>>2955592
Henry quietly sat next to her, waiting for her to finish a sentence of the angelic language she was saying her prayer in. The woman looked gorgeous in the fading sunlight. Red curls of hair flowing down the back of her head, flapping a few times from a gust of wind blowing through the open door. She was lost in prayer, her eyes scrunched in concentration.

“So you come here often?” Henry asked.

Rosa jumped and let out a small squeak of surprise as she suddenly realized Henry was next to her. The woman began to fall off of the pew, desperately clutching at empty air. Henry casually grabbed her hand and pulled her back onto her seat, keeping hold of her hand after the act was done. A small blush crossed Rosa’s face as she glanced every which way in a nervous tizzy.

“Y-yes…” Rosa said, grabbing her hood with her free hand and pulling it over her head. “Why m-must you embarrass me in front of everyone here?”

“I waited till everyone left didn’t I?”

“No go on its fine!” The deacon said from across the room, “I’m quiet enjoying the show, you give Father Abbot a run for his coin!”

“SHUT UP GREGOR!” Rosa said, fidgeting mightily.
Henry let out a small laugh, he decided to can it before Rosa shot him a look.

“Enough of that guy, how’re you settling in?” Henry asked.

“I’ve settled in nicely, there is this nice nook up below the bell where I have a whole room to myself.

“You sleep under a church bell?” Henry asked.

“It’s free, and more importantly it gives me an amazing view of the bay.” Rosa said.

Henry didn’t really have room to argue, he lived in a drainage tunnel underground. If anything Rosa’s living space could be seen as superior. The view was certainly better, for all Henry had to look at down in his hole was a stone wall or pitch black, depending on if he’d remembered to charge the light runes.

Decisions:
1. “Can I have a look at the view? If it really is that beautiful.”
2. “Would you like to take a quick walk along the docks, just to watch the sunset.”
3. “So is Abbot your father or do you just know him randomly?”
4. “Honestly for where this is, the church is really well kept.”
5. (write in)

>>2955594
>1. “Can I have a look at the view? If it really is that beautiful.”
on the way
>4. “Honestly for where this is, the church is really well kept.”

>>2955594
>4. “Honestly for where this is, the church is really well kept.”

>>2955594
>1. “Can I have a look at the view? If it really is that beautiful.”

>>2955615
>>2955610
>>2955601
writing

>>2955594
“Can I have a look at the view? If it really is that beautiful.”

“I can tell you it is, come on.” Rosa said, leaping out of her seat, the woman was unusually peppy.

“Woah now, don’t hurt yourself.” Henry said, jokingly.

“You two lovebirds have fun now.” Gregor said. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret Rosa.”

“Oh shut up Gregor, I won’t do anything embarrassing.”

“If he touches you I can beat the shit out of him.” Gregor said, eyeing henry up.

Henry almost laughed, the kid was a lightweight.

“T-that won’t be nessessary Gregor, really.” Rosa said.

“Fine, I’ll help the old man get to bed then. I’ve finished up down here anyways.” Gregor said.

Rosa and Henry ascended the small spiral staircase that wound its way through the belltower. On the way up Henry decided to ask a question he had about Gregor.

“So whats the deal with Gregor, are you two…?”

The two passed through a small middle room that had a bed and a few other things scattered about, Henry deduced that this was the room Rosa had been talking about.

“Heavens no, he’s a bit… overbearing?” Rosa said nervously. “He’s a sweet guy and all but… I don’t know…I’ve never really though of him like that, he’s more like a brother I never had?”

The two continued upwards, Henry could see the bell directly above him.

“Well whatever, we’re here… woah.” Henry said.

The view WAS amazing. Henry was surpised nobody had ever tried to paint from this vantage point. On one side was the sun setting over Lake Celeste, reflecting its light over the calm waters. On the other side was the entire city, as Henry’s eyes climbed up the hill the city sat on he saw the High Cathedral in the distance, circled by a whole bunch of angels, forming a sort of halo.

“Its amazing right?” Rosa asked.

Decisions:
1. “You’re amazing.”
2. “Yeah its… it’s something.”
3. “Surprised nobody’s tried to paint this.”
4. “So want to play a fun game? You tell me something about yourself, and I’ll do the same. Good way to get to know each other better.”
5. “So did Gregor actually think I’d try anything?”
6. (write in)

>>2955646
>3. “Surprised nobody’s tried to paint this.”

>>2955646
>3. “Surprised nobody’s tried to paint this.”

>>2955646
>2. “Yeah its… it’s something.”
>3. “Surprised nobody’s tried to paint this.”

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>2955654
>>2955662
>>2955652
writing

>>2955646
“Surprised nobody’s tried to paint this.” Henry said, taking in the view afforded by the receeding light.

“Well someone has…” Rosa said.

“What?” Henry asked.

“I’ve … tried to paint… on occasion. I-I’m not very good at it though, but I like to come up here and paint the lake sometimes, or maybe a few of the buildings… I never get very far. I took it up because Father Abbot suggested I find a hobby and I thought I could improve myself…” Rosa said, eyes darting around.

“Nice to see you have some hobbies.” Henry said, smiling.

“What, think I’m just some kind of one note wonder?” Rosa asked. “I do have a few hobbies to pass the time, outside of my duties.”

Decisions:’
1. “Everyone needs a hobby, heck I fish on occasion.”
2. “Can I see some of the paintings?” (roll 1d100 for charisma)
3. “So want to play a fun game? You tell me something about yourself, and I’ll do the same. Good way to get to know each other better.”
4. “Something the matter?”
5. (write in)

>>2955685
>1. “Everyone needs a hobby, heck I fish on occasion.”

>>2955685
>1. “Everyone needs a hobby, heck I fish on occasion.”

>>2955689
>>2955687
writing

>>2955685
“Everyone needs a hobby, heck I fish on occasion.” Henry said.

“Hey no swearing in the church!” Rosa said, worried and flustered all of a sudden, it was kinda cute.

“Little miss goodie two shoes.” Henry said, chuckling a bit.

“S-stop…” Rosa said, embarrassed all of a sudden. “I don’t like it when you do that…”

“Well then I’d better help you get used to it.” Henry teased.

“So what sort of things does a mage get up to?” Rosa asked.

“Oh you know, write and enchant spell scrolls for those who’re interested, do the occasional odd detective job, it’s a pretty good gig.”

“Hrm, you run your own business?” Rosa asked. “You don’t work for anyone else?”

“Kinda an odd question, yeah I do run my own thing, heck I’ve got Charles as my apprentice now.”

“Well I know its silly but for the longest time I wanted to run my own clinic… I just never had the money to start up…”

“So that’s why you tagged along with me and Larry in Grutzberg.”

“I can’t believe you talked me into that…” Rosa said. “Look… we… what did we do there?” Rosa asked. “And Johnny… he...” Rosa said. “You said he was okay but I can’t believe he made it out of that… I thought, I nearly didn’t…” Rosa said.

“Yeah.” Henry said. “Hell I almost…”

“Look, Henry… I’m not good at this… thank you.” Rosa said. “I mean for everything… I don’t know how to say it.” Rosa said.

The two sat down on a bench that had been left up in a corner of the belltower, Rosa laid her head on Henry’s shoulder. It was a nice little moment, Henry treasured it.

“Its fine.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. “Johnny got out alright, alright? A little miracle to be sure.”
2. “Look, we can’t focus on the past too much, live in the present and look to the future, that’s my mantra.”
3. “So you really want to run a clinic for people? What, just be a doctor?”
4. “We all have our problems Rosa, luckily everyone knows what its like.”
5. (write in)

>>2955709
>3. “So you really want to run a clinic for people? What, just be a doctor?”

>>2955709
>1. “Johnny got out alright, alright? A little miracle to be sure.”
>"There's been quite a few times working with him where I thought he might have been boned for good." (chuckle at the pun known only to you) "But he's always pulled through."
>3. “So you really want to run a clinic for people? What, just be a doctor?”

>>2955716
>>2955714
will write tomorrow.

>>2955714
>>2955716
Writing

>>2955709
“Johnny got out alright, alright? A little miracle to be sure.” Henry said.

“I still can’t believe it, he should count his lucky stars and whatever angel is looking out for him.”

Henry stifled a laugh.

“Theres been quite a few times working with him where I thought he might have been boned for good. That man is unbelievably good at beating death. He’s always just… pulled through.”

Henry stifled a second laugh, before abruptly changing the topic before he lost his composure.

“So you really want to run a clinic for people? What, just be a doctor?” Henry asked.

“I don’t want to be ‘just’ a doctor.” Rosa said, “Look I get that it might pay a good deal to be some noble’s personal physican…”

“It pays a good deal if you find a good one.” Henry said.

“How would you… whatever, look I want to offer services to the poor and the needy, its why I’m out here in the first place, most of the people out here get forgotten by the priests of the higher rings. It’s disgraceful, and it goes against the church’s teachings.” Rosa said. “I just, I don’t have the supplies or the money or anything to offer more than I’m doing right now, I hate it.”

“Rough.” Henry said.

“What do you think Henry?” Rosa asked. “You seem to be successful… sort of…”

“Gee thanks.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. “Focus on helping yourself before anyone else.”
2. “Seems you have beef with the more wealthy members of the church?”
3. “I could see you doing that sort of thing, you’re a heck of a lot more caring than anyone else I know.
4. “You can only do so much, you’re only one person Rosa.”
5. *place your arm around her waist.*

>>2957397
>3. “I could see you doing that sort of thing, you’re a heck of a lot more caring than anyone else I know.
refuse to waifu her. Stop giving us the options to try. Please

>>2957397
backing >>2957400 but also
>"Don't forget to focus on helping yourself too. Put yourself first if you absolutely have to."
fuck you I'm starting to want to waifu her now that she went from bitch to a decent character

>>2957408
>>2957400
writing

>>2957397
“I could see you doing that sort of thing, you’re a heck of a lot more caring than anyone else I know…”

Rosa giggled nervously for a second, then fidgeted about.

“If you’re trying to butter me up with compliments… it’s working.” She said the last part quietly.

“Look, it’s good to want to help people and all, but you need to focus on helping yourself as well, put yourself first if you need to but try to get to a point where you can live on your own, try to stop having to live inside roadside shrines or due to the charity of others…”

“I don’t ask for anything for free!” Rosa said, a bit angrily. “I always offer my services in exchange!”

“That’s not the point.” Henry said. “If you can’t do things yourself then you’re at the mercy of another person’s generosity, that’s just how life is.”

“You shouldn’t need to do everything yourself Henry, that’s what a community is for! That’s what the church is supposed to be for! Expecting everyone to do everything… that’s just impossible!”

Henry smiled a bit, she was trying to be sweet, or was she looking down on him?

“Well?” Rosa asked pointedly.

Decisions:
1. “I can’t Rosa.”
2. “Look, I don’t do crowds alright?”
3. “I won’t pray Rosa, I can’t.”
4. “If I need help from others then what good am I?”
5. “Look, the reason I’m not living out here anymore is because I ponied up, I don’t need anyone else to give my life reason and purpose.”
6. (write in)

>>2957477
>“Well?” Rosa asked pointedly.
Well what?
You never explicitly asked a question.
If you are asking me to help, I'll do it under several conditions.

>>2957477
Backing >>2957486
This will also prove our point that you gotta learn to do things yourself, but also open the way for us to mess with her further

>>2957488
>>2957486
writing

>>2957477
“Well what?” Henry asked. “You never asked a question.”

“Don’t get smart with me now.” Rosa said, “ I mean are you going to try opening up a bit? The whole loner and outcast thing can’t be good for you.”

“Look I appreciate the gesture Rosa, but I’m happy, really.”

“Alright…” Rosa said.

“So you don’t need my help?” Henry asked.

“Well…” Rosa said, looking towards the floor. “I don’t know… I don’t know how to ask…”

“And I’m the one who needs to open up?” Henry asked.

“S-shut up…” Rosa said weakly. “This wasn’t how this conversation was planned out in my head…”

“Aw…” Henry said, the word coming out a tad more mockingly than he’d like.

“Shut up…” Rosa said a second time, rubbing a hand over her face. She grabbed handful of her hair for a moment and then let go, breathing out to calm herself down.

Decisions:
1.”You’re cute when you’re all flustered like that”
2. “You need to stop worrying about stuff like this, its doesn’t do anyone any good.”
3. “Not everyone needs to be like you, you know.”
4. “No need to try making everyone better, some people are perfectly happy how they are.”
5. (write in)

>>2957559
>1.”You’re cute when you’re all flustered like that”
but
>2. “You need to stop worrying about stuff like this, it doesn’t do anyone any good.”

>>2957564
I'll support this cause I can't think of anything better.

>>2957564
>>2957565
writing

>>2957564
>>2957559
This. But at the same time reach out and hold her hands.

>>2957559
“You’re cute when you’re all flustered like that.” Henry said.

Rosa puffed her cheeks up in an attempt to appear angry but gave up midway through and laid her head on Henry’s lap.

“Stobbit…”

“You need to stop worrying about stupid things like this, it doesn’t do anyone any good.”

“I know… Abbot tells me the same thing, even Gregor says stuff like that…”

“Yeah you’re a hot mess.” Henry said.

“Thaaaanks…” Rosa replied.

“Glad to help!” Henry cheerily replied.

“Thank you for taking the time to make a useless woman feel wanted…” Rosa said.

Decisions:
1. *reach out and hold her hands*
2. “You saved my life, you’re not useless.”
3. “Were is this coming from?”
4. “Give yourself some credit damn it.”
5. (Write in)

>>2957599
>4. “Give yourself some credit damn it.”
>1. *reach out and hold her hands*

>>2957599
>4. “Give yourself some credit damn it.”
>>2957602
Why hold hands, there doesn't need to hold hands yet.

>>2957602
>>2957603
writing

>>2957599
“Give yourself some credit damn it.” Henry said.


“I know I help people… it’s just… I don’t know…” Rosa said.


“What?” Henry asked, concern evident in his voice.


“I don’t want to get into it, please.” Rosa responded.


“Alright.” Henry said. He knew damned well what it was like having secrets.


Henry reached out and gently clasped his hands around hers. A moment later Rosa responded by interlinking her fingers and positioning herself on his lap. Her head reached the bottom of his chin and he could feel strands of hair tickling his neck.


Neither of them said anything, neither of them had to, they just watched the sunset in peace. The only noise Henry could discern over the normal sounds of a city slowly falling into slumber was the rickety creak of the bell towers latch door slowly shutting. Someone had been watching them, but Henry was much too contented to care. He could figure out that little conundrum when it came to it. Sides there wasn’t much point getting Rosa spun up.


Decisions:
1. “I should be heading back, Charles might start to worry.”
2. “Maybe we could go for a walk later this week? Or a picnic?”
3. “So is Abbot your father? Will I have to ask him if it’s okay for us to see each other? Hopefully he doesn’t run me out.”
4. “So how did you end up in a place like this? A woman with your talents should be much more well known.”
5. *say nothing, enjoy the moment, and leave after the sun goes down.*
6. (write in)

>>2957640
>5. *say nothing, enjoy the moment, and leave after the sun goes down.*
Enjoy things while they last

>>2957659
Supportin.
And on the way home get our apprentice something like a drink to help hangovers or something. And basic mage supplies

>>2957640
>5. *say nothing, enjoy the moment, and leave after the sun goes down.*
Stop leading her on guys. She will just get killed by abraxas, or get herself killed one way or another when she finds out who Henry is

>>2957737
>>2957670
>>2957659
calling it a night, and as for the third anon who posted, you boys might want to discuss this among yourselves.

>>2957749
I mean, at best she'll have a crisis of faith and severe anxiety. This can't end well for anyone but it will hit her the hardest. At least she won't have to live with it for long because if it isn't our fault the Cathars will hang her for associating with a necromancer

>>2957640
>2. “Maybe we could go for a walk later this week? Or a picnic?”

>>2957640
>5. *say nothing, enjoy the moment, and leave after the sun goes down.*

Enjoy the silence, before words like violence come crashing down into our little world.

>>2957923
She might have an aneurysm if we tell her this demon cult bullshit is all happening LITERALLY RIGHT UNDER THE FUCKING CAPITAL and that there are higher-ups in both the church AND other important places that are all part of this epic conspiracy - that's what our bro Duncan was fighting against, with the Solarch himself in on the truths and backing him up.

Cathars won't hang her for associating with a necromancer if they don't find out we're a necromancer in the first place, get it?

>>2957923
>>2958337
also if Duncan did a little of the same shit Henry did but the Solarch is still working with him, then the old man is reasonable enough to forgive him for his sins and shit
and if he's willing to forgive Duncan then he'd be willing to forgive Henry too, right? something for Rosa to think about if we ever tell her all this

>>2958337
Man you're assuming the best case scenario, you're setting yourself up for disappointment.

She probably won't have time to have the aneurysm since abraxas will kill anyone, and Henry, if he tell them what's going on. It was a condition for his release. It just takes one inquisitor like Cassius with a hateboner for necromancy instead of werewolves, or a fucking angel, there won't be a trial that's for sure. I'm not saying we're ever going to come clean with her because lmao, no, but all it takes is one of the demon's henchmen deciding to fuck with us or her finding out on her own and having one of her panic attacks and end up blabbing in confession or seek help from someone.

If you're dead set on this just do it knowing that you are inviting tragedy to our doorstep. It's impossible to be an item and keep all of this crap secret forever. I'll advise you to contact Duncan to make sure that forgiveness isn't just wishful thinking. I'll presume that we will at least have to stop our illegal necromancy work if they'll ever entertain the notion of a pardon but you know what will happen? Vermillion will be Upset. In fact, he'll likely be Upset as soon as he thinks we are spending too much time around clergy and the church. Losing his protection or drawing his ire is a very bad thing if Undertown is as powerful as Henry says.

There are too many powers with too many reasons to want to kill or fuck with Henry that if you really care about Rosa the absolute worst thing you can do to her is get her involved, even if only in the eyes of others. They'll hurt her to hurt us.

In addition, the big bad angel (high seraph?) is probably dead, white magic is failing and weakening across the land, Abby has his cronies infesting every level of society, how much help is the church really going to be, when it all comes tumbling down?

And on that tangent, if white mana really is failing our allies will be worthless and our enemies will mainly consist of black and red mana. I believe this strongly enough that I want to suggest that we develop Henry's magic to counter and overpower black and red spells. Seizing control of enemy undead, focus on the Very Bad mindfuck spells and our dope lightning stuff.

>>2958374
>She probably won't have time to have the aneurysm since abraxas will kill anyone, and Henry, if he tell them what's going on.
Duncan being alive disproves that entirely, because then both him and the Solarch would be instadead. But Solarch and Duncan are working together against the conspiracy without either being killed, so it stands to reason that Abraxas wouldn't kill Rosa or Henry - keeping your toys/pets alive is great for entertainment value after all.
>that entire second paragraph
Contacting Duncan is good, yeah, but what about getting Vermillion in this as a sort of "hey this fucking demon wants to fuck shit up and ruin your immortal fun, are you gonna let him just do that to your party like this?" call to get him against Abraxas? I have no clue if Vermillion would be okay with that or have a case of villain loyalty and refuse to even consider the notion despite us being both reliable AND a valuable asset to have around.
And the pardon thing is from the Solarch himself by acknowledging the same thing he acknowledged of Duncan: that both Henry and Duncan are caught up in this crap against their will and Henry is just doing whatever it takes to survive, and that's not wrong.
Or maybe I'm just suffering from a mad case of wishful thinking in a setting on the way to literal hell on earth.
>how much help is the church really going to be, when it all comes tumbling down?
This is why we collect as many allies as possible and work to git gud. Rosa is one of them.
>I want to suggest that we develop Henry's magic to counter and overpower black and red spells. Seizing control of enemy undead, focus on the Very Bad mindfuck spells and our dope lightning stuff.
Reminder mind control shit is bad for quest players to have, and akun is proof of this. Utility variants like misdirection spells and spells for ruses are much more IC for Henry to rely on when it comes to mind-related blue mana. Also yeah, BALL BLIGHTNING is what we need to work towards.

>>2958374
Also a reminder of the spell path for that

>Blight
Weaken opponents in an arc from the direction you are casting. Depending on the skill and amount of mana you place into this spell, the weakening effect will become greater. Will not do direct damage to opponents and will wear off after a period of time. Can outright kill an opponent if it is unable to resist. Has no effect against undead or vampires.(Costs 1X bars of black mana to cast, which means it costs 1 to cast and then more mana to create the actual effect)(how much additional mana it takes to kill someone is a bit finicky)(is always snapcast)
>Ball Lightning (which we already have but didn't go to a mage chamber to practice with yet, even though we're in the capital and they have QUALITY mage chambers)
Why stop at just a bolt? Why stop at just sensical amounts of damage? Temporarily create a lightning elemental to wreak havoc among enemies. Will do MASSIVE FUCKING DAMAGE, but will be susceptible to harm from enemy weapons or magics. You can direct the ball without additional mana cost (costs 4 bars of red mana per casting)(can one shot angels and keep on chugging to give you an idea of how much raw power this is)(is always snapcast)(also called the BIG BOY)
>Blightning
Can’t choose between Bolt and Blight? Well now you don’t have to! Casts a black bolt of lightning out from the user, and upon impact spreads the blight spell around in a radius of the impact point. You cannot regulate the strength of the blight spell due to the combination of mana, but the blight spell is actually pretty powerful. (Costs 1 bar of black mana, and 1 bar of red mana to cast)(Requires both blight, and bolt, to have been learned)(is always snapcast)

>>2958446
Nah I don't want mind control, I want mindrape like spontaneous aneurysms, giving them brain damage, stopping their ability to cast spells, fucking up their motor skills. The Real Deal.

>1
Well I will have to go back to check, but I distinctly remember thinking it was odd that Duncan didn't get merced when we found out what he was doing. I am quite certain Henry's deal was "tell anyone and you and everyone you know are fucking dead". Duncan might not have had the same deal.

>2
I don't know this but I am still quite sure that Verm knows, hell he probably is one of Abraxas lieutenants, Henry never clarified the relationship to him only that he fucking hates being under his thumb. He's an evil vampire, I don't see how Abraxas coming into power isn't beneficial to him. I'd also be wary of in any way shape or form telling Verm what he should or should not do, he's humoring Henry as a useful pet and is controlling him with fear.

Is he even the family patriarch or just the local lord? Man I do not want to get involved in vampire politics.

In the end I'm simply opposed to start a romance, because I'm seeing warning signs of codependency. They've got real shitty headspaces and life situations and I see any crack in the facade is liable to break them both. By all means keep her a friend and ally.

Or maybe I am just taking this way too seriously?

>>2958452
> resist. Has no effect against undead or vampires

Blight ain't shit.

>>2958446
> Reminder mind control shit is bad for quest players to have, and akun is proof of this. Utility variants like misdirection spells and spells for ruses are much more IC for Henry to rely on when it comes to mind-related blue mana.

I 100% support this. But I think that what we need to work on is being able to pull out Undead Army when things go to shit.

Because they WILL go to shit.

And, well, we ARE a Necromancer. That's what I want to play myself, not a Zappy Boi or Mental Boi.

File: Pain.jpg (34 KB, 1280x720)

34 KB JPG

>>2957659
>>2957670
>>2957737
>>2957923
>>2958013
>>2958197
>>2958337
>>2958343
>>2958374
>>2958446
>>2958452
>>2958570
>>2958948
>>2958958
>discuss among yourselves I said
>it'll encourage good discussion I said

>>2959625
>>discuss among yourselves I said
>>it'll encourage good discussion I said
You were right op.

>>2958343
>>2958337
Duncan is the boat man, Gerald is Henry's best friend and the guy fighting against the cult with the solarch.

>>2958948
unlike bolt it can mass kill a BUNCH of people if its powered up enough. Like we're talking a dozen people at once if none of them have countermagic.

>>2958570
The two sat there quietly, listening to the sounds of birds, crickets, and the gentle rustle of the wind. Henry hadn’t felt this peaceful in a long, long time. He took the opportunity to relish it. He knew it’d probably be a very long time before he felt like this again.

By the time Henry went to stand back up, Rosa had fallen asleep. Henry grunted in frustration before simply lifting the woman up and carrying her in his arms. He opened the latch that led back into the church using his foot, carefully climbed down the creaky wooden steps, and placed Rosa into her makeshift bed. As an afterthought Henry placed a blanket over her so that she didn’t catch a cold.

Henry slowly crept back down the steps and out through the front door of the church, making sure the heavy wooden door didn’t make too much noise as he opened and closed it. The holy grounds were lit up with a few scattered light runes, but outside in the ghetto was a different story. It was pitch black all the way up until the third ring, and even the lighting up there could be spotty. Henry grabbed a crystal out of one of his pouches and ingested it, after about a minute his vision improved drastically. He wished he’d brought cat eye crystals with him on his little trip with Charles, but hindsight was twenty-twenty, the things worked fantastically down in the sewers, and they functioned fine topside during nighttime.

Now all Henry had to do was get back home. For someone who didn’t know the city like he did, the night watch would prove a problem. Curfew was enforced in the city for fairly obvious reasons, only on the summer solstice was the restriction lifted.

Decisions: (pick one)
1. Head home through the sewers, hopefully Johnny has calmed down.
2. Head to undertown for a quick drink, see if Nessie has an update on Sophie
3. Head to the Raven’s den to and try to find Robbie Blacks, one of your more trusted infobrokers, see if you can learn more about the spider.
4. (write in)

>>2959704
>1. Head home through the sewers, hopefully Johnny has calmed down.

>>2959704
>1. Head home through the sewers, hopefully Johnny has calmed down.

>>2959955
>>2959706
will write in a few minutes

>>2959704
Henry worked his way up to the third ring of the city, making sure to not do anything stupid to get the gate guards on his case. Generally security in the third ring wasn’t too strong, the Cathars asked a few questions but Henry had all the answers memorized. Getting into the second ring was also fairly simple, Henry found his way down into the sewer network and worked his way upwards, winding and twisting through a multitude of tunnels until he reached his destination.

He found Charles fast asleep, Ophelia nowhere to be found, and Johnny looking rather impatient. The skeleton of course had no facial expressions, but his foot tapping incessantly upon the ground was a fairly obvious indicator.

“Had a fun evening sir?” Johnny said, that dry sarcasm of his seeping through his voice. “Charles is going to be fine thank you for asking.”

“Yeah about that…” Henry whispered. He was just about to ask that for fucks sake, still, it was the kids fault he had gotten inebriated.

The two of them walked outside of Henry’s house, Henry didn’t have much of a choice. Well he did, he could just get Johnny to shut up, but BOY would that not go over well in the long run.

Decisions:
1. “Look, Charles grabbed a mug of ale while me and Duncan were talking today, I have him as a witness! I’m innocent, it’s not like I’d just give a child the strong stuff like that!”
2. “Look I fucked up alright?”
3. “Look, I was going to get him some help, I ran a quick errand and you and Ophelia got back before I did, I didn’t want to deal with it. I just wanted a day off, alright?”
4. (write in)

>>2960154
>1. “Look, Charles grabbed a mug of ale while me and Duncan were talking today, I have him as a witness! I’m innocent, it’s not like I’d just give a child the strong stuff like that!”
If you don't believe us, ask him yourself

>>2960160
calling it a night

>>2960154
>1. “Look, Charles grabbed a mug of ale while me and Duncan were talking today, I have him as a witness! I’m innocent, it’s not like I’d just give a child the strong stuff like that!”

If you're going to lecture anyone it's the kid, underage drinking is one of your deadly sins or whatever, looking away for five seconds isn't so don't fucking start

>>2959662
Yeah, including friendlies.

>>2960154
>“Look, Charles grabbed a mug of ale while me and Duncan were talking today, I have him as a witness! I’m innocent, it’s not like I’d just give a child the strong stuff like that!”
>2. “Look I fucked up alright? I'm going to talk to him about it tomorrow. It's my first time taking care of a kid and I wasn't thinking about what he might get into"

>>2960268
Well, we ARE the adult so we're responsible for keeping an eye on him.

>>2960292
We're Henry and we nope'd out of the room for the sole purpose of being irresponsible

>>2960842
Yeah, but we aren't stupid. We're caught so we gotta fess up and present a plan to prevent it from happening.

>>2960285
>>2960268
>>2960160
writing

>>2960154
“Look, Charles grabbed a mug of ale while me and Duncan wer talking today, I have him as a witness!” Henry said, throwing his arms up in the air. Johnny placed a finger above his eyehole and arched it slightly, signifying him raising a nonexistent eyebrow.

“Look, if you’re going to lecture anyone it’s the kid, underage drinking is one of your deadly sins or whatever, looking away for five seconds isn’t so don’t fucking start.”

“That wasn’t really the point, I’m more annoyed that you left him alone unattended for half a day.”

“I knew you guys were here alright?” Henry admitted.

“So you decided to run off even though you weren’t at fault?” Johnny asked.

“Look can we not talk about this right now, its late.”

“No, we’re talking about this.” Johnny replied, cutting off Henry’s escape route.

“Look, I fucked up alright, I’m going to have a nice chat with him about it tomorrow. It’s my first time taking care of a kid and I wasn’t thinking about what dumb things he’d do.”

“I’ll ask Duncan about it regardless, but alright.” Johnny finally said. “Charles was quite upset about it when he woke up, and he swore up and down that it was all your fault. Perhaps I should’ve realized the child would’ve tried to avoid getting in trouble.”

Decisions:
1. “He LIED about this? He LIED ABOUT ME?!”
2. “Fucking hell, I’m going to make him mop the damned floors.”
3. “So where’s Ophelia, I’m just going to assume you didn’t let her wander off.”
4. “Settling back in alright?”
5. “Nice costume you got there.”

>>2962587
>2. “Fucking hell, I’m going to make him mop the damned floors.”
No better yet, Imma make him drink till he pukes and passes out.

>>2962587
Backing >>2962594

>>2962672
>>2962594
writing

>>2959704
>>2959635
Yup- I was going to point out that Duncan is the smuggler and Gerald is the Cathar/ Guard.
>>2958374
We can't come clean all the way - we can say somethings about our past, and more importantly we can start setting up a network of counter influence. How can we catch clues and hints to plant for those who can act against the demon and the cult - like the Seraph in the Curse breaker garden. How do we sniff out the church cultists who may be part of the problems with failing white mana? Rosa really is a hazard and must be looked at as a tool in the arsenal. Vermillion, Duncan, Gerald, Ophelia. Cassius and Grom as well.
>>2958570
Consider that Vampires and undead may resist Black mana spells, and demons likely have a level of antimagic effect or immunity to fire and necromancy. You need demonology to control them. And THAT is something we have zero experience with.

>>2962587
> I'm gonna make him clean out he Sewer stank tomorrow. Then give him a shot right after.

>>2962587
Henry went to walk into his home, to do what, he wasn’t exactly sure, all he knew was he was going to teach Charles a lesson about trying to screw him over. HE’D TRIED TO SCREW HIM OVER. Johnny knew full well what was coming and immediately threw himself between Henry and the curtains that made up the door to his house.

“Your letting your anger get the better of you Henry.” Johnny said. “We talked about this, remember?”

Henry breathed heavily for a minute and tried to hurl Johnny out of the way a few times before calming down.

“Fuck…” Henry muttered, he’d nearly… fuck.

“Look, let’s just move past this little blow up? No need for Ophelia to catch wind of any of this Henry.”

“Right, I’m gonna make him, mop the damned floors, hell maybe I’ll make him clean out the storm drains to get the place smelling better… That’d teach him right?”

“It should do the trick, I’d even be willing to… assist him, maybe soften the blow a bit.”

“Thanks Johnny.” Henry said.

“Right, get some sleep Henry, I imagine you have much to tell me tomorrow.”

Decisions:
1. *Go to sleep already*
2. “So is Ophelia all set up then?”
3. “So anything important I should know about?”
4. “I need to work on my anger issues more…”
5. “write in”

>>2963302
>1. *Go to sleep already*

Give Johnny an awkward hug.

>>2963302
>1
Trying to hurt more children Henry? Bad Henry, bad dreams

>>2963302
This >>2963313 including the Johnny hug

>>2963302
>1. *Go to sleep already*

>>2963313
>>2963460
>>2963595
>>2966161
writing, and that's sweet

>>2963302
Henry yawned heavily, he was exhausted from a long and stressful day.

“Thanks Johnny.” Henry said, awkwardly hugging the skeleton.

Johnny stood there even more awkwardly, before patting Henry on the back. The two broke the hug and struggled to make eye contact. Henry walked back into his house and collapsed into his bed after nearly hitting his leg on Charles’ newly assembled bed. Henry was far too tired to question why it was already built, and quickly drifted off to sleep.

Henry’s dreams were conflicted, and he tossed and turned in his sleep. Johnny kept a watchful eye on the man, as he always did. The only new twist was the addition of Charles, who tossed and turned a bit himself. Johnny walked over to the boy and pulled up the sheets so he wasn’t cold, and Charles eventually stopped panicking.

“Whatever will I do with you two.” Johnny murmured. “Well, I suppose this isn’t the worst way to spend my unlife.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(?????)

“So Sophie, tell me, what’s this big job you have planned?” Henry asked, looking over some blueprints, the drawings swam about, forming horrifying shapes, but for some reason it didn’t bother Henry.

“Oh its very hush hush love, I can’t tell ANYONE about it, not even you.”

“Not even me?” Henry asked, doing his best to appear offended. “I thought we promised to share everything with one another.”

“Except that thing you refused to tell…” Sophie replied. “I’m allowed to have ONE secret aren’t I dear?”

“…”

“Well… let’s say I’m stealing something important, a dagger, a very very important dagger.” Sophie said.

“Really now? Does the dagger have a name?”

“Maybe, the buyer wasn’t specific, all I know is we’ll be rich when its done, you won’t have to cobble together corpses and I won’t have to sneak around, pick locks and pockets, and make an ass of myself.”

“Come on now, its way more complex than just throwing a bunch of parts together.” Henry replied.

“I’d almost say you enjoy your job.” Sophie replied.

“I wouldn’t keep doing it if I didn’t enjoy the work, I admit…” Henry said nervously.

“Well, same here! I enjoy the planning and the breaking in… but, well, we’re more important.”

“We?” Henry asked.

“Come on, me and you, lets settle down, have a family, it’ll be nice…”

“No…” Henry muttered under his breath. He looked down at the floor, which extended into a bottomless pit with swirling eyes and colors.

“What?” Sophie asked, placing a hand under his chin and gently raising it up so they were looking into each other’s eyes.

“Nothing, its nothing.” Henry replied.

>>2966342
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Henry woke up.

Decisions: (pick one)
1. Take a nice long piss, you’re out of sorts
2. Wake Charles up and go over the blueprints your drafted up
3. Ask Johnny where Ophelia is and figure out what you two are going to do
4. See Vermillion about getting a nice set of clothing for the party.
5. (write in)

>>2966346
>1. Take a nice long piss, you’re out of sorts

>>2966346
>1. Take a nice long piss, you’re out of sorts

>>2966354
>>2966367
writing

>>2966346
Henry carefully got out of bed, grabbed a small light rune, and sauntered his way out into the great outdoors that was the storm drain. He lowered his workmans pants and let out a nice steaming helping of nature’s finest. He whistled a tune to himself for about a minute before finishing up. He was nervous about meeting with Sophie, and had half a mind to come armed to whatever location she decided to meet at. He knew she knew he had Johnny, but she wouldn’t know anything about Ophelia, perhaps she could be of assistance, she’d managed to singlehandedly fend off too mages, well, sort of.

Henrys train of thought was interrupted by a slack jawed Ophelia, holding a light rune limply in one hand, jaw agape and disgust evident on her expression. The woman had seemingly been taking some sort of walk, perhaps she’d been exploring her surroundings, but she obviously hadn’t expected Henry to be there. The woman still had bandages covering half her face, and body, but she seemed to be in fairly good condition for someone with some nasty burns over half their body.

“Good lord.” Ophelia said, turning away and walking back down the tunnel. “This whole thing gets better all the time doesn’t it!”

Decisions:
1. “We’re in a sewer, it’s not that big of a deal.”
2. “Sorry.”
3. “Like the view?”

>>2966551
>2. “Sorry.”
Stay groggy and unsteady as we are still half asleep, and later never remember this event

>>2966551
Backing >>2966578

>>2966591
>>2966578
writing

>>2966551
“Sooorrry” Henry murmured, rubbing his eyes groggily. He yawned and watched as Ophelia scurried back down the tunnel, slipped and falling on her rear a couple of times as she did so. Did she not even notice the handles that Henry had painstakingly added to the sides? That woman would get herself drowned if she didn’t slow down.

He slowly stumbled back into his house, and was surprised to find that Charles was up on his own volition and was sweeping around the house. Henry glanced at him for a couple minutes and Charles picked up the pace and desperately tried to avoid eye contact.

Where the hell had he even found the broom? Henry could’ve sworn had left it in his storage closet when he’d left.

Decisions:
1. “We’re going to have a little talk later.”
2. “Keep up the good work.”
3. “Look Charles, friends don’t screw each other like that.”
4. “Don’t let it happen again.”

>>2967217
>1. “We’re going to have a little talk later.”
And later we break out the worst kind of gut rot from our stash and get him blind drunk. Give him the hangover of a lifetime

>>2967217
> 2. “Keep up the good work.”

Let's just praise him until he cracks on his own.

>>2967217
> 2. “Keep up the good work.”

>>2967217
>4. “Don’t let it happen again.”

>>2967332
>>2967275
>>2967510
>>2969719
writing

>>2967217
“Keep up the GOOD work kid.” Henry said, the sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Charles tried to shrink away from Henry, and Henry didn’t blame him. He should be scared for lying about him. Henry hoped the lesson would sink in.

Johnny let out a quiet coughing noise, the best he could manage without lungs.

“Sir, perhaps some breakfast would calm your nerves?”

“Yeah, sure.” Henry said. “Look Johnny, can you go grab Ophelia from wherever the hell she wandered off two, I saw her head back down the tunnel.”

“Probably to her living quarters. I helped her assemble the beds you acquired but I do hope that isn’t all you plan on getting sir.”

“Of course not Johnny, but I need to see what Ophelia needs first off, and I need to plan with her, this little operation is gonna require a lot of planning.”

“I dread to find out what you could be planning.” Johnny muttered.

Breakfast was awkward. Between Johnny’s silent stare, Charles silent embarrassment, and Ophelia’s discomfort, it was a true family gathering.

Decisions:
1. Try to break the ice (write in optional)
2. Keep quiet, everyone’s just nervous.
3. Bury the hatchet with everyone, does no good to be worked up.
4. (write in)

>>2970632
>3. Bury the hatchet with everyone, does no good to be worked up.
We gotta be straight here with ourselves or we won't get anywhere.

>>2970729
writing

>>2970632
“I’ve thought about things Charles, don’t let it happen again.” Henry said. “Everyone makes mistakes, and well, I just thought you were trying to just save your own skin at my expense. I keep forgetting your just a kid, and well, kids make dumb mistakes.”

“I’m not a dumb kid.” Charles responded.

“He doesn’t mean it like that.” Johnny interjected. “He’s saying he apologizes for rushing to judge you, and that he expects you to work on… well, telling the truth.”

“Charles, we don’t lie to each other, alright?” Henry said. “About anything.”

“Where do I fit into all of this?” Ophelia asked.

“Don’t know yet, I have known you less than a week and I’m putting my neck out for you.” Henry said.

“And making a massive profit off my work.” Ophelia muttered.

“He could have let you die Ophelia, but he choose to give you a chance to redeem yourself.” Johnny said.

Henry and Ophelia shared a glance.

“Thanks Johnny.” Ophelia said, “But I don’t need to be taking advice on redemption from a necromancer or a skeleton.”

“Then a mummy will fit right in.” Charles said, before placing a hand over his mouth.

“It still hurts you know.” Ophelia said. “And its so itchy now.”

“Probably your skin peeling off, it’s a good sign, means its healing.” Henry said.

“Must you speak of this at the table?” Johnny asked.

“Oh sorry Johnny, from now on I’m on my best behavior.” Henry said mockingly.

“Look, Ophelia, I know we didn’t start off on the best terms, and I’m sorry about locking you up, but I can’t just go about trusting anyone, and neither can you. But let’s treat each other as equals, figure out a plan, and let bygones be bygones… like adults yeah?”

Henry turned to Johnny, who nodded sagely.

Ophelia went to respond with something, probably something rude, but noticed Johnnys reaction, struck the thought from her mind.

“I can attempt… to learn to tolerate… I’ll try.” Ophelia said, holding out her hand.

“What are you doing?” Henry asked.

“We’re supposed to shake hands right?” Ophelia asked, genuine confusion on her face. “We’re making a deal right?”

Decisions:
1. “The only deal I trust is in writing.”
2. “No, no that’s not how it’s supposed to work.”
3. *shake her hand?*
4. “Johnny, help.”
5. (write in)

>>2971061
>3. *shake her hand?*

Shit, did we remember to wash our hands after what we did?

>>2971061
>3. *shake her hand?*

>>2971441
I THINK we did. Yeah, sure, let's go with that.

>>2971061
>1. “The only deal I trust is in writing.” (Look at Johnny as you say this, he knows full well about Abraxas)
>"But I trust you, not the deal." *shake her hand?*
Feels like a Henry sort of thing to do and say

>>2972211
supporting

>>2972211
Sounds good

>>2972720
>>2972660
>>2972211
>>2971702
>>2971441
writing

>>2971061
“The only deal I trust is in writing.” Henry said, sharing a look with Johnny, even with the lack of facial expressions Henry knew Johnny understood.

“But I trust you, not the deal.” Henry said, half joking.

He didn’t trust her in the slightest, but he knew that he had her under his thumb, at least for the moment, but it would be far better if she thought this was mutual. For him and for her.

“So then?” Ophelia asked.

Henry reached out his hand and shook Ophelia’s, then quickly resumed eating his morning toast. The heat rune was still sizzling on his stove and the light runes that hung on the walls were flickering distressingly. He had to get all of them recharged soon, perhaps he could get Charles and Johnny to do it, heck he could probably get the two of them to recharge all of the runes he had. Except for the illusion rune, he’d have to go somewhere special to get that puppy topped up.

“So I need actual equipment… and furniture.” Ophelia said matter of factly. “And a lot of paper, I’m running out of chalk and walls.”

“Right…” Henry said. “I can probably get you what you need, the furniture will be easy enough, heck maybe I can show you to undertown.”

“I’m not the greatest at public appearances but … really, while I’m all wrapped up like a present?” Ophelia asked. “And whats an undertown?”

“First off, it’s a town that’s under the grand Cathedral. Second off, compared to some of the freaks and weirdos that make that place their home, you approach normal.”

“Thanks?” Ophelia said, scratching at her arms furiously.

>>2973338
“I’d recommend again scratching too much, it’ll make scarring more likely.” Henry said.
Ophelia’s hands shot back from her arms like she’d just burnt them. She looked around nervously, and placed her hands under her lap, before realizing she wouldn’t be able to eat her food. She eventually resorted to trying to avoid scratching but her arms were incredibly shaky.

“So how much longer till I’m back to normal exactly?” Ophelia asked.

“Probably a week before the burns heal, I estimate, at least the more superficial ones. You have a couple that still might end up infected if I don’t look them over every day.”

Johnny tilted his head while looking at Henry. That wasn’t true at all, but it would work to his advantage all the same.

“Right.” Ophelia said. “At least my hands don’t hurt anymore, you have no idea how bad it got.”

“It was… trying.” Johnny replied. “Luckily I convinced the boat captain that she had gone insane and I was bringing her to the capital to seek help.”

It was closer to the truth then Henry felt comfortable with.

Decisions:
1. “Look, Ophelia, do you want to head into undertown in a bit and grab some supplies, I can show you around and everything.”
2. “Charles, I need you to go off with Johnny and recharge my runes, things are all getting pretty low.”
3. “Charles, today we’re going to do some actual necromancy!”
4. “Johnny, we’re going to see if Nemor is still around, I still want to get into the corpse trade, especially if the cemetery wards are failing.

>>2973343
>1. “Look, Ophelia, do you want to head into undertown in a bit and grab some supplies, I can show you around and everything.”
>2. “Charles, I need you to go off with Johnny and recharge my runes, things are all getting pretty low.”
"And tomorrow we start necromancy, all of us."
Show Ophelia the basics so she doesn't pull something like the "ticky" incident again.

>>2973343
What >>2973359 said

>>2973363
>>2973359
writing

>>2973343
“Look Ophelia, do you want to head into undertown in a bit and grab some supplies, I can show you around and everything.”

“Beats sitting inside and getting nothing productive done.” Ophelia said, stretching her hands out until the joints popped, making a cracking noise.

“Charles, I need you to go off with Johnny and recharge my runes, he’ll show you what to do. Most of them are getting pretty low now.”

“I’ll go grab my disguise then.” Johnny said, standing up and heading into the back room.

“Also Charles, clean the plates up, fill the sink with soapy water, chop chop.” Henry said, snapping his fingers a few times until the boy got the message.

“Its nice to have competent help.” Ophelia said. “I could only imagine.”

“Heh, yeah well, I’m good at picking em.”

“Thanks.” Ophelia said.

“So how do runes get recharged? Do you fill em with mana?” Charles asked.

“Ha, no, you need to leave em near what they let out.” Henry responded.

“What?” Charles asked.

>>2973495
“They have an enchantment imbedded into them that helps them store various types of natural forces.” Ophelia said, trying to help.

“What?” Charles asked again, still confused.

“You leave light runes out in the sun, heat runes near a heat source, probably a furnace or a smelter, and ice runes… well. Probably best to leave them in someplace naturally cold, like the bottom of a stream or lake. Or if you’re really smart you get a bunch of them during the winter and leave em outside, locks the temperature in.”

“That’s not exactly… oh whatever.” Ophelia muttered.

“What?” Henry asked.

“They remove as much heat as possible from themselves. You can’t create cold without using mana” Ophelia corrected.

“Close enough.” Henry said. “Regardless, water is your best bet.”

“And what about that fancy rune you used to seal the entrance off?” Charles asked.

“It’s a very complex rune called an illusion rune, they have to be custom made and each one has a different illusion. Guy I know down in undertown makes some, very useful things although they tend to cost a lot, luckily he doesn’t charge too much to reload them.”

Charles was covered in soapy water by that point, the kid didn’t know what he was doing.

Henry stood up and showed him the basic idea, grabbing a sponge from the side of the sink and scrubbing one of the plates down. Charles quickly took to it after that and cleared through the rest of his plates.

Johnny emerged from the closet, dressed in an even worse pair of rags then the set he’d worn during their little trip. Thank god they’d kept the prototype. Henry would have to make a new pair… actually he could get Ophelia to do it… in fact she could probably make Johnny a far better disguise. Hrm… food for thought.

Decisions:
1. Head to Nessie Nine tails and try to find Larry, won’t he be in for a shock.”
2. Head to Stefan’s House of the Bizarre to get your illusion rune recharged.
3. Head to your local info broker, Robbie Blacks, in the Raven’s Den. You want to ask about the spider, maybe a few other things
4. Head down to Bartru’s for some more furniture, maybe you’ll be able to find out what happened to Smitty.
5. (write in)

>>2973502
>1. Head to Nessie Nine tails and try to find Larry, won’t he be in for a shock.”

>>2973517
writing

>>2973517
Seconding!

>>2973583
At work so participation will be spotty for the next 3 hours for me.

>>2973517
Thirding

>>2973517
>>2973695
>>2973710
writing

>>2973695
honestly the activity is just appreciated in general, I've been kinda flaky due to schoolwork so the added audience is really rewarding.

>>2973759
going to bed, having some writers block but I have an idea for tomorrow, I'll try to post early if I can manage

>>2973759
I just want to say how nice it is to play in a planned out setting and not just Mechanics! Wat Do!

Or 1d100 Fetish Quest Punch God Out on a Crit quest.

>>2974136
If only there were more voters though

>>2974476
Riz survived years like this to write one of the best quests. I have faith Loremaster can do just fine.

I'm just glad Intrepid is a decent player, rare for a namefag but you know what I don't begrudge him for it. Dude keeps this going when my shit schedule keeps me from playing consistently enough and I appreciate that.

>>2973502
Ophelia wasn’t exactly impressed with the sewer system under celeste. Sure it was an engineering marvel, but a very dank and dirty one. Henry seemed right at home there, which made sense all things considered. Ophelia regarded him as a lowlife, but with a bit more brainpower than she’d have expected. Still, he was a lowlife all the same. She figured this undertown place was just a vast collection of low lives. She’d never really worked for his type before, but her employers often had them on hand. Their penchant for violence and mayhem had always terrified her, although the feelings were often mutual.

She’d always been the weirdo who played with machines, the woman who didn’t quite know her place. Sure as hell pissed off a lot of idiots. That’s what made Henry so different, he seemed to appreciate and maybe even respect her. It was the main reason she’d even gone so far along in this.

“So I’m going to introduce you to a good friend of mine, name’s Larry, I figure sooner would be better than later.”

“What?” Ophelia asked. “Who is that?”

“One of the people I hired on during the whole Grutzberg situation.”

“What?” Ophelia asked.

“None of them ever saw your face or heard your voice, for all they know Ophelia Von Kurtz is dead and buried in some shallow grave or has been hung to death by the church. Nobody knows you’re even alive, and if we set up a fake name and persona for you we can keep it that way. I’ve helped a few people do this in the past so I know the concept.

Decisions:
1. “You’re an utter idiot.”
2. “This is the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”
3. “I do have people I would like to see again you know.”
4. “Ophelia Von Kurtz isn’t even my real name. I forgot what that was after the accident that killed my father…”
5. “It’s a pretty good plan, admittedly, if it works.”
6. “Can’t I just hide away? I’d much prefer that over talking with even dumber people.”
7. (write in)

>>2974987
> 6. “Can’t I just hide away? I’d much prefer that over talking with even dumber people.”

Full autism whine.

>>2974987
>1. “You’re an utter idiot.”
>2. “This is the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”
> "This sewer smells awful, I've stepped into numerous puddles of unspeakable foulness, one of which I'm pretty sure you were responsible, and I've gotten more then enough experience regarding the mating habits of [italics]Rattus rattus[/italics] over the previous night then I will ever need."
> 6. “Can’t I just hide away? I’d much prefer that over talking with even dumber people.”

>>2975607
Seems like natural progression

>>2974987
Backing >>2975607

>>2975607
>>2975612
>>2975693
writing

>>2974987
“You’re an utter idiot.” Ophelia said, deadpan.

“That’s a bit extreme, I like to think of myself as an above average idiot.” Henry replied.

“This is the worst idea I’ve ever heard in my life, and I’ve been privy to cult of progress apprentice meetings!” Ophelia continued.

“You aren’t really selling your point.” Henry said. “Egg heads can come up with some dumb ideas yeah, but I bet you haven’t met actual idiots before.” Henry said. “Look, the plan is sound, it’s a lot safer to introduce you on our terms than someone else discovering you. Also a lot less prone to blackmail.”

“And this sewer smells awful.” Ophelia continued, completely ignoring Henry. “I've stepped into numerous puddles of unspeakable foulness, one of which I'm pretty sure you were responsible, and I've gotten more than enough experience regarding the mating habits of Rattus Rattus over the previous night then I will ever need."

“… you know angelic?” Henry asked.

“Well of course, bits and pieces, what of it?”

“Well, they ain’t ship rats, that’s for sure. The rats down here grow a hell of a lot bigger than that, Ophelia, a HELL of a lot bigger.” Henry said, throwing a yellow colored crystal down a long tunnel. As it bounced it emitted sparks and beams of light, and sure enough several dog sized rats were revealed by it before quickly scurring out of the way.

Ophelia stood their dumbstruck for a good couple seconds before taking a few steps closer to Henry.

“T-those are pretty b-big rats…” Ophelia said.

“Yeah, some can grow to the size of a horse, hell I killed one a good two weeks ago. I don’t know what it is about these sewers but they always seem to attract large amounts of the blighters. Usually they’re pretty docile though, just don’t go out of your way to stir them up.”

“And… as a thought experiment only… if I did ‘stir them up?’”

“Well they’d probably form a mob and gnaw you down to your bones in a few minutes.” Henry said. “Nasty business.”

“Can’t I j-just hide away? I’d much prefer that over talking with even dumber people.” Ophelia pleaded.

“I’ll take that as a compliment then, apparently you view me smarter than average.”

“Well I can hold a decent conversation with you, for one.” Ophelia said. “I doubt you’d be able to talk about any of my experiments…”

“Well, that doesn’t answer my question.” Ophelia responded.

>>2976174
“I mean, do you want me to control all contact you have with the outside world?” Henry asked. “I mean, that’s not exactly something I’d be against…”

“When you put it like that suddenly I feel a lot more willing to go out in public.” Ophelia muttered.

“Actually, I did want to speak with you about Ticky… why didn’t you have any sort of necromantic binding enchantments, circles, or anything to speak of?”

Decisions:
1. “Well I didn’t have time, obviously?’
2. “I… uh… of course I know what those are… but uh… maybe you could explain so I can know if your more intelligent than I give you credit for?”
3. “No? Why would I need any of that? The series of events that caused the…incident, were completely unpredictable. How could I have known my life would be in danger?”
4. “Shut up…”
5. (write in)

>>2976176
>1. “Well I didn’t have time, obviously?’

>>2976176
>2. “I… uh… of course I know what those are… but uh… maybe you could explain so I can know if your more intelligent than I give you credit for?”

>>2976176
>2. “I… uh… of course I know what those are… but uh… maybe you could explain so I can know if your more intelligent than I give you credit for?”

>>2976174
>Latin is Angelic in this universe
Interesting

>>2976278
>>2976214
>>2976187
writing

>>2976398
Present!

>>2976176
“I…uh… of course I know what those are… but uhm… maybe you could explain it so I can know if your more intelligent than I um… give you credit for?” Ophelia said, giving her most convincing lie possible.

By the way Henry’s cackles echoed down the pipes, Ophelia deduced he didn’t buy it.

“Alright, well then. They’re basically to protect necromancers from the things they bring to life. Generally it’s so their creations don’t harm them, which is pretty simple if they use their own mana to create the undead. More complex sets of rules can be made, but the concept is the same. Your creation, Ticky, didn’t have squat, so it could do whatever the hell it wanted to.”

“But Ticky was a spirit trapped inside a vessel, not a corpse.”

“You can trap spirits in armor for instance, same principle applies, although only now you have to deal with a thing that is capable of rational thought.”

“Fascinating… you’ll have to show me more later… I think we’ve arrived.” Ophelia said, pointing into the massive chamber that Undertown sat in.

“Its nice ain’t it?”

“It’s a shithole.” Ophelia replied.

Henry sighed, the woman had a lot of work ahead of her to fit in better. The bandages helped, but that snooty attitude needed to go.

Henry tipped the gatekeepers a couple of copper coins to allow entry, and the two were on their way. Ophelia stuck close to Henry. Her gaze nervously darting around.

“Scared?” Henry asked.

“I don’t do well in crowds, I detest rats, and I hate the fact that I can’t tell where the sky is down here.” Ophelia said.

“You’ll be fine.”

>>2976620

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The interior of the Nine Tails Bar was as expected. Cramped, claustrophobic, smelly, noisy, and dirty, Henry felt right at home here. Plenty of the people who sat around were utter bastards, criminals, and what have you. Some were decent people and some were vampires. All had to obey the law of undertown, and they all knew it. Henry figured Ophelia would be fine, unless she did something really stupid anyhow.

Henry strode up to the bar and waved down Nessie, who was delighted to see him.

“Hellosies there Henry!” Nessie said while polishing a mug. “Whats can I dosies for yous today?”

“What the hell?” Ophelia whispered into Henry’s ear. “Do you know any normal people Henry?”

“Quite a tongsies on that one Henry. I’d tells her to be careful, or she’ll findsies it missing.”

“Quite right Ophelia.” Henry said, glancing at the petrified woman.

“R-right.” Ophelia said, slowly backing away from a grinning Nessie.

Decisions:
1. “I’m looking for a man named Larry, he said he’d be around here.”
2. “Don’t suppose you have any information on a man known as the spider do you?”
3. “Any work for me?”
4. “Can I get me and my friend here a drink?”
5. (write in)

>>2976629
> 4. “Can I get me and my friend here a drink?”

> Indirectly ask about Spider by talking about running into the cursed amulet earlier, ask if things are crazier than normal around here.

Let's lead up to Larry. Don't want people to be picking up that we're nosing around. That's how you get beat up in alleys classic Noir style.

>>2976629
Hey, you ever read Glen Cook's Garret P.I. series?

>>2976629
>4. “Can I get me and my friend here a drink?”

Introduce Ophelia as . . . Sarah. Start with the misdirection early.

> 3. “Any work for me?”

I wanna romance the Necro!

>>2976629
Backing >>2976637

>>2976718
>>2976629
This y'all

>>2976638
>>2976757
>>2976718
>>2977589
writing


>>2976637
I have no experience at all with detective noir stuff actually, this is my first real fore into it.

>>2976629
“Can I get me and my friend here a drink?” Henry asked.

“Just some water please.” Ophelia said uncomfortably.

“Oh she musts be newsies.” Nessie said, ducking into a back room and grabbing a couple of drinks. A beer of some sort for Henry and a glass of water for Ophelia.

Ophelia took a couple of cautionary sips to make sure the water wasn’t tainted, then relaxed when she realized it wasn’t sewer water.

“Ran into some of the Spider’s handiwork recently.” Henry said, shuddering despite himself. “Real nasty piece of work.”

“Yes, he’s been causing all sorts a trouble.” Nessie said. “Real bads business.”

“Right, things alright around here?” Henry asked.

“You haven’t heardsies?” Nessie asked. “One of Vermillion’s men was deadened! Right in public too, big flashies of light and then a piles of ashes.”

“Good lord.” Henry said. “We have a gang war on our hands?”

“I thinksies it was the spider, but nobody really knowsies, Vermillion hasn’t mades any words.”

“Great.” Henry muttered. “Just what I feckin need.”

“Ahem.” Ophelia said. “I exist to, yes?”
“Right, this is my friend, Sarah.”

“Weird friend.” Nessie said. “You takesies her out of an abbey?” Nessie asked.

“Bit of a workplace accident, nothing serious.” Henry said, waving it off.

“Any work for me?” Henry asked.

“Actually… yes.” Nessie said, leaning into speak with Henry. “My Niece traveledsies far to get here to the capital. Ran awaysies from home she did. Sent wordsies to me and told me when she’d get heresies, but she isn’t. Been worried sicksies about her, If you can digs up anything let me knowsies.”

Decisions:
1. “You have a niece?”
2. “Nice to see your family is just as good as its always been.” (heavy sarcasm)
3. “Any information you could tell me that might help?”
4. “You sure she hasn’t just been delayed?”
5. “Any word on a man named Larry? Guys a merc, said you’d know him.”

>>2978314
>3. “Any information you could tell me that might help?”
>5. “Any word on a man named Larry? Guys a merc, said you’d know him.”

>>2978348
will begin writing I guess

>>2978348
>>2978314
This

>>2978314
Any information you could tell me that might help?” Henry asked.

“Well, she shoulds a been here yesterday, was goings thru a place called glen mills, a couple milesies out of celeste… I heardsies from a trusted source she mades it there, but then, nothings.” Nessie said, a bit of unease creeping into her face. “This close to the capital… could you just… oh I don’t knows… retrace her stepsies?” Nessie asked. “I fears it is bandits.”

“Great.” Henry said, “Anyone else who’d know about her coming here?”

“Nobodies but me and Paulie.” Nessie said.

“The ferryman?” Henry asked.

“Yepper!” Nessie replied.

“Any word on a man named Larry? Guys a merc, said you’d know him.”

“You knows Larry?” Nessie asked, befuddled. “Small worldsie.”

“I won’t even ask.” Henry said. “Do you know where he is now?”

“Souths endsie of undertown, place called the ragged stool.” Nessie said.

“Great.” Henry replied.

“Is that.. is that its actual name?” Ophelia asked.

“The owners a jokester.” Nessie said.

Decision:
1. “Thanks for the help Nessie.
2. “There has to be something more to the story about your cousin Nessie, come on now.”
3. “So do you not drink Ophelia? Never took you for being responsible.”
4. (write in)

>>2978509
calling it a night, will write tomorrow!

>>2978509
>2. “There has to be something more to the story about your cousin Nessie, come on now.”
"I've known you for how long now? Certainly long enough to know that's not the end of the story."
>1. “Thanks for the help Nessie."

>>2978509
> 2. “There has to be something more to the story about your cousin Nessie, come on now.”

>>2978516
Thanks for running!

>>2978509
Backing >>2978582

>>2978509
>2. “There has to be something more to the story about your cousin Nessie, come on now.”
"I know how to keep my mouth shut, but any information that you have and didn't give me may decrease the chances of finding her easily."

>>2979708
>>2979122
>>2978583
>>2978582
roll 1d100+10 for charisma

Rolled 52 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2980293

Rolled 91 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2980293

>>2980347
>>2980382
writing

>>2978509
“There has to be something more to the story about your cousin Nessie, come on now.” Henry said.

Nessie glanced around nervously for a minute, then leaned in to speak with Henry, and only Henry.

“Wells she’s a big idiot. She doesn’t knows whats she’s doings. She mightsies get in troubles what with all the hubbub about the capital.” Nessie said. “I think she’d runsies off with some boy. I can’t provesies it but I haves a hunchsie you knows?” Nessie said.

“Right.” Henry said.

“I paidsie Paulie to retrieve her from Glen Mills… but he said she wasn’t there, and the bastard kepts the money for ‘his timesie…’” Nessie said.

“Do you want that money back?” Henry asked.

“Tellsie you what… I paid him ten silvers, you gets it back, I’ll let you keeps half of it… but don’t kills him, and don’t roughs him upsie unless you need to.”

“Alright, thanks.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. (speak to Nessie further)(write in)
2. (head out to see Paulie the boatman)
3. (head out to see Larry)
4. (Head elsewhere)(write in)

>>2980605
Ask "Sarah" if she wants to go on a job, if she does then
>2. (head out to see Paulie the boatman)
If not
4. (Head elsewhere)(write in)
Drop her off at our place.

>>2980605
>3. (head out to see Larry)
Larry first, then we'll see old Dunk and ask him what he knows about Paulie, seeing they're both boatmen and all.

>>2980605
Backing >>2980621

>>2980621
>>2980650
we got a winner, will wait a few more min then write.

>>2980605
“So… ‘Sarah.’” Henry said, grabbing Ophelia by the arm and not so Gently leading her out of the bar.

“Do you want to tag along with me on this job, wouldn’t mind the backup, and you’d earn some coin outta it.”

“Are you asking me if I want to see you get yourself horribly beaten up?” Ophelia asked. “The answer is yes. So lead the way. Not like I can do anything else today… but can we PLEASE get some paper first? I have had a migraine for the last twenty minutes and its only been getting worse.”

After a quick stop for paper, The two of them headed out, moving down toward the undertown docks. The entire town had a lake that surrounded it and led out into Lake Celeste. Of course one had to know the correct routes, otherwise the sewers ‘natural’ defenses would claim them.

Ophelia stood a good twenty feet from the water at all time, Henry figured she was being fairly silly. Most of this water was lake water, very little sewage at all here. Nobody would have bothered living here otherwise.

Henry asked a couple of smugglers along the docks about where to find Paulie. The man had a fairly small shed on the east end of the docks. Nestled along a grove of giant waist high mushrooms growing out of the ground. Ophelia poked a couple with a stick before running back when they released a large cloud of spores. Luckily they were the brown ones, so they were completely harmless. Henry decided not to tell Ophelia. He quite liked her when she was freaked out, sure as hell beat that superiority streak she’d been running.

Ophelia scrambled to pick up the blueprints, paper, and clipboard she’d dropped, muttering about how they were ruined due to the overall dampness that permeated the docks.

Decisions:
1. Try to head inside
2. Attempt to scope the place out
3. Kick the door in
4. Cast bolt at the door
5. Knock on the door and wait politely.
6. (write in)

>>2980749
>5. Knock on the door and wait politely.

>>2980749
>2. Attempt to scope the place out
Look and listen first, in case he might have a crossbow aimed at the door.

>>2980749
>2. Attempt to scope the place out
>5. Knock on the door and wait politely.
in that order

>>2980763
>>2980759
make a 1d20 roll to see what happens, then I'll write
>>2980757

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2980776
OH BOY

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2980776

>>2980777
>>2980785
o-oh... what does THAT mean?

File: 1528587289826.jpg (16 KB, 500x385)

16 KB JPG

>>2980777
T R I P
S E V E N S

>>2980777
>>2980785
>Similarly, rolling 2 of the same number will be considered a MEGA crit, just pray its two high numbers.
SCORE

File: 1463878187699.jpg (11 KB, 236x285)

11 KB JPG

>>2980788
>QM scores dub 88s
>time is 23:00:44
OH MY GOD

File: 1533082716662.png (107 KB, 246x357)

107 KB PNG

>>2980793
>>2980789
writing

>>2980749
Walked around to the back of the shack, there was a small window open with a small pane of glass sloopily placed inside of it. Henry grabbed a pair of leather gloves and a small knife from his pouches, and going off some training he’d received when he was younger, managed to easily undo the window without shattering it. Shining his light rune into the small dusty space, he saw some cookware, a stove and some pans, a small wooden bed clumsily made from what looked to be driftwood and trash lumber, there was a small bookcase to one side filled with all sorts of junk. Lastly, there was a table in the center, with a small idol the size of a man’s fist, made out of what appeared to be solid gold. It had a couple of emeralds for eyes. There were also a couple of letters left out on the same table, but for some reason Henry didn’t seem to care as much.

“Hey Ophelia, climb in with me.” Henry said.

“And get myself cut up on shards of glass? No thank you.” Ophelia said, continuing to poke some mushrooms and then run her hands through the spores that they released. Hadn’t she been petrified of them a minute earlier?”

“I got the window out clean, thing wasn’t even secured in there.” Henry said, carefully placing the pane of glass back onto the ground, he’d have to remember to put it back when he finished up, or the burglary would be fairly obvious.

Decisions:
1. Have Ophelia check to see if the thing is cursed.
2. Climb inside and unlock the front door (will allow Ophelia to get inside)
3. Check the shelves (requires you to enter the building)
4. Force the front door open
5. Wait for Paulie to show up
6. (write in)

>>2980842
>1. Have Ophelia check to see if the thing is cursed.
Hey, isn't it odd that a boatman like Paulie who lives in a place like this somehow coincidentally had a solid gold idol like this?
> 2. Climb inside and unlock the front door (will allow Ophelia to get inside)

>>2980874
Supportin

>>2980842
Backing >>2980874

>>2980874
>>2980883
>>2980893
writing

>>2980842
>>2980842
“Hey Ophelia, come here for a moment.” Henry said.

When he didn’t get a response he turned to see that Ophelia was scribbing notes down furiously, and also poking at yet another mushroom, as if she was actually studying it. Henry bounded over, waved a hand in front of her face, and then shook her till she snapped out of it.

“Wha?” Ophelia asked, dazed.

“Check for curses, especially on that idol.” Henry said, pointing back towards the shack.

“Fine, but leave me alone after that, I came up with a good idea for a smokebomb.” Ophelia said.

“Whatever.” Henry muttered.

Ophelia got up, walked to the opened window, and cast a series of three blue mana spells.

“Nothing in there that’s cursed, though that shiny idol has some sort of enchantment on it, needs to be charged up though.”

“You determined all that through casting a few spells?” Henry asked, unconvinced.

“It’s not THAT hard, I used two basic scry spells, and a basic magical detection spell, though perhaps they’re too complex for you?”

“I’m in a good mood, try not to ruin it.” Henry menacingly replied, smiling when Ophelia timidly walked away, shaking a bit. He hated people pretending they were better than him.

Henry slowly but surely climbed into the shack, walking over to the door and easily opening the lock. The thing was surprisingly well made, but was able to be opened from the inside. The lock was probably repurposed from another door, a rookie mistake. Especially if there were ways around it. Paulie must’ve only recently got the idol.

Henry lifted the thing up, surprised to find it only weighed about five pounds or so. It would have been too good to be true for the thing to have been solid gold. It was either gold plated or hollow. Either way it wouldn’t allow him to retire quite yet, but still, the thing would fetch a high price if he could find the right buyer. There was also the enchantment that Ophelia had mentioned, perhaps a bit of studying would be in order later.

Decisions:
1. Grab the notes and leave
2. Poke around a bit more (write in optional)
3. “I can’t understand how someone could live in such cramped quarters.”
4. (write in)

>>2980965
>"Hey Sarah, found some notes for you!"
>1. Grab the notes and leave

>>2980965
calling it a night

>>2980967
support- get the notes.

>>2980965
Backing >>2980967

>>2980967
>>2981122
>>2981481
writing

“Hey Sarah, found some notes for you.” Henry said, walking back ‘outside’ and carefully locking the door to cover his tracks.

“Call me Ophelia whenever you can, I hate being called Sarah.” Ophelia said. “I really wish you would’ve consulted me or something!”

“So you could come up with some brilliant scheme?” Henry said. “Simple is best, alright? Now look over these while I put the window back into place, and we get the hell outta here before Paulie gets back.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“So did you learn anything of value?” Henry asked as the two walked away from the scene.

“It’s some sort of shipping manifest, but it only lists locations. Interestingly enough he did take a ‘shipment’ from Glen Mills the other day, here.” Ophelia said.

“Price… one gold idol…” Henry murmured, reading the list.

“You can read?” Ophelia asked, surprised.

“Yeah I can, why are you surprised?”

“Well um…” Ophelia said, trying to change the topic. “Look, it says he delivered her to a place called Sheer Point.”

“That’s… the name of a warehouse district in Celeste, a little further inland than the docks.” Henry said. “Paulie probably used a series of canals under cover of dark and dropped her off in the city. Fucks sake, that means he probably doesn’t know exactly where she is… still, we can get Nessie her pay back.”
“I don’t expect you to just cut the idol in half.” Ophelia said, confused.

“No, I’ll just get her back her ‘five silver’ and keep the idol, a fair trade I’d say.”

Decisions: (pick one)
1. Head to Nessie and give her the silver and ask about Sheer Point
2. Head back to your house and regroup with Johnny and Charles
3. Head to Stefan’s house of the Bizarre to get your illusion rune refilled
4. Head to Vermillion to talk about getting some better clothes for the party
5. (write in)

>>2983109
>3. Head to Stefan’s house of the Bizarre to get your illusion rune refilled
Better get this done quick, before our home becomes a new rat lair.

>>2983109
>3. Head to Stefan’s House of the Bizarre to get your illusion rune refilled

>>2983188
>>2984409
writing

>>2983109
“So are we heading to Sheer point then?” Ophelia asked.

“Maybe, I have something I need to do first.” Henry explained. “Got to have my illusion rune refilled so my house doesn’t become a rat nest.”

“I guess that’s important.” Ophelia said.

“Well it lets me be away from home for long periods of time, only a few people even know where I live.”

“… You really did trust me.” Ophelia muttered.

“Yeah, did you think I lied?”

“A little bit?” Ophelia sheepishly responded.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“So then, here we are!” Henry said, leading Ophelia to a misshapen house. The door on the ground floor had a bent frame, the windows did too. The upper two floors were leaning at odd angles as well. Ophelia gave Henry a look of concern but Henry brushed it off.

“Place has been around for years and it hasn’t fallen yet, come on.” Henry said, hitting an intricate misshapen brass knocker on the front door.

A man wearing a small wizard cap and a finely trimmed beard which accentuated his short brown hair opened the door. He wore a fairly plain set of worksmans clothes and held a staff with a polished glass orb on the end out in one hand.

“Oh Henry, good to see you, here to get your rune refilled?” Stephan asked.

Ophelia took a good look inside while the two talked shop, the interior was also horribly misshapen. All sorts of weird and horrifying curious hung from the walls and ceiling. She even thought she saw a couple of shrunken heads in one corner. When one of them seemed to glance at her she fearfully turned away.

“So then, it’ll be one silver.” Stephan said.

“I always say you charge too little.” Henry said.

“I prefer my services be open to more than just a select few Henry.” Stephan said. “Now unless you had some other business for me I’ll be heading back inside, I have a few miracles to attend to.

“I have some business of my own I’m afraid.” Henry said.

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it.” Stephan said, slamming the door shut suddenly.

Henry didn’t even flinch, as if he’d been expecting this outcome.

“You weren’t kidding about the weirdos.” Ophelia muttered.

“Yep, you’re probably one of the more normal inhabitants.” Henry replied. “I’ll need to head back here in a few hours to pick the rune up and pay him, but we got time until then.”

Decision:
1. Head down to Sheer Point to Continue your investigation
2. Head over to high staircase, ask around about Agla, she said she’d be heading to the capital, someone must’ve seen her.
3. Head down to the raven’s den, Robbie might’ve heard something about the missing pagan
4. Head over to Bertru’s to get Ophelia some more furniture and maybe some new supplies.
5. Head home and get started on the work orders you have.
6. (write in)

>>2986559
>1. Head down to Sheer Point to Continue your investigation
Make sure to bring armaments.

>>2986567
you're gonna have to be a tad more specific.

>>2986589
Our sword and all our daggers n sheit.
Also give Sarah a heads up on possible violence happenings.

>>2986559
Backing >>2986567 >>2986595

>>2986605
>>2986595
writing

>>2986559
After a quick stop back home for some much needed weaponry, Henry set out, his throwing knives, short sword, and even a couple of bomb runes in tow. Johnny and Charles were not back yet, but Henry didn’t expect to run into any real trouble, sides Ophelia was capable with magic. Ophelia refused to take any weapon, merely opting for a hood to hide her bandaged face.

“So are you sure you don’t need a blade?” Henry asked. “I have a few extra daggers I could give you.”

“I’m a mage, I REFUSE to use a piece of metal as a weapon.” Ophelia said.

“Dumbass.” Henry muttered.

“Hey! I’m a far more talented mage than you, all you know how to do is kill people with magic!” Ophelia retorted.

“Uh huh, all that non-killing magic didn’t turn out so well for you did it?”

“Maybe Grutzberg would still have a clocktower if you’d used your head more.” Ophelia responded.

“Fuck off, it’s your fault all of that happened.” Henry said, watching his step as he continued through the tunnels.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It was midday by the time the two of them arrived in Shear Point. Ophelia pulled her hood over her face as the midday sun beat down on them.

Decisions:
1. Check around the docks
2. Ask a couple of people if they saw anything strange the prior night
3. Find a local Cathar patrol to ask
4. (write in)

>>2986728
>1. Check around the docks

>>2986728
>1. Check around the docks

>>2986863
>>2986779
roll 1d100

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>2986900

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>2986900

>>2986960
>>2986914
writing

>>2987005
will continue tomorrow, I have the idea for the scene so it shouldn't be too hard to write.

>>2986728
The dynamic duo switched to mage sight and began to search around the docks for anything suspicious. Eventually Henry found a location where there was a lot of aether in the air, signifying that spells had been cast recently, Henry guessed about a day ago.

The location was a crossroads with canals, a bridge, and a couple of roads running parallel to each other, the air was heavy with aether, which meant that the interaction couldn’t have happened more than a day or two ago, which would fit their time frame.

“Seems to have been green mana…” Ophelia muttered, “white as well… probably two people…”

“Huh?” Henry asked. “You can see the colors?”

“You can’t?” Ophelia asked. “Another thing to lord over you with.”

“Please don’t.” Henry said. “That’d increase the total to one.”

“Well anyway, seems the green mana trail is a bit newer, and stationary, while the white arced from that corner over there

“The green is probably our pagan, but who the hell would know that she would be here?” Henry asked.

“Might be something else entirely.”

“Very few people in this town use green mana, Ophelia.” Henry said. “Hell I’d never even seen any before until recently.”

“Really? Do you live under a rock? You see plenty out in the countryside.”

“Look, we need to get a move on, can you track the source?” Henry asked. “White mana could be almost anyone. But it probably means the church is involved… fucking hell.”

Decisions: (Ophelia)
1. Try a scry spell to see if you can find a trail (1.5 blue mana)
2. Try something else (write in)
3. *do nothing*
4. *Say something* (write in)
Decisions: (Henry)
1. “We might need to pay Paulie a real visit, I think he set the woman up.”
2. “Let’s head to the local lockup, might get lucky.”
3. “This is getting a bit too hectic, let’s call it off while we’re ahead.”
4. (write in)

>>2990910
>1. Try a scry spell to see if you can find a trail (1.5 blue mana)
Let Henry know first
>>2990910
>1. “We might need to pay Paulie a real visit, I think he set the woman up.”

>>2990910
Backing >>2990954