The war against the Phoenix Empire has come to a turning point. The walled city of White Tree, a heavily speciesist/religious/isolationist has suffered a breach in their walls since the last push of the Empire's ettin forces.

They have requested the aid of the Paladins, and the UFK army to help them repel an upcoming push. This will allow them to repair the breach. In return, they've promised use of their advanced blackpowder cannons, along with moving their, non-magical, electric shock troopers to the front lines. A move that will possibly tilt the war in your favor enough for you to slowly wear them down. Give it a month or two and you'll have pushed them back to Purple Sands, where they could regroup. In the short term, you'd almost certainly get safe access to Citadel.

There's a wrinkle though. Mari has discovered that the ettin can be brought in massive numbers by using a scent lure. This would cause a collapse of one of the fronts, as well as force the ettin to bring one of their 'sacred war idols' with them.

This is useful to you for two reasons, the first is that the reduced guard, and subsequent repositioning, would allow the Fey Court to safely send their saboteur, the new Robin Goodfellow, into their camp. There she could sabotage the magical apparatus that turns the Empire's human slave army into mindless berserkers. Instead they'd become revolutionary minded, and possibly even turn on the Empire.

Also, if you can secure the war idol, which is what you believe the Empire is using to control the ettin, Mage can magically hack it, and possibly break the Empire's hold on the monsters.

This would end the war in your favor almost instantly, and push the Empire back to Purple Sands, within weeks and gain Citadel even quicker.

Sup Echo

>>26516167
The problem with this, is that it will, naturally, cause a large number of ettin to attack White Tree. The force of ettin that caused the breach in the wall in the first place was 15 strong. The lure will bring a force of 100.

You told White Tree's leadership about this, and they were split. Her Illuminated Self welcomes the plan, believing unquestioningly that His Light will grant you victory. High Father Billings is against the plan, as he's afraid of failure, and more importantly, that it might cause the people of White Tree to stop believing that he is infallible.

The two leaders seem to be unable to come to any kind of resolution any time soon. To get away from the politics, you, Lea, and Tricia have decided to slip away from the well made table of White Tree's Great and Good, and are walking around the army camp of their conscripts.

There's a large mess tent, a chapel, and a general training/assembly area. All are filled with the city's, fairly young, forces doing one thing or another.

Where you go is up to you.

>>26516213
Do we know where the recruit we were talking to when we got here is?

>>26516258
>Do we know where the recruit we were talking to when we got here is?
Blessed Denise of His Light's Sacred Defense Force, mentioned something about food. So she might be at Mess, or she could be at prayer, before mess.

Oh, I'm not in too late. Do we want to take confessions first, or go do that "entertaining the troops" idea Lea had?

And then there's always the third option of going and doing something with their training, but I've not any idea what. Can't teach them the quickquick so much, maybe a bit of human-style swordfighting.

Are we going for the Shock Trooper party member?
Because I'd like a straight shooter soldier in the party.

>>26516342
well, to answer my own question, I personally think we should stop by the mess hall, see how the soldiers are fed and entertain perhaps. Maybe listen to confessions there or at the chapel, not sure which.
>>26516377
I welcome new party members, but I think we're full up. Perhaps for team beta.

File: 1376014446851.jpg-(1.58 MB, 2700x1775, tailsocks_are_a_pipedream.jpg)

1.58 MB JPG

I learned today that tailsocks are forever a pipedream, which would render us generally immobile.

>>26516505
Are you guys leaning towards a general direction? Want to go straight to one place or the other? Try to stop Lea from getting her hands on a ukelele?

>>26516613
It would be rude to stop her,

I'm with >>26516402
for what we should do

>>26516613
Nah, I'm fine with the ukelele, if she can find one. How bad could it be?

And I'm for going to the mess tent. But there's not many of us in thread at the moment, which worries me, but everything worries me.

>>26516646
>How bad could it be
You just had to say it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdR6MN2jKYs

>>26516613
>>26516342
Let's go to the chapel so we can take confessions first. Lea can entertain their hearts while we console their spirits.

>>26516646
>How bad could it-
She could be so very, VERY bad at the Ukelele that it AWAKENS THE DRAGON OF DARKNESS.

>>26516505
It's basically a bag with eyeholes.

>>26516213
TO THE MESS! That floorchicken won't tide us over forever.

>>26516707
>floorchicken
I vote we eat it as one would eat an apple, satisfying crunch and all.
>>26516672
Do we have to be in the chapel to take confessions? I'm unsure of the level of improvisation we are allowed.

>>26516402
>>26516639

You go to the mess tent. It's pretty similar to the ones that are back on the front lines for the UFK. Rows of cheap tables, a makeshift kitchen that mostly consists of two fires, one for the spit and one for the pot. Soldiers, working for the luxury of a second helping, plopping a slice of bread, a chunk of meat, and a ladle full of...edible semi-liquid matter into a bowl. And the sounds of lots of people eating.

Everyone looks up at you as you and the other two enter the tent. The sounds stop and there's an uncomfortable, and very anticipatory pause.

You glance around the room. Nearly all of the WDTF seem amazed that you're here, most are awed, more than a few are giddily excited, and the rest, a minority, look appalled or upset at your presence/existence.

Tricia and Lea look at you. The moment is yours to do with as you wish.

>>26516768
Do we see Denise?

We should just slither over and sit by her like it ain't no thang. Maybe ask if Lea would play a song or twnty.

>>26516768
Shit, I didn't expect them to stop eating for us. Forgot white tree folk don't ever see us type much.

"Oh be at ease, no need to stop on our account. I'm just visiting a bit while I'm here. Hearing stories from the soldiers and all that."

Hopefully the mood goes back to normal then

"Attentive crowd tonight, Lea. Play what you like, I'm going to go see if I can spy any familiar faces, maybe take a confession or two. Maybe find that guardsman and play some mud pluckin'."

>>26516847
Yeah, this is best. The only thing I could think of doing would make a fool of us. Though we should probably have a general acknowledgement of everyone in the room.

>>26516768
>>26516875
Also sorry for the slow response, but apparently you can inflict performance anxiety even by placing people in front of crowds that don't actually exist.

>>26516768
Wave, then go find our trooper.

>>26516768
"HI DENISE!"

Then sit next to her and watch her die of embarrassment.

>>26516768
Slither up to the counter, request a little bit of everything, find Denise, and casually... well, do whatever passes for a lamia sitting.

>>26516915
>you now realize Ssen would be the most embarrassing mother in the world

>>26516932
we move the chair out of the way and coil.

In the case of benches, well, we're right fucked and sort of awkwardly coil behind it and drape our upper body over the actual bench, tripping anyone who tries to get by.

>>26516847
What they said. Probably the best idea right now.

>>26516947
Aren't we like fifteen feet long? I'm surprised people don't step on us more often.

>>26516932
Let's not ask for any food. Don't want to seem greedy, we've already eaten.

>>26516974
It happens sometimes. Back at citadel is the only one I can remember that was kind of important.
We used to spook horses, too, back before we got lightmare who spooks horses long before we get the chance.
We've also NEVER seen a domestic dog or cat. I suspect they flee from us.

>>26517007
Seems fair. I mean, snakes are known for eating small mammals, even if we never would.

>>26517007
>>26517048
I wonder if Ssen would enjoy eating small to medium sized mammals or does that compulsive hunger only apply to birds?

>>26517048
yeah, seems fair, it's just a little fan theory I have.
>>26517091
of course she would, pigs and sheep and wolves and all that are delicious. We just don't eat them whole and boneless and alive because that made us feel so guilty we threw up.

>>26516999
And we're also "750" pounds of almost pure snake-muscles. We need a lot of food.

Plus, seeing us eating the same food they do builds rapport.

>>26517129
I wish mage was here. If he was here, we could get him to eat that slop for us, and tricia could have the bread.

>>26517181
What are you talking about? You eating the same crap as the men shows them you aren't some arrogant SOB who will send them to die without cause.

Eat with them, sing with them, joke with them, learn their names. Then, before battle, hear their confessions and bring them absolution.
That's how chaplains work.

>>26517238
no, I don't mind eating with them, but I mean we don't really eat bread or... what I assume is vegetable slop. Hopefully we'll be able to eat it and not just waste it.

What's worse than not eating with the troops is wasting the troops food.

You give everyone a soft wave. "At ease." You say, and then head over to the 'kitchen.'

"We...umm...we don't serve live food." The boy at the meat spit says. She looks very nervous.

The 'soup' kid just glares at you.

>>26517297
"Wonderful, I don't eat it. May I try some of what you've got there, though?"

I wonder who's been telling folk we need live food. I mean, that's just... ecologically unviable.

>>26517297
"Oh, that's good. Is it too much to ask for it to be cooked as well as dead?"

>>26517297
I've heard that a alot lately, just who do you suppose is spreading those rumors.

>>26517297
"Good, live food is so unsanitary. Tell me, has there been enough for everyone as of late?"

Because, you know, we've not been told how much famine they still have. The leaders are being all "haha nothing is wrong" on us.

>>26517297
"Good, it'd be a health and safety violation. If you don't mind, though, I'd like some soup."

>>26517297
"I don't eat live food, for the most part.

Where did that rumour even start?"

>>26517297
*stare into his eyes, then blink with our second set of eyelids*

>>26517338
>"Good, it'd be a health and safety violation. If you don't mind, though, I'd like some soup."

go with this. it has the right tone

>>26517476
you missed your quote.

>>26517473
Yeah. And cry tears of black venom while you're at it.

Are you stupid?

>>26517297
Tilt head and smile

"I really don't know where people keep getting the idea that I only eat living things. I eat much the same as you do, for the most part. Less vegetables, I guess, but everyone has their preferences."

>>26517517
yes

I don't eat anyone alive. Except Tricia, but she's special.

Not a serious response

"Good, it'd be a health and safety violation." You say with a smile.

The boy cuts you off a piece of meat, and gives it to you on top of a thick slice of bread that you really truly hope doesn't have soldier's standard sawdust in it. Smells good though.

"Tell me, has there been enough for everyone as of late?" You ask.

"We are satisfied with what we have and the rest of ourselves are filled with His Love." He says.

"His Light and His Love fills many things and sates many desires," Lea says. "But I've rarely seen it fill a stomach."

"All things are possible with faith." The kid says and motions for you three to move along.

"I really don't know where people keep getting the idea that I only eat living things. I eat much the same as you do, for the most part. Less vegetables, I guess, but everyone has their preferences." You say.

The soup kid doesn't say anything in response. He hands you a bowl, and then when he ladles in some of the soup/stew/both/etc he 'accidentally' pours about half of it over your fingers and onto the ground.

"Oops." He says, with a smile. "Sorry. Next." He motions for you to move on.

>>26517521
I dunno, we DO sort of have a different dietary requirement group. Don't want anyone offering us any apples.

>>26517710
"Such a waste. Pity. His Light be with you. " Move along.

>>26517710
"Shame to waste good soup."

just chuckle and move on. some dumb kid splashing us with soup is kinda adorable compared to stuff like the sad things, or comedy raising family members from the dead

>>26517710
I have to wonder when the petty racism is going to turn to adoration and if that will happen before we go senile

>>26517710
Withhold the comical burned finger faces, that's just what he wants.
Instead, try to rebound and be polite as best you can. Nod and move on.
I wonder which specific reason this guy has for not liking us. The racism, the first wood evacuation and snake trail, the fact he saw a whole chicken in our pouch...

>>26517777
>implying we aren't senile already
Anyway, the racism is probably going to stick a long while. Depending on other lamias.
I wonder how the dragon/leviathan thing plays out for civilian non-paladin ones.
>>26517772
My biggest concern is maybe that hurt since the soup was hot, but yeah, just move on.

>>26517817
Senile is different from being crazy

>>26517710
"Be thankful for all you have, including my tolerance. And quit wasting food."

>>26517710
"You know I grew up with someone like you. Thanks for making me feel at home."

>>26517789
This.

Do the typical RPG "Is there any way I can help you guys get more supplies? Put you in contact with food merchants? Perhaps the mer could get you some good fish."

>>26517933
You know, I miss river's cross. We've not been there in a while.

I've been thinking we could stick Soma into father's grave and that would contain it.

>>26517957
I'm not sure that would work...

>>26517963
worst case scenario it just comes back.

>>26517948
>Typical RPG
>This quest.
Are you drunk?

>>26517979
AND THE SWORD CAME BACK THE VERY NEXT DAY

>>26518000
>stock lines
>this quest

Yeah, we can do it. The worst that can happen is they say no.

You give him a little smirk and raised eyebrow. Seriously? Back home when you were growing up you had rocks thrown at you, most commonly from the woman standing next to you who's sending biting fleas up the kid's pants leg. This kid is nothing, and WAY out of his league. "Such a waste. Pity. His Light be with you, and be thankful for His...and my...tolerance."

"Personally I think he deserved a harsher tongue lashing," Lea says. "But we are guests. I'll go play a little music." She heads off to a lone chair, sets her food beneath it, and starts tuning up a lute that she picked up. NOT one of those small ones, thank His Mercy. Soon there's a pleasant wordless tune humming through the air.

You look around for Denise, ah there she is. You slither over to her, along with the other two.

"Hello Denise!" Tricia says.

"Oh!" Denise starts when she sees you and Tricia standing there. "Umm, uhhh, greetings, your ladyships...Lady Paladin. How...umm...how do you know my name?" She's looking towards another girl that's sitting next to her.

You notice that this girl is the prettiest of the group, has nicer clothes, and has second helpings.

"D?" The girl asks. "You...know these Free-kers?"

"Umm, I uhh...they may be mistaking me for someone else." She says looking at the girl. She shoots the two of you a desperate 'Please GO. NOW.' look.'

"Hmm, D, K?" The girl says.

"Yes, Valerie?" She and the girl sitting on Valerie's other side say.

"I don't like this song, tell the minstrel to go play 'The Silk Merchant's Dance.' Please?"

"I'll do it!" 'K' says and jumps up and goes to talk to Lea.

Denise gives you a little shake of her head, she's begging you to move on.

>>26518027
And the toughest moral choice yet. They were calling her D? and there's two other girls? One who is "K"?
Valerie isn't Denise I'm going to assume, so the three are D, K, and V, D being the one we know.
And Valerie is the one who called us Free-kers I think.
Anyway, I vote we move in with a
"Oh, you ALL know us now. I was hoping to have a bit of a chat about how the troops on the ground are doing. Hear stories about all that ettin business, whether there's enough food, ongoing problems, that sort of thing."

>>26518027
poor girl, she probably has to put up with a bunch of drama ontop of fighting for her life. lets not make it any harder for her and move on.

>>26518027
"Heh, 'Free-kers,' I like it! You make that one up? I need to get you an audience with Isen -- the best nickname he ever managed was 'Sexy Scales,' and that one's kind of obvious."
>fighting racism and social stratification with bad jokes

>>26518027
I wonder if K is going to get punched...

Should we call Valerie out on her "free-ker" comment?
>>26518173
I kinda want to be a bit more confrontational

>>26518157
I second this

>>26518027
Stare straight at this "Valerie" bitch.
"I don't expect you to like me, but I *am* a Paladin, soldier. Your extra rations and nicer clothes don't change the fact that I have *earned* a measure of professional respect out of you."

>>26518258
Also known as calling her out for deliberate insubordination.

>>26518258
add a tongue flick of annoyance for good measure?

>>26518027
I wonder if the silk merchant's dance is any good.
>>26518258
>>26518285
I'm not sure I want to go that harsh, mostly because I am feeling lenient towards these damn idiot kids. They shouldn't really even BE in the military.

>>26518335
No tongue flick, I think. It may distract from the fact that we are, perhaps for the first time, pulling rank on her. The entire point is to reinforce the fact that we ARE a Paladin, with the spiritual and military authority to go with the title.

It establishes that we can be kind and understanding, as confessions are part of a Paladin's duties, but that we will not take shit off anyone.

>>26518258
She's a high school kid. She's fighting on the front line. But she's also a bull, and bullies are small time.

Just tell the girls around her stories of our adventures in the name of the Light and watch her ego get knocked down a peg.

>>26518358
Nevertheless they ARE soldiers now, and attitudes like this among the ranks will make it difficult to rely on them in combat.

We can be decent to them, but there is a line to be crossed and I'm pretty sure Valerie either crossed it or is going to soon.

>>26518358
I agree. They are just kids. Maybe go for the 'embarrass them/call them out on bullying' rather than give them an actual reason to not like us.

Besides, Lea should take care of teaching at least ONE of them a lesson...

>>26518027
I vote move on. No reason to get Denise in trouble and make her dislike us.

I sense that Denise might want to get out of that particular unit. Obvious peer pressure.

>>26518436
we could very well move on. I don't know where to, though, we'd just have to pick some soldiers at random to do our little interviews.

>>26518429
The fact that they're kids is all the more reason not to let things slide at all.

>>26518429
>>26518422
wwwelp, there's two differing schools of thought.

I'm still of the mind we simply force them all to know us by introducing ourselves. Suckers, now you know us free-kers too!

>>26518545
But think of how that will affect Denise right now. We'll meet these guys again, I'm sure.

>>26518554
well, it's really not a big deal, so let's work out an alternate route for if we leave denise be for echo to work on so he can pick his favorite.

We'd go talk to another trooper elsewhere, right?

>>26518545
We must channel the Walken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yHYAG01aaY

>>26518508
To just be more clear about the scenario if you'd like to think about what you want to say. Valerie is basically a Queen Bee, and you know how those girls always have two or three lackeys/followers behind them that get them drinks and stuff? That's who Denise is. She's the girl to the back and left of the person you hate.

And I'd imagine that insulting or confronting the Queen Bee means that the person "responsible" for bringing Ssen to the table will get punished.

>>26518650
Well, I'm of the mind that we either move on, or move in semi-friendly like, with something similar to
"Why Valerie, I hope to know as many people as I can while I'm here. It's good to be familiar with the people who you'll be fighting with. I'd like to talk to some of the troops, you included, about what they do and what they've seen, if you've the time."

>>26518722
Gonna second this in light of what is going on

>>26518650
I'd suggest stepping it back a little if we want to put her in her place.

"Free-ker, hm? My Paladin-senses are tingling, so I feel like that's probably meant as an insult."

"Who are you, anyway?"

>>26518722
Thirding. Good to stay neutral. Let Lea handle the disciplining, if it comes to that.
Or a mix of this >>26518743

>>26518674
Alright, concede the point.

Tell her that we mistook her for somebody else, and then call Valerie out on her bullshit anyway.

Maybe wink as we leave.

"Why Valerie, I hope to know as many people as I can while I'm here. It's good to be familiar with the people who you'll be fighting with. I'd like to talk to some of the troops, you included, about what they do and what they've seen, if you've the time." You say as you sit down across from Valerie. "Also, Free-ker? I like that!"

Valerie narrows her eyes at you, and then GLARES at Denise. "I have drills. You stay and entertain your 'guests,' Denise, since you're so close friends. We'll talk about this after vespers." She says, with venom in every word. "Lady Paladin." She gets up and leaves.

Denise looks at you, with near tears in her eyes and completely hurt. "Why did you do that? What did I ever do to you?" She asks.

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I TOLD YOU BRO

>>26518791

"I have no idea. Have we met?" and then follow Valerie.

Walking away from a paladin is bad tact. Walking away from Lady Ssen is outright impossible.

Also, and I'm just asking to avoid doing a major archive binge, which thread had the flashback with the bag?

>>26518870
I thought we met Denise last thread...

>>26518870
>implying this will work

Just apologize, pick up your spaghetti, and walk away.
/tg/ confirmed for being "that kid" in high school.

>>26518895
>>26518892
>>26518870
>Trying to be high schoolers when they are soldiers.
Do I need to rig up a drill sergeant smoking?

>>26518791
We must do the Paladin thing and comfort her!

"Hey, now... It's alright. Believe me when I know people like her. That type of person is so obsessed in their own little world. They see you as nothing more than tokens, your presence proving their sense of superiority right. Tell me, has she done anything kind for you? Has she been as reliable to you as you are to her?"

Something like this. Maybe reworded to comfort her.

>>26518791
I'm sorry Denise. But I grew up surrounded by bullies, as you can probably imagine, and nowadays I can spot one from a mile off. And have little patience with them.

Tell me, is there anything she does on her own, or is she used to having others do it for her? Or am I jumping to conclusions.

Dammit Tricia you could have backed us up there...

>>26518791
damn, the plan friendly failed. Now I feel dumb.

"Sorry, I thought maybe we all could talk and make friendly. Get some advice from the soldiers on the situation. The irony here isn't lost on me. Go on to your friends, if that's what is proper around here, maybe you can still right things some."

Hopefully this will aaaaall blow over when we go and introduce ourselves to some other random recruits.

>>26518911
They're acting their age. Is it sensible? No. Is it unprofessional? Yes. Can we do much about it due to the clique culture being self-enforcing? No.

Trying to forcibly tear Denise away from her "friends" will not work. We should have walked away. We still have a chance to but if we keep talking to Denise it will dig us deeper.

Running after the Queen Bitch and chewing her out is an option, I suppose. Pull rank and tell her that she just volunteered for a dangerous assignment with us.

>>26518963
No. What we do is follow queen bitch to her drills. Then take over the drills. Queue smoking when complaints occur. Channel our inner Toll

>>26518791
"Like I said, I wanted to get to know the troops. That one in particular is going to get people killed if she can't get her self-righteous bullshit in order. And if she doesn't do it herself, I'll step in."

"So, you still want me to hear your confession? It seems you've got more issues than food on your plate."

We're going to need liaisons between the Arma Nitor and White Tree if this bait plan is going to happen. It's good to at least know who's not going to be a racist. The whole plan may very well depend on recommending candidates with actual leadership skills.

Valerie pretty incompetent as a troop leader if she's not going to be professional. We'd be well within our rights to remark aloud on that.

this trip to entertain the troops is failing miserably.
We're not good entertainers.

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>>26518990
Oh, that is a better idea. Say "I want to see what the holy warriors from White Tree can do. Hey, you. I remember you from last night. You said that you could personally run circles around any 'Free-ker.' Why not put those words to the test."

>you're lying

"I understand if you're bashful, but I'm sure your abilities will measure up to your mouth."

>>26518791

"I am sorry about that. Paladins are not known for their tact."

>>26518870

Wasn't it in the mid-40's?

>>26519012
Evidently fa/tg/uys are better at godkilling than basic social interaction

>>26518912
"Hey, now... It's alright. Believe me when I know people like her. I'm sorry Denise. But I grew up surrounded by bullies, as you can probably imagine, and nowadays I can spot one from a mile off. And have little patience with them.

"That type of person is so obsessed in their own little world. They see you as nothing more than tokens, your presence proving their sense of superiority right. Tell me, has she done anything kind for you? Has she been as reliable to you as you are to her?"

Denise rolls her eyes. "You just...it's different, okay? I mean, it's different."

"Do you fight in the same squad?" Tricia asks.

"No...but Valerie's father is the quartermaster. We've grown up on the same street, and...and I've always ended up okay as long as I've been okay with Valerie." She says. "So, I get what you're trying to say, but I've got to look out for myself. If that means I have to do what Valerie says now and again, then so be it. It gets me a pack that's been through repairs recently and charges properly. People who's packs work, live. It's that simple." She shrugs. "Anyway, Valerie's not THAT bad of a person."

You sigh. "Tricia, you could have backed us up there?"

Tricia just winks at you. Oh dear...you think she did something very...un-paladin like, and is just waiting for the explosion.

"Look, is there something you WANT from me?" Denise asks. "Don't you have better things to do than pick on a girl half your age?"

Ooof, that hurt your pride. You're not THAT old.

>>26518990
I like it.

"YOU DO NOT EVER TALK WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU, SCRUB!"

"WHEN I GIVE YOU AN ORDER YOU FOLLOW THAT ORDER OR I REACH DOWN YOUR LIGHT-DAMNED THROAT AND PULL YOU INSIDE OUR BY YOUR CORNHOLE!"

"THAT WAS PATHETIC, SCRUB... DO IT AGAIN! TWENTY TIMES! I'LL BE COUNTING, PANSY!"

"WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION, SCRUB!?"

"HISSSSSSSS!!!"

"I WILL NOT TAKE YOU TO WAR IN YOUR PRESENT CONDITION YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"

>>26519042
Actually, yes. You seemed like you wanted to have Confession. I'm here to take you up on that offer.

And also, to give you some other connections. You ever need anything, you come to me. Or any paladin, and tell them you know me. I promise you, it'll open doors.

>>26519042

Important question! How old are we? We're around 20 feet long at this point, right?

>>26519042
not sure if subtext indicates infatuation or not, guess it's time for asking her about the confession deal and hope it comes up.

>>26519042
"I really did just want to talk about some common soldiers about how they're doing. You lose sight of people if you don't talk to them. Maybe offer confessions again, since it seemed like you had a heavy heart.
I apologize for making it even heavier, apparently I know even less about how you soldiers are doing than I thought. I'll leave now, if that's what would make things smoothest for you. Go to your friends, or whatever you would do."

>>26519129
we were 18 when we started, which means we're like 19 now. Maybe 20, depending on when in the year our birthday is.

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>>26519042
>Echo used what I wrote
>First time it's happened
>MFW

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>>26519094
"SHOW ME YOUR WAR FACE, PRIVATE"
"YOU CALL THAT A LIGHT DAMN WARFACE, I'LL GIVE YOU A WARFACE"

>bear fangs and cry tears of black venom

>>26519129
Oh, I think 17 or 18, maybe.

>>26519042
"Tricia, please undo whatever you did, no need to make this even worse."

>>26519142
>not sure if subtext indicates infatuation or not

Please. What kind of girl is so pitiful that she develops feelings of gay love with her friend/bully?

>>26519094
>>26519170
while fun, I am not entirely certain this is the best move.

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>>26519199
We could have Lea be the Drill Insructor.

>>26519225
Eh, I'm more thinking it's because Toll is our drill sergeant type, and she's not here right now.

Also I don't even know the style of training they have going on here, shouting at 'em might just be out of place. Unsure. No idea how historical training with tesla packs was.

>>26519042
"I've seen drills, but I have no idea what you or anyone else here is made of. You know as well as I do that killing isn't as easy as swinging a sword. Plus... I've caught "friendly fire" before just for being what I am."

"I'd also like to offer to hear any confessions you might have. You seem like a good person, and war has a way of making good people lose their way."

>>26519094
why "scrub"

That's not a military term

>>26519199
It's not a serious suggestion.

>>26519296
good okay

I'm beginning to feel the need for us to invest in a hip flask

We should tell her that if she ever needs anything, she can come to us. She won't have to rely on Valerie for her connections. If she's honestly friends with her, all the better.

>>26519272
Because they're not boots, recruits, or plebs. They're novices with fancy equipment.

>>26519310
There is a little more to their relationship methinks

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>>26519225
Definitely this.

We will be the officer who is savage on the battlefield, friendly during downtime, and professional during training and other military procedures.

Drill sergeant mode will be delegated to Lea, the arena fighter trainer. She is practically overqualified. We tell her to find this bitch, single her out, and yell at her like holy hell if she gives lip. She's the Quartermaster's daughter and light damn us if we allow this nepotism to continue.

Best part: the quartermaster can't do shit to us because if he tried to we'd just have MeriPeri steal it.

>>26519272
Military takes slang from everywhere. Especially movies and cartoons. I mean they use the phrase "Mickey Mouse operation" for god's sake.

>>26519170
The Maori version involves crossed eyes and sticking one's tongue out.

Just imagine that for a minute.

>>26519225
I don't think we should have a sadomasochist be the drill instructor...

So was anyone going to point out the autistic savant White Tree has got designing their weapons?

>>26519364
point out what?

It's interesting, but we've not got much to act on it about right now. We'll suggest contact with the inventor's guild later.

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>>26519344
Excellent....
I feel like a servant of Tzeentch.
Seconding.

>>26519364
Nope. Although if they do turn on us we do have our primary target. I don't think Billings would, he's addicted to worship but he's good at heart. HIS on the other hand would stab us in the back for half a croissant. Topped off by the fact that both their followers are bastards.

>>26519344
>>26519384
I thought those were joke inputs.

Also, this mission to entertain the troops is failing horribly.

>>26519364
Not the right time, I think.

>>26519391
It really is, but these plans are for tomorrow.

I say we try to salvage the night with some good old fashion religious songs.
And try to make "Ssen's Seven Birds" some sort of drinking song. Or make up a drinking song from scratch while we're waiting for Echo.

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>>26519344

I agree, but we need to roll the quartermaster into it first.

It shouldn't be hard. If he's even remotely sensible he'll understand an ARMY is not a HIGH SCHOOL and therefore no place to build cliques and social barriers.

>pic related: what happens when soldiers on the same side don't help each other.

>>26519405
we could always have Lea finally sing that naughty naga song. Though this isn't really a drinking establishment, not much booze for soldiers I don't think.

Let's salvage the night with some songs and a visit to the chapel and try not to fuck things up again.

>>26519407
That picture gives me a minor freakout every time.

It's not fun getting stuck in barbed wire. It's a memory that sticks with you.

>>26519405
What does High Phoenician sound like to outsiders?

>>26519391
I don't care if it was a joke, I want to see it happen. Or something like it, at least.
I'm going to bed, I hope to wake up to see that bitch Valerie get owned.

>>26519443
Eh, I'd rather we didn't. This isn't eeevil enough to really get our nose stuck into it.

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>>26519423
If you want to find the old battalion,
I know where they are, I know where they are, I know where they are
If you want to find the old battalion, I know where they are,
They're hanging on the old barbed wire,
I've seen 'em, I've seen 'em, hanging on the old barbed wire.
I've seen 'em, I've seen 'em, hanging on the old barbed wire

>>26519129
>How old are we?
Mid/early 20s

>>26519042
"I'm just tired of seeing people I like get murdered, kidnapped, damned, brainwashed, crippled, and blown up."

>>26519042
"I really don't mean to pick on you, I had hoped to be friendly."

An auxillary comment that can be ammended to other comments!

>>26519493
Not to mention poisoned, backstabbed, arrowed, bullied, oppressed, or enslaved.

"I'm just tired of seeing people I like get murdered, kidnapped, damned, brainwashed, crippled, and blown up. I've seen your drills, but I have no idea what you or anyone else here is made of. You know as well as I do that killing isn't as easy as swinging a sword. Plus... I've caught "friendly fire" before just for being what I am.

"I really did just want to talk about some common soldiers about how they're doing. You lose sight of people if you don't talk to them. Maybe offer confessions again, since it seemed like you had a heavy heart.

I apologize for making it even heavier, apparently I know even less about how you soldiers are doing than I thought. I'll leave now, if that's what would make things smoothest for you. Go to your friends, or whatever you would do."

Denise just sits there. She fidgets a little and keeps trying to meet your gaze but can't hold it for too long.

"Oh," You turn to Tricia. "Call it off, now."

Tricia rolls her eyes. "Fine." She says. She pecks you on the cheek. "Be right back."

Denise blinks a little and then looks at you. "Umm...can we...can we go somewhere private for a confession?" She asks.

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>>26519428
I've thought of this and here's how we do it:

The lyrics are in Citadel tongue (or whatever language we speak) while the chorus is in PE tongue, which to the outside observer just makes the chorus a nonsense song or whistling song, however the PE sound like.

The main song will be about bemoaning one soldier problem per stanza "until I heard the Bird bastards sing"... (lines from Ssen's Seven Birds) which is a reference to the PE soldiers losing a war of attrition.
We introduce this song by saying it is based off of an experience we had when we rescued Mumei. The lyrics will be about this, saying we had to stand in the snow, crawl through mud, drag our cart back home, etc. Just shit soldiers have to put up with, most of it more tedious and exhausting than dangerous. But hearing the PE sing sadly would cheer us up, because they knew we were coming to kill em.

>>26519042
Yes I do, and I didn't come over here to pick on you. As I said I am interested to hear what you have seen of the enemy troops and also to find out what the actual conditions are in White Tree.
Also if any here wish it, I can hear your confessions.

>>26519542
"Of course"

>>26519542
"Absolutely, do you know any good places? We could also look for an empty spot in the chapel, depending on what kind of crowd it's got."

We COULD offer the wagon, but I'm afraid that'd get her in more hot water with friends.

>>26519542
"I've heard that when I offer a true confession, nobody around seems to be able to hear it. But if it makes you more comfortable, I suppose we could find a place."

"I'd like to coordinate with my partners here, though. They can help ensure we aren't interrupted. Plus, I've learned not to leave anyone on their own for long."

>>26519542
"Of course. Got anywhere in mind?"

>>26519549

While we're songwriting, I find myself wodnering if that song from the Bioshock Infinite trailers would sound good if you replaced 'america' with 'Citadel'. Whipped this up in 20 seconds:

Stand tall for the beast of the Citadel
lay it down like a naked dead body
keep pullin' for the people workin' overtime
they can't stay livin' off the government's dime

stand tall for the beast of the Citadel
work hard for the man next door
we all live in the land of the Citadel
we ain't goin' down like this

come on now

>>26519542
"If that's what you'd like, absolutely."

>>26519549
<Little birdies, Little birdies>
<Where are you? Where are you?>
<Hiding from the Serpent, Frightened of the Serpent>
<I smell you, I smell you>

"Of course, do you know any good places? We could also look for an empty spot in the chapel, depending on what kind of crowd it's got."

"We...umm...there's a workshop I know is empty."

"Great. I'd like to coordinate with my partners here, though. They can help ensure we aren't interrupted. Plus, I've learned not to leave anyone on their own for long." You say.

"Okay." Denise says.

It takes a little bit, to check in with Tricia and Lea, but they agree to keep watch. After a few moments, you and Denise are alone in what looks like a tent that's dominated by an open lighting-pack and a lot of tools. You have absolutely NO idea what ANY of this stuff does or is for, but Denise says not to touch anything. You wish Mari was here, but...that's not the reason why you're here.

Denise is.

"Umm...I...I had a better idea of what I wanted to say earlier." She says. "Now...I don't know...maybethiswasabadideawecandothislaterokayletsgosorry!" She makes for the tent opening.

>>26519542
Tricia, I appreciate the pranking, but we can't go eating people with bugs willy nilly

Just like how we don't neurotoxin people who annoy us on purpose. Only once did it happen.

Rolled 1, 4, 3 = 8

>>26519625
Simple, I suppose, but I never did like the tune of Frère Jacques.

>>26519644
"Calm down girl, take as much time as you need. Compose yourself. The purpose of this isn't only to get your soul in order, but to get your mind straight as well."

>>26519644
stop her

>>26519644
"Funny thing about your heart is you can't run from it, Denise."

"Please stay. You can speak when you're ready."

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>>26519644
Oh HELL NO, she worked up the courage to give a confession, she's GIVING that muthafuckin' confession.

>>26519644

"Stop." Not loud, but forceful. "A confession isn't a thought-out speech. It's just you getting weight off your chest. Don't try to think too hard about how you're going to say something, just say what needs to be said."

I want to go home, I want to go home.
I don't want to go in the battles no more,
Where arrows and ettins they whistle and roar.
Take me over the see, where the Snake Lady can't get at me.
Oh my, I don't want to die, I want to go home.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
I don't want to fight these monsters no more,
For oh White Tree's cannons they make such a roar.
Take me back over the sea, where the Snake she can't get at me.
Oh my, I don't want to die, I want to go home.

>>26519651
I picked it because it's easy to make it creepy.

>>26519598
Eh, that's not the kind of thing to be in a military song. Listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cmSyDKMxO8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWgsdexkv18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sQozssvZ8M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScNIG8sJ6BA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQg6YZQOmak

The purpose of military songs, other than to take give diversion, is to create a culture and mindset. Common themes are: desires (i.e. girlfriend, getting the fuck out of here), dislikes (i.e. monotony of military life, the enemy), training (how not to fuck up the song), and how much fucking better they are than everyone who isn't in their unit, the enemy in particular.
These songs become apart of the institution not just because the soldiers like them, but also because the NCOs and LTs like the soldiers to sing them.

>>26519625
Way too basic.

>>26519707
10/10
Would get me through morning runs.

>>26519644
Can we quick-quick right up to her while holding/offering a chair? a "Please take a seat, just take your time." kind of deal.

>>26519729

What does 'Hell broke Luce' by Tom Waits count as?

He was just a rookie trooper and he surely shook with fright,
He checked all his equipment and made sure the bit was tight;
He had to sit and listen to those awful ettins roar,
"You ain't gonna ride no more!"

Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
He ain't gonna ride no more

>>26519729
(Tune: 'Onward Christian Soldiers')

Forward White Tree's army, marching without fear,
With our old commander, safely in the rear.
He boasts and skites from morn till night,
And thinks he's very brave,
But the men who really did the job are dead and in their grave.
Forward White Tree's army, marching without fear,
With our old commander, safely in the rear.
Amen.

(Tune: 'I wore a Tulip')

I wore a tunic, a dirty grimy tunic,
And you wore your civvy clothes,
We'd fight and die and win and loose,
While you were on the booze,
The booze that no one here knows.
You were out with the wenches,
While we were in the trenches,
Facing an angry foe,
Oh, you were a-slacking, while we were attacking
the Phoenix on the Great Main Road.

Anywho, we actually already have one song that we've been saving, not that we have to use it now.

Seven little birdies, hid in a hedge.
A serpent came down and ate one's head.
Six little birdies, flew away in fright
The serpent rose up and pulled one out of sight
Five little birdies, ran through the door
The serpent caught one and then there were four.
Four little birdies, thinking they could flee
The serpent struck again and then there were three.
Three little birdies, who didn't have a clue
The serpent's green coils left only two.
Two little birdies, too tired now to run
The serpent snapped one up, leaving only one.
One little birdie, now all alone.
The serpent's bright smile will make sure he never sees home.
Seven little birdies, who thought they could fight.
And the serpent made sure, that one by one they vanished in the night.


>>26519812
Something a soldier might have on his mp3 player?

>>26519816
>>26519823
Now we're talking!

You move your tail to block her exit. "Calm down girl, take as much time as you need. Compose yourself. The purpose of this isn't only to get your soul in order, but to get your mind straight as well."

"A confession isn't a thought-out speech. It's just you getting weight off your chest. Don't try to think too hard about how you're going to say something, just say what needs to be said."

She takes a deep breath. She also gingerly touches your tail. You let her and she takes a moment of wonder just holding her hand to it. That seems to calm her down, somehow, and she goes back to the stool she had pulled out and sits down on it.

"I killed my brother." She says. She pauses for a moment and looks around, as if she was waiting for the world to end. She seems surprised that it hasn't. "And I'm not talking like how Kylie talks about her father going off and getting killed because she was caught with a dead pack and he saved her...I pushed my brother into oncoming fire." She swallows. "And, I know it was a bad thing, and I know I shouldn't have done it, and I know I'll have to pay for it, whatever you tell me I have to do." She swallows. "But I'm not sorry and I'd do it again."

>>26519912
Why did you do it?

>>26519912
"So, why did you push your brother into fire, and why are you not sorry for it?"

>>26519912
"I see. Continue. why did you do that?"

>>26519912
What did he do?

>>26519930
>>26519936
As neutral an unaccusing as possible, of course

>>26519912

"I see. But I think there's more you want to tell me. Take as much time as you like."

>>26519912
Try this:

"Did you know it was immoral before you did it or did you believe it to be justified at the time and only came to regret it later?"

That's more priestly than "why did ya do it?"

>>26519816
The cavalry then formed a line, around him trumpets blared,
Our Hero feebly held the reigns, as still as he could dare;
The horses galloped forward and he felt his saddle slip
He ain't gonna ride no more.

Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
He ain't gonna ride no more

>>26519816
>>26519985
Echo, this needs to be a canon song in the background. Us introducing it would be weird, so just make it a traditional song.

>>26519912
"... I'm still listening."

"I see. But I think there's more you want to tell me. Take as much time as you like." You say. "Did you know it was immoral before you did it or did you believe it to be justified at the time and only came to regret it later?"

She sighs. "I didn't like him. No one did. He was rude, bad mannered, and...and...you ever meet people who complain and moan about how they 'don't like people' and 'they need alone time' and you think that they have a darkness in their mind? I mean...it's okay with people like Irene who literally can't talk, you know it's not her fault when she screams. You just have to deal with it. There's guys like poor Benny or the other people in the asylum, and you know they're miserable and they at least try to get better, or at least fake it...but...Lance never tried. He didn't care and wanted US to accommodate HIM. It's wasn't OUR fault that he had trouble with people, or had trouble with crowds, but still WE had to deal with it and when we wouldn't bend over BACKWARDS for him." She shakes her head. "He was a rotten person, and I just...I saw that I could do it and...no one was even mad."

She nods. "It's not a secret. Everyone knows I did it. I don't think my parents do, or they don't want to admit it. They're glad he's gone though. No more people coming to them complaining that he hit a guy or tried to feel up a girl."

She sighs. "I honestly never loved him."

>>26520021
eh, it doesn't have to be. I personally like keeping out-of-universe references to a minimum if possible.

>>26520026

"If no one else thinks it was wrong, why do you?"

>>26520026
"I see. Is there more?"

After this, I'm thinking of pulling a "light forgives, but it is up to you to find your way to him", and possibly telling her to tell her parents about it, as they need to know and she would be best to tell them.

>>26520062
good question, I like it.

"If no one else thinks it was wrong, why do you?" You ask.

"Because it was." She says. "Because I don't want to be the kind of person who pushes people into enemy fire without feeling SOMETHING." She wipes her face. "I've seen it happening to the others. They fight and fight, and they get this look on their face and stop...being who they were. I don't want that, and I know that this is an important part of that."

"This sounds so stupid when I say it aloud."

>>26519985
The stirrup wrapped around his leg, a hoofbeat cracked his dome,
His bridle lines were tied in knots around his skinny bones;
His cloak and garb became his shroud; he tumbled on the ground.
He ain't gonna ride no more.

Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
Gory, Gory what a hellofa way to die
He ain't gonna ride no more

>>26520120
look we know the song you don't need to transcribe the whole thing

>>26520087
>tell her parents

This is in confidence, bro. Can't tell anyone. We can only recommend that it will help in her path to redemption to come clean. We can't do that for her.

But if she won't do that, we will tell her that penance will be required and she will have to find and choose it freely.

>>26520113
"It sounds more like wisdom, to me. It's important not to lose yourself to war. Is there more?"

>>26520179
that's what I said.
"tell her to tell her parents"

>>26520142
Wow, you're a right little ray of sunshine.
>>26520113
"It's not stupid. I've seen the same look."

"You sound like you've already started grappling with this... so what do you think you should do about it? You know who you are better than I do."

>>26520113

"No. No, it really doesn't."

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>>26520113
That doesn't sound stupid at all. You want to hear stupid? I have STORIES...

But those can wait till later. I feel that you are still a good person. And a lot wiser than your youth would suggest. You can see what war for survival does to people, and are afraid of it happening to you. Killing should never be easy. Not even killing an enemy. Necessary maybe, but never easy.

And you should never feel stupid for thinking or saying something no-one else will.

>>26520113
"Being clear about your emotions and consideration of your actions, no matter how daunting the prospect of judgment may be is the opposite of stupid. It's one of the most important parts of being a responsible person.

Tell me please, do you feel, had you not been in battle, you would have done that? Can you see yourself pushing him in front of a wagon or off a bridge?"

>>26520062

Second

>>26520347
we... just asked that.
see>>26520113

>>26520206
I may not be sunshine, but I agree with you on what we should be saying.

>>26520391
It's nice to be able to agree with people on stuff.

>>26520476
>Omnomnom delicious validation!!!

"No. No, it really doesn't. It's not stupid. I've seen the same look." You say. "It sounds more like wisdom, to me. It's important not to lose yourself to war.

"Tell me please, do you feel, had you not been in battle, you would have done that? Can you see yourself pushing him in front of a wagon or off a bridge?"

"Maybe." She shrugs. "Thing is, I didn't want him to keep bothering and haunting us. If he died bravely in the war, along the walls...then...no one will ever say anything bad about him again. He can die and go away, and Mom and Dad can remember the war hero." She wipes her eyes, tears are falling, but she's not crying. She sighs. "Umm, there's other little stuff. I blamed my sister once or twice for taking the last cookie when I was the one who did it...but she did it to me as well...but I guess that doesn't matter. Huh?" She sighs. "Umm. I like Fiona's boyfriend Alexi and I want him to be with me not her...not that I'd kill HER over that. I like Fiona, I'm just jealous cause her tits came in nicer than my lopsided things. Dad says to wait but...it's hard." She shakes her head. "Do you care about these little things? Or was the big one the only thing I had to say?"

>>26520501
"They're as important as you think they are. The big one was the best to get out, no doubt."

>>26520501
Someone always cares. I'm that someone.

>>26520501
She should confess EVERYTHING. That's what confessions are for.

>>26520501
"It's not about big things or little things. It's about what you feel you need to tell me."

>>26520541
Seconding

I have to go to bed now because work in 9 hours. For the love of the light, don't blow this, guys. Make her realize that she did what she did because no one was meant for war, children least of all, and the horror of it broke her. She's got to get out. Her and all the rest of the corps. What she did was wrong but I'm willing to bet she was out of her mind at the time.

AND GIVE HER A LONG, TIGHT HUG BECAUSE SHE NEEDS TO BE A CHILD, FOR LIGHT'S SAKE

>>26520541
Nice one!.

>>26520554
I'm thinking we have her join up with us as some sort of Penal Legion thing.

>>26520501

Giggle a bit. "You seem to have an exaggerated idea of how important the Paladin is to a Confession! Whether I care or not isn't important. It's between you and the Light. What do you think is important? What do you think you really need to answer for?"

>>26520554
>>26520565
she gets a hug and us telling her that she might want to tell her parents. And then ???

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>>26520554
>SHE NEEDS TO BE A CHILD, FOR LIGHT'S SAKE

>>26520617
Yeah, once you go soldier, you don't go back.
Her only hope is redemption and learning to adjust to post-war life. Which she probably won't do if she's stuck with Queen Bitch.

>>26520571
>giggle
NO
This is serious. Shaking our head is fine.

>>26520554
Not gonna happen.

>>26520571
This.

"You're not talking to me. You are talking to the Light. Directly, right here and right now. What I think doesn't matter."

>>26520676
>>26520571
nix the giggle, otherwise a fair option and I don't downvote it.

>>26520541
Ayup.
>>26520554
Also agreed.
"It's not my place to judge you for what you did in the middle of a war that by all accounts shouldn't be yours to fight. But even knowing what you've done, I think you have a good heart. Never forget that you have both the capacity and now the duty to do good."

"A long life lived in true penance. Not an easy way to atone, but I think you can do it."

"They're as important as you think they are, it's not about big things or little things. It's about what you feel you need to tell me. Remember, you're not talking to me. You are talking to the Light. Directly, right here and right now. What I think doesn't matter." You say.

She nods. She goes on with a surreal mix of sins that combine a regular teenage girl's life of parental abuse, social cruelty, and baseless worry; while also mixing in a soldier's bucket of self-loathing, fear, obsession over her first human kill, and finally...

"Oh, umm...and I know High Father has said that the practice should stop but...the Last Night Joy Lottery has still been going on." She nods at your blank uncomprehending look. "Oh, umm...well...we have this thing...I mean...no one wants to die a virgin, but...some of the guys and some of the girls...like me...we don't really have the whole thing for courtship. So we put our names in the lottery. One bowl for girls, one for boys, we draw them and...you know." She blushes. "But we always make sure that it's only those who want to be in the lottery, some asshole tried once and...yeah, he got send to the Vanguard on the Wall...like my brother." She smiles vindictively. "Oh and we, the girls, all have silphium tea." She smirks. "It's how Vivian's father got so rich and bought his way to the Quartermaster position...but don't tell anyone I told you that."

She takes a long long deep breath and then a longer sigh. "Okay...that's it. I'm done. Now what?"

>>26520776
What is silphium tea?

>>26520823
Contraceptive.

>>26520776

Shore leave, eh? I'm more concerned with what that tea is and how it made the quartermaster rich.

Also, is it just me, or are there a LOT of young people in this army?

>>26520776
"Now the light forgives you. The hard part will be forgiving yourself, living with the consequences of what you've done, and finding your way to the light. A life well lived, full of good deeds and kindness would be a good start to that, I think. Maybe telling your parents about it, if you think it's right. I won't make the mistake of assuming to know what's best for you twice. Oh, and if you could do me a favor and live that good life for a nice long while, I'd be personally happy. Far too many deaths in this war."

>>26520838
there's a whole lot. I wonder what's with that.

>>26520838
They obviously had to lower the age of recruitment. It's a common tactic when times are desperate. The only way we can solve that problem is by taking pressure off WT.

As for the quartermaster, I say we use Lea to humiliate his daughter, which will draw his ire. And we use that to justify an investigation. No brakes on this train. We have it out for him and we have damn good reasons for doing so.

>>26520882
wait, why are we mad at him? Because he sells contraceptive?

What's so bad about that? Do you want a bunch of idiot kids having fightened we-might-die sex to then get pregnant?

>>26520776
"We all do terrible things in war. Some more terrible than others. Do you feel that any other actions are necessary for you to forgive yourself? Do those. When you forgive yourself, the Light shall forgive you.

>>26520876
No, we need to tell her that she'll have to do the appropriate penance. Admitting her sin was only the first step. Such a grievous crime cannot be forgiven in a few words; justice must be done.

She can either turn herself in or undergo a task that will cleanse her of her crime.

>>26520902
Him selling a product is not wrong. Him using the money to buy status and favors for himself and his daughter is.
If he remained a war profiteer, I wouldn't care. I bet he says he only became quartermaster to keep his daughter safe.

>>26520776
Well. While I personally side with Billings, it's your choice. And as long as it truly is a CHOICE, I'll respect the right to confession in confidence. The Light forgives you, for you have sought forgiveness.

As for now, now I find a way to end the war and give you, Vivian, and everyone else their lives back. But until then, if you ever need for anything at all, come find me.

OOC: So, how many of these kids are going to get killed in our plan? How many will get killed if the war continues?

As for taking her along, like some mentioned earlier, only if she wants to be our squire.

>>26520776
"The "Lottery" has to stop. It's morally questionable, it's risky, it'll lead to nothing but regret once the war is over, and it involves large-scale corruption of a high official in the war effort. He's literally risen to power by making money off minors having sex, against the will of the government and church here."

"I can't make you do it, and I can't violate the confessional, but as a Paladin I urge you to tell Father Billings everything you've told me. I'll even make sure there's no backlash against you, from Vivian, her father, or anyone else."

"You have the word of a Paladin of His Light on that."

>>26520926
too lenient? What's a good penance task? Don't say dawnchaser because then I'm pretty sure you're just collecting people.
Also the penalty for murder is death I think still.

In short, I'm stumped for ideas.

>>26520952
In our plan, the kids will face some of the heaviest fighting of the war we've seen yet.

Otherwise, they'll be shipped off to the front lines for protracted months of war.

Basically, do you want the kids dead now or over time?

>>26520882
Just for the record. Vivian's dad is not a bad or a crooked quartermaster. He doesn't skim off vital supplies, and he's trying to get the best equipment possible, and he's doing his job.

He just makes sure that his daughter and her close friends get the stuff he knows works and works well. The rest he does the best he can.

>>26520926
I gotta agree. Selling a contraceptive to young people having sex isn't wrong and him being the quartermaster is just something that has happened. If he uses his power to screw with the troops' gear, then we have a problem. But it sounds like he's overworked and letting his daughter choose who gets the gear that's been worked on.

>>26520838
The White Tree folks are a fan of very young soldiers. Or at least Billings is, he had similarly young soldiers following him at the Stone Hall camp. Also hoarding and corruption in the rationing process.

Our position as Paladin during confessions isn't to judge or to punish it is to by a conduit to his Light for those who wish to confess. We can advise HOW they can correct themselves. But we should never violate confession in that manner.

>>26520956
Oh, I agree. We should only imply that she should come with us by saying something like "oh, we do dangerous stuff all the time" and that dangerous shit is what would absolve her.

We should, however, that suicide missions aren't the way to go, because killing yourself would add to your sins. Penance should be difficult, but the point of it is that you come out of it stronger.

Okay guys since she DID kill a guy she should have some kind of atonement deal, right?

What should we tell her to do? I don't want to say turn yourself in, since they'd possibly kill her, I am unsure, there seems to be wiggle room for confessed killers.

>>26520971
Well, my suspicions were correct then. He is just trying to keep his daughter safe.
Well, then maybe it isn't a good idea to go yell at him too much.

>>26520968
>Basically, do you want the kids dead now or over time?
Or would you rather dramatically risk their lives now, or would you rather have them have lower risk of death...but months of being child soldiers, of being in the army, and getting forced to live and fight in the shit.

>>26520989
I agree with you that we shouldn't violate confession, but I haven't seen anyone suggest doing anything with this confession info other than telling her to act on it in way X Y or Z.

>>26520971
He still bought his position with money he made selling contraceptives to minors engaging in a practice that Billings tried to have ended.

Doesn't matter if he skims or not. He's done a "very bad thing", and he's facilitating another.

>>26520956
A life of penance is one way to do it, and although I'm not advocating it working for the Dawnchasers is so rough it may well be a spiritual get-out-of-jail-free.

How's this for penance:

She must fight for two soldiers, since she removed her brother, and must save other soldiers where able. She also must live through this, as going and dying would do no good for anyone.

>>26521030
I'd be fine with it.

>>26521019
>working for the Dawnchasers is so rough it may well be a spiritual get-out-of-jail-free.

Which is why I think that Mage actually is that Elf King reincarnated. It fits too well. Not that it really matters, though.

>>26521030
I wouldn't make the conditions that circumstantial. After all, the opportunity may never come or she'll get killed needlessly trying to fulfill it.

>>26521055
I hate to say it, but monitoring her at least through this battle would be one way to make sure.

>>26521001
They're already fucked up as it is, and things will only get worse on that front the longer it goes on. Plus, if we don't make a big move, we may lose in the long run anyway once that soul-controlling device is fully operational.

Ending it quick is the only option.

If we do decide to do it, we should stick ourselves in with the younger soldiers during the battle.

>>26521106
Exposing ourselves to the same danger. One sign of a good combat leader.

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>>26521074
So we make the stipulation that until she earns her forgiveness in battle, she's stuck with us. Perhaps temporarily, perhaps long term.

>>26521106
I agree with this. We need to figure out precisely how deep the rabbit hole goes with the quartermaster, even if he is good at his job there might be other things wrong, and a good way to do that is through his daughter.

HOWEVER, we don't want this to come back to Denise in the peer pressure thing. So tomorrow morning let's have an evaluation of various squads. We select Queen Bitch, Denise, and a few others at "random" via rigged lottery. We have them show their abilities.

If Denise and her squad aren't utter failures, we decide to embed with them on the next mission. Queen Bitch can suck eggs, we don't socialize with Denise too publicly so she doesn't become a target. If she earns her thing, she's off the hook. If she doesn't, we ask her if she wants to travel with the Dawnchasers, which is 100% chance of redemption.

Oh, and Vivian's father hasn't made money off of selling silphium to the kids now.

He's been selling it for years and years. He grows the stuff and cultivates it as well. It's technically illegal, since silphium is a poison, and it can be used for a LONG list of horrible things, but it's one of those things where there's more than a few important people who've gone to him, so people look the other way. Also, he treats the stuff with the utmost of care.

He only started giving the stuff out to the kids when he heard about the lottery. Billings has tried to stop the practice, twice, but kids are kids. So Vivian's father is just brewing the tea for the kids who needs it and doesn't ask questions. He doesn't charge either.

He's not a bad or overly greedy person. He's good at his job and aside from a little favoritism, and willing to do favors for people who can buy them with money or favors of their own. He's not a war profiteer...but he's no saint.

Or at least, that's what Lea, Tricia, and Peri can tell you about the guy when they go snooping and asking around.

>>26521162
If we decide not to do it, then yes investigating the quartermaster is worthwhile. A poorly supplied army won't last long.

But if it's the big battle, we'll have other far more important issues to worry about.

>>26521162
So...your answer to her is that she has to earn redemption in battle?

Is that what you want to tell her?

Salvation for your sins will come from fighting and/or killing?

Because that's what she's going to take from it, unless you have a good lamia speech that she can comprehend.

>>26521198
I think in a big battle, actually acting alongside a regular squad has its benefits. Greater amount of firepower, first and foremost.

>>26521222
I think there's been limited discussion of the alternatives.
Are there alternatives to earning it on the battlefield? I mean, there is the nunnery...

Oh, fuck it.

Let's just say "come with us and get shit done in the Light's name."

>>26521047
>>26521055
okay, how should I re-write it for echosuggestion? Something like this?

"The light forgives you, as always. However, you will need to work your way back to it. I suggest you fight for yourself and your brother now, as two soldiers, aiding your allies and friends as best you can. After the war, you can live a kind and just life, living as rightly and kindly as you can.
"I think, to make sure you make it through the soldiering and get to the living a righteous life, I will stick close to your people during the upcoming battle. I would suggest you try to stay close to me as well."

Howzzat? I tried.

>>26521222
Yeah I'm not gonna support that idea, I say we need a new plan

>>26521222
I'm hoping she can comprehend "Fight well, and live a good life after the war, twofold the kindness of any one worshipper"

Do you think that would work?

>>26521189
Sounds like a normal human being. Not saintly, not devilish. Just a shade of gray.
I'm unwilling to put blame on him even more now. seems like the kinds were going to have sex no matter what anyone said and this is the safest alternative for all involved.

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>>26521237
There's always Paladin training.

>>26521222
>>26521237
Salvation will come from preserving life, not simply continuing to take it. She might keep on fighting, but any forgiveness for her actions will come not from killing enemies, but from staying alive, keeping her friends alive, and holding on to who she is so that her survival actually means something.

>>26521222
well, in the interim, we can give her something like this.

"Now the light forgives you, and I think up a good path for you to take to make your way back to him. "

>>26521222
>>26521278
yeah okay, I'm into this. She's got to protect her friends now, in battle and out, so as to never repeat the tragedy of her brother.

Sound good erryone?

>>26521278
Maybe add something about helping those like her brother to better themselves?

>>26521301
>her friends
*others
my mistake, I forgot people don't generally have Ssen's definition of "friends"

>>26521287
She's still gonna take it the wrong way, that's what Echo is graciously hinting.

>>26521268
I'm down with this. As of tomorrow, you are going to be the first Post-Citadel Paladin trainee.
Solidarity with the Paladins, shows support of WT, gets us a new squaddie. Even if she sucks, we'll train her out of it.

Killing people isn't going to earn her forgiveness for killing someone. It would actually be a lot easier if you could simply kill your way to forgiveness, but it would also be completely meaningless.

>>26521311
>>26521268
>>26521222
so... paladin training?
Regardless of whether she's a paladin or not?
I can't tell if it's the best thing to do or if we're people collecting.

Please wait while lamiabrain computes moral problem

>>26521333
I'd prefer not to collect her, we have a big enough party as it is.

>>26521333
It's people collecting. /tg/ does it with every remotely interesting character. Here, their excuse is "muh dragon brain."

>>26521355
we really do, and she's grossly underleveled. I'm just unable to come up with a good penance for her- how do you work off murder? I can only think of a generic wishy washy "Live a good life and do as much good as you can".

>>26521267
Or we could, you know. Have the practice stopped through more effective policing of the young soldiers in question? Remember that guy who was running a brothel in Bronze Peak? Remember how he THOUGHT he was doing the right thing? Remember how badly that went for him?

He's a criminal, and he's made his money a disgusting way. He should pay.

>>26521251
>>26521264
Something like this. Make sure it's not just about fighting, but about knowing how to leave fighting behind when the need for it is over. About how to spread kindness and goodness not just for atonement, but because it's what you should be doing anyway. Because it's what you WANT to do.

>>26521367
>He should pay.

Bad anon. That's not Paladin thoughts.

>>26521367
actually I don't think the brothel had anything super wrong with it and it turned out to be not so bad.

it was a red herring.

>>26521333
Not so much paladin training, but a little extra guidance to get her through the battle ahead.

If she survives, and we still see some promise, we can have her join the school as a prospective member of our order, some time in the future. If not, we part ways.

>>26521355
There's that squad B thing we could do.

>>26521360
I personally want a more soldier-y perspective in our company. And possibly one who isn't 100% down with UFK.

Whatever. Let's take a vote.
Option A: we take her
Option B: she has to "save lives"
Option C: "Live a good life" (eeeearrrrrnnn iiittttt) which unfortunately is very ambiguous and may not be achievable
Option D: other, I probably missed something
Option E: KILL THE PE! LIGHT WILLS IT

>>26521383
Actually, yes. Ensuring that people who do bad things are adequately punished for them is what Paladins do. It doesn't always have to end in beheadings, but we are an integral part of the legal establishment.

>>26521397
And by "ambiguous" I mean you should probably tell her to go build an orphanage or something.

>>26521412
Or if she should bear a child from the lottery then keep it

>>26521428
How is that a good idea

We don't TAKE her, we OFFER her training as a squire.

If she refuses, then we find other ways to seek penance.

>>26521428
I believe the tea is to prevent that...

>>26521428
I thought of that and it sounds terrible. Rapey. I'd prefer her name her firstborn son after her brother when she has one on her own.

>>26521428
It'd be easier just to stop the whole retarded thing now.

After all, the war's either going to be over and they'll all feel like idiots in a week or two, living with regret for decades to come, or we all die and there's no problem.

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>>26521428

Why do we suck so hard at confessions?

The gears have ground completely to a stop, marvelous. For the sake of quickness, I will engage in vile, vile democracy.
>>26521397
mix of B and C is what I've advocated, but it's the trickiest path.