Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>40740131

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>40740131

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>40740131

>>40740149
Well well well. Looks like the bold can swim.

File: f1d8479946f7424d29c19cdbc(...).png (1002 KB, 900x1400)

1002 KB PNG

Rolled 70 (1d100)

Cute Kobolds on dangerous adventures. I love it.

>>40740225
Radioactive bold.

>>40740225
Did you draw that? Because god damn, that's fantastic.

>>40740225

Yeah. It's nice enough. Not what was promised, but functional.

>>40740131
You slip into the water, and Emma moves to join you but you hold up your hand. She whines softly, but returns to the bank, sitting and waiting. All right, Nadia... let's see if you've got this.

You wade into the water up to your stomach, the warmth of it seeping in under your armor and dampening your fur. You move slowly, stepping carefully through the shifting sand at the bottom of the lagoon. You feel a quick jerk on your tail and turn quickly, one of the smaller fish darting away with a mouthful of your fur. That little- no, no, calm down. Now how do you do this.

You swish your tail back and forth slowly, the water working against it, as you stretch out your paws toward one of the fish, licking your lips in concentration. The sun rising behind you shimmers off its scales, and the surface of the water. You lunge, dunking yourself under the surface, and come up sputtering, bereft of breakfast. You snort, clearing your nose, and Far-Runner laughs madly.

"You must be quick-quick, wet dog! Quick-quick like Far-Runner! KEKEK!"

You scowl and turn back to your work, when suddenly the sand at your feet shifts, and something large, fat, and dark-skinned rises up from the bottom. Long whiskers stretch from from the front of its maw, and its large mouth opens and closes lazily. This thing could easily feed you, Emma, and maybe even some left over for another meal. You lick your lips, this time most definitely not from concentration.

You crouch, this time bearing your claws. The thing seems to look at you, mouth opening and closing dumbly. You reach out slowly, and just as soon as your fingertips brush its cold surface, you lunge and grip, lifting the squirming, slimy beast from the depths. It croaks loudly, angrily, indignant at being wrested from its watery kingdom.

>>40740627
You carry it carefully back to the bank, the thing writhing with strength you didn't expect, and you're all too glad to toss it onto the rocks beside Emma. The kitsune smiles and looks up at you in appreciation.

"Have I told you that you're amazing?"

You can't help but blush as you sit down and look at the flopping fish. Then at Emma. Then at the fish.

"Wait... how do we eat this?"

>Follow Far-Runner's example: Eat it live
>Kill it and try to clean it
>Cook it. Emma's burns will heal in time.
>Other

>>40740642
>Kill it and try to clean it

>>40740642
>Follow Far-Runner's example: Eat it live

>>40740642
>Kill it and try to clean it

>>40740642

> Kill it, peel it, and eat it.
> Emma needs raw food to heal.

It's not like she doesn't know how to clean a fish.

>>40740642
Kill it and clean it.
Bashing its head isn't hard, and we should be able to cut away the fillet with our claws.

>>40740642
>Kill it and try to clean it
Somehow I doubt doing what the weird mangy bird lady does is a good idea. Eating live food is a pain in the ass anyway.

>>40740727
She's never cooked fish, or even fished before. Why would she know how?

>>40740768

It's really, really easy, just like peeling a rabbit. You cut along the spine, go down the ribcage and then slowly work the meat off in a slab. Yes, there's muck on the outside, but if you are eating it raw, you don't care, because you aren't eating the skin and scales.

Kill & Clean wins it.

Writing.

While I'm writing, in case you didn't see the Twitter: Thank you for sticking with me this far.

>>40740847

I didn't see anything on Twitter other than thread announcements and reasons why previous threads didn't happen. If the graduation party was for you, though, congratulations.

>>40740900
No, no. For a friend. I'm a bit old to worry about that kind of thing. But, thank you for the sentiment none the less.

>>40740847
I've said it before, I'll say it again: I will never abandon my waifu.

Hey lotus, I think I found a piece of music you might like
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsObv4b-qYg
I'm not trying to be an ass, I genuinely think you'll like this. I sure as hell do.

>>40741072
I am aware of it, and you are completely correct. You are, indeed, mah negro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQTLTKAIKvw

>>40740642
You consider it carefully for a moment before you slip your dagger from its sheath, testing the edge against your palm. "It's... like a rabbit, right? Just open it up, peel the skin back..."

Emma nods slowly, maybe trying more to convince herself than agree with you. You hear Far-Runner gag and look up in time to see her spit out a fish head onto the rocks. You shake your head in disgust and turn back to your own breakfast.

Emma watches you carefully as you work, your hands steady as the knife glides through skin and across bone. The cuts are not precise, nor clean, but you rupture nothing foul, nor knick the blade against an errant rib, and soon you're left with two steaks of rather generous size. You offer one to Emma and she takes it with a smile, tucking in hungrily. Far-Runner eyes you both from the other side of the pool, licking her lips. You glare, as if daring her to ask you to share, and she turns away with her feathers ruffled.

After you've eaten, the remaining steaks stowed away for later, you resume your journey. The jungle thins out somewhat, giving way to a vast, marshy plain choked with tall, verdant grasses topped with strange brown grains. The air smells somewhat nutty as you go, with here and there a slight musty, metallic scent rising from the sodden earth to join the melange. It almost makes your stomach growl anew, definitely making your mouth water. As you press on, you hear voices in the distance singing.

"High and low, low and high, take the grains, sun them dry. Lows and highs, highs and lows, that's the way a marsher goes."

Far-Runner scowls, her expression darkening. "Pfeh... no-feathers. Nasty, nasty things. We leave them. Go around. No good to us. No good at all."

Emma tugs on your sleeve lightly and you look down. Her tails sway gently, but her ears twitch once... twice... in the direction of the singing.

>Go toward the singing. You'll take your chances.
>Agree with Far-Runner. Go around, avoid whoever it is.
>Other

>>40741144
You ever seen the full animation for that? it's creepy man.

>>40741206
Of course I have. One of my favorites.

Poor vagabond.

>>40741180
>Agree with Far-Runner. Go around, avoid whoever it is.
Never trust singing.

>>40741180
What's a no feather?

>>40741262
What if it's Djanna? Her mother sang.

>>40741272
The fish people. Probably kelpies or sirens.

>>40741180
>Go toward the singing. You'll take your chances.

>>40741180
>"Hey Far-RUnner, what's a 'marsher'?"

Looks like questioning the crazy harpy bitch wins it.

>>40741180
You take Emma's hand gently, turning to the harpy woman, who has already turned to head deeper into the marsh. "Hey, Far-Runner. What's a 'marsher'?"

The harpy stops and turns her head almost entirely around to look at you. You can't help but shiver. "Why you care? Stupid-stupid grass eater, KEK! Live on marsh, bite lizard, eat grass and root. Not strong-strong like Far-Runner! Weak! Coward! KEK!"

"Who's there!?"

You hear the tromping of boots moving toward you, the wet squelching of mud underfoot drawing closer before the grass parts to reveal a tall, broad-chested young man with brown hair and wide, blue eyes. He wears strange, tall breeches and boots, a short-sleeved shirt revealing well-muscled, tanned arms. He holds a short club in one hand, a basket full of brown grain slung over his shoulder.

"KEK! STUPID-STUPID MARSH SCUM! EGG STEALER! FIEND! KEK! FAR-RUNNER KILL! KILL! KILL!" She leaps and turns in mid-air, landing and taking a step back, away from the man. He scowls and slips his club into his belt.

"Gods and demons, aren't you dead yet? Shoo! Shoo, go back to your nest and stay there!" He takes a step toward the harpy, waving his hands at her wildly. The harpy backs up, madness in her eyes, before she looks to you with a sneer.

"Little morsels kill stupid Marsher for Far-Runner, yes-yes? Take to dragon, KEK! Take to dragon quick-quick!"

Finally, the man seems to notice the two of you, turning his face to you. He frowns and shakes his head. "Listen, girls, I don't know what this mad hag told you, but she's crazy as a bog hare. Don't get yourselves caught up with h- HEY!"

Far-Runner dashed forward while he was distracted, snapping out with her mouth and snagging his club, slipping it from his belt with a triumphant squawk before turning and running away from him. He scowls, but makes no move to pursue. "Damn it..."

>Attack the man
>Follow Far-Runner
>Stay and talk to him
>Other

>>40741600
>>Stay and talk to him

>>40741600
>a tall, broad-chested young man with brown hair and wide, blue eyes. He wears strange, tall breeches and boots, a short-sleeved shirt revealing well-muscled, tanned arms

I FUCKING TOLD YOU! Let the lewdening begin.

>>40741600
>Stay and talk to him

>>40741600

> Stay and talk to him
> Be ready to intercept Far Runner if need be

>>40741600
>>Stay and talk to him

>>40741626
ah go fuck off back to your basement vaelys

>>40741600
>Stay and talk to him
Keep your distance and stay on guard. Just because he's comparatively sane doesn't mean he's any better.

>>40741600
>Stay and talk to him

>>40741626
You didn't tell anybody shit, just get out.

>>40741600
>Attack the man

>>40741600
Chatting wins it. Writing.

>>40741626
Yup. Totally going to force a human love interest down everyone's throat. /sarcasm

>>40741845
I wouldn't expect any less.
I assume the next post is gonna jump ahead a few years to him and Nadia married, and Nadia carrying for the pups?

>>40741910
Go fuck yourself and leave Vaelys.

>>40741910
Naw. Grandpups. You don't even get the family ending directly, just secondhand.

>>40741600
"Who are you?" you ask, pulling Emma gently back behind you, taking a step in front of her.

He shakes his head and turns to face you, crossing his arms across his chest. "Well, that's kinda rude, considering you're on my land, but seeing as you're not from around here-" his expression breaks into a broad smile, as if laughing at some private joke. "-I'm Cain. Good ta meet ya." He extends his hand to you, and you look at it curiously. After a few awkward moments, he gently reaches out and takes yours, giving it a little shake. "There we go. That's how we say 'hello' around here. And what're your names, ladies?"

You look to Emma, then back to the man. Emma presses against your back shyly, and you swallow, once more thrust into being the center of attention. "I'm Nadia. This is my sister, Emma."

He crouches down, close to Emma's level, and peers around your side with a grin. "Well, it's good ta meet you too, Emma. Now, either of ya mind telling me how ya got mixed up with that crazy old feather-brain?"

You look back to the retreating harpy's rump, the only indication of her passage being the waving of the grass counter to the breeze. Damn, she can move fast...

You look back to the man with a frown. He seems nice enough, but you're not sure he can help. Then again, given the way the harpy woman behaved, you're not sure she could either. Your head is starting to hurt with all of the uncertainty, and you feel Emma give your hand a squeeze, as if she's picking up on it.

>>40741930
I think that one was just a different anon playing along

>>40741930
Of course, I forgot that even when making such a blatantly obvious joke, there'll always be some idiot who thinks your serious.

>>40741935
Ah, even better. Glad we got to skip all that "adventure" stuff. So bland.

>>40741953
>Cain
ABORT! ABORT RIGHT THE FUCK NOW!

>>40741953
Cain frowns softly and straightens up. "Well... you don't need to tell me now, but I don't feel right leaving you both out here. Tell you what, how about you come home with me and meet the family? Get you fed up, and help you on your way if that's what you want. Or, if you want to go back to... well, wherever it is you came from, I won't stop you there either. Your choice, ladies, but without my club, I have to head home. Coming or going?"

He turns half toward the opposite direction the harpy fled in, one hand on his hip.

>Go with Cain
>Follow after Far-Runner
>Ask him... (Write-In)
>Other

>>40741994
You don't want pups? You shouldn't have fucked in the first place.

>>40741996
>Ask him... (Write-In)
Do you know where the dragon is?

>>40741994
I hope we get to meet Abel.

>>40741996
>Ask him... (Write-In)
Where the dragon is and why Far -Runner hated him so?

>>40741996
>Ask him if he knows anything about the dragon.

>>40741996

> Ask him
> "Mister. I'm scared."
> "First Djanna got carried off by a dragon."
> "Then there were fish people"
> "An Far Runner, an then she killed one of them"
> "I want to trust you, but how do I know we can?"

> Engage puppy tears

>>40742035
Oh, god damn it. It was supposed to be a joke on "cane," like "sugar cane."

>>40742062
shadowrunning has ended, lotus has confirmed this is NOT cain the first vampire

>>40742094
Oh, I never said he wasn't a vampire. Just not specifically modeled after that Cain.

He could be a voodoo-slingin' Samedi.

>>40742056
I like this, coupled with >>40742036 and >>40742054. Writing!

>>40742118
good enough for me.

>>40742062
What?
I was making a joke on able, like able bodied.

Why you gotta jump to conclusions, man?

>>40741996
You whine softly, your tail drooping. You hadn't felt overwhelmed quite so much recently. Maybe you were growing up. You certainly felt different, but now you couldn't help it. "Mister... I want to trust you, I really do. With everything that's happened, though, I don't know if I can. I got put on a ship, my sister got carried off by a dragon, we got chased by these... these fish people, then Far-Runner killed one-"

Cain's eyes widen and he takes a step toward you. You flinch and take a quick step back, and he stops short, raising a hand. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Just... did you say the harpy killed a fish-man... thing?"

You nod quickly, and Cain turns pale as a sheet. Sweat begins to bead on his forehead, and you don't think it has anything to do with the heat. "Listen... I don't expect you to trust somebody you just met, but the best I can tell you is that if I haven't attacked you yet. It's hard to trust people in this day, but unfortunately that's all you can do. If people mean to do you harm, they will, and all you can do is hope for the best while planning for the worst. For now, though... I need to ask you to come with me."

He sounds insistent, and you don't like it. Emma finds her voice. "Why?"

"Because my father's going to want to hear about one of the merfolk being attacked. That damned harpy bitch probably just caused our village a lot of grief."

"...explain." She insists, eying him from behind you.

"On the way. They'll want to hear about it. Here..." He reaches up and pulls a leather strap from around his neck. From the end dangles a sharp tooth, roughly the length of your claw. "This is very, very precious to me. It was my brother's. It's sacred." He hesitates a moment before holding it out to her. "Hold onto it until you set out again. Let this be some small sign of trust."

>>40742502

You look back at Emma, and she looks up at you for a moment before nodding, reaching out and taking the pendant. You take a look back toward the marsh, and the swaying grasses had stilled, the harpy long gone.

"But what about the dragon?" you whine softly, tail thrashing. "I have to find my other sister!"

Cain frowns thoughtfully, shaking his head. "I don't know anything about a dragon, but I the elder might. He's lived on the islands for a long, long time. He could maybe help..."

Your ears flick in irritation. Can you really trust this guy that easily?

>Follow Cain
>Try and go after Far-Runner. Better the devil you know.
>Other

>>40742566
>>Follow Cain
screw it, might as well.

>>40742566
>Follow Cain

>>40742566
>Follow Cain

>>40742566
>Follow Cain

>>40742566
>Abandon your chance at finding Djanna and follow this guy.

You fools! It turns out the humans are even worse than Hitler and cannibalistic murderers combined! In all seriousness, everyone's giving off a real creeper vibe that's making it frustrating to deal with this plot.

>>40742566
You trudge after Cain, your bare feet getting bogged down in the mud, more so after you're forced to carry Emma once she loses one of her shoes. Eventually, the ground dries out a bit, and you enter a small village, long houses on stilts with thatched roofs built nestled against the coastline. A few boats are moored against long docks, the rest plying their trade out amongst the shimmering tides, nets strewn between them as bronze-backed men and women call out playful insults and jibes at one-another, laughter and song trilling across the bay. Racks of smoking fish sit beside a large communal fire, drying in the heat, as well as racks of strange green leaves. A group of older women in front of the longest of the houses, laughing as they wash strange twisted roots in muddy water.

You follow Cain toward this house, up the short stairs. The old women look at you and Emma with stone-faced shock before whispering to one-another, the youngest looking amongst them, still looking easily twice as aged as your oldest auntie, shuffles off into the village. Once in the house, you see the walls adorned with shields of animal hide stretched over wooden frames, woven grasses dyed with ground minerals arranged into intricate patterns. A group of men sit near the back, several smoking from long pipes. Most are bare-chested, all wearing loose-fitting skirt-like garments with bare feet. They look up at the three of you grimly, their eyes small. One near the back rises, turning to face you.

"Who are these strangers, Cain?" His own bare chest is adorned with several more of those long teeth, and two long strands of small, white shells. "You know our-"

"Kiva, sit." An old man in the back, overlooked at first, whispers. His voice is powerful, despite it's quiet, like the threat of a horrible storm in a light breeze. "He does know our ways, and yet he has chosen to bring these girls before us. Come forward, children. We do not bite."

>>40742907
That's when you realize you smell something strange amongst these men. Something feral, almost animal. In a way, it reminds you of home, and yet not. It puts you at ease and you bound forward with a wag of your tail. A few of the men chuckle. Kiva, as he is called, sits with a glower. The old man chuckles kindly. "What an energetic child you've found, Cain. And are you not going to make proper introductions?"

Cain lays a hand on Emma's shoulder and she practically jumps out of her skin, tails fluffed out and ears folded back. He gently guides her forward to you where she moves to your side quickly, kneeling at your side with her hands folded in her lap. "This is Nadia, and the small one is Emma. They are visitors from the frozen lands in the north. They have come seeing their sister, taken by a monstrous beast. They encountered the jungle hag, and... she has killed a sea-cousin."

Grumbles and angry murmurs rise amongst the men, and the old man's brow furrows. "Perhaps we have turned blind eyes to her for too long. Kiva, take some men tonight. Put an end to her. I will... call for Vsshzah. The fault is not ours, but he will not see it so. We will have to make reparations. Ammends."

>What about Djanna?
>Who is Vsshzah?
>Reparations for what?
>Defend Far-Runner
>Other

>>40742941
>>What about Djanna?
>>Who is Vsshzah?
>>Reparations for what?
>Why do you smell like home?

>>40742840
How so? At least this human doesn't seem like he wants to skin us alive.

>>40742941

> Who is Vsshzah?
> Also, Far Runner may not have killed the fish man.
> I was too scared to move.
> So all I really know is that she was talking about killing them and then came back with blood on her claw.
> Also, why do you smell like the Warrens?
> Also, what about Djanna?

>>40742941
>>What about Djanna?
>>Who is Vsshzah?
>>Reparations for what?
>Why do you smell like home?

>>40742907
>she loses one of her shoes.
We did pick this back up though right, and it was just too muddy to use? Because shoes don't grow on trees and we're in the middle of adventuring...

>>40742984
Seconding this, genkibold asks all of the questions to the wild people.

>>40743054
It belongs to the bog now.

But no, you grabbed it. She's just got tiny feet, and Mary Janes don't make for good adventuring shoes.

>>40742941
>What about Djanna?
>Who is Vsshzah?
>Reparations for what?
>Defend Far-Runner

>>40742941
>what about Djanna?

>question barrage!

>>40742941
"She may not have killed it, though! She was just... talking about doing it. And then she came back and her claw was bloody, and she licked it, and it was gross. I don't know, I didn't look too close. I was scared..." you frown and look down at your lap, your tail thrashing. "But, she may not have, and killing her-"

"You are a guest in this house, and you will keep your tongue, girl!" Kiva barks at you, glaring. The old man looks at the swarthy man with disdain as do the rest of the men. You flinch, but Kiva doesn't seem to notice until the old man reaches over and grabs hold of his ear, giving it what appears to be a gentle twist which still forces him to the man he sits on.

"The small pup thinks itself head of this pack. Perhaps a lesson must be learned, hmm?" That's when you notice the old man's eyes - black, with yellow irises. His arms seem to have thicker hair than some of the other men, his hair a bit bushier, his hand a bit larger. You gasp in shock.

"You're... you're kobolds!?"

The men look to you for a moment in confusion. The old man simply bursts out laughing, releasing Kiva. The younger man growls quietly, rubbing at his ear as he sits up. "Oh, child, no. Not quite... but we are cousins, you and I. I'm surprised- no. No, I can't honestly say I am. Leave it to youth to surpass age. No, child. We are form-dancers. Wolf-changers. Children of moon and tide."

You blink, confusion evident in your features. Cain leans over and whispers in your ear.

"Werewolves. People from the mainland call us werewolves."

You still don't quite understand. You whine softly, and the old man stands. The younger men pull away from him respectfully, and he sheds his loose, sleeveless robe to the ground. "Let me show you, child."

>>40743520
His body begins to steam, skin flushing red. His form swells, growing taller and broader, his muscles knotting and growing as snow-white fur sprouts over every inch of his body. His face elongates, becoming less humanoid and more lupine. His hair lengthens, humanoid ears stretching and growing pointed. A tail stretches forth from the base of his spine, and his hands and feet crack and shift into powerful claws. Transformation complete, the old man throws back his head and lets out a fearsome howl. The men gathered at his feet follow suit, their voices creating a jubilant song.

After the moment has passed, the wolf-man looks down at you with a smile before resuming is seat, legs crossed, long claws draped over his knees. "You see now, Nadia? We are cousins. Close in form, perhaps, and in blood. More so than many monster kind. Not all here carry our form and gift, but human or skin-dancer, we are kin all the same."

You nod enthusiastically with a dopey grin. It makes complete sense to you.

"Now... as to the monster. Whether she killed the merfolk or not is not a matter for us to know. We need only know she is dangerous, and is willing to harm them. If not them, then us. We must not wait for her to do so. My orders will stand."

You whimper softly, letting the matter go for now. "Then... who's Vsshzah? And what are 'reparations?'"

"Vsshzah is the eldest and wisest of the merfolk, their lord. He will want to know this happened, and he will expect us to pay for the trouble. Those are reparations."

"But you didn't do anything wrong." Emma speaks up, frowning.

"Our house, and so its troubles are ours." another man speaks, nodding in deference to the old wolf. "Or so the traditions between us dictate. If we do not keep peace, we cannot fish or travel between the islands. No fishing, and we starve. No travel, and we die." The other men nod in agreement.

>>40743539
Emma nods, but it's a bit beyond you. Finally, with a quiet to your voice, you whisper "And... the dragon? What about Djanna?"

The men fall silent, several looking confused. The elder, and some of the older men scowl. Finally, it is Kiva who speaks, the edge on his tongue held for now. "The beast appeared last year, taking refuge in an island to the east, in the tallest mountain of Khalloupeita. It has ravaged the trading posts along the coast, taking whatever it liked and burning the rest. It is a fiend, and a scourge. I still think we should end it." Some of the younger men nod in agreement.

"Then... then you know where it is? Can you show me? Could you take me!?" You bounce to your feet in excitement, wagging enthusiastically. The elder frowns and shakes his head, and your tail sags.

>Why not!?
>Please... I need to get her...
>Other

>>40743577
>Please... I need to get her...

>>40743577
>Please... I need to get her...

>>40743577
>Please... I need to get her...
We can probably play are cards pretty well here, worst case scenerio we can get some leverage with the fact that we can hunt pretty well and have a gods blessing. Granted we should be careful. If this is a pack setting then any challenge to the guy in charge will be a challenge to the entire pack. We can beg but we cannot order or threaten.

>>40743577
>Why not!?
>Please... I need to get her...

>>40743577

> Please... I need to get to her...

>>40743577
>fuck a werewolf

>>40743577
Just out of curiosity, gimme a d100.

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>40743736
Panic!

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>40743736

>>40743755
what have you done

>>40743764
I...I don't know!

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>40743736
You should never panic.>>40743755

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>40743736

>>40743755
you know, for a brief, glorious second, I forgot that this was a roll-under quest.

>>40743755
Don't worry about it. I'm not taking crits for this one. Just seeing how much sympathy you could buy from the strangers. Unfortunately, the answer is "Not a lot."

You still fail, but not catastrophically.

Also, whomever is teaching Captcha wrong? Knock it off. You're a dick. Me-levels of dick.

>>40743794
You know, I forgot this too up until you said it, and now I have to go commit sudoku for my dishonor.

>>40743818

You know, you could have this based on, I don't know, actually believable empathy for actual people and not let the dice decide everything. Thanks for clarifying at least, and for not burning us at the stake or some shit.

>>40743900
It's like you've never played an RPG where you have to try and convince somebody of something they don't want to do.

"Hey, go help me fight this evil fucking dragon because I want you to."

>>40743900
>"But mister, I'm really really super sad you won't endanger your village by approaching a violent dragon to help a complete stranger! She's even really cute and also did I say sad?"

>>40743984
>>40743957
Yeah, it seems to me there general way of life involves not fucking with forces that could completely fuck them over if they were to anger. Which is definitely a valid way of life.

Also, that harpy was definitely insane and would have caused problems down the line if we'd stuck with. Honestly I prefer these people more, as they'll be pretty easy to negotiate with once we actually get what they want and how to make this deal work. (Possibly getting merfolk permission too?)

>>40743818
Wait, you're only taking first roll for this? Cause a 14 is the exact opposite of failing.

>>40744027
Probably, if he was taking best of three he'd also be taking crits, so that would fuck us than.

>>40743957

It's more like, there's a scared, vulnerable child in front of you, not asking you to help kill a dragon, but for directions to get there so she can find her lost sister.

Acceptable reactions include:
> "Child, I'm afraid that's dangerous, and I am concerned for your well-being."

There should be empathy either way, because otherwise these folks look like douchebags (which describes a vast majority of the people we've met). Then again, maybe Lotus will play this out as empathy and caution winning out, just not in the way we wanted.

Like, what I don't want is him misusing the dice to turn this entire council into a room of were-assholes.

>>40743577
You whimper softly, looking down at the old man. "Please... please, I have to get to her. She's probably hurt or worse, and she needs my help. She's all alone and she needs me. You can at least point me in the right direction, right?"

Kiva glares daggers at you. Emma returns them back to him. He looks as if he's ready to take both of you outside and beat you when the old man snarls. "Enough! Kiva, go now. Outside!" The younger man looks to the elder, glaring, but a snarl from the elder and the younger man rises with a huff, walking out the door and into village proper. You see a small crowd has gathered, watching the proceedings from a respectful distance. The other men seem put off by your begging, but the old man simply beckons you forward. You swallow and approach him. He motions his hand downward, palm toward the floor, and you can't help but sit.

"Child, it does not become our kin to beg. You carry the blood of Fenrir inside you, same as we. I understand your concern for her, and we may yet help you, but we have our own problems to address first. Surely you understand, yes? Would your kin help a stranger first before seeing to the safety of their own?"

You frown and whimper softly. The old man stretches out a hand and lays it on your shoulder - a gesture of solidarity from a peer, not an elder to a child. "You are young still, but on the cusp of being a woman grown. Strength will carry you, allow you to walk tall. That will take you further than begging like some common hound. Do you understand?"

You hesitate, then nod. Emma scowls behind you, and Cain simply sits quietly at her side.

>>40744108
"Besides. If Vsshzah has heard of his child's injury, sailing the deep waters may not be possible. Everything will hinge on what we discover tonight. Until then, you will remain in Cain's care. He will see to your needs. Your armor must be washed, or the salt will damage it and tarnish the metal, and your clothes as well. A bath perhaps too. Whatever we have, whatever we may provide, is yours. You are kin. You are guests in our house. We welcome you."

"We welcome you, cousin!" the other men call out, half-bowing from their seats. You remain stock-still, tail quivering uncertainly. Emma just looks between all of them with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. The old man rises, and Cain follows suit.

"Cain, the elders and I have things to discuss. See to them, would you?"

"Yes, father." The young man nods, rising and offering Emma his hand. She ignores it, rising and brushing her leggings off before gliding to your side. "C'mon. This place is getting to be too much for me."

>Bath first
>Food
>Treat armor
>Tour!
>Talk to... (Write-In)
>Other

>>40744120
>Food

>>40744089
>Were-assholes

Canon.

>>40744120
>Eat in the bath while your armor is being treated
MULTITASKING

>>40744120
>>Treat armor
Equipment always gets treated first.

>>40744120
>Treat armor
>Bath
>Tour
This order

>>40744120

> Bath
> Get some fresh clothes
> Tour
> Treat armor

>>40744142
Honestly, went better than expected.

>>40744185
Different culture. The old man's sympathetic, and he'll be able to bring everyone around if Kiva doesn't kill him and take over first.

>>40744214
We should arrange an accident with Kiva as soon as possible. Are there any natural dangers like cliffs or falling rocks we can use?

>>40744181
If nobody has any objections, we'll go with this and throw in fresh clothes after the bath as well.

Anything you want to talk to Cain or any other locals about? He'll be along with you, and others will be present in the bath.

>>40744214

Yeah. Can sense that tension. Mind, I'm not an advocate for anymore grim than is necessary in the short term. This isn't Ravenloft, and I think present trends are bleeding readers.

>>40744255
Flatlands, marshes, and the houses are built more or less on a flood plain, hence the stilts.

>>40744289
Marshes are good. Maybe he'll accidentally get a stone stuck to his legs and accidentally fall in a deeper part of the water.

>>40744339

This is Nadia, an innocent young girl. She's not about to turn into a murderer to prevent political changes.

>>40744120
Cain leads you down the stairs, and the group - mostly the village women and children - part to allow you passage. A few of the younger girls run up to Emma and scoop up her tails, one of them running her fingers through it and whispering something to her other friend, who nuzzles her cheek against it.

"Hey!" Emma snaps, jerking her tails out of the girls hands. They two squeal with laughter and dash off, leaving the kitsune looking molested and irritated. Cain just laughs softly. "Come on, ladies. Let's get you out of that armor and into the baths. You'll feel a lot better, getting the salt off."

Come to think of it, your fur does feel a bit crusty. You lick your lips, and realize they taste salty and feel dry. Cain leads you to a small open hut, an all-but-nude man sitting over a small grinding wheel sharpening a short, thin, curved knife. He looks up at Cain and smiles before setting the weapon aside and rising to embrace the younger man. "Always good to see you, friend!"

Cain returns the embrace. "Reven, how's your daughter?"

The man throws a hand in the air and sits again, returning to his knife. "A burr in my foot, as always. I swear, the child is more shark than human. Fierce, temperamental... she is peaceful only when she sleeps."

"That's good! A wild spirit falls to nothing." Cain grins, taking a seat beside him.

Reven scowls and shakes his head. "May you be 'blessed' with such a child when you find a mate."

Cain only laughs. Reven lets the wheel slow to a stop, sheathing the knife and setting it aside.

"What can I do for you?" He turns to Cain before looking to you and Emma. "And who are these lovely young things you've brought to my workshop?"

>>40744654
"This is Nadia, and the shorter one is Emma. They're from the mainland, here seeking their sister. Nadia would like you to see to her armor, if you've the time."

Reven nods and rises, crossing to you and looking down at you. Why is everyone so damned tall!?

"Well, let's get that off, then."

>H-here?
>Sure!
>Do you have something I can change behind?
>Other

>>40744675
>Do you have something I can change behind?

>>40744675
>H-here?

>>40744675
>H-here?
>Do you have something I can change behind?

>>40744675

> Sure!
Nadia was raised in a cave where privacy for changing, let alone conventional modesty was a foreign concept.

>>40744884
You just want the wolf girl to undress in front of strange men.

>>40744884
She was told about the Birds and the Bees between now and then.

>>40744930

It's fairly humorous, especially since Nadia hasn't developed her secondary sexual characteristics yet.

>>40745069
Pervert.

>>40744675
>>H-here?>
>Do you have something I can change behind?

>>40745175
You're just jealous that you didn't think of it first.

>>40744675
>Do you have something I can change behind?

>>40744675
"H-here?!" You blanch, stepping back and wrapping your arms across your armored chest.

Reven nods, hands on his hips. "Well, yes? Where else? If I'm going to treat it, I need it here obviously."

"But... but... it's just..."

"You're not really going to make her strip bare in front of everyone." Emma says, more statement than question.

Reven frowns in confusion, looking to Cain, who simply shrugs.

"Do you at least have something I can change behind?" you whine, looking about.

"Are you really so shy?" Reven asks. Cain rises and shakes his head, stripping off his shirt and walking between two of the tall posts.

"Mainlanders have different ways, Reven. Don't question it. Remember, we must make guests feel welcome." Finally, his shirt stretched out, he turned back to the two of you. "Emma, you can help her with the laces, right?"

Emma nodded, giving you a gentle push toward the makeshift screen. Once behind it, your little sister quickly sets about helping you out of your mail - under your direction, of course. Soon, you're bare but for the under leathers, and even those are stripped away once Cain retrieves you a set of islander clothes. You step back out from behind the screen, a sleeveless belted open shirt and folded over loose skirt. Emma wags her tails gently, nodding her approval. You can't help but blush.

"It suits you. How does it feel?" Cain asks. You take a few bounding steps experimentally, your tail easily slipping between the skirt and the shirt. The clothes are airy and light, and it's like you're wearing nothing at all. You smile approval and nod. Cain grins.

"Well. Shall we go to the baths, then? The night air comes cold off the sea, and you'll want to be dry by the time the sun sets."

==============================================

>>40745363
What they call a bath is a single hut, with a large fire burning in the center, long benches lining the walls. The heat is almost unbearable, and as soon as you set foot inside you begin to sweat. Barrels off to the corners contain fresh water, and the floor is strangely slatted, so that you merely lave what you need onto yourself from the barrels and let the rest drip down below, where it's absorbed into the sand. You and Emma take turns washing one-another, and under Cain's advice, remain inside to enjoy the heatYou both practically wilt against one-another, sweating and panting.

"Nadia?"

"Mmm?"

"Is your chest swelling?"

"Iunno..."

"Oh. Okay."

"Emma?"

"Yeah?"

"...let's get out of here..."

"Carry me..."

You oblige, piggy-backing the girl out into the small screened-off area out front. The air - formerly sweltering and humid - now feels cool and refreshing after your time in the heat, and even once you dress again it remains so. Cain sits, waiting for you once you step back out into the village.

"So... what did you think?"

>Too hot...
>It was nice, but I wouldn't do it again.
>Neat!
>Other

>>40745399
>Neat!

>>40745399
>Neat!

>>40745399
>>Neat!
>Need to make one when we get back to the warrens.

>>40745399
>"Is your chest swelling?"
What the fuck does she mean by that?

Enjoy your meat salad.

>>40745399
>Too hot...

>>40745399
"It's so neat! It was really hot, but it makes everything feel so cool when you're out! I've got to have one built when I go home!" You smile widely, wagging. Emma just looks at you like you've lost your mind and shakes her head.

"No way. Too hot. Way, way, way too hot. Give me a nice spring on a cool night any day."

Cain smiles and rises. "Well, you look refreshed and ready for lunch. C'mon, let's head back to the long hall. I'm sure father would like to talk to you without the other headmen present."

You nod and follow along, your eyes wandering. The sun has grown lower, now almost kissing the sea. The boats have returned to the docks, and from the various houses you heard laughter of women, men and children. You smelled cooking fish, the herbal smell of those strange brownish grains, as well as other odors you don't recognize. When you step back into the long hall, you see the old man - once more human - seated near a central fire pit, revealed by a wooden panel lifted from the floor.

A low flame burns under an iron cauldron full of something that smells absolutely fantastic. You see small pieces of grey-white flesh simmering alongside narrow slivers of white vegetables of some kind, and slivers of greenish herbs. As the headman reaches out to stir the pot, you see glistening bits of brown grain flowing through the stew. He looks up at the three of you and smiles.

"My my. I didn't think that Cain would bring a young lady to supper, let alone two."

Cain laughs bashfully, looking aside before he gestures you toward the fire, taking a seat at his father's left. The old man lets Cain take the wooden spoon from him and begin dishing up the meal. He passes bowls first to you and to Emma, then to his father, then taking one for himself before setting in to eat.

>Eat in silence
>Talk to... (Write-In)
>Ask about... (Write-In)
>Other

>>40746016
>Ask about... (Write-In)
SO why do you all live here? How come you can change? Are you anything like Malachi?

>>40746072
Second. Especially the bit about Malachi. Let's see how they react to a skin-stealer.

Quesadillas are now burgers.

>>40746016

> "I'm sorry I upset Kiva..."
> "It's just, well, everywhere I go people are getting hurt..."
> "Like back in the Warrens with mama and in the mountains with the man in White..."
> "And especially Mabari..."

>>40746197
backing
God damnit whats his actual name?

>>40746245
malachi i think.

>>40746197
When did we meet the Man in White?

>>40746253
>>40746245

To be fair, I'd find it hilarious if Nadia didn't remember his actual name. That way every time we run into him he gets progressively more frustrated.

> Mabari!
> It's Malachi...

> I'll stop you this time Mark.
> It's Malachi!

> You're evil will come to an end Marbles!
> IT"S MALACHI. OH THAT'S IT! YOU GET THE DRAGON!"

>>40746334
I think it would be funnier if by the third time it doesnt even start with an M.
"Joseph" or something

>>40746365
Hey look it's Biff!

>>40746334
I dunno. I don't think he's that kind of villain.

If it was Bertrand or something, maybe.

>>40746450

The overpowered, extremely terrifying, you will respect, loathe, and fear me villain reduced to a running joke. Yes, this is what I want.

>>40746479
Why?

>>40746643

Because it's more fun that way?

>>40746016
You take a spoonful of the stew and the flavors dance across your tongue. The fatty, almost sweet fish meat, the wild garlic and wild rice, and the bits of lemon grass and salt from the sea water mixing together to make a delicious meal. Your tail wags, and even Emma's ears quiver with delight as the smaller girl looks down at the food with wide-eyed surprise.

You both eat your fill, Cain refilling your bowls as soon as they get too low for his liking. Soon, your bellies almost overstuffed, you lean back in a happy sort of haze. Emma almost purrs, smiling and offering her thanks to the headman and Cain alike in a rare show of sweetness. The headman grins, waving her off dismissively.

"I don't need a girl a quarter my age fawning over my cooking, but any time you want to eat with us, we'd love to have you. My home is yours, Emma. You as well, Nadia."

You smile and nod softly, stifling a yawn. "Thank you! Oh... I'm sorry I upset Kiva. I didn't mean to..."

"Hah!"

You look at the headman, confused, and he just shakes his head with a smile. "Everything upsets that boy. Please, think nothing more of it. He will get over himself one of these days. He had the misfortune of being very strong, and very gifted in his youth. He never adjusted to the fact that you have to earn your own honor, rather than expecting it to simply be handed to you."

"Can he change too? Didn't you say not all of you can?" Emma cuts in, pulling her tails into her lap and using them as a pillow, leaning forward on them.

"Kiva? Yes, he can change. All of my headmen can. You may think it wrong of me, but I want ot keep the strongest of us close at hand. It makes it easier to keep strong tempers in hand. Do you understand?"

Emma nods. You... kind of do?

>>40746749
"Many others in the village can at well, but sometimes it bypasses certain children. Cain cannot change, nor could his brother, for instance. The smith, Reven, cannot, but his daughter can. The gift does not follow rhyme or reason, but those who have it use it for the good of our people, and that is enough. We find no need to question it further."

You nod, stifling another yawn and struggling against sleep. The warmth of the fire, the comfort of the clothes and the cooling air, and a full stomach together work a powerful spell.

"Why can you change, anyway? It seems weird... like, something that's not a blood thing, or a race thing." You frown in thought, putting a finger aside your chin.

The headman grins and shrugs. "I can tell you the legend, if you like, but it is a long tale."

>Story time!
>Give me the short version?
>Other

>>40746764
>Story time!

>>40746764

You lost your trip.

>>40746764
>>Story time!

>>40742056
>>40746764
Story story!

>>40746764
>Story time!

>>40746791
Sorry. Haven't gotten 4chanX yet. I lose it some times.

Hell, I'm lucky if I don't misplace my wallet most days.

>>40746764
Story Time.

Last update for tonight, I think. Getting called away shortly, and I don't know when I'll be able to make it back. Writing.

>>40746764
>Story time!
What was the name of Malachi's god again? Let's hope the same one doesn't pop up here again. [Shadowrun engaged; Level; 1]

I have no idea what the fuck was that, but it's a sandwich now.

>>40746895
Don't recall off the top. I'll look in the archives.

>>40746764
He sighs and leans back. "Cain? My pipe."

The young man nods and rises, crossing to a chest along the rear wall, reaching in and returning with a small cloth bag and a carved metal pipe. The old man takes both, takes a pinch of strong-smelling black herbs and packs them into the bowl of the pipe. He reaches into the fire and plucks out a twig, holds it to the herbs until they smoke, and puts the slender end to his lips, sucking on it until the herbs on the other end glow an angry red. He sighs and discards the twig once more into the flames.

"Back when the world was new, Fenris, the great wolf, gathered all who walked on four legs under his banner. With his pack, he ranged to the four corners of this world, slaughtering the strongest of the foul beasts that crept and skulked in darkness. He was called razorfang, silverhowler, bonesnapper, and all who saw his might told legends of it."

"He sounds like he was really, really big..." you yawn softly, turning and laying on your stomach, looking up at the elder. Emma leans over against you, her head nestled into the crook of your arm. You hug her gently to you.

"He could drink all of the seas and still complain of thirst." The headman nodded. "It is said that when he fell in the north to the treacherous eagle Iscandir, his jaw fell open and his teeth became a great range of mountains."

You gasp softly, but say nothing.

"He ranged far and wide, slaying all who would dare to do ill, and in his journeys it is said he attracted the love of mortal and goddess alike, and sired many broods. The kobolds are supposedly one of these, and our kind another. I believe even your young friend is descended of Fenris and a particularly spirited goddess as well. In theory, anywhow." He smiles and nods. You look to your side to find Emma murmuring softly in her sleep, hugging a tail and alternately suckling and chewing on its tip.

>>40747375
"Then, what about skinchangers? Like... ones that actually steal sk-"

Cain sucks in a breath, and the elder's expression darkens. He whispers softly, the words full of quiet fury.

"Do not speak of them in my house, child."

You swallow with a shiver, and nod. "S-sorry..."

Cain taps you gently on the back of the hand as the Elder stands, moving to stand in the doorway and stare out to sea. You look up at him. "There is a story there as well... one I will tell, but not under my father's roof. Tonight, during the moot, will you walk with me?"

>Yes
>No
>Other

>>40747398
>Yes
>We met one

>>40747398
>Yes
>We met one

>>40747398
>Yes

>>40747398
>Yes
>We met one

>>40747421
>>40747437
>>40747463
>>40747398
>Yes
>We met one
>Strong negative emphasis on our meeting of him.

>Emma murmuring softly in her sleep, hugging a tail and alternately suckling and chewing on its tip.
Aww. Pet her gently, just a bit.
>>40747398
>Yes
>We met one
>And he's waiting for when we grow up.

Soon, soon even food will be drink in the eyes of CAPTCHA

>>40747398

> Yes
> And I'm sorry... It's just that we met one.

>>40747515
Pettins are to be assumed.

All right, that's all for tonight folks. Sorry about the early quitting time. I may not be back tonight, but keep the thread bumped and if things fall through, I can resume. No promises.

Meanwhile, I'll be around a bit for Q&A, and commentary.

>>40747776
What would of happened if you decided to use the critical nat 100

>>40747832
They would laugh at use, and say " Look at the wee girlie telling us what to do. You come into our house and ask us to do dangerous work?" and we'll be sad.

>>40747776
Thanks for running, boss.

>>40747776
How close is their interpretation of Fenrir to the truth?

SWEET JESUIT BUTTFUCKER! The coffee has been accepted as a salad!

>>40747832
You mean besides losing more readers?

Honestly, I can't imagine a situation where I would have. I basically had you rolling for group morale, not any kind of skill. Had you actively been trying to persuade them to help and critfailed, the mood would have gone from neutral to hostile, instead of neutral to unfavorable.

>>40747862
Anytime, cousin.

>>40747878
Keeping in mind the standard protocol of "Fuck the official LN lore," it's fairly close, but not entirely accurate. As I'm running it, Kobolds and Werewolves do have a common ancestor.

>>40747932
So who's going to die while we're having our lovey-dovey walk

>>40748295
Djanna

>>40748884

Probably. It's okay, we'll get a were-furry to replace her. Maybe a rabbit girl.

>>40750343
Nobody is going to die. Eesh.

Although, hear me out: Wereshark.

Tfw Cain isn't even able to transform.

>>40754233
Such a boring husbando.

>>40754869
Agreed.

Now, Emma on the other hand.

>>40755944
No waifuing littlest sister.

Bump

>>40756254
But the dubs demand waifu!

>>40759262
Fool! Only the trips allow the waifuing of sisters!
And behold! There be no trips here!

>>40759657
No /u/ plz. I want pups at the end of this.

>>40760090
Jumping ahead a bit, aren't you?

awoo