of the strange substance...
Damned curse...
It lands on the door, as well, and to your shock you can see it slowly burning it's way THROUGH the door, with an accompanying hiss. Paracelcus makes an interested little hum, taking out a note-pad to write it down, while the mercenaries look at you with... well. A lot of expressions. Revulsion is the most common, some seem to be scared. The leader is inscrutable, though, remaining entirely neutral.

....The bile doesn't get through the door entirely, but it leaves a weakness. The mercenary leader doesn't waste time, setting himself up next to the door, and then performing a powerful axe swing against the weakened part of the door, instantly slamming through it...
And then the axe is shot, several times. He pulls the axe back, looking at the chipped edge, and just tosses it aside before pulling out... a second, identical axe.
Huh. Prepared.
"LAST CHANCE! OR I'M TOSSING IN A PLAGUE GRENADE. IT'LL MELT YOU ALIVE, SO THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE! SURRENDER!"

Still no response.

The hole is small, but the grenade that was handed to you fits just fine. You are suddenly stopped by Teensy, however, who hands you a shield from one of the guards... Catching her drift, you stick it on a stick and stick the stick close to the hole, making it appear as though you showed up. They fire again, and then you toss in the grenade after the initial barrage.
The explosion is instant, the coughing is quick to follow, mixed in with some yelling... until, suddenly, it begins to trail off... and stop.
...That quick? That doesn't seem right. Then, you notice Paracelcus peeking in the hole in the wall, after which she says:
"Yeah, they're gone. They had an escape route under the desk, guessing from the hatch."

Oh.

Then, you hear an explosion, right under your feet. No more than a rumble.
(con)
>>
Pink puts her ear against the floorboards, and listens... and then sighs:
"Yeah, they collapsed the cave. Must have set that up a long time ago."
She shrugs.
"Probably went to their masters."
Damn it.

Well...
"Mercs? Looks like I'll have to use you people to fight their masters. The "Benefactors" we talked about. What will that take?"
"That fat bastard's armor alone will be enough. We'll help out. Looting's been surprisingly lucrative."

Speaking of looting....
There is a lot to be found in the guardhouse, and Collar has already started scrounging under beds and floorplanks to reveal little stashes of gold. The mercs, while they are jealous, don't do anything against that. Most likely, they agreed not to loot the actual guardhouse, but all of the money here is... likely tax money.
It'd be wrong to steal, especially if you're leaving this town without a guard to protect it.
But...
It's...

>It's yours. You won. You dominated. Take it. (Gain 1400)

>Take it, but no more than you need. Just 1300

>Take it, and help looting. There's more to be had.

>Leave it.
Be an idiot.
>>
>>5143455
How stereotypically evil do you have to be to have a secret escape tunnel in your office?
>Grab the money, sort it out later. Call it your bounty for solving the town's werewolf problem if it makes you feel any better.
>>
>>5143455
>Leave it, be an idiot
>>
>>5143455
>It's yours. You won. You dominated. Take it. (Gain 1400)
>>
>>5143455
>Grab how much it was to solve the goblin and the werewolf bounties.
We did the job, it's our pay.
>>
>>5143500
Supporting.

>>5143455
See above. Just what we earned for our bounties. No more.
>>
>Leave it
Rather be an idiot than a dragon,fagget
>>
>>5143500
This
>>
>>5143500
Support
>>
>>5143481
+1
>>
>>5143500
Support.
Dont forget about the pay for clearing the road we never got that either.
>>
>>5143500
This is the knightly option staying true to our humanity, while also being realistic about what we need, also fuck the curse
>>
>>5143588
That's true, it's part of our pay.
When we cut down the benefactors we can give the loot back to the town so they hire the mercenaries as the new guards or something.
>>
>>5143500
Supporting that
>>
>>5143455
>Grab how much it was to solve the goblin and the werewolf bounties.
Tell Paracelus that the curse is acting up.
Could she maybe try too keep its mental effects like territoriality and greed in check?
>>
>>5143873
She already does she kicked us when we found gold in alchemist place
>>
>>5143500
+1
>>
>>5143500
This it seems the best combo of honor and practicality
>>
>>5143455
Lets get payed for the 300 for clearing the roads, the goblin bounty, the werewolf bounty, and dealing with all this BS.
>>
>>5143455
How much does self repairing armor cost? Repairing armor is a hell of a money sink.
>>
...you really do need the money, and you did as they asked. You take 300 for clearing the roads, and then...
Well, you never actually got an exact price tag on the goblins, but you make a wild guess and go for 300 again. Bandits and a goblin horde are generally priced similarly, and finally, the werewolf... You might as well take 500.
200 coins are left here, and you don't loot the rest of the place. You grind your teeth a little as you do so, hissing when you slice into your gums with your new sharpened teeth... though you don't draw any blood. With that done, there isn't really anything to be done around here, though you need to get the hell out of here.
The gold is...
It's yours, truly, but you need to deny yourself that. 1100 gold isn't... actually.
Enough for a horse. But taking more wouldn't be fair.

You feel a little nauseous as you leave, and frustrated as well. But you bottle that up, and feel pride at doing so. You're not a lizard yet!
...Never.
You'll never be a lizard.
Suddenly, you feel a little hand on your back, and you twist around to see Chad.
"Dragon?"
"Don't... Call me that, right now." You say, more breathless than you thought you were. This is hard. Your lung burns.
"Are you okay?" He says, clearly worried. You slam your fist against a wall, and huff out
"It's fine. Just fine.... We're moving against those benefactors now."
"Okay. Mister Marvin is ready with the guards, but he's been crying a lot. Says he betrayed people and that the town is going to be defenseless." Chad says, apparently a little worried. Cute of him to worry about the nervous guard.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. We'll probably be able to hire these mercs or something... Set up a militia, maybe."
"Okay! Can you go tell him?"

Alright...

Do you have any plans for this village once you clear out those benefactors?

>Get a militia going

>Find a way to hire the mercs to defend it

>Stick around yourself to defend it, if you must. Bastards...
>>
>>5145164
>Get a militia going
>Ask if any mercs are looking for a career change
>>
>>5145164
>Get a militia going

>Find a way to hire the mercs to defend it
Theres probably some loot the benefactors have we could use to hire the mercenaries, if needed.
>>
>>5145164
>Find a way to hire the mercs to defend it
Trying to get the townspeople on our side for a militia is unrealistic.
>>
If these people value thier privacy and are selfish assholes would that make citizen militia the best option?
>>
>>5145175
I guess +1 asking if mercs want a career change too? But really I'm not seeing that career lasting if the mercs and Militia will eventually be replaced with guards sent by the government, and if the government would want to keep the mercs turned guards into permanent guards.
>>
>>5145178
Why would it be unrealistic? They need some ways of protecting themselves now. Certainly at least a handful of them have what it takes to be part of the Militia.
>>
>>5145164
>Get a militia going
We can't delay our trip to the Archimagus any more.
If we get healed, we can get back
>>
>Get a militia going
>Stick around yourself to defend it, if you must. Bastards...

after having taken on the benefactors, we should get some of the more burly men around the town + the mercs to act as guards while someone goes running for reinforcement. this way the town will be as secure as it most likely could be while being guard-less.

also, possibly thinking about if he were to get more dragon tendencies, that making himself view the town as "his" would be a way to keep the greed down.
>>
>>5145164
>Get a militia going
Locals most likely won't have enough valuables to keep mercs as their protectors.
>>
>>5145184
It's unrealistic because the cursed-deformed-sick knight and the mercenaries that murdered the Guard would be the ones trying to form the militia. Just look at Marvin's reaction, and he knew firsthand what was being allowed.
>>
>>5145223
That could take days, maybe up to a week. We cant afford that much time to staying in one place unfortunately.

>>5145228
It would be easy to just have Marvin explain everything, show of the piecemeal wolf corpse thing, and show off all the evidence we've accumulated. We can even have the mayor silently, sneakily, and descretly listen in on the interrogation and have the guards admit to being affiliated with the benefactor.
>>
>>5145164
>Get a militia going
>Find a way to hire the mercs to defend it
We still need to deal with the benefactors.
Also fuck you Mervin, they were floodi g the roads with undead, pigs, soo
werewolfs and would be indirectly responsible for a feral goblin attack, the guards were not protecting the place.
>>
>>5145164
>>Get a militia going
this is the long term answer

>>Find a way to hire the mercs to defend it
and this will be how we give the town time to get to that long term answer
>>
>>5145316
also this
>apologies to chad for snapping at him, we are...we are going through somethings
>>
>>5145321
on that note, i do think it would be a really good time after this, to tell the rest of the kobolds about our curse, since now that gobbo knows, we should let the others know as well. secrecy never leads to a good outcome
>>
>>5145338
Seconding
>>
>>5145164
Wheres my anxiety kobolt? I need to hold Pink's hand.
>>
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It didn't take long to figure out what would have to happen, though you suspect you'll have to guide marvin through it. Setting up a temporary militia to keep the walls closed is likely the best thing to do, though if things take a turn on that, you could try to hire the mercenaries.
No doubt that'll be expensive, though.

You explain that much to Marvin, who is mostly kust in a panic, and perhaps is also only now realizing the full extent of what taking on the guard means. The fact people would die is something that didn't fully occur to him yet. He knew people were likely going to die, of course.
Just a big difference between expecting it and experiencing it.
Calming him down, he eventually agrees to bring you to the benefactors, though he does ask that you help him prepare a way for the citizens to help. They're not likely to help unless they have a good reason.

" What do you mean? Isn't protecting the town reason enough? Its a temporary arrangement." You argue, but Marvin quickly explains:
"They won't see it that way! They'll see it as a job they, uh, don't get paid for. They often called the guard a bit... unnecessary. Said that most of us could be fired and it wouldn't matter. B-because of the walls."
You hate this town.
"Well cross that bridge when we get to it. Get us to those benefactors."

Marvin agrees, and then you walk off into the forest. The injured mercenaries remain here to guard the prisoners, after getting a quick patch job from Paracelsus.

The road to the benefactors is dark, and not just because of the moon being barely there, its crescent shape not helping the atmosphere. It didn't take long before you heard one of the kobolts complaining about the smell. Something akin to rotting fish and seawater, of all things. The kobolts smelled it before you or the others smelled it, and Paracelsus doesn't smell it at all. On account of her mask, you suppose.

You cough a few more times as you walk, though that red-hot phlegm didn't bother you this time.

Finally, you arrive at a... Lake? More of a moist hole in the ground, filled with brackish water. You walk away from the path, however, at the suggestion of the mercenary leader, and spy upon the surprisingly big lake...

Oh.
You can see the captain and his entourage around a stone alter not too far from your position. Guessing from the blood and the dagger, along with the stereotypical black robes, its not much of a mystery to know what happened to the travellers.

Occult activity.
You feel a deep, personal rage. It doesn't improve when, after some chanting from the captain, a maelstrom appears right in front of them, revealing some kind of pelagic nightmare. A fish, walking like a man and raising a strange staff as it warbles in a guttural alien tongue.

This is heresy beyond the pale.
They will burn.

>Charge them down, NOW

>Something more clever
Or timewasting. Just. Kill. Them
>>
>>5146034
>Something more clever
Got any more of those plague grenades? Hard to use an alter if you can't get near without melting
>>
>>5146034
>>Charge them down, NOW
Fiat Lux!
>>
>>5146034
There's times to be clever and thinky and times to just bust heads because you're low on, well, time.

This is head busting time.

>Charge them down, NOW
>>
>>5146034
No charging. Just put a bullet in it's head. Simple as. Parry this you filthy casual.
>>
>>5146034
Actually changing vote.

>Charge them down, NOW
Knowing Reynaulds past, this is probably more in line with something he would do.
>>
>>5146034
>Something more clever
Or timewasting. Just. Kill. Them
Plague grenade slingshot time to wittle them down.
Then
>Charge them down
>>
>>5146034
>Charge them down, NOW
>>
You need to kill them. It’s your god-damned DUTY to kill that thing and the disgusting animals that decided to help them. You take out your pistol, taking aim at the disgusting scaled creature, while the mercs seem surprised at your sudden action. Considering the distance and the time you took, missing was not an option.

The blast echoes through the forest, and the fish makes a sudden pained gurgle as you shoot it in the chest. It doubles over, cringing, while the remaining guards yell in alarm, while the captain of the guard yells out the order to open fire at where you were.
You, obviously, moved to the side and behind a tree. A good choice, considering the torrent of bullets that follows shortly after. Then, you sprint out from the treeline, forcing the blunderbuss-wielding foes to drop their weapon and switch to their usual weaponry. Three of them hold a mace, one holds a sword, and the captain is holding a warhammer with both hands.

The mercenaries seemed to figure that now’s as good a time as any, and you get ready for your fight by joining in… and you can already hear the hissing screech of Chad joining you in the charge, sword raised. A rock also proceeds to strike the helmet of one of the guards, likely a gift from the twins.
This won’t take long.

1D100+15
Best of 2
DC: 30-60-90
>>
>>5146110
Forgor my trip
>>
Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>5146110
>>
Rolled 54 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5146110
Let there be Light!
>>
>>5146110
>A rock also proceeds to strike the helmet of one of the guards

Twins aren't using crossbows?
>>
>>5146154
Thanks for getting a better tier
>>
i want us to take the warhammer of the captain, those shits are some of the greatest weapons against armored and non-armored foes back in medieval times. able to just CRUSH skulls and break ribcages through armor.
>>
Rolled 63 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5146110
>>
>>5146154
69 it is. Let's go!
>>
With a roar, you make a leaping charge, putting your full weight into your blade as you impale the first guard, who was holding a mace. Foolishly, the guard attempted to block your blade, though your sheer weight and power was enough to cause the clumsy block to not matter. The blade slides along the mace’s handle, and strikes the fool in the chest. Landing on one foot, you kick the cultist bastard off your blade, while the man with the sword moves in for a swing.

Relying on your armor, you grab the sword by the blade, close to the handle. Unable to actually gather speed, you retaliate with a quick stab to the fool’s throat, though then you hear a loud yell!
You look behind you, and see Chad reeling from a blow from the mace, wheezing in pain and almost dropping his blade as he does so. Wheezing, the guard raises his mace to try and crush him… But then a bolt strikes the guard in the chest, followed shortly after by a screeching ball of rage and knives hopping against the dying guard.
Snikt just warbles in a rage as she sticks her blades in and out of the guard, enraged, and you finish that guard off with a stomp to the head when he falls back, the blades not fast enough to your liking.

The captain of the guard, meanwhile, is using huge, dangerous swings to keep the mercenaries at bay, though he failed to actually defend his one remaining ally, who was quickly dispatched earlier by the mercenaries.

Making matters worse, however, is when you see that horrible fish demon stand back up, despite bleeding profusely from the bullet you left inside of it. It raises its hands, and you see strange, unnatural glyphs appear under the captain, and he begins to laugh as he swings that warhammer even faster, stepping forward with a sudden thrust, too fast for a man of his size. It strikes one of the mercenaries on the shoulder, and you can tell from here that the shoulder has been utterly shattered.
>>
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"BACK UP! HE’S ENHANCED!” the leader of the mercenaries yells, and the captain seems confident despite being outnumbered. When another rock and bolt are sent towards the guard, he surprises you by swinging the warhammer around, and blocking both the bolt and the stone.

…Fine.

You take out your other pistol, and growl out:
“Parry this!”
He flinches, and when you fire, you can tell he failed to do as you instructed. Then, you yell at the twins:
“AIM FOR THE FISH!”
The captain’s armor seems to have blocked much of the actual blow, though he’s still reeling from being shot. The leader of the mercenaries makes use of the distraction to toss out his hook, letting it hook around the bastard’s shoulder before pulling him forward, away from the fish he was protecting…
That little pelagic beast, meanwhile, raises its staff with another gurgle, and it begins to chant something, even as a bolt strikes it right in the chest… and a stone strikes at its knee. Whether it’s just that tough or unable to feel pain isn’t clear, but it manages to finish its incantation, sending a wave of shadows all around it and reducing the moonlight to nearly nothing. Worse still…

The brackish pool begins to swirl once more, and with a thunderous roar, you see some new creature burst from under the waters. It looks like some disgusting mix of octopi and humans, slithered around a large shield and a salty and rusty caestus. It instantly slithers across, practically falling apart and re-assembling close to the fish with the staff.
You prepare for another fight, and you can tell the fish shaman is preparing another unholy spell. Guessing from the whirlpool, however, it may just be an escape route.

Glancing over to the captain, you can at least see that they managed to subdue him. With fists, boots, and by disarming him. They’re currently still kicking the shit out of the fat bastard, while the mercenary leader joins you for the fight:
“They’re keeping him in one place! I’m not attacking that thing if you’re not!” He says, clearly nervous from the sight of this unholy sight.


The kobolts are with you, though Chad is still wheezing from the strike he suffered. Thank god for the Gambeson.

>Charge it down. You can’t waste time. Kill that tentacle creature.

>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman

>Another plan of action
>>
>>5146327
>>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman
>>
>>5146327
>Try to tackle and wrestle the tentacle creature aside as mercenary moves in to kill the shaman.
Or Merc doesn't want to strike shaman?
>>
>>5146327
>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman
If we don't, then it could possibly summon even more monsters or escape where we couldn't pursue it. Let's finish this quickly
>>
>>5146327
>>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman
Shaman is most important
>>
>>5146327
>Another plan of action
Kill them with fire. Dragons fire.
>>
>>5146327
Wait a gosh darn second. Dontvwe still have the blunderbuss Spinejuice? Can't we just shoot the Shaman really quick, then deal with everything else?
>>
>>5146327
>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman
Always geek the mage first.
>>
>>5146327
>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman
Rule #1: Kill the summoner first.
>>
>>5146333
>>5146349
>>5146372
>>5146391
>>5146517
>>5146522
But....but the blunderbuss?
>>
>>5146327
>Try to tackle the tentacle creature aside as you move in to kill the shaman

>>5146398
I don't want to risk doing something new, when we haven't tried out that ability yet. It was only accidentally that our phlegma we coughed on the door apparently melts steel beams. It is something to consider when we are on the road again, and have some time for experimentation. I'm sure Para-Mommy would love to see it.

>>5146534
I'm pretty sure the cultist guards wasted their shots on us which we dodged.
But yeah, if we know of a blunderbuss that wasn't fired, we can go for it. Though i am not sure if that's any better than getting in close since it may not be enough. Safer for sure tho
>>
>>5146564
No dude I mean the one we have, the blunderbuss we got from fighting the bandits and killing the witch.
>>
>>5146327
Hock a lugie at the shaman
>>
>>5146564
>The most valuable weapon you find, however, was an old blunderbuss. Most likely it wasn't used because loading it would have taken too long.
From thread 1. I'm assuming the gun is already loaded.

>>5146595
That would require taking off the helmet though.
>>
>>5146327
>Kill it with dragonfire
>>
>>5146567
>>5146597
Ah, completely forgot about it. Then ye, let's use it.
>>
>>5146327
>blunderbuss
>>
>>5146327
Shoot the mage with whatever guns we have loaded.
>>
>>5146606
This was my vote...

>>5146327
But I'll change it to
>blunderbuss for the Pelagic Guardian
>>
>>5146522
Okay, I'm changing my vote to
>shoot first, THEN charge
>>
>>5147162
We should consider modifying the blunderbuss to have a sturdier frame so it can be used to parry melee hits, and maybe add an Axehead to the barrel or butt of the gun. That way if someone is too close to switch to the sword, we can just use the blunderbuss as a two handed axe.
>>
>>5147225
Most blunderbuss were short weapons. Turning one of them into an axe wouldn't work well. It would also make it way less handy weapon to use in a pinch. For sure it wouldn't be a two handed axe.
>>
>>5147329
>Most blunderbuss were short weapons.
Is ours short? I don't remember if it was said to be short or long.

>Turning one of them into an axe wouldn't work well.
Why not?

>It would also make it way less handy weapon to use in a pinch.
You don't reach for the blunderbuss in a pinch though, you reach for the flintlock

>For sure it wouldn't be a two handed axe.
Hold anything with two hands and it's technically a two-handed weapon, including your dick.
>>
>>5147340
>Is ours short? I don't remember if it was said to be short or long.
Yeah, neither do I. I just assumed that it's short, partly due the fact that longer barrels are harder to make. If I'm wrong, then all of this post is irrelevant.

>Why not?
I might be wrong, but I think that it's better for combat axe or hatchet to have a longer handle to more efficiently convey kinetic energy to a target. I'm pretty sure that adding an axe head (most likely to gun stock) would make such a weapon unergonomic and harder to carry around.

>You don't reach for the blunderbuss in a pinch though, you reach for the flintlock
The thing is, our blunderbuss most likely IS a flintlock. It was said that it's an old gun. Newer black powder firearms use percussion caps. True, many first firearms used fuses, but propably this weapon just works with a flint.
And a blunderbuss is an ideal weapon for panic-fire. It's an old timey shotgun, perfect for close action. It's supported by its lack of accuracy and its property of launching multiple projectiles at once (be that lead balls or even stones).

>Hold anything with two hands and it's technically a two-handed weapon, including your dick.
I can't argue with that.
>>
>>5147348
I guess we'll know soon enough if a axe+blunderbuss idea will work. Good news is that someone among the guard had one, so if it's one of the long kinds we can use it, then commission a smith to add an axe head and steel plates to reinforce the gun.

>>5146327
Can we use dynamite? We got gunpowder, so roll it all up in a paper roll and throw it. Right?

Did we get any guns off the guards in the guardhouse? Have we been teaching Chad or any of the kobolts how to use a gun?
>>
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>>5147375
Dynamite is very different to a roll of gunpowder. Now what we might be able to get is an old timey metal sphere full of black powder,
>>
>>5147380
You wont hear any arguments from me. If it's easier than dynamite then we should invest some of our money in purchasing a few, in case we need a crowd control solution. The pigdemons for example?
>>
>>5147391
Aaaaaaaaaaannnnnnd now i'm picturing slingshoted-grenades.
>>
>>5147380
>>5147395
Give the twins spiked iron balls grenades. Watch them blow holes through everything.
I dont trust Baits enough to not blow his fingers off if he tries using a grenade.
>>
>>5146327
Do sword guns exist?
>>
As much as you would have liked to fire the blunderbuss, you never actually took that thing with you, it's still part of the loot pile by all accounts!
After all, you didn't get ammo for the damned thing, it was never loaded.
So, instead, you go for the next best thing, and try to get to the Shaman as soon as you can manage, trying to tackle the tentacled beast aside to reach it. The creature, despite it's lumbering appearance, appears to have been expecting that, and it attempts to strike you in the belly with it's caestus... though a quick chop of your hand against it's wrist stops tat straight punch, before you tackle against the creature... and recoil as the creature just gives way, instantly coming apart into different tentacled chunks! With a surprisingly fast yet lumbering move forward, it engulfs you in its many tentacles, attempting to crush you with it's might alone! It has a tough time getting past the armor, but you're still unable to move! Making matteres worse, you feel some kind of horrid slime leaking on you, some of it creeping into your armor...
It burns on contact, and you can't help but grunt in pain from the unholy demon's attack.
The Shaman seems to gurgle with delight at your predicament, until a hook flies behind it... and is then pulled back. The hook slices into the creature's shoulder, and the mercenary leader pulls the beast towards himself!

While the horrible tentacled creature still tries to murder you, the mercenary leader plants his axe into the stumbling fish creature's skull, killing it at long last. As happy as you are about that, your armor is starting to bend... Until, suddenly, the creature hisses and loosens.
The second you get the chance, you strike your elbow against the tentacled mass, finally removing yourself from its crushing grip...
You look over, and see that Chad is slashes away at the creature's back, which is likely the reason it was forced to loosen up.
Another rock and bolt fly out from a distance, both striking the creature as it hisses in pain, and then it raises it's shield. It takes on a purely defence stance, but the mercary leader just points at the thing, and calls out:
"Left side! It can't cover that growth!"

Right.

You move in first, kicking against the shield to send the creature off balance, before you thrust your blade forward, right at the spot the leader pointed out. True to form, the shield comes up... But the growth remains a weak points, too wide for the shield to cover. Your blade enters the putrid thing's flesh, and as you twist the blade around, it drops the shield from the pain! With its defences gone, you then move in to slice the damned thing's head clean off! It lands in the water, leaking out a thick blue blood...
Stepping away, you new just need to decide what to do with the captain...
He is very much alive, despite the beatings.

>Kill him on the spot for heresy.

>Take off the helmet. Burn him.

>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
Loot time!
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring him to the authorities. Resist. Urge. To. Kill.
Someone has to be held liable publicly for these crimes.
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
Hand we break his hands just in case he tries any more funny business?
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
If nothing else we need to get the full story out of him, we need to know if they've called up anything with all their blasphemy
>>
>>5147918
Kill him for heresy. Quick and fast.
Fuck this town, he doesn't get a trial qnd the townfolks are stupid cantankous assholes who will at best not care what he did and at worse actively hinder any attemps at justice
>>
>>5147918
>Kill him on the spot for heresy
>>
>>5148112
I klnow the town is shit, but it's still our duty to protect them. It comes with part of the job of being a wander knight. Plus if it's alive then it'll be easier to convince the authorities that we're not bullshitting them.

>>5147918
I got z great idea. Instead of selling the healing potion to someone from the town or the horse owner, why not sell it to the mercenaries? They've just recently been payed in both gold and equipment, they can most certainly afford a healing potion.
>>
>>5147918
>>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.


you know what the curse is trying to do anons resist, RESIST
>>
>>5148223
WE ARE protecting the townsfolk. We just don't need their approval. If dragging back the head of the demon-fish isn't proof enough for them, they can fuck right off. We're leaving anyway.
>>
>>5148585
Lmao we the government just needs to send an understaffed amount of guards to guard the town, then let the place burn for a bit after a bandit raid. That should convince the townsfolk otherwise.

I'm saying this from the perspective of a government official, not Reynauld.
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring him to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
But do give him a well deserved kick in the ribs for everything this asshole's shenanigans put us through.
Also ask the merc leader what it would cost to take up defense of the town until a new guard is established.
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
>>
Just btw I think we should take kid guard with us. Also his family if he has any. Because let's be honest he will get lynched or worse.
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring him to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
Without his gear and support of others he is just a heretical fatass. It shouldn't be that hard to take him with you to the authorities (possibly in the city where the archmage resides?).
He will most likely be executed for his crimes, but it should happen under the light of the Law.
>>
>>5148990
Aaaand we could also take the head of that shaman with us, to have another proof for the townsfolk that something bad was happening
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
>>5148921
Not agreeing.
>>5148991
Nice plan.
>>
>>5147918
>Capture and bring it to authorities. Resist. urge. to. Kill.
DOn't forget about the loot. The boss is dead, so we should start looting everything not nailed down to the ground, and sell it to collectors for the major muny. I want some propper armor for our bolts so they don't get hurt. Shields too. Before we leave town we need to 100% purchase a few bucklers for our friends.
I also hope there's gold and loot here.

>>5148921
We shouldn't. His job is to protect the town, and without him the town effectively has 0% nonheretical guards.

>he will get lynched or worse
Sounds like bullshit with no evidence to back that up, hard pass.

>>5148991
Agreed.
>>
>>5148999
>Sounds like bullshit with no evidence to back that up, hard pass.

1. Town is full of assholes
2. Town people think they don't need guards because they have walls.
3. Kid is only remaining member of the guard.
4. All guards are killed or imprisoned.
5. Same with local alchemist.

Yeah I guess there is no reason why townspeople of family's of guards we slaughtered would want that kid dead or run out of town. After all it's not like people are vindictive or something. It's just my silly idea hehe
>>
>>5149016
Yeah, it is a silly idea, which is why your idea deserves to go down the toilet :^)
But no really, just show off the corpses and people we start to understand. Failing that, and if they town for some reason wants to lynch Martin, he'll probably join us if he wants us. I don't believe it will come down to that though, but we'll see where Spinjuice takes us after we deal with all this bullshit.
>>
>>5149019
Yeah how stupid of me to think that locals wouldn't believe us. Knight in ragged clothing that slowly turns into spawn of Satan. With his ragtag group of kobolds, goblin, female alchemist and bunch of mercenaries. We are super trustworthy OuO! Also I'm sure that wife's, brothers and sisters and other members of family will be super understanding and resonable not only to us but also boy guard that took stance against their corrupted family members OwO!
>>
>>5149032
I'm glad you're finally coming around to reason. We'll take the guard captain, leave the newbie to hold down the fort, then be on our way.
>>
>>5149037
Agreed, we've wasted enough time on this pile of ingrates already. In one night, we sorted out the werewolf attacks, the town guard corruption and the Lovecraftian fish cult, and we're on our way to deal with the goblin army as well. At this point, it's up to the townsfolk to deal with their defense any way they see fit. All we need to do when we're done is cash in the gold, get a pair of horses and get the fuck out of this shithole.
>>
>>5148991
That's a good idea
>>
>>5149078
Supporting.
>>
>>5149078
>All we need to do when we're done is cash in the gold, get a pair of horses and get the fuck out of this shithole.
We might not have enough money for a pair of horses. A horse costs 1.4k, and we only have 1.2k. Good thing is that we have a remaining 400 golds worth in two barw (roughly) and a healing potion which costs ar minimum 1.4k, so if we want to exchange the gold bars right now with the mercenaries for 400 gold, and trade the healing potion to them for an additional 1.4k, we should in theory have a total 3k in coinage, which should be enough for two horses and pocket change.

If the horses dont come with the initial food and equipment we'll need to throw some of the two hundred around for that, but we should also have enough money to buy our kobolts something more substantial in terms of protection, like buckler shields, more gamberson, leather armor, and brigandine. At least for Chad. Snikt will get more leather armor.

Og yeah and therea the loot we can get off of these guards, whatever we can find in this swap place, and maybe the monsters shield, although if it turns out to be evil we're going to dissolve it with our dragon vomit.

>>5147918
Is everyone okay? How is Chad? He took a nasty hit a while ago.
I have a feeling Reynauld has more scale now after getting partially dissolved.
>>
>>5149406
We are going to need the archmage to curse us to turn into a human if things keep going like this.
>>
>>5149458
What do you mean?
>>
>>5149459
It was a joke that the dragon cursed us to turn into a dragon, so the archmage, being a human, would cure us by cursing us to turn into a human.
>>
>>5149468
Now I want to see a werewolf who was a wolf cursed whith anthrolycanie after getting bite by a rabid human
>>
>>5147918
You will not deny me my loot Spinejuice. If we can sell drums made of human skin, I want to sell some of the things the monsters had, and any other weird items we might find in the sewers from the feral goblins.
>>
Apart from breaking a rib from a rather vicious, rage-filled kick, you leave the stupid fat bastard alive.
"We'll get this wretch, along with those fish corpses, to the town. We will explain the situation. Then, Marvin is going to be sent out with the prisoners and the corpses as proof. In a cart, it will take him two days or less. In the meantime..."
You turn the mercenaries.
"How much for you people to defend this town until the city can send over more guards?"
The leader turns around, looking at his injured mercenaries.
"That's going to be expensive, bud. The people around here won't take kindly to us taking down their guards in the first place. Still, these fish are proof enough, so we don't need to make a quick escape from the law."
"Good... We found a healing potion in the alchemist's shop. Not to mention the loot from the guards. Is that not enough?"
"Nope... That said, this is a simple guarding job. We don't ask nearly as much. 100 per day per man, and with three of them injured, it's down to 700 for everybody."
...
"We'll talk about this when we get back to town." You decide, as you move back.

You make sure to loot what you can from these fish monsters, though they don't have anything worth a damn. A staff with a sea urchin on it isn't exactly valuable, and in the end, the only thing worth anything is essentially the shield that octopus thing was using. You take a moment to look at Chad while you walk, as well.
"Hey, squire?"
Chad just groans a little, nodding and smiling. As you feared.
"How are you holding up? You took a nasty hit there."
"...Chest still hurts. Breathing still funny. But I can walk. Kobolt strong, I will manage."
"Do you need me to carry you?"

His pupils seem to dilate at the prospect for a moment, going from tea-cups to saucers in a moment, and while he does vibrate a little bit, he still says:
"...O-only if d-d-dragon insists. Yes. Only if you insist."
"Alright, up and at 'em." You say, before you scoop him and and princess carry him. He weighs about as much as a loaf of bread to you, honestly. He seems to be put into a state of shock by the action, curling up entirely as you carry him.
"That feel better?"
"....mmmyes." He squeaks out. The other kobolts give off little "oohs" at the sight, and you are beyond caring.

...Your arm itches fiercely, though you have no doubt that that slime made things worse. You'll look at what the damage is later.
>>
Once in town, Marvin ends up ringing the town bell, forcing people to come out despite the late hours to see what's happening... When they see that it's you and the mercenaries standing there, alongside Marvin, the expressions turn sour... But nobody does anything dangerous. Marvin, very nervously, explains what has occurred. While the townsfolk are quick to call him a traitor, when the fish corpses are dumped on the ground before them... they turn quiet.
Then, one particularly well-dressed man steps forward, red in the face and speaking with barely restrained anger.
"This... can't ever leave this village. Do you know what they'll do if they decide us guilty of heresy!? The town's reputation will be shot, and... at the same bloody time, you just slaughtered all our guards! You've DOOMED us!"
Marvin just mumbles a bit, unsure of what to say.
"Y-you see, m-mister mayor, t-they were... they were killing t-ttravelers, sacrificing them to t-these... monsters. I'm... I'm a guard! I'm supposed to prevent this kind of thing!"
"You're SUPPOSED to serve your village, you wretched little puke! NOW LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE! LEFT US IN THE HANDS OF... SOME.. CRIMINALS!? AND THIS RAGGED MONSTER, WITH HIS OWN LITTLE THIEVES AND WHATEVER CLAIMS TO BE BEHIND THAT MASK!?"

The man's face has turned from red to purple at this point, and it's clear he's aggravating the townsfolk. There's about six times as much of them as there are of you and the mercenaries.
...
The goblin taps your armor, and you look down. She looks scared, trembling like a leaf before the increasingly angry crowd.
"I could have told you they'd do this... We should leave, now. Before they kill us."
The mercenary leader looks ready for a fight as well. He's gripping his axe intensely.

>Step forward and calm the man down
You'll need something to say for that, though

>Step forward and burn the man
He wants to approach a dragon, he will get burned;

>Kill the man with your sword and dare the rest of the townsfolk to step up if they want to take the heretic's side
You are DONE being nice.

>Turn around and leave. Kill the imprisoned guards and the alchemist on your way out.
Let them deal with having no guards. This is not your problem.
>>
>>5150119
>>Turn around and leave.
>Do not kill guards and alchemists
>"Martin, you are free to come with us. Let's find you a place to settle which isn't full of ingratefull short-sighted auto-destructive peoples.
>"Fellow mens of arms, forgot what I said about paying you to protect these men. Their leader just proved they were beyond all forms of salvation."
>Now, your guards and heretical alchemist are locked up [insert where]. You can get the alives ones back. Although I'll advise to deal with their leader willing to deal with heresy, killing travellers, and the alchemist, I won't kill them myself. I am a knight, not an executionner
>Repress hard all killing instinct. Not a lizard yet.
>But wouldn't I had kill all that heretics before? This is going too far in the other way
>REPRESS. ALL. KILLING. INSTINCT
>>
>>5150119
>Step forward and calm the man down.
Lower our voice and make sure this little conversation is between us and him only.

Your guards were causing much more problems than they were preventing. It was only a matter of time before a more formal investigation was made. Be thankful I found out and dealt with this instead of a proper knight or inquisition. This whole village would be put to the torch. Every man, woman, and child burnt at the stake. With Marvin here and the mountain of evidence and witnesses, They'll be content to send in a fresh guard and be done with it.

You have two options in the meantime until the new guards arrive. Pay the mercenaries to guard you I will cover half their fee. Or you could stand up a militia should you find them untrustworthy.
>>
>>5150119
>Step forward and calm the man down
>"The heretical actions undertaken in secret by a fringe minority, headed by a man abusing his position of authority (kick the captain again to punctuate the point), cannot be held against the community at large. I am certain that you were not aware of cultish conspiracy, RIGHT?"
>actually, fuck calming this guy down
>"On the other hand, mounting a defense for your town is your problem. I do not care how you solve it, but for your fellow citizen's sake, I hope whatever idea you go with is a sound one."
>Turn around and leave.
Holy hell, how'd this guy make it as a mayor? Convenient scapegoats are like lesson #3 in basic politics.
>>
>>5150142
Supporting this approach.

>>5150119
>>
>>5150119
>Step forward and calmly beat the shit out of the mayor
>>
>>5150119
>Step forward and calmly beat the shit out of the mayor. Then throw him into pile with capitan.
>Tell mercs their should use cart for wounded and travel with Marvin and when this shit is resolved claim reward for whatever happened. Or they can wait until they wounded get better using hospitality of this nice people.

I'm assuming we going different directions. If we aren't don't tell them to claim reward just offer them space for wounded.

>Then tell people to gather people in the walls keep the gate closed until authorities arrive.

>Trade shit with mercs for coin. Buy horses. And then fuck of.
>>
>>5150119
>Step forward and calm the man down
>I'm a wandering knight, Mayor. I'm hnourbound to help solve problems, and that means I have seen plenty of them.
>The guards were actual heretics, serving a thing from the deep, and your local alchemist was turning travelers into werewolfs. One of those is already enough to comdeen them to death, but both? It's horrible.
>You talk of the fate of heretics, so I take that you know the gate of House [our old house]? All of them were purged, including the ones that weren't direct worshippers.
>I'm telling you this because I took part in the purge, and also served in the Crusade. I know how the knight orders and the inquisitors are. Do you really think that with so many missing travelers, pigs and undead in the roads, you would never be found or investigated?
>You should be thanking Marvin on your knees, because you now can claim ignorance of their actions, you absolute bafoon!
>>
>>5150119
>Turn around and leave. Kill the imprisoned guards and the alchemist on your way out.
Seriously, fuck this town. We upheld our oath to help those who are in need, made these roads safer.
We should probably ask Marvin if he wants to go with us, though. I don't remember if he has family here - it could colour his response.
>>
>>5150171
>>5150182
Changing my vote to support this Anon's post. His idea is way better than mine
>>
>>5150119
>>Turn around and leave. Kill the imprisoned guards and the alchemist on your way out.
>Let them deal with having no guards. This is not your problem.
Fuck. These. Fools
>>
>>5150143
Adding to the suggestions - once we're done here, no matter what we end up doing, ask Marvin to take the fish corpse to the city and report everything that happened here. Also ask the mercenaries to accompany him - they are clearly not wanted here and can claim whatever reward there might be for destroying this cult. Maybe give them another gold bar or some of the money we took to sweeten the deal.
>>
>>5150171
Support
>>
>>5150242
Good idea, fuck the town.
I only said to calm the down because the idiot mayor wants to keep this a secret, he is going to get the villagers to attack us in a mob if we just try to leave.
>>
>>5150257
I don't think the average peasant is going to be brave enough to attack a squad of trained warriors, even as part of a mob. I could maybe see it happening if the whole town was in on the fish cult, but I doubt that's the case, considering, you know, Marvin.
>>
>>5150119
>Kill the man with your sword and dare the rest of the townsfolk to step up if they want to take the heretic's side
I AM DONE YOU MOTHERFUCKERS! I AM COMPLETELY DONE WITH YOUR SHIT! WHO WANTS TO TASTE MY STEAL!
I SWEAR TO THE LIGHT IF I HEAR THAT MARVIN HAS BEEN LYNCHED OR KILLED I WILL COME BACK FOR EACH OF YOU INGRATES!

Well shit, not many anons want to kill this guy.
Changing vote to cold clocking him to knock him out though. Can we at least punch the motherfucker? Please?
>>
>>5150171
This, but I still want to beat the shit out of this shitty mayor. Can we please beat his ass? Maybe gut punch him before throwing him to the floor?
>>
>>5150299
There are six times more townsfolk, and people become incresingly dumber the bigger the mob.
>>5150342
If he complains more, threatens us or admits to knowing about the fish, he is getting these hands.
Patient has a limit, and so does innocence.
>>
You step forward, staring intensely at the wretch in front of you. You put your hand on his shoulder, and the grip you have on it makes it impossible for the man to do anything other than listen.
"Your guards were causing much more trouble than they were preventing... A formal investigation, instead of the acts of a wanderer such as myself, would have this entire collection of hovels burnt to the ground and written out of history. For how would anybody truly know how connected they were to the Deep? Better... play it safe, no?"
The man turns pale, and you can tell your eyes are glowing bright enough to shine through the helmet.
"As it stands? The actions of this... fringe minority headed by a man abusing his... position of authority? Couldn't be held against the community at large, no? Surely... Nobody here was aware of such... cultist conspiracies, correct?
The man seems to be understanding the issue. You keep talking: "Work with us for a moment, and you'll get new guards from the city. Trust me, I know how these things go down."

The man seems to be insulted, though, puffing up again:
"And how would I know THAT!? Hm? As far as I can tell, you're just some puffed up monster in an iron suit!"
"Numitor. Do you remember my venerable house? Once... opulant and imperial? How it turned... into a festering abomination?"
You voice shakes, and you can't stop yourself from hissing. Your grip his shoulder hard enough for the man to to wince in pain.
"I personally delivered them from the clutching shadows, with torch and sword and blood. I did it to my own family, my father, my sister... Do you think I'd hesitate with you, if it came to that?"

The man's stares at you with pure terror, finally realizing what he's dealing with.
"Y-you're-"
"I am. Now, consider thanking Marvin, on your hands and bloody knees, for giving you an out. You can now claim ignorance."
You push him away, snorting.

"You have two options. Either form a militia, or pay these mercenaries to protect you. They ask for 100 coins per man, per day. Your coffers are no doubt still full? You can pay that."
The mayor nods, fearfully.
"I'll... f-form the militia. Anything. Just please, leave us alone."
"Very well."

You turn, and ask Marvin:
"Do you have a place to go?"
"I'll... I'll have to bring the evidence and prisoners to the city. We have a wagon for that purpose, so I'll be fine... I don't think I could stay here another moment."
"Good plan. Will you be safe?"
"Yes, ser.... Thank you for your concern. I can't say i'll miss the town."

Alright, you are ready to leave. Though you're still down a horse. The stables are on the way out, so you could just pop down the 1100 coins and take a horse. At this point, you've bloody well earned the little slice off.

>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.

>Don't be a thief... Just leave the cart and continue on foot

>Continue by having the cart be pulled by whomever isn't sleeping.
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
Now we would had considered dealing with the goblins, were it not for the fact theyr mayor pissed in our cereal.

Ask our goblin friend if she can give us numbers and directions for all the goblins in the sewers, hand the notes down to Marven, and see if our guard bro can get someone else to deal with it. We are GONE.
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
It's in no way stealing. We cleared the roads, we dealt with the goblins since they don't have a shaman anymore, we dealt with the werewolf and we are paying for the bloody horse.
>>
>>5150374
>>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
>>leave enough gold to cover the cost of the horse
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
Thief? Pah! We were promised a reward for solving this town's problems and we solved the town's problems, more than we were told about. Anybody willing to give us grief over the 100 difference should seriously consider whether that money is worth having us stay in their town longer just to cover it.
>>
>>5150374
>>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
Drop the money, found the archimage to curse us back to human, check our scale progress.
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole
Leave an iou 100 gold note
>>
>>5150374
>>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole
>>
>>5150374
Have the abs doctor check on our son- I mean Chad.
>>
>>5150374
Don't forget to grab the horse saddle, horse feed, reigns, and etc.

How don't we get to keep some of the stuff the guards were using? Can we grab some ammo for the blunderbuss before we leave, or keep the captain's blunderbuss? Did any of the armor the guards have fit on our kobolts?
Did our kobolts find any loot or gold on the imprisoned guards?
>>
>>5150374
>Take the horse, prepare the cart, and get out of this pisshole.
>Leave an alchemist gold brick as partial payment. We are owed a discount.

This leaves us at one brick, worth about ~300-500 coins yes?

>>5150858
Mercs called dibs on town guards gear as payment.
>>
>>5150635
I thought that was a given, as well as checking on our masked friend's face situation.
>>
>>5150940
No, fuck these guys, they're getting 1100 for the horse and they're going to like it.

After giving the 1100 for the horse, that leaves us with only 100 coins, 2 gold bricks, 1 weird fish shield, and miscellaneous stuff. Oh and the healing potion.
>>
>>5150958
Oh, thought we werent paying at all, then yeah, just give those 1100 coins and let's fuck off from this shithole.
>>
>>5150374
Is Reynauld still having coughing fits?
>>
>>5150374
We COULD skim 100 off the top of the cost for the horse. Y’know, the horse from whatever trainer put all that time and effort into it. Who didn’t personally slight us too egregiously. And it wouldn’t really be getting vengeance or compensation from the town as much as just being an asshole move to whoever manages the stables. So I say we
>Give them one alchemists gold bar and make up the rest of the pay with money. Then take the horse.
We’re a knight lads. A service rendered even by a prick has to be respected, and a discount like the one we’re proposing would only really be appropriate if the damages they caused costed us real actual wealth y’know?
>>
>>5151292
Hmmmmmm nah. 1100 is all they get.
>>
>>5151342
BAD LIZARD BRAIN.
Pay them the fair share.
>>
>>5151345
Nnnno fuck this town. We did far beyond what we were expected, and you know what? The 300 gp difference can be covered by the fact we dealt with the corruption in town.
>>
>>5151345
That's our money, and we damn well earned it. We need the money we have to purchase medical supplies for the plague doctor, more armor for Chad so he's not injured as frequently, and other goods.
>>
In fairness, most historical Nobles couldn't be fucked to pay a tradesman unless there was a pressing reason to do so, take the horse, keep our money, let's get going.
>>
we have enough valuables to pay for a horse we should pay for the horse. Not because its the right thing to do but because we'll be teaching our kobolds a bad lesson that if someone is mean we can take thier stuff.
>>
>>5151568
Nah, fuck this town.
>>
>>5151568
That is actually a good point. The town can rot in piss for all I care, but just for the sake of instilling proper values in the kids, it might be worthwhile to cover the difference with a gold bar.
>>
Spine juice already said once that the stable owner only wants money, not something that can be turned into money, they won't take the gold bar.
>>
>>5151647
That was when we expected a normal transaction. We're now in "fuck everything, I'm leaving NOW" mode - stable owner wants the money, he can cash that bar in the same way we would.
>>
>>5151568
Good point, supporting
>>
>>5150374
Does Reynauld have any cool shit on him that we dont know about, or tucked away somewhere secure for safe keeping, or everything he has is what hes carrying on his person right now?
>tfw no cool unbreakable Light bless sword
>tfw no ex-highwayman bestfriend
>tfw no pacient highwayman friend that can deal with your kleptomania
Why live
>>
You walk through the stables for a moment, after leaving the town to its business. The others follow you in silence, apparently a little intimidated by how you calmed down a screaming madman with just some careful whispers. Paraculcus is focused on Chad, at least, going over some questions.
You honestly just feel tired. You're just so tired of towns not being normal and slowing you down again, and these people have been downright malicious in how unhelpful they are. At least the horses here look healthy... You eventually spot a particularly large horse that seems to be calmly chewing on some of the wood on its stable door. It gives you a stare as you approach, and as you look it over, you spot the name and price tag:
"Tom-eight-O's". 1200 rosarians.
Heh.
You carefully more forward, to pat the horse on the head twice, and then you stroke the mane of the horse once as well. It lets you do so, and even leans a little bit towards your hand, apparently grateful for the attention. Guessing from the build of the creature, more akin to a workhorse than any of the others, you think you found your cart-puller.
It sure is an ugly beast, though.

You walk outside, and knock twice on the door of the stable owner before opening it. The man inside is currently drinking a mug of... something. Guessing from the foam, likely beer. He seems to be very nervous at you entering, but doesn't say anything. The man has a bald head, but seemingly decided to compensate through the use of a bushy mustache and eyebrows.
"I'm taking Tomatoes. Here's your money."
You drop down the sack of cash, giving him 1100... Off by 100.
"I owe you one hundred... A-a hundred..."
You feel... dizzy, all of a sudden. And feverish. The heat is getting to you, despite everything feeling rather clammy until a moment ago... Then, a horrific, piercing pain strikes at you, specifically in your left eye! After the agony of your lungs, it feels... comparatively quaint, but you still groan and clutch your head a moment.
The heat is rising, still, and you can feel it. That last quarter of a human lung just... disappearing. You could feel it disintegrating, but it didn't hurt.
You didn't even cough. The dizzyness is... frustrating... and you slam the wall you were leaning against with a fist, forcing yourself to stand up straight...

You look to the man, who has stood up... still holding his mug.
Your eye still hurts, and you're blinking away tears as well... But you're not broken yet.
"...I'm only giving you 1100 rosarians. Be glad for it." You say, feeling a rush as you say it. That feels.. That feels REALLY good. You step outside after that, the man too afraid to go against your strength, as you step outside and see the Kobolts and Bait are preparing the horse already... They took feed alongside it as well.
You leave the shield of the fishman behind. It seems to be made out of bronze, it should... It should pay for the feed. You're not overdoing it.
Even if you do deserve it.
>>
Once you're on the road, you just stare ahead, letting Tom-8-O's do most of the work. The horse seems more than willing to follow the road, and the going is obviously much faster. The goblin ends up sitting next to you at the front of the cart, adjusting her crossbow in silence. She did stop one short moment to tell you something:
"Thank you for... taking me in. I'll not get in your hair."
...You just give a grunt. Too much on the mind. Or perhaps too little. You can't seem to think of anything at the moment, and instead just stare at the road ahead. You listen to Chad and Paracelsus in the meantime, however, to get a feel on how your squire is doing.
"Well, that mace blow was softened by the armor, but you're still looking at some bruised ribs, at the very least. It hurts when I do this, correct?"
"Uhh-huh!"
"Well, you're not screaming, so the pain can't be that bad. The bruise will heal, but I'm going to have to ask you to please not do anything rash. You already took one bad hit, it's not something I'd advise repeating."
"Okay."
"...Take some of this, as well. It will help you sleep. There's still some night left, and I intend to get my winks in as well."
"We should set up camp, for what it's worth." Bait offers. "Doing an all-nighter's gonna really lay us out. We're outta reach from those bastards back in town, so... Might as well."

...You're inclined to agree. The goblin is quick to offer going on watch first, she slept during the day already, after all. You lean back and... sleep just about comes instantly. You didn't think you were so tired, but...
-------------------------------------
You awaken again a little while later. A blink of an eye, it seems. You stretch your wings out for a moment, releasing huge gusts of wind, and even sending some of the Rosarians flying... if they're still called that. Humans have their way of renaming their little pieces of gold. Yawning, you walk forward, off your gold pile and towards the waterfall close to your lair.
Hehe... "Lair". Like you're some monster, you think to yourself. Your retinue of loyal servants are already buzzing about as you walk, revealing what they recently found to add to the collection. You excuse yourself, finding a need to drink something before you can cast judgement on your little adorable servants...

...Although...
Something... feels strange, about today.

>it's been too long since a good raid, you might as well see if the governer refilled his coffers.
Perhaps you've got your gold fever again...

>You've been neglecting your kobolts, most likely. The adorable little loyal ones...

>You've been slacking on your magical studies.
You need to find a way to make life better for your constituents. They're as mayflies, compared to you;

>Something... else.
It's... niggling at the back of your mind, but you can't figure out what it is?
>>
>>5152186
>Something... else.
>Talk to Paracelsus, the curse is acting up and messing with your thoughts again, and only for a 100 coin difference.
>>
>>5152186
>Something... else
Not this shit again, though the curse seems to be trying persuasion instead of coercion this time
>>
>>5152187
What's a Paracelsus?
You don't know what that is, but it sounds familiar...
>>
>>5152186
>>5152192
>>5152175

both me, btw, forgot my name
>>
>>5152186
>>You've been slacking on your magical studies.
>>
>>5152192
>Perhaps you should go talk to that raven masked servant about these memory problems. Can't be forgetting things, lest you lose some of the hoard.
>>
>>5152186
>You've been neglecting your kobolts, most likely. The adorable little loyal ones...
>>
>>5152186

>You've been slacking on your magical studies.
You need to find a way to make life better for your constituents. They're as mayflies, compared to you;

Wanted to do this anyway.
>>
>>5152186
>Something... else.
>>
>>5152202
this +1
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>5152202
That sounds better, I suppose
>>
>>5152186
>You've been slacking on your magical studies.
Maybe we can figure out a way to prevent these strange dreams, these visions of a human upholding such bizarre ideal as honor, nobility or helping your fellow man.
>>
>>5152186
>Perhaps you should go talk to that raven masked servant about these memory problems. Can't be forgetting things, lest you lose some of the hoard.
>>
>>5152186
>You've been neglecting your kobolts, most likely. The adorable little loyal ones...
>>
>>5152186
>>Something... else.
>Talk to Paracelsus, the curse is acting up and messing with your thoughts again, and only for a 100 coin difference.

guys anyone not voting to break out of whatever this is is doing us a massive disservice and hurting not only our MC but the companions as well, we need to break out of the curses hold before it warps our mind, we know it is evil, and can't let it take ground.
>>
>>5152352
Who the fuck is Paracelsus dude?
>>
>>5152352
Did you not read >>5152192? We don't know what "Paracelsus" is right now.
>Perhaps you should go talk to that raven masked servant about these memory problems. Can't be forgetting things, lest you lose some of the hoard.
Vote for this instead if talking to her is what you want, unless QM declares that she doesn't exist in this dream.
>>
>>5152358
>>5152354

thanks

>>5152352
changing the last part to this

>>Perhaps you should go talk to that raven masked servant about these memory problems. Can't be forgetting things, lest you lose some of the hoard.
>>
>>5152352
+1
>>
>>5152186
>Perhaps you should go talk to that raven masked servant about these memory problems. Can't be forgetting things, lest you lose some of the hoard.

If it's not viable...

>You've been neglecting your kobolts, most likely. The adorable little loyal ones...
>>
>>5152186
OP. Can we sell our magic vomit and scales to alchemists for cash? We need more armor for our kobolts, and to alchemically treat our sword again. Maybe even get some proper armor for Baits, in addition to more food in the lad. The kid was severely malnourished when we met him, so he needs to pack on the pounds.
Reynauld: unfuck armor, unfuck sword, more armor for flintlock pistol and blunderbuss
Chad: steel armor, a buckler, and any additional armor he's missing
Snikt: more leather armor or any type of a better caliber that's good for sneaking, and a hug
Pink: hand holding, maybe a buckler, maybe give her the crossbow?
Twins: more bullets
Collar: head pat's and armor
Baits: armor
Sexy Shortstack: armor, spare clothes, a dagger?
Paracelsus: medical supplies and reagents. Literally where is she keeping all of her stuff?
>>
>>5152409
>>You've been neglecting your kobolts, most likely. The adorable little loyal ones...

I am telling you guys anything other than

>Something... else.

is giving the curse ground in the road to fuck us, all these other options are traps, I can feel it, man.
>>
>>5152186
1V1 me IRL YOU FAGGOT CURSE
>>
>>5152636
+1 for the lols
>>
File: KvsC.png (1.79 MB, 1300x891)
1.79 MB
1.79 MB PNG
>>5152636
U sure
>>
>>5152289
>>5152186
+1
>>
>>5152664
We killed an actual dragon, so I think we can take the fragmentary ghost of one.
>>
>>5152289
Ohh can we do this?
>>
>>5152664
We killed a dragon before didnt we? We can do it again.
>>
File: The Old Crow.jpg (428 KB, 950x1200)
428 KB
428 KB JPG
As you slake your thirst from the mountain spring water, you eventually decide to rely on one of your oldest companions. One of the very few you managed to keep alive, though it was not by your hand that it was possible. You supply her with your mana now, of course, to keep her going.
"Crow? Crow, where have you gone today?" You ask out to the sky, your voice powerful enough to carry far. It did not take long before you hear an answer, from the top of the waterfall.
"Great king? Great... king? You call for me?" A shrill voice says, before it chortles faintly. You look up, and see that she's taken up her old clothing again. Beak over beak. She is persistent when it comes to that, you suppose. Her body remains in flux, how humanoid she is can change in less than a year. Once, she had eyes on her back, today... she seems to be leaking again.
"Heeeheee... The great dragon still calls upon his bird~!" She says, laughing again as she jumps down, using her wings to slow her descent as she lands on your magnificent back. You let her crawl a little higher, up on your shoulder.
"I've... got the feeling something's... amiss today, Crow. Would you happen to know what might be wrong?"
"Perhaps the great king has been getting his great little dreams again? Where it dreams of being a man-thing. Back when old Crow was young? T'is but a silly dream, Winged Monarch. Big things like to dream of being smaller... yet the small things dream of being bigger! HEE HEEE!!"
"I suppose it could have been a dream. Or a nightmare, perhaps... It all hurts so very much. Yet there is a certain purity in that, I suppose. That great family of man..."
"Dragons should not be so reverent of the vermin! They should just feed them, to their wise old bird! Heeeeeee...."
"You've not had man as long as I've known you, Crow... and I've known you for a very long time."

She caws at that, before she twists her head around a few times, pecking under her wing... until she stops, swiveling around.
"Sire, King, Dragon! I sense... some man-things approaching. I can hear their little footsteps, and their shrill voices!"
"Yet more? Do they never tire of throwing their heroes upon the pyre?" You muse. A shame to end their lives, but they have a tendency to persist.
"Ohh, these are no ordinary heroes. Much smaller. Much more... strange. Hmmm. Pink is bringing them in!"
>>
Pink? Well... then it must be important! The Ancient is the person you'd trust more than any other. You push off against the rocks, and move your still sluggish body through the gigantic castle you took so long ago. Koganusân... still a lovely name... The dwarves fortunately like to build at your size, despite their own... lack of it.
Ah, and the gates are already being opened. Pink must have called ahead. She seems to be escorting them directly, and she towers over them. Standing almost three times as tall as any kobolt leaves her an impressive figure, so as you approach, the castle itself rumbling at your gait... It surprises you to see the people following the Ancient aren't running...
They looks as though they wished they were, however.

They are... so very small?
Incredibly so.


"My most trusted advisor... what have you brought to us now?" You ask, as you move your head down, until it is but inches away from the little thing's body. They would barely be a snack...
"They are very small... yet, they do not smell of dwarves." You hear both the little things yelp as they grab eachother. The mere act of sniffing them seems to scare them, as it should be.
"They smell of mountain flowers... and olives!" You add.
Ahhh, olives. A shame they're so very small. You'd need a barrel to get much out of them. But that's besides the point.
"And what... brings you here?" You ask to the little things.
"O-our... mmmuh... mmmom. I-is... r-rreally sick." The bigger of the two small ones says. It's female, you suspect. Very young...
"How old are you?" You ask, your breath causing her dress to flutter. The smallest of the two clutches the other's talon... no... hand.
Yes.
Hand.

"We're... I'm... I'm Malisa. This is Bjorn. I'm... F-fourteen, and he's eight. K-king over the mountain."
Hmmm, respectful, too? They're adorable. But... They are tresspassing.
"What reason does a mayfly as you have to find a dragon, hmm? Here to take of my hoard? Or do you seek to prove yourself, prove that you've seen my magnificence?"
"Nooo... My mom is sick. They say there is a bird here. I-it's... My mom's lungs are... fraying. They called it Congestion."
The Crow, suddenly, cries out. Lauging.
"CONGESTION!? HEEE. HEEEE. HEEEEEEE!" the Old Crow all but screams, as she crawls out from your back, and lands before the children, splattering blood around. Both the children scream at the sight of her.
"I know many things. MANY THINGS! I could help your egglayer. Yes! YES! Old Crow could! But she won't. Sheeeee won't. You should turn around, and leave! Before the King makes you from man to morsel!"
The children squeak... but the smallest one steps forward.
With a tiny little pouch.

"I took my savings! Everything I got! All twelve coins!! PLEASE, mister dragon! I don't want mama to die!"
Ah. An appeal to your heartstrings? How mani..
Manipula...

...
>>
You have to help them. It's only... right?
Right?
Is that right for a dragon?
How odd. It can't be right if it feels so wrong, can it?

>No. Tit for tat. They must amuse you for a time... then you will lend the old bird to them.
Maybe you'll even bring them home... though that is a cursed blessing. They would forever long to fly as a dragon does.

>No. It's a trick. This is not a place for children. Tell them to go home.

>Eat them
Such a little and tender thing... that will be delectable. Won't it?

>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
This should prove... interesting

>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>>
>>5153047
>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?

>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
>>
>>5153047
>>Eat them
Hungry hungry
>>
>>5153047
Fuck you dragon.
>Do not ask for compensation in the form of coin, their company and bravery in the face of danger is payment enough, as what they have would not add even a drop to the ocean that is your wealth.

>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.

>>5153081
No, bad! Back in the timeout chair with you!
>>
>>5153044
>Koganusân
Oh dear... I bet the kobolts learned real quick not to pull random levers.

>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>>
>>5153081
No fuck you curse lackey
>>
>>5153047
>>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
>>
>>5153047
>>5153047

>Their bravery is...impressive, for ones so young. So a trade, perhaps, may be offered.

>Twelve coins, for twice that in years saved, and ten thousand times that due in two dozen years.

>For half of them, they shall live of you. They will be of yours, and your horde, and you will teach them, and guide them in all ways. In the second twelve, they will be sent out, and bless your horde with wealth and prestige equaling ten thousand times that. In exchange, the Old Crow shall heal the egglayer. Failure will forfeit their lives- and their mother's.

>Perhaps this will be a bit of amusement, a lesson, and quite possibly, some decent work into the world, all in one effort, for quite little of your time.
>>
>>5153290
Can you fucking not give into the curde?
>>
>>5153047
>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
Fuck you curse, go choke on a dick
>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
Must be odd weather
>>
>>5153047
Supporting >>5153125
>>
>>5153317
But you gotta admit it's at least clever and not entirely evil, right?
>>
>>5153327
Give it an inch and it'll take a mile. I dont understand how your idea is clever, no offense, but why suggest that when we could instead subvert the nurse's expectations? I dare not give anything to the curse less Reynauld lose more of his humanity.
>>
>>5153290
I'd have supported yours if I expected we'd get to really play this out and see the long-term results... But this is a dream sequence.
>>
>>5153047
>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>>
>>5153125
supporting
>>
>>5153047
>>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
It feels wrong to do but we are compelled to, this must be related to whatever is wrong. Some sort of disease of the mind maybe? It will help find more symptoms for the crow at any rate.
>>
>>5153359
this
>>
>>5153047
>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>>
>>5153359
Yeah we shouldn't give the curse a fucking thing, if it wants us to go somewhere it's going to have to drag us
>>
>>5154058
How?
>>
>>5154139
By never choosing the options it wants us to
>>
>>5154142
Then what options should we make?

This? >>5152664
>>
>>5153047
(>No. Tit for tat. They must amuse you for a time... then you will lend the old bird to them.)
But this stands no chance, changing to
>Fly them back to their mother right now. Take the old bird with you.
>>
>>5153047
>Ask if... they perhaps know why today feels so... strange?
>Wait gates? Castle? You lived in a cave... This must be a dream! Wake up!
>>
>>5153047
>>5154166
If this attempt at a 'WAKE UP' does not work
>>5153125
I will +1 this. Fuck the curse and dragon it came from
>>
>>5154164
This is good too >>5153290
>>
Slowly, you blink, looking at the insultingly small bribe, only...
...
"Crow? Prepare the saddles. I suspect they are about the size of a kobolt."
"Ohh? OHHH!? Is the great King going to see them fall? Heeeee..."
"You know how to help them, and you shall."

There is a pause... and for a moment, you feel a deep, stinging pain. Your heart feels... It aches. The pain is faint but constant, and after centuries of not feeling such things... it feels horrid.
"..Hrhmm... Children?" You say, while Pink calls out for the kobolts to bring in the saddle for three. You are already laying flat, to make it easier for them to work, though they are fast and numerous.
"Children... Do you... know. What today is?"
"I-it's... The twelfth of January... M-mister."
"Not like that, but..."
You gaze around at your castle... and cave. Both, you suppose. Trying to spot the source of your confusion, perhaps?
"Today has been very odd to me, you see. Something feels wrong. For one... It doesn't seem right I'd be helping you, especially for no reward."
"I-I have my-"
"No. I don't want it. I don't... What am I saying?"

You are interrupted by the saddle being tightened, and then Pink moves forward.
"No worries, children. Master is very kind. He will fly very carefully." She says, as she lifts up the smallest and guides them to the straps. She's been rather quiet so far, but her kind voice has been a constant. You, meanwhile, try to figure out why you'd ever refuse the gold?
You deserve it, don't you? You're bigger and stronger. You deserve it.
Once the children are strapped in, tightly, the old bird also ties herself down. She's still giggling and cawing from time to time, clearly confused and amused all in one. Guessing from the weight, however, you suspect Pink is joining the entourage as well. Very well...
"Where are we off to, then?"
"W-we live in, uhh... We live in Lagniappe."
"Ahhh, I thought I smelled olives. Very well... Hold on tight!" You say, as you step forward, away from the tower in just a few towering steps, before you flap your wings once.
Twice....
And leap away, flying through the air. The freedom, the feeling of wind past your wings... This is the life! You shoot out a giant gust of flame, just for the fun of it, as you go higher and higher... before soaring down, towards the village of olives and goats. When you fly with purpose, of course... the trip is over before it really began. The little housings come into view, and you faintly hear the screams of the children on your back.
Hmm.
They came a long way for something that lacks wings.

You land in the centre of the village, as the little man-things run and hide, screaming in fear.
"SEE THEM RUN!! HAAA!!" Crow yells, flapping her wings as she unhooks her talons. Then, she hops off, while Pink carefully helps the others step out of the harness. You gaze on the fleeing little things, and wonder if you should find their larders...
You could go for some olives...
But that's not why your are here.
(cont)
>>
The children guide you through this fragile village, and you take care not to knock over too much of the place. Nobody comes out to greet you, it seems, and old Crow practically dances around the children as they walk. The children themselves are breathing heavily, shaking...
Why would they?
They're in the presence of greatness.

Then, a shack. It looked a bit smaller than the rest, and Old Crow is brought inside... while the Children remain outside. Now that you are here...
"The Old Crow knows her way around health. Your parent will be safe and healthy... But..."
Hmm.
What will you ask for this? They look as though those twelve coins are all they truly had to spare.

>Take the child's offering.
A quaint offering, but... the principle counts

>Take as you wish from the town.
You deserve it, after all.

>ask for nothing.
This is a horrible, terrible, no-good idea. It would make no sense. Why would you pick this?

>Ask if anyone else needs help.
For pay, yes? It has to be for pay. Just... a lazier way to attain your riches?

...These thoughts are... strange.
>>
>>5154217
>>Ask if anyone else needs help.
We are... oathbound? What oath? When?
>>
>>5154222
Support
>>
>>5154217
>Take the child's offering.
>>
>>5154217
>ask for nothing.
We are on limited time. We done what we supposed to we had to get rid of the curse
>>
>>5154234
We're in a dream state right now playboy. no memory of the actual world.
>>
>>5154217
>Ask of anyone else needs help
>>
>>5154238
It's clear his thoughts are confused thought of being short on time might bring us back. Also asking for more people to help will lead us from one insanity to another and we will get bogged down in it. We should help who we can and move on.
>>
>>5154217
>>Ask if anyone else needs help.
>>
>>5154217
>>Ask if anyone else needs help.
What more recompense do you need but the joy and relief you bring to the less fortunate. These little ones, so fragile and fleeting like the flowers of the field are all the more priceless for it. What is your time compared to theirs? Their meagre lifespans but a drop in the ocean compared to yours, each moment a gift, a precious instant that you can share with them. As there is a timeless beauty in the morning mist, so too is there in each tear of gratefulness shed due to your actions. It is your duty, nay privilege, to bring hope to the hopeless... Justice to the wronged... And rest to the weary. Their gratitude alone soothes and buoys your soul like the wind beneath your wings - for no matter your form... You. Are. A. Knight.
>>
>>5154222
I can dig it
>>
>>5154217
>>ask for nothing.

>>5154222
>For pay, yes? It has to be for pay. Just... a lazier way to attain your riches?

the text below it makes me think it would be a perversion of said oath, asking for nothing feels the right option
>>
>>5154217
>ask for nothing.

>Ask if anyone else needs help.
>>
>>inb4 everything prior tot his arc really has been a dream of memories long forgotten
>>inb4 our knight boy failed his quest long ago
>>inb4 this is the real quest now
>>
>>5154280
I was trying to guess that even in this state that the oath would still be be a part of Reynauld. Even if he doesn't remember why.
>>
>>5154222
>>Ask if anyone else needs help.
>We are... oathbound? What oath? When?
These strange thoughts... maybe following them will lead us to answers?

Also, it is eternally funny and absolutely deserving of mockery that the curse is serving Reynauld visions of wealth, respect and majesty, when the real Krazinkos lived in a dumpy cave in the middle of nowhere with a ragtag bunch of kobolts and barely any hoard to speak of.
>>
>>5154301
>Also, it is eternally funny and absolutely deserving of mockery that the curse is serving Reynauld visions of wealth, respect and majesty, when the real Krazinkos lived in a dumpy cave in the middle of nowhere with a ragtag bunch of kobolts and barely any hoard to speak of.

dragons and there delusions of grandur

also if you anons insist on voting to help please do like this anon did and make it clear we are not gonna ask for money
>>
>>5153125
Supporting. Let's not succumb to this vile curse. It's in our nature to help people, to make the world a better place
>>
>>5154303
You're behind.
>>
>>5154302
>also if you anons insist on voting to help please do like this anon did and make it clear we are not gonna ask for money
I thought that was clearly implied with the rewritten blurb. However, I am content to let, uh... who are we again?... the MC to act according to his best intentions, whatever they may be.
>>
>>5154304
Yeah, I've noticed it after posting. Sorry.

>Ask if anyone else needs help.
Maybe it's better to follow these strange thoughts? Just for the novelty of it?
>>
>>5154217
>>5154222
I support this vote
>>
>>5154217
>ask for nothing.
Because you are Reynauld. 10/10 I like the implication that Pink would still be with us. confirmed best long lived waifu or at least friend if shes not interested.

>>5154222
+1. Oaths are stronger than any petty curse. You can only consider yourself to be so great as you are kind and compassionate.

>>5154301
>>5154302
Yeah that chuckle fuck had no game. His life amounted to being known for eating a food knight, stealing some animals, and stealing from the alchemist's, which is admittedly stupid when the dragons was ONLY as big as a cottage.

>>5154266
Ooooh +1 I like this text.
>>
>>5154444
>Because you are Reynauld

But he DOES get paid as a wandering knight.
>>
>>5154452
Only for bare necessities that are required for his continued activity. Like gear repairs, basic lodging etc. Now that he is a dragon he has no need for anything they could offer him.
If anything, his new state should allow him to be even more magnanimous than before. To do what is right
>>
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>Reynauld having a The Darkness asylum intermission
Did the cart blow up and we're currently getting put back together?
>>
>>5154222
+1

and

>ask for nothing.
>>
>>5154452
Indulgently. You're both correct and wrong. He gets payed in a sense, but only enough so he can continue his job. His armor and sword dont stay in good. condition forever, and her can only forage for so much food in the forest.

>>5154550
>>5154293
Why are you confused? This is just a dream.
>>
>>5154613
>Why are you confused? This is just a dream.
I'd assume so, too, since the cure has pulled this shit before.
>>
"I am... O-oathbound. Even if I do not... remember. Does anybody else require help? I... I don't need payment. I don't... I don't WANT payment."
You feel as though your mind is shattering as you say that nonsense. The world begins to spin...
This is not the right way to proceed! This is CONTRARY TO YOUR NATURE!
You've already proven you don't WANT to be like this.
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?
A dragon deserves more, you've already shown more? What are you doing? This makes no sense! You're the most powerful thing on this earth, you even have your friends still with you, you're still doing things FOR THEM. Why can't you still act at least a little bit like a dragon?
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?
I'm ending this... You're still getting some more of our power. Please, let yourself take advantage of it, let us become whole again!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

You wake up with a start, gasping for air. You can't quite get enough of it, and you grab at your helmet for a moment... only for little hands to suddenly grab at it and pull it loose. Then, you try to scream.
It's not for any real reason, you just needed to expel... something. When you expel gust of blue fire into the night sky instead of making noise! You tap against the grass after about five seconds, and then the fire finally ends.
You cough out some smoke, and blink a few times...
"What the hell?" You eventually say, kind of wondering why you don't feel as though you've burnt to death at the moment. You look around, and see that Paracelcus has woken up... and is furiously scribbling down notes without even looking at the paper, or breaking eye contact. You also spit out about six teeth, basically all of them from the right side of your mouth, but...
Honestly, you're too confused to know what to do right now.

...It's here that you notice that the whole camp is staring at you, everybody but Paracelcus in a state of alarm. Though the kobolts are more in awe than plain alarmed.
"DRAGON!" is the most recurring shout.
"WOOOOOO!" The twins scream, clearly excited about the pretty fire.
Bait, meanwhile, has soiled himself, and the Goblin is pointing her crossbow at you, though she's more confused than anything. You do notice that she's under a blanket along with Chad, for some unfathomable reason? You suppose Chad didn't trust her enough to guard alone, but what's up with the blanket?
"Is, uh... is that normal?" the goblin asks, and you should probably make a statement at this point. The sun is rising, as well, so it's about time to

>Alright, go back to bed. I just had some spicy food earlier.

>Okay so maybe I explain some things.

>Everybody's awake? Good, let's get moving.
>>
>>5154657
>>Okay so maybe I explain some things.
>>
>>5154657
Lucy you gots some splainin ta do
>>
>>5154657
>Okay so maybe I explain some things.
>Remeber that I said I could relatre with you since I was also cursed, but mine was to turn into a dragon instead of a werewolf? Well, mine is magical and also sentient, trying to tempt me, both awake and in dreams.
>>
>>5154657
I really love the implication that the smut from earlier became cannon.
>Okay so maybe I explain some things.
>>
>>5154657
>Okay so maybe I explain some things.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9hh91-2iaA
>Please, let yourself take advantage of it, let us become whole again!
The "Please" part really draws my attention. In the first dream the curse was fire and brimstone, trying to really brute force us to accept more of it, but here it's asking, or begging? I think I'm starting to understand a bit more about this sentient dragon curse. It's trying to compromise with Reynauld subconsciously, for better and worse. It looks like we're winning lads. I almost feel bad a for it. Maybe Reynauld can take a little, but he's still a wandering knight to his core.

>You do notice that she's under a blanket along with Chad, for some unfathomable reason? You suppose Chad didn't trust her enough to guard alone, but what's up with the blanket?
Chad you dog you. Shortstackfags eat their hearts out, the gobbo is taken.

>>5154671
+1

>>5154672
thewhat
>>
>>5154657
>Okay so maybe I explain some things
>Then, let's get moving

No more time to waste. Cure now.
>>
Hear me out for a second. If Reynauld is aware that the curse is sentient, by not try to meditate and communicate with it? Do some philosophical debates to better understand it?
>>
>>5154671
support

>>5154675
The "Please" part really draws my attention. In the first dream the curse was fire and brimstone, trying to really brute force us to accept more of it, but here it's asking, or begging? I think I'm starting to understand a bit more about this sentient dragon curse. It's trying to compromise with Reynauld subconsciously, for better and worse. It looks like we're winning lads. I almost feel bad a for it. Maybe Reynauld can take a little, but he's still a wandering knight to his core.

I am beginning to suspect there is more to this situation than we know

>I'm ending this... You're still getting some more of our power. Please, let yourself take advantage of it, let us become whole again!

The let us become whole again especially has me curious is it a trick, or something else.
>>
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>>5154692
I'm curious about that phrasing too. Was it referring to the dragon we had killed, or Reynauld? Is the curse the gestalt consciousness of the dragon we killed in the first thread, transferring his mind via magic, or is the consciousness of the curse born of Renaulds own psyche, and it's referring the to trauma of our wandering knight killing his own family? I think it might be the former, but who knows until we address the curse again.
>>
>>5154657
>"No... no, it's not."
>Get moving.
We can answer questions while we're getting ready to move, but let's keep a more detailed explanation for when we're on the road.

Also, a timeline question: If I'm counting right, full moon happened on the previous leg of our journey when Reynauld was unconscious, is that correct? If so, did Pink have a chat with the curse? I assume not, but we never had a chance to ask about it.

>>5154692
>>5154704
My theory ever since that first dream sequence has been that the curse is a fragment of Krazinkos's soul, attempting to be reborn by taking over Reynauld's body and mind.
>>
>>5154711
You bring up a good point about the full moon.

That's an interesting theory. I wonder if we can combine Reynauld's and Krazinkos's souls together into someone new.

>>5154657
Spine did we get a chance to ask Pink to check out our curse during the fullmoon, or did we miss that chance?
>>
>>5154675
I take you didn't read >>5136538
>>
>>5154728
I'm afraid of it
>>
>>5154711
>My theory ever since that first dream sequence has been that the curse is a fragment of Krazinkos's soul, attempting to be reborn by taking over Reynauld's body and mind.


if that is the case then he fucked up and will eventually extinguished
>>
>>5154657
>Everybody's awake? Good, let's get moving.
>>
>>5154657
>>Okay so maybe I explain some things.
>>
>>5154657
>talk to the cursk2rjpe
>>
>>5154657
>>Okay so maybe I explain some things.
>>
"Alright, so maybe I should just come clean about this? I'm cursed. I'm going to turn into a dragon. Hence why I've been having some... odd symptoms, and the reason I'm headed to the Archmage."
"Ooooh! Dragon's going to be prettier? With colour are your scales going to be!?" Humper decides to ask. Sighing, you say:
"Blue, if things keep up the way they have." You say, causing Pink to happily say:
"That's going to look great with your new eyes!"
...
There is a short pause, and then the rest of the camp tries to get a better look past the helmet. you suppose you do see it already, from the discoloration to the glow you've gotten used to. All the same, as you hear your heart thumping in your ears for a moment, you eventually move on to ask:
"My what?"
"Your eyes! They turned a pretty orange overnight! That's a complementary colour with blue!"
The twins gasp in unison: "IT IS!?" They yell, delighted. Collar and Teensy also look more excited than before.
The only person who doesn't seem to be okay with it right now is Bait.
"...A dragon, sir? Like... The big fire-breathing..."
"I mean, you did see what just happened, correct? Now, come come. It's clear that I've got a bit of a time limit. Get the cart ready, we're moving out. I'll get tomatoes up and running.

Fortunately, you still remember how to take care of a horse. While you don't generally travel on horseback, it was still part of your education, and you do like animals a lot.
Eventually, you're on the road once more. The closest town would be about five days on foot, but on horseback it's likely closer to three days. Two days if you push Tomatoes hard.

>Push the horse a bit. You're in a bloody hurry!

>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.

Also, maybe you can talk to somebody on the road? There's options
>Chad and the Goblin seemed to be surprisingly chummy. What's that about, eh?

>Paracelcus is still furiously scribbling notes. Maybe it's time for questions.

>The twins and Pink are currently discussing... color theory. More specifically, Pink is teaching them about it.

>Bait is looking a little shaky. Maybe you should do something with him.

>Teensy and Collar are also hard at work... writing and drawing
Where did they get the paper and pencils?

>Humper is just leaning against your back, just enjoying the calm. Guessing from the faint sound of wood against metal, Snikt is doing the same.
You have to stay in place to guide the horse, but you can talk.
>>
>>5155529
>>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.

>Paracelcus is still furiously scribbling notes. Maybe it's time for questions.
>>
>>5155529
>Push the horse a bit. You're in a bloody hurry!
>Allow horse some rest by pushing wagon yourself and with kobolds while giving horse time to rest from burden.

>Paracelcus is still furiously scribbling notes. Maybe it's time for questions.
>Teensy and Collar are also hard at work... writing and drawing
>Humper is just leaning against your back, just enjoying the calm. Guessing from the faint sound of wood against metal, Snikt is doing the same.
>>
>>5155529
>>Push the horse a bit. You're in a bloody hurry!
>Chad and the Goblin seemed to be surprisingly chummy. What's that about, eh?
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
>Humper is just leaning against your back, just enjoying the calm. Guessing from the faint sound of wood against metal, Snikt is doing the same.
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
At least at first, the trip will take even longer if we push our horse into exhaustion

Can we talk with everyone? If not my order of priority is
>Bait is looking a little shaky. Maybe you should do something with him.
We need to be sure he won't panic again and do something stupid we might also combine with
>Chad and the Goblin seemed to be surprisingly chummy. What's that about, eh?
By tutoring them on knightly behaviour/duties as well, they want to be squires after all
>Teensy and Collar are also hard at work... writing and drawing
I feel we haven't really interacted with these two much yet we should reach out
>Humper is just leaning against your back, just enjoying the calm. Guessing from the faint sound of wood against metal, Snikt is doing the same.
Ditto for humper bit of a mystery that one
>Paracelcus is still furiously scribbling notes. Maybe it's time for questions.
Could be interesting though I doubt she's got much new yet
>The twins and Pink are currently discussing... color theory. More specifically, Pink is teaching them about it.
While this sounds adorable we've already gotten to know those three reasonably well
>>
>>5155529
>>5155552
+1
>>
>>5155529
>>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.

>Humper is just leaning against your back, just enjoying the calm. Guessing from the faint sound of wood against metal, Snikt is doing the same.

we haven't engaged with them much
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
Pushing him would mean less concern for other beings and practically an increased chance of its injury.

>Teensy and Collar are also hard at work... writing and drawing
It's a good time to get to know them more as we didn't talk with them that much before

>Bait is looking a little shaky. Maybe you should do something with him.
Yeah, maybe it's better to calm him down
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
>Paracelcus is still furiously scribbling notes. Maybe it's time for questions.
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
>Paracelcus is still furiously scribbling notes. Maybe it's time for questions.
>>
>>5155606
Adding
>Bait is looking a little shaky. Maybe you should do something with him.
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable to Tomatoes
>Reassure Bait, check in on Snikt's spine situation and mood, and listen in on the colour theory talk

>Wait to talk to Paracelsus about her new notes on your condition IN PRIVATE

No need to alarm the others, to to have a panic attack in front of them.
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
Do not bully Tom-ate-OS. He is a good horse and he is friend. Give him a sugar cube for being a good horsie.

>Bait is looking a little shaky. Maybe you should do something with him.
Let's ask the boy what's wrong.
>>
>>5155529
>Be reasonable for Tomatoes, you only just got him.
I refuse to believe the official spelling is anything other than Tomoooooooo.

So we have a bunch of unfinished business to follow up on.
>Bait is looking a little shaky. Maybe you should do something with him.
I bet it's starting to sink in just how messed up this whole journey is. Reassure the poor kid that we WILL get that curse lifted and everything WILL get better. Also, ffs, ask him what his real name, if only so that we can stick it to the curse by treating someone who'd clearly below us with basic respect.
>The twins and Pink are currently discussing... color theory. More specifically, Pink is teaching them about it.
What's color theory? Was that part of Reynauld's studies? ...Whatever, ask Pink about the curse chat (I assume the answer will be "nothing happened"), commend her for her quick thinking during the merc negotiation and let her get back to her lesson.
>Humper is just leaning against your back, just enjoying the calm. Guessing from the faint sound of wood against metal, Snikt is doing the same.
How's Snikt doing with the brace? She's definitely been a brave girl lately, and deserves our praise.
Also, we promised to give Humper a name, right? I believe the most popular suggestion was Carnelia, but it's not set in stone yet.
>Chad and the Goblin seemed to be surprisingly chummy. What's that about, eh?
Nice to see our newest member is already fitting in, but we should get to know her better. We know the goals and dreams of everybody else, maybe she'll share hers.
>>
>>5154733
It's actually less lewd than you'd think and moreso cute. More Ecchi than hentai if you catch the ol drift
>>
>>5155529
>Talk to Pink
I want to hold her hand
>>
"Boy? Sit next to me. We should talk." You say, turning to the boy in question.
"I-I think it'll be fi-"
"Come here." You say, more insistent than before.
He doesn't put up a fight after that, and sits down. He stares ahead, not looking at you, though that's fine. You focus on keeping a steady pace with tomoooooooo anyhow, so eyecontact wasn't really on the table to start with.

"You look shaken... What's wrong."
He seems to find it in him the be sarcastic at least. "Oh! I don't know, probably that you're turning into a giant man-eating dragon monster!? How am I supposed to deal with that!?"
"Remaining calm is step one. The second would perhaps be a sense of decorum... I won't turn into a dragon, boy, I've got too much of a vested interest in not eating people."
"You say that now! But what about in a week? You'll be hungering for some man steak by then I bet!"
He coughs out a little laugh after that, though you don't find it so funny...

"At least you're laughing. Listen, do you still wish to travel with us? When we reach the next city over, you could work for a time and then hire a carriage back home."
"But... I still wanna be a knight!"
"That's going to take years and an attitude adjustment."
"Do you even have years?" Bait asks.

....

"Whats your name, boy?"
"William. That's... That's my real name. William Kaneson."
"Alright, Bill... I'll keep that in mind over Bait."
"...I thought only that bitch was calling me that."
You slap him over the back of the head for language. He yells a little, but doesn't do anything else. The conversation does eun dry, however, and you turn your attention to Snikt and Humper.

"Snikt, honey? You doing okay?" You ask. Snikt replies with some confusion:
"Snikt is not bee vomit? Is doing okay, though. I am thinking about how pretty your wings will be when you is a dragon."
"I won't be a dragon. Im getting cured, remember?"
There's a pause, and then Humper adds in: "i like the human look... Maybe tou could stop halfway? Big scales, nice wings, but two legs and warm blood... Hmmm!"
She snuggles a little closer.
Snikt seems to agree, though.
"Yes! Nice wings AND still nice knight!"
This is tiresome.

"How's the brace?"
"Doesn't hurt any more! Back feels... Better? Less heavy. Even though brace is heavy."
" That means you're getting back your balance. Makes you stronger for it."
"Super nice!"
Cute...

... It's time to give Humper a real name. High time.
"Hey... Lady attached to my back?"
"Hmmm?"
"Pock out a name yet?"
"Nnnno. Can the dragon pick pleaaaaase?"

Alright then... >Pick a name
>>
>>5156731
Anon what are you doing
>>
so he's not yet used to having fangs instead of teeth with all those slurred words, but I'm sure he'll manage, no one has made fun of him yet so that's a good start
>>
>>5156749
oh its not Spine Juice
that explains the grammar and just overall dip in personality of the characters.
thanks for commenting I actually didn't notice it wasn't him...
>>
>>5156731
>Pick a name
Alright I'll bite. Madeline?
Esmeralda?
Rosluck?
Jasmine?
Gilda?
>>
>>5156751
I mean, it could be him, a really drunk and or possibly tired Spine Juice, or maybe my previous thoughts were right and this is some rando chuckle fuck.
>>
>>5156731
Well, it was a bold attempt.
Funny thing, though: I actually was going to ask you guys for a finalized name for Humper, though the default would be Alice.
I'm currently a little unable to update for another few hours, feel free to pop in suggestions so we got a nice spread of them available for the vote.
>>
>>5156756
>different trips
HHHHHHHMMMMMMMM
>>
>>5156756
I vote Wisteria as something that's constantly clinging but also beautiful
>>
>>5156757
>>5156756
As this Anon has just noticed, this isn't Spinejuice either. He even has the same ID as this attempt >>5156731.
>>
>>5156765
impersonation is the highest form of flattery- a very lonely person
>>
>>5156731
>>5156756
>>
>>5156757
It is the same trip as >>5146130, and if you check the first thread, he's posted under both before. I think Spine's just overworked.
>>
>>5156865
Shit ive been had.
Okay, full context: I was phoneposting on the way to my job and legit forgot to spellcheck. When people mentioned the update sucked and i anonposted on accident, I figured I'd beter make lemonade and just make an update later, pretending some retard pretended to be me.

Alas, t'is only I that proved to be retarded. Still rewriting that update later, though. Got late shift right now so i won't be able to do much for quite some time.

I'll go ahead and write a talk with every person,though, so it'll be a big update. To make up for the shitty attempt at deception
>>
>>5156877
>Still not the correct trip.
We shall see.
>>
>>5156877
I will give you one thing
Spine has three active quests, two of them on Akun, one here, that he needs to consider, all of them of a wildly different cast of characters
though this one has the biggest difference between the three.
The fact he can juggle 2 of them at a semi active rate is impressive, don't die of caffeine overdose though
>>
>>5156887
Is the fact that like a third of the updates in the previous thread were posted under this trip and nobody noticed until now not good enough?
>>
>>5156908
>nobody noticed
Answering your own question, friend. I don't even know if that's true. We'll see.
>>
>>5156915
>https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5084905/
Check for yourself, anon.
>>
>>5156952
>>5156908
>like a third
>literally three posts
Okay, I'm retarded. My point is, though, that this has happened before, and nobody, not even Spinejuice himself, commented on it.
>>
It is I the real OP, the last two have been fakes and cads, attempting to besmirch the quest.
>>
>>5156877
if this is you Spine, then don't worry about it happens to the best of us, and I would also remind you that quality is always better over quantity
>>
Esmeralda is a superior name!
>>
Anon has been cursed into turning into a QM and to satisfy the curses growing hunger is hijacking existing quests.
>>
>>5156731
Madeline or Esmerelda sounds fancy enough
>>
>>5156964
>spinejiuce
>>
>>5157456
tis part of the meme brother
>>
>>5156731
>>5157384
How about Maddie?
>>
>>5158148
It's kinda meh. Why Maddie?
>>
Personally I am more fond of the Wisteria idea. For the more poetic part that Wisteria is poisonous to humans. Just like the idea of being a dragon is poisonous to him. Hearing the constant reinforcement of having them call him dragon has to be a poison on his mind. So I think its quite fitting. A clingy, beautiful, poisonous vine.
>>
>>5158384
I like the poetry of it even if it might be a little unfair
>>
>>5158384
Humper doesn't deserve that. Just call her Ivy or Strawberry or something at that point.
>>
>>5156731
This update is hereby non-canon and rewritten below

You need to get busy. It's a loooong trip, and these roads are properly guarded for once. The first thing you need to consider, of course, is Bait. He's just staring ahead right now, clearly shaken by you belching out a gigantic torrent of blue fire.
This is, admittedly, a stressful situation.
You call him over, and he sidesteps the two kobolts that are currently leaning against your back, giving them a little look, before he sits down next to you.
"So... You seem shaken."
"How could I not be, man? You just... you just basically told us you're terminal!"
"To be fair, most people already knew that. I'm kind of surprised you assumed what I was going through before is something I'd bounce back from."
"Yeah, man, I... I thought you were going to the wizard to cure some disease, not stop yourself from turning into... whatever the fff.... Whatever the heck."
You can't believe he's actually trying to curb his swearing habit. What a wild concept that is, considering you only reprimanded him about twice about it. You take a deep breath, and you try not to think about how being "terminal" is... kind of correct. Identity death is about as bad as physical death, really. You try not to think about it too much, but... You do feel your stomach turning to knots.
"Well. I'm still getting it fixed. Same thing as a disease, you just can't make do with an alchemist to cure it."

If Paracelcus heard that, she didn't comment on it. Guessing from the scribbling, she's likely too preoccupied.
"Is that why you've got that bi... lady with you?"
"Partially. She also wanted to come along. Likely because she's interested in people turning into lizards."
"IN A MEDICAL SENSE!" She shouts, before she continues writing. As you turn around, you see that she's actually sketching at the moment! It... looks pretty good, all things considered. You'll look into that one later.
You look back to Bait... and decide something:
"Give me your name, boy."
"William."

"Right. And your last name?"
"...Doesn't matter. I'm not going back to my family. I could feel myself just dying working there all day."
"Did you leave because you were... bored?"
"I can do more than shovel manure!" He shouts back. You... doubt it, from what you've seen. The boy hasn't impressed you so far. Still, no need to discourage him.
"If you do some proper training. Your attitude is improving, at least. Less swears."
"Damn right!" He says, grinning... Then he realises he swore, clicking his tongue in annoyance.
Heh.
(cont)
>>
"So. Now you know the whole story. Are you still following me?"
"Somebody's gotta follow in your knightly footsteps, so it might as well be me."
"And why would you want that. I've explained to you what a wandering knight is, correct? They don't own property, they avoid riches unless they strictly need it?"
"...Yeah. But people respect you, right? And you can go see the world." He says, looking straight ahead at Tomoooooooo.
"Respect is a fickle thing. But... yes. You do get to see the world. You can go see the world without being oathbound to help all you see."
"...I guess I wanna be strong, like you. I can get there, you'll see!"

You're not sure if training this boy is going to have good results.
"I'm not doing this to be your trainer. I'm doing this to give you some better purpose in life than breathing, if farm work is truly beneath you. If you won't help people with what I'm offering, I'm sending you home."
"You can't-" You turn to him, and turn a bit more forceful.
"BY FORCE, if I have to. I want you to be a proper man rather than a boy."
He stares at you, and you can see a twinge of disgust in his face, before he tries to hide it...
"...Damn it, you're just like my dad." He says, leaning against the side of the carriage and facing away from you.
This is going to be a looooong training, if he keeps that up.
Or very short, if you so desire.

You decide to turn to a more pleasant conversation partner, or partners.
"Snikt? How are you doing honey?"
"Doing good! Back feels good. It... It hurt a lot, but today it doesn't!"
Ahh, that's a good sign. Although...
"It hurt? You seemed to be rather okay, earlier."
"It didn't squeeze that much. It just.... made hips feel all punched."
"Did you tell Paracelcus?"
"Paracelcus told me that was supposeded to happen."
"Supposed, honey. Not supposeded."
She makes a little whine, disappointed with herself for getting it wrong. You're quick to reinforce her again:
"Hey, don't worry about it."
"Snikt is a slow learner."
"You're really not. And try using "I" instead of Snikt."
"Descriptions are for names."
"No... if you're describing yourself, you use I. Same way you would use "you" to describe somebody you're talking to."
".... I is a slow learner?"
"Change the verb."
"I.... AM slow learner?"
"Don't forget about your articles."
"I am A slow learner!"
"And that's only incorrect in what you're saying. You're a clever girl, Snikt, you've proven that plenty of times."
>>
She giggles a little, and guessing from the scraping of wood against armor, she snuggled up a little more.
Remind you of the other thing attached to you.
"Say, Humper?"
"Yes!" She replies, her voice a bit more clear and excited than Snikt's.
"...Did you think about a new name?"
"I heard about the name Esmeralda from Collar! She ate a novel inside the alchemist's place and told me that that's the name of a girl in that book!"
"Really. It does sound nice.... Wait, did Collar eat the book?"
"She does that!"
Undoubtedly... "Can she tell you what the book was about?"
"She told me she skimmed it before eating the words. It's about this super ugly guy and his priest dad and they see this super pretty girl called Esmeralda and this pretty girl believes in stories. So she thinks things are gonna go like the stories, and then they don't and everybody dies. The ugly guy crawls in her coffin and hugs her, and when they open the casket later his skeleton, like, crumbles into dust."

...You blink.

You blink again.

"That doesn't sound like a happy novel." You say, a little disturbed, while Humper just laughs.
"Yeah, it's not. Written really pretty, though, talked a lot about this cathedral place. Can we go see a cathedral!?"
"...Perhaps. There's a major city not far from the archmage. After I get this curse business sorted, we can make a visit there. I'll try to convince the guards there to let you in, they owe me a favour or two from a year or two ago."
Snikt taps against the armour.
"What did the dragon doooo?"
"Caught a serial killer.... then a cannibal cult. Finally a necromancer that was controlling said cannibal cult... then a lich that was mind controlling said necromancer."
"What's a necrodancer?"
"Necro-MANcer. They use magic to resurrect the dead, and they're one of the more common magical issues. Resurrecting the dead can be done through rituals, no personal magic required, but the control magic requires mana. No control means most necromancers get eaten when they resurrect the wrong creature."
"Can they resurrect friends?"
"Theoretically. I don't know much about it, but it can happen that an undead retains some of its former intelligence or morals. It's said that the more skilled a necromancer is, the more of the mind can be retained upon resurrection."
"Then what's a lich?"
"People that resurrect themselves so they can control magic without suffering from mana sickness.... Its an immensely dangerous procedure, and the shock of dying is often enough to drive a man crazy even without the mana poisoning. So, a lot of the time, they end up trying to conquer or control things. Sociopathy is a common symptom."
"What's Sociopathy?"

Oh geez, what a hole you're getting into.
(cont)
>>
"That means somebody that doesn't care about people and sees them as... objects, I suppose. Generally, they can't imagine what the other person feels when they do something."
"Wooow... That sounds creepy."
"It is." You reply. You've got experience.
You realise you've gotten majorly off track.
"So, uh... You want to be called Esmeralda?"
"Ya-huh!"
"Alright. Esmeralda it is."
"...If the dragon has better ideas, he should say them, though! Its'... it's just one name of many!"
"The fact that you chose it makes for a big difference, Esme."
She gives a little squeak, after you call her by her name. Or a shortened version of it anyway.
"...soooo cooooool." She says, before she puts her arms around you in a little hug.
Then the legs, making it weird.

You cough, and notice that William has left to go sulk out the back of the cart. Very well.
You decide to listen in on Pink:
"Okay! So, you know how you can connect stuff just through colour now. Purple means regal stuff if it's a dark purple, but if you make it a more pale purple, it's more like... evil stuff. Like zombies!"
"But.... isn't that gonna depend on who's lookin'?"
"Yeah! What if people LIKE pale purples!"
"Ahaaaa, but there's context rearing its head again!" Pink says, raising her finger proudly at her class of two.
"Ohh." The twins say. "Cool."
"How do we tame context?" Sapphire eventually says.
"You don't! You just need to know your audience. And that's important for fashion, too. Especially for fashion, really. Jewellery is just fashion that involved mining beforehand."
"Oh. So we gotta like... read?"
"Or observe. Or listen to what others have to say. Sometimes, though, it's better to experiment. There's a saying, you know. If it appears in the papers, it's already over. You want to be there before the others for maximum profit. That said, if people are requesting a specific item, go ahead. Just watch for market crashes."
"How does a market crash?" Ruby asks. Sapphire adds in: "With a space rock?"

Pink blinks twice, and then says:
"It's not a literal crash! It means there's soooo much of a popular thing that it's super cheap to get one. If you overdo supply compared to demand, you know? Money can dry up really quickly, then, cuz you have to sell stuff you ordered when it was expensive at really cheap prices."
"Ohhh. This is hard."
"We're getting off track, however. What do you think when you see red?"
"Happy stuff." Sapphire says
"Unless it's blood." Ruby adds.
"Then it's bad. " the twins say in unison.

There isn't much for you to add there. You were pretty terrible at art back when you were little, hence why you preferred martial training. You're a pretty decent orator, though, but when it came to physical art, it was beyond you.

(cont)
>>
You decide to listen, instead, and the lesson lasts for a very long time. Pink gets off-topic a lot, and her sales expertise really shines through as she does so, though its' obviously a bit skewed towards dwarves.
For instance, she insists that you always point out the hair on a lady's face. It's considered a mark of honour among dwarves when women manage to get stubble. You were quick to point out this only applies to dwarves, and that one shouldn't point out how hairy a woman generally is. Unless it's really pretty head hair, you suppose, but that's the exception.
Hmm.

Women.
Haven't thought about those in a while.

At any rate, the rest of the day is spent listening to Pink or just participating in small-talk. Paracelcus is writing almost constantly, though she does take you aside for a quick checkup. You leave the horse to Chad, in the meantime, who sits there with the goblin. Chad seems surprisingly annoyed at the goblin's constant attention, and he hunches forward a lot as he does so, making him look more grouchy than usual. The goblin, meanwhile, is almost glowing compared to how she was in the caves. Seems the sunlight is doing her a world of good. That, and the company. She's a bit of a social butterfly, and she manages to endear herself to most of the crew... even as the kobolts insist that she takes off her mask more.
The one time she did it, after almost the whole cart was chanting, William gave out a disgusted scream when she revealed her mutilated face.

The mood tanked, after that, as she forcefully put on her mask again, and rushed to the other side of the cart from William, shaking a little. You didn't think the little creature could even move so fast, and William himself at least looked sorry.
"I-I'm sorry, it's just... I didn't... I didn't expect her to look like that!"
You glare at him... And note that Chad, especially, is livid. He's actively growling and showing his teeth at the rail-thin man...
The rest of the kobolts just give cold stares, except for Pink. She goes for a disappointed sniff, and ignores him, instead.
"Dude! Come on! It was just... I'm sorry, okay? Geez... What's gotten you so sensitive?"
You smack him over the back of the head. "The torture, you moron." You harshly whisper to him. He huffs, and goes quiet after that.

Paracelcus, however, has a different approach.
"Excuse me, miss. Have you considered reconstructive surgery? I'm not the one to ask for that, but if you have a few months free and a capable plastic surgeon, I'm all but certain we could make you look as you once were."
"...N-no knives. No drugs. Don't wanna." The goblin replies, more terse than before. Paracelcus doesn't push, and it's when the sun sets that people decide to hold.
>>
You've been very reasonable for Tomoooooooo, so you suspect it will take two more days before you reach the next town over. You remember the place. It's a very nice place, kindly people and everybody's armed with a pistol.
A polite society is an armed society, after all.
As camp is set up, you prepare the firewood for the campfire, and carefully light the fire with some flint and steel. It catches, and as you blow to get the fire going properly...
you accidentally blow out some more of that (admittedly very pretty) blue fire, lighting the whole campfire alight in an instant.
...Huh.
The kobolts clap excitedly, and Paracelcus laughs at the sight, adding a few more notes as she does so, before she asks for you to come over.
"Alright, strip."
...

"To what extent?"
"As much as you can stomach, right now. I mainly want to see your arm, that fish leaked some goo on it and I suspect that it burned."
"You'd be right."

You start taking off the armor, until you're down to your underwear. Being such a distance away from the camp causes the wind to be... extra chilly. You look at your arm, and try not to cringe when you see it.
Large patches of scales have grown where the slime burnt through it, leaving a few rings of scales along your bicep and forearms...
And your elbow is almost entirely scale-covered. Not your inner elbow, at leastK
"Fascinating... Look at this."

She raises your arm, and pokes against your elbow, making you jump a little bit from how cold her hands are. More importantly, because she hit something sooner than before.
"You've got some bone growth. Sees to me like there will be some spikes coming out of your elbows, which is in line with some dragons we know. Not all of them, however. The scale pattern you have is very healthy. Also, likely to be very pretty in the future. Blue is a rather rare colour, you know."
"This is... NOT healthy. I don't plan on bloody keeping them, either!" you say, gritting your teeth... or fangs, more like.
"Oh, don't whine. The scales aren't under the skin, so it's not spreading beyond what injuries you sustain. As a result, of course, you've got nothing to fear from infections and the likes. Saves us some supplies."
"Right." You say, still annoyed at her casual attitude.

"Say aaahhh." She says, taking out a little stick. When you do as she says, she puts the stick in your mouth and pushes your tongue down. With a quick peek, she nods, and writes something else down.
"You've got about nine human teeth left. All of them molars or pre-molars. That said, they're all on the left side, except for one premolar right he-"
She gave it a little push, and with the disgusting feeling of the nerve snapping and being pulled out of your mouth, it comes loose. Without skipping a beat, she grabs the tooth and puts it in the collection.
(cont)
>>
"Yippie."
"Don't complain. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm measuring you." She says, taking out a lint. You let her collect everything she needs to collect, which is apparently the width of your shoulders, thickness of the arms and thights, and total height.
"Very good. Could I convince you to drop the underwear?"

You glare at her a little bit. You're not in the mood.
"Come on. I'm your doctor, here, not your friend."
Sighing, you drop 'em. Quickly, she moves around your body, and stops at your backside.
"Ahaaaa! I knew it! Do you feel this?" She says before flicking... something.
You yelp in surprise at the sudden sensation of... something new. Oh dear goodness no.
"Don't tell me. Let me guess..." You say, through clenched teeth; Paracelcus, instead, gives the answer away.
"You've got a tail! Or the beginning of one, anyway. A little bnub"

You think you're going to be violently ill.

>Request Paracelcus to cut it off.

>Ask questions

>Redress yourself, tell her not to mention this to ANYBODY.

-----------------------------
haha big update
>>
>>5158418
>Ask questions
>How difficult will be a tail removal surgery?
>So with so few molars, I'm goign to have to change my diet to be way more meat based. Do you think my stomach or intestines changed as well?
>>
>>5158418
"Hands off the bnub, woman!"

>ask questions while hurriedly redressing yourself
>"So, spikes and a tail... Can I expect any other new extremities? And how long do I have until my armor needs to be refitted for them?"
>>
>>5158468
Supporting this.

>>5158444
No tail removal. It will just grow back in, bigger and more draconic.

>>5158418
>>
>>5158482
It's obviously for after we get fixed from the curse anon
>>
>>5158418
>Ask questions
>Am I sprouting any wings yet?
>>
>>5158468
support
>>
>>5158468
+1

>>5158444
Do not fuck with the tail. That's connected to the spine or some thing, and you REALLY do not want to mess with that.
>>
>>5158418
Hey wait a minute.....if we can make our own fire, we can in theory reforge our sword and armor whenever we we want. Granted we have a hammer and anvil available. Being a dragon sounds less bad now, "marginally", but I still think we should find some time to converse with the sentient curse so we can acquire additional context.
>>
>>5158622
I support. Kobolds and goblins are supposed to be irredeemable menaces, but look at 'em. Maybe the curse can be tamed or tempered, too?
>>
>>5158418
>Ask questions.
>Do you have any predictions on how fast will this tail grow?
>I hope that there aren't any growths on my back?
>>
>>5158641
>>5158622
>Making compromises with the unclean
Were Reynauld to hear of this conspiration he would rightfully cleanse you anons with sword and fire. Fire from a torch, of course, the way it's supposed to be.
>>
>>5158800
Heres a quote from Son Zoo to make me sound smarter.
>If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Think about it. If we can understand the mindset of the curse, maybe we corrupt it like how its tries to corrupt Reynauld. You know, pull a No U reverse Uno on the sentient dragon curse soul thing, or at least mitigate how fast the curse advances.
>>
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>>5158816
>Tainting our soul in exchange for power from a thing we were already strong enough to defeat
>>
>>5158836
I'm glad you agree with my point. If we can convince the curse to stop doing what it's doing, we can figure out how to go from there.
>>
>>5158844
Engaging with the curse in any capacity will only yield ground to it. There's no negotiation with something that wants to twist us into a greedy lizard whether we want it or not.
>>
>>5158851
Reyauld has proven to be more cunning and strong in willpower than this dragon. He was smart enough to kill it, and strong enough to make it fear its encroaching death. The curse is only a danger for the weak willed, and our knight is anything but weak.
I mean have you seen his guns? And I'm not talking about his flintlock and blunderbuss if you know what I mean.
>>
By the way, how long before someone calls Reynauld "Dragon Knight" and he has a complete mental breakdown? Personally, I give it until the end of next town's arc.
>>
Raynold: "I am... O-oathbound. Even if I do not... remember. Does anybody else require help? I... I don't need payment. I don't... I don't WANT payment."

narrator:You feel as though your mind is shattering as you say that nonsense. The world begins to spin...

Curse: This is not the right way to proceed! This is CONTRARY TO YOUR NATURE!

Raynold: You've already proven you don't WANT to be like this.

Curse:WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?

Curse: A dragon deserves more, you've already shown more? What are you doing? This makes no sense! You're the most powerful thing on this earth, you even have your friends still with you, you're still doing things FOR THEM. Why can't you still act at least a little bit like a dragon?

Curse: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?

Curse I'm ending this... You're still getting some more of our power. Please, let yourself take advantage of it, let us become whole again!

I want to break down the end of our dream, and from what I can glean, this is the flow of the conversation, we broke through the curse's mind tricks that made us think we were a dragon. the false world falls away leaving raynold with the curse. the curse annoyed with him chiding him on his path and insisting that the dragon nature is his nature. Raynold denies this stating this is not who he wants to be, the curse then in anger explodes at him demanding why Raynold is acting this way as if it genuinely can't understand why Raynold is resisting, as if it is the most natural thing in the world for Raynold to just give in. listing off all the reasons why raynold should be ok even happy with this path, commenting that he still has his friends with him and are still doing things for them. as if to say becoming a dragon will not cost him the ones he loves and cares for. then exploding once more at his unable to understand why raynold is regretting the curse and it's "natural" progress.

But what interests me the most, what really holds my attention, and what made me come back to analyze this section is the last line. the curse opens with "I'm ending this" identifying itself as separate from Raynold, so one mind two beings within. continuing he curse says "...You're still getting some more of our power." now this can be read to ways one the curse is saying raynold is getting more of the power of the curse, but it cal also be read as raynolds and the curses power inherent within BOTH of them, which fascinates me, does the curse see itself as a part of raynold, which he is rejecting, what really seals the deal for me that this is the correct interpretation is the ending "let yourself take advantage of it, let us become whole again!" the curse is pleading begging for us to use our power and to be made whole once more, what if we have been thinking of the curse incorrectly all along, what if it isn't some sentient foul magic curse placed into us by the dragon, what if instead the thing we are speaking with is a real part of raynold a part that is dragon but also from him.
>>
I want to, when we have the chance to meditate and speak with the 'curse' directly, to hammer out once and for all if the voice we have been calling the curse is really the other something alien and foreign forced into Raynold by the dying dragon or if it is in fact a very real aspect of raynold because it matters greatly which is the case.
>>
>>5158966
Reynauld the "Dragon Knight" sounds pretty fucking metal ngl. We could create a new sect. knights called the order of the dragon or something.

>>5158966
>>5158972
>anons analysis of the curse
based, the "our" part convinces he that the old dragon is truly dead, and the curse is made from Reynauld more or less. This should be interesting.
>>
>>5158972
>>5158966
I don't think aspects of your personality make you grow scales and hack up your lungs.
>>
>>5158995
>I don't think aspects of your personality make you grow scales and hack up your lungs.

your looking at the separated aspect of Raynold as the cause from the curse, but what if it is reversed what if the scales, fangs and tail are what has caused the split within himself
>>
>>5158995
Which is why we need to figure this shit out.
>>
>>5159001
That is a stretch.
>Go through whole life as a wholesome, valiant knight who does not want payment and accepts struggle for the sake of helping others
>Get some physical deformities
>These deformities cause impulses and urges you've never had before to manifest
>t-the dragon was always there!
Seems pretty sussy.
>>5159012
It's a dragon curse, a curse which turns him into a dragon. Bam, figured it out for you. You're welcome.
>>
>>5159020
>Seems pretty sussy.

casually ignores the magic aspect of this fantasy quest alright anon, sure. I mean he totally doesn't have a suppressed dark side that eats at him day and night I mean with his loving parents, beloved siblings, his proud and imperious ancestral home. Oh wait, he does.
>>
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>>5159020
>brainlet too smooth to thing bigger
I'm not surprised.
>>
>>5159050
>Overcomplicating the quest about caring for the kobolds and banging the qt3.14 alchemist
If this is what galaxybrain does to you I don't want it anyway
>>
I am excited to see if spinejuice will comment on my musings as well as what the rest of the anons think.

>>5159072
given you clearly haven't read through SpineJuice's backlog I can forgive this level of ignorance, but, Jesus man, how are you this dense.
>>
>>5158836
We were strong enough to defeat the goblin in a physical contest. I'm glad we did not.
>>
>>5158816
I'm pretty sure if we were the sort to risk our soul for power we wouldn't have killed our family when they went full cultist
>>
>>5158966
>>5158972
The curse has been changing Reynauld's body piece by piece, replacing what it can and changing the rest. I can see it doing the same thing to his psyche, latching onto compatible parts of his personality first. But that would mean that his mind fragmentation is permanent - even if Reynauld manages to get the curse lifted, he will forever have that lizard part of his brain in there. Unless he gets some sort of mana lobotomy to remove it, I guess, but that sounds like a Really Bad Idea.
Also, if the curse is taking over the more dragon-like parts of his mind first - his greed, hubris, lust for power and contempt for those lesser than him - would that mean that he's becoming more virtuous by shedding those traits? Was Reynauld a bigger asshole before he slew the dragon?
>>
>>5159455
Actually, scratch that last part. We know the curse is not removing those traits from Reynauld, but actually amplifying them (RE: "going lizard"). That is more in line with how the physical transformation works, but that also tells me that there is no split personality aspect to it - whatever is talking to Reynauld would have to still be a part of him, and it just doesn't sound like that's the case.

Ultimately, I still prefer my rebirth theory, if only because it would mean that Reynauld has been fighting Krazinkos this entire time - his body might be gone, but the battle rages on still.
>>
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As a knight Reynauld is oath bound to help where ever he can, which slows down his journey for better and worse. I have no idea how far we are from the archmage, but at the rate of how Reynauld gets hurt I think injuries accelerate the transformation process. So, why not try meditation?
>>
"...Okay." You say, trying to remain calm. You still feel as though there are stars and colours swirling in your vision, but that's... fine.
"Okay. okay okay okay okay." You say, a few more times. Then, you finally move on to the questions.
"How difficult... would it be to remove?"
"Oh, right now? I wouldn't even try it. Hard to say where your spine ends and the tail begins. Still, I could probably do it. Just... need to wait for it to be further along. Once I can tell what's cursed tail and your spine, we can work from there."
Damn it.
"Alright. Fine." You say through clenched teeth. "So, I've got... growths. Tell me, how fast do you think this tail will grow?"
"I simply need more data. This is the first time I've been able to measure it. Tomorrow, I'll measure it again, and give you an estimate. I honestly expected you to be full scaled by the time the tail would appear, but I suppose... there's evolutionary remnants of a tail."
"Huh?"
"You've heard of evolution, right?"
"...No?"
"We come from apes! So, eons ago, we had tails. There's still signs of that in our spines, hence the tailbone."
She flicks your tail to emphasise, and you flinch and cry out! It's like... bumping your elbow. But across your whole back.
"...Apologies." Paracelcus quickly says. Then, you move on to the next question.

"And the rest of my back? Any growths there? I've already got them on my elbow, don't I?"
"Oh, I don't see anything of note."
"Oh, good. Great. No wings yet, at least."
"Hmmm".

Then, she begins to move her clammy hands across your back. You shudder a little from the contact, and she stops at your shoulderblades... And pushes.
You can actually FEEL something extra there. It's small, fragile, but...
"Hmm, well... they're not visible yet, but there's certainly something under the skin. The rest of your back is as normal though."
"...Wings?"
"Probably, guessing from the bat-like structure I'm feeling. Because we caught it so early, I could operate you and remove the early bone growth, if you so desire. Better to do that when we reach the next city over, however."
"...Preferable. Yes." you say, grinding your teeth... and noting how that's still possible despite the fangs.
"One more thing: with most of my molars gone, will I even be able to eat my usual meals? Do I need to switch over to a diet of... young maidens and sheep?" You say, adding in a sardonic joke.
Your heart thunders. This curse...
It's terrifying.

"Unlikely, actually. While your new teeth are still quite sharp, I can see that they're bigger towards the back. Dragons are omnivorous, after all, so it makes sense they can still grind their food with their back teeth."
"Thank god for that."
"...If you start feeling sick, however, you might need to change your eating habits. Technically, dragons are more Mesocarnivores than true omnivores."
"Fantastic."
"We'll know it when it happens. Anything else?"

>Screw waiting, cut those wings out NOW.

>...I'm going to bed.
>>
>>5159579
>>...I'm going to bed.
>>
>>5159579
>On second thought, cutting wings is a recipe for disaster. The curse will kick back full speed trying to heal us.
>I really hope we won't tumble any more on heretic nest until reaching the archimagus, time is getting thin.

>Thank you, Paracelcus. Getting you onboard on this adventure is the best decision I made of my life.
>Proceed bonding with qt3.14 alchemist, grinding relationship points.
>>
>>5159579
>>...I'm going to bed.
>>
>>5159579
>>...I'm going to bed.
Maybe a little meditation to prepare yourself for tonight's struggle with the curse.
>>
>>5159579
>>5159604
This let's relax center ourselves and meditate on what's important to us before we sleep
>>
>>5159579
>>...I'm going to bed.
>>we we drift off meditate with purpose reflecting on the ending of our last dream why did the curse say let us be whole again
>>
>>5159579
>...I'm going to bed.
>>
>>5159579
>...I'm going to bed.
>>
>>5159579
>thank you, Paracelus. Getting you onboard on this adventure is the best decision i made of my life.
>>
>>5159579
Meditate, or sleep. Sleeping is when we get to communicate with the curse.
>>
As you lie back against a tree, you... stop.
Last time you went to bed, you had a rather interesting talk. It's about two more days before you reach the village, so you might as well try to do something... different.
You empty your mind, rather than actively trying to sleep. It's a different state of being, and it takes a long time before you really get anywhere, but, eventually...
You feel as though something in your mind just bent, just a tad. Akin to cracking one's knuckles...

You open your eyes, and realize you are sleeping. But you are not beholden to whatever your brain is going to conjure. It is not a state you can easily keep, and you suspect that you are being helped.
The helper, unfortunately, sits before you. It looks like you, you suppose. It's wearing your armor, it has your sword and pistols...
The difference lies in whatever flesh you can spot, and how badly the armor fits. This different "you" has outgrown his armor, to the point his biceps are outright uncovered, revealing thick blue scales, though it is white on the side of inner elbow. Perhaps with thinner scales, who knows. The creature takes off its helmet, revealing your own face, though the biggest surprise is the volume of his hair. It's thick, and despite the fact it was wearing a helmet, it just springs up.
Why would a dragon have such great hair, you wonder? And why is it pearly white?
Apart from that, you also notice his stance. Seems like he's shifted to a digitigrade stance, and he's got a damned nasty spike where his heel is now located. Matter of fact, apart from the hair, you also note two very large horns.

Hm.
If that's the way you're headed, you're not going to be able to enter ANY city.

"...You wanted to speak to me. I could tell. If words are going to be needed... then I'll use words. Though, at least, appreciate your future majesty."
He spreads his arms, clearly basking in the potential for attention. You just sigh, and try to think of what to even say to this... thing.

>Try to punch it.
>>
>>5159715
>Not punching it. Discuss.

>This is not what I want. How can I prevent it, slow it, stop it, reverse it?
>>
>>5159715
>What are you?
>Are you the dragon, or the curse... Or something the dragon's curse awakened?
>Regardless, this is not what I want. How can I prevent it, slow it, stop it, reverse it?
>>
>>5159579
>>5159715
Bro wheres your trips

>fucking prince charming of Half-dragons and lizard folk right here
>questions
What are you exactly?
Are you me or are you the dragon I killed all those days ago?
Why show me the dreams?
Am I supposed to be impressed? Have some modesty man.
What are your goals? What do you want? Why try to compromise with me?
Why do you want to be a dragon? Why do you think I need to be a dragon?
What do you think is a dragon? What does it mean to be a dragon, other than a giant fire breathing creature that hordes gold? Why the greed? Is the greed set in precious and rare materials? Why not in familial gains of friends and respect?
Did you know the last dragon I killed didnt even have a horde? Just some kobolts and stolen alchemy equipment. That doesn't paint a majestic light on dragons for me.
Why did you choose to show me this form?

This is all I can think to ask for now.

>that punching option
As tempting as it is, that's a good way to not get any answers. Let's not.
>>
>>5159715
Oh yeah.

Ask if its possibly to be a dragon sans the mentality of a dragon, or be able to shapeshift between a dragon and human, like a werewolf but at will.
>>
>>5159715
>First was anger now you banter? Next time we meet maybe you will accept your fate HA!
>Try to punch it.
>>
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>>5159715
It's me, btw, I fucking forgot my tripcode.
again.
>>
>>5159715
Let's not punch it. A conversation would be better.
>What exactly are you?

>Yeaaah... You aren't really majestic. And dragons aren't even that powerful, seeing that a humans keep on removing them again and again.
>>
surprised it's choosing a humanoid form instead of a full dragon from seeing how much this thing seems to like being a dragon to the point of wanting to remove all human thoughts from it's old self.
>>
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>>5159724
>horde
>pic related
Otherwise a good list of topics.
>>
>>5159724
>>5159723

support
>>
>>5159721
>>5159723
>>5159724
I'm confused... why are we talking with this thing?
>>
>>5159907
see this analysis
>>5158966
>>5158972
>>
>>5159907
Some anons are convinced this was the real Reynauld all along
>>
>>5159907
something something know your enemy
>>
>>5159715
I'll consider being a dragon, but only if we have full reigns of our body. We can meet some agreement with the dragon.

Instead of hording gold, we horde titles and fame.

>>5159907
To figure just what the hell we're dealing with. The more it talks, the easier it is to figure out how to deal with it. Increased strength, natural armor, natural flame breath weapon, flight.
>>
>>5158966
Had a thought in a similar but more shallowy though vein, well said anon
>>
>>5159715
Fight me 1v1 irl faggot
>>
>>5159975
>I'll consider being a dragon, but only if we have full reigns of our body. We can meet some agreement with the dragon.
>Instead of hording gold, we horde titles and fame.


Traitor
>>
>>5160177
Do you got any better ideas? Maybe a horde of friends? A horde that's an order of knights sworn to aid all, be they big or small, human or bolt?
>>
>>5160177
Stick in the mud
>>
>>5160186
remaining human at all costs and bringing our lost self back into the fold, burning off the corruptive and destructive elements that undermine that aspect of ourself, so that we can be whole once more and better than before freed of the corruptive influence of the curse.

>>5160220
get better material
>>
>>5159726
>>5159975
>>5160220
Lot of heretics here lately. You know what the Dragon Knight does to heretics, right?
>>
>>5160291
Okay, I still want to be a dragon knight. The long life span is a really great plus, which means we can crusade for at minimum a few hundred more years.

>>5160325
Nothing? Because we are the dragon knight?
>>
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>>5159715
>>5159736
Gonna be honest, dragons strength sounds appealing. The idea of punching everything tickles the child part of my brain, more so if our arms become fireproof so we can just smash and mold broken armor back together. Pink could even teach Reynauld how to smith. Screw having to pay blacksmiths hundreds of Rosarians to fix our stuff.
>>
>>5160516
Temptation seems to be how this curse works. I fear the more we accept these "gifts" the more of ourselves we will lose
>>
>>5160672
indeed, we need to take great care that we are mastering our curse, rather than allowing our curse to master us.
>>
"Yeah... not really majestic... Dragons aren't even that powerful, are they? If mere humans can remove them time and time again."
The dragon-you huffs. "A human only needs to get lucky once. And let's not pretend the average human is ANYTHING like us."
"Usually, they just bring a cannon, these days... At any rate, I've got questions."
"I'll deign to answer them. For both our sakes." The creature says, proudly looking down on you. It's got about a foot in height over you."
"First off... Why did you show yourself like this. You don't seem to care for any human characteristics... yet here you are, a mix of both."
"THIS is what I am carrying you towards. Don't be fooled, Reynauld. This will take a long time to achieve... after that, I suppose it would take even longer to achieve true perfection. The dream, no, vision I gave you last night would take... hundreds of years."
"Hundreds, huh. Sure. So, tell me. How do I prevent you from... turning me into a big angry lizard?"
"I can't be stopped, Reynauld." He says, more as a matter of fact than a boast. Then, it just seems to... sigh.
"Let me ask a question to you. Why would you reject this might? Even if you lack the taste to appreciate this form, surely you can see the strength behind it?"
"Sure. But I'm rather partial to being human."
It rolls its eyes, with enough dramatic motions to make it more of a full-body eye-roll.

"Why would you!? If it's women you're afraid of missing, I guarantee you you'll still catch quite a few eyes... and if you're worried about something else..."
It laughs, and then grabs its crotch, making you flinch back in disgust. How vile.
"I guarantee *this* could please any woman, Reynauld!"
"That's disgusting!"
"It's the only thing I could reasonably think you might convince yourself you might lose out on. What other wants in life are there that aren't easier to attain with this power?"
"I'm... not even going to start listing them. So. I need to know, WHAT are you? Are you the dragon I killed? The curse itself, given life? Or... something the curse awakened in me?"
It grins.
"At least you can admit it! Of course I'm a part of you, though, the curse did... grant some life into me. I suppose it's a mix of the two, but all these wants and all this power... It was already within you, knight. How else would you be a habitual slayer of monsters and dragons?"
"The one that cursed me was my first, to be clear."
"Hah! Yet you plan on slaying more! You should... If you defeat a dragon, then they were unworthy. Simple as that."

You sniff.
>>
"Why the dreams?"
"I had to convince you... my first attempt was simple enough. Show you what being human gets you... If you had only worked with me, you'd have seen the pleasures that only dragons could reach. Alas, I had to make it hurt. Couldn't have predicted you're a masochist, I suppose. The next dream, I had to just show you what you were missing, instead. I even included all the things you might have thought would be missing. Even thought ahead, on the age question. Even made that a little quest for you, hmm? Something to focus on. Magic, immortality, the ability to help... But you took it too far. You had to bring up some... oath, doing things for nothing in return is just..."
It shudders.
"It's wrong, Reynauld.
"Fine. So, what do you want?"
It stares at you, and seems to turn a little more serious, a bit of more a straightened back.
"I want us to be whole. Keeping us seperate keeps us BOTH weaker. If you and I become one, you'll be the physical perfection you see before you, and in just a scant few years more, you'll be granted ever-greater power... Your potential is astounding, you know. You realize how few dragons can manage blue fire? Yet here we are, releasing it as our first, like the gasp of air into a hatchling's lungs!"
"Then why compromise? You believe that you're the greatest. Yet you're accommodating me, at least partially."

It has a kinder smile, for a moment.
"Because this is for you, Reynauld. I don't want to be a broken man with scales and bad breath, I need to be a mighty dragon, WE need to be a mighty dragon. If that means taking things slower, and me having to reveal to you what you're missing, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. "
You look back at it, crossing your arms.
"Why? Why would we need to be a dragon?"
"Because that is what I was created for, and something you were blessed with! Krazinkos was a youngling fool, thought he would curse you by turning you into something greater. But you are deserving of it! I'd know... I'm you."

The idea that this is an actual thought you might have had, repressed or no, is deeply disturbing. The surroundings shift a little as you think that... but everything remains an odd, multicolored void.
"...to be clear? What do you think is a dragon? What would it mean, just being a giant fire breathing creature that... hoards gold?"
"It's power. If humans want to simplify something that majestic to that, then I could turn that right around! Why would you want to be a monkey that cobbled some stones together to live in a silly little house, so it make noises at eachother... AND ALSO HOARD GOLD! You think dragons would ever desire all that man has if man didn't desire it just as much, if not more so!? We want more, because we have power. And all of history will show you that this is the nature of things. Or did your monarch achieve his dynasty in peaceful ways? Rosarius was a damned tyrant! It was only through WEAKNESS that his sons would capitulate to the demands of their peasants!"
>>
"You're getting off topic. Why the gold? Why do dragons want that?"
"They take it because it's valuable, at this point. They'll take anything worth anything... though..."
It looks uncomfortable for a moment. It seems to need a moment to think, a very long moment.
"Though... there is another element to it. The greed... it's a good thing, of course, leaves something for dragons to strive for. Greed is good. But, there is a secret. One that you must NEVER tell another."

You raise an eyebrow.

"...Dragons need the gold. The gold carries magic very well, it takes it and releases it back. The ambient magic of our eggs... The eggs are too large to exist without magic. They collapse in on themselves. So, we have to keep our eggs near gold veins, and whatever else can serve its purpose. Then, man came and took those from us. We revealed our might, and took back what should have been ours... But the way it *clinked*, the way it stacked, the way... It was beautiful. And we all deserved it. Took it from the filthy empire of man."
"This is... Decidedly not something I knew."
"This is draconic knowledge, Reynauld. It's not something any of your books would tell us. Magic twisted things around, later. Gold turned to plain... value. Rather than reflecting the ambient mana from our eggs, our own thoughts and wants powered it, instead. And even the childless dragons knew there was value in hoards."

Well.
You're 100% telling this to other people.
The dragon-you suddenly stares you down, and it's here you consider that it can probably hear your thoughts. It begins to stomp towards you, putting the difference in size into perspective a little more.
"Try to tell anybody this, and you won't have anybody to blame for what happens next but yourself."
"...sure. Next question. Why did Krazinkos not have anything, then? All he had was some stolen reagents and goodies from the alchemists. A harebrained decision by itself."
"He was young, barely out of the nest. He wasn't older than 60. That was his first haul, and you were but his twenty-seventh fight with a human. His skill with magic is, of course, undeniable."

No. Doubt.

"Listen, say I... Say I need to compromise. Can I be a dragon without that... horrible outlook? Without this constant need for more?"
"Hm. Of course you can fight against your nature. As a human, you do it all the time. Perhaps the struggle will be greater, but in the end, your mind is nothing but your own. But give it a hundred years, and all the things you held valuable as a human would be long gone. Then, you will have to find your own purpose. Then, you might realize your struggle against nature is... pointless."
"...Another way, then, some... shapeshifting deal?"
It scoffs.
"Like some common moon-dog? Please. If it was that easy to shift, you'd look like me already!"

Damn.

You can tell you don't have much longer. Things are starting to feel... Lighter; Anytime now, you might move on to your usual dreams, you suspect.

Any final questions?
>>
>>5160736
>What happens with it if we die?
>>
>>5160736
Maybe not a question but some parting words.

"That 'oath' you mentioned is all I have left. It's more to me than whatever you could hope to offer. It's why weaklings like humans can hope to challenge monsters like you. It's why we'll continue to prosper while you dragons chase like fools over gold. We're done here."
>>
>>5160736
A final question:
You seem confident that you'll have years to change us... What of the archmage? You think yourself too strong a curse to break by on such as they?

A final comment:
A house divided cannot stand, I acknowledge this. But it is the duty of man to fight against his baser instincts and better himself. To live is to struggle, and my oath represents my purpose and my ideals. You may change my body, but if we are to be "whole" again... I will change your mind in turn.
>>
>>5160752
Supporting.

>>5160736

also, I hope our usual dreams involve Paracelsus
>>
>>5160736
>MFW the curse admitted we can keep morals and values.
We're on the right pace, we know what we needed.

>Proceed dreaming of Paracelsus. Hope dreams won't be tainted by the creeping thoughts of improved dragonhood.
>>
>>5160775
There is truth in that.
>>
>>5160736
Damned is he who gains the world but loses himself
>>
>>5160752
Supporting.
Besides that, I think that we are on a good road.
>>
>>5160736
>words
You know, you're not really selling the whole "become a dragon" idea. If you're a part of me then you know why I chose to be a wandering knight. It amazes me that you buff up like a peacock at the idea of becoming a dragon, yet you cant possibly fathom helping people, at least for free. You should consider compromising more.

>questions
If you cant consider helping people for free at least the majority of the time centuries from now, how do you hope to convince me now when I eventually reach the archemage? You talk a big game for a curse that might become nothing more than a memory.

Why the white hair? I didnt think dragons could grow white hair.

I thought the dragon I killed was a few centuries old?

If the curse is a part of us, does it know about the thing from beyond? How we killed our family?


Is compassion such a vile, incomprehensible concept to a dragon? To help without asking for something in return?

>>5160775
+1 I like this

>>5160824
Fingers crossed the curse becomes less of an ass.
>>
>>5160752
+1
>>
I'm hoping the curse "sees" us training bait in being a man and realizes how fucked he is. Honestly surprised he hasn't realized it already. I suppose spine does love writing stupid characters
>>
>>5160752
I can dig it.
>>
>>5161026
>the dark side of our buff-but-lonesome wandering knight is a himbo coomer

Checks out
>>
>>5160775

I think I prefer this response.

Honestly, if we were anyone else, his offer would be largely reasonable, and that dream wouldn't even be a bad ending, in my opinion.

It's REALLY hard to resist the idea of 'awesome Dragon Knight'.

But Reynauld is cut from a different cloth, so.
>>
>>5160775
I like this anon. He sounds very smart.
>>
>>5160752
>>5160775
>>5160917
support

I am still firmly in the stay human camp but if we do end up becoming more dragon-like it is good to know we can resist, hopefully, in time we can integrate our shadow burning away the harmful and self-destructive aspects of our personhood because as much as it is shocking and fearful, the Knight and the Dragon are what now makes up Raynolds whole, we must now do something far more difficult that ever before we must learn to tame a dragon.

we should do more sleep meditations/moral dialogues with our shadow and work on the harmful aspects Raynold has repressed burning away the rot so that we can again before whole, and to be clear that does not mean removing his shadow it means taming it.
>>
I like the idea that should Reynauld ever turn into a full dragon that he would become the curse for the dragon forcing it to go against it's nature and do charitable deeds just how the dragon is currently trying to to get him to fall for his more selfish desires.

Krazinkos didn't curse Reynauld with a dragon, he cursed a dragon with Reynauld.

Though I do have a question for the dragon. If it is a part of him why doesn't it seem to know him? If it truly is a part of him then why can it not see why he fights, why Reynauld resist so much, what his family did and what Reynauld did in response to learning the truth? Why he shuns power for power's sake and the corruption that it leads too? For him to give in and become the dragon that the curse wants him to be would mean he would be no different from the family he slew so long ago.
>>
>>5160736
But can Dragon Reynauld understand why kids love the taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
>>
>>5161764
Because its mostly sugar
>>
"You seem confident that you'll have years to change us... What of the archmage? You think yourself too strong a curse to break by on such as they?"
"Yes."
You... are a bit surprised to hear that one. Really expected more bluster than that. But you suppose unending arrogance is kind of inherent to a dragon...
Well, you just have two more things to say.

"A house divided cannot stand, I acknowledge this." You say, but then you stand straight as you can, and stare this distorted version of you right in the eyes.
"But it is the duty of man to fight against his baser instincts and better himself. To live is to struggle, and my oath represents my purpose and my ideals. You may change my body, but if we are to be "whole" again... I will change your mind in turn."
"...Thesis and antithesis. I understand... How could I not? I'm you."
"My oath is all I have left. It's worth more than you could ever give me... It's why man continue to prosper while you dragons chase like fools over gold. Its' how weaklings like humans gather up the will to face monsters... We're done here."
The creature smiles at first, and then laughs. Quietly at first, though it soon turns louder and louder.
"At least, you admit humans are weaklings!" He says, laughing more and more as the dream begins to lose cohesion...

He kind of missed the point of what you were saying there, you think.
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You dream of... Bird-faced women with exceptional physiques. Though your memory of it is hazy, you feel as though something went wrong as you went to the bedroom. Your claws broke the door handle, you think, but the rest of the dream seemed to have you as wholly human.
This, right here, is why you prefer to forget your dreams. They're just weird and nonsensical, most of the time.
Except when you dream of home.
Then things are crystal clear.

When you awake, you see you're the first one up. You prepare everybody for leaving, and warm up some of the food that's a tad better when warmed up. There isn't much rabbit left, and it doesn't really make for a breakfast food, anyhow, but it's better than leaving it.
Good thing the wildlife is so common along these parts. If it wasn't for the hunting, you'd never be able to feed the kobolts, though they're able to forage just as well.
You train Chad while they're away, and William as well. You had them spar recently, and William believes it unfair that he lost against Chad, because Chad has "freak strength". After slapping him over the head, you point out that he's got reach AND strength over Chad. That made him eat some humble pie, at least.
He even admitted fault.
Hm.
You hope nothing bothers you along the road. Do you have any conversations you planned with the others?

>Speak to Paracelcus about those dreams again.

>Speak to one of the kobolts about... something.

>Speak to William about his training.
>>
>>5161805
>>Speak to Paracelcus about those dreams again.
>Try to not drop spagheti with 'Bird-faced women with exceptional physiques' dream mentions
>>
>>5161805
>>Speak to Paracelcus about those dreams again.
>>
>>5161805
>Speak to one of the kobolts about... something.
How soon can Pink magic speak? Soon I hope?
>>
>>5161805
>Speak to Paracelcus about those dreams again.
We've just learned a lot about the curse, straight from the horse's mouth no less. She definitely needs to know.
>>
"I had another dream, and this one was... illuminating."
"Hmm? What happened in it?"
"I directly talked to the curse." You say, casually.
Paracelcus stops for a moment, and then giggles a little bit as she takes out another notebook, preparing her pencil and sitting next to you.
"DO go on..."
"So, essentially, it seems that the curse is sentient, and it did that by taking pieces of who I am to create something... making a sort of anti-me. He seems to be a bit of an idiot."
"Well, that might be because he's applying dragon logic without being that powerful. That's my first guess."
"Probably. Anyway, there was a lot he told me... For one, I can keep my morals, even as a dragon... though it'd be hard. Something about... people having to resist their urges, so dragons can do the same? Also told me some other things about dragons as a whole..."
"Well, alright. Sounds like there's a lot to go over. Could you tell me in detail, please?"

>What are you telling Paracelsus, exactly?
>>
>>5161841
The whole thing minus the dragons and gold bit. Don't wanna get the curse to ornery right now.
>>
>>5161841
This>>5161843
It's not like we'll forget that tidbit and we could use a break from the curse sperging out
>>
>>5161843
sure this +1
>>
>>5161843
This
He(it? The Curse, I mean) didn't need to tell, and frankly could have just made shit up. By respecting his forthcoming maybe there's a tiny chance the Curse starts to understand Reynaulds perspective.

Anyways, who's gonna swear themselves to the ideals of knighthood sooner; William or Reynauld's dragon aspect?
>>
>>5161841
Tell her everything but when reaching the gold part tell her that the curse revealed to you some supposedly secret dragon knowledge which it threatened you not to tell anyone about. Your arent certain if it was a test, a trick, a red herring or just plain old gaslighting but you surely should take anything the curse says with a hefty grain of salt.
Ask her if she thinks it likely the curse would even have such secret knowledge and if you are better off keeping it happy by keeping the knowledge secret.
>>
>>5161843
This. Just make it a literal play by play of the conversation. Apart from the gold bit, we stand to gain fuck all from omitting anything.
>>
>>5161843
support, our shadow told us something in confidence and wants to be whole once more, if we betray that it will be as though we are betraying ourselves, while we do not want to be a dragon mentally we need to be whole once more, this could be a first step in taming our shadow and working to burn away the worst flaws that are plaguing us as a whole.
>>
>>5161841
>The whole thing minus the dragons and gold bit
>Try to not drop spagheti with 'Bird-faced women with exceptional physiques' dream mentions
>>
>>5161843
This.
Telling others about draconic relationship with gold might just make the Curse way less willing to compromise, in case that the archmage really won't be able to help us.
>>
>>5161805
>>Speak to Paracelcus about those dreams again.
"Hey Celcie, I had this strange dream where I saw a bird faced woman with an exceptional human physique in my bed. Any idea what it could have meant?"
>>
>>5162209
>Celcie
Sounds like a surefire way to end up with a pen in the eye.
>>
>>5161959
>just make the Curse way less willing to compromise,

even if the archmage can't help us especially if the archmage can't help us, we are not compromising. this does not mean we won't in time reintegrate our shadow, but it will be on our terms and after he is tamed
>>
>>5162209
I dig the nickname
>>Try to not drop spagheti with 'Bird-faced women with exceptional physiques' dream mentions
>Fail at not keeping all spaghetti in pockets
>>
>>5161843
+1
>>
Rolled 48 (1d100)

You go over the whole thing. Word for word, you go over it, including the less than savoury moment where it grabbed its crotch and insisted women are still on the table, though you couldn't actually stop yourself from letting your disgust cloud the description. Paracelcus remains quiet as you keep talking, only asking the occasional question.
"So, this dragon, did he sound different to you?"
"I... don't know. I've been told that your voice sounds different to yourself compared to others."
"That'd be correct, but if you had to guess?"
"I guess he sounded a lot deeper. Certainly a bit more raspy."
"Ah, well, that's something you're getting too. It's been very gradual, but there is a bit more of a rasp to it. My guess is, it's because your throat's been replaced. Don't worry, though, it's nothing anybody would notice unless they've been paying very close attention to it."
"That's... not reassuring."
"Oh, yeah, the biggest changes are likely to come as your larynx changes. Who knows when that happens. Other than that, you said he was digitigrade?"
"And about a foot taller than me."
"...About thirty centimeters taller, yes."

You're not entirely sure if that's correct. You like to use feet for estimates...
Then again, better not get into that. It's not an argument you have a stake in. You keep answering questions:
"So, that secret... You're certain you can't tell me, yes?"
"Very much so. I'm inclined to keep it on its good side, so we could... at least compromise."
"I'm surprised you'd give that creature even an inch."
"Better that than have it cause identity death. I've... I've seen that happen once before, and I do not wish to experience it."

You take a shuddering breath as you remember it.
You don't like remembering it, not in the slightest.

Paracelsus doesn't say anything, if she noticed. Then, nodding along, she does point out one thing:
"Well, I'd take it with a grain of salt, all in all. Saying that you can resist it if you're strong-willed enough is how a lot of wizards were made. Arch-mages aside, at any rate."
You sniff, and decide to stay the course. Tom-eight-o's is making good time, and you should be able to reach the city tomorrow. From there on out, it's only going to take about two more days to reach the mage's castle, and the hamlet attached to it.
Hopefully, nothing bothers you.
>>
Well, apart from a spider the size of a dog rushing by and deciding that a cart is far too big of a creature to attack, nothing really pops up.

Oh, right, that reminds you:
"Say, Celsie? I do have one other dream right afterwards."
"Don't call me that, or I'll skin you alive." She says, as casually as one would say they're going to buy milk.
"Understood, doctor. So, after that, I did have a dream, but I don't remember it quite as well. I think it was... a birdfaced woman? With a great physique, I suppose, but it's all so vague. I remember breaking a door handle with claws, but the rest of the dream had me being human, so... I'm not sure what the connection is there.
"A door handle? Do you recall to where you were going together? Perhaps it's an allegory?"
"I... I think the bedroom. But what would the bird-woman mean?"

Paracelsus shuffles a little bit in her seat, and quietly puts her mask on. You stare for a short moment, wondering why she would need to-
OH.
OH NO.
You cough a few times as the realization slams over you, and you stare straight ahead.... Only for your nerves to get the better of you:
"Ah-huh, yeah. I... I suppose that could be it. Yes! Uh. I'm sorry. Or, Y-you're welcome, I g-guess, I don't..."
"It's... Interesting that you dream of me, or at least some facsimile of me... Say, what did you mean with exceptional physique?"
"AHhh, well... Uhh... M-muscular. I suppose."
"Big thighs? Great hips?"
"Could we not do this?"
"You just admitted to dreaming about something important. As a doctor, I'm obligated to know the details."

You feel your hands shaking a tad.
"Ssssssure. Yeah. G-good hips. Muscular thighs. I suppose that's... natural when they're, uh... t-trained."
"Mmmhmm. But what of their breasts?"
"PLEASE don't ask me that? They were, uh... Y-you know. Regular!"
"Like mine?"
"Please don't."
"What were they wearing?"
"A-almost nothing. I suppose. I suppose just some wrappings around the chest and a, uh... and a loincloth."
"Up until the bedroom?"
"I don't recall!" You end up shouting, while the kobolts behind you begin to giggle. Little traitors, all of them!
"Look, doctor, I don't think that-"
"Please... Call me Para." She says, her voice reflecting a smile that's undoubtedly behind the mask.

You blink.
You blink again.

What the HELL just happened?
"Now, what happened in the bedroom?"
"I. Do not. Recall." You say though clenched teeth.
You do recall the bed. Because she pushed. But you are NOT telling her what happened there.
"I... suspect you're lying. But, again... It's flattering."

You don't keep talking after that, deciding that you can't dig through bedrock.
You don't think much else will bother you, from here on out, so if you have anything to say, now is the time. You've got a lot of it...

(If you have nothing to go over with anybody or a scene you'd like to see, we'll skip to arriving at the city)

>Arrive at the city

>Show off some training with William & Chad.

>Something with Para.
>>
>>5163660
>>Arrive at the city
>>
>>5163660
>Show off some training with William & Chad.
William will stop being a piss baby, and we will continue to train Chad on how to kick ass. He's been on a roll in the past few days.
>>
>Not dreaming abut bedroom activities with your loyal kobolt servants

>>5163660
>Arrive at the city
>>
>>5163660
>Dig a little bit more into the Chad/Goblin situation
Solely because we didn't get much on that before, and certainly not to divert attention away from what just happened.
>>
>>5163665
>not taking all of our kobolts with us to bed
>stripe of our knight armor
>....
>put on a set of PJ's
>dole our glasses of chocolate milk as we read everyone stories by fireplace light
>pillow fights, pillow forts, and pillow sieges

>>5163666
+1 I too am curious
>>
>>5163660
>Show off some training with William & Chad.
and
>Dig a little bit more into the Chad/Goblin situation
>>
>>5163665
Kobold are for cherish not fug
>>
>>5163660

>Show off some training with William & Chad.
>Dig a little bit more into the Chad/Goblin situation


>>5163697
Maybe Pink, but Paracelsus have my vote for waifu candidate.
>>
>>5163735
Yeah Pink is the only one I'd even consider for that kind of relationship
>>
>>5163660
>Something with Para.
Awkward flirting?
>>
>>5163660
Load that darn blunderbuss for next time we need it in a pinch.
>>
>>5163764
Excellent idea
>>
>>5163660
>>Arrive at the city
we have a curse to fuck over
>>
>>5163660
THE SPORGHEDDI OH NO

IT'S GONE
>>
>>5163660
>Arrive at the city
I had enough filler and exposition after curse talks and flirting with good doctor, lets go!
>>
>>5163748
>Dig through memory and feeling
>Notice interest for Celsie
>fail at flirting for now
>>
>Show off some training with William & Chad.

They will be our legacy when we are gone, let's not fuck it up.
>>
>>5163660
>Arrive at the city.
Let's do this while we still don't look reptilian.
>>
>>5163660
Show off somw training, both body and mind
>>
>>5164027
She will be Celcie by the end of the quest.
>>
>>5163660
>Show off some training with William & Chad.
We've been slacking
>>
>>5163660
Just so we are clear we are not voting for action we are voting for you to show us what happened? If we vote for training will it have mechanical significance?
>>
>>5164958
Yes, its just to show it off, mechanically it makes no difference. I've just been doing that off screen too much, but on the other hand too wasn't sure if people needed to see Chad beating stuff with sticks
>>
>Virgin
"You trained with your kobold entourage off-screen"
>Chad
-Paragraphs detailing the exact nature of the training session, including particularityes such as the kobold figuring out to utilize the weight of his tail to create a highly unconventional but very promising form of footwork-
>>
>>5164988
I know Chad is progressing well with his physical training but how's he doing with the chivalry lessons?
>>
"So... Let's say there's a hypothetical. You've been asked to rescue a farmer's daughter from a troll."
"....okaaay." William says, listening closely.
"And the farmer says that he doesn't have any way to pay you. What do you do?"
"Uhh... I guess I do it for free. Sure."
Alright, good progress. That was the easiest possible question.
"Alright. Now, you go over to the troll, and you find out that the troll is asleep. The daughter can be saved easily, of course, so what do you do."
William takes a moment to think, and then says:
"Uhhh... I kill the ogre while it's sleeping."
"Wrong." You reply, plainly. "You didn't think it through. There's somebody present that you were sent to rescue. If you can sneak her out of there, that'd be ideal. THEN, you can head back and fight the ogre."
"I... I knew that. I just thought... you know, I could kill the ogre right now and then get her out."
"You were going to kill an troll in it's sleep?"
"I'd chop it's head off, yeah. I'd... uh, I'd bring an axe."
"A troll is a sturdy animal... Matter of fact, they grow their heads back. You need to carve at them, and tear out their hearts. Once they can't pump blood anymore, they die."

William stares at you in shock, while Chad's tail started wagging.
"That is really cool. Did you ever slay a troll, Dragon?"
"A few times... They like livestock too much for their own good, though I managed to talk one of them down, once. A two-headed troll... I think it was a mage."
"Two-headed?"
"I suppose two half-wits make for a full wit." You say, shrugging. They really did end up being smarter than the other trolls, sure, but man they could bicker. But you're getting off topic.
"Okay, back to it... Chad, what would you have done?"
"...I would have brought the girl back to the farmer. Then leave."
"Without killing the troll?"
"Farmer only wanted his girl back, so I brought the girl back."

You've got some work to do on both of them.
"The idea here is that you need to consider the others. Chad, you should solve their problem permanently if you have the time, and William, you need to consider other people more."
"...It's not fair. I woulda knows to dig at the thing's heart by the time I'm a knight. I woulda managed."
"And if you didn't?"
"I woulda!"
"This is a hypothetical. Say that things would have gone wrong."
"Dude-uh-Ser, I mean... I woulda gotten it right. It's not that hard to get, I just woulda killed and then bring the lady back to the farmer."
"Do you know what a hypothetical is?"
"Yeah? Obviously?"
"Okay, and say that you couldn't kill the troll while it was sleeping?"
"...I woulda killed it! You just told me, right? Just gotta, like, carve the heart out."
"Are you aware that that takes a lot of effort?"
"Uhhh. Yeah?"
"And if the troll woke up?"
"I'd be fast!"
"Sure, and if the troll was faster?"
"It was sleeping, dude. How could it be faster?"
"And say that it WAS?"
"It won't be."

...Okay. You leave it at that. This is getting too frustrating.
"Let's spar."
(cont)
>>
You decided to put Chad and William against yourself for a moment. For safety's sake, you elected to fight without weaponry, though you made sure to add plenty of wrappings around your arms, so you don't knock any of them out.
"Say, for this exercise, I'm an beastman. You were sent here to kill me, and we stand opposite eachother. I need you to strike me five times."
"Just five times?" William says, gripping his stick confidently.
"Indeed. I'm taking it easy on you." you say. Chad is asked to step back a moment and just watch, instead... though you'll ask him to spot all mistakes.
You bend forward, and spread your fingers as though you have claws. Snaking left to right, you imitate the gatorman you killed as one of you first missions as a wandering knight. While you don't quite have the same bulk as that monster, the armor more than makes up for it.
"Ready?"

William bends his knees, raising his stick and grinning.
You sniff. His stance is wrong. His feet are too close together. Then, you let him take one step, and then you rush forward, palm outstretched. He gasps, which is his second mistake, as you slam your palm into his chest, sending him flying backwards.
Instantly, he is winded, and on his back. You step back a moment, and then you give it to him straight:
"You're dead. Get back up and try again. Chad, do you see what he did wrong?"
Chad blinks twice... and then says:
"His feet were right next to eachother. Didn't brace right."
"Very good. What else did you see?"
"He... didn't block?"
"Also a good point. If I'm charging, you should make use of your weapon. Range, in general, is your best weapon, especially against an unarmed opponent."

William is still wheezing and coughing, though he's getting back up.
"I... I wasn't ready!"
"You were. You got to make the first move. Now, ready for another?"
"Man. Alright..."
This time, he puts up more of a defensive stance. For his sake, you perform the same move, the outstretched palm, and he sidesteps the initial blow, and slams his stick down on your back. He laughs for a moment, but then you swing your elbow back, and strike him right in the ribs. He coughs, stumbling back, and performs a clumsy swiping blow, missing outright and, worst of all, his whiff makes him stand off-balance. You move in, and you grab him by the wrist and then disarm him outright.
"You're dead."
"I..."
He turns red for a moment, but just sighs.
"Damn it."
"You'll be fine; Chad?"
"He missed?"
"The miss can happen, his mistake was putting too much into it. He was off-balance from the clumsy swing. From there, it was easy to disarm him. You need to consider not where you're swinging, but where you'll be after the swing."
>>
Then it was Chad's turn.
He is quick to take on his different fighting pose. Hilt up and blade down, while he actually settles his tail against the ground. Good.
You stare at eachother for some time, and then he feigns to the right, making you rush in and perform a hammer blow from top to bottom. Chad replies by blocking the blow before he actually hops back, catches himself on this very tail, and as he does a little hop back on it, he performs a stab towards you, which glances off your chest....
Then you reach down and grab him by the tail, pulling him back under you... after which he quickly replies by kicking both his feet against your chest, forcing you back a moment before he slashing again...
And that was the same mistake as William. His large branch is away from him, and he's unable to block what happens next. You put your foot on his chest, and call it:
"You're dead. Good hustle, though. William, what were his mistakes?"
"He did that fucked up little-"
"Language..."
"...He did that hop with his tail, and that left his tail in front of him. So you could grab it."
"Indeed. Don't try to be fancy. Anything else?"
"He got grabbed?"
"Same mistake, William. Don't double dip. Think, what happened afterwards?"
"He tried kicking you instead of stabbing you?"
"Close... What happened after the kick?"
"He slashed at you and missed?"
"Exactly! Double mistake. He kicked me away successfully, that was a good move. Then he tried to attack me, and his whiff removed his ability to block."

You step back:
"What should you have done?"
"Not get grabbed?"
"Mistakes will happen, it's all about compensating for those same mistakes.That's how you win fights, the ability to adapt. Now, pick yourselves up. We're going over the basic footwork again."
They both cringe at that. It's tough work, and boring besides, but vital.
>>
The city appears in the distance, at long last...
You've been feeling a little feverish recently... And you lost your last human teeth just this morning. You'll be fine, but... You'll be glad when the curse is gone, though you're not sure if this actually IS the curse running amuck.
For all you know, you actually did just catch a cold.
When you arrive at the city gates, you head right on through. The gates are wide open, though a guard still stops you.
"Hold there, sir... Anything to declare?"
"Three guns, one alchemist and nine others. Eight kobolts."
"Kobolts? May I have your name, sir?"
"Ser Reynauld."

There is a short pause, and then the guard nods a few times:
"Oh, I... hadn't recognized you, ser. Are the kobolts... freed slaves?"
"No, willing companions." The guard flinches a little, realizing that he was probably a bit offensive.
"Oh! Apologies. Head on through, ser, enjoy your time in Langtrip."
"I'll try."
"Uh... one thing, ser, now that you're in the city, we do... have a problem."

...
You're so tired.
You're so, so tired.

"What's the issue?"
"Well, it's... there's been thefts happening. That by itself isn't a problem. We even caught one of the thieves, a kobolt, though it refused to be taken alive. The thefts haven't stopped... only it was stepped up to kidnapping. A little girl, no older than eight. Our investigations have brought us to the sewers, but... Well, we suspect that we're dealing with an ogre."
"In the sewers?" you ask, raising an eyebrow behind your helmet.
"Yes. I was told to direct anybody capable enough towards it. Could you..."

...You needed to rest and stock up here anyway.
You do have the time, and it won't slow you down as long as Paracelcus or William do their part. You put your hand against your head...

>Refuse.
You don't have time for this. You can't stay here.

>Agree.
Just... get over there and save the girl. You can't possibly ignore this.

>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired.
Need to be pragmatic.
>>
>>5166346
>>Agree.
>Just... get over there and save the girl. You can't possibly ignore this.
>but you must REST first

we are no good to anyone if we pass the fuck out during the mission
>>
>>5166346
>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired.
>Need to be pragmatic.
It's not even pragmatism, it's that we'll likely need our gear repaired afterwards and these people will need Reynauld alive in the future.
>>
>>5166363
>It's not even pragmatism, it's that we'll likely need our gear repaired afterward and these people will need Reynauld alive in the future.

Asking for it is not something Raynold would do, and they will likely offer it after the mission. they are not dumb, look back through the other situations like this it has been agree, refuse, and dragon-influenced option. that last one is the curse options but as the curse has grown in strength the fuckiness of the text for it has faded, it is an insidious bit of thinking on spines part that I love, either way, the 'pragmatic' option is a trap
>>
>>5166346
>Agree, in exchange for the gear to be repaired

Curse gets a gimme, because we need this anyway.
>>
>>5166346
>>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired.
>Need to be pragmatic.
Probably should rest first
>>
>>5166346
>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired.
Let's show the curse we can compromise.
>>
>>5166410
>>5166443
>>5166462
three back-to-back 1 id posts, ok samefag, calm down.

I knew the pro dragon anons were fags, but didn't think they were samefags
>>
>>5166346
>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired
How fast can they repair the armor and sword? The faster the better. We can compensate for coins.

We also need to buy more armor and shields for everyone, especially our goblin friend and William. The ganbersons on cover a portion of all our kobolts bodies, so we need to supliment the lack of coverage with bringadine, leather armor, and bucklers. We also need to purchase ammo for the Blunderbuss, but have it appraised by a gunsmith to determine if it wont immediately blow up in our hands if we try firing it.

Tl;dr use quest reward and our own money to guy and repair stuff for everyone.

Do Ogres regenerate? Has Reynauld killed an Ogre before?
>>
>>5166367
I think what we can do is, on the first day here we send off our stuff to be repaired in addition to a little shopping, but on said same day we spend the time looking for clues and see if we can capture a local kobolts to interrogate. Perhaps even adopt more kobolts to our clan.

>>5166481
Could they be lurkers or newfags? I can only hope that is the case.
>>
>>5166462
Not samefag, me wildly IP-Hopin
>>
>>5166517
Ogres do regenerate, though not nearly as much as trolls. They're essentially really, really big humanoids that are dumb as rocks.
The thing is, though, they're far stronger than they look, and they already look really, really strong. You can't take them down without a plan or a lot of experience. Fortunately, Reynauld has both, and pretty much has it down to a science. Nick the legs, keep your distance, and call it mean names.
>>
>>5166481
>>5166523
QM well-known for posting from mobile even in my own quest, actually. I can substantiate from my own home computer after work, if it's really an issue.

>>5166410 is me
>>5163735 was, too
>>
eeh I think it might be a mistake to ask for compensation our oath tells us to help even without the promise of a reward, doing this just feels like giving the curse and our shadow ground without actually taking steps to tame our shadows bad elements.
>>
>>5166346
>>Agree.
>Just... get over there and save the girl. You can't possibly ignore this.
in and out, quick and clean.
>>
>>5166346
>>>Agree.
>>Just... get over there and save the girl. You can't possibly ignore this.
>>
>>5166580
>call it mean names
Bruh, too far
>>
>>5166580
>call it mean names
The darkness really was in Reynauld all along
>>
>>5166346
>>Agree.
>Just... get over there and save the girl. You can't possibly ignore this.
Don't make it a condition but do ask for some repairs
>>
>>5166580
>and call it mean names.
No plz no bee meanie ;n;
With fire breaths or fire bombs work against them?
>>
>>5166346
>>Agree.
>Just... get over there and save the girl. You can't possibly ignore this.
>>
>>5166757
Can confirm that >>5166410 was no samefag, now.
>>
>>5166346
>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired.
>>
>>5166346
>Agree... in exchange for your gear to be repaired.
Sure, we are oathbound. But our productivity is directly tied to usability of the gear we have at our disposal.
>>
"Very well... But only if I can get my gear fixed up in exchange."
"You'd... Uh... V-very well. We'll pay you enough to visit the smith, sir. Are you... Heading to the smith first?"
You cough a few times, and feel yourself gasping for air a bit... You're... still under the weather, you suppose, and your fingers feel a bit numb. You take a deep breath, however, and then hop off the cart.
"No. I'm heading to the sewers. Where's the entrance?"
"Just follow me, ser. Is your cart in good hands?"
You turn around and see Paracelcus has taken the reigns. She plainly states that she'll take it to the cheapest inn she can find, and that she'll cover the costs. She also insists this is a one-time thing, as she doesn't particularly like paying for so many people, even if the kobolts will be sharing your room.
Obviously, Chad hops out of the carriage as well.
"I'll help!"
"No no... Remember what I taught you yesterday? In the case of an ogre, fighting them alone is best. Overwhelming an ogre only causes them to become unpredictable... I won't be long."
"...If you gets hurt, I'll hit you." Chad says, clearly upset about not being able to join you, but... you made the mistake of numbers against an ogre before. The goblin suddenly places her hand on Chad's shoulder, as well:
"He's made his decision. Ogres... really do fight better when they fight multiple people, so he's got a point. Good look, Reynauld."

You nod, and then you follow the guard.
You keep flexing your fingers, trying to get some feeling into them again, and you fortunately succeed by the time you reach the main sewer entrance. It's... huge. A gigantic gate, with several statues of skeletons to the sides of it. You don't even see any water from where you're standing.
"This is not the way a sewer would usually look."
The guard shrugs, and quickly explains it:
"They used to be catacombs, sir. But after the necromancers came by a few too many times, we burnt the corpses and officially settled on cremation... anybody that still wants to get buried for religious reasons has to do so outside the city limits."
"So you turned it into sewers."
"More like connected it. We use this entrance because it's where our trail lead us. It's the only place an ogre would be able to enter, though we don't know how the damned thing even got inside the city limits. Our best guess is that it scaled the walls."

They... do that. They climb things just because they're there.
At any rate, you enter the sewers, and the guard tells you good luck, and that there's a tinderbox and a torch not too far in.
Alright.
Good.
Now that you're alone, you finally take a moment to lean against the wall, and forcefully pull your gauntlet off to look at your fingers. Sure, you got feeling in them again, yes...
But you felt like there was too much of it. Sure enough, as you feared... Claws.
(cont)
>>
It looks like bone that just ripped its way through your fingernails, albeit painlessly. They poke out only the tiniest bit further than before, but a quick tap against the walls does confirm that they're very sturdy. You barely even feel it, and you suppose that's just another thing to put on the pile. They don't seem to be particularly sharp, at least, so no need to worry about hurting anything you don't plan to.
Alright, you have a job to do. You wander deeper into the sewers, grabbing a torch from the wall... Which you just breathe fire on to light. The fire, even when just on the torch, remains blue, and feels obviously warm. It seems to give off a bit more light, though that could just be because of the paler colours.
Shadows mix together into monstrous creatures as you wander deeper. Ancient remnants of catacombs mixed in with whatever the rats failed to fully chew through seemed to make these foul-smelling tunnels almost alive. The idea of monsters don't scare you anymore, though, it just leaves you on guard.
You already know the most unnatural monster here is you.

You don't go through anything too small, for now. Nothing an Ogre couldn't fit through, which leaves the options rather small. In fact, it doesn't take long before you hear a deep, admittedly talented voice singing to itself.

"I'LL PLUNDER AND FEAST
ON ANY MAN, ANY BEAST!
DOESN'T MATTA!
I'LL SNACK ON THEM ALLLL!"

Oh crap. It knows how to sing. That means it's very happy, and a happy ogre means one that was up to no good. At least it's easy to find the damned thing. You pick up the pace, and you note that this place is neither catacomb or sewer...
It might be from a city before the one up above. That'd make this place rather old, though it's clear people just made a canal for all the water to flow through, where there once was a walking path. A castle?
...Magic must have been afoot. It's all too structurally sound. It's more like an ancient castle that a sewer was just haphazardly planted into.

You eventually find a gigantic wooden door, or at least the remains of one. Looks to have been a very high-quality door, though now that it's been bashed open, a lot has been lost. You place your torch on one of the empty sconches, and proceed deeper in.
There, in a gigantic room follow with nothing but load-bearing pillars, filthy water, some furniture you can't even recognize and a pile of... something shiny.
The room ends in what looks like a gigantic chasm, you see the ogre eating something. At this range, and in this darkness, you can't quite see it. There is a faint bit of sunlight poking through some of the cracks, meaning this place is closer to the surface than you thought. Even stranger, there are little creatures running around as well.
>>
One of the little figures speak, and voices echo in this place. Enough for you to hear them, if you pay close attention.
"...D-does dragon... Still hunger?" You hear a shrill and obviously weak voice say.
"ALWAYS, LITTLE MORSEL, AAAALLWAAAAAYS!" He bellows, laughing before taking another bite from whatever he was eating. "BUT I LIKE WHAT YA BRING ME. KEEP IT UP, AND YA DRAGON MIGHT JUST NOT EAT YA! HAHAAAA!"
"Please... Great Dragon. Great Gorger, largest of all. Your servants require food as well... Please, let us take some of the rats."
"NOPE! ALLLL FOR MEEEE!" It laughs again. "IF YA CATCH IT, YA BRING IT TO YER DRAGON! THAT'S THE RULE, INNIT!?"
"...Yes. Apologies, great dragon. May you keep all of us safe from harm."
"AHAAAAH... I WILL MY LIL' MORSEL! YOU KIN TRUST YER DRAGON!"

You lean a little further, and get a better look. The ogre is positively huge, even for an ogre. Fat doesn't even begin to describe it. You can spot the kobolt it was talking to scampering away. It seems to be limping, and seems rail-thin, even as you see only a silhouette in this wretched darkness. If it weren't for your darkvision, you'd likely be blind.
Looking carefully, you see what the ogre is munching on.
...

A human leg. A very small human leg.
Oh no.
No no no no no.
You're too late? You came as fast as you could, how could...
...
This monster will burn.

>Step in quickly, challenge the ogre. You're killing this thing NOW.

>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
>>
>>5167741
>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
The one and only silver lining to already being too late is that you can now afford time to plan
>>
>>5167741
>Step in quickly, challenge the ogre. You're killing this thing NOW.
FUCKING CUNT
>>
>>5167741
>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
Kobolts are fiercely loyal and absolutely vicious little fuckers. The last thing we want is get mobbed by a klan of them while squaring off with an ogre, even if Reynauld could probably wipe the floor with them.
>>
>>5167741
>Remove your helmet and breath a massive gout of flame on the ogre
THE GREAT DRAGON REYNAULD CLAIMS THESE KOBOLTS AS HIS HORDE! YOU ARE SAFE WITH ME LITTLE ONES!

I know some anon's don't like playing into the dragon bit, but the show of flame would the fastest and easier way to get the kobolts on our side, plus. Our guy is in fullplate which is the least stealthy thing you can wear, also kobolts have dark vision.
Plus burning the ogre will just overall make things easier.
>>
>>5167752
I mean, giving them a better alternative could work? These little guys are starving to death so I doubt they're as fiercely loyal to the ogre as they would be to a dragon. Then again we only say one super thin kobolt, but it did mention "Your servants require food as well" soooo.....pretty much the equivalent of a grown man fighting an army of five year olds. With a gun.
>>
>>5167741
>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
If she is already dead, we will gain nothing from rushing in and risking our lives.
>>
>>5167741
>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
>This monster will burn. However, haste won't bring the kid back. Try to talk the kobolds out of the equation.
>>
>>5167765
>This monster will burn. However, haste won't bring the kid back. Try to talk the kobolds out of the equation.
I can at least support this, and this is honestly the only plan any of us has made so far, that's not immediately rushing up to kill the ogre.
>>
>>5167741
>>This monster will burn. However, haste won't bring the kid back. Try to talk the kobolds out of the equation.
We could try to show ourselves to these kobolds as a stronger dragon, one who could keep them safe. After that, let's immolate that fucker.
>>
>>5167741
>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
>>
>>5167774
Bad dragon mind. Less dragon.
>>
>>5167753
Supporting.

>>5167741
>Step in quickly, challenge the ogre... With dragon-fire!
>>
>>5167774
>>5167785
It's actually not the worst idea, it takes the bolts out of the equation peacefully.
That said I think we should approach the ogre killing as a knight and not a dragon.
>>
>>5167774
+1
>>
>>5167785
Never say bad right before you say dragon. No buneo furry sex toy company.
>>
>>5167741
>>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolds are a factor you must keep in mind.


talking to the kobolds, before having a plan to kill the ogre will only cause it to be alerted to our presence I would rather try to recruit them after we kill the ogre. Once we are sure none of them will go screaming to their dragon about an intruder, think of our loyal our kobolds are to us, now apply that to these kobolds to their master.

and before you say but he is bad to them and they will love us, kobold being treated poorly is the default, and loyalty to dragon override common sense.
>>
>>5167991
What the hell are you talking about?
>>
>>5168002
bad-dragon.com
>>
So what should we do with all the kobolts and stolen good after we kill the ogre? We already claimed the bounty in exchange for having our armor repaired again, and we're probably judt going to try and return everything that's stolen, but for the stuff that no one can claim? Dare we keep it, or invest all the money to feed the kobolts? Perhaps we can use the cash to renovate the underground? Everything seems magically and structurally sound. Kobolts are known to be craft so maybe they can be hired out to maintain the underground warrnens and do renovation projects to ensure the city doesnt cave in on itself.

Then again, they did kidnap a child, so the people in the city are more likely to kill them all. Should we just take all the kobolts with us? I'm not sure if they would fit in the carriage, or if we have enough money to buy another cart+horse.
>>
>>5168007
Dear hacker named 4chan, could you delete this site?
>>5168080
Good point; but let's see after discussing with the ogrebolds and slaying the beast. I am not sure he stole that much valuables anyway
>>
>>5168080
We could try to protect them by telling cityfolk that they were intimidated into helping the ogre.
While they still remain accomplices in these horrid acts, maybe we could protect them by claiming them as our own? So they will repay for their wrongdoings by helping people under our guidance?

As we have previously seen, kobolds are quite strong. It might be possible for them to take turns in pulling another, smaller cart.
>>
>>5167741
>>You need to be careful. Listen in a bit longer, get a plan together, then execute it. Those kobolts are a factor you must keep in mind.
Worth mentioning that we might not be the only "dragon" in the room whose role as a dragon is more than a title assigned to him by his Kobolts.
>>
>>5168080
There's no future for them here, and I'm not jazzed about partnering with child-snatchers, even those who did so under duress. Tell them to get out of here and, if they wish for our assistance and guidance, to come meet with us when we're done tending to our own 'bolts and our curse.
>>
>>5168413
Just burn them all and never talk about it again. It worked for his own family, it'll work here.
>>
>>5168471
The situations differ contextually in some key ways.
>>
>>5168413
Having them meet with us after we leave the city makes sense
>>
>>5168413
I can agree to that. Maybe spend at least 30 gold coins worth of the cheapest food in bulk that will get us and give it to them.
>>
>>5167741
Reynauld has some pretty good night vision now. Can he tell how the kobolts looks like? Any noteworthy features? How tall are they?
>>
>>5168471
I concur.
>>
You force yourself to remain calm, even as your heart hammers in your ears from just how much you want to kill the abomination in that gigantic chamber.
Instead, you move along the sides of the room, through some tunnels off to the side. The moisture here is annoying, making you sweat in your armor as the cloying heat gets to you. Your body still has to get used to a sudden influx of heat, after the clammyness of the city's sewers.
Where-ever the heat is coming from, you don't know. There must be a fire going, somewhere, and a pretty big one at that. You nearly slip several times from the moss growing on these stone floors, but you always manage to catch yourself...
Then, you hear something. The faint roar of a great fire, somewhere... On the other side of the wall, though you see a doorway right up ahead.
You place your ear against the door, after taking off your helmet, and you hear footsteps. Little ones.

Hmm.
You peek through the keyhole for a moment, and you see... a kitchen. Compared to the rest of this forsaken place, it looks alive, bathed in the orange glow of the central oven. You see figures moving around, though it's more their shadows dancing in the fire than anything you can specifically see.
...You open the door, slowly, and while it creaks like hell, you are not dissuaded. Once it's open enough for you to look at the whole place...
Well, it's decadent, and disgusting. There is a vegetable patch to the sides, and you can tell from here that it's extremely magical. The vegetables are growing before your very eyes, and you see another kobolt snatch off a tomato from a vine... which then rapidly begins to swell as something else grows from it... an apple, instead.
That food has to be as toxic as it possibly gets. Anybody that eats that would get mana sickness nigh instantly. You follow the kobolt that took the tomato, and you see it dicing it up just to the side of it... sneaking in slices as it works.
Just like the one you saw limping, this one looks rail-thin, and only clothed in rags.
Right next to it, however, you see another figure.
It's barely half as tall as the one next to it, and guessing from the unsteady gait and comparatively large head, it can't be anything other than a hatchling. It's brought a live rat, and the taller figure grabs it, and then chops the creature's head off without a word.
The little one gets the head, and it scarfs it down in a blink.
>>
...You take another step, and you see the limping one to your right, leaning against a cage...
Inside of it, you see a human child. The left leg is, obviously, missing, and you flinch for a moment as you look at the gruesome sight... only...
She's breathing. As pale as she is, and with the blood all around, you still see her chest moving up and down in the steady rhythm.
You feel an immense relief when you look closer, and confirm she is still breathing. Her leg was amputated, but guessing from the bandages and the cauterisation tools next to it... they intend to keep her as a fresh meal, most likely, taking bits off as it's needed.

>Forget the ogre. Enter the kitchen, break open the cage, and get the girl out of here, ASAP.
You'll kill the kobolts if you have to.

>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
You're experienced at this point. You just need to get the girl out of here, and they might even be of service to you.

>Go deal with the ogre first and foremost, THEN you can get the girl and deal with the kobolts.
>>
>>5169115
>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
Offer them one chance, and ONE chance only, to flee this city, and to meet with you elsewhere if they wish to walk a better path than this
>If any take up arms or attempt to flee, immolate one with fire-breath, declare yourself the new dragon 'round these parts, and order them to free the girl

This is more mercy than we showed the human bandits, and THEY never chopped off a little girl's leg to feed to a monster.
>>
>>5169115
>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
We can pull this off without excessive violence. That will come later, when we will deal with that ogre.
Mentioning our own retinue of kobolds and the deed that won over their loyalty could possibly help. We were the stronger dragon, after all.
>>
>>5169154
Support.
>>
>>5169115
>>Go deal with the ogre first and foremost, THEN you can get the girl and deal with the kobolts.

talking with the koobolds is a fools errend they will just give away our element of surprise, we should either get the girl out asap or kill the ogre anything else is just stupid guys
>>
>>5169115
>Go deal with the ogre first and foremost, THEN you can get the girl and deal with the kobolts.

This kobolts kidnapped a girl and chopped her leg off. Tell me that we are killing them.
>>
>>5169115
>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
>>
>>5169149
I wonder how many people they've served to the ogre.

>>5169154
Sounds smart. They might know something to stop the girls bleeding if she hasnt already stopped.

>>5169216
Nothing the kobolts have could possibly harm Reynauld, and it's better to deal with them now, than risk them distracting us when we have to fight the ogre.

>>5169223
I think we should get the full story first.
>>
>>5169115
>Go deal with the ogre first and foremost, THEN you can get the girl and deal with the kobolts.
>>
>>5169233
these kobolds are complicit actually directly responsible for the kidnapping and mutilation of a little girl, and this is not the first missing person even if we spare them here the townspeople will kill them and I will not support shielding them from justice. simple because aaawee Kobold cute, no if these were humans people wouldn't give it a second thought. they either die by our sword or by the sword of the guard. No one just gets to walk away after doing something like this, no one
>>
>>5169295
Sounds like a one track mind set. I do acknowledge that they've been compliant with the ogre which is why I want to hear from they, why the did this. Cant have justice without the entire truth. Plus I love expositions and stories. Is it sad? Are they idiots? Are they instinctually compelled to follow the orders of what they perceive to be strong like a dragon?

I wonder who's bright idea was it to make a mane poisonouw vegetable garden. Probably a wizard dont you think? Only someone so insane on magic juice would consider this, or that Lich necromancer whatever that used to live down here.
>>
>>5169115
>Forget the ogre. Enter the kitchen, break open the cage, and get the girl out of here, ASAP.
You'll kill the kobolts if you have to.
Fireman's procedure; rescue civilians first, neutralise danger second.
Is the girl's missing limb treated with a turniquet? Is she actively bleeding?
If both are a no, then it's already too late unless Para-medic pulls off a miracle of medical care.
>>
>>5169314
Ah, I totally skipped over the part specifically mentioning bandages and cauterisation tools. In this case I'm going with what >>5169149 said
>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
>>
>>5169114
How would mana sickness affect the mental states of the kobolts and ogre?
>>
>>5169322
I feel 99% sure that we were told about how mana sickness worked, but I cannot for the life of me remember what happens. You become crazy I think? And as a consequence become a psychopathic wizard because wizards cannot differentiate from right or wrong?

Oh no an idea popped in my head. Why if the Archmage had too much magic and became a full on wizard, or something or someone kills him before we arrive?
>>
>>5169348
Mana sickness can happen whether or not you're a wizard, but being a wizard will nearly always lead to mana poisoning.
It's quite comparable to lead poisoning, really.
>>
>>5169115
>>Forget the ogre. Enter the kitchen, break open the cage, and get the girl out of here, ASAP.
>You'll kill the kobolts if you have to.

This is literally the quiz we just gave to Chad and Bait.
>>
>>5169301
It really doesn't matter why they did what they did, at the end of the day they have mutilated one little girl, murdered god knows how many others, and feed them to the ogre, the defense "I was just following orders" is no defense at all. every Kobold that participated in this deserves to die here for what they did either by our hand or the towns, there is no forgiving what they have done it really is as simple as that.
>>
>>5169383
oh shit your right, I am changing to support this option
>>
>>5169383
Has a point, really.
>>
>>5169115

Changing from >>5169242 to

>Forget the ogre. Enter the kitchen, break open the cage, and get the girl out of here, ASAP.
>>
>>5169383
I will switch to this from this >>5169223
>>
>>5169115
>>Forget the ogre. Enter the kitchen, break open the cage, and get the girl out of here, ASAP.
>You'll kill the kobolts if you have to.
this, basically. The ogre isn't going anywhere, and if it does we can find it and kill it wherever it ends up.
>>5169301
A one-track mind is okay if the track is going in the right direction. We didn't ask the bandits about their life stories before we killed them. If they manage to survive long enough that they can surrender after we deal with the ogre, we can take a second look at things, but for now they're enemy combatants. And even if they surrender, that means we're turning them in to the townsfolk so they can stand trial for their actions.
>>
>>5169115
>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
As usual we shall try diplomacy first though if they try to stop us from rescuing the girl we will be putting them to the sword
>>
>>5167753
This shit right here. If ever there was a time to lean into this whole curse thing, it's now. Also moar 'bolts for our horde!
>>
>>5169115
>>Go deal with the ogre first and foremost, THEN you can get the girl and deal with the kobolts.
Bah, should have read to the end before responding. Anyway, the kobolts are redeemable, they just need some proper guidance and a better role model. Let's gut that fat bastard and sort out the rest afterwards.
>>
>>5169581
>Anyway, the kobolts are redeemable, they just need some proper guidance and a better role model.

have you literally not been paying attention either they die by our hand of the towns people, they mudered people, mutilated a child, there is no redemption for that, besides did you miss

>>5169383
are you really so arrogant to ignore the facts of the situation.
>>
>>5169115
>>Forget the ogre. Enter the kitchen, break open the cage, and get the girl out of here, ASAP.
>>
>>5169601
They may be redeemable insofar as they are clearly acting under duress.
>>
>>5169671
I was only following orders has never been a legitimate defense, not even once.
>>
>>5169698
>>5169671
Duress is a different situation that can lessen your culpability.
>>
>>5169698
>It was the only way to avoid being eaten or starved
>Likewise for my literal child (who Reynauld just confirmed is present)

I'm sympathetic. Not enough to give them carte blanche, but also not enough to *for instance) slaughter the hatchling.
>>
>>5169698
Yeah but they're just reptilian and subservient enough for the Nuremburg defense to work this time. The ogre was literally starving them, these guys are victims of pseudodraconian abuse in need of rehabilitation. Also our horde needs reinforcements and if we're picking up literal human bandits for squires there's no reason these little guys shouldn't get a chance at redemption.
>>
>>5169698
I'd normally agree but in this situation it's not just following orders, these bolts are operating more like slave soldiers than standard soldiers. That said if we find out the kidnapping was the idea if one of em that one is going to have some serious repenting to do at a minimum
>>
>>5169115
>Enter the kitchen and speak to the kobolts
I dont want to kill all of them. Some are hatchlings.

>>5169842
+1
>>
You are giving them one chance.

You step into the kitchen, your expression grim, and you call out to the kobolts.
"All of you. Release the girl, now." You say. Your breathing turns heavy at the amount of rage you're suppressing. THe kobolts look at you for a moment... and silently bunch up.
...There's really only three of them? Now that you have a better look at them, you also see the limping kobolt actually has a peg-leg.
"No! Dragon needs her! We can't!"
"You very much can. I will be dealing with the ogre in that filthy sinkhole in a moment, but I need the girl. Now, are you going to help me get her out of there... or are you dying in this kitchen, to be devoured by the creature out there."
There is a pause.. and then they run away, almost tripping over eachother as they do so, though the hatchling holds the hand of the peglegged kobolt. They begin to scream to their dragon, about an invader, and the ogre roars at the sound of it.
Damn. You rush over to the cage, and and take a look at the lock.
It's too sturdy to be bashed open in time!

But you don't need to do that, do you?
You take off your helmet, leaning above the iron cage, and breathe your blue fire over the lock for a few seconds. You hear gasping from the girl inside the cage, for a moment...
Seems she woke up, though she's too weak to yell.
"Don't panic. I'll get you out." You say, before you grab the door and pull. The softer metal bends for a moment, and then shatters, just as the ogre kicks the kitchen doors open.
"THIEVES! THIEVES IN MAH PANTRY!" It screams, as you enter the cage and grab the girl. You put the helmet on, quickly, as the ogre stomps towards you.
She weight barely anything, and you clutch her to your chest as you start running.

The ogre's weapon slams against the cage, but you rush towards the door you entered through. It's smaller than the ogre by a wide margin, it would force it to bend forward considerably if you were to do that.
The girl clutches you tightly, wheezing out "Don't let it get me.". you put your hand around her tightly, and whisper back:
"I won't. Just stay with me."

Then, one of the kobolts stands before you, holding a dull knife, and trying to block off the hallway you're rushing through.
You don't hesitate. It tries to stab you, but the knee you stuck out is armored enough for the blade to glance, and heavy enough to send the Kobolt sprawled on its back before you keep running.
"GET THAT MORSEL!" you hear the ogre, his baritone echoing through the sewers. "I WON'T STAND FOR THIEVES!"
You'll make sure to burn the bastard alive for what he did.

Fortunately, with the hallway blocking the ogre, it doesn't take long before you're out of its lair. You're very fast when you need to be, after all, and now you just need to find your way back.
This is going to take a while, and the girl is terrified.
"W-what are you? A-are you gonna... gonna... eat me too?"

>you need to talk about something with her, keep her distracted.
>>
>>5170341
>Eat you? I know you are a sweet little thing but I wouldn't ever think of doing that.
>Say, do you know the fairy tales of princesses in castles held captive by evil dragons?
>They always get rescued by a knight, right? I'll tell you a secret, today you are a princess...
>>
>>5170341
>In as kind a tone we can manage and with as much false confidence a knight who will save this child can muster "I'm a wandering magic knight, and it's my mission to help and save people, that's why I am here, to save you, I promise no more harm will come to you, and that I will get you home. would you like to here a few of my stories once we get to the surface? I can tell you the story of the lonely bird doctor and the wandering knight, it's about how the bird doctor had no friends but then a kind and friendly knight came along to make her not sad anyone, or perhaps you would like to here of the tale of the light and how he met a misguided and lost young man who after he saved his life decided that he wanted to train and become a knight as well to go out and help save people, or maybe the tale of the misunderstood and very sad girl who a kind knight befriended and helped heal? I can tell you all of these and more once we are safely out, until then I need you to be a brave girl and hold on tightly to me, don't make a sound and no matter what you here keep your eyes closed"

this played out exactly as I thought it would and you lot are fools for not doing everything we could to get this girl out without alerting the ogre, and I hope by now it is clear the ogre's kobolds are beyond redemption.
>>
>>5170341
I am the wandering knight Reynauld, slayer of beasts, the killer of [whatever his name was] the dragon, and the one who will bring you back to your parents this day. That little trick you saw there? I was cursed you see, but I'm going to visit an archmage so I can be cured you see?
Tell me something about yourself. You must be quite brave to have not passed out yet (and I'm worried that her passing out soon is a bad thing)

>>5170364
>>Eat you? I know you are a sweet little thing but I wouldn't ever think of doing that.
This part is cringe as fuck, but I will +1 the other two things you said.
>>
Are you really gonna give your life story to some scared kid in the middle of a rescue op
>>
>>5170364
First part is cringe.
And since she saw our fire breath, she may assume we not referring we are the knight, but the dragon. So no.

>>5170341
>No, no. I am a knight sent to save you!
>We'll get you to your Ma very soon, everything will be fine.
>And after that, i will get rid of the ogre, once and for all, so it can''t hurt you, or anyone else.
>>
>>5170435
+1
>>
So what are we going to do about the kobolts lads?
>>
>>5170364
Support.

>>5170435
We can just clarify that we're the knight at the end.

>>5170341
So goeth my vote; see above.
>>
>>5170370
Supporting.
Yeah... You might be right about them. Let's just not kill the hatchling as it's still a child.
>>
>>5170499
We could try to take them alive and give them away to the authorities so they will get a fair trial. The city seems to be a more accepting one, as it was shown in an exchange with the guard, so possibly there won't be much prejudice against them. Just a firm hand of the Law.
>>
>>5170691
>Let's just not kill the hatchling as it's still a child.
that I can abide, but the adults in my mind either die by our sword or at the hands of the city's court assuming they even make it that far.
>>
>>5170698
This I can agree on

>>5170710
I agree that they should be judged by a fair trial, less so than us putting them to the sword. The hatchling should be exempt though.
Man what's going to happen to the hatchling?
>>
>>5170364
>>Say, do you know the fairy tales of princesses in castles held captive by evil dragons?
>>They always get rescued by a knight, right? I'll tell you a secret, today you are a princess...
This is perfect. Maybe not the joke about eating her since she's already gotten eaten
>>
Maybe it's the dumb dragon curse dude who's absolutely convinced he's a funny guy squeezing a shitty and misplaced joke in before Reynauld can catch himself.
>>
Okay, okay. Need to move on to fairy tales or... something.
"I'm a knight. Here to save you... You've heard of the fairy tales before, right? Of the beautiful princess captured by evil dragons, before a knight comes along to save them?"
She stares at you, silently... she's breathing heavy, but you clutch her a little tighter.
"Well, princess... Here I am, okay? I'm here to get you out, back to your home."
"H-how did... You... You're not a..."
"I'm a knight, princess. Don't you worry... Just... got a little curse on me, that's all. I'll be fixing that up soon, and until then it let me save you, didn't it?"
"Did a... did a fairy do that?"

Fairies aren't real, of course, not the ones people like to think of.
"Yeah. A fairy played a prank on me. Said I should try out being a big lizard for a bit."
There is a pause... and then she takes a shuddering breath.
"I'm... really tired." She says, leaning back a little bit, and you feel yourself panicking. She can't fall asleep now.
She might not wake up.
"No no no, princess! You'll want to be awake for the happy ending, right? Come on! Say, I just told you that I'm getting a little lizardly... How do *you* think that happened?"
"Huh?"
"Tell me? A fairy magicked me up, who do you think she did that."
"Did you... defeat a dragon?"
"Yes, my royal highness... But why would a fairy be mad about that?"

She leans back, a bit... And you clench your teeth a moment before you take off your helmet and...
fumble it.
Damn!
You can't go back for it right now, at least it's someplace dry. If you stop moving, the girl might not make it. But, you do what you were planning to do.
"H-here's a hint!" You say, before spitting out a tiny burst of fire above her. She gasps, and clutches you tighter.
"She likes that fire a lot, you see, so what do you think the dragon did for her?"
"D-did... did she make her fireplace go?"
"Yes! But why would she need such a big thing just for some heating?"

You're getting close, just need to keep her talking.
Come on. Come onnn.
"The fairy had... a really big house. With... With a princess."
"And what did she and the princess do."
She giggles a little, though it's clearly forced. It's more akin to a wheeze:
"S-so... t-the princess can choose her... her prince... are you a prince, mister?"
"Nope! Just a wandering knight! That's why the fairy said I should give her some central heating!"
She smiles.
"You s-shouldn't... you shouldn't do that. You're not a prince!" She says.

Light! Finally!

You rush outside the sewers, taking in a breath of fresh air, and also proceed to make some guards jump back in surprise.
"SOMEBODY GET ME A MEDIC, NOW!" You yell, though some guards are already preparing a stretcher.
Seems they were prepared, but why are they here? You place the child on the stretcher, while one of the guards starts explaining.
"We had citizens mention they heard rumbling and screaming in the sewers... we thought something went wrong, so we came here."
Good thing the guard's competent.
>>
>>5171304
I already love the guards here. They're so great I want to make them a cake for being not terrible people. Light bless their souls.

Spine i have another question for you. Does transmutation magic exist? Convert one material into another? If it were possible I'd image it would be really popular with dragons since gold is really good with magic.
>>
The girl is quickly carried off, though you can see an alchemist wearing the doctor's beak approaching already, likely to make sure she remains stable. Then, you turn the guard who look... suddenly shaken.
Oh.
Your helmet.
"S-sir? Are you... alright?"
"No. But it's nothing to worry about right now. Is it about my teeth?"
"Your hair is... unnatural, the roots are white. Sorry for prying, it's just a sign of magic contamination. Not to mention, your eyes." The guard says. You can tell he's nervous, but nobody seems intent on getting violent with a man who saved somebody that was assumed dead, especially a child.
"It's a curse. Slow-going... I'm on the way to the archmage to get it resolved, but I couldn't very well leave this. Now, I need..."

>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now.
You could probably ask the guards to join you, though it's better to take on ogres alone.

>To stay with the girl a bit. Have to make sure she's okay.

>To get my gear fixed up, first. It's my payment ahead of time, I know, but I must be ready to deal with the ogre
>>
>>5171311
>>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now. Alone, as it's the way to deal with Ogre.
>>
>>5171311
>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now.
Guards here are competent, thank goodnes.
>>
>>5171311
>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now. Alone, as it's the way to deal with Ogre.
We also need to swing down and pick up our helmet.

>>5171316
I know right? It's a breath of fresh air.
>>
>>5171309
Transmutation magic was even featured already in the quest. Strictly speaking, you totally screwed over the mercenaries by giving them transmuted gold, which is worth considerably less. Dragons can tell the difference with a good sniff, though they're not picky enough not to keep it.
Shiny is shiny, after all.
>>
>>5171311
>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now.
>>
>>5171324
I almost feel bad about the mercenaries. Eh, they're payed enough in gear.

Would it be a good idea to suprise the ogre by spitting fire into its eyes to blind it, cut its legs, then kill it?
>>
>>5171324
Oh yeah, besides stopping blood flow, any other vulnerabilities ogres have that we know of?
Does fire hurt them more, and stop their regeneration of that body part?
>>
>>5171311
>To get back down there and kill the animals that took the girl's leg, right now.
Animals important distinction
>>
>>5171396
You're confusing trolls with ogres. Trolls need to have their heart crushed to stop the regeneration, ogres just heal a wound that would take a human being 6 weeks in about three days.
In other words, you can treat them like a particularly large human, as far as killing them goes, provided you don't go for long-term killing like poison.
>>
>>5171311
>To borrow your sword...
>And then to get back down there and kill that ogre
>>
>>5171311
>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now.
>>
>>5171311
>>To get back down there and kill the animal that took the girl's leg, right now.
>>
>>5171414
Were it not for the curse I would had liked to explore the underground area with our friends. Marvels to explore, magical oddities to discover. It would be fun.
>>
>>5171815
We can come visit and do some training there later, after we're dewyrmed.
>>
>>5171414
If the curse cannot be cured, I had an idea to commission a new sword for Reynauld. Something slightly thicker than it will be longer so it's less liable to bending.
How much would it cost to buy a thicker alchenically treated steel great sword / claymore / zweihander / big fuck you two handed stabby88sa2 stick?
>>
>>5171859
If the Curse can't be cured, which would suuuuuck, then we need to focus on taming our shadow and burning off the worst elements of his being that for coagulated by the curse into dragon raynold. so that Raynold can be whole once more but not under the curses terms.
>>
>>5171886
Dont forget about paying a visit to the king or someone so we can get our status as a wandering knight not revoked, due to Reynauld being cursed. Just because he's slowly being turned into a dragon, doesnt mean he can continue his job.
>>
>>5171894
true, maybe we can even work out a deal for a plot of land to base out of since if we end up being forced to go dragon (which I will say again I really don't want) then we will need a place to fort us when people are not asking us for help.
>>
>>5171444
seconded. Bring someone along to deal with the kobolts, ideally have them captured but if necessary execute the adult ones and adopt the hatchling
>>
>>5171943
This is a good idea I'd say pink and Chad would probably be best
>>
>>5171943
>>5172143
Hmmmm.

>>5171324
Supporting votes to bring Chad and Pink to diplomacy the other kobolts, but if they see the urge they run the hell away
>>
>>5172143
I think the best candidate is the goblin. The primary target is an ogre, and we really don't want to have anybody with us in the first place - she's proven she can stay hidden and cover Reynauld's back from the shadows, all she needs to do is make sure the kobolts don't get in the way. Plus she seems to know a thing or two about ogres already, so she should have no trouble following the plan.
The only reason to take a kobolt instead would be to try to spare the ogre's 'bolts, and it seems that ship has sailed already.
>>
>>5171943
>>5171444
suporting both
>>
>>5171943
Reading back, the ogre was in a room with a pile of something shiny. It's a fair bet that is a dragon hoard. Someone needs to be there to make sure Reynauld doesn't go lizard again.
>>
>>5171311
Adding
>ask to borrow a spare sword
>take some bolts to diplomacy other three bolts
Not sure about the goblin lady. She doesnt have to come, and we'll work better if we're 1v1ing the ogre.
>>
>>5171316
Adding to my vote
>Brink along Pink and Chad (but avoid them from fighting the ogre directly, stay behind until thats done and they can diplomancy kobolds)
>Ask a guard to borrow a spare sword.
>>
"I'm going to need to borrow a sword... and to get somebody. It's mostly to help out with the ogre's accomplices. Two of my companions, so I might try to talk down the kobolts."
"Bringing kobolts to kobolts, I suppose... Understandable. If you'll wait here, ser, we'll send out a runner to their inn. On account of you going into danger on the city's behalf, we were keeping track of them. Sorry if that offends, ser."
"Not in the slightest. Thank you. Ask for Pink and Chad, they're both kobolts. Pink is taller and, well, pink, while Chad is the male of the group. Has a mutilated tail."

Sure enough, it doesn't take long before Pink and Chad arrive, looking a little surprised.
You don't waste time explaining outside, you head inside and motion them to follow. However, you do explain why, exactly, you brought them with you.
"So, there's three kobolts with the ogre. They kidnapped and mutilated a little girl... So I'm not very inclined to show them mercy. But they have a hatchling with them, and... Well, I need to give them a chance. As such, while I intend to take on the Ogre alone, I hope you two will be able to convince the kobolts."
"Do we... have them join your service?"
"Preferably, they turn themselves in. But whatever limits the amount of violence is fine, I suppose. I'm giving leeway on account of their hatchling."
Your little friends remain quiet for the rest of the way, and it doesn't take long before you can hear roaring and thunderous footsteps. Though it's more akin to stomping. You also hear the occasional sound of something huge being swung against a wall. Seems your ogre is having a temper tantrum.
Good.

Following the noise makes it easy to find him, though you see that his kobolts aren't with him... Just to be safe,you head back into the magical(?) castle ruins. The ogre isn't very far away from there, after all, so it shouldn't be a problem. Sure enough, as you had hoped, the kobolts are there.
"Alright. Pink, Chad... Do your thing. I'll be staying here."
And off they go...
(cont)
>>
You can hear the echoes well enough, and you listen closely;
"Wait! Do not attack, but listen! I am Pink!"
There is a short pause, and then the kobolt with the pegleg says
"...Yes. We can see that."
"No, I mean... that's my name, uhh, anyway, I've been sent here as an emissary. My master intends to kill your master, and offers you, uh... Offers you the chance to give yourself up."
There is another pause, and Chad steps in:
"Our dragon will defeat the creature that you deign to call master! Then, by rite of power, you must do as he says!"
"...You have a dragon of your own?"
"Yes! He is great and powerful, and will only grow more powerful! He is... he is also very kind. He has named us, wishes us to be-"
"What Chad is telling you... you can live better than you are now. You look... you look unhealthy. Your dragon does not care for you."

Finally, one of the kobolts actually has something to say:
"He keeps us safe. We must gather much food, but... it is our own fault that we are so little and... so inefficient."
"It's not! Why are there so few of you, anyway? Three is barely a quarter of a proper horde!" Pink says.

A quarter?
Every day, the dragon you defeated seems a little less impressive.

"Once there were more of us, but our failures kept mounting! He... The dragon had to feast on us, to keep his might intact!"
Oh.
Dear lord.
Even Pink and Chad seem taken aback, proving that this, at least, is NOT normal amongst other "dragons".
"That's... Then he does not keep you safe! "
"He does! He is mighty! The mighiest dragon that ever walked on two legs!"
Chad shakes his head.
"Our dragon will defeat yours! Just WATCH!"
There is a murmor, and the other adult kobolt, the one that was slicing tomatoes, speaks. She's a woman, seems like, and while her voice is weak and raspy, there's still some fight in her.
"...Then we shall. He ordered us not to fight, so watch we shall. If your dragon is as powerful as you claim... Then we have a new master, no?"
Pink raises her hands:
"Wait. Our dragon is... upset that you attacked a child. I'm not sure-"
"Does it matter? If he does not take us in, we are dead anyway. If his wish is to see us dead... We are but humble servants."

Okay, so... it seems like it all comes down to the same thing: kill the ogre, prove yourself to the kobolts.
Well. How are you approaching that one?

>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head

>Enter the room and tell them you'll be waiting for their "dragon" there. They should go get the big smelly ogre.

>Enter the room and make it more clear. Either step to the guards, or die here and now.
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
No reason for anything fancy. Get the job done. Should be fine unless the ogre pulls out some real bullshit.
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head

Better not have an audience when fighting the ogre.

Regarding the kobolts, we will have to talk through what to do with them with the town guard. If they are fine with them joining us to repay their debt, then i find that acceptable. As long as we make sure that until they show penance, they will be lower in status than our original hoard.

When talking with the town guard, we should stress how kobolts in of themselves aren't evil, but they "Imprint" on the strongest presence they see. Be it us, a dragon, or an ogre.
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
They're delusional and stupid. I think there was a reason why kobolts arent known for their wisdom. I guess at this point I think we should recruit them, but they will be worked extra hard. They gotta be extra nice to people from now on.

>>5173218
More or less agreeing with this point.
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
>>
>>5173191
>Enter room, ask kobolts what the shiny pile you saw in the chamber was
>>
>>5173289
We can do that later AFTER we kill the ogre.
>>
>>5173191
>>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head

for the final fate of the kobolds, all but the hatching should be handed over to the city we can explain their situation and ask for leniency if we are so inclined, but justice must have its day. and possibly the hatchlings mother, but the rest by all rights need to face justice for what they did. and yes, I did understand the implications of the ogre eating them and their justice will be un killing that wretched thing, but they still need to answer for what they did before the city.
>>
>>5173323
I have a high suspicion that is a dragon hoard and Reynauld will go lizard. We can ask them after only if we aren't fighting the ogre in that room.
>>
>>5173349
>We can ask them after only if we aren't fighting the ogre in that room.
The ogre is not in that room, else Pink and Chad would had encountered it already, so we don't have to worry about it yet.
>>
we should not touch of look at that horde ourself if you guys really want it let pink handle it for us she is the cute and smart merchant kobold
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre
>>
>>5173191
>>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
>>
>>5173191
>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
Priorities. First kill the ogre, debrief the kobolts, then have Pink tally up the hoard while we meet up with the guards.
>>
Get ogre
>>
>>5173563
>Check yourself before you Shrek yourself

>>5173191
God I hope there's an unaccounted for pile of loot down here. First thing we need to do: get more gear for everyone, Possibly a second wagon or cart, and another horse.
>>
>>5173191
>>Slink away and go kill the ogre. Either they hear the fighting, or you come in and toss the head
Just kill it.
>>
Rolled 33, 78 = 111 (2d100)

Slinking away, you go back into the sewers... and follow the sounds of the angry ogre. You wish you could say it didn't take long, but that would be a lie. You end up looking around the sewers for what could be anything from half an hour to several hours.
Time gets funny in the dark.
Your torch has been replaced twice now, as even the undoubtedly magical fire needs something to fuel it. Fortunately, the sewer system has quite a few on offer, likely for the maintenance workers that have to come down here from time to time. The dampness would ordinarily make these torches bothersome to light, unless one were to spread oil on it first, but your fire allows you to skip that particular step. It's useful, at least. You were musing on that just as you catch on that, rather than echoes, you are hearing real footstomping.
"I CAN SMELL A NEW MORSEL! SMELLS... SPICY! DID THEY SEND A WIZARD TO COME FACE ME!?" The ogre bellows, his baritone not really coming to its full potential in the awful acoustics of the sewers. It seems unfair such a foul thing should be blessed with such a voice.
"WAIT! I SMELL IT NOW! YOU WANT YOUR HELMET BACK?"
Oh, of course he found that.
"COME AND GET IIIIIT!"

You hear him shout from around the corner, and you don't even try to sneak up on that monster. Stepping from around the corner, you see the gigantic, corpulent figure holding your bucket helm in his hand. His head is but inches from the ceiling, and this is a truly gigantic sewer. Albeit one mixed in with a wizard's trick.
"Well. Here I am." You say, unsheathing your sword and dropping your torch towards him. Mercifully, this place is dry.
"HAHAAAA! LOOK AT YOU! TRYIN' TO DO SOME NICE THINGS 'FORE YOU TURN INTA A MONSTER?"
It laughs cruelly, as it drops your helmet to the ground.
"BETTIN' THIS 'ELMETS PRETTY IMPORTANT! BET THE MORSELS UPSTAIRS DON'T CARE FOR YER EYES!"
"I got a spare. Now shut up and fight, tubby."
It seems annoyed at being brushed off, and then it stomps its gigantic club on the helmet, crushing it flat.
That...
Actually DOES annoy the piss out of you. You only had one bucket helm, you don't like the other one as much.

"Are you done grandstanding? I've got someplace important to be."
"YOUR FUNERAL'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YER HEADED TO!"
"Good lord... all this bluster. Are you that scared of me?"
>>
Bingo.
That got him mad.
"I ATEN'T SCARED OF NOTHIN'!" It bellows, as it starts charging towards you at high speeds, it's stocky legs allowing it to move faster than most people would predict. Then, it attempts to thrust its club against your body, which is not quite what you expected...
But still something you accounted for. Moving yourself to the left, you narrowly dodge the club... And push yourself forward, sending the borrowed blade across the ogre's thigh.
It grunts in pain, and you keep moving, to the side of the giant. You attempt to slace at its achilles tendon, but are unfortunately blocked by some armor he placed there, and you can't afford to remain where you are. You jump back, and make more distance.
"THAT A TICKLE!?" It yells back, mocking.
"That's blood loss. A few more and you won't be talking so loud." You respond.
The creature once more attacks you, this time holding his club horizontally as it runs forward, likely intending to shield itself as it charges. Its smarter than most, it seems. You brace yourself as it holds the club low, and as it approaches...
You leap upwards, putting your foot against the club, and then using your momentum to slam the guard's sword deep into its chest!

It wheezes... Stopping for a moment as it tries to connect how you dealt so much pain to it, while you hang on to the blade. For a few seconds, you try to pull it loose, but, alas, the blade is stuck.
Dropping down, you stumble for a moment, making more and more distance from the ogre that should have taken a lethal hit from that. You punctured a lung, you're sure of it.
"...NICE TRY." It says, before it pulls the blade from its chest... and tosses it away, far into the darkness. You can hear the blade bouncing along the tunnel, and you click your tongue as you take out your usual sword. You keep calm, and consider running for a moment, only...
You blink twice as you see the ogre's wound fail to bleed.
"I'VE BEEN EATIN' SOME SPICY GREENS, YA HALFWIT! YOU CAN'T HURT ME, KNIGHT!"
It flexes at you a little... which does actually cause a spurt of blood to come out of the deep wound in his chest. It gives a little shout of surprise at that, while you remain in a combat position.
...Okay.
Need to get its head. It won't bleed out, but that thigh injury is still there. Most likely, it can't heal its flesh any faster than a regular ogre.

Okay. You'll manage

Roll 1D100+30
Best of 3
DC: 83
>>
Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5174630
Lets gooooooo
>>
Rolled 48 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>5174630
please don't be a low roll
>>
Rolled 75 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>5174630
Let that fucker burrrrrn!
>>
File: 81d.png (596 KB, 784x528)
596 KB
596 KB PNG
Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>5174630
FOK U KUNT
>>
>>5174630
hey wait a minute, don't we have dark vision now?
>>
You take out your pistol, next, and fire right at the creature's head. The bullet fails to pierce his skull, yes, but you DO succeed in making it flinch and stumble as it clutches its face... Letting you run in close, though you sidestep at the last moment as it performs a wild swing of its huge arms. It keeps yelling after that, swinging its arms around wildly in an attempt to grab you, though you are already moving to the side of it. Then, as soon as the wild flailing slows down, you move in again, performing a big downward swing against the ogre's arm. You hit with enough force to bury it deep, and when you push it deeper and twist, you feel it grinding against the bone, before you hop back again.
"STAND! STILL!" It bellows, before it stands up tall again, and takes on a wrestling pose. Arms raised high, legs in a sturdy stance. It intends to grab you if you come close...
"Scared, are we?" You yell back, but the creature just growls at that, slowly approaching you once more...
So you take out your second pistol, and it instantly covers its face ahead of time.
Perfect.

You rush forward, and with the creature blinding itself in an effort to not get hit in the face with a bullet, you get close enough go around the side... and perform another powerful swing to the back of the creature's knee.
That one made it switch octaves as it screamed, and it's forced to the ground. As it falls, it rips out the blade as you just keep it in place, and you switch your stance to stab it in the other knee.
That one grounds him entirely as it keeps screaming in pain.
Time to finish this.

You leap on its back, now that it's forced on its belly, unable to use its legs, and while the footing is incredibly unstable, you get enough of a grip to leap... Sword above your head, you plunge it down into the creature's spine.
It screams one more time, as you feel large parts of its body go limp. It begins to collapse, and you hop off.
With the creature forced against the ground and mostly paralysed, you just need to finish it...

>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.

>Get some personal frustration out on the creature. You... have... A lot of things pent up.

>Burn it.
>>
>>5174700
>>Get some personal frustration out on the creature. You... have... A lot of things pent up.
We need it to understand exactly why it's going to hell and if it can't learn with its brain it has to learn with its pain.
>>
>>5174700
>Get some personal frustration out on the creature. You... have... A lot of things pent up.
>Burn it.

Both, at once.
FUCK this thing.
We can just bring the kobolts here to see the body.
>>
>>5174700
>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.

>>5174713
>>5174714
Frustration sounds like more dragon corruption bait imo. Am I paranoid? Burning also sounds unnecessary, and it's gonna make A L O T of smoke. It'll probably be eye watering and not at all pleasant to breath down here. Well, even less pleasant that it was before.
>>
>>5174731
Bottling emotions in constantly also helps the corruption
We need a balance, vent where we can, bottle it up where we can't.
Taking some more time killing a cruel, child eating monster, who DESTROYED OUR HELMET REEEE seems like the best opportunity to let loose.
>>
>>5174700
>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
>>
>>5174731
I'm not in favor of burning inside, because it could cause suffocation issues, but we do need to make this thing understand why what it did was wrong before we send it on. Also maybe we can use its skin for something. We could just peel its face off while it's alive instead of chopping the head off, or we could do both.
>>
>>5174740
I dont think smoke is gonna be an issue since it has been estabilished that these sewer are fuckin' massive.
>>
>>5174714
Supporting
>>
>>5174700
>>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
This is already going to be a bloody mess, no need to drag it out.
>>
>>5174700
>Get some personal frustration out on the creature. You... have... A lot of things pent up.
>>
>>5174700
>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
Priorities, people, let's make sure the thing is dead first. I don't want to find out the magic fruit gave the ogre some sort of freak healing factor or something.
>>
>>5174700
>Get some personal frustration out on the creature. You... have... A lot of things pent up.

we gotta remember that this man has gone through ALOT of things recently, while yes extreme emotions lie within alot of the dragons territory, this is the ONE thing i could totally see our knight doing without it's influence.

i mean. this is literally a child eating bastard so fat on his own ego that he ate the very servants which pledged themselves to him. this would be pure EVIL in knight's eyes. and damn if he wouldn't want a evil puching bag to beat the shit out of after having nothing to vent his frustration on.

i don't think this is a dragon choice, i just think our man is feeling the heat, pun intended, of all of the bullshit piling onto him from the last week.
>>
>>5174700
>>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
>channel your fury, hate, and fear into your final blows, using it constructively in the name of justice as this monster dies make sure it knows why, for the child he mutilated, for the kobolds he has harmed for all the Innocents he has condemned, rather than giving into our frustration and rage we are sharpening it and directing it for the cause of justice
>>
>>5174700
Blunderbuss to the back of its neck. That should cut some time off.
>>
>>5174700
>>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.

I dont think its a good idea to create pain for the sake of venting.
there are better ways, like petting kobolds and railing Paracelcus
>>
>>5174744
I was just thinking of the oxygen starvation not smoke desu
>>
>>5174700
>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
>Not letting the guard down until it's in 2 parts.
>>
>>5174700
>Get some personal frustration out on the creature. You... have... A lot of things pent up.

I mean, we kinda deserve it. Healthy people don't bottle everything up all the time. There needs to be some kinda viable emotional release, and this is probably as best we're gonna get. Otherwise the explosion will be worse.
>>
For all the people pushing for emotional release, I get it and agree Raynold needs emotional release but this is not a healthy manner to do so. Simply causing pain to derive pleasure from it even if it is from someone who objectively deserves it is still wrong. It's far better for Raynold, in the long run, to take the time to open up to the doc. Who is someone that is fast becoming a close friend and Confident rather than torturing this ogre to death simply as a means to, let off "some steam". Casual cruelty even on someone that deserves it will only, in the end, diminish us overall and just be another step in our corruption from the curse, which personally I refuse to take.
>>
further did you all forget that not only our kobolds chad and pink will likely be watch us fight and kill this thing, but the kobolds who have been forced to suffer under it, to we really want the first experience they have with us being there new "dragon" being us losing our shit and making this monster die a slow and horrible death? I know I don't want it to be.
>>
>>5174714
Supporting as well.

>>5174700
>>
>>5174943
I think you're over worrying a bit, personally. And there's a difference in being able to viscerally let your emotions out versus just telling someone. It's why college campuses allow for 'primal screams' during finals, and a lot of things of that nature.

Besides, doing one in no way precludes us from doing the other. We can do both.
>>
>>5174953
Going on a negative emotion-fueled torture dead montage against the ogre is different than letting out or emotions in a primal scream. one involved what I would call a healthy release of emotions and the other is committing evil onto someone because it will feel good and they deserve it, and then hiding that act of evil in moral virtue because they deserved it there for that makes it ok.

even when in reality it does not.

and as for overthinking it I don't think so I have seen the depth and breath that spinejuice puts into his over quests and in his quests actions have consequences.
>>
>>5174700
>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
Just kill the damn thing, torturing any opponent even onr as toul as this is beneath us.
And on a more practical note the more you toy with an enemy the more chances they have to do younsome harm before they die
>>
For a brief, wonderful moment, you consider letting out your frustrations on the meatsack before you. Imagining yourself over this supposedly mighty beast and making it submit completely and entirely as you slowly grind its bones to powder, showing the magic-affected thing what true power looks like.
...But this isn't the time or place for that. You unhook the blunderbuss from your back, and hop over the Ogre, planting right against the nape of the neck. Covering your face a bit as you fire, you blast away a considerable portion of the neck in one go... Though there's still work to be done. You hop off the giant's corpus, and then raise your sword above your head, before sending it down on the now exposed spine. The cervical spine is the term, you believe, though you're not entirely sure. The blade cuts through a little over half of it in one go, and you have to wiggle the blade to get it loose again. Fortunately for the ogre, this seems to have finished it off....
You keep cutting after that, finding a grim sort of satisfaction in the work, though you keep yourself business oriented.

Here in this clammy, moisture-dense sewer, you finally tear off the head of the ogre that caused so much pain. Grabbing it by the topknot, a topknot that is quite greasy you might add, you hold it by your side... and then go looking for the sword the ogre tossed away.
Blades are expensive, the guard would probably like it back. Fortunately, you didn't need much time to find it. The torch made the metal glint, and your darkvision also helped out quite a bit.
Now...
You head back to the large room with the kobolts. Once you get there, you hear that they're still talking, it seems... Though there is some crying, as well. When you peek inside, you see the female kobolt is currently sitting down, next to the hatchling.
Pink is patting her on the back, while Chad is keeping distant, standing next to the peg-legged kobolt. Then, you enter the room, making people peek up. Your kobolts are, obviously, excited. The other three look at you fearfully, and then you toss the ogre's head on the floor before them.
"There. It's done. Now, you three... What will you be doing?"

There is a pause. A long one, though you have decided to be patient here. You wipe the sweat off your brow, still feeling unseasonably warm, especially for such a cold and dank place. Then, finally, the peg-legged kobolt kneels down:
"We do as you command, Dragon."
...Hmm.

>Very well. Go turn yourselves in.

>Wait outside the city limits, you'll be joining me.

>Come here, and accept a quick and merciful death.

>Get out of this city. Make sure I don't see you again. Find a more worthy master than the ogre.
>>
>>5175081
>>Very well. Go turn yourselves in.
>Except the young one. You can join us, we'll feed you.
>>
>>5175081

>>5175093
Yep, this. Sorry kobolts, you just got unlucky in life. We'll tend to the hatchling though.
>>
Just making 100% sure. Our kobolds didn't actually do anything shitty before we met them, right? I couldn't find the thread in the suptg archive.
>>
>>5175102
You don't really know. You never asked, though it could be inferred they helped steal shit for the dragon they were working under.

Also of note, here's your link to suptg:

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5084905/
>>
>>5175102
We just don't know.
>>
>>5174700

>Chop off the head. It won't be quick or easy, your blade doesn't have the heft to slice through the neck in one go.
Other anon made sense
>>
>>5175081
>Get out of this city. Make sure I don't see you again. Find a more worthy master than the ogre.
>>
>>5175081
>Wait outside the city limits, you'll be joining me.
More friends!
>>
>>5175110
>friends

Friends don't amputate children's legs to feed them to monsters, then fail to even show remorse. The only reason I'm advocating sparing them in that kobolts seem to have inhuman psychology and to follow an alien moral sense, and because they were abused and bullied so much. Oh, and their kid.
>>
>>5175093
>>5175098
Kind if fucked up to take a kid away from its parents. I know that little girl is crippled, but maybe theres a better way? Maybe try to best some morality into them? If not for them then their child.

>>5175109
>>5175135
Yyyeeeaaaahhh. These kobolts need some lessons on morality and a psychiatrist to tell them why feeding people to an ogre is bad. Plus, wont they just end up serving something equally terrible again if we tell them to leave, if they're not eaten by pig demons or the wildlife?
>>
>>5175146
I don't think we have the bandwidth to keep more kobolds, honestly. Not right now, anyway. We'd have to essentially claim our own land.
>>
>>5175081
First learn who's bright idea it was to kidnapp and butcher a child, judge what to do bases on how they answer.

Honestly the whole situation is fucked, they did something monstrous but probably did it to keep their own child alive.
>>
>>5175081
Talk to them, assess their mental state and age. Just because they have a kid doesn't mean they are mentally more than kids themselves. Kobolts seem to age a lot slower and live much longer than humans, Pink is the only bolt I would really consider a mature adult and she's mad old. While 'just following orders' is never an excuse, psychologically damaged children being Stockholm syndromed into committing crime with the ever present fear of death hanging above them should not be held completely accountable for their actions. Killing them would not be justice.
Neither would handing them over to be judged as humans.
Its our responsibility to correct them and make them better beings.
>>
>>5175146
>Kind of fucked up to take a kid away from its parents.
Yeah, kind of fucked up to kidnap a little girl and put her in a cage waiting to be eaten. Then cut off her leg and cook it in front of her, to feed it to an ogre.
>>
>>5175183
These guys have some serious Stockholm's syndrome.
>>
>>5175240
So what? Accomplice to mutilation is still a crime.

Let's talk to the little girl and see what she wants done with them, if you need something to make bitter justice more palatable. Her wound was cauterized, maybe it was an act of kindness from the 'bolts rather than just pragmatism, but I doubt it.
>>
>>5175081
Let's talk with them and get a sense of their character and culpability
>>
>>5175081
>Let's talk.
We should probably gain more informations before we make our decision. How exactly did these three help that ogre? How guilty are they?
>>
>>5175283
Which can be accounted for their Stockholm's syndrome, or their near biological built in compulsion to follow "dragons". They're a slave to their instincts, but yes I agree they shouldnt be left off the hook.
I agree that they should be punished, yes, but having them executed, or leave only to follow another "dragon" or die inna woods, doesn't really help anyone or unkill any of the people they've feed to the ogre. The best way for them to repent would be to become something akin to wandering knights, or vassals of Reynauld where they can do something more constructive. Like fighting pig demons, learning valuable trade skills they can use to help other people (without asking for compensation, fuck you dragon), and all around rehabilitate into less terrible people.

Because you know. Killing people doesnt unkill people. Two wrongs dont make a right, so and so. I'm just saying if you want to look at it pessimistically, so long as we take care of them they're free laborers that'll nearly do anything we want so long as we protect them.

>>5175102
>>5175104
>>5175105
That is a line of thinking none of us have considered. Maybe our kobolts did kill people, good people before we adopted them. Would that not make us a hypocrite if we kill or leave these kobolts?
>>
>>5175392
Yeah Kobolts seem kinda like slaves/extensions of their "dragon's" will when it comes to their actions. Which raises some rather sticky moral questions when they do bad stuff
>>
This situation kinda reminds me of a story I heard about WWII. A group of soldiers had been captured by nazis the nazis decided they had more prisoners then they could really handle at the time so they singled a man out gave him a gun and with a gun literally to his head told him he could either shoot all the other prisoners and become a POW or refuse and they'd all be shot.
He chose to shoot the other prisoners. Should he be punished for that decision?
>>
>>5175081
>Wait outside the city limits, you'll be joining me.
>but lets talk
Tell me your sekrits you lizard midgets.
>>
>>5175081
>>5175388
>Let's talk.
I'd like more information before settling on a judgment. Let the kobolts tell their story, how they came to serve under the ogre and what they did in his service. If they understand what they did was wrong and show remorse, I'd be willing to let them join our horde and hopefully rehabilitate them. Otherwise, just turn them in to the guard to punish them by law of this city.
>>
>>5175093
>you know from their conversation with pink they are victims of the ogre as well, but you need to find out exactly by how much and what they have survived. If you are even going to consider pleading for leniency on their behalf you need to know if they are truly deserving of it.
>Once we hear their story we can decide if we will go to bat for them either taking them on as our wards to ensure they do no more harm or leaving them to there fate with the guard save the hatchling, but in the end justice must have it's due
>>
You sigh, and take a moment to rub your temples, now that you aren't wearing your helmet. You need to have more context to this, so...
"Okay... I want you to talk to me. I need to full context... Who decided to kidnap a child to feed that ogre."
"...The ogre demanded human. Said it offered fat and muscle that the rats couldn't. Then, he demanded something well-fed, not anything that might live in the gutter."
"So you picked a child, right off the street?"
"It was small enough for us to grab. A fully grown human is... We wouldn't be able to do it without killing them."
"And I suppose the bastard demanded it be fresh."
The kobolt looked away.
"I am sorry for displeasing you, great dragon..." It says. It looks too exhausted to really do more than say that, as it sits down on the damp, disgusting floor. "We sliced off the leg, burnt it shut. We... we gave her much of the poppy plant, to assure the shock does not kill her. We had to be careful, and she would scream much, so we had to force her down."

They drugged her. Not out of mercy, of course, but out of practicality. That said, you're all but certain the blood loss is the reason she was so out of it on the way back. She felt cold.
"How long have you been with the ogre?"
The woman speaks:
"It found our cave over a year ago, and destroyed our previous dragon. It seemed to laugh off the icycles our grand wizard threw at it, and then crushed his head. Then, he began to eat... h-he..."
The peglegged kobolt takes over:
"It began to eat of our hatchery. I offered our services to it, as is custom, and he... he agreed. Then, we wandered, raiding what we could. During lean days... our klan would begin to shrink as the ogre demanded punishment for our failures. As is... his right."
You feel... sickened. The female kobolt begins to cry at that, and clutches the hatchling closer. The hatchling itself stares at you with its comparatively giant eyes... And you see a lot more awe than fear in it.

"You didn't want to fight against him?" You ask, not hiding your disgust at the revelation.
"Why would we? He was great and powerful. We are but small and weak. The weak follow the strong, and if the weak fail the strong... the strong eats."
"This is... It ate your eggs!" You yell back.
"...He was the dragon. He is greater, stronger, wiser. If he decides it, it must be done, no matter what we believe."
"It's unhuman!" You shout out.
"But it IS Kobolt." The peglegged kobolt replies.

You blink... and look away.
You look to Pink for a moment, and she just stares back.
For a moment, you realize that Pink agrees with almost everything these kobolts just stated. It's a.. sobering realisation.

Is there anything else you need to say?

>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.

>Yes, ask questions about...
>>
>>5175081
>>Wait outside the city limits, you'll be joining me.
Redemption arc is a go!
>>
>>5175661
>>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.
Mercy
>>
>>5175661
>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.
>Get out of this city. Make sure I don't see you again. Find a more worthy master than the ogre.
>Give them a bit of money for the road
>>
>>5175661
>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.
That was... pretty much what I expected - 'bolts will be 'bolts. I suppose we can take them under our wing. They don't deserve to be outright punished, and it's better to keep an eye on them than let them latch onto whatever strong creature they come upon - I wouldn't trust these guys to be very good judges of character
>>
>>5175661
>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.
Kobolts acquired

>>5175745
Better to just kill them now imo or they'll work for a wizard (no morality), a dragon (will kill it later), or something worse (another monster).
>>
>>5175661
>Wait outside the city limits, you'll be joining me.
They've suffered enough. And it seems that these three only harmed that single girl during their stay in the city.
>>
>>5175661
Will there be an option to talk shop about kobolt philosophy and how kobolt rules generally work? It seems we still have things to learn.
>>
>>5175661
>>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.
>>tell them, one the pegleg kobold, as he seems to be the leader will be handed over to the city as the ringleader of the crime, they don't get to walk away from this a girl is mutilated and they feel to remorse. Justice will have its due

as sad a tale this is a little girl will never have her leg back and they feel zero remorse for it, someone needs to answer for their crimes and it will be the leader of this kobold band the rest we can take if you all insist, but justice will not be denied.
>>
Having looked over this, I personally wouldn't save any of them save for the child and perhaps the mother, the rest I would hand straight over to the city, they have zero remorse for what they did, and were in fact happy to let the orge eat their unborn young, not a redeeming quality to be found within the lot.

but since I know anons are going to go full daaaaaww look at the poor cute kobolds and forget all that, at the very least turn over the peg leg leader to the city in the name of justice he submitted their band to the orge, he accepted the orges request for something more substantial, and he needs to pay for his crimes done in the orges name. that is the extent of the mercy I would offer them.
>>
>>5175834
The child didn't die, though. And he could bring more goodness to the world by becoming our underling.
>>
>>5175834
And also why shouldn't we take what is ours by the right of conquest? These kobolds and possible hoard of the ogre now belong to us. Why should we reduce our posessions?
>>
>>5175841
The act of attempted murder and mutilation in the modern day is enough to warrant a life sentence in states without the death penalty, and the death sentence in those with it. simply put for giving his people over to the orge, and for carrying out his orders he is culpable for his actions, he deserves to die in my book. His redemption will be dying so that the remnant of his tribe can live and survive under us. I think you are forgetting that the little girl has parents who are worthy and deserving of justice in her name, peg leg should be handed over and in my view executed for what he did. simple as that
>>
>>5175842
if you would even spend a fraction of a minute looking at my post history you would see I am extremely anti dragon, and want to remain human, so your statement makes me want to follow and stick with human justice norms even more.
>>
>>5175830
support
>>
>>5175843
We did kill the main culprit. These kobolds are victims, too. If they didn't cooperate, then they would end up dead. And sure as Hell they were unable to flee such bad master due to their social conditioning.

>>5175845
Then we shall see what will win in the end.
>>
>>5175848
you can be a victim and victimizer anon and pretty much all of them are as guilty as the orge, but specifically as the leader peg leg more than most, again if I had it my way all of them save the child would be handed over, as is, I can accept the leader being handed over and the rest being taken in by us so that they can do no more harm. he did a horrific and unforgivable act to a child and deserves to die for it, they all do. but again justice will be satisfied with the leader being handed over.
>>
>>5175851
I can certainly see the wisdom in your words, but I'll still remain in the opposing camp. Either way, the consequences of this choice will be interesting.
>>
>>5175830
Sure, they've got to get some level of punishment.
>>
>>5175860
Fair enough, and I can't lie I have enjoyed our conversation and debate. even if we are on opposite sides of this argument.
>>
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>>5175872
>>5175860
Get a room you two. I better not see you guys holding hands or anything, f-faggots.
>>
>>5175661

>No. You'll decide on what to do with them now.
>Bring them into our group, the hatchling will be treated well, but bar that, the adults will have to repent with action.
>>
I'm not sure what the best move is here but I think the one that will best prevent future suffering for anyone would be to take them in and try and instill some morals beyond servitude into them
>>
>>5176607
We could force peg leg to take up a profession that would benifit other people.
>>
>>5175661
Give us the loot OP. GIVE US THE LOOOOOT!
Tell us about the old wizard you guys worked for please and thank you. Did he steal anything we need to return, or do we get to claim finders keepers? I think we could donate or sell some of the things we find, while keeping the G O L D and other monies near -but not on- us in case we need to buy things. Such as proper armor for Chad and William. But only after they've graduated our knightly crash course on how to be proper knights.
>>
“...Two more questions. Can you tell me abou the wizard you served under?”
“He was… nice. A bit odd, we suppose, but he kept us fed and created these magical seeds. Said we wouldn’t grow sick from eating it, because we’re kobolts.”
“Are kobolts immune to mana sickness?” you ask, looking to Pink.
“Well…We don’t go crazy, but too much magic will change anything. Mutations will drive anything crazy.”
“The ogre liked the fruits as well… And it made him bigger.”
You get the feeling these seeds are a little unique, and incredibly dangerous. You’ll probably take a moment to burn them as you leave. On that note:
“Did the wizard have a hoard?”
“Nothing we kept… But it was a strange hoard. Nothing like the one we collected for the ogre.“

Right, you should look at that, you suppose. But first… a decision.
“Listen… I want you guys to wait outside the city limits for me. You’ll be joining me. The city won’t look kindly upon you, but… I don’t think you ever saw a different option compared to what you did. I… I can’t guarantee I’ll be as kind to you as I usually am. For what you’ve done, I would ask for atonement."
The response is silence. Very well… they'll understand once you're on the road again.


“Right… The stash. Let’s see what you’ve been stealing.”
You wander over to the shiny stash, and now that you pay attention to it, you can tell things are a bit of a mess. Anything from candelabras, to plain loose rosarians, vases with gold trimmings and…
“Is that an entire chandelier?” you ask out loud, and the kobolts just nod.
“It was on the ground and the sewer grate was close-by. They were fixing the holder for it…”
“Well, it’s… very pretty.” You say, kneeling down as you take a bit of a closer look…
It’s got little crystals hanging along the side, and guessing from the smell, the gold is converted from a different material. Despite that, all craftsmanship is of the highest quality. This thing must be worth a fortune.
You feel your heart thumping in your chest. Pocketing a few rosarians, you come in closer still.

"Engravings along the side here, they tell a story. It must be a family heirloom of sorts. They must be distraught at missing this beautiful work of art. Now, what else do you have here…"
A dagger, with a little jewel in the hilt. The gem is fake, however, smells like glass. Yes. You know what's worth looking for. All these wonderful knicknacks, and they're all yours…

Pink puts her hands on your shoulders.
"It's pretty, isn't it dragon? It's a small hoard, but expertly picked… you're making a good choice keeping them around. Loyal and talented."
You can't help but laugh… until Chad suddenly slaps you over the back of the head!
"D-dragon!" He squeaks, strangely terrified. "You're…. A-acting not like a knight!"

You blink.

You blink again.

Dear lord.
>>
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it

>Tell Chad you're admiring, not taking.

>Take some more gold. You'll use it to pay for the smith, and the guard will likely reimburse whatever's missing
>>
>>5177040
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
FUCK
>>
>>5177040
>pink being the metaphorical devil on our shoulder
This will need to be addressed.

>Thank Chad for looking out for you
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
>>
>>5177040
>>5177044
Wait a fucking moment. Is the thread being hijacked again? No trip and different ID.
>>
>>5177044
>missing tripcode again
Phoneposting is a hell of a drug.

>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
Leave Pink behind to tally up the stash - she can get her rocks off and having an idea of what exactly is in there will make it easier to return everything. Don't forget to grab the orc head for proof of a job done. Chad, well, I'd personally leave him with Pink for safety, but it doesn't really matter what he does. We can get back once we have someone with us to keep the lizard in check (read: Para).
>>
Posting at work and i forgot my exact name thingie. I had a nonsense code after spinejuice.
The id should fit some other posts I made, the ones I phoneposted and then pretended were another guy because the update was schwarbage
>>
>>5177040
>all craftsmanship is of the highest quality.
I see you play dwarf fortress.

>>5177044
>Thank Chad.
>Tell our kobold to haul it up, we'll give it back to the city
>>
>>5177044
>Thank Chad for looking out for you
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
>>
>>5177044
>Take some more gold. You'll use it to pay for the smith, and the guard will likely reimburse whatever's missing
>>
>>5177040
>Thank Chad for looking out for you
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
>Plan to talk to Pink later about her ENCOURAGING our dragon side.
>>
>>5177044
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
Thank you Chad
>>
>>5177044
>Thank Chad for looking out for you
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
>Plan to talk to Pink later about her ENCOURAGING our dragon side.

I still think the wrong choice was made here, at the very least peg leg should have been handed over to the city for what they did, and before you say anons will make sure they are punished, don't lie to yourself and don't lie to me, we both know not a thing will happen to them.
>>
also, this just further proves why giving the curse an inch is a terrible idea, and we should be working on our shadow on our terms in our free time.
>>
>>5177040
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it.
>Thank Chad for looking out for you.

We don't really need to take anything from the pile as the guard has already agreed to repair our armor as payment for our deed.
>>
>>5177064
1 post by this id

>>5177040
2 posts by this id

Hmmm...

>>5177044
>Thank Chad for looking out for you
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it

Supporting these options, on the off-chance this is actually Spinejuice.
>>
>>5177040
Thank you Chad. Pink should remember that it is us that is kind, not our greed and avarice that's amplified by the curse.

>Thank Chad for looking out for you
>Step away from the pile, head topside now. Maybe sprint to get away from it
>Plan to talk to Pink later about her ENCOURAGING our dragon side.
>>
>>5177040
Candelabras, rosarians, vases with gold trimmings, super fancy chandelier, dagger with fake glass gem. I'm assuming this is only some of the things we found.
I'm changing my vote from running to addressing the two adult kobolts. Instead of running away like a coward, I want to spite the curse by asking them where exactly they stole all these things, so we have a general idea of where we can return them too. The rosarians can be used towards buying more food rations, books for Tiny to eat (with some wine and pasta), and gifted to the poor. Or an orphanage.

>>5177166
What we can do is return the chandelier to the family that owns it, and ask if they could help us with some small favors. Maybe do charity work or something.
>>
>>5177062
>>5177064
>>5177236
I have no fucking clue how the ID changed, it was the same device and location.
Consider this confirmation that it is me.
>>
>>5177403
ISP shenanigans maybe? Depending of the way your work handle internet connection, you didn't had the exact same IP?
When I'm connecting using phone, I'm assign a new IP every time (and way too often one that is banned because of some posts on /lgbt)
>>
>>5177403
The dragon curse is my greatest enemy. As a player I naturally gravitate towards options that we would benefit from, but the curse makes it so I can't indulge in my avarice without empowering it, which makes me miffed. If we could punch the curse I would vote for that.
>>
>>5177382
Agreed on returning the stolen items. Spites the curse, keeps us knightly, a first step in atonement for the kobolts. We'd probably be rewarded in the first place for it, and the denizens of this town have been decent folks so far, a bit of extra goodwill could go far. And what's the sense in dragging a bunch of candleabras and vases on the road.

Practically speaking there's no telling who lost the rosarians, or how much was stolen. I say we pocket them for the travel fund.
>>
>>5177641
We can pocket some, donate some to an orphanage, toss some to beggars then be on our way if that works for you.
>>
>>5177641
>>5177651
>>5177641
I support returning the stolen goods, but am against pocketing anything else the curse is already to the point it can subvert our mindset without us even realizing it, it took chad literally knocking the sense back into us for us to break out of the mindset, fuck taking more of anything and giving it even more ground in a fight we are clearly losing, we need to get to the arch wizard as soon as we can and stop giving the curse more fucking ground.
>>
>>5177658
Supporting this.
Return stolen goods, give the unclaim to the city for the needy. Get retributed with supplies and gear fix.
>>
>>5177382
Hmm, well put. The Curse tends to 'take control' when Reynauld is of an idle mind. Could have been like him to casually appraise items and treasures he finds since before the whole curse situation occurred - he's been exclusively working with whatever he found during his travels and only took the bare minimum as a rewards during his previous life as a wandering knight.
So the Curse latches onto that and a few Rosarians to afford lodging for a day become the bounty of a dragon's hoard.
>>
>>5177651
What are we going to do with a chandelier? Most of the shinies are just dead weight right now. We'd probably have better luck just asking for what we need instead of skimming off the top.
>>
>>5177680
We can just pass the money off to Pink like always.

>>5177708
Already answered. Return big light fixture to family, question kobolts where they stolen things, return things, leave rosarian coins to Pink while giving some coins to people in financial need. Orphanages, homeless shelters, homeless, church donations. Or buy more food and travel supplies.
>>
>>5177734
>Pass the money off to Pink
When ye olde medieval monarchs thought they could keep themselves ethically clean by forcing Jews to collect and manage their money, they were being selectively stupid. Let's not do the same. It's not actually going to protect our soul, and I think it's clear at this point that it isn't doing much good for Pink, either.
>>
>>5177928
Then, I guess we should hold onto the money, but make sure to focus on the ideas of using the money to better the survivability of our friends, our equipment, and helping others.
>>
>>5177932
Or we could just donate it all and accept what reward the townspeople offer, or don't.

By the way, QM: >>5177040
>Have Chad and the other kobolds carry to goods up to return to the townsfolk

Adding that to my earlier vote at >>5177236
>>
>>5178045
I would prefer to save all the rosarians we have so we can buy armor for Chad. I know for a fact Chad will make a great knight some day, maybe even the best. Not so sure on William yet.

We also need to complete everyone sets of armor. gamberson can only offer so much protection.
>>
You stumble back from the treasure pile, a deep horror unrooting itself and settling across your body. You blink again, looking at Pink, and then at Chad. Pink seems to be entirely neutral about the situation, though there's still a tinge of worry in her expression. Chad, meanwhile, is clutching his sword tightly, apparently waiting for a punishment of some sorts.
"I... T-thank you Chad. I... I'm leaving. Listen, you bunch, bring the pile up to the surface... The three of you!" You point to Pegleg, the hatchling and the singular female. "You help carry it up high, but don't reveal yourselves to the guard. If anybody asks, you transported most of the goods on the chandelier or something. I'm... I need to get away from that..."
That shiny, shiny gold.
"That stuff. Okay? I'll be at the smith!"

And then you walk out... and before long, you're running. Sprinting, even.
That was bad.
You could SMELL the gold, you could even detect a fake gem from nothing but a glance? How did that even happen? The cloying, feverish heat feels worse than before, and once you're certain your out of range from... anything.
You stop. Panting, clutching your chest, you put a hand against the damp, moss-covered walls of the sewer... Before punching it with a roar. It hurts, but before long, you punch it again. Again and again, you start wailing against the rocks, with nothing else to do but that. You're reaching the end of your rope with this situation, and Pink was willing to push you further? The traitorous bitch!
You keep hitting the wall, until your knuckles bleed and your voice is hoarse from yelling...
Then you stop, blinking away tears. You wipe your face, and take a few more breaths.
You need your helmet. You need something to wear, and you need to head to the inn to get it. It'd probably be faster to just buy a helmet with...
You reach inside your pouch, and pull out a fist-full of coins. You took it from the pile before you even realized it.

...
You're absolutely freaking out right now, and you need a helmet. A good one, not the one that you keep as backup. Another bucket helm. It's your style as a knight, you need that.
Hands in your hair, you take a few more deep breaths, trying to calm yourself... You attempt to grind your teeth, but they instead interlock with each-other, too sharp and extended to grind like your old teeth did.
You punch the wall again, and walk to the surface. Your face is blank, and when the guards see you, they look... concerned.
"Sir? We heard something down there earlier, didn't sound like the ogre... Do you know what-"
You toss the head of the ogre in front of them.
"It was this monster. I..."

>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.

>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.

>I'm headed to the inn. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
>>
>>5178274
>>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
Get helmet.
>>
>>5178274
>>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
Aquire helmet.
>>
>>5178274
>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.
Get rid of the brain poison.
>>
>>5178274
>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.
>I'm headed to the inn. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
>>
>>5178274
>I'mheaded to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
>>
>>5178274
>>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.

get that shit away from us, we need to talk with the doc
>>
>>5178274
>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
>Get helmet.
>>
>>5178274
>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.
>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
>>
May want to archive and start a new thread soon, by the by, QM.
>>
>>5178274
>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
>>
>>5178274
>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
After that, muscly doctor thighs to update her, and get consoled.
>>
>>5178274
>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.

Maybe the doc knows CBT so we can get a handle on the intrusive thoughts.
>>
>>5178274
>I have some of the coin that it stole. Just... take it to the owner or something.
Keep just enough for a new helmet, we need a helmet
>>
>>5178274
>and Pink was willing to push you further? The traitorous bitch!
Just kobolts being kobolts. Remember they're not human so they think differently, but it's something that needs to be discussed like civilized people.

>I'm headed to the smith. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
Acquire booket.

>>5178513
That's fuxking disgusting.

>>5178522
Nah, bro. It's one or the other. We either get a new helmet, or go without one.
>>
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>>5178568
What's disgusting about cognitive behavioral therapy?
>>
>>5178620
I'm sorry my mind went else where
>>
>>5178655
Where did it go? What kind of weirdo are you?
>>
>>5178662
https://youtu.be/WWeMOKnBfZ8
>>
>>5178274
>I'm headed to the inn. My kobolts will be delivering the stuff it stole soon.
It'll take time for the smith to make him a new bucket helm, so he should get his backup right now.
>>
>>5178568
get fucking outed you degenerate hahahaha
>>
>>5178682
Oh, and here I was wondering what you had against weed-oil.
>Rent-free
>>
>>5178655
Hook, Line and Sinker
>>
"... Have some of the coin that it stole, not everything. Just... take it. My kobolts will bring up the rest of the loot later, it's a lot."
"Oh, we can send some people down there to help carry it."
"Don't do that. They're, uh... they're insistent on doing things themselves.
You reach inside your pockets, and take out the coins. The guard blinks, and when you stick your hand out to hand it over, he awkwardly cups it to take on the money. Some of it falls to the floor, making you gasp a little... before you wander off towards the smith. He'll have a new helmet for you, you're sure of it. That kind of helmet's a part of you at this point, really. Maybe you'll even get a more comfy one? Yes.
As you walk through the streets, you feel as though the world isn't entirely... normal. Even though you managed to expend some energy in the sewers, you're still anxious. You do everything you can to keep your face neutral, to make sure people don't think as though too much is wrong, but it's not working.
People are staring at you. It's not a new thing, of course, as a tall and muscular knight wandering through town is usually a reason to gawk, but right now, you know it's because you look like some kind of monster. Glowing orange eyes, sharp teeth... Bleeding knuckles.
The hair is the worst part, of course. The roots of your hair being white means people will freely assume magical poisoning, and that means they might assume you'll turn violent.

When a woman suddenly grips her child tightly and walks past you far faster than before, you can help but turn and look at them...
Before realizing you only scared them, and you pick up the pace to the smith. The smithy in this town is a particularly large one, and technically it's actually several smiths working together in one place. Mostly, they're just making horseshoes and other practical materials, keeping their weapon production limited to the guards and the occasional fighter such as you. Of course, they keep a stocked armory.

As soon as you enter, however, you see that somebody is already waiting for you. Another guard, with his helmet tucked under his arm.
The heat is pretty intense in the smithy.
"Good day, sir. I'm here to confirm to the smiths that the city will be paying for the repairs, so we know the bill. You... are Ser Reynauld, yes?"
"Correct." You say, trying to keep calm. "Listen, I need a helmet, as well."
"A helmet? Well, that wasn't quite part of the deal, I'm afraid, I'd have to confirm back to the captain."
You swallow, clenching your teeth... Feeling those longer and sharper teeth dig into your gums, yet somehow never breaking them. Of course.
Why would a dragon be able to hurt its own mouth?

"Please. I just need something to protect my head." You say, and the guard takes a step back.
"Sir! You're worrying me. Do you need to go to the alchemist's outpost? I can take you there."

>Ask more insistently

>Stay calm, leave your armor and sword, and head to inn.

>Take the guard's helmet.
>>
>>5179226
>Stay calm, leave your armor and sword, and head to inn.
We have a spare helmet and we need somewhere quiet and private to try and re centre ourselves
>>
>>5179226
>>Stay calm, leave your armor and sword
>Ask the smiths nicely for a Bucket Helm; either you'll cover that with your own funds or sort that out with the town.
>Comission the confortablest of bucket helms.
>>
>>5179226
>Stay calm, leave your armor and sword, and head to inn.
>Ask the smiths nicely for a Bucket Helm; either you'll cover that with your own funds or sort that out with the town. Ask for the price and double check to see if we can afford it.
Apologize, we didn't mean to sound terse. We're going through a lot right now.
What Reynauld needs to do is expend a lot of energy. I say he should offer to chop would for someone. All the wood. Then when he's all tuckered out he can sleep in the Inn.
>>
>>5179243
That, or
>Ask Celsie to help us expend that lot of energy.
>>
>>5179254
I'd rather spite the curse by providing a free service via wood chopping desu, maybe burn through all our money some how.
>>
>>5179226
>Stay calm, leave your armor and sword
>Ask the smiths nicely for a Bucket Helm; either you'll cover that with your own funds or sort that out with the town.
>Comission the comfortablest of bucket helms.
>Apologize, we didn't mean to sound terse. We're going through a lot right now.

>>5179243
Also, agree with this lads plan, we need to blow off some steam, badly. Likely the Inn needs a supply of firewood, so maybe lets start there.
>>
>>5179226
>Take a moment to calm yourself down.
Deep breaths, Reynauld. You know how to talk to people, don't drop your fudge just because of one little curse.
>Ask less insistently
We lost the helmet on an assignment by the city and are asking for compensation. We're fine with a loaner helmet for now, we can work something out with the captain later, even if we ultimately have to pay for it. And surely the guard can understand that walking around with this ugly draconic mug isn't good for the public, either.
>>
>>5179226
>Stay calm, leave your armor and sword, and head to inn.
>Ask the smiths nicely for a Bucket Helm; either you'll cover that with your own funds or sort that out with the town.
>>
>>5179226
I like how curse/dragon was able to lull players into false sense of security giving it far more favorable timeline. To the point when it completely changed MC's instinct and somehow we are still comfortable with waiting to finish armor repair and probably wait for another day or two while we are at it because it's not like we are on short time line and curse/dragon was fully trustworthy and wouldn't lie to us...

>I changed my mind just give me weak worth of provisions for 7 people and a horse. Bring it to inn I will be leaving as soon as possible.

Just rush to the wizard tower with our state we don't have much time.
>>
>>5179293
While I agree with overall rushing concept, we need the Mental Health Bucket Helmet.
>>
>>5179295
I mean you voted for a commission. So you agree but also are ok with us staying here for a few days waiting for a helmet?
>>
>>5179293
I agree, Lets get out into the road as fast as we can.
its time to panic
>>
>>5179226
>>Ask more insistently
Point out that providing you with a helmet will make their job easier as they won't have to worry about as many terrified townsfolk. Also, wrap your head in a scarf for the time being.
>>5179254
Second, but she's probably just going to make us do burpees until we pass out. Which is still fine.
>>
>>5179226
>Ask more insistently
Point out that providing you with a helmet will make their job easier

>Burn off excess energy with Paracelsus
Wholesomely
>>
>>5179262
support
>>
>>5179262
+mas uno
>>
You try to calm down, and succeed.
"Sorry. I'm... As you can tell, I'm perhaps a bit anxious on account of my, uh... condition. I mostly want the helmet to... cover myself. I.. I'm going to ask the smith, if that's alright?"
The guard stares at you for just long enough it to be uncomfortable. Then, slowly, he nods.
"Alright sir, but the city isn't covering this by default, it'll have to be cleared."
Then, a little later, you're brought to the blacksmith. The man seems to be in the midst of creating a chain, but stops as soon as he sees you. He smiles, as well:
"Welcome to my humble store!" He says, as if he wasn't working in a huge building with at least four other smiths. "So, you're the man that needs his armor fixed up, right?"
"And my sword. Here's the thing, though, I would like-" You correct yourself. "I need a helmet. A bucket helm."
The smith hums, thinking, and then moves away from you for a moment: "Alright, I've got one on me, I think... One moment."

Then, he moves to the back of the store, and then takes out a bucket helm. Looks to be simple iron, and it's clearly a bit old...
"Yeah, only got this one. Bucket helms aren't too popular these days... they leave you overheated, and they limit your vision."
"I'm was quite used to mine, though the eye-slits were bigger. Kept some chainlink in there, just to be safe."
"Ahh, I see. A custom order, then?"
"...Perhaps." You say, unsure. You don't have the money for that... but you can probably make that money with some work around town. "How much would it cost?"
"Ahhh, well... That depends on how comfortable you'd like it. I can make it specifically for you, add some foam to make sure it's comfortable to the head and doesn't rattle around if you get struck... And, of course, the adjustment you mentioned with the larger slits and some added cover. All in all, I'd say that'll set you back to about... 200 rosarians, if you go for the full package."
"And if you limit the foam?"
"Ohh, that's the biggest price adjustment. No foam at all would put it back down to about 100, with the slit adjustment of course. Fitting it for your head is free."
"And how long would this take?"
"A day or two, is my best guess... Oh! I should mention, This is the price for iron. It's an added 50 rosarians if you want steel. So 250 for a full package deal, and then 150 for no foam."
"And if we do it without adjustments? Just a plain helm like the one you're holding?"
"Ah, well, if you want it to be steel, I'd say about 70, and if you're fine with iron... I'm willing to give this one to you for about 20. It's just gathering dust, and it was something from my apprentices. I'm all but certain it'll fit you"
>>
All in all, the price tag is very reasonable. Your best guess is that he can make the actual bucket part very quickly, and it's just a matter of cutting out the holes. Perhaps he has a steelprinter? Considering this city is only a few days from an archmage, it would make sense.
Of course, "reasonable" still doesn't make it very accessible when you're starting from just about nothing.
And it takes two days... Factually speaking: you can make that money in two days if you don't account for food costs, and you've got some food left from travelling along the road. The inn costs are... perhaps a bigger problem.
The best way to get money, considering your skillset, is likely bounties. Could be criminals, could just be rare materials for the local alchemist's outpost. You're experienced with both.

But that's besides the point. Do you have two days to spare for a very good helmet?

>Yes. Commission the 250 one, and then go out and find the money for it.

>Yes, but go for a cheaper option
Remember to specify what you want.

>Ask if you can get that iron helmet for free.

>Tell them that you don't have the money to spend, and ask if you could get a facewrap instead.
>>
>>5180054
>>Yes, but go for a cheaper option
We need to move as fast as possible.
Let's take the 20 rosarian one.
Either we will have the town cover this by asking nicely (we lost our helmet in the fight) or out of our own funds, maybe half a day of work. The forge master might be interested to forge something out of dragon fire.
>>
>>5180054
>Yes. Commission the 250 one, and then go out and find the money for it.
Can we do anything with the diluted gold bars, or are they useless? Can we sell them or something?

>>5180063
You mean the 200 iron helmet one with padding? I dont see anything for 20.

>The forge master might be interested to forge something out of dragon fire.
That's an interesting point.

>>5180054
>The forge master might be interested to forge something out of dragon fire.
Let's bring up the dragon fire thing. Our fire lasts longer and burns brighter. Could do something to anything he forges with it.
>>
>>5180068
>I'm willing to give this one to you for about 20. It's just gathering dust, and it was something from my apprentices.
>>
>>5180054
>>Yes. Commission the 250 one, and then go out and find the money for it.
>>ask if he has any work that we could do to pay for it

we need a good helm this is just common sense.
>>
>>5180051
>I'm willing to give this one to you for about 20. It's just gathering dust, and it was something from my apprentices. I'm all but certain it'll fit you"
clearly we don't need it for protection. we can open up the eye slits and add padding and tweak the shape later.
>>
>>5180054
>I'm willing to give this one to you for about 20. It's just gathering dust, and it was something from my apprentices.

There is no time to wait.
>>
>>5180063
>>5180074
>>5180230
>>5180235
You do realize it's going to take a few days for them to repair our armor, right? So we might as well go for broke and aim for the best helmet they got.
>>
>>5180054
>Yes. Commission the 250 one, and then go out and find the money for it.
>Offer our service of Dragonfire, its also an opportunity to train, and for paracelus to write notes furiously.
>>
>>5180277
Why train, and why include Paracelus? What exactly are we training? Fire breathing? Smithing?
>>
>>5180280
Fire Breathing. Control, endurance, power of it, etc.
Paracelus would love to see more of it to study it closer.
>>
>>5180054
>I'm willing to give this one to you for about 20. It's just gathering dust, and it was something from my apprentices.

Do we even have the money?
>>
>>5180051
>Yes. Commission the 250 one, and then go out and find the money for it.

Maybe we can use this as good training for Chad, the twins, and William, too?

>Offer our service of Dragonfire

Not a bad idea, if we're going to make the most of this curse
>>
>>5180320
We will after doing a few jobs in town. You do realize we'll need to wait a few days for our armor to be fully fixed? Would you reconsider and invest in the vote for the 250 bucket helmet with the built in AC unit and cup holders?
>>
>>5180250
yeah that's why i support the cheap one. we'll worry about the fit later. We need to GTFO before things get weird.
>>
>>5180054
>Yes. Commission the 250 one, and then go out and find the money for it.
>offee blue fire and see if we can get a discount
>>
>>5180054
>I'm willing to give this one to you for about 20. It's just gathering dust, and it was something from my apprentices.
>>
>>5180054
>Yes, but go for a cheaper option
>20 one.

We don't have time also repairing armour should not take that long in previous town one Smith did it in time of a day. Here we have whole factory line they should be done in few hours. If we ask them nicely maybe we won't need to stay here at all.

Also people that want to train fire breathing and stay here for few days you want to wait for full dragon transformation or at what point you decide that it's enough?
>>
>>5180780
Did you forget that the full dragon transformation doesn't occur until a few weeks? We got time, and I'd rather we be fully prepared for anything we might not encounter on the road. If you don't want a good helmet, then what about working for money so we can get all our friends better gear? Their protection is sub standard, and it only takes a bad day to end them. The time Spinejuice mentioned the chance of our bolts friends dying to the mosquito mutant has me worried still.
>>
"Alright, uh... Look, how long does it take for you to fix up my arms and armor?"
"Hmmm... Well, I'll have to clear up that shoddy patchjob, and your sword... hmm. Good make, but you've fought some interesting things. It's practically corroded! Been out fighting dragons, son?" He says, in jest.
"Yes." You reply.
He blinks, exactly once, and smiles.
"Well! All the more reason to ensure this blade is repaired... Now, all in all, I'd ask for about... two to three days to get it all correct. Your armor could likely use some refitting, besides."
"I-"
"Don't try to question it. I can tell. I've got an eye for these things!" The old smith laughs, taking off his cap to blow some wind in his face. He's bald as a bean, and his excellent physical condition belies his age. "Now then. The city is covering the costs of the arms and armor. Did you decide on the helmet?"
"Just one question... How would you like access to..."

You feel almost sick mentioning it, but...
"Dragonfire? Blue dragonfire?"
The smith stops for a moment, in surprise, and then smiles quite wide:
"Don't tell me! You managed to capture some of that dragon's fire in a lantern!?"
"Worse... I can produce it. Damned thing cursed me, so I'm on my way to the archmage."
"Ahaaaa, hence your, uh, appearance. Well, don't you worry, sir. The archmage is a very capable woman, y'see? You'll be just fine."

That's... actually kind of comforting. You think you needed to hear somebody express actual confidence, even if it's... essentially a stranger.
"So, I'm guessin' it tried turning you into itself or something, right? some... dying curse? Something dramatic, I'm sure."
"I don't know and I don't care. All I know is I can breathe blue fire."
"Well, good ser... You do that for me, and I'll reduce the cost of the best helmet I can make you to just about 100! Dragonfire's not just an excellent little fire to work with, considering it burns hotter and saves time heating, but the blue fire will draw in customers. Hell, who knows, maybe the mana in there might add some effects to the blades I smith... Maybe if I add a golden core? Ahh, food for thought. So! If you'll follow me, you can light up one of my old forges, and we'll see what happens."

As much as you'd like to say something very interesting happened, all you really did was light some coals by breathing on them. The smith seemed excited, at least...
Well. With the added context that your gear will need some time to fix, you should reconsider the total options.
Also of note: it goes without saying you can get the cheap helmet for free in exchange for the dragonfire.

>Stick with buying the cheap helmet.

>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible

>Leave your gear here, and go to the archmage unarmed. You'll be back for it later.
The roads are supposed to be safe, and if needs be, you can use Chad's sword. Armor is nice to have, but not necessary.
>>
>>5180840
>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible
Just means we only need to do less work. Hopefully something neat will happen to our sword and armor.
>>
>>5180840
>The roads are supposed to be safe, and if needs be, you can use Chad's sword. Armor is nice to have, but not necessary.

How long would it take on horseback Spine?
>>
>>5180840
>mana in dragonfire
That's... bad. Like, really bad. We need to get a move on.
>Leave your gear here, and go to the archmage unarmed. You'll be back for it later.
Maybe see if the smith can adjust the cheap helmet's visor to suit Reynauld better.
>>
>>5180840
>Leave your gear here, and go to the archmage unarmed. You'll be back for it later.

Just arrange with locals for our kobolts stay for few days. And buy some food for the ones outside of the walls.
>>
>>5180840
>>5180840
>Leave your gear here, and go to the archmage unarmed. You'll be back for it later.
I mean knowing our luck the road won't be sage but it's also clear that the curse is accelerating.

Also a terrible thought I had regarding Pink's actions in the sewers, what if she's somehow talked without curse self and as it's more dragony then our regular self her kobolt nature is compelling her to serve its interests before ours
>>
>>5180882
Won't we be taking all our bolts with us on the road?
>>
>>5180885
>somehow talked without curse self
That's a chilling thought. Though she says it hurts to talk to curses. And can only do it once in a blue moon... When was the last blue moon?
>>
>>5180896
Full moon, and if I'm counting correctly, it was on the way to the second village, while Reynauld was in a medically induced sleep.
>>
>>5180887
leaving them here is safer and faster
>>
>>5180840
>>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible
this makes sense, helping at the forge might also be good for reynaud.
>>5180885
>Also a terrible thought I had regarding Pink's actions in the sewers, what if she's somehow talked without curse self and as it's more dragony then our regular self her kobolt nature is compelling her to serve its interests before ours
that''s definitely a possibility, after all she knew the old dragon as well. she could also just be picking up on things through reynaud, without communicating with the curse directly, and realizing that the dragon side of him is more dragon than the knight side.
>>
>>5180840
>>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible

no fucking shot we go unarmed
>>
>>5180840
>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible
>>
>>5180840
>Leave your gear here, and go to the archmage unarmed. You'll be back for it later.

Godspeed with a swift steed. Tom-8-o's on his tom-a-toes.
>>
>>5180901
>>5180853
>>5180882
Leaving the kobolts isn't much of an option, as Paracelcus will refuse to be left behind. Leaving the kobolts somewhere is also not something that's good for them or the people that are in charge of babysitting them.
Also, simply put?
Reynauld would collapse under the weight of puppy dog eyes.
>>
>>5180840
>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible
>>
>>5180840
>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible
>>
>>5180840
>If you're stuck here, might as well get the best helmet possible
Dont forget to drop by the kobolts outside with food, water, and some daggers for self defense.
>>
"Alright, I'll take the expensive helmet. I'll need some time to gather the funds for it, though."
The smith nods. "That's quite alright, you've got two days. It won't be easy, but I don't doubt a man like you can gather those funds. You could try the local lumbermill, for instance. Honest coin for honest work."
"Anything I could do here?"
"Ohhh, no. There isn't really anything I'd ask from people here. I've got apprentices for that!" He chortles a moment, at his apprentice's expense. "That dragonfire will burn nicely for quite some time, so I've no more need of you for now. Well, as soon as I'm done gathering your measurements."
"Of course, sir." You reply. The guard, who has gone silent for quite a while, suddenly speaks up:
"Ser, if you're in need of quick coin, you could join one of the local historians on his trip to the mushroom bog. He needs a guard, and he'll supply you with his own weapons and armor."
"...Really?" You say,raising an eyebrow.
"Oh yes. The fungus bogs have very specific requirements in arms and armor, so it might be a good fit for you. Considering, as I said, he gives you your equipment. He'll take on most people, he said, but nobody's coming forward for a trip to the fungus bogs."
"Too dangerous?"
"Those spores are scary, to say the least, and the purgatives aren't much more pleasant than the mushrooms bursting out your arms. Not to mention the fungal golems."

Ooof... Those things. Not aggressive, per se, but territorial. They can punch just about anything into next week.
"Pays well?"
"Pays well, of course. Wouldn't advise it otherwise. Professor Oldfield is also a popular man, so you'd be doing him a favor too."
"Popular historian...?" You say, confused, and then the guard elaborates:
"Just a pleasant man... though his findings and theories helped put this city on the map."
"Interesting... But I'm not sure if I'm in the right condition to help him.I'm..."
You sigh, wiping off some sweat and trying to ignore the feeling of claws along your brow as you do so.
"I'm not well."
"Well, you still took down an ogre. I'd say you're well-prepared to deal with some... flammable creatures?"

You give the guard a look.
It's not a nice look.
And he quickly realizes that he should remove that foot from his mouth.

"A-hum... Right. Uhh, you can always head to the centre of town and check the board for quick jobs. Lots to do... Lumbermill, debt collecting, the works. Yeah. So, will you be fine from here?"
"Yes... I'll be headed to the inn, first, to get my spare helmet."
It's not really "you", that helmet, but it'll cover your face at least.
Once you're there, you'll... figure out what to do next.

>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.

>Have a very. VERY serious talk with Pink.
She betrayed you.

>Visit your kobolts, tell them you're fine, and that you're going to go chop wood.

>Gather the kobolts, and visit doctor Oldfield.
>>
>>5181230
>>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.

Talking to pink right now would be a very bad idea we are not stable enough to speak with her calmly we need to regain our balance then talk to her
>>
>>5181230
>Have a talk with Paracelcus. Cum in Paracelcus if she's willing.

>Then gather your bolts and visit Doctor Oldfield
>>
>>5181230
>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.
>>
>>5181230
>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.

Exercise buddies to burn off excess energy. Then, one we've calmed down...

>Have a very. VERY serious talk with Pink.

And once we've made it clear to her that we DO NOT WANT to become a dragon...

>Then gather your bolts and visit Doctor Oldfield
>>
>>5181240
>>5181273
+1
>>
>>5181230
>Have a very. VERY serious talk with Pink.
This needs to be addressed first and foremost. It is within Reyauld's right to be frustrated with her, dare I even say he should be peeved, but what they should do is have a civilized discussion. Reynauld should explain why Pink's actions were a betrayal to him, and Pink should explain more about kobolt/dragon interaction, habits, culture, philosophy, and so forth. This was a sour occurence, but we shouldn't let this one mishap permantely sour our relationship with our friends.
If Pink is still set in her ways with helping Reynauld accumulate a horde, we can compromise: things that are mostly stolen must be returned to their rightful owners, with the exception of morally malevolent individuals, bandits, murderers, and so forth. Wealth earned through quests, jobs, beast slaying, and things like those are acceptable, but the majority (not all of it) of the wealth MUST be used towards bettering the people- be they human, kobolt, goblin, and so on (any probably our friends). What little wealth Reynauld allows himself to keep will be used towards basic utilities, and maybe cool stuff like gold coated swords
>blue flaming swords when

After our discussion with Pink we can do this
>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.
>>5181240
>>5181267
>>5181273
We all know Reynauld will spill spaghetti if he deviates in what he wants to talk about. Firstly a thank you is in order for taking everyone to an inn and finding a stable for Tom-8-oo's, we will promise to pay her back as soon as the job is done.
In the mean time, if it's not too much trouble could she write down a list detailing the dietary habits/nutritional table Reynauld needs to maximize our g a i n s.
Some bandages and disinfectant for Reynaulds knuckles would also be appreciated please and thank you.
Now comes the real spaghetti spilling part: exercise. Examples of optimal methods of staying fit, a shit to of methods on how go stretch to stay limber when and how to stretch before and after sleeping and waking up.

Then....
>Gather the kobolts, and visit doctor Oldfield.
Pink is staying at the inn since we need some breathing room from her. William is also staying behind for obvious reason. Emerald, Sapphire, and Snikt can go deliver some food to the kobolts outside (remember to flash your monster slaying badges we earned from the first village in case the guards have questions). Everyone else can come or stay behind if they so wish.
>>
>>5181362
Paracelsus seems to find it charming when we spill spaghetti
>>
>>5181230
>>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.
>>Have a very. VERY serious talk with Pink.
>She betrayed you.
Both are important
>>
>>5181387
I at least want us to learn something. Reynauld needs to be so so shredded that his muscles give him a natural +2 AC bonus.
>>
>>5181435
Don't worry, the Dragonblooded template already comes with that.
>>
>>5181454
Anon you dont understand. You know that unarmored AC bonus barbarians get? I want something like that for Reynauld, except his bare muscle AC stacks with his heavy Armor bonus AC.
I want his R A W muscles, potentially scales, and armor to all stack.
>>
>>5181230
>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.
>Gather the kobolts, and visit doctor Oldfield.
>>
>>5181230
>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.
Most impotant thing right now is to chill the fuck out. Reynauld's going to be useless if he keeps freaking out like this.
>>
>>5181230
>Have a very. VERY serious talk with Pink.
>Have a talk with Paracelsus. Something to calm your nerves again, someplace to vent. Anything.
>Gather the kobolts, and visit doctor Oldfield.
>>
>>5181230
>Gather the kobolts, and visit doctor Oldfield.
>>
>>5181230
You said gold can hold magic really well. Does the master blacksmith have any gold shavings we could breath fire on? Could Reynauld breath fire on 1 rosarian coin if they're made of or at least partially made of gold? I'd like to see what happens.
>>
Finally in your room, you were glad Paracelsus was already waiting for you in there. She seems to be prepared, already wearing her beak mask and holding on to her doctor's bag. She speaks as soon as you enter.
"Ahh, there you are. So, tell me, where did you get hurt? Where's your helmet?"
"I didn't get hurt, and the ogre broke my helmet. But I do need you for a moment, I... Something happened. Maybe a few things happened, I don't know, but I'm..."
You don't know how to actually say it. Instead, you just stop, looking away from Paracelsus for only a moment... though she seems to understand.
"Ah... It's getting to you, is it? The curse? Something new happened?"
"I was smelling treasure, how valuable things are just from the smell, and I wanted nothing more than to grab the hoard for myself. That's... not even the first time, though the smell was new."

Paracelsus, wearing her mask, slowly takes out her notebook and starts writing. Of course she'd approach it from a scholarly perspective but you can't be angry at her for it.
"I don't get to see your face a lot, you know. Didn't know your hair was changing already, even, hard to say when that started. Unfortunate that we didn't see it."
"I... yes. I didn't know either."
"Ahh, it's fine. Look, you're going through it right now, I can tell. You're not usually this meek. You're agreeable, sure, but I've rarely heard you speaking so quietly."
"It's not just... the transformation, alright? I've been there already, it's... it's stressful, but I'm on my way to fix it, right? I can deal with that, but... Pink was encouraging it!" You say, sitting down on the bed and and clasping your hands together while you attempt to bore a hole into the floorboards. The bed creaks from your added weight as the springs bend.
"I... I thought I could trust her! She betrayed me, Paracelsus, and now... I'm... I don't know what to think! How many people WANT me to become some... some giant monster?"
Paracelsus remains quiet, instead just listening quietly.
"All the kobolts, isn't it? They'd all want a real dragon. But... I trust them. I like them. And... I don't know any more."
Paracelsus puts a hand on your shoulder, which you can actually feel for once. Not wearing armor feels... odd.
"Don't worry. The kobolts are... they're simpler than you're fearing. I think you need to have a talk with Pink, sure, but the others will follow you word for word. As for the dragon parts... You managed to shake it off yourself, right?"
"It was Chad. He hit me over the back of the head to stop me."
"Well! That's proof enough, isn't it? Just... talk to your kobolts, and you'll be fine. Now, what else is your issue."

Well.
You weren't entirely truthful earlier, but now's the time to mention it.
"The transformation itself. I know I said it was... no big deal because it's not the first but It's..."
You raise your hands, as if trying to grasp a better way to say it, but as you feel your stomach turning over and your heart being pierced with ice...
>>
There's no better way to say it.
"I'm afraid." You all but whisper. You swallow, as you stare ahead, and the room turns quiet. "Terrified." You add. You hear Paracelsus take in some breath, but you stop her.
"Do you know why I became a wandering knight, doctor? After I slaughtered my family to the man, do you think I became a wandering knight to... put action to the idea that good exists in the world?" You half-wheeze out a laugh. It's not a happy laugh. "No. I started wandering, I started... fighting. Doing whatever... Because I wanted to die."
Paracelsus takes off her mask, and her face looks... strangely scared. You're not used to seeing her with that expression.
"Okay?" She says, her voice turning to a higher pitch.
"I wasn't able to just kill myself, so I just threw myself at monsters and other things hoping they'd do it for me. One year in, though, I just... Hadn't died yet. Didn't want to die anymore, either. I found purpose in helping people, and with the way that things were, well... I just spend a month of two getting acknowledged as a wandering knight."

You've never admitted this to anybody before.
"So, when I tell you that this scares me. REALLY scares me.... Do you understand?"
Paracelsus smiles, and then replies:
"Not in the fucking slightest, I was NOT prepared for this. Uhhh, look, lemme... Is it, uh, the identity death? Like... the fear that you'll be something that you're not? It's kinda like... being a prisoner in your own body. Is that, uh, the thing you're going for?"
"Yeah. Fate worse than death."
"Okay. I get where you're coming from, but... seriously. I don't know what to do with this, matter of fact, I don't even agree with your fear! We all change, all the time. You've been fighting this curse at every step! if it's sentient, it's got patience. You can just... keep it up, and you'll get out of this with, what, an appreciation for shiny things?"
She seems to be getting a little angry, now. She keeps talking:
"Just... pull yourself together! You can handle this, okay? Look, you should focus on some other things, keep yourself busy, keep yourself useful. Say! For instance. Collar's been teaching children they can eat books to attain knowledge! You should go tell her not to do that."
"Is she really?"
"Probably giving a talk about it downstairs RIGHT NOW. While eating an armor catalogue, if I'm not mistaken."
"And you're not stopping her?"
"Not my circus, not my monkeys."
"What the hell is a circus!? Ah, nevermind!"

You should... get up and deal with that. You can think of what you're going to say to Pink later, too.
...
Actually, keeping busy IS a good way to calm yourself. Collar is a lot easier to deal with than existential fears.
Now, how are you approaching your talk with Pink.

>Whack her over the back of the head to start

>Have a private talk and remain as calm as possible.

>Have a private talk and don't be afraid to show emotion. She should now this hurt you.
>>
>>5181951
>Have a private talk and don't be afraid to show emotion but measure yourself, flying off the handle in fury is not who you are or who you want to be. but she should know this hurt you.
>>
>>5181951
...I think the talk vaguely backfired because we forgot Parcelsus is not a people person herself. We might've ended up just stressing her out, too. We should at least thank her for being someone to vent to.

>Have a private talk and don't be afraid to show emotion. She should know this hurt you.

Not too much emotion, though. We don't want to blow our stack because that's just giving in.
>>
>>5181956
>>5181957
>>5181362
>Have a very. VERY serious talk with Pink.
>This needs to be addressed first and foremost. It is within Reyauld's right to be frustrated with her, dare I even say he should be peeved, but what they should do is have a civilized discussion. Reynauld should explain why Pink's actions were a betrayal to him, and Pink should explain more about kobolt/dragon interaction, habits, culture, philosophy, and so forth. This was a sour occurence, but we shouldn't let this one mishap permantely sour our relationship with our friends.
>If Pink is still set in her ways with helping Reynauld accumulate a horde, we can compromise: things that are mostly stolen must be returned to their rightful owners, with the exception of morally malevolent individuals, bandits, murderers, and so forth. Wealth earned through quests, jobs, beast slaying, and things like those are acceptable, but the majority (not all of it) of the wealth MUST be used towards bettering the people- be they human, kobolt, goblin, and so on (any probably our friends). What little wealth Reynauld allows himself to keep will be used towards basic utilities, and maybe cool stuff like gold coated swords
My two cents
>>
>>5181957
>...I think the talk vaguely backfired because we forgot Parcelsus is not a people person herself. We might've ended up just stressing her out, too. We should at least thank her for being someone to vent to.

I don't think it did, I think she is as you said not a people person, but I believe she is angry because unlike most people she has begun to honestly care for Raynold, and seeing him so meek and vulnerable has shaken her as well as for all the time we have known her he has been a rock, a solid pillar unshakeable even in the face of dragonification and now here he is openly admitting he is terrified and doesn't know what to do about it, in so far as how to cope with it.
>>
>>5181962
That sounds like a pretty good guess to me. All we can really do now is continue to resist the curse's temptations, and keep busy. Simple as.
>>
>>5181951
>Have a private talk and don't be afraid to show emotion. She should now this hurt you.
We're obviously hitting our breaking point where it comes to bottling up emotions, best not to push that
>>
>>5181951
Thank Paracelsus.

>>5181959
Then do this. Don't be afraid to show emotion, though.
>>
>>5181959
that second part just sounds like Raynold Compromising his morals to appease Pink which is something I am against.
>>
>>5182018
>to appease Pink which is something I am against.
Against Pink, or against letting her collect a horde for us that we can use to donate to charities, keep everyone's equipment in good condition, buy food, and give away to whoever needs it?
>>
>>5182026
Don't be pedantic anon, you damn well know I meant against compromising Raynolds morals, be it for pink or anyone else, those moral virtues are the pillars on which we can resist the curse if we start undermining them Raynold will end up with nothing to anchor himself and will in time be lost to the curse.
>>
>>5181951
Autistic fit alchemist doctor waifu that gets scared when other people start to exhibit emotion is best waifu
>>
>>5181951
>Have a private talk and remain as calm as possible.
>>
>>5181951
>Have a private talk and remain as calm as possible.
>>
>>5181951
>cum inside pink ^:)
>>
i'm thinking that while the transformation from human to dragon-ish human is fairly graceful, the actual switch from a bipedal to a quadrupedal lizard is gonna be pretty horrific.
like our boy ludwig, here
Food for thought :^)
>>
>>5182311
>fairly graceful
I seriously hope you're not including the "hacking up chunks of lung" part in that, anon.
>>
>>5181951
Good time to thank Paraclesius. I'm thinkin this painful little conversation helped Reynauld more than either of them could know
>>
>>5182447
She deserves a hug when we aren't unstable.
>>
Pink seemed strangely confident as you entered the room. She's sitting on the bed, her back straight and her head held high, with her expression almost uncharacteristically neutral. Compared to the shine in her eyes she usually gets when you enter a room, it's quite a change.
"You're here. Good." You say, though it takes effort to maintain a neutral tone of voice. You feel far too light wearing just normal clothes, honestly, and it makes the awkward air in the room that much worse.
"Always, dragon." Pink replies, and then you sit down next to her. She looks you in the eyes as you turn to her, and she speaks first:
"This is about... the hoard, yes? And Chad hitting you away from what you deserve?"
"I- Yes. It's about that. Listen, Pink? You know I'm currently being transformed into an... actual dragon, yes? And how I don't want that?"
She tilts her head, slightly, and then asks:
"But you are a dragon."
"No! I mean... I'm being transformed into a giant fire-breathing lizard thing! I don't... I don't want to be that, Pink!" You say, beginning to yell. "I don't want to be some... giant lizard, going around eh..."
Waving your hands in front of you, partly shaking from the building anger, partially just because you can't find your words... It's as if you're still trying to catch the words from thin air, while your tongue refuses to cooperate. Finally, you find your speech again:
"K-kidnapping maidens, eating cattle, stealing treasure from travellers! I don't want to be some giant evil... monster!"

Pink tilts her head a little further, and then says:
"Then don't do those things. Dragon... You're growing stronger. I want to see you be stronger, because that's what dragons should be! They should be as strong and as happy as possible. That's what we serve for. I've... I've worked for weak old men for a long time, Dragon. Dwarves have riches, they have numbers... But if I wanted to, I could have killed my previous masters in their sleep, taken their most valuable items, and disappeared to find something more worthy. But I didn't. Because I respected the power of their family, and the size of their hoard."
It's a bit chilling to see the cheerful, smart kobolt speak so casually of slitting throats in the night.
"You should also take what you deserve. The people here are weak, and you are strong! And the more you take, the more you get what you deserve, the stronger you'll get! Krazinkos was but a hatchling, and here at 0.4666, repeating, his age! Already you've proven yourself stronger, smarter... You should really make the best of Krazinkos' "curse"!"
She gets up, turning more and more excited, practically hopping in place.
Become large! Become greater! BECOME THE BEST!" She says, pumping both fists in the air. "And let us help you wherever we can, great dragon. We do love you, you know. It's why I want you to be greater. You've been the nicest dragon ever."

You just stare at her.
(cont)
>>
>>5183308
>Pink, have you ever heard of a hate fuck?
>>
"Pink. The issue here isn't just my curse. It's the fact that you encouraged it without my consent. That's the problem here. You betrayed me." You say, your voice shaky as you explain yourself. That... seems to put a damper on Pink;
"B-betray you?" she says, all the confidence in her voice gone. "B-but... you said it yourself! Your inner self! I-I spoke to it! It showed me what you could become, you were so beautiful, dragon!"
You disagree.
"You've talked to my curse?"
"...yes. He's you, dragon. If you didn't... limit yourself for some reason! It's impressive, yes, that you still fight to do things the hard way. Adversity fosters strength, as my old masters used to say, but... you have far too much adversity!"
"I'm limiting myself because... that thing is trying to turn me into something else!"
"It's just letting you do what you want... And making you stronger for it. I don't understand."
"It's doing what IT wants, not what I want. I don't want to own a ton of gold and lay around all day. I want to be out there, helping people. The world's a dark and... honestly mean place. I intend to help that, in whatever way I can. If I'm some big lazy dragon thing... I won't be doing that; I'll just lay around all day, occasionally making things worse for people."
"I don't think you'd do that."
"I think I might, hence why I don't want it... But this is more complicated than just my curse, Pink. It's... You were encouraging it. Encouraging my further transformation, against my consent. It's... You betrayed me, Pink."
You say it with no small amount of emotion. It hurts even saying it out loud.

But Pink herself seems horrified.
"B-betrayed!? But I- I just... I wanted what's best for you! And T-this makes you stronger! I'm not betraying you! You should be as strong as possible, so you can get what you want and so you can protect us better! It's... That's why we follow you! You're big, strong, and even kind! You've been the best dragon ever, and you're not even... you're not even as strong as you could be yet! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?"
She's starting to freak out.
"I DIDN'T BETRAY YOU! I DIDN'T I DIDN'T I DIDN'T!" She says, stomping her feet. You think you see her crying, too.
This really, REALLY hurt her.

You sigh, and then clasp your arms around her, hugging her tightly.
"Please. Calm down. It's just... This is rough for both of us, okay? It's... really complicated. And I feel..."
...

>Admit that you're scared of the curse;

>I don't want you doing things that I feel are against my consent

>Something else to add
>>
>>5183331
>Something else to add
Should we try to shake up her kobolt way of thinking? It's probably fruitless to try but:

"Pink, you respected your old masters for the strength of their house and the size of their hoard. You respect me for my strength now, and acknowledge that my strength comes from the path I choose and have chosen in the past, regardless of adversity.

The way I've lived is how I managed to grow strong enough to triumph over Krazinkos.When you look at me, do you think that I am insufficient to protect you and the others as I am? Do you think you could slit my throat in my sleep like you thought of the Dwarves? Do you think you know better than I do, where my strength lies and where it comes from?

When you decided to encourage the curse, rather than listening to me, Reynauld the Knight, you acted as though you did. Not all strength is equal, and just like your dwarven masters had a different sort of strength than raw physicality that would shield them from attacks in the night, my strength is different from what this curse offers and inflicts. The strength the curse offers is unearned, and unearned strength does no good for its bearer nor those around them. You see me struggle against it, and admonish you now for encouraging it, for good reasons.

Perhaps 'betrayal' was too strong a word, but it echoes the strength of my feelings. More tacitly, let me say that you were misguided in what you did...and let me ask you, as your dragon, that you not go against my judgment on these things again."
>>
>>5183348
echoes the depth of my feelings*

I could also go on about how Pink's strength is with numbers, not strength. Pick apart exactly why she didn't murder her Dwarf masters in their sleep, and how if she had she likely would've seen the actual physical strength they could display by proxy, etc. etc.

But now's not the time for that I think.
>>
>>5183348
Support.
>>
>>5183348
>>5183356
Solid retort, which I will support. Casting my vote for this.

>>5183331
>>
>>5183348
Second
>>
>>5183331
Lol
>Pink, have you ever heard of a hate fuck?

>>5183356
>>5183348
Pretty solid my guy. Supporting.
>>
>>5183348
>>5183356
good shit man, honestly I can't think of anything better, support.

ALSO, we need to address the fact she spoke directly to the curse when the fuck did that happen, more importantly how the fuck did that happen.
>>
>>5183661
+1

>>5183331
Since when did she speak with it? I though she could only speak with it on full moons. Did we miss a fullmoon?
Does she realize that the curse is capable of deception and subverting ones expectations? Remember not all magical stuff is good and benevolent.
>>
>>5183348
>>5183356
Good approach. Supporting.

>>5183661
>>5183729
>Did we miss a fullmoon?
Yes, when Reynauld was knocked out for a couple of days after clearing out the bandit camp. I wonder if we would have gotten to see the conversation had we chosen Pink's PoV during that segment. Come to think of it, what other information would we have learned from the other characters PoVs?

Also,
>page 10
>still no archive
Flying dangerously close to the sun, aren't we?
>>
>>5183756
Then archive it, fgt
>>
>>5183756
I thought we forewent the fullmoon thing because it was more important to cure gobbo's lycanthropy, which would also necessarily take place on a full moon.
>>
>>5183729
>Does she realize that the curse is capable of deception and subverting one's expectations? Remember not all magical stuff is good and benevolent.

she is a Kobold, and I think this needs to serve as a reminder that even if she is a very clear and well-spoken kobold, she is still a kobold and kobolds are terribly simple creatures.
>>
>>5183794
The way it was written, I assumed that lycantrophy just needs moonlight to trigger, not necessarily a full moon. I may be off with my day count, but I don't see when Pink would have an opportunity to talk to the curse without Reynauld's knowledge during the werewolf ordeal, or why she would even do that.
Then again, she might be far more sinister than she's letting on. Maybe it was a mistake to trust her in the first place.
>>
You take a moment to think... You need to be clear about this, and keep her way of thinking in mind. Okay.
Let's see if your orating skills are up to snuff. You tell Pink to calm down, and try to explain things

"Pink, you respected your old masters for the strength of their house and the size of their hoard. You respect me for my strength now, and acknowledge that my strength comes from the path I choose and have chosen in the past, regardless of adversity."
Pink is just listening very closely, sniffling.

"The way I've lived is how I managed to grow strong enough to triumph over Krazinkos.When you look at me, do you think that I am insufficient to protect you and the others as I am? Do you think you could slit my throat in my sleep like you thought of the Dwarves? Do you think you know better than I do, where my strength lies and where it comes from?"
"But! You'd be immortal, dragon, it's just-"
You raise your finger, and she stops talking.

"Listen, when you decided to encourage the curse, rather than listening to me, Reynauld the Knight, you acted as though you did. Not all strength is equal, and just like your dwarven masters had a different sort of strength than raw physicality that would shield them from attacks in the night, my strength is different from what this curse offers and inflicts. The strength the curse offers is unearned, and unearned strength does no good for its bearer nor those around them. You see me struggle against it, and admonish you now for encouraging it, for good reasons."

Her eyes seem to light up, there's a clear shimmer of understanding when you put it like that

"Perhaps 'betrayal' was too strong a word, but it echoes the strength of my feelings. More tacitly, let me say that you were misguided in what you did...and let me ask you, as your dragon, that you not go against my judgement on these things again."

"Y-yes! Dragon, I...I understand now! But... I still think you should get a hoard. Some riches... Doesn't that feel good?"
"It encourages more of that unearned strength. We only take as much as we need, understand?"

She takes a deep breath... And nods.
"Yes!"
"Excellent!" You say, before asking another question. "When did you speak to my curse?"
"Two nights ago! He spoke to me in a dream. I get those dreams a lot. Remembering dreams is hard, bit because it was you, I remembered!"

Oh wonderful. The curse can do that.
Well....

>Find some jobs around town, gathering up 100 rosarians isn't that hard.

>Go find professor Oldfield for that field expedition. Bring the kobolts.

>Something else

Btw I'm phoneposting, hence the ID and trip being fucky.
>>
>>5184317
First and foremost go downstairs to inform Collar and all the children that you do not learn things from eating books, then discreetly tell Collar she can only learn what she eats from books because she's a little tainted by magic. I don't want the children to overhear and think they can get powers similar to Collar if they eat magic things. Kids are stupid like that sometimes.
>Go find professor Oldfield for that field expedition. Bring the kobolts.
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>>5184317
>Go find professor Oldfield for that field expedition. Bring the kobolts.
>>
>>5184317
>Negociate with the city the replacement of your helmet
Then
>Find some jobs around town, gathering up 100 rosarians isn't that hard.
Woodchuggin' time. We need the supplies before hitting the road again
>>
Alright, I've decided to archive this thread here:

https://lws.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5126523/

Will be making a new thread soon(tm).
>>
>>5184317
>Go find professor Oldfield for that field expedition. Bring the kobolts.
>Something else
>Ask Pink what Collar means by eating books and if she really can acquire knowledge that way?
>>
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>>5184317
>Go find professor Oldfield for that field expedition. Bring the kobolts.
Mushroom time.
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>>5184317
>Go find professor Oldfield for that field expedition. Bring the kobolts.
>Ask the other kobolts if the curse has talked to them
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>>5184320
Support.

>>5184317
>>
>>5184367
>>5184336
>>5184320
supporting these

also good shit this update glad we were able to get the pink situation in hand
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>>5184317
You archived this yet, Spine?
>>
Made a new thread!

>>5184655
>>5184655
>>5184655

https://lws.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5126523/

Archive is here, I should have done this AFTER making the new thread.



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