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File: Miranda Styles 2.png (165 KB, 402x549)
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Hello! Welcome to Magical Girl For Hire Quest!

You are Miranda Styles, a relatively unscrupulous magical girl currently working for Silver Eye Solutions, a umbrella corporation for magical girl mercenaries such as yourself, located in scenic The Intersection, a dimensional nowhere and everywhere where you rest and get details for your next job. Currently, you're in the middle of a job in a swords-and-sorcery universe to take down a ragtag group of youths call The Longshots that probably have some kind of chosen ones shtick going on- whether it's by convincing them to join your clients, the mysterious Knights of the New Moon, or by outright elimination- the choice is yours.

After a side job in which you exterminated an army of bandits, you investigated the Mages' College of Tenimbaum, a large city known for being one of the last bastions of true magical study. You discovered that they were using suspicious methods to train their mages, and after later encountering the mage Sorina, one of the Longshots, you convinced her to assist you in breaking into and investigating the Focus Chambers they used that night, only for Sorina to find that they were indeed using a complicated form of mental manipulation magic- supposedly illegal- to carefully brainwash prospective mages into believing the current holy doctrine. Sorina proceed to have a crisis of faith, which she then brought up with her teammates (as you secretly watched on) to varying responses. You are currently, however, spending the following day relaxing with Geegee, a goblin potion seller you saved a while ago, at Tenimbaum's Combat Arena (more like a Stadium). Three Tenimbaum soldiers have just walked in, and have challenged you to practice combat since there's a tournament tomorrow (that you were unaware of) that may not allow them the chance.

Previous Thread: >>542992
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2
Twitter!: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler

(Hope everyone's doing alright today!)
>>
>>565617
Did we pick an action last thread?
>>
>>565632
Yeah, seemed like
>>
>>565632
It was
> “I thought it was just a one-off exhibition fight.”
> Give them a quick spar with a sword, to work on our swordwork and give Adel a false idea of our specialty and skills.
>>
Really, you're not all that interested, but- wait. “Hold on, I thought it was just a one-off exhibition. Me and the other kid?” You didn't hear anything about a tournament- although you have been busy lately...

The trio looks at each other quickly, before responding. “Ah! Interesting that you haven't heard! The Prince announced a tournament to go along with your fight- he considered it to be a righteous demonstration of strength and perseverance by all Albanians, worthy of the great Noble One himself!” Well, that's kind of annoying, but... “He decreed that your fight will be saved for last! Rumor has it that whomever wins the tournament will be granted the option of facing off against the winner between you two!”

“That seems unnecessarily complicated, and I don't remember agreeing to anything like it.” You note. You don't like the idea of him going ahead with a full-blown tournament like this- that just wastes more time. Then again, all things considered...it might come in handy? You'll have to see.

“Oh? Perhaps he intends to ask you today, then?” a second soldier says. “Regardless, how about that sparring session?”

Uggghhh...well, it might be a good idea to get some kinda weapon practice in. You're solid with a sword- probably much moreso than these guys- but in comparison to some certain others, you could do with some extra work here and there. Izumi would likely have had words with you the other day...although thinking about it, you probably should talk to her more. “Alright, fine. Let's have at it for a bit. But I'm not in the mood for anything extended, so we'll keep it quick.”

The trio cheer as you walk down, Geegee giving you a hardy slap on the back (that you didn't really feel) and a loud 'Make 'em cry, girl!'

Right. Well then. “So, we've been told that you've cut down multiple foes at once. Care to dare risk us all at once, or want us to take turns?”

> Come at me however you like. I've no preference.
> One at a time. I can critique you better like that.
> All at once. It's really you that should be concerned.
>>
>>565687
>Come at me however you like. I've no preference.

They asked for this, and we don't really seem to care overmuch, so let em do what they want.
>>
>>565687
>> Come at me however you like. I've no preference.
>>
>>565687
>One at a time. I can critique you better like that.
"I am more experienced than my youthful visage may suggest."
I think that it would help their broken pride if we soften the blow by letting them know we're not just more powerful and faster, but also far more experienced.
>>
>>565687
>Come at me however you like. I've no preference.
"One at a time, all at once, it does not change the outcome any. You wont be able to touch me."
Say this like it would be a FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH of the universe
>>
>>565687
>> Come at me however you like. I've no preference.
This one fits Miranda best.
>>
YOU TRIED SO HARD
AND GOT SO FAR
BUT IN THE END
I'm writing.

On my phone because my timing is horrid.
>>
dammit man I was sitting in the old thread waiting for a link to the new one
>>
>>565739
>I'm writing.
>On my phone
No...Handler, you fool...
>>
>>565739
As long as you don't get caught by your boss again :^ }
>>
>>565782
>>565791
Oh no, I just got asked to get food. I'm off today.
>>
>>565846
Only look at your phone when stationary, then.
It'd be a shame for you to get in an accident.
>>
>>565687
“Doesn't much matter to me,” you state. “Come at me however you like. It won't really much change the outcome whether you do it one at a time or all together.” Even you're not sure if that was a boast or simply stating an undeniable fact.

The soldiers, at least, take it in good humor however. “Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, we intend to put up a good fight!”

Yoy follow as they make their way to the corner of the stadium. There are weapon racks for wood practice weapons. You all grab swords; longswords seem to be the general weapon of choice around here. That's fine with you. Better than all whips.

As you've come to expect, folks are stopping to watch. Not everyone, however, which is a relief. The trio huddle up for a couple of seconds, likely to discuss the order in which they would spar. Eventually, the two quieter ones step up first. “We’ll fight you together, if you don't mind,” one of them says, and it surprises you somewhat to hear a girl's voice coming from behind the helmet.

Outwardly however, you just ready yourself into a fighting stance. They do as well, and you can almost immediately see an issue- they both have stances for wide swings when they're far too close together. You'll mention that later, however.

With an unseen signal, they both charge. You decide it's best to keep it to mostly deflection and avoidance for now, focusing on footwork and positioning than anything else. Your opponents don't really seem to notice, and keep up a continuous pressure of high and low attacks; they seem to have a good sense of teamwork, but they also seem to be a bit jerry in their attacks- a bit too hesitant to attack immediately after the other.

Eventually you decide to end it when one of them goes for a thrusting strike- you quickly slap his sword away and while he's off-balance trip him up with the flat of the blade. You quickly round on the other soldier, quickly shifting your body into her, as she attempts a diagonal cut. The strike misses, and your weight transitions into a tackle which knocks her down. Before she can recover, your sword is at her throat.

"You're too cautious. Stop worrying about what might happen if I dodge and commit to your strikes."

She grumbles, but nods.
>>
These soldiers are surprisingly chill.

>Izumi would likely have had words with you the other day...although thinking about it, you probably should talk to her more.
Yeah!
>>
>>565922

You turn to look at the other soldier as well; he's just getting up. "Same goes for you, too. I don't know if she's your girlfriend, or if you're just overly cautious. Either way, you can't hesitate if your going to be attacking in tandem. Either trust her to be clear of the strike whe you swing, or don't attack at all."

All three of them look at you with some degree of impression. "That's good advice," the third man says. "They'll do well to follow it. But for now..." he steps up, blade in hand. "I believe it's my go, eh?"

He carries himself with much more assurance than the other two did. Likely a high-ranking soldier- when you look around, you notice that it seems like just about everyone present is watching now.

Damnit. It might be best to just end this one quickly instead of drawing it out too much...or not. People talk either way... at this point it may just be a matter of showing what you're willing to reveal.

>Keep up with the dodging and casual fighting.
>End it quickly and with force.
>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.
>Other

Next entry will happen once I'm back home.
>>
>>565974
She's the member of our company that has too many moral hangups, and that's why she's so poor.
>>
>>565978
>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.
>>
>>565978
>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.
Make sure that we don't reveal our full experience or skill level.
>>
>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.

Sandbagging works for practicing. Fight someone too far under you, and you get nothing. Fight someone too far over you, and you get destroyed before learning anything.

At least with this option, it'll do something for someone.
>>
>>565978
>>Other
Wait for him to come to you, then dodge under his sword, and bring ours up into his stomach.
>>
>>565978
>Other
Drill him for a minute, correct his stance and comment on all his attacks and defeat him before we wound his pride and authority. Turn to the others and say "Tomorrow you'll see me fight with my weapon of choice instead of a... /sword/"
>>
>>565978
>>End it quickly and with force.
>>
>>565989
Switching to
>>566010
One-hit touchdown, make it look like a fluke.
>>
>>566010
Hm, I'll switch to this too.
>>
>>566010
Sounds like a neat finisher, why not?
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>>566024
>Turn to the others and say "Tomorrow you'll see me fight with my weapon of choice instead of a... /sword/"
Don't do this. We want Sword-Twat to think that we're using a sword for the fight. That way he'll work on techniques for fighting against a longsword, and will be thrown for a loop when we focus on fisticuffs.
>>
>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.
>>565982
Yeah, I know. That's why I like her. She's not weak-willed like Miranda who lost her morals to apathy and greed.

But mostly I just want some weapon tips from her.
>>
>>566044
Chill, I switched already.
>>
>>566045
>Weak-willed
>greedy and apathetic.

Apathetic, certainly, but she's not particularly greedy or weak willed. Miranda's income is actually pretty modest based on her living conditions, and will isn't really tied to how jaded you are.
>>
>>566048
I didn't see your post come up when I typed my last reply, so I didn't know you changed it. Besides, I had more of an issue about the "Weapon of Choice" quote rather then the drilling bit.
>>
>>565978
>>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.
>>
>>566061
If she had a strong will, she wouldn't be apathetic. And taking jobs that used to go against her morals just because they pay well is definitely greedy.
>>
>>566045
Weak-willed people become henchmen and mcdonalds employees, not mercs

>>566067
Same, I forgot we more or less had consensus on this last thread.
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>>566045
>Weak-willed
Quite untrue, I'd say. At 93 of mental age, she's likely much wiser than you think. We, the players, haven't even met Izumi, so she might not exactly what you think of her. Her set of morals could come from an unexpected reason, or just for her to hold on part of her former self.

In a multiplanar reality, morals are not constant nor are they always a strength.
>>
And back. It's looking like
>Temper your attacks so that you outpace him, but not by much.

But I'll try to work in the

>Wait for him to come to you, then dodge under his sword, and bring ours up into his stomach as well.

one, too.
>>
>>566080
What? Moral =/= Strong-willed. You might as well say that getting bored with anything makes you weak-willed as well. Thats ridiculous.

I could make the argument pretty easily that because she has confidence in herself, that demonstrates strong will. I could also make the argument that because Izumi can't nut up and do what she needs to in order to get her life together, that it's indicative of weak will, or at least naivete. Its all subjective.
>>
>>566087
Oh, a question that I thought of after last night:
Has Miranda or SES ever operated in a timeline with actual gods, angels, and demons?
Do their powers extend outside of their native planes, or are they limited to just the universe that they were born in, and therefore are nothing but caged divinities jealous of the Dealmakers who could escape their planar prison?

Has she ever seen a space fleet tear into a demonic horde, and seen demons and angels torn apart by singularity cannons and plasma pulse batteries?
>>
>>566111
I want to brawl with Zeus or work alongside Ciaphas now
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>>566111
Yes.

No, universe limited.

Twice.

Still writing.
>>
>>566109
Izumi is doing what she needs to do to get her life together: Getting a second job. Though looking at the first thread, her money issues are mostly because she prefers areas similar to her home plane, which suggests nostalgia is her major motivating factor. Kinda sad.

>Moral =/= strong-willed.
Compromising your morals means you're weak-willed in my eyes. You had something you believed in, and failed to uphold that belief. I can't see that as anything other than a failure of character.

It doesn't really matter what I think about Miranda, though. I won't be voting for her to turn over a new leaf without some major, repeated character development in that direction, and that looks unlikely.
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>>566165
Morals change, holmes. Values are not static. Its called adaptation.
>>
>>566165
To wit, just look at Alban. Morally, to an Alban native, it is morally indefensible to question or speak ill of Orind.

Does that make the people who muster up the courage to question or rebel against the religion weak-willed?
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>>566165
>Compromising your morals means you're weak-willed in my eyes.
Well then, good for you for having a moral compass of some sort. Now stop assuming everyone shares those same values.
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>>566165
Again, when did Handler give info about Izumi that wasn't somehow including in the Character details? Looks like you're assuming many things about her and projecting your sense of morality.
>>
Why is this even an argument? Can't you hold this in until we meet the damn girl?
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>>566216
Just arguing against the idea that the MC is weak-willed. I make no value judgements on characters we've yet to see, only 'hypotheticals'.
>>
Goddammit
>>
>>565978
Hmm...everyone seems to be expecting some sort of great clash, judging by the murmuring going on. There's a very very loose, large ring of people surrounding you at the moment, and you kinda really just want to tell them to get lost. Before you can think much more on it, however, the man hops forward- and you lean back to dodge his early, cheap swipe, giving him a raised eyebrow in return.

He just shrugs, and you can see the grin on his face, helmet or no. You think about getting offended at that...but part of you admits it's pretty practical, and you simply take up your position against him.

You start by feeling him out- his footwork is much more sure than his two subordinates, and his strikes are relatively fast, and precise. He's got no one else to worry about, of course, but his movements are still very direct and sharp. You can see what might be a couple of weaknesses, though- although he's committing to his attacks, he's leaving them lighter so that he can recover from deflections faster- he's not getting thrown as hard, but that's because you keep letting his attacks slide off, instead of doing something else. You decide to 'train' him a bit, and start pressing the attack some, delivering several low strikes, along with the occasional 'high' strike- that largely just manages to reach his neck.

Soon, you're exchanging offense and defense, and you can hear the small crowd around you cheering and yelling- you even glimpse Geegee out the corner of one eye; she must've came down to the floor at one point, but there's little time to focus on that as you dodge another swing and respond with another thrust, which he barely deflects. He's getting more aggressive, throwing a bit more weight into things. Doesn't change much of anything for you, however, and you remain calm as possible.

Soon, your blades clash and you hop away once, twice, to give yourself a touch of space- he suddenly rushes in, with an audible grunt of frustration and exhaustion, maneuvering his sword for an upward slash. That's your chance.

You take a step in, then lean your upper body to the right as you crouch under the rise of his swing- then using that as momentum, you spring up into his stomach, bringing your sword into his with a sudden ferocity.

The resulting impact takes the veteran off his feet, and you can hear the wooden sword crack on impact.

Huh. You had honestly expected it to splinter. Must be high quality craftsmanship.

cont.
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>>566220
It's patently stupid to say Miranda is weak-willed but just let him vote alone for the "whatever" and "okay" options if that's what he thinks she should be like.
>>
I for one think the character interpretations are interesting and enjoy the discussion.
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>>566242
>It's patently stupid to say Miranda is weak-willed
I agree. how is being practical supposed to be 'weak willed'?
hell, one of our colleagues is having performance issues due to being tied up to moral related BS. this is what makes us do a better job than other average joes that's bound to morals
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>>566236
Everyone gasps in shock at the impact, and he hits the ground with a thud. There's silence in the stadium for a few moments as everyone takes in what just happened. Then a slightly squeaky, familiar cheer.

“WOO! TOLDJA SHE WAS GOOD! PAY UP!”

Thanks, Geegee.

As the two soldiers help their groaning commander up, you're kinda wondering how to respond.

> “You shouldn't have charged in. You left yourself too open.”
> “Were you getting tired? You were much more refined earlier.”
> “You need to train up your strength a bit more. There's no bite to your attacks.”
> Maaaaybe it'd be an idea to just leave.
> Other
>>
>>566298
>> Maaaaybe it'd be an idea to just leave.
>>
>>566284
Interestingly enough, Izumi has a 98 percent job completion record to Mirandas 94. This is tempered by the fact that due to her preferences, she probably gets half as many jobs as Miranda at most, so the sample size is much smaller.

Also, it must be soul crushing when she DOES fail.
>>
>>566310
>>566298
Shit, forgot to add in:

> Head up to Geegee, "You're paying for the first round tonight."
>>
>>566298
>> “Were you getting tired? You were much more refined earlier.”
>>
>>566298
>“You shouldn't have charged in. You left yourself too open.”
This might have tipped our hand too much.
>>
> “Were you getting tired? You were much more refined earlier.”
>>
>>566367
Im sure he does, but miranda takes all comers, whereas izumi takes jobs that are never villainous, and dont deviate much from her home plane. The number of jobs available with conditions like that will be far far less.
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>>566298
> Maaaaybe it'd be an idea to just leave.

>>566323
Sal seems a skillful manager, jungling with 3 merc women while dealing with potential patrons and his bosses. He knows very well how to find consumers.
>>
>>566298
>Maaaaybe it'd be an idea to just leave.
We've done enough.
>>
Miranda: exit, pursued by a goblin.
Writing.
>>
>>566298
>> “Were you getting tired? You were much more refined earlier.”
>>
>>566298
Yeeeahhh, no. With all the commotion, you know you'll just get bombared by questions or statements or whatever. You give a quick nod towards the soldier as you see him turn towards you, and quickly walk towards the exit, passing by a currently gleeful Geegee collecting her winnings from one poor unlucky soul.

Well, it was an interesting way to spend time, that much was certain. You're not sure if that may have been too much, but you're starting to feel like it was...hopefully word wouldn't get back to Adel before the end of the day tomorrow, but you knew that that was unlikely. If nothing else, he'll be told that you're a capable swordswoman who has enough strength to outmatch a high ranking soldier with relative ease- you'd barely broken a sweat during the fight, and hadn't even taken off your cloak, but you're hoping that no one really noticed.

Soon enough you head pat-pat-pat-patting steps run up behind, along with a jingling of coins. Seems like Geegee finally caught up to you. “Hey there miss 'walk in, stomp everyone, leave'! You just got me a nice little extra chunk of change! Thanks!”

“Didn't do it for you unless you're paying for the first round tonight." She laughs.

“Hey, sounds like a deal ta me! But the day's hardly done with. Got any other plans, or you gonna make it a lazy day?”

Well...

> “Sleeping in sounds nice...” You'll handle anything else tomorrow.
> “No, I plan on taking a walk around town.” And maybe trying to find out more about the Church's hidden methods and forces.
> “I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina, or possibly someone else. (Who?)
> Other
>>
>>566533
>> “I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina
>>
>>566533
“I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina

This is a dangerous time for Sorina's faith. I'm almost worried Sorina's gonna find a knife in the dark.
>>
>>566533
>> “No, I plan on taking a walk around town.” And maybe trying to find out more about the Church's hidden methods and forces.
>> “I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina
Let's find out just where her Zealot not-boyfriend's church was. Might as well see if there's anything in there.

Oh, wait, what about the sigil on that mage statue in the college?
>>
>>566533
> “I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina
Pull her back in the basking Light of Truth, then we use her help to find more shit on the Church.

>>566556
I'm also curious about it.
>>
>>566533
>> “I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina
>>
>>566533
>“No, I plan on taking a walk around town.” And maybe trying to find out more about the Church's hidden methods and forces.
I wonder how she's faring after the truth.
>>
>>566533
> See some sights
Did we ever confirm to the Prince that we were going to do the medal and fight thing?
Also not sure we need to go about solving the indoctrination thing ourselves, for all we know the knights of the moon may be in a better position to deal with it than us once they have been informed.
>>
>>566605
It's less about solving the indoctrination problem, and more about finding enough proof that even the Zealot can't readily disprove without going to ridiculous lengths to ignore Occam's Razor.

At least, that's my view of why we're doing it. That and the fact that I want to see him cry bitch tears when he learns the truth.
>>
>>566605
personally, I want to just rub it in their face, and see the salt flow. ESPECIALLY for that zealot kid and the hype kid. I'm just really compelled to do so.
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>>566533
Eh, we're on the job. It'd be unprofessional to sleep on it.
> “I was hoping to just see some sights.” Try to find Sorina
>>
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>>566632
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>>566658
Aren't they the one and the same? Or are you talking about Adel the boastful lecher?
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>>566694
Tavis is the holier than thou biblethumper, Adel is boastful hothead who wants to be the swordiest.
>>
Going out and about and maybe finding a certain self-taught mage. Writing.
>>
>>566658
While I feel that way for the zealot, I just can't give the same reaction for the rest of them. Sorina's at least willing to try to understand (at least, for now), Basil does have some questions about what he's fighting for, and Adel... Adel I only want to kick in the groin during the duel, because it'd be great teaching him that he's not hot shit on white rice, and he doesn't seem to care about the whole hero worship thing.

But Tavis the zealot... Man do I want to kick him when he's down, that self righteous little twat.
>>
>>566765
I don't want us to kick Tavis while he's down. Far more satisfying if one of his friends does it after abandoning him.
>>
>>566765
Something about Adel makes me really want to bully him.
Which is strange because I'm normally not this malicious.
>>
>>566765
In his defense, he's been forcefully indoctrinated, so unlikable as he currently is to us, it's not wholly his fault.
>>
>>566835
Easy now, you might actually get sympathetic to Tavis!
>>
>>566829
Let's just be tsun towards him
>>
>>566829
The guy likes trash-talking, it's possible that bullying could improve our relationship with him if it's not too malicious. It's a step up from ignoring him.
>>
>>566852
Just keeping the hate in perspective. The serenity crystals are used when the subject begins to doubt, which means i does or did at one point question the faith. Can't be all bad.
>>
>>566835
That's correct, and it's a legitimate thing that should be kept in mind when dealing with him.

However, regardless of brainwashing or not, something about Tavis tweaks my balls enough for me to get fairly malicious when thinking it over. I don't quite know what it is. If I find a name for it, I'll let you know.

>>566901
I don't recall them being used when people doubt. I think they were just putting them in there to make them more compliant and suggestible to certain things.
>>
Man it'd be nice if Miranda had a passive ability like Sorina's magic eyesight. Combined with her reflexes and quick-thinking, she'd easily analyse and mess with magic effects. Like Ki vision and manipulation, wihch I guess is the same. Ki = magic?
>>
>>566925
'Well...yeah. They called it a serenity crystal, and that it'd always help me to clear my head, remove my doubts."
>>
>>566957
That's just Tavis, though. I can't say the same for Jessica, it seemed like she was forced to sit in the chamber for school credit, even when she was believing the whole "Praise the Noble One" spiel.

>“Hey! Hello? I'm here for my next session?” Huh. That voice sounded vaguely familiar.

>“Oh, yes, Jessica! Sign your name and come right on in!” As the girl does so, you're somewhat surprised to find that it's the same girl from earlier in the Serenity Pavilion that tipped you off about Tannen in the first place. She seems...disgruntled, and the receptionist notices. “Oh, now, Jessica, don't make that face. You need this to pass, don't you? Not to mention, don't you want to be a great mage?”

>“Yeah, yeah...I guess...” her eyes are shifty- and it's clear she doesn't want to be here but at the same time knows she needs to be. “I just wish I didn't have to sit around for an hour.” She and the receptionist both walk into view, stopping near an empty chamber.

>“Ah, but that is the point!” the receptionist counters. “Only by understanding the nature of ourselves in relation to the world, and the Noble One in relation to ourselves, is how we can achieve true mastery in magic. And that must be done in quiet contemplation.”

>“I know...and I guess I would never ask to cut some time off this stupid-” and as soon as that word slips out, the receptionist gasps.
>>
>>567007
I know, I was mainly referring to Tavis. Hence why he can't be all bad, eh?
>>
I think even if we prevent Tavis with proof of mental tampering he still won't back down from his position. He'll just say it's for their own good, makes then into better people or something. His current arguments aren't very logical so I don't see why you expect logic to sway him, peer pressure maybe...
>>
>>567018
I know, but I still feel like bullying him.

Don't ask me the logic about it. I don't really know why myself.
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>>567039
Lets not give up before trying, eh?
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>>567039
Religion and Movements do that to some people.
A switch off logic in exchange for ravenously violent fervour and a group to belong to.
>>
Obligatory link to the archives.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
>>
>>566533
“No, I was hoping to maybe walking around a bit more, see some sights,” you smoothly lie. “There's still a lot of the city left.”

“Y'know, you been walkin' around a lot, I noticed,” Geegee points out. “I ain't gonna ask questions, but if...y'know, work calls, lemme know so I know what ta say and where NOT ta be, aight?” Huh. Well that wasn't expected. Wonder what brought that on, of all things. But, you elect to not question about it any, interested in focusing on finding Sorina.

“Alright, then. I'll let you know if anything happens.” At the moment, you were fine, you felt. Mostly, at least. No one really knew of your purpose here, and no one needed to. As you walk off, you can hear Geegee singing to herself- it's actually in a different language- something light and airy and bouncy. You just hope she remembered to save enough for drinks later tonight.

You're honestly not quite sure where you might find Sorina. She had been told to relax and generally keep out of Tavis's way today, so the question of where she might be...perhaps the library again. But when you check the place out, she seems to be absent. You have to admit, you're somewhat surprised at that fact, but you're not worried...yet. If you couldn't find her for the rest of the day, then that'd be reason to be concerned, but as for now...

It takes some doing, but eventually you spot a familiar staff and the familiar girl holding it- in an alleyway, down the street from the Noble One's Temple. You had nearly missed her, as you had expected her to be on the streets proper, but at the same time you knew not to overlook any potential resting spot. Sure enough, she had been leaning against the wall, staring at the temple entrance with something you're unsure of in her eyes. She'd jumped when you'd cleared your throat, and now here you were.

She's not saying anything, however- barely a hello. She just keeps looking between you and the temple.

> “Any reason you're here?”
> “I trust you've been thinking over my words.”
> “Facts are facts. The sooner you accept that, the better.”
> “Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”
> Other.
>>
>>567125
>> “Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”
>>
>>567136
> “Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”
>>
>>567125
> “Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”
Don't get yourself disappeared just yet, we still need you to crack your group
>>
>>567125
> "This is where Tavis grew up?"

> “I trust you've been thinking over my words.”

> "I know Tavis would be completely against it, and Adel... is Adel, but do you think Basil might be interested in figuring things out?"

We need more of the team to figure this stuff out, might as well try the guy most likely to agree.
>>
>>567125
>> “I trust you've been thinking over my words.”
>>
>>567125
> “Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”
>>
> “Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”

If you're gonna do something suspicious, don't LOOK like you're doing something suspicious.
>>
>>567125
>“Someone might think you're planning a crime, looking like this.”
God, she's so obvious.
>>567153
Supporting this, more info!

>>567086
>A switch off logic in exchange for ravenously violent fervour and a group to belong to.
In which we need to rub in to his face apon reveal.
He deserves everything, don't ask me why, I just feel like it for some reason
>>
>>567153
I don't agree with this, because it's pretty much revealing that we were eavesdropping on her.
>>
>>567544
Ditto
>>
>>567153
You're just admitting that we listened in on their conversation if you describe exactly how things went, aren't you?
>>
>>567570
>>567544
>>567560
Meh. We're a mysterious mercenary. I figured that us knowing what she told her friends would make us look that way. My suggestion isn't gaining any traction, and I'm not going to push it.

I do suggest we ask if she's going to bring someone to the party, though. We need to prepare for unexpected situations.
>>
“You know, looking like that will make people suspicious of you. Do you really want people to think you're about to commit a crime like that?” you remark. “Even if you are, the first thing I would suggest is to stop looking like the guilty party.”

“I'm not, I swear!” She says loudly, and you have to shush her. “At least...I don't think that I could consider it a crime. If the church really does have secrets that are illegal, is wanting to expose them really so bad?”

“Depends on who you are,” you note.

“Well, I don't think so! This… this isn't right, and people should know it! If Tavis is really affected by this..." She stops, taking a deep breath. "I… I wish I could let this lie. I wish I could ignore it. But if I do, I wouldn't be respecting someone...very very important to me."

“More important to you than Tavis, your leader?” you question.

“...yes,” She nods after some agonizing seconds. She doesn't elaborate, and you're left in silence again. “I don't want to do this, because I know that him hearing this about the church will just make him angry. But...I CAN'T just let this go.”

So then… “Would any of your other friends help you, you think?” You're not actually expecting it, but it's fun to entertain the possibility. “I realize Tavis is highly unlikely, and that blowhard is, by my brief understand of his nature...a particular sort of boy, but what about the large boy that I saw you with when we first met? You seemed friends with him." Basil was the most likely out of all of them to agree to such an idea. He already had his doubts in the system, and really, all he needed was a solid reason and a gentle push to rage against the spiritual machine. Not that she needed to know that you knew.

She thinks on it, putting a hand to her forehead. “Well, Adel has never been the most pious of people, but he does pay his respects. So I'm not sure. Basil on the other hand...you might be right about. He...may understand.”

You nod in approval. “That's good then. Perhaps we can find somewhere to meet him privately and discuss this matter?”

Suddenly it's a very funny look on her face, and looks back at the temple once again. “Actually, I was thinking it might be better for me to talk to him by myself. He doesn't know you very well, and he might think that you're trying to manipulate me, especially since he knows about the fight that's going to happen.”

>Insist on setting up a place where you can both explain.
>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself.
>Other


(I tried to make it work out.)
>>
>>567736
>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself.
"Well you would certainly know him best so it might be good for you to explain things"
>>
>>567736
>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself.
We have nothing to gain if we reveal ourselves. she's seen everything we've seen, so there's no point.

Speaking of the fight, Sorina might not like us much more if we beat Adel up real bad...
>>
>>567736
>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself.
>Other: Warn her that there definitely is a group that squashes dissent, so she and Basil must be discreet.
We cannot be seen to be trying to manipulate Sorina if we want a shot at recruiting Basil as well.
>>
>>567736
>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself
>"That's fine. I may be nearby, however. I've heard things about people who questioning the faith being made to disappear. If the college is willing to resort to mind-altering magics, knives in the dark or poison in a drink aren't out of the question for any potential troublemakers, either."
>>
>>567764
>Sorina might not like us much more if we beat Adel up real bad...
Eh, throw him a healing potion or use one of our healing spells afterwards.
The stuff can fix concussions, broken bones, and pierced lungs. The kid will be fine.
>>
>>567736
>>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself.

"Do you mind if I stay nearby while you talk to him? Considering what we know, it would be a good idea to keep a watch for uninvited visitors."
>>
>>567783
>"people questioning the faith"

Goddamnit, I can't into grammar.
>>
>>567783
>>567788
I don't know about that.
We stick out, and if a crowd forms, that would give our presence away.
Remember that the clients wanted "Intimidating", so we got them what they asked for, even if it interferes with aspects of our mission requiring stealth.
>>
>>567736
At least you tried : ^ ]

>Allow Sorina to attempt to explain the situation by herself.
>Other: Warn her that there definitely is a group that squashes dissent, so she and Basil must be discreet.

Let's keep close enough, within superpowered earshot, without them knowing that Miranda can hear it all; listening to the unaldurated way things are said is a lot more useful than being recounted.
>>
>>567806
Don't mind switching to >>567768 since it gets the message I want across as well.
>>
>>567806
Jump up a roof and find a hiding spot, somewhere with similar colors to the cloak
>>
So, let her handle it + warn her of the Inquisition + Stay on a rooftop nearby Batman style just in case sounds like what we got.
>>
>>567806
Well, we do have vanishing potions, and we can jump like a flea. How about we hide on a rooftop at night to keep an eye out, then meet them at the meeting spot later?
>>
>>567861
>How about we hide on a rooftop at night to keep an eye out
Except that Sorina is going to be meeting Basil during the day.

>then meet them at the meeting spot later?
Sorina doesn't want us to be part of whatever break-in she's planning, because if Basil sees us, he'll assume, correctly, that we're manipulating Sorina against her team and nation.
>>
>>567861
>>567879
So roguish style rooftop eavesdropping with vanishing pot in hand in case of emergency?
>>
>>567879
>Except that Sorina is going to be meeting Basil during the day.

She never said that, anon.
>>
>>567736
“Alright. If you think you can explain the situation well enough, no reason not to let you,” you relent. “I should warn you, though. However you do it, wherever you do it, you'd best be sure to make it quiet and out of the way. I've heard things about people who questioning the faith being made to disappear.” She starts to say something, but stops, a sorrowful look on her face. “If the college is willing to resort to mind-altering magics, knives in the dark or poison in a drink aren't out of the question for any potential troublemakers, either,” you warn. “So keep an eye out.”

She sighs and slumps against the wall. “I...this is just so wrong. All of this. The Church was supposed to support us because they believed in us and the Noble O-” she suddenly stops mid sentence, and just breathes heavily again. “I'll...I'll talk to him as soon as I can. Tavis is out, so...” She flicks her eyes back to the temple one more time, and simply shakes her head. “It might be better to do it sooner than later. Excuse me.”

You let her go wordlessly. Part of you wants to follow her, similar to last night. It'd be harder, though, since you're in broad daylight. Another part of you feels like it might be alright to let her have at it herself...still, you're not certain when 'as soon as possible' is. Could be immediately, could be later.

>Let her go.
>Follow her.
>Other

(I'm not 100% sure if you guys want to tail her or not, seemed some issue around it depending.)
>>
>>568167
>>Follow her.

She doesn't seem like the most subtle girl.
>>
>>568167
>Let her go.
>>
>>568167
>Follow her.
The danger is looming. Get ready with that vanishing potion and rooftop-jumping.
>>
>>568167
>>Follow her.
>>
>>568167
>Let her go.
Let's go scout ahead.
>>
>>568167
>Let her go.
I'm concerned that she might catch us spying on her sooner or later. She does have that aura vision, and I imagine she could spot us easy enough if she actually started looking for us.
>>
>>568167
> follow her
Trust but verify.
Also i think if they end up adding why we are telling them stuff we could say get have potential and we used to be a hero and we empathise with then and dislike seeing them being used.
>>
Close vote.

Planting another tail on her, then. Writing.
>>
>>568284
>I'm concerned that she might catch us spying on her sooner or later. She does have that aura vision, and I imagine she could spot us easy enough if she actually started looking for us.

Yeah, now that you mention it, her mage sight is a bitch.

>Let her go
>>
>>568301
>we used to be a hero and we empathise with then and dislike seeing them being used.
That seems like a bad plan, especially if we are going to be recruiting them to the Knights, since that's our job, and once they ask about us from our clients, they'll get the super-soldier mercenary story that Sal sold them.
>>
...nggggghhhh I hate it when votes come in right after I start writing. I feel guilty.

But I hate ties, even if I can just flip a coin.
>>
>>568349
As one of the 'let her go' squad, I say go with what you started writing.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>568349
Here let me do it for you
1 let her go
2 follow her
>>
>>568349
Eh, punishing bad decisions by players isn't a bad thing that you should feel guilty about.
>>
>>568354
>>568366
>>568368

Preciate that. Fates seem to say follow, so...writing! again!
>>
>>568333
That didn't make it not true...
>>
>>568437
It kinda is though.
>>
Guys, call me crazy, but I have a risky idea.
What if we draw out the daggers preemptively? That way, if the knives in the dark arrive tonight, we can try to take them out instead and keep them as hard evidence, and blow it at the end of the fight, along with the brainwashing. Although the match might not start at all if they paint us as heretical for this.
Alternative option is that we hang around longer after the fight&reveal. It's lossible that they could send in the knives once we blow their deal, and we could use that to our advantage and subdue them to be used as hard evidence. Although if we crush Adel they might give up on that idea.
>>
>>568614
It's better if we have the fight first, and then call the prince out in private afterwards so that he will have reason to send the assassins after us.
Then we just need to beat them till they tell us where their base is located, and then smash it open as publicly as possible.
>>
>>568512
N-no it just isn't the whole truth. If we didn't care about then they would be dead already and I assume we were some heroic magic girl before we were recruited

>>568614
Implying they wouldn't be deniable assets
>>
>>568628
>If we didn't care about then they would be dead already
We don't care about them. What we care about is that our client prefers if we bring them in alive, and recruited to the cause of the Knights. We are a professional, so we will make all reasonable attempts to fulfill client requests.
>>
>>568636
I'd like to think we're so far in denial about not really caring about them that we actually believe it, but deep down, we kind of do like them. I mean, look at our recent conversations with Geegee for an example. We actually made a joke to her!
>>
>>568654
Thats the way I see it as well.

Its just not going to be a barrier to our job.
>>
>>568636
I think if we have to make hard decisions we can but we are not a damn machine
>>
>>568167
No, best to try and follow her. You're not sure what might happen, and if this organization is as thorough as it seems to present itself to be, then keeping an eye on her shouldn't harm anything too much. Besides, it's not like you had a lot else to do. You wait until she's far enough away, then start following her steps. No rooftops for the moment- there's far too many people around to want to risk that.

Sorina, unfortunately, seems to be taking her sweet time finding Basil- although you're not sure whether that's intentional or not. She ends up around the market district where she mulls over a few groceries and buys a couple of tomes for herself. Then it's to a tailors to buy some cloth- you notice that it's darker colored stuff, and a very large sample of it. Interesting, but for the most part her shopping trip is uneventful.

Then she starts heading elsewhere, and for a time you're wondering where, trying to keep a tail on her- she doesn't seem to have any idea of you following her, at least. She doesn't even look back once. Notably, it seems like her journey is taking her to the northernmost parts of the city, practically the suburbs. The foot traffic diminishes greatly, and you find yourself having less cover to make sure you're not seen. Still, you manage to, although you nearly lose her once.

She finally makes it to what seems to be a quiet, hole in the wall tavern- The Bald Bull. Have to admit, the name at least gets a snicker out of you. Still, you can't exactly follow her in, so instead you hide yourself in a nearby alleyway and trigger your audio amplification spell once more. Fortunately, you already know what Basil's big voice sounds like, so he's relatively easy to pick out amongst the few talkative souls there.

'...So what's this about?' you hear him say.

'Just trust me...please. It's about... earlier, and I want to talk about it somewhere else,' Sorina says. Soon, they cease talking, and you can hear footsteps. You quickly duck into the recesses of the alleyway before they come out- it smells, but they don't seem to notice you. It takes some time, but she drags him to what appears to be a sort of garden park area- with places to sit and enjoy the view, trees abundant, and several statues of various peoples- most in mage robes, unsurprisingly.

cont.
>>
>>568710
She eventually sits him down in a small copse of trees, and no one seems to be around. You're only able to tail them this far due to hiding behind one statue- there's no good cover for a solid several meters between the statue and the trees where they are. Fortunately, your audio spell is able to pick up the conversation.

“I just...I really think the Church is hiding something regarding mental manipulation. I've...I've sort of gotten proof.” Sorina says.

“What?!”Eesh, you hear THAT one easily. “No way! What the- how?”

“That's what I asked when I found out,' she laments. “But it seems like-”

“No, I mean how'd you find out?” Basil clarifies. “Don't get me wrong, this is...this is freaky if it's true! But...only IF it's true,” he emphasizes. “So how are you sure about it? Did you...y'know?” He doesn't clarify, but Sorina soon does.

“Yes. I...it was just like what happened with Farin...it looked, it FELT almost exactly the same...” Her voice is wavering now... “I-i-i-I can't. I can't let them DO this. Not to anyone else. Not after what happened to Farin...what I did to Farin.” Oh boy.

“Well...this girl you mentioned the other day. I'm guessing she had something to do with it?” Basil asks.

“...yeah,” you hear her admit. “I just...I saw her, and her aura was-” and suddenly she stops.

One second.

Two. Then she starts again. “It was strange-looking, and, uh...I approached-”

“Hold on,” Basil says. “Is something wrong? You looked real weird over there just now.” What?

“Oh, n-nothing! I promise, it's just, memories, you know?” What the hell is going on? What'd she do?

There's silence again. Then... “HEY!” Yikes! That was loud. You quickly cancel the spell for now. “Is there anyone around there?! Come out now and maybe I won't smash ya! You don't want me to come over there!”

...Damnit twice over.

>Reveal yourself. Might as well be formal about it.
>Don't, he's bluffing. And if he isn't, you can take him.
>Other
>>
>>568702
>but we are not a damn machine
You say that as if maintaining emotional detachment from targets that we may very likely kill, and that either way we will never see again, is a bad thing.

Miranda doesn't give a shit about them, just like she doesn't care about the thousands of people she's left to die or to eke out whatever meager existence underneath an oppressive boot they can, after decades of merc contracts.

She's not ruled by her emotions like some immature twat, and in all of the internal thoughts of her's that we've seen, we haven't seen anything to suggest she cares about the Longshots except as just another contract objective.
>>
>>568654
Yeah. And as much as we prioritize mission objectives, I don't like the idea of actually killing Tavis much. Beat up? Bullying? Sure, but the idea of killing him just gives me a bad feel of the future. Like a gut feeling, that says 'this will make things harder for everyone' and all that.
>>
>>568775
>Other
Drink the Vanishing Potion and get the fuck out of here before our presence ruins everything.
>>
>>568775
Shit.
Supporting >>568793, if we have the potion.
If not, keep hiding.
>>
>>568775
>Reveal yourself. Might as well be formal about it.
>>
>>568793
+1
>>
>>568793
Support. Get the fuck out. We have what we need.
>>
>>568775
>Don't, he's bluffing. And if he isn't, you can take him
I guess he noticed somebody, possibly not Miranda.
Assassins or party member? Prepare to gulp that vanishing potion if he's approachinig us too much, but wait. They'll need a hand if I am right.
>>
>>568775
> Other
Vanishing potion, tiptoe away
>>
>>568862
Oh, thats a possibility.

At the very least, quaff the potion. Browse the area away from them.

Do NOT reveal ourselves, though.
>>
>>568862
>I guess he noticed somebody, possibly not Miranda.
He's looking at where Sorina looked and saw our aura; chances are low that it's someone other than us.
>>
>>568775
>>Reveal yourself. Might as well be formal about it.
This was bound to happen sooner or later. If we allow this to happen and vanish, then Sorina is just going to come off looking more paranoid, and less credible to the guy we're trying to get her to convince.. Also, I think an apology is in order.
>>
>>568862
>They'll need a hand if I am right.
If you're wrong and he's got an ability to see things other than within the regular visual spectrum and sees us?

The Vanishing Potion only cloaks us from the naked eye, not from magical vision.
And we're in the alleyway, they're inside the tavern. How else could he have seen us, if not through non-optical means?
>>
>>568886
>This was bound to happen sooner or later
It wouldn't have happened if we hadn't tried to tail the person who said she can see our aura and that it's completely unique and therefore very obvious.
>>
As the song once went:

Bye Bye Bye

Writing!
>>
>>568862
I'll go for quaffing the potion, but we should stick around, if a bit farther away, to make sure they're not being kidnapped.
>>
>>568880
Since when could Basil see auras? To our knowledge, only Sorina can.
He'd have noticed us before we got to the copse.
>>
>>568775
>Don't, he's bluffing. And if he isn't, you can take him.
Also don't use the vanishing potion, if she saw our aura then the potion might not cover that up.
>>
>>568775
>>568901
If necessary, I'll change my vote to
>Reveal yourself. Might as well be formal about it.
Everything to no leave them alone.
>>
>>568906
If he detected us through the wall, and he's not just bluffing, then I'd say he's got a means of seeing things beyond the visible spectrum.
>>
>>568907
We don't care if Sorina can see us overmuch, that was always a major risk. Also, she's trying to cover it up.

We care if BASIL sees us, and there is NO cover anywhere.
>>
>>568917
you're not at the alley/tavern. You moved to what was basically a park. They're in a copse of trees, you're hiding behind a statue.

Just for clarification.
>>
>>568898
And for the record, I was against that decision.
>>
>>568917
"She eventually sits him down in a small copse of trees, and no one seems to be around. You're only able to tail them this far due to hiding behind one statue- there's no good cover for a solid several meters between the statue and the trees where they are. Fortunately, your audio spell is able to pick up the conversation."

Vanishing potion is a must. We don't have to leave, but we cannot let him see us.
>>
>>568891
>And we're in the alleyway, they're inside the tavern.
Anon.
Shame on you.
>>
>>568917
And what says that he specifically detected us? Did he talk about the statue we're behind?
>Is there anyone around there?
No.
Could be something else
>>
>>568928
Yeah, my bad.
>>
Funny thing is, if there is someone tailing them other than us, they might fall for his schtick.
>>
So now, what's the tally?

From my observations I currently see
- 2 escapes
- 3 Bluff + Vanishing potion ( 32qJ6Nn7 switched from escape
- 2 reveals
>>
>>568977
Precision:
For Bluff + Vanishing Potion, the concenscus goes with preparing but not using the potion, unless immediate discovery (one against it)
>>
>>568785
Caring about people or not isn't a dichotomy, you can care about them but still consider the mission more important if you have no other options.
>>
>>568936
Yeah, I can see you were, but why would this have happened sooner or later? Unless you're concluding that it's inevitable that the players would have eventually made a stupid mistake of tailing someone who can see auras, after being told that ours is completely unique.
>>
I don't think he saw our aura, I think he just saw Sorina's reaction and knows what kind of things she can see that he can't then guessed
>>
>>568977
Well. From what I see:

>>568793
>>568804
>>568846
>>568856
>>568875
for Vanishing Potion + leave.

>>568836
>>568886
>>568916
For Reveal.

>>568862
>>568907
For call his bluff.

>>568904
>>568879
For Potion + Stay.

I think I tallied it all correct...
>>
>>569001
It's not like Sorina asked us to meet Basil alone.
Therefore, we don't really care if she noticed us.
As >>568918
said, it's Basil we hide from.
>>
>>568999
>Caring about people or not isn't a dichotomy
Sure, it's not. It's a spectrum.
And how much Miranda cares about the Longshots is as a mission objective she can complete, not as people with inherent value.
>>
>>568856
Switched to
>>568879
Potion + Stay.
My vote is still for Bluff --> Potion (ready) + Stay. I added bluff with Potion + stay in my tally.
>>
>>569009
>It's not like Sorina asked us to meet Basil alone.
But she did. She said that she wants to meet Basil without us.

Her having noticed us will cause a big dip in whatever trust she had in us.
>>
Okay, okay...hm. I can work this out. Pretty sure I can anyway. Gimme a bit.
>>
>>569027
>>569009
Back here >>567736
>Actually, I was thinking it might be better for me to talk to him by myself
Unless there's a different way to interpret that than Sorina asking to speak with Basil in private and away from us.
>>
>>569001
Well, I should rephrase what I said. After the vote was cast, it was inevitable that we would fuck up on our stealth. Either we account for ourselves now, or we are going to have to account for ourselves somewhere down the road. Reagrdless, this is just another learning experience for Miranda, and the numerous voices in her head. At this point, it's spilled milk.
>>
>>569006

>>568793
>>568804
>>568846
>>568875
for Vanishing Potion + leave.

>>568836
>>568886
For Reveal.

>>568862
>>568907
For call his bluff.

>>568904
>>568879
For Potion + Stay.

I'd say Potion + Stay goes with Bluff, which brings us to 4 Escape vs 4 Stay Hidden

>>569027
>>569059
>Actually, I was thinking it might be better for me to talk to him by myself
If discovered, we could argue on a technicality about her talking to him alone and us chaperoning against the Blades.
>>
Alright, I think what I'll do is FD this.

Link to this post:

1 For Potion/Leave
2 For Potion/Stay. Because it seems like there's an overwhelming majority who wants to use the potion period.

I'll give it 15 minutes while I get a midnight snack.
>>
>>569085
2
>>
>>569085
2
>>
>>569085
2
>>
>>569085
1
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>569085
Time for destiny!
>>
>>569063
>After the vote was cast, it was inevitable that we would fuck up on our stealth
Ah, okay.
Though,
>this is just another learning experience for Miranda
From what Handler described, Miranda shouldn't be making rookie mistakes like this anymore, especially after the ambush that nearly killed her, and the lesson she learned from there.

>At this point, it's spilled milk.
I disagree. In games like quests, players need to be constantly reminded of past mistakes, because the pain of mistakes is not directly experienced and so the memory of them fades far more quickly than those actually experienced by the players, and because you can never be sure of the players from one session to the next.
They may have either only skimmed the archives or not even read them, or players may incorrectly remember events owing to the mutable nature of human memory.

Successes are always remembered, failures are forgotten because they remind us of our mistakes.
>>
>>569085

2
>>
>>569020
What quest are you reading? We clearly care for people outside of mission parameters. Look at zeezee and geegee or whatever they are called, it would have been easy to tie up some loose ends by killing then. We don't get a bonus for covering then and we have had multiple chances to catch members isolated and dispose of them. We ask collectively control Miranda and you are a minority you fucking autist.
>>
>>569085
1
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>>569085
1
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>>569085
>2
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>>569085
1
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>>569107
>it would have been easy to tie up some loose ends by killing then
They weren't loose ends, and killing them doesn't make any sense from the perspective of our contract.

>we have had multiple chances to catch members isolated and dispose of them.
Yeah, but our client specified that they want them recruited if possible, and eliminated if not.
Eliminating Sorina, who was the only one we caught by herself, would have been against what our clients asked for.

All of the actions taken in regards to Geegee were in the furtherance of completing our contract objectives.
Killing her would have hindered our mission, so why would it have even come up?
>>
>>569085
2
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>>569105
The thing is, as far as mistakes go, this is by no means a mission breaker. It's a setback, sure, but we can adapt to it. And I'd rather have a Miranda that screws up from time to time and has to adapt to that than a perfect, infallible operator.

Just roll with it. Because inevitably, we will make another bad decision.
>>
Potion/Leave: 5
Potion/Stay: 6

DONE.
>>
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Well well, it's closed. And that was close.

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>>569099
>>569102
>>569113
>>569114
>>569146

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>>569094
>>569095
>>569098
>>569106
>>569115
>>569169
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>>569171
>Just roll with it. Because inevitably, we will make another bad decision.
I don't agree with that attitude.
If we make a mistake, I'd rather it a situation where we at least tried to think through and only failed to consider all the angles for.
A mistake where we at least tried to not screw up, and made our best effort.

Not a mistake that's the fault of laziness and inattention.
>>
>>569234
As someone who tends to vote 'safe', I have found that there are risks and rewards to taking the more dangerous option. There were no guarantees that Sorina would not have seen us the last time we tried to eavesdrop on her, but because we did, we gained important insight into the Longshots' characters. Likewise, if we had played it as safe as I wanted to, the Iron Golem would have been destroyed by our hand. Bottom line, I've learned that you've got to take the good with the bad as far as the riskier choices go.

Although I still think that "unfinished business" was an absolutely retarded move.
>>
Alright, no. Let's not take any chances. You still have your vanishing potion on you; time to use it. You quickly swig it and down the whole thing- in a second you can feel the magic working inside you- that and the edges of your vision get a bit fuzzy. You're unsure if that's an expected side-effect or not, but it doesn't seem to be hurting you any, so you put it out of your head for now.

As it stands, you can head footsteps coming closer. Sorina's not making a sound. Thinking about it, you quickly look down- you be leaving depressions in the grass, considering how long you've been standing here. That might end up tipping them off if they care to look...

As the footsteps get closer, you can hear murmuring- Basil, undoubtedly. “Be careful, careful...NOW!”
As soon as you hear that, that's also YOUR signal to leap as you hear rushing footsteps, vaulting to the top of the statue and landing on its head nearly without a sound, tiptoes balancing your body on the thin land the stone mage's head gives you. Sure enough, Basil comes around, warhammer in a half swing, as Sorina looks panicked. Basil's expression, however, turns to confusion...and then consternation as he looks around. “Awwww, nuts. And here I thought there WAS someone.” He turns to Sorina. “Sorry. Guess I'm just kinda worried for ya. Thought maybe you'd spotted a spy.”

“It-it's fine,” Sorina deflects. “Like I said, just...memories of worse days. And all this is just...a mess. If...if you can help me, PLEASE. I just want to find the truth, that's all.”

Basil rubs his head in uncertainty. “Eehhh...I dunno. Tryin' to...do what you want to do? That's...that could get us exiled, Sori. Or killed, even. Like, serious mob justice.”

“It...might not be just a mob,” she says quietly. She looks downcast, than looks back up at the statue- no, she's looking at YOU. “I've...apparently there's been rumors. About maybe the Church is...doing things.” She refocuses on Basil. “That's another reason I want to find out the truth for myself. Is this really divine punishment? Or is it just sanctioned murders?” she whispers. “I...I hate that I have to find out, but...!”

He sighs. “I know, I know, your brother. Sori...you know it wasn't really your fault, right? There's NO way you could've known that spell would do what it did, I've told you a thousand times.”

“And I've told you it doesn't matter. The magic...the magic came from me.” She looks back up at you again briefly, but simply sighs and resets her focus. The words out of her mouth then are shaky and full of regret. “I caused...him...I-I...I caused Farin to die...I...t-t-t-told h-him to...” She's starting to break down, tears running hot down her cheeks.

cont.
>>
>>569389
Basil quickly scoops her up into a hug. “No. No, no, no, no, no, you didn't. You told him to leave, you didn't tell him anything else. That's not killing him.”

She's crying now, clearly. “I-I-I didn't even mean ittttt...” her keening wails pepper her stilted speech. “He-he-he wasn't s-s-supposed to listeeennn...I-I-I love you, Farin.” And that just repeats, over and over.

“I love you, Farin.”

“I love you, Farin.”

“I love you, Farin.”

In due time, she eventually calms down. Basil has yet to let go of her, steadily patting and rubbing her back as she cries into his shoulder. She still hiccups here and there, and her face is streaked with tears. Basil, still holding onto her, gently removes her from his shoulder, looking her in the face. “Hey...I'll help.”

Her face stretches into desperate gratitude. “Y-you will?”

He nods. “Yeah. Tell me what we're gonna do later, okay? You said you had a plan?”

She sniffs, and takes a deep breath. “I...I think so...but...there's someone else that we need to talk to, first.”

He looks quizzical. “Who?”

She gives a faint grin. “She'll be around later. Tonight, before midnight. Below the bridge to the high ground on the west end of the city.” Well, now you will.

“You sure she's trustworthy? She might just be trying to get us in trouble.” Basil warns. “I don't want this all to be some giant setup...”

“Oh...don't worry. She might be a bit paranoia...probably intrusive...” Said that a bit harder than she could've, but you suppose you can't fault her. “...but her word's good.”

He sighs. “Alright, then...c'mon. We should get you back. I'm making Taurking Stew tonight! If we're gonna be exposing the State religion to be corrupt, then we need some good food first!” Sorina laughs at that, and the two walk away arm in arm. You decide to wait for a couple more minutes, then get started on your way back to the inn. Geegee still needs to get you that round of drinks. And you needed to prepare for tonight yourself, and get out of this rain.
>>
>>569343
Taking calculated risks is fine, and each of the choices you mentioned had mitigating factors.
Sorina was completely focused on getting to her friends and not paying attention to anything else, which made tailing her not as dangerous as it was this time (when we specifically advised her to keep a watch out).
The Iron Golem situation had Miranda fairly confident she could get the timing down, and knowing she had plenty of mana to pull it off.

I'm okay as long as people put forth real effort in their decision-making.
Your previous post felt flippant about making choices that end up being mistakes.
>>
>>569393
Could have been much worse, but we got some info on these guys at the price of a potion.
>>
>>569396
I just don't think we should be this upset about taking a risk when we've already taken almost the exact same risk in the past, and it paid off. Even if I didn't want to take the risk in the first place.
>>
>>569393
By the time Geegee's done with your drinks, you're steady considering the situation at hand. You're trying to get proof positive of these Church people using mind-altering crystals to push forward their dogma, and you needed to do it in a way that was public and irrefutable. Sorina has SOME kind of plan to get into the building, Basil is helping, and you're you.

The question is, what are the details? You need more information. Checking the time, you estimate it's yet a good few hours before go time. You've got some time to do some last minute investigation, if you so wish. Perhaps check out the temple itself, or at the very least start asking around a bit more. Then again it's entirely possible that Sorina knows enough about the Temple and the faith enough to make any investigation a waste of time and a risk- built in sources, essentially. It sounded like she knew a decent amount about it, Tavis more than likely told her more than a few things, and it's likely Basil knows a couple of things about it all, too, even if he's not the biggest fan of the religion.

>Go to the temple itself, case the place.
>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.
>Bank on Sorina and Basil's knowledge. Focus on other preparations for tonight.
>Other
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>>569393
Wha...?
What the
>>
Done for tonight! See you lot tomorrow!
>>
>>569444
>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.
>>
>>569444
>>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.
>>
>>569444
>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.
Dunno what that screaming love deal is, but whatever.
>>
>>569439
>when we've already taken almost the exact same risk in the past,
See, it wasn't the same risk at all, even though both actions were to follow Sorin.
The previous case had Sorin distracted, focused only on going to her friends.
This time, she's not distracted, and is actually on guard.
So the two situations are completely different, and not the same risk at all.
>>
>>569444
>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.

>>569449
G'night, Handler. See you around!
>>
>>569444
>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.
I don't want to depend on just Sorina and Basil, even though asking questions could cause enough waves to raise the alert at the Temple.

>>569468
>Dunno what that screaming love deal is, but whatever.
Seemed pretty obvious that Sorina accidentally ordered her brother to kill himself via mind control magic and she's still not over it.
>>
>>569468
>Dunno what that screaming love deal is, but whatever.

From what it sounded like, she accidentally hit her brother with one of those mind-altering spells. Like, really hard. To the point where he might be a vegetable.

So I'm assuming that her breakdown is from survivors guilt.
>>
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Well, I was wrong about other presences than our own. Still, I'm glad we've done it.
It's still a good reason, once Sorina asks. She's a high profile person and did act suspiciously. No logic in letting our investment (Church shit, Longshot joining New Moon) die now.

>>569428
And GeeGee will make a few potions (eventually). Not as effective as Zee's, but that'll do.

>>569444
>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face.

>>569468
Sorina's brother. Possibly a scenario a la "Lelouch ordering Euphemia", if of a less mature pair and less violent. Not quite "Go take a hike off a cliff", but "go away now, don't come back".
>>
>>569444
>>Get intel from other people so as to give them less chance to recognize your face
>>
>>569499
>To the point where he might be a vegetable.
She said he killed himself.
>I caused Farin to die
>>
>>569511
Even though it's a little silly for those in the know not to recognize Lady Violet, we should go for intel (soldiers that fought during the Golem Raid, Princely office, fans at the Lazy Bear Inn, peeps at hte Combat Arena... well, it's a long list).

While our available sources are limited typewise, there's still a lot of civilians / mages left and a trusty cloak. Going directly to the Church would make the priests call us demon and such.
>>
>>569449
It was great run today, see ya tomorrow!

>>569511
>It's still a good reason, once Sorina asks. She's a high profile person and did act suspiciously. No logic in letting our investment (Church shit, Longshot joining New Moon) die now.
Yup. We should remember to say so, since we might have to anser that fairly soon if she's bothered. But I think we can actually cover it up as goodwill for more favor. Being worried about safety and all that.
>>
Hm. Well, no, best to not risk going in underprepared. You've got a lot of potential sources, ideally. The only trick to it is to not be too overt in asking questions. Once word of this gets out, practically everyone's going to be looking for someone to point the finger at. You just needed to make sure that as few of them as possible were pointing at you or Sorina.

You figure there's a few areas you can go for decent information- the military barracks, possibly the royal court, maybe the inn itself...possibly others. You know some people will have more...exaggerated ideas than others, but in general you need to have a focus on what you're looking for- whether it's simply basic information about the temple itself, or if there will be any personnel you'll need to keep an eye out for, or anything else of that nature.

You had time, but not everyone was going to be up at all hours. You figure it'd be best to pick an area and stick with it.

>The inn is fine. No need to move. It's mostly commoners, so they're unlikely to know anything specific, but maybe that's for the best.
>Perhaps try the military barracks? You get the feeling they're strongly tied with the church. They might know particulars like the building layout, specific schedules, and whatnot. They're also likely to mention your visit, however.
>Maybe around the castle? You had one or two questions for the Prince anyway. You might could worm them in while asking him- he'd know the most about it. Of course, if HE gets suspicious...
>Other

(Howdy, all!)
>>
>>571042
>>The inn is fine. No need to move. It's mostly commoners, so they're unlikely to know anything specific, but maybe that's for the best.
>>
>>571042
Welcome back, OP. How you doin'?

>>The inn is fine. No need to move. It's mostly commoners, so they're unlikely to know anything specific, but maybe that's for the best.
> Other
Check up on those bards, since they mostly work in taverns, they might hear rumors and shit.
>>
>>571042
>The inn is fine. No need to move. It's mostly commoners, so they're unlikely to know anything specific, but maybe that's for the best.
>>
>>571042
>>Perhaps try the military barracks? You get the feeling they're strongly tied with the church. They might know particulars like the building layout, specific schedules, and whatnot. They're also likely to mention your visit, however.
>>
>>571078
Doing alright. Nothing too bad, thanks!

Writing shortly!
>>
>>571042
No, you've got some solid potential in here as it stands. And if you need to talk to Geegee, then you should be able to anyway. You take a look around the place- there's a fair few folks around since it's near evening, and there's a lot of folks meandering in and looking for a good meal and a rest. You can see a number of people that might be interesting to talk to...

There's two people in cloaks, talking to each other. The way they look around, though, is rather like they wouldn't want to be here. Across from her is a single soldier who's nursing a drink and looking particularly pouty. His helmet is off, and he looks rather young, but you can see him glaring at an equally young man a few tables over, with a young woman. Near the wall, nursing a large mug of something, is a bushy bearded man with a blacksmith's apron who's seems to be discussing something intently, if quietly, with a smaller woman with an axe. She's not reacting to any of it, though. In the opposite corner, though, is Lillian Laudwick, casually sitting out in the corner, once again scribbling something. She occasionally looks up at everyone, and you can hear an occasional strum from her as she tests out a new tune.

>The two in cloaks.
>The glaring soldier.
>The large fellow and his companion.
>Lillian.
>Other
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>>571275
>Lillian.
Always go for the bard.
Oh and you forgot your trip
>>
>>571287
Ah, thanks.
>>
>>571275
>Lillian.
>>
>>571275
After we're done talking to Lillian, anyone want to pop our improved hearing and eavesdrop on the couple?
>>
>>571311
Yeah, listen in on them, and the people in cloaks
>>
>>571275
>Lillian.
Go with the bard first.
Cover our interest in the Temple as simple tourist curiosity.
>>
>>571275
>Lillian
Then aural tactics
>>
Lillian Laudwick isn't lax in location...egh, I got nothing. Alliteration is hard, man.

Writing.
>>
>>571275
>> Lillian
>>
>>571352
Lillian Laudwick is largely and lovingly lauded as a lilting lyricist
>>
>>571275
Hm. Well, first thing's first. Best to try your hand with the bard once again. Hopefully she's got a couple of interesting new stories to tell. As you make your way over, she notices and gives you a quick smile and a bow. “Ah, hello again, Ms. Mysterious! Quite a few interesting events surrounding your person as of late, it seems!” She leans in, whispering. “You've become quite the talk of the town these days, eh?”

You can't say you're that surprised, really. You simply cock an eyebrow in vague curiosity.

“Why, there've been tales aplenty about you! I'm surprised you've not heard any! Your rumored places of origin, your ability to wield magic so deftly, the tales of your strength! I daresay some people are starting to consider you some sort of walking talking legend! I have to say, I'm quite glad I ran into you, really! ...That and the fact that you weren't planning on a slaughter of monstrous proportions like some of the tales claimed.” She admits the last bit with a bit of a blush.

“...right. I was coming over to ask if maybe you knew anything in particular about the-”

“Longshots, yes?” she interrupts. “You've inquired about them once before, and as I said then, Lillian Laudwick is NOT one to let a tale of heroics escape her! And quite the tales I've heard about them, too! All sorts, from various backgrounds, some tragic, some less so, all scraping and grasping for a chance to do right by ol' Alban; to right past wrongs, bring justice to the forsaken! Classic setup, really.” She says offhand. “I can see myself writing a couple of songs about them.”

Fascinating. “Actually, I was hoping to ask you a bit about the church of the Noble One.”

Her eyebrows raise in a bit of surprise. “Oho, interested in learning of the tales of the old hero? I've a great number of those; if you're just curious about his history, I've a lovely little ditty for you that would be a rousing tale for the room...”

“Less that, more...ironclad details. About the church itself,” you specify. “Just out of simple curiosity. It seems like it's a very...unique place. I'm curious how it works.”

“Ahh, understood, understood. And that's not to be too unexpected- the Church of the Noble One is all-embracing to any who wish to hear their words, but drawing up the nerve to face the representatives of such divinity up close is a task for even the hardiest of warriors.” she nods. “Well, perhaps you'd like to hear the history of how the building was made, perchance? There's a story there as well- one surprisingly enticing! That, or perhaps the tales of how the first of the followers of the Noble One came about?”

You nod. That might work. “Start with the first one, then.”

cont.
>>
>>571609
“Right! Ahem...” and soon she starts strumming lightly.

The music was nice, and part of you really probably could've listened to the lyrics, but the truth of the matter was that you were mostly listening for pertinent information. Which you managed to pick out, at the very least:

From what you could surmise, the people had already begun to consider Orind an ascended being, and had brought his sword back to Tenimbaum- at the time, it was still more a large town than anything. Apparently there was a horrible storm one night, and during it, some raiders tried to invade the town and steal the sword. Lightning struck the house where the sword was, and it started a massive fire. A large part of the area was burned down, but the sword and the people guarding it were untouched, despite being in the middle of it- at least according to the song. They instantly decreed the area a holy ground, and started building on it, with the intent of making it so that any would-be robbers would get lost or trapped, so that Orind wouldn't have to strike down his own buildings a second time.

So it sounds like the temple has a lot of methods for misdirection and confusion. She explicitly mentions 'A hall with doors the size of your head, yet leads the knowing to a comfy bed', and 'An empty room for thinking and plans, with an extra place to pray- somewhere attached is the High Caller's Room, exclusive to him, they say.' That will...make things harder, but not impossible, you suppose.

As she ends, you clap politely- as do several other patrons that overheard her little song. She bows gracefully and meets you with another smile. “Thank you kindly! Anything else perhaps I could sing for you?”

>Maybe about the formation of the church, like you mentioned.
>Actually, there's stuff going around about me?
>What have you heard about The Longshots, now?
>Other
>>
>>571614
>Maybe about the formation of the church, like you mentioned.
>>
>>571614
>Maybe about the formation of the church, like you mentioned.
>>
>>571614
>>Actually, there's stuff going around about me?
>>
How did this tie in with not being overt in asking questions? How on earth are we being subtle about this?

>Other
Where is the woman you were with when we first met? Who was she, anyway?
>>
>>571654
The way I thought of it, it's more like she's just asking for history lessons than anything else.

Admittedly I need to work on my writing- and some of this stuff I'm making up on the fly. Don't panic too much about it.
>>
Dropped trip again, sorry.
>>
>Maybe about the formation of the church, like you mentioned
>>
>>571614
>Maybe about the formation of the church, like you mentioned.
>Actually, there's stuff going around about me?
Interesting...
>>
I am kinda curious what nonsense they are saying about us. Would give us an idea of peoples perception.
>>
Keep going.

Writing!
>>
>>571614
You have to admit part of you is curious about the tales about you, but you decide to keep going on the intel. “That's rather interesting, all in all.” You sit down with her, just on a little brickwork in the corner. “I wonder how they all got started, if something like that happened and was able to convince them to build a temple...they must have been fiercely loyal to him or his vision.”

“Oh, quite! The first of his followers were people that he touched in some way- whether he saved a friend or family member, or slew a beast terrorizing the populace, or perhaps just did someone a favor! The Noble One's the Noble One for a reason, y'know!” she laughs a bit at that. “Orind had a rather incredible personality. Drew people to him, made people want to follow in his footsteps so much- and that's yet to die down any! Some of the tales say that there was a worshipping group even before he ascended- but they kept it silent. The official word is of course that it only happened after, of course. Either way, most of the higher ups today are descendants of those first men and women. It's amazing how they've kept it running for so long!”

She sighs in admiration. “Such a great source of stories...but I'm sure if you went to the library or worked up the nerve to go to the church itself, you'd be fine.” She suddenly stops and chuckles. “Then again, perhaps not, considering the rumors...”

“Actually, about that,” you mention. It was a bit interesting to you. “What ARE they saying about me?”

She snorts. “Oh, it's a BUNCH of things, all contradictory, all FANTASTIC story fodder.” She starts counting on her fingers. “Well, the biggest one going around is that you're some kind of loose martial demon from the Black Planes, planning to summon a band of infernal warriors to cause a three-hundred year war. Others are saying you're from a city from across the sea with powerful warriors, and that magic is still plentiful there. A couple think you might be some kind of herald or angel of Orind himself!”

Huh. You hadn't expected that last one. “Really? And that's just the start?”

“Oh, barely the tip!” she pleasantly says. “Some say that you're some sort of reverse assassin sent to kill the Prince or steal the great sword....oh! One of my favorites is that you're a rival to Orind himself that he met in the Hereafter, and you're here on this plane to train yourself, much like he did, to defeat him in a battle to last a thousand years! Now THAT would be a story, eh?” she winks, clearly not believing it.

“Not to mention people are saying that during the bandit raid you wiped out hundreds of bandits by yourself, that you wrestled the Giant hand to hand, that you threatened the Prince himself, and some of the most recent tales are claiming you went to the Arena lately and destroyed everyone there in weapon combat,” she adds on.

...Huh. That was...yeah.

>Any particular response?
>>
Gah, post will be delayed for a bit, depending.
>>
>>571937
>>Some rumours do have a hint of truth in them, but thats what makes the so believable
>>
>>571956
Supporting
>>
>>571937
>Some rumours do have a hint of truth in them, but thats what makes them so believable
>>
>>571937
Bury our head into our hands in shame of being such a cliched villain!
"Ugh, I got too carried away at the arena. Now what have you heard about The Longshots?"
>>
>>571937
Nope, let's get a beer and start listening in on people's conversions.

That three hundred year war rumor sounds weirdly specific, like why that length of time?
>>
>>572004
probably just some random prophecy.
>>
>>571937
This is getting to ridiculous degrees.
>while talking or grabbing something to drink, listen in on the others using the hearing spell
>>
>>571937
"The thing about the marauders is true, and it was only three people in the Arena. As for the rest, just gossip. I'm sure you'll be able to tell the wheat from the chaff eventually."

Use our Enhanced Hearing to listen in on the other conversations going on.
>>
>Some rumours do have a hint of truth in them, but thats what makes them so believable
>>
>>571937
>Some rumours do have a hint of truth in them, but thats what makes them so believable

I'm doubtful we could push the Herald of Orind story, even though that would be highly useful.
>>
It would be hilarious if we had our own cult going by the time we left.
>>
>>572498
Actually, a long-term security contract where the cult sends a monthly offering of gold/treasures, and SES is basically on retainer, might not be a bad contract to take.
Especially if this timeline is already pacified by us.
>>
>>572787
Sounds good. I'm in.
For that though, won't we have to stick around to see the moonguys take over and fix up everything?
>>
>>572845
We'd have to talk with Sal about it, and there'd have to be a definite beginnings of a cult going before we could broach the subject.

We'll just have to be an unstoppable juggernaut.
Not necessarily a good force; just one that can be paid off with money.
We can be the demonic force of multiversal destruction, and money is the way to keep us from coming after you.
Plenty of deities can be paid off, after all.
>>
I'm back, I'm sorry, I'm writing.
>>
You drum your fingertips against your cheek, even with the metal, it doesn't exactly hurt. You have to admit, that's getting kind of ridiculous. But people will talk how they talk. “Some rumours do have a hint of truth in them, I suppose,” you acquiesce. “That's what makes them so believable in the first place. Not to say all of them have basis in reality.”

“Ahhh, you're aware of the old adage, eh?” She's back to scribbling notes in her little booklet. “I have to say, I'm rather curious which is true and which is false...” You simply shrug. She'll learn in due time, more than likely. You call in another mug for yourself, and before anyone can notice anything, you trigger your enhanced hearing spell again. The cacophony is incredibly frustrating, but you've got more experience than to flinch at some loud noises. Instead you steel yourself to focus on the individuals you're trying to listen in on.

The two in cloaks are mostly silent for now- whatever conversation they had is over and done with. Shifting your attention to the jealous-looking fellow is similar, as he's merely brooding. However, the man with his young lady...

'So you really think you'd be a good chaplain?' the giggly girl asks.

The grin on his face is easily visible even at a distance. 'Oh, absolutely! I know plenty about the Church- my brother's a regular speaker for 'em. Always telling me how rewarding it is, how he feels secure in his path, alla that good stuff. I mean, I'm game for it, but I'm not much for sitting in a fancy room waitin' for someone to tell me how bad they mucked up. I'm a man of action!' And he flexes here- you can't say you're impressed, although the girl seems to be. 'I mean, they're gonna have chaplains tomorrow at the ceremony before the tournament- I'll be winning for you, by the way!' And you see him wink and grin.

The girl giggles again and gives him a playful slap on the arm. 'Oh, no you're not. Sweetheart, I love you, but some really strong people are going to be there! You're good, but you're not that good,” she pokes at him as she leans against his chest.

cont.
>>
>>573139
Egh. Alright. Moving on.

The large bearded fellow is less vivid and more rumbly than before, but you can still hear him cleanly.

'...Don't suppose I can convince you otherwise?' the man asks.

'Sorry.' the girl responds. She soon leans against his chest. 'They asked for me, I'm going to go.'

The large fellow rumbles out a sigh. 'So after this whole...thing, then, huh?'

She nods. 'One last test. Then I head out to the front.' She looks at him with clear affection in her eyes. 'You're the best blacksmith here. I'll be fine, dad.' She gives him a kiss on the cheek, and he just hugs her. 'You finish working on those weapons, I'll prove they're worth enchanting, okay? They'll love your stuff tomorrow.' He nods, and gives her another hug.

Hm. A couple of interesting possibilities there- seems like everyone's talking about tomorrow, from what else you can hear- there's a couple of familiar looking older warriors talking about techniques they've gotten over their lives. A younger, redheaded fellow with a crooked cane, overalls, and spectacles is thumbing through an old book who's mumbling about various spell possibilities. Seems like there's not much else except-

'Alright, we've wasted enough time- they're not gonna show.' Huh? 'Let's get out of here.' Now who said that- ah. As you move your eyes but not your head towards the direction of the sound, you see both of the cloaked people getting up. 'Can't believe we came out here for a no-showing group of third-rate adventurers.'

'Thank goodness,' the second one says. 'Church doesn't need 'em.' That's all as they both pay and leave.

Fascinating...

>See what's going on with the Blacksmith.
>Talk to the young mage.
>Introduce yourself to the couple
>Follow the two cloaked people.
>That's enough for now, see if you can be ready for tonight.
>Other
>>
>>573149
>Follow the two cloaked people.
Seems the most interesting.
>>
I smell blood in the water

>Follow the two cloaked people.
>>
>>573149
>See what's going on with the Blacksmith.
Oh, if only we'd had some radio transmitter bugs to put on those cloaked guys so we can find them later.
But since it appears that they're the Church's KGB, I'm sure they'll come for us later. I'd rather find out what this whole tournament is about.
>>
>>573149
>Follow the two cloaked people.
Can't miss that, can we?
>>
>>573149
>Follow the two cloaked people.
I have a really bad idea bout this.
Dammit, we should have visited geezee again and refilled our stealth potion.
>>
Trying this whole stealth thing for a third time.
Kinda surprised.

Writing.
>>
>>573296
This time good ol' reliable magic rock can be of use. With two targets, it'd be easy to fall on them and get what we crave.
>>
>>573267
>Dammit, we should have visited geezee again and refilled our stealth potion.
She likely wouldn't have had her lesser invisibility potions ready.
She needs to buy a new lab kit, ingredients, and then make the potions. She's not a good alchemist, she's just the saleswoman.
>>
>>573324
Or just lend her services to an alchemist in exchange for access to their lab.
>>
>>573149
Hmmm...those two walking out is too tempting of a target. You pat Lillian on the shoulder. “I'll be on my way for now. Appreciate the history lesson.”

“Don't be a stranger!” she says as you take your leave. “I'll be around the tourney grounds tomorrow, too!” Something to keep in mind if needed, you suppose.

It's fortunately not too hard to keep them in your sights this time, and the crowd is just thick enough that they don't seem to suspect anything in particular- the whole thing is made easier by the fact that they seem to take their time walking through the streets. Thank goodness for small mercies. However, you notice that they're not heading back towards the temple- they seem to be headed somewhere else entirely.

“So, the hobos were no-shows. So now who do we get to carry this out?” You hear one of them ask. Glad you left your spell on.

“Simple,” the other chastizes. “We're going to actually bother to spend the extra coin and hire some professional help, which we should've done immediately after the initial threat had come and gone.”

“Well, do you think they'll be quiet about it, at least?” the other asks.

“No reason not to be,” the first says. Soon you're forced to draw back as they take a turn into a much smaller street, this one with no people on it. Thinking quickly, you count to ten, then simply pass by and give a short, quick glance into the alleyway. You can just see the second cloaked man walk into some building, the door quickly closing shut. You step into the street quietly, enough to read the sign on the door: “Fighter's Guild,” and underneath that, 'Tenimbaum Branch'.

cont.
>>
>>573436
Huh. So they had guilds here? Wonder why no one told you about them. Maybe they just weren't that big of a deal like in some other worlds you've been to. You take a few steps closer, and your enhanced hearing starts to allow you to make out some more of what they're saying...

'Okay, so three fighters, more strength than speed, right?' you hear someone say- may be the proprietor.

'That's right,” and that voice you recognize as one of the cloaked men. “People willing to fight impossible odds, by this time tomorrow.” Hmmm... “We have a particular target in mind, and they're quite ferocious, but the opportunity to combat them in optimal circumstances is fleeting, shall we say. The pay will be...quite substantial, we assure you.” There's a pause. “Is that enough to ensure you can get who we ask for on such short notice?”

“Hmm...yeah, I think I know some folks. They'll be checking in tomorrow morning; I'll send 'em your way. Anything for the clergy.” He laughs, but it sounds more like coughing.

“Oh, uh, we're not really affiliated with the organization itself- we merely practice its tenants,” the second man deflects. You find that...unlikely. Still, you hear nothing else, and you think it's a good time to get out of there- you're soon back on the main street, and the sun's just about set. Before very long you can see them out the corner of your eye; they both resume walking side by side in a different direction, nearly passing you.

>That's enough for now. Get back to the inn.
>Check out the intended meeting spot. You're early, but couldn't hurt.
>Keep tailing them and trying to listen in. Who knows?
>Other
>>
>>573440
>Keep tailing them and trying to listen in. Who knows?
If they lead us to a KGB safehouse or their field office here, then great.
If they realize we're on to them, we kill them.

Either way, we win.
>>
>>573440
>>Keep tailing them and trying to listen in. Who knows?

We've got a little time to kill.
>>
>>573440
>Keep tailing them and trying to listen in. Who knows?

Targets, targets. Whomever are theirs, foiling their plan is a plus to us.
>>
>>573440
>moar stealth
And if they see us 1. we are wearing a hooded cloak 2. we can kill then
>>
>>573440
>Keep tailing them and trying to listen in. Who knows?
This is a really bad idea.
>>
Steady on the course.

Writing.
>>
>>573483
What are the potential consequences?

They spot us
>one of them gets away
leads to us being outed as a heretic at the tournament tomorrow, and we have to fight and kill a majority of the contenders and fight the Longshots, probably killing one or two, sinking our chance to recruit them

>we kill them both, leading to heightened alerts throughout the city when they don't report in
This leads to a more difficult time infiltrating the Temple.

>potential reward
Finding the location of a field office of the Church's secret police, potentially with incriminating evidence inside.
>>
>>573506
Isn't the Temple infiltration this night? I don't find value in the possibility of heating up alert this soon.

I wonder though if they would wait for the next day to brand us demon-stained and attack us.
>>
>>573544
>I don't find value in the possibility of heating up alert this soon.
Then shouldn't you be voting to not follow them, if you think that the potential risks outweigh the rewards?
>>
>>573556
Sorry, let me rephrase that:
I don't think the "streets alert up" is possible, considering the short lapse of time between the (possible) takedown of the rogues and midnight
>>
>>573440
Well, you've already figured out a bit of what they're doing, why not go for the whole hog. You decide to continue tailing them. You really don't want to give yourself away too soon, however, so you keep a longer distance than before. It's making it a bit tough to keep them in your sights, especially since the pedestrian traffic is getting thinner and thinner, but just before the sun dips entirely below the horizon, you see them both duck into another side street. You repeat the same trick as before, loitering for ten seconds before you walk past the alleyway. This time you still see them outside, one of the men on the doorknob of what seems to be a small, well-kept shack of a house near the end of one street, with a small garden of flowers in front of it. The other turns towards you, and you make certain to keep your pace and turn away steady, as if you were just mildly curious.

You can still hear his voice- he's speaking louder than he wants, it seems. “H-hey, that was her! That was her- she looked right at us!”

Damnit. You walk as far away as possible while still having them in enhanced earshot- a solid few meters away to the point you're in front of another street entirely. Fortunately there's a decent excuse in that there's a small canal behind the next row of houses that you can stare at. There's only one way back, however- through the same street.

“...you sure?” Yeah, it's faint, but you can still hear them even as they whisper.

“We practically made eye contact. She was heading back towards the canals. You think she knows?” the first man asks.

“No...but I wonder if she's up to anything... Guess we're not turning in just yet. Hold my robes, I'm changing.”

“Wait, what?” the first guy asks. “If she catches on to you, she'll kill you, if the priests are any accurate!”

“Relax. I know what I'm doing.” the first man assures. “Just don't show yourself. Go inside and make sure everything's set for tomorrow. Hope I didn't miss her...” you start to hear footsteps as well. Looking back at the water intently, you cancel your hearing enhancement for now. And sure enough...

“Hallo there, Miss!” You half turn towards him to see that exposed, he's an older man, just past middle age, you estimate. He's got salt and pepper hair and a well shaven beard, and he's in normal, typical worksman's cloths- tattered pants and a cloth, blue dyed shirt, with overalls as well. “Nice evenin', isn't it? Without waiting for an answer he walks up to you, showing practically no fear. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss. Can't say I know you personally, but your description and actions been whispered a lot here in a little time. Haveta thank you for your efforts with those bandits. To think they'd be capable of gaining such a large force...but then I'm hearing you're quite the warrior, eh?” He grins. Trying to play nice and buttery, huh?

Alright then...hm...how to go about this?

>Play humble.
>Play egotistical.
>Other
>>
Last one for tonight. I'm off to bed! Tomorrow's run may be around noon CST.
>>
>>573678
>Other
Play supremely confident and unconcerned.
Stay consistent with our actions from the Arena and from when we met the Prince.
We weren't egotistical, just had complete confidence in our abilities and that no one was our equal on the field of battle.
>>
>>573678
seconding >>573738
If possible, in a way that lets on that we are a threat that's easily dealt with by a couple of hired goons.
>>
>>573678
>Other
Be utterly confident and calm don't your thoughts show on our body language. When he lowers his guard grab him by his neck and capture him for some Q and A
"Oooh, what do we have here, a spy of the state eh. How about we have a nice ~relaxed~ talk about all the little secrets you know."
>>
>>573678
Can't be bothered making a proper choice so here are three I've order of preference.
> Play humble
"Thanks, I don't like to fight but sometimes it is unavoidable." Maybe make side innocent smalltalk adding if there are any fish in the canal. Don't want to tip them off and force then into trying to get the public against us.

> Part egotistical
"Yeah. Better than any three members of the fighters guild."

> Other
Snap his neck, carry him alongside you like he is drunk as you head back to that house. Kill everyone in the house."
This is the I'm getting bored of subterfuge option.
>>
>>Play egotistical.
>>
>>573756
No, I don't want to tip our hand this early.
His partner is already expecting us to kill him, and when he doesn't return, it's going to be a problem.
Better that they don't suspect anything of us yet except that we're a foreign mercenary passing through, and that we might possibly be hired by Alban if the price is right.
>>
>>573678
>>573738
This. Cool as a cucumber.
>>
>>573678
Goddamit.
>Other
Play indifferent. They are of no matter.
>>
Humour him for a while being cool and confident, when he's leaving tap him in the shoulder and say we know what he's up to.
>>
>>573738
This. Supporting.

>>573969
Bad idea.
>>
So, what's the plan now? Are we going to assault him? Or will we chatter some empty words and let him go?
>>
>>573738
Support
>>
>>574103
I'll note that we have an A in Intimidation and an E in Plainness.

Perhaps that latter part may be related to why we keep failing our stealth checks.
>>
>>574180

Yeah, feels like all our stealth shit is just doomed to failure in some form. We should probably stop trying stuff like that
>>
>>573969
Changing to>>573757 "better than any three from the fighters guild" wink
>>
>>574255
Why would you want to tip our hand like that though? Might as well just say "I was tailing you guys btw"
>>
All things said and done...

So it would seem that these guys are under orders from the clergy to kill or intimidate us or somthing. They tried to hire adventurers to do it, but got stood up, so now they are hiring out members of the fighters guild.

Wonder what the clergy have on us that would make them seek a confrontation?
>>
>>574281
Because they can throw anything they want at us and it wouldn't matter. If they realise they dont have the advantage of surprise they might have the sense to call off or postpone, both save us trouble and possibly the lives of our would be assailants.

They already think we are a superhuman or a demon, with this they will be more cautious and afraid because maybe the rumours are true?
>>
>>574293
Or theyll change their plans to something we DONT already know is coming.
>>
>>573678
Supporting
>>573738

>>574180
We push a little more than we should, but we still tend to extract precious snippets from our failure in stealth.
>>
>>574293
Uh, no. They'll rework their plan, call in more resources, because we proved we're a greater threat than they thought.
They'll be more likely to send multiple teams against us, both to see what abilities and powers we have, and to wear us down. They may even direct Tavis and his Longshots to take us down as a heretic or demon.
>>
>>574293
That's dumb and unprofessional.
Why should we put ourselves at a disadvatage for no reason?
>>
Look, our goal is to figure out exactly what these guys are doing. So, we let them ask questions about us, see what they want to know, what they focus on, what they're fishing for.

This is the Church side pretty discredited, how do we discredit the other side, to make the Moons more palatable for the Longshots to join? Oh, we might want to make sure the Moons don't actually want to destroy the world. Just in case.

Thirdly, I think we're kind of sliding out of character here. We're supposed to be Lawful Evil, we were introduced as Lawful Evil, but we're trying to make sure everyone comes out all right. If we were as callous as the OP painted us, we'd slap down the Longshots and give them a choice between joining Moon or dying. Simple, easy, case closed.
>>
>>574354

Horinth is already discredited in their Eyes, since they're from Alban.

The Moon's plan also doesn't particularly matter to us, save if they try to rip us off or renege on our agreements.

DnD alignments kinda suck dick, unfortunately. Theres little nuance. Strictly speaking, we were introduced saving the world for money. The current goal the Commander assigned us to was getting the Longshots out of his hair, though he expressed a desire for them to see the error of their ways and join them if possible. Thats what we're working on here.
>>
>>574354
I get what you're saying, but please, don't bring in D&D Alignments into this. Please.

As long as we work to get the job done, and get it done efficiently with a big, fat bonus check we're perfectly in line with a "seen this, done that" jaded mercenary character.

As for the moonmen, there at least we have no reason to care as long as they pay us. Our contract is with them, not their ideals and not the rest of the world.
>>
>>574354
I think we've always played Miranda as having an altruistic streak under her blunt, professional demeanor. One of the first things she has done in this quest was to help a lost boy find his sister in the Intersection. We work for evil when that's the job, but otherwise we veer towards pragmatic decency.
>>
>>574354
>we'd slap down the Longshots and give them a choice between joining Moon or dying.
But we knew from experience that such an action would have a high chance of us killing them.
Sure, we'd be fine with it and it'd make the contract finish up faster, but that's not what we want.
As stated by Handler, this is a Time and Materials contract; we get paid by the day.
So long as we don't take too long as to incur penalties, we should try to drag this out as much as we can.

Then there's the implied bonus for successful recruitment versus simply killing the Longshots. If the bonus is in line with the previous bonuses we received for recovering the Creations, then I think Miranda would be willing to put up with taking the patient route to recruit as many of the Longshots as is reasonable.

In regards to Geegee, as a professional merc who has decades of experience, I think that Miranda would work to cultivate local assets for missions that might take a bit longer than just a few hours.

Finally, there's Miranda's professionalism. Her clients asked that the Longshots be recruited if possible, killed if necessary. As a long-time professional, I think she would try to do what is best for her client's interests, especially since they're paying on time.
>>
>>574367
seems like a reasonable stance
>>
>>574365
Pretty much what I took out too.
>>
>>574365
We also charge extra for not blowing up buildings and people if they get in the way.
From her own internal thoughts, Miranda simply finishes what she starts.
And since he was at the Intersection, he was likely to become a neighbor/fellow inhabitant. Better to help him and his sister out; don't shit where you sleep, in other words.
She doesn't care about the problems of other worlds, because she's not going back to them, but the Intersection is where she lives.

I think her altruistic streak if far smaller than you think it to be, in that it only applies to her circle of acquaintances and people she may end up living next to.
>>
>>574365
Yes, that's what I'm saying is slipping out of character. The way we are playing is at odds with how we were introduced.

>It's an okay gig, all things considered. You're invariably strong in whatever world you end up in (although hardly invincible, you'd had that proven to you early on), and you generally end up being either the miracle that saves the day or the secret weapon that allows the bad guy to win.

>Yeah, you're not picky. At least not these days. You used to be a lot more discerning, but...well, evil pays well. And you never stick around for the aftermath, anyway. You're there to do a job, and that's it. That, and, well...

>...you visit hundreds of dimensions and eventually you just stop caring quite as hard, you have to admit. Some of the lighter ones, you even treat like a sport. Others...well, the world's already mostly gone to shit, so what would a bit more to it actually do?

>>574367
>As stated by Handler, this is a Time and Materials contract; we get paid by the day.
>So long as we don't take too long as to incur penalties, we should try to drag this out as much as we can.
>Then there's the implied bonus for successful recruitment versus simply killing the Longshots. If the bonus is in line with the previous bonuses we received for recovering the Creations, then I think Miranda would be willing to put up with taking the patient route to recruit as many of the Longshots as is reasonable.
Good point, this is a good reason to recruit rather than kill. If it were a flat fee, then we would try to be as efficient as possible.
>>
>>574375
Actually, the last statement is an example of her rationalizing it to herself, which actually does imply she has the capacity to care. She just quashes it because it's usually not practical to do so.
>>
>>574375
>If it were a flat fee, then we would try to be as efficient as possible.
Oh yeah, if it were a flat fee, we'd have torn a bloody swath through both kingdoms, a one-woman-Blitzkrieg, and we'd be sitting back in our apartment in The Intersection, flipping through the channels on our TV.

But hey, the client didn't set a clear project plan or timeline, and we're a contractor, so we should be milking this contract for all we can get out of it, while still maintaining our professional reputation. And we should especially consider the bonuses for secondary objectives.
>>
Run may be delayed or cancelled due to roommate medical issues. He's in the hospital and I'm his ride.
>>
Guys, If she still has the emotional capacity to accurately portray "the miracle that saves the day" she's obviously not the callous sociopath some of you are trying to be here. In my eyes, in the first thread, the whole exchange about charging extra to avoid collateral damage was a lot about her black humor emerging to make fun of the little girls. She deliberately said it in a way to make them uncomfortable for a lark. Probably reminded her of when she was naive like them.

Besides, so far Handler hasn't made a show of Miranda being uncomfortable with being a good person and that's as much proof as I need. If she had been groaning and bemoaning how annoying or irritating it was then it would be different.
>>
>>574382
Besides, I feel like they're ripping us off anyways. 10000 gold for a Legendary miracle artifact? When we're making gold coin bets with a goblin whose entire stock was burned and stolen?

That seems like delivering a Nimitz-class carrier and getting paid for a Kia.

>>574385
Best wishes for him, dude.
>>
>>574388
Thanks. He's hemophobic and that helped absolutely nothing.

This discussion is very interesting and I appreciate the interest in her character.
>>
>>574386
>the whole exchange about charging extra to avoid collateral damage was a lot about her black humor emerging to make fun of the little girls.
I just reread it and it doesn't sound like that to me.
Miranda shows no amusement at how the girls reacted, and only mentioned how annoying it can be have to be deal with the hissyfits that Heroes go into after she blows up an entire city block.
>>
This is a pretty futile discussion ultimately. What someone does on the job and what they do in everyday life, and the values they hold in each situation, can vary wildly.

Pragmatism may rule when on the job, but you can also look at the actions she takes off the job to garner an idea of just how callous she truly is. Helping the little boy find his sister when there was no reason to do so or expect any kind of rewards out of it save good feelings implies a moral compass exists for her but is simply relegated to the back seat on missions. This doesn't mean its gone, simply that its not a high priority.
>>
I like to think that Miranda has a very loose set of morals, but a set of morals nonetheless. She'll help you out because you're paying her one way or another(whether or be money or favours). Sometimes she'll help you out for free, but whether it's because she feels like it or because she expects to get something out of it is really dependent on her mood and the situation.

She won't kill you, because she won't get paid for it. If there is payment, will it be worth the effort of taking you down? If it's to gain an advantage, is it worth it? Maybe it boils down to necessity. She won't do something if it isn't necessary, and this applies to both sides of the argument(she doesn't have to be good all the time, and she doesn't have to do evil shit to stay in character). I don't know though, just my opinion.
>>
Excellent news. All things considered, it wasn't as bad as it looked. He'll be discharged within the hour. So run delayed, maybe shortened, but not cancelled.
>>
>>574485
Good to hear, OP.
>>
>>574378
Sure, she has the capacity to care, she just is extremely capable of quashing that care. You could say she's very good at it, even.

We're a mercenary who would do anything as long as she can rationalize it. She'd help the Dark Kingdom win and skip all the way to the bank. After all, evil pays well and it's not as though she has to stick around.
>>
>>574614
No arguments there. I was just pointing out that you and the guy you were talking to dont necessarily conflict.
>>
Aaand I'm back after an experience I'd really rather not repeat again ever. Writing.
>>
You keep yourself calm and simply give him a casual look. “I'm skilled enough. The bandits were a problem, so I helped to resolve it.”

He nods. “Right, right. And you did quite the job. Seems that a lot of folks are in awe of you. Saying you have incredible power for one so young.” Hah. “O'course, I wasn't there myself; I was making sure my wife and kids were safe. M'just a carpenter, you see. Not exactly someone who's about all the fighting.”

You shrug. “If it works for you, then. I have a lot of experience in what I do.”

“Oh, I'll bet!” he says laughingly as he stays a bit behind you. “I have to imagine you're either quite the proponent of the Noble One, or someone who might be interested in learning more about him, eh? I think you two would either get along famously were he still with us- that or you'd be the fiercest of rivals, no doubt!”

“Hm. Perhaps. You think so?” You honestly had to wonder where he was going with this- if anywhere at all.

“Why, absolutely! The Noble One was said to love those of strong body and will, always loved a good fight!" The man scratches his beard a bit. "...although...of course, it's also said that the Noble One was also said to detest demons, or anyone that fought for their own gain, or for terrible purposes. No respect in defeat for them- and rest assured,” he warns with a serious look on his face. “They were all beaten one way or another.” For a second you see something else in his eyes, before he suddenly snaps back to the jolly man he was. “Ah, but that's just me. I know you're fighting for other reasons- wouldn't have saved us all otherwise, eh?” He pats you on the back thrice. “In fact, thinking about it... you're in that whole big thing tomorrow, right?” You nod, and he smiles, reaching into his pocket. “Here.”

He pulls out what appears to be...a small silver coin? At least that's what it seems like at first blush. “This is my personal lucky coin, minted way back in the day. I've seen that Adel kid- he's fierce, wild, but knows how to swing a sword or two. This coin's been there when of some greatest things in my life happened to me- I daresay it should do the same for you, too!” Strange. Very strange. “Just be sure to give it back after the fight, eh? I don't like bein' without it for TOO long, eheheh!”

>Take the coin.
>Refuse the coin.
>Other
>>
>>574797
"I appreciate the offer, but keep your coin. I've more than enough. Besides, if you ever look at me like that again, you'll need all the luck you can get and more."

Fuck him and his subtle threats.
>>
>>574797
>>Other
>"I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm lucky enough."
>>
>>574797
"Of course. Those who fight by use of conspiricy and treachery always get exposed and defeated in the end. Always."
>>
>>574797
>Take the coin.
We should magically scan it.
It's either a magical bug, allowing for tracking and listening in, or it's got some of that crystal and is a brainwashing tool.
Either way, it could be used to convince Basil, and if we leave it in our Inn room when we go out tonight, it could keep the KGB from realizing we're breaking into the Temple.
>>
>>574797
>Take the coin.
I'm quite interested in what this coin does.

>I'm not much of a believer. I think the so-called Noble One just liked killing things.(Be obnoxious.)

We'd like assassin squads to come after us, right?
>>
>>574797
> "Are you implying that i am not skilled enough to best a child?"
Yeah right nope dont take the obvious tracking device.
>>
>>574862
>We'd like assassin squads to come after us, right?
Yes, but not right now.
We've got a break-in at the Temple to do, and a big public duel to win tomorrow. I don't want things distracting us from those two objectives.
>>
>>574862
Not yet, I think. Eventually, yes, but it sounds like these guys are already sending an assassin squad after us.
>>
>>574849
If we tip our hand too much, they're not going to believe we were taken in by their 'disguise'.
>>
>>574865
If it's a classic tracking device, why would he stress that he wants it back?
>>
>>574797
Take the coin, then slam it into his nose. Intimidate him

"I don't need luck, and I certainly don't need favors from you and your sniveling little friend. And if you have an inkling of a clue of what I can do to the both of you or whoever else you involve, you best hope I never need you."
>>
>>574871
I'm betting it's something that will make their assassination attempt tomorrow more likely to succeed. How, I dunno.
>>
I swear, it doesn't feel like it's been a half-hour...
Anyway:

We make our own luck. Writing.
>>
>>574881
If anything, stick it up his nose. No half-measures!
>>
>>574911
>>574914
And make them plan all over again? Be polite, follow him back for a pounding back in the shack.
>>
>>574881
Outright intimidation and assault of someone involved with the Church's secret police when we're at a delicate stage of recruiting two members of the Longshots seems very counterproductive.

Sorina may now believe that the Church is doing something sinister, but Basil still only has vague doubts.
Adel and Tavis would much more easily believe that we are a demon or a heretic from the injured pious man, than accept that their Church is flawed, and unless we find hard evidence of the Church's duplicity tonight, Basil may still stick with Adel and Tavis.
>>
>>574871
It'll probably fill itself with mojo they can use for targeted divination or something.

By the way, once he's gone let's take a good look at where he patted us. The coin might be a red herring, this man is trained in subterfuge.
>>
>>574960
I agree. Check the cloak and the armor under.
>>574948
As long as their (possible) incoming death has no known perpetrator or the alarm is sounded too late, it'll be fine.
>>
>>574960
Oh, good point.
>>
>>574967
>the alarm is sounded too late, it'll be fine.
We've got a few hours before midnight; it's probably only about 6PM.
And I doubt that they would wait until the morning to report to their superiors that Miranda is a greater threat than they expected.
>>
>>574977
I'm still in the camp of pulping the people in the shack and find incriminating evidence.
As long as the regularly expected report doesn't come, an alarm would't be triggered.
>>
>>574989
And when exactly are they supposed to report?
>>
>>574989
And what about alarm wards in the shack?
Magical means of remote security or of checking in?
We know that people here have a hard time using magic without incantations, but their ritual magic and pre-built magic items/potions seem to be working just fine.
>>
>>573678
>This time you still see them outside, one of the men on the doorknob of what seems to be a small, well-kept shack of a house near the end of one street, with a small garden of flowers in front of it.
>"Go inside and make sure everything's set for tomorrow."


RAID!
>>
>>574797
Hmph. Whatever this thing really was, you highly doubted it was just a coin. “I'll have to refuse,” you say, turning back. “I appreciate the offer, but keep your coin. You'll need it far more than I will in life.”

The man, to your slight surprise, merely grins, shrugs, and puts the coin away. “Well...as you insist. Although I wouldn't be so sure about that last bit. As a carpenter, I can tell ya, you never know when you might need yourself a helpin' hand, am I right? Aheheheh!” The laugh is a bit louder than you think proper, but he quiets down soon enough. “Well then, I'll let you be for now. You have a pleasant night, Miss!” With little else he nods in farewell, and walks away- passing up the street you'd seen him in earlier. In fact, he looks like he's heading back into the city proper.

Damnit, now where was he going? Was he just trying to throw you off since you already saw people, or was he going to say something? Then again...there that shack that he'd left. There was something going on in there for certain, if his earlier words were anything to judge by. You might lose the chance for checking it out if you follow him, but if he's going to say anything to the church itself, that might be incredibly bad for later tonight...

>Check out the shack.
>Follow the man.
>Other
>>
>>574999
Would've expected this a the Mage's College as well, but it didn't happen.

>>574992
Report just after supper is simply rude. Digestion first.
>>
>>575007
>Other:check self for unusual or planted things.
I suggest erasing the cloak from existence and find a substitute rag.

>Check out the shack.
>>
>>575007
>>Follow the man.
>>
>>575007
>Follow the man.
From what we heard, whatever they're planning against Miranda is likely tomorrow, so we can check the shack AFTER the Temple break-in.

>>575011
>Would've expected this a the Mage's College as well, but it didn't happen.
Sure, but I think they would consider the security of a field office or safehouse for the Church's secret police more important than that of the Mage's College.
Of course, this is assuming that they didn't have a silent alarm that we didn't notice, and that the break-in at the College wasn't what prompted a hit team being set up against us.
>>
>>575007
>>575030
Oh, right.
>Other: Check our cloak and back for any tracking magic or devices before following the man.
>>
>>575007
Sigh. We never learn about stealth shit, do we?

>Other. Check self for unusual or planted things
>>
>>575007
>>Other: Check self
>>
>>575007
>Raid the shack, take prisoner.

What's he going to tell the Church? 'Met the demon, yep, she's a demon?' What-ever.
>>
>>575047
Who needs stealth? Just slam the shack before whoever's in it leaves and gets rid of the evidence.
>>
>>575049
Before raiding the shack, I'd suggest rooftop staking, at least until we need to get to the bridge. Wait out for somebody to come out or for the man to come back.

That would prevent triggering any ward, yes?
>>
2 apiece + check self.

Waiting 10 more minutes for a tiebreaker vote.
>>
>>575054
He said nothing about getting of the evidence.
He said he was going to check to make sure everything is ready.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

M'kay, rolling it.

1- Shack
2- Man
>>
>>575072
I'll change mine to
>Check out the shack
>check self

Since they aren't mutually exclusive
>>
Shack it is! The initial write-in will be quick at least. Writing.
>>
>>575007
>Check out the shack.

>Other: Look over ourselves, look for signs of magic or some sort of bugging device where he patted us. Maybe it was poison?
>>
>>575070
>That would prevent triggering any ward, yes?
Probably, but I don't care if a ward gets triggered. Let them come, y'know? They send a backup squad, we beat them up, bring them in. They send a backup backup squad, we beat them up, bring them in. The more people they give us, the more people to intimidate, the more evidence we get that the church has hit squads, the better.
>>
>>575084
True, but we don't know how long the guy's going to stay and we don't know if he's going to clean up when he leaves.
>>
>>575140
How do we prove they're a hit squad and not just regular people we beat and dressed up to look like assassins?
You think they have some kind of official badge we can wave around as proof that they're affiliated with the Church?
>>
>>575151
It's not so much incriminating those two as finding extra dirt about the Church itself and understanding --> foiling plans.
>>
>>575140
Random assholes who come to fight us aren't compelling evidence.

They can literally just lie. Especially if they're dressed as or are known members of the clergy.
>>
>>575161
>understanding --> foiling plans.
But a break-in at a safehouse/field office and having operatives go missing is a big flashing sign that the enemy knows your plan and you need to switch to a contingency.

We would be operating on not just stale intel, but intel that the enemy would know is compromised and would therefore work to make useless.
Ignorance of the planes doesn't mean incompetence, and we shouldn't make rookie mistakes.

>>575174
>Especially if they're dressed as or are known members of the clergy.
Or, you know, hire deniable assets and adventurers to do their dirty work through fixers and middle men.
And if we do out ourselves as a demon or heretic, as some people want to do, then there's no reason for the Church to keep the hiring of sellswords to "eliminate the demon" or "punish the heretic" a secret.
Hell, they could even mobilize any paladins they have, as well as give the Longshots an official edict to fight us.

We're in a heavily religious nation, and the Church won't have to step lightly if they can point to us as an obvious heretic/demon/pagan. Especially when they're officially at war with heretics.
>>
>>575007
No, he can say what he likes. It's entirely possible, however, that vital information would be in that shack. He might give you a few bad words, but that wouldn't be much in the face of hard evidence, were it in there.

First thing's first, however. As he walks out of sight, you quickly whip off your close and give it a brief inspection. He'd patted you a few times, and you weren't sure if he'd ended up planting anything on you. You don't think he got to your armored back due to the cloak, but either way, better safe than sorry. As far as you can see, there's nothing there. No extra attachments, no nothing. Still, not the safest thing now. You feel you might want to find a different cloak- maybe get one tomorrow. But, first thing's first.

You quickly walk down towards the shack before anyone else comes out. It's rather quiet, and there's only a single small window, which you can see some candlelight coming through, but not much else.

> Knock.
> 'Knock.'
> Other
>>
>>575151
>>575174
If not Might Makes Right, then it at least gives us a certain amount of Shut Up And Listen. Plus, we have an in with the Prince. Thirdly, the more people we have locked up in this dingy nowhere house, the less likely claims of 'we were just passing by' become, and statements of 'she attacked us elsewhere' will require them to have believable stories, and witnesses. Finally, if we're loud enough about it, people threatened by the Church will believe we're bigger and stronger, and will come out of hiding.
>>
> 'Knock.'
>>
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>>575196
>'Knock.'
Time to Kool-Aid!
>>
>>575196
>Other
Use our enhanced hearing, try to get a sense of how many are in the shack.
If we have any utility spells that can let us see mana flow or magic, use them now to check for magical wards.

We're a professional merc and operator, let's act like it.
>>
>>575199
>Plus, we have an in with the Prince
How, except to show that we are a threat that needs to be terminated?

>Shut Up And Listen
That's the exact opposite of what we wanted, so that we can recruit Basil.

>and statements of 'she attacked us elsewhere' will require them to have believable stories, and witnesses
They won't need that after the first few people get beat by us. The Church can just simply declare us a demon, and then they won't have to hide their involvement. In fact, they'd get public support for it.

>Finally, if we're loud enough about it, people threatened by the Church will believe we're bigger and stronger, and will come out of hiding.
Which doesn't matter if the Longshots believe that such people are only speaking against the Church out of fear of Miranda.
We are here to recruit the Longshots, and making a public spectacle that the Church can easily turn against us is counter-productive.
>>
>>575206
supporting
>>
>>575196
>this >575206

We should shimmy up to the roof too, if it's a good hiding spot. Otherwise, just hang out out of sight. Stake it out for a while before committing.
>>
>>575199
I would address this point by point, but theres so very much wrong with it i'm not sure where to start.

>>575206
Support
>>
>>575223
Yes, staking
>>
The thorough approach seems to be the winner here.

Writing.
>>
>>575219
>How, except to show that we are a threat that needs to be terminated?
We saved the city, that tends to give people a certain amount of goodwill and leeway.

>That's the exact opposite of what we wanted, so that we can recruit Basil.
It's really not. Shut Up And Listen means that the Church can't drag us off or shut us up. Basil has heard of people disappearing after speaking wrong of the Church, we have a pile of people who can confirm.

>They won't need that after the first few people get beat by us. The Church can just simply declare us a demon, and then they won't have to hide their involvement. In fact, they'd get public support for it.
I don't think that will fly. Not in a place where they have to hide their brainwashing.
>Which doesn't matter if the Longshots believe that such people are only speaking against the Church out of fear of Miranda.
The Longshots already have hearsay that people have been disappeared.
>We are here to recruit the Longshots, and making a public spectacle that the Church can easily turn against us is counter-productive.
Our plan is to turn them against the Church, so really, all we'd have to do is declare our support for them. The Church will do the rest.
>>
>>575206
Backing this. Then >>"Knock">>575206
>>
>>575257

>We saved the city, that tends to give people a certain amount of goodwill and leeway.

Sure, right up until they start assaulting the recognized Church of the entire nation.

>It's really not. Shut Up And Listen means that the Church can't drag us off or shut us up. Basil has heard of people disappearing after speaking wrong of the Church, we have a pile of people who can confirm.

Yes they can, thats how Theocracies work. Well, technically they don't have the military force to do it, but between a mercenary who's being called the a demon in the streets already, and the established Church of a Theocratic nation, there is no question who the people will side with en masse. At all.

>I don't think that will fly. Not in a place where they have to hide their brainwashing.

What?! You ALWAYS have to hide brainwashing. Thats why its brainwashing. Thats why its used.

>The Longshots already have hearsay that people have been disappeared.

Which they have already reasoned out as "divine judgement." Us grabbing a bunch of murderhobos who attacked us isn't going to shake that for the ones who already believe it.

>Our plan is to turn them against the Church, so really, all we'd have to do is declare our support for them. The Church will do the rest.

We have no idea how the Church reacts to that. THey could easily call our bluff. The Longshots could call us out. Plus it doesn't even guarantee they'll side with us, they may choose to hunt us to clear their name.
>>
>>575196
Hm. Better to play safe than sorry. You quickly trigger your enhanced hearing spell again, placing an ear to the walls. You can hear some shuffling around, some walking here and there, but nothing else. Doesn't sound like there's multiple people here, at the very least. Still, no sense in not making absolutely sure.

You can't exactly see auras like Sorina can, unfortunately...but you might have something similar, even if normally it can be relatively unreliable. It's a brief cast, a quick mental command, a mana flow adjustment...alright, there we are. Suddenly, a whole new smell invades your nostrils. It's not the most refined spell, but it did allow you to generally gauge how much 'combat threat' someone had, by weighing, oddly enough, how rank they smelled to you.

More than one reason you didn't use it often, honestly.

Fortunately, you can only detect the one particular smell inside, and he smells like a daisy. Shouldn't be any problem for you. Still, don't want to risk any wards or traps this time. You hop onto the (admittedly rather small) roof lightly, and keep both sensory enhancements up, waiting and watching for the right time, whenever that might be...

After about a solid half hour, you suddenly hear the creek of the door open- you can tell by the face it's the second man. He's looking around curiously, his brown hair whipping to and fro, and you can see a nervous expression on him. He's dressed in casual clothes, and he's a pen above his ear and paper in his hand. Looks rather normal, all things considered. Suppose that's the point.

“Neville?! Are you done out there?!” the man yells. He seems to be rather nervous about actually leaving the alleyway for some reason, largely standing right outside the still open door. You're right above him, and he seems too nervous to notice.

>Knock him out.
>Eliminate him.
>Capture him/Interrogate.
>Wait.
>Other.
>>
>>575316
>Wait.
>>
>>575316
>>Wait.
>>
>>575316
Wait. His partner wouldn't have left him completely alone.
>>
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>>575316
>Fortunately, you can only detect the one particular smell inside, and he smells like a daisy.
Lol

>Wait
>>
>>575316
>>Capture him/Interrogate.
This guy seems a lot more open to persuasion than the other one.
>>
>>575316
>Capture him/Interrogate.
"Hey you want to answer some questions i have?"
>>
>>575269
Good call.

>>575316
>>Capture him/Interrogate.
>>
Waiting...

Writing.
>>
So passive...
>>
>>575391
It's still a stealth op. We have plans queued for tonight and tomorrow, creating a scene draws unwanted attention.
>>
Maybe they are just planning a post tournament tea party for tomorrow?
>>
Patience.

He's still looking around, and starts stepping further and further out. “Neville!? Neville!?”

After a few minutes of no response, you can see him shake his fists in consternation, and finally start marching out to the larger street. “Neville?! Where are you?! We've got things to do, man!” As he turns the corner out of sight, you glance back to the building.

The idiot left the door open. Not wide, but enough for you to get a quick look, so you quickly lean over the edge and peer in upside down. It looks like any other old shack- one room, bed in the corner, small area for cooking- but there seems to be a lot of papers on a nearby table, with the candle. You can also see what seems to be a decently sized weapons rack, with swords, a mace, an axe, and a hammer. There's also a large, wooden, square chest in the back leaning against the far wall, away from the bed, that's closed.

>Slip inside while he's away.
>Don't bother.
>Other
>>
Gonna have to stop here for now- may resume later tonight, though!
>>
>>575426
>Slip inside while he's away
>>
>>575426
>>Slip inside while he's away.
>>
>>575426
Slip inside and INVESTIGATE!
If the daisy cultist comes back just knock him out.

I suppose we could turn the place over to make it look like a robbery then interrogate the guy at our leisure but I have no idea it that would be a believable lie in this place
>>
>>575426
>Slip inside while he's away.

>Other
Keep the smell sense thing on. We open the chest and rummage through it quickly. If there is nothing outright damning or suspicious, or if it's locked and we can't break it in a way it won't be noticed we hurry after Mr Daisy.
With luck he's still shouting and/or smelling.
>>
There might also be a chance that dear Neville left his partner high and dry!
>>
>>575426
>Slip inside while he's away.

While nowhere near as good as capturing and interrogating him would have been, at least it's something.
>>
>>575426
>Slip inside while he's away
>other
Do we have a memory enhancing spell?
A cheap tablet with a camera and solar charger would be really useful right now.
>>
>>575426
>Slip inside while he's away.
Ready for some heavy hitting.
>>
>>575426
>>Slip inside while he's away.
The obvious choice.
>>
>>575426
>Other
Before entering, be very weary of anything that might be triggered. Try to check for traps or any kind of magical presence, spells, before entering.
>>
>>575642
Let's go on with it
>>
>>575666
Seriously. Let's get moving already, we're not specced for stealth, we're here to scare the shit out of people.
>>
>>575688
Oh, ok.
> chanve vote in >>575642 to just entering
I somehow have a bad feeling about this though.
Something feels fishy.
>>
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>>575826
Don't worry, anon, we're fishier than they can ever hope to be. We shall outfish them at every challenge and trial. We are the fishiest of the fish, as no one has ever fished before.
>>
>>575826
Not unlikely to be an ambush. As long as mana drain/nullification doesn't exists in that plane... wer're good
>>
>>575912
Not a physical trap, but rather, subtle ones. Maybe they expect us to leave evidence that they can use to point us for breaking and entering. And things like that.
>>
Back. I can run for a couple more hours if anyone's here.
>>
>>577001
I'm here
>>
>>577001
Go on...
>>
>>577001
Present
>>
>>577148
>>577150
>>577151
It so much more satisfying when we all come at the same time!
>>
>>577169
That's what she said.
>>
Rock on. Writing!
>>
No better time than now, you suppose, and with a smooth motion you flip upside down and slip inside the house.

There's not a whole lot to turn over, thank goodness- you quickly go for the papers, first. They're scattered and haphazard, but some of the papers seem to be...names. Lists of names, organized by location, from the looks of things. One specifically has 'Tenimbaum' at the top, some have other places, Albaina included. There's also quick, one sentence descriptions beneath several of these people, that you realize seem to be describing crimes:

E. Saldin
Loud disparaging of the Noble One

H. Liven
Theft of military property

J. Anward
Study of illegal magics

R. Cartham
Disparaging of a royal

And so on. Hm. You'll have to keep that in mind. Turning quickly to the chest, you quickly inspect it- nothing too odd about it. Might as well see what's inside. You get a grip on the edge and lift- only to bring the entire chest tilting up. Dropping it against the wooden floor, it makes a hollow thud as you balk at the oddity. It didn't open at all, even though it looks unlocked. Great, that means it's probably locked magically somehow, or...wait. A closer study reveals that the locks aren't even moving. And that thud...you quickly shove the large chest away, experience ringing bells in your head, and give a couple of quick thumps on the floor where it lay.

No, yeah. There's space under there. It takes a couple of seconds of searching- but then you see the telltale seams of a trapdoor! You also can see where it's to be opened- a small, very small chain lying at its edge in a groove in the floor.

Before you can investigate any further, however, you can hear a series of footsteps at the edge of your enhanced hearing- and you can smell daisies again. Damnit.

>Prepare to ambush.
>Get out, fast!
>Other
>>
>>577282
>>Prepare to ambush.
>>
>>577282
> Ambush
Just knock the muppet out and continue searching
>>
>>577282
>Get out, fast!
If we get spotted, however, we'll have to disable him, interrogate him, kill him and disintegrate the body.
>>
>>577282
>Prepare to ambush.
Let's thump some people who really deserve it, already!
>>
What now?
If we plan to go loud, we should ambush, but if the other guy comes as well...
What if whatever the other guy did to ys interacts with the hideout? Leaving proof?
My paranoia senses are tingling ever harder.
>>
>>577282
>>Get out, fast!
It might be a complication if we are seen slaughtering two guys in what is essentially their home. Even if they do deserve it
>>
>>577353
Also, if we leave evidence of our presence here, they might destroy everything incriminating when we come back for the trapdoor.
>>
>>577322
You'd fit right in with Adel and Tavis with that attitude.
>>
It's looking like ambush time, 3-2.

Writing.
>>
>>577282
>Get out, fast!
>>
>>577376
We've been sneaking for most of this last mission, let's at least get a little action, man. Sneaky ninja shadow humping is nice, but a bit of fighting is sorely required.
>>
>>577444
We're going to get fighting when we have the duel the next day.
Why should we endanger our progress and our bonus to sate your impatience?
>>
>>577385
It's a tie actually.
>>
>>577464
Because you think it's going to be the end of the world if we decide to do anything aggressive. It's going to be fine, let's just punch people who really ought to be punched for once, OK?
>>
...ffffffffuck. Gonna be honest, not a fan of rolling for tiebreakers. I know it can't be helped, but.

1-ambush
2-leave.

As much as I hate to say it, I might just enforce absolute 'cutoff point is when I say 'writing'' rules after this one. I hate doing it because it feels unfair, but...there's been a lot of ties, I feel.
>>
>>577282
>Enter the trap door
>>
>>577515
I thought that when he calls the end of voting, that's when the votes stop being counted?
>>
>>577537
1
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>577537
see? Couldn't even remember to roll.

>>577540
I've been somewhat inconsistent with it if I'm remembering right, but that will change.
>>
>>577537
That's bullshit op, you can't be expected to change what you are writing when you are half done because of side salty late anons
>>
>>577555
I wouldn't call it salty, but I didn't want to IMMEDIATELY enforce the rule this time when I'd been doing it on and off until now. As of now I'll be enforcing it much more strictly.

Either way, don't worry too much about this vote. I had something in mind for either path- always do. Have summadat faith.
>>
>>577575
Eh. It's never late to fix stuff.
>>
>>577282
Damnit. Steps are getting closer, and if you run now...no, no choice. Part of you is wondering where his friend is, but you'll have to figure that out later. You quickly kick the chest back into position, and immediately dart for the door, jumping straight up as soon as you clear the entryway and flipping back on the back half of the roof. You can actually hear him grumbling to himself as he gets closer, and at a peek, he's paying more attention to whatever his paper is than anything else.

'Can't believe he just up and left me...probably downstairs. Figures, left me to check all the week's assignments myself...'

That grumbling continues as he walks back in and slams the door in a huff. 'Oh, I swear, if he's round the pub...' Ah. Now that you know what to listen for, you find yourself waiting for a bit longer. It's...sadly rather boring, and you estimate about an hour's passed before you finally hear the squeak of a chair, and footsteps going towards the back of the house. Then a bit of silence, and finally, a grunt of exertion and the grind of wood moving on wood. A couple of quick clacks, and a couple of footsteps- and silence.

You peer in the window again. The papers are gone- and so is he. Everything else seems to be completely fine. Whatever else he had with him, he took it. A quick check on the door reveals it's locked again- you won't be getting in without breaking in- the lockpick you had earlier is useless on this kind of lock, it seems- it doesn't have any kind of keyhole from the outside.

You check the moon's position and mentally check the time. Sorina had said 'before midnight', but she wasn't specific. You're not entirely certain how much spare time you have.

>Risk the break in here, follow through that trapdoor.
>No use now, you've a different break in to get started.
>Other
>>
>>577681
> Not now
We've got them right were we want them, steeped in ignorance.
>>
>>577681
>No use now, you've a different break in to get started.
Let's hope that Neville hasn't reported to the Temple and put its security on alert.
>>
>>577681
>>No use now, you've a different break in to get started.
Time to hang out with our new pals.
>>
>>577681
>No use now, you've a different break in to get started.
>>
>>577681
>No use now, you've a different break in to get started.
We might have already used up too much time, even.
Better to be early than late. Speaking of,
>check around the place if our little friends didn't arrive yet
>>
>>577681
>No use now, you've a different break in to get started.
If we try to convince Sword-Twat to change sides, we'll use this to convince him.
>>
Let's meet a new friend again for the first time. Writing.
>>
Well, knowing that you've got an appointment kind of makes the choice here fairly obvious. You've got to get going. However, the existence of a trapdoor, and potentially, from what it sounds like, an underground pathway, does have your mind going a bit. Where could it lead? Still, it's not something you can worry about right now. You've got something a bit more important on your plate.

It takes a little bit to get to the point, but eventually you do. The bridge in general is large and stone, near the northernmost parts of the walled off city, and leads up to a large, hill-like section that would otherwise be inaccessible from that direction, you notice- it only slants down on the opposite side. It's a nice bridge, really, and the canal actually runs under the bridge. It's pretty cool, and you can see why it's a big deal, though- it seems like the houses on the hill are larger and more extravagant than the others. Rich district, in other words.

Sorina and Basil aren't there, though...seems like you're early. As far as you can tell, anyway. Nothing to do now but wait. You decide to take the time to sit down and relax for a bit, keeping yourself in the most shadowy part of the bridge, alongside the canal's border.

After about an hour's time (you're not ashamed to say you snuck in a quick power nap in the meantime) you can hear footsteps. They're silent, but stop right at the edge of the bridge.

'She's here,' you hear Sorina say. Time to re-introduce yourself, you suppose. As Sorina and Basil jump down to the canal edge, you can see Basil looking somewhat worried. “Okay...so where is she- whoa!”

You step out of the shadows just as he's asking. “Hello.”

“Uh...you're that girl! The one that helped out during the battle! Wasn't Adel suppose to be fighting you?” He asks, confusedly. “Why are you doing this, then? I'd have thought you wouldn't like us.”

“That's irrelevant to why I'm doing this,” you state. “What I'm more concerned about is how are we going to get into the Temple.”

Sorina sighs. “I...sort of did some looking around and asking earlier, once Tavis left. There's a back door we can get in to, and there's an emergency hatch way on the dome roof in the back as well. I figure we can use either or both. We'll split up, sneak in, and search around for clues. It's a bit simple, but I managed to at least learn a bit of the layout from Tavis after he cooled down- I managed to do some basic sketching. Here.” What she hands you is less a map and more a drawing of 'general landmarks', like particular statues or paintings or the sort. “I...you probably have a lot of questions, huh?”

>I wouldn't call splitting up the best option.
>Contingencies for if you're caught?
>If need be, there may be a third exit...
>Other questions.
>>
>>578037
>I wouldn't call splitting up the best option.
>Contingencies for if you're caught?
>Other questions.
Any thoughts on where the crystals or records of their use would be located?
Any patrols or security inside the place?
>>
>>578037
>I wouldn't call splitting up the best option.
>Contingencies for if you're caught?
>Have you got any spells that you could use to distract patrols or hide us, Sorina? Anything involving illusions?
>>
>>577681
>You peer in the window again. The papers are gone- and so is he. Everything else seems to be completely fine. Whatever else he had with him, he took it.
God, anons, quit being so goddamn cautious! You pussyfoot voters are letting every single piece of evidence and victim just up and walk away from us!
>>
>>578037
>Contingencies for if you're caught?
>"If there's a problem, just yell. I'll come help."
>>
>>578166
It's because we don't want to make the Prince angry at us before he gives us a shiny. Get your fucking priorities straight. We are getting paid by the day, no need to rush. And sword boy might be more likely to listen to us after we have wiped that smug look off his face too.
>>
Those questions will work. Writing last one for tonight!

(Captcha was a church sign. Hah!)
>>
>>578037
> don't split up
> contingencies
> third exit
If that option is referring to the secret police tunnel I think we should tell then about that now in case we get run out of town tonight.
> do any if you stealth? Because I don't...
>>
>>578224
>the secret police tunnel
Doesn't it just go to a pub?
The guy was complaining that his partner probably is downstairs and went to the pub instead of finishing his reports for the day.
>>
>>578234
He went outside to look at the street, calling for his partner. Partner did not go down the tunnel.

>>578210
Get your priorities straight, it doesn't actually matter what the prince wants or says, even if he does have the balls to come out against whatever evidence, witnesses, or sheer power we have. We want the Longshots, and we want information. Those are our priorities. Being worried that the church is going to make a big stink about us taking out their black-ops team is not a priority. It's especially not a priority because the church wants to keep it secret.
>>
>>578273
The church controls the Prince and can turn most if the longshots against us
>>
Goddammit I'm late.
Welp. Might as well just say my opinions. I would have been against splitting if I were on time. So option 1 and 2.

>>578273
The church getting pissed and sending the secret police is not the primary problem. It's the fact that the contest tomorrow might be canceled or disrupted.
>>
>>578273
>Partner did not go down the tunnel.
He said
>'Can't believe he just up and left me...probably downstairs
>'Oh, I swear, if he's round the pub...'
>>
>>578295
Doubt it. We have Sorina, we almost have Basil. Travis is a lost cause. Alec? is easily led around by his pride. And all that's discounting the fact that we have no further evidence, we have no prisoners, no documents. If we had those, by say, attacking, interrogating, ransacking, and finding more people to investigate, yeah, we'd have the Moon Kids.
>>
>>578332
>'Can't believe he just up and left me...probably downstairs. Figures, left me to check all the week's assignments myself...'
Good point, but we actually saw where Neville went, we watched him go.

>>578327
>The church getting pissed and sending the secret police is not the primary problem. It's the fact that the contest tomorrow might be canceled or disrupted.
Because that's what happens every time the police have a breakout, they cancel the football games the government has spent days promoting.
It's more likely they'll try something at the games themselves, somewhere we've said we'll be.
>>
>>578376
>we watched him go.
We watched him go but we didn't see where he actually went.
Because he could have just gone to the pub that the tunnel connects to, as implied by what the guy in the shack said.
We don't know where Neville actually went because we didn't follow him or see where he went.
We only saw him go up the street in the direction opposite of the shack.
>>
>>578376
>It's more likely they'll try something at the games themselves, somewhere we've said we'll be.
We know tha tthey already hired adventurers from the Fighter's Guild for the attack on us. We don't want to do something that would cause the Church to deviate from that plan.
>>
>>578335
None of the evidence was sourced, and we had no witnesses who could confirm where the material came from except for literal religious fanatics. And while im sure ransacking, torturing, and murdering clergy will endear us to the Alban heroes, you could make the effort to at least try to hide the murderboner, dude.
>>
>>578037

“A few,” you admit. “But the first thing on my mind is the fact that I wouldn't call splitting up the best option. There's too many variables that can't be accounted for. I think we'd be best pick an entrance and go for it together. At the very least, we should conduct the initial breach as a unit.”

They're surprised at the formality of the statement, Basil in particular giving you a slightly befuddled look. You're not sure why, it seemed a decent enough strategy. Sorina just nods. “Well...I suppose that would be a good idea, just in case we come across something early or something happens sooner than we'd like. I was thinking that we'd be able to cover more ground, but I suppose you make a good point...the lower entrance would be a lot easier for us to deal with, but they guard that...the emergency hatch might be a good idea, then. We just have to get up to it...and I think I can do that.”

“That's good to know. Although, on the matter of guards,” you continue, “do you have any contingencies for if you're caught? I can't imagine they'd be very appreciative of us coming in after hours...”

“Honestly, we were still working that out when we got here,” Basil admits. “Personally, I figured we might be able to convince them that something was happening somewhere else and we wanted to warn them, but...even I know that's not exactly the best excuse.” He looks at Sorina briefly. “If we need to, Sorina, can you do the...uh, the thing?”

“No.” she says flatly. “That'd make me no better than them.” The way she says it is final and absolute. Still, maybe he's on to something.

“Have you got any spells that you could use to distract patrols or hide us then, Sorina? Anything involving illusions?” You ask. “I have some general stealth skill, but it isn't my greatest forte.” At the moment, anyway...

She nods. “I've a vanishing spell, but it's very temporary- I have to concentrate to hold it, and it can be taxing. As for distractions...” she holds up a bag. When you look into it...it's full of rocks. Just rocks. You look up at her with a blank expression, and you can see a faint blush on her cheeks. “Well, I heard stuff and I thought that-”

“Good call,” you say. She just blushes harder as Basil pats her on the back. “Anyway, let's get going. Once we're in, if something REALLY goes south...just yell for me.”

Sorina and Basil nod. “Right. Let's go,” she says, heading from under the bridge- she's already looking around, keeping her eyes peeled for late night pedestrians. “I trust you'll be following behind from a distance so we won't look suspicious?” You nod. “Then we're off. I hope we can find what we're looking for...”

Tonight's gonna be another interesting night. Then again, in your line of work, that's really par for the course.
>>
Alright, this mission officially starts tomorrow, 12 noon CST because scheduling! See you then!
>>
>>578409
>no witnesses who could confirm where the material came from except for literal religious fanatics
>ransacking, torturing, and murdering clergy will endear us to the Alban heroes

Which is it, are the clergy credible or not credible witnesses, make up your mind,
>>
>>578442
They are credible witnesses who are going to flip...on US. That cant be hard to grasp.
>>
>>578462
Because they're absolutely going to go out on the streets going 'That chick up and attacked us for no reason, trust us on this,' when they're the equivalent of the KGB and have the public relations of the Vatican? Let me explain this to you in small words: 'They don't want the spotlight.' Got it? Good.
>>
>>578518
Oh yeah, because everyone will take our word that they are KGB?

You expect to use them as witnesses to validate your evidence to the Longshots, and just expect everyone to cooperate and tell the truth? Are you for real?
>>
>>578533
It's not as though we're insanely intimidat- oh wait. We are.
>>
>>578544
Just stop arguing you idiot, we are in a theocracy that actively practices mind control, we are never going to have the moral high ground or public opinion
>>
>>578544

Intimidation doesnt get all information from everyone. We had issues breaking a bandit who was literally going to be birned alive. These guys have motivation to not speak, as well as misplaced faith. The fact that we'd need them to verify the evodence to whoever we showed it to means we couldnt do anything drastic to them, and in front of the Longshots they would have no reason to tell the truth.

The papers would be good to have as part of a larger body of evidence, but they are neither beyond our reach now nor immediately useful.
>>
>>578574
Because it's not as if they've been trying to hide it or anything... Oh. Wait.
>>
>>578596
Again, lack of evidence. Even if we point out the crystals, all they have to do is brand us as heretics and lock down the rooms.
>>
>>578434
take a few rocks for ourselves. Either as "distraction" or for ranged non-magic takedowns.
>>
>>578441
Question! How good is Miranda's memory? Can she remember the list read in >>577282?

I'm thinking we could try to find one of these people at some point in the future and shadow them.
>>
>>579135
She likely remembers at least as much as us.

>Shadow them
Or ask for a Longshot (or the old lady war mage, she seems a friend of theirs) to protect that one person in Tenimbaum, as he's set to be nonperson-ed tomorrow.

>E. Saldin
>Loud disparaging of the Noble One

I'm curious about the illegal magics bit of J.Anward. We should ask Sorina.
>>
>>579153
But we can always scroll up to remind ourselves, so I want clarification now so there won't be a stupid conflict between the players and Handler because "nuh uh she doesn't remember IC because it's not in this thread" or something. I truly doubt it'll happen but it feels like this is one of those ground rules that needs to be established and communicated early.
>>
>>579159
This meta knowledge has to be taken into account as knowledge or intuition on Miranda's to keep the quest consistent. It can be handwaved with decades of experience and genre savviness.

A call from the Handler would set this up in a clearer way, yes.
>>
>>579181
Handler should be back by now...
>>
>>579327
Yeah, I woke up late.

>>579181
Yeah, those are the main ones she remembers because those were the first she saw. Miranda in general has solid memory retention.
>>
>>578434
All three of you are trying to move as silently and as quickly as possible- of course, you're hamstrung by waiting for them to move, and Basil's impressively large frame has some troubles being anything near 'sneaky'. However, there's few if any civilians on the streets at the moment- you can only presume the majority of them are getting some rest for the big event tomorrow. All the better for you, really.

You get to the alleyway that Sorina was at earlier- it seems like no one guards the front or anything. Might just keep the guards to around the back end- there's something of a garden area surrounding the whole place that keeps it a bit separate from the rest of the buildings in the city. Keeps up the appearance of a simple humble church, but at the same time...gives you an easy way up. You turn to Sorina. “So, how do you two plan on getting up there?”

In response, she closes her eyes and starts a whispered chant, weaving her arms through the air. Soon, her hands glow a strange blue, and she quickly touches Basil with them, to his sudden shock. He glows the same color as well, but it soon fades as he pats himself down. “Uh, okay, what just happened?”

“You'll be light as a feather for a few minutes, which should allow you to get up there.” Sorina explains. “Which means we need to move now.” She turns to you. “Could you-” before she can finish you've already scooped her up, and taking a running leap, you grab on to the edge of the dome's base with one hand and lift yourself up with Sorina assisting. Basil, when he sees this, gawks, then shakes his head. He charges and also takes a mighty leap, but much to his surprise, manages to leap clear up to landing spot. He drops to one knee out of surprise. “Ah...ah, geez, Sori, I didn't think you could do that!”

“I couldn't until this afternoon,” she confesses. “Had to learn REALLY quick, and it still takes a bit out of me.” She quickly detaches from your grasp. “I'll be fine in a minute, though- let's get to that hatch.”

It's fortunately an easy find as you march all the way around the back- the handle is obvious, and before very long all three of you are silently in. As you look around, you realize that you're at the top of what seems a classic storage space. “Alright, then,” Sorina starts, taking out her copy of the map. We've got a few hallmarks we can get to from here. Any suggestions?”

As you glance at the map yourself, you figure...

>The area marked “Training Rooms”.
>The area marked “Grand Focus Chamber”.
>The area marked “Hall of Heroes”.
>The area marked “Main Hall”
>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”
>>
>>579536
>>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”
Now that's ominous. A prison for heretics?
>>
>>579536
>The area marked “Grand Focus Chamber”.
Hmm i thinks this be where they mean to 'convert' us to their point of view.
>>
>>579536
>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”
Sounds like a place with prisoners.
>>
>>579536
Grand Focus Chamber
>>
>>579536
>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”
Now that's a big stink if I smelled one. Really ominous.
>>
>>579536
>>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”
>>
"Sorry."

Writing!
>>
>>579602
"Gonna no dae dat, just gonna no." -Church Inquisitor
>>
>>579536
>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”
>>
>>579536
“'Repentance Rooms?'” you ask her, looking up from the map with a raised eyebrow.

She sighs and nods. “Yeah, I thought it sounded weird, too. I actually learned about them from Tavis. He said that it's a sort of series of private booths that arrested criminals go into, and they confess the crime they've done before a priest. The church then gives them a task to do for repentance, and if they complete it they're freed. Hence the name. They're apparently not for normal crimes, only major stuff- and criminals are only given the option after they're arrested.”

Basil shakes his head. “Sounds strange.”

Sorina nods, frowning deeply. “Yeah, it's weird for certain. Tavis claims they don't hide it, just the tasks are usually too much for the people arrested and they're usually killed trying to do it, so they don't exactly advertise it. I wonder if that's really all there is to it, though...”

“Then yeah, that sounds like a good first stop,” Basil agrees. “Let's get going. Let us know if you see anything, okay Sori?”

The attic area seems to be rather large- the door leading down from it is quickly found, though, and you all try to descend as quietly as possible. The hallway it leads into is surprisingly small, and only leads to a single door. Sorina quickly peeks out of it and, seeing nothing, waves you all into the wider hallway. “Now, according to this, the rooms are somewhere on the west end of the building, so we need to go there...” she looks off in that direction, squinting a bit. “I see a few auras, but they're stationary. Maybe sleeping. Follow me.”

There don't seem to be too many other doors here as you twist and turn down a few high, decorated halls- great pictures and busts of people apparently important to the church. Eventually you turn a corner to another hallway- but this one has a row of grey iron doors on either side, and no exit. “I think this is it...I can't see anything beyond the doors, though...weird.” Sorina says, rubbing her eyes. The doors have no viewports, however, and they all seem to be locked.

“Dangit, so no one's here?” Basil says. “Shoot. This was a waste of time.”

> “Can either of you pick locks?”
> “Stand back. I'll open this one.”
> “Sorina, are you sure?”
> "Perhaps so, but it happens." (Where to go next?)
> Other
>>
>>579748
Probably shielded and full of criminals, lets start with
> “Sorina, are you sure?”
and if it comes to it
> “Stand back. I'll open this one.”
use our 'unlocking charm'.
>>
>>579748
>“Can either of you pick locks?”
> “Sorina, are you sure?”
> Other
Use enhanced hearing and senses to see if there are people within the rooms, and if there's any mana flow.
>>
>>579748
>Use our senses to find a cell with a person inside it, and if there is one-
> “Stand back. I'll open this one.”
>>
>>579748
This >>579786, followed by
> “Stand back. I'll open this one.”
>>
>>579819
Support
>>
Rescan, pop the top.

Writing.
>>
>>579844
Once you pop you just can't stop.
>>
>>579786
The nose knows.
>>
>>579748
Hm. No, there's too many bells going off in your head. “Sorina, are you sure about that? You can't see anything?” You're already triggering both sense spells to figure this out.

Sorina shakes her head, rubbing her eyes again. “I...I'm not. I FEEL like I should be able to, but whenever I try things just get kinda fuzzy. I honestly thought I was just getting tired, since I did a lot of running around today, but...maybe that means there IS something back there and they're warding it. I've never been sure of how my vision works, but considering it has something to do with mana, I GUESS certain spells could block it?” she hazards. I've never really tested it out on everything I could think of.”

As she explains, you're putting your ear to the metal. Nothing. Not even a peep. The problem with THAT, though... “No, I think I smell something.” When you turn back to instruct further, you see them both fix you with a strange look as you stand up straight. “I can smell someone's... call it combat potential. It's a spell, and we don't have time for this. Can either of you pick locks?” You decide to neglect mentioning your last break in, and it seems that Sorina feels the same way, as she merely shakes her head, as does Basil.

You lead them down the hall a bit more, three doors down. “It's not strongest over there, though...it's here,” you say, pointing at the identical door. “Stand back. I'll open it.” Sorina quickly does so, while Basil is a bit more wary.

You hold up a single finger, and charge a magic blast on the end of it. You had to be very careful with this so that the backlash didn't wake anyone up. You take careful aim at the lock...and with a 'ping', your magic impacts, and you can see a small hole in where the locked handle was. A quick glance around to see if anyone was there, and you quickly open the door.

There's nothing. Just two benches and a small lectern between them. You'd be disappointed if you didn't' smell something sweet in here. You look to Sorina- and she's staring with wide eyes at what seems to be the bottom edge of the back wall, where it meets the floor. After a second, she races to it, trying to feel on the wall, the floor, for something. “There's an aura back here somehow! In the wall!”

Basil's eyes bulge. “The heck? What's with THAT?!” He's not too loud, but you can still hear his incredulous tone. “How do we get them out?” He starts looking around the walls as well.

“I don't know!” Sorina wales. “I-I- they...why?!” She's patting down the whole wall frantically, trying to find SOMETHING. “We need to get them out of there!”

Well, there's not a lot to look at...

>Try the lectern.
>Inspect the benches.
>Perhaps it needs to be opened from the inside?
>Leave for now, come back later. Time's precious.
>Other
>>
>>579937
Can we not just PING one of the bricks, and peer through the hole?
>>
>>579937
>Try the lectern.
>Inspect the benches.
>>
>>579948
That's what >Other is for. Ideas that I don't think of.
>>
>>579956
well its a vote
>>
>>579948
Wouldn't that run the risk of opening a hole into whoever is on the other side?
Like, how much penetration does this beam have?
>>
>>579948
>Try the lectern.
>Inspect the benches.
>PING one of the bricks, and peer through the hole
>>
>>579937
>>579980
But use Sorina's eyes to avoid supple flesh.
Didn't we bring our Flamebrand (butter sword)?
>>
>>579937
>"Are the aura unusual in any way?"
>>
>>579937
>PING one of the bricks, and peer through the hole
>>
>>579937
>Try the lectern.
>Inspect the benches.
Tell Sorina to calm down. The people inside might not all be victims. There's always a jailer for a prison.
>>
>>579999
You did.

Trying various things. Including beams! Writing!
>>
>>579937
The first thing you look at is the lectern. It's the part of the room that sticks out the most, so it's a natural target. Seems like a normal wooden lectern, at first glance. You suspect that this was where they read from whatever passed for a bible here about how amazing Orind was to whatever unlucky sap ended up in here. If they actually did that at all, anyway. Hell, it might just be a setpiece to make prisoners THINK that. You can clearly see that' it's bolted down, but you're unsure if that's intentional or not.

A tapping brings you out of your musing, and you look over to Sorina, who's taken to tapping frantically as Basil starts inspecting the benches. “Calm down, Sorina. We don't even know if the people behind there are prisoners or not.”

She sighs, and shakes her head in clear disagreement, but she nonetheless reigns in the tapping- although you can tell she's still stressed.

“I can't find anything like a switch or a handle,” Basil concludes. “Maybe there isn't one. Not like there's much room for it...”

“It might be on the other side, or elsewhere entirely,” you muse. You'd already checked the lectern and found no hidden switches or any way to twist or turn it. Chances are the priests who are in here with the prisoners have some way to do it on their person, or perhaps it's an exclusive bit of magic. It really was an ingenious setup, you have to admit. Still, you have something they didn't have. “Sorina, can you give me a solid estimation of where the aura is, space-wise?” you ask. “I'm going to try something and I don't want to risk hitting them.”

cont.
>>
>>580207
She looks at you strangely for a second, before it clicks. She stares at the corner area, and points at an area just wide of the lectern itself. “From there on towards the other wall. That should be safe. They're not that far away, though, which makes me think the wall is thin.” You walk up, and yeah, there's definitely a smell under there. Time to take a looksee. You charge up another fingertip blast, but this time, you focus the energy onto two tips- just enough to make a decent eyehole with a bit of wiggling. You don't do the 'steady beam' trick very often- rarely a need, really, since it was less versatile than a blast- but you still knew how to, and sure enough, the beam sands away at the brick in short order, although you don't like the sizzling noise it makes.

You peer through...and you can see what appears to be a flight of stairs, leading down into another, dirt filled room. Sure indeed, there's a man there, gangly, bare chested, and his hair matted, sitting on the ground, sleeping. You can't see his face from here, but it looks like he hasn't eaten in days. Adjusting your angle a bit, you can see the very bottom of what...might be another door.

“Welp. You both might want to see this...or not.” As both of them race to the hole after you clear some space for them, you have to consider your next move. They'll very obviously realize the hole the next time they show up, as well as the busted lock. They're going to be on the lookout, and likely will accuse you. If you likely don't want the majority of the city risen against you, you've got to think of how to discredit them ASAP.

>Keep searching around the upper levels of the temple.
>Break into the underground, talk to the man, and go from there.
>Other.
>>
>>580212
>Break into the underground, talk to the man, and go from there.
Hello there my friend, how about you tell us some nice dirt on the church.
>>
>>580212
>Keep searching around the upper levels of the temple.
Check out the Grand Focus Chamber.

I don't like leaving the man, since if we get spotted we may not have a chance to come back here and break these people out.

But we have no way to know how far along this guy's brainwashing has come, and whether he'll put up a fight or not.
If we don't find anything of use in the Grand Focus Chamber, then we can come back and ask if the men in these rooms know of any place that could hold incriminating evidence.
>>
We should've established an alibi, damn it.

>Split up. Open a bigger hole and let Sorina and Basil investigate the underground. She can tell where the patrols are. We have the vanishing potion and our experience in skulking, so we go back to the upper levels.
>>
>>580212
>Break into the underground, talk to the man, and go from there.
>>
>>580212
>Break into the underground, talk to the man, and go from there.
>>
>>580212
>Break into the underground, talk to the man, and go from there.
>>
>Break into the underground, talk to the man, and go from there.

In for a penny, in for a pound.
>>
It's basically a dungeon raid!

Writing.
>>
>>580285
I was thinking less D&D dungeon crawl, more raid on some super fundamentalist compound. Just replace "Treasure" with "Evidence", and "NPC's" with "Captives".
>>
>>580212
The way that Sorina's looking at you, she's practically yelling at you to do something about this, and fast. Frankly, you think she could use some help in the whole 'poker face' department. Poor girl wears her heart on her sleeve. For this moment, though...yeah, there might be something major down there. Best way to find out...

Well. You take out your Flamebringer sword, which earns you a surprised- and interested?- stare from Basil. “Alright, then. Stand back.” You let your mana flow, which gives the blade a strong, torch-like quality once again. As you quickly cut through the brick, you notice with some wry irony that it seems to cut more silently than your own beam...although that seemed to be more because the flames were practically melting the brick than forcing through them. Still, you manage to cut a hole easily enough, and you catch the removed portion before it falls, gently setting it down. You'd try to refit it, but there's no way that's happening. At least the door to the room itself is closed- just can't be locked anymore. The hole's big enough for you and Sorina to get through with just some ducking- Basil has to practically get on all fours, though. When you start heading down the steps, though, you can see the man start to stir, getting a frown on his face.

“No...no more...gave my apologies, said my peace...no more...” Hm. As you reach the underground dirt floor, you can see that there wasn't much more than you already saw. There's no place to sit, a bucket, and what you saw was indeed a door- this room isn't much bigger than the 'Repentance Rooms'. These doors, however, have a viewport in them. Sorina gently moves over to the man and starts shaking him lightly. “Hello? We're not here to hurt you, I promise...”

It takes some doing, but you eventually rouse the man. “I-what? M'not dead?” He sniffs in confusion, trying to focus his eyes on someone. “Who-who're you? What's goin' on here?”

Basil moves to the door, peeking out the viewport. “Geez, this is wretched...you guys, there's a giant tunnel out there, and a bunch more doors!” Wow. A whole damn thing.

Sorina's more focused on the man at the moment, however. “I'm Sorina,” she introduces herself. “That big guy is Basil, and this is-”

“Not important at the moment,” you interrupt. “But if you don't mind, we have some questions for you.”

He looks around. “I-If you're getting me out of this Black Plane-damned place, I'll answer all the questions you want!”

>How did you get imprisoned here?
>How long have you been here?
>Have you seen anyone else?
>Do you know anything about the outer area?
>Have you been exposed to their manipulation efforts?
>Other
>>
Note: You can ask all of them, but depending on how many...yeah.
>>
>>580383
>How did you get imprisoned here?
>Do you know anything about the outer area?
>>
>>580383
>How did you get imprisoned here?
>How long have you been here?
>Have you been exposed to their manipulation efforts?
>>
Keep it to three.
>how were you taken
>seen anyone else
>what were they doing to you exactly

He probably doesnt know much about the layout, and well be taking him with us.
>>
>>580383
>How did you get imprisoned here?
>Have you been exposed to their manipulation efforts?
>Have you seen anyone else?
>>
>>580383
>How did you get imprisoned here?
>How long have you been here?
>Have you seen anyone else?
>Why exactly do you think they imprisoned you?
>Have you been exposed to their manipulation efforts?
>Do you know anything about the outer area?
I'm sorry, OP, but I'm gonna have to ask them all, plus an extra one too...
>>
Alright, I got the ones. Writing.
>>
>>580383
>Have you seen anyone else?
>Do you know anything about the outer area?
>Have you been exposed to their manipulation efforts?
Currently the most pertinent questions.
>>
>>580383
Good, he's being cooperative. Whatever they'd done to him, chances are they hadn't had a lot of time to mess with him- although you couldn't be absolutely certain. “Alright, then, Mister...”

“Jacobs.”

“Right, thank you. First question- how'd you get imprisoned here?” Might as well start with the basics.

“Agh...I got caught makin' a bunch of dirty jokes about Orind. I don't even remember the routine, but it was just my luck that one of the priests was nearby. He didn't even seem mad about it!” the man grouses. “Just told me to come into the temple with him to discuss why it was a bad idea to make 'disparaging jokes about the Noble One.' I thought he'd just give me a little sermon and call it a day. I get into the temple, he's walkin' me down the hall, then next thing I know, I'm out like a light and woke up getting dragged in here...” He shakes his head in frustration.

Hm. Not much to go on there. “Alright, then. Have you seen anyone else?”

He nods. “A few cloaked people come through now and again. Sometimes they're dragging folks with them. I saw Nellie from the flower shop getting yanked off somewhere, don't know where. A couple of other folks now and again. Mostly, though, just those robed guys. I remember when I woke up there were a bunch of hall exits when I was able to look around right before I got tossed in here. At least, that's what I think they were...”

“Alright then.” So this was some sort of temporary holding facility, maybe? From the way he made it sound, there was a lot of traffic through the area- although you're wondering where everyone is now, then... “So, are you aware of their manipulation efforts? Their mind control, to be blunt about it?”

To your vague surprise, he shakes his head no. “I got no clue about any of that. I just been in here wasting away, and sometimes they'll come by and read passages from their books...but at this point I'd believe it. I didn't even think anything like this existed...”

“Guys!” Sorina whispers. “Someone's coming! What do we do?” You sniff them as well. More of a rose smell, this time. They're a bit far away.

>Say nothing, retreat up the stairs, let them pass.
>Jacobs, can you lure them in here? We'll ambush them.
>Other
>>
>>580645
>Jacobs, can you lure them in here? We'll ambush them.
Aaah convenient bags of information!
>>
>>580645
>Jacobs, can you lure them in here? We'll ambush them.
>>
>>580645
>Say nothing, retreat up the stairs, let them pass.
There's no evidence of our intrusion in this part of the hall, right.
>>
>>580710
Nope cept for the giant wall hole and melted door lock. So yes.
>>
>>580710
Dude, we just cut a large enough hole for two teenage girls and a guy the size of a fridge to crawl through. I think subtlety is going to go out the window soon.
>>
Alright, out for a couple hours again. Back later tonight. 9 PM if I'm lucky, 10 PM if I'm not. See you then, hopefully.

Also I just want to say, thanks you guys for being as interested in the quest as you are. I really appreciate it and wasn't expecting this kind of turnout, and I appreciate you sticking with me as best you can even through my messed up work hours.
>>
>>580748
Your writing is good and the story is fun.
The only critique i can give is that you have a bit too long pauses between updates.
>>
>>580748
I enjoy your writing, worldbuilding and characters. This quest is one of the better ones.
>>
>>580725
>>580744
According to how the room has been described, if they're traveling through the hallway outside Jacob's cell, they won't see the hole we made even through the viewing slit since the hole is at the top of the stairs. If they're comin through the hallway where the doors to the Repentance Rooms are, then we need to go up the stairs and prepare to slam the door into the person when they stop to examine the door missing a lock.

No need to have Jacob make noise to draw the person and wake up the other prisoners which could alert other guards with their questioning of what's going on.
>>
>>580748
Your characterization of people is good; I get a good sense of what people are like even if I can only visualize a generic physical outline of them.
The setting is interesting and has room to grow, and gives you lots of options regarding locales.
>>
>>580808
Ah clever. Sounds like an idea.
>>
>>580645
> let them pass
If we do end up interrogating them we should make sure they don't see the two adventures, our kill them.
After that we should file the underground path and see if it leads to the grand reeducation chamber
Not sure what to do about prisoner guy though, he isn't safe in this country anyone and we have nowhere we can protect him.
>>
>>Jacobs, can you lure them in here? We'll ambush them.
It would be nice if this guy had some keys so we could lock him in one of the cells when we're done with him. I'm sure he'd love to have time to 'contemplate the noble one and repent.'
>>
Goddammit I accidently fell asleep

>>580645
>Say nothing, retreat up the stairs, let them pass.
Hidey hidey.
>>
>>580645
>Jacobs, can you lure them in here? We'll ambush them.

I think some players have the figurative blue balls for violence. I think it's time for some relief.

Oh, and next time we need to destroy and obstacle, let's try a few shotgun-style magic blasts; numerous pellets of low-level magic tenderizing the offending material.
>>
>>580645
>Jacobs, can you lure them in here? We'll ambush them.

Use the bag of rocks as a blackjack to knock them into dreamland.
>>
>>581687
>I think some players have the figurative blue balls for violence. I think it's time for some relief.
we don't have to do randumb violence just to sate your murderboner.
>>
>>582015
Especially when we are trying to win over some new friends.
>>
>>582105
I meant more rough than what we did for the last few sessions. Professional-level violence, not, as you say, randumb rampage (or ultraviolence). While we do have to be careful around the Longshots pair, they're also starting to understand how deep and rotten this Church is.
>>
I wasn't lucky!

Writing in a minute. We're not exactly Sam Fisher, but...
>>
I don't have a murderboner, but I'm definitely all for a blitzkrieg. Storm the offices, release the prisoners, assault the ones with information. It even serves a secondary goal, aside from convincing the Longshots, it also binds them to us. The Church will assume we're allied.
>>
>>580645
Alright, maybe you can get some answers here. “Jacobs, any way you can lure them in here?” you ask as you grab the bag of rocks from Sorina- you're already going back up the stairs halfway. He shouldn't be able to see you from here.

All three of them give you a shocked look. You motion to the door in response. Sorina follows you uncertainly, while Basil just sighs and lumbers up after you. Jacobs, for his part, looks back and forth nervously before finally sighing and walking up to the viewport as you wait just out of sight. “Hey, 'scuse me. You mind helpin' a poor man out real quick?”

The cloaked man stops, and you can hear him speak. “Unless you need another bucket, then-”

“That's kinda exactly it, yeah” Jacobs immediately agrees. “You know if it stays in here...”

“Ugh,” the man groans. “Fine, but no funny business. Back against the far wall, and no movements. You know you wouldn't be able to get past the hall anyway, and if I caught you...” He leaves the threat unsaid.

“Fine, fine, sure. I won't budge from that spot.” Excellent. You have to time this just right- Jacobs is near you, while the bucket is on the opposite wall. You can see the legs of the man walking for the other wall, and signal your two allies to wait for your signal. They nod and ready themselves.

Soon, you can hear him grumbling. “I swear, this gets more use than-” now!

With no words, just movement, you bound down the stairway in one leap, and then slam into him with another, causing him to flatten against the far wall. He barely manages to give off a surprised grunt of pain before you cup his mouth with your free hand, and have the the bag of rocks in the other- you're doing your best to stay behind him so he doesn't get a solid look at you, and hopefully your armor didn't FEEL too weird, even with the cloak hiding it.

You tilt backwards, using your body weight to send him to the ground, with you still attached, and you roll over, putting him on the dirt floor and you straddling his lower back, your hand still covering his mouth. All he can get out are futile muffled yells, which stops rather quickly when you crack him in the back of the head with the bag of rocks. After a quick check to ascertain he is in fact still breathing (he is), you look up at the two Longshots.

“Okay, search him!” Basil and Sorina quickly move out of the stairwell behind him to do it as best they can as you keep his head still and unmoving- they don't find much but a small paper summons, a canteen of water, an impressive looking arming sword and a crystal on a string, reminiscent of the one you used to unlock the Focus Chambers. This doesn't escape Sorina when she unclasps it from his neck.

“Alright, so what happens now?” Basil asks, clearly nervous. “Just gonna leave him in here or...”

Sorina gasps. "Basil, are you really going that far?"

>Eliminate him. They won't find him in time.
>Just keep him locked in here.
>Other
>>
>>582568
>The Church will assume we're allied.
that's a bit too far of an assumption I think.
what if they just cut losses and declare sorina and basil as heretics, 'brainwashed' or 'indoctrinated/corrupted' by our 'daemonic corrupting influence'?
>>
>>582648
>Just keep him locked in here.
we don't have a secure way of disposing corpses, and the church will notice if a man goes missing, dead or not.
now we are on a time limit.
>>
>>582648
Shit if boy scout basil is suggesting tying up loose ends I'm all for it but he didn't see us so it really isn't necessary
> lock him up (in a cell that doesn't have a hole in the back wall)
>>
>>582648
>>Just keep him locked in here.
Actually killing the guy would be a PR nightmare. We should just strip him naked and leave him in a cell.
>>
>>582672
Even so, it's a pressure on the Longshots to stay allied with us.

>>582648
>>Just keep him locked in here.
>>
>>582648
>>Just keep him locked in here.
While we did break into their dungeons in order to free a bunch of kidnapping victims, I don't see the need just yet to kill anyone.

Anyway, remove the dude's belt (or take Jacobs rope belt thing and give him the cloked man's, as well as his cloak) and hog-tie him. If we got some cloth to spare, gag him too.
>>
>>582725
Also, there's just no point to killing him. Would be best to hold onto him for a while then stick him and Jacob in front of a crowd to argue it out, but he's already unconscious and we can't really drag him around with us.
>>
Lock him up, but don't throw away the key, we need that.

Writing!
>>
>>579536
>>The area marked “Training Rooms”.
>>The area marked “Grand Focus Chamber”.
>>The area marked “Hall of Heroes”.
>>The area marked “Main Hall”
>>The area marked “Repentance Rooms”


Offices would likely be in the Main Hall, yeah?
>>
>>582648
“No, Basil. Killing him wouldn't have much of a point at the moment.” That, and you could still think of uses for him whenever he came to if you were of a mind to try them out. Instead, you take a look at his stuff, then decide to remove the belt that he had on to carry the sword.” Jacobs, your belt. You're trading up.” Jacobs is clearly confused, but he follows orders. Soon, you have Jacobs outfitted with a much nicer belt, as well as the sword (he insisted he knew how to use it) and the cloaked man hogtied nicely. He won't be going anywhere under his own power for a while. Thinking about it, you rip off some cloth from his cloak and gag him with it too. “There. Basil, carry him. We need to throw him in a cell that doesn't have a gaping hole in it.”

“Uh, right.” He quickly and easily hefts the man up, and Sorina hands over the key crystal absentmindedly- she's busy reading the missive that he was carrying. And from the forlorn expression on her face, it's not good. A simple look from you gets her to speak.

“I...” she sighs, and it's the air of someone who's about to hit their emotional limit. “...It's something about a meeting in a half hour in somewhere called 'The Sanctum of Orind'. Apparently the focus is on 'the elimination of certain factors and individuals that threaten the sanctity and purity of...of 'the whole of Alban as our ancestors willed it to us.' That's all it says, aside from don't be late. It's signed by a 'Loremaster Bethany.'”

There's a brief silence, but you can't allow for too much reflection at the moment. “Come on, let's go.” With wordless agreement, the four of you- plus-prisoner head out. It's a simple matter to find an unused cell- Sorina can see through these doors easily enough- and you deposit him gently on the ground and lock him in.

You look left and right. You can see an exit point on either end of the hall.“Alright, we need to figure out what else is around here...”

Sorina pipes up, her voice a bit duller than normal. “He was going that way-” she points east. “-and judging by that letter, that's likely the direction of the Sanctum. Probably important stuff and people around there, but I don't know if we want to risk that. On the other hand, going back where he came from might have evidence of this whole farce.” The way she spits is it surprisingly hostile for what you expected from her.

Basil sighs, getting closer to her. “Hey, I'm good however. Don't rile yourself up too hard over this, though!

“Or...we could get me outta here like you guys promised!” Jacobs pipes up.

Hm.

>East, towards the Sanctum.
>West, where the cloaked man was.
>Back to the top area.
>Other.
>>
>>583023
>West, where the cloaked man was.
we should not risk encountering the big guys for now, unless we plan to do that before we leave. let's not shake the beehive yet.
if someone is competent enough to detect us, it's over.
>>
>>583023
> West, where the people aren't
Hopefully we find some offices which will now be empty and can look for some incriminating paperwork.
>>
>>583023
>>West, where the cloaked man was.
Find some more prisoners to free, first. We're going to have everyone ransack the place he came from to get all the proof we need for tomorrow, goddamn it.
>>
>>583081
are you sure? there's the risk of lowered stealth if we do that though. 4 people is not a small group. go over half a dozen and then it's a crowd.
>>
>>583088
That's a fair point. Still, I think I should have clarified "more prisoners". I meant about three or four more, not like the entire prison. Give someone the bag of rocks, and for the rest, cut off a bar from their cells to use as makeshift clubs/spears.
>>
>>583105
that could work.
but I'm supporting for 6 people tops. that's two extra prisoners. we might even be TOO loud with this amount of people, but if people vote for it, then I guess that will do.
>>
So, it seems like west, but there's an additional write in vote? Unsure.

I might leave it for overnight; I'm a lot more tired than I thought I was.
>>
>>583023
>West, where the cloaked man was.

>>583124
We could have them separate. Have them group up in a quiet place (for about 30 minutes) then run out by the front entrance to make some noise as they escape.
First, most of the clergy would be in the Sanctum, it gives the less healthy prisoners a running start.
Second, I believe the prisoners left behind will be erased once They realize the intrusion. With more valuable witnesses (like Nellie of the flower shop) on our side, the outrage will be bigger.
>>
>>583166
>>West is good
>>
>>583175
then how about this?
we leave some behind to free the slaves, but meanwhile others scout ahead to search for an exit. we prioritize extracting the people, while creating a distraction if needed. while the prisoners are moving, we could try to visit the sanctum to sneak some info before causing a distraction nearby.
>>
>>583175
Surely the church well just say they are part of a cult our are foreign agents and have then rounded. Maybe starting a rebellion is a waste of time when we could just take over by force. By that I mean kill the clergy. We can even whip out our lightsaber and pretend to be with the dragon lovers if we want.
>>
>>583188
Would it be better to check on the Sanctum after the prisoner alert the Clergy of their escape?
That'd give us about 25 minutes to check for physical evidence Westward.
>>
>>583196
sure, that could work as well.
>>
I'd be happy to make an appearance at the Sanctum. It would be a good distraction, and terrorizing priests is always fun.

Changing to

>Prison break and ransack while Miranda goes to the Sanctum and distracts.
>>
>>583188
I can go with this. Cut off enough bars from cells, and we could have at least a few get out.

Also, after all this, do you guys think it's time to tell Sorina and Basil who we're working for? They're in pretty deep by now, so I'm sure they've earned some information about it, and we don't want Basil thinking we're from Horinth, seeing about his captured dad and all.
>>
>>583192
I was going to do a sarcastic reply... oh well.
I think the Big Reveal should be done after the Tournament. Or right before.

Poor, poor Nellie. She never left Tenimbaum but is an agent of the Horinth dragonlovers. Her flower shop was actually a face for terrorist activity. That pot right there? poisoned arrows.

Like the rest of the evil "foreign" prisoners. About that big cult of commoners? Yeah, we prevented from doing bad stuff, believe us. We just never told you because it's for you own good. YTou wouldn't be one of the cultists too, right?
>>
Yeah, no, I'm fading fast. But when I get up I'll write the outcome then run at 12 proper, if I wake up before then.

At the moment it's looking like

>Split up, Basil/Jacobs free 2-3 more prisoners and Sorina scouts for exit, the prisoners go loud in an effort to distract the clergy, and we head to the Sanctum to maybe try to sneak some info from it?
>>
>>583276
yeah, that seems good for now, but if we're going loud, then we might as well let loose ALL the prisoners.
>>
>>583276
If we're going loud, get as many prisoners as we can get, but other then that, that's a solid plan.

Don't forget to arm them, in case of guards and whatnot.
>>
>>583192
I like the idea, but wasn't Travis brainwashed out in the boonies? Maybe there are brainwashing crystals everywhere.

Then again, we could get our Vader on and make a huge mess, leaving the crystals out in the open, freeing the prisoners, leaving incriminating documents everywhere. The clergy won't be able to shut that up with their leaders dead.
>>
>>583276
Other way around. Miranda goes to the Sanctum loud to distract from the prison break and investigation.
>>
>>583276
Agreed with
>>583300
>>583324

Still suggesting to wait for 25 minutes before the extraction so Lady Maladis and Sorina have the max amount of time to investigate. And then maybe prepare a surprise/ prepare the desecration of the Sanctum.
But yeah, Sanctum raiding is a good idea. Find clergy hooded robes for easier infiltration/ harder identification.
>>
>>583326
>leaving incriminating documents everywhere
I'd prefer bringing back more than a few. They'd have time to make a bonfire out of any wood-based evidence before any official investigation.
>>
>>583276
I'm kinda sad that we are probably not going to get to do the demonstration fights tomorrow though. Surely if we beat up a bunch of priests the state will be looking for us tomorrow if only to clarify.

I would rather try to remain sneaky tonight but if we are going to make a mess then this guy knows what's up >>583345
>>
>>583357
yeah, we should take the ones with the most disturbing /incriminating evidence, and scatter anything else we can't take EVERYWHERE.

>>583361
as long as we can pull this off without getting our identity exposed ,we can.
>>
>>583366
>take the ones with the most disturbing /incriminating evidence, and scatter anything else we can't take EVERYWHERE.

...We know a bard, think she'd like this incriminating stuff for a musical number or story or something?
>>
Clergy hooded robes for everybody! (Mostly Longshots and Miranda, esp. her)

A distraction as big as a full armed prison escape should reduce the number of cultists by a fair amount in the Sanctum. Heck, we could even bring the news ourselves (while veiled)!
Pick up lots of bags for evidence looting. Keep a few empty for the Sanctum. Usable either as restrain or moar looting.
>>
>>583480
until we can neutralize the clergy, she would be at a considerable risk of being dragged off for 'repentance' not long after..
>>
>>583498
I figured she'd follow us around a bit after the tournament to try to write a few songs about our deeds, but yeah, the Church of Orind would have to at least be distracted enough with the ensuing public relations shitstorm first.
>>
>>583611
Even then, if you want her to be writing seditious songs, that's just painting a huge target on her back no matter what.
Distracted by the PR shitstorm? Why wouldn't they get rid of one of the people contributing to that shitstorm and who isn't a super-soldier demon or a protag hero?
>>
>>583611
waitaminute
did we just vote to kill of the clergy tonight? because I saw this suggested in this thread, and I'm not sure if it passed or not.
>>
>>583620
I figured she'd either sit on them for a while until the two nations cool off, or play them in Horinth.

>>583629
No, I'm pretty sure we're just going there to distract them from the jail break. Killing them is optional.
>>
>>583637
>play them in Horinth
The dragon-worshipping barbarian kingdom that Alban is at war with, assuming she even speaks the language and isn't attacked for being a member of the enemy?
Seems pretty risky.
And she's been seen talking with Miranda, so I don't think simply staying quiet is going to keep her from being picked up for Repentance.
>>
>>583629
I figure we go in, listen in for a little while, then confront them and insult their mothers. Whatever happens, happens.
>>
>>583695
>then confront them and insult their mothers
I chuckled, but that's just unprofessional.
>>
>>583698
>I chuckled, but that's just unprofessional.
Nah, it's a message, a pose. 'I can just waltz into your stronghold whenever I like, don't piss me off.' If it works, it's professional.
>>
>>583733
if any case, I believe if we reveal ourselves, we need to annihilate ALL of them. no survivors.
the moment they get the dirt material we destroy them before they get the chance to do anything. and try not to leave evidence that it was us.
>>
>>583746
While decapitating the Church might be a good idea, I'd rather not kill them out of fear of reprisal. We're a lot stronger than they are.
>>
>>583764
sure, but the chance being just right there surely is juicy. of course, this is their turf, and we don't even know how competent they are, but you get what I mean.
I'm still on the side of maintaining stealth until the prisoners do their thing, and grabbing intel and getting out though. I'm just supporting maximum killing if anons decide to go loud.
>>
>>583746
I like it, if we have any big attacks that can just take out half this building in one go. If anyone asks, "huh, guess they pissed of God".
>>
>>583886
not to mention such a destruction would definitely destroy any kind of evidence if we left any.
however this might destroy/damage the focus chambers, limiting their use as evidence.

therefore I believe that just not revealing our identity is the best coruse of action here, be it murderblasting them in an instant or just being very sneaky.
>>
Hm. Might need to make a new thread soon. For now, though, writing.
>>
“Alright. If we want to expose them for what they actually are, we'll need to work quickly,” you say, a plan forming in your head rapidly. It'll be a bit touch-and-go, and you'll have to work hard to make sure that you're not spotted, but if it works...

You quickly head back into the prison room with the cloaked man in it and swifty de-cloak him- it's a bit rough going with having to untie him again, and he nearly comes to, forcing you to render him unconscious a second time. Still, now you have his cloak- underneath he's not wearing much of anything special, just commoner's clothes. Sitting him right up against the door so that he's not seen, immediately, you take your own cloak off and wrap yourself in the white and blue of the clergy. It's a bit large for your frame, but hopefully no one will question it.

When you come out again, the others are shocked. “Basil, Jacobs, you both take this,” you say, handing over the key crystal. “I trust at least one of you can channel mana?”

Basil takes it, looking it over. “I, uh...I don't do it much, but yeah, I can do it.” He tests it, mana glowing on his fists, and sure enough the crystal flashes. “Oh, cool. So we doin' a breakout?”

You nod. “Free as many as you can. Find them weapons, if possible. But before you go causing a ruckus, wait twenty-five minutes, if you can time it well enough.” You turn to Sorina. “That'll give us time to investigate and find both an exit and incriminating evidence. We also might want to make sure that we can locate disguises for, at the very least, yourself and Basil.”

She nods. “There's no one around that I can see- probably in different areas of the underground.”

“Then be cautious. You go west, I'll be heading east.” Without much else, you head off in the direction the clergyman was going, head bowed. You can hear a door or two opening as you leave, along with very hushed whispers- with your heightened senses, they were being fairly quiet, then. Good.

cont.
>>
>>584673
The one plus to the oversized cloak was that your head was practically covered entirely. As you make your winding way throughout the dirt halls, you can see a few side alcoves- some have food containers in them, others, weapons racks, some general supplies. It seems like there was a whole system down here...impressive subterfuge. You also notice that the dirt seems to be getting packed harder and cleaner- and you're starting to see occasional stonework.

Before you can muse on that much, however, you smell people, hear footsteps again, behind and to your left. More roses. There's two clergymen coming up behind you, discussing something.

'It's really a shame she had to be so blithe about it. We could use a bright mind like hers,' one says.

'Ah, well, she'll learn about it, like it or not,' the second says. Judging from how she looked, I'd say she just needs a day or two more in the chamber to sort her out. Maybe then she'll not put those carnations on such a pedestal, eh?' They both chuckle at that.

Ah. Talking about prisoners. They pass you without really paying attention, fortunately, as you make yourself look busy in an alcove with a table and some half cut fruits. When they've passed, you can see them take a left at the end of the hallway. That must be the direction of the Sanctum. There's a right path, too. You also might be served going back where they came to investigate what's there. You don't have the crystal, but if anything REALLY needs to be opened...

>Head left towards the Sanctum
>Head right away from the Sanctum
>Head in the direction you sensed the other two come from.
>Other
>>
>>584678
>>Head in the direction you sensed the other two come from.
>>
>>584678
>Head in the direction you sensed the other two come from.
Oh, the flower girl?
Best to make sure she's broken out.
>>
>>584678
>Head in the direction you sensed the other two come from.
Nellie is a main witness.
>>
Well, maybe her flowers smell better. Writing.
>>
>>584807
Cut the door's hinges with the Flamebringer for efficiency.
>>
Oh, before I forget:

http://pastebin.com/eTu7U2PZ I was putting this off until the next mission, but part of me feels like you might like to know about one or two of the techniques in here. A word of warning, there ARE mana costs for them- I simply kept them out of the pastebin for now- they'll be edited in later.
>>
>>584678
Hm. If that's Nellie, then she'd end up making an excellent witness. Sounds like a worthwhile detour. You quickly slip back out in the other direction and try to follow your general sense of where they were. You soon find yourself in another hallway, this one again entirely structured stonework, and you can see a few doors and alcoves as well. You can't smell or hear anything beyond those doors at the moment- and you doubt they would have warded absolutely everything.

You'd like to check several of these places out, but you've priorities. You end up jogging down a second hallway, and turn a corner- this hall is lined with various portraits yet again, as well as several quotes from various peoples. There's a familiar steel door at the end, with a viewport that's emitting a glowing pink light...

You take a quick look in, and sure enough, you can see a destitute young girl with curly hair and a simple, dirty blouse and sandals. She's tied up in a kneeling position, on a pedestal in what's clearly a focus chamber. The light seems harsher than you're used to, however, now that you're up close. A quick glance around, and you realize exactly why. There are no less than THREE crystals in that room, possibly more considering your limited field of view.

You've never really been exposed directly to the mental waves- you HOPE that you'd be able to resist, considering your but subversive effects like this were always rough to judge...then again Sorina did it for a few seconds and she seems perfectly fine.

Bah, you really don't have time for this. You'll have to be speedy. You quickly draw your Flamebringer, and with a few quick, firey cuts, the door falls- you catch it again- and in one leap in, one leap out, with prisoner in tow.

As you lay her down a fair distance down the hallway, untying her, you're kind of surprised. You...you DID hear something, but it sounded just like...gibberish? Like just random syllables of nothing.
Soon, however, you're broken out of your wonderings by a gasp and a stare as Nellie looks up at you. “Wha...what's happening? Who are you? I thought everyone here was going to...I thought I was...”

>Don't worry. Go back to the main cells, there are others who'll protect you.
>Stay here, be careful. I have to go.
>Do you know anything about this place?
>Other
>>
Ugh. I'm taking too long to update. I don't like cutting down details, but I just might if only to get stuff out faster.
>>
>>584853
Is it possible to use shock touch on hands for non-lethal brain disruption/ defibrilation (can also be used offensively to debilitate)?
That'd make a surefire handheld and unconspicuous taser. Bring up the amperage and actually fry brain for assassination with minimal surface evidence. Or just touch the left side of someone's body to hit the heart.
Miranda should know human (and others) anatomy by now.
>>
>>584970
Yep.
>>
>>584958
>Don't worry. Go back to the main cells, there are others who'll protect you.
>Do you know anything about this place?
>>
>>584962
I like details, personally.

>Do you know anything about this place?
>Don't worry. Go back to the main cells, there are others who'll protect you.

>>584981
awoo
>>
>>584958
>>Do you know anything about this place?
>>
>>584958
>>Don't worry. Go back to the main cells, there are others who'll protect you.
When you see a big guy the size of a moose with a short girl leading a bunch of prisoners, tell them you were sent by me, okay?
>See if we can smash those crystals from a distance, might make for good proof to take back.
>>
>>585034
>might make for good proof to take back.
I doubt it.
Unless someone is a practiced mage, they'll look exactly like the focusing crystals that the Church and College use.
In fact, the only way for someone to know that they're used for brainwashing and mind control is if they've already used an illegal mind control spell so they can recognize what it's doing.
Otherwise people have taken at face value that the crystals aid in focusing the mind.
>>
>>584962
Don't worry about taking your time. I personally can put up with a longer wait when there's more information given out.
>>
>>585056
Well, regardless, I still think some crystal breaking is in order, if only to stall their brainwashing operations for a little while.
>>
>>584962
I'm perfectly happy with your current pace.
>>
Quick question then quick directions. Writing!
>>
Mind if we keep the rope she was tied up with? I figure we might need it for securing someone...
>>
>>584958
“Look, don't worry about me, but I've got a couple questions for you first.” you insist as you wrap up the rope and gag used to bind her- there's at least some inner pockets in this thing, thank goodness. “First off, do you know anything about this place? Any unique locations, or places where there might be information?” Any information you could get out of this girl would be a great boon.

She's looking at you like she's not sure whether you're sincere or not. Still, she at least answers. “There's not much I know about. They kinda just led me in here, blinded me, and...well, I remember they knocked me unconscious, but when I came to...I was sitting in some sort of desk, I think. I heard writing, and they said that I'd 'repent and be taught the truth.' I was walked here, and I remember it wasn't very far...then I was bound up, gagged, and had the blindfold taken off.” Alright, then, that's interesting enough. Might be something nearby.

“Alright then. Do you know where the main cells are?” She shakes her head, and you point her back down the hallway and give her some quick instructions. “Head back that way, and when you see a big guy the size of a moose with a short girl leading a bunch of prisoners, tell them you were sent by me, okay?” You doubt Basil would appreciate being called that, but to be frank, the guy was big. She nods, regardless. “Thank the Noble One for yo-”

“Don't,” you interrupt. “It's all a farce.” She looks at you with some confusion, and blinks hard. “Look, just follow my instructions, you'll see in due time.” She nods, and with a brief escort down the hall, you see her on her way. Now there's another issue for you- investigation of these rooms. Most, to your surprise, aren't even locked. You suppose they figured that anyone out here would be clergy and have access anyway. Might as well start with the first one at the end of the hallway, closer to the brainwashing room.

A quick ransack reveals nothing of particular worth...that is, aside from what appears to be a document of what seems to be times and names. Looks like some sort of schedule, but the title just says 'rotations'. Likely guard schedules, but for where? You mentally gauge the time- you can estimate that you likely still have a few minutes before everything gets loud, although you're unsure. Ugh, you really need to buy a dimension-flux-proof watch sometime.

>Keep inspecting the rooms.
>Head to the Sanctum. Don't want to be too late.
>Head back down the hall where you were, hit the right path across from the other hallway.
>Other
>>
>>585239
>>Head to the Sanctum. Don't want to be too late.
>>
>>585239
>>Head to the Sanctum. Don't want to be too late.

at some point we've got to stop getting sidetracked
>>
>>585239
>>Head to the Sanctum. Don't want to be too late.
>>
>>585239
>>Keep inspecting the rooms
I'm not sure what kind of hard evidence that we can get from the meeting. And getting hard evidence is kind of the point of the mission.
>>
>>585239
>Head back down the hall where you were, hit the right path across from the other hallway.
>>
>>585288
>>585308
>>585312
But we're trying to get hard evidence here, and unless we're going to kidnap a clergyman and then torture him in front of everybody to admit the truth (unconvincingly), I think that searching the rooms will provide more evidence.
>>
>>585332
If we don't distract the high clergy from our impending prison break, they're going to go directly to the prisoners and Basil and Sorina to deal with them, and that'll reduce the witnesses we have.
>>
To the Sanctum of Orind!

Writing.
>>
>>585332
we don't know if they're stupid enough to leave actually incriminating documents lying about. however if we listen in on this meeting we might learn of their plans for the future
>>
>>585239
No, best to get a move on now. You quickly lower your head again, and you begin a casual trot down the hallway, doing your best to look as though you're in a hurry, but not in an utter panic. Hopefully anyone nearby would get the message and leave you alone- presuming that your height wasn't questioned. Then again, you had to imagine there were at least a few people involved that were as short as you.

You take a left down the hall, and you can see what appears to be the back end of a group of people, at a t-intersection, hooded and cloaked to a one, milling about with the line backing into the hall you're coming from. You can see you're not the only 'late' one, as two or three more cloaked clergymen walk up. Some seem to be talking, but others are simply waiting patiently, heads bowed. You make yourself like the latter while listening to some of the former. They're close enough you don't need your enhanced hearing, either.

“So, what do you figure this is about?” asks an older sounding fellow. “The notes said...”

“Probably figuring out what to do with the demonness that's been causing a ruckus,” a raspy sounding lady chimes in. “Everyone's in a tizzy over her and the boy's group lately. Apparently there's been some rather heretical speech going about regarding both lots, and the High Priest isn't pleased.” Interesting. “Probably just going to give us some details and tell us to keep a look out, then, so they don't get too much support.” a second man responds. “Might have to call in some help.”

“I thought we already did?” another asks. Before they can say anything more, the door opens, flanked by two armored guards- they're dressed lighter and differently then the normal Tenimbaum soldiers, you notice- and people start to file in. You do your best to squeeze yourself in between several taller people without touching, and although there are a few bumps, no one says anything, and you manage to filter in unnoticed.

The room resembles nothing more than a decently sized auditorium, half-circular in nature, and with plenty of seating which is filled in slowly. There's no raised areas, however, it's entirely flat, save for the stage area, which of course no one dares to get near. You make certain to sit near the back, keeping yourself behind taller people so that you're not as easy to spot.

It's little more from here than a few minutes of waiting and watching before finally, you see a door on the opposite end of where you entered through open, and through it first steps two knights, then two more, and finally between the both of them, steps a man you can only presume to be the High Priest.

cont.
>>
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>>585567
He's quite elderly, as you expected, with fancy flowing robes, a hat of great stature, and a surprisingly healthy head of hair. He looks out among everyone with a keen eye and a smile that doesn't reach them. However, when he speaks, his voice is rather strong and firm. “My people, I have called you all here today, as the missive stated, to discuss a grave threat to our regular state of being. As you know, we have long been bequeathed the lands above by our ancestors, who obtained the rule of this land, most secretly, through guile and cunning, when the hero Orind passed on. We have proliferated our words, our beliefs, and our rules to the benefit of all those who have been deemed worthy. The others, of course, have been punished.” Boy, you wish you had a recorder right now. “And now we have reason to believe that this is all in jeopardy.” He begins pacing. “A demon is within our midst. From nowhere she came, and already she has demonstrated abilities that risk revealing our machinations to the highest degree! We CANNOT let this demonic influence go unchecked for any longer!” His voice raises, and trembles. “What we are owed, we have gotten, and now she threatens to snatch it away with powers that should not be hers, feats that leave DOUBT.”

You can see some people nodding and hear a few agreements. “Should she call in to question the nature of Orind, we stand to lose much of that we have worked for- our right to rule, taken back as subtly as we can, as the descendants of the original settlers of this city! Even if we must operate in the shadows, this land is OURS. No king or prince can state otherwise, and we have PROVEN it!” There are cheers that go up suddenly. “The markets sell according to our desires, in the name of Orind. The soldiers come to us, before their own generals, asking for help and blessings in the name of a man who slew monsters fifty times his size! And the peoples consider us arbiter of law! WE WILL NOT LET SOME OUTSIDER THREATEN ALL OF THAT!” Wanton cheers go up. “And I urge you all to keep vigilant for her. She has been spotted consorting with members of Adept Tavis's group, and our training grounds for loyal mages has reportedly been compromised.” Rats. So they DID find out about the school break-in... “According to our witnesses, she was last seen near one of the canals, too close to one of our Justicar safehouses. I fear that if she somehow figures out what we do here, she will attempt to spreads her taint to him or his. If she does so, the results would be disastrous for us...”

cont. again because I misjudged the word limits.
>>
>>585611
“Have you a way to counter this, High Priest?” one brave soul asks. Fortunately for him, the High Priest simply smiles.

“Oh, indeed, indeed. I have made manifest several actions that, tomorrow, should see fruition in causing her to be outed as a heretic and demonic influence, with proper proofs and witnesses.” His grin is vicious and assured. “Tavis has confessed to me personally about his concerns regarding his allies. I intend to utilize that to both reinforce his belief, and grant us a prime opportunity to remove this threat from the picture.” Speaking of threats...the party should be starting any time now.

>Wait for it...
>Might as well start the show yourself. (How?)
>>
>>585616
>Wait for it...
I hope that after tonight, Sorina and Basil will back us rather than Tavis no matter what the High Priest tries.
>>
>>585616
>>Wait for it...
>>
>>585616
>>Wait for it...
>>
Patience. Writing!
>>
>>585616
No, best to hold off until the panic starts. Then you can move. You don't want anyone noticing you...but you REALLY hope that Sorina and Basil managed to find some cloaks so that they're not easily spotted. Otherwise...well, you suppose that really, that might help your overall goal, provided they make it out well enough. So actually either or would work decently for you, you guess.

Sure enough, a short moment later, during some discussion about recent other issues such as apparently discussing direct royal influence, you can hear a small rumble, although that only gets a few looks at best. You're starting to wonder exactly what that was when you suddenly see a clergyman barge in, panting and more than a little dirty. Seems like some of them might've roughed him up a bit before he managed to get here.

“HELP!” He yells. “THERE'S BEEN A BREAK OUT! EVERYONE'S GETTING LOOSE- THEY'RE STORMING THROUGH THE TUNNELS!”

Immediately the entire room jumps into a massive of panic and confusion. You rise quickly with them in order to keep yourself from suspicion, but say nothing even as everyone starts asking questions in harried voices.

“SILENCE!” the High Priest yells, and although it takes a moment, everyone quiets down as he quickly starts giving orders. “All who are combat capable go to meet the prisoners and prepare for battle. Strike them down if you must, but we will NOT let this stand! All others prepare to withdraw- be sure to take as many documents and important artifacts as you can, just in case!” As everyone starts moving you need to decide quickly what to do.

>Go with the defense force and undefense it before they get there.
>Go with the non-combatants and start snagging documents.
>Other
>>
>>585810
Blast the head priest in the chest knocking him unconscious say some heretical things and rile up and distract the priests.
>>
>>585810
>Go with the non-combatants and start snagging documents.
Hard evidence? Gimme!
>>
>>585810
>>Go with the defense force and undefense it before they get there.

See where the High Priest runs off to so that we can give this rope and gag some good use.
>>
>>585810
>Go with the non-combatants and start snagging documents.
Time for some grand theft incriminating documents!
>>
>>585810
>>Go with the non-combatants and start snagging documents.

OH YEAH

Use the electric buzz spell to incapacitate them when necessary, it should be the best way to stay inconspicuous
>>
>>585810
>>Go with the non-combatants and start snagging documents.
We need that hard proof. Without it, all we have is a 'he said, she said' situation. And we probably won't be as believed as the clergy.
>>
Always have everything in triplicate. That makes it easier to steal.

Writing!
>>
>>585810
Thank goodness your robe is oversized. With that sword you have on you, people might think you're meant to be a warriors. Which you are, but you're not wanting to be one for the next few minutes as you file out with the large grouping of pencil-pushers- you find most of them headed further down the hall that you first saw the line of them waiting at. You suppose that's where a lot of the papers were. It takes only a minute at the pace everyone is moving as you and two other clergymen quickly open a room and start opening desks to take out documents. They're too harried to notice you, but you make certain to roll up and stuff a good few papers in your pockets before rushing out ahead of them.

The second room you get too in all the mess is similar, but there's only the one in here as he quickly scurries around the room, picking up loose pieces. He doesn't even look your way as he begins talking. “Ah, help, good, these are the numbers for weapons expenses. Take these while I get to the other rooms!” He quickly stuffs them in your hands and walks out in a hurry. Lovely.

You then move to a room further down the hall- it seems to be by it's lonesome at the end, and you figure that'll give you an opportunity to get some private searching in for once. However, when you reach the room,you soon you see why it's somewhat separated from everyone else- it's fairly extravagant for an underground room, with rugs, lights, and other marks of comfort. There's a tall woman there who's gathering up several books and papers. She turns around- you can see she's blonde- and glances at you, then scoffs and turns back. “I've got the personnel records, you keep going!” Oh, what? Personnel records? Gonna have to ask for that, yeah. You quickly trigger your shocking touch, and before she can ask what's happening you palm her head. She's out like a light in seconds, and you deposit her on the bed in the corner, then take the personnel documents.

That's fortunate for you, but as you get back to the main hallway, you can see there's more people apparently leaving. You wonder just how extensive this tunnel system is...but as you look back and forth, you notice that the crowd is already beginning to thin out just a bit. You're not sure if you should consider that a good or a bad thing at the moment.

>Keep searching for documents or tools.
>What you have is good, and best not to risk your identity. Escape.
>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
>Other.
>>
>>586102
>Keep searching for documents or tools.
>>
>>586102
>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
>>
>>586102
>Other.
Try to find the head priest's office!

Grab someone and tell them that the head priest requested help but your hands are already full and then we follow the guy on the sly.
>>
>>586102
>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
Time to bust them out of here too!
>>
>>586102
>>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
>>
>>586102
>>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
>>
>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
>>
Let's get to the thick of it. Writing!
>>
>>586102
>>Go back towards the fighting. Time to support Sorina and Basil
When we get home we really need to get some detect life type thing, seems dead useful
>>
>>586102
Well, no, what you have should be good- that plus the personal testimony of the captives? You'd be surprised if there was a great deal of defense they could put up even after all of that. You run down the hall, back from where you came. It'd be a difficult thing if it weren't for the remaining clergy that thought you were running to reinforce the defenders and got out of your way on sight. Part of you wonders if anyone really stopped to take a look at you, but you can't really mull on that very long.

Your travels take you clear through the holding cells- they've moved well beyond those- and you can hear shouting and steel clashing up ahead. You hang a left, then go down a long hallway- you can see some bloodstains already, although it doesn't seem to be much. You turn, then exit into what seems to be a makeshift mess hall, or perhaps casual meeting room, with a large ceiling and a number of tables. Looking down, you can see a sword on the ground- at the doorway is a body- the clergyman it belongs to not far away. The sounds are getting louder as you approach get through the room, and soon you can see fighting.

Sorina, Basil, and the escaped prisoners are being harrie hard by the advancing soldiers, and you can see wounds on Sorina, as well as Basil. Jacobs is still standing, armed with a shortsword that's clearly already seen some use. You can see Lillian in the throng as well, although she's far in the back, beind defended by some of the more able bodied prisoners. Sorina suddenly speaks loudly and a gout of mana bursts from her hands in a long beam- similar to what was fired at the Iron Golem, you realize. Basil is just using his warhammer as best he can in these cramped hallways- thrusting it forward in an attempt to bash any clergy warriors that get too close.

Fortunately, those same clergy don't notice you in time, and you already stab through two of them by the time they realize someone behind them isn't an ally. “Focus on getting out!” you yell. “I can handle these!” You really can- most of them don't seem to be exceptionally trained, and your skills are far more efficient in close quarters than their swords and polearms, even. Before you can say too much more, however, Sorina shrieks- a halberd's cut into her side, and Basil ROARS in anger, channeling his mana nearly by instinct and letting loose with a massive punch that not only flattens the offender, but the wave of mana forces the throng of soldiers behind him to collapse.

You quickly leap over and take a look at Sorina. “How bad is it?”

She grimaces. “It hurts...a lot...I think I'll live if we get out of there quick, though. There's others up above, but I think we can mostly avoid them...”

> “Alright, get going. I'll hold them off.”
> “Fine, let's all get out of here.”
> Other


Back later tonight!
>>
>>586317
> “Fine, let's all get out of here.”
Time to bail we already got a lot of information to play the crowd tomorrow in the match.
>>
>>586317
> Other
Use Healing Hands on her, then after that
> “Alright, get going. I'll hold them off.”
>>
>>586317
Bastards.
>Fine, lets all get out of here.
>>
>>586317
>> “Fine, let's all get out of here.”
>>
>>586317
> “Fine, let's all get out of here.”

>cramped hallways
Can we collapse the roof behind us?
>>
>>586317
> “Fine, let's all get out of here.”
> Remind everyone that they're not safe just because they get out- the guards and soldiers are on the Churches side.
>>
>>586347
Are we starting an underground rebellion? I think were starting an underground rebellion.

One that can neatly be suborned by the Knights of the New Moon.
>>
>>586317
>Other
Use Healing Hands on Sorina. We need to protect our investment and our bonus.
> “Alright, get going. I'll hold them off.”
>>
>>586317
>> “Fine, let's all get out of here.”
Though we should give Sorina our lesser healing potion. It might help.
>>
>>586317
> Other
Use Healing Hands on her, then after that
> “Alright, get going. I'll hold them off.”
We must protect the flower girl's smile.
>>
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>>584853
>9999 mana
My god.
>>
>>586317
>“Fine, let's all get out of here.”
Time to bail
>>
>>586317
But muh potential artifact-level loot (Orrind sword=Centerpiece part for the flying fortress, even?)


> “Alright, get going. I'll hold them off.”
Give Sorina the minor healing potion, go scavenge for more interesting items.
>>
Back, and writing shortly. Also I should clarify- Healing Hands takes a few minutes to work.
>>
>>587690
Ah. Then is it too late to switch to just the Minor Healing Potion?
>>
>>587690
Welcome back!

>Healing Hands takes a few minutes to work.
If that's the case, give her the minor healing potion, then fix her up all the way back at the inn.

Also, back up in >>586317...
>You can see Lillian in the throng as well, although she's far in the back

Did you mean Nellie, or did we actually see Lillian the Bard?
>>
>>587729
i meant Nellie fuck.
>>
> 'An empty room for thinking and plans, with an extra place to pray- somewhere attached is the High Caller's Room, exclusive to him, they say.'
The Sanctum?
>>
>>586317
“Fine.” You quickly fish out your minor healing potion, and toss it to her. “That should keep you steady until we get somewhere safe.” he gulps it down without even hesitating. “I'll be able to heal the rest once we've got some time to spare.” Basil's still glaring at the group that he knocked down- they seem to be coming to, though, and you know that you can't spare much more time. The rest of your freed crew seems to feel the same as they start making for the exit. “Now let's get out of here.”

The following race for the exit is, at the very least, harrowing. There are indeed several forces up top, and you're forced to take winding paths- Sorina's occasional flinching doesn't do much to help matters, and it starts to make you think that either the potion isn't working, or she's aggravating the injury as fast as it heals.

Basil seems to think so, too, and after the third grunt of pain in as many minutes, he's clearly done- picking her up in a princess carry and making her direct things from there- her aura vision comes in great handy, and she's able to guide the throng of people- around 30 total, at a glance!- as best as possible around patrol forces that are trying to meet them. Sadly, it's at one point unavoidable, and you all barrel forward into the quintet of clergy that had rounded the corner to stop you. The fight wasn't really much of a fight, but it was a brief worry, and you still think a couple of people got injured- they'd managed to get their swords out before they'd been trashed.

It's only then that you realize that they're going straight for the front door- you suppose that kind of makes sense, considering the back was was far too small, much less the emergency exit. The mass of people throw themselves at the large double doors, but they hold fast. Not a problem for you, though, and you quickly jump to the front of the pack, only to turn around on them quickly. “Before I do this, keep this in mind,” you warn them in a steel-toned whisper. “The guards and soldiers may NOT take your side! This entire town is under their control, except for the prince!”

“Tomorrow might be different,” Sorina gets out. “I...found a few things myself.”

“Well, in that case, I'm going home! I have a son to see!” Jacobs says. He and a bunch of the others take off in various directions, and you are already going down the street- Basil and Sorina behind you. Before you get back into the inn, you take special care to burn the clergy cloak with your Flamebringer in an alleyway, bringing back on your initial cloak. You still needed a replacement.

The inn, surprisingly, doesn't ask questions when you come in with Basil and Sorina, and head straight towards your bed upstairs.

>Focus on healing and talking with Sorina and the others.
>Find Geegee. Time to cash in that favor.
>Other
>>
>>587978
>Focus on healing and talking with Sorina and the others.
Let's debrief.
>>
>>587978
>Focus on healing and talking with Sorina and the others.

It's time to talk about who we work for. Basil likely has questions, especially since he seen our sword.
>>
>>587978
Heal, and then go find Geegee
>>
>>587978
>Focus on healing and talking with Sorina and the others.
Geegee's favor is worth more than a few minutes and a trickle of mp.
>>
>>587978
>Focus on healing and talking with Sorina and the others.
>>
As >>588002 said, time for a debrief.
>>
>>587978
Basil quickly lays Sorina on the bed, and she cringes lifts up the dress she was wearing to reveal the cut. “...It was worse than you thought,” you say after only a glace. Her clothes had hid the MASSIVE cut she must have received, considering there was still a very visible gash in her side. “Likely you thought you'd be fine, but you were running on adrenaline. If you've still got a cut running from your liver area to around your back?” You shake your head as you place your hands above her injury. “That wasn't a nick, that was a gouge. You'd have passed out from blood loss before long, if not died.” Basil blanches at that, and even Sorina gasps. “Yeah, it happens. Now hold still, and no one say anything for the next few minutes.”

Healing hands was a skill you'd rarely needed to use, but you still remembered the basics. You close your eyes, and focus your energies, trying to hit that perfect equilibrium that would allow for healing outside of your body. Sooner than later, you hit it, and you can feel the mana flowing from you into her. You might have a lot of the stuff, but it takes careful regulation to keep it in a healing state. If you're disturbed, it'd just go back to being regularly emitted mana, and that would HURT, instead of help.

Fortunately, they both understand, and they remain quiet as you focus. You have to open your eyes and squint every now and again to make check, but over the minutes her wound closes bit by bit. After about a steady fifteen minutes or so, she's clear and healthy. Sorina's the first to speak as you open your eyes fully. “That's...that's incredible that you can just DO that. Healing magics were said to be-”

“Illegal?” you guess.

Sorina shakes her head. “No, just...difficult. Not many people can be said to know healing magic- that's usually reserved for higher members of the church and chaplains. Although...” her voice gets far more melancholy. “Now that I know what I do, I wonder how much of it was just lies...” she looks back up at you. “Also, I'm rather curious what else you might be able to do, or how you learned.”

“Actually,” Basil pipes up. “That reminds me. How'd you get that sword?”

“Off of a Horinthian Flameguard captain I beat up,” you answer.

He cocks an eyebrow, but you can also see a grin tugging at his face. “Oh. Well then.” The grin drops fast. “So...I gotta ask. I saw you in the library, saw you out in the field, but...just what's going on with you? What's your deal?”

“I have to ask as well.” Sorina says. “You...painful as it was to show me, this was something that had to be done, I feel. But I have to know as well...how'd you learn about it? It seemed like something the church had kept very secret. How'd you come to know where to start looking?

> Because I work for the Knights of the New Moon. They're really not as bad as you think.
>If you want to know, I'll tell you after the event tomorrow.
>I was hired to...handle business in Alban. This ended up being part of it.
>Other
>>
>>588178
>> Because I work for the Knights of the New Moon. They're really not as bad as you think.
It's time.
>>
>>588178
>> Because I work for the Knights of the New Moon. They're really not as bad as you think.

Tell them to sit down, then relate to them how it was your idea to start investigating the mage's college after Commander Argus talked to you about his suspicions about it.
>>
>>588210
>I work for the Knights of the New Moon. This was just part of my job.
>>
>>588178
>Other
"Because I asked some soldiers of the Knights of the New Moon why they joined up with the Knights, and they mentioned the brainwashing and disappearing of dissidents done by the College and the Temple as a big reason."
>>
>>588178
>Because I work for the Knights of the New Moon. They're really not as bad as you think.
I dunno if revealing it now is the best course of action, but since other people are voting for it, as well as the moment of truth dawned on them just now, now is the best time to say so if any. and ti might give them time to think about it until tomorrow.
>>
>>588178
> Because I work for the Knights of the New Moon. They're really not as bad as you think.
Look in war there are no real Good guy or bad guy, everyone has an agenda.
>>
I can't think of anything interesting again! But we reveal our affiliation! Writing!
>>
>>588233
we should at least mention this.
>>
>>588178
> Because I work for the Knights of the New Moon. They're really not as bad as you think.
Nowhere in the Horrinth or Alban camp was more sensible, more reasonable people. The more knowledgeable about a faction's taint and other refugees were welcomed among the Neew Moon knights.

From what the Longshots said about those they met, that one named Velan is a subversive and dangerous infiltrator.
>>
>>588233
>>588350
Yeah, definitely relate that bit to them, particularly the Commander's suspicions.
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>>588356
>Nowhere
Well, except Geegee. Can't say about Zarach.
>>
Sheeit, late again. I hope we just say something like "the knights of the new moon hired me to help end this war and to do that with as little death as possible I need to investigate each sides motivations."
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>>588374
I dunno, Miss Delilah back in Blake's Landing was pretty good about knowing how General Corbin was blocking entry to the town for some reason. Not Geegee by any means, but still, not too bad.
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>>588395
It's true we came as investigators and mediators, not instigators. It's just that draining the enemy factions' shit cisterns (problematic stuff from the newmoons and the common folk) helps the whole of the main islands.

>>588406
You have a point.
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>>588438
>It's true we came as investigators and mediators, not instigators
That's a lie, though.
If you want to lie to Sorina and Basil, just say so. But don't try to lie to the other players.
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>>588455
I kind of disagree with you. Not entirely, but a bit.

Since we decided on convincing the Longshots, we've been busting our butt trying to gather enough evidence to make them see that Alban has some shady shit in it's back shed. Sure, the Knights might have thought that we would have done it with a show of force, but as players, we all knew that wouldn't slide, and that'd they would likely join up more willingly with some application of truthyness.
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>>588178
Well. Now it's time. “Well...you said you know of the Knights of the New Moon, right?”

The expressions on their faces is all you need to know. Sorina seems utterly shocked. “Wait...you...?”

Basil just seems outright baffled. “But...don't they want to destroy the world or something? Why would...HOW would...?”

You sigh. "Well, you first might want to sit down while I explain, Basil.” He does so. “And the answer is, because I asked some soldiers of the Knights of the New Moon why they joined up with the Knights. In particular, a commander informed me about his suspicions on the topic of brainwashing and disappearing of dissidents done by the College and the Temple. That was a big reason. It seems a large portion of the members of either nation are those with enough insight to realize the major faults inherent in their systems."

“Wait, but no!” Basil yells. “When we fought Velan, he said that he was trying to clean the world, 'wipe the slate clean', make a new one, in the name of the Knights of the New Moon! Why would they want this? Just to cause more chaos? What part are you playing in this!?” Geez, he's getting fired up.

“Actually, they hired me to help end this war quickly and cleanly. I've personally seen the politics on both sides now, and neither side is exactly a place I'd love to live. That's what the Knights of the New Moon are about- fixing all of that. I've talked to several of the higher ups. They don't want wanton bloodshed, they don't want to rule over everything with an iron fist...” at least, you think. “But what they do want is to remove the causes of the current conflict and bring about a new order of things with far more cooperation and understanding- quite possibly a mutual joining of nations, should that be possible.” They both rear back at that. You shrug. “Think what you will, but on a level it does make sense. They're prepared to use force to make their voices heard- and they DO want to be heard. I've been helping with that.”

cont.
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>>588488
We decided to convince the Longshots because that's the objective that the Knights gave us, and exposing the Temple's mind control was simply the best way to achieve that objective.
We were still hired to win this war for the Knights through the application of overwhelming force. It's just that the Longshots happened to come up as a potential obstacle to the Knights' overall project of acquiring the Great Creations and they wanted us to eliminate the competition.

We were not hired as an investigator or mediator, but as an enforcer and force multiplier, as an operative to eliminate threats to their war effort.
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>>588572
“Then how does what Velan said match up with ANY of that?” Sorina asks, taken aback.

“That's easy.” you lean back. “I suspect it doesn't. It's entirely possible that it just so happens the man you fought is either simply an outlier and misrepresentation of the group as a whole, or quite possibly some sort of infiltrator or agent provocateur."

"What?" Basil seems confused.

"That's...but that's grossly unlikely, don't you think?" Sorina asks.

"Is it?" You counter. "After all, you said Torvald was pleasant enough. I've met the man as well. He's loud yes, but he's not exactly a warmongering beast, and he DOES still think well of you, Basil.” Basil seems taken aback. “In fact, the leader of the organization- whom I'll decline to name- seems interested in all of you in a more benign fashion than you might think. Some folks there I feel you might get along with rather well, actually, Sorina.”

“Wait, so then, what's your angle here?” He asks. “What, you want us to go and walk up to them and be like, 'Hey, so you're not that bad apparently, wanna chat?'”

You lean forward. “Exactly.”

Both their jaws drop, and Basil leans back. “Sorry, but I dunno about all that. Sure, the church is bad, and thanks for helpin' us with that, but trying to chat up guys that caused Nerissa to quit? That nearly killed Sorina!?” He shakes his head. "That's kinda askin' a lot...”

Sorina says nothing, looking away; she looks like she's deep in thought, her lips pursed hard. Basil looks over at her and moves closer to her side, but no tears fall. It's a brief period of silence, but eventually, she looks back up at you. “I...can we have a bit of time to ourselves? I think me and Basil need to talk...”

You nod. “Alright.” Might want to talk to Geegee anyway. Wonder if you'll have to sleep in her room tonight...
>>
And fuck it I'm done with this thread. Tomorrow will be a NEW one because we hit bump limit in BOTH WAYS.

See you then! Also questions are welcome!
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>>588574
We are marketed as a fixer, not a WMD. Investigation is part of that. Simplistic reasoning like you are applying will make us seem like a rank amateur.
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>>588574
They also allowed us to complete our missions as we see fit. And the way we've been doing that lately is by investigating things, rather then destroying them.
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>>588615
>We are marketed as a fixer, not a WMD
That's what Sal normally markets Miranda's skills as.
This time he marketed us as a super-soldier, one who had unparalleled control over the arcane and who could make up for the Knights' lack of numbers through sheer force of magical power.

That's what Sal and the Knights both told us.
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>>588611
Could you verify how Miranda was marketed to the Knights, and what they expected from us?
A fixer? Or as a force multiplier and operative that's also an auxiliary army?
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>>588631
not that guy, but I believe being rather tame with our abilities helped us in the long run. we can always go loud tomorrow, if that's what you want.
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>>588639
You were basically marketed as a one girl army with incredible arcane powers. Like I mentioned in the other thread, Sal's been trying different sales pitches for you. The Knights, in turn, basically expected someone who'd be able to tear through the countryside, find The Longshots, slaughter them, and call it done. Like they mentioned, they WANT the Longshots to join them, but they aren't expecting it any.
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>>588658
Oh man, I hope we don't get a bad review because we wasted our time with half assed spy games instead of ripping and tearing.
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>>588672
I think Argus is more likely to send a recommandation letter on our part,
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>>588658
can we expect some kind of bonus for convincing them in?
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>>588650
>we can always go loud tomorrow, if that's what you want.
That's not what I want.
My problem is with >>588438
and with the others who are trying to portray Miranda's employment here as an investigator and mediator, when that's not true.

We were hired as an army of one, and we just happen to have the investigative skills collected over a long career that will let us find the best way to get the Longshots to come over to the Knights so that we can get a bonus for a successful recruitment.
Also because doing an investigation and recruiting the Longshots takes more time than simply killing them like the Knights expected us to do means that we get paid more, since we're paid by the day and not by the mission objective.

There is a difference between saying that we were hired as a mediator, and being hired on as a brute squad that is able to also handle secondary and tertiary objectives that require a wide range of skills beyond flattening city blocks.
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>>588685
>There is a difference between saying that we were hired as a mediator, and being hired on as a brute squad that is able to also handle secondary and tertiary objectives that require a wide range of skills beyond flattening city blocks.
Ah, I see. I get what you mean now.
and I agree.on the quoted part.
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>>588682
Considering you got a bonus for turning in Great Creations, what do you figure? (I feel like I shouldn't be answering this...)
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>>588704
It was something of an oversight on our part to not ask the Knights if there was a bonus for recruiting the Longshots successfully when they mentioned that they fully expected us to have to kill them all.

Also whether Nerissa still counts as a Longshot for the terms of the contract, or if she can be safely ignored.
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>>588717
I'd assume so, but then again, I'm only a player.

Still, it'd be a good idea to involve her, if only to build up goodwill with the rest of her old team.
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>>588685
I felt this was the angle we took to cater to Argus' preference in breathing, willing Longshots. At a "speak softly, and carry a big stick" starting point we turned into "Magic-blasting Batlady trying to recruit the Teenage Justice League."

I was wrong using that sentence, yes. We became more of an investigator, not came as.
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>>588605
We should investigate this Velan character. Next time we talk, ask them to describe his looks in detail and then we go confirm if Velan is a part of the moonmen. If he isn't, case closed, if he is we make sure it is the same man. Grab him by the scruff of his neck if need be and let the Longshots confirm his identity.

Report to Commander Argus. He either needs to hunt infiltrators and traitors or work on his war propaganda and discipline Velan.
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>>589345
Yep. Might be better to talk to him ourselves, though, Velan might not be alone in his beliefs.
>>
Further, we might want to be as loud as possible that we don't believe in the Noble One, our strength and our heresy is what the clergy is afraid of.
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>>589438
If the duel is not cancelled and still happens tomorrow it's time to show the world that Orind himself, let alone his little clergymen, is our bitch.

I was struck by a thought just now- magic isn't easy to perform in this world because you need incantations right? What if we use the megaphone spell and ad lib incantations to the moon? Maybe not quite "Moon Prism Power, Make Up" or "Moon Tiara Action" but I can see how this will lend credence to the knights of the new moon.
The moon is a worldwide symbol, it is something a little fancy rhetoric will be able to rally the more spiritual people around.
They don't seem so big on inventing a new fairy tale religion but we can just lie and say that magic and mana is channeled down to the earth from the moon. Orind was powerful because he stole and denied mana to the common people and that the clergy has knowingly, willingly and maliciously held on to this secret in their pursuit of rulership.
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>>589511
Personally, I fell it would be a hard sell if we were to outright condemn their god. Most of the populace would dismiss us on face value if we told them that everything they believed in was a lie. We'd come off as a crazy person.

Instead, we should try to co-opt the more moderate Ornid worshipers. Say things like "Is this truly what Ornid would want? To rule through fear and indoctrination?" From what we've read of the guy, he seemed decent enough. And that seems to be closer to the mainstream Ornid narrative anyway. It would have broader appeal to the masses.
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New Thread!!

>>591020
>>591020
>>591020
>>
At the very least we need to tell them that Tavis tattled out Sorina to the high priest himself. It might be best if they don't join up with their group just yet.



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