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You are Vlad Tepish.

Your Holdings: A renovated ancient Elven ruin. A well hidden and protected cave. A budding human village.

Your minions: 37 normal undead (orcish, elven and human skeletons and zombies, 13 armed with bows, rest with crude melee weapons). Undead orcish shaman, 5 Undead Drow necromancers. Skeletal elk mount. You control 50/50 minions. Your control is absolute.

Your relationships: Lathrien, your apprentice (agreeable), Ragda and Gerda, liberated old ladies of your tribe (friendly(ish)). Melandie, elven huntress (ally). Bathory, your lover in an alchemically improved body (warm). Bound spirit of an elven scout (bound to an owl homonculus). Bound spirit of a gnoll pyromancer (bound). Bound spirit of an orc demonologist (Bound to a dread dog homunculus). Bound spirit of a black dragon (bound). Elven tribe (open diplomacy), Gnoll tribe (allies/treacherous bastards), Large Human tribe (unfriendly), Dwarf tribe (open trade), Drow (enemies).

Your Goals: Survive the winter. Resolve the conflict with the larger human tribes. Hold a feast. Achieve immortality.

'I am Vlad Tepish. I am used to people being completely unreasonable with me. The elves opened fire at me the first time we met. Do you know what I did to them?

I opened trade with them. I took one of their young as an apprentice. I befriended their leader. I made friends with their tribe while enduring massive amounts of them being a pain in the ass.

They were still much easier to deal with than my own people. I give you a chance. ONE more chance. Lay down your weapons and you shall not be harmed. Tell your leaders I am willing to talk.

Fight me and doom your tribe to extinction,' you say to the 35 human warriors facing your undead.

Roll Diplomacy, 1d20+5 DC 20

>>40497140
That should be 50/60 minions

Has this still been going on? I thought this died a while ago, pleasantly surprised.

Rolled 3 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>40497140
Mind giving us a small recap its been a while.

Rolled 19 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>40497140
Jesus our first roll back and its a dc 20, fuck.

Rolled 5 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>40497140

Rolled 20 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>40497140
I'm so excited, never leave us again

>>40497287
Nevermind im awesome

>>40497309
Nope your awesome, damn son

>>40497082
its back!!!!

>>40497309
Well damn, I AM excite. Dice wills it Dead, never leave us

>>40497252
Long hiatus. Have had some life getting in the way, and some lack of inspiration going on. Think I'm mostly back on.

24! Great Success!

These men are nothing like the zealots and the fanatic leaders you've been dealing with before. They wear simple leathers and clubs as weapons. Well fed and muscular, and not looking all too clever, they nonetheless stop to consider your words. The biggest one of the bunch, a man wearing a bear's skull as headdress speaks up in an expectedly gravely voice.

'Necromancer, you would speak to us?'
'Yes. I am Vlad Tepish, and I have wanted nothing but peace between our tribes.'
'We have seen the massacre of Karrim's tribe. Is that your peace?'
'He attacked me. Much like you did my minions. Understandable, I suppose, but foolish. You might do well to recall the size of his army.'

They consider this. They are outnumbered, and Karrim had outnumbered you before. You slaughtered him and his forces.

'We cannot forgive him the slaughter...' a smaller man says, but without much certainty.
'You will. I have given life back to those who rose up against me, true life, and shelter to their families.' You say.
'So um, what would you like to do?' the large man says.

>Get out. Never come back to my forest. I will kill any who try.
>Go back to your leaders. Tell them I am willing to talk, that is all.
>Your leaders sent you to die pointlessly. Join the village, help them winter, and I shall help you.
>Other (write-in)

>>40497440
>>Your leaders sent you to die pointlessly. Join the village, help them winter, and I shall help yo
and if they don`t want to then
>Go back to your leaders. Tell them I am willing to talk, that is all.

>>40497440
>Go back to your leaders. Tell them I am willing to talk

>As a merit of peace you may have this as a good omen. Imbue the big agreeable ones charms with elemental stuff.

>>40497440
>Your leaders sent you to die pointlessly. Join the village, help them winter, and I shall help you.
For those that don't want to stay do this.
>Go back to your leaders. Tell them I am willing to talk, that is all.

>>40497440
>>Go back to your leaders. Tell them I am willing to talk, that is all.
Or
>>Your leaders sent you to die pointlessly. Join the village, help them winter, and I shall help you.

'Your elders sent you to die. It is as simple as that. Your numbers could not stand against me. That is not an insult, but a fact. Any who would not be ruled by such men can join the village under my protection.' you say.

'Really? And you should be our new leader?' the big guy says.

>'Yes. I expect obedience from my vassals, but I am a fair lord.'
>'No. The villagers do not serve me. They stay near me for protection and trade, but they are free to choose their own leaders.'
>'Perhaps. The villagers trust my guidance, I suppose I am the closest thing to a leader they have. It certainly is not official'

>>40497685
>>'Perhaps. The villagers trust my guidance, I suppose I am the closest thing to a leader they have. It certainly is not official'
But
>>'Not really. The villagers do not serve me. They stay near me for protection and trade, but they are free to choose their own leaders.'

>>40497685
>>'Perhaps. The villagers trust my guidance, I suppose I am the closest thing to a leader they have. It certainly is not official'

>>40497685
>'Perhaps. The villagers trust my guidance, I suppose I am the closest thing to a leader they have. It certainly is not official'
Also,
>If I pull out your bear skull will you die?

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'Perhaps. The villagers trust my guidance. There is certainly no definite leadership established.' you say.

'Might not be so bad. Won't hold it against any who'd choose it. Assholes or not I do have to go back to the elder after all. I will tell him you want peace.' the big man says.

'I am hoping to hold a feast in my hall on winter solstice. All are welcome. Have your leaders join us, if they would talk peace.'

This impresses the warriors more than any of your speeches. A village that could hold a feast in the winter is all but unheard of.

When all is said and done, most of the warriors depart. A good dozen, however, stay behind. and go with you back to the human village.

Construction is... progressing. You understand that most of these people would never have worked with tools before, but surely this is no advanced science. They have managed to cut down enough trees to start on the actual crafting and building, but it has taken them all day to cut down enough trees for even starting the foundations.

>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.
>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.
>You have other matters to attend to. Return to the ruin, talk to Bathory and the others, perhaps do some research.
>Make sure the new arrivals settle in fine. Then leave.
>Other (write-in)

>>40497981
>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.

Why should they build the village on their own? Do we have some kind of agreement?

>>40497981
>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.

Its not like using them will negatively effect us in this instance

>Then have a chat with the figurehead

>>40497981
>>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.
>>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.

>>40497981
>>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.
>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.

>>40498045
So they can be self reliant or maybe they're creeped out by skellies?

>>40497981

>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.
>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.

>>40497981
>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.
>>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.
>You have other matters to attend to. Return to the ruin, talk to Bathory and the others, perhaps do some research.
>Make sure the new arrivals settle in fine. Then leave.
>>40498045
Reread the last few threads
We wanted to teach them and not have them be dependent on us.
That failed after two nat 1s.

>>40498210
oops meant to say this.
>Talk to the woman that has been somewhat of a figurehead for these people up to now.
>>Have your undead assist the construction. Yes, the villagers should do this on their own, but you are starting to fear that some of them may freeze to death before they are done with construction.

>>40498209
Dont forget to turn your trip off going between threads[/spoiler

>>40498045
You were unwilling to do so in the previous thread.

You look over the village, looking for the middle-aged blonde woman that you had seen ordering the men around earlier. You find her lifting a log with the help of two young men and trying to carry it to where three logs lay, in a rough U shape.

'May I have a word?' you say.
'Of course. Boys, you don't need me, do you?' she says and leaves them to work.
'While we are here, what should I call you?'
'I am Sheila, Vlad Tepish. Now, is there anything I can do for you?'
'Not so much. It does not seem like the construction is going so well. I'd hoped to avoid it, but I could spare some of my... workforce to help you. I would not like to see you freeze to death.'
'Can't say you're wrong. Our boys think they can solve everything with their muscle, and few women are strong enough. And it is getting colder by the hour. We could use the help.'
'Well, you are in luck. More men would join your village, they are following me not far behind.'
'I do not know if we can support them,'
'We have the food, if need be I can loan it out until summer.'
'Perhaps you might have asked me before offering them a place?'

>'These are my lands. You stay here by my permission. I can extend that permission to whomever I want.'
>'Perhaps I should have, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors. Reasonable too.'
>'I should have. If you want to turn them away, you are free to do so.'
>Other (write-in)

>>40498330
>'Perhaps I should have, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors. Reasonable too.'

>>40498330
>'These are my lands. I can extend that permission to whomever I want.'
>'Perhaps I should have, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors. Reasonable too.'
We should have, but we still have the final say.

>>40497685
>'Perhaps. The villagers trust my guidance, I suppose I am the closest thing to a leader they have. It certainly is not official'
Was surrendering a part of your plan?

>>40498330
>You can still refuse them, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors.

>>40498330
>These are my lands. You stay here by my permission. I can extend that permission to whomever I want.'

>>40498330
>>'These are my lands. You stay here by my permission. I can extend that permission to whomever I want.'
>>'Perhaps I should have, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors. Reasonable too.'
She needs to know that we are the Big Dick leader around here

5 minute consensus break

>>40498330
WELCOME BACK DEADQM!!!
I missed you

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>>40497082

Welcome back, I am sure many people will be happy.

>>40498330
>>'Perhaps I should have, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors. Reasonable too.'

>>40498330
>>'Perhaps I should have, but these men were in dire straits, and they are good warriors. Reasonable too.'

4chan ate my post.

'You would do well to remember that you are here, on my land, by my permission. I can extend that permission to whomever I choose.'
'I- Of course, Vlad Tepish.'
'Perhaps I should have consulted you before. These men were sent here by their incompetent elders to die. I felt it right to offer them refuge.'
'Yes, Vlad Tepish, I am sorry to have questioned you. It was a mistake of a moment of surprise.'
'Question me all you like. I will listen to the advice of any who are willing to give it. But I decide what goes on in my lands.'
'You have more than earned that right, Lord.'
'Now, let us get started with the construction, shall we?'

Roll 1d20+4 DC 12 to be done in a week, -1 day for every 2 points over DC

>>40498522
Hmm didn't know Kant-O started on January?
If only Hidden Necro came back too

Rolled 16 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>40498813

Rolled 9 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>40498813

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>40498813
Here comes the critfail

Rolled 17 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>40498813
EXCITE

Unnatural 20! Basic shelter and granary will be built in 3 days.

Your undead get to work. You had feared that the humans might be hesitant to work with them, but they seem to have used to seeing your minions go about hunting and gathering, and whatever other missions you might have for them. They are as fast and as efficient as ever, tireless and magically strong they each do the work of two men. You decide to join in with the project, at least for a little while.

You have done little physical labour in the last few months, and it feels good to get lost in the work. Sheila and the others seem to grow warmer seeing you give them a hand personally, but most of your efforts go into guiding the undead and the living both. The village will be done long before anyone is in real danger of freezing to death, unless some really bad luck strikes.

You soon realise that having all of your undead work at the same time hinders more than helps. You set half of them to work in construction, and return the other half to their usual duties. Your effective fighting force of undead is constrained to 25/35 until construction is finished.

You consider recent events. Security is certainly a concern. Perhaps you should help set up some basic defences for the village after the construction of the basics is finished.

>This is not a priority. You will need your minions as soon as construction of the basics is done.
>They should not be left defenceless. +1 day of construction, to set up some traps, basic barricades.
>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower

>>40499058
>They should not be left defenceless. +1 day of construction, to set up some traps, basic barricades.

>>40499058
>>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower
If you gonna do it right, might as well go all the way.

>>40499058
>>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower
Might as well go balls deep

>>40499058
>>They should not be left defenseless. +1 day of construction, to set up some traps, basic barricades.
Might as well

>>40499058
>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower

>>40499058
>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower

>>40499058
>>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower

>>40499058
>>Defence is paramount. +3 days to set up a proper wooden log wall and a simple watchtower

The warriors you met earlier to day have set to work enthusiastically. They seem to keep up easily with everyone else in the village, and are more willing to take orders from you. A few hours into the construction you all take a break, excepting the undead, of course.

'I will set the dead to build up some defences as well, after the buildings are done.' You say.
'Damn fine idea, Vlad.' a young warrior says.
'There has been too much violence going on to leave this place undefended. I'm thinking a proper wall, watchtower, the whole package.'
'I ain't complaining about that. You want a wall any bad winter for when the wolves come, but in a year like this it's fuckin' paramount.'
'Sheila, are we agreed?' you say.
'Yes, of course. Thank you, Vlad Tepish.' she says.

Well. They took to that idea faster than you expected. When you left, your tribe had barely mastered the art of putting some rocks in front of the cave mouth you were staying in. These people are happy about fairly advanced construction projects. You had clearly seen that someone else among them had attained ancient knowledge, but for it to spread among the people so quickly and thoroughly was still impressive.

>Question the humans about technological advancements.
>Leave your undead to work, return to the ruin.
>Other (write-in)

>>40499291
>Question the humans about technological advancements.

>>40499291
>Question the humans about technological advancements.

>>40499291
>>Question the humans about technological advancements.

>>40499291
>>Question the humans about technological advancements.

'I could not help but notice, tools have come a long way since I left my tribe. A very long way. Very fast.' you say.
'Well, yes and no. Most of us couldn't get our hands on 'em, but we saw what could be done. There was no magic in it and it was damned useful, so no one complained.' the man says.
'Yeah, we'd just see shelter come from nothing, hunters coming back with game most every hunt, tools to break stone and start fire easily. It was too good to complain about.' Sheila says.
'Nonetheless, I've not been away for a year, and you are already talking about the strategic uses of a wall?' you say.
'Well, yea, it got real obvious real fast. Some tribes would refuse to join, and they got cut down easy.' the warrior says.
'Who was the person to bring the tools to you?' you say.
'No one rightly knows. Lots of people say Karrim, but Karrim himself never claimed to have discovered 'em.' the warrior says.
'It was his tribe though. They used the tools first. Must've found them we thought, but then they made more.' Sheila says.

Interesting. You should talk to Karrim soon about this. If there are more ruins like yours around it would make a great deal of sense to investigate them.

>Talk and work with the humans more.
>Go back to the ruin, talk to your friends.
>Go back to the ruin, plan your next move.
>Other (write-in)

>>40499575
>Go back to the ruin, talk to your friends.
>Go back to the ruin, plan your next move.

>>40499575
>>Go back to the ruin, talk to your friends.
>>Go back to the ruin, plan your next move.

>>40499575
>Go back to the ruin, talk to your friends.
>Go back to the ruin, plan your next move.

>>40499575
>>Go back to the ruin, talk to your friends.
>>Go back to the ruin, plan your next move.

You return to the ruin. You have effectively been out of touch with your friends... Yes, you suppose they are your friends for four days, between you being unconscious and out on business. And you cannot sit idle and wait the winter out. Between your magic and the many furs you have gathered, you can travel quite safely even in winter. Something worth considering, as there are many unresolved issues nearby, and you haven't even rode more than a few days away in most directions, there is still plenty more to explore. First things first, catching up with your people.

>Talk to Lathrien
>Talk to Melandie
>Talk to Bathory
>Commune with a spirit (Karrim? Other?)

As you walk you consider what to do after catching up.

>The human construction project has given you an idea. The dwarves must have a lot of good quality stone. With it you could rebuild the ruin. Perhaps to the point where you would no longer need to call it 'the ruin'
>Go North past the elven camp
>Go West past the former gnoll camp
>Go East to meet with the gnolls. You might want to invite them for the winter feast.
>Other

>>40499845
>>Go North past the elven camp
Let's not invite fukking gnolls to are diplomatic feast

>>40499845
commas save lives. [..],for four days

>>40499845
>Talk to Bathory
>The human construction project has given you an idea. The dwarves must have a lot of good quality stone. With it you could rebuild the ruin. Perhaps to the point where you would no longer need to call it 'the ruin'

>>40499845
>Talk to Bathory
>Commune with a spirit (Karrim?
The ruin he found his tech in.
>The human construction project has given you an idea. The dwarves must have a lot of good quality stone. With it you could rebuild the ruin. Perhaps to the point where you would no longer need to call it 'the ruin'

>>40499845
>Commune with a spirit (Karrim? Other?)
Orc Demonologist, see what else he knows magic wise and Karrim for sweet loot
>Go North past the elven camp

>>40499845
>>Go East to meet with the gnolls. You might want to invite them for the winter feast.

You walk through the enchanted forest. It must look terrifying for the living, yet they choose to live just outside it for safety. You are certain that none would walk in here by sheer chance. You find it comforting. You recognize every tree, every stone, every spirit here. And your power is beyond question in this realm.

You return to the ruin, and find it much more appealing for the average human. It has been decorated with hides and braziers, and swept clean. It is almost inviting. Bathory waits for you not far from the entrance.

'Vlad, where have you been?' she says.
'Doing diplomacy with the humans.' you say.
'Oh, dear, are you hurt?'
'I am fine. I think I might have opened some channels. '
'You should have called me. You are no good at that stuff.'
'I am learning. More to the point, how are you? How are things here.'
'The elves are happy. Very happy.' Bathory smiles.
'Really?'
'Yes. It is good. Maybe we will have some children running around here before too long.'
'Surely it is much too soon for that.'
'You used to say that. Surely you do not believe it anymore.'
'Bathory, are we still talking about the elves?'
'Well, I know you are busy, and I am not sure I can fully be with you again yet... But I must ask.' she pauses.
'What, Bathory?'
'Well, is it even possible? Could I have children now?'
'It should be. Your body is exactly as it was before. Well, almost exactly.'
'And what of you? Once you find what you search, can you tell me for certain you will be able to?'
'I do not know.'
'I think we need some air, away from here. I know it is comfort for you, but the rest of us need to get away sometime.'

>'I did have a trip planned, and I was planning to take you all with me'
>'I did have a trip planned, but all of you must stay in safety'
>'I did have a trip planned, but someone must stay behind to look after the place.'
>'Other'

>>40500293
>>'I did have a trip planned, and I was planning to take you all with me'

>>40500293
>>'I did have a trip planned, and I was planning to take you all with me'

>>40500293
>>'I did have a trip planned, and I was planning to take you all with me'

>>40500293
>'I did have a trip planned, and I was planning to take you all with me'
Is she trying to say that she wants our bones?

>>40500293
>'I did have a trip planned, and I was planning to take you all with me'
Set more talismans before we leave

'You're in luck, I have a trip planned.'
'Good. Where are we going?'
'Well, this place could be truly great if we could get some proper building materials, the dwarves in the mountains are well known miners, we could bargain for stone and start working on the building.'
'You seem uncertain.'
'Well, it is the middle of the winter after all. Not the best weather to carry rocks for a hundred miles. Not even for the undead.'
'I assume you have another plan?'
'We could just go North. Past the elves. See how far we can get before supplies run low, then turn back. I feel we have not explored that area in sufficient detail.'
'I would love to meet the elder again. That said, I think talking with the dwarves would be the more practical choice here. Perhaps send a scout to the North, you have your spirits.'
'Bathory, about what you said. I love you, forever. If I have to choose between what you want and immortality, I would not hesitate.'
'It is... I do not know, I thought I had to keep you at a distance, but Lathrien and Melandie both seem so much happier now. Perhaps we could do something nice together, see what is still there and what has returned.'
'I would like that very much. Where are those crazy kids anyways?'
'Oh they spend half their time in the room that Lathrien's taken over, half over at Melandie's camp. Wherever they are, I've not seen them separate.'
'Isn't that a bit fast? Last time I saw them Melandie was yelling obscenities at Lathrien.'
'She still is half the time. It's the other half that counts, apparently.'
'It is that, I guess. I need to talk to some spirits, we can start packing after that and leave in the morning.'

>Commune with Karrim
>Find Lathrien and Melandie

>>40500642
>Commune with Karrim

>>40500642
>>Commune with Karrim

>>40500642
>Commune with Karrim
Surprise kiss to bathory?

>>40500642
I will have to read up on the past threads because i dont really know these characters much
but
>Commune with Karrim
People here seem to like that

You turn around to leave. Hell, you've faced horrors from beyond this realm. You've faced elven diplomats. You turn back around. You look in Bathory's dark eyes and you kiss her. For three seconds she doesn't pull back.

You walk to your laboratory feeling quite good about yourself. You pick up Karrim's skull. Luckily you've learned methods of removing flesh from bones. The first few skulls you collected would smell for months before the flesh rotted away enough that you could clean them. Karrim's skull is smooth bone, clean and a little yellow. You touch onto his forehead and commune.

'Pern! God of White Fire! Burn this dark Warlock! Free me of his touch!' You hear a searing scream in your head.

Were you a lesser necromancer it might have worked on you. You are not a lesser anything.

'Silence.'

Karrim's spirit stops talking. The pressure of his soul fighting against your will is more than any you've felt before. That said, with your current skill in magic it is little more than a light pressure on your forehead.

>'What is this god you speak of?'
>'What tools have you discovered?'
>'Where did you find the technology?'
>'What magic was that? Teach me!'
>Other (write-in)

>>40500933
>'What is this god you speak of?'
>'What tools have you discovered?'
>'Where did you find the technology?'

>>40500933
>>'What is this god you speak of?'
>>'What tools have you discovered?'
>>'Where did you find the technology?'
I doubt we want to learn his gods magic.

>>40500933
>'What is this god you speak of?'
>'What tools have you discovered?'
>'Where did you find the technology?'
Fuck yo gods Karim, hell fuck our suposed necromancy god as well he is a dick.

>>40500987
Also Drow worship him apparently

>>40501010
Man i forgot our catch phrase when we were tired of shit/ spirits/gods.

>>40500868
The Cast:
Bathory-Your lover. Binding her spirit after her untimely death was what caused your exile in the first place. The process was, unbeknownst to you, excruciating and she hated you for a time. Eventually you gave her a body and mended some major fences.
Lathrien: Started out as basically a hostage, he is your apprentice and friend.
Melandie: An elven huntress and berserker, joined you on her own volition. Major anger issues. She started a relationship with Lathrien in her PoV episode.
Karrim: The leader of a human tribe that became the inhabitants of the village near your borders. You defeated him in battle and bound his spirit to his skull.

Others are supporting characters, more or less.

Now back to your regularly scheduled quest:

'Tell me what god you speak of.' There is a split second more of silence than you are used to when commanding spirits to answer.
'Pern. White god of healing and cleansing fire. I worship him for strength to battle the forces of darkness.'
'What tools did you discover? Where?'
'Axes, picks, knives. Many other we did not know the use for. A ruin far to the East, the desert, where no man treads.'

>'Stop praying to Pern.'
>'Pern is giving you magic. Teach it to me.'
>'How far is the ruin? Can you lead me there?'
>Other

>>40501200
>'How far is the ruin? Can you lead me there?'
>'Was there anything else in the ruins?'

>>40501200
>'How far is the ruin? Can you lead me there?'
>'Was there anything else in the ruins?'

>>40501200
>'How far is the ruin? Can you lead me there?'
>'Was there anything else in the ruins?'

>>40501288
'How far is the ruin? Can you lead me there?'
'N-Yes! It took us months in the desert. Knowing the way, it would still likely take at least two weeks.'
'Was there anything else there?'
'Many things. We could not carry it all. Books we left, because we did not know the language. Except one. We prayed at the shrine and we knew the Word. More tools and weapons. We left whatever we didn't know how to use.'
'Is there anything you are not telling me?'
'Yes.'
'What is it? Speak?'
'There is more than thirst and heat in the desert. Five of us disappeared without a trace before we left it. Only five of us returned, with Pern's grace.'

>Change of plans. It is at least two weeks ride through human lands to the edge of the desert, then two more across the desert itself, but the rewards would be well worth it.
>Aside from the construction and trading needs, the Drow also come from the mountain where you met the dwarves. Seeing what is going on there is a priority.
>It is not adventure if you know where you are going. Go North, see what happens.
>Talk to Lathrien and Melandie before making a decision
>Other

>>40501459
>Aside from the construction and trading needs, the Drow also come from the mountain where you met the dwarves. Seeing what is going on there is a priority.

>>40501459
>Aside from the construction and trading needs, the Drow also come from the mountain where you met the dwarves. Seeing what is going on there is a priority.

Tools and books could be useless/of minimal use whereas a relationship and potential trade will be infinitely useful to us especially as we lack a lot of the required resources

>>40501459

>Aside from the construction and trading needs, the Drow also come from the mountain where you met the dwarves. Seeing what is going on there is a priority.

>>40501459
>Talk to Lathrien and Melandie before making a decision
And ask them how they feel about this plan:

>Change of plans. It is at least two weeks ride through human lands to the edge of the desert, then two more across the desert itself, but the rewards would be well worth it.
Maybe bringing some of the new warriors with you

>Aside from the construction and trading needs, the Drow also come from the mountain where you met the dwarves. Seeing what is going on there is a priority.
Send Lathrien and Melandie as ambassadors

Curious. You should make the trip sooner or later, but acquiring more tools would hardly be an immediate necessity at this moment. The delicious knowledge contained within is harder to resist, but you must put the community first. You are, after all, a leader now in all but name.

You check Lathriens room, and sure enough your knocks interrupt something very joyful going on in there. Perhaps some elven game. Ahem.

'Lathrien, Melandie, we are going to go back to the dwarves. Tomorrow.'

There are a few hushed noises, and soon enough two somewhat ruffled elves stand before you, looking a little ashamed.

'Look up.'
'Yes, Vlad Tepish.' they say, at the same time.
'Your time is yours, enjoy it the best you can and do not feel guilt about it.'
Lathrien turns very red and Melandie drops the embarrassed facade and smiles.
'Wasn't planning to consult you, Vlad Tepish' she says.
'Good. That said, you still have duties here. One of which is going on these sort of missions with me. We leave at dawn tomorrow, pack what you need.'
'Yes, Vlad Tepish.' Lathrien says.
'So, Vlad Tepish, you know how you have a riding elk? We could move faster if we all had mounts, right?' Melandie says.

>'Sure. Tame an animal, I've heard it is possible to tame a horse for riding.'
>'Sure. I do not have any other elk raised at the moment, but there are a few animals you might be able to ride.'
>'No time for that. I will consider it later.'

You also inform Bathory that you shall be going to the dwarves, which she approves of. She seems happy to agree that a month long trek across desert would not be the wisest idea right about now, and that leaves the dwarves as the best option.

The morning is even cooler than the day before. You shiver some, but Bathory's body is adapted to withstand heat, and it does not seem to bother the elves too much. You set out as the day breaks.

>Ride hard and fast. You need to get there and back again without delay.
>Take your time. Chat on the way.

>>40501839
>>'Sure. Tame an animal, I've heard it is possible to tame a horse for riding.'
>Take your time. Chat on the way

>>40501839
>Ride hard and fast. You need to get there and back again without delay.
isn't Melandie an aprentice of ours?
Shouldn't he be able to raise his own undead elk?
Jesus this rian is killing my internet, here is hoping i mention this fast enough.

>>40501839
Have our apprentice raise undead mints as practice and with undead mounts ride hard and fast.

>>40501839
>'Sure. Tame an animal, I've heard it is possible to tame a horse for riding.'
>>Take your time. Chat on the way.

>>40501965
Lathrien's the apprentice, she just kinda joined up. She's pretty good at ranger stuff and murdering drow with her bare hands.

It is not like you are in a rush. The trek is long, but on even ground and fairly peaceful. Now that you think of it, you have somewhat neglected Lathrien's training.

'Lathrien!'
'Yes, Vlad Tepish?'
'As we travel, I am going to release a random minion every now and again. I want you to catch them and bring them under your control without stopping.'
'Vlad Tepish, isn't that a little advanced?'
'You'll do fine. If you keep it up you'll be able to raise a mount for you and Melandie by the time we turn back.'

That makes the kid more motivated, sure enough. Melandie has been looking out for any ride-able animal for the whole morning, but without luck.

Roll 1d20+3 for Lathrien's necromancy DC 20 for progress, DC 22 for Necromancy 3

Rolled 4 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>40502079

Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>40502079
EXCITE

Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>40502079

Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>40502079

>>40502113
>>40502106
>>40502079
Didn't you used to have a doubles rule where it equaled an automatic succes?

>>40502102
>>40502106
>>40502113

To much fucking, not enough study.

>>40502167
that has never been a thing.

>>40502198
You sure?
I'm probably wrong, but i remember one of the quest that was up around this time used it and i forgot i it was this one or not.

>>40502167
Nope. It's ridiculously common, statistics schmatistics.

10 Failure.

Lathrien has always practiced in a controlled environment. He is not terrible at this, in fact he catches most of the undead you release before they can start attacking, but he is way too off-balance to learn anything new. You give up after less than an hour.

'Vlad Tepish, I do not think this is the right kind of training for me.'
'Perhaps you should have been studying, no?'
'I... Yes, Vlad Tepish.'
'Nope. Not for the first week, Vlad. He's mine for now.' Melandie says.

>There is banter and then there is insubordination. Make Lathrien practice twice as much as he usually does and Melandie gets first two watches when you camp for the night.
>Fair enough. Let them have their fun.
>They've had four days. Time to get back to work.

The day's ride is otherwise uneventful and you camp early. It gets dark early and suddenly this time of year and you need daylight to navigate by. It is cold and dark and not conducive to conversation, so you set your watches and get some sleep.

>>40502306
>Fair enough. Let them have their fun.
Fine then you have three more days, then he does doubles.

>>40502306
>"A successful man can balance all aspects of his life, figure it out Lathrien"

>>40502383
Seconded they already had four days nigga gotta start working again.

>>40502383
This
If he cant he has no right to ask for help

'A successful man can balance out all aspects of his life, Lathrien. Figure it out.'
'Of course, Vlad Tepish, I didn't even mean to...'
'Just do it.'

And since this means we're taking at least one watch, roll 1d20+2 DC 12. Last time you were on watch our undead got stolen. All of them.

Rolled 11 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>40502449

Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>40502449

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>40502449

Well I'll be

Nat 20! Critical Success! You have gained Awareness 2! Furthermore:

You are NOT going to mess this up again. You set out sentries, making sure you sense them and any movement or sound they notice. You keep your eyes peeled. You even set Bathory's guard dog on watch with you.

It pays off. They would have passed you by without either of you noticing the other. But you more feel than see a small party of what could only be more drow fleeing the Mountain. They have not noticed you and seem preoccupied with leaving as soon as possible.

>Intercept them, try to take one alive
>Intercept them. They might be going for your ruin. Kill them. You can talk to their spirits.
>Let them be. Too few of them for an assault on your ruin. They must have some other goal you do not care about.
>Other

>>40502614
>Intercept them. They might be going for your ruin. Kill them. You can talk to their spirits.

>>40502614
>Intercept them, try to capture them all

>>40502614
>>Intercept them. They might be going for your ruin. Kill them. You can talk to their spirits.
Only good drow is a dead drow.Also we can trade their heads to the dwarfs

>>40502614
>Intercept them. They might be going for your ruin. Kill them. You can talk to their spirits.

The dwarves are happy to trade drow heads for actual goods. You prepare for a surprise attack. You make sure to surround them the best you can. You do not need to wake anyone up. There is only five of them.

Roll 1d20+5 DC 15 combat to do it quick and clean.

Rolled 9 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>40502806
Can we talk to the souls first?

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>40502806

Rolled 2 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>40502806

>>40502834
>>40502841
>>40502848

It's never easy.

14! Marginal Failure the Worst Kind of Failure!

The first one dies without a sound. Another is so close that you can just step out from behind a tree and stab him in the throat. You move slowly, with impressive stealth for a human.

Human does not seem to be enough. After two more of them die to your minions the last one starts running. You could not catch him in a footrace, but maybe you can get close enough to zap him with magic.

Roll 1d20+1 DC 15 Athletics ain't your strong suit

Rolled 18 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>40502917

Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>40502917

>>40502930
mynigga.jpeg

Rolled 8 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>40502917

Rolled 13 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>40502917

19! Success!

He is clearly still surprised. Now that you have time to pay attention they do not necessarily look like warriors. Yes, they are wearing strange armour, but it looks more ornamental than anything. All of this thinking happens somewhere far away, as you jump on your mount and ride close enough to the man to drain his life out of him.

>Chop off their heads for trade reasons, bind one spirit to talk to
>You don't care why they're doing what they're doing, you're killing every one you meet. Chop their heads off for trade reasons.
>Your army's still low on bodies. Raise them as undead. They'll need to keep their heads.
>Leave them. Wake up Lathrien for the next watch. Get some sleep. The drow have proven to be insignificant.
>Other

>>40503082
>Your army's still low on bodies. Raise them as undead. They'll need to keep their heads.

>>40503082
>>Chop off their heads for trade reasons, bind one spirit to talk to
Hmm

>>40503082
>>Chop off their heads for trade reasons, bind one spirit to talk to

>>40503082
>Chop off their heads for trade reasons, bind one spirit to talk to
We never asked the last group why they were fleeing might as well ask this group.

>>40503082
>>Chop off their heads for trade reasons, bind one spirit to talk to

This is NOT your favourite part of the job, but it has to be done. At least you have passable tools for it now. You get to butchering the drow corpses, and your suspicions grow. Only two of the five drow seem to have been armed. You definitely need to talk to one of them. You choose one of the unarmed ones, keeping the rest of their heads for trade with dwarves. You bind the spirit. It seems to have the slick-black sensation of a soul of a necromancer to it. You reach out to commune with it.

'Wh- where am I?'
'Dead. Why were you running.'
'Away from the mountains. The dwarves found it! They found it! What do you mean dead?'
'What did they find?'
'Their damned forge. It was a legend. Just a legend.'

Well shit. Everybody's finding artifacts of legendary power all at once. This must be the worst year in living memory to become a major power on the scene.

'What can this forge do?'
'Runecraft. Enchanted weapons. Not the iron and bronze crap they've been using either. Good steel. No way can we fight it. They have runes that cut through magic for fucks sake.'

>'That's it? Good weapons? Against superior numbers and magic? What else is there?'
>'Useful, have more dwarves joined them?'
>Other (write-in)

>>40503260
>'Useful, have more dwarves joined them?'

>>40503260
>'That's it? Good weapons? Against superior numbers and magic? What else is there?'
>'Useful, have more dwarves joined them?'

>>40503260
>>'That's it? Good weapons? Against superior numbers and magic? What else is there?'
>>'Useful, have more dwarves joined them?'

>>40503260
>'That's it? Good weapons? Against superior numbers and magic? What else is there?'
>'Useful, have more dwarves joined them?'

'Bullshit, what aren't you telling me?'
'Everything, I swear! Well, there was this incursion by an unknown force that softened up a big portion of our necromancers, and that made it worse, of course. Then our god stopped answering to us. Then the dwarves came with proper weapons and armour and still their fucking traps and whatever. Most ran deeper into the caves, those who were too weak to survive what was in the depths left the mountain.'
'Ah, that could make more sense. The dwarves. Did more join them?'
'I am not sure there ARE more. We killed a few every year, and every year there were fewer of them. By the time our necromancers died, we thought of the dwarves as little more than pests.'
'Fascinating.'

You set the skull aside. Power can do strange things to people. So can wealth. And, according to your books, the dwarves could be more tempted by wealth and power than most other races. Likely bigoted stereotyping to be sure, but even if they were just as greedy as humans you'd have to step carefully now that they thought they'd found legendary power.

You will know tomorrow. Now it is time to sleep.

You wake up shivering. A cynical part of you thinks that you should do your best to make up with Bathory as quickly as possible, if only to have someone warm to sleep next to at night. You stretch and move about a bit and the cold becomes bearable. You are only a few hours away from the Mountain.

When you get closer, you clearly see that there are two dwarven guards on the cave mouth you used the last time you were here.

>Approach openly with your undead entourage and your allies
>Approach with your allies
>Send Bathory to do her thing
>Attack. If this forge is so valuable you will take it for yourself.
>Other

>>40503530
>Approach openly with your undead entourage and your allies
>Send Bathory to do her thing
Who up for stealing the forge?
this will bite us in the ass later on.

>>40503530
>>Approach with your allies
We're here to trade. They fukkin love trading

>>40503530
>Approach with your allies
>Send Bathory to do her thing

>>40503530
>Approach with your allies
>>40503585
I'm willing to check out the forge, bit u don't know about stealing it.

>>40503530
>Other
Approach by yourself, with an exit strategy ready to abscond at any time.

'Bathory, would you take the lead for any important conversations?'
'I wouldn't have it any other way, Vlad.'

You approach the entrance. Bathory introduces you:

'Vlad Tepish and party, here to congratulate your people on good fortune and to talk trade.'
'Vlad Tepish. Right, killed some elves good. Speakin' of, you two might want to stay in lit places while you're in there. Hard to tell colour of ya' skin in the dark.' one of the guards says to the elves.
'Of course,' Bathory says, 'Could you lead us to someone we could talk trade with?'
' 's why there's two of us here.' the dwarf says.

He doesn't talk much, aside from warning you to bend down to avoid bumping your head, or to watch your step. In the dark, cramped corridors he moves faster than any of your party.

It is the same cave complex you remember for the most part. Then you take a turn that you are quite certain is new. After several hours of walking you see golden light reflect on the walls of the cave. As you keep walking you realise it is coming from slowly flowing fountains of molten rock- lava. You know that it should be blazing hot in this proximity, but it seems to only keep the cave warm.

As you turn a corner you see opulence you'd never dreamed of. It reminds you of how you felt when you first saw the ruin you now live in. It must have been a cavern once, or a mine, but surely, decades of craftsmanship must have gone into it afterwards. The ceiling must be a hundred feet high, the floors are polished smooth. Every wall is covered in carvings, of events from epic battles, to grand crownings of kings, to simple brewing of what could be beer.

In the middle of it all, a gargantuan smelter, heated by some sort of an arcane power and the heat of the lava. In front of the forge proper stands a dwarf you remember from your first time here. He was their elder. You remember him wearing chainmail, padded with only his beard. His current armour is still padded with his beard, but it seems to be old, bronze.

'Ah! Vlad Tepish! Always grateful for ye softening up that drow problem we 'ad. Welcome! Who's this beautiful lady then?'
'I am Bathory, Vlad's companion, it is a pleasure to meet you.'
'Companion or eheh 'companion'? No matter, what can I do you for?'
'We set out due to our need for building materials, but we can see you might have grander things to trade with now.'
'So long as you have the goods to trade 'em for.'

>Set up long-term trade
>>Stone for food and leather
>>Stone for gold and whatever other precious metals you might find
>>Stone for knowledge in crafting and construction
>Immidiate trade
>>One of your enchanted weapons for runecrafted armour
>>Drow heads and good faith for a runecrafted weapon (your sword is still one of the best weapons around the setting, but one of your companions might need an upgrade
>>Other artifacts for other metalcraft
>>Other trade

>Talk to the dwarf elder (write-in what about

>>40503984
>>>Stone for gold and whatever other precious metals you might find

>>40503984
>Stone for food and leather
Sounds good
>Drow heads and good faith for a runecrafted weapon (your sword is still one of the best weapons around the setting, but one of your companions might need an upgrade
We did get thier heads for something
>Talk to the dwarf elder (write-in what about
Tell him about the desert ruin and maybe having a group of his and our going together to loot shit.

>>40503984
>>Stone for gold and whatever other precious metals you might find

Also ask for the worth of some drow heads?

>>40503984
>Stone for gold and whatever other precious metals you might find
We need food right now with our expanding population. We should come back to it when we have a sustainable source.

>>40503984
>Stone for gold and whatever other precious metals you might find
>Other trade
Rune craft knowledge for drow heads, and what ever is up for haggling.
>>40504098
Hesitantly seconding the notion of a joint operation into ruins with dwarves, but only with the fiat that we keep the books of knowledge and its a first come first serve for treasure.

'Let us get to business then. I've some gold and silver I would be willing to trade for stone. Alternatively we have spare hides and food, I'd be willing to trade a portion of that for stone as well.'
'Straightforward enough. We can talk numbers in a minute. Anything else catch your fancy?'
'Ran into some drow on my way here. These five heads, and perhaps the recognition of my services for one of these fine weapons you craft these days?'
'Perhaps. For none else, but those mages you dealt with would've been a right pain in the arse. We can do a few neat things with 'em and are learning more every day. We can make a blade that's dead sharp and keeps an edge like nothing else, a blade that can ground any magic thrown at you, or a blade that'll, well I can't say it any other way, but that it'll feed on blood and get stronger 'more you use it.'

>Choose your weapon

'I see. Will you part with the secret of the runecraft for any price?'
'Wouldn't even if I could. It has to be done here. The technique needs this forge.'
'I have recently learned of a ruin far to the east. Might you join us in an expedition? We'd have to set an arrangement for looting rights, but would love some of your people to come along.'

Roll 1d20+5 DC 20 for suggestion; Roll 1d20+5 DC Varied for trade

Rolled 1, 9 + 5 = 15 (2d20 + 5)

>>40504350

Rolled 11, 19 = 30 (2d20)

>>40504350

Rolled 14, 1 + 5 = 20 (2d20 + 5)

>>40504350

>>40504371
>>40504398
Fucking HOW!?

>>40504371
>>40504398
Well shit

>>40504398
>>40504391
>>40504371
Please tell me nats don't count since we just roll two nat 1s.
its the same reason building the houses failed so many times
>>40504350
Well?

Why do we always crit fail dip rolls? If we level diplomacy enough do we ignore crit fails?

>>40504498
We leveled diplomacy the most through our nat 1s.

>>40504498
This isn't critfailing.

This is ADVANCED critfailing.

>>40504560
>>40504548
>>40504498
Who is ready to earn Diplomacy level 4?
This is our current level Diplomacy 3 [2/4].

1;1 Critfail Both. Feral Necromancer Quest! Where the rolls are 1 and the stats don't matter!

On the upside, you have gained Diplomacy 4! You are now better at diplomacy than it is possible to be through book-learnin' or tutoring. Not that you'd ever know.

On the other hand:

'Hey, old man, who are you talking to?' you hear a voice shout.
'Vlad Tepish. Show some respect, boy!' the elder says.
'The Necromancer? The other human trading party has told us everything we need to know about the monster! Brothers, our elder's gone mad! He's conspiring with Dark Wizards! We cannot be led by him! Kill him! And the Wizard too!'

And with that concludes Feral Necromancer Quest XVI. Partially because I don't really know where to go with this, partially because I have a flight tomorrow morning and it's 3AM here.

You got some shit done, and I've been away for too long to not give you 3 exp. You have a total of 5.

You can upgrade pretty much anything you like, but popular choices are always:

>Shamanism (4pts)
>Necromancy (4pts)
>Stats (Varied)

Rules for leveling up: http://pastebin.com/vBRyBWfK

Thread archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=feral+necromancer

Again, sorry to cut it short, hope I can do another one next Saturday.

If not, follow Twitter @DeadQM for updates

>>40504633
>Shamanism (4pts)
this Saturday?

File: 5e0ce26730496c8389dd49210dcb73.jpg (16 KB, 268x293)

16 KB JPG

>>40504633
>>Necromancy (4pts)

File: 1430538491427.gif (460 KB, 220x132)

460 KB GIF

>>40504633
>spontaneous shamanism level up lets us pic related to show our rage at the situation

Or not.

We just need to have some huge "I'm tired of all this bullshit" moments

>>40504633
>Shamanism (4pts)
>We just made the current dwarven leader lose his position
>we just became the enemies of the dwarves
We did plan to save up for this.
Kek
Lets steal their forge to make it all the sweeter.

>>40504633
>Shamanism (4pts)
Let us bind a fire spirit to fuel our new forge which we will obtain from the dwarves.

>>40504725
>>40504633
What was our catchphrase?
I remember there was a phrase we usually said when moments like this usually happened.
So what does our wife think of this?

>>40504681
Hopefully. I'm going on a bit of a holiday, but if I have internet access and am sober/manageabley drunk I will run it.

I think I smell where the wind is going so I'll say SHAMANISM VI for now. If this gets outvoted, consider it a sneak peak

You have reached Shamanism VI
You have learned Wild Shape! You can transform in any natural animal you have seen in person, gaining its physical attributes while maintaining most of your mental faculties.

!! 2/3 Steps Towards Vampirism Immortality Option Unlocked !!
!!Volume Ending Quest Unlocked!!
!!You must go to the Temple to the Sun God in the desert to proceed!!

>>40504754
Deal With It.

>>40504801
'Natural Animal' includes any animal that exists in real world and their Dire versions.

>>40504801
>!! 2/3 Steps Towards Vampirism Immortality Option Unlocked !!

Our namesake approaches.

Soon we will be epic level vampiric alchemist, making poultices and potions that make us immune to sunlight and even more OP.

Do vampires in this setting die nearly immediately in sunlight, or just get really weakened when in it, ala classic Dracula?

>>40504801
>!! 2/3 Steps Towards Vampirism Immortality Option Unlocked !!
>!!Volume Ending Quest Unlocked!!
>!!You must go to the Temple to the Sun God in the desert to proceed!!
HAHAHAHA you expect us to go for shitty vampire nah sun we going to wait and see what we unlock at level 9 necromancy and shamanism.
>>40504827
So do we just become a gaint bear and rekt thier shit?
>>40504801
Hey what is the preview for necromancy?

>>40504827
So can we can go full Dire Bear on these fucking Dorfs next episode?

>>40504869
>>40504888

>turn into Dire Bear

>Dwarves decide to fuck off because HOLY SHIT 20 FOOT TALL BEAR!

>>40504869
>>40504863

The first immortality was like Chapter 3 option. It was super shit and you turned it down for good reason. There have been a few more times when you have turned down a potential option for immortality. This is the first one with more pros than cons.

For one thing, you would be the first vampire, more or less. Think more WoD ancient vamps/ Warhammer Vampire Lords than Buffy or fucken Twilight or whatever. Sure, not without drawbacks, but certainly one of the better options you're going to get.

That said, there are two more options you'll unlock just going down the trees, though I cannot promise you will like them any more.

>>40504994
Once we choose one will you tell us what we missed out on?
Necromancy VII preview?

>>40505041
I may or may not. I have been thinking a lot whether or not I'm too opaque about the rules in this game. You'll get a pretty good idea just from going down the tree though, even if you don't pick the specific options.

Next level Necromancy spell is fully utility, and might help you out with others' perception of you and creating better minions.

>was at work for the whole quest
glad you are back.

>>40505103
Man I missed it but but glad to see you back.

>>40505103
HOLY SHIT DEADQM A FUCKIN' BEST. Glad to see you running again, man. I was scared that this quest had died.