>>3024683
>>I plan to cross the border back into my own territory.
>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.

>>3024683
>I intend to head for Voi. It will pay to keep up appearances.
>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.

>>3024683
>>I intend to find someone to report to, the sooner that happens the better.>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.

>>3024683
>I intend to head for Voi. It will pay to keep up appearances.

>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.
Risky....

>>3024683
>>I intend to head for Voi. It will pay to keep up appearances.

>>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after he

>>3024692
fucked up the formating, those are two votes

>>3024683
>report to someone about the frame up
>tell laura about mom’s hiding spot

>>3024683
>I intend to head for Voi. It will pay to keep up appearances.
>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.

>>3024683
>I intend to head for Voi. It will pay to keep up appearances.
>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.

>>3024683
>>I intend to find someone to report to, the sooner that happens the better.
>>Inform Laura that you've identified a place within Sabela's territory, and suggest she digs herself in there. Sabela's protection, genuine or assumed, will make the Organization think twice about sending anyone after her.
didn't we already tell her where we met Sabela? Pr is this supposed to be more detailed? >>3007912

>>3024683
“I intend to at least maintain the appearance of having gone to Voi for a fact-finding trip,” you decide. “Otherwise nobody would believe that I didn't meet you, or at least encounter something out here that caused me to divert.”

“Good thinking,” Laura nods in agreement.

“And I have a suggestion,” you continue. “I mentioned that I ran into my mother outside Acerrae... she seems to have staked out that region as part of her own territory, laying in provisions and laying claim to abandoned defensive works.”

“You mentioned some of that,” Laura recalls. “So what is your point?”

“If you were to relocate to Acerrae, or to the area around it,” you suggest, “and hide there to the best of your ability, you might be able to use that to your advantage.”

“Oh?”

You nod. “Sabela professes to still value the lives of active warriors, and you used to be friends. She would probably protect you if you asked, and even if you chose not to her presence may serve as an additional deterrent against the Organization.”

“You understand that you're suggesting I overlook my awakened friend's current condition?” Laura presses, a tone of bitterness in her voice.

You shake your head, now more determined. “I'm asking you to take every precaution to better ensure your survival. Sabela and Olivia would say the same and you know it.”

Laura takes a few moments before patting you on the shoulder. “You win. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I'll at least consider the possibility.”

“You take care of yourself as well.”

“I will,” you assure her before stepping out into the cold air.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 4, 5, 7 = 16 (3d10)

>>3024764

Rolled 2, 1, 7 = 10 (3d10)

>>3024764

Rolled 7, 2, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>3024764

>>3024769
Nice

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131 KB JPG

>>3024764
Unfortunately, the weather isn't bad enough to be an excuse for any sort of delays in your travel. So you push Alysheba very nearly to the limits of his endurance to make up for the time you spent speaking with Laura in her cabin.

The town of Voi is below the northernmost peaks of Hazaran, in a valley watered by meltwater and the few clouds that manage to sneak around to the west and into what would normally be the rain shadow of the mountains. In fact a swift, clear river runs straight through the middle of town around which the roadways have been raised on wooden scaffoldings in places to provide a dry, level place. It's almost like the whole place has been build on two massive parallel bridges.

The buildings are all made from brightly-painted timber and stand out clearly from the pine trees all around them.

You can even see the salmon jumping in the river below, and you see a few people out fishing its cold waters. That and the timber must be the main reasons to have a town here... or maybe this river has gold in it as well? It certainly fits the description of a gold town.

You also sense that there are three warriors in the town.

>Seek out the warriors, ask them about the rumors.
>Seek out the warriors, tell them you need a message sent to the Organization.
>Look for the town Sheriff or Mayor, ask about the rumors.
>Other?

>>3024828
>>Seek out the warriors, ask them about the rumors.

>>3024828
>Seek out the warriors, tell them you need a message sent to the Organization.

>>3024828
>seek out the warriors, you have important things to tell them.
gotta get the word out on inquisition frame ups the message to the organization

>>3024828
>Seek out the warriors, ask them about the rumors.

>>3024828
>>Seek out the warriors, tell them you need a message sent to the Organization.

>>3024828
>Seek out the warriors, tell them you need a message sent to the Organization.
If they know and its not the first thing we report, then they will be suspicious... Then again Its not like the organization to tell warriors anything.

>3d10, best of three

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

>>3024879

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

>>3024879

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

>>3024879

>>3024884
Well done

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234 KB JPG

>>3024879
The three warriors who are already here should be your first concern. If you seek them out you can tie all of this off in a few choice words.

You get some strange looks from the townsfolk, many of whom seem to either retreat into their homes or fetch the nearest instrument which could conceivably serve as a weapon. The memory of what happened here must still be fairly fresh despite the fact that Laura left some days ago at the very least. Though for humans that don't make their living that way bloodshed must still be a shock to their sensibilities.

The three have gathered in an open area near a bridge over the river, which seems to mark a vital crossroads for the region. One of them, a fairly short warrior with short-cropped hair and leaf-shaped ears, bears a sword with a blue hilt. At about the same time she spots your own weapon.

“Name and rank?” the single-digit greets you, sternly but quietly.

“Noel, ranked Seventh,” you reply, expression almost automatically souring at her brevity. “Have I done something to offend?”

“I heard you were a strange one,” the woman shakes her head. “Helen, ranked Fifth.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Helen,” you nod subtly, before hitching Alysheba nearby and returning to the group. “And your companions?”

“Claudia, Nineteen,” the first responds cheerfully, offering her hand to be shaken. Her hair is longer, tied in a narrow ponytail, and her smile is pleasant enough. “The pleasure is all ours, Miss Noel.”

The second, with a crop of short and spiky hair and almost no chest to speak of, glances away. “Sabrina, Seventeen.”

“May I ask what brings you here?” Helen presses you in that same stern tone.

“My previous mission went sour,” you admit frankly. “The normal lines of communication in my region and the adjacent region have been disrupted, so I rode hard to get someplace I knew there would be other warriors in hopes that one of you might be able to convey a critical message.”

“What sort of message?” Claudia chirps excitedly.

Helen narrows her eyes. “Define sour.”

“A certain religious faction has taken to assassinating our handlers and setting traps for our warriors,” you explain grimly. “They tried to kill me on three separate occasions.”

“And you suspect something similar may have happened here?”

Helen's companions stare at her in surprise.

>I believe that, yes.
>I wouldn't say that.
>I can't prove it.
>Other?

>>3024932
>I can't prove it.

>>3024932
>I can't prove it.

>>3024932
>I can prove it.
We can take her.

>>3024932
>>I can't prove it.
If you bother me I will lick your ears.

>>3024957
I'm good with this too, can't delete old vote on mobile

>>3024932
>>3024939
>>3024947
>>3024950
>>3024953
>>3024957
its a trap, we don't yet know what happend here
we can't tell them we have met Laura and we didn't have contact, so we have no clue!

>>3024932
>>I wouldn't say that.
>>….. What happened?

>>3025003
smart of you, fuck I knew something was bugging me.

>>3025003
Good point...

>>3024932
Changing to
>I believe that, yes.
Man. This really bugs me.

>>3024932
“I can't prove it of course,” you admit, “but given the way things have been going for our Organization lately and the fact that I got shot through the lung I can't help but suspect.”

“You are concerned with further attempts to disrupt our operations,” Helen concludes.

You nod in agreement. “Yes, and framing a warrior for something the Organization would kill them for is one of the few ways a normal human can kill one of us.”

“Have you heard what happened here?” Helen presses.

You sigh. “Some. Just enough to know that warriors were going to be sent here to investigate or deal with the situation.”

“So who was it?”

“Evidently it was Laura,” Helen informs you.

You force a laugh. “That's absurd. Laura?”

“Evidently,” Helen repeats.

You allow your expression to change slowly to disbelief. “You're not kidding, are you? Do you intend to investigate the situation?”

Helen shakes her head. “Nobody will know any clearer details.”

>I can do some questioning. I'm not going with you anyhow.
>I suggest asking anyway. You never know what you might find.
>I'll be returning to my own region then. Will you have a chance to convey my message?
>Other?

>>3025051
>>I suggest asking anyway. You never know what you might find.

>>3025051
>I can do some questioning. I'm not going with you anyhow.
>I'll be returning to my own region after. Will you have a chance to convey my message?

>>3025051
>I can do some questioning. I'm not going with you anyhow.
>I'll be returning to my own region after. Will you have a chance to convey my message?

Can we investigate the bodies?

>>3025051
>I suggest asking anyway. You never know what you might find.

>>3025051
>I suggest asking anyway. You never know what you might find.

>>3025051
>I suggest asking anyway. You never know what you might find.
>I'll be returning to my own region then. Will you have a chance to convey my message?
>Other: Start where the scene of the "crime" happened.

>>3025051
>>I can do some questioning. I'm not going with you anyhow.
>>I'll be returning to my own region after. Will you have a chance to convey my message?

>3d10, best of four

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

>>3025117

Rolled 4, 2, 8 = 14 (3d10)

>>3025117

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

>>3025117

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

>>3025117
I'll nibble your earlobes you damned elf

>>3025124
>>3025123
>>3025122
>>3025119
bloody hell what is with dice?

>>3025126
It's been this long and you're only asking now?

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777 KB PNG

>>3025126
Such is the fate of those who meddle in the Organisations affairs.

>>3025117
“You do plan on investigating, right?” you press.

Helen shakes her head. “Our orders are very clear, so any investigation would be a meaningless complication. If you are wise you will head back to your own region and wait until your handler contacts you.”

“Only a fool would go to the Sheriff's office on the corner of Third and Pine.”

Only a fool, is that it? Only a fool would believe that wasn't an obvious signal... but it seems that Helen has either two very trusting or very foolish subordinates along for the ride on her current mission.

“Thanks for the advice,” you nod to Helen. “I'll leave you to your mission... technically I'm not even supposed to be here anyway.”

You ride Alysheba a short distance through the town, drawing even more strange looks, and hitch him to the post just outside the obviously-marked Sheriff's office. You make certain to lash it down impossibly tight, a deterrent to any would-be thieves with a grudge against you.

Inside, you find yourself staring down the length of a drawn sword and flanked on both sides by riflemen almost immediately.

>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.
>Personal appeal. You know the woman they think is a murderer, and you want to see the evidence yourself.
>Disarm them. Remind them how much Warriors like you restrain themselves as a matter of habit.
>Other?

>>3025261
>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.

>>3025261
>>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.

>>3025261
>>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.

>>3025261
>>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.

>>3025261
>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.

>>3025261
>Diplomatic approach, try to convince them to hear you out by appealing to their nature as lawmen.
>Personal appeal. You know the woman they think is a murderer, and you want to see the evidence yourself.

>3d10, best of four

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

>>3025303

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

>>3025303

Rolled 8, 10, 8 = 26 (3d10)

>>3025303
dicceme

Rolled 2, 10, 7 = 19 (3d10)

>>3025303

>>3025313
Wow.

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>>3025313

>>3025303
“Listen, gentlemen,” you begin, raising your hands. “We're all here for the same reason, because we want to see justice done. But that can't happen without knowing the truth, which is something that in my case I've got to see for myself.”

“You mean you don't believe that witch friend of yours killed a bunch of our folk?” the man with the sword in front of you growls.

“Not yet,” you reply calmly.

“Linus, put away that sword of yours,” a voice behind the man sighs. “You're getting' too worked up.”

“This...”

“... kind young woman,” the Sheriff interrupts you, “could split you from dick to forehead in an instant if she had half a mind to. So you best not give her the mind to.”

The man's face twitches in agitation, but eventually he sheathes his sword and steps aside to reveal the Sheriff behind him, sitting at his desk. Silver hair, cut very short, receding in the front... but offset by a world-class mustache.

“Fool boy,” the man grumbles. “So, what exactly are you proposin', miss?”

“I want to examine the bodies,” you declare, leveling your gaze and meeting the Sheriff's eyes. “If one of ours did kill all these people I'll be able to tell.”

“And if she didn't do it you'll expect us to drop it,” the Sheriff guesses.

“That's right.”

“And if it looks to you like she did do it?”

You raise your eyebrow at the suggestion. “Then I will kill her myself.”

The younger man snorts derisively. “You'd kill your friend?”

“I would,” you nod, shooting him a penetrating glare. “Laura would expect it of me, if she truly has lost control and killed innocent bystanders. But I have my own reasons for doubting that she has.”

“Interesting,” the Sheriff muses. “Sounds like you got somethin' in your craw there.”

“I assume that means I have a suspicion,” you sigh, “and if so yes.”
>1/2

>>3025390
>Silver hair, cut very short, receding in the front... but offset by a world-class mustache.
Damn. That mustache must be that well groomed for Noel to even classify as "World-class".

>>3025390
The Sheriff leads you into the back lot, behind his office. There's a small cart with a canvas over it.

“The mortician just finished taking his look,” the Sheriff informs you. “Wasn't but six nights ago.”

He throws back the canvas, and the smell... honestly isn't that bad at first. Probably because the bodies have been professionally treated to suspend the process of decay and sterilize them as much as possible so that the mortician could avoid getting sick. The Sheriff hands you a pair of gloves, which you put on your hands before turning to your attention to the corpses.

They're all pretty badly cut up, dismembered badly... and rather pointlessly.

“This looks more like a hack job,” you muse with a frown. “There's no targeting here, aside from the beheadings.”
>3d10, best of four

Rolled 7, 5, 7 = 19 (3d10)

>>3025411

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

>>3025411

Rolled 3, 4, 4 = 11 (3d10)

>>3025411

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

>>3025411

>>3025420
That clutch 21. I hope that is enough for a good diagnosis.

>>3025420
It wasn't done with a claymore!

>>3025431
It was colonel mustard in the library with a candleholder.

>>3025442
but what about general mustache tho?

>>3025445
The Colonel has a mustache!

>>3025451
oh my god, the colonel and the general are
related? How can this case of nepotism be allowed in the military?!

>>3025411
“Here,” you point out the first obvious issue where someone got a little too ambitious and tried to slice through a torso without realizing how hard that really is. “Take a look here.”

“Those bones've been cut,” the Sheriff observes. “What is it I'm supposed to be seeing?”

“That, right there,” you tell him, pointing to a series of step fractures on a few of the ribs. “That pattern of breaking happens when the force begins to dissipate. See here how the ribs above it are cut cleanly?”

“So the blade stopped there?” the Sheriff puts two and two together. “And here too?”

“Precisely,” you agree as he points to a similar pattern on a lumbar vertebra where a chunk of bone has fractured off and been left inside the body cavity. “What happened here was that the blade which cut this poor man in half stopped not once, but twice during the act. These were either separate strikes or the result of hammer blows to the spine of the blade to renew the force.”

“And that tells you...”

You throw the tarp back over the bodies. “That this was not done by any of our warriors, let alone someone as skilled as Laura.”

“And can you prove that?”

>Pull out one of those bodies. I'm sure nobody would mind a little additional mutilation in the name of justice.
>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.
>Helen's fourth member has just arrived, probably with her handler, but the problems that going back might cause will be worth it.
>Other?

>>3025465
>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.

>>3025465
>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.

>>3025465
>go outside with him to demonstrate it on a log in the backyard

>>3025465
>>Pull out one of those bodies. I'm sure nobody would mind a little additional mutilation in the name of justice.
>>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.
RULES OF NATURE

>>3025465
>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.

>>3025465
>Pull out one of those bodies. I'm sure nobody would mind a little additional mutilation in the name of justice.
>other: Have a public demonstration.
>other: Use Saria's "Earthbreaker" just to make sure the cutting force is sufficient. And Tell the Sheriff & Mortician to step back.

>>3025465
>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.

>>3025465
>>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.

>>3025465
>>Slice through the nearest wall that the Sheriff won't miss. That ought to serve as demonstration enough.

>>3025465
>3d10, DC 12, crit 19
>best of three

Rolled 10, 7, 3 = 20 (3d10)

>>3025524

Rolled 6, 7, 9 = 22 (3d10)

>>3025524

Rolled 2, 3, 4 = 9 (3d10)

>>3025524

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

>>3025524

>>3025524
“Is there something around here I can cut as a public demonstration?” you ask. “Something to make my point.”

“We impounded a coach a few weeks back, was fixin't sell it,” the Sheriff offers. “But if you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin' this is more important.”

The Sheriff and his deputies wheel the coach, an expensive-looking thing with fine wood paneling and ironwork around the frame, out to the front of the Sheriff's office and leave it in the street as you feel the group of four warriors heading out of town already. They wasted no time.

“All you people, gather round!” the Sheriff shouts. “This young lady's got somethin' to say 'bout them murders happened a few days back.”

You crack your neck as a small crowd of townsfolk draw closer, or else watch from in front of shops and residences. Then, once you've got what seems like a decent number of witnesses, you swiftly draw your sword and slice cleanly through the coach. Not once, but twice in quick succession: once to split the top off and lift it into the air, then once again to split both halves vertically.

Then you return the sword to your back where it belongs. The horses all up and down the streets are spooked by the noise, all except Alysheba who continues chewing on a bit of hay like he just can't quite figure what all the commotion is about.

“The armored hide of a yōma is like stone,” you declare loudly for all to hear. “Next to that cutting down a human would be effortless, but it took whoever murdered those poor people in that alley three tries to get through one of them.”

“She's right,” the Sheriff adds. “I seen it myself. It's just like she says.”

“Then what the hell does that mean?” the deputy who drew his sword on you earlier demands.

“It means Laura didn't kill those people any more than a yōma caused all the problems that got her sent here in the first place,” you declare. “Someone's played you all for fools... again.”

“But they were mutilated!” a woman dressed in a black mourning gown declares. “I seen it myself! No human'd do that to their own!”

“Did you see Laura cut down those people?” you snap. “With her own hand?”

“Well, no...”

“Did anyone,” you shout, “see the warrior you practically begged to help you do anything wrong?”

“We all saw her push that poor dumb bastard off a roof to his death!” another man accuses.

“Did you now?” you ask, turning on him as well. “You saw him fall, but did you see him pushed?”
>1/2

>>3025611
“I know what I saw!” the man insists.

“Did you,” you repeat in a growl, “see her push him?”

“No,” the man next to him glances away. “Ain't nobody seen exactly what happened on that roof 'cept the girl, the witch, and the man what died.”

“And what does the girl say?”

“... that the feller jumped,” a nearby woman admits.

“My rank in the Organization is number Seven,” you explain, turning back and walking out into the street. “Laura, the warrior you ran off, is ranked number Two. If she wanted that man dead he'd have been in pieces before he even realized she attacked him.”

“That's some mighty big talk,” the deputy declares. “But are we really supposed to believe all that?”

You lightly grasp the tip of his sword between your fingertips. “If you think I'm lying about our capabilities, feel free to try and take my head.”

He strains against your grip, but his blade hardly moves at all even before you start to release a little yōki to your muscles, just enough to turn your eyes golden. Then, with no visible exertion, you snap his sword in half and sink the broken half six inches into the ground between his feet.

You close your eyes, suppress your yōki, and open them again with a calm smile.

The deputy is sitting on the ground in obvious shock.

>Accusatory. These people allowed their prejudices and fear to decide for them, evidence be damned.
>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.
>Dismissive. You've found the truth and shown it to them, anything else isn't your business.
>Other?

>>3025670
>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025670
>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.
Show Mercy. Channel that inner Royalty

>>3025670
>>Accusatory. These people allowed their prejudices and fear to decide for them, evidence be damned.

>>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025670
>>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025670
>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025670
>>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025670
>>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025670
It's not their fault, really.

People are easiest to manipulate when they're scared. When there's any overriding emotion involved for that matter, it's easy to create a situation where people do things and say things they wouldn't under normal circumstances. And that is how it worked here.

“You've all made a terrible mistake together,” you declare. “You would have lynched a woman for a crime she did not commit for the simple reason than that you were too afraid of her to believe she might have been innocent.”

“We was...” the deputy sputters.

“You was fools,” the Sheriff interrupts. “Naw, old man's just gone soft in the head they said. Lookin' for a conspiracy where there ain't none they said.”

The Sheriff turns to face you. “Thanks for clarifying things for us like that, miss.”

“If you want to thank me properly tell the Organization what you've learned about the corpses,” you reply sternly. “I don't care about anything else but clearing my friend's name.”

The Sheriff nods in agreement. “I'm fine with that notion. But one thing's buggin me, who do you reckon did kill those folk?”

>We need to have a talk about that, and it's not a subject for the general public.
>There are some religious nuts down south who have it out for us.
>That's something you'll have to determine for yourself Sheriff.
>Other?

>>3025670
>Conciliatory. There's still time for these people to acknowledge and address their mistakes.

>>3025773
>>We need to have a talk about that, and it's not a subject for the general public

>>3025773
>We need to have a talk about that, and it's not a subject for the general public.

>>3025773
>We need to have a talk about that, and it's not a subject for the general public.

>>3025773
>>We need to have a talk about that, and it's not a subject for the general public.

>>3025773
>>We need to have a talk about that, and it's not a subject for the general public.

>>3025773
You gesture to the office behind him, and he quickly takes the hint.

Once inside, you offer a carefully-considered admission. “I cannot prove this directly, but I suspect the killers were members of a religious order active in Noroit and my own territory of Cuilan. I've personally seen them assassinate one of our handlers and taken a bullet because of them. The other two times they've tried to kill me were less successful but they have proven to be persistent if nothing else.”

“And why they've got it out for you particularly?” the Sheriff asks curiously.

You gesture to yourself. “Half monster.”

“Point taken,” the Sheriff shrugs, opening a drawer behind his desk. “You drink?”

“On occasion,” you admit.

He pours two small glasses of whiskey and hands you one. The stuff's rough, but flavorful at the very least. And a long lasting finish to boot.

“Thanks,” you nod. “So that's my understanding of the situation. If I were to look into matters more deeply that would be where I would start.”

“Unfortunately that don't give me much to go with,” the man sighs. “Religious assassins and half-human swordswomen are a bit outta my league too. But least this way I'll know what to keep my eye open for.”

“So about the Organization,” you press. “You plan to tell them, right?”

“Yeah, suppose I'd best,” the old Sheriff replies, pulling a paper and pen from his desk. “You can leave it to me, miss. Sure you've got better things to do.”

“Not this time,” you frown. “The assassins tracked down the handler they killed by screening the mail and reading the request from my client in Lanerk. I don't doubt they'd come for your head just as readily if it meant Laura getting hunted down and killed by our own.”

“I'll take the letter. You just sign it and seal it.”

“You really ain't joking,” the old man sighs wearily. “This whole thing's got you that bad on edge it must be serious.”

“The last time I underestimated them I got a bullet in my back,” you grumble. “Now I can walk that off. Not everyone else can.”

After a few moments, the Sheriff hands you the letter. “Here. Best of luck to you an' your friend, miss. Hope this whole mess gets sorted out before anyone else gets hurt by it.”

“So do I, Sheriff. So do I.”

>>3025907
And that's where I'm going to have to call it quits for the evening folks. Thanks for turning out, hope you enjoyed the read, and look forward to next weekend!

Expect to see Helen again...

>>3025918
Elf Ears a Cute

File: __helen_claymore_drawn_by(...).jpg (513 KB, 900x1220)

513 KB JPG

>>3025918
??

>>3025948
Completely different Helen, but her name is a nod towards the canon character.

Also wew lad. She's missing her scar here though

File: nooo.jpg (180 KB, 1024x1044)

180 KB JPG

>>3025918
>next weekend!

>>3027527
I'm considering the possibility of Thursday omakes. Not sure what I'd write though.

>>3031708
How about an omake on how Noel got her horse. She's been shopping for horses at a stable from a local horse lord. I'm guessing Alysheba was rowdy even by Human standards, and all the other horses were spooked by Noel's claymore status, but Alysheba is the oddball.

>>3031708
How about an omake of Noel's first experience with unleashing ten percent of her youki? 25? 50? Did she experiment at lower levels first and slowly build up, or did she plow right on through with alarming ease? Did she manifest subtle changes like Deneve or Miriam, or were there more obvious and dramatic physical differences like Undine or Galatea?

>>3031816
Noel Tiberius di Hazaran is in search of many things, but today one of those things will suffice.

Noel needs a horse.

This is no unimportant requirement for a Hazari of any standing, let alone for former royalty. The selection of a horse is a matter of both deep personal investment and meticulous examination of the various options at hand, and while Cuilan is not Hazaran the warrior could hold out some hope for a few decent options from which to choose. Which is important: unlike a family which keeps horses for work or for prestige, Noel sought out the stables knowing she could only have one.

“Afternoon, ma'am!” one of the stable-hands greets Noel cheerfully. “What can we do for you?”

“I'm here to return a rented horse,” Noel declares, unseating herself and dropping to the ground with reins still in hand. “And to pick out one of the horses here for my own.”

“Now I assume you can pay?” the hand questions her as she passes the reins into his hand. “And might I ask why you don't wanna keep this one?”

“This one keeps trying to throw me every few hundred feet,” Noel admits. “Not that he's a bad horse, or ill-tempered. He just doesn't seem to like me very much.”

The hand pulls the horse along by the reins, working to calm it as it bucks nervously. “Well, that's peculiar. Like I asked though, you have the money?”

“My money is good,” Noel insists calmly. “Now, show me what you've got to choose from.”

Inside the expansive stables are no less than thirty horses: stocky working animals, large mountain ponies, fine riding horses. All of them seem unsettled and restless, as if they can see something nobody else can. In fact this is nothing new for Noel: animals tend not to react well to the presence of a half-human warrior. They can't exactly sense a yōma when it's disguised of course, otherwise a dog could do most of your work instead.

But a horse can be a particularly sensitive and empathetic creature, and these ones have sensed that despite her Hazari outfit she is not what she seems to be on the surface.

“Damned peculiar,” the hand mutters at the nervous atmosphere as he puts away the rented horse. “So what are you looking for, ma'am?”

“Not a riding horse,” she sighs, walking past a fine, long-limbed beast that whinnies as she glances at it. “And this one doesn't seem to like me anyway.”

“Then a work horse?”

“No,” she shakes her head, walking by a nervous draft horse. “Too much horse to feed, and far too slow for my purposes.”
>1/2

>>3032832
Quickly, Noel ends up at the end of the stable among a set of well-bred and meticulously cleaned horses. These she immediately gravitates towards.

“Tell me about these.”

“They're a local type,” the hand explains. “Bred with retired racers from the west who've gone to stud and working mares from the mountains.”

“We have something similar in Hazaran,” Noel replies, carefully examining the last six horses. “The best kashi horse I ever rode was of that breed.”

“Kashi?” the hand repeats.

“Like a ball game from horseback,” Noel clarifies, “only when you play it seriously it seems more like mounted combat than a game. Every year some fool ends up getting trampled or has their head bashed in.”

“I see...” the hand frowns. “Well anyhow, these beauties are uncommonly nimble. They work well at any altitude, even in the high passes, and can ride hard all day so long as you give 'em a little rest and grazing time.”

“Temperamental,” Noel observes.

“You think that's bad,” the hand sighs, “this big boy right here is the worst.”

The hand leads Noel to a fine looking horse, powerfully built but not what could be called 'stocky' like the ponies, with a long mane and a wild tail that swished slowly behind him. A fine and even coat, good teeth, alert ears... every minor feature Noel glances at or prods seems to meet with her approval.

“What're you, dumb?” the hand demands of the horse, which simply stares at him. “Don't look at me like that.”

Noel nods curtly. “I'll take him.”

The hand shakes his head. “Sorry ma'am, but you really gotta know he can be a real bastard sometimes.”

“I'm sure he and I will reach and understanding,” Noel insists, staring the horse straight in the eyes. Neither one flinches. “I like him, so I'll take him.”

The hand opens his mouth for a moment, but decides not to challenge her any further. “Well ma'am, let's head to the office to sign the papers.

Noel nods, apparently satisfied. “Good. I feel like this is going to be the start of a great partnership.”
>2/2

>>3032832
>>3032884
Very wholesome. I like it.

>>3032884
Noice!

>>3032928
More like Noelsome

Test

>>3035757
a samefag is born

>>3032884
You are Noel Tiberius di Hazaran, formerly the princess of the kingdom whose name you share and currently the seventh-ranked warrior of the nameless Organization which hunts monsters across the known world.

Yesterday you demonstrated the innocence of your second-ranked warrior Laura, whom you know to be a carefully-restrained and responsible woman of great power. Her yōki significantly exceeds your own and her experience as the seniormost surviving warrior is of invaluable benefit, however she seemed convinced when you spoke that the Organization is dead-set on eliminating her.

She admitted to her less-than-discreet investigations into the Organization's finances and confirmed what you have always at least suspected: that while its services are practically essential, the Organization is hardly a charity. If the one document you've lain eyes on is representative either the creation of a warrior and her sword is of immense expense or the Organization is making a tidy profit off each yōma that you and your compatriots eliminate under their orders.

Which leaves open a series of interesting questions which Laura was in no position to answer. If the Organization is profiting off the yōma extermination business, how much of their policies and mission planning is meant to ensure that revenue flow continues? On the other hand, if they aren't profiting off your efforts, then how is that immense amount of overhead cost being allocated? And who is receiving those funds?

Many things are uncertain right now.

You've made your way from Voi all the way back to Acerrae, thankfully avoiding another run-in with your mother or with any current warriors. So in other words, it was pleasantly uneventful.

“You're back again?” an old man at one of the streetside cafes calls out, looking up from his board game.

“You recognize me so quickly?” you ask with a chuckle. “Can't imagine why.”

“Yeah, not many pink-haired girls with huge swords come through here,” his friend confirms your suspicions as he makes a move that seems to seal the game for him if the first man's reaction is anything to go by. “And of all the girls with huge swords we've seen you're the only one what rides a horse.”

“I'll grant you, he's a weird horse,” you laugh.

>Any rumors I might be interested in here?
>Have you seen a man in black around here? Freaky mustache, looks like he's wearing an ugly mask but that's just his actual face?
>Stop in for a bite to eat before heading up into the mountains, ask about the Inquisition.
>Other?

>>3041683
>>Any rumors I might be interested in here?
>>Have you seen a man in black around here? Freaky mustache, looks like he's wearing an ugly mask but that's just his actual face?

>>3041683
>Any rumors I might be interested in here?

>>3041683
>>Stop in for a bite to eat before heading up into the mountains, ask about the Inquisition.

>>3041683

>Any rumors I might be interested in here?

>>3041683
>>Stop in for a bite to eat before heading up into the mountains, ask about the Inquisition
time to dine

>>3041683
>sit down and play a board game with him

>>3041731
>>3041683
This is good too

>back from irl stuff, writing
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 1, 5, 4 = 10 (3d10)

>>3041783

Rolled 2, 2, 1 = 5 (3d10)

>>3041783

Rolled 1, 6, 8 = 15 (3d10)

>>3041783

>>3041783
“Any rumors that might interest me?” you ask the two old men, leaning over the low wrought iron fence that separates the cafe's outdoor space from the street.

“That might interest a Silver-Eyed witch?” the old man who just won the game asks, before shaking his head. “No, can't say I can think of anything.”

“There were those religious weirdos through here a few days back,” the loser points out, turning his head to face you so that his cheek is resting against the table in defeat. “But I have no clue where they went after that.”

“Oh yeah,” the winner agrees. “I don't put much stock in religious types, but those guys were a different story. Seemed like real zealots... I'm just glad they left town.”

“Do you have any idea what they were here for?” you press, realizing that this sounds a lot like the party which killed the messenger up in the mountains the last time you were in this area. “Did they meet anyone else while they were here?”

The old men shake their heads, and the one who's still sitting up explains further. “They just wanted to talk to 'who was in charge', wouldn't tell anything about what their business was and nobody felt keen on pressing them.”

>Keep moving on into the foothills, try to rendezvous with Tomas.
>Try to find the mayor, ask him about the Inquisition.
>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.
>Other?

>>3041812
>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.
i hope he's not dead

>>3041812
>>Keep moving on into the foothills, try to rendezvous with Tomas.

>>3041812
>Keep moving on into the foothills, try to rendezvous with Tomas.

>>3041812
>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.
Save Lord Byron. We'll need the support of the people. Otherwise they'll frame another murder and pin it on us.

>>3041812
>>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.

>>3041812
>>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.

>>3041812
>>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.

>>3041812
>Find Lord Byron. He was the one who hired you, the one with money.

>3d10
>dc 18

Rolled 4, 5, 1 = 10 (3d10)

>>3041868

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

>>3041868

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

>>3041868
pls don't let me fuck up

Rolled 6, 1, 9 = 16 (3d10)

>>3041868
fail whale

File: sweating behind a smile.gif (1.99 MB, 375x375)

1.99 MB GIF

>>3041880
clutch.

>>3041880
Congratulations, you almost fucked up!

>>3041868
You make careful note of the situation as you approach the Byron estate, looking for any real hints as to the fate of its owner. And you do notice one thing: a damaged tree trunk, the bark blasted off and the wood underneath splintered in an obvious bullet strike. In fact, riding a bit closer you can see that the bullet is still lodged in there.

Prying it out with your fingertips is a frustrating task, and not as enlightening as you'd hoped, but you place it in a pouch on your saddlebags anyway. Then you head for the stables.

“Hello there, traveler!” one of the hands greets you. Good news... if the owner of the house had been killed, there would be no chance that he'd be so upbeat.

“Hello,” you greet him calmly, stepping out of the saddle and hitching Alysheba. “I'm here to see Lord Byron on a matter of urgency.”

“Unsolicited?” the man muses. “Well, I suppose the Lord can spare a few minutes. You'll find him inside the house.”

Sure enough you find Lord Byron just inside, seated at a large table with piles of paperwork and parchment spread out in front of him.

He glances up and immediately recognizes you. “Noel, wasn't it? Take a seat, and mind the paperwork.”

You carefully take a seat across from Lord Byron. Then you drop the bullet you recovered on the table with a sharp crack of metal against hardwood. “I take it you know why I'm here?”

“I do now,” Lord Byron agrees with a sigh, “if it wasn't obvious before. What stake do you have in this situation, might I ask?”

>They're murdering innocents. I don't mind that they have an issue with me, but THAT has to end.
>They murdered one of our messengers. They're interfering in our ability to conduct missions.
>They tried to frame one of my friends, to get her executed. I can't let something like that happen again.
>Other?

>>3041961
>They tried to frame one of my friends, to get her executed. And they did it by murdering innocents.

>>3041961
>They tried to frame one of my friends, to get her executed. I can't let something like that happen again.

>>3041961
>D: all of the above

>>3041961

>They're murdering innocents. I don't mind that they have an issue with me, but THAT has to end.
>They murdered one of our messengers. They're interfering in our ability to conduct missions.
>They tried to frame one of my friends, to get her executed. I can't let something like that happen again.

>>3041961
>they killed one of our riders, murdered innocent townsfolk just to frame an innocent claymore, strong-arming townsfolk into compliance through fear and intimidation tactics, and tried to kill my horse.

>>3041961
>>They're murdering innocents. I don't mind that they have an issue with me, but THAT has to end.
>>They murdered one of our messengers. They're interfering in our ability to conduct missions.
>>They tried to frame one of my friends, to get her executed. I can't let something like that happen again

>>3041961
>They're murdering innocents. I don't mind that they have an issue with me, but THAT has to end.

>3d10, best of four

Rolled 4, 6, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>3042005

Rolled 6, 10, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>3042005

Rolled 10, 1, 2 = 13 (3d10)

>>3042005

Rolled 10, 2, 8 = 20 (3d10)

>>3042005

>>3042005
“I have little choice,” you admit with a sigh. “In the short time I've been keeping track of them they've murdered one our our Organization's messengers, tried to murder me and my horse, and murdered at least a half-dozen innocent bystanders to frame a friend of mine and get our Organization to execute her.”

“So you have every reason in the world,” Lord Byron sighs, sliding a small stack of papers into a large envelope.

“And if that weren't enough I've seen the intimidation tactics they rely on within their own territory,” you add. “So whether you're aware of it or not we share an interest in this case.”

“So it would seem.”

After a few moments Lord Byron begins to explain what had happened. “They wanted to know your whereabouts. I told them I didn't know and demanded that they leave my property. That made them mad.”

“Was there trouble?” you ask.

Lord Byron shakes his head. “Not much.”

“At least one bullet worth.”

“They may have tried to intimidate us,” Byron admits. “It didn't work.”

“Sorry you had to put up with that,” you shake your head. “Ideally they'll know better than to take action against a horse-lord.”

“It certainly makes putting up a strong facade a lot easier,” Byron chuckles grimly. “But yes, I believe I of all people should be just fine.”

>Did they offer any indication as to what they were after?
>If you see a 'witch' by the name of Laura, with long silver hair, I'd appreciate if you helped her.
>If you were to strike back, without killing anyone, how would YOU do it?
>Other?

>>3042132
>Did they offer any indication as to what they were after?
>If you were to strike back, without killing anyone, how would YOU do it?

>>3042132
>Did they offer any indication as to what they were after?
>If you see a 'witch' by the name of Laura, with long silver hair, I'd appreciate if you helped her.

>>3042132
>Did they offer any indication as to what they were after?
>If you were to strike back, without killing anyone, how would YOU do it?
>If you see a 'witch' by the name of Laura, with long silver hair, I'd appreciate if you helped her.

>>3042132
>>Did they offer any indication as to what they were after?
>>If you see a 'witch' by the name of Laura, with long silver hair, I'd appreciate if you helped

>>3042132
>If you see a 'witch' by the name of Laura, with long silver hair, I'd appreciate if you helped her.
>If you were to strike back, without killing anyone, how would YOU do it?

>>3042132
>>If you see a 'witch' by the name of Laura, with long silver hair, I'd appreciate if you helped her.
>>If you were to strike back, without killing anyone, how would YOU do it?

>>3042132
“Any indication what they were after?” you ask.

“You,” Lord Byron replies. “Or at least that's how it seemed. What do you think you will do now?”

“I'm not certain,” you admit with a frown. “I can't fight back, at least not with any of the violent means which comprise my professional skillset.”

“Such an organization can only go so far on tithes alone,” Lord Byron observes, his expression thoughtful. “They must have integrated themselves within a network of contacts, to supply them with greater funds and specialized equipment. Were it my problem to solve that is how I would go about striking a return blow.”

“Thanks for the advice,” you incline your head politely. “I have one more request, one that I trust you will keep discreet.”

“If I can help I will consider it,” Lord Byron shrugs. “Assuming it is within my ability as a mere human.”

“A warrior like me, with long silver hair and an emblem consisting of three vertical lines, may come through here within a few days,” you explain carefully. “She and the Organization have had a falling-out. I don't expect serious problems, but she may need a place to lie low in safety for some time.”

“And what is it she and the Organization 'fell out' over?” Byron presses.

You sigh. “It's complicated, but she's been too nosy for too many years. She's the one I mentioned who was framed for killing several innocents. The Organization knows she was framed and wants her dead anyway, but they also know that I know she was framed. The townsfolk who ran her off after the incident are also now aware that they were duped.”

“So you believe she will not be attacked?” Byron asks, rather forcefully. He's obviously looking for an assurance.

“I do not believe so,” you reply, meaning to offer that assurance. “It's our understanding that so long as she keeps a low profile and remains in this region the Organization will leave her alone.”

“And what makes you believe that?”

>It's not worth their time or effort so long as she keeps a low profile and stays out of the way.
>They know that if they hurt my friend I'll make sure all of their warriors know what they did.
>To kill her in this region would be... exceptionally risky. That's all I can say.
>There's a third party near here who would retaliate if Laura were killed.

>>3042243
>>There's a third party near here who would retaliate if Laura were killed.

>>3042243
>To kill her in this region would be... exceptionally risky. That's all I can say.

>>3042243
>Claymore fights are not subtle things, and they would draw attention of thing they likely do not wish too.

>>3042243
>>To kill her in this region would be... exceptionally risky. That's all I can say.

>>3042243
>>To kill her in this region would be... exceptionally risky. That's all I can say.

>>3042243
>To kill her in this region would be... exceptionally risky. That's all I can say.

>dice+3d10
>Best of three

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

>>3042297

Rolled 5, 10, 6 = 21 (3d10)

>>3042297

Rolled 10, 3, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>3042297

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

>>3042297

>>3042297
“A fight between two yōma-blooded warriors can be quite the spectacle,” you muse, “especially with warriors ranked as highly as Laura involved. And if such a fight were to occur here, it would attract unwanted attention. That is a risk the Organization would likely rather avoid.”

“So if Laura keeps her mouth shut and her head down while she's here, the Organization will leave her alone.”

“Attention from what?” Lord Byron presses.

“From something the Organization doesn't even tell us about,” you frown. “Something which our unofficial stance, on the rare occasions when it becomes relevant, is to simply avoid.”

“That serious?” he asks.

You nod. “And that fearsome presence, which gives even our greatest warriors pause, is what will serve to keep the Organization away from Laura.”

Lord Byron seems to quietly consider the matter, then comes to a decision. “I intend to make her work.”

“She eats even less than I do and can lift a horse in one hand,” you remind him. “I'm positive she can handle a few tasks here and there in exchange for her security.”

“Then if I do see her, I'll make the offer,” Lord Byron agrees. “Her emblem was three lines, you say?”

You nod in confirmation. “Vertical, all parallel. The middle one is slightly longer.”

“Then I'll tell my men in town to keep their eyes open.”

>Wait here for Tomas to track you down.
>Head to the nominal capital of Cuilan.
>Head out into the foothills, look for Sabela.
>Other?

>>3042355
>Head to the nominal capital of Cuilan.

>>3042355
>>Head to the nominal capital of Cuilan.

>>3042355
>>Head out into the foothills, look for Sabela.

>>3042355
>Head to the nominal capital of Cuilan.

>>3042355
>>Head out into the foothills, look for Sabela.
where is y'all's sense of adventure

>>3042355
>>Wait here for Tomas to track you down.

>>3042366
>>3042374
>>3042383
>>3042387
The longer we are away from the org the more likely we won't be able to fix this and more likely we'll get excommunicated too.

Why are you guys pushing this?

>>3042355
>Wait here for Tomas to track you down.

>>3042355
>>Wait here for Tomas to track you down.

>>3042394
personally I find Sabela's character interestin'

>>3042410
I do too, but seeking her out is a terribad idea, for MANY reasons.

Including outing ourslef
Endangering her
Endangering Laura
Getting the organization to go after all 3 of us hard damn the costs
Us having nothing really yo talk about with her at the moment besides things she'd rather not talk about
And possibly sky lighting our self as her daughter to her 4 other AB enemies and the organization.

>>3042355
>>Wait here for Tomas to track you down.
no fence for me to climb upon anymore

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920 KB JPG

>>3042355
You say your farewells before riding out once more, heading up into the foothills past the same spot where this whole ordeal began with the assassination of one of the Organization's messengers. Higher into the mountains you take a branching path to the west rather than your typical route to the south, Alysheba plodding determinedly towards the capital of Cuilan.

Tarskavaig hardly even qualifies as a city, really. It's more like the slums that you get around the edges of cities in the west, but instead there's no 'rest of' the city. The settlement sits below the ice caps, but not by very much, and the whole place smells like goat. Which is of course the main economic activity other than mining, which is the only profitable endeavor that could sustain a town this high in the mountains. It brought wealth to this part of Cuilan at one time, and led the lords of Cuilan to select this isolated spot for their capital.

Here, you hope to wait for Tomas to find you.

>Find a stables and a place to sleep.
>Find a place to eat and drink. You're hungry.
>Look into the local political situation.
>Other?

>>3042462
>>Find a place to eat and drink. You're hungry.
>Keep an eye out for the situation why we look for sustenance.

File: Claymore_Tarskavaig.jpg (165 KB, 1375x707)

165 KB JPG

>>3042462

>>3042462
>>Look into the local political situation.

>>3042462
>D: all of the above

>>3042462

>Find a stables and a place to sleep.

>>3042462
>>Find a place to eat and drink. You're hungry.
>Keep an eye out for the situation why we look for sustenance.

>>3042462
>other: Change into your plainsclothes disguise.
>keep and eye out on the situation and an open set of ears for rumors or commotions.

>>3042486
Noel currently has no plainclothes disguise. That outfit was ruined in Lanerk when she got shot and bled all over herself.

>>3042499
i suppose that's better than being a messy eater...?

>>3042499
darn. we'll have to go shopping some time later.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 9, 8, 8 = 25 (3d10)

>>3042522

Rolled 4, 2, 6 = 12 (3d10)

>>3042522
I wonder what we'll hear...
>>3042525
damn. dat 25

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

>>3042522

Rolled 2, 6, 4 = 12 (3d10)

>>3042522
>>3042525
Well then.

>>3042522
You quickly find a stables for Alysheba, which look little different from many of the residences. They all seem the same to you, plain rooftops with a moderate pitch, fading and crumbling white plaster walls, and colorful banners strung over the streets and between the buildings.

Once Alysheba is settled you find a nearby... establishment. It seems to serve food and drink, which is what you're looking for right now. There is no menu here, and so you order something small and simple, with as small a serving of drink as you can convince the server to bring you.

As it turns out that drink is a cup of butter tea, and the meal consists of two small strips of braised mutton, a small piece of goat's cheese, and some roasted root vegetables. Since you haven't eaten in several days, you actually find room for all of this.

“So what about those missionaries?” a man at a nearby table mutters in a low voice. “The ones that were here last week?”

“Lord Annemas sent them away,” a second man replies quietly. “Was it ever a question?”

So this 'Inquisition' came here to speak with the Lord of the city? Interesting... what Lord Byron said to you comes immediately to mind. “You say there were missionaries here?”

One of the men glances over his shoulder and presses a finger to his lips before waving you over. You bring what little remains of your meal and reseat yourself. “So?”

“I heard they were poking around the mining office,” the second man informs you quietly. “Nobody wants to talk about it of course. Lord Annemas was pretty clear what he thought of them.”

“There was talk about them bringing in a load of money from down south,” the first man insists. “There was talk about them buying mining rights and reopening the old tunnels.”

“That's exactly why Lord Annemas turned them down,” the second man scoffs. “Those new-religious fools don't know what they'd be getting into. The old tunnels were shut down for a reason.”

“You don't hold to that superstitious nonsense, do you?”

The second man shakes his head. “I know there's things in this world that are better left undisturbed. One of 'em's down in those tunnels. Our grandfathers' fathers woke it up once and I'm glad Lord Annemas has the good sense to keep those southern idiots from doing it again.”

>I'm... a little lost here. What's this about older tunnels and a superstition?
>These men. Were they from Lanerk?
>If one were to speak with Lord Annemas how would one proceed?
>Other?

>>3042566
>I'm... a little lost here. What's this about older tunnels and a superstition?
WORLD BUILDING AND LORE

>>3042566
>>I'm... a little lost here. What's this about older tunnels and a superstition?

>>3042566
>I'm... a little lost here. What's this about older tunnels and a superstition?
>These men. Were they from Lanerk?

>>3042566
>>I'm... a little lost here. What's this about older tunnels and a superstition?

>>3042566
>I'm... a little lost here. What's this about older tunnels and a superstition?

>>3042566
>If one were to speak with Lord Annemas how would one proceed?
>Other: Do you know where I can find a local clothing store?
A bit of an addendum.

Is Noel in her traveling outfit or her uniform right now?

>>3042611
In uniform. We "had" a plainsclothes disguise, but some stupid zealot from the Inquisition ruined it with a bullet to our lung and made us bleed all over it.

>>3042566
“What's this about a superstition?” you press curiously. “I'm not from around here, as you might have noticed.”

“The old-timers keep talking about the deepest levels of the oldest mine,” the first man explains. “The original one that justified us being here. It's been closed nearly a hundred years.”

“Our ancestors dug too greedily and too deep,” the second man contends. “The old stories say the miners broke through into a natural cavern within the mountain, came back to the surface to report it. The Lord at the time thought it'd be full of gemstones, maybe even the mother lode of the whole mountain.”

“And what was really down there?” you ask.

“Nothing,” the first man sighs, staring at the other man. “We've been over this.”

“Not nothing,” the man insists. “Those miners didn't get killed by nothing.”

“Nobody knows they got killed!” the first man asserts.

“They sure as hell didn't ever come back!” the second man snaps. “Why do you recon they'd stay down there if they didn't get killed? Cause I bet you it's not free will.”

“So nobody knows what they found down there?” you press for a clarification.

The first man shrugs. “So the stories go I guess.”

“And nobody goes down there anymore,” the second man adds.

“There's riches to be got down there,” the first man shakes his head, “and we're up here watching our city fall apart when we could just...”

“Go down there and die?” the second man interrupts.

“Look around. We're all dying.”

The Inquisition is taking an interest in this old mine, then. They must be after the promise of those lost riches... or are they after something else? You'd never say it for sure. It could be some completely different goal they have in mind, one which you're not even aware is a consideration just yet.

One thing's for sure... this bears further investigation.

>>3042634
And that's all for the evening. I'm running on less than four hours of sleep so I'll be unconscious in a few minutes. But the archive is up, Twitter and Discord are where they always are, and I'll be back next week.

I might even do an omake or two before then.

So thanks for stopping by, hope you had a good time, and see you next time!

>>3042639
Thanks for running! Just so we know, how old are the oldest Abyssal Ones we know about?

>>3042634
>“Our ancestors dug too greedily and too deep,” the second man contends.
Way to sneak in a Dorf Fortress Reference.

>>3042639
Thanks for running king
>>3042660
I mean yeah it is, but it was LOTR first

>>3042649
>>3042671
Sabela was number 1 when Olivia and Laura were still in their prime years of claymore youth. Olivia was stated to have been on the job for 70 years, 20 doing regular hunting and the last 50 of her years hunting while also pursuing rumors of Saria's whereabouts.

If we're using Olivia or Laura as our base measurement as being one of the oldest among Noel's Generation and assume Mom was around both Olivia and Laura's age group, Sabela would probably be in her mid 70s at her youngest and pushing early 90s at her oldest in chronological age while rocking the MILF body of a 27-year old. Sabela stated that the two other abyssal ones are even older than her.

So who thinks there's a Dragon down in that mountain?

>>3042847
Unlikely, given they are stuck on the mainland. More likely it's a cranky ass Awakened Being or Abyssal one.

>>3042865
This might be an AU tho. So there might be Dragons elsewhere. It's a shame that the dragon in the mountain is no amicable Smaug.

>>3042840
Noel is in her early twenties and has been fighting since she was in her early teens. Laura is in her late thirties. Sabela isn't yet 50, but she's close.

Olivia was in her seventies.

>>3043877
Eighties, rather. Wasn't completely awake yet when I wrote that.

Laura was in her early to mid-teens when Noel was born, she had only been a Claymore a few years. Sabela had been the #1 for a decade or so when she Awakened. Olivia was already ranked #1 when Sabela was born, to put her age and seniority in perspective, and joined after the Organization stopped using twins.

>>3042847
Wanted to make a "Thar be Dragons" joke somewhere.