>>2695886
Hey queen
>canvas the island

>>2695886
>>Try to find this building you were directed to.

>>2695886
>Try and speak to the King, you can backtrack tonight.
At least get a hold of our actual client the King.

>>2695886
>>Try and speak to the King, you can backtrack tonight.

>>2695886
>>Try and speak to the King, you can backtrack tonight.

>>2695886
>Canvas the island, see if you can detect any yōki.

>3d10 to play the role of nobility, best of four
>because Noel knows exactly how to do it

Rolled 10, 4, 3 = 17 (3d10)

>>2695929

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

>>2695929
Is Noel a noble princess or a rebel princess?

Rolled 9, 10, 6 = 25 (3d10)

>>2695929

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

>>2695929

>>2695929
You clear your throat.

Valentina glances at you over her shoulder. “You feeling okay?”

“Thank you for your concern,” you reply, “but it is misplaced. I feel quite well.”

“Oh... okay?” Valentina replies, confused at your sudden change of tone. “You sure?”

“Quite so,” you insist. “I was simply attempting to force a form of diction which adheres more closely to aristocratic norms.”

“So you're talking like an asshole, got it.”

You roll your eyes. “Just let me do the talking for now, okay? This used to be something I was good at.”

“Alright, princess,” Valentina grumbles, before chuckling at her own unintentional joke. “Sorry. What was your actual nickname again? I feel like 'Bad Luck' is just what people who don't know you call you.”

“For a while that was my nickname,” you admit, “more de facto than anything else. After what happened in Anren Olivia seemed adamant about forcing 'Lonely Queen' as a nickname.”

“Lonely Queen,” Valentina repeats, thinking it over. “It has a fierce enough ring to it for a warrior... but are you 'lonely'? Or does it have entirely to do with this 'Anren' thing I've heard rumors about?”

>It was what the Awakened Being took to calling me. She was a friend of Olivia's before she awakened, and as we fought more of her old personality seemed to resurface.
>It's to do with the battle in Anren, yes. Lonely because we Warriors tend to fight alone for the most part, Queen for obvious reasons.
>Actually, yes. I do feel lonely at times. Don't we all?
>Other?

>>2695978
>>It was what the Awakened Being took to calling me. She was a friend of Olivia's before she awakened, and as we fought more of her old personality seemed to resurface.

>>2695978
>>It was what the Awakened Being took to calling me. She was a friend of Olivia's before she awakened, and as we fought more of her old personality seemed to resurface.

>>2695978

>other: It was either that or "Pink Princess".

>>2695978
>It's to do with the battle in Anren, yes. Lonely because we Warriors tend to fight alone for the most part, Queen for obvious reasons.

>>2695978
>>It was what the Awakened Being took to calling me. She was a friend of Olivia's before she awakened, and as we fought more of her old personality seemed to resurface.

>>2695985
>>2695978
This. Mainly because I want to see Valentina's reaction.

>>2695978
>>It was what the Awakened Being took to calling me. She was a friend of Olivia's before she awakened, and as we fought more of her old personality seemed to resurface.
>other: It was either that or "Pink Princess".

File: Vaxholm_Castle_in_winter.jpg (3.32 MB, 3000x2000)

3.32 MB JPG

>>2695978
“It was either that or 'Pink Princess', which is what the single-digits apparently took to calling me,” you grumble... and predictably Valentina laughs her head off.

“Pink Princess!” she gasps between peals of laughter. “I mean... completely irreverent... but still...”

“Yeah, laugh all you like,” you sigh. “This one time I'll allow it.”

“But really,” she presses, still red in the face as you both walk on towards the bridge to the King's Islet. “Where'd the name come from?”

“From the Awakened Being I fought for six days,” you explain. “Earthbreaker Saria. She was a friend of Olivia's once, a long time ago. Before she awakened.”

“You took a nickname that an awakened being came up with?” Valentina asks, unconsciously taking a step away from you as you walk. “Why?”

“Because the longer we fought, the more of 'Saria' started to reemerge,” you explain, recalling the nearly weeklong battle more for your soul than your survival. “And because of that, Saria and Olivia got to have a few moments together before she died, as humans.”

“It wasn't long after that Olivia started pushing the nickname,” you shrug. “Her reasons are her own... but it reminds me of both of them. And that's reason enough for me, I think.”

“That's...” Valentina muses, falling back in with you as the palace comes into clear view. “Actually kind of sweet.”

This isn't a short gap, you realize. Instead there's another ferry that carries you to the King's Islet. A ferry that, notably, is empty but for you and Valentina.

“Halt,” a guard at the gate to the palace grounds calls out to you. It's almost comical how built-up this little island is, with high defensive walls and a curtain wall protecting the inner courtyard, with barely enough land outside what basically amounts to a fortress for a little harbor that the ferry runs in and out of.

“Are you ladies here for the hunt?”

>Yes, we were delayed in the storm a few days ago. Where do we need to go?
>No, we're here for something completely different. The King is expecting us.
>Other?

>>2696071
>No, we're here for something completely different. The King is expecting us.
the true meat. politics.

>>2696071
>>No, we're here for something completely different. The King is expecting us.

>>2696071
>No, we're here for something completely different. The King is expecting us.

>>2696071
>>Yes, we were delayed in the storm a few days ago. Where do we need to go?
Yes. The hunt for the thing that requires hunting. The very special hunt that needs no clarification. That hunt.

>>2696071
>>Yes, we were delayed in the storm a few days ago. Where do we need to go?

File: palace-holyrood-house3.jpg (445 KB, 1200x800)

445 KB JPG

>>2696071
“We are here by request of the King,” you explain. “He will be expecting us on urgent business.”

“And what business might bring two Hazari women this far aside from the hunt?” the guard questions you.

“Take a look at our eyes and you should find your answer,” you explain, leaning in a little closer to the painted wooden guard-box he's standing in. He peers into your eyes, then glances at Valentina who waves playfully over your shoulder.

Then his eyes widen.

“The two of you are...”

“Shhh...” you shush him immediately. “I would appreciate if you would keep our presence here discrete. Only the king needs to know of it.”

“Of course,” he nods nervously, “I'll just get an escort to lead you in.”

A few minutes later two more guards appear, leading you past the curtain wall and into the courtyard. The largest set of doors is at the far end of the open area, which is sunlit with a few tall trees to provide some shade, and this wing at the far side seems to be the King's residence.

Inside you find yourselves guided past a formal dining room and up a flight of stairs to the right of the entry, every visible surface covered in ornamentation and portraits. Then you're led through a smaller dining room, and into a well-appointed sitting room with several chairs, wide couches, and a fireplace of pink marble.

“This is where the King will want to meet you when he returns,” one of the guards tells you. “Please make yourselves comfortable.”

>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.
>Say nothing. This isn't your 'turf', as it were.
>Other?

>>2696157
>>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.

>>2696157
>>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.

>>2696157
>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.

>>2696157
>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.
>other: now would be a good time to introduce Valentina to the silent language of the Monks. basic gestures like "yes" and "no" would be a good start.

>>2696157
>>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.

>>2696157
>Order some tea to pass the time. Providing it would be considered basic diplomatic protocol in Hazaran.
>other: now would be a good time to introduce Valentina to the silent language of the Monks. basic gestures like "yes" and "no" would be a good start.

>>2696185
>>2696157
Sign language thing as well.

>>2696157
>>Say nothing. This isn't your 'turf', as it were.

>>2696157
“Please send an attendant,” you nod your head slightly to the guard who spoke. “If we are expected to wait protocol is to provide tea, correct?”

After a moment, the guard nods. “I'll send someone.”

“Thank you.”

A few moments after you sit down another man in a different uniform, one of a domestic servant, comes into the room. “How do you take your tea, ma'am?”

“Spiced,” you inform him, “with sugar but no milk. As is the Hazari fashion. And you, Valentina?”

“Same as her,” your partner agrees.

“Very good,” the servant bows before excusing himself. Valentina tries to bow back out of simple courtesy, but you prevent her by grabbing her shoulder.

“No,” you shake your head. “We don't bow except to the King, and even then only as low as we must.”

“Right,” Valentina frowns. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” you sigh. “It's fine. Your instinct isn't a bad one, it's just... not appropriate to the situation.”

“Thanks for the tip,” Valentina nods.

You take a seat next to a small table, and Valentina seats herself on another cushy chair just on the other side of that table. While you wait for your tea you take out your book and begin reviewing some of the next few pages.

“What is that?” Valentina asks, taking sudden interest in your reading material.

“A mix of pages from fencing books, martial arts texts, and sign language primers,” you explain. “A gift from the abbot of a monastery I helped out.”

“I saw you with that when we first met,” she realizes. “Is it interesting at all?”

“You want to learn some of it?” you ask.

Valentina raises an eyebrow. “Think you can teach me?”

>3d10, best of two

Rolled 6, 1, 2 = 9 (3d10)

>>2696225
>inb4 noel is a poor teacher.

Rolled 2, 2, 8 = 12 (3d10)

>>2696225

>>2696230
>>2696239
Noel is clearly a horrible teacher.

File: Noel_portrait_colorized.jpg (147 KB, 484x471)

147 KB JPG

>>2696225
“Well, this is how the sign language works...” you begin.

An hour later and Valentina's eyes have glazed over.

“Sorry,” you apologize. “But there's no way to learn it other than memorizing it.”

“How did you manage...” she grumbles. “There's so many signs and none of them have anything to do with what they're supposed to mean!”

“Just... practice tracing the letters against your skin,” you sigh. “That's the easiest way to do it.”

“At least the fencing pictures are nice,” she admits. “But nothing I saw really fits with my own personal style.”

“Well, I guess it's a wash for now,” you tell her. “Sorry for wasting your time.”

“We were just going to be sitting around anyways,” Valentina admits. “So no real loss.”

“Just to my sense of accomplishment,” you reply.

The third round of tea sees the arrival of a tall, broadly-built man in a military dress uniform with a neatly trimmed gray beard.

“So you would be the silver-eyed warriors sent at my request!” he greets you with boyish glee. “Welcome to Skansen, both of you. I trust the hospitality of my palace was agreeable?”

“Very much so,” you reply, offering a slight bow that Valentina carefully mirrors. “The tea very nearly mimicked the best Hazari preparations.”

“Very good!” the King nods warmly. “In case you do not know anything about my Kingdom, my full name is King Lukas Gaius Aurelius... King Aurelius to my people.”

>Respond with your full name.
>Respond with your name and nickname.
>Respond with only your name and rank.
>Other?

>>2696289
>Respond with only your name and rank.

>>2696289
>Respond with your name and nickname.

>>2696289
>Respond with your name and nickname

>>2696289
>>Respond with your name and nickname.

>>2696289
>>Respond with only your name and rank.

>>2696289
>>Respond with your full name.

>>2696289
>Respond with your full name.

>>2696296
>>2696299
>>2696306
>>2696307
Lonely queen is likely not going to fly here

>>2696289
>full name

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 7, 9, 2 = 18 (3d10)

>>2696368

Rolled 5, 5, 7 = 17 (3d10)

>>2696368

Rolled 7, 9, 5 = 21 (3d10)

>>2696368

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

>>2696368
>QM rolling

>>2696368
“Noel Tiberius, ranked number thirteen in the Organization,” you reply, thinking somewhat better of claiming Queenship in this situation.

“Valentina, ranked number nineteen,” Valentina adds.

The King narrows his eyes at you, seemingly considering your name for a moment. “Tiberius?”

“A slip of the tongue,” you reply, trying to steer the conversation away from your mistake.

“I think not,” the King insists. “Noel Tiberius.”

“I am not here as Noel Tiberius, but as the number thirteen warrior of the Organization,” you insist just as firmly. “We were informed that you have a mission, though we did not detect any yōma on our way here.”

“I do have a mission for you,” Kign Aurelius nods in confirmation. “You are to hunt down and slay the yōma who have been causing problems for Skansen this past fortnight.”

“What delayed your request?” you ask. “A King should not be delayed by circumstance when it comes to reporting a threat within his own capital.”

“My son is an avid hunter,” the King admits. “He was insistent that we make it into a sport, bring in the greatest hunters and trappers in the kingdom and in all the adjacent lands to see who could claim the beast's head.”

“And I assume that went as poorly as one might imagine?” you muse.

“It was a disaster,” the King informs you. “Twelve deaths on the first night alone... never have I seen a beast so easily make sport of the hunters.”

“I see,” you nod, exchanging a tired glance with Valentina. You're both painfully aware how common this is: rather than go straight to the Organization, sometimes people are just too afraid or too overconfident and try to deal with a yōma themselves. Firearms have leveled the playing field somewhat, but only in numbers large enough to overwhelm a yōma's healing abilities and only when there's the one.

>Then we will get to work right away. Have you been tracking the locations of any attacks in the last two weeks?
>We have our own theory. Are you aware that there is an underground fighting tournament here in Skansen?
>Then we will accompany the next 'hunt'. Something like that sounds too good for a yōma to pass up.
>Other?

>>2696445
>We have our own theory. Are you aware that there is an underground fighting tournament here in Skansen?

>>2696445
>>We have our own theory. Are you aware that there is an underground fighting tournament here in Skansen?

>>2696445
>Then we will get to work right away. Have you been tracking the locations of any attacks in the last two weeks?

>>2696445
>We have our own theory. Are you aware that there is an underground fighting tournament here in Skansen?

>>2696445
>>Then we will get to work right away. Have you been tracking the locations of any attacks in the last two weeks?

>>2696445
>Then we will get to work right away. Have you been tracking the locations of any attacks in the last two weeks?

>I'd like to get a tie-breaker in here

>>2696445
>>We have our own theory. Are you aware that there is an underground fighting tournament here in Skansen?

>>2696504
“We have our own theory to work on,” you admit, “so I hope you will not mind if we proceed with our investigation accordingly.”

“And what theory might that be?” King Aurelius asks you.

“Were you aware that there's an illegal fight ring in this city?” Valentina asks.

The King glances at her. “I most certainly was not. Were I aware of such a violation of the laws I can assure you they would no longer be occurring.”

“We believe that is the most likely place for a yōma to try and blend into its surroundings,” you explain. “Plenty of fresh blood and violence, and people will be willing to look the other way while it happens.”

“And so your plan is to infiltrate this fighting ring and shut it down?” the King asks.

>No, we can't lift a finger against humans. But we will kill any yōma we find.
>No, we plan to find out if there are any yōma and enter as participants if there are.
>In a manner of speaking. I'm sure once we're done nobody will show up again.
>Other?

>>2696534
>No, we can't lift a finger against humans. But we will kill any yōma we find.

>>2696534
>>No, we plan to find out if there are any yōma and enter as participants if there are.
TOURNAMENT ARC BABY

>>2696534
>In a manner of speaking. I'm sure once we're done nobody will show up again.

>>2696534
>>No, we can't lift a finger against humans. But we will kill any yōma we find.

>>2696534
>>No, we can't lift a finger against humans. But we will kill any yōma we find.

>>2696534
>>No, we plan to find out if there are any yōma and enter as participants if there are.

>>2696534
>No, we can't lift a finger against humans. But we will kill any yōma we find.
Surely even if we enter, we can't guarantee that we'll be fighting only against yoma?

>>2696534
>No, we plan to find out if there are any yōma and enter as participants if there are.

File: 1451197996993.png (66 KB, 463x300)

66 KB PNG

>>2696537
>>2696542
>>2696546
>>2696548
>>2696550
>>2696564
All these nerds opting out of a tournament arc. It hurts.

>>2696534
>>In a manner of speaking. I'm sure once we're done nobody will show up again.

>>2696534
“With all due respect, there are two rules which we Warriors observe without qualification: we do not leave the Organization so long as we are still alive, and we do not take human life even by accident.”

“To break either rule means death at the hands of our own,” Valentina chimes in.

“So we will not do the work of administering your kingdom's justice,” you assert. “But what we will do is kill any yōma we find while we are there and report back to you. This we will do gladly.”

“And we'll do it well,” Valentina adds. You throw her a look to remind her that you were supposed to do the talking.

“Without your swords?” the King replies with a canny look.
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 1, 5, 7 = 13 (3d10)

>>2696600

Rolled 5, 6, 1 = 12 (3d10)

>>2696600

Rolled 8, 7, 6 = 21 (3d10)

>>2696600

>>2696606
the clutch.

File: The son of man.jpg (117 KB, 500x415)

117 KB JPG

>>2696608

>>2696600
Ah, so that's how he intended to play this.

His kingdom isn't completely empty of weapons, he's simply banned the private use of weapons except for those who bear his blessing to do so. His guards, his selected hunters, and his military forces therefore monopolize the legitimate force of arms in this place.

But when you entered into his kingdom you became subject to his laws as well. The Organization must have known that he would try to manipulate the warriors he sent here to political ends, by either providing weapons for those warriors to use or by requiring them to satisfy certain conditions to be able to use their weapons.

So the selection of yourself and Valentina would simply pre-empt such maneuvers on the King's part. It was actually quite a cunning decision.

“Actually, King Aurelius,” you reply with a quaint smile. “Valentina and I are a special class of warrior. We are not reliant on our swords to slay yōma.”

“Martial artists?” he asks, seemingly surprised at your pronouncement.

“Of our own techniques,” you tell him cryptically. “That is an advantage all its own in this scenario, wouldn't you agree?”

Valentina shoots you a questioning look, but you only notice out of the corner of your eye. Instead you're staring straight at the king himself. “Though I should warn you, our skills are just as unsuited to fighting humans as our oversized swords would be. To strike a human with my White Fist would end in a violation of our rules, and ultimately my own death.”

“I see,” the king nods sternly. “Well then, if that is your determination I will leave you to it.”

>That is our determination. There is nothing more to be said.
>Unless you have any more information you would like to share.
>One more thing... the organization will tolerate no interference or coercion, nor will I.
>Other?

>>2696660
supporting: >>2696675

>>2696660
>>2696675
This seems interesting, I'll support it.

>>2696660
>Unless you have any more information you would like to share.

>>2696675
this
plus his town is properly beautiful, the colours are especially vivid. hazaran can hardly compare.

>>2696675
>>2696660
changing vote to

>One more thing... the organization will tolerate no interference or coercion, nor will I.

Anyone else feel like namedropping was a terrible idea?

>>2696705
in hindsight yes. very much so. I feel like we went full retard the moment we met the king.

>>2696705
Aurelius would likely make use of this information as political leverage with Lord Sigmunt tip Sigmunt off, Sigmunt declares Noel Persona non grata.
It's a fucking mess.
who wants to change votes from compliments to telling the king to btfo on the political shenanigans?

>>2696717
I'm not even sure how you would start to retract something like that.

>>2696660
>>2696687
Scratch this, gonna change my vote to:
>That is our determination. There is nothing more to be said.

The boat thing was fun but we're kinda caught in a subtle political scheme and this probably isn't the time for a random question.

>3d10, best of three
>DC 18, crit 22

Rolled 7, 1, 9 = 17 (3d10)

>>2696723

Rolled 8, 7, 2 = 17 (3d10)

>>2696723

Rolled 4, 5, 8 = 17 (3d10)

>>2696723

File: 1443306474714.jpg (22 KB, 500x281)

22 KB JPG

>>2696724
>>2696725
>>2696726
uuuuuh...

File: you what now.png (48 KB, 225x185)

48 KB PNG

>>2696726
>>2696725
>>2696724
despair. but also wat. dice. pls. I think this is punishment for going full retard when meeting king.

>>2696720
unfortunately with these dice rolls, we're likely to be a victim of the political schemes.

>>2696739
We were likely to become a victim as soon as everyone namedropped. Noel kept that shit secret for years, and just threw it out to the first head of state she met. I'm a bit salty.

>>2696741
Yeah that was pretty questionable. I was seriously surprised so many people voted for it.

>>2696741
it was the inclusion of our last name that allowed the King to make a knowledge check on royal history. And it seems he just barely scraped the DC to actually recognize us.

>>2696743
We likely didn't know the IC ramifications of rampant namedropping until now. Like General Noventus was cool with us, but King Aurelius was a completely different person. Most likely we didn't think it through.

So damage control at this point onward?

>>2696748
WE did.

>>2696748
It's a bit late. obviously it shouldn't be spread any further. But it was incredibly stupid and I'm not sure why you would drop the full name other than to open the leader into knowing who you are.

Which.. we'd only do if we were pushing to be a political asset or having an out of the organization.


So! If you want to escape the org, he's the guy to do it with. So if we can get a silent moment away from valentina we might be able to negotiate a: Eventually I may need to run and I'd be a neat chip for you to own.

It's one form of service/slavery for another.

It's not something we should have done so early. Anons went full retard.

>>2696723
Uh, Because of how ridiculous getting three in a row is, Can it count as a base success King?

>>2696748
>We likely didn't know the IC ramifications of rampant namedropping until now
We're the missing princess of an overthrown regime. The ramifications of namedropping to a third party royal is pretty clear even if the details might be obscured.

>>2696760
>So! If you want to escape the org, he's the guy to do it with

>getting out of being a claymore

So if you want to commit assisted suicide, you mean? The org ain't nuttin ta fuck wit mang

>>2696777
It's not, but I can't think of literally any other reason as to why you might want to sell yourself or out yourself to a noble.

>>2696763
most likely not. King is very ironclad with his houseruling. I can already hear him typing away the severe critfail in the next update.
>>2696760
Well that just throws out any chance for Noel to reclaim her throne without any foreign help/influence. Now the Skansens want in on the pie.
And besides, why would the org let us go? But then again, they let claymores go if they're any sort of liability, that includes the political ramifications.

Why did we want to meet up with the king in the first place?

>>2696723
“There's one more thing I forgot to mention... the Organization doesn't tolerate interference with or coercion of their warriors, nor do I,” you tell the King.

“That sounds a lot like an accusation,” the King replies with a stern glare. “And what exactly are you accusing me of?”

“You know as well as I do why the Organization selected warriors capable of fighting without the use of swords,” you tell him. “You planned to use your authority regarding the use of weapons to coerce the warriors sent here to do tasks with political ends in mind. The Organization deprived you of that opportunity by selecting the two of us.”

“You certainly speak like a queen,” the King sighs. “But you forget your place, witch. You have no political capital, no allies to speak of, and I believe that there are certain individuals in your home nation who would be keenly interested to hear that you are alive.”

Valentina takes half a step forward, but you raise your arm to keep her out of the argument.

>Do that, and you lose the Organization's goodwill. The next time a yōma attacks your subjects there will only be death, and they will all know who is responsible for their abandonment.
>Fine. Tell Sigmunt that the daughter of the Mad King is still alive. All the soldiers in Hazaran wouldn't be enough to take my life.
>Those boats out on the lake are nice. They also look expensive... they must be the pride of your kingdom. Shame if something were to happen to them.
>Other?

>>2696788
>Fine. Tell Sigmunt that the daughter of the Mad King is still alive. All the soldiers in Hazaran wouldn't be enough to take my life.
>Nor to save yours

>>2696797
Well, i'd like to say that, but destruction of property is more in line with the organization's code.
I'll switch my vote to
>Those boats out on the lake are nice. They also look expensive... they must be the pride of your kingdom. Shame if something were to happen to them.

>>2696803
Oh, but let's flare up our yoki just enough to flash our eyes over to golden and give him a smile while we're at it.

>>2696788
>>Those boats out on the lake are nice. They also look expensive... they must be the pride of your kingdom. Shame if something were to happen to them.

>>2696788
>So you'd really risk the Organization's ire like that? Lose the ability to keep your people safe from Youma? You do know enough history to remember the last time a nation got blacklisted didn't you?

>>2696788
>>Fine. Tell Sigmunt that the daughter of the Mad King is still alive. All the soldiers in Hazaran wouldn't be enough to take my life.
Not personally interested in throwing the little people under the bus or threatening the boats. We still have a job to do, and getting kicked out or obstructed for excessive insolence would be annoying.

>>2696788
>>Those boats out on the lake are nice. They also look expensive... they must be the pride of your kingdom. Shame if something were to happen to them.

>>2696788
>Fine. Tell Sigmunt that the daughter of the Mad King is still alive. All the soldiers in Hazaran wouldn't be enough to take my life.


>Those boats out on the lake are nice. They also look expensive... they must be the pride of your kingdom. Shame if something were to happen to them.


>>2696777
I'm trying to figure out how to legitimize a stupid choice. If you've got something better I'd love to hear it.

>>2696787
Meeting with him was to determine what his stance was, if he was aware, and if we could count on him not fucking with us while doing our job.

But it seems like that's totally fucked.

>>2696788
>Do that, and you lose the Organization's goodwill. The next time a yōma attacks your subjects there will only be death, and they will all know who is responsible for their abandonment.

>>2696788
>Do that, and you lose the Organization's goodwill. The next time a yōma attacks your subjects there will only be death, and they will all know who is responsible for their abandonment.

>>2696788
>>Those boats out on the lake are nice. They also look expensive... they must be the pride of your kingdom. Shame if something were to happen to them.

>>2696817
welp. let's expect the King to pull strings and make our mission even harder by ACTUALLY endorsing the undergound fighting tournament and put more human casualties in harms way so that any collateral could be squarely blamed on the claymores.

>>2696817
>All these towns and kingdoms trying to hire/coerce claymores into their bidding for their own political ends.
I'm very sure that Sigmunt would love to put a collar around Noel's neck.

>writing

>also, 3d10, best of three

Rolled 1, 9, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>2696875

Rolled 7, 9, 5 = 21 (3d10)

>>2696875

Rolled 7, 1, 4 = 12 (3d10)

>>2696875
Welp. Now our threats are ineffective to go with this chain of clusterfucks.

Rolled 4, 3, 5 = 12 (3d10)

>>2696875

>>2696822
>>2696828
>>2696836
>>2696851
>>2696867
>>2696881
umm

>>2696788
>Do that, and you lose the Organization's goodwill. The next time a yōma attacks your subjects there will only be death, and they will all know who is responsible for their abandonment.

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>>2696889
>pic related.
I'm cursed.
>>2696894
you're a "tad" late anon.

>>2696875
“Those ships out on the lake, am I right in thinking they were funded by public subscription and built locally?” you ask.

The king nods in confirmation. “Yes, that is correct.”

“They're quite nice,” you continue. “Fine lines, well-cast cannons. Were those locally produced as well?”

“No, but they were made in this kingdom.”

You sigh, shaking your head. “They must be an immeasurable sense of civic pride then. It would be a shame if something untoward were to happen to them.”

“What do you mean?” he demands, narrowing his gaze.

“What I mean is that the Organization has no rules against destruction of property,” you clarify. “You're right, I'm not a queen. I was forced to give that up a long time ago, before I became what I am today.”

“We're here to kill yōma, to protect the lives of your people. If you'll allow us to do so unhindered, without the specter of your nation's internal politics and social problems hanging over us, we'll do so swiftly and efficiently, and then we will move on.”

“And if I do not do as you demand?” the king asks.

“Then I scupper your entire fleet myself,” you promise him. “Like I said, I won't take kindly to coercion or interference, especially not when I'm already here solving your problems for you.”

“And if you take this information to Sigmunt,” Valentina adds.

“Same ending,” you assure him. “All your little boats on the bottom of the lake, in pieces.”

The King stares at your cold, silver eyes, and you stare right back at him unblinking. You won't be stared down by this man, not now or ever.

“Perhaps,” the King eventually relents, “some of our more ignoble intentions got away from us. Things may have been said that we both regret.”

“Does this mean you will allow us to do our job freely?” you press.

“It means that,” he admits. “Go, Noel Tiberius di Hazaran. Do what you must and leave my kingdom in peace.”
>1/2

>>2696934
>“Perhaps,” the King eventually relents, “some of our more ignoble intentions got away from us. Things may have been said that we both regret.”
Oh thank god. This could have gone poorly.

>>2696934
“Why did you give him your family name?” Valentina hisses as you're escorted from the palace well into the evening. “I thought you were supposed to be the smart one!”

“The last few times my identity has come our ended well,” you sigh, shaking your head in disbelief at how badly that went. “I got careless.”

“Well, the secret's out with him at least,” your partner sighs. “So, you wanna find that place now?”

>Not yet. I need a drink after that, and this seems like a nice place to do just that.
>By all means, let's get this over with. The sooner we put this place behind us the better I'll feel.
>Our heightened senses should suffice. We'll track the yōma down ourselves and slaughter them.
>Other?

>>2696941
he won't pull shenanigans on us, but in the oft cited quote: "King Aurelius will remember that".
Which leaves our political status on somewhat shaky grounds if we were to revisit Skansen.

>>2696946
>By all means, let's get this over with. The sooner we put this place behind us the better I'll feel.

>>2696946

>By all means, let's get this over with. The sooner we put this place behind us the better I'll feel.

>>2696948
We failed the DC he could be lying to our face.

I still can't believe people told him in the first place. what the fuck.

>>2696946
>>By all means, let's get this over with. The sooner we put this place behind us the better I'll feel.

>>2696946
>>By all means, let's get this over with. The sooner we put this place behind us the better I'll feel.

>>2696955
we're never gonna live that moment of retardation down aren't we?

>>2696946
>>By all means, let's get this over with. The sooner we put this place behind us the better I'll feel.

>>2696955
>>2696963

forgive the failed dc statement* mixed up rolls

And no that's just about the worst thing she could have done.

>>2696955
>>2696963
>>2696967
Looking at the vote that option did not even win.

>>2696946
“By all means, let's get this over with,” you sigh. “I love this place... it's vibrant. But beneath the surface I'm starting to suspect it's the same as anywhere else. I'd rather put it behind us before the illusion wears off. I want to remember it the way we first saw it when we arrived.”

“Funny how that works,” Valentina shakes her head. “The more places you see, the more you realize all of them have their faults. Working out east, you get used to it.”

“I guess,” you reply rather lamely. “You ever miss home?”

“I don't have one,” Valentina admits. “Not anymore. And with the way politics are going back in Hazaran, I'm not so sure you do either.”

As the two of you walk back into the heart of the wildly varied buildings on this island, the one where you were told the fight ring is held, Valentina poses you a question.

“You ever consider telling everyone you're alive?”

>Nobody would believe it anyway, even if I did.
>I have enough to worry about with the yōma.
>And risk civil war? Under no circumstances.
>Other?

Also,
>3d10, DC 19, critical 22

Rolled 10, 10, 6 = 26 (3d10)

>>2697013
>To what end? Can't leave the organization. Can't rule while I am killing Youma at their word. Most of the people I would have wanted to know are dead anyways.

>>2696999
It was my mistake. I failed to not that you, as it happens, also voted for "name and number". So I treated it as being more like "anything but the nickname" and rolled for how much detail Noel gave, since that would have made a 4-4 split at the time I started writing.

The initial mistake was mine, and I noticed it far too late.

Rolled 1, 5, 8 = 14 (3d10)

>>2697013
>>2697017
In with this

Rolled 6, 5, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>2697013
>>And risk civil war? Under no circumstances.

Rolled 7, 9, 9 = 25 (3d10)

>>2697013
>>I have enough to worry about with the yōma.

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

>>2697013
>other: Aside from a few old men...
>>2697017
supporting this.

>>2697013
>>And risk civil war? Under no circumstances.

>>2697013
>other: one part of me wants to reclaim the throne. to lead the people. I've been all over this continent, seeing advances in technology and policies and can't help but wonder how that would help Hazaran. But then I remember that I'm a claymore. and worse, I'm half-awakened.

Rolled 6, 10, 6 = 22 (3d10)

>>2697013
>Nobody would believe it anyway, even if I did.

And I need one more roll. Best of four this time, 3d10.

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

>>2697044

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

>>2697044

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

>>2697044

Rolled 10, 4, 8 = 22 (3d10)

>>2697044

...these rolls. What do the numbers mean?!

>>2697061
>roll started with 13
>Noel's number
>increased by 3 each successive roll
>her first nickname was bad luck
>bad luck is the first of 3 nicknames given to Noel
>3 sides in a triangle
>illuminati

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>>2697087

>>2697044
“To what end?” you ask calmly. “Part of me wants to retake the throne... but why? So that the Organization can have me assassinated? To spark a civil war?”

“Hazaran has enough dead monarchs without my help,” you conclude.

“I guess you have a point,” Valentina sighs. “Still, if you ever did decide to take the throne you'd have one supporter.”

“That and the old General Noventus,” you chuckle. “But thanks for the vote of confidence regardless.”

After about a half hour of searching, you start to get a familiar sensation.

“You feel that too?” Valentina asks you.

You nod. “I do... it's like there's yōki here. It's faint, but it's here.”

“Strange,” Valentina muses. “It feels too faint to be a yōma.”

“Could it just be far away?” you ask. “Does it seem like a distance problem to you?”

“Hard to tell,” Valentina admits. “Let's test that theory.”

From that point, you and Valentina split up and head in different directions. You weave your way through a small crowd on a market street, then hang a right through a courtyard in front of a wooden church erected in a rather provincial style. Then you hook around the church and backtrack to make sure.

When you meet Valentina back where you went your separate ways, she shakes her head.

“It's somewhere around here, within a few blocks,” she concludes.

“And it's not in the distance,” you agree. “It feels weaker the further from this area we get.”

“What does that mean?” Valentina asks.

An idea springs to mind. “Hey, Valentina. You know those pills we sometimes get issued? Suppress our yōki to make it easier to hide?”

“Yeah, why?” she asks.

Then she starts to catch on.

“... oh.”

>>2697103
And that's where we have to call it quits for the weekend. Thanks for turning out and hope you enjoyed the read despite my little cockup, and see you next time.

Keep an eye on twitter, I'll update when I know when that next session will be.

Beach episode when

>>2697131
when we found our own nation of claymores.

I do wonder if some awakened Gradually would they still be insane? Or would they just be post human?

>>2697344
Given that Noel and Valentina (and a few others we don't know IC that might've kept it a secret) are half-awakened. I suspect King might take the time to explore this unresolved piece of speculative lore. It's gonna be interesting to see.

>>2697344
It would depend largely on the individual. But as the existence of half-awakened beings, of which Noel is now no longer the only known case, there's obviously a lot more to it than the dichotomous Claymore/AB model that the Organization pushes.

Saria's situation makes it even less clear where the line should be drawn.

>>2697379
remind me how far mentally gone was Saria during our initial encounter with Noel? To go from Insane AB mentality and revert back to actually having enough humanity to have a heartfelt conversation with Olivia after a whole week of nearly non-stop fighting against Noel (and to fight on Noel's level on top of things)? How big of a spectrum jump did Noel's influence have?

>>2697103
>An idea springs to mind. “Hey, Valentina. You know those pills we sometimes get issued? Suppress our yōki to make it easier to hide?”
Well that's a twist. who would need Yoki suppression pills? and why here in a major trading hub?

I take one day off due to national holiday and we are in full damage control over anons doing stupid shit.

>>2697489
She was full AB, as in she ate people and had next to no sense of right and wrong. She was just kind of childish about it, which was the main difference between her and others you might mention.

So really, she had to come quite far to have that last conversation.

>>2697976
there were misplays made by both anon and Queen.

>>2697103
“But why?” Valentina asks you. “Who'd be out here using yōki suppression pills?”

“There are two options,” you explain. “The first of which is that the Organization has sent one of our fellow warriors to observe our progress on the mission.”

“An observer who feels compelled to hide from us?”

You shake your head. “In this instance, more likely one who has orders to hide from us. Depending on the results of our mission we may not be able to count on a warm welcome back.”

“Why such hostility?” Valentina presses you.

“I have to admit I don't know,” you tell her. “But if that's the case it would be best if we left her alone to complete her own mission, focus on what we came here to do.”

“And the other option?”

You sigh, not liking where your own logic has taken you. “That someone else possessing monstrous yōki is residing in this city.”

Valentina seems to consider the possibility. “How monstrous do you reckon we're talking about here?”

“Enough that I'm not sure our combined abilities would be sufficient,” you admit. If this is the result of an Awakened Being hiding its own yōki, then you have no doubts it was a warrior with immense capabilities in yōki control and manipulation even before their awakening, as they would be less likely to have the benefit of the pills most warriors rely on to achieve this end. They would likely have been upper single-digits, and would only have grown more powerful and deadly since awakening.

“So what should we do about it?” Valentina asks.

>We should try to determine what is producing this yōki aura. If it's as powerful an opponent as I fear it might be, this needs to be reported to the organization.
>I find it more likely that this aura belongs to a warrior using the bare minimum dosage of yōki suppression pills. Best to leave it the hell alone.
>The Organization SHOULD have no reason to monitor us this closely. So if we discount that possibility, all other options are things we should report.
>Other?

>>2713576
>We should try to determine what is producing this yōki aura. If it's as powerful an opponent as I fear it might be, this needs to be reported to the organization.

>>2713576
This is a conundrum, do we hide our suspicion regarding the organization and risk innocent lives, or show our hand and risk our own lives on a hunch?

>>2713576
>We should try to determine what is producing this yōki aura. If it's as powerful an opponent as I fear it might be, this needs to be reported to the organization.

>>2713576
>we need to determine whats producing the yoki

>>2713576
>We should try to determine what is producing this yōki aura. If it's as powerful an opponent as I fear it might be, this needs to be reported to the organization.

>>2713576
>>I find it more likely that this aura belongs to a warrior using the bare minimum dosage of yōki suppression pills. Best to leave it the hell alone.

>>2713576
>We should try to determine what is producing this yōki aura. If it's as powerful an opponent as I fear it might be, this needs to be reported to the organization.

>>2713576
>>We should try to determine what is producing this yōki aura. If it's as powerful an opponent as I fear it might be, this needs to be reported to the organization.

>>2713576
“We should probably determine what is going on here with more certainty,” you grumble, admitting the fact to yourself. “If there is something in hiding here the Organization needs to know... however...”

“If it's a spy we need to try and avoid tipping them off that we know they're here,” Valentina finishes the thought.

You nod in agreement. “That would be my preference, yes. Though it's also possible that whatever it is already knows we're aware of it.”

“So what do we do now?”

“We need to put some distance between this location and ourselves,” you suggest. “How far away do you think you can sense this being's yōki aura from?”

“I think...” Valentina mutters to herself, thinking hard. “Maybe a few hundred feet?”

Only a few hundred feet? Now that you're aware of what you're looking for, you're certain that you could sense it in some capacity from clear across the island. Is Valentina's sensing ability that poor, or is it that your own senses have improved since your partial-awakening?

Either way, that presents a dilemma... do you back off far enough that Valentina can't actually sense your target, or do you stay closer and possibly arouse its suspicion? Or do you split up, leaving Valentina a bit closer but backing off further yourself to make it seem that you've split up for other reasons?

>Only back away as far as necessary, so that Valentina can still feel where your target is.
>Give it plenty of space, so long as you know where it is that's sufficient.
>Split up, divide your attention between tracking Valentina and the target.
>Try to work with Valentina to close in on the target a little more.

>>2713679
>Only back away as far as necessary, so that Valentina can still feel where your target is.

>>2713679
>>Only back away as far as necessary, so that Valentina can still feel where your target is.

>>2713679
>Only back away as far as necessary, so that Valentina can still feel where your target is.

>>2713679
>move away far enough that valentina loses it and then try to discern t's location or if it's trying to follow you

>>2713679
>Give it plenty of space, so long as you know where it is that's sufficient.
If it's a spy, she will follow us through her own youki sense. Given that she can't properly hide her youki, her controlling abilities should be poor and at a distance she likely will lose us and try to find us again. So if the source moves after us, it's probably a spy.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 3, 7, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>2713745

Rolled 5, 1, 8 = 14 (3d10)

>>2713745

Rolled 8, 6, 3 = 17 (3d10)

>>2713745

>>2713679
“Then we'll give whatever this thing is as much distance as you can,” you decide. “We'll keep track of it for as long as we can.”

“Wait... as far as I can?” Valentina frowns. “Don't you mean as far as we can?”

“Yes, that's right,” you tell her. “Come on.”

You find what appears to be a cafe some three hundred feet from where you were previously standing, which seems to be just about Valentina's limits for being able to meaningfully sense the strange yōki aura. So you request a table, and you're brought a pair of menus from the kitchen.

“Coffee house?” Valentina muses. “Been a while... I don't even recognize a lot of these terms.”

“Pick something that sounds nice and go with it,” you shrug, before ordering what are advertised as an “einspänner” and a “punschkrapfen”. Valentina bravely defaults on her own decision and simply doubles your order.

The former turns out to be a coffee preparation with a substantial amount of very dark, thick espresso with an equally gratuitous amount of fluffy white cream, which serves to balance the near overwhelming bitterness that would otherwise define the whole experience. The latter turns out to be a small cake with apricot jam, a crumbly cake mix, and chocolate nougat all soaked in rum and encased in pink icing. Both offerings are quite good, and very far from anything you would be served in Hazaran.

“So the target hasn't moved yet,” you declare.

“At all?” Valentina asks for clarification. “At this range it's a little hard for me to tell stationary from just moving a little.”

“Completely stationary,” you clarify.

“Your senses must be better than mine are,” Valentina realizes aloud. “So that's what you meant earlier... I'm holding you back.”

“You are, a little,” you admit. “But I hardly mind. And we all have something to contribute, so I expect you to be so gracious when I inevitably come up short of your abilities in some regard.”

The evening deepens, and eventually you have to admit something to yourself: the target simply refuses to move. At all. In the slightest.

>That probably means it's observing us. I think we need to report this later.
>It may well be a sensor-type warrior then. Best to ignore it for now.
>We'll settle this later. Right now we have a fight to attend.
>Other?

>>2713822
>We'll settle this later. Right now we have a fight to attend.

>>2713822
>We'll settle this later. Right now we have a fight to attend.

>>2713822
>>We'll settle this later. Right now we have a fight to attend.
I don't know what's going on with it staying completely still, but it seems like we can put it off for now. Famous last words I'm sure.

>>2713822
>We'll settle this later. Right now we have a fight to attend.

>>2713822
>We'll settle this later. Right now we have a fight to attend.

>3d10, DC 16, crit 20

Rolled 9, 9, 10 = 28 (3d10)

>>2713898
Haven't seen a dc like that in ages.

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

>>2713898

Rolled 3, 4, 9 = 16 (3d10)

>>2713898
damn, that 28 looks spicy

>>2713898
“We have other things we need to be doing right now,” you grumble, waving over a waiter to pay for both your tab and Valentina's. “Our main objective takes priority.”

“Of course,” Valentina sighs. “Let's go see about these supposed fights.”

The two of you head out once more, returning to the spot where you were told you would find the organizers of this underground fighting ring... and you happen to be in luck, since precisely the sort of sketchy individual you would expect to be responsible for such a thing comes out of the back door of the building in question. He glances both ways, then darts off down an alleyway.

“Well that just looks like an open invitation,” Valentina chuckles to herself. “Shall we?”

You don't even stop to look over your shoulder, and let Valentina realize on her own she's being left behind. “Hey, wait for me!”

The man runs towards the dockyards facing the open lake, and in particular seems to be heading towards a large storehouse.

“Can you feel that?” you ask.

Valentina shakes her head. “I'd need to be closer, but I'll take your word for it.”

“This is the place.”

Inside the storehouse is a crowd of people... men, women, no children from what you can tell but some of the audience are what you'd consider 'younger adults'.

“I can't pick the targets out of the crowd,” you admit. “There's too many of them, too well mixed-in with too many bodies.”

“I have an idea,” Valentina tells you as you stare out into the crowd. “I HAVE AN IDEA!”

“I heard you,” you tell her. “I was waiting for you to say what your idea was, not ignoring you.”

“Oh, sorry,” Valentina quickly apologizes. “Anyway you said you're the Organization's top-notch fistfighter, right?”

“Probably?” you shake your head. “So far as I'm aware that's the case.”

“Well, can't you go down there and challenge them yourself?” she asks. “Seeing you should force the yōma to flee, and I'll catch 'em by the door.”

>That should work perfectly. Good thinking, Valentina.
>They may well be mixed among the fighters as well, so stand by in case they try something underhanded.
>I'm not sure that's a good idea. It'd be bad if I accidentally killed a human fighter.
>Other?

>>2713945
>That should work perfectly. Good thinking, Valentina.
>They may well be mixed among the fighters as well, so stand by in case they try something underhanded.

>>2713957
>>2713945
Seconded

>>2713945
>They may well be mixed among the fighters as well, so stand by in case they try something underhanded.

>>2713957
>>2713965
>joining the tournament.
>after we explicitly told the king there's an underground fight club
>after telling him explicitly we can't fight humans because of the risk of accidental killing.
WHERE IS THE LOGIC?

>>2713945
>>That should work perfectly. Good thinking, Valentina.

>>2713945

>They may well be mixed among the fighters as well, so stand by in case they try something underhanded.
>other: *sarcastically* What a great idea for me to get my head on the Organization's chopping block Valentina!
>other: Hey Valentina, about your ability, I have an idea for you. Grow some 9-inch nails, break them off, and stow it away as emergency shivs in case things get hairy.
>other: also, place bets on me. We could use some budget expansion.

>>2713978
The logic is exactly how Valentina laid it out for you, anon. Noel goes down and makes a flashy entrance, which scares the yoma into trying to flee.

It's a pretty big difference from serving as the King's enforcer.

>>2713990
“That might work,” you admit. “It would be more about making the flashiest entrance possible than hopefully fighting.”

“That's the idea,” Valentina nods. “Either they're disguised as the fighters or they'll try their best to escape.”

“Then I say we do it,” you agree. “Keep your eyes open though, they might try something underhanded... it is their survival on the line after all.”

“Right,” Valentina mutters. “I get what you mean. Well... let's see how flashy an entrance you can make.”

“Remember who it is you're speaking to, Valentina,” you grin confidently. “I was raised to be flashy.”
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 6, 8, 4 = 18 (3d10)

>>2714042
She's got a style, but she got no grace. This princess fell flat on her face.

Rolled 4, 1, 8 = 13 (3d10)

>>2714042

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

>>2714042

whoops, dropped my trip

>>2714042
Give me one more, that should be best of four.

Princess and all.

Rolled 7, 3, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>2714042

>>2714062
“Alright,” you nod.

Let's see... it's a fair leap from here to the center of the ring, especially without a running start. You work your way closer, and eventually decide that you're close enough to make a standing long jump. But not quite satisfied with a simple leap, you add a midair somersault over the heads of the crowd and land in a low crouch.

“Who's this!?” the ring announcer declares in a loud tone. “A new challenger approaches!? Who are you, young lady!?”

“Noel,” you declare. “What you people would call a Silver-Eyed Witch, a Slayer, or just a Claymore.”

“A Claymore!?” the announcer declares in shock. “I... I have to confess I don't know why you're here.”

“Blowing off some steam,” you lie, cracking your neck menacingly. “Why? Is that such a strange thing?”

“I just... didn't think you would be allowed to fight a human?”

“Killing humans is prohibited,” you announce. “But so long as I remain extra careful, that should not be a problem.”

“Okay, I guess we do have a challenger after all,” the announcer declares. “Who will face this silver-eyed woman in the ring of victory!? Does ANY man have the courage, the confidence, the BALLS!?”

“I do,” a large, broad-shouldered man declares, also leaping into the ring. Well, it seems you succeeded in forcing them out of hiding.

“Thanks for saving me the trouble, monster,” you smile.

“A Claymore without her sword... this will be a delicacy.”

>Focus on what you learned from the monks' book, try out your improved style.
>Disable this enemy quickly, you don't know how many more there are like him.
>Use 10% yōki, play this safe.
>Other?

>>2714123
>Focus on what you learned from the monks' book, try out your improved style.

>>2714123
>Focus on what you learned from the monks' book, try out your improved style.
>>2714123
>other: Try to break his skin with a shallow cut. Expose that purple yojma blood to the public.

>>2714138
I'm good with this

>>2714123
>Focus on what you learned from the monks' book, try out your improved style.

>>2714123
>>Disable this enemy quickly, you don't know how many more there are like him.

>>2714123
>>Focus on what you learned from the monks' book, try out your improved style.

>>2714123
Supporting >>2714138

>>2714123
>3d10, best of three
>DC 17, Crit 23
I'll be back in a bit, something needs to get done on my end.

Rolled 7, 7, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2714194
>>2714194

Rolled 10, 7, 1 = 18 (3d10)

>>2714194
We got this.
>>2714203
We definitely got this.

Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d10)

>>2714194
>>2714203
nice
Rolling as a formality

File: yayifications.jpg (49 KB, 482x600)

49 KB JPG

>>2714203
ENLIGHTENMENT, HO!

File: Noel Yoki1.png (212 KB, 850x850)

212 KB PNG

>>2714203

>>2714194
Now would be an excellent opportunity to test what you've learned from Vigilus and his book.

“Then what are you waiting for, you purple-blooded freak!?” you shout for all to hear. “If you want it come and claim it!”

The disguised yōma throws a fast and powerful haymaker, one which passes over your right shoulder as you drop low to meet his charge head-on. Purple blood explodes from his mouth as you plant your right fist firmly in his chest, so hard that you can see to your right that his flesh has bulged outward through his back... you can basically see your fist. Seizing the brief window of opportunity, you perform an instant pivot that would make Vigilus blush and land a powerful left hook on the same spot on the back you'd nearly punched through an instant before.

A hole opens up in the yōma's torso, and even more purple blood slicks the floor of the fighting arena as he abandons his disguise.

“Ugh... what the hell!?” he coughs up more blood. “How can such a little bitch hit that hard!?”

“I've got you!” a second yōma shouts, leaping into the fray from the stands only to find a long, wickedly sharp trio of nails pinning him in the air. “What is this...”

A fourth nail impales the yōma's head as you rush your own opponent.

With a roar you dodge another painfully slow attack and reach up to grab the yōma by its throat and slam it neck-first into the ground. It tries to backhand you, but receives a fist to its elbow for its trouble that leaves the limb badly-mangled and sticking out at an odd angle.

To finish things off you pick it up by its ankles, spin several times in place, then throw it high into the air. Its flailing body ricochets off the ceiling, only to fall back onto your rising fist.

Its spine now broken in two places, the life fades from the monster's battered form. You let it fall off your fist, seeming to take an eternity to fall the last few feet from your fist to the ground.

Were yōma always this weak?

>Reunite with Valentina.
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.
>Try to sense the yōki from earlier.
>Other?

>>2714349
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.

>>2714349
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.
>Try to sense the yōki from earlier.

>>2714349
>Were yōma always this weak?
Damn, Noel got swole af
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.
Can't be too careful.

>>2714349
>>Scan the room for anyone you missed.
>>Try to sense the yōki from earlier.

>>2714349
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.

>>2714349
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.
>other: Do your best flaunt that upper class sass and taunt to the crowd: "Would any other Yoma like to try a piece of this delicacy?"

File: Brutality.png (112 KB, 280x201)

112 KB PNG

>>2714349
>Other: strike a flashy pose.
>Scan the room for anyone you missed.
>Try to sense the yōki from earlier.

>>2714349
>>Try to sense the yōki from earlier.

>>2714349
>>2714367
agreed, in with this

>>2714349
Hey Queen. How's the clothes? is there any blood on them? we better had rolled up our sleeves prior to entering the fight club.

Rolled 4, 10, 10, 8 = 32 (4d10)

>3d10, best of four

Rolled 9, 4, 3 = 16 (3d10)

>>2714428

>>2714428
WOW. That's a bit much ain't it?

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

>>2714428

Rolled 9, 5, 8 = 22 (3d10)

>>2714428
Shit forgot to roll. If that's Valentina's roll, then dayum. She got us beat...

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

>>2714428

>>2714439
Hopefully this is good enough, that 32 worries me.

>>2714428
“Hold on, where are you going!?” you hear Valentina's voice from the crowd, and you see a yōma skewered on five rapidly-extending nails which thrown him down into the ring with you.

A quick blow to the temple is sufficient to knock the yōma out, after which you casually twist its head nearly off with your bare hands.

“There,” you declare, having finished the job. “And that makes three. Nice throw, Valentina!”

She quickly flashes you a thumbs-up, before leaping down into the ring alongside you. “Hey, you were awesome Noel! I knew you would be!”

“Thanks,” you nod, trying and probably failing to suppress a blush. It's rare that you get a compliment that... enthusiastic. Even when Tomas compliments you it's always left-handed, like it's actually intended as a snub.

“So... is that it?”

Now that she mentions it...
>3d10 best of three

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

>>2714477

Rolled 10, 8, 5 = 23 (3d10)

>>2714477
>“Thanks,” you nod, trying and probably failing to suppress a blush.
Dammit Queen! we'll need some context from you to prevent misunderstandings and reader interpretation!
I hope it's more of the fact that Noel not having many close friends in her childhood than the whole romantic subtext. Anyways DICE.
Also what's with the crowd? did they vacate at the presence of yoma? or are they riveted to the seats?
And dice..

Rolled 3, 3, 1 = 7 (3d10)

>>2714477

>>2714490
>we'll need some context from you

>>2714477
>It's rare that you get a compliment that... enthusiastic. Even when Tomas compliments you it's always left-handed, like it's actually intended as a snub.

bro

>>2714497
well shit. I'm blind. that makes me an idiot.

>>2714477
The crowd are fleeing now, after having mostly cowered through your entire fight. Of course they would, what normal human wouldn't when faced with an unknown number of yōma? Normal humans' instincts are there to keep them alive after all.

You try to sense for that yōki from earlier in the day. You should still be in range, but for some reason you can't sense it any longer.

It's gone.

“I can't sense the yōki from before,” you admit to Valentina. “Whatever it was must have left while we weren't paying attention.”

“You mean while you weren't paying attention,” Valentina counters. “Damn.”

“So I guess regardless of what it was the opportunity is lost now,” you sigh. “Mission concluded then.”

“I guess?” Valentina agrees with a shrug. “But one thing... everything look... you know. Normal?”

You give Valentina a glance. “Hair's a little messy.”

“That's not what I mean...” Valentina insists.

You look a little more carefully at her. “Nothing's wrong with you, why?”

“Good, good,” she sighs in relief. “It's just that using my claws demands yōki. Can't be too careful you know.”

You narrow your eyes slightly... but for now you say nothing. It makes sense though... after nearly awakening so early in her career, Valentina's developed a paranoid fear about using too much yōki and repeating that experience.

“Let's take a rest,” you suggest. “Maybe rent a room for the night. Two beds.”

“That sounds good,” Valentina agrees.

>>2714507
Alright, I still need to finish packing tonight so I'm calling it an evening. Thanks for playing, and keep an eye on twitter to see when I'll run next.

>>2714514
Well good luck with packing then

>>2714514
Moving is the worst. Sorry I missed the thread, it was good.

>>2714514
Have a good evening Queen.

well shit. now I'm having doubts about Valentina.
She claimed that her ability uses "too much yoki" even after the fact that she revealed she's half awakened.
Yet she liberally grew 9 "nine-inch nails" without a sweat from the beginning of the combat to the end. I wonder just how secretly proficient Valentina is. If she became half-awakened from the start before her first mission, then how much time did she have in testing her ability proficiency post-awakening?