Complete 18+ Private Dunnstads The Darkest Lake

Aika · Apr 7, 2023

Aika was wearing a cute bathing suit. It was a number she had made a great effort to track down. Even in Stokbon, the selection wasn't up to par, up to her tastes. They all seemed very...peasant-like, and Aika's tastes were of a much higher standard. Or at least she liked to think so.

"You know, when you said you needed me, I immediately felt butterflies fluttering inside of me. When you said, you were bringing me to a village by the coast, I knew I needed to get cleaned up through and through. You should have instead said we were here to do something else than have a much-needed vacation. I look like an idiot now."

Aika heaved a sigh as she stood there, arms crossed, glaring at the massive tangle of reeds stretching up into the sky, as if they were all praying to the gods to be put out of their misery. She could relate. She, too, felt like she should pray to all the gods to be put out of her misery. This was not what she expected when she received a missive from her companion asking her to come with him to Dunnstads for some quality time together. She should have expected that he only meant to enlist her services for his mundane chore of getting supplies.

"Honestly, I don't get it. Don't you have landers to do this for you? Why are you getting the supplies yourself? We should be vacationing in a much lovelier coastal village instead, me wearing a sexy bikini and you... I don't really care what you wear or do, as long as you pay for my beach vacation."

Aika was nothing if not honest. Or at least brutally honest when she finds amusement in being such. The man with him was well-known for having businesses with which he employed landers to do his bidding. Yet Aika also owed this man for saving a friend of hers a long time ago, in what felt like a lifetime ago. So, no, she couldn't have said no to him. Even if she wanted to.

As they made their approach toward the village, Aika noticed a series of rickety towers lashed together by rope and plank bridges set in haphazard patterns. What the actual fuck? This was definitely not the cute beach village she had imagined. She scowled all the way closer. Fortunately for her, she had her actual gear stowed with her, so all she needed was a place to change clothes and she'd be all set to...do whatever they were supposed to do there. Die, hopefully.

@Chrys

Chrys · Apr 14, 2023

Inside of you? Damn, choose better words, you perv. Chrys shook his head. He wasn't quite sure what to make of this less hostile and more clingy version of the girl he had met weeks ago, months even, whose friend he had saved from long-term incarceration and perhaps even execution. Was clingy even the right word? Uncomfortable probably? Well, he was the one made uncomfortable but not for long.

"I never said anything about a beach vacation, @Aika. I only asked if you could accompany me to a village by the coast, and you said yes even before I could tell you what for. Also, you don't look like an idiot. You look very good."

Highly inappropriate but very good, no less. Chrys thought appealing to her sense of pride would be a good choice to shut her up, but at the same time, he really did think she looked good. All things are beautiful, and Aika brought that to the next level. As per usual. Even during their first encounter, when she was still a snobby piece of shit, she already had the charm and beauty to mesmerize anyone and everyone she wanted. All she needed was confidence, and it seemed, she had found it somehow.

"Let's just say, things are a little weird at the company right now and I do enjoy doing things for myself every now and then."

Chrys frowned as he downplayed the aftermath of Szofrit's little tantrum just a few days, maybe even weeks ago, and tried to spin her words to a more positive promise of things to come.

"We could still do that...after we're done here."

But then, from the corner of his eyes, Chrys saw a group of eight fishermen, or was it nine, walking toward them. With a smile on his face, he greeted them all with a great day, only for them to start yelling and screaming as they ran toward them. Chrys could only turn to Aika with wide eyes. Maybe she shouldn't have been wearing that bikini, after all.

Rolls

Ladies first!

❰ Chrys' Build Sheet ❱

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There are nine hostile fishermen, eight are re-flavored Bandit Scouts and one is a re-flavored Bandit Boss.
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 8 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Aika · Apr 17, 2023

When @Chrys turned to look at where Aika had been, however, she was no longer there. It was as if she had been nothing more than mist, evaporated at the first sign of danger. Did the fishermen even see here? Probably not until it was too late, and it was too late for two of them.

"Don't just stand there, you hunky idiot! Help me!"

When Aika reappeared slightly to the right, and farther from the majestic body of water in the area, she had already thrown steel knives at two of their aggressors, one for each. As soon as cold steel pierced their flesh, severing their respective arteries, Aika tugged on the semi-invisible hard water string attached to the projectile, allowing her to retrieve both of them without the need to get dangerously close to the clearly hostile thugs.

Unfortunately for her, the hostile fishermen had no plans of going down without a fight, and she felt the anguish of their final attack, two spears, grazing her otherwise perfect flesh. Aika winced in pain as she tried to move back, far from their range, but to no avail. She should have expected such a final gambit. If only she wasn't distracted by the fact that she was fighting in a bikini. This would be better if I had a better audience, but a bunch of aged fishermen and Chrys? Ugh.

❰ Aika's Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 6 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Chrys · Apr 19, 2023

Well, this isn't going to be fair. Once again, Chrys shook his head. It had taken him longer to notice where the sexy rogue had gone, and when he finally did, he was pretty impressed at how she just took down two of their antagonists, only to wince when he saw her get retaliated on.

With a heavy sigh, he held out his hand as he slowly walked toward her and the fishermen, and stones and sand accumulated in the empty space between and around it until they formed his Claymore of the Fated Loyalist (Greatsword).

Wielding the heavy two-edged broadsword, Chrystopheles slashed toward Aika, sending stony outcrops forth, bludgeoning the two idiots that went too close to the bikini-wearing temptress and even knocking them out just like that. Easy.

"Gentlemen, if you could all be so kind as to not bleed in our direction, that would be appreciated."

Heh. I'm so hilarious. Chrys continued moving forward, ignoring the spears being thrown at him, the steel blades clanging against his armor that he also revealed via the unnecessary earth magic that was more aesthetic than useful. The massive mountain man put on a smirk, his confidence at an all-time high. Dude had taken down one of Szofrit's generals by himself. How the fuck were a bunch of fisherman going to stop him?

"Now, can we please talk this out? I'm very certain this is all just a hilarious misunderstanding."

Once again, a brilliant play, if he did think so himself, and he did. Unfortunately for the God of Rocks, the fishermen ignored his words, all seemingly stark-raving mad. "They're Starcalled! Travelers!" Their would-be leader screamed. "Take them! They will make for abundant offerings to the Deep Mother!"

The fucking what now? Deep...Mother? Fuck me, another Mother?! What is up with mothers in this game? Do the developers have mommy issues or something? Then again, who didn't?

❰ Chrys' Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 4 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Aika · Apr 20, 2023

Aika winced as two more spears came flying at her, this time grazing her flawless legs, one on each. She could almost swear, but before she could lose her poise and grace, an outcropping of earth suddenly rose to defend her from more of the same assault.

"Did they just say Deep Mother? Are we getting attacked by pizza chefs?"

She thought it was funny. Deep Mother, deep dish pizza? Bah, people from Chicago will get it! Then a brilliant idea came to mind, which Aika immediately executed in the most flawless of fashion, not to mention precision. Creating hard water strings, through the porous outcropping of earth, she wrapped them around the necks of two of the closest fisherman, trapping them, before immediately pulling them toward the same outcropping, thereby rendering them unconscious with the sheer impact. Nothing to it.

"God of Rocks, you need to end this! They're harming my perfect legs!"

Aika made a whining sound as she, well, whined. It was starting to get to her. She was starting to get annoyed. She'd rather not lose her cool in the presence of someone who wasn't Devi. She rarely lost her cool but this was becoming too much. She was in her bikini, for gods' sake! Have these fishermen no modesty?!

❰ Aika's Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 2 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Chrys · Apr 24, 2023

Chrys couldn't help but smirk at @Aika's comment about the pizza. He didn't even think about that reference. Then again, he's faced a Leviathan at the Lament and she hasn't, so when anyone says "deep" in this game now, his mind always immediately goes to the massive things that lurked underneath the waters. Never a good time.

"Maybe you should rest for a bit, Aika. Make sure you won't suffer a wardrobe malfunction or whatever. Daddy can handle these two."

Chrys wasn't referring to himself as Aika's daddy, though in the context, that could be rationally assumed. Instead, he intended to refer to himself as the daddy of the pair of hostile fishermen now close to him as he continued to approach. Someone's butts are about to get slapped and they both deserve it. UWU.

"You were warned! Now you die."

"You fools!" Their would-be leader screamed again. "The Deep Mother will have you! One way or another!" Chrys, however, wasn't buying it. As it has been mentioned, he's dealt with a Leviathan and a Mother of the Machines before. How dangerous could a Deep Mother be? The geomancer took a step, made a turn with his claymore high up in the air, and slammed the weapon's blunt edge to paddle-smash two of the hostile fishermen into the sea. Batter up!

Fucking noice. Meanwhile, sand spiraled around Aika, mitigating any damage done to her and protecting her from additional harm. One left. Chrys approached their would-be leader with a smile, taking his time like a true menace.

❰ Chrys' Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 0 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Aika · Apr 27, 2023

As soon as @Chrys suggested she hang back, Aika simply gave him a thumbs-up and immediately disappeared, turning into mist. Reappearing behind a huge rock closer to the water than she would have liked, the ravishing rogue heaved a sigh as she checked her heels. Ugh! I knew I shouldn't have worn this stupid sexy bikini before I laid eyes on the beach!

From where she hid, she could hear the continued conflict between the massive mountain man and the remaining fisherman. In theory, she could've taken them all rather easily, every single one of those hostile fishermen. However, for that to have happened, she needed to have NOT been spotted first. It was easier to dispose of an army when they weren't expecting you. Otherwise, you'd have to fight them in broad daylight while wearing a stupid sexy bikini.

"Chrys? Are you all right? More importantly, are you done?"

She asked out loud after rehydrating herself with her Hydromancy. At least with her skills, she didn't need to succumb to dry throat or dry skin. There was water all around them, and Aika only needed a bit of her power to make sure that what got on and in her was pure water without that icky salty flavor.

❰ Aika's Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 0 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Chrys · Apr 29, 2023

With @Aika out of the way, Chrys was left standing toe to toe with the remaining hostile fisherman, their leader clearly. He had to wonder, though: If he wasn't around, would Aika have survived this ambush? Most likely not, especially when she was only wearing a bikini. He shook his head, trying to interrupt what he felt were creeping creepy thoughts regarding that matter. There was still the lone fisherman to deal with.

"What's this Deep Mother you speak of, peasant? Tell Daddy, or Daddy will have to beat that information out of you."

Chrys pointed his massive greatsword at the enemy, emphasizing with it the part about beating the information out of him. He had already seen his friends get taken out with one swing of Chrys' claymore. There was no reason to doubt he wouldn't suffer the same fate. Alas, the twisted faith of the man seemed strong, as his only reply was a spit at Chrys' armor and a useless but loud charge. "YOU ARE NOT WORTHY TO SPEAK THE DEEP MOTHER'S NAME, FOOL!"

Chrys was caught surprised by the sheer stupidity of the move that the fisherman managed to scratch his cheek with his spear. Fortunately for the geomancer, his sand-like aura mitigated the damage. It helped that he also moved his face out of the way at the last moment. But Chrys was growing annoyed now, and in retaliation, he instinctively struck the man's leg with the blunt edge of his claymore, sending him face-first into the ground, which Chrys propped up through his geomancy, knocking the idiot unconscious. Stupid Deep Motherfucker...

Shaking his head, Chrys began to walk away, to look for Aika, when he heard the man groan from behind him. "Fool... The Deep Mother... She'll...have you...soon enough..." Chrys heaved a sigh as he bowed his head, clearly not into this sad display of foolish weakness. He took a look at his claymore, knowing what he must do now, what he must say as a response:

"She can have...DEEZ NUTS."

GOTTEM! Chrys snickered as he turned around, proud of himself for that stupid, childish quip.

❰ Chrys' Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 0 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 1 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Aika · May 6, 2023

When Aika didn't receive a response from @Chrys, she clenched her jaw. She was more concerned that she'd have to fight the remaining fisherman alone. It wasn't a concern on whether she'd win because, damn right, she would. It was more of a concern about how he'd fight. He'd probably stink like the fresh fish that he handled all day, and combined with his own sweat from the sun's hotness? Aika didn't like that combination.

So, from where she hid, Aika switched her outfit from the stupid sexy bikini she was wearing to her normal clothes. We're not going to describe that process here, you pervert. She then took out her bow, and after bracing herself with some deep breathing, she came out from behind her cover and just shot the guy dead with an arrow made entirely of hardened water.

She stopped in her tracks when she realized what she had done, her eyes switching between a dumbfounded Chrys and the fisherman leader already on the ground, her hard water arrow slowly dissolving back to regular water, leaving the hole in the man's head empty open and gaping.

"Oh... Did you already take him out? In my defense, I did ask you if you were done, but you were screaming about nuts, so I thought you needed my help."

Aika didn't want to be the kind of person to steal other people's kills, but apparently, she had become exactly that. But whose fault was it really? It was most definitely not hers. If anyone was at fault here, it was Chrys! She asked him a question and he didn't answer. What was she supposed to think? He should be glad she came to his rescue!

❰ Aika's Build Sheet ❱

Hostile Fishermen

(Reflavored Bandit Scouts)

❰ 0 / 8 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 45
DC: 30
Spear Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Hostile Fisherman tosses a ratty old spear at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Hostile Fisherman.

Hostile Fisherman Leader

(Reflavored Bandit Boss)

❰ 0 / 3 ❱

Retaliation Damage: 30
DC: 35
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

Chrys · May 7, 2023

Chrystopheles heaved a sigh of disappointment when @Aika stole his final kill. He had been looking forward to it, which was definitely unhealthy, all things considered, but let the quiet disappointment drown out any possible hateful anger that could have bubbled from deep within. After all, she was no longer wearing that stupid sexy bikini. That should be a win of its own, right?

"Yes, but it's all right. You were trying to help and that's all that matters."

He heaved another sigh as he unarmed himself by staring at his claymore that turned to the very earth beneath his feet and then dissolve into dust and stones in his very hand, a cool aesthetic effect and nothing more. After that, Chrystopheles looked on ahead and began walking to the seaboard village of Slopdollop, which was their place of destination, ignoring the unconscious bodies of hostile fishermen around them.

"Let's continue on our way, Aika. The village awaits. We can get you some ample rest there and for myself the supplies Lyrwick needs."

As soon as he had taken around five to six steps away, however, the sands around the bodies shifted, burying the bodies except for their faces. That way, if they were still alive, they could just wake up later and free themselves from the earth, that extra work from the latter bit an appropriate comeuppance for attacking him and his companion.

Aika · May 8, 2023

Well, talk about an ingrate. Hmph! Aika scowled when @Chrys proceeded to just walk away and resume their travels as if they didn't just get ambushed. He didn't even thank her for saving his life, just dismissing her attempt as nonchalantly as possible. If he wasn't rich, she would've just left him then and there. No amount of rugged handsomeness can excuse such rudeness. He didn't even praise my figure!

To torment the businessman, Aika took her time resting whenever she could, making sure her HP would be replenished to its full potential. Sure, she could have done the same when they were already in that seaboard village, but it amused her whenever Chrys had to bite his tongue, rein in an annoying word or two, save for a long-drawn sigh of extreme disappointment. It was a game to her, and it seemed she was winning.

But then, she saw something, sensed something, a lot of things. From the distance, another set of fishermen was fast approaching. Aika turned to Chrys with a look of concern. If this was another ambush, perhaps they would be better prepared with her disappearing into thin air.

"Another group of hostiles? I'll surprise them."

Without even waiting for Chrys' response, Aika used her Hydromancy to turn herself into a fine mist, sneaking off to parts unknown, no longer visible. All the while, the ravenous rogue took out her bow and prepared to fire at the six—no, eight...nine?—fisherfolk, having taken a post east of Chrys, behind another outcropping of rock. Steady... Wait for them to attack Chrys...

Chrys · May 9, 2023

Oh, for the love of me! Chrystopheles turned to where @Aika had been, but before he could even say a word to her, she was already gone. This was her fault, wasn't it? If she hadn't taken so much time relaxing whenever she could, they might have avoided this new group, they might've been inside the village of Slopdollop already! Not another round of punching the poor! I hate the poor! Thank the gods Chrys didn't have Twitter or he'd get cancelled for that thought. Rightfully so.

There were nine of them, all fishermen, with the exception of one fat guy who was waving his arms up in the air, as if gesturing for a truce or an imagined helicopter to land and rescue them from their financial status. Chrys wouldn't be able to relate. He's currently rich as fuck, all thanks to that mining expedition in Zalra and of course his steady income from his mining business. The same guy was also wearing what reminded him of priestly vestments, and upon being close enough, started wailing in strange noises: "BNABSDABSD! BANMSBDMNABSDMNBASDHW! ASDBHASBD, ABSDBASDB ABSDNABSD IHIHHHJKASDH HAKJHSDHASD!"

Chrys had no idea what the guy was saying, so he raised his hand to gesture to Aika, wherever she was, to not fucking shoot until he satiated his curiosity. Also make sure these were friendlies, but more importantly, that curiosity bit. Chrys didn't really care about poor people. Maybe when he becomes poor again, he'd lament that ruin, but for now? Eww, poor people.

"Hello? I can't understand what you're saying. Can you understand what I'm saying? Was that even a language? Or are you just screwing with me?"

When the group finally came too close for comfort, Chrys realized that the priest had food in his fucking mouth. What a gods-damned glutton! "I said, hello, new friend! Sorry, I had half a turkey leg in my mouth. We've been patrolling the area for hours, I got hungry. Are you well? Do you need help? Come, let us help you to our village! It is not safe out here, with those deviants roaming the coast!"

Deviants? Roaming the coast? Chrys realized the fat man was probably talking about the guys that attacked them. He wasted no time in learning more, forgetting that Aika was still on standby.

"Oh, well, who are you, exactly? And are you talking about Slopdollop? We're on our way there ourselves!"

The fat priest squinted at Chrys, appearing confused. "What do you mean 'we', my friend? You're the only one here! And yes, Slopdollop! I'm Poodeepie, the town priest. The Sea Father answered our prayer by delivering you. We help you, and you help us. Plus, you'll be rewarded for your assistance! Now, come, before we get ambushed by those pagans!"

Sea Father? Poo...dee...pie? Chrys was starting to get it. Well, some of it. There was a religious war going on, a religious civil war, most likely between the Deep Mother worshippers they had just beaten up and these Sea Father morons. What a perfect time for Aika to appear and introduce herself, so that these idiots wouldn't think he's crazy. She wouldn't let weirdos think he was crazy, right? Aika! Come out! Introduce yourself, you stupid sexy slobber knocker!

Aika · May 10, 2023

Well, if that wasn't her cue to make her grand entrance, nothing would be. So, Aika elegantly reappeared beside @Chrys, bow already stowed in order to make sure she wouldn't appear as any sort of threat to this new fisherman squad. She had been listening to everything that has been shared and had herself a few questions regarding the whole shebang. But first, introductions.

"He means 'we,' as in him...and me. He's Chrystopheles of Lyrwick's Golden God Mining Company, and I'm Aika, one half of the World's Greatest Lovers ."

And now for the questions. Aika gave Chrys a look that meant they should follow their much kinder fisherfolk companions. Compared to their ambushers from earlier, these people seemed to be less hostile, and that was something they could use to their advantage. They also seemed willing to pay for their services, and if she's learned anything from the namesake Golden God, it's that getting paid is always the top priority.

"Poodiepie, wasn't it? We're willing to assist you folks, but perhaps you can explain further what is troubling you and the town?"

The priest did not hesitate to explain further once the pair did as they were told, hurrying to get out of there and into the seaboard village. "The inhabitants of Slopdollop have always lived in harmonious service to the will of the Sea Father since...ever," he began, finding his own words exciting, much to Aika's dismay. That could only mean one thing: This old foggy loved the sound of his voice too much. "Of course, there would always be a few so-called visionaries popping up here and there every now and then, but the trouble they stirred would always easily pass."

"A few weeks ago, however, my own daughter, Bleepbloop, experienced a powerful vision of the Deep Mother, proclaiming her the new goddess of our people. With these claims backed up by her sudden increase in magical power, new followers immediately flocked to her," the priest heaved a sigh, the burden of her own kin's betrayal a clear source of pain for him. "Now, we are a people split in two...fighting amongst ourselves."

"Huh... So a new deity, of sorts, has come to town... What has the old one done in response to this clear breach of territory? And where do we come in?"

Aika crossed her arms over her chest, turning to Chrys with a look of concern. Were they going to have to fight an actual god? This game has gods? Aika has yet to encounter anything remotely associated with the concept of divinity. She hasn't even died yet. Either way, at least she was going to get paid. That's all that mattered in the grander scheme of things.

Chrys · May 11, 2023

Chrystopheles returned @Aika's gaze with a simple shrug. Her introductions were decent, and she managed to wring out more useful information from the priest than he had, so he could say nothing else. Instead, he just listened to the two converse. The priest continued speaking, droning on and on about other things before actually answering the ravishing rogue's actual concerns. "These...followers of the Deep Mother have been making an increasing number of offerings on her altar—killing blood sacrifices then casting bloody chum into the waters of the Darkest Lake, where it is consumed by...something."

Aha! There it was. Chrys found the perfect opportunity to finally butt in, to make his voice heard, but first he had to cross his arms over his chest and make a pondering face as if things were more serious than it was simple.

"You want us to find out what that something is? And maybe stop the unnecessary killings? Is that it?"

"Something like that," the priest nervously turned to the other fishermen around them, but they all avoided his gaze. None of them seemed to want to join the conversation. It made Chrys smirk, only for that smirk to turn into a frown when the fat man continued. "We actually want to use you as bait."

Chrys squinted at the man, offended and confused at the same time.

"What...the actual...fuck?"

The priest would not be deterred, however, and despite Chrys' disbelief, continued: "Now, hear me out... The Deep Mother's priest needs humanoid sacrifices, and you two represent a prize collection in that regard. We," he turned to the fishermen who continued avoiding his gaze, and now also started avoiding the adventurers' stares, "...will offer you both as a 'token of peace and reconciliation' to get closer to the Deep Mother's priest—except you, both of you, will not be helpless prisoners, but infiltrators." Chrys just continued squinting at the guy while he hurriedly got to the end of his entire spiel. "We just want you to disrupt this upstart faction's rituals, allowing our true believers, the Sea Father's faithful worshippers, to, so to speak, cut off the head of this cult. We promise that you, both of you, will be well rewarded for your participation. What say you?"

Those were a lot of words for basically 'we're gonna bait them with you guys so we can kill them' but the prospective financial reward was too great of a, well, bait for Chrys to ignore. So he just turned to Aika, wondering if she did have anything else to say, anything that would not be similar to his 'you had me at well rewarded.' Chrys is an old dog, and you can't teach his greed new tricks.

Aika · May 15, 2023

Bait? Aika immediately turned to @Chrys with an offended scowl. How dare they? Turn someone as magnificent as her into mere bait! Then again... The gears in her head began to turn. Wouldn't she, a woman so lovely and magnificent, make the most sought-after bait? If not her, then who? Who would be so lovely and magnificent as to draw in the most predatory of villains?

"We'll do it!"

She suddenly blurted out, surprising even the priest and the other fishermen. Perhaps even Chrys, though who really knew what a businessman was thinking at a time like this? Certainly not her. Aika was less of a businesswoman and more of the business itself.

"On one condition... You don't bind my hands or take my weapons. You've got the numbers, why would you care about a voluptuous lady's bow? Hmm?"

Aika gave the priest and his men a seductive wink that send their hearts careening into the abyss of no return. "O-of course! We would never even think of depriving my lady of full use of her hands or her majestic bow," the priest grinned, scratching his head. His men nodded at each other and at him, agreeing with the seductress' scheme. It was a wild gamble, which was made evident only to her companion when she gave him a look of 'just go with it, you old buffoon'. The priest and his men were oblivious to such things, still smitten by her attention, and simply gestured for them to continue moving. "That said, let us make haste, new allies, for Slopdollop awaits!"

Gross. Aika was not at all appreciative of the village's walls, which were simply heavy netting with sharp fishbone hooks woven into them. The gate they had to pass through was in the middle of the same wall. Judging from the looks of it, it might have been much harder to crawl through the netting without their escort, so this was truly the best course of action they could have taken. Either they get restrained in all that netting and even get pierced by the hooks. Definitely not a good look for her.

Soon, her eyes met those of the four guards stationed at the gate. The priest nodded at them and the foursome made way for their group. What did she say about this being the best course of action they could have taken? She should get an award for forcing Chrys to go through with this plan. As if on cue, she let her intrusive thoughts take over, whispering to her companion while beaming with pride.

"What did I tell you, hmm? Is this the best plan or is this the best plan? You know, you should listen to me more. I do have good ideas every now and again."

Aika was too engrossed in her premature celebration that she just stared at Chrys as they were delivered through the gates, oblivious to the half-dozen keelboats moored at the docks or any of the five groups of three fishermen patrols around the platforms of the water's edge. If she wasn't, then maybe she'd have bit off her tongue herself.

Chrys · May 16, 2023

Despite @Aika being outrageously distracting, in both actions and aesthetics, Chrystopheles could not look away from the nine-foot-tall statue standing where they were brought. Its entire body seemed roughly carved from some kind of wood in the shape of a humanoid male, its head and forearms formed from the severed head and claws of...something, a kind of shellfish or similar, what he did not know was actually a giant albino crayfish. These parts were lashed on with strands of gut and emitted an overpowering stench of rotting, well, shellfish.

At the statue's feet, shells, brightly colored stones, mushrooms, and more rotting fish are piled. The same things were also strung in garlands around the monument's neck. From the corner of his golden amber eyes, Chrys counted four stern fishermen slowly circling the statue, alert and on guard, while a few others milled about, gazing up at the statue and bowing repeatedly while chanting. Chrys whispered his reply to the ravishing rogue without even looking at her, more concerned about what could happen next.

"Oh, I don't think you'd consider this a win... Look around. We are so fucked, and not in a fun way."

Chrys tried to remember what kind of god the Sea Father was, but could not, most likely because he had never heard of such a deity. He spent most of his days in Lyrwick, deep within the land, far from the seas. Any talk of such a fishing-related deity would not happen around him. At least not normally.

If it did, he would realize that the Sea Father was a scavenger god, meaning that discarded and recovered items are worthy offerings—and the more personal the better. Therefore, regurgitating at the god's feet is considered a sincere show of faith. But Chrys could not remember or know this (maybe Aika can if she succeeds on a DC 75 Knowledge Check?).

"Father," another priest, younger than the fat man, greeted them as they approached the statue. With a quick hug, he addressed the adventurers' captor, secretly their ally, "I see you have brought...guests?" He then turned to the guards, and gave them a discreet nod, as if reassuring them that this was all unproblematic.

Poodiepie smiled at the younger priest, nodding his head. "Indeed, Glugglugglug, my son," he then gestured for the rest of the entourage to bring Chrys and Aika closer to a small hovel that was adjacent to the massive shrine, which was currently attended by four others. "I have brought guests. How is everything?"

Together, the pair walked calmly behind their "prisoners", appearing calm and unbothered. That was until they all entered what appeared to be their residence and the rest of the fishermen left them be, just the four of them, two outsiders and two...priests. "There was no need for outsiders to be involved in these sacred matters, father," said the son, clearly disapproving of this tactic.

Poodiepie, however, shook his head, responding to his son's concerns with a negligent wave, "We must flow with the currents of the god's visions." The son stood quiet for a few moments more, visibly annoyed if not angered, but ultimately relented, though he did throw Chrys an extremely hostile glare.

The fuck did I do?

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (29) + 0 = 29 (FAILED!)
Knowledge | Chrys | 1844 | You Dumb Mother Rocker

Aika · May 19, 2023

...oh. Aika looked around at @Chrys' behest and realized that her supposed "victory" was actually more of a bad thing. But wasn't this the plan in the first place? To be taken closer to their target so that they could neutralize them and save the village? Don't stress, you'll ruin your dress...

Catching a glimpse of the massive statue, the ravishing rogue squinted at it, the gears in her brain slowly creaking, working things out. Although she wasn't a believer, she'd had several entanglements with such people.

The idea of the Sea Father was starting to become familiar to her, mostly as her mind wandered to the previous jobs she had done with other fishermen from another part of the world. She whispered to Chrys the things she could remember, hoping they would be helpful to their current predicament. Forewarned is forearmed, after all, or something like that.

"I think I remember who this guy is... Definitely has another name... On the tip of my tongue, but basically, he's supposed to be a scavenger god, meaning that discarded and recovered items are worthy offerings—and the more personal the better."

Aika then waited for Chrys to look at her before pretending she was vomiting, or less disgustingly, regurgitating. That should drive her point home, whatever it was supposed to be. Soon, father and son started arguing among themselves before more fishermen arrived, twelve of them in fact, led by another rotund man. Poodeepie greeted them formally, "Greetings! Me, my son, and my...catch will need to see the archpriest of the Deep Mother. Please accompany us to his holiness."

The rotund man took one good look at the adventurers, and Aika offered her a very alluring smile, but he did nothing else but turn back to their supposed captor and nod. Together, their group was soon escorted to the altar of the Deep Mother near the docks, the adventurers roughly so, where the supposed archpriest awaited them. He was also round. Aika was starting to see a pattern here: round old men are super gross. Wait, that's not a man... That's a woman!

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (81) + 0 = 81 (Success! She's smarter than Chrys!)
Knowledge | Aika | 1844

Chrys · May 22, 2023

Chrystopheles heaved a sigh at @Aika's shared information. He wasn't too happy at the idea, the imagery, that suddenly popped in his head. A scavenger god? Were they the discarded and recovered offerings? But they weren't...personal, were they? Would there be something else to it? Great. Just great.

Before he could protest to her under his breath, however, Poodeepie spoke first, addressing the other archpriest. Or should we say, archpriestess? "The time has come," Poodeepie said, stepping forward across the span of the altar toward the other waiting for him there. "...for us to acknowledge your divine vision and welcome it. I have brought these as offerings." Their supposed captor gestured toward the pair of adventurers while he stood within a circle of guards behind him. "Will you not accept them?"

"You are wise, father," the younger archpriest replied, revealing herself to be Poodeepie's daughter, as previously mentioned. Chrystopheles squinted, realizing they did resemble each other, though too much. "I accept your offering in the name of the Deep Mother. May their blood nourish and strengthen her!" A raucous cheer went up from the surrounding fishermen, their fists raised in the air.

The followers of the Deep Mother suddenly brought out a bruised and bedraggled faerin, whom they were already prepared to sacrifice. The man screamed his protests. "P-please! Spare me! I'm just an innocent arms smuggler, I mean merchant! I can cut a deal with you folks, fine fishermen all of you!" Then he turned toward Chrystopheles and Aika, desperation obvious in his eyes. "Or you, two! Save me, and I'll do whatever you want! Please! I have kids! Had kids, but I sold them, but that's beside the point! HELP ME!"

Chrystopheles found another reason to scowl, turning to Aika with a look of disapproval. He whispered to her under his breath, extremely displeased.

"Like I said, this is most definitely not a win. I'm leaving."

Despite expressing certainty on that last part, the massive mountain man waited with baited breath for what else to come. Hopefully not the faerin's death, but either way, he was jut an NPC or something, no one important to Chrystopheles. People die, even NPCs. That's just the way of life.

Aika · May 29, 2023

Aika heaved an audible sigh, especially at @Chrys' cowardly, and more importantly, boring response. Sure, they were in great danger. Sure, someone, or perhaps maybe even more than one person, was going to die and get sacrificed. Sure, these people were insane. But wasn't he the least bit curious as to how all this was going to be resolved? Aika was, and she planned to see it through the end. Whatever end that may be.

"Oh, just relax, you old fuddy-duddy! I'm sure everything will be fine."

She whispered to him as the fishermen zealots began to parade around the altar in a wide circle, chanting as they went. Part of their path sent them splashing and wading through the shallows of the nearby lake. Aika herself was starting to realize that they all began to meld together, making it hard for her to tell which ones were their supposed secret allies and which ones were their enemies. She did, however, see Poodeepie and his son moving toward the altar. Oh? Well, what do we have here?

"Bring forth the sacrifices!" The arch...priestess called for the sacrifices to be brought forth, including the adventuring pair, and one devotee per unfortunate captive jumped to do her bidding. They prodded the supposed sacrifices with their spears to herd them toward a slight depression, which was about 20 feet from the altar, if Aika was guessing accurately, with a large grate at its center. Aika could see that the stonework of the depression is stained with the blood of innumerable sacrifices, which made her wince in disgust, and she also heard the gentle lapping of the lake coming up through the grate as the chanting grew louder.

"Okay, fuck, I changed my mind! Let's get the hell out of here, Chrys! I know you can break through your binds! There's blood in there and it'll ruin my clothes! Eww!"

Before either of them could do anything, however, the adventurers were surprised to see Poodeepie suddenly attacking his own daughter after she gestured toward the altar. The terrible father but all-around good guy struck the girl with his own scepter and his loyal followers surged forward to follow suit and attack. The guards stood in shock, surprised at the betrayal. Aika instinctively turned to Chrys, with eyes wide in horror.

"Now, Chrys! It's now or never!"

Or was it in excitement? She could never tell sometimes.

Chrys · May 30, 2023

If there was one thing that people knew about Chrystopheles, it was that he was strong. Very strong. Surprisingly strong. So strong in fact that as soon as @Aika yelled at him to do so, as soon as the two religious factions began to fight each other for divine supremacy, he easily broke his bonds, simply pulling his hands away from each other and effortlessly snapping the steel chains off like they were made of brittle bones.

"Remind me again: We are getting rewarded by one side, right? But which one?"

Chrystopheles grabbed at the ravishing rogue's bonds and broke them too. Just as easily as he had his. Just snapping the chains in smithereens like they were fish bones between a hammer and an anvil. Shielding her with his body, he looked around them as chaos engulfed the entire altar. It was a bloody affair, a gory depiction of fisherman-on-fisherman violence. This was, most definitely, not his idea of a fun time.

Two warring fishermen close to them continued their fight without even paying the adventurers any attention, splish-splashing water all over everyone else. Fortunately for Aika, Chrystopheles was massive, so he was pretty much shielding her face and her hair from all that water with just his body.

A quick glance at the archpriests revealed to him that they were too busy fighting each other to notice anything else. It would make for an easy escape for the two of them. But what about the reward?

Complete 18+ Private Dunnstads The Darkest Lake

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Hostile Fishermen

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