[Video; Console]

[flybyshooting]

Interesting thing, closed-off parts of otherwise public places. They're like big red switches that say 'do not pull'. It gets you wondering all manner of things.

Out of curiosity - does anyone know what's in the lower levels of the palace? Some gruesome dungeon? A secret hideout? A mountain of treasure? ...Malicant's enigmatic accumulation of indecent erotica?

Comments

video;

[ruinsprofessor]

The first.

There's a reason they were sealed off after the demolition.

video;

[flybyshooting]

And the only way in is past the guards, I'm sure.

[ruinsprofessor]

[=| =| =|]

If the dungeons could have been safely demolished, they would have been.

Is it solely because they're sealed off, or is there some greater reason you're curious?

[flybyshooting]

Rats like to crawl back into familiar holes, no? And isn't there a hunt on for some particularly dire vermin?

[ruinsprofessor]

[There's a hitch in the cool demeanor, and her next inhalation is rapid.]

I hadn't considered that. Still...

...no, I don't think it's feasible. Perhaps once, but comings and goings from a place known as haunted or cursed would not go unnoticed.

[But she had to think about it, and it's a better reason than she'd expected from the way he phrased his initial query.]

[flybyshooting]

Vermin don't run from spooks and specters, though more often than not they are mistaken for them.

And it wouldn't be the first time guards partook in a bit of light skulduggery - if there are no secret entrances, of course.

This is all speculation, of course. But it's like that lever. Makes you wonder all sorts of things.

[Not that he wasn't really just asking after potential treasure, but you know.]

[Video]

[inquisitor_lavellan]

Let me guess, you're someone who likes to pull those.

[Pot, meet kettle.]

[Video]

[flybyshooting]

Guilty as charged.

[And it's caused him more than his share of troubles - you'd think he'd learn.]

And what of you? Or are you more one to let things be?

[Video]

[inquisitor_lavellan]

[Alleyana smirks at that, the expression wry.]

No, this is definitely a pot and kettle situation.

[She leans back from the camera enough to show the blackened dragonbone bar that is her left forearm. That's all it is. Just a bar, with two holes in it for some purpose or other. Not even a hook at the end. Whelp. It's just a quick glimpse, and then she's back to normal framing from the shoulders up.]

Some of us never learn. Which one were you hoping for, by the way? That last one?

[Video]

[flybyshooting]

Then we have something in common, I should think.

And really, who wouldn't be interested in the saucy predilections of a megalomaniacal demon overlord even if only from an academic standpoint?

[Video]

[inquisitor_lavellan]

Me. I'm definitely not interested.

[There's a slight smile there. She's not a prude so much as seriously not curious about what demons get up to in their private time. Ew dear Maker it almost makes her think of Nightmare having an interest in -- ewwwgh. Giant spider demon of infinite years can keep its porn to itself please.]

More for you, though.

Though I admit I'd at least read the cliff-notes, if someone else saw it first.

[Video]

[flybyshooting]

Always a silver lining.

Were I to find anything of that kidney, I'll let you know if it's any good.

[ten_zero]

Who exactly do you suspect of hiding in these places?

[flybyshooting]

The question one might rather ask is who would hide in such a place? Especially when they're being driven out their nests. Though it would require a secret entrance which isn't implausible. Or for the guards to be in on it, which in my multitude of experiences, would certainly not be a first.

[ten_zero]

Is there any reason we should think there *is* anyone there?

It seems the problem of 'who is hiding there' is starting from your assumption that anyone is in there to begin with.

Should we check?

[flybyshooting]

Is there any reason we shouldn't?

I was personally more interested in the prospect of riches. [Or demon porn] Dungeons, in my experience, are for getting out of, not traipsing around looking for scraps. But if the rest of the city is out to chase vermin like a pack of terriers, I may as well point out the most obvious hole their quarry'd crawl into.

If you want to go check, by all means, I won't stop you.

[ten_zero]

I think that the fact that it's guarded from entry is a good reason to believe they are vacant. Your suspicions are the ones that warrant evidence, I think.

I'm actually rather confused because it seemed like you were suggesting checking it yourself - perhaps for riches, but you're acting like its my idea now.

1/2

[flybyshooting]

How in any way is that remotely implying-

2/2

[flybyshooting]

No, never mind. Let me parse this down since there is apparently some confusion.

All I wanted to know was what was under the palace. Since I got an answer from the young lady early on, my interest has since waned. It simply occurred to me that an abandoned dungeon, rife with the possibility of hidden entrances and exits, and guarded from outside scrutiny, would be an excellent hiding place for dreaded cultists to plot their shenanigans.

I'm suggesting opening a door and taking a look around. At worst, it's abandoned and I'm wrong. At best, it's one less place cultists can hide. You asked if we should check and I answered.

Does that clear things up?

video;

[denyamenti]

[ The last suggestion gets an amused noise, before Bakura answers. ]

Less treasure down there and more blood, khakeriw.

video;

[flybyshooting]

More's the pity. I suppose Malicant wasn't one to stockpile valuables then? Even the magically potent variety?

Re: video;

[denyamenti]

Valuables of the enticing treasure kind don't get you very far here, you'll find.

[ He knows. He's already tried. ]

Although they may be of more interest in Hatal.

Re: video;

[flybyshooting]

And Hatal has more useful goods to trade for.

[Better quality metal for starters]

I have noticed the Kedan are... not partial to frippery. There's something to be said for being overly pragmatic.

Re: video;

[denyamenti]

They certainly seem more advanced than the kedan. Have you seen their cold-forgers? Now that's a sight.

They've come a long way, surprisingly. A few years ago, they weren't partial to having a complete set of functioning emotions.

Re: video;

[flybyshooting]

I have. Rather impressive I must say.

Good on them. I suppose that was Malicant's doing? Or was it one of the emperors?