Leigh a shit

Another morning at your campsite.

Leigh wakes you up bright and early, and over a rather simple breakfast (you've opted to save the silver wyvern eggs for when you're someplace with a better-equipped kitchen), are reflecting on your lives.

"So," she says, swallowing the last of her food, "wow, that was... Really good."

"You mentioned, Leigh."

She nods. "Sorry, got distracted there... Anyway, I was saying... It's pretty weird to think about it now. I mean, we were bandits for awhile there. Like, straightforward life-ruiners for fun and profit."

>A. What about it
>B. Least we're done with it
>C. How much will really change
>D. Write-in response

>>43414402
>>C. How much will really change

>>43414362
Yeah, I figured Leigh would be... Divisive, for one reason or another. Some anons, I figured, would like him/her (Leigh would be whatever gender the player wasn't), while others wouldn't be as fond.

It was deliberate.

>>43414402
>A. What about it

>>43414362
You're a shit.

>>43414491
>>43414499
"Yeah, what about it?"

"I mean, it's just... It feels good, knowing that we're not gonna be... Robbing priests in the streets, or turning our blades on innocents, or... Y'know."

You nod, still frowning. "I mean, I know what you mean, but... We still barely know these guys. All we know, we caught them on a good day and Marrius' group is the kind of mercenaries you hear about in... Like, say, the stories about the Voltz Company. The evil king in that story had that group run around his land doing his bidding, but in the end they turned on him because the gold dried out and the revolutionaries were hiring?"

"That's just a story, Lloyd."

"A cautionary tale. I mean, I'm still happy to work for Marrius, and it's unlikely that he's a bad guy, but... Don't be naive."

"'Don't be naive.' Well, maybe I'd like to feel good about who I'm fighting for for once!"

"Still, still... My point is, there's people who do bad things everywhere. You can't be above associating with them at least, sad as it is."

After that, there's a somewhat hostile silence in the air. You get up and walk off a ways, citing the need to relieve yourself.

While a suitably private spot is found, you think about this last argument.

>A. No you don't.
>B. She'll learn eventually. You warned her.
>C. Maybe she's right. You should apologize.
>D. You're right, but you'll apologize anyway.
>E. Write-in opinion

>>43414743
>D. You're right, but you'll apologize anyway.

>>43414743
>>D. You're right, but you'll apologize anyway.

D

>>43414772
>>43414782
>>43414923
You're right, you know, but... You were a bit harsh, you suppose.

You'll apologize for that, anyway, but Leigh still needs to not get her hopes up.

Ah, here's a suitably secluded spot.

After finishing up, you swear you hear something behind you. It's... Probably an animal or something, but it's still best to turn around, make sure that-

"Ow!" You clutch your face, more shocked than actually hurt. It stings a bit, and something hard definitely hit you, but... Not with very much force.

It's hitting your arm now.

Opening your eyes, you see a guy slightly shorter than you with short, messy black hair. He's dressed modestly and normally, so you figure he's from around here and knows about warmth enchantment, especially since he also doesn't seem to care about being covered in snow.

"This is for two weeks ago, cur!"

Now he's just getting annoying.

Eventually you (your famously-swole self) are able to effortlessly stop his hand, and you're able to look at his weapon of choice: a heal staff.

"Unhand me! Revenge has not been served!"

>A. Unhand him
>B. Don't unhand him
>C. Write-in action

And...

>D. Who is he again
>E. Try to remember who he is
>F. Write-in dialogue

>>43415077
>B. Don't unhand him
>E. Try to remember who he is

>>43415077
>>B. Don't unhand him
>D. Who is he again

>>43415077
B D

>>43415096
>>43415097
>>43415143
"Wait... Who were you again?" Not letting go of his arm, you comb your mind for whoever this guy might be.

"Who am I?!" He replies incredulously, before saying it again at a higher volume.

"Oh, that's right, you were-"

You remembered right in time for him to cut you off with the answer. "I am Yone, a hiker without a homeland... At least I was, until you and your live-in thug robbed me, left me for dead!"

"Right, right... Took me a second to remember."

"And that alone shows how monstrous you are! That moment ruined my life, but you-"

Yone is swiftly taken down by a swipe of Leigh's sword. He's hurt and unconscious, but not dead and likely not dying.

With concern, she asks, "are you alright, Lloyd?"

You nod. "Yes, I'm fine. Look, I'm... Sorry about what I said. I was harsh there, but it's because I don't want you to-"

"Now's not the time. Marrius' group is... Probably gonna be at our camp soon enough."

"And with this fellow yelling so much, if he says something about us to them..."

"Lloyd," Leigh says, taken aback, "wh-what are you implying we do?!"

Oh boy. She has that upset look on her face which tells you she'll be... Increasingly displeased with whatever the more pragmatic option is.

>A. So what? We have to be rid of him if we want to start anew.
>B. He's hurt and unconscious, but he'll... Probably live if we just leave him here.
>C. You'll agree to show him to Marrius' group. Yancy can heal him up.
>D. Write-in

>>43415336
>>B. He's hurt and unconscious, but he'll... Probably live if we just leave him here.

>>43415336
C

>>43415336
>C
Let's try not to make Leigh hate us anymore than she already does.

>>43415336
>C. You'll agree to show him to Marrius' group. Yancy can heal him up.
Yancy has a chance of not ratting on us, if we are turning over a new leaf. We weren't bandits for shits and giggles

>>43415336
>B. He's hurt and unconscious, but he'll... Probably live if we just leave him here.

>>43415375
>>43415462
>>43415489
>>43415492
>>43415515
I see... five anons, if you count myself under the "posters" count for a total of four.

Please don't double-vote, whoever you are.

I mean, 4chan can just be being weird about displaying the proper anon amount, but this is still... Concerning.

>>43415555
Samefagging is pretty common in a quest.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>43415587
I know, but I'm gonna point it out when it's this blatant.

Since I don't feel like putting in the effort to find out which of these votes are real, I'll just leave it to the rolls.

1=b, 2=c, so just like tiebreaker votes, earlier numbers=earlier letters.

>>43415336
>C. You'll agree to show him to Marrius' group. Yancy can heal him up.

>>43415625
You sigh, knowing that you're gonna be in the doghouse unless you do this.

"Alright, Leigh, help me carry him back to camp."

"Wait..." She asks, cautiously but with less distress than earlier, "what are you planning now?"

"That Yancy girl can heal too, right?"

She smiles. It's a nice smile. "Leigh..."

"Look, it's just... If he wakes up out here and doesn't die, he can catch up if he's been tracking us for weeks. You won't let me kill him, so... Next-best thing is getting in good with him. One of us has to be there when he wakes up, make sure he knows what we did for him, alright?"

Leigh throws her arms around you. "I knew you still had a heart in there~."

You nod, though wriggling away and getting to picking up your end of the slack. Why does she keep feeling like "in front of the injured enemy" is a romantic venue?

Leigh is waiting by him when Marrius' quartet arrives. Knowing Yancy's not one for polite conversation, you greet the group with, "hurt guy in our tent. Yancy, care to do your thing?"

"Don't appreciate being bossed around by some," she mumbles as she dismounts, readies her staff and follows your direction, you not making out the last word.

"Someone's hurt, huh? What happened to him?" Marrius asks, concerned.

>A. (Lie) You found him like that
>B. (Half-truth) He attacked you and got beaten, then Leigh felt bad
>C. (Alternate Lie) He attacked us on a misunderstanding
>D. (Truth) He wanted revenge from the bandit days we haven't told you about

>>43415809
>>>B. (Half-truth) He attacked you and got beaten, then Leigh felt bad

>>43415809
>B. (Half-truth) He attacked you and got beaten, then Leigh felt bad

>>43415809
D, the little shit would snitch on us anyway.

>>43415883
Wait, change that to B, if he's only a healer Lloyd could probably keep him in line.

>>43415809
>B. (Half-truth) He attacked you and got beaten, then Leigh felt bad

>>43415848
>>43415871
>>43415898
"I was just out taking a leak when he... Sneaks up on me, tries to hit me with his staff. Gets in a couple shots..." You mimic a whacking motion with your hand, "but the guy was... Sort of pathetic. Leigh took him out when she heard him yelling, but he survived and she felt bad, so... We brought him back here."

"That's very noble of you!" Yulea says with a grin.

Marrius seems ready to question you, but coughs right as he opens his mouth. Whatever he was about to say is lost to the weather.

Lyeim turns and asks, "cold, sir?"

Marrius nods. "We're not all gifted with natural fur coats, Lyeim."

"Hey, I have hair!" Lyeim says, slightly offended.

"Right, sorry... I just sort of assumed, since you're-"

"It's okay. Half-garou haven't really... Had much of a population until recent years."

"We'll... Probably need to postpone returning South until he wakes up. Shouldn't be long, most likely."

And between making sure you and/or Leigh... Okay, probably you... Graciously reminding Yone who saved his life out there in the frigid, unforgiving wilderness, you can probably keep him in line.

Yulea goes after her friend, and Leigh steps outside, prompting you to pay your tent-and Yone-a visit while she talks to the swordsmen.

>A. Be right up in there
>B. Be a respectable distance from Yone until he comes to
>C. On second thought, no harm in waiting around outside
>D. Talk to someone (specify who and what topic)

>>43416080
B

>>43416080
>B. Be a respectable distance from Yone until he comes to

>>43416080
>B

>>43416080
>>B. Be a respectable distance from Yone until he comes to

>>43416129
>>43416142
>>43416168
>>43416202
You sit on the floor of the tent, half-watching the girls converse and more intently paying mind to Yone.

"-a Spirit Charmer, but I told him I didn't know any mages who would be reckless enough to accept something like that."

"Well, that's fair, Yancy. It's not your job to find lab rats for your uncle!"

"Yeah... I mean, I dunno, I get the feeling there'll be somebody up for the position out there, but... What reason do I have to follow some hunch just to do a favor for him?"

Yulea nods. You don't know what they're talking about.

"Urgh..." You hear Yone coming to and promptly stand, approaching.

"Alright, shut up now, he's alive and conscious."

"But I didn't-"

"Shh!" Yancy shushes her friend.

"Well... An authoritative, ethereal being above me... Did those guys kill me? Is this the- Ow! Gah, my nose..." Yone clutches his face, the result of his ill-advised pass at the troubadour.

Groaning, she waves her staff again, and his pained noises cease, but before he can say another word, Yancy leaves.

"Sorry about her," Yulea says to him, "she's... Very sensitive."

"So she's got a heart in there yet, eh?" Yone grins. You feel like, whatever he's referring to, is some kind of cliche. "But anyway, how did you-You!" He points at you.

>A. "Me."
>B. You saved his life
>C. Sorry for the "misunderstanding"
>D. He got lucky
>E. Be silent
>F. Be honest
>G. Write-in

>>43416462
>>>A. "Me."

>>43416462
C

>>43416479
>>43416523
"Me."

"You... You... Dastardly dandit! Er, bandit! I'm going to-"

"Hey, Leigh and I just wanted to apologize about earlier. The whole... Misunderstanding that this all must have been."

Yulea gives you an odd look.

"So... Wait, so you saved me?" Yone asks, to you nodding. "Well... Still not cool, dude."

"You must've misjudged him!" Yulea says, sticking up for you. "Lloyd here has turned over a new leaf!" Between Cane's telling her and now someone calling you out on the same, it's clear that Yulea certainly isn't stupid.

"Grrh... Who are you, then?"

"Mercenaries of Marrius' Group! We were up here fighting the Ymir, and Lloyd and Leigh have helped us out a lot!"

"Marrius' Group... Tell me, do they require a healer with a burning soul?"

"Well, we already have Yancy!"

"Ah, so we're birds of a feather, she and I..?"

Yulea looks uncomfortable. "I wouldn't say so... I mean, you two are still pretty different! I don't think it'd work out! I mean, not the mercenary thing... You'd have to speak to Captain Marrius about that!"

>A. Encourage him to do so
>B. Discourage him from doing so
>C. Write-in response
>D. Remain silent

>>43416696
>D. Remain silent

>>43416696
A
If we can't get Nick, we'll have to settle with this kid.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>43416775
>>43416768

>>43416878
"Yeah, sure, go for it! It'd be great to have you around."

"I don't like the way you said that, but... I'll still go for it!" He sits, then stands, up from there, bounding over to Marrius.

You... Don't really see the finer details of this conversation, instead sticking around in there to chat with Yulea.

"So... You figured it out."

"Well, two people with no relation to each other say so, so..."

"You going to tell anyone?"

"...I might. I'll put in the best word possible, though! One of the most beloved public figures in my home country started off stuck with a bandit group after a falling-out with a bandit."

>A. Hear more about this
>B. No need to hear more about this
>C. Say something else (specify)
>D. Be silent
>E. Write-in

What happened to everyone?
A

>>43416968
*falling out with a thief, even
Curse these typoing hands.
>>43416982
The rest of the group? They're around, just... Not in the conversation right now.

>>43416968
>A. Hear more about this

>>43416998
The other Anons

>>43416968
>A. Hear more about this

>>43416982
>>43417012
>>43417051
"Oh?" You ask, curiosity piqued.

She nods and begins to speak. "His name's Stefyn. It's, er, spelled oddly, but... You can't tell from my voice. Basically, he was partners in crime with this thief, Mitchell, but they had this big falling out, and soon enough he wound up in Tarvos Valley when Mitch was captured, but-"

"Yulea, are you talking about my dad?" Lyeim calls, sounding embarrassed. "I told you all, I'm here for me, not for him!"

"Don't worry, it wasn't about you!" Speaking a bit less loudly, she turns back to you and says, "anyway, he ended up saved by someone who wound up leading this... Horrible bandit group, even had a hand in the destruction of this small town... But Mitchell, who'd been tasked with helping the man who's now king of Neir so his charges would be dropped, talked him out of his fear and rekindled their friendship! From there, he just sort of... Ended up along for the ride all the way to the final battle of this huge war between Neir and Dain and... Pretty much all of the continent besides Teege. He even met his wife and brother-in-law along the way, and they're considered leaders of the entire Garou! And, uh before you ask... Garou are people who can transform into these big menacing wolves, some of Lyeim's siblings can but he can't, and hiring him had nothing to do with his legacy. Any other questions?"

>A. Yes (specify question)
>B. No, not really

And...

>C. Talk to someone else (specify)
>D. Skip to traveling down the mountain

>>43417018
I had to leave for a while.
>>43417240
>B. No, not really
>C. Talk to someone else (specify)
To our captain!

B
C Yone

>>43417283
>>43417323
"Er... Not particularly, no."

Yulea nods. "Talk to you later!"

You decide to see what Marrius and Yone are up to.

"Look, I'm a pretty great healer, and if you just give me a weapon-"

"I'm already sold. We'll see about finding you someplace to work when we get back to Heim. Can you handle a little heat?"

"I... Probably?"

Marrius nods. "I get it. Never been down from here... You'll need to dress lighter."

Yone nods. "I can get something enchanted for cooling, can't I?"

"You can temperature-enchant things?" Marrius says. "Never occurred to me."

"It doesn't occur to most outsiders," you interrupt.

"Oh. Anything you needed, Lloyd?"

>A. Nope, just saying hey
>B. To come clean
>C. To see how Yone's doing
>D. Write-in

>>43417584
>>A. Nope, just saying hey

>>43417584
C

File: WightGBAIcon.gif (1 KB, 76x68)

1 KB GIF

>>43417605
>>43417682
"Just saying hey."

"Alright, then," Marrius says.

"How're you faring, Yone?"

"I'm... Not dead, so that's something."

From there, the conversation doesn't particularly advance, so you and Leigh just hang out until it's time to pack up and leave.

Later on, the seven of you are traveling down the mountain, only for Marrius to shove Yone down.

"H-hey, what was that for?!"

Marrius points at an arrow in the nearby snow. "Trouble. Bonewalkers and Wights, I figure."

"Oh, no..." Leigh tenses up. She has some... Poor memories about undead attacks. Half your time convincing her to follow you into business was spent snapping her out of her shocked state.

After a moment-and noticing eyes on her-Leigh clutches the hilt of her sword.

>A. She's fine, alright
>B. Make sure she's okay
>C. Write-in dialogue
>D. Remain silent

>>43417821
>>B. Make sure she's okay

>>43417821
B

>>43417821
>>B. Make sure she's okay

>>43417836
>>43417871
>>43417935
"Er... Hey, Leigh, you gonna be alright?"

After a second, she nods. "Yeah, I'm good... I'm good." She shakes herself off. "I won't let this get the better of me. No more of our friends are getting killed by these things!"

"Still, though, Leigh, if you're gonna be-"

"No more!" She draws her sword. "Alright, where are they?! I'll get them!"

"The way you hold your sword... Are you self-taught?" Marrius asks.

"Yeah... Why?"

"First off, it's better if you hold it like so," Marrius corrects her posture, "I could give you more pointers, but your skills seem to be sufficient enough that you can deal until we take these guys out."

Leigh nods. "Thanks for the offer!"

From there, you prepare. Yone, clutching his staff, exclaims, "gimme an axe or sword or something... I can take them! Heal and hurt in equal measure!"

"You're not me," Yancy says derisively, "you could never!"

"Hate to be a downer..." Yulea says, "but... Yancy's kind of right. Lloyd here overpowered you!"

"Thanks," you say sarcastically.

"No problem!" Yulea responds honestly.

"Seriously, get me a sword or axe! I know you have extras!"

>A. Stick up for Yone
>B. Side with everyone else on this
>C. You're staying out of this. Focus on skeletons
>D. Write-in

>>43418063
>>A. Side with everyone else on this
But make him understand it's only for self defense. This guy has even less STR than us he shouldn't be in the frontlines.

>>43418063
A
Tell him he isn't quite ready for it.
I gotta go now, try not to get anyone killed

>>43418063
>>B. Side with everyone else on this

>>43418113
*B

File: BonewalkerGBAIcon.gif (1 KB, 76x68)

1 KB GIF

>>43418092
>>43418113
(assuming you both meant B)
>>43418149
"Look, I'm... Kind of weak myself," you admit, "and I overpowered you with one hand unarmed. You're not ready to fight."

"You dastardly-"

"Save the insults," you say as you aim a blast of Flux in the direction of yet another missing arrow, resulting in a pile of bones scattering and fading away from beneath a snow pile.

You and Leigh stick close after that, skeletal warriors with swords, lances, and bows rising from the snow.

"Stick with me, Yone," Marrius insists to the hot-blooded healer, "only approach someone else if they're hurt and Yancy can't get to them. This is for your safety."

Yone reluctantly nods. Yancy and Yulea ride around together, bantering. You don't pay attention to their conversation.

Three Wights with lances approach you and Leigh.

>A. Be on the offensive!
>B. Play defensively
>C. Keep between Leigh and them
>D. Stay behind Leigh. You're a ranged fighter
>E. Write-in

>>43418328
>>D. Stay behind Leigh. You're a ranged fighter

>>43418328
>D. Stay behind Leigh. You're a ranged fighter

>>43418393
>>43418418
Your skills are at a range. You and Leigh have done this before in different circumstances, of course, so this isn't an act of unprecedented cowardice or anything.

Leigh swings her sword dissuadingly at the lance-carriers, striking one as you hit another.

"Nice one."

"You too, Leigh."

From there, the two of you strike the next one down together, only to be blindsided by a few archers.

Leigh pulls you back and Marrius rushes at them, resulting in Yone muttering something and waving a staff over you both.

"Thanks!" Leigh exclaims, quick to ready her sword for hurrying to Marrius' aid.

"We're not friends," Yone responds ineffectually to her back.

"Er," you tap his shoulder, directing him towards skeletal swordsmen far from everyone present bar you two and Lyeim.

The man is having a difficult time, not calling for help.

Yone grasps his heal staff. "This is my moment! Time to bash some skulls!"

>A. Attack from afar
>B. Try to pull Lyeim out of there
>C. Get back to Leigh. Yone's totally got this
>D. Write-in action

>>43418679
>A. Attack from afar

>>43418679
>>B. Try to pull Lyeim out of there
>attack the skeleton

>>43418716
>>43418717
You attack the one closest to Lyeim from afar before hurrying in and physically pulling him out of the fray, distracting Yone from his own charge to do his actual job.

From there, you're quick to attack the other swordsmen.

More of these things keep coming, however. You question why these things just sort of... Randomly pop up with such intensity, but they'll stop eventually. You just need to keep fighting until then.

Lyeim, healed up, runs back up to you next. "Thanks a million, Lloyd! They'll stop showing up in no time, I'm sure of it."

You wind up mostly pushed further inward, all seven of you feeling a bit worn out...

There's only a few left, though. You're tiring out, sure, but...

There's about ten left, you think?

Nope, nine. Good job, Leigh.

Seven. Marrius, great as ever.

Six five four three two... Yulea and Yancy are a good team, you get a shot in too...

One... Alright, Lyeim!

That last one's off in the distance a bit.

Oh, gods, the idiot with a staff is closest to it, trying to hit it with his staff... Oh, hey, someone else showed up, used some sort of... Knife, you think? Anyway, that was the last of the Bonewalkers.

>A. See who that is
>B. Not really your business. Tend to yourself.
>C. Check on everyone else
>D. Write-in

>>43419090
>B. Not really your business. Tend to yourself.

>>43419090
>>C. Check on everyone else

>>43419105
>>43419106
You ignore them and check on everyone else, yourself included.

Everyone is catching their breath, Yancy walking around, checking on most people before either waving her staff around or simply saying, "you're fine."

Her bedside manner could use some work.

"Who's that Yone's talking to?" Marrius begins to approach.

The two of them approach the rest of the group.

"Is... This your friend?" The person asks. Looking closer, the woman is clad in a dark hood, though you spy long hair beneath it. The woman's tone is... Quiet, to say the least, not especially expressive yet still empathetic.

"Well, an acquaintance and companion, anyway," Marrius answers. "Thank you for keeping him out of trouble."

"I was there for... Most of this, but I prefer not to interfere with attacks unless someone looks like they're about to die."

"H-hey!" Yone objects, "I was about to take that last one down!"

"No you weren't. You were about to die."

"Right, right... Anyway, what's your name, stranger?"

"...Valerie." After the introduction, the woman turns around and starts off. She... Pretty much vanishes into the snow afterwards.

"Not one for conversation," Lyeim jokes.

"Seriously," Yone grumbles, "I don't need to be coddled like this!"

>A. Can we just move on now
>B. Lecture Yone on his weakness
>C. Write-in dialogue
>D. Remain silent

>>43419436
>>B. Lecture Yone on his weakness
That guy is going to get himself killed

>>43419459
"Look, Yone, I don't like you, and you don't like me, but... You're weak. You need to accept that or you're going to die."

"But..."

"But nothing. Stick to what you're good at or you'll get yourself gutted. I bet you won't be able to last five minutes in the desert."

"Yeah, well you're one to talk! You won't last either!"

Leigh stands between you both. "Look, would you two just... Just lay off? This was a trying fight, and we still have a lot of distance to make before we get to the COUNTRY of our destination. Save your energy for trekking through the desert."

Little do any of the three of you know what you and Yone's being magically-attuned means for your travels through the desert.

Within days, however, Leigh is the one griping about the insufferable desert sands while you, Yancy, and Yone all have absolutely no trouble thanks to your magical attunement.

"C'mon, you wimps!" Yone calls out, running ahead, still visibly sweating from the heat. "Who's the weakling n-Ow!"

Yancy trips him into the sand.

>A. Laugh
>B. React with indifference
>C. Help Yone up
>D. Not cool, Yancy
>E. Write-in

>>43419630
>laugh and help him up
Just like my chinese cartoons.

>>43419651
Yone seems to think like a Koreamation, anon.

>>43419630
>>A. Laugh

>>43419651
>>43419700
You, Lyeim, and Yancy all laugh. Yulea rolls her eyes, and Marrius and Leigh look unamused.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm hilarious. Real mature guys."

You offer a hand to him, which he takes...

...and then tries to yank you down. "Gotcha..?" The enthusiasm in his amazing prank fails as you're barely moved, instead pulling him up.

"Don't push your luck. I'm not any more happy about the sand than you are."

"Just wait'll we get to Elza Oasis, then!" Yulea assures you, "the place is surrounded by this... Intruder-blocking barrier, and it also controls the weather inside, so it's always pleasant, weatherwise."

From there, it feels like a short time to Elza, but your girlfriend complains otherwise. "That... Th-that took forever!"

A robed man of no particular importance approaches Marrius from the city.

"Hello, Elmer."

"Ah, Marrius. Back from the mountains?"

"Yes, and I think we've found some new members of my company."

"Ah, then it was a rousing success!"

Marrius nods. "Yes, but... They're from the coldest of mountains. They're gonna pass out if they're out here much longer."

"Of course, of course! Go on, you can pass by!"

True to his word, you all feel a tangible coolness as you enter the city.

Marrius addresses everyone, "welcome to Elza Oasis. I could take you right to our headquarters if you'd like, but... If you wanted, Yancy and Yulea could show you around, take you back whenever you're ready."

Lyeim is quick to follow up, "uh, yeah, and... I'm kinda tired and the captain has business to attend to, but... Okay, yeah, I don't know why I'm saying anything."

"I get that," Leigh says, raising her arms and nodding, "just show me the way, boss."

"A new place, though... Lady Yancy, show me around!" Yone adds.

>A. Go straight to his company's headquarters with Marrius
>B. Check out the town with Yancy and Yulea
>C. Wander on your own
>D. Write-in?

>>43419973
>>B. Check out the town with Yancy and Yulea
Checking out a completely diferent culture? Sounds fun.

>>43420001
"...sure, I'm game to check out the town."

"Alright, then," Marrius says, "in the meantime, Leigh, we'll show you the rest of the gang."

With that, your groups part ways.

Your impromptu tour of the city begins with an explanation of its mercantile district.

"Here, traders both local and continent-wide converge with their stalls. Some have been there for years, some don't last a week," Yulea takes on a faux-sinister voice, "and some are a textbook case of 'little shop that wasn't there before...'" She chuckles, "but yeah, that's usually because business is pretty brutal unless you're one of the longest-lasting vendors."

A pair of seemingly-identical redheads discusses something, Yancy huffing. "Annas. They're probably the most prolific families of all time. You never hear of one of them having a son, they're... Pretty much all named that, and you'll find a few in every major town, but... At heart, they're all only interested in cutthroat business, the state of business... You could luck out dealing with them, but watch your head."

>A. Try to sell your white gem now
>B. Do it some other time
>C. Write-in dialogue

>>43420177

>A. Try to sell your white gem now

>>43420177
>>A. Try to sell your white gem now

>>43420330
>>43420341
"Alright, then... I'm still holding onto the White Gem that Gyo gave me, so... Wanna help me find someone that won't screw me on selling it?"

"Absolutely n-"

"Certainly!" Yulea interrupts Yancy to show you around. Yone attempts to speak to Yancy, but she simply raises up a hand and stares at him, reluctantly approaching when Yulea claims to have found a good vendor.

Yancy whispers something about "making me pull rank on this," to which Yulea says something along the lines of "just do what you're best at!"

The vendor is intimidated by the time Yancy begins talking them up on your behalf on Yulea's unspoken insistence.

By the end, the shopkeeper is shuddering and offering her a solid 13,000 gold for your gem... Which Yancy insists on taking about 3,000 of.

"Since it's my fault you didn't lose this for... 100 or something."

Yulea groans. "Now you're just showing off, Yancy..."

>A. Yeah, no
>B. Alright, fine
>C. Say nothing
>D. Write-in

>>43420447
>>A. Yeah, no

>>43420447
>>A. Yeah, no
>she can have 1000 though

>>43420468
>>43420528
"Yeah, about that... No, not happening. I mean, if you really insist on having something, then-"

Yancy cracks a rare half-grin. "I'm not allowed to joke?"

Yulea visibly cracks up. When asked by you if she knew this wasn't serious, she says, "n-no, no idea! Just... always gets me when she tries to be funny."

Yancy's smile grows more genuine, but soon enough it drops back to her typical frown.

Yone, nearby, gripes about this. "You have such a nice smile, too..."

"Maybe you should cut it out with the lines," Yulea advises, noting the annoyed look that has just come onto Yancy's face.

After that, you're shown around a bit more. Houses, places that offer services rather than goods (such as gyms, places of grooming, offices, other mercenary bases...), and finally the Tower of Longevity, the capital building of Elza Oasis, and thus Heim as a whole.

"Mage General Yancy lives and conducts business here, and there's also extremely high-end living quarters for important guests of him or the Magical Senate, all connected by a series of warp pads."

Yone asks, "Yancy, huh? Coincidence, or..."

Matter of factly and with a sigh, Yancy says, "no, that... Would be my uncle."

"Her dad always said he'd name his firstborn after his brother, made good on it even when she was a girl!" She whispers at a perfectly audible volume, "he's flattered, but thought it was a bad idea."

"I think it's a fine name for a girl!" Yancy says about herself.

"And I agree!" Yone says, trying to take this opportunity long after several hints taken.

"Uh... So, are you done with the tour? Any questions?"

>A. Nope, let's just get back
>B. Yeah (specify question(s))
>C. Is Yancy alright
>D. Write-in

>>43420714
>>C. Is Yancy alright

>>43420714
>>C. Is Yancy alright

Guh, sorry this is taking awhile. Laptop a shit.

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>>43420761
>>43420815
"Is... Is Yancy alright?"

"Yeah, she's fine! It's been a long trip, and she just... Needs to cool off. This happens sometimes."

Yancy is visibly shaking with frustration.

"I suggest you not talk to her for awhile, Yone!"

The staff-wielder nods. "Of course."

It's pretty late by the time you get to the headquarters of Marrius' Group. It's an impressive building compared to other mercenary bases, several stories high and, according to Yulea, a few low.

"Usually Irene is here to show newcomers around when Marrius is busy, but..."

"Uh, Yulea?"

Yancy calmly points out Yone freaking out as his arm is stuck quite literally through someone who literally materialized out of nowhere, a purple-haired woman with a pendant and holy shit this is freaky you don't have time to describe her.

"Okay, okay, okay... No please, don't move too much... The spell's wait time is gonna be over in a moment, just... Don't move too much, alright?"

"I'm gonna be sick!"

"Well, please don't throw up on me. This is a new robe, and-There we go!"

The woman then warps a few meters away, her feet stuck in the ground, though fortunately said ground is sand.

"I wanted to make a grand entrance to say that I'd figured out the warp spell without any tools, but... It still needs some work, I guess."

Yone faints on the spot.

"Sorry..."

"This," Yancy says with heavy disdain, "is Irene. She's another member of the group, mostly does administrative work and looking pretty. She's supposed to be some star pupil of a former Mage General, but... She's an idiot." She stares at you incredulously, explaining, "we finally get a Witch Pendant, and what's the boss do? Lend it to her for her studies, and she still can't get past 'accidentally warping into people and objects.'"

"Hey, she's fun to be around!" Yulea defends Irene as she comes up, "and she's... Good at lots of other things!"

>A. Side with Yancy
>B. Side with Yulea/Irene
>C. Stay quiet
>D. Write-in

>>43421051
"What is she good for? Maybe she can help in those?"

"Also if you have time to complain about her being not good, help her out, if you know better then teach her."

>>43421051
>B. Side with Yulea/Irene
>I imagine teleporting is harder than it looks. She just needs more practice at it, like with all things.

>>43421077
>>43421111
"Other things like what?"

"Well, there's... Administrative work, like I said," from there, Yulea begins rattling things off while twiddling her fingertips, "she's got a really cool head, she's a great chef, she can always seem to find things if you lose them, she's good with money, numbers in general really... Honestly, anyone who isn't way too caught up in fighting can see why she's great!"

"Thanks for sticking up for me..." Irene smiles. "I mean, it's hard to go against what your friend says, but..."

"Urgh, get a room," Yancy says with obvious frustration, met with laughter from Irene and absolutely no one else.

After a moment of awkward silence, you say, "anyway, it... Sounds like this is difficult stuff, breaking new ground here. New magic is... Insanely hard to create, especially if it's not straightforward power you're talking. Innately perfecting a spell, making it so you can manage it without-"

"Alright, I get it, Irene's just the greatest!"

Yancy storms in.

"Did you want to talk to her? I'll take care of the other new guys from here..."

Yulea nods and follows, and you and Irene show yourselves in shortly after.

It's a bit late and you're all worn out, so you don't really have time to meet your fellow mercenaries today.

You guess that's something you'll save for tomorrow, you tell yourself as you and Yone are led to men's sleeping quarters. At least for tonight, you're staying together.

"Gh... This is still really weird to me. Now I'm a mercenary, and the man who robbed me is my roommate! Hmm, that... Wouldn't be a bad title for my memoirs."

"Uh... Who are you talking to?"

"Myself. Talking about my thoughts helps me sleep."

>A. That's weird
>B. He's weird
>C. Whatever
>D. Ask him to pipe down
>E. Write-in
>F. Be silent

>>43421253
>C. Whatever

>>43421316
"Knock yourself out."

"Planning on it."

You consider asking that Irene what she knows about preparing silver wyvern eggs, if she's a good cook like Yulea says.

You promptly reconsider, though. They're you and Leigh's, and she'd probably... Try to serve them to everyone or something.

At least silver wyvern eggs have as good a shelf life as they would if they were fertilized, hatched, and lived a full life, so they won't go bad while you put off making them, and foreigners seem to all think eating wyvern egg is weird.

They're the weird ones.

Your last thoughts before finally drifting to sleep are of Leigh. You wonder what she's been doing since arriving here with Marrius before you.

You'll ask her about it in the morning if you don't forget, you suppose.

>To be continued next thread
Wow, a... Lot more happened in this thread than I was expecting.

Thanks for playing, all of you. As always, our update twitter is @qmgrandflaw, you can shoot us questions through ask.fm/qmgrandflaw, and I'll be around in-thread to answer questions and talk about things from this gen and the last for awhile.

I know that this thread had a lot of details and exposition and generally moved a lot, but it is because I'm hoping that this quest isn't as straightforward plotwise.

Getting to the Marrius' Group's headquarters fast was important to making sure that the "heroes go on assorted, disconnected missions while the plot develops in the background" storyline can actually occur quickly.

Like villain of the week type stuff, enemies and non-party characters seen briefly as it builds up to... Whenever the plot actually takes center stage.