>>9869616
Fuck, forgot my trip. This is the real deal though.

OH HELL YEAR, LORD QUEST!

That's enough fucking Quest threads.

>>9869629
>>9869616
Hell yeah, missed you, bro.

>'ARRY AND JAMES

I ejaculated

awsome!

>>9869616
Hey, if we can get Harry some free training why not take it.

>>9869646
This isn't a fucking quest, it's lord quest.

We're only at hand holding really. Oh and DRAGON SLAYING, PRINCESS SAVING and WAY TOO MUCH SHOPPAN'.

>>9869653
Good to be back.

fuck yes

and certainly harry, i'd hate to get in the way of your learning, plus i kinda want to see whoever ordered this brought to justice

>>9869676
2nd? No other duties you can think to send him out on?

>>9869688
2nd

>>9869678
mario?

>>9869697
>>9869684
>>9869676
"Certainly Harry, I would be loathe to stand in the way of your education. Make sure to assist James in any way you can."

Lord Sheff speaks up: "Now, I want to get this organisation at the head, pull it all out before it lets too much poison into the wound. Is there anything we can be doing to that end now, apart from putting the guards out in force?"

Tonight!

>>9869711
With more side characters, more swords, less plumbing, and replace the goombas and koopa troopers with trolls and virmen.

>>9869742
Contacting the rival gangs of the perpetrators would b e a good idea. They have probably been observing the movements of the competition.

>>9869742
Well, we'd need to find out who ordered the kidnapping attempt first. Then we could go out with a contingent of guards to round up the offender(s) and take them in for punishment.

>>9869778
Yes, indeed. This land must have some criminal element. Even one small and ignored. Make inquiries. Firm inquiries. Don't harass them. They're Sheff's people after all. But make sure they know that there could be more to come than simply words.

See if Sheff has any enemies, any obvious ones should be discounted immediately. Someone who is known to be an enemy wouldn't likely pull something so stupid. Try looking in the corners. Someone who isn't in the spotlight. Someone desperate, maybe.

Of course, if that route is where this leads, it's entirely possible that the low key individual was supported by the big name enemy.

And of course, this is all conjecture.

>>9869795
bad idea, if we do the the next link in the chain digs so deep we never find them

leave em till we ferret out everything we need

>>9869778
"What of the other gangs? I'm sure they've been keeping an eye on their competition?" You ask James and Sheff. "Well, we're yet to identify the gang that did this, but there are three main gangs on our streets, and most of the time they lay low. Our spies within each of these haven't reported any unusual behaviours, so it might be a new gang, or something larger afoot. Or it's higher up in one of the two gangs that we don't run. The Black Hounds are almost entirely run by us, they keep the other gangs off the streets, and keep crime low, we look the other way. After an unlucky accident some years back their leadership died off, and some of our agents were thrust into leadership positions."

>>9869823
it could also be someone planning on ransoming sheffs daughter. he is a bit rich.

or mabey one of the daughters spurned suitors who has a grudge

>>9869860
What about the leader of the attack party does he match the description of any of the higher ups of those gangs, or was ha an independent operator?

>>9869823
The Head of the Guards is already making enquiries of the populace for any information. Nothing major is coming up, although a few people have come forward, noting they were paid to look the other way. They are repentant, expecting a stall robbery, or some mayhem between the merchants with some criminal thugs, nothing like this.

Sheff has no major enemies, in fact his rule has generally been one of happiness and well doing, and he's forged strong ties with all the neighbouring lords, even Sylem.

This entire abduction is off. Let's go through a scenario.

Was it a quiet kidnapping for ransom money: No. If this were the case, then it wouldn't have been attempted in the setting that it was. Whoever did this wanted it public. They didn't care about how many men were killed. Possible that they didn't even care that she wasn't kidnapped.

Possible that this was all meant as a warning to Sheff and his family. "You aren't even safe in your own home," kind of deal.

So, that makes this personal. And instead of simply killing her, they tried to take her. This may be a work of psychological warfare. Perhaps to make it seem as if whoever is responsible is playing cat and mouse. Toying with us.

I'd seriously increase the guards within the castle/estate and make sure shit isn't poisoned. Keep eyes open.

>>9869890
The leader hasn't been ID'd yet. The others (that were recognisable) have been independent thugs or low level members from the various gangs. The one who grabbed Sarah is completely unidentifiable, and the reaction to seeing his body has been overwhelming nausea.

>>9869962
Find sculptor
Make him reconstruct the facial features from the skull.

>>9869937
Guards have been doubled, and the kitchen guards have been put on alert. Also, hired help for the kitchen has been cancelled, only in-castle locals are working near the kitchen. Any further precautions you guys want?

>>9869992
CSI: Seakay

>>9869992
There's not much of that left either. Well, it's mostly there, but not in the right places. Try anyway?

LET'S HIT THE STREET.

Send Harry away for a moment. To the dive bars. Have him put his ear to the ground for a bit. See what he hears.

>>9869997

Have Harry be given as much information as possible on the gangs of the city from Sheff's spies. He might catch something we've missed. Also, can we roll for an event while in adventure mode?

>>9870006
SURE, unless it's pointless.

>>9869997
Have Doobs guard Sara whenever we are not near. A swordsman of his calibre would be quite a deterrent.

>>9870015
i think he is already doing something like that

>>9870021
>>9870015
Yes. Have James fill Harry in on the gangs and shit in the area. Then have Harry go into bars acting like the dumb ruffian he is.

>>9870006
Yeah, artists are the one with most anatomical knowledge anyway so trying a reconstruction might not be a bad idea.

>>9870015
You go to Jame's 'workshop', by taking a secret stairway that Sheff informs you can be accessed from his room. Once the hallway is open, you start down the stairs, and the moment you turn the third corner, you hear a hideous shrieking and wailing. As you approach the workshop it gets louder and more desperate. "ANYTHING! ANYTHING! I'LL TELL YOU ANYTHING! I'M TELLING YOU I DON'T KNOW WHO THE BOSS WAS! EUAAAAAAAGHH!! HE WAS NEW IN TOWN, SAID NAME'S DIDN'T MATTER! HAD A WHOLE BUNCH OF GOLD!! EEEEEEAAAARRRRGHH!"

>>9870068
"Where did you meet him. What did he look like. What did he sound like? What was he wearing? Was he alone? Did he have anything you can remember?" Walk up like we own the place and place our hand on him reassuringly. Then cover his mouth and smother him a bit, yelling, "ANSWER ME!" Then let him talk.

>>9870068
Walk up and ask him to tell you everything he remembers about the man. What kind of gold was he using, standard coins or from someplace different. What colors was he wearing? What did his face look like? Did he have any identifying marks, like scars?

>>9870105
>>9870087

lets leave this one to the professionals and just stand within view grinning

>>9870068
As you enter the room, you see the poor captive. James has skinned his entire back, with the captive held motionless with some manacles that you beleive may be enchanted. James is poking odd coloured needles directly into the poor sap's spine, you can see them up and down the length of his back. Then with an almost artistic wave of his hand James taps them in certain sequences, causing a new wave of screaming. Suddenly James taps one, and the patient falls silent. "Now, tell me, all you can remember about this boss. What day did he arrive? Did he ever mention any affiliates? Who did he talk to? Where did he find you? Where did you meet?" With a further wave of his hands the 'patient' began sobbing, and then started to talk.

>>9870087
>>9870105

might be a better idea not to interupt.
we dont know anything about interragation and we just walked in a second or two ago.
it also would be a bit of an insult to harry and james.

>>9870047
>>9870023
You tell the Guard Captain to hire a sculptor anyhow. "You never know, and many of them know much about the body."

>>9870034
>>9870015
"Harry, I'll have need of you. James, when you can I'll need a briefing on the local gangs. Until then, Harry, stick with James, and learn what you can about the local gangs."

>>9870121
Listen carefully and write it all down when we get the chance. When we have the information we can discuss it with Sheff and James.

>>9870185
James is casually writing away in his book all the details. The exact wording, etc. When a small spray of blood squirts onto the book, he is not perturbed, but more irritated. "Harry, be a good fellow, and get me the green vial from my desk." and then continues with his writing.

>>9870068
Well fuck it. Let's go see our lady.

>>9870225
We've got to commend Sheff later on how smooth a spy operation he runs. James is awesome, we can only hope Harry can attain his level of awesomeness one day.

>>9870237
Yeah, we have done what we can here.
Tell them to inform us of any developments and go.

Maybe Sara could help by checking over the sculptors finished work to see if it is as she remembers.

>>9870237
>>9870275
>>9870026
You visit Sarah, to see how she is holding up. She's shakey, but doing well. "Remember Doobs? My cousin, who helped save you? I'm posting him as a personal Guard for you, whenever I can't be around."

She thanks you for being so kind, and kisses you once on the cheek. Then she starts to cry, tears silently running down her face.

>>9870366
HOLD HER! GOD DAMN IT! HOLD HER!

Why oh why did I read the original post as though Blackadder was saying it...? :P

>>9870374
lol, 2nd?

>>9870405
Seconding.

>>9870366
Ok, still too perturbed to remember anything useful without stressing her further.
Stay with her and tray to calm her.

>>9870366
Comfort her. Ask for some of her mother's cooking to be sent up - all good cooks know the right comfort ood can solve any situation.

>>9870374
Well James is down in the dungeon, so fuck it. If we can hold hands, we can hug.

>>9870405
third

>>9870418
>>9870414
>>9870374
You hold her, and calm her down.
"Thankyou Thomas, you've been good to me. I guess I should get some rest. . . Just . . .Thankyou."

>>9870431
2nd this too

>>9870458
"I'd like to marry you some day."

>>9870468
>>9870431
You make note to ask a servant to send up some of her mother's cooking when you can.

Roll a d20.

>>9870470
To fast man, we are trying to calm her. We have been courting her for like a day.

rolled 4 = 4

>>9870485

rolled 20 = 20

>>9870485
rollan

rolled 1 = 1

>>9870504
damn you

>>9870504
>>9870506
>>9870520
Wow

>>9870520
He didn't say high or low

>>9870506
>>9870520
oh wow... double crits (opposite crits, but still....)

>>9870504
You attempt to remember her favourite dishes, but can't remember.

>>9870530
and yes, i was both of them

>>9870536
and that's why you ask one of the chefs when you're going to have it sent up

>>9870528
It was high.

>>9870530
Was almost one or the other. Wasn't a big deal though.

Well I suppose we should retire to our chambers for the night. Hopefully they've staffed guards at Sarah's door.

>>9870545
Indeed.

Sarah asks that she be excused to get some sleep, stating that she's been exhausted. Just as you go to leave, she stands up, walks over to you and taps you in the shoulder. As you turn, she kisses you, a chaste peck on the lips. "Thankyou." And shows you out of the room. And just in the nick of time too, a servant spots you in the hall, telling you that Harry and James are waiting in James's room when you're ready. You tell the servant to fetch Sarah something from the Kitchens, and to ask after a favourite food.

>>9870613
To the antechamber of hell we go.

>>9870613
Time to see what information they've raked out of that poor fellow's skin.

>>9870613
The kind of torture that James is using suggests a surprising knowledge of anatomy. We should see if he has some kind of secret library that we could study. Who knows what kind of scrolls he has squirreled away?

So I never watched Blackadder stuff. Was Hugh Laurie like this in the show?

>>9870631
>>9870644
You join James and Harry in James's formal room, not his workshop. James holds out the book, and reads out an extensive list of information, the poor devil must have been talking non-stop the entire time you were out. As he reads it out, he is treating the bloodstains with the green liquid, which causes the blood to dissolve, and then the green liquid fades away.

"Now, you said you wanted an in depth breifing of the local gangs? There are three main gangs, the Black Hounds, a local gang that we have a lot of control over. We use it to pick and choose our merchants without ever getting our hands dirty. Then there's the local branch of the much more widespread Enforcer Gangs, organised crime, but they have a relatively small presence here. Finally there's the Redbands, not much of a gang, but we can't ever seem to stomp them out. They have a lot of local favour in the poor ends of town, and don't do much damage, so we don't stress over them too much. However, most the crime is independant, thefts, con-men, grifters, vandals, etc, and we manage to keep that under control most of the time. The Black Hounds and the Enforcers help keep that down, it's not good for profits if we keep more guards on the street.

>>9870694
I think he is channelling House at the moment.

>>9870680
You mean ask him, or have a sly butchers yourself?

Either way, 2nd?

>>9870694
Very much no. He was flat out the thickest of the thick, and an all around incompetent buffoon, entirely dependant on Edward Blackadder for survival. I used his picture to show just how slow James was acting. In hindsight, acting is entirely the right word.

>>9870734
Alright, so this group involved in the kidnapping was wide and varied. Hired by an outside force.

What did he say about that?

>>9870734
Interesting. Firstly ask him what he learned from his torture routine. Then ask him about that green liquid, as an alchemist little concoction would interesting to us and Sara.

>>9870775
Well, we managed to get auful little about this new mob moving in. From the sound of it, it could either be someone with malign intentions on the Sheff household, or a gang not from around here attempting to pull a kidnapping for ransom off where the crackdown wouldn't effect their normal operations.

>>9870804
Fuck, we're at a standstill. Give James an honest to god good luck remark. He's got a tough job ahead of him. Tell Harry to pay attention and learn some shit, 4 reals.

Then get some sleep, after checking in on the kitchen/chef. We did just request food for Sarah. Good to make sure shit isn't happening, plus we can learn her favorite food.

>>9870832
i'll second this'n

FUCK!!!! Lord Quest is on and I almost missed it!!!!

>>9870784
We managed to get the names of a lot of low down members, but no-one important. They did most of their meetings in a dive called The Bull and Cow, which was a known brothel as well. I have the dates, times and even a rough idea of what was said at most of the meetings too. They started about a month ago. A lot of gold changed hands.

>>9870889
>The Bull and Cow
Finally we have a lead. Ask him if it would be possible to send an agent into the place and see if they can spot anyone related to the crime. Then ask for more information on the agent that was sent here to purchase the services of the bandits in the kidnapping attempt.

>>9870832
>>9870857
You announce you'll retire for the evening, and leave Harry under James's tutelage. "No rest for the wicked tonight, and none for me either." James announces, "I have to continue picking this poor sap's brains for information. Now, Harry, have you ever heard of trepanning?"

>>9870889
time to go whoring for great justice then?

.... did i really just say that?

if we add booze we're suddenly playing D&D

>>9870889
I feel the chances of this being a simple ransoming decreasing the further we go.

Spending so much money in advance of a kidnapping seems contradictory. Now, it's possible that this was all supposed to pay off in the end, but there would be easier ways to kidnap her, I'm sure.

So I feel it's more of a political scare for Sheff. A warning. Show of arms.

Try to find out where and what else this newcomer spent money on while he was in the area. Could give us clues.

Hmmm, now that I think about it, if the perp is from out of town he was probably hoping to blend into the festival crowd, but organizing a kidnapping such as this would take time and would force him to come well before the rest of the expected foreigners. We should check if someone saw a new/suspicious face around in the weeks before the festival.

>>9870921
I plan to have a few Agents look into the place on the morrow. Indeed, Young Harry here would fit right in, I think he may have to look into it with us.

>>9870925
>>9870923
Before we retire do a security check - windows, doors, guardposts, our sword next to the bed, that kind of thing. This doesn't feel like its over yet.

>>9870967
You decide to double check your quarters before retiring for the night.

Roll a d30 spot check. Not telling you if you want high or low.

>>9870999
rolling

>>9870954
You realise that with the merchants festival on, new people were everywhere, even in the weeks coming up on the festival.

rolled 19 = 19

>>9871005
dammit

>>9871011
>>9871013
knowing our luck, we wanted low.

>>9871018
Sorry about that, deleted my post to avoid confusion. It was a 2 in case anyone was wondering.

>>9871011
You notice that there is a movement underneath your covers, before you get into bed. How do you proceed?

Oh goddamn it, I have work tonight and I was supposed to get some sleep! Well that plan is all gone to shit now.

OH HELL YES. LORD QUEST.

UNHOOK THE PHONE. LOCK THE FRONT DOOR. SHUT THE CURTAINS. FINAL DESTINATION. LET'S DO THIS.

>>9871041
It was after the 19?

In future leave them, just so I know no-one's cheating.

>>9871049

Remove the sheets using a long stick. Stay alert of course.

I'm thinking snake?

>inb4 metal gear

rolled 12 = 12

>>9871049
pull out an easily concealable dagger, call out "sarah?"

if it's her, hide the dagger, if it isn't rip off the covers and hold dagger at throat

IT COULD BE SARAH, STARK, OR A SNAKE OR SOMETHING

TAKE OUT OUR SWORD, SAY, "WHO'S THERE!"

>>9871057
yes, it was immediately after the 19

>>9871057
It was after the nineteen. I wouldn't screw with a roll like that.

>>9871060
You remove your bed-sheets using a curtain pole, revealing a small snake, rather sleepy and quite comfortably curled up on your mattress.

>>9871077
do we recognize the type of snake?

>>9871077
is it a Black Adder?

>>9871063
>>9871065
It was smaller then that. Movement, not a form that you could see.

>>9871071
>>9871074
Cheers lads.

>>9871077
Call 007, we need to identify if the species is local or not.

>>9871083
>>9871086
No, it's unusually small and a dull brown. The snake hasn't reacted much at all to it's being uncovered however.

Get a basket. Use a stick or some long object to put the snake in the basket. Take it to James for identification and then go to sleep.

>>9871101
James's room is down the hall. Do you nab a servant to run down and fetch him? Or do you go yourself?

>>9871112
The plan was probably for the snake to become active due to our body heat.

>>9871119
2nd?

>>9871124
go yourself, be sure to be ready to stop james from climbing into bed

in fact have a servant tell everybody to check their beds before climbing in

>>9871124
Call a servant, we don't want the snake disappearing.

>>9871138
2nd?

>>9871141

2nd this. Keep an eye on the damn thing.

>>9871077

We can use the sheets to trap it.

You can use a cane or stick to hold the head down by pressing down with it right behind the head to immobilize.

>>9871141
>>9871148
This

RUN TO SARAH'S ROOM! SHE MIGHT HAVE A SNAKE!

>>9871148
Calling a servant, you tell him to fetch James, and make sure that he doesn't hop into bed.

>>9871130

The plan was for you to lay down on the snake, causing it to reflexively bite you a few times. I guarantee that it's poisonous.

>>9871112
pour chilled swedish cheese dip on snake, and see if it dies from the cold.

>>9871158
>>9871155
Deal with the Snake first, or run down to Sarah's room?

>>9871158
This. Then alert Sheff, Doobs, etc, etc.

>>9871181
. .. What?

>>9871182
Call another servant to watch this snake. Run to Sarah's room.

Why no spider sense?

>>9871182

Deal with own snake first, then move onto to Sarah. It shouldn't take too long to find a basket to trap it. Identification can wait.

>>9871212
we clearly had it covered

>>9871212
We didn't get in to the bed and spotted the danger through common means first.

>>9871199
i'm just saying man
people who dress like that always have chilled swedish cheese dip. might as well do something with it.

>>9871192
Running to Sarah's room, you demand entry, with a hurried explanation, and burst on in, waking Sarah. She's tired and confused, but there is no snake there. She's been in bed for most of the day, having meals bought to her, etc.

Apologising, you run down the halls to Sheff's room, but he and Cathy are fine. A servant runs down, the same one you sent to get James. Apparently there was a snake there as well.

>>9871261
Well that's good. Let's kill these snakes and see what they are, where they're from.

FUCKING ASSASSINS, HOW DO THEY WORK?

>>9871261
Trap both the snakes in a basket. Lock them up for examination tomorrow morning. Assassination attempts will not interrupt our beauty sleep.

>>9871281

2nd. THOM GREEN MUST SLEEP. IS FATIGUE.

Argh, my flesh is weak. I need to sleep now, but make it exciting so I have a good time reading archives tomorrow.

>>9871261
get the snakes off the carpets, beds, etc so they won't stain, and cover all of them in hot swedish cheese dip

>>9871229
>>9871212
Bigno. I WAS going to use spider sense, but someone wanted to double check the room first. So I pulled the dice out, and you rolled up a 19.

>>9871192
Doobs was guarding sarah's room. The others were still awake, drinking in the kitchen. No snakes in their rooms either.

>>9871278

Aww, don't kill 'em. Figure out a rudimentary method of milking them and have your apothecary work up an antivenin. And you also have a permanent supply of poison.

>>9871308
excellent, now capture the snake, and see if anyone can identify them

our learned bard or our barbarian may be good choices there, what with the wandering places and all

as would anybody familiar with local fauna in case they were from the area

>>9871305
Hot Swedish cheese dip man, you make this quest odder, and yet more interesting.

>>9871278
>>9871281
>>9871290
James IDs them as an Eastern species, called "Sleeper's Dreams". They're used by assassins, as they're easy to handle, when cold, and once warm are docile until sat on or interrupted, when they bite and inject a poison that causes fatigue and comas in the strongest of men, and death in anyone less.

James suggests that the best thing to do is to sleep in the barracks overnight, and deal with the snakes in the morning. They'll be chilled by the night air, and with no warmth, they'll be easy to handle.

>>9871365
works for me

Well, this makes things more difficult. The kidnappers also seem to have agents within the keep that could plant these snakes or they have rogues capable enough to sneak inside and plant them.

>>9871365
And importantly, an assassin or two got into this castle, and could still be here.

Note: There were only snakes in Thom and James' rooms. Can we be sure of Harry's loyalty?

>>9871383
Call the head of the household and ask who was assigned cleaning duty to our rooms.

>>9871392
harry had neither the connections or the oppertunity. he spent most of the day with james.

>>9871392
He had plenty of opportunity before and with less guards about.

Man we need to get this situation under control, but adventure time takes so long.

>>9871396
A Mary and a Jane, two young airheaded staff, that have been with the Sheffs since birth. Not bright, but loyal. Apparently they made Your bed that morning, and cleaned your room, etc. They do all the guest rooms.

James's bed was made by a young Sarah (namesake of the one you're courting, younger by a year) and a Harriet. The first has been also here since birth, the second hired personally by James. Her loyalty is also beyond question. Again, cleaning in the morning.

>>9871469
Check windows for any marks left by climbing equipment.

>>9871481
Perception roll, d40 please. Not telling if you want high or low.

>>9871469
So, it must have been assassin's. This should be easier to pick out then. We're dealing with an organization with large amounts of funds, access to assassins, and who has it out for Sheff and his family. They come from outside city or at least their agent acted like they did. There can't be many groups like this. Confer with Sheff to see if he can identify the group.

rolled 26 = 26

>>9871496
Here you go.

rolled 9 = 9

>>9871496

>>9871503
Sheff: "Large amount of funds could be anyone. There's a lot of wealthy merchants, and a dozen lords with borders to my lands. I'm on good relations with most of those however. Assassins, can be purchased by anyone, the more gold the better they'll be. We don't have any 'in house' here, but we use the Black Hound's when we need them. One of the reasons we let them be. And there's more groups outside the city then in. No-one said they're even local. Though I guess they can't be too far a field if they're after us."

James: "What is most odd, is that only you and I were targeted. These snakes are exotic, and so I don't think this is a local assassian's group. Possibly they only had money for two hits, but, why us?"

>>9871513
You don't see any marks, but you don't really know what you're looking for. This castle was build more for comfort then sieges, it's never been in a *Real* siege, and it's plenty hard enough to access for local brigands and such, and the troll fists, back when it was first built.

>>9871568
"You mean aside from the fact that we kick fucking ass? I have no idea. And that is what worries me most."

>>9871568
We are back to the rival suitor theory.
One snake for the rival. the other for the meddling chamberlain.

Somebody heard about our "inheritance" of a dukedom?

>>9871568
Perhaps they wanted to take away the most immediate defenses the Sheff family has at the moment. We're both fairly strong men, the snake would only cause us a severe illness. It seems to me they wanted to strike at the family but leave little collateral damage.

>>9871611
this sounds likely. does anyone else know james is more than a servant?

>>9871620
Too soon.

>>9871594
"Awesome is not usually a grounds for assassination, sir. That said, if it were to become so, we would have to remove snakes every morn, and it would get somewhat tiring."

>>9871643
Nah. The snakes would eventually form a cult in your honor, and seek to do your bidding.

>>9871635
It's fairly guarded within the household. The servant you sent to get james was wondering why it took him so long to answer the door after he rung the bell. "Stupid prig must have forgotten how to work a door. Why the git has a pullbelll is a mystery to me also. The overpayed thickie probably was sold it by a canny merchant for thrice it's worth."

>>9871611
Well then, we'll want a full list of suitors who've come before us. Perhaps the one Sarah alchemied away.

>>9871686
Well the snakes are from the East.
Send someone to check on the caravans from there?

>>9871686
Sure, but I doubt it's them. Stunts like this can cause wars or even blood feuds. I doubt a single jilted suitor would do something this drastic unless she made him a Eunich.

>>9871681
>>9871568
If I remember correctly, James showed his true colours DURING the kidnapping attempt - we should check with the guards who were with us then if they noticed anyone watching, or anything like that.

This whole sitiation is fucked.

Let's tell Sheff we want to marry his girl already. Get her out of this death trap.

Urist is with us, isn't he? If so, send him out into the markets the next chance we get. I think we're still looking for an architect, and some other stuff. I'd rather not go out ourselves again, becuase leaving Sarah alone now seems like a bad idea, and it takes us forever to buy anything.

>>9871752
Nah, he isn't. We're still waiting to see the surprises he picked up for us.

>>9871686
Well, suitorwise, we mostly have a number of rich young merchants, and a few lords and baronetts.
Let us see:
Lord Myrrh of South and Gattling, Erondia. A major merchant come minor lord, recently after marrying into it more recently.
Snyv of Ell, a minor lord, down south. Shy and reclusive fellow, was picked out as a noble suitor for Sarah, hoping that their love of reading would bind them together. Not so much, however he did try.
Sir Reaak, a knight of dubious honour, and brilliant patronage. Served as the Kings bodyguard for many years, until an unexplained expulsion from his excellencies service ruined his career.
James Taylor, the young suitor who was overcome with a mysterious affliction. ;)
Marcus Poles, a trader of great renown, best known for trading with the Far East and Far West. Wanting to marry into lordship.
Erik of Kaplows, a trader in odd goods. He visits occasionally, and was the only suitor Sarah could stand, although she professed he was too old to marry. Erik never thought poorly of his rejection.
Peter Marrisson, A duelist son of a merchant and an honorary Baronett. Wanting to marry into true nobility.

These were the serious suitors, there were many which were not considered. However they largely wouldn't have the gold to be suspects.

>>9871755
turns out he bought us a pair of poisonous snakes from the east, who knew?

>.>

>>9871725
You had the attention of most of the crowd, however, most wouldn't know James from any other member of the household. His high standards of dress do mean that he is obviously a high ranking member of the household, possibly even another noble, if not for the Sheff emblem he wears.

Marcus Poles - Marco Polo obviously. He can't be the mastermind, seeing as he was recently murdered by angry natives in the far far east.

Snyv of Ell, - snivel

>>9871769
I'm think the knight, the trader of great renown, and the duelist's son may be the best choices out of that line up.

>>9871804
I think the suitors aren't responsible.
Btw. . . Is Reaak pronouced Reek?

>>9871804
Or it could be none of them.

We're getting ahead of ourselves. We need to wait for further developments.

>>9871804

Same, although the duelist's son seems like he'd be more likely to pick a fight in person first. AFTER he failed to whup our ass, he'd resort to dirty tricks.

I don't think it was a suitor.

>>9871793
Bonus unlocked.

Marcus Poles is a rich dealer in spices, based in Southern Erondia. He wanted to marry into a title, but has not chosen to court numerous eligible young ladies, even after being approached by the families.

He attempted to court Sarah with tales of far off places, and amazing wild animals. Sarah called him pretentious, overblown and arrogant. He shortly after left on another expedition, and has yet to return.

>>9871850
BECAUSE HE'S DEAD

And what's the bonus?

We are terrible detectives. All I can think to do is to wait for more information from the tavern and torture subject to arise.

OMIGODOMIGODOMIGOD

LORD QUEST!

>>9871873
Same. Let's get some sleep.

>>9871802
Indeed.
>Bonus unlocked
Sniv of Ell,
A minor noble with some good family connections and a large estate which he will inherit. He was the second child, but was too small and sickly to be trained as a fighter, as goes the old tradition, and so was trained as a sage instead, his younger brother becoming the knight. When his older brother died of pnumonia, he became the new heir to Ell, and has already become a prominant part in Ell's politics.

>>9871828
Actually, it's pronounced closer to wreck.

>Sir Reaak
Sir Francis Drake?

>>9871937
sir francis drake would be far too much of a badass to be kicked out of guarding the king, plus privateer

>>9871937
>>9871953
Not drake.

Oh, btw, LQ.

I don't like your version Sarah.

This one's more appropriate (if you imagine her a bit more mature that is)

>>9871873
>>9871885
You grab some sleep for the night, and wake up the next morning. Snake handling time. Try your own hand at it, or find someone else to do it?

>>9871995
may as well try your own hand at it, if we decide to start milking them for poison/antivenin we'll need the practice

>>9871995
We've learned a lesson from the rock climbing incident, have a lackey do it before we try.

>>9871955

Sounds legit guys.

>>9871979
Not sure who this is. I do like it though.

>>9872006
>>9872007
Mixed reactions. Who do you go and get?

>>9872029
>>9871955
Totally Legit, if she's made a mistake. Machines don't post in the same thread twice with the same message. . .

>>9871995
coat naked body in chilled swiss cheese dip so the snakes can't sense us, then get rid of the snakes

alternatively, coat sacrificial servant in hot swiss cheese dip to lure all the snakes to him, then get him out of the house.

>>9872026
I'll change my vote to do it our self to speed things along.

>>9872059
You wonder breifly about your new-found obsession with cheese dips from Swiss. And wonder if the Sheffs even import Swiss cheeses to make dips from.

>>9872066
>>9872006
You decide to try it yourself, but carefully. How do you go about doing it?

>>9872077
yes. yes that is where the swedish cheese dip is from.

>>9872090
Get a grip of the snake behind it's head and hold the body around our other arm. Then get the thing to bite into a container that we'll collect the venom in.

>>9872090
Ask James for instructions first. He seemed to know his shit.

>>9871469
>A Mary and a Jane

Is that reference to Mary Jane?

>>9872100
Nope! No such plase as Switserland in this setting, just the duchy of Swiss.

>>9872109
We're milking it already? I thought we were just capturing it.

>>9872112
2nd?

Fuck no,

Don't handle the snake ourself. Ask someone to do it.

>>9872132
i'll second

also tom pettys "last dance for mary jane"

>>9872132
2nd

Or have someone else do it. We can't risk coma or death right now.

>>9872132
>We're milking it already? I thought we were just capturing it.

So did I. Jeeez, y'all are ambitious. Get some experience with NON-poisonous snake handling before you start trying to play with the scary ones.

By they way, LQ, how is you university project going? Did those tutorials help in any way?

>>9872132
dammit
fine the cheese hails from the duchy of Swiss,
concocted from the bones of the firstborne elf children of the noble house of delicious mixed together with only the finest seasoning of 11 secret herbs and spices blended together for optimal taste and texture.

>>9871469
Like pot/weed/bud?

Did James give us his last name?

I think we unlocked 1 of the 4 of his bonuses

>>9872130
Not *that* Mary Jane.

>>9872146
Not that either.

>>9872149
>>9872146
You decide to go talk to James, and then maybe get someone else to handle it. Finding James already bumbling about, you pull him aside, and ask for what to do. He notes that he's already taken care of it, and your bed is now snake free. He's kept the snakes "to join my collection. Something rare and exotic is always fun, and they're great for confusing trails."

>>9872198
Blam. Thought there would have been more people to get that reference, particularly in Australian Evening Time.

>>9872205
Not yet. And yeah 1/4.

>>9872174
Getting there. Not in the panic zone yet, but it'll be tight. Cheers for asking though.

Now ask him if they have learned anything hew yet.
(did we send agents in that brothel? Ask about that)

So...

One of those maids was named Harriet, was she?

>>9872257
well, good luck with that. I know uni gets annoying with their damn assigments.
I wish I could help.

Alright, what do we have planned for today?

>>9872261
We're heading there tonight. I'm taking Harry, and a few of my Agents. If you want to take part, I suggest you wait nearby, and we'll fetch you if your brand of expertise is needed. It's in a lower end part of town, we'll have to put some work in to make you stand out less, get some less fancy clothes on you, you're about my size, I'm sure you can fit into some of my street clothes. I've sent some agents to walk by, duck inside for some servicing, and get us a ground map. There's a Black Hound den nearby, so if things get dicey we can call for backup from there, but I'd prefer not to. They'll make a right mess of the place.

>>9872333
sounds like it could be fun

and we wouldn't want any harm coming to our agents now would we?

smile at him afterwards, charming as all hell, yadda yadda

>>9872333
I, for one, can think of nothing finer than skulking around dark streets at night while people are trying to kill us. It will be a grand adventure and many things will be learned.

>>9872356
>>9872333

sounds like a plan

We have DANGER SENSE, so nothing can surprise us ( I hope )

I think we should get +1 skullduggery points if we go through with this.

>>9872399
can we just get a skull instead?

>>9872299
Nice pick.
>Bonus Info

Harriet is one of James's most trusted spies, and has been working inside the castle since she was old enough to work. No-one knows where she came from, but she has always been James's informant inside the castle as to watching the staff.

>>9872356
>>9872347
You enthusiastically sign up. James notes that he has a safe house nearby that four of you could hide in without arousing suspicion. Stark could also come, but he would have to lounge around the streets and stay there until called.

>>9872411
doobs stays with sarah

cohen and bard guy come with us

>>9872382
Nothing LETHAL can surprise you.

>>9872399
>>9872402
Depends on how this goes. You won't gain any skulls more impressive then your dragon though. . . Not unless this gang goes into daemon pacts anyhow. . .

When will festival start anyway?

>>9872423
Leaves you with 1 more. Harry is already inside with James remember.

>>9872429
The last time LordQuest was held.

>>9872425
yeah, but a frame of human skulls around the dragons skull will make it all the more impressive, plus send the message not to mess with us

>>9872429
It's going now, but you've had more pressing things on your mind.

>>9872446
Because people will mess with people who frame their dragon skulls with a nice plaque, or maybe some gold inlay?

>>9872446
I dunno, dragon skulls are valourous. Human skulls on display are just fucking creepy. And not in the good way.

>>9872435
I can't remember who we have with us.

>>9872447
Yeah, but what do we do untill the night? Should we timeskip to that?
Or maybe try something else in meantime.

Let's talk to Sheff or Sarah, or maybe some of the guests.

I forgot, Urist said he had surprise for us or something, did we ever learn what it was?

>>9872474
Pretty much all your fighters are with you.

>>9872503
We never did find out what his surprise was. We should find out. Who knows, maybe it will come in handy?

>>9872510
>>9872503
2nd?

Also, decide who will be in the party for violence when needed.

>>9872528

Yeah, let's go and see what it was.

>>9872528
It's been so long that I'm having trouble remembering all our bros.

If Doobs, Aegon and Cohen are already placed then that leaves Leold? I can't remember anybody else.

>>9872542
"Well, I had meant to get you to haggle with him yerself, but you were busy so I took the liberty. I've contracted us an architect, to help fix up the keep some. He'll work for lodgings, food, and a one time payment of 40g. It'll take him and his team a year, but they should have the place looking presentable as far as showing off to other nobles goes. At the end of the year, you can choose whether to hire him to rebuild more, or not. It was a big purchase, so I told him I'll need you to OK it, but for a project this size, that's a good price on the current market.

>>9872548
Advisors:
Leold
Doobs
Smyatt
Aegon
Erik
Zeek
Baldric
Marcus
Shorty
Dan Ganob
Harry
Wrigley Spectre
Cohen Mikenzy
Urist

Oh, were going to hire some people too, no?
We got the smith, weren't we looking for an architect?

Also, we need new peasants. LOTS of peasants. I wonder if there's a subjugated minorities in neighboring realms. I wouldn't have qualm with elven or dwarven settlers...

>>9872599
Oh, that's good. How big is the team?

What is the architects name?

Also, did Urist earn us some money? Are those 40g going out out of our bank?

>>9872599
Urist is awesome. He did good. We should make sure he understands that we appreciate what he did.

>>9872606
>like I remember who all those people are. Dan Ganob? Wrigley Spectre?

Anyway, take Shorty, I guess

>>9872638
andre the giant in a bar fight? fuck yes

>>9872638
Dan is the Mason. Wrigley is our hortaculturalist. Marcus is our cook.

Shorty will stand out like a brick wall in front of a slightly smaller brick wall. I'd go will Leold.

>>9872638
Mason and Horticultralist.

>>9872625
It'll come from your bank, yeah.

>>9872620
Her and a dozen minor masons. Any masons you have can increace the amount of work done if they help.

His name is Ted Mosby.

>>9872632
You thank Urist, and promise that you'll share drinks to cellebrate at a more oppourtune time.

>>9872638
Shorty, Cohen and Aegon, leaving Doobs guard, and having Harry and James inside already?

>>9872655
we're going to be hiding in a safehouse for if the shit hits the fan

if that's the case it doesn't matter if we stick out since anybody who'd care will soon have more to worry about

>>9872667
>Ted Mosby, Architect

I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE.

>>9872676
I didn't. :(

Please elaborate! We might get a bonus.

>>9872680

The picture's elaboration enough. "Main" character and narrator of How I Met Your Mother.

>>9872687
Clearly I need to watch TV more.

>>9872676
Bam. Bonus'd.

Ted Mosby is an architect, and the fourth son of Aroheff Ell, Lord of Ell. Traditionally 4th sons become merchants in a more respectable trade, such as duelling if they take to fighting, or in this case architecture. Ted Mosby has taken to his craft so much that he has decided to move out from home, and persue his career elsewhere, gaining a name designing larger and more important buildings. But for now he is just a journeyman, and is gaining experience vital to his trade.

>>9872687
>>9872702
It's almost compulsory viewing here on College. Our on campus file-sharing gets the episodes as top priority.

>>9872731
>Aroheff Ell, Lord of Ell

ROFL LOL.

No clue if that one's been got before. I'm a latecomer. :(

>>9872742
in that case, the second son of ell who was sarahs suitor is SOL

>>9872742

Man, I did not see that either. And, added to that, even when pointed out, it took nearly a minute to get it. jeez louise, I'm slow today :(

>>9872742
Seeing as that's the first time I mentioned him, it would be hard.
>Bonus info unlocked
A man who has a fondness for fools and jesters, Aroheff is much more serious then he seems. Politically he tends to play the fool, but everything he does whether on whim or under an odd obsession, all has a reason in the end.

>>9872772

Good. Just making sure I'm not shitting up the one good quest thread ATM with overplaying the metagame. Oh, and HIMYM is one of the few shows on TV worth watching.

And now back to your regularly scheduled foray into unsavory parts of town.

You know, I'm trying to put my finger on the exact point that being a border Lord went from being all adventures and shits and giggles to realpolitik.

Probably just a gradual awakening to the realities of rulership and statecraft.

So anything else to do? Or time-skip to waiting with Shorty, Cohen and Aegon? Or is there a differnt line up someone likes?

>>9872790
time skip is fine

>>9872800
Second.

>>9872790

I can't come up with anything else.
Do the skip

We could go see how Sarah and her family is doing though

>>9872781
Dunno about what's on TV these days, watch it from my compy. But it's a good show, and well done. Plus, it's got NPH, so there's that.

>>9872786
No Idea.

>>9872800
>>9872816
t-t-t-TIMESKIP

You're waiting in the front room of a small safe house with Shorty, Aegon and Cohen, having arrived there separately. You're all in common enough clothes, and suitibly grimey not to stand out - not that you're in sight, with the lights out. You're looking out the window from the shadows, waiting for some noise to come from the building opposite. The tension mounts.

>>9872873
Play cards to pass time

rolled 2 = 2

>>9872873
>The tension mounts.

Rolling for a Ride check.

>>9872894
Perhaps tension should just walk.

>>9872894
oh wow... that tension fell off and killed itself on the ground right quick

>>9872913

Sweet! Tension relieved. I suppose we can all chill, then, and wait for whatever might or might not be eventually coming?

>>9872873
After some waiting, you see Harry exit the Bull and Cow and casually walk on over to the building. Ducking down the side to take a piss, you take the back door and walk down to ask him what the deal is.

"Looks like we might have a situation. Jime thinks we've found a few of the lower level goons, but he's less th'n sure. And he knows how to find out, bu' things will get messy with the 'stablishment if he does. He needs to make sure that neither of the boys downstairs leave while he's upstairs, and that there's an old fashioned brawl to distract everyone while he nabs the boy 'pstairs enjoying himself. He knows the lady pers'nal, no noise, but he needs the distraction. Oh, and no thugs should follow him upstairs eith'r. Got it? I'm to head on upstairs and create a different distraction. Gonna have me some fun" *licks a knife evilly* "Nuffin' moral ta worry ya lordship abou', the distraction is jus' an informer, who's earned this a few times over."

>>9872940
sounds like a plan

"anybody care for a game? how about with a little money on the side?"

>>9872940
>>9872913
>>9872904
>>9872894
Fucking lol'd.

I was thinking about making this a stakeout with no story, but then I decided, nah, fuck that. Lets get some action on.

Lord Quest: Dragon Slayan, Lady Wooan, Alley Skulkan, Bar Fightan goodness.

>>9872971
aegon to guard the upstairs, cohen to guard the way down

you and shorty go up to the bar, have shorty pick you up and throw you through a crowd

both of you then start punching whoever is nearest (try and avoid hitting employees)

As a side note, you've been warned to leave your swords inside except in case of emergency. You've been given nondescript knives to hide on your person, and told that they're only for if things go nasty.

>>9872988
Why throw us?
Just throw the nearest guy he can grab.

We could pretend to be drunk bump into someone who looks to full of himself and start a fight

>>9872988
there's one staircase. Upstairs are where the whores are at. Door is where the gaps are on the left hand side. Bar is top left, stage is bottom right. Only mapped downstairs, as that's all you can see as you walk in. Line on downstairs is just to show where the roof for the second story starts.

>>9873012
I have to agree with this.

Good: Watching Andre The Giant throw people around like rag dolls.

Bad: Being thrown around by Andre The Giant like a rag doll.

>>9872980
Is it wrong that I keep liking Harry every thread?

>>9873028
>>9873012

Because DYNAMIC ENTRY

>>9873033
Nope. He's fun to write.

>>9873028
Unless we skip off heads like Mario.

>>9873012
>>9873017

I like "act drunk and pretend to pick a fight with Shorty". We give a cue, Shorty swings at us and we "duck", allowing him to ruin whoever's unlucky enough to be standing behind us.

I am confused, what does James want to do? I never can understand what the hell 'Arry talks about

>>9873041
that was my reasoning when i suggested it

>>9873023
ok, in that case, cohen guards the stirs up and aegon guards the exit

>>9873076
There are two goons downstairs, one upstairs.

We're to prevent the two downstairs from leaving the bar to escape or from going upstairs to rescue their friend. Cue distraction barfight.

>>9873105

And who are the goons on the map, red ones?

>>9873099

I assume orange dots are our agents. Have each of them also guard door and stairs

>>9873134
Believe so.

>>9873134
Bingo, Goons are red.

>>9873099
2nd this?

>>9873170

Before I go seconding anything, I want a comprehensive rundown of the plan. I'm getting a little lost here. Sorry, trying to mainline caffeine and get the fuzzies out of my brain.

>>9873153
>>9873153
2nd?

VISUAL AID TIME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck_0YEkHSgc&feature=related
Terence Hill as Lord Green
Bud Spencer as Shorty

>>9873197
aegon guards the exit, cohen guards the stairs

you and shorty go up to the bar, some yelling and stuff then shorty tosses you through a crowd, you both start swinging at anything nearby

>>9873228

I thought we were against getting tossed by Shorty.

Also, WARNING: AUTOSAGE.

>>9873197
Make sure the two goons don't leave the joint, or go upstairs to rescue their mate. Make a distraction. James is going to deal with the mate upstairs. Harry is making a messier distraction for later, upstairs and killing an informer, to get 2 birds with one stone.

This just came onto my playlist. I'm considering it a good sign.­

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR3C-PVukIQ

>>9873253
so far as i saw it was a tie

If we're going feet first, I say let's get tossed.

>>9873272
No one tosses us through the crowd, for fuck's sake.

>>9873201
>>9873170

Yes.

Also, start the fight close to the goons and knock them out as soon as possible.

>>9873208
Huzzah, Vuisual Aid!

>>9873253
New thread for the fight?

>>9873360

Okay, so Shorty "pushes" us, we act drunk and pick a fight, start swinging on all comers. Cohen by the stairs, Aegon by the door. Knives concealed in case of shenanigans. Let's rock.

>>9873360
why? we aren't dwarves

>>9873384

I'd suggest it. Page 4 and making a beeline for the bottom. The eurokiddies are up and the USkids aren't far behind, so here comes the Endless Summer shitstorm.

>>9873464

Jump on over.