>>12891
what, No accent?

tell her the predicament and such, hopefully to combine your efforts to escape.

>>12893
shut up. We've got enough fucking trouble with Raital. And Cheryl. And Kurha.

"I've come seeking aid against the skullking. I also came to check on you on behalf of your son and granddaughter rapier and dagger, very nice people."

>>12891
It's been thirteen years since Calavera trapped you here. During that time your children allied with the Skullking. I came here to persuade them to end that alliance and instead help us fight her.

Prince Darkmoon Rapier told me you would've disapproved of the alliance, and that you disappeared when you went to see the oracle, so we decided to arrange an expedition to attempt to free you. Sadly the guide was actually Calavera and i became trapped too.

>>12891

"I am here with Darmoon Dagger to form alliance against the skullking. You have been gone for thirteen years but I came to find you in hopes that you could once again unite your people or bring closure to your dissapearance. But alas, now I may be trapped here with you by Calavera."

>>12891
"Well. Rescuing you. Your peole need your unifying rule. And I need you to help me in my quest to free the world from the clutches of the nefarious skullking."

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)16:06 No. 12905 ID: fb5d8e
File 124847674352.png - (52.93KB , 800x600 , 660.png )

"Well.. I was hoping maybe I could get you the hell out of here and we could go save your people from the Lich Calavera who wants to lead them to ruin."
, Mudy answers.

The Queen Empress closes her eyes again.
>"Are my children carrying the responsibilities I entrusted them with?"

>>12891
"My lady, my reasons for coming to your country, originally, was to seek aid against the Skullking and her forces and to return Princess Darkmoon Dagger to her homeland. In your 13-year absence, Firewater and her people have become allies of the Skullking and, from what I was told, everything has become a bit of a mess. I had convinced Prince Darkmoon Rapier, your son and second heir, to go against the Skullking in light of recent events. But before I had the chance to speak with the rest of the Royal Council, made up of your children, I was tricked by a lich, who had a grudge against me, named Calavera into entering here. He locked me in here as he did you, your highness."

>>12905
yer kidding right? they are all arguing and stuff.

heads up on the image numbers btw reaver

>>12905
The five of them rule the dark elves as a council, though they seem to disagree quite often.

They're trying, but we should mention that without a leader over them all, they are divided, and have resorted to allying with the Skullking.

"They are, but without a single leader, I fear they lack the decisiveness necessary to prosper in the difficult times ahead. Your nation needs unity."

>>12905

"Ah, so its like that...My apologies, but at the very least I can honestly say that they are trying."

>>12905
"They are trying, but they are scattered and confused without your leadership.
They need you now, if only to remind them to work together."

>>12905

"Only their specific fields. There is no unifying force. You should survey the situation yourself but it does not look good. At least come see Darkmoon Dagger's wedding. She and the prince would like that."

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)16:14 No. 12915 ID: fb5d8e
File 124847722219.png - (52.82KB , 800x600 , 661.png )

>"In your 13-year absence, Firewater and her people have become allies of the Skullking and, from what I was told, everything has become a bit of a mess."
, Mudy replies.
>"They are trying, but they are scattered and confused without your leadership. They need you now, if only to remind them to work together."

The matriach nods once. She takes her time before responding again.
>"Prince Mudy Latral,"
, she finally says.
>"In your royal wisdom, do you have any insight as to why my children seem to be failing at what I taught them to do in my absence?"

>>12915
They are all masters of their own domains, but there is no common focus for them to hang together with.

>>12915
Perhaps it is within their nature to compete against one another.

>>12915
"It appears that they have been holding back because they are convinced that you will return to lead them. Or at least, that is the excuse they are hiding behind."

>>12915
"...They've been so focused on WHAT they were doing that they forgot WHY they were doing it..."

Well if Mudy has some experience anywhere its with siblings that dont get along.

>>12916
>>12918
I like these. Also, you should mention from experience that battling the wills of your siblings are.. hard, to say the least, and some things can win out over others.

>>12915

There is no unifying body to make the final decision on matters. The land needs a queen.

>>12915
Each of them holds something different as the most important, and being convinced that they're right, they can't agree very often.

>>12915
'perhaps they became too used to relying on your guidance. I could understand forcing them to learn how to govern on their own, but in such a time when the fate of your empire quite literally hangs on the decisions made by them, I would recommend going back to them, to show them one more time what a ruler must do, what is necessary for the strength and unity of your people. I fear without such an example, they shall wallow in uncertainty while your empire crumbles. So, will you come with me, to help teach your children a final lesson on how to rule?'

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)16:23 No. 12931 ID: fb5d8e
File 124847781079.png - (53.03KB , 800x600 , 662.png )

Mudy considers for a moment.
>"They are all masters of their own domains, but there is no common focus for them to hang together with."
, he answer.
>"It.. appears that they have been holding back because they are convinced that you will return to lead them. Or at least, that is the excuse they are hiding behind."

The Queen Empress opens her eyes again. Mudy feels like her eyes, laden with experience, can see straight through his soul.
>"You speak with wisdom far beyond your years, Prince Mudy Latral. I am forced to agree with you."
, she responds.
>"I am old. Very old. Like the Oracle above me my time will be coming soon as well, and I have decided to meditate about the experiences and decisions I have made during the million years that I have lived before I move on to the next world.
>It is time for my children to learn how to stand on their own feet and look to themselves for strength. Prince Mudy Latral, do you think you will be able to tell them this for me?"

Be sure to have something as proof of your meeting, so you don't look like a Blutjager that killed the oracle and their mother. >_>

>>12931
I do not know if they will listen, but I will tell them.

>>12931
It would be the greatest of honors.

>>12931
Of course Queen Empress, assumming i manage to get out. How would i make sure they believe me though?

>>12931
"I can find the words, but what would give me legitimacy? Perhaps you have a token, artifact, or some other effect, that would let them recognize that a mere 'bold speaks for you."

>>12931
"I would be honored, empress."

>>12931

"I will honor your last wish and will try my utmost to impart this knowledge to them. But, I am afraid I will have to find my way out or I too shall spend my last moments here."

>>12931

Will you not visit your children one last time?

We must tell them we found her dead body.

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)16:39 No. 12944 ID: fb5d8e
File 124847875557.png - (58.94KB , 800x600 , 663.png )

>"I will honor your last wish and will try my utmost to impart this knowledge to them."
, Mudy agrees with no hesitation.
>"..But.. what would give me legitimacy? Perhaps you have a token, artifact, or some other effect, that would let them recognize that a mere 'bold speaks for you. And I am afraid I will have to find my way out or I too shall spend my last moments here."

The woman takes her time to contemplate again.
She slowly brings her hands to her head and removes her diadem. Its gems sparkles in the moonlight.
>"Show them this and they will know it is their mother's wish. Then, when you have succeeded, you must take an even greater responsibility."
, she says.
>"Give this to the one who you see fit to become the main ruler. Weigh your choice carefully."

She pauses as Mudy takes the royal headpiece with shaking hands.

>"The exit is behind you."
, she continues.
>"May the dark moon smile upon you, Prince Mudy Latral."
The queen crosses her arms and closes her eyes again.

>>12944
Well let's leave then.

>>12944

".. It is?" Turn around and let's see.

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)16:46 No. 12948 ID: fb5d8e
File 124847916950.png - (58.30KB , 800x600 , 664.png )

>"..It is..?"
Mudy steps back from the alcove. He feels a slight breeze stroke against his back.

>>12944
"I'll do my best to ensure your people get the most worthy ruler. Farewell Queen Empress Darkmoon Arrow."

Then bow and go towards the door.

>>12948
Take the sword sticking out of the pile (gotta loot SOMETHING) and get out of there.

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)16:58 No. 12952 ID: fb5d8e
File 124847988591.png - (50.04KB , 800x600 , 665.png )

>"I'll do my best to ensure your people get the most worthy ruler. Farewell Queen Empress Darkmoon Arrow."
Mudy takes a deep bow.
He silent grabs the sword from the pile and makes his escape through the corridor, leaving the Queen Empress to live out her days in peace.

Oh yeah, back to form.
We're turning out quite the Light Warrior aren't we?

>>12952
Proceed to MEETING ROOM. Assuming this tunnel lets out somewhere where we are not hopelessly lost.

>>12952
Now be very careful with your next step, Mudy. It is not unlikely that during your next action you will BE KILL BY DEMONS.

Time to line up the ruling family for interviews, carefully weigh our decision, and then--

ah, who am I kidding, we're gonna pick Darkmoon.

I wonder if Calavera knew about all this? hmm...

>>12959
> Darkmoon

>>12959
But we'll have to leave her in the city then.

>>12959

Most likely, unless she shows incompetence on same level. Unfortunately we will have to leave our heavy hitters behind then.

>>12959

I presume you mean Dagger, seeing as all of them are named "Darkmoon".

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)17:04 No. 12965 ID: fb5d8e
File 124848027950.png - (43.69KB , 800x600 , 666.png )

Mudy travels through a long narrow corridor. He notices it moves upwards, sometimes having quite a steep slope.
As he gets higher the stone becomes dryer and warmer.

Finally he is confronted with the blinding bright sky and blistering heat of the desert.


>End of chapter 23

As much as i like Darkmoon Dagger it might be best to choose one of the current heirs, i bet there'd be civil war otherwise. Besides she's hardly fit for rule just yet i'd say.

If we can it might be best to get to know them before they know about the crown though, but it might be hard to hide.

>>12965
>mailto:SATANSATANSATAN
Just couldn't resist throwing in a reference could you. :3

>>12966
What was her brother called? The one we met?

He seemed like a pretty cool dude. I nominate him.

>>12966
How about Daddy Darkmoon?

First off I would like to vote for Darkmoon Rapier, he seems the kind of person who could really handle a job like this. And I have no doubt in his abilities as a leader, and I think Darkmoon Dagger will agree.

Secondly, this is the longest chapter yet (image wise). I just thought that was worth mentioning.

>>12965
That...that looks like a sandworm's mouth we just exited out of.

Guys, Stiletto is clearly the best choice for new ruler.

>>12966
Hard to hide? I wouldn't think so since the nobody knows we went down the hole to begin with. Well, nobody except the ol' bonehead, but he doesn't count.

>>12969
That was her father. I don't know what his obsession is, we should find out, but so far he seemed reasonable.

>>12971
>>12970
On the other hand, it's entirely possible that he's Calavera in disguise, and tying up the country with succession wars works just as well as anything else.

I would actually like choosing Dagger. While leaving behind companions is always sad it seems the right thing to do. Smaller team with less earth shatter also makes for a better story as danger increases. No need to make up so many ways to seperate everyone with less people.

>>12975
Well we're running around half naked with a diadem that's bigger than our waist and we seem to be outside the city. Now for elves 13 years isn't much, so the odds of somebody noticing that it's the queen's crown seem high.

>>12981
So...dig a hole and bury it until needed. Simple.

>>12971
I agree.
Rapier also seems the most prudent choice for... slightly more self-serving reasons. (IE He will definitely help us against the Skullking.)

>>12983
Unless I missed it, it occurs that we still haven't seen Rapier's face. Also the odd Vader-style breathing that apparently comes and goes instead of being a constant. Might want to at least get a good look at him and assess the guy a bit further before committing.

>>12981
>bigger than our waist
Wear it as a belt then. Under the gown thing we modified our outfit into, of course.

Reaver!mE1ODcDVTM 2009/07/24(Fri)17:56 No. 12988 ID: fb5d8e
File 124848337093.png - (55.39KB , 600x1250 , darkmoon-powerchart.png )

Since it won't ruin the story, have the powerchart of the Darkmoon royal family.
Hopefully it'll give you something to look forward to!

Thanks for enjoying, everyone.

>>12988
Looks like a choice between Halberd or Rapier to me.

Rapier we know will side against the Skullking... but he hides his face. Suspicious.

>>12988
Finally! Darkmoon Katana! Someone Mudy could beat in a fight!

Well fuck. It'd have been nice to have the Queen to fight the Skullking...

>>12988

Woah Queen, you work out... I like that.
Dagger still gets my vote.

Regardless of who becomes the ruler i think we should be able to convince Halberd. Improved relations with the elves would mean more trade, same for ending piracy in the sea.

I would guess Katana isn't too happy with the skullking either, and we already know Bolt isn't, though her racism would be a bit of a problem.

>>12988
...Jesus, the Empress is strong.
We really should ask about that. I mean, all her children and their children and whatnot are a great deal weaker than her. Is it just that she was already crazy old and experienced when she had them, or have they been sheltered too much, or was she just born better than most Dark Elves could ever hope to be?

Hey, just a thought, but if we choose Rapier, we need to see his face.

One, because a common trope of stories is for the veiled guy to be an enemy in disguise.

Two, because he could more specifically be Calavera.

Just having Calavera in Firewater just makes for a whole bunch of problems, and this is one of them.

Rapier...

Calavera...

hmmm...

>>13054
Even if he is Calavera, I think I would still vote for him, because one, Calavera is a bad ass, and two, I think he would still try to help us take down the Skullking. He may not like us all that much, but he knows more then we do...

>>12999
Dagger is a pisspoor choice in the long run. She's friends with us, but she doesn't really have any particular virtues as a leader; she is a grandchild of the empress, rather than the direct leader. It will be immediately evident that we picked her merely to have influence over the government.

Right now, the best choice is Rapier. He agrees with our politics is most closely related to a good friend of ours, and is likely to be a good leader to the nation. On the other hand, it seems to me that it's poor foresight to choose someone for such a long-lived race based on such immediate concerns. In particular, the fact that he's listed as "expansionist" seems to bode poorly.

Stiletto has been largely discounted due to being a partier, but with such varied and competent second-in-commands a loose hand may well be the type of rule that the nation will do best under. If he has the mettle to unify the siblings in times when unity is necessary, then he is arguably the best choice in the long run. Considering our own interests, he is unlikely to be interested in unprovoked military action in the future, and at this particular point in time, he's liable to let Rapier handle the Skullking issue, if we encourage him to do so. Regardless, we'll need to talk with him before making a decision.

If we wanted to strike a balance, for the future of the nation, Halberd would be a good choice. It seems to me, however, that she's inferior to both Stiletto and Rapier, both in how her ruling style will effect politics, and in respect to our own self-interest.

Halberd!

Perhaps we should try talking to each of the prospective rulers and ask what they would have their country do, if it were solely their decision.
Then weigh our decision of the crown based on that.

But don't tell them we have the crown, or they may tailor their answers.

>>13061
Bolt and Katana suck both long- and short-term, and aren't really aligned with us politically. Bolt sucks due to being racist and shit, she's liable to not work together with us now, and liable to start shit in the future. Katana is a pacifist, he's liable to be reluctant to defend his people both now and in the future.

>>13063
There liable to tailor there answers no matter what, if we just ask outright. We're Blutjagers, remember? We'd have to ask leading questions and base our decision on what they say then.

That queen could fucking kill anyone.

'could try promoting one with the promise of reinstating the council after the immediate danger has passed...

or maybe..just maybe, force them through a gauntlet to each prove their own worthiness.

I propose this as a course of action:
We claim to have found the Queen, she's busy fighting something or other (May need to get some help with this story) and wants things to run smoothly in her absence with regular council meetings.
Ask a great boon to sit in on these meetings (Not all of them, of course. Maybe ask Dagger if she can get us in without anyone else knowing; She'd probably change the least from our presence or lack of it.)
See if the tiara has anything to say (Glowing, flying, asploding) during the meetings, and listen to the politics.
Make a decision after a week or so and hope to fuck a pissed Stormprague or the other blutjaegers don't show up.

>>13068
Forgot to mention: Keep the tiara out of sight from everyone.
Might be a problem if the heirs can smell magic or whatever.

>>12988
>>13061
How can we make a decision when we still don't even know their starting techs?

>>13082
your post makes no sense to me.

First, we go and see Raital. Before we throw the meeting together, we give her the best sex we in our power- this time, be determined to be on top. It will be important to sate her for the meeting.
Mudy has to start jogging or something to build stamina.

>>13139
Just tell us to lie down and let us put our silver tongue to work. Be adamant about it. Tell her that you don't feel as if you are being active enough in bed, not that you dislike taking the lead, but you feel this is important. I know all of the sex scenes simply fade out, but what happens during might be directly related to how Raital will perceive it after. She can't simply take what she wants when it can only be given.

>>13142
>>13139
After that maybe we can finally tell her that if we say no she has to stop touching us or demanding sex from us? I mean it's true that she wouldn't know that with the lack of social skills she never learned but we really have to teach her it soon. We can't be leading armies to battle while our girlfriend is trying to pin us down and have sex with us.

>>13139
So you suggest getting Mudy fitter, not for combat purposes, but to better sex his sister?

>>13160

Not like he'd much use in combat anyway. Unless he suddenly develops his powers I doubt any amount of physical training is going to help him win a fight. Hell, even Hans and Gunther can beat down Mudy and they haven't done a single thing aside from cockblock, stare at a ceiling, and proclaim their love of apples. Oh, and occasionally fetching other party members.

Testing.

>>13170

VICTORY

>>12988
Hmm... I HAVE THE SOLUTION!

We put Darkmoon Stilleto in charge. Rapier can be in charge of the military, Halberd in charge of trade, Katana can be the religious advisor to Stilleto and Bolt can like... Not be an FTARD!

>>13174

Well thats essentially whats happening. They're just not working together.

>>13177
but with Stilletto in charge, they can get unified when necessary, because someone is there to say, "OK, we do this."

...at least, that's the idea. Stiletto has to be up to it.

>>13177
Though each of them has an angle we can work to gain their trust and cooperation


though stilletto and bolt are going to be hardmode.