>>2558167
“I’m choosing to ignore that comment.” Henry said plainly.

“I… oh… okay.” Victor replied getting up. “Are you uh…”

“Yeah I’m coming along.”

“Can I have that cup of coffee from you?” Henry asked.

“I…no?” Victor replied, confused. “We… uh… I can make you a cup back at the barracks. It’s just a little ways away after all.”

“It… it was a joke Victor, obviously.” Henry said, patting the man on the back.

It hadn’t been a joke. Henry really did feel like getting coffee right now. He’d just have to survive this meeting and then he’d be home free.

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

Henry quickly arrived at the barracks with Victor in tow. The whole town had been quickly cleaned up, most of the corpses had been hauled outside the walls and would be placed back into the ground if at all possible. They would just be placed into a mass consecrated grave. It’d be far too much work to ID the bodies. Nobody generally complained, at least usually. People were of course welcome to try and ID bodies. Henry didn’t really know the procedures involved in that fun activity.

The Barracks was fairly quiet, except for Durance and Clarence playing a game of checkers in one of the side rooms, a simple board with simple wooden pieces, one set of them stained red with some sort of natural dye.

As Henry was led into Lar’s office, he froze up. Sitting at the table wasn’t Lar, it was Inquisitor Grom.
“Hello Henry, I hope you don’t mind having a little chat, come have a seat.”

On the table was a small metronome, clicking back and forth, it hadn’t been there when Henry had last come into this office, that much he was sure of.

>>2558188
Henry did as he was told, Grom, while cordial, was god damned terrifying. He WAS an Inquisitor after all, and an old one at that. Henry quickly checked the room for escape routes. The room’s couple of windows were far too small to fit through, a security measure that barred escape.

“Cathar, could you give us a bit of privacy, please.” Grom said.

A moment later, the two of them were alone.

“I think you’re a smart man Henry, why do you think I’ve brought you here under false pretenses?”

Decisions:
1. “Are you made I did your job for you twice?”
2. “Is…is this about the payment deal I worked out with Lar?”
3. “I honestly have no idea.”
4. *be honest?* (specify what you’d say)
5. “Look, this is all a misunderstanding I’m sure.”
6. “I’ve saved a lot of people, twice, do you really have any reason to doubt me?”
7. Write in.

>>2558232
>“Is…is this about the payment deal I worked out with Lar?”

>>2558232
>3. “I honestly have no idea.”
>(internally: OHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAP)

>>2558378
>>2558409
writing!

>>2558232
“Is… is this about the payment deal I worked out with Lar?” Henry asked.

“That… is a different and only a slightly less important matter, Henry.” Grom said, sighing to himself a bit. “I suppose I understand why you won’t talk about it.”

Grom clicked the metronome again, since it had begun to wind down on its own.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

“Henry, why do you have the royal heir with you?”

Decisions:
1. Say something (write in)
2. “I have no idea what you’re talking about” (roll charisma 1d100+20)
3. Cast a spell (write in what spell)
4. Make a break for it
5. Try to use your weapon on Grom
6. Write in

>>2558550
>1. Say something (write in)
Why do you think the kid is some royal heir?
>2. “I have no idea what you’re talking about”

>>2558550
Alright, LK, I'm writing this out of character, because I don't want to be the only one who steers this particular vote. This seems like a pretty important choice, and I don't want to be the one guy who votes on it and then gets shat on for not choosing what everyone else wants. Personally, I would like to tell him about how we found Charles, and then have that lead into what our spells are, and then being offered permanent employment by the Inquisition as sort of a MIB so long as Charles gets to live and Johnny stays with us, but it's too much of a long shot, and I'd like to hear some sort of agreement or argument regarding my idea before I put it down as an OFFICIAL VOTE. So I'm just going to wait this out so people can see where I'd like this to go and either go with it or bring up their own ideas, okay?

Rolled 1 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>2558696
oops..roll

Rolled 93 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>2558702

>>2558696
>>2558702
>>2558706
WELL, NEVER FUCKING MIND THEN.

>"...First off, could you double check to see if Rosa's at the door again?"
>"...Grom. I know that you're a pretty stand up kind of guy. You're skilled with a bow and your words, and from the few days I've known you've tried to do your best to maintain some sort of justice. I might not see you as a friend, but you've got my respect at least. That being said, I'm going to clam up until you promise me

>>2558710
Goddamnit, cut off the last bit.


>"...First off, could you double check to see if Rosa's at the door again?"
>"...Grom. I know that you're a pretty stand up kind of guy. You're skilled with a bow and your words, and from the few days I've known you've tried to do your best to maintain some sort of justice. I might not see you as a friend, but you've got my respect at least. That being said, I'm going to clam up until you promise me that if I can't get my ass out of this, you're going to at least make sure the kid isn't going to get removed from the equation. And in writing, please."

>>2558702
calling it a night early, I've worked a long shift today and I have another one tomorrow. I gotta get to bed.

>>2558710
Sorry- I was trying to get dice rolling figured out when your post went up I was on a 'waiting"countdown before my roll post could go and didn't see your post. The second post is a good way to go - check for Rosa and the stand up guy talk.
I don't think they are inclined to break with Church/ Angel decree. Maybe Grom will - but they didn't seem inclined to do so before, nor here. There is bending (smuggling) and there is breaking rules or orders from on-high.

>>2558912
Well, regardless of if they'd be interested in what I typed out, I think we're going to have a real bad time, thanks to the critfail you just rolled.

Man, that's some bad timing for a natural 1...

Man, don't say anything about rosa, please. That's so, I don't know, cheesy.
We're also In no position to negotiate.

>>2558550
How did you know?

>>2558702
I hope we just completely lose our spaghetti and don't make Grom mad or anything

>>2558550
>Say something (write in)
What makes you think I'm traveling with the heir?

>>2558550
> 2. “I have no idea what you’re talking about” (roll charisma 1d100+20)

>>2558702
I REALLY want to use this crit fail 1, even with the +20 and the good roll, but its up to you boys, do you want Henry to be cool or to just panic.

>>2559908
Lurking

>>2559908
Clearly the "We don't know he's the heir" will not fly. - we hide him, keep him way from the Inquisitors, etc. The metronome is likely some sort of truth detector, truth compulsion or perhaps a local barrier of silence, otherwise why have it? He wasn't practicing music.
I think we can try to hold a cool collected defense position. Kid is not bad and murder of children should be right up with the worst wrongs. ( there is always Lightning Talons if it all goes sideways, or redo try with the Mind Shift).

>>2559908
You're the QM.
Let him lose all of his spaghetti. All of it. Even that he didn't even know he had.

>>2560142
>>2560136
>>2559717
>>2559672
>>2559350
>>2558931
>>2558912
>>2558727
>>2558710
>>2558706
>>2558702
>>2558701
>>2558696
Gonna be writing in about an hour, I've figured a fun way to combine the good roll with the crit fail roll. So I'm gonna go with that.

File: 32257647_1829199370476888(...).jpg (79 KB, 720x718)

79 KB JPG

>>2561502
Oh noes!

>>2558550
Henry panicked for a moment before collecting himself. He’d successfully lied to VAMPIRES in the past, so this should be no problem.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Henry said, pretending to be truly confused. “The… the royal heir died back in the palace when the church forces attacked it. I heard that around Celeste a week or so ago. How the hell could he be with me? A nobody?”

Grom stared at Henry for a moment, then raised an eyebrow.

“I must say Henry, you’re one of the best liars I’ve ever met, and considering my line of work that says a lot. Sadly, I do have a spot of proof.”

Grom slowly reached into his jacket. Making a show of being nonthreatening, then slowly drawing out a single piece of paper, a photograph of sorts, then he laid it out on the table. It was obviously a copy of the original but it showed the royal family at some sort of event. The King, the Queen, a son and a daughter, and further back, with some servants, looking out of place, was a younger Charles, who had been circled with red ink. Although the age difference was not nearly enough for Charles to pass as somebody else, Grom had him dead to rights.”

“It took me a little bit to realize who he was Henry. I still don’t know who you are exactly. I don’t recognize you as a member of the royal court, you certainly aren’t a member of the church and you don’t seem the type to be affiliated with any order of paladin. You also don’t seem to be a guild mage, despite Cassius’ assurances… he’s far too trusting of people sometimes.”

Henry began to panic internally; this was very, very bad.

Decisions:
1. Try to explain (write in)
2. Cast a spell (write in what spell)
3. Try to make a break for it
4. Attack Grom with your shortsword
5. *let him continue.*
6. Write in

File: 1422488176765.jpg (6 KB, 225x225)

6 KB JPG

>>2561929
>6. Write in
Ree at them.
So what of it? I see a giant rat thing attacking people and i go and help them, and find the only survivor is a kid. So i agree to help him.
Are you saying that I shouldn't help someone being attacked by monsters?
Fuck that.
If I was to NOT help people beset by monsters where the hell would that leave you?
Where would it leave the town?
Hell where would it leave this settlement that was besieged by a fucking horde?
FUCKING ANNIHILATED
FUCKING HELPING PEOPLE REGUARDLESS OF THEIR SOCIAL STANDING IS WHAT THE CHURCH IS SUPPOSED TO DO
BUT NOOOOOOO
YALL ARE TOO FACINATED WITH GAINING RANK WITHIN SOCIETY AND TRYING TO RULE THE PEOPLE YALL STOPPED HELPING THEM
NOW IT'S JUST STOMP THE LITTLE ONES TO GET A NICE POSITION TO KISS THIS NICE ASS INFRONT OF ME SO I CAN GET A MORE JEWEL ENCRUSTED ROBE
FUCKING SHIT ASS HELL BITCHES
REEEEEEEEE

Ready lightning at the same time, just in case.

>>2561929
>5. *let him continue.*
Followed by >>2562045's REE suggestion.

Someone please post something better than me >>2562045
Cause I'm tired and lack mental processes.

>>2562074
I've known him for long enough to know this is the truth

>>2562073
QM fiat, no fucking memes

>>2562121
Well, just let him continue then.

>>2562045
>>2562073
writing I guess

>>2561929
> 5. *let him continue.*

See where this goes.

>>2562233
I'm cool with this as well. Let's see what Grom lays on the table.

>>2561929
“Look, Henry.” Grom started. “I’m not going to harm you or the boy… I’ve already had to harm one boy this trip and I don’t know if I could bring myself to harm a second.”


He must’ve been referring to Jonathon… right he had been involved in taking him in after all.


“What?” Henry asked. “What do you mean?” He didn’t believe it, not for a moment.


“I doubt you believe me Henry, but I DO have a conscience, the job DOES get to me at times, and if the church seriously believes I’m going to hunt down and turn over an innocent child to a hangman then they can throw me on the noose as well.”


Henry didn’t fucking believe it… was he going to live?


“Regardless Henry, I want to know your motives here, why are you doing this? When we first met… well, you struck me as a bit of a sociopath. I’ve certainly met plenty during my travels, some even within the order, and I could respect your ability to get things done… but why the child? What do you gain from it?” Grom continued.


“I….” Henry began. “Look, I’m really just doing this outta the kindness of my heart, is that so hard to believe?” Henry asked.


“To tell you the truth Henry, you never struck me as the sort of person who COULD do something out of the kindness of his heart. The first time you helped with the New Haven incident, you were being paid quite handsomely, even with the risk involved. During this little attack, from what I’ve gathered, you got swept up into events rather than willingly risking your life. I could be incorrect of course, but that’s just my educated guess.”


Decisions:
1. “I’ve done your fucking jobs twice now.”
2. “What gives you the right to sit here and judge me.”
3. “Is it really so hard to believe that I can be a good person?”
4. “First of all, ouch, second of all, thank you for not deciding to kill me.”
5. “So where does Cassius factor into all of this?”
6. Write in.

>>2562309
>4. “First of all, ouch, second of all, thank you for not deciding to kill me.”
>6. Write in.

The first time I helped was pure greed and fear of you and Cassius. I'll admit I was reluctant, same as this incident. Why? Frankly, I'm trying to escort a child to safety. I have no desire to draw more attention to myself than I have to.

You're probably right. I've lived a hard life since I was a child and it has made me into a strange adult. Gotta say, though, seeing the kid in a similar situation as I was in did affect me. I'm a stubborn man, but some things do manage to pierce that barrier

>>2562309
> 4. “First of all, ouch, second of all, thank you for not deciding to kill me.”

> Second of all, just because I'm a little self serving instead of a zealot doesn't mean I'm a monster either. I share a similar history to the kid and, well, I guess it's still for selfish reasons but I want him to be able to avoid some of the same mistakes I made. Mistakes about revenge and such.

Suggested?

> 4. “First of all, ouch, second of all, thank you for not deciding to kill me.”

. 6. Write in.
THIRD, I was an orphan, I got a soft spot for them. I was a street kid. How do you think i get to know your smuggler pal? The kid needed to get out of Celeste. He was supposed to go to York where maybe he could be safe. Now he's got all sparkles in his eyes with ideas of being a hero. Maybe he can - he can see the ward runes flickering. I couldn't see that. They looked fine to me. He's got some talent with the white mana, I was going to see if Rosa would teach him some healing.

>>2562353
>>2562391
>>2562396
yeah - combo.

>>2562309
>4. “First of all, ouch, second of all, thank you for not deciding to kill me.”
>"I guess you've got a point, there... I'll be frank, I've lived a shitty, shitty life. So when Charles just sort of lands in my life in a situation that I couldn't help but notice vaguely resembles what had happened to me, I figured I might find some small bit of good in me in keeping him from making the same mistakes and bad decisions that I made. I've done things I've regretted, and I saw that if this kid doesn't have someone to help guide him, then he might end up doing what I did. Worse yet, what that Necromancer's apprentice did. And take it from me, what I've done has haunted me for a long, LONG time."

>>2562396
>>2562391
>>2562353
writin

>feel free to add on!

>>2562309
“First of all, ouch, second of all, thank you for deciding to not kill me.” Henry said.


Grom stared a moment before chuckling a bit.


“A wise ass till the end, no wonder Cassius took such a liking to you.” Grom replied, loosening up a tiny bit. “But please go on.”


“Look, I was … I was orphaned when I was much younger.” Henry said, looking at the floor, his expression going blank. “I…I saw a bit of myself in the kid, he had nobody, like I used to. I couldn’t do anything back then, and I wanted to do SOMETHING now. If I hadn’t done a thing, I don’t think I could’ve lived with myself, you have to understand that.” Henry said.


“I…I’ve lived a shitty shitty life.” Henry started.


“You DO know Duncan somehow.” Grom responded. “I won’t pry further into that particular friendship but I know you aren’t exactly a good eye of the church.”


“Look, I’ve done things I’ve regretted, things I can’t fix, and well, I want to make sure I do SOMETHING right. For once.” Henry said, he’d never opened up like this to anyone besides Johnny before. That was only because he could trust Johnny completely, Johnny PHYISCALLY couldn’t betray him.


“I…I’ve made a lot of mistakes, so I wanted to make sure the kid survived, didn’t make the same ones I had made. I don’t know, I guess he’d be dead so it’d be a moot point… I just.”


“You seem to have a lot of guilt over something that happened.” Grom said. “Do you care to tell me about it?”


Henry’s face darkened, a primal anger surfaced, barely controlled.


“Grom, you’re a much better person than I am, do not pry into this, even with your position… especially… you wouldn’t last a week in the capital, knowing anything about it.”

“Is that a threat?” Grom said, becoming serious.


“It’s not a threat, it’s just a warning… I view you as a good person Grom, PLEASE for the love of god above do not force me to reveal anything about it.” Henry replied. “Just… lets continue, please.”


“Fine, I don’t suppose it’s important to this matter. Still, it’s quite amazing you go on trying to negotiate here. You have quite a bit of bravery, I know you aren’t stupid.”


“Thanks.” Henry said, trying to find the right words. “The kid… he’s a good person, better than me. He… he’s curious and well, has a lot of magical potential... I just… I want to do something with my life, damn it. I want to be able to point and say, I did SOMETHING that wasn’t selfish, for once.”


Grom didn’t say anything for several minutes, the man was thinking.


“I’m going to let you go Henry, with a few conditions.” Grom said, before hitting the metronome again to keep it going.


Decisions:
1. “Do I even have a choice?”
2. “Fine”
3. “No”
4. Use a spell (name spell)
5. “What about Cassius?”
6. Write in

>>2562497
>1. “Do I even have a choice?”
>2. “Fine”
>5. “What about Cassius?”

>>2562497
“Do I have a choice?” Henry asked.

“Do you wish to try your luck?” Grom responded. Watching as Henry slowly backed down.

Henry resigned himself to his fate, “Fine.” He replied.

“I have a grand total of three conditions.” Grom replied.

“The first being I wish you to leave town before moonrise tonight, I’m… well I’m somewhat conflicted about betraying my oath, to tell you the truth here, Henry. I’d rather not give myself to chance to reconsider this.”

“No problem, I wasn’t planning on staying past this afternoon anyway.” Henry replied.

“Secondly, since I understand you’re heading to Yorkshire, I want you to make sure Rosa arrives there safely. Even with your faults I know you won’t bring harm to the girl.”

“Why?” Henry replied.

“Because I gave her my word I’d help her get to her destination, and she’s been invaluable during our time in New Haven and here… besides you should be a bit more grateful, the woman did save your life.” Grom continued. “I ALWAYS keep my word, unlike quite a few people I’ve met, believe it or not.”

“I can do that.” Henry replied, sighing. “I am not a fan of her personality however.”

“Odd, the Matron of New Haven… Elda I believe here name was, had similar things to say about the woman. Still, her skill is unquestionable… and I suppose she’ll be needed there.”

“What about Cassius, how hasn’t he already killed me and the boy?”

“For one, our orders were to bring the boy back to Celeste alive, and two, do you really think Cassius would take the time to go over his NOTES, on a mere HUNCH?” Grom asked.

“Fair point.” Henry replied. “Where is he anyway.”

“Entertaining our guest… I figured the screams would make our chat… uncomfortable.”

Henry was once again reminded of exactly who these people were.

“The last condition?” Henry asked.

“The payment. Will be given. To its PROPER owners.” Grom replied. “That action of yours was a bit of a slap in the face, although I suppose I’m not surprised by it. Admittedly, the townsfolk were extremely brash with their actions, and it’s by sheer miracle that the entire force wasn’t wiped out. They would’ve been without your help of course, so I cannot be too angry. Regardless, you will be allowing us to collect our payment for this job.”

He wanted HIS pay? His money? FUCK FUCK FUCK. HE HAD EARNED THAT, FAIRLY EVEN.

Decision:
1. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
2. “I accept everything.”
3. “I accept everything, but seriously, fuck you Grom.”
4. “Fuck you Grom.”
5. “Fine, I don’t like any of this, but I don’t have a choice.”
6. Write in

>>2562602
> 3. “I accept everything, but seriously, fuck you Grom.”
> 4. “Fuck you Grom.”

This shit right here is why we're usually selfish. God damn it.

>>2562602
>6. Write in
>"Ugggggh. (place head on desk) Fine.

"...Mind if I keep the original deal I made with Lar for checking the runes for a meal at the inn?"

>>2562628
>>2562639
writing, got a fun idea for this

>>2562602
Say, LK, if we told Grom that we accept but that he should still go fuck himself, would that lock us out of getting more jobs from him? Because I kinda want to see and work with these guys again. The pay is good, and we're not dealing with crazy bloodsucking S&M freaks.

>>2562686
its more of a playful fuck you than a serious one

>>2562688
Okay, because if it was a "I'll do it, but forget me working for you assholes ever again" fuck you I'd have to do a hard pass on it.

>>2562602
“I accept everything, but seriously, fuck you Grom.” Henry said, half meaning it. In his anger he’d forgotten who he’d been talking to.

“Excuse me?” Grom asked.

He’d already committed at this point.

“Fuck you Grom.” Henry said. “I earned that money fair and square, and you know that, I risked my FUCKING NECK OUT THERE!”

Henry began to rant and rave before finally tiring out, placing his head on the desk in exhaustion. His fists hurt, he must’ve been banging on the desk, he hoped he hadn’t done anything too drastic.

“Ughhh.”

“Alright Henry, you’ve had your moment. You’re upset and you have every reason to be.” Grom said, leaning in close. “Now get the fuck out of this room.” He continued, still maintaining his air of placid calm.

Henry slowly got up, still looking at Grom with some small flashes of anger, before cracking a grin.

“Got me good you bastard.”

“I certainly did.” Grom replied. “I wasn’t joking though, get out.”

Decisions:
1. Stay in town for a couple hours to celebrate
2. Leave immediately, no point wasting more time here
3. Go practice your spell, then leave town.
4. Write in

>>2562703
> 2. Leave immediately, no point wasting more time here

Getting supplies and stuff first.

>>2562703
Oh wait we should talk to whoever it is that we rescued, Larry or Lars? That dude. We should say goodbye in case he has any gifts for us.

>>2562724
Larry was the one we rescued. Lar was the head Cathar of the town.

>>2562703
"Not before I get the meal I'm owed, alright? See you around, Grom. Come see me if you've got more work."

>>2562719
Mind if we get the meal we were owed from Lar before we leave?

I'll give you one anyway. Just because these poor saps need the help.

I didn't see anything wrong with the rune wards - the boy did. Said they are flickering. That is how the zombies got to the village and to the church wall. I have no idea what that is about. Now that is your fish Grom.

>>2562703
".... Thanks, Grom. It's a real surprise that one of the most decent people I've met in my life is an Inquisitor"

>>2562719
>>2562724
>>2562726
>>2562730
>>2562764
>>2562778
writing!

>>2562764
I don't think that is so important as you think it is. Even the guarding Cathar saw that. We just didn't linger enough to catch it happening.

>>2562703
“Look Grom, can I at least get that meal I was owed?” Henry asked.

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with our payment, I don’t mind.” Grom replied. “Just don’t be here after sundown.”

“Look Grom… the rune ward failed, I know it sounds unbelievable but-“

“We… we’re well aware Henry, it’s far more serious than we imagined….” He said, before stopping himself, he might’ve said too much.

Henry walked out of the room uncertain, but he REALLY needed a drink. He quickly brought the other Inquisitors with them. Durance ran off to the wall to retrieve Lar, but the old man said he was perfectly fine up there. He wanted to youngins to have their fun. Johnny didn’t want to come of course, he needed to stay with Charles, and besides it was too much of a risk. Larry was obviously there, having the time of his life. A bunch of the other villagers were as well, treating all of them like god damned hero’s. Henry could see Ishfeld at the bar, smug as all hell, this would probably go a long way towards getting his wall repaired. The nevermore had smashed into the upper floor the night prior.

The Cathars were having a bit of merry gambling with some of the townsfolk, including a woman Henry remembered from the prior day. She must’ve been Larry’s mother, the Hamlet’s blacksmith.

Decisions:
1. Talk to Larry
2. Talk to Durance
3. Talk to Clarance
4. Talk to Victor
5. Talk to Ishfeld
6. Get a god damned drink (write in name of drink)
7. Write in

>>2562719
we can assume Johnny has this covered. Unless you wish to pick up a couple things of your own. If so write them in, and be aware this is a small hamlet, selection will be limited.

>>2562793
> 6. Get a god damned drink (write in name of drink)

Sour Corn Mash.

> Talk to Lar

See if he has any connection to the next town we could use.

>>2562793
>1. Talk to Larry
>2. Talk to Durance
>3. Talk to Clarance
>5. Talk to Ishfeld
>6. Get a god damned drink (write in name of drink)
Glad to see this place still standing.

>Get some mead with juniper berries, some venison stew and brown bread for us (and Charles, if he's there).

>>2562809
these are all write in

>totally my bad on that

>>2562821
Oh. Well, hmm...

I suppose ordering some drinks for the guards as thanks and congratulations to start would do. After that, talk to Larry about his usual routes and people who work with him regularly, so we can get a message back to him if we need help or just to say hi. For Ishfeld, order food from him and ask him how the inn fared under the attack, then get regaled about how him, his father, his father's father, and his father's father's father never had the tavern taken away from them for long, for however many generations it was before we sort of get mercifully pulled away by Larry.

>>2562793
You didn't include my bit >>2562778
:(

>>2562840
I dun fucked up D:

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2562807
>>2562809
flipping a coin for drink selection then writing

>>2562793
Henry really needed something to drink, coffee sure as shit wasn’t going to cut it. He approached the bar and sat down near Larry, who had a couple of empty mugs around him already.

“Henry!” Larry called out, slapping Henry on the back. “Good ya made it!”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Henry said. “Ey barkeep, get me a whiskey.”

“We have some corn mash whiskey in the back I think.” Ishfeld said, ducking into a back room.

“I’m paying for your drinks Henry!” Larry said.

“No no, I pay for my own god dam-“ Henry started.

“I ain’t asking.” Larry said, shooting Henry smug grin. “Hell, I think everyone here would wanna buy ya’s a drink!”

“I don’t feel like getting completely destroyed right now.” Henry said. “Sides I’m a mage… you are too for what it’s worth…” Henry said. “Forget it, sure, order me a fuckin drink.”

“Thattaboy!” Larry said, slamming a couple copper coins onto the table.

“Look, can I at least order you Cathars something to drink?” Henry asked, trying to spread a bit of goodwill around.

“Yes!” Victor and Durance called out.

Clarence said nothing. The man was deep into a game of dice with the blacksmith, Mary. The woman seemed to be winning.

(-20 copper)

“So Larry, do you have any contacts back in… uh, you know?” Henry asked, eyeing the Cathars for a moment.

“You uh… you know Nessie?” Larry asked. “She set me up with a few gigs around town.”

“No fucking way.” Henry said. “You know that old bat?”

“I think everybody down there knows that crazy pagan.” Larry replied, “Ask her about me alright, she’ll send you my way, or send me to you, whatever’s easier.”

“Do you not want to get a better plan together?” Henry asked.

“Pfft, you REALLY don’t know me all that well then.” Larry replied, drawing a laugh from Mary. A few of the others chuckled as well.

>>2562921
“Look, how’s about we meet back at Nessie’s two weeks from today? Work for you?” Larry asked. “Noon sharp?”

“I can probably make that.” Henry replied. Fucking hell this guy, there was brash and bold and then there was… well… this!

“So Ishfeld, how’s the tavern doing with the hole in it?” Henry asked.

“Bout as well as you could expect… why my father…” Ishfeld began.


Oh please god no.


It was several minutes before a drunken Larry managed to pull Henry away from the bar.


What followed was about another hour of merriment, Henry having a few more drinks, and general good times all around. A little while ago the Cathar’s had left, probably to get some more sleep or get back to their duties. It was just him, Larry, and that blacksmith Mary. Plus a few other townsfolk who had stuck around.


“Look Henry, I didn’t get the chance to really say thanks, but look, man to man, thanks.” Larry said. “I dunno if I’ll ever repay ya for this.”


“To be honest.” Henry said, slightly drunk himself now. “I saved you by complete accident.”


Larry burst out laughing. “Fucks sake, what?”


“I actually just saved you so I wouldn’t get lynched!” Henry said, drawing more laughter from Larry.

“You’re too fuckin much mate!” Larry said, bawling with laughter now. The liquor was clearly working its magic.


The two chatted a bit longer before Inquisitor Grom entered the bar, briefly waved to Henry, and took a seat.

Decisions:
1. Leave the bar
2. Talk to Grom (write in)
3. Talk to Larry (write in)
4. Talk to Mary (write in)
5. Write in

>>2562924
Leave the bar

>>2562924
>2. Talk to Grom (write in)
Hear what he has to say, then put in what >>2562778 had wanted to say.

After that, tell the crowd that you'll pass by again sometime.

>>2562924
>1. Leave the bar

Biggity bounce

>>2562943
>>2562950
>>2562953
2 votes for bounce, and don't worry third anon, I brought him in to HAVE that moment.

>>2562924
Henry bolted up, suddenly sober again, said goodbye to a confused Larry and made his way over to Grom.


“Something the matter?” Henry asked.


“A man can’t get a drink after a hard night’s labor?” Grom asked.

Oh… huh.

“Look, Grom, I just wanted to say thanks.” Henry said. A look of surprise crossed Grom’s face before disappearing beneath his normal clam demeanor.

“That’s a rather odd thing to say, perhaps the alcohol?” Grom replied, taking on a small amused grin.

“Look, it’s been a real surpise but you’re probably one of the most decent people I’ve met in my life.”

“It really is the alcohol then.” Grom said, sighing a bit. “I appreciate the sentiment, sure. But you don’t really know me or anything I’ve done. It’s also a bit worrying that an Inquisitor is one of the most decent people you know.” Grom continued. “Still, thank you Henry.”

Henry quickly departed from the tavern. But not before telling a few townsfolk he recognized that’d he’d stop by again if he could.

Decisions:
1. Grab your group and skedaddle.
2. Do something else (Write in)


>thus draws to a close our current case's arc, unless you have some unfinished business.

>>2562978
>2. Do something else (Write in)

Could we loot the fallen belltower?

>>2562971
Well, then I can fall asleep satisfied. Night, LK.

>>2562984
I mean... we COULD

>>2562995
. . . Sneakily on our way out? We could say we just wanted to see where the Nightgaunt died, it was a pretty big thing.

>>2563000
If others go for it sure, mind you this is in the holy grounds themselves.

>>2562978
>1. Grab your group and skedaddle.

Check basic supplies and buy anything we may be short on. Get Rosa and stress to her that Charles has a talent for white and needs some basic training there. Keept watch for Cassius following ( doubt we'd catch sight, but still - advise Johhny and Charles to keep eyes and ears open.)

>>2563010
If we get caught we could say we were just curious about the runes and I'm sure Grom would just make us leave town even faster to prevent talk.

calling it a night. See ya boys tomorrow

>>2563024
'Night

>>2562984
Pls no

>>2562978
1. Grab your group and skedaddle.

>>2562984
>Could we loot the fallen belltower?
Let's not. We've already got some leeway with Grom, let's not waste it poking through the broken church tower that people are hauling off with help from the priest we zapped, then confessed that we zapped him.

>>2562984
Why? For what purpose? To be "random" or "chaotic?" It is a bell tower - made of wood and stone and a bell and maybe a light rune about 2 ft across made of stone.

>>2562984
got one vote for bell-tower


>>2563020
>>2563195
>>2563208
3 votes for quitting while ahead, by that I mean we still HAVE a head

>>2563467
Yeah let’s get the hell out of here.

>>2563541
>>2563467
writing

>>2562978
Henry went straight back to his inn room, found that neither Johnny or Charles were there, and panicked internally for a moment before finding a note left by Johnny.

‘Henry, I’ve gone to give the boy a bit more training with that dagger you got him, I’ll be down at the same place we trained earlier.’
~ Johnny.

Perfect. Well at least everything had been packed properly.

Henry quickly went down, got his two idiots, got back to their room and grabbed everything they needed. All while explaining everything that had happened, shocking both of them. They both agreed that they should leave as soon as possible. Henry had heard from Larry that there would be a roadside shrine further up the road that would make a good stopping point before pushing onto Yorkshire proper.

“I still cannot believe our luck during this trip.” Johnny murmured.

“Good or bad?” Henry replied.

“Both?” Charles responded.

Decisions:
1. Leave without Rosa
2. Leave with Rosa
3. Write in

>>2565628
>2. Leave with Rosa

This is what we are supposed to do per the terms with Grom. So, I suggest:
Get Rosa and stress to her that Charles has a talent for white and needs some basic training there. Keep watch for Cassius following ( not that wee'd likely spot him) as well as other possible threats, angels flying over or undead hordes- advise Johhny and Charles to keep eyes and ears open.

>>2565628
>2. Leave with Rosa
Let's not piss off the guy who can kill us from long range.

>>2565636
>>2565650
writing!

>>2565628
Henry sent Johnny and Charles out past the gate to wait for him while he went and retrived Rosa. He easily got into the holy grounds. The gate was being guarded by a volunteer Henry didn’t recognize, probably so the Cathar’s could catch some needed rest. Henry yawned a bit, he’d gotten some sleep but he’d need a lot more when he reached the shrine.

Rosa was back under her tree, reading that same book from before. Upon closer inspection Henry saw what it was. It was a copy of the book of Hero’s, at least going off the title. It seemed to be a special copy of some kind however, it didn’t seem like a mass produced one you could find in Celeste or Avignon. One of the four holy books of the church, Henry had read chunks of each but he’d never exactly found an excuse to read them from cover to cover.

Upon seeing Henry she reluctantly closed the book and began to get up.

“Hello Henry.” She said, none of the bile or thinly veiled disgust from before. If anything she seemed a bit apologetic.

“Do you have a moment to talk? I wanted to speak with you.” She finally said. It looked like it was causing her physical pain to say that.

Decision:
1. “Save it for the road, we’re heading out.”
2. “No, I just want to get our trip finished as quickly as possible.”
3. “I can spare a bit of time Rosa.”
4. “Got all the time in the world for you Rosa.”
5. “What is this even about?”
6. Write in

>>2565691
>3. “I can spare a bit of time Rosa.” "But we are heading out and Inquisitor Grom requested we take you with us to Yorkshire. The plan for today is to make the shrine up the road for the night."

>>2565691
>3.
Supporting >>2565705

>>2565705
This works.

>>2565710
>>2565705
>>2565719

writing!

>>2565691
“I can spare a bit of time Rosa. But me and my group are heading out, and Inquisitor Grom … requested… we take you with us to Yorkshire Proper. The plan for the day is to make it to the shrine up the road so we have a safe place to rest for the night.” Henry said.


“I understand.” Rosa said, slowly gathering a rucksack from the ground Henry hadn’t noticed before.


“I wanted to again apologize to you Henry… I don’t know if I’d call you a hero, I was trying to find some precedent for this course of events, but I didn’t find anything. It’s just, bizarre that someone could do so much good while looking out for themselves. Still, the good you’ve done here, well it’s undeniable. As much as it might pain me to admit it.” Rosa explained.


“I don’t think you’re a bad person anymore, just… I don’t know, dealt a bad hand perhaps?” Rosa continued. “I think you can be a much better person and I was willing to help you with prayer, I think it would do you a lot of good.”


This hadn’t been the way he’d expected this conversation to go at all, proselytizing from a healer.


Decisions:
1. Flat out refuse
2. “I do not pray Rosa, but I appreciate the gesture.”
3. “You are throwing yourself into something you have no business being in.”
4. “Prayer doesn’t fix what’s already happened.”
5. “I can spare a couple more minutes, I suppose.”
6. “I might be willing to do it in exchange for your help, my apprentice Charles has some skill with white Mana… I was wondering if you’d be willing to teach him some things.”
7. Write in

>>2565738
>4. “Prayer doesn’t fix what’s already happened.” suffice to say I had a very rough childhood and grew up on the streets.
and “I do not pray Rosa, but I appreciate the gesture.”

>>2565738
>2. “I do not pray Rosa, but I appreciate the gesture.”
> "I guess I'm trying to be a better person so Charles doesn't live the life I had. It's a selfish motivation, but I figure if I can do something meaningful in his life, then when I'm dead, I can look back and say "I'm glad that this happened and that I did something good for once in my life"."

>>2565738
> 2. “I do not pray Rosa, but I appreciate the gesture.”

>>2565812
>6. "Some more concrete and appreciated help though would be appreciated more. My apprentice Charles has some skill with white Mana… I was wondering if you’d be willing to teach him some things.”
>>2565738

Also tell her this

>>2565789
>>2565799
>>2565812
>>2565817
writing!

File: 635315256418146937.jpg (80 KB, 500x498)

80 KB JPG

>>2565738
“I do not pray Rosa, but I appreciate the gesture.” Henry said. He meant it, but not in a mean spirited way, more in a kind of cold acceptance. He’d tried praying once, for a long time, it hadn’t worked then, it wouldn’t work now.

“I… I wish I could understand your refusal… I used to be as lost as you once Henry, I found my calling through prayer. I wish you would reconsider.” Rosa continued.

“Prayer doesn’t fix what’s already happened, what’s already been broken.” Henry continued. “I’ve done things I’ll never be forgiven for.”

“You have to forgive yourself Henry, our almighty can only do his work if you allow him to.” Rosa continued. It was something Henry could never do.

“I’m trying to be a better person so Charles doesn’t have to live the life I did. Its selfish, it’s stupid, but I want to do something meaningful for once in my life, so when I’m dead and passing on to whatever punishment I get, I can look back and say I’m glad this happened and that I did something right for once in my life.”

Rosa opened her mouth then shut it after a while, as if she didn’t know what to say.

“If you would be willing to offer some more concrete help, my apprentice has some ability to use white mana. I do not possess the talent for it myself for obvious reasons. I don’t know exactly how to go about teaching him.”

“I don’t think I’d be able to teach him anything too complex during our little trip, but I might be able to try and teach him some channeling.” Rosa said. “It’s the least I can do, Henry.”

The woman seemed a bit uncertain, and a bit more cautious. Neither of them really knew much about the other. Perhaps they never would. But Henry had a bit of an inkling, she’d opened herself up for a moment, a brief moment.

Decisions:
1. Continue to talk to Rosa (write in)
2. Head out (will begin the trip, for real)

>>2565863
>1. Continue to talk to Rosa (write in)
Thank you very much, both for your kind words and willingness to help my toung friend.

>>2565888
This.

>>2565863
1. Continue to talk to Rosa (write in)
> "Even your least is still appreciated, Rosa. Thanks."
>>2565888

>>2565913
>>2565907
>>2565888
writing

>>2565863
“Even your least is still appreciated Rosa, Thanks.” Henry said, turning around and beginning to make his way towards the gate of the holy grounds.

“And thanks for your kind words, and willingness to help my young apprentice.” Henry continued. “It’s rare I get either kindness or help from another.”

“Change yourself, and the people who are around you will change as well.” Rosa replied.

“That’s… the Book of Journeys correct?” Henry asked.

“The book of omens dear.” Rosa replied. “Still I’m happy you’re at least trying.

=======================(END OF CHAPTER)==========================

>Do you boys want to keep going for the night?

>>2565924
Yes

>>2565927
2nd

File: FarmLand-836.jpg (244 KB, 836x627)

244 KB JPG

>>2565924
“Harvest time is the stuff of dreams, hard work culminating in bountiful rewards.” ~ Farmer O’neil


=================================(CHAPTER START)============================

The group quickly departed from Blaise. Henry couldn’t be gone from that place quickly enough, especially with the Inquisitors there. Even now, several miles away, he occasionally glanced over his shoulder, trying to see if Cassius was pursuing them. He knew he wouldn’t see the man anyways, but he still had to try. The farmland stretched on for several more miles, but now the terrain had begun to go from flat farmland and the occasional hill to much larger hills and even the occasional mountain. They were really far into Yorkshire province now.

The trip had been fun so far, in all honesty. Henry didn’t mind the wide open spaces. Being able to see for miles meant he could see everything. He saw some angels making their way across the horizon, in the general direction of the capital, at least best as Henry could tell. He could see the occasional traveler on the road or another nearby one that sometimes intersected their path. The lack of cover didn’t bother him. He’d rather know what was after him, even if it was just illusions or his mind playing tricks.

Decisions:
1. Talk to Charles (write in)
2. Talk to Johnny (write in)
3. Talk to Rosa (write in)
4. Write in

>>2565940
Talk to Charles.
Just ask him how it's going. We're halfway (or more) close to destination.

Then talk to Rosa. Ask her what her task is anyway or is she just traveling from place to place.

>>2565940
Calling it a night!

Gonna be moving quickly tomorrow, don't have work so I'll be able to plan out Yorkshire a bit better

>>2565975
Have a good night!

>>2565940
> 3. Talk to Rosa (write in)

Ask her if she believes if it's possible for a man to be good without worshipping her god, and if she believes that her god is intrinsically good or if it's been proven that he's good.

Obviously, if he has to act, then he isn't truly omnipotent because action implies correction which means a mistake was made at some point.

Or we could NOT have a theological argument.

>>2565940
>2. Talk to Johnny (write in)

What does he think about how we handled that necromancer apprentice and the differences between us and him.

>>2566104
Ignore this.

I just wanted to argue Theodicy and free will with her.

With everyone.

>>2566414
>>2565940
More Johnny time, yuh

>>2565964
>>2566104
>>2566414
>>2566416
Working on Yorkshire Proper right now, got a few general ideas for it but I'm gonna have to shoot from the hip a bit.

I'll be starting back up later tonight

>>2565940
As the group sat down for lunch, Henry took in his surroundings. They would soon be at Yorkshire Proper, the city between two mountains. From what he knew it was an important gateway into the heartlands, and had strategic importance. The nobles of the city had always used that to their advantage, the city itself had never had holy grounds within it until much later in its creation. The CASTLE was at the center, it was fairly odd.

Rosa and Charles were speaking about something, Charles seemed to be concentrating intently and Henry figured it had something to do with the favor he’d asked of Rosa earlier.

He took the time to speak with Johnny, who was sitting on his pack, taking in the spring air.

“So how do you think I did?” Henry asked, expecting Johnny’s usual analysis. Far from hating it he truly appreciated Johnny’s advice, even if it DID annoy him constantly.

“I think you saved a lot of lives Henry, and for once you didn’t receive any payment for it.” He said, a bit of a snide remark. “Still, Henry, I’m proud of you.”

Henry didn’t know how to take that. “What?”

“I won’t repeat myself, your ego is big enough already, especially with your recent runaway successes.” Johnny said, before patting Henry on the back.

“His trouble won’t end when we get him safe to Yorkshire, Henry.” Johnny said. “The way he’s been acting, I can’t place it but I think he’s hiding something from us.”

“Charles? No way.” Henry replied. “I don’t think he’s capable of lying.”

“You weren’t able to either at one point.” Johnny shot back. “Don’t let your guilt cloud your judgement.”

“That was different, you know that.” Henry replied. “He’s … well he’s who he is. He won’t want for anything right? I mean sure he might’ve been the last child, lowest on the totem…”

“Speaking of him, at first I was uncertain if you weren’t making things worse. But seeing how the church has been acting lately… to think the church truly wishes to end a child’s life… it’s disgusting, no matter how good their reasoning might be.”

“You going to chastise me for selfishness again?” Henry asked.

“No, no I’m not Henry, because even if it was selfishness you made a real impact on that child’s life, hell, you probably are the sole reason he’s still among the living. You’ve already saved him once when you met him Henry, and again when we were attacked in New Haven.” Johnny said.

Henry felt a few tears well up in his eyes for a moment, before he banished them back down, he had to keep his composure just a bit longer.

“Just don’t keep risking your life for no good reason, that’s what you have me for.” Johnny said. “I’m trying to grin right now by the way.”

“Ha ha. Still fuck off, old man.” Henry said, cracking a grin of his own.

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

>>2567448
The group quickly set out again, the breeze had turned a bit cooler now, and the sun had begun to fall.

“Hey Charles?” Henry said. “You feeling alright?” Henry asked.

“I’m not injured… I’m not tired either… am I not keeping up well enough?” Charles asked.

“No I don’t mean like that, I mean… we’re almost in Yorkshire.” Henry explained.

“Oh…” Charles said. “I’m going to be okay, I think… Henry… I just.” Charles began to say. “I…um… thank you… truly.”

“Don’t sweat it kid.” Henry replied.

He didn’t really care about a reward anymore, that had never been what any of this had been about.

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

They would be approaching the shrine soon, Henry had seen a few of the landmarks Larry had told him about. He had a bit more time to talk though, and only one more person to talk with.

“Rosa?” Henry asked.

“Yes Henry?” Rosa answered.

“I had a few questions that’ve been on my mind about you.” Henry said.

Rosa looked to the ground quickly, as if embarrassed.

“And what might those be Henry?” She said. What an odd woman.

“Why all the traveling?” Henry asked.

“I… well I figure staying in one place would only allow me to do so much good.”

“No, really though.” Henry shot back.

“I… nobody will stand me for too long, alright? The fact you’ve been willing to stick with me for the road is a bit of an unusual occurrence.”

“Nobody to blame but yourself, and that lovely personality of yours.” Henry said, a bit sarcastically.

“Do you think I’m not aware of my myriad of faults, Henry.” Rosa said. “It’s why I try to do as much as I can. It’s one of the reasons I AM a healer. Look, I know we’ve known each other for a week or two, but I don’t really want to talk about my private thoughts.” Rosa explained.

“Fair enough, neither do I.” Henry responded.

“You puzzle me Henry, you seem like a bad person, but your actions show that isn’t the case. Yet you can’t seem to just accept it, what did you even… right, you won’t tell me.” Rosa said.

“Curiosity and Cats, Rosa.” Henry said.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They reached the shrine about an hour before dusk, and started setting up camp inside. The shrine had a small hearth in which Johnny began to cook a broth. The smell was amazing, especially when it as trapped in such a small space.

Decisions:
1. Speak to someone (write in
2. Just have your meal and go to bed, you’re exhausted from the road.
3. Write in

>>2567484
>Speak to someone (write in
So kid you learn anything about white mana today?

>>2567536
Arrgh
>speak with Charles

>>2567536
>>2567540
Sounds good to me.
If we keep him on as an apprentice, him knowing healing spells would probably be good.

>>2567540
>>2567536
>>2567547
writing!


>>2567547
healing spells ain't the only thing white mana can be used for

>>2567645
But with the way Henry collects injuries, it'll probably be the only way it's be used.

>>2567484
Henry leaned against the brick wall of the shine, stretching his legs out and taking the time to rest. His feet ached from the road. His work boots, while comfortable, only did so much to help.

“So kid?” Henry asked, turning to Charles. “Learn anything about white mana today?”

“Not much.” Charles said, downtrodden. “It’s much harder to try and … draw it I think Rosa said… I dunno…”

“Well keep at it, took me a while to get it.” Henry said.

“Aren’t you a natural though?” Charles asked. “You didn’t just get born with it?”

“Like I explained earlier, it’s all about how much you practice, although there is some natural talent involved, sure. Anybody can learn to cast a basic spell though.”

Rosa was using the light of the fire to read her book. She looked over at the two of them, smiled, then went back to reading.

Their little conversation was interrupted by a knocking at the shrine’s door.

“May I come in?” An older sounding voice beckoned from the other side of the door frame.

Decisions:
1. “Yeah, sure bud, more the merrier.”
2. “Fuck off we’re full.”
3. “Sure, but no sharing food now.”
4. “Sure, just don’t expect me to trust ya.”

>>2567769
>4. “Sure, just don’t expect me to trust ya.”

>>2567769
Do vampires work on hospitality rules in this setting? If yes then answer with something along the lines of
>only if you could enter without an invite.
If not then
>Sure, just don’t expect me to trust ya

>>2567895
>>2567809
someone thinking REALLY well here

>>2567769
“Only if you could enter without an invite.” Henry said. Johnny nodded at this, but Rosa and Charles looked on in confusion.

“Ha, smart traveler.” The voice called out, then the door opened and a man wearing some fancy looking steel and leather armor, and wearing an intricately carved metal mask that completely obscured his face stepped through the door. Henry could see locks of brown hair on the man’s head, and he had been out in open sunlight, so being a vampire was out of the question. Still, it had been better to check then not, lord knew that rogue vampires preyed on these roads from time to time

He had a few various weapons on his hip, and a bunch of gauntlets strapped there as well. Very odd, how many gauntlets could a man run through? His mask had a few symbols on it, runes of some kind that Henry wasn’t too familiar with. He never had been one for metalworking. The skill required to inscribe runes on metal could be prohibitive. Lastly the man had a floating lantern behind him, which seemed to follow him as he walked and took a seat.

“Don’t expect me to trust you, friend.” Henry said, maintaining his polite atmosphere.

“Likewise, fine weather today, no?” The man asked.

“My name is Rosa, these are my traveling companions, Henry, Johnny, and Charles.” Rosa said. The ease at which she gave this information away disturbed Henry.

“Oh where are my manners, my name is Venser.” The man explained.

Wait…

“Ghiest Hand Venser?” Rosa asked, placing a hand on her mouth.

“Paladin of the Order of Lanterns, at your service missy.” Venser responded.

They’d just met a celebrity.

Decisions:
1. “What brings you here?”
2. “Can I get an autograph?”
3. “You really are a paladin?”
4. “Whats with the gauntlets?
5. “Nice lantern, what’s it do?”
6. Write in

>>2567931
>4. “Whats with the gauntlets?

>>2567931
>"Guessing the gauntlets have something to do with the nickname, huh?"
>"Does that lantern use lamp oil or is it just enchanted?"

>>2567946
>>2567958
writing

>>2567931
“Guessing the gauntlets have something to do with that nickname ey?” Henry asked.

“You are a clever one, and perceptive.” Venser replied, grabbing one of them. “Yes I’m able to utilize the Ghiestrapper Arts.”

“Utilize? You’re a master of them!” Rosa said, beaming. “You’ve revolutionized the churches ability to use ghiests, invented several spells, and yet you’re so modest!”

“Please, healer, I’m just doing my duty to the church and to my order, nothing more.” Venser continued.

“Whets the lamp for?” Charles asked. “Is it just use lamp oil or does it have other enchantments on it?”

Henry smirked for a second, and went to explain, but Venser beat him to it.

“It’s a ghiest trappers lantern, ghiests are unable to pass through glass and other such reflective materials… it confuses them greatly.” Venser said. “It’s actually full at the moment, although you won’t be able to tell until moonrise.”

“What’s in it?” Charles asked.

“A nasty Blue Ghiest, fairly powerful. It terrorized the countryside for a couple of months, ripping anything apart that made too much noise, the locals called it the shusher. Its responsible for several deaths. I’m going to bring it back to the citadel of light for a proper banishing once my present business is done.

Decisions:
1. “Your present business?”
2. “You just fight ghiests?”
3. “Precious cargo.”
4. “You any good with white mana?”
5. “Any fun stories of your travels?”
6. “what’s the coast like these days?”
7. Write in

>>2568034
>2. “You just fight ghiests?”

>>2568034
>"Mind if I ask what those spells you invented are?"

>>2568060
>>2568066
writin

>>2568034
“You just fight Ghiests?” Charles asked.

“Paladins generally fight a specific creature, they’re a specialized brand of warrior, child.” Johnny responded. “There can be a bit of overlap, but they’re generally only opened to skilled Cathar’s or those who’ve shown exceptional skill from a young age.”

“Still, he’s a hero, truly.” Rosa said, beaming.

“I… I appreciate the kind words Ms. Healer.” Venser said. “Regardless I’m going to take some time to be among myself, it’s been a hard day.

“What spells did you invent exactly?” Henry asked.

“A couple of extremely powerful ward spells, they even keep people out. I’ve used them against arrows as well to stop them completely. Beyond that, one other spell is to completely stop an opponent from using one of theirs for a period of time.”

“What mana colors?” Henry asked.

“Blue and white, specifically.” Venser said. “All I’ve ever known how to use.”

Decisions:
1. Call it a night
2. Ask more questions (write in)
3. Speak to someone else (write in)
4. Do something else (write in)

>>2568165
>“Blue and white, specifically.” Venser said. “All I’ve ever known how to use.”
>Nice.
>Welp, I need sleep for tomorrow.
Turn in for the knight, but keep an eye on the paladin.

>>2568174

Writing!

>>2568165
Henry had his meal and went to sleep. Making sure Johnny kept a watchful eye on the man, and shifting his guard with Johnny midway through to make sure that neither Rosa or Venser would be suspicious.

Overall it was a fairly relaxing sleep, no dreams again, another welcome relief.

Daybreak quickly sprung up, and the cawing of roosters could be heard nearby, they had passed a couple farmers villages on the way here, too small to have inns, mainly just small clusters of housing. The shrines were in place for that reason, so travelers would have safe places to stop on the road.

The walk towards Yorkshire began as normal, although Venser seemingly followed behind. Henry tried to get him to spill the beans on what his business there was, but overall. Nothing seemed to be doing.

As Henry crested one last hill, Yorkshire lay stretched out before them. The city held up in a mountain pass, between rows of tall peaks. It acting as a gateway into the outer provinces and eventually the hinterlands and frontier. The place had quite a bit of strategic value. But something seemed to be wrong. The city was under siege. Henry could see a large camp to the west that had gathered scores of banners together, rising above, he could see several dozen angels circling the camp. There must have been a few thousand people gathered there, all flying the church’s banner, a triangle with a blazing eye.

Henry felt a lot of things, but first of all was rage. Why couldn’t ANYTHING go right for once.

FUCKING HELL

Decisions:
1. Try to get into Yorkshire
2. Inspect the camp, by yourself of course
3. Ask Venser if this has something to do with this
4. Smash something, anything
5. Ask why god hates you so much
6. Write in

>>2568255
> (muttering to self) "You know, God, if this was because I didn't pray to you, maybe you should've considered a tamer response? Because THIS isn't helping me see the light."
> 3. Ask Venser if this has something to do with this

>>2568255
Henry wasn’t a praying man, but that didn’t mean he didn’t believe there was someone up there. Henry had just come to believe that whoever was up there was a colossal piece of shit, a drunkard, or extremely lazy.

“You know, God, if this was because I didn’t pray to you. Maybe you should’ve considered telling me first. Because this. Isn’t. helping!”

Henry barely controlled his simmering rage, again. He felt ill from not being able to just, punch something, or destroy something, or even yell. This whole trip had been slowly draining his sanity due to it.

He composed himself, then turned to his companions. Charles had gone pale, Rosa looked utterly shocked, and Johnny looked… well, like JOHNNY. Even with that helmet on, Henry could tell the man was taking it in with his usual lack of care.

Venser was also unmoved by the scene. As if he’d been expecting this.

“Do you have something to do with all of this?” Henry asked.

“No, I simply received my summons like many others did. I followed my orders and they led me here. Still, it’s odd that the force hasn’t just overtaken the walls. They probably could, especially with the angels there. The gate is also open for the moment, odd.”

Henry hadn’t noticed, but Venser was right, the town gates WERE open for the moment. What the fuck was going on, had they already been conquered… no the flags were still that of the noble house that controlled Yorkshire Proper and the outer province. The town itself was also completely unharmed, perhaps the church was attempting diplomacy? For what reason? ]

Still, this situation was bizarre, and far above Henry’s paygrade.

Decisions:
1. Try to get into the city
2. Head towards the camp, try to find answers there
3. Talk to Johnny or Rosa, maybe they know something (write in)
4. Reassure Charles (optional write in)
5. Write in

>>2568326
this is the final case in the Yorkshire arc

All the events of Celeste, New Haven, Blaise, and now Yorkshire Proper are all part of this one massive arc.

>>2568326
So weird. I wonder if it has something to do with Charles.

Maybe we should go alone and scout it out first?
No idea what would be the best way to handle it.

Let's ask Johnny for opinion

>>2568497
writing

>>2568326
For the first time in a long time, Henry didn’t have a plan, this had suddenly gotten so much bigger than him, and it terrified him. He wasn’t in control of any of this.

“Johnny, what do I do?” Henry asked. He noticed that Venser had departed towards the large camp, a collection of tents, banners, and prayer.

“We should try to enter the city stealthily. I’m assuming the church is attempting to parlay with the lord. They wouldn’t want any harm to befall the citizens, neither does Baron Northcrest I’d assume.”

“So where does that leave us?” Henry asked. “I don’t like this at all.”

“I think we should get into the city while we still can, it’ll be a lot easier trying to escape then trying to get inside.” Johnny said.

“I… I don’t know.” Charles said. “Do I get a say in this?”

“No you do not.” Henry said. “Look, Johnny. We could be walking into a trap here.”

“Do we have any other options?” Johnny asked. “They may have come to some sort of agreement. That seems to be the case now. Perhaps whatever dustup occurred between the royal family and the church has been resolved?”

Henry thought for a few more minutes, before Rosa walked over.

“I…I’m heading towards the camp, I think that’s where I’d be needed most right now.” Rosa said. “This whole situation is detestable.”

“Good luck Rosa.” Johnny said.

“Yeah, what he said.” Henry added.

Decision:
1. Head to the city
2. Head to the camp
3. Write in

Maybe it's not a siege but just a rallying point?

>>2568557
Let's do what Johnny says. Go to the city.

>>2568557
>1. Head to the city
I'm guessing we're going to see her again real soon...

>>2568590
>>2568572
writing in!

File: eol83.jpg (176 KB, 1283x615)

176 KB JPG

>>2568557
The three of them approached the city gates, small line had formed leading into them. The walls of the city made the walls of New Haven look like children’s toys. There were scores of towers and other defensive apparatuses. Venser had been wrong. Even with angel’s the town was well defended. All the holy magic in the world would do little against a ballistae’s bolt. There were other protections, runic and otherwise…. Perhaps that was why Venser had been called in? Mysteries for another time.


The line slowly moved forwards, as Henry approached the front he saw one of the guards shouting at someone wearing a mask, before grabbing the mask and tearing it off. The man had a horribly disfigured face based upon the guards reaction, and the man quickly handed the mask back. They were seemingly looking for people allied with the church, or something. Perhaps on the lookout for spies? Or something else?


Fuck, Johnny. How the hell were they going to sneak him into the city? If the guards pulled his helmet off, that’d be it, game over.


Time Limited Decision:
1. Send Johnny off, do it now or the guards will get suspicious
2. Try to sneak him through, make a distraction
3. Try to sneak him through, use your bullshittery abilities.
4. Make a break for the inside of the city
5. Write in

>>2568621
Send Johnny off for now. I don't like it but that's the most safe route. Set a place where we will meet or tell him, to get in unnoticed later on if he can. We'll meet at the most popular traveler Inn.

>>2568630
if anyone wants to add, do so now, I've already started writing

>>2568621
“Johnny, can you find a travelers inn inside the rune wards to rest at, I… I can use the contract to guide you back to me.” Henry said.

“Do you want to take that risk?” Johnny asked.

“Worse case we meet back in Celeste, look, wait for me back up on the hill near town, if we don’t show up before dusk… I don’t know sneak in.” Henry continued.

“The last time we were here, remember that Inn in the outskirts, near the edge of the rune wall?” Johnny asked.

“The boar’s head?” Henry asked. “Meet there?”

“Yes, I’ll rent a room, hopefully we won’t need it.” Johnny replied, before inconspicuously breaking off from the two and heading out.

The guards paused on Charles and Henry before waving them past, the man looked tense but bored at the same time. Henry didn’t know what to make of that either.

They had managed to get into the city fairly easily at least. Henry hated how fucking ramshackle this plan of theirs was, but they didn’t really have the time to waste. He just hoped the city didn’t get sieged with them still in it. He had to stay calm for Charles, who was jumping at shadows as they passed through busy streets. There was talk of some sort of deal that had been struck between the Baron and the Solarch… holy fuck the SOLARCH was here?

Time Limited Decision (pick one)
1. Try to gather more intel (roll for wisdom)
2. Head right to the castle gates, get Charles inside if possible
3. Try to find a more clandestine route into the castle
4. Wait till nightfall, then head to the castle when less people are on the streets
5. Write in

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2568653
> 1. Try to gather more intel (roll for wisdom)

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>2568653
More Intel

>>2567484
> He didn’t really care about a reward anymore, that had never been what any of this had been about.

I protest. It's at least also half disgust at other people being incompetent, and a quarter for the reward - for me at least.

>>2568675
>>2568671
WRITING, cause baby thats a crit.

>>2568653
As Henry walked through the city streets, he chanced upon a bar hopping with activity. Apparently some kind of meeting had been going on. He slipped inside and began to hear what the townsfolk were saying

The church had rolled up about a week ago, the Solarch had arrived a bit later with angels to boot. Apparently they had claimed that the royal family had been demon worshipers and they wanted proof that the Baron had not been a part of this.

The Baron had first told the church members to fuck off, but had changed his tune rather quickly once the Solarch had arrived. The church had seemingly not harmed any of the townsfolk, but there were panicked murmurs that something could easily go wrong. Humans fighting amongst themselves while darker enemies laughed.

The other big piece of news was that nobody had seen the high seraph in months, and whispers had begun to spread about failing runic wards in the farmland. Although the cities hadn’t so much as flickered. The things had been MASSIVE. Henry wondered if one day they too would go out.

Beyond that, there was talk that the Churchs purge of some of the royalty hadn’t gone over well in the lands to the west, at the edge of the vampiric territories . Some of the families had taken the opportunity to strike some of the less defended settlements. Henry shivered a bit, poor bastards.

There had been some sort of delegation from Avignon, claiming that they had a means of holding the Angel’s at bay. The cult of progress perhaps? Fuckers were a strange bunch, Henry figured the church only tolerated them because they were one of the few cults that didn’t worship anything obscene. They also created all sorts of wonderful contraptions, and had pioneered many of the factories that now dotted Celeste and cities like it. Perhaps that had been the oddity Henry had noticed in the runic wall around the city? Maybe that’s why the angel’s hadn’t managed to breach the walls yet? Who knew.

Decisions: (time limited)
1. Ask some questions to the head of the meeting (write in)(will not use up time)
2. Head for the castle gates
3. Try to find some other way into the castle, might be a lot more work
4. Write in

>>2568697
and thus we learn about one more major 'faction' in the world

>>2568697
>3. Try to find some other way into the castle, might be a lot more work

Get hired on as a medic? Cook?

>>2568712
bit short notice don't you think?

>>2568697
More questions
Has the church demanded anything beyond investigating if the Baron is a demon worshipper? Are they looking for something or someone?

>>2568715
Clearly we're fleeing the zombies and such, and we have some modest skills as a barber that we would be grateful for the chance to offer for the brave soldiers keeping us safe.

Sadly we aren't really all that talented with White Magic, but the chance to earn a few coppers on the way wouldn't be amiss. Also our apprentice Chard DOES have some talent with White Magic, so an investment now could pay off for them later, eh? eh?

>>2568716
>>2568720
calling it a night, coming back tomorrow.

>>2568715
True. But we could ask if there is any need.

Hmm, Henry has been here before, right? And Henry is also familiar with the more dark aspects of city life. Maybe he has contacts here who could help him get into castle indiscreet?

>>2568729
>>2568720
>>2568716
>>2568712
gonna start writing a few things up. I had a couple of ideas while at work


>Also I will be able to start much earlier tomorrow!

>>2568697
Henry asked the question that had been on his mind from the start, was the baron a demon worshiper, or did the church at least suspect him.


The speaker paused for a moment, asked a couple of the people around him a few questions then responded.


“The Solarch and his Seer’s have cleared the baron of any wrong doing. While there have always been suspicions, in all honesty he’s more likely a vampire than anything.”


That drew roars of laughter from a couple of the patrons. Henry figured it was a joke. He knew of several members of the nobility who were vampires, contacts of Vermillion. He also knew for a fact that Baron Northcrest wasn’t. While the man had never been extremely pleased with the church, he was known to be fairly religious. Kind of an odd stance to be honest. That may have something to do with his apparent ‘pardon’ though.


“Why are they still here?” Henry asked. “If they’ve cleared the man of wrongdoing?”


“Well from what I’ve gathered, he’s probably just worried the church will string him up the second he drops his guard, so he hasn’t granted them full access to the city. Its some sort of political standoff more than anything at this point. Who cares about how it affects us commons.” A random patron yelled out. There were some murmurs of agreement, and Henry himself admitted that made sense. The church had butchered quite a few of the nobility back in Celeste, and their children too in some cases.

Perhaps the church was trying to back off now?

“Anyone know who the Seers are?” Henry asked. “Frocha maybe?”


“I’ve heard he’s here, yeah.” One of the other Patrons called out. “Kidelli too, he’s the one who lead the initial parlay. I also heard that there’s a new one… German or something.”


A new Seer? That was news. That’d sure as hell shake things up back in Celeste. Seers were big wigs, above even crusaders, and they all had their own quirks. They generally traveled about, carrying out the Solarch’s will. The fact three of them would be gathered here was somewhat terrifying. Not to mention the angels. They might even have archangels with them… this whole situation could boil over fast.


Decisions:
1. Henry knows of a man who deals in… ‘borrowed’ goods, he might be a good contact to try to get into the castle
2. Henry has a lot of useful skills, perhaps try to find a legitimate way into the castle
3. Maybe there is some flaw in the Castle’s defenses? Sneaking in could work.
4. Maybe try to find a guard to bribe? You might still have an old contact in the city.
5. Write in

>>2570810
>2. Henry has a lot of useful skills, perhaps try to find a legitimate way into the castle

+ Bribery if necessary of whoever is in charge of hiring. Feudalism!

>>2570908
gonna be waiting for more responses, this will determine our actions for the first part of the case at least.

>>2570810
>2. Henry has a lot of useful skills, perhaps try to find a legitimate way into the castle
Explore the legitimate modes first. We have nothing to hide, though we have things we don't need to reveal straight away.

still, it might be good to gather more intel.
>1. Henry knows of a man who deals in… ‘borrowed’ goods, he might be a good contact to try to get into the castle
and
>4. Maybe try to find a guard to bribe? You might still have an old contact in the city.

Go to contacts and slip them a few coin for info of greater detail might not be a bad idea. Also ask about what gets you in. Like maybe "Hello. I bear a word from the late royal family of Cleste for the Baron." Or just information from travels- for the Baron's Chancellor or spy / guard chief.

>>2571069
This. I also like the idea getting more info from the information brokers.

>>2571111
>>2571069
I can certaintly provide this. Just keep in mind certain info might cost money.


calling it a night. I'm gonna have total freedom tomorrow so expect an early start

>>2571069
> We have nothing to hide,

We totally have things to hide.

But it's unlikely they'll be revealed just by us asking around.

>>2571114
Arise, slumbering quest

>>2571907
>>2571142
>>2571111
>>2571069
>>2570908
will be writing later tonight, BUT I'll hopefully be on till 3 am eastern, got a free day tomorrow as well!

>>2570810
>2. Henry has a lot of useful skills, perhaps try to find a legitimate way into the castle

>>2570810
Henry knew of a couple of people who had contacts within the castle itself. Mainly secondhand of course, but still an avenue. Asking around, he found that there were a few positions open in the castle itself. Most of all its magus. The previous magus had been assassinated about a month prior, and the whole affair had caused quite a stir. It’d be the easiest way to get in, mages willing to be hired on privately were fairly rare. Secondly there was need for a scribe, ironically enough. Mainly in overseeing the library the castle had. It’d be a bit harder to get in through that, but it’d still be an avenue. Lastly Henry had one favor he could call in. The tax collector owed him for a… ‘service’ he’d preformed in the past. Henry didn’t like thinking about it but he’d needed the coin badly back then.

Decisions:
1. Try to get hired on as a magus
2. Try to get hired on as a scribe
3. Go to the tax collector for help, maybe he can at least grant you an audience with the baron.
4. Write in

Optional:
1. Go to ol’ lefty, the info broker.

>>2572425
>3. Go to the tax collector for help, maybe he can at least grant you an audience with the baron.

>>2572425
Try to get hired as a scribe.

We need to find out how the Baron will react if he knows about Charles. What if he just hands him over to the church to save his ass?

>>2572472
>>2572513
currently a tie

one vote for tax collector, one for scribe

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2572513
>>2572472

>>2572425
Henry made his way through crowded city streets towards the large imposing stone structure which was the city’s townhall. On the way he could see all sorts of people milling about the streets. He also felt like he was being watched, but he didn’t know by what or who. Regardless it made him nervous.


“Why aren’t we just going inside?” Charles asked. “Regibald trusted the man enough!”


“Not so loud!” Henry said. “I just don’t have a good feeling is all, I’d rather set the meeting up under my own terms.”


“Doesn’t make a lot of sense.” Charles said. “But I don’t have much choice.”


They quickly entered the main building and set about meeting with the tax collector. His office was a bit out of the way, Henry hoped the man still remembered him. While Charles waited outside the room he sat face to face with the man, a balding pudgy sort. Ingald the tax collector. He instantly recognized Henry and a smile crept onto his face. C


“Henry, how’re you doing!” He said. “I suppose this is related to business of some kind?”


“In a manner of speaking…” Henry said. “I need your help Ingald.”


“I do believe I still owe you that one favor, even if it has been some time, what do you need?”

Decisions:
1. “I want an audience with the baron.”
2. “Some information” (Write in)
3. “I was just passing through, decided to say hi, maybe have a quick chat. This isn’t business I need you to deal with.”
4. *tell him the whole story*
5. Begin to prep your memory scatter spell (will begin to charge it, will be unable to cancel once started)
6. Cast spell (name spell and reasoning)

>>2572598
>1. “I want an audience with the baron.”
I wish to inform him about events on my way here.
And night

>>2572598
>2. “Some information” (Write in)
Things seem a bit tense in town. I hear the Baron has a few jobs open and sorta wonder if this is likely a good stable place and the style of the Baron as master of the town and Castle. How is he short on a scribe? That is a fairly straight forward post for someone with some letters and a bit of scholar background?

> 5. Begin to prep your memory scatter spell (will begin to charge it, will be unable to cancel once started)
This may not be a bad idea - Henry's favors and business activities are a bit clandestine. How bad was the job done? 1 not bad at all or 10 Church would be after you if they knew

>>2572660
job was debt collection on a particularly unresponsive merchant. Henry used the man's dead wife to spook him into paying.


The tax collector has no idea how Henry pulled this off of course, Henry just said he used illusion magic.

>>2572660
>>2572609
gonna use my QM vote to go with option 2

>>2572598
“Things seem a bit tense in town. I hear the baron has a few jobs open and am looking for some … permanent employment.” Henry said.


Ingald laughed at that, before quickly realizing Henry was serious.


“Never took you for the kind to take orders, things gone wrong back home?”


“I’d prefer not to talk about it.” Henry said. “He’s short on a scribe correct? I’d be able to perform those functions.”


“Whats your game here?” Ingald asked.


“I want to settle down, I… I’ve had one too many close calls, alright?”


“What next? You getting a wife and a family?” Ingald asked.


“None of your business.” Henry responded. “I just want your help, can you at least get me a meeting with someone that’d get me the position?”


“I can probably do that… but consider us square if I do.” Ingald said.


“One question though, how did he get short on a scribe anyway?”


“Old one died in his sleep a little while ago, bad luck they’re calling it. First the City watch Templar, then the Baron’s mage and now this, I’ve taken to looking over my shoulder when moving around town. I think that man is bad luck now, don’t tell him I said so of course.”


Decision:
1. Take the offer
2. Say no flat out
3. Begin to charge the memory scatter spell (uncancelable, will cost 1 blue mana)
4. Snapcast the memory scatter spell (costs 1.5 mana, no charge up time)
5. Write in

>>2572728
you're gonna have to consciously choose to use memory scatter here. I'm still playing with how it'll work from a narrative angle, and the fact I didn't clearly explain its casting is my own fault.

>>2572728
> 1. Take the offer

>>2572728
Take the offer

>>2572748
>>2572806
writing

Rolled 59, 86, 8 = 153 (3d100)

>>2572728
“Fine, you have a deal.” Henry said. He couldn’t afford to seem too needy, else Ingald might lean on him for more concessions. He couldn’t afford further complications now.


“Right, I can get you in tomorrow morning. I’ll arrangea meeting with the head of the household, you know Rinebeck correct?”


Henry had never actually met the man but he had heard a few stories.


“ I suppose you prefer a nonmagical option, can’t say I blame you. That’d put a target on your back what with the events in town.”


“Aren’t you worried yourself?” Henry asked.


“Long as there is a government they’ll need tax collectors, having the Baron replaced with the church is just a change in management far as I’m considered, again, please don’t tell him that.” Ingald said. The man talked too much for his own good. Henry figured HE had more leverage than vice versa after this conversation.


“I’ll find somewhere to stay in town.” Henry said, he knew a fairly safe location he could stay. A place where the windows were bared and the doors had locks, and WASN’T a prison cell. Regardless, things were moving.


“I heard that the church is sending a delegation tomorrow evening to parlay again with the Baron, hopefully they’ll put this matter to rest once and for all.” Ingald said. “Of course that’s assuming things don’t break down.”


Lovely


Henry quickly deparated the room and then the townhall, Charles following worriedly behind.


“Why can’t we just have this done?” He asked, “I don’t mean I’m not thankful I just…”


“There are several elements in play Charles, the Baron, the Church, and maybe more if you count all the different officials here. Might even be a few others involved that we’re not aware of, that’s always the case when you get to a new place. You gotta scope it out before acting.”


“Oh.” Charles said. “So what are you worried about?”


“I’m worried the Baron’s ‘deal’ is simply turning you over to the church, he might be aware you’re on the way.”


“But then what do we do?”


Henry didn’t know. He didn’t say anything for a few minutes as they walked. At that point he realized he didn’t know where they were headed. He had just been walking in a nervous huff.


“Look, we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it, Charles.” Henry said. “Let’s just focus on keeping you safe.”


Charles seemed a bit unsure himself, he looked around awkwardly then nodded in affirmation.


Decisions: (pick one)
1. Head to the safe Inn you know of
2. Head to the Ol’ Lefty the infobroker
3. Stock up with something? The city is fairly large and there will undoubtly be a good selection of goods (write in ideas otherwise do not pick)
4. Write in


>making 3 hidden rolls

>>2572836
The tax collector, Ingald, even suggests he keeps his eyes open when walking about.
There is more afoot than it appears. Advise Charles and Johnny. Head to the safe inn. Too bad Charles is so clearly not a farmer or peasant. He could mix with some of the local kids and collect rumors.

>>2572836
Let's head to the inn. The one we agreed with Johnny to meet at.

>>2572846
>>2572844
the one outside the gates, got it.

Keep in mind that after nightfall the gates are closed! the inner city will be barred off.

writing!

>>2572836
“Charles, we’re heading back to the gate, do you remember the way?” Henry asked.


“I think so, why?” Charles said. “I’m following you.”


“I want you to go out in front so I can keep my eyes on you.” Henry responded. “Just a hunch, I got a feeling we’re still being followed, but I haven’t seen anything on the streets. Something is going on here, maybe big, maybe not.”


“Is that unusual?” Charles asked.


“Something’s always going on.” Henry answered.


Henry turned and entered into a fairly empty side street. It was a bit riskier but Henry wanted to save time. Just as he was beginning to think he’d imagined it he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye. Unnaturally quick movement, a shadow slinking back into an alleyway, what the fuck? In broad daylight?


Decision:

1. Chase that fucker down
2. Make a run for the gates
3. Carefully move forwards, keep Charles close by
4. Write in

I think it is good to go with the Scribe job cover.
Apprentice and a foreign merc or retired swordsman. Maybe get some makeup to appear a bit older, make be a fake set of glasses.

>>2572850
Third option

>>2572850
>3. Carefully move forwards, keep Charles close by.
make sure a dagger is loose and ready at hand.

Rolled 23, 72 = 95 (2d100)

>>2572854
Are we gonna go all Clark Kent up in this bitch?

>>2572856
>>2572860
writing

>>2572850
Is Johnny with us? If so, have him split off and follow the guy following us. That way when he leaves Johnny can see if he's working with anyone else.

>>2572876
He isn't.

>>2572881
> 5. Write in

Make small talk. "What a pleasant surprise to see a familiar face. I won't ask what you're doing here, but do you know what's going on in this town lately?"

I mean, we aren't hostile yet right? Also we shouldn't draw her attention to Charles.

>>2572850
“Charles, stick close!” Henry called to the boy, before pulling his dagger out. He couldn’t just go for the shortsword while in town, the Cathars on guard duty would notice.


Charles ran over, saw Henry had pulled his dagger out, and did the same. The twisted guard of the thing shinning in the sunlight. Had Charles polished it?


Henry began to slowly make his way down the street. He still couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary, and he drew a few stares from the one or two passersby that passed him. A moment later he felt a blade at his throat. He froze up before kicking Charles away and kicking off the ground, head-butting whomever had closed this distance.


“Ooooh Henry!” A feminine voice cooed. A


Henry recognized that voice, and as he spun around he came face to face with familiar pale visage. Oh fuck it was Lisa. What the hell was that vampire doing here?


She had a full cloak on, her face had only been briefly exposed before a gloved hand pulled the hood back over her to prevent her from burning up in the daylight. She had just been toying with him. She was holding her nose with one hand and a wicked looking dagger in the other. Her entire body was covered in clothing, although in fit her form well enough to see how well-endowed she was. Vampires had a penchant for that sort of thing, Henry had found.

Decision:

1. “You hear to kill me? You know my deal with Vermillion means you’re not allowed to do jack shit!”
2. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
3. “Let me guess, the assassination of the mage was you?”
4. “Charles, stay behind me.”
5. Write in

>>2572888
>>2572887

>>2572889
Yeah I got it, sorry about that. I'm announcing when the final version goes up in the discord to attempt to prevent that. 4chan got all fucky with the post for some reason. Pity the poor Lorekeeper.

>>2572888

start with>>2572887
"It is more acceptable to walk up and say "hello"." Not that I'd expect you to be typical."

File: Implications.gif (1.78 MB, 400x279)

1.78 MB GIF

>>2572892

>>2572902
>>2572898
gonna wait 5 more min then start writing, I dunno if 3rd anon is still here. Want to give him some time. I'll check back one more time before I post it as well


>The final version was posted here, I'm not posting them in the discord only, that's multiple levels of stupid.

>>2572898
This

>>2572888
“What a … PLEASANT SURPRISE…. To see such a familiar face.” Henry said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I won’t ask what you’re doing here.”


“I love it when my prey plays hard to get.” Lisa said. “Do keep it up.”


Henry’s eye twitched slightly, but he was otherwise unaffected.


“Do you have any clue what’s going on in this town?” Henry asked.


“I’m here on business.” Lisa said. “Or perhaps its pleasure, I sometimes mix the two up.”


“Who the fuck are you assassinating?” Henry said. He didn’t want to say anything too loudly but no way in hell was he getting close enough to whisper to her. He knew she knew he had magic, as long as he kept an eye on her he’d have some semblance of an advantage. Well, that and the sunlight.


“It’s a secret!” She said, throwing her arms up in the air in a giddy joy that would’ve terrified Henry had he not seen it before. It still made him uneasy as all hell.


“It might be someone you know though!” She said, placing a hand over her mouth and mockingly giggling. What a fucking lunatic.


“Next time could you just walk up and say hello?” Henry asked. “I get you’re… you… but could you at least have the decency to give me personal space?”


“What’s that line Vermillion always uses on you…? Oh, right. No.” She said.


If only he could choke her to death. Henry noticed he’d unconsciously moved to protect Charles. The boy was utterly terrified of the woman, but he didn’t seem to realize just what she was. He’d probably piss himself if he figured it out.


“Oh… so that’s what I was smelling.” She said, grinning wildly. How delectable.”


“For once in your life have a bit of self-control.” Henry demanded.


“Cute coming from you!” She said. “Sides, what’s the point of living forever if I can’t enjoy it?”


Decision:
1. Bolt her
2. Get away while you still can, keep your eyes on her
3. “What do you even want with me?”
4. “You’re here to kill someone on business… who have you killed for pleasure already?
5. Write in

>>2572940
Option three and four

>>2572940
>5. Write in

> Well shit, I'm looking for work anyways. Got any side jobs you need done?

>>2572945
>>2572962
I kinda like both of these.
These and Close Mind spell

>>2572945
>>2572962
>>2572964
writing

If you want to use spells I'd need more than 1 vote for it, since it'd burn mana.

>>2572964
What does close mind do again?

>>2572969
prevents us from being affected by weaker mental spells outright, and gives us some resistance against stronger attacks and insanity damage.

>>2572940
“What do you even want with me?” Henry asked.


“What? An old friend can’t stop and say hello?” She said, grinning still.


“You’re no friend of mine.” Henry said, once again moving to protect Charles.


“Oh how you wound me!”


“And stay the hell away from him.”


“Oh how precious!” She said.


“You’re here to kill someone on business then… who have you killed already?” Henry asked.


“Nobody you’d care about.” She said, her playful façade dropping for a split second. “Certainly nobody I care about!” She said, her cheerful nature returning. “I did kill a scribe the other day. You probably already know about it, you busy bee!”


“Do you have any work?” Henry asked. “Preferably well paying?”


“Hey now, you’re Vermilion’s pet, you know how he feels about sharing. Such a shame, you’re a fantastic toymaker!”


Why’d he even ask, she made him feel sick. He fucking HATED vampires.


Decisions:
1. Leave
2. Say something else (write in)
3. Attack her (explain how)
4. “Wait, you killed the scribe?”
5. Write in

>>2572969
Close Mind: Will give you a better chance to resist attacks against your mind, or mind reading spells in general. Will also give you great resistance against insanity. (costs 0.5 blue mana to cast)(is always snapcasted)

>>2572973
>4. “Wait, you killed the scribe?”
"Now the plots thicken. I knew there were wheels within wheels, but the few extra layers of wheels makes my head hurt. How does a scribe play into it? Or is it just the nibbling away effect?'

>>2572966
>>2572973
> Seconding closed mind

> 2. Say something else (write in)

Where is Vermillion then, or how do I get in touch with him here?

>>2572979
>>2572978

Writing

I'm gonna be using the close mind spell then.

>>2572978
This

>>2572973
Henry managed to cast close mind on himself, and suddenly he realized he’d been slightly manipulated by the women. Her eyes were glowing red. Some vampiric magic he didn’t know the name of. He didn’t feel sick anymore, but he still felt intense hatred for her. That was normal. He used the sudden mental strength to point his dagger at Lisa, seemingly surprising her. But that fake sweet smile remained on her lips, even if her eyes had widened slightly.


“So how does the scribe play into all of this?” Henry asked. “You’re not really one for elaborate plans Lisa, someone set you up to this? Who’s paying you, who are you working for? What’s your end game?”


“There’s the good old paranoid Henry I’ve come to love! Henry, is it so hard to believe that a girl just wants to have a little fun out on the town once in a while. The old Baron, well… I’ve been having some fun with his people for a while now. Just a way to kill some time, have a bit of fun, you know!” She said, before taking a step towards him. “Why’d you ruin the fun I was having with you?” She asked.


“Did Vermilion send you?” Henry asked, still holding his dagger up at her. A quick glance revealed Charles was doing the same, although his hands and legs were trembling with fear.


“He’s back at home… I’m not his mother!” She said. “Sides he has his own things he attends to, I have mine. I’ve told you this before!”


“As for who hired me…” She said, the sweetness fading completely. “I think you know EXACTLY who hired me, Henry Fisher. I’m sorry he has to die, but business is business!” With that she rushed back into an alleyway with a supernatural quickness that startled Henry.


Henry had a lot of questions racing through his mind. Words failed him for a moment, and a fear he’d kept in the back of his mind surged forth. Suddenly a vampire didn’t matter so much. This was far larger than that now if they were involved.

Decisions:
1. Get back to the inn and back to Johnny
2. Head to the castle
3. Head to your info broker contact
4. Write in

>>2572990
What does she mean we know exactly who hired her?

Go back to inn and Johnny tell him what we've learned

>>2572992
Those people Henry wanted to get revenge on, that's literally all I can say without spoiling the big event.

>>2572990
Dang. I need some back info. Lisa and Henry have some past encounters. What were they?
I wanted to offer her a bit of info "Guess who the church has brought up to their camp!"

I'm guessing she is instructed to kill Charles.
Killing time waiting for us to show up. But she is giving us a warning. Church mission? Vampires working with Angels?
History of the church?

Hell yes....get the scribe job just to look through records and histories. I feel like I've missed a step in all of this.

>>2572992
>>2572998
calling it a night.

So far I got 1 vote for inn.

>>2572998
> The Church hiring Vampires

> When they have Inquisitors

Dude, if the Church knew about Charles they wouldn't need Vampires.

They're probably there to frame the Church for killing the Baron so the people rise up against them and weaken each other for a Vampire invasion.

Or maybe even kill the Solarch. So


> 1. Get back to the inn and back to Johnny

then

> 3. Head to your info broker contact

>>2572998
Didn't she kill the scribe? Those records might not be there any more.

>>2573008
Yeah, inn and Johnny.

Kill the Baron is likely too. But the church would do the whole hanging from the tree thing - so that doesn't work. Remove the Baron, because he knows something, because he is making an alliance with the church or something else? It just makes more sense that Lisa is on a "clean up" mission since the church knows they didn't get the whole family..or do they?
History: “Yeppers, never really cared for em, but this is a bit much I’ll admit” Nessie said with her usual lackadaisical attitude. “They got em all, King Roberts, his wife Victoria, and their three children, Regibald, Renea, and even poor young Charles, strung em all up in central square before throwing them in a vat of molten holy silver I hear.”

“Good lord…” Henry started, “Least they had the decency to kill em before the silver bit.” This left a few questions however, and a couple possible answers. If Charles was supposedly dead, who the fuck was this kid then? Was he Charles, and the dead boy was a fake? Or vice versa? His gut said it was the first option. Which was a spot of good news, the church would never admit openly they’d gotten the wrong kid, and with the body destroyed no one would ever know.

But hiring a vampire assassin is exactly the sort of thing the church accused the Royals of doing. But the ones that hired her are the same ones that young Henry was going to send a monster after for destroying his life and lives of commoners.
The side with the demon says there is something breaking up in the Angel flights.

>>2573017
They (the church) hire an outsider, a spawn of evil, as cover. As far as official lines go- Charles died with his family. But the church threw the bodies into molten silver so no one else would know. They had the family as prisoners. They could have interrogated them. They can't let it be known they failed. Charles knows something or has some key to the whole Angel events.
>>2573009
Records like basic histories. Maybe some other clues. Old Church info with the 5 angels instead of the 4.

>>2573019
Way easier for the Vamps to escalate the situation between the Nobles and the Church.

>>2572992
>>2572998
>>2573012
>>2573017
>>2573019
>>2573060
gonna be writing later tonight, consensus seems to be to go back to the inn and regroup.

>>2572990
“Who was that?” Charles asked, falling to his knees, visibly shaken. The kid had been enthralled in some way by Lisa’s spell. Only now had he regained his senses.


“It’s not important, we’re heading back to Johnny.” Henry replied. Lisa would work for whomever had coin, and they had quite a bit. Was she going after the Solarch? The Baron? Someone else… or Charles?


He didn’t know and that alone terrified him. Daylight was growing short and he wouldn’t have too much time until nightfall.


The two journeyed out of town, past the guards at the gate who after a couple of small questions let them through. Out through the shanty town that had been growing around Yorkshire Proper for decades, eventually ending up at the Rickety Board Inn and Tavern.


Johnny had already got a room, and the man looked a bit confused as to why they were there so early.


“Did it not go well?” He asked.


Decisions:
1. “We have bigger problems now.”
2. “I need your help, this has gotten a lot more chaotic, Lisa’s involved.
3. “Nothing’s changed, only delayed.”
4. “We need to find some way to sneak you into the city.”
5. Write in