tippler 2023/11/25(Sat)10:56 No. 1077946 ID: 9ea24b
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You are the many citizens of Pliny, the fourth largest city in the monarchy of Geoun. The city is home to members of most of the larger races, including humans, orcs, elves, dwarves, and more. Urban fae are a common pest that dwell in the rafters of larger buildings.

Many years ago, Pliny began as a small settlement with one well dug in what would become the center of the city. Far too shallow to produce enough water for the crowded populace, the old well became a symbol of good luck.

Put something in the well and make a wish. Feel free to provide details about the individual making the wish. One wish per suggestor.

our individual is a lonely male human who drifted into town after hearing about this well.

he puts himself into the well by jumping in, and wishes for a friend as we fall and before he hits the bottom.

his friend is the first person to help him by pulling him back out of the well

A orcish athlete wishes she was taller.

A human woman drops a few coins into the well and wishes her fae would stop throwing parties in the ceiling.

A tiny catfolk wishes she wasn't allergic to herself.

An old soldier wishes he could forget.

Aelius, a massive orc with an imposing physique, stands before the town's wishing well. His green skin bears the scars of countless battles, telling tales of a warrior's life. However, it's the gentle calluses on his hands, stained with various hues, that reveal his true passion: art.

Despite his fearsome appearance, Aelius is a painter and sculptor with a penchant for naif art. Although lacking formal education his creations are not accidental, they carry the soul of an artist who has found beauty in the midst of chaos.

Aelius takes a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the bucket at the bottom of the well. Gripping a paintbrush in his massive hand, he closes his eyes for a moment, reflecting on his dreams. With a determined expression, he hurls the brush into the well, its trajectory a symbolic offering to the spirits.

As the paintbrush disappears into the darkness below, Aelius whispers, "Grant me the talent to create beauty from the rough canvas of life. May my art prosper and speak to the hearts of those who see it." The echoes of his words linger in the cool evening air.

A goblin thief. They throw in a corpse and wish for it to never be found.

A kobold has her lunch and accidentally knocks her sandwich in the well.
She wishes she hadn't done that.

>>1077946
A half-ogre throws a days pay into the well, she wishes for someone to be a genuine friend

A pair of hunched men throw a chest down the well. It contains the remainder of their ill-gotten gains.
They wish to have turned their lives around in time.

tippler 2023/11/26(Sun)12:35 No. 1078050 ID: 9ea24b
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Over the years, the well accumulates coins, treasure, food, and two corpses that decay slowly in the cool water. All sorts of worms and parasites flourish in the tainted liquid, and a wooden handled paint brush floats above the bones and metal. The air rising from the well is foul, which matches the stench of the sewage and manure lining the streets.

tippler 2023/11/26(Sun)12:35 No. 1078051 ID: 9ea24b
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I am the mud in the well, until I’m not. I have a long, slime coated body, with false eyes picked from the finest of the coins, the rest stored safely in my stomach. I shoot out of the well on a jet of water and land on the packed dirt.

It is night and the air is smoky. I hear the buildings around me crackling, and a gust of burning wind against my surface makes me frown. I prefer damp and cool places.

tippler 2023/11/26(Sun)12:35 No. 1078052 ID: 9ea24b
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In front of me, an elf has stopped from where he was retrieving his spear from the body of a familiar kobold. He is wearing armor and has his head turned to face me.

"Yes. Monster. Beast. But the Man in front of me has murdered an innocent. You are... expendable."
Rush over to the kobold, see if she's still alive. Use the elf's life force to try and heal her.

Dead elves tell no tales. Squeeze, bash, just hit him til he stops moving. His spear won't help against mud.

Splash muddy water in his face.

Dont get involved. For all we know, that kobold was the evil one.

Just ask "what?"

The people who trusted you with their dreams are dying, and with them so die their wishes. Fight the attackers, save those you can.

>>1078052
"familiar kobold" means it was a member of the town.
Fire everywhere means this is a raid or an invasion. Defend yourself against the elf, and use wellwater to put out the fires.

Possess the body, that it might get its own vengeance.

That spear looks tasty. Is it treasure?

tippler 2023/11/27(Mon)11:41 No. 1078142 ID: 9ea24b
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I hear simultaneous voices in my mind which I am able to understand with ease. Most seem to be telling me to attack the elf and save the kobold, who once dropped a sandwich in my well. I suppose such actions would be worthwhile.

I squirm towards the elf and he immediately steps back. This will not do. I gather mud in my gullet and spit it at the elf, covering his face and pushing him to the ground.

tippler 2023/11/27(Mon)11:43 No. 1078144 ID: 9ea24b
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He lets out some sparks of magic and tries to shout to his fellow soldiers before I reach him and slam my head against his repeatedly. After he is dead I take his spear, which seems to be of a high quality metal, and examine the kobold.

She was impaled below the chin and up through the roof of her mouth. Her heart is still beating but she is unsalvageable. I can hear her voice.

There are still many other raiders moving throughout the burning city. The heat is unpleasant. I assume most residents are dead or in mortal danger. Should I save those I can? Fight the invaders? I would much rather go back into my well.

Alas, despite the gift of a tasty sandwich, you don't seem to be able to return it to her as if she hadn't done that. Perhaps you're not the wish granting Magical Carp you thought you were.

Returning to your well would be inadvisable, since the invaders will be looking for who killed their elf, and a nearby well smeared in a trail of mud is kind of a giveaway. You'd be pinned down in there.

The invaders may kill you if you remain in the well. Consider leaving with any of the residents that are salvageable and cooperative.

I think its time to escape this town altogether and find a new well in another town... or maybe even find a paradise to live in. Time to go on an adventure.

The priority should be eliminating the invaders. Focusing on saving the citizens would be particularly difficult with enemies actively trying to kill them, so leave this task for after the enemies stop being an active threat.

Can you wield this spear effectively?

>>1078144
Can you even fit in the well anymore? What would you do down there? Try to think on what kind of spirit you could be. Wishing spirit? Wealth? Charity?
What is the kobold saying? Honor her last wish.

You are filled with treasure. If adventurers spot you, they will try to kill you.

>She is unsalvageable
Pity. But at least you tried.
Absorb her fleeting life force, say thanks, then leave.

Some people have a tradition to put coins in the eyes of the deceased. This might be rude while they're still technically alive, so just leave it in their hand or something.
Save who you can, the settlement is lost. You will have to find a new burrow...

>>1078183
Absorb her life force and end her life quickly, the least you could do, since you cannot save her, is not let her suffer

Take as much of her voice and her self as is left. When the fighting is over you can do the same for the other victims.
Retreat to the well for now, this blazing heat is no place for a thing of sodden secrets.

tippler 2023/11/28(Tue)16:45 No. 1078234 ID: 9ea24b
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I put the spear down and listen closely to the kobold, but she cannot speak clearly with her tongue impaled and mouth full of blood. I bash her head into the dirt so that she can speak clearly in my mind.

Her corpse contains as much mana as it did while she was alive. I have no means of extracting it, and as a spirit I have no use for such paltry quantities. Instead I check her dress pockets for any loose silver and am thrilled when I collect two shiny coins.

tippler 2023/11/28(Tue)16:45 No. 1078235 ID: 9ea24b
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The voices urge me to escape rather than become trapped in the well. I toss the elf corpse in instead and take the spear carefully in my mouth. It would be difficult to use as a weapon as I am, and inconvenient to swallow, but I’m reluctant to leave my prize.

I contemplate my nature as I crawl through the streets. I know that I like coins and treasure. I feel no urge to act on the wishes my well received throughout the years, though I remember all of them. I enjoy filth and foul smells. I cannot cast spells in the way that mortals can. I am large for my age. My name is Pliny.

Around me, houses and tenements roar with flame and collapse. The soldiers disperse as the air becomes unbreathable. I am unharmed, though very much displeased that I’ve abandoned my home.

tippler 2023/11/28(Tue)16:45 No. 1078236 ID: 9ea24b
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The city wall has been damaged enough that I can slip through to the fields and roads beyond. The invading army must be camped nearby, and likely many citizens escaped into the surrounding area. I have little idea of what to do next. I’m practically invisible to mortals at night when I move low to the ground.

>>1078236
The invaders will store treasures they have hoarded in their camp.

A home is only abandoned if you never intend to return triumphant with many shiny and filthy things.

Yes, yes, we can return later. From the sound of it, you are a spirit of Treasure?

Sneak around, find some loot, steal whatever you can swallow.

Trade your inconvenient spear to a citizen for any shiny coins he's got.

tippler 2023/11/29(Wed)17:14 No. 1078296 ID: 9ea24b
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Doubtless the invaders have looted the city and have money and valuables stored at their camp. There will be guards, but I do not feel tired and can sneak around when most of the soldiers are asleep.

I have no intentions of abandoning my well, but I may not return to it for some time. I leave the spear in the grass and accept that a passing citizen may find it.

tippler 2023/11/29(Wed)17:14 No. 1078297 ID: 9ea24b
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I stretch tall and extend my senses. I believe the camp is about a mile to the northwest, and I start the slow crawl toward it.

When I arrive at the first orderly row of tents, I smell meat and many horses. There are several cooking fires manned by boys and a few women of many races. It took so long for me to arrive that the camp is well into the process of settling down after the battle.

By listening and observing very carefully, I estimate there are about 3,000 soldiers stationed here. Valuables are stored in tents and saddlebags, though several large paintings are leaned against a nearby tree. I assume there must be a leader near the center of the force.

>>1078297
Paintings are unshapely and cumbersome, and only the frames sparkle. We yearn for coins.

Are there gaps beneath the edges of the tents that we could slither through in the dark?

Go for their weapons and armor first. An army without its gear is easily routed. If need be, destroy what you can't carry.

>>1078297
Sneak in, peek into tents on occasion to find small valuables. Stay away from campfires and be careful that no-one steps on your long tail.

Listen in on conversations, see if you can learn about general goings-on. Maybe find out what the invasion is about?

Lift saddlebags and other containers of pre-packaged loot. Pack the bags with mud so their contents do not clank. Maybe you can find a chest to complement your other one.

tippler 2023/11/30(Thu)18:28 No. 1078341 ID: 9ea24b
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I wonder if I should try to deprive the army of its weapons. I do not think this would work, I move quite slowly and I can only carry one large object in my mouth at a time. I could spit mud and make a mess of the tents, but that would draw attention to me.

Instead I slither between the gaps between shelters, nosing through sacks and bags for small valuables. I collect a great many coins and jewelry this way, storing everything in my stomach, and before I know it I arrive at an especially large and ornate tent.

tippler 2023/11/30(Thu)18:28 No. 1078342 ID: 9ea24b
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I stay out of the light of the nearest fire while I slide up against the edge of the fabric, listening closely.

“We had a successful invasion tonight sir, only 72 soldiers unaccounted for. Besides the initial resistance by the guard at the wall, the city was practically defenseless.”

“Hm…Let us let the men rest and celebrate for a day. Jamuk is the next city I see on this map. It will take several days to make our way through the towns to get there, and I expect they’ll be better prepared. Best take some time to plan.”

It sounds like this army will continue its path through Geoun, burning and ransacking along the way. This displeases me.

>>1078341
yessss more for the hoard

>>1078342
Not sure what we could do. Maybe find some poison and sabotage their water supply? Tempting to assassinate the commander but that won't actually stop the invasion, whoever's second in command will step up.

>>1078343
I think we ARE a poison that could taint their water supply, considering the filthy corpse-filled disease-ridden mud we spawned from.

Then, we can smother their doctors and healers in their sleep. An army marches on its stomach. Let us cramp its stomach.

>>1078348
Killing their doctors would work, but there might be too many to assassinate all at once. Stealing all their medical supplies might accomplish the same thing.
Unfortunately, stealing their food and water will just make them raid more villages for supplies. If we steal MOST of their food and water and taint the rest while sabotaging their ability to provide medical aid, we could ensure a significant setback.

They will need maps and leadership to plan. Put this guy to sleep and then eat all of their valuable parchments.

>>1078350
They will raid villages for supplies either way, and with only 72 wounded their medical supplies won't matter to them in the short term.

>>1078352
It will if they drink tainted water.

>>1078352
The general plan is to combine a lack of medical supplies or doctors with a sudden outbreak of deadly disease or poison. We have to ensure a majority of the 3000 soldiers here get sick though. It'll be difficult, and we have to do it in a way they won't immediately notice and throw out the tainted supplies.

>>1078363
Instead of spitting gobs of mud in the water, what if we drop some of our coins in? They've been stewing in our rotten gut, but they might not spy the danger right away.

tippler 2023/12/01(Fri)12:47 No. 1078419 ID: 9ea24b
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With the help of the voices, I come up with an ingenious plan. I harbor all kinds of parasites, volatile organic compounds, and disease thanks to the two bodies dumped in my well. If I can poison the army’s water supplies with the toxic mud that I produce in my belly, they will fall ill and crumble.

It’s also tempting to enter the tent and murder the commander right now, but no doubt he would be replaced by a lower general at the cost of revealing myself.

Mind made up, I turn away from the commander’s tent. On my initial journey through the camp I noticed several barrels of water, and I spit in as many as I can before the rising sun makes me flee for the tall grass

tippler 2023/12/01(Fri)12:47 No. 1078420 ID: 9ea24b
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I watch my first sunrise with trepidation. I do not particularly care for the bright light, which is even brighter than the fires last night. The only saving grace is that my coins shine with great beauty.

I must be more careful during the day, since I’m more visible. I wonder what the refugee citizens are doing and I wonder what the effect of my poison will have on the army. There is also the ruined city to explore and my spear to retrieve.

>>1078420
Do you have the means to speak to the citizens? Do they know of your existence?

Some citizens may take shelter in the city ruins. It is unlikely the soldiers will return, but deserters and looters may trail behind the army. This is not good, as they would take our spear and kill the citizens.

Retrieve arms from chest. And by arms, I mean spear.

>>1078427
Imagine darksouling it up spears and sheilds

tippler 2023/12/02(Sat)13:32 No. 1078489 ID: 9ea24b
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I can speak perfectly fine, in every language as well. I am sure once I politely explain what I am and that I have their best interests at heart, the refugees will be understanding.

I start the long crawl back toward where I left my spear, careful to keep an eye out for any citizens along the way. I see several bands of soldiers heading toward the city, but everyone else is laying low.

I have a good memory and sense of direction, and I arrive where I’m sure I left the spear only to see bare grass. I start circling the area in desperation, and am caught unawares when someone stabs me between my fake coin eyes.

Ow! I feel a mild sting and leak some mud as my own hard won spear pierces my head. I shake myself and pull free, coming face to face with a pair of young orcs.

tippler 2023/12/02(Sat)13:32 No. 1078490 ID: 9ea24b
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The one holding the spear is a girl who’s shielding what I assume is her little brother. The boy’s eyes are red from crying, and he starts leaking more snot from his nose as I rear my head.

“I want dad, Wulfa, I’m scared.” He tugs at her dress and she growls at me and jabs the spear in my direction. They both seem uninjured, though dirty and tired from a night spent outside.

"Please stop. I will give you money so you can buy food."
Vomit up a few coins.
"...Don't touch that with your bare hands."

Tell them you are the spirit of the well. Ask them if there are any other survivors.

"You should know me. Were you not the one who wished to be taller?"

>>1078494
>>1078493
These seem suitable. Considering their warranted stress level, they can be spared at least one warning.

>>1078492
Not our beautiful coins! Besides, who will they buy from? The soldiers?

You mean no harm. The spear is yours by right of combat, but you would trade it for some coin. You can offer other services in exchange for coin too, like leading them away from the army or finding them something safe to drink. (Do not drink the soldiers' water, by the way.)

Wow uh, wish granted!

Guess it's been quite a few years since Wulfa stopped by.

Can you speak? If not, present your belly for them and make this expression: owo

>>1078494
Support

tippler 2023/12/03(Sun)12:24 No. 1078574 ID: 9ea24b
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I do a quick mental roll call of the notable wishmakers from my past. The lonely human man died when he fell in my well, the human woman tells me she was killed last night, ditto for the catfolk, half-ogre, and Aelius, the old soldier died of illness, I killed the kobold, and the pair of criminals suffered a violent end before the invasion, leaving only the orc athlete and the goblin thief unaccounted for in my mind.

Could this be the athlete? I don’t think so, she seems too young, though she is quite tall.

“Hello. I’m a spirit who came from the wishing well, my name is Pliny.” I say. I stay still and flat on the ground.

tippler 2023/12/03(Sun)12:24 No. 1078575 ID: 9ea24b
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Wulfa lowers the spear slightly. “You’re the spirit of the city? You smell like rotten fish.”

“I do yes, thank you. Are there other survivors? Do you need any money to buy supplies?”

While before I was opposed to the thought of giving away any of my precious coins, I feel rather generous when looking at these poor citizens.

Wulfa rests the butt of the spear on the ground. “I don’t know if there’s anyone to buy from. We’re hungry and thirsty and scared of the soldiers still roaming around. I didn’t have time to grab anything from the house before our dad told us to run. Have you seen him? He’s a famous painter named Aelius.”

>>1078574
"Aelius is here. I can speak to and hear the departed. Is there anything you would like to tell him?"

>>1078576
Other way around. Is there anything Aelius would like to tell them?

>>1078576

Don't be insensitive. Just tell her that he didn't make it.

How do you know the status of wishmakers?
Help them find hidden shelter first, you can make a nice hidey hole in the dirt, and then go forage for clean rations.

>>1078575
Hungry and thirsty... sadly you are toxic so you can't really store food and water inside you to deliver to anyone. What we *can* do is go scavenging in the ruins of the village alongside them. Or ask them where the nearest town is, and escort them there. Though we might want to look in the area around the ruins (or in the ruins) first to see if anyone else survived.

The soldiers should be fairly busy later today and tomorrow dealing with the sabotaged supplies, that gives us a window of opportunity.

>>1078581
Earlier, Pliny said it could hear the kobold girl more clearly after putting her out of her misery. I think when residents of Pliny (or maybe just wiashmakers) die, Pliny can communicate with their spirits.

tippler 2023/12/04(Mon)18:03 No. 1078658 ID: 9ea24b
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I can hear the dead citizens of Pliny all the way back to the first generation that founded the city. It must have something to do with my spirit powers. I do not mind and they’ve certainly helped me make decisions.

Right now the voices are advising me to tell Wulfa the bad news.

“Aelius is dead.“ I say. “I know because I have some kind of magic imprinted echo of him inside me.”

I must seem like I’m telling the truth, because Wulfa drops the spear and sinks to her knees.

tippler 2023/12/04(Mon)18:03 No. 1078659 ID: 9ea24b
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Crying is counterproductive when clean water is in short supply. I wait several minutes for Wulfra to stop, but her sobs only seem to increase in intensity.

“I can steal supplies from the army camp at night, but if you need something before then I can go into the city ruins. Do you have a safe place to shelter where I can find you again?”

The little boy is wailing now too. I sigh and dig a little dirt cave for them. Should I go to the city to get supplies or look for other survivors?

>>1078659
Soldiers went into the city. They must be going to loot. If we wait, supplies may be gone.

Use the shadows of buildings and rubble to move while the sun is out.

Let them grieve. Tell them you will make a loop around the city to find any other survivors and return at nightfall.

>>1078674
This

Tell them to seek shelter, its dangerous to stay out in the open like this. Can you trace their mana to find them later?

Yeah look for supplies first. The soldiers shouldn't be too interested in tracking down the survivors, it's a waste of their time in the long run, but properly looting the village is definitely something they'd send troops to do. Especially after you poisoned their supplies.

Tempting to suggest poisoning the wells in the village but that would make it difficult for people to live here in the future (depending on how easily they can cleanse the wells) and might cause some collateral damage to boot, so instead, try collapsing the wells after you draw a bucket of water or two, put the water in sealed containers and either bury them or swallow them depending on how well you can keep them from interacting with your toxins.

This is very interesting. So the advises Pliny hear aren't literally what we write, instead they're similar suggestions said by the dead inhabitants.

I imagine Aelius would have something to say to his daughter. I will try something feel free to reinterpret however you want:


My dearest Wulfa,

You've navigated the treacherous paths of an invaded city, escaping the clutches of chaos and finding refuge in the shadows of uncertainty. My heart swells with pride, not just because you bear my blood, but because of the resilience I've always admired in you.
In times of upheaval, remember that strength is not solely measured by the battles we win but by the courage to face adversity head-on. You are a survivor, and that, my dear, is a testament to your indomitable spirit.
As you tread the unfamiliar grounds of refuge, adaptability will be your greatest ally. Forge alliances with those who share the common goal of survival, and let trust be the mortar that binds your newfound family. In unity lies strength, and it is through cooperation that the seeds of resilience blossom.
Practicality is the armor of the pragmatic. Assess your surroundings, identify resources, and cultivate the skills that will ensure not just survival, but a semblance of a life worth living. Your skilled hands can now shape the tools needed for your journey. Adapt, improvise, and overcome.
Forge ahead, my daughter, with determination as your compass and adaptability as your shield. Know that my spirit accompanies you, whispering encouragement in the wind, standing beside you. May the path ahead lead you to a place where safety meets fulfillment.

With unwavering love,

Your Father,
Aelius

Survivors are more finite than supplies, find them as quickly as possible.
Perhaps any newly dead citizens can give you some idea of what the soldiers are up to.

tippler 2023/12/05(Tue)20:12 No. 1078760 ID: 9ea24b
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While I hollow out a nice safe hole for Wulfa and her brother, I store a long and heartfelt message from Aelius in my memory. I decide to save telling Wulfa until after I come back with supplies. Hopefully she’s stopped crying by then.

I also ask the recently deceased if they know what the army is up to and I very quickly gain an encyclopedic knowledge of how mortals torture others to death for entertainment. It seems rather excessive.

Once I finish the hole, I nudge the two orcs inside and tell them I’ll be back in a few hours. I head for the ruined city to find supplies. With the spear to defend themselves, I hope they will survive.

tippler 2023/12/05(Tue)20:12 No. 1078761 ID: 9ea24b
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Ash, bodies, and cold cinders litter the ground as I make my way into the city. Most of the homes were destroyed, but a few streets were only singed and could be habitable. I nab a couple of wayward chickens, a metal pot, and a sack of cabbages before I notice soldiers in the distance.

I lie still in the street with my sack and extend my hearing. It seems they’re gathering as many valuables as they can while searching for their missing brethren. I hear six distinct voices. Two are complaining of an upset stomach.

The soldiers are coming closer, drawn to the same high value area I was. I cannot outrun them, but I doubt they’ve seen me.

>>1078761
Ambush seems like the best plan here. Blend in somewhere and lunge out for a big opening attack. Getting stabbed didn't seem to hurt you much so you should be able to go for overwhelming offense. Maybe snatch one of their weapons if you feel like it but mainly just batter them around to keep them off balance and eventually crush them.

You're a creature of wealth and taste, you want what they have. Go for an ambush on the healthy ones first and see if they drop any good loot.

Six may be too many for a direct confrontation. Hide somewhere and only attempt to ambush if they split into more manageable numbers.

>Getting stabbed didn't seem to hurt you much
Pliny suffered a surprese attack without any defense. I'm not sure small wounds are as inconsequential as they seem and I don't imagine he will be fine if he get surrounded.

>>1078761
Best place for ambush is inside one of the intact buildings. Dark, and close quarters. Their main weapons are spears which can become awkward in enclosed spaces, while our body is flexible and unimpeded. If any of them split up to search, you can engulf their head to keep them from screaming and pick a few off individually. If spotted by a lone looter, use the mud spit technique to buy yourself time to close distance. If multiple spot you, retreat and hide.

tippler 2023/12/06(Wed)17:07 No. 1078825 ID: 9ea24b
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My wound from the earlier spear piercing has healed and I feel no lingering effects. With a body made of earth instead of flesh, I’m naturally tougher than organic beings and can ambush this group of soldiers.

I crawl into the nearest house and set my sack to the side before lying against the inside of the front wall.

I only get to enjoy the dim, confined space for a minute before a pair of soldiers enter the house carrying short swords. I strike with great force, smashing one into a sturdy wooden table and knocking the other to the floor. My coordination is improving and I quickly dispatch both with blows to the head.

tippler 2023/12/06(Wed)17:08 No. 1078826 ID: 9ea24b
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The other four soldiers are drawn by the noise and rush to surround the house. I watch from the very edge of the window as they wait for their comrades to emerge. I hear them communicating the suspicious activity to their base before erecting some kind of magic shield and cautiously approaching.

Once all four have entered the house, I block their exit and repeat the bludgeoning process. It takes more effort to shatter their shield, but they have nowhere to run and I do not get tired. One cuts me lightly with his sword while the others scream about a spirit into their hands.

tippler 2023/12/06(Wed)17:08 No. 1078827 ID: 9ea24b
File 170191129992.png - (9.09KB , 500x500 , p26.png )

Like the elf from last night, the soldiers seem to prioritize using communication spells over attempting to fight me. I wonder if they are aware that they’re outclassed.

I recover a good amount of valuables, several loaves of brown bread, and a wheel of cheese from the corpses. Combined with my previous findings, this is enough to feed Wulfa and her brother for three days.

Should I do anything else in the city before I leave? There are likely other bands of soldiers roaming around.

No. They're alerted to your presence and will swarm the area, likely even bringing a specialist to fight you. Deliver the supplies, then perhaps we can look around outside of town for more survivors while the soldiers are looking for you inside of town.

A kobold may have only a paltry quantity of mana, but maybe the elves have enough to be worth consuming. In case you can't acquire mana this way, how do you regain it?

Other than that leave. The disease was a good plan so prioritize this strategy. Being discovered was a drawback but they still lack enough information to connect you to the rotting material in their supplies. For now avoid confrontations and later try to repeat your sabotage.

More will be coming, or will be alert to your presence. Deliver the supplies.

Quit while you're ahead. Don't take a direct route back in case someone follows you.

So they already know of your presence. You are going to have to lay low for a bit, or risk detection. Grab what you can and get out... Actually... can you do something with those corpses? Besides consuming their mana? Lay a trap perhaps?

tippler 2023/12/07(Thu)18:34 No. 1078919 ID: 9ea24b
File 170200284567.png - (7.64KB , 500x500 , p27.png )

As stated before, I am unable to extract mana from dead mortals. I get mana passively from the ground and do not know how to increase my intake. I do not know what will decrease my intake either. Both are likely something to do with my nature as a spirit of this former city, but I have not had a chance to experiment.

I certainly enjoy being within the city walls. I think longingly of my well but the voices convince me to leave and deliver the supplies instead. I take the soldiers’ waterskins before I go.

tippler 2023/12/07(Thu)18:34 No. 1078920 ID: 9ea24b
File 170200285914.png - (16.93KB , 500x500 , p28.png )

My cabbage sack has become quite heavy, and by the time I drag the supplies back to Wulfa a large tear has formed in the fabric. I hear unfamiliar voices, along with Wulfa, who sounds angry and annoyed.

I reach the edge of the grass and come face to face with a dwarf and an elf holding a staff and wearing an egregious fake beard. Wulfa uses the excuse of my appearance to take the supplies and ignore the strangers in favor of caring for her brother.

tippler 2023/12/07(Thu)18:34 No. 1078921 ID: 9ea24b
File 170200287708.png - (12.20KB , 500x500 , p29.png )

I’m left to take the brunt of the socialization. I get the sense that these people are not refugees or soldiers. I introduce myself as Pliny the spirit.

“Nice to meet you Pliny, I’m the great wizard Erogalf!” The elf puffs out his chest and extends his arms so that an unseen breeze can blow at his robe.

The dwarf grunts and crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m Flint. We’re adventurers, we’ve been following the war for a while.”

“Glorified bandits.” Wulfa growls.

“We thought this hole could be related to a spirit, and I’m glad we stopped to check.” Erogalf extends his hand to me. “We want to be of service to you, Pliny!”

Don't trust them. You're a loot goblin and they're cultivating your growth so you burst open when they stab you and shower them in legendaries.

Hack up a couple coins and tell them you'll reflexively melt the rest into mud if they bash you open.

>>1078921
Tell them you want to stop the advance of the army, so that they'll go away, and allow your town to rebuilt so you can inhabit the well in peace again.

Please don't share any clues about your rich insides with mercenaries.

If they want to help they can assist the surviving citizens.

The invading army seem to consists of elves, as far as we know, so could this wizard be a spy with a bad disguise? If he is I'm not sure what we can do without confirmation. Just something to keep in mind.

What can they do to make the army leave? What do they want out of helping us?

tippler 2023/12/08(Fri)16:59 No. 1078982 ID: 9ea24b
File 170208358434.png - (12.98KB , 500x500 , p30.png )

The army consists of a variety of races, not just elves. Of the six I killed today, three were human and one was a catfolk. I do not think these adventurers are soldiers in disguise since Wulfa is unharmed.

That said, I still do not trust these adventurers and they are certainly not invited to dinner, but I want to know to what extent they’re willing to help.

“What can you do to halt this invasion? I do not want to build this city back up only for it to be razed to the ground again.”

tippler 2023/12/08(Fri)16:59 No. 1078983 ID: 9ea24b
File 170208359134.png - (7.30KB , 500x500 , p31.png )

The adventurers look at each other.

“There’s the small matter of scale here, Pliny. Our party can’t defeat an entire army.” Erogalf says.

“We’d like the war to end too, but we also value our lives.” Flint adds. “Being a spirit, you could pick away at their numbers over time without as much risk.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea, you can travel with us as we follow the army to Jamuk!” Erogalf’s smile seems a little forced, though it’s difficult to tell through the fake beard.

I’m at a crossroads. The army will depart tomorrow and I can either stay here and help the survivors or pursue, with the adventurers or on my own.

Ugh following the army is so much trouble. There are people here, your well is here, your town is here. Just stay put. Maybe kill the commander to weaken their tactics so the defenders of this nation can potentially defeat them.

Become an adventurer. There's gold to be made in that profession, and they won't be looking for you away from the city!

You are the spirit of the city, should you go haring off on this adventurer nonsense? No, you should protect your home and prepare to rebuild.

>>1078983
They were searching for a spirit. They said as much when they found the hole we made. Perhaps they truly do oppose this army, or perhaps they do not. Either way, I get the sense that they need a spirit for something and wish to use us as a tool. We could follow the army in secret if we truly felt the need, we do not need them for this. What benefit we would have in this arrangement is unclear.

We are Pliny, not a tool for adventurers.

I also do not think they are being genuine. Their friendliness seems too fast and too strained. Do not accuse them of anything, but decline. Be prepared for them to react badly to rejection.

Even if they do not react violently, we should keep track of them when they leave, and consider eliminating them if they act suspiciously and the opportunity is presented. They may decide there is more profit in selling us out. Always prioritize mages first if it comes to violence.

>>1079003
I'm gonna go with this too. You have to protect your people and your well. If they want to act, they have to do it tonight, tomorrow they are on their own.
Besides, the enemies already know of your existence, even though they don't exactly know what you are.

tippler 2023/12/09(Sat)17:05 No. 1079053 ID: 9ea24b
File 170217030238.png - (13.52KB , 500x500 , p32.png )

Following the army sounds like a dangerous bother, and I get the feeling that the adventurers want to use me somehow. Here I have my well, rebuilding to do, and citizens to look after.

“I will stay.” I say.

Erogalf leans on his staff with dismay. “What will you do when the army returns then?”

“I will deal with them.”

Erogalf sighs. “Okay, I hope we meet again one day, Pliny. Best of luck.”

Flint and Erogalf walk away. I watch them shrewdly and gauge that I can find their camp if I listen for it.

tippler 2023/12/09(Sat)17:05 No. 1079054 ID: 9ea24b
File 170217033390.png - (13.46KB , 500x500 , p33.png )

Once they’re out of sight, I crawl to Wulfa and examine the spread of food and water. I pass along the message from Aelius to her, and she tears up again.

“Thank you for sharing that with us, and thank you for deciding to stay. I’ll protect Tytus and any other survivors we find with my life.”

I think Wulfa will be safe here tonight, which means I can leave and do some work. Should I try to sabotage the army more, eavesdrop on the adventurers, or search for more survivors?

>>1079054
We may not know the adventurers' true motives if we leave them be, but time is ticking on the survivors to last on their own. The adventurers' exit was graceful, and what little they know of our hole in the ground will not matter for long. With more survivors we will need to locate better shelter. I am inclined to say they are not a significant threat right now.

Find survivors.

Under cover of night it will be easier to sneak around. Do you have some way of detecting where survivors are hiding?

>>1079054
Go kill the army leadership. We can only do that under cover of darkness. Searching for survivors is possible at day.

Kill the leadership and poison their gear. When the chain of command returns the first thing they'll do is fortify themselves into a position of strength - it will be their downfall.

Eavesdrop on the adventurers. What did they really want, and what do they know about the army?

Some good points. I'll change my vote to sabotaging the army and assassinating the commanders.

tippler 2023/12/10(Sun)13:25 No. 1079077 ID: 9ea24b
File 170224353454.png - (10.49KB , 500x500 , p34.png )

Best to kill the army generals while the enemy forces are still close by. I want to be as discreet as possible, since the mortals are aware of my existence.

Once the sky is dark except for the stars and moons, I start the slow journey toward the army camp. I slip past the perimeter of guards with ease and head for the ornate tent I remember from last night.

The camp smells strongly of feces due to the tainted water. I even crawl over what feel like fresh graves for the mortals who succumbed to their illness. This pleases me.

I pass the broken remains of several fae, a burnt corpse resting on a bed of ashes, and various other remnants of daytime entertainment. I’m only a few tents away from the commander when I pause, suddenly uneasy. The animals I take after are very simple, and I have trouble parsing this new stimulus.

tippler 2023/12/10(Sun)13:25 No. 1079078 ID: 9ea24b
File 170224354215.png - (9.12KB , 500x500 , p35.png )

I strain my hearing, picking up the sleeping exhales of the soldiers and the slow smolder of the old cooking fires. There’s a light breeze, and between the rustle of the grass and the occasional footsteps of the horses, I’m not sure what I sensed. The ground here feels less familiar than before.

I squirm forward to the next row of tents, then stop. I hear the faintest tap tap tap of something following behind me before the sound cuts off.

The tents are tall and I only see horses moving around in the dark. I am not used to this feeling of unease, but I haven’t been attacked yet, so maybe I should continue my mission.

>>1079078
Perhaps it is a fae or another spirit following you. Continue moving around a corner, then double back upon yourself to catch the follower.

If your stalker isn't related to the army he is very bold to follow you here. It's safer to assume this person have a reason to not fear being discovered by soldiers until proven otherwise.
I say approach him. If he scream kill him and flee. If he behave and doesn't alert the enemy ask what he is doing.

This is the red rider, isn't it. Well, better to meet them now when there is still a clear path of escape.

Get ready to fight or flight.

tippler 2023/12/11(Mon)12:37 No. 1079123 ID: 9ea24b
File 170232702854.png - (11.57KB , 500x500 , p36.png )

I suspect this is the army specialist that deals with spirits, and I assume they’re a spirit as well. I prepare myself to fight or talk, since I’m much too slow to flee.

I move around a corner and wait for my stalker to show themself. The tapping noise comes back and a horse emerges from between the tents.

tippler 2023/12/11(Mon)12:37 No. 1079124 ID: 9ea24b
File 170232703757.png - (16.82KB , 500x500 , p37.png )

At this distance, I can make out the spirit’s unusual features. They walk on legs resembling mortal fingers, each ending in a nail instead of a hoof, which explains the softer steps. Their surface is shiny and red, and they seem to have a large growth on their back resembling a rider.

The spirit pauses, examining the ground for traces of slime. The mass on their back is dangling a greatsword down their side. With a sudden jerk, they skuttle horizontally towards my hiding place and raise the sword overhead. I have to react!

Throw the tent on them

>>1079124
The Red Rider, War.
Its weapon is heavy, and we are low to the ground. Forward dive under it, and slip its legs with mud to topple it with its own momentum.

>>1079127

War and... uh oh.

Spitting mud at its legs could make it lose balance. We should try to communicate as well- ask to parley. Negotiation is part of war, isn't it?

>>1079152
We didn't parley with the raiders so far, and I doubt he hates his job. But just state that you'll leave them alone if they leave this town alone. (They won't.)

Oh yeah, let’s talk to it. We’re gonna befriend the shit out of mister horsey hand.

Whether you fight or talk, you need to dodge its blade first.
Diving under it can work, but it's unlikely to work twice, so you need to strike at least an incapacitating or disarming blow.

Diving under can't possibly work, we are a massive worm. That will just expose our body and tail to the sword stroke. Actual combat would involve rearing up and striking faster than the sword can intercept, or knocking the rider over.

We could also, instead of aiming for the feet/legs, aim for the eyes, to blind it. Then hit it until it stops moving, preferably with an object since it'll be flailing around with that sword. We could puke up a treasure chest to use as a bashing implement?

Go under it, go for the legs or the center mass.

tippler 2023/12/12(Tue)17:52 No. 1079226 ID: 9ea24b
File 170243235958.png - (14.72KB , 500x500 , p38.png )

I spew mud in a panic as I tuck my tail and dive between the spirit’s legs, dodging the arc of the enormous blade that would have cut me in half. They immediately try to collapse on top of me and grip me with their limbs, but the mud and my natural slime let me slip free and we both tumble to the ground. I hear a few tired grunts within the surrounding tents at the sound.

I need to try talking, if I attempt to actually damage this spirit I’ll rouse the army and be doomed for sure.

“Hello, I am Pliny, spirit of the city, I want to negotiate.” I whisper.

The war spirit easily rights itself and stabs me in the neck, pinning me to the ground, though it wouldn’t take much to wiggle free. Seemingly satisfied that I’m not trying to escape, they let go of the sword and take a knee next to my face, leaving one finger free to tap the ground erratically.

tippler 2023/12/12(Tue)17:53 No. 1079227 ID: 9ea24b
File 170243238277.png - (13.56KB , 500x500 , p39.png )

“I am Icher. You are at my mercy and will do what I say.”

“Right.” I do not have to do anything Icher says, I just need an excuse to get them to let me leave the camp.

The tapping finger pauses to kick me in the face, which doesn’t hurt much physically, but seems awfully rude. “Use ‘sir’ when addressing me.”

I do not see any reason to do that. Is it some kind of weird mortal thing? I have never negotiated before and do not know what to do.

The reason is to avoid further harm. Call them sir next time you speak, it is just a mortal thing so it does not hurt to grease negotiations by complying with this simple request.

>>1079227
It is his fetish.

Entertain the spirit's ego for now to get some information out of it.

"What does sir mean, sir"

I guess it makes him feel better. Just do as he says, we just need to make him not kill you and leave the town alone.

>>1079227

He didn't kick, he flicked! He flicked you in the nose with a finger! The audacity!

tippler 2023/12/13(Wed)16:58 No. 1079262 ID: 9ea24b
File 170251550091.png - (18.16KB , 500x500 , p40.png )

Perhaps being called sir pleases Icher, like how I get enjoyment from collecting treasure. This makes sense, since all spirits derive joy from different things, and is a small concession on my part. I doubt it is sexual in nature, spirits have no need for reproductive instincts.

“Sir, it is true I am at your mercy. What would you request of me?”

“You were the one who polluted the drinking water, correct?”

I hesitate, but tell the truth. “Yes sir, I came to the camp last night.”

“It was amusing, but harmed the efforts of the army. Do not do that or anything similar again or I will hold you down as the soldiers cut you into pieces until you are too small to sustain yourself.”

tippler 2023/12/13(Wed)16:58 No. 1079263 ID: 9ea24b
File 170251551433.png - (11.83KB , 500x500 , p41.png )

Icher firmly taps me on the head to emphasize his point. I am displeased that they are so comfortable with disrespecting me.

“Yes sir. In return I would like you to leave the survivors of Pliny alone. I will be staying here to help rebuild the city.”

Icher clacks their teeth together and continues tapping my head. The sword is starting to itch as my flesh tries to mend around it. I am really quite annoyed.

tippler 2023/12/13(Wed)16:58 No. 1079264 ID: 9ea24b
File 170251552487.png - (11.26KB , 500x500 , p42.png )

They think for several minutes before speaking again.

“It is early summer. The siege of the larger cities will take some time. Supplies will be needed. In return for sparing your people you will provide food and metal, and shelter any reinforcements that travel this way.”

“Yes sir.”

“Failure will result in punishment.”

“Understood sir.”

Satisfied, Icher springs to their feet and retrieves their sword. They prod me with the sharp point until we reach the edge of the camp. A few of the guards spot us and Icher explains our arrangement.

I am allowed to disappear into the grass. I get a short distance away before I stop and seethe quietly. The nerve of that spirit! Burning down my city and then demanding I supply further destruction!

That was a satisfying agreement, for now. If they fulfill their part the survival chances of the scattered citizens increases a lot. Even better, our part of the deal can only be implement after we rebuild the city and the army will be far away, so we will enjoy all the benefits before they find out that we have no intention to deliver anything.
We will need to figure out a way to kill Icher. Your performance was much better than what he think it was (which is good because he still underestimate you) but didn't seem enough to guaranty victory. We need to find a way to constrain his movimentes and remove material from his body. Some custom tools can assist with this task, but that is a problem for after dealing the immediately crisis to the survivors.

>>1079264
You can't do anything about it until you get good enough at fighting to beat the horseman. So that needs to be part of your efforts from here on. Now, go look for survivors. Tell them you made a deal and they no longer have to fear the army. You're going to want to find someone who knows how to fight, and to ask them to help train you.

From the way that was phrased, *you* have to provide shelter and materials, but I imagine the survivors will need to help you with that.

You'll have to grow in power as well. You need information on the "horseman" to beat him in the future. It might take time, but it's not impossible.

This arrangement can potentially place us in a position to disrupt reinforcements or supply lines at a key moment. But we would need a continual supply of information on the army's status, to know when the pivotal moment comes.

We should find the adventurer camp and see what they are doing. If they are not up to anything suspicious, this may be a more reasonable way for them to help us, and for us to help them turn the war.

So poisoning them is right out, but serving as a waypoint for the army means an opportunity for spying. That is, assuming there are more than a handful of townsfolk left.

tippler 2023/12/14(Thu)14:29 No. 1079310 ID: 9ea24b
File 170259297118.png - (8.13KB , 500x500 , p43.png )

The voices assure me that the agreement leaves plenty of room to disrupt the army, and that I will be able to defeat and kill Icher one day. I feel a bit better.

I must recruit allies to help me fulfill my side of the deal since I doubt I have much talent in harvesting grains or working metal. I can recruit city survivors and any adventurers that travel through this area, organize the workforce, and defend them from marauders. Depending on when Icher returns to collect his share, I may be able to fend him off without having to give up anything at all!

tippler 2023/12/14(Thu)14:29 No. 1079311 ID: 9ea24b
File 170259298207.png - (12.81KB , 500x500 , p44.png )

There are several hours of night left. I decide I will seek the adventurers now and regroup with Wulfa to look for more survivors during the day.

I crawl all the way over to where I estimated the adventurer camp would be, and follow the sound and smell of a fire until I spot two wagons around a smoldering, stone-lined pit. There’s a human man keeping watch, though he seems to be taking advantage of the quiet moment to make arrows.

This is a little awkward since I snubbed Erogalf and Flint earlier, but I call out softly to the man anyway. He beckons to me and I move into the light. The human has light, patchy facial hair, and seems either young or undernourished.

“I’m George the ranger. What brings you here, spirit?”

>>1079311
Make an observation on his state. Is he unwell?

>>1079311
Tell them about Icher. The army is under a spirit's protection!

tippler 2023/12/15(Fri)14:15 No. 1079353 ID: 9ea24b
File 170267855715.png - (12.13KB , 500x500 , p45.png )

I give the fire a distrusting look before addressing George. “Did you know the invading army has their own spirit? I just met them, his name is Icher and he’s terrible.”

George nods. “We knew. We’ve even had to fend him off a few times.”

The man shaves some more wood off the arrow he’s working on. “Icher killed my wife and children personally, the sadistic bastard. Made some of his men hold me while he cut them to pieces. Joined this adventuring party after Erogalf visited what was left of the town.”

tippler 2023/12/15(Fri)14:16 No. 1079354 ID: 9ea24b
File 170267856806.png - (12.48KB , 500x500 , p46.png )

I study George’s face for a moment. He has a few old pox scars and looks like he hasn’t slept well in a while.

“That sounds bad.” I say lamely. “I was going to invite you to stay in Pliny and help rebuild the city so that when the army eventually returns we will be strong enough to fight back but it seems you are trying to get revenge on a shorter time scale.”

George shrugs. “We’d put it to a vote. If we get to make an offer to you, you can make an offer to us. Erogalf wants some of your mana, Flint could be paid off, and Telarin would stay if you offered her regular hot food and a bed with sheets. Me, I just want that spirit dead.”

It seems like I only need to get three adventurers on my side to get them to stay.

Seems easy. Give mana, give money, give food. Except, are you willing to give money to someone who isn't a citizen of your town? Part of the agreement would have to involve them staying permanently, I think.

>his men
Wait, is Icher the commander of the army too? We've heard the commander's voice, did they sound like the same person?

>>1079354
Present George with a proposition. Icher has strongarmed Pliny into acting as a supply waypoint for the army. We will be in a position to sabotage them at a future point in the war, but we will need information to know when that is.
When that sabotage happens, Icher will be angry. He's no fool, but he is an egotist and a sadist. This would be us, making a fool of him. If we make him angry, he will make mistakes. He would likely come personally to get revenge on us for the double cross. Just as Icher came personally to get revenge for our past sabotage. Which would mean leaving his army in the midst of whatever they were besieging at the time. Sunk cost fallacy, backing off completely would be letting them win, and Icher is obsessed with winning.

As adventurers, they are in an excellent position to establish this line of communication, and we would be in a position to lure Icher into an ambush for them.

A potential problem with killing Icher is that he may leave orders for his army to raze the city to the ground if he dies. I'm not sure we can really defend the city from the army. Though, if they are halfway across the country setting siege to a castle or something they won't send a large force against us. If we can fortify the city enough to defend against, say, 100 men, then that might be enough.

tippler 2023/12/16(Sat)16:34 No. 1079370 ID: 9ea24b
File 170277329354.png - (9.14KB , 500x500 , p47.png )

Icher did not sound like either of the people I heard within the commander’s tent the first night. I assume the spirit was given a position in the army hierarchy and can give orders to basic soldiers.

I wonder if it would be better to have the adventurers continue following the army so they can pass information back to me, but I decide they’d be of more use here. Spells make long distance communication very easy and there will be someone else we can get information from.

tippler 2023/12/16(Sat)16:35 No. 1079371 ID: 9ea24b
File 170277330650.png - (11.36KB , 500x500 , p48.png )

I explain to George how I’ve been forced into acting as a supply waypoint for the army, but that I’m planning to sabotage anything I pass along. I agree to satisfy Erogalf, Flint, and Telarin’s desires, and since I’m planning to kill Icher eventually, it’ll be a full party satisfaction guarantee. George grunts in acknowledgement and spits on the coals.

“You can wait here to talk to everyone once morning comes.” He says.

What should I do to pass the time for the next few hours? I need to stay in this area.

Dig around in the dirt.

you can nap. Dream speedrun is go!

>>1079371
Strategize with George. I'm guessing he and Erogalf have researched Icher's weaknesses, or the general weaknesses of spirits. We know the city and its terrain. Both of us have seen the way he moves and acts.

See if you can use your mana to extend your sight & hearing even further (but don't drain all of it!)

tippler 2023/12/17(Sun)18:40 No. 1079418 ID: 9ea24b
File 170286723039.png - (7.23KB , 500x500 , p49.png )

I wiggle down into the trampled grass and try to imitate how mortals sleep. Try as I might, I can’t turn off the constant voices in my head, which makes drowsing impossible. I have no need for sleep so I do not mind.

Instead I start burrowing into the dirt with my sturdy snout. The adventurers have camped at a lower, sheltered spot, which means I reach damp earth quickly. I relish the feeling of cool mud on my face as I dig straight down, making a deep hole.

I lie vertically in my crevice, immensely pleased. I decide to test the extent of my enhanced hearing and let my focus drift outwards until the noise is as jumbled as my inner citizens. I can only hear one other survivor besides Wulfa and Tytus, it seems all the others have fled my range or perished.

tippler 2023/12/17(Sun)18:40 No. 1079419 ID: 9ea24b
File 170286724368.png - (12.31KB , 500x500 , p50.png )

This reminds me of how much I loathe Icher, and I address George with my other end.

“Do you know if Icher has any weaknesses? Or what weaknesses spirits have in general?”

George puts down a little pot of melted pine pitch that he was using to glue cut feathers to his arrow shafts. “Spirits are tough when they’re touching familiar ground, since that’s their source of power. A contented spirit can work without tiredness or boredom. Icher can run twice as fast as a horse and he likes to entertain himself in the areas that the army has left behind, so he’s often by himself.”

Hopefully this means Icher will come to do supply collections alone. I add Icher’s high mobility to the reasons I dislike them.

The distasteful sun returns once more, and George puts away his gear to start fixing breakfast. I watch with interest as he fills a kettle with water and some dried leaves, then puts it on the fire, before slicing some bread and a strange dark brick that smells like meat and berries.

A female elf emerges from the wagon on the right, yawning and shaking out her thick, shoulder length blond hair. This must be Telarin, and she collects her food and a hot mug of tea without noticing me.

>>1079419
With the right application of our mud, we could turn his speed against him and make him lose control. We will need to practice our control, and our range and aim against swifter targets. Maybe George can help with that.

Introduce ourselves to the female elf.

I don't think spitting mud is ever going to work against Icher, unless we can get good enough to blind him with it reliably. Fighting him IN mud could help, maybe. Depends on how dense he is.

Making a network of tunnels could help in a fight as well. Icher won't be able to move through them, but you can, and by doing so you can actually escape combat if it goes badly. Or just reposition for a tactical advantage.

tippler 2023/12/18(Mon)17:32 No. 1079456 ID: 9ea24b
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Icher should have a similar body composition to myself, which means they’re the approximate density of soil and lack internal organs. I see no reason why spitting mud at them wouldn’t work to push them back, blind them, or make them slip. A particularly pressurized jet of mud could even do cutting damage.

I draw myself out of the hole, which makes Telarin blink sleepily and amble over for inspection.

tippler 2023/12/18(Mon)17:32 No. 1079457 ID: 9ea24b
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“Thas a big one.” she mumbles around her bread. “Whew, you’re ripe.”

“Yes, thank you. My name is Pliny, happy to make your acquaintance. If I provide you with two square meals a day and a soft clean bed, would you be willing to stay here and work with me?”

Telarin mulls it over. “And a hot bath every other day?”

“I can do that.”

“Fantastic. Hey Flint, the city spirit’s here granting wishes, come check it out.”

The dwarf emerges from the other wagon and I explain my offer. I try not to wiggle when Flint pokes at my belly to test for treasure.

“I want half of what you have right now.” she says.

Spit a corpse.
>Here.
(The one who throw himself. The other one no one can find out about because of the thief's wish.)

>>1079457
Half? Take stock of what you have. Could she even carry that much? Tell her she is underestimating how much you have.

How about this: tell her you will give her a chest and fill it with gold until she can't lift it. That is how much she can have.

>>1079457
The chest was weighing us down significantly. If we wish to be more agile, removing it would be helpful. So long as they are spending it on a rebuilt Pliny's goods and services in the future, the investment will come back to us.

>>1079471
should we do fairytale wager that if she fills the chest enough to not be able to lift it she will not get all that gold

Depending on how reluctant we are to give this much at once, we could make her swear an oath to serve the city...

tippler 2023/12/19(Tue)15:31 No. 1079507 ID: 9ea24b
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I’m reluctant to part with my treasure, but I can understand the need to get Flint as an ally. It’s easier to stomach the idea when it's for the city’s benefit. I’ve also never done a full inventory of my possessions and I decide now would be as good a time as any.

The dwarf backs away as a great shudder goes down my body and a large mass begins working its way to my mouth. The items from the army emerge first, a bit muddy, but still vibrant in the morning light. Coins bounce and roll in the dirt before I spit out a soft wooden chest that breaks against the ground, revealing a pile of bright silver.

tippler 2023/12/19(Tue)15:31 No. 1079508 ID: 9ea24b
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Telarin gags as I work on the next largest object, the corpse of the lonely man. When even George looks repulsed, I stop with it halfway out of my mouth.

“Is something wrong?”

“That’s freaky. How are you doing that? He’s moving.” Telarin gets out.

Indeed the corpse is scratching at the dirt with its exposed phalanges. This strikes me as perfectly normal.

Flint turns away, hand over her nose. “I don’t want that. I’ll take the jewelry pieces that are worth more for the weight.”

Oh! A friend. Let your friend out. See what he scratches in the dirt.

Give Flint half your jewelry.

>>1079508
I see. They have become a part of us. Thus, the spirit of the man that is a part of us is still a part of himself.

We can explore his capabilities later. His smell and appearance, though natural for a corpse, is causing an adverse reaction in the mortals.

Give him a second to see if he tries writing in the dirt then slurp him back up.
Minus the jewelry, what's the total for our trove?

>>1079508
this is the friend first person to help him will grant his wish

Are the two corpses technically part of your body? Can you use their hands to wield tools and weapons?

>>1079539
Wulfa might be more willing to entertain a strange request like 'helping' the corpse to fulfill its wish.

tippler 2023/12/20(Wed)19:37 No. 1079591 ID: 9ea24b
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I nod to Flint, then turn away and spit the corpse onto the grass.

It flops to the ground, still and lifeless. Hm. I pick it back up and the withered tendons start twitching again. I have the wishmaker who used to inhibit this body in my head, so I do not need the corpse to write me messages. The other citizens encourage me to fulfill the man’s wish for friendship which strikes me as a bit foolish because he is dead.

Instead I find I can clumsily use the corpse as an extension of myself, waving its arms and puppeteering its decayed hands. I turn around to show the adventurers but they have all mysteriously gone to stand on the other side of the wagons.

tippler 2023/12/20(Wed)19:37 No. 1079592 ID: 9ea24b
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Flint has taken the jewelry as promised. I have a good eye for value, and not including the two bodies I have parted with about a quarter of my wealth. Much better than the earlier promise of half, I am pleased that my corpse has gotten me a bargain.

Erogalf sticks his head out of the wagon, sans beard, hat, and staff, just in time to see me swallowing my treasure. “We meet again, Pliny.”

“Yes. I am here to offer you some of my mana.”

Erogalf tumbles out of the wagon in excitement, hastily cramming his hat on his head. “Really? That would make my spellcasting so much easier. How much do you want to give?”

>>1079592
We should keep the amount we offer modest. We have fulfilled the requests of the other adventurers already and must keep from becoming drained while we learn our limits, but we should keep him from feeling snubbed.

However, while we are working together, we are open to requests for mana for specific projects and objectives. He seemed like he had some sort of goal in mind when he sought us out, after all.

I have no idea how much mana you have in proportion to the wizard. Let's go for (not weakening you much) or (giving him a moderate to big boost in power), whichever of those is smaller.

...do you have a mouth on both ends? Perhaps you should practice fighting with both ends facing your enemy. Using the corpse to hold weapons is a good idea... oh, maybe you should go recover the kobold's corpse to see if you can puppet that too.

Does this work with any corpses you swallow or just those two?
Does he still have some control over his body when it's animated or are all movements only done by you?
He wasn't a citizen, just a drifter. How can you hear him? What is he saying? Should one of us speak for him?

>>1079599
The lamia earthworm undead oroborus

tippler 2023/12/21(Thu)16:20 No. 1079631 ID: 9ea24b
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I am not sure how much mana I have or how much it usually takes to cast spells, so I will keep my offer vague and modest.

“I can give you what you need for specific requests until I notice a decline in my abilities.”

Erogalf nods and reaches out his hand to touch my head. “Let’s test it. Let me in.”

I can feel him trying to take from me, like he’s lightly tugging at a rope that I have a secure grip on. I give him a bit of slack and he starts glowing like a hot coal. When he takes his hand off, he dims slightly, but remains charged. I feel a little like when I was stabbed and had to heal.

tippler 2023/12/21(Thu)16:21 No. 1079632 ID: 9ea24b
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I must find out if my newfound reanimation powers work on other dead bodies. I can even test to see if it applies to the soldiers who perished: they may not count as residents to me but they are still in my domain. I currently have a single orifice but I can add temporary ones if need be.

Thinking about that some more, I suppose if someone made a wish in my well that’s a good enough criteria to me for citizenship. As always, I’m willing to hear what the dead have to say at any time.

The adventurers agree to go into the city and start setting up a permanent camp. What should I do?

>>1079632
Go with the adventurers. You can't be certain all of the soldiers have the new orders, so you need to be there to help protect them.

You can try looking for corpses and other useful items at the same time.

>>1079635
Yes, this seems like a good idea.
As the soldiers begin to draw back from Pliny, the other survivors may also chance venturing inside once more.

Return to town. You can muck about with the kobold's corpse and then spend the day in your cozy well to recuperate.

tippler 2023/12/23(Sat)12:03 No. 1079685 ID: 9ea24b
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I decide to go with the adventurers for now. Wulfa has food, water, and a spear and doesn’t need to be micromanaged. This way I can experiment with my newfound ability and perhaps even spend some time in my beloved well.

I’m slower than a horse drawn wagon, and I don’t think the adventurers want me to ride with them, so I lag behind as I crawl. When I reach the city walls, there’s a wide selection of corpses to experiment with, and I find I can make them all move as long as they’re mostly intact and I’m touching them. Animals do not qualify. I also swallow a short sword so that I have a weapon.

tippler 2023/12/23(Sat)12:03 No. 1079686 ID: 9ea24b
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By the time I catch up to where the wagons have stopped in the unburned district, I see that George has already captured a pair of soldiers, both catfolk. He has their wrists bound with coarse rope and is glaring at them with a hand on his knife.

“We were sent by officer Icher to make sure Pliny is fulfilling her side of the agreement.” the fluffy black one says, when he spots me. “We are to be treated with respect and have our basic needs met.”

Telarin looks at me with interest. “I didn’t know you were a girl.”

I did not know this either. I suppose cities are usually referred to as female.

>>1079686
Huh im a girl? worms genitals is the whole swollen band area but even then im not a actual worm? Is handhorse actually a mister?

Our agreement was brief so some details are unclear, but I was under the impression our obligations started only after the city recover. The infrastructure is in ruins so any shelter we can offer is worst than army encampment, the people are scatter so there are no organized workforce to produce or deliver supplies, on top of that the previously accumulated resources were already plundered by the army. It's too earlier to expect anything.
Ask what exactly they've being ordered to do and details about their criteria to judge our performance.
If they bring any short therm demand kill them. No point in prolonging deals we can't fulfill.
If they agree to accommodate a recovery period enlist their service during their stay. They helped ruin the lives of the inhabitants so they better be prepare to help fixing their own mess.

"I'm the rot beneath urban ground, such concept doesn't truly apply."

>>1079686
As are ships.

Inform them that we are in the process of hiring help to reestablish infrastructure. Do not kill them. Unbind them and allow them to stay in an intact building, one separate from the adventurers to avoid quarrels. It is still too soon to provoke Icher, his army is near at hand.

>>1079707
Also no free food or water its scavenging for everyone so we are not treating them like royals

I dunno if unbinding them is needed. You can keep someone bound while treating them with respect...

tippler 2023/12/24(Sun)19:27 No. 1079734 ID: 9ea24b
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I do not have genitals, and if I did I would be a hermaphrodite like a worm or slug. Gender is irrelevant to spirits and this means that I should not care what I am referred to as.

I tell Telarin as much and she smiles and says I’m cute. Flabbergasted, I turn back to the soldiers.

“I do not have any supplies to give at the moment. For now I will unbind you and allow you to dwell here peacefully. You are responsible for feeding yourselves.”

The black catfolk frowns. “Once there is a consistent food source we will expect a portion.”

“Fine.” I will decide if I wish to give them any precious resources when the time comes.

tippler 2023/12/24(Sun)19:28 No. 1079735 ID: 9ea24b
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George spits on the ground and walks away, leaving Flint to untie the ropes, which she ends up cutting with her ax.

There are wells beside my own dotted around the city, so there should be freely available drinking water. I need to find appropriate lodgings for Telarin, as well as put together a long term plan for obtaining food. I am also worried I’ve upset George.

The soldiers and adventurers will do as I command. What should I focus on this afternoon?

>>1079735
Let us delegate with the adventurers.

Dwarves usually have a keen eye for quality and craftsmanship. Have Flint locate buildings with foundations sturdy enough to patch up for habitation.
Have Telarin contact Wulfa, they can to gather food and come join us in Pliny. If Wulfa distrusts her, tell her to use Aelius' name to signify that Pliny has sent her.
Erogalf can be placed in charge of locating other survivors. If we're lucky, he has some sort of divination magic. Should he find any, he should inform them that the spirit of Pliny's well summons them to the ruins to rebuild.
And lastly, we should speak with George to clear up any misunderstandings.

Remind George that we hate the army as much as he does. They have taken from Pliny. They have taken from us. The time will come when they and Icher will answer, but like a clever hunter we must lay our traps and stalk our prey. Trust us for now, and when the time comes, Pliny will be beside him to face the spirit of war.

To George: You wouldn't shed a tear if this village-butchering army was swallowed up by a cosmic entity, but every opportunity should be taken to convince the recruits how badly they've been suckered into donating their souls to empty bastards. Otherwise, your underhanded slaughter would be indistinguishable from their rampage.

And hey, if they still refuse to change their ways, you'll rip them apart before you allow them to die.

tippler 2023/12/26(Tue)10:24 No. 1079791 ID: 9ea24b
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The voices advise me to focus on the adventurers and let the soldiers be for now. I tell Flint to look for the best buildings to inhabit, Telarin to send a communication spell to Wulfa telling her to come to the city, and Erogalf to find the one other survivor I sensed last night. Finally, I slither after George, who I can hear walking through the city hopefully in an attempt to check the perimeter or clear his head.

tippler 2023/12/26(Tue)10:25 No. 1079792 ID: 9ea24b
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I squirm slower than George’s pacing speed, and I only catch up once he stops at my well. He’s staring into the depths.

“There is a dead elf soldier in there.” I say helpfully. “I smashed him.”

George glares at me over his shoulder. “Once the army reaches Jamuk I want to kill those two catfolk. Only Icher will care by then and we can challenge him if he returns.”

“Or we could try to help them see the error of their ways and help them desert?”

George slams his fist into the top layer of stone of my well. “No. They die.”

I'm inclined to agree with George’s plan, except for the timing. We should delay such action until the point of no return: when we can't give any excuse for avoiding our part of the deal.

But of course, if they do repent and desert before that we will spare them. Our priority is survival and hopefully eventual prosperity, not vengeance or justice.
But honestly by now we don't have any reason to expect a change of heart from the soldiers, so killing them is the main plan.

Since the criteria for post life citizenship is not hard is it possible that you will be able to hear them if they die after living here for a while?

>>1079792
If he would prefer they die, that is acceptable. So long as the timing is in service to the trap, it can act as bait to lure Icher back into an ambush.

Whether these two random soldiers die is imaterial, Icher is the only real target. This whole shitty deal is probably the best chance we'll get to separate Icher from the army and slaughter it. Is George going to keep his head, or is he going to be a liability to this operation?

I wonder if there's any way we can puppet corpses from a distance... or without holding them in Pliny's mouth. If one of the soldiers was killed without the others noticing, in a way that isn't obvious from casual observation, then we could puppet that corpse to fool the others, couldn't we? I'm imagining Pliny worming up to the group of soldiers with the dead soldier "riding" her and the soldier claiming it's just for fun, before making a false report about something important like the quality of supplies or something. And then riding back off only to be found dead later, in a way that looks like suicide or an accident. Hell, since we can puppet the corpse we could make it VERY convincing. We could even have the corpse kill itself in front of the other soldiers.

tippler 2023/12/27(Wed)14:37 No. 1079890 ID: 9ea24b
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According to George, the timing would work for luring Icher back without incurring the wrath of the army at the same time, so I do not see any reason not to kill the two catfolk. I will keep the corpses since my newfound power of reanimation could fool other soldiers that pass through here.

If I tell the catfolk to make a wish in my well, I should be able to hear them after death, though I cannot force them to share information.

tippler 2023/12/27(Wed)14:37 No. 1079892 ID: 9ea24b
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“They die.” I say in agreement. “When do you estimate the army will reach Jamuk?”

George finally turns around to look at me, his mouth set in a grim smile. “A week at most. I’ll take care of it quietly once we know.”

I worry that George will become a liability due to his desire for revenge, but for now he seems to have calmed down. I tell him what I have assigned everyone to do.

“You need to focus on food soon, we can salvage what’s left in the city for now, but it’s already been picked over by the army. Our supplies won’t last with so many mouths to feed.” he says.

The city got its food from somewhere. Are there farms? Let's go find them.

>>1079890
Perhaps they could be leveraged somehow. But who can say how?
What do we know of the afterlife? Are the souls within us unable to move on? Can we let them? Questions to ask the elven mages, perhaps.

>>1079892
We are rot. Not great for improving food stores, but perhaps we can fertilize soil to improve crop yield. Or farm edible mushrooms from the decay.

You should only touch food if no one else is available.
Let's see what kind of farm the surrounding countrysides have. Hopefully their owners survive to take care of the land, but if they are abandoned we need to quickly gather any remaining farm animals, fix potentiality damaged fences and check the crops.

tippler 2023/12/28(Thu)13:36 No. 1079973 ID: 9ea24b
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I follow after George as he walks back to the camp, deep in thought. The city must have gotten regular food from somewhere, and while the surrounding fields are full of grain, the plants are not yet ready for harvest. There should be wildlife that George can hunt, and livestock that scattered when the army came. Combined with some small gardens that I can fertilize with my mud, that will be enough to sustain the mortals. I should be able to handle food, though it’ll need to be washed and cooked before it is eaten. This makes me a tad concerned about how Wulfa and Tytus are faring.

tippler 2023/12/28(Thu)13:36 No. 1079974 ID: 9ea24b
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One of the voices changes the topic and asks if I have any knowledge of a greater afterlife. I have no idea, I suppose I am the current afterlife for Pliny citizens, but whether there is some encompassing spirit for all mortals is beyond me.

It is evening by the time we return to the camp. Telarin has retrieved Wulfa and Tytus, who sure enough have stomach pains that the elf is treating with healing spells and herbs. There’s a strangely familiar goblin lurking in the shadows, tapping his little booted foot on the ground. Finally Flint points out the house where we’ll be staying, which is modest but relatively clean and has an underground pantry that the army missed. The soldiers are nowhere to be seen.

>>1079974
Tell the goblin it is secret. It is safe.

You will be staying in the house? I though you preferred to be underground, and in this case underground is where the food you shouldn't be in contact with is stored.
Do you feel unsafe returning to your well after telling everyone you've met about it?

Tell the goblin you are happy that he is alive as he is one of your citizens. You sincerely hope all of them survive this ordeal.

Apologize to Wulfa and Tytus for their stomach aches. You had not thought to inform them to clean and cook it. Thank the elven healer. It is good that she is here.

Greet the goblin thief. Is he the remaining survivor that we sensed, or has he eluded our senses through some sort of stealth magic?

tippler 2023/12/29(Fri)12:25 No. 1080041 ID: 9ea24b
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I greet Wulfa and Tytus and apologize for my hand in their illness, whether through the water taken from the slain soldiers or the muddy chickens. Wulfa seems happy to see me and quickly forgives the mistake, while Tytus sulks and hides behind her dress. The food they still have will be cooked thoroughly before being eaten.

I leave the adventurers to prepare dinner and lean in very close to the goblin thief who shrinks deeper into the shadow he’s lurking under. He must be the sole survivor I sensed in the area besides Wulfa and Tytus, I’m glad Erogalf convinced him to join the group.

“I will keep your secret of the dead man you put in my well safe.” I whisper in his ear. I notice a very sharp blade pressing into my throat.

tippler 2023/12/29(Fri)12:25 No. 1080042 ID: 9ea24b
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“I exist to help all citizens of Pliny, including you.” I explain, leaking cold mud onto his glove. “Do not be afraid, mister goblin, we are all friends here. What is your name?”

The thief withdraws the knife and shakes it clean. “It’s Smit.”

I bob my head encouragingly. “See that nice house there Smit? You get to live in it! I will keep watch at night to make sure everyone is safe.”

Smit does not look terribly convinced or enthusiastic. “Are you stupid enough to think the elves would want me there with them?”

"I don't care, but they would care about the dead guy thing. Take it or leave it."

>>1080042
Ask what he means. You are only recently manifested and do not know much about mortals.

Tell him the circunstancies are not normal. Whatever he did is nothing compared to the horror of the recent massacre. If he can be friendly and helpful to his neighbors in this time of need they might be willing to accept him and help him in return.

The elves are in the employ of Pliny. They need not interact if they dislike one another.

It is your choice if you want to stay in the house or not. If you prefer the cold and mud, that's fine too. I like cold and mud.

Eh, why not? You don't seem like a bad guy to me

"The elves will do nothing. You, on the other hand, have a chance to find a new life here, if we manage to pull this off. Not sure you have much of a choice though."

tippler 2023/12/30(Sat)17:41 No. 1080103 ID: 9ea24b
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I have to think about this one for a long time. Smit does not have a pleasing smell to me so that means the adventurers should like being around him. They do not know he is a murderer or a thief, and since I am in charge and satisfying their demands, they should not complain. I see no reason for Smit’s puzzling statement.

“You are all citizens of Pliny. It is your choice whether you would like to stay in the house or in the dirt with me. As long as you are helpful to the rebuilding efforts I will ensure you are accepted.” I say.

Smit quirks a thick eyebrow. “You’re not going to treat me differently because of what you know? And after I stabbed you?”

“I do not intend to. Wulfa has stabbed me as well, it is a small inconvenience.”

tippler 2023/12/30(Sat)17:41 No. 1080104 ID: 9ea24b
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Smit mutters to himself and sheaths his knife.

“There’s plenty of places to stay on this street besides that one place. I’ll live in a neighboring house, it’ll make things less crowded.” he says.

This is perfectly acceptable. I gaze lovingly at Smit until he averts his eyes and goes to collect dinner. Wow, I am very good at conflict resolution.

I do a quick check of my hearing. The catfolk are moving around two streets over, accompanied by the occasional dying squeak of a rat. I no longer sense the army, which means they’ve completely moved out of my range. This pleases me greatly. My citizens are gathered around a fire built from scrap wood.

>>1080104
Rats. Of course there are rats. Rats are an element of the urban grime we embody. Maybe we can sway them to be our allies, before the cats exterminate them all.

We've checked on food. Now let's check on the metal we're supposed to provide. Go scavenging, loot corpses, collect scrap from any destroyed houses.

Maybe you should prepare a speech. to help people understand what is happening. We can't, of course, explain the plan about taking Picture on. Not yet. For now, we have to focus on rebuilding. Finding survivors, take in more people.

tippler 2023/12/31(Sun)15:20 No. 1080147 ID: 9ea24b
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The voices give me good ideas on how to spend my night. First I will give a speech to the assembled crowd at dinner, then once it gets dark I will begin gathering scrap metal from around the city. Hopefully one of the adventurers knows how to metalwork so that we can build our own armory.

While I collect metal, I will encounter many rats and see how they react to me. Since they are not sentient beings, I do not think I will be able to control them, but they may carry diseases that I can add to my collection. I do find them to be pleasing creatures since they are a component of urban filth, and I doubt the catfolk will make much of a dent in their population.

tippler 2023/12/31(Sun)15:21 No. 1080148 ID: 9ea24b
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I slither back toward the fire and the pot of chicken and cabbage stew. Everyone turns to look at me. Erogalf is not glowing anymore and Wulfa’s eyes are still red.

I have learned that I am not very eloquent on my own. What should I say?

>>1080148
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to honor the remains of Pliny and those lost, who are here with us and wish you well. Though the city is slightly diminished from the teeming hive we fondly remember, we have secured time to rebuild.

In the coming days, we have a few priority tasks. We will need to gather what harvest and livestock remain unplundered, and plant new crops for the coming days. We will also need a place to store the harvest.
Secondly, we must be prepared for other survivors of the army's march to find this place. They will want to loot what we have, but we may be able to convince them to cooperate if we can gather materials and shape things up.
As Pliny, we will offer the advice of deceased farmers and tradesmen as it comes."

"When I first awoke, I thought my purpose was to collect. A spirit made from the honest wishes of a dying town, but manifested from the muck and waste of murder and neglect.

It would have been a cruel existence to you all, I suppose.

But instead, I awoke to injustice. I watched a perfectly well-off and well-trained soldier slaughter an innocent girl like she was some kind of beast.

And then they started speaking to me. The dead. They helped with this speech. There's... a sort of balance between wisdom and despair. All the grudges and fears melt away... but what's left is this endless regret. They risk what is left of their existence for a chance to tip the scales. To help you live.

The army has made their intentions clear. They wish for death, humiliation, and glorious oblivion. And in time? We will deliver unto them. No refunds."

>>1080154
Remember, we must be careful not to say anything incriminating lest the soldiers overhear and slip away to report in.

I guess you should quote and credit someone who was good at speeches, like the way you passed Aelius' message. The idea that the dead remain conscious and wish the well-being of the living is encouraging. It also gives a notion of continuity with a previous culture instead of simply starting from nothing.

Am I allow to make more characters? Ignore this if I'm not:


Ladies and gentlemen, residents of this resilient city, and esteemed friends who have journeyed from afar to stand by our side,

In the quiet echoes of devastation, I speak to you not as a distant voice but as a shared spirit, one bound by the threads of sorrow and courage. Though the shadows of tragedy now loom over us, let my words serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement in these darkest of times.
To the survivors who have weathered the storm, your presence here today is a testament of enduring strength. We find ourselves in the aftermath of a merciless attack, an assault that sought to shatter the very foundations of our home. The pain is deep, and the wounds are fresh, but remember this: the strength of a city is not measured by the height of its buildings or the grandeur of its monuments. No, the true essence of a city lies in the resilience, courage, and unity of its people.
In the face of this unspeakable tragedy, I urge you, my fellow citizens, to rise above the ashes and rebuild not the structures that once stood proudly, but the very soul of our beloved city. We may have lost much, but our collective strength remains untouched. It is in times of adversity that the true character of a community is revealed.
To our dear friends and allies who have come from afar to extend a helping hand, your presence in our city during these trying times is a beacon of light that pierces through the darkness. As the fallen mayor, I express our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless dedication to aiding us in our hour of need. Your generosity and compassion remind us that the bonds of humanity are stronger than any force that seeks to tear us apart.
Your willingness to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, to lend your expertise and support, speaks volumes about the power of solidarity. In the face of tragedy, you have not hesitated to offer assistance, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

With deepest appreciation,
Tandam Woldhead.

(I imagine him as a dwarf who used to make speeches on top of a stool.)
(What generic terms adequately replaces "humanity" and "human spirit"? It's difficult to talk about a collective nature without those...)

tippler 2024/01/01(Mon)15:16 No. 1080177 ID: 9ea24b
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The voices begin reciting many overlapping words and I have to wait for them all to finish.

“Keep eating, I am going to make a speech in a moment.” I tell the assembled mortals.

What I gather from the dead is that I should clarify my magical abilities as a spirit, desires for taking in potential refugees, plans for securing food tomorrow, and make ominous promises that the army will get what it deserves. I say all of this, though not quite as delicately, and credit the deceased who gave me the words.

tippler 2024/01/01(Mon)15:17 No. 1080178 ID: 9ea24b
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Telarin claps after I finish, and Tytus and Wulfa start crying again. Smit seems more impressed by his bowl of soup than my words, which is understandable.

With everyone brought up to speed, I stay just out of the firelight’s range and bask happily in the conversation. Ah, I can only imagine the noises of the full city.

Once night has fully fallen, I begin my quest to collect metal. I find that most of the soldiers’ armor is thick leather, not metal, but I still scrounge plenty of arrowheads and swords. There are rats feasting on the bloating corpses all around me, and whenever I try to come closer, they hear me and scatter.

Should I try to capture some rats?

Just try to get one, see if anything happens if you catch one.

Given our lack of citizens, the rats would be very useful if we could control them. At least try to catch one, see if we can communicate at all.

Why do we think controlling rats is a possibility?

>>1080186
Because despite all their rage, they are still just rats in a cage.
We can control rats the old fashioned way, by keeping them on a farm and feeding them to make a large, hungry population of rats we can plant in places supply trains just happen to pass through.

You're not susceptible to disease, so just surround them while they're distracted and smoosh your body into them.

tippler 2024/01/02(Tue)18:10 No. 1080239 ID: 9ea24b
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I lie amongst the dead and wait for a rat to skitter across my surface. I do not have to wait long before several climb onto me, undeterred by the slime. I attempt to coil around them but they are too small and immediately scatter.

Wait, I have a new idea! I simply rest against a corpse and use my powers to clamp its mouth shut when a rat crawls inside.

tippler 2024/01/02(Tue)18:11 No. 1080241 ID: 9ea24b
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I inspect the rat. It seems I used a bit too much strength and chopped straight through its middle. I watch fleas desert the cooling pile of juice and fur with great interest.

Hmm. I guess check to see if you can control a rat corpse too.

Rip ratto, he died as he lived.

If someone ask why you are playing with rats and corpses please don't tell them the voices told you to do this.

>>1080241
guess its time to swallow it all up perhaps we could use the corpses armor and fill it up with our mud to move around sort of like a shell? perhaps a moving phalanx of undead soldiers with Shields and swords

>>1080264
We do seem mainly vulnerable to piercing and slashing attacks. A shell of some kind could be useful, though a full set of armor would impair movement. Maybe if we had one half of a breastplate worn on our back.

tippler 2024/01/03(Wed)18:23 No. 1080306 ID: 9ea24b
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The voices seem displeased by my examination, so I put the rat parts in my mouth and swallow. I have already tested my reanimation powers on animals and it does not work.

I catch another rat with the same trick, though this one survives being bitten. I swallow this rat too, and then get another so that they can be friends. If I let a little air in through a hole in my back, they should be fine. I am quite pleased by this.

tippler 2024/01/03(Wed)18:24 No. 1080307 ID: 9ea24b
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One of the voices has a tremendous thought, which is that I should touch and control multiple corpses at the same time. I assemble all the nearby corpses in a shield around me without much difficulty.

What is more complicated is trying to move. I am slow normally and trying to manage all of the bodies in a way that creates efficient locomotion is too much even for my highly refined mind.

I do one more test, which is to see if I can control bodies that I am not touching, but are touching a body I am touching. I can, but it makes me feel drained after a while.

tippler 2024/01/03(Wed)18:24 No. 1080308 ID: 9ea24b
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I continue gathering as much scrap as I can. I make a nice pile by the wagons and start looking for some pieces that would protect my back. With a little adjustment by someone skilled with a hammer, I can embed the selected plates in my flesh.

George comes out of the house in the early hours of the morning, before the sun even begins to show. I watch him work on his arrows and collect some water from the nearest well.

How should I aid the food collection efforts today?

>>1080308
Take Erogalf and Smit with us to the farms. We can use baskets or buckets rested atop our body to help carry back any grain or usable crops we find, then ensure they are washed and cooked before use of course. If we encounter any unaffiliated looters, Erogalf can do the talking and Smit can do the stalking.

Flint and George are on home duty, putting the scrap to use.

Telarin can keep an eye on Wulfa and Tytus to ensure their recovery.

How small of a hole can you fit through? There could be good food trapped in collapsed cellars.

>>1080307
Oh this seems like a great combat technique though. Jump into a pile of corpses with weapons, then assemble them into a very deadly shell. As for moving, why don't you have them carry you? Or drag you?

>food efforts
I don't think you can do much. Maybe provide mud and mana (assuming spells can grow crops)

Collect as much rotting meat as you can. Mulch and bury it in the fields to increase crop yield.

Keep the skulls, though. Those get buried in a charnel house so the army at least has some identifiers on who's who.

tippler 2024/01/04(Thu)19:21 No. 1080374 ID: 9ea24b
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First I ask Erogalf and Telarin if there are spells to make plants grow, and they say that there are, which sounds very helpful. After preparing the soil and finding some seeds, we can plant our own garden within the city walls to make caring for the crops more convenient.

I delegate tasks based on advice from the voices. I ask George and Flint to work on the armor for me, send Smit and Wulfa to explore the city ruins for any surviving cellars, and have Erogalf and Telarin take a wagon to the surrounding farms to see if there’s any animals or crops left. I give Erogalf another mana boost before he goes, which leaves me lethargic.

tippler 2024/01/04(Thu)19:21 No. 1080375 ID: 9ea24b
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That means I am left to entertain Tytus. He does not seem to be in a very good mood. I wonder if he would like to go collect some mortal meat and skulls.

>>1080375
Mortal children do not (generally) enjoy playing with corpses.

Children enjoy physical activity. Use some scrap to make two designated areas across from one another, then find two not too sharp or pokey sticks and something round (not skull), preferably spherical, that rolls. Try using the sticks to hit the round thing into the opposite player's goal area.
You will probably lose, because you are a lethargic worm. That is okay, as winning may make the child's mood improve.

His hygiene is almost to your standard, this can't be good for a child. Maybe we can find a bathtub.

Offer to intermediate a conversation. He probable miss his parents...

Ask what he does for fun.
Also yes I think finding some soap and clean spare clothes is a good idea at this point.

You could practice shapeshifting and see if he likes certain... shapes.

This child needs to be washed.

tippler 2024/01/05(Fri)15:00 No. 1080422 ID: 9ea24b
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I am told by the dead that Tytus needs a bath, which I find hard to believe. I suppose it makes sense that mortals, lacking a connection to the mana of the ground, are not as one with dirt as I am.

“Tytus, would you like a bath?” I ask.

“Why’d Wulfa leave me with you?” he mumbles petulantly. “You smell like old fish.”

“Tytus, you did not answer the question. I sent Wulfa to find food with Smit because they seemed like a good tactical team. You are safe here with me.”

Tytus glares at me. “I hate baths.”

tippler 2024/01/05(Fri)15:00 No. 1080423 ID: 9ea24b
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Now I am upset that Tytus is challenging my authority. Perhaps I should try to put him in a better mood with a game.

“Let us hit a round object with sticks.” I propose. “Or perhaps you would rather I undulate in a pleasing fashion?”

“I want my dad. I hate this.”

"Your father is present."

We never asked, but Aelius would know if he is his son as Pliny assumed. I'm not sure how they used to interact or what words of encouragement he would want to give. I will try, but if anyone want to speak for him his is someone who see deeper meaning in small gestures and is supposed to be a medium for ocasional external references.


My Little Warrior,

I see the sadness that clouds your young eyes, and it tugs at my ethereal heart. In these moments of sorrow, I want you to know that it's okay to feel this way. Life is a series of hills and valleys, and it's alright to pause and acknowledge the valleys.
Our journey together has taken an unexpected turn, but the road ahead is still uncharted. Embrace the uncertainty with a brave heart. Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, the most beautiful moments emerge from the ashes of sorrow.
I am with you, my son, in the rustle of leaves, in the whispers of the wind, and in the beating of your heart. May this comfort you on the nights when the world feels a little colder.

With all the love that transcends the realms,

Your Father,
Aelius

Hmm... you can control bodies. Is it possible for you to sortof... give control over to one of the dead people? Like, find his dad's body and then give control to his father, so that he can... well, probably not talk at this point but maybe write things?

"Noted. But you need to keep yourself healthy if you want to live long enough to dive deep into quality beef."
>What the heck does that mean?!
"I'll tell you when you're older. Bath now."

>>1080445
Maybe it's too late for me to say this to you, but that is a weird comment.

>>1080445
Sounds like orky advice

>>1080445
Pliny may interpret this as a threat to behave if he wants to live long enough for the food to arrive.

We can suggest that his father is watching, and that he should maintain the attitude he wishes his father to see.