Korg: Your orcish blackguard, he is bound to your will. Wielding a massive warhammer, he likes nothing more than to use it. A creature of simple pleasures and direct methods he is a terrifying warrior. Your daughter has taken a liking to him and calls him 'Uncle Korg'.

Halivean (Hal): Your elven blackguard, he is fanatically loyal to you. Strong, fast and clever, he is a terror on the battlefield, but he excels at leading your undead into combat.

Necorax: A spirit of a black dragon, bound to a body the size of a squirrel. Clever and subversive, she serves as your adviser and secretary, though she was meant to be a play-mate to your daughter.

Karist: Dwarven runesmith and elder.

Spot: Gnoll rogue and boss.

Vlad the Kobold: Kobold leader.

Amythrien: Elven craftsman and elder.

Sheila: Human elder from your village.

Housekeeping:

The hiatus is over, hopefully for good.

I might not be able to run for the whole 300 posts today, depending on how many responses I get, in which case I shall run another game tomorrow.

When you returned to your hold, it was immediately clear that your enemies had made a move of some sort. The entire place was in an uproar, soldiers running back and forth, civilians looking scared and confused, and smoke stacks on the horizon. The enemy is certainly not within the gates, but a blow has been struck.

>Just ask the first coherent person you find what happened.
>Bathory must be in charge of this whole thing, unless the council got their heads out of their collective asses. Find her.
>You see smoke, which means either plunder or camp. You know where the enemy is. Go out and meet them straight away.
>You have traveled long and hard. Whatever is going on, it does not appear to be an immediate danger. Take a few hours to rest.

>>45763045
>>Just ask the first coherent person you find what happened.
>>Bathory must be in charge of this whole thing, unless the council got their heads out of their collective asses. Find her.
Info first, then more info later.

>>45763045
>Just ask the first coherent person you find what happened.

>>45763045
>Just ask the first coherent person you find what happened.
>Bathory must be in charge of this whole thing, unless the council got their heads out of their collective asses. Find her.

>>45763045
>>Bathory must be in charge of this whole thing, unless the council got their heads out of their collective asses. Find her.

Information, of course. As ever, gathering information is step one. You soon realize that by far the most collected of the people around you are all kobolds. Makes sense, as they had lived their entire lives in a constant state of terror before you liberated them. Still, none of you have seen open conflict for more than a decade. Even your veterans will be a little rusty. You just hope this is not a fatal flaw.

'You, kobold,' you say.
'Human Vlad, sir! Yes how can I help?'
'What happened?'
'Humans of white god thing, they sent an envoy, she has not left yet.'
'That does not seem to be sufficient for the stress I am seeing here,'
'Well, yes, Spot, dog man Spot, has not come back yet, nor any of his dogs. Could be notgood.'
'He should have been back more than a day ago,'
'Yes! See, could be a bad one,'
'Thank you,' you say and move on towards your hold proper. You find that the main hall is set up to receive a guest of honour. At the table sits an unknown human woman, Bathory, and the Council, except for Amythrien and Spot. Your lover and the human woman look terrifyingly polite. The council looks appropriately terrified.

>Listen in on the conversation.
>Announce your presence.

>>45763308
>Listen in on the conversation.

>>45763308
>>Listen in on the conversation.
Reminder our diplomacy is horrible.

>>45763308
>>Listen in on the conversation

>>45763308
>Announce your presence.

>>45763308
>>Announce your presence.
Sneaking doesn’t become a ruler.

Eh, who am I kidding:
>Listen in on the conversation.

>>45763308
>Listen in on the conversation

'It is always such a pleasure, to receive guests to our peaceful Alliance,' Bathory says.
'Your hospitality has been exquisite, the followers of the one true god will surely be pleased to experience it for themselves,' the envoy says
'Naturally, we will prepare appropriately for any number of guests,'
'It is always wonderful to hear that you can be so very considerate,'
'Not at all. You would, after all, do the same for us. Coincidentally, I understand that you might have some guests of your own?'
'Ah, you must be confused. We merely had a tiny pest infection, it has been dealt with, have no fear.'
'Indeed? Strange then that the gnolls, signed members of the Alliance have not reported in. Surely a coincidence, then.'
The envoy smiles.
'Now, I so despise interrupting our small talk, but there is, after all business to discuss.'
'Of course. I would be happy to learn as to why you are here,'
'I come with an offer of peace. Any that wish it, need only to return to our camps with me.'
'Am I to understand that you will not be able to accommodate quite all of us?'
'Oh, fear not. There should be space enough for all of you. But one.'
'You are asking me to betray Vlad Tepish?'
'Betrayal is such an ugly word.'
Bathory smiles, and she is both beautiful and ice cold when she does.
'With all due respect, go to hell, you harpy of the whore-god.' Bathory says.
'Madame Bathory, I should remind you that you do not actually hold any deciding votes on this council,' Sheila says.
'I speak for Vlad Tepish,' Bathory says, 'With his full authority.'

>Keep out of this.
>Ask something of the envoy [write-in]
>Say something to the council [write-in]
>Other

>>45763592
>Keep out of this.
See if the Council betray us.

>>45763592
>Keep out of this.
We can only benefit from listening in on this.

>>45763592
>>Keep out of this.

>>45763592
>>Keep out of this.
This is getting good.

>>45763592
>>Keep out of this.
let's see how the council acts without our say

also welcome back Dead!

>>45763592
>>Ask something of the envoy [write-in]
"Maybe do that when I’m not here?"

>>45763592
>>Keep out of this

>>45763592
>>Keep out of this.
Good opportunity to see what the council does without us. Welcome back DeadQM

'Even Vlad does not have the power to speak for the council,' Sheila says.
'Are you actually implying what I think you are implying?' Bathory says.
'But the Councillor clearly sees the value of a wise proposition,' the envoy says
'Shush, the grown-ups are talking,' Sheila says, 'I have no intention of betraying Vlad, all of us here owe him our lives, yet we have never had the oppurtunity to talk peace with the Pernites.'
'Sun-god types don't like dragon Vlad. Don't like Vlad very very much. Stupid. But don't think they'll talk,' Vlad the Kobold says.
'So, lassie, is this true? Is there no way for peace with Vlad? Because there is no way any of us will betray him,' Karist says.
'It is not betrayal, Councillor. You merely do whatever is neccessary to ensure peace.' the envoy says.
'Nay, it's betrayal. You do know that even if we did this thing, Vlad would simply defeat us as well as you on his own, right?'
'Perhaps the last time we met. We have been preparing.'
'And Vlad's the same as he was when you last saw him, is that yer thinkin'?'
'Effectively.'
'I see. Fair 'enough, sounds like a good plan,' Karist says.
'Then...?'
'Nope.'
'Why?'
'I believe it is because you might be holding one of our Councillors prisoner, if you've not killed him. It is because you keep insisting on violence when we would live in peace. Because you are an annoying twit. Guards, bind her. You WILL tell us what you have done with Councillor Spot,' Bathory says.

>'Love, no, we cannot stoop to their level. Let her go.'
>'I would do as she says before it becomes painful, envoy,'
>'You see that the agreement has been altered. Perhaps we can come to a consensus for further alterations, perhaps less painful to your person?'
>Keep keeping out of it.
>Write in
>Other

>>45763592
>Other
Thumbs up in the background.

>>45763901
>Keep keeping out of it.
Only come in when the council needs a tie breaker, that's all Vlad is, after all.

>>45763901
>>Keep keeping out of it.

>>45763901
>'You see that the agreement has been altered. Perhaps we can come to a consensus for further alterations, perhaps less painful to your person?'

>>45763901
>>'Love, no, we cannot stoop to their level. Let her go.'
"And your god even seemed to be uncharacteristically reasonable. For a god at least. Why do you insist on killing your own people against someone who leaves you alone?"

>>45763901
>send Melandie to find Spot

>>45763901
Post Vlads face when he hears the sun fuckers dont realize he is a dragon now.

>>45763901
>Keep keeping out of it.

>>45763901
>>Keep keeping out of it.

>>45763901
>'I would do as she says before it becomes painful, envoy,'

Two guards, humans in simple garb approach the envoy. Her mask of indifferent politeness shatters.

'You cannot do this! I am an officially appointed messenger. The laws of gods and men forbid you from keeping me prisoner,' the envoy says.
'She is not entirely wrong, Bathory,' Sheila says, 'This is stooping rather low.'
'Were the lives of our friends and allies not at stake I might agree. Had she come here with any intention of actually dealing in good faith, I might agree. She came here for no other reason but to gloat, and she might now be a valuable resource,' Bathory says.
'Torture though, lass?' Karist says.
'She shall have every oppurtunity to avoid it.'
'How? I'll tell you everything!' the envoy says.
'Take her away. And you, I sincerely recommend the consequences of lying, while you wait for me in the cells,'
'I shall not lie! I will tell you the whole truth.'
'Later.'
'Should we not at least vote for something like this?' Sheila says.
'I-' Bathory starts, fire and ice in her voice. She controls herself, 'Of course, you are right. All in favour of keeping our prisoner?' Vlad the Kobold and Karist raise their hands. 'All opposed?' Sheila abstains. 'It is settled, then. Take her away.'

>Quickly greet Bathory and the council, get to interrogating the prisoner.
>Quickly greet Bathory and the council, move to Spot's last known location.
>Properly greet yourself, call an emergency meeting of the council.
>Other.

There is no reasoning with pernfags let's just enslave them already.

>>45764263
>>Properly greet yourself, call an emergency meeting of the council.

>>45764263
>Properly greet yourself, call an emergency meeting of the council.

>>45764263
>>Quickly greet Bathory and the council, move to Spot's last known location.

File: Zahak the morning after T(...).jpg (239 KB, 1280x700)

239 KB JPG

>>45764269
Replace Zahak with Vlad and you get my meaning.

>>45764263
>>Properly greet yourself, call an emergency meeting of the council.
I think it’s not cool to imprison her. Bathory kind of rolled over the rest of them there, even if they ultimately agreed.

>>45764263
>Quickly greet Bathory and the council, move to Spot's last known location.
and
>have Lathrien get to "interrogating" the prisoner.

>>45764368
>no BQ until monday
Fuck you Soma.

File: Berserk_v38c335p19.png (120 KB, 1280x140)

120 KB PNG

>>45764396
>'till next time!
At least Miura has Idolmaster as an excuse

You step into the room properly as the prisoner is dragged away by a side exit. All eyes turn to you and Bathory's confidence cracks.

'Vlad! Thank the ancestors you're back, I have no idea what I would have done without you,'
'It seemed to me that you were handling things quite comfortably,'
'I just took a messenger prisoner. That might have ruined what little chance for diplomacy we had.'
'You had to do what was best for our people. I am not sure I would do anything differently,'
She walks over to you and hugs you.
'I am just happy you are back.'
'It seems that I am indeed needed. There shall be an emergency meeting of the council as soon as Amythrien gets here, should not take long. If you could all simply wait as you are.'
'What do we do until then?'

>'I would like to talk to the prisoner. In private.'
>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'
>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'
>'We should mount a rescue party. A small group will have a better chance of bringing the gnolls back alive.'
>'Nothing. We shall make no decisions until we can make them in lawful council.'
>Other

>>45764717
>>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'

>>45764717
>>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'
>>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'
Send our vampire elf to interrogate.

>>45764717
>>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'
>>'We should put together a rescue party. A small group will have a better chance of bringing the gnolls back alive.'
It’s too early to mount it, but we should prepare as much as possible.

>>45764717
>>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'
>>'We should mount a rescue party. A small group will have a better chance of bringing the gnolls back alive.'
But wait for Amythrien to get there.

>>45764766
THIS

>>45764717
>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'
>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'
The pernfags must be purged or enslaved.

>>45764717
>>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'
>>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'

>>45764717
>>'Tell me, in detail, what you know about the situation.'
>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'

>>45764717
>>'We should start readying the troops. One way or another, there shall be a battle and soon.'

finally caught up with the archive

'I am still not quite clear on what exactly has been happening here. From the beginning, please?'
'Well, Vlad, it all started soon after you left. You know that Spot has had more and more trouble keeping his people in line as he's been getting older. When he went to the tower, with the scouting and first line of defense force, he approached me personally, said that I should assume the worst if he does not get back in time. So, as soon as the two days before he was supposed to check in were past, I asked Vlad the Kobold to send a few scouts to see what was wrong. His people did not find Spot or the gnolls, but they did find a Pernite force. Large enough for a serious invasion. They did not dare go much further in, so they came back. At best, Spot and his people are behind enemy lines, at worst...'
'Quite. It seems clear to me that this is no time for a full assault. If the gnolls have been captured, and if they are kept alive, they would be used against us the moment we showed up in force. We need to send a small extraction unit.'
'Lathrien?'
'Seems to be the obvious choice. Melandie has a better rapport with the gnolls. Perhaps they should both go.'

Amythrien arrives as you are discussing the specifics. The meeting is officially begun.

'So, the first, and only item on the agenda today, is the recovery of Councillor Spot, and his warriors.'
'Are we not consolidating our defences?' Karist says.
'We should go-look, do scouting too, yes?' Vlad the Kobold says.
'Melandie has me worried about their magical capabilities. Perhaps this should be investigated as well?' Amythrien says.
'All good points, and all important tasks at hand. Right now, however, our sole priority lies in extracting our people, if at all possible.' you say.
'If they are even alive,' Sheila says.
'I shall assume they are until proven otherwise.' you say.
'Fair's fair,' Karist says, 'What do you need from us, Vlad?'

(cont.)

>>45765034
(cont.)

>'Nothing. Hold the fort while I am gone, I will be personally leading the rescue.'
>'Prepare your forces for assault. Furthermore, each of you shall give me your best scouts to aid with the rescue.'
>'Distraction. Prepare one for when time comes for me to act.'
>'I shall be busy attending to the fortification and preparation for war. I entrust you, [elder], with the rescue mission.'
>'It is a hard conversation to have, but while our allies are everything, a rescue is a great risk. Perhaps we should simply mount an all out attack and hope that their hosts are merciful.'
>Other

>>45765121
>>'Prepare your forces for assault. Furthermore, each of you shall give me your best scouts to aid with the rescue.'

>>45765121
>>'Prepare your forces for assault. Furthermore, each of you shall give me your best scouts to aid with the rescue.'

>'Prepare your forces for assault. Furthermore, each of you shall give me your best scouts to aid with the rescue.'

>>45765121
>>'Prepare your forces for assault. Furthermore, each of you shall give me your best scouts to aid with the rescue.'
Vlad isn't good at stealth so he should keep out of the rescue mission.

>>45765121
>>'Prepare your forces for assault. Furthermore, each of you shall give me your best scouts to aid with the rescue.'

>>45765121
>Melandie and Lathrien mount rescue.
>Vlad the Human tests the magical forces the enemy has brought via astral projection.
>The rest prepare for battle, be it rescuing the rescuing force, defense against the approaching army, or assaulting ourselves.

>>45765198
>>Vlad the Dragon tests the magical forces the enemy has brought via astral projection.
Fixed. I support that by the way.

>>45765222
Right.

>>45765222
>>45765198
Sounds good. We also have our guardian I believe that can tag along with us to help test. With a pincer attack.

>>45765363
By test I meant "check out". As in "scout". Though it would be a good assistant in case things go south.

'The infiltration party, for one thing. Stealth is not exactly one of my personal strengths. I imagine Lathrien or Melandie shall be leading the group, but I shall ask for the best scouts that you can provide. Quality over quantity in this case, the best of the best only. They shall be going with the elves. In the meantime, the rest of us shall prepare for an all-out war.'
'I hope you shall not ignore the possibility of enemy magical advancement?' Amythrien says.
'Of course not. They used a spiritual construct last time around, and a powerful one at that. I can at least make certain that they cannot do that. I will try to investigate further, although it shall be difficult to learn of the full capabilities of their 'priests' until they show their abilities in battle.'
'Sounds good, aye. I hope you won't take it personal if I don't send no scouts to ya? Dwarves aren't exactly known for their nimble grace,' Karist says.
'Prepare who you can spare for battle. Between the remaining members there should be more than enough scouts to execute any reasonable plan.'
'I see that we have a plan forming,' Bathory says, 'Would you like to speak to the prisoner, Vlad?'

>'I do not think there is a need. She could lie and do more harm than good. Let her go, twelve hours after we depart.'
>''I do not think there is a need. She could lie and do more harm than good. Send her to the dwarves and let her put herself to use mining.'
>'That is the next step on the agenda. I shall interrogate the prisoner personally.'
>'That is the next step on the agenda. [Character] should interrogate the prisoner.'
>Other

>>45765416
>'That is the next step on the agenda. I shall interrogate the prisoner personally.'

>>45765416
>>'That is the next step on the agenda. I shall interrogate the prisoner personally.'
Bathory should help.

>>45765416
>>'That is the next step on the agenda. I shall interrogate the prisoner personally.'
Hope it’s alright if we apologise for the treatment. This is what happens if we have a democratic council.

>>45765416
>>Other
Can't we simply kill the prisoner, bring her back and force her to answer us?

>>45765416
>>'That is the next step on the agenda. I shall interrogate the prisoner personally.'

Time for dragon interrogations. Which are basically just staring at them till they cry.

>>45765512
That sounds reasonable. Do it.

>>45765512
>>45765538
No, it's a bad idea at the moment. We have no idea how our allies would take that, we have an image to maintain now.

>>45765566
We are at war with Pernfags, I don't see why they would care.

>Be polite. Diplomacy first, threats if necessary.
>Be intimidating. Play up your reputation among the Pernites to ensure cooperation.
>Be a wizard. Cause fear through magic, until she is too afraid to lie to you.
>Be cruel. Torture her until you have the full truth.
>Be a necromancer. Kill and bind her, then make her answer your questions.
>Other

>>45765607
>>Be a necromancer. Kill and bind her, then make her answer your questions.
The only way to be sure she won't lie.

>>45765607
>Be intimidating. Play up your reputation among the Pernites to ensure cooperation.

>>45765607
>>Be intimidating. Play up your reputation among the Pernites to ensure cooperation.
>My name's Vlad, I'm a Dragon
>renegade interrupt before she even get the chance to respond.

>>45765607
>>Be polite. Diplomacy first, threats if necessary.
The Vlad way.

>>45765607
>>Be a necromancer. Kill and bind her, then make her answer your questions.
>Be a wizard. Cause fear through magic, until she is too afraid to lie to you.
Either way is fine to me.

>>45765607
be polite diplomacy

>>45765607

>>Be polite. Diplomacy first, threats if necessary.

>>45765607
>>Be intimidating. Play up your reputation among the Pernites to ensure cooperation.

>>45765607
>Be intimidating. Play up your reputation among the Pernites to ensure cooperation
or
>Be a necromancer. Kill and bind her, then make her answer your questions

>>45765607
>>Be a necromancer. Kill and bind her, then make her answer your questions.

>>45765607
>Be polite. Diplomacy first, threats if necessary.

Well, you are not going to change who you are, just because the prisoner is a sworn enemy with information that could save your friend.

You descend into the basement. While it is mostly habitat for the Kobolds, a few old cells do remain- you are quite certain that they were meant for insane alchemical experiments rather than human beings, but extreme times, extreme measures. The pernite envoy looks miserable.

'Greetings, I am Vlad Tepish,' you say. You let it sink in for a moment. The woman recoils and tries to get as far away from you as possible.
'Now, there is nothing to fear, ah...'
'Amelia,' she says, after it becomes clear that you shall not go on speaking until she answers.
'Now, Amelia, here we are. You have made some bad choices, and these choices have lead you to this unfortunate situation.'
'I- No, you can't make me talk,'
'Indeed? But you seemed willing before.'

It is clear at this point, that you just being here is sufficient intimidation. Nonetheless, you do not want her to be entirely at peace. You do not want her to forget that you have teeth.

'Whatever shall I do with you, hm? My options are significant. I could easily kill you, bind your soul and force you to tell me the truth. That would be the safe and logical thing to do. I could decide that I trust nothing that you have to say, and kill you, or send you to the dwarven mines to work until you drop. I could hurt you, until you would no longer understand the difference between lies and truth,'

'Please...' The envoy says.
'Now, I am only trying to explain to you, what my situation is like. To save my friends, the safest thing for me to do would be to kill you.'
'I swear, I swear upon Sun and my god that I shall not lie.'
'Indeed? Then we may start considering other options. For example, what do you think, realistically, be the best end-game for you at this point.'
'Survival.' Amelia says.
(cont.)

>>45765915
'Truly? Mere survival? Surely being left here, in this cell would be a fate worse than death, no?'
'No, if it means keeping my life, I will stay here, and tell you the whole truth.'
'Here are my issues with that, for indeed I have a couple- first, it would be a dick move. I try to avoid those when I can. Second, you have limited incentive to tell the truth then. What do you truly want? What do you think a realistic positive outcome for you would be?'
'I- If I could leave, go East, until I was so far away from here that I would forget even being here.'
'Exile. Harsh punishment for most. Though I can see how it might seem tempting to you. Very good. If your information checks out, and if I survive the rescue, I shall release you to travel East, for no less than one full year, before settling. I shall even send an alchemical aide with you, a homunculus, with no necromancy in its construction. I reward those loyal and honest with me, understood?'
'Y- yes.' Amelia says.

Over the next half an hour she explains to you how the Pernite camps around Spot's tower are laid out. She tells you that the gnolls are alive, but captured, and that the priests believe they could use them to bargain with you, or use them as shields. She seems to be entirely honest.

Roll Insight, 1d20+1 DC 13

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>45766026

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>45766026

Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>45766026

Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>45766026

Rolled 13 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>45766026
Just kill her

>>45766045
>>45766044
>>45766038
Wow.

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>45766026
awww shit

>>45766026
Shouldn't the main stats add some kind of bonus for subskills?

>>45765607
>Be a necromancer. Kill and bind her, then make her answer your questions.

Yeah... Vlad still suck at negotiating...

>>45766026
How much do the Pernites know about Vlad's capabilities? Do they know/suspect that he can speak to dead spirits? Is this a trap?

>>45766102
He really should just stick to necromancy.

And thus Vlad goes "waitaminute, you're fuckin' with me even though I told you what would happens?" then do what he wanted to do in the 1st place and get a rep of a dickass because the pernite got cute doing the only thing Vlad warned not to do.
>Don't fuck with me.

>>45766102
That's why I voted for necromancy. That's what Vlad is good at. But anons love being moralfags.

>>45766063
It wouldn't be feral necromancer quest without failing easy rolls

>>45766083
Insight is perception based, and you do not have the actual skill.

12! Marginal failure- the worst kind of failure.

And yet, something nags you about the information given by the envoy. You do not think she is lying as such, but there is just something in her information that you cannot quite put a finger on.

>The information is worthless if you are unsure. Leave her here and ignore everything you've learned here.
>You have to be certain. Kill and bind her.
>Drop the nice act. Cast fear and torment upon her.
>So long as she is not lying, there should not be too much harm in a few omissions, and you are quite certain she is not. Use the information, and deal with her in good faith.
>Other.

>>45766163
>>You have to be certain. Kill and bind her.

>>45766163
>Drop the nice act. Cast fear and torment upon her.

>>45766163
DROP THE NICE ACT

>>45766163
Ask for her to repeat everything she told us but in reverse.

Police tactic apparently but it might work

>>45766163
>>The information is worthless if you are unsure. Leave her here and confirm everything you heard with the scouts.

>>45766163
>>You have to be certain. Kill and bind her.
The only logical option.

>>45766163
>Drop the nice act. Cast fear and torment upon her.

>>45766163
>>You have to be certain. Kill and bind her.
If you don't wanna talk I might as well bind you to a handweaved basket or somethin'

>>45766184
this

Roll Intimidate 1d20+4 DC 10

>>45766108
They probably guessed he could communicate with spirits when their god told them he was a necromancer.

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>45766310
Check out my nat 1

Rolled 12 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>45766310

Rolled 16 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>45766310
Talk, no more games.

>>45766320
>>45766323
>>45766330

Vlad is still one scary bastard

>>45766371
I don't know why we even had to roll. We're a dragon, a necromancer, and the chief reason the Pernites got their shit kicked in last time.

>>45766371
Makes you wonder why he still tries to be nice when he can browbeat anyone into submission.

22! Great Success!

The darkness intensifies. The torches disappear in a magical spell of absolute blackness. All that Amelia can see are your eyes in the pitch blackness of her cell.

'I do not like something about what you said.'
You cast magical fear into her and she starts screaming.
'I do not know what it is, but something bothers me about your story.'
She starts crying.
'It is back to plan A then, I guess,' you say, and make sure that the glint of your blade too is visible in the darkness.

For a moment you think you might have killed her with sheer fear.

'G- g- god, no, please, no, I- I've told you the truth,'
'Not the whole of it? Or perhaps not in the most honest way? Something does not add up to me here,'
'I am the daughter of the g- the general leading the assault. He will likely kill the gnolls if he thinks I am captured or d- dead. Please, that is it, that is the only thing I haven't told you.'
'Indeed?' you say, and the light returns to the room, and a terrible pressure that she would not even have felt recedes. She starts breathing again.

>This is important information, but it changes little. You will merely have to act more quickly.
>This changes things. You could use her as a very useful bargaining chip of your own.
>This changes things. You will not be able to let her leave after all. Not that she has to know this quite yet.
>Kill and bind her just to be safe.
>Other

>>45766460
>>This is important information, but it changes little. You will merely have to act more quickly.
Maybe get proof that she's still alive

>>45766460
>>This changes things. You could use her as a very useful bargaining chip of your own.
Por que no les dos?
Send in the scouts while we hold the diplomat publicly hostage.

>>45766460
>This is important information, but it changes little. You will merely have to act more quickly.
>Next time child, do not try to hide from me. My wrath has only grown more powerful as I've aged, as have I.

>>45766460
>>This is important information, but it changes little. You will merely have to act more quickly.
>>This changes things. You could use her as a very useful bargaining chip of your own.
>>This changes things. You will not be able to let her leave after all. Not that she has to know this quite yet.
We don't have to let her know we will use her as a bargaining chip. Lets speed things up and use her.

>>45766460
>This changes things. You could use her as a very useful bargaining chip of your own.

'Well, here we are then. Do not try to hide things from me. It only ever ends... Badly,' you say.
'Yes, Vlad Tepish,'

You leave the woman in her cell for now. It is now time to launch the mission. It needs to be done even more urgently than you originally expected. There is no way that you have more than a day, before the captives would be killed.

>Start the rescue [switch PoV to Lathrien for a while]
>Have Lathrien go and deal with the rescue, consolidate your forces and prepare for an all-out war [stay with Vlad, and have rolls decide the success of the rescue, but improve the chances of the battle]

>>45766676
>Start the rescue [switch PoV to Lathrien for a while]

I am confidant in our ability to lead the battle when we get to it

>>45766676
>>Start the rescue [switch PoV to Lathrien for a while]

>>45766676
>>Have Lathrien go and deal with the rescue, consolidate your forces and prepare for an all-out war [stay with Vlad, and have rolls decide the success of the rescue, but improve the chances of the battle]
Couldn't we assault the enemy before the battle with our guardian and our magic, while lath goes in, while we're wrecking havoc/causing a major distraction?

>>45766676
>>Start the rescue [switch PoV to Lathrien for a while]

>>45766676
>Have Lathrien go and deal with the rescue, consolidate your forces and prepare for an all-out war [stay with Vlad, and have rolls decide the success of the rescue, but improve the chances of the battle]

>>45766676
>>Have Lathrien go and deal with the rescue, consolidate your forces and prepare for an all-out war [stay with Vlad, and have rolls decide the success of the rescue, but improve the chances of the battle]

>>45766676
>Start the rescue [switch PoV to Lathrien for a while]

Marginal Lathrien advantage. Will try to keep it short.

You are Lathrien. The whole vampirism business has taken you a while to get used to. You are perpetually hungry, but you have learned to control that. Sunlight, however, is beyond your ability to ignore. So you shall have to wait for night-fall to depart. You have time to prepare, and you have some of the best scouts under your command. You have been given command more and more often lately, and you find that it suits you. Not of armies, no, but small, tactical units, you are quite happy to lead them.

You are a party of ten, you, Mel, four kobolds, three elves, and the young human that had managed to pass for Pernite on Melandies scouting mission.

'We will be quick, we will be quiet and we will do our jobs. You know the drill, you don't need a speech. You will not fail. Let's go.'

You get silent nods from everyone. You keep speech to a minimum during all of your operations. The sound of vocal communication is unacceptable, you know for a face that good ears could hear it from a great distance indeed.

You make good time through familiar terrain, and soon you reach the first line of Pernite encampments.

You slip by them with no issue whatsoever. You are where you are most comfortable now- behind enemy lines. You will be spending several hours in pitch darkness and absolute silence. The tower where the gnolls are held is finally within sight.

Melandie signals that it is extremely well guarded, and that she does not see any easy path of entry. This means that while you could get in, getting out with the prisoners would be impossible without alerting the guards.

>Go in alone to scout and to look for weaknesses, and to show the gnolls that they are not forgotten.
>Co-ordinate a silent assault. Kill the guards before they know your party is there, overwhelm them with speed and force.
>Go in alone and slowly work through the enemy, killing them one by one, while your party guards the perimeter.

>>45767294
>Co-ordinate a silent assault. Kill the guards before they know your party is there, overwhelm them with speed and force.

>>45767294
>>Go in alone and slowly work through the enemy, killing them one by one, while your party guards the perimeter.
Lath is too good at stealth.

>>45767294
>Go in alone and slowly work through the enemy, killing them one by one, while your party guards the perimeter.
mainly so he can get some blood in him

>>45767294
>Go in alone to scout and to look for weaknesses, and to show the gnolls that they are not forgotten.

Roll Discipline 1d20+6 DC 20

Rolled 10 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45767400

Rolled 12 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45767400
Panic.

Rolled 12 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45767400

Rolled 4 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45767400

File: you know where it's going.jpg (66 KB, 488x613)

66 KB JPG

>>45767415
>>45767419
>>45767426
>>45767430
oh how I missed this feeling

>>45767472
Nothing wrong with drinking some blood once in a while.

>>45767493
I'm more afraid of Lathrien fucking up and being destroyed by some paladin

This is the most MEDIOCRE rolling FNQ in history, methinks. 18! Failure!

You signal your party to spread out and guard the perimeter.

You move as a shadow over the forest floor. The first guard never saw you coming, as you snap his neck with a little effort and an uncomfortable amount of skill. You glide onwards, dispatching enemies one after another. Now that you are close enough to hear their heartbeats you know that there are some twenty men in the tower. You smile with excitement prepared for a challenge worthy of your skills. You kill three more men before anyone knows anything is wrong. Even then, the bodies are well hidden, and they only know that one of them is missing.

Then you are forced to draw blood. One of them surprises you, and while he has not seen you, you only have the space to slit his throat from your position in a small alcove behind him. You do so, and even through all of your training in discipline, your vision turns red. You bathe in the blood as much as you drink it, and the smell of it makes terrified animals of the battle hardened men. Your heart would be racing if it still beat. You move from man to man, holding them down, piercing their skins and drinking their blood. Once only five remain, you no longer bother with stealth, instead capitalizing on their fear and using misdirection.

The last one begs for his life, and you take off his head. To have your allies know that you have been successful, you impale this last one on his own spear, and raise it as a banner on the top of the tower.

You find the gnolls soon after.

'Good work, boss,' Spot says. The gnolls start cackling, along with their elder. 'Let's get out of here.'

>'We're going back to Vlad. you will have to sneak across their lines.'
>'We're going back to Vlad, we'll crush through their lines and then leg it.'
>'Me and the scouts are returning to Vlad through the lines, you should hide in the woods, less likely to be found.'

>>45767606
>'We're going back to Vlad. you will have to sneak across their lines.'

>>45767606
>>'We're going back to Vlad, we'll crush through their lines and then leg it.'
They already know we are here so we must get out ASAP

>>45767606
>>'We're going back to Vlad. you will have to sneak across their lines.'
oh that was better than I thought

>>45767644
this

'We sneak back across the lines, when we get past them, we just leg it as fast as we-' you don't finish, instead you are punched in the back of the head. Ah, Melandies fist.
'What the fuck, Lath?' she whispers forcefully.
'Had to get rid of them as fast as possible,'
'Lath, you are, very literally, covered in blood. The bodies I saw coming up here made ME queasy and I once tied a drow's innards to a tree and made him walk. You know that Vlad will be pissed that he won't be able to discuss things with these people anymore.'
'Not like there was much of a chance of that in the first place. Religious zealots.'
'For f- At least clean yourself off,' Melandie says, then she perks up, 'We've got to move. Now. Something's coming and it's not human.'
'Wh-?'
'Now!'

You start running. There is no point in keeping quiet anymore, they know you are here, news will likely have reached the front lines, and you will have to kill to get through them, one way or another. You are running, all but the kobolds, who can sneak almost as well as you can, and will be joining you later.

You find the lines well lit with torches and stranger sources of light- white crystals that make you feel intensely uncomfortable- but you cannot stop.

Roll Tactics 1d20+3 DC 18

Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>45767867

Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>45767867
Rip Lath.

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>45767867
Nat 1

21! Blackjack!

If they make you uncomfortable from this distance, it certainly wouldn't be a good fucking idea to get anywhere near them.

'Spot, have your people charge the lines, we'll take any flank you open.'
'GrrrrrRoar' Spot says and he and his people drop down on all fours and charge at twice the speed most of your scouts could manage. He crashes into the priest holding the orb of cleansing light, and crushes it on the ground. Only having to contend with torchlight and mortal men, your party makes a quick enough work to break through the lines, taking but a few injuries, and no fatalities. Good. Better than could be hoped for, really.

You are through, but there are enemies behind you, and for all of your speed they are closing.

>Stay back to slow them down. You have the best chance of survival if someone has to stay behind.
>Split up. They cannot chase all of you, and a single scout can move faster than a party.
>You're a wizard, damn it. Cast some magic. (Because I forgot to link character sheets at the beginning of the quest: http://pastebin.com/vBRyBWfK)
>Keep running. They cannot chase you through the forest forever, you just have to keep going until they get lost, or afrait, or until you can contact Vlad.

>>45768035
Is Lath capable of using this?
>Control Plants:With a gesture you can turn terrain to you advantage or against your enemy's. You can have plants grow, move and constrict at a very advanced rate, allowing you to always be in superior terrain, if you are willing to cast the spell.

>>45768035
Pastebin link is shit

>>45768035
>>Stay back to slow them down. You have the best chance of survival if someone has to stay behind.

>>45768134
>http://pastebin.com/vBRyBWfK
seriously get rid of the ) for all others.

>>45768035
>>45768117
Please respond

>>45768035
YOUR A WIZARD DAMN IT

>>45768035
>>Stay back to slow them down. You have the best chance of survival if someone has to stay behind.

>>45768035
>>Stay back to slow them down. You have the best chance of survival if someone has to stay behind.
what are the rules for if lath gets destroyed again?
if he dies is he just gone?

>>45768035
>Stay back to slow them down. You have the best chance of survival if someone has to stay behind.
Use unearthly charm to intimidate them.

>>45768134
Hm, true enough. Haven't had the need to have specifics for spellcasting for anyone but Vlad, really.

In any case,

You direct your senses and your power to the plants nearby, making them open a path for you, while all at the same time hindering your enemies. It does not slow them as much as it should have, yet it does slow them enough that you make it to the Alliance territory proper.

You return, mission accomplished, but the enemy is not far behind, and your bloodbath might have left them even more zealously infuriated than before.

And you realize, that even with your magic, you will not get back in time. The enemy will catch up with you. So you stop, no letting any of your allies realize that you are not with them, and you prepare to face the incoming force.

>Okay, here we go, I will have to end early for the night, as warned in OP. I have some stuff to do early in the morning, but it is possible that I can pick this thread back up if it is still live when I get back. If not, I shall do another half sized thread later tomorrow.

Poke

bump

You are Vlad Tepish. It has been nearly six hours since you sent your scouts away to attempt a rescue on your gnoll allies. It is pitch black now, but you know that dawn is mere couple of more hours away, and after that, Lathrien would have a hard time doing anything but running for shelter.

Still, it is a few hours away before things get direly suspicious. You have been inspecting your undead. While it is true that your magic is the only thing making them mobile, there is still wear and tear to consider, both on the actual skeletons (the meat rotted off your last zombie many years ago), and on their equipment. For the most part they have been doing heavy manual labour and that sort of a thing takes its toll.

You learn that all of your minions are still functional, so you check in with the other elders to make sure that they have made their own inspections and preparations properly. You are in the middle of the task, when you are interrupted by a panting and, of course, angry Melandie.

'Vlad Tepish, where is Lathrien?'
'Ah, you are back I see,'
'Yeah, whatever, rescued some gnolls, mission accomplished, Spot is back, now where is Lathrien?'
'Melandie, you know what I am going to say. He was with you. If you know not where he is, likely he is hiding.'

Melandie runs off, back towards the Pernite lines.

>Grab your undead and follow her.
>The elves can take care of themselves. Continue with proper preparations.
>Follow her on your own, leave Hal in charge of preparations.
>Other

>>45774227
>Follow her on your own, leave Hal in charge of preparations.
aww shit

'Hal! Finish preparations and inspections here, I am going after Lathrien,'
'Yes, my lord,'

Or that is what you assume he said. You are out the door by the time the blackguard would have had time to answer. You see Melandie running into the woods. With just her and Lathrien, it would be a suicidal charge against the whole of the army of Pern. And if Lathrien has been taken captive, it would be senseless slaughter on both sides, culminating in the deaths of your friends. You need to be there to tilt the odds, at the least to give them a window to escape.

Damn, but that woman can move. You are just barely keeping up with her, and you know for certain she can keep this pace up for longer than you. She disappears into the treeline, and you follow seconds later.

>Wait, this running crap is for plebs. Turn into a dragon and fly towards the lines.
>You will keep your true nature hidden until you can best use the surprise it would provide. Keep running in human form.
>You might want to keep your dragonness secret, but that is no reason to stay human. Turn into [animal]
>Other

>>45774480
>>You will keep your true nature hidden until you can best use the surprise it would provide. Keep running in human form.
Maybe it'd be better to make a new thread another time?

>>45774480
>>You might want to keep your dragonness secret, but that is no reason to stay human. Turn into [animal]
Something that can run easily here. A deer?
If that is not better than human, stay human.

>>45774729
Eh, I'll write while I'm here, not entirely bad to do a bit slower thread, kinda comfy to not have to worry about writing at top speed. Feel free to catch it in the archives if you cba waiting around, I will probably do the levelling via twitter poll again anyways.

>

It soon becomes obvious that if you want to keep up with Melandie, it will be impossible for you to stay quiet, especially since she is not bothering with concealing her own approach in any way. You can't even see the enemy by the time the first arrow falls next to you.

Bloody dangerous, this shit. You reach out with your senses and find the enemy spirits, all but surrounding you. You do not sense Lathrien nearby, but he can cloak his presence to all senses- natural and otherwise, if he wishes to do so. Indeed, it seems to you that he has been doing it unconsciously for most of the last year.

Conserving your magical strength, you wade into the human ambush sword at hand, and you manage to decapitate one of the archers before he gets a chance to react. There are three more people nearly surrounding you, but they cannot best you. You turn into your bear form, quickly deal with them without taking a scratch and turn back.

A figure, all clad in plated mail with the sigil of the Sun on his tabard enters your field of view. Behind him, there is a wooden plate, nailed to which, by his hands and feet is Lathrien. Melandie seems to have noticed this too and is just about to charge to her mate's aid, when the paladin speaks:

'This might not be wise, fiends. You have something of mine. I have something of yours. Shall we make an exchange?'

>'I am listening. Proceed.'
>'She is dead already.' Knock him off his game and overwhelm him.
>Lathrien will not die easily, not even bound and helpless. Continue the fight, and hope to overcome before he is chopped to bits, or blasted with sunlight.
>Other

>>45763991
>newfags actually thinking vlad would take this option

>>45774827
>'I am listening. Proceed.'

>>45774827
>'I am listening. Proceed.'
>other
at the same time, try to affect him with Inflict disease to weaken him when it comes to blows

It's Pernites, we know the drill, they won't stop, no matter what, until we've killed all but one-tenth of them, which will run away.

>>45774827
>>'I am listening. Proceed.'
Pretend to make negotiations with the perrinite in order to buy time and get the jump on him

'Let him go you, you fucking fuck!' Melandie says.
'Now, Melandie, let us be reasonable here. It is rare, after all to meet one of them willing to talk.'
'Talk? He's got my fucking boyfriend nailed to a board.'
'And he could have killed him instead. It is no easy task to restrain Lathrien, you should know that.'
'Are you willing to talk then?' the paladin says.
'Yes, I am listening. I am Vlad Tepish, as you seem to be aware. And you?'
'I am Verus, paladin of Pern and general of this assault force.'
'Ah, I believe I have some idea as to what exchange you might be referring to then. Fear not, your daughter is alive and well,'
'And yet, she is not with me.'
'She has learned much about my defences. I fear that I could not let her go, at least not until our current conflict is resolved.'
'I hope you will re-consider. This man has murdered more than twenty faithful men under my command. I should have killed him where he stood, but I recognized your apprentice from the tales,'
'And why do you think the monstrous creature you believe you are facing would care for the fate of his apprentice?'
'Because you have never acted as a monster. Not nice, perhaps, and certainly no friend to the laws of gods and men, but not a monster.'
'Curious,'
'What is?'
'It is curious to me, that if you have so much information on me, why do you keep insisting on assaulting my lands.'
'We might have left you alone, but when our elders learned that we have been spied upon and that a new agressive tribe has settled near us, they blamed you. I obey my orders,'
'Orders? Is that all this is for you? Perhaps we can actually talk then.'
'That is my hope. And I want my daughter back.'
'And I do want Lathrien back, you are right, he is a valuable ally and a friend. Come with us, in good faith, and we will give your daughter back to you.'
(cont.)

>>45775078
'I might be willing to entertain the notion that you are not a monster. I will not trust you quite so blindly.'
'What do you propose then?'
'Bring my daughter here, and we make an exchange.'
'Absurd. I am not leaving Lathrien with your people.'
The paladin thinks for a while.
'Stay here then. Let me, your scout and your apprentice go back to your lands and to recover my daughter. You will be treated with respect while you are here, and given an hour of cease-fire after I have my daughter back.'

>Agree. This is likely the best deal you are going to get.
>Push. This is his daughter you're talking about. Surely you can get better terms.
>Agree, then escape as soon as they are gone.
>Refuse. You have no idea what the council and Bathory would do to the paladin when they learned of the situation.

>>45775096
>Push. This is his daughter you're talking about. Surely you can get better terms.

>>45775096
>other
Have Mel bring his daughter back assuming her berserk doesnt kick in leading to some sort of disaster
and instead of a cease fire ask for an audience with the elder and try to negotiate a peace

>>45775139
Whoops, didn't see that there wasn't an option for other, though if possible I'd like to stick with it.

'Not unreasonable,' you say, 'Yet it seems such a zero-sup game for such a great opportunity.'
'Your meaning?'
'We are talking. Possibly for the first time in history. I would like to keep talking. Instead of a cease-fire, I would like an audience with the leadership of this force.'

Roll Diplomacy, 1d20+6 DC 18

>>45775096
>>Agree. This is likely the best deal you are going to get.
Don't see anything wrong. Be prepared to turn into dragon at first sign of trouble.

Rolled 5 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45775232

Rolled 14 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45775232
Time for Vlad diplomacy! What could possibly go wrong?

Rolled 2 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>45775232

>>45775236
>>45775239
>>45775257
Somewhat disappointed at the lack of nat 1.

>>45775096
>>Push. This is his daughter you're talking about. Surely you can get better terms.

Unnatural 20! Success!

'I admit, I am surprised to hear you say it. Clearly things are not quite as we are led to believe back home,'
'Perhaps not. All I would like is to make my goals and aims clear. Perhaps we can avoid more unnecessary bloodshed.'
'My vows forbid me to not at least try. I am suspicious, but I cannot say no.'
'One last thing. Lathrien has issues with sunlight. Let him go with Melandie to retrieve your Amelia. We can both stay here and wait.'
'That sounds fair enough. Men, let the vampire loose!'
'Sir?'
'Do I truly have to keep telling you that when I issue an order, I expect it to be obeyed!'
'Yes sir!'

It is less than ten minutes before the elves leave to retrieve the paladin's daughter. You think that it will be an hour or more until they return, and that is if all goes well.

>Wait in silence.
>Write-in
>Your people are safe, there is no point in keeping your word now. Leave.

>>45775293
bit slow on the draw there, sport

>>45775303
>>Write-in
Ask him if any of them have actually spoken with Pern.

>>45775303
>Write-in
Try to learn more about this paladin, maybe if things don't end well with his leaders you can try to convince him to join your side if you can make friends with him now. It might also give you some insight on how the Pernites are doing and how their general thinks and acts.

>>45775316
Oh and Pern must answer to count.

>>45775303
Tell him about our encounter with the Barbarians. They came here, we offered them sanctuary if they would be peaceful, they decided to burn down the local spirits, we allowed them to leave instead of killing them.

If the Pernites were willing to give them some place to settle, they may be willing to become peaceful again, so long as the place they are at doesn’t have murderous spirits.

>>45775360
They ddin't want to live somewhere that there wasnt a population for them to raid though, thats why Vlad suggested they move in near the Pernites.

>>45775304
yah kinda forgot to refresh the thread

>>45775303
>Write-in
Casually mention having stood face-to-face with Pern and how much of a dick he was just because Vlad was a necromancer.
Then maybe mention our encounters with the necromancy god and that forest god we punched in the face.
Then ask if any of them have spoken face-to-face with Pern.

File: 1236217172933.jpg (25 KB, 216x282)

25 KB JPG

>>45775379
>manually refreshing

'So, Pern,' you say.
'What about him?'
'He is your god, is he not? Have you spoken to him?'
'Not as such, no. That business is for the priests. I need only to follow the ideals of purity and light, and I get my power from him.'
'What powers?'
The paladin laughs heartily.
'No, I shall not be divulging that information, at least not until you tell me the full extent of yours,'
'But you know my powers. Lordship over life and death, meddling in affairs no mortal has any business in, subverting the natural order of things.'
'Those are abstracts. I might as well tell you that Light gives me strength. It is true, but it is not useful to you.'
'So, Pern gives you strength?'
'It is... a vastly simplified explanation, but not entirely untrue.'
'Makes sense. While we are here, we might as well get to know each other, so tell me, who are you, Verus?'
'After you, Lord Tepish.'
'Hm? Not much to tell, I was a shaman's apprentice, he died, and then people I cared about kept dying. I bound just one of them to this dying land and for that I was exiled. I have been trying to make the world a more ordered and sensible place since then.'
'Ah, but I hate doing this.'
'Doing what?'
'Talking to my enemies. You always learn that they are not the simple brutes you had expected.'
'I understand. I wonder if the drow had some redeeming qualities.'
'No, their worship of their dark god had doomed them generations ago. Vicious cruelty was a way of life for them.'
'All of them? Do you not think there was even a one rebel among them?'
'Perhaps. But I doubt it. The difference between rebelling against light and rebelling against darkness is the response of your peers to your rebellion. Anyone among the drow trying to bring light would be killed.'
'Well, Verus, you do realize what you have just said, no?'
(cont.)

>>45775427
Interesting that they knew the drows. Remember when we buried and plagued them? They were good friends.

>>45775427
'I see your point. Blasted damnation, I wish you luck with the talks. My orders and the will of Pern are clear. It will be an up-hill battle for you to reach any sort of compromise.'
'I might know a little something about those.'
'Aye, I believe you may.'
'I was asking about your upbringing.'
'It is, in a way, linked to what you have said. About Pern and about how... Short tempered our elders can be. All gods abide by a set of principles, all gods have a code. And not even these gods themselves are above these rules, and they know it. So, even in our very faithful land there is dishonesty, the perversion of these laws, and absurd interpretations of the word of Pern. Not to mention simple criminals, madmen and invaders. I bring light to the darkness, metaphorically speaking in those cases, whether it be by exposing lies, clarifying a disagreement, or purging the guilty.'
'How does one find himself in that situation?'
'Usually by hitting rock bottom. The work is hard and the rewards little. My order takes in only those that abandon all of their worldly possessions, and the training is grueling and long. I... also lost someone. I found my solace in the Order. I have been ever grateful for it.'
'Well, if only others of your faith were as willing to seek common ground. One more question, if I may?'
'Of course.'
'Do you believe I am an evil that needs to be purged?'
The paladin considers for a good long while.
'Perhaps. Your magic is dark, and no doubt, and it has tempted many men in the history of this world to do dark things. You have killed, a lot, and I cannot know if the killings were just in every case. I do know that we might have been... hasty in our decision to strike, however.'
'I hope someone else can see it.'
'And you, necromancer, do you believe there could be peace among our people?'

(cont.)

>>45775500
>'Certainly. I have made peace with hostile nations before, and I am planning to do so again.'
>'I hope so, but I do not think it will happen. Not today, at least.'
>'One day, long ago I might have believed it. Today it is clear that too many of you are zealous fanatics. We will fight until there is no one left to do battle with.'
>'You had your chance. You do not deserve mercy after what you have done.'
>Other

>>45775512
>>'Certainly. I have made peace with hostile nations before, and I am planning to do so again.'
ayy gotta give peace a chance

>>45775512
I think the best compromise we can get is to not interfere with each other.

>>45775512
>'I hope so, but I do not think it will happen. Not today, at least.'

>>45775512
>>'I hope so, but I do not think it will happen. Not today, at least.'

>>45775512
>'Certainly. I have made peace with hostile nations before, and I am planning to do so again.'
This isn't the first time a god sicks his minions on me after all, and I and the Were-bears became good friends and trading partners afterwards.

>>45775512
>>'I hope so, but I do not think it will happen. Not today, at least.'
Your God really doesn't like me. We've chatted before. Then again the God of Necromancy doesn't like me either.

>>45775590
Gods are dicks, more news at 11

>>45775590
>>45775597
And additionally that forest god was also a dick, which is why we punched him in the face
so was the spider-queen-thing. Not sure if she's "dead" now, or whatever.

>>45775590
Pern probably won't ever forgive us for using his temple to turn Lath into a vampire.

We should give our Shortsword of Acid or Sword of the Blackguard since we need weapons.

>>45775634
Give it to Lathrien I mean. I really need to doublecheck before posting.

'Hell, I hope so. I am not sewing banners and writing songs of friendship, but perhaps, one day.'
'Yes, I suppose that is the best we can hope for.'
'Your god really doesn't like me. I've spoken to him before, you know.'
'Have you truly?'
'Yes, seemed a relatively sensible creature, for a spirit. Hated me with a nonsensical passion, though.'
'You seem... very casual about this.'
'I have seen stranger things too. Not many, but a few. And he was never my god, so that helps,'
'Truly? Do you have a god that is yours?'
'Hell no. The ones I've met are all bastards, I'd rather make it on my own.'
'Ah. Well, that makes me hopeful.'
'Wait, what?'
'A man can be good, or evil, but will most of the time be simply human. A dark god, however, can influence any man to darkness.'
'It does not even seem to take a dark god to do so.'
The paladin goes very serious indeed.
'No. I suppose it does not. Very good, let us wait for your... friends.' Verus says.

Melandie returns with Amelia, just around the time requested.

'Bathory was hella suspicious about this, but here she is.'
'Father!'
'Dear Amelia, have they hurt you?'
'N- not really. It was scary, but that's all.'
'So, this it?' Melandie says.
'Not at all,' you say, 'Now I am going to go and talk to their leaders.'
'Fucking hell I hoped you were kidding, or trying to trick this ass or whatever. I'm going with.'
'There is really no need to...'
'No, I am a fucking elf, all magic and nimble and full of ancient wisdom and shit. Or at least that's what humans tend to assume. I'll shut up, stand near you and they'll have to think twice about calling you evil.'
'Well, I suppose that might actually work. Still, this might turn out more dangerous than any of us would hope.'
'Well no shit, in which case, double the reason I should be there.'
'Is that fine, Verus?'
'I see no reason you couldn't have an aide with you. Please, follow me.'

(cont.)

>>45775663
You reach a clearing in the forest where the Pernites have set up a camp. It is all white fabric and gold trim, and way more plated armour than anyone should be capable of making in this day and age. Ancient heirlooms perhaps? No matter. This first camp is nearly the size of the force you repelled ten years ago, and you have a suspicion that there is more than the one camp in the forest.

Then again, you are quite a bit more than you were ten years ago as well.

You enter the large tent where the elder priests have gathered. They look at you with shocked eyes. Most of them are old and bald, and all of them are wearing white robes, unmarred by the dirt on the floor.

>'Why are you here?'
>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'
>'I have come to tell you that if you come at me, there will be not a single worshiper of Pern left alive on this world before the end of the year.'
>'Look guys, can't we just be friends?'
>Write-in.

>>45775708
>>'Why are you here?'
>>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'

>>45775708
why are you here

>>45775708
>>'Why are you here?'

>>45775708
Look just stay the fuck out of my lands and I'll stay out of yours.

>>45775708
>'Why are you here?'
>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'

>>45775708
>>'Why are you here?'
>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'

>>45775708
>'Why are you here?'
>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'

"And when you do go, tell Pern to leave me in peace. It was just one temple, he's not even the first god I do it to."

>>45775754
It was nothing personnel Pern

The necrogod might not have been so bad if we gave him a chance.

>>45775777
He led the drow to the way they were. He was a dick to us. Nope.

>>45775708
>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'
>'Look guys, can't we just be friends?'

>>45775708
>'Why are you here?'
>'Peace or destruction? Think fast. You only get one and you choose now.'

'As you might all be aware, I am Vlad Tepish,' you say.
'G- guards, seize him!' One of the old men says. You simply look at the guard and he freezes, unable to carry out the priest's command.
'We will be talking now. Why are you here?'
'Because the great god Pern has ordered that you must be purge-'
'Shut up. Why are you here?'
'Because it is our duty as followers of the one true-'
'Shut the fuck up. I am serious. Why are you here.'
'Th- Our people need unity, especially with the orcish raids, the leadership needs a successful crusade to keep order.'
'So you pick ME to assault of all people? Me? You think that you will have an easy victory?'
'Believe me, our forces are more than-'
'Silence! I am giving you this one chance. This one singular opportunity, and your reply will change the course of each and every one of your lives. Leave or die.'
'You dare threathen-'
'Shut the fuck up, gods be damned, can you not shut up and think for a flat second? If you leave now and stay away we can all live. This world is large enough. If you attack my people you will be exterminated.'
'You cannot just-'
'Tell that to the drow. Oh. Wait.'

Roll 2d20 1. Diplomacy +6 DC 20 2. Intimidate +4 DC 20

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>45775860
Dragon Intimidation.

Rolled 7, 17 = 24 (2d20)

>>45775860
We'll get nat 1 won't we?

Rolled 4, 19 = 23 (2d20)

>>45775860

>>45775860
>'Tell that to the drow. Oh. Wait.'
BTFO
T
F
O

Rolled 3, 17 = 20 (2d20)

>>45775860

>>45775872
can we use this for diplomacy

>>45775874
>>45775886
>>45775897
>Vlad fails an easy diplo roll
As expected of Necromancer Quest. At least we got him to shit his pants.

>>45775874
>>45775886
>>45775897
Just like I expected.

>>45775915
Vlad should give up diplomacy and intimidate everyone into doing what he wants.

Silence falls in the camp. You have made no friends here, that much is certain.

'Ah, Vlad, is this what you meant by diplomacy?' Verus says.
'I- Shit, man these people just make me so fucking mad.'
'I understand.'
'Wait, you do?'
'Sure, I've got to take orders from them.'

'Ah, um, Lord Tepish?'
'Yes, priest?'
'We have taken your offer under advisement and... Well, we will have to take it up the chain of command, as it were,'
'Are you not supposed to be the leaders here?'
'Of the military expedition, yes, but something this important, we will have to speak to the prophet.'
'Will you now?'
'Ah, yes. We, ah, believe that you might be able to come to some sort of an agreement.'

>'I assume this is a trick. I am sorry, but if you do not take your armies with you as you return to your lands, I will take that as an act of war and destroy you.'
>'Fair enough, I would like to talk to this prophet in any case.'
>'Fine, I'll go along with it. But only for Verus' sake. We're friends.'
>Other

>>45775946
>'Fair enough, I would like to talk to this prophet in any case.'
>'Fine, I'll go along with it. But only for Verus' sake. We're friends.'

>>45775953
seconded

>>45775946
>>'Fair enough, I would like to talk to this prophet in any case.'

>>45775946
>>'Fair enough, I would like to talk to this prophet in any case.'
>>'Fine, I'll go along with it. But only for Verus' sake. We're friends.'

>>45775953
Sure

'Oh all right, but only because I wouldn't want to disappoint Verus. We're friends,'
'My lords, I must ascertain you that I am not in any way involved with Vlad Tepish,'
'Hm?'
'Are you trying to get me excommunicated?' Verus whispers.
'Oh, right, that was a joke. I am quite interested in speaking with this prophet of yours.'
'Ah, I am certain that once he learns you are willing to speak, he will come promptly.'
'Weird, though, that he didn't know I would speak to him, what with being a prophet and all.'
'Are you mocking his reverence?'
'Hm? Not at all, I don't even know him. His military strategy seems idiotic, but that is all I know.'
'You dare-'
'Yes. I dare. I always have dared. I will keep daring. I dare the shit out of everything. You should get used to it, if we are to have a discourse.'
'Yes, of course, Lord Tepish.'
'Now, how about you start going about getting in touch with that prophet of yours.'
'Of course. Jean, go,' one of the older priests commands a younger one, and Jean leaves the tent, presumably to send a message.
'Now, show us to a tent where we could wait for him.'
'Vlad, are you seriously staying with these assholes? They'll try to kill you as soon as you close your eyes.' Melandie says.
'It will be a valuable lesson for them. So, a tent?'

You are shown to a tent, clearly erected minutes after you asked for it. Verus is tasked with guarding you, or more precisely, is the only one who dares to take the post.

'Well, we might be here for a while. Might as well get comfortable,' you say.

And with that concludes the thirty sixth installment of Feral Necromancer quest. Bit on the short side, even with overtime, but we got where we were meant to get.

Next game this Saturday, unless things get weird. Updates on twitter @DeadQM.

You have 1 exp to be spent http://pastebin.com/WwpGdjMJ

Archive at http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=DeadQM

I do have to get on with my day eventually, but I'll be around for a bit

>>45776074
+1 STR

>>45776074
What are the perks that we currently have?
I want tough perk for stamina.

>>45776140
>http://pastebin.com/vBRyBWfK
With all the issues that pastebin has, Vlad's sheet is up to date as of now.

>>45776074
I want one more point of STR since it not only will help attack rolls it will also give more health.

>>45776150
this

>>45776150
We haven't done a lot of civ. But when we do, we want to have an advanced nation.
That can't be fucked with.

>>45776232
Science victory best victory.

Looking over the last thread, it seems that you got Reasoned Argument, and I, in my eternal wisdom, failed to update it. Int seems to be getting away with it, but we are one tier above Reasoned Argument.

Civilization turn next session or the one after.

We should get a standing army next turn or at least keep our scouts as standing.

>>45776262
Can we make something like genejacks with alchemy?

>>45776262
Tactical Genius: If you are outnumbered, the DCs do not increase and your enemies have no significant advantage until they outnumber you to at least three to one. If you outnumber your enemy, you gain an additional +2 to the roll, in addition to a lower DC. Furthermore, you can sneak Treants on any battlefield once per thread.

Considering a war may happen soon, or in the future. Seems like a good investment.

>>45776262
>Tactical Genius: If you are outnumbered, the DCs do not increase and your enemies have no significant advantage until they outnumber you to at least three to one. If you outnumber your enemy, you gain an additional +2 to the roll, in addition to a lower DC. Furthermore, you can sneak Treants on any battlefield once per thread.

I want to add +1 to intelligence

Don't we have a human paladin blackguard? What happend to him?

>>45783122
DeadQM doesn't know what to do with him.