you, yes YOU will determine the fate of Our Hero! your prompts shape his destiny and his actions (almost) all suggestions will be considered! don't be afraid to get creative!
>>6337845>Run for Congress
>our hero wakes up, exited, as today is his first day as an adventurer. He picked up a quest book yesterday and was so exited he fell asleep next to it. he procured a large wealth of gold to buy not only swords to fight monsters but his stylish turtleneck too(this thread is originally from /i/ but I'm moving it here per the request of a very kind anon, I will also be moving all the previous pages too)>>820273
>it seems like in his excitement our hero didn't even realize that his house had been broken into! the lit candle was the telltale sign of a powerful devil sorcerer right in these very walls. And devil sorcerers rarely worked alone too...>normally a hero would brandish his blade and cut down these vile monsters but, well, Our Hero is a bit embarrassed to admit this but he doesn't know his way around a sword that well. He kind of threw himself into this whole Adventuring job on a whim and thought he could learn as he went along>Still...If there's nothing he could do a direct confrontation is worth a shot
>amazing idea! Our Hero traces his finger along his frankly cheaply forged blade and lets a small drop of blood drop onto the floor, it isn't long before the devil sorcerers visions of that great, writhing beyond are interrupted by the metallic smell of blood>they burst through the door and don't even notice our hero cauterizing his own wound in the corner
>one lunges for the corner, giving Our Hero just enough time to slice into the drones. Devil Sorcerers hunt in packs, with drones providing support for a powerful matriarch >Devil Sorcerers have a low constitution, the bodies of drones are weak and fleshy so even Our Hero, who's sword skills could use some work, can cleave through the drones like butter! >the matriarch on the other hand won't be as easy....
>it doesn't look like theres any other way out of this, guess Our Hero just has to solve this with force. As stated devil sorcerers don't even use their eyes so spitting in them wont work>what about a kick?>it works! our hero takes the "just beat em" approach and sends his blade right through the torso of the devil sorcerer matriarch! with it's power cut off from the great beyond her form, which is held together with her vile magic, begins to melt like wax from a candle!
>...this whole ordeal leaves Our Hero's room as a giant mess, ever since he's moved to these lands hes had to fend off his fair share of giant rats but hes never been invaded by devil sorcerers. Our Hero is glad he invested in some cheap swords before this but now he's going to have to find a new way to make some money...
>Nothing will come of Our Hero sitting in his room and staring at the mess, right? It's about time he takes his sword and becomes a true adventurer! he steps from his house and ventures off into the woods in which he lives. Choosing a random road and walking along it>Bloodscreech Twists is what it's called, it's home to many Devil Sorcerers who hold seances in reverence to their elder gods of the great beyond. It was the cheapest place Our Hero could find, He claims if you ignore the horrific monsters and screaming throughout the night (which it always is night in these forests due to the heavy amount of black magic used here) it's actually not a bad place to stay! Though he admits he has been meaning to scrounge together some coin to afford a place in an actual city...>In fact he even brought some money with him in his bag along with some medicine, doomrat jerky, a bestiary, a foraging guide, a potion of invisibility, a potion of ignition and some ale!>Our hero isn't the biggest fan of alcohol, the ale is an offering to bandits who hunt anyone walking along the roads, he has two bottles of it and hes glad he doesn't have to drink any of it. >he also brought his quest book in case he needs some guidance for what to do on the road!
>Our hero begins to talk and talk about the history of Axegaurd and all the people who live in it, how he's been obsessed with it since he was a kid and how he has always dreamed of being an adventurer living in these dangerous lands.>and then he keeps talking>and talking...>and talking...>It is becoming increasingly clear that Our Hero's diatribe is not out of character, he really REALLY likes Axegaurd , he even excitedly recommends several books on the topic which he's read many times>to go over everything important he said in his largely incoherent ramble:>Our Hero worked as a librarian in Holuthheim, a large kingdom just west of Axegaurd>He moved here to make money and become and adventurer just like in the stories he's read growing up>Axegaurd is dangerous due to many reasons, but the largest is that many of the political entities around it make an active effort to keep the central government weak, even the Kingdom of Holuthheim helps in this>the reason being is that Axefell is rich in a rare metal called deutonius used to make some of the best blades and armor in the known world>because of the weak central government many people have come into the functionally lawless country to make a name for themselves and live a free and exiting life>Our Hero plans on being one of those people, even if he's not as strong or intimidating as the adventurers he's read about>the race of man (which is what Our Hero is) is largely uninterested in such a risky lifestyle, they see no honor in it. As such Humans are very rarely seen around these parts >they have really good food!
>Our Hero decides he will go to the inn and brood. This will obviously net him a small but respectable monster slaying gig and some friends to adventure with>though...there is one thing he should deal with right now. Someone has been following him through the woods for a while now. It's clear whoever is trying to stalk him is doing a poor job at it, their footsteps are heavy and staggered and when he looks over his shoulder they stumble and hide behind a tree. Our Hero has been ignoring it until now but something should really be done about it
>Our Hero looks back and gets another look at the assailant before she clumsily slinks behind a tree. Our Hero gathers two pieces of crucial information, it's a woman and shes clearly inebriated. To what extent and why she's following Our Hero remains unknown but she is starting to get closer
Our Hero decides to call attention to the devil sorcerer that has been stalking them but run away once the fighting started. He doesn't want to leave the poor woman to die so giving her a heads up is the least he can do>only moments after he calls out the lady pulls a knife from her belt and launches it into the devil sorcerers head, knowing her cover has been blown she staggers towards our hero>"booze...you got booze...I can smell it from your bag. I saved your ass back there, least you can do is repay me">her voice was raspy and low, and she sounds as if she was disinterested in the entire situation>Our Hero, not wanting to get skinned alive, nervously hands one the bottles of ale towards the scary stranger, she downs it as if it where water>she doesn't seem to be interested in attacking Our Hero, so he asks a couple basic questions, "whats your name" and "where are you going" and "are you an adventurer? please tell me you're an adventurer">it takes a bit for her to respond as shes intent on finishing the entire bottle in one gulp, but once she has downed all the ale she responds. Her interest is clearly piqued by Our Hero's eagerness>"I'm Khyber, I don't know where I'm going and I'm not an adventurer. In fact I can never really remember the past couple days. I'm just bumbling around hoping I run into a city, or find someone ale">Our Hero excitedly tells her that he's actually going to a city with an inn to look for quests! and he would love someone to go with him>Khyber tells him hes an idiot for trusting her so quickly, but shes not going to deny his offer, she needs to get to a city to find work anyways. She'll consider joining him on one of his quests but she's leaving him the moment she finds a gig with a better pay>Our Hero gleefully accepts this offer and continues to walk down the path, happy he's so early into his journey and he's already making friends!>Khyber thinks Our Hero is a fucking weirdo
>after some walking and annoying Khyber with a ton of questions, the two finally make it out of those awful woods and can see the great city of Boltgaurd in the distance>the two decide to take a small break here, rest for a bit and continue their journey
as Our Hero and Khyber make their way to Boltgaurd, Our Hero hands Khyber his last bottle of ale and, hoping shes in a good mood, asks if she might have anything useful on her. Our Hero tells Khyber his inventory, the medicine, the potion of invisibility, the doomrat jerky and the bestiary and foraging guide!>Khyber responds that she has nothing but the clothes on her back, the already finished bottle of ale and her assassins knife>Our Hero asks if shes an assassin, to which she responds that she's "something like that">Khyber states that the 90 pieces of coin is more than enough for drinks, food and rooms for the both of them, but if they need any money she can kill someone and take their coin>Our Hero explains that that won't be needed, Khyber reminds Our Hero that she's probably the only thing that's going to keep him from being robbed in this city. Our Hero acquiesces and states that if things get bad he won't stop her>Khyber smirks and tells him that's a good answer
>Our Hero decides to play it safe and offer to buy Khyber a new outfit! once they make it into the city Our Hero expertly plans his purchase that leaves him with 76 coins, this is JUST enough for two rooms, some food and booze for Khyber>Khyber, in her (constantly) inebriated state, thinks Our Hero is hitting on her. she decides to roll with it because free clothes and booze isn't a bad offer, But she doesn't plan on saying yes to any future advances. Not that Our Hero would but Khyber doesn't know that>Khyber suggests talking to a local rambler, You have to make an active effort to parse what is and isn't true but it's a good way to find the best gossip on the city>The two didn't exactly have to look hard for one, the moment they walked up to this one he began blabbering about visions he'd been receiving. Looks like he dabbled in the black arts and it began to take him over. both Our Hero and Khyber knew this man had about a month left before he became a devil sorcerer, and that they where lucky to find him before he turned>Our Hero kindly asks the rambler about any rumors on the gangs that run this place, he goes on a long tirade about how the ebonkings work on behalf of god and keep the city safe while the ivoryblades are gutterscum who deserve to be killed on sight. the ebonkings have a hand in most businesses like shops and smiths while the ivoryblades have a stake in many services like inns and assassins >Our Hero asks if there's anything they should worry about when staying at an inn, the rambler says the scum treat guests well but the moment they look for work is when they get them. they keep tabs on all the money that's traded in their inns but will usually extort adventurers for their hard earned coin>the rambler goes on another tirade about how the ebonkings are honorable warriors who provide only the best goods to the people of boltgaurd, by this point Our Hero and Khyber have already walked away, unsure of what to do next...
ok! up to date now! sorry for that, I just thought the thread would work better here. also I fucked up linking the thread on /i/ sorry for that too>>6337847christ that was fast
>>6337863Oh, there's actually more shit going on. Gotcha. In that case...>Grab a drink at the Inn and look for work thereAlso hey, welcome to /qst/! Neat stuff so far. One bit of advice I'd share as things move on: you might want to make it more obvious when you're waiting for players to vote for an action. Something as simple as What do?>Write your idea hereWill go a long way. Also feel free to look for the /qtg/ thread if you wanna ask any questions on how this shit works! Eager to see where this goes!
>>6337863Like a foolish soon-to-be devil sorcerer is a good guy to take advice from about who is and isn't trustworthy? Pshaw!>Stay at an ivorybaldes inn and start asking about work
>Stay at an ivorybaldes inn and start asking about work
Rolled 12 (1d100)>>6337863>Stay at an ivorybaldes inn and start asking about workGoddamn really like the artwork, dithering is really solid. Welcome to /qst/! Hope you dont mind that it gets slow here.Like the other anon say check out the qtg at >>6337227 for some neat formatting guide.We also got dice (dice+1d100 on options field. You can choose the number)
>>6337868(thank you very much for the advice! ^_^)>>6337870>>6337876>Khyber and Our Hero decide it's finally time to go to that ivroyblades inn, Our Hero definitely stands out but he's not going to let that stop him! he marches right up to the bartender and hands him the rest of his gold, this will cover two rooms for two days, food and drink.>Khyber slinks up to the bar and asks for a pint, Our Hero is worried she's going to go through all of the booze he paid for but Our Hero needs to keep her by his side if he wants another layer of protection....Our Hero does have some reservations about enabling Khyber's alcoholism but it's what he needs to do to survive>Our Hero decides to order some food and ask the bartender about any work that needs to be done here, the bartender lets out a drawn sigh and responds>"boy, i'd feel bad sickin all these quests on a beginner like you, but if you're askin....">the bartender points to the devil mage that's sitting next to the orc"that guy over there, thought he was a devil sorcerer at first, turns out he can actually hold a conversation. His alchemy labs being attacked by a manticore and he wants it whacked, doesn't care how it's done he just wants the thing dead>he then points to the orc "and that guy, says he needs extra arms dealing with a rival orc clan. can't say you'll make it out of that one alive but he's paying some damn good coin">the bartender then points upstairs>"and theres a drow up there who needs some errand boys to get him some ingredients, says he'll pay a little up front and then the rest for when the quest is done. He's in the room upstairs three doors down if ya need em">the bartender then points at himself "and me? I need someone to mop these damn floors, I feel like im serving a bunch of animals. can't say my quest will net you any glory or honor but if you put in a fair days work I'll give a fair days pay">Khyber pipes up, her speech is slurred but she manages to get a statement out>"there's a lady outside who wants her ex killed, if all of these sound lame we could always help her out">she giggles, hiccuping before going back to drinking>what does our hero do now?
>>6337898aw man I didn't see this until after I posted and it refreshed, but thank you for the warm welcome! and I don't mind a slower board. It does make it a lot less stressful for me! and the dice are pretty cool too! maybe ill ask for some tips on whens best to use them!
>>6337899Between Khyber and sword boy we seem to have some serious firepower in our party already, we should be able to swing the tides of battle in an orc border skirmish. Let's talk to the orc and gather more information
>>6337845bishounen hero quest ? alright, you have my attention>>6337899I wanna pick the manticore quest, but we could ask the orc some info on his feud >>6337921
>>6337899kill manticore, im rolling for MONSTER slayer
>>6337899>the bartender then points at himself "and me? I need someone to mop these damn floors, I feel like im serving a bunch of animals. can't say my quest will net you any glory or honor but if you put in a fair days work I'll give a fair days pay"Better quests will show up at night.
>>6337899You're here!Our choices:>Help an almost devil sorcererA risky venture, but with some odds of teaching us magic or getting us some potionsWe could probably sell a reward in potionstock for more then the alchemist thinks it is worthManticores are usually made by wizards, so we should ask him about who might have done this>Orc vs OrcWe don't even have a helmet. and don't know who else we might be fighting with. Easy way to die>drow up there who needs some errand boys to get him some ingredientsObvious organ harvesting ringLet's not walk into any secluded alleys at the behest of this drow>mop these damn floorsGiven that the ivoryblades have been described as inns and assassins they almost certainly have some things hidden in this inn. It would be a good idea to build up some trust before we take anything from them>Assassinate someoneIf they aren't looking through the usual services it's likely someone that the locals don't want to kill. avoidOverall, Mop the floors and if nothing new comes up help the Not!devil sorcerer.
>>6337899>mop the floors to earn a bit more booze money for Khyber>chat with the guy with the manticore problem, learn more about that
>>6337899>Mop the floorBartender seems chill, and better quests showing up at night sounds like a good idea to me. Also Khyber is cute
>>6337921>>6337925>>6337964>>6338002>Mopping the floor and getting some intel is a good first course of action! Our Hero even manages to get Khyber to help him clean! It could be because she's drunk but she explains that she may as well pay Our Hero back for getting her clothes, a room and a drink>This shocks Our Hero, who thought she was just going to mooch off him until she found a better job, he was fine with paying for a temporary body guard but Khyber may actually help out on whatever quest he'll go on!>maybe...>Starting off Our Hero begins to walk towards the orc to ask him for help but is stopped when the orc scowls at him, he looks Our Hero up and down and shakes his head>"appreciate the enthusiasm kid, but I only hire men, not boys">Our Hero tries to explain that he's old enough to get married in his homeland of Holuthheim but by this point the orc has stopped listening>Khyber lets out a sigh of relief that Our Hero didn't catch, she didn't want to die with an orcish sword jammed in her gut. They're designed to be as painful as possible and are probably one of the worst ways to die>well, guess that leave the devil mage, right? Our Hero walks to the devil mage and asks about his manticore problem>the devil mage excitedly responds, unlike the incoherent garble that devil sorcerers speak devil mages can actually hold a conversation as their mind has not been taken over by the outer gods who grant the mage their powers>they are known to be very...erratic though
>>6338007Devil Mage seems like a bro, let's hear him out
>>6337928>>6337957>"you help me? yes yes! hahahYES! I was waiting for someone to take me up on my offer! oooh PRAISE Paimon and bring glory unto his legions! yes yes I DO have a manticore problem! a holy wizzard has a problem with the gods I worship and made a manticore to attack my alchemy lab! death to him deatH TO HIM!!!! I want this BEAST dealt with. you get 300 coins YES 300 coins and any books you want from MY library and my library is quite extensive! grimoires! theurgy manuals! alchemy catalogues! please I have so much I can part with! anything you want is yours if you take out this DAMN manticore!">Our Hero is wary about trusting this guy...but he does have a VERY good offer>Khyber asks how books are as useful as coins, Our Hero says he can make some use of them, he never considered learning magic but if it helps on his adventure then having some theurgy manuals and grimoires can help>Our Hero says he needs to finish cleaning but he'll come back with an answer in the morning
>>6338007>Old enough to get marriedErotic
>with Khybers help Our Hero managed to get the inn bar cleaned with some time left in the day, he considered waiting until night time for some better quests but the one he got from the devil mage seems like a good quest already>"I'm getting another pint">unsuprisingly, Khyber is using her newly earned money to buy some drink, that leaves Our Hero with 19 coins, good pocket change but it won't last him>the bartender lets Our Hero and Khyber know that there's someone else with a quest here, his tone is pretty uncertain though...he almost sounds worried? Our Hero was about to go to his room and rest but hearing this client out wouldn't hurt, right?>what should Our Hero do?
>>6338008(missed this one but we did end up hearing the devil mage out!)>>6338010(Our Hero is 19 years old, just got really unlucky with the genetics so he doesn't look super heroic or manly)
>>6338013Let's hear 'em out! We have our new best catfriend (totally never gonna be a love interest) Khyber to back us up
>>6338009Sounds worth it, our hero has librarian experience, we can almost certainly ascertain which books are the most valuable, both for our study and for resaleIf this guy is too evil we will know where he lives anyway >>6338013Don't hear this new guy out, he will surely be the death of us>>6338014>UnluckySubjective I supposeI never though he was underage, just like him mentioning marriage
>>6338009Now that I think of it his eagerness to give us the books is probably related to the fact he cannot see
>>6338007Khyber a cute.>>6338013>Hear thebguy out why not?>>6338020A lot of devil mages/sorcerers have that big central square thing. I think it may, in fact, be an eye?
>>6338013>>what should Our Hero do?Definitely want to hear him out.>who thought she was just going to mooch off him until she found a better jobCould be that the hero is the first NICE person she encountered. Never even commented on her alcoholism.>UnluckyHey that means we will be underestimated plus he will age more gracefully.>>6338020Didnt take them as being blind, either way I assume he magically reads them or something.
>>6338013Let's hear the offer, it looks like we don't have our sword handy though, maybe bring the mop just in case things get dicey
>>6338013Sounds like this could be that Ivoryblade scam the rambler was talking about. We can here them out, but definitely be on your guard.
>>6338017(I thew Khyber in for the /i/ thread just to spice things up but if the thread wants her to be a love interest I wouldn't mind it, this is all in your control after all)>>6338018perfect! then come morning Khyber and Our Hero will venture forth on their first quest!(marriage! how lewd, I can't believe we're allowed to talk about something like that!)>>6338020Now that Our Hero thinks about it, how DOES he even read his books? magic? can he see unlike devil sorcerers? he should ask about that at some point>>6338144>>6338176Though...even if he shouldn't, Our Hero is a little curious as to what this quest could be, what's the harm in just taking a listen? he can always just say no>...oh....this guy might be trouble
>>6338246(god dammit I forgot the image, anyways my id is different but Im still OP sorry im visiting family rn)
>"yes...you are exactly who I'm looking for. I have a quest for you, My Hero, it's a simple ask really it is">the figure lumbers towards Our Hero and looms over him, craning his head slightly to look him in the eye>"you may not know much about me, but I know quite a bit about you, I work on behalf of a group that is...very interested in you....">he steps closer"as for my proposal? I have one simple quest for you to complete, there is a crater that lays on the border of Axegaurd, I simply ask you meet me there. You need not rush, you may find me whenever you like, you'll know when the time is right, Hero">the large figure finally begins to step back, the clanging of his armor echoing throughout the inn, he turns back before exiting the building>"Pace yourself Hero, when next we meet you will be stronger beyond your wildest imagination">and with that he was gone, his departure was just as surprising as his arival
>Our Hero is shaken, a strange man came into this building and told him a bunch of cryptic stuff he doesn't understand, he was overwhelmed and scared. His entire body was shaking but he let out a sigh of relief when that front door closed, it was all over. And at least it wasn't the ivoryblades asking for a cut of his quest earnings
>Khyber, worrying for Our Hero, suggests they call it a night here, it's been a long day>She decides not to ask what that was all about as it looks to confuse even Our Hero>If there's anything left for Our Hero to do before he goes to bed, it should be done now. does Our Hero have anything to do before he calls it a night?
>>6338246aaaargh fucked up the formatting too, I'm so sorry>>6338060im glad you think Khyber is cute! I have tons of fun drawing her so im glad it pays off>A lot of devil mages/sorcerers have that big central square thing. I think it may, in fact, be an eye?they're all blind actually! an anon suggested that devil sorcerers rely on smell because their brain is clouded with visions of the elder gods they worship, I thought it was cool so I went with it, I actually really like it when people contribute little lore pieces like that>plus he will age more gracefully.he will look like a greek statue by the end of the thread (kidding of course, I have no ending planned. but it's not off the table)>Could be that the hero is the first NICE person she encountered. Never even commented on her alcoholism.I like the idea that Khyber choses to hang around him because he's the only one who isn't an asshole to her, I think that;s very sweet
>>6338259>separate roomsno hanky panky before marriage. to, uh, whoever we marry.>thank khyberwe can still be nice, though
>Thank Khyber>Ask her what she wants to do roomwise. Does she actually have money>Does she understand the concept of money>Is she sober enough to understand the concept of money
>>6338259thank her for helping us
>>6338259khybersex
>>6338278In >>6337863 we budgeted enough for two rooms, and both then and since then Khyber has demonstrated an understanding that money can, as Homer Simpson famously taught us, be exchanged for goods and services.>>6338339Kek, that's a good pun, though.
>>6338278+1
>>6338273>>6338278>>6338327>The interaction with the large man in armor leaves Our Hero as a nervous wreck, he still wants to show his appreciation for Khyber's help today. He blurts out a string of thank yous, thanking her for taking out the devil sorcerer, helping with the floors, protecting him in the city and walking him to his room>Khyber chuckles a bit, she tells him to shut up and that SHE should be thanking HIM>Our Hero stammers, realizing he doesn't have rooms figured out! he asks if Khyber has any money left, if she can afford room, if she wants to sleep in his? not like that of course hes willing to sleep in the floor, is he being too weird? he doesn't want to come off as weird>>6338342>Khyber chuckles again and playfully smacks him on the back, she reminds him that he already paid for the rooms, they got two days here in their own rooms because of him. she reiterates that she should be thanking him>Our Hero nervously chuckles and agrees. He walks to his room and gets ready for bed
>>6338339>Our Hero expunges any and all naughty thoughts from his mind(I'll admit this one got a laugh out of me)
>Our Hero's interaction with Khyber did calm him down a bit, he isn't as rattled about his interaction with the scary man any more. as he drifts to sleep he goes over his plans for tomorrow >Tomorrow he embark on his first quest, a simple manticore slaying gig for a devil mage who will pay him and Khyber in 300 coin, as well as potions and books that can be sold or used for magical reasons>he's going to look into that crater on the border, he'll try not to think about the armored man but it lingers in his mind>once the quest is complete he's going to invest in some arms and armor as well as a map, him and Khyber will only have one day left at the inn and afterwards they should be on the road. maybe asking around the city will give them a good sense of where to go? he's going to leave that for when it comes>Our Hero ponders on if there's anything he should do in the morning, any preparations that need to be made? or should him and Khyber jump straight into the quest?>what should Our Hero do in the morning after he wakes up?
>>6338388>ask around to see if anyone else knows anything about the devil mage or about the holy mages who sent this manticore
>>6338388>search for what's effective against manticores
>>6338388>Try doing some aerobic and sword exercises every morning so we can get better at using our sword
>>6338410>>6338401+1
>>6338394+1, we should keep in mind that this manticore was summoned for a reason. The holy wizard that summoned it might not be so pleased with our dispatching of it, so we should know who we're making an enemy out of
>>6338388Inspect, then polish our sword thoroughly and vigorously to ensure a smooth finish.
>>6338386Our hero is...Extremely cute>>6338388Research manticores. Do they have nests? How aggressive are they? Do they have any obvious weaknessesUsually they have a scorpions tail, so we will want antivenom for that(Scorpion tails aren't actually very manuverable and can basically only attack forward, so if we are careful we are quite unlikely to be hit by it, but we still may as well prepare.)Also, buy some traps. We can probably use a trap hereWe can't be considering marrying khyber untill she at very least does the thing where she shows she care for us in some critical momentAlso I would still reserve hope for a second girl somewhere down the line who may not be an alcoholic (Our boy deserves better, A princess or something)
>>6338259>Fail to purge them all
>>6338388> Research manticores. Do they have nests? How aggressive are they? Do they have any obvious weaknesses?Usually they have a scorpions tail, so we will want antivenom for that. Do they have any valuable parts we might be to sell for some extra gold?
>>6338339>>6338342I don't get it
>>6338495LEWD. MOOOOOODS!>>6338627cybersex
>>6338627There is no joke, sex with Khyber.
>>6338639>>6338645now I get it, fair enough
>>6338401>>6338410>>6338446>>6338480>Our boy deserves better, A princess or something(I am gonna introduce a new party member soon! wont elaborate further than that but maybe they'll be better than Khyber...maybe)>>6338559>>6338495(I can't believe Our Hero is such a dirty heathen, thinking about doing something as extreme as that to Khyber!)>>6338645(based, and im glad you like her!)>Our Hero is a fulled fledged adventurer now! and as all adventurers do he must train! before he gets his training started he polishes his sword. After rigorous practice honing his skills with the blade he hones his body, doing aerobic exercises while using his trusty bestiary to read up on Manticores!>heres some important information he found>Manticores are a beginner level summon, the holy wizard who sicked this beast on Our Hero's client is either a beginner, petty, or didn't think Our Client was that much of a threat to them>because they are held together by magic they are resistant to magic spells themselves, but their body is weak and easy to pierce with any blade>despite being a magic summon they have plenty of organs that can be sold for profit, it's a very easy way to make money! organs of note are their venom glands, the tail, the heart, the adrenal glands, and the gallbladder. Manticore gall is a very strong medicine and is arguably the most valuable organ from Manticores>The Manticore can't be too far away from whoever summoned it or else it will die, whoever summoned the manticore has to be close to the devil mages alchemy lab>while agile they are much easier to kill when crippled as their frail body needs all the strength it can to move, a useless limb can turn the tide of a battle. Our Hero wonders if anyone here has any bear traps they could use?>while the obvious weak points like the neck and heart are there, Manticores have a unique weak point. there is a spot just under the tail where it connects to the body, if Our Hero can hit just the right spot it will hit the venom glands and poison the manticore from the inside, this would mean you can't sell the venom glands anymore but if it has to be done then it has to be done>Just as Our Hero is finishing his training and reading he hears a knock at the door
>>6338764>Who iiissss ittttt?
>>6338764>despite being a magic summon they have plenty of organs that can be sold for profitSounds like an infinite money glitch, how does our hero feel about the ethical ramifications of factory farming?
>>6338764Is... is that illustration of a manticore winking? Khyber's got competition, kek!>Open the door all sweaty
>>6338764Ask who it is. Maybe it's Khyber and we can show off our cool adventurer body.
>>6338764>Come in!
>>6338764>Who can it be now?>>6338768It is real Rimworld hours
>>6338766>>6338774>it's Khyber! looks like she found out they deliver booze to your room here...it's safe to assume she doesn't have much left from her cut of the mopping job>>6338423>>6338394>Our Hero tells Khyber his plan, He's going to let the devil mage know that he's taking him up on his offer but he's gonna ask some more questions first. He wants Khyber to ask around the inn about the devil mage, just to make sure they know everything about him before taking this quest. He also adds that, if she can, she should pick up a bear trap somewhere>>6338770>>6338771(I already had this drawn kek)>"I just woke up and you're already barking orders at me?">shes giving Our Hero shit, it's in good faith. she is pretty taken aback by the bareness of Our Hero's chest, it's clearly caught her attention>"damn, that's what the turtleneck was hiding? I knew it">Our Hero asks what she meant by that, Khyber realizes she said something stupid and tells Our Hero to not think about it again>"I'm...just gonna get dressed and ask around, see you around">Our Hero thinks about it again, I mean how could you not?>>6338768>As Khyber staggers down the hallway Our Hero considers if learning Holy Magic is worth it for the coin, I mean being able to sell Manticore organs for money? that seems like a pretty lucrative offer right?>Our Hero then remembers that learning even a basic summon like Manticores takes years, most Holy Mages are taught from childhood and they don't even learn the intermediate skills until their 40s. Still, Our Hero will keep that in consideration>Our Hero gets dressed and makes his way to the first floor of the inn and looks for the devil mage
>>6338777(real rimworld hours got me, that ones pretty funny)>Khyber is going to be asking other people about the devil mage, but Our Hero has some questions himself>what should Our Hero ask the devil mage before embarking on this quest?
>>6338779Subtly try to ascertain if that's a hat or if his head is just shaped like that
>>6338779Ask about any details.
>>6338768>Infinite money glitch that requires hours of work and a skill that takes years to cultivate (And perhaps material reagents)That is just regular workYou are describing employment
>>6338783Okay, Groot.>>6338796To some on 4chan, this may be a novel concept, kek.>>6338779>Why do holy mages have it out for you, anyway? Or did you anger a specific someone who you suspect?>Scrutinize his weird-shaped head and/or hat
>>6338779When you last saw the holy mage how much did he have on him?Where did you store food and water in your lair?Where are the beds in your lair?Are there any pre existing traps in your lair?Did the hat start off black or did you do something to it?How skilled was this holy wizard?Is there any ventilation to your lair and if there a good way to access it?(Underground structures usually have vents and the manticore will be pretty big, I imagine we can sneak in this way)
>>6338796>a skill that takes years to cultivateI was thinking we could *ahem* persuade the holy wizard to do the summoning for us
>>6338805Now you have reinvented slavery, and I am sorry to tell you that it requires a stable monopoly on force, which we do not have
>>6338806We can just seduce her with our sweaty bod, obvs.
>>6338811Prostitution?It feels like we are getting faster, like we are going to end up at something new faster then we should
>>6338813Who said anything about sex? We'll just pull the same stunt we did on Khyber. EZ PZ. Instant loyalty. Bishie supremacy.
>>6338818Ah, a lobsided social contract with implied dishonest intentionsYes we have reach modernityI think modernity might be the worst possible stateLet's not
>>6338806>>6338811>>6338813>>6338818>>6338821>Manticore organ trading remains on Our Heros mind, why has no one taken advantage of something like that? he considers the way of possibly getting more Manticore organs out of this, holding the Holy Wizard at knife point and forcing them to make another one for them to kill? no...on top of being unethical he wonders if he would even have the energy to fight two manticores back to back, Khyber wouldn't be against this though, that does worry Our Hero somewhat>If the holy wizard is a woman Our Hero could show off his supple adventurer bod and have her head over heals, then she would make as many Manticores as he wants!>Our Hero wonders if that counts as prostitution, even beyond that it still relies on a lot of things that have to happen perfectly, I mean, what do you do if you aren't the Wizards type? now you're shirtless and being attacked>Our Hero shoves this to the back of his mind, at the very least he could ask this wizard if they just have extra organs on them he can sell and if they're willing to give them up, it wouldn't hurt to try right?>>6338785>>6338783>>6338798>Our Hero decides to stop messing around and ask his client some important questions, for one, whats the run down of the situation, who are we up against and why did this even happen?>the devil mage shoots up>"hmmm yes yes that's a a very important question, is it? yes it is! you see hero I live very close to some woods that is frequented by devil mages and scorers, it's dark energy draws up but I dare not live in there, I fear it may consume me...CONSUME ME">Our Hero kindly yet firmly asks the client to keep this brief and get to the point>"hmmm yes yes I shall, I shall. I am going to make a long story short here, I simply got in an argument with a Holy Wizard named Xiphos, it's very curious to see a Holy Wizard walking around as they are usually in magic colleges honing their skills! I told her that she was not welcome here as we devil mages and holy wizards have a bloodied history! And she proved my point that Holy Wizards are uptight and annoying as the moment I claimed that my dark princes were far superior to the warriors of the firmament she worships she sicked a manticore on me! It looked to be something she did in the heat of the moment as I noticed she was quite winded after she summoned it. Even if she didn't plan it it still angered me greatly! yes it did! After that I ran here looking for help and then you came!>Our Hero also asks if he's wearing a hat, as it looks very good on him?>"my hat? MY HAT! yes yes, you see this is both my hat and my body! it is both my body and my hat! the dark princes I worship free me from the confines of a body tainted by light! I am free to choose whatever form I want! are you interested? you seem interested...would you like to become a devil mage? I can make you a devil mage, I just know the form you'd choose would be amazing....
>>6338845Nah, we're a sword guy. We don't do magic.Anyway, we're gonna go and deal with the problem.>Go do the quest
>Our Hero quickly changes the subject, asking the devil mage about the layout of his house, if there's any way they can sneak in or anything they should know>"AH, an EASY question!">The devil mage explains that yes there is quite a few ways to sneak in, there are some vent shafts in kitchen, the upper lab and the worshiping room, if the manticore isn't on the roof they can sneak in through the chimney to his kitchen, he also tells Our Hero that him and his partner are free to eat whatever they want in there>the devil mage also explains that there is a secret entrance into his basement somewhere outside his house! it's near a tree stump a little deeper into the woods, though he may be attacked by devil sorcerers or bandits as the entrance is deep enough for those two groups to be in there, but it's also the most secure option as there's no way for the holy wizard or the manticore to know they're coming in from the basement!>when Our Hero asks about beds or traps the devil mage thinks for a bit>"hmm, I cannot recall activating any traps...but I cannot promise that there is none, I would tread carefully. As for beds I have plenty! I am no stranger to guests and have several guest beds! my house is always open should you want to use them!">Khyber tells Our Hero shes back from asking questions, she even got a bear trap! she tells him not to worry about where she got it from, alls that matters is that she got it, she says she's going to be waiting outside for Our Hero and she'll fill him in on the way to the devil mages lair>>6338852>Our Hero supposes he's gotten everything out of the way, nothing left to do but kill this Manticore, right? here's the first step to becoming a true adventurer!
>>6338858Yeah, let's go.
>>6338858use the basement route and use the tight corridors of the house to lure the beast into the bear trap
>>6338845This girl actually looks rather cute, and the guy employing us is clearly evilSneak in, kill the manticore if we find it first and try speaking to the girl if we find her firstAlso, His guests are probably still in the house, and probably insane. Be ready for them
kek at the lil Khyber blep>>6338858I'm sure we can use the bear trap on the manticore How different can it be from a bear? I mean, we've never seen a bear but still.-----The vibe of the quest reminds me very strongly of Hero's Party Member except we're playing Ezekiel this time. When will we find our Firemane?
>>6338845The hero pondering what we were talking about, this means that we are his voices in his head, Therefor:COMMIT A CRIME COMMIT A CRIMETAX EVASIONTAX EVASIONTAX EVASION
>>6338858>>6338866 +1>>6338877I dunno about evading taxes from the ivoryblades, though... they send assassins
>>6338898How can they pay those assasins without our taxes? checkmate goverment
>>6338858>>6338866Seconding this, a holy wizard girl would make a splendid addition to our party if only we weren't on opposite sides of this conflict. Let's try to hear her side of the story if possible, and maybe get shirtless and show off our sweet sword skillz in front of her
>>6338877>Suddenly Our Hero is plagued with thoughts most evil and dastardly, he's given the sudden impulse to erode his own moral character and refuse to pay taxes>Axegaurd has no government to pay taxes to, this upsets Our Hero as now he cannot even commit tax evasion even if he wants to. Khyber worriedly looks on Our Hero and asks if he's doing ok
>>6338859>>6338863>>6338866>>6338873(Hero's Party Member? im curious what is that? I'm sorry that I even have to ask that but I am VERY new)>>6339066>Our Hero responds that all is good! Khyber still looks pretty concerned but she decides that nows not the time to worry about that>Our Hero elaborates his plan to Khyber>go into the woods and find the basement enterance>trap the manticore in the lair and cripple it with the bear trap>locate the wizard and ask for Xiphos and ask for her side of the story>if they can, convince her to join their party>Khyber says she'll just go with whatever Our Hero goes with as she doesn't have a plan herself, she never has a plan. She does suggest they take inventory before they go in thoughOur Hero:>Potion of Invisibility>Potion of Ignition>Doomrat Jerky>Medicine>Bestiary>Foraging Guide>19 Coins>Cheap SwordKhyber:>Hunting Knife>Bear Trap>Empty Ale Bottle (x2)>The two ponder if maybe they should go back and find some more items to bring but they are cut off by the bone chilling, hair raising scream of the manticore. It's shrill cry reverberates throughout the area. Knowing that they will likley get caught if they go back they decide it's time to go now>And just like the devil mage said, they're going to find company in those woods, A Devil Sorcerer Matriarch and her drones stand in front of the secret entrance to the basement, how do Khyber and Our Hero deal with this situation?
>>6339315We've chopped our way through devil sorcerers before, but maybe...>try to kite them towards the manticoreLet them fight! This thing is summoned to attack a Devil Mage, so chances are it will not respond well to his sorcerous cousins, either.
>>6339315I think we can lure them off. Hurl a bottle somewhere away to make them go investigate and then book it for the hatch.HPM is another drawquest that runs on the board. It's got a very similar vibe to this one.https://archive.palanq.win/qst/search/subject/hero%27s%20party%20member/
>>6339315Just kill them quickly and sneak into the tunnelWe absolutely cannot let ourselves be caught by the manticore (We might win but it would be a pointless risk on a journey of 10,000 risks)
>>6339315see if they will let us through as we are on a mission from teh dark sorcerrer. If not then fight themeither way tell Khyber to wait in ambush and get them from behind if they attack
>>6339315I vote we attempt to retreat, there are many other entrances we could try other than the basement route. However if the devil sorcerers seem like they're going to pursue us anyway then it would be better to just cut them down here and now
>>6339499>Upon seeing this Khyber and Our Hero take a step back, maybe this isn't the best route. but that scream, that blood curdling cry of the manticore is getting closer. if they go back they'll surely get caught. there's no choice but to fight get into the hatch now>>6339328>>6339450>>6339322Our Hero slays one of the drones with ease, but it gets a swipe on his cheek. the other drone, sensing the blood tackles Our Hero into a tree, knocking the wind out of him>>6339450Khyber knows that if they attacked this eagerly, it wouldn't matter who sent us. it's likely that devil sorcerer's cannot even be reasoned with (unless you practice devil magic yourself). It's not like she'd try and reason anyways, the moment she saw Our Hero get slammed into a tree she threw any kind of rationality out of the window.>>6339322she takes one of her empty bottles and chucks it in the same direction the manticore cries are coming from, this alerts the devil sorcerer matriarch as she follows the sound. This gives Khyber the perfect opportunity to ambush the devil sorcerer who's attacking Our Hero, with one simple motion it's throat is cut and the battle is over[1/2]
(messed up the formatting of the first one I apologize)>Khyber quickly helps Our Hero up, cleaning the blood off his face and asking if he's ok. Our Hero assures her that he's just fine and that she did an amazing job back there, Khyber smiles>this moment is interrupted by the sound of the manticore and the matriarch getting in an altercation, just from the sounds alone it's easy to tell who won. the two don't have much time, they hurry into the hatch and run down the hallway. It seems like what the manticore considers it's territory expands into those woods>Khyber and Our Hero finally make it to the basement, it will be a bit before the manticore makes it back to the lair. what should the two do now?
>>6339327oh that's actually a very cool looking quest! I'm honored to be compared to that
>>6339695Explore the place. It's a wizard's basement, it has to have all kinds of cool things in it we can use so long as they don't blow up in our faces.>>6339699You've got a good thing going here. Don't sell yourself short.
>>6339695pocket a bunch of the wizards loot then look for a place to set up our trap
>>6339695Aw, cute. I'm warming to the idea of Khyber as a serious love interest. Is she a lot older than us, though? Is she a cougar furry?Manticores are helluva scary, btw. I'm amazed they're such a low-level summon! Any old Holy Mage can make these things??>>6339712+1 to searching the basement for my vote, btw, and also +1 to the sentiment. This quest rocks!
>>6339695>cleaning the blood off his face and asking if he's ok.That is so sweet of her! We gotta loot the current layer though
>>6339695>>6339824+1, Khyber wiping of SB's blood is cute, she's slowly becoming our overprotective cougar gfAlso I agree we should look around, prioritizing either finding the holy wizard or a good spot to set the bear trap, maybe a narrow corridor leading to / from the manticore's lair
>>6339693>>6339740 +1
>>6339712>+1
>>6339695According to the map the library should be right above usLet's sneak through and make sure no one is already there
>>6339712(oh I apologize if it seemed like I was selling myself short, I'll admit I went into this not fully confident but the overall positive reception has helped a ton! and I really have to thank you all for that :D )>>6339740>>6339824(never really thought about it but id say Khyber is like 27? so nowhere near cougar territory but shes got some years over Our Hero, also yes! any old mage can summon one but even the beginner spells are very difficult so I guess it balances out, and thank you for liking my quest!)>>6339856>>6339891>>6339921>>6339937>While Our Hero would normally be opposed to stealing from his client this case is kind of different, it's clear this client might not be the most morally aligned and besides, the devil mage wouldn't miss a couple ingredients, right?>The basement is a little devoid of ingredients though, perhaps the devil mage escaped through here and took most of his stock with him when the manticore attacked? nonetheless there's some pretty useful stuff here! Our Hero adds the following ingredients to his inventory>Mountainroot (x2)>(can be used to make some pretty good potions of dexterity, increasing ones stamina)>Gerske Flowers (x4)(has no mystical properties but makes for a very good antidote, can also be used in a tea blend for a very good herbal tea! a personal favorite of Our Hero)>Toadtsone (x1)>(can be ground to make a potent antivenom, often used in sickness warding charms)>Undine water (x1)>(Our Hero isn't sure what this can be used in yet, but he assumes it's important and pockets it)>Healing potion (x1)>(a very good find! while not impossible to come by they can be quite pricey, Our Hero will not turn up the opportunity to get one for free)>Ground Brimstone>(Our Hero has read that this can only be obtained in offerings to the 72 infernal princes of the beyond that devil mages worship, this is real brimstone from the bleak plain in which those princes reside....Our Hero pockets it just in case he finds a use for it later, Our Hero notes that it smells strongly of sulfur)>After filling up on ingredients and potions Khyber tells Our Hero that she's going to case the library first, after a bit she concludes that there's no one in the library but there's someone in the kitchen down the hall and a handful of people upstairs, she also says she can faintly hear something coming from deeper in the house, it's not a devil sorcerer so it's probably the holy mage>Our Hero can't hear any of what Khyber is hearing, must be a beastwoman thing>Our Hero notes the tight hallway form the library to the kitchen, they still have some time before the manticore arrives so they can set up the trap here, or Khyber and Our Hero can explore the house a little more, or maybe something different?>what should Our Hero do?
>>6340170(....this is two times now that I've forgotten the image...)
>>6340170You ought to make a trap.
>>6340170>>6340171>Try to sneak up on the Holy Mage, and spy on them to see if they're ̶c̶u̶t̶e̶ benevolent and reasonable.
>>6340170Let's have Khyber set up the trap while we go off to do a bit of mage-watching.I'm pretty sure our client did okay us using his stuffand while I do like Khyber, I'm all too aware of First Girl Syndrome and we've only known her for c. a day.
>>6340263I agree with all these sentiments, except I'm wary of splitting the party when it's only two people.
>>6340170If the priestess smells the brimstone on us she will try to kill usPut it away quickly and cover ourselves in something else to mask the smell>>6340201+1
>>6340170trapping time
>>6340201+1, maybe we can get to the kitchen vent shafts that the devil mage mentioned and do a little reconnaissance
>>6340358>>6340271Good thinking about the brimstone and the vent, anons!
In case no one saw the fan art an anon from the /i/ thread made...>>>/i/820368
>>6340271>>6340396>realizing the brimstone may flag him as an enemy, Our Hero wraps the brimstone in a cloth he found in the basement and, slightly panicking, washes his hands and face with the undine water>>6340406(it's such an amazing piece of fanart....I wish the anon responded, I would have loved to draw something in return)>he feels a strange and refreshing feeling pour over his skin, even though it was just half the bottle being splashed on his face he feels himself becoming more relaxed, more focused and more cognizant.>Khyber shoots up, telling Our Hero that she can't smell him anymore, Our Hero realizes that the undine water seems to mask his presence to an extent, maybe he can use this to sneak past the devil sorcerer in the kitchen?>>6340263(I know I know, whoever Our Hero gets with is up to the thread but I admit I do like playing into it a bit. I'd also like to add that I didn't even know this would happen but it was a fun surprise for me as a QM!)>>6340263>>6340177>>6340319>>6340358>Khyber tells Our Hero that she's gonna sneak through the vents herself and do some reconnaissance upstairs, Our Hero asks if she's good on her own and she tells states she's done "much crazier shit while much more drunk">Our Hero is a bit worried about her and that sentiment but agrees anyways, he tells Khyber he'll look for the holy wizard and try and talk to her, he tells Khyber to set up the trap in that hallway and once they hear the manticore come back they should return here and strategize >after she sets the trap up she makes her way upstairs and Our Hero sneaks into the kitchen[1/2]
>>6340845(well I remembered the formatting this time but borked the formatting again, can you tell I'm still getting the hang of this? I apologize again, I'd also like to apologize for getting busy and slowing the pace down)>The undine water helps in masking Our Hero's presence! he's functionally invisible to any devil sorcerers, with this he finds a vent in the kitchen and begins crawling through....>After a bit he finally makes his way towards the tower which holds the alchemy lab and the worshiping room, and there resides Xiphos, the holy wizard they have heard so much about from their client...>How should Our Hero go about asking for her side of the story? and maybe even her help?[2/2]
>>6340848Might be wise to jump out and keep her at swordpoint before asking. Just in case. She has sent quite a few creatures after us.
>>6340850I think she only sent the manticore. The devil sorcerers just exist around here.>>6340848My vote:>Ambush, disarm the book, hold at sword-point>Explain why we're here, and who sent us, and then make it clear from our position of power that we are, indeed, a reasonable young sword-boy willing to hear her out>I'd also like to apologize for getting busy and slowing the pace downOne update a day is pretty typical on /qst/, honestly.
I agree with >>6340271. We should put the Ground Brimstone back, as it could give us a scent that compromises us whenever we carry it. Besides, the devil mage would definitely notice that it would be missing.>>6340406We'll need a change in wardrobe soon, likely something more suited for combat and on the manlier side. Remember, the orc turned us down because of the way we looked.>>6340848I second >>6340859.If this wizard ends up joining our party, a rivalry between her and Khyber could form. Our bare chest is too much for them, apparently.
>>6340848FLYING ELBOW DRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPand then we can have a nice chat <3-----I don't see any broken formatting?I think it's safe to say Khyber ticks boxes for a lot of people. I fully expected this to happen and Xiphos will probably not be safe either heh.By the way, how long does it take to draw these updates?
>>6340848might makes right, grab him
>>6340907*her>>6340865>We'll need a change in wardrobe soonnah, we're SwordBOY, and we don't have to change ourselves for nobody else's sake! We just need to earn a reputation.
>>6340910him*, a harem will destroy this quest
>>6340907>>6340911>himBack. Back to the darkness with you.>>6340910I'm sorry man, the high socks need to go. Something real manly like choo-choo train socks could go there.
>>6340848She looks like a reasonable sortShe spoke to the fellow who hired us and could not kill him, instead choosing to send a manticore, and holy mages are known summoners so she probably isn't that much of a threat by herselfLet's make sure we are relatively gentle when grabbing herHonestly I would have just spoken to her but everyone else seems gung-ho about attacking firstShe hasn't even been rude, she would need a manticore to stop the local DS pop from breaking in and trying to kill herIf we are being completely honest the best couse of action is for us to ask her to summon us a pack mule and then steal everything of even the slightest value before taking off with her in a different direction, never to return to the tavern with the devil sorcerer >>6340850She has done nothing wrong so farWe probably would have done the same if we found the manor of a devil sorceror>>6340859This sounds quite rude and beligerent Probably a bad Idea for a potential ally>>6340865We shouldn't change yetWe should wait for a critical point in the story, after some fight or power up, and then changeI like sword boy being cute and I want to protect him>>6340911A harem is exclusively a good thing, and I will note that meeting multiple girls is not the same thing as having a harem
>>6340911>implying we can't destroy this quest with a bisexual harem if we really mustKek, jk.>>6340918If we don't want to help the devil wizard, why did we agree to the job to begin with? Just to meet Xiphos? I don't want to get a reputation as a guy who takes jobs from clients just to backstab and steal from them. At least... Not without a good excuse to do so.
>>6340911>>6340923>>6340907>>6340910>implying we all aren't already part of the haremit's too late anons
>>6340927>It's Khyber's harem, you're just in itHot.
>>6340918You do make a good point, and from the fact that a manticore is a beginner summon and it seemed to take a lot out of her to do, I think she's probably a novice wizard. So it's one newbie versus another - I'll reconsider opening with violence in >>6340867 and instead just go up and talk to her lmao.That said, I don't agree with backstabbing devilbro.>>6340911Normally I'd emphatically agree with you but considering the tone of the quest and the MC's innocence, it has the potential to be *really funny*.
>>6340910>SwordBOYMaybe there's a SwordGIRL.
>>6340923For the money?We do it for the money>>6340933We could make a sword girl with the priestessIf we play our card right
>>6340911>a harem will destroy this quest>Post ends at 911I am afraid, I vote for monogamous Khyber ending
(oh after this quest I was thinking of having an event where the party would go clothes shopping and the thread could vote on/suggest new outfits, but if thread wants everyone to stay the same thats also fine!)>a rivalry between her and Khyber could form(that could be fun to write, being honest)>>6340867(these take like 45 minutes to an hour 30 at most) >>6340792(this is what my art looks like when I try and put a little more effort behind it, these pages are designed to be fast and easy to draw)>>6340911(I appreciate your concern! but I promise this will not devolve into harem stuff, >>6340931 but I agree with this, given the tone and the personality of out mc some harem-esque rom com bullshit really wouldn't hurt)>>6340918>>6340930(god I wish)>>6340927(you are all part of SB's harem, you have no say in the matter)>>6340923(we've established every participant in this thread is part of his harem now so we're already at stage 5 SB Bisexual Bash)>>6340943("ship sailed because of 911 prophecy" is a very funny concept)>Something in Our Hero's gut tells him he should go in, swords swinging, he should go in cleaving air, cloth and bone but there's a more rational part also telling Our Hero that this holy wizard seems the diplomatic type, if she's well educated enough to summon a manticore surely she must be down for conversation right?>Our Hero decides to take a kind yet firm approach, he descends from the vent and brandishes his blade. He states that he has taken a quest from the owner of this lair, he was sent here to dispatch the manticore that Xiphos has summoned but he himself does not trust his client>Our Hero states that he does not believe Xiphos is pure evil, and that he wants to hear her side of the story>Our Hero flashes his blade once more, reminding her that though he does not want to cause harm, he is not afraid to do battle with a holy wizard >Xiphos drops her spellbook...(post got flagged as spam so I couldn't respond to all the messages I am very sorry)[1/2]
>>6340943>(you are all part of SB's harem, you have no say in the matter)>>mfw
>>6340955(kek)>Xiphos drops to her knees, shaking and whimpering. she lets loose a barrage of pleas and begs of mercy in between sharp, anxious breaths>"PLEASEDONTKILLMEPLEASEDONTKILLME, I have taken issue with this devil mage an-and I was told h-he was doing experiments and-">Xiphos inhales sharply, still visibly shaking>"w-when I tried to confront him on this he threatened me and then i threatened him and then I got angry when he insulted the gods I worship and when i get angry I just see red- You understand right anyways-">and then another sharp inhale, it seems shes talking so fast she's running out of breath>"I summon the manticore out of anger and break in trying to help the people he's experimented on but they're too far gone and i think oh god the devil mage is going to kill me so I stay here and-">this time it wasn't a sharp exhale, she chokes on her own throat and needs a minute>"-a-and so I stay here trying to research what I can do but I lost control of the manticore and now I can't leave because it'll follow me and raze man and beast, I cant get far enough away from it to die because it's severed from my magic and- and-">Xiphos looks up at Our Hero, an anxious and shaking mess>"please if you kill me have my remains sent back Pelledias- I ask that you savages dont feast on my flesh when you're done butchering me!!!">Our Hero....doesn't know how to react, he's still pretty uncomfortable for several reasons, but the biggest reason is he never expected a Holy Wizard to be this....well this much of a mess
>what should Our Hero do next?
>>6340950>(you are all part of SB's harem, you have no say in the matter)Could be worse. SB seems like a standup guy.>>6340956>>6340958>Politely inform her that we're only being paid to kill the manticore>And also that there doesn't seem to be any human experiments here>and also also that the woods are lousy with genuine full-blown devil sorcerers that are probably better targets>and also also also that we'd be willing to escort her back to the city for a price... (either she gives us money or joins the party)
>>6340960Maybe the devil sorcerers in the area ARE the people that the Devil Mage experimented on?>>6340956>clarify if she found evidence of human experimentation>Also clarify that we won't kill a surrendering or cooperating foe, because we're a nice sword-boy>we do need her help to kill the manticore so we can get money, though>we can deal with the devil mage after, if he really broke bad
>>6340956PERFECTShe seems extremely open to working with us and extremely not evilWe shall have her summon a pack mule and cart off everything of value, slay the manticore and claim both the reward and the loot (We will meet her on the road outside of town)To ensure she doesn't abandon us we will make her swear on her godsAlso, offer her protection in these bleak lands. it sounds like she needs itAsk xiphos some questions about her religion. It should put her at ease to talk about something she likes and understandsI like her hairIs she wearing a mask? Inspect closerWe need lips>>6340960The map we were shown has a room that seems to have an altar of some kind and be disconnected from other roomsThat is probably where the worse rituals would happenLet's not go there, but it exists and we should be aware of it(And don't tell the priestess, we'd best be in and out with any extra shenanigans)>>6340969I think that the source of the whole thing is those demon princes or somethingI don't think we are in a place to kill them right now
>>6340950>(we've established every participant in this thread is part of his harem now so we're already at stage 5 SB Bisexual Bash)don't let soj hear this>>6340956calm down, woman. he only paid us to kill the manticore. and he may be a devil mage but he's not experimenting on people
>>6340958SEX WITH HOLY WIZARD>>6340960>>6340969But go with this guy, except for last part. Ask her to join party instead.
>>6340956Give her a Look. Stop, lady.We're here to kill the manticore, the homeowner just wants his house back and we haven't seen anything nefarious.Help us kill it and we can all go home.
>>6341059Not.... The Look...
>>6340956Ask more about the experiments on people, what proof is there
Also, begin the wifu wars has
>>6341095>>6341059Are you sure we want to use The Look so early? It's supposed to be saved for emergencies
>>6341113I don't! I just want anon to understand what he's suggesting!
>>6341113A WOMAN is PANICKING. This is not a drill! This is a five-alarm emergency!
>>6340956I generally agree with >>6340960 and >>6340969, but rather than asking her to pay money to escort her, let's invite her to join the party instead. If she has evidence of human experimentation, let's hear her out.
>>6341095Ah, yes, the lookWe've all used itPulling out the big guns
>>63411422soon
>>6340960(I think the fact that everyone is cool with it is really funny)>>6340969>>6340972>>6340994(oh god, whos soj and have I angered him)>>6341022(the idea that someone thinks she's hot would probably make her pass out)>>6341059>>6341106>>6341108(remember kids, the first rule of waifu wars is have fun and be yourself)>>6341140>Our Hero realizes his initial approach may have been a bit too brash, even if he was "kind yet firm" it clearly sent Xiphos into a panicked mess, he softens his voice (which isn't hard, as his voice is already very soft) and holds his hand out, giving Xiphos a kind and reassuring look>he tells Xiphos that he apologizes as he was expecting to fight, he calmly explains that there are some more questions he wants to ask her and he's willing to help her out>Xiphos gulps, still shaking she hesitantly takes Our hero's hand and helps herself up>Our Hero gives Xiphos a bit of time to breathe and asks her a couple of questions and gives a couple clarifications>"we're only here to kill the manticore, we need the money">"we would like your help, if you can">"did you find any evidence of the experiments?">"we are willing to escort you back to Boltgaurd, and we would like you to summon a pack mule for us">"are you willing to swear to your gods to not abandon us?">and finally, Our Hero offers his blade, stating that if she wants, he can give her protection in these lands so long as she joins him on his adventures>Xiphos looks a bit taken a back, she's calmed down but shes still takes a bit to answer[1/3]
>Xiphos stammers for a bit, her voice is quiet and meek, but still fast and a little frantic, she clearly isn't panicking anymore though so that's some progress being made>"uhm...I'm not sure what help I can provide...I know a couple light bolt spells and I know how to make a lot of potions but- but I can find something to help out with!>"as for the pack mule? uhm...I'm not sure how comfortable I am summoning something organic again, I can summon an inorganic mount if you like!>"and the experiments! yes I have found evidence! very damning evidence in fact, there's a Behemoth upstairs in the bedroom above the kitchen, I am lucky it's grown weak due to it's summoner being far away from it, I was able to tie it down and study it. u-uhm, I couldn't find a way to reverse it though....see Behemoths are much like Manticores! they're summoned by transmuting meat into something else, mine was summoned with mages guild approved carrion that was in my sack but....it seems the devil mage was trying to transmute living, sentient beings in these experiments...." >Xiphos begins to shake again so Our Hero quickly asks about her pantheon of gods, she shoots up and excitedly tells Our Hero all about it>"oh-yes! I worship the 72 warriors of the firmament! they exist in another plane much like the 72 infernal princes, in fact Holy Wizards and Devil Mages are not too different in how they use their magic however...Devil Mages have no limit on what they use that magic for and how they achieve that magic...like the Behemoth. You see, Holy Wizards and Devil Mages have a long history of conflict, I came to Axegaurd to combat these Devil Mages on their own lands as they've thrived here due to the lack of any law and order but....">Xiphos hangs her head, anxiously curling her arms to her chest again>"...I was a little in over my head">Our Hero tells her that it's ok, because he came to these lands in over his head too! but he's managed to make it this far and with his help Xiphos could make it even farther, this brings Xiphos a noticeable amount of comfort>Our Hero has one last question though, he states that he's read a lot about Peladians and that he's never seen one in a mask, he asks what that's about>Xiphos looks embarrassed, nervously stammering through a lot of nonsense before she blurts out that "it's a religious thing">Our Hero questions the voracity of this statement but decides to not press any further, if Our Hero is being honest, he thinks she's just wearing the mask because she's super shy[2/3]
>however...one thing hangs on Our Hero's mind, oh yeah, wasn't the bedroom upstairs where Khyber was going?>and just like that Xiphos and Our Hero hear Khyber yell in shock from across the house, it appears she found the weakened Behemoth>and if things couldn't get any worse, the manticore's cry suggests it's coming back, they have a new member to their party so...>what should Khyber, Xiphos and Our Hero do now?
>>6341205Time for her to show her worth. Let's go help Khyber.
>>6341205>thos hip bonesshe is a skelington under their isnt she
>>6341227Oh she probably is, isn't she? Either that or she's malnourished af and needs to eat.
>>6341227Skeleton girl? That's a new one.
>>6341227Her hands are covered in wraps, what little we see of her skin is pure blackShe probably looks alot like a devil sorcerer but paletteswappedThe parrallels between the holy 72 and the demon 72 are obviousWe shouldn't say this to her but there is definitely a large connectionShe is still cute though
>>6341192>(oh god, whos soj and have I angered him)He's a QM and artist who really likes cute men and tomboys.>>6341240This checks.>>6341205>Rush to Khyber to make sure she's okay>Suggest that if the Behemoth is dangerous, anf can't be turned back, maybe it's best to let it and the manticore take each otehr out, slay whichever one is left, and then get out of here
>>6341240not going far enough. the 72 warriors of the firmament and 72 infernal princes are the same extradimensional beings playing both sides for shits and giggles/ before and after a fall/ in the midst of an ongoing schizophrenic break.
rescue kyber
>>6341205It seems we should find a way to take down the Manticore and put the Behemoth out of its misery.>Group up with Khyber in the bedroom to set the bear trap in place for the Manticore to step on. Put light cover over it so the Manticore does not notice.>Ask Xiphon how we can get the Behemoth to calm down meanwhile.>>6341227>>6341240Either would be pretty cool.>>6341251>the 72 warriors of the firmament and 72 infernal princes are the same extradimensional beings playing both sides for shits and giggles/ before and after a fall/ in the midst of an ongoing schizophrenic break.Maybe this is OP's metaphor for the alchemical principle of the breaking and rejoining of light and dark halves, or we just need to spread the Christian word of God or something.
>>6341309Well a sword is shaped LIKE a cross, sometimes. No reason we can't spread to good word of SWORDBOY if it comes down to it.
>>6341192>(oh god, whos soj and have I angered him)rlx, you didn't anger nobody. as >>6341243 said, I mentioned him 'coz he'd like the hero and the bi harem.>>6341205have the manticore fight the behemoth and we deal with 2 bird with 1 stone
Apologies for the lack of updates! I was very busy yesterday but I can get to working now!>>6341364>>6341243oh well nevermind then I hope he finds this quest!
>>6341893Dont worry QM you are worth the wait
>>6341893That's a paddling
>>6341207>>6341227(shes thinner then Khyber but not scrawny, my drawings aren't the most consistent if I'm being honest)>>6341240>>6341295>>6341240>>6341251(ill be honest, im making this up as I go based on some notes I had on occultism for a completely different project, but I do like the theories you're coming up with!>>6341309(especially this one! alchemy and occultism can be very similar at times. Isn't hermeticism just Occultism and Alchemy as a philosophical framework? sorry if I'm misunderstanding that)>>6341922(thank you!)>>6341934(ah is that poor etiquette? if that's looked down on here then I wont do it again, thank you for letting me know!)>Our Hero insists that they go help Khyber, Our Hero states that though they have not known each other for long he considers her a friend and does not want her to die>Xiphos states that there's no way the Behemoth can hurt her, she tied it down and it's losing it's power because of how far it is from the devil mage who summoned it, even the manticore doesn't consider it enough of a threat to kill it>This does put a wrench in Our Hero's initial plan to have the two fight each other, he suggests meeting Khyber halfway, as they walk down the tower to the first floor the two come across the worshiping room, Xiphos looks very uncomfortable in here>"that is Prince Stolas, he is a patron for alchemists and herbologists. I've heard he teaches of long lost recipes for potions with such vile absurd effects my teachers dare not speak of them....">Our Hero states that they should hurry out of here as she doesn't look like she wants to be here, Xiphos agrees and they make it to the bottom of the tower, just in front of the main entrance[1/3]
>The Party is finally together! they meet Khyber at the entrance, Our Hero asks if she was ok and what she saw? she said that in the upstairs bathroom there was this "weird fuckin thing", Khyber iterates that it was like an amorphous blob with many faces and while it did try and lung at her, it wasn't very successful. In fact the beast looked as if it where in it's very last moments of life, it's breathing was shallow and strained and it couldn't even move without groaning and grunting in pain>Khyber states that once they "whack this manticore" they should see if the Behemoth has any organs they can sell>Xiphos looks disgusted by that sentiment, stating that she just needs more time and she can find a cure, she then backs down nervously shaking, Khyber doesn't look angry but she does look annoyed. She reminds Xiphos that they came here for money>Our Hero tries to deescalate the situation, he doesn't want his new party constantly arguing but before he can say anything a low hiss is heard from outside...>The Manticore is here>Xiphos chokes out a couple terrified words. her voice low and hopeless>"I-I can see it in his eyes...he thinks I've turned from the holy path...run"[2/3]
>Khyber and Our Hero make a break for the library, the manticore trailing behind them, Our Hero tells Xiphos that they set up a trap in the library and that is where they will fight the manticore>Xiphos doesn't look happy about fighting but she says she will help in any way she can, even if she doesn't know any good spells yet>Kyber lets out a "FUCK YEAH" as the manticore falls into the trap they set, it's weak bones and soft flesh mutilated by the bear trap, permanently crippling it's leg>but it's still standing, what does Our Party do next?
>>6341972its go time homie kill or be killed, sink or swim
>>6341962>(ah is that poor etiquette? if that's looked down on here then I wont do it again, thank you for letting me know!)qm you are too good for this board, anon was messing with you.>>6341972KIIIEEEEEELLL!
>>6341972It's time to go in swingin'. Khyber runs distraction, target its other leg first and I suppose Xiphos is moral support unless she can pull something out.Don't worry QM, paddle anon is just busting your balls though it is considered good practice to let readers know if you're going to skip out on a couple or more updates.
>>6341972It's time to take care of the Manticore. Make sure that its attention is on Boy while Khyber tries to lunge at vulnerable parts. Xiphos can provide support at a distance.
>>6341972>if Xiphos has support spells, use them! If not, stand by to heal>Khyber to draw fire, Swordboy to stab vitalsOur weapon is better suited to deep stabs than Khyber's, right?Also:>Why does it think Xiphos is unholy?
>>6341972time to chop it's head off
>>6341972It's probably going to be pretty slow with that trap on it's legKnock over some chairs and things as obstacles and bat it off while khyber throws knives and xiphos throws magicLet ourselves retreat immediately if anything goes sour
Unrelated whilst we wait for an update. Sex with Khyber.
>>6343005No. Bad. Do not the....er, what kind of beastfolk is Khyber again?
>>6343007Does not matter. She is a qt 3.14 who deserves love
heya! just wanted apologize again for the lack of updates, I know it's good practice to let people know in advance but I often forget to do that whenever I get busy so again I deeply apologize, thank you for your patience!btw the updates going to be written and posted now, I just wanted to give an apology>>6343005based, would draw this if the thread decides she's going to be the love interest, same for Xiphos too (though I have no idea where id even post it)>>6343007ill be honest, I have no fucking idea and I drew her, I just kinda pulled the design out of my ass. I guess she's a wolf? we'll go with wolf.do not the wolf
>>6341974>>6341975>>6341987(oh well sorry for missing the joke haha, glad it was all in good fun though)>>6342037>>6342041>>6342255>>6342263>Khyber and Our Hero decide to do battle, Khyber being faster, decides to draw attention so Our Hero can attack the vitals, but before the battle even starts the manticore lunges it's tail right at Our Hero>Khyber once again comes to Our Hero's aid and parry's the tails attack, while the manticore is rearing for another attack Our Hero re-positions>Xiphos, knowing she isn't much help ducks behind a box in the library, still shaking like a leaf[1/3]
>Xiphos doesn't feel good about being this useless, it further adds to her anxiety as she curls into a ball whilst the two people who are rescuing her do all the work, she feels a need to repay Our Hero so...she tries out a spell she's been practicing as of recent>Suddenly Our Hero feels his sword get warmer, it shines brilliantly as Our Hero looks upon it in awe, he feels it's power coursing through his hand, snaking through his body. He is filled with a kind of vigor he's never once felt in his life, suddenly he dashes for the manticore. As it is distracted by Khyber it doesn't even notice Our Hero barreling towards it, not that it could react if it could. Our Hero's legs are being pushed to their maximum. He's running like he never has in his life.>Our Hero brings the sword above his head and unleashes a strong, heavy cleave. A strike so mighty one wouldn't think it would come from someone as thin as Our Hero...[2/3]
>the cut tears into the manticore's neck muscle, it's golden blood oozing onto the floor, with one final thrust Our Hero skewers the manticore, sending his blade through soft flesh and hard bone alike>Xiphos cannot keep the spell up for much longer and as she ends it Our Hero can feel the adrenaline seep from his body, blowing away like dust in the wind>Our Hero suddenly feels exhausted and very sore, he's standing in front of a dead manticore that he can't quite comprehend how he killed, even Khyber is surprised by Our Hero's sudden boost in strength, after this Xiphos pops from behind her cover to survey the situation, looks like she helped out plenty>with the beast dead, what does Our Hero do now?
>>6343321Introduce kyber and white mage, and get kybers opinion on what we discussed
>>6343321Introduce the two of them.
>>6343312>though I have no idea where id even post itWhat I've seen QMs do it post it on /aco/ or /i/ or the like, and then link the post.>>6343333+1
>>6343343But then that wouldn't be properly stored with the archived thread, wouldn't it? You'd probably want some 3rd party site instead.
>>6343321Hug the both of them and celebrate. Also a convenient excuse to check if the mage is actually a skellybum.>>6343312QMs often upload, uh, "extra content" externally and link it. Catbox.moe is a favourite.
>>6343348Catbox eventually destroys the links though don't they?
>>6343356No, they don't. You might be able to set them to time-expire if you want, but it's not the usual.
>>6343321
>>6343390holy shit HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT best thing to come back home to, this is amazing I love how you drew them you got everyone down PERFECTLY, thank you thank you thank you so much, do you want anything drawn in return? I feel the need to return the favor. again this is amazing>>6343348oh yeah I forgot catbox existed for a sec, probably gonna have to go with that anyways because I think anything thats too furry gets shitcanned on /i/ and /aco/ and I dont wanna take the risk (I ate a two day ban on /ic/ because I forgot that rule kek)also, gonna work on updates now! again thank you so much for the fanart
>>6343321it's harvesting time>>6343390glad to see you here, soj
>>6343333Support fot the quads>>6343415>I forgot catbox existed for a secAlternatively you coud make khybersex.com to host it.>>6343390Really epic artwork soj
>>6343415>I feel the need to return the favourfunny, thats why I drew you that image.
>>6343321Introduce people, prepare for xiphos to kill the behemoth in a way that will look like she killed it alone and leftThank and hug xiphos, and also khyber
>>6343348>>6343438>>6343431(oh like, you where looking for an art trade or you where looking to return the favor to me?)>>6343419(website will be up tomorrow, everyone be ready for it)>Our Hero, exhausted from Xiphos's stamina spell, slumps into his party members, hugging them and thanking them. His voice is strained and he's breathing heavily but he showers them in praise and appreciation, he thanks Khyber for blocking the scorpions attack and drawing attention from him and he thanks Xiphos for blessing him with a stamina spell>Khyber says it's no issue, but it looks like Xiphos is still reeling just from being touched. Seems like she doesn't talk to people often, let alone get hugged>but it looks like she doesn't mind it>after that Our Hero finds the strength to lift himself off the two of them, still off kilter he apologizes for that but says that he just needed to show his appreciation, Khyber snickers at this, clearly finding it amusing>Our Hero realizes he hasn't introduced the two yet![1/2]
>"Khyber, this is Xiphos! she will be joining us for a bit. she offered to summon a pack mule for us to take our stuff back to Boltgaurd">Khyber is a bit suspicious of someone tagging along but she'll go along with it if it makes Our Hero happy, she introduces herself and Xiphos nervously chokes out her name in response>Khyber realizes she may not be a huge threat...>Our Hero fills Khyber in on what him and Xiphos talked about in the tower, of course she agreed to follow them to Boltgaurd and summon an "inorganic pack mule" but he also mentions that the behemoth she ran into could be harvested>Xiphos doesn't look very happy about this being talked about and Khyber picks up on this, she tells Xiphos there's no way to turn that thing back, and they're better off making some money off of it then just letting it rot>Xiphos trembles for a bit before she adds that it's probably dead anyways, it's been so long since the devil mage left it probably just passed away>Khyber was actually pretty exited to hear that, she thought she was going to have to find a way to put it out of it's misery, Khyber asks what she should take and Xiphos goes over the organs that would sell for a decent amount, like terrorsacs, the heart and the teeth, all of which have use in alchemy>Khyber says she's going to get started on the manticore first, she jokes how sad it is that she can't hang onto Our Hero forever and she's "gonna have to drop him for a sec">Xiphos also looks pretty squeamish at the sight of her manticore being gutted, but she doesn't protest this time>while Khyber harvests some organs for selling, is there anything Our Hero should do before they hit the road?
>>6343348>Our Hero decides not to comment on this out loud, but he does notice that Xiphos has a lot more mass under those robes then he anticipated, not as bulky as Khyber but not as scrawny as one would think, it looks like those robes are just really baggy>Our Hero also notices she's strangely warm to the touch, even through all the robes he can feel a great deal of heat radiating from her body, even warmer than Khybers fur>he doesn't know what to make of this, he's read on Peladians but since they aren't an interest of his he doesn't know much about them(forgot to add this sorry)
>>6343485I think we're all good. Gotta close the quest.
>>6343485Yeah lets just get the mantcore & Behemoth valuables and leave. >she jokes how sad it is that she can't hang onto Our Hero forever and she's "gonna have to drop him for a sec""jokes"
THEME OF SWORDBOYhttps://youtu.be/KAtudLu42vA
>>6343485Search the library here for any books that look interesting. That's part of our reward, and he explicitly said "just take 'em" and we don't want to leave out on part of the reward.
>>6343513+1! Khyber and Xiphos can handle the Manticore looting and securing the valuable parts and material. As the ex-librarian, OUR HERO needs to check the library here for the GOOD tomes of dank knowledge
>>6343530Literally, his own words>any books you want from MY library and my library is quite extensive! grimoires! theurgy manuals! alchemy catalogues! please I have so much I can part with!No idea how much any advanced tome is going to be of use to us except to sell off, and it feels bad both as the protag being a former librarian and because I also worked in a library before. I guess we could look for tomes of dank knowledge that we CAN learn from? Some beginner-intermediate stuff?
>>6343482Xiphos.....Cute
>>6343485Look through the books for rare and valuable onesTake a few for our pack and have xiphos pack alot of valuable things in the cart
>>6343485I'll concur on seeing what we can find in the library firstInteresting. Now just who is Xiphos really?also add "give Khyber scritches" to the todo list.
>>6343489We need to figure out what to do with the devil wizard who hired us, are we OK with all the human experiments he did? Are we used to this kind of thing? How would our hero perceive this act LORE wise?
>>6343557We don't reallyThere are probably worse things going on, and we need him to pay us firstAt worst we should make some sort of secret enterance we could use to re-enter later(This would be spmething like pitons disguised in one of the walls to a window or a copy of a key to one of the doors.)
>>6343485>>6343489Does Xiphos only have 4 fingers?
>>6343583I don't know if Khyber is enough of a rogue to be able to do that before we go. No matter what, we NEED that quest payout from him first
>>6343513>>6343530+1>>6343489
Hey OP, have you played Dragon Quest Swords on the Wii? It might be a decent game for you to play in regards to the sword autism fantasy stuff. Hell even the main bad guy in that is called "Xiphos the Deathbringer", I'm not kidding
>>6343490>>6343492>>6343530>>6343536>>6343538>Now that the dust has settled, Khyber exclaims it's about time they dig into the manticore guts and get some loot, she also tells Xiphos that she's going to help put the organs in a bag>Xiphos, hesitant at first, eventually relinquishes and begins to help Khyber out, Khyber tries to make conversation with Xiphos, asking her about her favorite booze, what kind of food she likes, if she has any crazy stories. Xiphos gives anxious, one word responses to all of these questions. At the very least Khyber trusts Xiphos enough to make small talk, while the two go upstairs to handle the Behemoth Our Hero makes his way to the library, excitedly picking out any book that looks interesting.>He has a hard time restraining himself, Our Hero admits that he's missed his home library whilst on this adventure, and being here brings him a lot of comfort, even if he is worryingly close to the gutted corpse of a manticore >He promises to only pick out the most important tomes of "dank knowledge" as to not take up space in his (larger than you'd think) bag. Though Our Hero does try and keep any negative emotions to himself, he must admit that the way this library is organized is a bit of a "fucking nightmare", though he'd never say that out loud>he manages to find some very rare and VERY useful books, for one, a book of potent medicines and other concoctions! Our Hero skims through the book and notes a recipe of Theriac native to Axegaurd sourced from the plants indigenous to this area>two other books catch Our Hero's eyes, one is treatise on bladed combat, written by a warrior of Ul-Hajzem, Our Hero remembers that the men of the east are some of the most revered swordsmen of this continent, and taking this would be very useful>the last book that catches Our Hero's eye is a spellbook, It's thick and dusty and looks old. Our Hero admits he is not well versed in the arcane arts but he'll pick this up for Xiphos's sake>...Our Hero eyes one last book, it's a list of Holuthiemian liturgical texts>...Our Hero pockets this one too, just as a little reminder of home>Even in this moment of comfort one thing does weigh on him, a question that's been eating at him since he started this quest [1/3]
>>6343557>>6343583>>6343731>Was he ok with this? Our Hero moved to Axegaurd for fortune and glory, to learn more of this land he has been fascinated with since he was a young lad, to meet new people and live an exiting life. But on his first quest he's already done the grunt work of a very shady individual. At the start of this quest he rationalized it>"of course I'm working for a shady devil mage, it's Axegaurd, there's no government. This is how you attain glory, you must start somewhere, no?">but with the horrors of this lab laid bare in front of him he begins to question his own reasoning>A part of Our Hero wants to bring justice to the one practicing these vile experiments, but what justice was there in this land? >another part knows that this is just how things are, that if he wants that glory he's dreamed of he must do these things. But what glory is there in accepting atrocities such as this?>Our Hero doesn't have an answer, for now at least>For now Our Hero will accept his payout and sell the organs harvested by Khyber and Xiphos, but a part of him wonders if justice could be brought to these lands>Would it be worth it if it was just one man?>He's snapped out of this train of thought by Khyber exclaiming that Xiphos has the mount ready, and they're waiting for him so they can go to Boltgaurd>Our Hero wonders if he should bring this up with Khyber and Xiphos some time, but for now he makes his way to the front entrance[2/3]
>Our Hero is comforted by conversation with his new party, though Xiphos doesn't talk much he tries his best to include her in the conversation he's having with Khyber, he nearly forgets about the brief spiral he had at the library. Instead Our Hero wonders what he and his party are going to do with all the gold they earned, in fact he even brings it up for conversation>Khyber jokes that she's gonna waste it all on booze, but when she seriously thinks about it she says she wants to get a hot meal, she's been surviving on whatever she could find in the woods for a while and she's dying for something that's actually cooked>Xiphos quietly states that she'd love to do some light clothes shopping, but quickly reascends that, stating its be a stupid idea and they should just go with Khyber's idea>what should Our Hero do once him and his party get their payout? there's much to do in boltgaurd and they have one day left at the inn[3/3]
>>6343493oh yeah someone in the /i/ thread said he kind of looks like Kris, I can see the reasoning behind this! this is actually one of my favorite tracks in the entire game next to From Now On (Battle 2)>>6343598yes! come to think of it I'm pretty sure it's the only detail of hers I consistently draw kek, seriously I am sorry about forgetting details between pages sometimes>>6344005no I haven actually but if I can get an emulator working ill play it! I actually very recently modded my 3DS and have been having fun with a ton of jrpgs, if anyone has any recs for DS/3DS jrpgs id love to hear em, I can use them for inspiration or just because they're fun>inb4 SMTIVI have an embarrassing amount of time in SMTIV and a handful of other megaten games>Hell even the main bad guy in that is called "Xiphos the Deathbringer", I'm not kiddingthat's a fucking insane coincidence but from what I'm seeing all the characters have sword related names which is exactly what I'm doing! so it's not shocking to see that overlap
>>6344818>Go sword-shoppingSWOOOOOOORDboy!
>>6344820>no I haven actually but if I can get an emulator working ill play it!Grab Dolphin, that's what you need for Wii games
>>6344822ill back this
>>6344818Por que no los dos? We can get some food and then go shopping for various things or vice versa depending on what time it is.I still want to keep the turtleneck though.
>>6344831The turtleneck IS stylin.
>>6344831>>6344835and the thigh shorts, YAW!
>>6344818Backing >>6344822 It's time to go sword shoppingAlso look at Khyber's pose, girl knows exactly what she's doing and where our Swordboy can put his "sword"...
>>6344851I didn't even realize it until you pointed it out but I forgot to draw her bandages...I guess I'm playing into this now, this is intentional because I said so
>>6344851>>6344879lol, I just assumed she was sloshed.
>>6344879Oh fuck she is going commando>try not to look>fail
>>6344818>Buy some armour that matches his general aesthetic.>Also buy stonks, it's never too soon to set up passive income.
>>6344823(thank you for the rec! ^_^)>>6344897>>6344896>>6344879>Our Hero notices that Khyber's bandages seem to have fallen off, or maybe she took them off? she doesn't look sober enough to give a straight answer but nonetheless Our hero tries to ignore it>he doesn't do a very good job at this>Khyber notices, teasing Our Hero and asking if hes "got a thing for beastwomen">Our Hero doesn't know how to answer this, he looks to Xiphos for help but she doesn't seem to be doing well in this situation either>Khyber gets a kick out of this, laughing. she says back in her homeland people aren't "weird prudes" about nudity and that shes entertained by this, she admits that most beastpeople are ok with it, they just wear clothes to fit in with everyone else>Once Our Hero and his party make it back to the inn he tells the devil mage that the job has been done. The devil mage makes a strange gurgling noise which Our Hero can only assume means he's happy, this is confirmed when the Devil Mage drops a hefty bag of coin into Our Hero's hands"yes yes all for you! all for you! coin! coin! coin can be traded for goods and services coin can buy you food coin can buy you books!">Our Hero doesn't much like being explained how money works, he finds it condescending. Still he puts up with it as to not anger his client, Our Hero assumes that he's going to be mad anyways when he gets back and finds the gutted corpses of a manticore and a behemoth so he'd prefer not to anger him now>after his payout he takes the organs harvested by Khyber and Xiphos to a butcher, the butcher gives Our Hero an awkward look but takes the organs anyways, giving Our Hero another payout>The Party takes count of the earnings, totaling to 712 coins! Khyber had never seen this much money in her hands before, she doesn't know what to say>Our Hero says they should upgrade their gear first before they spend the money on anything leisurely. And with that the party makes it's way to the shopping district[1/2]
(oh shit I forgot my name)>>6344822>>6344825>>6344831>>6344835>>6345044>the party finds it's way to a strip with an armorer and a tailor. Before the shopping starts Our Hero politely asks the armorer if there's any sources of passive income that him and his party can invest in>the armorer is taken by surprise, he admits he's used to selling to complete idiots and he's surprised to see someone so business oriented walk through his doors. He admits that there's nothing of the sort in Boltgaurd but Rubyhelm has a winery that lets you "invest" in a wine bottle that increases in value as it's aged, he has one that he invested in 10 years ago that's currently 600 coins, he admits it isn't the fastest way to make money but it's the most stable thing you can get in Axegaurd, that or racketeering are you only two options for passive income>Our Hero thanks the armorer for his help and decides that it's about time they got new armor, weapons and clothes[2/2]the thread decides what the partys new look is! you can send images or describe the outfit you have in mind and ill just go off what's sent in the thread(I can't imagine Our Hero's outfit will change that much considering how much people like the booty shorts and turtle neck but I though id give the option anyways)
>>6345114same goes for weapons too! thread gets to decide weapons as well, I think ill go with two weapons for each character
>>6345114I don't know about clothes, but how about a Javelin for the boy? Or a set, I don't know. Just enough to be able to throw it.You never see people use Javelins despite how prevalent they were.
>>6345114We're Swordboy, so we're obviously going to keep the sword... but maybe not this sword. What about a longsword/shortsword pair?Xiphos can get a mace or a hammer and a shield, unless she needs a hand free to cast spells. Khyber can get... hmm. She's a roguish sort. Axe and a big knife
>>6345114swordboys look is ICONIC, you should be careful about changing it since every detail is another thing you have to draw as for weapons I vote for LONGSWORD, and KATANA. EAST MEETS WEST BABY MORE SWORDS UNLIMITED SWORDS
>>6345137Xiphos outfit change
>>6345168Cute and erotic
>>6345137>>6345168once again thank you so much for these amazing works of art I cannot express how grateful I am for these, and dont worry! I know how to keep these simple, I just wanted the thread to have fun with some suggestions and contributions! ^_^>Xiphos outfit changeif I had zero restraint I would have everyone walking around in their underwear, you got her reaction down perfectly too. I think she'd just die of embarrassment in that situation>>6345173based!
>>6345126I'll get behind this fighter/cleric/barbarian sentiment. Though instead of a second sword, perhaps we'd be better off with a small shield? We've got nothing for the defence at all right now and I'm not willing to give up the goober outfit.
>>6345178We're SWORDBOY not SWORDANDSHIELDBOY. "Defence" is what the second sword is for! Block with one, attack with the other!
>>6345181Then we'll need a defensive sword. Maybe one short enough as a parrying dagger?
>>6345114>Our gal Khyber needs a cowboy hat>And a machete or something
>>6345114>Cowboy hat for Khyber>Some kind of weapon for Xiphos to defend herself>parrying dagger and chainmail turtleneck croptop for The Boy
>>6345240If you want to see our Swordboy wearing less clothes than we just need to train more, not wear less! It gets cold in Axeford and the ladies are too nervous or too passed out drunk for cuddles.
>>6345240I don't wanna leave anyone out but it looks like the thread wants to keep the turtleneck and shorts, however I did like this idea so I decided to draw it before I work on any pages! :D
>>6345311I figured can wear the chainmail turtleneck over the regular turtleneck, or only in combat scenarios, and keep the shorts the same? If not, no worries. Was just an idea if people were into it.That's awesome art, though>>6345137>>6345168This is good shit, too.
>>6345311We can wear chainmail (more than just the croptop of course), we just have to keep the turtleneck! Maybe even just put it under the turtleneck so you don't have to draw it, lmao.
>>6345316That sounds ridiculously uncomfortable
>>6345319That's what layers are for!You wear your shirt and/or gambeson, then your chainmail, then your turtleneck. No less reasonable than wearing a tabard or surcoat over some chainmail.
>>6345311This looks really cool and really adorable
>>6345114>>6345311Give him a belt and elbow pads to protect his elbows, then its solid.
>>6345114What we really need is to go all out on the SWORDBOY deal
>>6345360(this is fucking perfect I swear ill draw this soon, this is too funny to not draw)>>6345314(thank you very much! and yes I agree the art is still amazing, I even have it saved! it makes me very happy)>>6345196>>6345240>>6345137>>6345126>>6345124(I agree actually, maybe next quest I make can be spearboy or something)>>6345332(thank you! ^_^)>>6345338>Our Hero starts the shopping spree with some chainmail that he hides under his turtleneck as well as some elbow pads, he decides forgo leg protection because he believes this is more than enough>as for weapons, Our Hero notices a strange sword he'd never seen before, he asks the armorer what it's called and the armorer tells him it's a weapon from the far east called a "Katana". It was developed for clean slices and can even cut when being drawn from it's scabbard, Our Hero takes this along with a parry dagger for extra defense (and offense, if needed) and begins to equip his new items>Khyber enjoys seeing whats under the turtleneck again, Xiphos almost passes out>while Our Hero is doing that, Xiphos only orders a war hammer and a buckler for extra, non-cumbersome defense. the war hammer can actually be used as a wand by Xiphos! she opted for a blunt weapon to have something efficient when in close quarters. She doesn't need to learn the intricacies of a blade if she can just mush anyone who gets too close, she also opts for simpler robes>because the qm doesn't want to draw the belt loops every panel>Xiphos, unlike Our Hero, does not change in public, instead crouching behind an armor stand and nervously taking her old robes off>Khyber follows Our Hero's approach and equips her apparel out in the open, her interesting fashion taste on full display>Khyber was drawn to the hat, the tailor tells her it comes from a land very far west that is mostly desert, populated by farmer-nomads who regularly partake in honorable duels with flintlocks. It reminds Khyber of her homeland so she purchases it, along with a new (but still revealing) cloak and skirt>at the armorer she opts to go for a an ax and a hunting knife, she eyes the machete but assumes the ax will be enough>her new hunting knife is better crafted than her old one, and MUCH larger, something Khyber particularly likes. Bigger always means better, after all>after all of that the three meet up outside the mall, they still have some daylight to burn and 126 coins left over. This ate through most of their funds but they also bought the higher tier gear because they could afford it>they could look for a restaurant, call it a day and return to the inn, or maybe they could look for something else to do in Boltgaurd? there is still a bit they have not explored>what should Our Party do?
https://files.catbox.moe/2pvwje.pnghttps://files.catbox.moe/neu06f.png(btw, I caved and drew some extra material. I said I'd wait but also I really needed to get this out of my system)
>>6345722Hell yes lets go eat something nice!
>>6345722Fuck it let's take up Khyber's request and go get some GOOD and REAL food for a change. But then we need to go hunt for another quest ASAP to regain money. We only got a payout this big because we looted TWO huge magical creatures worth of organs on top of the payment from the devil mage. Our next quest might not be so lucrative, so we better enjoy the first glorious reward now before things get tight on the wallet later.>>6345723One or both of those might happen later. If not, oh well.
>>6345722FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD>>6345723NSFW alert, if that wasn't obvious to peoplenice though
>>6345728Speaking of good food anyone got any ideas on what would be good cuz all I can imagine right now is a big burger>>6345723Really good shit, should have realised what you meant with out of your system before checking it lol
Dang, too late to submit my design for Xiphos, i got inspired by The tantour and capriote for the hood, and i just personally like the thurible/meteor hammer combo as a weapon.>>6345722Finding someplace to eat sounds like a good idea
>>6345736ok fuck it im retconning this, this is to cool to just go "oh well guess you where late :)", you clearly put a lot of effort into this as well I can't just ignore it>>6345728>One or both of those might happen later. If not, oh wellim torn between just letting people get to the romance now and letting it build up a bit, on one hand sure it's just a silly quest it doesnt matter if it's only been like 2 days in the actual story, but on the other hand I REALLY love writing slower paced romanceif the thread does decide on a love interest I could make it a pleasant read, maybe having the hero ask direct questions about Khyber and Xiphos could lead to that or somethingor Our Hero just picks a waifu and they're together for the rest of the quest, again its whatever you guys want
>>6345743No need to hop right to romance. 2/3 of the party seem very innocent in that regard, and Khyber... Is Khyber.
>>6345743There's no rush. Picking too fast usually leads to people being disappointed because they decide they'd have preferred the other girl.
>>6345743>or Our Hero just picks a waifuThe waifu wars has not ended yet so I think you may have to do a slowburn
>>6345743Thanks OP, I'm glad to know it was worth it in the end. It was actually going to much more detailed, but then I realized that it would be a pain to have to draw that over and over.As for romance, I would definitely prefer the build up with some romantic tension and accidental fanservice here and there to toy with MC and Xiphos's chastity oriented mentality, juxtaposed with Khyber's libertine personality.
>>6345743I say let it cook as is. It'll be a good source of entertainment and there's no reason to rush anything. We can decide later if we want to get serious about it.
>>6345736I mean, the first time we saw her WAS her going after a black person...
>>6345722take em out to eat and try to recruit Xiphos and khyber to be an official members of our team in a long term capacity. see if the two want to be adventurers with you full time. At the moment i feel both characters are friends of circumstance Xiphos said she came to this land to fight evil, does she still want to do that?
>>6341240>The parrallels between the holy 72 and the demon 72 are obviousOne difference I just noticed between them is that for some reason the 72 demons take your nipples away.
>>6345840But she's black too...
>>6346066Auntie Ruckus...
>>6345851How cruel!
>>6345840>>6346066Maybe its niot about what is on the outside but what is on the inside (they are red!)
>>6346120And meanwhile, what's inside of Xiphos is Swordboy (soon)
>>6346123Nuh uh, sex with Khyber
>>6346127I've had enough of wenches, I want the shy neurotic girl to win for once.
>>6346123>>6346127Both?
>>6346132QM has already said he didn't want to make it a harem thing, so you gotta choose
>>6346130>wenchesSlander, take that back!>>6346132>>6346134Agreed we dont need a throuple
>>6346134I should specify, I'm not saying that I want there to be a harem, I'm just saying that it's not what'll happen. I'm happy with it, of course.
lets let the QM cook
>>6346300What is cooking good looking?
>>6346134>>6346138I could swear qm said "hehe harem funny" but I am too lazy to literally scroll up and check for myself so I'll take your word for it
>>6346468Im not, the joke is that WE are part of his harem. if its not a joke I wouldnt mind >>6340950>(you are all part of SB's harem, you have no say in the matter)
>>6346468see >>6340950No serious harem, but a great source of funny.
>>6345727>>6345728>>6345729>>6345842>Our Hero decides to take up Khyber's offer of finding a bite to eat, she claims she can find a good restaurant through her smell alone and settles on a very suspicious looking establishment, it's a hole in the wall even by Boltgaurd standards>The two walk in with Xiphos (whos outfit has conveniently changed) nervously trailing behind them, the party finds a table to sit at and orders>there isn't much talking before Our Hero pipes up and begins to speak, he thanks the two of them for their help the past few days and that he's enjoyed working with them. He pauses for a second before he makes his true offer>Our Hero asks the two if they want to become a true, honest to god party. He reiterates that he's enjoyed working with them and he'd love to work with them even more, he believes they already make an amazing team>more silence, before Khyber responds with a blunt "what the hell, sure">Xiphos manages to stammer out an enthusiastic "yes" stating that she would love to have a group to tag along with, for reasons she doesn't disclose she states she can't go back to her school of magic anyways, so this is a good opportunity to hone her abilities>Not long after the three become an official party the food arrives! Xiphos ordered lentil soup, Khyber ordered a steak and freshly caught sapphirefin with booze of course, Our Hero ordered a well balanced plate of cooked vegetables and a herbal tea>the atmosphere is noticeably more lively, with small conversations popping up and laughter being shared>now that the three are an official party, what should Our Hero ask Khyber and Xiphos? it's about time he got to know his partners better(I don't know why I wanted to color this panel specifically, but it was honestly kind of fun)
>>6345851I think its funny when people point out little quirks in my style like this, I didn't even notice this myself but im gonna play into this now. Thank you for pointing this out!>>6346123>>6346127>>6346132I wonder if im going to feel like Oppenheimer for starting these waifu wars soon but I will say, this is interesting to watch>>6346478yeah, no harem so I apologize to anyone who does want that. >>6346470>if its not a joke I wouldnt mindyou're welcome to yumeship with SB however, I can't even blame you for that
>>6347351He should ask them if they have any goals in this here land. Like how we want to become a HERO
>>6347353Yeah, +1. Let's not be selfish! Plus helping others accomplish their sidequests is a good way to become a hero anyway.
>>6347353+1
>>6347351how long have they been here ?
>>6347351where does Khyber come from
>>6347351Ask Khyber what she was doing staggering around drunk in the Bloodscreech woods.Xiphos mentioned her mask was a religious thing, do all members of her order have to wear one?
