Muschio 2025/03/22(Sat)13:24 No. 1105220 ID: 46e818
File 174267509028.png - (9.69KB , 800x600 , 2277.png )

Very well. I thank Finesse for the conversation and excuse myself, making for the Great Hall.
Something to chew over.

>"By the way, Muschio.
>How shall I introduce you? 'Prince Muschio Malto'? 'Lord'? 'Master'?
>This might be your first formal introduction as leader of these people. Best to set a precedent."

>>1105220
(Honorary) EMPEROR Muschio.
Or just 'Warlord'.

The Malto Formerly Known As Prince

Prince sounds good.

>>1105220
You could probably generously describe yourself as an Overlord or Lord Paramount at this point; Lord sets you amongst any fool with title to a patch of dirt, and Prince ties you to claims on land you clearly have no way of pressing. It's time to be proud of what you do have, right at this moment.

>>1105224
Agreed. Best go with Prince, we are not king until our rightful throne is restored.

I think "Prince Muschio Malto, Protector of the Timore Woodlands" is an appropriate and accurate description of our place in the world.

>>1105220
Grand poobah!
No wait.
Muschio the magnificent!
Breaker of chains, breaker of hearts, breaker of beds.

Changed my mind
>>1105254
This is way better than "Prince" alone.

>>1105220
Burrito Supreme

>>1105254
I also find myself in agreement with this one. A statement of who you are, not too high and not too low; a specification of what you do, and the vibe of who you are.

>>1105254
The second part might be more important than the first, protection of the Woodlands should be emphasized over future aspirations.

>>1105220

Sovereign Muschio of house Malto.

Muschio 2025/03/24(Mon)14:40 No. 1105323 ID: 46e818
File 174285242520.png - (13.82KB , 800x600 , 2278.png )

I answer Ashedel as we arrive at the newly finished Great Hall.

>"Prince Muschio Malto, Protector of the Timore Woodlands! May I present Sir Morphyl Rabas, and entourage."

Muschio 2025/03/24(Mon)14:42 No. 1105324 ID: 46e818
File 174285254458.png - (21.11KB , 800x600 , 2279.png )

>"Prince Malto! As I breathe!
>What an honor!
>Blessed to see you alive and well! The rumors were all true!
>Saghir to you and your great house!
>You'll excuse me, I should hope, if I do not bow. My poor knees, they're not what they once were."

Oh my god I can't take him seriously

Careful, I can almost feel the grease saturating through his wool. Accept gifts but make sure to place them in a secure warehouse.

Do we know the name of our guest?
We should hope he isn't as off as he immediatly seems to be, but keep things secure as though he is

>>1105324
Greet him? Have you ever heard the term Saghir before? It may give an indication where Rabas is from.

>>1105326
>do we know the name of our guest
he has been mentioned by name a dozen times and ashedel literally just announced him

You must have a baaad memory, for you don't recall ever meeting him before. Forgive yourself for being so sheepish, but you must have forgotten in the stresses of life on the lam.

Flashback time boss!
Do you know any large gregarious sheep and do you have any reason to be embarrassec by meeting one?
Also, does you know what saghir means or should we flit between brains until we find someone who does?

Greet him cordially but internally, what is he? I see he is some sort of caprid but does he have a species name like the kobold or kepling do? Does he represent or lead a race of people? Are people with animal-like figures all one species of are they divided by the animal they take after into different species? I ask because between Wes, Arna, Czar, and now sir Rabas there are a lot of mammal folk and generalizing them all might offend our newly met and potentially powerful guest/ally.

Gotta appreciate a warm welcome

>>1105324
Tell him you will accept a bow that spares his knees.

A rakish tilt of the head and a generous arm sweep is always appreciated.

He must have traveled far. Ask him if he met any obstacles along the way. That's a good conversation starter.

Muschio 2025/03/25(Tue)18:01 No. 1105393 ID: 46e818
File 174295089754.png - (17.28KB , 800x600 , 2280.png )

"Greetings to you as well, Sir Rabas. 'Saghir'?"
>"Ah, it means prosperity!
>Not that you need any luck wished upon you! You seem to flourish all on your own.

>I can still scarcely believe my own eyes. The Tragic Prince!
>That's what they're calling you, you know! They speak your name in hush and excitement together.
>There were rumors you survived, though they held a funeral -- not the King, mind! He would have thrown you in a ditch, I'm sure -- but always the speculation you survived. Murmurs from Iniziare.
>God, to see you stand before me now!"

Muschio 2025/03/25(Tue)18:07 No. 1105394 ID: 46e818
File 174295127907.png - (16.11KB , 800x600 , 2281.png )

>"And what a place you have made!
>Eht vhahir, a palace!

>Still sparse, yes? But proper decor is less important than good walls, good bones. And this place, such bones! You have come far indeed, Prince! Very far!"

"Thank you. I have prepared a room, if you'd like--"
>"Oh, your Royal Highness! That is so generous, very kind, but I will be gone by nightfall. Many more roads to travel yet."
"Then I will have my men help yours with your possessions. You must be hungry from your long journey. Come in, eat, rest. We have food prepared."
>"You honor me, Ysir! Please, lead the way. My entourage will stay for a moment to sort my belongings."

He's petitioning you, much like Mondegreen. But don't buy any of the praise. You need resources.

If he offers what you'll need in the years to come, you'll give him some political power. But only if he continues to feed your nation; every favor he grants you needs to support the people, anything other than that is to be treated as a gift easily forgotten.

Ask about his servants. I don't believe we've seen their kind much.

Polite fellow...
You know this dance muschio.
You were born to it.
This said, your guest has been doing this a long time.
Remain alert to what catches his interest, whether he speaks of it or not.

>>1105399
>>1105405
Relax, he hasn't asked for anything yet, and he seems knowledgeable. There's no need to be wary. We should introduce him to the gang over a meal.

>>1105412
I mean, it's possible he's a spy of some sort, or he's here to steal the thing all sneaky-like. However, I doubt he's going to do the deed himself. He's the center of attention so he won't be able to do anything. However, he's got tiny servants that could more easily escape notice; we should try to keep track of them. How many does he have?

>>1105412
>>1105413
The real threat here is politics. He just told us straight to our face, we still have enemies, and now he knows that we're alive for himself. Enemy or not, if he leaves the Vault, that secret leaves with him.

He seems well connected, could be opportunity in that.
Knowing there is still public support for you back home is great news.

>>1105424
Yes. Whether on purpose or not, he's given us some valuable info that we are known throughout the land and have been for longer than we've held this dungeon.
>>1105394
Remember Moira's words; guy loves food and company and we should give him Mondegreen's regards as she requested. Would be nice to know how she stands with this guy.
And bring up The Shield of Comose/Odo Rumux during conversation when possible. See if he knows anything about it.

>>1105394
Just stopping by?
Better keep your keen eye on him Boss, also on his minions.
Weird of him not to present you with a gift.
If he is saving it up for the departure, that could mean he doesn't want to be around once is opened/used.

Y'all need to be a bit less suspicious, this is a bon vivant who we want on our side. How we handle this will let us make use of his networks and info.

We still have some wine left, don't we? We can gauge his intentions better if he loosens his tongue (you deserve some recreation too, btw).

If he's not abstaining from alcohol, of course.

Muschio 2025/03/26(Wed)14:20 No. 1105454 ID: 46e818
File 174302405446.png - (15.09KB , 800x600 , 2282.png )

>"I can smell the feast already! I am famished from my long travels, and this is the exact thing my soul and body need to recover.
>I should also ask, who will be joining us?"
That's a good point. While Rabas did mostly come to see me, and I should make sure our own connection is kept as the central piece of the event, it may do to bring someone (other than Ashedel, currently acting as overseer and bodyguard) to the meal. An officer or two, if I should so choose.

>"May I also ask, my Tragic Prince -- god save me, the Tragic Prince! -- please lend me a ladder and one of your handier workers. I have a gift I've brought you that may help to bring life to this grand but empty space. An old relic of some history. I know you will appreciate it. But I insist, it must be properly displayed for your Royal Highness."

>>1105454
Babrakus can handle the gift

>who will be joining us?
Guy likes company, so a bunch of people is probably best. But above all, we need Pendle, he can handle the totemic god discussion for us.

Nope nope nope Trojan alert
Accept gift, stuff in basement, sell it to a wealthy collector and then distribute the proceeds to charity

I'm sure this large tapestry will not have any magic circles secretly woven into it or anything.

>>1105454
accept, but see if you can get your people to check it for danger before it is grandly revealed.
subtly if possible, so as not to offend our guest, but if questioned simply explain that you have attention from malefactors of means both magical and mundane.

we wouldn't want to learn down the line the gift was (no doubt completely without Rabas's knowledge, make no mistake) secretly a backdoor for the Pretender or suchlike.

Pendle for sure.
Intelligent and has a topic of interest...

As to who else.
The heart says tislomer because shes a delight in any circumstance but the mind says shes not quite formal dining material.
princess erisol would be a good pick as she is both charming and gregarious.
Finesse too perhaps.
She is sharp minded and measured in her responses. Plus, her varied expertises add another element of interest to carry conversation.

>>1105454
Finie and Pendle would be optimal as dinner companions, Boss. Also ask Ona to check the "gift" with Babrakus, just in case.

“Well let’s take a look at it then so I can find us the best place to display it! Wouldn’t do if it didn’t match the room it was in, after all.”

>>1105455
Agreed. Get Dom and Babs to take care of the gift and let's grab Pendle.

Muschio 2025/03/27(Thu)20:19 No. 1105499 ID: 46e818
File 174313199719.png - (13.38KB , 800x600 , 2283.png )

"It sounds lovely. I'll have my men handle take a look, and bring it in when it's ready to be presented."
I send Tislomer to bring Babrakus to help with the gift (and Dompag if further help is needed), as well as Finesse and Pendle to join us for the meal. They might have the most savoir-faire for this.
Other than Dompag himself, I suppose. The man does have a practiced air.
>"Your men did inspect us at the entrance, Highness. But I understand, one must always watch over their shoulder in such a dangerous world.
>Your father felt much the same, from what I understand. Not paranoia, but in a position of power, wariness means survival. We do what we must, after all!"

"Very well, the food will be out shortly. Please, sit."
>"Thank you, Prince.
>This room is so grand! A bit sparse, again, but truly a palace in scope! What a place you have carved out for yourself.
>It feels bigger than the Piacevole Castle!"

"You've been?"
>"Oh, aye Prince. Yes! It was grand, magnificently grand! What a legacy in its walls!"

>>1105499
Hmn.
You are right about dompag boss.
The only thing against him is his usual wardrobe being a loincloth is pushing what the nobility would consider casual wear.
Maybe invest in something formal for him.

Oh.
If you think hes insulted
Tell him you trust him of course, but there are things here which may interact... poorly with a well meant gift given in good faith.
Your experts are ensuring nothing untoward will occur from some unforseen dissonance.

Dompag in a butler suit would look absolutely dandy wouldn't he?

Dompag should get a chance to meet our guest, it's a rare chance for a meeting of such minds and hopefully a reason to return

>>1105499
Hmm, and when WAS the last time he was there? I hope it was during your father's reign. That would make him a good deal more trustworthy.

>>1105499
We should ask about his companion's Boss.
Not just the lovely lady, but also the little guys that look like mannikins.

Muschio 2025/03/28(Fri)13:52 No. 1105521 ID: 46e818
File 174319513144.png - (18.92KB , 800x600 , 2284.png )

Very well, I'll send for Dompag as well, once the others have arrived.

"When was this?"
>"Oh, during your father's reign, some years ago. It was a high honor to be invited to the royal court! You know, the castle reminded me a bit of a keep I'd once visited just North of Tela Cruz. Beautiful little hamlet, it was. Ah, me!"

He gets into his seat with a little effort, and his second seats herself beside him.
>"You know, Prince, we've met before."

>>1105517
The little guys are sprites, minions summoned via a monster portal. It was one of them that delivered the message of his arrival.

>>1105521
"Truly? When was this? It had to have been when I was but a child."

Muschio 2025/03/28(Fri)14:00 No. 1105525 ID: 46e818
File 174319561583.png - (14.04KB , 800x600 , 2285.png )

"Have we?"
>"Oh yes! Though I don't blame you forgetting me. You were only a babe! Sat upon your dear mother's lap.
>I had brought you a little... well it was hardly a trinket, a mere toy, but it cost quite a coin, and I'd brought it all the way from the North Pass, near the Mesas. Speaking of them, I heard the bugfolk-- oh look at me, I'm all over the place this afternoon. It's that excitement to be here. And in your presence, no less, all these years later!
>As I was saying, you were but a little child. I heard you had quite a temper in your youth, though I mean no disrespect in saying so. It appears you've calmed since, of course! You shine such a true regal demeanor, now.

>Where was I? Ah, the toy, yes. I hoped it would leave a good impression. But you held it only for a moment, and then threw it into the fireplace!
>Oh, you should have seen me! I turned white as a ghost! I thought that reception would mark me by some grave insult to the court, but your mother, bless her kind soul, she laughed with such mirth, and all the tension was broken."
>"Lunch is served!"

>>1105525
While we wait for the others to join us let's segue the conversation to Mondegreen to gauge his reaction of her name. Make no mention that she said they've met.

If he does know her, give him her regards.
If he and his second do not, then we need to assume he's a spy, play it cool and try to pump him for info while giving him none.

>>1105525
"I am pleased to know that my family left such a lasting impression. What was the nature of your visit to my father's old court? Was it mere tribute as king? You are certainly dressed as a foreign dignitary. Or was there something bargain the two of you had conducted? I assure you if it is within my power, I will gladly follow in my father's example."

>>1105525
O-hoh!
Firey tempered lil muschio sounds adorable.
Summon a memory of yourself
lets see how cute you were

>Prince with toys
Why does this sound familiar and why does it feel like you made the right call?

Ask what the toy looked like.

Is there a fireplace nearby to throw into whatever he intends on giving you?

>>1105525
At this point, it would be rude Not to ask for him to introduce us his companion's Boss.

Asking him to introduce his companion is a good idea, yeah.

I’m very wary about the “toy”. Something or other about a witch cursing us as a child with a very fancy-looking ball…

Either way, ask what the toy looked like. Hopefully it was wooden.

It doesn't take much to get him talking, he's clearly an honest and open book.
Suspicion is unwarranted and a drag on the mood, just relax and enjoy the company.

Don't forget to introduce your companions too, might be a good way to prompt him to introduce his.

>>1105525
One of those wind up fairies, right?

Arent all fairys wind up ones if you find a place to put the key?

Cmon visions of youth.
Bubble up from the memory gumbo and let us see what we remember.

Muschio 2025/04/02(Wed)02:56 No. 1105712 ID: 46e818
File 174358778056.png - (23.64KB , 800x600 , 2286.png )

"Ah, I'd like to introduce my trusted officer, Marjani Openda. A deeply skilled and knowledgeable woman, who, by our great fortune, is also a world-class chef. As I'm sure you're about to find out."
>"A truly heavenly scent! An honor to meet you, Miss Openda. I must thank you now for what I'm sure will be a great feast. I fear I may be entirely too sated to do so later.
>Ah, and where are my manners? This is my great friend and honored traveling companion, Lily Tee."
>"Pleased to meet you, Lily Tee! You can call me Ona."
>"And you can call me Lily, you little darling. Thank you for making our lunch. I'll be sure to savor it."

Muschio 2025/04/02(Wed)03:17 No. 1105713 ID: 46e818
File 174358904708.png - (16.75KB , 800x600 , 2287.png )

"Please, my new acquaintances. Let's not stand on ceremony -- help yourselves. We have an open service practice here, so do just take whatever you see that looks appetizing."
>"I'll raise a toast when I've whetted my appetite, then."
>"Thank you, Highness."

"You know, as luck would have it, I was just speaking with the Lady Mondegreen recently--"
>"Moira? Then you've met the old busybody, have you? Well, I'm sure she wanted something. And I'll bet she got it! Ha! She has a gift, that girl.
>Next time you see her, you tell her old Rabas is still bringing her that gift."

>>1105713
What's that being spooned into his cup? Some part of the food? Not poison, surely. She wouldn't be so brazen as to do that in front of you. Right?

>>1105714
Pretty sure they're drinking from the cordial glasses seen here; >>1105712
So that must just be a serving bowl she's taking food out of.

He's quite the giver of gifts.
For some reason that nickname has... connotations.

Aside from that, do we have something to reciprocate with?
A gift that is.

Is that Boba?

>>1105725
Do we have anything we can gift him?
Other than those raw magic crystals I can't think of a lot. We haven't really had the time to gather anything but raw materials for the most part.
And I hardly think he'd want any of those creepy idols we recently unearthed.

Muschio 2025/04/02(Wed)23:18 No. 1105751 ID: 46e818
File 174366108874.png - (15.19KB , 800x600 , 2288.png )

>"Ah, and of gifts, forgive me forgetting. I have something else for you here, with me, Prince.
>This trinket was difficult to acquire. I regret that in purchasing it, I was rewarding the man who'd plundered it. But I hope by bring it to you, that deed's evil is now lesser."

Muschio 2025/04/02(Wed)23:25 No. 1105752 ID: 46e818
File 174366155095.png - (16.66KB , 800x600 , 2289.png )

>"Here. I have it.
>This necklace belonged to your great, great grandmother. Pure, flawless platinum. The gem, I have heard, is green garnet -- your family stone, I believe.
>When your throne was lost, your castle was not officially sacked, but much went missing when Rimontaggio's soldiers and mercenaries stormed the grounds. History disappears into hungry pockets.
>I wish I could have salvaged more, but let this be a gift to the new Malto kingdom."

Ah, another gift to screen. It's probably safe to touch since he's touching it just fine, but I wouldn't put it on until one of our trusted mages examines it. Is it even your style to wear jewelry? Also I guess Finesse could check it for hidden mechanisms.

Thank him warmly, if you can remember enough to consider it genuine. If not, then I guess you'll just have to thank him amicably and admit you do not remember seeing it.
We really should give some sort of gift of our own at this point, what do we have that would be appropriate?

I have a bad feeling about this...

Does that thing spark any memories boss?

>>1105754
>>1105755
This man makes my skin crawl like crazy, but I don't think he's going start handing out poison or cursed jewelry.

>>1105752
It is...an incredible honor that you would think so highly of us. That must have cost a small fortune, for a man you last saw as a babe, without an army or even defined kingdom. One with only hopes and a few loyal allies. True, a few powerful beings that we either owe much to or will in the future, but who is to say what their desires really are?

In any event we thank you from the bottom of heart for this gift.

>>1105752
A Grant gesture indeed. But caution above all, be sure to take it with your wooden hand Boss.

It is possible that this man is exactly what he claims to be, and we're just being worried because we are surrounded by enemies and nobody has ever been this friendly before. Certainly not someone so rich.

Ask him, how did he hide his loyalty to your family? He seems to have done well for himself, and being loyal to a fallen king would have caused trouble for him.

Muschio 2025/04/03(Thu)15:50 No. 1105768 ID: 46e818
File 174372061382.png - (10.91KB , 800x600 , 2291.png )

E N O U G H.

Muschio 2025/04/03(Thu)15:57 No. 1105769 ID: 46e818
File 174372102227.png - (13.63KB , 800x600 , 2292.png )

I understand the importance of wariness. I know that I have foes to watch for, even assassins.

But dinner parties and hosting guests -- these are things expected regularly of nobility such as myself.

At the least, wait until we have been given reason to be suspicious. This man has been vouched for by Lady Mondegreen, verified by my own passing questions about her (which you insisted I test!), and warned only as generous and talkative to a fault.

If this is not enough to put me at ease, what will be? Wariness is one thing, but I simply will not survive jumping at every shadow. If I cannot sit calmly through a single dinner with a single puffy, loud old man, then my future rule will be difficult indeed.

These two have not yet given me anything but assurances of trust. I would not trust him with my life, but surely we can save our fears for when we have been given reason, not merely when an old woman helps her companion to some currants.

Well, ok then.

Does it spark any memories though?
It looks like the kind of thing youd have reached for as a child if being held while it was worn.

Oh, if he comments on or reacts to you psychotically staring into space for a moment, you may have to partly explain the orb and the shards.
So you dont look like a nutter.

>>1105769
Right. (I forgot we asked Mondegreen about him, so that would mean we're in the clear) So, do you remember it? And do we have anything to give in return? Such a gift cannot be accepted without *something* in exchange, even if it's relatively minor.

>>1105769
Introduce Finesse and Pendle
also, dang, were they so hungry they ate even the plates and cutlery?

>>1105776
They eat fast indeed ;D

Who could be afraid of dis fluffy boi accept his gift and hug him like a giant teddy

>>1105769
Well, the man has good taste in ladies at least, you have to grant.

Muschio 2025/04/04(Fri)14:57 No. 1105841 ID: 46e818
File 174380385545.png - (10.02KB , 800x600 , 2293.png )

"My apologies, Mr. Rabas. I was lost in thought.
I do not recognize the necklace, but I thank you for recovering it."
>"Ah, well I can't say if your mother ever wore it, but I know an heirloom like this belongs with its rightful owner, not some scoundrel who sacked the castle. I do wish I'd not had to pay him for it, but to see its reunion, a small price."

"Ah, and here -- I've asked two of my finest officers to join us for dinner."
>"A pleasure to meet you."
>"Good afternoon."
>"Ah yes, lovely! Greetings to you both!"

Muschio 2025/04/04(Fri)15:04 No. 1105843 ID: 46e818
File 174380426379.png - (17.89KB , 800x600 , 2294.png )

>"Prince, you certainly keep an interesting--"

>"..."

Okay, before he asks, Pendle was possessed by a demon but Muschio ripped it to shreds.

Finnie, what did you do.

Muschio 2025/04/04(Fri)15:07 No. 1105845 ID: 46e818
File 174380446687.png - (16.89KB , 800x600 , 2295.png )

>"...pardon me, but are you Finesse seng Barr?"

Barr was her father's name, wasn't it?

Ask if there's a problem.

>>1105841
Ask only that he shares the name of the cad at some point.
So you can treat him accordingly if ever you happen upon hi-
>>1105845
-...
Huh.
This is going to be interesting.
A loquacious fellow like this will have tales to tell and ive always been interested in finesse's lineage.
Lets see how this goes.

I think we're about to learn how old Finesse is

Also can we have a quick mental inventory of anything we could gift back to this guy? If he went through all that trouble to return a family heirloom we are bit obliged to give a reciprocal gift.

>>1105845
This is the first time he's stopped smiling since he got here.