EX 2, MOV 2, TWI 1, PRU 3, MND 2, DZL 1
Stress: 1
Consequences: Fine.
Fate Points: 0

The cold night air might as well have been the sizzling heat of the desert with how sweat was rolling down your spine. Your heart was beating fast, and your breathes were quick and shallow - now that no one was around, there was no need to keep up a straight face.
Even with everything that happened lately, these must have been the most tense few seconds of your life. Riding alone through the enemy territory, joining the Shadow Council while having no loyalty to their cause, fighting a death knight - all of that was nothing compared to such a seemingly mundane thing as leaving a barn. Talking to Church while surrounded by the hidden killers was one thing, but turning your back on them and hoping you would be fast enough, should they attack - that was probably the most danger you have willingly placed yourself in ever since the war was over.

You turned your head briefly and stared at the closed doors of the animal house. There were no sounds of shuffling coming from within as you left, and neither have you heard the demons fading away from this plane when Church dismissed those he openly placed on the roof. This likely meant that they were still there - just like they were hiding during your entire chat. A part of you wanted to return and make sure they were even there, and it was not your paranoia - but the rational part of you has known for sure what you had seen.
Even then, you admitted to yourself, it was tempting to try and find out who was there, what were their standing orders and who sent them and why - while the clear, logical suspect was Church, there was still a possibility it could have been someone else. The question of "who" didn't even bother you as much as "why" did. They were no spies, listening in to your conversation - you only needed one spy to eavesdrop. The demons were certainly there to violently intervene, should something go wrong. And yet, they didn't reveal themselves - you were entirely unharmed, the ambush was never sprung. If you were right about their role, it was significant. It must have been.

And yet maybe, the treacherous whispers sounded again, you are just tired. You haven't slept in some time. You are stressed. You could have been seeing things. The creaking of the beams above could have been caused by anything at all.
And even if you were right, was it really wise to return? You would have probably easily defeated them - you were aware of their hiding places, and Church was gone. But that would almost definitely mean tipping your hand. If Church did prepare this ambush, was it truly worth it to let him know you've found him out?

You've closed your eyes, slowly breathed in and then opened them again. The lights were still on in the manor the Syndicate men have occupied. There was still singing and shouting heard from the warcamp surrounding it - the merry men of his lordship had no intention of going to sleep. Church became a barely visible silhouette in the darkness, moving away further and further by the moment. Soon, he would be gone from your sights entirely.
Somewhere there, in the manor, there was a warm, soft bed waiting for you.

>No more conspiracies, no more plots. There's only sleep now.
>"Hey, Church..!"
>Head back into the barn. I must know.
>I could stroll through the warcamp, clear my head.

>>5245924
Welcome back QM!

Also that warlock's head is comically large, at least to me. lol

>>5245965
...I did mention the possibility of spies last time I think...but I hadn't seriously considered the fact that they may not be from Church or that he may not have noticed them. I wonder if we had brought them up if he'd have been alarmed and said something like "I-I don't have any demons INSIDE the barn" or "what are you talking about", that'd be worrying and a dramatic turn now wouldn't it? It also would put our choices on whether to profess undying loyalty to the cause or to admit to being disinterested in bringing the burning legion here in a new light. I can't remember, but I may have mentioned the possibility of listening devices or something like that, pretty unfortunate in hindsight for us not choose a different location or bring up the demons skulking in the shadows.

Though if they are say...Lerent's demons, then I guess we should be thankful we didn't outright say "I'm actually trying to stop the Shadow Council and I want you to join me" instead of something more nuanced, at least if I recall correctly.

>"Hey, Church..!"

Be insistent, maybe a tad sheepish but don't be afraid to at least shout given his distance from us. Catch up, ask him if the demons in each specific location we spotted a skulking demon was his, don't accuse him of anything, we just need to know if they weren't his. If we fail to get his attention before he walks off or he confirms they aren't his then...

>...Immediately turn around and walk back with the full intention to outright destroy every demon in that barn.

If they aren't Church's demon then we cannot afford to let them relay either our disloyalty (or anything that could seem like it) or anything about our investigation, after all the culprit may not be Mercer but in fact some Shadow Council goon with ambitions to rise who is interested in keeping the murder of Jarad a quiet issue.

>>5245965
>>I could stroll through the warcamp, clear my head.

>>5245965
>No more conspiracies, no more plots. There's only sleep now.

The Most Interesting Woman in Alterac needs her beauty sleep. Right now we have no fate points and a little stress - which is not bad or anything, but we really need Lynestra to be in top condition before she stumbles into another escapade.

>>5246117
I would be genuinely amazed if anyone in the Shadow Council cared at all about our personal motives or opinion of the Legion, outside of paying lip service to the cause. What they do care about is whether or not we behave like a quintessential evil goon that carries out orders. On the other hand, an attempt to destroy every demon that was present for... reasons, would be tantamount to an attack on whoever summoned them.

Moreover, Church already got permission to go ahead with a plan to frame Mercer as the culprit and make a big enough show out of it to get him hanged or exiled. If someone in the Wake is trying to keep the issue quiet, they sure as heck aren't doing a very good job of it considering the organization decided to do the exact opposite.

There seems to be some strange perception that we need to hunt down incontrovertible evidence of Mercer's guilt, when really, he's the one responsible for coming up with a convincing explanation as to why he obstructed our investigation to prevent us from obtaining a mountain of evidence that conveniently points toward him.

>>5246191
Really this 'strange perception' doesn't seem to be a general thing, just me. While I'm still not convinced that this isn't a potential thing, your point about Church already getting permission and us not having fate points for this conflict makes sense.

I think it was the way we ended last thread with a sense of relief of not being attacked in the back only for in-character paranoia popping up at the start of this thread and prompting a bout of IRL paranoia from me, or perhaps I'm relying too much on meta feelings than what we would really do, I dunno.

Another part of it is me reconsidering my urging for the Justice motivation from a prior thread, thinking on it again I have come to regret urging others to go for that motivation. I think it would be more accurate to say that I wanted our motivation to be to find out the true culprit for sure out of a simple desire to know the truth in addition to utilizing the situation to our own ends, or at least I started to want that in the present moment if not prior. I'm not certain removing Mercer (even if it increases our own power in the duke's court) is the best thing if we are still intent on later opposing the Shadow Council, though to be fair it isn't like we need him either.

>>5245965
Anyways, I've rambled on enough, I'll switch to...
>No more conspiracies, no more plots. There's only sleep now.
...but...
>Have the imps we summoned previously guard our sleep

>>5245965
>I could stroll through the warcamp, clear my head
Let's find some more mischief

>>5245965
>I could stroll through the warcamp, clear my head

>>5245965
I agree with >>5246191 >>5246218
>No more conspiracies, no more plots. There's only sleep now.
no point putting our body in harms way right now

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>>5245960
>>I could stroll through the warcamp, clear my head.

If there was one thing that you wanted the least, it was returning to that barn. No matter who the demons belonged to or why they were there, you could not imagine or comprehend a positive outcome resulting from this confrontation. But it was not as if you could just go to sleep as if nothing happened either, no matter how tired you were - your blood was still running too hot, there were simply too many things on your mind and on your shoulders both. What you needed was to walk it all off - get some fresh air, clear your head. Getting drunk again, however, was to be avoided this time, you reminded yourself. Getting black-out drunk two times in a week would set an uncomfortable precedent and likely damage your reputation.
Not to mention, this place was not Strahnbrad.

Returning to the populated area of the manor’s grounds took you some time - but soon enough, you were there. No matter how dark the night was getting, the revelry in the warcamp refused to settle down. In the bright light of torches and campfires, you could still see the drunken brigands pouring local swill into their mouths, gambling, telling tall tales and even dancing, again - although their particular brand of “getting down with it” had very little to do with the more familiar, refined movements of Falconcrest’s officers. All of that, you’ve expected to see - but now that you’ve taken a better look at the local affairs, there seemed to be also several some more esoteric ways to pass time.
Several small crowds of the Syndicate men seemed to have gathered around the local curiosities. The first curiosity appeared to have been a herd of pigs with something painted on their sides - panicking, scared beasts were running around like headless chickens, while men chased after them - although from the look of things, they could barely walk, nevermind run. The purpose of this strange ritual eluded you, which made it ever more intriguing. Secondly, a few traders (or more likely, fences) seemed to have set up shop here - they seemed equally eager to buy trinkets from the locals and sell their own goods.
There was another, stranger visitor too - although strangely, this one was drawing less of a crowd, despite his bizarre nature. This guest was no human, no elf, no orc and not even forsaken - but an actual gnoll, a two-legged beast dressed up in furs and feathers. He seemed to have brought a colorful tent with him, by which he stood, speaking of something with one particular local. At first it looked to you as if the creature was gesturing wildly - but upon closer inspection, it turned out that he was actually throwing something on the ground, stunning the onlookers into silence each time.

The alteraci were not the only people present at the camp, of course - just as you could see demons in the sky, you could also see their masters, the warlocks of the Argus Wake, some of whom you vaguely recognized from the sabbath a few days ago. Most of the dark wizards stayed away from the Syndicate men, preferring the company of their own kind.
And then, there was a circle of men standing around what looked to be a fist fight - although an utterly one-sided one. What you first presumed to be a boxing match between two brigands was anything but - only one of the pair was throwing punches, as he was the only one whose hands were not tied behind his back.

>Visit the fences and try to trade.
>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?
>Try to figure out what’s this business with the pigs.
>Slip into the crowd gawking at the savage beating.
>Seek company of the warlocks.
>Join the Syndicate men in general revelry.
>Sit down in the dark corner and act in a lonely and mysterious manner. Maybe someone will approach me first.

>>5248112
>>Join the Syndicate men in general revelry.
Maybe they would know where their boss went

>>5248112
>>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?

Hello stranger, what brings you to these parts?

Wouldn't mind most of these options though, since I did want to get to know some more faces. I would be all up for trading, but I'm pretty sure we are flat broke, and anons deliberately choosing for us to lose our bout of gambling during our previous night of revelry certainly didn't help in the slightest.

>>5248112
>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?

>>5248112
>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?

what da dog doin'?

I'd like to talk with the other warlocks eventually if the chance comes up though. We could offer some tips to them, brag about ourselves, and trade juicy gossip.

>>5248112
>>Visit the fences and try to trade.

>>5248112
>>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?

>>5248112
>Join the Syndicate men in general revelry.

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>>5248112
>>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?

>>5248112
>>Investigate the strange gnoll. What is he doing?

Although you could call this warcamp neither civilized, nor a settlement in good consciousness, the sight of a gnoll there was so bizarre still, that you could not resist the urge to walk closer and take a look at just what he was doing that fascinated people so. Gnolls were very rarely fascinating - they were a barbaric, tribal people that barely had a concept of self-sustained existence, and instead lived by raiding - whether it was birds, livestock, horses or people they’ve captured usually mattered very little to these creatures. While your kind commonly had little love for trollkind (at least, for the forest variety), it was still common knowledge that trolls were literate, had a complex religion with actual basis in reality and once commanded an empire spanning through the continent, no matter how little traces of it remain now. Gnolls, meanwhile, had no such complexity to them - and you’ve always regarded them more as animals than people.

And yet, this creature traveled here in peace. Yes, the hides he wore may have been primitive, but that large tent of his had actual furniture inside of it - and bizarrely, a crystal ball on the top of the small round table. He seemed to have traveled here in a wagon driven by a horse - which he has not eaten - and now that he arrived, he was conducting himself in a civilized manner and even speaking in more or less solid human tongue.
“There are blades in the dark waiting for you.”, he spoke to a man before him without looking at the brigand’s face. Instead, the gnoll’s eyes seemed to have been focused on something lying on the dirt before his feet - a collection of small animal bones. “Grave danger will come soon, from the one you long know.”
“Who?”, the Falconcrest’s man demanded. He seemed to have been struck into superstitious fear by the gnoll’s words, taking them as the gospel truth. He glanced around the crowd that gathered around the creature and him, his paranoid eyes peering into one face after another. Suddenly, he threw up his hand and pointed at one of his comrades. “Is it him?!”
“That, the bones can not tell.”, the gnoll responded after a dramatic pause. “And as for the signs… The revelation has already been granted.”
“It’s him, isn’t it?!”, the man took the answer in his own way. He turned on his place and growled. “You two-faced, yellow piece of shite! I’ve always known you’re a traitor!”
“Hey!”, the accused lifted his hands in a fearful gesture. “Davey! Calm down! It was just a little bit of entertainment, was all. You’re taking this all a bit too seriously.”
The crowd quickly shifted its focus from the prophesyzing gnoll and at the drama between the two brigands, which - if their drunken states were any indication - could at any moment turn to bloodshed. This gave you a perfect opportunity to slip through the brigand ranks and closer to the mangy traveller.

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“My greetings, sun-woman.”, the gnoll addressed you. Unlike the rest of those present, he seemed to have been paying no attention whatsoever to the fight he just caused - instead, his focus laid solely on you. “Are you here to know your fate as well?”
You did not answer the question - at least, not immediately. Instead, you canted your head to the side and inquired:
“I take it, you are some manner of a fortune teller?”
“I do not tell fortunes.”, the gnoll denied, shaking his head. “The bones do - or the crystals, the stars, the guts of a sparrow. I merely speak what I see in them and voice what they choose to reveal.”
“A seer, then.”, you allowed easily. “I did not expect to meet someone like you in these parts.”
“I have been summoned to this place by the one who inhabited it ere.”, the seer answered, his claws pointing towards the manor. “He wished to know of his destiny. But now there is no need for it.”
You lifted your eyebrow:
“You are a famous seer, then? You must be, if noblemen summon for you.”
“I see my fame did not outrun me, for once.”, was the answer. “I am Sayge.”
“You’re a sage?”, you blinked, confused.
“That too.”, the gnoll nodded. For a brief moment, he was silent - allowing you to hear the fight starting right behind you quite well. “Now, shall we begin? The longer you wait, the less future you have for me to foretell. For two coins of silver, you will know what is to come.”

>I've always had nothing but respect for the noble art of divination - so yes, I am interested.
>He is probably just a fraud, but… What if he really can see the future? I was already burnt once. Surely, it will do no harm to just listen?
>I’ll listen, but only because of the entertainment value.
>Look at him. He’s no real prophet. If I wished to know my destiny, I would speak to someone a little more presentable.
>Thanks, but no. My fate is what I make it - stars have no power over it.
>If he really is a seer, he should have known my people have a difficult relationship with prophecies.
>[Movement] Before I pay him, I want to make sure he’s the real deal. Surely he can tell me something that I already know to be true?
>[Write-in]

>>5252470
>I’ll listen, but only because of the entertainment value.

>>5252470
>He is probably just a fraud, but… What if he really can see the future? I was already burnt once. Surely, it will do no harm to just listen?

>>5252470
You know this would have gone perfectly with the Wheel of Fortune flaw.

>He is probably just a fraud, but… What if he really can see the future? I was already burnt once. Surely, it will do no harm to just listen?

>>5252470
>I’ll listen, but only because of the entertainment value.

>>5252470
>I’ll listen, but only because of the entertainment value.

>>5252470
>Look at him. He’s no real prophet. If I wished to know my destiny, I would speak to someone a little more presentable.
>If he really is a seer, he should have known my people have a difficult relationship with prophecies.

Sorry, everyone, had a difficult week. Post tomorrow.

>>5256402
Thanks for keeping us in the loop QM, hope you have a better time next week. Honestly the wait isn't that far from the norm for this quest nowadays.

>>5256402
Take care

>>5256402
understandable, take your time

“Come here, you piece of shite!’, the squabble behind you continued. “Don’t let him get away! You, move!”
“You’ve had too much!”, a plea sounded. “Come now, breathe, sit down. Drop the knife.”
You, meanwhile, looked upon your bestial guide into the days to come and wondered just how much do you wish to part with a few silver coins. Entertaining the idea that he was a real mystic was a step too far - at most, he was unusually smart for a gnoll, smart enough to know a few parlor tricks. But you, on the other hand, were unusually smart for a dupe - smart enough to know what “cold reading” was. This Sayge was about to tell you a few things you knew yourself perfectly well, feed you some platitudes mixed with ominous vagueness and add in some lucky guesses.
But was it really all that bad? You’ve earned yourself quite a fortune, gambling against the duke’s men - you could stand to part with a few coins just to be entertained for a few minutes. And entertainment, this creature could definitely provide - wouldn’t it be fun to pick apart his prophecies and smile at his sleight of hand? It would be just like a carnival game - and you haven’t been at those ever since you were a child. It would be great to have some innocent fun in the midst of conspiracy, treason and paranoia - and you could not imagine what harm could be done.

“Very well.”, you finally shrugged your shoulders, resigned. You’ve reached into a sack tied to your belt and fished out a few coins, which you threw into the gnoll’s paw, careful not to touch him - or even allow him to get close. “I’ve paid you. Go right ahead, sage - tell me what’s to come.”
“Wisdom has guided you to exchange coin for more wisdom. Never shall you regret it.”, the gnoll sagely - or saygely, rather - nodded, as it kneeled down to pick up the scattered bones from the dirt. Carefully, one by one, he would lift them, blow the dust off and gather them into his paw, treating each colored piece of remains as if they were his progeny.
“I hope so.”, you’ve answered with a patient nod. “Now, the future, please.”
“Patience.”, the beastman urged you, cleaning a fingerbone with his sleeve. “Patience, above all. There’s no friendship between divination and haste.”
“I shall give you a dozen more seconds to prepare whatever pig slop you were about to feed me.”, you nodded with a sigh. “I can even give you a few hints, if you like.”
You’ve heard a pained scream behind your back. It seemed that divination has claimed a casualty after all - somebody got stabbed, although you had little interest in finding out which party suffered.

“Ah, the fabled civilization.”, Sayge lamented solemnly. “So many quips, so little respect for the craft. But the direction of your thought - correct.”
You raised your eyebrow:
“You need tips after all?”, you couldn’t believe your ears.
“Yes. For the direction. Tell me what you wish to hear, sun woman. How else will I know where to look?”

You’ve pushed your lips together. Even though this charlatan could not tell you a useful thing, it was an interesting thought exercise still. Besides, on the tiniest off-chance that he could really see the future, wouldn’t you want to ask him things that you care about?

Pick any three. Write-ins encouraged.
>Where will my quest take me?
>What does fate have in store for Alterac?
>Who are my enemies? Anyone I need to watch out for?
>Whom can I trust?
>Who killed Jarad?
>Where is the Tome of Medivh?
>Will the Legion return in my lifetime?
>What should I do about the Shadow Council?
>Can Mercer ever become an ally of mine?
>How am I doing, relatively speaking?
>Am I in danger right now?
>Will I ever return to my homeland?
>Will I ever be loved?
>I’ve fled my home, but is anyone truly looking for me?
>Was I right to follow the prince?
>Will I ever see my unit again? My family?
>Is that old priest right? Am I evil?
>Give me something important. Something that could save my life.
>In the end of it all, will there be a happy ending?
>[Write-in]

>>5257302
>Had I not come to Strahnbrad and chosen a different path, or left and went across the Thandol Span, where would I have ended up and what would've become of me?
>I’ve fled my home, but is anyone truly looking for me?
>Where is the Tome of Medivh?

I'm wondering if he can see alternate futures, or even if he is a charlatan, it'd be amusing to be spun a tale of where we could've ended up had we decided not to stay in Strahnbrad.

If I recall correctly we have some issues with loneliness and abandonment, almost certainly paranoia given how we still hold royalist beliefs. We miss (or resent?) our brother, I think. It may get our mind going with anticipation if it were be confirmed that someone was after us or is coming to see us from our homeland.

I got nothing for my third choice, just throwing out a hail mary and seeing if anything comes of it.

I mostly didn't pick the things I was most interested in like knowing who to trust, who are our enemies or obstacles, who killed Jarad or more personal questions because think that will change depending on our shifting goals or how the details of our interactions end up working out. Or Sayge just won't give us a useful answer because he may not actually have any divine insight. Or the the fact that a lot of the answers to these questions either obviously depend on us or in the case of what is in store for Alterac or whether the Legion will return are already determined in canon unless changed by us or QM fiat.

>>5257302

>I’ve fled my home, but is anyone truly looking for me?
>Am I in danger right now?
>Give me something important. Something that could save my life.

>>5257302
>How am I doing, relatively speaking?
>Am I truly... The Last Sunhawk? Is there not even one more on the face of Azeroth that yet lives?
>Give me something important. Something that could save my life.

And if we can convince this alleged sage to answer just one more incredibly important question...
>Perenolde or Falconcrest?


All of the options deserve answers I think, I'm just personally curious about if we've been making wise choices so far or if we're digging our own grave right now. I also recall Lynestra daydreaming about the possibility of other living Sunhawks somewhere in the world, so now seems like a good chance for her to find closure even if she already knows the answer in her heart.

>>5257302
I'll switch to >>5257423

>>5257302
>Who are my enemies? Anyone I need to watch out for?
>Will I ever be loved?
>In the end of it all, will there be a happy ending?

>>5257302
>Who are my enemies? Anyone I need to watch out for?
>Will I ever be loved?
>Give me something important. Something that could save my life.

>>5257302
>Who are my enemies? Anyone I need to watch out for?
>How am I doing, relatively speaking?
>Will I ever be loved?

You’ve spared a glance behind your back. Although none of the Syndicate men were visibly interested in whatever you were talking about with Sayge, and instead paid much more attention to the squabble between them that was occurring right now, it was still probably the best to avoid any questions that could implicate you - in anything. The charlatan gnoll definitely couldn’t tell you the location of the tome of Medivh - but even talking about your exile in public was probably a bad idea. After thinking on your question for a few moments, you’ve decided to stick to general, inoffensive questions with no relation to your life story.
“Very well, then. My first question, sage, is such.”, you began. “Recently, my life has changed in major ways, and I’m still coming to terms with all the recent events. I have new friends, new enemies, new goals - and in the midst of it all, it’s difficult to tell if I’m on top of these matters, or if I’m digging my own grave. Tell me, have I done well for myself?”
“Good inquiry.”, the gnoll nodded in an approving manner. “Human fate, made out of parts that come together. My prophecy, made out of bones I spill. I look into the bones as they lay, tell you what fate your hands have made. Yes?”
You waved your hand slowly:
“I suppose it matters little how you do it.”

Truth be told, in the hindsight you actually would have preferred if the gnoll used this crystal ball he had in the back, or - even better - laid down some cards. Both of these spectacles would be far more exciting than him just throwing the bones he gathered back on the ground. No matter how dramatic Sayge has tried to make his fortune telling look, it still resembled a child throwing a tantrum and tossing around his toys - with the sole exception of his divination tool being much less exciting looking than an average doll or wooden sword. Once the painted bones were laid in the dirt again, the gnoll would hum for long seconds, as he glared down and tried to imagine whatever meaning he was pretending he has seen.
“I see…”, the gnoll announced. “A wasp flying amidst the spider webs - all to close, but never touching them. The spiders have much venom in them - more than enough to end you, but too little for both you and their spider brethren.”
“I think I understand the metaphor.”, you’ve hummed. Nothing Sayge was saying yet was ground-breaking, nor did it yet resemble an answer to your actual question.
“And the web-beasts do love the taste of their own.”, the gnoll continued in the meantime. “You know that well. They feast on their brothers, and you live. You feed them their own children, and you live. You wish for a world, where all your foes have eaten each other alive. There are other ways, but yours is fine. And your doings... For this place? You’ve done very well. Not perfect, but well. Some would have already died.”

If Sayge really could see the future, his prophecy was reassuring - but you couldn’t help but notice how little specifics he gave you. Admittedly, this was the common theme with the divinations, even true ones - but could you really rest easy because he told you you’ve succeeded? At the very least, he seemed to have some general understanding of your situation - and if he was smart enough for that, he was probably also smart enough to give you some advice.
“You’ve noted yourself that I’m in a dangerous situation.”, you opened your mouth.
“Not yet, no.”, the gnoll shook his head violently.
“...that I’m in a precarious situation, then.”, this time around there were no protests. “Do your bones have any good advice for me? Something that could, one day, save my life?”
The gnoll looked you in your verdant eyes briefly, and then looked down below, into the painted bones laying on top of each other, rolled to the wheels of the wagon, towards your feet and to a loose rock. This question caused Sayge more thought, as he truly fired up all his mental faculties and peered into the threads of destiny…

“You have a pair of eyes, and they both see.”
You blinked:
“That’s not a revelation to me.”
“What you see, others love - they do not speak of it, because they don’t know it themselves. Others will have love in their words, but not within. The ignorant, you may seek as you see fit - but of the liars, do beware, no matter how fair the face and honeyed the tongue. A man can wear false faces like he wears his cloak.”
“I’m not to trust easily. You could have said that in fewer words.”, you huffed.
The gnoll gave you a death glare in response and huffed at you with unexpected indignation:
“No.”
You’ve had neither the desire, nor strength to challenge him on this matter.

It seemed that you could still squeeze something more out of this creature - although probably not a whole lot.

>I don’t want to simply survive, I want to live and love. Will anyone ever love me back?
>I will never achieve anything, if my enemies kill me first. He spoke of them already, but who are they?

>>5259998
>I will never achieve anything, if my enemies kill me first. He spoke of them already, but who are they?
I doubt we get an answer that is useful in the moment but this question is just too juicy to pass up. I put my money on our missguided kin from quel thalas but for now that remains speculation

>>5259998
Hnnnnnn...I want to know the second more, just in case Sayge can reveal those that we are not yet familiar with or elucidate who among those we already know are secretly enemies. But, I think it is way more in character to focus on our main goal.

>I don’t want to simply survive, I want to live and love. Will anyone ever love me back?

>>5259998
>>I don’t want to simply survive, I want to live and love. Will anyone ever love me back?

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>>5259998
>I don’t want to simply survive, I want to live and love. Will anyone ever love me back?

Anyone who won't learn to love Lynestra is her enemy, simple as.

>>5259998
>>I don’t want to simply survive, I want to live and love. Will anyone ever love me back?

Is a gnoll seer the best person to give some relationship advice? Experts are split.

>>5260261
But when you put it like that, the whole thing seems silly and desperate. Which is... appropriate, but still.

>>5259998
>>I will never achieve anything, if my enemies kill me first. He spoke of them already, but who are they?

If this charlatan was the real deal, there was so much useful information you could get out of him. The names of your enemies, the success or failure of Church’s scheme, who should you throw your support behind - the possibilities were endless. If Sayge could truly tell your future, you should not have wasted your last question on some ridiculous nonsense that you would regret. Of course, the gnoll seer was a fraud - you’ve known he’s a fraud from the moment you’ve laid your eyes on him, but on the tiniest chance that he was real, you must have remained consistent - and asked him something of practical use.
Yes, you resolved. What you truly need to know is, who your enemies are. Whether Church and Mercer would be amongst the names you are given would be of particular importance - and the gnoll even knowing about Mercer would definitely confirm his ability. You opened your mouth then and began:

“I…”
The gnoll looked patiently at you, waiting until your further word. You, however, did not look at him at all - for a few moments, you shamefully glared into the ground, your teeth digging into your lower lip.
“Yes?”, Sayge prodded you.
You’ve stolen a look behind your shoulder. It still seemed that people here were far too preoccupied with their own affairs to poke their noses into yours - that gave you some reassurance. But not enough to speak clearly, even when you turned back.
“Tell me…”, you vaguely gestured in the air.
The gnoll did not say anything at all, merely looked with great patience.
“Love.”, you mumbled quickly then.
“What?”, the gnoll leaned forward. You could not tell if he could not hear you murmur the word, or he was so dumbfounded, he could not believe his ears.
“Love. Tell me about love.”, you pressed forcefully, but still very quietly. You wouldn’t want anyone to hear this.
The gnoll, once again, did not answer you - merely stared in front of him, as if awaiting further explaination. You would not give it to him - not for the longest time, causing Sayge to lift his head and demand from you:
“Love?”

The sound that could be heard right now from Quel’Thalas to Stranglethorn Vale was nothing else but the grinding of your teeth. Once again you would make sure that no one is paying any attention, and then you would lean in and hiss at the prophet:
“I’ve had troubles with it, my whole life.”, you explained. “My kin loved my brother more than me. And when I was in the war, my men loved my brother too, but me the did not love at all. And with the… Other, physical sort, I’ve had something, but that wasn’t it. Do you understand?”
The gnoll stared into your eyes for a few moments, before slowly nodding.
“Beginning to, yes.”
“I never had friends either. I just can’t connect with others, I think that I lack something that facilitates it. And now I arrive into this land, and I think I will be staying for a long time. And here, I don’t find it either - I find hostility, hatred, even betrayal. I’ve done great things here, I’m a heroine! And yet… All of this? I don’t demand universal celebration, although that would be fine too, I just want at least someone, anyone, look at me and see something. Something people see in the others.”
“Understanding granted.”
Sayge would nod slowly. He would lover his gaze to the bones once more, giving you the opportunity to look into the crowd again. It still did not appear that anyone had much opportunity to spare for your ramblings. Good. You’ve gotten somewhat emotional there - both about a shameful thing and in shameful circumstances. The fact that you’ve poured your heart out to some gnoll, while you were utterly sober and in control of your faculties, was utterly unbelievable. Your life must have really gone terribly wrong somewhere for this situation to even arise.
And you’ve wasted your question too. You should have stuck to the enemy line of thinking - all of this nonsense you’ve just uttered was pointless. Who cares…

“What you seek…”, the gnoll began, and your eyes immediately snapped to him. The gnoll dallied with the rest of the sentence in a way that must have been intentional. “What you seek.”
“Great!”, you spoke a little too loudly and with a little too much excitement. “Who? Who’s the one?”
“One?”, the gnoll glanced at you. “I don’t understand. I don’t see one - I see a spring of thousand seeds, the rose blooming from any of them. I see the sacred darkness and the fallen sun, the kingsblood and the savage, the dragon and the unicorn, the sun and the moon. I see others too… Not as clearly, yet they are there.”
“Are you saying that there’s so many of them in my future, I get to pick and choose?”, you’ve raised your eyebrow in disbelief.

“No. You can not.”, the gnoll denied. His claw went up his chest until it stopped at his heart. “But this will.”
“Propose for a moment…”, you’ve tried to breathe in calmly. “That I believe this. What if I don’t even know how to begin? What if I squander the opportunity?”
“You shall not.”, the gnoll answered firmly.
“But…”
“The bones do not lie. What they speak, shall transpire. Like this. Exactly.”

You remained there in silence, thinking about too many things to count. The gnoll, meanwhile, also quietly remained there, staring into your soul. After a few seconds, it has become distracting enough for you to break away from the realm of possibilities and into the realm of the present.
“I’ve already paid you.”, you reminded.
“Your answers, were they found?”, Sayge asked of you. “Are you content?”

>This has given me much more to think about than I’ve expected.
>I’ve wanted entertainment, and I’ve gotten it. This was exciting enough.
>It was fine, I suppose. But I want more than I’ve got.
>It lacked a certain razzle-dazzle.
>It was all generalities and vague nonsense. I could predict that kind of a future myself.
>So… What’s your refund policy?

>>5262781
>This has given me much more to think about than I’ve expected.
>It lacked a certain razzle-dazzle.

It was possibly all bullshit and nonsense but there might be something there. Unfortunately we have to parse out the potentially useful things ourselves.

I will say though that Lynestra is right, things could certainly be more theatric, I'm not sure if the bones are the true divination tools and the crystal ball and cards are props, but they certainly would be more entertaining.

>>5262781
>>This has given me much more to think about than I’ve expected.
>>I’ve wanted entertainment, and I’ve gotten it. This was exciting enough.

>>5262781
>This has given me much more to think about than I’ve expected.
>It lacked a certain razzle-dazzle.

https://youtu.be/nAHC7wE7SUU

>>5262781
>It was all generalities and vague nonsense. I could predict that kind of a future myself.

>>5262781
>>It was fine, I suppose. But I want more than I’ve got.
>>It was all generalities and vague nonsense. I could predict that kind of a future myself.

“You have given me much to think about, fortune teller.”, you nodded gratefully. “If your predictions turn out to be accurate, I’ll be certain to meet you again and express my gratitude.”
“If fate allows it, we shall meet again.” Sayge nodded. Once more he would kneel down to gather his divination implements, unexciting as they might have been. “Maybe then, I give you another prediction.”
“Maybe.”, you muttered, looking away.
Already, you were thinking about what to do next. You were tired, and the idea of getting some sleep was enticing - but there were still possibilities here, in the camp. Your eyes drifted across the camp for long moments, before eventually returning to Sayge.
“Out of curiosity, will you be staying here for long?”, you asked of him.
“No. With the dawn, I am gone.”
The gnoll has pulled up a carved wooden box to himself, into which the bones were slowly, meticulously gathered. He did not want to miss even a single one - after all, some of them must have been pretty hard to spot on a dark night.
“Where will you be heading?”, you’ve made a step back, so the gnoll could get to the one that ended up by your boots.
“South. And from there, wherever the dark moon shall take me. “Maybe when we meet, it is under its domain.”
These words seemed nothing short of unsettling, compared to every other piece of fortune the creature has told you, and once they were spoken, you’ve decided it was about time you left. Goodbyes were spoken - you’ve spoken “Farewell” to the sage, while the gnoll simply let out a grunt.

Was he really a prophet, you’ve wondered as you departed. He seemed to be aware of at least some things going on in your life, but then again, it was spoken about in such general terms that anyone with ears and a brain could probably make the same lucky guesses. As for his predictions of the future - while they were reassuring, those were even more vague than the rest. Apparently, you’ve had not one, but two suns to warm you in the nights to come - one of them fallen, whatever it meant. “Kingsblood” seemed exciting - you’ve always dreamed about a prince on a white steed, but you were not quite sure how to feel about “the savage”. And all of that - all of that, you’ve reminded yourself, was only worth thinking about if the gnoll turned out to be an actual seer.
The two problems with the prophecies always have been that it’s difficult to tell the real ones from the false - and even if they were true, they were rarely clear until the time has come - or worse, already passed. What if you meet this dragon and never recognize him as such until the days long after the opportunity has gone by?

You’ve sighed. Another matter to only be resolved at a much later date. And for now… For now, you could probably squeeze just a little bit more out of this night - the fences were still there for you to trade with, the pigs were still being chased, the savage beatings were still being administered. If you had even a tiny bit of interest in either of those things, now would be a good time to investigate - after all, the brigands should have been getting pretty tired themselves.

>Visit the fences and try to trade.
>Try to figure out what’s this business with the pigs.
>Slip into the crowd gawking at the savage beating.
>Seek company of the warlocks.
>Join the Syndicate men in general revelry.
>Surely, if I just act all aloof and mysterious, someone will take interest and bring me fun and excitement without any effort on my part.

>>5263868
>Visit the fences and try to trade.

>>5263868
>Seek company of the warlocks.

The future love of our life is right around the corner! We just need to meet them!

>>5263868
>Surely, if I just act all aloof and mysterious, someone will take interest and bring me fun and excitement without any effort on my part.

>>5263868
>>Visit the fences and try to trade.

>>5263868
>>Join the Syndicate men in general revelry.

>>5263868
>Join the Syndicate men in general revelry.

>>5263868
>>5263963
I suppose I'll change my vote

>Visit the fences and try to trade.

>>5264397
Funny, I was just about to change my vote to joining the warlocks because I'm still unsure if we even have enough money to buy anything and I don't want to trade away our possessions in barter. That, and I enjoy every new character we meet, even the minor ones.

Why do people feel compelled to change their votes? Eventually some anon will break the tie or the QM will roll for it.

>>5264469
In general or in this particular instance?

I assume anons generally change their votes either because they simply changed their mind and want something different or because they don't want the vote choice that is currently leading to win.

>>5264469
Well, if I vote for an option that doesn't turn out to be very popular, I'll throw my vote in with one of the other picks that I like.

>>5264465
Well, the choice was on the table, so I assume we could get something, or at least haggle for it.

>>5263868
>>Seek company of the warlocks.

Logically, there was only one thing to do once you’ve received your fortune telling - you needed to complete your fair experience by buying yourself something from the local fences. It was not as if you were lacking for money - you have had a good winning streak against Strahnbrad’s brigands, which resulted in a nice haul of coins, jewelry and trinkets, which must have added up to quite a sum. While it was true that you lost in the end, what you lost was not something of the material kind - it was just your whole future, if Brooks was to be believed.
The point was, your winnings were burning a hole through your pocket, and it was a while since you’ve bought yourself anything but the basic necessities. You could scarcely afford anything back in Quel’Thalas - losing your home in the undead invasion meant having to find a new one, and trying not to attract any undue attention to your person meant settling for the sort of income that did not buy luxuries. Now, it was finally the time to correct that grave injustice - although once again, you would get a hold of yourself and make a solemn vow to remain prudent when it came to spending. Firstly, you had no idea when you would need the money next - and you would, sooner or later. Secondly, not only you weren’t local, and thus weren’t aware of the fair prices, you did not look local - on the contrary, you looked like a perfect mark. If you were to get ripped off, it would be better to overpay for just a few things.

You’ve had some options to pick when it came to who to visit, but you’ve quickly settled for the one that seemed the most trustworthy. The fence in question was a delightfully average man of no particular memorable features, clothes or mannerisms - probably, a blessing in his profession. By the time you’ve arrived, he was already beginning to pack his things - the business seemed to have died down together with the Syndicate’s will to remain awake through the night, and the man was preparing to return to wherever he came here from. Upon your approach, he raised his head briefly:
“Will you be buying, or just looking?”, the fence asked tersely. “I have a bed with my name on it waiting for me, and I’d rather not waste time.”
“I’ll buy something.”, you assured. “Merely need to get a good look at what you have first.”
The fence threw a glance at the bloodstone amulet resting on your neck, inspecting it for several long moments and pushed his lips together. He knew exactly what it meant:
“You seem like the practical sort.”

“I can be.”, you allowed. “Do you have any wares of the practical use?”
“That’s half of my stock. Healing potions and salves, poisons - both ingestible and for weapon coating, tobacco, gunpowder, bullets… You have any interest in firearms?”
“They’re of no use for me.”, you shook your head.
“...I figured.”, he shrugged. “Fair warning, I don’t carry anything of the sort your kind has a need for. I do business in Strom, and I don’t need that kind of attention. Now I do have fake papers for operating in their land, by the way, but…”
“I don’t look human, I know.”, you’ve shaken your head.
Your wandering gaze stopped, for a time, at several boxes full of various trinkets and baubles - there, you could see watches, earrings, decorated inkwells, carved pipes, small idols of what looked to be troll gods and even a flask made of ivory. You have had a good idea as to how these objects found their way into the man’s possession, and even a suspicion about the fates of their previous owners.
“Are those for sale?”, you inquired.
“If you want any, sure.”, the fence shrugged. “Pick what you like, and I’ll tell you the price.”

You reminded yourself that you did not wish to spend too much. If you were to buy something, it would be one thing only.

>A healing potion is the boring but practical option. Can’t go wrong with it.
>Look for elven memorabilla. It may not heal my flesh, but it will soothe my soul.
>Anything of some religious significance? I could use the help of the higher powers, any higher powers.
>I can see a lot of potential in poison.
>Never was there a better opportunity to buy a gift for someone I know.

>>5264978
Well that answers that question that had been burning a hole in my pocket. We are in fact quite flush with cash, it only cost us our dignity. The next question is: was it worth it, and...dare we risk another night of drunken revelry?

>>5264981
>I can see a lot of potential in poison.

Don't we have the ability to make healthstones or drain life as a warlock? If so I'd probably need more info on the distinction in their effectiveness as compared to health potions and relative ease of use and cost before choosing to considering buying a health pot.

>Look for elven memorabilla. It may not heal my flesh, but it will soothe my soul.

Something to ease the homesickness.

I'd consider buying a gift for someone, but honestly we don't know who we'd buy one for. We are on shaky ground with most of our new friends. Brooks is someone that we have unresolved anger at, the duke could probably use some wisdom from classic books or some elven trinket to fascinate him but because of our investigation and B&E with Mercer's house we may be in hot water with him, and the only other people I can think of are some of the troops we drank and gambled with and Church. So, best hold off on the gift.

>>5264981
Wait, I'm a dummy, I didn't read closely.

>Look for elven memorabilla. It may not heal my flesh, but it will soothe my soul.

Soothe that heartache.

>>5264981
>>I can see a lot of potential in poison.

>>5264981
>>I can see a lot of potential in poison.

>>5264981
>>Look for elven memorabilla. It may not heal my flesh, but it will soothe my soul.

>>5264981
>I can see a lot of potential in poison.

Crippling poison or killing poison, all has its uses

>>5264981
>I can see a lot of potential in poison.

>>5264981
>>A healing potion is the boring but practical option. Can’t go wrong with it.

“You’ve mentioned that you sell herbal cures.”, you raised your eyes from the man’s wares.
The man blinked in silent confusion, prompting you to sigh and elaborate:
“Remedies for getting yourself rid of various unwanted plights. I’m interested in hearing more details about different brews that you have.”
“Can you speak…”
“Do you do poison?”, in exasperation you asked directly. “Or did I mishear?”
The man nodded, your words suddenly bestowing understanding upon him. His index finger tapped on a wooden cork sticking out of an unmarked bottle with a clear liquid - one amongst many such vials of various shapes and sizes, all occupying the same box.
“Here’s all I have.”, he gestured. “If you have any specific requests, pick your poison - I’ll tell you if I’ve got what you need. But if you’re just shopping around, then I recommend either Calia’s Tears or Shadowforge Firewater. Do you know what they do?”
“Let’s imagine that I don’t know.”, you shrugged. “How are they different?”
“Calia’s Tears is a slow-acting ingestible poison. Tasteless, nearly traceless, but it needs to build up in the body for a while before it works, so regular access to the target’s food and drink is a must. In short, bitter wife’s best tool for getting rid of an unwanted husband without arousing suspicion.”
“I understand.”, you nodded. “I presume this Firewater is the opposite?”
“You presume correctly. Potent, quick, very unsubtle. Just one dose added to a goblet of wine, and painful death comes in the matter of minutes. Useful if you want to make a statement, dangerous if you’re planning to make a getaway.”
“I can imagine the circumstances, in which I would prefer either of them.”, you admitted. Suddenly, you inquired. “Any of them work against undead?”

“No.”, the fence was not even surprised at the question. ‘If you’re looking for something like that, you want the Ravage. Paladin invention.”
“I didn’t know their sort ever resorted to poison.”, you muttered.
“The world is full of surprises. It’s best compared to the Firewater - quick and obvious. For the living it can be slightly unpleasant, but it’s not outright harmful.”
“Intriguing.”, you hummed.

>Calia's Tears
>Shadowforge Firewater
>Ravage

I have to ask anons, who did you have in mind to poison? This is pretty important for this choice, this probably isn't something that get 'just in case', but something we'd get with a specific person in mind. So, who are we killing? Lerent? Falconcrest? Or are we really just getting this because it sounds generically useful and really are getting it 'just in case'?

Lerent seems like someone we'd have a decent shot at killing ourselves anyways if we wanted to given our choice of stunts. If we wanted to kill Falconcrest with the subtle poison we'd probably have to sleep with him or something to have regular access to his food or drink. I guess the quick-acting poison is the best "generic" poison if we don't want to fulfill special conditions to apply it.

>>5266135
>>Calia's Tears
As the man says, getting away with instant murder is the hardest part. Being who we are we would be the first suspect in any poisoning case.

>>5266135
>Shadowforge Firewater

>>5266161
I don't speak for everyone here, but I don't see us using this for a good long time. If we take Sayge's advice, playing the powers that be against one another has a chance of succeeding in the end. That said, I view the poison as a tool that we can use to foster distrust or even cause infighting in one of the factions rather than a way to kill off a major player. Since we have The Nail, I think Lynestra is capable of pulling a successful frame job and painting someone else as the culprit of a sudden poisoning.

>>5266135
>Shadowforge Firewater

>>5266259
I guess that makes sense. As long as there isn't direct evidence of us poisoning someone like there being a witness or them catching us with the bottle the poison comes in or something we should be safe. Someone knowing we had long term access to a target's food or drink and sharing that information could be more damning then someone suddenly dropping dead in our vicinity as long as there are lots of other suspects.

>>5266135
>>Ravage

>>5266135
>Shadowforge Firewater

>>5266135
>>Shadowforge Firewater

>>5266135
>>Calia's Tears

“...but I’ll stick with Firewater.”, you finished.
Your eyes almost permanently departed from their sockets once the fence named his price - who could have known that such a little bottle could possibly cost so much? It was a daylight robbery, plain and simple - and yet you were neither in the mood to haggle, nor were you poor enough to walk away empty-handed. Bartering with the man, admittedly, did take some time, as he appraised each one of the offered trinkets separately - but by the time it was over, you’ve had both your poison and still quite a fortune left.
“Pleasure doing business with you.”, you hummed once the transaction has been concluded. “Maybe, we’ll meet again some time.”
“Maybe.”, the fence shrugged. “It’s a small world.”

The merchant of death was clearly not the one for small talk, but you were barely in the state for it anyway. Once your goodbye has been said, your legs began carrying you to the manor without your consciousness even commanding it. You hobbled past the weary gang leaders and their officers until you’ve finally found your way to one of the servants - grabbing him by the hand, you commanded loudly and clearly:
“I am lord Falconcrest’s guest. I need quarters. Guide me to them, now.”

You did not remember being escorted to the door - nor did you remember locking it from the inside and summoning a demonic minion to guard your sleep. The exhaustion and stress of the past days have finally set in - so when your cheek touched the velvet pillow, you would not even be able to recall that moment upon waking.
However, there was little peace to your dreams. Even after everything that happened - or perhaps, because of it - you were to restlessly thrash in your sleep, as your mind insisted on conjuring images of the past and future, both real and imagined. Your thrashings only served to reignite the pain in your still hurting ribs, which in turn awakened you time and time again. Through half-opened eyes you would stare at the ceiling, waiting until the troubled slumber claims you again, while the nonsensical contents of your nightly visions still occupied your head and passed through your lips.

You’ve dreamed of…

>Suns, fallen and otherwise.
>A man consumed by flames.
>The knives in my back.
>A pale-faced knight.
>Riding in a saddle, through the cold.
>The fire in the skies.

>>5270327
>Riding in a saddle, through the cold.

>>5270327
>The knives in my back.

>>5270327
>A man consumed by flames.

>>5270327
>A man consumed by flames.

>>5270327
>Suns, fallen and otherwise.

>>5270327
>>A man consumed by flames.

>>5270327
>The fire in the skies.

You could not sleep well that night. It was always either too cold or too hot, so you would often find yourself waking up only to don your robe or try to slip out of it, wrap yourself in another blanket or cast it off the edge of the bed. Often you would long for some fresh air, but you were wary of opening the window - even in your sleep-starved state you’ve remembered well enough what kind of neighbours are you blessed with this night.
One of those awakenings, however, was not like the others.

When you’ve opened your eyes yet again, annoyed into the waking state by the wrinked bedding chafing against your skin, you’ve seen nothing but the starless sky above your head. Your confusion at the transformation of your surroundings was temporary and passed commendably quickly - when you rubbed your hands against your sheets, you were relieved to find them still under you. You were still at home, then. Slowly, you would rise and sit, taking your time to inspect the surroundings.
Just like the ceiling, the walls of the room were gone. Your toes touched not the wooden floorboards now, but the cold mountain snows of Alterac, covering the plain you have found yourself in and stretching as far as the eye could see. Dark, long shadows danced upon them, cast by something in the distance you could barely discern - and somehow, it seemed that this very thing was also casting the only light you were to enjoy on this dark, moonless night. The phenomenon was both strange and worthy of investigation. It was not as if you were in any mood to crawl back into your bed anyway. So you pressed your bare feet against the snowy plain and stood. Your walk was not a long one - you could not even recall making so much as a step, ere you were before the curious light already.

There was, in truth, nothing curious or interesting about what was lighting up the night - it was an ordinary flame, feeding upon a pile of firewood. The flame itself seemed neither magical, nor unnatural - but through the cloud of rising smoke, however, you could easily discern a humanoid figure hoisted upon the pyre, the flametongues licking its charred flesh. The man’s face was already long burnt away beyond recognition - and the blackened skin of the poor soul would further blister, bubble and pop as the heat slowly stripped away even the barest semblance of humanity from it. Soon, you’ve known, nothing would remain from the figure but a pile of ash.
The figure rose its chin and inquired of you:
“You need anything?”, the remnants of its lips moved.
“I was about to ask the same of you.”, you answered, unphased. “You don’t look too comfortable. I could cut you down, if you’d like.”
The figure shrugged its shoulders. Its hand would remain behind his back, tied tightly to the pole:
“I’m dead regardless.”, the man lamented. “You can do it, if it makes you feel better, but it’s not going to save me.”
“I’m sorry.”, you mouthed.
“Don’t be.”, the burning man huffed. “I probably deserved it.”

>Who is he?
>Who did this to him?
>What could he possibly do to deserve this?
>Why am I here? Did he bring me to this place?
>Try to make small talk. A bit chilly here, isn’t it?
>So… Perenolde or Falconcrest?
>Cut him down anyway, whether he wants it or not.

>>5272754
>>Who is he?
>>Who did this to him?
>>So… Perenolde or Falconcrest?

>>5272754
>Who is he?
>Who did this to him?
>So… Perenolde or Falconcrest?

>>5272754
>>What could he possibly do to deserve this?

>>5272754
>Cut him down anyway, whether he wants it or not.

>>5272754
>Who is he?
>Who did this to him?
>So… Perenolde or Falconcrest?

What an unsuspecting fellow. Perhaps he can offer us the guidance we need so desperately need during this new chapter of our life.

>>5272754
>Who is he?
>Who did this to him?
>So… Perenolde or Falconcrest?

>>5272754
>>What could he possibly do to deserve this?

>>5272754
>What could he possibly do to deserve this?

>>5272754
>>Try to make small talk. A bit chilly here, isn’t it?
>>So… Perenolde or Falconcrest?

“How can anyone deserve this?”, you demanded to know, disbelief clear in your voice.
The flames kept devouring the body moment by moment. As you’ve asked your question, you were given the dubious pleasure of seeing the charred finger of the man parting from his scorched hand and falling onto the snows below. Disgusted, you’ve moved your foot away by an inch more.
“I think we both know well who I am and what I’ve done.”, the living corpse watched himself fall apart with only a vague discomfort. “My greatest sin is same as yours - losing. You and I are the soldiers of the apocalypse - when we lose, we don’t get the luxury of mercy.”
“I keep hearing this phrase.”, you noted in a momentary distraction.
“I think you’ve only heard it once.”, the burning man disagreed. “It’s just a very apt description, so you keep thinking back on it. Has a lot of strength and menace to it, even if you strip it of the meaning - it’s simply poetic.”
“Maybe I should go by that.”, you’ve smirked weakly.
“If that’s what you want.”, the victim upon the pyre shrugged again. “Like I’ve said, it’s uniquely fitting.”
“I still don’t think you’ve actually answered the question.”, you pointed out then.
“I’ve told you - you know the answers to your questions. You just need to think for a moment.”

The two of you stood in silence for a moment. There was a guess on the tip of your tongue, but you were not voicing it yet - so instead, you asked:
“You don’t seem to be particularly busy presently, and you seem wise. Could you…”, you began.
“I’m not giving you advice on which bed to leap into.”, you were cut off. “As long as it’s not Nagaz, just pick any.”
“...could you tell me, Perenolde or Falconcrest?”, you pressed, ignoring his snide comment.
“That’s a very strange question. Do you ask this of everyone you meet?”
“No.”, you lied.

The corpse huffed in amusement. Then he groaned in annoyance, as another part of him fell off.
“Well, truth be told, Falconcrest’s political ambitions turned out to be largely a disappointment. I’d add him to the list of those not to sleep with too. As for Perenolde… Well, you should at least meet him before making a judgement call, hear his insane pitch too. But you know what I really think?”
“No, hence I’m asking.”, you sighed.
“To hell with both of them. Take the boy, groom him into the kind of king you want him to be, become the power behind the throne, the real queen. I won’t lie, it’s not going to be easy, but the reward will be proportionate. That would be my choosing.”
“First of all, I’m not sure he even wishes to see me anymore.”, you pointed out. “There’s some ugliness brewing back there, and I’m not certain I like Church’s way of fixing the matter. Secondly, what makes you think I even want to be the power behind the throne? I’ve never sought power.”
“Your mistake.”, your answer seemed to only amuse the corpse. “You want love? Take it. Don’t behave like a lovesick schoolgirl. Respect and love both are the fruits of power. The more power someone has, the more respected and beloved he is. Not seeking power in your circumstances is downright stupid - if only because if you don’t, someone else will. And when they do, they will exercise it on you. Do you like living under Mercer’s thumb?”


>That’s a good point. Maybe I should want power and control.
>No use in taking it too far, but a little more self-interest wouldn't hurt.
>Advice taken into consideration.
>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.
>This line of thinking led him to this fate. I’m not sure it’s worthy of emulation.
>[Write-in]

>>5274104
>>Advice taken into consideration.
>>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.

>>5274104
>Advice taken into consideration.
>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.

>>5274104
>Advice taken into consideration.
>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.

>>5274104
>>Advice taken into consideration.
>>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.

>>5274104
>That’s a good point. Maybe I should want power and control.

>>5274104
>Advice taken into consideration.
>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.

>>5274104
>That’s a rather simplistic worldview. I didn’t love the prince because of how powerful he was.
>This line of thinking led him to this fate. I’m not sure it’s worthy of emulation.

“That is…”, you narrowed your eyes. “A very primitive outlook. There’s more to life than the law of the jungle. I loved my prince for his vision, not for his power.”
The burning man was just as unimpressed with you as you were with him:
“And what if he was a weakling, who could never hope to accomplish his vision? What would you think of your wonderful prince then?”
“Pure sophistry.”, you raised your hand and pointed your finger accusingly at the corpse. “There’s an entire world worth of middle ground between between weakness and lust for power - and it’s the latter extreme you’re arguing for. You don’t recognize it purely because it’s inconvenient for you.”
“If you want to fade into irrelevance, it’s your business.”, the two burning charcoals that served the mutilated body for eyes drifted away from you. “You asked me for advice, I’ve given it.”
“And I’ve listened to it.”, you dipped your head. “Whether I’ll follow or not it is an entirely separate matter, but I’ve listened.”

You’ve spent a moment with him, thinking on his words and breathing in the fumes and the peculiar scent of the burning flesh. An odd sensation washed over you, once your eyes drifted away from the body and towards the snow under your feet, and you’ve suddenly noticed something you haven’t before - although you must have trotted your way across the snow for some time, since your bed was nowhere in sight anymore, it didn’t seem like you’ve left any trail behind you. Just when you were about to speak of this matter out loud, your head briefly spun - and suddenly, the footprints in the snow emerged. They’ve remained there for a couple of seconds, before the snow melted in an instant, revealing the green grass below.
“...odd.”, you’ve mumbled.
“At least you’re dressed for the weather now.”, the man’s body snorted.
“I didn’t have my clothes on when I was falling asleep.”, you gestured, symbolically waving his remark away. “Don’t dwell on it.”
“If you insist.”, the corpse agreed easily. “But some people will.”
“Spare me the lectures.”, you twitched your nose. “I’ve received a lifetime’s worth from the corporal already.”
“She says clever things sometimes.”
“Sometimes.”

Another moment of silence. You’ve found your eyes inspecting the grass and the dirt below quite closely now - you were still looking for something, although this time it wasn’t your footprints. Something was certainly supposed to be here. Something that you were missing. What was it?
“I indulged you.”, the burned man spoke from the stake. “Mind answering a question?”
“I suppose it depends on a question.”, you sighed. The conversation was distracting you from the important thoughts, but it didn’t seem like you were going to reach any conclusion anyhow.
“Why are you doing this?”, you were asked in somewhat of a derisive fashion.
“Doing what?”
“All of this. Sniffing around, looking for clues, pretending you’re some sort of a hard-boiled investigator - or that you give a damn about who killed me. And don’t tell me you’re looking for an angle here - you have it already. You were told to finger Mercer, and you don’t want to. What’s gotten into you?”

>..someone was murdered. Is he seriously asking me why I care?
>It is a matter of justice - and honor, may he mock both all he wants.
>I’m in this to deep now to back out. If I don’t go back to Strahnbrad with something, I’ll look like a joker.
>It’s an interesting enough matter for me to occupy my mind. What else am I supposed to do with my time?
>I honestly don’t even know why I do the things I do anymore.
>Someone out there is killing members of the Shadow Council. I might be next.
>Unraveling your murder is the key to becoming a contender on Alterac's political arena.
>Depending on your killer’s motives, we may yet work together. From everything I know about you so far, I would have killed you too.
>I’ve never said framing Mercer is not on the table, guilt be damned. I just need something more solid than what I have right now.
>[Write-in]

>>5275215
>I’ve never said framing Mercer is not on the table, guilt be damned. I just need something more solid than what I have right now.

>>5275215
>[Write-in]
>You just can't force someone down and give what's coming to them without first stripping away their protective layers.

>>5275215
>Someone out there is killing members of the Shadow Council. I might be next.

A lot of motivations for Lynestra's actions have been explored, but this was the one that set us down this path, wasn't it? The guy that came before her spontaneously died, and it seemed wise to look into it.

>>5275215
Well, it started as...

>Someone out there is killing members of the Shadow Council. I might be next.

...morphed into...

>It is a matter of justice - and honor, may he mock both all he wants.

...and now...

>Unraveling your murder is the key to becoming a contender on Alterac's political arena.
>Depending on your killer’s motives, we may yet work together. From everything I know about you so far, I would have killed you too.
>I’ve never said framing Mercer is not on the table, guilt be damned. I just need something more solid than what I have right now.

That may be confusing and too many choices. My point is our motivation started out as something, changed just before we left, and now we are changing again maybe.

We may very well throw Mercer under the bus and follow Church's advice and get closer to the young duke. Both ghost Jarad and Church advise seeking power and potentially moulding the duke into the next leader of Alterac, and that actually seems pretty interesting and like the best bet of getting our most desired version of Alterac assuming we were successful and imposed our will and vision onto the country over that of its inhabitants.

But if Mercer proves amenable to working with us or if his real killer (if there is some undiscovered one) has compatible motives with us, then I'm fine with letting them live, provided we find some way to smooth over breaking into Mercer's house. Not that'd I'd tell ghost Jarad that.

Basically, what I vote we do depends on what we discover next regarding Mercer's guilt and a potential alternate killer. Or I may just vote to throw Mercer under the bus regardless.

>>5275362
this

>>5275215
>Depending on your killer’s motives, we may yet work together. From everything I know about you so far, I would have killed you too.
>I’ve never said framing Mercer is not on the table, guilt be damned. I just need something more solid than what I have right now.
>Were you truly murdered? Or did you commit a fatal error?

>>5275215
>It’s an interesting enough matter for me to occupy my mind. What else am I supposed to do with my time?
>I’ve never said framing Mercer is not on the table, guilt be damned. I just need something more solid than what I have right now.

"I've never claimed Mercer will not get what's coming to him.", you huffed through your nose. "I'm just not yet certain about some matters. Once they are cleared up, I'll make the call. Making him for this is still something I'm thinking about."
"Nicely dodged question.", the man spoke through the sizzling of the flames. "Would have even worked on most people - too bad I'm not one of them."
"What do you want to hear?", you canted your head a little and spoke in exasperation. "That this is a complicated issue? There are too many unanswered questions, and I'm not about to make any stupid decisions based on half-truths and speculation. I don't know if Mercer is guilty, I don't know if he's worth framing, I don't even know if you were really murdered or not. Or do you wish to know if I have any personal investment in your death? Because in that case, I don't."

"You wound me.", the corpse moaned mockingly from its pyre.
"You're a big man, Jarad. You'll live.", you scoffed back. "But if you really want to talk about yourself, I'll give you an opportunity. Who did this to you? Was it really even a murder?"
"Of course it was.", the dead man pressed, the hurt ego in his voice now entirely unfeigned. "My death was not my own doing - I would not make a mistake of that level. You've seen my grimoire, you know me for a man of great mind."
"I know you for a man of great ambition.", you prssed back. "Just the sort to fly too close to the sun, forego precautions out of arrogance."
The specter did not have an answer to that. He simply stared you down with silent, powerless fury - he was long dead, regardless of how it came to be. He would not punish you for this insult, nor would he be ever able to prove you wrong - all he could do now was fume in your own dreams, in whatever minutes you lend him between the introspective self-pity and the schizophrenic nightmares. It was the most pathetic, vulnerable position one could possibly find himself in - and as you thought about it, strange pity for the forgotten man washed over you. You would not apologize, but you would ask:
"Who was it, then?"

"I have no bloody idea.", the man tried to sigh, but instead coughed out a cloud of black smoke from his charred lungs. "If not Mercer..."
"Not him.", you've mumbled to yourself with certainty.
"...could be anyone. Hell, it may be even someone you've not met yet. Imagine how unsatisfying that would be? All that work, and I turn out to be killed by some schmuck from the Shadow Council whom I've slighted once - and you'd never know, because I alone knew. Or maybe I was killed by the cooky alchemist, who supplied me with impure ingredients. Can't trust anyone in this land, not to do their jobs, not to watch your back."
"So, you have nothing.", you've let out a defeated sigh of your own. "I don't know why I've even expected any stunning revelations from you. What a waste of time."

You were beginning to feel the pillow under your cheek, and the coarse blanket rubbing against you. Every second of staying within this dream was becoming a struggle - and you've known that soon, you would be ripped back to reality. The ash wraith seemed to have noticed it too - you've seen him struggle in his bindings, momentarily agitated - he knew that he would fade away soon, and it seemed to frighten him, at least for a little while.
"It seems I'll be leaving soon.", you've spoken in an apologetic tone. "Maybe we'll meet again in another dream."
"No, we won't.", the cadaver went limp only after a few moments of a fight against the inevitable, resigned to it. "It will be another with the same name. He'll also only tell you things you already know, so you won't even know the difference. But me - I'll be gone for good the moment you open your eyes."
"I'm sorry.", you repeated.
"Don't fret..."

His lips moved for several seconds more, saying something, but you would not hear it - the voices coming from somewhere beyond the skies would completely drown it out. The last thing you remembered of the apparation was how low the body hanged, and how the rope bindings threatened to break the body apart - there was nothing you wished to see less than the charred corpse shattering - and luckily, you haven't.
You would open your eyes long before it happened. You were in the same room again, alone in your bed, with not a glimpse of anyone else, living or dead, around. You could hear shouting from the outside, but it was distant - and did not seem to be related to you in any way whatsoever. This sort of noise seemed to be normal for the warcamp - especially in this time of day, as you seemed to have slept all the way until noon.

>Lord Falconcrest is probably still here somewhere.
>Time to meet with Church and put at least some of our mutual affairs to rest.

>>5280835
>>Lord Falconcrest is probably still here somewhere.

>>5280835
this is the most meta conversation I ever experienced with a murder victim, lets hope we manage the staying alive part a bit better than him
anyway
>>Lord Falconcrest is probably still here somewhere.

>>5280835
>>Lord Falconcrest is probably still here somewhere.
Somewhere in his tent perhaps....

>>5280835
>Lord Falconcrest is probably still here somewhere.

>>5280835
>Time to meet with Church and put at least some of our mutual affairs to rest.

>>5280835
>Time to meet with Church and put at least some of our mutual affairs to rest.

>>5280835
>Time to meet with Church and put at least some of our mutual affairs to rest.

Well, at least you were a punchy conversational partner Jarad, I'm sure it made you lots of friends and even more enemies.

>>5280835
>Lord Falconcrest is probably still here somewhere.

Finding Falconcrest’s quarters would not be difficult even on your own - you were willing to bet that he took over the master’s bedroom first thing upon occupying this manor, but spending your time looking for it was not a strain you were willing to put on your leg. You’ve decided against asking a servant as well - these people had enough on their plates as it was. Instead, you’ve stuck your bloodstone amulet in the face of the first armed man you’ve seen and demanded to be pointed into Falconcrest’s direction. In response, you were provided with a brief, but helpful answer that immediately set you on the correct path without wasting any of your time - truly, there was something special about this trinket.
Your suspicions about the bandit leader’s residence were proven entirely correct once you’ve reached the least tasefully decorated door you’ve seen during your entire life - not only an incredible amount of time and money was wasted on carving the image of Stromgarde’s fist strangling the alteraci eagle by the neck, on the surrounding wall there were painted not one, not two, but three identical coats-of-arms - one on each side, and one above the door. This utter redundancy made you immediately wonder if the previous owner of the place was some nouveau riche type, and one incredibly insecure about his lineage too. Either way, the subject of the decorations was about to be moot - a miserable looking boy of twelve was painting over it under the close watch of a bored guard.

“Watching the paint dry, sir?”, you’ve inquired. Although you didn’t smile at your own joke, in your head you’ve noted how clever that was.
The man looked at you with all the good humor expected from him:
“You here for a reason?”
“I wish to see lord Falconcrest.”, you’ve answered simply. “Is he available?”
The immediate glance to the door was an answer to your question enough. As was the raised voice:
“Boss, the elven witch is here. Says she wants to see you.”
“‘M’lord’, Maurice!”, a familiar voice lamented from behind the closed door loudly. “You’re supposed to call me ‘m’lord”. It is not that hard to remember! But send her in!”
The guard stepped aside silently, giving you no stern warnings about how to behave - either he assumed that you would know by now, or he simply did not care.

Lord Falconcrest was, indeed, inside - not alone, but with some company. The most immediately noticeable was the bald giant of a man standing by the fireplace, his eyes idly glancing at you in a disinterested manner. He almost reminded you of Mercer - had sir Egmund been a little bit taller. You have immediately understood this creature to be a bodyguard - while the other two of Faloncrest’s companions were of a different sort, although just as easy to classify. His lordship was shooing these two underdressed women towards the exit just as you were entering, and one of them threw you an unpleasant side glance as she passed by.
“Ah, the mighty Hawk comes to visit.”, Falconcrest flashed you a smile of his pearly white teeth. “I did look forward to meeting you again in a more private setting.”
You briefly and quietly glanced towards the man to the side. The bandit chieftain understood your silent question immediately:
“Please don’t mind Otto - consider him my shadow. Where I go, he goes.”

The answer was pleasant enough, but also spoken in a voice that does not tolerate dissent - whether you were about to spill some of the Wake's secrets, or simply leap into Falconcrest's arms, losing the bodyguard did not seem to be an option.
Very well then. In that case you needed to begin getting to the reason you were here.

>[Write-in]

>>5284429
>Begin seduction until we can get that mountain of a man out of sight

>>5284429
>Get around to the sabotaging of Syndicate-Wake relations that we passed up the previous night due to the presence of Lerent and other warlock company.

>>5284429
Actually I'll add something on to my previous vote as well.

>Continue our discussion from the previous night, try and test out how well he's thought out his plan for Alterac. Mention our conversation on the road with the Forsaken patrol and our own people's experience with the Banshee Queen. Try to prevent it from getting too argumentative, we just want to give him something to think about, make any change of his opinion on how to run Alterac seem like it was entirely his own idea.

>>5284429
>>5284499
+1 to this.

Sayge and Dream-Jarad advised us to play everyone against one another so that we could come out on top of the pile in the end, and we can start here. While the suggestions of a traveling hyena man and an imaginary dead person are worth questioning, it's not like Lynestra has a history of making wise decisions.

>>5284528
Supporting and also drop not so subtle hints that we want to jump into his lap as we talk.

>>5284499
>>5284528
>>5284603
+++

>>5284429
And whatever we do, please use a fate point.

>>5284421
>>5284499
this, no to all the horny bullshit, we have standards god damnit; I already regret even voting for falconrest just for giving these horndogs another opportunity to derail, forgive me.

>>5284862
I'll never forgive you, especially after two prior incidents of hornyposting taking over.

That being said, given the choices in the previous thread this isn't a out-of-character way to take Lynestra since she seems fine if something happens with Falconcrest, so I'm almost half-okay with it or would be were there not a changing situation back in Strahnbrad that required some urgency on our part.

Though, their differing views of where to take Alterac may or may not sour that willingness a bit. Or at least that is the explanation I'd come up with if we were suddenly to veer away from jumping on Falconcrest dick, but you can never win against coomers in the long run.

What were you hoping to have happen when you voted to see Falconcrest? I personally assumed that everyone just wanted to see him for horny reasons.

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>>5285193
that is fair I deserve that, I am not denying that I should have seen this coming, however my intentions were pure and I think thats the problem, I shouldn't have gone with the option I found the most interesting and instead went with the one that would giive the horny posters the least ammount of opportunity. I take full responsibility for that at least, looking back I realised my mistake, I was blinded by my own naive innocence.
>What were you hoping to have happen when you voted to see Falconcrest?
Two things was hoping we could fiddle with wake relations and I simply wanted to figure out what his plan was for the next couple of days.
I like the idea of grooming the lordling into the master of Alterac under our watchful eye of course, but for him to ascend alterac needs to be unified , something that is not going to happen with strong personalities like falcon rest in the way. So yeah the goal for me was to get more general information that might become relevant towards that goal, however again I am deeply sorry, my ambition blinded me to the obvious risk of the horny mob.

>>5285208
Well, what is not forgiven can still be forgotten. I'll conveniently forget your transgressions by next thread ̶b̶u̶t̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶l̶l̶y̶.

This visit is still worthwhile, even the cooming makes a degree of sense in-character, I just have a long developed paranoia of letting coomers have their way leading to epidemics. Nothing wrong with a little titillation, I just hope it doesn't overtake the quest at every opportunity.

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>>5285208
>>5285220
You know gosh darn well what the denizens of /qst/ want, and we've crossed the point of no return a few threads back when we collectively steered Lynenstra into that self-destructive bender. It's too late to go back.

Granted, I was the one who suggested that the protagonist is an alcoholic gambler with the impulse control of a toddler, but still.

>>5285249
I regret not taking all the flaws. We willingly indulge in all that shit anyways, may as well get some benefits out of it.

>>5285249
>You know gosh darn well what the denizens of /qst/ want,
maybe, but I just wanted to believe that this thread would somehow be magically less affected, given the quite productive enviroement when there is actual questing going on, a fools hope I see that now.
I should have seen it coming, but I already admited to that

Since everyone is here, I want to ask, what is our vision for Alterac? Falconcrest gave a short view into his version of how things would turn out, so I thought I'd ask what our version is. It may help when forming our decisions if we have a semi-coherent plan to work towards.

Obviously we have our main personal goal of finding love, and I'm sure we'll make gradual progress towards that end no matter what happens as the quest goes on, but what are the specific steps on our way to our secondary and tertiary goals?

Like, if we are planning to get rid of the Wake, how are we gonna do that beyond some vague notion of playing them off each other? Who specifically, how are we gonna use the poison, etc, etc? What information do we need next, who should we get close to, what angles are we gonna play in the duke's court assuming that whole situation works out?

How would we want Alterac to be aligned on the geopolitical stage, how would we arrange the economy, trade, etc, stuff like Falconcrest gave an example of?

>>5285313
What to really do about the Wake hasn't come up yet, but I am of the opinion that co-opting it is both better and more realistic than outright destroying it. We should be trying to build up our influence and make connections with its members to strengthen our position and do away with the more radical elements like Lerrent. And, if we're feeling particularly dumb, try to usurp Nagaz' position so that we can use Wake for our own ends.

As for matters political, we need more information on the Perenolde situation before we make an informed decision. Dealing with less important but more immediate issues in Strahnbrad will also be eating up Lynestra's attention for a while.

>>5285193
What else could we add with Church anyway? We told him almost everything we knew. Let him stew on them a while longer while we enjoy being a degenerate as a treat.

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>>5285313
>How would we want Alterac to be aligned on the geopolitical stage, how would we arrange the economy, trade, etc, stuff like Falconcrest gave an example of?
I think I brougth this up before but I would say we try to turn it into azeroths version of yugoslavia, lodged between two massive powerblocks and benefiting from both while being beholden to neither.
>secondary and tertiary goals?
a home, if wizards get towers, what do warlocks get? That aside we might also look out for opportuniteis to stick it to the traitors in silvermoon.
>what angles are we gonna play in the duke's court assuming that whole situation works out?
tigger mom, not sure how we gonna play it as we still operate on very limited information not to mention that we havnet met all the figures on the chess board yet.
>what is our vision for Alterac?
Is a Sunhawk not entitled to the sweat of her brows? No! Says the king in Stormwind, it belongs to the people. No! Says the warchief in Ogrimmar it belongs to the strong. No! says the
the Eredar in the twisting nether, it belongs the legion.
I rejected those answers; instead, I chose something different.
I chose the impossible. I chose... Alterac.
A kingdom where the arcanist would not fear the censor.
Where the warlock would not be bound by petty morality.
Where the great would not be constrained by the small!

>>5285429
before polishing his sword at least have him buy you dinner first.

>>5285429
We left Strahnbrad to get Church's help with the grimoire we found and the loose page, remember? At the end of last thread we agreed to meet to begin deciphering them and to discuss how Mercer being a warlock changes the situation. For all I know it might make Church think we can recruit Mercer into the wake or something weird like that.

Unless you mean why r͟i͟g͟h͟t͟ this moment and not later today?

>>5285385
Sure, that makes sense, since either way we were intending on finding collaborators within the organization itself it seems.

I think we ought to finish this up and at least help with the silver mine before focusing on Perenolde, otherwise there is still the threat of Falconcrest attacking Strahnbrad while our attention is elsewhere.

>>5285475
>before polishing his sword at least have him buy you dinner first.
I'll give you that

>>5285486
>Unless you mean why r͟i͟g͟h͟t͟ this moment and not later today?
Yes. Give him some more time to think.

>>5285486
Hol' up, anon. How did you underline that word without formatting? Is that some special set of characters you've copypasted in from somewhere?

>>5285503
Essentially, yes.

https://www.piliapp.com/cool-text/strikethrough-text/

Helpful if you are a QM and your ID changes, or if you are just jealous at the tools QMs get but you don't.

>>5284429
Sex. NOW!

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I think we are either rapidly approaching, or have already approached a point, where the two halves of players in this quest have mutually exclusive desires, and it's impossible for me to cater to one without pissing off the other.
I don't think I need to spell out what I think about it.

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>>5286553
Well I just wanna make clear I have no problem with our character having an... active social life, but what I do take issue with is the idea of the quest being just a vehicle for smut, I like the characters and story too much to watch it be reduced to that.

These are just my thoughts on the matter, you have been doing an excellent job running the quest so far and I am afraid I do not see an easy solution either. So let me just try and end with this I hope you are going to stick around and that we get to see many more adventures of the Sunhawk and that our bickering amongst each other isn't too discouraging.

>>5286553
Let me clarify, I'm fine with lewds. If I or others on my "side" are outvoted, just do the right thing and obey the majority. I won't quit the quest or anything dramatic like that and that was never on the table in terms of hypothetical melodramatic reactions.

My issue was never with lewd shit itself, my issue is with a personal feeling of annoyance because whenever the issue of sex comes up a half a dozen or more anons come out of the woodwork to vote and then disappear. I am not claiming that is what happened on THIS vote, or that the possibility of sexy times ruins quests on its own or anything.

I'm annoyed because I remember when this quest was sometimes getting 3, once or twice even just 2 I think, votes and the possibility of this quest being dropped was in the air and I ask myself 'where the fuck were all of you then, and why couldn't you show this much activity all the time?"

Another issue that worries me is because we get an update only once every 3 days or so on average I worry about the slippery slope of coomers wanting more and more and it taking more and more of our time essentially waiting on either a sex scene or a fade to black. I've seen this exact issue before, where a QM has less time to devote to the quest yet more lewds are desired and we spend days at a time waiting for the QM to write a sex scene before we get to move on.

Now, believe it or not, I do actually have a little faith in even the coomers in this quest. I like to think the strengths of this quest are so great that the horny people don't actually want this stuff all the time and that some of them genuinely are motivated by things like being anti-yuri, genuinely liking Falconcrest, just being temporarily horny, thinking pursuing sex is in line with our main goal of finding love, etc, etc. So, I'm not saying that everyone is a flaking coomer with no genuine interest in the quest, I'm just paranoid and annoyed at that one time where a bunch of one post IDs popped out of the woodwork.

So, don't give up QM, I have faith in you. I was just joking and complaining with another anon.

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Friends, romans, I'm afraid I have bad news.
You might have noticed a particular lack of updates recently, even by the standards of this quest. While part of the reason is my struggle to give /qst/ what it really wants - I was never that great at smut - the far more pressing reason is my current real life situation. I'm far too busy to deliver you consistent updates, and far too tired to deliver good writing - even though this quest is my passion project, something that I proudly watched grow from just 2-3 consistent players, I plainly can't keep it up anymore.

This is why I'm making the difficult decision to put The Last Sunhawk on a hiatus until the better times come. This will probably be disappointing to you, especially to those who played since the beginning, but a hiatus is not the end of things, as I love this narrative we've made far too much to let it go. Sooner or later, this journey will continue - and when it does, I'll be glad to have all of you play with me again.

Until then, I can be reached on twitter in the OP - I'll be sure to check it often.

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>>5291174
We will impatiently await your return, I hope things improve on your end and wish you the best.

>>5291174
This is truly a tragedy. I hope you can settle things quickly and come back before long.

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>>5291174
Well, as you predicted, I am disappointed but not surprised. The decreasing update frequency did worry me that running this quest consistently might be too much for you due to some real life circumstance. It's perfectly understandable of course, real life takes precedence.

I am glad that your passion for this story hasn't dimmed though, part of me wondered if decreasing interest in this quest was a reason for the lack of updates, I'm glad that wasn't the case.

I'll archive this thread when it reaches page 10, as usual.

Take care QM, anons.

A fond goodbye, but not farewell.

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Goodnight, Sunhawk.

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Thread archived, hopefully not for the last time.

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=The%20Last%20Sunhawk%20Quest

Don't forget to upvote so archive delvers don't pass this quest up.

>>5295932
Thank you for your service, and thank you all for being a part of this journey. Hopefully, we will be able to return to it sooner rather than later, because I'm really going to miss you guys.