>>23914843
Heh. Scale mail.

You arrived at Stone Hall to discover that a land without Citadel's influence is anything but ideal. Tensions over the lizard people's integration, along with the ending of Citadel's bounty have caused a new cabal of people to split off from the city proper.

They created a 'town' called 'First Stone Hall' where 'True' people can live, and from there the nightrider raiders known as the 'Purists' have come. Your caravan was attacked by these hooded zealots, and you captured one.

Granny is keeping the lizard people under control, and Paladin Avery is holding the rest of the city together, but it's a tenuous grip. While most seem accepting, and some champion the changes, there's more than a few who have sympathies for the First Stones, but are unwilling to leave the comforts of the city proper.

There have been random attacks, bombings, and lots of propaganda against Stone Hall, the Paladins, and you in particular. Even worse the First Stones have created their own sect of the Illuminated Church, preaching a doctrine of holy war and instant salvation to those who fight for it.

You interrogated the Purist that you captured, barely more than a boy, and got the names of the latest ringleaders of the First Stones. Father Billings, Sally Allbred, and Lord Gammar.

And of course, lingering in the background, the Dramatae are getting ready to move on with their Lightbringers to feed Citadel.

>>23915022
"So," Peri says as you look at maps of the First Stone 'village' that Avery and his scouts and spies were able to provide. "We going after them one at a time, or just hitting the place, maybe some sabotage?" She chuckles. "I hate to say it, but this is my element Ssen...takes a terrorist to neutralize on. Or something like that." She shrugs.

"Where is Mage?" Mari asks.

"Working with Schar-Scar...with Granny." Lea says, giving up on saying the old Naga's name. "He says he's got some idea on the translation spell, and should have a progress report for us by tomorrow."

"Has anyone seen his royal audaciousness?" Tricia asks. "I don't like the idea of the idiot being unsupervised, if he gets the idea to charge in..."

"He's buying this gaudy seaside house for the Princess." Gregory says as he pours you all some tea. "I helped with the drapes. Honestly, I've never seen a man so happy to discover that a woman has no interest in him." The bald man chuckles. "Especially Isen."

File: 1364427608283.jpg-(49 KB, 500x545, 1356918241932.jpg)

49 KB JPG

>>23915022

Snake time!

Yeah, let me just say, the new drawing? All of my love forever. The design of His Star? Holy Shit. That's amazing. Brilliant even.

>>23915173

Who's the artist?

File: 1364427830459.jpg-(26 KB, 260x310, 7723392_f260.jpg)

26 KB JPG

>>23915112
First things first, we need to figure out the exact nature of the relationship between Billings and Gammar, since they seem to be the lynchpins of the Purist movement. If we can somehow poison their relations with each other, the whole organization will crumble.

>>23915196
Slow Drawfag

>>23915173
It's fucking great, I agree. I wanted to repost it here, but you already saw it.

>>23915224

Quality's damned worth the wait, though, isn't it?

Let's stay on the down-low for now. We don't need those assholes figuring out just how far we're onto them.

>>23915112
"Well, peri, I was thinking of finding ways to discredit the priest, and to cut the funding provided by the noble. Does that match with what your 'experience' says we should do?"

>>23915112
>>23915217
Going off of this,

"We need to find out how Billings and Gammar are related to each other. If we can poison their relationship and turn the Purists' financial and spiritual leaders against each other, their movement will crumble."

Honestly, we need to do this fairly quickly. At most we should stay until that translation spell is done. Which means we don't really have the time to take this slow. The priest and the nobleman are probably going to be the easiest to defame, though the way they are brainwashing the youngerfolks they probably won't believe any evidence we bring forth but it will stop the fencesitters to doubt them.

>>23915329

So we need an infiltrator, then. Who's up for it? Peri/Mari? Lea? Mage?

>>23915217
"Thing is, none of us are exactly the best suited for stealth." Peri says. "I can try, but people remember girls with my skin tone, and the elf traits can spoil the game. Lea's out, and Ssen...well..." She smirks. "Mage couldn't be subtle if his life depended on it, and..." She looks at Tricia.

"What?"

"Tricia, you have spiders living in your hat. Also, not subtle." Peri sighs. "Only chance we have for intel is to do a remote recon, which isn't going to be easy or accurate." She drums her fingers. "A snatch is no good, if the kid in the cell was a basic example." She looks at the map of the area. "We could do a hornet swarm."

"That would take me a while." Tricia says.

"No, no. A hornet swarm is where you chuck a stone at a nest and then watch how the swarm reacts." She points at the outhouses. "Mess with these, and that's going to cause a lot of drama damn quick. There's the water supply too, a little non-fatal poison...we are going non-fatal, right? Finally, if we can get by the guards, we can find out where Grammar keeps the food." Peri says. "If you have better ideas, I'm all ears."

>>23915351
I'd say Peri/Mari is the best choice, since she's the party thief. Lea stands pretty bad, and I doubt she'd be able to control her anger as far as Billings is concerned. Mage doesn't really seem to have a talent for subterfuge, either.

>>23915374

How about a distraction? A raid by the paladins?

>>23915374

"Why not just bug the place?"

>>23915396
>Why not just BUG the place
yyyyooooouuuu

>>23915374
"Yes, striking at their infrastructure would be a good way to test how they would react. Tricia, if you can, dedicate some friends to tracking Billings and Gammar. We don't need the whole camp bugged.

As for a distraction, I'm sure we can get Avery to do some sabre-rattling outside First Stone Hall. Peri, you'll be the lead on the infiltration and sabotage."

>>23915396
>"Why not just bug the place?"
>bug
Putting that aside.

That's not a bad idea. If they can get us good intell I say give it a true. I don't know what the limits are for bugs though. Still wroth asking.

>>23915415

>yyyyooooouuuu
mmmmmeeeeeee

>>23915445
>true
>try

Off to a good start I see.

File: 1364428636259.gif-(2.9 MB, 250x189, 1357221114928.gif)

2.9 MB GIF

>>23915396

Puns aside, that's not a bad idea. Are there insects with particularly good hearing? Can Tricia control them from a sufficient distance? Can Tricia get information from them like that?

We can also play the propaganda game back at them. Some pamphlets about Sally Allbred's activities wouldn't go amiss, the woman's a walking bad PR disaster.

>>23915374
"I'd like to avoid tainting the water supply, that's the kind of thing you get a reputation for. But I'm keenly interested in where the food is going. Perhaps Tricia can help with that? Ants or something?

Also, if you want to stir up a bit of trouble, how would you "Mess" with the outhouses?

>>23915467

Now this is a good idea.

>Allbred
>pffffffffffttt

>>23915467
A PR war would take time. Personally I like to catch them flat footed and end this quickly as possible.

>>23915437
"Yes, striking at their infrastructure would be a good way to test how they would react. Tricia, if you can, dedicate some friends to tracking Billings and Gammar. We don't need the whole camp bugged, though."

Tricia nods. "I think I can get a couple of bees and moths to get some segmented eyes on them."

"As for a distraction, I'm sure we can get Avery to do some sabre-rattling outside First Stone Hall. Peri, you'll be the lead on the infiltration and sabotage."

"Got it, so, is Mari mixing up a mild toxin or am I making some blast stones."

>>23915462
I bet tricia could get insects to track food REAL well.

It may or may not cause bad PR because there will be insects on or near food due to it.

>>23915498

But they might turn that around on us. Tricia is known to be a wasp witch.

>>23915492
"Wait, the Purists use blast stones, right? Instead of using our own, steal some of theirs and use them instead. That way, they'll think it's someone on the inside."

>>23915507
hence why I said it may or may not cause PR problems.

>>23915518
"Plus, focus the sabotage around either where Billings or Gammar's followers are based. That way they'll start getting suspicious of each other."

>>23915498

Could Tricia direct some insects to help with the contamination of the food as well? Insects are pretty much everywhere, and it wouldn't look out of place for ants to have gotten into the food supply. Even moreso for a shanty-town like First Stone Hall.

>>23915565
I really don't like the idea of contaminating stuff, but the other sabotage ideas I'm OK with.

>>23915518
"Wait, the Purists use blast stones, right? Instead of using our own, steal some of theirs and use them instead. That way, they'll think it's someone on the inside."

"Classic, now you're thinking like a wanted felon." She laughs.

"Also, Tricia try to see where they're keeping the food. I want to double check that claim of even distribution."

"Got it. Want my friends to help themselves? Even if Gammar is legit, we can try to starve them out." Tricia says. "Hard to fight if you're all starving."

"So, what are we blowing up then?"

>>23915565
We don't want to outright destroy their food supplies. That will only encourage them to raid even more to make up for the loss. We want to prove that the leaders are hoarding the bulk of the food for themselves while their followers starve.

>>23915603

Outhouses. Shit. SHIT EVERWHAR

>>23915603
>"Got it. Want my friends to help themselves? Even if Gammar is legit, we can try to starve them out." Tricia says. "Hard to fight if you're all starving."

"No, if we destroy their food supplies they'll just step up their raids to make up for the loss."

>"So, what are we blowing up then?"

"Lets blow up their "church". It should give Billings quite a scare and it would make Lea happy."

>>23915603
"No, try not to have your friends go nuts. I don't want any particularly clever or paranoid person there pinning the blame on us."

"And I thought you said you wanted to sabotage the outhouses, Peri? Wasn't this how you wanted to do it?"

>>23915620

I was thinking more along the lines of helping to spread the angry bowel potion that Mari was going to cook up. Although a mild poison for people may overwhelm an insect.

>>23915603
"Where ever they're storing weapons and armor in mass.

"Blow up some holes around stables to get the horse to run free. If you can mange to not hurt them in the process, that is."

>>23915680
oh, this is a better idea than outhouses.

Remove my outhouse vote and switch it to this.

File: 1364429463616.gif-(1.6 MB, 320x180, 1345278719163.gif)

1.6 MB GIF

>>23915680

Thirded.

>>23915620
"We don't want to outright destroy their food supplies. That will only encourage them to raid even more to make up for the loss. We want to prove that the leaders are hoarding the bulk of the food for themselves while their followers starve."

"If they're doing that." Lea says.

"Hit the outhouses." You say.

Peri/Mari cackle. "Oh, classic. You'll love all of it."

"Alright, so Ssen and I will be causing a distraction with Paladin Avery, while we do that, Tricia will be using her bugs to search for the food, and Peri will sneak in, steal their blast stone supply and detonate their outhouses." She nods. "You think you know where they're keeping them?"

"Here or here. If they're good enough to craft them, then they know how to store them." Peri says. "Also, since when are you on distraction duty Lea?"

Lea gives Peri/Mari a calm look. "I am NOT allowing this insult to His Light to go unanswered."

>>23915680
>"If you can though, hit wherever they're storing weapons and armor in mass.

"Blow up some holes around stables to get the horses to run free. If you can mange to not hurt them in the process, that is."

"Outhouses are plan B?"

"Outhouses are plan B."

>>23915739
More like plan #2

>>23915739
Alright, so exactly how are you, Lea, and Avery going to shake your sabers?

>>23915838
Aggressive recon ... aggressive patrols ... aggressive preaching?

>>23915838
Say we're coming for an "inspection" for contraband. March a rather large Occuli unit to the front gates and request entry and let whoever answers try and stonewall us.

>>23915838
I never was clear on exactly what that meant, to "shake your sabers".

Like... a false attack? Would that entail just gathering up the paladins and moving in, until such time as the enemy resists, then falling back?

>>23915912
>I never was clear on exactly what that meant, to "shake your sabers".

It just means a threatening type of behaviour.

>>23915912
No, just a clear, unambiguous show of force. Basically just marching your army across the front door to remind them that you mean business.

Kinda like those military exercises the US and South Korea do all the time.

>>23915838
We're going to walk right into the center of First Stone Hall and tell Mister Billings that he, his cronies and his cult are on notice, and that this is his only chance to bow out before he ends up covered in shit.

>>23916066
Don't say that, we want them to think the explosions were an inside job, if we make that pun, then they'll know it was us.

>>23916126
They're all in niggerspeak. Look up gizoogle

>>23916077
But I really want to be able to sincerely tell him he had his chance and didn't take it.

Yeah, the covered in shit pun is probably a bad idea though.

>>23915902
"We'll say that we're coming for an "inspection" for contraband. March as large of an Occuli unit we can spare up to the front gates and request entry. Then let whoever answers try and stonewall us." You tell Avery.

"This is your plan?" Avery asks. "I admit, I've head worse, but...seriously? You know that if this doesn't work, then it'll be all of us out there, with those nutcases, not to mention leaving Stone Hall easy pickings."

>>23916160

Does he have a better idea?

>>23916160
"With such a force at their doorstep, the Purists will have no choice but to concentrate their forces there, and considering the mixed public support they have right now, I doubt they are in any mood to instigate an open war with the Occuli. At least not yet. We just need to distract them long enough for Peri to do her work."

>>23916160
"I'm operating on the assumption that they're not dumb enough to kick off an open War with every Paladin in Citadel."

>>23916160
Shrug at him, "That's about the best I can think of. I mean we could always send Lea and have her preach at them aggressively.

"But I'm all ears if someone has better idea."

>>23916160
>>23916196
"Well, it was a tie between that and marching straight into the base. The main purpose of this is to rile them up a bit and see how their leaders act. Do you think we should try to find another way?

>>23916220
"I'm operating on the assumption that they're not dumb enough to kick off an open War with every Paladin in Citadel."

"Never think that people can't be dumber than you expect." Avery sighs.

"With such a force at their doorstep, the Purists will have no choice but to concentrate their forces there, and considering the mixed public support they have right now, I doubt they are in any mood to instigate an open war with the Occuli. At least not yet. We just need to distract them long enough for Peri to do her work."

"I understand this plan, it's just that this is the least horrific plan I've heard of yet."

"Do you have a better idea?" She asks.

Avery shakes his head. "No, I sadly don't. How soon are we moving on this?"

>>23916266
"How soon can you get a warrant to inspect them and the absolutely most level headed guards to come along with?"

>>23916266
"As soon as we can manage. No reason to delay in taking action, even if it is just a factfinding mission.

How long will it take your men to get ready?"

>>23916266
"How soon can you assemble a sufficient number of men that we would not be overwhelmed, should the Purists be exceedingly stupid?"

>>23916321
we are the law. they are terrorrists. we already have a warrant.

>>23916394
technically, I believe they are a completely lawful group of campers who happen to HOUSE terrorists. Like all good terrorist situations.

>>23916437
So we're the weed whackers?

>somewhat holyseu

>>23916368
"How soon can you assemble a sufficient number of men that we would not be overwhelmed, should the Purists be exceedingly stupid?"

Avery does a little number crunching. "To get the numbers we want, and a safety buffer here...can't be tonight, and I doubt your friends want to do their wetwork during daylight."

Tricia shrugs. "I don't mind working slow, makes it easier to not be caught and better intel."

"Perfect." Avery finishes his notes. "Tomorrow night then. Hopefully we'll put this down enough that we can get our legs stable here."

There's an agreement, and Peri heads off to start her own little work, and Lea needs some time to meditate and shake off the anger.

"So," Tricia says, as the two of you head back to the lighthouse. "Tomorrow another really crazy plan that might get us all killed, huh?"

>>23916795
"We seem to have a habit for crazy plans."

>>23916795
"Such is the life of the ones who desire to change the world for the better. I had honestly hoped for a bit of a vacation after arriving here... Not that there's really time for one at the moment. Just wishful thinking I suppose."

>>23916795
Laugh at that. "Hopefully not! But we have habit of making crazy plans don't we?"

>>23916795

And then the Purists decide to attack us during the night. Our luck is that shitty.

>>23916834
"We have a habit for it, don't we? Such is the life of the ones who desire to change the world for the better. I had honestly hoped for a bit of a vacation after arriving here... Not that there's really time for one at the moment. Just wishful thinking I suppose."

"Yeah. A nice seaside vacation." She sighs, and then she takes your arm. "We're going on a date. Now. Before anything else crazy happens, or you or I learn something new and amazing about what we are or our pasts, or anything like that. Okay?"

>>23916795
"The crazy plans are the only ones that seem to work."

>>23916795
"Well, it's always with the crazy plans. I ran out of good plans WAY back."

Has everyone seen how much BETTER we are from our poisoning? I sort of want to show off.

Also we should talk to the princess tonight, we ARE fluent.

>>23916904
"You know what? I planned to go talk to the princess about economics and crops and the like tonight. A date sounds so much better I can't even describe it."

>>23916904
"That sounds good. Amazing in fact, lets go."

>>23916904
I'm all smiles here.

"Sure, sure. But no heavy drinking! We got work tomorrow."

>>23916947
"You know what? I planned to go talk to the princess about economics and crops and the like tonight. A date sounds so much better I can't even describe it."

"Good, but I'm sick of shows and plays. All that they have here are Citadel plays or these very depressing revenge stories where everyone dies at the end." She shakes her head. "So, we find some nice resturaunt that isn't going to be bombed, and then..." She pauses. "I actually have no idea. Anything that isn't related to the chaotic mess that our lives have become. Any ideas from THAT short list?"

"Well, first, no heavy drinking."

"Agreed." She said.

>>23917003
"Unless my memory fails me..there was a park here wasn't there?"

>>23917003
>>23917041
"Well, I think we should get a meal in us at a nice place, and then maybe we can have a nice walk in the park. After that, well, maybe something interesting will come up."

>>23917003
How close is the beach to our new base. Nothing like a nice night time walk on one.

Oh god that is corny as fuck.

>>23917100
>dating a paladin
>not excepting the corniest of dates
She is lucky we aren't sweeping her off her feet with roses.

>>23917130
You know we should do that sometime. Maybe Bronze Peak?

>>23917086
"Well, I think we should get a meal in us at a nice place, and then maybe we can have a nice walk in the park. After that, well, maybe something interesting will come up."

"Would that be the park where we almost got killed or the park by where we almost got blown up?" She smiles. "The beach is fine too. But we can decide later."

You find a nice restaurant run by a woman who refuses to take money from the Liberators. Apparently you not only saved her home and business, but her son as well. (He's at White Tree getting treated and is doing 'much better' according to the lady.)

The food is fish stew, with fresh crab, and little shrimp on the side. Tricia laughs at how you have a little trouble getting the shells to crack, and then how you give up and let your sharp teeth do most of the work for you. Shell is actually kind of tasty to your tongue at least.

"I'm jealous," Tricia says, Her finger tips covered in little bits of crab and shell. "Ssen...do you remember way, way back? You were 'hunting' in the forest, and then I sort of sent some bees after you , then we chased each other into the forest, and that thunderstorm started? How we hid under those rocks?" She blushes. "Our first kiss, remember...'practice' I think we called it, cause it didn't count cause it was just us." She shakes her head. "That was a long time ago, you probably don't remember."

>>23917203
After we slay the inevitable dragon communist uprising that will be there when we arrive.

>>23917220
"I think I remember..you kept on getting mad at me for flicking my tongue before we started."

>>23917220
I seriously doubt that is something a person forgets.

"I remember that. Its one of the reasons why I thought we might get along if you came with me. Though I never imagined this."

>>23917273
Okay, this is getting dangerously cute, I'm going to take my insulin.

>>23917273
Damnit, Ssen. We're practicing kissing /boys/ not snakes. Can you at least pretend to do it right?

>>23917292
"I remember that, you kept on getting mad at me for flicking my tongue before we started. Its one of the reasons why I thought we might get along if you came with me. Though I never imagined this."

"Yeah." Tricia says. She sighs. "I'm okay with it." She takes a drink of her wine. "With you going to be around for a while. Just promise me that you don't go jumping into the arms of the next cute wasp witch you meet. I want years of mourning, got it? A decade at least, starting with you refusing to leave my grave for a week, no matter how much the kid begs. Got it?" She says smiling. "And you better be crying that whole week."

>>23917389
"I promise."

>>23917389
"How about this, two decades of mourning, but I don't have to cry for the whole week. My eyes would get red and puffy and that's so unflattering."

>>23917389
"Of course, but I don't think you've got anything to worry about, there's no other wasp witches as cute as you."

This is the time for being cheesy as fuck.

>>23917389
"Oh, weeks, indeed.

And we have to get a nice painting of you for me to hang dramatically over the fireplace and look remorsefully at"

>>23917429
"I promise."

You let a moment go by before continuing with a fanged smile.

"But how about this, two decades of mourning, but I don't have to cry for the whole week. My eyes would get red and puffy and that's so unflattering. Also, I don't think you've got anything to worry about, there's no other wasp witches as cute as you."

She flicks a crab shell fragment at you.

"And we have to get a nice painting of you for me to hang dramatically over the fireplace and look remorsefully at"

"Oh no no no. I don't want that. You're getting me a statue." She laughs and then sighs. "It's still weird...but nice." The conversation goes into reminiscing of your earlier adventures on the road, each of you bickering about the finer details, and Tricia throwing her napkin at you as you tease her about the roaches.

You end up going through the park where you fought the Ghouls. They've cleaned it up nicely now, and there's the sounds of people talking, apparently there's a thousand new philosophies about the lizard people, the nature of the Teachings (academic differences and metaphor arguments, as opposed to the out and out heresy of Billings), and you can turn around without seeing a person standing on a crate trying to get followers. This is closer to what you think you had in mind. A chance for people to just start screaming out ideas for the world to see, and a chance to let them grow.

The two of you stop and lean against an oak tree to watch the sunset. You're holding hands and enjoying this rare moment of peace. Tricia turns to look at you and she smiles. She's never really looked so beautiful to you, spiders under her hat and all.

"Care to practice?" She says.

>>23917598
"Definitely."

and go for it.

>>23917598
I am super tempted to have Ssen flick her tongue like in the story.

>>23917598
Pull her in and do the romantic kiss thing.

Words are optional at this point.

>>23917598
Flick tongue.
"Sure."

>>23917598
aaaand que a problem. The wall exploded, or ghouls are attacking, or the ale distillery is on fire.

>>23917733
Umm do you mind NOT being an asshole right now pls?

>>23917763
Sorry, hard to turn paranoia off.

>>23917733
Nah. It's going to be topical, we're a Lamia that just kissed a human girl in public, if a Purist doesn't show up to give us hell, I'll be amazed.

>>23917647
>>23917644

You flick your tongue in jest. "Definitely." And you kiss her.

The rest of the night moves far too quickly for you and Tricia. Going back to the lighthouse, locking the door and chasing out the others with a handful of gold each to go find a Traveller's to sleep in. A long long time of you two together, and then sleeping wrapped up around each other, heartbeats getting into sync after a while, you remember how much you missed this. How much you're going to miss this too...a nasty little voice whispers in the back of your mind. You chase it away. It may go, and this kind of thing may happen again, but it wont be like this.

Lea's knocking to signal that it's morning and Tricia needs to get to work with bugging the Purists is far too soon for your liking, but...like many things...moments are fleeting, so the best thing you can do is to put on your armor, kick some bigots in the ass, and try for another moment later.

--- Help Tricia

--- Go see Isen

--- Go see the Princess

--- Work with Avery

>>23917796
>Go see Isen

Make sure he knows what's going on. He'd actually work pretty well as part of the distraction too, since he loves to talk so much.

>>23917796
Work with Avery

>>23917796
give Tricia a long kiss, then see Isen, he might have a brilliant idea for us to use for our distraction.

>>23917796
Tricia has her bugging assignment, she should be fine on her own. I've been wanting to visit the princess and Isen for a while now, just to sort of get the royalty's take on what should be done. As royal as Isen and a foreign princess can be.

Can we check in with the lizardmen to see if our nightmare has arrived? If we can get that during our week long stay here, our future journeys would be made smoother.

>>23917796
>Go see Isen
If nothing else, lets get him up to speed before he messes up our plans

Well, that wasn't a vacation, but we got a nice little break in. That'll do us a while, I think.

File: 1364438095410.jpg-(78 KB, 514x700, arbok.jpg)

78 KB JPG

>>23917796
So uh... what kind of tongue are we talking about here?

File: 1364438295327.jpg-(99 KB, 500x612, LamiaToothbrush.jpg)

99 KB JPG

>>23917968
Long. Forked. Sensitive.

>>23917968
>>23918019
Long enough to flick, canonfact.

File: 1364438457489.gif-(929 KB, 264x320, 1364008308501.gif)

929 KB GIF

>>23917968
>>23918019
>>23918029
Quickly Echo! Before this becomes that sort of thread!

>>23917796
>>23918069
Oh my, yes, I had forgotten. We were doing things. I guess I was Distracted.

Get up, greed lea, let everyone into the tower. We should get ready to go see Isen or the princess or both at the same time.

>>23917968
>>23918019
>>23918029
Also used to smell as well as taste.

>>23918069
Nah man all you have to do is roll a d20 to see if you develop a new fetish. Then you wont mind.

>>23917828
>>23917838
>>23917843

As you search for his royal audaciousness a kid runs up to you with a message. You give him a gold and he takes off.

---
Your package has arrived, Stable #17. Consider ourselves square. Have to lay low for a while, FC VERY pissed. Love to work for you again later, send message to First Wood Traveller's asking for Portia Lysander, reasonable rates.

-RG
----

You go to look, and the Nightmare is there, none the worse for ware. He also seems to recognize you by the way that he doesn't snap at your fingers. Well, that's a piece of good news for once. Instead of two weeks to get to Bronze Peak, you should be able to get there in two days.

You find the royal pain actually holding 'court' inside a local tavern. He's sitting behind a table, Tara at his side. He looks miserable as two farmers are bickering about who's getting a pay cut because of the new need to let fields lay fallow. Apparently the area they're talking about is right on the property line, when things were blessed by Citadel they split the profits fifty-fifty and never even thought of fighting. They couldn't. Now, with every gold being precious these days, they're arguing about the loss.

Isen looks miserable, but he's listening anyway. After the men are done, he slams his hand on the table.

"Fine. This is how it is. You split the land, and share the loss, OR one of you takes the loss but now and forever gets the land. That's what's going to happen. Now, you gonna split it, or do I flip this coin and we see who gets the bigger farm?"

The farmers start to squabble, and then Tara slams her hand into the table hard enough to cause a dent and splinters to fly up. Isen also takes out a dagger and just puts it on the table in front of him. "Now, let me ask you ag-"

The farmers quickly agree to split it, and they sign documents that Isen writes up.

He sees you. "Oh thank His Light." He motions at Tara. "Clear the rabble."

>>23918138
"Oh god honey, you taste yeasty. Are you sure you've been washing?"

>>23918153
"THE PRINCE'S TABLE IS NOW SUSPENDED. EVERYONE OUT!" The minotaur girl roars, and the mass of people files out of the room. A few of them sit by the doorway, apparently waiting for their turn to come back.

Isen bangs his head on the table. "Ssen...if your poison fangs are painless...please bite me now."

File: 1364438894986.png-(55 KB, 576x375, oh... DAMN IT.png)

55 KB PNG

>>23918155

>>23918180
"Actually, it's a horrible, painful, melt-y death. I don't think you're that fargone."

>>23918180
"I hear it's a horrible way to go. So you're going to have to endure squabbling farmers a little longer."

>>23918180
"Does the idea of your bones melting slow sound painless?"

File: 1364439033938.gif-(202 KB, 400x400, Angrydorable.gif)

202 KB GIF

>>23918155
Yoou stop that right now! Meanie! Poo-poster!

>>23918180
It doesn't kill directly, just melts the bone so I can swallow a meal whole. Of course you would die from suffocation from collapsed lungs.

File: 1364439043388.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 344 KB, 800x600)

344 KB JPG

>>23918069
I'll keep the lewd out, it was just a simple question of just how long it is.

>>23918180
Laugh at the circumstances. "Tough morning?"

>>23918220
That seems extremely lewd

Rolled 14

>>23918153
Consider you bones MELT, i dont think you want that.

>>23918220
WELP!

File: 1364439313287.jpg-(1007 KB, 920x1323, lamia12.jpg)

1007 KB JPG

>>23918242
Aye, but there are other far lewder ones from that image set and its the only one displaying the question of the upper limit length and dexterousness. No more of those for now.

>>23918190
"Actually, it's a horrible, painful, melt-y death. I don't think you're that far gone. So you're going to have to endure squabbling farmers a little longer."

He flips you off, still not raising his head. Tara goes to him and strokes his back. "This is that stupid bird's fault." He mumbled. "This is why you NEVER stick around after saving the day."

"Princess Mumei said that she'd call off the engagement...or at least delay it by, like, fifty years if Isen proved to her that he was, umm, the 'Eagle his pinfeathers say he is and not the Loon his wings show.' I think. So we put together this...and the poor dear's been dealing with this crap all day."

"Everyone wants me to settle their problems." He moans. "I'm a prince, I'm not supposed to actually be in CHARGE!" He groans. "At least they shut up and listen to me when I threaten to kill them."

"He's only needed to do that, like, a few times...and I broke someone's jaw." Tara says.

"I can't stay here. Screw the war with the Empire. I've wanted to conquer them since I was four and learned that they existed, anyway." Isen groans as he leans back. "Can a weary Prince request some tender comfort from his most treasured Paladin?" He says to you, grinning that cheesy smile.

>>23918305
"Wanna come help me intimidate some Purists?"

>>23918305
Give him a cheeky smile "Sorry, Tricia took all the comfort I can give. Maybe another time.

"But I do have a offer for you and that tongue of yours. Feel like causing some trouble with it?"

>>23918305
I thought you had given up on the idea of being bitten.

>>23918305

No comfort, unless you'd like a sermon or a confession. But there is something that I could use your help with, and it involves a lot of posturing and being obnoxious.

>>23918305
You want a hug? Be innocent in the matter.

>>23918406
I like this one. Seconded.

>>23918305
well, we COULD offer him a ride on the snake-train on the way to the purist camp.

Take a load off, as it were.

So, guess what I realized?

It's probably one of Izen's childhood dreams, somewhere between 4th and 8th, to bed a paladin.

>>23918406
You smile at the guy. "Sorry, Tricia took all the comfort I can give. Maybe another time."

An eyebrow goes up and he holds up a finger for a moment as he obviously imagines what happened...Pig. He then motions for you to continue.

"I do have a offer for you and that tongue of yours. Feel like causing some trouble with it and intimidate some Purists?"

"Maybe." He says. "What're the odds of someone getting shot with a crossbow in this? I mean...those people aren't like a typical mob. They're jerks. Is this thing going to end with a big fight and something simple like sticking the pointy end of metal into other people?"

>>23918500
Is that before or after Naga/Lamia?
or both

>>23918503
"Well, that's not the PLAN, but things have a way of deteriorating at times. I hope to just get their attention, for now."

>>23918503
"Wont lie, don't know. If the Purists are that stupid then it might end badly. But the plan is to just do some saber rattling, get them on edge a bit."

>>23918547
"Well, that's not the PLAN, but things have a way of deteriorating at times. I hope to just get their attention, for now."

"True," He nods. "Alright, now the important question. Do you need Isen the Audacious, or does Prince Itzak need to show up?"

Probably. I have a feeling they aren't going to take our plans lying down. We have a little sortie scheduled for tomorrow night and we could use someone with the skill in holding lots of peoples attention.

>>23918563
Isen the Audacious. I need the guy with the ego trip, duh.

>>23918567
It is tomorrow.

>>23918563
"Isen the Audacious, definitely. I doubt they'd listen to royalty anyways."

>>23918563
Asmuch as I'd love to see their reactionsto having Itzak show up to their doorstep I think Isen should do nicely.

>>23918563
"Isen with all the Audaciousness you can muster."

>>23918592
"As much as I'd love to see their reactions to having Itzak show up to their doorstep I think Isen should do nicely."

Isen heaves a sigh of relief. "Oh thank His Light. Yeah sure, whatever. I'm in." He waves his hand. "Anything to be free of this crap."

>>23918708
"Get some for rest now then. We'll be heading out at around dusk, I believe."

Maybe go see the crazy bird lady?

>>23918708
"Well, you won't be free of it for a few hours yet. We're not moving until tonight.

Enjoy your management, I'm going to go talk to your betrothed about unemployment."

>>23918740
"Get some for rest now then. We'll be heading out at around dusk, I believe."

He waves you off and soon you hear him snoring, how long has he been doing this? Tara gently lifts his head and gives him a pillow out of a coat. She comes up to you.

"He's actually been doing a great job." Tara says. "They listen to him, like, a lot, and since he's you know, Prince, they do what he says. I think he's stopped a lot of the fights, and umm, yeah." She sighs. "He says he keeps screwing up though. I dunno." She sighs. "So, is there a ummm, plan, or are we gonna have to fight and stuff? I mean for real, not just ghouls or crazies, but like I mean...really REALLY fight people. Cause Isen says that they're a difference. Is he right?"

>>23918896
"There's a big difference. If we're lucky, you won't have to see it today.

And the plan is basically to rile them a little and observe closely what happens. We're going to fall back if any actual fighting breaks out."

>>23918896
"The difference is the pain of knowing that the lives you're taking are, by and large, not utterly beyond redemption. A lot of folks get dragged into war because they're just too poor, because they're conscripted, or because they just swept up by the black wind of charisma. Most of these poor dumb kids don't know what they're doing or what they're fighting for. They buy into all the bluster and get all excited for the word 'war'. They see all the glory and the prize, but then the time comes to die in some other man's battle and they're as hurt and scared as anyone else."

>>23918968
"There's a big difference. If we're lucky, you won't have to see it today.

"And the plan is basically to rile them a little and observe closely what happens. We're going to fall back if any actual fighting breaks out."

"Oh, okay. Well, we'll be there." Tara says. She gives you the usual bone popping hug.

"I'm going to go talk to his betrothed about unemployment." You say.

"Okay, she's down the street at the house that faces the sea. It's the house with the feathers and the fancy curtains."

Princess Mumei's house is pretty standard for Isen's caliber, big and gaudy. Inside however is very spartan and minimum. Clean floors, a few blankets, and a lot of hammocks. The Princess sitting in one room, she's sitting in a chair, looking out at the water.

"This is the first time I've seen the shore of a different sea." She says. "Hello Snake-That-Is-Not-A-Snake...she clucks her tongue. There is no good word for you in my language." She smiles. "Another thing that I have never seen until recently." She sighs. "So, has the loud foolish one caused a riot yet?" She gestures to the seat next to her, and purs another cup of tea from her set.

>>23919117
"He's working on it."

>>23919117
"He's doing a shockingly decent job. Complete with Kingly dread and that telltale slump which can only come from the weight of duty. It's all very unlike him."

>>23919117
"From what I've been told; no. He's been keeping a riot from happening or at least threatening enough to keep one from breaking out."

>>23919117
"That's actually a goal for later. We need a nice distraction to get a bit of sneaky-like-a-raven work done."

>>23919117
"Actually I think he has settled a small riot's worth in grievances."

>>23919203
"He's working on it, but he's doing a shockingly decent job. Complete with Kingly dread and that telltale slump which can only come from the weight of duty. It's all very unlike him."

"Some who are born great must have greatness thrust upon them to become great." She says. "It's a little more poetic in the original text, but the meaning is there."

"Actually I think he has settled a small riot's worth in grievances."

"Most flocks just need someone of unquestionable wingspan to guide them. The blood of a king is important, my fathers know that. Once you show that a king is a person of flesh and blood, or that an army can choose a king, then the divinity that follows them disappears like morning mist and spring thermals."

She sighs. "So, you are off to face the magpies and the crows, the ones who feel no need to be respectful to their betters who purged the carrion birds...in our land we would simply kill them all, and their families, and their friends...and display their heads for all to see. And if any complained or whispered, then there was always an empty pike available." She sighs. "The sad thing is that it worked."

>>23919398
I know that it works. It may yet come to that. There are many here who wish it as well. I wish to try another way, even if only once.

>>23919398
"It may have worked, but at an unacceptable cost. His Light see me through, however, we may yet be forced to take that course. I pray we are not."

>>23919398
"I hope to help ease this through the easing of the people's problems, and some trickery. I don't know if it's right, but I know I prefer it to the pikes."

>>23919544
"It may have worked, but at an unacceptable cost. His Light see me through, however, we may yet be forced to take that course. I pray we are not."

"This flock must be scattered...but I know of no other way than to kill them all or to clip wings." She rubs her arms. "This is your test, Paladin...such a strange word...you put your faith in the Light, just as I have mine in the Great Fires...but what do you believe in? What thermal causes your," She smiles. "Your very very strange wings to rise?"

>>23919398
"That cure seems worse than the disease."

>>23919641
I don't rightly know. I suppose I just like untying knots.

>>23919641
"Someone helped me. So, I guess, I feel like I need to help others. Or at the very least, leave things no worse than I found them.

Or maybe I'm more foolish than Isen."

>>23919641
"A better world."

>>23919724
This one's poignant, I like it.

>>23919720
"Someone helped me. So, I guess, I feel like I need to help others. Or at the very least, leave things no worse than I found them.

"Or maybe I'm more foolish than Isen."

She shrugs. "Wise men built your golden cage and my paper one. Fools put their things on their backs and go out to find what is out there, and come back with empires." She chuckles. "Isen has told me of the 'miracle' that happened in the golden cage. I assume that was due to the beating of scaled wings?" She smiles. "There is a story that I am reminded of, a story of the First Flyers. Do you have time?"

>>23919818
"I've enough time for a story. I am unoccupied until this evening, and would love to hear it."

>>23919818
Surely.

>>23919818
"I can make time."

>>23919818
"Of course." take a sip of tea and get comfortable.

>>23919854
"Of course." You take a sip of tea and get comfortable curling up into the chair.

"The First Flyers and his wingmen were leading the great flock. Times were difficult and the winds blew them off course. They were perched on this mountain, cold and starving. The flock turns to the first flyers and begs them for food. They demand food. They have done nothing but follow the first flyers, who risk everything, but still they chatter with demands. The first flyers then collect up what little seed they have, and put it on a plate which they give to a little chick. They say 'We shall feed you all, but only take what you need, then pass it on.' They, watching, hand it to the first of the flock.

That one looks at the small plate of seed, and simply lets the chick move to the next one. He starts eating a little handful of millet he had on him. The next one passes it on, turns out she had a mackerel she was hiding. On and on it goes, every one of those flea-ridden feather bags had food hidden on them. The chick returns to the first flyers, and only a single seed has been taken.

The flock decries it to be a miracle, and our books are written of how the First Flyers fed an entire flock with but a single seed. A miracle.

However, a few old owls tell this tale to royalty, so that we may be wiser than the great flock. But now I ask you the same question I asked my owl...who had no answer...why should that not been seen as a miracle?"

>>23919954
"It is a miracle. Problem is once you analyse and dissect it, it won't be. It'll be a chance occurance caused by people's actions. And that's not a funstory for anyone."

Just like our miracle in saving those four from execution. We could have been found out, but people (and probably Citadel) don't want to look too deep into things. The Dramatae will look deeper.

>>23919954
"There are times when people working together is as miraculous as feeding a crowd with nothing.

I fear I might not be wise enough to bring such a miracle about, though. There are lands to till and buildings to build, but the bloodshed continues.

>>23919954
It is truly a miracle, but not the sort as which it is presented in the tale. Urging that many individuals to overcome their reluctance and do the right thing despite how hard it may be is the true miracle of it.

>>23920149
"There are times when people working together is as miraculous as feeding a crowd with nothing.

"I fear I might not be wise enough to bring such a miracle about, though. There are lands to till and buildings to build, but the bloodshed continues."

"It always does." She sips her tea. "I have delayed you enough. Oh," She hands you a book. "Give this to the...flightless-one...Avery. I asked the fool to show me the figure books. He has made a few errors."

You flip through it. It's an accounts ledger. Mumei has corrected some of it.

"Figures are considered to be women's work in the Empire. I have a talent for it...apparently beyond most here." She shrugs and rubs her disfigured feet.

"Good luck with your rowdy flock Paladin...such a very strange word."

>>23920266
(She means she got Isen to show her the books, she's not calling Avery a fool.)

>>23920281
[Ah, okay. Makes sense, Isen's name being the fool and all.]

"It was a pleasure speaking to you. Thanks for addressing the books, I'll make sure Avery gets them right away. I don't doubt that you've improved them, neither Avery or I are the right people for this job. Just the ones that have to do it."

>>23920341
On that note we should head to Avery. It would be getting close to roll out I imagine.

File: 1364447336757.png-(23 KB, 101x175, eo3_shopkeep.png)

23 KB PNG

>>23920266
>>23920281

Phoenix Empire Princess is delicous

reminds me of EO3's shopkeeper

>>23920375
I wonder if we've run that census yet. I want to know how many people there are now, as compared to before the attacks. Also, what the primary industries were and are.

>>23920445
I still need to play that series.

>>23920341
"It was a pleasure speaking to you. Thanks for addressing the books, I'll make sure Avery gets them right away. I don't doubt that you've improved them, neither Avery or I are the right people for this job. Just the ones that have to do it."

"Which means you are the right people to do it." She winks.

You flip through the books as you go to Avery's. Damn, the Citadel Blessing must have covered a lot. As it is, Stone Hall is barely holding on as it is. If there's another disaster like the Ghoul attack, the city wont recover.

It'll need a steady hand, maybe a year or half-a-year of rationing to stabilize. Not to mention that the farms have to pull in as much as they can, the fishing boats need to pull in a normal load, and then stop for three months (More unemployed there) and it turns out that a lot of the 'skilled workers' that the city employed, simply weren't.

That kid's Dad was a drunk, but he got his work done and got paid despite of that thanks to the Citadel Blessing. He wasn't the only one who let the damn thing do their job for them, and so...when reality hit and the choice was between keeping the ones who couldn't work without Citadel's 'help' and the Lizard people who worked for the same pay, Avery was insistent on that, but actually worked, there really was no question.

It also explains the squalid conditions of First Stone Hall. It's a town built by hate and hands that chose to be weak.

Funny thing though, the ledgers say that there's plenty of people who kept their jobs, some even came back after the attack with missing limbs. Maybe Stone Hall's spirit is reviving, if there is such a thing, maybe it's His Light, but those who at least try get a chance...some fail, a LOT fail, but that's what the others here are for. That's what YOU are here for.

Stone Hall would survive much better if the people from First Stone Hall just disappeared. Once more there's evidence leaning towards the Empire's solution, one that reduces people to numbers.

>>23920602
Maybe get people back to their villages again? I mean the ghouls are gone and there's no need for a bunch of refugee camps around Stone Hall. If we can get some refugees to go back to villagers, we could have a sembelance of an economy again.

>>23920652
We can do that if we can manage to get them to peacefully disperse. As of now, they won't go anywhere with the current leadership in place.

>>23920652
>>23920602
We need to get the refugees back to the villages, in addition to either increasing farmland or increasing farm efficiency. There will be more total people in the city after this than before, assuming we did an okay job saving everyone before when ghouls attacked, so we need to expand infrastructure the same amount.

Also, these people aren't ACTUALLY skilled? There are still some skilled people though. Do you think it would be wise to pull some of them off of work to teach?

>>23920652
Are those villages even still standing though? From the way the Ghoul attack sounded. They just leveled everything between them and Stone Hall.

>>23920602
>one that reduces people to numbers.
Sadly that's the real world. When it's a small town it's Jimmy, Bob, Linda but when it's large city like this ... it's all numbers and how to keep the most going. Where you need 'shave' off some to make ends meat.

>>23920602
Could we set up farmland on any free plots surrounding Stone Hall? It would create jobs and serve to assuage the food shortage in time.

>>23920602
Avery is waiting for you with a host of Red and Amber Occuli. He's in his Paladin Silvers and has a large warhammer on his back. "I know it's a bit stereotypical, but this thing has been in my family for ages."

He sighs. "Your girlfriend sent a message."

-- Found something good, working on it, green roof, west wall, you'll see it, hit it HARD. Don't Die. Love, T---

"They know we're going to march on them tonight." Avery says. "There's enough eyes in the city, and they aren't stupid."

"Then I'm glad I'm in my best blues." Isen says. "Hey sexy scales, bandage beauty."

"Hello, you royal audaciousness." Lea says.

"So, who's ready to be torn to bits by an angry mob?" Isen laughs.

"This, is our best hope for royal continuity here?" Avery asks.

"I'm afraid so." Lea sighs. "Believe me, he's far far worse than he looks, but there's SOME value there...occasionally."

Avery shakes his head. "May He show us through this Darkness and onto the path of His Light. May lies be hushed, and hate be smothered. Thus I build my home, my life, and my soul, upon the foundation of His Teachings. May we forgive our enemies, and pray that they see His Light in this world, if not the next on their journey."

"Amen." The group says.

Avery gives the word and the army marches.

Sometimes the weather has no appreciation for the dramatic. It should have been raining, or hot and muggy with sweat and mosquitos, or blistering wind. Instead it was a perfectly mild evening with a rosy sunset that makes one think of romantic poetry. Honestly...what good is drama if there's no proper setting?

As you approach the 'city' of First Stone Hall, you see a line of people. must be fifteen or so Purists, all in masks. They have an assortment of weapons, sheathed or lowered.

Father Billings is standing at the head of them. You've never seen the black haired, white bearded man before in your life. But you know that has to be Father Billings. You see Lea's fists clench.

Damn, I just realized, they're still using the old triple crop rotation. We should switch over to the four crop rotation (wheat, turnips, barley and clover) so we don' have to leave fields fallow.

>>23920756
"So, the Occuli have come upon our doorstep." He says. There's a pause. The Occuli do nothing.

One of the Purists takes a step forward, but Billings pushes them back. "No. Not yet." He says.

"Why are you here, Paladins?" He asks.

>>23920756
"Stay calm, Lea. No matter what he says, stay calm. We're not here to fight."

Let Avery and Isen do the talking. Try and get eyes on what Tricia was pointing out.

>>23920756
So, would it be courtesey to let Avery greet billings? Or should we confront him?

also:

Do we see the green roof building?

>>23920783
"To swallow you like an egg."

>>23920794
No!

File: 1364448977666.gif-(45 KB, 500x534, vmnew5.gif)

45 KB GIF

>>23920794
Jesus Christ wtf.

>>23920794
No, bad. Where's my newspaper at dammit.

>>23920783
>>23920785
This is good. Avery is the senior paladin here and we got Isen for a reason let him rant like the fool he is.

GUYS
HEY GUYS
I JUST REALIZED-
GUYS LISTEN
GUYS
I JUST REALIZED SOMETHING.
THIS QUEST-
GUYS, THIS QUEST
CITADEL IS TOTALLY A METAPHOR FOR THE CENTRAL U.S. GOVERNMENT.

>>23920791
>So, would it be courtesey to let Avery greet billings? Or should we confront him?
Well he's looking directly at you.

>>23920791
>Do we see the green roof building?
No, not from here. The buildings are really shanty town, you'd have to get in deeper to see what Tricia told you about.

>>23920783
"Good day. We are here to deliver the good word."

Should we go full Jehovah's Witnesses for maximum annoyance?

>>23920783
"To take confession. There surely are those among you who carry burdens upon your souls, are there not? We are here to help."

>>23920833
"Surprise inspection. We've been hearing about a few thefts, Horses, Food and the like and have been asked here to investigate."

Also, taste the air around him a bit..what does it taste like?

>>23920833
>he's looking directly at you
Okay, so WE should respond to him then. And we have to get deeper into town to get whatever the green building has, but jeez tricia, that wasn't in the plan at all. This was supposed to be factfinding.

Should we go with the "inspection" story? After all, it must have been some time since the last patrol through these parts.

>>23920863
I like this. Say it with disdain befitting a duty one only begrudgingly performs. Like we don't give a fuck and would rather be one with this. It's the attitude they expect from us and so they won't be tipped off.

>>23920863
>>23920889
Yeah, this seems about right. Surprise inspection is the best we're going to do with our disposition and rank to get in there without causing a stir. Then we can inspect the green roof house.

>>23920863
this works, and follows our original plan.

especially if we can somehow get inside the town.

and then we break the door down on the green roof house and see what is inside.

>>23920912
Oh, I think I have the perfect excuse to get that wall knocked down.

Lea goes into FULL RAGE MODE. We try to calm her down, she throws a punch, we sidestep, and we just so happen to have been standing in front of that house with the green roof...

>>23920863
"Surprise inspection. We've been hearing about a few thefts, Horses, Food and the like and have been asked here to investigate." You say.

The air tastes like sweat, disease, and filth. These people haven't been living well.

Father Billings folds his arms. "I can assure you, that there is no one with the moral weakness in my flock to have done any of those acts. Those are things that only monsters do."

"Still," Avery says. "It is within out right to examine for any possible evidence and question the people. You still are on Citadel land."

Father Billings bristles. "And should we refuse to this witch hunt?"

"You would be wise not to." Avery says. "Acts against the Paladins are acts against his highness and the Light."

Billings sneers. "YOUR version of the light."

You grab Lea's shoulder just in time to keep her from reacting.

Billings looks at your forces, and then back to his. "There's no need for your entire army to trudge through our little settlement is there? I will allow the Paladin Serpent in, so she may...investigate. The rest stay out here."

Avery looks at you and slightly shakes his head.

"I'm not letting you go in there alone." Lea says.

>>23920986
Three people. You, Avery, Lea.

>>23920986
"You have fifteen men with you. It should only be fair for me to bring fifteen men."

>>23920986
"Collateral, father. A show of good faith. You stay with Avery and his men until I have returned."

>>23920986
"You will allow Me, Paladin Avery, Lea, and 12 Occuli in."

>>23920986
>>23921017
>>23921004
I say we should argue for equivalent force. What do the occuli use for signalling? Flares? Horns? Smoke?

We should certainly bring one, and tell Avery we will use it in case things go awry.

>>23921004
>>23921017
>>23921039
Guys, you're thinking inside the box. Consider: >>23921031

>>23921057
I would rather we not go into town alone. We already have bargaining power in the fact that there's a goddamn Occuli army right outside.

>>23921057
Hmm. dual hostage situation?

I still want to bring a signalling device either way.

>>23920986
"..You expect me to investigate this entire camp all by myster mister..whoever you are, because I don't really have a month to spare right now."

>>23921057
Personally, I think it's a bad idea on grounds that the lord very well may not give a shit about the Father.

>>23921057
we are not going in alone.

I am sure the noble, or the trainer would gladly sacrifice Billings to string us up on display and kill us.

>>23921073
Yeah, I find it suspicious that of all people, they sent the PRIEST out to meet us. They probably consider him expendable.

>>23921073
>>23921071
Good point... Well i suppose we could try to bring Lea and Avery with us as well as take Billings hostage. Why not?

>>23921097
I am of the opinion to bring some occuli with us. I think we could swing that, and killing 15 occuli is a LOT worse than killing one "monster" in the eyes of the people.

>>23921100
We just keep him close to us. If things go south, he's the first in the crossfire.

>>23921127
yup, if they have 15 escorts its only right we bring 15 with us as well His Audaciousness should come with us while Avery stays behind. We bring 12 Occulis with the 3 of us. Billings will stay behind with Avery as a gesture of good will.

>>23921144
I meant leave Billings in the hands of the small army we have outside.

>>23921127
its why I would insist on the 12 Occuli, its 4 guards for each of the major players(us, lea, avery) , along with being witnesses that are not the 'monster's close friends'

>>23921176
Yep.

-

Echo do we know if Peri has already moved into the camp? Or if she got the go ahead.

>>23921155
Oooh, Hostages. I like this plan.

>>23921155
"You and your men will have to stay here." Avery says. "They can keep my people company."

"Mmh. But you'll need someone to show you around the area, make sure that no one frightens the children." Billings said.

"I'm not sending in anyone alone." Avery says.

"That's fine...but I would ask that you stay here, to keep your men under control." He looks at you. "I'm sure one Paladin would suffice."

"She's not going in there without me." Lea says.

"Or us." Isen says as he and Tara step up next to you. "The four of us go in together...or we have a problem."

"And you are?"

"Isen the Audacious, Liberator of Stone Hall, just the same as these three women." He says.

"Well, I suppose the Liberators of Stone Hall are always welcome within its walls. No matter what shape."

Avery pulls you back and hands you a small tube with a pull string. "In case of trouble." He says. "But you do know the four of you are walking into a trap or an ambush, right?"

>>23921248
"I'm the one jumped -into- the path of a crossbow bolt, remember?"

>>23921248
This is Billings offer:

His men stay with the Occuli.

You, Lea, Tara, and Isen go in.

He 'escorts' you.

Those are his terms, and he doesn't seem to be budging. Hell, he wanted you in there alone, this IS him budging.

Otherwise, there's the Empire Plan.

Also, yes, Peri is within the camp as we speak.

>>23921248
Of course. We are. You be careful too. The instant they see that signal these fine gentlebeings will likely try to delay you.

>>23921248
"Not the first time we've walked into an obvious trap. We've gotten quite good at it, actually."

>>23921268
Seems like the best compromise we can get right now.

>>23921248
"I'd worry more, but if I can't handle myself against these guppies, what can I possibly do in the face of a shark?"

>>23921248
"Of course it's a trap. Tell me how to use this thing you gave me, and have your men at the ready for when I do."

>>23921268
"Well! I guess we'll be off then, Billings! Iook forward to you giving use the grand tour."
Wrap your arm around him and slither along as if you were old friends. This is both friendly, and may prevent crossbow attempts.

>>23921272
"Not the first time we've walked into an obvious trap. We've gotten quite good at it, actually."

Avery nods. "That does seem to be a Paladin's stock in trade." He sighs. "Be careful."

"You be careful too. The instant they see that signal these fine gentlebeings will likely try to delay you."

"They can try." Avery says.

Billing and the Purists step aside and the priest gestures for you to go into the town.

"Shall we?" He says.

>>23921268
>Wrap your arm around him and slither along as if you were old friends.

No, but very much stay close to him.

>>23921314
"After you."

Be sure to stick close enough to him that any potential ambushes will get him stuck in the crossfire.

let us see how well you tend your flock Priest Billings.

>>23921314
"Yes. If you don't mind, I'd like to start at the Stables. You know how these bureaucrats get when they find out horses have been drinking up river..horror of horrors.."

I wonder if we are going to meet any grieving mothers on this trip

>>23921395
We killed at least four sons not a few threads ago.

>>23921405
Everybody is somebody's baby. Welcome to war.

at least we have a shield

>>23921426
A shield with the emblem on it no less. We're fine.

>>23921412
Jah. All one can do in face of such things is stay stoic ... We'll feel like shit but we're a Paladin and right now we need to show strength of character on control of our emotions.

>>23921439
> strength of character on control of our emotions.
> strength of character and control of our emotions.

And I was doing so well too.

>>23921314
Offer our arm, he should lead us like a lady.

>>23921339
"After you."

Billings leads you through the maze of tents, shacks, and temporary scrap buildings. You see people through the gaps and the alleys. They don't look friendly. Glaring at you, spitting at the ground, and a few ward themselves as you pass.

After five minutes of walking, it's clear that there's a small group of non-masked people behind you. No one has any visible weapons, but you doubt they're here for confession.

Finally, you get to a clearing in the 'city.' It's a bit more than just a circle that's on a mostly grassy patch of ground. Apparently this is where Lord Gammar holds court.

Lord Gammar's 'throne' is just a park bench. The man's trying for a humble angle. You've seen people sit on benches or other simple seats and make them look like thrones. Scheherazade can do it, Julian can do it, even Isen made a few tables and a bar stool look regal. This man, cannot. He's got this stupid looking four cornered green hat on his head, and it's obvious that he's never missed a meal in his life.

There are people and a few masked purists leaning against walls, or squatting on the ground watching you. One of them is a large woman who apparently doesn't understand that a woman's armor shouldn't perfectly contour to her body, unless she wants to die from internal bleeding at the first chest blow. She's got a great sword on her back, and two boys, can't be older than 15 as footmen.

"My Lord." Billings says. "I present the Paladin Serpent, they have come with a host, claiming that we are thieves and looters."

Lord Gammar shakes his head. "We are simple people, doing as we can. How depressing to think that the noble paladins would think us so base to stoop to the level of thievery." Apparently they're going to play this little drama of their out. This is tiresome.

You notice that the house that's behind Gammar, one of the few things that actually looks 'built' has a green roof.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 8

>>23921454

>>23921457
Okay, moving on.

"So, Paladin Serpent..." Gammar says. "What charges, and what proof do claim lowers us to the types of monster that slither in the dust and kill children."

Rolled 1

>>23921454

>>23921480
"We've been getting reports of caravans and farms in the area being attacked bandits, in rather "distinctive" attire. We've also managed to capture one of these bandits, who claims to have come from here. While I am not so crass as to accuse you as personally responsible, I fear some of your residents may not be as morally upstanding as you are."

>>23921480
Just smile sweetly at him. We'll not play that game with him.

"We've captured one such thief not too long ago. He pointed us towards here as his groups base of operation. We wish to see if this true and rout them out. I'm sure you would agree such group operating out of here would be bad for the people."

>>23921480
So, should we lay it on him?

"Well, there's the captured highwayman that identified this place as their base and training camp, There's that your followers wear the same masks as the bandits, The rash of murders in the name of purity by said masked bandits, AND several anonymous tips about specific locations in your camp. It's enough to warrant a bit of investigation. "

>>23921480
"None. I don't think there are any monsters in here, just people who are in a lousy situation and are dragged down by it. And that includes stealing horses, breaking into houses and killing people. We have no small number of people in our prisons who confessed to using this place as a base of operations."

>>23921457
the dice are behaving themselves I see. You'd think we didn't spend the bulk of our life living as a hunter

>>23921564
we almost died a few times as a hunter, too.

Our dad bailed us out back then, we're bailed out by tricia's healing nowadays.

>>23921506
"We've been getting reports of caravans and farms in the area being attacked bandits, in rather "distinctive" attire. We've also managed to capture one of these bandits, who claims to have come from here. While I am not so crass as to accuse you as personally responsible, I fear some of your residents may not be as morally upstanding as you are."

Billings shakes his head and looks...disappointed, but not with you. Rather with Gammar. You remember that Billings dropped the monster word, but just in general, not as an attack on you. Apparently he knows that you're above petty insults...well point for the preacher.

Gammar just sneers. "I trust that the child you've captured has given up that so-called testimony under one of your famous 'confessions' yes?" He gets up from his seat. It looks like he's going to launch into a speech.

Billings steps forward. "My Lord, the Paladins do as best they can as they see fit. You need to show them respect, I doubt that they are liars. Yes?"

"Paladin Ssen is a beacon of Light." Lea says. "She sat with the poor confused boy and offered her services for confession for hours. He refused her."

"I shall pray for his confused soul, then." Billing says.

Gammar is straining at the bit. He want to scream at you about something, but Billings is keeping him and the flock under control.

Roll 1d20 again.

Rolled 6

>>23921654
!

>>23921658
See I don't know if this is good or bad thing.

Rolled 12

>>23921658
gvodfv

>>23921672
That's what makes things so exciting!

WORRY

>>23921658
>>23921672
I think bad, I am betting Billings loses control of some of the flock, or Gammar flips out.

>>23921682
Or we fail a critical spot check....

>>23921680
>>23921682
If were looking for low rolls like we were in convoy then yay. Or we're failing spot checks hard.

>>23921689
remember what happened last time we succeeded a spot check?

POISON WHAM BAM BLOOEY

>>23921698
Remember the time where we failed spot checks? All those status that got wrecked.

>>23921654
Billings is clearly out to look the reasonable party here; he's going to be harder to discredit. It wouldn't surprise me if, when we expose something unpleasant about First Stone Hall, Billings is the one who doesn't get any of it on *him*.

>>23921658
Fuckin Ssen, are you blind or something?

>>23921654
"Funny thing, there wasn't any need to torture him. He was practically bragging about it."

>>23921713
We don't know /what/ we're rolling for.

>>23921713
>eye damage is only thing not healed yet from the scorpion venom
yes.

>>23921722
I think we're rolling for Tricia's roof thing.

>>23921730
I didn't have the impression it actually impaired our vision; it just makes our eyes look more strikingly snakelike.

>>23921658
"Now," Billings says. "I'm sorry that this happened, we do have our uniforms, as a show of devotion. For we are always in Darkness so that we may see our way to the light more clearly."

Lea growls.

"But some young men tend to turn themselves down a darker path. Has the boy been executed yet?" Billings asked. "Because, I feel that as his minister, I could get more our of him than you could...even gain a sense of repentance." He smiles at you.

Damn, Billings isn't bullshitting. Gammar and Allbread may be filthy jackasses, but Billings is honestly leading his flock. The only problem is that his flock WANT to go down this path, and Billings is obviously too much in love with the idea of being a leader of a flock to try and steer them. So he tells them what they want to hear.

"Is it possible for the boy to be brought back here? Can the Paladins show any mercy or leniency to him?"

>>23921734
It can be anything really. The people going nuts. The good Lord here losing his cool. Spot checks of any kind. Who knows. Might be best to wait and see at this point.

>>23921740
It -quite obviously- is impairing our vision.

I'm afraid not Priest Billings he confessed to killing someone, as well as beating another and trying to kill my own party. He will sit in the dark for a year to think on His Light and if nothing changes he will face punishment for his crimes.

>>23921751
"Sadly not Father Billings. He has confessed to murder and assault both of these charges will be a held within Stone Hall. If you wish we can escort you down to see him. After we have finished our job here, of course."

>>23921775
"I'm afraid not Priest Billings he confessed to killing someone, as well as beating another and trying to kill my own party. He will sit in the dark for a year to think on His Light and if nothing changes he will face punishment for his crimes."

Billing sighs. "Is it possible for me to attend to the poor boy? I have to believe that he can be reached, and we can grant him some mercy."

Roll 1d20

Rolled 17

>>23921785
Oh boy.

Rolled 20

>>23921785

Rolled 14

>>23921785
Ill be honest i dont see why not.

>>23921787
fin-fucking-ally

>>23921785
"For now, no, perhaps in a few months after he has reflected on his crimes."

>>23921783
Be sure to offer the chance for him to come down and confess after this. second that part.

Rolled 12

>>23921785
"You've done enough, Billings, perhaps if you had bothered to lead by The Teachings then he wouldn't have strayed from the path."

>>23921785

"Of course you can see him, he needs to speak with someone. Maybe it will give him something to think about during his time. After we check the camp and the buildings we came to see, however."

>>23921812
Maybe don't say things like this in front of a mob.

>>23921785
>Billing sighs. "Is it possible for me to attend to the poor boy? I have to believe that he can be reached, and we can grant him some mercy."

Something tells me his "mercy" is a mercy killing for revealing information about the camp.

>>23921797
>>23921812
We want the kid to get a confession in, don't we? He won't confess to us, but SOME preacher would help.