Welcome to Knights Order Quest. Previous thread for those uninitiated >>1631117

Current stats

> Party:
>> Unnamed MC, Grandmaster of the Order of Demon's Bane (working name for order)
>> Rodrick, the Squire
>> Kenneth, the Squire
>> Dorian, the Squire
>> Wendell, the Squire
>> Wallace Barenby, the Veteran
>> Maynard Greenfield, the Young
>> Aurochs, the Giant
>> Jon Bradley, the Charming
>> Dryvian Hound, Unnamed
>> Eustace Beauregard, the Portly
>> Westhrop Norby, the Sword
>> Martin Warts, the Shield
>> Nessa, the Nestress

>Fleet
>> The Stubborn Mistress [Medium Speed, Highest Durability, Medium Cargo]

> Balance: 1,731 gold (Adjusted for food costs)

Assets:
> 8 sets of Chainmail
> 8 longswords
> 8 helmets
> 1 pair of pauldrons
> 1 pair of gauntlets
> 1 pair of greaves
> 1 maul
> 1 greatsword
> Ramshield [Large Kite Shield with Ram; increased defense and reputation]
> Ramcape [Increased Intimidation and Reputation to wearer]
> 4 Bows
> 3 Quivers (60 arrows each)
> 4 wooden bucklers
> 3 breastplate
> 12 Barrels of Rum
> Viscather Keep and Village with Ferry and Fishing Docks (20 gold per week)
> Arrison Set [Helmet styled with elongated snout and boar tusks, rest of set dark black with red engravements; increases defense and Intimidation on the wearer]

I will have a more organized pastebin posted, though I think that some anon has a spreadsheet, not sure if its updated however.

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>1657751
>Something unholy is coming.
>1d100
It is time.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>1657755

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>>1657868
A deep red glow paints the entrance. A group of five tall and horned demons, armored in some sort of thorny black shells, charge in with blades strapped to their arms. Warts screams. Aurochs grunts. The first one glides at a fast pace, horns downwards, like a bull if a bull were two legged and levitated half an inch from the ground.

Warts put his title to good use, angling the buckler just in the path of the horns. He is pushed back several feet, but good posturing kept him upright. You thank the Spirit the creature hadn't charged at Aurochs first, who now had took advantage of the demon's horns being trapped in the buckler and swiped downwards, repeatedly chopping down at the armor while the Dryvian Hound barks and jumps up, trying to get a piece of the action.

The other demons charge in one at a time due to their constraints, and to your great advantage. First Sir Bradley goads at one with one of your longswords. His taunting annoys the demon enough to single him out and lunge as Bradley skips back and back. "Hah! Another trophy for the horn collection! Watch closely Sir Norby, and see how its done!"

Norby doesn't respond, having engaged with the second one to emerge through a long lunge with his longsword. The demon is pierced, but shows no sign of injury. You marvel at the former man-at-arm's resolve to keep a good grip of the blade, unfortunately leading to a loud snap from the stress of the weakly forged metal. So much for charity blades.

You and Greenfield hadn't noticed the noise however, as the final two demons had emerged almost in unison. You instruct Greenfield to surround them, as difficult as it was in the cramped room. However, with all three of the others being dragged out into battle by your party, you manage to get them back to back. The advantage wouldn't be held long; though Greenfield had tried using his new knowledge of Critical Strikes on the demon's joints and chest, no signs of hinderance were worn on the creature's face.

(1/2)

You decide to take a chance. You pause your parrying just long enough for the demon to graze your armor. The chained shirt slips down! This allows just enough seconds for the demon to pause and revel in a new victory. You reverse grip of your sword, second hand behind the pommel in support, and quickly plunge through his briefly exposed chest. The claw scratching was like freshly forged daggers rubbing against your back, but it worked; you managed to dig through one's stomach through the other's back! Skewered, you try bulling sideways so that they tumble, maintaining a straight grip throughout the fall. You twist a massive as hole as you can, before pulling out to reveal the convulsing corpses of hellspawn. Greenfield pauses, shaking a little, but then curiously moves to saw at one of the horns.

"Dammit Initiate, we have no time for recklessness! Help your brethren!"

You rush to assist Bradley. It seems the taunts he gave didn't make up for his ability to deliver; multiple scratches bled his arm and upper chest. The chained shirt was on the ground, similar to yours. You run and slide, digging sword into the beast's thigh, forcing it down. Bradley manages to use his sword to make its horned head roll, leaving a monstrous scream in its wake.

After the scream, it seems the sounds of battle have ceased. Aurochs is managing to hold his demon down and mouth shut, similar to a bullfighter pulling a bull's head down by his arms. Warts prepares to scalp the horns, edging his blade just right. You sigh and Bradley laughs weakly.

Greenfield manage to be enough of a pain to the demon to attract its attention for a brief enough moment for Norby to slice viciously at its back. The beast tumbles facedown, scrambling to get up before both Greenfield and a very bloody Norby pin it down, repeatedly stabbing it in the back until it is still in a pool of its blood.

Evaluating casualties, it seems to you Aurochs is heavily burned (once more), you and Sir Bradley have scratched up torsos, and Norby has an ear and a half cut off. Fortunately, you have before you a live demon.

"What you reckon we do with this bastard? I'd give him a proper treatment with me tools if I had 'em. Who knows what secrets we can pry from this one." You begin to suspect that Martin Warts was much more than a 'trusted knight' to Lord Beauregard.

"Absolutely now way will we take in a live one!"
Bradley shouts between gasps of air. "These creatures are tricky! If hell couldn't keep them, what make you think a cell can? If you take him, better take him dead"

"Or maybe not at all," Greenfield puts in, "After all, h-h-how many more will come? Do we know?"

You consider your options and decide to

> Leave with the demon - alive!
> Leave with the demon - dead!
> Kill the demon and leave it here.
> Write In

(options to take the demon alive or dead will include a roll, but we won't roll until we decide on an option)

(2/2)

>>1658030
>take it alive

>>1658030
>"Or maybe not at all," Greenfield puts in, "After all, h-h-how many more will come? Do we know?"
>> Leave with the demon - alive!
More intel.

>>1658141
>>1658198
Roll 1d100

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1658248

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>1658248

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>>1658268
>>1658257
"Hey demon, wake up!" You prod the face of the creature with your hilt. "Tell us quick, why are you here? Are you alone?"

The demon spits in its ancient tongue. Even if he's cooperating, you don't speak Encaeradi, so it doesn't help. You sigh, realizing you will need to bring it to Viscather and have Nessa help interpret.

The trek back is fast and tough. Aurochs wears the creature around his neck like a noblewoman's odd fashion piece. The creature's eyes, nose and mouth glows weakly in the places of crevice that is not lit by the torch.

Eventually you meet the illuminated fungi. Then, the shadows of higher ceilings. Then open sky. At last! You have reached the open crevice. Aurochs sways in the back, having to be prodded by Warts like a cattle herder. Seems to you that the giant's pain centers are registering his burn marks. It'd be best to leave as quick as you can.

It has not been two paces until you see another horde. Two demons, accompanied by a robed man. The demons snarl, but hold back before muttering a final terrible phrase, causing a convulsion in the robed man. He drops to his knees, his back growing outwards. Two pointed wings, as with the late Lord Viscather. Then the head they are attached to you. There is no question; an archdemon is being birthed.

Before you form your party in position, with Aurochs in the back wrestling the captive down, the archdemon is fully formed. It stands a little more than twice the height of a normal man, three feet taller than his normal demon brothers. He sprouts a set of boned wings, which you know functions more in combat than in flight. Its face is an ominous black skull with many horns adorning it. The rest of its skeleton is entirely black.

"Oh, dear Spirit, please let me take the red ones." Greenfield shakes his knees inwards.

Your three newest companions walk forward, side by side with you. For a moment that seems to last forever, both yourselves and the demons seem to idly stare, waiting for the other to make the first move. Bradley finally breaks the silence.

"...seems the Spirit gave me an opportunity to hack a horn after all..."

You find yourself releasing a deep, hearty laugh along with Norby and Warts. The demons snarl in response. You decide it'd be better to get the feud over now rather than later, and assume a two handed stance.

Roll a 1d100

(sleeping now, continuing forth tomorrow 2pmEST at the earliest!)

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>1658340
>the archdemon is fully formed.
fug

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>1658340
God Bless.

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>1658340

>>1658340

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>1658946
Whoops I'm retarded

>>1658947
FUCK let's hope it's best of 3

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>1658340

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>>1658363
First up are Bradley and you. As you charge, Bradley with his shield up and sword pointing out, you with sword to the side ready to land a heavy blow, the two demons split to either side. The archdemon is still regaining its composure, curiously observing the battle between its minions first.

You swing hard from the right to your front. Your foe skates backwards. Then another swing. Another dodge. You figure the best places to swing to force the foe into a spot where attacks were unavoidable. With his back against the wall, you share a smile with your opponent. The demon begins to swipe, but you just as fast and vicious with your blade, cutting off and into the armor deep enough to slice into the demon’s chest. Hot, searing claws reopen your recent wounds. The world seems a different color now. Delusions of battle? Games the mind play to soothe you down perhaps? You suppress them as best you can, hoping to be the last to yield in your prickling wrestling match with your opponent. The blade slips out, completely through the creature. You weakly prance out of the way of the tall figure.

Fortunately, your party senses your weak state and moves in front to take the reins back.Bradley barely hangs on. His goading seems to be less effective with his opponent, so instead returns to repetitive parrying. He seems to be trying to fatigue the demon, but ends up tiring himself the most. Warts rushes in, shield in front, and tries slamming into the creature’s side. This time, the creature’s limberness manages to evade the attack. Martin Warts runs past, turn back to horned villain, and then sputters blood. Looking down, he finds a black bone emerging from his chest.

(1/3)

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>>1658990

“Martin! No!” Blinded by rage, Norby screams and charges with nothing but his shield. Greenfield runs to assist the grieving man.
The archdemon walks, but his wings fly. The bone strikes through the shield, finding acquaintance with Norby’s mail, and traps itself there. Greenfield takes the initiative to keep charging before another boned wing pierces his upper thigh. Aurochs finally charges in, chopping heavily at the structure pinning down Greenfield.

‘I can’t lose men, I can’t lose men,” you think to yourself as you force standing upright. Conveniently, two of the claws are attacking Greenfield and Aurochs while one is throwing around Norby, allowing you to charge at the last remaining one. Bradley beats you to it, finally having slain his foe, taunting the wing to reach farther and farther out. You take the opportunity to chop the elongated structure while its right and rigid. Hot steam and an intense scream result.
Suddenly all the bones retract and lung towards you. Bradley pulls you back with all the strength he has left, leaving you only impaled by your leg. It misses bone but leaves a nasty gash through your muscles. Every movement shoots pain through your body.
The sacrifice isn’t made in vain. Aurochs and Greenfield meet with the body of the archdemon, both hacking at the base of the bony wings. Screaming, the wingless demon strikes a blow strong enough to throw the plate armored Aurochs to the back wall. Greenfield is limber enough to avoid the attack, and takes the opportunity to plunge blade in neck. Claws dig into his sides, causing him to let go. The attack greatly cripples the archdemon. He stupors like a drunk. You slowly trudge towards it, raising your sword high and lodging it into the other shoulder, trying with the last of your might to slice down to the opposite hip. You are sprayed in scorching demon’s blood. You suspect it may be more effort than required, but its just desserts for the loss of your Martin Warts. With the threat finally vanquished, your body lets you go into slumber; the last thing you remember is Bradley gifting the archdemon’s horned faceplate to the fallen Warts.

(2/3)

---VISCATHER KEEP---
You awaken in your bed, Nessa aside you with your breakfast ready.

“M-milord! You’ve come to be it seem! Praise the Spirit!”

“Indeed Nessa, praise be. Hand me that rum, will you?”

You take a drink as deep as you can without flooding your throat, then gasp for air and drink again. After being hydrated, you ask what has happened.

“So much milord. Martin Warts is dead, and Sir Norby is in extreme mourning. Maynard Greenfield is also as badly injured as you; I fear for his life, let alone being able to fight in the next two weeks. Bradley seems as badly injured, but insists on dressing himself and seems to be up and about. Aurochs seems to have the most injury, but no sign on his face of it. Most odd.”

You reflect on his oddity when you remember your former mission. “What of Lord Arrison? Had we delivered his gems?”

Nessa nods solemnly. “He was most generous milord. He traveled with you back to the keep and hoped to wait for your recovery, but had to leave urgently. His squire has given me a letter from him drafted to you to discuss terms from your recent venture. He stayed for Warts funeral.”

You shake your head. “You mean to say I’ve missed my own Initiate’s funeral?” Grasping your head, you sigh in heavy frustration. “Where is everyone now?”

Nessa nods sympathetically and answers, “They await your recovery in the courtyard. If you are feeling well enough, you can greet them and such. Might I advise for the next couple of weeks to not stress your body too much? Healing wounds of this manner may take time. If you are insistent on pressing actions, at least send someone healthier.” Nessa smiles as you thank her for her care, and gets up to leave.

(3/4?) Yeah I underestimate how long my posts are so sue me

You emerge into the bailey to cheers from your men. Barenby has paused his training of the squires and the young Eustace to respectfully wait for your wellbeing. Sir Bradley comes up to you bowing in deep respect, bringing with him an unknown face.
“This lad here has come requesting to join milord. Introduce yourself lady.”
The boy stumbles up. “I am Scott Briarbatch. I’ve come from West Torland? From the bandited village in Lord Beauregard’s land?”

You nod, remembering well what happened at the village.
“I-I wish to be a knight. I know I’m not of noble blood, but I was one of Sir Bradley’s recruited – I have seen your mission and purpose! I know your reputation as a man of honor, surely you can sense that in me, can’t you?”
You are always welcome to more members, so you agree for now to house young Scott in the barracks. After shaking many hands and mourning over Sir Warts loss, you unravel the letter. Lord Arrison expresses his deepest gratitudes for your mission, and wishes to reward you properly! He would send a reward of gold, but know you are also in need of men, so is willing to allow you to take one of his Iron Miners off, free of indenture! Who shall you select?

> Sir Auster Daringer
> Sheridan Poyle
> Arjo the Arrow
> I’d rather take the coin

Ok, one more for you

---END OF WEEK 4---
Barenby’s continual training of the squires has yielded spectacular results! Kenneth and Rodrick are convinced they are able to spar and at least Greenfield’s caliber, understanding their own strengths and weaknesses in combat, and how to use it to their advantage. Wendell and Dorian, meanwhile, pick up the sword tactics that Kenneth and Rodrick have learned from earlier.

Barenby’s training with Eustace is slow, but some progress is evident. He starts with the basics with Eustace. The boy certainly has some hidden strength under all those layers, but the clumsiness is a great hinderance. Barenby tries to manage this by teaching Eustace discipline in holding his blade, shield, and body in solid places.

> Kenneth and Rodrick learn Limitations and Advantages of their Forms
> Wendell and Dorian learn Critical Strikes
> Eustace learns Basic Stances

> Party:
>> Unnamed MC, Grandmaster of the Order of Demon's Bane (working name for order)
>> Rodrick, the Squire
>> Kenneth, the Squire
>> Dorian, the Squire
>> Wendell, the Squire
>> Wallace Barenby, the Veteran
>> Maynard Greenfield, the Young
>> Aurochs, the Giant
>> Jon Bradley, the Charming
>> Dryvian Hound, Unnamed
>> Eustace Beauregard, the Portly
>> Westhrop Norby, the Sword
>> Scott Briarbatch, the Rookie
>> Nessa, the Nestress

>Fleet
>> The Stubborn Mistress [Medium Speed, Highest Durability, Medium Cargo]

> Balance: 1,737 gold (revenues 20, expenses 14 due to food costs)

Assets:
> 6 sets of Chainmail
> 7 longswords
> 9 helmets
> 1 pair of pauldrons
> 1 pair of gauntlets
> 1 pair of greaves
> 1 maul
> 1 greatsword
> Ramshield [Large Kite Shield with Ram; increased defense and reputation]
> Ramcape [Increased Intimidation and Reputation to wearer]
> 4 Bows
> 3 Quivers (60 arrows each)
> 4 wooden bucklers
> 3 breastplate
> 12 Barrels of Rum
> Viscather Keep and Village with Ferry and Fishing Docks (20 gold per week)
> Arrison Set [Helmet styled with elongated snout and boar tusks, rest of set dark black with red engravements; increases defense and Intimidation on the wearer]

We have four days left in the week thanks to your adventure. What should we do now?

> Train Initiates
> Recruit new Initiates (Mines, Prison)
> Hire Staff (Chef, Smith, Dungeonmaster, etc.)
> Invest in Land (Farm, Stables, Mine, Market, etc. Costs 500 gold, not fixed)
> Name Order
> Visit the Smithy
> Investigate the Wall
> Interrogate (Demon, Imp)
> Find the Crimson Tome Piece
> Assign Gear (I can do this as well if nobody bothers)
> Write In

Think I neglected to mention the dog in the battle scene, but he wouldn't have played that large a role I imagine. We can just assume he was guarding the wounded demon captive. Also, I use a best of three system where 70+ is a success for things, though I'm open to recommendations if you feel the system should change.

>>1658999
>>1659002
Might be wise to take Sir Daringer as recompense from Arrison if the offer is still on the table. Just keep him away from the booze; always nice to have another knight trained in chivalrous matters.

>>1658999
>the arro
>keep the new runt

>>1659002
Let's get our own smithy and proper study for demon shit. Everybody else is too stay and study/train

>>1658999
>so is willing to allow you to take one of his Iron Miners off, free of indenture!
>>1658999
>> Sir Auster Daringer
>>1659012
Support.
Most expensive miner and another noble will help with management and training. Getting him for free then buying the rest sounds more cost-effective.
How much gold would it have been?

>>1658999
>You are always welcome to more members, so you agree for now to house young Scott in the barracks.
>>1659073
Support keeping the recruit and property purchases.

>>1659002
>> Assign Gear (I can do this as well if nobody bothers)
The MC gets all of the best gear, obviously.
Aurochs gets the heaviest gear and weaponry.
Wallace Barenby and Eustace Beauregard get the next best gear, then auto-assign the rest.
>> Write In
Buy more demon containment gear and containers.
> Recruit new Initiates (Mines, Prison)
> Arjo the Arrow
We should get the former bandit to help us investigate the Wall later, it's likely we'll be facing bandits there.

> Visit the Smithy
Buy enough shields and breastplate for everyone.
What would it have taken to prevented a casualty from the archdemon? Were we missing vital gear?

>>1659261
it takes a week per-chest plate to be made.

>>1659002
>> Name Order
List of Order names from last thread:
>>1637032
>'Order of Demon's Bane', though perhaps that won't be as comforting to the peasantfolk.
>>1638242
>Maybe just make it Latin or something? Google translates that to Order Daemonium Malo.
>Or Knights Sanctorum Triumphatores. Knights of the Holy Vanquishers.
>Order Gloriam Victim which allegedly means honour bound.
>>1638288
>Knights of Honor, Knights for Honor?

Known orders:
>>1637034
>“I’ve received word of the ‘Blackbird Order’ from a trusted minister. He is confident that a lord of this realm is in conspiracy with them

>>1659267
Oh. When was this mentioned? I must've missed that.

On another note, did you remember to archive the last thread on sup/tg/, QM?

>>1659269
When we put a shipment in for the breastplates and stuff last time?

>>1641486
>Another Breastplate has arrived! You have now queued up 2 helmets and 3 boots, both part of a plate armor set.
It doesn't state how long each piece takes, just that it's in the queue.

>>1659012
>>1659261
Supporting Sir Auster, he adds to our notoriety and credibility instantly.
>>1659269
Any of Anon's latin suggestions for names sounds good, I think Order of Demon's Bane is a little cringey, to be honest.

>>1659002
>> Name Order
>>1659307
>Any of Anon's latin suggestions for names sounds good,
Same.
>>1659269
>>Order Gloriam Victim
Sounds the best to me at the moment. Also seems the most relevant to our Honor background and Order's business.

>>1659307
>>1659261
>>1659012
You write back to Arrison's Keep to free Sir Auster Daringer into your services. You also include a request to free Arjo the Arrow, but you will pay his indenture fully.

> Balance: 1,527

>>1659261
>>1659073
You consider hiring a smithy and purchasing a study to document and scrutinize old documents about the recent and ancient Incursions. The cost incurred would be a rump sum of 500 for the study, and a weekly upkeep cost of 3 gold a week for both the smithy's wages and living expenses.

> Balance: 1,027
> New Noncombatant Member: Ruther, the Smith

>>1659333
The Order is henceforth known as the Order Gloriam Victum

>>1659261
You decide to don on the Arrison set. It fits snugly, though the smell of rotting bones still fester inside.

Aurochs wears the heavy breastplate, pauldrons, gauntlets, greaves, and helmet. He would only need heavy boots to wear a full Plate Armored Set. He wields the maul.

Barenby takes ownership of the Ramshield and a longsword, and Eustace equips a buckler and longsword. Both are adorned in the remaining heavy breastplates.

I believe thats most of the administrative things? You can take this time in recovery to interact with any order members you want, or travel to other places like the Wall or Capital, or wait it out simply.

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>>1659511
Checked, Order Gloriam Victum is awesome.
What are our current arms? I'm quite partial to the idea of a bastard sword with a light shield as a backup, a la Boromir. Spears are neat too, but aren't as versatile, obviously.

Chat with Barenby about his thoughts/opinions on training, with Greenfield to see how he's handling his first real injuries and ally casualties, and Bradley. Try to gauge overall party morale amongst our more valuable members.

>>1659511
>and a weekly upkeep cost of 3 gold a week for both the smithy's wages and living expenses.
Woops, we're reaching close to our upkeep limit, unless the Smithy can generate money.
>>1659002
>> Viscather Keep and Village with Ferry and Fishing Docks (20 gold per week)
> Invest in Land (Farm, Stables, Mine, Market, etc. Costs 500 gold, not fixed)
Trading Port for ships so we can start our island trading network.
Are there ways to encourage more trade to our island?

> Write In
Discuss with our members from the previous mission, any feedback they might have. Also introduce everyone to each other, I don't think we've done that yet.
>>1644026
>"Eustace, my son, it is time for you to become a man.
Ask Eustace Beauregard if he can help us set up a trading deal with his father, Lord Beauregard from the Bandits quest we did earlier, once we set up the trading network.
>>1632008
>His motivation is divinity.
Ask Auster Daringer for any contacts he had from his previous life. See if he'll be interested in being our travelling warrior priest because of his Divinity motive.

Did we already clear out the empty keep, Giselle earlier?

> Interrogate (Demon, Imp)
Interrogate the Imp on any related Imps, Demons to him, or other cult orders. Interrogate the Demon on the same subjects of the Imps, but start first from the summoning ritual which seems to be popping up more often.
After that ask them on what the demons' goals are, see how well their stories corroborate.
Do we have anyone guarding the demons, what safeguarding measures do we have?

>>1659581
Longswords are basically bastard swords. The greatsword is like a longsword with a heavier blade and pommel. MC so far is using the longsword and buckler, obviously you can change fight style if need be. We can say that MC's background in military is versatile enough for any style to be adopted, including archery.

>>1659582
You haven't cleared Giselle. Should add that into options later.

For revenue, I'm basically taking a note from AC2 and having it so you 'renovate' a local shop and you take a portion of their profits. With a castle smithy, you will have access to gear you can sell and equip. I can allow trade routes I suppose though. I didn't really set out to make a civ kinda game, but the economy certainly need to be there.

You are also located in a castle on an island, and the town is on the shore of the mainland. Trader ships would come dock at the town, not the island. Not that it would matter to you in any case since the town also belongs to you.

I'll continue the story with the order members in a little bit.

>>1659662
>You are also located in a castle on an island, and the town is on the shore of the mainland. Trader ships would come dock at the town, not the island. Not that it would matter to you in any case since the town also belongs to you.
Oh. I figured they were both a part of the same island from the descriptions.

>>1659581
>basword.jpg
>>1659662
The image makes me wonder, what do you folks see the Unnamed MC as? I personally see him as like the Chosen Undead but with the ability to speak.

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Gonna post the ally talks before I'm off to bed, then we'll follow up with demon interrogations and other actions before we end the week to a recovered MC!

BARENBY: "Not that I'm ungrateful for your charity in accepting me in your ranks milord, but I had a clear intention to kill as many demon bastards as I can. Now I hear you're keeping some in this keep? Alive? What, do you wish for the whole castle to come crumbling down? And I'm expected to what, train boys with barely a hair on his chin? I understand its important, but what use do I have to hone other's combat when I have not honed my own? At least promise me next adventure where you expect to fight those animals, invite me in?"

"You want to know what I think of who I'm training eh? Well the squires show real promise. Kenneth and Rodrick seem to have a competition on who gets knighted first, though if you ask me they need experience applying their combat first before they don the knight's cloak."

"Wendell and Dorian are less rivals and buddies. They are quieter bunch, and very serious too. I think the embarrasment of the first duels are still affecting them if you ask me. Not that it hinders their learning, Spirit, if anything they are determined to not be upset once more. Give me another week and they'll be at Kenneth and Rodrick's level."

"Now Eustace is a real trouble. My greatest feat in life will be getting that walking sow to hold a sword proper, let me tell you. I've managed to teach him how to keep a good stance without lumbering, but to be honest his heart don't seem to be in fighting. I can train him, sure, but he just...doesn't care. Not like Aurochs, who is dumb as a pile of stone, but like, well, a child forced to be taught numbers. I don't know how, but you have to wake him up with our mission and make him care."

"I also offer my experiences to help train any already knighted man, be it Sir Bradley, Sir Norby, or yourself in Advanced Shield Tactics, but learning the specialization will lock you there and you will not be able to learn other advanced tactics. "

GREENFIELD: "I just...I can't believe I killed the archdemon. I suppose I should feel proud but...I don't know milord. I don't know how to feel. Was I meant to slay it? No, you were the one. I had only wounded it...but being as close as I was. I mean, a better man died than I. Why did the Spirit let me even come that close? Why did it only pierce my thigh? Should've been Warts' thigh...and my heart...Forgive me milord, I need to rest more."

BRADLEY: "...he saved my life you know...the demon would've had me...hehehe...I didn't kill him did I? I hadn't asked him to dammit!...you know what? I bet he did it for the horns...haha, well I showed him! Can't beat an archdemon! Hahahaha! Aha!....hah..."

We finally tested or m mettle against true foes and came out the better. Hopefully this strengthens our men's conviction for this Erik not be the last time we lose an ally in battle

>>1661409
>Erik
Who? Rodrick?

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You descend into the dungeon with a compliant Aurochs and fidgeting Nessa. You calm her down with reassurances that it is safe to talk with the demons, but something else bothers her.

"Milord, I-I've never seen a demon before. The imp was very unsettling by itself, I-I can only imagine how terrible the demon would be!"

As you reach the outer iron door of the demon's cell, you turn to respond. "No matter how terrible it may be at first sight Nessa, you need not look, only listen and speak. The first look will be terrible, for sure, but beyond that there is not more that could scare you, surely?"

Color seems to return to her face, but you can see her robes still shaking. Putting on a confident smile, you open the chambers.

The demon is heavily chained, shackles tightened to stretch it fully on the wall. You marvel at how the cell is more or less how it was before the demon's arrival; with no need to eat or defecate, the demon is no more a disturbance in the room than another stone in the floor.

You pull up a stool, sitting a few feet away. "Nessa, are you alright?"

You hear a weak affirmative, followed by heavy breathing and a proper response. "When you're ready milord."

The interrogation begins. It takes most of the day, as Nessa struggles to put your questions in the ancient language, and the time before the demon finally complies with what is asked of it. You learn many fascinating facts. Facts you intend to bring up to the imp afterwards.

You learn a little about the nature of the demon. Demons hail from the Hell, or in the Scriptures, 'The Realm of Evil Souls'. When a demon is summoned, it is either brought forth through the heart of living man, or more expensively by tearing a rift to allow entry of the demons. They know not who summons them, only a powerful unseen figure who tells the demons when they will expect to cross the Rift. So far, this demon claims that the signal has not been brought forth yet.

Due to its very nature, demons take prideful joy in performing the worst perversions imagined by man unto him. They are fed by fear, and are attracted by the opportunity to cause fear from the men of the Realm. In Hell, they are led by a cabal of archdemons who lead warbands to organize their jittery minions. These are the demon generals who you hear about often in the stories of the First Incursion.

Your demon does not know when the rift will open. The Summoner in the South only communicates with the Cabal of when that date is.

(1/??)

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After bracing the insults and ugliness of the vile speech, you move to the second room with the imp and repeat the interrogation.

The Imp confirms many of your findings from the first, with some insight into classification. Imps are said to be spirits of lesser evils, usually victims of a tragedy happening upon themselves.

The horned demons are most of the population in Hell. Between themselves they are split between the Satyrs, the warriors, the Succubi, the temptresses, and the Shades, the terror. Each play a specific role in the demon hierarchy: Satyrs fight, Succubi tempt and recruit human allies, and Shades fester the minds of men, in order to birth what evil lies within.

The Archdemons are the ultimate leaders. All of the Cabal are Archdemons, but not all archdemons are in the Cabal. Those who are not have a blood relation to a Cabal member. Nessa theorizes that though demons are incapable of procreating, archdemons hold the exception in making their own.

As far as you can tell, the archdemons ultimate goal is to create Hell on earth. The Summoner in the South must be a powerful ally that opens the Rift to allow them access in, otherwise the demons are incapable of coming. But who is the Summoner? Why does he return now? Why then? A supernatural being of the prophecy? Or simply a deluded and powerful human?

>>1659582
You invest in a trading port to increase commerce with your city. Local tarrifs increase your revenue by another twenty gold! The first stream of profit will come by week's end.

> Balance: 527 gold
> Profit: 23 (revenues 40, expenses 17)

Eustace Beauregard himself has been sent to deliver the message to recruit Sir Daringer and Arjo the Arrow. He will return by week's end.

Updating next post for week's end. after i get my tendies

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---END OF WEEK 5---

The castle smithy makes a set of chainmail and a longsword. You add it to your inventory for now. He lets you know that you can commission him to make two equipment every week.

Eustace returns with a caravan -- and a trade deal! Provided you start exporting Lord Beauregard fish, he well export you either gold or ore. Ore will allow the castle smithy to build more equipment.

Eustace also brings the newest recruit members! Sir Daringer bows as gracefully as he can in his rags, offering his humblest services to you. Arjo is less polished, snorting and spitting in his hand, offering it to you in salutations. He strides in, taking a bow and showing off his skill piercing a nearby bench. Everyone is impressed, except for Barenby and Norby who are slightly annoyed.

Barenby tells you he hears that few tiny white structures are visible on the plateau near the horizon. Could it the Summoner of the South?

> Party:
>> Unnamed MC, Grandmaster of the Order of Demon's Bane (working name for order)
>> Rodrick, the Squire
>> Kenneth, the Squire
>> Dorian, the Squire
>> Wendell, the Squire
>> Wallace Barenby, the Veteran
>> Maynard Greenfield, the Young
>> Aurochs, the Giant
>> Jon Bradley, the Charming
>> Dryvian Hound, Unnamed
>> Eustace Beauregard, the Portly
>> Westhrop Norby, the Sword
>> Scott Briarbatch, the Rookie
>> Nessa, the Nestress
>> Auster Daringer, the Redeemed
>> Arjo, the Arrow

>Fleet
>> The Stubborn Mistress [Medium Speed, Highest Durability, Medium Cargo]

> Balance: 550 gold (revenues 40, expenses 14 due to food costs)

Assets:
> 7 sets of Chainmail
> 9 longswords
> 9 helmets
> 1 pair of pauldrons
> 1 pair of gauntlets
> 1 pair of greaves
> 1 maul
> 1 greatsword
> Ramshield [Large Kite Shield with Ram; increased defense and reputation]
> Ramcape [Increased Intimidation and Reputation to wearer]
> 4 Bows
> 3 Quivers (60 arrows each)
> 4 wooden bucklers
> 3 breastplate
> 12 Barrels of Rum
> Viscather Keep with Smithy and Village with Ferry, Fishing Docks, Trading Port, and Study (40 gold per week)
> Arrison Set [Helmet styled with elongated snout and boar tusks, rest of set dark black with red engravements; increases defense and Intimidation on the wearer]

We have fully recovered from the battle int he Crevice! Greenfield is physically ready, but Nessa recommends you let him rest still. What should we do now?

> Train Initiates
> Recruit new Initiates (Mines, Prison)
> Hire Staff (Chef, Smith, Dungeonmaster, etc.)
> Invest in Land (Farm, Stables, Mine, Market, etc. Costs 500 gold, not fixed)
> Investigate the Breach in the Wall
> Investigate the Plateau
> Interrogate (Demon, Imp)
> Find the Crimson Tome Piece
> Assign Gear (I can do this as well if nobody bothers)
> Write In

>>1661470
I meant to type 'will', I'm a dumbass

>>1662347
Assign gear to the recruits, hire a dungeon master and begin exporting fish for gold.

>>1662347
> Train Initiates
> Recruit new Initiates (Mines, Prison)
> Hire Staff (Chef, Smith, Dungeonmaster, etc.)
> Invest in Land (Farm, Stables, Mine, Market, etc. Costs 500 gold, not fixed)
> Assign Gear (I can do this as well if nobody bothers)

>>1662799
Who do you want for each of those options you listed? You can list them in advance.
>>1662418
Any gear you want to assign to the recruits in advance?
Supporting the dungeon master hire, specifically look for a Demon Keeper so any Demons we capture don't pull some bullshit. Supporting the deal.

>>1660016
>At least promise me next adventure where you expect to fight those animals, invite me in?"
>>1662347
>> Investigate the Breach in the Wall
>> Unnamed MC, Grandmaster of the Order of Demon's Bane (working name for order)
>> Arjo, the Arrow
>> Jon Bradley, the Charming
>> Wallace Barenby, the Veteran
>> Dryvian Hound, Unnamed
>> Rodrick, the Squire
>> Kenneth, the Squire
I doubt the Breach in the Wall is related to demons, but Wallace Barenby wants to fight soon so we'll let him.


>>1662347
>We have fully recovered from the battle int he Crevice! Greenfield is physically ready, but Nessa recommends you let him rest still.
> Train Initiates
>> Dorian, the Squire
>> Wendell, the Squire
>> Scott Briarbatch, the Rookie
>> Aurochs, the Giant
>> Westhrop Norby, the Sword
>> Eustace Beauregard, the Portly
>> Nessa, the Nestress
>> Auster Daringer, the Redeemed
>> Maynard Greenfield, the Young
Westhrop Norby stays behind to train the rest. Auster Daringer gets priestly lessons from Nessa so he can be our warrior priest. Maynard Greenfield also gets some literacy lessons while he rests.

> Assign Gear (I can do this as well if nobody bothers)
For subsequent gear assignments, Unnamed MC gets the best gear, Aurochs gets the heaviest, Jon Bradley and Westhrop Norby get the next best. Arjo gets all the ranger gear.
Eustace Beauregard swaps his better gear out with Jon Bradley, I misread some of the earlier text and thought Eustace was better trained than Bradley and Norby. Since he's at Auroch's level of skill but without his raw power, he's going to need to be in training for a good while.

>>1635130
>Only the literate can read the tome, limited to clergy members and nobility.
>>1662997
>>1662347
>> Write In
Also place an order for holy equipment. Particularly stuff we can equip everyone with like the healing tome we used to turn an Imp to stone back at the Viscather Keep fight. Possibly Bibles too if they do anything.

>>1662997
Bow and quiver and long sword to Arjo, healing tome, chain mail, long sword, helmet, a buckler if one is free, if not order more if possible.

>>1663092
The second set goes to Auster, I believe he's literate and a holy knight seems useful

Here's a suggestion for gear assignments:

>> MC: Arrison Set, Ramcape, Ramshield, longsword.
>> Arjo, the Arrow: bow, helmet, longsword, quiver (60).
>> Aurochs, the Giant: chainmail, helmet, maul.
>> Auster Daringer, the Redeemed: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Dorian, the Squire: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Eustace Beauregard, the Portly: breastplate, helmet, longsword.
>> Jon Bradley, the Charming: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Kenneth, the Squire: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Maynard Greenfield, the Young:
>> Nessa, the Nestress:
>> Rodrick, the Squire: bow, chainmail, quiver (60).
>> Scott Briarbatch, the Rookie:
>> Wallace Barenby, the Veteran: breastplate, helmet, longsword.
>> Wendell, the Squire: bow, chainmail, quiver (60).
>> Westhrop Norby, the Sword: breastplate, helmet, greatsword.

...Which would would leave the following combat gear unassigned for now:
> 1 pair of pauldrons
> 1 pair of gauntlets
> 1 pair of greaves
> 1 Bows
> 0 Quivers (60 arrows each)

Other suggestions:
- Keep personnel and equipment lists in alphabetical order for easier reference.
- Sort named equipment separately from regular gear.

>>1663351
Seconding this

>>1663351
Just assign the healing tome to Auster

>>1662347
>>1662997
>>1663351
>>1663572
Support all of the suggestions, thanks for making them. This is much better than my equipment assignment.
>>Unnamed MC: Arrison Set, Ramcape, Ramshield, greaves, longsword.
>> Aurochs, the Giant: chainmail, helmet, pauldrons, gauntlets, maul.
>> Auster Daringer, the Redeemed: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler, healing tome.
We get the greaves because we have no body armor, and that will likely be one of the few spots our shield doesn't cover. Aurochs gets the pauldrons and gauntlets because he grapples a lot.

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>>1663626
>>1663351

The current setup is such:

>> MC: Arrison Set, Ramcape, Ramshield, greaves, longsword
>> Arjo, the Arrow: bow, helmet, longsword, quiver (60).
>> Aurochs, the Giant: chainmail, helmet, pauldrons, gauntlets, maul
>> Auster Daringer, the Redeemed: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler, healing tome
>> Dorian, the Squire: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Eustace Beauregard, the Portly: breastplate, helmet, longsword.
>> Jon Bradley, the Charming: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Kenneth, the Squire: chainmail, helmet, longsword, wooden buckler.
>> Maynard Greenfield, the Young:
>> Nessa, the Nestress:
>> Rodrick, the Squire: bow, chainmail, quiver (60).
>> Scott Briarbatch, the Rookie:
>> Wallace Barenby, the Veteran: breastplate, helmet, longsword.
>> Wendell, the Squire: bow, chainmail, quiver (60).
>> Westhrop Norby, the Sword: breastplate, helmet, greatsword.

>>1662997
You make due to your party south, towards the wall. You find Arjo and Barenby don’t make the best riding mates, galloping silently alongside you. The squires pay you no mind either, lagging behind gossiping about the other Initiates training. You hope that Bradley will help brighten the mood and engage in conversation, but quickly find you are the only conversationalist.

“There are five types of demons? By the Spirit…I hope they are no more terrifying than those we’ve met”

“I’m confident we have braced the worst, Sir Bradley”

“You are? Then I pray we don’t face the worst again. Losing Sir Warts has been…unpleasant, I admit. Such is the nature of war I suppose, but facing a casualty like that before the Incursion itself seems premature to me.”

Bradley’s tone begins to concern you. “Are you quite alright Sir Bradley? You don’t seem to be in your usual spirits.”

“Nothing I can’t quite handle milord. Just seem to be more…self reflecting, if you understand my meaning.”

You sigh haughtily. “Perchance you reflect on Sir Warts?”

You notice a slight twitch in his face. “Indeed. Though I did not know the man that well, I did know him a stretch more than my fellow soldiers in the First Incursion. I was the sole man from my family and village sent, and didn’t have as much time to bond as we do now. Its much harder to lose someone you’re well acquainted with than a nameless stranger, though both are not desired.”

You find it hard to believe, given his previous disposition, that Sir Bradley had ever been alone in an army camp, but save the thought to ask later. Getting too close to your Initiates could affect your leadership if they die meaninglessly like Warts.

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The Breach Camp has spread more than what you remember Barenby telling you. Closest to the perimeter are the makeshift stone border of the Walled Watchers. Surrounding them are tents of three noble houses. Barenby informs you these are the three Houses of the Border: Greyson, Barkheim, and Elarian. According to Lord Beauregard, one of these are the Blackbird Lord. The others are simply men concerned with a breach in their borders.

“Hail, Grandmaster!” Lord Barkheim meets you and instroduces himself. He is of medium height, clean shaven with auburn hair. Many say he takes after the King himself, despite no immediate family relations to his house. “Here to keep the peace I take it?”

“With an encampment this large, I doubt any peace will ever be disturbed. My man Barenby here has told me that there is a collapse some thirty feet wide? Why so much entrenchment for a small thing?”

“Hah!” Barkheim throws his locks back in laughter. “Seems your news has grown old my dear sir! The hole has grown outwards – near fifty feet wide now! We have cordoned off fifty feet from the site, but at the current pace of its collapse, I fear we may not have much longer.”

You walk over to the barrier. The hole is of decent size, surrounded by rubble and with no signs of disturbance. You presume everybody is cautious of the rune.

“What efforts are made to destroy the rune?”

“Destroy it? We can’t even find it! Hah!” Barkheim smiles and gestures over to the other lord’s camps. “Lord Greyson and Elarian are to join us in an expedition into the tunnels, as the walled men refuse to do so. We are combined of nineteen knights, but we welcome your company if you wish to join.”

You nod, and Barkheim leads you to meet the other lords. You see man with a heavily scarred face and a modest goatee, wearing all black, and a tall man and skinny man with mischievous eyes and wearing no armor at all. “May I introduce to you the Grandmaster of the Order Gloriam Victim? Here is Lord Greyson, who borders the ocean east, (the scarred man bows), and Lord Elarian, who borders the mountain range west.”

Lord Elarian shakes your hands. “I hear you are quite the honorable knight. Quite a rare thing to find these days, especially in these lands.”

“Thank you milord, kind of you to say.”

“Perhaps when this is over,” Elarian continues, “I will have the honor to host you in our castle? We would be happy to serve True Believers of the Spirit.”

Lord Greyson then comes forth and interrupts with a strong gruff from his throat. “I am sure you would want to come with us into the pit, but rest assured we have it covered. We have some of the most well trained and armored men in the realm, I doubt we would need your assistance.”

You look to Barkheim, who stutters a bit, but lets you respond first. “I do not doubt your knights abilities Lord Greyson, but I have sworn to protect the realm and our race from all sorts of demonic threats, and I will not turn my back when a destructive rune has opened a gateway for the demon armies to march over.”

Greyson almost retorts but Barkheim shuts him down. “I think at this point, it’d be unwise to ask for more help, no? Especially when our Grandmaster here has made a habit to study demonic artifacts and entities I presume.” You say nothing, not wanting to betray the truth or reveal your ignorance. The lords don’t seem to notice, and hail their men to descend.

The pit has a ladder to bet to the base, scratching the floor when the collapsing wall moves it further back. As you descend, you notice the cave entrance to the tunnels that Barenby mentioned. No doubt that inside the tunnel would be the rune that is the cause of the breach. Barkheim leads, with your men and the other lords following foot. The tunnel winds down and away from the wall, and then winds back towards the wall. A slow spiraling pattern can be sensed, until after a deep enough wind the tunnel straightens out. After nearly two miles of foot travel from deep under the earth, the tunnel begins to turn in three separate directions.

Each man selects a tunnel to enter through; Barkheim first, Greyson second, and Elarian last. You still suspect that one of them may be the so called Blackbird Lord, so you make you decision carefully of which tunnel to enter.

> With Greyson
> With Elarian
> With Barkheim
> Write In

>>1664118
> With Greyson

>>1664118
I want Barkheim, but it would be a pointless tie.

> With Greyson

>>1664118
>>1665456
>>1665951
>With Greyson

>>1664118
>> Write In
First, get the Dryvian Hound to pick up the scent of each of the lords if we still can. Get Arjo to make some markings if possible to make returning to this place easier. Ask Wallace Barenby if he recognizes any of the lords here. Are we allowed to lag behind for a bit to do these?
Join the group with the least amount of people, or if they're on par with each other join Greyson's group because his group in the middle seems like it would be able to reach the others the fastest.

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You decide to go with Lord Greyson. He glares at you with a seemingly dour expression, but otherwise shrugs and allows you to follow him.

The tunnel is narrow enough that you must walk one in front of the other. Greyson asks that you wait until his party is completely inside before you come behind, but you object and insist on walking just behind him so you can discuss the mission further.

“Lord Greyson. Tell me. How do you plan to destroy this rune?”

“My nestor had given me instructions on the Scriptures. This tome is all I need to protect my men.” He pats his hand on a book he has inside his armor.

“A tome?”

“Aye, truly you’ve heard of Banishment Tomes?”

“I have, but I thought them as superstitious scriptures village nestors use to bless buildings as such. To reassure peasantfolk?”

“Its no bag of tricks, these tomes.” Lord Greyson parts his head and reveals a particularly gruesome scar. “I had read from a tome, and its divine words helped block the pain and give me more time to heal from this nasty blow.”

“A Healing Tome?”

“Aye. This one here works well to destroy evil spirits and objects related.”

“Destroys evil spirits?” you scratch your head. “Doesn’t the Healing Tome do that as well?”

“Healing Tomes work to purify something. These Banishment Tomes work to purge it.”

You begin to grow a little skeptical after considering what you remember about the runes. “How will you be close enough to the rune to destroy it without being cursed yourself?”

“That will be the most difficult part Grandmaster.” Greyson sneers. “If they are stupid, the rune will be in full sight in a cave and we will know what distance we can approach it without being enveloped in the curse. If they are clever, then it is buried in one of these rocks and will require us wasting lives to map out the perimeter. These brave knights of mine leading pray that the demons are not clever”

At some point down the path, you see the outlines of a large cavern. It is symmetrical and spherical, other tunnel entrances skirting the perimeter, all nearly five feet from the floor. At the center you think you see the feared rune, surrounded by a group of near sixteen robed figures and a tall demon. The demon was unlike what you have seen before – it adopted a female figure and had fair skin, but still kept the horns, hooves, and weaponized claws of the ones you had fought before.

(1/2)

“It seems they were stupid” Lord Greyson says. “Thank the Spirit.”

You whisper in Lord Greyson’s ear. “There is a succubus among them.”

Lord Greyson turns to look at you with a questioning face. You wave him off. “Never mind what it is Lord Greyson, what is important is that it is a seductress. Wishes to tempt away the minds and hearts of men towards is corrupted cause. If we choose to engage it, we must be quick about it.”

The scarred man nods, but hesitates to move forward. “I do believe that the demon and her minions are inside the rune’s circle. If we approach I highly doubt that they will let us banish without a fight, so if we are to banish the rune you must protect me as I perform the Ritual of Banishment. They outnumber us by three, but hopefully they have no weapons hidden underneath those robes.”

“Or if you prefer, we could wait for the others to come here and then take them on when they are outnumbered. What say you, Grandmaster?”

> Prepare the Banishment now
> Wait for Backup
> Try to Reason with the Cultists
> Write In

All the options require a roll, but do not roll until we have decided on a vote.

>>1666987
Arjo makes markings on your way into the tunnel so you are able to travel back safely. The Hound catches the scent of each lord.

(2/2)

>>1667090
>Wait for backup

>>1667090
>> Write In
Get everyone in a defensive formation, centered around Lord Greyson's. Have Lord Greyson prepare the Banishment but hold off until we give the signal. Have the archers ready a volley on the Succubus on our signal.
Quietly ask Lord Greyson if he knows of the Blackbird Lord, and inform him of him. If the other anons think he could be the Blackbird Lord, which I doubt because of the banishment spell, then we can hold off on informing him.

>>1661978
>Succubi tempt and recruit human allies,
> Try to Reason with the Cultists
I'm not sure how Succubi work, so I'm guessing either they're enthralled, in an illusion, or the Succubus somehow managed to get them in on the conspiracy.
Inform the Cultists on the nature of Demons and Succubi, and how aiding their ultimate goals is not worth it, especially considering their nature. If they surrender now their souls will be given salvation from whatever happens to a conspirator after their death, and we'll offer them physical amnesty.

>>1644026
>"I know little of the Blackbird Lord, but my suspicions reside in the Greysons, the Elarians, and the Barkheims. Their lands are closest to the Wall, and many strange rumors among the peasant folk are there of robed men and possession."
Everyone's apparently suspicious, and I'm not sure when the Blackbird Lord will reveal himself. I don't think we should wait for backup because that'll give more time for the Blackbird Lord to enter the fray.

>>1667090
Regarding the quest, what timezone are you in, what times do you run, and do you use a Twitter or similar services to announce sessions?

>>1667336
My twitter at @Sir_OP2017. I post daily during the week 7pm-1am EST. I haven't figured out a weekend schedule yet.

>>1667090
>They outnumber us by three,
>>1667301
>I don't think we should wait for backup because that'll give more time for the Blackbird Lord to enter the fray.
>>1667178
Also, assuming the Blackbird Lord has as many men as the rest of the lords, we'll still be outnumbered by roughly 3 if everyone's there.

>>1667301
Seconding, maybe keep the healing tome ready

>>1667741
Assuming reason wins, so roll 1d100

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>1667834
Yeah.
>>1667741
Hopefully we brought it along.

>>1667848
Good lord

Writing in about an hour or so need to take car to service

>>1667848
>>1667859
Looks like the Unnamed MC has a talent in convincing people.

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>1667834

>>1667859
Op? You dead?

Posted on twitter sorry, decided not to post weekends since I am way too busy then.

>>1673977
Got it

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You order the warriors to form into position. Arjo and two other archers stay behind Lord Greyson, while you stand with the rest in the front. Before you get too close, you decide to try and reason with the cultists.

“Hail brothers! I beg of you to cease these vile actions. Your worship of these creatures are twisted and bear no fruit.”

The succubus laughs. “Please, pig headed man, spare your pouting. You have failed these men. They belong to us now. They see the corruption of your world and seek to change it through glorious fire! Don’t you think so dear?” The she-demon bends over and rubs a cultist’s cheek with her hand. Other cultists seem comforted.

“I do not speak with you demon, I speak with my fellow brothers in arms. Friends, what quarrel you have of this world to run into these monsters I cannot understand. But truly, you must not have abandoned us completely? Think of your families? Former friends? Your mothers, fathers, sons and daughters? I beg of thee, please abandon this notion of most unholy rebellion and be redeemed!”

Some of the men stir a little, as if recovering from a trance. They mutter amongst each other, and most of them start walking over to your side. The succubus is left with six cultists.
“My children, you don’t believe this man do you? Your world, your deity, they have caused not by misery! Come back and we will treat you how you know you always should have been treated.”

“Better to live free with misery than die with you enslaved!” you shout triumphantly, as the cultists walk past you behind the archers. The she demon hisses loudly, commanding in ancient tongue for battle to commence.

The cultists coming forward had leather underneath and wielded small blades. Regardless, you and the front infantry were able to cut the numbers down before any major casualties were felt. You armored suit and shield discouraged attackers to engage with you, so you meet with them, bashing into the ranks with the Ramshield and sticking them in while they are disoriented. The squires put their training into practice, learning to use their bodies to effectively dodge and lunge with enough power so as not to waste too much energy in bruising and focus on killing. Only one of Greyson's knights fall, though he was also the least armored and thus most targetted.

The rest of your party focuses on the succubus. Her wings take her into the air, where she lets many arrows fly before managing to plummet to the cave floor from a pierced wing courtesy of your newest member. Jon Bradley and Wallace Barenby run up to engage.

Despite being outnumbered, the men are evenly matched by the sole seductress. Her wings act as claws of their own, scratching at Bradley’s buckler numerous times. Barenby was by far more ferocious and heady, assuming a two handed swing to chop down into her wings. He manages to cut through one, causing the succubus screams and lunge forth at the man with the breastplate.

Barenby moans in pain; he has landed on his bad arm. Bradley comes behind and stabs the demon repeatedly in the back, knicking the backbone in the first five thrusts and going through the sixth time. The seductress is forced to move forward, ontop of Barenby, which he uses to his advantage to stick her from the front. Pierced through the heart, or what equivalent the creature had. She slumps down, before ruckus could be heard from the tunnels.

“Heh…bloody bitch” Barenby utters before falling back in exhaustion.

From the tunnels emerges Lord Barkheim, alone. He looks bloody on his front, running with a limping leg and breathing heavily.

“Grandmaster! Thank the Spirit you are alright! Lord Greyson, thank you too!” He runs to hug the man, causing the banisher to stop his chanting involuntarily. He pushes back hard.

“Are you out of your damned mind sir? We have a rune to destroy!” The scarred man growls.

“Apologies milord, but I need your help! My party had traversed the tunnel until we found a smaller cavern like this. Lord Elarian’s party had met with us, as our tunnels connected up there. We had stopped to rest there briefly, when suddenly, Lord Elarian turned on us! I have no idea why, but he has slaughtered all my men! I had time to escape the carnage and run to you.” Lord Barkheim sits down, spitting onto the cave floor. “What a disaster. By now he could either be on his way here, or as I fear, on his way out to trap us inside this terrible place!”

“How convenient,” Lord Greyson said, “for you to be the sole survivor.”

“Convenient? What is your meaning?” Lord Barkheim cries incredulously.

“Save your act Barkheim, it is no secret that these cultists have noble support. Who supplies their arms? Or aids their travel out here? It must be either you or Lord Elarian. Had it not been, you would arrive here as unmolested as us!”

“Now hold on,” Barkheim interrupts, “I am not a cultist! Please, I beg of you, believe me, the man truly attacked me!”

“Or so you claim.” The scarred lord points weakly at the young man. “Why should we take one man’s word of it? The story seems too suspicious for me.”

“I will not stand here and be disrespected like this!” Lord Barkheim unsheathes his longsword. “If you continue with these accusations, have at it with steel!”

“Hold! Hold I say!” You decide to mediate. “No more blood must be shed today, especially among colleagues.”

“Finally, some reason! Grandmaster, we must leave now. Another moment here is another opportunity that Lord Elarian has to plot against us. If he has given up chase, it must mean that he knows I will meet with you, and he is returning to the surface to trap us in here!”

“What of us here?” Greyson inquires. “May I remind you we have a rune to abolish!”

“You still have knights here no? You can continue your chantings here, but we still need knights to go to the surface before Lord Elarian has a chance! Quickly, please!”

It seems Lord Greyson will stay here to complete his abolishment of the runes. He has with him four knights after the skirmish. What will you do?

> Stay with him at the cavern
> Go to the surface through your tunnel
> Investigate the tunnels where Lord Barkheim came from
> Write In

I will assume your entire party goes with you unless otherwise stated

>>1677068
>split the party in half.
>half go to check out the so called battle site with ourselves
>other half remains to help these guys out

>>1677068
>> Write In
Ask if any of them recognize the Blackbird Lord, that'd be the leader.
>We had stopped to rest there briefly, when suddenly, Lord Elarian turned on us! I have no idea why, but he has slaughtered all my men! I had time to escape the carnage and run to you.
How were his men killed so easily, were they not able to put up a fight?

>If he has given up chase, it must mean that he knows I will meet with you, and he is returning to the surface to trap us in here!”
Can't we just dig our way out? Wouldn't the cultists have left behind their tunneling equipment here?
Also, what's to make it so that Lord Elarian isn't trying to pull a ruse or switch targets to Lord Greyson once we go back up to the surface?

>>1677084
I'm guessing if we do this we'll retreat if we see Lord Elarian, because he'll outnumber us?

>>1677088
Do you mean ask the defecting cultists?

>>1677608
Any of them who might know, but the defecting cultists sounds like the best start. Thanks for bringing that up. I honestly forgot about them in our forces.
>>1677088
>I'm guessing if we do this we'll retreat if we see Lord Elarian, because he'll outnumber us?
With the defecting cultists mind, he'll still outnumber us by knights, but not by total numbers. Depending on if we want to bring them or not.

>>1677058
>Some of the men stir a little, as if recovering from a trance.
>>1677068
>> Write In
Ask the cultists for more intel, then form up a plan from there.
>>1677084
Has a good base plan. I think we can trust the cultists enough to bring them along, they were enthralled by the Succubus at the time.

>>1678909
"You there!" You point to the nearest cultist who looks the closest to a leader. "What is your name?"

"Paxtoralain"

"Paxtor--I'm sorry?"

"I-I-it's my name given to me by the da- the demons. My human name is Preston."

You wave aside the explanation. You need their help to decide what to do from here.

"Preston, do you recognize either of those two lords?"

He looks over to Lord Barkheim, who is exchanging war stories with Jon Bradley, and Lord Greyson who is preparing to continue his ritual.

"I don't, no"

"Have you not a lord? A dark lord?"

"We do, yes! H-he is always cloaked and wears a mask though. Of natural build. Speaks with an augmented voice. A man trying to hide his identity."

You sigh. Perhaps another tactic would work. "Of the two, could you speculate one to be the Blackbird Lord?"

Preston scratches his hooded head. "I would say the lord over yonder has the figure closest to it," he points to Lord Barkheim, "but I don't know if he has the right temperament. The other Lord seems closer to it, but the Blackbird Lord speaks in a voice deeper than his."

You continue gathering intel, asking Preston about what the cult did prior to your visit. He is very helpful, detailing you with not only their actions but many of their beliefs. The Cult of the Blackbird recruit young dissidents. promising them a place of power in exchange for their help to unleash the demons in the Incursion. They are motivated because even upon death, they believe they will be incarnated as a powerful demon and serve well in the armies of hell. Preston and his companions were given orders by the Blackbird Lord to place a rune and defend it. A succubus was summoned by the Lord to keep them in place and perform continuous rituals to birth archdemons from each of them.

"I have to ask, Preston, have you cultists birthed any here?"

"Not yet milord, we were to wait for the Blackbird Lord to give us a tome that would detail the ritual. We are all fresh initiates, you see."

"Hang on," you interrupt, "You mean to tell me the Blackbird Lord right now would have a tome to birth an archdemon in his possessions?" You glance over to Lord Greyson. "Do you think he is reading from it now?"

"Unlikely, milord, the ritual setup would require a willing member in an etched circle, of which he has neither."

Besides, you think to yourself, Lord Greyson is most likely not the Blackbird Lord. He is the least suspicious at the moment, but if he were, he would be putting on a very grand act of it.

You call the two lords over, asking to see their tomes. Lord Greyson hands you two tomes, and Lord Barkheim hands you one.

"What are these for?" you ask speculatively.

"We both have a Banishment Tome, and I have another Healing Tome."

"Is that so?" You call over to Preston. "Recognize anything?"

The boy looks at both tomes, flipping through the pages. You look over his shoulder. The words seem typical for a standard tome, but perhaps Preston would know of some trickery to hide words.

"Both of these tomes are missing some pages." Preston concludes.

Barkheim rushes to explain. "You know how rituals go, lots of unnecessary instructions and anecdotes from the authors, its just convenient to rip them out and continue reading." Greyson nods in agreement, adding "I cannot speak for Lord Barkheim, but I rip out pages dirtied heavily from moisture and travel."

Incomplete tomes is certainly no crime, but it is evidence of something maybe. You ask the lords once more if they have these pages on their bodies, to which both turn all their pockets and say no. If one of these was the Blackbird Lord, you wonder if he would be clever or paranoid enough to hide the missing pages elsewhere...

> Stay with Greyson at the cavern
> Go to the surface through your tunnel
> Investigate the tunnels where Lord Barkheim came from
> Request Barkheim help Greyson in the banishment
> Write In

>>1680142
Sorry it wasn't clear, Barkheim has the banishment tome and greyson has the healing

>>1680142
> Request Barkheim help Greyson in the banishment
Then we head to the tunnel exit. Destroy rune first or we lost men for nothing.

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“Destroy the rune? Truly? W-what about Lord Elarian?”

“Our utmost priority is the mission we came for. I will not let these men be lost for nothing.”

Begrudgingly, Barkheim makes his way on the opposite side of the rune, and both men orchestrate the chantings. After about an hour underground, the rune starts to spark. An eerie red glow coats the whole stone, brightening at a quick pace before flashing a final time and resorting to black. The rune is destroyed. Finally!

You lead the men back. Barkheim and Greyson join behind you, making your way until you reach the open pit entrance where the ladder remains. As you climb to the top, you find Lord Elarian and a group of six knights, all different from those who have gone under. Lord Elarian looks furious.

“Kill this man! He has ambushed us underground and flees the scene hoping to block us off! He is the Blackbird Lord!”
“No!” Barkheim comes forward, sword unsheathed. “I have feared this from the moment we came. Lord Elarian wishes to put the blame on me and get away with the murders! Had we come earlier, we could have blocked him off!”

“Spare your excuses, you bastard.” Lord Greyson speaks up for the first time. “Your actions speak too loudly of your intentions. First you attempt to stall the ritual. Then you choose to trap your escaped victim by urging us to leave early. Guilt is written all over your face.”

“Lies, lies, lies!” Barkheim calls out to his men, unsatisfied by no call back.

“We have killed your most loyal knights Lord Barkheim of the Blackbird Order. Nobody is left to support your corrupted schemes now. It is over. Taste my blade!”

“Please, wait I beg of you!” Lord Barkheim cowers back, crouching behind you and pulling at your cape. “Grandmaster, you must object to this! See how eager the man is to kill me? He wants to hide the evidence of his vile actions! I implore, believe me, he is the Blackbird Lord!”

Lord Greyson pauses and stirs. He seems just as conflicted as you are. Killing either one lord will grant you favor with the other. Perhaps you could offer a neutral solution as well, but Lord Elarian is set on destroying the young lord and will probably not take kindly to that. What will you do?

> Kill Barkheim
> Kill Elarian
> Offer to Imprison Barkheim
> Write In

>>1682793
We should take him in chains to the sight of the murders and ininvestigate to find clues

>>1682793
> Offer to Imprison Barkheim
Chain him up, and bring him with us to the battle scene where Barkheim's men died.

>>1682934
>>1682970
"Its time to settle this matter once and for all."

You pick up Barkheim and order him chained by the hands. The only way to do this right is to investigate the crime scene for yourself.

"If it pleases the Lords Elarian and Greyson, I would like to look into the matter at the crime scene with my own eyes."

"What good will that do?" Lord Elarian demands. "I can tell you right now what you will find: both knights of ours, slaughtered by one another. His numbered more than mine. He simply will use it to his advantage!"

"Regardless Lord Elarian, the truth of the matter will certainly not be found from you two, so before either of you bicker any more, I want to see what I can for myself."

"Then I will join you." Lord Elarian throws off his cloak and marches towards you with his six knights. You look to Lord Greyson, who shakes his head. "Too many injuries on my men I'm afraid. It'd be best for at least one lord of the South to keep an eye on the camp."

Nodding, you bid him farewell and descend into the pit once more.

Your men are tired of the marching, but begrudgingly drag their feet as you twist through the tunnels once more. At the three way split, you go through Barkheim's tunnel, hoping to retrace the steps. The tunnels are silent but for the cautious steps of your feet. At a particularly sharp corner, you are hit with the odor of rotting corpses. The crime scene.

You enter and look around. All your companions come afterwards, one by one. You begin the process of slowly turning over each slain soldier and looking for clues. Some wore mail, others full plate. Many had shields, some simply a large weapon. The battle looked vicious, typical in those within close quarters. You had no doubt in your mind the conflict lasted less than a minute.

"Lord Barkheim, are you well?" you hear Barenby ask the young lord, muttering amongst himself like a loon. He ignores Barenby, wandering off into a far corner of the room.

You approach Barenby and whisper in his ear, "make sure he doesn't run."

After thirty minutes, you begin to notice something odd. For the size of the room, most of the knights seem to be laying near the center. "Lord Elarian, did you drag these bodies in this position?"

"No milord, I swear it on the Spirit!" He beats his chest with his fist. "I would make an observation however that the men, when slain, dragged themselves while they were still bleeding. I admit I didn't think much of it at the time, but it would be peculiar that Barkheim's men still moved despite oncoming death, is it not?"

"Indeed so, milord, thank you. Lord Barkheim!" you call to the stuttering young man, striding near a far wall and being watched by your man Barenby. "Barkheim!" you shout one last time before Lord Barkheim screams words of a familiarly old dialect pulls out a small coin bag, pinching the contents inside and spraying some sort of material that wasn't coin on the ground.

(1/3)

Instantly, everyone in the room save for Barkheim is lifted in the air. Plated men like yourself and Lord Elarian sag lower, while those armored lightly like Arjo are near to the ceiling. Arjo curses loudly as his quiver empties itself of arrows due to his position in the air.

"At last, you have been caught in my trap!" Barkheim laughs loudly. "I would have liked it if you had come sooner so we could interrupt the Banishment, but theres only so much that the Darkness can do before a small flame intrudes." He trots over, kicking fallen swords and shields to the corners as he continues talking. "We had prepared this trap for Lord Elarian originally, but he insisted we go through to the other side first. Too cautious I suppose, for no reason I could make out."

"Rot in hell!" Elarian shouts from his helmet.

"Anyways," Barkheim continues, "I decided it'd be better if we would due it forcibly, through battle. That obviously backfired, so I needed to control the damage by escaping and hope to shut Elarian out, by trying to convince you of my true identity." He pulls out a long cowl and drapes it over himself. "The Blackbird Lord."

"Fortunately, you were too damn curious for your own good, and brought us back to the ritual grounds, this time assuming you were safe and trotted all over the property, giving me ample chance to complete the ritual." He crouches down to the center near the pile of dead. "Fortunately, the sacrifices were prepared hours ago courtesy of Lord Elarian."

"Spirit smite you!" Elarian cries out.

"Most believe rituals must be exclaimed loudly." Lord Barkheim chuckles madly. "But as long as the incantation is spoken near the prepared site, it does not matter what is heard." He wipes off dust to reveal etchings made into the rocky ground. "Levitation Rune. Very powerful stuff, needs a lot of sacrifice, but oh so ever worth it. I seem to have an army of archdemons before me now!" He pulls down a knight to float at his level and stabs him in the ribs.

"Julian! No!" Elarian's voice is filled with agony.

The man cries in pain, to which Barkheim encourages. "Yes! Yes! Fill your heart with rage! Haragral shall rise to consume the Realm!"

Speaking faster, Barkheim manages to initiate the birthing ceremony of the demon. The screams grow louder as the knight's back expands out.

"I suppose that will be all for me milords," Barkheim says, curtsying, "I will release you from your helplessness now. Chase me if you wish, but I believe a certain archdemon will be of higher notice."

You see the Blackbird Lord rush out dragging the birthing archdemon with him before you and your party are dropped hard on the floor. You rush to the Rune Cavern, to find a large hole going up and loud echoes elsewhere in a neighboring tunnel. The former, obviously the archdemon's path. The latter, the escaping Blackbird Lord.

(2/3)

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"Good lord...not Julian...Spirits damn him, damn him!" Elarian weeps.

"Now is not the time for mourning Lord Elarian, but the time for action.

Your party flanks Elarian to hear you as the tall lord gets a hold of himself. "You are right Grandmaster. We have an escaping conspirer and a large demon reckoning our camp above. I recognize Haragral's name from the War-- he has many claws and is the size of six horses front to back. Like a large, terrible insect. What is your call?"

> To the Surface
> Chase after Barkheim
> Write In

Both choices are rolled, but don't roll until we decide what to do

(3/3)

>>1683157
> Write In
Split up, Greyson draws the demon back to camp and let them deal with it while we run down Barkheim. Have our archer in front so he can fire a shot off at the running lord.

>>1683166
Supporting this

>>1683166
>>1683249
Roll 1d100

New thread >>1684249