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It is the mid 1500s.
A time of expansion, exploration, and trade.

Amidst great empires, a small country manages to establish itself as a trading center.

Within SABLESTREAM lies CLAWFLASH, the prosperous capital that is surrounded by rivers. To most, it is a land of opportunity, where wealth and status can be attained, albeit with high competition.

Such stiff competition also extends to the world of crime as well.

With the fall of their major rivals, the RED WINTER gang has slowly transitioned into operating legitimate businesses.

Still, old positions still have to be filled.

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YOU are SIRA.
Once an apothecary in training, a practitioner of martial arts, and a faithful agent of Red Winter, Sira has been assigned an administrative role after his old injuries have worsen ー management of a brothel.

He is not good at it.

Sira just needs to keep the NECTAR DROPLET going for just one more year and he’ll be freed from this role.

To keep the brothel stable, Sira needs to be aware of these resources…

Funds ー Operating cost of the brothel is 1 per month.
Morale ー Loyalty and happiness of the staff members.
Security ー Speed of neutralizing problem makers.
Connections ー Reputation of the brothel and the ability to ask powerful individuals for help.

The lower the resources, the more likely negative events will occur.

As long as he keeps each of these resources above 0, the brothel should run smoothly…

First month ー first half

Funds 3/10
Morale 3/10
Security 4/10
Connections 6/10

The staff are tired after operating during new years. The brothel is barely profitable. At least people know its a Red Winter establishment.

Sira has a few plans to deal with this…

>A feast for the employees (++morale, -fund)
He could afford some shellfish for the staff. New years was tough enough.

>A revision of current prostitutes (+connections, +funds, —morale)
More clothing types. More advertisement. Longer hours. Profit and reputation comes first. He can worry about the people later.

>Briefly assist a gambling house (+funds, ++connections, —security)
His colleague has a shortage of security. If he helps them out, he’ll have their favor.

(This is posted by SQM’s friend due to ip range ban)

I usually phonepost.
Updates 1-3 times per day.

>>5593114
>A revision of current prostitutes (+connections, +funds, —morale)
>A feast for the employees (++morale, -fund)

Carrot and stick, if we can. Increase standards, increase the sense of reward for meeting those standards!

If we can only choose one...
>A revision of current prostitutes

>>5593114
>>5593215
Supporting, seems like a plan.

>>5593215
>>5593223
You could choose multiple options, although each options’ downside will counteract the other ones

In this case, if you choose
>feast
>revision

The morale is neutralized (neither gain nor lose)
The funds is neutralized
But you do get +connection

>>5593230
Works for me! Boost our best stat, avoid lowering any others, get the lay of the land and figire out who is our wheat and who is our chaff... All in one fell swoop! Will make it easier to coast our way to freedom from this gig in a year... R-right?

>>5593230
I'm alright with this.

>>5593215
Supportin'

>>5593114
>Briefly assist a gambling house (+funds, ++connections, —security)

voting closed

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>>5593233
>>5593245
>A feast
>A revision

Clams. Cockles. Oysters. Lobsters. Even with the dwindling funds, Sira will approve of a feast for the employees.

Bow and Tong would probably be pissed that he’s not willing to help out their gambling house, but he doesn’t really care.

It’s not like he’ll have to deal with that long anyways. After Warin assisted him with black magic, his injuries have mostly been suppressed, although he still needs time for the hallucinations to dissipate.

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>>5593398


“Sira. The preparations are ready. They’re waiting for you.” The brothel’s ever persistent (witch) doctor, Warin, calls for Sira to wake up.

He can barely muster the strength to remove his head from the body pillow he often clings to.

「Ugh. Fine. I’ll be there in a minute…」

“No. You really need to get up right now.”
“You’ve been cuddling that pillow for five minutes now.”

「Ugh. Fine…」

He really can’t be bothered to be yelled at by Warin again.

>>5593400
After letting go of the his emotional support pillow and the removing cloak he likes to sulk in, he leaves his office to address the employees outside the brothel.

Beyond the wooden building is a large gathering of people, surrounding several pots and grills. Cold buckets and boxes of seafood are only an arm’s length away.

The entire staff is here.
From the ever distant prostitutes..
The relatively bored medical staff…
The somewhat cordial security…
To the old accountants Sira worked with during his days in a slave audit company..

…
….
…..

It has been half an hour or so now.
While most of the people are still eating and drinking, Sira and a few others (especially the goblins) are full. Most of the security and prostitutes are still enjoying the feast. Befits their status as giants, he supposes.

He feels that he shouldn’t interrupt the employees during their moment of respite.

Sira wants to..

>>Try to talk to his employees
Perhaps he could try to improve morale..? But.. but what if he damages their relationship even further???
>the prostitutes
>the medical staff
>the security
>the financial division

>Ask Warin if they could visit the forest together
There’s a forest nearby the brothel that Sira and Warin likes to go to when they are stressed — it isn’t as safe as before, requiring her presence. He needs a breather.

>Make an excuse and leave.
「Uhh.. I have to deal with.. something. It’s personal.. See you guys tomorrow.」

>>5593401
>the full ones
Not interrupting anything.
Are there financial goblins?
>Talk shop and way to improve cashflow with financial goblins

>>5593447
+1

>>5593447
the >talk to employees
refer to people who are already full

but yes there are goblins who act as accountants

in this setting different races cannot breed with each other
that is why most of the prostitutes are not human (goblins / giants)

the medical staff deals with contraceptives / abortifacients for human ones

Voting closed

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>>5593622
>talk to the financial division

Sira musters up the courage to approach the goblins that oversees the finances of the brothel.

It’s probably best if he talks to Dao, the goblin that oversees the financial side of this business. She probably has the best advice.

「.. uh.. Hi.」

'Hey.'

「I…. want to ask about the cashflow of the company. Is there something I could do to improve it?」

'… cashflow…'
'… the easiest cost to get rid off right now would be the posters. Advertisement. If we can get at least one of the gambling houses to put up our posters, rather than bars and underground fighting rings, we should be able to reduce our advertisement costs.'

'.. getting another, cheaper, illustrator would also help with the costs.'

「.. about gambling houses. Which types do you recommend?」

'….. ones that host cockfighting or boxing. Cheaper ones with only a few rooms. We can’t exactly compete with the high end brothels.'

「Got it. I think I can find an illustrator. I’m sure some of my friends know a few. Thanks.」

'If the negotiation with a cockfighting ring host goes poorly, please don’t—'

「Yes. Yes. I know. I won’t ask you to do that. Rapewars are long gone now.」

Ah yes. The rapewars. Good times. Funny as hell.
While jamming metal contraptions up the rectums of animals in order to cause them to die from the inability to release feces (right up until the moment they are removed, causing streams of fecal matter) was an intimidating way to send a message to animal owning enemies, it wasn’t very efficient in terms of money and time spent. And morale.

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>>5593706
Sira walks away from the conversation slightly less nervous than before. His employees probably don’t hate him THAT much.

He was still sweating, of course, and would prefer to just stay in his room and cuddle his pillows depicting various types of arms he would like the own, but he can’t exactly leave right now. He is the host, after all.

As Warin is preparing another bowl of cockles for boiling, she asks if he wants any. He agrees. Might as well do something that could calm his nerves.

「Yeah. Sure. I could go for one more plate.」

“Alright. How do you want it done?”

>20 seconds (rare)
Crunchy. Strong smell. A lot of blood.

His heart REALLY needs this. His brain doesn’t.

>30 seconds (medium rare)
Somewhat crunchy. Sweet. Most people eat this.

His heart wants this.

>1 minute (medium well done)
Slightly crunchy. The blood has turned black.

His brain wants this.

>2 minutes (well done)
Chewy. Barely any smell. Traces of blood faintly remain.

His brain REALLY needs this. His heart doesn’t.

Depending on what he chooses in order to calm himself, his inner thoughts can be swayed into deciding on more emotional or logical ones.

>>5593708
>>30 seconds (medium rare)

>>5593708
>1 minute (medium well done)
Interesting vote.

>>5593708
>30 seconds (medium rare)

Voting closed

>>5594096
Ah, darn, missed it due to work. Luckily, I planned to vote medium rare anyway!

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>>5593714
>>5593955

>30 seconds


The cockles are boiled in a pot for 30 seconds before being fished out and dumped into a bucket of cold water.

Cracking open the cockles, the meat is a blend of dark red and orange. Small traces of blood linger in the shell.

A sweet, crunchy thing.

The blood and flesh reminds him of… somewhere, long ago.

…
….

Before Red Winter solidified itself, there were other crime organizations and their legitimate businesses that opposes them.

He was a part of CATCHER CORPS, one of many slave audit companies — inspectors of slaves to ensure they are operating efficiently and safely. Sira was a part of the security division that assist owners in catching wayward slaves.

While ensuring fairness is the goal, it was always a profession that has a certain darkness to it. It’s more useful to overlook non lethal punishments and abuses instead of preventing businesses from operating smoothly.

Sira wasn’t completely naive. He knew the risks and benefits of being just and being realistic. Sometimes his calculations are wrong, sometimes it pays off.

His actions over the years of service has earned him a reputation.

Although his name is fading from the minds of many, he was once known as..

>First crow Sira
A vigilante at heart. A force of nature that cut down threats and rescued people he deemed worth saving.

Illegitimate businesses and people still in the life favor him.

>Mist raven Sira
A businessman at heart. A shadow that avoided the law and neutralized his opponents through manipulation, deception, and the occasional violence.

Legitimate businesses and people further away from the life favor him.

>>5594222
..
…

The night draws to an end.

The cooking utensils are cleaned and the fires are snuffed out.

Sira returns to his bed.

The nightmares return again..

As he tries to walk past a river of blood, skeletons and decomposing corpses from the riverbed tries to latch on to him.

No. Not this time.

He was close to death once, but Warin pulled him back, and made him part of the supernatural world.

Sira can..

>Hear and speak otherworldly voices
He can understand the voices of supernatural entities and speak to them. Speeches of high intelligence animals could be understood.

>Fade
Fade from existence and reappear at a destination within line of sight. Time slows down when he is deciding where he will teleport to next.

>>5594222
>First crow Sira

>>5594225
>Hear and speak otherworldly voices

>>5594222
>First crow Sira

>>5594225
>Hear and speak otherworldly voices

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Forgot the pic

>>5594222
>First crow Sira

>Fade

>>5594429
Support.

vote open for 1 more hour before rolling a 1d2 to decide about the powers

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5594454
1 = voices
2 = fade

vote closed

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>>5594228
>>5594235
>>5594429
>>5594443

>First Crow Sira
>Fade

He was a man that followed his heart first. He tried to remain just whenever possible, and used any means necessary to give the people cheated by others a chance to survive.

Even as his presence in Clawflash is fading away, stories of his exploits are occasionally retold.

The movements of their fingers slow down. His breathing is steady. His sight is true.

His body fades from the river and reappear on land, leaving behind a few black feathers.

He avoids the clutches of skeletons and corpses.

He dusts hi—

Arugh. It is already late morning. At least nightmare felt quicker than usual.

After grooming himself, he goes through the paperwork while eating some noodles.

The first few hours are spent discussing the adjustments of the prostitutes’ working hours and changes to their clothing.

'.. from the long skirts to.. this?'

「Yes. Shorter skirts and long gloves.」

「We already have those in stock, right?」

'Yes.. but I’m not sure about the changes in work hours.'

While the financial division mostly agrees with his decision for the most part, they are still hesitant about the longer working hours.

An acceptable risk.

..
…
It took a couple days before he is able to gather enough information about the gambling houses and illustrators.

>>5594538

As for the illustrator, he can find them later. He just needs to focus on the gambling houses that are willing to let him advertise first.

Based on Dao’s recommendations, there’s three gambling houses that might be worth his time.

>Two Fencers
A relatively decent gambling house owned by his old colleagues, Bow and Tong. Specializes in marital contests.

With his preexisting connections, the posters could attract a lot of customers.

He’ll probably have to come up with a way to make up for his lack of assistance earlier..

>Steel Beaks
An old gambling house specializing in cockfighting. Has the largest amount of customers out of all the gambling houses.

The most dangerous of the three — brawls are not uncommon, especially when someone feels like they are cheated.

>Old Whaler
A small gambling house that has a front as a seafood restaurant. Safest choice out of the three, but its reach is limited.

If he’s going to get this brothel any more customers, the illustrator has to be damn good.

>>5594539
>Two fencers
"Sorry Bow. Regarding your security shortage, I am too somewhat understaffed. And that's not my only problem...
Let's just say that if you let me advertise, this could let me get my finance in the green again, allowing me more security...
Tong, you have always had a more rationale mind. So I won't ask you guys to help me for old time sake, more like... an investment... for a company that can become a premium staff or service provider if you help in this join venture"

Fail at articulating the point good enough. Go hug the Blood Lance body pillow

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>>5594547

~8 hours before vote closes. Gotta sleep.

>>5594539
>Two Fencers

>>5594539
Does Two Fencers specialize in MARTIAL contests, or is a marital contest soemthing I'm unfamiliar with, like a rapewar was?

Either way, that's my first choice.

>>5594539
>>Two Fencers

>>5594827
They host underground fighting

Boxing matches and the like

>>5594539
>Two fencers
it is. If they really are friends they will lend a hand. And who says it will be for free? SHEESH

>>5594827
kek

>>5594547
>>5594722
>>5594827
>>5595109
>>5595342

Voting closed. Writing.

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>>5594827
>>5595346

>>5595364
>Two Fencers
Shit. He’s going to have to make it up to them somehow.

Two Fencers is a large gambling house co-owned by Bow and Tong ー long time colleagues of Sira.

An accomplished blood mage, martial artist, and earner, Bow was entrusted with managing a larger business than Sira.

And then there’s Tong. Her brother was pretty incompetent for a while. It took her dragging him out of a bar in Cinderpath before he finally cleaned up his act. While Bow handles the finances, he handles the entertainment and tries to keep the more rowdy customers from being killed by the security.

It has been a while since Sira was visited the place.

According to his informants, the Two Fencers have seen a steady increase in customers during the first month. Slightly larger than usual, although it will likely die down during the later half of the month.

「Alright. Let’s set the date.」

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>>5595643
..
…

An afternoon in the entertainment district

【… I cannot do that. Third floor… that is not possible. They paid a premium price so they don’t get random advertisements. Second floor is already filled with advertisement. First floor is also full. I can’t take those down right now ー not without negotiating with the market district.】

Bow remains insistent on her refusal about his offer.

【i am sure you are aware how they are. Shark infested waters are less dangerous than those bidding wars at dawn. YOUR employees were smart enough to avoid the larger vendors, at least.】

While her voice remains mostly neutral, Sira can tell she can barely stop herself from baring her fangs.

The market district was always a competitive one. Sira never liked navigating the web of connections and all the intricacies of their social gatherings.

《I think we could make some space for his business. On the first floor. There was this.. section about Old Whaler, yes?》
Tong tries to calm her down.

【Yes.】

《We could remove that, right? Their shipment of oysters and shrimp hasn’t arrived. It’s been five days now.》

Seems like the two gambling houses have made a deal with each other — Old Whalers are suppliers for some of the food, and thus, allowed to advertise.

【I’ve sent them notices.】

《Twice, yes, but they haven’t responded.》

《Sira could do it. Send his men over and find out what happened. If they’re ignoring us purposefully, he won’t be recognized. If they’re in trouble, their attackers might hurt them if they recognize our men.》

Bow goes quiet.

【…】
【……】
【………】

Whispers. Bow and Tong talk amongst themselves for a while before asking Sira a question.

【I’ve known you for a while, Sira. You’ve never wanted this position. I can’t remember the last time you’ve gone this far to get the brothel running. Is there any particular reason?】

Sira decides to..

FOLLOW HIS HEART
>I am trying make up for it.
The past few years I have been slacking off, yes. But I am trying to change. After the feast, I realized I can’t keep going like this anymore. I want this brothel to stay alive.

>I like them.
I have been slacking off, no doubt. But recently, I am trying to change. That feast was.. poorly timed, yes, but it showed me that the people there are important. I am doing this because those people mean a lot to me.

FOLLOW HIS BRAIN
>Your experience.
Well.. the situation is getting worse than usual, and you two are people I know, and I figured you two could help me out better than someone who isn’t part of [Red Winter] organization.

>You said it yourself.
I never wanted this position, but if I fuck up too hard, I don’t think the higher ups are willing to put me back in my old one. I am doing this because I can’t afford anything else.

Been really busy lately. I might have change the update schedule from 3 times / day to 2 times / day

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>>5595644
>>I am trying make up for it.

>>5595644
>You said it yourself.
We are Coach Bombay, and this brothel is our Mighty Ducks.

>>5595644
>I am trying make up for it.

voting closed.

>>5595843


>I am trying to make up for it

He has made many mistakes in the past, but right now, he wants this brothel to stay alive.

..

>Tong is moved by this statement.
Bow remains neutral to it.

They manage to come to an agreement.

《This is our offer. Investigate the Old Whaler. Find out why they haven’t sent their shipment of food and paid for the advertising space. We will remove their posters and let you advertise until the end of this month.》

《If the investigation is successful, there will be spot for your brothel to advertise….》

【IF you are able to willing to pay a small fee for the advertising space each month.】

《Is this offer acceptable?》

「Yes. It is acceptable.」

Before Sira leaves, Tong gives him a map to the gambling house and tells him about the Old Whalers’ staff.

The Old Whaler is near the very edges of the entertainment district, far east of Clawflash. The directions look pretty complicated. No wonder only a few customers visit the place.

《I know these people. They’re good. Real good. They served us well.》

《When you go there, check the shorelines. Past the forest, east of the Old Whalers. I think fishermen might be extorting them.》

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>>5595900

First month of the year and Sira is tasked with conducting an investigation of a gambling house suddenly unable to pay their advertising fees and deliver their supplies…

The Old whaler is at the very edges of town, and has a large, desolate forest to its right. Beyond that is the shoreline and rivers surrounding Clawflash.

This is going to be a large operation.

The investigation team will consist of..

>Sira and his crows
Him and his old colleagues in the brothel, who are formerly security for Catchers Corp will be investigating. A small, elite force that excels in skirmishes and stealth, able to find clues through other people in the criminal world.

Dao, head of the financial division will be running the brothel while he is investigating.

>Warin and Nectar Droplet’s security
Warin and the brothel’s security will be investigating. A large force that excels at large scale combat and able to investigate supernatural matters more throughly.

Sira and Warin could both investigate, although that will deprive the brothel of most of its security, and their security isn’t very strong in the first place…

>>5595902
>Sira and his crows

>>5595902
>>Sira and his crows

>>5595902
>>Sira and his crows

>>5595902
Yeah, I think the Crows are better for thins one
>Sira and his crows.
Also what the heck with posting that in /a/ what happened over there

>>5595902
>Sira and his crows
We have no reason to think the supernatural is invovled, and we don't want to create a scene if we don't have to.

>>5595906
>>5595918
>>5595994
>>5596253
>>5596281
Voting closed writing

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>>5596352

>Sira and his crows


It is best if a smaller force is sent to investigate. Wouldn’t want to cause a scene.

With his spanner, he rotates the wheel of his pistol. Large, heavy, complicated, but able to punch through anything that isn’t a good cuirass.

His sidesword has some minor cuts on it, but the edge remains sharp and the finger rings don’t feel loose.

The dagger is double edged, with a spearpoint. Less effective in the stabbing than a needle point, but less fragile. Good for mundane tasks.

His coat, while not as protective as a gamberson or mail, is somewhat able to resist cuts and thrusts. Hidden under it is a short arquebus and multiple paper cartridges.

Although most other crows cannot afford a wheellock, a few possess matchlock guns of various lengths.

Trekking through the maze like routes and comprehending obtuse passages makes Sira wish Warin was with him right now. He would love to cuddle and rest his head on her cold arms again.

>>5596455


It is the late evening.
They arrive at the Old Whaler. To most, it is a cramped wooden restaurant with a decaying paint job and posters. They’re half right.

Entering through the side entrance, Sira and his crows can confirm Tong’s words about this place. A relatively empty gambling house with only a few sailors and fishers playing cards.

The crows are divided into three groups ー one will investigate the forests east of the Old Whaler, one will gamble, and one will try to talk to the staff and other customers.

Sira did notice that the staff tend to get a little nervous when they first enter. It’s not exactly proper for the waiters to be hesitant about greeting them and whisper amongst themselves while staring, even if they’re not the main customer base.

When the crows try to visit the forest, the customers were pretty insistent on staying away from the shorelines. Apparently there’s assholes that trapped the beach with broken glass and sharp rocks, but some of the crows swear they saw small chunks of grey and white in the forest.

There’s something up with the food as well. For a seafood restaurant, they are lacking a lot of fish and shrimp. Even he asked about the shortage, the staff were unwilling to disclose the reasons, even when the conversations are kept nearly silent.

Something feels off….

Sira decides to focus the investigative efforts on the… (gain +5 bonus to investigative rolls)
>Forest and shorelines
>Staff members and their food
>Other customers

After voting, I will roll a 3d20 to determine each side of the investigation. DC 10 / 14 / 18

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>>5596253

Idk but this is literally me

>>5596253
I don’t think I have ever posted that picture in /a/

I don’t even go to /a/
I usually visit /ck/ and /vt/ and /v/ occasionally but not /a/

I literally drew this last night, post the update and went to sleep. Idk what the fuck happened.

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>>5596474
Oh, I saw /a/ up there and I thought it was that board

>>5596549
suptg archive does that for some reason

>>5596458
>>Staff members and their food

>>5596458
>>Staff members and their food

>>5596458
>Staff members and their food

Rolled 5, 7, 9 = 21 (3d20)

>>5596805
>>5597264
>>5597304

1st roll forest
2nd roll staff (+5)
3rd roll customers

>>5597640
OOF.

>>5597640
bruh

>>5597707
The title is accurate: with rolls like these, Sira really CANNOT run a brothel!

>>5597640

>5 vs 10
>12 vs 10
>9 vs 10

Chunks of pale meat and scraps of grey material are occasionally found in the forest. When the crows get to the shorelines, they don’t seem to find anything unusual besides small scarps of pale meat and markings in sand of a few footprints and boxes. Those fishermen must’ve cleared out the debris, fished here, and left. They barely missed them.

There isn’t any one missing from the staff, so Sira can rule out the possibility of murder or kidnapping.

That being said, they were quite hesitant to answer Sira’s question about the food. Sira had to send a couple of his crows to occupy their attention while he sneaks into the kitchen. There’s something odd with their food — large chunks of fish, shrimp, and oysters are removed despite still being in the first few hours of opening.

So that’s why the menu mostly have meals that feature small chunks of seafood.

Talking to the customers yield mixed results. Many simply weren’t interested about the food, but some that were willing to talk had conflicting information.

“The reason there’s a seafood shortage is due to a disease outbreak in shellfish.”

“There’s some assholes in the staff that has been stealing ingredients but make no mention of a disease outbreak.”

“Uhh… i.. I think there’s this competition of.. like..—“
His friend group tells him to shut up and concentrate on playing cards. Sira and his crows tried to ask them again, but they were annoyed and told him to fuck off.

“I heard the owner spent his budget on prostitutes or something.”

When they interviewed a group of people, the information was relatively the same within them, but when they interviewed people who sit alone, their statements often conflict with the ones in groups. And some groups’ statements conflict with other groups.

This is getting real weird…

Sira can feel that the customers don’t appreciate what they’re doing. If he keeps going, he might anger them. He wants to leave, but he isn’t sure what exactly went down in this place.

>>5597803
He could try to sneak into the staff only area to find more information, but at the risk of being thrown out if he and his crows are discovered.

He could bribe someone in the staff to tell him more, but its a gamble whether they have information or not.

He could leave and hide in the forest, observing the staff and customers’ actions.

Or he could come to a conclusion to this investigation right now.

Sira decides to..

>Sneak inside the staff only area [stealth check]
Since Sira and his crows are well versed in infiltration, they get a +4 bonus to dice roll.

DC 13 / 15 / 18

>Bribe a staff member [roll a 1d2]
1 = no information
2 = information

>Stalk them
The safest option, although this will take a considerable amount of time.

>>Conclude his investigation of the Old Whaler
The reason the Old Whaler were unable to pay the advertising fees and send over their seafood shipment is…

>Thieves within the staff
Someone in the staff is carving chunks out of the seafood and stealing it! That explains the missing chunks inside the kitchen, the scraps of grey things in the forest and shorelines — it’s scraps of fish and shirmp!

>Extortion by a gang
The gambling house is being extorted! That’s why the staff were scared of them when they first entered, why the customers and staff were hesitant to talk to them, and why the customers’ stories are conflicted — they don’t want to get in trouble!

>Write in

>>5597785
he aint a light novel protagonist

>>5597803
Formatting mistake
Supposed to be

“There’s some assholes in the staff that has been stealing ingredients” but this customer makes no mention of a disease outbreak.

>>5597881
Forgot the trip

>chunks missing
Interesting, but a solid reason for this is predators in the waters. It's common to sell fishes for cheap when they have bites.
But WHY is a bunch of experienced fishermen settling for a bad catch. There is pale meat and grey material in the shores and the forest. What animals feature pale meat? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat, fishes!?

It is unlikely they are being extorted, because the strange goings at the forest.
About the customers hearsay:
>Disease
There isn't a disease killing shellfish, because if it were, then a lot of people would be sick as fuk, Sira's brothel included (they had a feast).
>Theft
Sure, it would make sense if there are chunks of food missing, even moreso in this run down piece of crap shop called Old Whaler (whales in south east asia by the way? I am ignorant) BUT!! To the scale needed for them to stop supplying Tong and Bow???
>Owner's whoring habits
For this to be true, he should have found a better buyer of his products, because from what I understood, his shop IS the supplier. What he does with the money is not a problem, the issue is the lack of seafood being sold to Two fencers...

I conclude the staff is spooked from spooky sources, not good 'ol gang exortion sources. Thus I would wish for a write in! But sneaking sounds interesting because
>Sira can Fade
So getting in and out will be extra easy for him. In fact, can't he simply peek from a hole in the walls and enter rooms like so?
Voting for
>Sneak

>>5597884

There are bryde whales in SEA (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand) although historically they weren’t primarily hunted for food until late 1900s. That being said, Japan does have whaling industry from the ~1100s and during the sengoku era, some japanese people left the country and fled to SEA, it’s possible that some were old whalers.

Historically the ~1630s is when Thailand and Japan’s relations were severed

>>5597806
>Sneak inside the staff only area [stealth check]

>>5597884
My thinking is it's some sort of supernatural predator (hungry spirit? ocean dragon?) or just something really big and dangerous, that they're afraid to tangle with or that has the intelligence to threaten and extort.

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>>5597930
I wonder if we will get to see some of the...weirder aspects of the supernatural in this quest
https://youtu.be/HkXsFc7my2o

>>5597806
>>Thieves within the staff

>>5597806
>Sneak inside the staff only area [stealth check]

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>>5598000
Don’t worry, the supernatural bit is coming up soon.

>Sneak inside the staff only area [stealth check]

Rolled 4, 16 = 20 (2d20)

>>5597884
>>5597955
>>5598017
>>5598181

rolling stealth check

first roll is Sira’s
second roll is his crows
(+4 to each)

DC 13 / 15 / 18

>>5598185
>8 vs 13
>20 vs 18


Sira can eliminate a few potential theories based on the behaviors of the staff and customers.

It’s certainly not a disease outbreak — his brothel ate a lot shellfish recently and they were fine. His employees didn’t mention anything about a disease when they visited the market.

It’s not the owner being careless with money — that doesn’t explain the missing seafood shipment.

It could be theft — they saw chunks of missing fish and shrimp around the forest and kitchen, but he isn’t completely sure yet.

To solve this, he and his crows will venture into the staff only area and find out more.

With his ability to teleport and experience in infiltration, he should be able to get past the staff undetected.

After asking the staff for the location of the outhouse, he leaves the Old Whaler and plans to infiltrate through the staff only entrance. There’s a slit that he could fade through.

After pressing his ear against the walls, he deduces there’s barely any noise in the restricted area. Those crows are doing a pretty good job distracting them.

It’s time.

Breathe in.
Breathe out.

The colors of the entire world fades away.
Sounds of birds chirping and movement of the leaves are suppressed.

He can see his path. A line that travels past the small slit and enters the restricted area.

Now!

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>>5598443

CLONK.

As Sira fades, the slit is closed, causing him to teleport in front of the wooden door and strike his head against it.

'What are you doing? THIS IS FOR EMPLOYEES ONLY!'
A man yells at Sira through the door.

As Sira recoils from the hit, he puts his hands up and tries to apologize, saying that he mistakenly ran into the door while trying to look for an outhouse.

'The outhouse is LITERALLY ON THE OTHER SIDE.'

*The fuck are you doing? Why are you shouting?*

'There’s this jackass that’s walking around..'

Sira decides to return to the Old Whaler before more attention is called to him.

Soon after, a waiter told him that he needs to go to the outhouse again, he will be accompanied by a waiter so he doesn’t get lost.

For him, this is it. Beyond this point, he will be closely watched by the staff. He feels defeated, but smirks slightly when he notices some of his crows are gone but none of the people in the restaurant have noticed.

That’s gonna be a pretty interesting story…

>>5598444
What actually transpired when Sira was outside…

The nine other crows played their part perfectly in their infiltration.

After Sira leaves, the two crows near the kitchen began complimenting the cooks about the stews and soup they made.

The group of four crows near the door bother the waiters about other restaurants and the forest.

Three other crows decide to pay their bills and leave the Old Whaler.

No one noticed the two crows that calmly walked past the kitchen and opened the door to the restricted area.

The customers were annoyed by those guys bothering the waiters, the cooks were distracted by the compliments, and the line of sight of the last two crows were blocked by the three crows leaving.

…
….

They overhear two people talking.

Strong smell of fish and shrimp are coming from them.

'.. got?'

*.. one bucket.*

'Shit. Is that enough?'

*Maybe. If we could get a couple more handfuls, we’re good. I think we could do two more tonight. I’ll go check the storage.*

…
…..

CLONK.

'What are you doing?'

*The fuck are you doing? Why are you shouting?*

'There’s this jackass that’s walking around the Whaler.'
'Get him out of here!'

*On it.*

One of them walks out of the restricted area, unaware of the two crows.

He soon returns.

*Just some bumpkin and his friends. He’s not leaving our sight any time soon. Our guys will make sure they don’t go snooping around again.*

*Fucking assholes won’t leave. Might need to say we’re closing early or some shit.*

'No. I don’t like this. Let’s get this out and call it a night. We can’t afford witnesses. Not now.'

*Alright.*

>>5598446
The sloshing of meat and thuds of wooden buckets can be heard from them. The two crows can’t identify the faces of two thieves yet.

These guys must be stealing meat from the food storage. Backstabbed by their own staff. Fucking disgusting.

… wait, 'our guys'? How many staff members are part of this?

The two crows decide to…

>Intercept and interrogate the two thieves
They need to know more — who else is doing this? As long as they can’t issue orders, and they aren’t detected, they can’t do shit.

>Observe them and inform the other crows
The three crows surround the Old Whaler — those guys won’t get far. Most important thing is getting info out.

>Write in

>>5598449
>Observe them and inform the other crows

>>5598449
>observe and inform
Yeah! If they stay they might get a look at their faces and recognize them later. Plus, as you said, those guys won't get far

>>5598000
Trips
And, why does the channel has almost 7 million subscribers? And why does the video have 2.6 million views? what the fuck? what's up with the japanese moonrunes!? Oh god he is chasing dogs now...

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>>5598530

>>5598449
>Observe them and inform the other crows

>Observe them and inform the other crows
I think the owner got in trouble with a big nasty thing (like a demon-fish or whatever, I picture lots of teeth and tentacles)

>>5598525
>>5598489
>>5598671
>>5598690
Writing

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>>5599231
>observe

They hang back and observe the two thieves — their knowledge is worthless if they die with it.

The two thieves finally reveal themselves while carrying the buckets of stolen food. Dark skin. Cracked palms. They look just like those other customers.

They open the large wooden door with a slit and hurriedly carry their buckets of food out of the Old Whaler.

The two crows discreetly return to the customer area and inform the rest of the crows about what happened.

Before they do, they notice a crumbled paper on the floor where those two thieves were. Must’ve fallen out of their pockets when they were leaving.

Wet from blood and viscera, but readable.

A poster that advertises an annual fishing competition in the north east section of the market district. First to fifteenth day of the first month. Determined by weight.

Sira and his crows decide to leave the Old Whaler and follow the two thieves.

Their panicked breathing and footsteps become louder as the night goes on…

They run across the forest, trying to go somewhere north.

Long shadows sweeps over them. Faintly perceptible among the darkness is a tall figure, taller than any building and possessing long fingers. A malnourished thing with a skeletal figure and a mouth that is barely large enough to fit a needle through it.

Sira has heard stories of this entity before.

This is a 'Preta', a supernatural entity that is unable to pass on and is perpetually hungry. Particularly powerful ones can induce death in living beings.

Rather than attacking the two thieves, the Preta’s fingers reach for the buckets of fish, scooping up a few fillets of it.

It unsuccessfully pours it down its mouth. Most of the fillets don’t make it in, splashing onto the ground and leaving small chunks of fish everywhere.

>>5599335
The crows can faintly hear the two thieves talking…

'Shit. Shit! That thing is here!'
'We gotta go. Drop this!'

*No! We can’t let another one go. We can’t go back empty handed again.*

They manage to successfully avoid the Preta’s second grab.

The skeletal fingers tense up. That thing is getting angry.

Sira knows how to deal with this thing — offer it some food and it will leave soon enough. Then again, should he intervene?

These people are running an operation where they steal food from the Old Whaler just so they could cheat their way to the top of some fishing competition.

Sira decides to..

>Intervene — capture the two thieves and give the Preta the buckets of food
They need to find out more about who else is in this operation.

>Intervene — offer the Preta his emergency rations
That will give those thieves time to run away, but the crows should be able to track them down.

>Continue observing
If they’re willing to value their money over their life, so be it. Dumbass.

>>5599340
>Intervene — capture the two thieves and give the Preta the buckets of food

>>5598530
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3SLBYgmsCojxnpni_T3ZfXImoFeyrWmU
Here is the full list of the first season episodes

>>5599340
>>Intervene — capture the two thieves and give the Preta the buckets of food

>>5599349
>>5599592
Voting closed

>>5599774


>capture


These cheaters can kill themselves later.

His crows tackle the two men, making them drop the buckets of food.

Sira picks them up and walks towards the barely visible Preta. He places them on the ground and slowly backs away.

The skeletal fingers are relaxed. Sira can faintly see the glints of its eyes when it leans forward to eat.

More fillets slip away from its hand, and the few that manage to reach its mouth also slip out and fall to the ground. Rarely does it get to eat anything.

If Sira was as tall as a giant, maybe he could have assisted the Preta in delivering food to its mouth.

For now, he leaves the entity be.

The two thieves are disarmed and pinned to the ground. Just a couple of knives on their aprons.

*arugh…*

「How many people-」

*Fuck you.*

'We’re not telling you shit!'

「Look, we’re not-」

*Fuck off.*

「… tie them up.」

They are roughly handled by the crows, getting slapped on the head and kicked down as their hands are being bound by rope.

「You want the money and you’re doing everything to get it. Fair enough. Frankly, I don’t have the guts to meddle with the market district and their bullshit anyways.」

「Problem is, your operation have been disrupting my client’s organization as well. Tell us about your operation and we can try to smooth things out with your group. Maybe get a deal that benefits us both. The government and the market district — they don’t need to know.」

*…*
*I’m not betraying my team.*

'You’re gonna need more than ten guys to take us down, contractor.'

>>5599857


The two thieves won’t budge.

Sira decides to…

FOLLOW HIS HEART
>Your friends
Maybe you are right. I’m sure you’re not the type to betray your crew — you’ll take your secrets to the grave if you must. But what about your friends? We can snatch people in the Old Whaler and interrogate them. Some of them is going to be your men. And some will talk.

It will be a painstaking process, yes, but we will find cracks in the armor. They will talk. And you can’t afford the Old Whaler going down, can you?

>Your kind
I know your type. You’d do anything for the money. The kind that risks incurring the wrath of the market district — the kind that has nothing left to lose. But what if I take that away?

Your fingers. Your toes. Your arms. Your legs. Are you willing to be a cripple for the rest of your life? To be THAT dependent on everyone else?


FOLLOW HIS BRAIN
>Their time
And you don’t have time. That competition ends on 15th this month. A couple more days and that is it. We could just keep stalking your guys and destroy your stockpile of fish. We could.

But that would be a massive waste of time for both of us. I’m sure the others won’t like that.

>Their situation with the Preta
You have a giant fucking ghost that keeps taking your fillets and shrimp. With that thing around, trying to transport your stuff or trying to fish at night doesn’t look easy. This system is pretty inefficient.

We contractors aren’t bound by that — we can just buy it. Help us out and you’ll get your prize much quicker.

>Take them back to the Two Fencers
They already have all the information they need — the Old Whalers are not sending supplies and money over due to their staff members stealing it for a fishing competition. Let those guys handle the rest.

This investigation is finished.

FOLLOW HIS DARKEST URGES
such disrespect.. the blood.. the smell.. something within him stirs…

>Bite.

>>5599859
>>Take them back to the Two Fencers
>They already have all the information they need — the Old Whalers are not sending supplies and money over due to their staff members stealing it for a fishing competition. Let those guys handle the rest.

Maybe there's more to it - but does Bow and Tong care?

>>5599859
>Take them back to the Two Fencers
What >>5599896 said. We did our part. Put up our poster.

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waht the fuck man

>>5599859
This is a brain one
>Take them back to the two fencers
And call it a night

>>5599896
>>5599903
>>5600173
Writing..

>>5600274

>take them back to Two Fencers

The investigation is finished. Sira could prod them for information, but he doesn’t need to — they have discovered the reason the Old Whaler isn’t functioning as intended.

「I do need more than ten guys to handle your entire operation. That’s where my client comes in.」

「Walk.」

..
…

It is late in the night.
They arrive back at the Two Fencers unscathed.

Sira and his crows explain their findings and hand over the two thieves.

Tong and Bow are pleased with the investigation.

《One of their own… fucking assholes. I’ll send people to the Old Whaler — we need to secure the rest before they know what is happening.》

【Well done on the investigation. As promised, your brothel will be allowed a spot — assuming you can pay the monthly advertising fees. Miss it by two weeks with no explanation and you’re out.】

「Understood.」

《You guys can stay here for the night if you want to. There’s a few spare rooms in the employee only sections.》

「Thanks, but we need to get back to the Nectar Droplet. We’re a little short staffed too.」

..
…
….

An investigation was completed. No bloodshed. And pretty fast, too.

The Nectar Droplet is about to close now. In a few hours, the sun will rise.

Business was running smoothly. There were a couple customers that had to be removed, but it was easily taken care of. Most of the security remained here and Dao did a pretty good job of managing the brothel.

Eventually, the last customer left the brothel.

Sira and his crows inform the staff about their investigation. They can finally cut down on advertising costs.

After they finish cleaning the rooms, most of people went to sleep. Some took a bath. And some decide to stay up a little longer than usual.

Neither Sira or Warin wanted to sleep.

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>>5600418

The forest with the waterfall, near Nectar Droplet

Within the eerie forest is Sira, sitting against a tree and petting Warin’s head while they talk about the things they had to deal with. He occasionally feeds her fillets of raw fish he took from the buckets.

「.. the fishes kept falling out of its hand.」

「When the Preta dropped them, the fillets just exploded on the ground. It got everywhere. Chunks of it were just flying.」

“Ah man. I should’ve been there.”

「Yeah. I’m sure you could’ve talked to that thing much better than me.」

“.. hey. You got any more of those fillets?”

「Nope. That was the last one. You can have the dried fruits, though. I still have a few in my pockets.」

Sira places her head on the ground and opens up a packet of his emergency rations.

Such an act reminds him of their first meeting, a long time ago.

Way back when Red Winter and Catcher Crops had to contend with competitors. Back when Cris and Zeal’s abortifacients and contraceptive concoctions weren’t produced in large numbers.

When he was just an associate of Red Winter that shoveled dirt and buried corpses. Someone had to bury the unwanted children of the brothel.

He first saw her then, a floating head that lurks in this forest at night, perpetually hungry and drifting. With his help, she found some semblance of 'family' in the Red Winter.

A black magic user cursed to be a Krasue and a crow who had nothing. They got along pretty well.

>>5600420
“Uh. Sira. You.. alright?”

「Yeah. Just.. thinking about things. It’s been a while since we came here.」

“… yeah.”

Warin floats up and kiss him on the forehead.

Sira is amused by the act and wants to reciprocate.

… the shadows look a bit weirder than usual.

Sira turns his head to look.

Ugh. It’s that thing again.

The Preta he met earlier emerges from the ground and looks at him.

Sira decides to..

>Leave
Come on. They just want some time alone.

>Stay and talk
Ugh. Fine. Since that thing is here, maybe Warin can talk to it.

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>>5600274
>>5600418
Not exactly sure what is going on with my trip. I’m typing the same thing but sometimes this happens.

Here’s a pic of this trip occurring in my old quest

>>5600420
>Krasue
Huh, reminds me of the manangaal. SOLID waifu pick!

>Stay and talk

>>5600169
Majin buu

>>5600425
>Stay and talk

>>5600430
>>5600558
Writing…

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>>5600682

>Stay and talk

The two decide to stay and talk to the Preta. Might as well know more about the supernatural entity — especially when it is following them.

Sira opens up the paper packets to reveal his emergency rations.

Rice.
Dried fruits.
Herbs.

No meat, although the rice should appease the thing. Sira laid them down on the ground and steps back.

Whispers of strange words and voices are faintly heard by him as Warin and the Preta talk to each other.

The barely visible entity leans down and lets Warin carry the rice to its mouth using her hair.

..
…

“He asks if he can stay here or not. The people near the forest and shore kept taking his food. He could find food here from the waterfall.”

If the Preta stays here, his presence could deter the restless spirits in this forest from being too aggressive. Sira and Warin could definitely afford to hang out here more often. Mentally, it would be good for them.

Without him stalking the forest and shorelines, a lot of people would appreciate it, but people might notice a strange silhouette at night. Stories might circulate and people in the supernatural world might take an interest in the Nectar Droplet…

Sira decides to..

>Let him stay
>Tell him to leave

>>5600816

Brothel status

Funds 3/10 » 4/10
Morale 3/10
Security 4/10
Connections 6/10 » 7/10

Ever since the posters were placed in the Two Fencers, more customers have visited the Nectar Droplet. The changes in clothing which emphasize the muscles were very appealing to them.

The situation at Old Whaler has been quietly resolved. Some of the staff and customers weren’t seen again at the establishment. From what Sira heard, they didn’t die, but their fingers or toes were cut off or broken.

For his assistance in catching this group of cheaters who would have take prize money away from rightful winners, the fishers of the north east market district have sent something to the Nectar Droplet as thanks.

>An invitation to a feast (++ morale)
A feast hosted by the fishers, utilizing various types of crustaceans and fish. The employees would love this.

>A good sum of money (++ funds)
Several large pouches of bullet coins. Always useful. More opportunities to invest.

>Informants who report to the brothel (++security)
The people that report to the fishing groups now report certain behaviors and actions to the brothel. Another source of information.

I’m not sure what the hell happened but I noticed that there was a huge drop in players a few days ago. 5 » 2-3 players. Is it the schedule?

>>5600818
>Invitation to a feast

Morale is our weaker point and seems to me harder to raise easily than funds and security.

No clue QM, I like the quest

>>5600818
>Informants who report to the brothel (++security)
Security will be damn important!!!

>>5600856
>>5601184
Please choose whether or not to let the preta stay >>5600816 as well

>>5600816
>Let him stay

>>5601569
>>5600818
Oh, and in addition...
>An invitation to a feast (++ morale)

>>5601184
>>5600818
>Let the preta stay.
No pussy, it stays!!! And we inform the fisher informants of our help for mad rep.
We just have to feetd it... I hope it doesn't consume too many funds

>>5601645
he doesn’t require much. Rice, meat, sweets, he’ll eat anything, really.

>>5601645
>>5601570
>>5601569
>>5600856
>>5601184

writing

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>>5601717

>let the preta stay
>invitation


「The entity could stay, but tell him that we won’t be around to feed him all the time — he can find something to eat in the forest. We will give him any leftover rice, bread, dumplings, or meat.」

「That should be good enough.」

Warin delivers his message to the Preta.

His existence could result in more.. supernatural events or visits from people in that life, but it is an acceptable risk for making this forest safer overall. Those restless spirits will think twice before bothering Warin or Sira while they hang out.

..
…

The market district is divided into four sections ー north east, north west, south west, and south east. Best described as miniature towns with their own tax collectors and culture, they are a competitive industry where fortune is as temperamental as the rivers that surround Clawflash.

Luckily, the staff of Nectar Droplet and Two Fencers are in the north east fishers’ good graces.

Their methods of cooking were fascinating.

The boiled shrimps were cold to the touch, but lack any strong smells and still retaining the sweetness of the meat. Even their black veins have been removed. Grilled prawn were quickly eaten, and countless plates were filled with their pale orange shells. Naturally, Warin and Sira enjoy the briefly cooked cockles and oysters.

Catching up with Bow and Tong again was pretty fun. His old colleagues at Red Winter and Catcher Corps are doing pretty well ー the demand for slaves remains relatively stable and there isn’t much trouble in the criminal world.

There is a slight bittersweetness in this celebration. Both Two Fencers and Nectar Droplet know that there will be fewer customers in the following months, right up until the fourth month, where the Sablestream’s new years celebration will occur and their profits will shoot up again. One last night of happiness before the slog that are the second and third month.

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>>5601874


Such warmth makes him almost forget the ruthlessness of the life a couple years ago…

Even with Warin’s help, he can still remember the day when he was closest to death. His left hand was severed. Both of his thighs were cut. His chest perforated.

Who nearly killed him?

>Johannes
To most, he is a former cuirassier from the west that serve as an advisor to Sablestream’s royalty. Few know of his clandestine operations. Fewer know his true extent of his authority.

Several years ago, Sira and his old colleagues dug too deep, found evidence that directly linked the monarchy to the manufacture and distribution of drugs in Galepeak. Johannes and his lobsters were sent after him.

The three quarter armor offered him and his men considerable amount of protection, harkening back to knights of old — and earning them derisive nickname of 'lobsters'

A terrifying figure that reminded Sira of the true influence of the monarchy.

>Sing the Owl
A large man, possessing many supernatural trinkets and magical tattoos that rendered him nearly invincible against weapons. He was once a part of Owl Eyes, one the major auditing company that was reduced to a small private investigation agency.

He was secretly assisting minor slave auditing companies in kidnapping and misclassifying people as 'born slaves' which cannot be removed from the slavery system.

When his actions inconvenienced Catcher Corps, Sira and his crows were sent after him.

Skilled in polearms and swords, he was one of very few who escaped justice.

can we bring soup and a straw to the Preta so that it can eat more?

>>5601877
>>Johannes

>>5601895
sure

>>5601877
johannes. look evil-er

>>5601897
>>5602474
Writing

>>5602531
QM, what do you think of trickster archetypes like Srithanonchai

>>5602593
He is fucked in the head

iirc he killed his little brother just to be a smartass when he was asked to clean him

>>5602593
The archetype as a whole can be interesting.

I personally don’t use it much, although that’s mainly because my protagonists / NPCs are not the ‘jack sparrow’ type

I based Sira off Daud from Dishonored, although he clearly isn’t as good

>>5602531

>Johannes

That lobster. One of many attack dogs of the monarchy. An ever shadowy organization that no one is supposed to question. He never cared about it much, only feigning interest when one of the more fanatical royalists were talking to him.

It has been a couple years, but he still remembers those moments vividly.

Perhaps it is best left in the past.

..
…

The later half of the first month passed with few problems.

While the security is adequate, the morale of the staff members are much higher than before. With the advertisement in Two Fencers, and their assistance in catching the cheaters, the Nectar Droplet is becoming well known in the market and entertainment district alike.

Second month ー first half

Funds 4/10
Morale 5/10
Security 4/10
Connections 7/10

The second month is marked by a decrease in events and activities. Most people have stopped celebrating and now return to their jobs. He’ll need something to get people visiting the Nectar Droplet again. Of course, he can’t exactly neglect his issues in security either ー he knows full well how desperate people can be when businesses become unprofitable.

Sira still has a long way to go before this brothel becomes a successful business.

His plan is to…

(Choose no more than 2)

>Find a cheaper illustrator (+funds, +connections)
Sira has old friends in Clawflash and other provinces that could assist in finding another illustrator. A cheaper illustrator will allow the brothel to put up more posters and increase profits.

>Take part in martial arts tournaments (++funds, -connection)
To rekindle interest in the entertainment districts, the gambling houses will be hosting tournaments where displays of martial arts and duels will be performed. Sira and some of his colleagues could partake in them, although this irritate some of the hosts considering his background.

>Recruit more security (++security, -funds)
Using his old connections, Sira could find people who did not meet the standards of Catcher Corps and recruit them. Sira doesn’t need the best ー he just needs people that will follow orders, able to deal with rowdy customers and loyal. Among the dozens of people rejected, there’s probably a few that might prove adequate for the brothel.

>>5602716
>Find a cheaper illustrator (+funds, +connections)

>>5602599
>>5602593
>Thai folk-antihero who is like a lethal; Amelia Bodelia
Hahaha, nice!

>>5602716
>>Take part in martial arts tournaments (++funds, -connection)
>Recruit more security (++security, -funds)

This will net us 2 secs and 1 fund for 1 connection

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>>5602902

>>5602948
Warin wants seggs? She have to ask nicely.

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Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5602751
>>5602902
Tiebreak

1 = illustrator
2 = tournament + security

>>5602952
Picrel

>>5602973
Is Sira a KHV brothel manager?
Is Sira interested in Warin? How old is Sira?

>>5602976
No. Sira actually has more experience than her.

As for their relationship, it is romantic, as seen from >>5600420
>>5600425

Sira is in his mid 20s.

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>>5602973


>take part in tournaments
>recruit more security

The tournaments could serve as another method for generating funds. Once he has acquired some more money, he could recruit more security.

Plays of the longsword. Single sword. Dagger. Grappling. Staff. Long gun. Pistol.

He has studied them many years ago. The occasional practice has kept this skills adequate through the years.

..
…

The longsword is largely outdated now — the length makes the weapon inconvenient to carry and its ability in armored fighting is less relevant due to the prohibitively high cost of plate armor. Despite being relegated to an instrument to entertain the masses, it is still taught in a few fencing schools. The foundation of swordsmanship.

Sira could compete in this tournament and do quite well.

For those who could afford it, the single handed sword is one of the best weapons to carry due to the balance of convenience and reach. Some have blades that emphasize the thrust or cut. Hand protection is also another quality that may vary. With such variety, many tournaments are based around it.

This could be interesting. His skill with the sidesword should prove adequate.

The dagger and knife are reliable tools that can serve as weapons if needed. Most people carry this. A simple thing, not as flashy as other weapons, but there’s usually a spot for dueling with it in most tournaments.

His skills in knifefighting is adequate.

Unarmed combat. It has a long history in Clawflash. From boxing to grappling, it was always a martial art that was heavily documented and practiced.

Sira definitely can’t compete in such fights — his lack of experience and frail body will mean he isn’t likely to win.

The polearms are powerful things. With its long reach and leverage, a quarterstaff can bludgeon and kill. Easier to learn than swords, but much less convenient to carry.

Sira is decent at it.

There isn’t any tournaments for arquebus and pistol — Clawflash’s limited space and the government’s monopoly on firearms sales has ensured that the people that possess it are either wealthy or working for ones that are.

>>5603018
There’s a lot of categories he could compete in, but the two categories that Sira is most likely to succeed in are the longsword and single sword tournaments — he trains with them the most, after all.

His crows and other colleagues split off to enlist in different tournaments and types of competitions.

Sira decide to compete in..

(Choose one)

>Longsword category
His opponents are expert fencers with many years of experience. Few in numbers. Prize money is very large.

High difficulty. Few competitors. High reward.

>Single Sword category
His opponents range from the common thugs to skilled fencers. Large numbers of contestants. Prize money is moderately large.

Moderate difficulty. Many competitors. Moderate reward.

>>5603020
>>Longsword category

>>5603020
>Longsword category

Should we display the Fade ability in tournament? Is it dangerous regarding government? Is it a known skill of Sira? Is it wise to display it to opponents?

Because we can definitely TP on the back of opponent, "Nothing personal Kiddo" and win the fight.
Unless we face Johannes of course, this one is personal.

>>5603052
>Is it a known skill of Sira?

Sira only gained ‘Fade’ after Warin revived him.

>>5603052
>we can definitely TP on the back of opponent, "Nothing personal Kiddo" and win the fight.

Possible, although entertaining a crowd is the main goal — it would be pretty anticlimactic to do that to an opponent with no magical items or abilities

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>>5603045
>>5603052

>Longsword


The weapon system he originally trained with. Smaller pool of competitors means less chance of messing up. Prize money is pretty high.

..
…

The tournament is more than just a demonstration of skills with a sword — its main goal is to entertain the crowd. As such, appearances are one of the most important things.

His old Feder, a practice sword, remains in good condition. It has an enlarged ricasso and a round tip that is folded against the blade.

It has been many years since he wore his old outfits. Taking them out of the closet was quite nostalgic. Back when the relationship between him and Bow wasn’t as cold.

His white shirt and smoke grey doublet are a little dusty, but still compliments each other well. The white collar stands out quite nicely.

The breeches remain just as black, and just as puffy. Rather than a belt, the breeches and doublet are connected through a series of red ties.

For his lower legs, Sira wears white stockings that end just below the knees. Fastened by red garters. His white shoes blend in with the stockings.

Finally, his hat. A wide brimmed straw hat that is covered in black fabric and adorned with multiple crow feathers.

A blend of dark and light colors, with a hint of red.

>>5603238

Entertainment district
Steel beaks gambling house

Behind disintegrating paint and countless posters are Steel Beaks’ aging wooden walls.

With the promise of entertainment and temporary stalls opening within its establishment, this stitched together monstrosity of a building is nearly full again.

Promises of good food, entertainment, and chances to make money have rekindled interest in this gambling house once again. Sira can hardly believe there’s more than a hundred people in here. The width of it is quite difficult to truly grasp.

Still, it is a dangerous place. Sira heard far too many stories of brawls occurring when someone is accused of cheating or accidentally provoking someone.

He plans to linger in the more remote parts for now. The tournament is still several hours away.

… if only it were so easy.

While most people don’t recognize him, a few still do. And are very vocal about it.

More than a few men and women gush about the stories they heard about him.
Some people REALLY liked him.

They proved annoying after a couple minutes and Sira fades once he is out of their sight.

He managed to find an empty balcony that overlooks the Two Fencers.

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>>5603241

Peace and quiet. The wind ruffles his hair and soothe-

'Hi.. hi.'
'Are you.. the First Crow? From Red Winter?'

Sira notices a woman with long hair and a nervous tone. Her hands fidget and shakes as she speaks. Sweat is starting to stain her finely tailored shirt.

「… yes.」
「I’ve answered a lot of questions already. I just want some time alone for a moment.」

'Well.. uhh… I want to make an offer.. if that’s okay with you.'

「.. alright. What is it.」

She opens her palm. They are garters of a dark blue color with silver floral patterns.

'I ask that you wear these garters during the tournament. You’ll be paid. Half.. half right now if you accept and half after the tournament.'

「.. is there a reason?」

'I am a tailor… and.. if my advertis- I.. this event has a lot of people. If people see my product on someone like you, my business could get more customers.'

'.. and.. uhh.. you would look.. really nice in them.'

Sira’s red garters are representative of his allegiance to Red Winter. To remove it and wear this instead would mean to value it above Red Winter. But the money he could receive is quite substantial.

Sira decides to..

ACCEPT THE GARTERS (++funds, -connections)
>Let her down gently [Follow his heart]
Alright. I’ll take that deal. And.. uh.. for.. saying that, but.. just to be clear, I am already taken, alright? I have someone. Just wanted to make it clear. That is all.

>Act professional [Follow his mind]
That deal is acceptable. I will be wearing it all throughout the competition.

REJECT THE GARTERS
>Sorry, lady [Follow his heart]
Hey, thanks for the offer, but I cannot do that. I already have a girlfriend, and I’m not one of those.. polygamous types. I’m sorry.

>Too shady [Follow his mind]
I cannot accept that offer. I understand you have good intentions, but this is way too fast. I don’t have the time to familiarize myself with new garters. Thank you, but I wished you had contacted me sooner.

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Yes. The clothing is 16th century fashion. The hat was inspired by the tellerbarret.

>>5603244
>ACCEPT THE GARTERS (++funds, -connections)
>Let her down gently [Follow his heart]

Nobody, no matter how cute and shy, can top out menangaalfriend's head game.

>>5603246
damn germans full of themselves

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>>5603828
https://youtu.be/Ni92kRoMNiA

>>5603828
also pls vote

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>>5603506

I guess it’s just you and me again, rqm.
>Accept the garter ー Let her down gently

Sira takes the offer, but clarifies that he is already with a woman. In case she sees him in that light.

'Oh. Uhh… ye- yeah.. of.. of course. I-'
'This is just a business offer.. that’s all. Nothing more.'

She sounds a little disappointed, but she handles it well. She doesn’t seem like the type to stalk him or obsess over his lifestyle choices.

Indigo in color and embroidered with silver, the garters are finely made and durable.

She gives him quite a heavy pouch. Once he completes the tournament, he’ll have quite a lot of bullet coins.

「Oh, by the way, do you want me to talk about your tailor shop?」

'Yes- yeah. of.. of course. Ah.. I forgot about that completely.. hah..'

'I’m Tharn. I run the Jasmine Cloak. My shop.. uh.. its in the south west market district.'

.. she seems nice, but she’s not well prepared or confident. The business world isn’t kind to people like her. Sira thanks Tharn, but keep watch of her while waiting for the tournaments to start.

..
…

Bright lights and loud noises. A flood of people surround the walls of this rundown building.

Seven competitors. Dressed in colorful clothing and desired by crowds, they are experienced fencers and possess a moderate amount of wealth to flaunt. Sira will have to compete in 3 matches.

The announcer is a goblin with a quarterstaff. She’s actually pretty tall, with Sira only being one head taller than her. Is this what his giant prostitutes must have felt when he was talking to them?

It felt like an eternity ago when Sira meet his employees for the first time.

enough daydreaming.

『.. brought down Owl Eyes and Forked Spear, and fought in the battle of Cinderpath against a flesh monstrosity, he is the First Crow of Red Winter, Sira!』

Even with such a small size, her voice is loud enough to overpower the crowds’.

『On the other side is a man from Pikebreak, a mercenary who traveled to the distant islands of Dawnfall, survived countless duels and evaded the grasp of countless anomalies — Sihn!』

A man slightly older than Sira, dressed in orange and white clothes.

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>>5604151
The announcer taps her staff on the guard, beginning the match. Both of them can afford to take a few hits before being considered 'downed' in attempt to replicate 'afterblows'. Not as stringent as fencing schools, this attempt of continuous fencing is done to keep the momentum of a match going for longer.

For doubles hits, neither gain a point.
Best of three.

Sira and Sihn assume their stances — a low roof guard, with the blade resting on their right shoulder and pointed upwards. A strong position to launch cuts. Left foot forward.

As they move closer, Sihn changes his guard to a high roof — his sword lifted above his head and pointing upwards. Powerful downward cuts can be made from this position.

A step or two is needed before their blades can hit each other.

Sihn will most likely advance and try to deliver a downward cut to him.

DC 13
[Due to his experience, Sira gains a +4 bonus to his d20]

Correct answer is guaranteed success, good answer will give a +4 bonus, and wrong answer will give no bonuses

Sira will respond to it by…

>Transition to longpoint and thrust, threatening him
Point his sword forward at chest height and step forward, threatening Sihn with a thrust.

>Perform a thwart cut and move to the side (Zwerchhau)
Sira can regain the initiative by cutting horizontally to his head and moving offline to avoid his blade.

>Transition to ox and thrust
Shift his sword to be above his head and point at Sihn. This guard position should protect him against downward strikes.

>>5604152
>Transition to longpoint and thrust, threatening him

I think this is the right answer. After all, if we go ox for the thrust, we will be in a mirror guard (why do we get a stance bonus in mirror?), and getting out of the axis can be effective dodge, but head strike doesn't seems good against someone in a high roof guard - less distance to travel for the block than a stab at the belly

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>>5604161
>go ox for the thrust we will be in a mirror guard
I’m pretty sure thats not the case
Picerel for Sihn’s stance
>why do we get a stance bonus in mirror?

You don’t

The +4 bonus is his swordfighting experience in general

>>5604171
With the clarification, let me switch my vote to

>Transition to ox and thrust
We will be placed correctly for parry if he's faster, and he'll have issue diverting the thrust

Gotta sleep, I’ll close the votes in ~8 hrs

>>5604152
>Transition to ox and thrust
The discussion and description both seem to make this the obvious choice. TOO obvious...? We'll see.

I liked your cyberpunk quest, it had a good ending
Big swords can parry, small swords can't. And two handed swords are by no means slow however... so here we've lost the initative,
It's best if we parry and attack later, instead of attacking first or dodging

>Ox and thust

Rolled 16 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>5604173
>>5604282
>>5604685
Good answer — get additional +4 to roll
Explanation:

>Transition to longpoint and thrust, threatening him — wrong answer

Sihn’s downward cut from roof guard can beat down his thrust and open Sira up for followup strikes while his sword is out of the way.

(Sira thrusts -> Sihn cuts down -> his thrust is displaced -> Sihn can thrust / cut Sira while his sword is near the ground)

>Perform a thwart cut and move to the side (Zwerchhau) — correct answer
By cutting to his head and moving offline, he is defending himself by placing his sword in the way of the downward cut and attacking at the same time.

(Sihn cuts down -> Sira cuts horizontally to his head -> displaces Sihn’s cut and attacks his head -> Sira moves to the side while putting his blade against Sihn’s)

>Transition to ox and thrust — good answer
With this guard position, Sira can protect himself against the downward cut, but it doesn’t threaten Sihn immediately unlike the thwart cut. For the thrust, Sihn can swipe it aside by maintaining contact with Sira’s blade after the downward cut.

(Sihn cuts down -> cut is stopped by ox guard -> Sira thrusts -> Sihn can push it aside with his blade)

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>>5605129


>24 vs 13


Sira changes his guard from roof to ox — raising his sword to be above his head while keeping the point towards his opponent.

By keeping the sword near horizontal to the ground, he can protect himself from downward cuts.

Sihn brings his sword down, trying to cut at Sira’s head and hands. His defense holds firm.

Once Sihn’s blade loses its momentum, Sira ripostes with a thrust.

Sihn tries to move back and swipe aside the thrust, but he gets in the forehead before doing so.

Sira closes the distance by dashing towards him, his backfoot pressed against the ground and launching him forwards.

Once the cut lands on Sihn’s shoulder, Sira moves back to avoid any retaliatory blows.

The crowd roars for him.
One more strike should do it.

Sira rests his blade on his shoulder again and approaches.

Sihn moves his sword to at hip height with the point pointing towards Sira’s face — he is in plough guard. A strong position to initiate thrusts and upward cuts.

Sihn threatens him with several low commitment thrusts at his legs and chest before stepping into a thrust.

Sira displaces the quick thrusts by keeping his point forward and maintaining contact with Sihn’s blade. By being in a bind, he can feel the movements of the sword much easier, allowing him to slap aside the thrusts.

The moment he notices the large forward movement, Sira steps to the side and turn his sword horizontal to the ground, performing a cut to his hands.

With his blade over Sihn’s, Sira follows it up by cutting at his throat before retreating.

Sihn staggers back and the goblin announcer calls an end to the first round. The cheers of the crowd becomes more muffled in his mind.

One point to Sira. If he wins one more round, he’ll beat this guy.

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>>5605351
After a short break, (for the spectators to collect their money after successful bets) the second round begins.

Sihn holds the sword in front of him and threatens Sira with several snap cuts. A jerk of the hands which exploits the leverage of the longsword’s handle in order to create fast, but weak cuts. Easily blocked by his longsword. He is testing Sira.

Sira forces him back with a diagonal downward cut. Rather than stopping, he keeps the momentum going and turns it into horizontal cut to Sihn’s middle. That got him to back off.

Sihn advances. Sira can see his left hand leaving the hilt. His knee is bending. The blade is nearly parallel to the ground. Sihn is trying to cut at his legs.

He is prepared for this. Sira is in fool’s guard ー a stance where his sword in front of him, and pointed to the ground. Good for launching upward cuts, thrusts, and deflection.

Sira responds by…

>Move his foot back and cut at his head
He doesn’t really need to deflect. By making him miss, Sira doesn’t have to worry about his retaliation since his sword is out of the way.

>Beat aside his sweeping cut with an upward cut and follow up with a downward cut
Holding the longsword with one hand will allow for a slightly longer reach, but it is less stable ー Sira can cut against the sweep and follow it up with a downward cut.

>Dash forward and cut his shoulder
Lunge forwards and perform a powerful cut to his shoulder. Once he gets close, Sira can control his weapon and move it away ー only having one hand on the hilt means less leverage overall.

DC 14
guaranteed success to correct answer
+4 bonus to good answer
no bonus to wrong answer

>>5604685
Thanks for following Future Blades!

A hint
According to the german swordsmanship, you should defend yourself in such a way that also threatens the opponent. Second best is to defend yourself in such a way that creates an opening for you to attack. The least preferred way is defending yourself but not threatening the opponent (you are supposed to regain the initative!)

>>5605354
>Move his foot back and cut at his head

>>5605354
>>Move his foot back and cut at his head

>>5605499
>>5605585
Correct!

Explanation
>Move his foot back and cut at his head — correct answer
Sira is avoiding the attack while offending him. The best way to defending yourself according to the german school of fencing.

>Beat aside his sweeping cut with an upward cut and follow up with a downward cut — good answer
Sira is defending himself while creating an opportunity for him to threaten the opponent. Second best.

>Dash forward and cut his shoulder — wrong answer
He isn’t defending his legs at all — the attack isn’t stopped nor is it avoided. At best, he can score a double hit, which isn’t good for either of them (no points)

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>>5605661
>correct answer — guaranteed success

Sira lifts his sword out of the way and moves his front foot back, letting the sweeping cut miss his leg and retaliates with a strike to his head.

The solid hit knocks Sihn to the ground.

As the crowd cheers, Sihn grab his sword again and tries to thrust at Sira’s thigh. A quick, albeit predictable attack that is easily avoided or deflected.

might as well do something cool.

Sira moves to the side and stomps on the flat of the blade, sending it to the floor with a loud thump while presenting his blade at his head.

It was a pretty cool trick he learned a while ago from giants — due to their size, humans would normally aim for the thigh and calf when fighting giants. In response, lower limb armor for giants became more extensive.

If a giant’s limbs were protected by metal plates, they could be used to slap aside thrusts similarly to how a thrust can be displaced by a cloak.

The crowd definitely loves it.

The match is concluded. Two more opponents and he will win this tournament.

>>5605664

With this position secured, he has time to do something else before his next match.

He could spend time with the spectators, answer a few questions, and most importantly, advertise the garters to them.

He could talk t Tharn and give her advice on running a business.

Or he could spend his time observing the other longsword fencers. Maybe he could learn something from them and develop strategies.

Sira decides to..

(Choose one)

>Talk to the spectators and advertise the garters
People might be more willing to visit her shop.

>Talk to Tharn and give her advice
She might be a better business owner.

>Study his competitors (reduces DC)

>>5605665
>>Study his competitors (reduces DC)

>>5605665
>Study his competitors (reduces DC)
I see no reason to advertise the shorts, because we were paid already

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>>5605668
>>5605829


>study his competitors

Maybe he could talk to the spectators or check up on Tharn, but his time is better spent on preparing for the next opponent.

..
…

His next opponent is Junn.

Sira has heard about him somewhat. A skilled gambler and sidesword fencer who got in trouble at Two Fencers regularly for flirting with the female customers and causing fights. Quite the homewrecker.

Due to his dexterity and skills in sidesword fencing, Junn utilizes thrusts more often than most. He can get away with extended lunges where one of his hand touches the floor since he is able retreat before getting hit.

He also understands the importance of entertaining the crowd, preferring to perform spectacular moves once his opponents have been hit multiple times.

Striking with only one hand, deflecting a strike with his back turned, and flourishes — he is quite the showoff.

The longer reach offered by using the longsword one handed also means he has less leverage. High risk. High reward. That’s his way of fighting. Getting in close could be beneficial.

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>>5606006

..
…

Once again, Sira is in another match.

Alright, heartbreaker. Let’s see how well you can dance.

Junn mostly stays in longpoint — a position where the sword is extended forward nearly horizontally, pointing at the opponent. He can prod Sira’s defenses and strike with a thrust if he is careless.

When Sira tries to cut at the blade to knock it away, he dips under and over his cuts and tries to thrust.

Occasionally, he will try to circle his blade around Sira’s to avoid the bind — by having the blades contact each other, the two can feel each others’ force and intentions.

After a couple of close exchanges, Junn begins transitions to ox guard — his sword resting above his head and the blade becomes parallel to the ground. He’s taking this a lot more seriously.

Rather than thrusting, Junn begins throwing out a series of thwart cuts — horizontal cuts aimed at Sira’s head. With both of his hands on the hilt, he can use the leverage to quickly shift from one side to the other.

Sira responds to this by…

>Slide to the side and thrust (inquartata)
Slide towards side while thrusting with one hand on the hilt, allowing Sira to gain more reach.

>Put his hand to the ground for a low thrust (Passata soto)
By getting as close to the ground as possible, Sira is able to thrust at his belly.

>Crooked strike to swat aside his blade (Krumphau)
Sira holds his sword in front of him and performs a vertical sweeping cut that slaps aside Junn’s blade, allowing him to displace the cuts and cut at his fingers.

DC 12
Guaranteed success for correct answer
+4 for good answer
No bonus for wrong answer

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Inquartata

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Passata Soto

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Krumphau

>>5606010
I think Correct answer is Crooked strike - blocking the thrust and menacing at close quarter.

I think the opponent is going for Passata Soto

>>5606010
If he is striking horizontally, them dodging the strikes verticaly is the choice. I believe that his style would be useless in a fight with sharp blades, because he goes for the show and scoring points, rather than propper wounds (in the end everyone is doing that. Who wants to injury their opponent amirite) The DC is lower, but damn, this is the kind of guy that knows his way around tournaments...
I don't want the passata because going down like this would make it possible for him to do a downward strike and cleave our head in two... but let's do it
>Passata Soto

>>5606010
>Put his hand to the ground for a low thrust (Passata soto)
We shall cling to him, and be as two spent swimmers who doth choke their art! Squander his reach, drag him down to hell!

>>5606109
>>5606136
>>5606337

Seems you guys are getting the hang of this.

Junn is doing this https://youtu.be/8dReOlmijX4

Explanation

>Slide to the side and thrust (inquartata) — wrong answer
Sira isn’t really defending himself. The slide doesn’t protect his head against the flurry of cuts to his head.

>Put his hand to the ground for a low thrust (Passata soto) — correct answer.
Sira is avoiding the head height cuts and offending him at the same time

>Crooked strike to swat aside his blade (Krumphau)
Sira can engage with the blade, but Junn can move his blade from one side to the other really quickly.

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>>5606668

>guaranteed success

Sira gets as low to the ground as possible, lunging while bending his knees and putting his hand to the ground to support himself.

The one handed thrust lands on Junn’s chest.

Before he could cut back, Sira retreats out of measure.

Junn remains in longpoint, performing snap cuts and thrusts while moving to the side after each strike. After getting Sira to miss his downward cut, Junn leans back and moves his sword to be behind him — he is in wrath guard. A position where the devastating wrath cut can be made.

This is an extremely powerful cut that moves diagonally downwards. Even if he misses, he can still use the momentum to power more cuts.

Sira dodges back to avoid the massive cut.

Once the blade travels through the air and misses Sira, Junn keeps the cut going, rotating it back up to head height — protecting himself by being in ox guard.

(2:32 - 2:34 for reference https://youtu.be/C2sVz_3v7dw )

With Sira on the defensive again, he steps into a thrust.

Sira slides to the side and thrust at his chest with one hand, avoiding his attack while offending him at the same time.

Junn tries to cut Sira afterwards, but he slaps his arm aside and cut him on the shoulder.

The bout is over.
The crowd has never been more excited.
If he wins this next round, there’s only one competitor left between him and the prize money.

>>5607028
For the second round, Junn utilizes feints and trickery more often. His thrusts can be deceptively long depending on how close he gets to the ground, and sometimes he intentionally delays his thrusts.

Sira has beaten down and slapped aside many of his thrusts now, but he is beginning to tire out. Even with Warin’s magic, his left wrist and thighs aren’t as tough as before.

After a few more exchanges, Junn is also starting to get exhausted as well. His lunges are slower and his hands are unsteady.

It’s time to end this.

The moment Junn beats Sira’s upward cut to the ground, he jumps forward and tries to thrust at his face with only one hand on the hilt. A thrust with a large amount of momentum.

Sira responds by..

>Dodge back and transition to ox guard
Push his front foot against the ground and dash backwards, allowing himself time to bring up his sword to cover his head ー Junn will run into the point of his sword.

>Perform an upward cut that displace the thrust
With only one hand on the hilt, Sira’s cut can displace the thrust and push Junn’s blade aside, cutting his head as well.

>Let go of his sword and duck down ー tackle him to the floor
Since grappling is allowed, Sira can avoid the thrust by ducking down and knock him off balance. With only one hand on the sword, he will likely lose his grip if tackled.

DC 15
Guaranteed success on correct answer
+4 bonus on good answer
No bonus on wrong answer

>>5607047
>Let go of his sword and duck down ー tackle him to the floor

>>5607047
>>Perform an upward cut that displace the thrust

Closing vote in 1 hr

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5607179
>>5607441
Tiebreak
1 = duck
2 = cut

>>5607504
Correct answer!

Explanation
The biggest clue to the correct option is this sentence “The moment Junn beats Sira’s upward cut to the ground, he jumps forward..”

>Dodge back and transition to ox guard ー wrong answer
His one handed thrust has a long of reach, and since he is already jumping, Sira won’t be fast enough to transition to ox guard.

>Perform an upward cut that displace the thrust ー good answer
Normally this would be the correct answer, but since his blade was beaten to the ground and the attack is at his head, there is a lot of space that the blade has to travel.

>Let go of his sword and duck down, tackle him to the floor ー correct answer
The fastest of all the actions. Since Junn is close enough to Sira to beat his blade to the ground, the jump would put him and Sira in distance where grappling is possible.

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>>5607506


>guaranteed success

There is more to fencing than just footwork and bladework ー grappling, punches, kicks, and throws are important tools that can be used to win a fight.

Sira ducks down and tackles Junn to the floor, avoiding the thrust and causing him to lose his grip on the hilt. The blunt steel sword slides across the floor. His slender frame and lighter body betrays him here, as Sira is able to overpower Junn more easily than someone like Sihn.

Once Junn is pushed to the ground, Sira retreats to pick up his sword. By the time Junn can get up and pick up his own sword, the tip of Sira’s blade is already resting on his neck. Junn drops it and the goblin announcer calls an end to the match.

Another win for him. Just one more competitor.

While his success in the longsword tournament has made many people cheer for him, there’s quite a few that disapprove of the way Sira is behaving ー mostly members of Red Winter and their associates.

Avoiding contact with people, rarely announcing his allegiance to Red Winter, and wearing garters with a color that do not represent the organization… it is hardly a proper way of conducting himself as a member of Red Winter (according to the more senior members, anyway)

Sira never cared about the opinions of those people. No matter how hard those old fucks try, getting rid of an earner like him won’t be possible without serious retaliation.

“The results matters the most. The method is secondary.”

All throughout his life, that line of thinking has never let him down.

During his time as an apothecary in training, he saw countless people of better moral character being discarded. Some studied more than him, spent entire days, weeks, learning and reciting the texts. He was fooling around with women that were just as degenerate as him.

The same applied when he became part of the life. Some people served Red Winter for much longer than him and yet remained associates.

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>>5607559

His next opponent is someone Sira had heard of — Xam.

During his years as a security agent for Red Winter, he met Pine, a goblin restaurant owner who occasionally performs assassinations and investigations. She managed to take down a cult that plagued Sablestream and evaded the retaliation of the government.

Turns out, ‘Cult of the Father’ was secretly a front for the government to spy on citizens the entire time. It all started from Xam being blackmailed to increase the price of medicine and Pine taking notice of it.

Unlike Sira, Xam never tried to investigate about the government’s wrongdoings any further after the cult was dismantled. As a result, he was left alone and became a apothecary within Clawflash.

Although Pine doesn’t speak much of it, Xam wasn’t from Sablestream. He was an immigrant from… somewhere far away. Pine says he is connected to the supernatural world, able to cure aliments through physical contact.

Sira speculates he is similar to those warrior monks from Dawnfall Islands that occasionally immigrate to Sablestream.

From the way he fights, Sira deduces that he was trained in using…

>the saber
His emphasis on keeping the blade moving and conserving the momentum is more reminiscent of the many saber fights Sira witnesses during his years as security for the Catcher Corps. He knows several ways to deal with them, but will he be able to pick the right one in time?

[DC is set to 20 — only correct and wrong answer will be available]

>the two hander
His wide stance and the large sweeping cuts are reminiscent of fencers that use two handers. Sira has larger openings, but if his defense isn’t perfect, the blow will be much more severe.

[Reduces DC — Good answer will only give +2 bonus]

voting period is 12 hrs. Gonna be a bit busier than usual.

>>5607560
I don't understand why there are two options where one is good and the other isn't.
>The saber
because we are so good at choosing the right option!!

>>5607560
>the saberI am also confused, but wiling to accept the challenge!

>>5607560
>The saber
I am officially not allowed to vote on the next one as I consistently picked the bad option

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>>5607777

>>5607897
?

>>5607901
check 'em

>>5607908
wow, my first Quad.

>>5607583
>>5607706
>>5607777
Writing

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>>5608329
>saber

Sira just needs to make Xam misjudge his distance and retaliate when he misses. Of course, that is easier said than done. Xam is a pretty tall guy with long limbs.

Just another guy who wants money. Perhaps for personal reasons, or maybe for professional ones, either way, Sira won’t go easy on him.

..
…

A duel between two men whose names are fading from people’s minds.

Unlike the finely tailored clothes of Sira, Xam’s shirt and breeches are filled with minor nicks. Dusty and well worn, it’s probably made using the fabrics of old clothes.

alright. One more guy.

The duel begins with Sira performing a snap cut towards Xam’s head, causing him to go into hanging point — essentially ox guard but with the blade pointing more downwards. After Sira’s cut was blocked, Xam uses the momentum from his cut to power an overhead strike.

Sira steps to the side and block the cut, moving past it and performing another cut of his own. Xam dodged back to avoid his cut and reposition himself.

After this exchange, Xam begins to perform wider, sweeping cuts to Sira’s legs and thighs. He’s trying to keep his distance — his larger body and longer limbs allows him to do so without exposing his head.

Sira evades his cuts by mostly moving his feet back or beating his cut down.

Xam changes his strategy once again.

He switches to longpoint — moving towards Sira while pointing his blade at him. A good position to thrust, but also to probe his defenses.

Sira also switches to longpoint — a thrust can be swiped aside easier if they are in a bind.

The second Sira’s blade pushes down on Xam’s, he uses that momentum to power an overhead strike.

Sira could thrust right now, but that would result in a double hit. To defend himself, Sira moves towards him and brings his blade up, blocking the downward cut.

The two blades cross. Only a few inches stand in between Xam and Sira.

Neither can swing their swords. It’s a bad spot for both.

Sira decides to..
>Grab Xam’s blade and thrust with one hand
By letting go with one hand, Sira can grab the flat of his sword and wrench it away, allowing him to thrust into his chest without having to worry about being a riposte with the sword.

>Move behind his right armpit and cut at him
Xam is stronger than him and there is a lot of pressure pushing against Sira’s. By moving to the side while keeping the blades in contact, Sira could move behind him, disengage from the bind and cut Xam.

pay attention to the wording.