This is gonna be one of those days

>>31411759
>D) Other
Sheathe our sword.
Don't worry, I'll get us started.

>>31411759
>>31412563
also
C) Say something
"I assume you're here looking for something."

File: 1397253230683.png-(Spoiler Image, 216 KB, 407x235)

216 KB PNG

>>31412563
You bring your sword up and over your shoulder, sliding it home in its leather sling. The officer shoots you an aggravated look. Soon, the rest of your companions stow their weapons, and Maurice removes his hand from the depths of his cloak. Once everyone in the room on your side has shown they are no threat, the officer and a handful of men step further into the chapel. Many of the people recoil away from him as he approaches.

"We're here to arrest the leader of the murderous rebels. If you hand him over now, our kind and goodhearted lords have sworn that he and only he will bear the brunt of the punishment. If you hesitate however, we will execute one member of this ungrateful clan at a time until he dies with them, or turns himself over." The officer turns and looks around the room. When he completes a rotation, his eyes land on you. "I've seen you. My reports say there was a man in full-plate at the scene of many bloody murders the past few weeks. Is that man you?"

A) "I have no idea what you're talking about."
B) "And if it was?"
C) "Yes. Arrest me."
D) Other

I knew you'd come back for me, Spring.

>>31412792
>B) "And if it was?"

>>31412844
The officer grins smugly and steps toward you. He plants his bastard sword in the ground just four feet away from you and rests both hands on the pommel.

"If you are the leader of these bloodthirsty traitors, then you will be taken into custody. If you try to resist, we will take you by force. And if any of your underlings try to stop us, we will execute them on the spot. So, are you the leader of these scum?" The officer glares at you, cutting you with every part of his face. From behind you, you hear Pietra gathering herself to step forward.

A) "No."
B) "He isn't here."
C) Other

>>31412792
>B) And if it was?

>>31413032
Damn, just missed it
>>31413029
>A) No
>B) He's not here

>>31413029
>A) "No."
>B) "He isn't here."

>>31413064
>>31413072
You answer plainly, but it doesn't seem to satisfy the officer. He picks his sword up and slings it over his shoulder.

"I see. Well that is troublesome for us. We can't leave empty handed, of course." The officer looks up at the ceiling for a moment, before turning to Pietra, then the others. "Very well. Tell me where I can find him."

A) "He doesn't tell us. We only gather here."
B) "He saw you coming and fled the city."
C) Other

>>31413154
>A) "He doesn't tell us. We only gather here."

>>31413154
>A) He doesn't tell us. We only gather here.

>>31413178
>>31413199
You inform the officer that your leader's true hideout is unknown to the group as a whole. His expression turns grave.

"I see. That is very unfortunate for you, but it's what I'd expect from a lowly backstabber. Orders are orders I'm afraid." He turns and looks at the men he entered with. "Bring the first one."

The men turn and move toward the crowd. They grab an injured man, still half in his leathers, and drag him struggling before the officer, between him and you. The officer plants a boot firmly on the man's throat and looks you dead in the eye.

"One at a time, until your leader steps forward." He plants the point of the sword in the ground again. Pietra steps forward this time.

A) Stop her
B) Let her go
C) Other

>>31413287
>A) Stop her

>>31413287
>A) Stop her, but subtly

>>31413287
C) Other
Let's give ourselves up
we got that spirit/daemon with us, it'll probably help.

>>31413287
>>31413304
>>31413306
>>31413292

By the way, Rags, next time, you should probably put the link to the thread on your twitter posts.

>>31413306
I agree, pretend to be the leader for now.

>>31413306
>>31413368
You hold a hand out and catch Pietra as she rushes forward. The officer points his sword at her, ready to cut her down without a thought. You step forward and grab his sword, pointing it instead at yourself. The others watch in shock as you expose yourself as the rebel leader. You hear both Annalise and Pietra cry out, but the officer silences them with a bloodcurdling shout. The officer looks back to you.

"I thought as much. Of course a filthy bastard like you would be their leader. A paladin, I'm sure. Trying to conquer our fair city for your heathen god." He snaps the fingers on his free hand and the spearmen who brought the injured troop over surround you. You lock eyes with the officer, doing your best to keep his anger pointed at you. Suddenly you feel a sharp pain in your knee, and fall to the ground. One of the spearmen must have taken a stab at you.

There is the sound of steel on leather as Annalise and Leon draw their weapons. The officer tells you to order them down.

A) Do it
B) Other

Cmon Wren, you're embarrassing me in front of Springhead. Now he'll never ask me to the dance. I will though.

>>31413570
>A) Do it
>B) Other
"Don't worry, I got this."

>>31413570
to the officer

"So, you going to keep tickling me or are we going to leave?"

>>31413614
>>31413595
These seem good

>>31413595
Seconding.

>>31413595
>>31413614
You tell the others to stand down. They grit their teeth and do as you say, despite Leon's clear urge to rip this man in half. You turn up to the officer and taunt him. This proves quite effective, as he brings his boot around to the side of your head. You barely keep your balance as it impacts, and you can hear Annalise hold back a scream. One of the spearmen takes your sword from your back, then begins taking it toward the greater force outside. The officer takes a knee and lifts up your chin to his face.

"You reign of blood and fire is done now, monster. At least you had the courage to give yourself over, rather than let your people be killed."

A) Say nothing
B) Other

>>31413868
>A) Say nothing

>>31413868
>B) I am the monster? Look at these pigs you call leaders and tell me I am the true monster here.
We Che Guevara now.

>>31413868
>A) Say nothing

>>31413881
You keep your words bottled as he releases your chin and stands to face the room. He sheathes his sword and stares out at the frightened faces of Pietra's men.

"This, you cowards, is the result of uprising. You were given easy lives, and you were allowed to suckle at the breasts of our most generous lords. And yet despite this love and kindness, you saw fit to bite the hand that fed you, and now you see the inevitable result of such a wound. You are without a head now, and once we have escorted your treacherous leader from here, we will burn this entire church to the ground. Perhaps then you will learn respect, and gratitude!" The officer turns back to the men surrounding you. One of them asks about the great ritual circle on the ground, where Maurice intended to separate you from the voice. The officer in turn asks you about its purpose, but you say nothing. He scowls.

"It makes no difference. Scratch it out, and take him away." The soldiers turn and begin using their spears to scratch away the chalk.

"No! The blood!" Maurice shouts, and suddenlt a red light fills the room. The whole of its occupants, enemy and ally alike, take a step back in surprise as a pair of red tendrils rise from the circle and wrap around your ankles, pulling you in. You fight them, but they are intangible to your hands and too strong to pull away from. You make it to the center, and more tendrils wrap around you to secure you in place.

"The victim! Fast, or it will reach for someone else!" Maurice shouts as two spearmen tackle him to the ground. Pietra drops her white robe, revealing herself as she is, clothed only in her trousers, and tries to dive in with you.

A) Stop her
B) Let her

>>31414194
>A) Stop her

>>31414194
>A) Stop her

>>31414194
>A) Stop her

>>31414199
>>31414219
You shout at Pietra, stopping her in her tracks. She looks down at you on the ground struggling, with tears in her eyes. The spearmen begin tearing Maurice's things from him as he shouts in some language you don't know. Annalise and Leon step in, clashing with the remaining spearmen in an effort to reach you. The officer shouts and orders more men in. Then, all hell breaks loose.

Two more tendrils rise from the circle and lash out across the room, hitting enemy and ally alike as they rise to fight. Soon nearly forty of the enemy troops have engaged the wounded and assistant, and your allies begin cutting them down as they attempt to reach the podium. The officer attemps to bring his sword down on you as you're trapped, but Pietra stops him with her hooked blade, and the two begin wrestling.

Despite your strength, the tendrils hold you down. And soon, the two new ones grab onto something, wrapping it up tight and pulling it back in. Before you can see who was chosen, you feel white hot pain throughout your body. You are nearly blinded by the intensity, as the victim is pulled down beside you. The world blurs for a few moments as something black and red gushes from your open mouth like tar, and makes its way over to the victim. Maurice escapes his bonds and begins throwing small bottles around the room, which break open and turn into pale human forms, shambling around with rusted and chipped weapons. They begin engaging the enemy troops, but your allies are still outnumbered three to one.

You are able to see as Leon and Annalise are overwhelmed by spearmen, pushed back by their shield wall. Pietra is disarmed and receives a powerful right hook, followed by a stab to the wrist. The chapel is filled with bloody screams and cries of red anger.

Finally, the circle releases you, and you find your feet. You can barely keep your balance, but you know you must act.

A) Run. They'll chase you.
B) Attack the officer, protect Pietra
C) Other

>>31414387
AB
Attack officer, then draw them off in a chase

>>31414387
>B) Attack the officer, protect Pietra

>>31414401
>>31414412
You rush forward and tackle the officer, sending both of you tumbling down the steps to the podium. You hit the floor with him on top, and he begins throwing heavy punches at you. You defend for a minute, until suddenly he arches back in pain. You look around him and see that Pietra has recovered and driven her knife into his back. He stands and throws a punch at her, but she is able to avoid it. You take advantage of his brief distraction and sweep his legs out from under him. The then stand and try to make your way out the great doors. Three dozen spearmen stand ready to deflect you.

A) Surrender
B) Strength of the Gods (final use)
C) Other

>>31414577
>B) Strength of the Gods (final use)

>>31414577
>B) Strength of the Gods (final use)

>>31414586
>>31414601
You lean your shoulder in and place a hand on the sun carved into your armor. It glows golden, and you can feel your strength amplifying. You rush into the shield wall, receiving at least four stab wounds for your trouble, but breaking through.

You make it to the other side, where the three fat lords sit in terror as you approach them. The slaves carrying them drop the thrones and back away. As you turn back, you can see the spearmen already advancing, and your divine strength is already fading.

A) Attack one of the lords
B) Run
C) Other

>>31414661
>C) Other
give them the finger

>>31414661
>>31414678
then make an attack,

>>31414661
>A) Attack one of the lords

>>31414678
>>31414716
You gesture rudely at the three fat lords, and watch as they flinch in fear. With what little strength you have left, you leap up onto the nearest throne, which carries a short, brown bearded man with red robes. You land on him, and with the last drop of your spell, you bash his skull in, collapsing it. The very next instant, you are pulled down by some of the spearmen and forced to the ground. Some of them restrain you as the others beat you and prick you with their weapons. Eventually, the blows to the head put you under.

>>31414922
You regain consciousness with a splitting headache. You look around and find yourself in a dark cell, light only by faint torchlight in the distance. There is nothing within but a hole in the ground that likely serves as your lavatory. The bars of the cell are black iron. You feel them, and upon seeing your bare hands, you realize that your armor has been stripped off, and you now stand in your trousers, tunic, and bare feet.

Listening, you believe there are other people somewhere in the room, but the light of the torch hurts your head intensely. Part of you wishes to sleep more, until the pain subsides.

A) Call out
B) Sit and rest
C) Other

>>31414967
>B) Sit and rest
We need our strength.

>>31414967
>C) Other
examine your surroundings for structural weakpoints.

also, the voice is gone, right?

>>31414979
>inb4 the victim became either Anna or Leon

>>31414974
>>31414979
You back away from the bars and sit against the wall. Closing your eyes helps the pain, but it's still very harsh. Every so often you open your eyes to look around for a while, until the pounding becomes too much.the walls are built sturdy, and the bars actually appear new, despite the nature of the brick. It's possible they installed them just to house you.

You listen for the voice, curious as to its condition. There is nothing. At least that is settled, but it means that a victim was chosen.

A) Wait for something
B) Other

>>31415178
wait

>>31415178
>A) Wait for something

>>31415178
>A) Wait.

>>31415192
>>31415207
You decide that for now, the best thing to do is wait. You wait, and wait, and sleep, and wake, and wait.

Hours mean nothing in the dark, as you soon learn. It feels like it might have been as long as two days before something finally occurs. In the distance, you hear footsteps, faint on the stone floor. A minute or so later, a lantern lights the hall. A bit later, and someone appears in front of your cell. He is dressed in dirty clothes, and himself looks to be quite filthy. He holds the lantern up the the bars, blinding you as he speaks.

"Good evening, murderer." At least you know it's night now. "Are you comfortable? Good. Get plenty of rest, for tomorrow you will be taken away, and the road is long between here and Dor'Min."

A) Ask about your friends
B) Ask about your punishment
C) Ask something else
D) Other

>>31415316
>A) Ask about your friends
>B) Ask about your punishment
>C) Ask something else
"Do you have any cheese sticks?"

>>31415324
This. We hunger in the face of death!

>>31415316
additionally, see how far away from the bars he is. If we can, grab him and slam him against the bars.

>>31415316
>>31415418
and loot his body

>>31415324
>>31415378
You ask him about your comrades, and your fate.

"Don't concern yourself with others now, murderer. The Lion has been bargained to his pride for a hefty sum of gold. The bitch as well. We sent word to her blood, and they've dispatched their cub to retrieve her. She's lucky they've so much coin to spare, else we'd have sent her back with a full belly, if you catch my meaning, heheheh! The toad has been sent to the salt mines, where they'll put him to work in the sun. He'll be dead within a month. And the viper escaped us. A shame, as Lord Olan does love to collect her kind. He had plans to bend her over his throne. Still, she's got nowhere to go in the city. All of the men you commanded have been routed or killed, and the church is a pile of charred wood now." The ugly man leans in close to the bars. You stand and face him. "All your companions are beaten and scattered to the winds. You'll die in the black pit, cold and hungry."

A) Ask something
B) Stay silent
C) Other

>>31415547
these
>>31415418>>31415436

>>31415547
ok, that's it.

AVE DOMINUS NOX.

>>31415547
Slam his face into the bars.

>>31415560
Yeah, we need to wreck his shit. He insulted our waifu(s?)

>>31415635
nobody insults our waifus. Especially since I'm planning on going harem route

>>31415648
You have my full and whole-hearted support.

>>31415560
>>31415623
You reach through the bars and grab a hold of his shirt. You use all your strength to pull him in and bash his head against the bars. He collides with a sick thwack, but if it affects him he shows no sign. He reaches in with his free hand and grabs you in return. With one good tuck he slams you into the bars, and the two of you are face to face. It seems you aren't at full strength, as you cannot seem to pull away.

"Struggling is good. Struggling makes this all the sweeter for us. Struggle when we pull you from the cell, struggle on the road, and struggle as they throw you into the pit. Every twitch, we will savor." You push each other away. You can feel your headache returning. "See you in the morning, worm." The ugly man cackles and begins walking away.

A) Say something
B) Stay silent

>>31415792
>B) Stay silent

>>31415792
>A) Say something
"I'll have fun watching when you struggle, too."

>>31415786
I've been forgetting my name.
>>31415792
>C) Say nothing, but laugh under our breath.

>>31415807
>>31415871
You watch as the ugly man makes his way back out of the hall, and the light of his lantern fades away.

You sit and wait again. Time passes. This time, it goes by faster, as your anger boils your blood. This hate keeps you warm, and sustains you without food. Finally, more footsteps and light. This time, the steps are more numerous, and accompanied by the clatter of swords.

Six men with broadswords appear before your cell. One holds a lantern as another unlocks the door. He steps into the cell and speaks with a thick accent.

"Killing man. You are to being punished for crime. The black pit is your bed. Stand and turn for iron rings, or be killed."

A) Obey
B) Refuse
C) Other

>>31415970
>A) Obey

>>31415970
>A) Obey

>>31415988
>>31416012
You stand and turn away from them. There are footsteps behind you, then the sensation of heavy iron on your wrists. They clasp them tight and twist the bolts into place. They then work to bind your ankles.

Once they finish, your hands are bound together at the wrists, and your legs are only able to separate by a foot and a half. One of the men laughs under his breath. The speaker tells you to follow, and you do, flanked by three people in front and back the whole way out of the prison.

You reach the outside in a few minutes, and are blinded briefly by the light of the rising sun. The guards lead you forward, across a long yard, to a cart. They order you into it, laughing as you trip due to lack of stride, and strap you by your leg irons to the floor. The two men driving the cart wear the same armor and weapons, and talk to each other happily. The man from earlier approaches the back of he cart.

"You go north. These men watch you. The black pit will eat you, forever and tomorrow. Your dog has been locked and naked for us to watch. Your lion is beaten with rod, and will be sold. We hope your happiness is great, killing man."

A) Say something
B) Ignore him

>>31416255
>B) Ignore him

>>31415970
>A) Obey

>>31416255
>B) Ignore him

>>31416279
Fuck.
>>31416255
Ignore him

>>31416270
>>31416289
>>31416323
You turn away and look toward the rising sun on the horizon. It's warmth soothes you. The man continues to talk, but you focus your mind and close your eyes, praying to the Father.

Soon the cart begins to move, and the two men assigned to escort you begin whistling a melancholy tune. You look down at the chain binding you to the cart. You tug at is a bit, but it's sturdy. It would take a real tool to break it open, not even your weapon would be able to. Not without magic.

Counting sunrises and sunsets, you are on the road for three weeks. The guards feed you raw oats and warm water. They say nothing to you, but mumble to one another. Any effort you make to communicate is ignored, and they are even willing to let you piss yourself rather than stop to let you go when they don't have to. Soon, the desert heat gives was to the chill northern breeze. Green plants begin to show, and are then covered by mounds of snow. The cold get so bad that near the end, you need to constantly dance in place to ensure proper blood flow. You reach a mountain, and the guards throw on coats. They give you a thin sheet, amused. In two days, you reach a high point, and the cart finally comes to a stop. The guards step down, and order you out.

A) Obey silently
B) Other

>>31416625
>A) Obey silently

>>31416625
>A) Obey silently

>>31416635
>>31416655
You step down from the cart and follow the men as they walk you through the snow toward a large mound. At the top, you peer down. There is a large black hole in the ground, where warm air rises up. You can hear faint sounds from below, but the source is unknown to you.

A boot collides with your back and you stumble, barely catching yourself on the edge of the hole. The guard who kicked you stomps on your hands, but you hold on as best you can. This proves too little, however. Your hands release, and you fall down.

>>31416915
You land in a body of hot water. You feel its warmth consume you as it catches you in your descent. You rise to the top and gasp for air. When you open your eyes, you see that the water bubbles slightly. Growing along the edges are luminescent mushrooms. You swim to the edge and climb ashore. All around the cave, similar mushrooms grow on the walls, lighting the place. When you look straight up, you see the hole you entered from.

There is a sound behind you. A pebble rolling. You turn around, but there seems to be nothing but darkness.

A) "Come out, I mean you no harm."
B) "Show yourself!"
C) "Stay back, if you value your life!"
D) Other

>>31417012
>D) Other
"So, you here to kill me or help me?"

>>31417012
>A) "Come out, I mean you no harm."
I'm getting a very Grimrock feel from this. Except I doubt we'll be excused when we escape.

>>31417025
This sounds pretty good.

>>31417025
>>31417051
A voice emanates from the shadows.

"Neither. I am a victim of the pit, just as you are. If you'd accept me, I'd be willing to be civil. However, if you show hostility, I will be forced to kill you."

A) "Come out then."
B) "I can't do much to you with no weapons."
C) Other

>>31417135
>A) "Come out then."

>>31417135
"Right, then, what's your name?"

>>31417142
You ask them to step out.

From the shadows emerges a tall, chiseled woman with a long dark braid. She is buxom and sturdy as a stone wall, wearing what looks like blankets tied into a robe. She is very nearly your height, and her exposed midriff boasts ab muscles that the women paladins would kill for. She approaches you, pale blue eyes locked onto you, and extends her hand.

"I am Kor, of the sunset island."

A) Be curt
B) Be polite
C) Ignore it
D) Other

>>31417391
>B) Be polite

>>31417391
D)
Ask why she was imprisoned here.

>>31417405
>>31417428
You introduce yourself, shaking her hand. You ask why she was thrown in here as well. Her sun darkened skin turns a noticeable red at this line of inquiry.

"Actually, though I am loath to say it, I was not cast into the pit as you were. I'm afraid I had a bit of a mishap, and lost my footing. It was only a week ago that this happened, and so I've been waiting for someone else to come along and perhaps help me find a way out."

A) "You fell into a giant hole?"
B) "I'm sorry to hear that."
C) Other

>>31417596
>A) "You fell into a giant hole?"

>>31417596
B)

C) Yeah, well, people get thrown into this hole so they don't come out. So waiting for help probably isn't going to work. Want to find a way out?

>>31417630
She places a hand on her hip, making her look quite powerful. Without your armor on, she's beginning to make you feel somewhat self conscious.

"I understand. Then, if you would have me as a companion, I'd like to work together. Oh, but perhaps you were tired, or hungry? I've secured some food from the others while I've been here, so I've got plenty to share."

A) Accept
B) Decline
C) Other

>>31417670
>C) Other
what kind of food?

What others?

>>31417682
You question her a bit before answering.

"Mushrooms, mostly. The only other thing to eat down here are crabs, but it's hard to catch them in the dark. And the others are the other prisoners. They were thrown down as well, probably a long time ago. Most of them have gone completely mad, but I've been fending them off since I arrived. Don't be afraid of them, since we're working together now I'm more than willing to protect you too."

A) "Thanks, I guess."
B) Ask something else
C) Rest
D)Other

>>31417801
>B) Ask something else
"where are you from? What were you doing around here?"

>>31417801
Then A and then C

>>31417815
>>31417842
The two of you retreat to her dark spot, a small cave where she appears to store her things, including a bag and some food and water. As you rest, you ask about her.

"I've already said, I'm from the sunset isles. My father was king there, until he passed away, and since I'm due to inherit his throne, I'm searching for the man who is meant to be my groom. I was told to come to the continent and head east, but my sense of direction isn't very good. I must have wandered a bit too far north. At any rate, I found myself here."

A) Ask something else
B) Other

>>31417924
>A) Ask something else

>>31417924
"What, did your fiance get lost on a trip over here?"

>>31417924
"Shouldn't you be traveling with an entourage and bodyguards?"

>>31417932
>>31417962
You ask about her fiance.

"No, not exactly. You see, he came to my island a long time ago, when I was young. I hadn't grown fully yet, and after he did a service to my people, my father promised him my hand and the throne. He turned down the offer, but I'm not sure why personally. I think it may have been my immature body. He was a bit older, you see, and likely more interested in full women. That's why I took up my people's fighting art. And I don't really see the point in traveling with guards. I'm the strongest fighter on my island, so bringing others would only really slow me down."

A) Ask something else
B) Rest

>>31418044
A

>>31418044
"Well, see, those bodyguards probably could have come in handy, seeing as you had no one else to help you get out of here until I came about."

>>31418044


"Say, can you show me how you guys fight?"

>>31418044
"Why are you interested in him?"

>>31418077
>>31418102
>>31418121
She tilts her head to one side with her hand on her mouth. "You know in hindsight, that is a good point. I suppose I hadn't considered that. You're very clever, you know? I suppose continental peoples must be very witty, like my betrothed." You ask about her interest in her fiance. "Well, I remember him being quite handsome, and dashing, and strong, and brave, and very kindhearted. He had the most beautiful red hair and he stood so tall and proud. All the maidens on the island wanted him by the time her left. But most importantly, he'll produce a strong child to sit the throne." You nod. You then move to ask her about learning her fighting art.

"Oh, I might be able to. But not here. We'd need things we've no access to. But when we get out, I wouldn't mind."

A) Ask something else
B) Rest

>>31418232
a)not clever enough to avoid capture, apparently

>>31418232
B) sleep with one eye opened.

>>31418242
>>31418261
You finish your meal and lay down to rest. As you close your eyes, you feel something warm cover you. You open your eyes to look, and see that Kor has given you part of her clothes to serve as a blanket. You sit up and ask why, and she smiles.

"Oh, you just look very chilly. Don't worry, it doesn't smell. I've been washing in the pool this whole time."

A) Sleep
B) "Thanks but no thanks."
C) Other

>>31418560
>B) "Thanks but no thanks."
You might need them more

>>31418560
Wonder where the others got off to.

>>31418587
don't know.

>>31418577
You pull the cloth off of yourself and hand it back, telling her that she might need it more than you do. You turn away and curl up before you see her reaction, but she makes no audible response.

The next morning, or so you imagine, you wake and shake the sleep from your face. Kor is already up and diligently mashing something in a handmade bowl. You ask what it is, and she tells you that it's only a few types of mushrooms mashed to make them more appetizing. Indeed, the food it more palatable than some things you've eaten. Once you've both had your fill, Kor takes your bowl and puts it aside.

"I hope you enjoyed the meal. I put extra green in it to make it sweet. The green ones are very hard to find, but you're my guest so I spared no expense. Anyway, I'm going to go out and stretch. Feel free to do as you like, but be ready to go soon." Kor crawls out of the small cave and makes her way toward the pool.

A) Pray
B) Exercise
C) Other

>>31418938
>A) Pray
>B) Exercise

>>31418955
You spend a few minutes in prayer, before leaving the cave to stretch yourself out as well. The colors of the mushrooms shine more brightly now that you've grown accustomed to the dark. Over to the left, you see Kor stretching out her arms, legs and back. She is quite flexible, considering her size. You don't think anyone but Pietra could match motions like that. You yourself settle into some light exercise and floor workouts before Kor approaches you. She sits on her heels as you work.

"Oh, you're quite good for a continental person. You must do this sort of thing very often. You should hurry though, it's almost time."

A) "I'm just about finished."
B) "Time?"
C) Other

>>31419244
>A) "I'm just about finished."
>B) "Time?"

>>31419244
"Yes. Oh, no! Did I forget to explain? The other prisoners trapped here are quite mad, you see. And so-" Kor is cut off by a hellish, bloody scream that echoes through the immense cavern. You cease your activity and stand. "Yes, as I was saying. They're very violent and bent on cannibalism. So, you really should prepare for them."

A) Ask something
B) Find a weapon

>>31419502
A) How many of them are there?
B) Find a weapon

hey, Rags, feel like delving into the late night with this one? It is the start of the weekends, after all.

>>31419512
You start scouring the area for anything that might serve as a suitable weapon in a fight. The best you manage to find is an old tree branch that is just heavy enough to serve as a club. You ask Kor about the other prisoners as you try to sharpen a point into it.

"Hm. The first night I came here, I remember at least fifty. But now...At least twenty, at most thirty. They're not smart at all, so beating them has been quite simple." Another scream echoes through the cave, this time closer. You make your way to Kor and stand beside her with your club ready. She pats you on the head and smiles. "Don't be afraid. If worse comes to worse just hide behind me, okay?"

A) "I can handle myself."
B) "Same to you."
C) "Thank you, I suppose."
D) Other

I'm not sure what you mean. I was probably going to keep this up until I reach the stopping point I'm aiming for, but honestly since nobody is around I might just go until I fall asleep.

>>31419754
C then A. Add in B

>>31419754
D)How long does it usually take for them to go mad?

Any tips regarding how to handle them?

>>31419770
>>31419793
You ask for more information on the prisoners. As Kor speaks, you can hear mad panting and grunting drawing near from an unknown direction.

"I'm not sure. They were all down here when I arrived, and when I went exploring I happened upon them eating one of their own. They've been coming after me every night. Usually I just break their necks, or smash their skulls, or eviscerate them. After a while they get frightened and run off."

You think you see something block out the light of a mushroom a little ways off. You turn to face it. Kor seems entertained by your alertness. "Oh, you're just like a little rabbit!"

A) "Can you take this seriously?"
B) "I'd prefer something bigger, and with fangs."
C) Other

>>31419754
>B) "Same to you."
Sorry, got a bit distracted.

>>31419854
>B) "I'd prefer something bigger, and with fangs."

>>31419854
>B) "I'd prefer something bigger, and with fangs."

>>31419854
"Know any good music we can whistle while we fight?"

Also, is the guy she's betrothed to Leman? It seems like it.

>>31419874
>>31419908
You jape at Kor, and she seems to enjoy it. Then, her laughter is cut short by a half dozen thin and wild eyed men who dart out of the shadows and run at you. They split evenly between you. As Kor is closer, her assailants reach her first. One of hem leaps to take a bite out of her neck. She brings her head back and then drives it forward, smashing the prisoner's skull enough that blood begins leaking from it before he hits the ground. The other two she grabs in mid air, wrapping her hands around their thin necks, and crushing them as if they were paper. Before you can revel in awe, your own adversaries make a jump at you. The first one tries for a leaping tackle.

A) Duck under
B) Bat him away
C) Counter

>>31420235
>B) Bat him away
>C) Counter

>>31420235
>B) Bat him away
They're all malnourished and have no weapons, this shouldn't be hard.

>>31420260
>>31420273
You bring the club up in a powerful arc and land a blow on his jaw. He is knocked to the side by your strength, diminished but not gone. As he writhes in pain, two more come at you. The one on the right aims for your legs, and the one on the left tries to tackle you to the ground.

A) Focus on the one on the right
B) Focus on the one on the left

>>31420327
>B) Focus on the one on the left

>>31420327
>B) Focus on the one on the left

>>31420357
>>31420443
You bring the club back around and hit your target with the would-be pommel. The sharp end sticks into his eye and he falls to the ground. The remaining attacked grabs onto your leg and takes a large bite. The pain is enormous, but you are able to beat him half to death with the club before he is able to rip any meat off.

More begin coming, and the ones you haven't finished begin stirring again. You watch as Kor swiftly incapacitates her portioned attackers just as she described before. You wonder if it will do to simply fend off these enemies.

A) Brutality
B) Tenacity

>>31420520
a

>>31420520
>A) Brutality

>>31420543
>>31420579
You decide that these things, that once were men, will not be dissuaded by pain alone. To that end, you join Kor in dispatching them as quickly and effectively as you are able. You bash, smash, crush and stomp through waves of these mad men. Kor proves herself to be bordering on superhuman, able to move so quickly and powerfully that you think she must be magic herself.

After what must be twenty kills, you finally finish the fight by grabbing one of Kor's attackers and twisting his neck violently, until you can feel a low pop come from the top of his spine. You release him, and try to catch your breath. Both you and Kor are covered in blood and sweat, but the cave is silent. Kor takes a deep breath and clasps her hands together before smiling at you.

"Amazing! I didn't think continentals were that strong. And you didn't even need steel! I'm very impressed by you!"

A) "Thanks."
B) "You aren't so bad yourself."
C) "I didn't enjoy it."
D) Other

>>31420808
>A) "Thanks."
>B) "You aren't so bad yourself."

>>31420808
ask her if she knows her fiance's name

>>31420820
>>31420850
Kor thanks you for the compliment, dusting herself off. You ask her if she remembers the name of the man she is looking for. She tilts her head and pets her braid.

"Hmmm. Now that you mention it, I suppose I did forget. I just remember him being tall and handsome with red hair. I'm sure if I saw him I'd know, though!" Kor kicks one of the corpses lightly with her foot. "There are a lot more of them than usual. They must have smelled you. Oh well, we'll leave them for the others to carry off, like always. Oh! I'm going to have a bath. Would you mind waiting in the cave?"

A) "Sure."
B) "Actually I'd rather start looking for an exit."
C) "Well, maybe I'd like a bath."
D) Other

>>31421110
a

>>31421110
and after that, we look for an exit

>>31421129
>>31421154
You do as Kor asks and head back to the cave. You sit in the dirt and look through her collection of mushrooms to kill time. While you wait, you have time to think about your companions. By now, Leon is with the Rangers, in whatever condition the fat lords left him in. Annalise is hopefully home and safe. Maurice is said to be working in a mine, and you somehow doubt he'll do well with physical labor. Pietra seems to have the best chance of survival, as she escaped capture all together. Pietra and Annalise worry you the most. When you last saw them, Pietra wasn't even wearing clothes to cover her chest, and you somehow doubt she had time to gather supplies.

Some time later, Kor enters the cave again. You can smell the hot water on her. She crawls over to the other side of the cave and sits cross legged, smiling.

"Thank you for being patient. I really don't like the smell of blood, so I have to wash it off every day. The good news it that while I was bathing, some of the bodies already started to disappear. The other cannibals might not even attack us tomorrow with all the food we left them!" For some reason this seems like very cheery news to Kor.

A) Start looking for a way out
B) Other

>>31421257
>A) Start looking for a way out
The sooner the better.

>>31421257
>A) Start looking for a way out

>>31421278
>>31421281
The two of you make your way out of the cave and start searching. Kor apparently has been working to find an exit for the entire time she's been trapped, but sadly she can't seem to recall every place she tried. You tell her it'll be fine, and together you start a patterned search.

The pit is much larger than you thought. The mushrooms only provide enough light for a small distance, and there are hundreds of twisting hallways and tunnels all around. The walls are nearly impossible to climb, and a few times you simply lose your way. A few times you're sure you spot the other prisoners lying just out of sight. It seems that they don't wish to fight again today, however. Without any way to track time, the two of you simple continue searching until you get tired.

You let out a long yawn as you travel the winding tunnels of the pit. Kor grabs you and pulls you into a tight hug.

"Oh, you're sleepy. Do you want to have a nap?"

A) "Stop it, and no. We have to keep going."
B) "Maybe we should."
C) OTher

>>31421389
>A) "Stop it, and no. We have to keep going."

>>31421389
>A) "Stop it, and no. We have to keep going."

>>31421402
>>31421442
You push away from Kor and insist on continuing the search.

The two of you keep looking for what feels like hours at the very least. The tunnels wind back around on themselves, adding frustration to your fatigue. Eventually, you determine a system to mark which tunnels have been explored, but even with this in place there are far too many tunnels and ledges to examine all in on try. In time, your body gets the better of you, and you stumble. Kor catches you by the collar of your tunic, and holds you up.

"Come on now. You've been looking for nearly two days without sleep. Get some rest, the tunnels aren't going anywhere." As you are unable to hear most of her words, you think it may indeed be time for a short nap. You agree to lie down for a little while, but thanks to your stubborn attitude, there's no chance of you making it back to the cave in time.

"It won't be very fun for you to sleep on the rocks. You can rest in my lap, if you like. I don't sleep, so I can keep watch too!"

A) "No, thank you. The rocks will do."
B) "Sure, might as well."
C) Other

>>31421658
>A) "No, thank you. The rocks will do."

>>31421658
>B) "Sure, might as well."

>>31421665
You decline Kor's offer and lay out in the softest pile of rocks you can find. You notice as you settle in that Kor only sits up and cross legged with her eyes closed. You wonder about it, then decide that you've seen weirder things, and let yourself fall asleep.

When you wake, Kor is bust gathering mushrooms. She offers you a handful for breakfast and the two of you eat. After you finish Kor mentions something interesting. The prisoners should have attacked by now, and there are surely more in the caves, so either they are sated by the meal you left them before, or they fear the two of you together. At any rate, it will make searching easier. You stand and get ready to search again.

"Since we're going to be here for a while, why don't you tell me about yourself? I told you all about me, so it's only fair." Kor follows you as you search for an exit to the pit.

A) "I'd rather not."
B) Give her the short version
C) Forrest Gump
D) Other

>>31421877
b

>>31421877
>B) Give her the short version
"Paladin, orphan, totems, revolution, yadda yadda. The usual."

>>31421889
>>31421904
You tell a brief version of your life story to Kor. You skip most of the people besides your close comrades, and only mention the battles in passing. Still, Kor seems quite interested in the tale. By the end she showers you with a barrage of questions, mostly about your friends. She seems very curious about Annalise and her family.

A) "Focus on the task at hand, please."
B) Answer honestly
C) Short, blunt answers
D) Other

>>31422086
>B) Answer honestly
then A

>>31422086
>B) Answer honestly

>>31422096
>>31422110
You answer the questions sincerely, as numerous as they are. In time they begin to slow down, and you ask Kor to keep her mind centered on finding an exit. You spend a few hours searching in silence.

"Hey, if we do find a way out, what do you think you'll do?"

A) "Find my friends."
B) "Kill two fat men."
C) "Don't know. I just know I don't want to be here."
D) Other

>>31422143
Kill all the fat men. Ok, well maybe a couple of them.

>>31422143
and Find my friends. Them first, actually.

>>31422143
>A) "Find my friends."

>>31422168
>>31422242
"That makes sense. I suppose they're probably worried about you, too. Hm. Oh! I didn't even think to ask, but do you think maybe I could follow you? I'm no good at maps or directions, but you've been everywhere, so you probably know how to get around."

A) "I think it's better if we part ways after this."
B) "I don't see any harm in it."
C) "Not for free."
D) Other

>>31422298
>D) Other
"At your own peril."

>>31422298
>B) "I don't see any harm in it."

>>31422313
Kor laughs at this as well. At the very least she keeps things from being gloomy.

The two of you continue searching for a long roll of hours. Eventually you sit down to eat, sleep, and then wake and begin again. This repeats a few times, until you lose count. The best thing that happens in this time is that you find your way back to the pool to wash up every now and then, as well as eat some of Kor's mushroom mash. In time, Kor begins to treat your walks as just a part of your routine, which annoys you in some way. She does her honest best to help look, but she never seems as disappointed as you are to find nothing.

One day, when your beard has started to come in, you fall onto the shore by the pool in frustration. Every day you search, but the pit is a labyrinth, and not one you're sure can be solved. Seeing your stress, Kor sits beside you.

"I'm sorry things are going well. But you shouldn't worry too much. We have food, and water, and each other. I know! I'll teach you some of my people's breathing techniques. They'll relieve your anxiety and you'll feel much better. Please? I'd like to help you, at least in some way." You look over at Kor. Her eyes are wide and sweet. They remind you of a baby animal's eyes.

A) "Sure, why not."
B) "I just need a minute to clear my head."
C) Other

>>31422411
>A) "Sure, why not."
>B) "I just need a minute to clear my head."

>>31422411
>A) "Sure, why not."

>>31422415
>>31422561
Kor gives you some time to relax, then helps you up. She begins instructing you in strange stances and stretching forms to "enable better energy flow through the body." It all sounds like hogwash to you, but it does relax you a bit. In a matter of minutes, the two of you have completed what Kor calls the basic form.

"You're quite talented. I wonder...Hey, you look really tired. Go get some sleep in the cave, and I'll start making you a nice big bowl of blue mushroom, okay?"

A) "No, we should get back to work."
B) "Alright, a short nap won't hurt."
C) Other

>>31422593
>A) "No, we should get back to work."

>>31422593
b

order of business:

1. Pray to the Gods for guidance and that our friends are alright.
2. Take a deep breath and meditate.
3. Reflect on past actions and mistakes, as well as a way out of the cave.
4. Sharpen your sense of hearing and smell so you might have a better chance of navigating the labyrinth.
5. Begin search
6. Take into account air flow and where it might lead.

>>31422606
You tell Kor that you'd rather get back to searching for a way out. She seems disappointed by this, then perks up again.

"Okay, but how about you go this time, and I'll stay here. That way you can find your way back when you're tired. At least it'll be something new, right? And I really want to fix a special dinner."

A) "Alright, we'll try it."
B) "If you want to stay, then stay. I'm not in charge of you."
C) "It will be better if we both look, now come on."
D) Other

>>31422685
>A) "Alright, we'll try it."

>>31422685
>B) "If you want to stay, then stay. I'm not in charge of you."
>>31422608

>>31422694
Kor wishes you luck as you make your way into the caves. You search each tunnel painstakingly for any sign of a way out. Every so often, Kor calls out to you.

"Hello!"

You call back, confirming each other's direction. It isn't the same as being nearby, but it does calm you a little to be able to find your way back to a softish bed and goodish food. You search for a few more hours, until you get sleepy. You decide that tomorrow holds just as much chance of getting out as the next few hours, and head back to the small cave.

When you return, Kor isn't within sight. You call to her, and she seems surprised. She emerges with a smile and dusts her hands off.

"I have good news. I thought about how stressed you are, and since you did so well with the breathing forms, I figured you might like to learn more of my techniques. We don't have all the proper tools to learn in here, but we can make do with some of it. So, would you like to learn?"

A) "Now isn't the time for games."
B) "I suppose it'll kill time."
C) "I'd be honored."
D) Other

>>31422816
C) "I'd be honored."

add this>>31422608

>>31422816
>C) "I'd be honored."

>>31422821
Okay, Wren. I'm doing it, I'm doing it.

>>31422821
>>31422847
You agree happily to learn from Kor. She smiles bright as the sun and hands you something. It looks to be a few bits of cloth from her clothing, torn off and woven together into a sort of rope. She tells you that it's traditional garb for students on her home island, and helps you to tie it around your head.

"It's not really authentic, but it will be enough." After tying the rope around your head, Kor's expression changes. She whacks you on the head with her two first fingers, and orders you to go to bed. You protest, but she barks at you again.

"As long as I'm teaching you, I am your master. You will not question me will we train! You will do as I say, when I say it, and how I say to do it! Now eat and sleep, because tomorrow will be pain!" You smile, and crawl into the cave.

Now one of two things can happen. This is where I intended to cut for the night and sleep, but I was going to pick right back up in the morning anyway. So, I can cut for story flow and sleep now, or keep going until either I fall asleep or you guys take off. Your choice.

>>31422930
Take a break, and we'll see you tomorrow.

I just hope we get out of the cave soon. It's kind of boring in there.

Also, you may want to consider putting the thread links on twitter

>>31422966
I will.

Night night.

Tomorrow, we leave the cave, promise.

>>31422930
Sleep now, we'll see you tomorrow.
>>31422966
I'm pretty sure you mentioned the twitter link thing earlier, dude.

Feel free to bump, by the way. Just to save room on the archive.

>>31423093
No problem, only 5:20 PM where I am, I'll be awake a while.

File: 1397287478720.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 128 KB, 800x465)

128 KB JPG

>>31423120
Thanks mate. I can always count on you. <3

>>31423160
Nah worries m8
bump

Bumping, for you, Rags.

>>31422930
You wake up. The pit is as dark as ever. Kor meditates on the other side of the cave, as usual. You've yet to master going without sleep as she does, but she assures you that it only takes time and practice. You grab a mushroom from nearby and pop it in your mouth. Time for another day of searching.

You crawl out of the cave and stretch your back. It must be winter, judging my the way your spine and neck pop. The pool is warm and soothing this morning, and the water softens your beard perfectly. You find the sharpened stone Kor gifted you for trimming your beard and begin cutting. Your hair is getting thicker and warmer every day in the north.

By the time you climb out of the pool, Kor is already awake and finishing her own morning routine. The two of you pray together, or rather you pray and she sits beside you for company, and then you prepare to search the caves.

"I found some black mushroom when it was my turn to search yesterday, so dinner tonight will be spicy mush." Kor seems quite excited by this prospect. To be honest, all of her mush has started to taste the same lately. Routine is the only thing keeping you sane, though, so you say nothing.

Then it happens. A noise, alien at first but increasingly familiar as time goes on. A whistle, echoing down from high above you. You and Kor both look up, as if the sound will be visible bouncing off the cavern walls. It repeats again, long and cutting through the northern winds.

A) Whistle
B) Wait
C) Other

>>31426946
Whistle back at them

>>31426946
>A) Whistle

>>31427044
>>31427049
You look up and lick you lips. You let out a whistle, weak at first, but growing stronger. Kor joins in as well. This becomes a match to see who can make the loudest, purest tone. Eventually, the whistling outside gets closer, and in time you feel as though it is right above you.

Suddenly, something comes falling down through the top of the pit. A rope. Many ropes, lashed together. They hit the water and then some. The whistling stops for a few minutes, then something begins sliding down the length of the rope. It works its way down for a minute, then hits the water. From the hot pool rises a man with dark, curled hair. He wears blac leathers under a black cloak. There are two twin swords on his hips, and when he pulls back his hood you see a well kept goatee framing his smiles, and diverting his tears.

"By every spirit and god in this fucking world, is that you?" He holds his hands up as if waiting for an embrace.

A) Hug him
B) "It's me."
C) Other

>>31427189
>A) Hug him
>B) "It's me."

>>31427230
You pull Leon in and you each wrap your battle built muscles around one another. Leon half laughs and half cries. When you pull away, Leon wipes the tears from his eyes and takes a long look at you.

"Fuck me, you've done terrible down here. You're two thirds the size I remember you. Or maybe I remember you one and a half times as big. And who's this picture of health and flexibility?" Leon looks to Kor, smiling. She introduces herself as Kor'Talu'Na of the sunset islands. Leon shakes her hand and thanks her for watching over you.

"Come on, I've got a cart and some warm clothes waiting topside. Can you make it up on your own?"

A) "No problem."
B) "I might need a minute to prepare."
C) Other

>>31427189
Hug him

>>31427367
>A) "No problem."
Captcha: yeaabro spirits

>>31427367
No problem

>>31427402
>>31427452
Leon laughs, and the three of you dive into the pool together, then begin climbing the rope. Thanks to the training you've done with Kor, your body is overflowing with energy and power, and so climbing a simple rope proves a minor task. You follow after Leon, and Kor after you all the way up. By the time you reach the top, your arms and back are sore, but you can taste sweet freedom, as well as seen true sunlight piercing the white cloud cover above. Kor jumps for joy upon seeing the surface. Leon welcomes you back to the world, and gives you a pair of warm boots and a coat. He apologizes to Kor for only having one set, but he offers her his winter cloak. She takes it and wraps it around herself as best she is able, and Leon jumps up into the cart.

"You look even better in the light. I can't believe I've found you after all this time. Gods, I'm about to cry again."

A) "Let's get out of here, it's freezing."
B) "Kor will cuddle you while you weep if you want me to drive."
C) Other

>>31427537
>A) "Let's get out of here, it's freezing."
>C) Other
"It's good to be back, brother." Share some manly tears.

>>31427560
The two of you share another warm embrace before all three of you climb into the cart, and Leon takes up the reigns of two strong horses. Within a few minutes you and Kor are sitting side by side and you begin rolling down the mountain.

Leon takes up a tune on the way down, and a familiar one. It's Maurice's song, the one he played for you in the desert long ago. You and Kor join in, and the trip goes by quickly and happily. When the song ends, the three of you laugh.

"So what have you been doing this whole time? In that pit, I mean. Just getting by?"

A) "Training, praying, trying to get out."
B) "More or less. What else can you do in a place like that."
C) "Actually we ad all sort of adventures. Met up with some elves, slew a dragon, I even bedded a siren. And that was all yesterday."
D) other

>>31427651
>C) "Actually we ad all sort of adventures. Met up with some elves, slew a dragon, I even bedded a siren. And that was all yesterday."

>>31427666
Leon laughs, and Kor giggles.

"Well you should probably keep some of that from Annalise. I haven't seen her since I passed through, but I doubt she'd be excited considering her mood lately." Leon's words get you thinking about your old companions again.

A) Ask something
B) Relax

>>31427766
>A) Ask something
"Where are Anna and Maurice, anyway."

>>31427803
"Annalise is home. She's been going on missions for the church ever since she got back from Hollag. She wanted to look for you herself, but with all the trouble around Lumen, she left me to handle it alone. Not that it was easy for me to get away. Being a beret can be pretty busy. Don't worry though, I'm pretty sure she's been oiling the machine thinking about you every night. At least that's what Anita says. Heheh. As for Maurice, we have no clue. Pietra has some of her people cast a net, but the last place anybody saw him was some quarry somewhere. Apparently a few of the foremen were found with their bellies open and their stringy bits tied together. Other than that, he's a ghost."

A) Ask something else
B) Relax

>>31427908
>B) Relax

>>31427985
You make it down the mountain without incident. At the base, you begin following a road west. Leon tells you that it's not safe to move through the desert anymore, so you'll have to follow the northern forests until you get closer to Lumen. The first few nights are easy, but then you come to a large and friendly town built around the road. You enter, and Leon stops to rest. You bring the card to an inn, and Leon hops down.

"We can buy more winter gear here. One of us needs to get some rooms, too."

A) "Can't we just keep going?"
B) Volunteer to buy the gear
C) Volunteer to secure the room

>>31427908
actually, if you haven't written, I'll ask, "How long have I been down there?"

>>31428077
Oh well
>>31428074
>A) "Can't we just keep going?"

>>31428087
Leon stops to look at you.

"Ah. Honestly I'd expected you to be more worn out after all this time. If you really want to though, I guess I don't mind. Let's go grab the gear and we'll roll back out." You and Kor hop down from the cart and follow Leon to a large general store.

As you browse the shop in search of rations and clothing, you ask Leon in passing how many months you'd been in the pit. He freezes in place and scratches his chin, apparently looking for the right way to answer.

"Er. Well that's...Months? Hm. Just under forty?"

A) "I see."
B) Other

>>31428158
>B) Other
"Wow. What's changed while I've been gone."
And with that I'm gone, it's 1:40 AM. See you in the morning, Rags.

>>31428200
"Wow. What's changed while I've been gone?"*

>>31428220
"Well, I'm a Black Beret. Leon, the Black Lion. I didn't pick the name Annalise is a full inquisitor, and just about half the people in Lumen are knocking at the door for her since she killed some kind of drake in the south. She's not answering, but that doesn't stop them. Pietra's living there now too, the two of them have gotten thick as thieves. Leman is head inquisitor since Old Donnel stepped down. Anastasia is married with a babe on the way, Annabelle and Anita are the same as ever. Oh, and they opened a cafe where the cobbler used to be, down by the place where we got those tarts that one time. Other than that, same as ever."

A) "Glad I didn't miss much."
B) "By the Father. This is a lot to take in."
C) Other

Sleep tight, mate.

>>31428275
A) "Glad I didn't miss much."

>>31428295
Leon pats you on the shoulder in an attempt to comfort you.

"Don't worry about it. You're going home now. Well, not now. Soonish. I probably should have mentioned, I'm technically working right now. I had to pull some strings and a mission around here so I'd be able to get you, so we won't be going to Lumen until after it's all finished."

A) "Well, I owe you that much."
B) "Gee, thanks friend."
C) "You couldn't wait until after you were done?"
D) Other

>>31428375
A) "Well, I owe you that much."

>>31428401
"That's good to hear. Because I can't afford to buy you any armor, and we're about to fight something that would rip right through it anyway. I will try to get you a decent weapon though!" Leon laughs, and the two of you finish up your shopping. You buy some good quality bear hide for both you and Kor, as well as a bastard sword for you. Leon is surprised to learn that Kor is able to fight well with her bare hands, and she demonstrates some of her forms. She mentions your training and Leon asks you to show him some of what you learned.

A) Stone Skin
B) Tiger Claw
C) Crane Dance

>>31428510
Stone skin

>>31428543
You hold out your arm and ask Leon to try and cut it. He laughs, thinking it a joke. His smile wanes when he sees both you and Kor looking at him with deadpan expressions.

"You're joking, right? I'm not gonna cut you." You smile and gesture your arm toward him. He looks back between you and Kor, and finally sighs and draws one of his swords. "I'm gonna do it! I really! It'll hurt!" You don't flinch. He swings down hard, and the blade glances off of your skin, leaving only a light scratch. Leon's mouth opens in astonishment.

You've learned the technique 'Stone Skin'. While wearing light or no armor, you can harden your flesh to be nearly impenetrable. This does not protect your organs.

A) "Told you."
B) "I'm still a beginner."
C) Other

>>31428616
"Told you."

>>31428734
Leon takes a few more swings at your arm, then stops for fear of chipping his blade. You don't say as much, but the last couple of times start to hurt. It seems while you've got the technique down, holding it for so long diminishes its effectiveness. Once Leon has packed the food into the cart, the three of you head off again, to the northwest, and your next destination.

On the third day after leaving the town, you come across an upturned wagon. It seems to have been toppled over and torn apart by something. Leon slows the horses and goes to investigate.

A) Join him
B) Wait

>>31428829
"Told you."

>>31428829
Join him

>>31429601
You hop down from the cart and walk over to the wagon with Leon. As you two approach, the smell of rotten fruit crosses your nose. You kneel and look into the ruined cart and indeed you find smashed crates of food, fruit and grain, laying about. Leon spots a bit of blood and scraps of cloth, but there appear to be no people or remains of them.

"Animal attack, most likely. The people probably fled after a short struggle. And judging by the look of these claw marks, we've found our quarry."

A) Ask something
B) Get back in the wagon

>>31429724
>A) Ask something
what kind of animal?

>>31429742
You ask what sort of animal you're meant to be fighting. Leon dusts his hands off and wiped the frosting snot from his nose.

"Dire wolf. And a big one, by the looks of it. That's why they sent a beret. to make sure it doesn't spread. Cmon, lets get going before it sniffs us out too."

A) Ask something
B) Get in the cart

>>31429824
>B) Get in the cart

>>31429833
The two of you climb back into the cart and Leon takes of quickly. It seems this creature is more than enough to spook him. He seems extra vigilant as you move down the road.

Half a day later, as Kor hums an odd song to herself, you hear a low howling coming from the thick treeline. Leon perks up and looks around. Kor asks if it's anything to worry about.

A) "Probably. Be ready."
B) "I doubt it. Wolves howl, it's what they do."
C) "Leon knows what he's doing."
D) Other

>>31429882
>A) "Probably. Be ready."

>>31429914
You warn Kor. She seems slightly worried. When you ask why, she confesses to never having fought a beast, and her distaste for the idea of hurting an innocent animal.

A) "Well they'll ave no problem gobbling you up, so swallow it."
B) "You might not have time to decide."
C) "If it's that bad, then hang back."
D) Other

>>31429989
D

>>31429989
"Law of nature is survival. Kill or be killed. Innocence has nothing to do with it."

>>31430016
"I understand. Than, if we are attacked, I won't show mercy." Kor punches her palm of her hand, letting out a thud. You continue down the road for a while longer, until night has completely taken the world. Leon slows the cart and speaks.

"They're coming now. I can smell it. Get ready, it's going to get bloody."

A) Ask something
B) Prepare

>>31430125
"Anyone know a good tune to whistle?

>>31430157
What is the whistling thing?

>>31430168
eh, I dunno. Might as well go for ode to joy

>>31430194
>>31430157
The three of you exit the cart and ready yourselves for the immanent attack. You draw the bastard sword Leon gave you, and Kor wraps her knuckles in loose cloth. Leon draws his twins and spits on the ground.

"They're going to come from the trees just ahead. There will be a pack of them, upwards of five together. The best chance we have to live through tonight is to route the big one. And you'll know what I mean by big one. Other than that, just don't let them get at your throat."

A) Ask something
B) Stone Skin

>>31430298
>B) Stone Skin

>>31430318
You focus and armor yourself for the fight. Kor seems to be doing the same. A minute or two passes in silence. Even the animals seem to be anticipating the upcoming frenzy.

Suddenly, you hear rustling and crunching in the distance, accompanied by low barking and yipping. You feel your heart rate begin to skyrocket. Kor bares her teeth in a viscous sneer. There is is a bit of powder tossed from the treeline, and then a large wolf, easily a hundred pounds, flying out at you. He growls, spooking the horses. Instantly he is followed by three more who move to encircle you.

A) Attack
B) Brace

>>31430414
A) Shove an arm down one of their throats

>>31430414
>>31430452
Oh, wait, this isn't a normal sized wolf, is it?
Never mind, just knock it the fuck out with the sword.

>>31430452
You wait for the perfect time. As one of the wolves raises its courage and charges you, you drive your fist down its throat. It tries to tear at your skin, but the struggle is pointless. you then proceed to use this wolf to beat his brothers away, as if he were some muscular, hairy club. He suffocates to blacking out in time, around the point where Leon beheads one wolf and Kor kills another with a powerful kick to the neck. The final wolf is routed.

"That's not all of them. Get ready!"

A) Toss the wolf away
B) Keep it

>>31430573
>A) Toss the wolf away
in the direction of the other wolves

>>31430593
The wolves begin pouring from the treeline again. this time, however, it's more than four. At least thirteen of the beasts emerge from the trees and begin running at you. You fling the unconscious wolf at his comrades, hitting one. This does not dissuade the others, however, and they begin circling you again. Their tight formation forces the three of you to stand back to back to back to avoid being overtaken.

"Well shit. I guess I got to be a black beret, so my life has been good. How about you guys?" Leon elbows you softly.

A) "We're not dead yet."
B) "I have a few regrets, but who doesn't?"
C) other

>>31430693
Captcha: NTRis satisfy I think the universe is telling me what I need to do.

>>31430693
"You're settling for just 'good'? You disappoint me, Leon."

>>31430708
You and Leon share a laugh, confusing Kor a bit. The wolves continue to howl and circle you rapidly, occasionally snapping at your ankles. You and Kor have stone skin to protect you, but Leon seems to make do by simply stomping on the heads of each wolf that tries.

Finally they begin leaping at you. You slash at them with your bastard sword, and those that evade you are either sliced up by Leon or caught and slammed into the ground with a sickening crack by Kor. One of them manages to latch onto our arm and tackle you to the ground, and you begin feeling your Stone Skin weaken between its jaws, but you bash its head with the pommel of your sword until it falls away with a bloody head. The fight rages on until there echoes a loud, bowl shaking howl from the forest nearby. The wolves continue fighting as if nothing happened, but Leon seems startled by this. You get to your feet in time to bat away an oncoming wolf, and to see a great monster emerge from the trees.

The dire wolf stands twelve feet tall with grey fur and great fangs like swords. They are more numerous than they should be, at least three times as many as would normally fit in such a mouth. The most freakish feature however are the great white and jagged spikes that protrude from its spine, several joints, and one that creates a wicked horn on its head. When it emerges from the trees, it makes a beeline for Kor with its great mouth ready to snap shut around her.

A) Intercept it
B) Shove Kor away
C) Other

>>31430868
B) Shove Kor away


>>31430702

not sure I want to go that route...

>>31430872
You tackle Kor out of the way, yourself getting clipped by the sharp fangs of the dire wolf as it rushes past you. The other wolves take this chance to jump at you. You are forced to elbow them away, leaving you open as the dire wolf turns and faces you again. This time it seems set on going after you.

A) Roll out of its path
B) Meet it head on
C) Hurl a wolf at it

>>31430968
c then b

>>31430982
You grab one of the wolves who until moments ago was bent on ripping your hand from your wrist. You hurl it at the dire wolf, who catches it in his great razory maw and bites down. There is a high pitched whimper and a crunch, and the small wolf is dead. With its mouth occupied, you are able to meet the dire wolf's charge and cut it, landing a solid blow to its face that renders its left eye useless.

A) Follow up
B) Brace yourself

Apparently today is Frozen Marathon day. What did I do to spawn a creature that wants to be a super powered mercenary princess with katanas?

>>31431092
a

>>31431092
If you're not careful, she'll join 4chan.

>>31431101
You use the momentum of your swing to carry your blade and strike again, this time burying the sword deep in the dire wolf's thigh. You can hear it cry in pain just before it lashes at you with its tail, hitting you so hard that you fly nearly ten feet away and land in a heap. You try to get back up quickly, but the wolves seize their chance and pounce on you. Four wolves begin gnawing and tearing at you, and they begin to break skin.

A) Throw them off as best you can
B) Call for Leon
C) Call for Kor

>>31431300
>A) Throw them off as best you can
B) Call for Leon

>>31431123
I'd burn myself at the stake before I let her find this place

>>31431310
Seconding.
I'm back, it's good to see the thread still up

>>31431310
You fight the wolves off, but two arms and four wolves does not balance. They rip and tear at your hide armor as you call to Leon, in the hopes he might have the chance to aid you.

Soon, one of the wolves whines and falls back, as an arrow shaft plunges into its neck. This gives you just enough help to allow you to bash one of the other wolves face against the ground, and finally you are able to get up. Another arrow comes flying and pierces a second wolf. You look over to the source and see Leon with his bow. He notches another arrow, but is tackled by one of the wolves before he can loose it. Over to the side. Kor is holding open the fangs of the dire wolf with her bare hands. It tries hard to lift her off the ground or otherwise throw her, but she holds strong at the moment.

You stomp the last wolf that had been on you, and run to help your allies.

A) Help Leon
B) Help Kor

>>31431528
>A) Help Leon

>>31431092
>>31431320
You're clearly doing something right.
>>31431528
>B) Help Kor, Leon can deal with a normal wolf, but the dire wolf needs more attention.

>>31431540
You rush to Leon's side. You are able to run the wolf that tackled him through, and toss it off of your blade before helping Leon to stand. This proves pointless, however, as the very next moment Kor some flying at the both of you and knocking you back to the ground in a pile. You look over and see the dire wolf as well as it's two remaining minions dashing back into the trees.

A) Chase
B) Rest
C) Other

>>31431561
How do you figure?

>>31431743
>A) Chase

>>31431763
You squeeze out from Kor's generous rump to try and chase the wolves into the forest. You get just two steps away from the treeline when something binds you legs together and trips you. You fall into the snow, and look back to see Leon approaching.

"That's a bad idea. The beast is baiting you. Trying to get you to fight in the trees, where its agility and size will benefit it."

A) "Well then what do we do?"
B) "We outnumber it now, we have to try."
C) Other

>>31431892
a

>>31431892
emergency situation! Damn squirrels are eating my loquats! see you in a bit

>>31431892
a

>>31431906
>>31432199
Leon helps to unbind your ankles and help you up.

"Now we keep moving. I doubt that monster will attack us head on again, but just a bit further away there's a proper road into the forest. We'll follow that until we find some good tracks. After that, we go hunting."

A) Ask something
B) Get back in the cart

>>31431921
I hate then that happens

>>31432222
>B) Get back in the cart

>>31432222
Ask Leon for some general information on Dire Wolves

>>31432238
>>31432287
The three of you settle the horses and climb back into the cart. As you get rolling again, you ask Leon about the beast you just encountered.

A) The size of it
B) Dirism
C) Other

>>31432387
>C) Err, all of the above?

>>31432444
You ask Leon a few general questions.

"Dirism is an ancient sickness from the age of dragons. Nobody knows what started it anymore, just that it's a disease that starts in the brain and spreads to the bones. It makes a creature smarter and more vicious, but it's also incredibly painful. It makes the skeleton grow wildly, as well as malformed. It turns normal creatures into sick reimaginings of themselves. Often this takes the form of harder, thicker bones and grotesque bone spikes. That wolf was only about average size for one with the disease. One of my predecessors in the berets died fighting a dire bear, who they say was big enough to swallow a horse whole. Interesting fact, the Rangers believe that our brotherhood was originally formed to combat dirism. Dire beasts can destroy entire ecosystems, so the Rangers were joined from hunters and great warriors to slay every beast and burn the corpses thousands of years ago. Of course, it's impossible to find every creature carrying it, so we mostly just hunt them down as they come."

A) Ask something
B) Rest until you arrive

>>31432605
b

>>31432605
"Ever managed to tame a dire beast?

>>31432605
Ask if their bones are hard enough to make good armor and weapons

>>31432723
>>31432723
This. Our years in the caves strengthened our body and spirit, but weakened our sanity slightly.

>>31432748
wait, we spent years?

>>31432637
>>31432723
You ask if anyone has ever tames a dire beast. Leon laughs, and asks you if you'd ever heard of anyone taming an owlbear, or a giant. You take that as his answer. You ask about using their bones to craft tools. Leon admits that it was common once to use bone clubs, or to turn dire fangs and claws into daggers and spearheads, but such things would be broken when impacted with good steel, and carving them into armor would be fairly impossible.

You continue to ride a while longer until you come to a ridge, where Leon stops the cart and hops out.

"I'm gonna collect some firewood, you guys start boiling some water. I'm gonna make a special stew, and then we're gonna get some rest. Tomorrow at first light, we go tracking."

A) Ask something
B) Get to work

>>31432808
>B) Get to work

>>31432759
40 months is 3 and 1/3 years.

>>31432759
Yes

>>31432808
Get to work

>>31432813
You and Kor begin unloading the food and some bedrolls. Kor hums as she works, and you find yourself joining in.

A) Talk while you work
B) Get it done and relax

>>31432954
a

>>31432954
what's your home like?
what is your family like?

>>31432962
>>31432978
You ask Kor about herself while you unload, to pass the time.

"Hm. Well my island is very warm and sunny. There are green plants and the water is crystal clear on good days. Most of the people live under shelters, because the weather is always so pleasant, even the breezes are warm at night. My house is the biggest on the island, because of my family. I have one little brother, and a sister who's a few years younger. My father, as I said, passed away some time ago. Other than that, we live alone. I wonder if there's anything else interesting...oh! People always think its odd when I talk about our nurseries! The strongest men on our island take care of the children. Like teachers and nurses. I don't know why everyone thinks that's odd."

A) Ask something else
B) Finish up

>>31433185
>B) Finish up

>>31433185
"Well, that seems more like the sort of things women usually do around here."

>>31433202
>>31433220
The two of you get everything done by the time Leon returns with an armful of good wood. Together, you built a decent fire and hang a cookpot over it. Leon piles snow into it, melting it and boiling it before tossing in some of the ingredients he purchased in town.

"This stuff is a Ranger favorite. It's got everything you need for a balanced meal. Chicken, potatoes, carrots, rice, bourbon, and hot peppers. This shit will grow your beard by three inches a night, and make the hair on your chest thick as a bear's fur." Kor makes a comment about preferring her body hairless as it is, which Leon seems embarrassed to hear. You each eat your fill, and burp loudly. Even Kor does a surprisingly good job of rattling the tree branches. After clean up, Leon asks who wants to be on first watch. Kor informs him of her lack of need for sleep, which surprises him.

A) Go without a watch
B) Set up a watch anyway

>>31433481
>B) Set up a watch anyway

>>31433508
You decide to set up watch regardless, which seems to put Leon at ease, even as it disappoints Kor. You do compromise though. You decide to take final watch, and Leon first, so the both of you would be able to get undisturbed sleep. The night goes by without incident, other than Kor disturbing the embers of the fire and somehow managing to light it again.

The next morning Leon wakes you bright and early and sets you to work packing things into the cart, then draping a tarp over it all before you head out.

"Alright, how much do you know about tracking?" Kor raises her hand and admits to knowing nothing whatsoever.

A) "A little."
B) "I'm an expert."
C) "Not a damn thing."