>>20404056

Arbadeaux, the westernmost town of the westernmost province of Andura. They say the town was built by the Lirilish a very long time ago, which would explain the name, nonetheless Arbadeaux has been under Anduran rule since before the time of your grandfather. You recall the old man telling you stories about the bloody border skirmishes he fought in over the the Arbadeaux bridge that spans the river Tolloch, the current border between Andura and Liril. On a hill overlooking the town sits the famous Black Tower of Arbadeaux, a fortification built in your grandfather's time to to guard the passage into Andura, on a knoll on the opposite side of the Tolloch sits it's rival, the White Tower that guards the entrance to the kingdom of Liril. The towers were built simultaneously during an exceptionally bitter siege, but by the time they were completed a ceasefire had already been declared. Nonetheless each tower was home to a vigilant cohort of watchmen, waiting for the peace that has spanned generations to finally come to an end. You shift uncomfortably in your saddle and take a long drink from your water-skin before handing it to the princess.

"We shall be able to see Arbadeaux soon," Gwendolyn said, "Liril lies just beyond."

***** What would you like to discuss? *****

Holy shit!! It's back. I can't play right now posting from phone. But please continue sir.

>>20404066

As you crest the next hill, you get your first glimpse of the Black Tower in the distance. Atop a hill of golden grass, it stands like a rude gesture of dark stone rising defiantly against the horizon. The town of Arbadeux is bunched around the base of the hill, unfortified. A little further in the distance you can see the winding river Tolloch lazily twisting its way through the valleys. The river's northward passage is neatly halved by the Arbadeaux bridge, which looks to be no more than a meager stone incision at a distance. Through the horizon you can barely make out the White tower against the summer haze, a distant return of contempt to its imposing black counterpart. You look to the chopper at your side. It's well hidden beneath burlap, but you adjust its coverings just to be sure.

You spur your horse toward Arbadeaux, you'll be there within two hours.

***** What would you like to discuss? *****

or

***** What do you do? *****

>>20404435

The meadows at give way to farmlands as you approach the village. Farmers toil in their fields under the merciless scrutiny of the midday sun. A dog follows you for a mile or so, and children wave to you as you pass. A warm breeze offers no refuge from the heat, but it brings the smell of fresh vegetables. You think on your childhood growing up in the Old District. Hundreds of sweating bodies, sewage rotting in gutters, the festering leftovers from the butcher's shop. Summer in the country is far more pleasant to the nose.

Soon enough you come upon the township itself. Despite the wars of generations past, Arbadeux has no fortifications to speak of. It seems the town itself is sacrificial in the event of a skirmish, all the stone and arms were focused on the Black Tower and the bridge itself. Even still you see the occasional guard chatting with the peasantry, you do your best to remain inconspicuous and hope they take you for one of their own on account of your stolen armor.

>>20404858

The houses begin to encroach on one another as you approach the steeple at the center of town. It appears as though a large gathering of the peasantry has gathered in the square, more than would usually gather for a sermon. You notice an increase presence of guardsman as well. There's the familiar, dull roar of the mob permeating through the air.

***** What do you do? *****

>>20404917
Stay inconspicuous, try to blend into the crowd. Ask a few people what the crowd is gathered for.

>>20404056
>Oh man, I never thought I'd see this again

>>20404917
Well lets see a fellow's handywork, loiter toward the back if posxible, if I remember right we were tall so that should work well, maybe hitch the horses in a nearby stable too.

>>20405004
>>20404988

You dismount and tie your horse to a suitable hitching post and tell the princess to mind your provisions while you investigate the intention of the mob. With great hesitation, you leave your chopper behind, it will only attract unwanted attention. You march with the determination of a guardsman toward the town square. From what you can tell, nearly every villager in the township has gathered in the square, their eyes turned eagerly on a gallows built in front of the church. Standing on the raised platform are four figures, three men and a woman.

The woman, who looks to be in her mid-thirties with pale blonde hair, has her hands bound behind her back. Her face is streaked with tears, her lips uttering frightened prayers.

The priest and the sheriff stand on either side of the wretched creature. To the far left stands the executioner, the hangman. You clench your jaw in contempt. Whatever her crimes were, the woman would surely suffer because this man was too lazy to carry a blade. Your father once told you there's a special place in hell for those who take life without using their own hands.

>>20405174

The hangman puts the noose around the young woman's neck and draws it tight. From the back of the throng, you cannot hear the woman's sentencing over the shouting of the mob. You ask a young boy what the woman's crime was. He tells you she is to be hanged for practicing witchcraft. The last time you saw a witch beheaded was when you were a small child. It was a popular crime during the Holy War.

The dull roar becomes a thunderous din as the hangman puts his hand over the lever. You cannot hear what the priest is saying but you recognize the words on his lips.

“Does the condemned repent for his sins against God and the Kingdom of Andura?”

The woman nods meekly. The lever is thrown. Hangings always turn your stomach, they take far too long for your taste. The woman kicks for quite some time, and the mob screams joyously all the while. It's nearly two minutes before she becomes still.

With justice dispensed, the crowd begins to disperse quickly.

***** What do you do? *****

>>20405345
Resist the urge to spit on the ground and berate their executioner for using such a method of death.

First make sure we're okay on supplies, we're not staying here long and we're getting close but our biggest challenge yet is right here.

Find somewhere private to talk to Gwendolyn about the border crossing. Word of us has probably gotten to the guards so we can't just walk across the bridge, is there anywhere we can ford the river and get to Liril for amnesty.

You return to the princess in a foul mood, answering her questions with as few words as possible. The two of you retreat into a nearby tavern to escape the heat, despite the early hour and the company of nobility, you put down a silver coin for a couple of pints.

"I don't drink," Gwendolyn protests.

"They're not for you," you grumble as you take a frothy gulp.

"A woman was hanged for witchcraft. The faithful are becoming restless," you began to suspect that Gwendolyn only liked to talk about unpleasant things. She sensed your mood and changed the subject, "We shouldn't stay in Arbadeaux for long, we must cross the border tonight."

"And how will we do that? I'm assuming the bridge is guarded by more than just the damned Towers," you gulp another mouthful of ale, "Can the river be forded?"

Gwendolyn thought a moment, "We're too close to the mountains, the river is swift even during the summer. It doesn't become calm for several leagues north of here."

You curse. "Then what do you suggest?"

The princess says nothing to your great annoyance, "Have you gone deaf?"

She speaks in a hushed tone, "There's a guardsman sitting in the corner behind you, he's been watching us for some time."

***** What do you do? *****

>>20405584
Well, it's either pretend fight or pretend make out leading to real fight, I'm guessing

>>20405584
Keep our voice quiet.

That's wonderful, do your people have an embassy in this city? If not where would we find the highest concentration of them in this city. Drink one of the beers, it'll be suspicious if you don't touch it. Once you drink it we'll pretend to kiss, head upstairs with a bit of extra staggering and find another exit and head there. I'd rather not start a barfight, it's too early in the day for one.

>>20405652
I like that idea except we'll look at lot more silly failing to escape the top floor of a tavern than we would just glaring daggers at the guard and leaving.

No good answer though.

>>20405688
>>20405652

You force yourself to drink the rest of your pint and push the other one toward the princess, "Take this one, I don't want to be off balance if things get... unruly." Gwendolyn takes it and sips the liquid gingerly, "What's he doing now."

"He approaches."

"Is he alone?"

The princess nods.

A gauntlet falls heavily on your shoulder, "Halloo there, you wear the armor of the Guard, but I don't think I've seen you in Arbadeaux before."

You turn to face him. The man is tall for his peers, but certainly not taller than you. He has a mane of pale, blonde hair and a matching beard. His smile is friendly enough, but he hasn't mastered the princess's art of concealing the intent from the eyes.

The guardsman is in full armor with his sword at his side. You think hopelessly on the chopper you left tied with your horse.

"Have you been in town for very long?"

***** What do you do? *****

>>20405824
ITS OVER

WERE DONE FOR

>>20405824
Play along, keep him talking long enough to think up of a plan. He looks arrogant enough to boast, try asking about the woman who was just hanged.

>>20405824
Guard's a big organization, it's spread out. Usually I'm stationed in rural areas, keeping an eye on highways and the like. I'm not in town for long, just running a small errand for my Sergeant.

That was quite the crowd gathered earlier for the execution, witchcraft, haven't had much of that for a while.

File: 1345509188585.gif-(486 KB, 640x360, 1343963344503.gif)

>>20404056
Oh.. oh god, its Headsman`s Quest! And its back again! I cant contain my orgasms!

>>20405882
>>20405886

You return the guardsman's false smile. "We only just arrived today from Derrington," you lie.

The guard extends a gauntlet, "Then I personally welcome you to Arbadeaux, I am Bastion Roderick of the Guard."

You shake his hand, "And I am Richard Cox of the Guard, this is my wife Isabelle."

Bastion pulls up a stool and sits at your table, leaning forward on his elbows and what brings you to Arbadeaux, 'Richard'?"

"I heard a witch was to be hanged today, I wanted to see for myself."

This made Bastion's smile vanish. His eyes burned like coals. For a moment you feared he would draw his sword. His next words seemed to cause him pain, "Ay, a woman was hanged today, but she was no witch," The man looks as though he might cry, "The condemned was my sister, Mary."

***** What do you do? *****

>>20406006
Well shit.

Offer your condolences say that you know how the truth is mangled with myth through the mouths of common-folk and meant no offense. It would be a good idea to drop the subject and ask about the roads to the mountains, you need to know if it is safe to travel.

>>20406006
I'm sorry to hear that. The law is far too often removed from truth and justice, especially when people panic.

Ask about the local politics and current events of note in the town.

>>20406006
Aw, crap. Franklin still has talent for turning things more awkward than they should be.

>>20406060
>>20406050

You apologize to the man and offer him your condolences. "Justice is absolute, but the minds of men sometimes falter."

To your surprise, Bastion laughs. It's a spiteful noise, "So the law does not always uphold justice?"

You don't say anything to this.

Bastion scratches his beard, "You might be on to something. He looks to the princess and back to you, "That reminds me of a most intriguing tale. It's about a headsman from Glenshire who got in some trouble. I heard his axe fell on the wrong side of the law."

You glance nervously to the princess, "An intriguing tale, indeed," she said.

"Aye, I might have good use for a man." Bastion continued, "Someone whose axe always errs on the side of justice, regardless of what the law says."

The guard looks you dead in the eyes, you've received more heartwarming glares from snakes.

***** What do you do? *****

Justice is what we were born and raised to do, point us in the direction and we will dispense it

>>20406213
Ask to speak in private. Then:

"I take it this has to do with your sister. I will gladly assist if you can let the woman across the river regardless of the outcome and myself across as well if I succeed. What say you?"

>>20406213
I see. I think we ought to speak privately.

>>20406233
>>20406251
SHHH DONT ACKNOWLEDGE IT. PLAY IT BOGART

Tell him "Well, I sure hope you find such a man."

If you REALLY want to chase this thread, then say, "You don't seem a stranger to justice. What do you need such a man for?"

>>20406213

There's no use in hiding yourself now; he knew who you were the second you came into town. He has us by the balls too; I'm gambling if we don't do what he says he'll ring the alarm and have us detained.

What else can we do? We must help him.

>>20406263
Ok, ok, fine. Your latter suggestion would be fine. We need a good way across the river and recompense for such a poor death is needed.

>>20406299
Breaking kayfabe gives him just one more chit on us

>>20406325

Dude, he knows who we are and he's trying to threaten us. Either we do what he says or we make a scene and get the hell out of there.

>>20406263
>>20406261
>>20406251

You lower your voice, "What would you need such a man for?"

Bastion looks toward the stairs leading upstairs, "I think it's best if we discuss such matters in private."

You look to the princess. She nods ever so slightly. You wonder if her heart is racing as fast as yours. The guardsman walks toward the stairs, you follow him into a small bedroom room. Even though you're alone, he still speaks in a hushed voice, "You're the headsman from Glenshire and the woman is a Lirilish princess."

This wasn't a question.

Bastion continued, "My sister was innocent, yet she was sentenced to death, would that not make those responsible for passing her sentence murderers?"

"I suppose it would."

"And is it not your job to bring murderers to justice?" Bastion's tone churned your bowels.

"What would you have me do?"

Bastion looks as though he might yell, but opts to hiss instead, "The men on the gallows today: the sheriff, the priest, and that God-be-damned hangman. Bring me their heads and I swear on my sister's soul I'll bring you and the princess safely to the other side of the bridge."

***** What do you do? *****

>>20406413
How are you planning on getting me safely across?

What would happen should I choose to try and cross without your aid?

Tell me everything about the men you would have me kill, I need information about them. Especially the hangman, it's down right despicable to use a noose for it, I have no idea how that man sleeps at night knowing he's using an inferior method.

>>20406413

"If I do this, the girl will be placed in your charge. If anything happens to her, if one hair on her head is harmed, I'll skin you like a rabbit and use your hide to patch my boots. Are we clear?"

***** 45 minute intermission *****

>>20406480
DAMMIT

>>20406490

***** A DM's gotta eat *****

***** Writing *****

>>20406456
>>20406450

"And if I refuse?" you do your best to match the guardsman's bitter inflection.

He laughs, "Then you'll hang."

"How can you get us across the river?"

"I take the evening watch over the bridge at midnight. I'll make sure my men don't disturb your passage," you peruse his face for treachery, "But only if the three are dead."

"What can you tell me about them?"

"The hangman, Henry Colwell lives alone in a cottage on the outskirts of the township, he was in the tavern earlier, but you couldn't recognize him without your hood. Curly brown hair, he has. Father Edward lives in the church with the clergy. He's almost seventy years old and nearly blind." Bastion pauses.

"Preston Alstog," his voice was a hiss, "the sheriff, he sleeps in the Black Tower. Getting him will be... tricky. But listen to me, Preston must not live. I want him dead more than anything in the world. If he survives the night, I will make sure you suffer greatly, understand?"

***** What do you do? *****

>>20407328
Not to look a gift horse in the mouth but, why me? Why can you not do this?

>>20407328
You're just a bundle of joy aren't you.

What resources do we have available to us aside from my axe? What level of support are you capable of providing?

What sort of thing would lure Preston out of the tower and to a location of our choosing?

Do you have a crossbow?

Do I have to kill the Father, he's going to die soon enough anyway and we don't have that much time.

>>20407328
"The hangman and the sheriff I understand, what has the priest done to inspire your wrath, was he the accuser of your fair sister?"

Check on the princess if we can, gotta make sure the guard hasn't taken out insurance.

>>20407328
All this in one night? I'm an executioner, not a miracle worker. An assassin being paid for this would set you back more than you'll see in your lifetime.

If you want this done, I'll need a bit more than a pat on the head and a "good luck, chap."

>>20407376
>>20407391

"If you're so eager to avenge your sister, then why don't you do the deed yourself?"

This wasn't the answer Bastion wanted to hear. His right hand twitched over the hilt of his sword. "I have the watch tonight. If I go missing and the men who carried out my sister's sentence turn up dead, they'll know it was me who did it. We'll exchange no coin and we won't shake hands, we do not know each other." Bastion ran a hand nervously through his beard, "At sundown you will meet me at the Black Tower and I will let you through. After midnight you will meet me at the bridge and prove to me the three are dead. Then I will let you pass, and God willing, we shall never cross paths again. Do we have an agreement?"

***** What do you do? *****

>>20407551
Just saying guys... I think we can take him. One dead guy vs. two plus one in a fortified guarded tower.

I'm not VOTING this, just saying it

>>20407551
You're not giving much time.

If you give me the location of the hangman's cottage I can get him, executioners rarely spend time with others so he won't be missed for a while.

The Priest will be trickier, does he spend any time outside of the church as killing someone there will be difficult.

Tell me about the Sheriff's schedule and the security he has in the Tower.

>>20407572
Well, his sister WAS a witch AND he wants us to walk into an guard post with a WHOLE SHITLOAD of fresh, still dripping murder evidence just taking his word that he will let us go...

>>20407608
Dude's agitated. He's already about to draw steel on us. I don't think we can press him for any details.

FUCKING MOOT GET IT TOGETHER

>>20407608

You share an uncomfortable silence while you make your decision, "How do I know you won't betray us after the... deed is done?"

Bastion laughs cruelly, "Would you rather I turn you in now?"

You imagine wrestling his sword from him and bashing his teeth out with its hilt, "The hangman, you say he lives by himself? What about the others, are there times when they might be alone?"

"The Father Edward is elderly and retires to his chambers early, there's no lock. The sheriff's chambers are halfway up the Tower, he has no personal guard. As for Henry, he is sitting at the table next to yours, skinny fellow with his front teeth missing."

Bastion puts his hand on your shoulder and squeezes hard, "When I see you at the bridge tonight, I want proof that all three are dead. Now go back down to your princess."

You have no intention of staying with the guardsman for a minute longer and hurry out of the room and down the stairs to the din of the tavern. A scrawny man with dark curly hair is drunkenly attempting to court the princess. He cocks his head back in braying laughter and you notice his front teeth are missing.

***** What do you do? *****

>>20407799
Good, he's drunk.

Try to very carefully get Gwendolyn's attention without getting anyone elses.

Gesture for her to take Henry outside with her. Once she has acknowledged we'll leave first, lie in wait, she'll lead him out of public view, possibly to his house and then we murderize him.

>>20407854
Not a bad plan, we'll need a quiet place so we can kill him and behead his corpse without anyone knowing, and his house is a good spot.

>>20407854

The princess waves to you from across the tavern. The drunken hangman takes one look at you and immediately sidles off to another table. You take a seat opposite Gwendolyn.

"That charming fellow was the hangman," you say, keeping an eye on Henry as he attempts to fondle the barmaid.

"I gathered."

"I'm going to kill him tonight," you whisper.

"I'm not entirely opposed to the idea," you can't tell if she's joking.

"I'll do the same for the sheriff and the priest."

Gwendolyn sips her pint, "If you must."

"I need your help. Talk to the hangman, find out where he lives."

A flutter of annoyance crosses her brow. It seemed was perfectly fine with having three men killed so she could cross the border, but the idea of enduring more of Mr. Colwell's courtship made her uncomfortable.

"I'm not asking you to kill him."

"Maybe I would prefer it if you did," she gulped down the rest of her warm pint in a most unladylike manner before leaving the table.

***** What do you do? *****