>>2814093
>>Of course I am.

>>2814093
>>Of course I am.

>>2814093
>of course not, she can take care of herself.

>>2814093
>Of course I am.

>>2814093
>Of course I am.

File: Emperor's Champion 2.jpg (529 KB, 688x1044)

529 KB JPG

>>2814093
You simply nod. Of course you were worried about Morgan. She always had a knack of getting herself into trouble whenever you weren't around.

Then again, she would probably say the same of you.

Romulus just gives a little encouraging yip, his wagging tail remind you of Morgan whenever she was in a good mood.

"Come on you slackers, we're starting to fall the behind." Naru grunts as she marches past the three of you, lugging her signature and comically oversized pack.

You just simply nod. Right now, you were trailing behind another expeditionary party made up mostly of...

>Templars led by Ozen.
>Some adventurers led by Valentia.
>Other

>>2814209
>Some adventurers led by Valentia.

File: Adventuring Party 3.png (836 KB, 1200x673)

836 KB PNG

>>2814209

>>Some adventurers led by Valentia.

>>2814209
>Some adventurers led by Valentia.

>>2814209
>>Templars led by Ozen.

>>2814209
>>Some adventurers led by Valentia.

File: Paladin.png (393 KB, 505x784)

393 KB PNG

>>2814209
You were currently following a group of adventurers being led by Valentia herself. Just a random assortment of fighters that you didn't particularly know, but Valentia was apparently on first name terms with most of them, so you assumed they were trustworthy enough.

And even farther ahead, you could see the barest traces of Atalanta as she scouted ahead for your detachment, her keen senses proving invaluable for moving through the thick forest.

"Nnnnn, I wonder where all the Elves went." Nino pouts. "It's been like, forever since I blew something up!"

You wag a cautionary finger at Nino. She was still under orders to more carefully regulate her magic output.

"I know, I know!" Nino groans. "But still, this is so boooooooooooring!"

"Trust me, squirt, you'll grow to appreciate this someday." Naru shakes her head.

"Hey! Hey! We're still falling behind!" Nino warns.

"Gee, I wonder why." Naru sighs as she grabs Nino by the collar and tugs her along. "Pick up the pace, squirt."

Romulus merely pants as he loyally follows along.

>Go catch up with Valentia.
>You'd rather prefer staking up the rear anyways.
>Other

>>2814332
>>Go catch up with Valentia.

>>2814332
>>Go catch up with Valentia.

>>2814332
>You'd rather prefer staking up the rear anyways.

>>2814332
>>You'd rather prefer staking up the rear anyways.

File: 42715587.jpg (1.61 MB, 1300x1790)

1.61 MB JPG

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2814332
Looks like we've got a tie, so we'll have to roll it off!

1. Rear
2. Front

File: 2578448-emperor_s_champion.jpg (359 KB, 1600x1546)

359 KB JPG

Rolled 14, 3, 14 = 31 (3d20)

>>2814410
You decide to hang back a bit, taking up the rear in case any opponents decided to attack from that direction. You were in the midst of the Elves' preferred battlefield, after all, and flanking attacks and ambushes were very common for their soldiers and skirmishers.

You keep your eyes focused on the brush and trees and Nino and Naru move on ahead. Romulus stays behind to provide company and assistance to you, if needed.

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2814413

Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2814413
Dice!

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2814413

File: Paladin 8.png (772 KB, 600x720)

772 KB PNG

Rolled 16, 18, 17 = 51 (3d20)

>>2814413
...

File: Paladin 6.png (1.58 MB, 1527x2721)

1.58 MB PNG

>>2814432
Suddenly, you hear rustling in the leaves and up above, you see a pair of Elven skirmishers dropping down on the trees toward you, already pressing their attack as their twin daggers glinted in the light.

You brace yourself for impact, but right that moment, you see a golden disc swooping through, knocking both Elves aside and spoiling their attack. You track the golden disc as it reverses direction and returns to Valentia's arm.

You had to admit, that was a pretty nice shield throw. The Paladins certainly had their own share of little tricks.

"Everyone watch out!" Valentia yells. "Ambush!"

Immediately, the other adventurers bunch together in a defensive circle. A wise tactic when dealing with an enemy whose exact position was unknown.

Thankfully, it seemed the more vulnerable members of the detachment were in the center of the circle, including Naru and Nino. They weren't in immediate danger.

The trees around you began to shuffle and shake even more. Looks like this ambushing force had more than just simple skirmishers.

>Link up with the rest of the party and fight in the line.
>Stay outside and disrupt the Elven advance, taking some pressure off the others.
>Other

>>2814461
>>Stay outside and disrupt the Elven advance, taking some pressure off the others.

>>2814461
>>Stay outside and disrupt the Elven advance, taking some pressure off the others.

>>2814461
>Link up with the rest of the party and fight in the line.

>>2814461
>Stay outside and disrupt the Elven advance, taking some pressure off the others.

>>2814461
>Link up with the rest of the party and fight in the line.

>>2814461
>>Link up with the rest of the party and fight in the line.

>>2814461
>>>Stay outside and disrupt the Elven advance, taking some pressure off the others.

File: 42697684.jpg (1.51 MB, 1800x1272)

1.51 MB JPG

>>2814461
You wave at Naru and Nino to stay put as you ready your halberd and turn towards the sounds of movement.

"What's he doing? Standing out there is suicide!" You hear one of the adventurers yell.

"Quiet, kid, that's the Ashwalker himself out there!" Another one informs him. "I'm pretty sure he can take care of himself."

And that's when you see the first wave of attackers. Smaller treants, mere saplings. Of course they'd send in their disposable fodder first to soften up the defenses. Just behind the wall of living and snapping wood, you could see the actual Elves forming an archer line, ready to rain arrows down from range without worry of hitting their own.

>Hold the treants back and hope Nino and the other ranged adventurers can handle the archers.
>Break through the treants and get yourself inside the archer line.
>Other

>>2814536
>>Break through the treants and get yourself inside the archer line.

>>2814536
>>Break through the treants and get yourself inside the archer line.

>>2814536
>>Hold the treants back and hope Nino and the other ranged adventurers can handle the archers.

>>2814536
>Hold the treants back and hope Nino and the other ranged adventurers can handle the archers.

>>2814536
>>Hold the treants back and hope Nino and the other ranged adventurers can handle the archers.

>>2814536
>Break through the treants and get yourself inside the archer line.

File: Emperor's Champion 3.jpg (517 KB, 2880x1800)

517 KB JPG

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2814536
Looks like we've got another tie so we'll have to roll it off again!

1. Treants
2. Archers

File: Treant.jpg (197 KB, 1600x1136)

197 KB JPG

Rolled 13, 18, 9, 19, 7, 16 = 82 (6d20)

>>2814608
You charge the living trees, your halberd ready to swing and smash their line apart. You would just have the trust the others behind you could handle the archers and avoid taking too much damage...

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2814626
Come on.

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2814626
Here comes the snow!

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2814626

Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2814626

File: Atalanta 2.jpg (1002 KB, 908x1288)

1002 KB JPG

Rolled 8, 19, 15 = 42 (3d20)

>>2814626
...

File: Emperor's_Champion.jpg (76 KB, 702x932)

76 KB JPG

>>2814661
The treants shift direction to focus all of their attention at you, and your vision is drowned by mess of branches and leaves clawing and scraping at your smoldering armor.

You make a good effort of it, swinging your halberd around and smashing several treat faces in, sending wood chips and splinters flying all over the place, but you're quickly overwhelmed by the vicious living trees. The Elven archers in the rear prepare to fire their arrows, aiming everything solely at you-

And that's when Atalanta leaps into the fray, firing arrows from the treetops. The pause as they try to process the new threat, while the Elven archers instinctively aim their bows upwards to track the demihuman ranger.

"I thought you were a better fighter than that!" Atalanta calls out as she leaps away from the responding hail of arrows. "Are you just going to let a few trees kill you?"

Of course not. You regain your bearings and shove the treants away, giving you much needed space. There were still about a half dozen of the damned thing standing between you and the archers.

And you hadn't even seen the second wave yet.

>Tell Naru to put up a protective ward of you.
>Tell Nino to help clear a path for you.
>Other

>>2814681
>>Tell Nino to help clear a path for you.

She's been holding this one in for god knows how long.

>>2814681
>Tell Naru to put up a protective ward of you.
Buff us up.

>>2814681
>>Tell Naru to put up a protective ward of you.

>>2814681
>>Tell Naru to put up a protective ward of you.

>>2814681
>Tell Naru to put up a protective ward of you.

File: Naru.png (85 KB, 613x704)

85 KB PNG

Rolled 11, 1, 20 = 32 (3d20)

>>2814681
You take the moment to turn back and wave at Naru, signalling her to cast one of Sol's blessings on you.

"Got it One blessing coming right up!" Naru yells as she closes her eyes and mutters a prayer.

A shaft of golden light then engulfs you for a brief second, giving you an otherworldly glow. A tingling warmth spreads across your body, further strengthening you.

The treants hastily begin regrouping for the next attack on you. Meanwhile, the archers were too distracting trying to take Atalanta down, their arrows shooting up into the trees while the adventurers pelted them with whatever they could shoot or throw.

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2814739

Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2814739

Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2814739
Defense.

File: Dragon knight.jpg (1.97 MB, 2400x1137)

1.97 MB JPG

>>2814739
You don't even feel the treants' attacks as their branch arms uselessly flail and bounce off of your freshly blessed armor, Sol's light acting as a protective barrier against their attacks. You respond by plowing straight through the treants, using your might halberd's blade to sweep them aside and cut them to pieces.

Meanwhile, the Elven archer line was starting to falter. With their frontline treants down, there was nothing to stop you or the rest of the detachment from charging straight into them. However, they stand their ground and continue to fire arrows at both you and Atalanta now. That could only mean one thing.

The second wave was arriving.

>Have everyone charge and wipe out the archers.
>Hold the others back in reserve until you know what's coming.
>Other

>>2814761
>Have everyone charge and wipe out the archers.

>>2814761
>>Have everyone charge and wipe out the archers.

>>2814761
>Have everyone charge and wipe out the archers.

>>2814761
>Hold the others back in reserve until you know what's coming.

File: 51070151_p0.jpg (1.4 MB, 1500x985)

1.4 MB JPG

>>2814761
"All right everyone! Now's our chance"! Valentia yells, holding her sword high in the air. "CHARGE!"

With that, the gathered adventurers give an impromptu war cry and follow the young Paladin's lead, charging through the forest. Their formation was sloppy, and discipline practically nonexistent, but the move causes the necessary amount of shock that the Elven archer line simply crumbles and evaporates. Those that manage to escape the charging adventurers and ruthlessly shot in the back by Atalanta, still high up in the trees.

However, the familiar and foreboding sound of Elven war horns blare through the air in an otherworldly whine.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2814843

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2814843
Time to dive into the fireworks.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2814843
Heaven or Hell

File: 41536190.jpg (192 KB, 637x970)

192 KB JPG

>>2814850
And that's when you see them. Mighty stags bounding through the forest with Elven riders on their backs, covered in enchanted wooden armor and leaves. They moved with a speed and grace that would be impossible for any other cavalry force, being able to maneuver in this dense forest as if it were open ground.

Unfortunately, it looked as if they were waiting for your detachment to break formation to charge, so they could catch you all in a brutal countercharge. You could immediately pick out the leader, a mounted Forest Warden who seemed to have almost completely fused with his mount. With him were a dozen of the feared Elven Stag riders, bounding at full speed.

>Try to take out the leader in glorious single combat.
>Regroup with the others to defend against the charge.
>Other

>>2814866
>Regroup with the others to defend against the charge.

>>2814866
>>Regroup with the others to defend against the charge.

>>2814866
>Regroup with the others to defend against the charge.

>>2814866
>Regroup with the others to defend against the charge.

>>2814866
>>Regroup with the others to defend against the charge.
Okay, this is getting a bit out of hand for us.

File: 1521608322084.jpg (94 KB, 849x1200)

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>>2814866
You quickly fall back and take position next to Valentia.

"Shit, they really brought out the big boys, huh?" Valentia grunts, her grip on her shield tightening. "We're not set up to break a cavalry charge,so this is going to get messy."

"I can help!" Nino says. "Just tell me what to do!"

You pause. Would Nino be able to keep herself in control in that case?

>Take out the leader. That will shatter their morale.
>Lay down a spell to halt their momentum.
>Tell Nino to stay back.
>Other

>>2814919
>Lay down a spell to halt their momentum.

>>2814919
>Take out the leader. That will shatter their morale.

>>2814919
>Lay down a spell to halt their momentum.

>>2814919
>>Lay down a spell to halt their momentum.

>>2814919
>>Lay down a spell to halt their momentum.

File: Nino 6.png (432 KB, 600x600)

432 KB PNG

>>2814919
You point forwards and towards the ground. You wanted her to do something to halt the charge. Without momentum, the cavalry would be sitting ducks.

"Roger roger!" Nino nods as she holds her arms up to charge her spell.

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2814964
Can the crits keep coming?

Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2814964

File: Angry Nino.png (8 KB, 287x312)

8 KB PNG

Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2814964

File: Nino 2.png (1.28 MB, 1684x1920)

1.28 MB PNG

>>2814964
You feel a chill in the air as the temperature around Nino drops precipitously, cold blue winds swirling around her.

"Ice wall!" Nino yells as she sweeps her arms out horizontally.

Immediately, the ground in front of your formation is suddenly coated in a thick layer of ice. The transition comes so quickly, that you see three of the stag riders get completely stuck in the ice. Several others slip and slide while the rest break off.

"Nice one, squirt!" Naru pats Nino on the head.

With the momentum back on your side, moral was starting to rise.

"Come on, lets' get these damn knife ears and get paid!" You hear one of the adventurers yell.

However, you briefly lose sight of Valentia, only reacquiring her when you catch sight of a living beacon of golden light.

She was making a beeline straight for the Warden rider.

You suppose she had a bit more of her father in her than she liked to admit.

>Trust Valentia can handle herself.
>You need to go assist her.
>Other

>>2814985
>You need to go assist her.

>>2814985
>You need to go assist her.

File: 1522255633937.jpg (147 KB, 600x1382)

147 KB JPG

>>2814985
>>You need to go assist her.

And I thought the Templars were the gung ho type

>>2814985
>Trust Valentia can handle herself.

>>2814985
>>You need to go assist her.

>>2814985
>Trust Valentia can handle herself.
Let Valentia have her glorious single combat.

File: Paladin 5.jpg (114 KB, 850x632)

114 KB JPG

>>2814985
You immediately chase after Valentia. You weren't sure if she'd be able to take on something like a Forest Warden on her own, much less a mounted one. As you close in, The Warden produces a long, wooden lance from its arms as its stag mount wheels around to meet Valentia head on.

>Let Valentia draw the Warden's attention while you attack.
>Draw the Warden's attention to you.
>Other

>>2815011
>Draw the Warden's attention to you.

>>2815011
>Let Valentia draw the Warden's attention while you attack.
She's got the shield.

>>2815011
>>Draw the Warden's attention to you.

>>2815011
>Draw the Warden's attention to you.
Make obscene gestures at them.

>>2815011
>>Draw the Warden's attention to you.

File: 1501150288110.jpg (4.18 MB, 1700x1400)

4.18 MB JPG

Rolled 16, 6, 1 = 23 (3d20)

>>2815011
You immediately outpace Valentia and step ahead of her, raising your halberd high to draw the Warden's attention.

And it works, as it immediately turns and jabs its lance directly at you.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2815028

Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2815028

Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2815028

File: 1502321703064.jpg (68 KB, 221x383)

68 KB JPG

>>2815028
The Warden makes a stab at you with its lance, but you easily bat it aside and continue to charge, slamming your halberd's spear point right into the side of the Warden's mount. The stag shrieks as the highly toxic venom from the arjatar fang starts to pump through its veins.

The Warden immediately realizes what's happening and you can already feel the stag attempting to pull away while the Warden readies its next attack. You can't let its mount get away, but you were also a sitting target right now, too.

>Keep up the pressure.
>You need to back off.
>Other

>>2815047
>>Keep up the pressure.

>>2815047
>>Keep up the pressure.

>>2815047
>Keep up the pressure.

File: 1522113647410.png (553 KB, 744x1080)

553 KB PNG

Rolled 6, 4, 16 = 26 (3d20)

>>2815047
You decide keep up the pressure, moving in unison with the stag to keep your envenomed halberd stuck in its side, pumping more toxins into its body. The Warden readies its lance for another stab as Valentia finally catches up to aim her own attack in.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2815062

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2815062
Come on

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2815062

File: Paladin 7.jpg (221 KB, 624x700)

221 KB JPG

Rolled 2, 20, 18 = 40 (3d20)

>>2815062
...

File: Paladin 10.jpg (130 KB, 807x1200)

130 KB JPG

>>2815072
The Warden thrusts with its wooden spear, striking you right in the center of your breastplate. You feel the impact transfer through your armor and despite your best efforts, you're thrown off your feet and sent tumbling to the ground.

Now with the advantage, the Warden prepares for the followup thrust to finish you off, but it made a critical mistake.

It forgot about Valentia.

The Paladin comes swooping in, her sword glowing with golden, incandescent light as it chops down, cleanly slicing the Warden's arm off. The scent of burnt wood immediately fills the air as the Warden silently recoils and retreats.

"Are you okay?" Valentia asks, taking a moment to turn her gaze to you.

>Thanks for the assist.
>Don't waste your time with me! After him!
>Other

>>2815074
>Don't waste your time with me! After him!

>>2815074
>Don't waste your time with me! After him!

Last thing we need is another enemy with a grudge.

>>2815074
>>Don't waste your time with me! After him!

>>2815074
>>Don't waste your time with me! After him!

>>2815074
Thanks.

>>2815074
>Don't waste your time with me! After him!
GET THAT MOTHA!

File: Paladin 3.jpg (251 KB, 719x950)

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>>2815074
You furiously point to the retreating Warden. She shouldn't be dallying around when the enemy shows her their back!

"O-oh! Right!" Valentia nods as she chases after the fleeing Warden.

At that moment, Atalanta drops down next to you, apparently have exhausted all of her arrows. The cat demihuman helps pull you up to your feet.

"Looks like we broke their ambush." Atalanta explains to you. "Their cavalry's scattering, but we've taken some casualties on our side, too.

"Come on! We can catch them!" Nino yells as she slings a fireball at a fleeing Elf.

"Hold on there, squirt, I still got wounded to look after!" Naru snaps as she heals an arrow wound on one of the adventurers. "Hold your horses."

"Aaaaawwwww..." Nino whines.

>Chase down the the other Elves.
>You need to follow Valentia.
>Stay put and regroup.
>Other

>>2815096
>>You need to follow Valentia.

>>2815096
>You need to follow Valentia.

>>2815096
>You need to follow Valentia.
That Warden is too big to be tackled alone.

File: Nino 12.jpg (71 KB, 882x745)

71 KB JPG

Rolled 15, 1, 18 = 34 (3d20)

>>2815096
You point to Nino and motion for her to follow you. Wardens were tough enemies, and her magic may be needed to help put it down once and for all.

"Yes! Okay!" Nino nods as dashes after you.

You could only hope that your faith in Valentia wasn't misplaced.

>Roll 1d20

File: Paladin 2.jpg (253 KB, 850x1162)

253 KB JPG

Rolled 17, 1, 19 = 37 (3d20)

>>2815104
...

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2815104

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2815104
WEW

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2815104
>>2815109
Oh shit.

File: Nino 13.jpg (178 KB, 1000x1000)

178 KB JPG

Rolled 19, 15, 20 = 54 (3d20)

>>2815108
...

>>2815111
Derpage for all it seems.

File: Nino 5.jpg (464 KB, 977x1499)

464 KB JPG

>>2815112
You and Nino dash after Valentia and the Warden, where you're quick to see that both sides were at something of a stalemate. Even with one arm and a dying mount, the Warden seemed to be holding its own against Valentia, using a newly formed lance to keep her at bay.

Valentia meanwhile was fairly safe behind her shield, but couldn't find an opening to advance.

And that's when a fireball comes zooming in and incinerates the Warden in one fell swoop. Turning it into a pile of ash.

Both you and Valentia turn to Nino, who just smiled happily.

"I got him!" She giggled.

"Why do we even try?" Valentia sighs in exasperation.

You just simply shrug.

Well, least you had plenty of bodies and evidence to take back to the Monastery to examine. It was only a matter of time until their hideout was found.

You wonder how Morgan was doing though...

>And that's it for tonight! Come back tomorrow for the next part! See you then!

>>2815118
Thanks for running Merc!

>>2815118
>literally everyone but nino gets 1
>nino gets a 20
that was pretty hilarious desu

>>2815118
Best squirt is pretty awesome.
Cheers Merc!

>>2815118
Thanks for the run, Merc!

I do wonder if Morgan knows Templar's real name that she whispers into his ear when they snuggle.

>>2815126
Personally, I think it's oddly fitting for the two of them not knowing each other's real names until the end.

File: Morgan ranger 2.png (82 KB, 619x710)

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>>2815118
You are MORGAN, a half-wolf demihuman ranger!

And currently, you were on a rather important mission. However, it wasn't to any remote part of the Frontier or some unexplored territory. But rather, some place that you were arguable far less comfortable in than any "backwater".

You were well inside the center kingdoms. The "civilized territories".

This was all to further investigate into the activities of a certain Baron Hotzendorf, who you suspected was plotting against Lucina and her Frontier kingdom for his own ends. You had Niko accompanying you, while the Templar, Nino, and Naru stayed to behind to continue directly helping Lucina.

Right now, you were in a specially built hide position on a hill overlooking Hotzendorf's estate. It wasn't exactly a castle. There was no need for one in this rather peaceful area. Rather, it was something the people called a "manor". Essentially just a really, REALLY big house that was to be more "livable" than a castle.

Then again, after staying at the Monastery for so long you guess you couldn't really blame them, even if you yourself preferred nothing more than a bare patch of grass and some shade.

And maybe also-

"Hey. Morgan. Morgaaaaaaaaaan." Niko grins while she poked you in the cheek. Sol, she could be so annoying sometimes.

"What is it, Niko." You sigh, trying to keep your focus on the guard rotations .

"You got that look on your face again." Niko gives a smug grin." Still thinking about him?"

You knew exactly who she was referring to.

>Of course not. We're on a mission.
>...yeah.
>Other

>>2817086
>>...yeah.

>>2817086
>Of course not. We're on a mission.

Wonder how we'll get in?

Disguises? Secret passages?

File: 24750C39-C3A9-4F44-80BD-6(...).gif (206 KB, 700x450)

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Hey merc. Could we have permission to give infinite stars a season 2? Same universe, post-Sam (she ain’t dead) , and we live through the eyes of someone dealing with the aftermath of her “peaceful takeover”?

File: Sam 28.jpg (151 KB, 850x1191)

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>>2817136
Haha, that sounds pretty interesting, but it won't be happening for quite while! Still got other things in the pipeline!

>>2817086
>Of course not. We're on a mission.

>>2817086
>...yeah.

>>2817086
>>...yeah

Templar's gorgeous.....EVERYTHING! He could pass as a nobleman (or noblewoman) if he wanted to!

>>2817086
>other
>I’m thinking about the mission. Do you even understand how EVERYONE’S fate hinges on what we do here?

>>2817086
>...yeah.
>Stupid sexy Templar

>>2817128
>Disguises

Obviously dress up as MEIDO or aristocrats. Niko should know something about disguises.

>>2817086
>Of course not. We're on a mission.

File: Morgan ranger 6.png (1.84 MB, 2480x3507)

1.84 MB PNG

>>2817086
"Yeah, I do miss him." You pout, not liking to admit this sort of thing.

"Heh! Don't treat that as bad!" Niko pats you on the shoulder. "The sooner we get this done the sooner we can get outta here and back to him!"

"Yeah, you're right." You nod as you return your attention to the manor grounds.

Even though Hotzendorf's residence wasn't a full blown castle and traded a lot of defense for comfort, that didn't mean there weren't security measures in place. The borders of his land were marked by a long, uninterrupted stone wall at about chest height, that was regularly patrolled by guards. Not exactly difficult to scale, but it was certainly still an obstacle and would provide the guards with ample cover if you were forced into a shootout with them. Hell, you wouldn't be surprised if there were magical wards placed on the wall, too. Hotzendorf was definitely wealthy enough to keep a mage or two at his side.

Further inside, there were the various support buildings. Stables, servant housing, farmland, and all the other infrastructure necessary to keep everything for the Baron comfortable. He was practically running his own personal village.

And finally, there was the manor itself. A large, regal building that dominating the surrounding landscape atop a small hill. The building was sprawling, with guards on permanent posts at all of the entrances. It would definitely be a hard nut to crack.

"Sheesh, this guy doesn't skimp on the security." Niko frowns. "You sure you don't want to wait for the party?"

"That's not for another two days." You sigh. "Who knows what will happen then?"

You and Niko had come up with two broad plans of action so far. You knew that the Baron would have some sort of secret path in and out of his manor. Everybody did. You just had to find it and hopefully sneak in that way. You wanted to go in tonight, where the guard would be at the weakest due to fatigue.You could nab the Baron and he'd be at your mercy to yank the truth out of.

Niko, however, caught wind that the Baron was hosting a big dinner party in two days. That would mean a lot of confusion among the guards as large numbers of strangers would be on the estate. It would be possible to slip in while everybody was distracted. However, the party meant the guards would guaranteed be on a high state of alert, even if they would be spread thin.

>Stick with your plan. Infiltrate in the middle of the night.
>Go with Niko's plans. Wait for the party.
>Other

>>2817354
>Stick with your plan. Infiltrate in the middle of the night.

Time to Awoo

>>2817354
>Go with Niko's plans. Wait for the party.

If worse comes, a honey trap could come in handy.

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>>2817354
>Stick with your plan. Infiltrate in the middle of the night.

>>2817136
>>2817159
I can't imagine infinite stars without Sam!

>>2817354
>Stick with your plan. Infiltrate in the middle of the night.

>>2817354
>>Go with Niko's plans. Wait for the party.

If we do go with either plan, I wonder if there are any local wolf packs around to negotiate with.

>>2817354
>>Go with Niko's plans. Wait for the party.

>>2817354
>Stick with your plan. Infiltrate in the middle of the night.

>>2817385
She’ll be there alright. She’ll always be there... but some people wish she wasn’t.

And we have the to achieve/prevent that! Dun Duh duuuuh

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>>2817354
"No, the party puts in too many variables." You shake your head. "Too many things that can go wrong."

"Bah, you just don't wanna mix in with all the people?" Niko rolls her eyes and then gives you a taunting grin. "Or maybe ya don't wanna go to a party without the Templar?"

Your hand chop is swift and merciless, smacking Niko directly on the forehead.

"Owowowowow! Hey!" Niko whines.

"Focus, Niko. We're on the clock here." You mutter, trying to change the subject as quickly as possible. "We go in tonight and try to find that secret passage in."

"You know, we can always just disguise ourselves as the help." Niko suggests ."If we play our cards right, we can just waltz right in!"

Well she wasn't exactly wrong...

>Look for a way to infiltrate the manor.
>Try to find a disguise to sneak in.
>Other

>>2817514
>Look for a way to infiltrate the manor.

>>2817514
>>Look for a way to infiltrate the manor.

>>2817514
>>Look for a way to infiltrate the manor.

>>2817514
>Look for a way to infiltrate the manor.
Two smallish girls running around in uniforms big enough for man doesn’t sound like a good disguise.

Look for a nearby waterway or dense patch of trees for the plausible escape route

>>2817514
>>Try to find a disguise to sneak in.

>>2817514
>Try to find a disguise to sneak in.

>>2817514
>>Try to find a disguise to sneak in.

File: Morgan maid 2.png (1.5 MB, 1036x1450)

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>>2817514
"There's guarantee that our disguises would work." You point out. "And the servants would all know each other, so it would be tough moving among them."

"Fine, fine." Niko sighs.

"And you probably were just looking for an excuse to get me into a maid outfit." You glower.

"Hey, a girl can dream right?" Niko laughs.

You just roll you eyes and continue your surveillance of the grounds.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2817650

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2817650

At least the Baron isn't into Bikini Armor/Bikini Maid outfits.

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2817650

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2817650

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>>2817650
You scan the estate carefully, and immediately pick out several promising infiltration points.

At the edge of the property, you could see what was obviously a sewer culvert meant to discharge stormwater into a nearby creek. At the very least, if you could probably pry the cover off and get into the manor through that method. Messy but reliable.

You also noticed what seemed to be an innocuous looking little cabin at the far end of the state, on the opposite side from the village. At first you had assumed it was some hunting lodge or groundskeeper cabin, but it didin't line up. There wasn't anything particularly useful out at that end, which was mostly just empty field. A lot of guards around there, too.

And finally, there was what appeared to be a spot at the foot of the hill the manor stood atop on that was covered in an inordinate amount of brush. Had it all been placed there to conceal something...?

>Check the culvert.
>Check the cabin.
>Check the brush.
>Split up with Niko to sweep them all at once.
>Other

>>2817736
>>Check the cabin.

>>2817736
>>Check the brush.

>>2817736
>>Check the brush.

>>2817736
>Check the culvert.

>>2817736
>Other
Check out the bushes while Niko prepares a trap (if possible) by the sewer

>>2817736
Split up and check all of them.

>>2817736
>>Check the cabin.

>>2817736
>Check the cabin.

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>>2817736
"See those bushes at the foot of the hill?" You whisper to Niko. "I think that's where they're hiding their little bolt hole."

"Yeah, looks like it." Niko nods. "So how are we gonna get there?"

"Well, there's two options I see so far." You nod to the fields and to the village. "The fields aren't populated at all besides the occasional patrol, but there won't be a lot of cover if we're spotted. The village has a lot more cover, but more eyes that could potential spot us."

"Or..." Niko points towards the single road leading into the estate. "We can use those!"

You turn to see a staggered line of wagons making their way down the road. Carrying supplies for the upcoming party, no doubt. That was certainly a plausible way of getting in too...

>Sneak in through the field.
>Sneak in through the village.
>Sneak in via wagon.
>Other

>>2817894
>Sneak in through the field.

>>2817894
>Sneak in through the field.

>>2817894
>Sneak in through the village.

Let's hope Morgan gets a cool nickname like Templar.

>>2817894
>Sneak in via wagon.

>>2817894
Sneak in via wagon.

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>>2817894
Looks like we've got a mix of votes so we'll have to do a runoff!

>Field
>Wagon

>>2817985
>>Wagon

>>2817985
>>Field

>>2817985
>Field

>>2817985
>Field

>>2817985
Field.

>>2817985
>Wagon

>>2817985
>Field

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Rolled 8, 10 = 18 (2d20)

>>2817985
"We're going in through the field." You conclude. "Better get some rest, Niko. It's going to be a long night."

"You're telling me!" Niko sighs as she rolls over into a more comfortable position."See you in a few hours, then."

"Yeah." You nod.

You spend the next few hours observing the estate, memorizing patrol patterns and timings as well as shift changes. No matter how many guards you had, there would always be a critical opening. Humans had to eat and sleep eventually, after all.

Meanwhile, Sol began to sink lower and lower in the sky, until He was gone completely and Luna's foreboding light illuminated the land. Torches were lit up one by one, and the manor and village became a cluster of lights.

Finally, it was time to move. You nudge Niko to wake her up.

"Nnnnn, time to go already?" Niko yawns.

"Yeah." You stand up and pick up your bow before throwing your hood up. "Remember, quick and quiet."

"Who do you think you're talking to?" Niko grains as she flashes her knives. "You take the lead!"

Getting up to the perimeter wall was simple. The combination of the darkness and the tall grass made you difficult to see, and you made sure to choose a remote section of the wall where the patrols were extremely spaced out, giving plenty of gaps to slip through.

"That's a lot of open ground." Niko frowns when she peeks over the wall. "You sure they won't see us?"

"Not if we're fast enough." You shrug. "Is that a problem?"

"No no, let's do it then." Niko sighs.

"All right, follow my lead." You say as you grip the top of the wall and prepare to vault over.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2818088

Time to see if rumours of a white wolf will pop up.

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2818088

Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2818088
>>2818093
If that's the case, then her story should try to outdo Templar's Ashwalker storyl.

File: Niko 2.png (77 KB, 195x611)

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Rolled 5, 12, 19 = 36 (3d20)

>>2818088
...

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>>2818131
You and Niko make the dash across the field effortlessly, your painstaking study of the patrol paths paying off as you exploit the rather large gap between patrols. Both you and Niko take a quick break in a patch of tall grass to catch your breath as the next patrol passes by, close enough you can hear the clanking of armor.

All right, that was the first step done. You nod to Niko and the two of you sneak over to the knot of bushes. Sure enough, as you sweep some of the branches and leaves aside, you find a trap door. Well, more like repurposed cellar door.

Though, rather expected, the door was locked, held shut by a large and thick mechanism with a keyhole..

"Ew, that's a pretty nasty brand of lock." Niko frowns. "I can try and pick it, but..."

"How long?" You ask simply.

"No idea, these are the types of locks you pay out the nose for exactly because they're hard to pick!" Niko groans. "Damn Dwarven engineering. It'll take a while."

A "while" wasn't going to cut it. More patrols would be passing and the more time passed, the more likely you'd be found out.

>Have Niko try and pick the lock.
>Break the damn lock.
>If there's a key, you just have to find it...
>Other

>>2818183
Break the lock.

>>2818183
>>If there's a key, you just have to find it...

Since we're near a field could we pretend to be a wolf as a distraction while Niko pockets a guard's keys?

>>2818183
>Break the damn lock.

Hopefully we can do this without making too much noise.

>>2818183
>Break the damn lock.

>>2818183
>>Break the damn lock.

>>2818183
>Have Niko try and pick the lock.

File: Morgan ranger 7.png (730 KB, 626x1000)

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Rolled 4, 16 = 20 (2d20)

>>2818183
"We don't have time for that. Stand back." You grunt as you step forward, getting a good grip on the door handles.

"You're not think of-" Niko gulps.

"Just keep an eye out. This might be noisy." You instruct her.

"Y-yeah. Okay." Niko nods.

You take a deep breath and remember what you saw of Atalanta and Janice. What they were capable of with their demihuman strength. You were like them, you just... didn't haven't really processed you're actually stronger than the average person now.

And with that, you pull with all your might.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2818253

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2818253

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2818253
Trips?

>>2818260
>>2818261
>18

Is it time for Morgan to compete with Templar in a wrestling match?

>>2818281
They already do that.

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>>2818265
It's okay. You only had a 5% chance. Sol forgives you.

>>2818281
But she already does that regularly.

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>>2818253
It takes a bit of an effort, but on the second tug, the locks snaps in half and the cellar doors are flung open.

"Whoa! You did it!" Niko gasps.

"I... I did it!" You blink, still surprised at your own strength.

"Hey did ya hear something?"

Both you and Niko freeze. It looks like the guards had heard the lock breaking.

"Niko-"

"Two of them." Niko hisses, peering out of the bushes. "One's got a spear and the other's got a sword and buckler."

Damn, this wasn't good. If they found out the lock was broken, they'd definitely be alerted. You'd either have to draw them away or just take them out.

Then again, you could gamble and flee through the passage and close the doors behind you. It was dark. Maybe they wouldn't even notice the lock was broken.

>Hide in the passage.
>You need to draw them away.
>You need to take them out.
>Other

>>2818298
>You need to take them out.

>>2818298
>You need to draw them away.

>>2818298
>Hide in the passage.

>>2818298
>>You need to draw them away.

Awooo~ intensifies

>>2818298
>Hide in the passage.
May luck guide us.
>>2818293 Still sad i didnt get triples.

>>2818298
>You need to draw them away.

>>2818334
Just pray that howling randomly isn't being translated as an insult towards any local wolves.

>>2818298
>Hide in the passage.

>>2818298
>>Hide in the passage.

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>>2818298
"Hurry! Get in!" You hiss at Niko.

"Right!" Niko doesn't hesitate as she quickly dashes into the cellar door. You quickly follow her in and shut it closed.

Now all you could do was hope.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2818438

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2818438

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2818438

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>>2818438
"H-hey! The lock's broken!" You hear one of the guards outside utter.

"Shit! We have to tell the Captain!" The other one yells.

Damnit, guess hiding didn't work. You look to Niko, whose knives were already glinting in the darkness.

Well, taking out the guards was the most obvious course of action, but could you do it before they got the word out? Maybe you should just rush and grab the Baron before the guards could get organized.

Or maybe there was a way you could turn this. They would have to evacuate the Baron somewhere if his escape path was compromised, right?

>You had to take these guys out, now.
>If you move fast enough, the alarm won't matter.
>Maybe you can use the alert to your advantage...
>Other

>>2818502
>>Maybe you can use the alert to your advantage...

>>2818502
>You had to take these guys out, now.
Morgan is an archer.

>>2818502
>You had to take these guys out, now.

>>2818502
>>You had to take these guys out, now.

>>2818502
>You had to take these guys out, now.

>>2818502
>You had to take these guys out, now.

>>2818525
True, though I wouldn't mind if she had some better melee options just in case.

File: Morgan ranger 4.png (1.23 MB, 1050x1400)

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>>2818502
No time to waste. You couldn't afford to let them raise the alarm.With frightening speed, you kick the cellar doors open and leap out, your bow drawn and ready. In the brief moments you leap out, you can see both guards, frozen in them moment.

Just as Niko said, one was armed with a spear and the other a sword and shield. The sword and shield armed guard would be better defended against your arrows, but the spearman was a big offensive threat due to the reach of his spear.

You'd just have to pick one and hope Niko could handle the other.

>Shoot the swordsman.
>Shoot the spearman.
>Other

>>2818601
>Shoot the spearman.

>>2818601
>Shoot the spearman.

>>2818575
I wouldn't worry about it. There could be some good loot on the premises.

>>2818601
>>Shoot the spearman.

>>2818601
>Shoot the spearman.

>>2818601
>Shoot the spearman.

Thinking more of this situation, isn't this the first time a demi human has been so far in the civilized kingdoms, and would that also mean people would only know of them from word of mouth at best?

I think there's something to exploit here.

File: Morgan 15.jpg (65 KB, 800x1221)

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Rolled 16, 18 = 34 (2d20)

>>2818601
You switch your aim to the spearman, intending to take him out first. Hopefully Niko could take out the swordsman.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2818687

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2818687

Time for snow.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2818687

>>2818702
This doesn't seem to be our day.

File: Niko 7.jpg (104 KB, 850x1204)

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Rolled 10, 17, 5 = 32 (3d20)

>>2818687
...

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>>2818716
You shoot your arrow at the spearman, but the swordsman deftly steps in and shields his fellow, your arrow embedding itself uselessly against his shield.

The spearman then takes the opportunity to pull a bell from his belt, intending to send out the alarm, but Niko quickly switches her target from the swordsman to the bell, tossing a kunai and knocks it out of the spearman's hand.

The bell drops to the ground, buying you a few more precious seconds. It was now or never.

>Try another shot.
>Let your instincts take over.
>Other

>>2818736
>Try another shot.

>>2818736
>Try another shot.

>>2818736
>Try another shot
motto ichigeki!

>>2818736
>>Let your instincts take over.

File: Morgan 56.png (881 KB, 804x1300)

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Rolled 16, 9 = 25 (2d20)

>>2818736
You nock your second arrow and take aim again. You couldn't afford to miss this time.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2818805

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2818805

Rolled 13 + 20 (1d20 + 20)

>>2818805

>>2818805
Last time we had a +20 bonus a Nat 1 just came and took it all.
Glad it wasn't the case this time.

File: Niko.jpg (160 KB, 380x512)

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Rolled 19, 20, 7 = 46 (3d20)

>>2818805
...

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>>2818828
You fire again, but the swordsman has admittedly very quick reflexes, blocking your second shot as well while the spearman makes a dive for the bell.

However, they were both so concentrated on you that they completely forgot about Niko.

You see her make several rapid hand gestures and she disappears from your view. Not only that, she briefly disappears from your ears and nose as well, as if for a split second she was just gone.

She reappears a second later, right between the two guards, their vulnerable backs to her.

"Nothing personal, guys." Niko says coolly before tossing two kunais in opposite directions, both burying themselves in her opponents' backs. Both guards drop like sacks of grain.

"Heheh, wasn't that cool?" Niko boasts as she twirls her knives proudly.

"Yes, yes it was." You admit. "Now help me hide the bodies. We're on the clock now."

"Yeah, yeah." Niko nods as she helps drag the corpses into the bushes.

With that matter settled, you head back into the cellar and now take the time to examine the surroundings. From what it looked like, you had stumbled into some sort of hidden storage room. Books and scrolls littered the area, and in the center looked to be some sort of gathering table for meetings. Secret meetings.

While your original objective was finding the Baron and interrogating him, maybe you could find what you were looking for in here...

>Go capture the Baron.
>Search the room for clues.
>Split up with Niko to do both.
>Other

>>2818848
>Split up with Niko to do both.
NOTHING CAN GO WRONG AT ALL!

>>2818848
>Search the room for clues.

>>2818848
Search the room.
Got distracted for a bit and added a extra 0 on. Whoops.

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>>2818848
You were on the clock now. Trying to search for the Baron now was probably too late at this point. But... there could be something worth finding in this room.

"Search the area for anything we can use." You whisper to Niko. "But stay alert. We don't know what he's keeping down here."

"Gotcha." Niko nods as she heads off for a bookcase.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2818888
Dem Quads