> Incidentally, two previous Captchas: hipmEtr and bittiti. Well, we know what to start every thread with it seems.

Time to enjoy our ourselves and relax, then enjoy our bath.

>>18539850
Wait with her for the water to cool down, if you know what I mean, I mean foreplay.

Take a nice bath to wash off the sweat of the day and the sweat we'll acquire in just a few moments.

As we're relaxing in the bath ask if there's any languages we know that she wants us to teach her.

Go to bed afterward, don't be at all surprised when drunk Linden wanders in during the middle of the night and crawls in.

I think we wait and let the water cool, if you know what I mean.

Then we take a bath and sleep. I am pretty sure we should also, like, move something in front of the door that will make a lot of noise when the door is opened. Just in case.

For now we should make no move on these people and go to the other noble house and investigate them too. Make sure that as we leave here we say something like "I will speak to my father of your generosity in this matter and housing me here and return soon with your appropriate reward."

>>18539884
>>18539887

You shuck your clothing quickly, and wince when you stretch your left arm. Really have to remember it's scratched.

Rose starts as you strip, approach her, and pull her robe off as well. 'Um... do we, I mean you, want to bathe now, sir? Also, isn't tomorrow...?'

> How considerate of her. What do?

>>18539909
Ehhh. I don't know about that. She might be worthy to take as a servant, but probably not.

Then again, when we get an estate Linden and Rose might well advance from Servant to Concubine and we'll need more attendants... so, who knows.

>>18539913
She has a point. We might need to get up early, tomorrow. Lot's to prepare.

Still, no sleep is a sdeep and fullfilling as the sleep after pleasuring a woman. Just don't overdo it.

>>18539913
We're like seventeen. I seriously doubt a quick shag and bath before bed will impair us tomorrow.

>>18539928
>>18539909
Goina will be our next female servant. Maybe. Sometime in the future. I am against killing blows or taking hostages.

>I deleted it, because the post contained a stupid error.

>>18539913
Give her a quick kiss and a long hug. I'd love to take a bath but it seems the water is too hot, so we'll just have to find some way to pass the time for a little bit.

Still have sex, don't over do it, still get in a nice night of sleep, we'll be doing much better in the morning than the heavy drinkers who are partying downstairs.

> For your gentle info, by the way:

The class system in this society means that if a girl is your hired servant, she's probably not exactly someone of low birth. Of course she wouldn't be of high-high birth either, but at the very very least, freedmen with their own farmland or skilled artisans or shopkeepers in the urban areas.

This hasn't any bearing on anything for now, but since you're of marriageable age this is still good to know.

>>18539954
Let's not turn this into a harem quest. Two good women is plenty, a harem doesn't seem like the Adrian we've seen so far, and my main issue is that I'm certain we'll lose focus of the awesome noire investigation side of things which is the really cool part of the quest. (Besides, there's too fricking many harem quests on /tg/ right now as it is.)

>>18539956
Good to know. No trying to make the maids our personal attendants, we need to find a really suitable female for the position. Yes, that's right, females only.

>>18539956
So, Goina =/= suitable servant material

Which makes me wonder what she's doing at the Arhun estate. Is she a simple slave? The branding might indicate that...

>>18539956
As much as we like Linden, we're probably going to end up with a political marriage, she isn't low class, and she is presumably educated.

However we're two generations away from the king, that is pretty fucking high up the totem pole.

Hopefully we end up with someone interesting that we can grow to like rather than someone we barely tolerate out of duty.

>>18539967
>a harem doesn't seem like the Adrian we've seen so far
What quest are you reading? We've averaged a girl a thread so far.

Rose is nice but I still favor Linden. I just think she seems more capable from the descriptions so far.

>>18539988
A woman of intelligence and cunning, bound in love, our most loyal ally and most valuable asset...

Ah, let's get out of the Viper's nest first...

Can Rose tend to our wound?

>>18539955
>>18539936
>>18539950

''Exertion makes rest the sweeter', haven't you heard that before?'

You take her into your arms and kiss her. She's shy, and a bit hesitant, and it takes some coaxing before she opens up more. The two of you start stepping around the bathroom, caught up in each other, until you push Rose against the bathtub and she pulls away, nearly losing her balance.

Oh, let's do it there then... you step into the tub and drag her in, and you hear her squeal as she falls against you in the water. It's not that hot now, thankfully.

By the time you're done it's not even very warm anymore, but Rose makes up for that by pressing close against you. Her whole body seems to be burning up. You can still hear the drinking and laughing going on downstairs, and you manage to pick out a very distinctive, loud, female laugh.

Seriously, that girl! Linden better not be smashed tomorrow...

> What do?

>>18539995
One per thread of two threads, aka the two women we have as attendants. It's not like we're trying to screw every named female character.

>>18540014

And I'd much rather we didn't, too. Is once a thread a lot?

>>18540013
Sigh, Linden always did take partying seriously, but she never put it before getting her job done so she should be fine, if maybe a bit hung over.

Be gentle with rose, let it go at her pace, get some deep relaxing sleep with Rose, leave room on the bed for Linden to stumble in during the middle of the night.

>>18540029
I agree that we shouldn't be a skirtchaser, it's unbecoming of someone of our stature. And once a thread is probably the most we need to drive that particular point home (so to speak).

> Go the hell to sleep?

>>18540051
Yes.

>>18540051

Sleep yes. And maybe pray that linden isn't going to be completely smashed.

>>18540013
Get out of the bath.
Time for sleep.

Except, if you aren't sleepy at all, take a stroll though the house. Look what's up down below.

>>18540013
I think Linden is completely capable of taking care of herself and it's hardly like she's the only female there. Plenty of recently captured slaves rather than the fucking Prince's son's retainer to try and make a move on. That's the good thing about a reputation for violence, after all.

Besides, if bad stuff happens when there was significant dissent to even sending her in the first place it would just be a dick move on OP's part.

>>18540051
Get some nice sleep in.

>>18540013
>Her whole body seems to be burning up.
Man, that phrase makes me paranoid about illness in any scenario where the enemy could be poisoning us. Hopefully it's nothing.

>>18540050
>it's unbecoming of someone of our stature
it's really like people don't read at all

you know our most favored brother has a reputation for taking women, many many women, willing or not, right? and he isn't even looked down on, he's the most favored out of all of dad's sons

>>18540098
Just because ol' dad likes a son who acts like an animal doesn't mean all his vassals do.

>>18540065
>>18540062
>>18540060

Rose tries to get you dressed, but you're too sleepy to be bothered. After wiping the water off, you drag her into your embrace, and close your eyes.

When you open them again, you can hear snoring, very close to you. It's coming from Rose. Sitting up, you also see that your clothes have now miraculously been folded.

'My lord.' That sounds strange. Oh, it's Northspeak. You blink and turn to see Linden, sitting on the floor in a pile of her clothes. Must've missed the bed coming in.

'Yeah?'

'Found out something interesting about the two guards yesterday.' She turns around and flops against the bed, then offers you a quick peck of a kiss. 'They're mercenaries, it turns out. Or at least, they're not exactly bound to service. Not even militia. Just... fighters.'

You blink and nod. You remember the two of them being pretty big-sized... if they're mercs, which would imply training, they would be pretty fierce fighters probably.

'Meanwhile,' Linden pecks your cheek this time for attention, 'meanwhile everyone's fallen asleep in the hall. I'm the only one walked out of there. And I drank, too! haaaaaa.' Her breath smells strongly of rice liquor.

Well, well. Too smashed to move, perhaps? You only hope you haven't overdone things...

> What do?

>>18540050

China high fantasy, if a woman has a kill count less than 10 you can go ahead and rape the hell out of her when at dinner with her parents, they won't mind.

>>18540116

Commence cuddle sleep mode.

>>18540116
>>'Found out something interesting about the two guards yesterday.' She turns around and flops against the bed, then offers you a quick peck of a kiss. 'They're mercenaries, it turns out. Or at least, they're not exactly bound to service. Not even militia. Just... fighters.'
>>You blink and nod. You remember the two of them being pretty big-sized... if they're mercs, which would imply training, they would be pretty fierce fighters probably.

Good to know that. If we suggest them being branded as criminals for working for their current boss, and then offer them more money, might be we take away two of his men and add two to our own count.

>>18540140
after giving her a proper good night kiss, of course

>>18540116
Did one of the guards have half their face cut up and only have one eye? Also them being mercs means they have no loyalty to the constable, so we up his offer and can get them on our side if it is ever necessary.

Pick up Linden, drop her in bed,

Go back to sleep, an attendant on each arm.

>>18540116
Well, it sounds like we might not be setting out until afternoon tomorrow. We can spend the morning poking about while the others recover from their hangovers, I suppose.

For now, tell her she did well and a bit of kissing before bed again.

>>18540116
Tell Linden that she did well and to lay down in the bed and sleep for a while. Have Rose dress us then get as much packed up for the trip as she can by herself.

We go down, find our hosts, thank them and make those comments about telling our father of their generosity... then we go rouse the guys and tell them we're moving and so are they. That's an order.

>>18540180
somehow, I get the feeling that they would appriciate it more if we didn't mention them to our violent father at all.

>>18540140
>>18540155
>>18540161
>>18540177
Praise and cuddle mode protocols activated.

>>18540180
Mention that we intend to come back sooner than later besides. If we show back up on their doorstep we don't want to raise suspicion that we might be about to murder them all.

>>18540140
>>18540155
>>18540161

'Good work, Linden. In return...' You drag her onto the bed, where she giggles when she realises you're naked.

'Is Rose also...?'

'Well.... yeah.'

'Congratulations, sir! Thought you weren't ever going to get to it.' Linden follows it with a bite on your shoulder, and you don't know if she's being jealous or just a bit weird.

When you wake up again, it's properly dawn now. You sit up, and then someone knocks on the door. 'Your lordship. It's Baseg.'

'Stay outside, Baseg. What is it?'

'We're ready to move, sir. Well, when I say we...'

You get dressed, cover the two girls, then open the door. 'The constable and both his bodyguards are out cold, pretty much. We might have done a bit too much. Would you like to assemble everyone? We have to bid the sirs Ahun goodbye as well...'

> Well, well. What do?

>>18540161

You're quite certain not.

>>18540177
>>18540180

Sorry, I forgot to mention, you got up before dawn the first time. It's becoming a thing. Maybe you should see the doctor.

Also, yes, the Ahuns are notified that you're going to leave. Baseg did that the previous evening. Trust your valet!

>>18540116
>everyone's fallen asleep in the hall
>EVERYONE
Paranoia mode activate.

>>18540230
Keep our sword on us, aye. And keep in mind our arm so we don't get
>Ow, shit! You'd forgotten about that injury you took yesterday, this could go badly...

>>18540203
Congratulate Baseg. Close door. Wake girls. Kiss girls. Assemble retinue. Inform hosts of departure, good words, and return. Force Constable and guards into wakefulness to accompany us.

>>18540203
Talk to Baseg, see what he and the guys found out yesterday during the drinking session. See if there's any information of note.

Lets start at the first issue, that of the missing girls and move up to the two major families using mercenaries for a proxy war, they might be connected and if we spend too much time nosing around the household we might be seen as suspicious.

So we should probably wake up the constable and get to the village he runs, look at tax records, and talk to the people of the town and see what they know.

For now, start getting people up, thank the Ahun family for their hospitality, inform them that we may return soon as our investigation of the disappearances is still ongoing and we may need their support. Assemble everyone and move out.

Oh, better yet we should tell them that from what we've heard we suspect the family that is feuding with them to be behind it. On our return we may need their support to help end them once and for all.

That will REALLY make them like and support us, probably even directing all the mercs and rangers they have waging this proxy war to help us out if we get into trouble.

I mean, we don't have to MEAN it. It's like getting help for free! Then if we like the other family better we can come back to a warm welcome and then slaughter them all while they are unprepared. Win/win.

>>18540337
Might work, or might clue them in. I say we are best saying nothing.

>>18540280
>>18540273

You praise Baseg, then wake the two girls, who hurry themselves with dressing. (How did Linden also get naked in the meantime? One wonders.)

You then determine you'll have to deal with your assigned task first, so you go downstairs where everyone is standing around three clearly snoring figures. You shake the constable's shoulder, but Zatin stops you.

'It's no use, sir. I... must've used a bit too much. It's my oversight, sir.' He takes out a small porcelain vial. 'They will probably be out till afternoon.'

'We'll be at the village by then, won't we?'

'Well, perhaps all for the better.'

You then go to the Ahuns, who affect some distress that you're not staying and gracing them with your illustrious presence some more, and how could they live it down when they've been such poor hosts, and this is just bad of us but please do come visit again and they have you out the gate in a jiffy.

It does not take an expert to see that the lands of Ahun are not being used very well. The vale is crisscrossed by small streams which lead to the Kuira, the river that gives the place its name; but while the lands around the Kuira are mostly farmed, the streams themselves remain unruly flows with pebbly beds. The villages aren't anything to boast about either.

It is about noon when you suddenly spot something else, across the river, though, which seems quite out of place given the poverty of the area. Kanjen glances at it and scoffs. 'Must be a travelling magistrate...'

> What do?

>>18540370
Great, a magistrate! Celebrate, we can investigate!

>>18540337

Dear god not the slaughter again. I'm worried that saying that makes us sound slimy already...

>>18540370
Send someone to take a closer look, are there any bridges nearby so they don't have to try to swing across river which will both confuse the living hell out of whoever it is and draw way too much attention to us.

Disregard travels, acquire magistrate informations.

Maybe in the future we should commission a palanquin for our attendants on travels. Both of them seem to be taking the travel badly.

>>18540370
Approach. greet cautiously-

>You then go to the Ahuns, who affect some distress that you're not staying and gracing them with your illustrious presence some more, and how could they live it down when they've been such poor hosts, and this is just bad of us but please do come visit again and they have you out the gate in a jiffy.
This is the writing that keeps me coming back for more!

>>18540414

Doesn't appear to be any bridge visible from here. Why did Zatin have to overdose the three people who knew the terrain?

Kanjen and Munen flank you as you move to the water's edge. Then Kanjen yells, announcing your identity. After a while you get a reply yell, and soon you ford the river and meet up with the magistrate.

Oh wait, this guy? You've seen him at the Ahun estate! 'Sir. It is good to see you. I am Agiho - a steward in the house on your first night, if you remember?'

Well, well. You ask him where he's going. 'South, sir. Towards, well, the frontier.'

> What do?

>>18540475
I see, what brings you out there?

Does he have any servants, guards, attendants or travelling companions?

>>18540475
If he's headed our way I suppose he can ride with us and talk with us.

>>18540475
>>18540475
"Frontier? Oh, do you plan to visit the Iata family? It's great to see my father's vssals keep such good relations. I was planning to head there myself."

Ask about the tithes, how the harvesting has been going, if there are many bandits on the road, and tell him that we think there may be monsters in the forests abducting people so he should beware.

The tithes and harvesting should let us know, roughly, if they are skimming when we compare it to the tax ledgers we will soon see. Since the constable is asleep and this magistrate did not hear his words on the bandits then we can check their stories against each other with nobody the wiser. And the story about monsters is something he will repeat to his lord when he returns, making them think we took the bait about Stone People and don't suspect them of abducting women at all.

>>18540537
+1

>>18540510
>>18540505

He is, indeed, going the same way as you. He has two scribes and two servants, as well as two guards, in his retinue. 'It would be an honour to ride with you. But... no, I'm afraid we're not visiting Iatar. That would be... difficult. For me, anyway.'

He is not very forthcoming on the tithes due. 'It's still spring, sir, and the assessments are hardly completed. But certainly, we will be diligent in our assessments, and meticulous.'

On bandits and beasts, though, it's a bit different. He laughs at the beasts thing. 'Those stories are simply some we make up to scare children about the Stonefolk, sir. Once one is old enough to wield this-' he pats the sword on his sash- 'beasts are not really a problem. Bandits, though... well. I must say, as a travelling magistrate, I do have my doubts sometimes about the competence - or, worse still, the will - of the standing constables. Certainly the constable in charge of the southern villages has a tough job, but, well... Speaking of which, where is he?'

You manage to wave him on so he doesn't see the man strapped to a horse, being led by Munen's horse.

> Well, well. What plan, then? What do when you get to village, you are not far now.

>>18540584
>For me, anyway.
Hmmmmm...

>You manage to wave him on so he doesn't see the man strapped to a horse, being led by Munen's horse.
Hahaha.

>>18540584
Excuse ourselves and take our leave. Let the magistrate see us ride off.

Then circle around, sneak back and watch his activities in the village.

>>18540584
Parade to the village center like the lordly mofo you are. Let your men announce you are here to get shit done.

>>18540584
Well, we need to see about those tax records, possibly ask some of the merchants about what they know about corruption.

And see where the Stonefolk are, so we can follow up on the lead about that girl.

>>18540584
First thing is to grab the tax records and look through those. We also want to have some of our men mingle with people and see what they know or suspect.

Talk to village leaders, the local priest and merchants, those people tend to keep a pretty close eye on what is going on and might be able to fill us in.

So I take it we're more for an open entry, with the magistrate alongside?

>>18540640
Open entry, we won't be able to keep our presence secret and trying to be sneaky raises flags, we're here on reasonable and official business so it won't seem suspicious to march into town.

The magistrate already suspects the constable so he'll be of great help sifting through records and getting us information on the constable.

>>18540656
Not really, the Magistrate is a servant of the Ahuns and so is the Constable.

>>18540620
>>18540623
>>18540630
>>18540656

Well, well! If it ain't the big chief's son in a small village. Even before you arrive, the size of your procession is already drawing crowds.

Baseg clears the way up front, and then you ride straight into the centre of the village. Mind, it's not a very luxurious place, and you're sure your horse trod on some animal's excrement on its way in. But nonetheless you make a good show of it.

It's also around this time when the constable finally awakens. You approach him, and then notice he's looking elsewhere - namely at the magistrate. 'Constable. Constable!'

'Yes, your lordship! Shall I direct you to the inn at once!'

'Inn?'

'Yes, the inn just over there, where you will be well-quartered, sir.' At the same time you see the magistrate glance over; then he catches your gaze and looks away.

> What do?

>>18540691
Don't trust him. Station some of our men in and around the inn, surreptitiously of course. If there's to be an ambush, that would be a perfect place.

Hmmm. They may just hate each other and be trying to get the other executed by an authority figure with the power to do so. Either way, they are still low rungs on the totem pole.

Have our valet keep an eye on the magistrate. The constable should be VERY easy to keep an eye on due to being, well, completely fucked over from last night.

Let's just see how everything transpires and look at the records in the meantime.

>>18540691
Of course, the inn. Ask the constable to go ahead and set up our lodgings. Don't trust him and so on but get him out of our hair for a bit and have a quick talk with the magistrate about him.

Then stable our horses and get to his offices and look through records and taxes.

>>18540717
>>18540725
>>18540741

The constable seems to be in a bit of a rush, as he moves to get you all settled in. The magistrate, on the other hand, stands by outside the inn.

'Are you not coming in, magistrate?'

'No, your lordship, I shall be quartered in the constable's office. Where the work needs doing,' he chuckles.

'I'm actually about to go there myself,' you say. You then direct the girls to unpack, and Zatin asks his servants to unpack for the rest of them. With that you follow the magistrate, who in turn is behind the constable.

Once the constable opens the door to the cosy-looking but rather cramped fortified outpost, he begs his leave and disappears. The magistrate glances at you again.

'So... what is it you'd like to inspect, sir?'

'The tax records.' He finds them for you, and you hand them to Baseg, who's really the better brain for numbers. 'You seem familiar with this place.'

'I come here every now and then, your lordship. Duties.' He points to a small pile of scrolls. 'Wonder what the crimes are this time round...'

> What do now?

>>18540786
We really need a spymaster.

Ask our most nondescript retainer to try and see what the constable is up to at present.

I would suggest checking through the magistrate's wagons. Just a feeling I have.

>>18540786
I wonder as well, what is the working relationship like between you and the constable? And what can you tell me about how he keeps the peace and governs this town? Does he do it well, is he good to the people and perform his duties properly? Be honest here, I'm trying to find what's going on with a number of events.

>>18540786
If the constable's vanished off, it's a good bet that he went straight to whatever he wants to hide in order to conceal it from us- or to anyone else who is in on whatever illicit dealings he has, to confer with them or issue orders. I trust we've detailed someone to follow him for that reason.

In the meantime, of course we'd be very interested in hearing about any crimes the magistrate cares to expound upon.

>>18540786
look around, theres nothing in specific were looking for just anything strange. perhaps more halfbred stonefolk, injured or crippled villagers any signs of conflict or uneaseQuick look at the crimes however i suspect that could easily distract us.

ah, we should have a few of our men wander around looking also

>>18540837
>>18540829

You've got Munen on the case, but as you sit down he comes back and whispers that the constable just went back to his room. Like, bedroom. He tells you where it is.

>>18540832

'We've been working together some years now. He's not a bad person, though I wonder if he's sometimes a bit too... stubborn about his duties. You know what they say, sir - better to do one thing well than three things badly. But the constable never gets that. So he tries to police the place, and consult the law, and...

'It's odd, isn't it, sir, but I'd much rather he have me do more work.' He chuckles. 'The town is governed quite simply, because it isn't too large. The constable knows everyone here... I know almost everyone, myself. So he collects the poll tax, and the field tax. Speaking of which, how are the tax ledgers, sir?'

You have to admit, from what you know, they look.... clean. Baseg shrugs from his end as well.

> What do?

I know this is a Chinese analogue, and that this doesn't fit what the quest is, but being noire and about our awesome king-directed investigation of corruption, I can't help but compare it to this most excellent film from Korea, "Detective K" (English version of the title):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6Qqj3FP-tE

There's an English subbed teaser, but the trailer is way better and so that is what you get for the link.

>>18540888
Tell him they look fine and then check the crimelistings.

Then let's take a trip to the constable's house.

I think we should have men surround it and put up a watch until we get there. Not like, at arms or anything. Just have them standing around looking. Then we arrive and ask to enter.

I wonder what would happen if we found a Stone Person in his bedroom. Just out of curiosity.

>>18540888
Interesting. Check the crime listings and see if there is anything there. Ask the magistrate what he knows of the disappearances of livestock and people lately. He spends more time here so he might have heard something we didn't.

We probably want to have someone check the magistrate's wagon at some point.

>>18540955
>>18540936

You go over to the crime listings, then open them to see that they are all written in code. Huh! You show them to the magistrate, who sighs.

'This is what I mean, sir. He's meant to pass me the readable text, but he forgets to, so...

'I've heard about the kidnappings. It's a bit... strange. But well, if you ask me sir, I think it's a matter of following... the value. We clearly know what virgin girls are valuable for, right? So where could they go after they've been taken from here? If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say right out of the Vale. Probably to a town. Probably to the city, in fact, to sell... it's harsh, but such are our times.'

The constable lives in this office. His bedroom is here, as mentioned. But the magistrate's wagon, sure, you make a note to check that. It's evening now, though... you wonder where the constable is now?

> What do?

Just as you're wondering, however, the constable returns to the office. The magistrate tells him about the crimelistings, and he apologises.

Then he turns to you. 'Your lordship, is there anything else I can do? It's getting dark, and it'd be best to get some rest perhaps?'

'Constable, his lordship wants to know about the bandits.'

There is a silence thick enough to cut, though the constable soon recovers. 'The bandits, sir? They... haven't come to this village in a bit. Thank heavens.'

'Elsewhere then, are they?'

'Elsewhere. Also my jurisdiction, but with the people I have...'

'Enough.' the magistrate sighs.

> Okay, now what do?

>>18541000
For a supposedly corrupt magistrate that is surprisingly astute advice he is giving.

That said, hmm. Have Baesg chat up the Magistrate and excuse ourselves. Slip into the Constable's bedroom and look around. Ideally we are discreet when doing this, but it doesn't really matter if we aren't. We can go where we please and nobody here can stop us legitimately, after all.

>>18541033
I need everything you have on the bandits. Details of where they've struck, possible bases and so on.

We probably won't find much in the constables room but it might be worth a shot. Distract the two of them with Baseg and find a way into his room and have a quick look around, try not to disturb anything too much.

Afterwards reconvene with our men, see what they've learned from asking around, checking out rumors. Delegate someone to investigate the magistrate's wagon, it might have something useful.

>>18541067

One can be both evil and clever, you know. In fact those are the worst aren't they?

>>18541033
>>18541000
Hmmm.

I think perhaps the Constable, though involved in all of this, has been secretly trying to tip us off. Excuse ourselves from the Magistrate and tell the Constable to come with us. We then take a walk outside and ask him what his thoughts are on the Magistrate... out of earshot of everyone else. Take a ride outside the village, actually.

Now, this part is important. We will have our guards around the abandoned area we take the Constable to outside of the village. We will have set this up beforehand. After we dismount we confront the Constable, tell him we know something is up and that we know he knows about it. He is still completely fucked over by what we did to him last night so his wits will be dulled and, if worse comes to worse, he and his bodyguards will be easy to dispose of.

If we claim it's bandits afterward, well, with all the lies about bandits they've been feeding us then there is no WAY they would object.

>>18541103
Well yes, but I mean it's more that he wouldn't be helping us with such good advice if he thought it would help us bust something he is involved in.

>>18541106
Err, let me elaborate.

Maybe the Constable has been trying to tip us off. Maybe not. It doesn't matter, he's clearly up to his ears in suspicious shit. Either way it's time to thump some real answers out of people and in this place we have the ability to do so without anyone being the wiser.

> Damnit, pressed button too early. This is a sign that I need sleep, and soon.

>>18541067

Baseg comes over to talk about taxes with the magistrate, while you excuse yourself and go round to the constable's bedroom. The constable had left for somewhere, you weren't really sure.

Opening the door, the first thing you feel about the room is that it's unusually cold, compared to outside. Sure, the windows are open, but even then... nonetheless it's too dark for you to see properly without a lamp or a candle, which would be too obvious an intrusion.

Just then, you hear the door open and start. It's the constable. 'Sir? What are you doing- I mean, I'm sorry sir, please have a seat.'

You sit down, and ask for more information on the bandits. Everywhere they've struck. The constable looks a little pained at this, and gestures towards the hall. 'You'll... the magistrate is not supposed to know, sir.'

'I will not tell. You can trust your liege lord's son.'

'Well then...' he gives you a quick run through of the attacks, going back to the start of the year. You realise these are much the same places which have had the kidnapping cases. Then again, those are the few main population centres here, so that isn't all that surprising - where else are you going to extort money after all?

Later in the evening you get Zatin to check out the wagon while the rest of you retire to the inn. He returns barely a quarter-hour after the rest of you. 'What, so fast?'

'Yes, my lord. There's definitely something up.' Zatin sits down. 'One look and I could see that the wagon had a hidden compartment. It's between the wheels, a false floor.'

'Could it fit a person?'

'Not unless you minced her,' Zatin replies matter-of-factly. You don't really want to think about that.

> What do? Spring the constable trap?

>>18541170
I say we do it, but it's my idea.

My reasoning goes like this: If he attacks us it was bandits. If, as I hope, he's actually trying to do his job the best he can amid all this shit, we can take him with us. An honest man is worth a fortune in jade. Perhaps he can eventually become part of our retinue, a specialist in matters of crime and investigation... since we apparently are going to need it. Not a spymaster, but an observer and adviser on the ways of law, banditry, the citizenry, ect. Constables have to know that shit to do their job well after all.

Either way we need more information before busting the Magistrate and the Constable is the most vulnerable right now. We need to grill him for everything he knows, where he went so suddenly upon arrival, everything.

>>18541170
The bandits are possibly tied to the kidnappings, if they are that points towards slavery and selling. I'm wondering if the magistrate is involved in that.

Ask Zatin if he knows what was or could be hidden in the compartment. If he doesn't know we should probably investigate the wagon further. But our first priority should be making sure it isn't a trap. He's up to something and I'm not sure what or how he's connected.

We might be free of legal consequences but we're still killable and if we get too loud people will clam up and hide their operation until we leave. Subtle, quiet, no giant accusations until we have solid proof.

When would you like to spring the trap, then?

>>18541230

Zatin is unsure what could go in the wagon. 'I'd say anything in small enough grains, sir. Rice. Barley. Well, not those. Silver? Gold?'

That sounds much more like it...

Also, Baseg says he knows that the Constable goes out on night patrols, and that the magistrate does so as well when he's around. The two of them often check danger spots out together.

>>18541265
Given how obvious it is and that Zatin found it by just looking it seems inadvisable to spring it just yet. It is either a trap or it contains a red herring. Wait on busting open the wagon but keep it in mind. If we ever go out of town and have both the Constable and the Magistrate with us have someone stay behind and investigate further, currently I wouldn't be surprised if they are keeping an eye on it.

When the Constable is alone (or with his seriously hungover guards), at night.

Keep a silent tail on the magistrate while we do it, though. And assign someone to hang around watching the Magistrate's wagons.

>>18541304
He means the trap for the constable. Not the trap door.

>>18541265

Are you saying that both of them might be out of the office later tonight, then?

... Well that makes the wagon bit rather hard, but, maybe if we used that time to check out their office?

>>18541318
Durr, that makes a lot more sense. Yeah spring a trap on him when he's alone at night and preferably when the magistrate isn't there. We need info and he is holding back.

Also if they're both out we can have someone toss the office.

>>18541307
>>18541329
>>18541323

His guards have probably recovered by now, though. Or at least enough to be reasonably effective.

You glance out, later at night, at the constable's building and notice that it is almost completely unlit now. Also, the magistrate's wagon is gone.

Shit, you might have lost a chance to tail them. But...

> What do?

>>18541379
>His guards have probably recovered by now, though. Or at least enough to be reasonably effective.
Seriously? They were out cold for most of a day and it's the night immediately after. They should barely be able to walk and bent over a toilet for hours from the hangover.

>>18541379
Look for wheel marks, see if it's going to be trackable. Investigate the unlit building, arms at the ready, if they left in a hurry they probably left something behind or they're just out and didn't bother covering everything up.

>>18541379
>Specify multiple times to keep a watch on them at tail them
>lose them anyway
Competence!

>>18541379
is there anything relativly small and valuble apart from gold and gems? drugs like opiem, spices, contraband or somthing similar?

>>18541395

The constable is capable of relatively coherent speech all evening, though, and he woke up last among the three. Perhaps Zatin's drug is rather short-acting...

>>18541409

Zatin! The bastard! And you thought he would be trustwor- you kick the blanket off his mattress only to see one of his servants, who starts and turns around.

'Eh?'

'Master told me to sleep here, sir. In case someone came by and took a look. So he'd be in bed. I mean, I'd be in bed, as him, so he'd be... sorry. Is anything the matter, sir?'

'So where is Zatin?'

'Master saw the cart move, sir.'

'He's gone alone?'

'No, with two more servants, sir.'

'Right.' Okay, trustworthy after all... you look at the office, and see that in the torchlight there is only one guard at the gate. Your best guess is, it's one of the hungover ones.

> What do?

>>18541411

There are... certain drugs and herbs and chemicals which are enormously valuable. And some of them come from the south as well, that much you know.

But beyond that you can't be sure.

>>18541497
Which way?

Anyway, follow and do the thing. I'm really not sure what we're supposed to be saying here. Yes, go, find them and do it. We have no details on where to look or any real idea of what to offer here. All we can give is a general course of action. Follow tracks -> find wagon. On horseback in full battle gear. Bring some doods, but have some stay back to watch over our sleeping peeps.

>>18541570
Oh, and obviously try to approach in such a way that we can scope the situation before we just roll up in there and start a fight. And the village is huge and unwalled so just ride out the opposite side from the guard.

>>18541497
Follow the tracks, find the wagon, bring some guys along with us. There is something up and we need to investigate.

Forward HO!

We can toss the office afterwards.

>>18541519
the reason I ask is that hiring merc armys even small ones to fight their fued is expencive. and as previously mentioned the estate were on is not masterfully run and has a number of irregularitys. it would not be unreasonable that those in charge of it may need some "unnofficial profits"

perhaps some connection with a highly unsavery group could explain the virgin abduction

>>18541570
>>18541582
>>18541586
I guess if we're doing this, keep an eye out for Zatin especially, let's not fuck him over if he's already doing the tailing for us.

It would suck if he'd been quietly tailing them and then we blunder in and get him spotted when he could have covertly seen where they'd gone off to.

>>18541586
>>18541582
>>18541570

> Okay, last post before I go to bed. I can tell that my own writing is becoming unclear, so let's stop before I ruin things.

You know what you must do now. Quickly, you rouse Kanjen and Munen, and get the four mercenaries along with you as well; you detail two of the servants to stay up and keep watch over the rest.

The seven of you then rush to the stables and prepare your horses and torches before riding out slowly, away from the guards. The moon is on the wane, so lighting is not very favourable; but with the torches you can see enough to regain the track soon. Besides, there is really only one set of rutted tracks along here, which runs along the stream and through those other villages.

Keeping your torches covered unless necessary, you pass one, then another village, and as you approach the third you notice a gathering of torches, right out in the open, in one corner of the field. Riding to the back of a hut, you dismount and creep around to see.

The wagon is definitely there. And you think that, in the torchlight, you can see the black robes and hat of the travelling magistrate too. He is with two servants, facing a large group of people, but there is also someone in between them, sprawled on the floor and motionless. At this distance you can't be sure who he is.

'We could shoot'em,' one of the bowmen says.

> And with that, we end for tonight. Until next weekend - Saturday, 11am EST (or thereabouts). If you have any comments, please post them - it's good to know. I've tapered off in the last few posts, I know - it's sleep deprivation getting me.

> Have a good week, people.

Cya, OP. Sleep well.

>>18541671
Thanks for a good session. Investigating mysteries, being noble, having sex with our loving personal assistants. It's been fun.

You might want to look into grabbing more descriptive name than OP.

>>18541671
Fantastic quest running OP, will be looking forward to next weekend's threads.

And if people are away on holiday or something and responses aren't coming, TRY AGAIN. Some of the best written quests died because after one bad night the GM decided that there wasn't any further interest. So let me be clear: you have our interest. I wish to see how this quest continues, and you've done the rare feat of interesting me in a mystery plot. So don't leave me hanging.

>>18541752
>after one bad night the GM decided that there wasn't any further interest
Out of curiosity, what quests were those?

>>18541815
The original GM for Doppleganger Damacy quit after the second thread got nearly no response (which tl;dr is why I ended up running it), even though it had already gotten a decent fanbase. There was some of the best prose around in a quest about breaking into crime by becoming a pimp; first thread was great (I think it got purged due to standalone quest thread), but the second had little response before the previous night's players showed up and it died. IIRC, Gladiator Manager Quest was one of the ones that gave up after one quiet night also, and there's at least one other I can't remember offhand because it's 3 a.m. here.

>>18541671
I will keep F5ing next Saturday until you return.