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https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80138350/#80396965
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80138350/#80397046
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80138350/#80397073
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80138350/#80397109
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80138350/#80397135
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80138350/#80397135

Venice-Anon posts from last thread! Replies below:
>Rynn
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80489133/#80492564
>Emily
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80489133/#80496297
>Sol
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#q80516098
>Alice
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#q80592859
>Whisper
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#q80661120
>Bene
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#q80697108

And the following:
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#80526191
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#80526239
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/80509837/#80539730

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[Fermata]
GM Replies (needs response):
>Rynn
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82294435
>Sol, Riga
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82302669
>Thumper
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82282603
>Voth/Thov
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82245079
>Kakabel/Yukia
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/81695999/#81864993


Character Replies:
>Riga
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82302951
>Tess
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82297985
>Domi
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82291797
>Alice
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82297715
>Whisper
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82289920
>Bene
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82290388
>Sol
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82294129
>Rynn
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82287456
>Amughar
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/81695999/#81956675
>Kakabel/Yukia
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/81695999/#81864993

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>>82318708
>The ones they made for each other are soft leather and metal. Now back to zzzzzs for these foxxos

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https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#q82302669 (DM)
Stretching arms above his head, Sol beamed a wide smile as he finished making rounds in the square. Offering a quick prayer, the clergy moth spoke a thanks that there was no one who needed healing after the lich’s arrival, and to the one who chased off the villain. With that, Sol spread his wings to catch up to Rynn at the temple.
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#q82302951 (Riga)
With a friendlier smile for his station, Sol waved at Artaud and lifted off the ground. “If you join us in the hunt, I would very much like to meet with your holiness. Colluding our efforts would be most beneficial!”

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[Whisper, Fermata]
>https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82297715 [Alice]
>https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/81695999/#81956675 [Amughar]

*You're right Alice, there's probably something insidious going on and we should be taking things seriously. We need more information.*

>At that moment, a squirrel scurries around the corner and right up to Whisper. It gives the gem-tortoise a side glance before looking up to Whisper.
>The squirrel is wearing a peculiar outfit.

*Oh, perfect timing. Where did you get... Never mind. Report.*

>Whisper kneels down cupping his hands to allow the squirrel to crawl into his palms. He keeps contact with Alice and Amughar so that they can at least hear his side of the conversation.

*Really? So Alice is right, it was him? How do you know? It sounds like this lich had a different outfit! He said what? With thunder? Okay, yeah that's him. The dragon-kobold sounds familiar too.*

>The squirrel continues to chatter and squeak away, gesticulating wildly with its little paws.

*Crelop is Procel? All the local gods are just anagrams? Makes sense I guess. They hate Procel because of the dungeons?*

*Okay well then where is everyone right now?*

*I see. So 'Thov' and 'Elricha' disappeared. Sol and Rynn were on their way to Procel's temple. Bene on her way to Onoskelis' temple. There's a bunnyboy at Mastema's temple. Is he from our guild? Domi and Tess are higher up meeting with some officials. The twins are shacking up with some local Kitsune and then... Who arrived? A retinue with a fancy inquisitor from Encore. Hm, that might be trouble.*

>The squirrel nods.

*Excellent. Did you learn anything else? Oh? Beekeeping? The moth beekeepers turn into bee people? Fascinating! I must see this for myself!*

>Whisper appears conflicted as he turns to the others.

*So, where do you think we should investigate first? I'm sorely tempted to check out the beekeepers, but perhaps we should join the others in investigating the temples?*

https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82289920
>Schnookums takes his time warming up to the visitors. Once he does, he's happy to gently take the coin from their hands. His mouth is made to scrape and crunch at veins of raw ore and gemstone, so the coin gets crunched up like tinfoil.

"You've got a Moment Taker! Make sure to get some pictures of him for me too. The waiting list to use one of those is so long that I never bothered applying for one. And it's no problem. You all seem like nice people. Even if you weren't, it's not like you're going to snag him for money when your friend is eager to throw around enough to buy out my store. Maybe I'm just too confident in my ability to judge people and the fact that this is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. The Rangers aren't forgiving when something happens here where their families live."

https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82297715
"We take good care of him. That luster coming off of him is the sign of that. The gemstones on the shell are sort of like fat stores. They can go a long time without eating, but as they do they'll lose their shine and coloration. They've even got an emergency defense mechanism where they can use up one of their gems all at once to use elemental magic associated with their gem type. They may only be about the size of a dinner plate, but they're still dangerous if startled in the wild."

>The tortoise finishes slowly crunching up the first coin he'd been fed, then reaches over to snag the one offered by Alice.

"Please do. Just ask if you want to know something else about them."

>>82320615
"What a cute little creature that is. I guess you're a tamer too then?"

>Schnookums glances at the squirrel but doesn't seem to see it as a threat, instead focusing on nomming his treats.

https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82290388 (Bene)
>They fly back up and over the Market District, all the way up to the Temple District. The temple they land in front of is done in a more classical style than the rest, reminiscent of a Greek style. The primary building at the center of the complex has the huge pillars and open structure you'd expect from the type. The grounds were filled with sculptures evoking sensuality. They were more tasteful than you'd expect from Onoskelis however. But of course, this was Slinoskoe's temple, not Ono's. Color dominates the space. Gardens are covered in pink and orange flowers, water runs from fountains, and every wall has something painted on it.

>The walls at the base of the main building in particular seem to have historical scenes. A towering woman with blue hair and a crown is speaking to people of differing races gathered around a campfire. The next shows a kitsune man, a dragonkin woman, and an elven man all with the same blue hair as the woman from the previous scene. Another portrays a manticore and a dragon by a river with a waterfall in the background. A different one depicts a hand reaching out and being grabbed by the many hands of a mothkin. One more shows the blue haired elf discussing something with a serpentkin. These aren't all, but they're the most prominently displayed. A woman speaks from behind Bene while she's looking over the wall, having snuck up on her.

"The Wall of Peace. It has illustrations of great events in our history where the Peacemaker's influence is thought to have been particularly powerful. From the founding of the city, all the way to negotiations with the serpentkin, and everything in between."

(Continued next post)

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>>82322116
>Turning, she comes face to face with a manticorekin. The woman looks like she could have come straight from MGE, complete with even the distinctive tail unique to that interpretation of the creature. Her arms and legs are furred and end in oversized paws. The orange and pink of Slinoskoe pairs well with her own white hair.

"I'm Head Priestess Noli. I wouldn't normally be the one greeting you, but I saw you swoop down and figured I'd check out what was going on myself. Especially after the scare in the markets earlier today. I see that you've got a guide pixie with you though, so nothing to worry about. Welcome to the Temple of Slinoskoe, and Fermata as well. If you're here for the baths, that's where I'm headed too. Feel free to follow. I've been running myself ragged making sure everything for the Sacrificial Hunt is perfect, now it's time to relax some."

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[Thumper, Fermata's Temple District]
>https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82282603 [Crendala]
"I see. Maybe I'll have to rent a Moment Taker at some point. For now, I'll do my best not to take the little moments of calm and peace for granted."

>Thumper continues to enjoy looking at the various photos on the wall while he continues to ask Crendala questions.

"Other than these, what does your temple do for the people of this city? At my monastery, I was trained in martial arts, partly as a way to hone my mind and body, but also so that I could protect others. Do some followers of Amatsme do anything similar?"

>Once Thumper is done getting answers from Crendala, he thanks him and bids farewell. Before leaving, he asks one final question.

"Would you mind if I were to return on occasion while I am in this city, to meditate in these halls?"

>>82322116
>>82322130
https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82290388 [Bene]
>Thumper has Sheru show him to the temple of Slinoskoe next.

"I'm a little uneasy entering this place. If Slinoskoe is who I think she is, then she represents a trial of self control for me, but I really must know how she's earned this moniker of Peacemaker."

>He arrives just in time to see Bene and Head Priestess Noli, and to hear Noli's introduction.

"Um, hello. I'm Thumper, I'm a monk of Mastema, er... Amatsme is how you call him here. I've come to learn more about the 'Peacemaker'."

>Turning to Bene, he appears to recognize her.

"Oh, I think I've seen you at the Morningdew guildhall. Bene, right? I've only been there a couple of times and haven't met many people yet."

>His heart skips a beat.

"Did you say baths? Is there uh, a separate bath for men?"

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https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82291797 (Domi)
"How fortuitous it is that you've found us so quickly then. We had expected our immediate connections to discover us first. Our own envoys aren't quite prepared yet, nor would we wish to send them out without more information. It was our belief that it would be more advantageous to allow the outside to come to us rather than the other way around. We did however send through a few of our navigators early on, just to confirm the relative locations of the gates ours leads to compared to historical data. I know they made contact in a few places. We've avoided anything more than that as we were concerned further scouting may come off as hostile."

>That Domi had no information on the Crelop Chosen was predictable.

"I'd hoped that you might have heard of them, but didn't expect you to. I'm aware of just how large the outside world is. At least I can rest easy knowing that Crelop's forces haven't taken root and grown in power elsewhere to the point of being well known."

>The gift was just what they needed.

"Thank you. This will be most helpful. I'll have our scholars get right to studying it once our meeting concludes. I wouldn't be surprised if Prince Pelos took some time out of his schedule to look it over himself."

https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82297985 (Tess)
"I appreciate your input, and will keep it in mind. I would go on and ask then, how likely do you think such an assault as you describe is to happen? Are these Sforzandans aggressive enough to attack an unknown like us simply because the opportunity presents itself? If so, I may recommend hiring some of the Black Scale serpentkin to assist in securing the gate. The Defenders wouldn't be happy about it, but they'd be invaluable in the case of darkness wielding foes."

>>82324452
10 up it is

>>82322116
Bene's eyes sparkle at seeing the Grecian-esque architecture. It's a sight to behold and she feels a slight bit of envy, as Tihr's climate makes such a style of temple and bath impractical without a great amount of magic. She thinks it may even be worth buying some of these flower seeds so that she may grow some herself at some point...
The elapid's attention is then drawn by the pictures on the wall, depicting apparent events having to do with diplomacy. It's interesting, but just as she's thinking that it seems a little heavy-handed with the exaltation, Bene jumps, startled by the woman behind her.

The gorgon whips around to face the Manticorekin, putting a hand on her own chest and sighs.
"I-I ask that you announce your presence from further away. Thank you for the clarification, though."
Now able to get a good look at the Head Priestess, a smile slowly creeps its way up her face, until her attention is drawn elsewhere: to the pink rabbitboy.
>>82322920
The krait's eyes widen in recognition.
"Ah! That's right! I've seen you a couple of times, yeah. Nice to meet you properly, Thumper!"
After looking between the two new, furred arrivals for a moment, Bene finally curtsies.
"I am Benefactum Tihr, Queen of Tihr, a recently-founded kingdom in Arpeggio, Associate of the Morningdew Guildhall, and Chosen of Mastema and Lahash... um, the 'Peacekeeper' and whatever it is you call the Arbiter of Combat and what you associate with her."

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I know a great many of you are supernaturally charming, but please refrain from cuckolding the father (or mother) of your erstwhile paramours or taking siblings to bed. The complaints we've been receiving have gone from angry to depressed and now a touch more lascivious than we initially anticipated and quite frankly that's the most concerning development so far.

Thank you for your consideration.

Signed,
Imvaziel, High Tenshi of Mastema

>>82329806
I would never cuck someone! It's just mean!
Also, page 10

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>>82329806
Don't listen to this prude. If they're not satisfying them, are you to refuse to do so? Pleasure and passion drives the world forward. Let those who are given to Masteman indolence and sloth remain at rest while those who wish to truly live pursue their passions! Take what is freely given. Use your gifts to satisfy your appetites. If they cannot match you, so be it. A lack of audacity is fatal to the soul, so go forth. Pay no heed to the static and slothful.

Signed,
Lavaziel, High Tenshi of Onoskelis

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>>82331078
That's all well and good and they keep assuring me that they're my sisters, but aren't those minotaur horns and ears just headbands? I'm confused.

>>82329806
You cannot stop me, but nobody suffers from any incidental cucking that may occur from my adventures. [Don't Touch Me]'s mind warping properties ensure that everyone involved considers the encounter nothing out of the ordinary.

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>>82331002
It is a cruelty that cannot be undone. It ruptures trust and upheaves the gentle peace of family.

>>82331226
If they're your sisters (adopted or no) then it's not cuckolding, it's just keeping it in the family. Mastema smiles upon you, Child of Uzza.

>>82332299
Be aware that it only if all are affected by your Burden of Beauty: those that are of your preferred sex. While it may not be a problem for those of a pansexual persuasion, if one leans in any given way, it may lead to even inadvertent cuckolding. This is without accounting for those with the will to resist the Beauty you possess, for whom such relations will still be cuckolding.

>>82331078
Why do you protest me so, Lavaziel? There is no shortage of possibility for degeneracy of your ilk's sort within established boundaries of the family, or to remain entirely separate from it. It is not any less debaucherous to discuss with your prospective partners boundaries and exceptions. Adventurers often must use their own bodies in carnal manners for their quests. Followers of Our Lord Mastema know and keep abreast of such possibilities, often postponing marriage or even love itself until they are ready to settle down into charitable or community duties where their contributions are not of the carnal sort. There are goals and purposes beyond the simple pursuit of pleasure.

Signed,
Imvaziel, High Tenshi of Mastema

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>>82331002
Some people deserve to be cuckolded. Not everyone, of course, but those that lack passion should not be surprised if they find that those starved of it should seek it elsewhere.

>>82331226
Who cares? They're ready and willing.

>>82332299
It will all work out one way or another. After all, if they come onto you, who are you to refuse? That which is given is rude not to take.

>>82333152
Oh hush, brother of mine. A thrill may be itself the value that one pursues, the taboo nature of the relation and the pleasure one derives from external desire or the perverse arousal of being stolen from. That one should refuse love during their heights of passions and travels is absurd, and equally so is the assertion that one may simply come to an understanding with another as a result. Compersion certainly can and does exist, but that is not from a stranger to one, but that of consent with another by some means selected. Should one simply grit their teeth and smile, pretending it wouldn't, doesn't occur?

Such a peace would be a facade for the turmoil beneath the surface. Acceptance of it isn't materially different. To worry about such things will only lead to disappointment. Live without the strictures and build a community from your very own loins!

Signed,
Lavaziel, High Tenshi of Onoskelis

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>>82329806
"This feels like a suspicious attempt by Cassandra's mother...but a n y o n e who even considers that word with us will be buried alive."

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>>82331078
>>82332299
>>82333152
>>82334134
There is only one good cuck porn and it is Night Tales From a Chinese Studio: Wang Erxi by San Se Fang

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>>82335308

>>82333152
The attraction only pulls my preference sure, but the normalcy field affects everyone. I have sex in public and nobody bats and eye. Sex under the effects of DTM is simply perceived differently. Even if their significant other isn't there to witness the act, if they find out about it the normalcy spreads. They'll consider it even more benign than finding out their partner masturbated without them. It only becomes a problem once something like Unbreakable Mind gets into the mix.

>>82335308
The wifes elated face at the idea of her lovers yaoi has me howling with laughter.

https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82302951 (Riga)
>The markets are beginning to wind down for the day, so they don't have to deal with as much foot traffic as they would have if they'd come earlier. It's smooth sailing to the Ranger District. The road takes them out of the Market and past what wilderness is allowed to remain for the Rangers' purposes. They reach the district proper, which is still a hub of activity at this time. The people here are all armed and have an experienced look to them. Even with their isolation and cultural differences, the sights here would be familiar to many of the visitors Fermata will have in the coming days. This was a nest of adventurers.

>The resemblance was unmistakable. Swap the building materials and this place could have just as easily been found in Dungeon City. The bounty boards are the biggest giveaway, but not the only one. Some of the shops here were advertising the best rates for buying dungeon materials. Others were focusing on equipment maintenance and enchantment, or selling magical potions. Things the average citizen doesn't need nor could afford. And where there are adventurers, there are guilds. Or the Rangers in this case. From what they could gather and the babbling of the pixie, the Rangers acted as a sort of government run super-guild that managed all of the city's smaller adventurer organizations. They head straight to the Ranger Headquarters, but their procession is stopped at the entrance by guards.

"Halt! What's your business at Ranger Headquarters?"

up we go

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Don't you want to wake up as dark as a lake? Smelling like a bonfire lost in a haze?

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>>82340637
I can't say I'd have you pegged for an early bird, let alone to gift the dawn with a greeting word. Whosoever am I to pretend that I'd not accept every now and then, even if I keep tellin' you to live right—to go to bed before the daylight?

up top again

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>>82342833
HELL YEAH BROTHER!

up we go

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>>82320615
>>82320832
>Amughar in the meanwhile has been just enjoying the sights. It has been far too long since he was just able to explore a new place with people he cares about.

>There was some part of him that worried about whether or not everyone decided to just disappear into their own corners of the world, never to be seen again. Although perhaps there was a time he may have been guilty of doing that too.

>As he watches Whisper talk to a Squirrel, probably a member of Squirrel Team Six, or maybe just a random squirrel he once again found, Amughar finally decides to speak up a bit.

"I feel like if we head to the temples we'll get wrapped up in Arbiter nonsense somehow. I still have weird luck about that... but it seems like you really want to go see the beekeepers, buddy. I'm cool with going there with you!"

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>>82320615
>The squirrel information network being set up this fast in a new city would almost surprise her, almost
>The matter of the gods does surprise her however, and leaves the pixie scratching her head in confusion as to how they had missed all the obvious signs sofar
>And then there was the matter of the strange polymorphic moths around
"Hmmm, hard to say where to go first, seems like everyone else is getting pretty deeply involved with what's going on, and the whole place being a dungeon..."
"The people being different here has got to have some explanation as well, mothkin that undergo a secondary puberty, dragons without wings, actual kobolds"

>>82346003
"I'm fine with either as well, though we can never quite know if we'll get caught up in arbiter nonsense anyways"
"Besides, are you even allowed to say that, not a good way to find out if your arbiter in particular can send down divine punishment after all"
>It's just said in jest

>>82320832
>Alice keeps making notes about the tortoise, or at least instructing the pen to do it for her
"I can see why you're worried about him, it's sad to think but there are people who'd just be interested in Schnookums as a decoration piece and not give him the love he deserves"
"And you say he can do some hefty arka manipulation if need be? Would be spectacular to see but if it's a defense mechanism all I can say is I hope he doesn't have to do it"
"Really want to see one in the wild as well now, to compare things and maybe see how they interact with others of their kind..."
>She adds some notes about how strong a gem tortoise's bit must be to subsist of minerals

>>82322920
"We do the things you'd expect. As I said before, some of our rank join the Defenders or the Rangers. Though we do so in a magical capacity rather than a martial one. Healers and shield-mages are always needed. We also run an orphanage for those whose parents fall in our fight against the desert when resurrection isn't a viable option. There's more, but we don't need to get into all of the details."

>Before they leave, Sheru has Crendala take a couple pictures of them. She and Thumper both get one to take with them. Thumper is told that he can return as he likes.

>>82328389
"Sorry. Force of habit. I naturally move quietly, and I'm always catching initiates slacking off. Spooking them is fun."

>She tries to parse Bene's introduction as a Chosen. She manages to put it together with the help from Thumper's explanation.

"So you're a Chosen of Amatsme and another. There are a couple gods associated with combat, but the female one would be Shalah the Enduring. If you didn't know that, I guess we're the first temple you're visiting? We must really have something you want here if that's the case."

>>82322920
>Finishing up with what she was saying to Bene, she turns and gets a good look at Thumper for the first time. She gasps when she sees him, and says something that Bene would be hearing for the second time today.

"The prophecy! I should have known it was related to the gate reopening! But you said you were a follower of Amatsme?.. That's fine. We already share the blue fox. We can share the pink rabbit too."

>She was suddenly re-energized for some reason, and unlike with Telart before she seemed dead serious.

"I'll tell you whatever it is you need to know. Starting with the baths, no they aren't private. They're open to both sexes, and you can usually find some worshipers using them for their rites with the temple courtesans. For a guest as distinguished as you though, I can go on and run everyone out if you want them to yourself."

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https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#82297985 (Tess)
<Skill or conspiracy. I've a few thoughts on the matter and hypotheses I'm not able to presently test; given this dungeon has dungeons nested within itself, I would venture that whosoever commands this desert is the dungeon master of this particular system. As to who that is... I have a guess, though evidence is circumstantial at best.>

"One could sanctify the Riftgate surroundings with anti-undead wards to frustrate their magic and then saturate with offensive light magics as well, but those are measures that are neither cheap or permanent. The Riftgate of Iszrine is funneled through a long corridor of the black-iron-laden stone quarried from Crown foothills to prevent any such hostile ingress in addition to those measures. I think they may run into more trouble with slavers that have managed to stumble upon one of those bags of holding, though. Smuggling persons is frightfully easy and may not appear inimical at a glance."
>These were genuine concerns; Domi has had to track down missing persons of that sort more than once. When he was young, too, there was the incident with the Princess of Arka Numidia being sold off by her own brother by allowing them to capture her. It's easier if there's someone on the inside, but hardly impossible. Screening everyone isn't perfectly effective either, but knowing after the fact and responding with riftgate analysis to trace some steps is better than being completely in the dark. He did note that they didn't note the point of arrival in the customs process, but that may be part of the 'questions about yourself later' interview. Even with a killbox setup, there are always counterplays, even if their isolation through Riftgates as a single point of entry does deny several.
[continued]

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>>82349433
>>82324452
"Discretion is the better part of valor. We would do the same were We in such a position; it is best not to provoke hostilities with polities and persons yet unknown, especially when there is a risk for overextension and the troubles that would there follow. While We cannot confirm the precise accuracy of the maps you possess, We will be able to provide to you maps with the most up-to-date information on a return trip for reference. We would also be able to provide letters of introduction, should it be desired, for several Elfin polities in northern Adagio in addition to several courts throughout Encore—excepting Xares due to a bit of a present diplomatic row. That should allow for a smooth transition to the establishment of relations even if they do not have any Riftgates directly connecting here. Should you have questions, We shall endeavor to answer."
>It's a rather unique position to be in, and while Domi isn't without his misgivings, the benefits of being the first mover with regard to Encorite politics with Fermata is invaluable. Even if an agreement is reached restricting symmetrical trade, he can leverage their infrastructure to compel further development of Min with his own political capital while they are once again opened to a wider world with the benefits it can bring.
"At times conflicts cluster about a given objective. Fermata's unique position may have forced a convergence of Crelop's available agents upon the city, keeping them quite occupied and thus outside of our wider frame of reference."
>Unlikely, really, given his suspicions. If anything, there's more of a concern as to why he has not been called upon—unless he is, through sheer coincidence, already following his objective. It's possible that opening Fermata to the wider world will result in a fatal dissolution, if that is Procel's will, or simply getting close to finding out the actual puzzle or conflict behind it...
"We are pleased it offers such utility."

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>>82294435
>Rynn still hasn't got used to the kneeling and praying when people see her halo. At least it wasn't as bad this time as she was expecting the highly-religious part of the city to be. She tries to hurry along so as not to disrupt everyone too much, Meru floating behind her elated at the reverence her partner is receiving and happily giving some comforting pats on the heads of the more fearful looking among the crowd.
>By this point Rynn's Wisdom Incarnate has informed her there's a high probability of 'Crelop' actually being Procel. Which leaves her confused at first to see the horrific entrance and decorations for the temple, until she's reminded that Procel is the main creator of dungeons and this temple could be emphasizing his relation to the monsters that spawn from such places.

>The inside of the temple throws her off again with extreme difference from outside, but she mostly ignores it for now and focuses on the few people she can see. She can only sigh in exasperation when they immediately assume their lives are in danger.
"Cut that shit out, I'm not here to kill anyone. Well, not planning to right now anyway. Since you're the only one who didn't run off, you're going to tell me everything you can about Crelop and what his Chosen want with this city. Either that or bring me to someone who can."

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[Whisper, Fermata]
>>82346192
>>82346003
*Actually, it might be a little too late in the evening at this point to go see the beekeepers. We should save that for the morning.*

>Whisper strokes his chin while also giving the squirrel some of the roasted sunflower seeds he purchased earlier as a reward for a job well done.

*How about we go find a nice restaurant or a tavern with some good food. We can sit down for dinner and enchant at least one of these tongue piercings while we're at it!*

>He turns towards the jewelry seller with a look of embarrassment.

*I'm sorry, I'm now realizing that I don't think we ever asked your name. I'm Whisper, this is Alice, and this is Amughar. What's your name?*

*Thank you again for introducing us to Schnookums. Before we go, do you have a recommendation for a good sit down place for dinner? What's your favorite place to eat around here?*

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>>82348544
"P-prophecy!?"

>This news seems to make Thumper look even more nervous than usual.

"Ono- er... Slinoskoe has a prophecy about *me*? Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

>He appears flustered by the idea of being a "distinguished guest".

"N-no need to kick anyone out. I really don't want to be a bother. Besides, by this point my training and dedication has surely prepared me for something like this. How bad could it be?"

>Clenching his fists, Thumper steels himself.

"Lead the way. I will join you in this bath and you can tell me about this prophecy. Are you even sure that I'm the right person? Granted, I haven't met any other bunnykin, let alone a pink one, but wouldn't you have questions for me as well? You know, to confirm this sort of thing?"

>>82328389
>Thumper's eyes widen in surprise.

"Ehhh!? You're a queen!? And a Chosen of Mastema too!?"

A bump

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Do you retain all your memories if you reincarnate? If you lose them, can you regain them, or do you regain them at a specific time? If not, do you remember concurrently with your life experience, as if living in parallel?

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Nocturne Games

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>>82350626
>Relief washes over him when he's told she isn't there to kill him. He was sure he could clear up this misunderstanding if he was given time to speak. Then he's anxious again when he hears that there are Crelop Chosen. That wasn't an immediate threat though. Not with Rynn right in front of him. He gets back up so he can talk properly.

"There are Crelop Chosen in the city!? Well that's... shit, that's not good at all. I'm going to start by saying that only crazy people really worship Crelop. This temple is because he's a petty and jealous god. If we didn't have one for him, he'd get angry. Angrier than he already is that is. Sure he hates us, but most people don't realize that he could do a lot worse. Has done a lot worse in the occasional fit of rage. Hence the temple. We go through the rituals and make sure he gets his share of art like the rest of the gods, but it's all performative. Appeasement. So you really don't need to kill us for worshiping him."

>He retrieves his rake and gives a wave in the direction the rest ran off too in case any of them were watching from a hiding place.

"Crelop is the god of the desert and the dungeons within, the father of monsters, and the everlasting enemy of Fermata. Insofar as a deity can be considered an enemy to mortals. It's not like we can go fight him, and his own actions are kept in check by the rest of the pantheon. The city is the one sanctuary from his clutches, founded in defiance of the fate he wrote for us. It is an affront to his designs. If he had his way, we'd be living miserable lives struggling to survive in his harsh lands. At each other's throats like savages, just for a drop of water."

>His disgust at the thought is evident.

"He is the unjust status quo of the natural world. He is the cruel reality that might makes right, where only the strongest or most cunning deserve to see the next day. He raises his dungeons to nurture his abominable children, until they're ready to march forth against us.

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>>82357981
>Now she's even more confused. Is this really Procel?
"I had thought Crelop was another name for a god I know of called Procel, but besides the part about making dungeons that doesn't really sound like him. But I'm not one of his followers so maybe I just wasn't aware of that aspect of him?"
>She was going to have to ask the other guild members once they meet up again. She was pretty sure there were some Procel followers among them, even some Chosen. Rynn asks her Wisdom Incarnate to memorize the description that was given of Crelop so she can repeat it to the others later.
>Meru flies off in the direction the other priests ran in, playfully trying to scare them more while rounding them all up to carry back.
"Well, you could go fight him if you really wanted, but good luck winning that one. Same with the other arbi- uh, gods. Oh! Speaking of the other gods, what are the names of all your gods around here? If my god goes by a different name here I should be able to figure it out."

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>>82339059
>Driver Artaud handled the explanations, but Knight briefly stepped out to prove they had warrior material. She was truly an Oni bodyguard, str 4, end3, dura3, agi 2. Combat 4. He spoke after she got out.
"Encore Inquisition, Lahash, assisting. We heard you are dealing with a lich problem? Naturally we will assist, but we require information on the bastard dungeons to make...efficient moves.
>>82320245
"That would require a duel most unfair. Meeting another chosen would only stoke her blessed ego. Lahash knows how long that would take to resolve."

Very safe bump

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>>82334134
>>82333152

up again

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>>82349433
>>82324452
I will have to agree with Domizjan here that a direct assault is most likely not going to be their first line of approach, the city is powerful and sufficiently well defended that even if a force were to take control over the riftgate temporarily, you would quite easily be capable of mustering forces faster than can be shipped through the game, the pipistrello are more likely to take control over riftgates near smaller communities.
The only way I could see the riftgate being a potentially dangerous ingress for hostile forces was if it were to coincide with a major siege resulting from an organized assault by the desert dwelling foes of your city, and at least in this regard the prideful nature of most vampires would impede them forming alliances with your existing foes. Not to mention competition between various clans.
>Tess is quiet for a moment wondering if her thoughts about possible assaults were not bordering on paranoia and possibly impeding Domi's diplomatic efforts.

>>82348544
Bene crosses one pair of her arms, while a free hand rubs the back of her neck, as she smiles.
"Well, I can imagine how fun it might be to tease people like that. It's fine."

She begins to nod in affirmation with a sudden vigor at the mention of her Arbiter.
"Yes, Shalah the Enduring, the one that outsiders refer to as Lahash, the Arbiter of Will. One of the Pixies here, Miss Dela, told me that the bath you have under your jurisdiction is able to accommodate my type of body."

>>82353555
When talk of a prophecy, presented wholly in seriousness, is brought up, Bene cannot help but tilt her head and stare at Thumper. The thought that he is apparently important enough to clear out a place full of Onoskelian devotees, despite being a Chosen of Mastema and an outsider like herself. This either entails the pink rabbit being subject to the whims of Onoskelis' masterful fateweaving or he's not really a Chosen of Mastema, she figures. It's not as though either possibility affects her all that directly, however, so the gorgon opts to wait and see. They all seem to be going to the same place anyhow.

Thumper's surprised reaction pulls her away from her thoughts.
"Yes, I am. I do enjoy meeting Mastema's fellow Chosen~ I've noticed that we all tend to be pleasant to be around in some capacity."

She eyes his toned physique.
"You seem rather well-trained, don't you? What do you do for a living?"

10 up

10 again

>>82349433
>>82349463
>>82364264
>Gleeta nods along at the tactical talk from the two of them.

"Riftgate defense is a tricky conundrum. It's impossible to prepare for every contingency. Kidnappers like those you describe would be one of the worst outcomes, as we would be obligated to seek the safe return of our people. I'm sure the Rangers would be up to the task, but deploying them to foreign lands wouldn't be simple from a political perspective. Sending Rangers through is actually something we wish to negotiate the rights to do, and hoping that there's a market for. We imagine that there may be nations with dungeon troubles of their own, and if so we'd like the Rangers to act as mercenaries to assist. Right now it's only one theory regarding what we could offer the outside world. If it isn't welcome or needed, then we have other ideas."

>She chuckles at the statement regarding the maps.

"I'd hardly call it a map. It's little more than a few dots spaced apart at a rough scale. Any sort of geographical features are nonexistent. The scale involved should at least be accurate though. Our navigators can figure out where they are in the world so long as they can see the night sky. Maybe you could at least surmise which point you came from so we can label it? I do know from our records that we're somewhere in the center of the mainland."

>She pulls out the 'map.' The only labeled information it has are the dot representing Fermata, which way is north, and an estimated scale for the distances involved. Even with just that, to someone with the proper knowledge the map was concerning. If this was correct, Fermata was practically a riftgate hub with at least one connection to each major region. The far southeast dot was obviously somewhere in Nocturne, the southwest Ballad, the northwest Encore, and the far west Aria. A few more were scattered around the Wilds, including Morning Dew.

Bump

>>82346192
"Oh yeah, they pack a punch. Not as much as dragons obviously, but enough to be a threat. As for interacting with each other, they're fairly solitary. You won't see them together very often outside of mating or territorial disputes. They'll share a water supply if there's only the one, but will divide up the surrounding area between them."

>>82351066
>>82346003
"I'm Erisce. I must have been too focused on making my sales that I forgot to properly introduce myself."

"That depends on what you want. There's a pub here in the Ranger District that's great, but the menu changes regularly. I couldn't tell you what they're currently serving. They get supplied by some of the hunter teams, so they have whatever has been brought back recently. It's the best place in the city if you're looking for exotic monster meat. The atmosphere can get a little rowdy due to the Ranger crowd though. On the other hand there's a fancier place in the Defender District that typically serves nobles from the warrior families. They get their ingredients straight from the finest farms in the Farmland. It's also the most expensive place to eat at in the city however, so I hope you've got deep pockets like your dragon friends if you decide to go there. Honey roasted sheep and turkey with peanut butter fudge for dessert? Totally worth it. Even the Princess goes there regularly."

>>82365286
"That it can. It's designed to be able to fit even the dragons of the Lowland, with occasional help from the Temple of Amatsme to expand the space for the larger ones. You won't even be rubbing up against anyone else, unless you want to."

>>82353555
"Hmm, prophecy might be the wrong word. Oracle? That's closer, but still not quite. Our temple artists have been receiving dreams of a pink rabbit for years now. Real vague stuff. It was if Slinoskoe had given us visions of a muse. You'll find a pink rabbit among many of the more recent works around the grounds. There's one right here in fact."

>She crouches down and brushes aside some of the flowers to reveal a small sculpture of a pink bunny hiding among them.

"You're the first rabbitkin we've seen, and you're the right color. There's nothing implied about what exactly the pink rabbit is supposed to mean, just that it's important enough for her to bother sending the dreams. That's just like her really. She enjoys being mysterious about things."

>>82353555
>>82365286
>The baths are huge. Pink and orange petals float in the water giving it a floral scent. There were about a dozen people here at the moment, but they barely took up any of the space. Some are simply relaxing alone, some are socializing playfully, and some are outright fucking. The bodies are nude, but not everything is visible. Foamy bubbles help partially obscure the titillating scenes. Noli hands Bene and Thumper each a small vial of powder.

"Here, it's bubble powder. Mix it into the water where you sit down and you'll be covered in cleansing foam in no time. Gets you clean, and it's pleasing to the eye. Our alchemists have perfected the formula to make it safe no matter what. Doesn't burn your eyes, harmless if you accidentally ingest it other than burping up bubbles for a bit, and the bubbles are perfect as lubricant. I'll warn you that it does have a slight sensitizing effect. That's part of the appeal. Makes it extra relaxing."

>>82358619
"I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about with different names. I wouldn't put it past him to hide his true nature while acting under another guise, but we have no myths of him doing so. You're suggesting that the other gods may have different identities as well though. I can list them out for you and help you figure out where to go next if you'd like."

>He seemed happy to help now. Happy that she might be leaving if she thinks she's figured it out more like. The others that had been caught by Meru are stilled spooked, but he gives them a shrug and keeps talking.

"There's Mother Relahah, Cra the Arch-Reaper, Amatsme the Keeper of Moments, Slinoskoe the Peacemaker, Shalah the Enduring, and Instructor Zazu. Any of them sound familiar?"

Bedtime bump

10 up

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>>82378665
>At this point Rynn is realizing she's probably not the best person to be questioning the Crelop priests. She just doesn't know enough about Procel to understand what this desert aspect of his is up to.
>Thankfully even she can figure out which of these names has to be Uzza with Arc also being immediately obvious. The rest she could probably figure out before long but she leaves it for later.
"Sounds like Zazu's place is where I should head to next. I might come back later with some friends who can think of more questions but thanks for the help for now. Come on Meru."
>Meru reluctantly stops flying in circles at hurricane speed and drops the captured priests, scooping up any tears of fright they might have shed into a test tube and leaving them a couple gold bars. The dragons leave Crelop's temple and start asking around for Zazu's next.

>>82376853
"So the Temples here cooperate to an extent, but am I right that you have a sort of rivalry between each other? How often do dragons come up here and will I be able to see one soon?"

Bene isn't quite sure how to feel about a supposed Chosen of Mastema's fate being meddled with by Onoskelis to such an extent, as one of the implications is that the Arbiter pays close attention to him. Forget what she said earlier, will she, too, be bothered by Onoskelis, due to being in a certain proximity to Thumper? Could everything already be set in motion?

The krait takes a deep breath and sighs, both to appreciate the aromatic water and to mentally prepare herself. Of course, she immediately sees individuals going at it and quickly averts her gaze to look at those partaking in non-carnal activities. With the barest hint of pink embarrassment in her cheeks, Bene accepts the vial of powdered bubble bath. For the time being, her curiosity occupies her mind more than lustful thoughts and intentions.
"Thank you. Um, is it okay if I buy the recipe from you? I can also barter with things that might interest you."

>>82359244
>The guards look at each other and then back to Artaud.

"We are? Do we have another Necropolis spawned?"

"Or Ghost Town. Ghost Town has had a lich in charge before."

"Ghost Town is always a mess, so hopefully not that."

>They let Riga's group pass without fuss, and give them a couple suggestions.

"Well if you're here to help, you're welcome here. The Dungeon Archives are in the East Wing. It's a library run by the followers of Zazu that collects all of the Rangers' knowledge of the desert. If you're in a hurry and don't want to study up, you can hire a desert navigator. They have the best understanding of the desert's rules and are the most consistent at finding specific locations. You can put in a request for one at the Main Office, which is straight ahead on this path."

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>>82375627
"I'm actually kind of wondering about mating habits now"
>She blushes up something fierce
"I mean not like that I mean like you know, gem tortoise, wondering about if they have any mating displays or like if they might climb a particularly sunny spot to show how much the sparkle or if they fire off their arka or so"
"Lekking behavior would be amazing with them"
>The pixie claps her hands forming a miniscule but lifelike illusion of dozens of different colored versions of Schnookums all standing around on sunlit rocks firing off sparkles into the air like fireworks
"Probably not what they actually do but my imagination is running wild"
"You'd be surprised how amorous some creatures can get, did you know that sky whales shape clouds into various animal shapes then present them to a potential partner? Look it's all here"
>She flips to a different page of the book she was using to make notes on Schnookums, showing a detailed illustration, animated with magic, of a sky whale doing just that surrounded by sadly virtually unintelligible scribbles of text
"Sorry again for taking up so much of your time, just kinda excited about new critters, I assume the rangers find all kinds of wonderous or dangerous animals out there? I don't mind danger, I'm too small for most of the big critters to see me as food"

>>82375627
>>82351066
"...oh right I never introduced myself, soorrrry"
"And a princess going to a restaurant? Most nobility I've heard of eats at their own private banquets, is it common for the nobility to wander the streets? Reminds me of an old tale of"
>She remembers earth-fables probably wouldn't go over well here
"A far away place where the king would dress up like a beggar, wander his kingdom and then later invite people to his court to treat them based on how well they treated a lowly beggar"
>She looks at Whisper
"Maybe save the expensive dinner for if we're a bit more accustomed to the city? Unless you're feeling in the mood for something fancy"

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>>82364264
"This is really simple speculation on Our part, in truth. Determining and ruling out threats is something We are certain the Defenders are handling, even if the balance is constantly in flux; this present situation is extraordinary and the actual elements of countermeasures there involved will be determined by the number and breadth of connections the Riftgate possesses."
>For now, he suppresses his paranoid strategizing. While it is no doubt an innate part of him, it's not always useful to express it in every feasible or possible context. Keep the scope restricted, he thinks, until proper diplomatic relations can be established.

>>82373011
>He's well experienced in these sort of relations, though it's rarely with the consent of the polity that is sheltering the kidnappers. He can hardly just openly suggest clandestine operations between less than friendly countries, and thus he recontextualizes it.
"Such rights are usually contingent on specific agreements. Every country will want an assurance of non-aggression to allow any armed forces through, even with a purely peaceable intention. However, Ambassador, you bring up a specific point: dungeons do provide some difficulty when they appear in more populated areas, and often even rural regions may have their share of trouble when one appears. However, dungeons are decidedly not under direct government supervision—there is a Guild system for those adventurer and mercenary types that specialize in extraordinary opponents and dungeons. Our suggestion would be to instead have a number of Rangers join the Guild, which operates under license in multiple countries and negotiates for its members' privileges. It is quite fortuitous, then, that the Riftgate from which Tess and Ourself happens to be just behind a Guildhall that We have a vested interest in, though such will have to be passed through the Guildmaster Talia before anything is official. We would be happy to act as a liaison for as much."
[continued]

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>>82387979
>The 'map' provides another note of concern for Domizjan. Politically, Fermata's position is both advantageous and precarious; it has the potential to operate as a limited trade hub—limited primarily by the difficulty of expansion and the unstable of the nature of the dungeon it was located within itself—or as a staging point for any number of operations. The former will likely lead to various factions wanting further control or special privileges inside the city; the latter no less puts it in jeopardy. The southeastern gate didn't look to be close to any of the major populated regions of Nocturne, but it's hardly uncommon for upstarts to attempt desperate or impossible efforts to gain glory or prestige or simple merchandise. Even then, there's a chance that there could be an offer made that would essentially offer the ability to stage an invasion against an unfriendly relation were they desperate enough.
>Seems that a broken Riftgate might have been part of what prevented Encore and Nocturne from having any real sort of relations. Hypothetically, Fermata could act as a neutral space to allow negotiations, though ideally Fermata would have a guarantor for this... Perhaps the Guild and a bit of political maneuvering could provide backing, especially since he had some positive relations in Nocturne to leverage...
"We believe that when we can offer a map of Our own, the context it offers would present a wider understanding of Fermata's current standing by simple geopolitics. It seems to Us this single gate manages to intersect with a great many large political entities simultaneously. We are from..."
>Using the known position of Morning Dew, he uses the known transform for the teleportation to place himself in the northwest, a touch east and north of the Riftgate end marked on the map.
"My demesne, an archipelago on the northeast border of Min, County Sinfonia. The region in general is Encore, a collection of four mostly hominid-controlled countries."

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>>82373011
>>82387979
>>82388005
>Tess herself studies the map with similar concerns, though with a quiet relief that it had been Domi who was the first mover here and not a more radically affiliated one.
>Though in regards to affiliation she considers a secondary option to go alongside the suggestions currently on the table.
Even if direct membership is not something you would consider for rangers, utilizing established mercenary organizations as a means of normalizing your excursions is a more than valuable asset.
The guild is in this regard quite neutral, a boon for sure, though some other organizations may have unique privileges if they can vouch for your rangers that could them in the good graces of various notables, or at least arouse less suspicion.
Naturally unlike the guild many of them have inherent loyalties to political influential persons, sponsors, former leaders turned aristocracy and such, and more than a few have been known to switch allegiances when convenient, if you wish I could give an outline of which mercenary organizations I am personally familiar with be it through former membership, close interactions and simple reputation.
In particular the region known as Nocturne can be a minefield of duplicity and conflicting alliances, Encore, which the good lord here is the steward of a small section of in general can be more trustworthy.

>>82388577
(Cont)
Although one consideration is that, while the Sinfonia county is a welcome exception to this, many kingdoms and territories in the Encore region have innate distrust and outright discrimination towards non-hominid races, it is likely that securing rights to entry will involve restrictions on which race, and even the race of your initial representatives can greatly influence how the negotiations will go.
Nocturne in this regard is the opposite, and not quite as blatant in their discrimination, rather the concept in many of it's territories is one of perceived strength, more monstrous, if you would excuse the term, races would give any envoys a level of respect that more humanoid representatives would not. Of great note is that in Nocturne undeath, and particularly vampirism is not merely tolerated but enjoys preferential status which can be at odds with your own city's attitude.
Again here, perceived weakness could result in more hostile attitudes, possibly of the more subversive nature.

>She looks at Domi for a moment before continuing.
And finally, the Nocturne and Encore regions are in a state of fragile peace maintained entirely through their distance making military action virtually impossible, matters could get incredibly complicated for your city were you perceived to favor either region, as much as I would imagine the more tolerant Encorite regions such as Sinfonia County aligning far better with your general virtues.
If need be, I could make a suggestion for a noble house in the Nocturne region which has intimate relations with the Guild and in general, is among the most morally tolerable of the noble houses in that region.
>Tess makes a polite bow towards both Domi and Gleeta.
I am offering this information purely out of my own accord however and I hope you do not hold possible affiliations on my part against lord Domizjan.

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>>82320245
>Tracking Rynn was easy, just follow the path of awed citizens. He runs into her again as she's exiting the intimidating gates of Crelop's temple.

>>82383801
>The three of them then find their way to Zazu's temple. It's on the side of the Temple District overlooking Wheel Town. The setting sun casts long shadows over the temple, but that hasn't stopped those of the Temple of Zazu from going about their business. As they walk through they can see a priest giving a sermon or lecture from up on a stage while a number of followers listen intently. On the other side of the street is a training ground with people practicing or sparring with weapons. Smoke billows from a nearby chimney, and the subtle scents of the forge linger in the air for those familiar to easily pick out.

>Statues of people line the path, each with a plaque identifying them and reciting their deeds. There were the heroic warriors you'd expect if this were Uzza, but just as many other types. A robed scholar with a tome in hand, a smith with his hammer, and a farmer inspecting a plant just to name a few. The colors of Zazu were green accompanied by the metallic gleam of silver and bronze. A large dragonkin man with silver scales is watching those in the training ground from the pathway, but turns to greet Rynn, Meru, and Sol when he notices them. He does so boisterously, arms thrown wide as though he were going to scoop them all up for a bear hug. He might actually be moving to do that as he walks closer.

"Sisters! Brother! I'm Tregan, and welcome to the Temple of Instructor Zazu! What knowledge is it that you seek?"

>Yeah, he wasn't stopping. Hug incoming if you don't stop him or move out of the way.

Bump

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>>82351066
>>82346003
>>82387165
*The pub sounds a bit like the dining hall back at our Guild. I think we'd be right at home amongst some adventuring Rangers.*

>He turns to Alice, blushing at the sight of the illusory gown she has chosen to model.

*We'll certainly have to have a date night at the fancier restaurant before we eventually leave for home. For now, lets try some of the local game at the pub!*

>Whisper thanks Erisce for her time and her recommendation, giving her a polaroid of herself with Schnookums.

>Placing the squirrel on his shoulder, Whisper follows Erisce's directions and heads to the Ranger's pub with Alice and Amughar.

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>>82365286
"Certainly! I think being pleasant and peaceful is the Mastema way!"

"My living? I'm a martial artist and a traveling monk. Through my training, I have chosen to focus on sharpening the mind and body that the Arbiters have given me. These serve as tools to overcome challenges as I help those in need on my travels and um..."

"Well, I don't necessarily get paid to help others. I'm sort of dependent on other people's charity for food and shelter. They're usually more than willing to give me a bowl of stew or a place to rest after I've helped them! That doesn't *always* work out though, so I started coming by the Morningdew Guild to see about taking on a job or two for some coin."

>>82376853
>Thumper bends down to examine the small pink bunny sculpture.

"Okay, this is... surreal. I had no idea. Why would Slinoskoe send dreams of me? Especially since I don't have much in common with her followers. I'm chaste. Okay, I *try* to be chaste. I've taken a vow of chastity, multiple times even! I made it two whole weeks once!"

>Blushing profusely and trying to avert his gaze from those having sex in the baths, Thumper uses Hammerspace to instantly swap out his outfit for a bath towel. The towel proves to be way too small to cover much of anything.

"Ahh! I couldn't sworn these towels were bigger when I stored them!"

>Panicking, Thumper dumps some of the bubble powder into the bath before sliding into the water. He hurriedly tries to bunch up as many bubbles as he can to hide his nakedness.

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>>82320245
>The duo spot Sol approaching just as they walk out of temple.
"Yo! We just finished up in Crelop's place and were about to look for Zazu's temple. That's probably what they call Uzza around here. We didn't really learn much from here though, going to need some of the others opinions."

>>82388812
>The Temple of Zazu doesn't seem too different at first from what she would expect from an Uzza temple, though Rynn is confused by the prominent forge area and the statues of smiths and farmers. Then she remembers that Uzza doesn't just have his champions for doing all the heroics but also sends fitting supporters to back them up. She herself is supposed to act as support for Uzza Chosen while also having Meru and one of her Tenshi cousins as her personal backup.
>Rynn is sneaking glances at the training ground and Meru is getting ready to sneak off to the forge when a dragonkin man starts approaching them in a little too friendly a manner. The partners look at Tregan, then have a quick conversation with their eyes before looking down and each grabbing Sol by a shoulder pushing him to the front.
"Hey there Tregan, we're servants of the god Uzza, who we believe is the same god that you call Zazu here. We were hoping to confirm that by asking for a description of Zazu and how he does things. I'm Rynn, this is Meru, and this little guy is Sol and a Chosen of Uzza. And you can probably tell from this thing that I'm one of Uzza's Tenshi."
>Rynn points at the halo above her head with a grin.

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>>82388812
>>82394303
Reunited with Rynn and Meru, Sol exchanged the information of the happening near the gate for the dragoness' discovery at relop's temple. "Honestly I'm just glad no one was hurt! But hopefully someone here knows more details!"
The moth boy was excited as he landed at the edge if the temple, the final dwindling rays of sunlight casting one last wave of warmth before the desert night set in. Taking in the long shadows playing across the faces upon the statues, he walked in a silent reverence. Even in an unfamiliar land, some things still felt the same.
>"Sisters! Brother! I'm Tregan, and welcome to the Temple of Instructor Zazu! What knowledge is it that you seek?"
And some things were quite different. Sol was about to step to the side when he felt hands on his back.
>and each grabbing Sol by a shoulder pushing him to the front.
Casting a glance behind him, Sol whispered a cry of "Treachery!"
Looking up at the towering Tregan, Sol couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the approaching hug. While he might be a Chosen of Uzza himself, a direct confrontation with this dragonkin felt like an omen of death.
"Barrier, 「Rank 3」please!"
He hurriedly uttered under his breath while weaving magic in his hands.

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An erstwhile companion having paid for your services to escort her from the frontier outpost back to civilization proper comes to you in the night, six days into the eleven day journey. Fidgeting, a touch awkward even, she approaches you as you ready to enter your tent. There's a slight scent, floral and sweet with a soft bitter note—not unlike that of green tea blooming in steaming water—as she steps closer. Her eyes find yours for only a brief second, her body slightly swaying to and fro with soft breeze ruffling the leaves and scattering the moonlight in the elliptical periods the branches dictate. A false start as she parts her lips, her hands moving behind her back, not quite coming together comfortably as she thinks of what to say. Before you can ask her, she forces her question out, half as forceful as she'd have liked. Her eyes look down, as if not wanting to catch your gaze, but her curiosity supercedes her bashfulness, looking back at you for only a second before shyly looking down at your hands...

Your reply?

Another safe bump

up top

once again

>>82401920
This license is all that stands between Lawful Evil and Chaotic Evil.

>>82401920
>>82402402
The Guild of Calamitous Intent has made its way to Harahel.

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>>82402702
DR. VENTURE! I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF A GREAT IMBALANCE IN A DISTANT REALM!

I will need my dimensional gem returned at once. And- what is that awful smell?

>>82385420
>Noli's clothes are gone in the blink of an eye. She settles into a spot away from everyone else and motions for the two to get in beside her. The bubbles quickly foam up and cover her.

"Absolutely. Mainly the competition is in the form of art. The greater the artistic expression of a temple, the greater its prestige. Each temple also hosts special events, like us with the Sacrificial Hunt or Cra's temple with the Music Festival. It's all friendly, but some are friendlier than others. We've got an alliance with Amatsme's followers, as do the followers of Shalah and Zazu."

>She shakes her head.

"Nah, they aren't up here that often. If you want to see them, you're going to have to go to the Lowland or see them through the projection crystals next week during the Hunt."

"We might be able to sell it, but only if you can agree to not share the formula or sell the powder yourself. We're hoping to ramp up production and start selling it through the gate."

>>82394019
>The manticorekin grins knowingly as Thumper stumbles through his thoughts.

"Well I hope you aren't too shy. Our artists will probably want you to model for them. And if protecting your chastity is so important to you, then perhaps you could try to do so in a more challenging environment. A common theme with the pink rabbit is that it's often depicted as prey. I could pull some strings and get you a spot in the Hunt. You could prove both your resolve and your martial skills. Normally only virgins can participate, but nobody is going to argue with the will of Slinoskoe."

>She looks at both of them as they take their places.

"Aww, you're both blushing. How cute.~"

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>>82395371

>>82387979
>>82388577
"The Rangers already enjoy a looser organizational structure. Headquarters offers direction and incentives, but it's up to the individuals themselves to gather together into like-minded squads and companies. They have the freedom to decide which objectives to pursue, and how best to go about doing so. Rarely do the Headquarters have to issue a direct order. The guild structure you're describing should be easy for them to work with."

>>82388005
"I suppose that such a wide breadth of connections isn't the norm then? That would mean that our situation is advantageous yet precarious. All the more important to solidify diplomatic relations with our neighbors."

>>82388603
"While some of that is promising, other parts are troubling. We're a city of fey with some monster races mixed in. It will be an uphill battle if that means our first impression invokes suspicion, or makes us seem exploitable in the other case. I may need to bring in someone else to handle things on the Nocturne side. If you're offering an introduction to someone more agreeable to give us a foot in the door there, I'd like to see where that goes. But there's no guarantee that their house is anywhere near the riftgate. I'll have to make some arrangements for if a more local power must be negotiated with as well."

>She makes a number of notes regarding the conversation so far. They speak for a while, but the next servant bringing refills slips Gleeta two notes. The kitsune readjusts her glasses as she tries to make sense of the second one.

"The Defenders have caught an unknown clockwork bird attempting to approach my office. Initial analysis says it's harmless and was carrying a message. It doesn't appear to be for me, so I assume it's for one of you."

>Gleeta hands it to Domi for him to examine. (https://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/82030113/#q82103229)

>>82387165
"Princess Kepa is the commander of The Defenders. Has been since before they even had their own district. Many of the establishments there are built to her taste, and that of the nobles that serve under her. For some of them the district is a second home. She might even own the restaurant for all I know."

>>82392818
>Erisce's directions make the pub easy to find. Raucous laughter echoes out from within. Stepping inside, the place looks like a party. People are drinking and playing games. Cards, dice, they even had a dart board. It's like the whole place looks at them for a moment when they enter, but everyone is back to whatever they were doing in a flash. A barmaid motions for them to just sit down anywhere, and comes over once she gets the chance.

"Not very often we get new faces around here. You've shown up at a good time. What we've got on the menu right now is a delicacy you won't find cheaper anywhere else. Our contracted rangers managed to snag some sand sharks. You can get it as grilled steak with a side of veggies, on a skewer with other meats and peppers, diced and stir fried for tortillas, or stewed. The standard drink we offer is honey mead, but we've also got a couple other brews as well as milk and water."

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>>82394019
"Exactly!"

Bene nods in understanding.
"A travelling martial monk with a less-than-ideal financial situation? You have my sympathies and I hope the guild work has been going good for you, Mister Thumper."

The comically-unfortunate scene before her is, of course, amusing, though she cannot help but feel bad for him... She is also embarrassed being seen in the nude by strangers, but doesn't this sort of thing draw more attention?

>>82404151
Bene beams.
"That's really cool!" she exclaims, both in reference to the rapid foam-forming powder and the conversation.
Though her two hopes are crushed, her mood doesn't damper in the slightest.
"That's too bad. Well, I don't particularly mind making your temple a trading partner of Tihr and you'll probably like having access to materials to a more remote area, Arpeggio. Do aphrodisiacs interest you at all~? Oh, hold on a second, let me join you."
Finally following in after Thumper and Noli, she lazily pours the powdered suds where she intends to sit in the water, as the Lamia's outfit recedes in on itself to show just about everything skin-wise. Only when the bubbles are built up enough are her breasts and what lies below momentarily exposed, before being obfuscated by froth.

The naga then pouts at the remark.
"W-what do you expect when it's so warm here, huh?"

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>>82375627
>>82387165
>>82392818
>>82409340
>Amughar nods his head beneath his armor although he does voice his own opinion.

"You aren't wrong, Whisper. I would prefer going somewhere fancy for our date later though so as long as you promise to treat me, we can head over to that pub."

10 cometh

>>82416681
Missilis always causing me trouble!
Tell Anderson that Syuen needs to be deposed IMMEDIATELY!

>>82418563
Whose lewds are you waiting for?

>>82422151
Whatever comes first.... Anything

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>>82385661
Time is always essential, but we will learn the lands the scholar's way. The Rangers hospitality is noted.
>The carriage followed the rangers instructions, but Riga had a backup plan for when she has truly no other choice but to touch grass- a humorous baggy trenchcoat disguise and a blindfold to curb her duelmania while Knight escorts her delusional master to the Archives.

Back again

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>>82388577
>>82407381
>Tess's suggestion not necessarily a bad idea, especially in Nocturne, but he's dealt with—and 'dealt with'—mercenaries long enough to figure that unless the Rangers explicitly establish one themselves, there is no small chance of conflict erupting as a result. Loyalty may be of high standards, but fidelity before the financial fantasies that reduce a fiduciary to a fiend founding such fiscal frailties reliant on filching Fermatan fortunes. Gleeta seems quite satisfied with a more standardized Guild structure that's not wholly reliant on the benefaction or patronage of clients with political affiliations at present, though, and thus there's no reason he sees to expand on it.
"We would be happy to organize a formal meeting with the Guildmaster to work out whether there is a preference for a Guildhall here in Fermata or if the one just outside the Riftgate serves the needs of the city well-enough. Given the loose structure of the Rangers as you relate, We foresee no difficulties in pursuing either path."
>His head cocks a bit, eyes moving as if thinking.
"Fermata is a shortcut of sorts, one where the logistical concerns become massively simplified in contrast to the exponential increase of complications of the typical jaunting through the various networks and the travel between them. Your assertions are correct, Ambassador."
>Discussing race relations is difficult, considering that even within Encore you have a myriad range of attitudes. He's not really in a position to explain how these things came to be; how Minotaurs were at all domesticated and then selectively bred into docile Holstaurs is a mystery even now.
[continued]

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>>82427077
"We can elaborate on the general relations of race in Encore, but Miss Tess has the broad scope of things correct. Humies and hominids at large are favored, but some nations, such as Min, have long standing relations with Fey tribes; Our own mother is an Adagian Elf of the Hraineith. We cannot say as much with regard to the 'monstrous' races; while Our demesne welcomes all sapient races of good character, many others do not. Unfortunately, changing prevailing societal attitudes is a gradual process."
>Simultaneously, a fragment of his mind communicates to Tess.
<I take it you mean Verträumte-Rose? While she isn't always the most stable and she makes Encore look positively egalitarian, she is probably the best choice by far. I suppose we could try to leverage Amughar as well, but I'd rather not do so without his explicit consent; especially given his reputation as the White Beast and less-than-favorable relations with other Nocturne nobles. There is Conosa as well, and her given domain, but I'm unsure of the nature of her ties outside of Crystalbud. My own ties aren't anything of my own name or reputation, but I may be able to figure something with Vitharr if need be.>
>He takes the note, softly giving his thanks to the servant for the refilled drink. His eyes glance over it, struggling for a moment to make out the handwriting; the moment it takes only serves to make all the more concerning as to the why of this. Asking for either the Fox—Cassandra?—or Alice likely means they had put up some manner of illusion. While he had a chance of bypassing them, as much would likely be far more conspicuous than he'd like to be. Just what did they get up to?
"It seems that one of the fellow guild members is simply making Us aware of their whereabouts; might We ask where this Lowlands Den is? We are afraid that We have but a tenuous grasp on the dynamics here, and thus We would appreciate whatever information you could provide, Ambassador."

>>82395950
>>82394303
>If he can't hug Sol, he'll hug the whole shield instead with him inside. Tregan lifts up the barrier and spins around laughing heartily. But this isn't the end of his bizarre behavior. Once he's finished with and dropped Sol, he places one hand on his chest and the other outstretched towards the dragons.

"Gaze not upon my works seeking a signature etched into the steel, for my name is found only in the hearts of those who wield them. Turn not to my face, for my visage is smooth as the river's stone. Search not your memories, for my presence remains there only in the guise of others. My masks are unending, my identity nothing more than the gentle wind that guides your hand. If you must come to know me, know first yourself and second the world."

>He was... reciting something? Scripture? Poetry? His stance returns to something more casual as he strokes his chin.

"From 'Quest for the Lost.' Forgive me my bit of whimsy, I felt it an appropriate response to your purpose here. Zazu is the many faced god, he who wields pen and sword, and yes, those of us most learned in his ways know him also as Uzza and more names besides. No actor bears only a single name upon the stage. It's a pleasure to meet a Chosen and Tenshi of our Instructor."

>Tregan bows dramatically, almost as though he were being applauded after a performance. In their obsession with art, Fermata's people appear to have associated Uzza with theater for some reason. The martial aspects were obviously still there, but between the Instructor title, being considered a thespian, and other little hints here and there, Zazu was thought to be an intellectual. Now that they were closer, they could overhear the nearby lesson and it was on philosophy of all things.

"Now that I've given you your confirmation, how else can I help you honorable ones?"

>>82318708
Ome More night

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>>82421111

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>>82392818
"I'll change up my attire, don't want to look too out of place after all, I'll hold you to that promise later"
"And who knows who we'll run into there, wouldn't be surprised if some others hadn't gone that way either"

>>82409340
"Oooh royal commander, that makes a lot of sense, must do wonders for morale seeing the princess around"

>>82392818
>>82409340
>>82410335
>There's a bit of a giggle at Amu's comment as she enters the bar
>And a bit of disappointment the first sand shark she sees is grilled but it did smell delicious
"Can't have been easy to catch those, are the brave hunters here right now or at their posts?"
>Her ears twitch listening around for anyone telling tales

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>>82407381
>>82427077
>Tess simply nods along at the suggestions for how to introduce the rangers, Domi had more experience in these matters after all
>Similarly she leaves the more detailed explanation of Min's politics to someone who is actually involved with said politics
<It are those negative relationships why I did not suggest him, it would be in the city's best interest to not appear to immediately affiliate with what Nocturne society would call radicals. Amu will likely find plenty of like-minded individuals in the city willing to join his cause however, and if kidnappings do occur he would be the first one to ask for assistance, other houses that might align better with both Fermata and Morning Dew interests could be useful, I'll leave those up to your discretion>

>Tess quietly looks at the writing while Domi is studying it, hard to make out as it is though she manages to get the general idea.
And I would have to inform what the possible consequences of what appears to be a rescue operation in the making would be.

>>82424424
>Credit where credit was due, the pixie was performing as advertised. He had pulled a pixie sized warning sign from somewhere and was actively bapping people that ignored him in the forehead with it. It was little more than a flick, but it got the message across. People in Fermata knew better than to cross an agitated pixie.

>The Dungeon Archives were thorough and neatly organized in such a way that even the more meat-headed Rangers could find the information they were looking for. The section on undead monsters and dungeons that contained them was easily identifiable. The records were meticulous, going back over a thousand years. Just the book on liches had a list of every time one had been encountered as a dungeon boss, what kind of dungeon they'd been found in, and the route that the Rangers took to reach them. Some of the entries had more, such as dungeon maps or reports on capabilities out of the norm. The information assumed that the reader already knew certain things about the desert however.

>The routes in particular seemed nonsensical when compared to each other, with multiple contradictions regarding the relative locations of landmarks or the order you would visit them. For example, it was noted that passing through the area of Vulture Rock increased the odds of encountering undead later in the expedition if there were currently any undead active in the desert. How such a thing was meant to actually function was not explained and simply taken as fact. The implication was that the desert was more than a static landscape. When taking into account the guard's previous statement about the desert having its own rules, this was beginning to look more complicated than initially estimated.

>There were plenty of librarians going about their business if Riga's entourage had questions, but for now they were wisely avoiding drawing the pixie's ire.

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>>82410335
*Sure thing babe. You know I treat you right.*

>>82409340
>Finding a booth, Whisper sits down with Alice and Amughar.

*I'll take the skewers and some of your honey mead please.*

>>82410335
>>82436014
>Resting his satchel bag in the corner of the booth next to him, Whisper pulls out four magic crystals of varying colors as well as a vial of shimmering pearlescent dust.

*Alright, this shouldn't take much space. I can set up the circle if you'd like to channel the necessary illusion magic into the piercing once it's ready.*

>Whisper arranges the four palm sized crystals equidistant from each other across the table, then sprinkles a trail of the magic dust into a pattern between them. This creates a small alchemical circle. Finally, he places the emerald tongue piercing into the center of the circle.

>Standing up, Whisper leans over the circle to get a top-down view. Then, he slides low in the booth, bringing his eye almost level with the table.

*Hmmm. Yes. This will do. Everything is as it should be.*

>>82427077
>>82427168
>>82436440
"Which method we go with will depend on a number of factors and the desires of those involved. We can get back in touch on that topic later once you've spoken with the Guildmaster and I speak with the Princes. Prince Pelos may be in charge of making diplomatic decisions, but as the Rangers are the point of discussion Prince Venari will have some say as well. This may take some time, as Prince Venari prefers a more hands on approach that often has him leaving the city on expedition. He likely won't return again for at least a few more days. It's a secondary objective however, so there's no issue."

>A friendly smile graces her lips. There's a slight wagging to her tail as she speaks.

"Well it's good to hear that we have an in then. How fortunate that you're the one to reach out to us when your lands are favorable to fey.

>The last question does have her pondering though.

"While there are some particularly feral foxkin living in the Lowland, there isn't an established den or burrows there like there are elsewhere. Any ideas Torsce?"

>The pixie had stayed quiet during the talks, sipping her drink in the corner. Now that she was being addressed, she had some insight on the issue.

"If it's the foxkin twins that came through with you, Dela had directed them to the Market Burrows. I could see an outsider confusing the terms for the lower districts and the Lowland. I'd start looking there. Even if they went somewhere else afterwards, they might have left some clues."

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>>82410206
"Well, I haven't had a chance to do more than a couple of small quests. My travel money's pretty light at this moment and I was actually going to ask the Amatsme temple if they'd be willing to give me some food and temporary lodging in exchange for doing some chores."

>He turns a nervous side glance towards Erisce, before turning back to Bene.

"Though, with this whole 'Pink Rabbit' thing, I'm beginning to think I'd have better luck here. Besides, it seems that this temple gets along really well with Mastema's, so I don't think Mastema would mind."

>>82404151
>Bunching up all the bubbles from the sensitizing solution over his crotch might not have been the best decision, and Thumper's face only grows redder.

"Um, I guess I could do some modeling for your artists. That sounds like something Mastema would appreciate."

>He might not be willing to admit it, but after dedicating much of his life to his martial training, Thumper is proud of how his efforts have come to be reflected in his physique. Despite his current display of shyness, the idea of modelling his body for some artists excites him a little.

"People here think the pink rabbit is prey? Great. How emasculating. Well, if you'll let me, then I'll prove them wrong. I'll show off exactly what I, a dedicated monk of Mastema, can really do!"

>Just then Thumper realizes that he maybe got a little carried away and let his voice get a little too loud. There's a moment of awkward silence in the conversation, which only seems to enhance the distant sounds of moaning and flesh slapping together.

"Sooo... when and what exactly is this 'Hunt'? Do I need to do anything to prepare? How do I win? What happens *when* I win?"

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>>82429499
Upon being placed back down, Sol’s shield fell in a melting ripple while the chosen of Uzza had to reorient himself through his dizziness briefly. But by the time Tregan finished his recital, the moth boy was able to return the bow with a short round of applause, and speak a quick blessing of Uzza in return before chuckling slightly. “You honor us with your greeting Tregan. I must apologize for earlier, you caught me quite off guard! The temple here is much more… friendly than I had anticipated. But it is NOT unwelcome! But I must apologize. I have not seen much of the theater, but perhaps once we have a resolution, I can spend some time at the temple!” Smile fading, the priest again bowed. “However, I must apologize for arriving with such a heavy topic. We feel as though Zazu may have led us here, considering the timing of the attack by Crelop’s own chosen.” He gazes once again upon the statues lining the temple and then back to the city. “We, agents of Zazu and Uzza feel drawn to a potential conflict. But before we act, we would like to know more. The people here are strong, and I personally do not know if they would want us outsiders interfering in their affairs.” He casts a glance back to Rynn and Meru, silently apologizing for speaking on their behalf. “And, who might know more about this foe.”

>>82435111
You won't do it.

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>>82429499
>She really shouldn't try to take charge in these situations, Rynn just keeps getting thrown off with every decision she makes. Not having expected to get such a direct answer so easily she doesn't actually have anything else ready to talk about with Tregan. Well, there are a few things she wants to ask about (like the forge that Meru is still eyeing) but they can wait for now.
>The line about no one having a single name does make her grin, being relevant to both herself and Meru, though it does make her wonder what other names Tregan might have.
"I've gotta say, this temple is pretty different from what I'm used to. But I've mostly been working out in the middle of nowhere and have only actually been inside a couple Uzza temples besides this one."

>>82447290
>Thankfully Sol takes the leader role now that he's been physically pushed into it. The fancy way he's speaking seems like a better fit for this place than her own rough and simple style, and there's no way she'd be able to copy him.
>She hadn't even considered the possibility the people here might not want their help and feels kinda embarrassed for zipping around the city accomplishing almost nothing when it might not even matter.
"We were told you folks don't have many flying dragons around, so we were thinkin of hangin out for a few days in case you need more aerial firepower. But if the people around here would prefer we not get involved we can hang back unless there's an emergency. Or until the boss man tells me to do something about it, in which case his orders take priority."

live