Kaktus 2013/02/23(Sat)11:24 No. 495412 ID: b3ca75
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Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Dopefish Well of wishes wgah'nagl fhtagn!

Insert …_

Summon the biggest fish!

>Exoskeleton Mantis
Sweet.

>>495412
Oh hells, you already killed and reanimated the entire party? That sucks. Zombies are crap for npc support conversations. And now the whole party has the same elemental weakness! What were you thinking?

well this is either a very interesting dream or we were gone a little longer then I thought. so either wake up or fill us in on what happened after your little 'midnight snack'

Kaktus 2013/02/23(Sat)13:00 No. 495432 ID: b3ca75
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>Summon the biggest fish!
The mighty Dopefish will be awakened from its dream to consume this wretched world. Nothing will stop its onslaught as it creates a new perfect world of nothing!

>What were you thinking?
They deserved my gift of perfection. The rest of the mortals will be consumed as the meat they are. Now, witness my ascension beyond this disgusting mortal body as all life will be but a footnote to my magnificent!

Minions, consume the flesh of my filthy body.
…

Kaktus 2013/02/23(Sat)13:00 No. 495433 ID: b3ca75
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>wake up!
AAAH!
Whoa! Y-you okay!? …did you have a bad dream?
…

Insert first day of school_

>did you have a bad dream?
Say yes. I'm really hoping you say yes. Because if you consider that a good dream, we may have problems.

so what you sleep in the nude?
anyway what did you do after your midnight snack last night anyway, did you go to the kitchen afterwords like I said or did you just come stright back here

>>495433
Yes you did, because the Goddess of Dreams is a dick.

You use PEOPLE YOU HATE in rituals like that, not your friends! Gawd, get it right.

>>495433
Describe your dream to her. She'll just dismiss it as a dream, don't worry about being discovered. Talking about it is good for you.

Also, Claire, you said something yesterday that worried me. "Everyone deserves"... what? Death?

Kaktus 2013/02/23(Sat)16:04 No. 495475 ID: b3ca75
File 136166424601.png - (28.39KB , 900x600 , 5.png )

>so what you sleep in the nude?
I sleep in my underwear, not in the nude. Because I don’t have those weird mammary glands humans have I don’t need anything on my upper body.

>anyway what did you do after your midnight snack last night anyway, did you go to the kitchen afterwards like I said or did you just come straight back here?
I do have some memories about one hell of a delicious sandwich, so either I went to the kitchen or I found a sandwich in the crypt… maybe I hit some bricks in the wall with my whip and *pop*, sandwich.

>Also, Claire, you said something yesterday that worried me. "Everyone deserves"... what? Death?
I don’t know. I wasn’t really myself then.

>Say yes.
…yes… and I’m fine. Just a little bit shaken.
…Do you want a hug… no wait, never mind. Forget I said that. Anyway, time to get up for breakfast. You’re lucky you don’t need to wear any heavy armor… you know, Just once I want to wear a dress and feel pretty…
You are going to wear a maid uniform today, though.
I said pretty, not perverted. By the way, wanna talk about it? The dream, I mean. I read some books about dream reading and stuff… if you want to. Otherwise we better hurry and eat breakfast, we got a full day today. I think we got combat theory before lunch and then monster knowledge 101 with some practical stuff in the end.
You like to talk a lot, don’t you.
Well… I haven’t had anyone to really talk to like this before.

Insert reverse stripping_

I killed everyone on team cannon fodder and made them into horrific zombies and swore to do the same to the entire world.

>>495475
You should talk about it.

>dream reading
...everyone I knew was dead and it was my fault. There are probably some pretty obvious ways to interpret that.

>>495475
> You’re lucky you don’t need to wear any heavy armor
Point out that you don't have the choice of not wearing armour.

Kaktus 2013/02/23(Sat)17:08 No. 495492 ID: b3ca75
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>Point out that you don't have the choice of not wearing armour.
That’s not really the same, is it? I mean, you’re still wearing those nice clothes and stuff, looking all sexy and getting all the guys…

>You should talk about it.
About this dream… I dreamt that I had killed the guys and resurrected them as zombies. Then I was going to sacrifice you to summon a some big fish so I could ascend to godhood and kill off everything that was alive…
…That… was a lot darker that I thought it would be. Anyway, let’s see… The guys as zombies are probably some subconscious need to control them. The whole sacrificing me sounds like you see me as a rival or something to be conquered… which doesn’t make sense. I mean, you already got both the straight guys in our group drooling after you and stuff. Anyway, the fish thing? No idea. As for the whole kill everything… that’s probably has to do with your… um… that thing that happen before you got here with your parents. Does any of that ring a bell?
I don’t know… at least it feels a little better…
That’s the spirit! …and…um… I will probably regret asking this but… about your parents… They say that the necromancer was probably killed by his own undead and… well… as far as I know only one family of mantises was attacked by the undead... Was one of your fathers or your mother the necromancer? Otherwise the murderer of your parents should still be out there… oh gods, I shouldn’t really be prying like this… sorry…

Insert Talks to much_

You know, eventually she's going to realize the implications of your dreaming of zombifying people. You might want to tell her now and tell her not to spread it before she figures it out on her own and immediately tells everyone.

Just say you rather not talk about it I mean its not she really knows us yet so I don't think it would be a good idea to let the weseal out of the bag just yet

>>495492
Uh... yeah, I think it's time to clam up. She won't like the idea of you being a necromancer.

Just change the subject. Mention Renault's unusual behavior from last night. Has he ever acted like that before?

Oh, and you didn't mention that you were going to have the undead guys eat you.

If you want my analysis, that's symbolic of the fact that you don't really like being a lich. Am I right?

Look, you probably had that horrible dream because your Humanity is low, we need to work on getting that back up some so the dream doesn't really happen. We'll need to know what exactly drains your magic so we can try to reduce the need to recharge as well as information on any methods of recharging aside from eating people's corpses. If we don't work on this you just may destroy the world.

Kaktus 2013/02/24(Sun)09:22 No. 495692 ID: b3ca75
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>Just say you rather not talk about it.
O-of course. Please forgive me, I didn’t mean to…um…I talk too much sometimes, you know. Sorry… so sorry…
Apology accepted.

>Just change the subject. Mention Renault's unusual behavior from last night.
What was it with Renault yesterday? You guys said he acted weird.
I don’t know… he was acting all scared about insulting you. I’ve never seen him act like that before… did you do anything to him that should have scared him? Or maybe… he’s fallen in love. Never thought he if anyone would do that. Anyway, we better hurry and get some breakfast, class is starting soon.

------------------------------------------
Combat theory
------------------------------------------

Listen up students! We are apparently in the middle of a war here between the Republic and the Empire and our fair little town have been invaded. We are thus under the laws of the empire now. I like to remind you that we of the adventuring guild are neutral in this conflict and anyone who helps either the republic or those filthy imperials without a contract will be kicked out immediately with a 5000 gold contract on their head. You should also remember that you are too junior to accept any contract with this kind of military presence, so please do not choose side in this conflict and stay out of it! That was all…

Kaktus 2013/02/24(Sun)09:22 No. 495693 ID: b3ca75
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------------------------------------------
Lunch
------------------------------------------

>If you want my analysis, that's symbolic of the fact that you don't really like being a lich.
Of course I don’t want to be some undead monster!
>your Humanity is low, We'll need to know what exactly drains your magic and well as information on any methods of recharging aside from eating people's corpses.
Well, casting any kind of magic will drain it, which includes keeping my non dead form. As for an alternative method of recharging then I should be able to eat animal meat. Though I don’t think eating just the food is enough, it has to be more “alive”. The more “alive” it is the better.

Did you guys hear? Someone broke into the crypt last night. They are going to set up wards and stuff there now.
I heard someone had been snacking on the corpses.
Stop making things up, Renny. On another note, the empire took all the servants today…
Am I the only one who thinks that’s a good thing?
That’s because you aren’t the sharpest spoon in the knife drawer. Just think about the economic aspects.
I think you’re the only one who would feel sorry for a plant... Hey, Claire, what do you think about this whole empire thing?

Insert Opinions_

Well you guys said there was nothing of value out here, so that brings the question why here? Perhaps invading the Republic isn't their primary objective? Also it is completely horrible that someone would break into the crypt and defile the corpses of those deceased adventurers and/or students.

>crush or afraid
I'm not sure which is worse.

>Though I don’t think eating just the food is enough, it has to be more “alive”. The more “alive” it is the better.
Is there anything alive that's appropriate to eat, even if some people think it's weird or gross? I don't suppose live snails or bugs are in vogue? Fancy some fungi? Or is the roman style platter-o-mice is palatable?

Or we could make a social thing. Sort of a reverse vegetarian? You only feel it's morally appropriate to eat what you kill yourself. People would still think it's weird, but the bleeding heart liberals would have to accommodate you, and you'd have access to the freshest meat you could, that way.

>Hey, Claire, what do you think about this whole empire thing?
Well, it really hasn't effected us in any way yet, but invasions often aren't really the best thing for the people being invaded. Even if we're technically neutral?

How about sushi? Freshly caught raw fish has got to be more alive than whatever you're eating and theres a river right outside town!

>>495698
For that matter, we could probably take up fishing as a hobby.

Well what is your opinion on the empire? Because so far the only thing they seem to have done is just be a conversion starter.
Also the whole Renny acting weird thing, well before you went to bed last night we kinda saw what people think of you so far and over all the whole group thinks of you as a friend, everyone but Renny. It said he had a crush on you. Oh and that Daylon guy he just seemed to hate you for some reason so I think you should just avoid him for now

Kaktus 2013/02/24(Sun)12:22 No. 495725 ID: b3ca75
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>Is there anything alive that's appropriate to eat, even if some people think it's weird or gross?
Well, there is some exotic dishes out there will live things, though it be both hard to find and very expensive to get it here.
>You only feel it's morally appropriate to eat what you kill yourself.
Except I don’t know how to hunt, nor do I have a license to hunt in these parts. And I don’t think there’s a butcher out there that would accept some weird mantis coming and killing their meat.

>How about sushi?
That… That’s actually a good idea. I should be able to get some here in school for a little extra.
>For that matter, we could probably take up fishing as a hobby.
The school got a fishing club, so getting the tools and permission to fish shouldn’t really be a problem. I should even eat them as soon as I catch them before they die, ensuring I gain as much of their life essence as possible.

>Well you guys said there was nothing of value out here, so that brings the question why here?
Why here?
Huh?
We don’t have anything of value out here. Why would they send their forces here when they surly need them to combatant the republic army on more vital locations?
I’ve been wondering that myself. Do they know something we don’t? Or is this whole war just a distraction to get something else?
Maybe they found the location of the sword of truth… or the ageless one!
Those are just myths, they don’t exist. You know, like the dreamer, big snout, the precursor or the present fairy.
The present fairy is real!
Maybe they found a magic well out here… or just a ton of metal or something in the ground.
The only thing I know they are after is female Mantises for some reason. Maybe their commander is looking for a bride?
Or they are sacrificing Mantis maidens to the great Dopefish. Dopefish fhtagn!
You do know reality and fairy tales are to different things, right?

Insert Dopefish lives!_

Sword of truth? Whats all that about?

sword of truth, whats that?
the ageless one, sounds like lizbeth to me. I wonder how things are going with her

Huh, the sword of truth sounds interesting. Since we do know the ageless one exists (Hi Liz!) maybe some of the other things do to. Ask about the dreamer, and the sword.

I wonder if the sword would reveal your lich nature.

Provoking a war just for the sake of finding a bride doesn't seem like a good way to run a government, besides do they not have Mantis females in the empire? Ask about what a magic well is, sounds like another option to keep your magic up if we get in a tight spot and can locate one.

Kaktus 2013/02/24(Sun)13:18 No. 495743 ID: b3ca75
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>Ask about what a magic well is.
It’s a place where a lot of natural magic exists, though there isn’t one anywhere near here that we know of. Besides, if it isn’t claimed by people who can harvest it then it’s a very dangerous place to be, what with all the magical beasts and undead that should be in the area.

>sword of truth, whats that?
Oh right, you aren’t from around these parts. Legends say that the sword was forged and wielded by some legendary paladin of old. I think he was called Kretos or something.
It’s Kevros Ssus, and he wasn’t just some legendary paladin. He was the greatest paladin that’s ever lived. He even created the new order of paladins that exist today!
Apparently, the sword supposedly gained the power to see if someone was good or evil, and what they really were.
Which is why it’s a myth. I mean, how do you define what’s good or evil? Isn’t one of the most important teachings of the new order that there isn’t a good or evil?
Meh, you’re no fun. Stop destroying our myth with logic, you cur!

>Ask about the dreamer.
Some people believes that the whole world is some kind of illusion dreamt up by some extremely powerful creature as he sleeps, or something. Completely bollocks, if you ask me.
And the sword isn’t?
Hey, the sword is more believable than the dreamer.
Hmm, what would happen if the dreamer woke up?

>Provoking a war just for the sake of finding a bride doesn't seem like a good way to run a government.
The empire is kind of crazy, so it would surprise me if they did.
‘ey, maybe Claire would be the perfect bride?
What? You d-dare suggest that Claire should just be married away without a say? It’s her choice who she ends up with, not the empire.
…wait, doesn’t mantises have male harems?
I’m sure there are males with enough power to do the opposite.

Insert Myths and legends_

>What? You d-dare suggest that Claire should just be married away without a say? It’s her choice who she ends up with, not the empire.

Darn, looks like it is a crush instead of fear, oh well.

So Claire being a Lich would you be capable of harvesting a magic well in the event that we stumbled on one? I'm not suggesting we just run off on a wild-goose chase for one but it could be helpful. Let the others know you have no interest in marrying someone who would choose to just invade a country and steal himself a bride. How do Mantis' differentiate between their genders and is there a way to fool them just so he doesn't have you seized.

Huh. I didn't think Kev's sword would end up a mythological artifact. I wonder if his maids outfit is one too? He was so adorable in that thing...
Hey, is his codpiece still flying around being an unstoppable Deus ex machina?

>I didn't think Kev's sword would end up a mythological artifact. I wonder if his maids outfit is one too?
Calling it. Thanra's ultimate equipment set. Sword of truth (perfect for she who talks too much) and armor that "looks pretty".

>Hey, is his codpiece still flying around being an unstoppable Deus ex machina?
Of course!

You know I bet the Pretty Armor is drifting around, perfect for the lizard that wears it, granting unbelievable protection, and yet only worn as a practical joke. Pity. Kevros and Liz were very fond of it.

We should seek it out for Thanra so she can look pretty and be protected.

Hey speaking of maid uniforms when do you have to wear yours

>>495743
>The world is an illusion created by a powerful dreamer
Oh great, the dean prophesized that he'd wake up, too. And you're secretly a lich? What is this, Chee Quest? Are we gonna eat all the gods then escape to the real world holding the souls of everyone on the planet in the stomach of a shapeshifting undead abomination that's sealed inside your body?

Mantises have male harems? Okay, I guess that confirms the harem route is feasible this time around. It even seems like the kind of thing that fits your personality.

Hey, uh, since the Empire's already set up shop here, we should go talk to Dylon when we have time. We have a password and everything. "Learn, Adapt, Evolve".

Kaktus 2013/02/24(Sun)22:20 No. 495882 ID: b3ca75
File 136177324265.png - (35.30KB , 900x600 , 11.png )

>So Claire being a Lich would you be capable of harvesting a magic well in the event that we stumbled on one?
I don’t know. I’ve never even stumbled into any natural magic at all.
>How do Mantis' differentiate between their genders and is there a way to fool them just so he doesn't have you seized.
Well, if I’m going to fool somebody then I’m going to need to be a few feet shorter, change my smell and my mandibles. Besides, don’t we already know that he’s looking for me because of you guys?

>Hey, uh, since the Empire's already set up shop here, we should go talk to Dylon when we have time.
I should. I’ll do it as soon as class is over. Getting it over with, you know.
>Legendary maid uniform / codpiece.
…I’m not even going to ask.

>Hey speaking of maid uniforms when do you have to wear yours?
About those maid uniforms?
You already know about Kevros Legendary maid uniform of awesome destruction!?
I think she means- wait, legendary maid uniform? What in the name of an Eaggrans behind? Enough of your idiocy, please. Anyway, about your maid uniform, its weekend tomorrow and we got the day off so to maximize the time for you guys to clean our stuff we’re going to do it then.
But it goes like pew pew boom and stuff…

>Let the others know you have no interest in marrying someone who would choose to just invade a country and steal himself a bride.
Changing the subject before Renny hurts himself, You don’t have to worry about the bride thing. I’m not interest in some guy that just invades a country and steals himself a bride.
I don’t think you really have a choice in the matter, if he is looking for a bride that is.
So… um… w-what kind of guys do-
…
…I-I’ll be g-good…


------------------------------------------
Monster theory 101
------------------------------------------
Ah, zombies. The adventurer’s constant foe. You probably believe you know everything already, but I’ve known many arrogant students who thought the same and yet meet their end in one of these. Tell me, for example, how do you destroy one of the undead? And what do they sound like? The new girl… Claire was it… please answers the questions how you believe you should destroy a zombie and what a zombie sound like.
Psst, center of mass and nothing.

Insert back to school_

>>495882
You're an expert. Answer accurately and with as much detail as would be useful to your classmates, but no more than that.

I'd keep in mind at this point that Thanra could put 2 and 2 together and figure out you're undead, though. She told you last night about the crypt, you were talking about 'feeding' and she knows some corpses were eaten on.

I'd try to make good friends with her if I were you.

>how you believe you should destroy a zombie and what a zombie sound like
Okay, if there's anyone who should know the answer to this (considering what you are, and what happened to your parents) it's you. You don't need us to make up an answer.

Guilt trip them!
If you knew how to slay zombies, your parents would still be alive.

killing a zombie is easy, you just have to crush the head.

Tearing them to pieces and throwing every piece into a fire generally works.

Kaktus 2013/02/25(Mon)07:09 No. 495978 ID: b3ca75
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>You're an expert.
Accidently raising the dead and killing someone doesn’t make you an expert.
>I'd keep in mind at this point that Thanra could put 2 and 2 together and figure out you're undead.
That’s why she must be consumed like the bag of filthy rotting flesh she is… Oh gods, did I just think that? I mean I have to make friends with her not… that!

>Okay, if there's anyone who should know the answer to this (considering what you are, and what happened to your parents) it's you.
They scream things about hate.
That’s… I’ll give you partly right for that. Now, as for killing one?
>you just have to crush the head.
Now, that one is wrong. Want another guess?
>Tearing them to pieces and throwing every piece into a fire generally works.
A bit overkill, but that would work, yes. To destroy a zombie you have to destroy its chest, its center of mass so to speak. It’s there the magical energies which keeps it alive reside. Destroying its head will not actually stop it, though it will blind it somewhat. A fair warning, if you destroy the head of a zombie, do not expect that it will not find you just because it can’t see. It can track you by your life essence even without eyes. As for the sound they make, they are actually dead quite. They do not moan or proclaim “Brains”. Though it is possible for an experienced necromancer to make them keep repeating a sentence, or alternative an inexperience one making it accidently repeat the necromancer’s thoughts when they raised them. Now, let’s go through some tips and tricks…

Kaktus 2013/02/25(Mon)07:10 No. 495979 ID: b3ca75
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------------------------------------------
Practical Combat
------------------------------------------

Well then, Miss Clíodhna, welcome to combat training. This is the place where you’re going to learn how to fight with all the mighty beefc- what are you looking at?
Why is Thanros shooting Renny with arrows?
Ha! You shoot like a cow, you mongr- OW!
Because Thanros need experience with shooting moving targets and Renault need to learn to move quicker. Don’t worry, they are training arrows, they aren’t going to penetrate his armor. Now, as for you, we got you a brand new weapon to train with. Let’s see, what was it you where proficient with?

Choose your Weapon_
-Cl’k scythes (“Fist” weapon)
-Glaive (Polearm)
-Estoc (Edgeless 2h sword)

I'd say scythe-fists or the estoc are the most interesting options.

Sythe-fists give us a bonus on our natural matis shape, and an unarmed fighting style gives us an edge if we ever go full on lich-form (unarmed draining attacks).

On the other hand, the estoc is a finesse based weapon. It has no edge, so it can actually work as a non-lethal option if we want (something we often have trouble with in quests). And it is made for stabbing armor penetration (good against bugs and soldiers).

The only real advantage of the glaive is reach, but with mantis arms, we got plenty of that already.

Both are good against zombies too- we can either rip them to shreds with scythes (without fear of getting bit or something too close in because we're already undead) or use the estoc to stab directly into the center of mass.

Though the estoc is damn classy weapon i am going to suggest scythes since they are probably harder to disarm from us during battle.
And if we end up in some jail without our gear we would not be helpless since we would be proficient fighting unarmed

eh, the Cl’k scythes I believe would be the most useful and most bad ass looking but plays a bit much on 'your a lich' in my opinion so if your trying to get away form that go with Estoc if not Cl’k scythes all the way

My heart wants me to say Estoc, because it's pure sex in blade form, but I'll agree having an unarmed combat style would certainly benefit you in many ways.

So what kind of hateful thoughts were you having when you raised your first undead horde?

Yeah, go with the Cl’k scythes for your weapon. Also tell Renault that's appropriate since he dodges like a dairy farmer.

Huh, so Renault was correct about how zombies work. I wonder how he knew that?

>>495979
Whatever's coolest.

Cl’k scythes

Phased plasma rifle in the 40watt range.

Kaktus 2013/02/26(Tue)07:02 No. 496280 ID: b3ca75
File 136189092997.png - (27.88KB , 900x600 , 14.png )

>So what kind of hateful thoughts were you having when you raised your first undead horde?
Let’s just say there is a reason why they went after my parents and leave it at that.
>tell Renault that's appropriate since he dodges like a dairy farmer.
Hey, Renny, It’s appropriate that he shoot’s like a cow because you dodge like a dairy farmer!
Oh yeah? Well, it’s appropriate that I’m a dairy farmer because… um… I’m… going to… um… milk you?
I don’t know if you were trying to be perverted or an idiot…

>Huh, so Renault was correct about how zombies work. I wonder how he knew that?
By the way, Renny, how did you knew that stuff about zombies?
Why, there are these things called books that’s filled with information just lying around here. You should try one sometime.

>My heart wants me to say Estoc, because it's pure sex in blade form.
That’s either disgusting or very painful…
>Phased plasma rifle in the 40watt range.
I’m sorry, but I’m not some killer robot sent back in time to kill Dr. Emmett Brown. I have to live with a pair of BFS on my arms in the 1.21 gig watts range.

>Sythe-fists!
Current Status:
Melee - Cl’k scythes
Magic – Energy Drain (Touch), Raise dead (Touch)

HP: 40/40
Necromantic Power: Very Good
Humanity: Bad
Cheeses: Nonexistent

Kaktus 2013/02/26(Tue)07:02 No. 496281 ID: b3ca75
File 136189094021.png - (26.66KB , 900x600 , 15.png )

Holy sh- Those things are huge!
Why are they made of some kind of nerf?
Because I don’t want you to hurt anyone, including yourself, when you train. Don’t worry they are supposed to be the same weight. Now, let’s see what you can do with those things… Thanra, take the field.
Wait… I’m going to fight those things!?
Don’t worry, their intimidating factor might be big but they are still just like any other weapon. Now… 3… 2…
Um… rules?
There are no rules. We’re teaching survival, not to fight fair. Just refrain from doing something overkill, like pulling off a limb or gauge out an eye. Those things take time to regrow you know. I will also judge what kind of damage you do with your weapons, because those things won’t do much against anything. Now… 1… fight!
Wait, but I-

Insert Mortal combat!_

>Wait, but I-
Don't be a dick and attack Thanra before she's ready. It might get you the victory, but a quick takedown isn't useful training, nor is it good for friendship.

After she's not off guard and protesting like an idiot, feel free to fight and all.

Also, we probably want to refrain from using our magic. Again, it might give us the edge we need to win, but it doesn't really help our melee training, and Thanra can't afford to pay the xp costs of getting drained at this level. That and, yanno, we don't want to out ourselves.

>trogdor the burninator shield crest
Nice touch.

Tell Thanra to get ready then start throwing some fast jabs or pokes at her to gauge how far you can reach with those things.

Kaktus 2013/02/26(Tue)09:54 No. 496298 ID: b3ca75
File 136190129594.png - (27.27KB , 900x600 , 16.png )

>Don't be a dick.
And Thanra is dead because she hesitated. What is it?
Um… I never fought a mantis in close combat. Can I get some tips?
Watch out for her front legs, they got claws on them for a reason. And a mantis might have reach and height advantage, you on the other hand has quite superior mobility and agility. Use it.
Got it.
And Clarie? I don’t know if I should praise you for putting loyalty above pride or if I should scold you for not taking the opportunity…

>Tell Thanra to get ready then start throwing some fast jabs or pokes at her to gauge how far you can reach with those things.
Ready?
Yes, let’s do this!

Claire attacks Thanra (Blocked)
Claire attacks Thanra (Blocked)
Thanra attacks Claire for 0 damage (right arm)

Remember, just because she can’t reach your body, doesn’t mean she can still hurt you. Try using all four of your limbs to get by her shield.

Insert Half assed combat!_

>if I should scold you for not taking the opportunity…
Meh, the opportunity wouldn't have benefited us in any way. There's no training benefit, this isn't a fight we actually need to worry about ending, and not being a dick to allies is a good thing.

Of course, we're plenty willing to be ruthless in a real fight.

>Try using all four of your limbs to get by her shield.
Yeah, sure, do that. She only has one sword and shield each. We got more limbs than that.

Right, the next time she blocks grab at her shield and yank it so she is off balance. Parry her strike with your metal limbs then get close in. She can't manuever that sword well close-up. However your weapons are built around close-in fighting.

Use the scythes as hooks and
grab one of Thanra legs. Then pull to make her fall on her ass.

Also how good are mantis front legs at kicking?

Your mantis claws were made for grabbing. Grab dat shield!

Kaktus 2013/02/26(Tue)11:19 No. 496316 ID: b3ca75
File 136190635752.png - (27.09KB , 900x600 , 17.png )

>Right, the next time she blocks grab at her shield and yank it so she is off balance. Parry her strike with your metal limbs then get close in.
>Your mantis claws were made for grabbing. Grab dat shield!

Claire Grabs Thanra (shield)!
Claire Grabs Thanra (Sword)!
Claire attacks Thanra for 0 damage x2 (Shoulders)!

Aaah!
Well, Thanra just got two blades her own size shoved into her torso so she dead. Congratulations, Claire, you won.
aw man…
Thanra, remember to move more, you should have easily outmaneuvered Claire if you actually used your legs. Oh, and remember that your shield is just as much as a weapon as your sword, be offensive and bash.
Yes, teach.
As for Claire, you really showed that you know what you are doing, though you should think a bit more defensive. You did after all leave yourself open several times. Now that you have proven you can actually use those things then I got something else for you. Apparently some lizard name Balros has challenged you to a student duel, like the one you just had with Thanra but with dull metal instead of the nerf. Don’t worry; we have healers on standby if anything should happen. You’re free to decline the challenge if you wish. So… what say you?

Insert fight or flight_

Balros totally sounds like an evil name. I bet he's the big bad. CHOOSE SQUIRTLE

I'm game if you are Claire.

>student duel
What, now? I would have thought there'd be a minimum period of instruction before students were allowed to participate in that kind of thing.

Whatever, bring it. The first rival battle is cake. Just remember to attack and don't waste any turns on growl / tail whip and you're pretty much guaranteed to win. Unless you've offended the random number god and he gives your rival all critical hits or something.

Kaktus 2013/02/26(Tue)11:45 No. 496323 ID: b3ca75
File 136190792829.png - (32.40KB , 900x600 , 18.png )

>Just remember to attack and don't waste any turns on growl / tail whip and you're pretty much guaranteed to win.
Well, as I don’t have a tail to whip I promise I will not growl at him… too much…

>What, now? I would have thought there'd be a minimum period of instruction before students were allowed to participate in that kind of thing.
Why, yes. The minimum period is as long as I decide it is and as you have clearly shoved that you’re ready for something like this…

>Whatever, bring it. The first rival battle is cake.
Ah… pride before the fall…

-Weapon change-

Remember me twerp? It’s time for that ass kicking I promised you!
Are you ready, or do you wish to say something? I recommend thinking about the fight before we begin, so you don’t freeze for the first few seconds.

Insert passive aggressive combat_

Tell him you don't remember him at all. He must not be all that important. Get him mad. Let him rush you.

Trip him up, get behind him and start wailing on his unprotected back.

Y'know, looking at those blades, they look pretty much perfect for a parry weapon considering you have two of them and all the range of motion of your wrist to direct the enemy weapon,

Man, Claire is terribad at reading our intentions. Pride before a fall, really?

It was a statement of dread for the rest of the rival battles which are all horrible.

>>496325
Yeah, go with this. I'm sorry, who are you again? (This will be a running gag. We will continually not remember him, as he keeps using the 'wrong' name).

>battle!
He's got what, a two handed sword? That's more power and reach, at the cost of some speed. Priority is probably on parrying it until forcing an opening you can strike with, and using your extra limbs to press him and keep him from using his smaller size / speed / mobility to any advantage.

>It was a statement of dread for the rest of the rival battles which are all horrible.
Especially since we're basically nuzlocking here. We've got a party provided by the rng, and we can't abuse saves to dodge losses.

Kaktus 2013/02/26(Tue)12:50 No. 496342 ID: b3ca75
File 136191184854.png - (31.84KB , 900x600 , 19.png )

>Y'know, looking at those blades, they look pretty much perfect for a parry weapon.
Indeed they are. They are even dull on one side for maximum parry effectiveness.
>Tell him you don't remember him at all. He must not be all that important. Get him mad.
Have we meet? I’m sorry, but if I can’t remember you then you can’t really be that important.
:Balros: Don’t worry, I’ll beat my name into you.

>Let him rush you. Trip him up, get behind him and start wailing on his unprotected back.
>Priority is probably on parrying it until forcing an opening you can strike with.,
Ready? 3… 2… 1… fight!

Balros charges Claire!

Ha, right into my tra-

Balros uses quick Sweep Claire for 1 damage (Legs)!
Claire is unable to parry, to quick!
Claire is unbalanced!

Son of a- This wasn’t part of the plan!

Insert Left Right Left Blitz_

>>496342
He's fast.

Dodge and get a little distance to rebalance yourself, then try testing his defenses with some feints while keeping your guard up with both legs and arms.

He only has one weapon, mind you- if you can get him to block, you can strike with your other weapon while his is busy with your first.

they say a best defense is a good offence so I say keep attacking him and don't let him get a blow in edge wise. and you have four feet so if he keeps blocking your scythes feel free to give him a good kick in the ribs... or crotch since anything goes here, maybe give him a good headbutt if your getting desperit just DO NOT use your lich powers at all or you WILL be fucked

Well your feet are already off the ground and he's turned away so give him a quick kick and begin your assault. Remember that as a lizard he's more maneuverable than you so you need to keep the pressure on and not let him get around you or get any distance. The length of his blade should make it unwieldy at close range so keep close, the blade of your scythes may also be hard to use so close but you should still be able to bludgeon him with the dull sides.

Reach around him with one of your scythes if you can get close enough, so he won't be able to dodge the attacks from your other limbs.

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)02:33 No. 496536 ID: b3ca75
File 136196122693.png - (33.16KB , 900x600 , 20.png )

>Well your feet are already off the ground and he's turned away so give him a quick kick and begin your assault.

Claire kicks Balros for 2 damage (Torso)!
-Off!

>they say a best defense is a good offence so I say keep attacking him and don't let him get a blow in edge wise.

Claire attacks Balros for 1 damage (glancing)!
Claire attacks Balros (parry)!
Claire Kicks Balros (Dodge)!
Claire attacks Balros (parry)!
Claire attacks Balros (parry)!
Claire Kicks Balros (Dodge)!

Well, I got him on the defensive…

>Reach around him with one of your scythes if you can get close enough, so he won't be able to dodge the attacks from your other limbs.
I can’t get close enough without leaving myself open. He’s way too good at keeping his distance.

Come on Claire, you can do it!
Kick his butt!
Kick that cute little butt!
Woo?

Insert Defective Combat!_

>>496536
I assume some of those kicks are attempted sweeps? Turnabout is fair play, you know.

Try to disarm him. Those scythes look like they'd be good at locking up your enemy's weapon.

Can you step on his toes with your front legs and then push him with all your might, making him fall on his ass?

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)05:37 No. 496542 ID: b3ca75
File 136197222278.png - (33.86KB , 900x600 , 21.png )

>Can you step on his toes with your front legs and then push him with all your might, making him fall on his ass?
Not if I don’t want get hit over the head with his dull sword.
>Try to disarm him. Those scythes look like they'd be good at locking up your enemy's weapon.

Claire uses disarm on Balros (sword)!

Let go… of… my…

Balros uses power attack on Claire for 24 damage (Right arm)!
Claires Right arm is disabled!

AAAH!
Wops…

Insert it’s only a flesh wound_

Did he just sever our arm? Whatever, healers. No one would expect you to keep fighting after that, so swipe with your other arm and hit him on the back of the neck, while his guard is down. It'll be supremely badass. Then we can pass out.

Quickly! Take advantage of his distraction at giving you a non-lethal injury to deliver a lethal one to his torso with your other arm (...or what would be lethal if we weren't using training weapons).

He's also temporarily disarmed! He let go of the sword he stuck in you!

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)07:10 No. 496555 ID: b3ca75
File 136197785009.png - (256.60KB , 900x600 , 22.png )

>Did he just sever our arm?
He plunged a dull sword through my arm!
>No one would expect you to keep fighting after that, so swipe with your other arm and hit him on the back of the neck, while his guard is down. It'll be supremely badass.
Figh-
Claire attacks Balros for 4 damage (Head)!
Balros is Dazed!
Balros is knocked prone!
…Ow?
Fights over, da-mit. Healers, do yo-r thing.

>Whatever, healers.
Rem-ber your tr-ining. Sta-t from the center of t-e mu-cle and m-e ou-wa-ds.
You o-y, Clkrlgb?
>Then we can pass out.
You successfully pass out.

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)07:11 No. 496556 ID: b3ca75
File 136197788193.png - (3.38KB , 900x600 , 23.png )

-Some time later-

-heard that they even eat mantis eggs in the southern part of the empire.
Wait, do you mean laid eggs with babies in them or those weird sperm balls the males produces? Because it’s either murder or very disgusting…
The male ones, of course.
Ew… wait, I think she’s waking up…

Insert Wake up Chrono_

>Insert Wake up Chrono_
No way! There are reptites and bug people out there! Obviously we did something wrong and this is a bad end.

Show your warrior spirit! Wake up flailing your arms wildly and screaming "YOU HAVEN'T WON YET BALROS!"

so how do you feel and hows the arm.
also ask what happened after the fight

Declare that Balros was the first to be unable to fight because he was disarmed so obviously you won because he only half disarmed you. That's logic right there.

Ask the only question that matters. Who won the fight?

>>496563
Well, also, you only lost an arm. If that fight had been using real weapons? He would have been decapitated.

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)08:22 No. 496567 ID: b3ca75
File 136198212332.png - (32.76KB , 900x600 , 24.png )

> No way! There are reptites and bug people out there! Obviously we did something wrong and this is a bad end.
But the future refused to change…
>So how do you feel and how’s the arm.
I feel… surprisingly good, and the arm seems to just be very numb. Weird, I thought it would be worse. I do crave some flesh though, but not enough to actually go crazy again.

[Necromantic power is average.]

> Show your warrior spirit! Wake up flailing your arms wildly and screaming "YOU HAVEN'T WON YET BALROS!"
YOU HAVEN'T WON YE- OW!
Please, be careful with that arm, it’s still healing.
Um… the fights over, mate…

>ask what happened after the fight
>Who won the fight?
So, what happen after I won the fight and beat the snot out of Balros?
Um… You hit me after the fight was already over. I’m sorry to say it, but I won.
But I decapitated you!
Who cares who won? You both where fabulous, that’s all that’s matter.
As for what happen after, Waran and what his name bald dude patched you up-
He got a name, you know.
Yeah? What is it?
Um…
Then we put you in your bed to rest. It’s only been like 15 minutes so nothing have really had time to happen.
Oh, and sorry for the whole arm thing. I got a little carried away… so… um… we even?
By the way, how are you feeling? You seem to heal unnaturally fast…

Insert It isn’t easy, being green a lich_

>He got a name, you know.
>Yeah, what is it?
According to the inscrutable forces of the universe... Healer. Sorry Waran, he really is a nameless npc.

>By the way, how are you feeling? You seem to heal unnaturally fast…
Uh, yeah, I feel okay. Good genes I guess?

"It's because I'm unnaturally fabulous."

>>496567
>"We even?"
No. No we aren't. He nearly killed you DURING A TRAINING DUEL. In any military, he'd get REAMED by his commanders, were he not booted out entirely. If he's so incompetent he flies off the handle and uses lethal attacks during nonlethal matches, he has no business being a mercenary.

So no, not even. At the very minimum, he owes you the help you'll need with that crippled arm until it fully regenerates.

>>496584
True, but maybe not phrase it so harshly. We'd like him to be somewhat ashamed of having taken a stupid rivalry (started over almost nothing) too far than to be a complete ass and justify him continuing to cause us problems.

just say your resilient and quick to recover.
As for the even thing, well you should tell him he really needs to watch his temper, damn man what would have happened if those were real blades. (as in sharp)

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)10:36 No. 496597 ID: b3ca75
File 136199021817.png - (31.79KB , 900x600 , 25.png )

>Uh, yeah, I feel okay.
It's because I'm unnaturally fabulous.
That… doesn’t really help, no matter how much Thanros wants it to.
Good genes?
Maybe you’re not giving yourself enough credit? I mean, you are a better healer then you think you are…
Yeah… maybe you’re right…

>No. No we aren't. He nearly killed you DURING A TRAINING DUEL.
And Balros… no, we are not really even. You did almost kill me during training for a petty reason.
I’m sorry, but… um… I do have this proble-
He’s a berserker, of course his got anger issues.
And he wasn’t even close to actually killing you… or doing anything permanent. You give us healers to little credit.
But he should have…
To be fair, he don’t have the strength to actually penetrate anything that was vital. You do know your torso armor is thicker than your arms armor right?
But you are right, we are not even. Let me make it up for you in the future.

>At the very minimum, he owes you the help you'll need with that crippled arm until it fully regenerates.
You really give me and… um… what his name to little credit. Your arm is fine, if a little sore. As long as you don’t do anything stupid it will be as good as new by morning. In fact, feel free to get up from bed. Oh, and ignore any weird sensations you might get in it. It’s simply the alchemical ointment doing its job.
Just say how I can make it up for you and I’m glad to help.
That’s not really fair… I didn’t get anything when Renny broke my arm…
I said I was sorry, and it was only unusable for a day!
..Well… I can make it up for you to, if you want.

Insert Another slave… good…_

why is he so helpful all the sudden, when we first met this guy he seemed to be after our head after we said just two words to the guy.

Well, how about this. He can make it up to us by taking Thanros on a date, Thanros did call his butt cute. Plus it would help Thanros feel better about not being paid back for his broken arm.

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)12:39 No. 496609 ID: b3ca75
File 136199754694.png - (35.20KB , 900x600 , 26.png )

>why is he so helpful all the sudden, when we first met this guy he seemed to be after our head after we said just two words to the guy.
Well, he did say he had anger issues… hmm, though he is acting a bit too different know. Maybe he didn’t have a good day when we meet or maybe his acting nice because he’s around people he knows… or maybe both.
Hey, Balros. Why are you so helpful all the sudden? You almost bit my head off last time we meet.
…let’s just say I had a bad day, okay?

>Well, how about this. He can make it up to us by taking Thanros on a date; Thanros did call his butt cute. Plus it would help Thanros feel better about not being paid back for his broken arm.
If you want to make up to me, then take Thanros on a date.
W-WHAT!? I-I-I THAT’S WHAT!?
…
Well, you have been daydreaming about him before.
I-I-I-
…
And you did say his butt was cute.
I-I-I-
…I-I need to go…
Welp, I think we just destroyed another relationship.
W-wait, Balros! I-I-I’m sorry, I d-didn’t expect m-my friends t-to turn into some k-kind of i-imperial inquisition.
No one expects the imperial inquisition! Now, which one of you is Claire!?

Insert But everyone expects the Monty Python joke_

>>496609
Welp.
You're the only Female Mantis in the room.
They're probably going to drag you off if we lie anyway.

>>496609
The injured one on the bed! GET HER!

>>496609
Another relationship? It's happened before?!

Yeah, it's time to meet the empire, looks like.

...oh boy. We just can't leave well enough alone, can we?

>Where's Claire?
Claire? No one named Claire here. I'm Clkrlgb Clíodhna.

And why are we making monty python jokes when that's Black Adder who burst into the room? Wrong English comedy!

>>496613
Luckily, as that's not foken, I don't think he can hear you.

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)13:31 No. 496619 ID: b3ca75
File 136200068877.png - (36.25KB , 900x600 , 27.png )

>And why are we making monty python jokes when that's Black Adder who burst into the room? Wrong English comedy!
Apparently they didn’t need any FRESH HORSES!
>Yeah, it's time to meet the empire, looks like.
Well, I was going to meet them anyway…

>Claire? No one named Claire here. I'm Clkrlgb Clíodhna.
I’m C-
I’m Claire!
No, I’m Claire!
I’m Claire and so is my sister!
No, I’m Claire and so is my date!
D-D-DATE!?
I’m Claire and so is this bed!
Um…
I ran out of people, okay?

>You're the only Female Mantis in the room.
…We already know she is a female mantis. The question was more of a formality if anything. Now, Miss Clíodhna, Do you wish to earn a few gold? All we require is a blood sample and your cooperation.

Insert I’m Spartacus!_

wouldn't that reveal you are a lich?

...you already gave a fairly large blood sample for one day. But if this is one of those things you don't get a choice in otherwise, sure. See what you can scrape off Balros' sword and we'll take your gold.

why the hell do they need your blood and for cooperation thing, depends on what they want from you I guess. see if you can find out what that is before hand.
also if it's something that doesn't look like it would be in your best interest, be ready to run, uh somehow

>>496619
No blood sample. We would, however, like to speak to Dylon. After we get some sushi.

also if the shit hits the fan and this guys look like they might try and hurt you or any of your friends we have a safety word that SHOULD calm things down a bit. Downside to this though is it will Immediately out you as the vessel and as such you might just be taken to Daylon if you don't agree to head towards him yourself so use it at your own risk

the safety word is Learn, Adapt, Evolve
ok so I lied it's words not word

Technically Claire isn't allowed to take contracts from the Empire; it has to go through the Academy first. Otherwise, she could have bad things happen to her.

>>496628
Oh. Oh. That's right! Say that. Use the rules as a shield.

>>496619
Yep, you can't take ANY contract or pick a side, the Academy has mandated it thus for students, and you don't wanna get fragged.

>>496641
He offered money, it's a contract. Much like prostitution. Also, that guy's right, don't give them any blood, that liquid was crap.

How would giving a blood sample count as choosing a side in the conflict?

Sorry but you left a little bit too much blood on the training grounds today to be giving out any samples, and even if you could give one it would have to be for a very good reason. Be careful they might be trying to use your blood in crazy experiments to create pure distilled luck in a liquid form.

>>496642
Waran said during breakfast that the Empire had talked to other Female Mantis' this morning so I'm sure whatever they are claiming to be doing has been cleared by the school or the school would have heard about it and lodged a complaint with the Empire.

>>496651
So? Perhaps they have. That does take time.

>>496653
We obviously can't just take his word that he's been cleared by the school. We have our own chain of command to respect- and we've been given an order.

And taking money in exchange for goods or services totally constitutes taking a contract.

>>496655
To clarify, that's what I meant, yes. "they have" is the school possibly lodging a complaint.

Kaktus 2013/02/27(Wed)22:07 No. 496737 ID: b3ca75
File 136203164271.png - (35.39KB , 900x600 , 28.png )

>wouldn't that reveal you are a lich?
I-I don’t know… maybe… probably… definitely…
>why the hell do they need your blood
Why? For the people, of course! For the betterment of all! Do you not wish to live in a world where, for example, no family will be destroyed by something as simple as Rust Rot?
…you know about my family?
Think about it. Never again will so many sons die in vain, never again will parents become desperate because of it, never again will a daughter be given away in futility.
…Please shut up.

>Technically Claire isn't allowed to take contracts from the Empire.
I’m sorry, but I can’t take a contract or choose side.
Don’t worry, we have gotten the permission from school. They don’t count this as a contract.
How? Most teachers hates the empire, why would they help you.
They might dislike us, but they still follow the golden rule.

>Sorry but you left a little bit too much blood on the training grounds today to be giving out any samples.
I’m sorry, but I already lost enough blood for today.
Ah, of course. Do not worry, then we simply have to get the samples another way. We are sorry that we can’t come to an agreement. I will take my leave, then.

>the safety word is Learn, Adapt, Evolve.
…um… Learn, Adapt, Evolve?
…My lady, please forgive my insolence. I did not know it was you. His lordship, high commander Dylon wishes to invite you to dinner, if my lady so pleases. I can escort you there immediately or do you wish to change into something more appropriate dinner wear, my Excellency?
Whoa, did his tone just make a u curve?
My lady?
We are here but to serve you, exalted one.

Insert All hail the queen!_

well you just let that cat out of the bag so you might as well get this over with. I would normally advise you take some kind of weapon encase things don't go the way you would like them to but you specialize in unarmed AND your a lich with death touch so I feel you'd be fine if something happens.
on a side note I'm surprise that the guard called him Dylon because last time he was being addressed by everyone, well just the queen, as Falken or something like that. Good to know at least some people can get it right I guess.

>>496737
Try to make it clear you don't know why he's calling you that. Because honestly we don't.

But yeah, we'd like to meet Dylon. Maybe not over dinner, that seems like a bit much... unless we can request certain things for the menu. (this could be a good chance to recover some power.)

Well the Empress can get away with misremembering his name, I doubt his own soldiers have the same luxury. Say you need a minute to change and ask him to wait outside. Use the time changing to give your friends as much of an explanation as you are capable of providing until you find out more about why the Empire wants you.

Kaktus 2013/02/28(Thu)06:18 No. 496783 ID: b3ca75
File 136206109942.png - (33.20KB , 900x600 , 29.png )

>But yeah, we'd like to meet Dylon. Maybe not over dinner, that seems like a bit much... unless we can request certain things for the menu.
Dinner? Um… can I make a request for what’s on the menu?
Of course. Your will is our desire! …if we have the necessary ingredients, that is.

>Say you need a minute to change and ask him to wait outside.
Well, I don’t really have anything to change into… but…
:ClariePIX: Can I get a moment in private with my friends?
Your wish is our command.

>Try to make it clear you don't know why he's calling you that. Because honestly we don't.
…so… what’s up with the empire kissing your as- I mean kiss your abdom- I mean kiss up to you.
I honestly don’t know. The few imperials I’ve meet have all been kind of mean… not at all like this.
But why you? Why Learn, adapt, evolve? Are you hiding something or are you just as clueless like us?

>Use the time changing to give your friends as much of an explanation as you are capable of providing until you find out more about why the Empire wants you.
…But what do I say? That I’m a lich that’s a vessel to some voices that claims to be magic itself, given to me by some mad god in a dream and that’s why the empire what’s me? Isn’t that a little bit much to digest?

Insert you need to construct additional sandwiches_

Say that yes, you are hiding things. And that you are also clueless. Some of the things you are hiding may or may not relate directly to the empire being after you, you don't know for sure, and you don't want to go spilling all of your secrets on the off chance one of them is the right one. But you're pretty sure you aren't in danger. Not the immediate, life-threatening kind anyway.

>…But what do I say?
Let's stick to explaining the secrets that sort of make sense, for the moment.

You're not entirely sure how it all works, but you're somehow being given information you shouldn't know. I mean, you were right about the empire invading, right? And we somehow knew their safeword?

You could just say yes.

Kaktus 2013/02/28(Thu)08:35 No. 496802 ID: b3ca75
File 136206930096.png - (34.40KB , 900x600 , 30.png )

>Say that yes, you are hiding things. And that you are also clueless.
I… have my secrets. Some that might be related to what’s happening, though I am just as clueless as you as to why they are acting like this. I’m not entirely sure how it all works, but I somehow being given information I shouldn't know. Like information about the invasion or that safe word.
So… you’re some kind of unintentional spy? Is that why they want you? So you can’t spill their secrets?
…maybe.

>But you're pretty sure you aren't in danger. Not the immediate, life-threatening kind anyway.
At least I’m sure I’m not in any danger… unless the theory about him seeking a bride is true~
Oh gods, they are going to sacrifice you to the great Dopefish! …unless… You aren’t a virgin maid are you? Someone like you shouldn’t be one, right?
…That’s not something you ask, moron!
No, I’m not a virgin maiden that will be sacrificed. Aren’t maiden required to wear white or something?
…are you really going to go in those clothes?
…um… yes? I don’t really have anything nicer?
That can’t do at all! You’re going to have dinner a rich nobleman! You need fitting clothes!
Um… is clothes really the biggest concern right now?
Of course! Hey, empire guy, you guys got a tailor with you, right?
Um… yes? If the lady wishes to have some new clothes then I’m sure something can be arranged. Just tell me color and stuff like that and I’ll get the tailor working. Oh, and what do you wish for dinner?
…I don’t know what to say…
Hey, if you can say something more important than a nice pair of clothes then be my guest!
Not getting her killed?
Not getting her married?
Not getting her abducted?
Not getting her… um… getting her a nice dinner?

Insert project Runaway Insect_

I don't know, yellow would probably look good but I don't know anything about Mantis formal wear so I don't think I can suggest much beyond that. I'm a little worried about going, while they're being friendly now who knows how they may react if they find out your not interested in whatever they're offering. Let your friends know that if your not back in about two hours to let the school know about this dinner invitation and to tell them the Empire could be trying to recruit you without the schools knowledge.

Ok if your friends want to know more about why the empire wants you just tell them it has something to do with something called the voice of many. As for what you want for diner didn't we agree on sushi and for what to ... I haven't got a clue

Kaktus 2013/02/28(Thu)14:11 No. 496886 ID: b3ca75
File 136208950532.png - (30.73KB , 900x600 , 31.png )

>Let your friends know that if your not back in about two hours to let the school know about this dinner invitation and to tell them the Empire could be trying to recruit you without the schools knowledge.
Don’t worry, we’ll see to it that the cavalry arrives!
You can rely on us!

>sushi.
Sushi? …of course your excellency.

>I don't know, yellow would probably look good but I don't know anything about Mantis formal wear so I don't think I can suggest much beyond that.
Yellow? I got just the thing!
Boys, out!
HEY!
Wait a sec-

---------------------------

See, it fit like a glove.
I don’t know, it is kind of revealing…
How did you get this thing so fast? How did you know my size!?
Well, you know how young men are…
Well, she is trying to impress him…
WHAT!? This isn’t some kind of romantic thing! What is wrong with you, Thanra!?
Though maybe we should let the imagination do a little bit more work.
Hmm…
How did you even get me into this thing!? I wasn’t wearing it a second ago!!?

Kaktus 2013/02/28(Thu)14:11 No. 496887 ID: b3ca75
File 136208951478.png - (32.24KB , 900x600 , 32.png )

What in the name of the god is going on here!? Dammit, Blackadder, I told you to bring her to me as soon as possible, not to play dress up!
B-but you said-
I said that you should treat her like an exalted guest, not like the empress herself!
O-of course, sir!
You are dismissed! Now, young lady, accept my sincere apologies for Blackadder’s… eccentric behavior. I don’t believe I have had the pleasure; I am High commander Dylon Kr’lak, the 23rd son of the Empress herself, and apparently I’m supposed to escort you to dinner for some reason.

Insert Screw the insert, I have money_

Introduce yourself. Tell him its nice to be pampered once in a while. Ask him just why the Empire is seeking the One of the Many.

well he's here now so lets get this over with
Ask him if there is anything we should know about before we go to the dinner, like taboo subjects, any offensives manners, or what?

>>496889

That's..possibly giving WAY too much information in the first few seconds Claire has actually met him.

He already knows Claire is the host. What we need to find out why they want her and by extension us.

>>496901

Well yeah, but geez, at least wait until one of our friends isn't in the room and will only get further confused yeah?

>>496887
23rd son. This is the guy we met.

...hang on, I thought Dylon was who you were having dinner with? Who are we being escorted to?

>magic speed dressup
Blackadder is now my favorite character. Our endgame should be making sure he somehow ends up being the one running the empire.

>Dylon
Not Folken? :V

Blackadder must be a former PC of some kind. He obviously knows how to utilize the equipment interface to change gear. Dylon's supposed to be able to communicate with us when near Claire I wonder if he can listen in on stuff we don't specifically mean for him to hear. Also just to prove that you are who he thinks you are repeat after me Clair 'Oiiiii, Foooolken, help, I've been trapped in a giant fish bowl I have.'

Kaktus 2013/02/28(Thu)22:32 No. 496991 ID: b3ca75
File 136211955565.png - (28.97KB , 900x600 , 33.png )

>...hang on, I thought Dylon was who you were having dinner with? Who are we being escorted to?
To the table?
>Well yeah, but geez, at least wait until one of our friends isn't in the room and will only get further confused yeah?
Thanra, can you leave?
Oh? Oh, I get it. You want to have some alone time, eh~
Dammit, Thanra!

>Introduce yourself. Tell him its nice to be pampered once in a while. Ask him just why the Empire is seeking the One of the Many.
I am Clkrlgb Clíodhna, and I accept your apology. It is after all quite nice to be pampered once in a while. Now, for why you are here…
Can you prove that you have them?

>Also just to prove that you are who he thinks you are repeat after me.
Oiiiii, Foooolken, help, I've been trapped in a giant fish bowl I have.
Yes, my lady, that joke get funnier… every time you tell it.
By the god, Mein Führer? Here!? Please don’t bitch slap me!
Didn’t I tell you to leave? Okay, fine, you have the one of many.
Why is the Empire seeking it out?
For the people, of course. Think about it. What you have inside you is an endless source of energy. Do you know what we can do with something like that? Just think, to end world hunger, to end all diseases, to end all wars!
You’re going to use me as a living battery?
Of course not. We are not the Republic after all. We don’t do inhuman experiments. We simply wish to observe you to see if we can either remove the vessel or maybe even duplicate it. But please, do think about it before you make up your mind. Now, I believe we had dinner waiting, if you so wish to still have it. At least let me give you a glass of nectar. We got some of the finest from the empire.
Did you really have to compare yourself to the republic in such a negative manner?
Of course, we are far superior, after all.

Insert There is no spoon_

ok so he's a little smug, so what just ignore him when he goes "The empire is so great ooooohh aaaaaahhhh"
As for the examining you part, examine you how exactly, like having a guy follow you 24/7 to see if you do something strange, Attaching you to a bunch of wires or something and asking you to do something to see if they can get some kind of reading, or are they just going to ask you to do a bunch of task. IF they do plan on following you it would be kind of a bitch to hide the fact that your a lich
And on that note what is the empire's stance on liches and necromancy in general.

>>496991
I'm not so sure messing with us in that manner is a good idea. He'd have to ask Liz. You know, the ageless one. ...is it safe to reveal who the original vessel is? Well in any case, observation seems like an okay plan, unless they actually try to drain your mana, in which case you'd probably go crazy-lich and that's bad. Warn them that attempting to drain you of useful energy could... turn you into a corpse.

Also, uh, from what we've seen, we don't actually give you our mana supply? We can sortof use it ourselves but it seems to drain you when we do. That's why you went low on energy yesterday and had to eat... stuff. We tried to make it rain tapioca. It will, by the way, in 3 months. Liz might be the only one who can use it freely.

Then again we could probably use it for less uh... dramatic spellcasting without draining you too much. It seems like we have 3 months worth of prepaid time for preparing each spell? I don't want to try anything until you've gotten some raw food in you though.

I ... don't think it'll work like that. Sure we have infinite power. But most of it is tied up in making it so you, you know, exist. We can't really use it.

But just give us three months and it'll rain tapioca for our amusement!

Infinite power is great and all, but doesn't it stop working if we all get bored and leave? That doesn't sound like a very sustainable power source.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)02:56 No. 497012 ID: b3ca75
File 136213540331.png - (25.63KB , 900x600 , 34.png )

>what is the empire's stance on liches and necromancy in general.
Like everywhere else civilized. A big no no.
>ok so he's a little smug, so what just ignore him when he goes "The empire is so great ooooohh aaaaaahhhh".
Yeah, sure, I can ignore that but I won’t let him take a crap all over the republic without a fight!

>Infinite power is great and all, but doesn't it stop working if we all get bored and leave?
You do realize you voices are simply a byproduct of the vessel? Even if you did move away from it, like when you came to me, the vessel would still be at the same location giving away energy. And besides, there’s nothing stopping you from jumping to other people.

>As for the examining you part, examine you how exactly.
We won’t start with anything major. A blood sample, some tissue, a few tests and a magical analyze. That sort of thing. Of course, we will compensate for your time and service, both through payment and hospitality. But, if you don’t wish to live a life of riches and glamour, then be my guest and stay in the life of rags you live in now. Ah, here we are… please, take a seat.

Insert Déjà vu_

>Liches A big no no.
Honestly, I think the "vessel" deal will be rather more important to them. If you're a secret undead monster with no rights as a person, they'll just use that as an way to control you rather than kill you. Well, unless they plan on killing the vessel anyways. Harnessing seems more likely though.

>you voices are simply a byproduct of the vessel?
Haha, yeah sure. It's not like we have an intimate hand in the creation of these vessels or anything...

>the vessel would still be at the same location giving away energy.
You... do realize this isn't our first vessel? I mean, not even by a long shot. I mean, you're right we can hop around mostly harmlessly, but if we get really bored, we're entirely capable of taking our ball with us and heading home (and/or letting this entire universe die. Oh wait we're not supposed to talk about that bit. We did this whole thing, once, to prevent boredom induced universe death). And sucks for you guys if anything happens to this vessel- when we pick a new one they tend be be separated by vast swaths of time and space. You break it and you bought it, at least for your lifetime.

>Examining
How about we cut through the pleasantries and you just tell us what your plans are if your tests come back positive. I'm sure that's a lot more interesting than the tests themselves.

You know, when a being as powerful as Claire comes along, living a life of rags isn't even really a possibility for her. Sure, she could take your deal, or she could continue training, reach her full potential, and then achieve the life she wants on her on. Much more powerful that way, too.

>>497023
*on her own, damn it.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)07:39 No. 497028 ID: b3ca75
File 136215239729.png - (26.83KB , 900x600 , 35.png )

>If you're a secret undead monster with no rights as a person, they'll just use that as an way to control you rather than kill you.
Because clearly, this is so much better than them killing me.
>You know, when a being as powerful as Claire comes along, living a life of rags isn't even really a possibility for her. Sure, she could take your deal, or she could continue training, reach her full potential, and then achieve the life she wants on her own.
Do you really believe you will have that kind of time? After all, we found you, which mean that other factions that aren’t as… nice as us will find you.

>You... do realize this isn't our first vessel?
Yes, we have already met this… Lizbeth as her monks calls her. It was after all their knowledge of you that lead us here. Though something is troubling me about their lore. If the last vessel, this Lisbeth, removed the vessel from herself 500 years ago before she went to sleep, then how is it that you are so young?

>How about we cut through the pleasantries and you just tell us what your plans are if your tests come back positive.
As I’ve already said, we simply wish to find a way to either remove it from you or duplicate it. You are after all mortal and won’t last long enough for us to create a utopia. As for the steps between those two goals, well, what do you think you do with an endless source of magic and a lot of wizards?

A moment of your time, Sire! I have urgent news, both good and bad!
Well, captain, tell me the good ones first.
Lord Folken have sent a message that he will be coming here to help you in your quest!
How is that good news!? Bah, I bet he’s still angry about that women of his.
As for the bad news, Sire, the blood samples are back and… she isn’t the vessel.
Typical.
We did detect something else though…
Has it something to do with the vessel? If not, then keep it to yourself out of respect for this young lady’s privacy.
As you wish, sire.
Well then, my lady, you are free to go if you wish… or you can stay here and enjoy this fine meal if you so desire. It’s the least I can do for wasting your time.

Insert what a tweest_

Whew. Almost got found out there. Eat your food, then leave. Either their detection isn't as good as they thought, or, somehow, us voices have been separated from the power source. Hm.

>Because clearly, this is so much better than them killing me.
Hey, just tactical analysis. Not saying you want them to find out...

>Lizbeth inconsistencies
Heheheh.

>won’t last long enough for us to create a utopia
...suddenly there's an upside to your condition.

>well, what do you think you do with an endless source of magic and a lot of wizards?
Destroy civilization, if not the world, usually. High magic utopias are notoriously difficult to make stable.

>Not the vessel
Toodles! Good luck finding our real crib, Fo- Dylon. We'll be seeing you.

Huh, Lizbeth probably just gave you the voices. Or maybe she wants you to earn ultimate power and we're your guides on that path.

Who knows with Lizbeth. Though honestly it is probably something a tad perverted.

Thats actually... our fault again.

>>497038
In our defense though, how could we possibly have known giving an irrational, impulsive, irresponsible pervert god-level reality warping powers could have negative consequences?

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)09:57 No. 497043 ID: b3ca75
File 136216067226.png - (25.83KB , 900x600 , 36.png )

>Either their detection isn't as good as they thought, or, somehow, us voices have been separated from the power source.
Well, I can’t actually connect to this power source you guys keep talking about, so it’s possible that I’m not the vessel at all.
>Destroy civilization, if not the world, usually. High magic utopias are notoriously difficult to make stable.
Indeed, that why we have already drawn up several plans in an attempt to not destroy ourselves. It mostly consists of using the magic only for the things truly necessary, like food and water.

>Eat your food.
About time, I get grumpy when I’m hungry!
I guess I’ll eat then…
Do you mind if I join you?
If you’re going to be sitting here and be some smug snake, then yes, yes I do mind.
…You do realize that you just insulted a commander of an army inside his own capital ship, right? The very same army that’s invading your homeland as we speak?
And yet you are going to do nothing about it, am I right?
…heh, you are a remarkable woman, you know that?
Bite me. Now be quiet and let me eat so I can leave as soon as possible.
And if I don’t let you?

[Necromantic power is Good!]

Insert You wouldn’t like her when she’s hungry_

>it’s possible that I’m not the vessel at all
Hmm. I suppose it might be something else. Still, it should be something or someone close, or something related to you in some way.

You... don't have a phylactery, do you?

That could be it. Magic is deeply associated with the soul after all. And a lichs soul isn't typically in her body.

>And if I don’t let you?
Then I shall taunt you a second time.

Ok after your done eating I think we should have some kind of escape plan set up because that bad news they have is making me a little nervous

Why would he want to keep you here? Also isn't the empire all about personal freedom?

>>497054
Nothing wrong with a little hate-flirting.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)11:08 No. 497059 ID: b3ca75
File 136216493584.png - (26.23KB , 900x600 , 37.png )

>You... don't have a phylactery, do you?
…noooo, but your right, I should have one. At least, if that I know about liches is true then I should have one… Why don’t I have one?
>That could be it. Magic is deeply associated with the soul after all. And a lichs soul isn't typically in her body.
This is probably correct.

>Then I shall taunt you a second time.
We both know that you don’t have the abdomen to stop me. You already gave me your word that I should leave and you look like one of those fools that honor his honor.
I should have been lying… or I might believe honor is for fools, like you.
Well, either way you can honor my bum, because that’s the last thing you’ll see of me when I leave.
Wait, can I ask you if I might have the honor to meet you again?
…And why would I want that?
Because you haven’t turned my down yet?
I… I… I’m leaving… and I’m keeping the dress. Goodbye, Dylon.
Goodbye, my lady.

…so… um… what now? I really need to know more about liches, so I can know if I actually have a phylactery or not… and I should probably talk to the others so they know the empire didn’t sacrifice me to Dopefish or something…

Insert kill players of the opposite faction to gain honor_



>Nothing wrong with a little hate-flirting.
THAT WASN’T FLIRTING!

Talk to your friends (not about liches) for now. You can probably look up the basics of liches (or at least things that can harm them) in the library later.

>>497059
lol

Claire, any items you've always kept with you, something very important to you personally that is always nearby?

this school has a library in it right? I say head there at some point and time and start looking things up. If anyone ask we you are looking up liches just say zombies killed your parents and that should shut them up. But you have time for this later for now I say find your friends and, I don't know hang out.

>Why don’t I have one?
If I had to guess? You do have one. You just don't know what or where it is for some reason.

>>497062
Seems like a good plan.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)12:02 No. 497078 ID: b3ca75
File 136216813801.png - (29.87KB , 900x600 , 38.png )

>You can probably look up the basics of liches (or at least things that can harm them) in the library later.
Yes, I do have a day off tomorrow so…
>Claire, any items you've always kept with you, something very important to you personally that is always nearby?
Not really, no… The only thing that I still have that I have had since this whole thing started is… well, let’s just say no self-respecting lich would use that thing to store its soul.

>Talk to your friends (not about liches) for now.
-I did date this mantis guy once and… well, you know this whole egg thing? I didn’t then and let me tell you, it became very awkward when we had some alone time.
You think that’s awkward!? Try finding out that only the females have holes for- Oh hey, it’s Claire!
So… do you have a harem now or what?
I’m working on it. What’s up?
Oh, we are just waiting for this game of chess to end. Apparently Renault is kicking Warans’ ass.
Check mate, bug face!
…lucky.
Just like the last five times, eh? So, who’s next?
…Thanra?
Hmm? What i-

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)12:02 No. 497079 ID: b3ca75
File 136216814763.png - (31.04KB , 900x600 , 39.png )

AAAAH!
Om nom nom!

Claire consumes Thanras soul!
Thanra has been slain!
Claire gains 50xp!

WHAT THE FUCK!?

Insert what renny said_

wut?

...please be another dream?

Because if not, you just lost control and killed a friend. And revealed yourself as a horrible monster in front of your other friends and they, and/or the rest of the mercenaries' guild is going to kill you.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)12:15 No. 497085 ID: b3ca75
File 136216890201.png - (26.64KB , 900x600 , 40.png )

>Wake up.

AAAAH!
…is this going to be a regular thing? Can I save some money by not buying a new alarm clock?
Aaah!?
Yeah, yeah, I’m sorry, you had a bad dream, I understand…

Insert AAAAAHHH!_

I think you're gonna need to get that under control. Come to terms with your lichdom. Anyway I believe you said it was a rest-day? TO the Library!

Also knowing Liz if that thing you mentioned is sexual then it is probably your phylactery... sorry. But just in case it isn't it won't hurt to double check!

Since when were you a self respecting lich, anyway?

You're not even a lich are you Claire? You're just really really weird.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)13:40 No. 497100 ID: b3ca75
File 136217403370.png - (32.13KB , 900x600 , 41.png )

>I think you're gonna need to get that under control. Come to terms with your lichdom.
Because coming to terms with being a horrible undead monstrosity that has to feed on the living is something you do on an afternoon before tea time.
>Since when were you a self-respecting lich, anyway?
…good point.
>Also knowing Liz if that thing you mentioned is sexual then it is probably your phylactery.
Well, it’s… um… I’ll check it, when I know how to, okay?
>You're not even a lich are you Claire? You're just really really weird.
…bite me.

>I believe you said it was a rest-day? TO the Library!
We have a library, right?
Sure, it’s on the second floor. Why? Do you want to find a good book? I do have some recommendations if you want to hear. Like this romance novel about weredolphins called Crepuscular Light and-
Thanra, please, it’s for school stuff, okay?
Oh, right. Just remember we got to clean the boys room after lunch… you know, because that rooster thing.

---------------------------

Welp, here I am, the library… now, how do I find information about liches?

Insert if this was Mario, then the books would have attacked by now_

>how do I find information about liches?
I dunno, check the sections, or the card catalog? You'd think there'd be a portion devoted to magic, or undead, or magical constructs, etc.

That or you could ask the crazy old dude to help you find what you're looking for. It's not like anyone will ever take him seriously.

>>497085
Let me save Thanra the trouble of analyzing THAT dream.

You think Renault is smart, and Thanra is a threat. Also you might have sex on your mind.

>>497100
Ask that guy about books about zombies and other undead stuff. You want to know how to fight them properly.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)14:08 No. 497106 ID: b3ca75
File 136217569040.png - (31.83KB , 900x600 , 42.png )

>You think Renault is smart, and Thanra is a threat. Also you might have sex on your mind.
Actually, I think everything actually happen until I bit Thanras’ head off. I have some faint memories about hanging out with the rest in the room the whole evening taking turns on the chess board. Though I wouldn’t call Renny smart he is one hell of a chess player. Good news is that I beat Thanra and Thanros at least.

>I dunno, check the sections, or the card catalog? You'd think there'd be a portion devoted to magic, or undead, or magical constructs, etc.
…I have no idea how this library is divided… and there isn’t a card catalog or anything else for that matter to help people find stuff. I going to guess that there should to be an Eaggran in here guiding people.
>That or you could ask the crazy old dude to help you find what you're looking for. It's not like anyone will ever take him seriously.
Excuse me, Dean?
ZzZz- huh? Oh, it’s you. Miss Clkrlgb, the young lich, eh? Consuming corpses in the crypt and what’s not. In my days we had to fight for any corpses, but you kids today are so spoiled! I have you now I had to walk a four kilometers through snow every morning, uphill… both ways! And… um… and… what were we talking about again? Oh right, lichen was it? Those books should be in the plant section, to the right… damn lichen, growing everywhere… grumble grumble…
…

Insert liches grows on trees_

Good thing no one listens to the old guy. Ask him to point the way to the undead section please.

>>497106
Wake him up and tell him firmly that you need to learn about the various forms of undead.

If plants are to the right, then books on undead are to the left. After all, plants and undead are polar opposites.

>>497109
Everyone knows this.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)14:41 No. 497117 ID: b3ca75
File 136217767831.png - (29.39KB , 900x600 , 43.png )

>If plants are to the right, then books on undead are to the left. After all, plants and undead are polar opposites.
Isn’t life opposite of the undead? If anything, do it yourself home gardening is the opposite of plant, with them all dying and stuff.
>Ask him to point the way to the undead section please.
Eh? You want to know more about us of the other world? The monster section is right there, to your left. Its opposite of the plants section, them being polar opposite and all. I would recommend the book “So now you’re a lich”.
…um… thank you.

…well, here is the undead section… let’s see… dead ascending, aurora of the dead, squatter evil, to love the dead, Moira: Gehenna on earth… So now you’re a lich? Written by an Archmage Antonidas…

That’s odd; the book is blank except the first page…
“Greetings, Claire the lich, please just think of a question and I will answer.”
…what in the name of an Eaggrans bum…

Insert Reading is magic_

Might as well be blunt. How do I find out what my phylactery is and where it might be?

Also ask if theres anyway to stop the dreams of killing and eating your living friends.

Sweet, magic book!

What did Liz do to me?
Information on Lizbeth Suss.
How long have I been a lich?
Do I have a phylactery?
Where is my phylactery?
What is my phylactery?
How do phylacterys work?
Tips for staying a sane Lich.
Tips for keeping up the masquerade as a living being.
Controlling hunger.
Managing traumatic dreams.
Magic vessels and how they may or may not relate to liches.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)15:12 No. 497122 ID: b3ca75
File 136217955207.png - (31.07KB , 900x600 , 44.png )

>What did Liz do to me?
>Magic vessels and how they may or may not relate to liches.
“I am sorry, But I not all knowing.
>Information on Lizbeth Suss.
“Lizbeth Suss, also known as the ageless one, is a sleeping immortal lizard that has been sleeping for the last few thousand years. She is worshiped by a sect of monks, whose lore says that she awakes every 500 years to greet her chosen one. Not much is known about this strange entity, though it is theorized that she is a powerful mage from the old age that survived the great magic rendering of old by putting herself in an endless sleep.”
>How long have I been a lich?
“Since you died of Rust Rot in your sleep.”
>Do I have a phylactery?
“Yes.”
>Where is my phylactery?
>What is my phylactery?
“That, I cannot answer. I can teach you a spell that will reveal your phylactery if you touch it.”
>How do phylacterys work?
“It holds your soul. Nothing more, nothing less. Do not try to kill yourself to find it, as you are still too inexperienced to create a new body from nothing.”
>Tips for staying a sane Lich.
“Live, be human… or in your case, mantis. Friends, lovers, peers, they will all help.”
>Tips for keeping up the masquerade as a living being.
“Do not eat living things in front of others. Do not cast spells in front of others.”
>Controlling hunger.
“Feast on the living beast of flesh. Chicken, fish, rat, they are all good. Keep away from the sentient ones.”
>Managing traumatic dreams.
“Become alive.”

[Claire learned a new spell!]

Insert choose your own adventure_

Thank the book and put it away. Here comes Renault. I wonder if hes gonna ask you on a date.

>>497122
Last question: How do we gain power, without evil acts?

Then thank it, put the book away and grab a general undead knowledge book.

Also, oh shit.

It's been 500 years since Liz chose you. What have you been doing all that time, and what happens when Liz wants to choose a new chosen one? I hope you can gain enough power to survive without us, Claire.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)15:52 No. 497134 ID: b3ca75
File 136218192215.png - (30.10KB , 900x600 , 45.png )

>Last question: How do we gain power, without evil acts?
“Learn, adapt, evolve.”
>It's been 500 years since Liz chose you.
What? No! I’m 19, not 500. I had the dream about lizbeth two years ago, just as I got better… from the Rust Rot… I didn’t get better, did I?
>Thank the book and put it away.
No way I’m I leaving the sentient talking book here. I shove him into one of my pockets for safe keeping.
>grab a general undead knowledge book.
Hmm… Undead 101 advance.

>Here comes Renault. I wonder if hes gonna ask you on a date.
…

Claire? What are you doing here? I didn’t take you for someone that reads on weekends.
Um… I just needed to… catch up on some monster facts.
Is that Undead 101 advance? I came here to borrow that book, actually. I already read all five if the non-advance ones and well… Are you finished with it?
Um… yeah, sure. Here, take it.
Thanks… actually… there was one more thing, now that we are alone.
…
…I just wanted to say… I’m sorry. You were right; I was acting like a sexist jerk who was thinking with my dick and… I want to become better than that. So please, let me make it up for you… and for Thanra too, I guess… and… I’m sorry.

Insert He loves the dead_

Apology accepted.

>>497134
It sounds like Liz handed us to you right before you died and became a Lich. Why would she do that...?

Um, anyway. If he wants to make it up to you and Thanra, well... helping you clean the toilets would be a good start. Get him to agree before revealing that he's going to be wearing a maid uniform too. Fair's fair!

Maybe Lizbeth is trying to make more immortals? Its gotta be lonely having everyone and everything die around you...

ok, truth be told I did not see that coming from him. Say everything's fine and ask him if there was anything else he wanted to say. Also maybe since your kinda on the topic ask him why he is so interested in learning more about undead or if he just studies that much on all monsters.

Kaktus 2013/03/01(Fri)16:39 No. 497151 ID: b3ca75
File 136218477005.png - (30.40KB , 900x600 , 46.png )

>Um, anyway. If he wants to make it up to you and Thanra, well... helping you clean the toilets would be a good start.
Wait, what toilets? We are going to clean their rooms, not some toilet. But good idea otherwise.
>Get him to agree before revealing that he's going to be wearing a maid uniform too. Fair's fair!
Isn’t he already going to wear one? For the whole hitting the roster thing?

>Apology accepted.
Apology accepted… if you actually work on becoming better.
O-of course.
And you can make it up to us by helping us clean your room.
Well… I was going to wear the maid outfit anyway so… sure, I’ll help…
And then you can help me with some… other things~
O-other things!?
Don’t worry, you’ll see.

I’m sure I got some things that I need doing that I don’t want to do…

>Also maybe since your kinda on the topic ask him why he is so interested in learning more about undead or if he just studies that much on all monsters.
So… interested in the undead or all monsters?
um… I… mostly undead because… well… no, you’re just going to laugh… forget about it.
No, go ahead, I promise I won’t laugh.
I… my father… he was… um… I want to become a paladin like my father.

Insert Holy Pogo stick of heavenly virtues_

Pretty noble goal there ... though paladin's are enemies of evil, not just the vengeful dead.

Why would I laugh at that?

Note to self: research a spell, item, or ability that blocks "detect undead" and "detect evil".

why would we laugh just because you want to be a paladin, that's a pretty noble goal.
(side note here Claire, he is probably one of the last people we want knowing your a lich)

A future Paladin in love with a Lich... HE MUST NEVER KNOW!

Also I wonder how close to the vessel, and thus your phylactery you must be for you to hear us. I doubt it's something very far away.

>>497151
It seems I am getting rather forgetful. Totally forgot he was going to wear the uniform anyway. Also, I heard 'boys room' and thought toilet.

Ask him what group of paladins he wants to join. The new one, started by Kevros? If it's the new one we probably won't have to worry about him smiting you. I mean, you're not a mindless undead creature bent solely on killing anything that lives. The other schools of paladin thought can be a bit strict.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)07:18 No. 497238 ID: b3ca75
File 136223750087.png - (30.90KB , 900x600 , 47.png )

>Note to self: research a spell, item, or ability that blocks "detect undead" and "detect evil".
I don’t think there is a detect evil spell. I do believe that I can learn the basics of enchanting to make an item to block detect undead though.
>Ask him what group of paladins he wants to join. The new one, started by Kevros?
Last time I checked there is only one order of paladins, so if I’m lucky and he’s a good paladin then he won’t smite me as soon as he finds out I’m a lich. I probably have to do something “evil” before he does that.
>A future Paladin in love with a Lich... HE MUST NEVER KNOW!
What is this, some kind of cheesy romance novel?

>Also I wonder how close to the vessel, and thus your phylactery you must be for you to hear us.
…actually, when I think about it, you guys weren’t this talkative before I got to the school. You did talk to me at times but you came and went a lot more. You also mostly whispered things instead of having a direct conversation… so, maybe it’s in the school somewhere?

>Why would I laugh at that?
Why would I laugh at that? It is a noble goal, if you do it for the right reasons.
…well, most people never see past who I am on the outside and thinks I wouldn’t fit in as a paladin.
…you were the only one who was concerned for the servants wellbeing instead of seeing them as tools. That does count as something, right?
That’s… yeah… your right, maybe I do have what it takes to be a paladin. Thank you! Oh, right, it’s lunch time. Come; let’s go find the others so we can eat.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)07:18 No. 497239 ID: b3ca75
File 136223751160.png - (51.05KB , 900x600 , 48.png )

----------Sometime later-------------

I still don’t see why I have to wear fitting underwear!
Because it’s the whole deal or nothing.
Besides, your butt look really cute in those panties.
…While flattering, that comment came from the wrong gender… and besides, my butt isn’t cute. It’s way to flat, you know.
I have to concur with Renny. If anything, a cute butt needs a little bit more meat in it… likes Claire’s, that one cute abdomen, right Ren?
I… um… she got a beautiful b-butt, yes…
Are you guys just going to stand there staring or what?
Well, we have to make sure you do a good job, right?
Besides, we can watch those cute butts wiggle from here~
Ugh… Fine whatever. Who cleans what, then?

Choose what to clean.
-Clean the worst part.
-Clean the average part.
-Clean the easiest part.
You can also direct Renault to clean a part of your choice, if you so wish.

Insert I’m starting to get a maid outfit fetish_

You and Renault do the hardest bit. A task divided is a task done quickly. Test out your new spell if you think you can do it quietly.

Yeah, there's not much point if they don't see you in the maid's outfits.

>>497240
Sounds good, although I doubt we'd be so lucky as to have the object be something in the first room we searched. Gotta start somewhere, though.

>phylactery probably in the school
Sounds right, especially as the empire also seems convinced the vessel is somewhere here.

All or nothing, we take the worst of the worst and make it cleaner than it has ever been before!

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)09:23 No. 497246 ID: b3ca75
File 136224502026.png - (41.42KB , 900x600 , 49.png )

>Test out your new spell if you think you can do it quietly.
It isn’t so much a spell then knowledge how to feel if it’s the right thing.
>You and Renault do the hardest bit. A task divided is a task done quickly.
Hey, Renny, help me with this. It will be done faster if we work together.
Um… s-sure, be right there…
Why do you even have a chicken in here?

----------------------------

Hunger increased. Necromantic power is: average (Hard work)!
Renault +happiness (Working with you)!
Thanra +happiness (Getting the easiest task)!
Unable to find phylactery!

----------------------------

What’s the point with the maid outfits if they get bored after a hour and just leave?
You don’t need to watch a painting for hours to appreciate its art?
Either way, we are finally done.
Why was there a bunch of weird romance novels lying everywhere? I mean a Mantis and an ogre in love or a human paladin in love with a lich? When should that ever happen? And they even had smut it them! Who read that kind of stuff!?
That would be Waran. He loves those monster romance novels for some reason.
Well, if we count that as his porn stash and I already found my brothers… Hey, Renny~ where is your stash?
W-what!? Why d-do you think I got o-one too?
Because you are you? And everyone have one? Now spill the beans or I might kick you out into the hallway in that outfit! I need some blackmail material, dammit!

Insert blackmail is such an ugly word_

Ask if you can have the chicken. A snack for later and better yet its live!

As for Remy's porn... do you really want to see that?

hey clair ask her were she keeps her porn stash, she just said that everyone has one.

>I need some blackmail material, dammit!
Don't you traditionally find blackmail material to first strongarm people with, rather than to try and strongarm them into pointlessly giving you blackmail material?

>average power
Time for lunch. (No, not the other maids. Bad lich, bad!).

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)10:57 No. 497273 ID: b3ca75
File 136225065052.png - (41.39KB , 900x600 , 50.png )

>Time for lunch. (No, not the other maids. Bad lich, bad!).
We just ate lunch an hour ago. I guess soup and bread isn’t really cutting it for the necro power.
>Ask if you can have the chicken. A snack for later and better yet its live!
Hey, Thanra? What did you do with the chicken?
Huh? Oh, it’s outside in a cage. I was going to bring it to the kitchen later.
I can do it for you, if you want.
Really? Thanks! Now, as for Renny…

>ask her where she keeps her porn stash, she just said that everyone has one.
So, where’s your stash, Thanra? You just said you had one.
What? Aren’t you supposed to be on my side? And that’s private!
And mines not!?
You’re a sexist pervert, you do kind of deserve this.

>Don't you traditionally find blackmail material to first strongarm people with, rather than to try and strongarm them into pointlessly giving you blackmail material?
Why do you even want the blackmail? Don’t you already have enough?
I want to watch them squirm. Just say that’s my revenge for them being sexist jerks.
Um… so you want to punish them by being an even bigger jerk?
I’m not a jerk. They are guys, they deserve it.
…so you’re a sexist instead.
What!? No! I’m… but… I… if… um…
Can’t we just accept that we are all hypocrites and respect our privacy?
…fine, sorry Renny. I was a jerk, okay?
Well, I have to say, Ren, I think we are even now… even though you kept watching my butt more than you actually cleaned.
S-sorry…
Don’t worry, you made us even by waving around that cute butt of yours for me to see…

Claire pitches Renault for 0 damage (butt)!

AH! Why did you do that for!?
Because I’m a hypocrite~ now… where are my clothes? I want to change out of the maid suit.
Um… didn’t Waran and Thanros have all our clothes? The two people that we have no idea where they are at the moment?
...Son of an Eaggran, they are probably hiding somewhere to make us go out into the school like this!

Insert Clothes thieves_

well your in there room can't you just take there clothes before you go out to find them, hell while your at it I bet they planned this or at the very least did it by accident but then thought it would be funny if they didn't give them back so I say take all of there clothes as well and hide them somewhere as revenge.

Have Ren change into his clothes, (this is his room too, he should have spare clothes) then have him go look for the others.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)12:40 No. 497300 ID: b3ca75
File 136225685603.png - (39.81KB , 900x600 , 51.png )

>I say take all of their clothes as well and hide them somewhere as revenge.
Um… They have more than one pair of clothing, are we really going to hide everything?
Just hide all their undergarments. You know, force them to go commando.
That’s a bit easier, yeah…

>Have Ren change into his clothes.
But then he won’t be in that cute little maid dress anymore~ …but fine…
>well you’re in their room can't you just take their clothes before you go out to find them?
Sorry Claire, but Warans’ clothes is way too small for you.
My bros clothes might be too big for me, but they fit at least.
We promise we’ll come back with your clothes as soon as possible, even though it means no more bug maid…

Welp… what now?
Why don’t you just consume them?
What in the- Where did you come from!?
Why don’t you just consume a living sentient life essence? The power you would gain would make finding both your phylactery and the vessel a cakewalk. Think about it, to become an immortal being with the power to change whole worlds, isn’t that your birthright?
But I…
I can even take you to someone who deserve it. A murderer who will be slaughtered like an animal anyway. What do you say, don’t you wish to escape that rotting body and become a god?
Er…

Insert he really need his frog pills_

Sorry, we kinda want to stay with Claire, not some overlich. Deny his offer. Stay sane. The book warned you about consuming sentients.

>What do you say, don’t you wish to escape that rotting body and become a god?
Hey, guess what. We already helped someone sort of try that once. Only, she had even less choice in the matter than you do.

And it turns out there's a surprising amount of suck in being an immortal god with immense power.

There's a reason the quick route to power is the darker one. Trust us, you're better off on the hard and slow path. You take his offer, and you'll end up regretting it.

...
the f*** is wrong with this guy
NO we don't want to kill some guy just to feed our apatite. That's how evil overlords start. you know the whole 'the highway to hell is paved with good intentions' that's what this will become if we go for it, It would start off as "well he was evil he deserved it", than latter down the road it will be something like "I'm killing this harmless family to gain power to save the republic or something", then end with you just saying "F*** all life everything and everyone is beneath me so I will kill them all".
So long story short DO NOT go with the crazy old guys plan, also ask him if he has forgotten his medicine again.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)13:08 No. 497316 ID: b3ca75
File 136225848407.png - (39.83KB , 900x600 , 52.png )

>Deny his offer. Stay sane.
I’m sorry, but I rather be Claire then some all-powerful arch lich.
really? How about if I just gave you a taste of the power? Just a small test run wi-
No! I’m sorry but no.
Why not?
Because if I get a taste I might not be able to say no again.
…interesting… very well, if that is what you wish. You have passed the first test.
…I have what?
Let me introduce myself. I am an arch lich whose name has been forgotten in ages past, but you can call me the dean if you need something to address me with. And I… I am dying. You, young lich, have been chosen to carry on my legacy. I have here a unique offer of apprenticeship that will help you control your lich side and stay human… um… mantis. The only thing you have to do is to accept my offer and complete some… tasks for me to prove your worth.

>ask him if he has forgotten his medicine again.
Did you forget your medicine again?
I choose not to take them today, so I should be able to talk to you. You’ve seen what they do to me.

Insert Deal with the Devil, also known as a car salesman_

Tentavily accept on the conditions as long as these tasks don't cross the line.

So, what exactly is his legacy?

How do we know these tasks will actually help us, and aren't just a more subtle way of falling into the same trap you just offered us?

as long as it isn't something like Kill this person and eat there soul, or something along those lines I don't see MUCH harm in it so sure why not

>>497316
How does a Lich die? Are they killing him, with those pills? Or are those pills keeping him "alive" longer at the cost of his lucidity? Also how old is he exactly? It might be useful to know how long a Lich can last. Oh, and I'll hazard a guess and say he was talking to us through the book.

Lastly, I don't see any reason to decline his offer, so long as he keeps the tasks reasonable. We DO need some guidance, and he just tested you to make sure you wouldn't be tempted by ultimate power and such.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)14:10 No. 497327 ID: b3ca75
File 136226225027.png - (49.25KB , 900x600 , 53.png )

>So, what exactly is his legacy?
I am… or was a guardian of life.
>How do we know these tasks will actually help us, and aren't just a more subtle way of falling into the same trap you just offered us?
Do I look like a soulless monster that consume everything in my wake? No, wait, don’t answer that.
>How does a Lich die?
By choosing.
>are those pills keeping him "alive" longer at the cost of his lucidity?
Those pills is keeping my hunger sated at the cost of my lucidity. I rather be consumed by madness of a broken mind then the madness of lichdom.
>Also how old is he exactly?
That is a difficult one to answer. Time is not the line most people believe it is.
>It might be useful to know how long a Lich can last.
They last as long as they choose, or as long as it takes for them to be consumed.
>I'll hazard a guess and say he was talking to us through the book.
No, that wasn’t me. I did create it though, in ages past. It was just as big of a mistake then as it is today…

>I don't see any reason to decline his offer, so long as he keeps the tasks reasonable.
Very well then. As for your tasks… you have heard of the undead sightings, am I correct? You know those aren’t the ones you created. No, those are scouts for a larger army of the undead marching toward this location led by a powerful lich, if you want to call him that. He is more of a force of nature who has but one thought in his mind. To consume the vessel so I can ascend to godhood. You are yet too weak to even stand a chance against him, but we will fix that. Your first task is to find and consume a very minor well of magic nearby… do not worry; I will guide you to its location in time. I also have a secondary task for you, if you want to hold on to your… mantisality. Go out there get more emotional. Good or bad does not matter, as long as you feel. Now, do you have some questions or are you ready for the next step of your apprentice hood?

Insert wall of text is attacking!_

>He is more of a force of nature who has but one thought in his mind. To consume the vessel so I can ascend to godhood.
So you can ascend to godhood? Not so he can?

That's a pretty suspicious slip, there! Like, you and he might really be the same person and you're just trying to trick us into doing what you want under the guise of working against you.

>To consume the vessel so I can ascend to godhood.
So hes both the mentor AND the evil lich?

Interesting.

>consuming a magic well
Huh also interesting.

>Dem Feels
Finally something that makes sense. Lets go eat some cute rabbits and feel bad for slaying ultimate evil in fluff! Or you know admit we might like all the cannon fodder as more then just potential friends. Yes all of them!

Polygamists Unite!

Ok so to not end up a soulless abomination we just have to hang out with our friends sounds easy enough

As for the lich training thing ... Well seeing how font even know where our phlictory is or that we even had till about an hour ago I think we should take him up on that offer

>>497327
Does he know what you've been doing for the past 498 years?

This magic well is gonna end up one of the gems that lizbeth found, isn't it?
We're totally gonna get a rock filled with the screaming souls of the dead to power our spells.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)15:16 No. 497351 ID: b3ca75
File 136226620094.png - (8.41KB , 900x600 , 54.png )

>admit we might like all the cannon fodder as more than just potential friends. Yes all of them! Polygamists Unite!
Um… I don’t think I can catch them all. Thanros is after all playing on the wrong team… and Thanra is out because I’m not playing on that team. Otherwise… well, I am supposed to get a harem after all…

>That's a pretty suspicious slip, there!
Blame the author. He can’t spellcheck for shit.
Who’s the author?
A frog pill delusion. Ignore that.
>Ok so to not end up a soulless abomination we just have to hang out with our friends sounds easy enough.
That will not be enough, I’m afraid. You still need to sate your hunger and take care to not lose your humanity. Try not to do things that would remove yourself from your feelings and morality, like starting to see people as pawns or murdering people in cold blood. It will also get worse the longer you exist.

>Does he know what you've been doing for the past 498 years?
498 years? Young lady, you were a mere unfertilized egg in your mother womb and three of those weird sperm balls egg thingies in all three of your fathers 20 years ago. You haven’t existed for 498 years.
>This magic well is gonna end up one of the gems that lizbeth found, isn't it?
You are talking about the focus crystals? No, those were destroyed thousands of years ago. They are long gone and will absolutely not appear again. Never going to happen. Gone forever! Poof! Never to be seen again! Especially by you! I will keep on denying it until you believe me, because I’m telling the truth! Anyway, please state an emotion that you want…
For what?
For SCIENCE! …I mean, for your future… and SCIENCE!

Insert WTB goggles to protect against SCIENCE light_

Tell him Science is an emotion. Keep insisting it is until he lets you choose Science.

Joy or happiness would be a nice start if we only can chose one right now. And if we do only get to pick one I think we should stay away from love for now, because as funny as I think it would be to see you wonder around like a school girl in heat I don't think that would be to helpful

>I will keep on denying it until you believe me, because I’m telling the truth!
There's something of a problem with that, since the longer you deny it, the more we're gonna believe it.

If nothing else, I'd expect the one Liz kept insider her survived. Have to store the dead souls of everyone you've ever known and loved somewhere.

>emotion
flippancy :V

SCIENCE leads to testing. Testing leads to mute lunatics. Murderous mute lunatics who kill you. Do you really want to be killed by someone who wears orange? Think of the shame.

I say we go with Happiness for now. Being giddy for a day won't hurt.

Kaktus 2013/03/02(Sat)16:00 No. 497365 ID: b3ca75
File 136226883802.png - (8.91KB , 900x600 , 55.png )

>There's something of a problem with that, since the longer you deny it, the more we're gonna believe it.
But what if I want you to believe that it exist but it actually don’t? Maybe this is all a part of my master plan of world domination with the use of bacon! BACON! Wait… where was I again?
>SCIENCE leads to testing. Testing leads to mute lunatics. Murderous mute lunatics who kill you. Do you really want to be killed by someone who wears orange? Think of the shame.
Just keep the crowbars away from the mutes in orange and everything will be fine.

>Tell him Science is an emotion.
I choose SCIENCE!
…what.
SCIENCE!
You can’t choose science!
SCIENCE!
It isn’t even an emotion!
SCIENCE!
I’m giving you annoyance if you keep doing that.

>Flippant.
Fitting, but not really an emotion…
>Joy or happiness
Well, a bit cliché but it will do.

You received Emotion stone (Joy).

Use this if you ever lose control over your hunger. Now, for the most important thing of all. Listen very carefully, okay? It is vital that you know this! Whatever you do, do no- gdskdnb- Your abdomen is so sexy that I should bang it all night long. Are you doing anything this afternoon because well… no, that just sound wrong.

Insert we interrupt this program_