>>2394975
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=watdo

>>2394975
>You need to contact someone who handles with this kind of thing; a professional

>>2394975
>You need to contact someone who handles with this kind of thing; a professional
I'd go with blood and thunder but we're not exactly a badass, yet

>>2394975
Assuming write-ins are accepted:
>Tell Nina to help you contact someone, while you give chase.
>Run outside immediately, maybe they're still close by. If nothing else, you can try to track them down, since fighting went so well last time.

>>2394975
Boy, am I glad to see you.

>>2394975
>You need to contact someone who handles with this kind of thing; a professional

>>2394975
Thank the rescuers. Ask them if they saw anyone fleeing.

We’ve got investigation ahead of us.

>>2394975
time to become the fullmetal autist

>>go upstairs and finish the healing potions when the adrenaline wears off, then sell all but 2 potions and buy ingredients for any combat concoctions we know

>>2394975

>>2394984
>>2394985
>>2395013

You close your eyes and clench your jaw. You shouldn't have tried to fight them. But in your defense, they obviously weren't ordinary thieves. An ordinary thief would've run the moment they were had. Ordinary thieves don't have strange tattoos on their ankles.

You awkwardly roll away from Nina's lap and get to your feet. The magic is still rolling around inside you and makes you a little dizzy, but through its miracles you are no worse for wear. Perhaps you should've studied magic instead of alchemy--not that you ever had the money for it.

"Well, well. Feeling alright then, Sondheim? We heard someone scream--you're lucky Nina had a spare key or we might have been too late." Says Franklin.

"Did you see the Elf? The thieves?" You ask.

"No." Says Nina. God damn it. You pace the room. You need a plan. You should go after them--but they're likely long gone. If they hurt your Elf, if they touch your Elf...god damn it! Just when you were making progress. A six sovereign investment foiled by rogues--like hell you're going to let that happen.

"Franklin. Do you still have that scrying ball?"

"It's Mr.--never mind. Yes, I do."

"Good. Get it."

"Al...right." He moves to the door, almost confused as to why he's suddenly obeying you. He turns back for a second. "Listen Sondheim, your wound still needs to be stitched. Healing magic is hardly my forte, it was more from the scepter than my skill that you're even alive. The wound is still open see?" He points your side. Indeed touching the spot of the wound you can feel a rift of flesh still a little wet with blood.

>Ask Nina to stitch you up, she's good a needle
>Get the mirror from the bathroom and stitch yourself up

>>2395030
>Get the mirror from the bathroom and stitch yourself up
See if not Nina has any contacts that might be able to make a retrieval. Otherwise, we are gonna need to contact some of our regular customers, see if we could invite them to make that retrieval.

>>2395030
>>Ask Nina to stitch you up, she's good a needle
Do we even know how to stitch ourselves? We weren't very medically confident treating that wounded girl.

>>2395030
>Ask Nina to stitch you up, she's good a needle

>>2395030
>>Ask Nina to stitch you up, she's good a needle

File: Scrying Ball.jpg (6 KB, 226x223)

6 KB JPG

>>2395030

>>2395041
>>2395053
>>2395055

You look to Nina. You can tell she understands immediately because her face whitens by two shades.

"You're good with a needle." You say.

"I sew clothes, Seabass." She says.

"Please? I'd try to do it myself, but the angle is tricky. And I'd probably just hurt myself."

"What if I mess something up? What if I--I make it worse or something? Maybe we can call a doctor." She turns to do just that.

You grab her hands. "It's the middle of the night. And I don't have time to wait for a doctor. Please, Nina." You swallow, you're definitely going to regret saying this later. "I need you--your help."

She looks up at you and the surprise is very clear in her eyes. The hesitation is suddenly gone and she nods and runs downstairs to get her supplies. A few minutes later Franklin returns with his scrying ball, a sphere of opaque crystal that fits easily in the palm of your hand. You handle it with care, it's value is greater than a month's rent.

"How does it work? Is there an incantation?"

"Just think the name and face of the person and look into it." Says Franklin.

Damn. If only you knew the Elf's name... You sigh, alright who should you call?

>Call Toad, he's a pro and he'll definitely help you
>Call Gunter, you're pretty sure he has some connections to the underground, he might have a lead

>>2395064
>Call Toad, he's a pro and he'll definitely help you
Better to stay legal if we can. If we're going to get a professional it's best to do it when the trail is hottest.

>>2395064
>>Call Toad, he's a pro and he'll definitely help you

>>2395064
>Call Toad, he's a pro and he'll definitely help you

>>2395064
>Call Gunter, you're pretty sure he has some connections to the underground, he might have a lead

>>2395064

>>2395081
>>2395089
>>2395090

Toad is the first and only person that comes to mind. He's a professional and has handled this kind of situation before. And you know for certain that he'll help you. You picture Toad's scarred and slightly wrinkled face and think his name--his true name, Theodore--and look deep into the bent light of the sphere.

It's insides begin to radiate colors and move in circles until finally a picture resolves, an overhead view over a forest that quickly zooms into the trees, over a campfire, over the back of Toad's head.

"Toad?"

Toad looks behind him, calm, in total control, scanning the trees of the source of the voice.

"It's me Toad. I'm calling you through the scrying ball."

Toad squints his eyes and grunts. He turns to the others at the campfire. Two men and two women. Adventurers. "Be a minute." He says, walking off into the forest. The scrying eye follows behind him.

Only once he's out of earshot does he speak. "Everything alright?" He says lighting his pipe, and taking a puff.

"No." And you explain the situation in as few words as you can manage. He listens patiently without interrupting, taking quiet puffs and grunting occasionally. When you finally finish, he doesn't say anything for a few seconds, just smacks his lips over the pipe, thinking.

"You sure it was 5 points?" He suddenly says. "The tattoo."

"Yes. Certain. Ow!" You look down at Nina.

"Hold still, you big baby." She says, jamming the needle into your flesh again.

"Five points arranged in a quincux, like on a die." You say.

He grunts knowingly. "I know it. Alright, I'll take care of it. Gimmie till morning." He snatches an insect from the air and throws it to the ground. Morning? By then it might be too late.

"Wait...Toad."

"Mm?"

"They took the Elf too."

"And?"

"Well, they said they were going too..." You can't finish.

"It's an Elf, Seabass. Far as I'm concerned they did you a favor." You don't say anything. You can't Even for him that was too much and he seems to realize it too.

"Fuck. I didn't mean it that way, Seabass. Don't take it personal."

"Are you going to help me or not?"

"Yeah. I said I'll take care of it. Look don't--" He hesitates, these words do not come easily to him. "Don't go off by yourself alright? I made a promise to your father and it was almost broken tonight. Next time, just let the fuckers take what they want--nothing is worth your life."

"But is she going to be OK Toad? Will you get to her before they do anything?"

He doesn't answer.

"Toad?"

"What do you want from me, Seabass?" He asks. "I'm not even in town right now. I'll try, but I can't promise anything."

"Where are they holding her? You know right?"

"I said I'll take care of it Seabass."

>Let Toad handle this, he's your best bet
>Have Toad give you the location, you'll get her back yourself

>>2395135
>Have Toad give you the location
>So you can prepare a poison they won't be ready for

>>2395135
>Let Toad handle this, he's your best bet

>>2395135

Do we have ingredients and knowledge that could help? If so, offer it. Otherwise,
>Let Toad handle this

>>2395135
>>Let Toad handle this, he's your best bet

>>2395135
>>Let Toad handle this, he's your best bet
Ask if there's anyone else you can contact with the scrying ball who can help Toad, or help us.

>>2395135
>Let Toad handle this, he's your best bet

File: Toad.jpg (732 KB, 810x956)

732 KB JPG

>>2395135

>>2395156
>>2395161
>>2395171

As much it tears your insides not to know if your Elf is safe or not, if she'll be hurt or not, you have no choice but to trust Toad. His skills are beyond reproof anyway.

"Alright, Toad. Just please..."

"I know, Seabass. I'm heading back now."

"Alright. Is there anything I can do?"

"Stay put. Try to get some sleep."

That's going to be impossible, but you humor him anyway. "Alright. And Toad, thanks."

He grunts in his usual fashion and the colors surge within the scrying ball obscuring everything and severing the connection.

----

>You are now Toad

You can feel the presence of the kid fade from your consciousness. You spit at the ground. Fucking Roche is gonna have to answer for this.

You head back to the campsite where your clients are waiting with bated breath. It's unprofessional to just up and leave, common courtesy is to give some kind of notice.

"I'm heading back." You say.

The girl, the smaller one, winces. About the same age as Lily. Same hair too. You can tell she doesn't like your voice and it shouldn't bother you, but it does.

"What? Why? I thought you said we're camping for the night?" Says the girl. "This is ridiculous. I told you we should've gone for that other guy, you know the one with the feathered helmet."

"Calm yerself, Ginny. What's up old man, somethin' up?" Says the man, oldest of the 4. He puts his breastplate aside (which he was polishing) and stands up.

>Explain the situation
>It's a private matter, you'll be back by tomorrow

>>2395135
>Have Toad give you the location, you'll get her back yourself
If he gives us the location, we can gather a couple others to help us. He's far, if we leave it to him it'll probably be too late.

>>2395135
>Have Toad give you the location, you'll get her back yourself
A lot can happen if nothing is done immediately, A lot

>>2395192
>Explain the situation

>>2395192
>Explain the situation
>but only as much as necessary

>>2395192
>A dear friend of mine just got robbed, so now I'm off to make some enemies. Unless you want to loot some bandits, we part ways here.

>>2395192
>Explain the situation

>>2395192
>Explain the situation

>>2395192
Well what does Toad know about this gang? Is he confident in his ability to deal with them solo?
If so, give some vague "private business" and head out.

Although it would be probably safer to tell more, like who and why are we after.

>>2395192

>>2395197
>>2395202
>>2395203

You take a breath of your sweet smoke. "Friend of mine got robbed." You say.

The girl's demeanor changes instantly. "Anybody hurt?" She asks.

You shrug. "Not yet." You say. The oldest one chuckles.

"Off to make some new enemies then." He says.

You grunt. Your mind is already elsewhere. By foot it's gonna be at least 3 hours back to town. If it's who you think it is (and it always is) then you'll have to head for the harbor. Either you'll catch them there or you'll have to go the full mile and comish a boat. You pat your pockets. Not much there, but there's a guy or two that owes you favor. Leland. Meyers. Maybe Shortstack if he isn't drunk. Course you could also call on your pipe, but you'd rather not do that.

"So what do you want us to do?" The girl looks behind her at the other two. Guy and gal, snoring softly together, tightly clasped.

"Stay here. I'll be back before noon." You say.

"Now hold on a sec there old man. Seems to me there's somethin' in here for us."

"Mm?"

"Bounties." Says the girl, eyes widening with realization.

"Bingo." Says the oldest, nodding.

>You work alone and this is a private matter
>The girl knows a flight spell that could get you there faster, ask for her services in exchange for having your service fee
>They might prove useful if things go south, have them come along

>>2395248
>>They might prove useful if things go south, have them come along
flight spell can be a trump card, when we know exactly where to strike

>>2395248
>The girl knows a flight spell that could get you there faster, ask for her services in exchange for having your service fee
>They might prove useful if things go south, have them come along
Time is of the essence after all. Would be nice to hold on to those favors.

>>2395248
>They might prove useful if things go south, have them come along

>>2395248
>The girl knows a flight spell that could get you there faster, ask for her services in exchange for having your service fee
We really need to get there fast

>>2395248
>The girl knows a flight spell that could get you there faster, ask for her services in exchange for having your service fee
>>They might prove useful if things go south, have them come along
Actually I'm not sure if flight option includes getting their help so I'll vote both

>>2395248
>The girl knows a flight spell that could get you there faster, ask for her services in exchange for having your service fee

>>2395248

>>2395254
>>2395258
>>2395259

If it was a normal job you'd never even think of bringing someone along. Too much overhead. Too much risk. And you almost reject them out of reflex alone. But, this isn't that kind of job and you're not in that kind of profession anymore.

Time is of the essence. You don't give a flying fuck about any Elf but the kid is going to bawl if anything happens to her and frankly you just don't need that kind of karma. The girl has a flying spell and the oldest one looks like he can hold himself in a fight. The other two are useless as far as you can tell but what the fuck, why not? You chuckle, your master is surely rolling over in his grave. You're getting too old for this shit.

"Alright. But I have two rules."

"What?" Says the girl.

"Rule number 1: what I say goes. No exceptions." You say.

"But what if--" Starts the girl. You raise your finger at her.

"No buts. No what ifs. You do what I say."

The girl pouts, folding her arms, but eventually nods.

"Rule number 2: Always follow rule number 1."

The oldest one claps his hands. "Alright. This is gonna be smooth, real smooth. Yo, Kirk, up and at 'em boy." He says, kicking at the sleeping bag. Kirk mutters a few profanities and starts rubbing his eyes.

"Are we--" He yawns. "Under attack?"

"Not yet. We're heading back for a bit. Need you to keep guard here." That wakes Kirk up.

"What? Why? Where are you going, Manfred?"

"Don't worry yer pretty little head about it, Kirk. Just keep yer eyes open. We'll be back soon. Old man, how far we going? We walking?"

You look to the girl. She looks back.

"What?" She asks, cradling her staff.

"You know the flight spell?"

"Yes?"

You nod. "Go on then."

"No way! That spell needs pixie dust, and it's expensive. I only have enough for two casts."

"What's rule number 1?" You ask.

"Just do it Gin. We'll get the money from the bounty anyway right?"

Ginny glares at you but starts drawing the spell circle on the dirt nonetheless. A few minutes and a few pinches of pixie dust later, you're soaring through the skies at an incredible speed. The other two follow close behind in your tailstream.

If what the kid saw is right, then you're dealing with the Five-pointed Cross. On paper they're an "adventurer's guild", in reality they're a loose collection of smugglers, thieves, spies, rogues and on occasion, assassins. They're prominent in the capital but their influence shouldn't reach as far as here. You guess the recent influx of adventurers have swelled their ranks enough that they're getting brave. Something like this would've never happened even a few months ago.

The Cross has a hideout a little ways up the coast. You've been there before and know its proprietor, Roche, a man who you've never particularly liked (to be fair that's most of the population). He has a lot to answer for if you get him, but he's usually away on business.

1/2

File: hideout_map.jpg (74 KB, 564x643)

74 KB JPG

>>2395347
1/2

You can either head directly for the hideout and wait for the fuckers or try and search the pubs on the harbor. The faster you get to them, the lower chance there is of...regrettable actions. On the other hand, at this time of night all the scoundrels come out of the woodwork and they'll be sure to back up one of their own. The cove is quiet, isolated. Cleaner work, by all accounts.

>Head for the harbor, you'll take your chances
>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395354
>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395354
>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395354
>>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395354
>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395354
>>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395354
>>Head to the cove and lay the ambush. Maybe you'll even get to Roche.

>>2395347

>>2395369
>>2395376
>>2395379
>>2395382

Old sensibilities die hard. As your old master used to say, "We're in the business of risk management." The cove is a clean and controlled environment. Maybe the Elf gets a little beat up by the time she gets there, but you don't think they'll try anything irredeemable until she's locked up. And if they do, well, that's a risk you're willing to take.

You veer northwest, heading away from the center of the town which, even now, looms closer and closer, toward the black ocean which unfurls before you like a great pit. You swing right and follow the coast and point wordlessly to a singular spot a mile ahead of you, a semi-circular bank going into the cliff-side.

You begin your descent, landing softly on the hot sand. Unfortunately, even with your haste, it seems like you were too late. There are two boats beached on the bank. One of them has the clear signs of having just been pulled from the water. And indeed a set of footprints leading away from the boat confirms the recency of the event. At least you didn't waste time looking for them on the harbor.

You look up at the cave entrance, and the rope ladder (cleverly painted in the same color as the stone, so as to deter detection). It's been a while since the last visit and you don't remember it going all that well.

"So. Is this it old man?" Asks the oldest. He pats his breastplate and looks around. "Where's the thieves man?"

"I wasted half my supply of pixie dust for this." Mutters the girl.

>Leave the two of them here to keep guard and head in peacefully
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

>>2395354
That that eves build must be fucking something.

The open sea access cave has a higher water level than the sea.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.
>>2395446
>eves build
Thieves guild.
Fuck autocorrect and fuck mobile devices.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.
We brought our insurance, might as well use it.

>>2395446
Not much higher, the angle the map is drawn on makes the ship looks like it's on a much higher plane than the rooms before it.
I'd chalk the water level difference up to poor scaling of the ship, it doesn't seem terribly unlikely for a larger ship to be big enough to be reasonably boarded from that height.

>>2395440
>>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

>>2395446
It looks fucked because of the perspective, but it makes sense if you consider the height of the staircase up from the cove to be the about the same as the height of the ship's deck from the waterline.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

Let’s do this.

>>2395440
>Ready yourself for the fight. Everyone goes in at once.

>>2395440

>>2395456
>>2395464
>>2395465
>>2395476

You crouch down on the sand and gesture for the others to look on. You quickly draw a crude map of the hideout (or what you remember of it) with your finger.

"I need to get to the holding cell. Which is here." You point to a small room to the far right of the map. That's where they'll be keeping the Elf. "Most of them will be here, or on the ship if it's moored."

"Woah, woah, hang on a sec old man." Manfred pats his armor again and looks up at the cliff, squinting at the cave entrance. "This is...this is their base isn't it? Right?"

You nod.

"Holy shit man. Gin you know how much we'll get if we give this place to the guards?"

"I wouldn't recommend that."

"Oh yeah? Why's that old man?" He gets a little testy. You don't like that. You stand and meet him eye to eye.

"Because. A few claimed bounties are only enough for the leader here to get embarrassed--something he'll want to cover up--but revealing the entire operation is worth a knife in the throat. First for him. Then for you. Then for your family. For your friends. For your friend's families."

The bravado on the man's face pales and diminishes. And once he realizes that you're not just skylarking it disappears completely. "R-right. So just the bounties then." He says.

"Just the bounties. Now." You return to the map. "They'll be some guards here on this gate and then that leads into a mess hall here which is where the majority of them will be--that or the ship, but I don't think it's moored today."

"OK. What's this?" He points to an off room on the left.

"Fence room. It's where they keep all their goods. Raid it if you want. Your job is to handle the folks in the main room. Most of them will run so don't block their exit here or if they try to swim out."

"How many of them will there be?" Asks the girl.

"Good question. I have no idea. Maybe just the guards. Maybe two dozen. Prep for the worst."

And with that, they begin their preparations. The oldest starts checking his weapons and armor and the girl starts leafing through her spellbook.

What should you do to prepare?

>Call on the minor Jinn dwelling in your tobacco pipe, you'll need his help for this battle
>Sharpen your knives and make sure your laces are tied
>Prep the boats behind you for a quick getaway

>>2395570
>Sharpen your knives and make sure your laces are tied

>>2395570
>Call on the minor Jinn dwelling in your tobacco pipe, you'll need his help for this battle
Toad just said it himself that they should prep for the worst. Would be foolish of him not to take his own advice.

>>2395570
>>Sharpen your knives and make sure your laces are tied
Don't want to trip

>>2395570
>minor Jinn dwelling in your tobacco pipe
holy fucking shit, toad is a badass. Summon the bastards

>>2395570
>Call on the minor Jinn dwelling in your tobacco pipe, you'll need his help for this battle

>>2395570
>Prep the boats behind you for a quick getaway
Judging from how things have gone; this is not heroic quest. We minimize risk, protect what matters to us and live another day. Dispensing justice can wait.

>>2395570
>>Call on the minor Jinn dwelling in your tobacco pipe, you'll need his help for this battle

>>2395589
>>2395607
You have a point, changing my vote to this if we can't do both.

>>2395607
switching to this

>>2395660
Dammit now I feel really indecisive.

>>2395678
sorry

>Prep the boats behind you for a quick getaway

>>2395696
It's fine, at least nobody can accuse me of same fagging now.

>>2395570
>>Sharpen your knives and make sure your laces are tied

>>2395570
>Call on the minor Jinn dwelling in your tobacco pipe, you'll need his help for this battle

File: This_is_a_pipe.jpg (15 KB, 600x600)

15 KB JPG

>>2395570

>>2395589
>>2395596
>>2395602
>>2395608

It'd be foolish not to take your own advice. The uncertainty of their numbers sets your teeth at edge, and again you can hear your master scolding you somewhere in the back of your brain. But you've little choice in the matter and you've survived worse. Better safe than sorry, as Lily likes to say.

You take out your pipe from your chest pocket, admiring it a moment. It's stuck with you for so many years your surprised at how clean it still looks. You rub its head with your thumb. "I call upon you Aym, Haborym. Aid me now."

The pipe sputters to life, slow flameless smoke oozes out of the head, unnatural in color, purple and red and black. The smoke swirls around your neck and torso, like an amorphous snake. It thickens and the shape and upper body of a man, enormous, twice the size of an ordinary man begins to form. It has no real face, just two black holes and a line in a head-shaped ball of smoke.

"Boss! It's been so long! How's the senpai? Everything alright? I guess it wouldn't be if you called me! Hahahaha! "

The Jinni swirls about you and flies up into the sky, taking in all the glory of the momentary freedom from its cage.

"I'm about to do something very stupid. And I need you make sure I don't die." You say, when he comes back down.

"Boss, you know you hurt me when you talk like that. What would I do without you Boss? You complete me."

You grunt. Of all the Efreeti in the orient you had to get stuck with the ten thousand year old smart-mouth.

"So what are we doing? Who's that? Did you remarry Boss? Damn Boss, I didn't know you were into that. I'm not judging or anything, just a little surprised. I mean she's cute, don't get me wrong, I can definitely see why--"

"Would you shut up for a second?"

"Sure thing Boss."

"How many wishes do I have left?"

"They're not wishes boss, you know that. I'm just a humble Efreeti."

You wave your hand. "Yeah, yeah. So how many?"

"Well. It's only been a year since the last time, so you have only 1 command, Boss. You should call me a little more often. I get so lonely."

Damn. You were hoping for at least two. Haborym's powers are limited, given that he's only an Efreeti and not a full-fledged Djinni. His powers revolve around smoke and heat (more smoke than heat). Smoking the entire place out might be impossible given its size, but you can certainly make it dark by snuffing out all the flames.

On the other hand, maybe you should let him help the other two fight. Besides the shock factor he's a fairly powerful being on his own and unless they have magic, they won't even be able to hit him.

>Command Haborym to help the other two
>Command Haborym to use his powers to snuff out all light in the hideout and grant heatvision to your party

>>2395768
>>Command Haborym to use his powers to snuff out all light in the hideout and grant heatvision to your party
Now that sounds kickass. We're basically going in with thermals while everyone else is blind.

>>2395768
>Command Haborym to use his powers to snuff out all light in the hideout and grant heatvision to your party

>>2395768
>Command Haborym to help the other two
This is the safer option I think.

>>2395768
>Command Haborym to help the other two

>>2395768
>>Command Haborym to use his powers to snuff out all light in the hideout and grant heatvision to your party

File: 4739B604-0A76-4C3C-A51B-A(...).jpg (83 KB, 490x276)

83 KB JPG

>Command Haborym to use his powers to snuff out all light in the hideout and grant heatvision to your party

>>2395805
>This is the safer option
Why would you say that? I personally can't think of anything that helps the party more than the 2nd option.

>>2395768
>>Command Haborym to help the other two

>>2395817
Fighting with only heat vision sounds difficult since weapons would probably be less visible than people. Could at least take some getting used to.
Additionally if they have a large number of men they could overwhelm the group even in darkness. In that situation, a combatant on our side that takes 0 damage as opposed to 1 damage from each attack is a massive difference, and judging by what we've seen and heard so far, I doubt our associate with the sword is going to take only "1 damage" if he gets hit.

>>2395768

>>2395794
>>2395802
>>2395809
>>2395810

"You remember the Helvetica job?" You ask. The thin line on Haborym's mouth curls up in a smile. And you find yours does too.

"Say no more Boss. Them too?"

You nod. "I'll give the mark." You'll do it the moment you get in, for maximum effect.

"Thy will be done." He says and flies over the cliff-face to the trees, laughing, enjoying himself as much as he can while you explain the new plan to the other two and then climb the rope ladder into the cavern. The tunnel is narrower than you remember, forcing the three of you into a single line.

>Manfred takes point, he has armor
>You'll take point, you're faster than either of them
>Ginny takes point, they won't hurt a little girl (not immediately at least)

>>2395843
>>Manfred takes point, he has armor

>Manfred takes point, he has armor

>>2395833
Fair points.

>>2395843
>Manfred takes point, he has armor

>>2395843
>>You'll take point, you're faster than either of them

I missed a thread, did the waifu guys win?

>>2395873
No we got shanked and our slave was stolen

>>2395843
>Manfred takes point, he has armor

>>2395843

>>2395849
>>2395856

"Let me, old man." Says Manfred, taking the point. You don't object, he seems to used to it and he has armor. You follow close behind him and the girl trails you. The tunnel extends for 20 meters and curves into a small room. Manfred stops, and gives a sign indicating that there are two guards. Indeed you can hear them chatting about how lucky one of their fellow thieves was in getting himself a "nice blonde honey with a pretty mouth."

You're in the right place. "Haborym." You whisper. A wisp of quiet smoke uncoils from your pipe and streams into the room. A second later, the room goes completely dark.

"What the fuck?" Says one.

You pat Manfred's shoulder and you all move in for the kill.

>Roll 1d20 to see how well the assault goes

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2395890

>>2395843
>>Manfred takes point, he has armor

>>2395895
am staring to get this feel of this been a bad luck quest.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2395890
inb4 nat 1

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2395890
Gimme that 20!

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2395890

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2395890

>>2395903
Whelp you called it.
>>2395908

>>2395908
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

>>2395914
But it's not in the first 3, so its okay?

>>2395922
we will see

>>2395908
very nice

>>2395908
Isn't it the first 3?

>>2395908
Unless the QM wants to really dick us I don't think he'll be taking this.

>>2395926
That's how he's been doing it yeah. Looking like 2/3 success unless we missed something big.

>>2395890

>>2395895
>>2395903
>>2395907

>2, 15, 12: 2 Successes

Manfred, goes in quick and quiet and the two guards are dispatched almost instantly, caught by surprise from both the shock of darkness and then caught in the chin by a ferocious flying knee (and it was armored too, you wouldn't be surprised if he broke both their jaws). Manfred drops them to the side and peers inside through the iron portcullis while you search the pockets of the guards for keys. You find a ring attached to the hip of one of them and after cutting it free throw it to Manfred to open the doors.

As the three of you enter into the mess hall, the heatvision is already in full effect and you can see the bodies of the other thieves outlined in strong yellows and reds. There's at least a dozen of them. Most of them are looking around, arms outstretched, blind, wondering why all the lights just went out. A few are trying to do something useful and looking for torches and candles.

Unfortunately for you, there's also a dwarf in the group and the lack of light poses no more trouble for him than his lack of height. He spots the three of you immediately and sounds the alarm.

"Look alive assholes! We've got company!" He screams. Instantly the commotion trebles in furor. Any man that was sitting down is now running blind for weapons, torches, an exit. And although they are all easy enough to pick out, the rest of the room is still in total darkness. If not that for that blasted dwarf you could've just felt the walls and made it to the holding room by memory alone. But now that dwarf has got to some candles and is busy trying to light them and distribute them to the others.

>Let the other two handle it, that's what they're here for. Grab the keys and head for the holding area
>Try and take out the dwarf with a quick knife throw

>>2395987

>Try and take out the dwarf with a quick knife throw

>>2395987
>Try and take out the dwarf with a quick knife throw

>>2395987

>Let the other two handle it, that's what they're here for. Grab the keys and head for the holding area

>>2395987
>Try and take out the dwarf with a quick knife throw
Leave no witnesses. We dont want their bosses to be offended with us.

>Try and take out the dwarf with a quick knife throw

>>2395987
>>Try and take out the dwarf with a quick knife throw

>>2395987

>>2396008
>>2396013
>>2396021

It happens too fast for thought to even register. Things slow down. You see the mark, calculate the odds and the risk. That dwarf might have friends, or an angry brother or a godforbid a child, but the numbers are immutable and like a lock clicking into place, the process of decision quickly becomes clear and certain and irreversible.

You slip a dagger from your waist and throw it at the dwarf's head in one swift, fluid movement.

>Roll 1d20 to see if you take out the Dwarf

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2396047

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2396047

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2396047

>>2396051
Nice!

>>2396054
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2396047

OOC: Gonna take a quick lunch break brb.

>>2396054
NIIIIIIIIICE

Nice! /ESQ/already underway. Been looking forward to this all week QM.

File: fishing_accident_by_morgo(...).jpg (133 KB, 1136x703)

133 KB JPG

>>2396054

>>2396047

>>2396051
>>2396054
>>2396055

>19, 20, 14: 4 successes

The dwarf is moving, but you lead your shot automatically and the dagger sails across the room and finds its mark with practiced ease, embedding itself in the side of the dwarf's throat like a fishhook caught in a gill. He gurgles and drops to the ground instantly and the force of it and the leverage from the knife pops his head from its hinges and it rolls away like used napkin.

You pat Manfred's arm for attention. "I'm going. Hold it down." You say. Manfred nods, drawing his blade. Behind him, the girl is chanting an incantation with her arms raised. You keep your head down and search for the eastern wall. The passageway down to the holding area should only be a few feet ahead, you just have to make sure you don't fall into the dogpit.

As you suspected, Manfred is one hell of a fighter. His swordplay could probably give even you a run for your money. He's already dropped a third of the men, their bodies lie in a random assortment around him and for the most part he isn't even using his sword. A few seem to float in midair which you guess are actually just keeled over on the tables.

The girl finishes her spell and lowers her arms, folding them in smug satisfaction. For a moment nothing seems to happen, then the men start screaming bloody murder, throwing their weapons on the ground and kneeling on the floor with their heads bowed, crying and moaning and begging for mercy.

The wall ends. There's just empty space. You must be near the pit. You keep going--slowly, so you don't trip, until you hit the wall again. You keep going some more until a man pops in front of you, torch in hand, seemingly coming out of the wall itself.

"Hey what the fuck is going on?" He says. "The lights are..." He hears the moaning and crying and sees the men kneeling on the ground like the desperate worshipers of an angry god and he pales. "What the fuck." He says. He drags on something behind him. A collar. "Get over here bitch!" He says.

Blond hair. Green eyes. Pointy ears. Her face is marked by bruises and her lip is cut open and bleeding.

"Stay back! Stay the fuck back!" He says, waving the torch. "I'll kill this bitch. I swear to god I'll fucking cut her head off!" He brandishes a secret knife from his wrist and brings it to the Elf's throat. The Elf's eyes are scared, but it is a fear deeper than even self-preservational instinct. The knife is iron and even now you can see the delicate white skin of her neck start to discolor and bruise.

You search her eyes for that look. That dead look.

1/2

>>2396509
But she doesn't have it. That look would've been bad. Even if it is just an elf, you don't know if you could've controlled yourself. But it's fine. It's all good. You came in time.

The fucker starts ranting and moving toward the stairs, down to the water. "I'll fucking kill her man, don't even look at me!"

>Try to talk him down, he lets the Elf go, you let him go
>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes
>Charge the motherfucker; he doesn't have the stones

>>2396514

>Get him between the fucking eyes.

>>2396514
>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes
time for talk is over

>>2396514
>>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes

>>2396514
>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes

>>2396514
>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes

>>2396514
>>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes
by god i hope we don`t get one

>>2396514
>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes

>slinging a dagger at him
Oh fuck, we're going to roll shit and entirely miss or hit the elf.
I can feel it.

>>2396514
>You can do this, get him between the fucking eyes

oh god no!

>>2396514

>>2396519
>>2396522
>>2396524
>>2396533
>>2396536
>>2396537
>>2396538
>>2396543

You consider trying to talk him down. You could probably do it, he seems desperate enough and the atmosphere is wholly in your favor. But from the kid's description, you'd guess this is the asshole who stabbed him and left him for dead and that you cannot excuse.

"He's mine." You say. Manfred, who was ready to charge him with his sword stands down and goes back to tying up the prostrating thives.

"Don't fuck with me old man!" He presses the knife against the Elf's throat, drawing blood and a scream. "Shut the fuck up bitch!" He pulls on the back of her head and then slips his hand over her mouth. Slowly, he inches toward the stone steps leading down. The ship is not in the cove but you guess there must be some boats down there.

You casually reach down to your waist and pull out your pipe. There's still some tobacco in it, so you just light it and a take deep satisfying puff. The thief takes this as sign of deescalation and relaxes for a just a moment.

It's more than enough.

>Roll 1d20 to hit him right between the fucking eyes

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2396564
PANIC

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2396564

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2396564
Not like this

>>2396569
Holy shit, Anon.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2396564
AAAAAND 20!

>>2396587
SHEEIIIIIIT

Does this count? Is it within the rolls he takes?

>>2396587
So close. You were too late

>>2396566
>>2396569
>>2396570

>10, 2, 11: 1 Success

This time there isn't any calculation--and maybe that was your mistake. You're in the risk management business, not the vengeance business, not the emotional release business. You should've remembered that.

The knife is in your hand and a second later it's in the air and a fraction of a second later it's at its head, then past his head. Motherfucker ducked. He takes advantage of the momentary beat, throws the Elf at you as hard as he can then ducks down the stairs.

The Elf falls hard to the floor, tangled in ropes and chains, scraping her knees and hands on the rough ground. By time you've even reached the stairs, the thief is already at the boat and midway across the little channel leading out into sea.

You got the girl, but you missed your mark. You really are getting too old for this.

"Old man, what's the plan?" Says Manfred. The rest of the thieves are all tied up now and knocked out. There's 14 of them, not including the dwarf who's head has rolled into the dogpit and is being torn apart by voracious terriers.

>Raid the fence room, but leave the thieves alone
>Kill all the thieves as a message
>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

File: cand-te-caci-dupa-o-zi-de(...).jpg (41 KB, 567x471)

41 KB JPG

>>2396623

>>2396623
>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396623
>>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396623
Can't we turn in the thieves for bounty? I am not sure how the justice system works but we might get more out of it if we leave some alive.

>>2396623
>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396623
>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396623
>>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396623
>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396638
That's probably what our guys are doing,

>>2396623
>>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

>>2396623
>Kill all the thieves as a message
This is a new branch that just started up, best to nip it in the bud.

May have to track down that guy later.

>>2396623
>Let the two do what they want, look to the Elf

Rolled 2, 5, 5 = 12 (3d6)

>>2396623

>>2396635
>>2396636
>>2396640
>>2396642
>>2396643
>>2396645

You suck deep on your pipe. It has a bitter taste now, the taste of imperfection which in your line work is failure. Your master would have strung you upside down by your toes if you ever missed a shot like that in front of him.

You look at your hand. It's shaking a little, just a slight tremble.

"Old man?"

You wave him off. "Do what you want." You say. Then you head to the Elf. She's unconscious, bleeding from her hands, knees and lip, but still breathing and none of it looks too serious. You loathe to even touch her but she'd be in no condition to walk even if she was awake. You work the keys into the pad locks on her chains and untie all the ropes. Her clothes have been torn in some places, sleeves gone, buttons unfastened. Pity, they looked new.

You hoist her over your shoulder and head outside toward the boats. The other two have just found the fence room and are rifling through stolen valuables, looking for anything they can sell or use. You take your share of the coins they find on the men and the storehouse. Sovereigns and some silver. A good haul.

But the fucker that escaped will alert others at the harbor and then this place will be swarming with their kind. And in the end there's only the two boats and not enough room for the four of you and all the thieves. The girl also wants to take the dogs with her for some reason, and the two of them get into an argument about it.

>Leave them to bicker and just head back
>Agree with the girl and take the dogs. You like dogs; they don't talk much
>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at

>>2396734
>>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at
Who gives a damn about the dogs.

Also, we ever going to learn why he hates elves so much?

>>2396734
>>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at
Besides, who knows if the dogs would even follow us and not attack at the first opportunity?

>>2396734
>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at
If the girl wants pets she can take them herself, she still has that fly spell.

>>2396742
>>2396750
OOC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXILzUpVx7A

>>2396734
>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at

>>2396734
>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at.
Tell her to use the flying spell is she wants to tale them.

>>2396734
>Agree with Manfred and load up the thieves, the money from the bounties is nothing to scoff at

>>2396734

>>2396742
>>2396750
>>2396752
>>2396761
>>2396763
>>2396764

You like dogs as much as the next guy, maybe more because they don't talk, but the thieves will bring bounties and you really need the money. You side with Manfred and the girl decides she's going to fly back with the dogs.

You can't really complain. You help Manfred load up the men into the boats, tying one to the other to keep them together. Then the both of you row back to the harbor. It's nearly dawn now, faint light is creeping from the edge of the horizon, pink and white.

No doubt the kid is worried sick and stayed up the whole night. You should probably head back to him first with the Elf. Manfred can handle getting the thieves to the proper authorities--but you're certain he'll take a bigger cut of the the money if you're not there to split it. Seven men should fetch at least a few a sovereigns a head, but you could use every coin. Lily needs new books, new clothes. Not to mention you still have to pay tuition for next month. She always she's fine, but like her mother she's a terrible liar.

>The kid can wait, make sure you get your proper cut
>A sovereign or two isn't worth making the kid wait, he might do something rash

>>2396734
Why does she want the dogs? If it's for sale, how expensive are they? If it's for pets, why not take just one?

>>2396805
>A sovereign or two isn't worth making the kid wait, he might do something rash

>>2396812
PCs always do weird shit on a whim.

>>2396812
She feels bad for them. The thieves used them for dogfighting.

>>2396805
>>The kid can wait, make sure you get your proper cut

>>2396805
>A sovereign or two isn't worth making the kid wait, he might do something rash

>>2396805
>The kid can wait, make sure you get your proper cut
We already got Seabass his goddamn elf. He will be able to wait an hour longer. And we need money too.

>>2396805
>The kid can wait, make sure you get your proper cut

>>2396805
>A sovereign or two isn't worth making the kid wait, he might do something rash

>>2396805
>The kid can wait, make sure you get your proper cut

>>2396805
>A sovereign or two isn't worth making the kid wait, he might do something rash
If we wanted the extra cash, we woulda looted and looked for that ruby thing that was stolen.

>>2396805
>>The kid can wait, make sure you get your proper cut
She's safe and sound, might as well get what you deserve for the work put in.

>>2396805
>A sovereign or two isn't worth making the kid wait, he might do something rash

>>2396805

>>2396820
>>2396826
>>2396831
>>2396835
>>2396839

The Elf is safe and sound and you did say by morning. The kid can wait another hour or two while you get your money matters settled.

You stand guard over the boats while Manfred goes off to fetch some people from the guardhouse. The Elf regains consciousness in the betweentime.

"You all right?" You ask. The Elf stares at you. She looks anxious but not afraid--she must remember you from yesterday morning. "Don't know why Seabass gives a shit honestly. Six sovereigns for a fucking Elf." You light your pipe. "You don't understand a goddamn word I'm saying do you?" You say blowing smoke in her face. She coughs and tries to wave it away.

"I'll bring you back to Seabass once I'm through with these guys." You say, gesturing at the men.

That gets her eyes wide. Then she looks down at her hands and starts to wring them.

"T-they h-hurt master. She says, and her eyes start to well with water. "Really bad."

"Yes they did. But he's fine, so stop your whining."

Her head shoots up. "What? Really? He's OK?"

Manfred returns with a half-dozen of the town's finest. They drag the men off the boats, check their ledgers...and then tell you that none of these men have any bounties on their head. In fact, they claim that these men don't even have a criminal record.

Instead, the guards begin a line of questioning that strangely suggests they're about to charge the both of you with assault and kidnapping.

"You'd better come with us to the guardhouse gentlemen." Says the Captain. "We can continue our questioning there. Release these men."

>Fuck that. Grab the Elf and make a run for it.
>Get a carriage for the Elf and then go with the guards, something smells fishy

>>2396950
>Get a carriage for the Elf and then go with the guards, something smells fishy

>>2396950
>>Fuck that. Grab the Elf and make a run for it.
Our slice of life adventure has become a political thriller.

>>2396950
>>Get a carriage for the Elf and then go with the guards, something smells fishy
No point in running, that would only cause more problems.

>>2396950
>Get a carriage for the Elf and then go with the guards, something smells fishy

>>2396950
>Get a carriage for the Elf and then go with the guards, something smells fishy

>>2396950
Are they real guards?
What is Toads standing with local authorities anyway?

>>2396950

>>2396963
>>2396973

You can already sense how this is going to go down. Was it somehow the fucker who escaped? No he wouldn't have been able to get here before you. Which means this was already in place.

Intuition honed by years of experience is tells you that the Five-pointed Cross has its hands down some important people's pants. Though don't recognize this new Captain, these guards are the genuine article. There's something fishy here, you can feel it to your bones.

"Alright. Let me get her to a carriage, first." You say. The Captain considers this for a second then nods to two of his men to accompany you. There are only a few carriages this early in the morning and it takes a few minutes before you find one willing to go to the borders of the town. The guards stay close enough to touch you at all times, you could easily take them out, but you get the feeling that would be playing into the hands of whoever is orchestrating all of this.

You help the Elf into the carriage and give specific instructions to the driver, who seems more interested in the coins you hand him than anything else.

>Tell the Elf to relay your situation to the kid, just in case
>Tell the Elf nothing, you'll handle this yourself

>>2397034
>Tell the Elf nothing, you'll handle this yourself
Kid's had enough stress for the day. Not his business anyway.

>>2397034
>Tell the Elf to relay your situation to the kid, just in case

>>2397034
>Tell the Elf to relay your situation to the kid, just in case

>>2397034

>Tell the Elf to relay your situation to the kid, just in case

>>2397034
>>Tell the Elf to relay your situation to the kid, just in case

>>2397034
Any group of criminals that has been operating for a prolonged period of time will have law enforcement on their payroll. Like how more virulent diseases feature immune suppression, or computer viruses will target antivirus software first. These guys are almost certainly corrupt by now.
>Tell the Elf to relay your situation to the kid, just in case

>>2396950 is this the report where you revealed that toad speaks elf for some reason. Is that what I'm supposed to take away from this?

>>2397121
Of course he speaks elvish. There is a reason he doesn't like elves, we don't know what that backstory is but I'm sure it plays heavily into Toad's past.

>>2397034

>>2397046
>>2397055
>>2397059

"This will take you back to Seabass. Take this." You take out the bottle of clear white fluid with the shiny flecks inside. Something in the fence room, which matched the kid's description. "And tell him, I'm in the guardhouse and if he doesn't hear from me by tonight to have Franklin come get me. Can you do that?"

She nods. "I-is everything OK?"

"No. Not even close." You shut the carriage door and watch as it trots away. Then you fall in line, follow the guards to another, bigger carriage where the Captain and Manfred, who you now see is restrained in cuffs and looking livid, waits for you.

"Good? Good. Get in." Says the Captain, holding the door open. You board, he follows. Manfred boards a different carriage. It's just you and the Captain.

"Relax, Toad is it?" He says, smiling a false, taut smile and adjusting the curtains on the carriage windows. "You know its a coincidence that we found when we did. Here I thought I would have to send out a search party, set up patrols, eyes and ears, the whole works. And god just hands you to me on a golden platter. Oh don't worry, Toad, Mr. Roche gave me specific instructions not to harm you."

"Oh?" You take out your pipe. "Mind if I smoke?" He gestures for you to go ahead. You light up. "I didn't realize it was Mr. Roche now. Whose dick did he have to suck for that one? Was it yours?'

He frowns. "He told me you'd be difficult."

"Did he. What does he want?"

"He wants to chat." There's that fucking smile again.

"I don't think we have anything to talk about."

"He said you'd say that. He told me to tell you--what was it--it's about Eastmarch--that's where you're originally from if I'm not mistaken?" He nods, though you don't make any response. "I spoke to a man from the Capital who had some rather interesting things to say about you. You've been around, Toad. And you're obviously very good at your job. I dare say it's thanks to you that Eastmarch isn't part of the Elvish dominion today eh?"

"That was a long time ago. And you still haven't answered my question."

"I suppose I haven't." He leans in. "He told me to tell you that...he has a job for you."

----

>You are now Sebastian

This has been the worst five hours of your life.

Every few minutes someone will pass by on the street below, a carriage or a man or a dog and you'll rush downstairs to see if it's Toad and your Elf and every time you'll be disappointed and some little part of you will die.

You look out the veranda at the sun, peeking above the horizon. What if this was a mistake? What if Toad finds her and she's...and they've...Worse, what if Toad gets hurt because of this? You'd never be able to forgive yourself then. This was a mistake. You should've gone yourself. You shouldn't have put this on other people. If even he dies, you'll have lost everything. Your business, your slave, the closest thing you have to family.

1/2

>>2397250
You sit down at the desk. The candle is nearly worn. Behind you, Nina, who despite your strongest protests, tried to stay up with you, is now fast asleep on your floor, her red hair splattered across her face.

You hear it again. The sound of a carriage going by. You get up. It's not her. It's definitely not her. You head down the stairs. There's no way its her. But it's morning time now. He said morning-time. But it's definitely not her. Don't get your hopes up you fool. You reach the door. It can't be her. Brace yourself Seabass, it's not her. It's not her.

"M-master?"

It's her.

She looks like hell, and her eyes are red from crying, and her clothes are torn, but she's not seriously hurt. She's OK. You feel your knees tremble.

>Stay calm. Get her inside and tend to her wounds.
>Ask her where Toad is
>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!

>>2397255
>>Stay calm. Get her inside and tend to her wounds.
Fix her up right away.

>>2397255
>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!

>>2397255
>Stay calm. Get her inside and tend to her wounds.

>>2397255
>Stay calm. Get her inside and tend to her wounds
>Give a quick hug.

>>2397255

>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!

>>2397255
>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!
Then
>Ask her where Toad is

>>2397275
Seconding.

>>2397255
>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!

>>2397255
This >>2397278

>>2397255
>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!
>Get her inside and tend to her wounds

>>2397255
>>Ask her where Toad is
wow, seabass is kind of a mess on the inside, huh

>>2397255
>Stay calm. Get her inside and tend to her wounds.

>>2397255
>>Stay calm. Get her inside and tend to her wounds.

we're not gonna let those 6 sovereigns die of some infection. Specially after the favor we pulled.

>I I spent 6 Sovereigns on you that's why I was worried.
>Don't be getting any ideas okay!?
Totally how this'll end up.

>>2397255
>Just this once, give her a quick hug. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!

>>2397255
>>Just this once, give her a HEAD PAT. You were worried, that's 6 sovereigns you almost lost!

>>2397255

>>2397262
>>2397272

You clench your hands and unclench them. Stay calm Seabass. She's fine.

"You hurt?" You ask.

She shakes her head. "I-I thought master was..." She looks down.

"Yeah. Me too. Got lucky. Come, I fix you up." You wave at her to come and she runs to your side and follows you back upstairs. You clean all of her scrapes with alcohol and then dress them with gauze. Through it all she doesn't make a single sound. In fact, she just looks scared, as much as when you first met her.

"Something wrong?" You ask.

"M-master's new clothes. I'm s-s-sorry." She says, holding up the torn ends of her new dress. You look at her a moment before bursting into laughter. It's so loud that it wakes Nina, who bolts up the moment she sees the Elf, gasps and then charges her in an enormous hug. The Elf, terrified of the sudden contact, lets out a high-pitched yelp which makes you laugh even harder. It takes a few minutes before things settle down. You actually worry you might have opened your wound again, but Nina's handiwork proves masterful.

"Master isn't mad? The Elf asks, once Nina has unclasped herself from her.

You shake your head, chuckling. "Plenty of clothes." You say. "Just happy you're safe."

And before you can react she embraces you and despite your better judgement you find yourself returning the embrace. It's brief, it only lasts about the time it takes for you to wrap your arm around her, but it's warm and nice and for a small moment all your troubles are weightless and forgotten.

SESSION END

OOC: Next session is next Saturday 8 AM EST (I'm going on vacation). Also sorry for the slow update speed today was a little sleep-deprived from work.

>>2397423
Thanks, senpai. Good session. Too bad we couldn't recover the gem though.

>>2397436
More worried at the fact that we let Toad get captured so fucking obviously and easily. We walked him to his doom more or less instead of ending the criminals.

>>2397423
Thanks for the run and good luck on your trip!

This is the perfect point for us and our slave to learn how to properly defend ourselves.

>>2397443
that was kind of expected since we think with our dicks and not with our brains

>>2397443
Unpleasant business maybe, but not his doom.
Mr. Roche seems to want some sort of service from Toad which means he's probably viewed at least a little favorably by him.

If you want to worry about someone right now, worry about the adventurer dude. He got caught up in something he might not get away from.

>>2397423
Thanks for running

>>2395570
>"Because. A few claimed bounties are only enough for the leader here to get embarrassed--something he'll want to cover up--but rev

He helped save our ass and our elf by doing our dirty work and we handed him off despite this warning to the players.

He may not die right away, but we allowed him to be thrown into that shit position, and for what? Some extra coin?

>>2397423
Very adorable, she's a good elf.

>>2397505
Trust in the Toad. He gave the elf specific instructions in case things go south. Our job is to act on it to repay helping us get our elf back.

Speaking of which, we need to learn her damn name.

>>2397539
>Trust in the Toad
We wouldn't have to, if we didn't screw him over for helping us.
>in case things go south
Its not if, its when.

>name
Point to our ourselves and say our name, point to Nina and say her name point to her and expect her to talk or say her name. Just give her a nice new name if that proves to difficult.

>>2397554
No need for primitive gesturing, we can speak enough of her language to ask her name.

>>2397554
>if we didn't screw him over for helping us
Where are you even getting this?

>>2397566
We voted to not take the dogs and leave, or kill the criminals. Then we allowed him to walk right into the arms of a corrupt guard captain to be taken to a crime boss.

>>2397884
The first two don't really play into this. It would have turned out the same. The last was because it was either that, or run away from the guard. who would probably shoot him. This way keeps him alive.

>>2397914
If Toad left instead of going to the guard he could have disappeared and not be found.
>>2397250
>Here I thought I would have to send out a search party, set up patrols, eyes and ears, the whole works. And god just hands you to me on a golden platter.

It doesn't say they have anything to shoot at us with. I think your assumption is just justification to not fighting back.

Look he got back the waifu for us, the least we can do is not screw him over with bad choices.

>>2397423
I think our cute little elf slave is experiencing some intense feelings of Stockholm syndrome for Seabass.

>>2398308
makes sense really. So far it seems that we are the only one that has treated her as close as a person.

Good god i came here for the fantasy /biz/ jewing sim but this ended up being fucking jason bourne in a generic mmo setting.

still interested to see what comes next

>>2399234
Same. I hope this political BS passes soon, or turns out to be useful in setting up a potion empire.

>>2398308
>Seabass goes on a date for the first time in a long time.
>The Elf reacts...how?

>>2399385
>Ork Master what do quest

File: VtV9kAn.jpg (161 KB, 600x800)

161 KB JPG

>>2399385
>>2399407
>she turns into this elf

>>2399410
Fuck you, that was an adorable read

>>2399410
>>2399407
This is slowly transforming into Headpat simulator: the quest.

>>2399234
>>2399252
OOC: No worries my man. We'll be returning to the main focus for a while: slice of life and potion jewing

>>2399385
Recall this line:
>You needed someone around the house to cook and clean and since the usual eventuality of a wife seems to be becoming more and more improbable...
To put it bluntly Seabass has never been on a date. But he is deeply in love with his craft

Anybody wanna post a link to the next thread itt when it pops up? I'm way too forgetful to consistently scan the catalog for the next thread.

>>2399547
First to third time for everything.
Presumably our boy's people, which means, love, lust, dislike, crushes, respect.
Having your heart broken and holing up in your studies for the better part of a decade, you never really liked them anyway.

>>2399644
>Zero dedication
Do you even potion Jew?

>>2399731
Most of the quests i've participated in had the op linking to the new thread so i've gotten used to it. Also this quest only runs once per week so i tend to forget.

>>2399741
I get where you coming from anon, but it isn't hard to put "elf" on the search on top and find the quest on saturdays. If you can remember it well enough to bother checking the previous thread for a link then you can take a second of your time to check the catalog. You're a full grown adult after all.

>>2397884
Crime boss wants Toad alive, because his skills make him a valuable asset. The way the overall plot is set up, it's not unlikely Toad's accomplice will be spared too, provided he doesn't make himself more valuable dead than alive.
Toad not being captured would have given him more agency to keep himself free, but he didn't let on to knowing Roche's newfound position, or suspecting it. Toad was just prepared to accept it when new information made it apparent. So Roche had the element of surprise on capturing Toad.
I think we accelerated a plot line and changed a few details, rather than get anybody ganked. The worst we stepped in was a few murdered thugs giving Roche a body to accuse Toad of murdering while lying about the circumstances. We wrote Roche a blank cheque in that respect, long as he has the wiles to use it for leverage.

>>2399830
Nah, I get dings for new posts in watched threads. And don't assume my competence level you condescending ageist fuck.

File: 60fUtPH.gif (995 KB, 500x350)

995 KB GIF

>>2404280
No, learn to take of yourself fag

Seabass should tease Nina about how weepy she got when she found he had been stabbed.

>>2408033
Well I got a whiff of the smell of concentrated perfume coming off of you.

File: Spoiler Image (5 KB, 176x250)

5 KB JPG

OOC: Just a quick update on the schedule. It turns out that my flight has been pushed to Friday night so that I'll be touching down Saturday morning around 7 AM EST. In other words I'll probably have to start the session a little later than 8 AM maybe 9 or 10 AM.

I'll extend the session, of course, to make up for the lost time, but I just wanted to give a heads up.

>>2408677
Good to know, thanks for the heads up Watdo

>>2413757