File: 9849183_p0.jpg (446 KB, 1194x1113)

446 KB JPG

>>4777177
“Meaning,” you clarify, “the people who wanted to monopolize my time were exactly the kind of people I wanted nothing to do with. Social climbers, false friends of my father’s, all manner of men and women who were looking for something from me even at the age of six – an easy way to get to my father.”

“And now?”

You shrug. “Much the same, though I know more of the faces personally now. Many of those who are here are looking for something, but I also wanted the newcomers to the kingdom of Hazaran to be here to be found. The more quickly connections, business and personal, can be forged across the old borders the sooner those borders will disappear in any practical sense.”

“And by throwing us in the deep end we’ll get over it quicker,” Nora muses, her heel bouncing a bit with nervous energy. “Or something like that?”

You shake your head this time. “I wanted to give you all a chance to dress up and look nice. To feel a little more like normal young women… if you’re not comfortable here I don’t want you to feel forced. You can leave if you want.”

“Miss Noel?” Nora asks, confused at your tone.

“This was as much for you as it was for any practical purpose,” you clarify. “So it’s far from what I intended for it to bother you. That’s the last thing I want.”

“I… I’m not sure I understand,” Nora admits. “Why would you think we’d want to feel… well.. ‘normal’, as you said?”

>Because I know some of us share a sense that our ‘normality’ was robbed from us when the Organization indoctrinated and surgically altered us.
>Because we’re all humans at the end of the day – humans who are carrying a burden others can’t understand. Sometimes we NEED to feel like humans.
>Because I’m worried about us. If we do eventually end the yōma threat, I want us to at least be able to ‘go back’ mentally and emotionally afterwards.
>Other?

>>4777180
>Because we’re all humans at the end of the day – humans who are carrying a burden others can’t understand. Sometimes we NEED to feel like humans.
>Because I’m worried about us. If we do eventually end the yōma threat, I want us to at least be able to ‘go back’ mentally and emotionally afterwards.

>>4777180
>Because we’re all humans at the end of the day – humans who are carrying a burden others can’t understand. Sometimes we NEED to feel like humans.
>The organization went out of its way to dehumanize is, and everything else it did. I can’t help but feel that has played a part in why so many of us as Warriors or other, have broken and become monsters.

>>4777180
>Because we’re all humans at the end of the day – humans who are carrying a burden others can’t understand. Sometimes we NEED to feel like humans.
>Because I’m worried about us. If we do eventually end the yōma threat, I want us to at least be able to ‘go back’ mentally and emotionally afterwards.

>>4777180
>Because we’re all humans at the end of the day – humans who are carrying a burden others can’t understand. Sometimes we NEED to feel like humans.
>Because I’m worried about us. If we do eventually end the yōma threat, I want us to at least be able to ‘go back’ mentally and emotionally afterwards

>>4777180
“At the end of the day we’re all human,” you insist pensively, “just humans who bear a burden others sometimes don’t understand. And as humans, sometimes we need to feel and to be treated like humans. Because if we ever stop thinking of ourselves as humans I’m afraid that we won’t be able to go back, even if we do one day end the yōma threat.”

“You’ve given this a lot of thought,” Nora realizes quietly. “I had no idea that you were so sensitive to our… situation. I thought I was the only one who was worried.”

You shake your head. “Far from it.”

“That’s… a relief.”

“I would have hoped so,” you smile. “Nora, we’ve all been trying to look out for each other for a long time, because those of us who left the Organization learned that we can only truly count on each other… for the most part.”

“You’re talking about Gaius and Dominica?” Nora muses thoughtfully. “They’re nice. I guess you knew them when you were little?”

“More like they knew me,” you smile. “Better than I knew myself sometimes, or so it felt.”

“I… never really had a home,” Nora admits. “Or much in the way of a real family, even… I… don’t know why I’m telling you this, I’m sorry.”

>Please don’t apologize. If you need to get something off your chest by all means, please do so.
>This isn’t the time or place, perhaps. But if you find me later I’d be happy to listen to you.
>If it helps, you can think of us as your family. I know for better or worse I think that way myself.
>Other?

>>4777180
>>Because we’re all humans at the end of the day – humans who are carrying a burden others can’t understand. Sometimes we NEED to feel like humans.
>>Because I’m worried about us. If we do eventually end the yōma threat, I want us to at least be able to ‘go back’ mentally and emotionally afterwards.

>>4778767
>Please don’t apologize. If you need to get something off your chest by all means, please do so.
>If it helps, you can think of us as your family. I know for better or worse I think that way myself.

>>4778767
>>Please don’t apologize. If you need to get something off your chest by all means, please do so.

>>4778767
>Please don’t apologize. If you need to get something off your chest by all means, please do so.
>If it helps, you can think of us as your family. I know for better or worse I think that way myself.

>>4778767
>>Please don’t apologize. If you need to get something off your chest by all means, please do so.
>If it helps, you can think of us as your family. I know for better or worse I think that way myself.

>>4778767
“Please stop apologizing to me,” you insist. “You have nothing to apologize for, and if you need to say something to me please do so without hesitation. For better or worse… I care about my comrades as though they were family. That includes you, even though you’re new.”

A few passers-by seem to overhear what you’re saying, but you pay them little attention. Instead you focus your attention on Nora, the girl in front of you who’s grappling with some part of her past that bothers her. She takes a few deep breaths.

“When I was small, I was… often mistreated. My father was a drunk, who worked as a hand with a travelling circus.”

“He… ‘mistreated’ you?”

Nora nods slowly. “He would hit me, call me names... that sort of thing. I mostly tried to stay out of the way, but that wasn’t good enough. So he had me start working for the circus too, to pay for his liquor.”

“And when that wasn’t enough he sold you.”

Nora nods again. “I… never had friends. Or family who cared for me. Or… anything, really. My father kept odd hours… he often expected me to work for him late into the night, cooking and cleaning. He would shout at me randomly some days, other times it was like he forgot I existed and simply left me for days. Which wouldn’t be so bad had he left food on the table for me.”

“When he wasn’t around you went hungry?”

Nora shakes her head. “I used to have to steal food whenever that happened. I got good at it.”

“You certainly sound like the sort of girl that the Organization would look for,” you grumble. “Desperate enough. No family that would miss them.”

“I thought I would be more… comfortable,” she admits. “With the Organization I mean. And at first I was… but then…”

>I understand. You don’t need to say any more.
>Tell me about her. Who was it you lost in training?
>Tell her about Emma. Let her know she’s with people who understand what she’s been through.
>Other?

>>4781136
>Tell me about her. Who was it you lost in training?

>>4781136
>Tell her about Emma. Let her know she’s with people who understand what she’s been through.

>>4781136
>>Tell her about Emma. Let her know she’s with people who understand what she’s been through.

>>4781136
Tell her about emma

>>4781136
>Tell her about Emma. Let her know she’s with people who understand what she’s been through.

>>4781136
“I was your age once,” you muse, almost immediately wondering how old that makes you sound. “Not that long ago, but a lot has happened since then. When I was a trainee I had a friend, Emma... we were close. When the others in our cell died we relied on each other. Her more so than me I think, since in retrospect I was never really in any danger.”

“Because you’re... different?”

“That’s probably the case,” you admit with a weary sigh. “I didn’t know it at the time but my mother’s blood probably served to buffer against the worst effects of the procedure. And if it meant I could help her I guess it was irrelevant.”

“She really took to it,” you continue, “and became a single-digit warrior in short order. We were on a hunt together when she was killed.”

“... is it okay if I ask?”

“She wasn’t supposed to be the one that died,” you tell Nora quietly. “We both made a last-moment attack in the hopes that one of us would kill our target. I survived. Emma didn’t.”

There’s a long silence, at least between the two of you, before Nora speaks up.

“Her name was Cassandra. I learned she came from a circus too... we became friends during training. She encouraged me to open up a little, stuck up for me when she had to.”

“She... out of the four of us in our cell only I survived. Cassie... suffered. She suffered a lot, more than the others did. She was in a lot of pain the whole time, but she... she lingered for days. I begged her not to leave me... I can only hope she didn’t suffer on my account.”

>You can’t blame yourself. Cassandra probably didn’t want to leave you either.
>We both carry an unwarranted sense of guilt. Both of us have to find a way to live with it.
>So how do you intend to honor your friend’s memory from now on, Nora?
>Other?

>>4783538
>>You can’t blame yourself. Cassandra probably didn’t want to leave you either.

>>4783538
>>You can’t blame yourself. Cassandra probably didn’t want to leave you either.

>>4783538
>You can’t blame yourself. Cassandra probably didn’t want to leave you either.
>We both carry an unwarranted sense of guilt. Both of us have to find a way to live with it.

>>4783538
>So how do you intend to honor your friend’s memory from now on, Nora?

>>4783538
“You shouldn’t blame yourself for that,” you insist, quietly, almost as if to yourself. “Emma didn’t want me to be the one who died either, nor did she want to die. I’m sure that Cassandra didn’t want to leave you either.”

With a gentle touch, you place your hand on Nora’s shoulder. “If you ever have to talk, to get something off your chest, I’ll do my best to make the time for you. Okay?”

After a moment, Nora nods quietly. “… okay. Thank you.”

You incline your head to her politely, to excuse yourself and move on. She replies with a deeper bow… evidently she picked something up from you and your other companions at least, some sense of basic etiquette.

>See if you can isolate the three ‘failed hybrids’. The transition into their new roles must have been especially disorienting for them.
>You need to talk with Zoe. As queen you know your duties will prevent you from being there for the other warriors the way you might want.
>It makes a certain amount of sense to ensure that the various new nobles who are present make the connections they’ll need in the near future.
>Other?

>>4785390
>>See if you can isolate the three ‘failed hybrids’. The transition into their new roles must have been especially disorienting for them.

>>4785390
>You need to talk with Zoe. As queen you know your duties will prevent you from being there for the other warriors the way you might want.

>>4785390
>You need to talk with Zoe. As queen you know your duties will prevent you from being there for the other warriors the way you might want.

I just wanted to drop in to compliment OP on weaving world building in so well. The process behind Claymores sounds intense.

But while I'm here, I had a mortifying thought: if the Org ever considers this island a total write-off, what's stopping them from turning loose everything they couldn't take with them? You know: all the really dangerous and hard to control or contain stuff. What if they had an infection form of the yoma parasites that can self-propagate without limit? The Hunters were a nasty surprise, but what if there's more out there?

>>4785809
Propagation without limit could affect them too. It’s why most types of biological warfare are bad long term ideas. There very well could be more stuff we’ve not seen but hunters are pretty much the biggest thing they had in canon that they could control, and the messed that up here. The only other canon trick they could pull is reviving deadnumbrr ones and Instantly awakening them, but they would need a bunch super overpowered monster cells from the series Big bad to do so.

>>4785390
>>You need to talk with Zoe. As queen you know your duties will prevent you from being there for the other warriors the way you might want.

>>4785824
I just assumed that things would be contained within the island, and they don't care what happens now.

But this quest is definitely not limited to canon stuff based on what we've seen so far. Some new surprises could easily be in store. Can you imagine if they had a weapon iced erosion of that one ABs yoma spores? Things would go 'Biohazard: Resident Evil' fast.

>>4785885
>weapon iced
Weaponized. Jesus, autocorrect.

>>4785390
>You need to talk with Zoe. As queen you know your duties will prevent you from being there for the other warriors the way you might want.

>>4785390
You decide to find your way to Zoe – the warrior who has been doing exactly what you’ve been trying to tonight since you were a rookie yourself, and even much before then. You find her sitting in a chair against one wall of the hall, with Laura sitting next to her talking quietly. They notice you, and Laura gestures for you to come closer.

“You’re doing exactly what I have been,” you realize, “only from a distance.”

Zoe nods once. “That is my way, Noel Tiberius di Hazaran.”

“You’re using my full name.”

“I would not disrespect a fellow warrior by using her name improperly.”

“Thank you, Zoe,” you reply politely. “I appreciate your consideration, and in fact I think I’m set to rely on that consideration.”

“In what fashion?” she asks.

“I may not be able to spend as much time with our fellow warriors as I would like,” you admit. “Not one on one that is. Not in a way that I can truly be of some help to some of them. So I would like to ask that you continue to do as you have always done.”

She lowers her head. “It would be my pleasure. Do you have certain warriors in mind who could use some guidance?”

“All of us,” you shrug. “But most of all Lucia, Zara, Nora, and all of the most recent rookies to varying degrees.”

“You have seen to Carlotta, Vera, and Gina already,” Zoe replies curtly. “You helped them to find a unique but undiminished sense of purpose as warriors.”

“All the same, I would prefer you keep an eye on them.”

“Two eyes,” she insists. “No half-efforts when other warriors are concerned, you know that.”

“I do,” you agree.

“Speaking of warriors concerned,” Zoe continues. “How are you holding up?”

>I’m wary. The Inquisition can’t have been destroyed, not that easily.
>There’s an invasion in progress and the thought of acting on that worries me.
>These are the two roles I was born for, and complaints serve no purpose.
>Other?

>>4787697
>Other?
We face threats from without and within but
>These are the two roles I was born for, and complaints serve no purpose.

>>4787697
>>There’s an invasion in progress and the thought of acting on that worries me.

>>4787697
>There’s an invasion in progress and the thought of acting on that worries me.

>>4787697
>>These are the two roles I was born for, and complaints serve no purpose

>>4787697
>>There’s an invasion in progress and the thought of acting on that worries me.

>>4787697
>There’s an invasion in progress and the thought of acting on that worries me.

>>4787697
>>>These are the two roles I was born for, and complaints serve no purpose

>>4787697
“There’s an invasion in progress,” you admit quietly. “On the northern shore. I think it’s either the Organization’s backers or someone associated with them.”

“And this makes you uncomfortable,” Zoe replies calmly. “I understand that.”

“It’s a thin line between ordering men to kill and killing for oneself,” you frown. “But if it saves this entire continent from being violently subjugated, from having its people killed and its freedoms stifled, then what must my sense of morality tell me to do? We exist to help people, isn’t that right?”

“That is right,” Zoe agrees, her face impassive.

“But the truth of the matter is that when people are fighting and killing each other, you can’t help everyone,” you continue, your tone growing bitter. “If you help one the other loses. Help the many and the few lose. Help the few and the many lose. Refuse to help anyone and someone will still lose, you just don’t have a say in who it is.”

“A conflict can be avoided,” Zoe suggests,

You shake your head. “Not when one side exists to pursue conflict.”

“You seem to have given this much thought without ever having asked my advice,” Zoe points out quite dispassionately. “And you are wiser now in the affairs of state than I. So I must ask of you, what do you as queen of Hazaran believe must happen?”

>We have to launch a full-scale counter, over Sakia’s disapproval if need be.
>We should support Sakia with supplies and intelligence. Share the burden that way.
>We have had successes using silver-eyed warriors for sabotage missions.
>Other?

>>4789663
>We have had successes using silver-eyed warriors for sabotage missions.

>>4789663
>We have had successes using silver-eyed warriors for sabotage missions.

>>4789663
>>We should support Sakia with supplies and intelligence. Share the burden that way.

>>4789663
>We have had successes using silver-eyed warriors for sabotage missions.

>>4789663
>We have had successes using silver-eyed warriors for sabotage missions.

>>4789663
>>We should support Sakia with supplies and intelligence. Share the burden that way.

>>4789663
>We should support Sakia with supplies and intelligence. Share the burden that way.

Updates tomorrow, I can't write right now.

>>4789663
>We should support Sakia with supplies and intelligence. Share the burden that way.
>We have had successes using silver-eyed warriors for sabotage missions.

We do important risky missions and do it without human casualties, while the locals throw the invaders back into the sea with minimum losses on both sides and everyone happy, Noel eats cake after.

>>4789663
“Experience shows the most useful thing we could do is send a few silver-eyed warriors on sabotage missions,” you decide on the spot, “the same way that we deployed against the Inquisition to great success. We can also use those incursions to provide Sakia with intelligence, suggest ways for them to target their efforts in a way that would be most effective.”

“And do you believe that this course of action would be in line with our shared sense of morality?”

After a moment to give the question proper consideration, or rather re-consideration, you nod. “I believe that is as far as we can go within those boundaries.”

“I agree,” Zoe admits. “Though it is reassuring to hear you say it.”

You offer her a curt gesture. “By all means, you should enjoy the party while you’re here, Zoe.”

“Thank you, I think I’ll take the time to do just that.”

...

Having seen to the emotional needs of your newer and less socially-inclined comrades, you finish out the rest of the evening in a bit more style. Speaking with dignitaries, making introductions, suggesting wine pairings, and always forcing a calculated smile – not too broad as to seem strained, but enough to seem cheerful rather than merely vapidly amused.

By the end of it you’ve basically collapsed in your shared room, a state that doesn’t go unnoticed.

[You seem a bit tired,] Serana observes, leaning into your field of vision to sign at you. [Are you okay?]

“Only my face is tired,” you sigh wearily. “My muscles aren’t used to forcing a smile that long.”

[That’s what happens when you don’t keep in shape. I recommend smiling for at least an hour or two every day.]

“A fine prescription that I’ll try to follow.”

“Gaius and Dominica have finished clearing up?” Helen enquires.

You offer a slight nod. “With a little help of course.”

“That’s good. They are both good people.”

“My father’s judgment could often be keen,” you admit. “This was one such occasion.”

“I do have one question for you,” she admits. “Your mother and the other awakened being, how do they feature into the Organization’s apparent invasion?”

>They aren’t bound by the same moral guidelines... we can simply turn them loose.
>I expect them to fight as we do, following the same rules of engagement we set.
>It’s their choice whether to even participate. My mother may have other plans in mind.
>Other?

>>4793855
>It’s their choice whether to even participate. My mother may have other plans in mind.

>>4793855
>It’s their choice whether to even participate. My mother may have other plans in mind.

>>4793855
>It’s their choice whether to even participate. My mother may have other plans in mind.

>>4793855
>It’s their choice whether to even participate. My mother may have other plans in mind.

>>4793855
>Other
However amusing it may be to imagine putting the fear in them and sending the invaders packing with thoroughly soiled trousers, it probably is a bit counter-productive to helping our own find peace and lucidity.

But, that raises another question: how do the other Awakened feel about this? They've been awful quiet lately. If nothing else, it would be nice to make sure that they at least won't be seizing the opportunity to make a difficult situation any worse.

>>4793855
“It’s entirely up to them,” you admit. “My mother may have her own plans of course, her own private thoughts.”

“Then I believe it would be best to inquire.”

...

That conversation is why you find yourself on the far side of the loch, intending to speak with the two awakened beings who now call it home.

>Be honest and completely open.
>Try to get the information without telling them
>Suggest a plan to them?
>Other

>>4796187
>Be honest and completely open.

>>4796187
>Be honest and completely open.

>>4796187
>Be honest and completely open.

>>4796187
>Be honest and completely open.

>>4796187
>Be honest and completely open.

But also:

>Ask for her advice on how the other Awakened are apt to respond.

Still think they've gone real quiet, and that makes me nervous.

>>4796187
>>4796393
This

>>4796187
“You seem unusually preoccupied,” your mother muses as she sees you. “What is it, my dearest?”

“Was it that obvious?”

“Even I can tell,” Solaris glances up from the bed she’s been planting since you arrived. “It must be serious.”

“So tell us,” Sabela insists, gesturing for you to sit on a stone bench that seems to be new since the last you visited. “Tell us about it. After all, that is what you came here to do?”

“The Organization’s mainland backers may be here,” you explain. “To the north. Can you tell me why they might choose to land there instead of closer to Lavinia?”

“Are you certain this is the Organization?” your mother asks with a sly grin.

You reply with a slight nod. “Okay then, what do you know?”

“Nothing,” Sabela admits. “This is the first I have heard of it, my intelligence network is not what it used to be since I was forced to rely only on my most trusted human associates. But there are other factions out there that would not land near Lavinia if they had a choice.”

“You believe it may be another faction gaining a foothold so that they can fight the Organization’s forces locally?” Solaris nods thoughtfully. “That would be consistent with what little information we have.”

“Does it make a difference?” you wonder aloud. “Either way this is a technologically advanced invasion force. I was anticipating having more time before being forced to fight an opponent like that.”

“And you wish to drive this one back into the sea before it gains a purchase that would be too difficult for your own forces to break,” Sabela sees your logic. “Sensible, Noel. Very sensible. I assume you have concluded that your best option is to undermine their foothold so that the Sakian forces can defend their own territory more effectively?”

“It worked with the Inquisition.”

“How noble to cling to those moral precepts even under such circumstances,” Solaris sighs. “But they will hinder you here greatly, I fear.”

“Maybe,” you concede. “But we warriors have always fought from the disadvantage.”

“And so what do you wish for us to do, my dear?” Sabela asks you curiously.

>Mother, you have your own rules and you’re nearly unkillable. You can do things we can’t.
>I’d like you to serve as escorts and backup for our ‘hunting parties’ while they’re in Sakia.
>Part of why I came here is to ask you what you wished to do, knowing what you do now.
>Other?

>>4797901
>>Part of why I came here is to ask you what you wished to do, knowing what you do now.

>>4797901
>Part of why I came here is to ask you what you wished to do, knowing what you do now.

>>4797901
>Part of why I came here is to ask you what you wished to do, knowing what you do now.

>>4797901
>>Part of why I came here is to ask you what you wished to do, knowing what you do now.

>>4797901
“Part of why I came here is to hear your thoughts on that exact question,” you admit. “You are after all a unique source of counsel.”

“Fair,” Solaris concurs. “Miss Sabela, would you like to go first?”

“Certainly,” your mother nods politely, “I do have something I would suggest – the two of us here are not bound by the same rules as you and your fellow warriors are, but I do believe I speak for the both of us when I say that we would prefer not to take human lives if it can be avoided?”

Solaris nods in agreement. “Yes, you can assume that I share the same sentiments in that regard.”

“Though I can only speak for myself when I say that were you to politely request an assassination, particularly of a target that is otherwise too well-protected...”

She pauses for a moment to weigh her words. “I may decide that my own preferences would be outweighed by the potential benefits to such an action.”

“I would rather your fellow warriors,” Solaris admits. “At a distance if they would prefer it. Though it would be my preference I cannot guarantee any accidental deaths – even before I awakened I would occasionally let my own strength get away from me a little.”

“Will that be a problem?” she asks you curiously.

“Remember my dear, you are asking the two of us to get involved,” your mother remind you. “The two of us are hardly precision instruments.”

>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.
>I think I could stand to turn the two of you loose. TRY to avoid casualties when you can.
>Mother, if we identify a commanding officer I may ask you to consider something distasteful.
>Other?

>>4798932
>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.

>>4798932
>>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.

>>4798932
>>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.
>You have any idea how the other abyssal ones will react? i suspect at least one of them will hear of this.

>>4798932
>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.

>>4798932
>Other?
What if we made the staging area a experiment with the mushroom spice, see its direct exposure to humans and its effects?
On the up side, it might attract a bunch of yoma to take care of the problem for us, then we move in to clear them out after as a possible alternative....

>>4798932
>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.

>>4798932
>I would prefer to keep you as insurance that our teams come back alive from Sakia.

>>4798932
>Other
We still don't know what the identity or purpose of this force is. Would you be willing to use your abilities ascertain what we are dealing with before we commit to our sabotage operation? I'd rather avoid endangering lives, but I think you would still make for a very capable spy.

>>4798932
“I would prefer that you protect the others,” you insist calmly. “It’s more important to me that we not lose anyone when it can be avoided, rather than maximizing damage to the invading force.”

Your mother bows her head gracefully. “Then that is precisely what we will do… at a distance, if it makes your friends more comfortable.”

“I do think that the two of you will make very capable spymasters as well,” you add. “We have three ‘failed’ hybrids, Carlotta, Gina, and Vera, who have been training to do that sort of mission. If you could watch over them in particular I think that could be helpful.”

“We can take turns monitoring them,” Solaris suggests. “We do not need to be too close, so we can maneuver ourselves close while escorting the ‘regular’ warriors.”

…

“And that’s what I have in mind for you,” you tell the rookies. “Vera, I want you to head for Wusthof with Solaris. You’ll stay there for three weeks, so keep a low profile. Carlotta, you’ll be going to Port Rhee on the coast along with Sabela. You are both to withdraw at the first sign of trouble. Gina, you’ll be heading for Lake Hyviott for three weeks.”

“Will you be accompanying us, Miss Noel?” Carlotta asks.

>Yes, I want to go through official channels.
>No.
>With a small team, just in case.
>Other?

>>4801883
>>Yes, I want to go through official channels.

>>4801883
>Yes, I want to go through official channels.

>>4801883
>Yes, I want to go through official channels.

>>4801883
>Yes, I want to go through official channels.

>>4801883
“I plan to go as well,” you decide on the spot. “I will be going to Lake Hyviott ostensibly to go through official channels, as part of a standard hunting party – the crown prince is in residence there. Unofficially I will be escorting Gina, and lingering in the area so that we too can respond if necessary.”

You intend to take Serana, Lucia, and Zara with you this time – another single-digit half-awakened warrior for the raw power, Lucia because you rarely seem to ever partner together lately, and Zara as a confidence-booster. That covers all the proverbial bases when it comes to the needs you can foresee having on this mission, and you leave the bulk of your fellow warriors to establish patrols through Hazaran’s full territory while you’re gone.

“And remember,” you tell Helen, Zoe, and Aurora with the intention that they’ll spread the information, “the key is going to be the fortified Z and L-plan houses. If you need to quarter yourselves somewhere or get more specific information to determine an ideal route don’t be afraid to drop my name.”

“We’ll try not to rile anyone up too much in your absence,” Zoe promises.

“I wouldn’t worry about that too much,” Helen insists casually. “By and large the Hazari people were fairly reasonable even before miss Noel became queen. It’s the new regions where we may have to be a little careful.”

“Especially what was Noroit,” Aurora sighs. “That was once a stronghold for the Inquisition.”

“Be careful along that border,” you muse. “The problem still hasn’t been fully resolved to the east.”

“You be careful too,” Aurora insists.

“After all,” Helen adds, “we have no idea what you’ll be walking into.”

“Believe me,” you admit, shaking your head doubtfully, “I’m well aware.”

>Try to covertly situate Gina before moving on – she’s your top priority.
>Head straight to the palace at Lake Hyviott and engage with the crown prince of Sakia.
>Make as big a scene as possible when you arrive. Give Gina some cover.
>Other?

>>4804592
>Make as big a scene as possible when you arrive. Give Gina some cover.

>>4804592
>Make as big a scene as possible when you arrive. Give Gina some cover.

Sabela and Solaris make good infiltrators since they can look completely human easily.

>>4804592
>Make as big a scene as possible when you arrive. Give Gina some cover.

>>4804592
>>Make as big a scene as possible when you arrive. Give Gina some cover.

>>4804592
>Make as big a scene as possible when you arrive. Give Gina some cover.

>>4804592
You decide that this time it’s appropriate to make as big a scene as you think you can get away with. Normally you’d decide against such measures but this time is different – the whole point is to make sure that no one suspects Gina. And so you have the necessary preparations made before leaving Hazari soil, and discuss your plan with the others in reasonable detail. It certainly is a clear message that your party sends, followed as it is by a horse-drawn wagon laden with supplies and extra tack, driven by two soldiers in uniform.

Your own outfit is unmistakable, along with your crown, and the same is true of the tack for Alysheba. By now there are even three other horses trained to enough of a degree that another warrior can ride one – assuming the horse happens to like a prospective rider well enough. Your swords are equally recognizable, with Serana, Zara, and even comparatively tiny Lucia creating a certain atmosphere.

This allows for Gina to slip out of the back of the wagon one night and arrive at the lake district several hours ahead of you and on the opposite side of town.

The question remains – how do you want to draw attention? It’s a lovely place, full of fine restaurants and shops that cater to the sort of people who live on the lake year-round and seasonally. The former, mostly wealthy and no longer working full-time, the latter aristocracy who can afford to own a home year-round but only ever use it for a few months a year at most.

Of course there are fish that come out of the lake, fine wines and oils, citrus and other fruits, game meats and choice cuts of pork and beef – all things produced in the area, but hardly ever eaten by the locals save for the fish.

>Head to the market and do something stupid with a large amount of money – keeping in mind neither you nor your closest companions eat very much.
>Head straight to the crown prince’s residence by the busiest thoroughfare, ensuring that you are seen by as large a crowd as possible along the way.
>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.
>Other?

>>4807237
>>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.

>>4807237
>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.
Followed by sending some of our people out to buy supplies and stuff.
>Head to the market and do something stupid with a large amount of money – keeping in mind neither you nor your closest companions eat very much.

>>4807237
>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.

>>4807237
>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.

>>4807237
>Head to the market and do something stupid with a large amount of money – keeping in mind neither you nor your closest companions eat very much.

>>4807237
>>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.

>>4807237
>>Head for a nice inn and make a show of arriving, stabling your horses, providing room and board for your soldiers, and so forth.

>>4807237
“Let’s go find an inn for the night,” you muse to no one in particular. “And make a show of it. Serana, you may want to stick with me for now... ‘personal guard’ sounds like a good role for you to pretend to have.”

Serana nods silently before signing her response. [Certainly.]

“I will come up with something for the two of you, Lucia, Zara,” you add.

“Any ideas so far?” Lucia asks cheerfully.

You nod. “Actually, yes... and I think you’re going to like it. Zara maybe not so much.”

...

After sending Lucia and Zara to the market with a rather large sum of money to purchase some local provisions, you arrive at an inn that looks to be one of the finer options in the little lakeside town that serves as an unofficial “summer capital” for the nation of Sakia. You and Serana lead your horses to the stables, and leave your soldiers to stand guard while you head inside.

“We need lodgings,” you tell the man behind what you gather is a formal check-in desk. Behind him are a number of keys, presumably for each of the rooms. “The largest room you have, and a second room for two soldiers. At least one night – tomorrow night I’ll update you on how many nights I intend to stay.”

“And... who am I to say is holding those rooms?” the man asks you with a frown.

“Queen Noel Tiberius di Hazaran and her party,” you insist. “Also our horses are to be attended to faithfully – one is my personal horse and three were specially selected and trained to carry silver-eyed riders.”

The man, who has slowly realized that you weren’t pulling his leg over being foreign royalty, scrambles to get you your keys. “Of course, right away ma’am!”

“And I want a message sent to the crown prince to arrange a meeting as soon as possible, there’s an urgent matter of international relations to be discussed.”

“I... are you certain that a regular messenger is appropriate?”

>You may be right. Contact the local lawman and have him send a few officers or deputies to escort us.
>Very well, you’ve convinced me. I shall go myself.
>I am certain that any messenger you can find will be able to carry a simple message like the one I intend to send.
>Other?

>>4809508
>>Very well, you’ve convinced me. I shall go myself.

>>4809508
>I am certain that any messenger you can find will be able to carry a simple message like the one I intend to send.

>>4809508
>>>You may be right. Contact the local lawman and have him send a few officers or deputies to escort us.

>>4809508
>You may be right. Contact the local lawman and have him send a few officers or deputies to escort us.

>>4809508
>You may be right. Contact the local lawman and have him send a few officers or deputies to escort us.

>>4809508
>I am certain that any messenger you can find will be able to carry a simple message like the one I intend to send.

We want the message to get leaked if possible don't we?

>>4809508
“You have a point,” you admit with a nod. “Contact the local lawman and arrange a small escort. And no need to be particularly discreet about it either.”

The man behind the desk seems a little surprised by that comment. “Ma’am… are you sure about that?”

“Of course,” you insist. “Have them sent to our suite when they arrive.”

…

It takes some time for that to happen, and glancing down from the balcony (one of many amenities this suite has to offer) shows that there are quite a few curious onlookers in front of the inn. Which is of course the whole point – most people tend to be curious about royalty, especially foreign royalty. But in a town like this many of the people are probably keen to figure whether there’s an opportunity here for their own advancement.

“Looks like we’re drawing a crowd, Serana,” you muse, sitting across a small table from your dear friend. “Good. Gives Gina all the time in the world.”

[Excellent. She should be in place soon if not by now.]

It seems she’s finally able to relax a little. “You were worried?”

[You weren’t?]

“Fair.”

There’s a knock at the door, and you offer to let the officers of the guard in for a moment while you tidy up. They’re in formal uniforms, which is borderline overkill at this point but which can’t hurt.

>Take your sword. It’s part of your ‘real’ identity and the crown prince needs to know that.
>Leave your sword. It may not be ideal to present yourself as a warrior rather than a politician.
>Have Serana bear your sword for you. It strikes a reasonable albeit somewhat ambiguous balance.
>Other?

>>4813311
>Leave your sword. It may not be ideal to present yourself as a warrior rather than a politician.
>Other?
Wear our crown, just for fun and practice.

>>4813311
>Leave your sword. It may not be ideal to present yourself as a warrior rather than a politician.

>>4813311
>>Have Serana bear your sword for you. It strikes a reasonable albeit somewhat ambiguous balance.

>>4813311
>Have Serana bear your sword for you. It strikes a reasonable albeit somewhat ambiguous balance.

>>4813311
>>Have Serana bear your sword for you. It strikes a reasonable albeit somewhat ambiguous balance.

>>4813311
>Have Serana bear your sword for you. It strikes a reasonable albeit somewhat ambiguous balance.

>>4813311
“Serana, I need you to do me a favor,” you insist quietly. “I think it would be best if you carried both of our swords.”

[I assume you have a specific reason?]

“I do,” you admit. “It’s a middle ground between not taking it and carrying it myself. The former could be seen as a sign of weakness, of unwillingness to use force. Carrying it myself could be interpreted as more than willingness, but rather eagerness for a confrontation. Perhaps even a threat.”

Serana seems to understand clearly what’s on your mind. [And this way would be difficult to interpret as either extreme.]

“At the risk of seeming ambiguous, yes,” you admit. “It’s hard to read too much into, except to interpret it as coming prepared to defend oneself.”

[Then I agree, though do not expect me to be especially talkative.]

“I understand,” you sigh. “Trust me, I don’t think you’ll be missing anything.”

…

Your escort through the town is a brief one, albeit delayed somewhat due to the need for those escorts to ease some of the more enthusiastic onlookers in different directions so as not to bother you or Serana. The amount of money that went into many of the homes is obvious at a glance, and the streets are immaculately clean and near as you can tell perfectly level and even. In Hazaran very few of the roads or streets are without any issue, but that’s partly because money is spread fairly evenly aside from the properties of certain old landholding clans.

But that’s mostly just you overthinking a pleasant thing – the neatly-kept trim, the painted doors, the window-boxes with flowers and herbs all add up to make a pleasant scene. But when you reach the crown prince’s neatly-manicured lawn and overly ornate facade your impression is soured somewhat by the tastelessness, the artificiality of what you’re looking at. It still looks pleasant enough, but in a way that makes it clear that no one actually lives here any significant amount of the time.

…

You find yourselves ushered in and up the entryway stairs to the second floor, where you are seated in a receiving room – comfortable and very expensive chairs, low tables, fine hardwood floors and one-of-a-kind rugs. You’re even served drinks from a nearby cart, with fine cut crystal glasses.

Serana is careful to set her own sword near her seat in such a way that it won’t damage the floor, and holds your own sword across her lap for now.
>1/2

>>4813311
“You bring such imposing weapons into my home,” the crown prince muses as he joins you a few minutes later – dark curls and a neatly-trimmed beard lining his chin, and he can’t be much older than his early twenties. He’s well-dressed, in clothes that look like a hunting outfit but which are too clean and well-kept to have possibly seen much use for that sort of engagement. “I would like to hear an explanation, miss.”

“Crown Prince Edmund, this woman is my companion and sword-bearer today,” you insist, gesturing for the crown prince to sit. “I am Noel Tiberius di Hazaran, queen by right and formerly ranked seventh among the silver-eyed warriors.”

“She does not speak?” the prince demands, though he does take a seat. “Am I to take offense?”

“Serana does not speak in words,” you clarify, “but to those who know her she can make herself understood perfectly well. The sword across her lap is mine. If either of these may be cause for offense then that is for you to determine.”

“So you really were a witch then,” he muses, as an attendant brings him a small glass of brandy. “How very peculiar. What is it that brings you here, Queen Noel of Hazaran?”

>The situation on the north coast of Sakia concerns me. Our information is sketchy at best.
>Better getting to know our northern neighbors, mostly. We have never spoken before now.
>There are some alarming truths I must share with you, things kept secret or forgotten for centuries.
>Other?

>>4815257
>Better getting to know our northern neighbors, mostly. We have never spoken before now.

>>4815257
>>Better getting to know our northern neighbors, mostly. We have never spoken before now.

>>4815257
>Better getting to know our northern neighbors, mostly. We have never spoken before now.

>>4815257
>Better getting to know our northern neighbors, mostly. We have never spoken before now.

>>4815257
>Better getting to know our northern neighbors, mostly. We have never spoken before now.

Random question: I wonder if the issue of why all The Organization's warriors are female is known at all by this point. Or for that matter, if any speculation or superstition on the topic exists.

Might be interesting. They had a damn good reason for it, and then they buried it. Hard to believe nobody got curious.

>>4815257
“I wanted to get to know our northern neighbors a little better,” you muse, lying of course. “We did after all gain some of your territory not too long ago – that stressed to me how important it could be for the future that our nations maintain official diplomatic channels.”

“In fewer words, please?”

“It’s better that we talk,” you summarize quickly.

“Better,” the crown prince nods calmly. “And I share your sentiments. But how would you propose we go about being ‘good’ neighbors?”

>We can contribute to joint defense of our borders. Mercenaries and raiders are the real threat.
>My fellow silver-eyed warriors need places to stay. You can help us build those refuges.
>Let’s talk about your northern coast. We’ve only heard fragments of the full story.
>Other?

>>4817407
>Let’s talk about your northern coast. We’ve only heard fragments of the full story.

>>4817407
>>Let’s talk about your northern coast. We’ve only heard fragments of the full story.

>>4817407
>>Let’s talk about your northern coast. We’ve only heard fragments of the full story.

>>4817407
>Let’s talk about your northern coast. We’ve only heard fragments of the full story.

>>4817407
>Let’s talk about your northern coast. We’ve only heard fragments of the full story.

>>4817407
“Let’s talk about the north coast of your nation,” you muse, feigning a nonchalant tone. “The area has been the subject of some intriguing rumors.”

“Oh?” the crown prince raises an eyebrow. “And what sort of rumors would you have heard in Hazaran?”

“Strange ships, strange folk,” you offer in response. “Fragments of stories only half-understood and transmitted three or four times before reaching our ears.”

“And you believe you could make sense of the threat if you had a more accurate account?”

You nod once. “I do.”

“Based on what do you make such an assertion?”

“It’s simple logic. Better information means better decisions – one of the first things we were taught as warriors.”

“It was an invasion force,” the prince admits with entirely too much candor. “Possessing advanced technology.”

>And we would be willing to help you repulse those invaders.
>So what did you offer them in exchange for the blind eye?
>I think we’ll be taking our leave of you now.
>Other?

>>4819232
>Was?
>So what did you offer them in exchange for the blind eye or vice versa?

>>4819232
>Was?

>>4819232
>Was?

>>4819232
>Was?

>>4819232
“Was?” you repeat.

After a moment, the crown prince nods. “A slip of the tongue which I will confess to. It is no longer an invasion force because Sakia has capitulated to their demands.”

“Which were?” you press.

“Secrecy among other things,” the prince asserts. “Discretion and a wide degree of latitude.”

You exchange a glance with Serana – neither of you likes the sound of that.

>Persuade the crown prince to tell you the full story.
>Threaten the crown prince with intervention from his south.
>Withdraw. It’s clear already where Sakia’s allegiances lie.
>Other?

>>4821224
>Persuade the crown prince to tell you the full story.
He doesn't seem too sworn to secrecy.

>>4821224
>>Persuade the crown prince to tell you the full story.
Agreed with >>4821304

>>4821224
>Persuade the crown prince to tell you the full story.
>Other?
"Whose idea was it for Sakia to captiulate?"

I think the Crown Prince is not on the same page as the King or Parliament.

>>4821360
>>4821224
Interesting idea, supporting

>>4821224
>Persuade the crown prince to tell you the full story.

Supporting
>>4821304
>>4821360

>>4821224
>Persuade the crown prince to tell you the full story.

>>4821224
>>4821360
this

>>4821224
“What do you mean by this?” you press. “Whose idea was it to capitulate in the first place? Did you meet with a representative? Do you know what this faction calls itself?”

“I was the one who made the decision,” the crown prince insists, “quite in spite of my father’s wishes. The stubborn old fool wanted to fight an unwinnable war… we can’t even stop our own provinces from leaving and he wanted to pick a fight with an army that had technology our generals can hardly identify!”

“What happened?” you demand.

“I did the only thing I could,” he declares, “and had my father killed. The outsiders are most reasonable once you start to behave reasonably. And now they’re likely to be even more disposed towards favoring my nation, once I present them with your heads.”

Serana tosses you your sword and draws her own just a moment before the doors all around the room burst open, armed men behind them. Rifles, bayonets, swords at the ready. They’re here for one purpose.

>Out the windows, avoid engaging to the degree that you can.
>Bowl them over, cause some chaos as you make your exit.
>Half-awaken and shield Serana with your body. Just to be sure.
>Other?

>>4823266
>Out the windows, avoid engaging to the degree that you can.
>Other?
Use earth shatter or earth breaker move we learned way back then.

What kind of building are we in, and how many civilians are nearby?

>>4823266
Supporting >>4823334

>>4823266
>Bowl them over, cause some chaos as you make your exit.
It is safe to assume that they have high-velocity rifles from the outside. We may not be able to tank them.

>>4823266
>>Out the windows, avoid engaging to the degree that you can.

That boy made a big mistake

>>4823266
>Other?
Charge the crown prince and use him as a human shield/hostage

>>4823266
>Out the windows, avoid engaging to the degree that you can.

>>4823266
>>Bowl them over, cause some chaos as you make your exit.
>I am willing to bet Gatling guns or something else suitably nasty is waiting outside for us.

>>4823266
“Serana!” you raise your voice, before gesturing to the floor.

You also make your own move at the same time, grabbing the crown prince and holding him against the riflemen that break down the doors. There’s a moment’s hesitation on their part, which Serana uses to execute your plan and use her earthbreaker against the floors. She bursts through easily, shattering a heavy beam, and you both crash into a kitchen cupboard along with your hostage.

Then Serana kicks the door out, before leaping through a window sword-first. You swiftly cross the kitchen and follow her out into a side garden, which she slashes her way through just as easily.

“Where are you…” the crown prince begins before you cover his mouth with your hand.

“The time for conversation is over,” you insist curtly as you leap through a hedge and off of his property.

>Split up with Serana, regroup at the inn.
>The inn is probably compromised, regroup with Lucia and Zara.
>Ditch the prince… but in a way that provides you with a distraction.
>Other?

>>4825720
>Ditch the prince… but in a way that provides you with a distraction.

>>4825720
>Ditch the prince… but in a way that provides you with a distraction.

>>4825720
>>The inn is probably compromised, regroup with Lucia and Zara.

>>4825720
>>Ditch the prince… but in a way that provides you with a distraction.

>>4825720
>Ditch the prince… but in a way that provides you with a distraction.

>>4825720
>Ditch the prince… but in a way that provides you with a distraction.
Tie him up with nothing but his under ware on a flagpole

>>4825720
You carefully signal with your free hand to communicate your plan to Serana, now that no one is likely to see you, and let about a tenth of your yōki release so that Zara will notice you. Just enough so that your eyes and Serana’s will be glowing gold.

[We need to use this prince as a distraction.]

Serana puts the point of his blade into the ground for a moment and signals back. [I understand. You don’t want to be responsible for his death even now.]

[Right.]

[Then let’s do it,] she agrees with an impish grin.

...

What you settle on is something that should become enough of a distraction that you should be able to reunite with Lucia and Zara in preparation to withdraw – and in the process, you’ll get to humiliate the crown prince a little. Nothing harmful to him, only to his dignity, but definitely a spectacle to behold and one which he’ll probably never live down.

Bound carefully in rope and gagged with his own undergarments, you end up hauling the crown prince up a tree and leave him tied to the trunk. The rope is wound like a harness, so while it won’t be comfortable it also won’t strangle him or cut off any bloodflow to his limbs. You’re barely out of the little park in the middle of town when you hear the alarmed shouts for guards, and no doubt the crowd will have been assembling by the time you meet with Zara and Lucia near the inn.

“I think we’ve about overstayed our welcome,” you declare, grabbing each under one arm and escorting them towards the edge of town at a brisk pace. “So shall we?”

“What happened?” Lucia asks, puzzled at how quickly things are accelerating.

“And why are you using your yōki all of a sudden?” Zara adds.

“To catch your attention,” you explain. “The crown prince here admitted to being in league with the invaders on their north coast.”

“That’s not good,” Lucia muses. “What did you do with him?”

[He’s hanging around somewhere,] Serana replies with a silent smirk that says everything that needs saying.

“Alive though?”

You nod. “Sure.”

>We need to get Gina out of here again. Zara, can you locate her?
>Gina will be fine. We trained her specifically for this sort of mission.
>We need to know how bad things are elsewhere in Sakia. Or at least I do.
>Other?

>>4827299
>>We need to know how bad things are elsewhere in Sakia. Or at least I do.

>>4827299
>>We need to know how bad things are elsewhere in Sakia. Or at least I do.

>>4827299
>We need to get Gina out of here again. Zara, can you locate her?
>Other
Why don't we put the awakened beings to use. they don't need to awaken but we can use them to pull GIna out while we head out to asses the extent of the invasion.

>>4827299
>>4827569
We should consider also sending by official letter and courier to neighboring kings telling them of the invasion and assassination of Sakia's King, and offer aid to any who asks it in repelling any attacks on their own kingdoms.

If we act quickly we may prevent other nations from falling under enemy control and later used against us.

>>4827299
>4827580

>>4827299
>Gina will be fine. We trained her specifically for this sort of mission.
>We need to know how bad things are elsewhere in Sakia. Or at least I do.

>>4827299
>We need to know how bad things are elsewhere in Sakia. Or at least I do.

>>4827299
>>We need to know how bad things are elsewhere in Sakia. Or at least I do.

>>4827299
You briefly consider finding Gina and having her withdraw, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. You did after all make it a point to ensure that they were prepared for just such a mission, and so denying her the chance to see this mission through would be a grievous insult. It would essentially be denying them the very purpose that you proposed for them yourself not long ago.

So instead you decide to pursue your own investigation.

“We need to know as much as possible about Sakia’s current situation,” you insist, “and we need to get the necessary information to Sabela and Solaris. Then they can take what we know to Vera and Carlotta.”

“I should be able to sense them,” Zara offers, “if we can get close.”

[We should travel as a group,] Serana insists. [This is now hostile territory.]

“Agreed,” Lucia frowns. “I don’t like the idea of getting outnumbered by riflemen this far from home.”

“Then it’s settled,” you declare. “We find Sabela and Solaris, gathering as much information as we can along the way about the state of affairs here in Sakia.”

“For what purpose?” Lucia asks, curious at your priorities. “For political reasons or for our missions here?”

“Both,” you admit. “The assassination of the former king of Sakia and the prince’s alliance with the outsiders all comes as news to me, and I would be willing to bet it would surprise Sakia’s other neighbors to know that he tried to have me killed as well.”

[Clumsy an attempt though it was.]

“True,” you admit. “But the intent is significant. It was an attempt on the life of the monarch of a major regional power. To anyone else in the region it’s not exactly a good portent.”

[Understood.]

>Prioritize reaching Sabela and Solaris as quickly as possible, all other concerns are secondary.
>Sabela and Solaris are the top priority, but you also need to keep a low profile now.
>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.
>Other?

>>4829834
>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.

>>4829834
>>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.

>>4829834
>>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.

>>4829834
>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.

>>4829834
>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.

>>4829834
>>Gathering information is also crucial, and that can’t be rushed and still done adequately.

>>4829834
“We’ll proceed,” you sigh, “but not at too fast a pace. I want to gather information as we go, and to do that properly means taking things a little slower than perhaps we’d like. I’m sure our friends can manage the few extra hours it will likely take.”

[Agreed. Now is not a time to doubt our compatriots.]

...

In a new region, at least new and unusual to you, the Organization’s training suggests that roadside inns, taverns, and public houses would be the best places to gather information. However if the Sakian government truly has aligned with outsiders, and the outsiders are the same faction you know as the Organization, that presents a tricky dilemma.

But the crown prince gave something away to you – his words suggested to you that his new allies are trying their best to root out any warriors like yourself and eliminate them, possibly with you or members of your own little faction being higher priority targets. So that may be a place to start. Instead of searching in establishments where people congregate to drink and talk, which is where the Organization would expect you to go, you do nearly the opposite.

Instead, you try to ask at churches: the high repute Vigilus holds you in may well allow you to make greater inroads with other Sakian men of the cloth than any warrior could otherwise expect, and these outsiders most likely have no way to expect such an approach.

You also intend to focus on two questions: the situation on the coast, as well as the movements of any remaining silver-eyed warriors who may still be active after the evident collapse of the Organization’s support structure.
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 3, 5, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>4832186

Rolled 4, 5, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>4832186

Rolled 9, 4, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>4832186

>>4832186
The going is as slow as you expected.

Thankfully it’s not far to go, and there aren’t many stops along the way towards where you expect you’ll find Solaris. The first of these is a village with a tiny corner church, which you can’t imagine having a wealth of information available. This you pass up entirely. But the next possible stop is a small town where there’s a small complex – a church, with a small courtyard to one side bounded on the other three by monastery.

“This looks more promising,” you muse as you lead your group into the courtyard through what appears to be a delivery gate on the side furthest from the church. “This way, we can avoid arousing any suspicion from the locals.”

[You think some of them would report our presence?]

“If they saw us,” you admit.

“I wonder if the prince is offering any incentives?” Lucia wonders aloud.

[Planning on collecting a reward?]

“Any little bit helps,” Zara replies quickly, before realizing what precisely she just said.

“That was wildly inappropriate,” you frown.

“Sorry...”

“Well done.”

“... what?”

“Halt right there!” a voice orders you – a guard in uniform, along with a second. Joining them is clearly a monk. “This entrance is off-limits without a valid writ of delivery.”

>Address the monk alone. Make it clear your business is with him.
>Knock the guards out. They’re just in the way, and may report you.
>Name drop Father Vigilus, including to the guards.
>Other?

>>4834354
>Address the monk alone. Make it clear your business is with him.

>>4834354
>Address the monk alone. Make it clear your business is with him.

>>4834354
>Address the monk alone. Make it clear your business is with him.

>>4834354

>Address the monk alone. Make it clear your business is with him.

>>4834354
>>Address the monk alone. Make it clear your business is with him.

>>4834354
>3d10, best of three
It's been a long couple of days, so I'm going to have to update tomorrow. Probably new threads.

Rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9 (3d10)

>>4836515

Rolled 5, 3, 9 = 17 (3d10)

>>4836515

Rolled 6, 5, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>4836515

>>4836515
Things dragged on this afternoon/evening, so I'll try and have the new threads up by noon tomorrow. Thankfully I'm told it'll be a short job, so I may be on my way home by 9am or so.

>>4840496
New thread