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Talent Tree

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>>32743580
Talent Descriptions + Inventory + More

Ah, finally I may return to my storytelling! How I have yearned to speak of this, the second great adventure in the Witcher Garland’s journey to glory and fame. It may be appropriate that some time has passed since I last stood before you and recanted this tale, for much time has passed in Garland’s life since we left him. Four years in fact!

While all of the Witcher’s adventures are known to be by heart, it is a specific chain of tales that I wish to tell you. If I were to recant every adventure the White Panther ever set out upon, my tongue would likely shrivel up and fall from my mouth before I could be even half finished! No this series of tales requires that we leave the Witcher be for four years.

In that time the Witcher did many things. One adventure of note that I may yet tell when this tale is finished, is the adventure that lead Garland to gain possession of an old Elven blade, made from red meteorite steel. The weapon was named Bloederhena – the “Bloody Queen”. But in the Panther’s possession it soon came to be known as the Red Fang. It was also during this time that the Witcher met me, just a young boy impressed by his impressive skills. Little did he know that even as our second Act begins, I was on his trail, eager to become his apprentice!

During these four years Garland began to become more than just a simple Witcher. Word of his adventures began to spread, and some would murmur stories about him in taverns or on long carriage rides across the land. He was by no means truly famous but he had begun to become known for…

>His vendetta against the slave trade
>Killing monsters and men without a trace
>His preference for working for the non-human community
>Leaving bloody mementos to show off his power and skill, and warn off any other monsters
>His seeming lack of morality, taking any contract which came to him.


This decision will change a lot of tings, but mostly how people react to you

>>32743931
>Vendetta against slave trade

I suppose it fits with our killing the slave trader few threads back

Rolled 20

>>32743931
>His vendetta against the slave trade
muh freedom

>>32743931
>>Killing monsters and men without a trace

>>32743931
>>Killing monsters and men without a trace
I'm pretty meh on the SLAVERY BAD thing.

>>32743931
>Killing monsters and men without a trace

He was by no means truly famous, but he had begun to be known for his skill and precision – killing both men and monsters without leaving a trace. Some spoke of him in reverence, believing that he may one day become as well known as Elldrick the Phantom, the master of Kaer Morbeth, and Garland’s master. We rejoin Garland on his journey with thoughts of said master in his mind, as he climbs the mountainous slope that leads to his home – to Kaer Morbeth. This great keep made of stone, sits atop a high mountain in the centre of Honoria, towering over the lands like a watchtower.

As you may or may not know, many Witchers return to their home fort during the cold winter months – as travel is often difficult or impossible during this time, and many monsters hibernate at this time as well. This year Garland had not done so, he had been out hunting throughout the winter months, as he had been far from home when the season began dusting the earth with ice. Now as spring began again he was finally able to return to this place, to visit his masters and seek out new contracts.

He might not have returned, but he had received a letter from Elldrick not two weeks prior. How the old Witcher had known his location from his seclusion upon the mountain top Garland would never know, but the contents of the letter interested him. He had been called to Kaer Morbeth to take on a contract that Elldrick had saved especially for him. Such things were not regular, and this had prompted Garland to return to – if nothing else – sate his curiosity.

As he came before the reinforced wooden gates of the fort a devilish idea came to Garland. There were no sentries on duty, he suspected at this time of year the fort would be empty except for the trainers and their students. He could easily slip in unnoticed, and perhaps catch the old man by surprise. This idea was almost childish, and yet still it tugged at his mind.

>Attempt to sneak in
>Knock on the gate
>Call out for a sentry

>>32744603
>>Attempt to sneak in

We are of the Night

>>32744603
>>Attempt to sneak in

See if we can finally get the drop on our master.

>>32744603
>Attempt to sneak in
{Panthering Intensifies}

As an apprentice Garland had always dreamed of one day becoming so skilled he could wipe the superior smirk off his master’s face. Now many years later he had that chance, or at least that was what he believed. Perhaps the rumours of his skill had gotten to his head, or perhaps he simply wanted to test his mettle, that is something I will never know.

What I do know however is that Garland was never anything but thorough, he looked up at the gate and the surrounding watchtowers of the keep and scoffed. He would not attack from the front, that was a fool’s gambit. If he wanted to sneak in he would have to do so from behind. This was of course no easy task, being on a mountain peak. Looking first along the eastern edge, then along the western Garland attempted to discern the best path for him to take.

>Perception roll 1d100
Fuck you CAPTCHA

Rolled 71

>>32744868

>>32744868
We got this

>>32744674
I swear, are you the same guy who [intensifies] something in every Witcher Quest?

It's like my own little Quest meme by now

Rolled 28

>>32744868

Rolled 24

>>32744910
but apparently I don't, derp

>>32744915
I might be I don't remember

>>32744933

No, it turns out that you did

>>32744954
Is low bad or good?

>>32744991
We're roll-under

>>32745005
Sweet! Here I was all bummed out about my roll.

He first surveyed the western flank of the keep. This area to first glance looked to be the best he could hope for on this rocky mountain peak. There was a relatively flat piece of land that jutted from the keep, which looked to be quite solid with most of winter’s snow having melted from it earlier this very month. While there were still some clumps of snow here and there, it looked like it would be possible to edge along and come up behind the keep.

That is until the Witcher’s keen cat-like eyes spotted something jutting from a spot between two rocks, something thin as gossamer glinting in the sunlight. Had he not been trained from birth to spot such things he may have walked right into a tripwire trap that hid itself amongst the rocks and snow. Though he was sure it would not be an explosive this close to the keep, it would still likely be dangerous, these traps were a favoured toy of Master Jyrgen.

He turned and moved to the eastern side of the keep. This area was not quite as favourable to his movements as the western edge, but from what he could perceive there were no – or at least fewer – traps here than on the western edge. He had a decision to make, he would either have to walk the dangerous path and be sure of his footing, or move along the harder path with less chance of traps.

>Western edge
>Eastern edge

>>32745029
Your roll was actually the difference between noticing that trap or not, so there you go.

>>32745183
>Easter Edge
Closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm

>>32745183
>>Eastern edge

>>32745183
>>Eastern edge
We just need to avoid the trap, what could go wrong?

>>32745183
>Eastern edge

Eastern edge it is

Roll 1d100, combined Climb/Stealth check

>>32745183
>Western edge
The east is a double trap only a true novice would walk the "easy" path this we would lose by default

Rolled 51

>>32745316

Rolled 33

>>32745316

Rolled 17

>>32745316

Rolled 71

>>32745316

Rolled 56

>>32745316

Rolled 96

>>32745391
Nice job, anon!

Where there was one trap there was bound to be two, or three, or more. This was something he knew well about Master Jyrgen. Each winter when the two would return to the the keep, Jyrgen would talk of how he killed a beast without even having to draw his blade, and admonish Garland for not working on his knowledge of traps, for they were a Witcher’s tool like no other. Garland was not so sure, though he was sure that if any traps had been laid by Jyrgen, triggering them would be a painful mistake.

So he chose the eastern side, which he was sure was also littered with traps, though it seemed there were fewer as the area was harder to traverse. If the snow had not melted away it was likely he would have had no chance here, but with most of the ice gone it was easier for Garland to move from rock to rock, sometimes jumping like a cat, sometimes climbing along like a lizard. Don’t ask me how one can do such thing while still remaining quiet, I can only say that my friend was amazing in that regard, as he pounced and crept his way along that rocky surface like he truly was a Panther.

Finally as he came to the rear of the keep he began to climb the fort proper. This place was ancient and strong, but still wear and tear had befallen the place over the many years it stood here. Garland thought that finding a way to maintain the back end of the keep was difficult or expensive, as while the front was kept tidy, there were a number of loose bricks and stones back here. Which made climbing the north eastern watchtower all the easier.

Cont'd

There were no sentries on the southern towers, and he knew for a fact there would be none on the northern edge either. Sentries were rare here, as sentry duty was more a punishment than a requirement. Few made the trek up the mountain, and there were just as few spare Witchers or apprentices. So without fear he climbed the tower, pulling himself over the edge and stooping low as he edged his way across the tower’s floor and peered over the other edge, gazing down into the courtyard.

There he saw his quarry, a tall broad-shouldered man in dark leather armour, over which he wore a thick fur cloak. His white hair was short at the temples and tied back in a low ponytail. Though he could not see the man’s face from here Garland could easily imagine the grave golden eyes, wrinkled brow and well-trimmed beard he would see if he could. Master Elldrick stood there in the centre of the courtyard, hands on his hips as he watched three young individuals practicing their sword skills amongst each other in some sort of battle royale test of skill.

By their age they looked like they must be nearing the trial of the grasses, Garland couldn’t help but wonder which of them might survive, if any. It was said only three of ten survived the ritual, yet when Garland participated he had been the only one to wake the next morning. As he watched he was interested to see that one of the three individuals was a female – something that he had never heard of in his lifetime. He had been here the past four years and had never seen this girl training here, yet she seemed skilled as the other three. He would have to ask Elldrick about it later.

more cont'd

>>32745863
For now he refocused his attention on his old swordmaster, who still stood watching the three dance about each other carefully, training swords clasped deftly in their well-trained hands. He would have to determine how he wanted to approach his old master, and what he planned to do when he got there. If he climbed down from the tower he would have the best angle on Elldrick, but the apprentices may spot him and raise the alarm. If he attempted the stairs he might be seen on the way there, but after that he could approach out of sight of both Elldrick and the apprentices. Or he could simply toss a stone or some other such object at Elldrick, then point out that had he had a bow the man would be dead.

>Climb down the tower
>Take the stairs
>Throw a rock
>???

>>32745884
>>Take the stairs
Try to creep up on him and clasp his shoulder in a friendly way.

>>32745884
>>Take the stairs

>>32745884
>>Climb down the tower

Apprentices are scrubs

>>32745863
>As he watched he was interested to see that one of the three individuals was a female – something that he had never heard of in his lifetime. He had been here the past four years and had never seen this girl training here, yet she seemed skilled as the other three. He would have to ask Elldrick about it later.
WAIFU AHOY I jest, but we're totally gonna be fuckbuddies with her

>>32745884
>Take the stairs

>>32745884
>Throw a rock
Gotta know when to take your victory

>>32745976
Shit man, how old are apprentices? This could get pedo-tier real fast. How old is Garland even?

>>32746021
According to the description, 4-5 years older than the apprentices.

Taking the stairs huh? Roll that Stealth!

Rolled 33

>>32746049
We're batman

Rolled 71

>>32746049
Let's do this!

Rolled 83

>>32746049

Rolled 50

>>32746049
Sure is Thief in here

>>32746021
I've left it relaitvely ambiguous, but yes Garland is six years ahead of these apprentices. I couldn't find a solid reference for how old a fully fledged Witcher is.

Rolled 86

>>32746049

>>32746170
Fuck lets just go with 21-ish

>>32746021
>>32746170
well he ain't all that old, its an early profession and lifestyle you get into

>>32746204
in his mid twenties sounds about right, so we're all good to bone the hot apprentice

>>32746235
>hot

Garland did not trust the apprentices to realize he was not an enemy, though he recognized the two males there, he knew that often training would kick in before the brain could react, and they would likely pay him their attention thus allowing Elldrick to notice him by association. So he chose the safe route, stalking along the wall until he would reach the stairs, and then descending them so that he would come around the side of the smithy area.

Here within the courtyard where the walls sometimes blocked the sun there were still patches of dirty gray snow. He made an effort to sneak about them, never letting his boot fall upon the crunchy frosted earth as he prowled his way towards the broad-shouldered back of his master. The man seemed not to have noticed a thing as Garland came behind him, raising a hand to slap it good-naturedly on the man’s shoulder in hopes of surprising the man.

cont'd

>>32746375
hey, all witchers are hot and you know it

Before he knew what was happening however, Garland found himself flat on his back, lying in a patch of snow. He had felt the world whirl about him as his master grasped his hand and tossed him gruffly to the ground, and now lay slightly dazed staring up at the man, who seemed not to have moved an inch. He stood there, an old Witcher with a gruff emotionless face still watching the apprentices, who seemed oblivious to this little encounter. The only difference seemed to be his arms were now crossed over his chest.

“Not bad boy,” he murmured, giving Garland the briefest of glances “Had I been almost anybody else and you might have had the drop on me. But remember monsters are harder to fool, and you have to be a monster to live to my age in our line of work.” Though there was no smile upon the lightly wrinkled Witcher’s face, it was clear in his tone he was happy to see the younger monster slayer here before him.

Garland stood without a word, dusting the dirt and snow from his cloak and armour before standing beside his old master, watching the three continue to fight. He noticed at least one of them had noticed him now, but was too enthralled in their training battle to pay him much mind, he was a smart one for doing so Garland perceived.

>???

>>32746466
You really should get around to replacing those traps on the east side. The thaw made them easy to spot.

Rolled 35

>>32746466
"Perhaps I should have had a better teacher"

>>32746466
seconding >>32746500

also enquire about the female apprentice

Rolled 79

>>32746466
"I'm glad you are doing as well as ever. How are the new apprentices?"

>>32746466
I like this too

>>32746500

>>32746466
Point out the one who noticed us
"He seems perceptive."

“You really should get around to replacing the traps on the western side, the thaw made them easy to see.” He said, folding his arms. He was glad that his embarrassment did not show on his face, he thought this was perhaps due to the fact he never truly expected to sneak up on a man like this. “Glad to see you’re doing well as ever, how are the new apprentices?”

At first Elldrick said nothing, watching as the tallest of the two boys in the battle royale performed a brilliant pirouette and nearly disarmed the female apprentice, though she managed to fall back in time to avoid losing her weapon. He grunted with approval, then glanced at Garland with a grim smile on his face. “I wish we had more, times are turning dark boy, mark my words. Though I’m confident these lot will pass their trial, they survived all the rest damn well.”

“Even the girl?” Garland asked, still quite curious about her presence. When Elldrick simply grunted his approval again, he had no other choice but to ask the obvious question “Where did she come from?”

“The school of the Hawk has fallen.” Elldrick replied gravely, only opening up a slew of questions for Garland to follow up with, but he kept silent, seeing his teacher’s face and knowing there was more. “She was one of theirs, one of the few to survive. I took her in because I thought she could make a good Panther – she hasn’t failed me yet, though the others are far ahead of her in that regard.”

Garland nodded, then pointed to the youngest looking of the three apprentices, the one who had noticed him first. “He seems perceptive,” he said simply.

Again Elldrick gave one of his affirming grunts “Truest panther amongst him that one, wouldn’t be surprised if one day he tries to sneak up on you while you’re training some brats.” At this he gave a chuckle, though Garland felt more honour than humour from that statement.

>???

>>32746923
What happened with the hawks?

>>32746923

Ask whether what happened with the Hawks is related to our job

>>32746923
"Me training apprentices? Implying there's anything that can take you down."

>>32746923
What made her switch schools from Hawk to Panther? She doesn't look like one to quit so easily.

>>32747089
You could try actually reading the update, you know.

>>32747089
>The school of the Hawk has fallen
>She was one of theirs, one of the few to survive. I took her in because I thought she could make a good Panther

pls

>>32747105
>>32747128
So the school falls, there's not a single instructor left, not one?

Seems far fetched honestly. Either there's a huge heavy weight slaughtering witchers grunts, adepts and masters or we're looking at internal sabotage.

“I doubt I shall live to see the day you die and I have to take over for you,” Garland said with a smile.

But the look he received in return was nothing but serious, a grave stare that would remain in Garland’s memory for years to come. Something in that look made him feel like his master knew far more of the world than Garland might ever know. “Perhaps,” he said simply after some time of this staring contest.

A shiver ran down Garland’s spine, something that he hadn’t felt since encountering that strange seem four years prior. “What happened to the Hawks?” he asked, less out of curiosity and more in wonder of how this event seemed to have shaken his master “Does it relate to why you sent for me?”

Again one of those grunts, this time more thoughtful than affirmative “Yes, but more so; no.” this cryptic phrase explained nothing, but would not be elaborated upon for some time. “Though word travels far, the Hawk School was always quite secluded, little information has come to me beyond what Liesa,” at the mention of this name he nodded towards the girl “has told me. It seems they were attacked, she was on an errand to the local city at the time. When she returned most of the Witchers who had stayed there that winter were dead – the master was missing. She said the place looked like it had been struck by a storm, walls were crumbled, men torn clean in half. It marks a bad omen Garland, few are daring enough to attack a Witcher school, fewer still succeed in such a manner.”

>???

>>32747272
Have we told him about the prophecy? If not, now might be a good time.

>>32747272
Tell him the Prophecy
But let's not tell him so close to the Apprentices

>>32747272

Ask about the security at our school.

Ask whether anyone has been investigating this attack

>>32747319
Inform him in private and bring up the tear that caused all the spooky stuff related to the Frey girl.

We don't want any Wild Hunts to bump into.

“I have some information that may be of interest, I fear I should have told you years ago.” Garland said, his voice just as grave as Elldrick’s now. “But in private.”

His master simply nodded, briefly looking to the sky before he spoke. “We’ll speak over a meal, I would have Jyrgen and Gottfried hear as well.” These last two were Witcher’s Garland knew well, as they had also assisted in his training over the years. While not strictly masters, they were senior Witchers who often stayed at Kaer Morbeth over extended periods of time. They would likely have some insight into what Garland knew.

Then it came, the sharp two fingered whistle that was the bane and the joy of Garland’s childhood. Bane as it was the signal that called apprentices to training, and joy because it was also the sound that meant that training would come to an end. He thought he could hear the three students sigh in unison as they heard it. Breathing heavily the three approached their master and stood before the pair in a line.

“Xander, Liesa, Wolfram.” He said, addressing them each in turn, “You are dismissed, go meditate on today’s training before you take your evening meal, and prepare for what we spoke of.” The three bowed in unison, and then split off to head for their chosen meditation areas, but not before Garland had a chance to size each one of them up.

Cont'd

Xander was the boy who had noticed him first, the apprentice looked to be about fourteen summers, though his face was still hardened by the Witcher training and the mutagens he had thus far endured. His hair was tied back in a low ponytail, in a similar style to Garland’s own cut. He was not short, but was still the shortest of the three. His build was slim, yet Garland could see the tone beneath the apprentice armour he wore.

Liesa was of course the girl, who stood between the toy boys just as proud as them. The fact she had the look of an apprentice who had endured several mutagens already was both a surprise and not. Women rarely survived the mutagens, and Witchers rarely took female apprentices on for this reason, they were mouths to be fed and trained without any final reward of a fully trained Witcher. Yet this girl was here, in all her brazen tomboyish glory. Her hair was cut short, though still in a woman’s style, and she had the face of a girl. Her bust was hidden beneath her armour, but seemed nothing too pronounced, and she bore a thin scar along her chin.

Finally there was Wolfram, the tallest of the three he stood tall and strong, with a thick jaw and powerful brow. His hair was cut short like a soldier’s, and that image suited him well. Though Garland would later find he was just as stealthy as any Panther later, he looked more like a product of the Bear school than of the Panther. He thought that one day such a man would make a formidable opponent, were he to survive the grasses.

As the three passed out of sight Garland looked to his master. “Might I ask why you called me here, before I find my quarters?”

Again that grunting “Hrmm,” that he had grown to adulthood hearing “We will speak of it at supper, now be off with you.” And without a further word Garland was left alone in the courtyard, to wonder of his summons. Elldrick disappeared into the fort proper, likely off to deal with preparations of some sort himself.

Going to grab a quick bite to break up the big posts a bit. Shall be back in 20-30

It was approximately an hour later when his meditations were interrupted as he heard light footsteps coming down the hall towards him. He doubted they were light on purpose, but they were certainly the footfalls of a potential Panther. He rose from his place on the floor of his quarters, feeling his muscles cry out in pleasure to be stretched again. Just as he did so he heard a knock upon his door, and immediately moved to answer it.

He had expected Xander or Liesa by their footfalls, but instead before him stood Wolfram, his fae solemn, with something akin to trepidation in his eyes. “The masters wish to see you in the great hall.” He said, his voice surprisingly soft for one of his appearance. With his message delivered he simply turned and strode back down the hall back to tend to his duties.

Garland followed behind as long as their paths overlapped, then turned off towards the main hall. As he had expected the room was empty save for the three men he was to meet, no apprentices or instructors would be here to listen in on their conversation. The three men were seated at a table on the far end of the room, their meals before them – though none were eating just yet. Garland took his place across from master Elldrick, with Jyrgen on his left, and Gottfried on his right.

In a way the two senior Witchers made him think of what Xander and Wolfram might yet become. Jyrgen was slim and muscular, with a skilled mind and a jovial spirit, while Gottfried was a burly man with short cut hair, yet he was just as silent as any other Panther by his own right.

“Right,” Elldrick said, cutting to the chase before Jyrgen began to talk – as was his favourite pass time. The man was silent on the battlefield, but couldn’t shut up at the dinner table, on the road or in a tavern. “First boy, let us hear what you have to say.”

>What do you tell him? Do you leave anything out?

>>32748400
>>32747374
>>32747408

Let's go with this

>>32748400
Tell him everything to conveniently recap for newcomers

>>32748400
Full disclosure sounds good. Not sure why we'd leave anything out.

>>32748400
No need for secrets.

“As you know in my first year I travelled to a town called Loredge for my first contract.” Garland began, choosing to recant the entire tale in case there was something he missed that his master might find important. When the three men nodded he continued. “While I was investigating there I found a slaver, who I slew and a creature Gottfried has informed me was named a Siren.” This was information they all knew, but now would come what Garland had unwittingly kept secret, simply by not thinking about it. “There was a girl I found while investigating, her name was Elissa I believe. She had latent power, and shortly after I found her she spoke a prophecy.” Gottfried’s ears seemed to prick up at this, he was always quite the dabbler in the Power, as the local sign master. “She fortold that the Panthers would fall on the night of the Red Moon.”

The three men glanced at each other, all having the same thought that Garland himself had come to earlier that day. If the Hawks had fallen, and this prophecy were true, it was likely their school would be the next, or at least would be targeted sometime in the future.

“The red moon,” Jyrgen mused “I can only assume that’s the eclipse”

“That’s next year,” Gottfried said, with a small nod “One year before we are to fall if this vision is true, and I don’t doubt it is.”

“We can’t say that for sure,” Elldrick said, of the three he was the oldest and the wisest. “We’ll have to start preparing now…

>???

FUCKIN' CAPTCHAAA

>>32748697

Ask whether there's anything you can do to help

>>32748697
If prophecies are unchangeable, we might as well just lay down and die now.

I prefer to see them as warnings. In this case we need to find out what killed the hawks, and either disable it or kill it before the eclipse.

>>32748697
I don't think defensive battles are the way to go here. We need to be proactive like >>32748833
suggests

“How can I help?” Garland said immediately. The thought that by not telling his elders of this prophecy sooner that he may have caused harm to his home and what constituted as his family, bringing guilt and worry to the forefront of his mind.

“Your duties shant change from what I called you for,” Elldrick said bluntly “For I was already planning to prepare the fort for attack. I need you to go on an errand for me, to the city of Starkhaven to the east.”

Garland nodded “What do you need of me?”

“The sorceress Katharina der Silbermond, we shall need her aid for the coming trial.” Began Gottfried

“But she has been held up by a curse that has befallen the city, and she’s not likely to come if it isn’t solved.” Added Jyrgen

“We’d like you to go help her deal with the curse, I’ve heard troubling news and besides the three of us, you’re the one Witcher I trust with this. We need her here, so that we can get the apprentices through their trials and have them ready for battle. Starkhaven also lies between here and the Hawk school, near enough to the border that there might be some information you can send to us.” Elldrick finished.

>???

>>32748697
Did we tell them about the tear?

>>32749011
Do they have any leads at all on what killed the hawks?

>>32749011
Ask for info on what the curse is about

>>32749011
>>32749065

Second available information on the Hawks.

Also any additional information on the curse that has befallen the city.

>>32749011
>any knews on what happened to Hawks/ details from the Hawk girll
>info on the curse itself
>any gear they can spare

This was now Garland’s contract, and he was bound by his Witcher pride to see it through. By now his natural instincts prompted him to get whatever information he needed without even having to think about it. “What information do you have on the attack so far? I’ll need to know what to look for to let you know if I find anything.”

“No monster could have done what Liesa describes,” Elldrick stated with a hint of anger in his tone “Nothing short of a dragon, if the rumours hold true.” Jyrgen gave a start at this, but said nothing, it seemed this information was new to him and Gottfried as well.

“But there was also signs of a sorcerer, a powerful one at that if he was able to control a dragon,” Gottfried murmured, also visibly shocked at the mention of a dragon.

“That’s another reason we need Katharina, she will have information on other sorcerers, she may be able to tell us what we need to know.” Elldrick added, it seemed a lot rode on the sorceress, Garland felt honoured he was the one trusted with seeking her out.

“And the curse, what can you tell me of the curse?”

At this Elldrick looked to Jyrgen, who shook his amazement away to continue with Garland’s briefing. “Not much I’m afraid,” he said with bitter distaste at their lack of information “Only rumours reach this far west so early. They say it was thought to be a plague at first, but the sorceress has confirmed it a curse, some say the dead rise from their graves. There has also been disturbingly high numbers of monster sightings in the area as of late. It doesn’t bode well.”

“I’ll see what I can do, I haven’t much experience with curses.” Indeed he had only resolved one in the past four years, and it had been that which held his current blade captive for many years. It had not been a hard curse to thwart however, having only to quell the spirits through armed combat to take the blade from them. “Can you grant me any aid?”

cont'd

>>32749018
Yes

>>32749349
so i know our Blue meteorite Silver longsword boosts Signs right, what about the Red Fang? Its red meteorite and elven right

At this Elldrick smiled his mischievous smile “You know we have few spare supplies, but we can grant you one thing. In fact you must take it, as a part of the contract.”

Garland knew his master well enough that the man wouldn’t finish telling him until he asked, the man so very much enjoyed his secrecy. “What is it?”

“WHO is it,” Elldrick corrected, his smile growing ever still “and that is up to you.”

“By the Gods man, just tell him!” Jyrgen moaned, but great master would not speak.

“What do you mean master?” Garland finally caved, though by now he was beginning to suspect the truth.

“You’ll be taking one of the apprentices, one of your choice to accompany you. It is a part of their rites. I’ll be kind and let you choose your own. I will find your choice interesting.”

“Liesa would be a fine choice,” piped Gottfried “Being a Hawk her signs are strong, and her wits are sharp.”

“Aye, but if you want a true Panther, you’d take Xander. He’s a fine tracker, stalker and archer wrapped up in loyalty – though he may be a little brazen.” Jyrgen chipped in.

“Of course Wolfram is a fine Panther too, almost as quiet as Xander.” Elldrick added, so that each master had their own contender. “He’s a master with the sword too, fine backup should you need it.”

>Make a decision now [Choose your apprentice]
>Meet with each apprentice to decide
>Refuse to take an apprentice

>>32749417
It's just as light as a lightblade, with the strength of a longsword. On top of this the red meteorite makes it a more brutal weapon, causing more damage and making it harder for non-lethal attacks while using it.

>>32749425
>>Make a decision now [Choose your apprentice]
Liesa. We are weak at signs and having someone from the area might be of use. Further, we are likely going to go take another look at the Hawk fort while we are in the area.

>>32749425

>Meet with each apprentice to decide

Before we choose the girl, let's at least meet with each of them

>>32749425
>>Meet with each apprentice to decide

>>32749425
>Meet with each apprentice to decide

>>32749425
>Meet with each apprentice to decide
For sure

>>32749425
>>Meet with each apprentice to decide
only fair, we leave in the morning anyway

>>32749453
damn, so quick hard hitting "normal" sword, and magic increasing silver sword

>>32749425
>>Meet with each apprentice to decide
Mostly because I just want to meet them
>Liesa
Strong with signs, superior senses, will know the area and people seeing as she is a Hawk.
She will be very useful

Living on the east coast is suffering time for me to pass out

“I’d like to meet each of them before I make my decision.” Garland requested, watching as Elldrick’s smile grew further still, as if he had hoped for this response.

“Good, good.” He murmured “You’ll find Xander in the meditation chambers, he’s quite loyal to his training for one so boisterous. Liesa will likely be upon the wall at this time of night, she often gazes to the night sky around evening times. And Wolfram will likely be in the smithy, his father was a blacksmith and it seems to run thick in his blood, he’ll likely be honing his future blades in anticipation for his pilgrimage.”

Garland nodded his thanks to his masters, and left them to confer on their strategies together. It felt strange to him to be choosing an apprentice this early in his life, was it a mark of his progress or a sign of the troubling times Witchers were facing? He wasn’t sure, but it didn’t matter. If nothing else he was determined to see his contract through.

>Meet Xander first
>Meet Liesa first
>Meet Wolfram first

>>32749425
leaning towards Liesa, sounds like the best backup considering our
>Stab it
>Stab it quietly
>Stab it openly
style

>>32749667
>>Meet Xander first

In order, we'll see all three anyway

>>32749667
>xander or liesa

>>32749667
>>Meet Xander first

>>32749667

>Meet Wolfram first
He seemed nice

>>32749612
Pretty much. I actually rolled randomly for what Garland gained during his four years. I didn't want to give out a Talent point, but I wanted to have him gain something.

I notice people leaning towards Liesa and I can't help wonder if it's just because she's a female.

>>32749667
>Meet Xander first

>>32749748

Probably, but I want to hear them all out first

>>32749748
>just because she's a female.
Obviously. Waifufags will waifufag.

That said, I think xanders skill set is a better fit for us.

>>32749817
I was hoping to pick stuff up from the apprentice.

>>32749817
I honestly just think Wolfram sounds like a cooler dude to hang with

>>32749748
>Meet Xander first
Mostly its because shes the first FEMALE Witcher I've heard of.
but also because of her skillset. We dont need another Panther, we need a Hawk

The meditation chamber was separate from the fort proper, and heading there would require Garland to head across the courtyard a ways, but he wanted to see Xander first. He was interested in the boy, if for no other reason than the fact it was he who had spotted him first out of all three. The boy was perceptive, and the others had deemed him the best Panther of the three. This meant he was skilled sure, but Garland was worried his boisterous nature may interfere with his work.

As he approached the door to the meditation chamber, he noticed the handle turn and the door open for him. The warm glow of candles greeted his gaze, as did the young man who so reminded Garland of himself in his early years, though the big smile upon the youth’s face was something he had never worn so magnificently.

“Master Garland, I thought it must be you.” Xander beamed, waving his senior Witcher inside the warmth of the meditation chamber. Garland smiled a greeting and stepped into the small chamber that normally only fit about four individuals for private meditation, and sat down upon one of the mats provided, crossing his legs as he did so out of simple habit. Xander closed the door behind him, and hurried to sit before Garland. “I assume you are here to tell me of my apprenticeship?” he asked playfully with another of those wide smiles. The masters were right, this boy was energetic for somebody so honed in the art of stealth, again Garland was reminded of Jyrgen by looking into this youth’s candle lit face.

>???

>>32749872
and when I mean, I want to she what makes her so unique that she passed through all her trials when females rarely do.

>>32749885
>No, I am meeting with all of the apprentices before I make my choice
ask him about his background or whatever

>>32749872
No, it's precisely because we're a panther that we need another panther. Stealth is an all or nothing deal.

If we were a bash in the doors warrior, then a magic user to back us up would be nice. But if our main form of attack is sneaking up on someone, we need a partner that can also sneak.

>>32749885

Remind him that there are two other candidates for the job.

Ask him why he wants to be our apprentice. Ask him his frank opinion on the other two candidates.

I would like to measure his character as well as his skills.

I say we give each of them a test to see what they can do rather than just go by words only

>>32749937
This sounds good.

>>32749932

While that's a good point, let's remember that all 3 of them are Panthers in training. They all know how to stealth to some degree.

>>32749937
Sounds good to me.

>>32749937
I third this option
We don't want a dick for a partner.

>>32749976
Well, not only that, but it can serve as a teaching moment for the kid, perhaps teaching him the value of not being a cunt.

>>32749748
more because I think a sign using Hawk better compliments our style and covers some of our weaknesses. plus she knows more about what happened to the Hawks

>>32750038
Admit it, you just want in that /fit/ tomboy pussy.

>>32749612
>Strong with signs, superior senses, will know the area and people seeing as she is a Hawk.
She will be very useful
indeed, she can help us cover our weakspots and we should be a good team with much to learn from each other

>>32749748
>I notice people leaning towards Liesa and I can't help wonder if it's just because she's a female.
she seems like the most valuable to work alongside us, she has skills we don't so we can work off of each other and cover each other

also fuck yes we're totally gonna be fuckbuddies

>>32750092
whatever thinking makes you happy anon

>>32749932
>Stealth is an all or nothing deal.
no it ain't, let me tell you, I've plenty of experience being stealthy in afghanistan, and you need a good ninja, scalpel and hammer all in equal measure in the right application

overspecialization means death at the slightest failings of a plan or its execution

Rolled 59

>>32749748
She's also a Hawk, a female witcher and a Ciri expy.

We're going to investigate the attack on the Hawks, and it's only fair that one of the surviving Hawks will take a part in this investigation.

She also looks like a more interesting character than a stabby guy or a sneaky guy.

>>32750165
she's also an apprentice Panther, so its not like she won't be stealthy, she brings a more varied skillset that is compatible with ours to the table, we can handle the truly sneaky business and teach her what we know

why get an apprentice you can't teach or learn from yourself?

>>32750165
>She also looks like a more interesting character than a stabby guy or a sneaky guy.
Uh huh whatever you say anon

>all this rationalization

Just admit you want another waifu and save everyone time. It's not like you people aren't obviously in the majority here.

>>32750092
I totally do, but thats a bonus, I honestly think she would work best with us, her skills and former training, as well as having a capable student to teach and learn from in equal measure.

>>32750204
well she's already ahead in my books because Xander seems like he thinks waaay to highly of himself

>>32750209
I'm not being shy about it sure, but like >>32750213 said, outside of that I think she's the best fit so far

“There are two other candidates, you’re simply the first I’ve come to see.” Garland expected these blunt words to cause that smile to falter, but Xander seemed quite prepared for such a response. “Now tell me, what makes you think you should be my apprentice?”

Now the smile grew fainter, no longer a beaming grin but more of a soft smile. He was not dissuaded by these words, rather it seemed he had grown more serious. There came a coldness in his eyes that Garland recognized from his own. “Because I am the best choice.” He said simply, then gave a small chuckle. “Because I am the best of the three of us, because I can move quieter than them, and I have heard this is how you operate. I want to work under you because you embody what I seek to become. I have heard how you killed a den of necrophages in a single night, without leaving a trace or alerting them. That is what I seek to become.”

Garland nodded, his conviction was something to be admired “and tell me, what is your opinion on the others?”

Suddenly the smile was back in full force. “Well if you’re looking for a good romp, I can’t recommend Liesa.” He laughed “She’s far too serious for my liking Garland” he added with a friendly tone that the Witcher wasn’t sure he quite liked, there was less respect in that tone than he would have wanted, though he had heard reverence in his voice not moments ago. “Besides I don’t know if she’s cut out to be a Panther, she was taught to be a Hawk, and that training won’t leave her in just a year. As for Wolfram? I think he is too timid, he is amazing with a blade, the best I’ve seen beyond master Elldrick… but I don’t know how much conviction he has.”

Again Garland nodded, of course he could not outright trust his word, for he was competing for this position at Garland’s side, but he would keep it under consideration at the very least.

>Ask more
>Go see another apprentice [choose one]

>>32750213
The more y'all talk the more I come around to the idea of her being our Apprentice. That said there's still one VERY important question:

Do she got the booty?

Rolled 29

>>32750204
Ok, maybe it's just my misguided experience form a different universe, but "female witcher" just screams "PLOT IMPORTANT CHARACTER" for me.

>>32750245

>Go see another apprentice [choose one]

Wolfram to save the Waifu debate for last

>>32750262
There won't be a debate. Even if they look to lose the vote for waifu, they'll samefag to make sure they get her. Just accept it.

>>32750245
Yep, Xander is a cunt, we ain't taking him.

>Go see another apprentice [choose one]
Wolfram, lets save Liesa for last

>>32750245
Wolfram next
He seems like a cool dude.

>>32750259
I'll be frank with this I made three characters ahead of time, any one of them may have been the female apprentice. I just wanted there to be two male and one female for interest's sake. The Hawk could have easily been a male.

>>32750259
Have these kids survived the trial of the grasses?

>>32750262
>>32750284
you always gotta go for that meta-argument don't you...

way to be civil about it

>>32750302
no. read.

Rolled 58

>>32750262
>>32750294
I say we see Liesa next so we HAVE to have time between seeing her and the vote. Too often, I see /tg/ go for the immediate waifu/booty without thinking things through

>>32750301
You were guided by the spirit of The Hunt to choose appropriately. And you did.

>>32750245

I like his confidence but I am not sure I like the way he talked about his fellow apprentices.

>>32750321

This sounds reasonable actually. Switching >>32750262

to Liesa

>>32750321
>Too often

i.e. always

>>32750338
I have to agree, Liesa.

>>32750321
Yep
lets see Liesa next

>>32750338
>I like his confidence but I am not sure I like the way he talked about his fellow apprentices.
I personally hate his attitude, he thinks he deserves to be our apprentice, already talks to use like he is, without even knowing us, and shows no respect to his fellow apprentices.

He's a jerk whose ego will be the death of him and I would not want him anywhere near our side when shit hits the fan.

>>32750309
Your words would carry more weight if you weren't just trying to get with your apprentice that you have authority over. Way to be creepy, /tg/.

>>32750398
I'm not, if we do, then we do, but if we don't? meh

I'm much more interested in her as a character and apprentice we can work alongside, building off of each other with our skills and both growing to be better Witcher's as a result, if we end up fucking during our travels, bonus, but I ain't fussed by it.

Garland stood then and bid the young Panther farewell. He was impressed by the lad’s conviction, but there was something a little dark in the youth’s eyes, as was often the case with Witchers who come from many walks of life. Few actively chose this path, most were simply brought up along it, but he had a feeling that Xander had a desire for battle. Whether that was good or bad would be decided later that night.

Now he moved back to the stairs he had stalked down earlier that day, climbing up to the top towards the light he saw dancing upon one of the towers. Here he found Liesa, with a torch set into one of the Watchtower’s pillars. She leant over the rail, staring off towards the east. She seemed not to notice him as he approached, but turned to him at the last moment, there was no surprise in her eyes.

“Yes master Garland?”

>???

>>32750389

I respect his directness and his confidence in his own abilities. His confidence is also well deserved from what we heard.

Like you say, I'm a little troubled by his forwardness to us and his attitude to his fellow apprentices, but I wouldn't say he's a danger.

>>32750429
>in her as a character

Yes, what with all the interaction you've had and knowledge you've accrued.
She has boobies!

>>32750429
I personally want to see what a Hawk can bring to the table and see what we can learn from her while teaching her.

>>32750437

Be straightforward and tell her that you are looking for an apprentice.

Ask her whether she's interested, if so why, and what she thinks of the other apprentices.

Ask her what makes her different from the other two.

Rolled 30

>>32750251
I'm sorry, anon, but grasses and mushrooms and other wicher-y stuff have negative effects on the booty. If she survives the training, she's going to look like a dude.

If people choose Liesa so be it, but this Quest won't be made into a waifu collection simulator.

Besides, there's always Elissa who shows up later in this Act anyway.

>>32750437
Nice shoes. Wanna fuck?

>>32750439
>but I wouldn't say he's a danger.
I've seen men killed because of such attitudes before anon, It ain't pleasant.

>>32750437
I am going to take one of you three to be my apprentice, tell me about yourself and your skills, about why I should pick you and tell me your thoughts on your fellow apprentices.

>>32750465
No need to be petty and vindictive anon.

>>32750462
Another for the harem!

I jest, I'm not seeing the problem, nor the 'waifu collection simulator' angle being present, honestly, I think its just 1 or 2 very vocal 'anti-waifufags' as the QTG would term them, letting the meta get in the way of enjoying the quest.

>>32750515
Uh huh. Literally three posts after she was introduced >>32745976.

And it's not like you haven't been open about your stated goals. Backpedaling now that QM has stated he doesn't like that is disingenuous.

>>32750515

I don't mind choosing Liesa. However, I would rather not see the core focus of the quest be shifted into waifuing.

It seems like the QM understands that, so I'd be okay with choosing her if she's the best fit.

>>32750458
Second

>>32750461
Nevermind, whats the point if she ain't got the booty?

>>32750567
I ain't backpedalling shit, evidently you can't read nor take a joke anon

>>32750569
>I don't mind choosing Liesa. However, I would rather not see the core focus of the quest be shifted into waifuing.
Same here, and theres no way thats going to happen, its just one buttflustered anon

“I am going to take one of you three to be my apprentice, tell me about yourself and your skills, about why I should pick you and tell me your thoughts on your fellow apprentices.” Garland said, taking up a position next to her and watching the eastern sky. The moon was but a sliver this night, and the landscape was dark save for a few lights from the nearby villages and towns that could be seen from this height.

“Hmph,” she grunted, looking out over the eastern landscape as Garland did. “I’m not entirely interested in competing for your apprenticeship master Garland. I seek only to further my skills, if I can do so by your side so be it, if I can do so here with the masters so be it.” She spoke plainly in a way the mimicked her very appearance. She dressed plainly, and though her face was pretty enough she clearly cared little for her appearance as other women did. “As you likely know by now I was a member of the Hawk School from Vilturlund. So while stealth is not my primary focus, I have learned much coming here. I know several signs that I could use to support you, and I know a decent deal when it comes to monster lore.”

As he had with Xander Garland simply nodded and allowed her to continue. Though when she remained silent he chose to prompt her “and your fellow apprentices?”

“Xander irks me.” She said simply “He’s too… animated.” She would give no further explanation than this. “Wolfram reminds me of my brothers of the Hawk, he is thoughtful, if a little timid. His skill with the blade is something I envy, but I don’t know if he will be as skilled in true use as he is in practice.” After these words she again fell silent, her eyes focused on that small sliver of moon high in the cloudless sky.

>Go see Wolfram
>Question further

>>32750671
>Go see Wolfram
just as a formality and to be fair to the other anons

>>32750671
>>Go see Wolfram
Lets get this over with

>>32750671
>>Go see Wolfram

>>32750671
Wolfram ho!

>>32750671
She reminds me of Milva.

>>32750738
that name sounds familiar, its been years since I played the games and read some of the books, care to refresh my memory anon?

>>32743533
Is That Charle Dance as the emperor?

>>32750671

Can we use the same questions we used for Xander and Liese to save time?

I doubt people will ask anything different and it seems to cover the bases

“Thank you, that will be all.” Garland said in place of a farewell, as he stood and headed back down the stairs to where the smithy lay. He received only a very Elldrick-like murmur from her before he was out of earshot. She was certainly rather cold, but he could sense she was rather skilled. Her knowledge of signs could supplement his own skills, but if she couldn’t keep as quiet as he could she would likely get them both in more trouble than she was worth.

Turning the corner he found himself in a warmly lit smithy area, the forge was lit and working, warming him as he entered the sheltered area. Wolfram was standing by a shelf filled with steel and silver blades. He seemed to be polishing and sharpening each one in turn, as Elldrick had said he cared for the blades like a true blacksmith.

“Master Garland?” he asked as Garland entered, giving the senior Witcher only the briefest of glances before turning back to his work. “Can I help you?”

Cont’d

“You may have heard I’m taking an apprentice to Starkhaven to-“ he noticed Wolfram falter in his work then, and leave the blade he was tending to on the table, turning to face his potential master directly “to help me solve a problem and retrieve a certain person.” He finished when Wolfram simply listened intently.

“I see,” the boy said thoughtfully, but gave no further response.

“Can you tell me why you think I should choose you?” Garland inquired, taking a seat on a convenient stool and examining the boy thoughtfully.

“Me?” Wolfram seemed almost surprised, as if he had expected to only be given an order for two swords for one of the other two. “Sir, I appreciate your consideration. If I were to state my obvious skills it would be that I am the best swordsman of the three of us, of that master Elldrick is very clear. I am weak with signs and alchemy, but I am quiet – or believe myself to be so.”

“And what do you think of your competition?”

“Xander and Liesa? Honestly sir I think you should take one of them with you. Liesa is a true Witcher if I ever saw one in the making, and Xander is the truest panther of this and perhaps previous graduations. I think he might one day be just as good as you are sir.”

>Continue questioning
>Make your choice privately
>Gather them and make your choice publicly

>>32750929
>>Gather them and make your choice publicly

Rolled 79

>>32750929
>Continue questioning
"And what do you believe is your greatest flaw?"

>>32750799
Xander - Boisterous, disrespectful and noisy, but skilled with stealth. enjoys fighting, which very well could be a bad thing. could be a nice contrast to most solemn witchers

Liesa - Quiet, skilled with signs and has enhanced senses. not as skilled with stealth as the others, but will add to the story having an apprentice that we actually have to teach so we survive

Wolfram - Very skilled swordsman, weak with alchemy and signs. very timid, may get us killed in battle. but still stealthy

I vote for Liesa

>>32750929
>Make your choice privately

Wolfram's likable but I don't think the utility of swords outweighs Signs or Stealth.

It should be one of Xander or Liesa.

If we choose Liesa, I would stipulate that we not use our authority as the teacher to come on to her.

She's clearly no-nonsense and professional. Let's keep it that way.

>>32750929
>Gather them and make your choice publicly

>>32750965
I agree with your points and analysis, and who we pick, I also think having one of the last surviving Hawk's with us would help in whatever is coming to wipe the Panthers out

>Make your choice privately
we're a panther, lets act like one

>>32750976
I hear you and definitely agree with your thoughts on Liesa

>>32750976
>If we choose Liesa, I would stipulate that we not use our authority as the teacher to come on to her.
Dandy already said that this isnt going to be a waifu quest
and I have the feeling that Elissa will end up being our LI anyway

>>32750929
>Make your choice privately
Either Xander or Liesa, I'll vote with the majority, but i think Xander is getting a bit of a harsh treatment for just showing some confidence; when he gets beaten down in the real for for the first time, he'll learn some humility.

>>32750929
>>Gather them and make your choice publicly
Time to trot our your rationalizations waifufags

>>32750949
“And what would you say is your greatest flaw?” this final question he had not asked of the others, but was interested in seeing Wolfram’s response.

The young man’s chiselled face became serious as he pondered. “I have been trained as a Witcher, I know how to kill monsters and men, and yet I have never truly fought for my life. I know the theory of combat but not its brutal truth. I fear this has impeded my confidence in myself as a monster slayer.” He said carefully choosing each word. “I would hope to improve upon this were you to take me as your apprentice.”

>>32750929
Make our choice privately, no need to overtly shame the others.

I personally say Wolfram, I feel like we could mentor him and help him reach his potential, the others don't need our help in that regard.

>>32751044

Well that would have been a good question to ask the other two. Particularly Xander

>>32751031
>he'll learn some humility.
his kind rarely ever do anon, it usually festers and creates issues, if the flaw has not been beaten out of him yet, its only going to cause problems from here

>>32751035
Anon, I'm on your side and your just shitting the place up, so shut up already.

>>32751048

My problem with Wolfram is that we could mentor him, but swording is a weaker complement to our abilities compared to stealth+archery or signs

>>32751066

You also have to remember that he is the youngest of the trio and hasn't really experienced failure if he's regarded as the "Truest Panther" of the three.

Being cocky when you are a teenager without much life experience isn't a reason to write him off forever.

>>32751105
it is when you are a Witcher, his attitude will get people killed for the wrong reasons

>>32751044

Can we gather them and ask Stealth Bro and Sign Girl the weakness question before we make our decision?

Tell them we already asked Sword Bro the question but that we would like to hear their answer to the question.

Taking one of the torches from the walls of the smithy Garland turned to leave the small area, as he reached the door he turned back to the young Witcher-in-training “Come out to the courtyard, I shall make my choice before you all, bring a torch of your own for light, it is a dark and cold night.”

With that he disappeared to bring this message to the others, and then find his place in the centre of the courtyard. As he had expected Wolfram was there to meet him first, then came Xander whom he had told of this last, and finally came Liesa from her place upon the wall. The three stood before him holding their torches, looking at him expectantly. Not three hours earlier they had stood before him like this, fresh from combat training, now he saw them in new light.

Xander looked almost sheepish, the confidence still blazing in his eyes but sweat trickling from his brow. Wolfram was still as a statue, eyes locked on Garland’s hesitantly. Finally there was Liesa, who stared at him unabashedly, her eyes cold and waiting.

“I will make my choice here and now, but first I will ask you each one final question. Think of what you have said to me thus far, and tell me what you believe to be your greatest weakness. Wolfram, for the sake of fairness speak as you spoke to me earlier."

cont'd

And so he did, speaking before his two compatriots in the same careful manner had before Garland alone. He explained himself and then fell silent, allowing Garland to choose his next target for the same question. The Witcher chose Liesa, the quietest of the three to speak her thoughts.

“My weakness master Garland is that I am no Panther.” She said briefly, and when Garland’s eyes asked for more she added “I have learned to defeat my enemies by disabling them with signs and then slaying them in open combat. I have heard rumours of you, from the masters and from townsfolk. They say you are quiet as the night, I cannot be so, I do not WISH to be so.” And that was all she would say on the subject. Finally his eyes fell upon Xander, who for all his boisterous humour seemed the most nervous.

“Well Garland, er, master Garland.” Xander continued after a brief thought. “I know my weakness well, I am over eager, all my masters have told me so. I have yet to taste true combat, and I wish to graduate sooner rather than later. I want to become a Panther, so that I may rid the world of monsters – both man and beast – to make the land safe. I may joke and I may kid, and I may be quick to action – but Witcherhood is my true goal.”

With that he too fell silent, allowing Garland to ask one final question of the three apprentices.

Cont’d

>>32751258
>“My weakness master Garland is that I am no Panther.” She said briefly, and when Garland’s eyes asked for more she added “I have learned to defeat my enemies by disabling them with signs and then slaying them in open combat. I have heard rumours of you, from the masters and from townsfolk. They say you are quiet as the night, I cannot be so, I do not WISH to be so.” And that was all she would say on the subject. Finally his eyes fell upon Xander, who for all his boisterous humour seemed the most nervous.
I like her more and more, a worthy student.

>>32751270
>student.
>doesn't want to learn anything we can teach

uh huh.

>>32751258
>They say you are quiet as the night, I cannot be so, I do not WISH to be so.

Okay, this is no longer a good fit for us. It would be one thing if she was only moderately talented at stealth.

Instead she seems to look down upon stealth and opposes mastering our bread and butter. There's a compatibility fit here.

I am switching my vote from Liesa to Xander unless the final question reveals something I haven't considered yet.

>>32751258
yeah I'll take Xander

Rolled 56

>>32751270
To be honest, I think she is the worst fit for us. It seems like she already knows what she's doing, but that isn't what we do.
I think either of the other two would be a better apprentice.
Xander seems like he would be more useful, but Wolfram seems like he would benefit most from a real fight.

>>32751286
>Instead she seems to look down upon stealth and opposes mastering our bread and butter. There's a compatibility fit here.
she does not look down on it, she just knows her skills and what she wants, she does not wish to be as quiet as the night, that don't make things not compatible, if anything, it means we're an even better team, we do the sneaking, she does the overt work, a ying and yang if you were, and we desperately need the skills she can bring on our journies

>>32751312
I'm leaning more towards wulfram just cause he's the most likable of the trio. Also he could use a mentor the most.

>>32751258
you might have overdone that a bit DL, to the point of detriment towards a character when there was no point for it...

>>32751316
>Xander seems like he would be more useful
he thinks he is more useful

he ain't

Liesa has skills we want and need but don't have, and vice versa, we would make a very good team

if I had to choose it would be between Wolfram and Liesa, and I think Liesa would contribute more

>>32751316
>>32751321

(I am on Xander side right now)

I like Wulfram the most, but I think Xander would actually benefit the most from our mentoring.

Wulfram's issue is confidence, while Xander is overeager and looks at us as a role model.

If we don't reign in Xander while he's young and impressionable, he might make mistakes that will get him killed, wasting his considerable talent.

I think Wulfram doesn't need us to gain confidence.

It also helps that Xander synergizes with our talent a lot more than Wulfram.

>>32751258
>I cannot be so, I do not WISH to be so.
That just makes no sense at all, if she thinks that, then why the fuck is she an apprentice of the Panthers?

Explain Dandy, cause thats some pretty severe whiplash

“What can you grant me on this mission that the others cannot? Your weaknesses can be curbed in time, but what can you bring to me now that I need?”

He looked first to Liesa who stood off to the right, she gazed at him with her cold killer’s eyes and spoke without falter. “I would like to say I can help find those who slew the Hawks, but I know nothing more than you on this. What I can give you are my signs, Aer, Igni and Unda, those are my weapons.”

Next it was Wolfram’s turn to speak. “I can give you my blade sir,” said Wolfram after a moment’s thought “But that you already have. Starkhaven is my home, though I was but a boy before I was given over to the Witchers. I can grant you what I know, as well as my skills.” Garland nodded, that made sense as to why he had paid so much attention when he had mentioned the city by name.

“And you?” he asked turning to Xander.

“If they grant you spells and sword, I grant you my bow.” Xander said proudly, regaining some of his earlier joviality. “I am a dead shot with a bow G- master Garland. I reckon I could spit a Dwarf’s beard without trimming a hair given the chance. I can support you from the shadows, together they would not know who or what hit them.”

Finally the time for choosing had come. “You have all spoken your piece, and have all spoken well.” He said, raising his torch for emphasis. “But I can only take one apprentice on this contract. And that apprentice shall be….”

>Xander
>Liesa
>Wolfram
>None

My vote is wolfram, a good, modest chap. Willing to learn and able to be taught.

Rolled 57

>>32751258
Well, I'd vote for Wolfram or Liesa.

Wolfram would make a better apprentice, but Liesa would be more useful on this mission.

>>32751350`
>Xander

>>32751166
well damn. Liesa seems like she looks down on the Panthers
Wolfram is useless
So I guess Xander
Unless, Liesa is actually willing to learn how to be stealthy
she still has superior senses and is talented with signs

>>32751350
>>Xander

He can gain the most from our mentoring and he fits in with us the most.

>>32751258
>“I have learned to defeat my enemies by disabling them with signs and then slaying them in open combat.
Exactly what we need in a travelling companion, overspecialization is a death sentence, and we are aching for more martial skills, we can both learn a lot from having her as our apprentice.

>>32751350
>>Xander

>>32751350
>Xander

>>32751350
>Xander

>>32751350
>Liesa

Rolled 99

>>32751350
Oh well,

>Liesa

>>32751357

>>32751350
>Liesa
We suck at signs. We could use the help.

>>32751351
>>32751350
Changing my vote to Xander just so we don't have to pick Liesa. Xander's a douche but at least he WANTS to learn.

Rolled 64

>>32751350
Xander

>>32751350
>>Wolfram

>>32751326
>>32751349
The wording could have been better I'll give you that. Personally I still favour her over Wolfram personally, because I love me some signs.

What I meant to convey there is she will never truly become a Panther. She can work alongside a panther, she can learn from a panther but she has lived her whole life training to be a hawk.

What I meant was that she does't want to forget where she came from, she wants to continue to focus on her signs just as much as on her stealth. The wording was terrible on my part, I didn't mean to disfavour her.

>>32751363
>well damn. Liesa seems like she looks down on the Panthers
I don't see it as her looking down on us, just looking at things realistically, she knows what her skills are and knows that true stealth is not where she would be best at, it would be a waste of her skills, though thats not to say she wouldn't make a good Panther, she just would not be as sneaky as us, there is more to being a Panther than how quiet you are

>>32751350
>Your weaknesses can be curbed in time
excellent
>Liesa
bitch is gonna learn stealth or die trying
we need signs

>>32751350
Gotta go with Legola- I mean Xander.

>>32751350
>Xander

>>32751349

>Hmph,” she grunted, looking out over the eastern landscape as Garland did. “I’m not entirely interested in competing for your apprenticeship master Garland. I seek only to further my skills, if I can do so by your side so be it, if I can do so here with the masters so be it.”

This was in the previous Liesa interview. She's interested in becoming more powerful, not a Panther necessarily.

>>32751350
>>Liesa
>>32751403
>The wording could have been better I'll give you that.
well your wording just massively influenced things badly...

>I didn't mean to disfavour her.

you just fucking did, so good job ruining the vote and biasing everyone

>>32751401
I agree. Wolfram or Xander.

>>32751350
>>Liesa

>>32751403
Damn dude
Now everyone here is biased towards Xander
still voting for Liesa though

>>32751350
>>Xander
He'll work the best with us

>>32751403
Having explained myself a bit, I'll be taking a revote from this post onwards.

I really wish each one could win because there's so much planned for each of them tbh. I love me some signs, but I also love the idea of an archer and sword stealth team. And then there's wolfram who is just a badass in sheep's clothing.

>>32751350
>Liesa

All these Xander samefags...

Well fucking done Dandy, way to royally fuck up this entire thread with one single update and destroy an entire character.

You would have been better off giving us that talent point and not wasting my time.

>>32751436

>Xander

>>32751369
>we are aching for more martial skills
Then go with Wolfram! He's a swordsmaster in the making.

>>32751440
All these liesa samefags you mean.

>>32751350
>Liesa
Fucking samefags...

Barely 6 people wanting Xander, suddenly more than 10 votes for him...

>>32751436
Wolfram.
We can make him the best.

>>32751436
>Xander

Of course, this also disadvantages Xander voters as well since they voted earlier and might not be checking.

>>32751436
>Liesa
Still need them fuckin signs.

File: YES.png (60 KB, 331x647)

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>>32751350
>SECRET OPTION
ALL THE APPRENTICES
GRAB THEM AND RUN INTO THE NIGHT ON ADVENTURE

>>32751436
Alright, I'm back on Liesa's side of things then. I thought she was being a bitch, get your shit together DL

>>32751436
>Xander

>>32751454
That's probably because all the Wolfram voters switched to Xander when we saw that he didn't stand a chance of winning. That said:

>>32751436
Wolfram

>>32751436
>Xander

Rolled 32

>>32751350
Hey mang, call a number vote.

5 minutes timeframe, only the post number and the vote option number in the reply, all that jazz. Might help against samefags.

>>32751436
well too fucking late buddy, you just ruined this entire thread and rendered it meaningless

if you want all that, let us take more than one because us Xander and Liesa would be a fucking unstoppable team

>>32751436
DL, you may want to do a final destination vote here to curb the samefagging.

5 minutes from the time of your post, you can only reply with a number and nothing else.

>>32751436
>Liesa
Signs, mosnter lore, senses

>>32751436
Honestly? Wolfram seems like the only one who won't be a complete TWAT all journey. Xander is a douche and Liesa is a hardass.

>>32751471
It is very tempting now that I have written all of them. It would be a sexy as fuck party.

But I'm going for a single apprentice here, sad to say.

>>32751403
>What I meant was that she does't want to forget where she came from, she wants to continue to focus on her signs just as much as on her stealth. The wording was terrible on my part, I didn't mean to disfavour her.
Then fucking say that instead of what character assassination you wrote in its place.

>>32751436
Why can't we take 2? it seems both Liesa and Xander are ready for taking contracts, but Wolfram still has much to learn in the fort.

So why not take both?

Rolled 58

>>32751436
Liesa

>>32751497

Then call a final destination vote so we can be done with this selection process.

>>32751499
Honestly if we could have two I'd want Xander and Wolfram. The modest guy and the cocky guy always make a kick ass team.

>>32751497
Fuck that noise, I want both Xander and Liesa, bitching party here we come.

>>32751499
>Why can't we take 2? it seems both Liesa and Xander are ready for taking contracts, but Wolfram still has much to learn in the fort.
good point, supporting this instead of the biased as shit vote that Dandy cocked up

>>32751436
>>Xander

How about Strawpoll or something? I assume there'd be a selection to dissuade samefagging with strawpoll?

>>32751436
>>Xander

>>32751497
>But I'm going for a single apprentice here, sad to say.
Why?

Why be a stick in the mud to the detriment of everything?

Why not go with the most entertaining and enjoyable option that does not just ruin an entire thread?

>>32751524
Strawpoll is easier to samefag than a final destination vote.

>>32751524

Strawpoll is literally the worst.

Do a final destination, 5 minute. No quoting. Just a number.

>>32751516
>>32751499
>Why cant we take 2
because thats fucking stupid
trying to divide our time between protecting, training 2 apprentices and trying to fight monsters and survive
nah son
and also, because Dandy said pick 1, so pick 1

>>32751524
strawpoll is easier to fudge then 4chan's duplicate filter

just accept it, you fucked up and wasted this entire thread and these three characters

stop trying to treat the symptoms and deal with the problem

let us pick the two ready for apprenticeship and theres no problem

Rolled 61

>>32751524
Strawpoll is ridiculously easy to cheat.

>>32751544
>this one butthurt samefag

your tears are delicious

>>32751544

Fuck that, I don't even care if my candidate doesn't win. Just one apprentice.

I hate gaming the system for an unfair advantage.

>>32751524
Just do a Final Destination vote
5 min deadline
replies include the Quote to your post and a number corresponding to an apprentice
its how most GMs sort this shit out

>>32751543
they are more than competent enough in their own right to survive alongside us, and they can learn from each other as well as us

just saying "No you can't have that just because I said so" makes no sense.

and after this clusterfuck, it just seems retarded and wasteful, god knows I'm downvoting this trainwreck of a thread

>>32751531
Because for this act Garland has one apprentice, the others go off on different adventures with different Witchers. Because the party has to begin with few and become many.

Plus it isn't like these characters are gonna melt away when the choice is made. These guys will still exist, just not be around for Act II

>>32751544
>>32751564

You are worse than the obnoxiously vocal anti-waifu anon.

>>32751557
>I hate gaming the system for an unfair advantage.
Well guess what.

DL did just that by killing of an entire character with one fucking paragraph.

>>32751569
It would help if you actually conveyed that at all instead of focused on rigging the vote...

>>32751559

No quotes, just the number is the preferred system of most QMs.

>>32751587
I don't get how he killed a character or rigged a vote? He basically said all the characters are viable and did so in character. Chill.

"Ruined this thread" mate, I played her like she is. She would have acted the same had she been a male, Xander would have acted the same had he been female.

In any case I'm making this easy and taking you folk out of things for safety sake. I'm going to make three posts, each with a name and a roll, lowest roll gets it. Nobody can (justly) complain, because no same fags, no votes, just the power of dice.

File: lilacs future.jpg (42 KB, 388x384)

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>>32751587

>>32751592
>>32751559
Still does nothing to the many different ways of getting around the duplicate filter.

Congrats on your first trainwreck Dandy, your a real QM now!

Rolled 68

Alphabetical order even.

>Liesa

>>32751612
how can you get around a final destination duplicate filter?

Rolled 2

>>32751609
I do not recommend that.

>>32751609
oh boy here we g-

>>32751628
>68
welp

>>32751587

Please stop, this is getting embarrassing.

>>32751609

I was supporting Xander but I'll accept this for the point of moving on.

Rolled 65

>Wolfram

>>32751630
with hundreds of different invisible characters and ways of brute forcing through the filter and other ways of tricking the filter to think its not a duplicate

I ain't going to tell you how anon, because its bad enough as is

It's down to Wolfy or Xander now.

>>32751645

RIP Wolfram bros

>>32751609
this is not going to end well

Rolled 63

>Xander

>>32751628
>>32751645
Xander it is.

>>32751656

Oh wait, I'm illiterate, RIP Liesa

DAMN! by 2 lousy points. Oh well, can't complain.

>>32751666
>>32751645
>>32751628
three apart each and still Xander

>>32751628
>>32751645
>>32751666
>68
>65
>63

Dice gods be toying with us.

>>32751628
>>32751645
>>32751666
>68
>65
>63

Even the Dice Gods knew what a close decision this way

Rolled 12

>>32751666
>>32751645
>>32751628
Shit even the dice were close.

I'm sure there'll be a shitstorm from this because that's what this whole thread has become, but it looks like it's Xander for the apprenticeship.

But you don't have to bitch too hard because Liesa and Wolfram come back at the end of Act 2 and there may even be a chance to snag them for the party. Who fucking knows.

I think this is a point where the thread needs to end though.

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>>32751666
it was inevitable