Absurdity DeVoid 2026/09/07(Mon)23:00 No. 1131754 ID: 47e901
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A) I don't really believe it, but it can't hurt to go with the prediction, just in case.

B) I believe it a little bit, and maybe you should as well.

C) I don't have any certainty in my life, and this makes me feel like I can get ready for the next day.

D) I buy it to make the bird feel better. I do not believe it.

B)

But also, considering Chripins predicted and warned maxwereus not to go outside tomorrow, maybe ask Maxwereus why he paid Chirpins to hear his predictions if he didn't believe them?

D) Let's not make him think less of us.

D) even if they're accurate, they're so vague they aren't really useful. just for fun.

wrangle swiss into this. he can totally help you Crack The Case.

also, friend request Jaden and Swiss on Discord. or Telegram. or anything. you're a secret agent, so you need Contacts and Assets.

go on the deep web and look for liveleak videos of evil teachers. or car crash compilations

Go on the computer and play some random games on websites. Like flash games and the like. It'll be good to distract and de-stress yourself while everyone else figured it out.

>>1131820
Is that the squirrel lady on that computer. You can't harass her so search really weird videos on youtube and play them loudly to clal her attention.

Get on a computer and start typing things!

Check out browser history on a computer. Maybe somebody who was once as lost as you knew what they were looking for and asked the right questions online.

> You guys need a carriage.
correct, a stack is too unstable

B) and let's also try to commission someone for a carriage. call it the apple cart.

Absurdity DeVoid 2026/09/08(Tue)15:31 No. 1131783 ID: 47e901
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Possible answers to the question asked:

A) What exactly do they say about the monster?

B) Can you describe the noise?

C) Investigate the hole.

D) Other suggestions.

A

C) out of all the options the hole is the only one that we can physically see and inspect.

Don't suppose there is some kind of time-dilation magic, or 'Hyperbolic Time Chamber' (pocket dimension where a day spent inside is only an hour spent outside of it) that we could utilize to 'extend' the time window for training the Changelings before the next dawn?

>>1131689
Caleb here does have something useful to show off, though. He can apply convincing glamours to others. As long as the three changelings are close together, they'd be able to support anyone faltering with this sort of ability.

Speaking of training, best get Kasey on it. She got unmasked by sex as well.

In other words, time to orgy it up as a hive threesome. See how well the Changeling trio mesh with each other. :3X

Toxoglossa 2026/09/09(Wed)02:09 No. 1131828 ID: a30c37
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Casey shrugs and admits, “You wanted to act more like us, right? Besides, if previous interactions with the Court are any indication: most of them seem pretty prudish and turned off by anyone openly horny. It may keep them from scrutinizing you too closely.”

“Mmmm, you have a point…” Kasey concedes.

The binder asks, “The only other thing would be our magic. You can obviously mimic my angelic form with your glamour. Can the other two copy Gabe and Kol’s magic?”

Cole speaks up as Caleb gives him a moment to breathe. “I’m strong enough to copy Kol’s fighting style on my own. Creating an afterimage of myself is easy. Ah~”

Gaybe looks a little bashful as he admits, “I studied some of your mortal gate magic before coming here. I- I think I know enough to make simple gates.”

“Wait, fae can use sender magic?” Gabe pauses mid-handjob and stares at his copy. “How come I’ve never heard of this before?”

“It’s just a matter of runes and leylines. Fae know all about those.” Gaybe shrugs, “But it’s the First Guardian’s magic: a lot of courts are still scared of it.”

“Yeah we saw that firsthand.” Casey says, her mind flashing back to the mad panic of Argus’s guests fleeing. “I suppose that’ll have to do for now. You’ll just have to learn to act more like us.”

“You hear that? Commence the training!” Gabe cheers.

While it is very obviously too hardcore, I can't help but wonder if Fey even CAN replicate Kol's spirit based magic, or if accepting death would simply kill their bodies.

Elementals obviously can't, without a spirit all they are is mana!

The only thing I can think of to stop her in her tracks is to say something really shocking??? Apologizing is good, but might actually make the upsetness MORE upset, since Apricot is very much in “Run Away Frantically” mode. For now, just brace for impact and be ready to be there for her once she breaks down.

>>1131749
3

1, 2, 3

4 and 1: Burst into loud sobs, stopping her dead in her tracks outta shock and guilt, and then apologize for letting this get so out of hand. Then express your concerns and plead with her not to start committing crimes for quick cash.

4) Strip naked and say you're sorry you put Apricot through all of this and you'll suffer alongside her but she can't let this drag her down

B. Best way to do this is to have one of them do the laundry so that Vikta can dress properly. two birds one stone.

A! Food is a quick path to soothing emotional troubles! Failing that then you could just threaten to ground them.

Okay seriously you need birth control.

Why can't you buy a gamestation from the local intergalactic shopping hub?

Might as well order both in a catalog or something.

>>1131766

Glad to know upsettingly-named cereal is a universal standard.

Honestly? Combination of A, B, C, and E:

Tell the boys to sit on opposite ends of the table and have Vikta go get dressed while you finish cooking breakfast, or so help you, you'll get Dama up here to deal with them while you go mind the register.

>>1131784

Yeah, for real, though I fear that Vikta would spend all his time in front of the thing, and then we'd have to hear it from the others and the inevitable, "mom said it's MY turn on the gamestation!" turning into a whole ordeal.

D: There will be groundings for everyone if everyone doesn't start acting civilized.

hmm feeling more inclined to some secrecy here.. 2!

Secret Swimming Spot: ugh, would be so lewd to see Tineola in a swimsuit if we let her know of the secret swimming spot... but we gotta keep it a secret for Saiorse to relax in (and see her in a skimpy swimsuit).
And I'm sure Naomi would want a spot to be alone from Samantha and her nagging.

as for the lens, keep it a secret from Tineola, its a secret to you and (mostly) you alone.

2, as consolation for not having laces. But be quick about it, she might eat you out of shop if left alone for too long (though you can charge her if she eats too much. $) just get a plate with the samples. Be sure to ask for a critique, not just on taste, but mainly how it feels, like texture and thickness and other things.

Bah, secrets are too much work.

Spread the secret, let them both know. Too many secrets will weigh you down, so it wouldn't hurt to share some of the more harmless ones like this. Just ask them not to spread it around too much.

And 2, distract Tineola with fabrics while Samantha does her work.

Use the monocle to see if the moth’s even wearing anything under that dress.

Inspect the HANDSOME HUNK POSTER near you.

>>1131697

Are you still 'invisible' inside of someone's mind, or can they now actually see and properly interact with you? Might want to go incognito (act like a beach enjoyer, tourist, beach prop or one of those people who serve fancy drinks to rich people at beaches).

>>1131701
>>1131712

If we spook/scare them too much, they'll be startled awake and we'll get ejected! We also don't know if they can manually eject us via lucid dreaming or such.

Looks like they're having a dream about being royal, rich or otherwise luxuriously pampered instead of working a day job (relatable). We can work with this if we play along!

Pretend to be a personal butler/servant, someone who needs their password/code authorization, or the code signed on a document so they can finalize an order for something ridiculously luxurious, expensive or enjoyable. Getting them 'drunk' might also help.

"Monsieur, we have ordered the champagnie fountain, super-yacht, solid gold statue and Japanese-style hot spring full of 'amorous masseurs' as per yesterdays request. We just need your five-digit code to finalize the purchase and they will arrive within ze hour."

If the manager starts to suspect you're not supposed to be here, you could lie that you were supposed to be a nightmare where all the data on their computer gets deleted, but that it's your first day on the job and couldn't get past their genius password. Maybe they'll pity you.

Potential disguise: Ghost Writer, seeking to write a biography of this no doubt interesting person.

Acitvate your GAYDAR (or equivalent) and check the cute mouse for any ability to be romanced as a sidequest.

How VERY SMALL is this mouse compared to Debra, another mouse?

How date-able is the mouse?

Oh no, Debra is hurt?? What happened to her you saw her just earlier yesterday!

Contemplate whether the Debra you met at the swing yesterday was in fact a ghost of Debra.

proceed

No! We're better than this! What would Hooters say? What would Titmouse say? Heroes don't dubcon virgins just because they have no feet. That's not hero behaviour. That's not even morally grey ironic 90s anti-hero behaviour.

We're just going to forklift her over to the Dick Shrine so a goblin can shove his cock between her tits. Obviously.

>>1131723
Yup taste test is the only way to be sure

>>1131704
I believe we have erred.

Apologize to the Boob Priestess for thinking she was a fake. There's no doubt that such a bountiful set of boobs are the real thing. What's it like for her, carrying such a heavy burden?

We could still do lewd things if she wants. Or does she have another quest for us? We've got a request from the Dick Priest for her. Does she know him?

She seems to be a natural sub. We can use this! Boob-carry her to the Dick Shrine and wedge Dick Priest in between!

"No time to explain, we need your help for a HOLY QUEST!"

Also, be gentle with those snipples. Give em a smooch.

Inquire about the chains that the princess has. Wouldn't they leave a mark on such a delicate creature? Also, ask the bat if she would be interested in getting a painting from us. We should try to get on her good side.

Seems her gesture is saying 'the kings service means you have to become a blue-eyed revenant'. That's absolutely a bad idea. Though helping Thomas against Pietro through courtly shenanigans could help both Thomas and the Duchess. But that's a plan for later.

Yes, asking her about the... Arts... In this place would be a good topic of conversation. You might have to learn or adapt a form or art that doesn't involve murder if you're forced to stick around.

Also could ask a bit about brother Juan. You are unfamiliar with the religion(s) or faith(s) practiced in Malevento, and how... Tolerant the kingdom is about such matters. Having to 'convert' to a faith or abandon your beliefs might be required or demanded.

The butterfly being 'bewitching' sounds iffy. Either there are bugfolk who keep trying to reclaim her (or force her into the act), or she coerces other folk into unsuccessfull rescue attempts.

And from the sounds of things, she's too 'delicate' to puppet or reanimate by force, but also too pretty to kill off.

Ask about 'Espania'. Is the 'kingdom' at war with that place and its people, to have its princess held against her will here?

>>1131680
looks like we gotta talk to the butterfly next. ask her what happens if someone never returns to the court. do they search for them? or presume them dead?

So that butterfly is clearly Lady Icktechi, who the moth priestess and the beetles are trying to rescue. The priestess foresaw us ending up in this situation, the princess is going to be our ticket out of it. We need to find out as much as we can about her, figure out how to get close to her, and decide what we're going to say to earn her trust. Getting her out of here will not be easy, but it's going to be our overarching objective now that we're here.

In the meantime, I agree with asking Allonza about Malevento's history, arts, culture, and society. Dive into it, press her on little details. The more we push at the limits of whatever fabricated backstory Cadvere has come up with for them, the more it might strain his control over their minds.

We also might ask her a few questions about Cadvere himself. After all, it only stands to reason you would want to know about the illustrious monarch you will soon be working under, and all of his glorious deeds. You've heard rumors he's some kind of miracle worker, is that true? (Don't be afraid to lay it on thick here; if Cadvere is as much of a manchild as he seems, he's almost assuredly also a narcissist, and so obsequious flattery will be the best way to get him to lower his guard and possibly spill his secrets.)

>>1131602
Are we currently in contact with the spirit? Hello can you hear/understand us? If you share your motivations with us we may be able to mediate with the living for you.

you lost the antmen again didn't you? I don't think you'll be able to keep this group out. Why don't you negotiate with us? might be able to get you something in exchange for leaving us alone.

4etyre 2026/09/07(Mon)09:24 No. 1131719 ID: c0eb59
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>Ah, it tried to possess you again, and we can feel it too. The spirit doing the possession is terribly scared. Consider showing it mercy? We are going in, regardless.
— WHA–
>Yeah, we can read the note, mostly. Can you? What's the second sun? If the urn isn't a burial urn, then... I guess it could be someone's buried treasure? I'm guessing you don't know what the shards are for. Probably a good idea to hold onto unknown things found in buried chests.
— GET OUT OF MY HOME! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!
The creature stands still in the same pose while shivering slightly.
>alternatively, if we're speaking to the spirit now...
>Hello? Our wielder thinks you are some kind of "golem" but I suspect not. What are you?
— I’M NOT A GOLEM I’M NOT AN ELF I’M NOT A THREAT PLEASE PLEAAAAHSHEE!…
The ants, as it seems, have finally come to their senses. One of them runs off to get some distance and begins approaching the hut from another side.
The creature shudders weirdly and shouts: “Cease!”. The antmen stop, and the tingling sensation appears again.
>Are we currently in contact with the spirit? Hello can you hear/understand us? If you share your motivations with us we may be able to mediate with the living for you.
>you lost the antmen again didn't you? I don't think you'll be able to keep this group out. Why don't you negotiate with us? might be able to get you something in exchange for leaving us alone.
— LEAVING YOU ALONE?! YOU ARE THE ONES WHO CAME HERE! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
This time the feeling that usually follows the tingling doesn’t appear. After a couple of seconds, the ants continue to approach cautiously

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

Well we've got a conflict of interests here. But luckily we're a neutral third party that doesn't know what's going on.

so lets negotiate. You want them out of your home, and I think they don't want to be here any longer than necessary. If they can accomplish their task they ought to leave you be.

>>1131719
Ah, interesting. You're like us, aren't you? We are a Nazar's orb, whatever that is. Looks like you're a pendant? Are you aware that your wearer is dead?

Concur, go for the right one.

Silence 2026/09/07(Mon)16:20 No. 1131729 ID: 6d1406
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You dart into the right chamber.

Silence 2026/09/07(Mon)16:21 No. 1131730 ID: 6d1406
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And are faced with what looks to be a large tank unit with a singular box walker in the front.

Well then.

We got this, what's the plan?

The mech could provide cover while one of you approaches. Then when the tank does its initial barrage the other comes in

This gun looks bad news, but its weekness is probably elevation. Throw a missile at its missile racks and is that doesn't take it out, try jumping over the tank to strike its behind.

Jason Emerson 2026/09/06(Sun)02:10 No. 1131676 ID: 330254
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Maeve: Without her, I was stuck listening to my parents fight. I would dip out to my cousin’s, and hung with their friends. We all had shitty parents. It’s probably when I first got into drugs.

Maeve: I don’t think either Mom or Rocko would notice I was gone--but he was furious whenever I came back late.

Jason Emerson 2026/09/06(Sun)02:11 No. 1131677 ID: 330254
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Jase: Can you play anything?

Maeve: What? Oh no no... I haven’t touched that thing in years.

Jase: Nothing at all? There’s probably one song everyone knows by muscle memory.

Maeve: Ugh, maybe. But...

Jase: I want to hear it.

Maeve: Why? What are you on? Are you high or something right now?

Jase: Nuthin’. With all this waitin’ around for something to happen you should find a little hobby.

Maeve: Ugh hold on. I’m sure it’s shit out of tune but whatever.

Maeve: I think it goes like this... uh...

Jason Emerson 2026/09/06(Sun)02:12 No. 1131678 ID: 330254
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Rocko: Ya know... I have a girl about your age.

Rocko: Haven’t spoken to her in years.

Rocko: We never saw eye-to-eye. I know I’ve made some decisions that weren’t perfect. Hindsight is 20/20 and all.

Rocko: She’s out there somewhere, though.

Rocko: Kids...

Rocko: They just... dive head-first into all sorts of trouble.

Rocko: They just don’t fuckin’ think. They just... do. They do the opposite of everything you tell them to. Even if they know it will hurt you.

Rocko: You can love ‘em and prepare them for the world and it still aint enough.

Rocko: If you think about having children of your own just don’t expect them to reciprocate that love. You just gotta keep ‘em fed and then they’re outta there.

Yeah? Tell me about them. Surely you have one fond memory or story to share about them? Sounds like somewhere inside ya, you cared enough about'em.

dunno man, kids are more perceptive than you think. And well, they're young. Those mistakes, that as an adult you knew weren't that big, to a kid they're formative experiences.

Absurdity DeVoid 2026/09/04(Fri)23:52 No. 1131667 ID: 47e901
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2olTqKve80

Absurdity DeVoid 2026/09/04(Fri)23:52 No. 1131668 ID: 47e901
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMIvMdCL2H4

Eh? didn't you bring us here? Not sure who's in charge of that then.

Are you sure you didn't want us here to listen to your troubles? sounds like you've had it rough.

Oh dear, having a hard time are we? You look as though you just had a flashback. I’ve seen that look before, it’s the look of man remembering when he was tortured, remembering his pain. Want to discuss it? It’s not like I’m going anywhere.

We can't, you're too interesting now. It's like trying not to think about something, you'll think it anyway. Either you drown it out or live with our tinnitus-sounds. Or Essence shifts our attention from you.

Anywho, have some questions.

1) You remember yourself as a scraper in the hands of an old sailor, fixing a ship or dock? That a metaphor or somehow literal? Given Corax looks like a set of pliers, I'm assuming y'all are sentient metal tools.

2) Who is Ana or Essence?

3) Why do you need to specifically shoot Corax in the head? What happens if you don't?

>>1131560
Huh, why was that hot place next to a cold place...?
Oh... it was a heating duct. We were in the vents. I'm guessing the cold bright direction was a different exit from the vents, towards an air conditioned area? Or just an area that was less insulated from outside.

>slime can't walk on ice
Uh oh, we found a vulnerability! One that can be solved with clothing though.
A. Totally don't get captured or anything.

>>1131561
H. But also think about how you can modify your own body to produce acids or hardened tools to escape confinement. You could always turn into a gorilla and ape out.

For 'evil' slime:
A) Seems like the best option of the three (not counting meta-knowledge that the humans are actively searching for you). Just smuggle yourself on someone.

B) Is a very bad idea, as it could lead getting harmed (explosion/heat) or it working too well and freezing/overheating everything and leading to a lot of creatures and plants dying.

C) Is a bad idea because the outside is also likely cold/frozen.

D) Throw/toss slime globs at the plants (if not enclosed) like spitballs or snowballs to remotely slime the plants.

E) Commendeer some warm clothes and proceed into cold storage witH extra insulation. There's bound to be a warm uniform around for a place like this.

For 'Good' slime:
G) and H) - do both! Split yourself (with instructions this time). One of you heads back to the ship (Guy can help), the other surrenders peacefully.

I) Set up the classic 'bucket over door' prank but with slime.

A) and G) We are not going down without a fight!

For the ice trap, can you split yourself in two? Leave the trapped part behind while letting the bigger part of youself to be free. As for the other scenatrio surrender and hope to negotiate.

BG. Time it so the break allows the other slime to escape.

B) Show Eezeryh some love by picking out the best science bug accesories

D) I mean when else are you gonna

A/d, tilde-ly.

A, e

B normally, A lewdly

She’s opening up bit by bit, let’s give Eez some nice bling! Some hoops hanging around those head spikes of hers might look nice if she ever wanted some extra flare, like how mammals wear earrings… just without the piercing part, probably. Make ‘em sparkly!

Also, those goggles might be a little dirty after all this time, maybe she could use a different set of eyewear for a while? She’ll probably fight us on that one, though…

As for yourself, uh, yeah, thigh highs. Those are real good.

>>1131543
B or c. Most people probably won't even care that much of they walk in on it, she's practically naked and he's literally naked already and nobody notices because of their species.

>Questions
If she likes bottomless and he likes titties, what do they both think of crotchboobs?

Twist 2026/09/03(Thu)21:12 No. 1131621 ID: f69ece
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(11/12)

Stand's blade swings up as the tree falls, meeting and breaking through its trunk in the momentum.

Blessedly, the tree doesn't continue moving, falling to motionless wood as soon as the Captain's blade is clear.

That wasn't really all that bad, was it?

Twist 2026/09/03(Thu)21:12 No. 1131622 ID: f69ece
File 178846995480.png - (700.16KB , 1000x750 , 13-12.png )

(12/12)

After that first attack, the remaining trees are little threat, and the three of you manage to stop their assault without much further incident. You're all scratched up, and you're sure you'll be developing some interesting new bruises overnight, but you're all more or less intact, allowing you and your companions a moment to catch your breath.

Is there anything you would like to do before you retire for the night?

Yeah! Take that, nature!

>anything else to do?
I don't think we've done an inventory check. What kind of supplies do we have?

Chop ALL the nearby trees out of paranoia. Use the remaining time to set up a split-log cabin.

So was this a regular tree attack or do they think the enemy is on to them?

>>1130892
The blue and red readings are probably Miller and Mary.
>contained figures both dark aligned
Huh, I think you can spot doppelgangers this way. That is incredibly useful. Well, unless the dark alignment is due to the containment devices. Speaking of those... I wonder what the attached tanks are doing. Are they draining Will? Or are they fueling the containment?
Hmm. Freeing the robotic doppelganger is slightly tempting. She can't possibly pretend to be anyone else, so if she helps us with the fight against Hella, we could agree to shelter her somewhere without worry of her managing an impersonation. On the other hand, we do not know where her allegiances lie, not without a deep understanding of how the minds of doppelgangers work.

Looks like the reading to the "north" is related to the Feather, so we could go that way later.

>Hella's letter, pictured figure in containment, pore?
Ok, I think I know what the problem is. The letter that was in the envelope, regarding the pore, was not present. It's probably in Hella's desk, which obviously we weren't able to search.
The other scraps of paper were nearby by coincidence and are not necessarily related to the pore or letter. At least we now know that Miller's photo was taken of him wearing the mask and coat... and holding a staff or spear? Or maybe that's someone else in the same getup.

>seems sudden, we don't know what Hella is capable of
True. How would we investigate our opponent though? Maybe we can ask the captive doppelgangers? Or do Miller and Mary know anything about Hella?

That symbol to the north, is it related to the feather? it looks similar to the large symbol we interacted with, but that was seven pointed while this one is five. but we have seen this exact one before, on one of the wall carvings in that same room. I don't think we determined what it meant.
and are we sensing, a house?

(1/2) kpwlt 2026/09/03(Thu)13:30 No. 1131606 ID: 127310
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>The blue and red readings are probably Miller and Mary.

Sam would tend to agree.

>That symbol to the north, is it related to the feather?
>and are we sensing, a house?

Sam recognises this symbol from a few places before. She does not recognise it as meaning anything in particular. She vaguely remembers it as appearing under or in what may have been a drawing of a well, next to a skull and crossbones.

It’s more like a wide arrow containing the symbol than a house. But Sam supposed she could be sensing a sort of ‘abode’ of whatever is meant by the five pointed symbol, in an abstract sense.

>Are they draining Will? Or are they fueling the containment?

Sam doesn’t know for sure, but she has heard tales of certain techniques and rituals used by particularly cunning mystics to hold dungeon doors closed with the prisoner’s very own force of Will. If these stories are true, then it wouldn’t be the most outlandish thing to expand such a concept to a machine.

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(2/2) kpwlt 2026/09/03(Thu)13:30 No. 1131607 ID: 127310
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Sam and the group return to Miller and Mary. Mary regards them with an expression halfway between a grimace and a grin.

MARY: “Done.. already?”

SIMONE: “Awh, sorry Mary. Not yet.”

UBERTO: ”We just wanted to know if there was anything else you could tell us about Hella.”

MARY: “She replaced.. Quartermaster, Koroviev. After WOLAND pulled out of the Well. To defend assets here.”

MILLER: “I have heard that she is capable of a great many things.”

MARY: “Hah. Well, I think.. She’s a one- trick pony. Just to put on a show to. Scare away intruders. Her real power… was sent in a letter. Watch for that dark power, don’t get burnt. And you’re golden.”

MILLER: “But look at what she’s done to you! Clearly, her one trick is effective.”

MARY: “Hmmph.”

Hella always appears in the same spot eh? So we have our ambush spot.

Now could we rig the collector's cell to release her exactly when we want. It sounds like we wouldn't want her loose until Hella arrives

rolled 18, 12, 19, 17, 14, 13, 3, 20, 17, 14, 2, 19, 11, 17, 6, 2, 11, 10, 20, 16 = 261

---

>Notably, the thumb on Zalkezia's burnt hand was completely unscathed.
Possibly she has some kind of implant- the thumb might be a logical place for identification-tech. That, or Paprika's treatment is transferable. Probably best to keep quiet about it for now.

>Doesn't take much reading between the lines to realize she also doesn't trust you much, and is trying to avoid needlessly spilling exploitable secrets to folks who might be evil, or just crazy.
A regrettably understandable reaction when your first interaction with someone is snapping and yelling trauma in their face.

>she also sneakily starts up a completely separate conversation in Uxphonese hand-sign: passes Nat the note in Cricket's handwriting, >>1130726 gesturally asking "should I?"
Is this the manner of politics Cricket is used to? She makes it sound so dire.

Natalina can't imagine that Cricket intends to harm Malia, and a common background seems a solid basis for establishing a new diplomatic channel after the arkus herself made a mess of directly approaching the princess. (Even the idea of attempted 'cide of one's own family feels foreign to Natalina, but well, she knows very well that not everyone's situation is the same). She signs her assent.

Apparently assisting in first aid improved on her poor first impression for Malia to have asked her in the first place. Although the arkus isn't sure how the exile knew they shared that language- an assumption based on her communication with the

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>>1130970
>Reiko does a triple check on the systems and ensures Princess Zalkezia can't override her authority.
>rolled 20
The "entertainment console" is Turing-complete, outputs directly to control the food printer as well as some life-support functions, and Zalkezia apparently knows its syntax well enough to attempt arbitrary code execution - or at least has a few useful formulas memorized, given how quickly she convinced it to produce medical supplies.

Food printer seems to have some safeguards - there's a long list of things it'll refuse to synthesize and extrude, among which Reiko spots dimethylmercury as well as the active ingredients of cholera and botulinum - but if it gets a request for something it's physically unable to produce (including living cells, solid metal, explosives, or anything at all that's not roughly the size and shape of a hockey puck), that simply gets passed on to the ship's main molecular loom without so much as an "are you sure?"
Said molecular loom is currently out of commission, but there's no need to leave such a security hole wide open. New standing order means the ship won't fabricate anything until Reiko has either signed off on it, or been out of contact for a hundred hours.

>Then she puts on that frilly maid outfit she was planning to show off to Azure.
>And puts on a comically-serious attempt at negotiations to get Zalkezia to start rambling over the cutie.
>rolled 11
Social engineering failed, but it was a very near thing. Could try again with Effort, or when Malia's more

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rolled 9, 15, 9, 13, 7, 6, 4, 19, 13, 9, 17, 19, 9, 8, 16, 19, 2, 19, 8, 7 = 228

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>>1131367
>Once the princess finishes correctly entering that QR code, upper copy starts to churn, swell, feed on itself, and spread across the whole ceiling, eventually stabilizing
Ah, interesting! The ceiling controls more than just the life support settings; complex images can be stored as codes or ciphers, which it can unpack and display. Zalkezia doesn't seem to have seen this before- which raises the question of who (or when) that pattern was stored in those memory-ant like bottles. (Given the princess' understandable lack of trust, probably not worth spending limited goodwill on asking now, though).

>cryptic diagram vaguely similar to the Pioneer plaque. Format of the labels on certain oddly-positioned dots within that diagram has a striking resemblance to certain symbols the University of Doors was using to refer to the "ballast nodes" of Banded Mesa's inaccessible innermost ring.
What does Natalina make of that? Training in history, perception, and/or transdimensional navigation all seem like they could be relevant. Applying Understanding and one level of Intellect Effort. Might also benefit from a modification if any of the NPCs have relevant insight and are willing to help. Also willing to use a book if any are applicable (the autobiography has some connection to cloud giants, or astronomy might be relevant if there's coordinates for the nightcraft). Taking half an hour to improve relations examining a clue seems worth it and relatively safe- and probably buys plenty of time for Cricket and Malia.

>>1131515
> Zalkezia doesn't seem to have seen this before- which raises the question of who (or when) that pattern was stored in those memory-ant like bottles. (Given the princess' understandable lack of trust, probably not worth spending limited goodwill on asking now, though).
>rolled 9
Conveniently, that spills out from subsequent conversation among the princess's followers, without Nat needing to explicitly ask. There's another native sapient species in Branu's Kiss, known as the "saunukar." They're somewhat humanoid - Devyn is said to resemble one - and on much friendlier terms with the humans in general and Zalkezia in particular, presenting her with gifts (including that set of bottles, in this case) as well as a short traditional poem (more like a treasure map, including mention of the Grinder of Infinities, with just enough formal structure to make it easier to remember) whenever she re-appears.
>trained in history
Based on the few fragments you've picked up of each, sounds like Dramath and Saunukar religious traditions might possibly be schisms from a common source, or the result of indoctrination by long-vanished agents of opposing factions in some larger conflict.

Despite being broadly regarded as friendly, or at least less threatening, apparently saunukar hunt, kill, and eat humans on an almost routine basis, while dramath approximately never do? Temptation to pry with follow-up questions is fierce.

>What does Natalina make of that [cryptic diagram]? Training in history, perception, and/or transdimensional navigation all seem like they could be relevant.
Perception woul

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rolled 3, 20, 7, 4, 11, 20, 2, 8, 12, 11, 2, 18, 18, 16, 3, 9, 17, 20, 3, 8 = 212

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Reiko does some research, starting with the bottle itself; there are too many fundamental acts of arrogance imposed upon the cosmos to get an accurate reading based on physics extrapolation, but that form of 'liquid map' isn't exactly common. Even the bottle's shape itself seems off, so its style might be from an earlier time period. The datasphere should have some information on when the bottles were popular and among who, and from there Reiko can download a few star maps during those time periods and see which ones almost line up with the map.