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The first option is to simply turn the caravan around. You will backtrack through the road and take another road almost halfway back to Alnerwich. There, you will find another bridge to cross the churning waters of the Anosar. However, as safe as it is, the risk of another Vasceli ambush is a possibility, as the road will take you through the thicker parts of the forest, not to mention how long such a trek will last.

The second option is to continue along the road, to where a small ferry crosses the river to bring merchants and their cargo in great barges. It will only take a short while, and the road cuts through wide open fields and plains buried under three feet of snow. But even as some find themselves agreeing with this, Urath reaches into his pocket, and the object in his hands sobers everyone instantly.

“...we would be venturing too close to its territory,” he cautions as he holds up the scale for everyone to see. Stained with only a small amount of blood, the scale catches the overhead sun and refracts into everyone’s eyes. “…and with open fields we journey through, if the drakling is overhead, we will be sitting ducks."

At one point, someone brought up the possibility of just simply repairing the bridge that the Vascieli destroyed. All eyes turned to Silverow, but the sorcerer scoffed, and with a disdained voice, answered, “Magic is not the answer to everything. Do you think that I am powerful enough of a mage to just snap my fingers and everything will be miraculously fixed?”
One knight protests, “But you’re a Crownguard-”

“And as per your astute observation, my spells are primarily for the defense of the royal family,” Silverow snaps, his face set in an unflinching rictus of disgust and loathing. “And though I possess spells with applications other than combat, the task of repairing this bridge with magic would at least take two…no, four more sorcerers of my caliber, or even higher! The bridge spanned one hundred feet across the river, and gods now how many tones of stone. And with half of the materials either in the river or little more than smoke…”

The sorcerer takes a small breath to calm himself down. “…no, ser. Repairing the bridge is a feat beyond my capabilities. And even if I were to merge the prince’s power with mine...no, what you want is impossible.”

…with that out of the way, Hagenson calls for order as unease breaks out across the ranks. Another attempt is made to rouse the landgrave, but Pullman continues to sleep uneasily in his cart. In the end, it is put to a vote between him, standing in for Pullman, the Crownguard, and Princess Adrianna.

(cont.)

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Urath and Bellatrix support the option of the ferry. Even with the risk of the drakling, all you need to do is drive it off. The Vascieli are fanatics, and will fight to the death unless their morale is shaken, or their narcotics wear off. The archer has plenty of magic arrows left in his quiver, and the knightess grins at the prospect of a rematch, though both intend to stop if it flees.

…it seems that you will be the one to break the tie.

[X] Advance the caravan to the ferry across the fields. [Risk of Drakling]

Adrianna ultimately abstains from voting, claiming that the defense of her family is best left to other people. Thus, with three votes to two, the decision is made to take the convoy and race through the drakling’s hunting grounds as quickly as possible. The princess’ face pales at the news, and her expression suggests a profound regret from having not cast her vote. But it is too late for her to otherwise protest.

The decision has been made. You will risk the drakling’s wrath in order to quickly ford the Anosar.

Silverow rejoins you with pursed lips and a dry expression, but makes no other point to protest your votes. The sorcerer merely exhales deeply, shaking his head before moving past you and Urath to inspect the carriage. Muttering words of magic underneath his breath, he begins to weave enchantments and trace runes of protection onto the wheelhouse.

For the most part, the Crowmonds take to the decision as well as expected. While Ellana masks her fear and anxiety with a nervous smile, her elder sister is one sudden noise away from fainting or screaming. Their brother, on the other hand, could not be further from them in his mood and demeanor.

“A drakling!” The young prince’s blue eyes are wide and full of excitement. They stare at the overhead sky as if the beast is but moments from approaching. “We’re going to go fight a drakling!”

An uneasy smile touches Urath’s lips. “You will not, highness. But your Crownguard will, and your uncle’s knights. The monster will not touch you or your family. We swear it.”

Allanus frowns in a way that only the boyish sense of immortality could convey. “But I’m plenty strong! Raleigh says that my magic-”

“Is attuned more to destruction than protection, lacks the finer control of an initiate sorcerer, and has no knowledge of even the most basic shielding ward as its wielder firmly insists on learning how to make things explode or otherwise catch on fire,” the sorcerer in question cuts in with a merciless voice. At the prince’s indignant look, Silverow simply shrugs. “I swore to your father that I would not only teach you magic, but protect your life as well, by any means necessary.

(cont.)

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“However, I will cede that for your current level of mastery…” Allanus bristles at those words, but his Crownguard continues, “Your magic is arguably the most potent we’ve ever seen in years. Yet you will not be able to get there if you are insist on taking magic with the same brevity as a circus performer. Don’t think I didn’t hear about your little accident in Alnerwich with the fireball-”

Without any sort of warning, his face contorts and the young prince’s foot lashes out to strike Silverow’s leg. The sorcerer’s words turn into a confused grunt of pain, but before anyone can even do anything, the prince dashes off in the direction of the carriage. With a final, unreadable look on his face, he enters the wheelhouse and slams the door behind him.

Even as Bellatrix laughs at Silverow’s misfortune, Urath shows the better part of valor and quietly helps his partner from the ground. “I think there is time and place for talk,” the Ingulan exhales, looking to where his charge departed. “…now is certainly not.”

“He will not learn if someone does not scold him properly,” the sorcerer mutters. “Even if he is the emperor’s second son, it does not change the fact that magic is not a frivolous thing.”

With that incident, the Crowmonds return to the interior of the carriage. Ellana casts a wistful look towards you, even as her sister pulls her along by the hand. Adrianna’s mood seems to have taken a turn for the worst, and her sibling’s little outburst has doubtless done nothing to improve it. Still, she promises Silverow to give her brother a lecture.

>Later…

There is a tense air about the camp. Grim faces and hushed whispers can be seen and heard from the men as they make ready for the escape. The words that they speak are fearful, and loathing in equal measure, with resentful glares oft directed to the carriage. They know that should the drakling come, they will once more have to sell their lives dearly in defense of three children. It is expected of them to die in the service of their emperor and liege lord.

But to suffer a painful death at the hands of a monster will truly test whether or not they are worth their titles and armor. And they are not dying a glorious death as heroes, but as distractions so that the imperial family might escape safely to Westholm. Little wonder there should be some resentment, but you have little doubt that it will mature into something dangerous. However, the Crownguard remain wary all the same.

“Are you scared?” Ser Hagenson is quick to break up any sort of talk before it can reach a boiling point. The stout captain rides through the camp atop a new mount, a black and dusky charger. He rides through the camp, looking for anyone who might otherwise dissent. “You each swore oaths to serve not only the landgrave, but the emperor…”

(cont.)

>>2652071
hi are you still here?

>>2652132
Still here. Just having issues posting. The captcha is giving me some problems.

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>>2652071
“Painel.” Urath motions for you. Frowning, you set aside your whetstones and oils, sheathing your weapons as you set a brisk pace towards the archer. “What do you know of draklings?”

You frown. “Admittedly not much other than what I’ve heard from stories.”

“Good enough. I saw what you threw at rebel archers. Some kind of bomb, yes? I did see you working alchemy…” At your nod, he grins. “Good! I have no talent for it, but I will need your help in mixing in a few minutes.”

Now that is certainly unusual. “What do you need me for?”

He gestures towards the cart where the drakling’s tail, and other scavenged body parts lay riposte. They lay under heavy guard by two of what appear to be veteran knights. And for good reason. You have little doubt that they intend to find someone willing to take the grisly trophy off of their hands, or failing that, perhaps they will make it a new trophy for the landgrave.

“Did you know that most poisonous animals are not immune to their poisons?” The archer’s eyes shine with a malevolent glint. “And that draklings are no such exception?”

His intentions strike you like a bolt of lightning. Of course! What better way than to drive off the drakling than to use its own venom against it? And with a severed tail, doubtless still dripping with the creature’s excretions, there would be plenty to make use of in the journey ahead.

When the two of you explain your reasoning to the guards, they seem to be accepting enough. However, you will harvest what you can under their strict supervision. They will not tolerate the use of any part other than the express intent for the ride through the beast’s territory.

Urath seems to have experience with skinning drakling tails. However, it seems that the practice is not for one person alone. He will require your assistance, as you seem to have the steadiest hands among the Crownguard.

You approach the tail with extreme care. The last thing you need is to nick yourself and have the drakling venom putting you out of the fight. You have three bottles of Blackwater, courtesy of Claudia, and while you can go into the forest to find some more ingredients, you’d rather not have to use them without sighting the drakling.

Perhaps you should take some time to build immunity to poisons when you find the time.

Regardless…

“Cut along primary spike,” Urath whispers, tapping at the bone in question with his own knife. “We must be careful not to rupture venom glands…”

>A low roll in this situation doesn’t automatically mean failure.
>The amount of poison or can harvest are contingent on degrees of success.

>Roll 1d100 + 60 (+40 Nimble Fingers, +20 Alchemy)
>Best of three.

Rolled 13 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>2652184

Rolled 76 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>2652184

Rolled 58 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>2652184
more bladebound retainer?
yes.
please.

Rolled 33 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>2652184

>>2652196
>>2652244
>>2652255
It is with extreme and delicate care that the two of you are able to extract the venom sacs. They’re small little things, really. The glands are no bigger than your thumb, and they almost seem to quiver as you delicately place them in sample glasses.

In total, you have salvaged seven venom glands. The rest are either too far up the tail itself, or completely and utterly shredded. Their contents have soaked into the meat, and run down the spikes and bone. The meat is irreparably spoiled. Not the even the flies or maggots will touch it.

“I will need at least three for my arrows.” You give him his required items, leaving you with a total of four glands to yourself. “You can do with the rest as you see fit. And here…maybe this will be useful to you..”

>Urath has given you the recipe for Yaya’s Revenge, a Tier 3 poison made from drakling poison glands.
>Its properties are [Coagulation, Fast-Acting, Long-Lasting]
>To brew it, you need 1 Drakling P. Gland, 1 Catalyst, 3 Ingredients

>Drakling poison glands are unique items that can be used in their raw state, for potions/poisons, and for bombs.
>In their raw state, slathering them on your weapons will grant a bonus to Stagger your opponents, leaving them open for attack.
>In potion-making, drakling glands can be used not only to create lethal poisons, but powerful antidotes.
>In bombs, they can be used to create a bomb that delivers a noxious gas that when inhaled, destroys the victims’ respiratory tracts.

You now have a few hours, and four glands to with as you see fit. Before the caravan heads out, you should…

>Rest and enter the Specter’s Dream. (+10 Bonus to all Combat Checks)
>Try to find supplies for poison and bomb-making. (Forest, quartermaster)
>Custom option.

My tabletop group should be getting together soon. That being said, if they don't show up, I will continue to post updates. Given the fact this segment will heavily focus on poisons, I will be carefully going through both the archives and the pastebins to make sure that we everything we need to go forward.

>>2652451
>>Try to find supplies for poison and bomb-making. (Forest, quartermaster)
We ran ourselves clean out, we need to restock.

>>2652451
>Try to find supplies for poison and bomb-making. (Forest, quartermaster)

Both options are good for the coming fight but I think this one might help both short and long term.

>>2652451
>>Try to find supplies for poison and bomb-making. (Forest, quartermaster)

>>2652451
>custom
>Try to find supplies for poison and ANTIDOTES. (Forest, quartermaster)

A bomb is unlikely to pierce the wyvern's hide without also mulching or being inhaled by everyone else in a fair radius. We're better off treating anyone who could get wounded, not for actual combat effectiveness, but to give some measure of morale to the knights. Also it would REALLY suck if a crownsguard got poisoned. I think Ellana would appreciate this.

A poisoned magical knife to the anywhere will do more good than a damage bomb anyway.

>>2652451
>>2652744
.....I'm dumb and didn't read completely.

My above argument was for how to use the venom sacks, but we DO need bomb materials for Sunbursts.

>phoneposting to QM
nigga what

>>2652451
>>Try to find supplies for poison and bomb-making. (Forest, quartermaster)

Done with my weekly tabletop game. Ended in a near TPK that resulted in my character losing his nipples due to horrific 3rd degree burns. Good times.

Writing...

>>2653061
Bad news: I was not able to type due to a sudden bout of writer's block. Sorry about that.
Good news: I have finished the new perks for you to select, and I am halfway through combing the archive for anything I missed.
Better news: My shift ends at 3 or 4 tomorrow, and I can resume automatically when I get home.

>>You have accumulated enough experience and acomplished great deeds to acquire new skills and talents!
>>[Special] traits denote unique traits exclusive to you that you have unlocked due your actions in prior threads or Marcus’ backstory.

>>Please Select three (3) traits:

>Aspiring Seducer [Special]: You’ve a way with the ladies, both of lowborn and noble status, a seeming talent for philandering and charming your way into their hearts. Apply a +15 Bonus made to Social rolls against the opposite sex. Frequent Social rolls made to Seduce or otherwise charm a woman will advance this trait.
>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Goldfinger: The god of gold smiles upon you and your purse. All coinage-based currency you pick up will receive a 5% flat increase. This percentage will increase with each progressive rank.
>Lone Wolf [Special]: You work best when alone. Take a +15 when fighting by yourself, and a -10 when fighting with more than three allies. Additional ranks increase the bonus, and may decrease the penalty.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>Ravager: When killing an opponent with a roll of 90+, make a Social check. If you succeed, nearby enemies will flee in terror from the carnage you have wrought. Additional ranks increases the number of opponents that flee.
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.
>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.

>>2653537
>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Ravager: When killing an opponent with a roll of 90+, make a Social check. If you succeed, nearby enemies will flee in terror from the carnage you have wrought. Additional ranks increases the number of opponents that flee.
>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.

Does anyone still remember Marcus Painel, Master Hair Stylist? Doing Ellana's hair when?

>>2653537
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.
>Aspiring Seducer [Special]: You’ve a way with the ladies, both of lowborn and noble status, a seeming talent for philandering and charming your way into their hearts. Apply a +15 Bonus made to Social rolls against the opposite sex. Frequent Social rolls made to Seduce or otherwise charm a woman will advance this trait.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).

>>2653537
>>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.

>>2653537
>>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.

maaaaan I want Taste for Magic for the backstory effect, but wyverns AND blutlinge...

>>2653537

>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>>Ravager: When killing an opponent with a roll of 90+, make a Social check. If you succeed, nearby enemies will flee in terror from the carnage you have wrought. Additional ranks increases the number of opponents that flee.

>>2653537
I hope those specials arnt time sensative.

>>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.

>>2653537
>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.

>>2653537
>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).

>>2653537
>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.
>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.

OH SHID this is running again.
I need to brush up on the archives, I kinda forgot where I was at tho.

>>2653537
>>2653564
Also support

>>2653537
>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.

>>2653537
>>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.

>>2653537
>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Lone Wolf [Special]: You work best when alone. Take a +15 when fighting by yourself, and a -10 when fighting with more than three allies. Additional ranks increase the bonus, and may decrease the penalty.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).

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Prolly shouldn't have taken that nap. Got a headache now, but it ain't nothing that a few pops of Tylenol won't fix.

The top three that were chosen are...

>Atelier of Death, Rank 2: Craft your own Bombs and Poisons up to Tier 2 without penalty. The penalty for crafting Tier 3 items is reduced to -20.
>Mind of Steel [Special]: Your experiences have led you to be jaded and cynical. Take a +30 to resist attempts, magical or mundane, to try and influence you (i.e. seduction, intimidation, etc.).
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.

Writing...

>>2653537
>Lone Wolf [Special]: You work best when alone. Take a +15 when fighting by yourself, and a -10 when fighting with more than three allies. Additional ranks increase the bonus, and may decrease the penalty.
>Underdog: You have spent many years fighting against opponents bigger and heavier than you, and emerged the victor. Against Large humans or monsters (i.e. in excess of 7 ft. of height and 300 lbs of weight), you gain a +10 to Combat rolls.
>Taste for Magic [Special]: Years of living with a sorceress have instilled a biological reaction in your body whenever you are near magical sources. You can make a Check to identify and distinguish magical auras.
Lone Wolf and Underdog are great because most of the opponents we've been fighting are big and we've been fighting them alone. This means we get a reliable +25 to our usual +30 combat making it +55. With Blutmörder we get it up to +65 when against blood magic related stuff. Of course this isn't taking into account the fact these traits can level up naturally.

Oh yeah. It will be a very rare occasion for traits to be limited or otherwise unavailable for future selection. I will let you know in advance if those are the case.

>>2652041
Goddamit, after so many false starts I managed to miss the start of the thread again.

Also, /taskforcetg/ when, Kaz?

>>2655984
>Also, /taskforcetg/ when, Kaz?
Questing is on indefinite hiatus after this thread while Kaz joins the workforce

You don’t plan to stay for too long in the forest. There are plenty of other supplies that you need to purchase from the quartermaster, and you need at least an hour to make everything.

The inventory of your supplies is pitifully low. You had little in the way of anticipating not only a rebel ambush, but an attack by a drakling. Still, you mentally kick yourself for not stocking up with Claudia when you had the chance. Complacency and carelessness are so much unlike you, but there are not circumstances that you are well-practiced in yet.

You will hardly be gone for more than…thirty or so minutes, no more than forty five at the most. Plenty of time for a journeyman alchemist and long-time botanist to find and discover the ingredients that he needs to succeed.

And even in the frozen throes of a harsh winter, the forest still has plenty to offer, not just prizes that only be obtained when cold settles across the land. If you’re lucky, you should be able to not only replenish your stocks for the drakling, but find additional components for…other purposes.

>>How well are your efforts in searching for ingredients?
>Roll 1d100 + 40 (+20 Knowledge, +20 Atelier of Death Rank 2)
>Best of three.

>>2655984
>>2655994
Yep. I don't know when, honestly. I need to take some time off to get a film portfolio together and find an internship, if not a job, before I can find room in my schedule to quest. Sucks, but it's the price of joining the professional world.

Rolled 83 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>2656100

Rolled 54 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

Rolled 74 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>2656100

>>2653537

>Taste for Magic
>Aspiring Seducer
>either Lone Wolf or Mind of Steel, whichever has the current majority

We're not a frontline fighter, we're a scout (and potentially spy and assassin, as events in Alnerwich showed) and also apparently the most diplomatic of the Crownguard. Let's play to our strengths.

>>2656152
ah fudge, missed the roll. But at least Kaz is back!

>>2656152
>>2656157
Eh, don't worry about missing it. I'll throw another "leveling up" session once you guys get to Westholm. Provided you make there in one piece.

>>2656100
Ah well. It is what it is. Best of luck in that, incidentally.

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>>2656120
>>2656136
>>2656138

>>Your total loot from the forest comes to…
>12 Ingredients
>2 Widow’s Tears
>6 Slennush Mushrooms
>5 Organic Compound

You can feel the stares of the Eagle Knights as you make your way through their tents and columns from where they get ready. Any conversations immediately become hushed whispers or outright silence as you pass them. Some turn their faces as you pass, others stare at you with neutral or outright pugnacious looks. None, however, seem to offer any real intent to stop you, and you make it to the quartermaster’s cart without further incident.

Although to call it a “cart” would be a bit of a misnomer. The knight in charge of the convoy’s supplies is a rather young man, no more than in the middle of his twenties. His left arm has been tied in a sling, and blood seeps from a white bandage around his scalp. But his wounds make no visible effort to impair his ability to walk, write and manage the supplies as a whole.

You catch him lecturing a pair of squires struggling to lift a barrel. “I told you already, bend your fucking knees so that your back doesn’t give out. Gods above, do you have oats for brains? And grab it by the opposite ends. We’ve the river next to us, but we can’t chance dumping our water. And Giesler! Get your fingers out of the salted pork before I have the cook put you into the stew!”

Patiently, you wait for him to finish. He takes another few minutes to direct his squires and some of the other knights before he notices your presence. His features are definitely softer that what you would expect of a knight, and the sharp triangle of his jawline gives him an almost fox-like appearance.

“Crownguard,” he grunts without any formality or fanfare. Exhaling, the knight inclines his head in a polite gesture. “We’ve journeyed together for the last few weeks, but I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of personally meeting you. I am Ser Farabert, quartermaster of this…expedition.”

You return his nod with one of your own. “Marcus Painel. Crownguard to Princess Ellana Crowmond.”

Ser Farabert’s mouth twitches with sardonic amusement. “Indeed. So what brings you to my corner of this wretched campsite?”

>You gave a brief explanation for what you are looking for.
>You inquired as to whether or not he had alcohol (Accelerant), unused jars (Ceramic Casings), or any other items that you might need.

The knight’s face is unreadable as he brings his good hand to stroke at a thin mustache. “I see…well, I’d be more than willing to provide you with them. There are plenty of spare and unneeded supplies that I planned on dumping so we could make it to Westholm faster.” But before you can even ask as to where he’s dumping said supplies, he continues on, a glint in his eyes, “However…”

You frown. However?

(cont.)

>>2656329
>However...

Sidequests are a law of nature!

>>2656152
Underdog would be pretty good too considering the enemies we've had to fight so far.

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>>2656329
The smile that graces his lips is one with a sardonic friendliness, one devoid of mirth. “It’s going to cost you. I’m more than willing to part with everything I can spare, and fill that little satchel of yours with all the stuff you need. But you’re going to have to pay me first.”

It takes a moment for you to process what he says, and the voice that answers back sounds unrecognizable from your own. It’s too neutral, too placid and utterly peaceful in spite of what looms over both of your heads. “And how much would that be?”

>>Ser Farabert is willing to part with…
>10 Accelerant
>15 Ceramic Casing
>12 Resin
>8 Saltpeter

He doesn’t even try to hide the haughtiness in his eyes. “Nothing less than two hundred aurums.”

Two hundred aurums! His bravery is truly that belonging to a knight. For only one either foolish or truly imbibed with courage would dare to charge such an outrageous sum. Even with saltpeter as an expensive food preservative, the alcohol, jars and resin should not come any higher than four aurums, or even nine or ten at the most!

“You didn’t think anyone saw you looting that barbarian pagan?” He shakes his head, gesturing towards the rest of the camp with a subdued hand. “Don’t think I’m doing this out of greed, Crownguard Painel. A hundred aurums from that fat purse is but a fraction of what our Emperor is paying you. It’s only fair that since our men and boys fought alongside against both the Vascieli and that drakling, we should get a share of the prize as well.”

>>With the looted purse from Augvarr, your total wealth is…
>741 Gold Aurums
>144 Silver Crowns
>311 Copper Links

>>Choose one:
>Appeal to his honor as a knight. (Diplomacy)
>Pay him and be done with it. (-200 Aurums)
>Threaten him into giving you the items. (Combat)
>Custom option.

>>2656377
>Pay him and be done with it
But snarkingly remark that he missed his life's calling as a -Jew- merchant when he became a knight.

>>2656377
>Custom option.
"You hear that Eagle Knights? Ser Farabert is going to distribute my payment here to all of you! Be sure to get your share from him."
>Pay him and be done with it. (-200 Aurums)

>>2656377
>Appeal to logic and his fucking desire to survive
>appeal to his honor as a knight
We are using those to brew stuff to deal with the Drakling and anything we come across. It's fucking reasonable to lower the price for that.

>>2656377
>>Pay him and be done with it. (-200 Aurums)
I don't do what I do for the purse quartermaster. Not for a prize. The price I pay to protect the family and my fellow crownguard, I pay gladly.

>>2656385
You cheeky cunt.

>>2656377
>>Threaten him into giving you the items. (Combat)
"Have fun fighting the Drake again without my help because you were too stingy to give me components."

>>2656383
Whoops, that's not how strikethrough works.
Either way, this is patently ridiculous. Marcus beat that barbarian in single combat and all the loot would be rightfully his. He can't even claim that the Silver Knights deserve a share of it, since Marcus helped save their captain AND most of their number by blinding the archers. Not to mention he's supposed to be part of a Chivalric order, not a bloody mercenary.

>>2656385
>>2656377
Seconding. I actually don't mind rewarding the Knight's bravery as long this Jew doesn't get it all. Might raise morale as well!

>>2656377
>Some of these materials will go into an antidote. For Drakling Poison. I'm sure you can guess who will need it most.
>I will pay, on 2 conditions: this money is properly shared between your fellows, and when the time comes to loot the drakling, you will vouch for whatever part of the drakling I claim.

>>2656397
That and we intend to use that stuff for the Drakling and anything else we come across. He'd be a fool to jew like a filthy merchant.

>>2656377
>>Threaten him into giving you the items. (Combat)

>>2656377
Suppporting this >>2656385

>>2656409
>you will vouch for whatever part of the drakling I claim.
You think this guy will have any authority on what part goes to who? He's going to be too busy counting his money to fight.

>>2656393
>>2656414
Probably the worst option considering the Knights will defend their own and infighting before a major fight lowers morale.

Listen we can talk to our superior later about potential compensation for this jew's bullshit. We haven't really spent our money on anything else anyways.

>>2656377
>Appeal to his sense of self preservation.
"I used up all of my poisons and bombs on the Drakling, and you still took how many losses? And now the Landgrave cannot fight. Furthermore, being greedy means I can and WILL expose you to your fellows.

>>2656424
He won't have a LOT of authority, but if we get plenty of the knights vouching for us, there won't be any bad blood if we find something we really CAN'T let go of.

>>2656430
As long as paying him doesn't win, I don't care what does. Rolling over for him here, regardless of reason, is just inviting further pushing of us.

And the knight are paid for their work. It's not like they won't be rewarded for this by their commander later.

>>2656444
He's already compromising his position as a Knight by asking us for compensation. Think of it as giving him rope to hang himself from.

>>2656444
Then appeal to his self preservation since that's more likely to win

>>2656444
>Rolling over for him here, regardless of reason, is just inviting further pushing of us.

Doesn't quite work like that, considering us being out of stock out on the road like this with only him to turn to is a very rare circumstance and we can always inform his captain later about his actions.

Paying and forcing him to distribute might raise morale as well which hasn't been doing so hot recently

>>2656454
Sure, why not. It's clear he has no honor as a knight.

>>2656377
switching
>>2656393
to
>Appeal to his sense of self preservation.

Pay did win, but with the caveat of publicly announcing that the funds are for all the knights.

Writing...

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>>2656383
>>2656387
>>2656398
>>2656420
>>2656409
>>2656385

Ser Farabert makes no effort to hide his own self-satisfaction as he watches you count out the necessary coin. On the other hand, you maintain a perfectly neutral expression devoid of anything other than pure professionalism. It does not take long before a small pile of coins grows on the crate. Once you have deemed them to be the correct amount, you pull the strings of your purse together and slide the money towards the quartermaster.

“Take a small cart if you need to,” Farabert mutters, solemnly staring at the pile of gold. They catch the midday sun, and glance off of the so-called knight’s face.

You can’t help but snort. “And here I thought that you were going to charge me extra.”

“No point in that. I already have what I need.”

“But I can’t fault you, really.” He looks up at you surprised, and it is with that same blank expression that you raise your voice for all to hear. As heads perk up at the noise you make, Farabert’s expression shifts, morphing from one of confusion, realization, and horror. “You were trying to get some more money for all of your fellow knights and squires, and that’s fair. Two hundred aurums OUGHT to be enough to share between one hundred or so men, quartermaster. Please make sure that every man gets his fair share, courtesy of our late barbarian friend.”

Even before squires and nearby knights drop whatever it is they’re doing to mob Farabert, the quartermaster affixes you with a dry, resigned glare. It almost as if he seems disappointed that you would ensure and enforce the terms of his arrangement. Did he truly intend to distribute the funds to the men and not keep any for himself?

No, perhaps he did, but you have a gut feeling that he might’ve kept a majority for himself. Jannick was similar, the Locust with a lust for gold more than anything else, never satisfied with what she earned. Her greed caught up to her, and there was no amount of coin she could pay to turn back time.

But, you digress. Dislike and distrust is preferable to hate, and you manage to walk away without incident. The noise you started quickly turns from a quiet murmur, a dull roar and enthusiastic shouting within mere minutes, and as the cacophony grows, so too does the morale in camp.

>>You have lost 200 Aurums
>>Your current supplies are:

>>Potions/Poisons
>15 Ingredients
>10 Slennush Mushrooms
>3 Widow’s Tears

>>Bomb-making
>11 Accelerant
>16 Ceramic Casing
>4 Hazeleaf (Refined)
>17 Resin
>8 Saltpeter

(cont.)

With all of your supplies gathered, you have little more than an hour to prepare all of your necessary potions and bombs. Setting up by the carriage and the rest of the Crownguards, you pay no heed to curious glances set your way as you open your kit and get to work. From the wheelhouse itself, you can feel someone’s gaze on your back, but you couldn’t care who it belong to at the moment.

You will have to work quickly…

>>Alchemy Tiers
>Some potions are more difficult to brew than others, and require mastery to achieve.
>Currently Marcus is at Tier 2, and will not suffer any penalty to make Tier 2 potions/poisons/bombs.
>However, Tier 3 items impose a -20 Penalty when rolling a successful alchemy check. Tier 4 imposes -40, Tier 5 -60, etc.
>These penalties will decrease with every successful rank-up for the skill “Atelier of Death”.

>>From Marcus' Codex, please select which bombs/poisons you wish to make.

This one might take all night to decide, as far as crafting/shopping things are wont to go. And in light of that, I'm going to duck out. I have to prepare for tomorrow's session because I know it's gonna get messy.

Codex Link:
https://pastebin.com/wzL6M0zj

>>2656746
>>2656752
He forgot
>5 Organic Compound

>>2656752
To be clear, we have no poisons or bombs remaining, and only 3 Blackwater for restoratives, correct?

>>2656786
We're really lacking in the poisons department. Only 3 tier 1s.

>>2656752
>Curatives
None cause we can't make any.

>Poisons
2 Hangman's Noose
1 Widow's Fang
1 Bodylock

That'll be all 15 ingredients.

>Bombs
No Flash Powder so no Sunburst
1 Hellscape
2 Night's Breath
1 Firewater
2 Splintershards

>>2656786
Where's Yaya's Revenge?

>>2656840
Probably hasn't updated it yet, but regardless we have no Catalyst for it

>>2656822
I'd swap a Splintershard for a Firewater, but otherwise seems reasonable, if expensive. All bombs need the ceramic, and fire is more flexible than a frag.

Also, we have 17 resin, but no recipe that uses it.
And Night's Breath is indented wrong in the Codex.

>>2656850
Reason I didn't include a Firewater is cause I'm not sure how well it'll do against a drakeling, but I'm fine with it for versatility's sake later.

not a post yet, just wanna pick out the ones I think are at least relevant in effects.

>Painel's Panacea
Hear me out here. If we REALLY wanted to try, this could get the Landgrave back into action.

>Hangman's Noose, Splintershard
I don't think Bodylock will do much this time around, but anything that makes breathing harder will hinder its breath attack.

That being the case, a frag bomb in the mouth should do much the same effect.


>Widow's Fang
would be our main dps option....IF we want to dps. Necrosis could also spoil the poison glands inside it and make touching even the flesh lethal, so I'm actually a little wary.


>Night's breath+Drakling Poison
That said, if we're willing to risk friendly fire, getting it to breath it's own poison should play havoc with it's everything. We just need to keep it on the ground long enough to do the job.

Hellscape is unlikely to work on the drakling, and would only make it even harder for our own friendlies if they happen to breath it.

>Yaya's Revenge
We're definitely making one or two of these.....if we had Catalysts. Looks like we're just plain slathering the poison gland on our magic dagger.

>Firewater
I don't know how advanced Painel's physics is, but Firewater could impacting the outer portion of the wings would heat up the air above the drakling, interfering with its ability to fly and read wind currents. We just need to make it a bit more adhesive and napalmy.

>>2656746
Hazeleaf is specified as
>(refined)
Here, but the recipes don't specify refinement state. Does that matter?

>>2656854
>>Painel's Panacea
If we tried we'd be at -60 modifier for the roll and we'd be using all our ingredients, leaving none for poisons.

>>2656865
Just pointing out the possibility.

>>2656858
It has to be refined. Raw Hazeleaf is just literally the leaves. In the bomb, it's compacted as a powder that reacts with chemicals to make the smoke for the hallucinogenic agent to spread.

>>2656858
Onganul's Draught doesn't actually have any ingredients listed.

>>2656880
...shit. I thought I had that in there. It's not gonna be of any use right now, but I'll go back and fix it.

Widow's Fang is a great choice for countering Blutlings. If one shows up.

>>2656854
>Catalysts
Fucking hell, that's a typo. That's supposed to be Ingredients.

>>2656914
that uh, changes thing...

>>2656914
But it said 3 ingredients and a catalyst.

>>2656914
>To brew it, you need 1 Drakling P. Gland, 1 Catalyst, 3 Ingredients

>>To brew it, you need 1 Drakling P. Gland, 1 Ingredient, 3 Ingredients*

???

>>2656914
Go to bed kas.

>>2656939
Maybe the Gland counts as a catalyst? I don't know.

So we can all agree on Yaya's Revenge right?

>>2656962
Obviously

>>2656962
At least one, yes. though the other poisons will have to be reconsidered.

>>2656966
If we go with >>2656822
+ the Firewater like you wanted we'd just need to replace one Hangman's Noose with Yaya's since they have the same Ingredient requirement.

>>2656966
Widow's Fang should be reserved for Blutlings since they are such a bitch to kill with anything else.

Okay, sorry about all the confusion. Headache’s been scrambling my mind. So, I’m here to set the record straight.

Ingredients are everything else other than the special/magical ingredients. Like water, alcohol, etc.

Catalysts are the special ingredients that make each potion unique, like Slennush Mushrooms, Widow’s tears, etc.

For Yaya’s Revenge, the catalyst in question IS the Drakling Poison Glands.

Again, sorry for the confusion. You do have the necessary items to make Yaya’s revenge. But keep in mind the -20 Penalty due to it being a Tier 3.

>>2656980
>Curatives
None cause we can't make any.

>Poisons
1 Hangman's Noose
1 Widow's Fang
1 Bodylock
1 Yaya's Revenge

That'll be all 15 ingredients.

>Bombs
No Flash Powder so no Sunburst
1 Hellscape
2 Night's Breath
1 Firewater
2 Splintershards


Revised for Yaya's

>>2656752
>Poisons
2 Hangman's Noose
1 Widow's Fang
1 Yaya's Revenge

>Bombs
1 Hellscape
2 Night's Breath
2 Firewater
2 Splintershard

14 ingredients
4 Slennush Mushrooms
1 Widow's Tear
10 Accelerant
9 Ceramic Casings
3 Hazeleaf
8 Saltpeter
4 Organic Compound

I just realized we don't have the True Pancrea listed.

>>2652071
Oh, what a brave little shit to strike those who are bound to protect him from all harm and are unable to strike back.

No wonder they make Mages go to the tower.

Glad to see you're back!

>>2657016
>>2656980
This seems the most well thought out so I'll support it.

No more than 1 Yaya revenge though, just in case the dice hate us.

>>2656985
I guess I'll go along with that as well.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2657037
That "true panacea" is "Painel's Panacea".

Okay, looks like there's a tie. Lemme toss a coin really quick...

1. >>2656985
2. >>2657016

>>Current Inventory…
>>Poisons:
>1 Hangman’s Noose
>1 Widow’s Fang
>1 Bodylock
>1 Yaya’s Revenge

>>Bombs:
>1 Hellscape
>2 Night’s Breath
>1 Firewater
>2 Splintershard

>>Your supplies are now…
>0 Ingredients
>8 Slennush Mushrooms
>2 Widow’s Tears
>3 Drakling Poison Gland

>6 Accelerant
>10 Ceramic Casing
>3 Hazeleaf (Refined)
>3 Organic Compound
>17 Resin
>4 Saltpeter

The appointed time comes sooner than you think. It’s only when you finish stoppering the last bottle and securing your horse’s saddlebags does the call ring out through the camp. As the sun reaches its highest point in the day, Ser Hagenson gives the command, and the caravan slowly, but surely, lurches forward on the Vethic Road once more.

With the scouts riding as hard and fast as they could, it had taken them little over an hour before they could reach the ferry. The convoy truly moves as fast as it can, even with the burden of the wheelhouse and wounded Valemen on hospital carts. At your current speed, it will at least three before you can even think of reaching the crossing, without aggravating the wounded any further.

The remaining knights assume a loose formation around the carriage. A majority go without their helms, keeping a sharp and constant vigil on the surrounding landscapes. The arms of the forest have given way to open fields and grasslands, blanketed by a curtain of white. With the silver scales of the drakling, and a sun that goes unobstructed by winter clouds, their attention will need to be exceptionally sharp.

Occasionally, they will see something, but nothing for any true cause for alarm. Snow foxes chase a clutch of hares through a deep flowerbed, and a small pack of wolves gazes with disinterest from atop a crag of rocks. There is the odd passerby on the road, however, farmers and wanderers that have emerged now that the snow has ceased to fall, and the road is now easier to traverse.

“Imperial business,” Ser Hagenson tells them, responding gruffly at their curious inquiries. Everyone keeps a close eye on them, even though the number of travelers you encounter could be accounted on a single hand. You’ll not take any chances, especially after the Vascieli attack. “And I would advise for you to find shelter or a roof over your heads before the day is done. The roads aren’t safe.”

He does not disclose the details about the rebels, but warns them of the drakling. In turn, they also confirm that this monster is not much of a local resident as much as it is an invasive predator.

Only at the beginning of this winter did whispers from fringe villages and unlucky sojourners tell of a drakling that had taken roost in the area. They had thought to simply wait for spring to come, and with the thawing of the snow, send word for adventurers or knights to slay the beast. However, their hopes of a quiet winter had been dashed, when shepherd reported last week that a monster had savaged his flock.

(cont.)

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One part of the mystery is solved. But another remains. The ambush on the bridge…what you saw, that figure hurriedly dashing away as you approached the day before…that man was clearly moving with haste and desperation. The rebels did not anticipate the convoy getting there so soon. And in their hurry, they botched the job, failing to kill anyone save for two horses at the cost of the bridge.

It is likely, perhaps, that the drakling is independent of the Vascieli. And that its arrival complicated not only your own journey, but the rebels’ plans as well. Not that you feel any mote of sympathy for them in the slightest. However, as logical as this theory is, you will need to confirm it for yourself. Once you find this “Drowned Lady”, and the Vascieli contact, you may ascertain that truth for yourself.

The Crownguard each has a role to play. To maintain the enchantments imbibed into the carriage, and as a last line of defense, Silverow has taken his post inside of the carriage itself with the royal family. Urath makes for a strange figure, sitting cross-legged atop the wheelhouse, with his bow in his lap and an unwavering gaze towards the horizon. And that leaves…

You maintain a neutral, if not standoffish, appearance as both you and Bellatrix circle around the carriage. Between the knightess and yourself, there is…perhaps awkward would be the wrong word. It would fail to describe the tension between you, a taut bowstring just waiting to snap. There no hostility to otherwise impede your capabilities, but an air that perhaps needs clearing. But damned if you’re about to be the one to clear it up. And from the way she otherwise scowls whenever your eyes meet, it seems that she won’t be the one to do it either.

The image of the Straxine warrior, naked in the pale moonlight and possessed of both desire and bloodlust intertwined with each other…that is not something you will easily forget. She is hardly the first woman you’ve seen naked, and from the way she otherwise lacks the dainty blush of a maiden fair, it seems that she cares little about her own modesty, or lack thereof, either. Whether or not it’s her own upbringing on the barbarian isles of Straxhult or her own “worthy opponents” from the past is completely beyond your care.

All you know for sure is that it’s going to take an extraordinarily well-argued argument before you even think about entertaining another fight with her, and damn whatever you said to her last night to keep her calm.

(cont.)

File: view along the road.png (2.84 MB, 1600x1200)

2.84 MB PNG

It has been about two hours since the convoy set off, and the ferry is supposedly within a handful of miles. But as you get ever closer to your goal, the change is almost visceral.

Slowly, the winter birdsong dwindles down, a chorus slowly stripped of its voices before even the last warbling solo of some unseen dove disappears into nothing. The animals have disappeared, the foxes gone to den and the wolves vanished into the forest. And if you can squint, and glance at the few sparse trees that litter the fields and edges of the road, you can see furrows gouged into those venerable oaks and pines that no bear could ever hope to make.

Now, you are truly in the drakling’s territory. And the question is no longer “will it attack” or “would it dare to attack” as much as it is one of inevitability.

“When will it attack”?

>Roll 1d100 Encounter.
>Best out of three.

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2658257
Pass the Blackwater vials among Urath, Bel, and ourselves for the fight. Silverrow shouldn't be near enough to get poisoned.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>2658257

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2658257

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>>2658272
>>2658274
>>2658302
At first, everyone thought it was a hawk. It was a small black shape that seemingly detached itself from a peak of the Whrelzwth. But the realization came quick, as the supposed bird of prey was traveling too fast. And as the time of its flight lengthened, so too did its size and wingspan, wings that you could make out were not made of feathers, but of a leathery canopy thick enough to blot out the sun.

Even before it gets close enough to make out the finer details, the convoy springs into action. As Ser Hagenson shouts for the men to load their weapons and assume a formation, the carriage shimmers with eldritch light as Silverow activates his spell. Urath takes a moment to calm a nervous Berchar, helping the wounded groomsman set a bolt to his crossbow before setting an arrow to his own bow.

The horser audibly swallows. “We-we’re too leave as soon as the dragon attacks, yes?”

“Drakling,” Urath corrects him. “And yes. We are.”

“…but what about the rest of the knights?”

Bellatrix doesn’t try to even hide her annoyance at his anxiousness. “They’ll be meeting us at Westholm. And really, we just need to drive the damn thing away from this blasted wheelhouse. Just shut it and ride.”

In the underbelly of the carriage, there are enough supplies to last the Crowmonds a week should the worst happen. But you have little doubt that it will. For as much as the drakling is close to the feared dragons of old, it is little more than a territorial predator. And should you successfully make it to the ferry and across the bridge, it should go back to sulking to wherever it’s roosted.

“Urath. Bellatrix!” Their surprise only lasts briefly, and they move quickly enough to catch the phials that you throw at them. “Blackwater. If you even think you’ve been poisoned, drink some. It should last for an hour, and I doubt that the monster is going to even stay that long-”

Before you even finish, they both nod. Almost in complete unison, both pop the corks off of the phials and down their contents in a single swing. Urath’s face twitches, but he maintains his composure. Bellatrix, on the other hand, gags, cursing as she nearly spits out the stuff.

“This shit tastes fucking awful!” the knightess complains. “Ye dinnae think you could’ve made it more palatable to swallow? Just a splash of brandy?”

The Ingulan merely shrugs, wiping the corner of his mouth with an errant bit of sleeve. “The best medicine always tastes bitter.”

“If anything, both of you should be paying me,” you counter. “Do you know how much some blue-blood would pay for this kind of thing?”

(cont.)

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>>2658390
Even as Urath chuckles and Bellatrix makes an obscene gesture, you take your own share of the drink. She does not lie. It really does taste “fucking awful”, like liquid sediment with bits of rock that haven’t been completely ground down. And putting brandy or any other thing to make it taste better would ruin the concoction. The purer the charcoal, the better it is at flushing out any toxins, both foreign and natural.

>Marcus, Urath and Bellatrix have a temporary +20 to Resist Poison!

For a moment, the drakling disappears as its shadow flies into the sun. But even as Ser Hagenson shouts a warning, there are still those within the formation who inadvertently follow its path. They wince, blinking and shielding their faces as they stare right into the unobstructed sun. And that is when it strikes. With a fierce roar that resounds through the fields and along the distant walls of the mountain, the monster pulls its wings and dives towards the convoy.

“Hold!” The knight-captain roars, slamming his visor down. “Hold until I give the word!”

Even with the sun behind its descent, you’re able to see it through eyes clenched almost shut. It’s easily only half a thousand feet away from landfall, with talons outstretched and mouth open wide with savage glee. The sight of its tail, or rather a pathetic stump that swings uselessly in the air, confirms that this is indeed the drakling that Pullman was able to injure.

Urath draws, muttering a prayer to his god of hunting as he brings a purple arrow against the monster. Bellatrix twirls her spear, silent save for a ferocious grin that speaks louder than any barbaric war cry. And all the while, with one hand on Serena’s blade, you finger the bombs and phials attached to your belt.

Just as the monster draws close enough for you to smell it, a noxious stench of dried gore and rotting meat blown downwind, Hagenson gives the command. “Loose!”

A performance of dissonant bowstrings fills the air. As near one strike as they can, the knights depress the triggers of their crossbows and let their bolts fly. A majority of them miss or glance off ineffectively against its scales, but there are still enough to change its course. The monster takes exceptional offense to the bolts that punch through the membrane of its wings, or otherwise find purchase in the softer flesh of its feet and underbelly.

It swerves, unfurling its wings to pull up from its dive, but not quickly enough to avoid Urath’s attack. The poisoned arrow was aimed not towards its eye or mouth, but to an open wound along the monster’s flank, an open sore that entraps the axe that made it. The creature barely notices it, merely snarling in annoyance towards Urath…and the carriage.

Oh dear.

>Aim for its mouth with a poison or bomb.
>Toss a Splintershard to keep it in the air.
>Use a Sunburst to bring it to the ground.
>Custom option.

>>2658427
>>Use a Sunburst to bring it to the ground.

Aerial supremacy is this thing's biggest strength.

>>2658427
>>Marcus, Urath and Bellatrix have a temporary +20 to Resist Poison!

+35 according to your Codex

>>2658427
>Toss a Splintershard to keep it in the air.
I think Urath already has Yaya's on the Drakling with that shot.

>>2658427
>Use a Sunburst to bring it to the ground.

>>2658442
...brb, gonna go take another three advils.

>>2658427
>Toss a Splintershard to keep it in the air.
Drive it away from the carriage first so it can't lash out at it once it lands.

>>2658441
I'd say its poison and monstrous strength is its real strength.

What's it gonna do to us from the air even.

Glory is bought in lives other than ours here, let's not get anyone killed.

>>2658479
It breathes fire on occasion too.

and it moving by at high speed strafing us can kill people en masse easily.

>>2658427
>Toss a Splintershard to keep it in the air.
Anon above is right. The breath attack is still a concern but it might be able to be mitigated with Silverrow's magic or Hangman's poison. Also the job is to buy time.

>>2658486
What about it being on the ground will make its fire ability easier and not worse to deal with?

Strafing us is what we're countering with the splintershard, especially since I assume that's a difficult trick to pull off for one, and for two it would mean we would only be briefly exposed to the flame and we DO have a magician who can shield us from it in that case. Also dodging, or being armored enough to endure the brief flame.

>>2658554
if it cannot fly it limits i's range and ability to attack greatly. Additionally since it is lacking a tail it is going to have it's rear lightly defended at best.

If it's flying it cannot attack with impunity and strafe us with fire and claw at pseed, which is even more fatal as big object moving very fucking fast is more liable to penetrate armor and harder to dodge than a more stationary enemy.

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>>2658442
>>2658476
>>2658487
Were it not for the fact that Splintershard has a limited range, you wouldn’t even consider throwing it towards the drakling. As it is, you have to still be careful not to let it otherwise explode over the heads of the Eagle Knights. In any other situation, you’d use a Sunburst to bring the monster down to the ground. However, the goal is not to kill it, but to buy time for the carriage to make it to the ferry.

An animal that knows its opponent is fighting to kill will be all the more dangerous. None of you have the proper equipment to fight a drakling, but you do have the numbers to distract it long enough.

The bomb activates with a single push of its stopper. The chemicals within the lips of the casing react in an instant, and smoke begins to stream from out of its top. Without any sort of formal fanfare or battle cry, you pull your arm back and throw it as hard as you can.

The sphere sails over the head of the monster, and goes completely unnoticed your target. It is too busy attempting to find a landing spot when the bomb detonates. Hot shrapnel tears through the air, through leathery membrane and soft, exposed tissue. The attack is enough for the monster to panic, abandoning its attempt to land in favor of reaching a higher altitude.

“Now!”

No one is sure who gave the command, but Berchar reacts in an instant. With his new team of horses literally chomping at the bit to escape the monster, they are all too happy for the groom to let them loose. As the carriage lurches forward, you can almost hear the indignant cries of its occupants as the wheelhouse tears down the road with a near reckless abandon. Within seconds, the Crowmonds and their Crownguard have left the Eagle Knights to fight the drakling.

The path is mercifully devoid of any travelers. You are able to race down the road without any notable delay. And there! What would have taken another hour, you are able to make in less than twenty minutes. As the currents of the adjacent Anosar slow as the mouth of the river widens, you can see them: two small buildings on either side, river stations that overlook the silent waters and a length of cable that bridges both shorelines.

A cable ferry!

But before any moment of respite can take you, a cold pit of dread settles in your stomach. The ferry boat itself is situated on the other side of the river.

(cont.)

>>2658582
But now that we're at the river we can push past the drakling, ground it, and arrange ourselves perpendicular to the river to trap it against the river in one direction.

Feeling trapped and confused it should hopefully retreat along the path of the river bank instead of trying to break through to the carriage.

>>2658559
> it is going to have it's rear lightly defended at best.

We have different ideas about what "lightly defended" means since it's still a large animal covered in spikes and venom and armor and muscle.

>>2658559
Remember that one dude last thread got cut the fuck up even after its tail was cut off.

>>2658589
compared to when it had that death tail still? It is light.


>>2658590
Because he let it hit him to get the shot to do so.


Also seriously do not post 3 times in a row when you could just lined them all up.

>>2658592
Yes, it's light compared to it before.

Compared to mortal men of flesh and bone it's still past the threshold of "fuck you up".

And I'll post as often as it occurs to me to do so.

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>>2658582
Even before Berchar is able to calm the horses down, Urath leaps off the roof of the carriage in a spectacular display of agility. “Come!” He emerges from his tumble looking no worse for the wear. “Find the ferrymen!”

The station appears to have been recently occupied. A cauldron of stew still simmers over a fire pit in the ramshackle courtyard, among other signs of life. But there is no one to be seen. You’re more than willing to guess that when they heard the roar of the drakling, they fled inside of the building proper.

Bellatrix tries the door, and curses when it resists her attempt. It is locked. She pounds on the door with a gauntleted fist. “Open up!”

“Who the fuck is it!?” A muffled voice answers. Some old man’s, unless the timbre of his voice has risen a few octaves from sheer terror. “If you want in, you have to go somewhere else. We’re all full-”

“I dinnae care about hiding,” the knightess cuts him off, “Get your arses out and bring the boat over here! You’ve got noble customers, ferryman, and they ain’t too keen on waiting.”

“I don’t care if the good emperor himself wants to cross the river. Haven’t you heard? The drakling’s out and about, and I’ll not risk mine and my boys’ hides for some puffed-up noble! But you’re more than welcome to hide in the stables…”

Before the knightess’ temper gets the better of her, Urath stops her before her fist can go through the door. With a shake of his head, he lets go of her wrist, exhaling as she stomps back towards the carriage. Both of you catch each other’s gaze and morosely follow her back to the Crowmonds.

Adrianna doesn’t take the news well. And that’s putting it lightly. But even as she panics, and her siblings try to calm her down, the Crownguard have a meeting of their own, with a reluctant Berchar.

“The damned ferryman has a point, loathe as I am to admit it,” Silverow mutters tersely, “But the fact remains that we need to cross the river.”

The groom hesitates, before speaking in an almost pleading tone, “Begging your lordship’s pardon, but since you said that you couldn’t fix the bridge…couldn’t you just bring the ferry over to our side of the bank with your magic?”

The sorcerer’s brow creases in thought. “…that is a possibility. However, it would force me to divide my power between the protective spells and ferrying us across the waters. I’d rather not if we had no other option.”

Bellatrix snorts derisively. “Tell that to the gutless cowards hiding behind their door. It’s like they think that their little house will keep the drakling away!”

(cont.)

If it's a cable ferry there should be a mechanism to bring it over on this side right?

>>2658688
You'd think, though I'm not sure how the ferry and the ferryman wound up on opposite sides of the river.

>>2658688
Probably, but that's a job you want other people to be doing because if you've got anyone of the Crownguard pulling the ferry, that's less people to protect the Crowmonds.

>>2658706
In their haste to flee from the drakling, they forgot to moor the ferry and as a result, it drifted out to the river.

Go solo to distract the Drakling?

>>2658666
“And I don’t think that any coin I could offer could change their minds…” You add bitterly, glancing towards your saddlebags. “They seem to be quite happy to hide in their cellar.”

It seems that the company is at an impasse. And for a moment, you consider the possibility of either physically hauling the ferry back across the river. Alternatively, you could always break away and fight the drakling by yourself. Solo battles are your forte, after all. But before you can even voice the possibility…

“Then let me use my magic.”

Five heads turn towards the figure of the prince. Allanus Crowmond quails momentarily under the intensity of your glares before he steels himself and declares, “Raleigh, you can bring the ferry over and across when it gets here. I’ll use my power for the enchantments-”

Before he can even finish his proposition, his Crownguard and his sister cut him off with wild exclamations, “Your highness, you still have many years of training-” / “Allanus Emerich Crowmond, if you even think-”

“I say let him do it.” Both of their heads turn to find Bellatrix shrugging. “You said it yourself, Silverow. Divvying up your magic is only a last resort. And seeing as our resident prince has offered an alternative solution…”

“But he cannot!” Silverow and Adrianna blink, realizing they had both shouted at the knightess. The sorcerer, however, is quicker than the princess and rebuffs her with a sharp glare. “Allanus has had barely two years to train. For all his potential, he lacks the finer control to shape and control the aether for something as delicate as a protection spell-”

“How else will he learn, then?” Urath’s voice is a low rumble. “For all of your practice in controlled environments, the young prince must learn to use magic in a real situation. Little difference than the way my clan would raise children.”

“That's...there is no precedent…he…” Silverow devolves into a mess as he attempts to counter argue his fellow Crownguard. All the while, Adrianna takes her brother, desperately whispering into his ear while Ellana looks uncertainly at the skies above with a frightful Berchar.

But the younger prince barely pays attention. His only focus is on his hands, clenching and unclenching uncertainly. Then, a sudden glance towards you with an unspoken question in his eyes.

Please.

>Give the prince your vote.
>Vote in favor for a different plan.

Gotta take my dad out for dinner. Be back in a few hours.

>>2658778
>>Give the prince your vote.

>>2658778
>>Give the prince your vote.

>>2658778
>>Vote in favor for a different plan.
>Haul the ferry yourself.
If the Drakling shows up, we can just drop the line and fight it. No risky magic, no one put out of action.

>>2658778
>Give the prince your vote.

>>2658804
Then the ferry stops halfway in the water and we have nowhere to go. It'll turn from escape to a fight to the death against the thing.

>>2658778
>Give the prince your vote.

I mean now is the time.

>>2658778
>Vote in favor for a different plan

I wouldn't trust Allanus with his life (let alone the entirety of the Crowmonds) unless there was literally no other option. It's good that he wants to help, but the kid lacks both the training and the discipline to do so.

I say we try to haul the ferry and trust in the Eagle Knights to keep the draklling sufficiently distracted. That's their job. Although the presence of the choice practically guarantees there will be some kind of interruption...

Alternatively, we can go back and /threaten/ those ferrymen out here. "The Drakling MIGHT kill you if you go outside, but I WILL kill you if you don't" works wonders, and it's not like this isn't a dire enough situation to justify it.

>>2658778
I don't suppose pulling the boat is easier than the protection spells?

>Vote in favor for a different plan.
I'd rather fight the drakling than risk the magic.

>>2658778
If we do go with another plan, can we point out that it's good that the Prince finds it harder to let others face peril for him.

But that he should remember that his position comes with the responsibility to do so, and that this won't be the only time he'll have to do so.

It's more important to the Kingdom that he survives to become a ruler as much as a magus, otherwise he would have gone to the tower. He has more freedom than most, but he has to pay for it by carrying more responsibility.

Every plan put forward right now is to just fight the Drakling to the death. That isn't much of a plan. Letting Silverrow divide his magic is more of a plan than that.

>>2659318
getting caught in the boat when the drakling attacks is a lot worse than hunkering down. We're not even sure if getting across the river will really be the end of it.

>>2659324
What was even the plan again? We get across the river and book it before all the Eagle Knight's die and it comes looking for us?

>>2659338
I still prefer grounding it and then pressing it against the river. It's still just an animal, if it feels it's trapped it will try to escape and we can use the terrain against it.

>>2659345
Making it take a dunk in winter water would make it a lot less willing to fight, true.

>>2659371
Well also it would allow us to concentrate our force in a smaller area and make it "look bigger" as it were, and restrict the Drakes movement.

That plus the blinding and disorientation plus the poison could hopefully keep it from trying to circle around us if we attack right as it lands and keep it confused and pressured.

It's an animal, even though it might be cunning it will still rely mostly on instinctive behaviour in a lurch.

And if it does attack instead, at least we'll be well positioned to take advantage of said disorientation.

>>2658778
>Give the prince your vote.
>Other
Have Silverrow help the Prince until the drakling shows up then have the Prince do it by himself while Silverrow protects. Even if the boat gets here, if the drakling is on us we have to fight it off anyways cause piling in a boat with a fire breathing monster around is beyond retarded.

>>2659451
Alternatively we could cover a fighting retreat onto the Ferry and THEN draw the Drakling away if it's not going well.

We should be able to lose it, maybe even kill it if the poison weakens it enough.

Looks like giving Allanus your vote of confidence won, but there's enough caveats that I THINK I should be able to make a satisfactory plan for everyone.

Writing...

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>>2658785
>>2658799
>>2658811
>>2658905
>>2659451
Silverow is less than happy, borderline apocalyptic standing next to the beaming prince. Adrianna, even more so. Ellana has no opinion or vote, but you think you can see her give a small, but happy smile, at her elder brother. But with three against two, there is little both of them can do about it. Berchar had not been asked for his opinion, and subsequently resigned himself to morosely checking the horses.

“…if you insist on pursuing this course,” the sorcerer mutters, running a length through raven hair, “…then you’d best believe that I’m going to only have higher expectations during our lessons, young prince.”

The implied threat of a stricter lesson does not go unnoticed. And suddenly, Allanus seems to be having second thoughts about offering to provide the magic for the defenses. Alas, he is too late. He can only place a hand on the carriage, eyes shut in deep concentration as he attunes his Core with his bodyguard’s enchantments. Even if the pressure of the situation gives him control borne out of desperation, you can speculate that however Silverow is teaching the prince, it’s only going to be harder.

“…what is it, boy…?”

As Silverow prepares to cast his spell, Bellatrix and a weary Berchar keep a lookout from atop the carriage. This leaves you and Urath to grab the lengths of reinforced rope that keep the raft in place. Permafrost has settled into the rope, and the mere act of laying on hands causes a cold and biting flame to race along your nerves.

“…of course the knives are sharpened. How else are you going to build any sort of instinct to dodge an incoming attack or thrown projectile?”

It is with a combined effort of physical strength and arcane power that draws the ferry from the opposite side of the river. The two of you pull, heaving to as half-familiar words in the language of magic resonate through the area. The copper taste of lightning fills your mouth as Silverow’s power grows, and with it, the columns of wind that slowly, but surely, push the ferry across the river current.

“…you seem to be mistaken. You may of my flesh and blood, but it matters not whether it is you or some other gutter rat that inherits my legacy. Do not make the mistake of assuming that our shared blood will cause sentiment to cloud my judgment and your training...”

…if what half of what you’ve heard about the harsh training of the Ivory Towers of magic holds any weight of it at all, then there’s little wonder why Silverow is sullen and otherwise standoffish. It fills you with a visceral disgust. Mage, you are not, but having loved and lived with a renegade who rejected that gilded cage and its brutalities…

…the questions of whether or not the strict and harsh edicts of the Reforms of Magius are necessary to this day are still fiercely contested between sovereign nations and sorcerers alike. But now is not the time

(cont.)

“…there isn’t any more noise.”

Ellana’s voice is quiet. It is a mere whisper compared to the reluctance of the horses as their groom forces them and their load onto the ferry. Allanus and Silverow form a duet as both attune their magic to their respective tasks. And towards the station itself, someone opens a window to shout indignantly at your activity before a near miss (or well-placed) arrow into the windowsill shuts him up.

The youngest sibling of the Crowmonds squirms out of her sister’s grasp. Ignoring Adrianna’s indignant calls to return to the carriage, she runs to your side, frantically tugging at your cloak. “Marcus,” she says, and her eyes are full of worry, “Can you hear anything?”

You frown. “Hear what exactly, milady?”

“The drakling…the knights…anything, really.” The worry in her eyes turns into a naked fear, and you finally realize what she’s getting at. The sounds of the battle have ceased. No more drakling roars or fireballs, no more distant shouts of knights in battle. The only sounds are those of the river, and the dull pulse of magic as Silverow casts off from the shoreline.

“…Marcus…what if…what if Uncle Keiran…Ser Hagenson...the drakling…” She does not look like she is about to cry. Rather, sheer terror has stifled any possible tears that she would have otherwise shed to mourn her uncle and his men.

Her fearful expression demands nothing short of your utmost attention. Once you make sure that you’re at least a third of the way across the river, you set down your rope and knell down to her eye level. You offer her a comforting hand, a hand that has claimed dozens, if not hundreds of lives. It gently pats her shoulder, squeezing gently in spite of the metal ligaments and joints.

The smile you offer is wan, small but full of a warmth that you know is truly your own. “If your uncle is as half of the man as we saw him to be…cutting off monster’s tails and purging bridges and mines of rebels…then I believe that he’s still alive.”

“Really?” As a glimmer of hope shines in her eyes, Ellana’s fear abates somewhat, but it does not completely go away.

“Indeed. And don’t forget,” you point out, “Your uncle was in a hospital cart. He was not fighting. And as the tales say that draklings like to play with their food, your uncle is far from a hale snack.”

She manages a giggle that’s equal measures a hiccup. “Okay. I believe you. My uncle is still alive. Then…what happened to the-”

Her question goes unfinished, but the deafening roar that echoes from high above your heads answers that question.

“…drakling.”

The last thing before Ellana Crowmond sees before her legs give way beneath her is the sight of the monster, a shadowy blur obscured with the midday sun behind its descent. You are quick to snatch her before she hits her head, cradling her with all the care in the world as you desperately run to the carriage.

(cont.)

It is a path fraught with many obstacles. The horses have now been flung into a panic, and it’s all Berchar can do to keep them from killing themselves in their harnesses. Bellatrix swears explosively as Urath draws not one, but two arrows, one of which is the purple-tipped venomous barb, and another that you recognize as a Screaming Arrow. Even though Silverow continues his spell-weaving, his gestures become faster, and his tone more urgent, and the taste of copper overwhelms all as both his power and the speed of the ferry increase exponentially.

All bets are off.

You wrench the door open, gingerly handing her to a pale and panicking Adrianna. Their brother, the young prince, momentarily glances up, and his eyes widen at the sight of his unconscious little sister. For a terrifying moment, the ward around the carriage flickers, nearly fading from reality before Allanus hurriedly reasserts his will and control, and the barrier shimmers with renewed vigor.

“I don’t know what happened to the landgrave,” you hiss, “And right now, I’m not sorry to say that he’s unimportant right now. When we’re done, you can yell and shout all you want, but for all the gods, both old and new, do not let your bother lose his focus.” Before you can even wait for a response, you slam the door shut and vault up onto the roof of the carriage in a single motion.

“It’s getting crowded up here,” Bellatrix quips, aiming her spear towards the monster. “Next time we go fighting a monster like that one, we shoulda brought the real imperial carriage-”

“Quiet.”/“Shut up.” It seems that neither Urath or yourself are in any mood for witty lines or rejoinders. How could you, as the drakling closes in, with more injuries along its body, broken talons and hateful eyes directed towards the carriage? There is little time as it is to even think about your action, let alone take the necessary movements to enact it...

>Aim for its mouth with a poison/bomb.
>Lob a Splintershard to try and drive it off.
>Toss your rope and attempt to mount it.
>Use a Sunburst to drop it into the river.
>Custom option.

Buh. Headache. Might need to call someone about this. Might be able to post a few more updates tonight, but not sure yet. Will check in after taking medicine.

>>2661215
>>Use a Sunburst to drop it into the river.

>>2661215
>>Toss your rope and attempt to mount it.
If nothing else, it'll give us a better chance to get our concoctions somewhere they'll matter.

>>2661215
At the position it's closing in at us at would dropping in the water fuck up the Ferry/Silverrow's magic?

>>2661268
Momentum would probably make it either overshoot or undershoot depending on how well you throw it.

>>2661215
>Use a Sunburst to drop it into the river
Well here goes nothing. It'll give us a chance to apply a poison to our dagger while it's off balance.

>>2661215
>Toss your rope and attempt to mount it.

>>2661215
>Use a Sunburst to drop it into the river.

>>2661215
>Use a Sunburst and drop it in the river
This is no time for heroics.

>>2661404
Admittedly such actions would give a good trait. Like being able to save someone in time.

>>2661663
Look at it this way, us knocking it out of the sky will give us some respite to apply poison to our dagger so we can actually do something if we mount it.

>>2661698
>Won't mount wild barbarian girl
>Mounts dragon at the drop of a hat.

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>>2661709

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>>2661709

>>2661215
>Use a Sunburst to drop it into the river.
I'm not too confident about getting a bomb in its mouth, but if we do it while it's in the river it might actually risk drowning.

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>>2661709
Pft.

Writing...

>>2661215
>Use a Sunburst to drop it into the river.

Which parts of your head hurt?

>>2661782
Hit it with the asphyxiation poison.

>>2661709
>implying you wouldn't
FAGGOT

Do we still have the enchanted axe?

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>>2661245
>>2661290
>>2661377
>>2661404
>>2661782
There is a time for everything, and though this situation calls for heroes, it is hardly one where you must act recklessly. As much as you’d like to take your rope and close the distance between you and the monster, there are other ways to bring it down.

“Cover your eyes!” At your words, Urath immediately comprehends. He releases both of his arrows, and quickly braces with his elbow covering his face. Bellatrix is slower on the uptake, eventually mimicking the Ingulan’s motions, but Silverow continues to chant, doing nothing to otherwise shield his vision from what’s about to come. Hopefully he closed his eyes-

Berchar maintains a white-knuckled grip on the reins as he shouts, “What for, milord?”

“Just do it!” Without any further warning, you strike your dagger against the metal casing of the carriage, sending a shower of sparks along the fuse. It catches in an instant, and the flames greedily take to the treated twine, racing up along into the air, looping before almost disappearing into the bomb itself.

Once more, you pull your arm back, and let fly your object once more…

But the drakling seems to have learned something from its last encounters with your group. It spots the incoming projectile, and with a fierce snarl, turns in the air with a speed belying its size. The monster contorts itself, bringing the stump of its tail to lash out in an attempt to knock the bomb from out of the sky.

Alas, it doesn’t work. The absence of its tail causes it to overextend, sending it nearly tail over teakettle as it plummets unbalanced towards the earth. The drakling is only barely able to recover when the flash powder ignites, and fills the sky with a second sun.

Even with your cowl pulled down and an arm over your head, the intensity of the light is enough to draw tears from your eyes. For a long moment, all you are aware of is the sounds of Bellatrix cursing in a rough and native tongue, the horses’ screams somehow getting louder in a chorus with their terrified handler…

...and the sound of the drakling impacting the water with an uncharacteristic squawk.

From what you can remember of the old tales, the fire produced by the dragons is not one of magic. Supposedly, an Eridian scholar accompanying Baldir Dragonsbane was able to perform a dissection on the corpse of one of the Hero-King’s many enemies. What he found was two glands within the dragon’s mouth that were responsible for producing an accelerant capable of reaching the necessary temperatures required to melt steel. This was subsequently ignited by the dragon’s flint-like teeth, and shaped by the great capacity of its lungs.

Draklings share only a fraction of their progenitor’s power, including the limited ability to breathe fire. But with the cold-blooded creature taking a swim in freezing waters, you have little in the way of doubting that it would be igniting fireballs any time soon.

(cont.)

>>2661857
Behind/sides of my eyes. Temples. Two opposite borders of my skull roughly where the occipital lobe meets the temporal lobe. I'm personally inclined to believe sleep deprivation as the primary cause.

>>2661943
You do have Augvarr's Flaming Sword and his Runic Axe, but since you aren't really proficient in swords or axes, they're in your horse's saddlebags. Plus, you don't really know how the magic works to ignite the length of the sword itself. You'll need to do some research and spend some time trying to figure it out. Pretty sure you could make it a neat science project with Silverow or Allanus.

>>2661945
>tries to do tail spin
>fucks it up because no tail
that sounds like a rathalos alright. Rathian is the superior tailsaulter.

>>2661945
>all you are aware of is the sounds of Bellatrix cursing in a rough and native tongue,
Well she's blind.

>>2662017
She covered her eyes. It's still probably pretty bright through the hands.

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>>2661945
Blinking the spots out of your eyes, your vision of the wintery landscape slowly comes back into focus. The ferry moves just past the halfway point, albeit at a slower pace, as the caster’s spell interweaves profanities among magical words. Urath and Bellatrix are similarly unharmed, and both help each other up on into a standing position. The horses show no sign of calming down, and the groom lurches from atop his seat like a blind man.

Meanwhile, you take a look at where you heard the splash. The icy current of the river is steaming from where the drakling fell, a boiling, frothing mess of water at least fifty feet down river. You’re not sure if any of the books Serena read had information about whether or not draklings could breathe underwater, but you’re not about to leave it to chance. Nature is too fond of surprises.

Clearing your throat, you ask, “Is everyone alright?”

Groans, moans and curses answer your question, punctuated by Berchar losing his balance and falling off the carriage proper. Adrianna cracks open the window, squinting furiously up towards the carriage.

“…glad to hear-”

The water churns, and the ferry shakes as something passes underneath it. That is all the warning you have before the river explodes and the drakling rears its head and grabs the prow of the ferry. For a single moment in time, you stare into the slit of the creature’s eyes, and it stares back at you with that bloodshot, golden-red orb. And you understand that now, that is no longer a matter of mere survival or territory protectiveness.

This is a battle of injured pride and a promise of bloody vengeance. And deafening roar that blasts from the creature’s dripping maw only confirms its solitary goal. It is either the monster who flies away, or the Crowmonds who emerge the victor. There will be no peaceful withdrawal.

Only one of you will leave the river alive.

As time resumes, several things happen at once. Bellatrix and Urath quickly move, setting arrows to string or charging outright. Berchar scrambles for his crossbow, setting a bolt to the string with trembling fingers. Urath abandons his gusts of wind, favoring a pale orb of electricity that slowly gathers in the palm of his hand. The drakling’s head lunges forward, snapping off the head of a screaming horse in a single bite before seizing the twitching, bleeding corpse in a grip hard enough to crush bone.

Adrianna can’t even scream. Her mouth moves silently, and her eyes are wide as the monster attempts to drag its bloody prize over the ferry. It cares not that its victim is still attached to the members of its frothing and screaming team, or the wheelhouse that they pull. The motion is violent enough to send the three Crownguard atop the roof scrambling for a stable foothold, and the princess thrown unceremoniously back into the interior of the now wheeled coffin.

(cont.)

>>2661951
Have you tried sleeping? You could put the quest down and go to bed.

>>2662060
>that is no longer a matter of mere survival or territory protectiveness.
Oh, good.

We need to get close enough to the beast to use Yaya's Revenge. We could slather it on our knives, but we've only got the one dose, and the blades could easily be washed clean by the river.

>>2662096
Ah I see, so you're suggesting a suppository?

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>>2662060
“Chocolat! You damned…!” The groom wails, tears streaming from his eyes as he takes aim with the crossbow. To everyone’s shock, perhaps including the monster’s as well, the bolt not only flies true, but strikes the drakling’s left eye!

The creature does not release its prey, but it seizes violently, upsetting the balance of the ferry even further. A noise of broken bones and crushed meat fills the air as the dragon not only bites down, but screams through the impromptu gag in its mouth. It affixes the groom -amazed and wide-eyed from his own actions- with a singular, burning glare. And before you can even do anything or warn him, the stump of the drakling’s tail lashes out from the side in retaliation for the blow.

Berchar, son of Berthaire, leaves nothing behind save for his borrowed crossbow and an echo of disbelief as he flies through the air, and disappears into the tree line on the opposite end of the riverbank.

Lucky bastard…

Bellatrix’s charge takes her bounding across the surviving horses. With eyes the color of fresh blood and a guttural howl tearing from her throat, she plunges her spear into the drakling’s maw. She twists, driving the barbed tip as deep as she can before pulling back to strike again at another exposed bit of flesh.

Accompanying her blow is the dissonant twang of Urath’s bow. Three arrows, two a shimmering purple and another a screaming green, race towards the monster’s snout. Two find purchase in the soft inner flesh, but all the magical arrow does is shave a few scales from the drakling’s neck upon contact and the resulting explosion.

The sphere of magic in Silverow’s hands is shimmering with power. He directs a finger of his free hand, and a tendril of electricity lashes out to slam into an exposed wing. The joint flinches and the smell of cooked meat fills the air. Numerous holes appear in the fleshy membrane, some even on fire from the sheer power of the sorcerer’s magic.

Now, as the tempo of the Dance sets itself within your heart, Death, that unseen meister who directs the flow of combat, motions for you to step forward and into the fight…

>Engage in close quarters.
>Throw a bomb/poison.
>Custom option.

>>2662065
Good idea. Gonna tuck in for the night. Will resume after work.

>>2662118
Yeah and dude you could try a hot shower for the headache. I'm sure you're probably aware but it can help a lot.

>>2662116
>Engage in close quarters.
Coat dagger with Yaya's and go to town.

>>2662125
supporting

>>2661951
Can we trade those weapons for magically enchanted weapons we ARE good with?

>>2662116
>Custom option.

Hold back to defend the Crowmonds in case they get thrown into the water or anything. Can they even swim?

> The motion is violent enough to send the three Crownguard atop the roof scrambling for a stable foothold, and the princess thrown unceremoniously back into the interior of the now wheeled coffin.

Why you calling that a coffin suddenly?

>>2662147
We have a magically enchanted weapon that we are good with.

>>2662155
Because at the current way things are going, the Drakling is gonna drag the horses, the carriage and it’s occupants into the water.

>>2662116
>>Engage in close quarters.

>>2662116
>Throw the splintershard into its mouth
We need to get it to let go. Best way to do that is to convince it that it needs to vomit very, very quickly.

The carriage should handle any stray shrapnel, and everyone else can pull back.

>>2662125
I don't mind this, but perhaps we should aim for the drakling's eyes.

Only if the bastard doesn't spit the carriage after being blinded and poisoned he well deserves its prize.

>>2662116
>>Engage in close quarters.

>>2661951
Pinch the sides of the body part of your nose. It'll relieve some of the pain.

>>2662147
We aren't good with any weapons actually except daggers and knives so finding anything would be a massive stroke of luck.

>>2662116
>Engage in close quarters.
Funny how the situation has gotten only worse.

>>2662160
Deffo

> Cut the horses free from the carriage to distract the Drakling.

>>2662440
I mean, I feel like offering those weapons for trade might bring them out of the woodwork.

Or we could give them to the Kingdom to give out to their own champions and just get, IDFK, magic armour? A bunch of reagents? Political power?

>>2662451
This.

>>2662455
We have magic armor. The best actually. Regents and political power come easily magic items do not.

>>2662455
Also Kaz has explained the value and rarity of magic item as being "so rare and valuable that only the royal family can practically afford it" and since we are a Crownguard it's not really worth giving away for political gain or material objects (other than magic ones of course). Realistically it's more worthwhile to figure out how to use them ourself.

>>2662116
>Custom option
Cut the line connecting the horse in the wyvern's mouth from the rest of the carriage, if it's still attached

>>2662116
>>2662451
>>2662493
These

>>2662499
>>2662493
>>2662457
>>2662451
You guys do realize this is likely to get more people killed right? We need to kill it right now to avoid the worst.

>>2662116
>>Engage in close quarters.

>>2662549
How so? The worst thing I can see happening is the remaining horses booking it and taking the carriage elsewhere after the line is cut. Which is a concern yes, but the flip side is letting the carriage potentially get dragged into the icy water if we roll low on killing this thing.

>>2662569
Attacking it will force it to let go of the carriage either way. Just cutting the rope practically does nothing since it can still attack the carriage and our priority is to kill/get rid of it.
Also stabbing it with a poison covered dagger in the throat should kill it quickly.

>>2662569
Cutting the rope while the ship is tipped might cause it to tip over in the other direction. That said, I don't think plain attacking it will get it to retreat, hence my bomb in mouth vote up above. We need to do SOMETHING about a potential fire breath, and right now is the best time to lob something into the immobile mouth.

You're all talking like this is mutually exclusive. The rope is near it's face. Diverting one or two slashes of the Dance to the rope probably isn't too difficult.

That said, the horses running off and taking the carriage with them is a serious issue since the guy that controls them is across the river. The royals will be at the mercy of runaway horses.

>>2662607
>We need to do SOMETHING about a potential fire breath,

The water is taking care of that. Read a few posts up.

>>2662625
>The water is taking care of that.
other way around. The fire took care of the water, eliminating any possibility of drowning. Boats can still be set on fire.

>>2662621
when ropes under tension are cut, things can start changing very very quickly. Attacking THEN cutting the rope as everyone pulls back is your best bet if that's your plan.

>>2662632
>you have little in the way of doubting that it would be igniting fireballs any time soon.
>>2662625
actually wait, the grammar is a bit odd so I'm not clear on the meaning

>>2662632
>you have little in the way of doubting that it would be igniting fireballs any time soon.

I'm a brainlet and can't parse this. Can it breath fire still or not.

>>2662636
Well shit guess we'll have to ask Kaz.

>>2662160
See above.

>>2662636
I think that should be doubt, as in "little in the way of doubt that it would be igniting fireballs", but the context suggests the opposite. We'll have to wait for a Word of God.

>>2662607
It was just stated that it wouldn't be breathing fire any time soon.

Also our job is to keep the royals and specifically Ella alive. Even if that means spending every single life on the boat.

>>2662451
Yeah boys.

>>2662451
>>2662116
This please.

>>2662636
>>2662644
>>2662647

Wow. Can’t into grammar while headache. But yes, the Drakling is unable to breathe fire. Too cold, too wet, and fire’s too quick of a death for the indignity of losing its glorious and wonderful tail to a pack of puny humans.

>>2662666
In your mind palace I want you to imagine what happens when you cut the rope.

>>2662675
ah, well then.

>>2662625
so the bomb only makes it extremely painful to do things like biting. It wouldn't be lethal, so maybe dealing with the wings would be better?

Eh, I'd still rather do it now as I trust that more than cutting the rope.

>>2662680
Clearly there is no such thing as physics in a fantasy setting.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2662680
Everything works out perfectly

>>2662700
The only issue with a bomb is that we are on a ferry and that shrapnel might cause friendly fire. Marcus was pretty adamant that he wouldn't use splinter unless the drakling was high up as it was when we used it.

Honestly I say just stab the fucker in the throat while it's exposed since it's biting the horse. That'll probably loosen it's grip a little bit making the rope less taut and THEN we cut it like you suggested.

That way the whole boat doesn't get as much whiplash and we still do some damage.

>>2662724
Sure compromise works.

>Inb4 the royal family drowns to death.

>>2662768
Freezing is more likely

>>2662116
I hope Berchar survived. I want him to be able to tell his grandchildren about the time he shot a drakling in the eye.

>>2662724
the carriage is protected from shrapnel. If the drakling sees the bomb and disengages to avoid it, well that's pretty good for us and worth wasting one bomb. Otherwise, it'd have to be VERY fast at vomiting for the shrapnel to come out anywhere other than a small cone from the mouth.

>>2662877
he could be poisoned and bleeding out on the freezing riverline

>>2663400
Can you fit a bomb in it's mouth when it's full of horse?

>>2663408
if it's the size of a rathalos, then it could bite a horse's neck and still have gaps in the mouth. for a fist-sized bomb.

Although now that you mention it, it'd be pretty metal to rip out the crossbow bolt and stuff a less friendly fire bomb into its eye socket.

>>2663400
Remember, it's already learned to dodge our bombs so the chances of it getting i its mouth are probably quite low.

>>2663453
I'll say it again.

If the drakling sees the bomb and disengages to avoid it, well that's pretty good for us and worth wasting one bomb.

You could contest that playing chicken with a drakling is unwise, but if he calls our bluff we could always throw the bomb away from the boat and perforate the wings. And that's only if we CAN'T stuff it into the mouth with nimble fingers.

>>2663466
I mean if you want to stuff it in it's mouth we gotta get close anyways so if Marcus can add 'toss a bomb in the mouth' as part of the dance I'm for it.

>>2663466
> If the drakling sees the bomb and disengages to avoid it, well that's pretty good for us and worth wasting one bomb.

Except then the bomb goes off on the boat.

Why don't we just throw a fake bomb at it in that case to make it flinch away.

>>2663515
We have enough ceramic casings to try, true.

>>2663530
Yeah my concern is less about wasting a bomb and more that explosions are a sometimes food and too much will hurt you.

>>2663540
nonsense, everybody needs an hourly serving of explosions!

>>2663548
Go home Megumin, you're drunk.

Hoo boy. I think I might need some time to make sense of everyone's votes. Gimme a second before I start writing...

>>2663862
How's your head Kaz?

>>2663927
Better. But I might end up hitting the sack early so I can really recuperate and have a nice full-day run tomorrow.

>>2663972
Throw fake bomb, throw real bomb, stab Drake off boat, cut horses free from carriage in some sort of order.

>>2663972
Someone hit Kaz with a sleepy stick, looks like.