You wake, early in the morning, stiff and sore from the training of the past two weeks of training with Knut, Anders, and Erik. Mostly working on cohesion, with you and Knut using your shields to cover Anders and Erik, who tend to forgo them.

All in preparation for tomorrow. You leave for Ireland, raiding along the western coast. You hope you only need to use these tactics against them, as the village crones have you dealing with an ancient vampire. The creature, going by Logan, is supposed to be in possession of some book the witches value enough to trade powerful magic for.

You rise, stretching the aches from your back and shoulders, and follow the smells of breakfast out into the kitchen common area. Danica and your father are out there, already digging into sausages.

“What’s on the agenda for today,” Sven asks you between juicy bites. “More training?”

“Maybe,” you reply, poking your own food with a seax before you move to a hand-made chair, across from your father. “I imagine there’s also going to be a lot house keeping to be done before we leave.”

He nods, too busy chewing to be bothered actually speaking his answer.

Danica watches you eagerly, waiting for a signal you like the meal. She seems very insistent on pleasing you, despite the fact that she is, by all accounts, a slave. Not that you’re complaining. A lot of thralls would be waiting to give you a knife in the kidneys.

It briefly occurs to you she may simply be hoping the poison finally works before you shake it from your head. The girl has kindness in her eyes, and it’s not like you mistreat her.

You father stands and leaves, presumably to check the farm, a grunt his only goodbye. Danica begins cleaning up, and you’re effectively alone with the whole day in front of you.

>Find the boys
>Find someone else (Who? Why?)
>Do something (What?)
>Write-in

>>1636785
>Find the boys

>>1636785
>>Find the boys
Make sure everyone is in good shape for the raid.

>>1636785
>>Find the boys

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You get ready to leave the house for the day, affixing your seaxes to your belt and boot. You should probably find your friends, as anything that needs to be done by one will probably need to be done by all four.

You begin your search at the pier, searching for Erik. You find him working on a ship with Beard Bjorn, his father Ragnar, and a few other laborers.

You wait rather impatiently for them to set a plank, when Erik notices you kicking around a small stone. After a brief exchange with his father, he jogs over to you.

“More training,” he says, with more excitement than you’re used to.

“Maybe,” you reply, unsure of your plans for the day. “Depends on what the other two want to do. Any idea where they are?”

When he shakes his head in the negative, the two of you head over to Anders’ house, and bump into him and Knut leaving.

“Just looking for you,” you say in greeting.

“The same,” Anders replies, affixing a dagger to his belt. “Any plans for the day?”

>Practice makes perfect [train] (what skill?)
>We still need to deal with the crones [See the witches]
>Let’s see if there’s any prep to be done for the raid [Big Bjorn’s]
>Let’s relax a bit before the chaos [Mead hall]
>Write-in

>>1637048
>>We still need to deal with the crones [See the witches]
Let's see if we can get our brothers extended the same offer or if we are going to need to be doing this raid for the sake of our brother's purses.

>>1637048
>Let’s see if there’s any prep to be done for the raid [Big Bjorn’s]

>>1637048
>>>We still need to deal with the crones [See the witches]

>>1637048
>>We still need to deal with the crones [See the witches]

>>1637048
the fuck does everyone want to see the witches for?

>>1637048
>>Let’s relax a bit before the chaos [Mead hall]

>>1637048
>>>We still need to deal with the crones [See the witches]
>Let's see if we can get our brothers extended the same offer or if we are going to need to be doing this raid for the sake of our brother's purses.

>>1637048
>>Write-in

Find Svala

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“I know we’ve been putting it off,” you say reluctantly, “but we do need to go talk to Hilda and Helga about you guys getting in on the deal with Logan.”

“Gyuh,” Knut says as a shudder runs down his lanky body. “Do we really have to,?”

“Yes,” Anders says, very matter-of-factly. “Magic will help us more than any of us understand.”

“Fine,” Knut admits as he rolls his eyes. “Let’s get going then, before I lose my nerve.”

“Or you could just grow a pair of ball,” Erik jests, shouldering through the group off in the direction of the crones’ hut. Anders shrugs and follows him. You give Knut a small, sad smile before you nudge him in the same direction.

It’s not a long walk, but it feels like it as you near the ramshackle hut. The door opens as Anders goes to knock, no one behind it. Knut takes a step backwards, but you place a firm hand on his shoulder, and he finds his steel.

“What can we help you with, gentlemen,” the witches ask in their double speak as the four of you enter the nearly pitch black room the blind old women live in. “Just be mindful, most things here are costly.”

“These three are going to help me deal with the vampire,” you explain, gesturing to your friends despite the lack of eyes. “I was hoping there was a way to cut them into the deal we had made.”

“You are wise to ask,” one says. Hilda, you think.

“Little good comes from assuming with us,” continues the other.

“There are a few things we could do,” they say in unison, after a brief moment of consideration. “Magic is both complicated and expensive. If we were to enchant all four of you for this book, each would be a fraction of the power one would receive.”

“Seems fair,” Erik says almost under his breath. The crones pause for the short interruption before pressing onward.

“We could do that,” Helga says without accompaniment. “Or we could give one ‘full strength’ spell, and call upon you boys again when a new need arrives, and bless one each time.”

You look to your friends before answering. They reply to your question without you needing to ask.

“I’m fine with watered down magic,” Anders says. “Any little bit will help, and it’s now when we need it.”

“I disagree,” Knut says politely. “I think a full spell will be worth waiting for. I’m sure they have all sorts of things needing to be done.”

“We could do both,” Erik suggests, taking the middle ground as usual. “We just take the smaller spells as many times as they’ll let us. Looks like you’re the tie breaking vote, anyway.”

>We’ll take the full power magic. You know where to find us for the next three jobs.
>We need magic, and we need it now. Four smaller spells will be just fine.
>Bless the four of us when we get back, but remember is next time something comes up.
>Write-in

>>1639442
>>We’ll take the full power magic. You know where to find us for the next three jobs.

WHich of our friends have been the weakest/least useful in fights so far?
Whoever it is, thats who should get the first full blast of magic

>>1639491
While that's a very subjective question that varies from fight to fight, here are char sheets that I need to add to the OP. This should give you a general idea, based on what spells the crones end up offering.

https://pastebin.com/anuFmc1j

Probably give it to erik, that unarmed specializing motherfucker.

>>1639442
>>Bless the four of us when we get back, but remember is next time something comes up.

>>1639442
>>We’ll take the full power magic. You know where to find us for the next three jobs.

>>1639491
I would stay Anders. He got fuckin shrecked last fight.

>>1639442
>We’ll take the full power magic. You know where to find us for the next three jobs.

>>1640822
The problem with that is, if he goes berserk again, it's going to be a bitch trying to get him to stop.

>>1640862
As long as we could get the crones put just a straight protection thing on him, we could set aside worries about the goober's health in future fights. And we will remain bigger and stronger than the weed little guy.

Full power magic.

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“As much as you can give one of us,” you say, turning towards the crones. “Be sure to find other deeds worthy of your magic. There are three more of us.”

“We’re sure something will come up,” they say in their shared voice, a sly, toothless smile forming on their face. “Now run along,” they demand as they shoo you out. “Powerful magic takes time, and you are not our only patrons.”

As you enter back out into the outskirts of town, Anders and Erik turn back to you as Knut breathes an audible sigh of relief.

“So, who gets the first spell,” Knut asks the group as he shuffles away from the beat up cottage.

“Let’s discuss that after we get back “ Erik answers, “and we see what kind of spells they offer us. That’ll be a big part of deciding who gets it, I think.”

Anders and Knut shrug in a nonverbal agreement, and the matter seems settled.

>We have a big day tomorrow. Let’s get some rest. (Timeskip)
>Let’s head to the training field. We have work to do. (Train. What skill? Choose up to 2)
>Let’s see if Big Bjorn has anything for us to do before we leave
>Let’s hit the mead hall and see who’s around
>Write-in

>It is currently about 10 am.

>>1645135
>We have a big day tomorrow. Let’s get some rest. (Timeskip)
let's get off the islaaaand

>>1645135
>>Let’s see if Big Bjorn has anything for us to do before we leave

>>1645135
>>We have a big day tomorrow. Let’s get some rest. (Timeskip)

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“We should get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow,” you say, stretching your shoulders.

Erik gives an audible sigh of relief. “Thank Odin,” he says, throwing his hands in the air. “I thought you were going to have us train again. I can't take another day of that shit.”

“May not be saying that with a javelin in your chest,” Anders says smugly, pantomiming a throw.

“I’ll risk it,” Erik says roughly as he turns on a heel, heading home without another word.

“That settled that, I guess,” Knut comments as he slowly starts his way to the trading post. “See you tomorrow, boys.”
Five days later, the four of you are standing on the rocky shore of northwestern Ireland, after listening to Torstein give a rousing speech about going home with gold and women.

The cheering over, your little group is left mostly to your own devices.

“Well, what’s the plan,” Anders asks, much more a sword arm than a planning man. “Odds are some people already have a raid set up. We could go asking around.”

“Fresh meat’s always in demand in a raid camp,” Erik suggests. “Hunting might be a good way to get some coin while things pick up.”

“Or we could go deal with the vampire,” Knut says rather dourly, getting a mean look from Anders. “Whatever he needs may be time-sensitive.”

You consider the options as the other three turn to you.

>Find a raid
>Go hunting
>Find Logan
>Write-in

>>1654911
>find Logan
We can raid after that, assuming we don't get shit fucked by him somehow

>>1654911
>>Find Logan

>>1654911
>Find Logan

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“We should find Logan, see what he wants from us,” you decide, idly kicking the rocky ground at your feet. “If we end up fighting him, I’d rather not be wounded from previous battles.”

“Dammit, you’re right,” Anders curses, staring off into the sky. The grimace on his face tells you that he clearly wishes you weren't. “Let’s go find the half-demon, then, and hope he doesn't decide to just eat us.”

The four of you gear up, and set out to find the estate using the directions that Big Bjorn relayed from the crones before you set out.

“Cats,” Knut says few hours of travel through the rolling, bright green country side later. “We’re getting close, I bet,” he finishes, pointing out some of the felines feasting what looks like most of a bird.

Sure enough, a few hills later, you crest the top to find a massive stone house, it’s fields and outbuildings sprawling across at least three acres that look over a sheer cliff into the ocean. There are about a dozen people milling around the property, and even more cats.

As you approach on a gravel footpath, one of the people working outside begins sniffing the air, and starts towards you. Someone next to him places a hand on his shoulder, and says something before both continue working.

“Looks like we’re expected,” Erik drolls. Seems he noticed, too.

As you get within shouting distance of the house, the massive double doors open, and a finely dressed man steps out down the white stone steps. As he nears you, you notice that his skin is the same ashen gray of the ferals you fought in the baltic. Moving much like the cats that roam this area, with every movement precise and calculated, he approaches your cadre.

“I take it you gentlemen are here about the book,” he says, his smile showing two rows of twisted, razor sharp teeth, much like the ferals had. His bright gray eyes dart between the four of you, noticing your arms and armor. “Seems you don't trust the likes of us, much, however. Such caution is usually wise, but unnecessary right now,” he comments, waving off the assumed worries, his smile still barring the horrible, flesh-tearing teeth.

You can hear Anders working his sword in it’s scabbard. You can feel his uncomfortability from here.

>Reply to the vampire, with words or action

I forgot to mention, he is speaking English. This means only you and Knut can understand him.

>>1657469
"It would be an insult to a hunter of your reputation to show weakness, old one. We do seek the book, so if you would be so kind as to let us know what you'd trade for it, we can kindly do business."

>>1657604
this

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“It would be a great insult,” you begin as you gesture towards the creature, “to come to dealings with a hunter of such skill and prowess unprepared to defend ourselves.”

The vampire raises an eyebrow, unsure what to think about your attempt at flattery.

“What are they saying” Anders says in Norse, pestering Knut to translate. “I don't like this,” he grumbles, his hand still placed firmly on his sword pommel.

“But,” you say, shooting Anders a sideways glare as Knut fills the two non-speakers in. “You’re correct. We’re here for the book, sent by the witches Hilda and Helga. If you’d tell us what you’d like for it, we can begin the process.”

He smiles his awful smile, and steps back to gesture towards the mansion. The five of you walk to the massive building.

It’s not terribly well lit, which doesn't surprise you much, but it is lavish. Rich carpets line the floor as complex tapestries hang from the walls. Between a set of twin, winding staircases hangs a massive portrait of a man that looks like Logan, but with much tanner skin, and holding a spear and bronze shield even larger than yours. The vampire leads you into a side room, and seats you on a pair of soft red sofas. He disappears into yet another room, and emerges holding a thick leather bound book that seems older than the house.

“This is the book your benefactors want,” he says, placing it on an ornate table between you. “And for it, I want a death,” he states with a small dramatic flair as he sits into a chair that matches your couches. “There is a Catholic cardinal on our little island, sent straight from the pope in Paris. His name is Silas Wolfsbane, and he’s here because the church feels that Ireland has a werewolf problem, and the man in the big hat wants him to get the locals to start hunting them down. While I feel no love for the Fleabags, what is bad for them tends to be bad for me. I want you to convince some of your fellows to raid the city of Coleraine, and kill Silas in the process, as not not raise any questions. What say you?”

>We’re always willing to kill Christians
>We’re no assassins
>[Counteroffer]
>Ask questions
>Write-in

>>1661479
>Ask questions
Any defenses? Known travel plans? People who dissent within the organization?

>>1661479
>We’re always willing to kill Christians

>>1661479
>We’re always willing to kill Christians

“What kind of defenses can we expect,” you ask the vampire. “Both for the city and the cardinal.”

“No wall on the city,” Logan answers, “but every one of these Irishmen can fight, so there’ll be some unorganized resistance,” he says, standing to pace the room. “Silas himself is a dangerous man in his own right. They don't call him Wolfsbane for nothing. He’s killed dozens. On top of that, Pope Benedict makes all officials travel with bodyguards when doing church business. You can expect four men, all hand picked by Silas himself. It’s a competent group, to be certain.”

“Know his travel plans, by chance,” Knut asks after finishing translating to Erik and Anders. “It’d be nice not to have to scour the city for him.”

“Men I have watching them say they stay in churches or inns,” Logan replies while leaning over the back of the chair. “Silas is not a man for luxury.”

You swear inwardly. Ulrich had said your presence and importance is masked from other gods until you find the Atlas, unless you enter their holy ground. You’re pretty sure a catholic church counts.

“Anyone we could bribe or threaten into turning on him,” Erik inquires, looking at you and Knut, rather than Logan.

“I doubt it,” the elder vampire says with a grimace after you repeat the question in English. “Silas doesn't travel with an envoy. Always just him and the same four handpicked bodyguards. The man is very spartan, and despises using servants.”

“A damn shame,” Knut says, faking disappointment. “Guess we’ll just have to kill him the old fashioned way.”

“Yeah, we’re down, Haskell,” Erik says, sounding a little excited, Anders nodding next to him.

“Sounds like we’re all more than willing to kill a few Christians,” you say, looking to Logan. “You’ve got a deal.”

“Excellent,” Logan says, clapping once, loudly. “When the deed is done, bring me his badge of office. It’s a sash he wears over his shoulders. And remember. Kill him in a raid. Don't want to raise any suspicions. Anything else?”

>Ask more questions
>Go back to the raid camp
>Write-in

>>1662082
>Go back to the raid camp

>>1662082
>Go back to the raid camp

>>1662082
>Ask more questions
Are there any other people besides you and the werewolves who have issues with him?

>>1662082
>Go back to the raid camp

“Is there anyone else that may want Silas dead, other than the werewolves,” you ask, trying to come up with last minute questions.

“Not Silas in particular,” Logan answers after a moment of thought. “Though, I’m sure there are plenty that wouldn't mind a Catholic cardinal being killed. Not many on this island, however. These people haven’t been catholic long, but they took to it like a pig to mud. That’ll probably cause problems later,” Logan trails off.

“Looks like we won't be double dipping on the assassination,” Knut says in Norse, chewing on the inside of his lip.

“A damn shame,” you reply in your native tongue. “Probably be some pretty good money in it.”

With all of your questions answered, you make your goodbyes to the vampire and leave the mansion. As you exit, he hands you a rolled up map of the northern part of Ireland, with Coleraine marked. Doesn't look like more than a day’s worth of sail.

There seem to be a few more young vamps out now that the noon day sun isn't beating down so hard. Some eye you hungrily, and are quickly batted over the head by older, more mature comrades.

You end up back in the camp after a few hours’ walk in the green, rocky countryside with about three hours of daylight left. Cook fires have been lit, and three of the seven ships have been turned into makeshift barracks. The other four remain on the shoreline, so no one appears to have left on a raid yet.

>Find some food at a fire
>Find someone (who?)
>Do something (what?)
>Try to talk Torstein into sending a raid to Coleraine
>Try to drum up some men on your own
>Write-in

>>1663646
>Try to drum up some men on your own

>>1663646
>Try to talk Torstein into sending a raid to Coleraine

That will probably be the best way to make sure we have the most men possible for it