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>>2536975
“So...” Lawrence begins awkwardly. “Back to the initial question. Would you like to travel together again?”

“Are you heading through Merced?” you ask.

He nods. “I will be, yes.”

“Then I wouldn't mind accompanying you,” you nod.

Lawrence stops the horse pulling his cart and lets you climb aboard. It isn't as comfortable a situation this time now that the furs are gone, but instead you have a series of rolled-up woven rugs to lean against.

“Those are from Karluk,” Lawrence explains. “They command a hefty price along the southern coast.”

“Not particularly soft though,” you observe.

“They should serve for a day or two,” he replies.

The clear blue skies of Sakia are with you all day long, until dusk begins to fall as the road rises through the foothills and into the mountains.
>1d10, taking the third roll

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>2536987

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>2536987

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>2536987

>writing

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>>2536987
The last rays of sunlight are still struggling to shine on the horizon and the chill of evening has started to fall when the hoofbeat of Lawrence's draft animal comes to a halt. Peeking over the edge of the cart you can see that there's an obstruction that wasn't there before: a roughly rectangular column of basaltic rock, a remnant of when this continent was young, has split off from a nearby rock face to block your path.

“The cart can't make it over that,” Lawrence informs you.

You glance around to see what you can glean about the situation: the cliffs to your left aren't that high and the pathway that curves around the base of it is fairly wide, with not too steep of a grassy slope to the right which runs down to a little creek. The trouble is you can see too many places where bandits could be hiding, and this seems like a natural point to set an ambush.

And since they're not yōma, you wouldn't be able to locate them with your half-blood senses, only with your common sense.

>Get the horse to step over the column. I'll lift the cart a little so it can roll over the stone.
>This is a threat to anyone coming through here. I'll get out and move it out of the way.
>If there are bandits around, they'll think twice about attacking if they watch me shatter this stone.
>Other?

>>2537040
>>If there are bandits around, they'll think twice about attacking if they watch me shatter this stone.
Time for a badass moment. Moving the stone is a moment of vulnerability, but bashing the rock is an implicit warning to any potential watchers. Also we can CAST FIST to do it.

>>2537040
>>If there are bandits around, they'll think twice about attacking if they watch me shatter this stone.

>>2537040
>If there are bandits around, they'll think twice about attacking if they watch me shatter this stone.

>>2537040
>If there are bandits around, they'll think twice about attacking if they watch me shatter this stone.
NOEL CASTS FIST!

>>2537040
>If there are bandits around, they'll think twice about attacking if they watch me shatter this stone.

>3d10, best of three
>dc 17, crit 22

Rolled 1, 10, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>2537082
>NOEL CASTS FIST!
the enemy rock fainted!

Rolled 5, 3, 8 = 16 (3d10)

>>2537082

Rolled 7, 4, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>2537082

Rolled 9, 2, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>2537082

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>>2537090
IT'S SUPER EFFECTIVE!

>>2537090
Let me hug you anon.

>>2537096
>>2537097
it's a 3d20.

>>2537090
That would have been amazing were it not d20s.

>>2537096
>>2537097

Sorry guys, i rolled 20s instead of 10s

>>2537104
The hug is rescinded, you hear?

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>>2537119

>>2537040
You hop out of the cart and take a few steps towards the stone

“What are you doing?”

“Getting rid of the obstacle,” you explain, squaring up on the basalt pillar.

“This could be a trap,” Lawrence realizes aloud.

“Oh, it definitely is a trap,” you agree. “But a bandit would have to be pretty stupid to attack us after this.”

“After what?”

Focusing on your right fist, you concentrate your yōki and deliver a powerful blow to the exact center and reduce a section of it about the length of your forearm to gravel in a radiating cloud of dust and dirt. Then you dig your fingertips under one end and slowly lift one half of the pillar, getting your shoulder under it so that you can set it upright. Next you repeat the process on the other side, before punching both sides in rapid succession. The first half shatters, but the second merely cracks in half again before the two chunks crash down.

“That was incredible!” Lawrence tells you as you hop back into the cart. “How did you do that?”

“I couldn't manage two blows in quick succession,” you sigh. “I still need to practice before it's really useful.”

“Still, damned impressive,” the merchant compliments you. “You weren't wrong, you'd have to be an idiot to...”

You peek over the front of the cart again to see another new roadblock: this time, it's a trio of scruffy looking men in protective leather, each carrying a sword.

“I don't appreciate people doing landscaping on my turf without permission,” the man in front announces.

“Sorry,” Lawrence replies, “but we were stuck.”

“That being said, I liked that rock,” the bandit leader muses.

“It was a nice rock,” one of his partners agrees.

“Really tied the whole area together,” the third man adds.

“So how do you intend to repay us?”
>1/2

>>2537173
Oh god I love these bandits already.

>>2537184
If they weren't keen on mugging us.

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>>2537173
“I can knock down a new rock for you if you desire,” you speak up.

“Nah, I was thinking about something else,” the bandit leers at you past Lawrence.

“I'm afraid I don't follow you,” you reply, standing up in the cart with your sword in your hand and a cold glare in your eyes. “What exactly was it you were thinking about?”

“What is one of those witches doing here?” one of the bandits mutters.

“So that explains how you shattered the stone like that,” the leader replies with a creepy smile. “I thought perhaps you were associated with one of those monasteries in Sakia.”

You narrow your eyes. “No, definitely a half-monster warrior. What of it?”

“I didn't realize they made Claymores so cute,” the leader replies.

Ah, so that's what he means.

“You mean you wanted to rape me,” you frown. “There's a long list of things that aren't happening today, and that's right at the top.”

>Take my advice, take these rugs and leave with your lives.
>Throw one of the rugs at the bandit leader and tell Lawrence to get a move on.
>Nah, these guys deserve to get their butts kicked. And you are the one to kick them.
>Other?

>>2537218
>Oh? You sure you want to do that with this kind of body?
>Show them the Stigmata
>If they refuse to leave after that, Break their knee caps

>>2537218
>We can't kill humans, but we can kick their teeth in, right?

>>2537218
>
>Nah, these guys deserve to get their butts kicked. And you are the one to kick them.

>>2537218
>>Nah, these guys deserve to get their butts kicked. And you are the one to kick them.

>>2537218
>Nah, these guys deserve to get their butts kicked. And you are the one to kick them.
>other: Start stripping and leave yourself topless. the body horror will also disuade them while you kick their asses. Even if they get a good show.

>>2537234
in with this

>>2537218
Changing my vote here>>2537234
to this>>2537250
Mainly because it's hilarious AND effective.

>>2537218

>>2537250
As an addendum. the response quote will be:
>"Fine boys, you asked for it. you just signed yourselves up as practice dummies. I've been keen on practicing the Sakia Monastery arts on actual people."
AND THEN KICK THEIR ASSES REGARDLESS OF THEIR OPINIONS

>>2537218
>>Nah, these guys deserve to get their butts kicked. And you are the one to kick them.
Just because we can't kill them doesn't mean we can't beat the stupid out of them.

>>2537267
>inb4 they turn masochistic and constantly follow us to both learn the sakia monastery arts and to get their daily dose of looking at Noel's titties while being beaten to a pulp.

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>>2537218
“I see you understand the position you're in,” the bandit leader sneers. “That's good.”

“Yeah, but it's not gonna be the position she...” one of his partners begins before he notices what you're doing. “What are you...”

“This is what you wanted, right?” you smirk, pulling open the wide collar folded across the top of your chest and unbuttoning your top down the side to bare your torso down to your navel. “I'd be shocked if you still want to rape me after seeing what that really means.”

You can see in their eyes that they're suddenly not on board with their initial plan anymore.

“Oh?” you muse, letting them get a good long look at the stapled-together wound starting at the base of your throat. Even Lawrence covers his mouth in shock. “Lost your appetite? Are you sure? You may never get the chance to lay a warrior like me again.”

It seems like you still have no 'takers' now that they've seen permanent wound where your body is actively rejecting what you've become.

“Well, your loss then.”

You button your dark uniform back up, and the bandits breathe a collective sigh of relief.

“Okay, so no rape,” the bandit leader admits. “Rape is officially off the table. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” his partners quickly nod.

“So... what else do you have there?”

“Nothing,” you tell them.

“I doubt that,” the bandit leader retorts.

“Well, nothing for you,” you clarify. “This is your last chance.”

“An empty threat,” the bandit leader tries to call what he thinks is a bluff. “You cant fight a human, and you and I both know it.”

“I can't kill a human without consequences,” you correct him. “But I don't have to kill you to teach you all a lesson.”
>3d10, DC 16, critical 20

Rolled 9, 4, 4 = 17 (3d10)

>>2537318

Rolled 1, 5, 9 = 15 (3d10)

>>2537318
Time to deliver an ass whooping free of charge.

Rolled 9, 8, 4 = 21 (3d10)

>>2537318

Rolled 2, 10, 9 = 21 (3d10)

>>2537318
TIME TO APPLY BEATINGS
>>2537328
>>2537328
BEATINGS APPLIED AT MAXIMUM

>>2537328
IT IS TIME, TO TEACH!

>>2537328
Ha ha ha!
Good roll there!

Rolled 8, 7, 8 = 23 (3d10)

>>2537318

>>2537328
Set the fist to 11!

>>2537318
“Put some distance behind you,” you tell Lawrence, “I'll catch up in a few minutes.”

“Are you sure?” he asks nervously. “These guys have to have backup laying in wait.”

“Go,” you reiterate. “The horse is the single most valuable thing you have to them, they won't risk hitting it.”

“Alright,” he nods in agreement. “We'll do this your way.”

“Don't think you can just stroll past us,” one of the bandits tells you angrily.

In response, you take a page out of the monks' book and flick at his throat, an inch or so below his chin. He coughs reflexively, doubling over so that you can effortlessly push him out of the middle of the path.

“What the hell are you doing?” the bandit captain demands, drawing his sword and trying to bring it down on your shoulder.

You simply catch it in your hand.

The edge is sharp, and draws a little blood from your palm, but with your free hand you strike at the side of its blade and shatter it just as easily as you shattered the rocks a few minutes ago.

The captain's eyes widen in what you can only describe as abject horror.

You strike at his chest, knocking him back into the third banding and sending them both sprawling.

“Lawrence, go!” you order, and the merchant spurs his horse on into a thundering charge that quickly leaves you alone with the three bandits.

“Alright,” the bandit captain sighs, “I've changed my mind. I'm definitely raping you now, I'll just have to do it in your ass instead.”

“Sorry,” you shrug. “You had your chance.”

His thrust with the shattered stub that was once his sword misses you entirely, and you easily grab him around the wrist and collar and sling him into the rocks where the breath explodes from his body all at once.

“And now,” you smirk even as several more bandits emerge from hiding, either sliding down the hill or clambering up onto the pathway to surround you, “I'll be having my way with all of you instead... and you're not gonna like it.”
>1/2

>>2537404
>This girl blocked my sword with a hand then shattered it
>I'm going to rape her
In later times this guy would've been starting -4Str threads on local 4chan all day.

>>2537404
Three of the bandits are flat on their backs almost as soon as you start fighting, each dropped with a single precise blow. You even treat one of them to a blow to the ear, the way that Vigilus taught you.

“This bitch is inhuman!” one of the bandits complains to the captain, who's finally starting to get back to his feet. “It's like she's just playing with us!”

“Archers!” the captain shouts.

Oh, this is not good...

>Don't get hit. Its not especially hard for you, bolts tend to move slowly by your standards.
>Keep fighting as usual, it's not like an arrow or two will do any lasting damage.
>This idiot's gonna get his own men killed. If you don't protect them it may come back to bite you.
>Other?

>>2537442
>This idiot's gonna get his own men killed. If you don't protect them it may come back to bite you.
Bastards

>>2537442
>>This idiot's gonna get his own men killed. If you don't protect them it may come back to bite you.

>>2537442
>>Don't get hit. Its not especially hard for you, bolts tend to move slowly by your standards.

>>2537442
>Charge the archers while dodging the arrows.
This will prevent friendly fire and let us dispose of the priority threat.

>>2537442
>>Charge the archers while dodging the arrows.

>>2537442
>>This idiot's gonna get his own men killed. If you don't protect them it may come back to bite you.
How strict is the no killing humans thing? Would they even believe us if nobody can verify that anybody in a location we just left wasn't killed by us?

>>2537442
>This idiot's gonna get his own men killed. If you don't protect them it may come back to bite you.
>other: Start doing barehanded arrow catches. Use your own cape to catch the arrows like a net. besides, the organization can always provide more capes.
Archers don't have unlimited ammunition.

>>2537466
They'll believe the testament of any muggle more than the word of a claymore.

>>2537442
>This idiot's gonna get his own men killed. If you don't protect them it may come back to bite you.

>>2537466
They have watchers spying on the Claymores.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 1, 3, 4 = 8 (3d10)

>>2537496

Rolled 8, 5, 3 = 16 (3d10)

>>2537496

Rolled 10, 7, 5 = 22 (3d10)

>>2537496
Here we go.

Rolled 5, 5, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>2537496

>>2537503
'Here we go' indeed.

>>2537496
The first few arrows and bolts are well-aimed, enough that they miss both you and the bandits close to you. Some you have to sweep the legs out from under so that they won't get shot, or else use your cloak to 'catch' the missiles before they can do any harm.

But eventually, one arrow practically screams towards the face of an unsuspecting bandit who's coming at you with his sword raised. So even as you catch his sword in your left hand, you reach out with your right and snag the arrow midflight.

That was close... but it also begins to dawn on you that there was a deliberate strategy here. And because of that, you've got the captain right where you want him.

“Okay,” you snarl, taking advantage of the momentary lull as several of the bandits stare wide-eyed, imagining the scene that you just prevented. “Let's all calm down for a moment... you know as well as I do that if one of you dies I get in trouble regardless of whose fault it was.”

“But is it really worth sacrificing your own men?”

You turn to stare at the captain in accusation, and the bandit whose face you saved from immanent impalement seems to realize what you're driving at.

“Wait... was that your plan all along, boss?”

“Yeah,” you reply immediately, preventing the captain from getting a chance to deny it. “Didn't you know that? He figured there was no chance you could win, so the only way he could get back at me for the embarrassment was to make sure my own Organization put me on its hitlist.”

“You've gone too far!” one of the bandits accuses the captain. “Taking as big a cut as you always do, that I can understand. But getting us killed over some petty squabble with this silver-eyed bitch? You've got some nerve.”

“I'm the one in charge here!”

“Maybe that should change,” the man declares. “Or would the rest of you like to put your necks on the line like this so this bastard can get his dick wet with some half-demon whore?”

“Hey,” you grumble. “I don't appreciate the name-calling. Tone it down or I knock your teeth out.”

“The extremely violent woman,” the man corrects himself.

“Better.”

>Try and slip away while these bandits are arguing. It's no longer your problem.
>Well, I think you can handle this (run for it).
>Charge through the bandits, knock as many down as you can.
>"I say we should put it to a vote."
>Other?

>>2537558
>Try and slip away while these bandits are arguing. It's no longer your problem.

>>2537558
>>Try and slip away while these bandits are arguing. It's no longer your problem.

>>2537558
>"I say we should put it to a vote."
KEK

>>2537558
>>"I say we should put it to a vote."

>>2537558
>"I say we should put it to a vote."

>>2537558
>Try and slip away while these bandits are arguing. It's no longer your problem.

>>2537558
>>"I say we should put it to a vote."
>Other: Also provide some compelling arguments on why they should think better than to use a claymore as their personal sex slave by providing statistics about how so few in numbers claymores are in the world and their role in culling the yoma is so vital that . and how a bunch of "reasonable young men" can themselves on the organization's shitlist from "damaging" a claymore beyond functionality.

>>2537558
>>Try and slip away while these bandits are arguing. It's no longer your problem

>>2537558
>>"I say we should put it to a vote."
Holy shit this is too good. Gonna have a hell of a story to tell Lawrence.

>>2537558
>>"I say we should put it to a vote."

>>2537558
>let's vote on it
>to the bandit leader : "didn't you say you wanted to rape me earlier DESPITE seeing my body? Even though nobody else wanted to? Are you some sort of sicko?

>>2537597
Oh my god yes this!

>>2537601
>>2537558
Linking your post.

>>2537558
>>2537597
>And to the whole lot of you - make no mistake.
Had your captain's plan succeeded, I would have made a point of making every last one of you suffer before your deaths in ways you wouldn't imagine before meeting my own end.

>>2537558
“I say we put it to a vote,” you suggest with a shrug. “Sounds like there's enough dissent in the ranks to justify it.”

“You don't get a say in this!” the captain insists angrily. “You're not involved.”

“Hey, you were the one who wanted to rape me,” you counter. “I say that makes me pretty damn involved.”

“She has a point,” one of the other bandits admits.

“That has nothing to do with why we're fighting though!” the captain protests.

“You saw my body and it almost made you sick,” you point out. “Hurtful, by the way. But then I smack you around a little and suddenly you're all about the rape again.”

“That's right!” the bandit who'd been challenging the captain agrees. “You even said it yourself, you got mad and then you wanted to rape her. 'In the ass' you said!”

“In the ass,” you agree. “Sounds to me like he's putting your lives on the line for personal reasons.”

“Why you...” the captain begins, only to find a sword at his neck.

“Hold on, captain,” the sword's wielder insists.

“Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do.”

“So who's in favor of keeping this guy as your captain?” you begin, gesturing to the man.

One hand goes up, and several other bandits stare at him in surprise.

“What?” the bandit in question shrugs. “I just thought it'd be sad if it was unanimous.”

“And everyone for this other guy?” you continue, gesturing to the challenger.

All of the other hands go up.

“Well, I think the people have chosen,” you clap your hands. “An amazing success of direct democracy.”

“And now, time to beat the loser to death,” the new captain nods sagely as the other bandits start to close in on their former captain.

“Well...” you sigh. “I guess no system is perfect.”
>1/2

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>>2537639

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>>2537639

>>2537639
By running for about an hour at an even pace, you manage to catch up with Lawrence as promised. You announce your presence by taking a running flop into the rugs in back of his cart.

“Ow...” you complain, finding the rugs nowhere near as soft as you'd hoped. “Who would pay money for these stupid things?”

“Good to see you back,” Lawrence nods. “Is everything okay?”

“The bandits had a few of their own issues to work out,” you inform him. “So I left them to it. And when I left nobody had died yet, so technically I'm still in a good position with the Organization.”

“I see,” Lawrence nods. “Well, we're still a good distance from Merced. So you may want to settle in.”

>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.
>I plan to rest the whole rest of the way. Let me know when we get to Merced.
>Would you mind making a detour? There's a small garrison several hours ahead.
>Other?

>>2537669
>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.

>>2537669
>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.

>>2537669
>Let me know when we get to Merced.
>other: Pull out that book the Monks gave you. It's a pretty good way to pass the time, and you get to learn new moves to boot!

>>2537680
yeah, lets go with this

>>2537669
>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.
>>other: Pull out that book the Monks gave you. It's a pretty good way to pass the time, and you get to learn new moves to boot!

>>2537669
>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.
>other: Pull out that book the Monks gave you. It's a pretty good way to pass the time, and you get to learn new moves to boot!

>>2537669
Changin vote here>>2537674
to
>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.
>other: Pull out that book the Monks gave you. It's a pretty good way to pass the time, and you get to learn new moves to boot!

>>2537669
>Let me know if we pass someplace to eat. I'm actually a little peckish.
>other: Pull out that book the Monks gave you. It's a pretty good way to pass the time, and you get to learn new moves to boot!

>>2537698
this

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 8, 9, 7 = 24 (3d10)

>>2537790

Rolled 6, 3, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>2537790

Rolled 9, 10, 8 = 27 (3d10)

>>2537790

Rolled 1, 8, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>2537790

>>2537797
Noel words good. It's what Tomas would call her "quality breeding".
>writing

>>2537797
*bruh*

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>>2537806
>>2537817

>>2537797
Vigilus would be proud.

>>2537806
You settle in, flipping open the book the monks left in your possession. With the moon out and the skies clear, there's just enough light for your eyes to pick out the details in the dark.

“I'm actually a bit peckish,” you admit. “Keep an eye out for someplace to get a good meal.”

“I suppose I owe you that much for everything you've done,” Lawrence agrees. “I'll pay, all you can eat.”

“I appreciate it. Thank you, Lawrence.”

Flipping through the book you commit several new signals to memory, and stumble across a series of pages that seemed to be grouped together that all discuss various forms of footwork. Methods for shifting your weight and moving swiftly while keeping a proper form are the particular focus: to your surprise many schools seem to agree that placing one's weight on the balls of one's feet rather than striking with the heel lead to the most nimble, precise footwork at the cost of length of stride and power generated when striking. However given the weight of your sword, the particular mechanics of your punches, and the strength of your calf muscles, you might just be able to use that style of movement to your advantage without suffering too much for it.

You'll have to remember that the next time you get into a fight.

Eventually, Lawrence's voice interrupts your thoughts as you scan through a series of new hand signals, many of which are for individual letters.

“That wound... does it hurt?”

>It's more like a scar. I hardly notice it so long as I'm not naked.
>It twinges sometimes, and requires care when bathing. That's all.
>It's more what it means, the cause of it, that I'm uncomfortable with.
>Other?

>>2537847
>>It's more what it means, the cause of it, that I'm uncomfortable with.

>>2537847
>It's more what it means, the cause of it, that I'm uncomfortable with.

>>2537847
>It's more like a scar. I hardly notice it so long as I'm not naked.
>Except the smell, I despise it and it's always there

>>2537847
>>It's more like a scar. I hardly notice it so long as I'm not naked.

>>2537864
>>2537847
This is good

>>2537864
This

>>2537847
>It twinges sometimes, and requires care when bathing.
>It's more what it means, the cause of it, that I'm uncomfortable with

>>2537847
>It's more like a scar. I hardly notice it so long as I'm not naked

>>2537864
this.

>>2537847
“It's more what it is that makes me uncomfortable,” you admit. “The stigma is where the flesh and blood of a yōma was surgically implanted into my body... the wound never fully heals, so the Organization resorts to heavy metal staples to hold the edges shut.”

“That sounds barbaric,” Lawrence shudders. “There has to be a better way to do that.”

You shake your head in the dark, shutting your book and putting it away. “I am a defensive type, meaning my regeneration abilities are second only to some powerful full-blooded yōma... and even I can't heal my own stigma. No half-yōma warrior ever has.”

“I'm sorry to hear that,” Lawrence replies quietly.

“You get used to it,” you lie. “Aside from the smell.”

“The smell?” Lawrence repeats.

“It's subtle, but if you know what yōma smells like you can never really get away from it,” you explain. “You could probably stick your nose in my navel and wouldn't be able to smell it.”

“That's why you carry perfume.”

“Partly,” you reply, shutting your eyes and essentially ending the conversation.
>1/2

>>2537955
You must have nodded off, because when you open your eyes the sun is out and the cart has stopped in a small village. You're not familiar with it.

“Breakfast,” Lawrence announces.
>3d10, taking the fifth

Rolled 1, 1, 4 = 6 (3d10)

>>2537966

Rolled 4, 4, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>2537966
Wonder what this village has in store for us?

>>2537970
And this is why I rolled first, I had a feeling it would be a shit roll.

Rolled 5, 8, 7 = 20 (3d10)

>>2537966
And least this companion isn't eating all his food.

Rolled 7, 2, 4 = 13 (3d10)

>>2537966

Rolled 3, 10, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>2537966

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>>2537966
“We're not here alone,” you declare, hopping down out of the cart. “There's another warrior in this town.”

“Really?” Lawrence asks, seemingly confused. “Then why are you on edge?”

“Not all warriors are like me,” you explain sternly. “Some of them have... problems.”

“Problems? Like... insanity?”

“For starters,” you grumble. “I hope it's not Luciana... she's not insane, mind you. We just don't get along.”

“Well, we're not going to get our breakfast standing around out here,” Lawrence sighs.

You head into a low-slung building with a few blotches of reddish and yellowish paint in places, but few windows. Inside the light is dim, but the space itself is warm and sparsely populated with other travelers.

Against one wall, at a little round table all her own, sits another warrior. She keeps her silvery-white hair up in a large bun against the back of her head, with a long bang hanging down on one side of her face.

She spots you instantly, and motions for you to sit at her table with a knowing smile.

Do you?
>Yes
>No

>>2538040
>Yes

>>2538040
>Yes

>>2538040
>Yes

>>2538040
>>Yes

>>2538040
>>Yes

>>2538040
>>Yes

>>2538040
>>Yes
Saying no would be rude.

>>2538040
“So, who're you?” the stranger asks as you sit down at her table with Lawrence. “And who's the guy?”

After briefly considering making her introduce herself first, you decide to just give her a straight answer instead. “Noel, ranked number thirteen.”

The woman nods slowly. “Thirteen? So you would be 'Bad Luck' Noel.”

“That's a nickname I hear sometimes,” you admit. “And so who would you be?”

“Valentina, number nineteen.”

This is the number nineteen? Your memory is that this is the lowest-ranked warrior to have their own distinctive nickname: “Longclaw”.

“Hello then, Valentina,” you nod politely. “Do you mind if we eat?”

“The mangoes are great,” she replies.

Lawrence waves for one of the workers and quickly orders a whole slew of food items: hot oats, eggs, bacon, and of course two mangoes.

“One mango,” you correct him.

The food comes quickly, and your fellow warrior makes some small talk while it comes out of the kitchen one item at a time. “So, you must've been on a mission if you're actually eating.”

“Three recent fights,” you clarify.

Valentina nods. “I see.”

You eat a few bites of the oats, an entire strip of bacon, and probably about half an egg... and then you get to the mango, which is so delicious you eat almost half of it.

“I'm stuffed,” you sigh contentedly. “Thank you, Lawrence.”

“You're finished?”

“We warriors don't eat as much as humans,” Valentina explains on your behalf. “That's actually quite a bit for one sitting.”

“You mind?”

You shrug. “Unless Lawrence thinks he can eat all the rest.”

Lawrence gestures for Valentina to help herself.
>1/2

>>2538143
>You eat a few bites of the oats, an entire strip of bacon, and probably about half an egg... and then you get to the mango, which is so delicious you eat almost half of it.

First time I read the phrase it looked like a lot of food to me. Good work.

File: CLAYMORE_MAP_Initial.jpg (159 KB, 1375x707)

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>>2538143
Valentina eats a whole egg and a half, two strips of bacon, and the rest of your mango.

It's... actually a bit of a shock how much she eats.

“So, Valentina...” you interrupt as she wolfs down the last of the fruit. “Where are you heading?”

“Petraea,” she tells you. “Called me in all the way from Karluk for some sort of big deal. Anyway, feels good to be back in Hazaran.”

You thought you heard a bit of a familiar accent.

>You're from here too? Whereabouts are you from?
>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.
>Well, best of luck to you. Refreshing to find a warrior who isn't intolerable.
>Other?

>>2538177
>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.

>>2538177
>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.

>>2538177
> you're from here too?
> got called to find a lost "claymore"

>>2538177
>>You're from here too? Whereabouts are you from?

>>2538177
>>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.


>You're from here too? Whereabouts are you from?

Let´s do some small talk. She seems nice.

>>2538177
>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.

>>2538177
>>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.


Anyone mind reminding me how to roll?

>>2538177
>>I'm actually on my way to a town in Hazaran. Tracking down Fiore.

>>2538207
dice+3d10 in Options

Speaking of which, roll me 3d10 for Valentina. Best of three.

Rolled 2, 2, 9 = 13 (3d10)

>>2538251

Rolled 4, 8, 4 = 16 (3d10)

>>2538251

Rolled 4, 10, 2 = 16 (3d10)

>>2538251

>>2538177
“I'm on my way to meet my handler,” you tell Valentina. “He'll be giving me more details about Fiore's last known whereabouts.”

“Fiore?” Valentina asks, seemingly concerned. “I didn't know she was missing.”

“You know her?”

Valentina nods. “She's a good girl. Hope you find her okay.”

“Hope is one thing,” you sigh sadly. “Expect... I just don't understand why they'd send the number twenty-five into Laura's territory all on her own, with no backup.”

Valentina shakes her head. “I couldn't tell you... say, you seem kinda familiar.”

“We may have seen each other at some point if you ever went to the capital as a child,” you admit. “I'm Hazari as well.”

“Ah, that explains it then,” she nods, seeming to accept that logic at face value. “You sound like you could be from the capital... and your name fits. Lots of kids got named after the princess, rest her soul.”

“You have a good ear, Valentina.”

“Well, I'd best be off,” she admits, setting down her fork. “Thanks, stranger.”

“Not a problem,” Lawrence shrugs. “Now I feel like I haven't properly repaid Noel though.”

“Eh, we come cheap,” Valentina shrugs, before leaving the building and disappearing down the road.

The ride back to Merced is uneventful, lasting another day or so before you and Lawrence eventually part ways.

“Good luck then, Noel,” he inclines his head. “If you ever need a place to stay and there's a merchant's guildhall nearby, try mentioning my name. I'll let a few people know I owe you that much.”

“I appreciate it,” you nod. “Take care of yourself.”

“Same to you.”
>1/2

>>2538307
Now then... to find Tomas.

“Excuse me,” you ask a random passerby who you actually have to physically bar from simply slipping past without acknowledging your presence. “Have you seen a man all in black arrive in town? It can't have been more than a few hours ago.”

She shakes her head and slips past you, practically running into a merchant's stall in her haste.

Wow. Some things never change.

>Try to find the old master, see if he can help you.
>There was a barmaid here. She might be working nearby.
>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.
>Other?

>>2538323
>>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.

Either he finds us or we get stoned to death.

>>2538323
>>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.
>Other: Find a tree or a large rock. Better put those new monk moves to practice. And read some more from that book.
CULTIVATION.

>>2538323
>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.

>>2538323
>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.
>Read monk book while we wait

>>2538323
>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.

>>2538323
>Just find a visible place and wait for Tomas to find you.
>Read the book.

>>2538323
>other;practice those new monk moves you learned.

>>2538323
You'd rather not bother Nina... part of your arrangement with the old man was to keep her safe from any repercussions from interacting too much with you. So instead you look for a nice, obvious place to wait for Tomas.

That ends up being on the steps to the cathedral, where you crack open your book again.
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 4, 6, 5 = 15 (3d10)

>>2538422

Rolled 1, 8, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>2538422
I was more hoping for actually practicing those moves.

Rolled 6, 10, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>2538422

File: Noel drinking a whiskey m(...).jpg (154 KB, 440x611)

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>>2538434
A good book that one is.

>>2538422
The extensive list of footwork gives extensive tips for how to move, and you soon find yourself setting your sword aside and working your way through a series of complicated movements that are supposed to cover all the basic tactical situations.

It's hard to keep on your toes like you're apparently supposed to, but you gradually feel like you're getting used to it. It's also possible to turn the foot you're stepping with in such a way that you can turn a full hundred and eighty degrees without ever halting your momentum. There are also sets to practice for striking to the left and to the right while maintaining a consistent pace, and several specific techniques you don't get to practice for getting back to your feet from prone.

Those could come in handy.

“I see you're enjoying yourself,” a somewhat familiar voice greets you.

You turn to see that Nina has walked up the steps.

“You shouldn't be here,” you tell her. “It's good to see that you're okay, but you shouldn't be here.”

“It'll be fine,” she assures you. “The old man gave a public speech about you shortly after you left.”

“I'm still not confident that will be enough,” you sigh.

“You should come by the pub I work at now if you get the chance,” Nina insists. “I'll oblige you for now... but not all of us are that bad, you know.”

You sigh again, conceding defeat. “I suppose you have a point. Thanks... for stopping by.”

“Sure!” she replies cheerfully, walking away to go back to whatever she was doing before she took the time out to greet you.

It was a much more welcoming experience than before, at very least.

“She seems lovely.”

And that would be the worst person in your life.

“Tomas.”
>1/2

>>2538535
“So you have more detailed information for me?”

Tomas motions for you to follow him to a bench in front of the cathedral, where he proceeds to throw some crumbs out of a small sack to a waiting flock of pigeons.

“Charity doesn't become you,” you grumble.

Your handler ignores your jab for now. “The town you're heading for is called Baiko. Have you heard of it?”
>3d10, best of four due to local knowledge

Rolled 2, 4, 2 = 8 (3d10)

>>2538545

Rolled 10, 5, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>2538545

Rolled 7, 8, 10 = 25 (3d10)

>>2538545

Rolled 6, 8, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>2538545

>>2538557
Noel must read. A lot. A lot a lot. Like a fucking lot a lot a lot a lot. Like Holy shit put down the fucking library you just stole.

>>2538623
But it was a fire sale! She had to strike while the deal was hot.

>>2538623
reading is useless if she doesn't practice what she read from the library from the Monastery of the Holy Lady that she stole.

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>>2538545
“That's the seat of one of the twenty house and labor tax collectors,” you recall. “A permanent position on the national assembly convened by the Kashag.”

“Excuse you,” Tomas replies.

“No,” you shake your head. “The Hazari word for the Cabinet which advises the King is 'Kashag'. Technically they're the highest government office, which convenes the national assembly and selects candidates among the arstocracy for the finance office, the mind, the foreign office, the taxation and record-keeping offices, and the regional offices.”

“Interesting you recall so much of the detail,” Tomas nods thoughtfully, “given how young you were. But what do you know about the town itself?”

“Not much,” you admit. “It's in the mountain district, so it's poor in agricultural resources. Rich in mineral wealth though, and some high-altitude crops like potatoes grow well there. They trade all their surplus down the slopes, mostly to the capital district.”

“There was word from Baiko of a 'voracious eater',” Tomas explains. “The number twenty-five's mission was to investigate these rumors to determine whether Laura's reassignment to the region was necessary.”

“A 'voracious eater', you say?” you muse, cocking an eyebrow at your handler. “You and I both know those aren't real.”

“There are in fact larger and meaner varieties of yōma,” Tomas asserts with a frown. “You can tell the difference between one of those and an Awakened Being, given the number of hunts you have been on. Normal humans cannot.”

“And so Fiore was not supposed to engage,” you summarize.

Tomas nods. “It seems she may not have followed those orders.”

>It sounds like that may be the case.
>Or her orders were inaccurate.
>Or she had no choice but to fight.
>Other?

>>2538674
>>Or she had no choice but to fight.

>>2538674
>>Or she had no choice but to fight.
We've already said she was a good girl, I doubt she'd go against orders like that without cause.

>>2538674
>>Or she had no choice but to fight.
An ambush is possible, or a sob story get the best of her. Don't know much about Claymore but I get the vibe having a bleeding heart can get you killed.

>>2538674
>>>Or she had no choice but to fight.

>>2538674
>>Or she had no choice but to fight.

>>2538674
>>Or she had no choice but to fight.
>Or got caught by surprise

>If a voracious eater was involved it'd be smart enough to take her out fast to avoid her coming back with help.


>>2538702
Given the strongest claymore ever took mercy on the future BBEG and ended up dying for it via losing her arms then getting beheaded, you are not wrong.

>>2538674
>other: regardless of possibilities, it was clear that the Yoma took the initiative, forcing Fiore's hand. Which means we're dealing with a Yoma that is "smart" enough and has experience dealing with claymores. Most likely it took advantage of Fiore's "bleeding heart".
>other: "is rescuing Fiore a greater priority than killing the voracious eater?"
Gotta get our priorities straight.

>>2538741
this.

>>2538674
“Or the hunter became the hunted,” you frown, understanding the implication. “Let's get this straight, Tomas, what is my priority supposed to be in this situation? Rescuing Fiore, gathering intelligence, or killing whatever yōma is responsible for this mess?”

“I anticipated that precise question, so I asked my own superiors,” Tomas admits. “Your priority is the information, first and foremost. If you get the chance to strike the yōma in question or you too find your hand forced, no one will complain.”

“The number twenty-five is not a major concern.”

So they've written Fiore off entirely, is that it?

“Do you disagree with your orders?”

It seems you weren't nearly as subtle in your anger as you'd hoped. Something about Valentina's concern for the 'good girl' she knew struck you as so... uncommonly genuine. You were the first to suggest that Fiore was probably dead, but to hear it so callously from someone else's mouth after having heard about her from someone who knew her means it feels so different.

You suppose that's the difference between personal and professional you were taught about in your 'training'.

>I do. If Fiore's still alive, I want to help her if I can.
>My agreement is irrelevant. I'll do my duty regardless.
>The Organization's priorities are logically sound.
>Other?

>>2538837
>The Organization's priorities are logically sound.
>Doesn't mean I have to LIKE it.

>>2538837
>>I do. If Fiore's still alive, I want to help her if I can.

Was she an offensive or defensive type? For all we know, she might be somewhere licking her wounds.

>>2538837
>>The Organization's priorities are logically sound.
>Doesn't mean I have to LIKE it.

>>2538851
yeah, this is good

>>2538837
>The Organization's priorities are logically sound...from an objective standpoint.
>other: that doesn't mean I like it.
>my prioritization of Fiora will be better adjusted if you let me know her type. Is she an offensive or defensive type? At least let me know.

>>2538869
This is good as well.

>>2538837
>>The Organization's priorities are logically sound.
Not much point in biting the hand that feeds you.

>>2538837
“Remind me... was Fiore an Offensive or a Defensive type?”

Tomas raises his eyebrow. “Offensive... if you were hoping that she might have holed up somewhere to lick her wounds you're going to be sorely disappointed I'm afraid.”

Damn. If she were a defensive type she might have been wounded but not killed, but with this last bit of information your hopes are just about dashed. There's almost no chance that she's not dead... or worse.

“Then the Organization has its priorities in order,” you admit. “Though I don't like it.”

“All you need to do is your duty,” Tomas reminds you.

In response you shoot him a sidelong glare. “I'm aware... and I still don't like it.”

“Where are you going?” Tomas asks as you begin to walk away.

“Baiko.”

“So soon?” he presses almost tauntingly.

“If there's any chance Fiore is still alive, every minute I waste bantering with you is another minute she could die. I don't have the time for you right now.”

“One of these days,” Tomas sighs, “one of those windmills is going to hit her back. I just hope I can be there to see it."

>>2538942
>“one of those windmills is going to hit her back. I just hope I can be there to see it."
As far as dickwads go at least this one has proper zingers.

>>2538942
And that's a wrap for this session! Thanks for turning out, the archive is up, and twitter and discord are still where they were last week. Hope you had fun reading, and see you next time I run.

I may drop a few updates here and there during the week, since next weekend I'll be abroad. So keep an eye on @QMKingofHearts for word on when that'll be happening.

>>2538960
Questions:
>Will there be a Claymore pastebin?
>In the future, are you gonna add more detail to the New Zeal Continent Map? Like roads and towns for starters?
>what did Tomas mean by “one of those windmills is going to hit her back. I just hope I can be there to see it."?

>>2539021
I think it's a Don Quixote reference?

>>2539025
Yeah, can’t help being a half-yoma warrior hero ex-princess or something like that

>>2538942
Fuck you Thomas, we'll survive just to screw with your head.

>>2538960
Omake Idea: Noel's first Yoma hunt.

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>>2539021
Have an updated map. More updates like this will be posted as Noel travels further afield.

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>>2542361
You are Noel Tiberius di Hazaran, and your current mission is one over which you have serious misgivings. Not because of your odds of success, but over the priorities you've been handed: information is primary, killing yōma secondary, and the well-being of your fellow warrior is dead last.

It reminds you of something your father taught you once, in one of his more lucid moments.

“Pay attention to how a man treats those he deems inferior,” he used to say. “Because that is how he would treat you if he thought he could get away with it.”

And what does it say about the Organization that they would cut Fiore loose so readily?

The road to Baiko is fairly impressive, well-cut into the sides of the rolling hills and carefully graded to control erosion. It shares its initial length with the artery which leads to the capital city, which means it takes you well out of your way at first before bending to the south. The road here becomes a little narrower, the bridges less impressive, and the erosion more noticeable.

At the end of the first day, after having crossed over into Hazaran to make your way southward, you stop at a roadside tea shop.

A single gold coin buys you a cup of steeped, lukewarm brown tea in a disposable clay cup, a spoonful or two of milk, and a little cookie with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

Taking a seat on a split log bench outside the little stall, you lower your dark hood and open your ears...
>3d10, taking the highest roll of three

Rolled 10, 6, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>2545186

Rolled 5, 2, 8 = 15 (3d10)

>>2545186

Rolled 9, 1, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>2545186

Rolled 2, 8, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>2545186

>>2545186
Gold isn't very valuable this days, it seems.

>>2545186
You overhear a few surprised comments about your presence here, which is to be expected. They're all hushed comments however and so that signals to you that nobody here is going to try and chase you off before you've finished your tea. Which isn't entirely unheard of, since people tend to forget their manners when they're afraid.

One strand of conversation however stands out from the rest, because it's neither about you nor is it about the more mundane business which brings these people here.

“... there's no way that can be true.”

“But what if it is true? An entire village, uncle...”

“I won't hear any more of this foolishness. Villages don't just disappear, Arban.”

“These days, would you really put such a statement to the test?”

“There are landslides in the high mountains this time of year...”

“And bandits.”

“Bandits don't destroy whole villages. They've got to leave something to rob.”

“Yōma, then.”

There's a slapping sound. “What have I told you about speaking of the unnatural, Arban?”

“Not to do it?”

“Good to see you remember.”

>Interrupt their conversation. What village was this, and how does one get there from here?
>It might be worth asking around the markets at Baiko while looking for Fiore there.
>That's it. You should go straight to the regional council in Baiko about this.
>Other?

>>2546468
>other: Tail "Arban" and ask a few questions to the boy once he's isolated away from his uncle and other superstitious Hazari. remind him not to speak of this to his relatives since that would cost him greatly. And leave him with that useful lesson dad taught you in your more lucid moments.

Children have a near-supernatural ability to overhear things they weren't meant to and be where they're not supposed to be. They also tend to move in packs and coordinate their actions surprisingly well despite limited communication ability.

They're kinda like velociraptors that way. And they're also useful little buggers since they aren't inclined to shun the supernatural, which conveniently includes claymores like Noel.

>>2546468
>>2546477
And make sure you aren't seen talking to "Arban". Wouldn't want to make things worse by feeding the local rumor mill.

>>2546477
>>2546468
Supporting

>>2546468
>>2546477
Seconding this.

>>2546468
Supporting >>2546477 With this >>2546480 addition

>>2546477
This is good

>>2546480
>>2546477
this

>>2546477
Count me in

>>2546477
Supporting this. Comparing children to velociraptors works for me.

>give me a 3d10, best of three, no hard dc

Rolled 8, 5, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>2547210

Rolled 10, 1, 6 = 17 (3d10)

>>2547210

Rolled 4, 4, 10 = 18 (3d10)

>>2547210

>>2547210
You turn your head to get a better look at the child who was talking about a village 'going missing, only to see that he actually seems to be in his mid to late teens. His uncle is an older man, already with a substantial amount of steel-grey hair.

It may be a little more difficult to get him alone so that he can speak to you without his uncle overhearing and putting a stop to it, but the plan remains the same.

After finishing their tea the two leave, and you follow not far after with your hood raised. The older man leads the way to a large covered wagon with two horses munching contentedly on some oats, and you watch them prepare the wagon to get under way. After wasting nearly half an hour of travel time your mark finally departs, the younger man sitting in the back of the wagon.

Convenient.

You let the wagon get a ways ahead of you, then make your move.
>3d10, DC 17, best of three

Rolled 2, 3, 2 = 7 (3d10)

>>2547401

Rolled 10, 6, 2 = 18 (3d10)

>>2547401

Rolled 9, 4, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>2547401

>>2547401
With a careful shuffle-step, you swiftly catch up with the wagon and vault into the back. The younger man stares at you for a moment before you instantly cup your hand over his mouth.

He stares into your eyes in terror as he realizes what you are.

“Don't struggle,” you order in a low voice. “I'm not here to cause problems, I just need to know more about this village you were talking about at the tea house... and I know from personal experience it's better for you if nobody knows I spoke with you.”

“Can I trust you not to shout?”

The young man nods slowly, your grip loosening ever so slightly to permit the gesture.

“Good.”

You tentatively release his face, and seeing that he isn't going to scream you lower your hand.

“What are...” the young man begins, but you shake your head.

“I'm not here for a conversation,” you insist, “I'm here for answers. I ask questions, you answer, then I leave.”

“What is the name of the town?”

“Anren,” the man informs you.

Anren... if memory serves that's a village near Baiko, within the same administrative district. “Remind me, what's there? How many inhabitants?”

“Maybe two thousand?” he offers. “It's a thermal springs village.”

Thermal springs... so not a mining town that could be taken for its iron or gold, and not a place that's known for its food production. So it really makes you wonder why bandits would bother taking it over.

“How long has it been out of contact?”

“Two weeks, at least.”

Two weeks... you can't say for sure whether that timeline dovetails neatly with Fiore's disappearance or not. But it certainly seems like it keeps the possibility open. “And how do you get there from here?”

“You'd have to go through Baiko,” he tells you, “then head a day's travel east into the mountains. The road is clearly marked.”

>Thank you. That's all I need to know. (Leave)
>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?
>I have another question for you (Other?)

>>2547747
>>Thank you. That's all I need to know. (Leave)

>>2547747
>>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?

>>2547747
>Thank you. That's all I need to know. (Leave)

>>2547747
>Thank you. That's all I need to know. (Leave)

>>2547747
>>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?
Just because she's not supposed to be a priority doesn't mean we can't piece together some intel on her situation.

>>2547747
>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?

>>2547747
>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?
Say one of us instead of claymore

>>2547747
>>>Thank you. That's all I need to know. (Leave)

>>2547747
>>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?
>Or anything else strange or unnatural?

>>2548436
>>2548436
>>2547747
supporting asking anything strange or supernatural.

>>2547747
>
>Have you or your uncle heard of another 'Claymore' in Baiko?

Might be able to update again some time today, but I'll probably be traveling all day so don't be too surprised if it doesn't end up happening.

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>>2549254
“One last question,” you tell the young man. “Have you or your uncle heard any rumors about... well, about people like me being in Baiko?”

He shakes his head. “We travel a lot, so we haven't been back for a while. And with you Claymores wandering around so much, never staying for long... it's just not very noteworthy, so most people don't talk about it.”

Ah. For as much of a stir as your appearances cause, the furor dies off the moment you leave... and not only that, but a Claymore showing up barely warrants starting a rumor. You're not sure whether that says more about the transitory way you are obliged to live out your life, or more about the people you supposedly serve that they attach so little lasting importance to you.

“Thank you for the information.”

“Are you talking to yourself back there?” the uncle calls back from the front seat of the wagon.

You don't stick around long enough to hear the response, because you're gone practically the second the young man turns away from you to reply to his uncle.

With a better idea where you're going you try your best to make up time with a forced march, pushing on through the night even as other travelers have sought shelter to rest just off the side of the road. Some catch glimpses of you moving through the shadows, always skirting around the edge of the light offered by their campfires like some sort of wraith that once gone is best forgotten. Eventually the pre-dawn dim allows you to see the countryside you're passing, the lesser mountains of Hazaran all around you. In the distance you can even see the outlines of the greatest of the soaring peaks in the distance, among the highest in the world, perpetually shrouded in ice and snow.

The light causes the hillsides to glow and the snowcaps to glisten, the mountain air perfectly clear and the clouds unusually absent for this time of year. Before you lies the valley of Baiko, where the main town rests slightly higher up the valley towards the peaks.

The time for breakfast passes, and before midday you arrive in Baiko proper. Low houses, almost all of which are bleached as white as the snow, are the dominant style here, much more loosely packed than elsewhere due to the lower population. Only a few compounds and more obviously well to-do neighborhoods have protective walls of any note: the main defense here is the presence of an actual Hazari garrison, a typical playing-card shape on a slight rise above the rest of the town with its own stony walls and watch towers. The garrison used to number some thousand men back in the time of the king... you can't say what things are like now.

>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus.
>Head for the heart of town. The civil administrator changes every few years based on merit, but they'll have more extensive records.
>Head for the market, where you'll be sure to hear something... reliable or otherwise.
>Other?

>>2550737
>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus.

>>2550737
>>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus.

>>2550737
>>Head for the heart of town. The civil administrator changes every few years based on merit, but they'll have more extensive records.

>>2550737
>>Head for the heart of town. The civil administrator changes every few years based on merit, but they'll have more extensive records.

>>2550737
>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus.

>>2550737
>>Head for the heart of town. The civil administrator changes every few years based on merit, but they'll have more extensive records.

Bit afraid that the military governor might recognize us if he was the governor back in the day.

>>2550737
>other: disguise our face by changing our hairstyle (without cutting our hair), cover one of our eyes with our bangs and wear our hood down.
Remember, our nation is supposed to know that Noel is dead. What would happen if the people find out that not only that their beloved princess is alive, but she's become a witch? Think of the people lads!

>>2550737
>>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus.
time to see if its even remotely possible for anyone to know us, i want the drama on that.

>>2550835
This, change our appearance

>>2550835
>delicious dangling plothook
>FUCK THIS PLOTHOOK
everytime.

>>2550737
>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus.

>>2550855
it's limited exposure only to certain party members. this is just to make sure the mass populace don't go in a huge hysteria about it. otherwise the Yoma will just push us around by targeting our citizens in broad daylight. or is that what you really want?. Open warfare against the Yoma in Hazaran with the people supporting Noel? wait... *thinks*

>>2550896
And NOW he catches on.

>>2550780
>not wanting to secretly gather supporters and stage our own coup

>>2550737
>>Head for the heart of town. The civil administrator changes every few years based on merit, but they'll have more extensive records.

>>2550737
>>Head for the fortress. The military governor here used to be a reliable man by the name of Claudius Noventus

New here but I like what I'm seeing, where are we currently timeline-wise? Pre- or post-Theresa?

>>2551468
Timeline who knows, but completely different continent, we're geographically separated from Canon by a probably very large ocean. By Queen's own word, nobody from Canon nor the area will be appearing.

>>2551480
Huh. That works too.
Though I guess that means we won't get to meet any of the Ghosts.

>>2551480
wait are we on the main continent?
cause if so thar be dragons and shit, and thats fucking horrifying.

>>2551969
Nah, another island from what I understood.

I guess we're site 2.

>>2551480
>>2552318
And guns are a thing, so could be centuries after.

>>2552325
Or the organisation has been influencing things to create different conditions for their experiments.

>>2551468
More like we're in an alternate timeline where the setting's different since it's on a different island continent (for now?) and that there's no mention of any Priscilla-esque debacle for now. There's a lot of plothooks that I'm seeing in the background through implications and context when it comes to the international political events that's going on ever since Noel got kicked out of her castle and became a claymore.

I'll be writing, so give me 3d10 to try and make Noel look less like herself.
>DC 18, critical 26

Rolled 8, 1, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>2552636
>inb4 the first villager that we come across immediately recognizes Noel and screams it to the rest of the town.

Rolled 9, 1, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>2552636

Rolled 6, 7, 3 = 16 (3d10)

>>2552636

>>2552636
I dearly hope you have access to your discord. There's a picture present waiting for you.

Rolled 8, 2, 7, 10 = 27 (4d10)

>>2552636
The man who used to run this garrison was a general by the name of Claudius Noventus, a seasoned officer in the Hazari border guard. As you recall the military officials throughout the nation serve for much longer terms as the qualifications to run a garrison are much more practically-oriented rather than civilian positions within the national assembly and under the kashag cabinet. So while there may have been a half dozen or more people to serve as the administrator in Baiko, it's possible that the commander of the garrison is the same old reliable officer.

So you figure your best bet would be to see if general Noventus is still around, and tap him for information if possible. But there's a catch... in your 'past life', Noventus definitely saw your face and more importantly your hair. There's a chance, however remote, that the crafty old man could recognize you.

That's why you take a moment to duck into an alleyway and untie your elaborate hairstyle, instead pulling it into a low, loose ponytail that's as nondescript as you can manage. With a little effort you also stretch your vocal cords a little... not to disguise your voice so much as get it as far from the childish tone you would have had the last time Noventus ever had a chance to see you.

Short of that... its really all you can do to disguise yourself.

The fortress isn't what you expect, having been built up over the years into something more closely resembling a walled town with the footprint of a large playing card. The walls are about twice as thick as you are tall at the base, thinning to a quarter that near the top where a grown man can comfortably walk. Inside the outline are dozens of buildings in several styles and materials, ranging from red brick to whitewashed plaster to half-timber with mustard yellow paint. It's honestly striking to see up close, and it appears to be the result of civilians and traders having taken up residence within the defensive perimeter while soldiers are housed in more permanent barracks near the gates and the towers at each corner.

Your guess is that the general will probably be in an office of his own near the barracks, something less ostentatious than the newer constructions, and you find a likely candidate shortly after arrival. Beyond a dark wooden door set into a heavy frame is a warmly-lit interior, where a number of men dressed in typical Hazari military garb.
>QM must roll for something