>>2929308
>Ask her where the commander is, you want to inform him that a noble got kidnapped

>>2929308
>Ask her where the commander is, you want to inform him that a noble got kidnapped
Going to be pretty busy today boss but I'll vote where I can! How's your week been?

>>2929308
>>Ask her where the commander is, you want to inform him that a noble got kidnapped
"Motherfucker kidnapped them!"
should be appropriate in a situation like this

How's your week been my dude?

>>2929315
No worries, thanks for hopping in anyway

Shit, frankly.
Next week I'm probably going to fail my finals.
Don't know how that is going blow over but I'll get over it.
Gonna find a job and work until I can retake them probably

>>2929310
This, also computer is not working so this is coming from my PS4

>>2929326
Damn... that's some dedication.
Thank you

>>2929308
>>Tell her the two of you got some garbage to clean up

>>2929331
Don't expect green texts from me and it ain't all bad, I got youtube running on another tab

>>2929324
Well I guess your just like me; always studying at the last minute
>>2929338
I didn't know you could reply with a ps4, how are the captchas my dude?

>>2929346
Aye, luckily my short term memory is great.

Anyways... I see that we have an obvious choice.
>writing

>>2929361
same my dude

>>2929346
Horrible, when you start them it jumps you to the very bottom of the page.

>>2929366
aww shit, life is horrible sometimes, but we have virtues to please us in this crazy little planet we live in.

Update might be a bit delayed, gotta go eat something.
Be right back

K, I'm done.
Getting back to writing

File: Secondsiegeofdragonspire.jpg (313 KB, 1600x742)

313 KB JPG

When you take the weapon away Szikra finally takes a good look at you and reels back in her shock. For a few moments she sizes you up before finally asking the important question.
"What the hell happened to you?"

Barely managing to form coherent sentences you speak up.
"Where's the captain?!"

"T-That way."

Grabbing her by the hand you started dragging her away by force, she didn't struggle but she still bombarded you with questions. Knowing that you'd have to tell everything again anyway, you kept silent as you approached the guy in the biggest and shiniest armor. He seemed really busy ordering his men around to fortify their position, bring more ammunition, hot oil and other supplies they might need, completely oblivious to the truth of the situation.
One of the less bright soldiers notices your approach and makes the mistake of standing in your way.
"What are you doing here?! Get back in li-"

But before he could go on any longer you reached out and put his jaw in a vice like grip, shutting him up.
Tossing him aside you get the attention of the captain who is none too pleased by you intruding on him like that.
"What is the meaning of this?"

"Lady von Elstraz and Lady Violet were kidnapped!"

"W-What?! KIDNAPPED?! By whom? Explain yourself!"

"Some dead mother fucker.
Carlile, an adventurer."

He looks at you dismissively.
"And you just watched?!"

At this your body practically erupts in a surge of murderous intent.
You look the captain straight in the eye, causing him to panic quite a bit.
"He blind sided me and knocked me out. What do you think I did? Stood by and watched him take it?!"

The grunt you let go of finally got his bearings and stood up to you.
"How dare you talk that way to the captain?! You failed your job, now accept the consequences you useless knave!"

You wanted to glare daggers at him, to put him in his place. But the Captain actually did it for you.
"Silence you oaf! If you didn't notice we are still under siege. So stop running your mouth and get back to your post! NOW!"
After the soldier was forcefully relocated the captain turned back to you.
"So you're saying this whole assault was just a diversion?"

"Yes..."

"Damn it..."
The captain turned towards the walls and gazed at the armies lined up before it.
"So we have no clue where they were taken and worst of all... We can't mount a proper search party."

"Erm..."
Szikra raised her finger.
"Not to be an ass but why exactly can't you just grab some men and send them out?"

"Because girl... If they see us sending out a large force these savages will storm the gates!"

"But if all they wanted were the girls then-"

"And why do you think they wanted them? If all they want is wenches then they picked quite a fight just for a quick fuck.
No... They obviously intend to use the hostages to negotiate. They must have some higher goal. And if they raised such an army for it then there is no doubt they'd try and take this mansion."
You stare at the captain who takes note of this.
"What do you have to say?"

"You made one miscalculation..."

"And that'd be?"

"We know exactly where they were taken."

"Explain!"

Raising your hand you poured every bit of focus that your hate granted you and conjure a swirling vapor of blood which flies off into the estate.
"I'm a blood mage... And the bastard made the mistake to wound me.
I can track him like a blood hound!"

"Is that true?!"

Szikra shrugged.
"He IS a blood mage. And he's not the type to lie."

"Then what do you suggest?"

>Give me ten good men and some horses.
>You keep guard. I'll bring back the traitors head mounted on a spike!
>Simple. We go out, we slaughter these cowards then find the bastard responsible for this!
>Other? (write-in)

>>2929458
>>Give me ten good men and some horses.
First we secure them the nobles, then we mount the traitors a spike

>>2929458
>>2929469
This gets my vote.

>>2929469
This.

>>2929458
>>You keep guard. I'll bring back the traitors head mounted on a spike!

>>2929469
>traitors on a spike

Well it seems like you are getting some temporal mooks as partners.

Please start rolling 3d10s
Best of 4 this time
DC: 15, Crit: 20

>writing

Rolled 10, 6, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>2929518
We haven't gotten a crit in a long time

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

>>2929518

Rolled 5, 10, 2 = 17 (3d10)

>>2929518
Here goes nothing

>>2929525
>>2929528
>>2929530
Well, at least we succeeded.

Rolled 7, 6, 6 = 19 (3d10)

Hmmmm... no 4th roll?
Okay then, guess I'll have to do it

>Rollin'

"You don't need to move out your entire army.
Just give me ten good men, some horses and I'll rescue the ladies.
Then bring back the bastards head mounted on a spike!"

"Tch...
Fine! Take whoever you wish!"
He then points down at the stables.
"You'll find horses in there, you can take as many as you need. If the stable boy gives you trouble just beat him up!
But for your sake I hope you bring them back safe and sound... Because if you don't!"

Turning around you stormed off, not feeling the need to hear what the big man has to say, you don't intend to fail. You handpicked a few men, carefully choosing men from the guard who work for the noble lord since your trust in the adventurers has been dented a bit.
Informing them on what they needed to know you set off to get yourselves a few horses and rode off through the back entrance.
Normally you'd be hard pressed to mount a living creature like this as you don't like the idea of relying on something you can't control but this time you made an exception. Anger overrode fear and drove you, making you forget you don't even know how to ride a horse.

You took the charge as you navigated the men and lead them along the trail of blood Carlile so thoughtfully left for you.
But as you were imagining how you're gonna rip out the traitors spine Szikra rode up to you and expressed her concerns.
"Zsold! I think you need to tone it down a bit!"

"Screw that! I'm taking the head of that son of a whore and everyone elses that stands between him and me!"

Szikra sighs at this and keeps riding beside you.
"Screaming at a wall I see...
Looks like I'll have to handle this one."

The trail lead you far away from the main conflict. But it didn't take long before you realized the winding, seldom used dirt road you followed lead you to a secluded area of the forest. Judging by how much the path here arced you'd say you are somewhere next to the bandit army, probably near some small and temporary little camp to which they'd retreat before high tailing it out of here.
Quickly you reined in your horse and the rest of your squad did the same.
Squinting at the thick foliage you spoke up.

"I can't see a damn thing."

"Me neither.
Think we are close now?"

"Definitely."

You started grumbling. The enemy was so close you could practically taste them. But you can't keep riding any longer or you'd risk harming the animals. Then again... you could just charge right through which would give you quite an explosive entrance.

>Dismount and try to sneak up on them.
>Get off and charge, blades drawn.
>Throw caution to the wind and stampede through
>Other? (write-in)

>>2929665
>>Dismount and try to sneak up on them.

>>2929704
This

We're goin' in all sneaky beaky like

Again, I'd like some 3d10s
DC: 17, Crit: 22
Best of 3

>writing

Rolled 1, 7, 7 = 15 (3d10)

>>2929743

Rolled 8, 7, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>2929743

Rolled 5, 10, 7 = 22 (3d10)

>>2929743
Rolling to not fail!

File: 80d.jpg (77 KB, 887x1097)

77 KB JPG

>>2929787
Now that's what I call clutch!
Great job anon

>>2929797
Honestly surprised I didnt jinx it.

You raise your hand and signal the men to dismount swiftly.
They each obey and do as they are told. Then following your example they begin to creep and crawl through the vines and mud.
Inching your way closer and closer to the camp you started to hear the typical noise you'd expect from a mass of raiders and bandits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEFAMMq5S0k

Entering a small bush you could see light peering through the leaves. Parting a few branches you took a closer look at the camp and saw your future prey. The "camp" consisted only of anything that can be safely left at a moments notice. Only men huddled around small fires meant to sustain small groups, no tents, no horses, nothing of true value. But looking at the bandits themselves you saw that they were no mere brigands. Their arms and armor were of high quality, extremely high in fact. And true to the reports of the scouts they all bore Eastern Imperial heraldry but it's not well maintained. In fact it almost seems like they have a grudge against the very symbols they carry, having scratched, scorched and drawn on them.

And they seem to be in a good mood.
"Man the Cap'n is going to be ecstatic when those blue blooded bastards pay up!"

"Aye! Can't believe the luck we got! Finally things are going our way!"

"Now we just gotta keep this up and nothing will be able to stop us! Imagine! All the junk we can smoke, booze and wenches until our cocks can't take it anymore! And what's more we can get some proper gear and finally get under the skin of the fucking Empire!"

"Heh... and just imagine how happy Captain Julian is gonna be when those noble pricks will blame the East for ALL of this!"

Szikra looks at you in disgust.
"They are already planning their celebration. Well they got somethin' else coming, huh Zsold?
...
Zsold?"

You stared forward.
Did you hear that correctly? That name... Julian.
Their eastern armor and weapons. These are the same bandits you were hired to help exterminate. Before the demon...
A pressure rose in you. Your throat felt like you swallowed a stone the size of an infant. You felt enraged, frustrated, disgusted. But more importantly, determined.

File: Bluebeard.jpg (54 KB, 331x648)

54 KB JPG

You moved forward without a word. Szikra surely called out for you but at this point you didn't hear a word she said. Cursing her bad luck she decided to follow your lead and so did the other men, completely oblivious to what was going through your head.
Like a falcon going for its prey you descended on the poor bastards.

The strike was swift and brutal, with everyone managing to execute the sneak attack nearly simultaneously.
Of course the bandits saw you but only when you raised behind one of their comrades with an axe raised up high.
They tried to stand up, tried to warn him as you cleaved his head in half instantly but they soon found blades hitting them in the back and necks. One by one they fell to the ground without too much of a commotion.

Luckily for you the individual campfires were a bit apart from one another so your actions did not alert the entire raiding party. So you could perform this again and again with every group that had the misfortune of being established on the path leading to Carlile.
Your path of massacre lead you to the first real structure that these vagrants have haphazardly put together, a wooden wall sealing off some sort of central area from the rest of the camp.

Entering through the gate was out of the question. Even in your blood crazed state you saw that it was borderline suicide as it was too heavily guarded. Instead you opted for a safer option and ordered the men to help you and Szikra scale the wall.
With them lifting you up, you found yourselves in the belly of the beast. As a last order you told them that if anyone sets off an alarm they should try and storm the gates. Of course you doubt that they'll actually go along with this but at least you tried.

Still hidden you made your way further in until you heard the voice of Carlile as well as someone you don't recognize.
"There! I did as you asked. Lady Elstraz and I even brought her handmaiden.
Now, am I free to go?"

"You did well little merc. Go... and tell your friends that you are off the choping block."

"Hmph...
You think you are free? Need I remind you what is the fate of those that betray the Adventurers guild?"
You heard Rosettes voice.

"Shut up you stupid little bitch! Stop speaking like you understand!
I'm dead either way. At least this way I can live a few more days."

"Listen to the sellsword Princess. He knows what it means to survive. Unlike you who only knows of hardship from books."
The deep voice continued.

"It is better to die an honest man than live a day as a coward. Death won't be kind to you, of that you can be sure.
Eternal nightmare is what bandits and traitors like you get when the darkness takes you."

The owner of the voice clearly lost his patience. You heard the loud noise of a slap coming from him.
"I suggest you moderate yourself my lady. Least my hand slips again."

Rosette spits on the ground.
"Hit me as many times as you like.
It will all be fuel on your funeral pyre!"

But as defiant as Rosette was Violet didn't seem nearly composed enough.
"P-Please! Stop this! Our fathers will give you anything you want! Just don't hurt us!"
She cried.

"Get a grip violet! Don't let these dogs think even for a second that they are in control.
Let them know the consequences of their actions. These two are dead men walking, just like those that follow them.
So don't give in! Don't let them have even the little gratification that your tears bring them."

"Such big and mean words coming from such a pretty little thing.
But you're wrong in one thing. It's you who should compose herself.
Least I carve that pretty little tongue out of that pretty little mouth..."

That was just about the limit of what you could take and so you revealed yourself, stepping out into the open.
This quickly garnered the attention of both Carlile and the one you presume to be the leader of these brigands, Julian.
They looked at you in surprise and Carlile couldn't control himself.

"My knight!"

"Y-You?! I thought I knocked you out!"

"No... You pissed me off is what you did!"

Julian then smiled.
"Oh? Some wannabe hero?"

"Hardly. Just some idiot with a death wish!"

You ignored him and turned to the man in charge.
"Release the two of them.
And maybe... I'll make your death painless."

"An adventurer who thinks he is somehow worth anyones attention. Why am I not surprised?
But before I skin you alive and hang you above my fireplace I'd like to know how you found us?
Carlile seemed to cover his tracks nicely."

"That's for me to know.
Now then... are you ready to die?"

"Hold your horses sport. I may be a thieving bastard but I used to be a knight. I still have a sense of honor.
And as such I'd hate to kill you just like that. So here's my offer. I'll let you fight Carlile first, let you have some revenge."

"JULIAN!"

"What? You lead him here. It's only fair you take care of it.
And it's not like I owe you or anything.
Kill him and that's that. He kills you aaand... well it won't matter to you but I'll still avenge you."

"Bastard!"
Carlile drew his sword and pointed it at you.
"Fine! I'll make sure to get rid of you this time!
Then I can finally put all of this behind me!"

You sized him up. He anything impressive. In fact without his conniving ways you'd have killed him back at the mansion.
And this time he doesn't have the element of suprise on his side. Now all that remains is deciding how exactly you want to butcher him.

>Go in and start chopping him to pieces.
>Use the blood he drew of you to tear him apart
>Lure him in and have Szikra stab him
>Other? (write-in)

>>2930011
>Lure him in and have Szikra stab him.
It's annonying typing out the whole greentext

>>2930011
>Use the blood

Rolled 2 (1d2)

It seems we are at an impasse.
But at the very least we got two votes

I guess it's time for me to roll the dice then
1=Backstab
2=Blood

>writing

>>2930135
Oh shoot I missed it. Bad move using blood on this guy. Lost the element of surprise by using on the next.

File: BloodMagic2.jpg (29 KB, 300x421)

29 KB JPG

You watch as Carlile raises his sword in a defensive manner. He awaits your next move but is left wanting as you just stand there.
The anticipation is slowly eating him up as he refuses to make the first move.
"What's wrong? You were so confident just a moment ago! Come on!"

"Fool me once..."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I'm not giving you a chance like last time.
Instead I'll show you how you get rid of someone you don't want to be around."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQtv43ZmRs

As you raise your hand and extend it forward Carlile grips tightly on his weapon as he prepares for your attack.
Seeing this you crack a smile and start focusing on the energies swelling up within you. With one mighty push you expel a huge amount of aether and use the dried blood on his blade as a conduit for your own energies. Calling out you compel the lingering blood to act and watch as your opponent starts screaming suddenly.

To those observing your fight this may seem nonsensical but that's just because they aren't aware of what just transpired with his weapon.
The dry, coagulated blood became liquid and trickled down the blade of the sword and onto the hilt before solidifying once more and sprouting into a nail. His own weapon seemingly lashed out against him. Now Carlile was screaming as loud as he could, unable to let go of the weapon whose newly formed thorn pierced his palm and came out at the back of his hand.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
WHAT IS THIS?! WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

Not bothering with a response you placed your other hand on the wound that this traitor gave you and tore open the freshly closed wound, allowing droplets of blood to fall onto the ground. Finally you pulled back your hand and swiped at the air as hard as you could, sending countless drops of blood flying through the air. Your foe watched as these harmless little beads changed shape mid flight and turned into a barrage of deadly shrapnel. Though his clothing very clearly had some armor underneath it did him little good when the shards you formed shredded his face.

Once the tempest ended his face was unrecognizable. The whiteness of his skull offered a sharp contrast to the torn and mangled flesh.
He let out a few horrid, gurgling sounds before the loss of blood and the shock caused him to fall over and die like the maggot that he was.
But as if this horrid show hadn't even affected him Julian started clapping.

"Impressive.
So it was blood magic.
That explains a few things."
He shook his head.
"Fucking idiot."

"I wouldn't be too happy if I were you.
In a few seconds you'll join him!"

"Don't count on it punk. Now that I've seen what you can do I won't underestimate you.
I won't hold back anything, nor show any mercy."
He drew his ornate looking blade.
"Prepare yourself."

The man slowly raised his sword to his eye level and the horizontally drew it along his face, allowing you to see every inch of it.
Finally after a few test swings he allows it to rest at his side before he finally erupts.
Letting out a shout he began churning out absurd amounts of aether, so much in fact that his body started practically glowing as raw magic oozed out of him. Lightning crackled around him as he let out a cold smile.

"There. All done.
And judging by your expression... so are you."

Instinctively you raised your axe and felt yourself shaking.
The infernal rage that was in you quickly disappeared as this mans raw power forcefully dragged you back into reality.
A bead of sweat rolled down your forehead and you felt a cold shiver running along your spine. Panting, you realized how much trouble you are in. This isn't a man. He's a true monster.
But now that you are here you can't afford to be afraid. For Rosette if nothing else.

>Go on the offensive, capitalize on the properties of your axe
>Keep him at bay with blood magic. Wittle him down
>Stay defensive, buy Szikra time
>Other? (write-in)

>>2930291
>>Go on the offensive, capitalize on the properties of your axe

>>2930291
>>Stay defensive, buy Szikra time

>>2930297
This

>>2930291
>Stay defensive, buy Szikra time

Okie doke.
Defense it is.

Please roll 3d10
Best of 3
DC: 20, Crit: 23

>writing

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

Rolled 5, 2, 6 = 13 (3d10)

>>2930382
Oh boy...

Rolled 9, 1, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>2930382

Nice to see you started a new quest spooks, sorry for usually not being here to participate.

>>2930382
This is the guy that we would have attacked if the demon didn't work us over right?

>>2930460
Yea

Just sensing the mans power was enough to make you realize that this is not something you can do on your own. And Szikra also knew this. There was simply nothing that you could do other than hold out until she could join in. But first she had to free the girls and get them to safety because this WILL get ugly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VWIkf-eo5E

Raising your guard you watched as the man practically leapt at you with his weapon raised high. That little piece of metal proved to be much heavier than you ever thought possible. Or perhaps it was his sheer power that made it seem like that. It was kinda hard to tell.
But you felt his overwhelming power as he brought it down on you. Only by intensely focusing on your own aether did you manage to hold out against him.

Gritting your teeth and groaning loudly you watched as the two weapons ground and ate away at each other. Spark flew everywhere as the veins on your hand and forehead were bulging out heavily. Finally the two of you break apart. You scramble to get your bearings while this rickety old man seems like he's barely affected by the exertion. With a flick of his wrist he turns the edge of his sword and showers you with strike after strike after strike. Only thanks to the incredibly sturdy build of your weapon could you weather his assault.
But it was becoming all too clear that you couldn't keep this up for long.

Deciding to change your approach you allowed some of your blood to weave itself around your axe and harden into an extra layer of protective coating. Seeing this Julian just laughed his ass off and pushed forward. But not with his sword this time.
Instead he shoved his palm into the edge of your blade deliberately.

*The madman!*
You thought.

But your shock only grew as you saw the new edge of your weapon disappear as if it melted at his touch.
Then as your blood spell got dispelled his aether covered hand clashed against your steel and felt the sheer weight of it.
Letting out an audible "oof" you got shoved so hard you flew straight into the wooden barricade surrounding the area and bounced off of it.

Blowing gently on his hand Julian started mocking you.
"I told you. Not gonna work. I'm a reaver. I eat upstart mages like you for breakfast and promptly shit them out.
What did you expect anyway you little shit? I was an esteemed warrior of the Empire. I lead armies into more battle than you'll ever see!
Do you really think I couldn't kill you with my bare hands if I really wanted to? Hell... even if I couldn't absorb your aether I still fought enough blood mages to know all the ins and outs of your trade."

>>2930479
>>2930483
Oh so we were always going to get hard countered by him.

This is the exact reason I wanted to go reaver too.

>>2930497
Not always.
I originally planned him with you being a bard in mind. But when you chose mage I tweaked the encounter a bit so it'd be less combat heavy.
If you attacked him that time I'd have offered you a few alternatives, like setting his camp on fire, poisoning his food or just plain showing up at his doorstep and pretending to be a bandit while your allies sneak around and fuck his shit up

>>2930506
>Implying the laughing gods book won't come back to find us somehow

>>2930526
Technically it's not his.
He was just the authors Muse

So boys, i have a plan for our next attack,
A feint with three potentially deadly prongs

Throwing a dagger at his throat, while at the same time swinging our axe for his Sword arms Elbow or his wrist, mid swing at the point of connection having our blood burst from our veins in a spear into his lungs.

If he fails to block ANY of the three components then he is fucked

>>2930560
Should clarify that the blood should burst through the Veins at the Wrist of our Axe Hand, when it is at the closest point to his body.

You try to regain your balance and stand upright with mixed results. Spitting what little blood flooded your mouth as you bit your tongue you responded to the taunts of the brigand.

"So what?"

"Huh?"

"You keep boasting about your accomplishments like they matter...
I don't care about your feats. I'll still kill you. And when you are put in the grave... nobody will remember anything about you!"

Julian scowled at that and raised his sword once more, letting you have another look.
"It's beautiful isn't it? The Empress herself handed it over me for all my years of service. As a testimony for both my dedication and skill."
He turned the blade around so it reflected rays of light in your eye.
"Then she cast me out after the war... branded me a war criminal. For both abusing and encouraging the usage of junk. I got stripped of my title... my position... my income. I left everything behind... except this thing."

"Like your friend Braham?"

He looked at you with a shocked expression.
"How do y- never mind. Yes. I left him. Because I still considered him a friend and didn't want to drag him into this.
I even mourned his death. But he was still a puppet of the Empire.
To get back to the topic however... do you know why I kept this thing? Why I risked my life to get it back before leaving everything else behind? I'll show you..."

Charging forward with an attack similar to his first one he raised his weapon high, while defending himself with his aether aura.
Abandoning blood magic altogether you focused every ounce of energy of yours into augmenting your physical capabilities and tackled his attack head on... Or at least attempted to.
As his blade hit yours it began to sing as it sliced through the steel of your axe like a hot knife through butter.
The edge of your weapon flew off with a loud pop as the iron snapped in half and Julians sword bit deep into your flesh, effortlessly carving through it.

Blood poured from your chest as you coughed up a sizable amount of your own life juices.
Looking down you saw a massive, open wound exposing your insides to the open air. The world the started to get muffled as you felt a certain coldness running through every fiber of your being.

"ZSOLD!"

"KNIGHT!"

Two muted screams hit your ear but they were drowned out by Julians gloating.
"So that was your plan. Too bad..."
He raised his sword and showed it to you as you were clenching your chest, desperately trying to hold it together.
"See this? Conqueror-Steel.
You should be honored to be felled by such a fine blade."

Julian then reached out and grabbed you by the neck before throwing you behind his back.
You landed on a crate, completely shattering it in the process and causing its powder like contents to fly everywhere.
Julian gave you a surprised look and let out a sigh.
"That was... a months worth of blood-rush. Oh well. At least now he is 200% dead."

You feel yourself being overwhelmed by a deep pain.
As your blood gushes out you slowly feel yourself slipping away, only holding onto dear life by a thread.
For a moment there you even feel happy about this.

"Mother... I'm coming!"

But as you start feeling the sweet embrace of passing away you feel... something.
Something calling out to you, urging you to stay. That one voice becomes so powerful, so immense that it janked you back into reality.
It was...

>Szikra crying out to you
>Rosette begging you to save her
>The Laughing Gods words of advice

this is important

>>2930618
>>Szikra crying out to you

File: HERE WE GO BOYS.jpg (6 KB, 282x179)

6 KB JPG

>blood-rush
>Most likely a Beserker rage inducing drug
>Kek

>Szikra crying out to you

File: ahwg.gif (1.94 MB, 417x264)

1.94 MB GIF

Though i am tempted by the laughing gods advice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzWsLaolyLw

>Not sure why my gif broke

>>2930618
>Szikra crying out to you
Honestly our only actual friend. Even if we pretend otherwise.

>>2930640
>Though an in With the nobility of the midland so we can get started on Collapsing the East and west would be good

>>2930622
This, I do wonder what this vote is for

>>2930618
>>Szikra crying out to you

Szikra seems to have won with a landslide victory.
With the god of laughter getting cucked again

>writing

Oh and please roll 3d10
Just for appearances sake.
Best of 4
DC: 10 Crit: 20

Rolled 1, 3, 8 = 12 (3d10)

>>2930682

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

>>2930682

Rolled 1, 6, 7 = 14 (3d10)

>>2930682

>>2930682
Eh, he'll probably get over it.

"Szikra... She's..."

"ZSOLD!
ZSOLD! GET UP! SAY SOMETHING!
ZSOLD!"

"Ah yes... I can't exactly die right now, can I?"

Taking a deep breath you opened your eyes.
Szikra who's kneeling over you falls backwards and can't help but watch as a massive pillar of light erupts from your body.
Taking a deep breath you grab the remains of the box that shattered under you and use it as a support to stand up with.
The blood from your surroundings flows back into you and suddenly the wound that you received gets sewn up by a thread of blood.
Szikra just observes this and her mouth slowly opens as she begins muttering your name.

"Zs-Zsold?"

Turning around you look down at her and let out a little smile.
"Don't worry Szikra. I'm fine."
Then reaching out you pat her head and ruffled her hair a little.
"I'm not gonna leave you alone just yet."

Now turning your head back you looked straight forward and saw the shocked expression of Julian who was left speechless by this sudden development. He looks at you and tries to comprehend what just happened.
"You... you have enough junk in you to kill an entire platoon... and I gutted you like a fish.
How are you still alive?"

Shrugging nonchalantly you spoke up.
"This? Lethal? Heh. Featherweights."

Julian seemed annoyed by this.
"You know what? Doesn't matter. I'll just be more thorough this time and won't repeat Carliles mistake."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atGcliA-HNw

Pointing his weapon at you he lunged in your direction with lightning speed. Seeing his quite lethal weapon approaching you let go of your broken axe as it wouldn't do much against it. Instead you raised your open palm and pointed it at Julian who was still charging you.
He pulled back his weapon before thrusting it forward with great force. You didn't respond to this and instead allowed it to hit your palm.
What followed was a bright flash of light combined with an intense burst of sound.

As the explosion faded the sound of grinding metal could be heard over Julians grasping.
"You just did..."
You commented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKljf90qOP4

Julian quickly disengaged and jumped backwards, looking befuddled all the way through.
He tried to make sense of what just transpired but fell short.

"A perfect counter burst?!
From an amateur like you? What is this?
What demon fucked one of your ancestors for you to become like this?!"

You ignored him and turned your attention to Szikra.
"Are you alright?"
She hesitated for a moment before nodding nervously.
"I'm glad. Don't worry. I'll finish this quickly."

Turning your attention back to your opponent you addressed him.
"Thank you Julian."

"For what?"

"For opening my eyes. I couldn't help but notice the similarities between you and me...
Now I know what I must not become."

"Tch... Keep telling yourself that! But you and I are nothing alike."

"I disagree... I understand your hatred of the East perfectly... I can sympathize with that...
But what you do here... dragging innocent people into your war with the East...
You may have been justified at one point... but this is no longer justice. This is vengeance. And by involving those that had nothing to do with your banishment... you are no better than those you want to punish.
Now come. Let's end this."

Julian raised his sword in anger.
"AND WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE ME?!"

He charged you once more, this time cautiously.
In response you raised your hands into the air and clenched your fists tightly.

>Szikra... fight with me!
>You still don't get it... fine... I'll beat it into you
>You'll regret drawing my blood Julian... (Blood magic)
>Other? (write-in)

>>2930823
>>You'll regret drawing my blood Julian... (Blood magic)

>>2930823
>Szikra... fight with me!
POWER OF FRIENDSHIP COMPELS YOU MOTHERFUCKER!

>>2930823
>>Szikra... fight with me!

>>2930823
>>You'll regret drawing my blood Julian... (Blood magic)
>>Use the spilled blood to grab and throw nearby weapons at the fucker, while throwing spears of blood at his joints and eyes

>>2930846
Wish we had our sword dagger, we could pull some serious shanking here

Hmmmm... once again we are at a tie...
However this time I don't think it's that big of a problem.

>writing

Oh and for the (hopefully) last time.
Roll 3d10
Best of 4
DC: 14 Crit: 18

>>2930880
/roll 3d10

>>2930880

>>2930880
>Catalog
/roll+3d10

Holy fuck its been a long ass time since i have rolled on 4chan

>>2930884
I have forgotten how to roll

Rolled 5, 2, 5 = 12 (3d10)

>>2930880

>>2930880
>Forgot i had to use the options field
WEW

>>2930883
>>2930884
>>2930885
kek

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

>>2930880
wew

>>2930885
>>2930887
dice+3d6 in the options field, don't capitalize it.

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Rolled 10, 5, 10 = 25 (3d10)

>>2930880
>>2930890

Rolled 8, 1, 1 = 10 (3d10)

>>2930880
If i fuck up this last one i swear to the laughing god i am gonna An hero

>>2930898
holy fuck your roll is amazing

>>2930898
>Showed us how its done in more ways than one

>>2930898
Jesus, calm down dude.

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>>2930898
You get a headpat of friendship

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>This entire cavalcade of nonsense

>>2930913
I blame Nazimod for my exodus to akun, and getting used to how they roll

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You turn to your comrade who is more than a bit taken back by all of this.
Extending your hand to her you speak up.

"Szikra..."

"Y-Yeah?"

"Fight with me!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2KcrZaWVEg

She looks at your hand for a second before nodding and taking it. As your hands clap together you feel a surge of power going from you to her. Energy courses through her body and she starts glowing much like you and Julian.
At first she doesn't know what to make of this but quickly decides to just go along with it.
The two of you spring to action strangely simultaneously.

You're unsure what's exactly going on but you're aware of each step that she is taking, has taken and about to take. So you adjust your step to better match hers. And judging by her movement she's the same way. This goes on until you let go of each others hand at which point things get even weirder. The sensation does not fade and not being in close proximity of one another only amplified the strangeness of it.
Regardless of that you continued and assaulted Julian while being perfectly aware of the others intention.
Your coordination is flawless and both of you manage to fight without restraint and without having to worry about getting in the others way.

Szikra twirls around her spear, performing tip cuts from every imaginable angle which Julian is focusing on with his Conqueror-steel blade.
At the same time you extend a copious amount of blood tendrils from your body and grab hold of everything that you can throw at him.
The broken off piece of your axe becomes an extension of your body as you swing it at him wildly, the throwing spears at your back began poking him all at once and you even get a hold of Carliles sword and begin swinging it around.

Between the three of you it's no exaggeration that there are at least a hundred attacks happening in mere seconds. And yet the vast majority of those are focused solely on Julian who slowly starts being overwhelmed.
To add to the confusion you extend your hand and unleash a handful of blood shards to shower him with.
Normally he'd be able to render these harmless but with his attention being split so many ways he can't properly focus himself so some of your attacks slip past his defenses and strike true.

At the same time Szikra does something you are surprised by, and judging by your strange connection so is she.
As she constantly rotates her spear around strands of her hair start standing up as weird arcs of electricity dance between them.
Finally with one large swing she unleashes her built up energy and her spear creates actual thunder as it strikes its target.
Julian convulses as yellow lightning runs through his body and the two of you break away from the action, least you get affected as well.

When he finally stopped spazzing out Julian looked down at his wound. A horizontal cut right at his gut.
It wasn't too deep but coupled with the many little cuts you've given him it's quite serious.
Unable to make sense of this he just panted as you were staring him down.

The two of you exchanged a quick look and nodded at the other one.
Both of you took a deep breath and started shouting at the same time.
Your screams seemed to have triggered some sort of a reaction as your senses further melded together.
Vibration filled your very beings as you charged your target, weapons raised and ready to kill.

Julian realized that if he doesn't put everything into this one strike he may very well die.
Relinquishing his power he poured everything into his blade which began to sing as it got filled with energy.
With one fluid motion he spun around with a wild swing, aiming to kill you simultaneously.
But with two sets of eyes it was impossible for you not to see this coming.

Leaping into the air the two of you extended your arms and clapped your hands right above your foe.
Holding on tightly you stopped the others flight at the perfect spot and Julian just stared up as both of you prepared to bring down your weapons. Szikras spear broke his left shoulder and it kept going on in an angle, eventually leaving the bandit captains body near his right hip. All the while your stolen blade managed to halfway decapitate him.

But as amazing and unnecessarily gruesome this execution was there was nothing you could do about your landing.
Falling on top of the skewered, mutilated carcass of Julian the two of you landed on the ground rather ungracefully.
And as you laid there you felt the strange energy driving you fade away, causing you to loose that strange connection to the other.
Szikra looked up as she spread out on the ground and giggled a bit.

"Heh... we did it!"

"I told you... not to... worry.
Now if you'll excuse me... I think I'll pass out."

Aaaand that's all she wrote for now.

I hope you enjoyed yourselves.
As usual archive's are up and I'll see you guys next week (hopefully)

Take care until then

So here's a question: Did we just essentially decide to go down the Szrika route or are we just getting closer to it. If we had chosen the laughing god, would we have waifu'd him?

>>2931779
You just essentially got a new social link level, nothing too serious.
As I said in the beginning I'll provide you with ample waifu options so I won't lock you into a route before you have enough ladies to choose from

The 3 options were gonna decide how you'd handle the situation.
This was calm and collected, as you had to calm down Szikra.
Rosettes would've been what another anon suggested, a berserker rage. Essentially the typical "Mamoru" route.
And the third would've been Zsold remembering Ciels advice about laughing his worries away.
It'd have started with a chuckle which would've turned into hysterical laughter as Zsold became a cackling dervish of death

>>2932538
>You just essentially got a new social link level
We will put a baby in Szikra sooner or later!
And then she beats the shit out of us for getting her pregnant and demands we take responsibility, which we do with gusto because we want to be a better father than the one we had.

This stuff just writes itself honestly.

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>>2932768
Pic related.

Questing is not about meticulously planning out everything. It's about improvising and making shit up 90% of the time. And things have a pretty good tendency of just clicking and making sense.

But on the topic of pouring gallons of baby batter into Szikra until she becomes a mommy is something I won't stop you from doing.
Heck... the setting is even fitting for you to become a second Genghis Khan

>>2932538
>never before have i regretted not picking the mysterybox
>sad

>>2932823
>Heck... the setting is even fitting for you to become a second Genghis Khan
Tempting

>>2932823
I am humbled by your trust in us Spooky.

>>2932823
>>2935617
>pouring gallons of baby batter into Szikra until she becomes a mommy
Also Tempting

I'm gonna post this here as well, for conveniences sake.

I'm going to have some stuff that needs tending to.
Meaning either I'll have to start super late or hold the session on Sunday.

What do you goys think?

>>2943865
Starting super late doesn't affect me much since I usually miss most of the sessions anyway due to timezones.

Whatever works best for you Spooks.

>>2944005
Okay, so... I've read the responses. I'll hold the next session on Sunday because the matter is literally out of my control right now. But I'll also try to start a bit later and brew 2 batches of coffee this time around

Starting in about 4 hours

1 hour

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Dark.

It's quite dark. A strange kind of dark that's neither oppressive nor frightening. A calm and soothing dark, enveloping you like a blanket.
Though it blocks out everything around you, you can still see your own body clearly.
You like the dark. Reminds you of the night and the dreamless sleeps you crave so much.

Now feel a strange pain swelling in your chest, not enough to cause you agony but plenty to be uncomfortable.
You hear mumbling. Or perhaps it's shouting, it is pretty unclear for you. The pain subsides.
And just like that you feel yourself drifting through the nebulous emptiness.
Until something breaks the silence, like a knife piercing through glass.

"Heh... heh... heh..."

With a loud gasp you awaken and find yourself coughing. Finding your head pounding you strain yourself to remember just what happened to you. Almost as soon as you realize that you are supposed to be in combat reality starts to settle in as you see yourself neatly tucked into a bed. The bed isn't too big but it's covered in a lot of fine materials. Sheets upon sheets of blankets are thrown on you, mostly consisting of silk for comfort and more conventional fabric for insulation. As you lift up the layers in your confusion you hear a familiar voice.

"Good morning sleepy-pants!"
Szikra closed the book she was reading shut and walked over to you, sitting down on a stool next to your bed.
"You took your sweet time. I almost started to worry."

"What's going on? Where am I?"

"Back at the mansion. You lost consciousness after the fight with Julian."

"Rosette! Is she-"

"Don't worry. They are fine.
Turns out if a group of bandits see you beat the man keeping them in check to death they loose their will to fight.
Afterwards it took little effort from me and the boys to clean up the stragglers.
The ladies were returned safely and you were given quite the regal treatment for your bravery."
She points at the fine assortment of blankets you were given.
"Lord Elstraz decided to stay here until your wounds recovered just so he could thank you in person.
Heh... he even "convinced" our host get his physician for you."

In your shock you lifted up the covers of your bed and found your entire torso wrapped in several layers of bandages.
You tried to sit up but felt a sharp pain in your chest and as you winced Szikra leaned in and shoved you back.

"What are you doing dumbass?!"
As she tucked you in tightly she continued chastising you.
"I swear he recovers from a mortal wound and he almost opens them up.
There... nice and snug."

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You remained still and didn't say a word for quite a while... At least until curiosity got the better of you.
"How long?"

"Four days. The physician said you'd be out for at least two weeks.
Told him he way overshot it."

"Four days..."

"But you were in good care. Your bandages are changed daily and you are given quite a lot of herbs.
Heh... Rosette even took time out of her busy schedule just to sit next to you and keep watch. To make sure nothing bad happens to you.
Unfortunately she overdid it a bit and fell asleep... right on your chest.
The good doctor got so mad at her for opening up your wound that she can't enter anymore."

"I just hope it was worth it..."

"Oh it is!
While our contractor isn't too happy, lord Elstraz is.
Aaaaand guess who got a present for you?"
Raising from under the bed she took out an elongated thing, wrapped in cloth from under your bed.
As she unveiled its contents she cracked a smile at you.
"I managed to snag Julians sword. A conqueror-steel blade! How cool is that?"

"And you'll just... part with it like that?"

"Sorry. My relationship with my spear is very intimate.
You can have it.
But in turn I'll get all the gold from the job. And it's still an unfair deal for me!"

>Accept her gift
>Refuse
>Other? (write-in)

>>2949759
>If you're fine paying for me until we get another job then sure. Otherwise you might want to split it 60-40.

It's a good blade but we do need money to live. We can haggle the percentage but personally I'd be fine with 80-20 at the least.

>>2949759
>>Accept her gift

>>2949774
So if she pays for you it's okay?

got it

>Writing

>>2949838
Oh yea. If she is fine paying then it's all gravy.

You grab the blade and carefully look at its shiny surface.

"Conquerors-steel..."

The words feel heavy as they leave your mouth. Never even in your wildest dreams would you've considered seeing a weapon made of the stuff, let alone holding it. And possessing it? That's another deal entirely.
It is said that a single drop of molten C-steel worked into a cast iron weapon can render it virtually indestructible.
A myth you are perfectly willing to believe after seeing it cut through your axe like a hot knife through butter.
Carefully looking it over you don't see a single dent in its edge.

Putting the weapon back into its scabbard you looked at Szikra.
"If you'll be the one paying for my stuff I'd be happy to accept.
As much as I like the idea of having this, I need to eat."

"Pffft.
You say that like you have a bigger appetite than me... or like I wasn't already."

Looking back at the blade you started admiring it once again.
"Excellent."
As you held it out you practically felt the thing resonating to your energy.
While not magical on its own the steel is known to be an excellent conductor for aether.

But unfortunately for you, you didn't get much time to revel in the presence of your new toy as the door to your room flung open and a small figure rushed in with tears in her eyes.

"YOU'RE AWAKE!"
Rosette ran as much as her dress let her and practically threw herself on you.
You let out a scream as she headbutted your wound and rubbed her face on you.
"I'M SO SORRY!"
She started apologizing profusely once she realized she was causing you pain.
"I'm so glad you're alright! I'd never have forgiven myself if something were to happen to you!"

Taking a step back she took a moment to regain her composure and after letting out a little cough she gave you a proper bow.
"Thank you my hero! Thank you for saving my life!"

Another voice could be heard coming from the doorway, this one was alien to you.
"Look at that. Last time I've seen Rosette this worked up was when she got a puppy for her birthday.
I just hope I won't have to luck her up, least she ran away with some adventurer on a whim."

"Lord Elstraz!"
You speak and attempt to sit up but the red haired man stops you.

"Please, don't.
I wouldn't ask something from a man that I wouldn't do myself.
And you need all the rest you can get."

"Thank you my lord."

"But in all seriousness, I can't thank you enough for saving my little angel.
Even though the others might condemn you for failing to protect her, I'm just glad that my daughter is safe."

"It was nothing."

"Nothing? Nothing is managing to not choke on your food. Nothing is not wetting the bed.
You charged into a bandit camp, then told the men accompanying you to stay back while you proceeded to tear into those bastards like the wrath of nature itself. And even from here we saw that glow coming from the woods.
Trust me... what you did is not nothing. In fact I'd wager rumors are already spreading about you."

"Oh papa! Can we just stop worrying about all this?"
Rosette then poked her father in the side.

"Ah yes... Since you're awake it's about time we discussed your payment.
I uh... overheard the owner of this fine estate complaining to the guild about your performance so you won't be compensated for your work.
Now I'd like to pay that and a bit more just to show my appreciation but I don't really know what was the amount you agreed upon so... what would you say about 1 gold?"

Upon hearing that you are left speechless.
For a few moments you stutter and struggle to speak up but after composing yourself you manage to blurt out a response.
"One gold? Well you are very generous my lord but-"

"For each of you of course."

Rosette smiles at you with closed eyes while you struggle to pick up your jaw from the ground.
Szikra is much less shocked by this and only lets out an impressed whistle.

>T-Thank you
>I can't accept that much
>Haggle for more
>Other? (write-in)

>>2950031
>>T-Thank you

>>2950031
>Thank you

>writing

"T-Thank you my lord."

"Relax! I was a commoner too you know."

"Oh... I didn't know."

"Yeah. I get a lot of shit for it too. But you know... money talks.
I built up one of the most prosperous iron mines in the region and bought my way into nobility.
That's why I've been raising my little girl to not be like the rest. Even though I spoil her rotten."

"Daddy!"
She quickly shut off her father with the greatest of ease.
"Anyway... the physician said that you'll need a bit of time to recuperate. So until then we can enjoy each others company."

"Sadly that's not a possibility."

"Huh?!"

"Unfortunately I can't afford to lay in here much longer. We've got contracts to complete and business to do elsewhere.
So I'll rest for a day at most and then we'll set off."

"With those wounds? Fat chance."
Lord Elstraz spoke up.

"Hardly. I'm a blood mage. I can get myself into shape quickly."

"Hmmm... I see. I didn't know.
But I'd advise caution young man. Mending flesh is all fine and dandy but if you don't let your body heal on its own it could have some dire consequences."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Good. Rosette... let's go.
Your hero needs his rest and your clumsiness is only making it harder for him to get better."

"Grrrr... fine!
But rest assured my knight I'll return to you shortly!
Father. Let us depart at once."

As the two nobles left the room Szikra turned to you, curious about your choice of words.
"You sure about that Zsold? Sounds like to me that the young lady is quite infatuated with you.
And his father is perhaps the only noble who'd be okay with a commoner courting his daughter. You could score yourself an easy life if you teased her long enough."

"That's not my goal and you know that.
And besides... I'm not even sure if she's serious. There is a certain honesty in her gratitude but it's probably just a game for her anyways."

"Blind as a mole headbutting a spade..."

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

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Despite your wishes it took you a bit more than one day to get back into shape. The doctor you got was rather rude, foul mouthed and constantly drank. You didn't like him. In fact he was more like one of those plague doctors with the crow masks who go around selling snake oil to the dumb masses than a real physician.

However he did know his medicine. With his help and your blood magic you managed to close the wound enough that you could walk around with it, without bleeding out.
And all it took was only three days.

In that time you had the pleasure of Rosettes company whose pestering kinda felt endearing.
She even wanted to teach you how to read and was surprised to learn that you already know how to.
So instead she resigned to simply further honing your literary skills.

Once you managed to stand up without a crutch you packed your stuff, donned your freshly laundered armor and bid farewell to your gracious hosts.
But when you went to properly thank Rosette for her hospitality she had this to say.

"I understand that your home is the road itself.
But even so it pains my heart to see you go.
Pray tell... would you entertain the childish whims of a young lady?"
Not knowing how to respond properly you simply nodded.
"Then take this."
She pressed a small brooch into your hand.
"Please keep it on your person at all times. That way I can write to you."

Though you are not really a person who enjoys jewelry you still appreciated this gift of hers and made a show of putting it on. Rosette clapped her hands happily together.
"It fits you well!
Please... take care."

Richer with two whole gold pieces and a legendary weapon the two of you hit the road once more as you left the mansion.
On the way Szikra looked at you inquiring about the destination.

"Where to then?"

"East. Same as before."

It felt good walking outside once more. Really good.
After being confined in a room for so long the smell of fresh air, the dust on the road and the noise of nature were refreshing.
So much so that you hardly even realized the quick passage of time.
As you saw the Lightwell setting behind you Szikra asked whether or not it was time to set up camp.

Agreeing with her you went off the path for a bit and started a fire a spitting distance away from the road.
Cooking your dinner from the supplies you "helped yourselves for" in the mansion you looked up at the sky and found yourself lost in the beautiful image of the heavens. Something that never happened before.

"You okay? You like you zoned out."

"I've been on the road for years now...
And only now I realize how much it grew on me."

"That's great. Now back to my food. Chop chop!"

Once food was ready you served the gluttonous monster you call a companion and then sat down next to her, enjoying some of the stew you just made. In between swallowing entire mouthfuls of food Szikra spoke up.
"This reminds me... aren't you gonna call your pet lizard now?"

After pointing out that she had grease trickling down the side of her mouth you had to realize that she was right.
With everything going on in your life you almost forgot about the kobold that was following you for a while now.
At this point you had to wonder if it didn't just straight up abandon you.
But if she's still around she'll make herself known to you sooner or later.

>Try to lure it out
>Practice some magic instead
>Finish your meal and get some sleep
>Other? (write-in)

>>2950294
>>Try to lure it out

>>2950294
>lure her out

Okay then

>writing

I'm a bit late to the party, but i'm here now.

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You finished up your bowl and hatched a plan.
Pouring the remaining contents of the pan out you took a few steps away from the camp and placed the food down on a relatively flat rock. After backing up a bit, fanning the steamy stew and waiting you got a reaction.
The grass began to rustle and a familiar pair of large eyes glinted in the darkness.

She poked her head out of the tall grass and looked deeply into your eyes.
You raised your hand and waved at her. It's not clear if she knows what the gesture means or if she's just imitating you but she waved back. What you do know is that she understands simple hand gestures so you present the food to her and sit down on the ground, waiting for her to make a move.

Once she's certain you are not going to do anything she slowly and carefully reached out for the bowl before raising it to her mouth and slurping up its contents. But as she's eating you give her an odd look which she notices.
Stopping mid way she cocks her head to one side, signaling her confusion.
Slowly you shifted closer to her and wiped her face with a piece of cloth and then reached for her bowl, causing her to reel back in surprise. Grabbing the spoon still in it you wanted to hand it to her but she didn't know what you wanted.

Sighing you grabbed her hand and helped her properly grasp the tool and then taught her how to use it.
"Oooo!"
She gasped as she finally understood what your intentions were.
Though she was initially skeptical she quickly realized the tools usefulness.

After finishing the bowl she licked up every last drop of food and handed it back to you. During the exchange your fingers brushed against hers, which you didn't really cared about but seemed to make her nervous as she pulled her hand back and started slowly rubbing it in embarrassment.
Cracking a smile at this creatures innocence you pat her head once before returning to the fire.

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Of course she slowly followed you back and upon meeting Szikra she raised her hand and your friend reciprocated the gesture. No doubt the crackling fire is much more comfortable than the cool breeze of night.
But that reminded you of something.

Reaching into your pack you started rummaging through your stuff until you found what you were looking for.
Grabbing onto it, you handed it to the kobold and gestured for her to grab it.
She stared dumbly at the fabric, not knowing what to make of it.
But once it unfolded her mouth opened up as she saw the green dress.

Putting it on her lap she ran her hand along it to feel the softness of it. But before long she realized what she was doing and wanted to hand it back to you. Trying your best to convey the message you told her you insist that she can keep it.
For a few moment she switches from staring at you to looking at the dress.
But after she managed to gather herself she pulled it over the pieces of leather that were her "clothes".
Now they are little more than undergarments.

She tries her best to let out what constitutes as a smile but it's obviously forced. She's not yet comfortable wearing them.
But that's okay. You pat her head one more time before laying down and rolling onto your side to get some sleep.
"Good night."

"Night."
Szikra responded.

"Nhighth."

You rolled back to look at the kobold who looked surprised, like a kid that knew they did a bad thing but don't know what.
Nodding once you spoke up again.
"Night."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzWsLaolyLw

After drifting away from consciousness you hoped you'd get a dreamless sleep. But fate was not known for being kind to you. Even though you tried leaving the junk behind the delirium still clings onto you like a parasite.
Only this time it is less of a trick of the mind and more of a cosmic gods nonsensical whims made manifest.

"Heh... Heheheh...
Welcome back bud!"

>What do you want Ciel?!
>Let me guess... this is where I pay you back for bailing me out?
>Begone fiend! Let me sleep!
>Other? (write-in)

>>2950511
>>Let me guess... this is where I pay you back for bailing me out?

>>2950511
>>Let me guess... this is where I pay you back for bailing me out?
probably my last vote for tonight

Slow day huh? Must be the Sunday

>writing

"I should have known...
Let me guess, this is the part where I have to repay you for bailing me out?"

"Whatever do you mean my boy?"

"The thing that happened down there. It's your doing isn't it?"

"On the contrary. I just came to see how your chest vagina is doing.
I gotta say it doesn't look pretty. Was it your first time? Because it looked like it hurt."

"It did...
But stop changing the god damn topic!
What the hell happened down there?!"

"Eh... I dunno. There was a lot going on there.
But if you want to be specific, and I assume you do, you're referring to the moment when you and your lady friend briefly shared minds, right? Well... you erm... have issues. The drugs, I mean the drugs. You've been coked up for most of your life, right? So it's understandable if you-"

"GET TO THE POINT!"

"Okay, okay.
So you have what one might call tenacity to the point of insanity. You've been brute forcing your way towards magic for a while now. You've put yourself through pain that only overly devout zealots experience through ritual torture. And it had its toll on your body. But... let's say something overrides your bodies natural safety, something that dulls your mind. Suddenly that floodgate is released. And the energy flooding the area around you starts doing weird shit."

"W-What?"

"Do you know how we are different? And not in a trivial way, like having bodies or the amount of power we have. No... what really matters. We use magic differently. To you it's a second pool of stamina you can use to perform neat tricks with by releasing it into the air and changing it. For us... it's a part of life. We manipulate not the energy within... but without.
When I move I alter the world around me to rearrange itself behind my back. You, traverse through space.
What you did... was closer to my kin than it was to any human.
A feat many people can do, in fact most of your greatest heroes are capable of this... but they don't know it.
Ever wonder how a regular warrior with no magical training whatsoever can cleave a mountain in half? This is how.
You are the second one who managed to do this... consciously. And the first without help."

"Stride..."

"Bingo!"

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103 KB JPG

"So how did that happen?"

"Honestly? I just thought it'd be funny. I told him the one key he needed to make it work. Then heeeee... kinda made something I didn't even think of. You see... rather than manipulating things he instead found a way to "attune" himself to certain things.
He called them elements but "concepts" would be more accurate. Earth, fire, water and air.
That was the key to his power, how he became unstoppable.
YOU seem to have arrived to a similar conclusion although applied it differently.
You attuned yourself to her."

"So that thing was-"

"The two of you moving to the same rhythm. Call it a dance. Or not, I don't care.
The point is that with that teamwork you seemingly created a two way connection where you strengthened each other.
You even got some new tricks out of it, remember her sparkling?"

You pause for a moment and let that sink in.
"Is it dangerous?"

"How should I know? But I assume it is, like everything else in the world.
What you may not have realized is just how strong that connection was. You only felt it from your end.
Imagine yourself... How messed up the inside of your head is... now imagine her being thrown into it."

"Oh no..."

"Oh yeah.
It's powerful yes, but I'd advise against it until you manage to become less of a mental wreck.
Then again... I like a good cataclysm...
You know what? I changed my mind. I urge you to gather more friends! I want to know what kind of a reaction you'd get from others!"

Stopping to think for a second you averted your eyes from Ciel.
Maybe you should ask Szikra if she is alright.
Nodding to yourself you looked back at the god.

"Will that be all?"

"I guess. Thanks for helping me clarify things a bit.
I do love these talks of ours. Makes me feel less crazy when I'm not talking to myself."

Turning your back to the eldritch creature you attempted to leave but found yourself being yanked back by some force.
Ciel raised you until you were around the same level as his eyes were.
"Oh and one more thing...
You look kinda shit. Know what'd do wonders to you?
Some nice little soul food."

With that said he thrust you back in your body, causing your eyes to snap open.
"Thanks for the advice... asshole."

Hearing you wake up Szikra let out a groan as she stretched out her arm.
"What time is it?"

"Early..."

"Shit..."

You looked at the girl as she rolled around, trying to get in a few minutes of sleep before the start of the day.

>Are you alright?
>Don't bring it up. If something's bothering her, she'll tell you
>Other? (write-in)

>>2950820
>>Are you alright?
I mean sure we were the one in a bed for a few days but it's not a bad thing to ask

>>2950820
>Are you alright?
Gotta make sure she's really alright. Especially if she's "experienced" what we experienced if Ciel is right on the money.

>>2950820
>Are you alright?

That is obviously one sided

>writing

Carefully so you don't wake up the kobold you looked at Szikra.
"Hey... you're awake?"

"No..."

"I've been meaning to ask this but... are you alright?"

"You're the one who was bed bound."

"Yes but... I mean when we... you know."

*sigh*
"I get what you mean.
I don't know... I feel weird. I don't know how it feels like but I imagine how getting your arm cut off would feel like.
I mean it was only a couple of minutes but... it felt good. Real good. And since then I couldn't replicate what I did there."

"But aside that nothing bad happened to you?"

"I guess sleeping is a bit harder.
Dreams... can get weird. But it's probably gonna blow over."

"What do you remember from that time?"

She shook her head.
"Nothing. Nothing concrete anyway.
I felt... you I guess. Your movements, your intentions.
Being so in sync with someone was... remarkable.
You?"

"I remember your skin. Your smell. The blood rushing to your head. Every little heartbeat.
I agree... it was amazing."

"So, what was it?
Can you do it again?"

"I don't know and I don't think so. Not yet anyway.
It was a fluke mostly."

"Well whatever it was, it saved our hides. I don't think we could've handled Julian without it.
So you'd better figure it out quick."

You let out a sigh, unsure whether you should tell her what it is since even you aren't certain about it.
But after a few minutes of doing nothing you decided the time was ripe for getting up, mainly because the light has become too much to bear and started packing your stuff up.
During the process Szikra pointed at the kobold and spoke up.
"Shouldn't you wake her?
It'd be a real dick move if we just left her here."

"What happened to you constantly poking fun at me for keeping her around?
But okay, I'll get her."

Making your way to her you slowly rubbed her back a bit to jolt her awake.
It seemed to work but she was also quite agitated, looking around with great care to make sure no predators were coming to get her. But when she saw you her natural survival instincts seemed to have calmed down.
After feeding her as well you finished packing your stuff and hit the road once more.

"I'm going to need to find a name for her, otherwise I'm going to loose my mind talking about her."

"Why not just ask her? I'm sure she has one."

"Ask... The taciturn kobold..."

"Okay okay.
...
Whoa!"

Szikra stopped as did you.
The change was subtle but immediately noticeable.
What was only well paved dirt turned into stone bricks right under your feet.
In front of you the woods disappeared, giving way to plains and farmlands with forest being restricted to small pockets a fair distance away. Even the usual chatter of nature seemed different.

"Is this the East?"
You asked her.

"I've never been here personally but... yeah this is it.
It's just like the books said."

For a few moments you stared at your surroundings and tried to get acclimated to them but before long you resumed your journey. Along the way you noticed the roads splitting into many different branches, leading only gods know where.
This was apparently one of the most well defined features of the Empire, its extensive network of roads maintained by the state itself. Normally you are used the straightforward paths connecting the closest settlements. But these ones were going all over the place, making you feel lost with every junction.
Realizing that you had no actual map of the empire and neither of you being familiar with it your only option was heading eastward until you hit either the capital or the coastline.

Luckily it didn't come to that.

The road lead you to a quaint little town that, much like the land itself, was familiar yet different in enough places that it felt uncanny. In Midland if someone wants a house they'll most likely have to build it themselves. This makes each and every home truly unique. Here however the homes appear to be almost identical, as if they were cast in a mold.
Both of you find yourselves staring at them awkwardly.

"How do they know which one is theirs?"

"I got... no idea."

But as you were sticking out like a sore thumb someone noticed you standing in the middle of the road.
"Oh! Adventurers! What a rare sight!"

You turned to the owner of the voice and saw an elderly man riding a horse drawn carriage.
His age was readily apparent as his skin was greatly wrinkled. He was also an elf but not like any you've seen before, not that you've seen many. His skin was tanned but not like the one you'd get from working in the field all your life, though he did seem like he did just that. No... instead it looked like that was his natural complexion.
The chocolate skinned elf then tipped his hat to you.

"Forgive me for gawking but you were hard to ignore.
I take it you are not from around these parts."

"You're right... we came from Midland to get some work."

"Ah that's wonderful to hear.
Folks around here may not love you much but in my eyes you all do gods work.
Say... why not join us for a meal? My wife always makes so much food, it'd be great if you'd come.
And while you're there I could give you directions if you need any."

"We're just looking for the capital.
Wouldn't want to burden you with our presence."

"Awww... are you sure?
My wives cooking is a real miracle. It not only fills your bellies but your souls too.
I like calling it soul food. Sure you don't want any?"

>Yes. Just directions are fine
>Well if you insist
>other? (write-in)

>>2951110
>>Well if you insist
I have a bad feeling about this but Ciel recommended us soul food so this ain't a coincidence i think

>>2951118
Welp guess this is it then,
These are gonna be the last updates for the day

>writing

>>2951166
not too surprised, it's kinda late here and it's late for you too. how're you holding up btw?

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168 KB JPG

"Well... if you insist."

You agreed to the mans proposal, mostly because you saw Szikra salivating over the prospect of free food.
The man was even kind enough to give you a ride to his home, outside the town proper.
It was a decent sized farm with both impressive amounts of cattle and plants.

He lead you inside where he was greeted by his wife.
"Johan, you're back!"

"Hi honey, I brought some guests!"

"Oh how wonderful! Please come inside dears. It's so rare that we get visitors."

The old lady seemed about the same age as the man, maybe a bit younger. And she also looked quite similar to her husband. Maybe it's a new sub-type of elf that's only located in the east.
Regardless of that they stayed true to their words and treated you to what could only be described as a kingly meal.
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and chicken friend in vegetable oil. The man wasn't lying. The portions were so big that even Szikra found herself failing to destroy all the dishes and their taste was to die for.
You were so impressed by it in fact that you couldn't help but ask the lady for the recipes.

"Oh... I'm sorry but it's a family secret!
But tell you what sonny! Visit us often and I'll treat you to it every time!"

Then her husband spoke up as he was busy picking out the leftovers from his mouth.
"So what do ya say about eastern hospitality?"

Szikra patted her stomach and burped loudly.
"Holy shit... If I could I'd wish ALL the blessings in the world for you!
Thank you for the meal!"

"I agree... it was lovely.
But may I ask... why?"

"Well shoot... I'd say because I respect what you folk do.
Lord knows I understand what it's like to risk your life for the safety of others...
Ya see... we have a daughter. She's the loveliest creature far and wide. She's a member of the guard. In the capital none the less.
But er... now that I mention this... I do have something I'd like to ask of you."

"Here we go..."

"No, it's nothing like that! I'm only asking for a favor. It's fine if you refuse, you don't have to do it.
But we'd really appreciate the help."

"We are past our times sadly..."
His wife chimes in.
"We don't have much in terms of coin. What we grow outside we eat or store away for more desperate times.
We don't really sell it."

"Yeap. All our disposable income comes from what little our daughter can send home.
And uh... we haven't written to her in a while."

"The couriers rarely show up around these parts and they cost a pretty penny to take things to the capital."

"So uh... we were wondering if you could take our letter to her?
Sadly we can not pay you for this but I assure you, our little girl is an honest and upstanding lady!
She'll compensate you for your troubles! And uh... since you are going to the capital anyway maybe-"

>You don't need to be ashamed. We'll take it
>Sorry. But we're not couriers...
>Other? (write-in)

>>2951235
tired
Sleep would be very much welcome by now.

But anyway this is the last post for the day, despite the options to vote.
If we reach a reasonable amount of votes I'll use them next week when we start.
Anyways I hope you enjoyed yourselves.
See you next week

>>2951242
>You don't need to be ashamed. We'll take it
We're heading there anyway and having an in with the guard can't hurt. See you next week boss!

>>2951242
>>You don't need to be ashamed. We'll take it

>>2951245
>We'll take it

Thanks for staying this long spooks, hope to see you next week.

>>2951242
>>You don't need to be ashamed. We'll take it

So it looks like I'll be 100% guaranteed to be available on Saturday If things go well I'll do the thread around the usual time. And I'll try to go as long as I can