The group was in a somewhat sour mood after the Archbishop not only denied the party payment but used his authority to pilfer several of the magic items that the party had gathered. It probably wasn't the first time that the Archbishop or another member of the church or empire used their power to screw over an adventurer simply because they weren't human. Thanks to that the party would have to take another job and wait longer to get the magic items they wanted as well as replacing the ones they lost. Once in Flowers the group headed to Da Vinci's to get a proper rest.
Lisa opened the door. “Ah, your back. Another successful mission?” Racknar grumbled as he walked in. “Yeah. But then the Archbishop made some bullshit excuses to not only deny us the one platinum each but to confiscate several of our magic items to pay off a fine. He basically fined us a hundred silver for each confiscated item and then charged each of us separately to charge us five times what the fine should have been if it was legitimate. Since we spent all of our money preparing for the tower that meant paying with magic items.”
Lisa frowned. “That’s unfortunate. More so since I've basically studied all I can about Racknar without getting invasive or crossing some boundaries.” Marinette then asked “Why not study Davy? I doubt anyone has ever done an in-depth look at the anatomy of an Illithid. Even if he's not a normal Illithid.” Lisa stammered. “That man's an Illithid?!” Racknar slapped his palm into his face. “Thanks Mari, we were going to ease her into knowing that. Anyway, yes. Like us he's a reborn who came into this world a monster. Not only is he blue for some reason he also has genitals. Because Illithid are made to be as uniform as possible they are all the same color, a shade of purple. They also either don't have genitals or would be hermaphrodites.”
Davy shifts uncomfortably. “I mean if it helps us out I guess I'm willing to submit to some scientific study. Just so long as I'm not cut open. I also can't regenerate limbs like Racknar can.” Lisa puts her hand on her chin and nods. “I'll replace what you lost but honestly that's all I can afford to do right now. I've been a bit… overly generous with the magic items. In fact this will be the last time I'm doing this deal. Sorry but it's not exactly like I'm gaining money from what I learn. Girl has to eat, you know.”
Racknar nodded. “We understand. I'm sorry for putting you out like this all the time.” Lisa waved dismissively. “Nah, it's been fun. Besides, you can still visit and chat. I enjoy the company from time to time.” Ariagoria takes a seat. “So what exactly are we going to do for money now?” Krys’tal’s head follows as Davy walks with Lisa to a private area. “She's not going to try anything weird, is she?”
Racknar rubs his forehead. “I think I might have to call in a favor from a friend, but I know just the person to go to if we need a big job without the risk of being screwed over. Also, although some things would look intimate I assure you Lisa's interest is purely scientific. She just likes to tease for fun is all. Although Lisa isn't the one I'd be worried about. Davy is a bit of a pervert so he'll probably enjoy having his genitals studied way more than I did. Being honest I did enjoy it a bit too much myself. Can you blame me though? I died a virgin and here I am in the body of a hormonal teenager and an attractive woman has me in her hands. Who wouldn't enjoy that?”
Ariagoria rolled her eyes as both Marionette and Krys'tal crosses their arms and huffs. Ariagoria takes notice of this. “Wait… Krys, are you… jealous of the attention Davy is getting? I thought you were ace?” Krys’tal shuffles “I'm not sexually interested in Davy if that is what you are asking. I have however come to enjoy his company. Sex and even traditional romance may not interest me but I do still enjoy a level of closeness. I have discovered that I actually kind of enjoy cuddling. So maybe I'm not aromantic. Just asexual. However, I know asking anyone, especially someone like Davy to give up physical intimacy via sex is probably unreasonable.”
Mari giggles. “You could ask Lisa to make you a prosthetic. Even if you don't get the same enjoyment from it you would at least be able to… receive another. Relationships are about compromise after all.” Racknar grumbled “Could we maybe not have these sorts of decisions publicly?” Ariagoria then points out “We are in a private home actually.” Racknar side-eyes Ariagoria. “You know what I meant Charity.”
After several hours of waiting Davy and Lisa returned. Ariagoria took the opportunity to tease Davy. “So how was the sinning Davy? Did you give Lisa a nice big sample of fluids?” Davy looked away and sat down. “I… don't want to talk about it.” Lisa starts making coffee and tea for everyone. “I definitely learned a lot today. I'll make sure you get your items before you leave. So what's your next move?” Racknar sipped his coffee. “I'm going to meet up with Elizabeth Bramble, current acting Duke of Flowers. I knew her in my past life.”
Lisa's eyes widened. “The youngest princess of Bramble is a reborn? That's… actually you know that makes a lot of sense actually.” Racknar nodded. “I did an escort mission to get her here and since she's a friend she'll definitely help us out if we can. Since the guy with the swords of Arachne is in Bramble, maybe she'll know something. Might as well kill two birds with one stone if we have the chance.” The rest of the party nod in agreement. Lisa sips her tea. “Alright then. I'll leave you to rest as I get back to work. I'll see you off in the morning.”
The group finishes their drinks before going to sleep. In the morning they eat a big meal with Lisa before getting their magic items and heading out to the Duke's manor to talk with Elizabeth. Once there, one of the guards stops them. “Halt, state your business. No one can see the duchess unannounced.” The other guard then whispers “That's the black knight of Riverside. The Lady said he is to be allowed in without question.” The first guard bows and opens the door. “My apologies sir, you and your party can go right in.” Racknar walks in “I'm not officially a knight, you don't have to be so formal.” He then responded “My formality is extended to you as a guest of the Lady, not as a knight.”
The party make their way into the building and look around the massive manor. Davy lets out a whistle. “This place is huuuge. The only thing crazier is knowing that this probably isn't the biggest manor in the empire.” Once inside a maid leads them to the Duke's office where acting Duchess Elizabeth Bramble is working on paperwork such as tax forms and legal stuff for the whole area. Elizabeth looked up to see Racknar standing there. “Oh hey Racknar, I wasn't expecting you. A little bit of a heads-up would have been nice. I'm an absolute mess right now.”
Racknar chuckled. “You fret too much Liz, you look fine.” Elizabeth covered her face with the papers. “Yes well uhh… I'm assuming you didn't come here just for small talk.” Racknar nodded. “I recently got screwed over on a job by the Archbishop who both denied pay and took some of our stuff. So I was wondering if you could help us with getting another high paying job we can trust. Also I would like some information on Bramble since we plan to visit there.” Elizabeth tilted her head. “Why do you want to visit Bramble now of all times?” Racknar answered plainly. “There's a man that lives there who has an artifact of Arachne. We plan on collecting her artifacts and restoring the Queen of Spiders to her proper place.”
Elizabeth took a moment to let everything sink in. “Okay. I can definitely help you with some information about Bramble but I don't exactly have any jobs I could give you as adventurers right now. At least nothing with a big payoff. The only big active dungeon in the area right now was the Warlock tower job from the church. I'm guessing that's the one you did. The biggest job I could give you is a request for assistance I got from another region of Ran but I don't know the exact payment. It's near the border in the direction you need to go so it's not exactly out of your way, especially with the use of the gates. You should have access to one nearby since you had to be in the area for the job that led to our first encounter in this world.”
Racknar nodded. “I'll take just about any help I can get right now. Consider the job taken. My team won't let you down.” Elizabeth nodded. “I know I can trust you. Just be careful. I didn't get any specific details on what the Duke of that region needed help with. I'd hate for anything bad to happen to you, especially on a job I sent you on.” Racknar chuckled, “I can handle myself Liz, I'm even more durable in this life then the last one.” Elizabeth once again hid her face behind her paperwork. “I know that it's just… I worry about you sometimes. You don't know when to quit and it can be both a blessing and a curse. I just… I don't want to lose you.”
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Racknar moved in closer and reached out his hand to grab Elizabeth’s, grabbing her attention along with it. “I swear I'll come back to you.” Elizabeth's face goes beat red and she hides it behind papers again. “Yes, very well. On you go then.” Racknar lets go of Elizabeth’s hand and gives her a single nod before leading the party out of the building. Marionette however, had a question. “So what kind of relationship did you two have in your previous life?” Racknar responded plainly “I often gave her honest advice about things despite her negative attitude towards me. She valued my input and still does. You could say I've become an unofficial advisor for her.”
Ariagoria chuckled. “From where I was standing that didn't look like the interaction between a noble and her trusted advisor. Unless that trusted advisor was also her secret lover.” Racknar then bluntly stated. “Elizabeth and I are not now have we ever been romantically involved in this life or the one before.” Ariagoria nods and gives a sarcastic “Suuure~” Davy grumbles “I don't get it man. How in the nine hells do you have not one but two women interested in your gross man spider ass?” Racknar scoffed. “Lisa's interest was purely scientific and has ended. One of you ladies could ask Liz yourselves but her feelings aren't romantic.” Krys'tal lets out a laugh. “You are either a liar or oblivious if you think she's not totally into you.”
Racknar grumbled. “Our relationship is purely platonic. She herself has requested for it to be that way. She has told me multiple times that she has no romantic feelings for me.” Ariagoria gives a nod. “I see. So she's the liar and you're an idiot. What a wonderful combination.” Racknar lets out a growl as he approaches a Yggdrasil gate. “Let's just focus on the mission.” The group then use the gate to transport themselves to a major city called August that sits just a few hours' cart ride from the north western border of Ran. Once done here if the group went by horse to Bramble it would take a literal week or more considering rest stops. However there was a mission to do first. So the party made their way to the Duke's manor.
Once there, Racknar provided a letter of invitation to a guard who then escorted the party to the office of the Duke of August. The Duke of August was an older man with salt and pepper hair. He had the fit body of someone who had retired from active military service, some other occupation or hobby. “Greetings, Black Knight if Riverside. I am Sir Anthony March. Yes, I know my name is a different month than the town is named after. I was formerly captain of the Royal Guard in the area, retired. This position was intended to be temporary but here I am in my fifth year. I should be enjoying my retirement right about now.”
Racknar does a light bow. “Well I'm guessing you didn't request help from Flowers just to vent at whoever they sent.” The Duke smiled. “Ah, straight to the point I see. That's perfect, I love a man with some initiative.” Racknar chuckled. “Well I don't swing that way, sorry.” The Duke was taken aback by Racknar’s joking. “I…” he clears his throat. “Right, anyway. I've been having some Kobold trouble lately. The damn things have been raiding caravans left and right and they've even been spotted working with goblins.”
Racknar put his hand on his chin. “That's definitely not typical behavior. Although both races are at a similar level of technology and culture they are normally extremely competitive with one another. Any other anomalies I should be aware of?” Duke March looked over reports. “Apparently the goblins have been reported to have purple skin and the kobolds have purple scales to match. It's not body paint, we checked a corpse.” Racknar nods with his hand on his chin. “Goblins normally come in green, red, or gray. Although they can come in as many colors as there are for dragons, kobolds are most commonly green or red. Although there is an extremely rare purple dragon, I've never heard of purple kobolds before.”
Duke March sat back in his chair. “Well that's all fascinating and all, but I didn't call on you to investigate why these monsters have a strange coloration. I put in the request to have the monsters taken care of.” Racknar coldly and bluntly states “Knowing thy enemy is the first step to victory. Anomalies such as abnormal skin or scale color suggests a mutation or alteration via magic or other environmental factors. These two races working together when they would normally fight suggests an outside force may be responsible. It's possible some kind of mage or other force is intentionally altering and commanding the goblins and kobolds. If someone is commanding these primitive races as a sort of army then killing the soldiers will simply delay things. The only way to solve the problem is to find and eliminate the source.”
The Duke gives a serious nod. “I see. It seems the standing Duchess of Flowers has indeed sent her best. I guess I underestimated you based on your guild ranking despite your reputation. I'll leave this job in your capable hands. Here is a map indicating encounter points.” Racknar takes the map and looks it over. “This right here, is this a cave?” He points to the map. The Duke shook his head. “Abandoned mine.” Racknar nodded. “And this only started recently, correct? Any events of note within a few months of when the problems started?” Duke March thought about it then responded. “This started about a year ago maybe? Unrelated but there was a meteor shower about a month before things started. Other than that, nothing I can think of.”
Racknar side-eyes Davy, then looks at the Duke. “Do you recall the exact date of the meteor shower?” The Duke nods and flips a calendar to a naked day. Racknar grumbled. “Thank you for the info. I have everything I need to get started except what I can expect in return.” Duke March pointed out a mage. “I'll be sending him to keep tabs on you and he'll record everything you fight so you can be paid accordingly with guild standards in mind.” The young mage who looked like he should be in grade school waved. He was probably around the same age as Marionette.
Racknar grumbled. “Alright, I suppose all that's left is to get started.” He leads the party and their cling-on mage intern outside the manor and they walk to the outskirts of the city. Once there Racknar starts pacing back and forth with his head in two of his hands. “Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck. We're fucked. Why in the nine hells did I continue to agree to take this job once I figured out what we were up against. FUCK!!” Marinette looked confused. “What do you mean? It's just some goblins and kobolds. Basically weaker versions of lizardmen who aren't much more of a threat than goblins from what I know.”
Racknar takes in a breath. “Are you familiar with a mind goblin?” Ariagoria starts saying “Mari don't” but it's too late as Marionette asks “What's a mind goblin?” Davy chuckles “Mind goblin Deez Nutz.” Marionette scowled. “Well that's rude.” Racknar chuckled. “Jukes aside, in Creatures and Catacombs there are purple goblins known as Vren. They are genetically enhanced goblins with psionic abilities. Stringer, faster, and smarter than normal goblins.” Ariagoria tilts her head. “Don't you mean magically enhanced? This isn't a sci-fi setting.”
Racknar shook his head. “The Vren are created as disposable pawns by the Illithid. They already see us as primitive so something we see as primitive they deem unworthy of conversion and simply use like disposable cannon fodder. We are likely dealing with an Illithid Mother Brain. Because someone didn't have the foresight to shut down the emergency eject for the brain chamber of the Nautilus they blew up.” Racknar glares at Davy. “What are you talking about I… oh, oh shit. I only stopped the alarms from going off and set the escape pods to simultaneously eject as soon as I launched one. I didn't even touch any safeties for the brain chamber. The thing is designed to be able to isolate itself and become air tight and eject in an emergency.”
Racknar nods. “It gets worse because as you likely know, the life support and nutrient supplies in a brain chamber are limited. They would have run out by now. The only way for a Mother Brain to survive on its own is to parasitize a host. Basically what it does to the Nautilus. It patches on and takes control, altering its host to its needs and using it to create and control a hive pod. The Mother Brain would start gathering resources and converting life forms here. Once it's ready an Illithid plague would begin to consume this entire planet until all that remains is the hive. Then once it's done here it'll move on.”
Davy grips his head. “Ugh, this is all my fault. We have to fix this. Though I wonder, what kind of creature could support a Mother Brain? It would have to be either colossal or gargantuan in size. No smaller than huge.” Racknar nods. “Although they eventually released a template for converting other creatures, there is one example in the books of a specific creature that got parasitized by a Mother Brain. The Elder Brain Dragon. Assuming we were level five or six before the tower we are at best level seven right now. We just reached the point where if we were a normal party we would be using a young black dragon as a boss monster.”
Racknar paused for a moment before continuing. “That one we fought was feral, having much lower intelligence then a normal dragon. Now we are talking about a monster with a challenge rank of over twenty. An end game boss monster. Even with our magic items and a good strategy I honestly don't see a way to win against one of the most dangerous monsters in the book plus minions without either better items or some serious level grinding. Right now the best benefit we have is the fact that three of the five of us are immune to the side effects of its more dangerous breath weapon and I've got some level of resistance while raging.”
Ariagoria sighs. “Great. So I'm the only one without a defense from either my race or class. I'm going to guess since you know all the books in and out you know some way we can gimmick or munchkin this fight like we did last time.” Racknar shook his head. “The monster is in the abandoned mine. Even if we killed every last minion it wouldn't come out meaning we would have to fight it. So using traps and siege weapons won't work.” Marionette then asks “What about the badge of Arachne? How many spiders can you summon and command with that?” Racknar takes a moment to think. “Okay, I think I have a few ideas. I'll need to find an alchemist and I might have to sell some silk to afford this plan. I'm going to abuse the shit out of some meta knowledge.”