>>3200536
>prior thread's last post

“We went to try and get help from the guards manning the nearby signal tower, the lights were out and we decided to head back. I think something happened to them.”

“That’s was incredibly fucking stupid, are you serious? Why the fuck didn’t you get some flares and use them? The whole fucking forest is full of spiders by now, least we can tell. You could’ve been torn apart out there!”

“Look sir we need to stick together, they’re obviously civies, they don’t know what they’re doing, obviously.” The other milita-man chimed in.

“Shut up Eugis, keep your eyes on the doc and Sinclair, and make sure she doesn’t get interrupted. As for you two, we’re going to be marching you back to the keep and getting you to safety. Except for whomever the fuck your friend is.”

“Fuck off, you’re not our leader, we don’t need you telling us what to do.” Henry said, flippantly. He couldn’t afford to be separated from Johnny at this juncture.

“Oy now, let’s just calm down…” Johnny said, trying to defuse the situation.

“THIS IS A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION YOU FUCKING NITWIT, THREE PEOPLE ARE DEAD-“ Stanley said, yelling at Henry.

“Seems to only be two sir! German’s alive! Man’s wandered off though, but he’s alive!”

“Aw fuck.” Stanley said. “He’s probably gone back to the keep for help, he took a nasty fall, but he’s a tough bastard, he’ll make it I’m sure.”

“Right.” Eugis said.

“Either you speak to us with a basic amount of respect or you fuck off, the two of us are mage’s and he’s the best damned swordsman you’ve ever seen, we want to kill the fucking thing. So, let’s start over, talk like civilized human beings, and if you want our help, we’d be happy to provide it.

Stanley chewed on the words for a moment. Which was an excellent sign; it meant Henry’s plan had worked.

Henry had taken a bit of a gamble by being flippant, but he’d read the situation correctly. Eugis was a calming influence and a bit more agreeable to their needs than Stanley was. So Henry played the asshole, Johnny acted like Johnny by trying to defuse things, and so had this Eugis fellow. Easy peasy. Now he’d offered an olive branch of sorts, mainly to do the job he had been hired to, sort of, with these two knuckleheads acting as meatshields. He’d release the raise dead spell on German, and they’d just say he must have been delirious and wandered upstairs before being killed. The head injury would be hard to explain but they could figure something out afterwards.

>>3200540
“Are you absolutely sure we need their help Henry?” Ophelia asked. “They don’t look to useful, a small group of spiders killed two of them anyways. Besides, with me here I’m pretty confident of OUR group’s survival.”

OPHELIA YOU FUCKING MORON.

Stanley proceeded to slam Ophelia into a wall while screaming obscenities at her. Eugis leapt and tried to pull the man away but was batted down to the floor. Johnny did much the same but was stopped at the point of a short sword by Stanley.

Johnny of course couldn’t do anything else without blowing his cover. Sure he’d survive being slashed at but that’d ruin both his disguise and any chance they would have at getting their help. Henry’s brilliant little plan had fallen apart due to one social incompetent.

OPHELIA YOU FUCKING MORON.

Decisions:
1. Zap Stanley (attempt to go nonlethal)
2. Try to intimidate him
3. Try to reason with him.

>>3200543
after reviewing the previous threads votes, I decided to leave voting open for the time being.

>>3200543
>3. Try to reason with him.
But with hints of violence if he disagrees.

>>3200543
backing >>3200547
see last thread

>>3200577
>>3200547
writing

Rolled 19, 7 = 26 (2d100)

>>3200547

>>3200625
Uh... Do we need to roll too?

>>3200543
“Please, let’s just stop being at each other’s throats and focus. We got a monster hunting people down, and no amount of giant spiders is as bad as that.”

“Rodger was a good man you fucking bitch, you take back what you said!” Stanley said, a cold intensity in his voice, so is Sinclair, so is Eugis! I won’t have you disrespecting any of them! They’re risking their lives for you!”

“More like dying uselessly!” Ophelia responded, before Stanley slammed his arm into her throat, choking her, and pinning her up against the wall.

Henry helped Eugis up and spun back around to catch Ophelia struggling against Stanleys grip. Her feet swung wildly as she struggled against the man’s grasp. Lighting was shooting out of her hands but all it was doing was causing a bunch of runes along the man’s armor. Of course a fucking captain would have something fancy on him.

“Oy stop it!” Henry said.

He grabbed Stanleys arm, utilizing the fact he was distracted by Johnny. Henry managed to knock the sword from the man’s grasp. Without missing a beat he tried to get Stanley off of the woman, but found that the man was simply too strong for him. Stanley went for something at his belt, and Henry leapt out of the way as a dagger emerged from its sheath and whirled just inches from his face.

“Holy fuck calm down Stanely!” Eugis pleaded. “Let’s just get Sinclair back to safety and get these fuckers settled. We’re trying to save people not kill em!”

Stanley looked at the three of them, Johnny, Henry, and Ophelia in turn. He sighed, steadied himself, and let Ophelia drop to the floor like a sack of bricks. The woman didn’t move.

“Aw fuck you done it now.” Eugis said rushing over to the woman while Henry briefly considered if he could get away with murdering the three of them, hell he’d probably be able to avoid having to ‘talk’ with Johnny.
Stanley grabbed his sword and held it out in front of him. The runes on his armor were all glowing red, the armor itself had probably been filled with red mana. Henry didn’t really want to find out first hand if it had a way to release all that energy too.

“She’s alive, just unconscious.” Eugis said, “Fecks sake.”

“Got off easy.” Stanley muttered. “Is Sinclair stable Lady Ellen?” Stanley asked.

>>3200672
“Yes, no thanks to all of your needless violence. I’m not exactly brimming with white mana.” The woman said.

“Thank you regardless, bless you.” Eugis said. “Thank you for saving me mates life.”

Stanley walked around for a moment, breathing methodically.

“Stanley, thank the blessed woman.” Eugis said.

“Thank you for saving his life, you’ve done us a grand service today.” Stanley said, but his heart wasn’t in it, it came out flat and unemotional.

“That wasn’t so hard.” Lady Ellen said, standing up. “Now let’s get back to safety before that creature returns, I can’t even imagine how you all decided to stay out here, by choice!”

“You’d think they’d be grateful for the help.” Stanley said.

Johnny lifted Ophelia up, the only indication the woman was alive was the bruising appearing around her neck and the slow rise and fall of her chest.

“Fucks sake we shouldn’t have brought her along.” Henry muttered.

“It’s probably a healthy experience for the woman; maybe she’ll hold her tongue next time.” Johnny whispered wistfully. “Although to be honest I wouldn’t have been exactly broken up if she’d died.”

“So do we know if anyone is left in the Chateau?” Eugis asked Stanely.

“Don’t know, all the guests are accounted for now that we found them and that Lady Marie what’s her name… probably just servants or guards roaming around, and those fancy pants inquisitors..”

Decisions:
1. “What the fuck Johnny, that isn’t like you.”
2. “Dumb bitch got off easy.”
3. “What do you mean you found a guest?”
4. “What was her name?!”
5. (write in)

>>3200675
>3. “What do you mean you found a guest?”

>>3200675
backing >>3200689

>>3200536
> Presently two Chateau guards, an unlucky vampire, and a militia man

I love how everyone was upset about the zombie when we're hanging out with Vampires and have a mindwipe spell.

>>3200675
>>3200689
Backing this. Also "Johnny, that's my line. Don't make me the moral compass of this group or else I might stop enjoying my cynicism."

>>3200675
Also we should have zapped Stanley.

Well.

Maybe we can convince him to charge against the Fae and die. Motherfucker, Ophelia is a retard but he's just as dangerous as the Fae.

New Goal: Stanley dies here.

>>3200675
>3. “What do you mean you found a guest?”
>>3200829
>I love how everyone was upset about the zombie
Not everyone only me. And only one person was for raising a corpse so i don't know how that went thru.

Yeah outing ourselves as a necromancer. Great idea and for what? One mangled half useful corpse... That we already left behind
>When we're hanging out with Vampires
As anyone that was invited to party
>and have a mindwipe spell
And people have armor resilient to those

>>3200877
>Also we should have zapped Stanley.
We really shouldn't

>>3200675
>Raise an eyebrow at Johnny. If he reacts, waggle em.
>3. “What do you mean you found a guest?” Was it lady Marlene?

>Have anyone actually seen the damn monster and what it does?

>>3200983
>>3200675
Actually this is far better than my write in.

>>3200953
Better to have a zombie and not need it than the other way around.

>>3200675
also backing >>3200983 over >>3200689

>>3200675
Ophelia did nothing wrong.

>>3200983
This.

>>3200829
>>3200735
>>3200689
>>3200983
>>3201351
>>3201353


>>3200953
>I flipped a coin since it was a split vote

writing

>>3200675
Henry raised an eyebrow at Johnny as they walked, and continued to stare at him as they made their way around the grand halls balcony and back down the even grander staircase.

“She’s a criminal and has caused the death of countless people you realize. Probably more before that dreadful incident in Grutzberg” Johnny whispered. “If you didn’t see a potential money making opportunity in her you’d have gutted her, or turned her in for the coin, let’s be honest with ourselves.”

Henry decided to not respond, he didn’t really want to get into THAT particular argument. He nervously glanced towards Stanley and his group; fortunately they were not really paying any mind to either of them. Lady Ellen was excitedly mentioning how this would make for an excellent story to tell her circle of friends. Stanley was deathly quiet while Eugis was giving token positive replies.

The captain was obviously troubled by his actions, at least that’s what Henry guessed, either that or he was worried about his men. At least two other people had died, unless of course Stanley considered the vampire a ‘person’. This was troubling of course, but honestly a far lower death count then Henry had expected.

Yet something about what Stanley had said was troubling Henry, yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. As they left the grand hall through the right door, something clicked in his mind. They had found a guest, a woman, Lady Marie, LADY MARLENE. THEY FOUND LADY MARLENE!?

“About what you said earlier Stanley, about finding a guest, who was it?!.” Henry said, suddenly leaping to action, in a blind panic.

“Huh?” Eugis asked.

“Lady Marie something or other, the woman didn’t exactly leave an impression. She seemed more terrified than anything, and FAR more grateful.” Stanley replied.

“Was her name Lady Marlene?!” Henry asked.

Johnny stared at Henry as the realization of what Henry had said dawned on him. Henry could tell by the skeletons shaking hands he was also horrified.

“Yeah that was her name!” Stanley said. “We found her wandering around on the second floor.”

“Shame about that servant girl though.” Eugis replied.

>>3202822
“What servant girl?” Ellen asked.

“I don’t really think I should talk about it in the presence of a dignified lady…” Eugis sputtered.

“I insist, don’t leave me so curious.” Ellen continued.

“Well, the woman was in a bad way… nothing we could do for her. She did say that a horrifying creature, like a spider with a humans torso, was crashing around up there before she eh… expired?”

“So she died then.” Ellen replied, with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“Yes I think that’s fairly obvious.” Stanley said. “Least we got Lady Marlene back to the others, into that magic soap bubble Paladin Venser made. “She should be safe now that she’s with everyone else. I don’t think anything will be getting in without his say so.”

SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT.

Decisions:
1. “Lady Marlene is the creature you nitwit!”
2. “Let’s head back then, I’m happy she’s alright.”
3. “We were tasked with guarding her… that’s the real reason we were out looking. Thank god she’s okay.”
4. “What a good job you’ve been doing…”
5. (write in)

>>3202827
>3. “We were tasked with guarding her… that’s the real reason we were out looking. Thank god she’s okay.”

>>3202827
>3. “We were tasked with guarding her… that’s the real reason we were out looking. Thank god she’s okay.”

I mean. We gotta get paid. If she's a Fae beast, or a real noble, not our problem.

>>3202980
>>3202830
night ya'll

>>3202827
> 2. “Let’s head back then, I’m happy she’s alright.”

Yup. Yup. Yup. Fuck this place.

>>3202827
>3. “We were tasked with guarding her… that’s the real reason we were out looking. Thank god she’s okay.”

>>3202827
>3. “We were tasked with guarding her… that’s the real reason we were out looking. Thank god she’s okay.”
Okay, so she can detransform

>>3202830
>>3202980
>>3203201
>>3203222
>>3203452
writing :^)

>>3202827
“Well that’s great news!” Henry said.

Stanley turned his head around in mild surprise. The man obviously didn’t think that Henry could care about other people, funny.

“You sound pleased.” Eugis said.

They kept up the as they wound through a set of five small rooms with holes in the ceiling The doorways had slat in between them as well, these were probably rooms meant to lure in and trap intruders so the defenders could shoot them with arrows or drop boulders on top of them. Wouldn’t do them a whole lotta good if the creature was already inside the damned place.

“We were tasked with guarding her… that’s the real reason we were out looking. Thank god she’s okay.” Henry said.

“Not the best at your jobs then.” Ellen said, snickering a bit to herself.

“Not our fault the woman wandered off during dinner, we had no idea what got into her.” Henry said.

“Still your responsibility to guard her.” Stanley said. “And you still might be lying, but that makes a heck of a lot more sense then you running through spider infested forest to try to make it to the signal tower in the dead of night when its light has been cut.”

“All the same sir, couldn’t we call for support using it?” Eugis asked.

“This whole incident is grounds to request aid from the angels, but neither of us have the authority to.” Stanley replied.

“So who has the authority?” Henry asked.

“Three people in this whole place do. The two inquisitors and that paladin.” Stanley replied. “Still, don’t even think about it, you’d be potentially throwing your life away, we don’t even know if the tower is still standing.”

“He has a fair point Henry.” Johnny added.

“You have a name?” Eugis asked.

“Henry and Johnny, the unconscious one is Sarah.” Henry said.

“Lieutenant Eugis Woods, and Captain Stanley Chaplain, Sol Province Militiamen.” Eugis said proudly.

They worked their way up a set of stairs and through one last door to find themselves back outside. Still inside the walls, but on a second floor balcony. There was a sort of metal fencing enclosing the balcony completely, and spanning the length of it, which would hopefully prevent any of the spiders from getting onto the balcony. At the far end was what appeared to be a door and a drawbridge.

>>3205042
“OY OPEN UP RODGER, ITS CAPTAIN STANLEY, WE FOUND MORE GUESTS!” Stanley bellowed out.

“Happy to see you’ve returned sir!” A man bellowed out from the darkness. “What’s the code?”

“Garlic! Now open the fuck up! I don’t want to be out in the open like this!” Stanley yelled back.

Henry could hear the sounds of skittering feet coming from below. Some of the spiders had seemingly found their way into the courtyard. Henry wondered if those guards who had been swinging their lights around were still alive.

The sound of grinding gears and metal on metal rang out through the night as a drawbridge was lowered from across the gap.

“Alright everyone, get to safety.” Stanley said, waiting till everyone was across before he himself took the short journey.

Henry was greeted by a fairly comfortable looking stone chamber with a multitude of people in it. The keep was fairly massive. Having a highly defensible entrance hall with a heavily secured door at the far end of it. There were people everywhere, at least forty, maybe even fifty.

“Come on Eugis, let’s go update the commander and see if German made it back.”

Henry was slightly surprised that everyone hadn’t been butchered, but he pressed onwards. He knew who was waiting for him.

Sitting by her lonesome, with a rather smug grin on her face, was Lady Marlene. The ‘woman’ or whatever she was had played the fool. A dangerous creature was potentially among them, and it wasn’t even the fucking vampire.

“Good evening to you too my dear guards.” She said, chuckling a little. Without any hint of that pagan accent.

==============================(End of Chapter)=====================================

>>3205046
“So the Wyvern hunted us, harrying us throughout the canyon, sometimes throwing logs in our path in an attempt to crush us and sometimes succeeding. There were only three of us left on the fifth day, all others, both men and mule and horse had been killed and consumed. We were running low on rations and had nothing to do but pray for salvation. We didn’t really think it’d come, being so far out on the frontier. Then on the six day, the creature dived towards us as we wound over a ridge, and quite suddenly, the creature stopped. It stopped in midair.”

~ Rinko, owner of the Malter Trading Company.

================================(CHAPTER START)=================================

Henry forcibly suppressed his surprise, and he knew that Johnny wouldn’t do anything incriminating, and in all honest Ophelia being unconscious was probably a positive, the dumbass wouldn’t ruin this delicate situations…

Don’t panic you fucking dumbass, stay calm, you’ve stared down far worse than this spider… fae… thing.

Henry glanced around the room, all sorts of people were nervously milling about. There were the twenty five or so guests, the fifteen or so guard personnel, and around ten servants total between the two rooms making up the keep. The baron was not visible from where Henry was standing, meaning the man was located further back. Probably in the more defensible section, coward.

Henry looked through one of the thing arrow slats breaking up the stucco coated walls. Using his mage sight he could see a VERY thick membrane of mana, he hadn’t thought to check as he’d entered, but it was probably covering the whole keep. Venser had set this up in the span of forty or so minutes?! The militiamen had been correct, nothing was getting inside without Venser’s say so if he controlled the barrier. Speaking of Venser, Henry didn’t see him or his apprentice within the first room, another case of people being in the more defensible spot.

He turned his head back to Marlene. The woman had crossed her legs and had both of her hands on her lap. She was expecting a response.

Decisions:
1. “I’m happy to see you’re okay.”
2. “Where did you run off too?!”
3. “I guess we both know what’s going on then.”
4. “I’m a tad surprised.”
5. (write in)

>>3205081
>5. (write in) "I would like to apologize. Your disappearance was so sudden."

>1. “I’m happy to see you’re okay.”

>5. (write in) "That beast could be ANYWHERE right now"
Give her the look. And maybe roll the eyes

>>3205081
> 4. “I’m a tad surprised.”

> That beast could be ANYWHERE right now.

> Apparently WHATEVER is out there can mess with people's minds. That beast could be ANYWHERE. Although Ophelia managed to fight it off by putting an iron pot on her head, so if things get *too* bad we brought one back to use on you, just in case.

Look lady, we don't give a fuck what you are or what you've done, but chill the fuck out or the pot goes on your head, is the subtext I want to get across here.

Either she's the Fae, and she feels her dickbaggery in, or she's not and she has some measure of protection against it.

>>3205081
this >>3205603 and >>3205778

>>3205081

Yeah these >>3205778, >>3205603

Also really harp on the fact that Ophelia managed to beat a mental attack with a cooking pot. That's ridiculous but it seems to have worked.

So if Marlene starts to act funny, we're going to put a cooking pot on her head. A cold iron pot.

> Look here, Fae, get in the fucking pot.

>>3205603
>>3205778
>>3205866
>>3207349
I'm going to start writing after having a look over the votes.

>>3205081
“For a pair…trio of guards, it seems you weren’t so good at your jobs, but the result was the same regardless.” Marlene said, a smug air of satisfaction about her voice, like she’d already had everything planned out.

It reminded Henry of Vermillion, and even more so of HIM.

“I would like to apologize. Your disappearance was so sudden.”

“I’m allowed to take a walk if I so choose a-am I not? Although I do forgive your lapse due to me not informing you of my intentions to do so.” Marlene replied.

The timid woman they’d met from before had obviously been a façade, or perhaps she was always cautious like that. Regardless, perhaps she no longer suspected them? No, she was testing the waters, seeing if he was dumb enough to make a mistake. Did she think he was too stupid to notice? Maybe, but it wasn’t very likely. He and Ophelia would be the prime suspects, especially now that he had Johnny involved. In fact all that woman had to do would be to remove Johnny’s helmet and things would go downhill fairly quickly.

Wouldn’t that just be fucking hilarious?

“Look, Johnny, find Venser and that apprentice who’s with him, they might have some way to wake her up.” Henry said, pointing at Ophelia and seeing them off into the next room.

A bit of a risky play certainly to leave himself alone like this, but to be frank the creature could probably dispatch him at any time if it so choose, but only if it caught on to the fact he’d help set her up. The name of the game now was stealth and deceit. He’d continue playing the guard until an opportunity arose, surely.

“The beast could be anywhere right now, I think its hiding behind someone’s face.” Henry said. “Hopefully the Inquisitors won’t be taken by surprise.”

He had almost said the paladins, but that would imply a couple of things he’d rather Marlene not know. Mainly that he figured the creature was in here rather than inside the Chateau.

Lady Marlene raised an eyebrow and said, “How do you know that?”


“The militiamen told me, said they found a servant girl, she told them about it before she bled out.”

>>3208756
“I’m sorry to hear that she died.” Marlene replied. “I hope she didn’t suffer.”

“Hence why we need to find this imposter.” Henry replied.

“That companion of yours was very odd, and I suspect some sort of… disfigurement is why you keep him hidden, perhaps he’s the one you should focus on? Seems awfully odd to me, perhaps… perhaps he’s the monster?”

Henry didn’t deign to respond to that. She could fucking tell Johnny wasn’t alive. Henry remembered how in New Haven Vive had used strands of green mana to control a pack of wolves, perhaps this creature was doing the same with spiders? Meaning she probably had access to green mana, and even with Henry’s limited knowledge, he knew that there was a green mana spell that could detect life, which she’d probably used before they’d arrived and had simply left running, using Venser’s massive spell to mask it. Which also meant that she likely knew that the Baron was a vampire. Why she hadn’t acted… simply taken out the Baron and Venser in one stroke, was beyond him. There’d been a perfect opportunity for it, surely, with most of the militiamen out hunting, the guards scattered among the guests, and the Baron and Venser in the back room, she could have pulled it off during a moment when Venser had dropped his guard.

Had that opportunity simply not been presented?

Still, it wouldn’t take long for her to figure things out. Which meant Henry needed to come up with a plan to at least get himself out of this fucking room, inform the Baron of what was probably going on, and figure out a way to flush out Lady Marlene from the other guests and slay her, with as little loss of life as possible. If that didn’t work Henry could hopefully figure something out, maybe use dead spider corpses or something.

The fact that the inquisitors, the people most likely able to kill her, were not here, worried Henry slightly. He almost found himself growing concerned over Cassius. He didn’t give a toss about the one with that spider of course, but Cassius… well if he betrayed that man he’d certainly feel bad about it.

“There was one other piece of information.” Henry said, “The beast was able to mess with my companions mind. She managed to fight it off by placing an iron pot on her head, apparently.” Henry said. “Kinda a silly way to go about it but I guess the creature isn’t all that dangerous.”

Henry nearly jumped back as Marlene’s neck stiffed and she tilted her head slightly.

Yeah it was her alright.

>>3208763
“A metal pot?” Marlene asked, trying to downplay the slight reaction she’d had.

“Yes, it was a bit silly in all honesty. I assume she conjured one up in her mind, and then used the confusion it caused to break out of her own spell. Regardless, we believe the creature is some sort of Fae based on this.”

“How do you suppose that?” Marlene asked, pointedly.

“Well Fae have a weakness to iron, and the pot was cast iron according to Ophelia. Even if it’s silly I still take your safety incredibly seriously.

“I will not wear a metal pot.” Marlene responded. “Especially not around this many people, what would they say about it?”

Henry allowed himself to smirk, he’d didn’t have a metal pot.

“Well of course, I figured as much!” Henry said. “Hence why I got you this metal frying pan.”

He held the item out at her and gentle dropped it into her lap before she could react. He’d won.

“Well… thank you for your consideration…” Marlene said, without any hint of pain or even strain in her voice.

The woman then proceeded to grab the iron pot with her hands and place it down beside her. She turned back to Henry and smiled once again, the fake sort of smile a vampire gave if it wanted to fool a human so they could gain entry into the human’s home.

Fuck.

Decisions:
1. “I’ll be right back, I want to see how my companion is doing.”
2. “I’m going to talk to the others about bringing the fight back to this creature.”
3. “Let’s just drop the act and try to cut a deal, shall we?”
4. “Why am I still alive exactly?”
5. “Apparently it would be possible to call in angels, I’m going to have a word with some of the others to see if we can get it done.” (lie optional)
6. (write in)

>>3208767
>4. “Why am I still alive exactly?”
>3. “Let’s just drop the act and try to cut a deal, shall we?”
We probably regret it. But most importantly fuck vampires.

>>3209206
I'm not sure if I wanna go the full FUCK VAMPIRES route right now. It'll be a case of either Vermillion getting pissed or this fae bitch trying to kill us if we turn on her, or both. I suggest we rethink outing ourselves to her right now. Something else? I mean, I AM really fucking tempted to just be straight with her and see what happens

>>3209335
>I mean, I AM really fucking tempted to just be straight with her and see what happens
This. Plus mostly seeing what competition have to offer

Idk why people were so keen on killing that woman for money. She gonna get murdered and we're not stopping it, Im ok with this. We doing the killing, no man Henry ain't a murderer.

It was established in character. We don't like blood drinking fuckers. Henry despise fuckers. So it was weird for me why annons jump so easily to cooperate with vamps. Why?

>>3209400
Because saying no to Vermillion fucks us up, dude.

>>3208767
>3. “Let’s just drop the act and try to cut a deal, shall we?”
> 5. “Apparently it would be possible to call in angels, you're fucked if that happens. But, while I would hate to lose Johnny, getting "purified" by Angels is pretty much his best ending at this point and "not getting killed by Fae or Angels" is good enough for me. So. You know. Tick motherfucking Tock, now you're on the clock."

>>3208767
> “Oy whats the hellsie-“ Duchane began to say before the spell took off.
> “FUCK!” Duchane said, beginning to bolt after them before stopping at the entrance. “GETS BACKSIE AND PAYS YER FECKINS TAB!” She yelled to no avail.


Not sure if it's relevant, but I did note that the Fae talked like the lower classes when messing with Ophelia. Just something of interest, is there anyone who might have come up from the slums around Lady Marlene at all?

>>3208767
Do we know any shibboleths, jokes or slang that the nobility wouldn't know because they're soft southern shite?

I would like to test that one last time before coming clean here >>3209476

Just in case Marlene isn't Fae, but is covering for one.

>>3205046
>Good evening to you too my dear guards.” She said, chuckling a little. Without any hint of that pagan accent.
>Without any hint of that pagan accent.>>3209481
Yeah. It's not lower class its wilds people accent

>>3209402
>Because saying no to Vermillion fucks us up, dude.
Who is saying no to him? We have a deal. Someone kills her, we fram him. Easy. No one agreed to us killing her mind you?
Or I'm forgetting something? Fea also wasn't part of a deal.

>>3209486
In that case, let's go back to cutting a deal.

What will be acceptable to both Vermilion and Marlene?

>>3209561
Death of the other?
Fucking of from one another deals?

>>3209661
So you're saying they should get married?

>>3208767
Can we tell her Vermilion would like to propose to her?

Actually that might not be a bad idea for them to get married, they'd keep each other entertained but also become a significant force that could cover for each others weaknesses.

Y'all we have not been being paranoid enough about her mind-reading, by the way..

>>3209763
We not beban paranoid at all. Opposite of that

>>3209769
That's the complaint.

Blame Joker Quest for me being paranoid that mind reading NPCs can read people's posts

>>3208767
>3. “Let’s just drop the act and try to cut a deal, shall we?”
Why the fuck did you come here for? Do you have nothing better to do than make vampires angry at you, is that how pagans entertain themselves?

>>3211122
>>3210249
>>3209769
>>3209763
>>3209661
>>3209561
>>3209489
>>3209486
>>3209482
>>3209481
>>3209476
>>3209402
>>3209400
>>3209335
>>3209206
reviewing posts then writing

>>3208767
“Fine, you win.” Henry said, sitting down next to her. “Why haven’t I died yet?”

Marlene was shocked for a moment before regaining her composure.

“Because I don’t really think you intended anything bad to happen, based on your emotions… you felt no ill will towards me.” Marlene said, dropping the timid act completely and sounding far more competent as a result.

“Let’s just drop the act and try to cut a deal then, shall we?” Henry said.

“You haven’t really been acting though, that’s just who you are. You swapped the name, but the face, the person, the actions? Those have all been real I think. But I must commend you for being so brave in e midst of all this, especially considering who our generous hosts are.”

“So you do know the truth?”

“I knew before we even met.” Marlene said. “And to cut a deal with me… well, I don’t think that would end well for you. Still very curious, almost like you think me a fool.”

“I’d like to make it through the night before worrying about tomorrow.” Henry said. “Do you want it in writing, I understand it must seem odd, what do I need to do to show you this is in earnest?”

“Writing… do you think… heh.” Marlene said, chuckling softly. “We don’t do that, your word is your life. If you don’t mean what you say, you’re as valuable as mud.”

“Neither of us can trust the other without some form of assurance.” Henry replied.

“I don’t trust you, and I never will.” Marlene responded. “Regardless… I think you’re a pigeon caught in a large web, you didn’t choose to be here did you? Perhaps you were offered a treat? Or tried to avoid a nasty stick? Both?”

“We can play the show and tell game at another time, what do I have to do to show I’m worth leaving alone?” Henry asked.

>>3211818

“Simple, someone thinks he is untouchable, I want you to show him that’s not the case…”

“So what your asking is…” Henry said, glancing towards the back room. Towards where Baron Orion was.

“Yes, that would cover it. There are many secrets in this world, you can find them anywhere, maybe even one or two bad ones.”

“So that’s your bargain?” Henry asked.

“You could just wait here, wait the night out, and ignore the sweet touch of moonlight like most people do.” Marlene said.

That wasn’t really an option, Henry had agreed to ‘deal’ with Marlene, Baron Orion wouldn’t be too forgiving he figured. Yet if he went along with Marlene’s plan, there would be no going back, and if Vermillion ever figured out what he’d done... Fuck, he’d probably end up as a name to be crossed off in someone’s book.

“Direct or indirect, wait or don’t, makes no difference to me.” Marlene said. “I thought you to be an annoyance at first, but you’re just in the way, honestly.”

Henry stopped himself from making rude remarks. He had no idea what she could do to him. Caution was advisable.

“So why are you even here, if you knew everything.”

“Because I wanted a spot of entertainment, and to get out of that vile city.” Marlene said. “I didn’t expect all the theatrics or even that friendly face before the festivities began…. I am sorry about the maid girl though, nothing to be done about it now…”

“I understand you’ve stepped on some people’s feet.” Henry said, he couldn’t give a fuck about the dead maid.

“Oh, that.” Marlene said. “I thought it was something important. I wanted to access certain places… certain people didn’t like it very much. One thing led to another… well, like you said yourself, we can’t really trust each other.”

“Fair enough.” Henry said. “Still it takes a lot to get the hen riled up.”

“Heh, I plan on ruffling a few more feathers after this, and hopefully they won’t be yours owl.”

Henry had almost forgotten about the owl costume he was wearing. Little details like that had slipped his mind.

Decisions:
1. “Fine, I accept the deal” (accept, lie)
2. “No deal.”
3. “Who are you, really?”
4. *get up and move into the other room*
5. “I plan on leaving.”
6. “What of the inquisitors?”
7. (write in)

test

>>3211821
your decision here will have a massive impact on the quest, fyi

>>3211821
> 6. “What of the inquisitors?”
> 7. "So what do you know about the death of God?"

Lying to Fae is bad news FYI.

That's how you get the Wild Hunt on your ass.

Sadly, she seems to be unwilling to take this seriously, and we didn't get the reaction to cold iron that I'd expected.

>>3211871
>> 6. “What of the inquisitors?”
>> 7. "So what do you know about the death of God?"
Lets do this.

>>3211821
This >>3211871 >>3211877
We got questions, she's got answers. It also fits Henry to avoid making any big decision instantly (because quest protag) but he also tends to do that anyway sometimes (because quest protag)

>>3211882
>>3211877
>>3211871
>death of god
do you guys mean the high seraph?

>>3211964
yes

File: spider-symbol_1.png (7 KB, 200x200)

7 KB PNG

>>3211969
“So what of the inquisitors?” Henry asked.

“Leave them alone, no good will come of bothering with them.” Lady Marlene replied. “I’d rather not deal with them if I can avoid it.”

Interesting.

“Do you know anything about the disappearance of the High Seraph?”

“Perhaps, it all depends on how the night goes.” The woman replied. She was keeping her cards close to her chest.

Drat.

Decisions:
1. “Fine I accept the deal.” (accept, lie)
2. “No deal.”
3. “I need some time to think this over.”
4. (write in)

>>3211964
I hope he did.

>>3211882
Also because we're cowardly and not too terribly into violence when avoidable.

Also fucking Vermilion, man.

Also we could always agree to help her with the Baron, then betray her afterwards before she betrays us.

>>3212002
>3. “What would it take for you to make peace with Vermilion? If he's able to buy you off, and it costs less than killing you, he would probably be amenable. Otherwise, I'm afraid I would be just the first in a long line of people getting in your way".

Send Johnny off to "help" look for survivors. Then grab the Inquisitors to let them know that there's a Fae here. Then come back and promise to no longer work against her tonight in exchange for being able to leave. Sure would be nice if Ophelia was conscious, she seems to be able to match the Fae arrogance for arrogance and could probably annoy Marlene into revealing herself. Maybe get Ophelia up and get her to do so also before promising to no longer work against her. After all, if we set all that up first then we can just stand aside.

>>3212036
>>3212002
Sorry, deal would be for her to let us go unmolested and not seek revenge on us for this night, specifically. Make it seem like we mean the stuff beforehand, not the stuff we set up after. Just gotta watch out for her mind reading bullshit. Cast closed mind on everyone?

>>3212044
As if that spell won't tip her off?

>>3212002
>. “I need some time to think this over.”

>>3212203
Honestly casting Close Mind is a reasonable precaution when dealing with the Fae. I presume the Inquisitors have their own protection, and Johnny is Johnny so really Henry would be casting it on himself.

Really, who would make any deal without such protection?

But I could also go for surprise lightning claws right now.

>>3212014
>>3212036
>>3212044
>>3212326
>>3212338
will review votes then write

>>3212002
“What would it take to make peace?” Henry asked.

“You’re making a couple of faulty assumptions.” Marlene replied. “Firstly, that peace wasn’t attempted, secondly that I would still be interested in peace, thirdly that I could ever trust anyone you work for.”

“So what do you propose?” Henry asked.

“I want you to do something there is no going back from, if you wish to show me you’re telling the truth.

“Look, what would it take for your to make peace with Vermilion? If he’s able to come to an agreement, theoretically, he would probably be amenable, probably. Otherwise I’m afraid I’ll have to be the next in the long line of people to get in your way.”

“How polite… well let’s say on that end talks fell through a while back…” Marlene said. “I suppose he didn’t bother to inform you, little fly.”

Henry could see she had the fly mask he’d given her on his lap.

Johnny returned from the back room and simply stared down Marlene, the woman returned his look for a while before Henry broke the two up. He really didn’t want to fight the woman here.

“I’ll need some time to think this through.” Henry said.

He walked with Johnny out of earshot, into the next room. He saw Venser sitting crosslegged in the middle of a large spell circle. He wasn’t channeling mana, but he was maintaining the mana summoned forth. The apprentice was ensuring nobody wandered too close, to protect both the spell and Venser. The Baron was also present, sitting on a fancy chair in the back and impatiently patting his foot against the ground. The man didn’t look pleased, but hadn’t yet noticed Henry.

Decisions:
1. *speak with Johnny* (write in)
2. *Speak with the Baron* (write in optional)
3. *Come to a decision* (no deal, yes deal, lie)
4. *attempt to leave to find the inquisitors*
5. (write in)

>>3214200
>5. (write in)
"Look, this 'little fly' is just that, insignificant, without someone keeping people from swatting me, I'll be a meal for any 'frog' that comes along"
"So, for me to turn on the aforementioned pile of excrement, I need a sponsor, one that is strong enough to keep those both unlawful and lawful from getting rid of me."
"... What I'm trying to say, if you want me to really to really turn on vermishit, I'd need protection afterwards. And it won't be for free, I have many talents and skills that will prove my worth as an underling."
"Besides, as much as I heard and seen from you, you'd be a better boss than that shit monger."
I lost my thought half way through

>>3214355
>>3214254
make 2 1d100 rolls for speech

>>3214254
Are we settling on a decision at all right now? Or is this just a hypothetical we're throwing at her?

Rolled 84, 94 = 178 (2d100)

>>3214360

Rolled 8, 77 = 85 (2d100)

>>3214360
okay FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE
check my dubs

>>3214369
>check my dubs
>theres no dubs in your post id you fucking faggo-
>holy shit he rolled dubs

>>3214365
writing

>>3214200
Henry composed himself, breathing deeply to calm himself down. He didn’t quite understand how a monster like that could even come to a deal, but he had to try, at least so he could escape or stab her in the back latter, if he could manage it. He’d worked with vampires for over a decade, they had their … quirks, and he hated most of them, but they were fairly predictable, and had never actually screwed him over, well, till tonight.

So Henry reentered the entrance chamber, sauntered over to Lady Marlene, and sat back down next to her.

“Come to a decision?” Marlene asked cheerfully.

“Look, this ‘little fly’ is just that, insignificant, without someone keeping people from swatting me, I’ll be a meal for any ‘frog’ that comes along.”

“I see.” Marlene said.

“So, for me to turn on the aforementioned pile of excrement, I need a sponsor, one that is strong enough to keep those both unlawful and lawful from getting to me and tossing me out like a sack of garbage.”

“Hrm…” Marlene said. “I need a moment to think on that.”

“What?” Henry asked.

“I need to think to see how I would even go about protecting you from that man; he has his fingers in every pie in that city. The best case would be for you to leave that city, head towards the… what do you call it, the frontier? So charming.”

“Wait, towards New Hope?” Henry asked.

“Oh that blight of a city, no I don’t care about the jewel of the frontier, I was thinking farther north.... Although perhaps that would be far enough… regardless, I think I might know of someone who could protect you. But we’ll have to talk later, assuming you’re not holding a dagger behind your back.”

“That’s not good enough and you know that, if you want me to turn on Mr. Red, I’m going to need assurances!”

“I won’t lie to you and say you’ll be perfectly safe, but you won’t be able to remain in Celeste if you do what I think you will, at least not for a couple months… I think I’ll be able to take action, but only if you can cause our lovely host to step in some mud. If you can’t prove he’s doing something untoward… I won’t be able to retaliate appropriately, and you won’t receive protection, in fact you’ll probably not survive the week.

“I think I understand, and I think I can do that, but I will not head towards the frontier, there’s nothing for me out there.”

“There’s a lot more than you think out there… but perhaps you’re right, things hadn’t gotten bad yet when I left, but with the loss of the traitor… the High Seraph… well, let’s say things will get interesting.”

>>3214697
Henry didn’t know what that meant, nor did he really want to find out. Regardless if he needed to lay low for a few months… well. Avignon would probably be the place to do so. Hell that’s where he’d likely find a buyer for Ophelia’s little project. Celeste was full of angels and Cathars but Avignon was a heck of a lot easier of a place to live, if a bit more of a hassle in terms of shipping things out. There was also the cult of progress, which was almost as big as the church was in that place.

He glanced over at Johnny, who merely gazed back at him with his usual ‘blank’ expression peeking through layers of cloth.

“What could you even offer me?” Marlene asked.

“I’ve got specific skills that came in use for Vermillion, acquisitions, investigation, and the procurement of guards and soldiers, the kind that don’t ask questions, in fact they can’t.”

“I’m afraid I do not follow.” Marlene said, narrowing her eyes.

“You noticed something about my companion… well; let’s say I’m fairly good at my craft.”

“Out of the question.” Marlene replied. “I will not have any such abominations against nature in my employ.”

Great, fantastic, fucking amazing… well, if she paid him well for his work… and then there was Rosa… maybe it was time to get out of the biz? No, it wasn’t time yet…

“Fine, I can still help you in terms of Celeste, I know that city very well, and can probably help you when it comes to the seedier element.”

“Better.” Marlene replied. “I do need someone who can open doors like that, hobnobbing with nobility has become far less attractive in recent weeks.”

“So the deal is struck then?” Henry asked.

“If you can deal with our friend, sure, I don’t care what happens to his family.”

“Family?”

“They’re downstairs, in the safest part of the keep, warm, not like him. Far less durable.” Marlene said. “If you want to use them to get to him, I won’t care, how he’s dealt with is up to you.”

“Great.” Henry replied.

IMPORTANT DECISION:
1. Use an excuse to head out with the Militamen to get back into the Chateau
2. Try to get to the Baron’s family
3. Find a way to escape the keep
4. (write in)
(further details will follow depending on path chosen)

>>3214700
goodnight everyone, choose carefully

>>3214700
> 1. Use an excuse to head out with the Militamen to get back into the Chateau

Huh. I wonder what she meant when she called the High Seraph a traitor.

Anyways she can't protect us and she won't tolerate our Necromancy so I say we side with Vermilion.

We're a bad dude who does bad things, and sometimes that means making compromises.

Especially since we destroyed our plans for an undead superweapon.

>>3214700
Can't we just tell Cassius that the count is a vampire? Unless he has some kind of telepathy network how are we going to get caught? It wouldn't be odd for an inquisitor to go somewhere with the baron. Let him kill him. He can get Venser involved.

>>3214820
If we get out she seems capable of getting vermilion out of our hair. I'm more worried about that insane vampire killer. Lisa?

Vermilion will punish us for the fuck up even if we succeed or ditch the mission.

Some better guarantees would be nice.

>>3214700
>"You could just wait here, wait the night out, and ignore the sweet touch of moonlight like most people do."
As boring as it is waiting it out is safest option.

We should at least ask Johnny for tonight. Maybe Ophelia but we should prevent her from speaking up.

>Ask our companions what they think about it. + Gag Ophelia

>>3214920
> As boring as it is waiting it out is safest option.

Nah man. That is just deferring excitement to when Vermilion punishes us

>>3214924
>That is just deferring excitement to when Vermilion punishes us
Punishes for what?

>>3214927
Existing? Letting the Fae get away? Nigga he needs a reason to NOT punish us not the other way around.

>>3214942
Ok punished with what? What he will do?
From when dealing with Fea is our job?
And yes he does need a reason.
If he doesn't, please explain why did he not punish us for "existing" to this day?

>>3214962
. . . . If you picked up Henry's backstory in the quest, you would have noticed that he has a long and unpleasant history with Vermilion.

All I'm saying is that we aren't in a position to be neutral.

>>3215026
>unpleasant history
What unpleasant backstory? Like, what he did to us?

>>3215106
It's been heavily alluded to; you would have to read through the quest to pick it all up.

But since he apparently put his pet sociopath in charge last thread, I would venture that nothing good happened.

>>3214700
> 2. Try to get to the Baron’s family

I hope we get the opportunity to play then both against each other and kill them all.

I'll be honest, Vermillion is a piece of shit to work with and I don't trust this bitch fae one fucking bit, but Vermillion's base is LITERALLY LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM HENRY'S SEWER HOME and THE FUCKING FAE KNOWS WE WORK FOR HIM

I feel like the ideal thing to do would be to kill Marlene Estavon but also fuck up the Baron in the process. Vermillion wants a show? We'll give him a show.

> 1. Use an excuse to head out with the Militamen to get back into the Chateau
Getting the Inquisitors to work with us seems like the best way to go about that, and they're out in the Chateau somewhere. Cassius knows us and can vouch for our skill and expertise, and we might find more secret stuff and passages into rooms with unsavoury shit while exploring the Chateau.
The problem is that before she dies, Marlene Estavon can out Henry as working for Vermillion and then we're FUCKED. Baron knows we work for Vermillion and he will out Henry if he tries to fuck them in any way, and then we're FUCKED. If the inquisitors know Henry works for Vermillion or they find Johnny out, we're FUCKED.

I think finding Cassius and telling him we suspect Marlene Estavon to be Fae (once we have sufficient evidence for it) then we could maybe preemptively have him kill Marlene without Henry being directly involved. An iron crossbow bolt to the fucking head might be just enough to oneshot her. Finding evidence that Baron is vamp and throwing it at Cassius might also be the solution to that problem, but Vermillion won't be please with that sort of unfun "cut the Gordian Knot" solution.

Either way, best thing to do right now is to fuck off into the Chateau and find that evidence while we can.

So we've got a problem. She knows we have a reason to kill her and she's not dumb enough to not anticipate it. We've got ONE shot, and it has to count. She can't see it coming and it can't be something she is prepared for.

The Baron thinks we're on his side, getting him killed should be easy. Doing it in a way that Vermillion won't punish us for is another matter entirely.

Getting Marlene out of here alive without either of them dying should also be simple but oh boy will Vermillion be angry with Henry. It's going to suck ass.

>1. Use an excuse to head out with the Militamen to get back into the Chateau

I dunno I need time to come up with something. I think the best option is to just sit this one out and ride the storm later. It's stupid to try to salvage this situation where every outcome is bad and stacked against us. I want to get out from under the vampire's thumb but TONIGHT is not the time.

If we can gather evidence of vampirism and reign in the hotheaded Cassius, maybe by bypassing him and talking to Venser, we can get the inquisition on the vampires asses down the line. As long as the baron doesn't die today it shouldn't fuck Henry too much

>>3214820
>>3214885
>>3214891
>>3214920
>>3214924
>>3214927
>>3214942
>>3214962
>>3215026
>>3215106
>>3215167
>>3215169
>>3215299
>>3215431
I'll be reading all this shit and then get cracking on the next post

>>3216188
Henry got up and walked away from Lady Marlene, his pace was noticeably faster than normal. He didn’t really care if she knew she’d gotten under his skin, he needed to have a moment with Johnny, in private. Or as private as they could manage. So they wandered towards the one place where there wasn’t a cluster of people, the entrance, which had now been blocked off by a gate, a portcullis, and the outer drawbridge.

“Do you wish to discuss something?” Johnny asked.

“Yeah actually, I do. What do you think of all of this?”

“From what I understand about our dear lady, she seems to be working with someone else, potentially a bunch of someone’s.” Johnny said. “I wouldn’t write her off as a threat, but as for Vermillion, as loath as I am to admit he’s never gone out of his way to cause us harm, and we know we can trust the man to an extent. However, while siding with one or the other are two options, there is a third.” Johnny replied.

“And that is?” Henry asked, dreading the response.

“Siding with the church, wiping out everything vile.” Johnny replied, glancing over warily at Lady Marlene.

“How do you figure we do that?” Henry asked.

“We get either the Inquisitors or the Paladin to give us authorization to request angelic salvation, then I make a brave sacrifice and get out to the tower, I could ‘lose my life heroically’ if we can convince anyone to lend us out the proper signal charm. Or perhaps I can survive by the skin of my teeth, whatever story you prefer. However it will get me out of the chateau and keep you out of danger.” Johnny said.

“I’d finally be free of anyone’s control…” Henry said, not really sure if he believed it.

“Baron Orion must have connections back to Vermillion, perhaps if we could find incriminating documents, or something to that extent… if only we were able to wake Ophelia, her assistance in this matter would be useful.” Johnny said. “I don’t know if the man is foolish or prideful enough to keep anything on him, but if we can get a full inquisitorial inspection brought down on the Baron then Vermillion would likely get caught up in it all.”

“And assuming I stay the fuck out of everything…” Henry said. “Why the fuck would Ophelia be useful?

“She is quite the proficient speed-reader, apparently she has learned a spell to quicken her reading abilities. Quite a range of talents she has, although those talents don’t extend much further than that.”

“So what I’d find the documents and just hand them over to the inquisition? Worst case I use them as blackmail material, but that’s not really a game I want to play.”

“Perhaps you could slip some pertinent information to specific people.” Johnny replied. “Say you were forced into all of this, if you spin it right they might just give you leniency.”

File: images.jpg (7 KB, 266x189)

7 KB JPG

>>3216495

“And if they don’t they hang me, then my corpse has a fit.” Henry replied.

“It’s a risk.” Johnny replied. “I’d imagine they’d hang you from the Seraphs Tree of Redemption, so the curse might not even go off.”

“Are you fucking serious?!” Henry asked.

“I suppose that joke went over your head…” Johnny said, ending the conversation.

Henry needed some way to get out of the keep. He could see that Stanley, and Eugis were talking with a much older man who seemed to be their superior. Stanley was yelling that German MUST have come back here, as the man had wandered off while they were gone. He was in the middle of arguing that they had to go back out to look for him. All the while Eugis was trying to calm him. The old man nodded for a moment before giving Stanley one of the worst chewing outs of ANYONE Henry had ever seen. The main crux of the argument was that German was a big boy and that Stanley needed to stop putting personal feelings ahead of his duty, which was to protect the FUCKING guests. Henry wasn’t really sure why the man was so bitten up about all of this, people died all the fucking time doing dangerous shit. The fact that only three people had died in the clusterfuck, and only two of them horrifically, was a damned miracle.

Ophelia and Sinclair had been laid out on beds of straw while Lady Ellen was tending to them and talking excitedly to a couple other well dressed women. There was also a fat man with a beaver mask who was seemingly dead on the ground. A woman was sobbing nearby and a man was trying to console her, nobody else really wanted to get near, but from what Henry could tell the man hadn’t died violently. His heart had probably given out, which wasn’t entirely surprising.

Objective: Get out of the Keep
Decisions: (pick one)
1. Speak with the Militamen
2. Speak with the Baron
3. Speak with Venser or his Apprentice
4. Head into the lower rooms, see if there is another way out.
5. (write in)

>>3216496
>5. (write in)
Have a fucking drink first.

>>3216503
a drink of what exactly?

>>3216505
Friggin alcohol.

>>3216507
roll to see if there is any in the lower chamber of the keep

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>3216516

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>3216516
The good stuff!

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>3216516

>>3216496
Huh, we saw beaver mask guy earlier before the dinner. Wonder who he is?

>>3216496
> 3. Speak with Venser or his Apprentice

See what defenses against the Fae they have.

>>3216541
Should we be double tapping all the corpses?

feeling sick as all shit right now so I'll be postponing until tomorrow, heading off to bed

>>3218270
Boo feel better soon or else we'll send a Necromancer to raise you and force you to write.

>>3218438
>>3216626
>>3216543
>>3216541
>>3216538
>>3216535
>>3216523
writing

>>3216496
Henry needed a lot of things right now, but more importantly than all of this, he needed a fucking drink. Not water or even coffee, he needed some hard liquor or wine, he was desperate enough for fucking wine. His hands were shaking slightly as he bumbled his way down towards the stairs of the keep, being stopped by a couple of the Baron’s guards before the Baron simply waved his hand around and they gave him passage.

He barely even registered that Johnny was following behind him. Occasionally trying to start a conversation first, then becoming worried, then becoming silent.

There were several kegs in a store room two floors down from the entrance hall and Baron’s hold. The storerooms each held what looked to be about a months’ worth of supplies and several various luxuries. Deeper inside was a small chamber with a grate set into the ground, probably for defecating as any waste generated would flow further down.

Henry found a tin mug sitting idly on a shelf and got to work by pouring himself a glass of whatever looked fanciest. Which took the form of a finely carved wooden cask with the words ‘Glamson’s Finest’ written across the side. Henry wasn’t familiar with the brand but he had heard of it before.

The ale was incredibly strong and Henry regretted taking such a big swig. Once he was done catching his breath he turned towards Johnny, who had taken to impatiently tapping his foot on the ground.

“So I managed to speak to that apprentice Paladin.” Johnny said.

“I never told you who he was.” Henry responded.

“Really? The alcohol couldn’t have been that strong.” Johnny replied. “Do you not think I know what a paladin apprentice looks like?”

“Oh… right…” Henry replied.

“I’ve informed them about the likelihood that there is a Fae creature lurking about. I don’t really care who you side with, both are horrid, but I just gave us some plausible denialability.”

“Right right.”

Decisions:
1. “Let’s head back up and try to talk to Eugis, he might be reasonable.”
2. “Let’s try talking to Venser, he knows who we are and might be willing to listen to us.”
3. “Let’s try talking to Stanley, he’s a fucking asswipe but he’s the one nominally in charge of this clusterfuck.”
4. “Let’s talk to the Baron, say we’re not going to help him any further, maybe he’ll listen to reason… heh.”
5. “We should try the grate over there; see if we can’t slip out of here.”
6. “Let’s talk to that old fart who was yelling at Stanley, can’t be all bad right?”

Alright peeps, do we hate Vermilion enough to throw our lot in with the Fae being, or will we continue the plan and try to kill her?
Or do we use her to kill the count, then get rid of her effectively weakening vermilion's strength in the city, while still "being" under his control.

>>3221864
night ya'll

>>3221800
>2. “Let’s try talking to Venser, he knows who we are and might be willing to listen to us.”

We need to make this play when we are in control of the situation. Right now we should get in control or leave this shit be and just ty to survive and create our own opportunity later

>>3221800
>2. “Let’s try talking to Venser, he knows who we are and might be willing to listen to us.”
He might be the out we need...

>>3222496
>>3222047
>>3221864
WRITING

>>3221800
“Let’s try talking to Venser, he knows us already, and he’s allied with the church.” Henry said. “So he’s the least likely out of anyone here to be working with any other party.”

“Besides the inquisitor’s of course.” Johnny added. “Although perhaps the fact he knows you could prove troublesome?”

“I hope he doesn’t think I’ve been following him. This is starting to make me nervous Johnny.” Henry said. “You think he’s been following me?!” Henry continued, his paranoia beginning to act up. “I mean he’s been everywhere I have…”

(-5 sanity)

“I doubt it, doesn’t seem the type.” Johnny replied. “The man is odd but doesn’t seem malevolent.”

“Since you’re such a good judge of character.” Henry replied.

“I’d like to think so.” Johnny shot back. “…I’d like to think so. The man seems distant, like he isn’t truly invested in what he was doing when he was with us, but I’ve yet to see him at work so I can’t really tell.”

“I’m still keeping an eye on him regardless.” Henry muttered.

“Enough with the paranoia Henry, do you really think they’d use someone so obvious, and so valuable to track you?”

“Yes?!” Henry responded.

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

>>3224913
Venser was sitting down, just outside of the hastily created runic circle that was scrawled out on stone floor. He was perched uncomfortably atop a small wooden stool and was being handed a small iron flask by the apprentice when Henry returned from the cellar.”

“I hope you found what you were looking for.” Baron Orion said as Henry passed him by, Henry nodded reassuringly and continued on towards Venser.

“Do you need something?” The apprentice asked.

Henry didn’t know the man’s name, he hadn’t bothered asking.

“I’d like to speak with Venser.” Henry said. “It’s urgent.”

“Well Senior Paladin Venser is exhausted. He just finished the binding cants so the magic wall will hold until morn. If you require magical assistance I’m more than capable.”

“Its fine Jeremy, I can speak with them, we’re acquainted. Henry and… Johnny I believe?” Venser asked. “Never been one for names I’m afraid, and you’ve caught me at a bit of an awkward time. If I was a more paranoid sort I’d say that you’ve been following me. Considering how many times we’ve bumped into each other, if you’re spies I’m afraid to say you’re lousy at your jobs.”

The last bit was made in jest of course, but Henry couldn’t really bring himself to laugh. Venser coughed awkwardly a couple of times while Henry figured out exactly what he wanted to say.

Decision:
1. “You’re following us first off…”
2. “I think I know what kind of creature has been causing all this trouble.”
3. “I need to get back into the Chateau, it’s urgent and could potentially save everyone here.”
4. “I think we should try to call for angelic assistance. You and your apprentice need to stay here to protect everyone else, and we’d like to volunteer ourselves for the task.”
5. *take a closer look at Venser*
6. “I’d like to speak with you privately if possible…” (roll 1d100 + 5 for speech and pick at least one more option)
7. (write in)

Rolled 32 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>3224919
>7. (write in)
"If I was a spy, I'd probably be paid better."
>6. “I’d like to speak with you privately if possible…” (roll 1d100 + 5 for speech and pick at least one more option)

>>3224919
>4. “I think we should try to call for angelic assistance. You and your apprentice need to stay here to protect everyone else, and we’d like to volunteer ourselves for the task.”
>6. “I’d like to speak with you privately if possible…” (roll 1d100 + 5 for speech and pick at least one more option)

Rolled 29 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>3224919
This >>3224928 and >>3225550
rolling because I can

Rolled 89 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>3224919

> 6. “I’d like to speak with you privately if possible…” (roll 1d100 + 5 for speech and pick at least one more option)

> 2. “I think I know what kind of creature has been causing all this trouble.”

But just to be sure

> 5. *take a closer look at Venser* 5. *take a closer look at Venser*

>>3224919
Glad to see you ain't dead yet.

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3224928
>>3225550
>>3225742
>>3226707
>>3226777
writing

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

11 KB JPG

>>3228078
WEW LAD

>>3224919
“If I was a spy, you would have never so much as seen me, and I’d be a lot better paid.” Henry said.

“I wonder if that’s confidence or idiocy talking.” Apprentice Jeremy said.

“Calm yourself ‘apprentice’. This man has done quite a bit in the time that I’ve known him, apparently he even helped save the hamlet of Blaise if rumors are to be believed.”

“Rumors?” Henry asked.

“A few people I spoke to said that a red cloaked man wandered into town the night before an undead assault. During which time he risked his life to save the blacksmiths daughter, saved the entire town from a giant undead bird, and then helped lead a counterattack against a lich and his vile servant, although I do doubt that there was a giant bird or a Lich, the idea that a single man could take down either is a bit laughable.”

Henry bit his tongue. The lich part was a lie but he HAD taken the bird out singlehandedly. He also cursed the fact that Venser was observant; he was really attached to this particular piece of cloth.

“I’d like to speak with you privately if possible.” Henry said. “About a delicate matter.”

“He will do no such thing! He’s resting, the concentration and mana required to cast this barrier is more than three paladins could be expected to do on such short notice! And you ask him to –“

“Enough Jeremey, I’m quite alright.” Venser said, easily standing up and shocking Jeremy. The boy nearly tripped as he stumbled backwards.

Henry eyed up Venser for a moment, given the sheer size of the barrier, and the short time it went up during… the man should’ve been exhausted, but he seemed to still be full of mana. That was somewhat terrifying, how much did he have at his disposal exactly?

“I will do so on one condition, only the two of us, Johnny and Jeremy will wait outside, and we’ll use the celler to speak.”

“I accept your terms.” Henry replied.

>>3228311

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

Henry eyed the floating gauntlet being held aloft next to him. The thing was ghiest-touched from what he could tell, and was holding a fairly plain brass lantern with a fancy looking candle in the middle of it. The light it cast was far stronger than a candle of that size had any right to be, easy lighting up the storeroom that Henry and Venser found themselves in.

Henry took the time to get another look at Venser, and noticed the man’s skin was incredibly pale, Henry considered briefly if the man was a vampire but realized that he’d seen the man standing in sunlight unprotected before. Henry had heard of a condition like this, albinism or something, apparently people afflicted with it had a sensitivity towards sunlight but not fatally. He’d heard tales of coastal towns lynching such people for suspected vampirism, which was in its own way laughable.

Venser’s mask had slipped slightly, probably due to the strain caused by the spell casting. Henry could make out quite a bit of scar tissue from the bits of Venser’s face he could make out. The man’s face was probably mangled, from what looked to be burn scars and a hastily done healing. Henry was wise enough to not point this out of course.

“I think I know what’s been causing all this trouble tonight.” Henry said.

“Yes?” Venser asked. “Go on then?”

“I believe it’s a fae creature of some sort, I didn’t want to panic the others but from what I understand it’s incredibly ferocious and deadly. It’s easily dealt with a vampire on its own, and it seems to be rapidly summoning spiders from the surrounding forest. I am worried it might try to assault the keep.”

“That is grave news… the shield will hold for a couple of days if I leave it as it is, but the fae might not be deterred by that. A creature of the blue-green might find a way through it if I leave it alone. From what the Baron told me we have enough food here for only three days at most, the keep was never meant to hold this many people and it certainly wasn’t meant to last a siege.”

>>3228343
“Whys that?” Henry asked.

“I suppose you wouldn’t know, but most of these chateaus and castles in Sol Province are only designed to ward off beasts and creatures of the supernatural, there was never any expectation that an army would lay siege to it. It’ll hold against the spiders I think but I’m uncertain about how it will fair against a fae, from what I understand they vary in size and shape, and in what spells they can utilize.”

“I think we should try to call for angelic assistance then.” Henry continued. “I don’t think any of us are equipped to deal with this and angelic support would be the best way to end this matter.”

“If they decide to come of course.” Venser replied. “I can’t leave this place, I need to tend to the barrier, Jeremy… the poor lad would leap at the chance to martyr himself uselessly like this…”

“So you think I shouldn’t do it?” Henry replied. “Do you have another plan?”

“I will freely admit to you I do not, but I don’t think effective suicide is a wise choice.” Venser continued. “Regardless I do have a flare key in my possession, it’s a fairly standard one though. I suppose you expected it to be something special but I never really cared for such trinkets.”

“Its fine, I’m willing to try for the signal tower, most of the spiders are gathered in the valley around the castle, and possibly inside of it. I don’t think they’re being directly controlled either, so if me and Johnny use flames we should be able to cut a path through.”

“I need time to consider…” Venser continued. “I’d potentially be sending two brave men to their deaths, that’s not something I’ll do lightly.”

“I… thank you.” Henry said, surprised to find himself appreciated. Everybody else in this fucking chateau wanted something from him.

Decisions:
1. “Look, can you trust me?”
2. “Can you make sure our companion Sarah(Ophelia) gets back to Celeste okay if we don’t make it?”
3. “Can shadows die?” (Lic’toron codeword)
4. (write in)

>>3228349
>4. (write in)
Alright, we do
3. “Can shadows die?” (Lic’toron codeword)
But if he hesitates or countersigns, we gank him.
Cause fuck the cult, and fuck that demon Ambologna

>>3228393
you sure you wanna risk that man? we can just ignore him and go for the "dude trust me, we got this" then do the signal tower rush plan

>>3228397
>you sure you wanna risk that man
Not really, no.
But learning if he's in league with them or not is important for the future.

>>3228403
okay fine

>>3228349
Backing >>3228393 but Henry should prepare to do something just in case. If we gank and kill him here, then that'll out us to EVERYONE because his apprentice knew we were going with him down into the cellar. Either way, if he reacts in confusion or bemusement to the codeword, he's A-OK.

Rolled 103 (1d333)

>>3228415
>>3228393
writing

>>3228449
was that good?

>>3228349
Henry gripped his short-sword tightly in his grasp, he realized he was sweating profusely. Venser either hadn’t noticed or was too kind or polite of a person to say anything. He had to know, HE HAD TO KNOW HE HAD TO KNOW HE HAD TO KNOW! HE. HAD. TO. KNOW.

-15 sanity

“Can shadows die?” Henry asked, his voice quivering. He was ready to strike this bastard down if he answered how he expected him to, how he was going to.

“Is that some sort of riddle?” Venser responded, visibly confused. “I’d like to think that light can kill them, or perhaps holy fire.”

+5 sanity

That wasn’t anywhere near the ‘right’ answer. Henry felt his hand slacken around his blade.

“Some sort of code word?” Venser asked. “I’m afraid to say that I don’t know the answer to it… did he send you?”

Henry felt cold steel pressed up against his throat all of a sudden.

“I suppose I couldn’t have run forever, but I do find it odd he didn’t send someone to kill me dead.”

Who the fuck was he talking about. If HE wanted anyone dead, he just willed it and the shadows would do the rest. Or he’d idly cast a curse on them and it would be done in minutes. Who the fuck else could make him so uncertain?

“I think we have a misunderstanding…” Henry said. “What are you trying to do here? D-did I offend you?”

Venser stared at Henry for a moment. Henry saw no additional mana leave the man’s hands but all the same it was like his soul was being stared into.

“I…I’m afraid I have to apologize then, it seems paranoia got the better of me… please don’t speak of this with anyone, nothing good will come of it… and let’s hope we next meet under better circumstances… I’m going to tell the Baron to open the gates up, may the angels guide your hands and may fortune guide your blade.”

Henry was taken aback by all of this; he saw a gauntlet holding a blade lazily drift into the left corner of his vision. He no longer had a blade at his throat either. How the hell had that managed to get past his notice?

Decisions:
1. “You almost kill me and expect me to say nothing?”
2. *Wisely say nothing*
3. (write in)

>>3228489
>3. (write in)
Laugh
"Seems like we all have 'demons' in our closets."
Proceed to look haunted.

>>3228489
This >>3228493 but between the line and looking haunted:
>"Whoever you're running from, let's just say it can't be as bad as mine."

>>3228493
>>3228494
writing

>>3228489
Henry decided to laugh; all things considered this was the most unexpected thing he’d encountered all night, a kindred spirit.

“We all have ‘demons’ in our closets.” Henry said.

“Some worse than others.” Venser replied, a touch of annoyance creeping into his voice.

“Whoever you’re running from, let’s just say it can’t be as bad as mine.”

“Pray you never find out if it is.” Venser replied.

And thus, their little reunion ended.

Venser then simply informed the Baron that Henry wanted to exit via the gate, and then sat down on a bale of hay and rested. The man hadn’t told the Baron why exactly they were going, only that it was vital, which was great. Without Ophelia to fuck everything up everyone acted like he expected them to. Venser didn’t want to raise panic so he kept the actual reason to himself. Which meant when the angels swept through… if they did, the Baron wouldn’t be able to respond effectively, nor call for help. The man didn’t know he was about to get hung by the churchmen he’d allowed into his home. It was divine irony of a sort.

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

Henry enjoyed the cool touch of midnight air on his face. They stood outside, on the same walkway they’d used to enter the keep. The thing snaked around the side of the chateau and then the path disappeared around the bend. Covering the path was a set of iron bars lovingly slapped together to provide ample protection from anything trying to scale the wall or get onto the path from above.

“So what’s the plan then exactly, I assume we’re going to try and cut through the spiders but I don’t know exactly how to go about doing that, we don’t know much about their current behavior.”

“Well here’s the thing, we can learn. I have someone I can use.” Henry replied. “I still have that man we managed to … convince to help us. We send him out at the spiders, figure out a bit about their behavior, then we make our push.”

Johnny clutched the Signal Charm in his hand. The thing was a VERY specialized type of rune. Henry had no idea exactly how it worked, but the light it produced could only be seen by angels. At least if the rumor’s he heard were true.

“I do wish you didn’t have to brutalize and desecrate a soldier’s corpse.” Johnny said, resigning himself to the task at hand.

There were a few things he could do now. Continue to search for blackmail evidence against the Baron, or cut right to the chase and try to make it to the signal tower. In all honesty the blackmail angle was a hell of a lot less dangerous, but if Marlene was correct and he could use it to get back at Vermillion… well first thing was first…


Decisions:
1. Go for the Signal Tower
2. Go the Blackmail Route
3. Try to find the Inquisitor’s and explain what’s going on, maybe they can lend support
4. (write in)

>>3228598
night all

>>3228648
>no votes
welp

>>3228598
>4. (write in)
Let the fae creature know we're gonna summon angles, let "it" escape, and the angles will kill the duke. We can gain another somewhat ally, while weakening Vermilishit's strength.

>>3232282
You sure? I think we should just fuck both sides to be honest.

>>3232282
>>3232456
presently a tie, will be doing a coin flip

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3234735
badda bing