>>2379202
“I…uh…It’s not what it looks like?” Henry said, hoping the angel would be fooled.

The angelic figure, glowing white eyes and all, opened her mouth to respond.

“Why do you possess bones of another, human?” She asked. It was made all the more unnerving by the fact her mouth didn’t move at all when speaking, it was like the words were simply appearing in the air.

“I… uh…” Henry stammered, shimmying away from Johnny’s bones. “I was t-transporting the remains back to New Haven after getting them blessed in Celeste.” He said. The lie sounded halfway believable, and to the average country yokel it might’ve been sellable. However, he wasn’t lucky enough to be dealing with a yokel.

“Why are you not accompanied by a Church Cathar?” She asked. Her faced remained emotionless.

“I… uh… ysee” Henry continued


“Those boat bears no holy markings of any sort, and will be inspected at the gate of New Haven. I hope that you don’t think you will get through with no trouble?” She continued to ask, blowing holes left and right in Henry’s story.

Henry chanced a glance inside the Cabin, he saw Duncan looking at him, pale as a ghost. Looking back up to the angel, he noticed that the other two she had been with were far away now, out of range.

1. Make something up (roll for it)
2. “I don’t have the money for all that, I’m just a simple scribe” (roll of 35 or higher required)
3. Attack the angel with lightning (complicated roll required here, roll 3 dice, first for courage, 45 or higher required, second is for hitting her (if first is successful), 20 or higher required, should result in an instant kill, third roll is to see if her scream alerts the others (roll of 30 or higher required)
4. Ask her to take the bones for a proper burial in new Haven (Lose Johnny as companion, he’ll probably forgive you when you get him back…)
5. Tell her you were pressured into doing this, make up a lie (roll 2 dice, first for courage, second for bluff, rolls of 35, and then 45 required to succeed)

>>2379225
this is a slightly edited copy of the last post of the last thread, I've done some grammatical corrections, the original was garbage.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>2379225
>1. Make something up (roll for it)

>>2379555
welcome to the thread, forgot to mention that I wanted posters to give an example for that option

>>2379575
Oh, okay. Gimme a sec.

>>2379595
yeah no worries bud, apologies for that, even with my steady improvement with things like editing, spaghetti still gets dropped.

With that roll you should be able to get almost anything past muster, or I'll let you change it to one of the other options if ya want. I'm not picky

>>2379601
>Tell her that we are taking Johnny's bones to somewhere specific based on his last wishes. We were so overcome with trying to fulfill our friend's request that we didn't do things properly.

>>2379609
alrightly, writing, feel free to hop into the discord in the meantime, I'll make an alert when its ready

“I… alright fine, you’re right, I probably won’t be able to get past the gate… but I’ve come very, very far to do this. All the way from Nateli!” Henry said. “My grandfather here, well, he had always wanted to be buried in the place where he was born, but our family never had much money. I’ve finally managed to save up enough to have his bones blessed and now I’m heading there. I never knew about any security or what have you, I got into Celeste fine. None of the Church Cathar’s wanted anything to do with little old me either, what with all the commotion around there. A-anyway, is there something going on up ahead?” Henry continued. He hoped his lie would work, at the very least it might give him more information.

The angel’s face softened a bit, maybe even showing a tinge of sadness. Henry wasn’t sure if she was forcing it or not.

“I understand, human, please proceed on your way, but be careful, the city is under alert right now, there was an incident there recently, and howlpack activity was reported in the area by farmers.”

Well wasn’t that a load of shit. He hadn’t considered that the New Haven would be in trouble, and howlpacks… werewolves were not something to be taken lightly.

“Please tell the gate guard that Brunessa has allowed you entry. He should be able to let you through.”

With a faint smile, the angel lept off the roof of the paddleboat, and proceeded westwards after her companions. Henry rubbed his eyes and stretched, that was almost a disaster. He gave Johnny’s bones a few kicks before grabbing his cloak and wrapping him back up in it.

Heading back into the cabin, Henry took stock. Duncan was clutching his chest a bit, but was otherwise fine.

“You’re a real bastard sometimes Henry.” He said. “Never good luck with ya around ey?”

You continued to scan the cabin, but stopped short, Charles was gone.

1. “I just saved our sorry asses”
2. “Where is Charles?”
3. Look out over the side, has he fallen off? (Roll 20 for perception)
4. Sit back down, the kid’s probably fine.

Optional:
1. Check back up on Johnny
2. “Your heart alright Duncan?” (you can choose to poke fun or not)

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2379683
3. Look out over the side, has he fallen off? (Roll 20 for perception)
2. “Your heart alright Duncan?”

>>2379698
its gonna be a near miss if nobody else rolls, will start writing in about 5 minutes

>>2379683

Henry made his way to the side of the boat, in his short time knowing the child; he knew that he was easily startled. Looking downriver, Henry squinted his eyes tried to spot him. He thought he saw a person floating on the right, but couldn’t be one hundred percent sure.

“Fuck” He muttered.

Time Limited Choice, only pick one!
1. Jump out to see if the body is Charles (can you even swim?)
2. Ask Duncan if he knows where Charles is
3. Check the boat again, properly (roll for perception, 50 or higher required)


>Sorry about not doing the optional choice, main choices come first, and I couldn’t figure a way to keep the pace fast if Henry talked to Duncan.

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2379747
>3. Check the boat again, properly (roll for perception, 50 or higher required)

>>2379779
gonna start writing due to the high roll, good work

>>2379747
Henry stopped himself, jumping into the brine was one good way to meet a bad end, he never did learn to swim all that well, and besides, calm waters hid rough dangers.

Heading back into the cabin, he looked around once more, before noticing something on the floor. Hidden under a smooth piece of wood was a latch. The false bottom, of course, in his panic he’d forgotten about that completely. Opening the trap door, he headed into the lower hold. He saw Charles to the side, crouched up in the corner. Henry gave him a thumbs up.

Taking a moment to look around, Henry noticed several barrels of fine wine, some fancy clothing, a few pieces of fine pottery in crates of straw. Some pots on the floor with what he assumed was either spices or dye, and a half open crate containing a couple hundred… arrows?


Heading back to the top-deck, Henry composed himself and sat back down, before being joined by Charles.


“So what was the danger?” He asked.


“An angel.” Henry replied.


“But that’s not dangerous at all?!” Charles muttered, confused.


“I’m a necromancer remember, and right now we have a skeleton on board.”


Charles decided that now would be a good time to shut up.


1. Check on Johnny
2. Ask Duncan about his cargo, and his heart
3. Maybe tell Charles a story? (get creative)
4. Maybe tell Charles about more of the world (get creative)

>>2379817
>2. Ask Duncan about his cargo, and his heart
Gonna have to biw out now, since it's late. See ya boss.

>>2379817
chapter is about 90-95% done now, we'll be arriving in New Haven soon, please fold your tray tables into the upright position, and clap when get off the boat

>>2379817
>2. Ask Duncan about his cargo, and his heart
Offer to revive him if it fails, wink while doing this.

>>2379817
“Ey Duncan, yer heart doing all right?” Henry asked. “Cause I sure as hell am not doing mouth to mouth on you if you keel over.”

“Fook you Henry, I’m just not used to all this excitement. Guards and customs officials are one thing, but that whole affair is another fookin thing entirely.”

Changing the subject, Henry asked. “So Duncan, when did you start peddling in low margin items?” Henry asked, “Arrows don’t get you much profit, even that many, especially when you can make em most anywhere with trees.”

“I noticed them to, they were really well crafted.” Charles added, “They had fancy markings on em, and the points were a different color.”

“Wolfhunter arrows lads.” He said, “Got an order for em bout a week ago, and after cutting out about a dozen middlemen, including dock officials, they’re the cheapest you can get anywhere. Their tips are dipped in holy silver as well.”

“Does this have something to do with your ‘client’” Henry asked, not liking where this was going.

“Maybe…” Duncan said, a sly smile crossing his face.

“I had a question mister Duncan sir.” Charles asked, startling Duncan. Duncan had forgotten the lad was there. “Why don’t you have any dangerous stuff?”

“Why the heck are you going on about?” Duncan asked, puzzled. “Why the heck would I need any dangerous stuff when I can make a fine living with what I already sell? Sides I don’t have any connections to Black Alley like someone here, and even if I did I don’t have any contacts who’d want that sorta stuff. Isn’t good for your health y’understand.”

“The arrows weren’t even poisoned or anything, a little bit of silver like that won’t take a werewolf down will it?” Charles asked.

Henry began to explain how potent silver was against certain monsters when he was interrupted by Duncan.

“Lad, a fight between a hunter and a werewolf is over in seconds, either way it goes.”

Henry sighed; he had really wanted to show off again.

>>2379897
A few hours later, Duncan spoke up again

“THAR SHE BLOWS, NEW HAVEN!”

“What with all the racket?” Johnny asked from the back. “We already there? It’s only been a couple hours, last I checked.”

“You had a moment Johnny.” Henry said, “Couple of hours this time, they’re getting worse I think.”

“Oh bother.” Johnny said.

Charles was pensive, this was the first human settlement he’d ever been to aside from the capital, sure he’d seen the countryside once or twice from the walls of the city, but he’d only ever heard of such places. It looked a lot smaller than he had expected, he supposed not all cities were quite as big as his.

Henry was exhausted; the excitement with the angel had been completely unneeded, even if it could potentially get them into the actual city. He figured they’d spend the night in town before heading out at daybreak, the map that Duncan had sold him during the trip would be invaluable, he just wished he could’ve gotten it for free.

Duncan smiled, smelling money in the air, he’d offload his haul and then bring some stacks of fine lumber and a few other herbal things you could only find in this neck of the woods. He hoped he could find a few runes as well, assuming he could find a fence to sell them to him.

Johnny was quiet, it had been a very long time since he’d left the holy city, the place that held so much history for him, and his ‘moment’ had been memories of something private and personal, from his past, things that he’d wish could stay buried.

As they drew up closer, Duncan spoke up. “Alright lads, we have a choice, we can try to see if that angel was speaking the truth or not, tho I’ve never heard of them lying. Don’t even think they can come to think of it. I also have my normal location, an old abandoned watermill that’s off in a tributary, there will be a slight walk but it’ll be safer.”

MAJOR CHOICE, THIS WILL HEAVILY AFFECT THE STORY

1. Head into the city (the password is good, and you will be able to safely dock in the harbor, which are heavily protected by both angels and church Cathar’s. However the group will be far more likely to be discovered
2. Head to the watermill, it’s out of the way and out of sight. However, while the structure is made of stone, and fortified by Duncan, it doesn’t compare to the city walls and city security. Plus the angel mentioned Howlpacks, which could prove very dangerous.

>>2379939
HMMMMM
I am bad with choices.
2. Head to the watermill, it’s out of the way and out of sight. However, while the structure is made of stone, and fortified by Duncan, it doesn’t compare to the city walls and city security. Plus the angel mentioned Howlpacks, which could prove very dangerous.
We have some arrows that would be effective against them.
If Duncan would let us use his merchandise tho.

>>2379939

seeing as this is a major decision, I will extend the wait time out

>>2379939
Henry thought about it for a moment, he was the nominal leader of this merry band of misfits. He decided that the safety of the city was not worth the risk, even with a potential pack of werewolves lurking about. Regardless, a bunch of church Cathars, higher officials and Charles would not mix well, not to mention that Johnny’s disguise had already proven eh… faulty.

“We’re heading to the millhouse.” Henry said “I’d rather not deal with any officials.”

“You and me both lad.” Duncan replied.

The boat turned off the main river a little ways before the main port, and continued on for a about twenty minutes before beginning to slow, the river was becoming shallow now and Duncan had to be careful or they would run aground.

“There she is” Duncan said. As the boat reached a small lake and smoothly ran aground, Duncan was already out and tossing the anchor. “Right lads I’ll be leaving her here for a bit before disguising her a tad more carefully.” He went below deck for a moment and returned with a familiar sight, illusionary runes.

As Henry, Johnny, and then Charles, disembarked, Duncan called out to them. “I’d recommend you head into the mill while I carry these in, Henry you help me, yer payment for the safe journey.”

Henry wanted to argue but he was able to do so, proving Duncan correct.

======================== END OF CHAPTER ========================

>>2380047
gonna take a another 10-20 minutes to rest up and then continue with chapter 4 so stay tuned.

File: Smuggler's Hideaway.jpg (910 KB, 1920x1080)

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>>2380102
============================= Chapter 4 Start ==============================

Henry stretched and heard a few popping noises coming from his back, this shit had been awfully heavy, and that set of arrows hadn’t helped either. He sighed, wondering just who the hell would need that many.

Charles and Johnny were setting up nicely, Charles drawing on one of Henry’s pieces of parchment with that fancy pen that Peter had left behind, and Johnny was sharpening his own short sword with a whetstone. Henry’s had already been attended to, several hundred years of practice led to marvelous results.

Gathering up his supplies and sword, he paused for a moment. “Duncan where did you scamper off to?”

“Just getting the boat all done up lad!” Duncan yelled. To an outside observer, it looked like Duncan was tugging at thin air, man hadn’t skimped on enchantments, and no small wonder, that boat of his was like one of his children.

“Right Henry, I suggest leaving the two of em there and following me into the city.” Duncan called out. “No sense bringing trouble ‘specially after that Perfect disguise you had failed.”

“Fuck you Duncan, I’m coming.” Henry said. The watermill was old but in decent shape, the interior was dusty but not in disrepair, Duncan did come up this way often enough. He figured that Charles and Johnny would be fine out here. Johnny could scare off anyone nosy.

Optional Decisions
1. Speak with Johnny (get creative)
2. Speak with Charles (get creative)
3. Other?
(After these are finished Henry will leave with Duncan)

>>2380169
2. Speak with Charles (get creative)

Don't try any funny business like wandering off or following any weird lights now, stick with Johnny till we get back.

>>2380169
>2. Speak with Charles (get creative)
So this person you're supposed to meat, is it your aunt or something?

>>2380169
>2. Speak with Charles (get creative)
Stay in the Mill or you'll very probably be Howlpack bait lad. That bonebag can protect you well enough, but not if you do something asinine like wandering about in dangerous country.
>1. Speak with Johnny (get creative)
If the werewolves threaten you, use those arrows. We'll sort it out with Duncan after the fact.

By the way, Lorekeeper, it's very BM to start threads as early as you're doing. There's a bump limit of 750 posts, or 3 days. And even after the thread is on autosage, /qst/ moves so slowly that threads can last a week. Most quests won't start a new thread until the previous is on the back half of page 10. You're pushing other stuff off the board while our first thread is only on page 6.

>>2380169
Before leaving, Henry decided to speak with Charles, he still felt pretty bad about how he’d treated the kid so far. I mean the kid needed to toughen up sure, but he outta let him have a bit of time to do so.

“Hey Charles.” Henry said, watching with a bit of smugness as Charles shot to attention. “Had a question for ya.”

“W-what would that be sir?” Charles responded, glancing between him and the drawing. It was a picture of the dockyards back at Celeste, fairly well done for a kid who’d only seen a bit of it.

“This Baron Northcrest we’re getting you to, you related to him?” He asked. Probably should’ve asked way earlier but there had been more important things to do at the time.

“Not exactly sir… his wife, my auntie… that’s who I’m really meant to stay with I think.” Henry grimaced. This would complicate things a tad. He hoped that the Baron was agreeable.

“Alright one other thing, then you can get back to yer drawing.” Henry said, “I want you to listen closely alright.” Smiling as he saw Charles nod intensely. “Do not under any circumstances wander off, alright, I know the area looks safe but we’re far enough from town out here that there could be bandits.” That should probably work, no need to scare him with the werewolf mumbo jumbo, not yet anyway.

“I won’t move a muscle sir.” Charles said.

He smirked as he watched the kid continue drawing.

(next section)

File: New Haven Street.jpg (323 KB, 1024x683)

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>>2380213
Heading outside and joining up with Duncan, the pair headed towards New Haven. After hitting the main road they encountered the occasional traveler, and even saw riders go to and fro, their various riders’ guild emblems blazing in the sun.

“Lotta news around here recently ey?” Henry said.

“I hope some of its good.” Duncan responded, scratching his moustache.

The pair eventually worked their way to the town gate, and after being cleared by the town gate guards were allowed entry.

New Haven was a fairly large settlement; it was founded to process logs from the hinterlands into lumber, and then grew out from there. The place was famous for its medicinal herbs as well, and for its rate of expansion in these last few years. Henry had noticed a small shanty town outside of the walls, and a few of the shacks had been knocked over.

1. Head right to the Inn with Duncan
2. Stop for something to eat (get creative)
3. Ask passerbys for the latest news (roll for a hidden stat)
4. Other?

>>2380226
>3. Ask passerbys for the latest news (roll for a hidden stat)
Motion toward shanty town, and ask a town person what's going on?

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>2380226
3. Ask passerbys for the latest news
More information never hurts.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2380226
>3. Ask passerbys for the latest news (roll for a hidden stat)

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2380232
gonna just do a roll fer ya unless you already have

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>2380232
Tip a hobo some silver and ask what's up with the local news.

>Henry’s had already been attended to, several hundred years of practice led to marvelous results.
Sweet Jesus he's older than I thought.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>2380232
I FORGOT

>>2380226
Passing on your way, Henry stopped a few times to inquire about the latest happenings. Henry wanted to confirm the story he had heard from that angel.

A few minutes and several conversations later Henry had a good chunk of information. He’d learned that yes, there had been several werewolf attacks around the outlying hamlets, and that the inhabitants of the shantytown outside had been terrified by a werewolf transforming in front of them and destroying property. A man had even been killed during the rampage.

Henry weighed his thoughts before reaching a conclusion. The wolves were avoiding the city due to its high level of church activity, and the fact that the city contained a fairly large angel’s roost. It was probably where those angels from before had deployed from. The incident was a freak event, and the fact that only one man had died was likely due to the fact that the guards posted on the walls had scared him off, several mean looking ballistae probably tipped the scales even further.

A few more minutes, and a bit more info later, he learned a few more key details. Apparently some really fancy people from the church had stopped into town to check into the werewolf incidents. It wasn’t surprising, the capital was a stone’s throw away, and the church had to look strong even through the upheaval. The towns ruling noble had also been killed off. He was hung on the tree of redemption in the main square and then bathed in molten silver. That was extremely troubling, but Yorkshire was likely still safe due to the fact it had low amounts of church officials, a smart choice now that Henry heard more.

He would’ve stopped to ask more questions but a loud cough from Duncan reminded him of where he needed to be. The tavern awaited.

>>2380266
As they approached a tavern on the main square, Duncan pressed his fingers together and then out, fat sod was likely looking forward to a bit of drink. It had been nearly half a day.

“I ain’t drinking till business is settled ya hear” Duncan said, catching Henry off guard. “Gotcha.”

As they entered the tavern, Henry took note of the amount of people. Place was fairly crowded. He then marked exits, the one behind him of course, one leading out into the back alley through the kitchen, and possible ways to escape through the roof. Old habits die hard.

1. Order a drink to spite Duncan (picking this locks other options)
2. Follow him to his client
3. Other? (get creative, roll if you feel necessary)

>>2380266
>The wolves were avoiding the city due to its high level of church activity
Yorkshire might be spookier than I originally thought. What's keeping the weird out for them if not the church?

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2380276
>2. Follow him to his client
>3. Other? (get creative, roll if you feel necessary)
Keep an eye on the crowd. Does anyone take particular interest in us?

>>2380276
>2. Follow him to his client

>>2380276
>2. Follow him to his client
And note windows also.

>>2380287
good thinking

>>2380285
if anyone is hiding they're doing a god damned terrific job

>>2380266
I guess we should get out of town after our business is taken care of.

>>2380277
high walls, a fuckton of guards, and a bunch of mounted ballasta

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2380293
Be merchant savvy and see if we can sweeten the deal for our friend.

>>2380276
Deciding you’d get back at Duncan another time, you take note of the crowd, and you find nothing, absolutely nothing, and settle into your seat. Across from you sits a man in what looks to be somewhat expensive clothes, and who wearing a fancy hat with a belt securing it in place. On his back is a large fancy bow with gold and silver inlays, and even an aiming sight. He is resting his legs up on the table casually whileleaning back against the far wall, keeping an eye on the doorway. This guy was important, and no idiot, but just who was he?

“Henry, I want you to meet holy inquisitor Grom” Duncan said. Henry stifled a laugh but then began to realize with dawning horror that the fat bastard was telling the truth.

WHAT THE FUCK DUNCAN, WHAT THE FUCK

“Grom, I want ya to meet Henry, he’s a scribe making his way up ta Yorkshire for a spell. Old friend of mine.” Fuck, he hadn’t told Duncan anything about his precious cargo, now he was blowing his fucking cover to god damned inquisitor. The tales the church told of them defied belief. THE CHURCH HAD SENT ONE TO DEAL WITH A SMALL WEREWOLF PROBLEM? A bunch of things ran through Henry’s mind

1. Introduce yourself (roll 60 or higher for courage)
2. Say nothing
3. Stare at Duncan in disbelief
4. Other?

File: I got my hat.jpg (12 KB, 600x600)

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forgot the image

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2380316
>1. Introduce yourself (roll 60 or higher for courage)

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2380316
>>1. Introduce yourself (roll 60 or higher for courage)

>>2380319
Thank you for the save

RIP. Guess there was no need for that money roll.

>>2380316
Henry disassociated from his fear as he felt his heart speed up. He felt calm, unnaturally so. He’d read about this sorta thing before, how some people go into shock during stressful events. Regardless, he was relieved. He just hoped he hadn’t created a massive ghiest.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance Inquisitor Grom.” Henry said, minding his manners, lotta these folks were particular about their titles. Holy Inquisitor was only something you said to em if you were an eye of the church, if he wanted to keep his cover as scribe he’d need to keep that in mind.

“I’ve heard a good deal about you Henry.” Grom continued. “My good arrow merchant here told me that you’d solved a little… mystery of his a few years back. I want your help with a little matter, a trifle really…” He continued.

If Henry was capable of feeling anything at the present moment he would have wanted more than anything else to strangle Duncan.

“So let’s cut to the chase then.” Henry said, introductions out of the way. “What is it you’d like from me?”

Placing his feet back onto the ground, Inquisitor Grom leaned into the table, motioning the two to do the same. “We have a bit of a werewolf problem.” He continued. “and I do not mean the ones outside of the city. We have reason to believe there are infiltrators in this city, and that there have been for years potentially. We can’t just go after beggers and street trash, we may be talking about established people.”

File: CRAWLING IN MY CRAWL.jpg (5 KB, 274x184)

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>>2380341

Henry didn’t like where this was going. “If you’re heading to Yorkshire I can guarantee you will not make it. The road is completely overrun with a horde right now. Double fuck, a horde of zombies out here? Had a graveyard been dug up?

“We believe one of the local graveyard’s rune locks finally died. We will be heading out to see that when we finish up here, and can grant you and your group protection if you need.”

Huh

The idea of having inquisitors owing him a favor appealed to him greatly. The idea of them finding out about Johnny did not. But it wasn’t like he had too much of a choice here, how else would they get to Yorkshire proper if the damned roads were cut off. Also, when he said ‘we’ did he mean his group or…

“Well that’s that, you can find me in the rusty spoon inn if you decide to help, otherwise I believe I can handle this on my own. Duncan, I trust my… supplies, will be in the normal location?”

“Of course, all three hundred of em.” Duncan replied, knocking his hands onto the table.

“Well that settles that. Cassius come on then, before you get yourself drunk.” He said to the general direction of the bar… wait.

A man that he had somehow not noticed before stood up. A man wearing a brown leather jacket studded with strips of iron and silver for added protection, a set of leg scabbards on either leg holding an assortment of what Henry believed were knives made of PURE silver. How in the three hells had he not noticed him before?

“Alright alright I’m coming… codger.” The man murmured, slightly intoxicated. He stood up, placed his hands in his pockets, and leaned back while somehow managing to also be hunched over slightly. The two departed the bar, leaving Henry with a few things on his mind.

1. Okay Duncan what the utter fuck
2. Okay Duncan WHAT THE UTTER FUCK
3. Some customers you have
4. Grab a drink and splash it in Duncan’s face
5. Why did you think this was a good idea?
6. Other (get REALLY creative)

>>2380344
SO WHO'S READY FOR A BIT OF ACTUAL DETECTIVE WORK?

>>2380344
>>1. Okay Duncan what the utter fuck

>>2380344
>6. Other (get REALLY creative)
I am THIS CLOSE to Soul Trapping you. How many people have you blabbed about me to? And why is a High Inquisitor of all things engaging in the black market?

>>2380352
>>2380358

time for a combo and then some well deserved sleep, I'll start this fucker back up good and proper tomorrow night around 8-9 eastern see yas there. Hopefully the pastebin will be a bit more full.

>>2380344
Henry slowly felt his emotions return to him, and with them his initial fear had turned into a raging fury.

“Alright… Duncan… what… the …UTTER. FUCK.” He said, doing his best not to scream at the top of his lungs, partially succeeding. “What part of needing to lie low… DID YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?” He said again, slamming his fist onto the table

“Don’t even try to speak right now; I’m seriously considering trying to create a soul gem out of you.” He said, before taking several deep breaths. He went to the bar, ordered a shot of SOMETHING, and downed it in one go before returning to the table, a LITTLE bit calmed.

“How many people do you babble to…” Henry started,

“Oh, all sorts obviously, heck just last week I went to the local parish-“ Duncan began

“This is not a game, Duncan, this is my LIFE we’re talking about here, alright. What if Johnny.”

“Look I didn’t know about Johnny’s fookin ‘moments’ alright? I also thought you weren’t gonna bring him anyways, and the damage is already done regardless so sit back down and calm down before you blow your own damned cover.”

Henry had gotten up, when he had gotten up? He noticed a trickle of blood from his hand and a small dent in the wall to his side. He also took note of several people nervously glancing over at him. He wiggled all his fingers to make sure he hadn’t broken anything

“Why the fuck does an inquisitor resort to using the black market?” He asked, placing his head into his hands and sitting back down.

“Because nobody likes paying more than they have to.” Duncan replied, ending the conversation.

>>2380377
Fudge. Order some food and think about this. What else do we know about werewolves besides weakness to silver and fullmoons? Is there some illusion spell that can make mini moons? Any werewolf habits? Traces of dog hair?
When do we go back for our friends?

>>2380377

The thread will be resuming in an hour and a half, 8pm eastern time, just giving a heads up

>>2380377
Henry wanted to argue with Duncan, or say anything really, but the man was right, at least partially. Getting mad would just get him caught. He was already halfway to Yorkshire, he just had to do this little bit of detective work then he’d make it there for certain. As long as he didn’t have to fight actual werewolves anyways, that would be the Inquisitors jobs… speaking of which he had forgotten to ask for payment.

A few minutes later, and Henry was digging in to a meat pie made with lamb and some vegetables. He’d decided he could panic on a full stomach.

“So what’s your plan Duncan?” He asked. Henry was resigned to his fate now.

“I have a few more items to both drop off and pick up, only met with this Inquisitor since we don’t generally meet in New Haven.”

“How’d you know he’d be here?” Henry asked, mulling over a glass of beer.

“Well I said I’d gotten the order a week ago didn’t I? Just had to get here by the meeting time, which was fairly generous, when your meeting someone in another location always give em a day or two worth of time for wiggle room.” Duncan stated matter of factly. “It’s a bit of wisdom for the road yeh?”

“And in case I don’t see you around later, good luck on getting to Yorkshire and laying low, though to be honest I think you’re overreacting, the church ain’t gonna just do a purge like you think. But far be it from me to stop yer paranoia.”

Henry smirked, he almost felt bad about lying to Duncan, but as the previous exchange had gone, he couldn’t trust the guy to keep his mouth shut.

======= IMPORTANT CHOICE =======
1. Follow Duncan back to the watermill
2. Stay in town
a. Go to the Rusty Spoon Inn, meet with Grom and Cassius and learn more details
b. Go to the local Angel’s Roost to see if Brunessa the Angel is back, thank her for her help
c. Explore the town more (you’ll have to be a bit specific here, where would Henry want to even go?)
3. Other? (get creative)

> alright boyos we're LIVE

>>2382347
Seems my formatting for the decision fucked up a bit, A, B, and C under option #2 are only available if you decide to pick option #2

>>2382347
>2. Stay in town
>a. Go to the Rusty Spoon Inn, meet with Grom and Cassius and learn more details

>3. Other
What exactly does Henry know about werewolves? Do they involuntarily turn every full moon? Do they have any particular behavioural ticks he can look out for? We should ask about what exactly happened surrounding the werewolf that already turned. Something must have set him off.

>>2382384
alright, gonna give it another 20 min or so to see if anyone else turns up, if not we'll continue

>>2382347
>1. Follow Duncan back to the watermill
Make sure our associates are well.

>>2382347
2. Stay in town
a. Go to the Rusty Spoon Inn, meet with Grom and Cassius and learn more details

>>2382384
>>2382446
>>2382458

Staying in town it is, as for the werewolf thing, I'm gonna reveal details as we go, Henry is not nearly as well versed in them as he is in Ghiests. However, perhaps the Inquisitors know, its their jobs to after all.

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>>2382347
After finishing his meal, Henry followed Duncan outside.

“Good journeying with ya.” Duncan said, offering his outstretched hand, “Even with a few bumps in the road.”

“Likewise pal.” Henry replied, taking Duncan’s hand and shaking it firmly. “Have a safe trip back to the watermill, and let the others know I’ll be back later this evening.

Departing from outside of the Tavern, Henry headed to the other side of the town’s central plaza. He noted that there were several people hanging from the town’s tree of redemption. Worst came to worst at least he’d have a distraction. The Inn’s sign, along with an image of a rusty spoon, loomed large.

Heading into the inn, Henry went up to the innkeeper, and asked for the room number his ‘partners’ were staying in. He was then directed up the stairs to a room on the left. Before he could even knock, Cassius spoke from within.

“No need, door’s open.”

Henry winced a bit; he hadn’t even made that much noise.

Heading into the room, he took note of a few things. Various sets of supplies, maps, and official looking documents were spread out over the two beds and the floor as well. There were several vials of what he assumed were quicksilver, and what appeared to be a vial of blood. Cassius was leaning against the far wall, shaving with a straight edged razor. Of note was the fact that he didn’t have a mirror on him, and more importantly, his eyes were not even open. Grom on the other hand was nowhere to be found.

“So you’re the guy that Grom thinks can help us.” Cassius said.

1. “What’s our timetable?”
2. “I know me and Grom were talking back at the tavern, but we never discussed payment
3. “Why do a pair of inquisitors even need my help?”
4. “Are we really dealing with a whole pack of infiltrators?”
5. “Are those daggers really pure silver?”
6. “Where is Grom anyways?”
7. “What information do we have so far?
8. “What’s the blood for?”
9. Other options.

>>2382509
All of the above.

Options
1
3
4
7
8
And do you know of any local needs for a scribe?

>>2382509
1. “What’s our timetable?”
2. “I know me and Grom were talking back at the tavern, but we never discussed payment
3. “Why do a pair of inquisitors even need my help?”

Henry braced himself, now to get down the business.

“So why do a pair of inquisitors even need my help?” Henry asked. This had been the main question since the start. The job had sounded easy enough, sure the whole actually fighting them part didn’t but simply tracking them down couldn’t be THAT hard could it?

“Blame Grom, not me.” Cassius responded. “He, in all of his wisdom, decided that the best way to find these fleabags would be to march into town in full gear, head into the church and get them involved, instead of lying low and trying to piece together information. Any of em with half a brain would’ve left town by now or will be lying low, hence we need someone who isn’t related to us to do our own damned jobs. Couldn’t we could’ve met you in a different location but that’s what we had to work with, I’m worried that words spreading around town already. Its recognized procedure to go to the local church and get their help, but to be honest that doesn’t work with wolves. They don’t have pale skin, or horns, or float, or glow, and when they’re human silver doesn’t do jack shit to em. Eternal pain in the ass.”

Henry wasn’t sure what he had expected, but this man talked an awful lot like a commoner than some holy warrior of the church, and a lot less fancy than Grom had.

“Are we really dealing with a whole pack? Henry asked.”

“Beats the hell outta me, right now we don’t know what we’re doing, this little investigation went south since Grom blew our cover. We do know about howlpack attacks in the outlying hamlets. Since they aren’t as well guarded.” Cassius explained. “Beyond our little incident last night, we haven’t had any problems.”

“Do you know anything so far?” Henry asked. He was not liking his odds now.

“We know that the man who turned the other night was a drifter, nobody really recognized him, that whole damn encampment outside of the gates is made up of people like that. Horrible idea to keep it there. Besides that, Grom believes that it’s likely a person or group of people who would have a reason to leave town for periods of time. Hunters, fishermen, dockworkers, etc. Those are generally the people who can hide their affliction the best. If it had been tradesmen or anyone who lived in the actual city, they would’ve been given up during the last full moon. The church claims that there have been no attacks or sightings during the last full moon, but we weren’t here to check.”

“So whats the blood for?” Henry asked, biological components had a fair deal of uses, he wondered what the blood was, and what purpose it had.

>>2382603
“Oh that, heh, it’s my good luck charm.” Cassius responded, smirking a bit, “What a fun time that was to get.”

Oh. Wonderful.

“So what’s our timetable here?” Henry asked, hoping that he’d have some time to figure things out.

“Three days, last I check anyhow.” Cassius murmured.

“What do you mean?” Henry asked.

“Well we have a full moon in three days, I assume if there is anything in town then that’s when things will go down.” Cassius said.

“Look I know Grom got you all spun up with tales of an entire howlpack, but he’s never really had to deal with a real howlpack before, like in Bressa Province. This is more than likely just a pack of strays clinging together during the full moon.” Cassius continued.

Further questions were interrupted by a bunch of yelling coming from outside.


1. Check on the screaming
2. Don’t check on the screaming
3. Leave

Optional:
Ask more questions.

>>2382606
1. Check on the screaming
Then come back and ask.
>You don't know where to get some silver nitrate from do you?
Lunar caustic for the alchemy peeps.
>Just dump some into the wells and fountains, and the people will ingest it, where the silver can become deposited into the body. And when they turn, it would react causing them pain.

>>2382615
Ignore this, was thinking collodial silver.
but
Still check on the screaming.

>>2382606


Henry poked his head out the window; the normal hustle and bustle of the town square had been broken. A pair of Church Cathars, white robes waving in the wind, were leading a man down the plaza and towards the stockades. The man, for his part, was screaming bloody murder.

“YOU DAMNED SONS OF WHORES, LET ME GO THIS INSTANT.” He screamed as he was dragged down the cobblestone plaza. “I WILL FUCKING GET YOU WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER I SWEAR ON IT!”

The man had a beard and a couple of scars on his face. Beyond that nothing really stood out to henry.

Seems that someone is in a bit of trouble.” Cassius responded. When the hell had he moved? Henry thought. The man was too damned slippery.

“Anywho, Henry, back to the topic at hand.” He said, “We basically want you to try and find a few leads here or there. I’m honestly not expecting much. This whole trip has been a waste of time in my opinion anyways.”

“Alright, but look, we never discussed payment.” Henry continued. “I don’t mean safe passage either, considering that’s where you’re going in the first place.”

“I can figure something out.” Cassius replied, not exactly engendering confidence but it was better than nothing.

“Can I get a number, please?” Henry asked, trying to pin something down.

“How’s about this, if you manage to find even one werewolf I’ll give you twenty silver coins, more than that and we can talk.” That kind of money with nothing to scoff at, still…

“So we’re making a bet now?”

“You figure it out.” Cassius responded.

(next section)

Open Ended Decision:

New Haven is a fairly large town, it has quite a few areas within it

1. The church: the church sits in the town’s center; it has an adjacent healer’s abbey, and an Angel’s Roost, which is a large tower of sorts. The whole area is surrounded by the city’s inner wall. There are several other supporting buildings if you want to get creative.
2. The central plaza, this is where Henry is currently. Most of the inns and taverns are here, as well as a few shops.
3. Peddler’s Row. A Street full of all sorts of shops.
4. Dockyards: what it sounds like
5. Lumbermills: this is a city built on lumber export after all. There are several of them on either side of the river, there is a bridge spanning the river allowing for easy access
6. Castle: Where the aforementioned dead nobleman had lived, currently taken over by the church, nobody knows what’s going to be done with the place. It’s in a very defensible location, on the river facing side of the city’s outer wall.
7. Ghost quarter. A few blocks of the city that were abandoned during a plague, populated by ghiests at night, and is generally avoided by most of the city inhabitants.
8. Sewers: The city has these
9. Mill: this is where Charles and Johnny are currently.
10. City gates: there are three of these, on the north, south, and west ends, the west end is facing the river
11. Mages tower: there is a small mages tower and guildhall in the town, located on the north side.
12. Beyond that, there are several districts of residential townhomes, shops, etc.
13. Lastly, the forest around the city has been clear cut, more than would be expected, due to the lumber business that is growing there. The sightlines around the town are completely clear, allowing guards or any observer to see quite a distance
14. Outer wall: this is lined by guards, guard towers, and some mean looking ballistae, things could take out a werewolf with a single shot.
15. If you have any cool ideas feel free to share them, unknown waters we’re venturing into (never written anything with this much user choice.)

>>2382714
forgot to explain the shantytown

16: Shantytown: Located on the city's southern wall, it is a hastily cobbled together set of wooden shacks, the people living there being mostly recent arrivals to work in the booming lumber trade.

>>2382714
>7. Ghost quarter. A few blocks of the city that were abandoned during a plague, populated by ghiests at night, and is generally avoided by most of the city inhabitants.
Maybe we can ask some ghosts, ghasts or gheists for information regarding the werewolves.

>>2382714
>1. The church: the church sits in the town’s center; it has an adjacent healer’s abbey, and an Angel’s Roost, which is a large tower of sorts. The whole area is surrounded by the city’s inner wall. There are several other supporting buildings if you want to get creative.

>>2382735
Lets do this first, since the ghiests won't show up till night.

>>2382714
gonna wait a few more minutes, then start up the post, seems we're going to be looking at the body of the man who got killed in the shantytown

>>2382714
The first thing that popped into Johnny’s mind was to find the body of the man who had been killed in the shanty town incident. That’d be the best place to start; heck maybe the man would even know his killer.

“Cassius, I had a quick question to ask.” Henry said.


“Well ask away bud, I’ve got all day.” Cassius replied.

“I was told by someone around town that there had been a man killed during the shantytown incident. What exactly happened to his body?”

“Thing was half devoured by the time the town Cathars got to it. After getting plunked by a couple of arrows from the wall, the werewolf scampered off into the woods to the northwest, leaving the body about halfway in the field. Happened recently so the man is probably still being temporarily entombed at the church awaiting burial, why do you want to know something like that?”

“Secondly, can you get me access to the body?”

“Shouldn’t be an issue, but I don’t have time to stop on by right now, I have a holy symbol somewhere in here that would get you in easily enough.” He said “The two Cathars guarding the place are real kiss asses, they see you’re with me they’ll let you in without a question. Regardless, why do you want access to his body?”

For the first time since Henry had met the man, he’d seen an emotion register across his face, was it curiosity or suspicion?

1. I want to check to see what the actual damage was, and to see if the killer left anything of use on it. (Bluff roll of 40 or higher required)
2. “I have a hunch.” (Bluff roll of 70 or higher required)
3. Wait a bit and try to steal the emblem off of him (pickpocket roll of 90 or higher required)
4. Nevermind, I’m sorry for asking
5. Other (perhaps come up with another explanation)

>>2382812
shit I meant Henry in the first sentence, so much for editing

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>2382812
>1. I want to check to see what the actual damage was, and to see if the killer left anything of use on it. (Bluff roll of 40 or higher required)

>>2382825
This seems good enough.

>>2382836
it is good enough, unless anyone wants to add, or roll for something else I'll start up the post in about 5 min

>>2382812
Cassius looked at Henry for about a minute, before pressing his tongue against the roof of his mouth, and then making a clicking noise.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” He muttered, finally.

Was he fucking serious?

“Alright look, I’m gonna go grab the symbol, hold on.” Cassius said, before reaching into his jacket and lazily tossing some sort of metal object at Henry in a weak underhanded throw.

Henry, startled, briefly fumbled for a moment before managing to catch a triangular piece of metal, with the church’s holy eye emblazoned on it. Okay that had just happened.

“So was that supposed to do anything?” He asked.

“Bit of an old habit I picked up from my time growing up in Bressa Province.” Cassius said, finally cracking a smile. “It’s basically a social thing… heh, you show you’re wearing a piece of silver so that people know you’re human.” The man had become a bit more friendly now.

“Are you wearing any silver?” Henry asked, a bit amused, this guy was weird.

“Of course.” Cassius replied, before showing him a silver bracelet he’d been hiding up his sleeve, Henry didn’t get a very good look at it for long.

“It’s a bit of a funny habit, most people can’t tell fake silver from real silver, and only those in the church can really tell if it’s been blessed or not. That piece there has been, so keep it close for now, and it’s only coated in silver, about two coins worth, so don’t get the idea to pocket it, and don’t try to use it against anything to nasty, probably won’t work too well.”

“You should be able to get into the church now, unless you need anything else from me.” Cassius finished. “I’m probably gonna head back down to the tavern, if ya need me later.”

1. You need something else from him (either ask a question, or get creative)
2. Head out, time to gather supplies, Henry is going to need a few things for his little chat with the corpse.
3. Other? (do you guys want to head anywhere else, or stick to the path?)

>>2382879
>2. Head out, time to gather supplies, Henry is going to need a few things for his little chat with the corpse.

>>2382883
Supportin.

“See you later I guess.” Henry said, stretching for a moment before heading out of the inn’s bedroom room.

Heading down the stairs and out through the front door, Henry made a note of the items he would need. A few basic runes, one semi complicated one, he already had the right alchemical crystals on him, he also already had the spell memorized so that was taken care off. So the only other thing he’d need was saltpeter to help get the spell of the ground more easily, and to form the summoning circle.

1. Head down to Peddlers Row, and try to find shops with these compounds (make three rolls, 25 or higher for the basic runes, a 45 or higher for the more advanced one, and a 35 or higher for the saltpeter.)
2. Head down to the wizard tower to try and get some of these components (will require more choices than the Peddlers row option)
3. Other?

Rolled 9, 6, 34 = 49 (3d100)

>>2382902
>1. Head down to Peddlers Row, and try to find shops with these compounds (make three rolls, 25 or higher for the basic runes, a 45 or higher for the more advanced one, and a 35 or higher for the saltpeter.)

Rolled 99, 76, 28 = 203 (3d100)

>>2382902
>1. Head down to Peddlers Row, and try to find shops with these compounds (make three rolls, 25 or higher for the basic runes, a 45 or higher for the more advanced one, and a 35 or higher for the saltpeter.)

>>2382902

>Due to the average of the 2nd roll being a near miss, I’m giving you guys an extra shot to succeed.

Henry decided he’d head down to peddlers row, he’d seen it on the way through town and had noticed an abundance of shops. A few minutes later, Henry had arrived. He set to work looking for a magical shop, and an alchemy shop where he could buy the salt peter. While he had no such luck with the alchemy, he did spot a magic shop. A wooden sign hung from the second story with book of some kind, and the words “Rascals Fortune: Spells and Runes” Was plainly seen on the front. While Henry would have loved to do some shopping, he didn’t have too much time to waste.

The shopkeeper was a fairly young man, about his own age Henry reckoned, and a immediately shot to attention when Henry stopped in, a small bell chiming off when he opened the door.

“What can I do for ya friend?” The man asked.

“Looking for a few types of runes.” Henry said, he hoped that this man wouldn’t know much about necromancy.

After a few minutes of searching, he’d found what he’d needed, or the simple runes at least, the runes had likely been prepared by the local wizard’s tower, the stones were similar to the ones he’d noticed by the mill surrounding the inlet, and the forest him and Duncan had passed through.

1. I want to know if you have something a bit more specific, a certain more complicated rune… (roll 30 or higher)
2. Do not say anything else, buy what you have now, and leave.
3. Make small talk, maybe ask if anyone’s acting weirdly(be specific if you want)(roll for a hidden stat)
(regardless of what choice you make, roll again for a hidden stat, this will be your second roll if you pick option one)

Optional:
1. Ask him where he could find some saltpeter (roll again for hidden stat)

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>2382944
>1. I want to know if you have something a bit more specific, a certain more complicated rune… (roll 30 or higher)
Or do you know where I might find one?

Rolled 84, 72, 56 = 212 (3d100)

>>2382944
>1. I want to know if you have something a bit more specific, a certain more complicated rune… (roll 30 or higher)

>Optional:
>1. Ask him where he could find some saltpeter (roll again for hidden stat)

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>>2382949

>>2382944
>crit overpowers the 84 by default, only the second guy posted fully, so only gonna count his mystery counters. We’re up to 4 now.

“Do you know where I could get some salt peter?” Henry asked. This trip hadn’t been a total failure but maybe he’d be able to get a bit more info out of it.

“Few places, but the wizard tower would be the easiest; they usually have enough extra to sell.” The man responded.

“Alright, anyway, I had one more rune I was looking for.” Henry said, paying for the runes he had. “I need a convergence rune.”

At that the man became rather silent. “I… hope you’re not doing what I think you’re doing with that… because… I’d have to call the town Cathars if that is the case…” Henry was a bit worried now. He could just cut and run but the man had seen his face. Of all the rotten luck.

1. What are you talking about? (bluff of 40 or higher required)
2. FUCKING RUN (agility of 20 or higher required, will result in cathars being alerted, not advisable)
3. Attack the man (roll a 15 or higher, optionally use bolt for no roll at all, point blank and all.)
4. Forget you saw anything kid (intimidate of 30 or higher required, roll again for secret stat)
5. Other?

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2382988
>1. What are you talking about? (bluff of 40 or higher required)

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>2382988
>1. What are you talking about? (bluff of 40 or higher required)
Show the holy symbol and hope that clears it up.
Also unaware I needed to roll 3.
Sorry.

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>>2382990
welp that takes care off that, silver tongue wins again

>>2382988
“What the heck are you going on about?” Henry asked. “I’m not following.” He was nervous but hid it expertly. “I just wanted some supplies.”

“I uh… oh… I thought you uh…” The man continued.

“You thought what?” Henry said, pressing him.

“I thought you were going to do a … necromantic ritual.”

At that, Henry decided to mess with the man. “YOU WHAT?” He shouted, gaining the upper hand. “YOU DARE ACCUSE ME OF SUCH FOUL THINGS? MAYBE I SHOULD GO TELL THE TOWN CATHARS YOU ARE TELLING LIES?” Henry said, before showing the man the symbol Cassius had given him.

“P-please don’t s-sir.” The man said, terrified now.

“Fine, I can be reasonable, halve the price on this rune.” It was the most expensive one he was buying and Henry knew this. Besides the guy would’ve sold him out, nobody got away with that if he could help it.

“I…I…alright sir… but please do not tell anyone.” He said

“You have a deal, sir, this never happened.” Henry said, smirking a bit.

1. Head to wizard’s tower to get salt peter
2. Head to another location

Optional:

1. Try to get a discount from the wizards tower off of him (barter roll of 50 or higher required, no ill effects from failing)

>>2383014
>1. Head to wizard’s tower to get salt peter


Lets not push our luck here.

>>2383014
>1. Head to wizard’s tower to get salt peter
But wouldn't that be with the alchemists?

>>2383014
gonna call it here for tonight, I'll be posting sporadically tomorrow

Rolled 62, 59, 4 = 125 (3d100)

>>2383014
>1. Try to get a discount from the wizards tower off of him (barter roll of 50 or higher required, no ill effects from failing)
is this another best out of three?

>>2383394
no, just a basic roll. The mystery rolls are all done and I'm not asking for another, the 62 passes so all good

>>2383394
>>2383024
>>2383019


alright, voting is closed, only one person chose to take the optional choice so it is thrown out, I will begin writing later tonight

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>>2383014
Deciding against twisting the poor man’s arm further, Henry left and made his way over to the Mage’s Guild. As he passed back through the rows of buildings, he took note of the fine craftsmen ship that had gone into making them. The town was indeed a lumber town, full of skilled carpenters.

The Mages Guild’s compound, along with its wizard tower, loomed above the stone and timber buildings that made up New Haven’s main thoroughfares. While New Haven’s buildings were excellently built overall, the mage’s tower was something else. Runes pulsed along its surface, acting like a massive beacon. Henry could also make out a large stone structure that rested in the center, its shingled roof being a bit taller than the compounds’

The compound’s gate was open, and after finding the guardhouse empty, Henry decided to let himself into the courtyard. As he approached, he began to hear a heated conversation that had erupted a few minutes prior.

“For the last time, I will not be threatened into scrying by someone who has barged in here like a common thug!”

“Lives are at risk if you do not, please.” A gruff voice responded, Henry recognized it to be Grom’s. “I’m asking you again, please, I need your help.” Grom continued

“You can ask a thousand times, and my answer will be no a thousand times more.” The voice responded. “You and your church have no authority here, and even with what has happened to the local nobles and the events in the capital, you do not scare us.” The voice continued. “The amount of materials a scry of that size would require would be EXTREMELY prohibitive. It’s simply not possible.”

1. Avoid the conversation entirely, it is none of your business
2. Get involved
3. Other?


>Seems a certain someone has drawn a fairly poor map of New Haven.

>>2384889
dunno why the image decided to flip itself like that, I've posted the image into discord unfucked

>>2384889
>1. Avoid the conversation entirely, it is none of your business

File: New Haven 90degrees.jpg (244 KB, 917x688)

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>>2384889
>3. Other?
Eavesdrop, then continue about our business.

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> unfucking my file for me

>>2384889
>1. Avoid the conversation entirely, it is none of your business
As far as Grom is concerned, we're just a scribe, right? Demonstrating a working knowledge of arcane scrying seems like it could blow our cover.

I think we should avoid Grom noticing us here at all. Buy the saltpeter and get the fuck out.

Unless Duncan has already told him we do some sort of magic shit. Then we can argue.

By the way, do the guardhouses at the gates keep records of who comes and goes? If they do, we can parse through them and see who leaves during full moons. It will at least give us a suspect list to start.

>>2384889
Henry already had enough shit to deal with. Getting involved with this shit would not help him one bit. From what Cassius had told him, Grom had dug his own grave by barging into town. He could lie in it for all Henry cared. Secondly, he’d rather not have Grom asking what he was doing in the mage’s compound of all places. Thirdly, he remembered that Grom had said that he wanted people to think that the two of them had no relation. Last thing Henry wanted to do was blow his cover.

Heading into the main compound, Henry entered a sort of entrance hall. To his right was a large wooden desk with a bored looking man wearing wizard’s robes. He was sitting down and was resting his chin on one of his hands. The man appeared to do a double take before straightening up.

“Didn’t expect to see anyone what with all the commotion outside.” He said. “Welcome to the Mages Guild of New Haven, names Theo, what can I help you with?”

1. Ask to purchase some Saltpeter
2. “Whats going on outside?”
3. Other

Optional Choice
1. Anything interesting happen recently? (Roll for hidden stat)

>>2384934
might be a good idea actually, feel free to suggest it when the time comes

>>2384939
>1. Ask to purchase some Saltpeter

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2384939
>1. Ask to purchase some Saltpeter
1. Anything interesting happen recently? (Roll for hidden stat)
And, where are the guards at?
And this too>>2384934

>>2384939

Henry got right down to business. He didn’t want to mince words or waste time.

“Can I purchase some saltpeter?” He asked. “I need some as spell components.” He knew it was a safe question to ask, saltpeter was such a basic ingredient in most types of spell circles to the point where it was associated with magic in general.

“Yeah we have plenty here, wait here a bit. I’ll grab… how much do you need?” Theo asked.

“About two pounds worth, not doing anything too complex.” Henry replied.

“Alright wait there a few minutes and I’ll grab some from the back.”

As he waited, Henry took more time to survey the room. He noticed that the floor contained a couple of fancy carpets, red and black patterns embroidered on them. On the walls were a couple of mounted animal heads, preserved with formaldehyde. It reminded him of home in a funny way. There were a few dark wood chairs and a nicely constructed table to the left of the entranceway. Behind the counter he noticed a kettle with a pot of coffee on it. It wouldn’t hurt to pour himself a cup he thought.

File: Gargoyle.jpg (5 KB, 225x165)

5 KB JPG

>>2385022
A few minutes later, Theo returned to find Henry sitting on one of the chairs drinking a cup of his coffee. The man was a customer so Theo decided to not say anything about it.

“Alright here are your bags; it’ll be a silver coin and five copper ones.” The man responded. “Don’t try to give me fakes either I know how to check.”

After paying for the merchandise, Henry decided to ask a couple of questions.

“Anything interesting happen around here recently?”

“New in town? We’ll not to spook you but apparently we have a ‘’werewolf problem’’” He said, making air quotes. “Don’t put too much stock into it, these are some of the strongest walls for miles, and we’re in bloody Sol Province of all places, even if we’re close to the northeast border. I mean we have an Angel’s Roost and everything, I’m not having trouble sleeping at night.”

“Well anything happening in town as of late?”

“The Ghost Quarter has been a bit more active lately, though that area seems to wax and wane in general. Beyond that, I mean the nobles were killed recently, but I don’t really have much opinion on that.” Theo continued.

“Oh I did hear one other thing; apparently there was some sort of fight or something down at the shanty town? I don’t really pay much attention to those riff raff.” Theo had finished talking.

The information was interesting if unhelpful, seemed word had gotten around town about this stuff. He’d have to ask more pointed questions going forward, if he was to get anything useful out of them.

“I actually did have one other question.” He continued, “I noticed the walls and everything, but where are the guards, there wasn’t even anyone at the gate.”

Theo smiled, “What, didn’t notice the stone gargoyles?”

1. Leave (pick a location in town to go to, right now either the city’s holy center or maybe one of the gatehouses seem like good choices.)
2. Ask more questions (you will have to be specific, roll for hidden stat for each question asked)
3. Other?

>>2385025
>1. Leave (pick a location in town to go to, right now either the city’s holy center or maybe one of the gatehouses seem like good choices.)
Go to the garrison, and ask the guards about the happenings or odd stuff.

>>2385025
>1. Leave (pick a location in town to go to, right now either the city’s holy center or maybe one of the gatehouses seem like good choices.)
go to the garrison

>>2385040
>>2385083

looks like we're gonna meet a new character

>>2385025
Henry had been thinking about something since he’d heard about the werewolf problem, wouldn’t there be a record of people leaving and entering the town? He’d recorded his name, well a fake one, when he’d entered through the gate, but inhabitants of the town would not be able to get away with a lie like that for long. There had to be some recording right?

He decided to head for the castle; he could see it even from all the way across town, its two spires stretching into the sky. As made his way towards the north gate, he noticed a field of green to his left. It seemed like a mix between a garden and a crop field. Heading past there, he stopped inside of a central plaza; there were a couple of plots in the ground full of trees and plant life, and a fountain spewing water into the air, a cozy spot for sure.

The castle’s wall stood imposingly. Dwarfing the set of homes that surrounded its base. Henry could now see that there were actually two buildings inside. He figured the keep was the building with the two spires, but the other building he wasn’t so sure about, maybe a house for the local cathars?

As he approached the gate, he heard a voice come from inside.

“Halt, who wishes entry into castle Fanstaid?” The voice was that of a young adult, maybe fifteen or sixteen Henry figured.

1. I’m here to conduct business with the Capitan around here; do you know if this is where I’d find him? Can you let me inside?
2. I had a couple of questions for someone inside, can you let me in?
3. Look I don’t have all day let me in (roll for intimidate, 80 or higher required)
4. I’m here on behalf of someone killed in one of the outer hamlets, I wanted to ask what the leader around here is doing about it. (roll for bluff 50 or higher required)
5. Other? (feel free to come up with creative lies or other ideas, roll if for bluff if nessessary)

Optional:
1. Show him the symbol you received from Cassius (will grant you immediate access, roll for hidden stat)

>>2385119
>1. I’m here to conduct business with the Capitan around here; do you know if this is where I’d find him? Can you let me inside?

1. Show him the symbol you received from Cassius (will grant you immediate access, roll for hidden stat)
Only if he becomes stubborn.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>2385126

>>2385119
“I’m here to conduct business with the Capitan around here. Do you know if this is where I’d find him?” Henry inquired. He really didn’t want to walk back across New Haven.

“You mean Crusader Hafford? Yeah he’s inside right now, but he’s very busy, and besides I cannot let just anyone inside, I hope you understand why.” The man responded.

To hells with this, Henry thought, before grabbing the holy crest from his coat pocket and showing it to the guard. “Will this get me inside then?”

The gate guard went silent for a moment. “Y-yes, that will be sufficient… OPEN THE GATE.” He shouted, yelling up to an unseen third person. Henry assumed that one was in the upper gate house.

A sound of grinding gears and pulling chain, the portcullis opened, and then with the sound of a plank being removed, the gate door was also opened as well.

Heading inside, Henry met with a wide eyed Cathar, wearing a rather oversized set of white cloths, and a few pieces of mismatched leather armor. More boy than man Henry figured. Must’ve been recently brought into the order.

“Lead the way or give me directions kid.” Henry said. It felt good to be shown some respect, even if it was borrowed.

“Right this way sir…” The kid replied, before yelling up. “CLOSE THE GATE.” A few moments later, the portcullis was slowly lowered back into place. The kid then closed the door, and placed a heavy wooden bar into a couple of metal slots nailed into the back of both doors. The gate was now properly locked and barred once more.

“I-if you’ll follow me sir.” The kid said

1. Follow the kid
2. Ask his name (feel free to be specific)
3. So how long you been here?
4. Try to get a good look around the place (roll perception of 40 or higher)
5. Other?

>>2385165
>2. Ask his name (feel free to be specific)
>What's yer name kid.
And have you noticed anything strange lately, like odd criminal happenings or a different feeling in the criminal presence?

>>2385173
that will require a roll for the hidden stat

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2385178

>>2385165
“So what’s your name then, don’t want to keep calling a Cathar kid.” Henry said, deciding to make small talk as he was lead up to the building to his right. The stone keep was an impressive feat of stonework, two massive spires rising up to either side of a large middle section with a triangular roof.

“You can call me Johnathon, or Cathar Johnathon if you prefer sir… what relation do you have to our blessed inquisitors?” Henry smirked. Kid probably thought HE was an inquisitor.

“I’m gonna respond to that question with another question, heard of anything interesting lately?”

Johnathon thought for a moment and as they rounded a torch-lit corner deeper inside the building, he replied. “I know that Stonegrove, Mont’ Riley, and Graingarden were all attacked by werewolves in the past couple of weeks… and that our… I mean my Crusader Capitan is trying to figure out a solution. I’m sure he’s going to appreciate your visit. Beyond that I don’t really know of much, lot of messengers these days though, news from all over what with our holy purge of the corrupted noblemen and royalty.”

As the pair began to ascend a flight of steps toward the second floor, Jonathon spoke once more. “Actually I did hear one more piece of news, apparently the road towards Yorkshire province has been overrun by a horde of Unholy Undead. They’ve apparently been laying siege to one of the towns along the road, but for the life of me I cannot remember its name.”

Henry said nothing, he wanted to get ready for this meeting, Crusaders were generally captains of a large group of Cathars. This one was likely commander of all the Cathars in this city. Which meant that the man he was about to meet would probably be a real hard ass.


(next section incoming)

>>2385208
The room he was lead into had a couple of torches on the walls, a stained glass window on the far wall directly behind a man standing over what looked like a massive map. On closer inspection Henry determined a couple of things, the map was actually CARVED into the table, an entire map of Haven district and some of the surrounding districts, Henry was surprised it was that detailed, usually a map like that would be of the entire province. Not just a small area, lot of work for such a thing. He noticed that there were several carving pieces of flames set upon certain towns on the map, he figured these were being used to record the recent attacks.

The man at the table was well armored, chainmail, plate, you name it. He wore a white flowing cloak with a symbol of the church borne out of inlaid silver. Its holy eye was keeping watch… of the stained glass window. Beyond that the man’s plate was fairly fancy, some nice patternwork but nothing that’d be above his paygrade. The man himself was bearded with a messy bit of brown hair. He loomed large over the table, man commanded respect just from a glance Henry admitted.

“What is this Jonathon, I told you I was not to be disturbed.”

“I have an inquisitorial representative here to speak with you sir…” Jonathon said, somewhat hiding behind Henry.

Gee, thanks kid.


1. I’m here to ask about the local log of people into and out of the town
2. Other? (get really creative, this conversation can go a lot of ways)

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>2385234
>1. I’m here to ask about the local log of people into and out of the town
>2. Other? (get really creative, this conversation can go a lot of ways)
Has there been any disappearances of the homeless or very low class?
And has there been reports of people that have been missing showing up recently?

>>2385234
“I’m here to ask a few questions, Crusader.” Henry said, deciding that sticking to titles was the better option.

“Fine, I can spare a few minutes for our oh so dear inquisitors.” Hafford replied, clearly annoyed.

“I…uh.” Henry stammered, before regaining his composure. “I wanted to know if I could procure a log… of all the people who’ve come into and out of town for the last couple of months, I wanted to try and find a patt-“

“I’ve already given a copy of that list to Inquisitor Grom, and he hasn’t managed to do anything with it. Though I honestly doubt he’d find anything my Cathars haven’t.” He said, his tone beginning to edge on anger.

What the fuck have I walked into?

“Ah, of course… Grom must’ve… neglected to inform me…” Henry continued. Apparently he hadn’t mattered enough to share info with. He was beginning to agree with Cassius about that man.

“I had a few other questions…” Henry continued

Sighing greatly, and running his gauntleted hand down his face, Hafford replied “If. I. Must.”

“Right, yes, have there been any local disappearances, drifters, homeless, peasants? Trying to see if there are any places affect-“

“Again, do you really think us so incompetent that we can’t do our own damned jobs?” Hafford replied.

Henry didn’t want to be in here anymore.

“I’ve told Grom time and time again, that if there was ANYTHING out of place in this city then I. WOULD. KNOW ABOUT IT.” He shouted. “Anytime a man, women, or child have walked in or out of our city gates… I KNOW ABOUT IT.” He shouted again. “Every one of my Cathars is trained and competent. But yet you inquisitorial people have such a low opinion of those of us who do ACTUAL work around here.” He said once more, he was fuming now.

Henry, startled, stepped back into Jonathon, knocking him down onto his rear.

“Unless you have some actually USEFUL questions, please leave me to my duties, I have work to do. Work that will actually SAVE lives, instead of WASTE time.”

1. Try your luck (ask more specific questions)
2. “I should probably be going…”
3. Other?

>>2385288
>2. “I should probably be going…”
Go to the dead guy.

>>2385288
Pulling a bit on his jacket’s collar uncomfortably, Henry decided that he should probably be going.

“I should probably be going.” He said

“You should probably be going.” Hafford replied, calming down.

“I… uh, I want to go too.” Jonathon concluded, still sprawled out on the floor.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Leading Henry back the way he had come, Jonathon asked.

“So who are you exactly?”

“I’m a scribe with a knack for detective work.” Henry said. “The holy inquisitors asked me to help them with this case. I uh, I wanted to do my part for the Province.” He figured it would sound good.

“That’s very noble sir.” Jonathon responded. “I hope our paths can cross again, under… better… calmer circumstances.”

The kid wasn’t half bad, bit rough around the edges, but he was alright.

(next part)

>>2385344
As Henry entered the holy square in front of the Church’s main gate, he took the time to look first at the stonework, and then up into the sky. The stonework on the ground in the center of the square was laid out in the shape of the Church’s holy symbol, the All Seeing Eye. As if anyone heading into this place would not know where they were Henry mused. As for the sky, the sun hung low, threatening to drop below the horizon. It would likely be nightfall by the time he was concluded with his little ritual.

Approaching the gate, Henry met up with a couple of Cathars, dressed in abnormally fancy robes, one had to be proper this close to holy grounds. Henry wished he’d had some fancier clothing, but he didn’t go to church nearly enough to justify buying that. He had to stifle a chuckle. While that joke had been funny he’d doubted these two would laugh at it.

“Halt, state your reasons for entering this sacred ground, OR LEAVE!” The man at the gate shouted, a lot louder than he had to, Henry thought, wincing. His ears hurt.

1. I’m here to do copy down some notes for one of the priests (bluff of 60 or higher required)
2. I’m here on official church business; I don’t have the time to deal with the two of you! (2 rolls required, 30 and then 50 for bluff)
3. I would like you to escort me inside so I can pray for my grandfather, I recently buried his bones and I wanted to pray for his soul… Brunessa said I would be able to get inside. (No roll required, but you will have one of these chucklefucks following you around)
Optional:
1. Show them the Holy Symbol (will allow immediate entry; roll once for the mystery stat, guards will leave you the hell alone. Will also make the gate guards grovel if what Cassius said was true)

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>2385375
>1. I’m here to do copy down some notes for one of the priests (bluff of 60 or higher required)

>>2385379
> just barely passed muster, a close call deserves a bit of fun


“I’m here to copy down some notes for one of the priests.” Henry said. He might as well try to play this low key, although it would be a bit riskier.

“Which priest wanted to see you?” The Cathar on the left asked.

“I wasn’t given a name, I was just summoned here to do some work for a couple of hours and then leave. Nobody ever tells me anything in my line of work, not important enough.” It wasn’t EXACTLY a lie.

“YOU BETTER NOT BE LYING.” The Cathar on the right screamed. “I… uh, I mean you better not be lying.”

So was that a nervous tick or something?

“Why the unholy fuck would I lie to a pair of Cathars in front of the Holy Grounds.” Henry replied. “I really hope the priest doesn’t become upset that HIS time is being wasted.”

The guards were beginning to become uncomfortable, and began whispering amongst themselves.

After a few more minutes, and a bit more yelling from the Cathar on the right, the pair turned back to Henry.

“Alright, we’ve decided to allow you entry.” The Cathar on the left said

“ON ONE… condition.” The Cathar on the right said “DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING… do not uh… break anything, and DO NOT DO ANYTHING… unholy… alright?” He seemed to be a bit self-conscious now. Henry would have felt a bit of pity if his ears weren’t ringing.

“What my friend here said.” The Cathar on the left said, “But if a single one of the sacred stones of our Church are disturbed I swear to the High Angel I will shove this polearm so far up your arse your tongue will get splinters!”
1. Head on in
2. “Would you two tone it down a bit?”
3. Ask for information (roll for mystery stat)

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2385401
>3. Ask for information (roll for mystery stat)
Why are yall on edge, did something happen?

>>2385401
“You guys are REALLY on edge aren’t you” Henry said, as the Cathars, in unison, yelled up to the gatehouse to open the gate up. A bunch of clanking and grinding noises later, and the duo in unison once more, opened up both sides of the main door. Henry noticed that there were three portcullis’ and yet ANOTHER door past that. Place was heavily protected.

“We take our jobs VERY SERIOUSLY.” The Cathar on the right announced. Henry thought he’d go deaf at this rate.

“Yes, so seriously that we were both handpicked by Crusader Hafford himself to guard this gate and do nothing else, it’s the greatest honor of my life!” The Cather on the left said… was he crying?

“Anywho, JUST SIGNAL TO THE GATE GUARD WHEN YOU’RE LEAVING.” The one on the left said.

Henry recalled what Hafford had said, as he walked through the gate into the inner courtyard.

“Almost all of your men are competent it seems.”


1. Head into the Church
2. Head to the Healer’s Abbey
3. Head to the Jailhouse
4. Head towards the Angel’s roost
5. Head towards the central well
6. Search elsewhere for the Holy Mausoleum.

>>2385459
>1. Head into the Church

>>2385489
hello there newfriend, feel free to join in the discord, gonna wait a few more minutes then post

>>2385493
Don't have a discord, not that interested in creating one desu

>>2385459
>1. Head into the Church

File: New Haven Catherdral.jpg (133 KB, 600x400)

133 KB JPG

>>2385459
Well, of all the places the Mausoleum would be, the Church was the most obvious. The main issue would be getting past anyone inside, and down into the crypt. He still had the symbol if he needed it of course. Although the thing wouldn’t do him much good if he got caught actually performing the ritual.

Continuing into the Church, Henry was amazed by its simple beauty, the churches of Celeste were practically gaudy with how overdetailed they tended to be, but this was a much nicer, if a bit more boring.

Reds, greens, and of course golds were the main choices of colors here. Henry even felt safe for once, even though he really shouldn’t have. The place just exuded calm, maybe there really was something to all of that religious mumbo jumbo.

He took note of a couple of Deacons busy with cleaning the various aisles. The things were made of fine dark wood, polished to brilliantly reflect the light shining in from several stained glass windows set up at different points along the wall, showing humans, angels, and various holy ghiests in various settings. He didn’t really know what most of them were of. He had never been much of a church boy growing up.

Henry noticed a couple of wooden doors further back into the room, he suspected that one of them would lead up into the belltower, and the other would lead down into the mausoleum or maybe a side room of some sort.

1. Walk past the distracted Deacons and try the left door
2. Walk past the distracted Deacons and try the right door
3. Talk to the Deacons
4. Other?

>>2385516
>2. Walk past the distracted Deacons and try the right door

>>2385516
Deciding against the utterly stupid idea of actually talking to a bunch of Church Deacons, Henry quietly snuck past, before carefully opening up the door to the right of the pulpit. As he walked through the doorframe and slowly shut the door behind him. Henry found himself in another, much smaller room.

It was a fairly long narrow chamber with several doors in it. One led straight to the outside while another door with a stone archway led lower into the Church. Henry figured that this would be the way to go.

After a couple minutes of fumbling around in the dark, Henry managed to find a torch and get the thing lit. He headed deeper into the basement, trying to find the entrance to the Holy Mausoleum. The name was actually a bit of a misnomer, bodies weren’t kept there permanently, only long enough to receive their last rights and the Church’s divine blessing, before being placed down into the ground in a coffin if the family could afford one, or with nothing if the family was poor. Regardless, as long as the soil was blessed by the Church, and the runic protections of the cemetery held, the person would earn their blessed sleep.

1. Keep heading deeper into the basement
2. Turn back around and head outside

>>2385611
Hey OP, ill vote soon, catching up on the thread right now, really enjoying the story.

>>2385633
happy to hear, this is a lot more directed that most of the quests you'll find here. I'm going for a character and world/lore driven story.

>>2385639
Apologies, should have probably voted before catching up, was 8 or so updates behind, and figured i should probably catch up, so i wouldn't be totally in the dark for what had transpired since i had last checked the thread, anyways, My vote goes towards:
>>Keep heading deeper into the basement

>>2385611
Henry gritted his teeth and moved even deeper into the basement, past rows of what appeared to be old books and even older curious from the Church’s earlier years. Normally good judgement for an inhabitant of this world would be to avoid creepy basements. However this Church’s basement was probably one of the safest basements in the world, outside of the Grand Cathedral’s back in Celeste.

As he passed through yet another door, Henry found himself inside of a stone passageway. With a couple of torches flickering in the darkness, the area was generally avoided during the day, at least if he had his understanding of the Church’s burial procedures was correct. He always found it funny how they spent so much trouble on burying a body that could be so easily disturbed, albeit he sometimes had something to do with that.

The smell of rot hung in the air as he crept closer to one of the offshoot branches of the tunnel, as he crept further into the passageway the smell became much stronger. The church had claimed that preserving agents prevent the corpse from rotting away and achieving permanent blessed sleep. He actually didn’t mind the smell at all, having worked with it around him most of his life. Regardless, he understood why nobody would want to come down here if they had no reason to.

As he entered a dome shaped chamber, walls filled with various holy runes and symbols. Henry decided that now would be a good time to get to work. The holy symbols were mainly to guide the soul out of the body properly, but from what he had heard the things were only semi effective. A quick glance with a ghiest sight spell onto the corpse revealed that whatever poor sod it had belonged to was long gone.

The corpse was an absolute mess. The poor fucker’s body was completely missing below the ribcage, and his organs had basically been pushed back into his body, hopefully after he had died. His head, surprisingly and thankfully, was intact, and not even all that rotten, however he could hear the sound of flies buzzing around the thing. It was rested up upon a stone alter with several drainage lines carved into the stone to allow for the draining of blood or other fluids, which terminated with small holes in the ground, which Henry assumed led into the City’s Sewer.

1. Get to work
2. Check on the wall runes
3. Check for guards
4. Other?

>>2385680
Combination of Two and Three, Last thing we need is to get caught down here, we would throughly be fucked, in all circumstances.

>>2385680
Instead of acting like a nervous rookie, Henry decided to give the area a good casing. He regrettably did not know any scrying spells and he had no detection runes on him so he wouldn’t be able to set up a little alarm for himself. But he would be able to give himself an idea of how long it would take someone to come down the tunnel. The tunnel went for a little ways, terminating with a passage back out into the courtyard of the Holy Grounds, it would make for a quick getaway if the Church decided to have mass today.

Reaching the chamber once more, Henry had a look at the runes on the wall. To most this would be sheer paranoia but he wasn’t about to end up on the City’s Tree of Redemption. After inspecting the walls and discovering that no, there were no traps, triggers, tripwires, or bomb spells hidden inside of the glowing symbols, he got to work.

Setting up the saltpeter was the first task. He laid out a fairly simple circle around the corpse. If needed he would be able to safely kick the saltpeter away and end the spell instantly, without worry of a mana blowback. A small spell like this he could easily handle. Secondly he placed the runes on specific parts of the corpse, holding onto the ones he would’ve used for the legs. Next, he placed the convergence rune on the corpse’s head. That fucker had been an annoyance to get. Lastly he grabbed a couple magical crystals, crushed them in his hand, and poured them down the corpse’s throat. Preparations were set. Time to begin

1. Start the ritual
2. Bitch out (lmao)

>>2385699
pfft we've come this far already, how lame would it be to just go ehhhh lets repack everything up

>>2385699
Nothing for it now, better start before I can’t, Henry thought.

He began to chant out the ritual, hoping that the runic shielding the place had would block out the spell from being registered by an Angel. He had gotten very lucky back on the boat, but he didn’t really want to find out how bad he’d die.

As the ritual began to reach its zenith, an unnatural wind began to blow in the chamber, and pieces of dark fire began to gather from out of nowhere above the corpse. The damaged thing would’ve made a shitty zombie, but that wasn’t the point of this spell. As the flame descended into the corpse it began to stir. Henry waited for the sounds of marching feet and fluttering wings to come charging down the corridor, but this little spell must not have alerted anyone. He was about to thank the angel’s before deciding against tempting fate.

The corpse began to stir, its glazed over eyes gazing around the room before its head briefly lifted off the table.

“Stay still.” Henry said, and the zombie obeyed.

Henry would have to ask specific questions, this wasn’t a person, more a mockery of one, and it wouldn’t be able to think, only give fragments of thoughts, or maybe if he was lucky a recorded memory. This sort of thing usually hit a bit too close to home for him, the idea of someone picking through his thoughts. He didn’t usually do this sort of thing.

1. How did you die?
2. Who are you?
3. Ask specific questions (get creative)

>>2385715
Who are you?
How did you die?
What time of day was it when you were attacked?
Do you remember if it was a full moon or not, if it was night?
Was there multiple attackers?
Was there any other people around you while you were maimed?
Anything specific you did to provoke the attacks? (last one is sorta pointless, was likely just a werewolf being a werewolf in an unprotected easily accessible portion of the city)

Henry decided he’d start with something easy.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Who are you?” The corpse replied “Noah… Noah Noah Noah Noah Noah Noah Noah Noah Noah …”

Henry had a strong feeling it was Noah. After asking the corpse to stop before it ruined its vocal cords. He decided it was time to ramp things up a tad.

“How did you die?”

The corpse proceeded to grab its entrails and messily try to stuff them even further inside itself while silently screaming. Henry quickly commanded it to stop. He should’ve known better than to ask that one.

“What time of day was it when you were attacked?” Henry asked.

“Bright moon, shinning like it was when I was a boy…” The corpse responded. “Big like a hunk of cheese… mother can I have some cheese please?”

Lord above Henry hated this.

“Did you see anyone else?”

“RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY, FOR THE LOVE OF G-“ The corpse screamed. Before being unnaturally cut off.

Henry winced, glancing back down the corridor before returning to the corpse, fucking hell.

“How many people was it that did this?” Henry asked

“What the fuck are you… oh lord…” The corpse replied.

Henry was getting somewhere now.

Henry decided to ask it… Noah, one last question.

“What did you do to provoke this, why did they do this to you?” The corpse shook for a moment before lying still.

“Ginny… What the fuck are you talking about? Why the fuck would I want to go into the woods to see some old lumberyard?” It began.

>>2385755
Fucking finally.

“Ginny, fuck you, I don’t know what the fuck you’re going on about half the time. There ain’t no god damned voices in the wild that call out to you, you utter loon. No go fuck off before I hurt you.”

“GOD DAMN IT GINNY I’M NOT PLAYING AROUND, FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO FUCKING PLAY WITH, I’M TRYING TO SLEEP HERE.”

The corpse then punched at the air above it, hard, Henry was worried it would fall off the table for a moment.

“Now fuck off Ginny… What the fuck are you… oh lord…” The corpse went on, holding its fingers up into a triangle, the symbol of the church. That sure as shit hadn’t worked.

“Ginny, what’s wrong with your eyes? OH FUCK OH FUCK OH FUCK…”

The corpse shook for a moment. Henry figured it was trying to run.

“RUN FOR YOUR LIVES, RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY, FOR THE LOVE OF G” Before it was once again cut off. The corpse’s arms went limp before it shook against the table. Henry figured it was from being dumped onto the ground. A few seconds later the thing began to silently scream, as it tried to shove its entrails back inside it once more, before the silent screaming became real screaming.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” Henry kicked at saltpeter that formed the circle, ending the spell quickly and hopefully before anyone would notice. He handled the blowback that occurred easily enough then turned toward the tunnel.

“BY THE ANGELS?!” A voice called out in the dark. Oh shit.

1. Try to rush on past the voice (sneak roll of 40 or higher required
2. Hide behind the alter, (two rolls required, one for luck, 20 or higher, second for sneak, 30 or higher)
3. Other?

>>2385757
make the sneak roll 50

Rolled 93, 54 = 147 (2d100)

>>2385757
Oh boy, uhhh 2 seems to be a better option so like, here's hoping i can pass the roll

>>2385757
Father Gebard was having a fairly normal day, he had given the early morning mass, even if he had been facing the wrong way half the time, then he’d nearly slipped and fallen in the courtyard, before being saved by a young Cathar with oversized clothing. In the afternoon, that same Cathar had shadowed him to make sure he wouldn’t run into any trouble, a shining example to his flock, the Priest thought. He knew the Bishop thought him useless but until he gained his blessed sleep he refused to quit doing what he loved, although now the time had come to finish the blessing on the corpse of the poor soul that had died too soon, he just wanted to make sure things were prepared for the blessing that would occur under the light of the moon. Such things always made him sad, to live when a young man like that had died instead.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”

“BY THE ANGELS?!” Father Gebard called out, placing a hand out to steady himself against the tunnel wall. What was that unholy noise?

Carefully plodding his way down the tomb, he turned to find the room with the man who had died.
Poor thing, he thought. He plodded over the summoning ring of saltpeter, the crystals crunching nosily. His hearing hadn’t kept up so well in his old age, so he thought it was water dripping from the ceiling. “Need to get that leak fixed. When this poor fellow has been removed I’ll remember to do that.” He said. He wouldn’t.

Standing over the stone alter, he gazed down saw that yes, what looked like a corpse was still where it had been left the prior night. He failed to see, due to his cataracts, that there was a man hunched over on the other side of the alter, pale as a ghost, staring into his cataract blinded eyes.

“Angel’s above I’m going senile in my old age.” Father Gebard muttered, before beginning to hum a church hymn and walking back out the door, and over the pile of saltpeter, it crunching nosily underfoot once more.

Henry decided that someone was looking out for him out there in that big fucked up world.

1. Fucking leave now
2. Clean up so someone less senile doesn’t notice what you’ve done
3. Other?

>>2385780
2 definitely

>>2385780
Henry decided to stretch his luck a tiny bit more, and began to collect the used up saltpeter and stuff it into the bag it had come in. It would be easy enough to ditch down a well or into the river later on. Gathering up the now spent runes and deciding to leave the crushed up crystals where they were. He refused to shove his hand down a dead man’s throat, and he knew that the Cathars and Priests were even more squeamish than he was. Anywho, it was now time to leave.

Heading back down the tunnel, he thankfully did not run into that priest again, as he exited, he noticed that the moon, almost full, dangerously so, had begun to rise. The moon was a thing of beauty, bright, shining, and apparently made of grains of silver, according to some. For Henry, tonight, he decided it was trouble.

He managed to slip out back to the entrance under the cover of night, and after getting back out past the guards, who thankfully didn’t rupture his eardrums, he headed back down the stairs to the holy plaza, and then began to make for central plaza. He wondered if he could figure out how to explain the leads he had just gotten to the inquisitors, preferably without blowing his cover wide open.

His thoughts stopped short, and so did he, when he heard people shouting and a howl that would haunt him for a long time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iag8d1ENKgk

(next section)

>>2385793
“DO NOT LET IT OUT OF THIS PLAZA” Henry heard a man shout. “IF WE DO THEN WE COULD LOSE A LOT OF PEOPLE.”

Henry carefully rounded a corner, he knew what he would find, and knew that it was dangerous, but he had never actually seen a werewolf before, and the creature was, in a word, terrifying. Hulking up above the Cathars that had gathered in the circle, who were all trying to jab at it with pole arms in an almost pathetic display. The thing looked like it had been hastily cobbled together out of a man, three wolves, and then several more men worth of muscle. The creature let out a primal roar causing the gathered men to falter and begin to step back. Henry noticed then that the thing had the smashed remains of what appeared to be a set of stocks still attached to one of its arms. It angrily flailed the thing around at the gathered men, crushing one of them as easily as one would crush a bug, splattering his insides across the plaza and onto the gathered men. At this, the Cathars began to panic, shaking their polearms and spears at in again, a few daring to try and jab it. Henry thought he saw one of the poor bastards trying to use a pitchfork.

“DO NOT GIVE IT GROUND.” Another one of the Cathars shouted. Henry was scared, this wouldn’t end well for anyone, and if those Cathars died the thing would have free reign to rampage around town. Looking at the crushed body of the unfortunate Cathar, Henry didn’t really have the stomach to try and bet on a death count.

1. Keep Watching from a safe distance
2. Try to run (requires a courage roll of 95 or higher)
3. Try to attack it with lightning (will COMPLETELY blow your cover, roll 60 for courage, 40 to hit)

File: Werewolf in New Haven.jpg (6 KB, 269x187)

6 KB JPG

>>2385806
forgot the image, so here

>>2385806
1, not worth the risk of 3, and 2 will *probably* not work out well for us

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>2385806
1. Keep Watching from a safe distance
I'm not rolling to run. It's to prove that Henry is simply observing for evidence sake and not because he's scared running away will draw its attention.

>>2385806

If Henry was a braver man, he probably would’ve rushed into the fray, tried to use a bolt of lightning, or something, anything, to save these poor sods. The Cathars once again held their spears up at the thing, but the werewolf had had enough. With a single stroke of its hands, it broke wood, bones, and BENT the metal of a few of the halbards.

“ANGELS PROTECT US!” One of Cathars shouted. The occasional rogue vampire or horde of zombies was one thing, the lads knew how to deal with them, and even the occasional storm of ghiests was something that could be planned for. But this was different, savage, wild. This wasn’t the sort of thing that you planned for. This was the sort of thing that you planned around.

Henry was frozen stiff, he couldn’t move, and hated himself for it. He had never been a brave man, he was a pragmatic one. He tried to come up with a few excuses, next time… it wasn’t his faut.. I mean look at the thing…”

The Cathars, to their credit, hadn’t just scattered. They’d taken their oaths and that meant to die boldly or die trying. A few of them, knees shaking, even looked to be ready to try and fight the thing with bare fists, a few still holding up their bent halberds or shattered poles of wood, maybe they would try to whack the thing to death. A lot of them had families in this town, people they cared about. Henry didn’t. Another one of his excuses. The thing was now lazily glancing between the men, as if it was pondering which one of them to rip apart first. Henry once again tried to leave, but his legs refused to obey him.

He hoped the thing wouldn’t notice a single, pathetic, red cloaked man. That was when he began to hear the chanting, shouting really, coming from the far side of the courtyard. It was fucking Grom, after all the trouble the bastard had been, after all the shit Henry had been through because of him, he couldn’t be fucking happier to see the man.

File: Press F to Pay Respects t(...).jpg (9 KB, 273x184)

9 KB JPG

>>2385840
Grom was armed for bear, his bow positively glowing with white light, and one of the silver arrows he had bought from Duncan was notched into the thing. The werewolf took notice immediately, running through the Cathars. Scattering them around like children’s dolls. He was nearly hit when one of them flew passed him. He hoped that man was still breathing.

Turning back to the plaza, the beast had closed the distance scarily quick, and let out a wild roar as it began to leap. With a single motion Grom loosed his bow, and fired the arrow, now glowing with some sort of magical white light, straight into the beast’s mouth, and out the back of its neck. The arrow stuck there for a second.

The fucking silver wasn’t touching it. Henry thought, frightened. The beast took a few steps back, before once again beginning to rush forward. However, as the white light from the arrow began to radiate outwards, the beast stopped, pausing to try and grab at it, before howling in pain, and clutching its head. A second later, its head burst into chunks of viscera and brain matter, an explosion of holy white light. Henry couldn’t believe it for a moment, for the first time in his life. He understood why the Church existed.

>>2385842
welp, thats it for this session, because holy fuck I'm done for tonight. COME BACK TOMORROW FOR THE CONCLUSION TO THIS CHAPTER.

>>2385842
Henry stood there in stunned silence. The Cathars who were still conscious did so as well, the ones who could still stand anyway. If this had been a hero’s tale, or one of those old stories that they told in church, the Cathars would’ve started cheering and Grom would probably get a hero’s banquet or some shit. However, the night was still young, and most of these guys were still on duty… cept the crushed one, Henry was pretty sure Crusader Hafford would give that one time off.

“You two, secure the space around the Courtyard, we don’t know if there are any more of them! Keep bystanders out of this space!” Grom yelled, beginning to bark orders, taking command of this clusterfuck, and trying to promptly fix it. “You two, check on the others.” There had been ten Cathars in the area in and around the plaza when the stockaded man had turned, thank god for that. One was lying smashed into bloody pulp near some buildings where the men had cornered the Werewolf, maybe it was more like it had cornered them, Henry thought, grimly. The one behind him wasn’t moving. There were three on the ground moaning in pain. He’d lost sight of the last one before a door to one of the buildings opened up. and he stumbled out into the plaza. The werewolf must’ve thrown him up and through the roof and into the buildings second floor. He was surprisingly not too bad off. The ones still standing had some injuries as well, two had broken arms from when the wolf had trashed their weapons.

Henry had some minor medical knowledge. He could try and help, least he could do all things considered. His legs had finally decided to start working again. At least he hadn’t soiled himself.

1. Head into the plaza and ask if you can help
2. Attend to the unmoving man behind you without asking
3. Speak to Grom and tell him know your findings, (get creative about how you’ll do this, since you had to talk to a corpse to get the info in the first place)
4. Other?

>>2386943
>2. Attend to the unmoving man behind you without asking

>>2386943
>2. Attend to the unmoving man behind you without asking

In the meantime, we players should probably brainstorm a way to explain our findings. The murder happened in public, right? Why not just say we talked to some homeless dude who was a witness?

>>2387000
We could say we were scrying for family of the deceased, and notice odd behavior.

>>2387029
Telling Grom anything more than us being a scribe who's good at investigating seems like a bad idea. I don't want poor Henry to get Inquisited.

>>2387045
Crap
I forgot about our cover.

>>2387000
>>2386952

so far seems like we'll be trying to help the hurt guy, I'm gonna wait for any stragglers first though

>>2387174
I don't know if anyone is following the gab thing, but you might wanna announce you're back and running.

>>2386943
Henry turned around and knelt over the downed Cathar that had landed behind him. The first thing Henry did was check for a pulse. The man was alive, but his pulse was weak, and his breathing was ragged. Henry figured the man had a concussion, and potentially some internal bleeding. Moving him as is was out of the question. He’d have to wait for help to arrive.

Grom was now inspecting the corpse of the werewolf, poking and prodding it with a dagger he had pulled from his cloak. Henry hadn’t realized it when he’d first seen the man fighting the beast, but he was in his full inquisitorial getup now. His getup now consisted of a black jacket, gloves, and pants. He also had a black cloak with several fancy designs emblazoned on it, which fluttered in the wind. In addition, Henry noticed an inquisitorial symbol made of what he assumed was blessed silver hanging from his neck. Lastly he wore a plate mail chest piece, although Henry doubted it would have stopped the blow from the werewolf had it connected.

Henry could also hear the sound of light footsteps coming down from the direction of the Church. He figured that help was arriving now that the noise had died down.

1. Wait around
2. Leave (write in where to go)
3. Head into central square and talk to Grom
4. Write in

>>2387656
>3. Head into central square and talk to Grom
We need to get those gate logs from him.

I just realized you head-exploded that werewolf so we couldn't do some necro-interrogation like we just did with the victim. We gotta see about killing these things with less brainsplatter next time.

>>2387705
gonna wait a few more minutes then start the post.

>>2387656
>2. Leave (write in where to go)
Go to the slums and ask around about Ginny.
Grom can get bent.

>>2387656

It was time to speak with Grom, although Henry wasn’t sure about exactly what that talk would entail. Standing back up, and flashing the inquisitorial holy symbol at a few of the curious Cathars, Henry made his way over to where Grom was.


“Busy day huh.” Henry said, trying to make small talk.


“Very.” Grom replied. Not moving from his seated position, he was still focused on the corpse. “If I had missed I probably would have died, badly.” He said. His voice unchanging. Henry wasn’t sure if he was just stating facts or was trying to reassure himself.


“I had a few things to discuss with you.” Henry started. He turned around to the sound of about a dozen footsteps, a bunch of women wearing white robes with bands of gold on them were entering into the square, seems the healers had arrived. Just in time too he thought as he saw one of them kneeling down by the man he had inspected.


“So out with it then.” Grom said.


1. “I need the gate logs”
2. “Where is Cassius?”
3. “We’re really expected to kill a whole pack of these things?”
4. “What’s the plan now?”
5. Share info you’ve discovered with him (write in required, you will have to lie to him about how you obtained it. Roll for bluff)
6. “Actually never mind.” (will make Henry leave)

>>2387750
>1. “I need the gate logs”
And
>There are more ways to enter the city than gates.

>>2387750
>1. “I need the gate logs”
>4. “What’s the plan now?”
I don't think we have enough valuable information to warrant the risk of lying to him.

>>2387763
>There are more ways to enter the city than gates.
That's a very good point. What's the settlement's sewer situation again?

>>2387773
Open to the outside.
We should tell the Captain that the sewers needs guards.

>>2387801
Given that we live in the fucking sewers of Celeste, I'm shocked that we didn't think that weird shit would be living down there, or at least using it as a passageway. Having the Captain post guards seems like a good way to get some guards murdered. Maybe we could convince Grom and Cassius to do a stakeout though.

>>2387750
“I was asking around town for a few things… I need the copies of the gate logs.” Henry said. Hafford had mentioned that they wouldn’t be much help, but it wouldn’t hurt to double check.

“I can get them to you first thing tomorrow, right now I need to deal with this whole situation, and it’s going to be causing quite a stir in town.” Grom replied.

A few more Cathars from the nearby districts had started filing into the square, the howl from earlier had attracted a few of the braver ones. Henry felt a bit safer now. At least there were some more people. The healers were tending to the wounded now, he watched for moment as one of them recited holy chants and then emitted white light from her hands. He watched as one of the Cathars broken arms was healed in the span of a couple of minutes, they’d probably be able to get back to their watch even.

“Holy healing magic is a wonderful thing.” Grom said, noticing the interest Henry had taken. “Some priests are also able to command it as well, although for whatever reason women take to it better, probably some connection to Angels.” Grom finished.

“Anywho, there was one other thing I had thought up.” Henry said. “There are other ways into the town besides the main gates…”

“I don’t follow.” Grom said, confused. “Are you saying that…” He stopped. Henry figured he’d just answered his own question. “Right of course, I’ve been a fool.” Grom finished. “If there was anyone in town afflicted they would be using an alternate route out of the city. Since I doubt they would’ve climbed down from the walls, that only leaves the main sewer entrance, I’ll have to check on the wards there tomorrow.” Grom finished

“That little piece of information will be invaluable Henry.” He went on.

“So what’s the plan now?” Henry asked. “I don’t think people will doubt you now.”

“Right, I’m going to convene a council of the city leadership and try to work out how we’re going to deal with this. Now that I have enough proof of an infestation. I hope I can convince Cassius to stick around a bit longer, I don’t know if you’ve met him but he has a rather…. lax adherence to thoroughness.” Grom concluded.

“Right, so I guess we’ll have to start back up tomorrow morning.” Henry said. He was exhausted. From walking around town, from getting yelled at by Hafford, from having to sneak into the church and nearly getting caught, to this little… incident.

>>2387858
It was then that the corpse of the werewolf decided to twitch, scaring the utter hell out of Henry. Fortunately the creature was still quite dead, but something interesting was occurring to its corpse. The thing was… shrinking. As a few of the Cathars gathered to watch, the corpse slowly shrunk, losing its fur and its proportions, until it had taken on the form of a naked man, one who was missing his head above the lower jaw. There was no blood pouring out of it, Henry realized, the whole wound had been seared shut.

“Was wondering how long that would take.” Grom muttered.

1. “So where is Cassius?”
2. “Share info.” (same rules as the previous post)
3. “We’re expected to kill a whole pack of these things?”
4. “So where are all the angels?”
5. Write in (other questions, other actions, etc)
6. Leave for home base (will begin journey back to watermill)

Optional
1. Throw up

>>2387862
>3. “We’re expected to kill a whole pack of these things?”

>>2387862
>3. “We’re expected to kill a whole pack of these things?”

>>2387862
Henry had one other question in mind. He didn’t want to stick around too much longer. He never liked hanging around large crowds of Church members. He noticed that there were yet more Cathars filing into the plaza, seems word was spreading around town now. A couple of the injured Cathars were being carried out on stretchers now. The healers having either completed their jobs or having stabilized the injured enough to have them moved.

“So Grom, we’re expected to kill a whole pack of these things?” Henry said. “One was bad enough.”

“Well hopefully we can find some sort of camp with their leadership, although I’m not sure if that’s how it works now that I’ve spoken with Cassius more about it. He’s far more knowledged on these beasts than I am. What I do know is that we want to attack when the sun is in the sky, not the moon. Facing a group of men will be far easier.” He concluded. It made sense, if they could find them in the amount of time they had left.

“I also have begun to believe that the main town may not be as afflicted as we previously thought, I’ve been going over some of the logs the local Church keeps, nothing noticeably suspicious. I’m almost disappointed. My pride is certainly hurt, ha ha.”

Henry sighed, Grom shouldn’t have been so dismissive of good news.

1. Head back for home
2. Ask further questions
3. Write in?

>>2387961
>2. Ask further questions
How is this affliction spread, if it is noisy or time consuming, they might have to do it in an isolated place.

>>2387961
Maybe we should go find Cassius, and get him to spout some furry lore at us.
.

>>2387961
“So how does this affliction even work?” Henry said, “Is it like a disease or…”

“To be honest, the Church doesn’t have an official policy on lycanthropy, at least insofar as its causes. Debate around this have resulted in…. hrm… extreme differences of opinion in the past. The most popular belief is that it is some form of possession, demonic or otherwise, but I don’t really have much of an opinion. You don’t really need to know what the exact cause is to be able to deal with them. You only need to know how to actually kill them, and they die like any other creature, even faster than a normal creature with the application of holy silver. Besides, nobody sane wants to study the affliction up close.”

Henry sighed, he’d have to find Cassius in the morning and ask him, although he wasn’t sure if he’d get a straight answer or something cryptic.

1. Leave (head for home)
2. Write in

>>2387996
>1. Leave (head for home)
It's late, we need some rest.

>>2387996
>1. Leave (head for home)
I got nothing.

>>2387996
Henry was done, today had been a lot and he needed some rest. Besides, Johnny was probably worried sick, Duncan would have told them he’d be back BEFORE nightfall. The other issue of course was walking back in the middle of the night along the road. He hadn’t heard any howls from outside the city, he’d have to risk it.

“I’m heading out Grom.” Henry said. “I need to get rest for tomorrow, where should I meet you?”

“The castle keep, I’m going to be convening a meeting of the town leadership as I said before. Considering you’re involved in all this now, I’m willing to let you watch, but you won’t be allowed to actually get involved.” Grom said.

Fair enough

Heading out of the square, past a throng of people who had gathered to watch the commotion, Henry began the journey home, the light of the moon illuminating his journey. Heading past a few buildings, and then through the gate.

He didn’t want to deal with the guards, so he used the symbol once more, thing was effective at saving time at the very least. He strolled down the main road south. Visibility wasn’t fantastic but he would be able to find his way back easily enough, the path wasn’t complicated.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Johnny was pacing around the watermill’s interior. He was trying to suppress his nervousness. He could not afford for it to become full blown fear. Duncan had said that Henry would be returning before nightfall, but it had already been a couple of hours, and the moon was climbing up the night sky. He stopped for a moment to look out the window, he must have done it dozens of times by now, but maybe this time he would be fortunate enough to spot Henry. He proceeded to tap the glass a couple of times, scanning around.

Charles had finished drawing a few things, an image of the pretty angel, the boat that Duncan had brought them here in, and of Duncan himself. The images were fairly nice, even if rough on account of his age and inexperience.

Once again Charles watched Johnny. Cloaked in his bundle of rags, march across the room. Charles wished he could take another walk with him around the lake like he had done earlier today. Maybe that would calm him down.

The area was pretty. Trees and the smell of sap where the main things to take in, and the lake was pretty beatiful. He had noticed a fairly large pile of firewood out back, and a stump with an ax in it, but at the time he didn’t really want to ask about it. Johnny once again began to look out the window, even going for the door before stopping abruptly, as if held by unseen chains.

“Blast it all” Johnny muttered.

Decision by Charles
1. “He’s probably Fine Johnny.”
2. “So what’s with all the firewood?”
3. “Duncan sure had a nice boat.”
4. “The angel was pretty”
5. Write in (keep in mind Charles is a young kid)

>>2388044
>2. “So what’s with all the firewood?”
>1. “He’s probably Fine Johnny.”

>>2388054
Supportin.

>>2388044
Charles decided that changing the subject would be for the best.

“So what is all of the firewood outside for?” Charles asked

“For the fireplace over there, it’s safe to assume.” Johnny responded, a bit of mirth of his voice “Trying to take my mind off things?”

“Well yes that, but that’s not what I mean.” Charles went on. “This place has been uninhabibi… unhabitl... no one’s been living here for a while. Why would there be so much firewood outside if no one has been living in this place. Duncan said that nobody had been living here for years when we got here I think.”

“Are you sure Duncan doesn’t use it? Maybe he left it out for when he stays overnight?”

“He seemed like he wanted to head out badly when he got back, I don’t think he stays here overnight. Besides, why wouldn’t he stay in town overnight if he needed to?”

“Hrm… that is confusing.” Johnny conceded. “Perhaps other people have made use of this location? Friends of Duncan’s maybe.” He was becoming concerned now, but didn’t want to frighten the boy. He wouldn’t be able to leave regardless, the order Henry having given him was ironclad.

That did make him wonder something else though, how had he been able to resist back in Celeste? That concerned him far more. He tried to recall a memory of ever having been able to do such a thing. Remembering nothing of much use, he decided to quit, a mystery for another time, perhaps.

“Well… whatever I guess.” Charles said, dejected. “I just wanted to be smart like Henry. You told me he’s always solving all sorts of problems for people.”

Johnny would have smiled had he been able to. “Learning to use your brain is what separates us from beasts. It’s what has allowed mankind to survive, and even thrive. You just need to keep practicing… I suppose that sounds a bit silly when put to words doesn’t it.” He said, lightening up.

Charles smiled, “He’s probably fine Johnny, and he’s tough like you said earlier right. He can fight off any bad people can’t he?”

Johnny would have winced if he could, he HAD said that earlier, but he didn’t exactly mean it. Henry… he was extremely bright and could hold his own in a fight, but tough? He wouldn’t call that man tough exactly.

Turning back to look outside the window, he clicked his teeth together. He wasn’t worried about chipping them, he probably couldn’t even if had wanted to.

1. Duncan sure had a nice boat
2. The angel was pretty
3. Write in
4. Other?

>>2388116
>2. The angel was pretty

>>2388116
>2. The angel was pretty

We picked the Werewolf Meeting Spot for our hideout, didn't we?

>>2388116
>2. The angel was pretty

>>2388116
That angel… Brunessa I think her name was… she was really pretty.” Charles said.

“Bit young to be thinking about that now.” Johnny responded. “Angels always seem to cause men to go head over heels. They almost never return the favor…” He said, trailing off a bit. “Regardless, I don’t seem to recall meeting her fortunately. I shudder to think about what Henry would’ve had to done to survive an encounter like that.

“Oh.” Charles said simply “I uh… oh.”

“So uh… what sorts of pretty Angels did you know?”

“Plenty, I knew plenty of them.” He said, reminiscing. I was a living man once, a long time ago, I used to have rather… eh… impure thoughts about them, like many before and since my time. Although those sorts of things are long gone for me now.”

Charles shifted around a bit, uncomfortable, he wanted to change the subject, and he wanted to do so now.

1. Write In (anything you’re just dying to know?)
2. “I don’t really want to talk about it anymore”

>>2388158
so if you're a skeleton, what were you like when you weren't?

>>2388207
hello there, welcome. If nobody else posts I will start the next post up in about 10 min. Feel free to join the rest of us in the discord.

>>2388158
“What were you like before?” Charles asked.


“Before what?” Johnny responded.


“I mean before you became… um… all uh.” Charles said. He didn’t know if calling Johnny undead would be rude, the idea of actually speaking to an undead creature was weird enough as it was.


“Ah… hrm… I’d like to think I was the same as I am now, with a bit more wisdom and age, but I don’t know if that’d be truthful.” He said. “I suppose I was… much more sure of myself back then, to a fault sometimes. I was… well I was a warrior of the Church, and a fairly well known one, not to toot my own horn… ha ha.”


“I don’t mean to be rude child. It’s just… it’s not easy for me to talk about it, not only because it happened so long ago. But, you don’t forget certain things with age, they stay painful, even more so when you realize what you could’ve done differently.” Johnny stopped pacing around the room, before sitting down and leaning back up against cabin’s wall.


Charles decided to ask something else, something he’d been thinking about since he’d seen Peter dying.


“Can you teach me how to defend myself?” Charles asked. “You taught Henry how to use his sword didn’t you?”

“Not to be rude Charles, but you’re still just a child…”

“I’m going to be eleven soon, I… I want to be able to help you and Henry…” He said. Charles clenched his fists for a moment. “I don’t want to be a useless burden, especially after you’ve shown me such kindness.”

Johnny sighed, Charles’ heart was in the right place, but the child would probably not be able to even hold a sword up, though a thought did occur to him.
“I think I have a solution.” He said, before heading over to one of the rooms tables. “Henry has a dagger that he doesn’t much care for. He only uses the thing as a tool rather than a weapon…” Johnny wasn’t sure if arming an eleven year old was the best idea, but he had started his own training at roughly the same age, and he had enjoyed training Henry well enough. Maybe he could be a teacher to Charles.

“I want you to understand something, boy.” Johnny said. His tone darkening for the first time since Charles had met him. “The only time you should ever draw a blade is if you are going to kill something, or something is going to kill you. It isn’t something to be casually swung around, and it is not a toy”

Grabbing the dagger and its sheath, and unsheathing it. Johnny watched as the lantern light reflected off of it. “I’m going to be teaching you how to use this, tomorrow perhaps, but I want you to sleep with it for now, to get used to the idea.” He said. “Do not tell Henry about this either, I don’t know how he would take it, he can be a bit… possessive of his things.”

1. Ask more questions
2. Finish with questions (Will transfer story back to Henry)

>>2388255
>2. Finish with questions (Will transfer story back to Henry)

>>2388255
time to dream of angelic sheep

>>2388255
“I won’t say a word, I promise Johnny.” Charles said, before being handed the dagger by Johnny. Charles traced his hands over it.


“It’s a bit of a cruel joke, you know.” Johnny said. “How a little piece of metal like that can end a life.”


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Henry could see the cabin coming into view. He hadn’t run into any trouble along the road, though he hadn’t exactly seen anyone else. He had heard a few wolfs howling into the night, but those were natural, not… wrong, like the werewolf’s howl had been. More importantly, they sounded far away.


He wondered how he’d apologize to Johnny, old bag of bones was probably worried sick, and pacing around like he usually did when overcome by worry. He’d find some way to make it up to him, maybe a bit of sword practice? That always seemed to get him into a good mood.


He thought back to the case. Right now he had several solid leads, most of which were due to his hard work. He knew he’d have to go help inspect the main sewer entrance, but his concern was how people leaving would’ve avoided the light runes on top of the guard tower, not to mention the inbuilt security, there had to be more to it. Secondly, there was this Ginny fellow. Henry hoped that hadn’t been the man… beast that had been killed in the plaza. That would make all that work he did pointless. There was also the actual shanty town itself, he could try and ask any residents if they knew anything. Then of course there was the lumberyard that was supposedly in the forest, the main issue would be how he would explain that to the Inquisitors, he couldn’t just say a dead man told him, that would earn him a turn on the tree, in all likelihood.


Further thoughts on the matter were ended when a rather large hand grabbed him by the back of the neck and lifted him off the ground.


“Hey there little weasel, you’ve been having a mighty fine day out on the town haven’t cha, talking to all sorts… heh heh, and flashing that fancy emblem of yers around. I bet you thought no one would notice ey? You even led me right on back to yer little hideyhole, maybe I'll go pay a visit inside and kill your little weasel pals?"


1. “Who the fuck are you?”
2. “Let me go asshole!”
3. Bolt him (will use up one charge)
4. Write in (feel free to get creative)


>well time to come clean about what those mystery stat rolls have been, they're for the amount of detection Henry is at, and he managed to get quite a few of those things. Didn't think I'd let you wave that emblem around and ask for
>info without consequence did you?

>>2388290
3. Bolt him (will use up one charge)

>>2388290
wait. number 1 then number 3.

>>2388311
will be starting the post in about 2 min, get cher vote in

>>2388290
Milk whatever info we can out of him, then fry the fucker.

>1, then 3.

File: OH SHIT.jpg (8 KB, 263x192)

8 KB JPG

“Who the fuck are you?” Henry said, trying to stall for time. He placed a hand onto the man’s arm, trying to make it seem like he was trying to break free. The man had a grip of iron so it wouldn’t have worked had Henry tried

“Nobody important enough for an inquisitor to care about.” He said, chuckling. “Don’t worry though, manfool, dead men don’t need to know a thing.”

Manfool? That was a new one, Henry had never heard that insult before, and he had heard a lot of them.

Henry began to focus, he had to be extremely careful or he would fry himself when he casted his bolt. The man was connected to him after all, and he wouldn’t be able to keep up any defense and manage to get the spell off.

His well laid plan was interrupted by a hard knock to the top of his head.

Fuck….

He desperately tried to stay conscious for a couple of seconds before he felt a few more punches to his back, each one felt like a ton of bricks. He tried to cast the spell once more but was unable to due to the fact he was hurled through one of the cabin’s windows with enough force to painfully impact the back wall.


> oh did I not mention that this decision was time limited? Silly me :)

>>2388388
Johnny lept to action in an instant, already drawing his shortsword, he didn’t know what had just happened but he’d seen Henry’s body fly through the window, He didn’t have time to check if Henry was alive either. The door to the cabin was ripped off with an impressive amount of force, before a mountain of a man strode inside, carrying it in one arm. In the same amount of time, Charles only managed to get a scream off.

The man was a true monster, clad in furs and wearing some sort of leather tunic, he stood six and a half feet tall, easily. With the strength of an ox to boot.

Johnny went to try and cut down the huge oak tree of a man with a well-placed blow but the man was already prepared. With a quick motion, the man hurled the door at Johnny, who in the cramped confines of the cabin did not have room to dodge, his sword sinking about a foot into the thing before the rest of its weight impacted him. He put up an arm instinctually to block the impact, but he made a small miscalculation

He was a dried out skeleton, and he only weighed about ten pounds.

Crashing hard into the back wall, yet none the worse for wear, Johnny tried to lift the door up before a heavy oak table and a spruce dresser were thrown on top. Pinning him against the wall for the moment.

In a matter of moments the man had easily gained the upper hand. He glanced over at Charles for a moment before cracking a cruel smile.

“I’m gonna enjoy killing you boy, but business before pleasure.” He said, reaching down and picking Henry up again, this time by the front of the neck.

“You know I could’ve come all perfect like, manfool.” He said, smiling again. “But then you’d have already been dead, and I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself this much. Life’s full of hard choices ey? Don’t worry little weasel, you won’t be squeaking for too much longer.”

Henry HURT, he couldn’t think clearly, the lack of oxygen from the strangulation was beginning to take its toll. Was… was he dying? It felt strange… his mind felt distant. He wanted to use his spell but he couldn’t concentrate…. Weee……

“I wonder what will happen first manfool? Will you strangle or will you snap?” The man said, slowly tightening his grip.

Charles had to make a decision. He didn’t have time to doubt himself.


1. Run
2. Cry
3. Use the dagger.

>>2388393
>3. Use the dagger.
Jab it into his groin.

>>2388393
>3. Use the dagger.

>>2388393
Cry like a little bitch. Both your friends are out of commission and you're next.
CRY FOR ME FAGGOT! I WANNA HEAR YOU BLEED!

>>2388393
Time seemed to slow down for a moment. It was like Charles was watching Peter die all over. He… he couldn’t allow that, he had to do something. Mustering up all the courage he could, he unsheathed the dagger and leapt at the man, driving deep into his side, all the way up the hilt.

“FUCK” The man screamed, before losing his grip on Henry. The man stumbled backwards a moment, fumbling around, and clearly in pain. It was like the man had forgotten what pain felt like. “FUCK” He screamed again, flailing for a moment. His arm knocking the dresser off of Johnny, Johnny began to kick the door with his foot, unnaturally strong for a bunch of bones. The table would soon follow.

“FUCKING BRAT.” The man screamed, still dripping blood.

Charles looked up at him, terrified, he hadn’t thought this far ahead. WHAT WAS HE SUPPOSED TO DO NOW? WHAT WAS HE SUPPO-

The man grabbed Charles and threw him against one of the walls, hard, before stumbling sloppily towards the exit.

“You’re fucking dead when I come back… ha ha.” He said. “Fuck slow I’m doing this messy, this shack will be a pile of shit when I’m done, sides none of you are going nowhere…” Henry could see, dazed, that the man was bleeding a good deal, he wouldn’t make it back to the city without closing that wound…. Unless he wasn’t headed back to the city….

Henry realized what was going to happen, and tried to stand up. That was the second most painful mistake he had made today. Crippling pain shot through him and he fell back to the floor shaking, only managing to sit up and lean against the wall. Facing the door way.

Head… hurts… He muttered, flicking in and out of consciousness. Then he saw Charles, sprawled out on the floor.

>>2388468
Oh no, not again, please no

He tried to reach out to the child, to feel for a pulse, anything. The kid was lying there limply, he would’ve been badly hurt, BADLY hurt, assuming he was even alive. Henry stopped for a moment when he heard a crash from the other side of the room. Terrified he glanced on over to find Johnny, jaw hanging open, staring at him and Charles.

“H-hey….” Henry said, trying to act strong. He wasn’t going anywhere, and he knew that Johnny wouldn’t be able to carry the two of them.

“L-looks like this is it eh?” He said… smiling grimly. “J-just take the kid, get out of here…” He told the skeleton.

“Sir I… I can’t just…” Johnny replied, trying to regain his composure, failing miserably.

“He ain’t gonna make it past nightfall Johnny, he needs a healer…” Henry might’ve been lying, might not of been, but he knew the man… it would be back soon. He knew that the best chance the kid had was to get to the city, and Johnny wouldn’t run out of breath running. He smiled for a moment. He had fucked up, bad. He was probably going to die… shit…. Then everyone around here would probably die too.

1. “Please… Johnny go… I’m.. begging.”
2. “I’m…not… asking…”

>>2388471
#1
I'm a little confused. What a going on?

>>2388474
he's too hurt to speak properly, and he's either going to ask johnny as a friend or command him to leave

>>2388471
>Please… Johnny go… I’m.. begging
Well this has all gone to shit rather quickly.

>>2388471
“Please.. Johnny go… I’m begging you…” He said. The words HURT, everything HURT. He probably had all sorts of things broken. He hadn’t felt like this in a very very long time. He figured that being mauled by a werewolf would be better than this. He wasn’t exactly thinking too clearly.

Johnny stopped to say something, stopped to say something again. Then he gritted his teeth before picking up Charles and slinging him over his side.

“You know you’ll need to distract it.” He said, grimacing. “You idiot…” Henry figured Johnny would be crying right now if he could be.

“Go… go now.” Henry said. He tried to catch his breath and regain a little mental clarity. He might be going down but he wanted to make that bastard hurt, he still had all of the spells he could muster.

As Johnny’s footfalls died away, he heard another unearthly roar. But this one was far different than the one he had heard in the plaza. This one was deeper, even more primal, and overflowing with… something, something green. Henry didn’t know what that meant.

1. COME AND GET ME YOU FUCKER
2. OVER HERE ASSHOLE
3. Write in (Henry needs to get its attention)

>>2388496
Might be calling it a night here if nobody responds, shitty place to do it but I guess you're all wondering how the utter shit we're getting out of this, don't worry I have planned this encounter from start to finish. Maybe next time don't be so obvious flashing that damned emblem around. People talk about shit like that.

>>2388496
1. COME AND GET ME YOU FUCKER
Lightning bolt

>>2388496
>1. COME AND GET ME YOU FUCKER

>>2388524
>>2388525


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJN1yLTwJng

>>2388496
FUCKING FLEA RIDDEN DOG! THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO?

>>2388496
“COME AND GET ME YOU FUCKER!” Henry screamed. The pain from talking was…

HURT HURT HURT.

“FUCKING KILL ME YOU PIECE OF SHIT, SEE WHAT HAPPENS. FUCKING FLEA RIDDEN DOG, COME ON” Henry coughed up blood after talking that time, he was done. Shit. He needed to keep a hold of himself or this would be over real quick.

He heard another roar from the forest, a bit closer this time. He closed his eyes for a moment. He had to be ready… THAWK, THAWK, THAWK, THAWK. He opened his eyes again, was the thing chopping down trees?

In front of him was a Ghiest, some sort of lumberjack or something, judging by its clothes. The thing stood there a moment, glowing with an eerie white light, before reaching over, picking up a log that had not been there when Henry had arrived. In fact there were a whole pile of neatly chopped logs now, and a pile of firewood he hadn’t paid much mind to. The Ghiest placed the log onto a stump, then lifted an axe up, which also seemed to be spectral, and slammed it back down upon the piece of wood, cleanly splitting it. How long had it been there? Henry wondered, had he been too fucked up to notice? Regardless, this Ghiest was now his lifeline, the thing was strong enough to manifest ectoplasm and lift objects with relative ease, if Henry could tap into it, he’d have a fighting chance.

1. Cast a temporary Ghiest trap spell (roll 50 or higher for magic)
2. Do nothing

>>2388541
GUESS WHAT FUCKERS, DETAILS MATTER

File: images.jpg (13 KB, 477x308)

13 KB JPG

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2388541

>>2388556
OH SHIT LOOKS LIKE ITS THE WOLF VS THE LUMBERJACK

>>2388541
Henry, focusing intently, summoned forth the required spell, after a little initial resistance, he managed to get the Ghiest onto his side. The thing might be a little angry afterwards, but he would cross that bridge when he came to it. He saw from the far side of the lake shore, a massive werewolf approaching. He thought he saw its eyes glowing green.

He commanded the Gheist to guard the opened entryway to the shack, he figured the werewolf, going by instinct, would take the shortest path, and he was correct. The werewolf closed the hundred meters or so of distance in about four seconds, before rounding up on the Ghiest. The werewolf swung a claw and tried to bite at it before crashing right on through. The Ghiest only manifested itself where it was actually holding or attacking something, otherwise it was basically just aether. Henry smiled, stupid fucking dog.

Ghiest Decision:
1. Attack it (roll a 20 or higher)
2. Attack harder (roll a 50 or higher)
3. ATTACK IT REALLY HARD (roll 90 or higher)

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>2388563
>2. Attack harder (roll a 50 or higher)

File: Ruh Roh.jpg (6 KB, 260x194)

6 KB JPG

>>2388565
das really bad mane

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2388563
>Attack it (roll a 20 or higher)

File: Double shit.png (167 KB, 420x420)

167 KB PNG

>>2388565
>>2388574