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Talent Web

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Witcherpedia
>Inventory
>Talents
>Recipes
>NPCs
>Bestiary

>Witcher Quest
WOO!

[Typing intensifies]

I'mma do it. I'm going to commit myself to reading the archives.

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I'm sure someone talented could make it into a proper panther

>>34799303
I did not make it obviously, you can thank /v/(gasp) for that. I'm not the guy who [intensified] in the previous threads.

Hello again ladies and gentlemen, I shall not bore you with pleasantries as I know you are all desperate for more of Garland’s tale. It is such a shame we were interrupted so rudely when last I spun my tale, but no matter. Though I do not wish to remind you of the terrible deeds that occurred at the end of my tale-telling, it is necessary to continue our journey alongside the Witcher and his apprentice.

After the death of the young Elf woman whom Garland had failed to save, there was a long period of silence between Xander and his master. The two worked in silence, taking turns to dig her a deep grave beneath the apple tree in the farmer’s field. Garland was grim with anger and disappointment at his own failure. Every life he failed to save weighed on him at least a little, but what truly struck him and boiled his blood were the deaths caused not by monsters – but by men. The fact that he found himself rescuing those very same men at times… it was hard to take it without gritting his teeth.

But nonetheless he did so, for that was who he was – what he was. He was a Witcher, that was something he couldn’t deny.

So yes he buried the girl, it was the least he could do. Perhaps Xander did not understand this aspect of Witcherhood just yet, but he was sure that his young apprentice would come to know the bitterness that came with the duty soon enough. Already he could tell this city would be a sour place.

When finally the deed was done the two returned to their horses which waited patiently for them by the road, having been tied there only loosely. Had they been disobedient they may have wandered, but these were Witcher’s horses – Panther’s horses at that. As they rode forth from that depressing place, it was Xander who finally broke the silence.

>cont'd

“Garland, will you tell me something?” his tone was quiet and respectful, but Garland’s keen ears could hear the apprehension – and perhaps bitterness? – hiding behind this formality. He didn’t say a thing, simple gave a quizzical “Hrm?” sound in response. This may have dissuaded Xander, for he was quiet for some time before finally asking. “Why did we bury her? Why are you upset? I don’t understand this, she was clearly attacking that guard, yet you treat her like the victim. Would it not have been best for me to shoot her through with an arrow and save the man? You took one hell of a chance trying to talk her down like that, if the guard hadn’t broken free she may well have killed him before you had a chance to kill her.”

>How do you respond?

>>34799625
"Xander, you must remember that witchers are not human, not anymore. We do not fit in amongst them. You have to let go the human urge to defend those of your tribe, no matter the circumstance. They tried to force that girl back into the city for no good reason I can discern. And they did so using me as a distraction. If I had done my job properly, that girl would still be drawing breath."

>>34799625
Bottom of that post got cut off, my bad.

>How do you respond?
>Calmly
>Gruffly

>"We all interpret the Witcher code differently"
>"Because sometimes protecting somebody doesn't mean killing somebody else."
>"You'll figure it out soon enough."
>???

>>Calmly
>>"Because sometimes protecting somebody doesn't mean killing somebody else."
And this: >>34799754

>>34799754
I'd second this.

>>34799756
>Calmly
>"Because sometimes protecting somebody doesn't mean killing somebody else."

>>34799756
>Calmly
>"Because sometimes protecting somebody doesn't mean killing somebody else."
>"You'll figure it out soon enough."

At this Garland took in a deep breath, and let it out in a long sigh. He had knew that this would be coming, though he had hoped it would be later in their journey than this, or perhaps even when Xander was with a different master. Teaching sword tricks, monster lore or how to creep through even the densest foliage? That was easy compared to the philosophical side of Witcherhood.

“Xander,” he began, pulling his horse to a stop so that his apprentice rode up beside him and they could meet eyes. “it’s time you understand that we are not human – not anymore.” These were harsh words for any young Witcher, especially one such as Xander who was still inbetween a human and a Witcher. “While they will gladly have us protect them from monsters, witches and curses, we don’t fit in amongst them any longer. You need to let go of your old urges to protect your own kind. We kill monsters, we protect those who are not monsters – be they men, Elves, Dwarves or even Trolls. What makes a monster is not its shape.” He thought about ending his lesson here, Xander already looked shocked and perhaps even thoughtful. But he decided to add one extra piece of wisdom “Killing is not always the answer. One does not have to save one by killing another. I want you to think on this, and find your own answers.”

Indeed this was the hardest part of being a Witcher; drawing the lines between white and black in a world of gray…

They spoke no more of this, not for some time at least. Instead they rode on in silence, this time riding side by side along the road rather than in single file as they had. There was no chance of bandit ambush or monster attack this close to the city anyway.

>Cont'd

It was less than thirty minutes later that they came to the gate of the great city, with the pale stone walls rising high above them. Garland was no master of history or geography, but he knew enough to know that Starkhaven had once been a grand Elven city. The white stone walls were once theirs, but much had changed in the past centuries. Now they had but a quarter of the city to themselves, and it seemed a darkness had come to steal even that from them.

Security was heavier than one would expect at the gate, for one it was closed in the middle of a clear spring day. They really were trying to keep people out or perhaps in, Garland though it was likely to be both at this stage. They were halted by guards upon their approach, but it seemed they were expecting them, as when he flashed his medallion they opened the gate for them without fuss. He couldn’t help but wonder if it would be so easy to leave when he chose to, and thought it may not.

Where did Garland go from there?
>To the inn to get a room, some food, some rest, and some information
>To the local guardhouse
>To the local lord’s estate
>To the marketplace for supplies and information
>To the local bounty and contract board for some extra Witcher’s work.

>>34800154
>To the inn to get a room, some food, some rest, and some information

Then on to the Marketplace merchants love gossiping like the whores they are

>>34800154
>To the local lord’s estate
>To the local guardhouse
>To the marketplace for supplies and information
>To the inn to get a room, some food, some rest, and some information

In that order

>>34800154
>>To the inn to get a room, some food, some rest, and some information
Been a tough road, lets take a breather before getting to work.

>>34800273
This sounds good.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>34800337
>>34800273

>>34800230
>>34800315

Tiebreaker anyone?

>>34800515
Inns are a staple of fantasy.

If we can sit in a dark corner, bonus.

Though where we all gather now lies many miles from the land of Honoria and the city of Starkhaven, some of you have no doubt heard of the great “City of Walls”. There are many theories as to what significance the city had in the years before humans came and tore it from the hands of the Elves as they expanded their empires and warred over land that was once free of monsters and sacred to those who dwelled upon it. I myself side myself with those who believe it was once a place of religious and cultural significance. For if the Elves and Dwarves are to be believed, there were no monsters before the great collapse, and thus no reason for such grand walls.

For those of you who do not know it, Starkhaven is a city encased in a great circular wall of white stone. Within this grand circle are lesser walls which separate the city into four wards. There is the central ward where nobility and upper class live, as well as where official business is dealt with. The three outer wards are each known as the “Common Quarter”, the “Business Quarter” and the “Non-Human Quarter”. It is interesting to note that there is only one gate into the “Noble Quarter” and that is through the Business Quarter, which is where Garland found himself after entering the city.

What I myself found most striking about the city when I visited the place, were the carvings. On the inside of the walls are ancient Elven carvings. Though I never had the chance to enter the Noble Quarter, I hear the carvings within that area have been well maintained, surrounding the quarter with beautiful depictions of nature and beauty. While the carvings on the borders of the common quarter are nice, they have not been well maintained over the years and many have cracked, broken away or been covered with ugly repairs.

In any case, I should return to Garland’s tale, should I not?

Garland may not have known the finer details of what I have just described, but he did know the basic layout of the city itself. He had heard from the old farmer man that Katarina de Lorienne was likely to be living within the walls of the Noble Quarter, and that was also where his primary employer – the lord of this walled city – was no doubt found. So it was there that the two of them went, weaving their way through the busy market streets on foot, having reigned their horses in at a local stable for a small fee.

As they moved Garland couldn’t help noticing that Xander had lost his brooding frown and was staring around the city in awe. It was likely he hadn’t seen this many people in one place for a very long time, perhaps not since he was a babe – perhaps not even then depending on his birthplace. He wondered briefly if he should scold him and tell him to be more alert, but decided that he would allow the boy at least this much gawking time, had he not done the same his first time away from the monastery?

This was not all he noticed on his way eastward towards the lower – yet still undoubtedly tall – inner wall that marked the border of the noble quarter. As they came closer to the wall he noticed he was pushing by fewer and fewer people as the foot traffic began to drop away. He felt sure he knew the reason, but kept silent until he finally came in view of the gate that would allow them into the next quarter.

“Damn,” he cursed, sure this would be trouble for the two of them.

The gate was closed, and guarded by a pair of men in uniform. He noted that their insignias were different to those he saw outside, but they looked just as stubborn and pig-headed to him upon first inspection. As the two Witchers approached the men shifted their posture, ready for confrontation.

“No passage by order of lord Dietmar Günther,” one said loudly, as if reciting a line for a play practiced over and over.

>Demand entry
>Request entry
>???

>>34801067
>Request entry, flash our medallion.

Sorry I'm starving, just grabbing a bite to eat, shouldn't be too much later than usual.

>>34801067
>Request entry

Ey lemme in

Garland once again raised his medallion so that they could inspect it, as if his golden eyes, ivory hair and twin swords weren’t enough to identify him as a Witcher. The guard whom he waved the medallion at looked unsure of himself, but the other guard shook his head when he was given a quizzical glance.

“Sorry sir, nobody without written permission is to enter. The plague has the noble quarter in an uproar y’see and.”

“That’s enough Bert,” chastised the senior guardsman, silencing his compatriot.

“I’m a Witcher, I’m here to end the curse… or the plague if you’d prefer that. I’m here on orders from Lord Günther so why don’t you-“

“The plague ain’t in the noble quarter, so I don’t see why you need entry. No papers, no entry.” Said the senior guard, gazing directly forward. Some may say he was doing this to maintain his guard and to remain firm in front of possible intruders, but I’d say it was because he was scared to meet those cat-like eyes dead on.

>Give up
>Demand entry
>???

>>34801528
"Although the plague isn't in the noble quarter, my employer is. Before I can begin, we need to discuss some things."

Can we use Axii or whatever to convince them?

>>34801528
>Demand entry

Give him the name of the sorceress we need to talk to her more than lord what's his face. If that doesn't work we can always play hide and go seek in a noble quarter under quarantine.

What can possibly go wrong?

>>34801586
You could, if you had that equivalent sign

Though you can attempt it untrained and hope for the best

>>34801624
Why did I just get the mental image of a witches doing jazz hands?

“Although the plague may not be in the Noble Quarter, my employer is. Before I begin I need to discuss a few things, so let me through.” This was met with silence from both men, and though Garland never told me so, I feel I can assume the younger of the two was shaking in his boots. When this didn’t work Garland tried again. “Katarina de Lorienne, does the name ring a bell?” again there was no response “The sorceress is also here to end the curse, we are supposed to be working together, will you get your thumb out of your arse and open this gate so I can do my fucking job?”

At this the senior guardsman finally looked at him, though it took the man considerable effort to do so I’m sure. “Listen Witcher, you talk about your job and how you have to do it, and we’ve got to do ours too. No non-humans through the gate without papers, so I don’t care if you’re a Witcher, an Elf or my god damn mother-in-law, NO non-humans.” At this Garland heard Xander hiss in a sharp intake of breath through his teeth. He was unsure whether he were attempting to hold back anger at being called non-human, or laughter at the crack about the man’s mother-in-law.

Garland knew this would be easy if he had the Sign of the Mind, he would have easily been able to overcome this man’s mind for long enough to allow them passage, but he also knew that practicing signs you had not perfected was dangerous work.

>Give up for now
>Force your way through
>Attempt the Sign of the Mind [1d100 Intelligence check]
>???

>>34801887
>Give up for now

Is it strange that I like this guy? Dedicated 10/10 would drink with

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>34801887
>Attempt the Sign of the Mind [1d100 Intelligence check]
lemme try

>>34801949
Alright, if not here then where? Refer to the previous list.

>>34802033
>To the inn to get a room, some food, some rest, and some information

Get a lay of the lan-

>>34802031
...

>>34802076
It's okay, only the most popular votes get through!

>>34802076
Yeah let's fall back for now. Where can we get papers?

>>34802146
Most Likely from the merchants they might have one to do business with the Nobles

>>34802146
Without writing another post for it, I'd say Garland would assume from either a high ranking official, a noble or the guard captain.

>>34802207
Alright, should we head there then?

>>34802214
Can we sneak in?
Do we have to survey first then sneak in?

>>34802233
>>34802214
Nevermind then, let's just go to inn. Information is there after all.

>>34802255
You can sneak if you want to, you can leave your friends behind, because your friends don't sneak and if tney don't sneak then they're no friends of mine.

>>34802207
This is also a good idea

>>34802258
Or this

>>34802423
Sneaky dance~

Dandy you.......dandy bastard

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>34802423
Well those are both good but I'm gonna just roll for my vote

1 - Merchants
2 - Inn

>>34802459
I couldn't help myself

So yes, this voting, are we confirming the inn or the market?

>>34802530
Market, the inn can wait.

>>34802530
>>34802514

Muh dice say

>Market

Ah, Witcher Quest. Did I miss anything?

Reminder for possible builds for Xander/Garland:

>Dragonslayer Goug
>Offensive Pots
>STR mutagens
>Archery
>a bit of Stealth

Mutant Killstreak Build
>STR+AGI Mutagens
>Stealth
>Enhancer Pots
>Speed Signs


Shinobi Killstreak Build
>Sword Signs
>Stealth
>Speed Signs

Vulture
>Harvester
>Mutagen
>Stealth
>Lure/Trapping?

Army in an Army
>Swordplay
>Shadow
>Swordplay
>SWORDPLAY
Given a sizable contingent of allied troops, anyone who would want to take down Garland would need to AOE the whole place just to find him.

Deciding he better not tamper with the Power, as well as deciding he actually quite liked this guard, Garland waved a hand in defeat. “Fine, but should you be here when I return with papers, I’ll have you apologize to those who died due to the plague while I was away.” He said with a weak smile upon his lips as he turned to leave.

“Aye,” said the older fellow, no doubt relieved the Witcher hadn’t turned violent. As I should know, stories about Witchers tend to travel. Some are exaggerated through rumour, but not all of them need to be.

Though the inn would be tempting and Xander was no doubt bushed from the travelling – this I can attest to, Garland is a ruthless travel companion – the man who would one day come to be known as the White Panther chose to head instead to the marketplace in search of information and hopefully for papers. Little did he know there would be a meeting of destiny waiting for him there.

As he worked his way back into the busy business district of the city, with his apprentice hot on his heels he realized that Xander could be an indispensible tool like none he had ever possessed before. He could have two Witchers in two places if he so wished, rather than having to have the boy trial behind him like a lost puppy the whole way. If he so chose he could send Xander off to look for information elsewhere, or keep him by his side in case he needed the help.

>Send Xander off to look for more information – if so, where?
>Keep Xander with you

>>34802848
Ah, back again I see.

You make me want to make skill trees, more and more skill trees

>>34803035
Then give us more talent points before we riot

>>34802988
>>Keep Xander with you
maybe when Xander has gotten a feel for city travel and investigation. We still haven't seen him do either, after all.

>>34803076
True, but this is a chance for him to prove himself in a relatively low risk setting.

>>34802988
>Send Xander off to look for more information – if so, where?

Giving him some more responsibility might not be bad

Let's send him to the Inn but only to Observe and blend in people tend to talk loudly when their drunk

>>34803098
that's true, but if there's ever a non-human human confrontation, Xander might be forced to answer that philosophical problem with far too little time to think about it.

>>34803167
Haven't they all been contained in the Non-Humans quarters?

>>34803167
Fair enough. We don't want him getting involved in something he can't get himself out of.

>>34803225
Non-humans still do business, and Xander can be treated as non-human depending on how racist people feel.

No clear consensus, but it seems keeping him with you is the clear answer?

>>34803060
Never

>>34803225
Most, not all.

It only took a few moments of consideration and a good glance at the way a number of the townsfolk and guardsmen glanced at them as they passed to realize that sending Xander off alone would be a bad idea. This town was on edge from the curse – or to some it was the plague – in any case these people feared or outright despised those who were different. He couldn’t entirely blame them, a plague carried by non-humans was like the typical racist man’s worst dreams come to life.

And perhaps it was for the best, because it wasn’t long after he had made his decision that a ruckus erupted somewhere ahead of him near the town square. Like the squares in many other towns, the business quarter had a square set up for stalls and independent vendors to sell their goods. It was from here a number of loud angry shouts were breaking out. There were a number of voices that Garland could pick up with his sensitive hearing, and amongst them there was a distinctively Dwarven accent crying out in protest.

>Go to the commotion
>Ignore it and find the local merchant’s guild
>???

>>34803469
>Go to the commotion

>Witchers
>Not constantly jumping into conflicts
Heh

>>34803469
>>Go to the commotion
Sneak on.

I don't actually want to do this, but is the commotion a big enough distraction to enter the Noble Quarter?

>>34803060
Then go to the bounty board

Garland moved quickly, slipping through the crowd as easily as he might through thick overgrowth while stalking his prey. Xander was behind him, obediently following on his heels, clearly a little overwhelmed by the number of people that filled this market space. Perhaps in a less stressful time they may be able to do some form of training here, teaching the apprentice to blend into a crowd to stalk a target, but of course there were other things to do at this time.

There was a small crowd gathered around the confrontation, making it easy for Garland to break free of the pack of people and burst out into the centre of the circle. He noticed that Xander didn’t follow him, and smiled a secret smile to himself. The boy may be new to this, but he was applying the same tricks they had practiced for wilderness exploration. Though he couldn’t see him amongst the crowd at a glance, the senior Witcher knew he would be there, waiting for his master’s signal should it be given.

>cont'd

The commotion was focused on a single stall, or rather on the Dwarven man who had been running the stall until he had been interrupted. He stood with three guards around him, one was examining his good, another had him by the scruff of his collar and another was engaged in conversation with him.

“I told ye that I’m not goin’ to the damn non-human quarter,” he snarled, in a tone that was oddly familiar to the Witcher. “I’ve never been there, I can’t have any plague, and even if I did I’ve got the papers to be out here sellin’ me wares so you can go back to were ye came from and leave me the hell alone, I’m a businessman and I have fuckin’ rights!”

And that was when Garland recognized the Dwarven fellow, though his beard had been grown out considerably and he wore a pair of spectacles now, the same gruff face and way of speaking remained. It was Yarven Golt, the Dwarf he had met years ago in Loredge. He had borrowed a boat from the man, and the friends he had made had been of use during the ruckus. Now he was being berated by the guards, as they threatened to close his stall down and imprison him if he didn’t get off the damn street.

>Approach calmly
>Shout at the guards to stop what they’re doing
>Continue to observe
>???

>>34803945
>Continue to observe

If a single guard lays a fucking hand on him were making hand necklaces

>>34803469
>Go to the commotion

>>34803945
Stand just behind the guardsmen, watching them incase they plant anything illegal or something to that effect.

It's also a good position to stop them from physically destroying anything.

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>>34804006

>>34803945
>>Approach calmly

>>34804043
bleh, gotta run. don't get Yarven killed like what happened with the elf.

>>34804044
now that's just mean spirited. Also a little bit too far considering your tenuous reputation.

>>34804043
You are now imagining a Tall, slightly pale, cat eyed, scared man watching you over your shoulder

>>34803945
>Approach calmly

Letting him go to the non-human quarter isn't an option but, pretty much anything we do will escalate things.

Garland was never a man to forget his friends, even in this early stage of his career as a Witcher. Yarven had been a great help to him, but beyond that he had been a companion to drink with and play dice, in a city where nobody seemed to want him around. Now he felt like he was on the other side of the situation, where Yarven could use a hand in a situation where he wasn’t particularly popular and he was there to provide it.

He stood close to the crowd, blending in with the onlookers as much as a Witcher truly can amongst common folk. He watched the scene before him play out, waiting for any sign of violence or ill-will so that he could step in and help his friend. He could step in now, but as it was he didn’t feel the guards had done too much worth his wrath.

It didn’t take long, as the argument escalated between the guard and the Dwarf, things got to the boiling point. First the guard asked to see Yarven’s papers, which the stout man provided. But the guard didn’t even look at them, simply tucked them into a pocket of his uniform and ordered for the goods to be confiscated. At this Yarven had experienced enough mistrust and racism and outright spat in the guard’s face.

Garland knew that this was it, I can imagine he saw that glob of mucus travel in slow motion as his adrenaline kicked in. He would have to diffuse this situation the second that loogie hit the guardsman’s face.

>???

>>34804074
Do people really consider than mean spirited? Then I'm sorry, I was just teasing.

>>34804086
I wondered why he was scared for a second there, then I realized.

Also that would be terrifying, especially knowing what a Witcher does and can do.

>>34804223
Are we a bad enough Dude to pick pocket the guard for the papers and take Yorven and use the Ancient technique of run the fuck away?

>>34804287
I don't know, do you trust the dice? You've got good finesse which means you have a decent chance of the pickpocketing, and even maybe the running away, but last thread's dice...

>>34804223
Threaten "Give him back his papers and leave or I will treat you the same as any other brigand."

Please some one else come up with something better.

>>34804287
You stop it we're a witcher not a thief even if we are a "master" of stealth

Place a hand on his shoulder and say "I thought Guards were supposed to protect people from theft, perhaps you should rethink what you just did. There's a crowd here, and I'm sure plenty of people just saw that." then stare him right in the eye "I know I did."

>>34804370
Buttttt mom he stole it first!

My other plan is to remember him. Remember his smell, his hair, his eyes, every single contour, wrinkle, freckle, and pox mark, having Xander follow him learn his entire life and schedule. Then we find somewhere to beat him up in and take it

>>34804461
That's terrifying

I vote for this

I don't know if I portrayed it well enough, but Yarven's right on the brink of getting beaten. I don't know if putting hands on shoulders of men who just got face-loogied is good enough.

I like the quotes and plans, just want to make sure I conveyed Yarven just threw the first blow in a sense.

>>34804505
So our options are

>Glorious Fisticuffs
>GOTTAH GO FAST
>Threaten

>>34804530
Sounds good

I'm too used to being a standard DM here and allowing total freedom. I need to get some multi-choice up in here.

>>34804223
Step right in between them, look as threatening as possible to the guards.

I think we've established its "threaten" by now, and since I've been slow today I'll hurry this up.

>>34804505
I think every one should take a moment to think about all the shitstorms that could have been stopped with a post like this. Not saying this would have been one but, still I like the sentiment.

>>34804620
Eh it's pretty obvious what's about to happen its 3 guards vs 1 dorf

It took only a moment for Garland to react, stepping forward into the group of guards surrounding Yarven and taking action. In that time the spit had collided with the guard’s face, and he’d given out a string of curses that would make any innocent young lady blush redder than a tomato. Without even bothering to wipe the spittle from his face he raised a fist to the Dwarf, and would likely have bashed in the stout man’s nose had Garland not clasped that fist before it was sent flying.

“That’s a bad idea,” he growled, his words which could have easily come across as simple advice instead carried with them an abundance of menace. “Look around you, there is a crowd, people saw what you just did with his papers.” As if to illustrate this he patted the man’s breast where he had stored the papers, the guard being too momentarily stunned to do much about that. “Why don’t you give him back what he owns, let him off with a warning and avoid embarrassing yourself.”

He then lowered the guard’s hand to his side, stepped back from him and instead moved to Yarven’s side.

With all that had happened there must have been something in Garland’s eyes that day, he had not had a good time with the local guardsmen after all, and that something must have been clear as day to all three guards present, because they moved away from the white maned Panther rather fast. The lead guard tossed the papers Yarven had offered into the dirt of the square and barked a simple.

“Watch yourself Dwarf,” before storming off with his buddies to find a non-human without Witcher friends to come to their aid.

>cont'd

>>34804672
Yeah I know I was just talking about QMs clarifying things when they feel they have been misunderstood. I've seen a lot of times where characters have done things they should have known not to with information they had but, the participants didn't really get. Might not have been necessary this time I just wanted to encourage the principle.

Suddenly Xander was there with a huge smile on his face, it seemed this confrontation had not bothered him so much as the one outside. Perhaps it was more obvious who was being persecuted here. “That was fuckin’ brilliant Master!” he exclaimed “Did you see their faces? That one guy was so shocked he didn’t even wipe the spit from his face!”

“Garland? Well clip my ears and call me an Elf, it’s been years! Who’d’ve thought you’d show up now of all times?”

It was good to see the Dwarven man, but they had just been the centre of a decent sized commotion, and Garland was already sick of making impressions on people in this city. No doubt word of this would be spreading already, and he didn’t need any trouble here, he just wanted to get his job done and get out.

>Retreat with Yarven to the inn
>Continue talking here
>Find somewhere more secluded

>>34804740
Well I just remember the shitstorm that was choosing your apprentice and I managed to portray one of them in a way I didn't mean to.

That went down well.

>>34804769
>>Retreat with Yarven to the inn

>>34804769
>Find somewhere more secluded

Shit my shadows started running

>>34804769
>Retreat with Yarven to the inn
Shame we had to meet again in such manner, but the path of a Witcher is not an easy one friend. How did the years favor you?

>>34804781
I fell asleep before that happened in that thread reading the archive in the morning I had no idea what the fuck people were really arguing about

>>34804845
Witchers and whore man, witchers and whores

>>34799139
I wonder why we can't just use Witcher - Game of Imagination. Half of it already tranlated and there is like ZERO interest in it when looking for people to proof-read the thing

“It’s good to see you too Yarven, but this is hardly the time for pleasantries.” He waved a hand to the crowd, who had not quite yet fully dispersed. “I think it best you pack up your stall and we head to the inn.” Yarven was wise enough, and after eyeing up the crowd nodded and set to work closing up his stall. It wasn’t likely he would be getting any business that day in any case.

I’ll not bore you with the tale of how Garland had his apprentice help Yarven carry his goods to his current inn room where they stored everything and then headed out to find a good place to drink, such things are not at all interesting for our tale. So I’ll skip forward to where Yarven had already had a pint or so, and conversation began rolling…

“When finally I ended up and Loredge I heard the whole tale!” Yarven bellowed, slamming a fist down on the table. “But that’s not all I’ve heard! I’ve been followin’ yer tales any chance I get to hear of ‘em. There ain’t many talkin’ about ye yet, but mark my words Garland, give it a few years and you’ll have a bard tellin’ your tales in a place just like this one!”

Now to be completely blunt with you I don’t know if other bards are telling Garland’s tale anymore. I’m well aware he is famous in the cities he has visited, and there was a time when people would hang on every word about his adventures, at least in his homeland of Honoria. But many stories of his have gotten to the point where nobody knows who he was, he was just “The Witcher” of the tale. And having known him, that makes me mighty sad I must say.

In any case I must return to what I was saying… where was I? Oh yes

>Cont'd

“I’m not so sure,” Garland mused as he took a sip of his own ale, glad to be playing dice poker with this old acquaintance again. One of the things he once confided in me was that Witchering is lonely work, you often make a good friend working the work of a Witcher, but had to move on so soon, and you likely never saw that person again. Meeting Yarven was a nice distraction from his terrible day.

“And you’ve got an apprentice!” roared the Dwarf happily, waving a hand at Xander who was off in a corner trying his hand in the local brawling ring. “Seems a bit dim-witted but nonetheless a nice enough lad.” At this Garland simply nodded.

>Say some stuff?

>>34804901
Is there actually anything in it that makes it unique to the Witcher experience/world?

I feel a general system works well enough.

>>34805120
>He needs to grow.

>>34805120
"He's a good lad at heart, he just needs experience to turn that heart black, but enough of me and my apprentice, how have you been in this city? Unfortunately work has brought me here and I could use any information and gossip you might have."

>>34805105
>he was just “The Witcher” of the tale. And having known him, that makes me mighty sad I must say.

Goddamn we need a new PR guy

>>34805217
>He just needs experience to turn that heart black

U wot?

>>34805120
I think I'll second
>>34805217
Maybe enough experience to harden it instead of turn it black though.

>>34805283
>Maybe enough experience to harden it instead of turn it black though.
yep, use that instead

“He’s a good enough lad at heart,” Garland agreed, having grown a little fond of his apprentice over the past few weeks of travel. “He just needs to get the experience to harden that heart, and to figure out what being a Witcher is all about.” At this he saw Yarven’s eyes gleam with an understanding that was rare from non-Witchers, and Garland remembered that gleam from when he first met and drank with the Dwarf. “But enough about Xander and I, how long have you been in the city? Work has brought me here, and I’m sure you understand what I’m here to do. I could use information if you have it.”

“I’m not quite done with the boy yet,” Yarven said, a toothy grin exposing itself beneath his bristly moustache. “fifty crowns say he wins that little fist fight tournament,” he said, placing a small pile of coins next to their dice board. Yarven was undoubtedly bad at dice, but that didn’t mean he was a bad gambler overall. Garland considered, eyed up his apprentice and made his bet.

>No way
>50 crowns, meet his bet
>100 crowns, raise his bet

>>34805363
>>50 crowns, meet his bet

>>34805363
>100 crowns, raise his bet

Go fucking big or go broke

>100 crowns
MONEY MONEY MONEY

Xander's a Witcher's apprentice, we can't lose!

>>34805500
uhh, Yarven is betting FOR Xander, we're betting AGAINST him...

Just realized I phrased it wrong, and now you're betting AGAINST Xander, so just ignore that and say Yarven bet against him so you're betting for him.

>>34805549
right then, in that case, I'll change my vote in >>34805459 to
>100 crowns, raise his bet

Garland eyed up the coins on the table for a moment, then placed double on his side of the board in response. Yarven gave a deep bark of a laugh and added fifty more to his pile. “You’re on,”

Garland smiled but then make a twirling gesture with his hand to prompt the Dwarf to get back to what they were talking about before. As he did he noticed Xander get caught off guard and take a good blow to the chin, but he didn’t stagger and managed to get a few good blows in himself afterwards.

“Well I’ve been here near a week now, and things look bleak Garland.” He said with a sour expression, having to take a swig of his beer to lessen the bitterness he felt after saying those words. “It’s not just the pla- curse that’s bothering the people. Things have been brewing for a while now between the humans and non-humans. The fact this is an Elven city probably started things, but there’s been other stuff. A non-human revolt when they wanted to be able to live outside their quarter, a non-human serial killer – killing non-humans I mean, not an Elf stabbin’ folk – and now this curse. The non-humans of the town have had things rough for the past hundred ta hundred fifty years I’d say.” Garland thought he was done, but the Dwarf only wanted to wet his whistle a bit more before continuing. “And it isn’t just the non-humans, things have been sour for the common folk too. Disappearances, people say there’s a monster in the sewers, and something attacking farmers outside the walls too. But as long as nobody touches the noble quarter everything’s fine and dandy.”

“Hmm,” Garland responded, processing all the information and storing it for later. It seemed there was more Witcher’s work here than just the curse, were he to take it. He would remember these rumours for later, people rarely made false rumours when it came to monsters, though sometimes they were wrong about what was truly evil and what was not

>Ask more questions
>Keep quiet and watch the fights.

>>34805674
>>Ask more questions
ask him about ways we could get in the noble quarter and see our employer and our sorceress partner

>>34805674
>>Ask more questions
"What have you heard, master Yarven, about the killer of non-humans?"

>>34805674
My mouth is fucking salivating at all this potential Talent Points

>Ask more questions

All I could think of is what he knows about the magic tits and The Lord of this city

>>34805793
>the magic tits
when we meet her and inevitably bang her a good thing, not a bad thing we should use that line

>>34805845
>Implying she'll meet Garland's unnaturally high standards

Which is probably a mythical story on its own

“Tell me about this non-human killer.” Garland said, leaning forward intently. I’m not sure what drew him to the subject, I have no idea if Witchers feel that same morbid curiosity as the average person, but I must say that serial killers do have a certain dark interest to them.

“I haven’t heard much,” the Dwarf admitted, obviously uncomfortable with the subject, perhaps because of his own racial nature. “I hear about ten years ago there was a fella who would go into the non-human district, sneak into houses and tie up an Elf, sometimes a Dwarf but usually an Elf. He’d string them up like puppets, cut their wrists and leave them to bleed out like that. Horrible stuff.” He gave a visible shudder just thinking about it.

“Let’s change subject,” there was more he could ask, but Garland wasn’t about to put the Dwarf through it. “I need to get into the Noble Quarter, is there anything you can tell me?”

“What, you’re not just going to climb over the wall?” Yarven asked with that same barked laughter “Then you’ll either need papers or a damn good map of the sewers.” He lowered his voice then “I could try and get you one or the other, but it wouldn’t be strictly legal, and you might be better off going through official channels like the guardhouse, though they’d likely have you do some of their work for them before they’d give you what you want.”

>???

>>34805982
>though they’d likely have you do some of their work for them before they’d give you what you want.”

That might not be a bad idea. Get a little pull with the guards who we currently have a shitty rep with and get the papers. As dickbuttish as they tend to be and are they're still useful.

And no I'm not whoring myself out for Talent points.
...

Who am I kidding
>Will do kids parties for Talent Points

>>34805145
Let's think...
1) It's a fucking codifier of all setting lore - the video games were mostly based on data collected for it, not the books (someone already did the research and summed it up, so no need for doing it yourself again)
2) The mechanics are made in such way to put a CLEAR distinction between trained and untrained combatants and between witchers and rest of humanoids WITHOUT inbalanced combat
3) It's gritty and semi-realistic with approach toward combat, so no generic stuff about surviving countless odds; it blends greatly with the setting

And besides, I think people simply are too lazy to read 120 pages to proof-read them, hence no-one is interested in helping. Who knows, if I posted finished product instead of deluding myself that our team can get external help, it might succeed. But since I want work from people, the all go "nah, that sounds too generic, we will stick to D&D"

>>34805982
"See if you can find a map of the sewers. Don't put your self out to do so, I will try working things on my end. But before I forget to ask, is there anything I can do for you to help you get settled? That guard been harrasing you?"

>>34805982
So basically additional talent points versus faceless fictional people who will die from us taking longer. Yeah talent points.

>>34806074
I'll second this

There were certainly plenty of ways for Garland to approach this situation, and he gave it some thought before he answered. “I’ll try and work out some things on my end, but while I do, how about you get me some information on the sewers? I have a feeling that will be useful regardless. Don’t put yourself out though.” He finished his drink and set aside his dice, he was about ready to retire for the night, as soon as this conversation ended. I can understand that, as I’m growing wearing too, and will have to be ending this part of the tale about the same time, when the conversation is ended. “I’ll try with the guards and see where I get.”

“Aye, fair enough.” Grunted the Dwarf, reciprocating Garland’s action of finishing his drink, then turning in his seat to watch the fights better.

“Before I do though, I was wondering if you’ll be okay, will that guard bother you again?”

“Nah,” Yarven said waving a hand. “I have friends Garland, I have friends in every city. I’ll be fine, you just worry about your work.”

>Con'td

The two sat in silence then, watching the final fight of the brawls. It was Xander and an Elven man, they were going toe to toe, exchanging blows and counter, and even the occasional wrestle. Xander was doing well, keeping his guard up and ducking away from any dangerous blows with relative ease, but the elf was also doing well, evading the apprentice Witcher’s jabs and occasionally throwing the younger man off balance with a good swift kick.

Then the deciding blows came, Xander went in with a powerful uppercut and collided with the Elf’s chin. Garland thought he actually saw the Elf rise off his feet with the force, and thought it was all over. It seemed that Xander thought the same, and finally let down his guard. The second he did so the Elf came down upon him, having seemingly faked his stagger. There was a series of perhaps five or six blows which sent Xander tumbling. He didn’t get up, and the referee called it.

Garland watched as Yarven took his coins, genuinely surprised to see the result of the fight end the way it had. “That Elf, do you know him?” he asked suspiciously.

Yarven simply chuckled. “I told you Garland, I have friends… strong friends.” And stood up to leave for his room before the Witcher could ask any more.

And that's where I'll leave it for tonight guys, thanks for playing.

>>34806276
Thanks for running. Good night.

>>34806276
thanks for the thread Dandy, any idea when the next will be?

>>34806276
Thanks, dandy. Next thread when?

>>34806276
Thanks for the thread Dandy
>Inb4 the elf is a witcher
I have a feeling that won't be the last we see of Punch-Elf

>>34806336
Next week, can't say beyond that. Check the Twitter and I'll keep you updated.

>>34806360
Nooo, I wouldn't introduce a character like that who isn't important.

I mean remember that one Dwarf? He just disappeared and never returned.

>>34806512
>I mean remember that one Dwarf?
Who?

>>34806512
>I mean remember that one Dwarf?

What's a dwarf?

So if anybody is still around after I've eaten...

I was writing up notes for a future Act and it's interesting because I'm thinking of introducing Dandrick E. Leonhart (the bard) into the story, and I'm finding that process really interesting, because I know somebody's going to suggest we kill him, or turn him into a Witcher or something that changes his future persona.

>>34807270
You can always veto the stupid stuff or engineer the situations to not result in such actions, though Garland and Dandy should go and absolutely trash a brothel one night

>>34807270
That is a legitimate concern, but on the other hand: if Dandrick is the Narrator, you could also pull Unreliable Narrator and say that the story is just more interesting this way.

Skip ahead a little bit, and come to a part where Dandrick stops "joking".