Inspect your papers and find out your researcher identity / profession.

Make sure there aren't any hidden cameras around. In fact, might be best to assume she is monitoring you already and make sure you stay in character unless forced to otherwise.

Given you are a gator and can't handle the cold, you might want to prioritize finding some warm outfits for when you have to leave with dr. Mabel, or if any room happens to be exposed to the elements.

1/2 Buckwheat 2026/10/16(Fri)20:21 No. 1133097 ID: da477c
File 179218209463.png - (710.46KB , 1020x750 , 4.png )

I take a closer look at my transfer papers.

“Work Transfer order-
Effective October fourth, Assistant Researcher Gertrude is to be deployed at the Northern Arctic Base. Priorities are to bring the research facilities back to a sanitary and workable state. She is to report and answer to Doctor Mabel.
Note to Doctor Mabel, please see to it Gertrude is issued a level one clearance badge. Should she prove useful, promote at your discretion.
Signed,
Lieutenant Fangmire.”

I grip the paper tightly. They couldn’t even write where I was transferred from, give me a rank, or note any issued equipment for the assignment! What kind of rush job are they trying to pull here?

2/2 Buckwheat 2026/10/16(Fri)20:22 No. 1133098 ID: da477c
File 179218213683.png - (71.35KB , 1020x750 , 5.png )

>Get a sense of the layout. Heading straight to Mabel will probably just make her paranoid and get you shot
>Try to find a poster with fire escape routes. They typically have a very simplified map of the hallways and rooms.

Heading into the lobby, there’s a guard station of some kind. Two bathrooms, and a cleaning closet.
Looking into the guard station, I can see some kind of layout but it’s too hard to see from here. There isn’t an entrance to it from the lobby side.

Off to my left side is a wide set of double doors with a break room sign on them.

To the right is a single door with a sign that reads research wing one.

>Make sure there aren't any hidden cameras around. In fact, might be best to assume she is monitoring you already and make sure you stay in character unless forced to otherwise.
Oh there’s security cameras everywhere in plain sight. As for staying in character, I don’t have much to go off. All I know is I’m a research assistant and that the doctor is a bit shy and very paranoid. Paranoid and armed with who knows what.

How should I proceed from here?

MAP INFO: 0- Enterance 1- Guard Station 2 & 3- Bathrooms 4- Cleaning closet 5- Break Room

>>1133098
Okay, time to get into character. We're cautious, nervous, and not used to being in extreme environments like this. We look around at everything like there could be monsters out to get us. We hesitate a bit before we go anywhere or touch anything we're not familiar with. We used to be working on... something harmless, something that we're actually familiar with, at least enough to convincingly bluff. The exact details depend on our level of education. Possibly something entomology related?

Go to 1- Guard Station next. Knock on the front desk or a window and ask for someone like we're trying to check in. Act like we're trying to go through official channels to retain a sense of normalcy. Assistant Researcher Gertrude is someone who respects Mabel's authority, someone she has control over, someone who isn't a threat to her.

Keep shouting 'hello', like you're an intern looking for someone to tell you where orientation is. You want her to believe you're in over your head.

First, have a short conversation with Miss Syven. Ask how things are for her, how she is getting along with her new friend, and then present all your evidence.

Ask what flavor of cereal she is eating.

Also, inspect funny video.

(1/3) OMNI 2026/10/16(Fri)21:21 No. 1133100 ID: 79fc83
File 179218567353.png - (75.09KB , 1000x700 , hq143.png )

>Boo don't be rude! Apologize for interrupting her feast and then show everything that you gathered.
>First, have a short conversation with Miss Syven.

Oh ghost! Where are your manners? Surely, if you're a boo-tective that will lay awake at night drawing red yarn between photos of slightly acquianted people and scribbling things like HE DID IT and LEAD DEAD, you must not forget the importance of common courtesy.

"Miss Syven, I must apologize for my interruption. I understand you're having a nice morning feast while being provided live entertainment." You clear your non-existent throat. "What are you eating? And watching?"

Syven giggles. "It's all good, Booster. Just havin' cinnamon crunchies and milk with an old classic."

You lean over to inspect the funny video. What you may describe as two fantastical figures have a very serious and important discussion about dinner. So important, that the screen cuts and repeats certain clips followed by random sound effects.

You nod along as if you understand. "Fascinating."

"Indeed."

"How did your date go, Miss Syven?"

Syven pauses the video. "It was good! She showed me her gunpla collection and we had a nice talk about it after." She giggles a bit to herself. "I don't know if she's polycule dating material just yet, maybe after another talk."

"It's good to talk and get to know one another." You nod seriously. "What's a gun play?"

"That's a different thing, but they're figurines."

How cool!

(2/3) OMNI 2026/10/16(Fri)21:24 No. 1133101 ID: 79fc83
File 179218586262.png - (55.19KB , 1000x700 , hq144.png )

>Compliment Mister Depressed on how good he looks with the brushing and the bow! Positive reinforcement will work wonders!

"You're looking real spiffy with your new groom and bow, Mister Depressed! Or whatever you want to be now?"

"Oh, um..." Mister Depressed looks shy at the sudden attention. "Actually, I think I'm a girl rat now..."

You gasp. "Does this mean you're a new rat?"

"Yeah.... I think.. I think I'm content now..." She shuffles on her paws, looking down. "For the longest time, I felt like there was something really wrong with me. And that.. That maybe when I got older, it would start to go away.. But that never happened. It just stayed with me and grew so much.. Until everyone could see it, even if they never said anything... So I just got used to being a lone sewer rat, hiding in the dark so no one ever had to see me."

"That sounds really sad." You give her your biggest sympathetic eyes.

"Yeah, I was really sad... We don't really have genders either, so I didn't know I could be something else." She shrugs. "Then the other rodents introduced me to HRAT."

"That sounds great!"

You are flooding with happiness for Miss Content! And all in a day's work too.

(3/3) OMNI 2026/10/16(Fri)21:26 No. 1133102 ID: 79fc83
File 179218600034.png - (72.26KB , 1000x700 , hq145.png )

>Present Evidence

Time to get into the meat!

"Ehem! Upon further investigation into my target, now known as Jason, I have gathered a strapping amount of evidence, circumstantial and not, that are either connected to or mean things!"

Syven nods attentively as you dive into your findings for today:

Your Target
>Has no job
>Has money
>Is weird
>Moved in quickly
>Has an ex friend?/lover?
>Very jealous of someone living here

Message too long. Click here to view the full text.

Tell maiden she is pretty! Then explain your axe is not that axe. Should we ask if she likes horse mermen?

Compliment the Maiden on her strength. The axe must be very heavy if it's made of pure gold! And also is probably bad for cutting trees with because gold is soft.

Ask if Maiden is a wizard to teach Grem wizardry.

Ask her if she needs a better home that isn’t a puddle, like a pond or something

Ask if she knows Merman. She seems like a lady he would like, big and underwater!

Say you dropped a vintage, worn axe, and need it as gift to woodsie friend.

Heck yeah, unlimited food budget. This means we can afford the 50c fee to call Avery over for lunch, and make this a three-way discussion on what Mina saw while in a cozy, safe environment and comfort foods.

From there we form a three-person ghost/kidnapper hunting team.

Ask Mina if she knows of any Hollowers or is related to any Draculas. She certainly needs a badass stylish red coat/cloak as well if she's going to be your future sidekick, put that in the 'future investments' department.

>>1132981
This assumes Mina isn't already part of Debra's rodent polycule. In which case, orgy/threesome baby!

Gas station food, huh. They have any meat sticks? Some sort of packaged crap that would fill you up. Chips? No... granola bars? Protein bars, maybe? They don't have one of those hot dog warming racks, do they?

Regardless it's gas station food, so make sure you have some water to go with it!

>>1132972
Lets get inside and get fed.
Ae can call avery after our need for sustenance has been met.

Nachos at the gas station! Extra cheese! Would you like some chips with your cheese level of extra

Absurdity DeVoid 2026/10/15(Thu)22:50 No. 1133041 ID: 4d139a
File 179210462738.jpg - (4.98MB , 3174x4314 , side quest 152.jpg )

A) Melancholy

B) Impending

C) Wishful thinking

D) Depressive realism

E) Satirical

Well it'd be more than you would have.

Yes

B) Bobbie would. She did hold a moment of silence for one of our rat comrades who was killed by Shadow Taker, someone who works under Ratislav. No other person in royalty would do that for a rat.

And despite Shadow taker being our enemy, Bobbie did set up a funeral for Shadow Taker instead of making her a scarecrow or subjecting her body to necromancy


Also, she was sad over Mr. yakbeet, (a talking toy) getting destroyed by shadow taker that one time. If she got sad over that to the point of being really relieved when he was revived, why wouldn’t she miss Ratislav if he died?

And I think I’m understanding Cruelty of deaths deal, he gets power or strength, or at least recognition fueled by how cruel someone kills another, that’s probably why he got really pissed at Ratislav refusing his offer, and why he had Kenku’s corpse reanimate to take revenge on Robert instead of killing Robert himself.

Might be why he also wants Ratislav to send Bobbie a message that Cruelty of death killed Ratislav instead of Iron Dredge and have Ill-gotten feel the pain of losing Robert, to get fuel from that cruelty, and possibly instigate Bobbie and Ill-gotten into doing something more cruel.

Perhaps when Ratislav speaks to Bobbie about what happened, he should not give Cruelty of Death the recognition and credit he craves, and just say to her (and Ill-gotten) that it was an unknown assassin of Iron Dredge’s in a purple hooded robe (technically, cruelty did enter wearing that before the reveal

I dare say, maybe even his existence is fueled by how cruel a person’s death is by the hands of another

Finally, we should tell Cruelty “his name isn’t Cantku, it’s Kenku. At least we honorably remember his name after his death

>>1133041
E) Speak for yourself

3/5 Kumi 2026/10/15(Thu)21:01 No. 1133032 ID: 3f89df
File 179209807894.png - (54.31KB , 500x500 , oh my gosh just kiss already you dorks.png )

>>1107977

>as far as conversation topics it seems you're both interested in the politics of the region. you could compare notes

Well, I can most certainly try. I decided to ask him this directly.

] “I’ve noticed that you have a keen eye on the politics of mind telling me what you’ve found?”

Sam looks at me with a thing of initial shock, then.. Something deeper, more scanning.

“Are you referring to personal, or political?” He says in a way that someone gives an option between their wears in a marketplace.

“Why do you ask, Kumi? You should know by now that saying those kinds of things on the street can get you jumped you know.”

“I’m not afraid of a simple militia volunteer taking offense, besides; this kind of information could help us both.”

Sam looks up towards the clouds, scratching his chin in deep thought before turning back towards me with a toothy smile.
“Alright, but don’t expect much without paying for it.”

“I’d expect the same.” As I give a smirk back.

4/5 Kumi 2026/10/15(Thu)21:01 No. 1133033 ID: 3f89df
File 179209808154.png - (27.06KB , 500x500 , actual very boring politics talk.png )

“So, about the major players in Ashbrook: Eyriee, Marquise, Woodland, Underground Duchy? What’s your personal stance on them?”

Sam gives me a look as if he’s expecting something in return for what he’s about to say.

“Well.. Personally, I’d say that the Woodland is the most mortally right. Sure, they may be comprised of mostly denizens and lack initiative, but they do truly look at local issues and try the best they can to compromise on that subject.”

“Marquise, Mmm, they're pretty tricky; On one hand, quite tricky, they are the most stable, but it’s run by a multi-continent spanning empire that sees us as a means to an end.”

“Eyriee..” He looks at me with a curious glance, as if he’s expecting some sort of reaction for what he’s going to say.
“Eyriee are outdated, old, and still have the moral character of multiple rich posh nobles fighting over whether who get’s the biggest slice of cake, while having the privilege to eat cake.”
I wish to say something, but I keep my lib shut, he continues.

“And the Duchy? It’s not really a name I’ve heard of, besides some traders, and friends talk about them, but I’ve never met them in the flesh.”

“And you?”

Message too long. Click here to view the full text.

5/5 Kumi 2026/10/15(Thu)21:01 No. 1133034 ID: 3f89df
File 179209808546.png - (49.23KB , 500x500 , where to go where to be.png )

We nod, stopping right there, but we give each other smaller, more generalized snippets of information while on the road, hoping to inspire some semblance of curiosity in the other and extract it for future favors.

We eventually reach the inn where we once met. I quickly go to the innkeeper and finish renting my room; Sam does the same, and we both go into our separate rooms to prepare for exploring the town. I switched from my dress to another, less intense tunic, mainly to appear a bit less luxurious, and if I wish.. I can dance with it later.
Also I'd be better in case we get into any kind of trouble, as I step out of the inn and into the sun-light, It feels a bit nice to not have the expectations of political intrigue, so close to my mind, even if it’s for this evening.

Sam follows me closely to the side, before smiling, and saying with an joking edge:

“Allright, Oh Duchy Kumi of Rooflandia, you have won the grand prize of a detailed tour of your choice of location within bloom-heaven. led by yours, truly!”

“You sound like a jester, cut it out.”

“Yeah, but I can see the little smirk on your face, telling me that your enjoying this.”

My body betrays my mind it seems.

Message too long. Click here to view the full text.

>Gosh darn it, did he tell you guys this just so I would blush?

Yeah. Sorry LOOOL. We didn't have to tell you though, imagine most of us wanted to see you blush.

You're both confident you could beat the other it seems. Maybe you should find out in the competitive fields.

field could be good, get the measure of each other.

>>1133064
If you don't have more than one how are you gonna make them scheme against each other? Otherwise I agree with the rest!

>>1133063
The loathsome peons shall carry you wherever you go so your sacred flesh doesn't touch the ground.

Scheming eunuch Del, time to grovel at your master's feet.

While you bend down grab the hem of Enko's robe and pull it up around his head. Long live King Enko.

King *Del

Lam shoots down Aytem’s weird petition by daring him that he has to go first on the new dress code if it passes. That should make him lose his nerve and shut him up.

Vikta does not partake in this silly game, he is too focused on investigating the room, and looking for a way to get higher up the temple. Maybe if he can find an attic door in the ceiling, they’ll be able to find a good hiding place if the parents start looking for them. He’s got that heart of a curious investigator even at this young age.

>You're kind of stupid aren't ya?
lolol. I guess ask what you're missing.

what do you think your kids would look like between you and her?

sharing an egg is probably either a taboo or romantically significant in bird culture, so she's either mad because you said something really rude, or she's mad because she has a mad crush on you

>>1132884
>"Human kid. You're kind of stupid aren't ya?"

Ok directly ask wtf they mean by this

Dude.
She likes you.

>>1132882
And you had your hand on her butt.
This may be the reason.

Shes cute.
You like her as a friend already
But think seriously about if she could be more to you dude.

>>1132984
Not sure how infestations are handled in the US, but yeah, if there is a Typhus-causing bug infestation in the building, the landlord might have to flat out fumigate the place. This would mean Kaari has no apartment until the infestation is cleared, though.

There's also the fact that the flea infestation was directly caused by the water being shut off, which is either the fault of the landlord (i.e. they can't blame Kaari for being unable to do basic hygiene), or the water company doing it on their own without the landlords input (which is probably something they can bitch about to the water company instead of Kaari).

There's also the third conspiratorial possibility of the criminals having access to the water valves somehow, and Kaari's lack of water is purposeful sabotage rather than the landlord or water company's doing.

Either way, worth asking a professional about the process / how a biohazard apartment is generally handled, legally or otherwise.

Also worth asking how transmissive they are (in case they start to infest Lana's apartment).

Asking about preventative measures maybe. Of the 'I don't have much money' and 'I don't have access to water' kind?

Ask for flea suit of your own

No thanks I'm good Doctor Flesh!

>>1132980
Hey.
If they cant tell you anything
What about conveying a message?
Tell them youre here.
Youre worried.

Is shes conscious, she'll add you to the list.
If she isnt, at least shell know you're asking after her

Oken 2026/10/14(Wed)15:03 No. 1133002 ID: 0d1c28
File 179199019168.png - (309.04KB , 658x920 , APO042.png )

He's hiding stuff from me "degenerative?, degenerative how?

Fuze shifts uncomfortably "Well it's a little complicated, perhaps now isn't the best time to discuss it..."

He's not wrong, "Fine we'll talk later then, I need to get to the bridge."

Sout readies his rifle "Anything else you need before we go Oken?"

I think about it, is there anything else I need?

Degenerate battle frenzy I think that's laying waste to your enemies but you also take off your clothes.

Anyway what's in between you and the control room?

stimulants or something to keep you going

Tell Fuze if you die, you still want his babies, so get genetic engineering to cook something up.

>>1133013
This if its quick to get, otherwisebits time to move.

>>1133020
Going by numbers, a typical Hercules Beetle can lift 30-100 times their weight. Meaning Cole might have some Delilah level super-strength if he goes all-out.

you can do it Cole!

>>1133019

Dig Deep Cole!!
Make BOTH those lovebirds cum hard!

Toxoglossa 2026/10/16(Fri)01:32 No. 1133047 ID: fc24be
File 179211436170.png - (290.43KB , 1000x700 , 18-139.png )

“Mmm~ you did so fuck’n good. Hah~ I’m so fuckin proud of you~ Ah!” Gabe pants as he pounds the bent-over doppelgänger and babbles a non-stop stream of dirty talk in his ear. “You like that? Hah- You like being a little slut like me?”

Gaybe bounces back against his partner’s thrusts, his jaw slack and tongue lolling. He nods in limp, marionette jiggles and moans back, “Y-yessss~ I l-l-love it!” Something about being made to please others clicks in the fae’s cock-drunk mind and, as a member of an eusocial hive society, he finds himself naturally drawn to the role.

“Yea-, you’re such a good fucktoy~ you’re gonna be a fuckin legend!” For emphasis, Gabe slams himself into the changeling and makes him squeak. He draws back and keeps thrusting, feeling the mimic clenching around him and expertly milking his shaft. “Ah- fuck! You take it like a fuckin champ already~ Fates, you’re gonna be such a good me!”

>>1133047
Yesssssss join the sub side.... It's super fun and you can learn quite a bit about pleasing others so you don't just become a pillow princess~

SQUISH THEMMMM!!! Interrogation kneading will reveal all

oooh was this bear also looking up your school?

>>1132777
Anything!
Anything they remember would be helpful

You have to lie Maya! Tell her you saw what she was doing on the computer, bluff about blackmail, say something that makes her think she can't just run away from you, because I know you aren't going to have the balls to restrain her physically! Things would be going so much better if she was afraid of you.

>>1132777
They know what the person was looking up on the computer but not what they looked like? That's rather suspicious. How did they know that?

Of course spinach and corn!
It's efficient and delicious!

Now enough dilli-dallying, time to coordinate with the royal tailor to perfectly clean this royal dress!

1/2 Buckwheat 2026/10/15(Thu)17:00 No. 1133021 ID: da477c
File 179208360203.png - (9.53KB , 720x238 , 12.png )

>Spinach and corn seem reasonable.
>can't beat that value on the corn
>Of course spinach and corn!
You grumble a bit to yourself. Alas, you’ll have to do without broccoli tonight. Pointing at the corn and spinach, you pull out a gold coin and ask if Marten if he minds breaking change.

Marten: “Oh so well off he can’t even carry around enough copper. Maybe I should just charge you a full piece of gold if that’s the case.”

>If he's being weird about it, I suppose we can keep an ear out for any other news and rumors about the Hatchets and Bushlows
It seems you will. You scoff and the absurdity of this. You’ve done no wrong to him and this nonsense is making you consider talking with the head of the Bushlows about it.

Marten: “Ah by all means, feel free ta. Take your food and change, and run off.”

You grumble and gathering everything up. You’ll be sure to discuss this matter with Mister Bushlow later on. For now though, you must rush over to Malcolm’s shop!

2/2 Buckwheat 2026/10/15(Thu)17:00 No. 1133022 ID: da477c
File 179208363173.png - (11.20KB , 720x238 , 13.png )

As you enter his shop, the pungent odor of raw fish fills the room. It’s bad enough to make you cough and gag a bit.

Malcolm: “Ah just in time Eugene! Hurry over to the wash tub and get cleaning. The otter knight’s just put in a huge order for shark attractant! Those gluttonous sardine cans dare to tempt fate and bring home a most dangerous meal.”

Your muzzle scrunches up in disgust, forcing you to cover your nose even! You ask Malcolm how he can stand such a foul scent permeating through the shop.

Malcolm: “You get used to it with time. Now quit the bellyaching and start scrubbing those vials as we agreed. Surely this isn’t more vile than your own spray?”

You try to joke, saying your spray is a smell you’ve gotten used to over time as well. You then ask if the stain remover has been taken care of?

Malcolm: “Eugene, of course I took care of your stain remover. You did pay for top priority after all. Now enough flapping of the gums. I need those vials cleaned, all of them!”

You sigh and turn around. Looking at the pile of dirty vials, it dawns upon you that this might not be a simple quick wash, rinse, and dry. There’s a massive pile them! It’s going to be quite the time investment to handle this job.

Do you:

>Back out of the deal and apologize, let Malcolm keep your full payment for top priority
>Apologize and offer to help wash about half of them, explain time is short.
>Steel yourself and conquer the mountain of dirty glass! No garment nor glass will be spared the wrath of your sudsy cleaning skills
>Offer to prepare the fish instead and put Malcolm on cleaning duty instead
>Something else?

Something Else: Ask to borrow their vial holders. Fill the tub with soapy water and carefully dunk the vials in batches using their vial holders. Fashion a sponge-on-a-stick to give the interiors an extra do-over.

Perhaps you will be inspired to create a tool for such washing, or a machine even.

Also, get a clothes pin for your assaulted nostrils.

>>1133023
that could work

but if not then just do the job right

(3/4) kpwlt 2026/10/14(Wed)13:57 No. 1132999 ID: 127310
File 179198627688.png - (31.10KB , 700x700 , u31p3.png )

>Something to match her Will. A really high self-esteem! Group hug!

Sam is not big on hugs. Much less group hugs. She would hug Uberto if he would otherwise die, but she’d prefer to avoid being placed in that situation.

>Can you recall any tricks related to maximising one's Will in any given moment? There have to have been extensive studies on the matter

Sam is unfortunately not well versed in studies on Will, but has some rudimentary understanding of its relationship with the natural sciences. When exercised by entities such as the Crown, it behaves in a manner consistent with the relevant law or tradition. When exercised by individuals, its effects are maddeningly unpredictable. Some scientists have taken to calling it the ‘subjective force’, liable to distort the ‘objective’ physical forces if not accounted for. The only sure thing is that a greater number of people causes more distortion.

SAM: “Is there any way for us to increase our collective Will?”

UBERTO: ”Good idea, Sam. We should all stay close when Hella arrives. We can huddle together if she gives us too much trouble.”

MARY: “Mary always says she thinks of her family when things get tough. I usually try to picture my next hot meal. I think it helps.”

Sam thinks of her mother. Nothing happens. Perhaps she needs to be in imminent danger for it to work. Or, perhaps she should think of something else.

(4/4) kpwlt 2026/10/14(Wed)13:57 No. 1133000 ID: 127310
File 179198627917.png - (32.02KB , 700x700 , u31p4.png )

Suddenly, the Jurist’s eye flashes a bright violet.

McGREGOR J: "Ah. It would appear that this place had been chanced upon some years ago by the previous Black Pheon Jurist, Justice Birdwood. Her obiter applies here. ‘One should not remain in the forest for any longer than necessary, lest it awake. Such would be disadvantageous.’”

UBERTO: ”Oh, has anybody been keeping track of time?”

SAM: “Awake?”

Suddenly, the group can feel tremors deep below their feet.

On the nearby trees, several curved eyes open and begin to flick over the four. Sam’s stomach drops.

>>1132997
Oh I forgot we had a bear trap. The snare trap might do ok if she can't teleport out of it.

>>1133000
This cipher is difficult. It doesn't seem to be vigenere since dcode can't autosolve it(but dcode says that's the most likely cipher!) and it's definitely not a simple substitution since quipqiup outputs garbage. Looks like there's a hint, but it's just (key)XVI. What does the 16 refer to? Who knows.

Well, despite the forest being awake, I think we should just continue with the ambush. If the forest attacks somehow then our foe will also have to defend herself, giving us more of an opening to take her down.

Oh here's the ciphertext to save time for anyone who wants to give it a shot: Z AZQLC CS UTUJ BPVFR CZYC BCGPXY HQGP KGI MI EWWF WGL EPYX GMI ZV LCCGPXY EPZVW HW MYE DBR BKBEP TSM LEJ GWJHPP RVFZ HSLGIC PZKSF GHB GMMC ETGS

well you can't back down now, can you?

2/2 Nalthar 2026/10/12(Mon)02:43 No. 1132893 ID: bb0461
File 179177298589.jpg - (644.27KB , 800x600 , cadvere3 26 here comes trouble.jpg )

The walk has taken you to the front of the manor, and then back as Brother Juan leads you to visit the princess.

As you get about halfway down the faux park path the three of you notice a spy glass descending directly ahead of you.

"mmm looks like we're up" Juan looks around. He spots movement behind the line of trees and lets out a sharp hiss. "Ah shhhhit. Trouble. Don't scorn her or she'll set Pietro on you."

The spy glass halt a foot above the floor, getting a good view of you as a dangling figure slinks out of the trees. With a tinkling of a hundred coins the stoat dancer twiddles her fingers at you. An embarrassing falsetto drifts down from above "mmmmhmmm, such a rugged wounded warrior. Won't you come away with me, that I may give you succor?"

seems legit

Welp, now we know that the master is a weird pervert or just what kind of books they're inspired by.

Clearly this Stoat is meant to be a femme fatale that 'seduces' you. So how do we deal with this?

1) We fully play along the 'seduction' act and suffer the indignity/horror of pretending to have romantic feelings for a cadaver, or otherwise having a 'romance subplot' with them. Which could lead into further trouble if Pietro or another one of her 'lovers' catches you flirting. Probably the worst play.

2) We continue being a chivalrous/non-adulterous gentleman towards their sultry advances. Maybe play at being utterly clueless on her flirting (seem utterly naive or dumb about it), being religious (marriage only), preferring mice, or be reluctant to her praises but ultimately/dramatically (ham up the act) insisting on your heart being already claimed by another. This risks pissing her off anyway of course if she is a plain bitch, or she might be 'inspired' by your faithfulness.

3) Lisel intervenes and claims you as her lover 'officially'. Ideally you two being romance partners (in act or otherwise) should be kept a secret (if it wasn't deduced already), otherwise Lisel gets a target painted on her back. But it might be the best way to fend off a 'sultry dame' if your actual beloved is here to help play at your chivalry, and Lisel plays up her feminine charm / femme fatale traits herself. Maybe even pretend she is the one who has you hopelessly smitten / on a leash.

Whatever you do, you can't call her out as a harlot or similar insults, or reject her bluntly/rudely. Well, maybe Lisel can (ladies tend to fight with words sharper than swords), but its risky. Maintain respect and appreciate her... Beauty.

Try playing oblivious for a bit and see how that goes. Then maybe try humility and flattery, saying how you're not worthy of the affections of such a beautiful maiden. Regardless it's quite clear you're not up to any physical action so she'll probably only want kisses anyway. That's worth doing for safety's sake if it comes to it.

This is so messed up on so many levels. Play dumb like you do not get that she is sending you signals—the whole plausible deniability tactic.

yeah you know the cards are part of a puzzle

If we're already wearing a helmet, might as well put on the vest/clothes on the clothes rack for the full disguise/employee look, or check if there's key items hidden in the pockets.

Can you inspect and rotate the note, or other items, to check the backside, like in the Denizen Malevolent games?

Did our protagonist start with any items already in our inventory?

PULL THE LEVER, KRONK!

Twist 2026/10/14(Wed)00:17 No. 1132974 ID: f69ece
File 179193706539.png - (217.38KB , 1000x750 , 17-1.png )

(1/3)

> Observe the bear.

You could keep climbing, but you wait where you are for a few more moments, waiting to observe the bear.

One of the featureless figures breaks from the crowd, approaching the bear without fear. You hear no conversation, see no sign of any information being exchanged between the two, but the figure holds out its hands, expectant.

Twist 2026/10/14(Wed)00:17 No. 1132975 ID: f69ece
File 179193706922.png - (152.49KB , 1000x750 , 17-2.png )

(2/3)

The bear drops something into the figure's hands and steps back, beckoning them to the raised platform, and the massive set of scales behind it.

Twist 2026/10/14(Wed)00:17 No. 1132976 ID: f69ece
File 179193707218.png - (307.23KB , 1000x750 , 17-3.png )

(3/3)

From where you're watching, you can just barely see into the scale's pans as the figure approaches one of them. The pan on the right is full, smooth river rocks piled haphazardly in the center. The lefthand pan is sadly empty in comparison, a scant few stones scattered in the bottom.

The figure adds their stone to the growing pile on the right.

You feel a drop of water hit your cheek as the roof begins to leak.

It looks like this is a form of symbolism.
A few hard-working, tenacious people are worth as much as all the nobodies of the world put together.

Time to follow by example; approach the bear, accept the peeble, and put it on the scale that best suits you.

Also, is the vest the bear is wearing reminding of anyone or anything you have seen before?

looks like time's up. should put a stone on the left side to be contrarian

3. and you Must wear your most professional outfit

3

3. The code being 'only prudish Victorian Era outfits'. The kind of place where people faint from naked ankles, let alone your outfit. And the vampires/clients are all old-timey looking vampires.

2, Just because I refuse to give into peer pressure.

>>1132932
2. Gentleman's Club. I suspect that a "gentleman's club" really means a classy strip club, and I want to find classy gentlemen to strip for us.

Stamp your foot down on his chest to hold him down, and tear off his pants.

Grimothy 2026/10/11(Sun)17:44 No. 1132874 ID: 0d1c28
File 179174065680.png - (845.34KB , 927x1115 , Chinzebeth195.png )

Grimothy steps on Rodrick, then grabs his pants and pulls
Rodrick grasps about ineffectually.

Wear pants on head to restore HP.

Deliver a coup de grâce and finish him off!

>>1132896
This!

>>1132819
I’m for testing the lens on Tina, since we (kind of) know her. Testing the lens on randoms has gotten us in plenty of trouble as is. No need to tempt fate! So if we’re not using it on Tina, better to save it.

Unleash your inner frat pervert and snap a picture of her X-Rayed breasts

2) test it while on the date, there'll be plenty more ppl to choose from

>>1132817
It is professionally dilligent to check all your equipment is on working order so...
Stare professionally

Still voting 2, but if we absolutely have to use it to test if it works, do it only on Tina.