/monster/ - The Last Bastion of Romance

Holy shit, this CYOA is alive again. Haven't been able to come here for a month so I'm glad it's not on the bottom.

>>384208

Bite our tongue for now, we picked a public place for a reason.

After the moments of pain, he becomes eerily calm. I never saw his posture lurch forward, like a predator facing prey, but during these moments it slowly straightens out into rigidity once again. Now the creature that follows him, towering above us all, worryingly shows more expression than he.

“I’m listening.”

My master nods slowly, her tails slowly tensing.

“The child is born from you and my granddaughter. She refused to admit her wrong doing to take care of her and protect her until she could protect herself… then when that time came, on the hundredth year, she admitted her crimes.”

Yasgerouf, the one referred to as the corpse god remains as silent as the grave. His eyes locking with my master, as if trying to disconcern a lie.

“Never did Selesnya speak ill of you to the child, nor to anyone of the clan. From what we were told you were a hero who had passed on, but left a child behind. So we respected that, her and you. And… when my granddaughter revealed her treachery, Yaereif attacked her as if she was possessed. Then I allowed her to leave the clan, so she could find her own path.”

There is a sigh from Yasgerouf, long and tired, but lacking in the same bite seen earlier.

“Was she happy before then?”

“I believe so. She’s in a good place now, with friends and family. When I saw that she found a place to belong I stopped interfering. So she could live on her own terms.”

>>385095

I had never considered the possibility of a child, not for a second…

But what do I do now? I’m a failure as a father, even if I went to find her do I have the right to simply appear?

“Well, I suppose that was your important information then?”

She seems sympathetic on the surface, however I probably will never be able to trust her in any way shape or form. I can’t justify the risk with their clan.

She shifts her hips to the side, moving her hand back to her tails.

“We have Selesnya imprisoned, locked away from the world. She won’t be causing anyone any trouble for a very long time, if ever. I have been disciplining her, and I take responsibility for her actions, as does she.”

I look over to her, leering slightly before realising something.

For once in my life, I have something more important to deal with. It won’t be right If I don’t make efforts to find my daughter. That being said…

“I’m leaving, I have someone to find. For you and yours, I’ll abstain judgement for now. Do not antagonise me in the future.”

They nod.

“I assume that means you will agree to the same?”

“Yes, now I ask that you don’t pry into my personal life. Now is that everything?”

“Yes, that’s everything. You can see why I decided to come personally.”

“I suppose I should thank you for that. But for now I think we should avoid one another. Good day, grandmaster of the clan.”

And with that, we part ways. I leave hoping to never see them again. I doubt they’ll try anything, but I have several things prepared just in case.

I still hate “that” fox, but I’m starting to wonder if she’s even worth my time. Those two don’t seem to be lying, something I’m very good at detecting. Therefore she’s being punished, and protected from me at the same time. Its irritating, but I have to let her go, it's just not worth it now that I have this important responsibility alongside my little Mei Ling.

I need to find my daughter, I can do that using my own blood and a ritual. Then… maybe she’ll forgive me. I have so much to make up for and have little time to lose. It's imperative that I get started on that. With this in mind, I start the long walk back to port to get on my boat.

>>385096

—

The ritual itself is quite simple for me. The links between those who share blood are very strong, even across vast distance a necromancer can find those related to them. To find others, one needs a hair or their blood or bodily fluids. But for this my own is more than enough. A simple circle made of dried blood laced with salt, to isolate the sense to the land of the living. A single candle to show the fire of life, a handful of silver to focus and life force to follow the thread. I thread my power through my fingers, isolating the threads loosely connected to my blood. Trailing along the metaphysical layer I can feel unrelated threads losely floating, seeking any that drift towards me either by chance or by attraction.

It’s three hours before I finally feel a thread in my hands, one of my own.

I found her, she’s to the north within The Master’s Manse, within its forests. I can follow this thread directly to her. But how incognito should I be is the question.

I have a clear schedule, I need to travel, notify little Fuiyel, and then arrange transport. I suppose I should be quiet, but that would limit my speed. Flying would be the best method in terms of speed, but it's very obvious. Its strange, a mix of excitement and dread churns within me.

Transport:

>By flight

>by sea and land

>>385097

>Meet Daughteru By flight

Send something magical like an undead courier bat or whatever will give validity to your message to inform Yaereif (That is his daughter's name, right?) of your coming, with an estimate of when you'll arrive by flight. At least tell her that you come in peace and deeply wish to speak with her. Briefly describe your meeting with the Grandmaster of the clan. Also, bring Mei Ling, who you announce as your adopted daughter and budding apprentice. That will go to show your implicit trust and that you have no ill intent.

However, apparently this flight may be dangerous. The world is aware of us now. We should be adequately prepared.

>>385097

I think we should go by sea and by land, that will give some time to think and sort things out. We should send a courier and ask her to meet us somewhere. Otherwise She may panic, and run or even try to ambush us

By sea and land. A few more days/weeks won't hurt too much for the quiet. I agree with sending a courier beforehand so we're not making a 'Surprise, dad isn't dead' visit

>>385130

>>385103

I'm actually fine with going be sea and land, though I'd rather go by air. I'm just excited for Yasgerouf to meet a real daughteru of his, though she could very well have children of her own by this point. Going by sea and land would give Yaereif and Yasgerouf more time to sort through their feelings before meeting. We should definitely send a courier making our intent perfectly clear. It wouldn't surprise me if Yaereif has even already heard rumors of us, but wasn't sure if they were true.

>>385097

Sea and land sound best, a necromancer coming at incredibly high speeds may worry some people.

>>385097

Sea and land, but send a courier first so that our arrival isn't a complete shock for here.

>>385097

>Reads all the "send message by flight and go by sea/land"

>Makes sense

I'll join in kicking this particular dead horse.

>>385097

My master paces violently in her office, the creaking of the floorboards obvious and apparent. It's not twenty paces before she strikes the wall in a fit of rage, the boards part like rice paper, splintering in a cacophony of wood striking wood.

“Grandmaster? Are you alright?”

“No, we missed out on a great opportunity. The items he wore were all Arrmagam crafts, that spire is his… “

She sighs, pulling her chair over using one of many tails. Gently she drops her face into her hands.

“He would’ve been an ideal grandson, at that time if we had a connection with him, and therefore Arrmagam much of the trials and tribulations we had could’ve been avoided. Perhaps I could’ve had happy grandchildren and a smiling daughter. But now… Its ruined.”

I lean forward into her, pulling her into a warm hug. She seems taken aback, but slowly places her arms around me as our tails intermingle.

“I don’t think we can ever regain his full trust, but maybe we can make it up to him?”

My master’s tails tighten around mine harshly.

“I’m not so sure. Do you know what Yaereif means?”

“I do not.”

“It means “one above sin” but in certain uses in old Arrmagam it can mean “to redeem”. It's why he decided to give us no further fuss. Twas only the name. She might be a bridge in the future, but I have my doubts. For the time being, I expect that he’ll simply keep his word.”

Before me, in the bed lies Pan. She smiles happily, showing whitened teeth. I took the time to quickly quell her curse. Every month I do my best to remove the aura that her mark creates, the things the curse hounds desire. Bit by bit I glean things about this design. The mark upon her is a living thing, magic older than time a living weave. One could say that such a thing is primeval magic. Very few things could ever hope to create such a thing, such creature are things that I could call “Living Gods”.

Living gods are monsters, things said to be older than time. However the thing that makes them dangerous is that they can have children. These children are called Demigods. Living weaves are something that I can barely interact with. Because it's “alive” I can exert some very basic control, but that’s the absolute limit of my ability. It frustrates me to no end that all I can do is quell the marking, but have no idea to its purpose… or its maker. All I can do is allow Pan to live here, hopefully happily. She has fragments of memories in her mind, remembering little.

“There we go Pan. It should be quelled for another month.”

“Thank you again for being a… most kind host Sir Crowe.”

“It has been very long since anyone has referred to me as “sir”. There’s no need.”

A giggle, a hand to her mouth as her little panda ears perk up.

“As you say. Tomorrow I’ll have to prepare a feast.”

“Unfortunately I’m going on a trip, I’ll be gone for a time. A week, maybe two. Perhaps when I return.”

She seems dejected, her eyes shifting up and down.

“Have a good trip. I’ll be here awaiting your return pan in hand.”

“I’ll be back, don’t worry about me.”

With that I turn back, heading out of her room. The warm months continue, though nearly all months feel relatively warm to me now. Both Arrmagam and my tomb were both of a colder persuasion, it seems the ocean influences the weather, moderating it.

The halls of the villa are simple in design. A dark wood floor with a simple red carpet, walls of carved stone on the interior. The exterior walls are the only ones insulated via their thickness and a type of fleece they grow within the shallows of the ocean. As a material it is quite effective for warmth, this place was made to withstand much colder temperatures than the usual. It is truly convenient that the ocean territories do not experience the earthquakes that the continent does, though one must wonder why?

It's not long until I find my way to my workshop, the spirit bound to the chain still lingers within as it hangs on the rack in a case. It has spoken to me but once. In that talk I came to realise that the spirit is heavily damaged and was close to breaking apart due to frequent use by that adventurer. I’ve been mending it together by keeping it in that case and feeding it energy. It has entirely lost its sense of self and nearly lost its sentience entirely. In time, I can restore its sentience but not its memories. The ritual is simple, rethread buts of the spirit together again, using the chain as a medium and then place it into the case once again.

Behind me I can feel someone, someone with an above average amount of lifeforce. Mei Ling, quietly watching me and waiting silently for me to finish as she has been told and trained to do. She is a good daughter, a fast learner, intelligent and most importantly she listens to advice and suggestions. She’s thoughtful as well and so very kind. When I finish, I turn over to her and await her request.

“Papa, I want to go with you.”

I was going to tell her, later today. Though it seems she found out on her own.

“It could be dangerous, I worry for you.”

“Papa, I’ll follow you. I.. don’t want to be alone.”

“You won’t be alone, Haku, Pan, Y…”

“It isn't the same, you know what I mean.”

>>385796

This is partially my fault. I admittedly haven’t done much in regards to lowering her dependance. In my opinion she’s still too young to handle any adult matters, but perhaps I have been culturing her dependance upon me too heavily. Even now she has trouble sleeping alone… however I can understand this. I’m more worried about being able to care for her outside the villa. I’m certain I can protect her in most circumstances… but most is not enough.

However, if I had someone else capable watching her then that’s a different story.

“I’ll allow it, on a few conditions.”

“Yes!”

“First in a time of crisis you must obey my commands to the letter, and even outside of a crisis you’re not to wander off on your own.”

“Okay!”

“Lastly, you must convince either Clementine, Kala or Yhammena to come with you.”

“… I will. Are we leaving tomorrow?”

“Afternoon tomorrow.”

With that she leaps up towards me into a hug as I rub along her ears while she purrs lovingly. After this she goes off to convince one of the three to come along.

It's important that she’s able to convey what she desires, and its important that she remembers what I’ve told her about dealing with magical creatures.

Who will Mei Ling ask I wonder?

>Mei Ling will ask Clementine, The Beholder

>No, clearly she will ask Yhammenna the Mystara Owl

>Rather than those, it should be Kala the Loup-Garou

>Yasgerouf will be using land and sea, with a small entourage

>>385797

>Kala

She's resistant to magic and fast, so if Mei Ling is in danger she can be well guarded she can escape with her. I also feel like she is the person we know the least about, and we should get to know her.

>>385797

>Rather than those, it should be Kala the Loup-Garou

I agree with >>385803. I would like to gain her trust and learn more about her.

>>385808

>>385797

Also, I'm glad Mei Ling is coming along. This should show Yaereif that we are extending a great amount of good faith in her.

>>385797

Kala hasn't had one on wan time like other anons mention so let's go with her.

>>385854

Oh, whoops, wrong file

>>385797

It’s very strange.

Back in The Master’s Manse my living conditions were not nearly as lavish. While indeed I had good food and good dwellings, I paid for that with blood. But here? I’m treated as well as the princess. Simple servant work that I could do blindfolded for little effort and I’m given food and a roof over my head and a not immodest spending money. It is nice, but it feels like I’m taking advantage of a lonely man.

I sit lazily in the branch of one of three willow trees on this island, idly thinking. I’ve never had so much time to think before. It's been so very long since I’ve been asked to kill someone, and the one I owe so much to likely will never ask me to use my best skills. I can’t go home, I failed and upon returning I would just be exiled or imprisoned.

“Kala!”

I jump to my feet, balanced on the branch. My eyes dart to the source of the voice. The little one. I failed to detect her, I should’ve been able to sense her with my sixth. I relent and relax, Crowe’s magic is something that she’s been learning well I suppose. Even her basic presence feels faint, suppressed.

“Can you help me with something?”

I wish she didn’t like me, I can’t hope to understand kids, how they can be so carefree.

“No.”

“Please, you’re the best one for it.”

The best one. I’ll likely just deny her but I’m curious. She likes to depend on her father for every little thing. Perhaps besides Pan and her cooking.

“Tell me small one.”

“Father is going on a trip. I want to come along but he says that I need either you, Clementine or Yhammena. Clementine teases me, and Yhammena is simply unsuited for what he’s expecting her to do.”

“More detail. You cannot go in part when discussing terms.”

To my surprise, she does not fluster, or get angry like I would expect. Instead her voice is flat, calm and steady. Either through great effort or from her father’s influence.

“He specifically desires someone to keep an eye on me and keep me safe. More specifically someone who could protect me while retreating to a safe location while he removes the problem.”

Inside I wonder if this is the same little girl. The cold logic she states is directly counter to her appearance. Her robe is not like Crowe’s, his is thick and layered with metal and its obvious function is to hide his appearance, size and where his body really is within the robe at any one time. But her’s is thin and designed to be pretty and comfortable, made to be free flowing as to not stifle her. A light red robe with the occasional green accent marking several symbols that find themselves scrawled along the length of the fabric.

“Makes sense, but…”

“If you did well I’m certain father would appreciate it.

She has a point. I’ll never feel satisfied just lounging, and he’ll never ask me to do anything himself… But if I take it upon myself to help the child…

“I suppose I could assist you. Tell your father I’ll help. When are we leaving?”

“Tommorow at noon.”

“Very well. I’ll see you then. Don’t cause your father trouble.”

I’m not sure if I will ever repay the debt of more than my life. This is a good start but maybe there are better ways to be of service that I’m not thinking of. I might just have to ask someone, maybe Clementine.

————————————————-

A profound sense of nervousness consumes me mere hours before I must isle. What if she dislikes me? If she knew the unromanticized truth of who I am and the grim deeds I have done would she still accept me? What does she look like? Matters both simple and important bother me.

It's not long while i’m lost in thought before I find Kala bringing a case, likely containing her various travel accoutrements. Her wear is simple and revealing, a sash over her chest and midsection, and a shendyt-like skirt parted in the middle for mobility. It shows her markings engraved upon her skin, long wrapping symbols forming like snakes along her skin in addition to designs that are parted from the rest and have a much harsher and rigid design, generally using straight lines and angles. She’s very tall, fit yet lean.

“What is the trip for if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I found out that I have another daughter the other day. I want to make amends with her.”

She seems odd, looking at the deck of the ship rather than me.

“I see.”

Without much more of a word she heads below deck, likely to her room. I feel like she desired to ask much more than she did. Oddly considerate that one.

>Yasgerouf shall set sail, nothing to really vote on this time around.

>>386795

It’s hard to imagine the Reeflands existence under the blue sea’s waves. The water is deep and dark, leading to a trench that seemingly swallows the world. The underwater palace lying at the heart, surrounded by forests of coral formations in the deep dark, a single beacon of light within the midsection of the trench. The sea people are the only ones not wanting for space in this day and age.

The salt in the air does make it quite dry, removing my desire to look upon the waves for long. Primarily I’m here to watch Mei Ling enjoy herself. Truthfully I think she should make some friends, and play sometimes like a child should. She’s not like me, she does not have to bear the weight of responsibility so young. I fear that she’s afraid of others, strangers. To a point this is good, however she is afraid to speak even with other children. I feel her head under my hand and curl my pinky around her ear and I lightly scratch. She snuggles up beside me, pressing the side of her head against the side of my robe and into my hand. Its not long before I head below deck and wait for our arrival.

—

The city of Traul appears to be a strange mix of a temple, a fishing village and a fortress. People move back and forth among the docks carrying luggage and merchandise. Typically weaponry, marked iron crates, spices and goods from overseas. When we reach the docks and my minions finish preparing the ship, it's not two minutes before a small group of what I can only describe as half clothed women and several equally as clothed men in addition to a single robed figure. A few carry weapons, roughly four of these people have their own markings. However, they do not carry their weapons as if they intend to immediately use them, mostly over the shoulder or within the sheath.

“Name and business within The Master’s Manse?”

“Merchant, selling simple magic remedies for sickness and general good health. Also meeting with a relative.”

“Purpose of the…”

There’s a notable pause when the robed man looks towards the ship, sighting my various creatures manning the ship. Perfectly, one of my latest creations walks down the plank towards the docks. 9 feet in height, humanoid in shape, designed to invoke that natural fear of a towering behemoth of a man. They’re golem like, mostly solid bone interlaced with muscles created by weaving strands of living steel. Faceless and honestly quite loud due to their heavy construction. Even during a quiet stroll the stomping is very audible as their artificial muscles creak, crack and groan. In its arm is Mei Ling, gently she sits upon the arm curled like a seat, leaning up against the minion’s robe

I care little for “beauty” in my creations, only bothering with the basics, like the “Head” that’s really just a hollow top that serves more as bait for the uneducated. It shows with the man’s expression.

“My golems, they load and move the product, and secure my person.”

“Did you create them?”

“Yes, I’m a sorcerer.”

“We will need to inspect your cargo and belongings.”

“Very well, but I will be supervising.”

“Understandable.”

Three move to inspect the ship as my “Golems” move the perfectly legitimate stock to the deck, in addition to a full carriage with a carry on for extended storage. After some prodding, everything is decided to be in order. I’m thanked for my understanding and given a small metal card with several markings.

“What’s this?”

“Merchant card, just some administrative triviality. You only need it if an official asks for it to prove your right of sale. Keep it, but just somewhere you can bring it out. If you lose it you cannot sell unless you acquire a new one at a temple and pay a fee.”

I look it over, vaguely magical.

“It glows if not held by a person, in case you drop it it also rings.”

To test I place it on the dock, it does indeed glow and ring with a gentle tinkle. Picking it back up I put it in my pocket. It will undoubtedly be used to track my movements, however such a thing is trivial. So long as it reduces the difficulties during travel it will suffice. So long as I’m not kept from visiting my daughter.

>>387479

It's a quiet night, with myself just sitting looking at the stars.

He told me I could sleep soundly, his creatures would keep watch and safeguard us. From sparring I know they’re not pushovers, that large man-like one is able to pull the carriage with no effort at a jog, despite the weight of the merchandise. The small bumps in the night, the crickets chirping and the form of the small one holding onto her father makes me feel odd inside.

It draws me forward to stare, it's like a pit inside me. A slight bit of contempt. But that can’t be right, how could I feel that way? Is this jealousy? It feels wrong.

What should Kala do?

>Sleep.

>Look at the stars and forget about it.

>Snuggle.

>>387480

What should Kala do?

>Snuggle.

Snuggle up to Yasgerouf and Mei Ling, just a little. She is being trusted and relied upon, after all.

>>387480

Hmm. Go with 'look at the stars'. Kala's here to keep an eye on Mei Ling after all and I totally think something's going to happen because I'm paranoid

>>387480

>Snuggle.

What else but to snuggle?

>>387480

Creeping close I slide next to him, his cloak is soft, warm and comfortable to lean into. I can hear him breathe slowly. His arm reaches up to my head, I notice but don’t stop him. Looking to the man behind the mask his eyes are clearly open. His fingers rub behind my ears gently, softly. Without my intervention I find myself pulling closer and closer.

“Is something bothering you?”

“I don’t know.”

I don’t know how to quite comprehend how this should feel. I’ve been around in his care for three years now, yet these urges still feel foreign. Not wrong, just strange. I like it when he talks to me, but I feel nervous and small but safe.

“Then try to sleep Kala.”

I feel the urge to ask him questions but I feel like my hand is in my throat. So instead I pull into his warmth pulling his arm around me. I’m unsure why I felt like it, but when I feel his arm to my side it feels so distinctly right. Like I’ve found something I’ve lost.

—

——————————————————-

The greater temple, known as home of the three, sits within a vast savannah. Near the north-eastern edge of their territory as it passes over toward a no-man’s land. Beyond that border there sits not a single safehold against the quakes, civilization cannot exist there due to the unpredictability of the natural disasters. However the forests that form that land make it prime for industry and conflict alike.

The temple is surrounded by indented rectangular stone pillars that climb roughly several stories by my estimate. The stone is a grey green, with dried vines running down the sides and around the indentations. These pillars don’t match the surrounding temple’s design, far too straight, with no angle few angles. In addition they seem much older and upon close inspection are smooth, unlike the rougher stone from the temple’s walls.

The massive walls of the temple form ramparts, with many triangle designs and icons carved into the grey-green stone. The cart trundles in, but something is… wrong.

I lightly rub Kala’s ears, waking her and shake Mei to awaken her as well.

I sense nobody within this entire complex. This entire area should be within my range yet I get nothing. Its barren of life beyond some recreational plants within the temple proper.

“Looks like no-one’s home.”

Kala looks at me confused.

“Are you-, nevermind, a temple shouldn’t be left unmanned.”

I smell something on the air, no toxins, nor gas, but pollen.

“Mei, Now’s a good time to practice dead man’s breath. Kala, wear this, now.”

I hand her a small amulet, a simple little thing. It allows someone to exist without breathing. Kala is quite the intellectual, though many would pass over this fact looking at her from just face value. She takes it without question placing it around her neck. She shudders, her face growing pale.

“It feels… so wrong.”

“Normal, getting used to not breathing is something many simply can’t do.”

I touch the ground and release my constricted lifeforce. Like any living thing kept in a box it springs outward. Encroaching upon the area around me as it flails around. Every living thing within about twenty meters knows I’m here. Though I cannot sense them, they must be here.

I hear my minions in my head, all exclaiming that their master could be in danger. A maddening cacophony of jumbled thoughts for the sake of the master. The uninitiated would go mad from the sounds that echo within my brain at every hour of every day, but to me it is nothing but whispers.

“Kala, watch over Mei carefully. Mei, stick close.”

Something shambles over, a woman upon first sight. However vines and foliage spawn from its skin. It's alive, kept as much by this plant matter acting as a parasite. Its a type of dryad, plantfolk.

“Parasite.”

It speaks in a voice not its own, using its host.

“Greetings human. Would you like to join the grove?”

I strike, without hesitation to the forehead. A hardened dart of crystilized ectoplasm penetrating the seed of this dryad. It screams in anguish as I retain control of the dart and invade its lifeforce with my own and snuff it out. The seed dies and slides out from the small slit in the forehead that it had made its nest.

I hold creatures such as these below contempt, below even hatred.

Kala, to my surprise, does not appear shocked.

“Did you kill her?”

“The seed, the host is alive. Kala, you are to take Mei away from here this instant. I have business here.”

Mei looks over to me, her eyes pleading.

“You are my pride and joy Mei. But nothing would make you ready for this. Go with Kala, remember what you promised me?”

“Yes Papa…”

She looks to the ground, clearly she has many questions that I will answer in due time.

“Alert the authorities. I will perform damage control in the meantime.”

My daughter is in that forest.

The two of them pull into the carriage as my creations pull it away, leaving just myself before the temple. This is not the time to teach Mei, it’s far too dangerous and this is not a side I wish to show her.

I walk up to the fallen woman and pick the seed from the ground and grind it to ash, crystallize it and then crush it to sand and mix it with salt. After spreading it upon the wind I ensure that I got the entire seed by sensing my surroundings. The seed must be entirely destroyed to prevent its regeneration.

The former host itself is alive and treating her is simple but when she will wake up I’m not certain. I know dryad’s are involved and an issue with these things is that they have no soul so I cannot torture it for information after death and keeping it alive to interrogate is too risky and inefficient as they don’t feel pain. But I require information about the extent of the dryad infestation.

>>388690

Vote

Set 1: The former host

>Hide her somewhere

>Wake her up too question, taking time

Set 2:

>Head into the forest, despite lack of information

>Explore the temple for information

OR

>No U

Alright so a little post vote thing, I’m not dead. I’ll try harder to maintain my minimum of 1 update per 7 day period.

>>388691

Set 1: The former host

>Hide her somewhere

Set 2:

>Explore the temple for information

Give the woman enough aid to ensure she will eventually recover, then try to hide her body in a relatively safe location. We can probably find information more quickly by exploring the temple, than by waiting some indeterminable amount of time for this woman to wake up.

>Dryads

I'm sensing the possibility of some kind of plant hive-mind here. Is there some kind of being controlling these seeds that we could search for? Or are they all just simply irredeemable parasites that take over their hosts? Can you give us anymore general info about them?

>Alright so a little post vote thing, I’m not dead. I’ll try harder to maintain my minimum of 1 update per 7 day period.

It's alright, anon. Better to give yourself a breather sometimes, than to just drop the CYOA. This is currently my favorite one among the ones on /monster/.

>>388691

Damn just binged through this whole cyoa, all the chapters from other perspectives really round out the setting.

Hide the woman and look in the temple for information, the "grove" could be quite powerful if it can still manipulate the abilities of those it is infecting, so we need info.

>>388690

Set 1

>hide her somewhere

I think questioning can wait after we deal with the infestation. As for that

Set 2

> analyse the extent of the infestation with whatever minions we can summon.

I mean it's only logical. On our own maybe we can destroy the malaise, but I'd rather contain it till we know what we are dealing with. If it can be dealt with on our own, maybe we do just that.

I want to start this post by saying please archive this thread and link it at the top of the next one, since the bump limit is imminent

Set 1:

Hard call here. On the one hand, every minute Yas spends here is another minute that he doesn't know what has happened to his fox daughteru. On the other hand, you have to ask yourself why this woman was out here to begin with. Maybe she was just a random victim, or maybe she knows something about what is going on. I wanted to make a clear cut vote on "Hide her somewhere", but I think I'll go a little "No U" on this one:

Give her some quick first aid and stabilize her. Then, it depends. If it wouldn't take too much time and/or energy to just juice her up with lifeforce to wake her up, Yas could try that and give her a very brief questioning. Just enough to a) find out if she knows anything about what is going on here, and b) possibly find out if she knows anything about a kitsune that might be in the area (Yaereif). (I don't know, it's possible that the two could have known each other or have come to this place together for whatever reason.)

If Yasgerouf would think that anything more than basic treatment would cost too much valuable time and/or energy, then another option is to quickly search her pockets (search them, not pick them….) to see if he can find anything that could tell him something about who she is and why or how she might have come to this place. Just laying that out as an idea.

Set 2:

No U here as well:

It will be easier to deal with the "grove" if Yas has a better understanding of it. The temple looks like a good place to start, unless the woman happens to provide information that suggests a better course of action.

That said, Yas should probably send some minions to scout the forest while he searches the temple, if he has or can make more at his disposal that would be useful enough for recon. Presumably, the undead either cannot be controlled by the dryads, or would be a simple matter for Yas to handle and unmake if they were possessed.

Set 1 for hide the girl somewhere, and exploring the temple may not be a bad idea. It's never that easy is it? We have no obligations to do this, yet here we are. Then again inquisitor work runs in our veins. I'm sure the daughter will understand.

>>389256

>I'm sure the daughter will understand.

I'd imagine it would give her admiration for him. In the face of inJUSTICE, Yasgerouf isn't the type of man who is willing to look the other way.

>>388690

I can’t be in two places at once and I have little time to spare. But my minions can certainly act as a proxy. It will take some time for my proper creations to arrive via a stygian path, scouting in this forest will be more of a test with numbers rather than quality. They know I’m here, no reason to be quiet or subtle. lacing a thread of corrosive energy and flicking it back and forth along the ground. The marks in the earth are like scorched ashes and sand forming a magic circle. Some simple control and chalk or charcoal is unnecessary for a impromptu ritual.

My voice booms through the circle into the earth on the metaphysical layer. Stirring the life force from its slumber in its deceased containers.

“Hear me and obey, I order thee to take up arms once more under my banner. Rise my creations and execute my will.”

The forest quakes as birds soar into the sky in panic, a frenzied flutter of wing and feather. The ground churns as if shedding its underlayers to the surface as corpses are brought to the surface in muddied water. Warped and twisted, their skeletal faces morphed into unusual and unnatural shapes and sizes. Twisted claws for hands, spiraled and chipped. These unliving failures will suffice for now, all fourty will be required for this task.

“Hear my command. Scour the forests for the plantfolk, kill any non-parasites that you see. Request instructions upon special circumstance. Now go.”

They turn to the woods, splitting into groups of 3 instinctually and disappearing into the brush. Carrying the unconscious woman, a feat as she’s not a light woman. A heavy set Lizard, with a long tail and nearing amazonian features. I’ll need a big hiding place for this one, probably a closet and a note for when she wakes up telling her to be quiet. I will not waste time waiting for this one to awaken, it could be five minutes or an hour either way it matters not.

The interior of the temple lies mostly barren, the occasional corpse perhaps but otherwise barren. The remains of foliage can be seen throughout as I walk these supposedly hallowed halls. Carefully I look through the pockets of the woman, finding something interesting within the front pocket on her waist. A medal, bronze, with the picture of a fist pointing towards the sky and “7” upon its face. The backside describes a tournament with today’s date known as “The Worldly Trials”. Through an ajar double door I can see a colosseum inset into the ground within the temple walls, audience stands littered with corpses and foliage.

I can feel my face unwillingly twist into a snarl. The hatred for these things burns still after all these years. Our home, the Frosted Jungles was littered with these menaces. Hunted our kind for sport, for sustenance through the winters so that they may stay awake during the brief frosts rather than hibernate. By their continued existence it's clear that despite all the blood on my hands it wasn’t enough.

From what I can gather, the people here are dead the weak audience member's insides devoured for sustenance, the stronger either escaped or were captured to be taken over by an awaiting parasite. This level of engorging is extreme for their kind and can only mean one thing. The Princess of the Grove is attempting to ascend and become a queen. Dealing with a Queen is about the limit of my capabilities, I have few options here. But one thing is certain, I have to remove Yaereif from here and I can no longer stand idle. They must be cleansed… But my daughter needs to be safe.

I find a room to the side, tucking the large woman into a closet and leaving a simple note. She will live after the simple healing.

Then I head outside the temple, sighting the setting sun in the distance. The optimal time to strike. The communications I receive from my undead is like children’s drawings, abstract but allowing one to understand the gist. Several have been destroyed, less than expected. The parasites have not had enough time to adjust to their bodies, the others are on low nutrition to evolve their princess. With an uneasy heart and a steady gait I walk into the shaded woods, ready for bloodshed.

It dawns on me that I could die here, after all this time and revenge uncomplete. Yet still I do not care. Allowing a violation such as this to go unanswered would be much the same as death. Such are the sacrifices one must make for their luxurious titles. Such is duty.

>>389650

Priorities, What will Yasgerouf Do?:

>Find and remove Yaereif from this place, then deal with the Princess(who might have ascended to a queen by that time).

> Torch the woods, and leave no stone unturned. Deal with the princess now to remove the threat. Trusting that Yaereif can defend herself for the time being.

>No U

I just wanted to thank everyone for reading (and hopefully enjoying) this story. I’m not disappearing, I’ll have another thread up when I think enough votes have been cast and I have the next update ready.

>>389651

Let the fucker burn. Yet another tale we add into our talk with our daughters in how inquisition isn't easy. Though lets leave that for later after the nice reunion

>>389651

Fire is a handy way of dealing with what's going on here. Best to stop the problem now before it gets to the to the point where Yazgerouf has issues.

>>389651

Back again for a mix of one option and a little bit of No U:

I really, really want Yas to burninate the whole forest to wipe this menace out, but at same time, it's going to be a bit awkward later if Yas has to explain to Yaereif why her tail is now charred and not fluffy–though I suppose Yas could infuse her with lifeforce to heal her burns as long as she doesn't actually die. That would be the worst case scenario and is still possible.

I know, I know, she's a kitsune from a, presumably, powerful clan, and she's old enough to take care of herself. But we still don't know what condition she is in right now. Is she unconscious somewhere and/or badly injured and unable to protect herself from the fire? Is she also possessed by one of these "grove" things?

I suppose a controlled burn may be out of the question since there is no time to set something like that up, and the fire is just going to spread once started. Still, is there no way to try to minimize the likelihood of potentially catching Yaereif in the crossfire here? Maybe using undead minions to continue looking for her ahead of the fire, with instructions to protect her at all costs and bearing something that might give her some indication that these abominations are on her side? The best sign I can think of that could be easily mass produced would be to engrave Yaerief's and/or Yasgerouf's names onto the undead scouts in prominent and easily seen spot. Kind of like the signs people might hold when waiting to pick someone up from an airport or something like that. Maybe Yas has a better trick than that in his repertoire. Obviously the minions should also get Yas's attention the moment they spot any kitsunes.

This is a gamble, but this is probably only the latest in a very long series of gambles and tough decisions Yas has had to make as inquisitor. In the end, the Princess must be dealt with. Even if Yas finds Yaereif, it might all be for naught if he can't stop the Queen. Torch the place, but take every precaution possible to prevent accidentally frying the tofu. And turn the whole area upside down looking for Yaereif the instant the Princess/Queen and all her grove underlings appear to be dead.

This next bit is off topic, but I wanted to bring it up before Yaereif meets Yasgerouf's little nekomancer-in-training. We don't know exactly how Yaereif is going to view her father, though it seems from what we have read so far that she would likely be well-disposed towards him. My minor concern is that Yaereif might meet Lei Ming, see the obvious father-daughteru relationship there, and feel a bit left out or even mildly jealous of the nekomata. Hopefully Yas can smooth things out if any trouble arises. Maybe the fox and the cat could even grow to view each other as something like siblings. Just a thought.

And after typing all that out, I just had the worst premonition: What if the grove Princess is currently using Yaereif herself as a host? Please let me be wrong, or at least let Yas have a way of dealing with it that will save the fluffy tail.

>>390203

I think you're worrying too much. Sure, we should be careful to create a controlled fire, but that's just common sense. And Yaereif should be able to take care of herself just fine. She's around 300 years old. She'll be nothing compared to Yasgerouf, but she'll still be very powerful. And upon meeting our little adopted catgirl daughteru, surely she'll have matured enough not to resort to childish fights with a literal child. Out of everything you said the only thing that slightly worries me is the last possibility you mentioned in your spoiler. And even if that were the case, I have faith that Yasgerouf could handle it somehow without killing her. He's an expert on exterminating these things.

>>390203

>>390210

Actually, Yaereif should be closer to 400 years old now. That would put her at 3 or 4 tails, which should be pretty formidable.

>>389650

New Thread:

>>390617