>>29151898
"You're going vampire hunting."

Catarina bursts into the cold room, her arms full of boxes, papers, and maps. She sways to her left as she scurries past you, lifting up a leg and placing it against the remains of the ghoul. "'Scuse me!" she exclaims before kicking it straight off the table.

"A-ah-ack!" Lucien's jaw drops as the corpse lands on his feet. "Watch it, woman, you'll damage the evidence!"

As Mr. Refulge stoops down to check the body for damage, whimpering with concern, the metal table clangs. An array of materials you don't know the purpose of are laid out before you, your "mentor" looking quite exhausted from lugging it down here. She waves a hand at her face to cool down, fingers tapping on her hip as she looks over everything with you.

"Sorry for making you wait," she says. "Had to grab all this junk. Lemme just get this all set up..."

Catarina bends over the table, unrolling what you realize is a map of Naples. There appear to be several like it, focused on different sections of the city. There appear to be three boxes of different sizes, though you can't imagine what would be in them. The papers appear to be some sort of official documents. They are stamped with what seems to be the seal of some Church official.

"You got here later than I expected. What kept you, Bartolomè?"

>1. I met a strange man named Wayne Tepes...
>2. [LIE] I was hungry, so I stopped for breakfast.
>3. That's not important, but I have some questions... [Ask her something]

>>29151923
>1. I met a strange man named Wayne Tepes...

>>29151923
>1. I met a strange man named Wayne Tepes...

>>29151996
>>29152033
"I met a strange man," you tell her. "His name was Wayne Tepes. He acted very strangely, and said some very ominous things. And then he ran away."

"Hmm..." Catarina pokes at her lip with one finger, still setting up her maps. "I've never heard of a Wayne Tepes. Quite the name, though." She glances up at her colleague and asks, "Ever heard of a 'Wayne Tepes', Lucien?"

"Nope!" he calls back, not even looking at what either of you are doing. He's found a corner cabinet, which he is currently using as a seat for the ghoul. It's propped up quite elegantly, with its non-mangled hand laid upon its lap. "If he was walking around in the day, though, I'm guessing he's not a DA... or at least, not one you should be picking a fight with."

"What did this Wayne say to you, Bartolomè?" Catarina claps her hands, examining the success of her map layout before looking at you again. "Was there any clue about him?"

>1. I found his cigarettes.
>2. He might be going to a particular restaurant.
>3. He wrote something on this paper.
>4. There was... er... some bird poop?
>5. Try to remember what Wayne said. (d100)
>6. Some combination of these.

Rolled 31

>>29152208
>4. He wrote ssomething on this paper
>5. Try to remember what Wayne said. (d100)

>>29152208
>>6. Some combination of these.
All of them, except the bird poo. It's probably just bird poo.

Guess I'll... flip a coin when ties come up like this.
>>29152480

"He said... erm..." you scratch your chin as you try to remember what Wayne said to you. It was so bizarre at the time that you didn't even catch all of it. "Something about bribing police, maybe?"

"So he's a politician," Lucien remarks. Catarina shoots him an unamused glare, and that seems to be enough to get him to shut up.

"You're in Italy, Bartolomè. You've just described a third of Naples to me. Moreso, we're not concerned with the affairs of the law. Our public branches can deal with that mess. Is there anything useful you have on him?"

After thinking on it, you take the scrap. "Um, just this paper. There might be impressions of a note he made on it." You hand it to Catarina. She balls her hand the second you give her the slip, and she tosses it to Lucien. "Find a pencil and lightly shade this."

"But what about--"

"I don't remember asking for backtalk."

The blond man's temper fouls ever so slightly, and you can hear him grumbling as he brushes past you, going upstairs to find a pencil.

"Now, while he's doing that, come over here." Ms. Belmont directs you to the maps which she has laid out. They seem to be of a fairly small section of the city, a few blocks in the northern regions. She points to an address in the center.

"This is where our friend, the ghoul lived. It's an apartment block, and he didn't seem to own a car. So we're going forward with the belief that he died close to home. Over the next few nights, we're going to be surveying the city, starting from his building and moving outwards from there..."

She keeps going, but you're not listening. You've been distracted by this map. There's an address, not all that far from this poor soul's home. It's the steak restaurant you found the brochure for...

>1. Interrupt Catarina. Tell her about the restaurant.
>2. Don't tell her.

>>29152873
>2. Don't tell her.
She'll just brush it off as coincidence. Just keep it in mind and we'll investigate while on mission. We can always contact her if we find something important on spot.

>>29152928
Agreed.

>>29152928
>>29153146
It's likely irrelevant, you decide. Just a coincidence. It's not worth bothering Catarina with, and you could always check it out yourself tonight if the situation changes. You tune back in, and find you haven't missed too much.

"...his lair will be disguised. Heavily guarded, too. This will only be recon. You won't be entering that place until you're fully prepared. Got it?"

"Got it."

You both turn to the door, hearing a clatter come from outside. Someone is hurrying down the stairs. An instant later, Lucien barges through the door, the scrap of paper waving about in his hand. His eyes are wide; he looks worried.

"Look at this." He all but shoves the slip into Catarina's hands, and she scans over the lead impression. Her eyes begin to widen like Lucien's as she does so.

"What's one of them doing here?" she whispers, but you can't get a good look at the paper to see what she's talking about. It's at a bad angle, and you can't make out the words.

"Damn it," she mutters, and levels a heavy glare at you. Your blood turns to ice in your veins. "Forget everything I just told you, Bartolomè. We just lost our leisure time. Grab that box and follow me."

She points to one of the boxes on the table, and you do as she commands, cradling it in one arm as she charges out the door. You and Lucien follow her in tow. You don't head back up the stairs, but instead through one of the other doors that you haven't been through yet. You find yourself in a long hallway, tunneling deep beneath the earth. As you travel, you see that Catarina's demeanor has changed. Her shoulders are raised, her head is jutting forward, and there's a haste in her step that wasn't there before. Something has clearly gone awry, but what?

"What is happening?" you ask, and you hear a sharp sigh from the woman ahead of you.

>>29153440
"That man, Wayne Tepes. He's not just some freak or crook. He's an Enforcer. The Mages' Association is in Naples, and they're after Klaus."

Your mind reels for a moment. You're not sure what this means, but your tutor isn't happy. You know that much.

>1. Enforcer?
>2. Aren't we on the same side then?
>3. Why would they be after a vampire?
>4. Where are we going?
>5. Whats in this box? It's heavy.
>6. So that's what the note said?
>7. Say something else.

>>29153491
>You mentioned that the Mages' association was dedicated to the study and preservation of magic, what do they want with a vampire? And why aren't we working together with them?

>>29153491
>6. So that's what the note said?

>>29153491
>>1. Enforcer?
>>3. Why would they be after a vampire?

>>29153615
"So that's what the note said?" you ask. Catarina tosses the scrap of paper back to you, and you look for yourself.

It is smudged, and portions of what Wayne wrote are missing, but you can make out a few passages.

"...initial reconnaissance complete...confirmed the vampire is still in Naples. He's holed up in...order it rare, it's to die for...Oh, and, do me a solid and look up the surname "de la Fuente." Confirmed church presence. Maybe Executor? Didn't have the eyes for it...Will conduct a full sweep of Hind's lair at midnight tonight...Expect my next owl within the week, hopefully with the package..."

It's signed by Wayne, with an imprint of a seal of some sort. It's probably how Lucien identified him as an Enforcer. The note is quite damning, and you feel a grain of guilt in the back of your mind. It appears this other group already knows not only of Klaus's presence, but also where he's hiding. And on top of all that, they know your name. How did Wayne figure all of this out?

>>29153712
>>29153573

"What's an Enforcer, anyway?" you ask the others. Lucien answers you.

"They're agents employed by the Association to hunt down... "problem" magi, and retrieve anything of worth from their workshops."

"It sounds like internal affairs. Why would they be after a vampire?"

"Damned if I know," he tells you. "That's usually not their forte, but if I were to hazard a guess, Klaus has some artifact that the Association wants."

"Not that we'll let him have it..." says Catarina, making ominous statements.

You tentatively make the suggestion, "Are we not on the same side? It seems that both the Association and Executors want this vampire destroyed. Should we not pool resources?"

"Ha." Catarina spits a humorless laugh. "Our goals align, but they're as bad as the vampires. This Wayne's only after Klaus for a chance to rifle through his pockets."

>>29154277
She seems steadfast in that belief. But you see Lucien chewing his tongue a bit. "Well," he starts off. "Even if he's an enemy, we COULD let him soften Klaus up for our recruit here."

"Unacceptable," Catarina answers. "Too much risk. Bartolomè has to be the one to kill Klaus. If anyone else interferes they may steal that from him."

Wait, what?

>1. Why do I have to be the one to kill him?
>2. How do you expect me to kill a vampire?
>3. I think we should get Wayne to help us.
>4. Something else.

>>29154303
>1. Why do I have to be the one to kill him?

>>29154303
>>2. How do you expect me to kill a vampire?
Not like we'll get out of this anyway.

>>29154303
The steak he's referring to, it's at this restaurant, I found the brochure at the place I assume he sent the message. It could also potentially be the vampire's lair, and the way he gets his victims?

>>29154648
Don't tell her about the card, she'll just dismiss it

>>29154277
>He's holed up in...order it rare, it's to die for
This means there's business there, she can't ignore that.

Rolled 55

>>29154303
>1. Why do I have to be the one to kill him?
>2. How do you expect me to kill a vampire?
>4. We should also consider contacting wayne off the record. he might be an enemy of our organization, but aligned goals are aligned goals. Anyone who helps us dust a vampire and won't stab us in the back is good people

>>29154342
"Why do I have to be the one to kill him?"

"Hoom..." That odd rumbling is coming from Lucien again. "So Cat hasn't told you that either? You may not know it, but she's doing you a favor."

You raise an eyebrow at him. "I don't understand."

He gestures out with his hands and says "All of his wouldn't even be happening under normal circumstances. A new recruit like you would have been shipped off to some church or monastery and been taught from the basics on up. You wouldn't have been doing field work for years. But she pulled some strings and got you a deal. A chance to serve directly under her, provided you prove capable."

"And to do that," you realize, "I need to..."

"Yeah," Lucien confirms. "You need to show the Church that you already have what it takes to kill a vampire. A head like Klaus's will get you some special consideration in a case like this."

While you think you understand the significance of all this now, that only raises further questions. You look at Catarina, but she still hasn't glanced back at you once. Was what she said to you last night, about taking your father's place, a lie? Why was she doing all this?

>>29154397
"...So how do you expect me to kill this vampire?"

"Simple." Cat holds up three fingers. "We're going to steel your faith. We're going to give you weapons. And we're going to teach you how to kill."

She halts, suddenly, you and Lucien stopping a second later. You're standing before an iron door. You can't even imagine how far beneath the earth you must be, but you feel like you've traveled half a mile at this point. Belmont pulls a key from her pants and undoes the locks upon the door. She pushes it open, letting only a bit of light shine into a dark room. "Get inside," she orders. "We have to keep this door locked."

>>29155017
>>29154648
Your mind drifts back to the restaurant, and something clicks. That message Wayne sent... that was no coincidence at all. That establishment has something to do with Klaus Hind, you just don't know what yet. "Hold a moment, there's something--"

"Whatever it is, it can wait." Catarina tilts her head to the door. "Get inside and you can tell me all about it."

Not wanting to get on her bad side, you stow the thought for a second and hurry inside. Lucien and Catarina follow you, the latter shutting and re-locking the door as soon as she does. It is dark, and you are on a wide staircase. The room is warm and humid, and you can hear horrid noises coming from somewhere ahead of you. A match strikes against something behind you, and a small flame appears in Lucien's hand. He walks along the wall for a few seconds, scanning for and finding a switch. As soon as he's flipped it the room is bathed in fluorescent light. It is made of dull gray stone, and the staircase you are on leads down five steps, into a large and flat area. There is a small altar on the far side of the room, but that is hardly a concern now.

The source of the noise is staring at you, snarling quietly. In the center of the room, kept in stocks, is another ghoul.

"Welcome to the rest of your afternoon," Catarina tells you.

>1. What is a ghoul doing here?!
>2. What is this place?
>3. You need to focus. Tell Catarina about the restaurant.
>4. Something else.

>>29155039
Given what she just said, there is no real need to question the ghoul's presence.
>3. You need to focus. Tell Catarina about the restaurant.
After that we ask
>2. What is this place?

>>29155039
>3. You need to focus. Tell Catarina about the restaurant.

>>29155039
The restaurant, it's pretty important. Also, do we have our black keys with us?

>>29155039
>1. What is a ghoul doing here?!
>3. You need to focus. Tell Catarina about the restaurant.

>>29155111
>>29155248
You're inside. Now Catarina has to listen. "You need to hear this," you plead. She nods nonchalantly.

"Yeah, yeah, go on."

You pull out the brochure and give it to her, explaining what you found out about the place. You tell her that not only was it on the maps she'd laid out, Wayne also appeared to mention it in his report. You've concluded that it is likely connected to the vampire, and might even be his lair. She stares at the brochure for a few moments, and gives you a strange leer.

And then she smiles.

"Excellent work, Bartolomè. You just doubled our chance of getting to Klaus before the Enforcer. Your father would be proud; you have a knack for this."

When you ask her what this place is, she tells you that "Normally, it serves as a sort of bunker. Should the church be attacked, I could retreat down here and hole up. There are hidden escape routes up to the surface that I access from this room. I've modified it for the time being to serve as a place where I can train you. I don't have the time to give you any formal instruction, but we have enough time to sharpen the senses that matter, and dull the ones that don't. Set down that box."

You place it where she instructs you to, and she clasps her hands together, stretching out the fingers before pulling her arms back and behind her head. "We only have a few hours, and a lot of ground to cover. But we'll take it at your own pace. There's three things in here with us: the alter, the box, and the ghoul. Each will provide one of the three things I mentioned earlier. Weapons, faith, and knowledge of killing. Choose what you want to do first."

>1. Choose the ghoul.
>2. Choose the altar.
>3. Choose the box.
>4. Why is Lucien here?

>>29155496
>2. Choose the altar.
Nisi Dominus frustra, everything is in vain if not for the Lord.

>>29155496
>2. Choose the altar.

>>29155496
>>2. Choose the altar.

we need to steel our faith.

Faith allow us to do insane stuff.

>>29155607

Faith shall protect us.

>>29155496
>1. Choose the ghoul.
Our faith may be shaken, we may lose our weapons but knowledge stays with us forever.

Now that i think about it, the bird shit must have been from his owl.

>>29155742
That's...a pretty clever observation.

>>29155742
Huh.

That makes fucking sense. The owl shit thing.

But seriously, we need to put our faith beyond stable and make it [UNSHAKEBLE]

>>29155978

We should be careful not to let our faith be corrupted into wrath.

>>29155607
>>29155619
>>29155694
You select the altar. "Very well," she says. "Follow me."

She brings you closer, and instructs you to kneel upon a cushion. The altar is simple, a cross upon the wall, and a few candles which she lights with another match. They are aromatic, and bring a peace to your addled mind. Footsteps approach; Lucien comes to your side, in his hands a piece of bread enfolded in a napkin, and a goblet full of wine.

"There are many tools and tricks which we Executors use to fight the foes or the Lord," he tells you. "But in the end, there is no greater weapon to have at your side than God himself. Your faith shall make you strong."

You hold out your hands, one atop the other as you have done in performance of the Eucharist since you were a boy. Lucien places the bread within your hands. "I speak the words that our Lord spoke on the night he was betrayed: Take this, and eat; this is my body, given for you." You place it within your mouth, and chew. It is tasteless, but you feel warmth traveling within you as you swallow. Lucien places the goblet before you next. "Take this, and drink; this is my blood, poured out for you. Do this in memory of me."

He places the goblet to your lips, and tilts it forward. You take a sip of the rich red wine, and you at once feel a sense of peace that you have not felt since coming to this country. The Lord is with you.

Your Faith is Strong.

(+1 to all rolls, all Holy Relics perform at 1.5x effectiveness.)

You are not called away immediately, and spend some time in contemplation, kneeling before the altar. It is good to push the thoughts of the world away for a moment, and be within the presence of God. His embrace fills you with joy and hope.

An hour passes like this, or more; you have not been watching the clock. You are called away by a gentle tug on your shoulder by Lucien. "Come, my brother. There is more to be done before night falls."

>1. Go to the box next.
>2. Go to the ghoul next.
>3. Other.

>>29156263
>1. Go to the box next.

>>29156263
>1. Go to the box next.

>>29156263
>>2. Go to the ghoul next.
Keys are a fine weapon, we should get better at this whole killing thing.

>>29156263

>1 Go to the box next

>>29156263
The box it is!

>>29156300
>>29156326
>>29156393
You approach the box next. Placed upon the stairs, it is at about chest level from where you stand. Catarina stands beside you and nods. "Open it."

You do as instructed, and find that it is packed with dozens upon dozens of Black Keys--or rather, their hilts. You stare confusedly a moment and ask what this is. Your mentor explains, "These are your weapons."

You're about to question her sight and her sanity, but are quickly shut up when she reaches into the box and retrieves a hilt. She flicks her wrist, and like magic a fresh blade grows from the handle where none was before. You gasp. "How did you--"

"Don't get distracted," she instructs. "I don't have the time or resources to teach you that now. I'll reconstruct these as you need them."

You are a tad confused. You already have a pair of Black Keys.

"Yes," you are told. "you have a pair. But you will need more to face a vampire. Black Keys can be thrown. I want you to get some practice in."

You look around at the large, mostly empty room. "...What am I aiming at?"

"Lucien."

You look across the expanse. Lucien stands at the far wall, waving cheerfully at you, his right hand grasping three Black Keys in the gaps between his fingers. You're not quite certain you're comfortable throwing deadly weapons at a live target.

"Nonsense," Catarina tells you. "Watch this." She twists her torso to the right, winding her body up. In a single, fluid motion all the tension in her body is released, and she snaps herself leftward. The Black Key darts across the room in a blur.

>>29156744
Your ears are assaulted by the sharp sounds of metal upon metal, and your eyes barely keep up with the motion of Lucien twirling the Key away with his own set. The tossed weapon embeds itself in the wall, to the Executor's right. Catarina takes a moment to enjoy your stunned expression and says, "Maybe if you can top that, Lucien will be in trouble."

She re-blades several more Keys, and hands them to you, expecting you to get started.

>1. Start tossing. (1d100+15+1)
>2. Protest. You can't risk hurting him!

Rolled 79 + 15

>>29156772
>>1. Start tossing. (1d100+15+1)

Rolled 83 + 16

>>29156808
Fucking shit. We can't add two things. Ok, then I just do 16 then

Rolled 82 + 15

>>29156772
>I still have not made my judgement about witchcraft.
Start tossing.

Rolled 69 + 16

>>29156841
Ok. We reach 99 on our first attempt of throwing Black Keys.

A Fucking Natural Genius at being a Executor.

Like I said, what did our father did to us? People just aren't this fucking good in their first day without Training.

>>29156898
All it means is we have a talent at throwing things... The word Executor still leaves a cold feeling in my heart...

>>29156940

I know.

Rolled 92 + 16

>>29156772
>1. Start tossing. (1d100+15+1)
Might as well throw my die in too.

>>29157118
Anon, he may accept your roll.

A supernatural throw on our first time.

>>29157179
A natural 100 would have likely have been supernatural, 92 likely is about as good as our teacher does.

>>29157245
92+16=108

108 temptations.

Supernatural man.

>>29157260
>We throw a supernaturally good throw
>Lucien is not prepaired for it, expecting us to throw like an amateur
>We accidentally kill Lucien
>Goddamnit!

>>29157404
>"Incoming."

>>29157260
We Suikoden now

>>29157118
>>29156898
>>29156857
>>29156841
>>29156808
You take the Keys into your hands. You lack experience, and technique. But you have purpose. You recall what you saw your teacher do, and attempt to do the same. You twist your body rightwards, the Keys held within your left hand.

"Wait," Catarina tells you. "I'm left handed, you may prefer throwing with your--"

*thwip* *thwip* *thwip* *thwip* *thwip*

Only a second passes, but five Keys leave your hands, none with the same throw. Your eyes guide them toward your target, and even from a distance you can tell you've made some mistake.

Lucien looks afraid.

His right hand comes up and rakes to the side, catching the first Key. But the second is only inches behind. As quickly as he can jerk his arm back, his own blades cross before his face and catch yours between them. But there is still the third. He takes a step backward, buying himself a fraction of a second as he lashes out--his left hand this time, the right still in the middle of its last motion. In a single fluid motion, he catches the third blade and spins it, thrusting out with his arm and using it to parry your fourth blade. It flies to the side, harmless, but Lucien's defenses are spent. And there is still one Black Key left.

A terrible, grinding thunk fills the hall. Your hands are quivering terribly.

Lucien Refulge is on the floor. Placing survival above dignity he dropped down, flat on his face to avoid your attack. Above him, your fifth key is vibrating ever-so-slightly as it settles in its new home, embedded hilt-deep within the wall.

Even the ghoul, it seems, is silent now. Your tutors gape at you, and your eyes frantically dance between them. Why are they looking at you like that? Why do they look so fearful? Even Catarina's mouth has dropped open.

>1. I'm sorry!
>2. Incredible...
>3. Are you hurt?

>>29156808
>>29156841
>>29156857
>>29156898
>>29157118

All five of these are really solid rolls. Jesus

>>29157502

>1. I'm sorry!
>3. Are you hurt?

>>29157502
>3. Are you hurt?

>>29157502

Look at our hands... Have we always been capable of such lethality, the only thing missing in our lives the opportunity to unleash it?

It's both awesome and terrifying, the realization that we are actually capable of great strength... And capable of killing.

> 3

>>29157674

You make a good point... Also terrifying is how easy it could be to take pride in it... Is this how murderers are made? Addicted to the self-gratification of violence, swelling their hearts so full of pride that they forget both god and human decency?

>>29157674
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them." Corinthians 12:4

>>29157502
>1. I'm sorry!
then
>3. Are you hurt?

>>29157609
>>29157674
You don't think for even a moment on what has just transpired. You may have just injured Lucien, and that's the only thing in your thoughts right now. You rush to his side, spewing out apologies. "Ay, Dios, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Are you okay, Lucien?"

He makes a pushing gesture with his hand, assuring you he's fine as he stands. "Yes, yes, I'm quite all right. Nothing injured but my... pride."

"That was astounding." Catarina approaches you from behind, head tilted inquisitively and resting on two fingers. "Where did you learn to do that?"

"I... didn't learn it from anywhere, really. This is the first time I've ever thrown something like a knife."

Lucien's bewildered face says that he doesn't believe you, but Catarina Belmont's is quiet and sober. She's looking at you very strangely again. "You're saying that's a natural talent. That's... Lucien, set up a static target. Let's see if he keeps this up."

It takes a few minutes, but Lucien makes a suitable human silhouette from chalk against the wall he stood near. You are handed Black Keys, and told to repeat your performance. And you do. For two straight hours you throw, and continue to hit your mark. The number of times you miss in that time can be counted upon your fingers, and a majority of your shots would be lethal against a live target. Eventually, Catarina tells you to stop.

"That was no fluke. You have a gift for this."

(Skill Acquired! "Gifted Skirmisher: +5 when using Thrown Weapons.")

You've clearly impressed your teachers, but they are exchanging somber looks with each other. Only one test remains.

>1. Approach the ghoul.

>>29158085

1. Approach the ghoul

Plus 5 on Projectiles, oh yeah!

But why they so...somber or sad? Why she doing all of this for us? Why make us skip the basic training?

>>29158085
>1. Approach the ghoul

Aww, sweet! We critted ourselves into getting a new Skill! Very nice!

>>29158085
>1

>>29158085
>1. Approach the ghoul.

>>29158160
>>29158167
You step closer to the trapped creature. It is quite immobile where it is, and has begun to thrash about helplessly as you've drawn closer. It is a pathetic sight. "Why have you brought a ghoul here?" you ask Catarina. She is watching from a distance as you circle around the creature.

"For your training," she tells you. "You must kill that ghoul."

>1. But I've already killed a ghoul.
>2. Shouldn't it be released if I'm to learn anything from killing it?
>3. What is the importance of killing it?

>>29158364
>2. Shouldn't it be released if I'm to learn anything from killing it?
>3. What is the importance of killing it?

>>29158364
>3. What is the importance of killing it?

"It can't be for the challenge, a bound ghoul like this could be killed by a man with a crowbar."

>>29158364

>2. Shouldn't it be released if I'm to learn anything from killing it?
>3. What is the importance of killing it?

>>29158364
>3. What is the importance of killing it?
And let's add >>29158405 in for some flavour.

>>29158364
>1. But I've already killed a ghoul.
>2. Shouldn't it be released if I'm to learn anything from killing it?
>3. What is the importance of killing it?

Bartolome might be a natural thrower, but I don't put him as too eager to kill, even a mindless ghoul.

Also: Before he ganks it, he should pray to the Lord to release its soul from suffering. it woud be in-character and fitting, plus it keeps our Faith up

>>29158500
Once Bartolome finds out that Vampirism Corrupts the fucking soul, he going to Holocaust all Vampires.

All of them. They think they know Zealous? They THINK they know insanity? Oh hell no. They haven't seen shit.

>>29158598
Lord preserve us.

>>29158598
Everyone and everything deserves grace.

>>29158404
>>29158405
>>29158447
>>29158470
"But it is bound," you say. "Should it not be released first? Why would I kill this wretch? It cannot be for the challenge; a bound ghoul like this could be killed by a man with a crowbar."

"No," says Catarina. "It is exactly because of the challenge that you must kill it. Because there IS no challenge."

You feel sweat on your brow, and you gulp down a mouthful of saliva. "What?"

Your tutor steps closer, and begins to circle you as you stand by the ghoul. "When you killed that ghoul last night, you were motivated by fear. A need for survival. It fuels all humans when they're in danger. And you are capable with throwing knives, but would you have thrown them like that if you knew how close to death Lucien would come?"

You... you aren't sure.

"You won't always be the underdog. There will be foes weaker than you. Helpless, even. But our doctrine is merciless. We do not show grace, Bartolomè. It is not within our capacity, nor is it our right. So you need to show me; show me that you can perform your duty to the Lord against even the most wretched of His foes."

Her eyes narrow, and something in your gut flips.

"I don't just want you to kill that ghoul, Bartolomè. I want you to murder him."

>1. No!
>2. ...What?
>3. Why?
>4. Very well.

>>29158849
I don't like this, I don't like this at all.
>Why?

File: 1388371141462.png-(47 KB, 180x240, You lost me.png)

47 KB PNG

>>29158849
>2. ...What?

.....You Lost me.

>>29158849
>4. Very well.

She made a good point. She wants us to show that we can kill in cold blood. Offer a short prayer for his soul, chop its head off.

>>29158849
>3. Why?

>>29158849
>4. Very well.
We don't like killing but we have to release this poor soul from its suffering.
Also, pray for his soul before commiting the act or during it.

>>29158849
>3. Why?

>>29158849
3. Why?

A soldier obeys without question, an officer questions once and then obeys.

>>29158849

We've been too timid to openly reject what she says... So I think a silent acceptance would be in character...

Instead, we turn, say an earnest prayer that god might forgive the sin of the ghoul, and the sin of your murder, and then quickly end him without pain.

We can suffer our guilt later.

>>29158904
>>29158970
>>29159018
>>29159034
All you can muster is a baffled "Why?" to Catarina. But it is Lucien who answers you, circling in the opposite direction as your mentor.

"Imagine, if you would, Bartolomè, that you are in a small town. Maybe a few hundred people. Before you stands a young girl. Or perhaps a boy. It does not matter. This child is innocent. They have committed no crime. But they are a victim of circumstance. Within this child rests an egg. It is gestating; growing. The child wants to go home. But if you let it into the town, then as they sleep the following night, the egg will hatch. It will burst from them, and they will die. And what lies within that egg shall go forth, to feed. It will kill everyone. And if it does not, we Executors must. To risk more of those creatures birthing is unacceptable. So you must ask yourself, Bartolomè: would you let them pass, and doom a town to a gruesome fate? Or would you kill that child?"

He levies a hard stare at you, and does not blink. Your heart feels like it has stopped beneath the weight of his eyes.

>1. I would let them pass.
>2. I would kill the child.
>3. I would call a surgeon.
>4. It is not my place to decide who lives and dies.

>>29159274
I would call a surgeon, followed by It is not my place to decide who lives and dies. We're a priest, god bless it, and we won't have our soul stained if we can help it.

>>29159274

> 4

It is Gods place. Everything within creation and without it, follows his plan.

>>29159274
>3. I would call a surgeon.

If that's not an option due to various circumstances then

>2. I would kill the child.

For the sake of the town's inhabitants, we shall sin.

>>29159274
>>3. I would call a surgeon.
>>4. It is not my place to decide who lives and dies.

>>29159274
>3. I would call a surgeon.
>4. It is not my place to decide who lives and dies.

>>29159385
Catechism says killing is only allowed in self-defense and even then only after all other options are exhausted

>>29159274
>3. I would call a surgeon. I would take the child with me, and help it bear its burden, ease its suffering. I am a Catholic! Catechism does not permit this, and nor does Casuistry!
>4. It is not my place to decide who lives and dies. Only the Lord may do that.

Finally, when all else is exhausted:
>2. I would kill the child.
But don't accept me to be pleased about it - or with you.

>>29159437
Thanks! I'm not catholic, so I appreciate these insights, bro!

I thought these exceptions did allow for acts of war (Catholics are not commonly conscientious objectors, IIRC). Could this instance count towards that?

>>29159596
Killing in war is okay if: 1) Your nation was attacked and it is basically self-defense on a national scale. 2) The cause is just (defend our homes and loved ones!) and not some bullshit thing (we want your land and women!). 3) Your nation doesn't take it too far (no kicking the enemy while they're down).

>>29159673
Also no, this instance would be an example of taking it too far. Unless there's no spiritual redemption for ghouls in this universe or whatever and they're utterly inhuman, otherwise PURGE THE UNCLEAN

>>29159274
>4

If the child permits then i will kill them, but until then we stand vigilant.

>>29159274
>4. It is not my place to decide who lives and dies.

>>29159333
>>29159404
>>29159434
>>29159596
"I would call a surgeon," you defiantly answer. Lucien seems to smirk at your solution.

"Thinking outside of the box, hm? Very good, Bartolomè. That is the correct answer. However," his face sinks, and he says, "there won't always be a surgeon for you to call."

"It shouldn't matter. It is not my place to decide who lives and who dies. That is the Lord's domain."

"Maybe it is, but will standing by and watching the tragedy unfold satisfy you? Will you let more people die because it's 'not your place' to get involved?"

"I am a PRIEST!" you plead. "I am a shepherd, not a soldier! I will not have my soul stained with... with murder!"

"Exactly," Catarina chimes in. "You are a priest. And as an Executor, you shall take upon yourself the sins that would befall your flock if you were not there. We do not have the freedom to choose the path we walk, Bartolomè. We are heretics by definition. And we accept it, because we are necessary for the protection of the faith."

Lucien and Catarina stop, side by side, and turn to face you. You must choose.

>1. I will kill him.
>2. I will not kill him.

>>29159924
>1. I will kill him.

>>29159924
>>2. I will not kill him.

May God Forgive us.

>>29159924
>1. I will kill him.

>>29159924
>1. I will kill him.

It's a necessary evil. I agree with Catarina.

>>29159924
>2. I will not kill him.
We need more understanding! What if ghouls have the ability to reason and think? What if there is a chance to turn their souls back to the path of righteousness, even though their bodies are corrupt?

>>29159924
>>2. I will not kill him.

>>29159924
>>1. I will kill him.

>2. I will not kill him.

>>29159924
>1. I will kill him.

>>29160043
>>29160014
>>29160070
>>29160043

You will be letting people get eaten and killed.

A Ghoul doesn't think. they just moving dead bodies that eat humans. they are beasts that must be put down.

>>29159924
2. Don't kill him! We don't even know if he's done anything!

>>29159924
>1. I will kill him.
As the anons up-thread said, pray for the ghoul's soul before killing it.

>>29160098
I'd just like to point out that while he's a ghoul, and therefore pretty much an animal made of the instinct to devour as many humans as possible until he's a thinking being again.

>>29160084
>A Ghoul is the rare exception to a vampire's victims, whose brain and soul are not fully destroyed when fed upon. They maintain an ounce of self-agency, and persist in the world even though their body is dead.

>whose brain and soul are not fully destroyed

>>29159924
>1.I will kill him
Sho ga nai wa ne, as they say.

>>29160014

> I will not kill him

>>29159924
>2. I will not kill him.

Killing him be like playing God, for God is the only one who may decide who lives and who dies.
In the egg metaphor, we should take the boy away from the people and try all we can before making any kind of judgement and kill the monster when it attacks the people and only if we have no other choice.

>>29160159
A human soul is a human soul! According the beliefs of the Catholic Church a soul cannot be split up, divided, or otherwise robbed of its inherent and undeniable immortality.

>>29159924
>>29159976
>>1. I will kill him.

Fucking shit, I posted the wrong choice. Ignore the first post I made after the recent update.

>>29159975
>>29160000
>>29160001
>>29160063
>>29160071
>>29160113

You cannot bear to look either of them in the eye when you say it. "I will kill him."

Catarina tosses you a single Black Key, which you catch clumsily against your chest, letting it fall into your hands. You turn to face the ghoul. It is immobile, its arms and neck restrained as it desperately tries to reach your flesh for a bite. Who was this man, you wonder? What did he ever do to deserve a fate like this?

"Heavenly Father, please accept this man's soul into your host, and absolve him of his sins. And... and mine as well."

You raise the knife. He must die. But your mind wanders to Klaus Hind. He is deadlier than these ghouls. Could you learn something from this creature's death that could improve your chances of survival?

>1. Kill him quickly.
>2. Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

>>29160234
Even if it can be, all that means is that god willed it to be possible.

Rolled 23 + 1

>>29160241
>>2. Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

>>29160241
>1. Kill him quickly.
There's somebody in there somewhere, and there's no need to make it suffer.

>>29160241
>1. Kill him quickly.

>>29160241

Give him a painless execution. Either impale him in the heart, or behead him.

Rolled 37 + 1

>>29160241
>2 Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

>>29160241
>1. Kill him quickly.
To prolong his suffering is to prolong our shame.

Rolled 24 + 1

Fucking Hell guy.

We aren't suppose to kill the Ghoul.

WE SUPPOSE TO MURDER IT.

Since we going to kill it, WE GOING TO MURDER IT.

Rolled 70

>>29160241

>2. Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

If somebody has to die for this, we should take the most benefit from his sacrifice.

Rolled 56 + 1

>>29160241
>2. Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

If we don't kill Klaus Hind then more will die, if us get an advantage out of this it's worth it.

>>29160345
Fuck off, heathen.

Rolled 68 + 1

>>29160241
>2. Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

If we're going to be heretics, might as well be pragmatic about it.

Rolled 1 + 1

>>29160356

>heathen

Where do you think our character became.

Rolled 82 + 1

>>29160241
>2. Take it slow, and experiment, to find ways of crippling or hindering the undead. (d100+1)

>>29160346
>>29160355
At what cost to our own psyche? Just because we CAN doesn't mean we SHOULD.

Rolled 50 + 1

>>29160375
AH SHIT

>>29160241
>1. Kill him quickly
Lets get this over with quickly, the one thing we can learn from our torturing of this poor creature is our own depravity.

Rolled 97 + 1

>>29160379
Murder is murder in the eyes of God.

Rolled 39 + 1

>>29160406

This is true.

File: 1388375162676.gif-(2.34 MB, 300x204, 1386838600647.gif)

2.34 MB GIF

>>29160406
What's worse: Shooting a man in the head or shooting a man first in his left leg, then his right, then his left arm, and then his right arm, and watching him bleed out?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8-ycSkoYfc

Rolled 18 + 1

>>29160447
We must find any weakness in a vampire body. We were also told to murder, not mercy kill the ghoul.

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>>29160447
>those screams

>>29160502
We are roleplaying a Catholic priest, a man of God, not freakin Josef Mengele.

>>29160594

I hate killing... But when I do....

>>29160649
You are bordering 2edgy.

>>29160265
>>29160315
>>29160345
>>29160346
>>29160355
>>29160359
>>29160375
>>29160376
>>29160398
>>29160406
>>29160418
>>29160502

A fell mood takes you. You have already chosen to sin. You must find what advantage you can from this depraved act. Your eyes are clouded by tears, but you kneel down and begin your hellish work. You give it superficial cuts, but find that they heal quickly. These undead revert to their unharmed state at a rate much more quickly than the living. You stab through its hands, but they remain mobile. You cut at its tendons, and the Achilles' heel, but all heal in time. It seems you can cripple these ghouls, and perhaps vampires as well, but only temporarily, though they seem to heal more slowly from wounds inflicted by your Black Keys. You must remember that.

You spend two hours experimenting upon the Ghoul. And when you are done, you shunt your Key through his skull, and end him.

You turn around, and see neither Lucien nor Catarina has moved. They've been watching you this whole time. You try to smile at them, celebrating what you've learned, but it is too transparent to work. You cannot seem to stop sobbing.

(Skill gained! "Butcher of Dead Apostles": +1 Wounds dealt to Dead Apostles.)

You step towards them, slowly, and Lucien comes forward and wraps you in his arms. "There, there," he coos. Your tears stain his shoulder. "It is all right. It is never easy. It should never be easy..."

...

Several hours pass. You have been taken to a private room, and told to rest. You will need to have all of your strength for the trials ahead. You are laying on a couch, where you've been trying to sleep. You haven't managed it yet.

A soft rapping at the door tells you you have a visitor.

>1. See who it is.
>2. Ignore them.

>>29160918

>1. See who it is.

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>>29160918

Mark my words samefags who spammed their way into murder, you will suffer some day!

Captcha: Ponderp deaf

>>29160918
>1. See who it is.

>>29160956
See ya.
>>29160918

>1. See who it is.

>>29160918
>1. See who it is.

>>29160970

>My choice didn't win, so it must be samefagging.

Seriously, There were like only 2 ore 3 people in the thread until that fucking choice came and then 10 people came out of nowhere with murder or not. Honestly, I'm happy there more people.

But unless you got proof, stop whining.

>>29160918
>1. See who it is.

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>>29160918
>These undead revert to their unharmed state at a rate much more quickly than the living. You stab through its hands, but they remain mobile. You cut at its tendons, and the Achilles' heel, but all heal in time. It seems you can cripple these ghouls, and perhaps vampires as well, but only temporarily, though they seem to heal more slowly from wounds inflicted by your Black Keys
Hope you're happy, assholes.

>>29161053
Totes worth the Humanity loss

>>29161053
We got plus 1 on harming the undead and we are learning IC on vampires and ghouls.

>>29161074
Not if you're a fucking priest. This is the equivalent of DMs trying to make paladins fall at every opportunity.

In case you haven't been paying attention, we're roleplaying a paladin. God's rules are non-negotiable.

>>29161121
Anon, we aren't a priest.

We a Executor. Do you kill the vampire/ghoul or let it free and it will kill people to survive.

>>29161053
W-well, at least we got that +1 wounds on undead...

>>29160918
>1.

>>29161158
Whoopity-fucken-doopity. Better get our asses to Confession ASAP.

>>29161121

We are not roleplaying a Paladin, we are roleplaying a priest. So its even worse that we murdered.

Ofcourse, there was peer pressure so I could see him killing him, but doing it slowly I just cannot fathom....

But hey, we are in great agony now over our morals. Probably so much that we don't want to talk with anyone.

>>29161157

Just because they give us a title doesn't wipe away our devotion to god, and our moral goodness.

>>29161188
Most definitely, we must go and get ourselves absolved, or at least let our repentance be know by the holy father.

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>>29160956
Bye

>>29160937
>>29160984
>>29160991
You pull yourself to your feet and shuffle to the door. The person is still knocking. You open the door and find Catarina standing in front of you. In her hands she appears to be holding a set of clothes: a black shirt and pants, suitable for a man of the cloth, and a purple frock.

"These are for you," she says. "They're tougher than what you're wearing. You'll need them to fight Klaus." She presses them into your hands.

>1. Thank you.
>2. Why are you giving me these?
>3. I'd rather not speak to you right now.

>>29161157
Oh really? Well you'd better inform the OP that his post is wrong where it says "You are Bartolomè de la Fuente, an ordained priest of the Catholic Church"

>>29161277
>1. Thank you.

>>29161277
Dat short post

Dropped.

>>29161277
>3. I'd rather not speak to you right now.
but
>1. Thank you.

>>29161290
He is also a Executor. Or are you denying that.

That he will kill heretics, mosnters, innocents to save more innocents and protect the lord faith.

>>29161277
>1. Thank you.

>>29161246
Does God even say anything about not killing the undead?

>>29161277
Don't worry OP. They will just come back later on once they finish crying bitch tears or move on to another quest.

Unless they come back to troll the quest. Then you got a problem.

>>29161339
But we should not prolong their suffering if we can help it, lest we become the monsters we strive against.

>>29161355
Nope. It because they already death.

Ok. Ghouls are just brain nearly dead like a vegatble but they can move thier bodies to eat flesh and drink blood, their soul is corrupted and they might if they lucky become a powerful blood sucking vampire.

>>29161277
>1. Thank you.
followed by
>3. I'd rather not speak to you right now.

>>29161246
Amen to that. If you die in a state of grave sin (which we may or may not have committed based on how ghouls function), we go straight to hell.

>>29161277

>3. I'd rather not speak to you right now.

But

>1. Thank you.

Like that other anon said.

>>29161428
Also, I'd expect the Catholic Church to have some information on ghouls and vampires. Perhaps we can get in contact with some of our higher-ups in order to fight the good fight more efficiently?

>>29161277
>1. Thank you.

>>29161277
>1. Thank you.
>2. Why are you giving me these?

I'm a little disappointed that the "Experiment on the ghoul" option won, but I can live with it. Hell, being an Executor is playing Hunter: the Vigil a bit, and challenging one's morality with repugnant choices and exploring the outcomes is what we do in game like this.

I'm glad we got a benefit out of it. It seems that there's a nice mechanical bonus for making a tough decision and being less moral than what Bartlome would want. Nice! Adds to the tension, gives us a bit of a Slippery Slope thing, and makes us as players toy with some interesting ethical quandaries. I'm still liking this, OP. Keep it up!


As an aside: do Executors get confession? Are they allowed to confess their sins or otherwise 'work off' their misdeeds? Or are they wholly independent from the rest of the Church?

>>29161277

>3

Because of her, we have commit an act that shakes the very foundation of our faith, or meaning in the world, our very justification for living.

... Or did she merely show us what was already there?

Frustration, Fear, Anexiety, Hatred, Fury, Self-Loathing, Doubt, Anguish. All of these things are going through us. Her being here no doubt reminds us of what we have done.

>>29161322
>>29161420
>>29161443
"Um, thank you," you say, taking the clothing from her. You feel drained just seeing another human. "But if you wouldn't mind, I'd rather be alone right now."

"Oh. Of course." Catarina nods, but she's staring over your shoulder instead of at your face. "Just make sure to put them on before you go."

She turns around and takes a few steps away, before stopping. Without looking back at you, she says "It's supposed to be cold tonight."

(Item gained! "Priest's Clothes and Frock": -1 to Wounds Taken when hit.)

She keeps walking, and you shut the door, cutting you off from the outside world. You take only an instant to set the change of clothes before collapsing back onto the couch. Your vision is blurred. You feel exhausted, and don't want to move. But there is much more for you to do before the night is through. Wayne Tepes, and the vampire, Klaus Hind... you think of Madrid, and your mother and sisters. It is lonely, this far from home.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

>>29161702
And that's where we'll be stopping for tonight. I hope all (most?) of you enjoyed playing. Follow me on Twitter @Frolloswagendir, and feel free to tell me there or in this thread what you liked and what could be handled better in the future!

>>29161729
You better take a look at what the Catechism says about anything you might be dealing with later.

>>29161729

Thanks Beatta for everything.

>>29161729
Thanks, Beatta! I'm loving this! Very Hunter: the Vigil. Also, I'm loving the how you handled some of the benefits (the five-exceptional-rolls granting us the Skill "Gifted Skirmisher"). It was really cool how we proved ourselves off the bat and got something which could accompany us through the game! Much obliged!
Did you find the new start time changed anything? Did it make for a faster quest?

>>29161758
>Catechism
Well, here we go!

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

>>29161729

It was great! If you ever feel like you want to run a campaign online, I'd love to participate :D