>>45985855
>"By the book. Ray will amp my voice, and I'll distract them while Jack gets into position."

>>45985855
>"Wing it, it's worked before."
Good to have you back so soon!

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>>45985855
>"By the book. Ray will amp my voice, and I'll distract them while Jack gets into position."

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>>45985855
it's here it's finaly here!!!

>>45985955
The other two gives low grunts of affirmation. You reach down to the floor of the wagon and find your sword, a hefty model that has seen plenty of use, but has never failed you before. You lift it and hold it close, waiting for the wagon to stop. It does, and you listen carefully to the outside. The music is clearly audible now, as are two voices who are aggressively questioning the driver. Too bad he's just a charmed farmer.

Eventually, getting nothing from the driver in terms of answers, they come around the the rear of the cart. As they reach out to throw open the cloth covers, you thrust your sword the same way you might a pool cue, and Jack fires his crossbow. Both of you hit your mark, and when you pull your weapon back in it bares the distinct scent of fresh blood.

You leap out of the wagon in turn, careful to step over the newly made corpses. Jack will handle these, you and Ray need to find a way to the roof. You split up, and begin dashing around the side of the mansion together.

You find a wall covered in ivy strong enough to support you, but you still climb with the utmost care. Upon reaching the roof, you are able to look down at the inside of the ballroom through the skylights. Over a hundred formally dressed lords and ladies dance together to the sound of a twelve man band, laughing and drinking and basking in their decadence. You can't see the mark from here, but that's what Jack is for.

"Hey, big guy, time to start the show." Ray pulls his wand and waves it around a little, mumbling in arcanist speak before aiming the point at your throat. You take a deep breath.

>Intimidating
>Spooky
>Ironically cheerful
>"For Vald!"

>>45986183
>Spooky

>>45986183
>>Ironically cheerful

>>45986183
>Intimidating

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>>45986183
>Spooky

Always go for spooky

>>45986183
>Ironically cheerful

>>45986298
You cackle maniacally, announcing your presence in a low growl. You can see the people below stop their dances and conversations, and even the band stops to gaze around the room. You recite the list of offenses your mark has committed against Vald, and declare that you are here for due repayment.

Suddenly the crowd parts, and the dancefloor clears to allow a single man, tall and pale with raven hair in a red cap, to take center stage.

"You would interrupt the gathering of my family and kin for such a trivial matter? Insolence! If you would challenge me then do so openly, and lurk not in the shadows!"

He's baiting you. But it's so tempting.

>Leap through the skylight
>Tell Ray to let loose
>Let Jack do his thing
>Other

>>45986419
>>Let Jack do his thing

>>45986419
>Let Jack do his thing
No need to risk altering the plan for a simple bait. If he was worth it our plan would have simply been to have those two chronicle our storming of the party and subsequent butchering of the man.

>>45986478
You wait patiently for Jack to move. He's good enough at his job that you have no idea where he is, up until a pair of curtains waves a bit. They part suddenly, and out pops Jolly Jack himself, silently soaring through the air with his knife, Whitesnake, arcing as he falls. He slams into the caped man and drives the blade deep into his back, twisting it and yanking it out to allow a veritable geyser of blood erupt out. The attendees gasp, as Jack reaches into a pouch on his belt and retrieves a small object. He tosses it up into the air, where it rises about fifteen feet, then bursts into a cloud of black smoke.

Every body in the ballroom begins to move, lunging toward the cloud, hissing and baring fangs. Time to move.

>Send Ray in first
>Go in yourself

>>45986648
>Go in yourself

>>45986648
>>Go in yourself
Ray is the backup

>>45986648
>Go in yourself

>>45986648
Did I miss something? Hello Sword, where are you?

>>45986828
This is a cool prequel-y thing

>>45986873
So, Sword not there?, Sniff. Vanessa still a dream. sniff sniff.
Wait. Check hand for marriage ring. We might be in real trouble.

>>45986696
You leap and crash through the skylight, coming down hard enough to crack the polishes wooden floor and knock back several attendees. You brandish your weapon and cleave a few of the charging partygoers, bloodying their gowns and puffy suits. Suddenly, you see Jack rolling out of the cloud of smoke, arm bleeding profusely and knife barely held between twitching fingers.

"He's not dead! Eyes open!" shouts Jack.

You turn your head in time to get a faceful of Vampiric fist, which sends you reeling into a large group of hissing bloodsuckers. They grab you and try to hold you down, but throwing them off isn't so hard, and you even manage to send one crashing through the punch bowl for dramatic effect.

Ray descends next, floating down soft as a feather, spreading his hands and firing off icy cones that freeze each hit target in place, or make a spike of jagged ice on the floor if they miss.

You look over to Jack, who has thrown back his one healing draught, and is setting the bones in his hand. He sees you, and you call to him.

>"I'll handle the big one, help Rey with the peons!"
>"Keep the lord distracted, I'll get rid of the small fry!"
>"Ray will hold the big one at bay, you and I need to keep the little ones off him!"
>Other

>>45986939
>>"Keep the lord distracted, I'll get rid of the small fry!"

Better we clean the rubbish, lest it gets in our way. Jack seems too wounded to take on many

>>45987001
Seconding >>45987001
His legs aren't damaged so he can probably dance around for a bit.

>>45987001
eh, why not?

>>45987001
You tell Jack to keep on the Vampire Lord while you and Ray handle the lesser bloodsuckers. He nods, readies his knife, and rushes back into the smoke. You trust his keen senses to guide him, but you'd still better finish up these little ones fast and help him.

As they charge you, you bifurcate each with a powerful cleave, spreading unholy blood across the once glimmering dance floor. Now and then they leap onto your back, but either Ray hits them with a ball of fire, or you throw them onto the ground and impale them with one heavy thrust of your sword.

You think you must have killed forty of them when at last one finally manages to wrestle your weapon from your hand. Without it, you have to resort to brute strength, but they aren't very susceptible to even your hard hitting fists, and you find yourself starting to grow overwhelmed.

Ray blasts a few off of you, but soon his spells begin to run dry, and he must resort to premade flasks of acid and fire, or risk depowering himself entirely.

You hear a scream from within the smoke, and the room seems to freeze in time. As you wrestle the vampires off of your body, you watch something emerge from the cloud. It is Jack, but the poor bastard has his head screwed on, quite literally, backwards. Holding him aloft by his collar is the Vampire Lord you were given orders to eliminate, teeth bared, face and body covered in deep gashes which drip blood like faucets.

"I believe this is yours!" he screams, hurling Jack's lifeless body at you.

>Catch Jack
>Bat Jack away
>Use Jack as a weapon
>Other

>>45987302
>>Use Jack as a weapon

>>45987302
Catch the body and use Jacks knife to get your sword back.
Also stare the vampire lord down.

>>45987302
>Use Jack as a weapon
>Other
"Thanks I was looking for something to kill you with!"

>>45987327
this. he would approve if we killed the lord with him.

>>45987447
You throw off the vampires crawling on you in time to catch Jack, and just as the Vampire Lord dashes at you, you swing the poor sod by his ankles and knock the screeching undead about fifty feet away, right into the ice sculpture of a cherub. The sculpture cracks and shatters, sending red chunks of ice all over the floor.

You set Jack down and charge across the dance floor, shoulder checking anything that tries to slow you down, before leaping into the air and coming down onto the Vampire Lord with both knees, destroying his ribcage.

>Rip off his head
>Beat his face in like a blob of dough
>Rip out his ribs and stab them into his eyes
>Tear his jaw off and perform a vaudeville act
>Other (most brutal suggestion that can be done in under four seconds wins)

>>45987525
>>Rip off his head

>>45987525
>>45987525
Wait? Cherubs are divine, right? so anti-evil? right? So maybe the blood, or flesh, will react with Mr Bloodless here.
Grap one of the bigger chunks of frozen cherub and impale him with that. Vampires need to be put at the stake.

>>45987525
>Other (most brutal suggestion that can be done in under four seconds wins)
Rip his skull out of his head and beat him to death with it. If not possible in under 4 seconds
>Rip out his ribs and stab them into his eyes

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>>45987575
>RvB reference

>>45987575
That doesn't seem physically possible

>Tear off his jaw and show the fangs into his eyes

>>45987761
Shove*

>>45987546
You grab onto his head, sticking your thumbs into his eye sockets for leverage, and pull back with all your strength. The bloody fiend struggles, clawing at your chest and shredding your armor, but you keep pulling, and with Ray's help keeping the small ones off of your back, you give one last heave and off pops the skull of the Vampire Lord. The sound of tearing meat accompanies the snapping of his neck, and you raise your prize high into the air with a victory screech.

The lesser vampires each in turn fall, reverting to mortal humans thanks to your lifting of the undead curse. Almost all revert to old men and women, before then turning into dust. The handful who are lucky enough to still be of possible mortal age merely grey and become weak. Only one young woman retains her looks, but she is missing a leg, and won't last long you think.

You meet Ray in the center of the ballroom, which is now doused in blood, ashes, and all manner of debris. You are both breathing heavily, and ready to collapse.

'Well, we got the job done," pants Ray, wiping his mouth. "I'll warp it back to the office. Wanna get a drink after this?"

>"Sure thing, I need one."
>"Nah, we should take care of Jack first."
>"Love to, but I gotta see the ole battleaxe."

>>45987842
>>"Nah, we should take care of Jack first."

>>45987842
>>"Nah, we should take care of Jack first."

>>45987842
>>"Nah, we should take care of Jack first."

>>45987872
You tell Ray you'd rather get Jacks corpse taken care of first. He coughs a bit of spit and snot onto the floor and clicks his tongue before agreeing. The two of you make your way out of the mansion, scooping up Jack and tossing him over your shoulder on the way out.

You ride the same wagon as you brought in, this time with the top down and the moonlight shining on you. You joke with Ray all the way back to town, where you make your way to a man they call "The Mason". His office is in the seedy part of town, disguised as a rundown forge. He himself is a short, stout man with a ragged beard, who loves nothing more than charging outrageous prices for simple divine rituals.

He empties both of your wallets, and agrees to handle Jack's corpse. The last thing you want is someone trying to bring his brutal ass back. You and Ray each kiss Jack on his now front facing forehead, and leave him in The Mason's care.

As you climb back into the cart, dogs barking in the distance, you begin to feel sluggish. Ray offer you a swig of his whiskey flask, and you happily accept.

"How long have we been doing this, man? A century now? And we're still out here doing grunt work."

>"It's honest work."
>"We're not grunts. We have names."
>"Honestly, I've been thinking of going into business for myself."
>Drink silently

>>45988166
>Drink silently

SILENT STARE ACTIVATE

>>45988166
>Drink silently

>>45988166
>>"Honestly, I've been thinking of going into business for myself."

>>45988208
You take another swig from the flask and gaze up at the stars. Ray chuckles.

"Always the introspective one. No wonder that hot piece of ass is always all over you. Mister deep thought, over here."

>"You mean my wife?"
>"Jealous, magic man?"
>"You don't know the half of it."
>Silence

>>45988373
>>"You mean my wife?"

>>45988373
>"You don't know the half of it."

>>45988373
>"You mean my wife?"

>>45988373

>"You don't know the half of it."

>>45988373
>>"Jealous, magic man?"
AND FUCK YES WE ARE BACK!
also, I can't wait till we start trying to woo Sophia, should be fun

>>45988406
Ray is taken aback slightly.

"Whoa, I didn't mean nothing by it. Just trying to keep it light. Jack's gone, and Phil got eaten by that Nightmare. Seems like all the guys we started with are getting roughed up. How do we know you and I will last?"

>"We don't. That's the job."
>"Because we're the best."
>"Because I've got your back, and you've got mine."
>Silence

>>45988571
>>"Because I've got your back, and you've got mine."
Bros for lyfe.....
poor Ray

>>45988571
>"Because we're the best."

>>45988571
>"Because I've got your back, and you've got mine."

>>45988571
>>"Because I've got your back, and you've got mine."

>>45988571
>"Because I've got your back, and you've got mine."
Bros for ever!

>>45988596
You see Ray smile. He reaches over and takes his flask back, tipping it into his mouth. After his drink, he caps the flask and stows it away.

"Yeah, I guess so. If it wasn't for your meaty ass, I'd have been skewered on day one."

And if it wasn't for his smart ass, you'd have been boiled in your armor.

"Anyway, I'm about ready to fall over. Let's get back home. You still remember how to do the teleport spell I taught you?" You do, and you've mastered crossing planes, so you can even get to hell if you need to. It's just about the only spell you're decent at, and you'd never have been able to learn it properly if Ray hadn't taken so much time to help you. You never were great at magic.

"Right, then get yourself home. See you tomorrow." You see Ray off with a smile, then teleport yourself. You arrive at your house in hell, or rather your wife's house. You put your armor on the rack, and drag yourself into the living room to drop into your chair. As the wall clock ticks down to midnight, you feel yourself drifting off. This dozing is interrupted by a pair of red legs that come swing over the armrest to lay themselves on your lap. You look up and see a demon queen, hotter than the pit of pain, dressed in your birthday gift from last year.

"Glad you made it home, babe. How was work?"

>"Brutal."
>"I don't wanna talk about it."
>"Pretty good. Jack's dead. So you know, I have that to think about."
>Other

>>45988943
>"Pretty good. Jack's dead. So you know, I have that to think about."

>>45988943
>"Pretty good. Jack's dead. So you know, I have that to think about."
Thinking about going out on my own.

>>45988999
this

>>45989033
pls refer back to ops original post so he can accurately count

>>45988943
>"Pretty good. Jack's dead. So you know, I have that to think about."

>>45988999
You tell your wife about one of your closest colleagues getting done in by a vampire. She leans in and hugs your head to her chest.

"Poor baby." She strokes your head and kisses it softly. You mention your idea of going solo. she hums in thought.

"I dunno, babe. I mean, I think you can handle it, but we have to think about our future. Vald pays you well, and you've got benefits there. But, if this is what you really want to do, I'll support you. I might have to take one some extra hours at work, but if it's what makes my baby happy, then I'll just have to knuckle down."

You pull your face out of her cleavage and look up. She sees you, and leans in for a kiss. After, the two of you stay embraced for a while, before she finally slides off of the armrest and grabs your wrist in both hands.

"Come on, I know what'll cheer you up. Let's go do that thing you like. You know the one, the one I only do on our anniversary?"

Damn, you do love that. You let her pull you to your feet and tug you out of the living room to the bedroom, where you shut and lock the door behind you.

cont

>>45989250
Hand holding in the dark while you confess your love for each other.

You wake up to the sound of a female voice. As you open your eyes, the daze of sleep slowly fades to reveal a woman of athletic size, a runner's body with more generous curves, with blonde hair and blue eyes stands at your bed side. You sit up and yawn, thanking Sophia for the wake up call.

"Vanessa asked me to, actually. She says there's something important happening, and everyone is gathering in the conference room."

You don't know what it could be, but if it kept Vanessa from waking you up in person it must be a big deal. You leap out of bed and pull on your armor as quickly as you can before teleporting the both of you to the conference room dimension.

Inside, all hands are indeed on deck. There is murmuring from nearly every party, save Legion and Kyle. You call them to order and take your seat at the head of the table. As the din dies down, Duncan is the first to speak.

"My dark lord, I have urgent news. A group of hired swords has felled a dire worm in the south. Our information says they are marching north now, in a direct path toward the fortress. We don't know how they know about us, but with the recent acquisition of Theonite lands, we must have become a larger name than we anticipated. These five will no doubt seek to challenge us, be it for treasure or otherwise. We anticipate they will arrive within the month, but as of now we have no plans to intercept them. We need your word on how to handle this."

You lean back and cross your arms. To kill a dire worm is no small feat. Even you would have trouble wrangling such a rabid beast. If they truly wish to challenge you, you might get a run for your money.

>Keep spying on them, while preparing fortress defenses
>Send a team to test their strength
>Meet them in person
>Other

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>>45989303

>>45989471
>Keep spying on them, while preparing fortress defenses

>>45989471
>Keep spying on them, while preparing fortress defenses


>>45989303
Don't be lewd anon! The pits of hell would never do something so extreme! even if it was just once a year.

>>45989471
>>Keep spying on them, while preparing fortress defenses

>>45989471

>Keep spying on them, while preparing fortress defenses

>>45989471
Have Kyle spy on them, without making himself seen. He should:
-Try to find out their motivation, maybe the hired swords can be hired.
-Overhear their talks,maybe there is an opening for breaking the group, getting our hands on a part of it
-If we cannot get one of these, he should somehow give us a wor, so can murder them in their sleep. No need for show-offs

>>45989471
>>45989595
I vote for this, IF he has the confidence to do it without getting caught. Perhaps send a few of our Hellraisers down as messengers to show that we acknowledge them enough to send elite troops to greet them, find out what they're up to.

>>45989471
And here comes the first group of adventurers to our fortress!
I have been waiting for this to happen.

>>45989471
>>Keep spying on them, while preparing fortress defenses
but send Duncan instead of Kyle

>>45989734
if you count that paladin (now Legion), its the second.

>>45989595
You order Kyle to embark on his first mission, spying on the approaching sellswords and finding out all he can about them. He seems nervous, but Duncan reassures him, telling him he is ready. Kyle takes a breath and agrees. You wave a hand and banish him form the conference dimension, telling him not to fail you, as the sorcerer Vald always did before your missions.

With that settled, the meeting moves on to the next part of the issue, the lack of an away team.

"Before now we were considerably understaffed. But we have what equates to a proper group, and so I think it might be best to decide which of us will be handling external threats from now on. The rest of us will remain on hand at all times for you to do with as you see fit."

The room agrees, and you take a moment to consider the best people for the job.

Choose three
>Shen
>Legion
>Duncan
>Vanessa
>Marigold
>Kyle
>Gilbert

>>45989866
Duncan, Kyle and Legion

>>45989866
>Shen to test the sellswords and the ones who dare cause harm

>Kyle because Duncan is running the spy ring

>Marigold with the elites, They can be the core fighting force with the milita/plebs fighting force.

Who is Gilbert again?

>>45989945
Gilbert is our crazy rune caster

>>45989866
Shen because he is a force to be reckoned with
Marigold+the elites for the pleb busters
Duncan for sneaking

>>45989866
>Kyle
If he does this job right, he'll get more experience and grow faster. And put a few miles between him and Vanessa.
>Shen
This will be a good chance for both of us to train, so that we can fight when he gets back.
>Marigold
I'd send Legion, but I'm a little worried it'll provoke the paladins a bit too much if he's discovered. Just make sure she reigns herself in a bit. Have her choose an elite group of Hellraisers to accompany her.

>>45989866

Shen, Kyle, and Marigold

>>45989866
Shen, he probably wants to test his strength against them
Kyle, he *does* need training to restrain himself around women

I am against Vanessa, as the enemy , after hearing about her might prepare accordingly
Against Marigold, she seems to me more a commander, then a tough individual. Also I do not like to risk her

Leaving Duncan (might team up with Kyle, twice as effective?) Gilbert and Legion.

Furthermore what about that Sorceror Ray sent us (against it, she is in training) or Sophia or her sister(also against it: questionable loyalties)

>>45989866
>>45989945
I'm gonna second this one here, sounds like a good plan.

>>45990083
You choose Kyle, Marigold and her Hellraisers, and Shen. Shen and Marigold agree, eager to throw themselves into the fray. Duncan makes a note of the new arrangements.

"Then I'll concede the floor to our new head of Research and Development."

Gilbert stands and brushes off his new robes. They are quite scholarly, clashing with his wild hair and missing eye.

"My dark lord. The project we discussed when you hired me is underway. I'm still in testing phases, but I hope to put together a prototype soon. In the meantime, I have a few proposals for projects I think are more feasible in the near future. First, an automaton that can be used to provide defensive aid to our towns and cities, as well as the fortress. With enough of them, we would no longer need to spread our men thin across our lands in order to keep the citizens safe. The drawback of course is that they require rather uncouth materials. Souldust, to be precise. I can manufacture it in my lab, but I must be provided with healthy subjects to extract it from. One living specimen would make up to five automatons, so long as I have a steady supply of building materials. The other project is less ambitious, but just as effective. I propose we make use of our weekly celebration of lust, and assemble rune circles in public orgy places. The energies that linger there, though minor, could be compounded into what I like to call 'primal essence.' It is a crystalized residue that we could use to accomplish a number of feats, not the least of which would be forming contracts with lust demons. Granted, it's only a theory, but I have full faith in it."

Gilbert is as mad as ever, but these projects do sound hopeful. If you ever hope to have your weapons though, you must not divide his time too much.

>Approve the automaton project
>Approve the rune circle project
>Decline both, focus on the weapon
>Other

>>45990363
>Approve the automaton project
>Approve the rune circle project
Instead of the death penelty for criminals, they go towards protecting our nation.

>>45990363

>Approve the automaton project

We'll use it as a form of capital punishment.

I don't see why we can't also approve the rune circle project as well.

>>45990363
>"Then I'll concede the floor to our new head of Research and Development."

We need automatons, maybe we can havr someone aid him in extracting that soulstuff

>>45990363
>Approve the automaton project
Because robots.

>>45990363
>Approve the automaton project
Robot army?

>>45990363
>Approve the automaton project

what could go wrong.

>>45990424
too much time, none left for that weapon thingy

>>45990363
>Approve the automaton project
Perhaps have him do some small scale tests if he has the time into seeing what he could do with the rune project, but since he is only theorizing about it, it's not a priority.

>>45990363
>Approve of both
Also I'm liking the idea of using criminals as the source of the soul dust.

>>45990486
Sorry I didn't read the last line of the post, lets do only the automation project.

>>45990486
Reminds me of DragonAge where in that golem lab first only the criminals were "consumed", later everyone as defenses are needed.

We should probably station them in the border cities only, so if they go rogue, theres a good chance they will wander off into Not-Our-Problem territory.

Furthermore is it possible to combine both, delaying the weapon, but infusing the automatons with "lust energy" dunno what that will net us, but sounds funny

>>45990440
You tell him to go ahead with the automaton project, mandating that all criminals sentenced to life in prison or death will no be repurposed to serve their ruler in death. Gilbert seems delighted to hear this, and immediately begins scribbling something in an old leather bound book.

The rest of the meeting is less tense, but you do learn that public works projects have started to even out as far as the drain on tax revenue. You're finally making money back, rather than bleeding it. With everything sorted, you end the meeting, and allow everyone to go back to their business. The only person who lingers is Marigold, who asks if she may speak to you about an issue concerning her Hellraisers. She seems to want to speak in private, away from Sophia's ears.

>"Say what you must, Sophia is bound to us."
>Leave Sophia in the conference room for a minute
>Tell Marigold to find you at a better time
>Other

>>45990643
>>Leave Sophia in the conference room for a minute

>>45990643
>t public works projects have started to even out as far as the drain on tax revenue. You're finally making money back, rather than bleeding it. With everything sorted, you end the meeting, and allow everyone to go back to their business. The only person who lingers is Marigold, who asks if she may speak to you about an issue concerning her Hellraisers. She seems to want to speak in private, away from Sophia's ears.

>>Leave Sophia in the conference room for a minute

Fine. Can we somehow use that opportunity to have Duncan shadow her for 10 minutes, see what she does when alone, and she thinks she is UNSUPERVISED!

>>45990715
also ten bucks, it has nothing to do with the hellraisers. We were sort of flirting with her, then Sophia popped in, now we give the cold shoulder

>>45990643
>>45990715
this.

>>45990643
>>45990715
This.

>>45990643
>Leave Sophia in the conference room for a minute

>>45990643
voting this >>45990715

>>45990643
If possible to do this, >>45990715
If not, then have her just speak, and remind her she is free to pop in at any time as well.

>>45990637
Well there is less of a need for protection inside of our borders, other than the fact that there are normal criminals. we can use our normal troops and minions as police inside of our territory.

>>45990756
>>45990758
>>45990771

Thank you guys. Something else to consider: When we were in that town and everyone talked about how she and her sister betrayed them, how did she react. How does she feel about that

>>45990841
she seemed to fall in love with us.

>>45990715
You think for a moment, and tell Sophia to stay put here for just a minute while you handle this. She seems uncomfortable, but doesn't argue, and you step out of the conference room.

You bring Marigold to your office, taking a seat behind your desk while Marigold sorts out what she means to say.

"Sir. While I was at the mine, we faced attacks nearly weekly from either bandits seeking to bootleg our ore,or enemy troops hoping to recapture their greatest source of materials. In that time I grew closer to my men. I feel like we were specs of ore, heated and forged into a single blade together in the fire of combat. But despite that, I retained a level of distance from them. I didn't know myself why this was, but I think I may have come to terms with the reason. Sir, if it's still open, I'd like to accept the offer you made me before the war. That is, if you're comfortable keeping this strictly to a... business relationship."

You think about what Marigold is asking. That she came forward with this suggests premeditation, especially given her logic previously. You shouldn't take this lightly.

>Accept
>"I would like to, but I'm afraid I've come to agree with you since then. It's best things remain as they are."
>"I'm afraid that offer has expired. I'm currently seeking a more stable investment, and I may have an interested buyer."
>Other

>>45990913
Or Vanessa *made* her. To get that babby brother

>>45990925
I think we would alienate her, if we do not...
Furthermore, why not?

>>45990925
>"I would like to, but I'm afraid I've come to agree with you since then. It's best things remain as they are."
And tell her about the whorehouse, they have handsome males?

>>45990925
>The offer is possibly still on the table, However There is also a chance of an interested buyer or something like this that dones't sound crude as fuck

Help anons words!
>>45990966
our daughter isn't stupid, She wouldn't cheap out on a deal with her dad.

>>45990966
i'm pretty sure she charmed her. considdering Vanessa and what she is, it seems more like a mirable that she didn't charm both shield sisters.

>>45990966
Oh shit, I didn't even consider that. Now I'm worried

>>45990925
>"I would like to, but I'm afraid I've come to agree with you since then. It's best things remain as they are."

>>45990925
>Accept
Make a time and date for her, keep it regular, but we should still persue Sophia

>>45990925
>>Other
> I'm afraid that offer has expired. I was... in a moment of weakness.

>>45991006
I do not understand. We are B E G. Why should we, our ex wife excluded, be monogamous?

>>45991073
Is that what you got? I meant like, tell her somebody else is ALSO possibly interested and we won't be a one Woman man.

Gonna give it a couple more minutes for a tie breaker

>>45990925
>>45991006
I'm with Salt

>>45990925
>Other, Accept but tell her that there may be other suitors as well. We are not a one woman man anymore.

>>45990925
>>45991176
Accept, and get a specific time arranged. Do let her know about our promise with Vanessa though, to make sure she knows what's going on and for full disclosure. We don't want her to think we're using her.

>>45991205
make sure to mention others as well and if that is a turn off for her then we will accept that.

>>45991260
Yep, our BEG is nothing if not an honest man. He is still a man at this point right?

>>45991284
Well he is part helmet now, So who truly knows.

>>45991205
This

>>45991358
What? Now? Slander. We have always been part helmet. We were born with it. It kinda grew on us.

>>45991006
You tell Marigold that you would in fact like to pursue the deal. She smiles. You take a moment to inform her however, that this will not be an exclusive contract. You will be free to do business with other clients. She tosses her ginger hair over her shoulder with a grin.

"No sweat off my back. I'm not interested in being any man's wife, and I'm not interested in being any babe's mother. I just need something to take the edge off."

You hash out the details together, and settle on a time and place for your dealings. When you finish, you dismiss Marigold and return to the conference room dimension. Inside, you find Sophia playing with a couple of pens at the conference table, and tell her she is free to return to the mortal realm once more. You escort her back, and continue with your day.

Later, just as you sit down for dinner, Duncan approaches you with a small roll of paper. You nod to him, and unfurl it as Legion serves his famous Pork Ribs in homemade barbecue sauce.

Duncan has been keeping a close eye on Sophia, both at home and away. His findings are overall inconclusive, but he does not that most of her conversations with her shield-sister Caela, your tactician in the west, revolve around you and your policies. They both seem to be warming up to the way you run things, but they are growing cold in terms of dedication to the fickle people of Theon. He suggests inviting both of them into the fold soon, to compound their trust. You crumble the report, stuff it into a pocket, and dig into your meal.

Just before bed that night, as Sophia settles into her cot, you hear her speak up from across the room.

"I know it may be a bad time to ask, but I was wondering if you might see about visiting the capitol again soon. I only ask because I've been missing Caela lately."

>"We'll go when there's need."
>"I'll arrange something, but I must put my rule first."
>"Go to sleep."
>Other

>>45991497
I just had a thought of a young BEG with an oversized helmet. Perhaps frying ants with his magnifying class while his (also helmeted) parents look on with pride.

>>45991568
>"I'll arrange something, but I must put my rule first."
And there is something I would like to speak to you both about as well.
>He suggests inviting both of them into the fold soon, to compound their trust.
Might be time to test their loyalty.

>>45991568
>>"I'll arrange something, but I must put my rule first."

Read the warrior band, approaching

We could also inquire if our adorable daugther did something strange to her during our last visit.

>>45991568
>>45991631
Agreeing with this.

>>45991568
>"I'll arrange something, but I must put my rule first. You understand right? "

they haven't 'earned' that much luff yet.

>>45991568
>"I'll arrange something, but I must put my rule first."
Get her sister here. Threesome time!

>>45990925
>>45991205
Marigold best waifu.

>>45991711
No, No she is not. Shes just meat and sees us as such. The bodies of the Shield sisters is much superior.

>>45991711
nope
nope
nope

(We should get our ex back. She is the only worthy momma for Vanessas sibling anyway)

>>45991767
Sophia, I like the idea of one being the warrior, the other help raise our child with Vanessa and us.

>>45991784
fuck no. we divorced her for a reason, hell we even said no to her at court.

>>45991837
Vanessa is the fun sister, who lets them do awesome things. But the Shield Sisters are the Strict mother/aunt who help them in everything else.

I'm sorry op ;-;

>>45985855
Hory shitu OP, you switched this on daily. Happy happy, joy joy!

>>45991871
to make her beg. All part of the plan. It will be fine,trust me

>>45991631
You tell her you will find some time to visit, but you must consider important matters before frivolity. She seems to understand and accept this answer.

"I know what it means to put your duty before yourself. I only ask that you consider my request. Truth be told, I've been missing Caela lately. We've probably spent more time talking and bonding after joining you than we were allowed when we were in service. It's nice."

You grunt in response, and try to get some rest.

The next morning you assemble the staff for the first annual physical exam. You summon the best doctors from Theon, known for it's advances in medicine, to perform the checks of both your staff, and your elite minions. Seperated into gendered groups, you all form two lines, stripped down to your smallclothes. You get your out of the way first, healthy as a drafthorse, so you can observe the rest of the results.

Duncan is still lean as a swimmer, and seems to have excellent stamina if not strength. Shen is muscular, and has what the doctor describes as disturbingly stable vitals. Legion is by all definitions dead, so there isn't much to worry about there.

After wrapping up the exams, you order everyone to dress and meet in the training yard for some light exercise. Shen of course proposes sparring, and you can never say no to a good tourney. You promise the winner a prize, hoping to coax out everyone's best effort. However, as things are organized, Vanessa approaches you in her favorite pink tracksuit.

"Daddy! My love! I wanna fight too! I've been doing push ups just like you taught me, so I think I'm ready."

>"If you like, just don't kill any minions."
>"No darling, you'll only get hurt."
>"I'd rather you not, but if you must then be careful."
>"Better idea, why don't you cheer everyone on?"
>Other

>>45991960
>"I'd rather you not, but if you must then be careful."

Do we know any gods to worship or things like that OP? After all we've ran into I think like 3 different 'good' guys or there minions so far.

No cracks in our helmet? Thank the gods.

>>45991960
what about the health of the women??

>>45991960
>"I'd rather you not, but if you must then be careful."

>>45991960
>"If you like, just don't kill any minions."

why not?
(just ensure she gets to fight women, don't want a man near her)

>>45991960
>"I'd rather you not, but if you must then be careful."

>>45987714
Not with that attitude.

>>45991913
Vanessa's half-succubus, it'd only be right for her little brother to be one as well.

>>45991960
>"I'd rather you not, but if you must then be careful."
And no seducing men or women when fighting.

>>45992168
I just hope milady can give birth to males....

>>45992003
Worshipping a god is like signing a lease. You're on the hook with no way out unless they decide they don't like you anymore, at which point you get booted, but you have to follow every rule and agreement they put into the writing with no way to negotiate.

>>45992110
You tell Vanessa that you don't like the idea of her getting into a fistfight, but you won't stop her from participating. She runs off happily to join the rank assignments, and you await the events.

The first few rounds are simple minion melees, with the stronger man usually winning over the faster. It isn't until Duncan enters the ring that things get interesting. He is able to use a series of quick but effective locks and holds that force his opponents to tap out or risk losing a limb. He cleans up his first opponents without much of a struggle, but soon Shen, Marigold, Legion, and Vanessa begin fighting, and they each have their own methods of fighting.

Marigold is quite fast, often tiring her opponent before going in for the kill. Shen of course uses his eastern magic to armor his body, turning away most attacks and making even the lightest strike hit with the force of a slung stone. Legion uses his phenomenal swordplay to disarm, and then discombobulate all who challenge him. Vanessa, much to your dislike, often resorts to asking for mercy with her best puppydog eyes, and even convinces one person to forfeit rather than make her cry by attacking her head on. That said, she is no slouch when actually challenged, and is often able to put down basic minions with one or two blows. One of the Hellraisers is finally able to defeat her, unaffected by her charm and quick to thwack her on the bottom with a training sword. Her bottom was always a liability.

As Vanessa runs crying over to you for a hug and a kiss on the forehead, you watch something rather surprising. Sophia enters the ring with one of the Hellraisers, dressed in training armor with a practice lance. She bows, and takes up a stance, ready to engage him.

>Stop her
>Watch quietly
>Ask what she thinks she's doing
>Other

>>45992464
>Watch quietly

>>45992464
>Ask what she thinks she's doing
But don't stop her.

>>45992464
>>Watch quietly

>>45992464
>Watch quietly
We want to know if the future mother of our child is an effective warrior as well as being able to use magic.

>>45992464
>Watch quietly
see what happens, do not forbid her if we want her to be part of the team

>>45992464
>Watch quietly

>>45992464
The watchings of quietness!

>>45992648
yeah. whatever we do no cheering for one side except Vanessa

>>45992572
You hold Vanessa close and watch silently as the match begins. The Hellraiser, wary enough not to charge in blindly against an unknown opponent, takes up a defensive stance with his training spear and shield. He crouches, watching carefully as Sophia circles him, looking for an opening. You watch his movement as well, comparing her moves to yours. She does as you might, waiting for a moment when he misplaces his foot to turn, and steps in with a powerful thrust of her lance.

The Hellraiser brings up his shield, but his foot is still out of place, and the force of the thrust, impressively straight even by your measure, pushes him back and causes him to trip. He hits the ground, and before he can return to his feet Sophia's lance is driven into his chest, winding him. She is declared winner by kill, and steps out of the ring while the Hellraiser is dragged off.

The next few fights are quite dull, with Shen, Legion, Duncan, Marigold, and Sophia cleaning up every opponent with relative ease. When at last the semi finals come, it is of course the five of them left. However, in the interest of fun, they leave it to you to decide who will represent the champion defender, at least symbolically. This person will be given time to rest as the others determine the winner of the tourney, and then be challenged by them.

>Pick Duncan
>Pick Shen
>Pick Legion
>Pick Marigold
>Pick Sophia

>>45992842
>Pick Shen
He should be the most powerful.

>>45992842
legion
noone will see that as a slight

>>45992842
>Pick Legion

>>45992842
>Pick Legion
He is our thrall, and likely most loyal soldier, fighting in our colours, for us.
Shen is likely as strong, and will be fighting him in the finale, but Legion will represent us.

>>45992842
Pick Legion

>>45992842
>>45992914
Adding my vote. Since he's a thrall if there is any hard feelings we can just say it's a chance to see how they fair against someone that won't be distracted by comrade feelings.

>>45992946
You choose Legion, ordering him to stand aside while the mortal members of your cabinet sort things out amongst themselves.

As luck would have it, Shen is put against Duncan, and Marigold against Sophia. You feel like these matches may actually be interesting, and so you readjust in your seat, making sure to check and see if Vanessa is still comfortable.

Shen and Duncan step up, bowing, and falling into their respective stances.

"I'll pay you back now for our last encounter, baldie." Mocks Duncan, twirling a pair of batons.

"I promise not to hang you up like an ornament this time, friend," replies Shen.

Before the match is even declared begun, Duncan dashes in and goes for a wide swing at Shen's head. Shen dodges, but Duncan does not let up. He continues to swing, twirl, and thrust at Shen, hoping to give him no time to build momentum. It seems to work, with Shen constantly on the backfoot, never seeming to find a good time to counterattack. But when Duncan goes for a flashy moonsault kick, Shen takes advantage of Duncan's inablity to evade while airborne, and raises a leg as if kicking for the moon. It collides with Duncan's chest, sending him flying forward where he lands on his feet. Too slow does he turn around to see Shen again, and his slipper finds a home in the crook of Duncan's neck.

The acrobatic young assassin coughs, rubbing his tender throat as Shen laughs. Shamed, Duncan resorts to desperate measures. He runs his finger along the ground, building up a small pile of dirt, then scoops it up and hurls it at Shen's face.

"Secret move: Ray of Sand!" he shouts, hoping to demoralize Shen. Shen reels back, rubbing his eyes desperately in an attempt to regain his vision.

>Stop the fight
>Allow it

>>45993176
>Allow it
Fighting clean is a great way to lose.

>>45993176
>Allow it
Not everyone will fight fair

>>45993176
>Allow it

>>45993176
Allow
If we fight fair, we may as well join the other side

>>45993176
>>Allow it
Then whip him later for shouting out a secret move. Not only is it just cliche, it's a great way for the enemy to blowdart you when you're busy trying to remember the pronunciation for your move in spanish.

>>45993176
>>Allow it
in a real fight, things like these decide the winner from the loser. here is no different.

>>45993351
I feel like this is a reference to something

>>45993176
That_bald_boxing_referee.jpg

>>45993378
Not that I'm aware of, but now that you mention it, it does seem kind of familiar.

>>45993620
Sounds like something a bleach abridged would do.

>>45993371
You continue to watch as Duncan delivers a series of crippling blows to Shen's joints, as well ad his neck. Within moments, Shen regains his sight, but is struggling to remain upright. Duncan takes advantage of his instability and sweeps his leg, hoping to finish him with a kill. Shen does fall, but before Duncan can deliver his final attack, Shen inhales, and announces his own technique.

"Zodiac fist! Fist of the Mare!"

Duncan arrives just in time to receive both of Shen's feet as they come up into his stomach. The force is enough that you can feel the shock from your seat, and Duncan rises into the air for a brief few seconds before slamming back into the ground. He curls up in pain as Shen finds his feet, and crosses the room to place a triumphant foot on Duncan's head. The match is declared over. to your surprise, Shen kneels down and offers to help Duncan back up, and even assist him on the way to the doctor's station for a bit of a patch job. It seems they've bonded through their mutual hate.

The next match begins, Marigold against Sophia, and they enter the ring together. Moving to opposite ends, Sophia bows, but Marigold refuses.

"None of that formal crap. A real warrior doesn't turn his eyes away from the enemy." She grins, but Sophia is less amused.

"I've been a warrior since you were at your mother's breast," she comments, "but you're right. No need to be formal." She readies her lance, but Marigold raises a hand to stall her.

"You know what else there's no need for? All this heavy crap." With a few twists, Marigold loosens her training armor. Sophia is concerned, and rightfully so, since fighting in only their clothes would mean risking long term injury. However, she ultimately turns to you to stop Marigold's endeavor.

>Allow it
>Forbid it
>Let them do as they will

>>45993176
Pocket sand! Sh-sh-sha!

>>45993689
>Step in when it becomes life threatening and take the blow because we'll survive hopefully.

>>45993689
>Let them do as they will

>>45993689
>Allow it
'A warrior may fight in anything they deem suitable, Shen doesn't wear armor, I do. It is personal preference.

>>45993689
>Forbid it.

I am having concerns about Marigold. She has been acting a little odd since she came back from the mines.

>>45993712
we should equip our fighters with that.
All of them. Might come handy, say inside a building. (and is really cheap)

>>45993689
>Forbid it
I don't want either of them get seriously injured. And I have the feeling that merigold wouldn't restrain herself enough to avoid that

>>45993689
>>Allow it
We already allowed the sand thing. but if (or when, considering sophia) marigold gets compretly thrashed because of this it will be her ouwn fault.

>>45993809
Sand is one thing, potentially getting one of them killed or crippled another.
>Forbid it

>>45993689
>Forbid it
Remind Marigold we still don't know what that group is up to, and you'd rather not have anyone too out of commission until you do. Maybe promise a rematch if Sophia is up for it later?

>>45993841
she's the one who wanted to fight without protection. let her see the consequence of her desicion.

>>45993770
you're right. maybe we should talk to her when all of this is over.

>>45993841
You tell Marigold to keep her armor, on, and that you won't risk one of her advisers being injured when a threat is looming. She seems displeased, but obeys, retying her training gear and preparing for battle. You settle in and watch as the two of them begin.

Marigold does a good job of testing Sophia's defenses. Carrying a shield herself, she can very quickly probe Sophia's sphere of influence while remaining well protected, even with a reach disadvantage. However, Sophia is no slouch, and offers no opening for Marigold to capitalize on. The two of them dance around each other for a while, before the minions grow impatient, shouting for somebody to hit somebody. You think of silencing them, but before you can Marigold comes at Sophia, charging with her shield forward and a choked grip on her spear.

You correctly assume she must be going for a short, quick thrust at the belly, but so does Sophia, and she is able to deftly sidestep the attack, and then follow up with a backswing beneath Marigold's defense, which hits her knees hard. The sound is painful, and Marigold cries out as she limps a few feet away. She sucks her teeth, and takes up her stance once more.

The two of them continue to dance in a circle, occasionally going for an attack only to be evaded or repelled. You think it may come down to stamina, and indeed after nearly twenty minutes of careful fighting, Marigold begins to tire, weakening her swings and her guard.

At last, Marigold steps in for a thrust, is turned aside, and rather than a spear, is given a hard punch in the nose for her trouble when Sophia drops her weapon and throws a beautiful right cross.

Marigold stumbles back, but is quickly pulled into a grapple, where Sophia locks her head and arms up quite nicely. You'd heard Theon was known for it's wrestling, but this was something too entertaining.

cont

Marigold struggles, and tired as she is manages to free her arm and hit Sophia hard in the ribs. The two of them keep at it, throwing one sloppy blow after another, until finally Sophia manages to put Marigold o the ground. They wrestle for a while more, but Sophia's technique is quick and adaptable. She tricks Marigold into exposing her neck, and wraps her arm around in a tight choke hold.

You watch as the two of them struggle on the ground, soon realizing that Sophia is only toying with the girl, though that's not to say she isn't herself quite tired and battered. When Marigold finally taps out, Sophia releases her and the two of them roll apart before standing again.

Marigold rubs her neck as she catches her breath, and Sophia picks up both of their dropped weapons. The two exchange looks, then turn away and leave the ring. Sophia is declared the winner by points.

>Move on to the next match
>Take a minute to talk to Marigold
>Take a minute to talk to Sophia
>Other

>>45994221
>Take a minute to talk to Sophia

I won't lie, That was impressive since she tied out Marigold. Which was what she herself did earlier. She is earning points with the Salt.

>>45994221
>Take a minute to talk to Marigold
Excellent performance against a seasoned general. Extremely proud to see her rise so high in her youth. With so many years ahead of her, she is extremely promising.

>>45994221
>Take a minute to talk to Sophia

>>45994221
>Other

Call them both together. And talk to them both. I'm pretty sure jealousy is in the air.

>>45994202
Tell the minions, sharply, to watch and learn

>>45994221
>>Move on to the next match
talk to them later after this is over.

>>45994221
Changing my vote from
>>45994284
to
>>45994298
Give Marigold the same praise, but also say that it was a nice to see that it wasn't just magic that made Sophia such a good opponent when she fought Legion/Shen as a gods avatar.
Say that they both have a rich future ahead of them.

>>45994298
But we haven't banged either of them yet...

>>45994221
Adding my vote >>45994298

>>45994298
Thirded

>>45994221
>>45994298
Fourthed

>>45994298
Definitely don't want there to be real animosity between our allies, especially relationship path allies.

>>45994298
thet

>>45994298
nah
bang them, both, tonight

(somebody had to say that)

>>45994624
And we appreciate you for it.

>>45994298
You postpone the finals for a minute, under the guise of giving the fighters a minute longer to rest. In secret, you summon Sophia and Marigold away from the crowd to speak privately.

They come quickly, and you try to think of something to say.

"I didn't get a chance to say it out there," says Sophia, seemingly ignoring you, "but that was a good match. I haven't done so much as a squat since the war, so it was refreshing to fight someone skilled." Sophia extends an arm, smiling. Marigold slaps it away.

"Don't start that. We're not friends, we're associates. I'm here to work, not have girly talks in our nightgowns."

"I was only trying to be polite, or do they not teach manners on the dirt farm you grew up on?"

"They teach us how to survive in a harsh world. Maybe you don't know what it's like to be hungry, seeing as you grew up in a city where wine and meat are delivered to your door every night."

"What!? How dare you, I'll have you know that-"

"How dare I!? I earned my way into this place, I didn't just get hooked in and dragged along like a hog-"

Though they are keeping things quiet enough not to draw attention, they are giving you a bit of a headache.

>Step in on Sophia's behalf (Marigold will hate this)
>Step in on Marigold's behalf (Sophia will hate this)
>Step in neutrally (They will both hate this)
>Stay out of it

Good fucking job, Lets have them both in the same room. Knew this was coming.

>Stay out of it and wait until they are either done or you need to step in to speak.

>>45994718
>Stay out of it

>>45994718
>Step in neutrally (They will both hate this)
But say "you're both idiots" rather than something stupid like "you're both right in your own way".

>>45994718
>Step in neutrally (They will both hate this)
I actually wanted to invite you both here to congradulate you both.
Marigold, you have grown so much in skills since you first joined and rose through the ranks, seeing you hold your own against a general of Theon was excellent.
Sophia, you are a great fighter, and while I have been holding you for the loyalty of your sister, I hope that won't be necessary much longer. As you will be another great asset to this organisation.
All in all, both of you excelled.
Good luck on the next match Sophia, and Marigold, we need to talk about your careers future, and how bright it is in our expanding nation.

>>45994718
stay out but talk to both, when the other is not around

>>45994718
>"don't fight, ladies, plenty o' overlord to go around!"
But in all seriousness
>Stay out of it
They don't get it out now, they'll just go at it later after it's festered. Just be ready to step in if it gets serious.

>>45994718
>>Stay out of it
Back away slowly

>>45994718
>Stay out of it
but talk to merigold afterwards. we don't need them to be friends but to be respectful.
Something our little farmgirl apparently has forgotten.

>>45994718
>>Stay out of it
just look at them with a "i'm pissed"look. i don't care if the helmet blocks our face. t

>>45994912
True, she thinks shes hot shit all of a sudden. Gotta remind her that even if she can't function as a human being, others can and need to.

>>45994950
Shall we bring out the whip?

>>45994718

>Stay out of it

We'll be around if things get too heated, but they need to sort this out themselves if at all possible.

>>45994978
We're trying to punish her, NOT reward her.

>>45994718

>Step in on Sophia's behalf (Marigold will hate this)
Meri is stepping out of line here. She should act like the Captain of your troops, not like a pissed teenager.

>>45994992
Shit forgot she liked that

>>45994764
>>45994841
>>45994850
>>45994912
You hold your tongue for the duration of their spat. It lasts about ten minutes until neither of them can think of any new mean thing to say, at which point you ask if they've gotten it all out. They breath heavily, and their faces are red, but they do seem a bit calmer. That is, until Marigold gets a wry look in her eye.

"Well, I don't know how I didn't see it before. I wondered why the boss would keep someone like you around instead of just killing you or lashing you to a post in the yard like the dog you are." Sophia is taken aback. "You were the one he meant when he said there were 'other offers on the table'." Sophia's face somehow pumps even more blood, and you order Marigold to cease, but she continues anyway.

"That look means you know it too, and you're expecting it, aren't you? You're waiting for him to come and sweep you off your feet like a princess in a storybook. Well bad news, he's not a prince. He's a killer, and a predator, and he's not gonna rescue you from whatever you're afraid of."

"Close your mouth!"

"Close your legs!"

Marigold gets no further response save for a powerful and fearful punch in the teeth. She falls back, landing on her bottom as Sophia turns and dashes out of the training hall. Marigold pulls her hand away long enough to spit out a little blood through a satisfied grin.

>Help Marigold up and send the minions to find Sophia
>Chase down Sophia
>Other

>>45995153
>>Other
reprimend marigold and send the minions to find sophia. then continue with the tournament. we'll fix this later.

>>45995153
>Chase down Sophia
Marigold has had her victory, no need to aid her more.
Time to woo Sophia.
'Is what she said true'- Sophia with a moeblob face.
........- BEG

>>45995153
>Kick Marigold into the wall, and order her to be arrested have Legion or Shen do it
>Chase down Sophia.

FUCKING HELL ANONS.

>>45995153
Oh my. That went bad. Fast.

Duncan is not shadowing Sophia,
Kyle is not shadowing Sophia,

Chase down Sophia

>>45995153
>>Chase down Sophia

>>45995153
>Chase down Sophia
We should talk to her about this

>>45995153
Merigold fucked up bad here. Tell her as much.
>Meri is stepping out of line here. She should act like the Captain of your troops, not like a pissed teenager.

then
>Chase down Sophia

>>45995153
>>45995290
>>45995384
These.

Marigold being a literal psycho did NOT help matters at all here.

>>45995492
No psycho, just jealous x 100. We never invited her, and she thinks thats because Sophia warms our bed.

>>45995300
You turn and follow Sophia out of the training hall. She is quick on her feet, and you have a tough time tracking her through the halls of the fortress, not for you lack of it's layout, but for hers.

After a few minutes wandering, without any minions to point out her direction, you finally run into her by chance in the library. It is a tall, cluttered room that you do not often use save for storing records. She is bent over the reading desk, working to catch her breath. She may have spent the entire time you were looking for her sprinting. You shut the door and try to think of what to open with.

>"Marigold has a forked tongue. It's part of why I hired her on. Pay it no mind."
>"I thought a general would be more noble than this, or at least above sulking in the dark."
>"Sophia, ignore the girl. She's young, and brash."
>"Are you going to be okay?"
>Silence
>Other

>>45995548
Definitely a psycho. Have you already forgotten how she gets off on S&M, including coldblooded murder?

>>45995559
>"Are you okay?"

>>45995559
Silence
Let her talk, if she wants to.
Also we need to find an explanation for the next fight, which is delayed or worse, cancelled

>>45995559
>Silence
Time to invoke our good friend, the silent stare.

>>45995559
>>"Are you going to be okay?"
She has a forked tongue, and a penchant for ruthlessness.

>>45995559
>Silence
she will bring up the most sensitive topic here. She deserves the truth, that Vanessa wants a brother and you were looking for a potential mother and companion, but you would never act against her will.

>>45995559
>>Silence

>>45995559
>Silence

>>45995559
>>Silence
She could probably use a second before we peel this scab.

>>45995651
no, not the stare,
stand next to her and let her talk.

>>45995589
considering this... we should prepare accordingly when we meet again with her. she might poke the condoms or sommething.

>>45995559

>Silence

Approach so we're beside her if we can, but keep a non-threatening posture and let her speak first.

>>45995672
You say nothing, only let the room do all the talking for you. After a minute, Sophia turns around, leaning back on the reading desk without looking directly at you. She crosses her arms and swallows something, though whether it's pain or anger is unclear.

"I'm sorry for my outburst. I suppose I should have just shouldered her words, but in all honesty, it's not her that I struck. Whenever we return to the capitol, I hear the people whispering. They call us every name under the sun. Traitors, cowards, turncloaks. saboteurs, whores, even heretics. We spent the last twenty years fighting in their name, but all they know as that we were the last defenders of the nation, and we failed. Theonites love an ironic twist, and it seems ours was to be treated like dogs by our people, when the man who would have killed us gives us the bread from his own basket." She tilts her head back and stares at the dust motes floating in the ray of light from the window above.

"I suppose it was them I was striking. Those who did not fight, but seek to judge Caela and I for what we could not control. I wanted to strike all of them at once, and in my mind's eye that girl took on their faces as one. I should apologize to her when I see her again."

>"She won't accept, but it's the thought that counts."
>"Yes, you should."
>"Don't bother. She was in the wrong."
>Silence
>Other

>>45995886
>"She won't accept, but it's the thought that counts."

>>45995886
>"Don't bother. She was in the wrong. She should be acting like somebody fitting of her position not a child."

>>45995886
>>45995912
Seconding this

>>45995886
>>45995925
this

>>45995886
>>45995925
this

>>45995925
THIS

>>45995925

This

>>45995957
>>45995925
Changing to this

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>>45995961
>41:41
>>45995990
>42:41

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>>45996070

>>45995886
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc2OvrpzjvM

>>45995886
How does Caela cope with that?

>>45995925
Secibd

>>45995925
You tell Sophia that she owes no apologies, and it was Marigold who was at fault. You think you can sense a little weight drift off of her shoulders.

"Well that's nice to hear, but I still feel guilty. I was a general, and I worked hard to get to that position. I should also have remembered who I was. Hm." Her gaze turns down to you, and you notice how striking her eyes are in dim light. "So, be honest. Are you having her on the side? The way she talked it seemed like you two were closer than you let on. I'm no stranger to rulers having heated affairs behind closed doors. Caela and I spent plenty of time guarding bedchambers as bastards were sired in secret."

>"Yes, though we only intended it to be casual."
>"No. I've never touched her, save for with a length of leather."
>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it."
>Silence
>Other

>>45996195
>>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it."
Shrug
Are you interested?

>>45996195
>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it...it was to be Casual, But such a child. Tell me are you interested in a more fitting position, maybe be inside instead of guarding the chamber?"

>>45996195
>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it."
If we lie or leave out information, we could risk damaging our relationship with Marigold.

>>45996195
>>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it."
never stick your dick in crazy. just remember our ex and the problems that it has brought upon us.

>>45996195
>>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it."

>>45996195
Why do you want to know, and how does Caela cope with that?
I know I repeat that but I was late and duncans report was different so she hid that

>>45996234
>>45996254
These

>>45996195
>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it."
>>45996254
Not this.

>>45996254
Veto this, it's creepy as fuck

>>45996195

>"Yes, though we only intended it to be casual."

>>45996334
>>45996388
You don't need to veto something, He won't add that last part in. lol

>>45996254
>>45996234
Slow your rolls, casanova. We can't just invite her in after she just got into a fight with who we were planning on fucking. That's a really stupid idea.

>>45996456
she is going to bear our child
she is perfect for it
even Vanessa agrees

>>45996469
Nigger that's not how you do the job, that's how you ruin it

>"We had planned a rendezvous, but I'm reconsidering it...it was to be Casual
that's the truth after all...

>Everyone vetos
>OP thinks the replies are support, not veto
>Adds it in, ruins our chances

It's going to happen

>>45996469
Only if we don't fuck it up.

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>>45996259
Sophia hums in thought, and shrugs.

>>45996320
You ask her about Caela, and how she deals with the stress of the people's judgmental view.

"Caela? Caela's always been softhearted. Softer than me, at least. She wouldn't smash a bug unless it bit her. She still loves each and every person in Theon, and I'll bet she'd throw herself on a pike if it meant they'd be safe for a night. I'm not like her though. I've always had a little spite in me, and I never really took to being slapped around. Everytime I wanted to stab an officer, or execute a prisoner with a foul mouth, Caela was there to calm me down. To remind me of my humanity, and my empathy. Without her around, it's hard to keep a clear head." She trails off here, gazing through you, instead of at you.

>"You'll see her soon enough."
>"I could always invite her here."
>"I'm sorry about the circumstances, but things are the way they are for a reason."
>"If you like, I could send you back to the capitol."
>Other

Choose carefully

>>45996570
>"I could always invite her here."

>>45996570
>"I could always invite her here."

>>45996570
>"I could always invite her here."

Jesus she's already breaking down.

>>45996570
>"I'm sorry about the circumstances, but things are the way they are for a reason."
Guys, we're evil. We do evil stuff. Maybe not stupidly evil stuff, but our goals are for our own advancement. We are probably going to be doing evil stuff. We need Sophie to be with us. If we cut out her contact with Caela, she will only have us to rely on, and everyone else with us. Then, when she is absolutely on our side, we can get Caela to side with us.

>>45996570
>"I could always invite her here."
Let them be here around you. We could try to get to know Caela too.

>>45996570
>>"I could always invite her here."

why so ominous op

>>45996570
>"I could always invite her here."

>>45996570
>"I could always invite her here "

>>45996666
>Implying evil cannot be kind
Fuck off.

>>45996570
>>"I could always invite her here."

>>45996570
>>"I could always invite her here."

>>45996666
Dubquads demand it!

>>45996570
>>"I could always bring her here, for a time, when you need to talk with her"
Gently lay a hand on her shoulder
"Furthermore is there anything, I can do to ease your burden?"

>>45996666
So your way too woo a woman is to deprave her of all other contact than yours?
Nice sociopath you are... We are not though, even if we want to dominate the world.

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>>45996750
>inb4 this gets picked and we fug on the desk

>>45996750
now supporting this

>>45996685
You tell Sophia you wouldn't be opposed to letting Caela join you all at the fortress, at least while she isn't needed in the capitol. Sophia snaps out of her daze, and glares at you. You're unsure how to feel, until her disposition shatters and she begins to giggle. The giggle eventually devolves into a hard laugh, including uncontrolled snorting that doesn't end until she must rub her sides to ease the pain.

"Oh, by the goddesses. You're so absolutely mad. First you take over my country, then you kidnap me, and now you want to invite my best friend over to have a slumber party." She wipes her eyes and smiles up at you. "Tell me, was this all part of your master plan? Were you counting on all of this from the start?"

>"Of course. I'm a mastermind, after all."
>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."
>"A great leader knows how to right his course in any storm."
>Other

>>45996888
>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."

>>45996888
>Other
Sometimes I feel like there is a dozen voices in my head, discerning my action, with one person as an arbitor of all. It is insanity....

Nah but really,
>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."

>>45996888
>"If I told you the master plan, you wouldn't believe me. And I would have to change it."

>>45996888
>>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."

>>45996888
>>45996955
this.

>>45996888
>>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."

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>>45996888
Would you like to know the next step?

CRASHING THIS PLANE
WITH NO SURVIVORS

>>45996888
>>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."

>>45996888
Did nobody tell you, I was married to a succubus, Vanessas mother?

>>45996888
>>45996958
Changing to this.
>>45996955
I at least think I selected mine. Either way, tick one off of winging it and one onto bane reply

>>45996888

>'honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go"

I had a feeling.

>>45996888
>>"Honestly, I pretty much make it up as I go."
Truer words have never been spoken in this malevolent quest, even if they are meta as fuck.

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>>45996933
You tell her that you really just take things as they come, and that sometimes it feels like there are as many as thirty-three people blathering in your head about this and that, and you just have to fish out the best option from the pond. She laughs again, though not as hard.

"I never thought I would say something like this, but I'm almost glad you came along. I don't think my life would have been this absurd."

You laugh together this time, and a moment later you catch yourself staring at one another. Things go from light to tense very quickly, and you find yourself a bit lost for words, and not just because you're a fan of stoic silence. Sophia seems to turn a bit red as you watch each other, neither of you moving or speaking. Then, as if pulled by something, she stands from the desk and takes a short step forward.

You need to be careful here, and really think about how to take this moment.

>"Well, we better get back to the training yard before they miss us."
>"We've had our laugh, let's get back."
>"Do I have something on my face?"
>Silence
>Roll for initiative
>Other

>>45997173
>>"Do I have something on my face?"

>>45997173
>Roll for initiative

WRESTLING IT IS, I WILL SHOW YOU THE FINGERS OF MY PEOPLE