>>2581098


==============(CASE 3 START)============

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


Henry awoke to the morning air, and the light of dawn. His sleep had been restless, the same damned dream again. An altar, a demon, and cultists, He needed his coffee. Readying himself for the day, he began to plan out how he’d sneak Johnny into the main city. The outer city, the part outside the gates, was certainly vast, but he didn’t need Johnny here. He needed the skeleton’s support INSIDE the gates. But he couldn’t sneak him in without the guards trying to remove his helmet.


At that point he was stricken with a brilliant idea. He wouldn’t bring Johnny in as a person.


“I have it Johnny.” Henry said, talking past a groggy Charles. The boy hadn’t quite gotten used to being up so early.


“What do you have?” Johnny asked. “A way inside?”


“It’s been under our noses the whole damned time!” Henry exclaimed, throwing his arms up in the air in triumph. “You’re a skeleton Johnny!” He said.


“I don’t follow.” Johnny said. The skeleton pondered for a moment longer, before slowly moving his hand up to his forehead. “Oh, right.”


They could just throw him in a knapsack, break him down to just bones, and get him through the guards that way. As long as the container would be too small for a human to fit in, and Henry had his pack, He knew for a fact Johnny would fit in the thing. The guards hadn’t been checking containers, they’d only been looking for people. It was a fairly solid plan. As long as nobody looked of course. Getting caught with a skeleton would not go well.

“I don’t think you need all three of us for the big meeting.” Charles said. “So what do I do?”


Decisions:
1. “I’m heading out myself, Johnny, can you get some info from Ol’ Lefty? Take Charles.”
2. “I’m going myself, you two stay here and hold down the fort.”
3. “All three of us are heading out together, I’m gonna go in for my meeting, the two of you will be my backup in case things go fucky.”
4. Write in

>>2581138
>1. “I’m heading out myself, Johnny, can you get some info from Ol’ Lefty? Take Charles.”

>>2581428
waiting on votes, slow night eh?

>>2581428
This

>>2581603
You run when I sleep :(

I just woke up.

>>2581606
>>2581428
writing

>>2581606
I'm planning on doing more afternoon runs during the weekends. I think it'll be better for my health and you europe boys should be able to participate.

>>2581614
You should continue even if you have only one vote.

>>2581138
“Look, I’m heading out by myself. Johnny, I want you to head to Ol’ lefty, take some coin, see what you can get out of him.”


“Anything in particular you want me to ask?” Johnny asked.


“I’m gonna trust your judgment here.” Henry said.


“You really must be out of ideas then.” Johnny said. “We’re all doomed then.”


“Stuff it Johnny


“I guess I’ll just… uh.” Charles said.

“Just try not to raise too much attention. I’d have you stay put but even with the barred windows I don’t want to leave you alone with a vampire about. Especially since I don’t have any places to stay on short notice.”


“Vampires can’t enter personally owned domains, since Henry doesn’t own any here in Yorkshire, there won’t be any defense.” Johnny said, noticing Charles’ confusion.


“Johnny is probably one of the few people in the area who could survive an encounter with THAT vampire.” Henry said. “It’s the safest place for you, Charles.”


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


The trip into town was uneventful, Henry quickly passed through the security checkpoint at the gate, and moved towards the castle. He met up with Ingald and the two were given passage into the outer courtyard. Great stonework towers and several inner keeps rose over them, their grandeur unquestionable. The courtyard had a beautiful display of horticulture. Henry had always liked these sorts of controlled wildlife plots. He also had a thing for greenhouses too, but those were only found on the coast, where it was colder.


“Henry, I want you on your best behavior now.” Ingald said. “Try to act… civilized. I realize what sorts you run with.”


“I’m nothing if not civilized, Ingald.” Henry replied. “I won’t embarrass you now.”


“It’s a bit more serious than that, Henry.” Ingald replied. “If I didn’t owe you that favor I wouldn’t be doing this.”
Decisions:
1. Say something to Ingald (write in)
2. Get a look around (roll 1d100 for perception)
3. Say nothing, head deeper into the castle
4. Write in

>post kept fucking up for some reason, I think my copy of word is having issues.

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>2581652
Look around

>>2581665
I'm gonna go ahead and roll the second one too, to speed things up. You can choose to take this roll or not.

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>2581672

>>2581652
>2. Get a look around (roll 1d100 for perception)


And on taking Johnny into the city, have that Memory Scatter spell ready to loose if things go badly.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>2581691
oops, forgot to roll - but given the fail, maybe moot.

>>2581665
>>2581691
Seems god hates me, house internet just failed, phone posting. Will get the post ready with word and get it up as soon as internet allows

>>2581732
Hah, okay man, no sweat

>>2581637
I trust people in this quest not go full meme.

>>2581732
It's all good.

>>2581665
>>2581718
writing


>>2581691
Johnny isn't with you, you boys voted to go solo. Ol' lefty is in the outer city.

>>2581652
As they passed through the courtyard plaza, Henry got a look down at a much lower plaza set deeper into the hillside the castle rested on. A bunch of people in some sort of workmens getup rushed around the plaza, tending to a metal tower that rose prominently in the center. He didn’t get a great chance to look at it, but Henry could tell it hadn’t been there until recently. The ground around it was very disturbed, out of place in such a highly manicured set of gardens. A moment later the two entered another building, walked through a couple of hallways and a couple of staircases, before entering into a small office space. The main feature of which was a giant window in the back looking into the castle’s central courtyard.

The office was decorated with several bookcases, official looking seals and banners of the Northcrest Barony, and a few other trophies and plaques, probably for some achievement or other. The floors were made out of some sort of hardwood and the planks formed a fancy design. This was the Master of the Households’ office. The man wasn’t quite here yet, so the two had a bit longer to chat.

“I never got the man’s name Ingald.” Henry said. “You never took the time to tell me.”

“His name is Varrick, hopefully you’ll learn it.” Ingald said, walking over to the window and gazing into the courtyard.

“Do you like the view?” Henry asked, only a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“I’m just worried it won’t exist in a few days.” Ingald replied. “Even with what I said, the Baron has done a fine job stewarding Yorkshire Proper, even with some of his personality quirks. It would be a true waste to remove and replace him with the church.”


Decisions:
1. “I don’t really have a dog in that fight”
2. “So where is Varrick then?”
3. “What the hell is the church thinking with all of this?”
4. “Have you been handling all this alright?”
5. Write in

>>2582100
>1. “I don’t really have a dog in that fight”
>3. “What the hell is the church thinking with all of this?”

And what are they building out there in the lower plaza?

>>2582100
>1. “I don’t really have a dog in that fight”
> 3. “What the hell is the church thinking with all of this?”

Like, there's a Seraph here. Why isn't he living up to his reputation?

>>2582236
>>2582179
All angels are women, including the seraphs.


writing

>>2582100
“I don’t really have a dog in this fight.” Henry said, trying to avoid discussing his own opinions on this matter.


“You will soon if you get the job.” Ingald replied. “Better to start thinking about it now. I don’t think the church will attack directly but it’s a possibility. Far more likely they’ll kill the Baron and replace him.”


“What the hell is the church thinking with all of this?” Henry asked.


“It’s a bit odd I’ll admit, at first the word was they were just taking over completely, heck they still might. They killed most of the nobility in Celeste, but have left the provinces outside of Sol pretty much to themselves. Now it’s like they’re trying to make peace. Still, it just comes off as odd. Why even bother then? Or why didn’t they make the switch gradual. The royal family had been slipping as of late, at least in terms of control. It happened very suddenly from what I’ve been told. I am just worried their olive branch is a ruse here.” Ingald said, rambling a bit.


“Perhaps they overextended?” Henry asked.


“Seems the most likely answer. The inner provinces are where they have the most control, perhaps they still need the noble houses further out. They’re probably starting here since Baron Northcrest has always been a staunch anticathedral activist, but he prays daily. A fairly smart decision truth be told. I don’t know if they’ve come to a complete agreement yet though.”


“Not much to a religion if you don’t follow its church.” Henry replied.


“I don’t suppose I agree.” Ingald replied.

“So what’s the tower out in the central plaza?” Henry asked. “Looked recent.”


“Hrmph, some monstrosity from those cobblers. Those progress people set it up a few days ago, seems to be keeping the angels at bay for now, it’s done something to the rune wall. Locked them out from what I can tell, the church is up in arms about it, but they still haven’t attacked the walls.”


“What of the angels?” Henry asked.


“The Seraph of Dawn was here a few days back, but she departed once the situation stabilized… relatively. Right now I think they have an archangel giving orders, though I haven’t exactly been in their camp.”


“A seraph? Here?” Henry asked.


Before Ingald could respond, an older looking man came through the doorway and moved over to have a seat at the lone desk in the room. He had a crest on his robe, the Northcrest Insignia.


“You must be Henry.” He said simply. “Have a seat, I have a few questions for you.”


Henry quickly did as he was told.


Decisions:
1. “A pleasure to meet you.”
2. “I’m surprised you folk are hiring on such short notice, not that I’m complaining.”
3. “What’s it like working here?”
4. “What duties would I need to perform for the role?”
5. Write in

>>2582291
> Naturally, I have faith my capabilities will be up to your expectations.

>>2582291
And if he challenges us about being overconfident we can reply that we wouldn't waste his time if we weren't confident.

>>2582291
>1. “A pleasure to meet you.”
>4. “What duties would I need to perform for the role?”

What is the pay and what happened to the last person in the office?

>>2582291
“I’ve heard you are a fine scribe Henry, Ingald rarely gives out compliments like he has with you, I’m sure you’ve heard quite a bit about me. I’d like to extend the Northcrest’s greeting as the head of household here.”


“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Varrick. Naturally, I have faith my capabilities will be up to your expectations.” Henry replied.


“I appreciate the confidence. Hopefully you can live up to it.” Varrick replied.


“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t confident in myself or my abilities.” Henry replied. “What duties will the role require exactly. Ingald here told me you required a scribe, but he didn’t go into specifics.”


“We need to reorganize the library, and copy down a collection of old books the Baron has recently purchased from Celeste. Rare manuscripts of course, care and dedication will be required here.”


“I believe I can do that. What happened to the last person who had the role?” Henry asked.


“Scribe Quincy died in his sleep, the man had been getting up in years but it still came as a shock, I suppose it goes to show the reaper can take you at any time.” Varrick replied.


They continued going back and forth for a little bit, the meeting was going fairly well, however they were interrupted by a commotion coming from the courtyard. Varrick paused the meeting to have a look, and scoffed.

>>2582759
“Oh, it’s the Church’s delegation, and they only saw fit to send that new seer and a couple of cardinals. Suppose the Solarch couldn’t be bothered, and he couldn’t even send one of the actual Seers.” Varrick said, thinly veiled disgust in his voice.

Henry took the chance to stand up and head over to the window. In the courtyard were several individuals, a few of them, baring the Baron’s sigil and wearing full plate armor, were leading a delegation of church officals through the courtyard. Henry recognized a few of their symbols, the cardinals of both Yorkshire and Sol province were there. Plus a whole retinue of very, very nicely dressed Cathars, the Cathedral guard.


Cardinals were representatives of each province who met in a council in Celeste under the Solarch. They matched responsibilities with each provinces Archbishop. To see two of them here was a bit worrying. Lastly was the Seer, a familiar face wearing armor that was far too fancy for him, the man seemed to be uncomfortable. The Cathedral Guard were those Cathars who served under them. While they didn’t command high positions like Templars or Crusaders, they still held a lot of clout.


As for the new Seer… Henry recognized that man, and understood exactly why he looked out of place.


The new Seer was none other than Gerald. Henry’s oldest and possibly only friend. Henry couldn’t believe it himself.


Decisions:
1. Try to excuse yourself from the meeting, you want to speak with Gerald if you can
2. Continue the meeting, try to find a way to meet up with Gerald later
3. Continue the meeting, you have your own life to see to
4. Write in

>>2582763
bet you boys didn't think we'd be seeing him again

Anywho I won't be posting till 10:30 eastern or so, since I have work soon. Apologies about my slow updates. But as you see I had a good chunk to write.

>>2582763
2. Continue the meeting, try to find a way to meet up with Gerald later

>>2582814
This.

>>2583409
>>2582814
writing!

>>2582763
“So now that this little distraction has ended. Let’s resume our interview yes?” Varrick asked. “Also Ingald, I know you like shirking your work but I’m sure you have things to be doing now.”


“Right.” Ingald said. Henry had sort of forgotten the man was still in the room. Lazy bastard.


“So the main point is that the Baron wants to make sure he has copies of these transcripts before he sells them off to a contact over in Ranstead to the east. That’s the long and short of the job. You do well at this we’ll talk about a longer term position.”


“I was under the impression this was, not that I mind.” Henry said. “I always love a chance to prove myself.”


“A lovely attitude, I wish more people had it.” Varrick replied. “Well, I’ll get someone to show you to the library, afterwards I’ll leave you to it.”


Honestly the pay itself wasn’t terrible, although Henry could make more through his normal trade by a good deal. Still, it’d give him cover to operate in the castle for the time being. He have to thank Ingald later, overall this was a fairly useful position. Even if it hadn’t been exactly what he’d asked for, it was all the better that it wasn’t too long term.

Decisions:
1. “I just need to run a few errands first if that’s quite alright.”
2. “Certainty, have them lead the way.”
3. “Will the current … hostilities be an issue?”
4. “How many documents are we talking about here?”
5. Write in

>>2583795
>3. “Will the current … hostilities be an issue?”
Guys,et al - we also have Charles to plan for so- "And I also have an apprentice, I assume at no extra pay is allowed?"

Also - allowance for kitchens requests or use?

>>2583800
>>3. “Will the current … hostilities be an issue?”
>Guys,et al - we also have Charles to plan for so- "And I also have an apprentice, I assume at no extra pay is allowed?"

Good idea.

>>2583866
>>2583800
>>2583807

writing

>>2583795
“Will the current… hostilities be an issue?” Henry asked.


“At present, no. My Baron has come to an agreement with the Solarch himself, though I’m afraid I’m sworn to secrecy as to the details of that little arrangement. Hopefully the peace lasts, we don’t trust them and I assume vice versa. But that doesn’t mean we have to come to blows.”


“That’s good?” Henry asked. “At least nobody’s killing each other.”


“Yet. Will that be all?”


“I assume room and board is included?” Henry asked. “I also have my apprentice to look after, can arrangements be made for him as well?”


“Room and board was going to be included in payment of course, as for your apprentice… if he can help you speed your work up I suppose I could allow it. We certainly have a spare bed to use.”


“You do?” Henry asked.


“Nothing to worry yourself about.” Varrick said. “Regardless, you’ll begin immediately if at all possible, although you will be allowed some time for personal pursuits. Most of the castle will be off limits to you of course, but just stick to the library’s and the servants areas and you’ll be fine. If you wander into a restricted section I’ll just tell the guard to escort you back. Don’t make trouble now.”


“Wouldn’t think of it.” Henry replied.


Decisions:
1. Say something else (write in)
2. Head to the library
3. Head to try and find Gerald
4. Head to the Inn and wait for Charles and Johnny
5. Write in

>>2583895
>2. Head to the library

>>2583895
>4. Head to the Inn and wait for Charles and Johnny
Gotta check on our boys here,

>>2583963
>>2583965
will flip a coin in 10 minutes unless a tiebreaker posts

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2583963
>>2583965
flipping then writing!

>>2583895
“With all due respect Verrick, I’d like to take the time to inform my apprentice and see to a couple of personal matters first. Can I have some time to do so?”


“Certainty, I suppose I was just excited to finally have this project back on track, lord knows we’ve had enough interruptions for a lifetime.”


Henry quickly departed from the castle, making his way back to the inn room in record time. He needed to speak with Johnny and figure out what sort of plan they’d go for. Right now he had a way into the castle itself, but no access to the Baron. Small wonder, with all the excitement going on. Still it was a good deal of progress, it would allow him to hopefully gain a lot of information.


He found the room empty, apparently the two hadn’t gotten back yet.


Decisions:
1. Wait at the inn for them (roll dice)
2. Head out to try and find them (roll dice)
3. Write in

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>2584008
Wait for them

>>2584073
supporting.

>>2584008
Henry decided he’d just hang tight and wait for them. He’d finished up early after all. Sure enough, his two companions returned to the inn a short while later.

“Back already sir?” Johnny asked. “I suppose it didn’t go well?”

“Got the job you bag of bones.” Henry replied, grinning. “So we have an way into the castle, only problem is now I’m stuck copying down boring shit until I finish, our cover is blown, or we leave town.” Henry concluded. “Also Charles, you’re gonna be helping me.” Henry said.

“I suppose so sir…. Henry. I can read and write fairly well, or so I’ve been told anyways.”

“Works for me. Anywho Johnny, what information did you learn.”

“Gerald is the new…”


“I know that one already, I saw the guy today, though I didn’t get to speak with him.”


“He’s certainly moved up in the world…” Johnny said, staring at Henry for a bit longer than necessary.


“Shut up.” Henry replied. “We both know I have no place ‘moving up’, whatever the hell you think that means”.


“Another piece of news is that the Baron brought a secret shipment of something into the castle recently, nobody knows what it is, but it probably has something to do with the cult of progress. Lastly, well, seems an angel got shot down by the city defenses.”


“Oh lord, how the fuck did that even happen?” Henry asked.


“Church is saying it was a lucky shot. Baron says it was his secret weapon. Right now information is scarce.”


Decision:

1. “Me and Charles are heading back up to the castle.”
2. “I want to head into the camp, find Gerald, he’s probably back by now.”
3. “I want to explore the black market, it’s still located under oak street right?”
4. Write in

>>2584112
>3. “I want to explore the black market, it’s still located under oak street right?”

>>2584122
What exactly do we want from the black market?

>>2584141
>>2584122
information, perhaps a couple of items.

>>2584141
>>2584148
Information, possibly items and magical supplies..like maybe a small ward stone.

>>2584152
>>2584141
>>2584122
gonna start writing, if anyone wants to add feel free, I'll check back once or twice before posting.

>>2584112
Look, Johnny, I’m heading to the black market, its still under Oak Street right?” Henry asked.


“Yes it should still be there.” Johnny replied. “Don’t get into too much trouble now, I’ll make sure Charles remains safe.”


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=


Henry arrived at Oak street, and then walked through a nearby wall, or rather the illusion of a wall. Down a flight of steps, and into a large chamber filled with a couple of market stalls and a lot of different people. This was a good deal smaller than Undertown’s market, but it would still do the trick. A couple of cursesellers were hawking their wares to passerbys. There was a man selling imprinted spell stones, stones that held a single charge of a specific spell. Things were generally banned by the church, mainly due to pressure from various mages guilds. These would be a good deal cheaper, if potentially dangerous, or at the very least shoddy. A couple other people were selling undead servants, Henry wasn’t too impressed by the workmanship, certainly not nearly as good as the ones he’d sold to Ol’ Lefty.


He may not have liked the circumstances that he found himself in, but he’d be damned if he sold poor work.


There was one other stall that peaked Henry’s interest, someone was selling angel feathers, apparently they’d managed to get a few. Things were rare as hell, generated white mana on their own, but were very expensive. The person was charging thirty gold for them. Good lord.


Decisions: (pick one)
1. Talk to the Curse Sellers
2. Talk to the Rune seller
3. Talk to the spell seller
4. Talk to the poison seller
5. Write in

>>2584170
I dunno. I didn't vote for this.
Let's try to get more info about stuff.

>>2584170
>2. Talk to the Rune seller
>3. Talk to the spell seller

Look for a rune that might prevent vampire entry, or flare into sunlight on activation. Drop a few coppers while shopping for ingredients and supplies to ask about the angel, what else has been going on, anyone sighted Lisa the Vamp? What sort of contraption the progessives have for the Baron.

>>2584185
>>2584174
for the information, you'll have to preform a charisma roll, I'm gonna start writing the rest

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>2584189

>>2584170
Henry had a small chat with the rune seller, he wanted a sunlight rune. It would be nearly as good as the real thing, but it would certainly cause Lisa some discomfort to say the least. It was a bit more expensive than a normal light rune, but it’d be well worth it. Instead of a small, controlled ray of sunlight, it’d go all at once. A one use light bomb.


(+Sunlight rune, -3 silver)


Henry asked around for a silver church emblem of some kind, but nobody was selling such a thing here of all places. That would’ve made his problem with Lisa a breeze, but no, once again angelic magic would not be coming to his rescue. Still, the sunlight rune would at least slow her down, assuming he could get the thing off in time.


Henry did manage to get a bit of information as well. Lisa had been spotted around, mainly gathering weapons to use in her latest job. The merchants didn’t reveal much more than that. Then again, he supposed nobody wanted to get on that vampires bad side. She had a reputation for being crazy as all hell, with good reason.

As for the contraption, Henry got wild rumors. A couple said the thing had zapped the angel out of the air. Others said it had merely blocked the angel from entering the city’s airspace. Others said it had summoned forth demons to strike the angel down. Yet others said it didn’t do jack shit.

Decisions:
1. Get anything else (write in)
2. Go to library with Charles
3. Head to Church camp alone

>>2584197
Go to the library.

>>2584197
calling it a night! gonna try to get back on early tomorrow and post intermittently throughout the day.


I have a few 'stealth' sections planned heading forwards, or combat, if we want to.

>>2584215
Alright, see you then!

>>2584197
>2. Go to library with Charles
- See if we can instruct Charles on the Sunlight Rune.
- Check the Library and the chambers allowance. Check scribe supplies. Check security of library and chambers and possible places to store Johnny.

>>2584220
>>2584219
will write tomorrow


>>2584220
Fantastic suggestion. I'm probably going to take the time to draw a map. Or rather Charles will since my drawing is like that of a 12 year old

>>2584197
Henry left the black market, headed back to the inn room, gathered Charles, and departed to the castle. The two got through the checkpoint at the wall without trouble, and then through a second checkpoint at the castle as well. The castle guard recognized him which made things easy. The two were led through a series of winding halls. During which Henry was led past an armory with several sets of armor hanging from the walls. Perhaps he’d be able to use them as a disguise if he could get back here. He passed a few servants quarters, whom his guide explained he’d be sleeping in. Charles said nothing during the trip, the kid looked very nervous, and Henry didn’t blame him.

Henry would be allowed to use any servants areas, which included sleeping and dining quarters, the outer two courtyards, as the central one was open to guests and select staff only, so he couldn’t just get a look at the tower. He was also barred from the lower chambers, probably to prevent any tampering with supplies.

His supplies were ink, parchment, and a few other tools one would expect a scribe to have. It was actually fairly nice they were being provided. The manuscripts themselves weren’t really magical or particularly interesting, although the images displayed on them were rather stunning. Henry was just happy he was only expected to copy the writing down. If he’d been asked to copy the images he’d be out of his league.

There were several places he could store Johnny as well, one of which were of course the off limits lower areas, there were the servants quarters, and a few random places under stairwells and in closets that seemed out of the way. Overall it seemed like a fairly smart plan, although he would need a damned good reason to bring that skeleton into the area.

Decisions: (pick one)
1. Preform your duties as normal today (will perform greater than expected workload)
2. Try to get some sneaking in
3. Try to do a lot of sneaking
4. Get a look around the library, these castles often have a lot of secrets
5. Write in

Optional:
1. Teach Charles about the sunlight rune.

>>2586275
Set up and get started on manuscript copying.
>4. Get a look around the library, these castles often have a lot of secrets
- check for secret doors!

>1. Teach Charles about the sunlight rune.

>>2586693
roll for perception!

gonna get the post going in the meantime!

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2586719
Rolling!

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>2586719
Rawlin

>>2586275
Henry quickly set to work on the manuscripts, getting parchment, writing things down. In all honesty the work was massively boring. Interestingly, the transcripts were in latin, the angelic language, and they described several massive battles that had taken places on the ashen plains to the east, past the great swamplands and the moors. Where it described a “city of the dead who’d never died.” What a load of horseshit. Everybody knew the world ended in those wastes, nothing had ever been discovered out there. Eventually he got Charles to begin transcribing, and much to his chagrin, Charles’s handwriting was far superior to his own.

“So what’s the rune you picked up?” Charles asked. “It important?”


“It’s a sunlight rune, Charles.” Henry replied. “Filled with white mana and set in the sun to soak up the sunlight. The thing is really bright when it goes off, sorta like a light rune but far more powerful. The big thing is that its ACTUAL sunlight stored in there, rather than just artificial light made with white mana. I.e. it can harm vampires. I’d normally try to find some holy symbol imbued with church magic, but alas I have no avenue to get it.”


“I hope we don’t have to use it.” Charles said.


“The story on here is interesting.” Charles said. “I can’t believe there was a whole army of demons.”


“It’s a load of horseshit Charles, the angels just embellish their deeds.”


“It’s still a nice story.”


Henry took the opportunity to search the library itself, checking shelves and books to see if there were any secret passages. He didn’t exactly find any, but he did find a hidden room. A bookcase swiveled outwards on hinges to reveal a storage closet that had been long abandoned, its shelves empty and dust hung in the air. It didn’t lead anywhere, except to asthma… but it WOULD be the perfect place to store Johnny.


“Bingo.” Henry said.


“How did you know that would be there?” Charles asked.


“We’re in a castle kid, these places ALWAYS have secret cubbards and passageways. I’ve heard of a few weird ones in the royal palace even.”


“I wouldn’t know about that I’m afraid.” Charles responded. The boy seemed to be sulking.

Decisions: (PICK ONE)
1. Continue your work then get lunch
2. Begin to sneak around
3. Head out of the castle (write location)
4. Write in

Optional:
1. Speak to Charles
2. Ask a question (as Charles, write in)

>>2586767
>1. Speak to Charles
“You alright? What’s going on?”

>1. Continue your work then get lunch
Gotta at least do our work a little bit. If possible, though, observe where the nearest guards are posted and patrol.

>>2586767
“You alright kid?” Henry asked.


Charles sat up, and wiped his sleeve across his face before getting back to his task.


“No I’m fine, why would you think I’m not.” Charles asked, he sounded like he was forcing himself to remain calm.


The kid was trying to be tough. His entire family had only been murdered about a week ago, honestly he’d taken it better than could have been expected, even with the possible abuse or whatever he’d suffered.


“Well, if you want to talk about it we can.” Henry said. “I don’t know if you’ll find someone willing to listen otherwise.”


“It… it’s not that Henry.” Charles said. “The only person I really cared about was Regibald… I never cared about the others, not my father… not my mother… not my sister, and none of the close advisors… only a couple of the servants…”


Henry’s smile faded, this was something he was in no way prepared to handle.
Decisions:
1. *Let him finish*
2. “Look can we save this for lunch?”
3. “I… I’m gonna leave you to it, I can start transcribing this manuscript here.
4. Write in

>>2586841
Yeah we’re not ready, but we’re a right cunt if we don’t let him talk

>>2586851
gonna start writing, hopefully other anon gets off the toilet soon.

>>2586841
“I just… I’ve never mattered to anyone, and I just… I feel that I’m suddenly important for no reason, I hate it. I hate it so much. Henry, I … I don’t know why you’re so kind to me, but I… please, if you’re using me, at least let me know, I don’t know why you’d just… drop everything. I don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve any of your kindness… I deserve to suffer for being born…” Charles said, the boy had started to cry a bit, tears falling down onto the table. He’d moved the parchment out of the way.


Henry didn’t know what to say to that. “Take a break Charles, I have this.”


The rest of the afternoon was spent in awkward silence. A little while later, Henry could hear a bunch of people coming down the hall. He didn’t really know what it was about, but he did recognize the voice of Varrick, and another voice he didn’t recognize.


Decisions:
1. Get a report of your progress ready
2. Keep your head down, this probably doesn’t concern you
3. Write in

>>2586895
>1. Get a report of your progress ready
>2. Keep your head down, this probably doesn’t concern you
3: Teach Charles about activating the Rune, just in case.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>2586911
mystery roll time, pray hard now

>>2586895
Henry gathered a couple of things, noting how far he’d managed to get. In all honest he’d done a fairly good job. He’d overestimated how long it’d take during his interview, since that meant he could easily surpass expectations. Beyond that though, he did nothing and continued his work. Charles had gotten over his little outburst and had joined in some time ago, the two of them made steady progress as a group of people rounded the doorway and entered into the room.


“Charles, just a heads up, just send a surge of mana into the rune if you can, it’ll activate it.” Henry said.


“I can try, if it comes to that.” Charles said.


Varrick stood, flanked by three armored guards, and a very nicely dressed man, who had several emblems proudly displayed on himself. He was rotund, had a large scruffy beard, and wore a fancy cap with a feather sticking out of it. He began to speak to Varrick before stopping. He then concentrated on Charles for another moment. He whispered something to one of the guards, and the guards drew their weapons.


It was Baron fucking Northcrest, and he must’ve figured out who Charles was.


Henry suddenly realized how terrible of an idea it was to have brought Charles into the FUCKING CASTLE.


Decisions:
1. Surrender
2. Run
3. Fight
4. Write in


>TFW you boys voted to bring Charles into the castle itself.

>>2586927
Bring Charles in right away, clearly not the best plan in 20/20 hindsight.
Hmm. Cards on the table? Bluster? Run? Stranger with red cloak is going to be hard one to find. I don't think fighting is the best move here. I'd suggest maybe :
"My Lord Baron, peace. I have news, can we talk first?"
We learned that the Vampires have an assassin in town ( that might be a good bit to lead with). We know something about the goings on with werewolves and the Necromantic activity. We know Rosa and somewhat about the church activities. We can move between the camps with these connections.

>>2586983
gonna get some sleep and continue in the morning. That will be in about 8 hours give or take.

>>2586983
gonna be writing later on, if nobody else votes I'll go with this anon's option.

OP, sometimes when players miss something which should be very obvious to the characters, you should point it out in the quest. Would Henry make such a mistake as a character? Would Johnny also miss that it is risky to bring Charles along? If so, then you should have them point it out.
The rule of thumb is that quest players are pretty dumb.


I guess the only thing we can do is to come clean. We wanted to probe out the situation before handling Charles over. We didn't know what kind of deal the Baron struck with the church. We know for a fact that the church is searching for the kid, so we were being careful.

Don't surrender but don't act hostile either. We are a strong mage after all.


Another option is to use memory scatter, and while they are confused make Charles put hood over his head, turn away and pretend to be working. How likely is this plan to work?

>>2587357
This

Wait. I just had a thought.
Vampires can't enter without being invited, right? But the one we met killed the scribe in the castle. So that means somebody invited her. Is this how it works?

>>2586927
> Come clean and inform the Baron about our plan to check things out for Charles. We aren't handing a kid over to be killed, and people have a way of deciding certain evils are necessary when they're at risk or worse when they excuse it as necessary to protect others.

>>2587357
> QMs should prevent player fuckups

Git gud instead fggt

>>2587357
>>2587588
I DID say the training wheels had come off, and that action WAS voted on by multiple anons.


Regardless, I'm gonna be writing soon.

>>2587819
Do it

>>2586927
Henry stood there for a moment. His first action was to try and protect Charles, but the guards had already descended on them, one of them pushed him down onto the table, and quickly handcuffed his hands behind his back. The cuffs weren’t mage proof, they must not have known he was a mage yet.


“I was just checking things out to make sure they were safe!” Henry said, beginning to panic. “I couldn’t just hand him over!”


“Oh of course.” The baron said, chortling to himself. “Fantastic work Varrick, you’ve outdone yourself with this little gift. The royal bastard, all wrapped up with a bow on top.”


Varrick began to say something, looked between the Baron and Henry a couple of times, then wisely shut his mouth.


Wait, the royal BASTARD?! A LOT of things suddenly clicked into place in his head, most of all that Charles had been lying to him about it the entire time. It explained everything that had been confusing Henry, most of all how a royal child could be so abused. So he wasn’t the child of both the king and queen.


“Get these two into jail cells, and get a courier to the Church camp, tell them I have upheld my end of our bargain.”


“Right away my lord.” Varrick said, before sending one of the guards off to deliver the message.


Henry began to struggle upon hearing that. “THERE IS AN ASSASSIN!” He yelled out. “A vampire, she’s been able to get into the castle somehow!”


“Just mindless yelping from a caged dog.” Varrick replied, putting the Baron’s momentary worry to rest. “Any other lies you care to tell?”


“Calm down lad, from what I understand, the church seeks to spare that welp’s life, a holy pardon though I honestly don’t believe that for a moment.” The baron walked over and stared Charles down. “I never understood why the Prince took such a liking to you, I suppose he always had a thing for strays.”


“As for you, I don’t know your connection to the boy, and I honestly don’t care. I’m willing to let you go free as a bird after all of this is done. You’ve saved me quite a bit of trouble.“ The baron said, speaking to Henry now.


Henry continued to struggle for a bit longer before feeling a hard blow to the back of his head, then nothing.


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

>>2587861
Well shit.

>>2587861
Today we celebrate the deeds of the angels who protect us so
Across the land their holy light, leads wherever they may go
For evil will find their deeds only rewarded with pain
And every dirty demon who crosses them will end up slain


They speak with voices pure, and never move their lips
From their holy swords only the blood of sinners drips
Faces like pure marble, and wills stronger than steel
In front of their righteousness, every horror kneels


It may not seem like it, but care for us they do
Unless you are a sinner, then they will not care for you
With a pretty face, holy magic’s, and a sharpened sword
We’re just thankful they’ve been sent to us by our lord


Humanity’s holy union, borne in scrolls and stone
Our glowing protectors, sear evil to the bone
In our darkest hour, the seraphs make their play
Even a single one of them can turn night into day


The Seraph of Dawn, she wields a mighty blade
No shadow or poison can make her justice fade
She wields strong magic, born of fire and light
No sinner or evil can escape her sight


The angel of noon, watches our harvest fields
Beating back nature and making the land yield
Protects all our farmers, from the evils of the land
Makes our harvests bountiful and our bounties grand


The angel of midnight, flies across the coast
In her sacred duty, she gives her utmost
A wellspring of knowledge, a calm in any storm
Her spellcraft practiced like a wondrous art form


The Grand Seraph leads us, from her roost in Celeste
Surrounded by those that she knows are the very best
She’s been our stalwart guardian through thick and thin
And with her to guide us, we will always win


~Cathar’s Marching Poem, believed to have been created by Saint Alexander

>>2587861
==========================(CHAPTER START)==============================

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 Years ago

Henry Fisher, age 7

Outskirts of Rally Hamlet, Durkip Province


Henry quickly bounded down a rocky sea blasted path, chasing after his older brother Will. The two had stayed a bit late in town playing as they normally did, much to the chagrin of their parents.


He loved the smell of the sea, the salt air permeating everything. He had just grown old enough to help his father fish in these waters, helping his family make a living.


“Hurry up slowpoke!” His brother called out, rushing down the path and out of view. Their home was just inside the runewall, near the bottom of the cliffs that the path winded through. They knew well enough to not be outside at nightfall, runes or not.

Decisions:
1. Try to outrun your brother
2. Take your time, take in the view
3. “No I’m not!”
4. Write in

>>2587882

>so we're gonna be finally delving into Henry's past now. Buckle up, shits gonna get bad.

>>2587882
>3. “No I’m not!”
>Imma tell mOOooomm!
Continue running.

>>2587928
....
I meant
>4. Write in

Did we stow Johnny in the library? Where are we now, are we in the library? Can we call for him? Send telepathic command?
I'll be damned if we let Charles be handed over to the church that easily.

>>2587974
No, we haven't

Right now Henry is having a bit of sleepy time after being hit with the blunt end of a sword.


As for where we are, we're in the past.


I have a few options for the prison cells, escape will be possible.

>>2587882
“No I’m not!” Henry shouted out, his little legs carrying him faster down the winding path.


“Are too!” Will said, waving to him from a good distance away, before booking it to the beach and then rushing towards their house at the end of it. Henry could see the docks with a fishing boat tied to it, that meant dad had gotten home.


“I’m telling mooom!” Henry yelled out, rushing ahead.


Henry saw Will disappear into the house and shut the door. A few moments later there was shouting from Will. As Henry approached the doorway something else odd happened, the whole area had darkened significantly, like it was nighttime, but the moon wasn’t out. He didn’t know what to make of it.


Decisions:
1. Wait outside
2. Head inside, see whats wrong
3. Write in

>>2587984
>3. Write in
Look in window.

>>2587984
Henry quickly scampered over to a window, and standing on the tips of his toes he managed to clear the window frame. He had to be careful to avoid knocking over his mother’s plants, he’d gotten yelled at once for doing so, and he didn’t want that to happen again.

Inside he saw… something… was it a man? Holding Will up by the throat. His mother was lying motionless on the ground. There were a few normal looking people as well, all carrying daggers. One had blood on it. Oh no.

The normal people wore dark robes and had intricate masks on their faces hiding them completely. They didn’t have anything else of note on them at all.

The other … thing, it was like living shadow. Darkness swirled inside of the thing, almost like the ocean. Henry could feel himself being drawn in, hypnotizing…

He managed to pull himself away before slipping over a potted plant, his mothers.

He heard noise coming from inside the house now, he had to act fast.

Decisions:
1. Run
2. Hide
3. Fight
4. Write in

>>2588010
>3. Fight
Fuckers got mah brother, I'll get their organs.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>2588010
Henry ran to the shed near the start of the dock their family owned. It was an old painted thing, but still homey. He grabbed his father’s gutting knife and ran back to help his brother. Rushing back to the home and through the doorway, desperately trying to save his brother, and his mother as well.

He just wanted to hurt them. They’d hurt his family, they needed to pay. Those were the only thoughts racing through his mind

>>2588258
He stabbed the first one in the gut before the man even realized what was happening. He began to tear into the man for a moment with wild abandon before being grabbed by another one of the people. He sliced that man’s arm and was quickly dropped to the ground. The shadow person had done something to Will, the boy was pale as a ghost now and had stopped struggling. If not for his ragged breathing Henry would’ve assumed he was dead.

Decisions:
1. Keep Fighting (roll 1d100)
2. Run

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2588266
>1. Keep Fighting (roll 1d100)

>>2588266
Henry lunged at another of the masked people, before getting hit in the side by a slash from the dagger. A moment later, the shadow person had grabbed him. He could feel himself bleeding badly, it hurt bad. It HURT. He tried stabbing the thing in the arm, but his blade passed straight through it. It didn’t look like he’d hurt it at all. He felt like his very life was being drained away. His dagger feel to the ground… had he dropped it? It was getting …. Hard…. Think…

The next thing he knew he’d been flung against a wall with a good deal of force. His whole body ached. He could see his brother trying to crawl away. He slowly began to lapse into unconsciousness. Why had these people come here, what could they have possibly wanted? Why had they hurt him, his brother? Where was dad?

One of the men lay dead on the floor, his blood pooling outwards. Another was clutching at his arm and cursing. He’d done quite a bit of damage.

Decisions:
1. “why?”
2. “Who… are you.”
3. “Please spare me.”
4. “Spare my brother, please.”

>>2588309
>Who… are you

>>2588309
>1. “why?”
Or alternatively, try to bite their ankles cause fuck em.

>>2588339
>>2588331
writing

>>2588309
“Who…are you?” Henry asked, he tasted blood, it tasted bitter.


The men looked to one another for a moment, then to the dead man on the ground, and then back to Henry. They looked uncertain, before the shade pointed at one of them. That man walked over and grabbed Henry, lifting him over his shoulder and the three remaining uninjured people began to carry him and his family off. Every bump and step hurt immensely to Henry. His body was beaten badly. He’d never been this hurt in his life. He could barely think straight. All he could feel was an immense rage. But he was too weak to properly capitalize on it.


“Why?” Henry asked.


“Because we are told to.” The man replied, simply. “There is no other reason, you won’t find any either, I’d learn to accept that”


The group went to the end of the docks, and placed Henry down inside his own family’s fishing boat. His brother was carried into it, as well as his mother. His father was already there. Tied up and screaming bloody murder. He had gone to try and help will before being grabbed by the shadow person and he too quieted down.


Henry’s life had been shattered, what was going on, where were the angels? He’d prayed every day to them at the local church.


The fishing boats’ engines sputtered to life and the group was carried out to sea, meeting up with a much larger boat. At that point they were separated. Henry was flung into a chamber all by himself. But he could hear others. Other children, all desperately begging, screaming, crying for parents, angels, or saviors who’d never come. Henry saw a single pinprick of light near the top of his chamber. He tried sitting up but his body refused him. He managed to move his neck, it was a crack in the ship’s hull, a tiny one, far above the waterline. It allowed Henry to watch the setting sun.


It was the last thing he saw until he drifted off to sleep.


Decisions:
1. Continue the memory
2. Wake up

>>2588393
>2. Wake up
Fuck memories

>>2588402
writing

>>2588393

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present Day

Henry Fisher, Age 22

Yorkshire Proper, Yorkshire Province


Henry slowly came to in an sparely furnished jail cell. A single window led outside, the sun hung low in the evening sky. He’d been out for a good deal of time. He needed to reorient himself, contact Johnny, and figure out a plan. His head ached badly, he must have been knocked out by a guard. Charles wasn’t anywhere to be found, just fantastic.

His cell had the bed he was laying on, a single barred window. A bucket, seemingly to be used to relive himself, and not much else. Decoration wasn’t the main purpose of this jail cell.

He took a couple deep breaths and tried to calm down. He wasn’t in immediate danger, and hell, he might just live through this, but he needed to stay calm. Calm was good….

Who was he kidding, he was furious. That fucking baron had sold them out. Not to mention Charles had LIED to him.

“Charles?” Henry said, his throat was badly parched.

“You’re alive?” Charles asked, more than a hint of desperation in his voice. It sounded like it was coming from an adjacent cell. The one to Henry’s right.

Decisions:
1. Get angry
2. Try to stay calm
3. “It’s going to be okay”
4. “Why did you lie to me?”
5. Write in

>>2588707
>5. Write in
And you were worried about me lying to you.

>>2588707
>5. Write in
Deep sigh
"Like i told you. You can never be too paranoid."

>>2588707
Looks like it's time to work with the Vamps.

> So anything else you want to bring up before it fucks me over?

This is what we get for being a good guy.

>>2588883
>>2588881
>>2588782

writing, and now to flip the script

>>2588707
Charles had been sitting on his cells bed for many hours now, he’d already cried all of his tears out. He figured he was going to get hanged, like that boy from before. He knew Henry had tried to shield him from it, but he wasn’t stupid.


His entire life he’d always been useless, worthless, only kept around to keep up appearances, and to prevent him from usurping the throne through outside means. The only reason he hadn’t been straight up murdered was because of his older brother. The only person who ever cared about him. Before all of this, he just thought he’d have to bare everything a little longer, wait till his older brother was king, and then maybe he’d be able to live a decent life on his own. That had been shattered about a month ago, as instability had rocked his family, concluding with the Church’s actions.


“And you were worried about me lying to you.” Henry said, from the other side of a stone wall. The sound reverberating around the jailhouse.

“I…I’m sorry.” Charles said. “I don’t know what else to say, I thought… I thought if you knew, if you knew I was just a bastard, you’d just leave me for dead, like everyone else in my life.”

“No, I wouldn’t have led you here, to get caught.” Henry replied. “It doesn’t exactly matter right now. Look, I just… I have problems of my own Charles, sometimes I do things without thinking them through.”

“I guess you’re used to all this.” Charles said.

Henry sighed deeply. “Like I said, you can NEVER be too paranoid. It’s just a way to get by. Seems I was completely correct about the Baron’s deal. Half of this is my fault too kid.” The man sounded tired, like he didn’t even have the energy to be angry anymore.


“So anything else you want to bring up before it fucks me over?” Henry asked.

“I…no.” Charles said. “You know all my secrets now, Henry.”


The sound of ruffling papers could be heard from Henry’s cell, it sounded like the man was flipping through a book, which was odd because all of their belongings had been taken from them.

Decisions by Charles:
1. “You just going to leave me here then?”
2. “I deserve to die, I’ve always been worthless.”
3. “Is hanging… painful?”
4. “I… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gotten you involved at the start of all this. I don’t want someone else to die for my sins.”
5. Write in

>>2588926
>3. “Is hanging… painful?”

>>2588926
“Is hanging painful?” Charles asked. He expected to die sooner rather than later.


“Don’t even fucking joke about that.” Henry replied. “You ain’t dead yet, and you aren’t going to die, I’m not gonna let it happen.”


The sound of ruffling papers continued in the other room, it seemed like Henry was growing frustrated with his book.


Charles took the time to peak out the window his cell had. It was bared of course but offered a nice view of the central courtyard. The metal construction in the center was casting out brilliant blue wisps of energy into the air. It was honestly beautiful.


He ran back over to the cell door, and continued to fiddle with the lock. He had nothing save his fingers of course, but he had to try something.


Decisions:
1. “Do you have a plan Henry?”
2. “What’s the book for?”
3. “How do you even have a book?”
4. Write in

>>2588994
>3. “How do you even have a book?”

>>2588994
“How do you even have a book?” Charles asked.


“It’s not a book, its Johnny’s contract.” Henry replied. “I am checking over his rules again, if I die he goes back to his previous owner, unless I choose one. I hope you can see where I’m going with this.” Henry said.


“I… I don’t know what to say to that Henry.” Charles said. “I was just curious how you even had the thing.”


“A contract is bound to your very soul, at least the kind that I have with me.” Henry said. “I just… grab it. It’s a part of me since I’m its owner. I can also use it to communicate to Johnny, although its only one way, Johnny can’t speak to me through it. Right now he’s aware of our predicament, our location, and hopefully he has a plan. If not were probably going to die.” Henry said. “Unless we find a way to escape of course.”


“I… oh.” Charles said. “You don’t have a plan then.”


“Look Charles, can I come clean about something?” Henry said. “I know me and Johnny have gone over how I can’t die… but that’s not quite what we mean. Something very bad will happen if I die, do you understand? I’m… cursed.” Henry said.


He heard Henry go and lean up against the stone wall that separated their cells. After a moment, Charles went and did the same.


Decision:
1. “What do I do then?”
2. “What do you mean cursed?”
3. “How?”
4. Write in

>>2589055
> 4. Write in

> Well livings been a curse for me.

>>2589055
Also we could try to melt the lock with out lightning talons like we did with those daggers.

>>2589055
“Well, living been a curse for me, Henry.” Charles said. “I don’t think you could-“


To that, Henry only laughed, a piercing, cold, tired, and utterly defeated laugh. “Boy, you don’t know how well you fucking had it. So please, stop that oh woe is me bullshit and toughen up. We both need to get out of here alive, alright.”


“To that I agree.” A third, unknown voice called out. Charles glanced around to see an amazing sight. A Seer, all of them heroes of the church. He was dressed in his full armor, wielding holy blades, enchanted weapons and armor, and probably had more combat experience than a hundred Cathars combined.


“Gerald… so I guess you know then.” Henry responded.


“We need to stop meeting like this friend.” Gerald said. “I’m happy you made it in one piece, I just wish we didn’t have bars between us.”


Henry quickly let go of his contract, it instantly faded away from reality like a blink. Gerald leaned against the same wall him and Charles were leaning upon. Eventually slouching down and sitting uncomfortably on the stone floor.


“You know, they never tell you how uncomfortable this armor is, Henry.” Gerald said.


“I suppose you aren’t broken up about why you got the promotion?” Henry asked.

“Please don’t bring that up, I shared that with you in confidence.” Gerald replied.


“Fair, fair.” Henry said.


Charles had never once seen Henry speak this easily to anyone during his travels. Not even Johnny, who was this person?


Decision by Henry:
1. “You here to bust me out?”
2. “What’s the plan bud?”
3. “So I assume you’re the reason we’re not hung yet?”
4. “I still can’t fucking believe you’re a god damned seer.”
5. Write in

Decision By Charles:
1. “Who are you? How do you know Henry.”
2. “A real hero… wow.”
3. “Why are you here?”
4. Write in


>>2589083
this could very easily work, the main issue is Henry injuring himself by casting it on his hands. You'd have to roll to see if he can control the spell well enough.

>>2589096
>1. “Who are you? How do you know Henry.”

>>2589096
No I meant cast it directly on the lock to melt it like we did when we fucked up our rolls practicing.

>>2589096
> 3. “So I assume you’re the reason we’re not hung yet?”
> Also there's a Vampire assassin killing people, someone is inviting her in.

Charles
> Wow. A real "hero".

>>2589134
>>2589152
fuck it, decided last minute to continue.

>>2589156
Awesome.

Personally I'm most upset that the Baron just grabbed Charles and us and didn't even have the decency to pretend to be friendly much less pay us off.

I second pointing out the Vampire, include that we tried to tell the Baron but he refused to listen.

>>2589096
“So I assume you’re the reason we’re not hung yet?” Henry asked. “I don’t see any other reason.”

“As much as I’d like to take full credit for it, no actually, the Solarch deserves a huge amount of credit. The Lunarch… is a hardliner let’s say. She wanted the boy dead. She would have had her wish had you not spirited him out of the Capital and given the Solarch more time to rally support. I was wrong Henry, you saved that boys life. You saved him, Henry.”


“Not until we’re free.” Henry said.


“Ever the optimist, you know I wouldn’t lie.” Gerald said.


“I know others may.” Henry replied.


“Wow… a real hero!” Charles said. His panic and fear quickly fading under a childish glee. “H-how do you know Henry?”


“We grew up under… similar circumstances…” Gerald said, peaking his head around the corner and grinning. “Speaking of which. I had an assassination attempt on me yesterday night, thank the eye an angel was nearby, I nearly had my neck cut.” Gerald said.


“The assassin is a Vampire, name’s Lisa, I figured she’d be gunning for you… but I don’t know why. I do know she’s gotten into the castle somehow.” Henry said. “Look, Gerald, you know it isn’t the same, you were there only two weeks…” Henry started, before stopping. Gerald turned his head and whispered something to Henry before looking back towards the doorway he’d entered from.

>>2589177
>2589177
“Well… I shouldn’t be saying this to you direct like this, but we’re finally going after you know who. That’s stirred up quite a bit of muck I can tell you.”


“WHAT? BUT, YOU CAN’T!” Henry said, terrified. “Gerald, we barely got away, you can’t…”


“I’m doing what’s right Henry, I’m not going to be chained up by fear. Look, I won’t involve you, I know how touchy of a subject it still is. But you need to forgive yourself, you can’t keep living like this.”


“Touchy subject?!” Henry replied. “Look Gerald, please, just leave this one be…. Oh god you’ve already started…”


“We’re going to return the church to its proper function, Henry. A proper cleaning out of all the filth and muck!”


“Please stop, Gerald, I don’t want to involve the boy.” Henry said. The man sounded truly panicked now. “Just stop talking about it, please.”


“I’m not going to stop Henry, not now, not ever.” Gerald replied. “That’s just what I’ve chosen to do, you know I won’t stop till it’s done or I’m dead.”


“Gerald, you were there for two weeks… you weren’t even…. I was there for five years Gerald… the things I had… look you have to stop, you have a family. You have too much to lose.” Henry said. “You don’t know what you’re dealing with, you’ll end up worse than dead… oh god.”


“I know EXACTLY what I’m dealing with Henry, and I know EXACTLY how I fix it. It’s a tumor, and the way to fix a tumor is to cut it out without mercy.”


“Fuck… Gerald… please.” Henry said.


“Look, the Solarch is going to issue a holy pardon, sanctioned by the Grand Seraph herself, for Charles Rosewood. You’ll be pardoned as well Henry, for attempting to secret him out. You’re welcome… just please stay put, this is by far the safest place for you.”


Decisions:
1. “Gerald, please stop this, while you still can.”
2. “As long as the kid doesn’t die, I’m happy.”
3. “Just think of your family, Gerald, please.”
4. Write in

if anyone has any questions concerning Gerald, that Henry would know the answers to, ask them.

I won't answer anything that'd spoil Henry's past, but I might be of some use if you have dialogue ideas.

>>2589182
going to bed, for real now.

>>2589182
for those who have not looked at backup docs:
Gerald:Harold's oldest and possibly only true friend. They've known each for a very long time. Currently a guard captain in Celeste, but with all the upheaval the city is going through, things may change. An excellent fighter and a natural born leader, and a polar opposite to Henry in quite a few ways.

Holy Solarch Gamora:

One of the twin heads of the church, the holy Solarch is in charge of the affairs of humans. What this sort of thing entails will be gone over in more detail as the story progresses. All you need to know is that the sun represents the world of humans, the living, and a grounded sense of reality.

>What is the Lunarch's role?

>>2589179
>3. “Just think of your family, Gerald, please.”
"the Vampire assassin - lisa- she works for THEM. She said she'd been playing with the Baron for awhile now. She killed the scribe and the mage likely. She was toying with me and said business was business and "he" had to die. I thought it was between the Baron and the boy, but now you're in it too. And if THEY had hired her, THEY know you. You know I spent years wanting to get them back and I couldn't. I suppose if you have an angel, Vensser and a small army, you might carry it out, but maybe THEY are ready and waiting."

>>2589179
> 4. Write in

> What's your plan if you fail?

>>2589182
Yeah I have a question. What the hell are they talking about?
What tumor? What place?
What is Gerald planning to do?

>>2589358
Maybe thats what that flashback was for?

>>2589179
>Just think of your family, Gerald, please

>>2589616
>>2589319
>>2589273
writing!
>>2589227
The Solarch is in charge of the affairs of humans, meaning he oversees the healers, the priests, and is the one who maintains relations with the angels themselves


The lunarch is the prime minister of defense against dangers of the night. She controls the Cathar orders and the inquisiton. She's also seen as a spiritual leader of the various orders of paladins.


(The role of Solarch is always filled by a former priest, the role of Lunarch can vary.)

>>2589179
“Just think of your family, Gerald. Please.” Henry said, true panic in his voice.


Charles had never heard Henry like this before. He sounded like a frightened child, like he was himself, in all honesty. It was sobering. Henry, who’d gone through all of the challenges of the road here, the werewolves and the zombie horde, things most people would run screaming from. He was terrified to death of whatever they were talking about. What the hells could it possibly be?


“I AM thinking of my family, Henry. I won’t be able to rest until it’s done. I won’t call you a coward, I know better than that. But as long as you don’t interfere you’ll be left alone by everyone, I think.” Gerald said.


“That WAS the deal I struck for the two of us, a deal you’ve broken now!” Henry said.


“I never agreed to it.” Gerald said simply. “It’s already begun, so just calm down. You have plenty of time to think.”


“And if you fail?” Henry asked.


“I want YOU to remember my story, to know what happened to me if I end up in some ditch on the side of a road.” Gerald said, throwing Henry’s own words right back in his face. The same thing, more or less, he’d told Gerald at the start of his journey.


“Just… be careful.” Henry said, the man was completely defeated, he sounded exhausted.


“Have you been given anything to eat?” Gerald asked. “Or any blankets, or anything? It’ll get cold in there.


“No sir, we’ve just been left here.”


“Hold on a minute.” Gerald said.


The seer got up and left the room, eventually returning with a couple plates of food, and some blankets. Charles eagerly accepted both, he was both hungry and cold. The weather had begun to cool now that night was approaching.


“Just get some rest, both of you. I swear upon my life and my honor you’ll both be treated fairly.”


“They don’t mean much to you.” Henry said.


Gerald sighed. “At least you’ve maintained your sense of humor, friend. But I’ll have you know I take my honor VERY seriously.” He once again grinned.


Decisions (by Henry)
1. Get some food in you and get some rest, you need the sleep (will continue flashback)
2. Say something to Gerald (write in)

Charles:
1. Preform an action (write in)
2. Speak to someone (write in, say who you’re speaking to)

>>2589920
>2. Say something to Gerald (write in)
Try to stay safe.
1. Preform an action (write in)
Eat food.

>>2589920
Have Charles ask Henry what they were taking about.

>>2590267
>>2590031
writing in

>>2589920
“Just… try to stay safe.” Henry said. “I don’t want to have to bury you.”


“Then I’ll just have to survive then, eh?” Gerald said. “Look, after tomorrow I’m gonna take you up on that offer to go drinking once this has all blown over. I think the two of us need it.”


“I look forward to it bud.” Henry said.


Gerald departed the jailhouse, closing the door gently. Leaving both of them alone to their food. Charles quickly dug in. All sorts of meats and vegetables were laid out on a wooden plate. It was delicious. He heard Henry eating his own meal, a heck of a lot slower. The man must have been thinking like he usually did.


“So what were you talking about.” Charles asked.


“Look, its none of your business Charles.” Henry said. “The less you know about it the better.”


“Even after all we’ve been through, do you not trust me at all?” Charles asked.


Henry was quiet for a long time, before he finally mustered the courage to speak. “Charles… there’s a group of very awful people, I…I was with them for five years… I did things I can never forgive myself for. I can’t tell you anything else, I’m sorry.”
“I understand Henry.” Charles said. “Thank you for at least trusting me that much.”


On the other side of the wall, Henry was crying silently.


Decision by Henry
1. Say anything else
2. Go to sleep (will continue flashback.)

>>2590431
I got nothing. Might as well flashback.
Break out will do us no good unless we knew where to go.

>>2590479
writing. Feel free to add ideas if you want, I'll check back a few more times before I finish up.

>>2590431
Henry continued to eat while composing himself once more. He had to keep a level head. At least for Charles’ sake, he could break down later. He needed to get through tomorrow. All of this was dredging up the past in a bad way. Now Gerald was going after the Lic’toron, he must’ve finally lost his mind. Especially now that the Grand Seraph was missing. Was this some sort of desperation play?


He eventually forced himself up onto the bed and finally got some sleep. He’d need it for tomorrow. As he drifted off to sleep, memories of his harrowing boatride came to the fore.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 years ago

Henry Fisher, Age Seven

Ayrmist Province, outskirts of Reicuss Harbor, Avignon


The boat had recently passed a massive city shrouded in mist, Henry hoped that the angels would come to his rescue. They hadn’t paid the boat any mind whatsoever. Something dark powered the ship, a black hum of something… magic maybe? Encircled the ship. Henry had never seen anything like it before, he’d heard stories of mages, but he’d never thought he’d have such an ability.


There had been a few more people added as they’d headed back up the coast. Henry was afforded an eyehole via the crack in the hull. A single, dead child had been thrown into the hold during his trip, and it was his only company for the first couple of days. The men, dressed in their black robes, didn’t even bat an eye until the flies had started to come. Then one of them grabbed and seemingly chucked the corpse overboard. Henry hoped he’d never get used to such a smell.


A few other cowering children were in the hold with Henry now, they’d been added at a later time. The screams and crying still went on from time to time. From them and from others, but Henry had given up hope they’d be found like this. He’d have to find some other way to escape. His weakness had left him, whatever the shadowy man had done had worn off after the first day. His body had also healed up well enough. He didn’t hurt badly anymore, although he was still sore all over.


The trip would last a few more days, at least if what he’d overheard was correct.


He went back to praying for a bit, there wasn’t anything else to do. He’d tried to get the other kids to pray as well, but he hadn’t had much luck. They were frightened and panicked far worse than Henry was.


Decisions:
1. Talk to the other children (write in)
2. Say nothing
3. Write in

>>2590515
Say nothing.

>>2590515
Henry said nothing, he had nothing worth saying, and in all honesty he’d gotten tired of the screaming and crying. It wasn’t going to do anything. He’d been told that the Book of Omens said the lord could only help those who helped themselves. He didn’t have a clue what any of the words were or meant. He couldn’t read them, although he wouldn’t have minded learning.


The boat continued its journey upstream, heading into an utterly massive river. Henry watched from a distance as it grew larger in his view. As the misty city started to grow smaller in the distance, then out of sight that the crack in the hull afforded them. Henry could only wonder where they were heading.


There wasn’t anything else that really happened on the journey up the central river. His chamber slowly grew more cramped as more children were added to it. He had heard some yelling from the masked men, and some screaming coming from the room next to him, but that had gone quiet hours ago.


As the boat entered into a massive lake, almost an ocean in of itself, it turned towards an unseen port, their destination Henry assumed. As the ship turned, he saw an utterly massive city, dwarfing anything his young mind had ever witnessed. The thing surrounded a small mountain with a positively glowing cathedral on top. Some of the buildings were four to five stories tall, and there were thousands of them. Henry had never even known buildings COULD be that tall. Brick and glass, stone and marble. It was the city of Celeste. Even HE knew that this was the capital. But why were they here? The ship eventually worked its way up river, ending up inside of a massive sewer exit. The boat traveled a bit further, before coming to a stop.


Henry could hear sounds of movement from the other chambers. Eventually a couple of the masked men opened the door.


“Out, all of you!” He yelled. Henry recognized him as the one he’d cut a week or so ago. He still had the remains of a large gash along one of his arms, although it had healed into a nasty scar.

Decisions:
1. Try to Refuse
2. Attack him
3. Obey

>>2590900
Try to refuse. Demand to know where they are taking them.

>>2590940
writing!

>>2590900
A bunch of the other kids quickly scattered, fearful and timid. They scurried past the man, obeying his every word. Henry refused to be timid or afraid. He knew he’d be rewarded in the next life.


“Where are you taking us?” He demanded, standing as tall as he could muster, a paltry four feet tall.


“I remember you kid.” The man said, stepping over.


The next thing Henry knew, he was curled up on the ground, beaten and bruised. The man hadn’t gone easy on him, and he hurt all over now. The man had only held back enough to not break anything or kill him dead. But Henry knew he very much wanted to.


“Now get the fuck up, and let’s get this over with.” The man said. Henry could see something black and blue emerge from his hands, hitting him. He felt physically compelled to listen. He didn’t know why, it felt wrong, but the pain and the fear blended together and he finally obeyed. He was too tired, too scared, to even muster a resistance.


The next couple of hours they marched, about a hundred children or so, through tunnels and canals. Henry saw a few other people from time to time, but it was like they didn’t notice them at all. He figured it had something to do with the occasional bursts of blue… something… that came out of the lead masked man’s hands.


As they passed through one last tunnel, the opening disappeared from view, Henry didn’t know if it had simply vanished or only looked like it did. The whole area was carved out of solid stone, and all sorts of furniture and other fancy things had been added over time. The floors were nice polished wooden boards, and the walls had all sorts of unholy things on them.


Eventually they entered a much larger chamber. There were all sorts of weird red symbols covering the walls. A few of the children were led deeper into the complex, but Henry could still hear the screams and wails from here.


Oh god above.


Decisions:
1. Try to run for it. (roll 1d100)
2. Obey, you don’t have a chance
3. Write in

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2590976
Try to run. Fuck that shit.

>>2591169
Hot damn. What a shit roll. Let's see if this one's better

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>2591172
Fug

Well... At least it's a flashback

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2591180
>>2591175
>>2591172
>>2591169
this is gonna play perfectly into my plans.

mystery roll

File: keikaku.jpg (26 KB, 640x477)

26 KB JPG

>>2591213
>been planning this scene out for months
>worried it'd be ruined by good rolls
>the player rolls two god awful ones
>my turn to see how things go
>roll a crit
>mfw

>>2590976
Henry attempted to make a run for it. Attempted to. He made it about ten feet before intense pain racked his body and mind. He collapsed to the floor like a sack of bricks. He didn’t know how he was even still awake, but every time he tried to drift off, his body and mind refused him


“Dumb kid, you can’t escape from here.” The man with the scarred arm said. “You’ll be with us till you die, whether that’s a minute from now or forever. Between you and me though, pray you die soon.” He said, grabbing Henry and tossing him over his shoulder.


“I think he just volunteered.” The leader of the group said. “Bring him in alone, I’m sure he’ll be seen to.”


“He doesn’t deserve such mercy.” Another said. “I say we take our ti-“


“Are you questioning me?” The leader asked. Henry, even dazed by pain, could see the man’s hands glowing with dark power.


No other words were said, as Henry was escorted through several more rooms, one of which held all sorts of torturing equipment, eventually he was unceremoniously dumped into a grand chamber. The place was massive, Henry couldn’t even see the ceiling through the pervasive darkness. He also noticed about a hundred or so of the shadow people, all kneeling before a massive stone throne. All sorts of depictions of people suffering carved into the thing. He thought for a moment that they were moving… just a trick of the shadows… surely.


As Henry’s eyes tracked up, he saw something terrifying. Sitting on the throne, was a demon, a massive one. The thing had eight horns on its head, even sitting it stood about ten feet tall, and power flowed from it like a waterfall. Henry felt his prayers die in his throat. This was a demon, oh god please protect me.


He glanced around the room, and saw dozens of corpses. Both children and adults. They looked like they’d been violently split open, like the demon had ripped their very souls out of them. Expressions of pain, fear, and shock hung on their unmoving faces.


(-75 sanity) Please no please no please no


“Hello Henry Fisher.” The demon said. “Do you know who I am? Do you know why you were brought here today? You’re special, different from all the others. I’ve been watching you, and you’ve impressed me greatly. Instead of just cowering in fear, you attacked, even knowing you’d lose. You resisted your captors at every turn, and without my interference you would’ve escaped. You have great potential, dear boy.”


Decisions:
1. “YOU KILLED MY PARENTS, MY FAMILY. WHY?”
2. “There isn’t any reason, is there?”
3. “DIE!” Charge the demon
4. Write in

>>2591254
>3. “DIE!” Charge the demon
Get up between the horns and try and gouge his eyes out.

>>2591254
There isn't any reason is there?

>>2591222
I don't think anyone world have been mad for railroading in a flashback

Rolled 24, 14, 28, 87, 80, 51 = 284 (6d100)

>>2591593
>>2591528
>>2591337
writing!

>>2591254
Henry charged the demon, He either fought now and died, or died on his knees. He’d rather go down fighting. He charged past shades, who seemed either too surprised to act, or didn’t even bother to.


The demon lifted a finger, laughing all the while. Henry was lifted off the ground and rocketed into the back wall. A huge force pinned him to the wall, leaving him incapable of moving. The demon’s hand had a massive amount of dark energy flowing out of it, but only a small piece, a fraction flowed towards Henry himself.


Henry realized then he truly stood no chance whatsoever against this creature. He was only alive because it wanted him to be.


“I will truly enjoy watching you break.” The demon said. “I suppose you really do not know my name then. It is Abraxas.”


Henry felt like he’d been hit by another blow… that was the name of the king of demons, the name of the most vile, the most evil creature to have ever walked the earth. How…. What had he done to deserve this?

“There isn’t any reason for me being here is there… you just want me to suffer!” Henry said, shouting. His voice didn’t carry far. But Abraxas simply laughed again, his voice completely filling the room. Almost like it had a life all its own.


“No child, it’s all for a good cause.” Abraxas said. “But one you needn’t worry too much about yet. I’ve decided to spare you, with a couple of conditions. Even if you are a failure, you’ll provide an endless source of entertainment I can tell.”

Decisions:
1. “Why should I trust you, you killed my family!”
2. “How can I trust you, and why would I ever work with you!”
3. “Just don’t kill me, please.”
4. Write in

>>2592465
How can I trust you, why would I work for you?
Why did you kill my family?

>>2592493
Seconding

>>2592493
>>2592588
writing now!

>>2592465
“How can I trust you, and even then… why would I work for you?”


“I don’t lie my dear boy. In fact, not once in my life have I ever lied. No demon really can lie. We can leave out, bend the truth, or misdirect…. But unlike some… we never lie. That’s the beauty of it, really, I don’t need to lie. But I can get you something in writing.” The demon said. “Though I don’t think you’d be able to understand it. The reason you’d work for me… I’m going to end your existence if you decide not to, but it is your choice, boy. In all honesty, it’s the best offer you could ever hope for. Either choice is the best option you’ll get.”


“Why did you kill my parents!” Henry shouted. “Your nothing but a murderer, you murdered these people. I can’t trust you!”


“Oh dear boy, I won’t murder your parents, you will.” Abraxas said, before laughing again. “Bring them out.”


A couple of the shades brought a pair of people out and tossed them onto the ground. They were badly beaten… but Henry still knew who they were. He felt his restraints give way, and he fell to the floor. He quickly ran over to the people he loved. More than anything. His mother and his father.


His mother wasn’t awake but she was breathing. His father didn’t speak but looked at him with a mournful gaze. He knew what would happen.


“I’ll let you live, my dear boy, if you prove you’re willing to. You’ve already shown you might be…” The demon said, cackling. The shades began to laugh as well, laughter filling the room. A couple of other, cloaked figures joined in, they were waiting in the doorway. Henry hated all of them. He didn’t want this… but he wanted to live… didn’t he?


His father looked around the room, looked to the demon, and sadly nodded at Henry. Henry didn’t know what to do. A moment later a shade pushed the handle of a dagger into his hands. It was just a normal dagger.


Decision:
1. Do it
2. Do it
3. Please no

>>2592668
Fuck that, attack Abraxis.
Fuck that little shit.

>>2592668
>Please no
As much as I'd like to support >>2592728
We already know that's hopeless.

>>2592797
I also know it is, but giving up is shit.

>>2592797
>>2592802

Men believe whatever they want to, all I do agree with them.

>>2592802
>>2592797
got locked out of the system, seems to be similar to what happened during the demon summoning quest. Going to be sending a support ticket to library staff.

>>2592847
>library staff
HMMMM
And night peeps

>>2592668
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henry Fisher, current day

Yorkshire Proper, Yorkshire Province

Henry blocked out the thoughts from his mind, he refused to remember, refused to accept his fate. Then he woke up, more startled awake than anything. He tumbled out of bed harshly. It had just been a dream, and it had cut off before the …. Well… anyway.

He was drenched in sweat, and the breeze from outside was giving him shivers. It was barely seven in the morning, based on where the sun was.


Decisions:
1. Cry a little bit
2. Cry a lot
3. Talk to Charles
4. Get a view of the courtyard
5. Write in

>>2592728
Next time: "My name is Henry Fisher, you destroyed my life, prepare to die!"

>>2592867
>4. Get a view of the courtyard

This doesn't really work with players blind to memory like this. Just speed up the prison days and get thru the flashback history. Or Henry spills to Charles..highly unlikely. This is a personal Hell, thank you very much. Players need to know the motivation and have some sense of players from this point since we screwed up and didn't run from camp to camp and collect more info. We can't do much in prison, and escape doesn't work without a goal.

>>2592928
Aside from flee to the wilderness and scrap the whole adventure as wanted escaped prisoners, who likely kill a guard or two.

calling it a night


>>2592920
perhaps


>>2592928
do not worry, we're going to be brought to the solarch today. Very soon in fact. I'm going to use the flashbacks as sort of.... inbetween segments for other plot elements.


We're off to meet the solarch, the wonderful solarch of eyes.

>>2592867
>4. Get a view of the courtyard

>>2593211
This

>>2592867
>Cry a little bit
And
>Get a view of the courtyard

>>2593304
>>2593211
>>2593297
>>2592928
writing, I'll be continuing with this thread till we finish the chapter.

>>2592867
Henry took the time to look out into the courtyard, he needed fresh air anyways. The air in the jail was dry and stale, an unpleasant combination. Honestly the whole situation was unpleasant to say the least. Henry of course didn’t believe he’d get out alive, but the hope was still there. Even now he still dared to hope a little bit.


Outside the tower the cult of progress had set up was in the process of being taken down and shipped out. There was large amounts of activity in the central courtyard, all sorts of people down there. Henry even though he saw Venser arguing with someone, but he couldn’t tell for certain.


He slumped from the window back onto his bed, held his head in his hands, and cried a little bit. He was falling apart here. He NEEDED to keep the boy safe, or he’d crumble. He didn’t have much else pushing him forwards now.


A few hours later, a bunch of Cathars from the Cathedral guard, led by a bored looking Templar, picked them up in their cells and began to escort them via jail carriage to the Church camp, Henry took the time to look out the window. The people of the town looked at the carriage with disgust and hatred. A few even took the time to spit at it or on the ground. Henry didn’t really care.


Charles said nothing, the boy looked like he was going to cry. It wasn’t like they were going to hang, why did this feel so much worse? The boy couldn’t maintain eye contact with Henry. Henry wondered if he felt ashamed of lying.


The Cathars hung on the outside of the carriage, seated on top, and the Templar rode in front. Not to mention the interior was basically a massive cage covered over. Thankfully it was mostly shielded from view. Only during hanging could a person’s face be revealed, and only if the church allowed it to be. So these sorts of carriages were always covered up. One of those stupid habits that had become ritual. All to allow the departed’ spirit to rest peacefully.


Decisions:
1. “I forgive you, Charles, don’t beat yourself up over it.”
2. “Look, I’ll get you something really nice, way better than that dagger. Lets just make it through this.
3. *Hug Charles*
4. “Toughen up.”
5. Write in

>>2595117
>1. “I forgive you, Charles, don’t beat yourself up over it.”

>>2595236
writing

>>2595117
“I forgive you, Charles, don’t beat yourself up over it.” Henry said.


Charles looked up in surprise for a moment, before crying a bit. The boy seemed exhausted, had he even slept at all last night?


“Thank you Henry… thank you thank you…” He said. He then wiped his sleeve over his eyes to remove the tears, before slapping his face with both of his hands simultaneously. After that he had a look of fierce determination.


“Good lad, we’ll get through this alright.” Henry replied, giving Charles the thumbs up.


The ride lasted a little bit longer, they exited the gate without trouble, and finally got to the camp itself. This would be a long day.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Henry Fisher, age 9

13 years ago

Sol Province, underneath Celeste


Henry tried to calm himself down. He’d finally done it, he’d completed the so called initiation ritual, that meant… he’d conducted a sacrifice. It hadn’t been anyone in particular, apparently just a random they’d pulled off the streets. But he still felt sick. He’d wanted to kill all of them at first, but as he learned he slowly came to realize that a good chunk of the people here were trapped, although some of them actively enjoyed it, and he hated them with an intensity he couldn’t deny. Some of them apparently had high positions in the world, apparently Henry himself would be given one in time, if the Abraxas told the truth. There were other demons of course, he ‘served’ one of Abraxas’ lieutenants. Still, he was trapped now, he’d done so many horrible things already. He still prayed, although it was no longer for peace, or escape. It was for forgiveness.


He… he’d tortured his brother… Will… daily. Will had already been broken when he’d finally been shown to him a few months after… his parents…


He didn’t know what to do, even now he couldn’t bring himself to kill his own brother, but was this really any better?


That damned skeleton didn’t help. The thing never spoke but always seemed to follow him and the other children around. It had a single piece of metal, a nameplate, bolted on its head. It simply read Johnny. Abraxas had said that he didn’t even remember his real name anymore. But he remembered everything else. Henry didn’t know what that meant, beyond the fact that ‘Johnny’ had no control over himself. A man without his name was powerless.


Henry set down the scrolls. They weren’t demonic or anything, but he just wanted to learn how to read. He’d been forcing himself to try. He’d made some headway and could read and write his own name, but that was about it.


Decisions:
1. Try to speak to the skeleton
2. Try to do this on your own (write in)
3. Break down
4. Write in

>>2595352
>Try to speak to the skeleton
Address him by his name

>>2595596
Johnny isn't actually his name, and we don't know his actual name.


I assume you want us to call him Johnny?

>>2595665
Yeah

>>2595802
writing

>>2595352
“Why are you always following me around?” Henry asked. “Stupid fucking thing.”


The skeleton didn’t respond for a moment, before its eyes locked onto Henry’s. Almost like it was aware of its surroundings.


“What, you forget your own name? The only name you got now is Johnny, thing’s on that bolted on piece of metal!” Henry said. “Fucking useless piece of shit.”


“Manners.” The skeleton said.’


Henry froze up for a second. Undead, aside from liches, shouldn’t be able to speak, he was well trained enough in the usage of magic now to at least tell a lich from a skeleton, and that was no lich. Henry didn’t need yet more torment in this damned place.


Decisions:
1. Ignore it
2. “So you can talk?”
3. “Please just shut up and leave me alone.”
4. Write in

>>2595985
>So you can talk?

>>2595985
“So you can talk?” Henry asked, not really sure if he believed it himself.


“Yes…” Johnny responded. “Few listen.”


It sounded like… like he’d forgotten HOW to talk almost. Henry sighed. Still, perhaps he could use the thing as an ally, or a minion. He needed any friend he could find here.


“Why do you follow me around.”


“Protect…. Attempt to…. Failure.” Johnny replied. It sounded like he improving now, if only slowly.


“Yeah no shit.” Henry said. He’d learned to use this sort of humor to cope, it’s all that kept him sane really.


“Need help… reading?” The skeleton asked. “I can… teach…”


Decisions:
1. “Fine, but keep your distance, I don’t trust you.”
2. “No, fuck off.”
3. “I’ll take any help I can get in this hellhole.”
4. Write in

>>2596007
>4. Write in
Read better than you talk boney Johnny? You are not the normal skeleton, and you're no lich.

>>2596007
“Read better than you talk, Johnny bones?” Henry asked.


Johnny let out… a sigh? Then nodded vigorously.


“Look, what are you, you’re not a normal skeleton, and you’re no lich.” Henry said.


“He… called me…. Prototype.” Johnny finally said, “He… called me a prototype.”


The skeleton mashed his jaws together a few times, as if trying to stretch. How long had it been since he’d spoken? Henry didn’t know exactly how old he was, but he was here for longer than anyone could remember. Then again, he could rarely talk to anyone without either getting fearful silence or a quick beating.


“Do you want help?” Johnny asked. “you need… more … more than just… reading.” Johnny said.


“Can you help me escape?” Henry asked, a tinge of … hope? He’d forgotten that feeling.


“Not me.” Johnny replied. “I am owned… Abraxas.”


“Fucking fantastic.” Henry said.


Decisions:
1. Try to learn how to read (roll 1d100+25)
2. “Who are you exactly?”
3. “What do you remember?”
4. “Why are you here of all bloody places?”
5. Write in

>>2596137
calling it a night

>>2596191
Night OP, thanks for the run. Also,

>3. “What do you remember?”

>>2596137
Who are you?
What do you remember?
Why are you here?

>>2596464
Seconding

>>2598462
>>2596275
>>2596464
writing!

>>2596137
“What do you remember?” Henry asked.


“Be… specific?” Johnny asked.


“Do you remember who you are?” Henry asked.


“Everything… except name.” Johnny replied.


“Who are you?” Henry asked.


“Paladin… was.” Johnny replied. “Of the order of Feathers.”


Henry had never heard of such an order before. He didn’t believe for a second that this bag of bones used to be a paladin either.


“What order is that?” Henry asked.


“Demonhunters.” Johnny replied, before clenching his jaw shut. Henry guessed he was… angry?
“Why are you here?” Henry asked. “I can’t imagine you were forced like me.”


“We both made our decisions.” Johnny replied.


“Shut up, I was forced!” Henry replied. “I WAS FORCED TO DO ALL OF THIS.”


Johnny was quiet for a little bit. “I don’t regret my decision… I just wish things could’ve been different. I got everything I asked for…”


Decisions:
1. “Can you help me read?” (roll 1d100+25)
2. “Do you want to leave here?”
3. Write in

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2598886
Okay let's learn to read

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>2599366
Even 25 bonus might not help

>>2598886
Ask Johnny if they were hunting Abraxas

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2599370
>>2599366
>>2599373

>those rolls

rolling the second one myself, then writing

>>2599375
>botch the rolls so bad in the flashback that we suddenly forget to read and write in the present.

>>2598886
“Fine… I could use your help, but I don’t trust anything you are saying.” Henry said.


“Fair enough.” Johnny replied.


Henry got back to reading. The first few sessions did little, but as the weeks and months dragged on, he saw massive improvements. He also saw Johnny as someone to confide in, even if his strong morals were a bit annoying. Henry was too worried about surviving to deal with such things like right or wrong… no he couldn’t think about it, not now, not ever.


One day, as Henry finished up reading about the history of the High Cathedral, he asked Johnny something.


“Where you hunting Abraxas when it happened?” Henry asked. “When… you know.”


“Yes and no.” Johnny replied. His speech had markedly improved over the prior months. He could string entire sentences together, even if he could take his time thinking of the proper words. “I … had hunted him for many… many years, me and my group. When I … made the deal with him, I was desperate, I had no other alternatives. It was a mistake… I probably could have saved her myself.” Johnny said. “Then again, he probably manipulated events so that I didn’t have a choice. He enjoys doing that.”


“Who was the person?”


“The woman I loved.” Johnny replied. “I don’t want to bring up the past, something I think you’d relate to.”


“Fair enough.”


Decisions:
1. Speak to Johnny More (write in)
2. Get back to reading
3. Write in

>>2599392
Ask him about his order. We have never heard of it.

Then go back to reading.

>>2598886
“I’ve never heard of the order of Feathers, does it still exist?” Henry asked.


“No… it was broken up and reformed into… the inquisition.” Johnny replied. “I… don’t agree with the direction that… group… has taken.”


“What was it like?” Henry asked.


“We worked directly with angels… Amitiel led us, at one point.” Johnny said. “She was… a Seraph… before her death.”


“A Seraph?” Henry asked. “But there are only three…. And she died?”


“Slain.” Johnny said, simply.


A moment later a man and a couple of shades burst into the library chamber.


“Oh there you are Henry.” He said


Henry knew this man, Gabriel. He was a close friend of the high priest, and made Henry’s life a living hell. He often walked around without his mask, but got away with it due to his friendship with the high priest. Henry had only recently caught the man’s ire, for whatever reason, the man hated him.


The shades, the servants of Abraxas, stood vigil over him, making sure no harm would befall him.


“Oh how precious, dealing with that useless piece of rubbish, the two of you suit each other perfectly!”


Decisions:
1. “I’m busy.”
2. *Snap to attention*
3. “Leave me alone!”
4. Write in

>>2599418
What do you want?

>>2599418
“What do you want?” Henry asked. Trying to shimmy away, to make himself seem smaller. Anything to make this man leave him alone.


“Excuse me, is that any way to talk to your betters you brat?” Gaberial asked. “I don’t understand why Abraxas even bothers saving useless refuse like you. Then again I suppose someone will have to serve me when the time comes.


Henry tensed up as the man came closer, then leaned down to eye level.


“So that will be, what do you want, SIR.” Gabriel demanded.


Decision:
1. “Fuck you.”
2. “No.”
3. “What do you want, sir.”
4. Write in

>>2599503
"no"

Fuck him. We tried fighting the demon when we saw him. This shit doesn't scare us.

>>2599503
“No.” Henry said.


Henry flew across the room, punched by a man who was far, far stronger than he appeared. The man’s eyes flashed red for a brief moment, his iris’s becoming like a lizards… like a demons. Henry had forgotten the man was a demonhost, for only a moment. A far weaker demon than Abraxas, but that hardly mattered. As he slowly slid down the wall, and collapsed onto the floor, wheezing for air, he panicked. The man could kill him whenever he wanted, he knew Abraxas wouldn’t’ care…. WHY DID HE HAVE TO SNAP? WHY COULDN’T HE HAVE KEPT HIS DAMNED MOUTH SHUT?


As the man began to walk over, Johnny blocked his path.


“Leave him be.” Johnny said simply.


Gaberial was taken aback for a moment, before punching Johnny in the face, sending him clattering across the room and landing in a heap.


“Guh, forget it, You, boy, you need to begin torturing your brother again, you’ve been delaying far too long. After that… you can stay with your scrolls, I care not.”


Gaberial departed, looking a tad bit angier. Henry knew the man would be back, maybe even worse now.


Decisions:
1. “Why did you protect me Johnny, he’s going to do far worse to me now!”
2. “Why did you help me?”
3. “Let me solve my own problems, Johnny.”
4. “Thank you.”

>>2599523
>4. “Thank you.”
>1. “Why did you protect me Johnny, he’s going to do far worse to me now!”
>3. “Let me solve my own problems, Johnny.”

Thank you but why? You know he'll be worse now. Let me solve my own problems Johnny. Or make my own problems worse without help. Maybe I can find something..they say that scrolls and learning are tools, but they don't help me kill him or get out or anything but let me go away, someplace else, for a little.
Johnny, you know anything about the Black stuff that oozes from them or the Red? Is that demon power?

>>2599523
Why did you help me? And thank you.

>>2599547
>>2599546
writing!

>>2599523
“Why did you protect me Johnny.” Henry asked. “He’s going to do far worse to me now, he’s angry!” Henry said, panicking.


“Because it was the right thing to do, when you see someone being harmed, you stop it.” Johnny replied. “I know this might not be the time, or the place, but it doesn’t make it less true.”


“You’re a fucking idiot!” Henry replied. “A fucking moron, even here you still believe the world works like that, that its fair?” Henry asked.


“You chose to live Henry.” Johnny replied. “I chose to die. Regardless, we have to live…. To carry on with those choices. I refuse to yield to the world, even now, even here.”


“I don’t get a word of that, Johnny, just stop, please. Let me solve my own problems.”


“Can you?” Johnny asked, a bit more pointedly. “I’m willing to help, in any way I can.”


“I don’t know.” Henry asked.


“There was more of that black stuff flowing out of him, the same stuff old eight horns has… what is it?” Henry asked.


“It’s mana, boy. Haven’t they taught you any magic?” Johnny asked.


“No, they said I don’t deserve to learn it.” Henry replied. “Look, maybe I can find something, they say that scrolls and learning are tools, but they don’t help me kill him or get out or anything, let me go anywhere on my own… I need power for that… I don’t have any Johnny… can you help me get some?” Henry asked, begged really.


“It isn’t power here child.” Johnny replied. “It’s all debt, and the biggest debt holder is that demon. Please don’t go down that pa-“


“Shut up you bag of bones.” Henry said. “SHUT UP, I’VE HAD TO DO SO MANY THINGS TO JUST SURVIVE, I’VE HAD SO MANY AWFUL THINGS DONE TO ME. EVERY DAY I FORCE MYSELF TO KEEP GOING, ALL SO I CAN SEE THAT FUCKER DEAD ON THE GROUND, SO I CAN SEE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE DEAD ON THE GROUND. I DESERVE TO WIN!”


“If you wish.” Johnny said, saddened.


Henry began to walk out in a huff, before stopping, and eventually turning back.


“Thank you, Johnny.” He said, before scurrying away. “For ‘helping’”.
It was a start, Johnny decided.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>2599583
Charles Rosewood, 12 years old, present day


Charles was slowly being led down a street filled with tents and church members, he didn’t really know what exactly was going on, but by the way people looked at him, he felt like he had felt back at home. Unwanted, and simply in the way. He’d been separated from Henry, much to the latter’s dismay. Henry had nearly overpowered three Cathar’s trying to stay with him. The man frightened him as much as he amazed him.


Eventually he was led to the entrance of a massive tent. Grand and imposing. Emblazoned on its sides were the symbols of the holy church. He just knew the Solarch was inside at this very moment, waiting for him. The Cathars and the bored looking Templar stood at the ready.


Decisions:
1. Get one last look around
2. Head inside
3. “I’m going to live” (to yourself)
4. Write in

>>2599584
calling it a night, see you boys tomorrow!


I've been planning out Gamora for a long time now. This meeting as well. It can go very good or very poorly.

>>2599584
Get one last look

>>2599603
Gamora?

>>2599584
>1. Get one last look around
" They say I'm going to live." (whisper to self)

>>2599614
The Solarch I think

>>2599618

This

>>2599584
Charles took the time to get his bearings. Henry had said during the trip here that one should always check for exits. He saw a couple ways out of the camp, but he doubted he’d make it this far with so many Cathars around. Escape would probably end badly if he tried it now.


“I’m going to live.” Charles whispered to himself. He didn’t sound like he truly believed it, but he WANTED it to be true. For whatever reason he wanted to pay Henry back for all of the help he had provided.


Eventually, a man wearing Seers armor left the tent in a hurry, passing around back. He wasn’t the same person as before… what was his name again… Gerald, it was Gerald. It was a different Seer. A couple minutes later, a massive scaled beast slowly flew up into the sky, the Seer riding it. It had a couple of small stubby legs and a pair of massive wings. It was a drake, Charles had never seen one before.


He was eventually led inside of the tent, and presented to the Holy Solarch, Gamora. The man wore a VERY fancy gold inlaid white cap, sticking proudly from a wizened face. His robes brilliantly glinted in the few rays of sunshine that got into the tent. Otherwise several glass and gold globes emitted light and hung from the ceiling. The man was old, but he still had a sort of fire in his eyes. He seemed a bit nervous himself, which caught Charles off guard. Gerald was standing to his side, seemingly as a guard. The Cathars and the Templar bowed before leaving Charles alone. The Solarch motioned to a very fancy and quite comfortable looking chair. Charles obliged him and sat down, it wasn’t very comfortable, it was EXTREMELY comfortable.


“I’ve heard quite a bit about you. Do you know who I am young man?” Gamora asked.


Decisions:
1. “You’re the Solarch, even I know that.”
2. “You’re the person who murdered my family!”
3. “Does it even matter now?”
4. *say nothing and glare at him*
5. Write in

>>2602218
>4. *say nothing and glare at him*

>>2602218
You're the solarch

>>2602218
“You’re the Solarch.” Charles said, before glaring at the man.


“Yes, I suppose I am.” Gamora said, rubbing his forehead. “To be honest I don’t know how to go about this meeting exactly. I didn’t plan on being able to have it. Things have been difficult for you I’m certain. I just, wish it could’ve been different.”


Charles said nothing to that, his glare only intensified.


“I suppose you have every right to hate me. As I have every right to allow you to.” Gamora said. “I will not tolerate any attempts to harm the church however. Though from what Gerald here has told me, I don’t think that was the case. Is that correct? I just have a few questions for you, child.” Gamora said. “I suppose that sounds rather simple now doesn’t it. To be honest, it’s not so often I can talk so frankly, but I think it would be to both of our benefit.”


Charles didn’t know how to read the Solarch, he just seemed like… like an old man?

Decisions:
1. “I have nothing against the church.”
2. “You’re the only one I don’t like.”
3. “My parents were bad people, sinners. They got what they deserved.”
4. “I don’t hate you.”
5. “I just want to be free.”
6. Write in

>>2602545
I have nothing against the church or angels. I just want to know what my family did to deserve this.

>>2602545
“I have nothing against the church or the angels, Holy Solarch.” Charles said, trying his best to remember what Regibald had told him on interactions with the church. “I just want to know what my family did to deserve this.”

The Solarch said nothing, only wearing a pained expression. The man didn’t seem like the head of the church at this point, just a tired old man. Charles didn’t know what he was seeing. Gerald clenched his jaw and turned away, beginning to walk along the outer edge of the tent.

“I can’t tell you that, I’m sorry.” Gamora said, “Only a few of us know exactly what’s happening, and…. None of this would have been done, unless it were absolutely necessary. Please, at least trust me that much, none of this would have been done, unless it needed to be.”

The Solarch looked tired, pained guilt hung on his face. He slowly shut his eyes, grabbed a cloth from a pocket in his robes, and wiped his forehead.


Decisions:

1. “KILLING MY BROTHER WAS NESSESSARY?” (Get angry)
2. “That’s not good enough” (begin to cry)
3. “What do you want me to do.”
4. “It has to do with the Grand Seraph doesn’t it.”
5. Write in

>>2602774
Start sobbing. Pull yourself together.

"what do you want me to do?"

>>2602774
>5. Write in
“That’s not good enough.” Charles said, before finally, sobbing, losing his composure. He didn’t know what exactly he said, but he did see Gerald place himself in front of the man. Maybe Henry’s anger had rubbed off on him.


“I just want the world to make sense again. Even when things were bad, when I got forced into the cellar, or a jailcell back home, I know my brother would come and help me. But here, now?” Charles said, he was speaking from the heart. All of the hurt that he’d bundled up from the start of the trip had been let out. He felt completely exhausted now.


“Gerald, please.” Gamora said. Gerald reluctantly stepped aside.


“I didn’t realize you had such a …. Relationship with your parents.” Gamora said, trying to find the right words. “Perhaps we should move on.”


“What do you want me to do.” Charles asked. Clumsily wiping tears from his eyes.


“I want you to make a public statement, saying the church was correct in their actions, that due to you being a bastard you had no knowledge of these actions… it can be done here in this camp, in all honesty.”


“And after that?” Charles asked. “You’re just going to let me go?”


“Yes, Child. Assuming you get into no further trouble with the church. The Lunarch has been convinced you have no pull with any of the nobility, and considering how quickly that rat Northcrest handed you over, I think that’ll be all the proof anyone else needs too. Beyond that, you’ll live a normal life, you won’t have any power as a nobleman. Eventually however, a new royal line will need to be established.” Gamora said.


“If… when that times comes, my successor may select you. It’s up to you at that point of course. Assuming nobody more qualified can fill the role, obviously.”


“Sir, we aren’t just going to leave him to-“ Gerald began.


“He may be a boy, Gerald, but we have no right to keep him here, he can choose his own path.” Gamora replied.

Decision 1:
1. Stay with Henry
2. Leave with the Church

Decision 2:
1. “You’re all going to burn for what you’ve done to me, just not my hands.”
2. “I hate all of you.”
3. “Just leave me alone, that’s all I ask.”
4. “Fine… thank you.”
5. Write in

>>2602850
with this, I'm calling it a night.