Your eyelids flicker. For a second, the darkness was gone. You focus on that sensation, and open your eyes again. Information slowly trickles into your mind, recalling where you last were: specifically, on the floor, rapidly bleeding out at the feet of Klaus Hind. But you were saved, it seems, and you aren't dead yet.

You are somewhere warm. The crackling of some hearth is in earshot, but you cannot see it. The room you're in is quite nice; well, the ceiling is quite nice. You haven't been able to move your head yet, and you stare at the orange-brown pattern that runs across it. You think you're in a bed; your head is against something soft, and heavy weights that are probably blankets are on top of you.

>1. Call to see if anyone is there.
>2. Sit up and look around. (1d100-2)
>3. Praise God you've survived.
>4. Do something else.

>>29348216
>1. Call to see if anyone is there.

Take it easy, we aren't in good shape.

>>29348216
>3. Pray to God thanking him that you've survived.

>>29348266
"Hello?" you say. "Is anyone here?"

There's a rustling of what might be a newspaper off in the corner as you get someone's attention. "Oh, fantastic. You're awake." Lucien Refulge stands up, stretching out his arms as he walks to your bedside. He smiles at you, though there's a slight revulsion in his expression. You must look worse than you thought. "How is my patient feeling today?"

>1. [LIE] I've felt worse.
>2. It hurts pretty badly. What shape am I in?
>3. Did you take care of me, Lucien?
>4. Where's Catarina?
>5. How is Wayne?
>6. How long have I been out?
>7. Ask something else.

>>29348579
>5. How is Wayne?

>>29348579
>6. How long have I been out?

>>29348579
>5. How is Wayne?
>6. How long have I been out?

>>29348579
>5. How is Wayne?

>>29348216
>3
God has given us good fortune to survive, we should be thankful.
>2
We should open our eyes first, look around, and then decide if we should get up though.

>>29348579

>5. How is Wayne?
>6. How long have I been out?

>>29348589
>>29348635
>>29348665
>>29348695
>>29348814
"How long have I been out?" you ask him. "What is the date?" Lucien doesn't seem too sure. He checks a pocket watch, and his eyebrows raise.

"Oh! It's about three o'lock in the morning, December 25th, 1993. Merry Christmas, by the way."

Your heart skips a beat. You've been unconscious for five days. It's hard to imagine what you might have missed in the intervening time. But before you get to any of that you must determine the state of your ally, Wayne Tepes. The last you saw of him, he'd been left for dead by the vampire.

"How is Wayne?"

Lucien strokes his broad chin, looking rather bitter. "Oh, yes. That fellow. A magus, if I'm not mistaken? God knows why Catarina insisted I save his life, but... orders are orders, and I'm not crazy enough to refuse one from her. Darndest thing, though: all of my thaumaturgical remedies failed. His body rejected them all outright. I've had to resort to other, more mundane methods..."

>1. Does that mean Wayne will be all right?
>2. What do you mean "thaumaturgical remedies"?
>3. Thank you, Lucien.
>4. Where's Catarina?
>5. Where is Wayne now?
>6. What happened after I lost consciousness?
>7. Ask something else.

>>29349036
>3. Thank you, Lucien.

>4. Where's Catarina?
Gotta get them answers.

>>29349036
>3. Thank you, Lucien.
>2. What do you mean "thaumaturgical remedies"?
>6. What happened after I lost consciousness?
>4. Where's Catarina?
Sounds creepy.

>>29349036
>1. Does that mean Wayne will be all right?
>3. Thank you, Lucien.
>4. Where's Catarina?
>5. Where is Wayne now?
>6. What happened after I lost consciousness?

All good questions to ask

>>29349107
>>29349109
>>29349188
"Does that mean Wayne will be all right?"

Lucien looks at you oddly. "I'm not sure what his life means to you, but yes. Mr. Tepes will be fine. But, my expertise is not in standard medicine; I stabilized him as best I could, then discretely placed him in a nearby hospital."

So he is not around. Perhaps you could visit him, once you're in a condition to walk. In the meantime, you choose to seek answers about what has occurred since you passed out. "What do you mean by 'thaumaturgical remedies'?"

"Oh, that!" Lucien seems genuinely excited by your inquiry. "It's a remarkable methodology, actually; I admit, I've only been dabbling, but it's a form of spiritual surgery, bypassing physical tools and directly treating the spirit to remove foreign contaminants."

You tell him it sounds very wishy-washy to you. "Perhaps that is why it is so rarely used among civilized practitioners of magic. But, combined with my... *ahem* thorough knowledge of human anatomy, it's proven quite useful in your treatment."

You suppose it makes as much sense as you can ask. Not much of this magic nonsense makes sense to you in the first place. But Lucien's language is confusing; you thought he was an Executor, and thus an enemy or rival of the mages. But the way he talks, you'd almost think he was one himself.

Still, though. He saved your life. "Thank you, Lucien."

"Think nothing of it. It's my duty to do all I can for the agents of God."

There is a brief moment of silence, letting the crackling of a warm fire bounce around the walls. "What happened after I lost consciousness?"

>>29349698
"I don't know the whole story," Lucien admits, brushing back his hair with a stroke of his hand. "I wasn't there, after all. But my understanding is that after your confrontation, Catarina brought both you and that Enforcer back here. I spent the rest of the night and well through the next morning and afternoon in surgery. I suppose you did as well, hmm. I've been nursing you since. Wayne was removed from my care the 23rd, after I could do no more for his condition. As for Catarina, she's been in and out of the church, doing... something. I think she's been making trips to the remains of Hind's lair, actually."

"Is she here now?" you ask. His eyes dart to the ceiling as he thinks about it.

"I... think so. I could go check."

>1. Ask her to come here, please.
>2. That won't be necessary.
>3. Say something else.

>>29349730
>2. That won't be necessary.
Should confront her only after we're not an ugly mess and have sorted out our own thought on what happened.

>>29349730
>2. That won't be necessary.

>>29349730
>>2. That won't be necessary.
Not exactly urgent.

>>29349730
>>2. That won't be necessary.

>>29349802
>>29349818
>>29349899
"No need," you say. It's not like you'll be going anywhere for a while. Lucien adjusts your pillows for you, trying to help you get a tad more comfortable. Once you're settled in, he asks if there's anything else you need at the moment.

>1. Nothing more, you'll be getting some rest.
>2. Nothing more, you need some time to think on what's happened.
>3. Ask Lucien for something.

>>29350102
>3. Ask Lucien for something.

Ask about the reality marble the vampire used

>>29350102
>2. Nothing more, you need some time to think on what's happened.

>>29350102
>>2. Nothing more, you need some time to think on what's happened.

>>29350102
>3 What is Reality Marble
>3 Is magic inherently evil?

>>29350336

This

>>29350141
>>29350102
>3. Ask Lucien for something.
"What is a Reality Marble? Is it something special for vampires?"

>>29350370
>>29350655
Okay so the poll results changed while I was writing the update. Gonna do some slapdash editing, hang on a mo'.

>>29350141
>>29350336
>>29350354
>>29350370
"What is a Reality Marble?" you ask Lucien. "Is it something unique to vampires?"

"What an odd question," he remarks, with an inscrutable expression. "Why would you ever ask something like that?"

"The vampire, Klaus Hind. He used some kind of magic that he called a Reality Marble."

Refulge's eyes widen. "Is that so? Remarkable, I had no idea..." He turns away from you quickly, muttering something you can't make out. His fingers are pressed against his brow, and seem to be shaking. This disturbing scene carries on for only a few seconds, when Lucien turns back around with the same pleasant look as always.

"You asked what they are, yes? Well, it would be difficult to explain the specifics to you, as you don't even seem to know the basics of magical study. In that same vein, I can't imagine you care what it means in the context of demons... so I think I'll restrict my definition to Reality Marbles used by humans, or things that were once humans."

"Like vampires?" you ask.

"Yes, like the Dead Apostles. A Reality Marble is a very rare, very special type of magic, nearly on the level of true magic: the kind that defies reality and its inherent laws, and is beyond most any mortal. They are an expression of their creator, a sort of reflection of their being, imposed onto the world surrounding them. They're very costly, and even the strongest user of one--say, a vampire--could only keep it up for a few hours. It requires enormous amounts of mana to use, and is constantly being opposed by the natural world, trying to revert back to its usual state. But so long as it remains active, the Reality Marble overwrites the rules of nature and applies a set of its own."

He glances your way. "Does that make any sense to you?"

You nod, only partially lying to him.

"But, to answer your question, no, it's not exclusive to vampires. Any human could conceivably have one, though they're extraordinarily rare, and hard to utilize."

>>29351041

"...Are they evil?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Magic. Is it evil?"

Lucien narrows his eyes, frowning a bit at the question. "There are plenty of evil things in the world, Bartolomè. Evil people. Evil places. Evil deeds. But magic is a tool. Mana is a resource that may be tapped by any capable party and turned to whatever ends they choose to apply it to. In that manner it is no different than the gas we use to fuel our cars, or the food we eat to give us nutrients. Magic is no more evil than any tool; all that matters is who is using it."

"Any other questions?" he asks, though with a tinge of strange hostility to the notion this time.

>1. Yes.
>2. No, I have no other questions.

>>29351060
>1. Yes.

>>29351101
Woops, didn't read properly.

Changing my vote to
>2. No, I have no other questions.

>>29351060

No... And thank you.

>>29351060
>1. No. You need some time to think on what's happened.

"Thank you for taking care of me these past five days, Lucien. Your care and the Lord's grace are all that has kept me alive after this trial. Bless you."


No point in offending someone who helped heal us.

>>29351124
>>29351136
>>29351154
"No more. Thank you for taking care of me these past five days, Lucien. Your care and the Lord's grace are all that has kept me alive after this trial. Bless you."

Lucien sighs and smiles with a frustrated look, unable to remain perturbed. "And you as well." With a nod, he excuses himself and walks to the door. As gently as he can manage, he slips through the door and shuts it behind him. And like that, you are alone. Without any distractions, it begins to dawn on you how badly your body aches. Everything is pulsing in discomfort, and no matter what way you shift yourself, you cannot find a way to make it stop. The resistance and tugging on your skin tell you most of your torso's been bandaged heavily. And... oh. You run a hand over your face. You hadn't noticed yet. There is a thick layer of bandages and gauze over your eye, and you cannot see from it. You've been an Executor for less than a week, and you've lost an eye. The warnings of your father ring in your mind: this is truly a dangerous line of work. Has it been worth it?

To date, you've learned nothing of what has become of your father. Only vague hints and suggestions of "potential" clues come from your fellow Executors. You begin to wonder if they're of any help at all. If they're trying to help, that is.

Klaus Hind was beyond your skill. Even with Wayne by your side, you barely survived a confrontation with him. And you were never even warned that there would be a SECOND vampire waiting. You were sent in blind to the danger, and expected to come through where even a veteran would struggle. On paper, it is a stark betrayal.

And yet, Catarina saved you. If she was sending you to your death, why did she save you in the end? And why did she have Lucien bring you and Wayne back to health? It doesn't make sense, but you have to make some sense of it or the questions will drive you crazy. What are you to make of them?

>>29351469
>1. They are on my side. Regardless of any dubiousness they saved me.
>2. They are against me. Whether they mean my death or to manipulate me to some end, their behavior is too confusing to be altruistic.
>3. Neither of these seems right, they don't fit the puzzle. My best guess at the truth is...
>4. You simply do not know, and cannot guess at the truth. You have to learn more.

Please forgive my anal-retentiveness, I keep misspelling words because of the ice encrusting my fingers, and I keep getting mad and going back and fixing them.

>>29351495

> 4

Its so easy to label people... But we can't forget that they are people. The world isn't so simply divided between "Friends" and "Foe", and they are neither.

Until we know more about them, about everything, can we really make a decision. Until god gives us insight, we will walk unknowing.

>>29351495
>3. Neither of these seems right, they don't fit the puzzle. My best guess at the truth is...

From how Lucien seemed to have been surprised about the dead apostle having a reality marble, we can assume Lucien had no idea that Klaus was that strong of an apostle.

I can only assume Catarina used us as bait in order to kill Klaus.

Since Lucien was ignorant of Klaus's abilities, I believe the reason that she did so was independent of the church's will.

>>29351495

>4. You simply do not know, and cannot guess at the truth. You have to learn more.

The question is why they sent us to a vampire lair?

Why go through alll of this instead of just go throughh training like any other executor?

>>29351495
>1. They are on my side. Regardless of any dubiousness they saved me.

Catarina and Lucien are dubious as hell, they're certainly up to some shady things and they are hiding things from us. But Lucien didn't even seem to know that Klaus had a Reality Marble. He didn't know what we went into, and patched us up afterward. Catarina is more suspicious, but I think she's honest about wanting us to succeed as an Executor.

Accomplishing their goals is probably more important to them than our life, but their goals are probably more important to them than their own lives. Don't completely trust them, but they aren't against us.

They aren't going to throw us away meaninglessly, and would prefer we live so we can keep on fighting. We can trust them at least that far.

>>29351495
>4. You simply do not know, and cannot guess at the truth. You have to learn more.

>>29351601
>>29351713
These seem good

>>29351850
>>29351748

You do not know the full story. But atleast those two are on your side.

>>29351601
>>29351713
>>29351850
It is too insidious to label them as friend or foe. You have only begun to dip into the depths of this mysterious world, and you have a long way to go before you hit bottom. Whatever Catarina and Lucien's goals are, you cannot yet guess at them. You will have time to learn, though. And learn you shall; it's the only means to make headway in these bizarre circumstances. You find yourself slipping away, suddenly. Your eyes are drooping, and sleep is calling you once again. You are not healed just yet. But in time you will be, and may continue your search then.

Darkness takes you.

>1. Rest easy, and focus on your recovery.
>2. Play Intermission.

Intermissions are brief sequences where you are put in control of another character in the Quest to see things from their perspective.

>>29352165
GodDAMN it, tripcode, stop leaving me in my time of need!

>>29352165
>2. Play Intermission.

Might be interesting.

>>29351495
>>4. You simply do not know, and cannot guess at the truth. You have to learn more.

>>29352165

>2. Play Intermission.

There no reason why not. There no benefits for not playing intermission.

Also, I think our eye is healed but our character doesn't know yet because bandages.

>>29352165
>>2. Play Intermission.

>>29352165
>2. Play Intermission.

>>29352165
>. Play Intermission.

>>29352165
>1. Rest easy, and focus on your recovery.

>>29352195
>>29352221
>>29352267
>>29352297
>>29352322
You are now Lucien Refulge. As an Executor, you've lent your expertise over the past week to your colleague, Catarina Belmont, a.k.a. the Angel of Death. She insisted that you fly out overnight to help her oversee the initiation of young priest. His name: Bartolomè de la Fuente. It wasn't hard to gather that he was Hidalgo's son. It was apparent why she wanted him to skip the usual training process. He has not disappointed you, either. Already he has killed his first vampire, and survived an encounter with an even stronger one. And he has proven resourceful by allying with the magus, rather than avoiding or killing him. You scoff at the absurdity of the whole situation. Klaus Hind, with a Reality Marble. Who could have guessed? To think a snotty little brat like him could have grown into such an exceptional individual...

But he is dead now, and that is the past. As it stands, you have packing to do. Your work here is done, and you'll be flying back to Jerusalem tomorrow afternoon. Your own studies are beckoning. But then, you SHOULD probably let Catarina know how her favorite pupil is doing...

>1. Go see Catarina.
>2. Go to your office.

>>29352472
Go to Catarina, well pack later.

>>29352472
>>1. Go see Catarina.

I don't like how he called Klaus a little brat.

Cause holy shit, the implications.

>>29352472
>1. Go see Catarina.

>>29352472
>1. Go see Catarina.

>>29352581
Didn't pick up on that anon, that's an interesting thought.

>>29352472
>1. Go see Catarina.

I wonder if Catarina knew about the Reality Marble.

>>29352556
>>29352581
>>29352604
>>29352624
You suppose you do owe her a quick visit. She should be where she always is whenever she's at the Church...

Yes, you confirm after a quick trip to her office. Asleep at her desk. It's even more tragic than usual in here. Thank goodness the woman has some kind of top secret weapon that makes her the deadliest woman in the organization, or she'd be fired in an instant. Executors have standards! You shouldn't be ankle-deep in neglected paperwork just from stepping through her door! You purse your lips, scanning about the room. There are a few new artifacts lifted from Hind's lair. A sword, a whip... a crystal ball, even. Likely gifts for her favorite little protege. You wonder if that secret weapon's hidden around here somewhere?

"Mm, wha? Lucien, is that you?"

Another time, then. Catarina is awake, loudly yawning as she leans back in her chair. "Oh, sorry I didn't see you come in. I was resting up before a--"

"Another looting trip?" you ask.

"Scavenging," she corrects, short in temper. "So, how is he then?"

"Bartolomè?" you ask. She responds with the dryest look you think you've been given in decades. Who else could she mean?

>1. He's doing just fine.
>2. [HALF-TRUTH] He's awake now. In fact, he asked after you.
>3. [LIE] I'm not sure he'll pull through.

>>29352779
>1. He's doing just fine.

>>29352779
>2. [HALF-TRUTH] He's awake now. In fact, he asked after you.

3 sounds fun but I think two is best.

>>29352779
>1. He's doing just fine.

"You don't need to worry, he's stable and recovering well. He was awake when I last saw him, but it probably won't be long before he falls asleep again, there's still considerable damage to mend."

>>29352779
>1. He's doing just fine.

Rolled 34

>>29352779
>u ask. She responds with the dryest look you think you've been given in decades. Who else could she mean?
>2. [HALF-TRUTH] He's awake now. In fact, he asked after you.

>>29352779

>2. [HALF-TRUTH] He's awake now. In fact, he asked after you.

Oh. Shenanigans.

>>29352828
>>29352899
>>29352905
"Oh, don't fret, he's doing fine," you assure her. "He's stable and recovering just fine. He was even awake for a little while."

She glances at you, eyebrows raised. Probably the closest to a smile you'll get out of this stone wall. "Mind you, Ms. Belmont, there's still considerable damage to mend. He won't be up and about for another week or two, even with my treatments."

"That's all right," she says, sinking deeper into her seat. She fuddles around her desk for a moment before retrieving a cigarette and a lighter. Smoke quickly fills her office as she takes a long draw. "I'm just relieved."

"Oh? Am I seeing a chink in the old armor right now?"

Catarina slumps forward, resting her chin on her hand as she whittles down the cigarette. "I almost got him killed. I'd rather not have him haunting my dreams, is all."

"If you insist." You snicker at her trying to disguise her tender side so poorly, and get a steely glare for it.

"Shouldn't you be packing, Klaus?"

"Ah, I should, I should. Take care, Catarina, I'll likely leave before you come in tomorrow."

You step to the door, grabbing the knob, and step out... but you turn back. "Oh, and Catarina?"

She's watching you.

"One thing..."

>1. [TAUNT] Do you still think you made the right choice?
>2. [TAUNT] When are you going to tell him?
>3. [TAUNT] Go forth with the grace of God.

>>29353400
>2. [TAUNT] When are you going to tell him?

>>29353400
>2. [TAUNT] When are you going to tell him?

>>29353400
>>2. [TAUNT] When are you going to tell him?

>>29353400

>2. [TAUNT] When are you going to tell him?

>>29353597
>>29353535
>>29353522
"When are you going to tell him?"

A cold chill falls on the room. You grin at Catarina, but she is not grinning back at you. You've struck a very deep cord with six simple words. The Angel of Death is staring at you blankly, but the sense of killing intent is overwhelming. Even you feel the need to shrink before the murderous edge to her. You chuckle quietly and let the door close behind you. She does not follow you as you make your way back to your office. It is far nicer-looking than Catarina's, because you've taken the effort to keep it organized. There is a small desk, several well-dusted bookshelves, and not much else save a suitcase full of changes of clothes.

You take a few choice bits of reading from the shelves, placing them within the suitcase, and zip it closed. A deep sigh escapes you, and with a feeling of great pleasure you lay down on the couch. You kick off your shoes and recline, looking up the ceiling. It's impossible not to smile. Everything has gone exactly as you've hoped.

Bartolomè de la Fuente has become an Executor. And you have averted his fated death with your surgical techniques. And now it is all in place. He will seek out his father, and learn of his destiny. And he shall teach the next pawn of her own.

He is on the course you chose for him, and nothing will avert it now. It may take years, or decades...

Centuries...

But it is only a matter of time and patience. One day, you will have what you most desire.

*Intermission Complete*

>>29353972
You wake once more. You are not sure how much time has passed, but it seems to have been a significant gap. At once, you feel energized and renewed in comparison to the dull pain when you last woke. Carefully, you lean forward and sit up. There is a sting in your chest from the motion, but it is not unbearable. You're pretty sure you can live with that pain. You can finally get a better look at the room you're in now.

It seems to be some kind of study with a bed shoved in as a last resort. There must have been nowhere else to put you; heaven knows where they got the bed, though. A fireplace is roaring in the corner, letting the room glow in an orange light. There are many books lining shelves on the wall, and the carpet appears soft and lush.

A small end table sits beside your bed, with a pocket-sized Bible and something else upon it. It appears to be a wrapped present, with a small tag on it.

>1. Try and get out of bed. (1d100)
>2. Open the present.

>>29353972
.....I'm scared guys.

I think we aren't dealing with regular executers.

Not after the whole Kluas brat thing and now this? The whole being a pawn and teaching another pawn? Centuries of planning....maybe instead of hundred years of planning, we dealing with thousands.

Holy shit. We kinda
Fucked

>>29354191

>2. Open the present.

>>29354191
>2. Open the present.

>>29354191
>2. Open the present.

>>29354191
>2. Open the present.

Ooh, a present.

Rolled 40

>>29354191
>2. Open the present.

>>29354283
>>29354298
>>29354332
>>29354333
>>29354440
"A present?" you murmur. Who would leave you a present? You pluck it off of the desk and take a look at the tag. There's a message written for you.

"I checked your records while you were asleep. You should be with your family now. I'm sorry. Happy birthday.

-C"

Of all the people to remember your birthday. You carefully peel back the wrapping paper and lift up the top of the box. There is a beautiful gift atop a pile of wrapping paper. You gingerly slip a few fingers around it and lift it up, letting it dangle in front of your face. It is a Rosary. A crucifix of gold rests upon a necklace of many red beads, some large but most small. You stare at it for a few moments, unsure of what to think of it, before placing it upon your lap. A smile grows on you despite yourself. You suppose you WILL need one...

But there is something else. Something is buried beneath the wrapping paper. Carefully so as not to damage it your fingers dig in and squirm past the thin material, wrapping around something nestling at the bottom. It is of a soft and pleasant material, but you cannot imagine what it could be. With great care you slip it out, to avoid sending the paper everywhere.

A sharp breath escapes you. In front of you hangs a large, black eyepatch.

"She cannot mean..."

You have to find a mirror.

>1. Get out of bed. (1d100)

>>29354668
...I don't have the energy to delete this and repost it with my trip. I'll just go smash my head on the wall or something.

Rolled 70

>>29354668
>1. Get out of bed. (1d100)
It's our birthday? Thought it was a Christmas present.

Rolled 30

>>29354668
>1. Get out of bed. (1d100)

On the bright side at least eyepatches look cool, and hopefully our Faith shall guide us in our eye's place.

Rolled 35

>>29354668
>1. Get out of bed. (1d100)

>>29354668
Wow.

It our birthday AND it Christmas?

That fucking suck ass balls.

Also, same birthday as jesus?

And shit. We really did lose our eye.

>>29355046
Or Catarina is fucking with us and our eye is just fine under the gauze. I wouldn't put that past her.

Though actually losing the eye is pretty likely.

Rolled 4

>>29354668

>1. Get out of bed. (1d100)

>>29354700
>>29354800
>>29354996
You toss the blanket off of you and swing your legs over to the side of the bed. Your chest is hurting, but you ignore it. You push yourself up. Your feet hit the ground, and...

A spike hits your chest. Your legs quiver, and you nearly buckle. You weren't ready to walk yet. You stumble forward, and only the presence of a wall stops you from hitting the floor. You press yourself against the wall and prop yourself up. Your chest is rising and falling quickly, and each exhale is a fresh dose of pain. How could it be this hard just to stand?

You force yourself to walk out the door and down the hallway. Not far from you, there is a bathroom. You drag yourself inside and with a lurch press your hands down on the sink. There is a mirror before you, and the eyepatch is in your hand.

For the first time in a week you see your own face. It is haggard, pale, and coated in sweat. You look like you haven't bathed in days. Probably because you haven't. But the most horrifying part is the heavy coat of bandages over your eyes. There's so much there. How badly were you hurt?

There is only one way to know.

>1. Remove the bandages.
>2. You can't handle this now. Leave the bandages.

>>29355216
>1. Remove the bandages.

They may need to be changed anyways. Besides, the Lord would not wish us to shy away from truth.

Rolled 18

>>29355216
>1. Remove the bandages.

>>29355216
>1. Remove the bandages.

>>29355216
>1. Remove the bandages.

>>29355216

>1. Remove the bandages.

Where that Picture of that Jesus With Big Boss draw over him and shit?

>>29355287
>>29355285
>>29355272
>>29355243
Your hands tear into the bandages, unsure of how to remove them, ripping them away as best you can. It is a crude and unseemly process, but you get through layer after layer. As you get deeper the white bandages are stained brown with old blood.

The last strip falls away. Your mouth falls agape, and your hand instinctively reaches towards the mirror. Your hand traces over the reflected image of your face. There is now a hole where your left eye once was. Lucien didn't even leave the ruined eye behind; he removed it entirely. An unpleasant wrinkled scar runs vertically, starting at your brow and ending just beneath the eye socket.

You take the eyepatch and affix it on your face. It covers the entire top-left quarter of it, but is stylish enough.

"It looks good on you."

Someone agrees. Catarina is leaning against the wall behind you, watching your reflection. When did she get there? You swivel around, wobbling a bit before getting your balance. She's watching you quietly.

>1. When did you get here?
>2. Was there something you wanted?
>3. What day is it?
>4. Thank you for the gift.
>5. Something else.

>>29355629
>4. Thank you for the gift.
>1. When did you get here?
>5. Something else.
Straight to the point. Ask her about what happened in detailed.

>>29355629
>4. Thank you for the gift.

>>29355629

>4. Thank you for the gift.

Rolled 46

>>29355692
This

>>29355692
Second

(I love this, OP. Vulnerable PCs? Capable of suffering severe bodily harm? And kindly conspirators who may or may not have our best interests at heart? It's a good flavor of Nasuverse, this!)

>>29355692
Sound good

>>29355692
I'm down for this.
Is it possible for us to get a functioning prosthetic from magi? I know at least one magus makes very high quality replacements for limbs and such, but am unsure if she's the only one.

>>29355808
Thank you very much! It's a lot of fun to write, but Nasu stuff gets so wrapped up in rules and breaking them I find it tough to keep from painting plot holes. I'm glad you guys are liking it.

Also apologies on the pause in updates. Friends are needy and assholes.

>>29355692
>>29355728
>>29355808
>>29355905
You stare at Catarina for a few seconds. "Erm... thank you for the gift."

"Oh." She shrugs. "Sorry. It doesn't make up for... that." She means your eye, you're sure. "But you deserved something."

"How did you sneak in here anyway?" you ask her. Her corners of her lips quirk up.

"I'm good at that."

A deft dodge of the question. You decide to ask something more direct this time. "What happened?"

She tilts her head. "With Klaus," you clarify. Her eyebrows raise, and gestures to the door.

"Let's talk in my office. Better space than... a bathroom."

"Excellent point."

You follow Catarina back to her office and take your usual place across from her desk. She sits down and takes a deep breath. Her head tilts left and rests upon a fist as she gives you a once over. "Man, you look like shit. So what do you wanna know?"

>1. What transpired after I lost consciousness?
>2. What was in the lair? Wayne said he was after something that was stolen from the Association.
>3. Lucien told me Wayne was sent to a hospital. What happened to him?

>>29356759
>Why did you send me in there?

>>29356781
This.

We were totally set up for failure, and would like to know the reason why.

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>>29356759

>2. What was in the lair? Wayne said he was after something that was stolen from the Association.

We already know what happened. She got us out and the dude heal us. Wayne is likely alive with no permanent injuries.

>>29356920
They thought it was one vampire that didn't have a reality marble.

The dude we had control over intermission didn't knew of that. Call Klaus a brat.

Still, we survived and kill a vampire and survive another vampire with reality marble bullshit shenanigans. Still, the vampire Reality Marble was SHIT. It did absolutely nothing.

>>29356759
See if we can find somewhere to sit down.

>1. What transpired after I lost consciousness?

After that, "Why did you come in after me?"

>>29356920
>>29356781
"Why did you send me?"

Catarina keeps a level stare. She watches you for a few moments, unblinking. "To kill a vampire," she states. How frustrating of her.

"You know that is not what I mean," you tell her. "I was set up for failure. I had no means of fighting something as powerful as that. I was misinformed, and nearly died for it."

She doesn't answer, and as you glare back with your remaining eye she looks down at her desk. This angers you, more than you know it should, and you lean up to slam your hands on the desk.

"What was so important that it was worth my eye?!"

The room grows tense, and a wary silence splits the two of you. Catarina chews her lip for a minute before she finds an answer. "You needed to prove that you could kill a vampire. Show my superiors that your talents would be wasted in training, and could be immediately set as my student."

"So you sent me in blind?! Was I supposed to die if I failed--"

"NO!" She shouts. You've never heard her shout before, and it shuts you up the moment she does. The room is eerily quiet after she's finished, and her row is furrowed as she watches you squirm. "We didn't... I didn't know. About the Reality Marble. About the second Dead Apostle. Our information was bad, I sent you in too quickly to beat the mage to the punch. I thought he was weaker. That you could handle him."

She bows her head and quietly says, "I was wrong. I'm sorry."

You aren't sure how to proceed after that.

>1. I forgive you.
>2. This is your job. You should be sorry.
>3. I'm just going to blow up if I continue with this topic. Ask her something else.

>>29357143
>3. I'm just going to blow up if I continue with this topic. Ask her something else.

This isn't something so easily forgiven, in her haste she very nearly got us killed.

I'll let another anon. come up with a question, nothing comes to mind.

>>29357143
>1. I forgive you.
The past is the past, might as well move on.

>>29357143

>1. I forgive you.

>>29357143
>1. I forgive you.

>>29357143
>1. I forgive you.
She seems genuinely sorry.

Rolled 4

>>29357143
>1. I forgive you.
>3. Ask her something else.
>1. What transpired after I lost consciousness?
>2. What was in the lair? Wayne said he was after something that was stolen from the Association.
>3. Lucien told me Wayne was sent to a hospital. What happened to him?

"I understand. I bear no grudge against you. I am just...having a difficult time. What transpired after I lost consciousness?"
Get full story. Inquire about Wayne and the item he wanted and try our best to ensure that he got it. We are, after all, an honorable priest and thus we want to be sure to uphold our end of the bargain.

Rolled 85

>>29357315
samefag. Sorry I'm choosing like all the options. I'm just curious about everything since there is so much we don't know right now.

Keep up the good work OP

>>29357143

>1
We should show her grace and love, just as Jesus would have. Who are we to judge her?

>>29357623
A guy who just lost an eye because she was hasty?

>>29357623
>>29357657
And? We've made mistakes and hasty judgements too. How can we possibly forgive ourselves for not being perfect, if we can't forgive everyone else for not being perfect?

>>29357677
>>29357677
I feel that we should not forgive her just yet, but after some time has passed. I do not forgive you, but I understand. That sort of thing.

The lord in his greatness may forgive all, but I am not that great yet

>>29357657
I'm not keen on forgiving her right off the bat either, but it looks like we're in the minority here. If it's done very well I can accept it.

>>29357677
There's a difference between not being perfect and having information so dated/wrong that it's not even in the same fucking league as the reality. She was eager to prove us worthy as an apprentice and we got punished for it.

>>29357677
I don't know, losing an eye is kind of a big deal. Simply saying you're sorry won't fix it. Also, we've asked her before to let us know what we're dealing with when she sends us places, I understand that in this case she didn't know, but I still don't think she told us everything that they knew.

>>29357712
Exactly, who comes off from losing an eye and very nearly dying to instantly forgiving the person that caused you such loss

I'm not saying we should hate her or openly resent her but flat forgiveness just seems stupid and out of place.

We're a priest not a god-damned messiah.

>>29357746
If I remember correctly she didn't really tell us anything, I think the idea was to get us to think for ourselves. When we asked she just told us we needed to kill a vampire right?

It would have worked out if it was a weak vampire like she though. Probably But since it wasn't we were even less prepared for the anal ravaging. We had some excellent rolls for that fight and we still got fucked up bad.

>>29357714
>>29357746
>>29357751
To me the info snafu was not something that is impossible to understand, because it happens all the time in real life and in the nasu verse. Still does not make me happy to pay for her errors.

>>29357803

To be honest, even if it had been a weak vamp, she knew about the mage and could have told us. I feel she could have given us more information about everything and what we were dealing with.

>>29357746
To be fair, it was made clear early on that this is likely a job that will likely get us killed one day. While I agree that not forgiving her immediately makes sense, there is no point in lashing out at her as this is something we should be prepared for if we want to find answers about the father.

>>29357196
>>29357207
>>29357245
>>29357263
>>29357315

You bow your head as well, and your hands tightly grip your pant's legs. It is hard to forgive something so grave so easily. You can only imagine what your mother will think of you when you come home. To see her only son defaced like this. She'll be inconsolable for months. And if you come home without Father...

You'd rather not think about it.

But hatred is not the way of God. This woman has repented her mistake before you, and as a priest it is your honor and duty to forgive, on behalf of the Lord, any sins or transgressions. You shiver as you collect yourself, but you try and dull the edge in your voice. "I... understand. I bear no grudge against you. I am just..." Your hand instinctively brushes across your eyepatch. "...having a difficult time." You look up at Catarina, not yet sure if you meant what you said. "What transpired after I lost consciousness. I do not know much of the story."

Catarina is quiet for a few moments. Then she collects herself, and the quiet and composed woman you know returns. "I did what you asked, after Klaus was dead, and checked on the mage. There were hairline fractures in several limbs, and several of the vertebrae on his spine were damaged. But he'll make a full recovery. Once I'd secured him for transport, I did the same with you, and brought you back to the church. I left you in Lucien's hands. I'm not skilled in healing, but he has some skill in it."

"I assume that isn't everything, though?"

"It isn't. Once I'd done that, I went back to Hind's lair to clean up, and hide any evidence of its existence from the restaurant's employees before they came in to open up. It wasn't hard. People who aren't aware of magic tend to avoid it by instinct. The owners probably don't even know that door exists. Every night since then I've been going back, combing over the ruins to find anything important enough to retrieve."

While I personally would be pissed... I dunno, there is something about Bartolome's quiet dignity that is really appealing. It just seems like forgiving her and re-assuring her is something he would do

>>29357803
Seconded. Also she was a bit too hasty on judging Wayne, he was a total bro and without him we would have been capital F Fucked.

In fact, let her know that this may be a good opportunity to patch up some of the grievances the Executors and Enforcers have with each other. Two (relatively) new operatives took down two vampires - one with a Reality Marble.

>>29357869
That reminds you of what Wayne said. "The mage, he said that the Association had sent him to retrieve something. It sounded important. Do you have any idea what he might have been talking about?"

Catarina brushes a finger around her temple. "I might. Maybe this?" She plucks an item of her desk and shows it to you. A small, clear orb.

You're confused. "He's after... a Fushigi ball?"

Catarina groans at you. "No. A crystal ball. My guess is it's pretty ancient, because... well. Why don't you take it for yourself for a second?"

She hands it out to you, and you put out your hand to receive it. She drops it into your palm, and the moment it touches your skin you sensation like warm, running water. It is like holding a massive droplet in your hands, and it reverberates through your skin and into your mind. For a brief second, you see a vivid image.

You see a city street. It is nighttime, and you cannot guess at its location. It is too quick to read the signs, but two people are visible. One is a man, tall and lean with shaggy orange hair. He is wrapped in a green cloak, and he appears bored, chattering nonchalantly at the other person. This one is a girl, clearly still an adolescent. Her scruffy red hair is sticking out from under a woolen cap, and her breath is lingering in the air on what must be a cold night as she shivers, saying something with a bite in her tone to the green man.

And then it is gone. The vision departs, and you can only see Catarina watching you. "W-what...?"

"Unusual, isn't it?" she asks you. "I don't know what the images are of, but they only come sporadically, and never of the same thing. But it's something a mage would want, I'd think."

"Right... Lucien told me that Wayne was placed in a hospital. What has happened to him since?"

>>29357912
"Oh, right." Catarina rhythmically taps her fingers on her desk as she recounts that part of the tale. "Apparently whatever Lucien did to you won't work on Wayne. And he was too injured to heal naturally, so we placed him in a hospital on the east side of town. I take it you want to deliver this thing to him?"

You nod. "I do."

"Well, as soon as you can make the trip, you can go visit him. Not like I have a use for this thing." You pocket the Fushi--you mean, crystal ball. "He's probably not in as good of condition as you are though. Mundane medicine is slow with injuries that severe. He probably can't even walk yet. Just be warned. Oh, one quick thing."

She takes out two more items and sets them in front of you. They are the two weapons the vampires used against you. The cross-shaped white sword, and the whip with fleshy barbs.

"You need an upgrade, so what happened with Klaus doesn't happen again. Both of these are Conceptual Weapons. What that means in layman's terms is, they have enough power to take the life of even a powerful Dead Apostle. The Church wants them both, but I think can get away with giving you one."

She asks you to select a weapon.

>1. The Sword.
>2. The Whip.

>>29357942
>2. The Whip.
We Belmont now.

>>29357887
>good opportunity to patch up some of the grievances the Executors and Enforcers
I know nothing about the lore of this universe, but I seriously doubt that would work.

>>29357838
I think she really was overeager for us to prove our talent. She seems rather desperate to get us as an apprentice and probably took some risks she otherwise wouldn't have. I don't hate her for it but instant forgiveness just seems, bleh.

>>29357869
Done better than I expected, but I'd still prefer for it to not have happened. Forgiveness shouldn't come so easy.

Well either way I'm enjoying the quest, you'll have to do a lot more than that to turn me away.

>>29357942
>>29357942
The Whip.. the whip.

But first ask about their abilities, do they have some special conceptual effects, like stopping Regen or removing armor?

>>29357942
Does the whip have anything going for it other than blood-sucking abilities? The fire sword seems pretty useful

>>29357942
>1. The Sword.

>>29357942

2. The Whip

Rolled 28, 24 = 52

>>29357942
the whip. it would complement our throwing knives well, we could immobilize with the whip and then target vitals with a well placed throw

>>29357942
>1. The Sword.

>>29358013
I'm this guy

>>29357990
didn't read your post before posting, my bad.

>>29357942
>1. The Sword.

I like the sword. We aren't always going to be able to keep people from closing the gap on us, and the whip doesn't seem all that good at blocking.

>>29358027
Fair point, leaning towards the whip right now.

It's more interesting as well

>>29357942
>Not being a holy beacon of God's will with a flaming sword
Come on guys, it's like you don't even Old Testament.

>>29358092

>Old testament
>Being a jew

It all about the new testament, what were you doing while ignoring 2000 years man?

>>29357990
I'll answer this one OOC and just explain the mechanics of each.

The Sword, called the Cross of Orleans is a beautiful white sword that is charred black when in combat, like wood, as fire engulfs the blade. It works as a Holy Relic in terms of attack bonus, and deals +1 your normal amount of Wounds dealt per hit. It also deals 1 extra Wound per round, for the next 2 rounds as lingering burns on the victim. Also, if your Faith is below Stable, it is treated as Stable as long as you wield it.

The Flagellant's Lash, the whip, only has half your Holy Relic attack bonus, and deals your standard amount of Wounds on the first hit. It also deals 1 Wound per round following, while healing you for 1 Wound as well. It can also, if the opponent is Distanced, be used to pull them into melee range in place of an attack. However, while attached to an enemy you cannot attack with it, and an enemy can untangle themselves from it by beating a DC of 60.

I'll let you revote if that changes any of your answers. Though just tell me if you'd prefer to keep the current vote.

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Unless that sword comes from El Cid himself, I want the whip.

>>29357942
>1. The Sword.
We are good at throwing things but we need some close-range coverage.

>>29358154
>WHIP Can Heal, can do a COME OVER HEERE and can tangle the enemy for stabbing with black keys.

>>29358154
Would it be possible to some how purify/sanctify the lash?

>>29358162
How about it OP, was the Cross of Orleans used by El Cid?

>>29358154
I like the idea of the whip but I think the sword will fill a role we need sorted. Our close combat suffers and the ranged attack of the whip isn't as good since we already excel at throwing our keys.

Say, does the whip get our bonus for throwing? We are pretty accurate...

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>>29358173
I... Don't really like either of the weapons, can we turn them both down? Burning is a horribly painful experience, and whips are things of torture...

>>29358225
But the black keys are sword themselves.

We need the whip for one good reason above all else.

FUCKING HEALING. It heals one wound per round.

Even while we aren't fighting. That regen is godlike.

>>29358154
Interesting... the Cross does more damage up front and keeps our faith Stable, but the Whip can entangle, does more DoT, and heals us.

I'd stick with the whip though, as we can entangle and then stick 'em with Keys. (I'm >>29357960, btw)

>>29358241
>Turning down Holy Weapons after almost dying.

What next, you going to complain that black keys are wrong due to stabbing people?

>>29358262
From what I understand it would heal one wound per round while it's attached to the enemy, other wise we don't get the regen. It sucks out blood after all.

We should refuse both of them. We do not need idols to help us spread the love of god. Nor his wrath.

>>29358154
The whip seems kinda useless for us.
We don't get full bonus for relics, It can be used force enemies to close combat, in which we are not as good at. Only good thing about it seems to be the healing but i'm not sure if that really compensates.
I'll go with
>1. The Sword.

>>29358304
>Idols

Ok. now I'm calling bullshit.

>>29358299
Still, We almost died. What if we get into a situation like that?

Who going to save us even if we kill the vampire?

My experience with such situation, regen keep you going longer than possible. Besides, they need to get above our 80 to get out. Thus 3 to 4 rounds of healing.

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>>29358241
NO.

>>29358208
No. It's actually a variant of Excalibur used by one of Arthur's knights. No, not Galatine. A third one.

Current vote I see here is:

Whip: 5
Sword: 5

Is this vote accurate, or did anyone change their minds one way or another? (I get that samefagging exists but I'd appreciate it if I could get an honest answer here, especially since we need to break a tie.)

>>29358154
>>29357990
Sorry still sticking with the whip, the Black Keys will help with the meele range, and the heal will keep us longer in fights.

Plus guys, you won't commit heresy and waver in your faith in the Lord, right?

>>29358377
Right.

>>29358282
There's a difference between a swift death, and a slow painful one.

>>29358377
Black Keys help us more in long rage as we are better at throwing than stabbing.

>>29358241
That pic, isn't it from the game with the little girl trapped in the art museum and the gay thief?

>>29358375
Welp, so we get a clear vote withot muddling, I'll revote here
>Sword

>>29358375
I wavered a bit but I'm going with the whip, I honestly like both but the whip seems more interesting.

so ignore
>>29358225

>>29358241
I'll change to the sword

>>29358375
Sword.

>>29358416

Black Keys are swords, they can be throw or to cut.

What we need is a healing factor.

Cause if we don't have one, we AREN'T going to last long.

Rolled 58

>>29358375
Post a quickie poll?

Also, my vote is for sword since we have black keys for ranged. (Not samefag.)

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>>29358419
Yea, it's from Ib (Japanese version of Eve)

>>29358457
But BLACK KEYS ARE FREAKING SWORDS.

They aren't just throwing knifes and shit.

>>29358457
http://strawpoll.me/988574

>>29358544
Voting...

>>29358544
>http://strawpoll.me/988574
Thank you. I'll give that ten more minutes and pick the winner then.

>>29358487
Black Keys, lore-wise, aren't really effective close-ranged weapons.

WHIP?? GUYS. SWORD. WHAT IF WE THROW A MAGIC SWORD.
IT"D BE TIGHT YO

>>29358580
No problem.

This makes no sense.

There were 5 and 5 votes now there 3 to 9?

>>29358700
samefags for whips

>>29358700
People changing their mind and maybe a bit of samefagging.

>>29358722
just...the sword deals damage by 3 per round but the whip does two, one which is harming the foe and the other is healing. Also, the damage is keep by the DC of 60 which allow us to do more damage with black keys and prevent the enemy from harming us.

The Sword thing about Black Keys being horrible in close range is dumb. Their the basic weapon for close and range.

I just thought our character would prefer not to die, to have a weapon that heals him after the experience he went though in battle.

>>29358759
I suppose it can't be helped, though I hope it's not too much of that.

>>29358544
You reach out and grab the sword. It seems remarkably light within your hand, and fills you with a sense of purpose. It is a keen blade, and one you believe would serve you well in your duty.

"I will take the sword," you tell her.

"Good choice," she says, and stows away the Whip to be shipped out another time.

(Item Gained: Cross of Orleans! +10 to Attack Rolls, +1 to Wounds dealt, deals 1 Wound per round after hit as burn damage. Treats Faith lower than Stable as Stable while held.)

(Trait Gained: Missing Eye! Permanent -2 penalty to all Attack Rolls.)

Not all "Skills" will be boons. You've suffered a permanent injury, and no amount of magic or technology can repair what has been lost. As far as you know, at least.

It will be difficult, even terrifying, to fight enemies knowing that they are so capable of harming you from now on. But this Sword shall grant you courage to overcome it.

"Now that that's settled..." Catarina leans back, crossing her legs and staring at you. "You should probably get some rest. Sleep up, and go visit our magus friend tomorrow."

>1. That sounds good.
>2. I have something to say before I go.

>>29358812
fuck you fag whips are gay. i don't give a shit about the most logical choice. Bartoleme is a real ass nigga who rips and tears, now with a brand new shiny fire sword.

>>29358824

>1. That sounds good.

>>29358824
>2 i have something to say before i go.

What time is it? Is it too late for Christmas Mass?

Rolled 67

>>29358824
>1. That sounds good.
nap time

>>29358873
>>29358824
second.

>>29358824
>1. That sounds good.

>>29358873
I'll give my vote to this because why not.

>>29358873
>>29358914
Sleep sounds good to your weary body, but something is troubling you. "What time is it? I was hoping to attend Christmas Mass, if I could."

Catarina blinks at you. She seems uncomfortable. "Bartolomè... it's January 4th."

"..."

January 4th. You're so shocked you feel like laughing. You have nothing you could possibly say to that, but "Thank you, Miss Belmont. I think I'll go back to bed."

You drag yourself to your room after a quick goodbye, feeling heavier than ever before. You must remember to call your mother first thing tomorrow morning. You're sure she'll have an earful for you. "I missed Christmas... I missed New Years'... ay, ay, Mom's going to blow my eardrums out!"

You pull yourself into bed, but you feel happy to be there now. Worrying about something so mundane as a furious mother is grounding to this whole experience. It makes you remember that not everything has changed. You still have a family waiting for you back home. You drift back to sleep, content.

It's not so hopeless, just yet.

>>29359071
And that's where I'll be stopping for the night.

Thanks again to all of you for playing, I had a blast running tonight's thread, and I hope you did playing it! As is the usual shill, you can follow me @Frolloswagendir and tell me there or here in this thread about anything you particularly enjoyed and would like to see more of, or what you thought was mishandled and could be improved for the future.

Thank you all again, and good night!