>>2833389
>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

>>2833389
>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

>>2833389
>>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

If we're desperate for help we could always wrangle some assorted monsters and beasts for Templar use. If Templars are good at killing then capturing them shouldn't be that hard.

>>2833389
>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

Here's hoping she isn't still stuck in that spell for the past week.

>>2833389
>>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

>>2833389
>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

>>2833389
>>>Just push your unease aside for now and attend the meeting.

>>2833405

We're all gonna dread when word of what happened spreads. I can see our forces whispering behind her back once the story gets out.

>>2833455
I hope Morgan doesn't kick herself too hard over the infiltration considering she was the one to suggest it in the first place.

Best result is the whole incident being blamed on petty thieves. Worst case is the Baron realizing they're being investigated.

File: Helbrecht.jpg (124 KB, 811x1123)

124 KB JPG

>>2833389
You decide to push your unease aside and go attend the meeting. Naru and Nino weren't present, with the cleric handling laundry duties for the young mage and the assorted acolytes. You were a bit bemused at the idea of some of Ozen's followers taking a liking to Naru. It was certainly make Naru incredibly stressed.

Thankfully, your helmet hides your daydreaming smirk as you enter the meeting room. As expected, Helbrecht, Ozen, and Havel were present along with Lucina and Atalanta, who was representing the demihuman contingent Janice had summoned.

"The biggest issue is how to handle approaching the Elven stronghold." Havel grunts as he points to the map. "They undoubtedly have a heavy ring of defenses."

"We could always burn them out." Ozen smiles. "It worked for our ancestors."

"Unless we can pin them down, they'll simply flee and encamp elsewhere." Helbrecht growls. "Our current formation leaves a massive gap on the Frontier border from which they can escape."

"Ah, well, that could present some issues." Lucina coughs, caught a little off guard by how casually the Black Templars were talking about setting fire to large swathes of forest. "While the land there is unused, it all falls under the jurisdiction and protection of Anteon. Completely encircling them means intruding on their borders."

"No matter." Helbrecht grunts. "They wouldn't dare mobilize against the Black Templars."

"Are you sure about that?" Lucina has a look of worry on her face. "There are kingdoms out there that are looking for excuses to intervene in this conflict against me. I'm not sure how complicit Anteon is, but all they need is a pretext."

"Then we'll gladly welcome them to come out here to try and stop you." Ozen giggles. "Those who would use Elves as tools for their own ends are not better than the knife ears themselves!"

"If you are truly against it, then we will reconsider." Helbrecht rumbles in the best diplomatic tone he can muster.

"How about you?" Lucina looks to you, clearly seeking your guidance. "What do you think?"

>Complete extermination of the Elves takes priority.
>Chasing them out of the Frontier should be enough.
>Perhaps we should think of a different way.
>Other

>>2833556
>>Perhaps we should think of a different way.

>>2833556
>Perhaps we should think of a different way.

>>2833556
>>Perhaps we should think of a different way.

>>2833556
>Complete extermination of the Elves takes priority.

>>2833556
>Perhaps we should think of a different way.

File: Semiramis.png (126 KB, 1144x562)

126 KB PNG

>>2833556
You simply lean back and cross your arms. Perhaps there was a different way to go about this?

"I believe he's suggest we find some sort of alternative option." Havel observes.

"Hmph. It better involve fire." Ozen pouts.

"Well, I'll gladly hear out any suggestion, if they are effective." Helbrecht grunts.

"Well." Atlanta steps forward. "My people are just as at in the trees as the Elves are, maybe even moreso. But... we're at a distinct disadvantage when it come to their magic."

Atlanta points to the projected Elven defensive line on the map.

"If we can get some specialists that can help us get past their magical defenses, I'm confident we can get a small group in to perform a decapitation strike. You say that this Semiramis is leading them, right? Her head on a pike should convince them to give it up."

"Brutal. I like it." Ozen nods with approval.

"We'd have to consult with the Mages, then." Havel says cautiously.

"What about this Nino girl?" Helbrecht asks. "From what I hear she's an enormously powerful mage in her own right."

"Or maybe." Lucina steps forward. "We position a small force on the other side of the border. Small enough that Anteon won't notice. Then we go with Ozen's plan and set fire to the forest. Then this group just lies in hiding and waits for Semiramis to come to them."

"Bold." Helbrecht nods. "Very bold, to stand in the path of the enemy like that. Only our very best could handle a duty like that."

"Other than taking out Semiramis, I don't see any way of ending this without going all out." Atalanta concludes.

>Go with Atalanta's plan and sneak in to take out Semiramis.
>Go with Lucina's plan and ambush Semiramis as she retreats.
>Perhaps you should stick with the original Templar plan.
>Other

>>2833633
>Perhaps you should stick with the original Templar plan.

>>2833633
>>Go with Lucina's plan and ambush Semiramis as she retreats.

>>2833633
>>Go with Lucina's plan and ambush Semiramis as she retreats.
FIRE!

>>2833633
>Go with Atalanta's plan and sneak in to take out Semiramis.

>>2833633
>>Go with Lucina's plan and ambush Semiramis as she retreats.

>>2833633
>Go with Atalanta's plan and sneak in to take out Semiramis.

>>2833633
>>Go with Lucina's plan and ambush Semiramis as she retreats.

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

517 KB JPG

>>2833633
You nod to Lucina. Her plan seemed to have the most merit.

"Hmmm, there is some merit to this plan." Helbrecht nods and turns to you. "Templar, you will be one to lead the ambushing force."

You pause. Did... did he really mean that?

"I must be present and visible on the frontlines, or the Elves may suspect some sort of trap." Helbrecht explains. "That is why I am entrusting this important task to you, unless you think you are not capable?"

You shake your head vigorously. It was a great honor, and one you would carry out gladly.

"Excellent." Helbrecht nods. "But it will be dangerous. I doubt even your party could handle the task alone."

"Just remember, we need to keep the force small enough not to be noticed." Lucina cautions.

>Bring Havel and Ozen. Their might would be a great asset.
>Bring Janice, Artya, and Atalanta. Their forest fighting skills are peerless.
>Bring Valentia and Solana. Their defensive abilities would provide a great bulwark.
>Bring the Twins. You could use a bit more magic.
>Your party can handle this on its own.
>Other

>>2833715
>>Bring Havel and Ozen. Their might would be a great asset.

>>2833715
>Bring Janice, Artya, and Atalanta. Their forest fighting skills are peerless.

File: Black Templar.gif (7.51 MB, 720x404)

7.51 MB GIF

>>2833715
>Bring Havel and Ozen. Their might would be a great asset.

>>2833715
>Bring Janice, Artya, and Atalanta. Their forest fighting skills are peerless.

>>2833715
>>Bring Janice, Artya, and Atalanta. Their forest fighting skills are peerless.

>>2833715
>>Bring Janice, Artya, and Atalanta. Their forest fighting skills are peerless.

>>2833715
>other
>bring the beastkin and Havel
I want to see the Rock in action.

File: Lucina 8.jpg (546 KB, 1200x1200)

546 KB JPG

>>2833715
You nod to Atalanta. Having some demihuman support would be useful, since their ability to move and fight in the forest were absolutely peerless.

"I'll gladly lend my bow to your cause, Ashwalker." Atalanta replies. "I'm sure Janice and Artya would feel the same."

"Then we shall be the ones to corral Semiramis into your direction." Helbrecht says grimly. "You need not even have to actually defeat Semiramis yourself. Simply holding her in place until our main forces can catch up will suffice as well."

You nod at that. Hopefully your party would be able to withstand the Elven Princess' magic. You had heard stories that it was quite fearsome.

"Then the preparations must be made." Helbrecth continues. "Ozen, Havel, rally our brothers. We march at first light."

"Understood, High Marshal." Havel salutes.

"Of course, High Marshal." Ozen nods smugly.

And with that, the gathered leaders begin to disperse. Preparations must be made, after all.

>Now is a good time to search for Morgan.
>See how Lucina is holding up.
>Consult with Nino on how to counter Semiramis' magic.
>Other

>>2833765
>>See how Lucina is holding up.

>>2833765
>Consult with Nino on how to counter Semiramis' magic.

>>2833765
>>Consult with Nino on how to counter Semiramis' magic.

>>2833765
>Consult with Nino on how to counter Semiramis' magic.
She is a high elf right? They all look the same to templars.

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

1.28 MB PNG

>>2833765
You decide to go search for Nino. Since you would be going up against perhaps one of the strongest practitioners of magic in existence, you would like to see if your own resident mage had any sort of ideas or methods to counter or at least mitigate the massive threat Semiramis posed.

However, you had to actually FIND the troublesome little mage.

You look up at the sky, Sol burning directly above you and bathing the land in the midday heat. At around this time, Nino would probably be...

>Burying her nose in books in the library.
>Practicing her magic out in the forest.
>Playing some sort of game with the acolytes.
>Other

>>2833818
>>Playing some sort of game with the acolytes.

>>2833818
>>Playing some sort of game with the acolytes.

>>2833818
>Playing some sort of game with the acolytes.

>>2833818
>Burying her nose in books in the library.

File: Acolytes.png (790 KB, 720x1000)

790 KB PNG

>>2833818
As you walked the Monastery grounds, you caught sight of Nino and some of Ozens acolytes playing what was apparently some sort of game. Not too surprising, since Nino was roughly the same age as most of the acolytes.

As you looked closer, you saw that they were apparently playing...

>Some kind of card game.
>Hide and seek.
>Tag
>Other

>>2833848
>Hide and seek.

>>2833848
>Tag

>>2833848
>>Tag

"Should we start off as the Elf?"

>>2833848
>Some kind of card game.

Even in a fantasy world, TCGs exist.

>>2833848
>>Tag

>>2833868
Card games, sure, but tradable?

>>2833848
>Tag

where's that image from merc?

>>2833880
Okay, maybe not trading card gamea, but perhaps slightly enchanted cards that project magical holograms when played.

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

178 KB JPG

>>2833881
Here's the source!

https://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=19019057

>>2833848
As you came up to the commotion, you noticed that Nino was apparently playing a game of tag with the acolytes, the young girls dashing back and forth as they chased each other. While it seemed like everybody was having fun, Nino was obviously having trouble keeping up. It was pretty clear she was nowhere near as fast or in shape as Ozen's acolytes were, and it showed by just how much trouble she had tagging the other girls whenever she was "it".

"She's It! Run for it!" You hear the acolytes cry.

"I'm gonna get you!" Nino yells in frustration.

>Continue to watch silently.
>Better go see if Nino needs help.
>Other

>>2833926
>Better go see if Nino needs help.

Perhaps we should help her exercise so she'll be better off in the future. Also a possibility for her to be a magic swordsman.

>>2833926
>Continue to watch silently.

>>2833926
>>Continue to watch silently.

>>2833926
>Better go see if Nino needs help.

>>2833926
>Continue to watch silently.

>>2833926
Watch silently.

>>2833926
>Continue to watch silently.
>dead still
>an acolyte hides behind templar

File: Nino 15.png (592 KB, 540x950)

592 KB PNG

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2833926
You decide to hang back for a moment, ostensibly just to see exactly what was going on between Nino and the acolytes. The last thing you needed was to cause a commotion.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2833972

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2833972

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2833972

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2833972

File: Nino.png (859 KB, 1600x1920)

859 KB PNG

>>2833972
You stand back and keep your distance as you continue to observe Nino's little game of tag. You noted that Nino seemed to keep running out of breath before she could catch someone, the acolytes deftly dashing away from her reach just at the last moment.

However, Nino finally manages to tag one of the acolytes and immediately flees as her quarry pursues her.

Straight towards you.

>See what Nino is up to.
>Better get out of the way.
>Looks like it's time to lend Nino a hand.
>Other

>>2834022
>Better get out of the way.

Evasive Actions!

>>2834022
>>See what Nino is up to.

>>2834022
>Better get out of the way.

>>2834022
>See what Nino is up to.

File: Nino 16.jpg (129 KB, 1000x700)

129 KB JPG

Rolled 11, 3, 17 = 31 (3d20)

>>2834022
Damn, Nino probably didn't realize you were there and you quickly scramble to get out of the way before she completely overruns your position.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2834062
EVADE!

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2834062

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2834062

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2834062

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

432 KB PNG

>>2834062
However, you're not quite fast enough, and Nino basically intercepts you before you can get clear. You just stare at Nino for a brief, awkward second before Nino smiles.

And then she pokes your chestplate.

"Tag! You're it!" She cackles as dashes away.

>....what?
>Oh, she messed with the wrong Templar.
>Guess it's time to bully some acolytes.
>Other

looks like Ashwalker's getting covered in mage adepts.

Cue on Morgan walking in on him like that.

>>2834084
>>....what?

>>2834084
...what?

>>2834084
>Guess it's time to bully some acolytes.

>>2834084
>Oh, she messed with the wrong Templar.

>>2834084
>>Guess it's time to bully some acolytes.

File: Acolytes 3.png (855 KB, 720x1000)

855 KB PNG

Rolled 12, 9, 9 = 30 (3d20)

>>2834084
You figured that Nino was basically using you as a proxy to get back at the acolytes for picking on her in tag, knowing that she was the slowest out of all of them. Well, you suppose you could humor her just this once, and you turn your attention to the gathering of acolytes, who were still confused at the situation.

However, as you turn towards them, they quickly realize just what Nino had unleashed.

"RUN!" One of them screams.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2834117

Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2834117

Time for Ashfall

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2834117
Bully!

>>2834123
Ash falls, everyone snuggles

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

529 KB JPG

>>2834117
Chasing down the acolytes proved to be rather easy, as you quickly close the gap between you and you give a light jab of your finger on the closest one, making her "it'.

The acolyte you tagged looks at you briefly, as if considering trying to tag you back, but you give her a warning glare and she quickly changes her mind, pivoting around and head off to chase after her friends.

"Heh, thanks a lot!" Nino smiles as she skips over to you. "Did you see the looks on their faces? It was priceless!"

You nod and pat Nino on the head. You honestly couldn't stay mad at her.

>And that's it for tonight! We'll continue things tomorrow, so be sure not to miss it!

>>2834182
Thanks for running Merc!

>>2834182
See you tomorrow, boss.

>>2834182
Goodnight, Merc!

>>2834182
Thanks for the fun run OP!

Catching up on last thread, and wondering if Morgan tapping into her wild side really all that's cut out to be? While it may be nice to have that as an edge, we've only really seen regular demis in action. IIRC, White Wolves like Morgan were leaning far more on the side of instinct compared to the standard demi humans.

>>2835107

I'm not sure. Though perhaps if her instincts were tempered by reason, she could reach a nice equilibrium. Or maybe Templar and Morgan need to have a chat to reconcile personalities of the human girl he first met, and the wolf girl he knows now lest she devolves into more beast than human?

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

68 KB JPG

>>2834182
And just like that, the day seemed to pass in a flash. It was mostly just you keeping the acolytes away from Nino as they tried to tag her, which was simple enough. However, the process was extremely taxing, especially with the heavy armor you wore.

As such, you were taking a quick break, sitting on a low wall while Nino was taking a nap on your lap. Sol was starting to drop low in the sky, and the other Templars around you were beginning their evening preparations.

Morgan and Niko still hadn't returned, making you worry a bit more every second that passed.

"Um, um, Ashwalker!" One of the acolytes dashes up to you. "Marshal Ozen wants to see you if you have the time!"

You nod silently to the acolyte and she dashes off to her next duty.

What could Ozen possibly want with you now...?

>Go see what Ozen wants.
>Is Morgan okay?
>Other

>>2836510
>Go see what Ozen wants.

>>2836510
>>Go see what Ozen wants.

>>2836510
>>Is Morgan okay?

>>2836510
>Go see what Ozen wants.

>>2836510
>Go see what Ozen wants.

>>2836510
>Go see what Ozen wants.
We can ask about Morgan afterwards.

File: Ozen 3.jpg (58 KB, 600x849)

58 KB JPG

>>2836510
You decide to go see what Ozen wants. You pat Nino gently to rouse her from her slumber so you can get up.

"Nnnnnnn..." Nino mumbles as you stand up and pick her up. "Whrrr we going?"

You just calmly head back into the Monastery, Nino still safely in your arms.

>Better drop her off at the library first.
>Might as well head straight to Ozen.
>Other

>>2836600
>>Better drop her off at the library first.

Time for Nino to learn some advanced class magics.

>>2836600
>Better drop her off at the library first.

>>2836600
>Better drop her off at the library first.

>>2836600
>>Might as well head straight to Ozen.

>>2836600
>>Better drop her off at the library first.

>>2836600
>Better drop her off at the library first.

>>2836600
>Better drop her off at the library first.

File: Ozen 5.png (52 KB, 394x299)

52 KB PNG

>>2836600
You decide to make a quick detour to the library, pushing open the might oaken doors and setting Nino down at one of the tables, now creaking under the weight of all of the books piled on top of it. You make a mental note to remind Nino to put all the books back when she's in more of an energetic state.

You take one last look at Nino, who was already curling up in her chair, before leaving the library and heading to Ozen, who was apparently in the training hall.

And when you reach there, you find her, fully armored and ready for a fight.

That's when your memory struck you. She wanted that sparring match now of all times?

"Hmmm, well, I suppose it's time to get around to that sparring match we promised each other." Ozen smirks as she casually puts her helmet on, and it clicks in place. "After all, it looks like you've gained a rather significant amount of skill of power, and there's no guarantee you'll come back from this next battle alive~."

Ozen's words are just as smug and self-assured as always. She was clearly expecting to win.

>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.
>You'll have to turn it down for the moment.
>Other

>>2836671
>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.

>>2836671
>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.

>>2836671
>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.

File: Autoresolve in a Nutshell.webm (2.87 MB, 1280x720)

2.87 MB WEBM

>>2836671
>>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.


Here's hoping our future battles won't be too bad especially when we're at war.

>>2836671
>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.

Better prepare some antivenom for our weapon.

>>2836671
>>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.

>>2836671
>Now is as good a time as any, you suppose.

File: Ozen armored.jpg (222 KB, 1447x2078)

222 KB JPG

>>2836671
You simply nod in agreement. This friendly duel was long overdue, honestly.

"Then you should get ready." Ozen says as she motions for you to come at her. "I'm a rather impatient woman, you know~."

As expected, Ozen was not armed with any particular weapon, instead relying on her fists as the stories had said. Her monstrous physical strength was her specialty, after all.

>Better get out your halberd.
>It seems more sporting to fight her hand to hand.
>Other

>>2836715
>>Better get out your halberd.

>>2836715
>Better get out your halberd.

Time to see if our armour is tougher than her fists.

>>2836715
>Better get out your halberd.
Can we use the not-as-lethal-halberds from the armory? Because I really don't to accidentally kill her via venom regardless of her own strength.

>>2836715
>Better get out your halberd.

>>2836715
>Better get out your halberd.

>>2836715
>Better get out your halberd.

>>2836715
>Better get out your halberd.

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

4.18 MB JPG

>>2836715
You consider your options carefully. Naturally you'd use your own specialty, the halberd. However, you were a bit concerned that using your normal armament would be a bit unnecessarily dangerous. After all, you had incorporated an Arjatar fang into the blade which could inject an extremely lethal venom.

You look over to the nearby weapon rack, where you could see a number of more "mundane" halberds similar to yours. Those could suffice, but as you handle each one of them, none of seemed to... "feel" right.

All the while you could feel Ozen's casually impatient gaze upon you.

>Go with your regular halberd.
>Pick out a mundane halberd.
>Other

>>2836767
>Pick out a mundane halberd.

>>2836767
>>Go with your regular halberd.

>>2836767
>>Go with your regular halberd.

We should be at our best because we expect her to be fighting at her best.

>>2836767
>Go with your regular halberd.

>>2836767
>Go with your regular halberd.

>>2836767
>Pick out a mundane halberd.

>>2836767
>Go with your regular halberd.

>>2836767
>>Pick out a mundane halberd.

>>2836767
>Pick out a mundane halberd.

File: 1494728728084.png (2.95 MB, 1600x2447)

2.95 MB PNG

>>2836767
You decide to bring out your regular halberd, and Ozen seems to perk up, as if excited now.

"Ah, I was thinking this would have been a dull match!" Ozen chuckles as she seems to unfold into her true height, towering over you like a giant. "Then let us begin!"

>Attack first, you need to seize the initiative.
>Hold back and see what she does.
>Other

>>2836817
>Attack first, you need to seize the initiative.

>>2836817
>>Attack first, you need to seize the initiative.

>>2836817
>Hold back and see what she does.

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

1.51 MB JPG

Rolled 1, 12, 15, 2 = 30 (4d20)

>>2836817
You conclude that Ozen was far too dangerous of an opponent to allow to have the first attack, so you lunge forwards, your halberd set in a stabbing motion.

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2836885

Time to test her mettle

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2836885

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2836885

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2836885
Let's go.

File: Ozen 6.jpg (59 KB, 600x828)

59 KB JPG

>>2836885
As you charge in, Ozen immediately makes a move to swat your halberd aside. Such was the danger of attempting a charging attack, as it was vulnerable to a well timed parry.

Fortunately, that wasn't what you had in mind.

At the last possible second, you halt your own forward momentum and draw your halberd back right as Ozen's palm sweeps past you. You flinch as the sheer force of wind generated by Ozen's casual swipe feel like getting hit by runaway wagon.

However, you maintain your footing and swing your halberd in retaliation, the heavy blunt end slamming right in Ozen's chestplate.

There's a loud CRASH, and Ozen is actually sent stumbling backward. Only a single step to keep her balance, but it was definitely a point in your favor.

"Ohoho, so you learned a few tricks then." Ozen says with amusement. "But I hardly felt it at all~/"

Ozen then begins to advance towards you, slowly but surely. She would definitely be wary of potential feints now, so you needed a new avenue of attack.

>Goad her into committing to an attack.
>Try to sweep her legs to slow her down.
>Go for another direct attack.
>Other

>>2836921
>Try to sweep her legs to slow her down.

>>2836921
>>Goad her into committing to an attack.

>>2836921
>>Try to sweep her legs to slow her down.

>>2836921
>Goad her into committing to an attack.
[Hip Thrusting Intensifies]

>>2836921
>>Try to sweep her legs to slow her down.

>>2836921
Sweep her legs.

>>2836938
And cue Morgan to catch the whole thing.

File: 58399513_p0.png (454 KB, 773x1149)

454 KB PNG

Rolled 7, 2, 8, 14 = 31 (4d20)

>>2836921
Your combat training rapidly kicks in as instinct. You were taught that when fighting larger humanoid opponents, the legs were always the most vulnerable extremities. As your trainer used to say, the bigger they were, the harder they would fall.

You dash forwards, your halberd ready for a low swing...

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2836961

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2836961

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2836961

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2836961

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2836961

File: Black knight.jpg (48 KB, 736x1051)

48 KB JPG

>>2836961
Unfortunately, Ozen stops her momentum almost instantly with inhuman speed, causing you to missing your swing as you halberd swipes at empty air. She actually feinted you back!

And her counterattack is just as swift and brutal, her fist connecting with your chestplate in a heavy uppercut, sending you flying backwards. Your vision explodes with stars as you skid along the stone floor.

"Textbook attack." Ozen says in a taunting tone. "But the thing about textbooks is that you're not the only one to read them~."

She casually paces at a distance as you get back up to your feet. She was toying with you, that much was clear. You needed to find a way to get her off balance and quick.

>A series of light, fast attacks to get her moving and out of her defensive stance.
>Commit to a powerful blow to knock her off her feet.
>Grappling her might nullify her strength advantage.
>Other

>>2837000
>Commit to a powerful blow to knock her off her feet.

>>2837000
>>Grappling her might nullify her strength advantage.

>>2837000
Light fast attacks.

>>2837000
>Commit to a powerful blow to knock her off her feet.

>>2837000
>>A series of light, fast attacks to get her moving and out of her defensive stance.

>>2837000
>Commit to a powerful blow to knock her off her feet.

>>2836817
>Attack first, you need to seize the initiative.

File: Ozen 9.jpg (28 KB, 634x566)

28 KB JPG

Rolled 9, 14, 15, 8 = 46 (4d20)

>>2837000
You conclude that in order to take out Ozen, you needed to meet strength with strength. Hit her with a powerful enough blow to knock her off balance.

You tighten your two handed grip on your halberd and charge forward, intending to swing at full strength.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2837038

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2837038
Natural 20 here.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2837038
Time for snow

File: Beserker.jpg (558 KB, 720x1025)

558 KB JPG

>>2837038
Ozen sees your power attack coming and instinctively tries to block it, crossing her two massive arms over her chest and face to protect them. However, you don't let that stop you, as you swing anyways, your halberd's blunt end slamming into her arms with full force.

You strike with enough impact that Ozen's defensive measures actually backfire on her, her arms getting shoved back into her chestplate and preventing her from being able retaliate or balance herself. Your momentum carries into the swing, further pushing her back.

>Her head is vulnerable. One good hit there can end this.
>She's off balance. Another push you'll send her falling over.
>Other

>>2837050
>>She's off balance. Another push you'll send her falling over.

>>2837050
>>She's off balance. Another push you'll send her falling over.

>>2837050
>Her head is vulnerable. One good hit there can end this.
Do not get into a contest of direct strength with this monster

>>2837050
>Her head is vulnerable. One good hit there can end this.

>>2837050
She's off balance, another push!

>>2837050
>>Her head is vulnerable. One good hit there can end this.

>>2837050
>She's off balance. Another push you'll send her falling over.

File: Ozen 8.jpg (36 KB, 400x500)

36 KB JPG

>>2837050
You follow up with a high power shoulder check, your pauldron slamming into Ozen's center of mass, both of your armors resonating at the contact and shaking you to your very bone.

But that push proves to be just enough, as Ozen teeters backwards and hits the ground with a loud CRASH, cracking the stone tiles beneath her. All that armor and all that weight was now working against her.

This was a critical opening. It was now or never.

>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.
>Grapple her to prevent her from getting back up.
>Other

>>2837092
>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.

>>2837092
>>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.

Perhaps 'end her' by placing our poison fang right at her throat where armour is usually weaker.

>>2837092
>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.

>>2837092
>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.

Let's end this.

>>2837092
>>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.

>>2837092
Grapple her.

>>2837092
>Strike her with your halberd and "finish" her off.

File: Ozen.jpg (26 KB, 312x424)

26 KB JPG

Rolled 11, 9, 17, 5 = 42 (4d20)

>>2837092
This was the perfect time to end this now. You charge forward, your halberd raised, intending to put Ozen into a killing position.

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2837128
Coup de grace

Rolled 17 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2837128

>>2837132
Well fuck.

Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2837128

Rolled 14 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2837128

>>2837132

I don't suppose another blast of dragonfire would be able to enhance our capabilities would it?

>>2837132
Someone is getting couped alright.

File: Ozen 15.jpg (293 KB, 1127x1417)

293 KB JPG

>>2837128
"I suppose it's time to play seriously, then." Ozen chuckles darkly. With inhuman speed, she curls up her legs and rolls backwards and out of your reach, easily getting back up to her feet. Damnit! Was she always this fast?

You can clearly picture Ozen giving another smug smirk as her right hand balls up into a fist and she slams it down into the ground, causing the entire room to shake, shockwaves emanating from the point of impact towards you. Looks like she was trying to copy your tactic of knocking your opponent over, though in her own unique way.

>Stand your ground and weather the tremor.
>Try to time it right and leap over the shockwave.
>Other

>>2837153
>Stand your ground and weather the tremor.

>>2837153
>>Stand your ground and weather the tremor.

>>2837153
Time it an leap over.

>>2837153
>>Stand your ground and weather the tremor.

>>2837147
We'll have to get another enchantment as well as a much more powerful dragon to fight before considering improving our armour.

>>2837153
>>Try to time it right and leap over the shockwave.

File: 63534764_p0.jpg (2.09 MB, 1956x1000)

2.09 MB JPG

>>2837153
You decide to stand your ground. You would weather this storm, just like everything else.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837205

Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837205
This will end well.

Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837205

File: Archadian_Judges.jpg (212 KB, 2000x1065)

212 KB JPG

Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837205

File: 64131964_p0.jpg (429 KB, 700x788)

429 KB JPG

>>2837205
You stand your ground, managing to keep your footing despite Ozen's tremor attack, your posture managing to stay steadfast and strong.

Ozen, on the other hand, was still recovering from her attack, stuck in the middle of the process of withdrawing her hand from the ground. Another opportunity.

>A strong overhead smash. Knock her out with one hit.
>A large, sweeping attack. Disable her arms.
>Other

>>2837214
>>A strong overhead smash. Knock her out with one hit.

>>2837214
>A strong overhead smash. Knock her out with one hit.

>>2837214
>>A strong overhead smash. Knock her out with one hit.

>>2837214
Disable hers arms.

>>2837214
>A large, sweeping attack. Disable her arms.

>>2837214
>>A large, sweeping attack. Disable her arms.

File: 48805694_p0.jpg (1.12 MB, 1200x1700)

1.12 MB JPG

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2837214
Welp, looks like we've got a tie here so we'll have to roll it off!

1. Overhead smash.
2. Sweeping attack

File: 1468040793627.jpg (211 KB, 690x986)

211 KB JPG

Rolled 14, 15 = 29 (2d20)

>>2837239
You prepare a horizontal sweeping strike, aimed at taking out Ozen's arms to prevent her from being able to attack again.

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837240

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837240

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2837240

File: 55241293_p0.jpg (3.38 MB, 1800x2400)

3.38 MB JPG

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2837240
...

File: Ozen bullied.jpg (291 KB, 1139x1142)

291 KB JPG

>>2837254
You swing your halberd, connecting solidly with Ozen's arm and knocking it aside. This leaves Ozen open for a critical moment, her chest plate exposed to a thrusting attack-

"HEEEEEEEEY!" Niko yells. "WE'RE BACK!"

Both you and Ozen paused, genuinely caught off guard at the ninja's sudden appearance.

"Hey! Hey!" Niko quickly shuffles forward and grabs your arm. "Um, Morgan's in kinda a bind and needs some help!"

You look to Niko and then to Ozen, was now getting back up to her feet, shaking her arms a bit as if they were horribly sore now.

"Hmmm, go along, Ashwalker, go see to your party." Ozen chuckles. "We'll say it's your win this time."

>It was an honor sparring with you.
>You're just playing nice again, aren't you?
>Other

>>2837257
You're just playing nice again?

>>2837257
>It was an honor sparring with you.

>>2837257
>It was an honor sparring with you.

>>2837257
>>It was an honor sparring with you.

Oh dear god, she really was stuck like that for a week...

At least Niko will have some stories about taking care of Morgan.

>>2837257
>It was an honor sparring with you.

>>2837257
>It was an honor sparring with you.

File: yojudyQ.png (833 KB, 800x831)

833 KB PNG

>>2837262
Just wait for Niko to tell us how Morgan had to be taken care of like a big puppy, and how she had free reign to touch her wolf ears.

File: Niko Ninja.png (94 KB, 613x707)

94 KB PNG

>>2837257
You give a respectful nod to Ozen. It was truly an honor to spar against a Marshal, even if your battle was cut short a bit.

Ozen takes her helmet off and gives a smug, though slightly encouraging, smile as Niko drags you away.

"It's uh, kinda serious, but please don't try to judge, okay?" Niko sighs.

You take a good look at Niko now, and just now realize she looks absolutely haggard, as if she had been dragged through a mud pit several times. Just what happened on their mission?

You just give an absentminded nod as Niko leads you to a small side room.

And that's where you saw Morgan completely bound by what looked to be some sort of magical blue rope.

"Um... this isn't what it looks like." Morgan stammers.

>What the hell even happened?
>Kinky
>[Amused laugh].
>Other

>>2837287
>>[Amused laugh].

>>2837287
What the hell happened?
Laughing would be a bad idea.

>>2837287
>[Amused laugh].
>Kinky
>What the hell even happened?

>>2837287
>[Amused laugh].

>>2837287
>>2837292
forgot one more
>Other
apply soothing headpats.

File: Morgan 52.jpg (239 KB, 1455x1447)

239 KB JPG

Rolled 16, 1, 3 = 20 (3d20)

>>2837287
...

>>2837287
>What the hell even happened?

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

82 KB PNG

>>2837308
You just give a loud, audible laugh at Morgan's apparently silly predicament.

"H-hey! This isn't funny!" Morgan whimpers, her ears drooping. "Niko! I thought I told you to go find Nino!"

"Yeah, well, she was kinda taking a nap and I didn't really want to wake her..." Niko shrugs.

"Why aren't any of you taking any of this seriously!" Morgan moans.

You just kneel down and pat Morgan's head in sympathy. Things will be all right.

"THINGS ARE NOT ALL RIGHT!" Morgan yells.

"Oh my~."

The three of you turn to the door, where you see Ozen had apparently followed you, and now saw Morgan all tied up.

"Perhaps I should leave you to your privacy." Ozen giggles.

"H-hey! Don't tell anybody about this!" Morgan cries. "DON'T TELL ANYONE!"

"Ta-ta~!" Ozen cackles.

Well, this was... unexpected. You suppose Morgan would have a lot of explaining to do once you could find a way to dispel these bonds.

Wait, was she like this the entire time they were heading back? You turn your head to Niko, who just laughs nervously.

"Don't ask. Seriously. Don't ask."

"Just kill me now." Morgan groans.

>And that's it for tonight! As always, next thread is next Friday, so don't miss it!

>>2837312
Thanks for running again Merc!

>>2837312
Thanks for the run, Merc! See you friday.

Let's hope the Elves don't have some sort of secret Magic Superweapon.

>>2837312
Thanks chief

>>2837467
I wouldn't be surprised if they had a floating fortress, flying airship, or even Morgan's real family

I'm incredibly disappointed we didn't invite havel and ozen, but I guess that's my fault for sleeping