Nice

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>>1050013
You are Lieutenant 'Prince'. A seasoned NCO of the Black Company that, through a cruel twist of fate, found yourself landed with an officer's commission. Now you find yourself in command of the 7th Kiregstrom Shocktroopers, a position with more responsibility and scrutiny than you ever wanted.

7th Kriegstrom Platoon
Comprised of the most well-armed and armoured troops, 7th Platoon offers the meanest, fiercest and, given the mortality rate, dumbest soldiers to be found in the Black Company. A more bizarre collection of fighting men and women has likely never been seen. Down-on-their-luck heroes with a magic swords and brooding pasts like Cairsun; escaped slaves with a penchant for magik like Nissar; disgruntled veterans of the Nuemunster Legions like Corporal ‘Jack’ Marcus; Scarred Wildborn ‘Smiles’ (because fighting is really all a Wildborn knows); aging Skald huscarls like Hirstun of Ligh that should have retired long ago. You even have a mute rotten undead warrior, ‘Mask’, which is one even you haven’t heard before. Nevermind the fekking Dragon.

They’re your men (and women). Mercenaries, that kill for money. Warriors, with the right degree of pride and stubbornness. Soldiers, that fight for the man next to them. You never wanted this position, deciding who dies where. Dark Father knows it’s only a matter of time before you get them all killed.

Recap
Following the fall of the Neumunster city of Sarsburg several weeks ago, your Employer has sent his unholy host spread throughout the entirety of the western and northern reaches of the Neumunster Nation. While the main part of the Company and the undead went west to Oxenfurt Bridge, you were tasked with the seizure of the northern town of Kresden.

Having taken Kresden mostly intact, at the cost of a few comrades to the ravenous Grenn, the rest of the province should follow in short order. You've had to take some drastic steps to keep discipline, including what amounted to an execution during a one-sided duel. This has been met with mixed reactions from your subordinates. Some reckon he had it coming, some are angry with you and others are now fear you where before they did not. You're becoming an officer now, no longer 'one of the lads'. Perhaps you haven't been for some time.

With a sentient Undead warrior recovered from their dream-like state, you can finally turn your attention to the big issues like incoming reinforcements, a spy and the sneaking suspicion that something has been taking control of your body and mind.

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YOU'RE LATE

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>>1050078
I am ashamed.

>>1050071
”Child. Child!” Trooper Kid’s distant stare at nothing flickers back to attention at Doc’s voice. For some reason the Doc, having failed to elicit and actual name, has insisted on using an alternative to the slang ‘Kid’. ”Now your –ahem- Lieutenant has indicated you know a few other phrases in hand signals, might you show them?”

Kid hesitates, but then runs off the only other words he was taught in his short tenure with the soldiers of the Neumunster Legion and Black Company. Doctor Arnulf K. Kurerfitz pales and grips the table he was leaning on.

”Oh dear. Oh mein dear sweet Olivia, give me strength. –Ahem-. Clearly if we are to begin your medical education we must first approach your lack of lessons in communication” The Doc takes a moment to compose himself by rubbing his spectacles. He pauses at a moment, squinting outside the window of the Manor before putting them back on. ”Child. Do you know that young coloured fraudeline watching us from the roof outside?”

Kid looks over his shoulder at one of the young Zakashi sisters watching them, or more specifically Kid, like a hawk. The hairs don’t rise on Kid’s back or anything, but they do suddenly feel uncomfortable.

-----------------------------

> Wave back. [Naïve]

>Give her one of the hand signals from before. [Savvy]

>Ignore her. Focus on your learning. [Studious]

> Ignore her. Try to remember where all the Manor servants keep the good silver. [Scallywag]

>>1050078
don't bring our ex into this,

>>1050169
>Give her one of the hand signals from before. [Savvy]
and than right after
> Ignore her. Try to remember where all the Manor servants keep the good silver. [Scallywag]
make sure we are using this to distract the good doctor so that we can steal some shit.

>>1050169
>Wave back.

Time to make Kid a friend.

>>1050169
Changing mine to:
>Give her one of the hand signals from before. [Savvy]

Then
>Ignore her. Focus on your learning. [Studious]

>>1050169
>>Give her one of the hand signals from before. [Savvy]

>>1050169
> Wave back. [Naïve]

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>>1050194
>>1050203
>>1050206

3 rolls of 1d100 (no MBFH obviously).
>DC 80
>Seriously Underage -10DC
>70 DC

0 = Kid has made an enemy this day.
1 = Kid's admirer is not deterred.
2 = Kid's admirer is encouraged.
3 = Kid pulls. Textbook lady's man/boy/girl?

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>1050290

>>1050290
Rollan

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>1050290

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>1050290

Lewd?

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>1050290

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>>1050395
Kid is a natural ladies-person, yes

>>1050305
>>1050336
>>1050345
>>1050395
>>1050405

Goddamnit. I knew I should have made the DC harder. Though looking at these rolls it wouldn't have mattered.

>>1050418
can we double down to get the doctor to blush and act like a christian school girl at our performance?

>>1050418
kid is getting raped and cant yell out.
best gf/bf for this girl he cant tell anyone atm what happen to him.
no one will know what she did

>>1050443
why not just make kid a trap?

>>1050449
>]
but which type of trap?

>>1050449
You act like Kid has a known gender. It has no gender that we know of.

We went theough so much trouble at the start of the quest to make sure Kid had no gender.

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>>1050305
>>1050336
>>1050345
>3 Success!

Behind the Doc’s back Trooper Kid makes a gesture to the Zakashi sister. It’s hard to tell with her complexion at this distance whether she blushes, but the young Zakashi sister certainly appears flustered and makes to leave.

”Child!” Doc’s indignant voice puts a stop to that as the Zakashi sister slips away, leaping like a cat from the roof to a nearby overhanging tree. ”You cannot be making filthy signs to a lady, that is… do you even know what that one means??”

As it turns out, Kid didn’t know exactly what it meant. They knew it was rude and had something to do with making babies, but you’d be surprised how hard it is for a mute to ask for specifics in an army. Kid cops the beratement from the Doc with a strong chin before getting back to studies.

For a moment Kid could swear someone was at the window this time, watching. But when they look around there’s no one there. Besides they’re a storey up and there's no ledge out there.

[1/2]

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>>1050449
>>1050469

>>1050523
well kid get some suck during his mad drumming for the benefit concert?
or well kid get draged off into the into the night by his love?

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>>1050523
[2/2]
Meanwhile, in another part of the Manor altogether.

Your collection of NCOs stare at you talking with a wide variety of expressions, ranging from Corporal ‘Jack’ Marcus and his polite attention to Corporal Hirstun of Ligh’s pitying disbelief. Back in the day it used to be you giving those looks to officers, not the other way around.

Lance-Corporal ‘Murder’ Meriam stares at you with her killer blue eyes, pausing only to glance at her Corporal ‘White Bitch’ struggling not to smirk before looking back at you. You can’t get a read on ‘Murder’, never have and likely never will. All you know is that she hates the Chevalisse.

Sergeant ‘Bad Hand’ on the other …hand… you’ve always been able to read pretty well. His expression right now manages to a say quite a lot. It’s not easy to put ‘I could start something with you now but we have more important things to worry about’ into the curl of a lip.
Still, you started this debriefing and now you’ve to finish your point.

------------------------------------

>”…And that, folks, is how I got this here beautiful fekking Erhu.” You’re just so damn happy. [Courage]

>”…Which, lads and ladettes, is exactly why you do not –eyeball it- when it comes to Magik.” Father damn it, Nissar. [Elite]

>”…So that, ladies and gentlemen, was what our esteemed Employer was getting up to however long ago.” [Experience]

>”…In fact, people, not only has Mask –always- been creepily silent even when he was alive, he also punched way above his weight in the female department.” [Clever]

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>>1050580

>>1050592
>>”…And that, folks, is how I got this here beautiful fekking Erhu.” You’re just so damn happy. [Courage]
they must know how great it is

>>1050592
>”…And that, folks, is how I got this here beautiful fekking Erhu.” You’re just so damn happy. [Courage]
Time for Prince to be lead erhuist and vocalist in the 7th Platoon's Band.

>>1050592
Experience

>>1050592
>>”…And that, folks, is how I got this here beautiful fekking Erhu.” You’re just so damn happy. [Courage]
Impromptu show?

>>1050592
>”…So that, ladies and gentlemen, was what our esteemed Employer was getting up to however long ago.” [Experience]

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>1050642

>>”…And that, folks, is how I got this here beautiful fekking Erhu.” You’re just so damn happy. [Courage]

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>>1050610
>>1050626
>>1050642
>>1050650
>>1050745

”…So that, ladies and gentlemen, was what our esteemed Employer was getting up to however long ago.”

You plink on a few strings for effect, grinning like Trooper 'Smiles' in a... anywhere really.

Blank looks and bored expressions greet you all around. ‘Bad Hand’ claps, slowly and sarcastically. That’s not so bad, but ‘Jack’ Marcus joins in.

”Erhu? Ain’t that some sort of female troll?” ‘White Bitch’ looks to ‘Murder’ who nods.
Saint standing at the back gives you an encouraging, thumbs up. It’s effect is lessened somewhat by the fact that she made sure no one was watching when she did. Cairsun the Morning Light allows a sympathetic shrug, but it’s clear he hasn’t been paying attention. Off being morose again you suspect.

”It’s not a…” Of course, why bother? Uncultured swine. “I don’t even care. I’m just that fekking chuffed.”

Alright then. Back to business.
---------------------------------

>”Tell me about the reinforcements. Who are we dealing with here?” [Experience]

>”This spy business, where are we at with that?” [Clever]

>”Any recommendations for the two absent Lancer positions?” [Elite]

> “Hold on guys, you’ll love this.” They won’t, but fek em. Divert the debriefing to pitch your concert idea. [Courage]

>>1050817
>”…So that, ladies and gentlemen, was what our esteemed Employer was getting up to however long ago.”

NOPE, copied wrong choice. It should be:

--------------------------------
"…And that, folks, is how I got this here beautiful fekking Erhu.” You’re just so damn happy."

>>1050817
>>”Tell me about the reinforcements. Who are we dealing with here?” [Experience]

>>1050817
>Tell me about the reinforcements. Who are we dealing with here?

Id love to divert, but we have a fekking army on their way to attack us. No time for enchanted erhu concerts at the present moment.

>>1050817
>”Tell me about the reinforcements. Who are we dealing with here?” [Experience]
The big immediate issue. I would say the spy is a big issue too but not as immediate as our reinforcements possibly being a possible (if needed) complication at best to a whole lotta havoc and headache at worst.

>”Tell me about the reinforcements. Who are we dealing with here?” [Experience]

>”Any recommendations for the two absent Lancer positions?” [Elite]

>>1050817
> “Hold on guys, you’ll love this.” They won’t, but fek em. Divert the debriefing to pitch your concert idea. [Courage]

Think of the moral, the bonding, the sweet unguarded places Kid can go to

>>1050872
Don't be a retard

>>1050817
> “Hold on guys, you’ll love this.” They won’t, but fek em. Divert the debriefing to pitch your concert idea. [Courage]

>>1050817
>”This spy business, where are we at with that?” [Clever]

>>1050817
>> “Hold on guys, you’ll love this.” They won’t, but fek em. Divert the debriefing to pitch your concert idea. [Courage]

>>1050817
>”Tell me about the reinforcements. Who are we dealing with here?” [Experience]

Reinforcements

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>>1050832
>>1050848
>>1050857
>>1050938
>>1050939

”Scouts came back with a complete report a few minutes ago. The column is an hour away at most. That soft prick Lieutenant ‘Shaftie’ gave me the report just now.” ‘White Bitch’ refers to the scrap of paper from her hand, reading it aloud like one might read a very dull and poorly written smut script. ”Three-Score of the Ajiyimad mercs under the Turncoat Prince, that’s good. Three-Score again of the Tassendland Provincials, not so good. Five-Score and then some of the skelly warriors under a group of cultists. Shithouse in a fight but they won’t break. And the last one, you won’t like.”

”Why won’t I like it?”

”Vampires, boss. A dozen of them.”

”Argh fek!.” ‘Bad Hand’ groans. ”Those bloodsucking shits have been running rampant ever since Count Verm-something went missing.”

You struggle not to look guilty. Missing. Yes.

”What about Alliance forces?” Changing the subject, you ask about the enemy you’re actually supposed to be worried about. ”Or hell, the rest of the Company?”

”Nothing on the Company, boss.” ‘White Bitch’ doesn’t look worried, but you can spot a few glances from the others. ”As for Alliance, not a peep either. In fact, scouts haven’t spotted a single patrol or band of broken men.”

Which means one of two things, either the bulk of the Alliance forces in the region are somewhere else entirely or they’re here in force and their scouts are very, very good.

”By now the Company should have secured Oxenfurt Bridge and pushed further westwards.” CPL Hirstun of Ligh interjects with a frown. “We’re probably further from them now than we have been at any point in the campaign. Definitely be nice to have an actual garrison to defend this place.”

‘Bad Hand’ scoffs, leaning up against the wall and addressing the room.

”Let the Vamps in and they will do two things. Firstly they’ll try to take command, they always bloody do when it’s them and ‘mere mortals’. Second, they’ll eat people. Now that’s all well and good when it’s some out-of-luck townie, but I don’t trust them to be picky with their food.”

”Our orders, sir?” Lancer ‘Jack’ Marcus’ question has everyone looking at you like you should know what to do. Which is an experience you hate.

---------------------------------------

>”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack.” You don’t need to make an enemy where there should be an ally. 200 warm (and not so warm) bodies to flesh out your forces is worth the trouble of a few Vamps. [Elite & Experience]

>”Fek em. They can make camp outside the walls.” The repercussions of refusing to work with your Employer’s forces, and her sisters forces, are worth risking to avoid dealing with bloodsuckers. [Clever & Courage]

>”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack.” You don’t need to make an enemy where there should be an ally. 200 warm (and not so warm) bodies to flesh out your forces is worth the trouble of a few Vamps. [Elite & Experience]

Good to see that you're remaining a professional officer despite the temptation of a concert. If only just.

>>1051166
>”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack.” You don’t need to make an enemy where there should be an ally. 200 warm (and not so warm) bodies to flesh out your forces is worth the trouble of a few Vamps. [Elite & Experience]
>>1051189
Being in the black company for any length of time requires a degree of pragmatism. It just wasn't the perfect moment. That perfect evil moment when their is nothing they can do to escape their fate, of listening to our awesome band.

>>1051166
>>”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack.” You don’t need to make an enemy where there should be an ally. 200 warm (and not so warm) bodies to flesh out your forces is worth the trouble of a few Vamps. [Elite & Experience]
let them eat people that do shity thigs under our rule.
e.g people that try to thow us out, spys
so badly want that concert

>>1051166
>”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack.” You don’t need to make an enemy where there should be an ally. 200 warm (and not so warm) bodies to flesh out your forces is worth the trouble of a few Vamps. [Elite & Experience]

mybe if we play some songs from the queen of the damed they wont be cunts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LylMCDsnEag

>>1051355
vampier lestat one, best vampier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLfM-g8i9Aw

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>>1051166
>”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack.” You don’t need to make an enemy where there should be an ally. 200 warm (and not so warm) bodies to flesh out your forces is worth the trouble of a few Vamps. [Elite & Experience]

But make sure the vampires understand some ground rules first basically summarized by "I'm the boss and you don't eat anyone unless I allow you to".
All infractions are to be punished by impalement on a stake. One stake, we're making a kebab if the vamps have troubles listening to orders.

Thread Over?

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>>1051625
We just need to keep insinuating lewd things about the Captain and Forgotten QM will reappear to defend his waifu.

Bet the Captain's into Annalists.

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>>1051659
>something something PLEASES OLD MEN FOR FAVORS

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>>1051182
>>1051231
>>1051272
>>1051339
>>1051620
Let's face it. You need the men. You know the Turncoat Prince, he was part of that whole crowning incident back in Ajiyimad. You're fairly certain the Tassenland recruits will be inclined to attach themselves to whoever isn't planning on eating them, and between the three of you you're certain you can cowl the cultists and vampires into following your lead, for now at least.

”Let them in. We don’t have the bodies to man the walls against a decent attack."

”Alright, you heard the man. Kick your boys feet off the tables and stand to.” Sergeant ‘Bad Hand’ begins to bark. ”I’m not about to be caught with my fekking pants down and dick in hand with this lot, weapons and kit inspection in 30! That goes for the Infantry and Rangers too. CPL Marcus, wait one.”

If anyone noticed that it was ‘Bad Hand’ that closed the debriefing early, no one says anything. Soon enough the Manor parlour room, acting as a makeshift HQ, is empty bar you, Sergeant ‘Bad Hand’, Coporal ‘Jack’ Marcus and one maid that enters to pour tea. Must have been what the previous somebody’s did after a meeting here. ‘Jack’ smiles politely as she pours his cup. ‘Bad Hand’ waves her off, tapping his finger impatiently against the coffee table as he waits for the servant to leave. You take a tentative sip of your cuppa, but it’s not Darkwood so you swiftly lose interest.

”Sir, before we start, about the wagoner’s family.” ‘Jack’ speaks first, trying to get his say in first before his ‘interpretation’ of the Company regulations is revealed. ”I believe that the Segeant does not-“

”Ah leave it, Corporal.” ‘Bad Hand waves him off. ”I was angry is all. Them folks probably didn’t have a fekking clue what the extra fella was carrying. They’re free to go.”
‘Jack’ breathes a sigh of relief. You always did have him pegged as one of the conscientious ones. Dangerous habit for a mercenary.

[1/2]

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>>1051659
>Captain's into Annalists

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>>1051701
[2/2]

”We’ve got bigger problems, Prince.” Bad Hand slams down a piece of paper in front of you. ”The fekking shit had this on him.”
You read the document. Numbers, names, ranks, equipment. All too much for a few townspeople to collate in a matter of days. But worse, the location of your prize hostage. The Crown Prince, heir to the Neumunster throne. This is bad. You don’t need to be an amazing detective to smell a rat.

”No chance of it being one of the Rangers?”

‘Bad Hand’ shakes his head. “Unlikely. Even if one of them knew it were the Crown Prince we took, none of them knew where we were keeping him.”

”And LT ‘Hawk’ and his men? Weren’t they the one’s watching him?”

”LT Hawk has been Black Company almost as long as ‘Auntie’ was. You don’t turn on that for the first handsome ransom coming your way. As for his men? He only had his inner circle watching over the boy, and I trust the old man’s judgement.

If this list had gotten out you'd have dead Black Brothers and Sisters on your hands in very short order. This isn't insubordination. This is treason.

---------------------------------------------

>”I wouldn’t rule out the Rangers just yet. They’re damn job is being sneaky and finding out things. And they certainly have the shoddiest discipline.” [Clever]

>”Don’t rule him out yet. A man fighting that long with naught to show for it can get desperate enough to start considering a retirement package.” [Courage]

>”Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? Likely an NCO, troopers generally aren’t smart enough to pull that shit.” [Elite]

>Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? NCOs are Company men through and through, but a trooper might just be greedy and stupid enough for this.” [Experience]

>”Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? Likely an NCO, troopers generally aren’t smart enough to pull that shit.” [Elite]

>>1051748
>We have no real way of knowing who could have come up with the information. For all we know, they have a fekking magician who peeked in on all of us with our pants down. I wouldn't rule out Hawk though. Main issue being I don't believe he 'got lost' on the way to the mansion fully yet. [Write in]

>>1051748
>”Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? Likely an NCO, troopers generally aren’t smart enough to pull that shit.” [Elite]

>>1051748
>>”Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? Likely an NCO, troopers generally aren’t smart enough to pull that shit.” [Elite]

>>1051748
>>”Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? Likely an NCO, troopers generally aren’t smart enough to pull that shit.” [Elite]

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>>1051788
LT 'Hawk', for his constant coughing of phlegm, is the old lieutenant of the 4th Infantry, you actually saved his bacon (and a whole bunch of others) in Sarsburg.

LT 'Shafite' Adams is the officer of the Rangers, and the one who got lost on the way to the Manor.

>>1051625
Actually, I am going to be a cunt. I meant to start way earlier with work coming up, and in the morning also.

The good news is that I'll have to make it up to you guys by running again tommorrow afternoon and into the night.

>>1051748
Ah shit we get to choose whose the traitor here don't we

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>>1051849
>running again tommorrow afternoon and into the night
Woot

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>>1051849
so happy

Thanks for running. See you tomorrow

>>1051849
See ya later bossman.

>>1051849
thanks for running

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I'll see you lads tomorrow.

>>1051859
No. But you will get to decide who to investigate. From the looks of it you want to take a look at your own ranks first.
By the time I get back tomorrow arvo, hopefully you guys will have hashed out some sort of plan to root out the traitor.


>(1) Who does the investigating?
You can trust 'Bad Hand' and 'Jack', they were the ones that foiled the spy's escape. Is the rest of your old squad a safe bet? They were at the gate too, but that doesn't rule them out by itself.

>(2) Who else can you trust?
Is there anyone you can confide in? Eliminate from your investigations out of hand?

>(3) How will you go about tracking the traitor down?
Set a trap? Verify alibis? Find out who would have reason to side with the Alliance over the Company? See who came into unexplained gold recently? Are the questions going to try to be subtle or a full shakedown?

>>1051748
>Father of Fek, it’s one of us, isn’t it? NCOs are Company men through and through, but a trooper might just be greedy and stupid enough for this.” [Experience]

>"Who knows about the Crown Prince's location? I need a list of names."

>>1052060
>(1)
We can trust Bad Hand, of course.
'Jack' Marcus has a conscience, which is a dangerous possession for a merc. However, he did help foil the spy. And he is a Neumunster turncoat. I guess we don't have much choice but to trust him.
Trust no one else. Two people are plenty to help Prince with the investigation.

>(2)
I don't see Mask being an alliance spy or traitor. That would have to be hilariously deep cover.
Cairsun is too depressed to be pulling shenanigans like this.
So we can eliminate those two from investigations, but I doubt that they can help much in the detective works department.

>(3)
Pursue multiple avenues.
1. Move the Crown Prince again, and "leak" the news that a spy was caught and hang, just in case it wasn't obvious. See who comes sniffing.
2. See who came into wealth recently, but keep in mind that wealth might have came from looting or enterprising. (See Schuster selling wolf pelts.)
3. Hang out paperwork to the suspects and compare handwriting. There is a good chance that the traitor wrote the note themselves, instead of having a long face-to-face meeting with the spy to transfer the information. And if it were a face-to-face meeting, the spy would have tried to memorize everything instead of writing it all down. Tentatively eliminate people who don't know how to write, which I suspect is plenty.
4. Subtly poke around to see who might be disgruntled or are badly in need of a pay day.
5. Once we've narrowed down the list of suspects to a few, go "good cop bad cop" on them individually with Bad Hand. See who cracks.

What if it was Saint?

>>1052060
Also, QM, there will be tantrums if it turns out to be Saint .

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>>1052186
Now that sounds like fun.
Betcha it's Kid, he/she/xir would have to use writing. Just imagine the fury.

>>1052166
These are good leads, get White Bitch to make troopers help her with paperwork for the short term and compare.

For the pay day, maybe Durvano would be a good person to ask subtle questions, he seems like he'd be in the know about sudden treasure finds or who has got what.

If/when we find the spy Bad Hand is going to be even more depressed about the family falling apart, we should have some kind of party or at least some kind of group mending to get spirits up again. Or more looting I dunno.

>>1052277
Shit I can't into spoilers.

>>1052166
>3. Hang out paperwork to the suspects and compare handwriting. There is a good chance that the traitor wrote the note themselves, instead of having a long face-to-face meeting with the spy to transfer the information. And if it were a face-to-face meeting, the spy would have tried to memorize everything instead of writing it all down. Tentatively eliminate people who don't know how to write, which I suspect is plenty.
This is an excellent idea

>>1052405
This

>>1052405
Isn't this a bit odd to start doing - surely the spy would change their handwriting.

I believe a better first step would be to review all official company documents and cross-reference that handwriting. The spy is unlikely to have planned his/her note writing super far in advance and this method has the benefit of clearing a lot of people from suspicion without raising attention.

I think we can clear 'white bitch', the woman is too dam infatuated with us to become a turncoat.

Also just gonna put this out there but we have to deal with whatever is happening to us soon because we should take us going into uncontrollable beserker rages/Corruption by the dark father very seriously. We should use my blood for his as an last resort IMO

>>1052691
The best spy is the one closest to the leader, in whatever way possible. While I agree White Bitch probably isn't the spy, throughout history the one to betray the army/cause was always the one with some of the most pull or power.

Also, the fuck you saying infatuation? We may be the best st fucking her brains out, but shes the type of girl to have 2 other men, and then suggest a 4-way between the lot of you.

>>1051748
Nobody wants to use magic to find out? I mean, they've gotta have some resonance with the letter they wrote.

As bad as having an informant in our midst is, it's the deeper implications of their treason that concern me.

We never did find out who killed Pietre, after all...

>>1054824
Oh shit, good point. He just sorta collapsed...

>>1054848
That seems suspicious as fuck. We should also get down to solving what is happening to us and stop it.

>>1054964
Also a good point, but we already know whats wrong with us: corruption
due to overuse of MBFH and MBFHII. There is also the possibility that one or more of our VERY EVIL and POSSIBLY BRAINWASHING artifacts is accelerating the process.

However, that would be meta for Prince if he suddenly knew why he was being possessed because we know why he is. To circumvent that, we gotta have Prince find out, then figure out a way to stop and/or slow the side effects.

>>1055042
Time to do some research! Or ask questions

>>1055110

Y dose no one think sanit girl did it?
I.mean im sure she still wants there aide to win

>>1055042
Why stop it or slow it? Prince IS an adherent of the Dark Father.

>>1056079
Oh she's definetly on the suspicious list.

She could be trying to atone for her sons with some suicially stupid plan.

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>>1056651
I think at this point anymore indulging in Evil will become less worshiping him and more do we want to become a vessel for a God who's gone bugfuck insane and will likely usher in the End of Days?

>>1056651
We're basically losing our free will and going into beserker rages where it seems we can't tell friend from foe. I honestly think we should use MBFH as an absolute last resort

I was looking at the pastebin and wondering how to we get our different responses (Clever, Elite, Courageous, Experience) to level up? We have Elite II and Experience II but Clever and Courageous are still first level.

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>>1052078
>>1052166
>>1052277
>>1052405
>>1052691

”Should we move the hostage, sir?” CPL ‘Jack’ Marcus raises his eyebrows in concern. The irony of a man considered Neumunster through-and-through actively preventing the rescue of his liege-to-be does not escape you. Clearly the man made his choices already. “Their position is compromised, even if we don’t allow for the possibility of another spy having made it out.”

”Mask and The Morning Light will handle that.” You unfold your arms and lean against the table, trying not to let a flash of black rage break your composure. You don’t think it’s yours. ”Cairsun is well past caring for coin or causes and if Mask is an Alliance plant, well that’s a level of deep cover I don’t think anyone could pull off. The Prince will be moved to a secret location by those two and put under their constant watch.”

Mask doesn’t need to eat, or sleep. Or take a piss. Turns out the perfect bodyguard doubles as the perfect captor, who knew? Cairsun can check in on him occasionally with food for the boy, but you feel a hidden location with that one guard will be safer than a known one with an entire squad. You can only hope he doesn’t scare the Crown Prince shitless.

”Won’t that tip off the traitor?” particular ‘Bad Hand’ is surprising calm about this. Presumably he pummelled out his frustration against something or someone earlier.

”I think we can assume the traitor knows we suspect something.” CPL ‘Jack’ leaves the obvious unsaid, that hanging the spy on the spot was hardly subtle. But you don’t keep ‘Bad Hand’ around for the subtleties. Quite the opposite, in fact.

”That might work in our favour. The traitor could expose themselves that way if they come sniffing. We notice anyone acting more curious than your typical soldier has any right to be and I want you two to have their balls in a vice before they know it.”

Your trusted NCOs nod in agreement. ‘Bad Hand’ even cracks a grin, apparently glad to be reminded that the officer he’s been saddled with is savvier than your average medal-chaser.

[1/2]

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>Quest is back

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>>1056794
Generally, I'd expect a clever or particularly appropriate custom option which is welcome at any time, before I award a blanket future bonus.

Reference: Throwing orphans under the bus through a not-so-white lie.
[2/2]

”What about Trooper Vendis Durvano?”

”What about him, sir?”

”The old pirate has a reputation for sniffing out loot. Even if the traitor was still waiting on their reward for the Crown Prince’s rescue the spy would have least given them a down payment for the information.” You find yourself wondering if you had been around you might have been able to stop ‘Bad Hand’ being quite so quick to hang the spy, or at least got more answers out of him. “He might have noticed if someone had suddenly come into a bit of unexplained cash.”

”No offence, Prince, but that’s a long shot.” SGT ‘Bad Hand’ snorts. "Despite the pretty tame behaviour of our men so far I don't doubt there's been a fair share of 'requisitions' that didn't see their spot in the rule of quarters."

”The Lieutenant might have a point, Sergeant. Durvano would know the difference between filched silverware and a suddenly fat purse.” CPL ‘Jack’ Marcus hesitates before saying his next words, reluctant to put his own squaddie in the spotlight. ”That said, he was a pirate. And he left that life due to a failed mutiny after all. And I can’t account for his whereabouts every minute of the past couple of days.”

You can confirm for yourself that Durvano was busy with the Zakishi sisters looting that swordsmith. And then you sent him to try (and failed) to recruit the swordmaker, as well as keep the Zakashi sisters from doing too much damage.

But what if he didn’t actually wasn’t doing either of those things? Certainly he had connections to the local criminal elements here, and a state-sponsored criminal is often the first step on the road to spydom.

------------------------------------

>”Every man has his price, and a pirate known for mutiny has to be pretty low.” [Suspicion]

>”No point to risk showing our hand, let’s keep mum about this until we have something more. [Caution]

>”Durvano is a greedy pirate and a son of a bitch, I’m sure. I don’t think he’s our traitor though, and he can help.” [Trust]

>>1056811
I hope we try to use Magic again.

It was FUN last time!

Also we have the note that the spy wrote, so there's that.

>>1056841
>”No point to risk showing our hand, let’s keep mum about this until we have something more. [Caution]
Turn on your trip silly.

>”No point to risk showing our hand, let’s keep mum about this until we have something more. [Caution]

>>1056841
>>”Durvano is a greedy pirate and a son of a bitch, I’m sure. I don’t think he’s our traitor though, and he can help.” [Trust]

And if he is, then we'll give him the rope to hang himself with by feeding him fake info and seeing where that goes.

>>1056841
>”Durvano is a greedy pirate and a son of a bitch, I’m sure. I don’t think he’s our traitor though, and he can help.” [Trust]

>>1056841
>>”No point to risk showing our hand, let’s keep mum about this until we have something more. [Caution]

>>1056852
Oh, cheers mate!

>>1056841
>>”No point to risk showing our hand, let’s keep mum about this until we have something more. [Caution]
Everybody is suspicious. Everybody, except prince, because we play him and I don't think he would turn traitor while under the influence of the dark father without us knowing. Asgorga is too big and Grenn is too non-human. Well, cut that, everybody is suspicious including prince.

>>1056841

>”Durvano is a greedy pirate and a son of a bitch, I’m sure. I don’t think he’s our traitor though, and he can help.” [Trust]

Durv's done alright by us so far.

>>1056841
>”Durvano is a greedy pirate and a son of a bitch, I’m sure. I don’t think he’s our traitor though, and he can help.” [Trust]

>>1056841
>”No point to risk showing our hand, let’s keep mum about this until we have something more. [Caution]

Get him to help without revealing too much. Just tell him that we are concerned about troopers taking "side jobs" for the locals, off the books, which might go against the Company's interests.

>>1052691
Seconding comparing the note against existing paperwork.
Altering/faking your own handwriting is harder than it sounds. Muscle memory and all that.

>>1056917
>Just tell him that we are concerned about troopers taking "side jobs" for the locals, off the books,

You are allowed to do that. On 'The Post' and all. It's just that since you've become an officer you haven't had time to make a buck or two for yourself. You got 'responsibilities' now.

>>1056928
Can't we tell other people to go do the jobs for us now? What's the point in being an officer if you can't exploit it for monetary gain?

>>1056928
Ah, but not if the side job hurts the company, yes? For example, no taking jobs that involves assassinating a fellow Company member?

>>1056917
>>1056928

Oh, and you don't have to tell him the details to get him to reveal if he's noticed anything like extra unexplained cash. But if he IS the traitor that would be a perfect opportunity to send you on a wild goose chase or after the wrong person. That's where the trust is coming in.

>>1056931
Using Black Company members for non-Company jobs and personal wealth while putting the actual working men out of pocket?

It'd make you a massive dick, moreso than the regular officer dick. And the Captain wouldn't stand for it.

>>1056935
Exactly. Though Durvano wouldn't know what the job, if there was one, entailed or if it was of that nature. He'd only know that someone got paid for doing something. and that that someone getting paid could have and should have been him.

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>>1056852
>>1056858
>>1056866
>>1056876
>>1056917

"No point to risk showing our hand just yet, let's keep mum about this until we have something more." You say with a slight shake of the head. ”Let’s hold off on Durvano’s nose for Gelt. We don’t know for sure that’s the reason for our traitor.”

”What else would it be?” ‘Bad Hand’ spits at his feet, on a very nice carpet, dismissively.
CPL ‘Jack’ Marcus doesn’t flinch, steadily holding the Sergeant’s gaze. ”Patriotism. Disillusion. The basic human decency to not want to see a child suffer an undoubtedly horrific end at the hands of our homicidal Employer.”

There is an awkward pause as you and ‘Bad Hand’ glance at each other. Then it passes, ‘Jack’ shrugs and sits back in his chair. ”I made my bed, and I’ll lie in it. Doesn’t mean I don’t feel the bedbugs bite every now and then.”

It is something you have to consider. A lot of your recruits are Neumunster themselves, and not everyone was pleased with the utter annihilation of Sarsburg (as opposed to its profitable looting). A certain ex-Heigelen Captain comes to mind. But they’re definitely not the only one that fits that category. War and looting is profitable and popular among the ranks, mass slaughter and grinding extermination is not.

You look back at the note, trying to figure whether it was a moralist or an opportunist that wrote this, when you notice the handwriting.

”Do these two parts look different to you?”

”I think you’re onto something, sir.” CPL ‘Jack’ Marcus points to the damning note. ”The handwriting here, with the numbers , names and equipment, it’s different from the location of the Crown Prince. The latter is printed. Either the writer wasn’t confident in their penmanship or they were taking steps to disguise it. The list though, it cursive and flows well.”

”You’re saying that we have two bloody traitors instead of one?!” ‘Bad Hand’s moustache twitches, gone from calm to rage in moments.

”Unlikely.” ‘Jack’ says with a doubtful frown. ”We’re probably looking at pre-made list with the note about the hostage tacked on.”

----------------------------------

>Best of 3
>DC 50
Failure = The difference in handwriting escapes you.
Success = You have your First Clue.

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>1056993

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>1056993

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>1056993
Third failure, here I come

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>1056993

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>1056993
Witness me!

>>1057009
damm it i was like 2 sconds away noooo
>>1056993
also damm the time zones its now midnight here

>>1056996
>>1057002
>>1057009
Well damn guys.

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>>1056996
>>1057002
>>1057009
But the... so close>>1057010
>>1057012

>>1056996
>>1057002
>>1057009
Oh for fuck's sake.

So higher rolls are bad? I've been playing too many ttrpgs.

>>1057038
Yes. For this quest, we want to roll under the DC. The higher the DC, the easier the roll. A bit counter-intuitive but you get used to it.

>>1057038
yer i had the same problme whe ni started here
>>1057021
guse we are only smart when we are lieing

>>1057021
but also how many people in the company we have under us that can both read and wright?
most medivle people cant do ether

>>1057053
That's a damn good point. How many members of Black Company are literate?

>>1057059
at lest all the ncos and named people

>>1057053
You'd fit right in then.

>>1057092
yup
sadly theres no time machine for that to happen

>>1057021
What now? Resort to magic? Go ask Durvano? Good ol' fashioned shoe-on-pavement detective work?

Sorry, was having dinner.

Illiterate
Trooper Caroline 'Joker' Schuster
Trooper Smiles
Troopers Oliver and Olly Hasselhof
You also doubt Trooper Nissar Belhamun can write in common better than he speaks.
Also The Snake. But I reckon we can rule him out.

Despite that, the Neumunster education system is actually well up to snuff. Even you, a penniless orphan, learnt your letters in the orphanage. Schuster was a rural gal, hence her lack on that front.

But if it's a pre-written list, who is to say that the note wasn't tacked on by the spy when receiving the report? If you'd addressed this rather than Mask, you might have been able to elicit that kind of info.

>>1057096
Every day is a school day.

>>1057104
Black Company Inquisition.

>>1057109
>>1057109
but im too cool for school
>>1057109
well shit that still leaves alot of people
damm you good schooling system
>>1057104
or could just lay a trap with a fake doll and area and have someone watch to see who trys to brake in

>>1057109
What about our pet Grenn?

>>1057123
who is he going to sinff out?
we dont have anything oh wait mybe the letter

>>1057127
I was actually asking if he's illiterate as well but you do raise an interesting point. Could the Untergrenn use his doggo powers to sniff out whoever had the note?

>>1057136
we can only try

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>>1056996
>>1057002
>>1057009

”Arrgh, FEK!” ‘Bad Hand’ sends a fruit bowl and some tablecloth flying with a frustrated sweep of his hand. ”We’re getting fekking nowhere.”

You sigh and stand up. ”Bad Hand’s right. We’ll see where that hostage relocation takes us. In the meantime, now we know we have something to keep an eye out for. See what you can rustle up, but for Father’s sake be subtle about it. Dismissed.”

You spend a long time staring at the note after the others leave.

------------------------------------------

10 minutes later you find yourself accosted in a hallway on the third or fourth floor of the Manor. It’s a big place.

”Hullo, soldier.”

Inappropriate contact. Mistaking rank. A lack of respect for personal boundaries. Gratuitous petting. All these Company infractions and more speed through your head as Corporal 'White Bitch' Tara corners presses you against a doorway, one arm pressed aggressively against the wall next to you.

”Kit inspection is coming up in a, -hey now-” You gasp at the sudden grip on your buttocks. ”Steady there! Kit inspection is soon.”

”Yeah, yeah, yeah. I already let the grunts know. They’ll be ready.” The perky Corporal bites her lip in anticipation. ”I really, really want you inside me right now.”

”What, here? You try to ignore how quickly you’re hardening. ”In the hallway?”

”Uh-huh. Don't lie, you love this shit.” ‘White Bitch’ grips you by the belt and leans in closer. ”Come on, just a quickie.”

---------------------------------------

>”It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.” If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it. [Clever]

>”Not now. I mean it, Tara.” You have other things to worry about. [Elite]

>”What’s the rush? I’m sure we can stretch it out till kit inspection in an hour. Get yours out of the way early and so forth.” [Experience]

>No words, just action. Hard and fast, the Kreigstrom way. [Courage]

>>1057152
>>”It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.” If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it. [Clever]
Figuring out a traitor is not the time for sex

>”It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.” If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it. [Clever]

We shouldn't go to the Bone Zone just yet.

>>1057152
>>”It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.” If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it. [Clever]

>>1057152
>”It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.” If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it. [Clever]

>>1057152
>>”It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.” If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it. [Clever]
also we pick when we fuck her not the other way round

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>>1057123
>>1057127
>>1057136

The written language as a concept is fairly new to the Grenn.

As for the scent, very good catch. The results of that will come in next thread. While they won't be conclusive, they should help you recover from that failed roll.

>>1057160
pinch a nipple
tease er as we say this then walk off

>>1057152

>No words, just action. Hard and fast, the Kreigstrom way. [Courage]

This time without being possessed, aye?

>>1057154
>>1057156
>>1057157
>>1057158

Y'all are pansies.

>>1057161
woop woop

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>>1057154
>>1057156
>>1057157
>>1057158
>>1057160
>pic related

>>1057167
Thirsty nigga spotted.

>>1057152
>No words, just action. Hard and fast, the Kreigstrom way. [Courage]

The things we do to maintain morale.

>>1057152
>>No words, just action. Hard and fast, the Kreigstrom way. [Courage]

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>>1057154
>>1057156
>>1057157
>>1057158
>>1057160

"It’s pronounced ‘quiche’, not quickie. And I’m not hungry.”

If you’re going to turn someone down, best to have some cheek about it.

”It is? I always thought… Oh you mean the- motherfekker!”

Tara punches you in the shoulder. Hard.

You add assaulting a superior officer to the list of hypothetical infraction. Corporals these days, no respect.

”Fekken smartarse.” CPL ‘White Bitch’ scowls, but the playful note has left her voice, replaced with concern. ”What the fek’s up with you, El-Tee?”

You can’t help but notice a nice shiny new bracelet on the Corporal’s hand, the one injured during that fight with the Grenn. Silver, with nice looking inscription too. Thoughts of how expensive it might be, what she did to get it between the battle and now flash through your head. Paranoia? Certainly, but it doesn’t mean you’re wrong.

On the other hand, maybe she can help. You’ve managed to trick ‘White Bitch’ into helping out with the Company paperwork once or twice now. She might recognise the handwriting.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> “That’s a pretty looking bracelet.” You have to know. [Suspicion]

> ”Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.” [Caution]

>”Actualy, there is something you might be able to help me with.” [Trust]

>>1057218
>> ”Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.” [Caution]

>>1057218
> ”Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.” [Caution]

>>1057218
>> “That’s a pretty looking bracelet.” You have to know. [Suspicion]

>>1057218
>”Actually, there is something you might be able to help me with.” [Trust]

> ”Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.” [Caution]

>>1057218

> “That’s a pretty looking bracelet.” You have to know. [Suspicion]

>>1057218
>> ”Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.” [Caution]

>>1057220
>>1057222
>>1057229
>>1057233

> ”Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.”

Noted. Again, not a full thread but we'll leave off here. I apologise for my shoddy QMing this week gents.

Does anyone know how long it takes /qst/ threads to auto-sage? I'm considering whacking on the next instalment starting with the arrival of the reinforcements into this thread rather than start up a new one.

>>1057242
Thanks for running.

>>1057242
3 days for autosage to start, 10 days to archive

>>1057242
No prob man, this is still the best quest on here and you've got an excellent style.

>>1057242
Thanks for running Forgotten!

>>1057246
So we should have time to run this in the same thread if I start up again this Saturday? Excellent.


>>1057244
>>1057247
>>1057248
Aww, shucks. Cheers fellas.

>>1057218
>> “That’s a pretty looking bracelet.” You have to know. [Suspicion]

We could totally have played this off as Jealousy.

Also, reminder that banging her again is a Companion Quest

> -CPL 'White Bitch' Tara: "No Strings Attached." It's been a while, do you still know where everything goes?

So I mean.

Hopefully we can get to something like that next thread.

>>1057246
>>1057253
Made a mistake, apparently it's now 3 days to autosage, 8 days to archive

>>1060431
>Also, reminder that banging her again is a Companion Quest
> -CPL 'White Bitch' Tara: "No Strings Attached." It's been a while, do you still know where everything goes?

Wait wait wait.

Hold up hold up hold up.

I mean, we did that already. I mean, sure, we didn't remember any of it, and divine/demonic possession may have been involved, but it STILL COUNTS DAMMIT.

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Annnnnd we're back!


“Nothing. Officer stuff. We’ll do this some other time.”

You know for a fact that Corporal ‘White Bitch’ Tara can smell bullshit a mile away and then some, but she doesn’t say anything about it.

”…Sure thing. Sir.”

You hope the venom in your voice at the ‘Sir’ is due to her being horny and annoyed, rather than suspicious and hurt at the rejection.

---------------------------------------

A short and uneventful kit inspection later, at the Kresden’s Main Gate

There’s a autumn chill in the air as the reinforcements march through the main gate, a herald of the impending winter. No cheering townsmen are here for this lot, though there is quite a number of those watching in sullen silence. Drawn, perhaps, by morbid curiosity more than anything else.

You remember someone, probably Durvano, once swore black and blue that Vampires simply died in the sun. Apparently that’s only true as a Vampire gets older, or thirstier. These ones must be young and well-fed indeed, riding on their red-eyed steeds with only a hood to cover them from the bleak sun. Despite Sergeant ‘Bad Hand’s warning that any designated edibles must be cleared with you before their entry, they look at the scattered townspeople hungrily. That’s a step down from their usual expression of ravenous. They must have eaten well on the way over here.

They’re beautiful, in a savage predatory sort of way. Dangerous things often are if your taste in weapons, assignments and women are anything to go by.

[1/4]

>>1063954
Does it? Does it really?
Hohoho yes. Yes, it does

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>>1069064
Behind them come the cultists and their numerous skeleton warriors. Although practitioners, they are not nearly so puissant as their masters, Superior Syka and the Necromancer. Despite that, their incantations and rituals can make up for it in preparation and blood sacrifices. And anyone that can make more of those sinisterly quiet skeletal minions are handy to have around.

Slow moving, weak and prone to shatter from a glancing blow, the main strength of these undead is that they never break, and there are always more of them.

[2/4]

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>>1069113
Corporal Hirstun of Ligh has never told anyone where Ligh is or why he was named for it, apparently he was born in a fishing village called Emlock. The scarred, greying warrior is a veteran of more battles than , a war of independence in the Northern Coasts that only died down when the Company and Neumunster Legions bloodied the noses of their Skald and Grenn allies. He was manning the shield wall shoulder-to-shoulder with living legends when you were still picking your nose at the orphanage.

In his time he’s fought with the every outfit, from the meanest to the greenest. He assures you that the incoming Tassenland column, if one could be generous enough to call the staggered formation a column, appears to be among the latter category.

”Hah! If they were any greener I’d be picking carrots out of their ears.”

[3/4]

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>>1069124
[4/4]

The Turncoat Prince and his men take up the rearguard. Heavily armoured professionals, hailing from Ajiyimad and beyond, and outfitted with halberd, scimitar and those newfangled Ajiyimad Muskets. Well-armed, armoured and all around too honourable for your liking, this lot are definitely the cream of the crop of the reinforcements. Sure they let the White Hand Assassins get the best of them when you were counting on them all those years back, but you try not to complain about that shoddy display to their faces.

Best of all they’re living, breathing men that want to get paid. Your favourite kind of men.

”Ajjy’s. Never trusted those black bastards. People keep telling me they’re human but I tell you it’s a different race. Like elves, but sunburn and more religion.” Hirstun of Ligh huffs. ”Still, if it’s them or the Tassenland squirts I’ll take the Ajjy’s thank you very much. In fact, I’m going to go make sure the fresh meat doesn’t get fekking lost.”

------------------------------

>”I’ll come with. Let’s get those Tassenland settled in first, eh?” [Elite]

>”I’m going to go catch up with our old ‘friend’ Sabn-Ibn Abbad.” [Experience]

>”Superior Syka is technically 2nd in command now. Best talk to those cultists.” [Clever]

>”I know ‘Bad Hand’ already had a word with the Vamps, but let’s remind them.” [Courage]

>”I’m going to go catch up with our old ‘friend’ Sabn-Ibn Abbad.” [Experience]

>>1069172
>”Superior Syka is technically 2nd in command now. Best talk to those cultists.” [Clever]

>>1069172
>>”I’m going to go catch up with our old ‘friend’ Sabn-Ibn Abbad.” [Experience]
Better get somebody on our side for when the sudden but inevitable betrayal happens

>>1069172
>”Superior Syka is technically 2nd in command now. Best talk to those cultists.” [Clever]

>>1069172
Seconding>>1069195

>>1069172
>”I’m going to go catch up with our old ‘friend’ Sabn-Ibn Abbad.” [Experience]

Maybe he remembers us! Maybe we'd prefer he didn't!

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>>1069195
>>1069264
>>1069418
>>1069514
These Ajiyimad work fast. Already they set up a nice little nook for themselves, turning out families from one single stretch of neighbourhood and setting up camp there. To an untrained eye it might seem like a disorganized mess, but you notice the watchful sentries, the stockades that don’t appear to be stockades and the wagons place just so they could easily be moved to block off the whole street.

Sheltered. Secure. Defensible. You approve.

Maybe not so much all the banners, pendants and colourful touches that shout their presence. It seems a bit much. It seems Sabn-Ibn Abbad prefers his own personal green silk pavilion. A small one, more like a single room, given the crowded streets. But still it says a lot that a man has people to carry something that obviously luxurious around for him.

You always thought the Caliph’s favoured son had rather girlish features. Soft-looking lips and smoky brown eyes. Pretty, rather than handsome. Not that you’d say as much to his face. You’d say he was a hit with the ladies but you’re not sure what women find attractive anymore. Kiranova was seeing you for a bit for Father’s sake. Abbad was never a renowned warrior beyond what was expected of the Caliph’s son, but many regarded him as a great leader and statesmen. He always had a knack for picking the right man for a job, and eliciting loyalty, –real- loyalty in his men. You could take him on in a fight certainly, that’s how you measure a lot of things these days, but you’d have to deal with all his Jannisarries as well.

He’s speaking with one of them now as you enter. You recognise him too, big bastard by the name of Tofuz. Looks about as friendly as Durvano after a week without whisky.

”Welcome to my tent, friend in arms. I shall send for tea and we shall take our rest, yes?”
Sabn’s smile is polite enough as he turns to his pet gorilla. ”Tofuz, mahalek sin ‘Prince’.”

------------------------------------------------

(1)
>Make pleasant small-talk before getting to the particulars. [Clever]

>Straight to business. Battle strength, order of march, supplies etc. [Elite]

>Talk at length on the Ajiyimad campaign and news from his home. Obviously can’t be going fantastic with a name like ‘the Turncoat Prince’. [Experience]

>Mention the ‘crowning incident’. Might as well get it out in the open, there’s no other reason he’d recognise you. [Courage]
(2) You picked up a bit of Ajjy-speak during your time there. Maybe you should try the introductions in it? It’d make a good impression.

>Don’t try. You’ll only embarrass yourself.

>Try to speak in his native tongue for a bit. It’s worth a shot.

>>1069828
>Talk at length on the Ajiyimad campaign and news from his home. Obviously can’t be going fantastic with a name like ‘the Turncoat Prince’. [Experience]
>Don’t try. You’ll only embarrass yourself.

>>1069828
>Make pleasant small-talk before getting to the particulars. [Clever]
>Try to speak in his native tongue for a bit. It’s worth a shot.

>>1069828
>Talk at length on the Ajiyimad campaign and news from his home. Obviously can’t be going fantastic with a name like ‘the Turncoat Prince’. [Experience]
>Don’t try. You’ll only embarrass yourself.
What if the Prince isn't a girlish boy, but a boyish girl?

>Make pleasant small-talk before getting to the particulars. [Clever]
>Don’t try. You’ll only embarrass yourself.

>>1069890
Then they're strangely egalitarian for being not!Ottomans

>>1069828
>Mention the ‘crowning incident’. Might as well get it out in the open, there’s no other reason he’d recognise you. [Courage]

The gorilla's an assassin! He's been secretly trained to kill when given his trigger word!

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>>1069857
>>1069895
>Talk at length on the Ajiyimad campaign and news from his home. Obviously can’t be going fantastic with a name like ‘the Turncoat Prince’. [Experience]
>Don’t try. You’ll only embarrass yourself.

-------------------------------------


”I had heard had signed up on our side, hadn’t the chance to see for myself until now. I’m curious, what are you doing fighting for the Necromancer?”

”Ah, that is a sad an sorrowful tale. I recall the departure of the Company after we have uncovered the plot, a good year. I thought us victorious, instead our triumph left my brothers and I in the most dangerous position of all. Strength.”

”How’s that?” Strength has never been a bad thing in your books.
.
”The politics of Ajiyimad are divided between Faith and Reason on a knife’s edge. It is so convoluted that even I, the son of the Caliph, Protector of the Faith, divide my attentions equally between the moderate ranks of the Emir and Imam.”

Sabn nods at you to drink as Tofuz comes back and pours tea with surprising delicacy for a half-giant. Sabn brought out the good stuff. You feel a shiver of pleasure at the first taste of Darkwood Tea in months.

“Through our victory over the plotters, we suddenly had no enemies. And that, by itself, meant we were quickly seen as enemy by all not already friends. My friends among the moderates executed, my brothers attainted and sent from court… I must admit, I had not expected Father to endorse my exile as well.”

And so now you’re here, you find yourself thinking, looking for a way to raise some coin, men or both. Who knows? After your contract under the Necromancer runs out you might be finding yourself with the Company in Ajyimad again.

----------------------------------------------------

(1)
>Sabn-Ibn-Abbad was always an honourable sort. Working for the Necromancer must gall him some. Pick that wound a little, see where he stands. [Courage]

>The Captain has made clear she’s not enthused with your Employer. But that’s not the same as endorsing putting out feelers for potential allies in betrayal. Say nothing. [Clever]


(2)
>Business. Ask after his strength, supplies and the essentials. [Elite]

>Informtion. Ask his opinion on the other reinforcements. [Experience]

>>1070282
>The Captain has made clear she’s not enthused with your Employer. But that’s not the same as endorsing putting out feelers for potential allies in betrayal. Say nothing. [Clever]

Without any info on how we could take down the Necromancer, it'd be better to just ride out our contract

>Informtion. Ask his opinion on the other reinforcements. [Experience]
See if he knows anything about what the other guys could be planning.

>The Captain has made clear she’s not enthused with your Employer. But that’s not the same as endorsing putting out feelers for potential allies in betrayal. Say nothing. [Clever]

>Informtion. Ask his opinion on the other reinforcements. [Experience]

>>1070282
>The Captain has made clear she’s not enthused with your Employer. But that’s not the same as endorsing putting out feelers for potential allies in betrayal. Say nothing. [Clever]
>Business. Ask after his strength, supplies and the essentials. [Elite]

>>1070282
>The Captain has made clear she’s not enthused with your Employer. But that’s not the same as endorsing putting out feelers for potential allies in betrayal. Say nothing. [Clever]
>Informtion. Ask his opinion on the other reinforcements. [Experience]

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>>1070334
>>1070409
>>1070418
>>1070453

Roll 3 1d100.
>DC 60 [Medium]
>+5 Cloak of Command
>+5 Sword of Sovereignty
>DC 70


0 = Sabn will stick to his own for the duration of the stay. You do not have command or his support.
1 = Sabn does not recognise your command, he will however at least appear to support you when it comes to keeping the Vampires or Cultists in check for now.
2 = Sabn is touchy about the issue of command without your Captain present, but promises his full support in keeping the other reinforcements in check.
3 = You have the command. Sabn's troops are at your disposal and tactical missions for the region are unlocked.


I require 3 rolls. Rolls without a vote for MBFH or MBFH II will assume to be a vote for no use of it.
You have a 25% chance of reopening your wounds if you currently use it.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>1070526

Just FYI


A vote to concentrate on Business would have made command (externally at least) easier to attain. The focus on Gossip means you're more likely to get his support in internal affairs at this low level.

A vote to sus out his feelings on the Necromancer would have been different altogether.

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>1070526
WITNESS ME

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Why does this happen whenever we try to be social?

>>1070575
couse we beening nice thats y

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>1070526

Rolled 3 (1d100)

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>1070526
Last roll

>>1070575
>>1070597
Look at it this way, just be glad you didn't try for that potential treason option with these rolls.

>>1070611
Salvaged it.

>>1070613
>>1070614
Damn fellas. Early threads would have seen these as double pro-crits.

>>1070564
Stop dropping your trip

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>>1070611
>>1070613
>>1070614
Of course dice gods give them after they're useless

Forgot my trip.

Writing.

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>>1070553
>>1070565
>>1070611

”Lieutenant. You are trusted by your Captain, yes? You have her ear?”

”You could say that. I have a longer leash than most.” Careful now. Last time someone asked this you were in Sabari and they were trying to measure your price for an assassination.

”Muthir llilssakhria. Wayanbaghy 'an yakun lilmur'at la yakun qayid.” Sadiq Tofuz grunts in his native tongue, unimpressed.


”Ybdw 'annaha mukhtassat bma fyh alkifayata. Yuaffir al'iiman.” Whatever Sabn is saying, it doesn’t seem to be a rebuke of Tofuz. Not that you’d disagree with your own Sergeant in front of anyone if you can help it.

”I understand, ‘Prince’. I look forward to meeting her and discussing the issue of command.” Sabn grins, perhaps the only other person for a hundred miles that appreciates the name. And just like that, he handwaves the question of your own authority. ”I would advise you then, to be careful of these so-called allies. The Tassenland boys are just that, boys. They will not last long, perhaps not even to the fighting. The cultists are blasphemous heretics that I would rather see staked alive than practicing their foul magiks in my presence, at least they seem interested in the war effort when they aren’t busy proselytizing to the populace. The worst howver, are the Vampires. I have made a guarded camp every night since we left with them and I still lost men, they are out of control. Sadiq Tofuz had a… ‘word’ with one of them after that. We have had no trouble since, though the Tassenland have had it far, far worse I fear. Faith help me, but I could do nothing for the many unfortunates we passed along the road. There is no end to their thirst.”

”Can I count on you to back me up when it comes to keeping them under control while we’re here? This town could go to hell in a handbasket very quickly if we don’t.”

…To a point. You may make representations that I support you. When swords are drawn however, I would not wish to mislead you by saying I will ‘have your back’.”

You finish your tea and leave, making your excuses, That didn’t really help much. You were going to say you had Sabn backing you up to the others regardless. You’re not above lying by any means. At least you know now you have to get a handle on this lot quick before it gets out of hand.

----------------------------------------------------------

>See where SGT ‘Bad Hand’ and CPL ‘Jack’are with their investigations. Something about using the Grenn? [Clever]

>Take at look at those Tassenland recruits. Just how green are they? [Elite]

>Vampires. Fekking bloodsuckers were always going to be a problem. Bring them to heel now if you can. [Courage]

>Cultists are creepy, pushy and all around sinister. But at least you can convince them not to let the Vampires eat all the potential converts/sacrifices. [Experience]

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>>1070853
Oops.

”Lieutenant. You are trusted by your Captain, yes? You have her ear?”

”You could say that. I have a longer leash than most.” Careful now. Last time someone asked this you were in Sabari and they were trying to measure your price for an assassination.

”Muthir llilssakhria. Wayanbaghy 'an yakun lilmur'at la yakun qayid.” Sadiq Tofuz grunts in his native tongue, unimpressed.


”Ybdw 'annaha mukhtassat bma fyh alkifayata. Yuaffir al'iiman.” Whatever Sabn is saying, it doesn’t seem to be a rebuke of Tofuz. Not that you’d disagree with your own Sergeant in front of anyone if you can help it.

”I understand, ‘Prince’. I look forward to meeting her and discussing the issue of command.” Sabn grins, perhaps the only other person for a hundred miles that appreciates the name. And just like that, he handwaves the question of your own authority. ”I would advise you then, to be careful of these so-called allies. The Tassenland boys are just that, boys. They will not last long, perhaps not even to the fighting. The cultists are blasphemous heretics that I would rather see staked alive than practicing their foul magiks in my presence, at least they seem interested in the war effort when they aren’t busy proselytizing to the populace. The worst howver, are the Vampires. I have made a guarded camp every night since we left with them and I still lost men, they are out of control. Sadiq Tofuz had a… ‘word’ with one of them after that. We have had no trouble since, though the Tassenland have had it far, far worse I fear. Faith help me, but I could do nothing for the many unfortunates we passed along the road. There is no end to their thirst.”

”Can I count on you to back me up when it comes to keeping them under control while we’re here? This town could go to hell in a handbasket very quickly if we don’t.”

…To a point. You may make representations that I support you. When swords are drawn however, I would not wish to mislead you by saying I will ‘have your back’.”

You finish your tea and leave, making your excuses, That didn’t really help much. You were going to say you had Sabn backing you up to the others regardless. You’re not above lying by any means. At least you know now you have to get a handle on this lot quick before it gets out of hand.

----------------------------------------------------------

>See where SGT ‘Bad Hand’ and CPL ‘Jack’are with their investigations. Something about using the Grenn? [Clever]

>Take at look at those Tassenland recruits. Just how green are they? [Elite]

>Vampires. Fekking bloodsuckers were always going to be a problem. Bring them to heel now if you can. [Courage]

>Cultists are creepy, pushy and all around sinister. But at least you can convince them not to let the Vampires eat all the potential converts/sacrifies. [Experience]

>1 Success

I forgot to remark however that the one pass was a double so You will get another chance to elicit his aid later if push comes to shove, at low odds.

>See where SGT ‘Bad Hand’ and CPL ‘Jack’are with their investigations. Something about using the Grenn? [Clever]

>>1070889
>>Take at look at those Tassenland recruits. Just how green are they? [Elite]
Form an all-human sorta alliance against the weirdos. And if push comes to shove, we get fresh meatshields

>>1070889
>Vampires. Fekking bloodsuckers were always going to be a problem. Bring them to heel now if you can. [Courage]

>>1070889
>Vampires. Fekking bloodsuckers were always going to be a problem. Bring them to heel now if you can. [Courage]

>>1070889
>Cultists are creepy, pushy and all around sinister. But at least you can convince them not to let the Vampires eat all the potential converts/sacrifies. [Experience]

Try to get their support(?) first, then handle the Vamps.

Sorry guys, I need a little bit of clarification. Did you want to play Bully-the-Bloodsucker NOW or after you talk to the other factions?


----------------------------

>Now. They're probably be eating people already.

>Others first. Save the Vampires for later.

>>1071078
>>Others first. Save the Vampires for later.

>>1070889
>Cultists are creepy, pushy and all around sinister. But at least you can convince them not to let the Vampires eat all the potential converts/sacrifies. [Experience]

Tell them a populace to scared to leave their homes is a populace that won't listen to 'reason' regarding their friendly neighborhood cult

>>1071078
>Now. They're probably be eating people already.

>>1071078
>NOW

>>1071078
>Now. They're probably be eating people already.

>>1071078
>Others first. Save the Vampires for later.

>>1071078
>>Now. They're probably be eating people already.
mybe make saint there watch dog?

>Others first. Save the Vampires for later.

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>>1071092
>>1071103
>>1071219

Alrighty then. Either way, I'll have to call it here as real life obligations rear their ugly heads.

Thread is NOT archived, apparently it's throwing a hissy fit. But I've pasted all the content, not the discussion, and will mass post it next time.

Unfortunately we won't be doing this next weekend, however I have the week after that off so we'll have some good times then. Cheers for playing fellas!

>>1071423
thanks, damm you life

>>1071423
Thanks for running, QM.

>>1071423
I archived it but somehow set the title as #17. But an archive is better than no archive so just ignore it.
I swear I typed #19

>>1071423
Well here I am too late to play. But things went okay anyways.

We should probably figure out what's going on with White Bitch. I like the idea of telling her that she/we have to EARN good bloody sex. Not exactly earn, but we're an Officer so we don't just rut whenever. In our enemies stronghold, or over their corpses. Paperwork counts as an enemy.

Or at least when we don't have responsibility to attend to. If she can find an interesting place we can make a date.

Definitely want to poke at her if she wants to marry us and make an honest Officer out of us. It would be a first.

More seriously we should inform Sabn privately that there is a spy somewhere. Maybe he could work with us to find them, or he might have one in his camp too. Sounds like he has experience with this sort of thing from his life at court.

>>1071355
Nah man. Make Mask their watchdog. Tireless, can't be fed on, can blend in with the dead. Make Saint our Liason and Bait for an excuse to clamp down on them.

Or maybe get her to work on dealing with our mages. Get them to learn each other's languages, and see if they can teach each other about how they use their magic to see if they can come up with unique applications.

Like personal wards against undead, or maybe a ward that can counter the black guard influence.

Also could be useful to have a language nobody else understands for battle cant.

>>1072104

I thought we already had Mask committed to watch over the prince.

We've got 6 power groups: Us (the Company), the townspeople, the vamps, the other merc group, the cultists, and the rookie troops. Play them off against each other!

1) meet with them all separately.

a) work with other merc group on defense and keeping the vamps down (in progress).

b) meet with rookie troops. "Lads, you don't know what youre in for. Do this, this and this to secure your campsite, and if the vampires get uppity, we'll help you stake them. The locals are ok, treat them right and bring us any problems. Here's a safe tavern."

C) cultists "hail great emissaries of the glorious necro-dude. We've a place for you to proselytize (somewhere harmless), and about those vamps...you know, if you want converts, letting them run amok is bad. They might even get uppity enough to challenge your boss. Back us on setting RULES and you can get back to the REAL work of your bosses will. He'll probably even be happy with you."

D) meet with townsfolk, "hi guys, we have visitors. No lie, this will be rough, but if we work together, we can get through this. First, any plans for spying or uprising, lose them. The Turncoat Prince is as solid as they come, but not as nice as we are. Second, the vamps are dang good at interrogation - its that mesmerism trick, you know? Second, they're just ITCHING for a chance to run amok. Now, we can try to keep them off of you, but you need to play by our rules for a little bit..."


E) meet with vamps "Hey guys, glad to have you here. Listen, frankly every other group in the city is sharpening stakes already. Not us, tho. As long as you are, there are some rules of engagement, as we don't want a) an uprising or b) mutiny..."

Lastly, get any sorcerers working on wards for our camp and to detect vamps...