>>4615042
>Ask if we can hitch a ride
The cart is faster than running

File: h188b1.jpg (326 KB, 1772x1296)

326 KB JPG

>>4615043
You slow down so you approach him from his field of view, and meet the cart at the crossroad itself. As you approach, he pulls on the reign, stopping the cart.

“Excuse me, are you headed towards Thargio?” you inquire
“Hmm? Yes I am.” the man says straightening his back while subtly looking around to see if you are on your own.
“I am on my way as well. May I ride along?” he looks over you once.
“Do you have business in the city?”
“Yes, visiting some friends.”
“You are not sick, right?” he asks, suspicious
“Oh no, I’ve always been like this, don’t worry.” you spread your arms letting him to take a look beneath your cloak “I am also unarmed in case you were wondering” not pointing out but alluding to the rifle with him.
“Very well, I know it is not fun to travel on foot. Climb the back and we’ll be off.“
You do so. It is fortunate that Thargio is a bustling city of commerce ruled by merchants and criminals, getting open banditry heavily stomped on. They prefer if bandits did their business elsewhere and spent their money on their black market instead. The carriage takes off as you get on.

"Coming from the Battlements?" he asks. The Battlements are the several mile-long battlefield south of here. Two nations have been fighting for domination for a century. Due to an ancient pact, they have been limiting their fights to that area. The fight ends at every dusk, and prisoners of war are usually exchanged. The borders sometimes move back and forth, but it has been negligible in recent decades. People accepted it as a fact of life long ago. Many mercenary groups make their living there, and some smaller industries started to specialize for the Battlements.
"No, never been there myself."

>Continue to chat with the man
>Just rest. You have a long night behind you
>Sneak off once close enough to the city
>Write-in

>>4615064
>Continue to chat with the man
Why not, we don't need as much rest as a regular human anyway.

excuse me just testing formatting
[r]blooood![/r]
inner monologue
[g]gameplay effect[/g]

>>4615089
I demand blood!
I've said GAMEPLAY EFFECT!

>>4615077
You didn’t have much opportunity to practice talking it couldn’t hurt. You might also learn something new. You’ve spent some time viewing through the history and politics of this world, but it was an exhausting process, and you didn’t retain as much as you would have liked.

“Do you come this way often?”
“Yes every two weeks. I work at the inn a few days to east of here. And yourself?”
“Never been here before. Though I have heard about this place a lot.”
“Most people come our way from the Battlements. Thargio has an industry for mechanical prosthetics exactly because of that, though you don’t seem to be needing it.”
“Hopefully not anytime soon.” you joke. ”or ever for that matter” you think, but instead ask further “Is there anything else worth seeing?”
“I haven’t been much inside the city itself. I ferry stuff from the inn and back outside of the walls. Though people say it has a little bit of everything. It is quite a cesspool of villainy, but which town isn’t?” he remarks, but as far as you know Thargio is pretty bad even by those standards. “Anyone looking for or selling goods can find some good deals there.”
“And the slave market?” you ask nonchalantly.
“Woah woah, I would not talk about it so open once there if I were you. It is an open secret. There is no one on the market square selling chained-up people, at least not as far as I could see. I hear there are underground clubs for that sort of thing, black markets.”
He doesn’t say anything after, and you let the matter drop. He doesn’t look the type who would indulge or even afford something like that, and you would rather not wear your welcome thin before arriving. You might have to look around more once in town for the VIPs. You know them to be in danger but not sure what kind.
---

You reach one of Thargio’s gates by the evening. Tall walls in a double layer, gates with thick iron bars ready to drop at a flick of a lever. Bored looking but well-armed gate guards. Not easy to breach, harder to escape from.
“Well here we are. Could you help me unload these barrels? Think of it as payment for the road.”
Since it costs nothing, you oblige, and grab the barrels together, unloading them from the cart one by one. Although your physiology is different, your strength is on par with an average man’s. Unless you are willing to burst your skin and rearrange some bones in the effort to project more strength.

>Enter the city gate
>Try to find another entry
>Ask something else (what?)
>Write-in

>>4615104
>Enter the city gate

>>4615104
>Enter the city gate

>>4615104
>Try to find another entry

entering through the gate, writing

Rolled 6, 6, 4 = 16 (3d6)

>>4615113
>>4615124
>>4615151
“Hey, you there, step out of the line!” on of the guards motions you over.“ Are you alone? What is your business in town?” he asks. Seems you were unlucky enough to catch a random inspection.
“I am just a traveler.”
“What are you traveling for?”

You obviously can’t just disclose your mission to these grunts. They would just think you’re crazy, and even less likely to let you through than if you’ve said you are just a bum. Maybe asking where you can turn in the precious stones you have for money could disperse their doubts, or raise more questions. The same way you can bribe yourself in. Or just play stubborn since there is no specific reason them to bar you entry.

As you think, your tongue goes a little parched, and you can feel the flesh in your chest churn. There is a slight frustration and it slowly catches on fire inside fanning the flames of something else. You feel like it won't affect your skin however.

>Try to pass as a mercenary
>Tell you have some precious stones to turn in
>Let the feeling out, and improvise
>Write-in

>>4615178
>Let the feeling out, and improvise

File: dd08d791a2a8ddb6e6641637b(...).jpg (254 KB, 1104x788)

254 KB JPG

>>4615182
“I am just really tired. And I wanna get some food” it passes through like an invisible wave from you. The moment the barely perceptible vibrations die down you know right away what it is; a fucking emission. You are slightly off the mark for the human perception, and when your hidden nature sometimes filters through, it elicits harsh and unpredictable psychological responses. The two guards do not move however.

“So I’d just go now...” no response. You shimmy on the side going on your way. Before one of them would flip out or start reacting aggressively. The men do not respond, just follow you with their eyes, indicating that they are conscious.
“Fucking weirdos” one says once you disappear in the crowd.
----

The town is abuzz with activity. There are carriages and even a few steam contraptions carrying cargo, forcing most of the foot traffic to leave the center of the streets open. People are hurrying along attending to their business, and doors of different shops barely close as they let customers come and go every other minute. It is an entirely different atmosphere than the calm countryside.
You seem to have several options to continue your search. They have arrived two days ago, and were captured by someone. The sooner you get them the better.

You could try to ask whether someone saw the people you are looking for. Trying to ask people for one of them or both. There is also trying to gain entry to one of the hidden slave markets, though there is no guarantee for it to help with your main objective. There is also trying to see the world with your second sight, hoping your find something that leads you to your quarry. It is not without dangers though as it might imbalance your beastly nature.

>Ask around for the Captain Alenia
>Ask around for Colonel Fola
>Snoop around for the slave market
>Try to search with your other senses
>Write-in

>>4615215
Just walk down the damn street and see what pops out

>>4615215
>Ask around for the Captain Alenia

Rolled 3, 2, 1 = 6 (3d6)

search

pure luck

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4615290

>>4615225
>>4615231
You walk down the street looking around. Maybe you’ll be lucky? If not, then asking will help. Instead of accosting any passersby on the streets, you opt to look for places that would have traffic. You know that the two military leaders have entered town with a handful of men. This kind of group had to get the attention of someone. You decide to go with Captain Alenia of the Varonian Empire. Their shiny blue uniforms are maybe more noticeable by townsfolk than the more utilitarian dark uniform of the Republic.

You don’t come across anything curious, aside maybe from a few hexapod machines that seem to rise above street level, letting people pass beneath it as it goes about town. Now at least you know what the two parallel lines on the main streets mean; it is where they consistently put their long mechanical legs.

“Have you seen a woman come by a few days ago? Around yea high, blonde, cold blue eyes, long ears dressed in darker blue? Probably had a group of people with her with the same dress?” you ask shopkeepers and bartenders. There are no positive answers for a while, but you can see the recognition in the eyes of some of them. They know something just won’t tell.
Once a beggar catches the edge of your coat as you pass in a narrow street. He has to fling himself at your feet, as he has no legs beneath and only one good arm.

“Hey wait. I’ve seen them.” he pants desperately. His breath stinks and he probably haven’t bathed in forever.
“Who?” you ask trying to make sure you are not being shaken down.
“Young elven lass, wearing them Varonian uniforms, with six lads and a beast runt dressed likewise. I saw where they went, and what happened with them.”
“Well?”
“I’ll tell you everything if you can bring me to the clockworker down at Radley street, and get me a replacement for me arm. Cheapest one will do.”
“What makes you think I have that kind of money?”
“Nothing. If you don’t, that is your problem. You won’t find anyone who will be forthcoming with you about it even if they know either. They’ve been taken.”
“Taken by who?”
“Radley street, clockwork right arm.” he says insistent.

>Try to pressure it out of him?
>Leave his hogwash and keep searching?
>Give in to his demands
>Write-in

>>4615350
Offer him another arm if he doesn't tell us everything, now.

>>4615350
>pressure it out of him

You cannot beg with four missing limbs. And we are quite willing to break the last.

>>4615350
>Counter-offer
>"Give me enough info to prove you actually know where they went, and I'll do as you ask."
If he needs further convincing, pull out a gem worth maybe half what he's asking as proof of our truthfulness.

Rolled 5, 5, 1 + 1 = 12 (3d6 + 1)

>>4615378
>>4615383
>>4615397
Pressuring wins. 3d6 roll-under difficulty is this

Rolled 1, 1, 6 + 1 = 9 (3d6 + 1)

Rolled 3, 1, 6 = 10 (3d6)

>>4615421
Opposed rolls are bad without a proper system behind it. Any equal dice rolled against each other have exactly 50% win odds.

>>4615455
This once it was just an opposed roll because I wanted to give the hobo a chance. He is a willy boy and really wanted that arm.

>>4615458
As long as its an intentional choice, no problem. I just see too many unaware QMs use dice systems with miserable odds, tweakability, and other issues.

>>4615449
>>4615455
You can’t just let some legless bum to defy you. There are lives at stake, a lot of lives, and you are probably the key to stop them all. Knowing that no one is nearby, you reach down and grasp the cripple’s hand. With a twist you tear it away from the cloak, and lift him up as he clenches his teeth. You can feel your eyes slowly deepen ther color, and your muscles twich restlessly.

… There is a legend across the cosmos, in different tongues, for different races, said by different people who never knew the existence of each other. They all tell of the same thing; a darkness that no fire can rout and no hero can stand against. Few know the name and even fewer dare to whisper of it; Leng. A wretched and cold place devoid of life that drift across the cosmos, carrying its plague in the endless tunnel of webs; The Demon King of All Spiders, and his subjects. An all-consuming malice that was born beyond the recollection of even many immortals. He and its children consumed all life wherever it wounded up, while reveling in the absolute suffering of their victims….

“How about I let you have this arm and you’ll tell me what I need to know!”
“Never!” he he hisses, giving you no choice but to throw him against the wall once. He slams against it with a thud, but careful enough to not hit his head.
“How about now?”
You need to repeat the process twice before he is compliant, feeling the sadistic urge to continue grow.

“I.. in the” cough “Caibalar.. manor” he says, laying face in the dirt. Unmoving. “They went in, and cough never came out.”

>Ask him about the other officer
>Leave to find the manor
>Better get some equipment if this will be a rescue
>Write-in

>>4615477
Congrats guys, we beat up a 1-limbed beggar. He just wanted us to pay for a cheap prosthetic.

>Write-in
>Flip him a gem worth what he was asking for.
>Leave to find the manor
We are an enigma to ourselves. I want to see what we can do without an extra gear.

>>4615477
Curb stomp the beggars ankle and be off on our merry way to the manor

>>4615520
Anon, he has no ankles.

>>4615521
We'll get him one then

>>4615491
>>4615523
You look down at the roughed-up cripple. Maybe you shouldn’t have gone that far, but the information was important. It probably didn’t do any good for your heart though. Or the rest of the nervous system. You pick out one of the gems and place it before him.
“Maybe a leg would serve you better” you say, departing to your duty.

There was another legend. One that started as a small mortal, and as all mortals do, grew over time. It turned into a man, then a leader, a hero, and finally reaching immortality. He carried on to be a hero of countless ages and endless worlds, and with growing beyond the ages, becoming a god. A great and turbulent presence that did not forget its humble origins. Walking the mysterious paths of immortals, the two forces finally came to conflict and the conflict came to an all-out battle for annihilation.

Asking around you find the manor in the northern district. The place is full of mansions, that are more akin to opulent fortresses, surrounded by private gardens and guards. Caibalar manor looks especially imposing with three floors and two towers even. A three yard tall wall surrounds the estate, and you can hear a water fountain in the distance. There are some guards patrolling even.

You could try to search for clues though the guards might not like people snooping around the house of their employers. It is what they are here for anyways. Direct questioning likely won’t yield any results unless you can isolate one and make them talk. But then you would have to make sure they don’t run their mouths later. You can also try to infiltrate the garden without further ado.
>Seek clues
>Ambush a patrol
>Try to find a way in
>Write-in

I think I am taking a break here. Thank you all for indulging me. I'll see if anyone is interested in a continuation 11 hours from now on.

>>4615536
Case the joint. Look for how many guards the are, points of entry and how the guards patrol.

If we do it discreetly, we can find a way in and out which wont rouse an alarm.

>>4615536
>>Seek clues
This is only our first of two potential targets in this city. If we make a racket here, it'll make finding and recovering the other one that much more difficult.

>>4615536
>>Seek clues

>>4615536
>Seek clues

>>4615536
Knock on the front gate

>>4615594
Who says we want to find the other one

Back and writing. Seeking clues.

>>4615583
>>4615594
>>4616001
>>4616073
>>4616102
You decide to seek clues. The streets have cobblestones making simple tracking impossible. There are only two guards outside, but the gate is heavy enough that only a mechanism from the inside could open it, likely connected to the tiny tower on top of the gate. Walking around the estate, you note that most of the other mansions do not have guards at the gates, or just only one. Then again, no other mansion nearby can rival the size of Caibalar Mansion.

You also note that there have been some housekeeping recently. Some sections of the wall have been cleared of vines recently, leaving a barely perceptible coloration on the stone. On other parts, trees that had branches hanging over were sawed off. As if someone recently took some extra steps for the walls to remain hardly scalable. Nothing drastic like a renovation, just little things that a dozen people with tools and sharp eyes could get done.

Upon your second round around the estate, you witness some movement that you believe to be a shift change among the guards. You take up position at a distance and angle where you can see more. However after the gates open they do not seem to go anywhere. A man leads on the front, carrying himself with importance and being used to commanding others. Wearing a somewhat embellished overcoat, and a shining metal right arm peeking out from beneath his sleeve. He has four men in fitting but more simple uniforms.

The only one not fitting in is the meek-looking girl between them, wearing a simple servant clothes. Beneath hear tight headkerchief, you can see two small bumps that indicate something beneath them.
“Now what should we do with you?” the man in the front asks theatrically. You don’t hear it properly, but you can read his lips.
“I know, go to the market, and buy the biggest piece of boneless meat you can find, and get back here.” when she fidgets without moving, he yells at her “Didn’t you hear me?! Go!”
Once she hurries off, he waves to one of the man to keep an eye on her. The leader rubs his hands together jovially and sets off to his own path.

What do you do?
>Follow the girl and the guard
>Follow the man and his entourage
>Stake out at the mansion till tomorrow
>Write-in

>>4616169
>Follow the girl and the guard

>>4616169
>Follow the man and his entourage
He seems important

>>4616169
>>Follow the man and his entourage

>>4616169
>>Follow the girl and the guard
If we can get her alone, we can shake her down. If needed, we can dangle the carrot of springing her along with our actual target.

>>4616169
>Follow the girl and the guard

following girl and guard wins, writing

>>4616179
>>4616180
>>4616248
>>4616277
>>4616391
You elect to follow the girl and the guard. The seem to be easier targets. Although she ran ahead initially, her momentum slowly came to a halt. Her legs were wobbly every few dozen steps, and she slowed down before starting to walk resolutely again. The guard himself didn’t looked too excited by the prospect, walking lazily forty feet behind. The pace was lot slower than normal regardless, making following them easy. Although you often catch yourself watching over your shoulder to make sure you are not a victim of a triple following.

Reaching the edge of market, she stops in one place doubling over, her arms wrapped around the torso. You can only see it from behind, unsure what she is doing. The people politely avoid noticing her behaviour, as city folk do. The soldier stops to keep the distance. She finally manages to get over herself, and move up to a butcher shop. He does not follow.

>Unconspiciously enter the shop yoursef
>Take out the man
>Just wait to see what transpires
>Write-in

>>4616562
>Inconspicuously enter the shop yourself

>>4616562
>Inconspicuously enter the shop yourself

>>4616562
>>Inconspicuously enter the shop yourself

>>4616574
>>4616589
>>4616591
While out of sight, you pass the man who is lazily leaning on a lamppost, and enter the butcher shop as a customer. There is a long counter, packed with all sort of meats, neatly protected behind a glass case. A perturbed butcher is standing behind wearing and apron. He is scratching his head as the girl in black skirt and a plain shirt fidgets before him, her eyes looking at the floor.

“Yeees?” the butcher asks expectantly, slowly trying to initiate a conversation without sounding too impatient
“H-h-he S-s-mm-m” she squirms trying to articulate the sounds but failing, and the preplexed shopkeeper looking at her.
“Is there something you’d like?” he attempts again
“S-s-sitara… Sitara...” she is pursing the words through her lips visibly sweating
“Ah, hello there” the owner turns to you finally, trying change the focus of the scene “what can I get you?”
“I.. was wondering if you...” you quickly gaze around the selection “have any goat bloodsausage.”
“I’ll… check in the back.” he says slowly backing away behind the curtrains to slip out of the a awkward situation.

You are left alone with the girl for a little, she is stepping from one foot to the other, with a swelling put of concern in her eyes. There is a sickeningly sweet smell that catches your attention, not sensed by your nose. Something is very much off about your target, even if the curious behaviour was not an indicator.

>Strike up a convesation (what about?)
>Kidnap!
>Write-in

well I'll go to bed, I'll update at UTC 10 am if there are any votes

>>4616636
>Strike up a convesation (what about?)
"Are you okay? You seem nervous?"

>>4617205
This works.

>>4617205
>+1

writing

Rolled 2, 6, 6 = 14 (3d6)

let's see what she's got

>>4617205
>>4617229
>>4617326
You decide to prod the situation before doing anything reckless.
"Are you okay? You seem nervous?"
She turns to look at you. Couldn’t be more than 17, and her out fit is a little disheveled. Her headkerchief is slipping, revealing a concave canine ear matching her strawberry blond hair. Looking quite forlorn as she holds her left writs in the grip of her right.

“Do you need any help?”
All her movement halts, her expression is the same. You step closer. Nothing changes. Another step. You can see very little blood prickling from between the fingertips of her gripped arm. The smell gets worse. There is something in her bloodstream. You recognize the eyes of someone who’s flesh is disobeying their mind. A feeling you are distantly acquainted with.

“What is your name?”
“S-sitara” she manages to push it out.
“Sitara, are you here with Captain Alenia?”
A ray of hope appears in her eyes, and gives a barely visible nod. Now you know you are actually onto something.
“I am...” you hesitate a little. Fostering trust could be important, and for that introducing oneself is an important step. Still you didn’t tell your name anyone before. Should be no harm in it, as no mortal knows. You give the name your father entrusted you at brith.
“…Kokabiel.” you pause “I am here to help. Is the Captain being held at the manor?”
Again the same nod, but this time a little stronger.

“Well, look at that!” comes statement from the butcher behind the curtains “I do have some in stock!” you can hear him returning, putting off any questions for later. Did you get everything you wanted here?

>Return to the manor to plot your rescue
>Stay and hope they accept gems as payment in this shop
>Return to the street, and proceed to follow Sitara
>Write-in

>>4617393
>Return to the street, and proceed to follow Sitara
She has key info: like where Alenia is being held, what the defences are like, who’s their leader etc.

>>4617393
>>Return to the street, and proceed to follow Sitara
Verification is great, but we still don't have any info about what's going on inside. We're going to want rough guard counts and layout if we can get them, along with anything else she can give us.

Sorry can't really update right now, maybe in 4 hours

Okay, writing

>>4617485
>>4617495
“I am here to help. I’ll be near, not a word to anyone.” you say before leaving through the front door. “Sorry I forgot my wallet at home!” you shout from the door and excuse yourself. Resumeing an a standard passerby attitude outsite. The guard didn’t change his position since you first saw him, or been keeping close attention to the door

...In the darkness between the stars, the Eternal One landed on the Plateau of Leng, and began his age-long fight with the Malicious Being and its subjects. Yet he did not forget the lessons he learned in his mortal life; perseverance, courage, will, things that an eldritch monster could never understand.
As the centuries carried on, the eldritch monster had to turn to deception. Its plan was in unison with its nature; trap his foe and devour their essence. Using its threads that bound laws of the universe to his own whims, he lured them deeper and deeper in his web…


A few minutes pass and Sitara exits the shop. She doesn’t even look around when crossing the road, taking a side street. Her follower is behind her at the safe space. The three of you move across the town for a while, dodging traffic and pedestrians. After some minutes it becomes evident to you that you are going to end up at the mansion again. You could try to rob the man of his clothes to pass as a guard, or try to lose them with the girl in the crowd. You can also bet on an easier infiltration while the guards are busy operating the gates.

>Dispose of the guard
>Snatch Sitara when out of view
>Sneak in along with them
>Write-in

Sorry I will have to call today's updating short here. I'll resume at 10 am UTC

>>4618017
>Dispose of the guard
Best odds of getting us in and out with no one the wiser.

>>4618017
>Dispose of the guard
Out of curiosity, what does he look like? We’ll have trouble disguising as him if he’s a bearded, black man with our hairless grey babyface.

>>4618017
>Sneak in along with them

writing

>>4618099
>>4618315
>>4618902
Hurrying along and hitching the ride on the cart allowed you to come earlier, but the day have been busy and twilight is creeping up on everyone. The city is getting slowly lit by gaslight, but visibility is still on the decline for the day. It is a good time to make a move. You step closer and closer to him, the firm cobblestone helping your efforts to keep silent. You gaze at his exposed neck all the while, seeing where the flesh becomes soft and easily penetrable, where the arteries lay with the blood pumping in them. Delicious, warm blood.

When in a particularly dark alley, you pounce and with a donkey punch strike him with all your human might. You grab him in a choke-hold just to be safe, but he is out cold already. He is generally clean-shaved but somewhat scruffy middle-aged man, and with the dark hiding you, it should not be hard to get disguised. Quickly dragging him to the side and strip him, you are in your new uniform in minutes.

Returning to the main street, you hurry back to the mansion, just in time to catch Sitara entering through the drawn gates. You hurry after trying to look like you are strolling at a relaxed pace, which is quite a feat.

“Wait!” on of the guards on the floor level shouts as you arrive. You have half a mind to stop, but as he raises his hands you can see that he signals to the one in the tower, likely controlling the gate mechanism. He waves towards you with a bored expression to pass and you do so.
“Boss in the office.” he says without even looking as if you were supposed to know what that meant. Then signals the gatekeeper again.
“For all the fucking sparkling crap in the mansion, they really couldn’t install a mechanism” the operator curses loudly “that doesn’t have to be winded up hand! Who does this?!”

Once in the garden, you see Sitara herself looking back at the main entrance of the building itself. She pushes the door in and enters. You could see where she is going, probably following her command and seeing that man with the metal hand. Captain Alenia herself might be somewhere in the building too. There is also scouting the garden and trying to find a way out that does not involve the gate in case you need to leave on short notice.
> Follow her
> Scout out the mansion inside
> Discover garden
>Write-in

The man who’s uniform you have. Do you tie him gag him, or outright kill him? The first would keep him out of the picture well into the late morning hours, killing could hold them further until the corpse is discovered, maybe a day or two.
>Kill
>Tie up

>>4619139
>Scout out the mansion inside

>Kill

>>4619139
> Follow her
She could still have useful info, plus as her ‘guard’ we may be required to follow her lest we seem suspicious.

As for the incapacitated guard, what are our orders? Are we allowed to kill anyone to rescue the VIPs?

>>4619202
>what are our orders? Are we allowed to kill anyone to rescue the VIPs?
On one hand; no sacrifice is too great. This mission is only the first step in your quest, but it is paramount. And you are in one of the most decadent and corrupt cities far and wide.
On the other; your soul is in your keeping alone.

>>4619202
Oh right, orders; ideally to locate and rescue the two VIPs; Captain Alenia of the Varonian Empire, and Colonel Fole of the Rastegan Republic, extracting them outside of the city. If that fails saving just one is acceptable. Anything else is up to your discretion.
You are alone. No rescue, no backup, no help beyond what you were given.

I will do a full reveal after you meet one of the VIPs

>>4619139
>> Scout out the mansion inside
Following her directly risks us running afoul of more direct attention

>>Kill
A longer window is better, especially if it gives us extra time to get the second rescue underway before the alarm goes up.

Killing and mansion checking; writing

Rolled 49 (1d100)

luck?

>>4619183
>>4619202
>>4619348
You hug the man’s head in the alley, tapping out his pulse and spine, and with a sharp twist of you hip perforate his vertebrate, killing him as fast as you can. You can feel the heart coming to a stop, and the rumbling in the pit of what would be the stomach in other people. The desire to dig into his flesh while still alive was strong, but you resist making a bloody spectacle. So soon after beating that demanding cripple, you feel a dark elation. Your muscles tighten around your skeletal frame, more compliant than before.
[Monster points: +2]
This is not a bad route or punishment or anything, I am just developing on your abilities for later.

...The Incandescent Immortal saw through it however, as unlike for beings of pure light, deception was not alien to him. He reversed the trap with a trick of his own. Striking out the very last moment to the very heart when the monster tried to tighten their web, freezing time and space. The Demon King of All Spiders was no more, and his slayer was to be trapped in his final moments, like a painting of a glorious triumph...
---

The first room inside is the entry hall, decorated lavishly with paintings depicting people in scant clothing and with suggestive poses. There is a dual set of stairs leading up to the second floor, covered in red carpet. There are also halls going both ways. Pretty big place to find someone in without being discovered. Luckily it is late, and the halls are unlikely to be busy.
You take the knife found in one of your breast pockets, and enact your plan on instinct; not thinking just feeling it. Slowly carving a hole into the sole of your boots with the knife, now your feet directly touches the ground. You concentrate the vibrating nagging in your flesh and two suction cups grow on your soles. Putting the shoes on, you can test them; feeling the vibration of the ground. In the interiors it should help you sneak about. Inside the thinner walls even allow you sense if someone moving in neighboring rooms.
[Monster points: - 1]

>Scout the lower floor and methodically move upwards
>Try the second floor and try to sense both upper and lower leves though it might far more difficult
>Check out the two towers of the house first
>Write-in

>>4619510
>Check out the two towers of the house first

>>4619510
>Scout the lower floor and methodically move upwards
Safer, if things go wrong, to be stuck up high than underground, and the longer we take the more dangerous it'll get. Gravity will be on your side and I suspect we've got a flight option somewhere. Plus I suspect they'll be in the dungeons.

Getting late, I'll have to duck out.
I'll make a return at 2pm UTC

>>4619647
>Scout the lower floor and methodically move upwards
More hiding places available.

here I am, writing

>>4620744
Well that is awkward. I forgot I've turned off the electricity to change some lights and my ID changed. Best start using a tripcode.

>>4619532
>>4619647
>>4620092
You turn to the left corridor, and decide to go around the house room by room to map the place out. With careful footsteps peeking behind the doors one by one, you go about your task. Sometimes you have to stop short and hide in one of them as you hear some servants and a few armed guards pass by. Most of the mansion are bedrooms, also finely decorated. There was also a study, kitchen, pantry, and a cramped servant’s quarter. Most of the bedrooms were locked.

You take twenty minutes to get around the floor, since you had to move at a snail’s pace, but you avoided everyone. At the very end, on the opposite side of the building, your path is closed by a pair of guards who are stationed at whet looks to be the back entrance. The seem the be talking about something.

“How long?” one asks. He looks a little green behind the ears.
“I don’t know.” replies the other an older and calmer man
“I don’t like this.”
“You doubt the boss?” the other raises an eyebrow
“N-no, but you have to agree that this is a big deal!”
“Oh yes.” says the other not looking a little bit worried
“Can you see why I am worried then?” the other asks frustrated and lowering his voice
“Alright, I’ll tell you something I’ve heard if you finally shut up.” he looks around, and you keep motionless behind one of the pillars “I’ve heard that it’s not just the Commander and the Madame who is in on this. They have the entire Guild backing them.”
“Really?”
“And maybe some others. But regardless, you have to admit this puts a new light on things, doesn’t it?”
The other turns back, not saying anything and they both keep quiet.

You take another fifteen minutes to backtrack to the entry hall and check out the other wing as well. Finding nothing but more closed bedrooms with nobody inside them, and a parlor. You turn your attention to the second floor. Climbing up the stairs at the entry hall, you see that it mostly mirrors the first one; two wings in two directions.

Following the same pattern, you turn to the left wing for your exploration a few minutes later, you see one of the doors swing open and Sitara exit behind. Her face is red and beaten. Tough not in the regular way; there are no ruptures on her skin, or other regular signs of blunt trauma. Just consistent discoloration and slight swelling. Like being slapped with a blunt and even object repeatedly, with the intent to cause more pain than harm.
“And close the door behind you.” comes the commanding sound from the room. She does so, leaning against it for a second, and turns away to do whatever task she was probably given.

>No one knows you are here, carry on as you were
>Try to intercept Sitara to help you
>See who is inside the room, though they will see you as well
>Write-in

>>4620749
>See who is inside the room, though they will see you as well

>>4620749
>See who is inside the room, though they will see you as well
Assuming he is alone, he is perfect for interrogation. It’s about time we figured out where the captives are.

writing

>>4620749
>>Try to intercept Sitara to help you

>>4620753
>>4620770
>>4620803
Curiously, you open the door once the girl is far enough. You come across a tidy little room with a window view on the other side. Behind the wide desk in a cushioned chair, sits the man with the metallic arm who was seen at the gates. Reading something with great interest when you enter. Beside him on the desk you see a piece of tenderized meat, and some discarded syringes.

“And who would you be?” he asks when he looks up and sees you in his uniform but with a face he’s never seen “Are you new? Who is your squad leader?”
Who would you be indeed? The answer curls Kokabiel’s lips into a somewhat sadistic smile.

-----

...Alas, not all victories are without sacrifice. The immortal deemed that spending millennia entrapped was a fate he was willing to take to end this foe. The monster’s spawn were under no such restraint however, being outside of their father’s web. The numerous terrors fled, scattering in every direction.

Although the threads were tightening, and the milliseconds were coming to a halt, the living legend struck out with nothing but his breath. A shining star flew across the thickest of the dark army, leaving a barely perceptible trail of devastation in their mass before vanishing beyond it, traveling light years in seconds...
---

[ one year before you entered the city of Thargio...]

You were born. In a single, burning and pure desire to protect mortals from dangers beyond their ken. You were nothing but hope and potential. This was short-lived however, as you plunged into a sea of evil darkness. It surrounded and suffocated you, trying to take your very being down as your opposite elements sizzled away on each other. When you were out of the dark and drifted across the void, you were someone else.

[2 months ago…]

After long drifting you finally came to a stop with a crash.

[1 month ago...]

You awake on a bed. Your surroundings are a serene. The room is decorated with shelves and books, a little water fountain giving off tranquil melodies of nature in the middle, there are no walls, and a garden surrounds you with flora and fauna.
There is a woman in front of you, carrying a tray with a cup and fruits to you. Her beautiful face is just as serene as the environment.
“I see you formed.” she puts down the tray for you.

> Formed?
> Where am I?
> There is danger coming!
>Write-in

Curses, I’ve lost my power to style text, when I needed it the most!
Also this is probably the time to ask questions. Everything will be either known by Kokabiel himself, or will be answered by Dana. Just remember that you are in a flashback at the moment

>>4620806
>> Formed?
>> Where am I?
>What am I?

>>4620806
> Formed?
> Where am I?
> There is danger coming!
> ALL THREE!

writing of course I knew you were going to ask all three, but if I don't give at least the illusion of voting no one will ever read the wall of text!

>>4620851
True.
>Flashback to our mom Dana while the guy in real life waves his hand in front of our face.

>>4620815
>>4620838
“Formed?”
“You fell from beyond the stars on one of the moons of our world. When I found you, you looked different. Not a human form, but a sprawling mass of something. I have seen the light however inside. A strong soul you possess, and I felt the need to help you. I was known as Dana. Keeper of this place and last of the pantheon.”
“Was?”
“When mortals still prayed to my family, and we granted them boons for their prayer”
“You are a god?” and she smiles gently at the question
“I wouldn’t call myself that. No one knows who I am beyond the gardens anymore, I am just tending to this place in quiet.”

“Where are we?”
“Once it was known as Elysium, home of the gods. Now, only I am left.”
“What happened?”
“The world has changed, and mortals have forgotten us. My father decided that this was for the best, as they had to learn to grow without us. Some died in the catastrophe that led to this decision, others decided to move on and travel the cosmos.”
“And you?” to which she gestures around.
“This is my home. I love it here, and I love the mortals. Their stories are many and ever-changing. Even if not all of them end well.” Dana says wistfully. Then her eyes light up again “I know many things, but I understand that it is a moral custom to introduce one another. May I ask who you are?” there is a mischievousness in the question.

“My name is… Kokabiel” you decide to give her the name you knew; the one your father gave you along with the breath of life. “I am bearing bad news, there is something on the way that seeks to destroy this world and all beneath in it.”
She nods, her face unchanging from the somber expression that it was holding. “I have seen it at the edge of the world where the sunlight dies. A hungry darkness. Are you their forebarer?”

The question was without any accusation, but Kokabiel is still a little taken aback at the directness of it. It is unqiestionable that your flesh is mostly made of the same substance as them, but there is a definite difference…
“No. I came to help.” you divulge the mission you have been given. The words are meant to be reassurance, but there is a little doubt behind them.

Although you have a mission, nothing enforces its completion. You have no obligation, geas, pact, or any metaphysical chains binding you. At the moment of your birth you were gifted with free will, and even your contact with corruption could not remove it. You are free.

Well, you were also given some memories of the worlds that have fallen. There is also the fact that you have no obvious way out of the invasion zone. Would you still fight if you knew of one though?

>>4620927
Does this mortal world stand a chance? Maybe it is better to work for your own survival? Questions for later. For now you need to know more.

As if reading your mind Dana speaks again
“You may stay here as long as you wish. You can use the fountain to search the world below, and there is always fruits on the trees. You might not need to eat, but you should try them. They are delicious.”

> Take a walk in the garden trying out your body
> Try to see the darkness Dana mentioned, your enemy
> Survey the world below (anything specific you want to see?)
> Write-in

>>4620930
>Try to see the darkness Dana mentioned, your enemy

>>4620930
> Survey the world below (anything specific you want to see?)
>Look for h̶o̶t̶ ̶n̶a̶k̶e̶d̶ ̶p̶e̶o̶p̶l̶e̶ tasty looking food

>>4620930
>> Take a walk in the garden trying out your body
We won't last long if we don't understand what we can (and can't ) do.

>> Survey the world below (anything specific you want to see?)
General state of the world. Major wars or political scisms, global stability, corruption, notable figures, other high level stuff like that.

>>4620930
> Survey the world below.
Look for anything related to our task.

writing

>>4620935
>>4620939
>>4620945
>>4620993
You look into the sky. It is cloudless and beautiful, filled with a loving shade of blue. You focus your sight and look at a cloud closer, taking in the details the bumps and shapes. Closer and ever closer. You do this for a while when you catch Dana standing beside you.
“Oh don’t mind me, I am just wondering what you are wonder about.”

“I am trying to see that darkness spoke of, my eyes are apparently not that good though.”
“Do not look with your eyes. Look with your mind.” she says closing her eyes, and you try to do likewise. “Feel the garden. The trees, the grass, the wind. Once you have that carry with the wind and up in the clouds. Farther and farther.” she opens her eyes. “Once you find the sunlight, all you have to do is follow it until it dies. You will note it then.”
“Uhhh, thank you?” you
“Don’t thank me, practice when you have the time.”
“Maybe later, I’d like to stretch my legs first.”

The walk in the garden feels quite calming. It takes no effort, quite literally. Somehow it is due to you and everything else here being more metaphysical than physical. You realize with some amusement that you are making your first steps like a baby would. Looking into the reflection you see that you look completely human, aside from being a little hairless and your skin has a deep gray tone.

Looking deeper in the fountain you reach out for the world below. You try the method Dana told you, but repeat on the fountain. It is a lot easier to accommodate, partly because it seem to have been crafted for this. You learn of the Varonian Empire, with its huge landmass and monarchy led by elves, a lithe and long-lived people who can reach 120 years in lifespan. In opposition stands the Rastigan Republic, a collection of different kingdoms who have moved out of monarchy centuries ago in a great strife. There are other ones as well, but these catch your attention as these one have been actively warring with each other for a long time. Their conflict is very formalized; the fight at a certain location for a certain time, exchanging prisoners fairly.

You close in on the Battlements, the pre-determined field of the conflict. The sun grows high on the barren land, where a thin red line makes a military stand. There is slingshot, chain shot, grapeshot too. Swords and bayonets thrusting through. A very brutal affair. There is suddenly a cloud of dust rising from the east, and in a few minutes it is visible what kicks it up. A machine over twenty yard tall, puffing white smoke from different pipes along its arm and back. One side scrambles for cover as it launches a barrage from one of its arms. There might still be hope for this world…
> Check out the political structure of the Varonians and Rastigans
> Meditate to expand your awareness trying to pick a glance of the coming horde
> Scout other nations
> Write-in

>>4621077
>> Meditate to expand your awareness trying to pick a glance of the coming horde
Good to know, if nothing else, how long it will take them to arrive.

>>4621077
> Scout other nations
Alliances, rivalries, power, etc.

I am going offline for now, it is getting late. I also have to put a little thought into the rest of the world. We'll continue at 2pm UTC - 9am EST

>>4621077
>Meditate to expand your awareness trying to pick a glance of the coming horde

Sorry something came up. I hope I am not killing this quest by delaying but I'll have to move updating to tomorrow.
3pm UTC - 10am EST

>>4621077
>Meditate to expand your awareness trying to pick a glance of the coming horde
Focus on trying to find their leader and biggest threat to us.

I am here as promised. Writing is in progress.

>>4621094
>>4621165
>>4621815
>>4622182
You spend time surveying the world below, the flood of information into your mind is fast, faster than it was meant to be processed. You are no god after all. Taking many shot at it you discerning what you work with here. Aside from the Empire and the Republic at war with each other, there is also a league of lesser entities and kingdoms working together to the south of it all. There is no military conflict, but there is a constant vying for advantage and this sometimes yields violent results.

You bring your gaze further. Most of what you have seen is a temperate climate, but the farther things are from the three political cluster, the more extreme they become. Great deserts, and cold mountain ranges, as well as wild jungle bordering the Rastegan Republic. All of them settled by their own people. Although it seems they are more primitive, they are also more attuned with the mythical forces of the world.

Returning to the Battlements, you witness something peculiar. Something that resembles a plan. You can’t get a proper close in at it however, maybe someone proficient with this can help. A headache creeps up on you. A new, yet unwelcome sensation.
-----

Taking a break, you search the sky again. Seeing without your eyes beyond the clouds. It is a pretty daunting task, considering you didn’t even have eyes until a short while ago. Dana senses your exertion, party because this is her garden, and party probably since you were staring at the sky again for fifteen minutes.

“You know, I could just tell you what you wish to know.”
“I would like to see things for myself.”
“Well that will take a little work, but it is doable.” a checkered piece cloth appears beneath your feet, neatly covering the grass of the garden. “Have a seat, you will cramp your neck like that.” after getting seated comfortably she speaks again.
“Close your eyes, they will only mislead you.”

The hours pass by and you slowly become aware of something. Dana sitting beside you, but on the other side you have seen her settle. You open your eyes to verify it; you see her on your right, but when you close your eyes, you can feel the presence on your left. You repeat the experiment a few more times when you hear Dana chuckle from both sides.

>>4623463
“I see the first stage of your lesson have been settled.” she says resuming her serene demeanour.
“I am not sure I understand.”
“You see me here with your eyes, because the lights reflect in a way that the colors and shapes appear beside you. I am the garden though, I am all around. I just decided to be a litte more around over there. The importance is that you always try to see behind appearances. Now let’s continue while the lesson is fresh.”

A few more hours and you can see the garden from outside; it is orbiting the planet in a little pocket dimension. Moving further you find yourself among the planets. Empty and lifeless giants drifting around the star. You move further towards the edge of the system, Dana’s presence guiding you along the path. As if the two of you were flying without any movement.

There, after the very last one you gaze into the emptiness of space, and see them. Very far, but inching closer, a great swarm of monsters. Every sort of shape and size between a cat and an elephant. Claws and hungry maws, swimming across the void. It looks like they’ll be here in a year and half.

In the very center of them there is something that dwarfs them all. It looks like a large pyramid of thousand yard wide and half as tall. Although you are quite hardened, looking at it gives you an idea of dread. Not true fear of course, but you never empathized with mortal fragility with this much before. All the other creatures are grouped around following this one. Have a leader already emerged?

> Drift closer to the pyramid
> Return and try to find the answer without that
> Follow up on the idea with Dana
> Write-in

>>4623474
>Every sort of shape and size between a cat and an elephant. Claws and hungry maws, swimming across the void. It looks like they’ll be here in a year and half.
That's not good.

> Return and try to find the answer without that
I get the feeling we'll run into a "see and be seen" issue if we close for a better look.

>>4623549
You return to your body, not wanting to risk discovery. If you are capable of this, it isn’t too far-fetched to think that they would be able to sense you as well. Maybe you have the element of surprise. As much as simple surprising can help in a situation such as this. Either way, maybe there is something else you can use.

It might be time to turn to your memories. You were given a handful of them, to allow you to know how to interact with people. Along with unintuitive concepts such as politeness, family, honor, deceit, oh and the overwhelming terror your enemies in their exploit. You spend a good chunk of time reviewing them.

The memories are not easy to traverse. Their original hosts usually met unsightly ends, and there is a lot of panic among them. Over time you find something of not however; the pyramid you saw approaching. There is a figure inside of it. Tall, wearing a thick bundle of yellow robes that he drags behind him, as he walks. In the middle of the large bundle, his most distinct feature; a face pale as porcelain, with black eyes, and an expression of sardonic bemusement. He always introduces itself in the same way for the few who had the displeasure; One Who Wears No Mask.

You awake in your meditative sitting. You realize something; with the astral projection, and the reckon the world below, this is the third big undertaking you’ve tried since your arrival. What time is it?

“Would you care for dinner?” Dana asks appearing behind you from thin air. You have been catching glimpses of her coming and going in the garden, sometimes even ceasing to exist before re-materializing.
“Since you are here, you do not need to eat, sleep, or drink, but it could do you some good. Also you haven’t been having any for twelve days now.”
“Was I out that long?”
“No I mean since you woke up”

> You have work to do: chalking up a plan of defense
> Agree to dinner
> Twelve days? You need to get to planetside!
> Write-in

>>4623647
>> You have work to do: chalking up a plan of defense
Thank her for the offer, but we're going to need to put in a lot of work if we're going to stop a planetary invasion.

writing

>>4623653
“Thank you but I need to figure out something soon or we all die.”
“That is very likely” she says a little sadly “I’ll leave you to it.”
----

“Dana, I need some help.” she appears out of nowhere once you say that. Her body vanishes in and out of the garden when you aren’t engaging her. “I’ve tried to use the same method on the planet, but it doesn’t quite work.”
“As man on the ocean can see and hear far, and the same man inside the woods, can’t see the forest, so one can project far in the vast emptiness. All the while having trouble to see in a world full of spirits. Living and dead. This is why the fountain was made.”
“I couldn’t focus on people as well.”
“If I was to hazard a guess, it is because you lack the connection to scry people.“
“Why would it need a connection?”
“It’s not that you need the connection. It is that you lack it. You are not native to this world, that’s why.”
“And you?”
“My mother was the life-giving godess of this world. Naturally, I have the connection.“
“What about a past scene?”
“What you have in mind?”
“I have seen something transpire before you taught me to project my thoughts. But if it was days ago, it very well may be over.”
“If it wasn’t decades back, we can probably take a look at it, but anything further is more muddled.”
----

You follow up a particularly harsh day of fighting on the Battlements. What caught your eyes was that the two commanders of the two clashing sides were complete equals. Reading the attacks and defenses of one another and responding to it with maximum efficiency. There had to be some familiarity among each other. A mistake on either side would have doubled the losses that day. Not as if it was a bloodless conflict in the first place.

The scene you see is one of the officers; a woman in the Rastegan Republic’s uniform. She has a short platinum hair in a bobcut and an ebony skin. Her gray wrinkle-free uniform is topped off with a beret of the same color. In the scene she salutes to a man, with an obvious family resplendence between them.

“I think we are ready.” she says after saluting
“Are you certain enough to make the first move?”
“Yes. The pride of the royal family would not allow them to make the first move.” she says with unerring certainty. His superior closes his eyes considering.
“The public outrage will not be easy on us either.”
“I am certain.”
“Very well.” he finally speaks up “ Colonel Fola, you have my sanction send the letter.”

(cont)

>>4623765
You follow the letter from its writing to its very delivery. It is sent the next day along with the regular prisoner exchange. It arrives to the hands of the Varonian Commander. A woman standing proud in her blue uniform. With sharp blue eyes and long blonde hair. Her ears also take on a particular pointiness. The very next day she travels on to the capital.
----

“They are ready.”
“Are you certain?” the question came from a young man in heavy regalia, wearing a fluffy gold embroidered cape, and a crown. He is the royal majesty, the Emperor Zajovid. The man who took the throne as a boy, and now holds it as a man. Proving worthy for it in the little time he held it. “If we step wrong, the nobles will riot.”
“We have planned this for too long. I am prepared, and so is she.” to which the Emperor replied with a heavy silence.
“Then Captain Alenia, I give you a royal mission.” he finally said “Meet on neutral ground, and discuss the terms.”
----

Another letter is exchanged, a meeting is scheduled. The city of Thargio, belonging to the Confederacy to the south. The two officers were dispatched with a handful of escort. Two representatives of the two great military powers of this world meeting under one roof.
“This is perfect. If only one of them can be convinced, that is a good start.”
“Do not be certain.” Dana says, and this is the first time you have seen her genuinely sad since your arrival.
“Why do you says that?”
“Those two have the scent of tragedy about them.” upon seeing your expression she elaborates “An unsightly end, I have seen it many times in stories like this. I have no idea what could it will be, but it won’t end well for them“
“Is that certain?”
“I am quite sure, unless something happens.” her mirth returns a little “Maybe you can change that? I can’t interfere, but you could go down there.”
----

And so it came to be that you, Kokabiel ended up on the way to Thargio to save two VIP’s; Captain Alena and Colonel Fola. Or just one. Or neither, and just use their influence to your own ends. You’ll make it up as you go, since time is short.
– END OF PROLOGUE –

Thank you all for playing this far.
>Anything else before setting off?

>>4623783
heading off, tomorrow same day same time from 3pm UTC - 10am EST

>>4623783
I figure rescuing them both will go a long ways towards resolving this war, which should be our first step in preparing the world for the coming storm.

>Anything else before setting off?
I think we're good.

writing

>>4623853
“So how will I get there?” comes the obvious question
“I shall banish you, and try to aim you towards Thargio”
“That doesn’t sound very pleasant.”
“I never been banished myself, but I can’t imagine it being such.”
“How are you sure sure I’ll even survive it?”
“Because then it would be called killing you, not banishing you.” she says and you leave it at that uncertain how to argue against such a logic. “Oh one more thing before you go!” she reaches into the pond, deeper than the waters should be, and pulls out a handful of precious stones. “Here, heroes in stories are always poor unless they are princes or something, but in your case I think you could use the leg up.”
“Anything else I need to know.”

“I am going to miss you.” she says waving goodbye. Before you can say anything however you are slapped, and torn out of this reality. You are aware of falling. Again, like out in the great void, but it iis a lot faster. You suddenly come to a halt, laying on the ground. Against your expectations there is no large crash or burning. You simply arrived. Taking a little time to orient yourself, you set off to Thargio.
----

Curiously, you open the door once the girl is far enough. You come across a tidy little room with a window view on the other side. Behind the wide desk in a cushioned chair, sits the man with the metallic arm who was seen at the gates. Reading something with great interest when you enter. Beside him on the desk you see a piece of tenderized meat, and some discarded syringes.

“And who would you be?” he asks when he looks up and sees you in his uniform but with a face he’s never seen “Are you new? Who is your squad leader?”
Who would you be indeed? Well, that is not as important as what you are going to do.

>Assault him
>Try to bluff your way in
>Wait for him to make the first move
>Write-in

Sorry, busy day

>>4625364
>>Assault him
I have no idea why we decided to do this, but we're committed now. Ideally, we'll manage to subdue him non-lethally so we can extract some info, but preventing him from raising the alarm has to come first.

>>4625364
>Assault him
>>4625383
We did this because the alternative was searching the whole compound including two towers at opposing ends. We need precise info on the VIP locations.

>>4625383
>>4626470
“Yeah I was sent over from the kitchen by Ligondese .” you say entering the office and closing the door behind you
“Ligondese ?” he asks perplexed
“Lig on these!” you state matter of factly and are there in a stride, jumping onto the desk with another. Just in time to fall on him when his hand shoots down to grab his revolver. He falls back in his chair with you on him.

Unfortunatley his prosthetic is pretty strong, and manages to grab the handle. With a swift headbutt you manage to loosen his grip and with another the weapon flies to the side in the corner of the room. With a twirl the assaulted commander flips the two of you and pins your throat with his forearm. This move would require you to be human and have arteries there as well as your only access to oxygen. After the initial gutpunch in your intestines, this miscalculation earns him a right hook on the jaw. You manage to get him in a chokehold away from his gun, and a few minutes later he is unconscious.

You drag him into his chair, and check outside. No one came around yet to investigate the noises. Curious. Going back you wonder what to do with him, when you find some rope lyng around. Especially curious. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouse though you get to making tied ham out of the man, with extra bondage on the arms. What now?

>Move this interrogation elsewhere (where?)
>Make sure he can’t scream, though he probably can’t answer any questions either
>Search through the room
>Write-in

I know these options really suck, I am just a little unsure of where to next. You guys are driving.

>>4629207
>>Search through the room
If he comes around before we're done, we can try questing him then. If not, we'll work with what we have.

>>4629351
>the room
+1

>>4629351
>>4629506
writing

>>4629351
>>4629506
The room is as nice as you can expect something from a fancy mansion. Desk, chair, cupboards, shelves, baubles, thick carpet. Your eyes wander on a pile of books on a chair to the side. ‘Whip your slave into shape’, ‘Five stages of despair’, ‘The phantasmagoria of control’, ‘Rodimus: Life of a Slave Breaker’, ‘Alchemy - Solutions for pain pro and contra’. Some are also quite practical guides on breaking people’s will.

You also find some bottles of different shapes and sizes, and somehow doubt that their contents are simple alcohol. Taking a look at the syringes on the desk, they are filled with the same sickly smell that you’ve felt from Sitara.
There are also documents on the table and some of the drawers. It seems they are signed and stamped by a Commander Castigus. Seems to go to different entities in Thargio. As well as the requisition and receipt of a prosthetic. Likely what the man has for a right arm instead. What is most curious however that you find a few agreements for service for the Rastegan Republic for a group of mercenaries. It was terminated one month ago.

Pocketing the revolver after making sure it is loaded. You think about your next step.

>Spend time to figure out what this could mean
>Wake up and interrogate now
>Ring the servant bell
>???

>>4629726
>>Wake up and interrogate now

>>4629726
>>Wake up and interrogate now
We're on the clock. Someone could come knocking at any time.
Plus, I'd kinda like to see what some of the syringes would do to the slaver himself.

update tomorrow, I am still alive

>>4629767
>>4629769
The key is in the lock, allowing you to ensure a little privacy. You pick up the large piece of steak from the desk and give it a few experimental swings. With a finger, you prop up the man’s head by pushing at his forehead. You prepare the meat by holding it far behind your back, and in a large arc you swing it ahead slapping the guy in the face.

“What the-”
“At-at-at!” you wave a finger before him “be quiet, or I’ll be forced to stab you” he measures you up with a disgusting glance.
“Who the fuck are you?”
“I ask the questions here. Where is the Captain?”
“I don’t know what you are-” he is interrupted by another impact of the beef
“I forgot to mention; please don’t lie to me so brazenly. I have it on good authority they entered this mansion and never left.” - well as good authority as an angry cripple can be – you think to yourself. You can see hate blister in his eyes, but he closes them staying quiet. Just when you think he could use another encouragement, he sighs and speaks up.

“Alright, let’s talk about this.”
“We already are.”
“What do you want?”
“I want the officer that arrived from the Empire some time ago. Goes by Alenia, blonde, blue eyes, faeblood, this tall.” he narrows his eyes
“Alright.” he says slowly “Let’s say she is here. What do you want with her?”
“That’s for me to know.”
“You are not with the Republic.” he states it matter-of-factly “But you do not look like some Empire stooge, either.”
“Is this going somewhere?”

“If you are neutral party, how about a counter offer? Finding this out could not have been easy. Whatever goals you have, I am sure we could help each other out. ”
Kokabiel thinks for a moment. This man has influence, and if the hearsay of the guards is anything to go about, probably planning something big. There might be another way to go about things than the original rescue plan, and he might be it. The thought is cut short by the man.
“Well, I’ll let you think on it. I’ll be here. You will find the captain on the topmost room of the eastern tower. I have the key in a compartment of my arm.”
True to his words, you find it within the artificial limb, neatly tucked inside a miniature compartment.

>Go to the tower and use the key
>It is a trap, you should retreat to plan this again
>Ask about Sitara
>Write-in

>>4640409
Hey, you're not dead!
>>Write-in
Ask him why he kidnapped and apparently tried to enslave a diplomatic envoy.

>>4641067
>Write-in
Ask him why he kidnapped and apparently tried to enslave a diplomatic envoy.
Then:
Hold him hostage while dragging him to the tower, force him to say we are his ‘guard’. once we get to the tower we can lock him inside and get the captain out.

writing

>>4641067
>>4641185
“Should I ask?”
“Ask what?”
“That why did you kidnap and apparently tried to enslave a diplomatic envoy?”
“That is preposterous. She is merely in protective custody.” he says calmly. You pick up a book titled ‘Scarless Branding: The miracle of miasma’ with a questioning look. “That is not mine, it was lent to me by the owner of this establishment.”

“And the sryinges?”
“Alchemy is just a hobby of mine.” he shrugs “Knowing how and why certain elements and devices work have served me well during my years.”
“In sryinges.”
“Madame Iralda doesn’t like guests staining the carpet with concoctions.”
“Alright, so why is this ~protective custody~?” you ask with mocking air quotes.
“Why, to make sure the talks with the Republic go well. This is netural ground you see?”
This entire thing stinks, but there is no logical flaw in what he is saying.

“Alright, pack your things, we are going on a walk.” his smilre fades, as you walk behind his chair to untie him. “You are going to show me this tower.”
“Oh, by all means. We can go and ask her ourselves.” he doesn’t sound nerveous at all.
“No sudden moves or noises. I am full of nasty surprises.” to which he doesn’t reply anything but a slightly disgusted grunt.
-----

The walk up the tower is eventless. You go at your pace, feeling the environment. The mansion is eerily quiet, there are very few people in the surrounding rooms, and they do not seem intent on sticking their heads out. Your don’t take your eyes off of your captive, but he doesn’t seem intent on trying anything. You make it to the tower the stairs twist around twice before you make it to the top; a heavy-set wooden door.
“Would you like to do the honors, or should I?”
“You go ahead.” nudging him with the gun. To which he puts the key in the lock and turns the handle.

The room is lavish like the rest of the mansion. Seems like some luxurious guestroom with a very large bed, complete with translucent veils hanging from the top. An intricate red carpet covers the floor, and all the furniture is made from expensive wood with some inlaid silver to bare. In the middle of it stands the woman, wearing a white nightgown on her slender form. Blue eyes and wheat-like blonde hair with longer, pointed ears sticking out from her hairdo. You recognize Captain Alenia, the officer of the Varonian Empire, and one of the two you’ve been looking for.

>>4641382
There is surprise and outrage in her eyes, but before she opens her mouth your companion yells loudly.
“Ah my dear captain, we have a guest!” he steps away and reveals you behind him “our friend here… I am afraid I didn’t catch your name.”
“I didn’t give any”
“Right. Well our friend here came to make sure you are alright in our protective custody, and ~everyting~ is just fine.” her eyes move between him and you, her mouth slightly opening as she considers her words. “Your sister has retired for the night so you will have to vouch for both of you.”

>Wait for her to speak
>Lightning-bolt!
>Try to talk with her (say what?)
>Write-in

>>4641385
>>Lightning-bolt!

>>4641385
>>Wait for her to speak
We'll need to pay careful attention to her, to make sure she's not under duress. If she is showing signs, we can force the issue by offering to "deal" with him.

>>4641385
>>Wait for her to speak

writing

>>4641417
>>4641418
>>4641602
“I…” she hesitates, and you wonder whether because she is trying to tell you something, or because someone in the same uniform as their host is, inquires about her well-being. Another tentative look at the mercenary seems to make up her mind. “The peace talks are progressing well...“
“I see.” Kokabiel says to fill in the lingering silence. The mercenary nods with satisfaction.
“But...” she continues “I don’t think we’ve been acquainted Mister...”
“Loyd” you say. Aliases are probably not necessary, but one can never be too careful.
“Why don’t you take a seat? I am sure the ~servants~ can bring us a tea. Isn’t that right Commander Lascore?”
“Well it would be rude of us to intrude at this hour...” the man tries to deflect it.
“I see no issue with it” you say “I have nowhere else to be right now.”
“Isn’t that fruition. Then I suppose I’ll go get someone to fetch some refreshments.” he gives you a questioning look
“A guestroom such as this porbably has something on stock“ you suggest. Letting him out of your sight now would just invite trouble at this point.
“I think those bottles on that shelf are here for that purpose.” Alenia points out readily.
“Very well” Lascore grunts with clenched jaw. A barely contained outburst visible on his features, and the young captain seems satisfied. A bottle and a few glasses are acquired and you take seats around a round table in the corner. You and Lascore beside each other, while Captain Alenia is on the other side of the table. The revolver is on the opposite hip to Lascore in case he thinks of something funny.

“So.. where have you served Mister Loyd?” she asks not touching her drink at all. She does not look comfortable in the situation, even though it was she who suggested. Lascore doesn’t drink either, but looks much calmer.
You are about to answer her when you are altered to the sound of shattering glass. Lascore dropped his drink on the ground.
“Oh how clumsy of me. Let me fetch another”
>Time to talk in private. Lightningbolt!
>He is unimportant, focus on questioning Alenia.
>You might have been wrong, and should hurry to the rescue of the other officer
>Write-in

Sorry for the slow update, Trying to decide whether I am making the MC do too much or not enough without votes.

>>4642657
>Time to talk in private. Lightningbolt!
She is clearly distressed; I figured he was just trying to squirm his way out of this.
We can't ignore him, seeing as he'd obviously raise the alarm. Once he's down we can tie him up with bedsheets or something and get some unguarded answers out of her.

>spoiler
You're doing fine so far.

writing

>>4642700
It is hard to forget your origins. Although there is the substance of darkness mixed with the residues of this world that gave you your phisical flesh, your core is made of a different breed. The concentrated light from your soul pours into your windows to it; the eye. The energy builds up with searing pain, as you feel like it is about to explode.
“Oh let me get it for you.”
The beam of light from your left eye bursts through straight ahead. Then it goes up to the ceiling, moves around the chandelier, down to the floor, zing-zagging between the right and left wall, then moving up chest-high and impacting on Lascore in the side. All with the speed of a bullet.
>Arcane points -1
>Arcane points left: 1

The man drops to the ground right away, slightly twitching. Even Kokabiel is surprised by the intense and chaotic emission of energy, but its efficiency cannot be doubted. To her merit, Alenia does not scream. Only gives off a sudden wince at the unexpected light-show. After the sudden shock she is over the unconscious Lascore, patting him down, and turning to you a second later.

“Who are you?” she asks with evident worry.
“Just to make sure, he was keeping you here and I didn’t whack the guy on a misunderstanding, right?”
“What yes? Bastard!” she gives Lascore a kick, and he grunts unconsciously. He is alive luckily. You wouldn’t want to kill someone on accident. Now killing someone on purpose, is an entirely different thing… You would have to do it in a more mundane manner though, this is an exhausting trick.
“Are you from the Imperial Army? Rastegan Specials? Why do you have his uniform?“
„It is a little more complicated, but I am on your side. We should lave while we can.”
„Have you found my sister and my men?”
„Are they being held here too?”
„I know that my sister is in the house. They sometimes let her come to me. I don’t know what they did to her. Somehow...” she has a hard time continuing.
„Somehow?”
„Somehow controlling her” she says kicking Lascore another time in frustration „Last I’ve seen she is doing maid tasks around the house.” My men I haven’t seen since. They shown me their dog-tags to let me know they have them too.

„And the Rastegan envoy?”
„I haven’t seen her, we we never managed to meet up. Do you think she could be here too?”
„I am not an expert, but that sounds too risky.”
>Leave the captain here while you look for the sister.
>Interrogate Lascore, though it might take a while for him to be questioned again
>Try to cut your losses and escape the mansion with the Captain regardless of the others
>Write-in

There is probably more elaborate planning to be done and executed here, I just gave a few outlines for different approahces.

>>4644165
>>Leave the captain here while you look for the sister.
Ask if her sister's name is Sitara (the meek girl we met earlier).
If the door has an interior keyhole, give her the key and organize a coded knock or passphrase, then go hunting for the sister and men.
Have her reset things in the room such that its not obvious what's going on while we're gone.
While we're hunting, keep an eye out for grabbable disguises for her, her sister, and her men. I dunno if we'll need or be able to use them, but they'd be good to have.

>>4644165
Well honestly elaborate planning in a multiple choice quest should be left to the players anyways, otherwise it’s just the GM telling a story
>>4644953
>+1
Ask if her sister is Sitara, give the captain a weapon before we go looking for her sister.

Whoops, accidentally spoilered EVERYTHING, only wanted to spoiler the first sentence.

>>4644953
>>4645401
You acquire the key from Lascore and put it on the table for Alenia
“I’ll go try to look. Close the door behind me. I’ll give one long, two short, and another long knock when I come back so you know it’s me.“
“And I’m just supposed to sit here?”
“They don’t know I am here, and hopefully it will stay that way till tomorrow. The inside of the mansion is somehow quite undermanned. Arrange things as if no one was here just to make sure. You might want to hide him as well.”
“I’ve seen some sheets in the back I can fashion into a rope. I don’t have anything sharp on me, they made sure of that. How long he’ll stay like that?” she indicates Lascore who is laid flat, eyes closed.
“Long enough” – Kokabiel has actually no idea, but that sort of impact should be plenty - “You might need this too” you remark putting the revolver beside the key.

“Won’t you need…” she asks but drops it on realizing that it might sound silly
“I’ll just try to not get into trouble. Like I said somehow there aren’t many people inside the building”
“How do you…”
“I have my ways.”
Kokabiel moves towards the door before stopping.
Just a hunch, but does your sister have light-brown hair, dark-brown eyes, floppy dog ears, and is around chest high?” you indicate with your hands
“Yes, that’s her!” there is hope in her voice
“I came across her, she is definitely in the mansion. I’ll be by soon.”

Wasting no time, you slip out the door, down the stairs and onto the second floor. Recalling the scouting you’ve already tried down there and on your way here with the captive, you try to narrow down where your target could be.
There is one ornate door with a bigger room behind it, one person inside exactly. Two smaller of the guest rooms are also occupied by one person each. Down on the first floor, the right wing was empty, while the left wing had the servant’s quarter.

>Big ornate door
>Left guest room
>Right guest room
>Servant’s quarter
>(Something else?)

>>4645571
>Servant’s quarter
Sister is more likely to be there, and we can try to chat or eavesdrop with the other underlings to figure out where the sister or the men are.

>>4645571
>>Servant’s quarter

>>4645571
>Servant’s quarter
If she’s not there, someone there will know where she is.

Next update tomorrow I feel a little woozy today

>>4645571
Servant quarters

>>4647125
Take care of yourself.

writing

>>4645671
>>4646096
>>4647124
>>4647176
With the maid outfit and the disguise, the servant’s quarter is on the top of the suspect list. Kokabiel carefully makes his way to the end of the corridor, and down the stairs. There are a lot more people on the ground floor than above. Fortunately the few denizens keep to their rooms, and the guards keep to their posts. Although who knows when it will be a change of shifts.

You pick up faint sobbing in the distance. Stopping to listen for it a little, it is obvious that it comes from the slightly ajar door ahead. Right in the servant’s quarter. Carefully opening it, you can see Sitara in her maid getup, sitting on a bed. The girl is hugging her legs and her face is buried in her knees. There is no one else here.

Not sure how to approach the situation, and knowing that time is short, Kokabiel decides with a slightly audible cough. The reaction is instantanious, as the dog-eared girl looks up in a gasp, but luckily, she does not scream.
„I found your sister. Pack your things, we have to go” you whisper loudly. She turns away wildly wiping the tear out of her eyes.
„Come on, she is waiting for you” the outsider is trying to sound encuraging. She gazes on the ground as she walks over.
„Dont you have anything to bring?” to which she shakes her head „Do you know where the laundry is? We need change of clothes.” the girl nods with a whimper and you two are off, moving to the other wing.

Most of the clothes are provocative worn in certain kind of establishments. Most of them are underwear and the rest are not much better than the nightgown Alenia was in. There are plenty of tablecloths and some maid outfits even.

>Take all the maid outfits
>The stripper outfits might come handy
>Try to get more soldier uniforms, though that can be quite dangerous
>Just return to Alenia

>>4648920
>Grab a few maid's outfits for the girls
>Try to get more soldier uniforms, though that can be quite dangerous
There is no way we're passing off the men as maids without time and luck we don't have.
Unless there are manservant uniforms; in which case grab the them instead of the soldier's uniforms.

I dunno how I missed this before now, but your "persons" are inconsistent. You keep jumping between 2nd and third person. As this is a quest, I suggest sticking to 2nd, but you need to pick one or the other.
Also, your opening quotes are down low in this post?

>>4648954
After the naming of our protagonist I started to use some 3rd person descriptions. Mostly on decisions that were not directly related to the options voted by players, and happen in narrative so I do not have to stop every time there is a minor decision to be made. Hence the separation between the point of views.
Is it too much? Should I keep it to 2nd person?

Not sure what you mean about the opening quotes.

>>4649030
Yeah, I'd stick to a single "person". It's very jarring to flip back and forth like that. We are Kokabiel, so we should be seeing the world through his eyes.

>„I found your sister. Pack your things, we have to go”
as opposed to
>"I found your sister. Pack your things, we have to go"

>>4649055
Huh, probably libre office formatted it differently today. I type there first, to avoid accidentally deleting an update.

>>4648920
>>Take all the maid outfits
>>The stripper outfits might come handy

>>4648920
>Activate Kleptomania. Take all the clothes just in case.

[/spoiler] Stick to 2nd person, if you want to use third person stay in 3rd person for the whole post, otherwise it’s weird.