Tallius Urist

Barter: 2/5
Streetsmarts: 1/5
Strength: 1/5
Cunning: 3/5
Charisma: 4/5
Business 2/5
Marksmanship 2/5
Barkeeping 2/5

Inventory:

Senatorial Signet Ring (Currently hidden on the Automata in the tower.)

Concealed Dagger, Inscription reads "Imperator" (Buried by Miaya, location unknown.)

Two Iron Daggers.

Crossbow, 49 bolts.

Dignity

2,870 Gold

Holdings:

Fine horse-drawn cart, valued at 500 gold.

The Clock Tower Tavern, standard configuration, capacity of 50 souls. Advanced Brewery on site. Estimated sale value 25,000 gold.

Deactivated Automata, type unknown, properties unknown, sale price unknown.


Employees:

Sif: Barmaid with unusual strength and little tact. Weekly Wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10.

Martellus: Burly academic with brewing and barman skills. Weekly wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10. Contracted for Barkeeping lessons.

Miaya: Eccentric Painter, Cook, and Huntress, in that order. Knows Tallius is actually Marcus Sertorius, seems willing to keep this to herself. For now. Weekly wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10. Contracted for Hunting lessons.


You have close cropped brown hair, and are clean shaven. You will remain so, lest someone recognize your once distinctive facial hair. Your wife used to call your eyes liar's blue. You and Lucretia were not on the best of terms at the time, but she has a point there. You are currently wearing a simple cotton shirt with some brown trousers, tied together with a fashionable sash. Classy, if simple.

“ So, anyway, like I was saying, this fucker came up to my sister and me asked if he could have both.”

“ Both?”

“Fuck, you know, both of us. So, Hehl gave him what he asked for, and the shit couldn't take the heat. Went on for five minutes, right in the middle of town. Then the constables came in and cut it short, the little meddlesome sons of whores.”

“ I'm sure. Did the poor man live?”

“I dunno.”

“Right. And that is how you two ended up in a provincial jail?”

“Well, the first time, sure.”

Its the customary weekly meeting at closing time, and Tallius Urist is bored. Sif is telling Miaya some story about her sister from when they were both kids, or at least from when Sif's body more matched her personality. Normally you would find this amusing, perhaps cajole her over her usual rashness once more made manifest, but you can't find the heart. Your chest throbs. Ouch. Pun not intended.

Frankly, for the last few days you've been little more than a zombie, moving from one issue to the next, making money, solving problems. It's all been very boring. As much as you are loath to believe it, your time on the run has altered you. Tallius Urist now has some strange, perverse craving for excitement, or at the very least relevance. Those were both things you had hoped to leave behind in the ruins of Marcus Sertorius.

You called this meeting to see if the crew had any ideas. Martellus had some suggestions about craft brews and some experimental alchemical concoctions to sell to adventurers. Practical as always. Sif didn't have much to say, other than unrelated stories, and Miaya suggested you start buying traps to supplement the meat supplies, as well as start a vegetable garden in some of the unused land. All of those good, practical ideas that did nothing to assuage your flagging spirits. Something is missing, but you cannot imagine what. Instead, you decide to focus on the task at hand. Such is the life of a Tavern keeper.

>>25180267

A nudge at your shoulder. Miaya is looking at you when you look up, as Sif has seamlessly begun focusing her story on Martellus instead, who has the pale look of a man facing a very familiar and unwelcome journey. “ Tallius, you've been odd the last few days. Detached, if I were to guess. Is something troubling you?”

Damn, you were trying not to be obvious, but her uncanny senses extend to social vagaries as well as the hunt, it seems.

>>25180297
Tell her the truth, that we accidentally a thrill seeker.

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>>25180133
Man that week felt long. Least I had Vampire Doll Quest to keep me busy. Coincidentally if I start suggesting we torture the staff into absolute obedience just ignore me.

>>25180297
Tell her you wanted to be nothing more than Tallius Urist, you tried. But you can't.

>>25180267
>>25180133
>Tell her you wanted to be nothing more than Tallius Urist, you tried. But you can't.

>>25180297
Consider taking up hunting to pass the time, it's perfectly gentlemanly hobby.

>>25180671
Miaya could help teach us.

>>25180502
>>25180610
>Tell her you wanted to be nothing more than Tallius Urist, you tried. But you can't.
What is that even supposed to mean? It's just a cheesy line with no substance.

>>25180694
Exactly

>>25180671
>>25180690
These.

Also passing the idea of hiring a bard among the staff would get their opinions on the matter.

>>25180694
I didn't mean for it to be dialogue, just a general thrust. It means we're not happy accepting our mundane life and leaving the unfinished business of Marcus Sertorius behind us. Feel free to write something better.

>>25180726
Sure!
'I don't know Miaya, I just feel that I'm in a rut recently. I go through the same motions every day and I even don't know why anymore. My life is comfortable, it really is, but it's just that I wish something would change but everything would still stay the same, if you know what I mean?'

>>25180610
>>25180502

Well, if anyone is going to see the truth in what you say, it's Miaya. No point veiling the truth.

" Nothing so dire. I'm just, well, bored. Stuck in a rut. You would think I'd had my share of excitement, but it seems a I can't settle for simple success in life." You sigh, exasperated. " I sound like a damned fool, don't I? With my luck, I should be counting my blessings if I live the rest of my days without getting shot." Miaya cringes a little at 'shot'. Tactful of you.

Miaya nods. "Perhaps. But we are all fools, from time to time, and you no more than the rest of us. Having tasted a life of danger you long for it just as you manage to outpace it, this is not unnatural. If it would help, I could take you hunting more often. I saw the target out back, you've been improving with the crossbow." You had been shooting bolts into a hay bulls-eye behind the Tavern occasionally, though you've not been hunting with the elf since that incident with the boar.

" I'd like that Miaya, thank you." You say. She smiles, and returns to verbally poking Sif about her tale.

Waiting for an opportune moment, you decide to move on to business. " Right, so, next order of business. We need an entertainer to stand out over the competition, keep people coming back. Provide a welcoming atmosphere. Thoughts? Suggestions?"

Several moments of absolute silence. Even Martellus looks out of his depth. Then, Sif's face lights up.

"Jugglers!"

"No." Martellus says before you can. Sif visually deflates. He begins again. " Master Tallius, the town of Patch forty miles south of here is famed for it's bardic schools and theaters both. Perhaps a journey there would be beneficial? You would, of course, be away for some time were you to take the journey. It will surely be better fare than that which we would attract here or in Gearwatch."

We should contract some kind of security for the tavern.

>>25181068
Miaya eyes you knowingly. Maybe getting out of the Tavern would be nice for a while. But can you leave for even a short time? You've never done it before. Not to mention that every mile south is one less between you and the past. But then, you are craving some element of risk...

>>25181081
We should. The taverns only defense shouldn't be it's owner, a barmaid and a cook.

>>25181068
Sure, change of scenery might improve your mood anyway.

>>25181133
We could hire some down on their luck adventurers? There's plenty of them traveling on the road, and not all of them are going to strike it big in the ruins.

>>25181100
We'll let Martellus handle the tavern while we're away, it'll be fine.

>>25181068
Let's take a trip. The place will keep for a night. We need to scope out opportunities farther afield. I'm still pushing for us to set up a spy network.

>>25181207
>Anonymous 06/01/13(Sat)18:21 No.25181081Replies: >>25181133
>We should contract some kind of security for the tavern.

Remember your words when we return and the cart salesman has somehow swindled our home out from under us.

>>25181462
wow, I fucked that quote up.

meant to be at >>25181207

>>25181462
It's not like we have better choice. Sif would end up punching customers and Miaya is a...free soul.

>>25181138
>>25181381
>>25181207

" Patch, can't say I've ever been there. I suppose it can't hurt. You can run the Tavern while I'm gone?" Martellus glares at you. "Yeah, you can run the Tavern while I'm gone."

Well, you'll leave on the morrow, you suppose. That overpriced cart and the team you bought with it still sit out in the table, so you have transport. At a normal pace the journey would take two days to get there, who knows how long in Patch, and then two to return. Overall, a week at most, depending on how lost you get in Patch.

Martellus goes over some details of how you want things run over the next week. He already knew, but the man is always in favor of proper procedure.

Sif butts in just as Martellus is going over alteration to liquor pours for inebriated patrons. "Boss, you better be careful. You do something stupid like run into a hail of arrows and I'll dug up your grave just to kick your ass."

You smile. " Lady Sif, I doubt the Bards will meet me with bows, but I will keep in mind. I will also be sure to reign in my patrician tastes in drama lest I fine myself at the mercy of a thuggish troupe of thespians bent on my death."

She pouts. " Oh, look at you, talking big to fuck with little Sif! Well, I'll tolerate it. This time." She walks away and up the stairs as you watch Martellus roll his eyes.

" Master Tallius, take care to not stub your toe, or I fear dear Sif may have an aneurysm." You grunt in response. " I'll take good care of her too, Master Tallius. I always have." He nods his goodbye, and heads out the back. Likely out to the brewery.

That just leaves Miaya. "You realize I am coming with you?"

>>25181876
Huh, why? Doesn't she have some cooking to do? This is a business trip, not for pleasure anyway.

>>25181975
Why not bring Miaya. We can include her in any less savory business and we might need the help.

>>25181876
She's not going to take no for an answer is she?

>>25181876
"But won't that leave our patrons hungry?"

>>25182007
>She's not going to take no for an answer is she?
Lady Sif can cook, she's a women after all.

>>25182007
>>25182030
"You'd leave Sif doing the cooking?"

>>25182030
It has yet to be disproven anyways. But yea I think they can manage if Miya stocks a few things before going.

>>25182030
>She's a women.
Oh god, I didn't know Sif was a gestalt being of all the tomboys in Gearwatch. That's horrifying.

>>25181997
Ehh, I guess it'll make Sif fret less.

Threadly reminder that the updated Ebook can be found at http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb

>>25182030
>she's a women after all.
That's highly questionable.

>>25182073
>"You'd leave Sif doing the cooking?"
Indeed I've never met a slit that couldn't make a sandwich

>>25182146
Nigga anyone can make a fucking sandwich

It's not cooking, it's assembly.

>>25182146
Crass.

>>25182146
That is so far outside of Tullius' character I would hope that Barkeep won't even consider it.

>>25182197
>Indeed I've never met a slit that couldn't make a sandwich
It's not a dialogue suggestion

>>25182073
You balk for a moment. "You'd leave Sif doing the cooking?"

She rolls her eyes and walks towards the kitchen, beckoning for you to follow. You turn the corner, revealing just what Miaya's been doing with her time. Several boars, rabbits, and other creatures. Cut up, strung up, smoked, salted, everything you can think of to keep it edible. It even smells delicious. You close your mouth to prevent the saliva that has begun pooling from finding it's way to the floor.

Miaya crosses her arms. "Sif doesn't have to cook. Most she'll have to do is heat a skewer, and even she should be able to handle that." She sighs. "Tallius, look. I know you just want the place to run smoothly while you're gone, but you might need me out there. The food will be fine, and there is far worse on the road between Patch and here than hungry customers. For that matter, I want to do this. Let me use your kind of language. You invest in me, I invest in you. And it's good to protect your investments." She moves a hand over her chest, where you know she has a wound almost identical to the one you bear upon your own breast.

>>25181876
>"You realize I am coming with you?"
"Yes, of course. I need someone to represent diplomacy for the tavern in case I can't go later."

Or something to that effect.

>>25182270
WHY, I ALWAYS CAN'T EVEN JUST EVEN JUST LATE CAN'T EVEN ROLL 20'S AND NOTHING AAACCcckkkk.

>>25182212
Then maybe you shouldn't have made it in the first place.

>>25182270
"Yes, of course. I just wanted to be certain. Let's pack up."

>>25182270
'Woman, I'm not going to give you a raise if that's what you're asking. You can come with me, but it'll be docked off your salary.'

>>25182318
v_v I'll just go with this: Seconded.

>>25182375
Don't fuckin' emote. Fag.

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>>25182030
>>25182146
>>25182345
Anonmind needs to check it's privilege tonight.

>>25182431
What.

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>>25182318
>Thirded
>>25182375
Do you know where you are?

>>25182375
Nah, we need to make sure for her that it's not a fun trip, it'll be business trip or she might start getting ideas.

>>25182547
We don't really do emotes around here parts, though.

>>25182473
What kind of ideas? Because I don't see anything wrong with enjoying your work, and I don't see imparting that emotional reinforcement to Miaya as a necessarily bad thing.

>>25182318
I'll fourth that.

>>25182596
Pssst. I think he means she's romantically interested in us. It's certainly been presented ambiguously enough. I for one am against any such relationship as it could only end in sadness and mountains of corpses.

What do we want to do on this trip? I'm interested in local criminal elements we might exploit. What do others want to do? Other than get a bard obviously.

>>25182664
Exactly. We're not taking her on a date or anything, so it's best to keep our act strictly professional so she doesn't believe otherwise.

>>25182466
>>25182591
You have convinced me to refrain from emoticons ever again. I am extremely sorry for my impertinence to 4chan etiquette. Forgive me my transgressions. Oceans represent the lament and regret I possess for my misdeeds.

>>25182318
You gather yourself. "Yes, of course. I just wanted to be certain. Let's pack up."

" Im always packed. But I'll put some smoked goods in a wrap for the road. We leave tomorrow?"

"Yes."

" Well then. We could go for a hunt, early, Keep out stocks up for the journey, and you could use the practice. Maybe you will get up before noon, for once, as well."

Well, it could be useful.

>>25182704
No reason to act like a petulant child, anon.

>>25182703
With what we've been through I think we're a bit passed cordial professionalism, but that doesn't inherently mean that we're more than close friends, and being close friends does good for ones loyalty meter.

Which is good, and if it proceeds to beyond where we're comfortable relationship-wise, we just give her the 'It's not thou, it's me."

Personally, I would not mind it furthering.

>>25182706
Might as well get up early for a change.

We really should make a habit of this.

>>25182706
Go hunting early. Discuss plan (first we should make some goddamn plans) with Miaya.

Lets do it, hunting and then bed early for the ride.

>also what we can do after the bard is check out the taverns and report it back to the pta or whatever that tavern guild we are in is called

>slowly we take over the guild make a giant network of taverns Creating an empire becoming rich and then seduce our wife back into our arms with gobs of money

>>25182859
Yeah, it's part of good living to rise early, and we really need to start paying attention to our health, we're not getting any younger.

>>25182831
>I would not mind it furthering.
No.

>>25182885
Medieval Starbucks? I could get behind that.

>>25182909
You know, you really ought to give a reason.

>>25182885
Well points for creativity, but I don't see our wife falling for playboy tavern mogul Tallius Urist (except as a ploy to bury a poleaxe in his head).

I think we should look towards setting up more business, particularly ones that would deal in the capital. The goal is to get influence back home so we can investigate there.

>>25182909
We've got matching scars over our hearts because we risked our life for this girl. That's a romantic as fuck premise. I'm all for pursuing a harem end though.

>>25182866
>>25182859
These.

>>25182943
>Wants the Harem Ending
You are the worst kind of waifufag.

>>25182943
>I'm all for pursuing a harem end though.

I'm all for Maiya (or Sif) becoming a love interest, but a harem end has no place in this quest.

Seriously.

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>>25182943
Sheeeeeit Nigga, I can't fap to that.

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>>25183008
>>25182953
>>25182964

>>25182943
>I'm all for pursuing a harem end though.
No.

>>25182943
How did we got those scars anyway?

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>>25182943

" I don't think it's a bad idea. I need to get back outside anyway, and sooner is better. As for tomorrow, you have a plan on how to get to Patch?" You say, absently stroking your chin.

Miaya tilts her head. " We need a plan to take a cart forty miles? I thought we would stop at a Tavern or roadhouse near the halfway point, and stay the night. Then we continue the next day. Best way to do this is a two day trip, any faster and we are just being reckless. Other than that, I don't see a need for a plan, besides basic caution and good travel sense."

" Well, I suppose that's true. I tend to over think these kind of things."

"Eh, it is in your nature, Tallius." She walks past you, on her way out of the kitchen, and moves up the stairs to the bedrooms, before stopping halfway up. " Remember to wake up on time, if you delay my hunt I will not be pleasant company..." She disappears into the shadow, leaving you alone for a time, before you decide to retire yourself.

You steel yourself. Damn it all, you will wake up at sunup. Surely you can manage such a simple task...

Give me five d100 rolls, and we will continue after I get some chinese food.

Rolled 53

>>25183074
Blood ritual to stop Miaya from dying from a crossbow wound to the back.

Rolled 78

>>25183096

>>25183074
Two threads back, I think. Ritual of Life Saving, performed by Martellus to save Miaya, using Talius as some sort of soul-anchor to keep Miaya alive. Part of the ritual was to get stabbed in the chest.

The bigger the better or was the opposite?

Rolled 72, 31, 78, 19, 57 = 257

>>25183125
>>25183134
Ok!

Rolled 51

Random text

>>25183036
>everyone except Martellus

>>25183237
Oops, didn't mean to roll.
>>25183167
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive

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>>25183218
Why can't he be part of the harem ending, yo.

>>25183253
Nah, that's too much trouble, I'll just pick it up as we go.

>>25183311
Just CTRL+F Barkeep and you can get through the thread within fifteen minutes. He's away at the moment anyway getting Chinese food, so you've got a little time.

>>25183335
I was there for the first thread and it was really good, then there were some faggots who ruined it so I stopped reading. But it's okay, now I'm back to get this thing on track. Anyways, I don't want to see what kind of retard shit has been done while I've been away, I'd just rage at it.

I can't believe I am saying this, but can I get two additional rolls?

Rolled 54

>>25183453
Brace for impact!

Rolled 35

>>25183453

Rolled 41

>>25183477

Rolled 61, 47, 82, 33, 65 = 288

>>25183125
>>25183126
>>25183188
>>25183477
>>25183482

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>>25183270
this was my facebook profile picture for many months

in my experience, as a straight person, gay people are much more enjoyable to be around, in general

>>25183270
I thought by harem end you meant Sif and Miaya, which would made Martellus alone.

That said,still opposing any harem.

>>25183586
Fuck no to harem, we'll romance Martellus. Our marriage was a sham anyway.

>>25183609
I must admit, one of my reasons for wanting to romance Maiya is so that we can tell our father on his deathbed that after he's gone, all that will be left of his proud bloodline is a traitor and a half-elf bastard.

>>25183495

The night is short. Far, far too short. You simply rest your head for a moment, and then open your eyes to find the morning's first rays penetrating through your window.

Shit, you need to hurry.

It's a mad scramble to throw on some clothes, in this case some archer's leathers you bought for the cheap off of an adventurer out of Origin a month back. They don't provide much protection, but have shoulder padding which does wonders for bracing your crossbow. Better than soiling your finer clothing.

Your door cracks just as you fasten your trousers, and you see Miaya peek in, and nod once, before continuing downstairs.

You meet her in the empty taproom. Well, mostly empty. That strange, short man whose face is always covered is in a corner seat nursing a beer and some bread. He's become something of a repeat customer, often renting rooms.

Miaya has retrieved her bow from the back, and is thumbing through some differently fletched arrows. She looks up. " What do you want to hunt? I imagine it will be simple to find boar, deer, or even bear, if you're up to that. Or we could shoot some birds. Like children."

>>25183655
Boylove wouldn't leave even a half-elf bastard though.

>>25183722
But it is more culturally acceptable in fantasy not-rome, I'd imagine.

>>25183710
"...Bear. If only because bear pelts make great trade goods or carpets for the tavern."

>>25183710
We shall hunt bear.
Since we have been looking for some excitement we can bearly contain ourselves.

>>25183743
Dunno, Romans were pretty big on buggery. Penetrating men was seen as masculine, being penetrated as feminine though.

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>>25183767
>>25183794
I see failed rolls and sadness in our future. I vote we ask for a lesson in tracking and see what we stumble on.

>>25183710
Also at some point we need to investigate that potential-wizard-short-guy

>>25183858
>I see failed rolls and sadness in our future. I vote we ask for a lesson in tracking and see what we stumble on.

>>25183858
No-one ever got excitement out of tracking lessons, it's gotta be bear or nothing.

>>25183767
>>25183794
>>25183858

" I'm feeling bear." You say, somewhat intensely.

"Tallius!" She says, obviously impressed. " Glad to see you took what you said seriously, Bear can be the most exciting hunt, but you don't necessarily want it to be. Hopefully we bring it down before it notices us." She hefts the bow, draws it, and places it over her shoulder, apparently satisfied.

You see that she has laid out your crossbow and bolts as well, and you collect them before following her out the back, the little man in the corner giggling to himself as you leave.

She leads you out into the woods, and takes a slouched, predatory stance, moving through the underbrush without disturbing it overmuch. You attempt to emulate this, but do not make much progress. You almost trip over a branch, and only manage to catch yourself on a rotting stump, which covers your hand in wet grime. You scowl at it in disgust, and looking up you see Miaya staring bolts into you.

You note that you are heading in a different direction than is normal, this time parallel to the main road rather than moving away from it. Miaya raises her right arm, and turns, speaking softy. "This is a test, Tallius. Do you see anything we can use around us?"

Tracking roll, 2 dice.

Rolled 64, 45 = 109

>>25184123
If it's one per post take only the first roll.

>>25183536
you need to meet more people then. yes, i know a few gay people who are enjoyable to be around, but I have also hung out with strait people who are a flat out riot to be with.

>>25184148

It always is. And I'll allow you to do that just this once, as you directly mentioned it.

Rolled 80

>>25184123

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>>25183857
HEY! Buggery was a Greek thing! The Romans were not all that much into buggery (orgies, on the other hand WAS a big thing to them). Learn your history.

>>25184235
>implying the Romans didn't import their entire culture from Greeks

>>25184167
Why, exactly? It doesn't matter who rolls, it just saves posts if you don't have several with a single roll in them in a row.

>>25184123
...why am I getting the strange little man is a spy? Or at least someone with an information network.

>>25184256
They really didn't. They imported religion and politics. But their views on sex come from the local proto-romans

>>25184294
He's obviously a quest giver NPC waiting for adventurers, let's not hassle him.

>>25184281
It allows for more reader participation.

>>25184346
Rolling a die isn't much of a participation though. Writing dialogue is, for example.

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>>25184317
YES! someone else who knows their history than the bull shit they teach in schools these days.

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>>25184317
>Sex
>Not for the purpose of advancing the glorious Roman polity.
>mfw

>>25184294
For a fugitive we take a remarkably blase attitude toward suspicious characters hanging around us. On return we should look into his business.

>>25184123
>Bear can be the most exciting hunt
Cut to Martellus performing another blood ritual. Maybe we can use this time to discuss our ambitions with her?

>>25184148
>>25184202

You look around as Miaya eyes you, expectantly. As minutes pass, you begin to lose hope, but then you look at the trees rather than the ground.

" Claw marks. It was scraping the tree with it's claws.

" Correct. Bears often do that, and this one is larger than most. Do you see anything else?"

Focus, focus. There. You see it now. Tracks in a patch of mud, where the underbrush was moved aside. Small tracks.

" Cubs?"

" Yes. Now, what does that mean?"

" Maternal instincts, and territoriality?" You read a really thick book on bears, once. Always thought the big white ones down south were the most interesting.

Miaya nods. "We'll look for another one. Luckily, I see a separate set of tracks, likely a male." She begins moving again, and you follow.

Half an hour later, Miaya calls another halt. Motioning for you to stay where you are, she lithely climbs a nearby tree, and takes position atop a split in the trunk. She points, and you follow the gesture.

A black shape up a rise, about fourty yards out. It's slowly shifting about, walking around. Foraging, you imagine. You might be able to hit it from the current distance, or you could risk discovery to creep closer. Miaya waits above, observing.

>>25184451
>remarkably blase attitude toward suspicious characters hanging around us
We're a tavern owner, suspicious characters are our bread and butter. Where do you think all the quests get their starts if not taverns? Those quest givers have to hang out in our tavern for days or weeks while waiting for adventurers. That's what I call clientele!

>>25184476
Get closer a shot from a distance won't penetrate far enough.

>>25184476
>If Maiya is backing us up with a long bow then we could probably take the shot. Once hit it will probably attack, so the more ground to cover the better. If we miss Maiya has the range to go for a second shot.

>>25184476
We'll take our best shot from here, no point in getting too close to a ferocious carnivore.

>>25184476
Get in close and try to go for a one hit kill.

>>25184600
>>25184556
>>25184542
>>25184539

That's a 2v2 split.

>>25184632
Roll for it, it's not like you can prevent samefagging anyway.

Rolled 1

>>25184643

I tend to give a bit for another vote, but very well. 1 is approach, 2 is shoot.

Need a cunning roll, three dice.

Rolled 85

>>25184684

Rolled 76

>>25184667
What can happen?

Rolled 96

>>25184684

>>25184539
NO. FUCK THAT.
>>25184556
This. Least we can take multiple shots before it reaches us and
> "Cut to Martellus performing another blood ritual"

Trust me, if it doesn't go down the first shot IT will move to US and we can get that close shot.

>>25184716
A dead bear can happen, with those rolls!

>>25184732
You are bit of a slowpoke...

>>25184688
>>25184716
>>25184726
Not bad, not bad at all.

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>>25184763
Sometimes. I had to get my own food and apparently didn't update.

>>25184688
>>25184716
>>25184726
WE JUST MIGHTMAKE IT

inb4 barkeep rolls straight 300

>>25184830
As opposed to what, bicurious 300?

>>25184857
300 was way past bicurious, anon.

>>25184955
Full on man-boy buttlove 300?

>>25184688
>>25184716
>>25184726

You move through the underbrush, emulating Miaya's movement techniques and adapting them to your own, somewhat bulkier frame. To your surprise, you are mostly successful, not so much as a snapped twig to mark your passage toward your target.

In what seems like moments, you cut the distance in half, and lay prone on a small rise, half submerged in fallen leaves. Slowly, carefully, you adjust the crossbow off of your back, and brace it against your shoulder, lining the sights up on your target.

The lever is cold as ice in your hand as you squeeze, tighter and tighter...

THUNK

The bolt flies down range, and embeds exactly where you aimed it, right into the bear's heart, down to the fletching. The animal's head turns sharply in your direction, and it's maw opens as if to roar, just before it falls to the other side, sending leaves into the air with the impact, and is still. You feel a presence behind you, and turn sharply, but are relieved to find only Miaya.

" You are improving, Tallius! Moving closer was the right decision, the bolt would have had trouble penetrating at twice the distance." She pats you on the shoulder. "Now get up, we have to carry it back and strip it."

Right. That.

Several hours pass as you return to Tavern and help Miaya skin the bear and preserve the meat. The pelt is hung up in the back, and Miaya says she can likely have someone make something worthwhile with it upon your return.

Martellus and Sif are serving the morning crowd when you both get out of the back. You imagine it's around ten or so. Luckily, you managed to avoid being covered in gore during the stripping. You wave to Martellus, and he nods his good wishes while working. Sif eyes you harshly, obviously as a reminder of your promise to not take unnecessary risks.

>>25185110
Goodbyes, such as they were, settled, you head out front an begin preparing the team to carry the cart to Patch. Miaya follows you, her daggers now more visible on her persona, and a simple traveler's cowl covering her features.

She giggles at your raised eyebrow. "Karth had the right idea, you know. Riding with an elf into even an easygoing town like Patch invites questions you don't want to answer. Don't worry, my pride will manage. Anything else you need to do before we leave? Last chance for a while, I imagine. It is a long road."

>>25185140
Time to go on a little adventure!

>>25185180
Talk to the little adventurer before we go on our little adventure?

>>25185196
What a brilliant idea!

>>25185196

Is that little adventurer, the one who giggles and is wrapped in bandages, actually there?

I fear that bringing Miaya back from the brink also brought along another passenger.

>>25185276

He is.

" One thing. Shouldn't take long." You turn around, ignoring Miaya's puzzled look, and return to the taproom. Martellus looks up with a raised eyebrow as you enter, and Sif looks confused. No one else pays you mind, however, and Sullivan even raises a mug.

You move to the corner table where the diminutive guest sits alone. He chokes up a laugh in his deep, unfitting voice. "Ah, the proprietor himself! To what do I owe the pleasure, Urist?" He puts an emphasis on 'pleasure' that leaves you uneasy.

>>25185441
"I just realized I've never had a chance to greet you. As a proprietor I make a point to get to know all my guests, especially ones as.... loyal as you."

>>25185565
>>25185441
I like it, we are simply interest in a regular customer and wanted to greet him properly before we left on our little trip.

>>25185441
ask him keeps bringing himself back to your tavern day after day, and if anything he might like to have added into your place.

>>25185851
ugh! correction. :"ask him WHAT brings him back to your tavern.."

>>25185565
"I just realized I've never had a chance to greet you. As a proprietor I make a point to get to know all my guests, especially ones as.... loyal as you."

The man laughs, a rumbling thing like an avalanche. " I am glad to be so appreciated! You may call me Ryketh, I am a connoisseur of fine artifacts. As you might imagine, most of these come from Origin, which makes your Tavern a fine place for my like to stay. The beer is quite something, too, ha!" He takes a lengthy gulp. " So, I hear you are leaving on business?" You nod. "Well, I will watch the place well in your stead, friend! As they say in my homeland, may your paths be both twisting and true!" Ryketh raises his mug, and downs it before your eyes.

You thank the little man for his well wishing, and rejoin Miaya out front. She's cleaning one of those curved daggers with a cloth. " What was that about?"

" Nothing, yet."

" Right, you ready now?"

" Yes, let's get going."

She climbs atop the cart, and gathers the reigns. You sit beside her, and place the crossbow in your lap. Miaya manipulates the reigns, and your cart begins to move out and down the road, towards Patch.

" It is going to be a long ride, Tallius. You likely should have brought a book, or something." Miaya says, her wide eyes on the road before her.

You nod.

" Yeah, I left my library in another life."

" Point taken."

Please roll a d6 for encounters!

Rolled 1

>>25185885

Rolled 3

>>25185885
Oh thank god a fence, we can start selling origin stuff. Also, is that legal?

>>25185885
HIGH ADVENTURE!

Rolled 1

>>25185885
inb4 grue

>>25185920

The first several hours are some of the least eventful of your life, as you pass tree after rock after tree. Nary a fellow traveler can be seen, with the exception of a single military patrol. You recognize them as some of Sullivan's men. They wave as you pass.

" Miaya, do you paint everything you hunt?"

" Hmm? No, I paint memories. And only the ones I want to remember." You remember the one in Fathers office. A burning city and a pile of corpses. Not something anyone would want to remember. You consider bringing it up, but think better of it.

" But you sell them?"

" Yes. Its the act of painting, not the result, that gives me satisfaction. It's the same with hunting, and even cooking. The beauty is intrinsic. I do not like people who are too results driven. They're blind to the good things right in front of them. When we cannot take what we want from every moment, but only from what we find at the end, we are lost."

You think about that for a while, and can't think of a response. Maybe it bears further thought, you can come back to her about it.

A sudden rustling from the bushes to your right, as it approaches duck.

" Miaya," You whisper. "Did you-"

" You have to ask?" She says softly.

" Right."

"Crossbow ready?"

" You have to ask?"

She giggles quietly. "Just watch the bushes, damn it."

A flash of red in the bushes. You could fire, or call out. Perhaps something else?

>>25186174
call out, then fire if need be.

>>25186174

Call out. No need to act hasty.

"Come out slowly. Hands where I can see them. No tricks, now, or I'll have to loose a bolt."

>>25186174
Level crossbow -then- yell out.
"Come on out and join us friend, the more the merrier."

>>25186174
call out to them

>>25186324

"Come on out and join us friend, the more the merrier." You yell, leveling your weapon at your best estimate of the target's locations.

" Bollocks." An aristocratic accent.

"What now, Sir?" Sounds like a younger man.

"Well, private, unless you want to get shot, we do as the man said. Hold, friend! We will be out momentarily!"

The two men who step out into the fading light, arms raised, are haggard, ragged, malnourished, and bloodied. It's apparent they have had a very tough time of it, and it takes some time for you to recognize them, even with the remnants of their once-distinctive uniforms upon their shoulders.

Reginald Britannius and Private Rico, back from the dead.

Miaya seems to remember them, too. " It is a good thing I am driving. I would have shot him."

>>25186658
Quietly to her so they can't hear. "If I had known it was them I may have done the same, but I have enough of a conscience that shooting an unknown person in the bushes would leave a bad taste."

>>25186733
Are we suggesting cold blooded murder?

"Reginald, is that you? Lady's grace man you look awful. We didn't think anybody survived that night."

((We'll string him along until we know where this is going.))

>>25186827
Note the "may", he did get Miaya shot and our tavern nearly destroyed.

>>25186658
Why don't we hire them to join our tavern self defense force. It be a more honest kind of work compared to their previous job.

>>25187004
If Miaya didn't kill them the elf seperatists would. Speaking of which did we ever ask her about them? That seems like an oversite.

>>25186733
>>25186827

"If I had known it was them I may have done the same, but I have enough of a conscience that shooting an unknown person in the bushes would leave a bad taste." You whisper.

" Well, I guess if you have to bring morals into it..." Miaya says.

"Reginald, is that you? Lady's grace man you look awful. We didn't think anybody survived that night."

He and Rico put their arms down as it becomes obvious you don't plan the shoot them. At least, not immediately. " Well, it was a close run thing, the savages outnumbered us five to one. We fought like lions, but could not outweigh the tide of attackers breaking against the shore of our noble defense. Rico and I were captured as I had the Lieutenant scatter the men. I fear we are the last of the Rose Brotherhood. A true shame." He strokes his mustache. " Where are you headed, by the way? If I could possibly impose on you for a ride to the next town?"

Miaya glares at you.

>>25187004
It does have some merit, but they would have to swear off their old lives and come to be new people and then only if Miaya decided that they have really changed.

>>25187172

It would seriously damage our relationship with Miaya and invite more trouble with the rebels. They aren't likely to care that Reginald has turned over a new leaf.

>>25187153
Sorry, but we're in a hurry and only have enough food for the two of us, the town is that way though *pointing towards the town*

>>25187004
>>25187172
No way, they damn near got us and Miaya killed and one of the people we know and trust clearly hates them.

Why bring on the contention when we could hire almost literally anybody else to do the job without it?

>>25187153
>>25187257
>>25187293

Fuck naw. Leave these shits.

"Apologies, Sir Reginald, but I'm afraid that won't do. You see, we are in quite a hurry and simply can't bother with the men who nearly got us killed. For your convenience, however, town is that way. Good day."

>>25187153
Maybe tell them to hold on a moment while we talk to our companion.

>>25187293
Okay, maybe not join the tavern, but at least we could try to get them into more honest work.

>>25187378
The problem with that is "if" they survive they will remember we kinda left them there. I still say we should at least get them to the next town and on the way convince them to give up that line of work. Sure, they are the worst of the worst in the sense of what they have done, but even they deserve a chance to change like we have.

>>25187378
>>25187393
No need to be rude. To quote Churchhill even if you're going to kill somebody it costs nothing to be courteous. But no we can't bring them on, unless they have a compelling reason why we should.

>>25187153
We can't really turn them down, can we? But at the same we shouldn't do anything more than travel with them. Maybe treat them to a meal or something as common courtesy, since they're down on their luck and we're not, but nothing more and we part ways when we hit town. The only possible problem with them traveling with us a short way is that they see we've got an elf, and she's our cook, they've seen her anyway.

>>25187378
>the men who nearly got us killed
They probably don't know about that. Don't tell them.

>>25187470
>>25187538
Fair enough. We can word that a little better.


"Apologies, Sir Reginald, but I'm afraid that won't do. You see, we are in quite a hurry and, after our last adventure, we can't spare the time. However, we can tell you the next town is just that way. Not a far walk. Although perhaps it would be prudent to give up on the Rose Brotherhood. Look where it has lead you."

>>25187153
We did kinda bring out the morals thing with Miaya a moment ago so I still think we should give them a ride, but this is something we need to talk with her about.

>>25187378
>>25187293
>>25187257

"Apologies, Sir Reginald, but I'm afraid that won't do. You see, we are in quite a hurry and, after our last adventure, we can't spare the time. However, we can tell you the next town is just that way. Not a far walk. Although perhaps it would be prudent to give up on the Rose Brotherhood. Look where it has lead you."

Miaya nods and begins to move the cart, but Britannius yells out.

" I thought as much. You always did seem shifty, Urist, no true patriot. You let your knife-eared whore bee seen with you in public? No true man of the Protectorate would be so shameless. I may be a man of my word, but you are worthy of no such regard!"

The bushes to the other side of the road shift and reveal the Lieutenant and another Brother, similarly bedraggled, but armed. He tosses two weapons to Reginald, who hands one to Rico. Your weapon does not leave the mercenary, but you dare not risk firing now.

" Give us the cart and the slattern, Urist, and maybe we'll let you walk back to your Tavern. I imagine you'll get there before the end of the week." He shouts out. Miaya has one hand on the reins, another on one of her knives, eyes straight ahead. You note that Rico is not aiming his weapon, and is instead staring intently at the ground.

>>25187642
Prepare to kill them all except Rico.
Seems he is the only good one among them. Maybe shout at him get down or something? Show that we aren't going to target him?

>>25187642
>>25187642

"And I had no idea a man of his word would stoop to banditry. Look at your men, Ser Reginald. They are tired, hungry, and beaten. How many of them do you think will be left standing before you kill us? We've already died once. And that didn't last very long."

Look up to Rico, a steady stare watching him.

"Rico, boy. Do you want to go home? Tell your commander to stand down. Nobody need die today."

>>25187642
Well shit, let's not try to fight our way out of this.

>>25187801
>Tell your commander to stand down.
Subverting hierarchy ain't gonna go over well.

>>25187642
I love moral quandaries that solve themselves. Eliminating Reginald would tie up quite a few loose ends.

>>25187801
This.

>>25187801
This but, Don't call him boy.

>>25187801
This, though the Rico bit might be pushing it.

>>25187835

Maybe, maybe not. I don't trust our odds as they are and I see no other way that doesn't end with us or Miaya killed, neither of which is acceptable.

>>25187861
>>25187874
Rico is soft, and he likes us. We could easily get him to turn on the commander. If he turns on them and we loose a bolt that's two down before the fight starts.

Still let's try to talk them down.

>>25187642
"I might die, but I'll take you with me Reginald. I swear to you that. Your move."

>>25188004
Needs a "Bitch" or some such insult thrown in at the end.

>>25187801

"And I had no idea a man of his word would stoop to banditry. Look at your men, Reginald. They are tired, hungry, and beaten. How many of them do you think will be left standing before you kill us? We've already died once." Rico blanches visibly at the mention of your supposed deaths. "And that didn't last very long." You yell out, not yet moving your weapon.

" This is war, Urist. War against an opponent that will not quit, an opponent that would wash away the advance of civilization with the torrent of savagery and ignorance. And do not mislead me, no man faces death twice!"

It was likely too much to hope to appeal to his better nature. But there is another avenue.

"Rico! Do you want to go home? Tell your commander to stand down. Nobody needs to die today." You turn to the young man, still shakily aiming his crossbow at you, visibly paling.

Charisma roll, four dice.

Rolled 6

>>25188078
Rolling to not die

Rolled 56

>>25188078

Rolled 100

>>25188078

Rolled 58

>>25188078
MIAYA STARE!

Rolled 18

>>25188078
Well fuck.

>>25188138

Neat

>>25188138
>ONE
>FUCKING
>HUNDRED

>>25188099
>>25188102
>>25188138
>>25188143
One really bad, two barely above average, and one natural 100.

Could it be enough?

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>>25188138

>>25188138
And then Reggie joined the elvish resistence. Dare I say it?
His body wasn't ready.

>>25188167
>one natural 100
If 100 is auto-succeed, we're good. If not, I'd say no.

>>25188138
THANK YOU BASED DICEGODS

>>25188099
>>25188102
>>25188138
>>25188143

> 100s count as double in the system I shamelessly ripped from a now dead quest.

If it were at all possible, Rico looks more unsure. But Reginald is completely unconvinced.

" You appeal to my subordinates? You truly are desperate, Urist, it's a damn mystery how one of my countrymen could fall so very low. I would like to know mo-" He is silenced as Rico's weapon impacts with his head, the steel butt of the crossbow knocking him unconscious and sending him into the mud, limp. With a speed you would not have expected from the boy, he hip shoots his crossbow across the way, over your team of horses. The bold takes the Brother next to the Lieutenant in the groin, and he falls back wailing louder than you would have thought possible.

Miaya draws her knives, but she can't make the ground faster than they can fire.

" You insubordinate little shit-" The Lieutenant shoulders his own weapon, at Rico rather than you or Miaya. Wheeling, you align the sights on him and pull the lever before he can fire. The bolt flies...

Marksmanship, two dice.

Rolled 92

>>25188394

Rolled 1

>>25188394

Rolled 46

>>25188394
Shit, shit shit...

Rolled 67

>>25188394

>>25188420
>>25188423
NOOOO!

>>25188420
>>25188423

FFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU

>>25188420
>>25188423
TG DIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE

>>25188423
Too bad, I liked Rico.

>>25188423
WE WILL MURDER REGINALD

AND PAINT HIS DEATH

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>>25188458
Would it be crass of me to say this is sort of ideal?

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>>25188420
>>25188423
Diiiiiiiiiice!

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>>25188439
>>25188442
>>25188444
>>25188458
>>25188488
>>25188512
I HAD DREAMS OF A GLORIOUS SHOT

I AM SO SORRY

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>>25188544
We will bury you, Rico.

You were a great man.

A shame we couldn't save you.

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>>25188614
>Tomb Man
My ally of african-american descent.

>>25188423
Not only did we miss, we probably shot Rico ourselves.
Or Miaya.

>>25188652
FUCK NO WE DIDN'T SHOOT MAIYA

>>25188423
The Dice Gods give, and the Dice Gods taketh away.

>>25188420
>>25188423

> And 1's count as two failures in the same system

The bolt flies right past the Lieutenant, his dark eyes blinking calmly as the projectile passes mere inches from his skull.

His own weapon sends out its bolt. The defenseless Rico is struck in the chest, and falls back with a gasp of escaping air and a gout of pressurized blood.

A shout rings out, feral and intimidating. You don't immediately realize it is calm, collected Miaya, rushing the man with two curved daggers drawn. The Lieutenant attempts to throw aside his crossbow as she jumps from the cart, and draw his sword as she approached from the road, but his opponent closes the distance before he can even clear the sheath. Shouting still, her knives first take him in the throat, and then carve deep wounds across his chest and face. He goes down screaming, before even that is cut into a gurgle, and then nothing, other than the sound of Miaya's labored breathing. Your scar throbs in sympathy.

As she rises, wiping the man's blood from her face, you hear coughing from the other side of the road. Rico.

>>25188746

Tell Miaya to finish off the others and make sure they're dead, then check on Rico. Do what we can. If not, ask if he wants mercy.

>>25188746
>Alas poor Rico, I knew him Miaya.

Let's see what we can do for him.

>>25188746
GO TO HIM

NOW

TELL HIM HE WAS A REAL MAN

AND THAT YOU WILL FOREVER RESPECT HIM

>>25188746
MEDIC.
CLERIC.
ANYBODY ;_;

>>25188674
>>25188652
Maiya was nowhere near where we were aiming.

>>25188791
>make sure they're dead
No. They're subdued. No sense killing a man you can spare.

>>25188869

Alright, alright. I suppose we should make a better example for Miaya's sake. Make sure the wounded don't try anything.

>>25188394

So Long Rico, we barely knew ye

RIP in peace

>>25188746

You and Miaya both find Rico, the bolt protruding from his chest, propped against a tree by the side of the road. There are no medical supplies with you, and Miaya has no more knowledge of medicine than you. But you can tell, even if you had a surgeon on hand, it would do no good. This is almost exactly the wound that had been inflicted on Miaya, just from the front rather than the back. He doesn't have long.

Rico, his boyish face smiling weakly, looks up at Miaya.

" I-I saw your f-face, so m-many times..." He says, his voice but a hoarse whisper.

" Y-you died. T-that night, I s-shot at you f-for the second time. B-but," He coughs, a stream of blood escaping his lips. "... I didn't miss twice. Oh g-gods, I d-didnt know. I c-cant do anything r-right."

Miaya kneels, and takes Rico's hand.

" You did right by us, Rico, you did right by us."

He shakes his head. "B-but, you're dead! I k-killed you! N-no one could have lived from that. I l-lived with that guilt for m-months..."

She shakes her head. " No guilt, Rico, I am alive. You did not kill me. I cannot explain how, but it is true. I know you are a good man, you did not mean for any of this to happen."

More coughing. Some blood spatters Miaya, she does not wipe it away. " I-I needed the money, y-you know. Jobs d-dried up back home. Signing b-onus could help mom out. H-how stupid. N-now, all I will be remembered as is another dead slaver..." His voice is fading fast. It's almost time.

You speak. " You are NOT a damned slaver."

Miaya nods agreement. " We will remember you, Rico. We will remember you for what you did here. For what you are. You did the hard thing, the right thing. It is what we do that matters, the acts that make us who we are, not where we end up."

He sobs, his eyelids twitching with the effort of maintaining consciousness.

"T-thank you..."

His hand goes limp in Miaya's, and his eyes look to the side. You can tell Rico is gone.

>>25189219
"Find me a spade. A shovel. Anything. He gets a burial."

>>25189219
Miaya places his hands across his chest, and closes his eyes. She turns to you. Her eyes, as wide and expressive as ever, are somewhat red. You realize she is holding back tears.

" I-I do not know what to say, Tallius. What did we do wrong?"

>>25189219
Right, well. Damn shame, he was a good kid. We've got no shovel but at least dump them off of the road. And if they've got any valuables, keepsakes whatever, make sure that doesn't get left and forgotten.

>>25189282
"Man plans. God Laughs."

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>>25189219

Slowly stand up, and look over the remains of the Rose Brotherhood. Don't be cold, but don't start weeping, either. Rico died a fine man. Finer perhaps than any we knew in the Capital.

Ask Miaya if we have time to bury him.

>>25189282
"Missed my shot."

>>25189282

"We did what we could. That's all. Bury him, at least. If not... Let's get the poor boy off the road. We owe him that much at least."

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>>25189219
>mfw
We're going to have to add a memento of his to the tavern wall.

>He is silenced as Rico's weapon impacts with his head, the steel butt of the crossbow knocking him unconscious.
Don't forget we still have a loose end to tie up.

>>25189298
Acceptable.

>>25189282
Nothing. We did the best we could. Would have been better if things had ended differently but mercenaries and bandits die all the time. Too bad, the kid could have lived a good life. They all could have if they'd made some different choices. Too late now. Let's see if they've got anything on them saying where they're from, we can ship the remains to their homes for a proper burial if it's close.

>>25189219

RIP in peace Rico

>>25189402
>>25189298

Humans don't have a god in this setting?

>>25189282
If we can see if Rico has anything to identify where his home is. Maybe see if he has any personal possessions so we can ask our trader friend for a favor.

>>25189377
This... yeah. That's exactly what went wrong. We're gonna have to train more.

>>25189434

There were gods. The Clockwork Empire killed them in the name of science. With science.

>>25189383
This.

And if we ever come across his mother, let her know her son died a hero.

>>25189434

>humans
>not having gods

>>25189401
If there was justice in the world, he would be the one dead and Rico alive. The way I figure though, we ought to turn him in for banditry. There's enough blood shed this day.

>>25189500
Yeah. Tie him up for banditry.

>>25189500
>>25189536

Agreed. No more blood today.

>>25189500
Pretty sure we can't safely transport him to the nearest jail.

>>25189464
...Well.

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>>25189500
We have questions he has answers. If not? Well the town is a long ways away. What was in that letter? Why was he sent? Who was he looking for? Who sent him? Is there gold in the villages? Where is the brotherh- wait no that's not right. The point is we still have mysteries to solve.

>>25189590
He has friends in the capital. They could well release him.

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>>25189464
The dream of the fedora atheists come true!

>>25189401
Check the others for the you-know-what that was buried in the woods. Anything else is fair game to looters.

>>25189636
>He has friends in the capital. They could well release him.
>Implying we'll turn him in at the capital
>Or at all
>Implying we won't let him rot in the back of our cart until the end of time

>>25189636

So what? Torture him? Then kill him? Wouldn't we be walking back everything we did to prove to Miaya we aren't our father?

>>25189700
"Maiya. This man, he's made me very angry. He's made me think of terrible things, of turning to my past. I don't know what to do. He's killed a good man, and if I turn him in, he will walk. If I kill him, I will be like my father.

"Help."

>>25189700
He was given orders from the office of the Lady Protector. They aren't liable to forget about him no matter where we turn him in. And we don't have to torture him but we can -threaten- to.

.... And kill him if he refuses. Not as though he doesn't deserve it.

>Wouldn't we be walking back everything we did to prove to Miaya we aren't our father?
Miaya probably wants to kill him worse than us.

>>25189770
>>25189822

Ehh... I don't like it. But fine. See if we can make him talk. And dispose of him afterwards as necessary.

>>25189770
This is the worst suggestion I've seen in a while that wasn't purposely bad.

>>25189770
I don't really like this I have to say as i'm more in the "Threaten him and/or kill him afterwords for what he has done" crowd.

>>25189377
"Won't this time."

>>25189383
"We did what we could. That's all. Bury him, at least. If not... Let's get the poor boy off the road. We owe him that much at least." You say.

Miaya heads back to the cart. " I have a spade in here, somewhere. I'll dig. Look through his things, see if there's something we can give to his family."

You search through what remains of his uniform. There isn't much, just some change you don't feel comfortable taking, and in the last pocket, an unsent letter. It seems wrong to read it, but it's addressed to the boy's mother. You could probably send it from Patch, maybe along with your own condolences. You place it in your pouch.

Reginald whimpers in the dirt. You call to Miaya. " Give me some rope."

" I was going to cut his throat."

" No, we've had enough blood today."

" Speak for yourself, Tallius," But she tosses a coil of hemp over to you. You quickly hogtie the man, immobilizing him.

It takes the better part of two hours, and it's nightfall before you finish, but you and Miaya manage to get poor Rico a proper grave.

" Shouldn't we say something?"

She shakes her head. "Everything that needs to be said was said to him before he passed. We have done what we can."

You both return to the cart, and you decide to take the reins this time. Miaya leans back and is sleeping before too long. There isn't much to be said, and there is a long road ahead.

Behind you, a new addition to your cargo kicks uselessly against the side of the cart.


*************

That's it for tonight, gents. I will see you this time next week. As always, any criticism or comments are welcome.

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/25180133/

>>25190028
Alright, Thaanks for the Thread!
It's late, I'll update the ebook in the morning instead of right now.

>>25190028
Did... did we just leave him alone?

>>25190028

Yay! We'll deal with the scum next session, hopefully. Thanks Barkeep DM Man!

>>25190028
Excellent thread as always, Barkeep. I look forward to next week!

>>25190092
>Behind you, a new addition to your cargo kicks uselessly against the side of the cart.

>>25189652
>Somebody changed it from "phoney god".
I've seen the original version. You can't fool me!

Ebook updated: http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb
Only a 4shared link this time, Mediafire refused to upload the .rar