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... You had been on the road, if you can call it that, for almost two weeks now. With the thick foliage on every side of you, its hard to manoeuvre the carriage around. Yet the wizard pushes you onward, acting as if its a trivial thing to command two horses and the massive carriage through this maze. With no map and no bearings you have been letting the wizard lead you around, but you’re starting to think that even he doesn't actually knows where he is going. Yet, as usual, he seems so sure of himself, and he has yet to lead you wrong. Although, where ever it is you are going, you hope you get there soon. You didn’t pack enough nonperishable food for a trip into the wilderness. Normally you could hunt a rabbit or two to pad the wizards meals out. yet oddly enough, you have not been able to find anything to hunt for the past week, not even a bird. You wish the wizard would say something, he has been quietly peering off into the distance all day. The silence of the woods is starting to get to your nerves.

What do?
>talk things out with the wizard
>set up camp and do some hunting
>reminisce about the past (part 2/3 of back story)
>railroad / fast forward me deeper into the plot
>INSIGHT (3/3 uses)
>write inn

>talk things out with the wizard

>>4305252
>>railroad / fast forward me deeper into the plot

>>4305252
>reminisce about the past (part 2/3 of back story)

OP image makes me think that we're murdered by the wizard.

>>4305252
>reminisce about the past (part 2/3 of back story)

>>4305252
>>write inn
"Mr Wizard, teach me some magic."

>>4305252
>>talk things out with the wizard

>>4305252
>talk things out with the wizard

>>4305252
>Write in
Rub your face and neck, pacifying movements. Patience pays off.

>>4305252
>talk things out with the wizard

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>>4305312
Actually casting magic as a conduit Is something you are born with. But the wizard is already tutoring you to be a theoretical magician, to better help him as an assistant.

>>4305264
Unwilling to break the silence, you sink back into your seat and continue reminiscing on how you got here in the first place...

...No one knew what to make of him at first, no one even realized he was a wizard. Sure, everyone knows about witches. Entire villages disappearing overnight, placid animals turning feral, unusual child births; all attributed to witches. Out in the frontier, so far from the great observatory, such things are all too common. But a wizard? This far out? Its almost unheard of. The last person to have seen one was probably your grand father. So when he set up his carriage in the center of town and waited, it wasn’t long before the call came down to remove a vagrant.

Of course, that duty fell on your shoulders. Yet when you arrived on the scene with a few men, you could instantly tell that something just wasn't right. The man had an aura about him, he was drawing a crowd just be sitting, mesmerizing them with silence. What you saw, was a chance to demonstrate your authority to a large crowd. After all, it was already decided you were to become the mayor once you turned twenty four, so a few demonstrations like this would be needed. With all the confidence and arrogance that was your birthright, you marched right up to the supposed vagrant with plans to bring him in for questioning.

You: “I'm sorry friend, but you can't unpack here. You're going to have to come with me.”

His reply was to look right into your eyes with a burning intensity that you couldn't help but step back from. He undressed your soul and what he saw didn't impress him. Before you could do anything else, he already started to speak. Using you as a pedestal, from which to address all the onlookers. He gave his name and his profession: “Rasputin the Wizard”. His accent you only heard from one other man, your grandfather. It was inner kingdom, and instantly you knew he was telling the truth. In only a mater of hours, and without a single display of his magic, he bewitched the entire town. But most importantly, he bewitched you. His clothing, his accent, everything. He represented something so foreign from the life that you had been groomed for. It was at this moment that the mask you wore every day started to crack...

Backstory (2/4) This will actually be better in 4 parts, oops

Uggh, nothing is worse then remembering something embarrassing from your earlier years. In an effort to escape your own mind you start a dialogue with the wizard. Maybe to talk things out...

You: “Do you even know where we are going? Are we lost? Its been almost two weeks, you realize that right? ”

The wizard doesn’t answer you right away, he takes his time to finish up what ever he was thinking about.

Wizard: “Patience, patience, patience. A wizard always arrives when he means too.”

You can't help but feel as if you have disappointed him somehow.

Wizard: “Over yonder, we have almost reached our destination”

He is right, in a matter of minutes the dirt road begins to widen and in the distance you can almost make out a real stone road. The timing is just too perfect, you can't help but feel as if you had been tricked somehow.

Wizard: “Stop here, I have a task that I must discus with you.”

A task? You stop the carriage as instructed and wait for orders.

Wizard: “There is someone in this town that I want you to locate for me”

You: “Of course, who are they, where can I find them?”

The wizard rubs his chin and thinks for a moment.

Wizard: “I'm not sure”

An odd request.

You: “Alright... Then what do they look like?”

He gives you a small sympathetic smile

Wizard: “I'm afraid I don't know that either, but I’m sure you won't let me down”

You are not sure how to react to such a bizarre request, you are supposed to find someone but he doesn’t know who they are, where they are, or what they look like? You had thought that by now you would be used to the odd tasks the wizard will at times set out for you. But this one takes the cake, perhaps he has been eating the mushrooms again while you have not been looking?

You: “Uhh, sure. No problem... Ill take a look once we get set up”

Wizard: “No, that won't do, get off here and enter the town alone discreetly. You will have an easier time if people don't know we are together.”

You don't like it, but do as you are told. You just hope he remembers to use the sign you made... Last time he arrived to a village before you, he sat out by himself for three days because no one approached him. How he got on before you is a mystery.

>What do?
>trail and watch the wizard, just to make sure he is ok...
>Wait and enter the town at night
>Enter the town right away, you have been on the road too long too wait. You have needs too.
>none of this makes sense. INSIGHT the wizard (3/3 uses)
>write in

>>4305478
>Look around in the city. The first person that stands out should do. After all, if neither you or the wizard knows who we are looking for, any person should do for now

>>4305478
>Enter the town right away, you have been on the road too long too wait. You have needs too.

>>4305478
>do as you're told bitch boi
>Enter the town right away

>>4305472
We can always ask for more lessons
>>4305487
This

>>4305478
>Enter the town right away, you have been on the road too long too wait. You have needs too.

>>4305478
>>Enter the town right away, you have been on the road too long too wait. You have needs too.

>>4305478
>"Is there any other way I can find this…mystery person?"

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You quickly gather up your things and some coin from the back of the waggon/carriage monstrosity that you and the wizard live out of. But before you are ready to set out you feel a tug of insecurity. The wizards task truly is a daunting one.

You: “Is there any other way I can find this…mystery person? ”

You hear the wizard snap the reigns and the horses start their march. The wizard gives you a final look and brings his finger up to his eye.

Wizard: “Perhaps this is a good opportunity to use that eye of yours. Don't be so afraid to use the boons fate has presented you”

At the mention of your eye you immediately feel a dull throbbing pain behind the left one. Your eye? Is he serious? Isn’t he the one who told your grandfather it could “consume your soul”? As you watch the carriage move further and further away you ponder what exactly Rasputin meant. Its not like he has given you any training in its use or anything. In fact he hasn’t brought it up since the day this whole thing started. What exactly are you supposed to do..? You wonder if all wizards are so annoyingly cryptic, or is it just this ones fatal character flaw.


... Entering the town want very difficult, you kind of just walked in the direction of the sounds and smells. Coming out of the woods you may have caught and eye or two, but none really lingered on you. Then soon enough you found yourself in the town itself. Its a quaint little place, nothing out of the ordinary that you can notice. People come too and fro, there is a market, a tavern, a pier. Yep, its a town all right. You don't know how to start searching for a unknown person, so you walk up to the first person that stands out and interrogate him.

You:” Hey”

Stranger: “Can I help you son?”

You: “Yeah, have you seen anything unusual?”

He gives you a smug look

Stranger: “Yeah, heh, you”

He then leaves you in the dust. As he goes you notice a swagger in his walk.

>what do?
> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the tavern
> Continue investigation: Check the pier
> Continue investigation: Check the market
> Get frustrated at the this ridiculous quest and do something fun for yourself
> Spy on the wizard
> write in

>>4305788
>use the tavern, if there's any place a writer would put a POI, it's there

climb to a high point and observe the surrounding area AssCreed style, use your sharingan if possible

>>4305788
>> Continue investigation: Check the market
we totally aren't getting something for ourselves

>>4305788
>> Continue investigation: Check the market

>>4305788

>>4305794 sounds like a good idea but could get us in trouble with the authorities. So instead I have to go with > Continue investigation: Check the market

>>4305788
> Continue investigation: Check the tavern

>>4305788
>> Continue investigation: Check the tavern

>>4305788
>As he goes you notice a swagger in his walk.
Check our purse, we've probably been pickpocketed

Rolled 1 (1d2)

1 market 2 tavern

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The first thing you do is take a firm hold of your money purse, its still there. You guess that the mans swagger comes from the absolutely sick nasty burn he delivered. It probably made his day if not week, some peasants really don't have much going for them.

You decide take your investigation in the direction of the marketplace. You imagine, that if you need to pick a needle from a haystack, that checking the place where most people congregate would be a good place to start. Its not as if you have any other reason to go there... On the way you try picking people at random and making small talk hoping to pick the person out by chance. But this you quickly drop, as it proves to be a fruitless endeavour. In fact, it does nothing but make the task seem more and more daunting.

The market is alive with smells and sounds. Being midsummer, the market place is more alive then ever. Traders, both local and travelling, set up their stalls and see much business. The sun hangs high in the sky, enticing the people to hug close to the shade of the stalls linen drapery. You scan the faces of the people, yet other then the scarred face of a mercenary everything just looks “normal?”. Your moral is at an all time low, and thats when you see it. The stall. The stall that sells THAT. Your one weakness, and tonally not the reason why you came to the market in the first place. Its exactly where you thought it would be. Not that you care for such things, but this time the Wizard is not here to judge you. Its a...

> ... Fabrics and dyes stall, your secret hobby is tailoring and sowing.
> ... Exotic meats stall, its your secret dream to eat the flesh of every single animal on this planet.
> ... Knives and daggers stall, Its your secret hobby to collect and horde all sorts of different knives.
> ... Hats stall, all sorts of hats top hats bottom hats long hats short hats hats hats hats, its your secret dream to wear the tallest hat on this planet.
> ... Write in

>>4306904
>> ... Knives and daggers stall, Its your secret hobby to collect and horde all sorts of different knives.
I like this hobby

>>4306904
>> … Exotic meats stall, its your secret dream to eat the flesh of every single animal on this planet.

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>>4306904
>HATS

>>4306927
We can't just buy hats, we must win hats

>>4306904

> ... Exotic meats stall, its your secret dream to eat the flesh of every single animal on this planet.

we fat

>>4306904
>... Knives and daggers stall, Its your secret hobby to collect and horde all sorts of different knives.

I vote knife

>>4306904
> ... Hats stall, all sorts of hats top hats bottom hats long hats short hats hats hats hats, its your secret dream to wear the tallest hat on this planet.

>>4306904
>write in: the intoxicating beverage and strange potion stall
>you've always had a weakness for strong drink and a fascination for mysterious mixtures.

>>4306904
>>4306953
swapping to this baller write in
>>4307084

>>4307084
switching to this

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... intoxicating beverage and strange potion stall. Your secret black character trait is your over zealous enjoyment of such things. Some, lesser men, would even call it an addiction. But these men are what you call, ignorant. Because you know the truth, and the truth is that you could stop at any time if you wanted to. It has been AGES since you had a sip of anything, the wizard doesn’t drink himself nor does he condone the act. Before that, your grandfather has forbid you partaking due to “the incident”. Both are simply ignorant, they just doesn’t understand like how you understand it. You reach your hand down and touch one of the bottles, the gangs all here; Brandy, Vodka, Cognac, and all the others.

The vender sizes you up instantly.
Merchant: “Hello my young friend, you got quite the eye of whats best in life yes?”
Yes, yes you do. What harm can there be in having a taste? Its better then sneaking sips out of the wizards potion stash.

> Get blitzed in the middle of the day
> Buy a bottle for tonight
> Ask the merchant if he has seen anyone who stands out
> Ask to sample some of the bottles
> Get blitzed in the middle of the day
> INSIGHT the merchant (3/3 uses)
>write in

>>4307186
>"Give me your STRONGEST spirit and your CRAZIEST potion!"
>save it for a special occasion

>>4307186
>> Ask to sample some of the bottles
>> Get blitzed in the middle of the day
Start with the sampling, end with the blitz

>>4307186
> Buy a bottle for tonight

Think about it guys, we get blitzed here we probably won't be able to get blitzed for a while. But if we drink responsibly we'll be able to maintain a habit.

>>4307186
>ask the merchant if he has seen anyone who stands out

>>4307195
+1

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You cut through the red tape and pleasantries and jump right to the red line.

You: “Give me your strongest spirit and your strongest craziest potion please”

The merchant gives you an odd look.

Merchant: “Strongest? Are you sure?”

You: “Yes, I have been drinking for many years and have developed a very high tolerance, and also its actually for my father you see its not for me... Also im getting it for a friend”

The merchant nods a few times and picks a bottle for you.

Merchant: “I believe this one is quit suitable for a man of high taste, im sure your friend will love it”

You thank the merchant and buy the Brandy. Such is you lust, that you don't even check the price but instead slam your coin purse on the stall and empty it until the merchant seems satisfied. Then the two of you move over to the potion stall where he attempts to describe some of the tonics and oils available. But you put your hand up and make a simple request

You: “Surprise me”

Merchant: “I think I have just the thing...”

He reaches down and pulls a vile out from behind the counter. He places the red liquid vile into your hands and begins to deliver a sales pitch. Something something: rare root extract, something something: bushmen people, yada yada: wedding rituals.

Its hard to keep focus on the merchant as you start to notice the crowds slip away from the marketplace and head in another direction. The merchant notices it too, as his customers are starting to disappear away with the rest of the throng. The wizard has probably made his entrance by now, how can any merchant compete with free magic services?

You wrap up your shopping with a bottle of brandy for later and a mystery potion. As you do, you also decide to roll the dice and ask the merchant if he has seen anyone who stands out. Unfortunately, you are unable to provide much of a description, to triangulate a target individual. The best he can do is recommend trying the pier, sailors are pretty unusual.

You start to get the feeling that the merchant, having taken your money, would prefer if he scooted off. As he seems more interested on where everyone else is going then helping you find a mystery individual.


> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the tavern
> Continue investigation: Check the pier
> Follow the crowd (You assume its to see the wizard)
> INSIGHT the merchant (3/3 uses)
> Look for the tallest building around to look down on everything from
> write in

>>4307379
>Continue investigation: Check the pier

>>4307379
>follow the crowd, maybe they're looking at someone unusual

>>4307379
>> Look for the tallest building around to look down on everything from

>>4307379
> Look for the tallest building around to look down on everything from

definitely not just to look down on people

>>4307379
> Look for the tallest building around to look down on everything from

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With all the people distracted you find much of the town starting to empty out. You're sure the wizard is sucking up the entire town like a vortex. As word of a wizard spreads, so to does the strength of his vacuum. Even people who are mistrustful of magic will come just to gawk.

This makes it much easier for you to get around. Turning sharply down an alley, you find a stack of barrels which you then use to get up to the roof of a house without getting noticed. From this vantage point, you get a better look over the rooftops until you find the tallest building in the town. Which is: the tower on top of the local temple. Temples to Sol usually have high towers, the idea is that the closer you get to Sol the more likely he will hear your prayer.

Getting to the temple takes some time, but jumping from roof top to roof top shortens the trip and gives easy access to the side of the temple. From there its only a quick shimmy up the side of a wall until you are ontop of their roof. luckily for you, much of the bricks are falling out, leaving much room to place your hands. While scaling the wall, you get the impression that the temple has not been very well maintained...

You get the idea that the priests probably won't let you up their tower just because you ask, and you worry about getting caught. Yet that problem resolves itself too, as you notice a precision of priests heading towards where you assume the wizard has been wizarding...

... ontop of the tower you can see the entire town. You notice three things that stand out:
1: The mass of people that have congregated to one area
2: there is an unusually large ship at the pier, you have never seen its like .
3: There is a vinyard off in the distance, it seems to be enclosed by a set of 5 stone walls.

>what do? (you have time to visit one more place before dark)
> Check in on the wizard
> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the tavern
> Continue investigation: Check the pier
> Continue investigation: Check the Vinyard
> check out the pier
> INSIGHT (3/3 uses)
> take a few swigs of your brandy, just a few...
> write in

>>4307964
>go to the pier

>>4307964
>Take a swig, then check pier
Booze should help us find this person , maybe

>>4307964
>check out the pier

>>4307964
>check out your ass

>>4308182
+1

>>4308182

+1

>>4308182
+1 then take a swig THEN check the pier

>>4307964
> Continue investigation: Check the pier

Vinyard tempting but we just indulged.

>>4307964
>Take a swig, then check pier
Drinking will help us blend in.

>>4307964
>> Continue investigation: Check the pier

>>4307964
>> Continue investigation: Check the pier

>>4308182
+1

>>4308182 #

+1

>>4307964
> check out the pier

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Taking a look up at the sun, you guesstimate that you have about time to check one more place before sundown. You have a dagger on you, but not a sword, so being caught out in a foreign town after dark would be risky. Your time in the town guard gives you the knowledge that most towns have “safe streets” and “owned” streets. And you don't want to find yourself alone and weaponless on a “owned” street at night.

Deciding to follow the advice of the beverage merchant, you decide to head to the pier. But before you do that, maybe a congratulatory swig of your brandy could make the trip there less tedious? You use your knife in an attempt uncork your bottle, and for the first time realize that your hands are starting to shake. This makes uncorking a sloppy affair, the longer it takes the faster your heart races and the more your hands tremble. Once open, quickly you bring the bottle up to your lips and let the liquid pour down your throat. As if afraid that someone was going to stop you. It goes down smooth and sets alight your chest. You deeply missed this sensation... Ingesting the liquid causes your hands to stabilize. Taking that as a good sign, you take another swig, a longer drawn out one. Only stopping because a fit of coughing overtakes you...

... The pier is a busy place, it seems that the news reaches this place slowly. More so, there is too much work to be done by the sailors for breaks. Most of the ships are small fishing boats getting ready to head out at dawn tomorrow. All the preparations are done early to guarantee that each sailor can be first on the water and first back to sell his catch to the waiting fish merchants. But one ship stands out from the rest, a massive ship floating high enough off the water that one can't see its deck at all. Its mast extents higher then most trees and at its head, a statue of a mermaid points toward the city. A small ladder has been placed up against the ships haul to facilitate going up and down. You have heard that such ships exist, but have never seen one. Not even a drawing. It does the imagination justice if not more so.

Maybe its the liquor in you talking, but you decide your best bet to conduct an investigation is to walk right up to the sailors and indiscreetly ask them about the ship. So you wave at two sailors who look like they work here. They see you and wave back, they even beckon you over.

You feel a bit dizzy, but you are sure that it doesn't show.

You: “Hey, you boys with this ship?”
One of the sailors nods his head while sizing you up.
Sailor: “ay, whats it to you?”

>What do?
> “I have always wanted to see what the deck of a ship like that looks like”
> “Fancy a drink?” -Offer them some of your booze
> “Did this ship transport passengers by any chance?”
> “What can you tell me about this ship?”
> “Just saying hi” -Walk off
> write in

>>4309148
>> “What can you tell me about this ship?”

Hey Soj, when're you gonna drop this one?

>>4309148

> “Did this ship transport passengers by any chance?”

>>4309148
>“Did this ship transport passengers by any chance?”

>>4309148
>> “Fancy a drink?” -Offer them some of your booze

>>4309148
do you have a twitter? your art is the shit.

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You side step his question with a shrug and a smile. Then ask another question of your own while passing your brandy into the hands of a the larger burly sailor.

You: “What can you tell me about this ship?”

The big sailor, without question, puts the bottle to his lips and starts to drink, and drink, and drink... His smaller friend replies to your question with pride in his voice.

Sailor: “This is the ship Eio's Ire, the caption makes our wages by transporting goods and people across the great lakes. You can find no better ship, and no better better crew to protect your cargo on the open waters.”

You heard what he said, but your attention is on the empty bottle that the burly sailor tosses behind him.

Sailor: “HA- you call that alcohol? I wouldn’t brush my teeth with that swill”

He says after drinking all of it. You force down the rage thats rising inside you and play it cool.

You: “So you do transport people then? How many did you transport this time and where from?

The sailor doesn’t seem to like this question

Sailor: “I'm afraid we don't disclose that kind of information...”

But the burly sailor that downed your bottle steps in

Sailor: “We transported a few oddballs, but the only ones that stuck out was the mayors cousin. Weird fellow, gave me the creeps. Stayed in his cabin with an escort the whole way. Good riddance.

Other Sailor: “Looking to buy passage? You will have to take it up with the captain in the morning. We will be departing in about three days.”

You: “What if i want to meet him now?”

Sailor: “I'm afraid civilians are not permitted on the ship, and he is on the ship. ”

From his tone, you understand that the captain doesn’t want to be disturbed after hours.

>what do?
> “I would really like to see the captain now, I would really appreciate it”
> “I see, thank you for your help” -try and sneak onto the boat alone
> “You seem like you know your drink, maybe you can introduce me to a replacement bottle?” -try and get the loose tongued sailor alone
> “Do you maybe have a ship manifest? I'm looking for someone very important to me...” -attempt bribe
> INSIGHT (3/3 uses)
> call the investigation closed for now, pick it up tomorrow
> write in

>>4309252
I plan to post contact stuff after I complete the thread.

>>4309340
cool
>INSIGHT

>>4309340
>> INSIGHT

>>4309340
> “You seem like you know your drink, maybe you can introduce me to a replacement bottle?” -try and get the loose tongued sailor alone
Let's question him about why the captain doesn't take any guests.

>>4309340
> INSIGHT (3/3 uses)

>>4309340

> “You seem like you know your drink, maybe you can introduce me to a replacement bottle?” -try and get the loose tongued sailor alone

he's gonna be drunk soon so even more loose lipped

we can seduce him with our femboy charms

>>4309741
>femboy
Wait, really?

>>4309963
Why else would the OP image have a strategically placed flower when the thigh position would be more than enough to keep it SFW if the protag were female?

>>4309741
>>4309963
>>4309977
The MC is a guy, its not something I was trying to hide. I was looking to make a more roguish / intelligent character instead of a heroic character like Conan this time and wanted his look to reflect that. As for how feminine he is, i'm just reading the crowd / write ins and building on that.

also no update today I have an exam

>>4309340
>INSIGHT

>>4309963
I just kinda thought he was a femboy who doesn't realize he's a femboy.

>>4305245
So, the MC is a trap?

>>4310015
>>4310475
Nevermind, I should have read all the way to the bottom.

Supporting >>4309741, let's trap a sailor in our dirty port.

can we not get raeped by a random sailor tho?

>>4310613
I second avoiding the booty infiltrate

>>4310613
It's not rape.

It's SEDUCTION.

>>4310656
We don't actually have to fuck the sailor, just make him think he gets to smash.

>>4309340
>> INSIGHT (3/3 uses)

Kill jester

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You: “”hmmm, interesting. Thanks for your time boys...”

They nod their heads at you, to indicate a farewell

You: “Ah, there is just one more thing... ”

You point over at your empty smashed bottle in the not so far distance.

You: “Since the plans I had for tonight are all gone. Maybe you can introduce me to a new bottle? Maybe somewhere fun”

The big sailor takes you up on your offer, he knows just the place. His only condition: that his tab is payed rolled by his new friend. I.E. You.

The Big sailor, who introduces himself as Demire, takes you to a small sea side tavern. The place is full of other sailors, and soon enough you are drinking with them. Being introduced by a sailor gives you an instant pass and they take this opportunity to tell the stories they have already told each other a hundred times. The stories have clearly been exaggerated, as most contain feats of titanic strength and bravery. As you listen in, you also try and subtly grill them for more information. Mostly you ask about the captain, but you are met with much resistance. They seem very uncomfortable to talk about the captain as he is in the present. Saying things like “not the same”, “under the weather”, “not leaving his cabin”, “looks diminished” and so forth. But then they quickly tell you a tale of daring of the captains in his past glory. You wonder if there is a connection between the passengers on the ship and the captain. You also try and get some information about the other passengers, you get a few comments such as:

Random Sailor: “A father and his son, didn't see a mother. Good because one less woman on the ship, but also bad because the poor lad may not have a mother. The boy had a look of sadness on his face, yet the father looked oddly jovial. Didn’t pry, since the captain gave them a pass. Still looked odd to me though.”

Random Sailor: “A mercenary looking for employment, I say talked and talked like he saw a hundred battles. But I say he has seen none. At first sight of blood I say he will run back home. I says, I says, he said something about staying at the big snake inn, lots of work their apparently”

Random Sailor: “A pretty lass travelling alone, she had a sword on her hip and I thought her playing the soldier. Legs and hips like you wouldn’t believe, I fancied a touch but almost find myself going overboard. The strength of an ox she had!”

Random Sailor: “A priest of sol, at least he said, wore a long brim hat not becoming of a man of the cloth. Thought he was with the mayors cousin with as to how he stuck so close to em'. But after a while I saw the look in his eyes was hatred. I told the captain but nothing came of it”

The drink is strong here, and you suddenly notice that you are getting very drunk. Even if you stop now its already too late. Looking out the window you notice the sun has set... This leaves you in a bind, do you go and inform the wizard about your progress or not? You have not actually found anyone, so you have no one to bring back. But on the other hand, if there is something wrong with the mayors cousin then there could be something wrong with the mayor himself. That means the wizard is in danger since he, as tradition, would be given room and board by the mayor of the town. Even if the mayor is not involved, the connection and possible danger are there. You are sure the wizard can more then handle anything that comes at him directly, but a blade in the dark? On the flip side, if you go seek out the wizard it would become clear that you are working for him and will no longer have your anonymity. You try and stand up, but then quickly find yourself sitting back down. Uh oh – this is going to get worse before it gets better.

>what do?
>get a room and stay for the night at this establishment
>Get to the wizard, tell him everything you have discovered
>ask the sailor if you can bunk on his ship
>write in

>>4311793
>get a room!

>>4311793
>ask the sailor if you can bunk on his ship
I think this is going to be our ticket to be able to talk with the captain

>>4311793
>ask the sailor if you can bunk on his ship

>>4311793
>seek out that hot strong chick

this isn't our first bender I'm sure, we can handle it

>>4311793
>Get to the wizard, tell him everything you have discovered

>>4311793
have a drink of water

>>4311997
+1

>>4311793
>ask the sailor if you can bunk on his ship

>>4311793
>Get to the wizard, tell him everything you have discovered
If they are giving room to him surely they can extend the same courtesy to us. Maybe he can sober us up with some spell too.

>>4311793
>ask the sailor if you can bunk on his ship

Anything to get it up our ass.

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You sure could go for a strong girl with child bearing hips right about now. But you wouldn't even know where to start looking for her. You check under the table to see if she may be there but are unable to find anything of the like. Only shoes with holes in them and a single fat rat. Coming back up doesn't work out so good, as you end up sprawled on the floor.

You can't tell which sailor it is that helped you back up, but you are sure they are all having a good laugh at your expense.

You: "Hey sssshailor, can you help me find my way to your bed?"

You are not sure whats so funny but they laugh even louder. Either way, you need a place to crash, and you're not really think about much else right now...

... You remember leaving the inn with one arm around the shoulders of a sailor and with his arm around you. You both stumbled around talking about god knows what. Then you remember being on the ship, and getting into one of the many unoccupied hammocks that are used by sailors. You don't remember how exactly you got on the ship, or when exactly you split off from your drinking buddy. Either way, the ship was a mistake. Because at some point the swaying and listing of the ship on water forced you back above deck, and almost over the side as you vomited out your guts.

And thats where you are now. Several hours later, still sprawled over the side of the ship and trying to piece together the events of the previous night. You feel like if you had anything left inside your stomach, you would still be vomiting it out. The pounding in your head is ceaseless, and your brain is moving at a snails pace

The sun dawns...

>what do?
-get off this ship, doesn't matter where just go
-find wizard
-go back below deck and try to sleep this hanger over away
-try to find the captain's quarters
-insight (unavailable due to hangover)
-write in

>>4313289
-find wizard

>>4313289
>captains quatas

>>4313289
>try to find the captain's quarters
Drink some water and try to get over this hangover

-try to find the captain's quarters

>>4313289
-find wizard

>>4313289
>-find wizard

One idea does eventually slither up into your mind. You are ON the ship, that means you have a chance to see the captain right now. A chance you may not get later. With a new goal in mind, you slowly push yourself away from the edge and start stumbling around the deck. Some water would be nice, too bad the only think to drink around here is more booze. The ships deck is almost empty, the one other sailor up here has thankfully left you barf out your sickness in peace. So you slowly make your way back inside the ship...

... As you make your way through the corridors of the ship, you find its actually much smaller on the inside then the outside. You already had a general idea that the captains cabin is somewhere on the stern of the ship. So the only difficulty is getting past all the sailors and guards. Your drunk complexion actually works as a good disguise, as most people don't seem to want to deal with you. Be it pity or understanding, they leave you alone all the same. Its not until sometime later that you realize that you are actually wearing a sailors shirt. How this got on your body and where your actual shirt is located is yet another unsolved mastery. One you don't really have time for right now, so you just count your blessings.

As you get closer and closer to the prow of the ship, you actually find it easier to get by people. As there seems to actually be less and less people as you go instead of the opposite. No guards, no officers, just a cold biting air. You start to feel as if you have moved into a hollow block of ice. The cold air helps sober you enough to walk straight, and a primal feeling in your spine focuses your mind. Something is off about this ship, and you don't need a magic eye to tell you that.

Then you reach it, a long hallway with only a single iron door, the captains quarters. As you get closer and closer to the door, a familiar fear starts to creep over you. It makes your hairs stand on their ends. A throbbing pain starts to pound behind your left eye, and you wonder if its not time to tuck tail and run. The door knob is so cold that it almost feels hot, and you get the sensation that your hands are going numb from the proximity...

... You get off the ship without ever having even touched the doorknob, and much more sober then you were twenty minutes ago. Waiting outside is Demire and a few of his sailor buddies from the night before. You try and ignore them, as you have to get to the wizard and tell him what you know. Ignoring them only provokes one of them to slap you hard on the bum.

Sailor: “You'll be back”

You simply don't have the energy to retaliate, so you take the wound on your pride and keep going...

File: Untitled13.png (161 KB, 984x799)

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... It wasn’t easy getting around town, but finding the wizard was. He makes too big of a bang to ignore. Pushing your way through the crowds, you eventually reach a spot from which you can see him. He is still dealing with the people directly, this is odd, as usually after a day of working with the people the wizard would work with the mayor to do some actual work. Work such as: the raising of walls from the ground to protect the town, making it rain and feeding the crops, or even obliterating highwaymen in the name of disgruntled merchants. The idea is that public works benefit all. Dealing with the common peasant, usually ends up with requests such as: “magic me up a flying house” or “give me a chicken that lays golden eggs”. Yet here he is, so that begs the question as to why? Any break from the norm must mean something is afoot, what is afoot is unknown but SOMETHING is off. Then again something is off from the get go, starting with this ridiculous request of his. Either way, you watch the wizard for a while. You watch him solve the words problems one person at a time. You watch the happy faces of the people as they bask in the wizards glow. Then, as you usually do, you start to feel inadequate. You always feel like this when you watch the wizard do his work. Its not about the magic either, its about the way HE is and the way YOU are. You start to feel embarrassed that you didn’t find the person he ask you to find. You start to feel embarrassed that you got drunk with a bunch of sailors. You start to feel embarrassed that you didn’t have the courage to open that cabin door and confront the captain. But most of all you start to feel embarrassed about the way you currently look. For some reason, that you still haven’t figured out, you don't like it when the wizard sees you looking “bad”. And right now, you look like a mess.

> what do?
> INSIGHT (unavailable)
> Push your way to the wizard and speak with him
> Go get yourself cleaned up, you still have the coin
> Continue your investigation to find the person

>>4314646
> Push your way to the wizard and speak with him
Even if he speaks in annoying wizard riddles, we've gotta be able to tell if the captain is the person he wanted us to find, right?

>>4314646
>> Push your way to the wizard and speak with him

>>4314646
> Push your way to the wizard and speak with him

>>4314646
>Push your way to the wizard and speak with him

>>4314646
> Push your way to the wizard and speak with him

I vote we lower the quest's gayness levels

>>4315621
Says the guy with the hot pink tripcode

> Go get yourself cleaned up, you still have the coin

>>4314646
> Push your way to the wizard and speak with him

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You banish the negative thoughts from your mind. What does it matter if the wizard sees you looking sub optimal? The two of you dredged through a swamp for two weeks, a little hangover eyes is nothing. Not that it matters at all, because it doesn’t. Damn it all. You give your cheeks a few good quick slaps, then you throw yourself deeper into the crowd. The closer you get to the front, the harder you meet with resistance. No one wants to give up their spot in line. Everyone wants to be picked from the crowd by the wizard and the front row is prime real estate. You hear the wizards voice over the crowd of people.

Wizard: ”Lets see... who should be next? Who is most in need?”

At the sound of these words the crowd tightens up. Push and shove all you want, but you can get no closer.

Wizard: “You”

As if by command, the crowd parts and you see the wizard. He is pointing right at you. Then, he becomes you to come forth. Worried that the you will be swallowed by the ire of the crowd, you quickly dart forward until you are standing right next to the man himself. Rasputin puts his hand on your shoulder

Wizard: “How can I help you today my friend?”

He is pretending not to know you, at least for now.

You: “I- Its a private matter wizard...”

The wizard nods his head and the two of you take about three steps away from the crowd. Good enough you suppose. Not knowing exactly where you start, you whisper to the wizard everything that happened after you had split up. He nods hos head and spouts things like “interesting”, “hmm”, “is that so?”. Yet he doesn't seem to be listening to your story very deeply, instead he seems more focused on examining your face. He takes your chin in hand as you speak, and moves your head from side to side. Then he places his hand on your forehead. After, even as you are speaking, he uses the leverage to open your mouth wide and have a look inside. You are about two thirds into your story when he finally positions his hands, as to force the eye lids of your left eye open. He gets quit close in order to examine it. Once again he interrupts your story, just as your are explaining the most important parts.

Wizard: “Look left. Now right. Up. ALL the way up. Good”

You tell him about the captain, and he just nods before walking off and bringing you a small bag and a two tonics.

Wizard: “Drink this”

You place the tonic to your lips. But before you can take more then a small mouthful, he pulls it away from your lips.

Wizard: “Not too much.”

From the taste of it, you know it to be a revitalizing tonic. One of your favourites, has a VERY strong after effect if you drink too much. Enough to bring on the hallucinations. This one tastes watered down, by your hand no less. The wizard is still unaware that you have been sneaking sips of some of his tonics, and topping them off with water to mask your addiction.

Wizard: “This one too. Do NOT consume, rinse and spit.”

You gurgle the second tonic around in your mouth before spiting it out. Tastes like mint.

You: “Whats that one for?”

Wizard: “Freshness”

All and all, the wizard doesn’t seem to take your warnings about the captain to heart at all. He also doesn’t seem very concerned that you didn’t find the person he was looking for. But in your experience with the wizard, his outward appearance and mannerism aren’t much of an indicator to what he is thinking and feeling internally at all.

You: “So uh... Is the captain the one you were maybe looking for at least?”

Without a second thought:

Wizard: “No”

>What do?
> INSIGHT (1 available)
> Stick with the wizard until he tells you to do something else. You feel something bad is going to happen soon.
> Continue your investigation for the person.
> Continue your investigation into the captain.
> Write in

>>4316311
>> Continue your investigation for the person.
Look for a new building that you didn't know about before

>>4316311
> Continue your investigation into the captain.

>>4316311
> Continue your investigation into the captain.

>>4316311
> Continue your investigation into the captain.

>>4316311
> Continue your investigation for the person.

oh thank god we don't have to go back to that scary door

>>4316311
>Continue your investigation for the person.

damn these split votes

>>4316311
> Continue your investigation for the person.

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You: “Well... I guess I should get back to it then? I'll try and find that person for you again?”

Wizard: “If that's what you feel is most important”

You: “Huh? Is it not? What should I be doing then, what is most important? Should I be keeping an eye out for the captain instead? Maybe I ca...”

The wizard takes you by the shoulders and spins you around. Then leans in close and whispers into your ear. His voice sounds serious.

Wizard: “I know you will do what needs to be done. Its a simple matter of being where you need to be, at just the precise time. The most important element is to simply be yourself in that perfect moment in time.”

Then he pulls back and the mood returns to normal. In a more whimsical tone, the wizard adds some final parting information before pushing you back into the crowd.

Wizard: “Unless the time never comes, then just wing it. Oh, and you only have about eight hours. Make sure to come find me by then.”

The eyes of the crowd are upon you until:

Wizard: “So? Who is next?”

And you are forgotten...

... You finally manage to push your way out of the throng of people and are back on the streets. You have decided that the wizard had not really given you much advice to go on. So you decide to stick with the original script and find this mystery person. They may be the key to solving this entire puzzle. But where to start? You only have eight hours left apparently.


> What do? (8 hours)
> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the “Big Snake Inn” from one of the sailors stories
> Continue investigation: Check the Vineyard
> Continue investigation: Walk around town and see what nail sticks out the hardest
> Get cleaned up and change your shirt.
> Open the small bag the wizard gave you, unless... You were not supposed to open it yet?
> INSIGHT (1/3 uses)
> write in

>>4317441
> Get cleaned up and change your shirt.
we need that charisma bonus

>>4317441
> Get cleaned up and change your shirt.

>>4317441
>Get cleaned up and change your shirt.
time to get fresh and clean

>>4317441
> Get cleaned up and change your shirt.

>>4317441

> Continue investigation: Walk around town and see what nail sticks out the hardest

>>4317441
>> Get cleaned up and change your shirt.


Because we're filthy.

While you're changing your shirt use Insight on your reflection

File: Untitled16.gif (271 KB, 631x611)

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>>4317968
You decide the first thing you need to do is get yourself cleaned up. Its easier to charm a few answers out of people when you look clean, then when you look like the village passed around rag. But how are you going to do that exactly? All your stuff is with the wizard and you are still pretending not to know each other. You have yourself a quick think and look back on the time that you were captain of the town guard. How did vagrants go about getting cleaned up?

By relaying on the kindness/ greed of strangers of course!

You head to the more residential part of down and look around for a suitable candidate. A elderly woman sweeping infront of her house makes it to the top of your list.

You: "Excuse me ma'am, im a traveler and am in need of a place to get cleaned up and some new clothing."

You flash some of your coin and the women's scrutinizing gaze turns opportunistic.

You: "Maybe you know of an establishment..?"

Any peasant that has survived long enough to reach adulthood, is well versed in making coin where and when they can. Thats something you have always admired about the lowerclass. The uncertainty of ones next meal breeds for some resourceful people. This woman does not disappoint.

Woman: "Oh, there is a few places sir but they will rob you blind and they just take advantage of poor travelers such as yer-self. Why don't you save yourself some coin and let me take care of you? My sons shirt will fit you just fine..."

... Her sons shirt is about two sizes too big and the bath you were promised turned out to be little more of a bucket and a sponge. All in all, its what you expected. You take some time to sponge yourself up while you eat the stew that was hastily prepared. After all, you are on a time line and don't have too much time to waste. You are about ready to get dressed and head out, when you notice your reflection in the mirror. A sudden curiosity takes hold of you as your creep towards it and stare into your own reflection. You gaze into your own left eye, and like so many times before, start to inspect it. But as usual, nothing seems wrong with it at all. The injury you sustained has healed itself completely months ago, leaving no trace of that night. The wizard told you not to poke it with your bare finger, yet you can't help but do so. It feels like something is there, just out of reach...

> What do? (6:20 hours)
> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the “Big Snake Inn” from one of the sailors stories
> Continue investigation: Check the Vineyard
> Continue investigation: Walk around town and see what nail sticks out the hardest
> Continue investigation: Interrogate your host
> Open the small bag the wizard gave you, unless... You were not supposed to open it yet?
> INSIGHT (0/3 uses)
> write in

>>4318835
> Continue investigation: Check the “Big Snake Inn” from one of the sailors stories

>>4318835
>> Continue investigation: Interrogate your host
Old woman know everything.

>>4318835
> Continue investigation: Interrogate your host
She's too kind.

>>4319000
she took your coin

>>4318835
> Continue investigation: Check the “Big Snake Inn” from one of the sailors stories

>>4305245
> Continue investigation: Check the “Big Snake Inn” from one of the sailors stories

Look around for the most clandestine building/place one could hide in

>>4318835
> Continue investigation: Check the “Big Snake Inn” from one of the sailors stories

It's named like it was made for us.

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You head back downstairs and question the woman for any possible leads while paying her due. But soon enough, you get the feeling that her world is too small to look beyond the “greedy” fish merchant that “won't give her a good deal”. So you finish up, say your goodbyes, and head out the door before diving headlong into your investigation.

But where to start? Even though you had decided not to pursue the ship's captain, maybe its all connected in some way? Perhaps the person you are looking for was a passenger on the ship? Thinking back on what the sailors told you: the only lead that you can actually follow up on is the Big snake inn. The only other alternative is to walk up to every wide hip, long legged woman and see if she can lift you over her head...

The Big Snake inn is harder to find then you expected. No one you ask seems to know where its located, but some do no about it from its reputation. A place for men to sell their swords to the highest bidder. Where a man can buy and sell life with hard coin. After giving it some thought, you decide that the best way to find a place like that is to talk to someone who buys the service... Merchants.

Once you returned to the market and started asking around, you were quickly put on the path. You were eventually pointed to a middle man who directed you to another middle man and so on and so forth. It took a lot of running around and sweet talking, but you eventually find the place. Hidden away in an alley, you spot the sign swinging in the wind. It has the image of some kind of legless lizard, you wonder if such a creature exists or is it just some innuendo. From inside, you can hear angry shouting...

... Upon entering the establishment, you found yourself front row seats to a bar fight between two men that had escalated over a misunderstanding. Or so you are told by the bar keeper, as you take a seat and order a drink. You manage to slip in moistly unnoticed thanks to all eyes being on the brawlers. So you discreetly have yourself a look around when the bartender moves to serve another patron. Mercenaries wall to wall. They look rough, mean, and ready to start a fight at a moments hesitation. A few things stick out however. One, every now and then a man will head over to sit at a table occupied by the BIGGEST mercenaries, talk with them, then sign something before moving off. Two, you see a young man in shiny armour sitting alone at the end of the bar. He has a soft face and looks mostly out of place here. In front of him is a large glass of ale that he has not touched once. You wonder if thats the man the sailor described to you, he certainly fits the bill. Lastly, you see two men standing next to the stairs, but no one seems to come up or down.

> What do?
> Insight (0/3)
> Pick a table with the nicest looking mercs and try to grill them for information
> Head over to the big table and pretend to be a merc
> Get the attention of the out of place merc (Charm)
> Get the attention of the out of place merc (Normal)
> Try to get upstairs (BLUNTLY)
> Try to get upstairs (COVERTLY)
> Bribe the innkeeper for information
> Write in

Use Insight on the Out of Place Merc
Doesn't matter if it's 0/3
try to force it anyway

> Get the attention of the out of place merc (Normal)

>>4320081
>Get the attention of the out of place merc (Normal)

>>4320104
I would advise not risking letting it consume our soul

>>4320081
> Get the attention of the out of place merc (Normal)

>>4320081
> Get the attention of the out of place merc (Normal)

save the charm for the ladies :)

No update today lads, busy busy busy

File: Untitled18.png (154 KB, 663x1029)

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You watch the green mercenary for a while, just to scope him out before you make your move. Yet, other then looking uncomfortable in his own skin, he just seem to be siting and waiting. At some point, he looks over to you and sees you watching him. Instinctively, he breaks eye contact with you and looks away. Only to realize his mistake, and look back over to you. By then you had already hoped out of your seat and sat in the stool next to him.

Merc: “Can I help you with something?”

You don't say anything at first, just continue examining him. You can see the silence makes him uncomfortable, yet he doesn’t have the brass to do anything about it. So he let him wallow in it for a while. Interrogation was always your favourite part about being in the town guard. So you learned a thing or two about extracting information.

You: “So, did you talk to them yet?”

You motion towards the group of men taking names.

Merc: “Y-yeah I did, I’m all signed up. You?”

You: “Not yet, to be honest I’m not sure if its worth it.”

The Mercenary gives you a curious look.

Merc: “Why? What have you heard?”

You ignore his question and fake looking around for the bartender.

Merc: ”They are offering more money then anyone else right now, and its only a single nights work.”

You can tell that he is trying to convince himself, as he leaks out information. He seems to have cold feet.

You: “Yeah, but you know what they expect you to do right?”

Merc: “No... But it doesn't matter. A mercenary does what ever nets him coin.”

He looks down into his glass, but he doesn’t take a drink. That almost sounded cool, to cool to be his own words. A part of you wonders what exactly brought him here. The need for money is too simple. Everyone needs money, yet not everyone signs up for the life of a hired goon. The way he is just telling you everything makes you feel like perhaps he is lonely as well. There is more to his story, but you really don't have time to learn it.

You: “You don't look like one of the regulars”

Merc: “No, I came by ship. Ear's hatred or something? A man was recruiting and told me I could find work here. Anyway, what about you? What is your name anyway”

You're not sure if you want to give away your name.

> Ask him about the other ship patrons, and the captain
> Try and convince him to leave the Merc life behind
> Tell him about yourself and befriend him a bit
> Finally open the pack that the wizard gave you
> Head over to the big table and pretend to be a merc
> Try to get upstairs (BLUNTLY)
> Try to get upstairs (COVERTLY)
> Bribe the innkeeper for information
> WRITE IN

Feel free to pick multiple stuff this time.

>>4322658
> Tell him about yourself and befriend him a bit
> Ask him about the other ship patrons, and the captain

>>4322658
> Ask him about the other ship patrons, and the captain

>>4322658
> Lie about yourself and befriend him a bit

>>4323353
+1

>>4322658
> Tell him about yourself and befriend him a bit

maybe the wizards real person of interest was the friends we made along the way

> Ask him about the other ship patrons, and the captain

why does the captain have such a scary door?

>>4322658
> Tell him about yourself and befriend him a bit
> Ask him about the other ship patrons, and the captain

>>4322658
> Tell him about yourself and befriend him a bit
> Ask him about the other ship patrons, and the captain

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Something about his obliviousness is charming, you start to feel bad about manipulating him to get information. Maybe in another lifetime, the two of you could have been buddies. Even still, you decide to humour him with a fake name. Can't be too trusting...

You: “Philip, what about you?”

Merc: “Andrew”

You: “I got to be honest with you Andrew, I’m not actually a mercenary”

Your new friend Andrew looks confused. You decided to play a bold and risky strategy since you just don't have the time to sit here all day.

Merc: “What do you mean?”

You: “Im looking for someone, and I thought you could help me find them.”

Merc: “...”

You: “Its someone that was on that ship, I’m not sure who it was exactly. I was hoping you could tell me a little about the people on that ship.”

Merc: “Why the secrecy? Why did you pick me?”

You can see he is starting to get frustrated.

You: “I saw you get off the ship, and I could tell that you were a seasoned mercenary. I thought if anyone saw something out of place, it would be you.”

You lie to make him feel safe, to give him the illusion of control. If he believes that he has tricked you into seeing him as something that he is not, then he will believe that the two of you are on a equal playing field. It also plays into the fantasy that he himself has build, he can't admit to you what he has not admitted to himself. He has no choice but to play along.

Merc: “Thats true... I Did notice somethings while on that ship. I tried to ignore them but now that you are here asking, it makes me wonder if it was all real.”

You edge closer

You: “Go on”

Merc: “Its hard to explain, but it felt like everyone was on edge. It was oddly cold”

You try to help lead him to where you want him to go.

You: “Did the captain notice it?”

Merc: “Well that’s just the thing. I don't think I ever actually saw the captain. He was always below deck with some other passengers. None of the sailors ever went down there even”

He turns to you, and see's the burning intensity in your eyes.

You: “Who was with him?”

Merc: “I- I don't know. Just some noble looking man. He wore mostly blue and he had a few servants with him. They all has hoods on I couldn't see their faces.”

You can see he doesn’t really have much more to say, he probably didn’t see anything anyway. But you already know that person was the mayors cousin. The only other thing you learned was there was a direct connection between the captain and the man. You need to know more, you need to know what the mercenaries are all being bought up for.

You: “Andrew, lets talk outside please.”

He seems hesitant. But you have about three gold coin left so you place them all on the counter. You're overpaying and then some. Yet a part of you wants to befriend this man, and maybe save him from the path he is about to walk down.

You: “I want to buy your services mercenary.”

That seems to work, he eyes the coins longingly. He doesn't have the good sense to refuse them so he scoops them up and follows you out the door...


...The two of you walk down the street for a while before you tell him what exactly you purchased him for.

You: “I need to know exactly what you signed up to do with those mercenaries.”

Merc: “I'm not sure actually, they have not told us. Just that I need to be at the vineyard by tomorrow morning, the actual job is later that night. I'm sorry but I actually don't know where that is yet either.”

Thats fine, you already know where the vineyard is from your time on top of the church.

You: “Alright. I want you to continue on the job as if you never met me. Then get information for me. Ill find you tomorrow, can you do that? Just keep your eyes and ears open.”

He already took your money but you can still see that his soul is divided. So you firmly take hold of his arm.

You: “Listen to me, something bad is going to happen here. That ship and those mercenaries are all connected. I NEED that information, and you are going to do what I asked because deep inside you are a good person. Now take the money, and get out of here.”

You give him a hard push back towards the inn. He is bigger and heavier then you, but he handles like a sack of potatoes.

> What do? (4 hours remain)
> Before you send him back ask about the Father and child
> Before you send him back ask about the Strong woman
> Before you send him back ask about the priest
> Finally open the pack that the wizard gave you
> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the Vineyard
> Call it quits early and meet up with the Wizard
> Write in

>>4324301
> Finally open the pack that the wizard gave you
> Before you send him back ask about the Strong woman

>>4324301
> Before you send him back ask about the Strong woman

for purely non sexual reasons

> Finally open the pack that the wizard gave you

>>4324301
> Before you send him back ask about the Strong woman
> Finally open the pack that the wizard gave you

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Right as you see his back, an idea pops into your head. So you put your arm on Andrews shoulder and stop him. Coming, going, staying, this is all a little too much for your new friend, you are starting to make him dizzy.

You: “Wait, before you go. Did you happen to see a woman on the ship? She would be carrying a sword”

Andrew doesn’t have to think too long, he clearly remembers the woman.

Andrew: “I do actually. Kept to herself mostly, but so did everyone else. I did talk with her for a short while though, said she was running away from some man.”

You: “Do you know where she went? After you got off the ship?”

Andrew: “Well, she said that paying for passage used up the last of her coin. But she didn’t seem concerned about that, said she could live off the land.”

Andrew also gives you a description of the woman clothing and face before he leaves. When he is finally out of sight, you start to wonder what he ment by “live off the land”? Did that woman mean to hunt for her supper? Does that mean she is already gone? Well, she may be out of luck. You have been trying to catch something in these woods for weeks and have come up with nothing. Yet its something to go on, if she also has no luck then she may be forced to stay in the city.

You also decide that its time to actually see what the wizard has given you. Opening the small bag, you empty its contents into your hand...

Its a magical device split into two parts. The pieces are made from carefully carved wood and fine imported metals, woven together to create a three dimensional rune. It works much the way a wand cartridge would, once screwed together the magic should activate. Luckily, you actually know what this piece of wizardry does. A part of being a wizards assistant is getting the hang of his armoury, and you had the pleasure of seeing one of these things in action. Once the two halves are joined together, the device will draw any lightning to its tip. Basically, a magic lightning conductor. But more specificity, a homing beacon. The wizard employs these for remote destruction, usually when he doesn’t want to be anywhere near the thing he is planning on destroying. For liability reasons is his usual answer, but you feel it has more to do with deniability. The last time you installed one of these devices, was when the wizard had an unfortunate scheduling conflict and had to be in two places at once.

If he has given it to you, then things are going to get serious.

> What do? (4 hours remain)
> Plant device on ship
> Plant device on the mercenary den
> Continue investigation: literally walk up to another random person (basically a 1d786)
> Continue investigation: Check the Vineyard
> Continue investigation: Try and find the woman
> Call it quits early and meet up with the Wizard
>Write in

>Find a place to meditate

>>4325157
> Continue investigation: Try and find the woman

>>4325157
> Continue investigation: Try and find the woman

>Find a place to meditate

>>4325157
> Continue investigation: Try and find the woman

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Im going to close the thread here and work on a new OP nice enough to post on my twitter.

If you enjoyed the thread, you can follow me here:
https://twitter.com/SojournFantasy
or join this discord if you like art and quests:
https://discord.gg/hjaYUr

To get updates when the next thread will be up.

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>>4326276
thanks for running

>>4327055
Fantastic

fresh
>>4333697