>>2657561
>[] Speak against the paladins.
>[] Write in
Show them the lich's head, and ask them if it is not a greater justice to deliver a just end to such a blasphemy against the laws of creation itself, regardless of the laws of man.

>>2657567
^this

If we can't we can always kill them and tell the village to pin the blame on us.

>>2657567
>>2657583
What I'm worried about is how a Soulless is viewed on the "blasphemy against the laws of creation" scale, these paladins could turn it right back at us.
Can the paladins even tell we don't have a soul, or is our appearance enough to make that conclusion?

>>2657585
I'm /hoping/ not, from how the lich, a presumable expert in magic of the soul, didn't even realize until the end.

But that's a concern for later; we need to talk ourselves out of this situation first.

Though, I wonder if we can properly be considered a blasphemy as such, since we literally have the blessing of a god for our continued existence. I doubt the paladins would see it that way, though, but the argument is there.

>>2657567
supporting

>>2657585
The lich found out because he casted lighting and threw fire at us. He then somehow saw whats inside of us and saw no soul in us.

>>2657595
The paladins pledged their loyalty to the empire, I don't think we can we should rely a blessing of one of the gods.

>>2657609
Put it this way:

If they value the gods over the law, we have the blessing of one. Slaying or even arresting us for our nature will be a rejection of the Drana's personal decree, and likely be reason for their churches to go to war. Not likely a responsibility they would want on their heads, nor something their superiors would condone.

If they value the law over the gods, we are not a citizen of this town, and cannot be charged for rebellion against a lord that isn't ours. No lives were taken by our blade at the manor save the lich's; all other deaths were a result of his hand, and our actions there were a) self-defense, and b) the execution of a murderer. Therefore, they would actually have /less/ ground to convict us than any member of the townsfolk.

>>2657614
I get what you are trying to say but, IF they do value the law of gods, their going to execute Lady Anastasia.

If they do try to execute we can kill them and make the village say we were with the lich and the citizens foiled our plans and left the paladins dead when they tried to execute us.

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>>2657567
>>2657583
>>2657604

Collecting yourself from your respite, you don your ragged armour, sheathed your blade on your waist, and prepares to join the commotion. Anastasia’s life is at stake, and you must prove her innocence before the enforcers of the Empire’s justice. But what? What could possibly change the mind of such zealous keepers of order?

Of course. Evidence. A solid proof that Anastasia is not as they believed to be. They would not listen to the words of the township, who are obviously biased when speaking of their saviour. But how could they ever deny the remains of a Dark Lord’s minion? The skull of Harkon stares into the emptiness of the beyond as you grip it by the top, moving in to intercept the paladins.

“Hail paladins, I present you the head of the Dark Lord’s minion, a trophy from our battle with him.”

They eye your appearance, identifying you as the Knight in Rags, champion of the people and the false saint. One of the paladins unsheathed the inscribed blade on his back.

“[Repel Darkness]!”, With a single chant, the blade lit up in golden light. The paladin then hovered said blade over Harkon’s skull, its light singeing it, intensifying as it gets closer.

“This skull indeed have residues of unholy magic on it, but we do not know yet if this is simply forged evidence. You will need stronger proof, Knight in Rags.”, the leader of the paladin said, still unconvinced.

“In the ruins of Lord Barne’s mansion, a towering stone creature emerged out of it. There is also a giant magical circle drawn over the land surrounding the mansion. I think that is proof enough, as none of us are capable of conjuring such thing in the short period of time Anastasia’s “rebellion” lasted.”, Elena interjected, emphasizing on the word “rebellion” to mock the paladins.

“Tch, very well! We will investigate the lord’s mansion first before laying our final judgement! But the priestess comes with us, and so will the skull.”, the leader of the paladins said, angered by this turn of events.

Anastasia’s name is slowly being cleared, but the skull which was meant to be your trophy to present before Master Saladin was also taken along with it. What should you do now?

>[] Let it go.

>[] Demand the return of the skull

>[] Write in

Will drop the lore on the paladins and the empire’s religion in the next post as its not suitable to do it now

>>2657625
>[] Demand the return of the skull
"The skull is mine. I have made an oath, and I cannot relent on this. The remainder of the lich's body is at the manor; I trust that should be more than sufficient."

>>2657625
>>Write in
"I have been blessed by Drana's personal decree, taking my trophy, would be like disowning her majaesty. The lich's body is at the manor. You can have that."

>>2657629
>majaesty
*majesty

>>2657625
>wants the skull
I fought to the tooth for it. If you want it, then I will need compensation for it.
Wait why are paladins super into obeying the laws of the land and not the goddess they worship? Let's phone her up.

>>2657625
>Keep the skull

Why cant we just go with them to the manor?

>>2657643
well we already wasted 1 day and we have to go and meet up with our master by day 3.

>>2657629
THis

>>2657629
support

>>2657654
good point.

>>2657625
We'll need to get a horse and a map from the town and make our way to our master.

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>>2657628
>>2657629
>>2657634
>>2657643
>>2657655
>>2657663


“Hand it over, that thing. The lich’s skull.”, you demand from the paladins.

“Did you not listen to what I had said. We claim this evidence you have presented for our judgement over this priestess’s innocence. It will lay within our possession indefinitely. As if we would let an item seeped with dark magic within a stranger’s grasp. Now begone!”

You will not drop the matter so easily however, as you grab the arm of the paladin holding the skull, yanking it backwards.

“Impudent wretch! How dare you touch the armor of a paladin with your unclean hands!”

The paladins of Tizo, agitated, unsheathed their weapons in retaliation to your action.

“I have made an oath, to return to my master with a trophy as proof of my victory over this adversary. The remainder of the lich’s body remains at Lord Barne’s mansion. I trust that will suffice.”

“And what if you lie? What if you are aligned with the villains who threaten our Empire? That you are simply returning the minion’s remain to the Dark Lord?” , the leader of the paladins questioned you.

A zealous man, bound by the code and decrees of his god and country. Perhaps he will answer to divine authority instead. You brandished your [Goddess’s Tear] gemstone, the relic exhibiting a heavenly glow that stuns all of those present.

“I exercise my rights as the favoured of the goddess Drana, that my actions are pure in intentions and righteous in its path.”

“A-a favoured of Drana! Then this rebellion that the priestess started is indeed righteous, to be blessed by a favoured of the goddess! Tizo’s blessing upon you, favoured of Drana, for opposing the evil of the Dark Lord!”

The paladins knelt before your holy mark granted by the goddess. They then hurriedly presented the skull back to you, which you strapped to your waist for safekeeping. With all of that debacle settled, you requested a horse and a map to the Imperial City, which the township happily obliged, along with a pouch of gold. Anastasia apologized that they could not offer any better, praying that your good deeds will be rewarded with fortune in the journeys to come instead. With a quick briefing on how to ride the beast, you set to travel, saying goodbye to the sibling knights, Anastasia and Cain, the friendship you have forged between yourself and them shall never be forgotten. But it seems not all relationships you have made are meant to be short lived, as a familiar voice greeted you on the road.

[Cont.]

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>>2657797

“Hey, wait up!”

The thief, now hauling a sack filled with no doubt stolen items from the manor’s ruin, raced to match your horse’s speed. Enthusiastic she is it seems, as you can see the moment she caught up with you.

“What do you want, thief?”, you asked her.

“Rude! I have a name you know! It’s Amalia, and I’m still gonna follow you around until you agree to join my treasure hunting crew, even more so now I can see what you’re truly capable of. Careful with your answers though, I’m pretty relentless!”

Sighing, you ponder your choices with dealing with this thief.


>[] Let her follow you.

>[] Speed up and leave her behind.

>[] Write in.

My update speed is less than favourable baka. Gotta stop slacking. Also, I cant find a place to fit in lore materials inside this post so later I guess.

>>2657800
>[] Let her follow you.
"Then you will be following me for some time. But I will not turn down company on the road."

>>2657810
^more like "I'll never join your treasure hunting crew unless master is the leader how the crew"

or something like that

>>2657813
>how
of

>>2657800
>[] Let her follow you.
You know what? Fine. You're this persistent so it must be a worth fight in the, possible foreseeable future. I will think about it.
Does she have a horse or does she have to hitch a ride on ours?

>>2657813
More like is the treasure hunting worth our master's time and effort. He'll probably send us off again to come back with another trophy.

>>2657816
yeah something like that

>>2657813
Not quite my sentiment. I was just aiming for some lighthearted banter, since I see no need to deliberately act antagonistic or offend her pointlessly.

That said, out of character, we're invariably going to have to outgrow our master, and start making decisions of our own to start building our own destiny. Perhaps we might already have some small inkling of this in character.

Already, our master has sent us off on a mission without his supervision, and our strategy was quite clearly different from what he would have employed. We are not him, and cannot blindly adopt his methods or philosophy without any consideration. Though we might not be ready for it just yet, we're eventually going to have to learn to find our own way.

>>2657854
>not swording all of your problems in life
I'm kidding

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>>2657810
>>2657813
>>2657816

“Then you will have to follow me around for a while. I still have duties I must uphold in service of Master Saladin, and I shall not follow on your little “treasure hunting”, without his consent.”

“Fine! Help me carry my load anyway will ya?”, she pouts as her sack of loot was lugged onto your horse.

“I hope you’re half as competent in combat as you are persistent Amalia, for you will be in many if you choose to travel with me.”, you jokingly say to her. Amalia responded with a punch to your leg.

The weather’s merciful today, as no downpour or heavy wind threatening your advance towards the Capital City. The journey was said to take about a day or so, and the night soon descends upon you and the tired thief who walked alongside you throughout the journey. Setting up camp near the road you are taking, Amalia lazily stoked the campfire with twigs and sticks as the night goes on.

Suddenly however, the brown skinned thief fell asleep, her body slumped immediately by the fire. Dark clouds emerges, concealing the crescent moon. The skull of Harkon rattles and shakes uncontrollably, its eyes glowing ghastly purple.

“Hey, Knight in Rags! Put me on the ground, hurry!”

Harkon’s voice echoes from his skull, commanding you. Not seeing any reason not to,

“Hey, Knight in Rags! Put me on the ground, hurry!”

Harkon’s voice echoes from his skull, commanding you. Not seeing any reason not to, you did as he said. Now you sit before the talking skull.

“Knight in Rags…. No, Soulless would be more accurate would it not be? I could not fathom in my wildest dream to meet one such as you. Details of your kind are only present in old and lost texts, which is why I did not realize what you are sooner. Of course, getting your head chopped off gives you more time to think! Hahahah!”

Just as you first met him, Harkon rambled forth without a care of the situation he is in. Perhaps it is a matter of habit instead of arrogance? Still, a lich’s head now lies in front of you. Do you want to ask it about anything?

>[] Ask about the gods

>[] Ask about the Empire

>[] Ask about the world

>[] Write in

>>2657854
I agree with your statement but we are not strong enough to go playing treasure hunting.
instead we could use the time to study our master a maybe practice fighting with him

>>2657872
>Ask about the world
"Who is your master?"

>>2657872
>[] Write in
>"You're not going to try to kill me again, are you?"
The most important things out of the way first.

>>2657875
I may not have phrased it entirely clearly, but my intention is not to go treasure hunting with her any time remotely soon, if ever, hence 'you'll be following me for some time'.

>>2657872
I wouldn't mind if he becomes a talking companion who is chalked full of knowledge, wisdom and experience like Mimir. So long as he doesn't do anything stupid.
>[] Ask about the gods
He mentioned something about the goddess abandoning him. I'm not worried about the same happening to us, and if she had to she probably had good reasons. I want to hear his story.

>>2657881
oh okay

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>>2657879 >>2657884

“You’re not going to try and kill me again, won’t you?”, you ask the talking skull.

“What? I wouldn’t even think of harming a single strand of hair on your body, my friend. After all, you’re my lifeline now that I have lost my position in the Dark Lord’s army and my body! Now I know you’re BRIMMING with questions, and I will answer it to the extent of my knowledge.”

Pondering on what question to ask of the lich, you started with the world, on the nature of the Dark Lord everyone is afraid of.

“The Dark Lord eh? My standing in his service was not the highest, though I am above most. The Dark Lord himself only converse and consult his closest of companions. His origins are only known to the closest of his confidants, but I can safely say that he is not an ancient evil unsealed or something of that nature. Trust me, I would know if that is the case. You might not believe me, but I was a scholar before I’m like this”

About the gods next, and why did Harkon curse Drana’s name.

“The gods eh? Well, if I were to tell you in exact details, it would take weeks, and mountains of reference texts, so I’ll try to keep it as short as I can. Each and every god that governs over us mortals controls certain aspect as their domain. For example, Drana, the goddess whom favoured you is the goddess of mercy, compassion and virtue. Tizo, the ones whom the paladins you saw back in Jorvass worships rules over the aspect of law, order and justice. Throughout the years of study, I have found that the gods that watches over us currently are in fact “new” gods, taking the place of the older, more primal ones. That in on itself requires its own lengthy explanation however, and my knowledge on it is much severely limited to boot. As for your second question…”

Harkon gave a heavy sigh before continuing.

“I was a scholar once, as I have stated. When I was a part of the living, I aspired to be a mage. I long for the mastery over the arcane, yet I do not have the aptitude for it. Even so, I pursued the magic and mystical through a different means, that is through ancient texts and empirical observation. Alas, one day, all of my life’s work was taken away from me by the mages I admire, leaving me with nothing else to my name. I prayed and prayed to Drana to pull me out of the abyss I was cast in, but to no avail. I came to be bitter and resentful, and so I walk the path that leads me here…”

Amalia grunts as she slowly wakes up, the clouds covering the moon slowly fading.

“I do not have much time left, Soulless. We can talk again later, but now my power wanes and I could not afford to let another soul know of my survival. Goodbye.”

[Cont.]

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>>2658060

And so did the light fade from Harkon’s skull, leaving it agape and stationary as before. Amalia finally rose up from her slumber, puzzled that she fell asleep so suddenly.

“Huh, what? Who were you talking to?”, Amalia asked, still in a daze.

You simply shook your head, going to sleep yourself.

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

[Imperial City, Entrance]

On the following day, you finally reached the bustling Imperial City. Amalia disappeared with her loot as soon as you entered the city, most probably cashing in on her stolen goods. A different problem now arises as you lack the means to locate Saladin. Ironic that a towering deathknight would be hard to find in an open city such as this. Just as you are on the verge of giving up however, the citizens of the Imperial City makes way for a marching band of soldiers. By the looks of it, they had just arrived from the battlefield, and from the excited tone of the crowd, they bring good news.

A blonde lady in armour carrying a large banner leads the band of tired men, her graceful movements and stature mixed with her proud aura makes for a very inspiring sight. The crowds chant the name “Alatrea” as she pass by. Presumably this is her name.

The eyes of the weary men however, some of them are touched by war so deep, it leaves a scar in their mind that no amount of time could heal. One of such men shouted like a madman upon laying his eyes on you.

“A servant of the Dark Lord! A servant of the Dark Lord have come to take me! You will not kill me, demon!”, he shouted, charging at you like a rabid hound.

[Roll 1d20]

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2658065
I feel like the appropriate response here is to fend off his attack, but not strike back at him.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2658065

>>2658065
Punch his teeth out. What a rude cur. Just because we don't bother to bathe and in tattered armor he assumes we are on of the Dark lords retinue.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2658065
I concur with this >>2658073 Anon, just defend and evade. Let him wear himself out or wait for his fellow soldiers to restrain him.

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>>2658073
>>2658129
>>2658151

The crazed soldier unsheathes his sword, ready to swing at you in full force. The area which you are standing in that is filled with citizens watching the march makes it hard for you to evade his advance. Narrowly, you evade a swing from landing square through your neck. It instead cleaved into the shoulder of a passerby. This encounter will not meet its end until one of you fall!

It is not hard to outmatch this clumsy and weary soldier, but lethal takedown is something that you have decided to avoid. Despite how fast it would be to simply cut this man down, the consequence that it brings far outweighs the benefit. With merely your fist, you caught the man’s arm mid swing, twisting his wrist as to make him drop his weapon. Swiftly, you caught hold of his back and send your knee into his guts, two times just to be sure.

Recoiling back, the crazed soldier puked the contents of his stomach before falling unconscious. City guards raced towards the location and cull civil unrest. As the injured civilian and the crazed soldier are taken away, the soldiers’ march simply goes on as if nothing had happened, leaving their fallen comrade behind. Such is the reality of war, for the common men who died in the battlefield to simply be forgotten.

The crowd either followed the march or simply dispersing, leaving you alone and lost once more. This is not for long though as Amalia found her way back to you, her smile brighter and her pockets heavier.

“Oh what is this? Wittle lost puppy don’t know where master Sawadin is? Want dear old Amalia to help you?”

The thief offers you help mockingly, but there is sure to be a price to pay for it. What is your decision?

>[] Accept her help

>[] Don’t

If you choose not to, what would your next course of action be?

>[] Pray to Drana at a nearby house of worship.

>[] Explore the city.

>[] Socialize with the locals.

>[] Write in

>>2659814
Is this the 2nd day QM?
if so
>Accept her help
"I'm only accepting because I'm running out of time to find my master and show him my new friend" (friend is Harkon but she dosen't need to know that, better she think the new "friend" is her.)

>>2659814
>[X] Accept her help

>>2659814
>[] Accept her help
>"Who could turn down dear old Amalia? Such a kind soul she is, helping lost puppies out of the kindness of her heart, and surely not with the intention of extorting them of things they would not give."

>>2659837
shit, good one.

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>>2659834 (3rd day btw)
>>2659836
>>2659837

“Why of course, who could ever turn down dear old Amalia? Such a kind soul she is, helping lost puppies out of the kindness of her heart, and surely not with the intention of extorting them of things they would not give. Sweet Amalia, champion of the weak and enemy of injustice!”

You lay one of your arm over your head and lean against Amalia’s shoulder. Pushing you, she simply laughed it off and continues.

“Hey! After all we’ve been through together you’re still not trusting me?”

“You mean you running away from battle and then looting what’s left after everything ended? Yes, those are solid grounds to not trust you.”

“Pfshhh, come on Rags. It’s just a tiny little favour. You’ll understand when we get there. Come on!”

“Alright, I will help you. But only because I’m running out of time to find my master and show him my new friend.”

Amalia’s expression tells that she’s not sure if she is happy or terrified by your statement.

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

[Imperial City, Center]

Soon, you reach deeper into the city. Noticeably, Amalia’s getting more and more fidgety with the intensifying amount of city guards and the occasionally patrolling Paladins of Tizo.

“See Rags, I need you to get inside a shop deeper in the Imperial City and get something I ordered a while ago. The shop’s name is “Farhad’s General Goods”. When the shopkeeper ask the password, tell him “Jandab yadeu.”Here’s the money for the payment okaybyeseeyoulater!”

And so did she ran back to the edges of the city, away from the watchful eyes of the authority. Piecing together the clues, you can understand that Amalia have racked up quite the infamy here, and will most probably be apprehended on sight. Still she forgot to tell you where it is besides its general location. This will take some time…

[Roll 1d20]

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2659936
We could always just ask the nearby shopkeepers for directions to Farhad's. Hopefully he's a legitimate business.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2659936

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2659936

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2659936

Ayy dudes, quest will resume in Wednesday as I'm currently moving back to my university. Hopefully this thread will still bump until Sunday. Might be some updates sprinkled in between as usual. Sorry for the inconvenience and as usual, please do not abandon ship as I need your (You)s to survive.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2659936

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2659936

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>>2659944
>>2660004
>>2660046
>>2660070
>>2661043
>>2662829

Unfathomable, how a simple walk to your destination, mere distances away, turned into this. It is already bad that the money entrusted upon you stolen, but to be lost in the labyrinthian Imperial City’s sewer…

[Imperial City Sewer]

The street urchin that nabbed Amalia’s coin purse was swift, aided by his friends as they juked around you, passing said coin purse between each other. At last, you find yourself wandering in the tunnels where the youngsters made their escape. In dim lighting, it is even harder to navigate the already convoluted network of tunnels. In each turn you find yourself deeper and deeper into the depth of the sewer instead of going out. Many pair of small eyes can be seen reflecting light in the tunnel, no doubt belonging to the vermins that reside within this sewer. Something else caught your attention however, as you see a small cell with steel bars blocking it’s entrance. A man sits inside murmuring in menacing tone.

“….just you wait, you brats. I’ll skin you right, heheh… Oh! Don’t scare me like that, friend! Say, could you be a dear and help poor old me out of here? Those little sh- urchins… locked me up here! Can you believe that? The guards ain’t doing their job proper I reckon, to let such misguided young ones run the alley all improper like that”

This man, from the meagre lighting present down here, seems to be adult, with swept back auburn hair. His clothing is that of a man-at-arms, lightly padded leather vest and vambraces.

“Come on… you’re down here because of those children too aren’t you? I can help you, if you help me get out of here first. Quick, the door seems rusty enough that if we both pull and push at the same direction, we can break it open!”

Help this man?

>[] Yes

>[] No

>>2669667
>[] Yes

>>2669667
>[] Yes

>>2669667
>Those little sh- urchins… locked me up here! Can you believe that?
"I can't. How?"
>[] Yes
More fights?

>>2669959
>>2669989
>>2671019

Thread not bumping anymore so TBC next threat, ETA next week. Thank you for playing.

>>2671912

fuck i mean thread dont threaten me

>>2669667
>[] Yes
I am as of this moment unsympathetic to the urchins and am curious as to what this man will do.
Ask the man if he has seen a death lord (or whatever was our master's title)