After being sealed I immediately feel myself being thrown to the ground. I offhandedly cast a levitation spell to stop my fall… but nothing happened.
I hit the ground with my feet with a soft thud but i lose balance for a bit. As I recover my balance. Tome held firmly in one of my hands my thoughts begin to wander.
'Strange. That was rather quick. I was expecting to spend my time in a void for a thousand yea-' my train of thought stops as i realize i'm not at my throne room nor does this place look anything like my old fortress. What i'm surrounded by was old ruins covered in dust, moss and the occasional webbing.
'Hmmm. Ah so my consciousness was frozen within the seal… clever way to prevent me from breaking out. Thomas' allies were thorough in ensuring the seal lasted long.'
I weave my slim bony hand in the air momentarily in a barely visible blue current. My mage sight shows me there is barely any mana in the ruins for even a simple fireball.
'Of course I was released in an area poor on mana.' I sigh 'couldn't have made it a bit easier'
Looking around the section of ruins I am in, I notice there are holes in the walls where you assume proper windows used to be. Examining them revealed to me the outside. A swamp. A whole lot of swamp and a night sky.
'Well these robes are already ruined so a trek through the swamp would not be a problem'
Exiting the ruins through what I assume was an entrance I get a better look at the ruins from the outside. An old church of some form made out of dark stone slowly withering away to the test of time. 'Hm. Curious.'
Activating mage sight I take a look of my surroundings. To the east I sense some form of mana clumps moving around in rapid patterns 'someones in a hurry.'. To the south I sense a greater amount of these mana clumps. This time though they are tainted. Tainted by holy magic… 'It seems my arrival must have been expected here. Vigilant even in death, Thomas…'
To the north and west there is not much I can sense within my current range.

What shall I do?
>Go North. Away from the holy ones
>Go West. Away from the lesser clumps and perhaps out of the path of the holy ones
>Go East. Towards the smaller clumps of mana
>Go south. Towards the ones blessed with holy magic
>Simply stay at the ruins and await the approaching holy ones

second part took a bit longer because phone posting copy paste bullshit kept adding unescesary spacing

>>5288523
>Go North. Away from the holy ones

>>5288523
>Go North. Away from the holy ones

>>5288523
>Go East. Towards the smaller clumps of mana
Acquire power, then escape.

>>5288523
>Go East. Towards the smaller clumps of mana

>>5288523
>Go East. Towards the smaller clumps of mana

>>5288523
>Go East
Not everyday I see a quest here written in first person.

>>5288523
>East

They likely have some means of detecting our arrival. If they dont, escaping immediately is of maximum importance.

>>5288523
>Go North. Away from the holy ones

>>5288529
>>5288530
>>5288541
>>5288546
>>5288555
>>5288560
>>5288569
>>5288627
Heading east it is
Will be writing update, but it may get delayed to tommorow if i dont write it within the hour

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>>5288523

Going east seems like a good way to start. If the sporadic movement of the mana clumps is anything to go by they may also not be friendly with whoever the blessed ones are.
Quickly and tirelessly I wade through the swamp water. The torso height of murky water doing nothing to deter me.

After some short time I reached my target destination. A village of some kind. Many huts are attached to swamp trees with poles to support them above the water. Connected by a network of bridges. Not anything unique for a swamp village. The interesting bit are the inhabitants.
They seem to look like people wearing rags over the entirety of their bodies. A normal man's eyes would have been deceived. But I am no normal man. With mage sight i see the creatures true selves. The rags are their actual skin. They grew up with it. Under said skin is a chaotic mish mash of flesh and organs.
They seem to be in quite a rush. Many boats are being filled with what you assume are their females and young. All of them carrying food as the ones capable of fighting arm themselves and give goodbyes to the escapees.
While you watch I notice the holy clumps are getting closer to the village. 'I might have been too soon on the assumption that they were here for me, but that is yet to be confirmed'

What shall i do?
>Go into hiding and wait out the holy clumps
>Reveal yourself to the doll people and introduce yourself, perhaps offer assistance
>Sneak in and perhaps gather some information
>Intercept the holy clumps before they can reach the village
>write-in

>>5288664
>Reveal yourself to the doll people and introduce yourself, perhaps offer assistance

>>5288664
>Reveal yourself to the doll people and introduce yourself, perhaps offer assistance

>>5288664
>Reveal yourself to the doll people and introduce yourself, perhaps offer assistance
Need to start rebuilding eventually.

>>5288664
>write-in
>keep moving, away from the Holy Ones. The sacrifice of these creatures will serve to hide our return.
Move out of the swamp while keeping the village between us and the holy ones. We can't risk being detected by our enemies while we remain weak, we must find a mana-dense area where we can restore our powers first.

>>5288664
>Kill them

>>5288664
>>Reveal yourself to the doll people and introduce yourself, perhaps offer assistance

I jerked off to them on aco so i now understand

>>5288664
>>Reveal yourself to the doll people and introduce yourself, perhaps offer assistance

>>5288664
>Sneak in and perhaps gather some information

>>5288664
>Sneak in and perhaps gather some information

>>5288674
>>5288692
>>5288694
>>5288723
Wut
>>5288810
Revealing is locked in
Will be writing

>>5288664

'Well, I have to build up an army from scratch anyways. Just gotta make myself look less dead.' I rip a piece of bark from a tree and rip a small piece of my robe.
Some quick makeshift crafting later my disguise is ready. Tucking my forever dry tome into my robe 'Ah enchantments. Every magician's best friend. Anyways. It's time for the play.'

—PoV Switch—

'Gods damn it!' Who knew they would respond so drastically to some bandits. All we did was rob some merchants… must have pissed off a particularly rich one.
I hand over a bag of FleiLeafs to young Adler. "That should be enough food and rations to last your escape north."
He doesn't look happy "Boss! I know how to fight! Let me help you!" It pains me how stubborn he is "No. We still need some of you to help protect the others on your way north. And no amount of skill will help you fight a platoon of knights. So please help the others." I tell him.
He takes a deep breath…. Then after a moment lets out a big sight and nods at me. I nod back and move away from the boats towards the rest of the men who will die with me.
I met up with the rest of what we would call our bandit group close to my hut. "So everyone is mostly here?" Everyone in the group nods. "Alright… So here's the plan, boys. We definitely can't win a fight against a platoon of holy knights but we really just need to stall them enough so our families get a head start towards the north out of the swampland." I see many of my comrades nod in agreement. "So we shouldn't go directly fighting them but work at damaging their boats. The more they are forced to repair. The more time our families have to make headway. So good sabotaging men!" Some of them give half assed cheers while the others just nod grimly.

(1/2)

>>5289462

"You and your men seem to be in quite dire straits… i could be of assistance" a voice that sounds like it belongs to a monster from fairy tales speaks up. I quickly turn to look where it came from and see it. A moss and algae covered creature with a wooden face peering out of the deep water. But the feature that puts fear into my heart are those dark red glowing eyes. 'Swamp Narkitan this far in KruKaši lands?'
Before i can say anything it speaks up again "Oh sorry if i have scared you. You may call me the Sorcerer for now." it said
'I only heard stories about creatures like this. Told to children to keep them in line. But to actually meet a mage of some kind offering me assistance…' "What's the catch? I don't expect you are attempting to help us just out of pure goodwill." I say carefully
The creature simply hums as it holds a hand to the chin of its mask "It is quite understandable to be suspicious of strangers. But we are quite in the same boat situationally. I am also not on good terms with the holy ones myself. For I dabbled in the dark arts…" it answers.
Hells… a Dark mage at that. Well the Order is already out for our heads.
"Well. That's an answer but it didn't relate to my question. What do you want from us for your assistance?" There's a pause at the question. "Information. I have been hiding and practicing my arts in this swamp for a long time. I have been disconnected to the happenings of the outside world. So i shall accept information if my services provide helpful" it said in a continuous deep monotone voice
'A bookworm who found a very bad book to get invested in huh… that's the best deal we can afford…' i take a long sigh "Information for assistance in fighting a platoon of Order knight guard. Pretty good deal on our side… but i'm not look a gift horse in the mouth" i hope i haven't just sold the souls of all my comrades to a monster

—PoV Switch—

"Splendid" I say "I shall assist you the best I can." I would have given them a friendly smile if i were not masked or lacked skin to make expressions
'Now then to deal with these order knights. Infuriating how Thomas was smart enough to take out the drake heart in me to stop it from refueling my mana reserves… I would have just slaughtered the knights with magic already… Well, I hope I can get enough mana from the knights to repair it.'

What do?
>You overheard their plan. Perhaps utilize your lack of lungs and inhuman strength to get close and start punching holes in their boats
>Wait with the Bandits and help them fight the knights
>Go directly towards the knights and slaughter them with pure strength
>Write-in

Wait with the Bandits and help them fight the knights

>>5289465
>You overheard their plan. Perhaps utilize your lack of lungs and inhuman strength to get close and start punching holes in their boats

>>5289465
>You overheard their plan. Perhaps utilize your lack of lungs and inhuman strength to get close and start punching holes in their boats

>>5289465
>You overheard their plan. Perhaps utilize your lack of lungs and inhuman strength to get close and start punching holes in their boats

>>5289483
>>5289499
>>5289547
>>5289564
Operation Hole maker is a go
Roll me 1d100 Bo3 DC 60

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>5289575

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>5289575

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>5289575

>>5289579
>>5289619
>>5289620
Great success! Writing

>>5289465

'Well taking out the boats seems to be the target. Buying time and all… they never said anything about killing them though.'
"I have already overheard your plan to deal with the knights. I shall take initiative and destroy some of their boats before they arrive here." I dive into the murky water before the bandit leader can speak up. Speeding off towards the Order knights signatures undeterred.

—PoV switch—

"Blasted bandits and their garbage choice of residence. Couldn't have chosen some normal deep woods to live in." I whisper to myself. But it seems it wasn't quite enough as my fellow knight raises his voice "What. Rookie angry that his first real mission is in the Fetid swamplands and not off rescuing the princess?" I grumble at his insult "Don't get angry Kid. My first ever mission was being part of a team investigating a possible kuldyte smugglers stash in some Braom pen. Digging through animal droppings is way worse than killing some bandits." A couple of the other knights 'aye' at him in agreement
I sigh "You're right. At least it's not dung clean-" i freeze as Low Paladin Hygar raised his arm "i sense something isn't right…" he said. It took me a moment to snap out of the brief shock and prepare for battle. Unsheathing my broadsword and raising my shield I stand at guard with my fellow knights. Having to balance yourself on a small Boat that's borderline a raft doesn't help much.
Me and my fellow knights stand at guard looking around and into the filthy waters below us in silence.

https://youtu.be/bDDMv6mPk2o

Suddenly screams and loud crashes break loose on the further out boats followed immediately by silence. Everyone was in shock momentarily before returning to guard. "Men get close to each other and watch for movement in the water!" Yelled out Hygar. The other rookies that were assigned to row the boats began closing the gaps between the boats as we watched the water.
But that would not help at all. As I watch in horror, one of the boats close to mine has something break through its underside and grab a hold of a knight's leg pulling him down, breaking the boat in half with the sheer force he was pulled down. The rest of his boat's crew are not able to react in time as they are grabbed and pulled into the murky water.
My heart beats rapidly. I cannot calm myself. 'Oh gods… i'm going to die here' my thoughts grow grim as the screams around me grow louder.
I didn't even realize I was thrown into the air until it was too late. Flying towards a tree. My chest slams into it. Pain flaring in my skin as it crumples under the force I hit the tree. I feel myself slowly losing my consciousness. Watching from the branch i landed on as Hygar attempts screams something at a creature of nightmares standing over a knight torn in half as he prepares to fight it.
'A monster. A genuine monster has slaughtered all my comrades. And I did… nothing to s-!' darkness.

(1/?)

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>>5289780

—PoV Switch—

Watching the last Knight standing at guard staring at me on the other side of the boat scream obscenities at me, I activate my mage sight. Thin barely visible strings of holy mana flowing loosely in the air off of the knights wrists. This seems to be their commander from the look of his shell. 'Dual wielding blades? Bleh. How idiotic.'
After letting him finish his little screaming episode I raise my voice "So are you fi-" he rushes me with one blade raised. I simply backhand it to the side. It lands into the plants of the boat with a loud chuk. I didn't let him react and immediately hit him over the head knocking him out.
It's disappointing really. I was expecting holy paladins like that of Thomas' order. These are way weaker.
Hauling the captain over my shoulder I head back towards the bandit village.

The expressions of sheer surprise and shock on their faces told me enough. They weren't expecting me to do this well.
I approach their Leader whose name I am yet to ask "The knights have been dealt with. They won't be a problem for your village." He only stares at me in a mix of shock, awe and mostly fear. He spends a minute staring before a single fake cough from me snaps him out of it "Ah… T-thank you sorcerer. We are thankful for your help in fending off the knights. As for our deal. We will give you your information but we have to catch up with the others towards the north." You nod at that "Fine. You and your men prepare. I have to give my guest here a talking[/]"

(2/?)

>>5289785

As the bandit leader rushes off I take a moment to stop and concentrate. I stood still as I slowly repaired the drake heart with the pure mana I managed to harvest from the dead knights and restarted it. It beats once again creating mana from thin air fueling into me. Good, this will make my talk easier.
After making some distance from the village I held my unconscious knight prisoner by the throat. I pull out my tome from my robes and begin casting a spell. Dark tendrils flow out of my mouth and eyes and flow into the vision slits of the knight. He momentarily starts to struggle even in his unconscious state. But soon he grows limp but still breathing. The dark tendrils have pulled back into me with ethereal chunks of the knight's mind. I release the knight's now brain dead body into the water. Leaving it to drown.
Fascinating. The Krukaši as these doll people call themselves live in the uncreatively named KruKaši Order territories. A Highly religious Kingdom whose main royal bloodline claims to be the ancient holy heroes descendants.
As it turns out. There were multiple Dark lord's appearing before my return. Mainly in the Wilds of evil where my former empire used to be from the looks of it. They would always rally great armies of monsters to try and destroy the land like some mindless brutes.
'So this is the true future you foresaw, Thomas. A cycle you mistook for my true end… How amusing.'
There are many kingdoms in his land but they are not notable information for the time being since it seems the bandits might be going straight into the lands of evil.

I returned to the village. The bandits are not questioning where the knight went as they prepare to finish up their rafts.
"So. We should be heading out soon sorcerer. But since I technically got you at a disadvantage. The name is Barning Briskgrass." Their leader says. Very scared of you staring at him from the water. There's an awkward bit of silence "Well. We are heading out now. I'll tell you everything you want to know while we catch up to the others."
And so we begin our slow trip towards the north. Barning telling me information I couldn't gather from the knight.
It is going to be a slow path to building back my empire.

—Interlude time—
You get to choose which vaguely named side story I shall write fully in another pov!

>A whole adventurous new world!
>The Worries of the crown.
>Winners always strike first
>The Weight of fate

holy shit i may have gone overboard

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>>5289788
Forgot the map pic for this post
Finishing an update while walking does that

>>5289788
>The Weight of fate

>>5289788
>The Weight of fate

>>5289788
>Winners always strike first

>>5289788
>A whole adventurous new world!

>>5289788
>A whole adventurous new world!

>>5289788
>The Weight of fate

>>5289810
>>5289822
>>5289827
>>5289911
>>5289935
>>5290342
Weight of fate wins the vote
Writing

>>5289788

—In a beautiful courtyard—

Train. Gain strength. Practice spellcraft. Repeat.
That is what I've been doing my entire life and that training is soon coming to fruition.
Like my predecessors before, I am fated to battle and defeat the new Dark Lord. Such is the will of the goddess and hero.
I cleave a training dummy in half with the blade bestowed to all fated to fight the Dark lord. The Heroes Holy Blade. A weapon passed down the generations of princes and kings blessed by his blood. To have kept on this tradition for many centuries following the defeat of the first dark lord. It weighs heavier in my hand today.
I look upon this sword of mine and think of what happened weeks ago.

"Brother please. I want to go on adventures with you. To see the world outside! I don't want to be trapped here for the rest of my life!
"It is too dangerous out there! You will get hurt or goddess forbid killed!"
"The palace is a prison that has held me my entire life! So what if I get killed out there! At least I would die free!
A porcelain hand moved swiftly and the princess was on the ground with her hand on her cheek. She got up and ran away holding back tears…

I never got to apologize before she disappeared. Some of the servants helped her escape that same night. Mother was shocked and father… Father was furious. He accused all of the servants assigned to the princess, innocent or not to brutal executions. That their bodies stripped of most of their porcelain shells will be displayed in the city square for being traitors to the crown.
I kept on training. It is the only thing I'm allowed to do. Well it was until now.
I hear a servant arrive at the courtyard. Fathers most loyal one at that. I've been called to a meeting with my father.

(1/?)

>>5290768

My armored boots clack against the marble floor of the throne room as I approach my father. I stop and kneel to him.
"You asked for my presence, father. What is it that you need of me?"
"Son. Rise." I obey "There is no need to kneel for you are the first prince. I thought we talked about this before… Nevermind. For today is a special day. You will finally be set off into the world to commence your fated mission of defeating the dark lord." I look at his smiling face in surprise "You are to gather the three other heroes wielding their weapons and help form an alliance amongst the kingdoms to fight back the forces of evil. The servants have prepared all the supplies you will need for this mission in the Royal armory. You are dismissed." And with that i leave without saying a word. A steady expression worn to hide my excitement. Perhaps I can find my sister.

I head towards the armory. My blade sheathed at my side.
For some reason everything feels heavier.

—interlude end—

(2/?)

>>5290769

We have finally caught up with the others at the end of the swamp. While most are happy for each other's safety. Fathers hugging their wives and children who thought they were dead. Everyone seemed so happy.
I for once finally am not torso deep in swamp water after getting onto dry land and get to see just how much algae and moss has got caught up on my robes. Finally having some mana reserves after repairing the drake heart i start using it to cast cleansing and basic repair spells on myself. After a couple seconds of beautiful multi coloured lights wash and burn away all the swamp filth and black blood from my robe. What is left is a Repaired hooded robe 'lacking most of its rather expensive enchantments…' made from the toughest Kran Spider Silks reinforced with magma troll hair. Its fully black colour is decorated with golden lines flowing in many beautiful patterns from the top of the hood to the bottom of the robe.
After I'm done admiring the only piece of fine craftsmanship not of my make that followed me here, I notice a good amount of the bandits and their family are staring at me in sheer awe and amazement. Barning is amongst them with an expression of shock.
Speaking of Barnings, our talk on our way here was quite informative. Cross referencing it with the knowledge I gathered from the knight. He assumes that the order is overreacting to small threats like bandits due to the new Dark lords existence making even the smallest threats costly. The truth I have gained from the knight though was that they were sent here to wipe out the bandits while secretly looking for a missing princess of the Orders royalty. It is funny how such a fairy tale-esque thing is happening 'A princess to be rescued from the clutches of evil by a hero of some kind. Hah.'. Barnings and his group of bandits weren't too much of a troubling force. They would rob merchants and travelers on a trader-heavy road they would camp around south of the swamp and use the stolen goods to upkeep their village. Not many of them have any experience in actual fights. For any other more valuable information I was bogged down. The bandits knew little outside of small rumors from travelers they robbed and the knight was so sheltered in his order he only communicated with his superiors on mission specifications.

(3/4)

>>5290771

After some time of staring the crowd dispersed to help the others with preparing supplies for a planned trip.
I overheard their plans. They intend to follow along the KruKaši border while within the wildlands towards the east and go around the barquady mountains into Narkita to settle down somewhere within its borders. They are quite unsure of your plans though.
There are plenty of options to go with. Either follow them. Or go to my old fortress north from here. From what I've gathered I have truly outdone myself by building it to stand all this time. But currently it has a wannabe dark lord squatting in it, commanding armies loyal to him. Then there's the Polkarians to the northwest. They are an interesting bunch. One of the youngest powerhouses of the world utilizing technologies I have thought I forgot a long time ago. Behemoths powered by steam carrying tons of material to factory lines that produce equipment for the upcoming war against the dark lords armies. Sounds like home…

What are my plans?
>Follow along with the doll Bandits towards narkita. Maybe you can utilize this time to build their trust and loyalty in you.
>Go north. Towards the island where your fortress supposedly still stands to this day. It will be a long trip through long devolved lands.
>Go north-west. The polkarians technology fascinates you.

>>5290772
>Go north-west. The polkarians technology fascinates you.

>>5290772
>Go north-west. The polkarians technology fascinates you.

>>5290772
>Go north. Towards the island where your fortress supposedly still stands to this day. It will be a long trip through long devolved lands.

>>5290772
>Go north-west. The polkarians technology fascinates you.
May as well see what's changed in the current era, maybe our dude will pick up some new tricks or at least understanding of their tech. It might also be wise to nip them in the bud quickly as possible if their tech advantage is big enough to threaten us.

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>5290818
>>5290849
>>5290860
>>5290886
alright, train to Polkaria is heading out All aboard!!!!
Do not worry about the dice :)

>>5290772

I approach Barnings "Well Barnings. It is time for us to part ways. I intend to go to Polkaria due to personal matters that require my attention. I do have a small request though… I trust that your people can keep details about me to themselves?" I turned my head to look at some of the other dolls who stopped to watch the conversation. They flinch within my sight and start nodding. 'Good enough. They have heard what i can do so they best fear breaking my request.'.
"Sure thing, Sorcerer. We are bandit fugitives anyways. Not like we will be conversing with orderlites in a while." I nod at his answer.
"Then I shall go now. Farewell." And with that i leave heading North-west towards the land of Polkaria.

—

Being undead is a thing I regret at first. But once the phantom pain of being alive passes you too would understand the many benefits of removing any requirements of basic needs of a living creature. Traveling through the wilderness for two days and nights without is proof of that. I have already started noticing a change in environment. It's getting colder as I travel closer towards the north. The forests here consist more that of pines and other trees more suited for cold temperatures.
But this isn't truly what gathered my interest. No, there were signs of smoke in the distance. And so I took a short detour to investigate it.

Imagine if I could express mild surprise at the sight of something unexpected. It was a small camp. Filled with tents and a small bonfire at the centre. The inhabitants are what surprised me somewhat. Imps, I recognized their small pitch black appearance. The most basic mindless monsters of my old empire. They were used to swarm places like forests where they would have the most advantage of harassing food producing villages. To find some of them sitting around a bonfire chatting amongst themselves like sapient beings is a surprise. Although intelligent imps were not unheard of in my empire. They were a once a million occurrence that would require a lot of trial and error to produce. They were the most intelligent sorcerers in my army that could go toe to toe with a truly blessed paladin of the goddess. Though these imps seem to only contain a peasants level of intelligence. I close in while casting a simple spell that would make them avoid looking at me directly. It is much more cost efficient than full invisibility.
"-ean that there's trouble on the way?" Asked an imp that seems to be the only one with proper armor. Even if it's a chainmail shirt.
"Me and Pot Pot saw Polkarians with their fancy machines moving through a clearing further up North. It was a small army. Though they have one of their giant carriages following slowly behind the troops." Said a hooded imp with an effeminate voice. She was followed by an imp that had a cooking pot on its head. Mage sight showed that it has more mana than the others.

(1/2)

>>5290952

"Hmph… Then we shall prepare to move camp. Polkarian war machines mean trouble and they will simply gun us down with their weapons if we attack. Pot Pot, go tell the others to start packing. We are leaving" the pothead shook their head wildly before running off further into the camp while banging a stick against the pot on its head.

Interesting… Dear Voices… What is your advice?
>Leave em be. You intend to go to polkaria and the imps don't sound too fond of the Polkari so that may cause problems.
>Dispel your magic and introduce yourself. Shouldn't the imps obey their creator?
>Dispel your magic and introduce yourself. Reconnecting with your old creations after so many years… to build trust is important
>Kill them all. They have deviated beyond what your creations used to be so purging the defects is a good start.
>Write-in

I'm usually free to run from 8 am Euro central time. May change based on my work schedule (free literally for a good chunk of my days this week due to night shift work)

>>5290954
>Leave em be. You intend to go to polkaria and the imps don't sound too fond of the Polkari so that may cause problems.
I'd rather we avoid any unnecessary contact, at least this early on without a good reason. We've currently got the element of surprise on the world at large, let's not squander that.

>>5290952
>>Leave em be. You intend to go to polkaria and the imps don't sound too fond of the Polkari so that may cause problems.

>>5290954
>Dispel your magic and introduce yourself. Shouldn't the imps obey their creator?
We don't have to bring them with us, just investigate if we can leave a cell here to aid us when time comes.

>>5290952
>>Leave em be. You intend to go to polkaria and the imps don't sound too fond of the Polkari so that may cause problems.

>>5290954
>Dispel your magic and introduce yourself. Reconnecting with your old creations after so many years… to build trust is important

>>5290964
>>5290968
>>5290975
>>5290996
>>5291001
Back to the reularly scheduled travels. Writing

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>>5290954

Seeing as these imps aren't in great terms with the Polkari and are already planning to leave. I choose to avoid wasting time and return to my trip towards Polkaria, dispelling my visual aversion magic.
It was quite a short trip. A bit of avoidance of Polkari military patrols here and there. But I have finally caught sight of a town of sorts in the distance.
Thinking ahead I use transmutation magic on my mask to turn it into a smooth wooden mask that looks fairly human. Removing the eye holes in the process. It isn't too much trouble as I carve in a simple one sided sight through the spell onto the inside of the mask. 'Enchantment will make this easier once i got materials to make the spell self sustaining'
After finishing up my short crafting session I started to realize some small mistakes in my plan. One, it's the middle of the night right now. Two, I look like a seven foot tall Narkitan visiting a town that mainly consists of people whose height tops out between four to five feet… the first problem can be essentially negated with my solution to the second problem… I just despise this spell so much.
Grabbing the tome from my robe I start flipping through its countless pages. Stopping on the section of transformative magic. 'Here we go. Cheap temporary size adjustment spells page five. Aaaand… There.' I tap upon my tome as I begin reciting the spell casting chants. Bones begin to creak and pop. A painfully stretchy noise emits from me as both body and equipment shrink down in size. 'I shouldn't feel any pain. But it still makes me feel utter discomfort as I do it.'
After finishing up the spell I checked myself out. Reduced down to four feet in height. Perfect.

—

Upon entering the town through the front entrance 'Who hires fools who accept the "Visiting family" lie so easily from someone who doesn't even look like a member of your race?!'. I find myself in slight awe at the sight of a Victorian era looking town with many steam powered contraptions driving down roads 'It feels like I've traveled back in time to around the nineteen hundreds…'. I travel around the town exploring. Ignoring some of the townsfolk looking at me like I'm a lost tourist 'which I essentially am'. Nothing has bothered me in my small bout of curious adventure. It is when I found a shop selling something of interest to me that I ran into trouble. Fireworks. But mainly the gunpowder they used inside i couldn't afford due to the realization i had no funds.

(1/2)

>>5291880

'Perhaps I can use some telekinetic spells to water money off of passing townsfolk. Perhaps rob and kill a rich individual after making him disappear with my spells. Maybe eve-' my pondering of how to gather funds is stopped as i notice someone approaching me. My inability to express emotions unwillingly as undead comes in handy hiding the absolute shock I'm experiencing as I see the person in question. It is a human boy 'From the looks of it around sixteen years of age' wearing a fake mustache and goggles. He is looking down at me due to being slightly taller than me.
"Hey there random stranger! Never seen someone like you in town before. The names Michael and I've noticed you may be in a bit of financial trouble from the way you stared at that store for the past five minutes." 'Wait I was pondering theft for five minutes? And what is it with that horrid fake cowboy accent!'. "But not to worry. I am willing to pay you some money for a bit of assistance!" I stare at the boy. The mask hiding my non-existent bony expression of shock.
"So what ya say? You in or not?"

What?
>Accept?
>No!
>We need information on what job he is offering first.
>"Are you mentaly disabled?"
>Write-in

>>5291881
>We need information on what job he is offering first.
What we need now is a lay of the land. Assuming the job isn't too bad, we can LARP as a wandering wizard before taking decisive action.

>>5291881
>We need information on what job he is offering first.

>>5291930
>>5291932
Info it is, just gonna make an update now since i have the time before i have to go to work.

File: Kloverdar.png (290 KB, 400x400)

290 KB PNG

>>5291881

"You do know offering unspecified work to random strangers you just met is highly suspicious, right?"
He hits his forehead with his palm in what I assume is an attempt to be comedic "Ah. I knew I forgot something. No worries. I can explain it all in the place I'm staying at." He turned and started walking down the street. I simply followed behind.
While walking towards our supposed destination the boy speaks up "So what's got someone as strange as you exploring this part of polkaria anyways?" He began questioning me.
"I was on my way into polkaria to deal with family matters. I am simply taking a break here after a long trek through the wilds." I answered but the boy simply looked at me in silence. With magically enhanced sight I can see he was looking at me in slight surprise. 'Hm. Probably shouldn't have said I came through THE wilds.'
"Sheesh. Must have been a long trek. I do wonder how you got here with no supplies." He eyed me with suspicion
"Unless you were somehow blind this entire time. It should be obvious that I am a Narkitan. I simply fed off the land's soil and went hunting on occasion." I countered his question
He huffed and simply nodded. Returning to his walk as he led us into the more wealthy side of town.

---

It didn't take long for him to lead me to what was a pretty decent house at the edge of the wealthy part of town. It was rather large. But then again this was because it was attached to the side of a small custom made observatory tower.
The boy, Michael as he called himself before, knocks on the door. A couple moments later a rather old Polkarian opens the door.
"Michael, my boy. I would ask about how your work went but it seems it went well with the friend you brought along. Come in, come in!" He said in his practically chipper voice and waved us in.

(1/2)

>>5292028

Michael led me to a well decorated living room before leaving to discuss something with the house owner. But with some spell work I can clearly hear them talk.
"Do you really think he will accept going out with us?" I hear the house owners voice
"I think so. My gut is telling me this guy is the right choice. He said something about visiting family and coming through The wilds by foot. He must have time to spare." Answered Michaels voice
"Hmmmm. I hope you are right. Now let's discuss the job with our visitor. Cant keep guests waiting too long!"
I dispel my magic as the two enter the room.
"So you are here to hear our job offer?" I nodded to the Polkarians question. "Great! Michael, you may explain the details to the guest."
Michael coughs to clear his voice for a moment before speaking. "Me and professor KloverDar are planning to go on a short expedition into the wilds of evil to find ancient ruins that were rumored to be not too far east from town. We are mainly interested in them due to suspicion that these ruins predate or at least were built at the time of the first dark lord's defeat. We have been looking for someone who might have experience with traveling through those dangerous lands. I actually saw your state of wear and assumed you know a thing or two about surviving out there. We will pay you five gold pieces up front and ten after we finish the job. So I was going to ask you some questions first. The family matters you mentioned before. Can those matters wait for the estimated duration of our expedition which we estimate may take from three days up to a week if we are stalled. And also why you felt interested in the job"
"My parents are very patient. And i wasn't given an exact time they expect me to arrive so time shouldn't be troublesome. As to why?" I shift my voice into a false nervous tone "I… I will be truthful with you. When I arrived in town I remembered I forgot to bring a gift along for my parents…" I shifted in my seat awkwardly and scratched the back of my hood. Years of deceit and acting experience coming to fruition.
"Ah… Then. Before we make any agreements. Do you have any questions?"

Hmmm?
>Write-in questions related to the job

Do i accept it?
>Accept it
>Politely decline

>>5292029
>Accept it
>Ask them of their personal expertises and skills.

>>5292029
>Accept it
>Ask them of their personal expertises and skills.

>>5292029
>>5292106 +1

>>5292029
>Politely decline

>>5292106
>>5292150
>>5292153
>>5292819
Its a deal after a single simple question is asked. Writing

>>5292029

"Hmm. Well it's true I have experience traversing the wilds. But I do have a question. What skills and expertise do you offer?"
"Oh. Well that's rather easy to answer. Mister Kloverdar here has experience exploring ruins for quite a while. He will be bringing a lot of equipment for both investigation and obstacle clearing." Kloverdar nodded at that. "And while I may be an apprentice equipment tinkerer. I am really good with a gun." He pulls out a revolver from within his coat and starts twirling it around. With how calm Kloverdar was I thought it was empty. But enhanced sight showed me otherwise. 'Why do idiots like to ignore firearm safety regulations.'
"Mhm. That is good. Well mister Michael and mister Kloverdar. I accept the job. When are we expected to be going?"
Kloverdar speaks up to that question. "Oh. We will be heading out immediately. We can't waste time if other ruin delver's try going to our target location and take all the goodies inside. I shall grab my supplies and equipment. Michael, go prepare for travel."
"Sure thing mister Kloverdar." Both of them speed off into the hallway and presumably to wherever they keep their equipment.

(1/2)

>>5293105

—

It took them a bit but they gathered their equipment and immediately said we are going. Turns out beating competition is very very big in the exploration department.
It's been nearly half a day's worth of time that we spent traveling by foot through the wild with me leading the way. Using many sense enhancing spells I easily helped traverse the land. Though we still had to make stops for my two organic bosses still got tired. So we cleared less distance than I would normally do by just non stop walking. But the ruins are rumored to be not that far away. So it shouldn't take that long. We have been traveling so long that the morning sunlight started to rise. Michael would complain about messed up sleep schedules while Kloverdar theorized about all the possibilities of ancient knowledge and artefacts being held in the ruins.

After some time we finally reach the supposed location of the ruins. A massive cliff face with an equally large waterfall. Going down a wide if a bit shallow river.
"Bet the ruins are behind that waterfall" Michael spoke up
I didn't answer as I wordlessly cast a greater sight spell and confirmed there is a small but definitely magically locked entrance up a short flight of stairs.
"I can sense it. Through the vibrations of the waterfall. There is some form of hollow sense at the lower center of the waterfall." I lied about how I spotted it.
"Great! Let's get to it then." Kloverdar says jovial as he pulls out a contraption that soon expands into an oversized umbrella that attaches itself to the top of his pack. "Come friends. It is time for exploration!"

Before we reach the door. How do I deal with it?
>Just use a mix of illusion magic and silent powerword casting to make it look like your hand turns into roots as it begins unlocking the door.
>let your employers try dealing with the door
>Just use your magic on the door and open it up. Be all dramatic too!
>Write-in

>>5293106
>let your employers try dealing with the door

>>5293106
>let your employers try dealing with the door
let's see if they're actually useful first

>>5293106
>let your employers try dealing with the door

>>5293117
>>5293136
>>5293176
Okay update time. Sorry for delay. On beach have to babysit my brothers

>>5293106

Following Kloverdar under his umbrella. We pass under the waterfall mostly unsoaked outside our boots. Climbing up a flight of smooth stone stairs leading towards a magically locked steel door. Upon closer inspection I realized the fully readable text on the door. Written in english. The language I taught to my armies. But Michael speaks up before I can read it myself
"Beware yee fools who enter… For the loyal servants of the first still remain to guard this vault till the end of time. Huh, well that confirms this thing is as old as that first dark lord fella."
Kloverdar nods and jovialy speaks up "Indeed. Oh this is a great find! You and your understanding of this ancient language save us centuries of time!"
I just stare at them for a moment before imitating a cough "And how do you propose we open this door?"
Michael smiles at me with a psychotic grin. "Simple! We will blow a hole through it!"
I would give him a deadpan stare if I could "I assume you would have a trinket that would avoid collapsing the caves?"
His grin gets even wider. "Yes! I'm going to first check where the hinges will probably be. Then i'll put some of my specially made directional thermite charges on the hinges spots… Oh if you don't know what thermite is, it's one of my special homemade alchemical creations. But anyways. After the thermite does its job, I'll apply a single stick of explosives at the center and blow the door inwards!"
Kloverdar just gives his apprentice a worried glance
"You and mister Kloverdar should go down to the bottom of the stairs as i prep everything."
We both nod and start walking down the stairs.

(1/?)

>>5293335

Me and Kloverdar stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Michael to do his work.
Kloverdar speaks up "So. How long have you been traveling since your family called for you?"
"About a month without stopping from Narkita to Polkaria. Got side tracked on a couple occasions. One involved bandits." I answered half truthfully
"Must have seen a lot of things in those travels. To be truthful, I have rarely gone that far from my homeland due to many personal constraints. Just to get free time for this expedition I had to delay some meetings with important people. But if this ruin holds any sliver of what I wish to learn then it will be worth it." He says. Loud fwooshing noise coming from above "That would be my apprentices thermite invention."
I nod. "Speaking of your apprentice. That boy isnt a Polkarian."
He froze at that.
"It really wasn't that hard. He is literally just wearing a fake mustache and goggles to hide his different appearance. So what is he?"
He coughs a bit. "Well… He calls himself a human. I've found him somewhat out of town after investigating an anomalous flash that momentarily shut down all of my magically powered equipment two weeks ago. He claims to be an otherworlder and was concerned about his friends who were with him when he got thrown into our world."
A Flash of light and beings from other worlds. An all too familiar story. I dread that it has happened again.
"Interesting. Perhaps i can bring up this information with my family to help find the friends he was supposedly with? We are good at keeping secrets so you can trust us to do this without gathering unwanted attention to him."
He stared at me momentarily processing what I just said. "That… Would be helpful but i'd rather we discuss this with him first."
I nod as Michael starts running down the stairs.
"I recommend covering your ears!"
Kloverdar grabs ear muffs attached to the side of his bag and puts them on. I place my hands where my ears would be inside the hood.
A rather loud boom could still be heard from where the door was.

(2/?)

>>5293338

Walking over the toppled doors with a lantern in hand courtesy of Kloverdar. Investigate the entrance hallway of the vault.
Lots of half pillars decorating the walls. A lot of spots where red magic lights would have glowed ominously. Yep looks like something my servants would have built.
We continue down the hallway until we reach a large open room with walls decorated in carvings of events with English writing close by. Michael brought out what looks to be an electric torch but powered by magic and shone it at the walls. He made some excited 'hihihihi' noise before running off to where I assume the beginning of the carving story is and starts making sketches of the carvings and copies the english afterwards. This time he doesn't read it out loud so I can do it myself.
In short it's a story describing my 'banishment' by the hero and the time afterwards from the perspective of my ancient servants. After my defeat at the hands of the hero the forces of 'good' had stopped momentarily as their hero had been crippled during our battle and could not be healed fully due to my magic preventing him from doing so. My servants fought well afterwards. Tooth and nail. For even every small outpost taken the enemy lost thousands. But that didn't stop some of the lower ranks from collapsing into infighting for power. After a particular battle the last of the generals of my army have either been slain or disappeared into hiding to bide their time until my return. They had heard news of my possible return rather quickly but were appalled by the faker who dared name themselves the new dark lord. So they returned to hiding. Waiting for my return in the form of something only I can achieve.
But as time went on some lost hope and joined the new incarnations of dark lords to either die in glorious battle or finaly end their miserable lives of immortality spent in darkness.
Only a few loyal servants remained. Entombing themselves in vaults across my former empire's territory.

(3/4) holy shit

>>5293340

As I finish my reading I notice both my employers were staring at something down another doorway. Specifically a peculiar pot wearing imp from before. I should have noticed it if I remembered to scan the room with mage sight beforehand. Activating the ability I start to notice something different.
The imps magic is flowing wildly through its body. To the point of instability. Outside of mage sight its irises glow a pale blue as small magic arcs of electricity pass around its body. It's breathing widely. Staring directly at Kloverdar.
"Good heavens a mage imp. This is bad. That thing could explode at any moment." He whispers standing completely still.

What a peculiar predicament.
>Use your magic to kill the imp
>Use magic to incapacitate it
>Try to speak to it. Maybe try to calm it down
>Try to comfort it in the language of its kind
>Write-in

Overboard again... good lord

>>5293341
>>Try to comfort it in the language of its kind

>>5293341
>>Use magic to incapacitate it

>>5293341
>Tell the others to slowly back out of the room so you can take care of it.
>When they're out, harvest the imp for its magic. You could always use more mana.

I wont be making an update today anons. Afternoon work and then tabletop aranged with friends tonight.

>>5293341
>Try to speak to it. Maybe try to calm it down

>>5293341
>Try to comfort it in the language of its kind

>>5293395
>>5293426
>>5293480
>>5294385
>>5295640
Ancient imp tounge is a go. Thank you recent anon. I just checked to start work on the update

>>5293341

I Slowly motion my hand towards the door
"Leave. I can deal with this myself. But just in case I don't want you getting hurt in any way."
Kloverdar and Michael nod slowly as they back away towards the exit. The imp momentarily staring at them before preparing to rush them.
"[Stop.]" The imp froze to my words. "[We do not wish to harm you.]"
"[You know imp speak. Why with imp killers?]" It asked in a weird caveman ish version of Imp tongue.
"[We are not with those killers you speak of. We came to explore this vault]"
"[Pot pot not get half words. You speak elder imp? You not elder imp though. You serve dark master?]" It questioned more. The mana within it slowly stabilizing as its eyes show confusion
"[I am the dark lord, imp. The very first dark lord who created the first of your kind.]" After checking if my employers left with mage sight I removed my mask while looking at the imp.
It stared at me in shock for a moment. "[You say you are first dark lord. Pot pot need proof!]" Its mana starts to flare again.
I simply held out my hand. My near skeletal hand covered in old stretched dark green skin. Easily passable for a plant like hand. But that is not what matters. What matters are the shadows dancing around my entire hand like wild flames.
The imp stares in awe at the beautiful flames. For a shadow bourne being like him it probably looks like something even more beautiful.
"[You… you are dark lord. Pot pot is imp. Imps serve dark lord. Pot pot serve you, master.]"
I nod. "[Then please do not harm my companions. They helped me find this vault in the first place… speaking of the vault. Can you tell me what resides deeper inside.]"
It nods its head rather vigorously. 'I swear if I leaned in close I'd hear a bell ringing.'
"[Yes. Pot pot arrived at night. Explored. Most empty, only wall signs and tomb.]"
I scratch the chin of my unmasked face before putting the mask back on. "[Do not mention i am the dark lord to anyone. Many enemies wish death upon me.]"
"[Pot pot not speak common. So secret safe with me.]" Good.

Interesting...
>Go to your employers. Do warn them about Pot Pot. Actually how would you explain this?
>Go towards the tomb. Pot Pot can lead you there
>Kill the imp. Bringing it along might hinder our travel through civil lands.
>write-in

>>5295660
>Go to your employers. Do warn them about Pot Pot. Actually how would you explain this?
Come up with some bullshit about how we're actually a part-time linguist (Which may be technically correct, our dude probably knows a lot of languages) and explain that imps are actually pretty domesticated/docile once you know their language.
If a other anon has a better idea I might support that

>>5295660
>Go towards the tomb. Pot Pot can lead you there

>>5295660
>Go towards the tomb. Pot Pot can lead you there

>>5295679
+1
This seems more interesting

Ill give it two more hours for a tie breaker vote. If there arent any more votes ill just roll a die

Rolled 17 (1d50)

>>5296649
Alright die it is
1-25 for >>5295679
26-50 for >>5295922

Will start writing in a bit

>>5295660

"[Follow me]" I turn towards the exit hallway.
The imp nods, following behind.
My two employers were thrilled to see me. But when they saw the imp the reactions were mixed. While Kooverdar looked at the imp in shock and confusion. Michael looked from the imp to me with a look of suspicion.
He took the initiative to speak. "You some kind of imp whisperer? How'd you get one of the explodey ones to not do as its name implies?"
"I am a scholar, young mister Michael. I dabble in many kinds of research for the sake of it. Finding a way to understand and speak the Imp tongue took me a long time to learn. I have partaken in studying plenty of languages." I answered his question with half truths.
"Oh yeah? How about KruKaši?"
"[Most KruKaši commoners don't use the actual KruKaši language. And that is reserved for nobility only.]" Using the knowledge I gathered from the paladin I answer him in near fluent KruKaši.
Kloverdar speaks up after recovering from his shock. "Ah, he spoke it rather fluently. You do take your status as a scholar greatly… I'd assume that's why you accepted our offer. One cannot simply ignore ruins as old as this. But I'm getting off track. I've never heard of anyone speaking the imp language before."
Michael nods. "I never heard it either… Could we get a demonstration?"
"[As you can see imp. These two are the ones who brought me here. Wave them hello for introduction.]" At my words the imp waved at the duo. While Kloverdar looked highly fascinated by this. Michael was squinting through his goggles. "As you can see. Perfectly tame."
"That… sounded kind of slavic actually. Maybe if I could get some notes. I could start working on some simple translations…"
Kloverdar simply put a hand on his shoulder. "We have the time to get you some notes. But let's not get sidetracked. We are here for the knowledge stored in these ruins."
Michael raises his hands into the air in slight exasperation "Fine."

(1/2)

>>5296723

The rest of the ruins were mostly empty. Some carvings noting the other instances of Dark Lords and their defeats throughout history. This cycle was created by a prophecy that was never true. For how can someone foresee the fate of someone not bound to it.
After some time we finally reach a large room. In the center of it lies a large enchanted stone sarcophagus.
My employers pause at the sight.
Michael is the first to speak "This must be where those last ones to stay are from what the carvings read… we should definitely not touch that." Kloverdar simply nods at that.

Hmmm. One of my loyal generals, Entombed.
>Ignore the others warning and Free whoever is inside
>Perhaps they can wait. When you finish this job you can simply return and free them then.
>Cast some unseen magic to open the tomb. It should spice things up!
>Write-in

>>5296724
>Cast some unseen magic to open the tomb. It should spice things up!

>>5296724
>Perhaps they can wait. When you finish this job you can simply return and free them then.
Don't want to raise suspicion too soon.

>>5296724
>Perhaps they can wait. When you finish this job you can simply return and free them then.
No need to blow our cover, I'd rather free them when there's no witnesses

>>5296724
>Perhaps they can wait. When you finish this job you can simply return and free them then.

>>5296742
>>5296752
>>5296756
>>5296790
Let it wait wins. Starting the write

>>5296724

I heed Michaels warning and avoid getting close to the tomb. They will have to wait.
As we explore the rest of the room we find one final carving in the back end wall of the room.
Michael speaks up before I can read it. "Here lies the Ethereal Damnicon. He awaits the return of the dark lord… man i really hate they never write the original name on any of the sites we find."
"It is something we have to live with, my apprentice. Many perhaps wanted to forget such a monster." Kloverdar theories
"But wouldn't that make it worse for when he does truly return. He would just use his name amongst the populace and no one would bat an eye people have forgotten. It's like the reason we take history classes back at home. If someone went around calling themselves after some dead tyrants or war criminals, we would have them sent to a mental ward."
"Well it's not like we had a choice in what our ancestors did. I do agree that it is foolish to forget something as important as the name of the first dark lord. But we can't change the past. So now apprentice, let's set up camp in the main gallery. Night is soon to begin and we have spent the past night and nearly the whole day traveling." Kloverdar starts walking out of the tomb room and we all soon follow.

(1/?)

>>5297898

In the large room of carvings dubbed as the gallery by Kloverdar. My employers have set up bedrolls and are preparing to sleep.
"Hey buddy. You're gonna sleep or just stand there. I got a spare bedroll if you don't have any." Michael speaks
I raise my hand. "No need. My species of Narkitan rarely requires sleep. And we need someone to be on lookout for the night. We may be in a hidden place. But that doesn't mean something can't just wander in here like the imp did."
Michael nods at that and simply goes into his bedroll to sleep.
Waiting for both of my employers to fall asleep I go towards the vault entrance with the imp in tow.
A lot has changed in the world… milenia have passed since i was sealed. A dark age following my defeat meant no one truly knew my name nor how I looked. Nearly all of my trusted generals and allies are gone. I truly have to rebuild my empire from ruins it seems. This will take a long time. Thankfully I have new tools to help me in this effort.
"[Imp. You have mentioned these elders. What can you tell me about them?]"
"[Uh… let Pot Pot remember. Yes. Elders old imps. They lived many years more than any imp. They say they are strong because they are old. But they do not form bands with other imps. They say the enemy would slaughter entire band because of one elder imp. Many go hide or serve fake demon lord. That is all pot pot knows.]"
I nod to the information "[Good. Good. I might procure myself some of these elders down the line. For now we gather information and work on building foundations for my rebuilt empire.]"
"[Pot Pot not understand last bit. But build empire? Like biggest band? We can avenge my band yes?]"
I nod at that. Removing the threat of an industrial nation or at the very least turning them against themselves would benefit me a lot.
For the rest of the night I continued watching the vault entrance unmoving. My employers are quite trusting of strangers.

(2/3)

>>5297900

Some time after sunlight breaks through the waterfall there is a distant ringing noise back in the vault. After waiting some time I see Michael and Kloverdar walking towards the exit.
"You were both sitting there the whole night? Rotted in place. Heh." I simply stare at his grin and wiggling eyebrows. Kloverdar momentarily looks as if he is going to slap his apprentice over the head.
"Yes, I have been guarding the only known entryway into here. What of it." At my words michael's grin turns to a disappointed frown
"Well anyways.. let's get back home."

—

It took us the entire morning and afternoon to reach back to town. After some talking between kloverdar and the guards stationed there 'it feels as if there are more guards here than previously.' They reluctantly let me bring pot pot into town with them. Thankfully no one mentioned it was a mage.
After reaching the front of Kloverdars home we stop.
"Well I say this is the end of our trip. The fact it only took us two days instead of the estimated minimum of three is wonderful. You truly are great at navigation sir. But here. The second part of your payment." After a small bit of Praise from Kloverdar, he hands me the last ten gold pieces for my job.
"Thanks for the help, mister… Although we probably should have asked this question back at the interview. But what is your name sir?" Michael spoke up

Hmm. Shall i?
>Yes. Use your name. It has been forgotten to time so no one would bat an eye.
>Yes. Use a fake name fitting for a planty creature (Write-in)
>No. Simply ignore them and leave
>Yes. Use your true name…

>>5297903
>Yes. Use a fake name fitting for a planty creature (Write-in)
>Flugel
If anyone has a better fake name then I'll happily support that.

>>5297903
>Yes. Use a fake name fitting for a planty creature (Write-in)
Dionaea

>>5297903
>Yes. Use your true name…

>>5297903
>>Yes. Use a fake name fitting for a planty creature (Write-in)
Daffodil

Rolled 7 (1d75)

>>5297926
>>5298048
>>5298237
>>5298869
Writing after dice results
1-25 Flugel
26-50 Diaonaea
51-75 Dafoodil

>>5297903

"Hm? Ah yes. You never asked before. My name is Flugel Dioanaea. But perhaps I should be leaving now. I still have family to deal with." As I'm about to leave Michael stops me by putting his hand on my shoulder.
"Ain't ya forgetting yer little deal with Kloverdar?" He looks at me with a slight grin. Ah... that.
"That my family shall put their resources in helping find your friends. Ah yes that. It slipped my mind when we found the contents of the ruins."
"Well. I do appreciate the help. But you really can't go looking around just expecting to find them like that. You will probably need names and a bit of context. Uh my friend Marline brought me along with her sister and other friends to some creek memorial. Their former neighbour or something was there too. She and Marline's sister really didn't like seeing each other… Uh yean names and descriptions! Marline, brown hair dark blue eyes, uhh she usually wears 2 hair clips on the side of her hair. Jessica, Marline's sister, she has dark red hair and amber eyes, marline says that her sister takes more after their father, including the temper issues…" he continues on to drawl on about the information as i listen closely
Marline, Brown hair, dark blue eyes, hair pins, human.
Jessica, Dark red hair, amber eyes, human.
Their other friends.
Toby, he is a "weeb" as Michael explained, dyed his combed back hair white and acts "edgy", has light blue eyes, human.
Milly, dark hair and dark eyes, looks constantly tired, human
Then there is their former neighbour. Whatever that means.
Samantha, Black hair with blonde dyed ends hanging over her right shoulder, black eyes, extremely cold yet still aggressive personality, human. 'That name.. sounds familiar'
After finishing to dump other trivial information upon me Michael swiftly rushes into the mansion leaving Klover Dar behind with me and the imp.
"Well. My apprentice is quite the trusting one. If you do really find any of his friends, how do you intend to inform us of your findings?"
"It will be based on if my family agrees to assist. But mostly it will be Letters directed to you from me. Now if you don't mind me I have the aforementioned family to meet." And with those words I leave. The imp following behind me.

I have left the town through a gate heading further into polkaria. But sometime after the town came out of sight with my newly accumulated mana deposits I cast an invisibility spell over the imp and myself. Grabbing ahold of the imp under my arm i cast enhancement spells upon myself and begin my sprint around the town and towards where the ruins were

(1/?)

File: Damnicon.jpg (450 KB, 1541x2159)

450 KB JPG

>>5298957

It took us less than four hours by my estimates to arrive at the vault again. Entering the tomb I examine the sarcophagus inside. It was heavily modified with enhancements and runes to create a sarcophagus that would hold the user in immortal slumber until the spells were disabled upon removal of the lid.
Damnicon. I remember him. One of the lower ranking generals in the armies. He was assigned to lead the fifty seventh mixed shock and awe battalion. It was mainly composed of Daemon Berserkers and Ethereal siege mages. Damnicon was a unique case. While he was an ethereal himself he found himself closer friendship with the berserkers. He was noteworthy for manipulating his body to such a high degree it could avoid even high end destruction spells by simply popping in and out of the realm of mana at a moments notice.
He will do great in helping me re-establish my army after starting my new conquests.

With my strength I lift the Sarcophagus lid open and throw it to the side. Mana begins to twist and turn in the air as the Ethereal awakens slowly from his slumber. Upon realizing he is awake he is quick to grab the massive warhammer that was with him and ready for a swing only to stop at the sight of myself, mask removed. My red eyes stared at him expectantly.
After a moment of silence he speaks up "M-my lord? It is truly you… Not even the false lords can imitate your presence… i-it… it has been a long time since you were sealed away. Your empire is no more. We… we have f-failed you…" his voice is full of sadness and hate. Sadness for the fall of what he used to call home and hate for his own failure.
"Do not blame yourself for something you had no chance of preventing, Damnicon. You have done your best to await my return like the other few entumbed. But now I have returned, that prophecy was never meant for myself but for the false lords that took my place. I actually see them as a boon to our current plans. A quite effective distraction for that wenches servants as we rebuild our power… Tell me, do you have knowledge of where the other entumbed are?"
"Ah, resourceful as always my lord. But no. We have decided to keep the locations of our vaults a secret so we cannot get information of other tombs revealed to our enemies. I do remember their names. The Beast of Nardaš, Omerion. The High imp sorceress, Idelia. The king of Lerkitas forges, Yargalot. And The High general Heth himself." Ah good. They truly are loyal to their cores…
"Good… good. I am guessing not all of them are in our former territories?" He nods at my question. "Well we shall be leaving now. A lot has changed since my banishment."
We leave the vault. I stay behind to cast some spells to cave in the entrance hallway. It should delay anyone from finding out the truth for some time.

(2/3)

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>>5298959

Passing under the waterfall I see Damnicon talking to the imp in their language. He seems to be asking general questions about the current state of the world. He seems more mildly annoyed at the imp's lack of much knowledge regarding his questions than the cavemanish speech of the imp.
Upon seeing me exit through the waterfall the imp immediately bolts towards me and latches onto my robe. I simply ignore it and walk up to Damnicon.
"So what are your plans, my lord?"

What to do next.
>Return to your trip deeper into polkaria
>Perhaps it's time to go towards Irkani lands
>To Narkita, perhaps meet the bandits you saved
>Into order territory. Hiding in plain sight as some would say.
>Write-in a trip plan

>>5298960
>To reacquire the majority of the personal power I lost . The organs of a drake could easily repair those that were damaged, or replace them. Healing them the normal way is far too slow.

>>5298960
>>Return to your trip deeper into polkaria

>>5298960
>To Narkita, perhaps meet the bandits you saved

>>5298960
>To Narkita, perhaps meet the bandits you saved

Some soldiers to our general.

No update today anons
But tommorow i should be free the intire day and i can probably multi update then

>>5300044
Sounds good QM, have a nice day!

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>5298964
>>5299218
>>5299358
>>5299747
Another trip through the wilds.
This is a long trip therefore encounter roll.

>>5298960

"We shall be heading out to Narkita. A kingdom northeast from here over the Barquady mountains composed of plant like people. A group of KruKaši bandits I saved from goddess blessed knights have been heading there. Although that was four days ago and they require nutrition and rest unlike me. Establishing a loyal following is always a good step towards building power."
"And of our homeland's ideals, my lord?"
I imitate a sigh "magic seems to have receded back to rarity and instability like the ancient days before my rise to power. But I will still work on rebuilding a land where everyone should be capable of becoming a mage. From the looks of it I'll also have to return to finishing the artificial drake heart project of mine. Somewhere in the past the fools wiped the species out of existence. But I digress. Let me prepare our transportation."
I turn around and walk up to a rather large tree. Placing my hand upon it and casting a shaping spell, the tree contorts and squishes into a large circular plate we can all stand on. Adding some enchantments that prevent the speed and winds from sending someone flying.
I stand in the center of the plate and quickly remember to reverse the effects of the transformative spell I cast upon myself. After signaling my servants they can step onto the platform I cast invisibility over us and flight onto the platform.
We soar out into the air. The imp screaming 'weee' as we do so.

We passed over some more of those Polkarian armies. They have established outposts out of those giant vehicles. They are covered in guns and cannons. I stop the platform and cast a one person invisibility spell upon myself.
"I shall quickly get something to study later."
I fly down to the outpost. All the guards were vigilant but completely oblivious to my presence. I approach a lone guard and cast a sleep spell. After the guard had collapsed I took his rather small rifle and any munitions he had. I have never felt this much excitement at a purely physical weapon. But the excitement faded as quickly as it came.
Returning onto the platform I dispel the one person invisibility. The imps' eyes dilate and its mana spikes momentarily at the sight of the rifle but it suddenly calms down and its eyes shift to a more evil squint. If it had a mouth it would be grinning like crazy.
"[Master's army use loud stick against clan killers?]" It said, a darkly joyful tone in its voice. I nodded. Its eyes squinted more.

(1/2)

>>5301145

After two days of flight we finally cross over the lands largest mountains and look upon the Narkitan landscape. Large amounts of massive forestry and rarely a sign of civilization.
Using mage sight i see that the forests are richer in mana than the landscape i visited before. There seems to be a singular rather strong Mana signature moving quickly around the forest, something familiar resonates from it. There are multiple signatures further away hidden deep within the forest.

Hm…
>Investigate the powerful mana signature
>Investigate the multiple mana signatures
>Ignore them and fly further into the kingdom

>>5301146
>Investigate the powerful mana signature

>>5301146
>>Investigate the powerful mana signature

>>5301146
>Ignore them and fly further into the kingdom

>>5301200
>>5301440
>>5301485
Strong signature. Time. On another note, night shift meaning i can perhaps post 2 updates a day

>>5301146

The strong magic signature has gained my interest. I lead our platform to the ground and after we leave it I spend a moment turning it small enough to fit in my palm and pocket it. I take a moment to cast some illusion magic over my servants to make them look more plant-like, the imp gains the look of a small plant creature with an acorn head and Damnicon turning into a creature with a big wooden beak, his halo hidden. Heading towards the signatures through the forest with servants in tow.
It didn't take long for us to find the source. It also didn't take her much time to notice us walking towards her location, which is up on a tree. The Leaf haired, green skinned Narkitan girl has a familiar bow drawn and pointed at us, but her blue eyes mainly glare at meme.
“Never seen you around these parts… Travelers?” She asks in a loud whisper.
“You would be correct, miss. Me and my companions are travelers, we are returning to our Hometown after quite a long trip.” The imp waves and Damnicon nods, actively hiding how he was close to summoning his hammer from the realm of mana. “We were on our way back when we ran into you.”
“Hm. Well if you are looking to get close to civilization there is a village not too far from here. They should have supplies and directions.” She lowered the bow. Having a better look at it confirms my thoughts. The bow in her hands is the same bow used by Martina of the ancient days. Meaning this is one of the destined hero weapons.

Should i ask.
>With the power of being a scholar. you can just lie to her about your knowledge in the legends.
>Just a casual question about the bows make. feigning ignorance.
>Kill her and take the bow. it is yours to take!
>Write-in
Sorry for delay. in the middle of tabletop.

>>5301734
>Just a casual question about the bows make. feigning ignorance.
>Silent cast a curse of ill fortune on the bow, so that all who dare to wield it invite fate's displeasure. You would see it never wielded against you again, at least not easily.

>>5301734
>Just a casual question about the bows make. feigning ignorance.

>>5301734
>Kill her and take the bow. it is yours to take!

>>5301853
>>5302285
>>5302286
Its a sorta tie with the two normal votes and the semi cusom vote
Ill wait another 2 hours before locking and writing

>>5302285
>support

>>5301853
>>5302285
>>5302286
>>5302375
Feigning ignorance it is. Writing

>>5301734

"Well could you lead us there? We have been away long enough that we lost touch with our sense of home." She squints her eyes at me for a moment before sighing and motioning her hand for us to follow as she hops off the tree.
"Sure. Just follow me and we will be there in no time."
Following along on the trip there was some short silence to take advantage of.
"Quite a finely crafted bow there, miss. I've never seen craftsmanship like that before."
"Hm? Oh this old thing. It's my fathers. It's basically an old relic he keeps. He is a hunter and wanted me to participate in the family hobby. So he let me use it." She explains
"Mhm…" i nod.

The rest of the rather short trip is spent walking in silence. Upon arriving at our destination we are greeted by the sight of many houses fused into massive trees and covered in overgrowth. It is a rather beautiful sight.
"Welcome to the Emerald Root village. Do not attempt to dig out the tree roots. They are not made out of emeralds. The Village Chiefs house is down south from here, he knows some directions if you're looking for them. The market is at the village center if you are looking for supplies. Just don't start any trouble. There's been words of monsters in the woods and the folk are ready to throw any outsiders out as bait at a moment's notice."
"Noted."

Now what to do.
>You should go visit the mayor. Gather information on local cultures and other villages.
>Go to the market and leave an apparition of yourself with your servants to go investigate more about the bow wielding Narkitan
>Perhaps immediately leave town. The paladins memories did have information to where Narkitas capital is

>>5302432
>You should go visit the mayor. Gather information on local cultures and other villages.

>>5302432
>Go to the market and leave an apparition of yourself with your servants to go investigate more about the bow wielding Narkitan
If it’s a tie after a bit time switch to
>You should go visit the mayor. Gather information on local cultures and other villages.

>>5302432
>Go to the market and leave an apparition of yourself with your servants to go investigate more about the bow wielding Narkitan

>>5302437
>>5302560
>>5302624
Stalking is a go.

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>>5302432

As the Narkitan girl leaves I turn to my servants.
"Damnicon. You and the imp shall go to the market with an apparition of myself as I go investigate more about the wielder of that bow." He nods at me as I hand him a small pouch of gold pieces.
Casting apparition magic it would appear right on top of me to avoid suspicion. After that I cast invisibility on myself and bind the apparition to follow Daknicon. Complex apiritions are more straining on mana but I have plenty to spare.
Following the Narkitans mana I find her already sprinting back into the forest. Bow at the ready. Following suit with flight magic I observe what she is doing.
The Narkitan seems to be hunting something specific. She has already ignored several large animals that would have been valuable.
After some time of running around the forest my mana sight notices a rather notable mana signature not too far off. The Narkitan is already sprinting towards it. And I'm following behind.
Reaching the signature I see some form of beast with its skin stretched over its body while its underside flesh and muscle lay exposed except for the head which is but a fleshless skull.
The Narkitan was quick. She had already fired three arrows at it before it could react. Two embedding into the skin while one strikes at the flesh causing the creature to screech out in pain. It attempts to rush at her but in the effort takes another two arrows to the flesh.

The battle is going quite one sidedly. Give a little push?.
>No. Observe. The creature had mana so there has to be more to it
>Yes. Make the creature die faster with a small bit of magic
>Yes. Empower the creature. It shall make things interesting

>>5303240
>Yes. Empower the creature. It shall make things interesting

>>5303240
>No. Observe. The creature had mana so there has to be more to it

>>5303240
>No. Observe. The creature had mana so there has to be more to it

>>5303485
I feel like this thing might have some interesting magic to see

>>5303240
>No. Observe. The creature had mana so there has to be more to it

>>5303240
>>Yes. Empower the creature. It shall make things interesting
Fire it up! if the critter kills the archer we steal the bow, if the archer wins she'll be weakened and we can finish her off and steal the bow anyway.

Observation it is. Time to write

>>5303240

Continuing to observe the battle it seems to go rather one sidedly for the Narkitan. That is until the creature suddenly starts steaming. Actual steam comes out of the holes in its eyes and the exposed flesh actively boils. It rushes towards the Narkitan now completely ignorant of pain. She swiftly jumps to her right to avoid the monster barreling towards her, firing more arrows into its side as it passes by. The creature swung its claws at her, ripping chunks of bark out of large trees that were in the way of its swings. Even with her speed the Narkitan couldn't dodge that attack entirely, taking a nasty gash to her side.
This battle of speed and brute force had been going for some time now. The Narkitan dodges and pelts the beast with arrows as it attempts to maul her. Though after some time whatever magic kept the beast alive finally ran out. It froze and began loudly sizzling. Without a second to spare the injured Narkitan ran away from it.
The creature's body contorted and inflated like a balloon before causing a loud and violent explosion of blood, bone and hot air.
With the creature dead the Narkitan girl simply begins walking towards the direction of the village, hand on the gash at her side.

Hmm.
>Kill her and take the bow.
>You have seen enough. Leave.
>Reveal yourself and offer some help under the scholar guise
>Write-in

>>5304223
>Reveal yourself and offer some help under the scholar guise

>>5304223
>Kill her and take the bow.

>>5304223
>This creature had to have come from somewhere. Use your magic and insights to try to find out where it came from, and if there's more like it somewhere. No trail can escape your sight.
I'm gonna fuckin mass manufacture these wonderful steam bombs.

>>5304223
>>5304481 +1
These things would make wonderful blitzkrieg troops

>>5304229
>>5304418
>>5304481
>>5304518
Finding the creatures origin wins. Writing

>>5304223

The creature has gained my interest. A mindless brute would be of great use as a frontline troop if I can produce them. Especially with the ability to push itself to the point of exploding. Effective killing machine to the very end.
After the Narkitan is far away enough I walk to what's left of the creature and pull a rib out of a tree. Bringing out my tome i begin looking for one of the more complicated spells within. A spell that could reconstruct a dead body. I cast the spell and drop the rib. The rib is already in the middle of the air growing more and more bone. Slowly building a skeleton which then is covered by flesh and skin to hold the newly replaced organs inside. The creature was fully rebuilt but unresponsive. For the spell rebuilds the body but not the mind. I began examining the newly made corpse with magic. While there are many normal organs made to keep the creature alive. There were a few other strange ones. A second heart that was partially made of mana and produced it. Like a very primitive fairy heart. Then there was the organ that was connected to the heart also made of mana. It seems to be capable of accelerating the creatures metabolism to extreme amounts to the point of self destruction.
After spending my time understanding what made this creature, I ripped off one of its fingers and cast some preservation magic onto it. I burnt the rest of the body with dark flames.
Taking a moment to activate mana sight again, this time i concentrate on my surroundings looking for signatures like the creature. I would curse out in annoyance if I could at the lack of anything like it within a twelve mile radius. With the snap of my fingers the dark flames that have consumed the corpse cease to exist and I begin my trip back to town.
It didn't take long and soon I found myself on top of my illusionary double who I quickly dispelled. My servants have been doing rather well without me around. While the imp seems to be wearing a rag cloak and carrying a bag of random foods, Damnicon is carrying a rather large travel pack on his back. He explained how the gold pieces afforded them quite a large amount of things around the village to help build up the disguises as travelers and my servants. 'Ah it's wonderful having competent people under my command.'. Damnicon also noted how he has talked with the village chief. He didn't gather much deeper information outside the locations of nearby towns and the fastest route to the Narkitan Capital 'With a capital named plantera I feel as if the general intelligence of all alive has decreased since my banishment.'

What do.
>Head out and use the fast route towards the Narkitan capital. It is used quite often and should help build up the image of travelers.
>Perhaps check on the Bow wielder now. Offer small magical service to assist her with the injuries as the scholar guise.
>Write-in

>>5305639
>Perhaps check on the Bow wielder now. Offer small magical service to assist her with the injuries as the scholar guise.
And indirectly ask what she thinks of the rumors about a new dark lord

>>5305639
>Head out and use the fast route towards the Narkitan capital. It is used quite often and should help build up the image of travelers.
Keep up the guise as travelers. She's a descendant of heroes, so the less time we spend in her pressence the better. We've already missed our chance at killing her during the monster hunt she went on, and we have no reason to seek her out again since we are but humble travelers heading home.

>>5305639
>Head out and use the fast route towards the Narkitan capital. It is used quite often and should help build up the image of travelers.

>>5305915
>>5306420
>>5306465
Locked. Writing

>>5305639

After some short discussion of path plans we begin our travels towards the Narkitan capital city Plantera. Taking our time traveling the fastest route we would meet other travelers and traders. We took some stops in towns along the way to resupply for the sake of keeping up the act and having witnesses to said act.
It had taken us two weeks of travel naturally by foot. It would have taken longer if me and damnicon needed rest, i would simply carry the imp under my arm on rare moments when it needed to sleep.
I took that time to examine the Polkarian rifle I procured before. Its craftsmanship and design somehow finds a way to annoy me. It's essentially a bulky ten millimeter lever action revolver rifle. Made out of subpar materials making it require thicker parts to avoid risking an explosion. The gunpowder in the cartridges isn't even of good quality. It's as if someone specifically designed a cheap and easy to mass produce gun with low end technology… If the designers lacked the understanding of what made a gun work. This is one of the small times I wish I could express my mental scowl. But this is a problem to deal with another day.

(1/2) bloody word limit

>>5306616

Plantera looks quite beautiful from a distance. A unique mix of natural and unnatural construction. The outer walls protecting the large city are made of massive light gray stone slabs glued together by hardened amber sap. The tops of the walls are covered in both guard outposts and lush greenery. The only visible part inside of the city is one massive castle on top of a hill that is a cross between a giant tree, an eighteenth century building and a fantasy castle from children's bedtime stories.
Passing through the only gate into the city we follow the road inside shortly to find a large market bustling with all kinds of goods and services. Ranging from lowly tricksters fooling people out of their coinage to custom carriages equipped with forges inside.
After some small talk between traders and other city folk we have gathered quite the collection of points of interest.
There's obviously the Planteran Palace where the Narkitan Royalty reside and deal with things like internal and external politics, granting funding for projects related to the kingdom and many other things.
There is the Pershin Mages Clan. Clans or essentially mage sects are a rarity only found in capitals of most kingdoms, those borne with even a small affinity to magic are taken to these Clans to be raised as "powerful" practitioners of the arcane arts. Sometimes the clans would accept a user of rare artefacts if they prove to be skilled at it.
The Breskva Knights Academy is quite obvious in its name. It's one of the most prestigious knight academies in Narkita where only the best of the best go.
A… a bloody adventurers guild. It seems the universal agreement against poachers has been lost to time too. This would explain the extinction of drakes like the dragons before my time… By Litharian's missing jaw I will slaughter them if they made Fairies extinct too.
An archive under the ownership of a Scholars organization. It contains most of the history of Narkita and some information of the times before the kingdom's founding.

Where to… note you can multi choice and say what the lord should do in each location
>The palace. Where the royalty resides.
>The mages clan. Just how low have the arts fallen.
>The knights academy. Knights in shining armor, eh?
>The adventurers guild. The Physical manifestation of scum.
>The archive. A store of knowledge.

>>5306617
>The archive. A store of knowledge.
check out the recent history, and the current political machinations.

>The mages clan. Just how low have the arts fallen.
a simple observation of the current level of skill

>>5306617
>>5306933 +1

Sorry for the lack of update
Night shift overtime is a bitch and it happened twice
Ill ba back at writing on sunday euro morning time

>>5306933
>>5307476
Time for writing

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183 KB JPG

>>5306617

I spent my first day in Plantera by first finding a tavern to stay the night to avoid rising suspicion and then heading out to the archives.
The security there was quite surprisingly high but we were just visitors even if we had to pay an entrance fee. The inside of the archive looked like an unorganized mess. Books were placed around randomly and haphazardly, some were even on the floor. The worst part is this seems to be intentional by whoever created this place.
After spending some time carefully collecting some of the more important looking books and finding the reading area, which was covered in empty wooden mugs randomly strewn about. While spoken common has changed little, the opposite can be said for written languages. The books were all written either in modern common which i could read due to the information i consumed from the knight or in the Narkitan Language which i've been decoding using some magic. It was going rather slowly because every single Narkitan book was written in cursive, per individual writer cursive…
To say I could feel mental pain again would be an understatement. Even with magical assistance this work tormented me.

(1/?)

After some time I finally managed to get a full grasp of the Narkitan writing and began reading the information.
Narkita was formed during the 6th dark age, a dark age being specified as a time when the false dark lords forces were on the brink of total victory over everyone. But this isn't the beginning of the Narkitan race. They seem to have been created by a powerful dark mage prior to the 6th dark age as a slave worker force. After the dark mage was defeated by the heroes of that times cycle, the Narkitan people now free joined the forces fighting the dark lord and massively overturned the tables in the war. None of the books stated the amount of Narkitans fighting nor the losses taken. After the 6th dark age Narkita grew into the powerful kingdom through influence gained during their constant involvement in the wars against the dark lords. The current King seems to be Leafwar Deeproots, the Deeproots royal family being in power since the founding of the kingdom.
Outside of Narkitan information there are also books on other history. Interesting facts like the KruKaši order being the only species that have survived since the second dark age to this very day. There were a surprisingly good amount of books on the order, its people and the religion. It seems the people worship Thomas or at least their depictions of him in their religion, the order is so powerful that the High priests have more power than the royal family which are descendants of the Hero. I would have clicked my tongue at how cliche that is.
On the matter of biological studies. The Narkitan are very simple. Their kind cant reproduce normally but use special trees to grow the seeds that would later grow into a new Narkitan. So their entire species idea of family was acquired by copying the KruKaši but instead of having a genetic descendant they adopt a seedling from the wild. The Narkitan born can vary based on the environment they grow as a seedling. So their species looks very varied. Outside of that there is not much else.
The KruKaši however. They start as flesh clumps and they seem to be heavily affected by their environment, emotions and treatment throughout life. The difference between poor and wealthy is clear as day in their species as the higher the quality of their lives the higher quality of doll they appear to be. The peasantry consists of raggy to straw to wood puppet people like the bandits from the swamp. The citizens of larger wealthier settlements seem to be of much better quality make, ranging from fine silks to porcelain. This is for the average person though. As for those raised in very specific ways, they have very direct results. The knights I fought in the swamp were raised from when they first take a humanoid form and are taught combat through their entire lives.
With that being most of the information i could gather before nightfall i return the books to their haphazard places and leave with my servants to spend the night at the tavern.

(2/?)

>>5309306

While the imp actually slept, Damnicon and I conversed about my findings.
He revealed to me that during the first false lord's appearance he had found information of a doll-like warrior wielding the hero's blade. He had not investigated much, he returned to hiding after discovering the dark lord was a fake. But this information gives more questions than answers. Whens and hows that won't be answered until i find more information. For now we plan to visit the mage clan to gauge their power in the morning.

After waiting a bit past sunrise we head out into the city to the Mage clan.
The clan building is quite a like simple small fortress within the city. Though they wouldn't let us in unless we had requested a meeting with the wizards by sending a letter or requesting an entry permit from the crown.
I simply went away with my companions to an unpopulated alleyway further away. I told my servants to explore the city while I gave the wizards a visit.

High end stealth and flight magic does wonders for infiltration when your target is unprepared. The insides of the clans fortress were decorated with banners bearing the clans symbol, a Parsley decorated with gold lines. The other parts of the fort include the living quarters containing a sum of small mana signatures. But there is a decently strong signature at the center of the fort. The private quarters of their clan leader I presume.
Investigating more into other parts of the fortress I found a training yard in use. Two Narkitan wizards fighting each other with purely magic… They seem to just be causing vines to sprout to grapple their opponent while throwing low end fireballs at each other. It is rather disappointing compared to the battle between the Bow wielding Narkitan and the Suicide Beast.
Lastly, I found a vault inside. An actual vault for items and not one housing my generals. I can sense some signatures inside but it seems this vault had been enchanted to suppress people seeing into it.

Interesting.
>Open the vault magically. You should see what's inside.
>Go back to the training grounds. Maybe mess with their duels to see if they can detect your magic.
>Visit the grand masters office. ('What do i specifically do?')
>Leave. You have seen enough, its time to leave.

jesus fuck i went overboard again, the one lacking a connection post i had to numb down in parts to reduce the letter count

>>5309307
>>Open the vault magically. You should see what's inside.

>>5309307
>Open the vault magically. You should see what's inside.

>>5309334
>>5309842
Writing!

>>5309307

Bypassing the multiple magical locks and associated magic security on the vault was simple. A couple overcharges here, a mana void there and the vault opens.
Inside I see the back of the vault has been converted to a bookshelf housing many old and worn tomes. The side walls were covered in magical trinkets that could be considered artefacts by the locals. But what gained my attention was the three container necklaces held within a high quality case the strong mana signature came from.
Non-artificial fairy hearts… Fairies were a protected species during my time. Due to my own efforts in the creation of artificial ones. To see three adolescent fairy hearts makes my lack of true emotion more numbing. I expected fairy hunting had returned in my absence. For that is what Thomases ideals would have led to anyways.
I take the case and put it within my robe. Might as well put them to good use. Might increase the imps magical capacity.
I take a glance at the many tomes on the bookshelf. Many seemingly about using midling to high end spells of various teachings. But there was one shelf containing a few books on the basics of dark magic. I simply use magic to shrink the whole shelf and pocket it.
Moving onto the trinkets hanging across the walls. Daggers that shoot lightning, Rings of magic amplification, staves of many makes and much more. But what gained my interest was a mask. A mask containing a slumbering demon within. With magic I can see it's a rather young one for their species so it definitely does not hold much knowledge outside what I already know. I pocket the mask normally while shrinking down all the other trinkets for easier transport. 'Ah magic. Defying the laws of physics.'
With the vault emptied I return the previous locks that were on it and make my escape by walking out the front gate when some sort of noble came entering through, none the wiser about my presence. I simply use magic sight to find Damnicon and the Imp.

(1/2) capcha likes sans

>>5310338

To find the two at some sort of warrior pizzeria eating was a slight surprise. Mostly the fact the Pot headed imp somehow found a way to eat the food in the first place.
After letting them finish their food. 'I know neither of them require nutrition to live but at least they still get to enjoy the taste of food.' We leave to a back alley to converse on our findings. Damnicon decided to check the adventurers guild while I was gone. The guild are still hired for poaching but now they are also utilized as mercenaries for hire in ruin exploration, clearing out actual environmental pests and fighting the dark lord armies. The interesting bit of information was rumors he heard about a red haired Fleshy creature dominating the bounty market over at some small town called Oatsville far to the South from the capital. Other than that there was not much else. He was however highly agitated at the sight of the three fairy hearts when I opened the case to him.
"When the empire is rebuilt I shall be the one to execute those heathens." He said bluntly

After that we went back to planning what to do.
>Perhaps more city exploration (pick a location from the previous available choices (repeat actions are allowed) and what to do there)
>Leave the city and Head out to Oatsville
>Perhaps go to one of the other nations
>Go to your old fortress. Perhaps putting the current false dark lord under your thumb could give you benefits.

File: WarriorPizzaStuff.png (3.07 MB, 3000x2000)

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>>5310341
Forgot the bloody pic because im dumb

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Got bored and drew pot pot in the middle of the night because why not

>>5310341
>Go to your old fortress. Perhaps putting the current false dark lord under your thumb could give you benefits.

>>5310341
>Go to your old fortress. Perhaps putting the current false dark lord under your thumb could give you benefits.

Sorry anons but no update today either
Ill post a larger update tommorow if todays work doesn't end up spine breaking.

>>5312616
My everything hurts

>>5311244
>>5311630
Writing time!

>>5310341

"It would be better that I attach some strings to the current dark lord. A useful pawn in my plans, easier to control. We shall be leaving towards my old fortress now."
We take some time to leave the sight of Plantera before I ready the platform.

The flight towards my fortress was uneventful. The wilds of evil became more cold, snowy, barren wastes the closer to the fortress we got.
But once the fortress came within sight, I could see the changes.
The massive city that used to surround it was gone, reduced to black sand spread across an island. Now only the fortress stands to remind me of what was there, a beautiful sign of my civilization, reduced to nothing.
Getting closer to the fortress shows some small civilization outside, from improvised to low end buildings, all built close to the one and only gate into the fortress. It was like a small town replaced it all.
But this isn't a time for reminiscence, it is time for the pieces to move.

How to apply control over the dark lord.
>A show of power, under a new disguise of course. You should show what disobeying brings.
>Magic dominion. You may dislike this option but it's quite useful.
>Under a new persona form a deal with the Dark lord. Manipulate them.
>write-in

PoV switch Yes or No?
>Y/N

Got hit with family matters.

>>5313881
>Under a new persona form a deal with the Dark lord. Manipulate them.
>Your new persona will be that of a particularly ancient Demon that wishes for nothing more than to nurture Evil and ensure it grows strong enough to truly defeat the forces of Good one day. You would offer him power and knowledge (that he would not know you could rescind at any time) in exchange for a role as both his advisors and one of his generals, able to utilize a good portion of his resources towards your “shared” goals.

>>5313979
+1

>>5313881
>>5313979 +2

>Y

>>5313979
>>5314279
>>5315010
Time for some writing

>>5313881

—Pov Switch—


I sat upon my throne. The low lit throne room was silent outside of the low howls of cold wind outside.

Being the dark lord had many benefits. Power, magic, an army of minions ready to follow my every command… But that is not enough, for my enemies have all of that twice more.

The news of Polkarians mobilizing and invading my lands with their machines brings me many worries. And there is the constantly active threat of the heroes who have always defeated my predecessors without failure.

I simply sit upon my throne and ponder what I can do in this situation. The great summoning spell seemingly didn't work at bringing beings of great power to me. Or at the very least it worked but the beings are scattered across the land, which isn't any better.
The torches lighting up the throne room suddenly go out. Leaving me in complete darkness, but i hear someone aproach.
"Who goes there! Reveal yourself lest I behead you!" I threaten.
"There is no need for that my lord." A seemingly distant sounding but nearby voice answered, a masked face entering any vision I have. A pale mask of a Grinning creature with sharp teeth, its eye holes holding two red dots looking at me.
"Who are you and why have you come here?" I ask
"My name is not important but you may call me The Dealmaker. I have lived for quite a long time, watching every new generation of heroes fight and beat the dark lords. I have realized it is about time for a true dark age to take the land and finally bring destruction upon the forces of good. So i come with an offer." The Dealmaker said. It brought more questions than answers.
"An offer? Of what kind, Dealmaker?" I ask again, staring into the red dots it has for eyes. It's some sort of old demon, even I can recognize that with a look. But just how old? A question better left unanswered.
"A quite simple one. I offer empowerment, advice and much more to your forces. I wish to nurture the evil that shall consume the world and bring upon a dark age that would finally succeed where others have failed." it answered rather simply. Empowerment and advice from a demon that could be truly ancient would be of great use. And I do not doubt his loyalty to me for the Throne ensures all dark creatures shall serve me.
"Hm… Then I shall accept your offer, Dealmaker. I look forward to what you shall bring to the table."
The mask nodded and out of the darkness came out a fist made of shadows. It opened in front of me to reveal a glass orb of some kind.
"A communication orb. I shall be using this to stay in touch for i have much work to do now that the deal is set. Our Deal shall bring great things to the forces of darkness." with that the mask recedes into the darkness and disappears. The torches relit themselves.
This Shall perhaps finally change the outcome of the wars fought so many times. I stare at the glass orb within my armored hand.

—Pov Switch—

(1/2)

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>>5316252

I return to the platform hidden from all the creatures guarding the fortress and begin pondering my plans.
Making the two way communications orb was easy. Melting and shaping some of the nearby sand into orbs and enchanting them with the spell.
Now that way to communicate with the current dark lord things should be easier to control. Especially after repairing the teleportation beacon hidden in an unfound part of the catacombs below the fortress, with which I can simply appear in the fortress within seconds.
Damnicon had been observing the armies building up at the fortress. Many lesser demons and creatures of many kinds are preparing for war. They even spotted the beast I described fighting the Narkitan hero, they seemed to be following the orders of some porcelain creature with many floating heads that emanated dark magic. A KruKaši noble corrupted by uncontrolled dark magic, interesting.
The imp simply recognized some of the larger imp Tribes building up at the gates. Even had some elders amongst them.

Hmmm.
>Perhaps see these parts of the dark lord's army, in my new disguise of course. (Pick what to check out. Multiple choices allowed)
>There isn't much interest here, perhaps go somewhere else. (Specify)

Had to shorten bits of part 1 to fit it into the letter limit

>>5316254
>Perhaps see these parts of the dark lord's army, in my new disguise of course. (Pick what to check out. Multiple choices allowed)
>The imps and the corrupted Krukasi

>>5316254
>Perhaps see these parts of the dark lord's army, in my new disguise of course. (Pick what to check out. Multiple choices allowed)
That KruKaši noble is definitely interesting. Are the creatures an intentional result? What stock are they made from? The man's clearly an artist and a genius.

>>5316328
>>5316425
Options locked.
Writing up!

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>>5316254

Leaving the two back at the platform I return to investigate some more interesting parts of this dark lord's army, in my Dealmaker persona of course.
Firstly the KruKaši whose body was corrupted by dark magic. I have never heard of dark magic having this big of an effect on someone outside of myself. And the added bonus of learning more about his little suicide bombing creations would be interesting.
Finding the building he was described residing in was easy. It was seemingly the highest quality building in the small military town. Made of finely cut darkstone and other fine materials.
Entering inside through the front door without alerting the others, it doesn't take me long to find them. Inside a well lit room, the Corrupt KruKaši was using rather strong magic to manipulate and weave flesh to create one of its creatures. After it made the outer body, it pulled some of those partially magic organs from an enchanted icebox. Watching it set them into place and finding a way to connect it all together was like watching a toy maker weave a doll together. It seems to then finish it off by placing its hand upon the creature's head and canting a spell of some kind which brings the creature to life. The KruKaši orders it to go outside with the others.
As the corrupt KruKaši prepares for making another creature I make my appearance in the shadows.
"Greetings." All of its heads and eyes snap onto my mask floating in the shadows.
"Who are you?! You are intruding in my workshop!" It demands, multiple heads repeating its words.
"Do not worry. I am a servant of the dark lord like yourself. I have recently come under his employ and I am just familiarizing myself with the army. You may call me Dealmaker." I raise one of my shadowed hands into the light. Offering a handshake.
"..." after a moment of silence it grabs my hand and accepts the handshake.
"I am Baltikar. A practitioner of the dark arts, but that would have been an obvious guess from my appearance alone. Say Dealmaker, are you perhaps also a being of dark magic? I can see it radiating from you." He introduced himself and asked a question.
"Well yes. I am a demon. A demon that has lived quite a long time. But sometimes there are things that surprise me. The creatures you produce. I have seen one battle a rather strong warrior till its very explosive end, a rather well made shock and awe weapon."
"The BloodHounds? Well yes, I have designed them to utilize everything they can. An embodiment of brute force to use against our enemies. You must have seen some of the hounds I released to cause minor chaos within the kingdoms." I nod.
"Indeed they did stir some trouble. But I am more interested in you, Baltikar. I avoid KruKaši lands for obvious reasons, so I have never seen what dark magic does to your kind." He is hesitant to answer my question. Taking a long moment of silence to gather his answers.

(1/?)

>>5317664

"I used to be a young middling noble boy back in the homeland. My brothers were set to inherit the family riches while I was set off to a marriage I didn't know about, typical noble politics. I had a fond interest in reading books related to old history. I have read many books dating back to after the 4th dark age. That is until I snuck into the family treasure vault to find a tome. An ancient book that has gone through the damages of time but still had the title on it. The basics of fleshcraft and enhancement magic, it read. I have taken the book and read through it. Learning many spells that utilized dark magic. It didn't last long for my father to find the book had been stolen. I had to hide it, for if he found I had even read the title he would have killed me on the spot. I had to leave, for I held heretical knowledge. I gathered some of my own riches and other objects, then I ran away. As far from the capital as I could… One thing led to another and at some point I found a way to unlock my magic to begin practice of fleshcraft. With more time passing the more my body changed. After a long time I found myself looking like this, but I did not care. For my heart was in the art of creating life through magic, even if it was intended to take other lives." He seemed cagey on the information of his travels. A topic to pry when more trust is built.
"An interesting tale for an interesting person. But I shall be making my leave soon, I have more to familiarize myself with." He nods, watching my mask disappear into the shadows. After a moment of wait he pulls out what looks like a diary and begins writing things down.
I simply leave.

(2/3)

>>5317668

Finding the imps was simple enough. They were on the outskirts and lived in large tents. There were numerous tents all over the outskirts but they seemed to be more tightly grouped based on tribes they are from. Tents usually being the most grouped near larger tents with flags bearing their tribe symbols above.
The imp did mention the basics of most of these tribes.
The Talls tribe. Mainly composed of imps of abnormal height for being of young age. They all share traits of being a warrior oriented tribe, equipped with low end armor and weaponry. Its elder is the tallest imp called Bigs.
The siki tribe. They are the hunter and assassin tribe, ranged combat or stealth is their specialization. Their elder is a cloaked imp called Shade
The Brika tribe. More of a combination of both archetypes. Also more organized than others. Archers and warriors working together, practicing formations in training fields. The Elder is an imp in a rusted full plate called Sarge.
The Wierds. A mage imp clan as it is called is composed entirely of mage imps with all the downsides. They had to put out a third tent fire today. Their leader is considered the Oldest elder amongst the tribe. Only known by the name Glimmer.

Whom do i visit?
>Visit them all. See what they are all about
>Perhaps just some of the tribes deserve your interest. (Pick which. Multiple choices)
>You have seen enough. Head over to the platform and return to exploration (of what?)
said i was gonna compensate for missed updates

>>5317670
>The Weirds. Maybe you can find out why their magic is so unstable, and why magic imps seem to have a greater population than they did in your time.

>>5317670
>>5317923 +1

>>5317670
>>5317923 +2

>>5317670
>The Weirds. Maybe you can find out why their magic is so unstable, and why magic imps seem to have a greater population than they did in your time.

No update today again.
Tommorow ill be archiving and making a new thread though since we are at page 8

New thread
>>5321454