But they shouldn't know about that. You didn't really argue with him. Nobody saw you. They don't know what he sent you against. You had no reason to kill him. They shouldn't know you had a reason. Are you sure? The patch of cyan now mixing with crimson on his shirt could tell a different story, Will. Did he tell anyone? Doesn't seem likely. Why? You know nothing about him. You just got shouted down two or three times. How would you judge his character with that?

Doesn't matter. You don't have much blood on you. Just a trace where the knife touched your shirt. On your lower abdomen. How would you get that kind of smear while slitting a man's throat? You didn't do that. The knife is not yours. The armoury probably has documents accounting the equipment the mercenaries took. Why is it in your hands then? They know Jo had something against you. He could have blood on him. Or not. But you were still waiting to be paid. What if you took the money before killing him? You have some gold on you. Where did that gold come from?

There are so many things that can prove your innocence. There are so many ways to spin a story. And it's being spun already. You'd have to convince them you didn't do it. Are you expecting them to come to you and wait for an explanation? Just like last time, right? 'Hey, Janus, you seem to have killed the prince. We'll give you some time to explain yourself. We're sure there was a good reason for that.' Didn't really go down like that. Can't think it would.

It wouldn't in a king's castle, do you think it would with mercenaries? Violence solves everything. Time to do the same thing you did in the castle, then. Run. Is that right? What are your options right now, Will? Think. Do you want to lose everything a second time? Start again?

>Yes. Run. Now. (roll 1d100)
>Just wait for them. But be prepared to fight. (1d100)
>Wait for them. Don't resist.
>Hide somewhere. (1d100)
>Other.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>36543913
>>Hide somewhere. (Et)
Shadowman

L

>>36543913
I'm here will vote in 5 secs

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>36543913
Just wait for them. But be prepared to fight. (1d100)
Explain that Jo is a douche, If they didn't know that for now, remember what happened in the training.
Guy is a fucking rogue.

>>36544039
And by that I mean reason the finer points to them:
>Jo is a dick
>Jo hates us
>Jo wanted to gut us
>Jo was stopped from it
>Jo is a fucking rogue
>This is his knife
>He is the kind of guy who would murder someone then incriminate a guy he hates
>Fucking rogue
>Dickass rogue

Waiting for another vote. If it doesn't come, I'll roll.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>36543953
>>36544039
One for one, two for dance.

>>36544249
Do you also use the roll specified in the post or will you use the best regardless?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>36544257
The ones related to the vote.

>>36544257
Rolls are "best of what's rolled" not "best of the chosen action", so that question is nonsense.

>>36544277
Then shouldn't we get to roll like 2 more dice?

>>36544278
Is that how it should work?
>>36544292
Yes, you should. Maybe I should just ask for rolls after an action is chosen.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>36544278
He just said it's best of the chosen, so yeaaah.
Mr. Nonsense, hahaha

>>36544257
>>36544292
This, however.

I still find hiding incredibly stupid since we're an armoured guy, and it's not that big a room.
And it makes us look even more suspicious.
And guilty.

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>36544305
>>36544292
Seems better too.

Here's another roll to get the desired best of three.

>inb4 not even higher than 21
>inb4 lower than 8

>>36544312
You're not armoured right now. You don't go getting supper in a tavern while donning armour.

File: fuckin taverns.jpg (135 KB, 900x463)

135 KB JPG

>>36544329
You'd be surprised.

>>36544305
>Is that how it should work?

That's how is usually works. Mostly so the players don't mass vote on a diffrent option in order to avoid a bad roll or because someone rolls a 90.

Using first three regardless of the choice dosen't let players meta game the rolls.

>>36544418
Yeah, that works better than asking after the vote. Let's go with that then.

What can you do right now? What should you do? You should better assess the situation. And you shouldn't be here. You should be in a tavern with a tanned bald man paying for you. But you're here now. Responded to duty's call. You're a knight. But you don't want to fight your way out of here. Don't want to run. You're tired. The day was long. What can you do? What are the other options?

You should hide. Find a spot. Wait. See the events unfold. Don't act. Just wait. Is there a place they wouldn't search? Under the desk. They wouldn't move the body of their leader yet, would they? Neither would you. Getting bathed in his blood doesn't seem a smart move right now.

What about just hiding behind his armchair? Would they check there? Yeah, they wouldn't stand at the door, they'd circle the room. No time to think about it. Someone is running down the corridor. Who could they be looking for? You? That's really a lot of attention you're getting this days. Is that your charisma? Yes, yes, it must be. They all love you. Crouch under the chair, would you?

And you do. And they run in. Three men. Looking all around. Moving the curtains. Checking behind the statues. Out the windows. Out the windows? Really? Would I just hold onto the sill until they're gone? They think really highly of you, it seems. But they don't even dare to check around the desk.

Even in death, they respect him. Their gaze doesn't linger over his dead figure more than a moment. And that helps you. They go around the room two times. Two times they don't even come near you. Near their leader. They finish their search and run out, screaming about your absence. You wait. No one is nearing the room. They don't want to see him like that. That helps.

So, what now? You're safe here. Maybe you should wait until you're sure you can get out without a problem. Get back to your room, take your things. Then go meet Thruster.

A voice comes from behind you. He's not screaming. That's strange. You didn't even realize he was in the room. The boss trainer, it seems. "You can get out now. Come to my room, we have to talk." Talk? Is this that mythical land where they give you a chance to explain? Or does he want to ask what's the worst way you could be killed?

Come to my room, he says. What does that mean? Can the death of the leader be a favourable development to him? Does he want to get you out for that gift? Something is strange. There's no talking to be done when these things happens. You don't talk. No time to do that. It's a waste. Can you take the chance? What could he be wanting to talk about? Should you trust him? Trust. It's not going to be trust. This is blind faith that's been asked of you.

You're not really sure you believe in your god, how can you believe him? Gambles. Chance. Options. Risk and reward. You can't know what is to come. Predict, forecast. Why does he want to talk? Overpower him and run away. Jump from the window. The other guys were certain you could make it. Can you make it? At least 40 feet from the ground. Do you love your legs? What about your spine?

Gamble. You're gambling with your life. Why are you here again? No time for that. He's waiting. They're all waiting. Your move, again. Time to cast the die, it seems. Time to turn the cards.

>Go with the boss trainer. Talk.
>Run out. (roll)
>Jump from a window. (roll)
>Other.

>>36544720
Sorry I was studying for my test. Reading

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>36544720
>>Jump from a window. (roll)

>>36544720
>Go with the boss trainer. Talk.

>>36544720
By the way, messed a small bit on the pastebin.

>>36544898
The pastebin's not mine. That's why it's Lovely Anon's. A lovely anon made it. What is the error?

>>36544920
No I meant I messed with it a bit.
I can't really do much while my classes are up but I added a very small amount of stuff.

Kinda like saying "I'm alive!" and "I'll keep working on this, but not today" through actually doing a bit of work.

>>36544952
Oh, that's great then. Just keep up the great work. You're half the reason I'm still running.

I'll be rolling again in 5 minutes. I want to believe.

>>36544720
>Go with the boss trainer. Talk.

>>36544720
>Go with the boss trainer. Talk.

>>36543913
aaaand I'm too late to vote to wait. whelp.

>>36544720
Talk, I guess. Tempted to just talk it out in the Leader's room, but that's a horrible choice from a narrative perspective.

>>36544996
>half the reasion I'm still running
O-oh, Cio, d-don't say things l-like that! You'll make me blush!

>>36544720
>Go with the boss trainer. Talk.

If he can get you out of here, he's the safest bet. There are no private rooms on the third floor. Being closer to the exit can only help you. He'd help you even if he doesn't want to help you. You rise up and follow him out the door.

Oh, yeah, you didn't take into consideration the possibility there were other people still out of the room. There are. Shouting improper things at you. Propositioning ways to let you die slowly and painful. Conjecturing about your origins and the profession of your parents. Auguring unpleasurable fates after your death. But not one of them touches you. They don't even come near.

Again, respect. Not for you. For the man leading you. Wait, you're not going to the other side of the corridor? No, his room is in the transect. It's one of the administrative rooms. You should have thought of that. You're losing your touch, Will. What, does this thing shake you? Not like it's your first time. And this time you didn't even do it.

Your guide enters a room. Signals you to get in. To sit down. As you walk in, a man shouts in surprise. "Why is he here?" That's your line. Jo. Seated. The boss trainer takes his place behind the desk. Not as nice as the one the leader has. The room either. No nice marble busts. No portrait behind him. Maybe he can take them from the leader now. "Why isn't he dead?"
"We are not the law in the city. The guards will have to take care of him. If he's guilty." You sit down. Mythical land. Nice to hear that. Wonder how difficult it is to escape from prison around here. Wonder if Tristam can share some tips.
"IF he's guilty? I saw him kill the leader with my own eyes! He still has the knife in his hands!" Yeah, you could have dropped it somewhere. Why didn't you? You're really slipping, Will.

"He was the one who killed the leader." You say. No need to scream. They taught you that talking in a low voice against a screaming opponent has more impact. Stay calm, Will. You can get out of this. You didn't do it. "He's trying to get revenge on me for humiliating him."
"WHA- I DO-"
"Silence" The boss trainer whispers. Jo complies. "You will talk only when asked to. How did you sully your sleeve with blood, Jo?"
Panic. "I-I was trying to see if the leader was still alive. I moved him and-"
"The body was not moved."
"I touched him and I just- I don't know! He was there, behind him! HE KILLED HIM!" Some great acting there. Bad planning, it seems, but he could have a career treading the boards.
"If he was there, why would he let you in and out freely after seeing him?" Boss trainer is calm. He's still suspending judgement. You need a better name for him. Does he have a name?
"I- I just ran out as fast as I could after seeing him!" His eyes are wild. He's speaking fast. He looks at you and shudders. What a performance. Can you beat that?
"You just said you touched the body. Did you run after doing that? Did he leave you the time to get near the body, touch it and then escape?" He's not implying anything. He seems genuinely curious. Mythical land of impartial justice. Or maybe it's because he believes him. Just trying to make the pieces fit better.
"I just don't- Can't remember. It's all so... Confused." He goes limp in his seat. Magnificent. You'd applaud but it could seem inappropriate. "I'm sorry." he concludes.

The boss in the red tunic looks at you. Better name? Yes. "What about you? Are you guilty? What did happen in that room?" He still doesn't seem biased. How can this be? This is getting to you. Where's the trick? Isn't the other guy's word worthy enough to get you framed? The knife in your hand? You hiding in the room? What game are they playing? Why is he doing this? Is he just having fun? Well, time for your piece, then.

>>36545530
Just point out we're knight not a rogue.
Make question to remember who was about to murder us from our actions in the testing room, and who might get something (revenge) out of incriminating us.
Also ask what would we gain from killing our employer after our first job, despite the conditions it was still our way to earn some money, which we don't have in excess.

>Are you guilty? Your side of the story. (write in, no need for the whole thing, just point out what you think could help your case.)

>>36545576
"Disregarding the previous circumstances involving Jo and his interest on my death, I'll sum up the events of this night."
Recount to him the call up for us to meet with the boss, mention we met Mattias but decided not to drink with him because of our meeting.
Tell him that when we arrived Jo had just killed the boss, threw the knife at us and told us "you are it" then ran away.

>That is
be precise, calm, put in the necessary amount of detail and describe things clearly, like they happened.
If he has any doubts clarify them before continuing with the story

>>36545576
"I walked in to ask about a small bonus after the guy sent us after something that a bunch of rookies had no business fighting, and when I get there the guy's laying on his desk, there's blood everywhere, and this fuck is walking past me. There's a bloody knife in my hands before I know what's happening and then he's down the hall, laughing like a madman."

>>36545576
>>36545623
I'm going to second this

>>36545637
Fuck, I got it wrong.

Yeah, say we got called up to talk to the boss, met Mattias, etc. But use >>36545637 for wording on what happened.

"I'm not guilty. And I'd like to state that Jo harbours animosity towards me."
"I'm aware." Jo jerks up, but a look from red boss stops him from talking. "Why were you in the leader's room so late at night?"
"I was called up there. A man with red hair told me the leader wanted to see me tonight when we were going out for supper."
"We?" he asks.
Calm. Composed. Tell him what he needs to know. Maybe they're toying with you, maybe they are not. Make the best of this.
"Me and my team." you answer. "Go on." "While we were going back to the mansion Matias asked me out for drinks. I told him I had to see the leader and returned for my appointment. When I got into the room I saw Jo behind the leader with this knife in his hand. I didn't see the homicide happening, but having heard the sound of the leader drowning in his blood before opening the door I believe Jo is the only one who could have killed him. When he saw me he gave me the knife and told me 'You are 'it''. After that he ran down the corridor screaming."
"Why were you hiding?" Still no hostility. He wants to know.
"I thought it would be better if I didn't fight my way out of the room. The only solution that came to mind was hiding."
"Were you aware of the fact that the leader was the one who assigned you the mission?"
"I was." Better to play it straight.
"What about the fact that he knew what you were going against in your first mission and his plan was for you to die at the hands of the Morbed?" Morbed? Is that the name of the big blue thing? The thing has a name? Could be.
"I wasn't sure about that. However, I suspected it." Why are you telling him that? You could have just bent the truth a little.

Red boss stops asking questions. He seems to be deep in thought. Meditating. And you're just waiting for the response. Why are you giving him a choice over your future? Just kill them both and get out of here. Wasn't that how you did it the first time? Yeah, that went great, right? Well, good enough. What are you waiting for? Are you really hoping for a fair judgement? For a fairy to come and save you? Same chance of occurring.

"I can't take a decision about this. Both of your stories are skewed and there are no other witnesses. Furthermore, you both can't be considered trustworthy."
"WHA-" Red boss' magic gaze stops him again.
"I'd have to take the words of one of you over the other's." He stops. Thinking about what to say? "I could have you both arrested but that doesn't seem fair." It's not. You're innocent. "Or you could duel each other. It's a valid way of concluding contestations in our group. Not really fair either but the statute mandates that the winner gets to decide over any dispute."

He stops again. His eyes move between the two of you. He really did listen to the both of you. Seems next time you could be saved by fairies. He's waiting for an anwer. Looking in your eyes. He's asking you what to do. Why you? Isn't he in charge? Is this still part of a game? It seems to have been taken a little too far. Will they start laughing at you when you ask for the duel? It is pretty laughable. The criminal is the one who loses the duel. Is this just an elaborate plan to let him win a duel in front of everyone? Now you're taking it too far, Will.

Well, not much of a decision. You should just decide what to do after that.

>Duel.
>Ask for the duel. Escape before it.
>Ask for the duel. Make sure Jo doesn't make it to the field.
>Declare yourself guilty.
>Other.

>>36546351
>Duel

>>36546351
>Duel
Let the slaughter begin.

>>36546351
>Duel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj0jzepk0WA
Time to train for the big fight.

>>36546351
>>36546433
After accepting maybe:
Ask him what the duel rules are and what weapons are allowed in it.

>hoping for unarmed combat

>>36546351
I find it a bit funny that the only evidence incriminating us in the leaders death is that he tried to murder us this morning.

bump

How old is the statute to have a rule like that? Doesn't matter, that's a great help. You did it once, you can give him an encore. And then you'll be innocent. You are innocent. Does that mean you can't lose the duel? Not even if you try to? Well, the statute can't be wrong, can it? Time to get your hands dirty. For justice. You're such a knight.
"I approve resolving this with a duel." You say. Red boss nods at you, then turns to look at Jo.
"I-I-Yeah, Ok." Jo pauses. Is he really ok with that? "We'll settle this tomorrow morning." Tomorrow morning? Well, assassination can be tiring. And you had your share of exhaustion too. Better leave it for tomorrow.
"What about rules?" You ask the red boss.
"The rules are to be set by the participants in the duel."
"A duel to the death. No armour. Blades only." He's stopped the act. Every single syllable is spat towards you. He wants you dead, it seems. Yes, Will, that was what the whole night was about. Did you just get that?
"I agree." He's not really great with a sword. And you know he plays dirty now. Is that going to help you when he starts to play dirty? Maybe you'll have to plan something of your own tonight. Your answer could have been hurried.
"I'll be your second. You will fight on the training grounds tomorrow morning. You are restricted from leaving your quarters until then." Red boss will judge for you. Can you trust him? Not much you can do about that.

He calls four men in. You have to be escorted to your rooms. And they do escort you. Not really gently. They're dragging you between a crowd shouting their honest thoughts about you. Where did all this guys come from? Why are they all here? Is this part of the game? Your personal pillory. They'd do worse if they weren't under orders not to do so. Red boss was nice enough to tell them not to hurt you. Isn't dragging you by the shoulders through a flight of stair a way to hurt you? No, they're just escorting you. Escorting you to your room. Throwing you inside and closing the door behind you.

Think about some tricks for tomorrow morning then. Or better, just sleep. Better to be tired or unprepared? In a duel? Without really knowing the opponent? You're not sure. And you're really tired. And it seems you're not going anywhere with this. And you're really, really tired. Time to go to bed, then. Time for sleep. Close your eyes and begin to relax. Deep breaths. Nothing is going to harm you. You will win tomorrow. You're already winning. Against strange blue monsters with Jo's face. Sometimes they just stop to look at you. They tell you how much they hate you. Without opening their mouths. And they all die under your sword. Fountains of purple raining upon you, shining with crystal light. The air vibrates in songs ridding your heart from fear.

And you laugh over their bodies as they pile under your feet. You laugh and you laugh until the light is back. To wake you up. They're knocking at your door. You're wanted in Rother's room. Who? Ah, he does have a name. Why his room? Something else he forgot? And why are they calling it 'his room' and not 'his office'? Does he sleep in there? They don't wait for you to arrive to a conclusion before opening your door. Oh, sure, come in. And you just rise and go with them, rubbing sleep out of your eyes. At least they're letting you walk this time. You forgot your sword. You'll go back after, doesn't seem nice to ask them to accompany you back. They're not nice. Up a floor, down a corridor, through a door.

And Jo isn't there. Rother doesn't sleep here. It seems he doesn't sleep at all. Bags under the eyes. The judge of a duel should get some sleep too, you know? But there won't be a duel today. Jo escaped. Tried to. They got him before he could do that. He's in custody. The town's guards were called. He was deemed guilty of the assassination. So, why is he telling you all this? Because the mercenary group isn't the law. But the one who killed the leader can't just go out like that, can he? What about the image of the group? Can't look that weak, can you? No you can't. Still, why is the red boss telling all this to you?

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>36547625
>inb4 roll for DODGE

But seriously, this is making me really fucking curious.

Because you completed your first mission. Yes you did. So what? And you're now a mercenary. Yes you are. Continue. You showed skill in leading man. Yes. You're good to go for the third rank. But? But only one rank per mission, no skipping. So, here's 5 gold and 7 silver for the last mission. And as an apology for the last leader trying to get you killed, they're offering you the chance of a lifetime. A simple mission to go directly to step 3 of their pyramid. Really simple. You just have to kill a man. But he's in prison, you know. Could be hard to do that. Nobody has to know it was you. And you have to act alone. But here's some poison. And his life is worth 10 gold pieces.

So, the rules of this duel changed slightly. It's still for today. It has to be done today. But the rules are different. Blades could still be a thing and one of you could wear armour if he wanted. And the rules are strange now. Why are you still the one chosen to duel? You're not trained in what he's asking of you. Why is it still a duel? Wouldn't having more men on the mission help with that? Secrecy is that important, maybe? What about this new duel? Are you up for the challenge?

>Let's do it. (plan it up)
>Suggest another man for the job (write in)
>Negotiate the terms (write in)
>Nope. Not an assassin. There will be other chances to get to step 3.
>Other.

>>36547660

>Nope. Not an assassin. There will be other chances to get to step 3.

>>36547660
>>Negotiate the terms (write in)

We have to be allowed to use our team/men for this job. We're a leader of men, and they want leaders and strategists. Really, what do they get out of making it so that only we are on the job? We're Mercs. Hired swords. Leaving the proving tests for the Knights and Zealots. We just get shit done.

Fucking hell OP, you picked a real bugger of a time to run, didn't you?

>>36547660
>Let's do it. (plan it up)
Eh it'll be fun.
But we'll need info.
The inside of the prison, where it is.
Best way would probably be to "peacefully acquire" a guard disguise and keys, walk in there, deploy the assassination and abscond.

Then we cut our hair and shave just to make sure.

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>36547716
Attaching a roll for negotiation, just in case.

>>36547716
>>36547660
This. We need some info too.

>>36547660
>>Let's do it. (plan it up)

>>36547716
It's my usual time, I think. I'm in EU, can't really do much about that.

>>36547716
>>36547731
>>36547750
>>36547756

So we're negotiating and then accepting. Writan.

>>36547876
Cool. 4chan could benefit from more Europeans. Where are you from? The Island? Or are you a frog/nord//robot?

"I'm not suited for this kind of job. I'm a leader, a strategist and a knight. I can't do it alone. I'll accept the job only if I can take my men with me."
"Your men. You're unusual. We entrust jobs to commanders. We let them pick the men or let the men join. Teams don't stay together after missions." Silence. Wasn't expecting this outcome. What's the solution? Wait. He's thinking. It's coming. Just wait.
"I will be frank with you. I'm not expecting you to refuse this mission. You can take your men with you but they will be your responsibility. As of now, you are an asset for the group. If informations about this job are leaked you will be cut off. You'll find yourself on the other side of this situation. You will be the only one liable for this job. Choose men you can trust."

He gives you the location of the prison and a rough map of the place before gesturing for you to get out. You take the vial of poison and follow his order. He just told you something like 'this conversation never happen', didn't he? Reminds you a little of discussions between your father and his spymaster. They could be talking about what they ate the night before, or how the daughter of the Sormar was so beautiful but they never meant it. What they meant was never clear if not to them. Sometimes you questioned if it was clear to them. Were just thinking the other could understand while getting confused by their own words?

Judging from the results that's not how it was. They could understand each other perfectly. And you understood too. He's telling that if your men join the risk of somebody talking goes up. And that it wouldn't be difficult to make it so you were the one planning for the death of Jo. No endorsement from the group. Not difficult to believe considering your relationship. Choose men you can trust. Are there any? You've known them for four days. Not much to go on, is there?

It's still morning. And you've not completed your rituals. That makes you feel strange. You go to the bathroom and start the day like you always had. Washing yourself clean from the slime still sticking to you feels like a blessing. Your first mission. And now your second. Less than one day to complete it.

You go back to your room and change clothes before going back to the training grounds. Why are you going there? Because it's where your team should be. And there they are. Concerned about you. It seems you fought Jo after he killed the leader. You fought a gigantic blue monster yesterday. Concern for Jo? And you didn't fight him. Not really. But no need to let them know everything, is there? And that's how you could make it work.

No need to let them know everything. You could just let them do part of the mission without telling them what it is about. You'd just need to be the one dealing the killing blow. Or better, drop the poison. It shouldn't be obvious he has been killed. Just obvious enough for the ones who know. Just stopping the story from going around.

Go back to training, guys, I have a map to look at. The place is separated from the garrison. Good. The cells are underground. Not much attention given there. The ground floor has always guards on standby. Always accepting new prisoners. That could be a way. But how are you going to exit? And what about Jo seeing you and screaming? They have a kitchen in the back. No stairs going down to the cells from there. 30 cells. 2 men in every cell. Poisoning 60 men for a single one is not nice. And that attracts attention. You could always go as a guard. You'd need to get the right attire for that, but you're sure you could convince someone to lend it to you.

And then there's the thing with getting help. Should you bring some of them with you? Should you just give them orders without explaining why? What can they do? How can they help? They all can be useful in some way. You'd just have to think how.

>Plan (write in)
>>Bring (write in)
>>Make (write in) do (write in)

>>36548679
>>Plan (write in)
First, we talk to motherfucking Mattias like we should of had a long time ago. He has connections, information, and knows the city. He's also our buddy. Next, we talk to Kip. Maybe to get some dirt on the guards, maybe to learn their routines, maybe to find out where they hang out so we can dispatch someone to steal their shit.

As for people, I know ya'all with instinctively go towards recruiting Tristam. I'd like to point out that's a bad idea because his profile states he'd like to remain on the good side of the law, thus making him more likely to refuse and blab about the mission. Truthfully, the only people I can see us trusting is Nikan. This is clearly only the information phase. I'd like for us to stick to getting information until we get something more than blueprints and a kill order.

>>36548743
>>36548679
If I was a little unclear, I meant the second part of this plan as a prompt for us to actively recruit Nikan. She's ambitious and smart. She should be willing to just jump for the opportunity to advance through the ranks faster. Furthermore, she knows our squadmates more intimately and will aid us in the process of manipulating them, if we have to. I know for sure we won't have much fun trying to sway Tristam. Nikan might be more successful.

Fucking hell. This thread is deader than a forty year old coal miner. Where'd all the Anons go? I thought they'd be all over this scheming shit. Hurrah for sociopathy and whatnot.

>>36548863
The offer for the jump in rank is for MC only, though.

>>36548927
That's the thing. If we get into the good graces of the company and a higher rank, we can make her life much easier. Get her mission information that only the higher-ups know, introduce her to people that would be useful to the enterprising noble, etc. Hell, we can even offer her a half of the bounty. We've got tons of gold. Prestige is something we don't have and this is a time-sensitive mission.

>>36548912
I wanted to vote but I thought anon's suggestion was suffiecient and decided to abstain.
No need to act like that by the way.

>>36548679
>>36548743
Seems a good start. Maybe ask Totter for what he knows as well.

>>36548999
It's better to voice your concordance. I usually wait for at least a couple of voters before writing.

And my connection is having some problems. Trying to troubleshoot them.

>>36548999
I meant that last remark to convey an observation on /tg/'s tendency to spew wildly conflicting suggestions at Tabula Rasa type, open-ended sociopathic characters. Half for, "BURN THE PRISONERS ALIVE!" half for,"REDEEM THE PRISONERS!," and then one faggot for "RAPE, THEN BURN THE PRISONERS!" kind of stuff.. Apologies if I irked anyone with my attitude.

>>36549059
Nah mate, it's a'ight.

I don't think he's really sociopathic though, he seems more shocked than all that. The cynicism and the "lack" of emotions in certain aspects, coupled with the care for his group and his "self sacrifice" lead me to believe he's simply very ashamed, still shocked and having trouble to accept and process what happened to him, and what it makes him.

>>36548743
Oh, and as noted IC in a precedent update, you still have no idea where Matias lives. How do you want to go about finding him?

>>36549112
Check the bar where we found him first

>>36549112
>>36549133
Failing that ask Boss trainer.

>>36549112
Fake Booze & Brawl championship...
nah just ask someone how we can contact Mattias, or do what the other anon said

>>36548679
I don't like this. Assassinating Jo put us at really high risk, even if we DO suceed. Why didn't they use a slow-acting poison on him before sending him off to prison?

How are the mercenaries proving that THEY are trustworthy? All they did was dangle money at us. Hell, it might be better for us financially to NOT take this mission: to stay with the group longer.

We need some answers first. What do any of them know about Jo, what kind of person and theories for why he killed the leader. And ask for something, either as a collateral incase we're a scapegoat or a testimony that we are trusted.

>>36549133
>>36549140
>>36549112
I think we can send someone to ask around for that drunkard while we ask the new boss for his where-abouts. He's probably not likely to be where the big boss will tell us his home is, so if he isn't, the tavern run won't be useless. Vice versa if he is indeed at home and not bar-hopping. Tristam ought to be a good choice. The guy is fast and rogue's have access to sources unavailable to the common man.

>>36549204
Matias is a drunkard? Is that what he seems like to you guys? Why?

>>36549342
All of his interactions with us have had a pretty heavy tendency to go towards bars or beer. Anyway, my definition of term is a bit loose, and I don't mean to imply that he's the classical sod-of-his-arse 24/7 layabout kind. I meant the cheerful type who's had a cuppa or two after lunch and goes about pleasantly buzzed.

>>36549402
why would you think that? He was a bit awkward trying to apologize, but trying to do so with alcohol is hardly unique to drunkards.

>>36549342
he seems like a guy who's always doing his own thing, at least to me. Side projects, enjoying the sweet life, etc.

learning new skills, leading a resistance, serial killing, being the mayor/high ranking government employee, bounty hunting, collecting esoteric and sometimes illegal goods, etc.

you know, hobbies.

The first step is to gather information. You don't have much time but storming a prison without knowing what to expect would be a great way to fail your job. And get arrested. And then killed by another mercenary, probably. Being prepared wins battles. Information is needed.

Who can you ask about that? Matias seems to live in the town. He could tell you something useful. If you could find him. You could try in the tavern where you met him. It's too soon for that. Should be working. This place is where he should work. The armourer told you his presence in the mansion isn't bounded by schedule if not for the council. You could ask Red Boss. He probably knows where his house is.

Up two floors, same corridor, same room. You ask as cordially as you can. It's clear he thinks you shouldn't even be near this room right now. Makes you sweat for an answer. Come on, he's a friend, just speak already. If he was a friend he would have told you how to contact him. Maybe not a friend, but we're getting there. Time is worth money. Just answer. The boss finally answers you. Not the one you were looking for. He's attending the council. Then he's here? No, the city council. Oh, you read about that in the book you bought. Another one of their stupid ideas. They'd never let you get to him right now. And the council can go on all day. Just great. Now go away.

Wait, why does he work in the city council if he's part of the group? Is the group powerful enough to be 'represented' in the city council? Doesn't the Maior choose the council himself? The group has hook in the Maior. In the city. Or maybe Matias is just that kind of guy. Respected enough to be asked to be part of the council regardless of his affiliation. He's from the city, after all. Or at least owns a house here.

So, next on the list, who do you know that has some kind of useful information? Kipp. Kipp should know. He told you he was part of the town guard. Before letting a prisoner out. Hope he's representative of the whole. How can you ask him without him knowing why? It seems he's finding his marbles. Can't risk it while he's half in and half out. And he was part of the guard anyways, better not tell him anything. So, Kipp, how come you're always dressed in the same rags? Didn't the guard give you anything? They took that from you when you left? You mean they took you to the armoury and stripped you naked? Oh, it was in the same building as the dormitory. And every other guard related thing in this town. Right in the middle of it. That sounds just great, Kipp. Now, shouldn't you break be over? Back to training.

Got something out of that. Storming the garrison to get to the prison seems a little too much. You will have to find another way to get in. Or a guard willing to lend you some armour and clothes. Should you ask Nikan for help? Her only goal seems to regain her crown. If she sees you ranking up as a mean she would probably support you in this. But what could she contribute to the plan? Ask. No, don't. Think of something. What do you need? Access first and foremost. And you're sure looking like one of the guards would help with that. That's why you asked Kipp. How else can you do that? You're running in circles. Just ask around. People not interested in you. Drunkards. Make some small talk around the city. Get what you can. Look around. Let's go with that.

You go around talking with whoever is willing to talk. Mostly old men, idle women and the ones of unsound mind. You wasted two hours going around and trying to pry information without seeming suspect. You got some strange looks. Like the one that looked at you like he was seeing a monster and running away. Before you even started talking. Is that how 'not being suspect' works? Well, he was the only one who did that. The others all seemed to like to talk to you about nothing, and you veered the conversations towards what interested you. Not wasted, really.

You saw squads patrolling in groups of two. They follow a regular scheme. You know that they have 'an annoying whistle' to call reinforces. That patrols come back after 'just strolling around for three hours'. That they have to walk through some of the ugliest part of the city but some of them just fake it. That they do that because some of them were assaulted in less than recommendable places. And that's a really valuable information. Just a little story about 'those guys', the ones just scraping by in life, passed around by worried mothers. But that can make a lot of difference for you and your plan.

The sun is high in the sky. Early afternoon. You have the time to do it. But you heard that as 'the night gets scary' the men in patrolling groups double. Better get moving. Better think of something.

>Next step (write in)

>>36549491
>high ranking government employee
Well, there goes my surprise.

I took the liberty of deciding where and how you gather info, as the vote was for that but the sources you wanted were not available or not even near thorough in giving info.

>>36550557
>Get Sornen and Nikan in on it, Nikan for the incentives a better position would give (and our support to her claim) and Sornen for his loyalty and friendliness. Tell them we will ambush a group of guards and acquire uniforms, Will will then infiltrate the guard's and take out the guy who killed the boss.
See to it that we deliver their ood and place the tasty extra on his.
Should that fail take him out for an interrogation on capn's orders (bluff)
then take him somewhere secluded and make him disappear.

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>36550557
Well, since we're apparently too scatter-brained to even bloody talk to Nikan, only other person we know that might be receptive to assassinating someone, to get more heads/perspectives on the mission, I guess the next step would be to get the ex-guardsman stinking drunk so we interrogate him easier and to prevent him from remembering any of our "funny" stuff. What, do we have to roll in order to prevent us from descending into spontaneous ADHD? If that's the case, here's the bloody roll to *focus.*

>>36550734
Remind me again why we aren't just duelling the guy?

>>36550830
Because he was imprisoned by the town guard after trying to escape our duel?
We were going to but he tried to run away and got arrested, now we got a mission to kill him....

>>36550830
he got tossed in jail for trying to escape like the little bitch he is and the mercenary guild wants to save face by having him die in the city guards custody rather than have him spill what happened back at the compund

Right. Let's get Milligan. The guy knows when it's prudent to keep his mouth shut, and his shaman shit could be useful. He's got a habit of knowing things he shouldn't, can handle himself in a fight, and if we can decipher his cryptic shit he'll be invaluable.

>>36550830
What guy? Jo? Because he's behind bars right now. I don't think they would get him out just because you ask to duel him. You can try though.

>>36550810
No ADHD going on. The vote were about gathering info and Nikan is from another country. There was no reason to get her in at that point.
>But what could she contribute to the plan?
In this phase, she can't contribute much. And it's clear to MC every person he shares this with could be a liability. It could seem different from a player PoV, but you've known these guys for 4 days and you haven't shared much. For all you know Nikan could think of assassinating an unarmed man as pure abhorrence. I didn't veto her out of the plan, just MC delayed, waiting for more info before including her.
>Think of something
could sound like ADHD, but I just wrote that bad. My fault. It's still a 'think of a way to gather the information you need'.
It's really badly written. This will haunt me forever.

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>36551041
We didn't know then, which was why I wanted to attempt recruiting her. We still don't know now because MC spaghettied everywhere instead of asking. Why don't we find out now?

I think I'll just
[End Chapter]
here. The thread is dead again and it seems I'm slipping. Readind that passage Anon highlighted as making no sense tells me it's time.

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>36551171
Thanks for running. G'luck with the winter blues. I heard it's a lot harder in Europe.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/36543904/

Archived, competently and correctly this time. Have a G'evening gents.

>>36551171
Aw, alright, but it was just coming back to life!

>>36551171
whoops, guess I spent too long doing other stuff.

>>36550606
pfft, well, I just listed as many possible things he could be doing. Having your own manor is kind of a big hint.

>>36550557
Maybe we can check out the courts? Is it possible to kill him right after the trial?

On one hand, it gets the "don't mess with the mercenaries" message through, without overriding city authority TOO much. On the other hand, it's STILL overriding city authority, and it'll pretty obvious who will have ordered the assassination, so it might not be a good idea if the city and the guild are on bad terms.