>from previous thread

Henry and Johnny walked out towards the lighthouse where Henry had made his home. It was a bit of a dangerous walk, but Henry needed to sleep in his own damned house for once, even if it killed him. So with a couple of angelic runes in hand, a few shield runes as backup, and the angelic flare rune as a last resort, the two made their way to the far end of the pier.

Henry collapsed into bed while Johnny stood watch. Henry had confidence in both Charles and Larry to keep things from going to shit for a few hours while he slept. Henry just worried about the medium term. The two kids likely had magical talent if Del Mar had picked them up, not to mention they’d never be able to live normal lives. The two probably thought they’d be returned to their parents… and then there was the suicide, stupid fucking woman.

Henry slowly drifted off to sleep once he’d become too tired to worry. He hoped that tomorrow would be better. He hoped….


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

“Hello there useless.” Nobody said, sitting down in a void.

Henry groaned and sat up. He had never had a dream like this before, yet he felt this was familiar somehow. He recognized the voice, the fuck was going on, where the fuck was he?

“Where we are and who I am have never really mattered, Henry. What I want to ask you is a very simple question. Do you want to want to get stronger?”

“What the fuck?” Henry asked.

“Perhaps I should rephrase that… do you want to be so weak that you lose everyone? Lose all of the pawns you’ve gathered and maybe even your own life? You’ve already managed to lose someone today, and nearly lost another and it was only due to sheer luck that she didn’t die, right? So once again I’ll ask, do you want to be stronger?”

>>3595710
>do you want to be so weak that you lose everyone
We didn't lose so you can fuck right off and let me sleep

>>3595710
“No.” Henry said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“No?”

“This is one of those too good to be true dealies, and we both know it, jackass.” Henry said. “You’re probably not even a real demon, just some sort of dream eating ghiest or other abomination, hell, maybe you even work for a demon. But you’re no demon.”

“Ha.”

“I’d like to speak to the jackass you’re working for!” Henry said. “Rather than the help. Although scratch that, that’d be a terrible idea.”

“The jackass I’m working for…. That would be you, jackass.”

“The actual fuck?” Henry asked.

“Well, suffice to say I’ve been hard at work trying to keep your stupid decisions from killing you, and I’m finally able to take a bit more of an active role. I figured now would be a good time, drop the whole mysterious and ambiguous act. I’m just going to make sure that you stay alive for long enough for everything to work out.”

“The shit? I already trashed my goliath and that should tell you I have no interest in harming your master! I have learned a little bit about morality.”

“We both know that’s false, you cracked like a cheap piece of pottery the second things got tough. Regardless, I don’t really care what you’re plans are with regard to Mr. A. That tosspot locked me inside of here and for some reason he’s taken a liking to you. Some king.”

“Fuck you.” Henry said.

“Well, regardless, I’ve decided to try and speak to you man to… whatever I’m supposed to be. Perhaps you don’t want any power… how about some advice?”

“Advice?” Henry asked.

“Yes, a freebie, to show my good intentions, mainly keeping you alive, which I figure are pretty good intentions.”

Decisions:
1. “Fine”
2. “No”
3. “Fuck off”

>>3595766
>2. “No”
>3. “Fuck off”
Or I'll go lookin for a way to remove you.

>>3595766
This

>>3595773
>>3595823
writing

>>3595766
“No!” Henry said

“…no, fine.”

“Fuck off already!”

“Fine, until next time. See you in a few days.”

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

Henry gasped as he hit the floor and woke up. He could see daylight streaming in through the window and a concerned Johnny staring at him from one of the room’s corners.

“I thought I told you not to watch me sleep.” Henry said, shakily getting up and rubbing the back of his head.

“I was concerned, you were saying things in your sleep.” Johnny replied.

“Ah, don’t pay it any mind, just another nightmare.”

“Ah, of course.” Johnny said, sighing and exiting Henry’s bedroom.

Henry had breakfast in the comfort of his own kitchen while Johnny sat outside and skipped stones across the ocean. The lighthouse’s little sandy island provided no end of relaxing vistas and Henry found himself watching the morning tide continue to roll in.

Decisions (pick one):
1. Head out for the cult of progress to deliver the corpse and get paid
2. Try to find Rosa
3. Get the unknown woman a proper burial
4. Do some training with Charles
5. Have a sparring match with Larry
6. (write in)

>>3595870
>3. Get the unknown woman a proper burial

>>3595870
this >>3595887
THEN get the corpse in for the MONEY

>>3595922
yeah

>>3595922
>>3595937
>>3595887
writing

>>3595870

Henry set out fairly early in the morning, maybe an hour and a half after dawn. Henry roused Charles from sleep and got his help with wrapping the body up so it wouldn’t be recognizable. Johnny of course refused to cooperate. The man repeatedly stated he would have no part in the ‘spectacle’.

Henry noticed that Ophelia was still asleep and wondered just how long the woman would remain konked out for. It had only taken him a day or so before he’d woken up, so he figured she’d come to soon. Larry was faithfully keeping watch over her, although the man had succumbed to sleep. Alice was asleep on the top bunk of the bed as far away from the window as possible, while the two children slept underneath. Henry considered himself fortunate that the place had contained so many sets of bunkbeds when he’d purchased it.

Charles hastily ate something resembling breakfast from what food remained in the fridge, and the group prepared to set out with the body. Henry grabbed a barrel and unceremoniously dumped the corpse inside. He then sealed the entire thing back up and they were good to go. He and Johnny set the thing down on a hand trolley and then secured it with rope. Now all they needed to do was set off.

Who was Henry heading towards, again?

Decision (pick only one):

1. Father Roos – A corrupt priest who is willing to take a bit of coin to do questionable tasks. Someone Henry’s has worked with in the past.
2. Theodore Salin – would be church reformist. When it comes to church practices and beliefs he’s one of the most liberal Henry is aware of and his definition of human is far broader than Henry would consider sane. Henry doesn’t really like the man but he knows that the burial will be done properly.
3. Xavier Carp – Outcasted from House Skalitz as a neonate. One of the only Vampires Henry’s willing to give the time of day. Former Cathar who still clings to his past. Henry still hates the fact he’s a dirty vampire though.
4. Write in

>>3596570
> 3. Xavier Carp – Outcasted from House Skalitz as a neonate. One of the only Vampires Henry’s willing to give the time of day. Former Cathar who still clings to his past. Henry still hates the fact he’s a dirty vampire though.

Safest bet. Also it'll hopefully cut down on Johnny moralizing at us since he hates vampires too.

Maybe we can broach the issue of a possible possession with him and get an answer better than "probably best to burn yourself at a stake."

>>3596570
This >>3596593
I hope the irony of encountering another man who's not human anymore yet clings to his humanity is not lost on Mr. Bone Paladin.

>>3596570
“We’re going to see Xavier Carp.” Henry said, reluctantly.

“Sensible given our situation.” Johnny mused.

“Who is he?” Charles asked.

“A rejected House Skalitz neonate. I only know a bit about his past but my understanding is he was sired against his will.” Henry said.

“A man of god in a god awful body.” Johnny added.

“So was he bitten then?” Charles asked.

“The vampiric blood curse is not so easily transmitted, if it were then humanity would have long ago been overrun. Blood must be shared between sire and offspring, although only the sire need do it willingly.”

“So yeah, he got force fed into it. Skalitz isn’t like house Roma. They don’t give two shits about whether their neonates are willing or not, nor the quality either. One more thing as well, he doesn’t really know what the ‘family business’ is. So don’t go saying more than you need to.” Henry said, mainly to Charles.

The conversation ended, and the trio set out, winding their way through Avignon, through its side streets, down a canal, and into its vast sewer network. Henry brought a couple of torches to ward off rats and a few shield and angelic runes to ward off anything else. Avignon’s rats were a very different breed from Celeste’s. For one, they didn’t bunch up into swarms which made them far less dangerous, but on the other hand they didn’t keep to one area of the sewers, either. Meaning they were an ever present force.

Xavier Carp was located beneath an old church, ironically enough. There wasn’t any connection to that church from the sewer, but Henry figured the location wasn’t accidental. Henry managed the cart while Charles practiced puppeteering on a rat corpse they’d found, using it as a forward scout. Charles leapt up as they got close, babbling about how his connection had been cut.

>>3597688

“Well yeah, he probably sniffed us out a minute or two ago.” Henry said.

“Henry? I recognize that voice.” A man called out from the musky darkness.

“Yeah it’s me, Xavier, I need your help with something. A favor, really.”

A pale, gaunt looking man stepped out from the shadows. He had a full head of jet black hair and a finely trimmed beard, a couple of shifty eyes and some worn clothes. His shoes had a couple of holes in them and he seemed to be a bit sickly but Henry knew better, a vampire, even a young one, was potentially dangerous if he hadn’t fed for a while.

“Have you fed recently?” Johnny asked, drawing his sword and waiting paitently for a response.

“As a matter of fact I have. Come on in then.” Xavier said.

The man disappeared and then the tunnel was awash in light from a series of glow runes. Xavier had lifted a tarp and a bright warm glow was leaking into the tunnel from a side chamber than had been dug out through the brickwork. From what Henry could tell it had been recently reinforced with timber and the floor of the chamber had stone laid down into it.

“That’s new.” Henry said, glancing at the floor.

“I thought you’d notice the rats first, but yes, I’ve laid stone down, makes sweeping easier and it gave me something to pass the time.” Xavier said, doing his best to be a welcoming host.

Charles stepped inside and then immediately recoiled as he came around the corner. Henry followed him and noticed a series of cages containing dozens upon dozens of rats. Henry noticed there was a dead rat on a nearby table, it seemed Xavier had taken to growing a source of blood.

“Ick.” Charles muttered, shuddering and pulling as far away from the rats as possible.

>>3597691
Henry set the barrel down and took a seat and Xavier’s instance. It was time to conduct business.

“So to what do I owe the visit?” Xavier asked.

“I want you to give someone their last rites and a proper burial. She was a victim of suicide.”

“Oh dear, yes that would be important and I can see why you would avoid a more reputable source, but why come to me for something like that? There are plenty of smaller churches that would do that kind of work.”

“Well, I’m afraid it’s far more complicated than that.” Henry said, nodding to Johnny.

Johnny pulled out a crowbar and pried off the lid of the barrel, revealing the body contained inside. Henry smiled when he noticed it hadn’t even started decomposing yet, the cold runes he’d packed inside had done their jobs.

Xavier stared at the corpse for a while, adjusting his jaw as he tried to find the words to respond with.

“Henry.”

“Yes?”

“What in the hells is this?!”

Decisions:
1. *tell him everything*
2. *be as vague as possible*
3. *explain that she’s a poor victim of events beyond her control*
4. *don’t explain anything*
5. (Write in)

>>3597693
>"Do you really want to know, and does it matter?"

>>3597926
>>3597693

>>3598351
>>3597926
writing

>>3597693
“Do you really want to know, and does it matter?” Henry asked.

“Did you cause this?!” Xavier asked.

“No we didn’t I can assure you.” Johnny replied.

Xavier visibly calmed down but the man was still upset. He paced around the room for a bit as he tried to compose himself.

“I would like to know just what the hell that thing is!” Xavier said again.

“Well it’s a poor tainted woman who decided to take her own life.” Henry said.

“I’d ask why you didn’t hand her over to the church but that would make me a massive hypocrite.” Xavier said, slumping down onto a series of hay bales that formed a makeshift bed.

“Look, I just want you to give her a proper burial and all that jazz. I know of a few local graveyards that are undisturbed that you could probably do it in. A good distance from Nirdec too so nobody there will bother her. I just want to make sure she finds some rest because god damn does she deserve some.” Henry continued.

“Fine, Henry. But you’re going to owe me for this, I need something in return.” Xavier said, rubbing his temples together.

“Alright, as long as it’s reasonable and doesn’t put me in a massive amount of danger.” Henry said.

Decision: (what does the vampire want?)
1. Xavier wants information on how his son has been doing
2. Xavier wants to find a man called Phillip Wiles
3. Xavier believes there’s something big going on under the city, and has noticed a lot of people have gone missing lately, he wants you to figure out why.
4. He wants you to get him a few bottles of whiskey, nothing special
5. (write in)

>>3598582
>3. Xavier believes there’s something big going on under the city, and has noticed a lot of people have gone missing lately, he wants you to figure out why.
Ah yes, the LARGE plot hook.
Mmmm

>>3598587
gonna wait a bit longer then write

>>3598587
writing

>>3598582
“There’s been a string of disappearances lately, bunch of people nobody would normally care about, all just gone. No drained corpses or any sort of rituals or anything like that. Just gone, I don’t really know what’s been happening but I can tell you that people down here have gotten riled up.”

“Could’ve been the monster, shouldn’t be an issue anymore.” Johnny said.

“Oh that bug thing? No the issue is this all started about a week before that bugger even showed up. I want to make sure that this doesn’t become an issue big enough for the church to order a purge of the sewers. I quite like living down here.”

“So you’d be willing to lend some support in this matter?” Henry asked. “Because tracking down something or someone who’s killed a bunch of people doesn’t seem like risk free work.”

“Well… no, no it isn’t. Look if I’m going to be properly preparing, and burying, whatever the hell that is I expect a large favor. It’s not like there are too many other people who’d do it, and most of them would cost you a pretty penny.”

“I can start tomorrow. I have some things I need to sort out back home. Can I leave the corpse here?” Henry asked.

“Yes. I’ll make sure you get the barrel and the cold runes back.” Xavier said.

“You can keep the barrel, actually, consider it a housewarming present.” Henry said, in a joking manner.

“Can we leave now?” Charles whispered, continually staring at the rats and growing ever more uneasy. “I think they’re looking at me.”

“Alright lets head out, see you tomorrow Xavier, can’t wait to track down a fucking murderer!”

“I don’t even know if… fine.” Xavier said, resigning himself to the teasing.

Henry deposited the barrel and grabbed the hand trolley. He immediately handed it off to Johnny once he realized how heavy the thing actually was. Charles bounded out the door, torch in hand, and glow runes in pockets.

“Xavier, I noticed you don’t have that eye anymore.” Johnny said, as the trio was leaving. “I hope you didn’t toss it away.”

“I haven’t given up yet, Johnny. I just don’t want a holy symbol in a place like this, ain’t a good place to keep it, so far away from the sun.”

“Ay.” Johnny replied, simply.

Decisions:
1. *have some lunch and gather some intel*
2. *head back home and get the corpse ready for delivery*
3. (write in)

>>3598755
>2. *head back home and get the corpse ready for delivery*
We can try to get info at the cult place.

>>3598755
This >>3598863

>>3598755
> 3. (write in)

Offer Henry a place to stay until things calm down + ask him to help you with Alice. There's another soul that needs help reconciling with what she is, and even if Henry can't accept himself he can at least accept her as going through the same struggle.

He can even pray with her and Johnny.

It's a win-win-win. Xavier gets a safe place to stay, a lost soul gets help, Xavier gets to help a lost soul, and he can help look after our base if anuone is snooping around with his vampire powers.

And we can keep an eye on him in case he's pulling some tricky vamp bullshit.

Keep your friends close and enemies closer.

>>3598755
actually, >>3598979 is also a damn good idea
so why not both?

>>3599608
>>3598979
>>3598914
>>3598863
writing

>>3598755
Johnny turned to Henry and grabbed onto the man’s shoulder. Henry nearly flipped over from his own momentum and flipped around to glare at the skeleton’s ashen façade. Johnny stared for a moment before making a noise analogous to clearing ones throat, and suggested something that Henry wouldn’t have normally considered.

Xavier wrote on a small clipboard in front of his rat cages, taking careful notes about how many rats he had left, their relative condition, and how to best ration them out. It had taken years for him to finally bring his thirst under control and to be able to build up a steady supply of blood. It had only been due to a miracle and Johnny’s help that he’d never killed anyone due to his condition. He felt a presence in the room and turned around to find Henry leaning awkwardly in the exit opening.

“Henry?” Xavier said, wondering what the man was planning.

“Normally I’d never consider offering this, Xavier, but Johnny seems to think you’ve properly repented for your condition. If you want a place to stay until things calm down I’d be willing to have you over in the warehouse I’m using as a headquarters. I’ve been trying to increase the amount of people on my team and I know you’re very good with a sword, and are able to sustain an abnormal amount of self-control for a vampire your age. I’m not doing this for free, of course, I’d expect you to work for me in some capacity, and I also want you to help a troubled woman with the same affliction that poor woman there had.”

Xavier slowly meandered over to a couple of chunkily constructed chairs and a small table, and plopped down. He had a variety of emotions on his face, suspicion, confusion, grief, happiness.

“You’ve changed.” Xavier said. “I thought you held a burning hatred for vampires.”

“I do, but I’m not so petty that I wouldn’t make exceptions. You’re worth making an exception for. You haven’t abandoned your humanity, even given ample opportunity to. That’s not something many people can do.” Henry replied.

“I suppose I will take you up on the offer, although I need to have a place without any sunlight, I’ll also need a place to store my rats, and food for them, they provide me all I need in regards to the thirst.” Xavier said.

“I could probably get our resident inventor to rig up something to draw blood from them without killing them completely.” Henry said.

>>3600835

“That would be excellent.” Xavier said. “I’ve tried using needles but I lack the capacity to keep them clean and functional, and I’ve never had anywhere I could turn to.”

“Seems everyone benefits, excellent.” Johnny said.

“I’m going to begin preparing for the move, Henry. I just need the address.”

“Right, it’s in the old warehouse district smack dab on the coastline. There’s an old abandoned lighthouse and a pier connected to the compound so you can’t miss it. It’s off Ford Street.” Henry said.

“Henry, thank you.” Xavier said.

“Thank Johnny, I wouldn’t have done this normally.”

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

As the trio traveled home Henry and Johnny had a lengthy conversation on whether or not it had been a good idea to bring the man along. Johnny explained that the man still had the capability to use white mana, and that a vampire remaining a part of the faith was not completely unprecedented. Before the two vampiric wars there had been those known as redeemed among the inquisition that were utilized as agents of the church, even if their existence had to be hidden from the angels. Johnny went on to explain that while he’d always found the inquisition distasteful he did respect the idea of offering a path back to humanity for the vampires, even if it wasn’t a cure for their condition. He went on to explain that the church had become far more radical in their beliefs on the tainted within the last one hundred and fifty years, and the current Lunarch seemed to be continuing the trend.

Upon arriving home, Henry noticed that Ophelia’s bed had been emptied and the woman was sitting at her desk with Larry and actually eating something healthy. Some eggs and toast. Henry didn’t recall having anything of the sort in the fridge and realized Larry must’ve paid out of pocket for it and made it himself.

>>3600835

Ophelia eyed Henry suspiciously while Larry waved at them and gave them the thumbs up. It seemed the madwoman had made a complete recovery.

Alice was busying herself by chiseling a series of stones into a good shape for runes, using one of the workman’s tables and a set of tools that had been laying around. The woman seemed to have every intention of paying Henry back for taking her in. On the other hand, Mark and Nina were still fast asleep. Henry had a massive distaste for slackers and he’d have to give them the same treatment he’d given Charles. They’d quickly drop the sleeping late routine or they’d be in for a world of pain.

The preparation of the body was fairly simple. Henry had Johnny borrow a covered oxcart and a single ox from a merchant Henry was on friendly terms with and then they prepared it by closing up the back and getting it into shape to hold a corpse for a short duration. Henry checked on the bug corpse in the freezer and noted that a lot of its injuries had healed. If the thing’s head hadn’t been separated then it likely would’ve pulled itself together and tried to escape again. Henry made a note to let Ludvic know.

Henry, Johnny, and Charles would be the ones heading down to deliver the body while Larry would remain behind to look over the others. Ophelia was fairly stubborn when it came to coming with them until Henry explained that it was possible the Cult still had a bounty out on her, and that he wouldn’t be able to protect her and get the reward.

Decision #1 - Destination:
1. *head directly to Ludvic’s estate, you’ll have to do a good job convincing the front guards and ensuring you don’t kick up too much of a fuss, but you know for a fact the body will get to the right place. You might be able to impress Ludvic if you plan things right.*
2. *bring the corpse to the Cults HQ. You might have some issues with people trying to steal the thing, but overall it’s a far less conspicuous way of going about things.*
3. (Write in)

>>3600852
>2. *bring the corpse to the Cults HQ. You might have some issues with people trying to steal the thing, but overall it’s a far less conspicuous way of going about things.*

>>3600852
This >>3600864

>>3600915
>>3600864
roll 3d20

Rolled 11, 6, 16 = 33 (3d20)

>>3600950
>

Rolled 11, 1, 7 = 19 (3d20)

>>3600950

>>3600964
>>3600955
11,6,16 are the rolls, luckily I don't do crit fails on d20 rolls.

>>3600852
Hauling the body into the oxcart, getting it into a stable state, and bringing it all over to the cult of progress’ headquarters went fairly well. The body didn’t try to get up while Henry had its head in a crate although it did twitch occasionally which put everyone on edge. The fact that the thing had completely healed was actually a massive boon, it meant Ludvic would have no reason to restrict the bounty or even complain really. However the fact that the thing was kind of immortal was terrifying and fascinating in equal measure. Henry wondered why the man had been so terrified of dying, if death wasn’t really a concern.

As they drew near the cults headquarters Henry took the time to check the time. Based on the sun’s position, it was close to noon. They had plenty of time to do whatever.

The cart made its way to the entrance and Henry quickly found someone to speak with, one of the apprentices who was handing out wanted posters. He quickly got bumped up to their supervisor and then bumped up again to someone inside. Then bumped up one more time to the head something or other. The man wanted to inspect the corpse personally and Henry had no reason to deny him. Everyone froze when the corpse attempted to lash out at the man after he prodded the thing.

>roll 1d100

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3601004

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>3601004

>>3601004
Henry barely managed to pull the man back in time. The middle aged man flopped onto the ground and began flailing. He had a couple of claw marks in his shirt but it looked like he’d narrowly avoided being shredded himself. Henry shuddered as he remembered being flung into the air just a day ago by the very same arm. In fact he could’ve been torn in half if things had gone a little differently.

“Holy hell!” The man said, scurrying away to a safe distance.

“I apologize! I didn’t realize the damned thing was still active, do you have anything we could use to restrain it?~” Henry asked, helping the man back to his feet and dusting him off.

The gentleman said a couple of choice words to Henry but left things at that.

Johnny had already proceeded to stab the thing repeatedly in its joints, causing the body to twitch violently and then go limp. It wouldn’t be able to use its arms for a bit.

A bunch of guards were called out and the body was placed onto a massive trolley, restrained, and then wheeled inside. The older man, to his credit, recovered fairly quickly from his near death experience, grabbed a new tunic, and walked inside with Henry to fill out some paperwork, and was asked a couple of pointed questions about where the head was located. Henry said that he wouldn’t turn in the head until he was paid by Ludvic.

At that point, the man revealed that Ludvic wanted to meet with the leader of whichever mercenary group had succeeded, and that he should bring the head then if he was going to be stubborn. Henry tried to tell the man that he didn’t own any sort of company but the man wouldn’t have it, telling Henry that no band of disorganized thugs could have taken down such a creature. Henry sighed and conceded that point, hell they’d barely managed to scrape a win with all of their planning.

The man handed Henry a large leather container with fifty golden coins inside of it, and said that the rest would be given during the meeting with Ludvic. He explained that Henry needed to head out and be there by two Henry simply nodded as he carefully counted his coins. He’d never had this much wealth in his life, and he’d probably need to invest in a safe or two.

> +50 gold coins

>>3601076
The ride home was incredibly stressful. Henry was constantly keeping an eye out for any sort of bandit or thug that might try to take his gold away. Somehow, nobody tried. Henry breathed a sigh of relief once they had made it back inside their headquarters. He’d have to divide this up a bit later, once he’d received the rest. He headed into the storage room and carefully hid the coin pouch behind a loose brick in the wall, a place only he and Charles knew about. He prayed that nobody would try and take it and then returned to the main hall to announce the success of the first part of the plan and that they’d be meeting Ludvic later on.

“I want to go!” Ophelia begged. “He’s the greatest genius of our time, I MUST see his estate!”

“He’s a part of the cult of progress, Ophelia.” Henry said.

“I don’t care about that! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don’t you get that?!”

“Can’t you just let her come with you? Have her put on a mask and a hood.” Larry said, leaning back in his chair.

Henry sighed. He needed to do something about this woman.

Decision #1: Bring Ophelia?
1. Yes
2. No
3. (write in)

Decision #2: The Team:
1. Who do you bring?

Decision #3: Further plans
1. *Henry wishes to discuss further work with Ludvic*
2. *Henry wants to pitch the Ticky prototype to Ludvic*
3. *Henry wants to warn Ludvic about the conspiracy he’s uncovered.*

>further write ins allowed and encouraged

>>3601086
>1. Yes
Decision #2: The Team:
1. Who do you bring?
Everyone, cause I have feeling of being betrayed
Decision #3: Further plans
2. *Henry wants to pitch the Ticky prototype to Ludvic*
We shoulda had a prototype thing mocked up, like an arm or small tabletop version of ticky.

>>3601100
you can make a 1d100 roll to see if you can get a mockup made in a couple hours.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3601086
This >>3601100

>>3601106

>>3601086
so Mark and Nina and Alice will stay and hold the forst - Johnny, Larry, Henry, Ophelia, and Charles are gonna go to Ludvic's place
Not sure if Henry knows if Mark and Nina have any special stuff from Del Mar experimenting on them or if they have mana they can use, but Alice can help them out in a big-sister/mom kind of way?
And yes, let the others know about the new vampire guest soon. Totally a good guy, 100% reliable.

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>3601106

>>3601146
nice roll. I'll even let you add a small 'special feature' to it if you want cause of how high the roll is.

>>3601157
Cool blue glowing light core to represent the vessel pilot?

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>3601106

>>3601157
Are there any specifically machined parts Ophelia might want to bring along, or a problem she's had difficulty overcoming that she could get this dude interested in?

After all, if he's a genius, then genuinely difficult challenges are probably like crack cocaine to him.

>>3601157
this too >>3601207

>>3601100
>>3601106
>>3601114
>>3601127
>>3601146
>>3601157
>>3601177
>>3601196
>>3601207
>>3601217
writing

>>3601086
“Fine, you can come, fucks sake. Everyone but Alice and the kids are coming.” Henry said, clutching his ears when the woman squealed with joy.

“Do you think he’ll betray us?” Charles asked.

“It’s a possibility, but I don’t get that impression.” Henry said. “Charles, Johnny, I want you two to prepare everything we’ll need in case things go bad. Ophelia, I want to work with you on a scale model of Ticky so that we can have something to present. We still have the mock up, right?”

“Yep! I can probably even make some improvements. Oh! Are we going to discuss how we made him!?” Ophelia said, excitedly.

“No, because those are a thing I’d like to call trade secrets, Ophelia. I can see now why you were so worried about the cult stealing your ideas, you are going to babble all of them away.”

“AH.” Ophelia said, realizing what she was doing.

Everyone scrambled to get ready. Henry spent his time placing a couple of crystals into the mockup’s chassis to signify important parts, like weapon systems or the soul container. He spent the remaining time jotting down some notes about how to best present the idea, and then the group headed out in the oxcart they’d borrowed earlier. Henry soon realized how much better this was than walking, even if it was many, many times bumpier.

Ophelia giggled like a madman as she went over some of the spare parts she’d brought along. A few of them, coiled bundles of wire, acted like muscle fibers and allowed Ticky to better control its arms and legs. The woman had designed them on Henry’s suggestion. Her creation was almost as much his as hers now.

Johnny and Larry sat upfront, steering the cart and reading directions from a map, respectively. Ludvic’s estate was located on the large hill on the landlocked side of Avignon. It was fairly close to the Cathedral of Midnight, actually, which struck Henry as a bit funny. They’d be talking about such unholy things right under the angels’ noses. He readjusted the container that held Del Mar’s head as he thought about what he’d be doing with the sixteen gold this assignment would bring him. He’d already decided to reinvest Johnny’s share for everyone’s benefit, and to prevent any complaints from the others.

>>3601426

The cart made its way through the city, up the hillside, past increasingly fancy homes and townhomes, and then finally to the gate that marked off the Marquis territory. Ludvic was an important member of the nobility and his home showcased it every bit. A massive mansion rising above the city’s skyline. Grand and regal. The front gate was an interesting contraption. There was a mechanical rendition of a human that stood at attention like a gate guard, and swiveled towards the cart as it approached, then held out its hand while emitting the sound of clockwork and wound up machinery. Henry held out an elaborate punch card he’d received from the man he’d spoken to back at the Cult’s headquarters and inserted it into a slot on the mechanical man’s hand.

A moment later an audio recording played from the man, from a rune located somewhere inside of its chasis, though its open mouth.

“Hello, if you’re hearing this then you must have been successful at apprehending that vile creature that caused our little circle so much trouble. I wish to formally welcome you to my estate. My name, as you probably know, is Ludvig Von Braun. I also assume that you are in no way affiliated with any of the major mercenary guilds, which is both unexpected and utterly delightful. I recorded this and prepared for the possibility that this would happen, but that is something we can discuss once you’ve properly settled in. For now, let me formally welcome you into my estate!”

At that, the gates swung open on their own and beckoned them to enter. Henry stared at this display while Ophelia cooed. The woman was giddy as she began furiously writing down all of the likely ways that the machinery operated. Johnny simply shrugged and beckoned their ox forward.

The Von Braun estate beckoned. As they entered Henry noticed a massive greenhouse in the back as well as a well maintained front garden full of topiary and a few trees full of well-made birdhouses. Of particular note was a machine that seemed to be cutting the grass on the front yard.

The thing slowly moved on a set of eight spider like legs over the grass, carrying a trolley with a round apparatus containing blades which spun as it moved, which were cutting up the grass. The grass then flew into a large sack on the back of the trolley, neatly storing all of the cast offs. The thing seemingly moved on its own, with a couple of volt runes as a power source. One it reached the edge of the area it stopped, turned around, and then headed back over the lawn to continue its work. Ophelia began

>>3601430
babbling something about guide runes and how it was all brilliant as Henry simply wondering how much it had cost to make and maintain.

The front of the mansion was no different. There were a few actual human beings at the front ready to welcome them in. Henry had done his best to get everyone clean looking, but he still felt a bit self-conscious as they were lead inside by a obviously unimpressed butler. In the main hall was a collection of all sorts of interesting artifacts all held in glass cases. Each had a label and a small description. Hanging from the ceiling was a skeleton. At first Henry thought it was a drake, but upon closer inspection, and to Henry’s great shock, it was a dragon’s skeleton. He began to wonder just where the hell one would even acquire something like that.

Ophelia oogled the cases while Johnny and Charles stood at attention. Larry had to awkwardly follow Ophelia around and try to keep her from touching anything important.

Decisions:
1. *ask a couple questions to the butler*
2. *Have Henry look over his notes one last time*
3. (Write in)

>>3601431
>3. (Write in)
Contemplate the strength it'll need to reanimate the dragon skeleton.

>>3601426
It occurs to me that we could have tried to cut the body in half and see if we could have sold to both sides after it regenerated.

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>3601431
> 3. (Write in)

Observe the skeleton to see how it works, and if there's anything special about it in comparison that could help us with our necromancy studies.

Maybe even discretely investigate it with our mana?

>>3601440
Oh hell, this is even better.
Lets do this.

>>3601440
This

>>3601440
Supporting

>>3601906
>>3601489
>>3601448
>>3601440
>>3601439
>>3601435
writing

File: dragon-1957809_960_720.png (241 KB, 960x524)

241 KB PNG

>>3601431
Henry took the time to sketch out the dragon skeleton while he waited for Ludvic to reveal himself. He hummed along while carefully drawing out the contours of its skeletal frame. The wings and the spine were especially interesting to Henry based on the unique way they might’ve functioned. Henry began to wonder just how much effort would be required to animate the bones and began sending out black mana feelers to prod at the skeleton. To his surprise he found that the entire thing was already enchanted with something. He didn’t really want to investigate too much if it turned out to be some sort of security system. It might’ve just been a strengthening enchantment to preserve the skeleton but Henry didn’t really want to break it. When it came to breaking and buying something, a nobleman’s estate was one of the worst places to do it.

The skeleton’s bones seemed to be incredibly dense in terms of magical absorption, meaning they would need a great deal of black mana compared to a human skeleton. Considering what kind of vast magical abilities dragons tended to possess, Henry wasn’t entirely surprised. He noticed a couple of wounds on the beast’s skull that looked like a sword had pierced it repeatedly. Perhaps an archangel might have felled the thing?

“Ah yes, you must be the Henry I’ve heard so much about. I offer both my personal greetings and my thanks.” An elderly gentleman said, stepping out into view.

Henry took a moment to appraise the gentleman. He was an elderly sort, wild frizzy gray hair sticking out from his head and a finely trimmed moustache to go along with it. He had a very fancy set of clothing on and carried a cane with about a dozen different enchantments on it. The top of the cane had a mechanical rendition of an angel on it, though the wings were folded up against its back to make the thing easier to hold. Upon further inspection Henry could see a lot of enchanted equipment on the man, from tools to the clothes he was wearing. Most of which Henry had no idea what they were.

“Ah, hello, Charles Rosewood.” Ludvic continued. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to meet you a third time, especially after that nasty bit of business in the capital and in Yorkshire Proper. You have my condolences for your family. Once again I have been surprised today. Two surprises in one day… that hasn’t happened in a long…”

The man trailed off as he looked at Ophelia, Ophelia seemed positively skittish as she mumbled something about embarrassment, how she didn’t know what to say, and that she just wanted to use an invisibility spell. Instead she hid behind Larry and Johnny.

>>3603358
“Ophelia Von Kurtz… what a pleasant surprise, and a third one for today. When I’d heard news of your death I was quite saddened. I was distraught that I’d be unable to keep the promise I’d made to your father, but to think you’d appear here, now… well, I suppose you have quite a lot more to discuss with me then I thought, Henry.” Ludvic said.

“Does he have anything to say about the two of us?” Larry aske Johnny.

“Things are going well so far, let’s not push our luck.” Johnny responded.

The group was led into a large study, with preserved birds hanging from wires connected to the ceiling. A lovely fresco of a blue sky and a shining sun covered the domed ceiling giving the entire room an odd sort of atmosphere. Henry had heard the man was eccentric but this was really stretching things.

“So I suppose you have the rest of the body. I was quite surprised to learn that the man had discovered some form of functional immortality.” Ludvic said, sitting down and gesturing Henry to do the same.

Decisions #1 – Meeting Team:
1. Pick the people to attend the meeting with you
2. (write in)

Decision #2:
1. “I’d like to see the gold first before showing you the head”
2. “I actually had a few other things I’d like to talk about first, namely a new invention me and Ophelia have been working on.”
3. “I’d like to ensure Ophelia’s continued safety before we continue this conversation.”
4. “I also would like to inform you I have a living specimen and that I could consider parting with it.” (will cause you to lose Alice as a companion)
5. “Just a word of caution, keep its head separate.”
6. (write in)

>>3603362
#1
>Everybody. If Ludvic questions it then the response is that they all had a part to play in defeating Del Mar and there's no way Henry will just leave them out to dry after that. Or something.
#2
>“I’d like to ensure Ophelia’s continued safety before we continue this conversation any further.”
>"You know, I'd prefer keeping things a bit even. Information for information, for the most part. Are you fine with that?"
Before we tell him ANYTHING, we gotta make sure we milk whatever we can out of him in the process. Info on the dragon skeleton for one thing, as well as other goings-on...

>>3603403
roll 1d100 for charisma

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3603418

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>3603418

>>3603456
>>3603463
>6
>66
>666
oh damn

>>3603487
we special crit now?

>>3603362
Henry simply motioned everyone else to sit down and stay quiet. Johnny ensured Larry and Ophelia didn’t get too close to avoid either of them saying anything stupid. One because Larry didn’t really know the proper way to act around the nobility and two because Ophelia was Ophelia, Henry had learned damn well to keep her from opening her mouth in public.

Charles made himself as comfortable as possible while Ludvic flipped through a notebook and cleared his throat.

“Do you want to start or should I?” Ludvic asked.

“Yes, but first I want to ensure Ophelia’s continued safety before we continue this conversation any further.”

“That’s easy enough. I never approved of the bounty on her in the first place, actually. We all had every intention of offering her a valuable position and a handsome salary once we’d located her and cleaned up that awful mess she caused in Grutzburg. I suppose her safety is largely due to your actions, sans the facial scar.”

Ophelia went to say something but was interrupted by a jab in the ribs from Johnny. Henry had given the skeleton an actual order, so he’d do everything in his power to prevent Ophelia from being stupid.

“Well, I’d prefer keeping things even. Information for information, for the most part, if you have questions for me I’d like to ask you questions as well.”

Ludvic paused as he thought through the implications of the statement. After a minute he nodded and said that was fine.

Decisions:
1. *talk about the bounty*
2. *talk about your invention*
3. *talk about Charles*
4. *talk about the cult of progress*
5. *talk about further employment*
6. (write in)

>>3603583
>*talk about the bounty*

>>3603583
Henry grabbed the container containing the head and slid it across the table towards Ludvic. The man rubbed his hands together and opened it like a child receiving a present for their birthday. It weirded Henry out somewhat but the man’s utter glee at realizing that it really was the head of Del Mar was one of those things you talked about while drinking with friends.

“Lovely! Oh look at it, beyond my wildest expectations!”

“Just keep the head and the body separate Or he’ll get back up.” Henry said.

“How long has he been dead for now? About a day, correct? If my theories are correct I do not believe he’ll be able to come back for much longer.” Ludvic continued.

“So I believe there person who turned in the body would receive thirty gold? Its condition is unquestionably good as well.”

“Oh yes of course. Travis, would you mind fetching the payment?” Ludvic said to his butler.

Travis nodded politely and headed out of the room, quickly returning with a pouch filled with thirty gold coins

> + 30 gold coins

“So tell me, how did you and the royal bastard come to be companions?”

Decisions:
1. “Dumb luck.”
2. “If possible I’d like you to refrain from calling him a bastard, please.”
3. “Call him that again and I’ll make sure you don’t do it a third time.”
4. “I’d like to think it was fate.”
5. “He needed help and I was a nice enough person to offer it.”
6. (write in)

>>3603456
> Oh hey the thread is back up . . . .

> :|

>>3603627
>“If possible I’d like you to refrain from calling him a bastard, please. After all he's helped me, he deserves better than that.”
>“I’d like to think it was fate. At first it was a simple escort job I did out of the promise of money. Then I found out the truth, and decided to do it because I felt like it. By the end, I did it because he had nobody else, and I would be lying if I didn't say the whole thing struck a chord with me.”
>"And now he's my apprentice. A damn good one too, though he doesn't want to admit it."
>Smile at Charles. He's earned his way to where he is now, he shouldn't feel so down on himself.

>>3603627
> . . . So did you use that term because so much of your brain is busy thinking of things other than politeness and you're just being accurate, or are you intentionally being offensive?

Looks like he has Ophelia's disease.

>>3603638
I don't trust him enough to share. I'd rather use being offended by his speech as a way to deflect the question.

>>3603627
Changing vote from >>3603638 to >>3603643

>>3603648
You're right, my bad.

>>3603643
This

>>3603673
>>3603660
>>3603648
>>3603643
>>3603638
>>3603635
will post tomorrow

>>3603753
Sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite.

>>3603627
“If possible I’d like you to refrain from calling him a bastard please.” Henry said, trying his best to remain calm. He could see that Charles had become a bit upset by the usage of the word.

“Ah, I suppose it is a bit inconsiderate, but it is the proper word you realize. It’s his noble title, especially since he is the son of the late king. As much as it may irk the two of you, that’s what he’s known by in every noble circle. But out of consideration for you both I’ll avoid using it from now on. It’s very possible that he might become the next king, after all, god willing.”

“I have no interest, Marquis.” Charles replied. “That position has caused me nothing but torment and I’d like nothing more than to never see that throne again, nor to step foot in the castle for that matter.”

“Look, after all the help he’s given me he deserves better than to be known as someone’s bastard, he’s his own person!”

“He’s a boy with his mother’s last name after all.” Larry muttered before wincing and shutting himself up.

“He might not have much of a choice in the matter, you realize. The nobility is doing their best bickering amongst themselves trying to find a successor but as it stands it’s either going to be him or things might get rather messy. Well, none of this has answered my question, I’m afraid.” Ludvic said.

“Well, I’d like to think it was fate, really. He stumbled across my path, and I was intent to bring him to Yorkshire Proper as a simple escort job with the promise of a great deal of money at the end of it. I then found out the truth of what had happened, and then decided to let him stick around because I felt like it. By the end I did it because he had nobody else, and I would be lying if I didn’t say the whole thing struck a chord with me. Tell you the truth he’s been a damned good apprentice.” Henry said, quietly locking away what Ludvic said as a nightmare scenario

“Ha, it is extremely difficult to find good help, I agree.” Ludvic said.

>>3606372

“Well, now he’s my apprentice, and given the amount of time he’s had to learn, he’s doing a good job. Even if he is too humble for his own good.” Henry said, jabbing Charles in the ribs playfully.

Henry smiled warmly at Charles, who squirmed about uncomfortably at the show of affection.

“Henry, in all seriousness, I’d do well to remember your position. Quite a few nobles wouldn’t take kindly to being given demands, even one as reasonable as yours. I can think of a couple who’d order you lashed for that, actually.” Ludvic said.

“I will.” Henry said. Ludvic was telling the truth, the world was full of assholes.

“So then, Ophelia, how have you been? I believe it’s been around ten years since our last meeting.”

“Ten years, fifty seven days. I’ve been good, very good! So many new inventions since then!” Ophelia said.

Ludvic’s smile faded and it seemed like he’d been taken aback. His expression of confusion and surprise quickly faded as Charles spoke up.

“Who was Ophelia’s father exactly?” Charles asked.

“Ah that’s…” Ophelia said.

“A knight of my house. A very brilliant man too, such a waste of talent, and such a shame we couldn’t work together as equals. I always did hate having to take credit for that man’s work. But you know how the nobility can get.” Ludvic said.

Ophelia bit her lip and said nothing.

“I suppose that’s where the Von in her name comes from. It your house’s knightly name, correct, Marquis?” Johnny added.

“You must be from the countryside to not know that.” Ludvic said, cheerily.

“Ludvic, I actually had something else I wanted to discuss.” Henry said, nodding to Ophelia who quickly scrambled to unbox their little toy.

Decisions:
1. “I want to present to you a scale mockup of our little invention, a metal man that is semi-autonomous and is able to follow simple commands.”
2. “We’ve been working on a little project and I was wondering if you would have any interest in it”
3. “I have something that is absolutely revolutionary, assuming we can get the thing to work, of course”
4. “I have a new weapon I’m looking to offer to the cult of progress.”
5. (Write in)

>>3606379
>“I want to present to you a scale mockup of our little invention, a metal man that is semi-autonomous and is able to follow simple commands.”
Keep the soul piloted mechas plan close to the chest for now. That'll be Henry's pet project

>Doing a meta post here. I'm going to be trying my best to post more during the day, and I'm also going to try to stop getting distracted by stupid shit while waiting for votes. Wish me luck.

File: PFcn5ns.gif (950 KB, 777x451)

950 KB GIF

>>3606379
> 1. “I want to present to you a scale mockup of our little invention, a metal man that is semi-autonomous and is able to follow simple commands.”

>>3606415
Just more time to shitpost Baby.

So, Ophelia's heritage is a secret?

>>3606904
>>3606397
writing

>>3606379
“I want to present you a scale mockup of our little invention, a metal man that is semi-autonomous and is able to follow simple commands.” Henry said, gesturing to the fairly nice looking mockup of Ticky that the two of them had made.

Henry went on to describe the various features of the model, its weapons capabilities, its overall armor and ability to withstand damage, and of course its mobility and range of motion that paralleled a humans. Ludvic had a couple concerns on its size but Henry assured the man that scaled down versions were planned if the bigger one was a success.

“So what is the machine’s power source? A rune, crystalline, or ghiest based?” Ludvic asked.

Ophelia began to speak but was jabbed in the ribs again by Johnny. Henry was the one who was going to explain.

“The plan right now is to install a custom made ghiest into the machine, the overall design will support it and several safeguards have already been included to ensure that the ghiest remains under control at all times.”

“Are there any significant issues with the project? Don’t lie about them because it will reflect poorly on you and your team.” Ludvic said, his cheerful demeanor never changing

Decisions:
1. “The ghiest has been giving us a lot of difficulties, we have tried a few different theories but we have been having trouble getting a good fit for the machine.”
2. “The weapons systems are fairly rudimentary at the moment, they’re more proof of concept than anything else.”
3. “We haven’t quite managed to activate the machine yet, the chasis is complete but there is not pilot so to speak.”
4. “To be frank we need funding, although the influx of gold from this bounty will be a massive help.”
5. “I believe it might have a weakness to red or green mana destruction spells, I do plan on installing safeguards but I don’t expect it to be a real issue for the early models, I don’t plan on having them go to battle against humans for the foreseeable future.”
6. (write in)

>>3607512
>“I believe it might have a weakness to red or green mana destruction spells. I do plan on installing safeguards but I don’t expect it to be a real issue for the early models, I don’t plan on having them go to battle against humans for the foreseeable future.”
This is a true issue, yes, but it also misdirects Ludvic away from the big deal of not having a soul to pilot it yet. That's for Henry to figure out himself without anybody not on his team nosing in.

>>3607695
this

>>3607512
>5. “I believe it might have a weakness to red or green mana destruction spells, I do plan on installing safeguards but I don’t expect it to be a real issue for the early models, I don’t plan on having them go to battle against humans for the foreseeable future.”

> 2. “The weapons systems are fairly rudimentary at the moment, they’re more proof of concept than anything else.”

We gotta get that bitch some cannons. Bitches love cannons.

>>3607887
>>3607847
>>3607695
reviewing and then writing

>>3607512
“I believe it might have a weakness to red or green mana destruction spells. I do plan on installing safeguards but I don’t expect it to be a real issue for the early models. I don’t plan on marketing them to go to battle against pagans for the foreseeable future.” Henry said.

“You think?” Ludvic asked.

“It’s that I’m not sure how much protection the ghiest will provide the chasis. Based on our models I believe it might offer a limited amount. At the high end it might even cancel out low level spells since they’d bounce of the ghiest’s aura sphere.”

“So you’re unsure due to lack of testing. I suppose that’s why you’ve come to me to ask.”

“Well there’s also the fact the weapons systems are fairly rudimentary at the moment. We’ve managed to install a flamecaster as well as a fuel source for it. Ticky should be operational up to about 1500 degrees before the metal begins to melt.”

“You made it out of iron?” Ludvic asked. “Won’t rust be an issue?”

“Well, yes. But the unit isn’t meant to operate far from human settlement. The only places that will be able to field this model are larger cities.” Henry explained.

“Hrm, assuming it works there would be plenty of clients for such a device. I have to ask you an honest question, due to the nature of this… invention. Is it necromantically powered in any way shape or form? If its mere gheistcraft then we could easily produce them and sell them on your behalf. However if there is a necromantic component then there could be potential issues that would need to be addressed.”

Henry perked up after that. ‘Potential issues’ was a far cry from ‘heretical’ or ‘evil’.

“No, no necromantic magic is involved. You could argue the way the vessel is structured is similar to a corpse but that’s simply the optimal way to make it.” Henry said.
Ludvic nodded. “So do you wish for funding, resources, or additional personnel on this project? Keep in mind the Cult of Progress would be expecting a return on our investment and a promise to the general plans of the device.”

Ophelia shot Henry a panicked glance. She tried to speak up several times but was silenced each time by Johnny. Ludvic shot a confused glance over at the two of them.

Decisions:
1. “Funding”
2. “Resources”
3. “Additional Personal.”
4. (write in)

>>3609097
>2. “Resources”
"Truthfully, resources. If we can get a hold of other metals, we could make a more robust version, one that can work in more hazardous areas that sane people wouldn't want to go. It could also be used to defend against all manner of beasts and afflicted."

>>3609097
> 4. (write in)

"I need to consult with Ophelia first. Privately, if you don't mind. Today's discussion was just for convenience and because we thought you might find it interesting, let us get back to you with a proper pitch."

>>3609255
this is better, lets go with this.

>>3609270
>>3609255
>>3609192
writing

>>3609097
This >>3609255

>>3609097
“I need to consult with Ophelia first on this, it’s not just my project after all. Privately if you don’t mind. Today’s conversation was more of an initial discussion than anything else.”

“Well I do find it incredibly interesting, if its real.” Ludvic replied.

“Let us get back to you with a proper pitch once we’re ready.” Henry said.

Ophelia and Henry were led out into another room while the others stayed behind. Ludvic began bombarding Charles with questions and discussing the latest going ons of the noble houses. The boy shot a pleading look to Henry before he disappeared from view. Travis led them to a small lounge like room and then closed the door leaving them in silence. Henry coughed a couple times while thinking up something to say to Ophelia, the woman was positively vibrating with how much she wanted to say EVERYTHING.

“Alright look, maybe we should be a bit careful.” Henry said.

“HE’S GOING TO STEAL MY IDEAS!” Ophelia whined. “I THOUGHT HE’D BE DIFFERENT BUT HE WASN’T!”

“I’m kind of surprised you didn’t hate him to start out with.” Henry said.

“Well, he was a friend of my fathers…” Ophelia muttered. “And a very intelligent person. I don’t really get how someone like that could be bad. Well I mean it shouldn’t be that surprising, I know you after all.”

“I’m not sure whether I should be angry you called me a bad person or overjoyed that you consider me intelligent.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. “We need the resources Ophelia, even with the money we have we don’t have access to rare components or the people who can make something out of them.”
2. “I’m not going to hear any complaints from you, not when we’re this close! This is a golden opportunity!”
3. “So you think we should keep working on this ourselves?”
4. “The only reason I worked on this project was to sell them, Ophelia, I’m not going to hear you babble about the joy of invention again.”
5. (write in)

>>3609587
>3. “So you think we should keep working on this ourselves?”
> Also, he cut you off pretty quickly when you brought up your father, any reason he might have done that?

> And if intelligent = bad, well, I've never said you weren't intelligent. Genius even. Just not when it comes to basic human interaction, or morality.

>>3609587
Also

> Do you think there would be any way to turn this around and steal his ideas?

>>3609587
BOTH >>3609610 and >>3609607 in that order

>>3609587
“So do you think there would be any way to turn this around and steal his ideas?” Henry asked snidely.

“What? What kind of person do you take me for? I’m not going to sink to his level! I don’t need anyone else’s help nor ideas!” Ophelia whined.

“Except my help and ideas.” Henry said.

“Shut up, that’s different. I’ve learned to tolerate you, but only barely. I’m not going to condone or allow stolen ideas to proliferate our work. I’m certainly not going to sink to claiming those ideas as my own work!”

“So you think we should just keep working on this ourselves?” Henry asked.

“Yes, I can provide everything we need for this project, beyond resources of course. I just need the proper tools and materials and I can do everything! I refuse to allow any thieves anywhere near this!”

“There are certain things that I cannot get by myself Ophelia, you need to understand that!” Henry said.

“Oh, so you’re not even able to do that then!”

“Forget it, Ophelia, its not worth it to continue talking about, at least not here. Oh, one other thing, why’d he cut you off when you brought up your father? Seemed a bit odd.”

“I don’t know.” Ophelia said, her tone instantly changing. “I honestly didn’t want to tell you, you seemed to not really like nobility in general, and I didn’t want to give you more reason to call me mean names. I was going to ask him to not tell you, actually. Not like it’s a big secret.”

“So you think I’m smart?” Henry asked.

“Yes, perhaps not very educated but you are intelligent, Henry. It’s one of the few traits you have that I respect.”

“Does it get tiring keeping up the act that you hate me? We both know you don’t anymore.”

“Shut up Henry.”

“Ophelia, you frankly suck with human interaction, and lack even a basic understanding of common morality. You’ve nearly been killed on multiple occasions because you caused massive misunderstandings, or said really rude things to people. Look, what I’m trying to say is don’t piss off the potential customer!”

“So that’s all this project was to you? A product?” Ophelia asked.

Decisions:
1. “Obviously, why the hell would I spend the money I’ve been spending if we weren’t going to sell them?!”
2. “I wanted to make soldiers that we could use for ourselves, I don’t plan on selling them”
3. “Of course not” (lie)
4. (write in)

>>3610870
>"...Ophelia. What do YOU see this project as?" (in a calm, even tone)

>>3610897
>>3610870
This, but also

> Don't you want to see your creations used and respected throughout the world? I know that you want to prove something to yourself with this, but think - this man you idolized, he wanted to steal YOUR ideas.

> Besides, it's not like your ideas themselves came from nothing. People will always imitate success. If you're threatened by that, you just have to become even more successful with whatever you do next. Come out with Ticky 3.0, while they're making knockoff 2's.

>>3610920
Yes, this is good too.

>>3610920
>>3610870
Oh, and

> If it comes down to it, I'd rather work with you than him. Because I think you have the best chance of making Ticky the best. But if you steal from him, and he steals from you, that's not stealing that's collaboration. You wouldn't claim I was stealing your ideas after all, nor would I claim that from you.

>>3610927
This is great. Man Henry does have a good mind for business doesn't he?

>>3610927
If you want this to have a real effect you'll have to roll a 1d100 for it

>roll is optional

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>3611014
>OPTIONAL
REQUIRED YOU MEAN

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>3611014

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>3611014

>>3611120
>>3611121
>consecutive rolls
>consecutive posts
>one second apart
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>3611014

>>3611160
>>3610981
>>3610927
>>3610920
>>3610897
writing

>>3611156
Makes sense since it uses the clock for the rng seed number.

>>3610870
“Ophelia, what do you see this project as, exactly?” Henry asked, dreading the answer the woman would throw at him.

“What kind of question is that!? I see it as my latest and greatest achievement, the second I am able to produce actual results will go down as a historical moment! If I can make an autonomous machine then it will open the door to all sorts of amazing things!”

“Don’t you want to see your creations used and respected throughout the world, Ophelia? I know that you want to prove something to yourself with this, I see it on your face and I know it from all those nights you spend tinkering away. But think, the man you idolized wanted to steal your ideas, he thought your ideas were good enough to steal!”

Ophelia began to think the moment the words left Henry’s mouth. It wasn’t the frenzied thinking Henry had come to know over the past couple of months. This was deeper and more contemplative.

“Besides, it’s not like your ideas themselves came from nothing. People are always going to imitate success, if you’re threatened by that, you just have to become even more successful with whatever you do next. Come out with the version three while they’re all stuck making version twos.”

Ophelia sighed, smiling and nodding.

“You really are good at talking Henry. Thanks. But I don’t understand why you didn’t just side with him the moment you could, it would’ve been more beneficial to you, right?”

“If it comes down to it, I’d rather work with you than him, Ophelia. This is my project as much as yours, now. I want to make Ticky the best I possibly can, and working with you is the best way to do that. There’s a fine line between stealing and collaboration too, but I think we’ve shared ideas rather than stolen from each other.”

“So where does that leave us?” Ophelia asked. “We just need resources. I think we should try to take what we need and no more than that.”
“I agree.” Henry said. “I also wanted to see if we could get in the cults good graces further. I realize you don’t like them but there our best bet at being able to sell our product. I know you don’t like calling it that but this is the best way to do things, so you don’t have to near starve yourself trying to find buyers for your work.”

Ophelia bit her lip and scrunched up her dress. She didn’t like it at all, but a moment later she eased up and nodded. She was in agreement.

“Henry, I want to let you know I’m planning on sticking around with you and the others. I considered running off but to be honest I don’t think I’d get very far. I’ve spoken with Johnny and realized just how much you’ve saved my life. We’re a family, right?”

Decisions:
1. “Well if you left you wouldn’t be able to see Larry again.”
2. “Yeah, yeah we all are.”
3. “Happy to hear.”
4. (write in)

>>3611505
>2. “Yeah, yeah we all are.”
>3. “Happy to hear.”
"Yeah, I can already see you and Larry having twelve kids running around tinkering on stuff."

>>3611505
> 4. (write in)

We're too fucked of a mess to describe it any other way. Hell, I'm actually happy to hear you say that. I must not be as intelligent as you think I am.

>>3611536
>>3611544
writing

>>3611536
>"Yeah, I can already see you and Larry having twelve kids running around tinkering on stuff."
If this too much teasing for our "sister" we can go with this.
>>3611544

>>3611544
>>3611536
These

>>3611505
“Yeah, we all are. Happy to hear, I’m even happier you’re showing some gratitude. I’m happy in general that all of these weirdos’ I’ve pulled together are getting along well.” Henry said.

“I’m still mad about the scars though.” Ophelia replied.

“So invent something to fix them, I’m sure Rosa would be impressed.”

“The two of you acting lovey dovey is actively unsettling. I heard that she twisted your broken arm! Johnny even joked about how the two of you made a perfect couple.” Ophelia said.

“Yeah, and I can already see you and Larry having twelve kids who’ll run around and tinker on everything!” Henry said.

Ophelia sat there confused for a few moments before a flash of realization crossed her face, followed by it turning a pretty shade of crimson.

“ALRIGHT THIS CONVERSATION IS OVER! LETS GO SELL THIS STUPID THING TO THE IDEA THEIF!” Ophelia said.

Henry smiled, standing back up and heading back towards the door. In terms of verbal arguments he had the advantage by a wide margin.

Decisions:
1. *try to gauge just how much interest Ludvic would have in buying Ticky’s for the cult of progress*
2. *Ask for resources from Ludvic* (how much, what kinds of things, etc)
3. *decline to work further on the project with Ludvic*
4. *Ask for advice on ‘non church condoned methods’*
5. (write in)

>>3611586
>Ophelia sat there confused for a few moments before a flash of realization crossed her face, followed by it turning a pretty shade of crimson.
Yeeee
Tease our sister.
>4. *Ask for advice on ‘non church condoned methods’*
Ask what these would be, and what would be reminiscent of them enough to make the church nervous?

>>3611586
>the option for further teasing is still open, fyi

>>3611597
mainly the whole ripping out someone's soul and shoving it into the machine to act as a pilot

>>3611586
this >>3611597

>>3611586
> 2. *Ask for resources from Ludvic* (how much, what kinds of things, etc)

Too bad we can't search the madhouses for someone catatonic or otherwise detached from life that we can put in Ticky.

OH WAIT.

But Ophelia should really be the one to come up with a resource list. Lighter weight material than iron, maybe?

>>3611606
>>3611602
>>3611597
writing

>>3611586
Henry teased Ophelia for a bit until she was just on the edge of all-encompassing rage and embarrassed nonfunctionality. In all honesty it didn’t take too much, the woman was quick to dish out abuse but was god awful at actually taking it. Henry hoped it would serve to humble her a bit, it certainly was entertaining. He gave the girl some time to calm down before Travis the Butler walked them back into the meeting room with Ludvic. Henry noted a shattered glass on the floor and an opened bottle of wine which Ludvic was pouring from. The atmosphere felt a bit tense but Henry soon had things back to normal, he’d have to ask Johnny what had happened later.

“I wanted to make a request for materials, Ludvic, there are certain things that we’ll be unable to acquire on our own.”

“I’ve constructed a parts and materials manifest just for the initial model and not counting replacement parts if anything gets damaged during testing.” Ophelia said, handing the man the document.

Ludvic perused it for a bit before handing it off to his butler. The man quietly exited the room leaving Ludvic alone with Henry’s group.

“Quite trusting I’d say. Leaving yourself alone like that.” Johnny said.

“Ha, there are currently three different layers of security in this room, not mentioning what I have on my person.” Ludvic replied.

“So, now onto the part of the conversation that could be a bit tricky.” Henry said.

“Oh?” Ludvic asked.

“Besides the ghiest powered option, we did have a few ideas for methods that aren’t… church condoned, exactly.” Henry continued.

“Ah, I think I understand what you mean. Necromancy?” Ludvic asked nonchalantly.

Larry shot a confused and worried glance at Johnny, the skeleton merely shrugged his shoulders and said nothing.

Decisions:
1. “Yes, Necromancy.” (lie)
2. “Demonic magic, actually.”
3. “The unit could have a human soul placed inside of it after it has been ripped out from a living person. We believe that it would be the absolute best way to create the unit, and would grant it a great degree of movement, thinking ability, and overall effectiveness.”
4. “You seem rather eager to talk about it, I don’t suppose any of those rumors about you are true.”
5. (Write in)

>>3611722
>3. “The unit could have a human soul placed inside of it after it has been ripped out from a living person. We believe that it would be the absolute best way to create the unit, and would grant it a great degree of movement, thinking ability, and overall effectiveness.”
But they'd lose all ability to use magic.

>>3611722
>3. “The unit could have a human soul placed inside of it after it has been ripped out from a living person. We believe that it would be the absolute best way to create the unit, and would grant it a great degree of movement, thinking ability, and overall effectiveness.”

> "However, finding a willing soul is a problem. Damage to the soul's subconscious psyche translates over to the mech, making it uncontrollable. Theoretically, finding a willing person who went into it happily would resolve the issue. Know anyone who seeks oblivion, but wants to be useful after their death?"

>>3611722
This >>3611816

>>3611722
I swear to god, if he mentions orphans,n but >>3611816

so basically the best willing candidates to be turned into a living mech are
>terminally ill people whose eventual deaths are certainty
>crippled people who have no chance of survival in a medieval/industrial world
>people who cannot use magic to begin with

>>3612920
>>3611871
>>3611826
>>3611816
>>3611736
reviewing and writing

>>3611722
“The unit could ‘theoretically’ have a human soul placed inside of it after it has been ripped out of a living person. We believe that would be the absolute best way to create the unit if one only cared about performance. It would grant it a greater degree of movement, cognitive ability, and overall combat effectiveness.” Henry said, gauging the man’s reaction.

Ludvic beamed and began to chuckle, then clapped a couple of times.

“Marvelous, simply marvelous. Would such a thing qualify as a living being I wonder? I doubt it would retain any ability to utilize magic though.”

“No, a simple perversion.” Johnny mumbled.

“Silence, that’s an order.” Henry replied, causing the skeleton to quickly go silent.

“The unit would not be able to utilize magic but could hold storage units inside of itself to store mana and runes to form spells. There would be issues involving regulating the flow but I believe we could surmount those.”

“An autonomous creature that could be controlled and have access to spell craft!?” Ludvic said, expressing a great deal of surprise. “If you could make such a thing it would be revolutionary, in more ways than one.”

The gears had started to turn in the old man’s head.

“The main issue would be finding a willing soul.” Henry said, “If we wished to be ethical then offering the spot to those with crippling injuries and those with no other options would be the way to go about it.”

“Bah, you’d sacrifice quality then.” Ludvic replied.

“If a soul is ripped away from its mind then its subconscious psyche would be irreparably damaged, meaning the unit would require control aspects like a necromantically raised corpse, this would render it little more than a zombie made of metal. Finding a willing soul would be a problem with my limited connections and resources, I’m afraid.” Henry explained.

“Ah hah, ‘willing.’ You’re overthinking this my dear man, there are many ways to skin a cat… I assume you’re aware of the asylum and you’re trying to imply we should seek candidates from that location.”

“I’ve heard the rumors of cult involvement in that place.” Henry explained.

“When it comes to subjects there are better methods when it comes to producing good soldiers.” Ludvic explained. “I’m afraid I’m not really at liberty to talk about them, but perhaps… hrm. You run a mercenary company correct?” Ludvic asked.

Deicsions:
1. “Yes.”
2. “No.”
3. “I could incorporate with you as a sponsor.”

>>3614010
>2. “No.”

>>3614023
writing

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>3614010
> 2. “No.”

> Look, this is a prototype project. What we're looking for is quality, humanity always has the quantity to find said quality within it. People are always willing to give themselves up for gods and ideals, if we can't even do something as basic as that we might as well just give up now.

> There's always some apocalypse comong, it's bad marketing to be on the "Dark Lord" side of things. Maybe later if needed for mass production we can use it as a form of euthenasia with benefits, but for the flagship models we need this to be a shining example of human reach surpassing it's grasp.

> We brought this to you because we thought you could help us take it to the next level, not merely mass produce something flawed. I don't want to think I was wrong about that.

>>3614138
I didn't see the post when I started writing, do you want me to incorporate it?

>>3614162
Yes

>>3614162
Go for it, it's really good and if I saw it earlier I'd would have supported it.

>>3614162
Yes please.

Sorry it was late.

>>3614010
“No.” Henry said.

“Well that makes four surprises for today.” Ludvic cheerfully said.

“Look, Ludvic, this is a prototype project. What we’re looking for is quality in general. Humanity always as the quantity to find said quality within it and I know for a fact that there are plenty of people willing to give themselves up for their god or their ideals. If we can’t even do something as basic as that then we might as well give up now.”

“Well said, regardless I can’t aide you in that way without you gaining the trust of more of our membership. Given your performance with the bounty hunt, I’m willing to lend you some aid. I need to find some way to convince the others, actually having the things blueprints or having a working model would be ideal of course… hrm.”

“We brought this to you because we thought you could help us take it to the next level, not merely mass produce something flawed. I don’t want to think I was wrong about that.”

“A dangerous game you’re playing Henry.” Ludvic said, his tone changing. The room felt twenty degrees colder all of a sudden.

“I didn’t mean to play games.” Henry said.

“Right, the issue is you’re an unknown factor whose suddenly swooped into the city and solved a massive problem for our little group, however for all I know you’re an elaborate inquisitorial purge attempt. So, I have a little bit of a test for you and your group, something’s come up recently and I believe your new mercenary company would be the perfect fit for it.” Ludvic said.

“Why would it be in our benefit to set up a merc company?” Charles asked.

“You’d be able to function independently of the Cult on paper, and we’d be able to bring in a competent and hopefully trustworthy group into our operations. Right now we need to rely on the scarred hands, and that relationship has become strained in recent months. Having something in house that could avoid church oversite would be wonderful.” Ludvic responded.

“So a loophole, essentially.” Henry said.

“Precisely. Hence why I wanted to meet with you in the first place, all of this other talk of metal men has been an added bonus. What I want you to do is to clean up a bit of a mess that’s occurred out in Durkip province. If you accept you’ll be granted fifty gold on completion of task, and a potential bonus if you can keep things quiet. Just a word of advice, when you’re giving commands to your undead companion there don’t make it so obvious.” Ludvic gleefully explained.

Decisions:
1. “Fine, but I want to operate under my own terms.”
2. “Details first.”
3. “How did you even notice? There shouldn’t even be a mana connection.”
4. “I’d like to discuss things with my group.”
5. (write in)

>>3614573
> 2. “Details first.”

He's just fishing about the undead connection.

> I don't know what you're talking about, but it was suspicious the number of corpses (bug dudes name) used in his experiment.

>>3614573
>2. “Details first.”

> You seem to be more familiar with me about any undead possibly related to the situation.

Stonewall that shit.

Although >>3614701 is good too.

>>3614701
>>3614744
writing in

>>3614573
Henry smiled and ignored Ludvic’s final comment, the bastard had probably known from the beginning, somehow. His reaction to Johnny spoke volumes though, and Henry felt that the man had a few skeletons of his own hiding about. Though, likely metaphorical ones.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but you do seem to be more familiar with any undead related to this little situation.”

“It was a sincere bit of advice, Henry. I don’t mean to imply anything. Though he does seem to be a rather unique specimen. I don’t suppose you’d consider parting with him.”

“I’m afraid that’d be out of the question.” Henry said, immediately.

“Ah, I understand, then onto business.” Ludvic replied.

“Details first.” Henry said.

“Well, let’s say that we have a bit of a research outpost in Durkip Province, a good ways from any city to avoid prying eyes. Let’s say that security had been a bit lacking and something rather nasty has escaped. A variety of ooze that we’d been experimenting on. The idea was to make it form colonies with various castes similar to ants, the issue was that there was breach of security caused by several unrelated issues. We have those issues under control now but we need a qualified group to go there and stomp out any of the remaining oozes. It shouldn’t be too difficult if you all managed to bring Del Mar down.” Ludvig said.

“You want us to exterminate ooze?” Henry asked. “Works dangerous but doable, why do you need us.”

“Well the workers aren’t going to be much of a problem, it’s the queen that has been causing all the issues. The thing is a tenacious creature and has already caused a couple of deaths. We don’t really want this spreading and we can’t call in the church for obvious reasons.”

“Ah, so that’s why you want us to do it.”

“Precisely, I figure it’d be a good way to prove yourselves to some of our members, you get paid, and then we can continue our discussion about your prototype. A favor for a favor, yes?”

>Write in

>>3614815
> The issue was that there was breach of security caused by several unrelated issues.


I'd say they were pretty related considering they resulted in the slime escaping. I don't need to know details of anything else, but how the slime itself escaped would be useful.

> The thing is a tenacious creature and has already caused a couple of deaths.

Once again, details on HOW it did this would help.

I mean, sure, why not, let's give it a shot but it occurs to me that this is also an excellent way to get us all killed because you kept secrets about the abilities of the slime.

On top of that, please tell us what it SHOULDN'T be able to do so that we aren't surprised when it turns out it can do that.

Like diversify into different breeds. What kind of "castes" were you trying to create? Even if you didn't actually create them, what was the plan for it to be able to do?

>>3614815
This >>3614927

>>3614815
“Look, ‘several unrelated issues’ is a bit too vague to go off of, especially when it could be extremely relevant to the case.” Henry said.

Ludvic nodded and tried to think up the best way to explain things without explaining things.

“Alright, one of the other subjects we were holding at the facility broke out and caused a heck of a lot of damage to the entire building. We managed to contain it of course, but during the chaos a couple of the other experiments broke loose. We’ve managed to track down or neutralize the rest ourselves but we’ve been having trouble dealing with the modified ooze. It’s possible there are external factors involved. However they haven’t been seen in the nearby towns or anywhere else that’d raise a ruckus so we’re still in nominal control of the situation.”

“Look, how the fuck has a bunch of ooze been killing highly trained personnel? Secrets like that are excellent ways for me and my people to get killed.” Henry said.

“That’s what we’d like to know as well, Henry. My understanding is that only the queen and a few of the warrior oozes’ are dangerous.”

“So please explain what it shouldn’t be able to do so that we aren’t surprised when it turns out it can do that.”

“From the reports I’ve read the queens have a synaptic connection with the rest and once she’s dealt with the rest of the ooze will go dormant. The idea for the project was to have a series of bomb runes surgically implanted into the queen to act as a failsafe. Unfortunately the mages involved didn’t actually do that. I’d ensure they were properly punished but both of them died during the containment breach. Fortunately their notes survived unharmed.” Ludvic explained.

“So I should expect the rest to be completely fine if once we kill the queen?” Henry asked.

>>3616785
“Ha, well, killing the queen shouldn’t be too difficult for you considering you killed the insectoid monstrosity. The queen isn’t nearly as intelligent thus it’s far less of a threat. Further details will be given to you once you arrive in Durkip. The only reason we have control on this is because the ooze species aren’t all that dangerous, at least compared to a few of the other specimens.”

“So what kind of breeds will we be dealing with here?” Henry asked.

“The average worker ooze is completely harmless to a human and incredibly stupid by comparison, they merely hunt for organic matter for the rest of the colony, tend to any fungi the colony is growing, and clear out tunnels and such for the colony itself. The warriors are a different story, they’re far more advanced than the workers in both behavior and construction. My understanding if they can form teeth on the outside of their bodies and use it to rend exposed flesh, as long as you’re wearing chainmail or platemail you’ll be fine. The big issue is the queen. The mages involved were a bit… creative when it came to the thing.”

“I dread to ask.” Henry said.

“Right well, the queen possesses several troublesome abilities, first of all the ability to consume mana from spells, rendering the creature near impervious to low level spellcraft. We’re worried that ability may become transferred to the rest of the colony over time. Secondly the queen has a pair of blades made out of bone that it can use to slice a grown man in half with relative ease. From the reports the creature is a fairly competent swordswoman. Thirdly and most importantly, the queen may occasionally attempt to release seedpods, these have no effect by themselves but if one of the warrior drones manages to consume one then it will eventually gestate into a new queen if the old queen is killed off. This was discovered entirely on accident and the mages involved in the project had been trying to remove this troublesome trait as it would make controlling the colony difficult. The destruction or capture of the queen will be necessary, and if you’re planning on killing the queen the destruction of the rest of the colony will also be needed. There are a few other variant breeds that were discovered. One that can form into a ball of spikes and can launch itself at opponents. There were also occasions in which under high stress a pair of workers will merge into a more complicated new ooze, much faster than normal and big enough to swallow a person. The researcher believed that further merging was possible but unlikely in captivity so they never had the chance to test it.”

“Fantastic, any weaknesses?” Henry asked.

>>3616794
“Yes, actually. The creatures internals are alcohol based, so they’re incredibly weak to fire, except for the queen which has a much thicker hide. The queen is more of an animal than an ooze from my understanding. The workers and warriors hide is very thin and once popped the creature will immediately expire, even the queen should die if you manage to get a good couple hits in. It’s very fearsome offensively but lacks defensively.”

“Why were you even bothering making something like this?” Henry asked.

“That’s something I cannot discuss with you I’m afraid. Perhaps once you prove yourself a bit further.” Ludvic said.

“Who will we be meeting with?” Charles asked.

“Chief researcher Cromwell, we’re still ironing out the details with him but I’d like you to move out within a couple days. Time is of the essence.”

Decisions:
1. “I demand sixty gold due to the danger involved in this.” (roll 1d100)
2. “I’d imagine this is all highly heretical, how do you keep the church from finding out?”
3. “How many innocent people have died from this thing?”
4. “And this was one of the less dangerous specimens?!”
5. "What's preventing me from going to the church right now with this info?"
6. (write in)

>>3616785
>“From the reports I’ve read the queens have a synaptic connection with the rest

> The queen isn’t nearly as intelligent thus it’s far less of a threat.

The dead experts make me suspect that this is incorrect.

Also, that there's probably more than one Queen at this point so how often is "occasionally" that they release these seedpods?


> 1. “I demand sixty gold due to the danger involved in this.” (roll 1d100)

Hells to the yes. Either there are more Queens, or more variant species, or the Queen is more intelligent than they suspected and maybe was even intelligent enough to play dumb.

> However they haven’t been seen in the nearby towns or anywhere else that’d raise a ruckus so we’re still in nominal control of the situation.”

So do they know where the queen is then? Because that also screams "more intelligent than crazy bug man that came screaming for us instead of continuing to hide" stupid is as stupid does. What if they have some hive mind BS going on where the more of them there are the smarter they get thanks to this synaptic link?

What about bait to draw the slimes out, or poison that might be effective against them?

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3616795

Here's my roll but seriously, how much were all those "experts" worth that they got chomped on?

Judging from the danger, the higher pay is only fair since those other guys didn't even live to get paid.

We aren't looking to work with them as disposable cats-paws, we know how that goes.

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3616795
>6. (write in)
"I'm gonna require half up front to pay for supplies and we'll require a guide and maps. I'll also request a place to stay as this isn't going to be quick, especially since there's 'seed pods' that can cause warriors to turn into queens. And afterwards they'll need to have a watch placed there in case something was missed."

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3616795
> 1. “I demand sixty gold due to the danger involved in this.” (roll 1d100)

Is there a bonus for recovering any of the seedpods or slimes?

>>3616830
And start thinking up ways we can embed a crossbow into the flamecasters, seeing as the queen's hide is thick.
Hmm, a bolt with a hollow core that has a small flame rune in it, or one with a high temperature fuse?

>>3616871
>>3616830
>>3616824
>>3616899
>>3616817
writing

>>3616795
“I demand sixty gold for all of the work, due to the danger involved in this. I also demand half up front to pay for supplies and we’ll require a guide and maps to the general area.”

“I believe I can do that, but it’ll take a day to get approval to give you the funds, as for the maps and guide, we were going to do that regardless. I’m going to have you based out of a small coastal town in Durkip which we’ve expanded quite a few of our operations into over the last ten years. The town of Rally.” Ludvic explained.

Henry and Johnny shared a look but said nothing. That was Henry’s home town, so that was where this was all taking place? Henry didn’t really like the sound of that.

“Ophelia we’re going to need to have a talk about weapons and such. Probably going to need to make something custom to deal with the queen.”

“Fine.” Ophelia said. “Long as it gives us more funding in the end.”

“I’m happy that everything has worked out, where should I contact you?” Ludvic asked.

Decisions:
1. *The warehouse*
2. *a series of dead drop locations in the city, just like Henry used to do for necromantic contracts*
3. *the cult of progress HQ*
4. (write in)

>>3617217
>2. *a series of dead drop locations in the city, just like Henry used to do for necromantic contracts*
They probably already know where we live, but we shouldn't make it any easier, and we should make sure there isn't any tracking runes or other things placed on us to spy on us.
And we need to tell Johnny he can talk again.

>>3617268
writin

>>3617336
Noice

>>3617217
“A series of dead drop locations, here.” Henry said jotting down half a dozen locations.

“Ah, seems my hunch about you was correct, so you were involved in that business.” Ludvic said, taking the note and inspecting it before leaving it on a nearby table for his butler to take care of.

The groups talked for a bit longer before Henry and his grouped headed out, he had a lot to plan for and a lot to do over the coming days. The big thing for the rest of the day was to investigate the disappearances for Xavier and then to have the funeral service during the night. They could probably find a parcel of land to bury the poor woman on, or simply use the vacant lot in front of the warehouse. They’d find something.

The ride back was uneventful and once they’d arrived Henry was surprised to find that Xavier had already moved in and had a small pile of belonging in a pile in the courtyard. Henry realized he had technically given permission to the vampire to come onto his property but it still made him uneasy. The man had been waiting inside the gatehouse just inside the compound. Mark and Nina were playing outside and didn’t seem bothered by the hooded pale man sitting in the guard booth. Xavier explained that he hadn’t felt comfortable intruding inside without Henry being there, which Henry both agreed with and appreciated.

Larry eyed the man suspiciously and confided in Henry that being around him made his skin crawl. Henry casually explained he was a vampire and Larry said that he wanted to have a word with Henry later on. Ophelia asked if he finally had a complaint for Henry, after EVERYTHING ELSE that they’d all been subjected to.

Charles went to go write in his diary, the boy seemed a bit emotional and Henry figured that he had some things to process. Henry wondered if he’d have to protect the boy from others trying to use him as a puppet for the throne.

Henry gleefully deposited his gold and then handed out everyone’s shares. Everyone agreed to keep the gold on site until a better means of transport or storage could be determined, it suited Henry fine. Everyone also agreed that Johnny would be the one to look over it, and Henry gave the skeleton orders to make sure that it was handed out fairly once the time came, in front of everyone else.

Henry hoped that time would come, the newest job was making him awfully nervous.

>+80 gold

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

>Chapter's finally done after that week long meeting, fucking hell. I'm gonna grab the upgrade screen tomorrow along with finally working on the spell lists for all other characters

>>3617397
>“Ah, seems my hunch about you was correct, so you were involved in that business.” Ludvic said, taking the note and inspecting it before leaving it on a nearby table for his butler to take care of.

Okay Luddy, because dead drops are exclusively a Necromancer thing.

Hey, do we have any way to contact the Fae folks? They might be able to help us with these slimes. Find a way to communicate with them, maybe, or offer them asylum. Or at least tame them.

Thanks for all the work you've put in!

>>3617419
>Okay Luddy, because dead drops are exclusively a Necromancer thing.
I hope we don't use the SAME ones as we once did.
Cause that would be silly.

>>3617426
>>3617419
that and the fact he realized Johnny was an undead servant

>>3617430
Well now we have to kill him

>>3617430
We coulda just been another necromancer with a thing for dead drops.

>>3617397
==============(Mana Amounts)=================
RED (CURRENTLY 6)


BLACK (CURRENTLY 7)


BLUE (CURRENTLY 3)

This is a per day basis, these will reset after a long enough period of rest


>(You have 2 upgrade points, so 2 additional points of mana to allocate any way you see fit)

====================(Spells)================================

Silence: Will completely stop you or a targeted person or object from making any noise at all, from any action. You can cancel the spell at any point of time. (Costs 1 bar of blue mana)(can be snapcasted for 1.5 bars of blue mana)


Undead Rush: Will cause any undead DIRECTLY under your control to break out in a run, allowing them to quickly close distance and overwhelm opponents. They will also be able to leap onto opponents as well. Effect lasts several minutes. (Costs 1 bar of black mana to cast)(can be snapcasted for 1.5 bars of black mana)


Minor Scry (May be changed a bit if it makes it more fun to use): Will let you scope out a room or a small area of space and will allow you to detect both living and magical beings. Those who are using cloaking magics will of course be out of your sight, and you will not be able to control exactly where the spell will end up (costs 1 bar of blue mana to cast)(can be snapcasted for 2 bars of blue mana)


Dark Healing: Steal the very Vis from someone and use it to heal yourself, this can outright kill those who are already injured, but can be resisted by those with enough willpower or physical strength. Vis is the energy that binds a soul to a body. Removing all of it will cause the soul to float freely, leaving the body a dead shell. Cannot be used to heal another person or creature, because sharing isn’t fun. (Costs 2 Black mana to cast)(is always snapcast)
Cancel: Will prevent a mage from being able to cast spells unless that mage can manage to overpower it. Basically you cut them off from the mana bank for a minute or two. Differs from dispel in the fact that it works BEFORE a spell gets cast. (Costs 1.5 bars of blue mana to cast)(is always snapcast)

Mind Rot: Can temporarily (or permanently if powerful enough) cause an opponent to lose their concentration for a period of time and be left slightly insane. Effects can vary WIDELY, ALSO CAN CAUSE PERMANENT MENTAL DAMAGE TO THE TARGET, USE WITH CAUTION. (Costs 1 bar of black mana, 1 bar of blue mana, and one bar of any mana to cast)(is always snapcast)

>continued below

>>3619360
Internal Combustion: Destruction of a different sort. Dislike buildings? Weapon or armor getting in the way of a killing blow? Gargoyle getting you down? Not anymore! With this little spell any unliving material can be blasted from the inside, assuming you can get close enough to give it a little love tap. The effect can be instant or delayed, allowing you to set traps in certain areas! (Costs 1 red mana to cast)(costs 1.5 red mana to snapcast)(EFFECTS MAY VARY)

Swerve: Pesky spells aimed at you constantly? With this little spell, you can grab those spells out of the air and make choose a new target for them for each spell affected! (Costs 0.5 red mana, mana)(always snapcast)


Dark touch: will kill an opponent dead, assuming the spell connects and the opponent is alive, unlike a bolt spell does not damage the body (uses 1.5 black mana, can be snapcast for 3 black mana)

Undead Vision: Lets you move your sight into one of the undead you control. You need to have a general idea of their location, and the undead needs to be under your control for this to work (costs 1 black mana per cast, can be snapcast for 2 black mana)

Blight: An old favorite. Creates an area of blight in which opponents will have to fight off your will, can take out a swath of opponents if used correctly (uses 1 black mana + X black mana. The higher the ‘x’ amount of mana is, the greater the area of effect and the overall killing power is)

Minor Telepathy: Seems that Alice is able to teach you a fairly useful technique, allowing you to maintain contact with other members of your party for small amounts of time, further research into this upgrade will allow for longer lasting effects and greater range. As it stands you must have contact with the member you wish to maintain a connection to and their consent. The effects last for one hour. (Costs 2 blue mana per use, Alice must teach you the trick)

Think Fast: Sometimes thinking normally isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, with this spell you can increase the amount of actions you can perform per round. Ups spellcasting actions to 2 for 3 rounds, allowing you to lay on the damage or provide more support. Can only be casted on yourself. (Requires Ophelia to teach you.)(Costs 1 red and 2 blue mana, lasts 3 turns)

>continued below

>>3619403
Grapeshot: Like bolt spells? Have a lot more of them! Allows you to fire off up to 4 bolts at once if you have the mana for it. (Initial spell costs 2 red mana, every additional bolt spell costs 1 red mana, for a total of up to four shots.) (All grapeshot bolts count as an single action, giving you a heck of a lot more damage potential than a normal bolt spell)

Trick Bolt: Something Ophelia managed to cook up. Mask your bolt spell as a relatively harmless blue mana spell, once it comes into contact with something solid it will shed its blue mana covering and launch a normal bolt spell at the opponent. (requires Ophelia’s help to learn, costs 1 red and 1 blue mana)
>Henry gains two new spells

>You should choose your top 3 choices for spells, the first choice gains 3 points, 2nd choice gains 2 and 3rd choice gains 1, the two spells with the most points get picked

>>3619412
>if you have suggestions for spells or passive abilities let me know.

>>3619360
1 Black 1 Blue mana

> Dark Healing - 3 points

> Think fast - 2 points

> Minor telepathy - 1 point

Goddamnit I want so much of it.

>>3619445
Actually, wait.

1 Black 1 Blue mana

> Corpse Explosion - 3 points

Overcharge a corpse with necromantic energy, destroying it in a toxic blast that damages anything said corpse is in contact with. Explosion and cost scales with size of corpse.

> Dark Healing - 2 points

> Think fast - 1 points

>>3619732
>>3619709
I want either Ball Blightning path or Yoshikage Kira contact bombs path, but goddamn there's a lot of good shit to get. I'd rather discuss options and build routes before I make my decision. So why Dark Healing or Corpse Explosion, Anon?

>>3619403
>Internal Combustion: Destruction of a different sort. Dislike buildings? Weapon or armor getting in the way of a killing blow? Gargoyle getting you down? Not anymore! With this little spell any unliving material can be blasted from the inside, assuming you can get close enough to give it a little love tap. The effect can be instant or delayed, allowing you to set traps in certain areas! (Costs 1 red mana to cast)(costs 1.5 red mana to snapcast)(EFFECTS MAY VARY)

>Dark touch: will kill an opponent dead, assuming the spell connects and the opponent is alive, unlike a bolt spell does not damage the body (uses 1.5 black mana, can be snapcast for 3 black mana)

>Trick Bolt: Something Ophelia managed to cook up. Mask your bolt spell as a relatively harmless blue mana spell, once it comes into contact with something solid it will shed its blue mana covering and launch a normal bolt spell at the opponent. (requires Ophelia’s help to learn, costs 1 red and 1 blue mana)

>>3619745
We kill enemies with dark touch then internal combust them, and when their compatriots come and check on them boom more dead.

File: 1514609252843.jpg (102 KB, 540x600)

102 KB JPG

>>3619764
I was wanting to combine them using a creation token and become pic related but in medieval industrial times. Touching something to turn it into a bomb is overpowered, but I see the merit in getting raw utility/spec-ops skills like Minor Telepathy, Think Fast, and Undead Vision. Alternatively we could go Blight then combine with Ball Lightning to get Ball Blightning, then branch it together with Trick Bolt - the end result is Henry firing a 'harmless' spell that the inhuman enemy is overconfident about resisting or nullifying and decides to stand and tank it to intimidate Henry, followed by being atomized in literally seconds by the fuckhuge black lightning elemental that spawned right next to him.

File: Shitposting.jpg (2.28 MB, 1024x6708)

2.28 MB JPG

>>3619745
Dark Healing because, well, right now our healing depends on either Rosa who isn't down with the thug life, or Charles who is for all his skill still a child.

Not to mention we're doing Necromancy skullduggery.

Remember how fucked up we get last thread by Del Mar off ONE bad roll? Henry is squishy AF.

It's also a great way to subtly finish off wounded enemies while leaving them in good shape for resurrection.

Honestly I'm super uncomfortable not having some sort of healing ability since people always want Henry to go into combat directly after we dropped so much into Lightning Claws.

Like look at >>3619759, wanting even MORE touch based spells.

We a 6 con nigga, getting close enough to be touched is shite.

Corpse explosion would let us a) get rid of Necromantic evidence and b) Turn low threat corpses into ranged damage. Mix that up with some Necromantic vision or Undead Rush down the line and with a little preparation we can put out far more damage than spells that can't be sustained and intensively drain mana in the moment like all direct damage spells.

Plus, like I said, they have utilities outside of combat.

Just pure damage spells are redundant. Like Internal Combustion? Lightning claws rips through walls in the Magic Testing room remember? We already have that for massive close range overkill or cutting through walls.

>>3619799
Fine you've convinced me.

>>3619412
Backing >>3619732

>>3619778
>>3619799

Also, I want to go with "Corpse Explosion" so that we can spec into using more black mana. Our major combat spells are really red mana intensive and we run out quick.

Maybe we could change that to an internal explosion later, or a "taint" spell that imbues a toxic amount of necromantic energy into things like weapons or zombie claws or chairs and then exposure to that slowly poisons someone over time.

I don't really want to play a character from an anime though, I want to play our own character.

>>3619816
I'll definitely be voting for Trick Bolt next time though.

That matches Henry's personality completely.

>>3619831
>>3619836
Yeah, agreed.

>>3619732
>>3619759
>>3619816
tallying votes so far, voting will remain open until 9:00 pm eastern tomorrow

>>3619412
> 1 Black mana

> 1 Blue mana

> Corpse Explosion

> Trick Bolt

> Minor scry

A compromise and an immediately useful spell.

>>3620260
>>3619816
>>3619732
>>3619759
voting is now closed, I will tally the votes and begin the next chapter tomorrow.

>>3622671
“The things that stink the worst are half-truths, lies, and hypocrisy.” ~ Jared La’man

================================(Chapter Start)=====================================

Henry walked through the underground sewers of Avignon, following Xavier as they paved a path through the muck and garbage. The sewers of Avignon were far dirtier than those of Celeste, at least the upper sewers tended to smell better. The rats and filth were everywhere and Henry was happy that he’d learnt early on to wear protective clothing and wash himself thoroughly after his jaunts, the Lic’toron rarely suffered from diseases due to their practices.

Xavier stopped at an intersection and hooked a left. They’d spent the last couple of days tracking down a bunch of leads and they had learned that some crazy man had been holed up in this normally abandoned tract of sewer. Quite a few of the disappearances had taken place around here so either the man knew something or was behind it all. Xavier palmed his new short sword while Henry gripped his tightly. The smoke from the torches made Henry’s eyes water, but it was preferable to being swarmed by hungry rats, the light runes did jack shit to keep them away.

Decisions:
1. “Can’t believe the fucker left a bunch of clues like some sort of puzzle.”
2. “Johnny, Xavier, stay on your guard.”
3. “So how many people have disappeared? Twenty, thirty?”
4. “Xavier, after this is all done, I was going to offer you an invitation to our mercenary company. You don’t have anywhere else to go, right?”
5. (Write in)

>>3625247
Tally of Votes:

Mana:
1 Blue, 1 Black 2 votes (winner due to lack of competition


Corpse Explosion: 9
Dark Healing: 4
Trick Bolt: 3
Internal Combustion: 3
Think Fast: 2
Dark Touch: 2
Minor Scry: 1

>>3625247
> 1. “Can’t believe the fucker left a bunch of clues like some sort of puzzle.”

Xavier doesn't seem like the mercenary type, and I don't want a vamp getting bloodlust anywhere near us, especially one as repressed as him.

>>3625247
this >>3625318

>>3625341
>>3625318
writing

>>3625298
New Spells:
1. Corpse Explosion Changed to Bone splinters:
Bone Splinters: Necromancy’s main purpose is to repurpose useless bits and bobs of lives long past. Sometimes those repurposed bits meet violent ends. Overcharge the raise dead spell and turn a corpse into a massive blast of shrapnel, perfect for surprising opponents or making normal undead far more deadly. Once the blast has started dispelling isn’t possible since it’s a volley of sharpened bone. (Costs 1 Black Mana, 1 Zombie)

Dark Healing: Steal the very Vis from someone and use it to heal yourself, this can outright kill those who are already injured, but can be resisted by those with enough willpower or physical strength. Vis is the energy that binds a soul to a body. Removing all of it will cause the unlucky person’s soul to float freely, leaving the body a dead husk. Cannot be used to heal another person or creature, because sharing isn’t fun. (Costs 2 Black mana to cast)

>>3625366
Nice. Now we're a proper Necromancer with some real punch added to our minions.

Also, looks like we can use Dark Healing to grab free souls to put into Ticky. Once we find a suitable candidate.

It occurs to me, are we maybe looking in the wrong place for a soul? Like, does it HAVE to be human? Couldn't we use like, a dog soul or something?

>>3625247
“Can’t believe the fucker left us a bunch of clues.” Henry muttered, holding up his torch and hoping that it wouldn’t ignite any gas down here.

Dying to an explosion was of course, far preferable to dying from bunch of rats. Sure they weren’t nearly as ravenous as Avignon’s but they still were something to be avoided if at all possible, the fuckers were maneaters.

“Like a massive egotistical puzzle, he wanted someone intelligent to find him.” Johnny added.

“As long as we get the son of a bitch I’ll be more than happy.” Xavier said, “At the very least I’d like to get him out of my neck of the woods.”

The trio continued on, Johnny and Xavier leading the way with Henry taking up the safest spot at the back. Henry noticed the smell first, decaying corpses, no denying it. He let his compatriots know and the group cautiously advanced. Henry considered snuffing the torches but a bunch of skittering to his right made him think better of it.

Eventually the group came into a small round chamber, with a couple of corpses laid out in a pile and another corpse strapped to a flat hunk of stone. The corpses all looked completely mutilated and Henry could tell that whoever had done this had used a fair bit of magic as well, the burn and black mana marks on the corpses told a chilling tale. Johnny carefully closed the makeshift door behind him, it was the only thing keeping the rats at bay.

“Seems the perpetrator has flown the coop, the corpses are at least a week old, though it’s a bit hard to tell.” Johnny said, calm as usual.

“May the lord have mercy on their souls.” Xavier muttered, the man looked like he was about to throw up.

>>3625397

“Looks like a hobbyist. These look like the vagrants based on their makeshift clothing, doubt they’d have anything worth knowing, and the torture methods looked to have been haphazard and completely random.” Henry said after poking around the corpses.

“So what are you saying?” Xavier asked.

“The bastard clearly took his time having his way with them and I’d go so far as to say he enjoyed it immensely. I doubt this was done for anything other than sheer enjoyment.” Henry replied. “I mean there is a fucking tray full of human teeth here, the guy pulled them out one by one then seared the wounds closed with unshielded red mana. It would’ve hurt really fucking bad the entire way through, especially if he’d waited a few minutes between each one. This guy’s missing half his fingers and I guess our prep got a bit bored after that, I see that corpse over there is missing a hand. Skulls undamaged, internals… too rotted to tell…” Henry said, going on until Johnny stopped him, Xavier had already vomited up half eaten food onto the ground.

“Still don’t get why you bother eating, and I sure as hell don’t know why you bothered eating before coming here if you had such a weak stomach.” Henry said, finally disgusted with something in the room.

“Makes me feel a bit human.” Xavier replied, straining to crack any sort of joke.

Decisions:
1. *inspect the room* (roll 1d100)
2. “You’re welcome to bury the corpses but I’m sure as shit not helping, Xavier.”
3. “I’d offer to have the corpses walk themselves to a grave but I don’t know if that’d be possible. The hobbyist did a number on them.”
4. “I’m worried at the man’s magical talent, he obviously commands a good deal of red and black mana. He or she might be a vampire, any ideas Xavier?”
5. (write in)

>>3625399
>1. *inspect the room* (roll 1d100)
> 4. “I’m worried at the man’s magical talent, he obviously commands a good deal of red and black mana. He or she might be a vampire, any ideas Xavier? Can you use like, Vampire senses or anything to check the room?”

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>3625446

>>3625491
>>3625446
>>3625399
This is me I forgot to roll

>>3625491
>>3625399
That's a tight fucking roll though, no?

>>3625399
backing >>3625446
I refuse to roll after a roll THAT good

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3626092
Pussy.

Watch me roll again for you then.

>>3626092
>>3626620
YOU COULD HAVE STOPPED THIS.

Or done worse. Who knows, it's dice!

I just always feel silly if there aren't 3 rolls unless only one is specifically called for.

>>3626624
I've put the fear of god into my players

>>3625399
Henry took the time to inspect the room, going over everything of importance and knocking over any pieces of furniture that he figured might have things hiding behind them. As a sort of last ditch idea, he ordered Johnny to clear away the bodies and lo and behold there was a note underneath them.

‘Happy to see you were able to either find me through your wits, brute force, or plain dumb luck. Shame that I’ve likely been gone for months by now. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to clash wits soon. Keep your eyes on Magica as the holiday approaches, I have big plans!”

“Cocky bastard.” Henry muttered.

Johnny took a moment to read the note and then handed it off to Xavier. The man flat out refused to touch the corpse stained piece of paper.

“Seems the authorities will have fun trying to deal with this madman.” Johnny said, “We’ll have to make sure it gets passed along.”

“Found a Diary too.” Henry said, holding up a book that had been stored inside one of the desks.

The book didn’t contain too much of value, most of the pages were blank, others contained all sorts of nasty sketches of torture techniques and ways to inflict suffering. There were a couple of notes on the Van Graffs and how the man had been outcast from them due to his mutation. He also mentioned how he’d found devils to be excellent company. The amount of life like sketches of the buggers was frankly disturbing.

“Anyone that befriends devils is a mortal demon.” Johnny muttered, after Henry shared the info.

“Right, never had too much experience with them. Why’re they so bad?” Xavier asked.

>>3627485
“Take all of a demon’s malice and hatred and remove all of its self-control and most of its intelligence and you get a devil. The things also have a nasty tendency to explode and ignite everything around them when they die. A lot of demons utilize them as shock troops.” Johnny explained.

Henry sighed, Abraxas had never kept too many of the things around, instead relying on lesser demons, shades, or mortals to do his dirty work. The lesser demons rarely brought any of their own minions in for show and tell, so Henry ironically didn’t have much experience with the red buggers.

“I’m worried because of the man’s magical talent, he obviously commands a good deal of red and black mana. He or she also might be a vampire, any ideas Xavier? Any way you could check to see if there were any vampires in this room before?”

“Henry, I had my first death only five years ago, I’m a neonate who can hardly use basic blood magic. High level black mana scrying is completely beyond me.” Xavier explained.

“Unlikely, the victims weren’t drained of blood whatsoever, and so much was wasted.” Johnny said. “That level of self-control probably rules out most neonates, and I doubt any vampire old enough to control himself would be this brazen. If the church didn’t deal with them their own family would.”

“Yeah I know house Roma deals with idiots but I didn’t know if skalitz was the same.”

“The elders generally encourage some degree of care.” Xavier said, spitting on the ground.

“All I know is this guy was a family member of the Van Graffs, I don’t really feel with fucking with a demon tainted son of a bitch.”

“I’m not really familiar with them.” Xavier admitted.

“A massive family led by one of the three demon princes, Zarandar. It’s like one entire family being possessed at all times, and the demon is well known for treating the family well overall, since they treat him as their personal god.” Johnny said. “They’ve been in business for… two hundred years now, I believe? They tend to stay to the eastern swamps, rarely straying out into more populated and civilized lands. If he’s an outcast his connection to Zarandar is likely severed. So he wouldn’t be able to call upon the demon’s mana, magic, or help.”

“Still a crazy son of a bitch.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. “Looks like our end of the bargin’s been upheld at least, Xavier. I’m not going to waste any more of my time or resources on this problem, at least not until I’m getting paid for it.”
2. “Seems the bugger moved to Magica, no fucking clue why.”
3. “Let’s get the fuck out of here, I don’t want to chance someone else stumbling upon this place right now.”
4. (write in)

>>3627490
>3. “Let’s get the fuck out of here, I don’t want to chance someone else stumbling upon this place right now.”
Drop off a hint with which ever church official person we've had the most contact with, contact that isn't bad.

>>3627504
>pick a destination

1. Home
2. Xavier's Haunt
3. Rosa's Church
4. Krenko's Bar and Tavern
5. Gold Hands Mage Guild
6. (write in)

>>3627537
>6. (write in)
Lets drop Venser the clue about mr devil summoner
But drop professor x off first at his haunt

>>3627537
this >>3627560

>>3627560
>>3627490
Seems like a good plan.

Also ask Xavier what obligations he has to his clan.

>>3627795
>what obligations he has to his clan.
He hates them

>>3627795
he's an outcast due to the fact he refused to drop his religious beliefs. He has neither obligations nor support.

>>3627490
Henry decided that the best course of action would be to contact someone in the church who’d proven reliable. Considering Rosa was still nowhere to be found that only left Venser on Henry’s list of people at the church worth contacting. Instead of considering exactly how best to contact the man, Henry figured he’d just pay him an office visit. Sure it was potentially dangerous but he doubted that anyone would pull anything stupid inside of a Paladin’s keep. Murder for no reason was generally frowned upon, meaning someone murdering him for no discernable reason would be a big no no.

Xavier was dropped off back in his nice dry home in the less trafficked areas of the sewers. While Henry hadn’t really minded the idea of him living in the warehouse for a bit, in practice it had proven a tad tricky. The man had done a good job conducting the funeral rites of the dead woman and Alice’s mental state had improved somewhat. His help had also ensured the children had been able to cope somewhat, so overall it was mostly positives.

After crossing half the city, Henry and Johnny ended up on the bluff that contained the Citadel of Lanterns. The main headquarters for the ghiest hunting order of paladins. Getting inside was surprisingly easy, the only thing that they had to do was a weapons check.

Decisions:
1. *talk your way inside with Johnny* (roll 1d100)(will still lose access to weapons)
2. *leave Johnny outside)
3. *break Johnny down and sneak him inside, tell the guards you brought a spare of clothes* (roll 2d100)
4. (write in)

>>3627842
>4. (write in)
Have Johnny wait at an area overlooking, if possible, the facility.

>>3627853
Supporting

>>3627853
>>3627842
Sure why not.

>>3629829
>>3629462
>>3627853
writing

>>3627842
“Johnny, I want you to find a building to watch the citadel from.” Henry said.

“Oh, try to find a security hazard in one of the best protected buildings in the city, thank you for providing me such an easy task.” Johnny replied.

Henry sighed and gave Johnny a less demanding order, wait outside in a safe location until Henry needed him. The citadel itself was located on a cliff between the city and the ocean. The path leading up to it was filled with houses and buildings that were meant for the paladins and their families, and all of the things they’d need like taverns, weaponsmiths, runecrafters, and of course lamp makers. The lamps themselves being rendered out of glass meant that any ghiest trapped inside would be unable to escape. The fire inside of them drew in ghiests like a moth to flame. The entire strategy was so effective that an entire order of paladins had formed around it and had been recognized by the church. Johnny had told him the entire order dated back to at least four hundred years ago, and the strategy itself had been created long before Johnny’s time.

The citadel’s imposing stone walls and support towers rose up menacingly in front of Henry, and he soon felt himself having second thoughts. Just as he was about to turn back he was called up to the gate where he explained that he needed to speak with Venser and that the man would know who he was. The paladins gave each other a look and one of them relctuantly spoke into a brass tube that led further into the building while the other paladin patted Henry down for weapons, removing all of his blades, all of the runes in his possession, his iron dagger, the broken red mana warding charm, and . Henry had had the good sense to hand Johnny his gravediggers necklace. Henry sighed when he realized he no longer had his signature red cloak, he missed the thing.

“An angelic flare rune? Huh, maybe you are someone important.” The paladin frisking him said, “Alright Melvin he’s clean, get the initiate to lead him inside.”

“Righto, Briggs!” Melvin said, calling over a timid young boy with clothing that was several sizes too big on him.

The kid reminded him of how Gerald had been when he’d first join the church. Henry recalled the various discussions he’d had with Gerald on what part of the church to join. Johnny had eventually explained to him that the Paladin orders rarely helped the common folk directly and tended to deal with their own areas of expertise only. That had caused Gerald to make his mind up.

By the time the kid had led him into the building Henry was lost in thought reminiscing.

>>3630316
“We’re here sir.” Initiate Briggs said.

The boy walked inside, announced why he was there, and immediately ran back out with a flustered look on his face.

“Y-you can enter n-now, sir.” He said, before rushing off.

Henry braced himself and then walked through the door to reveal a large office with several rooms inside of it, sitting at the front desk was someone that he recognized. A calm young man with golden blonde hair and a couple of floating lanterns hovering above him, pulsing with white mana. He was wearing the robes of an apprentice although a couple more details had been added since Henry had last seen him in the Chateau. Perhaps he’d been given a promotion? The apprentice that had been with Venser. In Venser’s office, sitting at Venser’s desk. Was the jig up?

“Ah, Henry, hello there.” The man said. “I am Senior Apprentice Ashur, please take a seat, I believe you came here to speak to the master but I’m afraid he’s not in the office presently so I’ve decided to speak with you in his stead, I hope you find that acceptable.”

Henry turned towards the door but found it had already closed and locked itself. Damn ghiest enchantments.

Decisions:
1. *Play along*
2. *cast a spell* (write in spell)
3. *use one of your remaining items*
4. *Attack him with your bare hands*
5. (write in)

>>3630319
>5. (write in)
Squint at him.
Squint at him hard.
Say NOTHING!
Then if he still doesn't budge, sit down and tell him we came across disturbing things while working a case.

>>3630334
writing

>>3630334
Lol i like this.

Very Granny Weatherwax

>>3630319
Henry thought of everything he could possibly say to the man, and decided he wouldn’t dignify any of this with a response, so he merely squinted at Ashur, squinted at him really hard.

Ashur sighed and then pointed at one of the lamps. The glow inside of it became much brighter and Henry suddenly felt an intense pressure in the back of his temples and a sudden feeling of passiveness overtook him.

“Right, I might as well end the pleasantries. You killed Clint didn’t you, at Del Mar’s house? I know for a fact that you claimed the bounty and I can’t think of any other way you could’ve done so without having found the man’s journal and research papers. How much do you know, and how did you manage to fool Venser for so long!?”

Decision #1: Clint?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Who?
4. (write in)

Decision #2: Venser
1. “I’m just a merc, I work for money, that’s it.”
2. “I don’t know what the fuck I’ve stepped into but I don’t want any part of it kid.”
3. “We’re in the middle of a paladin’s citadel and I’m here as their guest, you aren’t going to do shit or you’ll end up on the chopping block.” (roll 1d100)
4. “You seem to be in way over your head, getting all emotional like that.”
5. (write in)

>>3630384
>3. Who?
"Who the fuck is clint?"
Immediately into
>5. (write in)
"I don't have time for this
I'm here about disappearances around [enter place here], found some shit about shit I DO NOT want to even imagine."
Offer journal.

Rolled 40, 66 = 106 (2d100)

>>3630384
> 4. (write in)

> I don't know what you're talking about, and especially not who. Seriously, who? But right now I'm here to talk to *Venser* about some bad shit going down in your backyard. Shit bad enough that I came into Hotel Holy Pants straight away because this makes bed-bugs look like a choirboy before the priest slips them a roofie and then slips them something a little, and I mean 3" at most, harder.

Does the church here have a reputation for pederasty a la Catholicism? Regardless BURN!

> So is this a little coup? You're going around behind Venser's back, thinking you can sieze the reins? Because I have everything to lose and nothing to gain by going loud here, but fuck it you want to dance? I have an angels flare rune and an itchy finger. Let's see what happens, hey?

> Also I'm pretty sure I burned and then blew up whatever notes were left behind because fuck that shit I was fighting an immortal magical bug man and overkill is *comforting* when you're dealing with anything those terms apply to.

> So chill your tits and take some notes because there's a monster out there wearing a human face and whatever you might think about me I guarantee it's worse.

A die for him to believe us, and an intimidation roll to make him think we don't give a fuck about just dragging this all out into the light to be exposed.

>>3630400
This sounds more bad ass
>>3630400
He was talking about that armored person we killed, the one with a flamethrower in his suit.

>>3630400
>>3630394
writing

>>3630400
>> Also I'm pretty sure I burned and then blew up whatever notes were left behind because fuck that shit I was fighting an immortal magical bug man and overkill is *comforting* when you're dealing with anything those terms apply to.
This can be seen as an admission of guilt, even if we're talking about a different building.

>>3630384
“I don’t know what the FUCK you’re talking about, and especially not who Clint is. Who the FUCK is Clint? Look, I came here to talk to *Venser* about some bad things that have been happening in town, out of curtesy! Shit bad enough that I came here, right to him to discuss! Worse than whatever the fuck you’ve been up to.”

Ashur grimaced at Henry and shot him a look full of hatred. He turned to the lantern and kept his gaze on it for a moment, like he expected it to do something more than hover.

“Bullshit. You’re lying, I know you’re fucking lying! You’ve weaseled your way far too close to him for this to be anything other than a trap, and now you go to the Marquis and try to play it off as business?! Do you think I’m stupid!?” Ashur yelled, overpowering Henry’s annoyance with anger.

“So is this a little coup, going behind Venser’s back, thinking you can seize the reins. Cause that means I don’t have a god damned thing to lose by plastering you against the wall over there. Fuck it you want to dance? I have an angelic flare rune and an itchy finger, lets see what fucking happens huh?” Henry said, pulling out the flare run and aiming it at the ceiling knowing full well it’d keep going until it hit open sky.

“You little, do you think that everyone is always trying to betray everyone else? I’d NEVER go behind his back, you don’t even deserve to say his name! ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE WORKING FOR THE CULT!” Ashur yelled again. The man was struggling to hold himself back.

“Also I’m pretty sure I destroyed anything remaining when I blew up Del Mar’s hidey hole. I’m very sorry that you wanted his diary but I wasn’t going to get anywhere near him.”

“You were at his house! I KNOW you were there!” Ashur continued. The man had thrown the seat back and had begun to stand up at some point.

“Calm the FUCK down.” Henry said. “I am NOT your enemy, I’m working for MYSELF and right now there is a monster out there wearing a human face and whatever you might think about me I guarantee its worse.”

>>3630454

“Yet you still work for it?” Ashur asked, incredulous. “Fine I’ll humor you, because obviously you’re able to avoid telling the truth without uttering a single lie!”

Ashur snapped his fingers and the first lamp settled on the desk and extinguished itself. Henry felt the pressure in the room immediately dissipate like someone had flicked a switch.

“Boy I don’t think you know what the FUCK you’re talking about.” Henry said, feeling a few flickers of a much darker rage boil over.

>The Apprentice is a loud mouth isn’t he? With a snap of your fingers he won’t talk ever again… you know you want to.

Decisions (you know you want to):
1. “I refuse to talk to you further, so let me leave”
2. “You’re a naïve little brat and you’re going to end up causing a lot of problems for everyone if you don’t grow the fuck up.”
3. “The world isn’t so black and fucking white you snot nosed punk.”
4. “I don’t want any harm to come to Venser, in fact he’s probably one of the few people I can see eye to eye with.”
5. (write in?)
6. > Snap your fingers

>>3630456
>4. “I don’t want any harm to come to Venser, in fact he’s probably one of the few people I can see eye to eye with.”
"Unlike a little snobbish noble that parades around in the name of the church, pretending to help the people."

>>3630456
>4. “I don’t want any harm to come to Venser, in fact he’s probably one of the few people I can see eye to eye with.”

> *Tired* Fuck. You're too fucking young, too fucking, I don't know, innocent probably isn't the right word if you're working with Venser.

> Fine. Be suspicous of me. Hell, be suspicious of EVERYONE. Probably the most honest advice I've ever given. But learn how to pick the time and place. People are dying, worse, death is the least of the things happening to them and it makes me sick to think about it.

> So, boy, *please* call Venser in so that I can get some help with this. Tell yourself he's simply saving me for last if that helps. It's probably true.

> You know, you're more like Paladins are are made out to be tham they actually are. It might sound like a compliment, but it's not.

>>3630472
>>3630493
writing tomorrow, shame I got a fucking double shift.

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>3630506
Make that money! Have somr dice

>>3630456
This >>3630493

>>3630493
+1

>>3630955
>>3630954
>>3630525
>>3630493
>>3630472
well, after working the double shift I've determined I'm tired as fuck so I'm gonna write tomorrow.