Flandre's Quest (Touhou) World - (Madness Quest)
- Thread starter Entropy Judge
- Start date
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
Votes are not locked.
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Explore the city.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Talk to the Carriage Company immediately.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Explore the city.
- [X] See if there's any fun stuff to do.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Talk to the Carriage Company immediately.
- [X] North to Dawnstar.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
1
[X] Explore the city.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Talk to the Carriage Company immediately.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Explore the city.
- [X] See if there's any fun stuff to do.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Talk to the Carriage Company immediately.
- [X] North to Dawnstar.
1
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
1
Wow, much split.
Eh, I'll consolidate
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
Slith10
Back from the dead and ready to party!
- Location
- New Zealand
Now it's a two way tie instead of a fourway tie. Improvements!
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
Because I'd rather not actually deciding to explore due to a 5 way split and then a 2 vote exploration getting through, and it's not BAD per se. Just redundant.
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
Votes are locked.
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Explore the city.
- [X] See if there's any fun stuff to do.
2
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
4
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
1
[X] Explore the city.
- [X] See if there's any fun stuff to do.
2
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
4
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
1
Ri'saad and the City
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
[X] Talk to the Catfolk.
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
Lutecia glances at the catfolk again, then starts to head toward the company building, but you grab her arm and pull her toward the cluster of tents. She squeaks in surprise and you titter mildly at her. "Mustn't be impolite, Lutecia, so we're going to apologize and have a small talk, then go about our business. Be polite, but don't be too submissive." The catfolk - you think it's a male - watches you from the entrance to his tent, as do several of his comrades, but they're well away from you, and when you bow politely in greeting, and Lutecia follows your lead, most of them go back to their own business. You feel the surprise from the catfolk as Lutecia brings you into telepathic communication, and his eyes widen before narrowing. "Good day. I simply wished to ensure that my friend's apology for staring was accepted, and that there were no hard feelings among your people." Lutecia nods, though Agito looks uncomfortable.
"I do apologize. I have not seen anything like your people before, and was surprised." You stifle a wince - maybe you should have given her lessons on social graces instead of the piano? - but the catfolk lets out something that sounds similar to a chuckle, and when he replies, he doesn't speak like most others do, only letting his mind do the talking. His grey fur seems natural, rather than a result of age, but something in his movements and the styling of his mane seem to indicate that he's old, or at least very experienced.
"We accept young one's apology. Curiosity we recognize, not distrust and suspicion. Will you sit and speak?" You were expecting something like this, and you begin lowering yourself just before his question is finished, and you smile pleasantly as he tilts his head at you. Lutecia follows after a moment, though it takes a few tries to get comfortable on the ground. "I am Ri'saad, caravan leader and trader. Visitors to the cold land as well?"
"I am Flandre, and my friends are Lutecia and Agito. We are strangers here as well, and we travel to the College of Magic, hoping to return home with their help." Agito strangles a squawk of indignation, and you're certain the catfolk is grinning now. "Would you happen to know whether it's better to take a ship from Dawnstar, or travel north from the eastern city?" Lutecia's head twitches to the side at your question, and Ri'saad nods slowly for a moment.
"Few ships travel from Dawnstar, none to Winter's Grasp. Road from Windhome is long, but Ma'dran says the snow-walking fiends strike uncommonly." You frown as Lutecia slumps. A ship from Dawnstar would likely be the faster route, but if no ships are leaving … of course, with your reaction to the river, you aren't particularly sad to see it removed from the list.
"I understand. That is not welcome news, but it comes in time to keep us from making a mistake, and I thank you for the gift of knowledge. Unfortunately, we do not have much to trade in turn, as we are not only strangers here, but newly-arrived." You hear a thump and a smack, and you turn back with Lutecia as Ri'saad chuckles. Agito is on her knees now, face buried in her hands, and she looks up just long enough to scowl fiercely at you before taking a breath and relaxing.
"Just blab all our secrets, why don't you?" You frown at her, but turn back to Ri'saad as he clears his throat.
"No trade needed. Is well enough to speak with courtesy and without suspicion." Lutecia tilts her head.
"Do the people here not like you?" He sighs and makes a small gesture.
"See us as thief, as sellers of the moon-drink and such. Not all Khajiit follow clever paths, but enough of skill do, and so they color all. Nords distrust the different, as well." He glances at your wings. "It may give less alarm in wildness, but with scares of dragons and vampires, your own difference might cause city-alarm." You nod as you consider his warning - and the revelation of his species-name - and open up your pack to pull out your coat. It's nowhere near cold enough for you to consider wearing it normally, but he has a point, and your wings sag limply as you pull it on. Lutecia leans forward.
"Vampires and dragons? Are there such things here?" Ri'saad waves one claw and gives a half-shrug.
"It is well-believed that dragons return, yes - travel the western road to broken tower, and see a skeleton raised in challenge, slain by a dragon-blessed. Stories across the Sky-Rim of travelers and small villages burned, of cults old and new to worship dragons and slayers. Of vampires …." Another shrug and sigh, but then he gives something akin to a grin. "The Guards of Dawn claim their increase and threat, and seek their destruction, as well as city-bases for strike and block. Who can measure truth? It is not bad for business, and Khajiit do not fear men's sickness - who has seen Khajiit vampires? Ah, but the Guards are rough, and are not much welcomed in some places." You tap your lips. An order dedicated to wiping out vampires? You know that such things on Earth tended to be wiped out by other causes if they seemed potentially dangerous - disease, or humans who lost loved ones who certainly weren't vampires, or another breed of youkai. If any local vampires are at all organized, they'll probably get around to something similar sooner or later. More pressing would be the potential breach of etiquette; if this is the realm of a vampire's court, you really should notify them of your existence and how long you intend to be here. The dragons interest you a little, though if they can be so easily slain by a single warrior, they probably aren't a threat.
"Again, we thank you for what you have told us. Is there something we can do for you in return for your kindness?" You can feel Agito radiate tenseness, and Ri'saad actually seems to think on the subject before giving a close-mouthed approximation of a smile.
"No, to be not fair. Perhaps, should we meet, we may share a fire-warmth and trade tales. Take your rest, young ones; the northern route leaves tomorrow, the eastern arrives after." Lutecia, after perking up a little during the conversation, deflates, but shakes herself a bit before you or Agito can see if she's fine. She stands abruptly, though, and cuts your link to the conversation before bowing to Ri'saad and walking away. Frowning, you rise and sketch a bow of your own before hurrying over to her. Agito sprints past you and wraps herself around the magician, and then you catch up and hug her as well. After a few minutes, she stops sobbing and manages to hold herself upright without support, and you let her go.
"I … I'm sorry, Agito. Flandre. I …."
"Should we talk to the carriage people now?" She shakes her head. You guess she doesn't want to be disappointed again if something goes wrong. Then, a distraction! "Do you want to go see the dragon skeleton, or see if there's anything fun in the city?" She shudders.
"The … the city, please." Maybe she wants to be surrounded by people? You put your arm around her shoulder and steer her toward the city. Agito helps, guiding her from the other side. The winding path through the walls is a fairly steep climb, as far as such things go, and the guards wave you through after a cursory examination - because of course children are no threat. The stream runs through the city as well, and you shake your head - there's no way a path for the river through the wall can be as secure as the wall itself. It's just asking to be cut or broken through. The first thing that strikes you when you enter is the clamor; something in the short gatehouse seems to reflect the sounds of the city, because you go from relative quiet to all the bustle of a good-sized city in a few steps. You take a deep breath, inhaling the stink of human civilization, as Lutecia and Agito flinch at the noise. You grin and pull Lutecia along, letting Agito catch her free hand as you snake through the crowd.
Without taking the time to ingratiate yourself with a citizen, it's difficult to tell if you're even finding anything worthwhile, but you do your best to show her the sights you recognize. You visit a prominent blacksmith by the stream's exit, and you explain the basics of its operation as a dirty, dusky woman forges a blade. Oddly, the bellows seem to be operated by a hand-cable, rather than a pedal - perhaps it's for an assistant to manage? You slip away before attracting the woman's attention and continue your sweep of the city. After passing by a meeting-house of some kind, Agito growls.
"People here are on edge about something, right? It's not just me?" You nod and gesture at the break in the crowd, one of the many you've been using to keep Lutecia with you.
"Yeah, they are. See how some people have different styles of dress? Their clothes are cut a little different and they favor red colors, and some favor blues, and others don't seem to have a preference? It's political; maybe it's just games, or maybe it's the civil war, but the Reds and Blues don't like each other." A scuffle erupts behind you, pushing you and Lutecia to the ground, though Agito is able to hop back before the fighters bowl her over. You scrabble over Lutecia, shielding her from the erupting melee, and help her to her feet. You're about to break up the fight in your own special way when a pair of piercing cries tear through the air, and an armored man barrels through the crowd, shoving people aside. Another man, wearing similarly exotic armor but standing tall and stern, walks in his wake, haranguing the stilled crowd. Agito darts forward to Lutecia as you study the newcomers. They're werewolves, you can tell; they have the scent, the presence. The speaker glances at you as he turns, and you're pretty sure he can tell you're not human, but he doesn't do anything obvious. You're certain you can take the other one, a dark-haired man with clever eyes, but the leader … not right now, in daylight. You need to be more sure of how weak you are with the sun shining down on you. Agito pokes you, shaking you from your study of the strange warriors.
"Come on, let's get someplace that's not full of people. Lulu's not feeling well." You nod and sit next to Lutecia. She's jittery, you think shaken from being caught up in the near-melee and knocked over. She smiles wanly, and you pull her into a hug before helping her to her feet. You suppose this counts as a distraction from her earlier disappointment, but it's certainly not what you would have preferred. You guide Lutecia and Agito along the side of the street as the crowd thins, keeping an eye out for the pair of warriors. They're talking with a balding man in the same yellow outfit as the guards, though the subordinate warrior catches your eye when he turns to look at something. He holds it long enough for you to realize that you're being marked for something, then goes on as if nothing had happened.
Lutecia seems to recover by the time you reach the bustling, sprawling market district, and she and Agito interestedly study the merchants and their wares. Your own attention is focused but divided, and you slip away for a few moments when you catch sight of what you were hoping to find. The old woman stares concernedly at you as you pretend to hold yourself up over her collection using only your arms, and you give her a polite smile before turning back to the jewelry. Of course a town this size would have a silversmith, but you didn't hope that one as good as this would have his goods sold in a common market. You like to think you know jewelry well enough - you should, because that was one area your sister never let up on - and the maker of the pieces here is substantially better than whoever worked on the brooches you found. Pricing you're a little worse one, but maybe you could trade the three brooches and the buckle for a ring or necklace for Lutecia with the gemstones emplaced. The hard part would be figuring the timing, and you'd certainly need Agito's help. You give the woman another smile and a nod of appreciation and hop down to return to your friends. You'll think on your plan some more.
The three of you wander some more, heading higher up the mountain city until you find a huge lightning-wracked tree. Since there are so many benches beneath the dead tree's spreading branches, you stop for lunch, as some others seem to be doing. After a short while, however, you discover three reasons that this particular place is not good for you, personally. First and least, a madman's raving can be heard, but whatever made him the way he is also made sure he was a persuasive speaker, and even though you can't understand him, his words make their way to your ear. If you stay here much longer, you'll probably be able to reproduce parts of his rambling speech. Second is the large upturned-ship-turned-building that you can see off in the distance. By itself, not a problem, but you saw the riot-breakers march up there, so if they are planning on something, you are not only in easy view, but Lutecia and Agito are here, and in this daylight your ability to protect them is greatly diminished. Third and finally, one particular building, well-constructed and pleasing to view, apparently is some sort of poorly-maintained surgery, because you can smell the flow of blood from here. Some of it is sick, but a lot of it is simply warm blood, shed needlessly, and it is intoxicating - and if you don't do something about it, either visiting or getting away, you'll probably do something very drastic. You pick at your food haphazardly until Lutecia pokes your shoulder.
"Um, Flan? I'm going to go up those stairs, okay?" She points at the great steps that lead to the fortress at the top of the city. You start to get up.
"Okay, I'm just about re-" She waves her hands frantically, then clasps them in front of her and smiles consolingly.
"No, I mean … um, I just wanted to see something, and … it'll be fine if you don't come. You can … can wait here, or go do something on your own, if you want. I'll be fine; Agito'll be with me, and if something does happen, I'll contact you, okay, Flan?" She smiles hopefully, and you're not sure what's more surprising - that she wants you to be away from her, or that she's using your short name.
What do you do?
[ ] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
[ ] Let her go, but ask to keep Agito here.
[ ] Let her go, and
- [ ] See the bloody building.
- [ ] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
- [ ] Keep exploring the city.
- [ ] Wait at the tree and try to not go crazy.
[ ] Other?
[X] Let Lutecia decide if she want to talk to the Carriage Company immediately or if she want to check out the city a bit first.
- [X] East to Windhelm, North to Winterhold if Carriage Company.
Lutecia glances at the catfolk again, then starts to head toward the company building, but you grab her arm and pull her toward the cluster of tents. She squeaks in surprise and you titter mildly at her. "Mustn't be impolite, Lutecia, so we're going to apologize and have a small talk, then go about our business. Be polite, but don't be too submissive." The catfolk - you think it's a male - watches you from the entrance to his tent, as do several of his comrades, but they're well away from you, and when you bow politely in greeting, and Lutecia follows your lead, most of them go back to their own business. You feel the surprise from the catfolk as Lutecia brings you into telepathic communication, and his eyes widen before narrowing. "Good day. I simply wished to ensure that my friend's apology for staring was accepted, and that there were no hard feelings among your people." Lutecia nods, though Agito looks uncomfortable.
"I do apologize. I have not seen anything like your people before, and was surprised." You stifle a wince - maybe you should have given her lessons on social graces instead of the piano? - but the catfolk lets out something that sounds similar to a chuckle, and when he replies, he doesn't speak like most others do, only letting his mind do the talking. His grey fur seems natural, rather than a result of age, but something in his movements and the styling of his mane seem to indicate that he's old, or at least very experienced.
"We accept young one's apology. Curiosity we recognize, not distrust and suspicion. Will you sit and speak?" You were expecting something like this, and you begin lowering yourself just before his question is finished, and you smile pleasantly as he tilts his head at you. Lutecia follows after a moment, though it takes a few tries to get comfortable on the ground. "I am Ri'saad, caravan leader and trader. Visitors to the cold land as well?"
"I am Flandre, and my friends are Lutecia and Agito. We are strangers here as well, and we travel to the College of Magic, hoping to return home with their help." Agito strangles a squawk of indignation, and you're certain the catfolk is grinning now. "Would you happen to know whether it's better to take a ship from Dawnstar, or travel north from the eastern city?" Lutecia's head twitches to the side at your question, and Ri'saad nods slowly for a moment.
"Few ships travel from Dawnstar, none to Winter's Grasp. Road from Windhome is long, but Ma'dran says the snow-walking fiends strike uncommonly." You frown as Lutecia slumps. A ship from Dawnstar would likely be the faster route, but if no ships are leaving … of course, with your reaction to the river, you aren't particularly sad to see it removed from the list.
"I understand. That is not welcome news, but it comes in time to keep us from making a mistake, and I thank you for the gift of knowledge. Unfortunately, we do not have much to trade in turn, as we are not only strangers here, but newly-arrived." You hear a thump and a smack, and you turn back with Lutecia as Ri'saad chuckles. Agito is on her knees now, face buried in her hands, and she looks up just long enough to scowl fiercely at you before taking a breath and relaxing.
"Just blab all our secrets, why don't you?" You frown at her, but turn back to Ri'saad as he clears his throat.
"No trade needed. Is well enough to speak with courtesy and without suspicion." Lutecia tilts her head.
"Do the people here not like you?" He sighs and makes a small gesture.
"See us as thief, as sellers of the moon-drink and such. Not all Khajiit follow clever paths, but enough of skill do, and so they color all. Nords distrust the different, as well." He glances at your wings. "It may give less alarm in wildness, but with scares of dragons and vampires, your own difference might cause city-alarm." You nod as you consider his warning - and the revelation of his species-name - and open up your pack to pull out your coat. It's nowhere near cold enough for you to consider wearing it normally, but he has a point, and your wings sag limply as you pull it on. Lutecia leans forward.
"Vampires and dragons? Are there such things here?" Ri'saad waves one claw and gives a half-shrug.
"It is well-believed that dragons return, yes - travel the western road to broken tower, and see a skeleton raised in challenge, slain by a dragon-blessed. Stories across the Sky-Rim of travelers and small villages burned, of cults old and new to worship dragons and slayers. Of vampires …." Another shrug and sigh, but then he gives something akin to a grin. "The Guards of Dawn claim their increase and threat, and seek their destruction, as well as city-bases for strike and block. Who can measure truth? It is not bad for business, and Khajiit do not fear men's sickness - who has seen Khajiit vampires? Ah, but the Guards are rough, and are not much welcomed in some places." You tap your lips. An order dedicated to wiping out vampires? You know that such things on Earth tended to be wiped out by other causes if they seemed potentially dangerous - disease, or humans who lost loved ones who certainly weren't vampires, or another breed of youkai. If any local vampires are at all organized, they'll probably get around to something similar sooner or later. More pressing would be the potential breach of etiquette; if this is the realm of a vampire's court, you really should notify them of your existence and how long you intend to be here. The dragons interest you a little, though if they can be so easily slain by a single warrior, they probably aren't a threat.
"Again, we thank you for what you have told us. Is there something we can do for you in return for your kindness?" You can feel Agito radiate tenseness, and Ri'saad actually seems to think on the subject before giving a close-mouthed approximation of a smile.
"No, to be not fair. Perhaps, should we meet, we may share a fire-warmth and trade tales. Take your rest, young ones; the northern route leaves tomorrow, the eastern arrives after." Lutecia, after perking up a little during the conversation, deflates, but shakes herself a bit before you or Agito can see if she's fine. She stands abruptly, though, and cuts your link to the conversation before bowing to Ri'saad and walking away. Frowning, you rise and sketch a bow of your own before hurrying over to her. Agito sprints past you and wraps herself around the magician, and then you catch up and hug her as well. After a few minutes, she stops sobbing and manages to hold herself upright without support, and you let her go.
"I … I'm sorry, Agito. Flandre. I …."
"Should we talk to the carriage people now?" She shakes her head. You guess she doesn't want to be disappointed again if something goes wrong. Then, a distraction! "Do you want to go see the dragon skeleton, or see if there's anything fun in the city?" She shudders.
"The … the city, please." Maybe she wants to be surrounded by people? You put your arm around her shoulder and steer her toward the city. Agito helps, guiding her from the other side. The winding path through the walls is a fairly steep climb, as far as such things go, and the guards wave you through after a cursory examination - because of course children are no threat. The stream runs through the city as well, and you shake your head - there's no way a path for the river through the wall can be as secure as the wall itself. It's just asking to be cut or broken through. The first thing that strikes you when you enter is the clamor; something in the short gatehouse seems to reflect the sounds of the city, because you go from relative quiet to all the bustle of a good-sized city in a few steps. You take a deep breath, inhaling the stink of human civilization, as Lutecia and Agito flinch at the noise. You grin and pull Lutecia along, letting Agito catch her free hand as you snake through the crowd.
Without taking the time to ingratiate yourself with a citizen, it's difficult to tell if you're even finding anything worthwhile, but you do your best to show her the sights you recognize. You visit a prominent blacksmith by the stream's exit, and you explain the basics of its operation as a dirty, dusky woman forges a blade. Oddly, the bellows seem to be operated by a hand-cable, rather than a pedal - perhaps it's for an assistant to manage? You slip away before attracting the woman's attention and continue your sweep of the city. After passing by a meeting-house of some kind, Agito growls.
"People here are on edge about something, right? It's not just me?" You nod and gesture at the break in the crowd, one of the many you've been using to keep Lutecia with you.
"Yeah, they are. See how some people have different styles of dress? Their clothes are cut a little different and they favor red colors, and some favor blues, and others don't seem to have a preference? It's political; maybe it's just games, or maybe it's the civil war, but the Reds and Blues don't like each other." A scuffle erupts behind you, pushing you and Lutecia to the ground, though Agito is able to hop back before the fighters bowl her over. You scrabble over Lutecia, shielding her from the erupting melee, and help her to her feet. You're about to break up the fight in your own special way when a pair of piercing cries tear through the air, and an armored man barrels through the crowd, shoving people aside. Another man, wearing similarly exotic armor but standing tall and stern, walks in his wake, haranguing the stilled crowd. Agito darts forward to Lutecia as you study the newcomers. They're werewolves, you can tell; they have the scent, the presence. The speaker glances at you as he turns, and you're pretty sure he can tell you're not human, but he doesn't do anything obvious. You're certain you can take the other one, a dark-haired man with clever eyes, but the leader … not right now, in daylight. You need to be more sure of how weak you are with the sun shining down on you. Agito pokes you, shaking you from your study of the strange warriors.
"Come on, let's get someplace that's not full of people. Lulu's not feeling well." You nod and sit next to Lutecia. She's jittery, you think shaken from being caught up in the near-melee and knocked over. She smiles wanly, and you pull her into a hug before helping her to her feet. You suppose this counts as a distraction from her earlier disappointment, but it's certainly not what you would have preferred. You guide Lutecia and Agito along the side of the street as the crowd thins, keeping an eye out for the pair of warriors. They're talking with a balding man in the same yellow outfit as the guards, though the subordinate warrior catches your eye when he turns to look at something. He holds it long enough for you to realize that you're being marked for something, then goes on as if nothing had happened.
Lutecia seems to recover by the time you reach the bustling, sprawling market district, and she and Agito interestedly study the merchants and their wares. Your own attention is focused but divided, and you slip away for a few moments when you catch sight of what you were hoping to find. The old woman stares concernedly at you as you pretend to hold yourself up over her collection using only your arms, and you give her a polite smile before turning back to the jewelry. Of course a town this size would have a silversmith, but you didn't hope that one as good as this would have his goods sold in a common market. You like to think you know jewelry well enough - you should, because that was one area your sister never let up on - and the maker of the pieces here is substantially better than whoever worked on the brooches you found. Pricing you're a little worse one, but maybe you could trade the three brooches and the buckle for a ring or necklace for Lutecia with the gemstones emplaced. The hard part would be figuring the timing, and you'd certainly need Agito's help. You give the woman another smile and a nod of appreciation and hop down to return to your friends. You'll think on your plan some more.
The three of you wander some more, heading higher up the mountain city until you find a huge lightning-wracked tree. Since there are so many benches beneath the dead tree's spreading branches, you stop for lunch, as some others seem to be doing. After a short while, however, you discover three reasons that this particular place is not good for you, personally. First and least, a madman's raving can be heard, but whatever made him the way he is also made sure he was a persuasive speaker, and even though you can't understand him, his words make their way to your ear. If you stay here much longer, you'll probably be able to reproduce parts of his rambling speech. Second is the large upturned-ship-turned-building that you can see off in the distance. By itself, not a problem, but you saw the riot-breakers march up there, so if they are planning on something, you are not only in easy view, but Lutecia and Agito are here, and in this daylight your ability to protect them is greatly diminished. Third and finally, one particular building, well-constructed and pleasing to view, apparently is some sort of poorly-maintained surgery, because you can smell the flow of blood from here. Some of it is sick, but a lot of it is simply warm blood, shed needlessly, and it is intoxicating - and if you don't do something about it, either visiting or getting away, you'll probably do something very drastic. You pick at your food haphazardly until Lutecia pokes your shoulder.
"Um, Flan? I'm going to go up those stairs, okay?" She points at the great steps that lead to the fortress at the top of the city. You start to get up.
"Okay, I'm just about re-" She waves her hands frantically, then clasps them in front of her and smiles consolingly.
"No, I mean … um, I just wanted to see something, and … it'll be fine if you don't come. You can … can wait here, or go do something on your own, if you want. I'll be fine; Agito'll be with me, and if something does happen, I'll contact you, okay, Flan?" She smiles hopefully, and you're not sure what's more surprising - that she wants you to be away from her, or that she's using your short name.
What do you do?
[ ] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
[ ] Let her go, but ask to keep Agito here.
[ ] Let her go, and
- [ ] See the bloody building.
- [ ] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
- [ ] Keep exploring the city.
- [ ] Wait at the tree and try to not go crazy.
[ ] Other?
More like she couldn't go now even if she wanted to. Carriage leaves tomorrow after all.
- Location
- New Zealand
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
Should be interesting, and they already know Flan is there, so no harm, right? *Cough*
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
Should be interesting, and they already know Flan is there, so no harm, right? *Cough*
Slith10
Back from the dead and ready to party!
- Location
- New Zealand
Both are important.
[] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
I'm concerned about what might happen, otherwise I'd choose
- [] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
I really want to do both before leaving, but time sensitive first:
[X] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
Really hope we will be able to do the second.
[] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
I'm concerned about what might happen, otherwise I'd choose
- [] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
I really want to do both before leaving, but time sensitive first:
[X] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
Really hope we will be able to do the second.
[X] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
- Location
- USA
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
She needs some space. And we can go bug the werewolves. Everyone wins.
Granted in not familiar with MGLN or Touhou, so I could easily be reading characters wrong. Quest is great though, Flandre is awesome.
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
She needs some space. And we can go bug the werewolves. Everyone wins.
Granted in not familiar with MGLN or Touhou, so I could easily be reading characters wrong. Quest is great though, Flandre is awesome.
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
Votes are not locked.
Did anyone who's familiar with the game catch all the plot points and useful information?
[X] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
3
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
2
3
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
2
Shadlith
Mad Magician
- Location
- The Universe
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
Hm... I'm thinking we met the Companions, found out about the Gray-Mane vs Battleborn, found out that Khajit exist and are usually thieves, the dawnguard DLC is installed so whatshisface is going to be trying to shoot out the sun, the dragonborn exists and has already killed the first dragon opponent, aaaaand... I'm betting there's a lot more that I missed, but, eh. Oh well. A start.
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
Hm... I'm thinking we met the Companions, found out about the Gray-Mane vs Battleborn, found out that Khajit exist and are usually thieves, the dawnguard DLC is installed so whatshisface is going to be trying to shoot out the sun, the dragonborn exists and has already killed the first dragon opponent, aaaaand... I'm betting there's a lot more that I missed, but, eh. Oh well. A start.
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
Votes are locked.
[X] Maximum Sneak. Pretend to let her go and follow her to see what she does.
3
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
4
3
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
4
Uh-Oh
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
[x] Let her go, and
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
You tilt your head so it's nearly horizontal and watch Lutecia. You could say no, and maybe you should - this behavior is completely different from how she normally acts, and you don't want her to hurt herself or do something stupid … but she'll have Agito with her. Of course, she's not you, but she should be able to keep her safe, at least until you can get there. But maybe you should follow her anyway, to see what she thinks she'll find? No, she might notice you with her magic, and then she wouldn't trust you. And it's not like you don't have anything to do - even if you didn't have anything to do, you could always take a nap! Just as a hint of worry starts to edge into her smile, you grin and lunge forward, squeezing her in a hug so sudden the air is forced from her lungs. You stick your tongue out at her as you loosen your grip.
"Of course! It's not a problem, and you didn't need to get so nervous, Lulu." She relaxes and throws her own arms around your shoulders.
"Thank you! I … I just didn't want you to …." She trails off, unsure of your reaction, and you nuzzle her shoulder with your chin.
"It's fine. Sometimes you just want to be away from some people sometimes, right? I know that feeling. Just make sure to take care of yourselves and don't do anything I wouldn't do." She giggles as Agito sighs, though you're pretty sure the fairy is at least a little amused.
"Okay, Flan. We'll be back, but if we need you, we'll call. Have fun!" Lutecia turns and hurries off, and Agito shakes her head at you before smiling and running to catch up. You wait until they're at the steps and beginning to make their way up before turning to your own self-appointed goal. The upside-down boat beckons, and you make your way toward it cautiously. You wonder a bit about it - how they managed to get such a massive hull so far inland, and what kind of ship it is - but dismiss the thoughts after a moment. Something to think about later, if you get bored. No one is in front, but you can hear calls and the clash of metal coming from the other side, so you make your way around. You are greeted by the sight of a dozen warriors in mock combat, four on one side and eight on the other. The warriors of the smaller team, despite the eclectic mix of weapons and armor, seem to be easily handling the city guards, and they all shrug off the cuts and bruises they receive. The guards aren't bad fighters, it's just that the four are better, and they're less averse to making risky attacks. Overseeing the fight is a red-haired woman, and when two of the guards drop back in quick succession, she halts the match.
You start to move closer, then whirl on the man behind you. At first you think it's lesser warrior from before, but there are a few differences. You're a little concerned that a werewolf managed to get so close to you, but you smile and nod your head at the man. He frowns, perhaps confused at your actions, but shrugs and says something before motioning for you to head toward the woman. Your mouth twists as you pout at him, but you turn and walk to the training ground. The guards are leaving, and the woman is talking to the remaining four, but she dismisses them as you arrive, sending them inside. They chatter at each other, then the woman snaps her fingers at you and starts talking. She seems unfazed by your irritated glare, but her own expression darkens when you don't reply. You shrug when her hand drops to her dagger.
"I don't know who you are, except that you're a werewolf. Could you be bothered to speak a civilized tongue?" She blinks at you, obviously perplexed, and you repeat yourself in every language you can. They both simply stare at you, and you sigh. A risky move, since this woman is probably a match for you right now, but … you point at her and bark. She glares, and the knife practically leaps into her hand as she stands up, but you're already turning back to the man, and you point at him and bark, then at him and the space beside him, hoping they get the idea that you mean his twin, and bark. You turn back, ignoring the man's glower, when you hear the woman sheathe her dagger. While still obviously upset, she also seems intrigued, and you point at yourself, then at the building, then spread your arms to encompass the group before tapping at your head, your ear, your eye. With any luck, they'll have a brain between them and understand that you're curious, and you just want to look around the place and not get into a fight. They discuss something, at least, because after a few exchanges the woman gestures inside and the man starts to head in. The door opens before he gets there, though, and a tall man, bald and with a milky-white left eye, steps out. You recognize him as the speaker during the riot, and you show him respect, bowing as to a famous warrior. The younger man, the one who found you, chuckles, and the woman says something sharp, sending him inside. The two leaders talk for a few minutes, and you sit down to wait. Eventually the man shrugs, rolling his shoulders, and the woman grunts in acknowledgement before standing up and gesturing for you to go back the way you came. You sigh. A waste of time, it seems. The woman follows you to make sure you leave, and you trundle down the steps. A thought pops into your head.
"How about 'Giltless'?" There's a moment's pause.
"I … I like it! Thank you, Flandre!" You can feel the joy coming from the newly-named entity, then a wave of disgust from Headless.
"That's terrible, Flandre, and you should be ashamed of yourself." You giggle at the admonition, and Giltless's confusion makes it funnier. Headless sighs. "It's a play on words, 'gilt' and 'guilt.' And probably some perception of hers that we don't have. It's a terrible habit, and one you should avoid at all costs."
"But that's wonderful! It's smart and funny!" You cackle as Headless tries to retort and leave the two to their discussion. You do manage to keep from running into a child as you walk toward the tree, wondering what you should do next, but the girl turns after you and grabs your arm after you spin away. You yank your arm away from her, and she stumbles but recovers before falling. Her head rolls oddly, and her eyes are glazed, so you take a step back - she's obviously either sick or drugged, and while neither should affect you, you aren't quite in the mood to deal with a delusional child. You snarl and push past her.
"Flandre? Flan, can you hear me?" Agito contacts you as the girl stumbles to the ground, and you can hear the worry in her voice.
"Yes. Is Lutecia alright?" You start moving toward the castle, brushing past a couple other children as they move toward the fallen girl.
"No? Maybe? Look, we're in the basement of the palace, and whatever you do, don't come in loud, please! Sneak in, peacefully. I'll try to guide you once you get closer, okay?" You snarl as she fades from your mind, and you wait until you're partway up the steps to become invisible and start flying. You nearly shriek as your skin seems to be flensed, and you can feel your blood bubbling up to keep yourself whole, but the pain is over in moments as you latch onto the great castle and hang against the wall, in the shade and with the bulk of the building between you and the sun. You snap open a nearby shutter and slip inside, eager to be indoors, and it's not until after you're moving into the hallway that you realize you didn't even consider that someone could have been in the room or the hall. You growl menacingly, wishing Agito had explained why she wanted you to make as little fuss as possible.
Two guards sweep into the hall just a few meters from you and you choke off your growl and throw yourself up to the ceiling as they scour the corridor. A dog barking in the distance leads to them relaxing a little, though they keep looking around. You snarl inwardly, promising yourself that if Agito doesn't have a good reason for not talking to you, for wanting you to be sneaky, you're going to make her suffer. And you're going to make her suffer even more if she let something happen to Lutecia ….
The upper floor, mainly living areas, is fairly simple to traverse; your main difficulty comes from the guards' presence making some areas inaccessible, since you can't open the doors with them nearby, but as the sun's light fades from you, you're better able to track their positions with smell and sound, and you make your way to the servants' section, which - true to form - has a direct staircase to the kitchen and the castle basements. In the soothing darkness you're free to dismiss the drain that is invisibility, and it doesn't take you long to find Agito and Lutecia in a distant and dank former cell. The fairy, now diminutive, has a brutal injury, a ravaged hole on her right side, and you can only tell she's still alive by the whimpering. Lutecia is unharmed physically, but her eyes are wide and locked open, and she has a death-grip on a pitch-black, two-handed, oddly-curved sword you wouldn't think she could lift effectively … but it's bloody, and so is she, so she's used it at least once. On whatever attacked Agito? You bring a pair of warm red bullets into existence, illuminating the area, and Lutecia flinches back, arms shaking as she tries to hold the weapon against whatever threat she perceives.
"F-Flan?" Agito tries to stand up, falls down and gasps in pain. "That … she didn't mean to …." She curls up a little and shivers.
What do you do?
[ ] Use your clones to get help from the rest of the castle.
[ ] Fix up Agito first, then try to help Lutecia.
[ ] Try to wake up Lutecia, then help Agito.
[ ] Other?
Uh ... yeah. Unfortunately, Flan doesn't speak werewolf.
- [x] See the Werewolves and their upside-down boat.
You tilt your head so it's nearly horizontal and watch Lutecia. You could say no, and maybe you should - this behavior is completely different from how she normally acts, and you don't want her to hurt herself or do something stupid … but she'll have Agito with her. Of course, she's not you, but she should be able to keep her safe, at least until you can get there. But maybe you should follow her anyway, to see what she thinks she'll find? No, she might notice you with her magic, and then she wouldn't trust you. And it's not like you don't have anything to do - even if you didn't have anything to do, you could always take a nap! Just as a hint of worry starts to edge into her smile, you grin and lunge forward, squeezing her in a hug so sudden the air is forced from her lungs. You stick your tongue out at her as you loosen your grip.
"Of course! It's not a problem, and you didn't need to get so nervous, Lulu." She relaxes and throws her own arms around your shoulders.
"Thank you! I … I just didn't want you to …." She trails off, unsure of your reaction, and you nuzzle her shoulder with your chin.
"It's fine. Sometimes you just want to be away from some people sometimes, right? I know that feeling. Just make sure to take care of yourselves and don't do anything I wouldn't do." She giggles as Agito sighs, though you're pretty sure the fairy is at least a little amused.
"Okay, Flan. We'll be back, but if we need you, we'll call. Have fun!" Lutecia turns and hurries off, and Agito shakes her head at you before smiling and running to catch up. You wait until they're at the steps and beginning to make their way up before turning to your own self-appointed goal. The upside-down boat beckons, and you make your way toward it cautiously. You wonder a bit about it - how they managed to get such a massive hull so far inland, and what kind of ship it is - but dismiss the thoughts after a moment. Something to think about later, if you get bored. No one is in front, but you can hear calls and the clash of metal coming from the other side, so you make your way around. You are greeted by the sight of a dozen warriors in mock combat, four on one side and eight on the other. The warriors of the smaller team, despite the eclectic mix of weapons and armor, seem to be easily handling the city guards, and they all shrug off the cuts and bruises they receive. The guards aren't bad fighters, it's just that the four are better, and they're less averse to making risky attacks. Overseeing the fight is a red-haired woman, and when two of the guards drop back in quick succession, she halts the match.
You start to move closer, then whirl on the man behind you. At first you think it's lesser warrior from before, but there are a few differences. You're a little concerned that a werewolf managed to get so close to you, but you smile and nod your head at the man. He frowns, perhaps confused at your actions, but shrugs and says something before motioning for you to head toward the woman. Your mouth twists as you pout at him, but you turn and walk to the training ground. The guards are leaving, and the woman is talking to the remaining four, but she dismisses them as you arrive, sending them inside. They chatter at each other, then the woman snaps her fingers at you and starts talking. She seems unfazed by your irritated glare, but her own expression darkens when you don't reply. You shrug when her hand drops to her dagger.
"I don't know who you are, except that you're a werewolf. Could you be bothered to speak a civilized tongue?" She blinks at you, obviously perplexed, and you repeat yourself in every language you can. They both simply stare at you, and you sigh. A risky move, since this woman is probably a match for you right now, but … you point at her and bark. She glares, and the knife practically leaps into her hand as she stands up, but you're already turning back to the man, and you point at him and bark, then at him and the space beside him, hoping they get the idea that you mean his twin, and bark. You turn back, ignoring the man's glower, when you hear the woman sheathe her dagger. While still obviously upset, she also seems intrigued, and you point at yourself, then at the building, then spread your arms to encompass the group before tapping at your head, your ear, your eye. With any luck, they'll have a brain between them and understand that you're curious, and you just want to look around the place and not get into a fight. They discuss something, at least, because after a few exchanges the woman gestures inside and the man starts to head in. The door opens before he gets there, though, and a tall man, bald and with a milky-white left eye, steps out. You recognize him as the speaker during the riot, and you show him respect, bowing as to a famous warrior. The younger man, the one who found you, chuckles, and the woman says something sharp, sending him inside. The two leaders talk for a few minutes, and you sit down to wait. Eventually the man shrugs, rolling his shoulders, and the woman grunts in acknowledgement before standing up and gesturing for you to go back the way you came. You sigh. A waste of time, it seems. The woman follows you to make sure you leave, and you trundle down the steps. A thought pops into your head.
"How about 'Giltless'?" There's a moment's pause.
"I … I like it! Thank you, Flandre!" You can feel the joy coming from the newly-named entity, then a wave of disgust from Headless.
"That's terrible, Flandre, and you should be ashamed of yourself." You giggle at the admonition, and Giltless's confusion makes it funnier. Headless sighs. "It's a play on words, 'gilt' and 'guilt.' And probably some perception of hers that we don't have. It's a terrible habit, and one you should avoid at all costs."
"But that's wonderful! It's smart and funny!" You cackle as Headless tries to retort and leave the two to their discussion. You do manage to keep from running into a child as you walk toward the tree, wondering what you should do next, but the girl turns after you and grabs your arm after you spin away. You yank your arm away from her, and she stumbles but recovers before falling. Her head rolls oddly, and her eyes are glazed, so you take a step back - she's obviously either sick or drugged, and while neither should affect you, you aren't quite in the mood to deal with a delusional child. You snarl and push past her.
"Flandre? Flan, can you hear me?" Agito contacts you as the girl stumbles to the ground, and you can hear the worry in her voice.
"Yes. Is Lutecia alright?" You start moving toward the castle, brushing past a couple other children as they move toward the fallen girl.
"No? Maybe? Look, we're in the basement of the palace, and whatever you do, don't come in loud, please! Sneak in, peacefully. I'll try to guide you once you get closer, okay?" You snarl as she fades from your mind, and you wait until you're partway up the steps to become invisible and start flying. You nearly shriek as your skin seems to be flensed, and you can feel your blood bubbling up to keep yourself whole, but the pain is over in moments as you latch onto the great castle and hang against the wall, in the shade and with the bulk of the building between you and the sun. You snap open a nearby shutter and slip inside, eager to be indoors, and it's not until after you're moving into the hallway that you realize you didn't even consider that someone could have been in the room or the hall. You growl menacingly, wishing Agito had explained why she wanted you to make as little fuss as possible.
Two guards sweep into the hall just a few meters from you and you choke off your growl and throw yourself up to the ceiling as they scour the corridor. A dog barking in the distance leads to them relaxing a little, though they keep looking around. You snarl inwardly, promising yourself that if Agito doesn't have a good reason for not talking to you, for wanting you to be sneaky, you're going to make her suffer. And you're going to make her suffer even more if she let something happen to Lutecia ….
The upper floor, mainly living areas, is fairly simple to traverse; your main difficulty comes from the guards' presence making some areas inaccessible, since you can't open the doors with them nearby, but as the sun's light fades from you, you're better able to track their positions with smell and sound, and you make your way to the servants' section, which - true to form - has a direct staircase to the kitchen and the castle basements. In the soothing darkness you're free to dismiss the drain that is invisibility, and it doesn't take you long to find Agito and Lutecia in a distant and dank former cell. The fairy, now diminutive, has a brutal injury, a ravaged hole on her right side, and you can only tell she's still alive by the whimpering. Lutecia is unharmed physically, but her eyes are wide and locked open, and she has a death-grip on a pitch-black, two-handed, oddly-curved sword you wouldn't think she could lift effectively … but it's bloody, and so is she, so she's used it at least once. On whatever attacked Agito? You bring a pair of warm red bullets into existence, illuminating the area, and Lutecia flinches back, arms shaking as she tries to hold the weapon against whatever threat she perceives.
"F-Flan?" Agito tries to stand up, falls down and gasps in pain. "That … she didn't mean to …." She curls up a little and shivers.
What do you do?
[ ] Use your clones to get help from the rest of the castle.
[ ] Fix up Agito first, then try to help Lutecia.
[ ] Try to wake up Lutecia, then help Agito.
[ ] Other?
Uh ... yeah. Unfortunately, Flan doesn't speak werewolf.