MY PARENTS ARE DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD

>>6915051
I like swords and i follow orders what more do you need to know?

>>6915071

Oh, I'm sorry to bring up something that upsets you so...

...

... mine are too, you know. My parents died of plague when I was ten. Although it wasn't so bad in the end. I still have a brother, and he raised me until I left to go adventuring. He owns an inn, last I heard.

Do you have any siblings?

Twenty... All of them mentally retarded D:

>>6915051
I used to be a clerk at a library for mages. Forgetful mages. One too many late returns in poor condition and missing the little card inside, and, well, now I spit bloody froth and tear off people's limbs to use as clubs on their former owners while shouting "QUIT HITTING YOURSELF! QUIT HITTING YOURSELF!" I'm really much happier nowadays.

>>6915051
For a long time, I was a soldier. Nothing special above and beyond that. I followed my orders. I killed who they told me to kill. But...I couldn't take a life being a puppet forever. I fled. I know, it was a coward's move, but I didn't want that life anymore.

It wasn't what I wanted, but I ended up back in a life killing. I started out with high ideals, ya know? I was going to be a warrior for peace, but...Hell, nothing goes as planned. I spent time as a petty thug, as an enforcer, a collector, everything. I had to get away again. So...I started looking for a group to lose myself in. People who were going off to the ends of the earth to try and make something of themselves. I thought that maybe somewhere out here in the world I would find a reason to be. A reason to keep on picking up my axe day after day.

I turn away at the kobold nurseries, and leave them to you.

I think you know me pretty well already.

>>6915118

Sorry, that was a poor opener, wasn't it? I have a sick sense of humor at times.

I got an older brother and younger sister, but I ain't talked to em in a good seven years.

What I did? You know, the usual stuff. Worked for the Merchant's Guild, the caravan guard circuit. Eventually, got tired of the middlemen, decided to cut 'em out and go solo. You?

*lights a cigarette*
...I was, I am, a NGater. I enforced for the Tosscopper syndicate and whoever was hiring. I beat fools who thought my little bros were joyboys. I spilled blood, rolled chumps and made sure Mom could walk safely back from the Welt Districts every night.
...
I didn't really kill as much. Or travel.
And the money was...just....wow. We make so much. It's drekking unreal. I got a seven silver for holding Bile Alley. I lost most of my left ear and spent three weeks nursing a lung-stab from that night. Seven silver.
...
I spent that much on our last meal.
...
...I even ditched my old smoker. Fags are 3 silver a pack, and I spent 35 silver on this Dwarven Flint *examining a lighter*.
*lapses into silence*

>>6915051
How do you... how do you talk in the rain? It's all loud and... and rainy. And wet. Ugh.

...you know, I used to have dreams about this kind of shit. Traveling the world, seeing the sights, singing my songs and bumping into all kinds of random crap along the way. "Adventure." It didn't really matter where I ended up, or what I did--whether I ended up sleeping in front of a campfire, or in some rented tavern bed, 's long as it was a different place each day. And look where I've ended up. Shackled to a bunch of chumps, digging around in five foot wide tunnels and killing two-legged lizards for scraps of silver. Nah, I ain't an adventurer. Just a guy with a sword and a song, and no good way to use either.

...yeah, I don't.... Gods, my boots are getting soaked. Let's get inside and in front of a fireplace before I start drowning out here.

>>6915155

If it makes you feel any better, I do not judge you. This world has a habit of making you do the things you vowed never to do. I have much I wish I could take back, do again. Maybe I wouldn't have become this petty girl called Daggers. But I guess wishing will make nothing reality...

I was once a revolutionary, fighting for the rights of my people and justice for all, then, then the day of mourning came... and my people were blamed for the tragedy. with nowhere else to go i hit the road and never looked back.

>>6915225
It all depends on how you prescribe to the gods. Some of them might see fit to grant whatever wish you have. I just feel like the gods of Death are watching me, pushing me constantly toward the kill. Sometimes I just can't control it. I get in the midst of a battle and suddenly...everything goes red. I wake up fifteen or twenty minutes later, covered in blood, unsure of what happened. Most groups abandon me after that. They say that they had never seen someone go into such a frenzy. Sometimes people try to hire me for just that reason. Those are the kinds I've had to watch out for. People looking for blood sacrifices or trying to use me as a conduit for a ritual.

Death is just a way of life by now, I guess.

>>6915180

Well, it's nice that you aren't alone.

As for me, after I left my brother I got into trouble. Mother and father never taught me how to hold onto a coin, and soon I owed money to a Thieves guild in a small town. They wanted me to do... things. To pay for my debts. But I ran away instead. I learned how to use a misericorde along the way, and eventually I earned enough to pay my debts. After that I did a few odd jobs. Barmaid, shop assistant. But I didn't fit in. So I took to the road, and my knife paid my way.

>>6915216

I agree, I'm a little cold. Is there a tavern close by? I could use a drink, and a cooked meal...

>>6915225


I didn't reckon you would. You've seen enough of the rough stuff. If I didn't think you had, I'd have been a lot more leery of signing on with you. I've traditionally worked alone in the past. But you know, that'll get you killed as fast as anything. I'm glad to have had you here backing me up.

Where you think you're going after this? I'm still not sure, for me. I think whatever I'm looking for, I'm not going to find it in a kobold pit like this valley.

>>6915312 (I'm the samefag)

>>6915338
I'm with you. Something other than travel rations sounds delicious about now.

>>6915312

That sounds terrifying. As if a prisoner in your own body, almost. I am not sure I could bear such a burden.

>>6915364

I think I saw a painted sign down this road, although I have never stayed longer than a day here. Let's seek shelter that way.

>>6915363

I'm glad that you trust me. I can't say many others have. It is as if they can smell the stain of the Thieves guild upon me...

As for the future, I have not thought that far ahead. The job comes first, lest you lose your thoughts and be bested. I don't know where my next work will be, but I think the coin here will be enough for some equipment and a safe passage to new fortunes.

I was a teacher in a small village. I loved my kids - teaching them how to read, to write, to do mathematics, to read the stars. But most of all I loved to teach them about music. They couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, bless their souls, but they had such spirit and so much fun when they sang: they were my little lambs.

And then they came...

An Orc raiding party fell upon the village. They wanted to steal what little food and gold we had, and kill all of us for the fun of it. All the townsfolk rushed to set up defenses, but they didn't stand a chance. I tried to talk them into running away and hiding, I told them we should just let them take what they wanted and stay out of sight. We all could have run to the mountains until they left, we could have just rebuilt whatever they destroyed. No village was worth the lives of its villagers.

But they wouldn't listen to me. The village guard formed a militia and said they would stand their ground. The older boys all stayed and wanted to help, they wanted to fight with their brothers and fathers. Some of the girls wanted to stay with the boys out of love, or to care for anyone that became wounded. Only the little ones stayed with me...

Only the little ones survived that night.

>>6915439

I took my lambs to a monastery in the mountains nearby. When it was all over, I left them in the care of the priest while I went to investigate. I had never seen such horrors...such depravities. The men were all decapitated and their heads placed on pikes outside the walls. The women were either raped and killed, or taken captive. But the children...the ones that I tried to protect......the ones that stayed behind to help.......

My little lambs all live at the monastery now. I taught them the rest of what I could, but they could never leave the monastery - it had become their home, and I became their father. I still go to be with them at the monastery whenever I don't have a job. They love to hear my stories.

Some day I'll tell them what happened to their real parents. I haven't slept well since then, and I will never sleep until I find the monsters responsible. A shepherd must protect his flock, and at times - fight off the wolves.

I was an apprentice to a powerful wizard, had been since I was 11, my parents were glad to give me over and let me have a better life...
They... misunderstood the wizard's intentions. I was only an "apprentice" in the loosest sense of the word. Mostly she wanted a servant who understood the basics of magic so they could do the grunt work of setting up rituals and such. And she was downright abusive.
But I got the best of her. She had me set up a ritual, contacting a... something extraplanar. But I messed with the runes, made it a demon.
Dunno what it did to her, she didn't allow me inside, but when I heard the screams I just grabbed a handful of random scrolls and ran.

>>6915338

You gotta watch out borrowing from some of those guys. I'm sure there's more to your story than just running, but don't worry, I'm not gonna ask.

What I can tell ya, is the one run-in I had with them...I was hired for protection for a gem dealer's caravan through the Karazai Pass towards Brackanaw, back before the army moved in to calm things down. Anyways, I didn't know that not only were there gems on board, but the guy was moving Dust into Brackanaw for the Red Devil tiefling mob. The other guys in town, the Shui Hu orcs, had caught wind. Only reason the caravaners and I survived was quick thinking on the part of one of them who had a thunderstone. Brought down part of the hillside on the Shui Hu. But Nine Hells, once we got into town, I demanded my paycheck and skedaddled. I heard the caravan's merchant leader...well, he wasn't recognizable after the orcs caught up with him.

And that, Daggers, is why I don't take syndicate jobs. The pay's damn good, but I'm not THAT hungry.

>>6915368
Sometimes that's what it feels like. One wizard I crossed paths with was able to restrain it. Some calming spell, some potion, I can't remember. After I met him, there was about a four hour span that blanked out of my memory. After that, though, I never went into a frenzy. Something that he did was able to contain it. Able to hold it back, no matter how mad I became or how much damage my body took. That same control led to his death. Our group got attacked late one night. Dark elves. They killed most of the group silently but for a cleric serving Pelor, the wizard and myself. The cleric was wounded badly and died soon afterward. The elves held me down while they attacked the wizard. Had I been able to enter a frenzy, he would have been safe. As soon as they killed him, though, my mind went red. When I awoke, the sun was up. I was surrounded by corpses, hacked apart by my own axe. The axe had broken at some point and my hand was cut where I had grabbed the blade to keep attacking him.

Why? Never saw anything else. I suppose I could have been an herbalist. Maybe studied magic, or something... I've lived around humans for decades now, it'd be tough to go back home. I've always wanted this, ya know? My mother was an adventurer too- used to tell me stories about swatting orcs and drow and who knows what else with that greatsword of hers... I figured, I can shoot, I can be a ranger, maybe get myself an adventure or two.

Dad was a shoemaker. Granddad was a shoemaker. Great Granddad was a shoemaker. Great Great Granddad was shoemaker. My life was decided for me before I was even born. Fuck that.

>>6915474

Wise words. I believe each of us will make their share of enemies in time, and I am not in a hurry to anger another syndicate either.

>>6915501

Is that a reason you quest? To be freed of your condition? I hope that you are able to find that which you seek, if so. I do not think I could join with people if I suffered as you do.

Oh, so it was a tavern. I think we can afford some time here, so let us sit near the hearth. That table in the corner is good, but can I ask to sit with my back against the wall without the window?

>>6915587

Yeah, imagine those kobolds aren't too happy about now, eh? But if it's that or this city starving... And they could've done things different, you know? If they were willing to deal with us, I doubt there isn't anyone in the Guild who wouldn't trade food to them for a proper quantity of manufactured items, even cheap ones. Would probably cost less than civilized laborers. But instead they start killing farmers and burning villages. Nobody ever learns.

>>6915665

I see the sorrow of the story as you, but I cannot feel bad for either party. I can just feel impartial regret at the situation as a whole. They chose the road they walked. Besides, their demise is allowing me to live a little longer. If the cost of my continued life is the lives of violent marauders who choose to be what they are, how could I not pay it? There is still much I want to see, many things I want to find...

>>6915665
Nature of the fucking world man.
Y'know, if I had a copper for every time I came across some group of half trained Orcs following around a nutter in a pointy helmet just 'cause he said so, I-
Erm, well I wouldn't be rich, but I'd have a whole lotta coppers, lemme tell you.

>>6915051
I was a door to door door salesman. Business was not good.

>>6915587

Forgive me for asking, but are you wanted in these parts at all? It's a small window, after all.

>>6915737

Exactly. It's the nature of the business, whether we like it or not. Still, I'm not too keen to write them off as "violent marauders"; I'm sure I'm one in somebody's book. Anybody gets rough when they're hungry, and as bad as the harvest was this year for us, up in the mountains, it sounds like there was hardly rain at all. I'm surprised they had that much fight left in them. If the king gets that new irrigation project pushed through here, I imagine things might get a little easier all around.

>>6915776

Oh no! No, I am not wanted here, so do not worry. I just don't like windows so much. The man who tutored me in the basics of my weapons had a window in the spare room of his shop, the room we trained in. One night he was instructing me and a hunter of the Thieves guild pulled him through and beheaded him before throwing his severed head to my feet as a last warning.

It was the first time I ever saw someone close to me murdered.

>>6915817

... there is truth in what you say. More than likely, I don't want to admit that I'm not a good person anymore. My parents would likely be ashamed of my life until now, temple-going village folk that they were.

Can we order a drink? I need some ale right now...

>>6915587
Absolutely. Paranoia is a completely sound sentiment in our world, my friend. I'll sit opposite. That way I can get my back a bit closer to the fire.

>>6915880

You're a survivor. They ought to be proud of that, at least. Go ahead with the ale, I think I might pass on that and just get some bread. Sober seven moons and counting. Was getting to be an inconvenient habit.

>>6915889

Thank you. I fear I may not be as good drinking company as you are used to, but I will do my best to cheer up a little.

Barkeep! Ale!

>>6915918

I see.

...

... really? No alcohol? And what about powders and pipeweed?

>>6915051

Ah...a good question, da? I was wondering when you would ask, Моя дорогая.

As you may have guessed from my dialect, I come from the frozen north; the blue skin unt cold is, well...not common there. I am told it is due to my mother, though I've only my father's words. Ah well...

I was always strong of sword and stout with magic, you know. Vhen it came down to it, really, what choices did I have? To marry some lout and become a trophy wife, or strike out unt my own and seek my riches elsewhere?

Heh, not much of a choice at all, da?

>>6915977

No, indeed not. No doubt you have suffered in these lands due to your appearance and accent, but at least you can deal with that with fists, right? Haha!

>>6915934
What this one said. Bread, too, and whatever meat you've got hot and ready.

So, Daggers, what exactly is it that made you such a 'petty girl.'

>>6916045

Fighting with my daggers keeps me fit, you know.

But thank you for trying to cheer me up. I appreciate it. Cheers. While I am the only one partaking of the ale, I will drink to your health.

>>6915944

Don't have any personal rules for that, but hell, I can't afford that most of the time anyways, so I don't feel like I need to worry about getting hooked too much. But again, I saw a lot of the ugly side of some of the markets for that stuff in the caravan biz. Kind of makes you lose your appetite for it.

>>6916105

I can rarely get my hands on that, but sometimes I just need to let everything go, you know? Happiness is harder to come by the older I get, it seems.

>>6916034

Fists and spell alike, da!

But the appearance, it is...vell. Not so bad. They think me 'exotic' around here, vich works just fine for me, heh.

Now, let me show you how we drink in the north...

>>6916104
(I said petty, not pretty. That's what you typed in earlier.)

I suppose that's true enough. I'll drink a bit, too. To your physique, and to there being enough kobolds out there for everyone to get a kill.

>>6916127

Oh, you didn't call me pretty. Sorry, I just... never mind.

But what you said is true. I'm a rather petty person. I get jealous of people easily, and sometimes I wish I could have nice things. But then I remember who I am.

... this ale must be weak. I've had my pint, and I can't feel anything different..

>>6916121

I think I need one of those too. Apparently I'm not pretty.

"That didnt stop you from making "rape baby" jokes three times a day. I was this close to slitting your throat and letting Louie have your giblets.

::Sigh::

Truth is, I've been in the killing-things-for-money business since I could pull a bowstring. See, dad didnt realize that killing an orc chief made you the new chief until after the guy's wives were throwing themselves at him. Long story, but cut to 6 years later, and he's stabbed by the next up-and-comer who wants to wear the big skull hat and take the tribe back from da 'umie. Leaving me kind of high and dry. So, I booked it into the woods, right ahead of his goons. Dad'd taught me field craft, so I didn't have any trouble surviving. Eventually, I found a villiage of people-shaped things who didnt talk about pillaging all the time. It wasnt easy, but I managed to make a living. Trapping, hunting, selling furs. Priests at the temple of Erastil helped."
::Pet's vulture on shoulder, feeds it dead rat::
"eventually, I realized that no matter how hard I worked at it, I wasnt going to have a life in that little circle of cottages. So, I struck out, met Louis, and not three weeks later, killed my first goblin. Got the local bounty on the ears, saw silver for the first time, got wasted. Never looked back."

>>6915977

By the way... just what does it feel like? Wielding magic, I mean. Do you feel any different when you cast spells?

>>6915051

What the fuck is this? Did I ask you to speak, or give you any indication I wanted to hear your voice being aimed at me?

Obviously, none of the other fuckwits in this ramshackle amalgam of retards bothered to inform you of our rules. First, don't touch my shit. Second, I'll let YOU know when you need a heal. Third, unless it's to tell me "here's a delicious platter of fine smoked meats and cheeses" or "hey stick it in my pooper" I don't want you to open your fucking mouth.

Are we clear? Do you understand me?

Fucking scrub.

>>6916118

Hey, you're how many years younger than me? Knock it off, eh? No, I do understand, though, for sure. Sometimes you gotta do something to blow off steam. Even I do sometimes; I'm not all business, all the time. A good poker hand can make a body feel right at home. That's...well, that's part of the reason I decided to sober up. I was losing way too many coins at the drow tavern in the Underbelly area... you know, in the capitol, on the east side. What was that place called again? Hell if I could pronounce it, but had the best gambling action in the city that wasn't rigged by somebody, and I really picked up a taste for some of that venomwine. Still gotta take it slow, but that stuff really does wonders for the metabolism. Believe the hype; I ain't giving up that stuff.

>>6916193

Oh, come now! You are most certainly pretty! I am certain that Marchus meant as much too, da?

Now! Have you tried vodka before...? I varn you, it is no weak drink, my friend!

>>6916269

Oh, I've heard about that. Apparently it's rather good...

... do you have any I could try sometime?

>>6915118
>>6915071
Yes, yes, I killed your father. What is it with you women anyway?
I killed my father too, you don't hear me whining about it!

>>6916237

Ah...also a good question. And with an answer I cannot explain so easily.

It is...oh, how to say it? Like reaching for ze little bits between ze air. Silent and invisible things. Like promises unt lies; things not tangible. You find you can take them unt twist them to your own ends, to do with as you wish.

Unt then you give them power unt purpose, if only for a moment, and unleash their potential.

For me, you know, it is different; I put it in my blade, most of the time. But sometimes...sometimes I feel like I could take the whole world in my hand, if I tried hard enough.

It is a scary thought.

>>6916286

Next time I'm out in dark elf country, I'll see if I can't pick you up some. It's just so hard to get here, you know? I used to get most of my own supply through my Merchant's Guild contacts when I worked for them, but now that I don't, well, the stuff keeps so poorly, so I usually just stop by the tavern and get the fresh stuff.

And did that bloke over there just say you weren't pretty? What a cad. If you want to rough him up a bit for that, well, I don't mind not coming here again, if you get what I mean.

>>6915051
I'm saddened by the fact that this will never ever fucking happen.

>>6915051

Cock goes where?

>>6916273

I don't care, I just need something heavy. Oh, it's clear...

>>6916332

Wow, that's... incredible. I don't have any real magic abilities, so I've always wondered. Thank you for telling me. I don't think I have any really interesting knowledge like that in return though...

AH! This horrid drink burns! I can't breathe!

>>6916339

Ugh... ha... thanks, I'll give you some coin. And don't worry about him, he's right.

You know, sometimes I wish I was pretty. Once in... um... well, one of the capitals, I saw an Elf woman walking by in some elfspun clothing. It was so beautiful... and when I looked in the expensive tailor store there, I had enough for a robe just like it. But then I saw myself in the mirror, and I realised that someone such as myself wouldn't look good in such clothing. I just brought another misericorde and left.

*sigh*

... that's rather a sad tale.

>>6916359

In before /a/'s Sad Frog. I only wish I had the template handy.

TALKAN NOT FIGHTAN

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

Jesus christ you people make me sad

>>6916452

I didn't realize you were taking "pretty" to mean "elfin". It's not a bad thing that you look like you actually work and and wouldn't get thrown over the shoulder of the first raider to come through town.

But really, you know it's mostly confidence, anyways. I used to know a dwarf woman, name of Mirabella. She worked as a model for one of the big-time weaving firms in Aldrion. You'd never expect a dwarf model, right? But she edged out a lot of those pretty elves, and certainly had plenty of boys, dwarf and otherwise, following her around.

>>6916452

Ha! I told you it was strong, da?

And if I may offer some advice: it is not about the beauty per-se, but how you carry yourself. You have to stand straight, with confidence and poise!

You are pretty, unt let no one say otherwise. That is the secret.

>>6916531

For once, we agree on a tactical approach, V. /wink

>>6916522

I appreciate you saying that, but... it would be nice to be considered pretty. I mean, not because I don't want to work. And not because I want to be a part of that society, because I don't. But... er... I don't know. I can't explain it. But I still wish I could feel pretty.

Ugh, my head feels light. Varinka, I'm never drinking vodka again.

>>6916531

I guess I just don't know how to carry myself to look pretty. The Thieves guild just saw my body as some burnable resource, and I haven't stayed anywhere long enough to be courted...

But enough! I don't want to talk about it anymore, I'm feeling depressed as it is!

>>6916570

Here, I'll see if I can't score a room for each of us. I'm thinking I might crash, too. Taking that third watch last night, I been up bout twenty hours now. Does not feel good, friend.

>>6916612

(Fucking switching tripcodes, I can't handle it anymore, and I guess I finally fucked it up. sigh...)

Just imagine everyone else as kobolds. In their underwear.

>>6916612

Thank you. I will repay yourself when we are paid for the kobolds.

...

If the OP image was a dude, this thread would have died already.

>>6916650

Well, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be telling him how he can feel pretty.

>>6916647

OK, here's the keys. I'll see you guys in the morning, at least. I'm heading up to mine. I'll be in room 12 if you guys come looking.

Eh, I really don't know where my life before ended and my "adventuring" began. I guess I started when I needed a discreet way to make some money. You see, most people don't understand my... my power. The relationship I have with my... powers often scares people away, and they want nothing to do with me, even... even those I thought closest. In addition to the pay grade, I also needed something that fit the mobile nature of my research, and well, after a few requests to enter caves and take care of other peoples, well suddenly I was what you might call an "adventurer."

I. I really don't care much for the title, but I also don't care much for people either. Most just freak out when they see what I do, and what I research. But I DO appreciate you. W-well, n-not just YOU, b-but the whole party. Heheh. You know, people who UNDERSTAND people like me, o-or, at least if you don't understand, maybe at least not be so quick to judge.

Heh, maybe we should go in. My... "partner" is complaining. Cheeky bastard, it's not even his body, and he'll be gone in a couple of hours regardless...

Before I adventured? Well, I was living a pretty normal life back in those days. Lived in the same town I grew up in, apprenticed with the local wizard, and applied my skills how I could, which wasn't really a lot - a lot of towns don't have a huge demand for necromancers, as you can probably guess! But my wife Victoria (she's a priestess, you know) was able to get me a nice bit of work with the temple - a casting or two of Gentle Repose a day, sometimes going into the mines to recover a body in a precarious area, helping the town guard ward off minor attackers, things like that. I think I got into adventuring simply because I wanted to provide more for my family. My daughter Elena misses me greatly, and I miss them both, but I gotta do what I gotta do, you know? That's why I still have Steve following me around - Elena couldn't stand me just having to kill that bear, despite it attacking livestock. So I just raised it, and took excellent care of it, and it's been pretty dang trusty, I'll tell you that much. She absolutely loves it, she'd polish him daily - it's why he looks so nice, you see - and play with him and in him, it was absolutely adorable. But, I'm rambling a bit, aren't I? But, I suppose that's it - I'm just out here doing the best I can for my family, you know? I'm just hoping I can hit a bit payout and not have to be away from them so much, and able to devote some more time to advancing my knowledge as well.

>>6916676

...you know what? I might go and see our employer. I could use a walk right now, and the rain will help me think.

Don't get up everyone, I'll be back later.

>>6916339
Speak not of dark elves around me, friend, or you may find yourself with more troubles than you planned for. With that, I'm off. Goodnight.

>>6916723

Wait. You guys let the thief go get all the money by herself?

*chortle*

This entire thread made me sad. After it all, she just left again. God damn it, /tg/. Is the love dead?

>>6916723

Vell, if dat is your wish.

I shall see you in the morning. I fear the drink has gotten even to MY head!

Just...be careful, da? I vould not like to have to claim heads should anything happen to my friend.

>>6916832

Thank you, but Varinka... I...

...

...never mind. Goodnight.

>>6915051
Killed people
Was a jackass
Became adventurer because I hear adventuring is the #1 way to move up in the world - and I could always use more options for being a jackass and killing people. It sucks to have to be subtle and stealthy all the time.

I was the professor of a college, teaching others the maths, sciences, and medicines that we had knowledge of.
The local wizards guild didn't like the fact that I was training the populace to be independent from magic and, by extension, them. They ran me out of town.
I traveled North to where there is never a summer, only ice, and was adopted by a nomadic-barbarian tribe there.
Midnight raid by an elf tribe that had stumbled over us. I tried to stay out... until Ka-ti, a little girl of five blizzards was struck through the eye with an arrow in front of me.
That was the first time I raged.
I picked up my blade and broke it in the offending elf's spine. I picked up a fallen warrior's ax then and broke it in a pointy ear's skull.
The chieftain, seeing all the broken blades around me, handed me his warhammer, and I've used it ever since.
I could tell you more, but that is for another fire.

>>6916867

Dammit Daggers, just tell her you love her!

>>6916867

...Спокойной ночи мои дорогие.

And do come back in one piece.

In b4 my momma got scared

>>6916950

...

...

...

...Varinka, are you awake? It's me. I n-need your help. I did s-something bad. The man who we w-were supposed to get paid by... I killed him.

>>6917002

>>6917002

...

Oh. Oh dear.

We will have to leave town then, da? Unt in post-haste; the guards will find out in short order, I imagine.

>>6917068

Well, w-we should have until morning. I h-hid the body well, and took everything of value. M-made it look like he skipped town. N-no one should look for him until m-morning.

I-I came to you first, I t-think the others will be mad at the paydrop.

>>6917096

Undoubtedly so. They are rather...picky about their gold.

Let me get changed first, unt then ve will inform the others. Once we're clear of town, though, I expect the full story, da?

Before I became an adventurer? I... Well, I used to be a tree.

It's kind of a long story.

>>6917145

A-alright. Put on your cloak, i-it's still raining out, and the rain's c-cold.

Varinka... thanks. And I'm sorry.

>>6917156

We got time.

>>6915188
I didn't get even a single reply. T.T

>>6917002
Thought You'd come back here, grab your friends and hurry, killing a mobster attracts attention...

>>6917225

Y-you, I know you... where have I seen you before? And why sh-shouldn't I kill you for intruding?

*sniff*

>>6917165

Ha, I am known as the 'Ice Queen' where I come from. This cold, it does not bother me.

Unt do not thank me just yet; wait until we are out of town, mm?

>>6917280
I'm impressed you recognized me, in my line of work it pays not to stand out.

That said, assuming you COULD kill me, the enemy of your enemy could be a friend.

Hurry now daggers, I think Dawn's a little too optimistic.

A-alright, let's get out of here. We can split the loot later, for now let's get on the road out of town...

*sniff*

Ah, I think I got a cold from the rain... what a night...

>>6917282

Varinka... I'm not s-sure we can trust him. S-stay close to me.

>>6917308

...

We thank you for the...warning. But we must be off.

Dagger, let is flee before he is proven right.

>>6917367
Good, let's move.

And to be honest, I'm releived that you don't trust me.

You'd be a fool to at this point; I'm glad you have your wits about you.... gods know where they were earlier....

>>6917378
I'll take you to the edge of town, then you're on your own.

And Daggers.... Next time you see your brother, tell him that Mr Black said our debt is settled.

Gods be damned, what's all this racket? Some of us are trying to sleep!

Daggers... V... what's going on?

>>6917395

Don't judge me. You weren't there, and y-you have no right!

*sniff*

...

...alright. The gate guards will be busy for a bit, and visibility is down. Go now, b-before they relight the lanterns. Now!

>>6917425

Fine by me.

>>6917447

Ah, Jonas, there's been a...bit of trouble. Dagger and I are leaving town; care to join us?

What, me? Not much to tell, really. My father served loyally in the coast guard. He was a strong man. Hard. Weathered. Worshipped Melora. Cared for my mother like no other. My mother was a pirate. Not the traditional sense, mind you, she was a sea elf. It was a clan thing. They mostly sent ships back and forth for cargo, but they did pirate hunting for a while. She did business with my father a lot, he gave her the letters of marque she used to plunder the wicked. A match made in the heavens, right? They really hit it off. After a night of passion I'd rather not think about, here I am. A half-elf in a world gone mad.

Oh god, I am a Kobold, why on earth were we killing Kobolds??!

>>6917477
Anyways, I was about 15 when she brought me aboard her ship as a cabin boy. Gods, I was so excited. Eager to serve, "What can I do to help? Need those riggings secured? Swab the deck?" Haha, those were good times. I served with her for about six or seven months. Well, it wasn't too long before some pirate group caught wise to us, attacked us at nightfall. Never saw it coming. Ship was wrecked. They used magicks. Fireballs. Lightning. Some scary shit. Last thing I remember was my mother securing me to a mast or something, telling me "Listen, my son, you've got your own path in life to walk. Don't stop chasing your star. You are my star, boy. Now, go out into the world, and make your ol' atara proud." Those words burned in my mind. I passed out after that. Woke up on an Imperial vessel. My father was there. So were some other officers. I never saw him shed a tear until that day.

Anyways, long story short, I began training at the academy. Learned to wield a spear like an extension of my body. This spear I use was my mother's. She taught me one thing in this life. That no matter what, a man must stick to his beliefs. And that's why I'm a paladin. I fight on not in my god's name, or anything like that.

I fight for tomorrow. I fight for freedom. I fight because it's what I was here for. Nobody can stop me for that. And in the end, isn't that all that matters? To not wait to live until it's time to die?

>>6917447

Shh... be quiet and g-get behind us! We're leaving. I-I'll explain later.

>>6917425

... you know my brother. Alright, I'll t-tell him. Thank you for your help, b-but forgive me if I don't consider myself in your debt.

I had...
Let's say I had anger issues.

(I always play barbarians or berserkers, is this bad?)

>>6917447
Friend of yours Daggers?

Grab your gear and move, be you not a fool.

We will explain later, and if you lose us, there's an Inn at the crossroads to the North, I have friends there and if you lose us there we will be found now MOVE.

>>6915276
There's always room for one more lone soul aboard the Drunken Mermaid. Come along, lad, sit a spell, and share some stories.

>>6917503
If you are in anyone's it would be your brother.

Stick to the shadows, stay quiet and follow me, and I'll get you out of this.

>>6917520

You need not tell me twice.

>>6917176

I guess we do, don't we?

It's hard to explain, but there are some things that I know about- not because I've seen them myself, or because someone taught them to me. I just Know them.

Until I met the Sage, I thought I Knew everything. I had my grove, and I nothing ever really happened that I didn't Know about in advance. I Knew about the world, and about the forests and rivers and oceans, but I never went and saw them myself because I didn't think I needed to. I was happy right where I was.

I never really asked him about it, but one day, the Sage took his disciples out deep into the forest for a lesson about the mathematical principles of engineering and architecture. It was the first time I had met anyone I didn't Know, and they were talking about something I had never heard of, and... it was kind of scary, but intoxicating.

He taught for hours, and then sent his class away, and kind of... sat on me a little. And then we just started talking. And then he asked me to come with him.

>>6917547

Lead the way, I-I'm right behind you.

*sniff*

Damn it!

>>6917621
What now?

>>6917643

I spent too much time in the rain, and I t-think I caught a cold. Don't worry about it, i-it's nothing. Please, get us out of here!

(Ok, is this going to turn into a quest thread where we roll for shit? or are we just going RP with no boundries? this is Out of char, BTW)

Stay close...

>>6917688

(bah. Keep it roleplay, keep it flowing)

*Trips on a beerstein, sails through the air, arm windmilling*

UuwhoOOA!

>>6917754
/facepalm

.... catch up later will you?

(wanna skip the sneaking through the streets? an assassin and a thief could handle it easy and talking more would just lead to us being discovered)

You're lucky I don't carry much. What have you done Daggers? I'd hate for the local clerics to find a reason to fit me a short coffin. As if they wouldn't like to anyway.

Damn this rain...

>>6917781
*Gives a thumbs up and lies down to 'recuperate' in a puddle of ale.*

Ghurglmurg...

>>6917781

(do it. Skip to the gate, or until we have escaped. Up to you)

>>6917787

I-I didn't mean for this to happen. Let's j-just escape, then you can decide whether to ho;d it against me.

Nngg, this rain has only become colder!

>>6917816
Well, I guess it doesn't matter anymo... Nngh!

*pant* Well, looks like my pact has expired. Sorry if I, eh, seemed irritable. I'm guessing we don't have time for me to make another pact then. Well, I'm counting on you guys!

(I wouldn't mind skipping to the gate either)

>>6917816
(Let's skip the gate, on the road to the Inn.)

Now that we're out of trouble for the mo, explain what's going on to everyone please.

I was on my way to check on you for your brother and saw you talking to a member of Lemmy Southpaw's gang and ducked into a shop to get some supplies for the road, not wanting to get involved in local mob politics.

When I got back, there was blood everywhere and you were nowhere to be seen, I took a shortcut back to the Inn you were staying at... and you know the rest of my tale.

Care to fill in the gaps?

>>6917937
Wait, you KILLED our contractor? How the hell did you manage that? I don't think I'll have to contract Amon again in order to be irritable over something like this!

>>6917937

Alright, I will tell you what happened. We were to collect for killing kobolds on the behalf of a group here in town for the past half-season. Good, honest work, and an extended task. This you know, as well as that I left to collect payment.

I was led to a small warehouse in the back districts, where Lemmy and two others were waiting. I gave them the news, and they confirmed that they knew. But then they told me that they were only willing to pay half the agreed upon amount.

I... I was drunk, and cold, and I was angry at their attempted swindle, so I came off hot. Then one of them grabbed my arm.

I didn't go there to kill them... if I had been sober, perhaps I wouldn't have killed them...

>>6915051

Well you see, my Pa makes pots. My brother makes pots. An' I don't, which is why I'm here now.

Looking back, I suppose it was kinda obvious, early on, that I wasn't going to make the sort of fine pieces that the nobles and traders pay good coin to keep around. Sure, I can fire a piece of clay much as anyone else, but there's pots, and then there's pots, you know? I just didn't seem to quite make shapes delicate enough, paint the patters neatly enough...so it goes. I suppose I could make a living stoking the kiln, mixing the glaze, doing all that 'prentice work for my brother. But there's living, and then there's living.


Suppose you'd have to say I was a troublemaker, too. I had a tendency to brawl, to squabble with the other lads and find more interesting things than working. Might be that's what the monks noticed, at that grammar school where Pa sent us to learn our figures and our writing. But soon enough they were using cudgel-and-buckler drills to keep me in line, instead of raps across the knuckles or a switch on the backside.

There was one brother, there...older than Pa, probably, though I wasn't gonna ask. He was blind in one eye, almost lame in one leg, but he could wrestle better than most of us youngsters and thump you twice before you hit the ground. So I liked him to begin with. But it was the stories he told that really grabbed me by the scruff. Places he'd been, the things he'd seen, and the creatures he'd fought in the name of the Church of Tyr. Not to get sentimental or anything but...I suppose that's where I picked up the dream, you know? The idea that being a good stout arm for the greater good was a better calling than drinking your pay, and brawling your wits down to nothin'.

>>6918068

I think my Pa was a bit relieved to pay to send me to monastery. The shop would go to one son, and he could get a younger and more talented 'prentice to boot. So that's where I became a priest, unlikely as that seemed...learned the ways of Tyr, and the other gods besides...the dangers of the world, and what was to be done with them. I was barely old enough to grow a beard when they send me to the abbey of Greenwald--well, no, you woudn't know of it. Was barely a couple of huts and a stone church with a fence around it. So anyway, it was there I was serving my journeymanship, when the corsairs came ashore. Little enough remarkable about that, either--just a pack of ragged thieves in a boat, really, though no to say they ain't as dangerous as any other man with a sword. But we crowded as many locals as we could find in the church, barred the doors, and stood by with what weapons and sticks as we had lying around. I won't say it was some kind of great victory, or something that even deserves calling a battle; but in the end they ran off, and we were alive, and the chapel not much worse for wear.

And now? Well, fella, the servant of Tyr is going to have himself another ale.

>>6918008
Then why didn't you bring one of us or anything? I-I-I mean, I know I'm not much of a people person, but at least I could have held you back...

>>6918008
.... They tried to cheat someone who had proven themselves extremely proficient at killing things?

Don't feel bad about killing them, they tried to cheat you and, honestly, people that stupid wouldn't have lived much longer anyway.

And take this spare cloak I got, the sealskin will keep the rain off better than that cotton and wool monstrosity.

When we get to the tavern I'll contact a mage
I know, he'll use a sending to let your brother know where we are and what's going on.

>>6917801
Barkeep! Put that man's tab on mine. Call me when he wakes. I could use a man like this.

>>6918119
Ye gods man, it's not like she went in there thirsting for blood, they tried to jump her and she defended herself.

>>6918119

Because... because of what Machus said. It's juvenile, I know, but what he said... it affected me. I know, I should have taken you all, but I just wanted to get my mind off it.

...and in return, I drag us into all this. All because I got all mopey and hurt, like some precious milkmaid. Know what, I'm never going to complain about not being pretty again.

*sniff*

There'll be hell to pay from this cold when we stop...

(Sorry for the long absence. What did I miss?)

>>6918125

Thank you... it seems there is no end to your generosity.

Here... I stole this silver inkwell and quillrest from Lemmy's desk before I left. I wish for there to be no debts between us. Take it.

>>6915051

Well lass, y'see, I left th' mountainhome on account of wantin' to see the tits o' the world. Not that there's anything lackin' in th' lasses back there? But I got to thinkin' to meself, Self, there's a whole wide world o' lasses out there, with all kinds o' teats ye probably never dreamt of. So I went out into th' big open world, travelin' an' fightin' an' findin' me some spectactular titties wherever I go. Human titties, gnome titties, even some halfling titties.

But I still ain't gotten ta get really up close an' personal wi' a pair o' elven titties. Y' hear me? So let's go inside, and get you out o' them wet clothes, an' add t' me further education? Ain't like you haven't been showin' them off this whole time anyway--they're about two-thirds to flyin' free already, know what I'm sayin'?

>>6918168

(thought you went to sleep. Jump in once you're up to speed)

>>6918168
(Daggers killed some guys, I bailed her and her friends, and until just now only the two of us knew what the fuck)

>>6918170
It's... it's fine. There's nothing that can be done now. Just give me a couple of minutes to make up a pact somewhere around here. Does anyone know what we should be expecting today?

(also, anyone have an approximate level?)

>>6918202
((Call it level 12. High enough to start being badasses, but not too epic. I'd also have enough time to multiclass out for some rage abilities.))

*runs up to the two of you, blood on the edge of my axe*
Gods damn it, if you are going to make a mess of a situation, please at least make an attempt to wake me before leaving. I can tell you now, we're not being followed. Nobody is dead back there, but we won't have a tail.

>>6918202

Assuming nothing out here decides to partake of us? Whatever Lemmy's gang can muster against us.

*(Meant to run up to the group, not the two of you)

>>6918280

Machus...

...

... I'm sorry about today. But try to be more mature, would you?

But in any case, we have no tail. Let's just get to this Inn, so we can get warm and plan our next move. Hopefully they have something I can use for my cold, too.

>>6918317
I'm being absolutely serious! I was rolled out of my bed, where I was perfectly content, by a large group of thugs. Yes. Thugs that were being backed up by the guards.

Either way, it's over. Hopefully I can get some decent rest this time.

>>6918291
>>6918317
Well, I know Lemmy has someone called Katalmach, but he's in the south lands right now, most he could send against us are some shadow stalkers, They're deadly but a bit of a one trick pony, so no worries there as long as he doesn't know my involvement.

>>6918291
Right. May as well give this new one a shot...

...excuse me. I couldn't help but overhear your troubles. Though, I'm not certain they could be called troubles so much as they could be called, 'accidental incidents involving death and destruction'.

Sorry for steppign out of the shadows. It's second nature. No, I'm not a thief, or a necromancer. Just...hard to notice. It comes from playing with shadowstuff all my life. I liked the dark, it was...cozy. Safer than living in the light, where terrible things can happen to a noble's bastard half-elven daughter and no one would concern themselves. I learned qquickly that it can do soem very terrible things to people I don't like. Nowadays it's more like...a tool. Or weapons, and armor. Shadows keep me safe.

But enough about me. Might I recommend the Blue Boar in? It's not the one you are used to, but it's....less questioning of the inhabitant's choice of professions and less likely that they'd pry into conversations not meant for their ears.

>>6918373
A-and if he DOES know about you?

>>6918369

*sigh*

Forget it. Just forget I said anything.

>>6918202

Jonas, are you ready yet? We should keep moving, the rain's getting heavier. I can barely see the road ahead...

>>6918373

Okay. I think we can deal with shadow stalkers. But what of this Katalmach? If he is going to hunt my party and I, I would learn of a potential enemy.

>>6918405
You step out of the shadows, suggest an inn known for being shady, talk about using bloody -shadows- for weapons, and expect us to trust you?
*I raise an eyebrow and shift the grip on my axe*

>>6918405

Stay where you are, for now. While I appreciate that you announced yourself, don't make any sudden movements for now. My misericorde have tasted blood tonight from four separate enemies. A fifth will be no problem for any of us.

Now. Why would you help us? You don't seem motivated by a pure heart, little miss shadows...

>>6918449
>>6918453
If I had meant you harm, you would never have seen me until after at least one of you were dead or unconscious, you know. I've been following your exploits for some time.

Besides, I haven't a concern for your doings, only the Shades mentioned by your friend... -*Indicates Mr. Black.*

>>6918415
YE GODS! WHERE DID SHE COME FROM!

>>6918415
J-j-j-j-j-j-j--j-j-j-j-just k-k-k-keep moving. I'll make my pact when we get to the inn

*shrugs and shoulders my axe*
Either way, it's getting too damn cold out here. Let's keep moving.
*continues toward the inn, swearing under my breath*

>>6918405
We have a destination in mind thanks, though I would like to know how long you've been eavesdropping.
>>6918413
Hopefully not, but Lemmy's a wry one. Likely he'll have us followed, and try to trap us.
>>6918415
Know much of the orcs girl? Not the shamanic kind that roam distant plains, the kind that consort with Demons, warlocks and bloodfrenzied berzerkers.

'Katalmach' is a name given to those that they respect and fear, the kind of man that would make a demons nightmare piss itself. I know little of the man, but that name could mean nothing good.

Last I heard he was half the world away, and with luck Lemmy won't think this important enough to call in a favor like that.

We don't have time. Little miss shadows, we will have to trust you for now. You may travel with us, but make no sudden moves, lest you feel my daggers in you.

I will promise nothing, but that we will hear you out. In the meantime, do you have a name? Or should I just refer to you as I please?

>>6918531
I was standing over there for a while now, Jonas...

>>6918552
As you say. I haven't any qualms. Though, I'd consider not going to someplace you've been before. Just a thought, really.

>>6918558
'Evesdropping' is a crude way to put it. True, but crude. About...oh, a tenthmark on the sundial, I would say. Long enough. Though, you'll be pleased to know no one else is eavesdropping.

Oh, you may call me 'Nyss, if you're so inclined.

>>6918510
Not true shades, they are more along the lines of a shadow golom, though I admit I don't know the details of their creation.

That said Listen to Daggers, If she doesn't stick you, I'll make you wish she did if you cross us.

>>6918558

Forgive me for saying so, but I can't see how Lemmy could gain the servitude of such a being. Something's off...

In any case, let us make haste. I wish to be out of this downpour.

(shall we skip ahead to the Inn?)

>>6918602
>>6918619
As you say, then.

(Fine by me to skip.)

Bloody interlopers...

(Feel free to skip.)

(skip it)

(I'm down)

Go ahead and rest, I'll procure us some rooms, maybe someone can make something resembling sense of this night.

(Soaked, the group arrive at the Blue Boar Inn, location of Mr Black's contacts and bar recommended by Nyss)

Okay, let's get a table near the hearth... there is much to discuss, and not least of all I wish to hear your story, Nyss.

Mister Black? Thank you for your assistance earlier. Unless you have pressing business, please sit with us and eat.

Machus. Jonas. How are you holding up?

*grumbles something about people jumping me*
I'm just fine. This time, though, I'm hoping I can actually get some rest.

>>6918681
S-still tired. I do hope this new pact does me well. But I best not speak of such things in public. If you'll excuse me, I'll be off to my room for a moment to make the necessary preparations. I need a dark place for the first summon.

>>6918681
In a moment perhaps, I'm going to speak to the innkeep first...

>>6918715

What? I can't let you sleep yet, I need you here at the table next to me. We need to work out what our next move as a party is. Perhaps Nyss needs our help? She seemed interested in those shadows...

>>6918735

Be safe during the summoning, Jonas. I will speak in your absence, if the need arises. Please trust me to have your concerns at heart, and join us when you are able.

>>6918630

Nyss, please sit down here. I would hear as to why you chose to reveal yourself to us.

*grumbles*

Unbelievable, she's pretty. Argh, what a night...

>>6918715
>>6918757
>>6918735
Unless there are objections to be had, I've secured the large common room in the basement for the evening.

It'll be easier to protect you all if you're in one place, I can ward the room against intruders so no-one can bother us, and there's a Dead drop bolt hole, if shit gets too bad, we have an AMAZING escape route.

After tonight, I take no chances.

>>6918757
I didn't say that I needed it right now. *sets the axe across my lap and quickly cleans the blade before removing my armor again, proceeding to dry and clean it from a kit*

>>6918662
Here is for my share of the rooms, Mr. Black. It should suffice. I'll pay for the first round of drinks as well.

As for my story? There....is less to tell than I'd like. It is one thing to be a bastard in a large city, but it is another thing entirely to be half blooded progeny of a dalliance not even of lowborn caste, but an outsider from another country. I was....an amusing oddity, a burden, ill looked after. I went through two nannies before I was even grown enough to be worth noticing. Pretty looks aren't a boon in a house where men can make use of any servant they find interesting, and then the women take umbrage if that attention isn't upon them, hmn Dagger?

I delved into quiet places, hid when I could, and found the libraries of the spiritual advisor to the ones who hosted my presence. I wouldn't even deign to call them parents. I learned more about the comfort of darkness than many whole-blooded humans ever learn. I was slow and stupid to them, always the child, never growing older it seemed. My closest sibling was nearly twice my size and already preparing to wed when I discovered the secrets to crafting tools out of whisps of darkness and puddles of ink cast by the light. He WAS wed by the time I could take arms against the ones who sought to abuse me.

I came here following rumors of a shadow crafter, but the more I sought, the harder the information came by me. And even still, it is less a crafter of shadow than a monster of a mortal who commands things of shadow built to pretend life, not a maker arms and tools. Mr. Black's shadow golems are what I'd heard of, but to make shadows live is nothing a Shadowcaster nor Shadowsmith could manage without much greater power than I've heard tale of.

>>6918804

Wow, you're thorough. You wouldn't have anything to help with my cold, would you?

*sniff*

...something smells nice. What is that?

>>6918791
are you still on about that pretty bullshit?

First off, yes you are pretty, not in that pompous courtly way sure, but honestly those people are bastards who aren't worth their own weight in shit when it comes down to it,

and secondly, I think there are more pressing concerns at hand.

(assuming we moved to the secure room)

>>6918819

Oh. *ahem*

I apologise if my earlier gripe was ill-leveled. No doubt you've had your own difficulties in suc a situation, with your fine figure and blemishless skin.

But onto why you are here... it seems that I have put us into something quite larger than we've faced before.

Is it your belief that Lemmy is this Shadowsmith?

>>6918826
Lavender, Demons hate it, fucked if i know why, It's like garlic and vampires.

>>6918819

Interesting tale, but the craft isn't of the like that you speak of, shadow-dancer.

I know enough of your ways to know that they are not the same as whatever these shade like creatures are.

>>6918830

Well EXCUSE ME. Maybe you want to be a spectre that drifts in and out of affairs all your existence, but I want to settle down some day! So yes it is something I think about!

But... thank you. Now let's get back to this. Mister Black, were you aware of anything Nyss has said? And Machus, can your axe destroy shadow golems, or will we need to do something about that?

>>6918826
>>6918869
I've a jar of an Ointment ne Keoghtom, yes, Dagger. Or is it Daggers? I'm not entirely certain how I'd use it against a cold - it works best on wounds or infections made obvious. Perhaps a spoonful mixed in with a hot drink may help.

>>6918830
I'd take umbrage at the use of bastards to describe the nobility, Mr. Black, but it would be redundant upon myself, wouldn't it?

And as for Lemmy being a shadowsmith, no, for that is what I am. But this Kartlemach, Ketalmech....this person seems to have a power over shadow. That it lead me to Lemmy, only speaks that Lemmy is willing to throw threats about - I am not the cleverest of seekers for information, and must rely on my eavesdropping, as Mr. Black so quaintly put it.

>>6918869
Lemmy's no Mage, I know that for certain, but he collects favors like sages collect books.

Whoever this 'Shadowsmith' is, i would not be surprised to hear he was either a friend or employee of Lemmy's

(Jonas re-enters as though in shadow and with a broken arrow sticking out of his collar bone)

A shadowmancer would be quite problematic if we were to come across one, though it would explain this new pact.

So here's the question to all of you. With this...shadow...mancer...Whatever the hell he is now against us, what can be done to kill them? I'd be willing to have my axe gone over by a wizard of some kind, I'm sure having him pump divine energy into it would likely help. I have enough gold to cover it.

Aside from that, why can't we just keep fleeing? Keep two steps ahead of them at all times, cover our tracks, and make for the ocean.

>>6918903
No, The swadowsmith and the cursed one are not one in the same, of that much I am certain.

Whoever it is, they seem to operate from the shadows.... Oh gods, did i really just say that?

>>6918929
I have fought that of the Darkness That Abides, Machus, the planes of shadows, and much of it is inured to weapons of steel. Half of what lives there is untangiable, untouchable. The other half is harmed my magicked silver, alone. I can magic such a weapon myself given time and tools and such a weapon to be magicked, to be sure, but it would require me to step into the depths of the Plane of Shadows to do so.

>>6918926
....does that not hurt? There is enough ointment to heal that wound, if you desire....

>>6918962
....you have a gift for tearing the worst form the language, yes, Mr. Black.

>>6918903

Um... if I could trouble you for some, I would like to have a clear head for this meeting. It sure does smell nice...

>>6918920

I see. What of Lemmy himself? Could we go after him? If we cut down the man who holds the purse strings, should the minions with the higher fee move along?

>>6918926

Jonas! Gods above, I almost attacked you. A strange form you have today... but it could work to our advantage. Can you sense beings of shadows at all? Nyss for instance?

>>6918929

I will give you a share of the loot from the office, hopefully it will help.

As for running, normally I would agree. But I spent too long looking over my shoulder at the Thieves guild. I won't live that way again. I won't. If you wish to go... well, I won't stop you. But I don't know if we can do this without you. We need you Machus. I need you.

>>6918903
Wait shit, were you shadow-walking to spy on Lemmy?

KNOWING he had a shadowsmith of some kind as his beck and call?!?

YE GODS WOMAN, DO YOU HAVE SOME KIND OF DEATH WISH?!?!

>>6918972
...

Have you REALLY been following us this whole time?

*Pulls out the broken arrow*

Anyway, I don't want to have to fight these guys. It's a fright enough as is having these guys after us. I-I don't think we'll see the end if we fight.

>>6918989
Lemmy's as good with a blade as I am, they call him southpaw because He's left handed, he lost his right hand chocking a Balor to death when a warlock tried to Assassinate him.

And while it's possable that they might not care about us after we kill their boss, it's entirely possable that they will be pissed that we stole their meal-ticket and hunt us with all the more vigor.

our best option is to go to ground for the moment, find out what we're up against then come up with a real plan.

>>6918989
I'm sorry, I didn't ask the new pact the extent of his powers. However, I do appear to be able to see better. I only see a few candles, and yet it seems as bright as day...

>>6918989
*Sets a small ceramic jar on the table.*
This should suffice, Dagger; a quarter of the jar will fulfill your needs.

>>6918992
I am neither Shadowdancer nor Shadow-mage, I fear, Mr. Black. My techniques for hiding are largely mundane....save that my skill is such that the magicked armor allows me to hide and step more quietly than any cat or cutpurse. *Runs her hand down the strange silk-covered leather.* And I am a more a warrior, like master Machas, than one might think. I am no good upon surprise attack such as Dagger would be....but I am quite thorough in the up front battle.

>>6919021
Some time, Jonas. I have guarded your backs while you collected your kills upon the ~kohlbolden~. I've no need for the money myself, and you seemed more interestign than many of the others I've watched.

>>6919069
If you've been watching for so long, why did you only introduce yourself when I appeared?

I'm glad that you didn't try to shape or walk the shadows where someone might see you, your blind luck may have spared us a great evil.

And Daggers, I'm going to have a sending cast, anything special you want said to your brother, or should I just give him a status report?

>>6919069
...

T-t-t-t-then you would know that it's the sign of one of my normal vestiges.

>>6919069

*sets about mixing the mix into a drink*

Many thanks, Nyss.

*drinks, then sits for a moment. Colour returns a little to her cheeks. Templing her fingers delicately, Daggers closes her eyes in thought before exhaling*

I have considered our options, and Mister Black is right. Until we know more of our situation, and those who hunt us, we need to go to ground. That said, we need to go somewhere where we can research beings of the nature that Lemmy has employed, both the shadow beings and this big beast, should he send it after us.

Nahalizar is two days wagon ride west of here, in the arids. If I recall correctly, the Sorcerers guild has a large library. I should be able to take a peek inside, maybe learn more of our foes...

At the moment, it's the best plan I can think of. Are there any objections?

>>6919107

Tell him what has happened, and tell him I...

... just send the status.

>>6919107
I am not quick to make my decisions, Mr. Black. I have more time than most, and I have learned....to be more cautious than when I was a child. Luck, perhaps.

>>6919109
Before, I had no reason to offer the aid. I was not aware it is a necessary thing - I merely thought you a masochist.

>>6919152
If you will have me, you may have my skills and weapons at your disposal. If it is inevitable that the enemy strike from and with the shadows, I can provide more knowledge than many on such subjects. I wish to see these creatures and things myself....and I have little else to do with my time.

>>6919152
None. I'll follow. And hey, I might be able to do a little more research. I don't think I've been to that library before...

>>6919166

If you do wish to join with us, know that every man and woman in this party pull their own weight. You will be called upon to do you share of tasks, both in action and out. If this is acceptable, and there are no objections, then please hold out your hand. I must remove the smallest knuckle on your little finger to sign the pact with blood and sacrifice.

>>6919152
Sound enough, If we can't figure out something better once we get there I'll try reasoning with Lemmy.

It's entirely possible that throwing enough money at this problem may solve it, assuming that those people you smoked weren't close friends of his or something.

And if all else fails I have a wizard friend there who could have us in Orizmad within an hour, and no-one starts shit on Dwarven land.

>>6919206
.....what a strange idea. If you insist, though it will be my left hand. I've no intention of loosing my cutting hand. *Proffers her left hand, but pulls the jar of ointment over to her*

>>6919225
I have found people who have suffered a loss of income or blood, even when not entirely their own, are most unreasonable, Mr. Black.

>>6919166
N-n-n-nothing like th-that!

>>6919225
Um... I'm not so sure about that last bit. Dwarfs... don't really take to me.

I was kicked out by my parents for being a lazy drunkard.

>>6919206
stop messing with the poor girl.

>>6919244
Fair Enough, but Lemmy is what people call a 'cold hearted bastard' I'm willing to bet he'd sell his own mother into slavery for the right price, and I know for a fact that he killed his father out of boredom.

He might very well flip a coin to decide whether or not we live or die.

(OOC: NE, and a DICK)

>>6919244

Aheehee, you should see your face! Heh...

It is not necessary, Nyss. I was just teasing you, although your faith is duly noted, and appreciated.

*pats Nyss on the shoulder reassuringly*

You should have seen Machus when we pulled that on him. It always makes me smile...

But enough. We accept you, Nyss. Please offer your skills to us, as we offer ours to you.

And now we should toast to this union, but forgive me if it is just one drink for my part. We are all tired, and we have ground to cover tomorrow, toward the deserts.

>>6919259

Er... what? Jonas, why don't Dwarves like you? Can they sense your nature?

>>6919308
S-sometimes it's hard to hide...

I-in any case, w-we should run as soon as we can. I don't like s-sitting around like this.

>>6919292
.... yay, dark clothing in a desert.

(<----also, my char looks kinda like this, for future ref)

>>6919292
I see....I thought it rather odd a request. But I suppose I am terribly easy to make fun with; I was never much for the jokes of my siblings. But you've what skills I've to offer, though it is largely stealth and a sure blade, as well as knowledge most arcanists find too esoteric to follow for long.

>>6919282
How terribly silly of him. It is far easier to decide for certain and enforce the decision. But, I am not a quick mind, like most of you, Mr. Black.

>>6919331
We leave in the morning, we could all use the rest and it will come all too soon I fear...

>>6919331

Jonas, we need to rest. All of us are feeling the weight of the last days, and running while tired will only cause us to become careless. Time we spend resting now is time we don't lose to mistakes later. Please, go get some sleep. Nyss, Mister Black and I will no doubt be retiring ourselves quite soon.

*drinks her toast to Nyss*

(speaking of the mourning, It's almost 3 am where I'm at, you guys want to call it a day? Thread's probably gonna start autosageing soon)

*Toasts the smell fellowship and drains almsot the entire mug.* I will be sleeping as well, but not soon. Though, I suggest, if you find it needful to wake me, you do so from afar, with loud voice. I am...easily startled from sleep.

(I've no complaints.)

>>6919374

(if you like. Besides, if we started on the desert we'd have to power on. This seems like a good place to stop)

(sure, I'll archive it since I'm on that page anyway. BTW, does anyone want to turn this into an IRC game or something? or maybe continue tomorrow?)

Awwww man, I've been lurking this thread for ages and it's really a shame to see it come to a close.

Kudos, people. This was quite entertaining and a cool read. I hope it got archived, this stuff's worthy of being kept.

>>6919419
I tried to resist getting involved but it was too well done. :P

>>6919413

I don't roll IRC I'm afraid, and I am at work tomorrow so I probably won't have time to come on (which sucks hard).

Still, if you guys want to continue without me, I can dig that. We have some cool characters in this team and all.

In any case, thanks for the game. It really started off as very little and ended here, so I'm right pleased with it. It was a joy to roleplay with you all.

(Ok then, but what's a good time to start this up again? it's going on 3 AM here, I'm free most of tomorrow, but Monday-Friday I'm gone from 8 AM-3 PM local time, and weekends are pretty unpredictable... Maybe e-mail exchange for setting up future games? Also, I'm a fair DM, if anyone want's me to run a game over the web)

>>6919419

Haha, you should have gotten in on this man. The more the merrier.

Aww man... missed a great origin story thread. Was a great read though, good show everyone.

ok, disregard my last post, everyone put their e-mails up so we can arrange this shit in the future.

WHEN YOU FIND A GOOD GROUP TO RP WITH, YOU DON'T LET THAT GO.

>>6919419
It needs to be said.

>>6919443

That might be amusing. I'm not an IRC user either.

eh, someone beat me to it, but here it is:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/6915051/

>>6919436
Really then... That's too bad. I'd love to continue this story some other time, though my lurking habits are pretty random, so I wouldn't know when to start. Great time though everyone.

>>6919458
wait, Xiombargs.Storyteller@gmail.com?

Are you the same one that used to write all those lesbian fap-fics?

Well, I can't promise my schedule for the next week. I get my roster tomorrow, so I could be working anytime (fuck shift work. Seriously, don't do it).

That said, my throwaway is dented.black.saloon@gmail.com

I don't check it every day, but I'll try to be prompt in responses.

my /tg/ email.

>>6919456

Push up cuirass
MarthaStewart.jpg
It's a good thing

>>6919481
Yes. I'll play nice though.

Damn it, where are the drawfags? The party needs a line-up pic as a momento before the players scatter, like the photo in Watchmen.

>>6919495
I wasn't speaking Ill, but I didn't realize I was posting with a /tg/ icon there.

My name tag I abandoned for a while because someone fagged up a thread I started, but I think I'll keep it now. I've got the three of you saved, anyone need anything of me?

Or is it cool if i get some sleep?

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/chats.html

We are accomodating enough.

I think we're okay. It was fun, and I don't consider myself an icon, just one of the local weirdos.

Hey, party guys, I just sent a confrim e-mail out, check if you got it.

Sorry for dropping out again, guys. L4D2 was calling my name.

Anyway, I'd be down with continuing this sometime in the near future.

I'm gonna email you, Jonas.

>>6919520

Go right ahead. I'm off soon myself. Thanks again, that shit was awesome.

>>6919549
If you hook me up with an e-mail, I'll let you know if the group decides to hook up again.

>>6919545
Please, you're big here.

Trust me.

Confirmed for reception.

'S okay Machas, We only gangraped and mpregged your character with Dagger's babies while you were away.

I kid. Really.

>>6919572

That's next session. And maybe we get Nyss in on it.

>>6919588

>>6919638
Wait, is she upset, happy, or enjoying herself?

>>6919645

Being /tg/? Possibly a little from each column.

pjbeck19@gmail.com
My shitspam email

Needs more IRC.

Ok guys, it's all over.


/thread

>>6919944
then don't bump it!

anyway, if Varinka's still interested or gets this, email those in the thread!

>>6918126
>>6917801
>>6917781
>>6917754
*groans and lifts head*

I have SUCH a hangover. What happened?

>>6921980

*snickers from the peanut gallery*