You sit on the sand and revel in the spray of the ocean.

The desert sand sprays over you, off the dune behind you. The wind coming in is cool, and carries with it a lovely moisture that you've been so lacking in recent days.

10 days.

You've been trekking through that blasted desert for 10 days. Which means that you're 3 days behind schedule. 3 days that you can't afford to lose.

So you sit in the sand, on the beach down the coast from the pirate haven known as Cortela. Not out of exhaustion or thirst, though both describe you pretty well right now. But because you aren't sure what sort of entrance you need to make.

This can't be like your usual city trips.

You need to be noticed. You need them to see a competent person in you. Someone that someone would want on their crew. Preferably a crew for a ship that could take you north to Laust...

Which means that you can't saunter in there wearing the sandsoiled and burnt rags that currently adorn you.

You won't have a chance to look in on what sort of clothing is the norm in Cortela, so you'll just have to guess...

You'll go with-

>[ ] Fancy

>[ ] Basic

>[ ] Mysterious

>>42505436
>[ ] Mysterious

>>42505436
>[ ] Mysterious

>writing

You've heard that masks are fairly common in Cortela. Not everyone that goes to the port of pirates wants to be seen. You just so happen to have a mask in your possession. If nothing else, it will signal to all that you're looking to do business and that you probably have the gold for it.

You quickly pull some clothes out of you cloak. Nothing fancy, just your usual burglary/every day stuff. Along with that, you have your old mask.

You used to wear this whenever you wanted to sneak around, but found that you stopped needing it after a while. So it got put away in the same place where you put everything else.

You wash the dirt of the desert off of you in the seawater before drying off and getting dressed. For the first time in over a week you're clean, well dressed, and ready to face what comes next.

You start on your way up the coast, finding a newfound spring in your step as you go.

You can't help but smile. "Hopefully they'll be easier than the angels" You say.

>[1/2]

Yessss, Devil's Whim.

This place stinks.

Not like a slight smell, but a stink. Do people shit in the streets here?

You haven't smelled anything this bad since Tulia, and that was because of the rotting bodies and the damn rats.

Oh gods... there's rats. There's rats fucking EVERYWHERE.

Keep your cool Giles. Keep your cool, and your lunch. You're trying to make an impression, and vomiting in the streets does not a good first impression make.

...

Holy shit you need to get inside, or to the docks or something...

>[ ] Find a tavern

>[ ] Find an inn

>[ ] Head to the docks

>[ ] Other

>>42506109
>>[ ] Find a tavern

Best place to find work

>>42506109
>[ ] Find a tavern

>>42506109
>[ ] Find a tavern

>writing

>Giles strolls into tavern
>"You guys got any beer?"
>"We no have beer, just tequila."
>"... What's tequila?"
>"Is like beer."

No chance of a pirate town without ale, but damn if this thread didn't remind me of that one.

Straight face Giles. Eyes up, and looking for a tavern.

Fuck. So many rats. How in the hell does a place located on the edge of a desert even get rats? Do the disgusting little creatures come in on the boats?

Oh gods... you so hope there aren't any on the boats...

Oh! There's a tavern. Please don't smell. PLEASE don't smell.

You step inside, trying your best not to look as desperate as you feel. Thankfully, this place smells pleasant enough; trading the smell of shit with the smell of alcohol. It's not the trade you would have made, but it's certainly a step up.

You breathe a sigh of relief, and make your way over to the bar.

The lady behind the bar is... chesty. There really isn't much else to be said about her. Her face and everything else is average, but due in part to what she's wearing and quite possibly some kind of eldritch magical forces, her chest really seems to pop.

You chuckle to yourself. You should ask what her secret is and share it with Laura. She could definitely use some help in that area...

"Anything I can do for ya love?" The barmaid asks.

Woops, lost in thought there. Possibly staring, but you are wearing a mask.

>[ ] Order a drink

>[ ] Ask about ships

>[ ] REVEAL TO ME YOUR SECRETS

>[ ] Other

>>42506515
>[ ] Order a drink
>[ ] Ask about ships

>>42506515
>>[ ] Order a drink

Then ask about ships, then casually mention there is a princess somewhere that would be jealous of her

>>42506515
>[ ] Order a drink

>[ ] Ask about ships

>writing

"Yeah, I'll have a drink" You say.
"Aye" She says. "Whatcha drinkin'?"

"Uhh..." You hadn't considered this. You aren't really much of a drinker, aside from the wine you've been served at the last few gatherings you've been to.

You very much doubt that this place has wine. And if they did, you probably wouldn't want to drink it.

"What do you have?" You ask.
"Ale, and just about every kind of hard stuff you can name" She says, stepping aside to show her impressive rack... of booze. And it is impressive. You think there's enough here to get King Julian drunk.

"I'll stick with ale, thank you" You say.

The barmaid bows politely and scurries over to the taps. "D'ya have a name?" She asks.
"Call me Tophian" You say. "Yourself?"
"Elda" The barmaid says. "Strange for a masked man to give his name. Might as well not be wearin' it"

"Better to have it and not need it, than the other way around" You say.
"True enough" Elda says. "Cortela's taken a downturn, with the war an' all"

"One would think that a war would be good for a free port like this" You say.
"S'far as coin goes, sure" She says. "Soon as the sun goes down, this place packs up an' stays packed until dawn"

"So what's the problem?" You ask.
"The folks get shadier" She says, walking back and placing a sizeable mug of ale in front of you. "Shadier folk make the place more profitable, but more dangerous"

>[1/2]

"Define 'shady'" You say.
"Criminal types" She says. "Worse than the pirates. That lot knows better than to shit where they eat"

"Well that explains the smell" You say.

Elda cracks up and starts laughing. "I didn't mean it like that!" She says.
"Are you sure? Because there is a fierce smell out there" You say.

"That's normal. Once the sun goes down it aint so bad" She says.

Gods you hope so. If that's true, you might just have to hang out here with Elda until sundown...

"So what brings a man like you down to Cortela?" She asks. "Tryin' to get away from the war?"
"Trying to get back to it" You say. "I've found myself sort of blown a bit off course, and I'm in need of passage back to Laust"

"Well, you won't find many honest sailors looking to go there" She says. "Sorry love"
"And what about the dishonest ones?" You ask, picking up your mug and taking a cautious sip. It's ale all right. Not much else you can say about it...

"Dishonest sailors don't come out here durin' the day" She says. "You'll have to wait till sundown"

>[ ] Fair enough

>[ ] And where do they go during the day?

>[ ] Other

>>42507192
>>[ ] And where do they go during the day?

I do apologize, I am on a bit of a time constraint.

>>42507192
>>[ ] And where do they go during the day?
>>[ ] Other
"Know of any other means of getting back"
How is it that the fucking BBEG is the only one who knows how to teleport shit.

>writing

"What are they, vampires?" You ask.
"Vampires aint real" She says.
"Neither are angels, but people still believe they exist" You say. The irony of saying that while you have the severed head of an angel in your cloak is not lost on you.

"Angels are real" Elda says. "Vampires're just somethin' parents use to scare the kids"
"Bah" You say. "There are plenty of things scarier than vampires. Like rats"
"If you're 'fraid of rats, then you came to the wrong town" Elda says.
"Starting to realize that myself" You say, taking a long drink from your mug. "So where do the dishonest sailors go during the day?"

Elda shrugs. "You'll have to ask them tonight" She says. "I don't keep tabs on that stuff myself"

You sigh. She damn well knows, but it's not like you can read her mind...

>[ ] Impress on her what a hurry you're in

>[ ] Bribe her

>[ ] Look elsewhere

>[ ] Roll to seduce

>[ ] Other

>>42507756
>>[ ] Roll to seduce

Boom, we've got the charms for it, just need to remove the mask. Throw in some bribes for her while were at it.

(Are you also running the new joker quest?)

>>42507756
>Bribe
Lady, I've been around the block...

>>42507756
>[ ] Roll to seduce

I feel it

>writing

I honestly didn't think anyone would go for that option...

This should be fun.

>>42507999

Do we actually need to roll for it?

"Have you seen a devil dance in the pale moonlight?"

You smile like the devil you are and lean forward. "But surely a lady as lovely as yourself must hear things" You say.

"You're barkin' up the wrng tree lad" She says. "I'm neither of those things"
"Not a lady I'd believe, after all if you were both you would probably not be here" You say. "But you are lovely"
"You backed off that rather quickly" She says.
"Off the lady bit, and you have my apologies for that" You say. "I've grown used to... richer company"

"Lords and ladies no doubt" She says.
"And none half as lovely" You say. "Even amongst the girlier lords"

Elda laughs.

Okay, this seems to be working. But you'll need to lay it on a little thicker if you actually want something from her.

You feel kind of bad for playing on her emotions like this, but you have places to be...

On the upside, you're getting better at this whole 'being social' thing...

>roll 1d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>42508335

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>42508335

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>42508335
Eh, why not.

>>42508357
>>42508405
>>42508414
well that was a ride

>>42508414
>>42508405

OH JEEZ

>>42508414
shit I don't want to succeed this much

>>42508414

Thanks based anon

>>42508424
And I wasnt even going to roll. Lucky I guess.

>>42508414
Good lord...

>writing

I stand by my previous statement

>50 threads
welp, i guess i'll start archive dumping. Don't suppose some kind anon has made an ebook of the quest so far?

You remove your hat and brush your hair to the side. It's starting to get a little long, you really should take some time out to trim it soon...

"And I suppose that angels truly are real" You say.
"Hmm?" She asks, as she comes out from behind the counter with a rag to wipe down the tables.
"Well, there's no other explanation for your smile" You say. "Like the gods themselves sculpted it to brighten the world"
"Oh... stop" She says.

It's funny because actual angels have no mouths, and they shoot light beams from their faces.

You don't tell her that part of the joke. She wouldn't get it. It's the kind of thing where you had to be there.

You follow her over to one of the tables, slipping a hand around her waist, while the other hand takes hers and gives her a quick twirl. You don't know why, but the ladies seem to enjoy it when you do this...

"Oh, dear" She says. "Quite the dancer"
"I've been known to dabble" You say. "So how did a lovely lass like yourself come to be in a place like this?"

Elda blushes noticeably. "I was born 'ere" She says.
"And the brightest roses bloom from the roughest dirt" You say, drawing a finger up her chin.

She does enjoy that, and makes no attempt to hide it. You think you've lain it on thick enough, but it's always good to be cautious...

>[ ] Try to get the info now

>[ ] Keep the seduction going

>[ ] Other

>>42508954
>[ ] Keep the seduction going

Best be safe

>>42508954
>[ ] Try to get the info now

>>42508954
>[ ] Keep the seduction going

>writing

>>42508954
>>[ ] Keep the seduction going

It would be rude to tease her this much and stop here, besides we have the perfect out. There is an adorable kid across the ocean we need to go save, every woman will understand that

You finish drawing your finger up her chin, lingering on the tip of it for a few moments. She closes her eyes and moves her head with your finger as you effortlessly pull it forward.

She seems disappointed that there's nothing at the end of it.

But you have to admit, as mean-spirited as it sounds you're actually having fun. Maybe you could make this a new hobby.

Or find one that doesn't involveyour girlfriend killing you out of spite...

Your girlfriend who extended the offer of an open relationship, and 'proved her willingness' by hooking up with Eleanor...

You pull her into you by the waist and put your finger back on her chin, dragging it down this time. "So tell me, what sorts of whispered prayers does an angel like yourself hear?" You ask.

She opens her mouth but what emerges is an unrestrained breath, as your finger begins slowly tracing back and forth across her exposed collarbone, inching its way down to her exposed cleavage.

"Well? Do I get an answer? Or will I have to make you scream it?" You ask. There is something about this state that you've induced in her that makes you feel fuzzy. Like this is a bit of thievery in itself.

She moans softly, and her body quivers. "At the docks... there's a doorway goin' underground... Th' password is 'whatever I can get'" She whispers.

And that's all you needed to know.

>[ ] Leave her hanging and head out

>[ ] You've got a little time to spare...

>[ ] Tell her you'll come back later

>[ ] Other

>>42509653
>>[ ] Other

Give her a kiss and then throw down some cover. On our way out leave some small brooch or other piece of finery where we were standing

>>42509653
>[ ] Tell her you'll come back later

>>42509703
I like this. Maybe a bit too much

>>42509653
>Other
I'm all for giving her a deep, seductive kiss, at least.

>>42509772
Yeah, a kiss. Least give her some schlick material

>writing

>>42509703
>New Master Thief unlocked: The Dream.

>A seducer and beguiler, the Dream entrances his targets. Once he has his prize, he departs; an enchanted spinning top is all that remains.

>>42509918
THIS.

"Thank you kindly" You say, taking your hand away from her chest to get a few silver from you cloak.
"You're not finished are y-"

You silence her with a kiss. A nice, deep, seductive kiss.

She leans back into the table, and gets right into it. You put a hand on her breast and give it a squeeze before sliding it up and into her cleavage, where you deposit 7 silver coins. More than enough to pay for the drink, the information, and maybe...

You pull away and give her a wicked smile. "Now I'm done" You say.
She stares at you wide eyed, letting out a single, sudden breath. "That's it?" She asks.

"Unfortunately-" You say, brushing her hair behind her ear. "-I am a busy man, and my return to Laust is a necessity. But if I'm not gone before the night is through...'

You move in and give her another little kiss.

"I might perhaps require a warm bed" You say.
Her face lights up at the proposition. "Well... I certainly wouldn't turn you away" She says.
"Lovely" You say, twisting away from her and giving a showy bow before exiting the tavern.

You still have that wicked smile as you walk out.

That was fun. Perhaps too much fun.

You could definitely make a habit of it...

>[1/2]

The docks aren't a long walk from the tavern, but the stench...

Oh gods you had almost forgotten about the stench... and the rats...

You feel like you'd be better off going back to the tavern and finding out if Elda is seaworthy. Then you could just ride her all the way to Laust; but alas, that is not the proper definition of 'ride'.

Fortunately, the docks smell more of the sea than the shit. The rats still make the occasional appearance though, much to your disdain.

The door going underground is easy enough to find. The docks literally lead out to a big rock, where you find a staircase leading down.

At the door, you knock.

"What'll ya have, stranger?" A voice from inside asks.
You smile. "Whatever I can get" You say.
The voice laughs. "Then you'll fit right in" It says.

The door opens, revealing a grizzled looking old man with an eyepatch and a wooden leg. "Welcome to the Cove"

"Cheers" You say.

>[ ] Head inside

>[ ] Talk to the doorman

>[ ] Other

>>42510324
>[ ] Head inside

>[ ] Talk to the doorman

>>42510324
>[ ] Head inside

>writing

You reach a hand up to tip your hat to the doorman, only to find your head bare.

Right, you forgot your hat at the tavern... Ah well, you have replacements. So you pull a new hat out of your cloak and put it on your head, and then you tip it to the doorman.

Needless to say, he is mildly curious. But he shrugs it off as you make your way past him into The Cove.

If the doorman wasn't 'piratey' enough to tell you that this was a pirate den, then the atmosphere certainly sends that message loud and clear.

The whole place feels like it's halfway between breaking out into a drunken brawl and a drunken shanty song.

Sailors of all walks of life are gathered here to mix themselves with both booze, and the numerous women who are obviously prostitutes.

Now, to find one that can get you to Laust...

>roll 1d20

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42510790

>>42510790

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42510840

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>42510790

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42510790

>writing

Well, when you want the best sometimes the best way to find the best is to pit everyone against each other, and choose from who is left. So...

You walk straight to the bar, hop up onto the counter, and stomp a few times to grab everyone's attention.

"Fame and riches beyond record or imagination to whichever one of you sea rats can get me to Laust!" You call out.

...

"I got a ship, I can take ya there!" One person calls out.
"Balls to you ya scurvy dog! You couldn't navigate to your own arse if somebody stuffed a compass up there!"
"An' you couldn't wind yer way through a kiddy pool's worth o waves!"

Within seconds, a remarkable barfight has begun. Fists and shouts and shattered glass fly all about.

The bartender gives you a very stern look.

"You can bill me for the damages" You say, snagging an abandoned mug of ale and leaning back to watch the show.

A man next to you at the bar turns to you. "So yer lookin' to get to Laust, eh?" He asks. He wears a long coat, a pair of swords, and a hat that's almost as fancy as yours.

"Aye" You say.
"You picked a hell of a way to find a crew" He says.
"Well, I figure this way that I'll either get the strongest, or someone clever enough to avoid the barfight entirely" You say.

"A fine plan indeed" He says. "You have a name, lad?"
"Tophian" You say. "Youself?"
"John Detruss" He says, offering his hand. "Captain John Detruss"

You smile. "Nice to meet you"

That's all for tonight!

Next thread will probably be Blood Moon, run tomorrow night if all goes well.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time

Thanks for running again Smiley. Nice to catch another one live.

>>42511399
Great thread, Smiley! How e we get to see more of Giles, soon.

>>42511451
Hope we*