Dietrich leans across the desk a bit, transfixing you with his stare. “Sergeant. I need to know if you actually SAW this alleged weapon.”

“I certainly did, General, sir,” you affirm. “About palm-sized, spherical, warping light around it.”

“Anyone could get that description out of a textbook, Sergeant,” Dietrich presses. “What was it doing to the men around it?”

>writein

Bump.

>>31565496
I am honestly not sure what he is asking for, i don't remember it doing anything like that
It was very uncomfortable to look at directly sir. there was an intense feeling of wrongness about it. even at range
we did tell him about the invisible assailants?

You did not. You can if you want.

>>31566545
he definitely needs to know this.
this also explains what we were personally doing.

how is this
>I was personally looking at the transaction taking place, I got a pretty good look at the faces of the people involved and could give a description of them.
>The item FELT wrong. It was difficult to look at it.
>However, they were guarded by invisible guards who detected us and attacked.
>My squad was on a fighting retreat towards from those when I was injured. they left me for dead and moved on the rest of the army. I was lucky to meet a healer in time.

Although, to be honest I am personally for revealing our herald status to a few select individuals in high power strata to get proper mobilization on this issue. While asking them to keep it a secret (king can be told of course, but again,ask him to keep it a secret too). But it seemed I was on the minority on this last thread and I am currently the only one around. so probably best to wait for a few other people to show up before making such a major decision

Writing.

The sight was disturbing at range. What must it have been like up close? The weapon seemed to warp the light around it, you remember, and it made the mercenaries look queasy…is that what he meant?

“It was very uncomfortable to look at directly, sir. There was an intense feeling of wrongness about it, even at range.” He seems to be somewhat unsatisfied with that explanation, until you drop the next bombshell. “I was unable to see what happened next, though, sir, since I was attacked by an invisible enemy.”

The news shocks him back a pace. “Did you say invisible?” he demands.

“Yes, sir, invisible,” you affirm. “It nearly killed me. It was a man, though, sir, invisible, I remember that. One of my men sacrificed himself to kill him.”

The office falls silent, except for the ticking of his small, mechanical clock. The General slumps down into his seat and buries his head in his hands. “Ugh…” he straightens up, looking almost morose. It’s a shocking lapse in front of an enlisted soldier. “True invisibility…only the Spirelings and the Harpies ever managed it.” He looks over at you. “I’m convinced.”

You hesitate, but if you’re going to track down the conspirators in this city, Dietrich will find out on his own sooner or later. “There was one other thing, sir. I managed to get a good look at the people doing the buying and selling.”

He sits up. “Can you describe them?”

(con’t)

You do so. He shows no signs of recognition as you describe the old Explorer…same for the nobles. The two thugs provoke no reaction as well. As soon as you start describing one of the six mercenaries, however, his face turns to stone.

“Light elf, male, about thirty years of age by sight,” you start. He grips the edge of the table. “Wearing expensive armor, carrying two flat blades…” You trail off. “Sir?”

“You just described Everett Soutri,” the old General rumbles. He runs his hand through his hair again. “Blast it. He used to be an officer in the Army.”


>Was he also a Mage, sir?
>Did he ever associate with criminal elements?
>Do you know who he works for?
>Writein

>>31567442
>Was he also a Mage, sir?

You try to recall the trade. You don’t recall the mercenary in question displaying any magic. “Was he a Mage, sir?” you ask, just to be sure.

The sunlight shimmers off of his enchanted armor as he shakes his head. “No, he had no magic. Nor did he have a Gift.” He squints into the past, trying to recall. “I can’t remember much else about him, to be frank…”

At last, he seems to remember that he shouldn’t be discussing such things with an enlisted, much less one recovering from such trauma as you’ve seen. “Well. Thank you, Sergeant,” he says, rising to salute.


Decision time.


>Tell him about your Heraldship
>Keep it covert for now

So was running on Good Friday a bad idea or something? My regulars seem absent.

>>31567992
>Keep it covert for now
Keep it on the low down.

>>31567992
reveal it, but ask him to keep it on the down low.

Rolled 1

Rolling a tiebreaker.

1 for conceal, 2 for reveal.

So it is! Writing.

You can always tell him later.

Your Heraldship was entrusted to you, and you haven’t needed to share it yet. As tempting as it is to let someone know about it, it shouldn’t be something you just sling around, either. You stand and immediately return his salute. “Sir! Thank you, General,” you say.

He nods. “Sergeant, I know you went through a hell of a lot. If you want to take a three-day leave to get your head on straight again, you may.”

Well, it’s better than the discharge you thought was coming your way. “It’s much appreciated, sir,” you reply. With one final salute, you turn on your heel and march out, collecting your weapons from his door guard as you pass.

Jerome has been sitting in the chair closest to the door the whole time. He shifts a bit in his seat, looking listlessly into the cup of water in his hand. When you walk by and offer your hand, he clambers up immediately. “Elsa. How did it go?” he asks. Honest concern crinkles his brow.

You shrug. “I got a name.” You look around at the guards in the room, none of whom seem to be watching. Then, they’re at attention, and wearing face masks. “Are you hungry?”

“Starved,” he says, catching your drift.


(con’t)

The two of you make your way to the door of the antechamber. Dietrich’s office is on one of the bottom floors of the massive castle at the north end of the city, which serves as both the Royal residence and military headquarters of the entire country of Cender. The Gubernatorial mansion is a bit east of here, and the two are connected by a tunnel, you know, though you’ve never seen the mansion in person.

The castle is racing, today. It seems like every functionary in the city is here, doing something or other. Even when you were stationed here, you never saw it so busy.

“I guess the loss of an entire battalion has the place in an uproar,” Jerome notes.

“Sure does,” you mutter. “It’s scary. I’ve never seen it like this.”

An entire platoon of Legionaries troops by, enchanted armor clanking. You step back and out of their way, noting their direction. The armory. Guess either Dietrich or his Legion counterpart is gearing up for another foray. For all the good it will do them.

After much walking, you reach the door of the castle into the city. It’s another gate, nowhere near as large as the main gate of Clen, but nearly as heavily-guarded. The sun is high in the sky overhead. The clocktower on the Royal wing of the building chimes noon just as you exit into the parade ground.

Beyond the gate onto the parade ground, a large group of civilians seems to be congregating around a small speaker’s podium. The podiums are usually used when a herald – the normal kind, not your kind – has a message to pass along to the people. To your mild surprise, however, the person on this podium today is none other than Governor Thomas Ekrine, your Lieutenant’s grandfather. He’s flanked by…

“Isn’t that one of your men?” Jerome asks.

Your stomach tightens. “Yes…that’s Corporal Dervich he’s with!”

>approach him now
>let the governor speak until the crowd breaks up, then approach
>listen in to the speech

>>31568830
>>let the governor speak until the crowd breaks up, then approach
>>listen in to the speech
both of those

>>31568830
>listen in to the speech

>>31569020
This

Writing.

You drift closer to the assembly, blending in with the large groups of soldiers making their way out of the grounds. The Governor is in full swing, too, speaking to the crowd as if he’s campaigning for something.

“I caution only that panic is gainless,” he insists. “This loss is damage enough! The spread of fear serves only our enemies!” The crowd doesn’t really react to that, but he presses on. Dervich’s gaze doesn’t leave the horizon. He shifts from foot to foot beside the Governor, as if he wants to be elsewhere. “The Pantheon would not allow this tragedy to go unpunished, and neither will King Maas! I assure you that the fullest strength of Cender will be fielded against whomever is responsible for this destruction!” he continues. The fiery old veteran shakes one fist over his head, lost in fervor. “For we have outlasted all nations that stood against us! Clen has stood since the dawn of time itself! It will stand against this!”

So he continues, for nearly five more minutes. By the end, the crowd is at least a bit more reassured-looking, if no more enthused.

Come to think of it, how much does the city actually know about what happened? Maybe you can ask Dervich.

As the speech ends, the Governor dismounts the podium, while Dervich stays, looking around. Maybe he’s remembering when he taught half the squad to fight with a spear here, while you taught the other half. The two of your would pair off your teams in mock battle. He won just under half the time, as you recall.

Abruptly, he stiffens. His eyes dart over to you and lock onto your face. His astonishment is a physical thing, it’s so strong.

He nearly leaps off the podium and races up to you, skidding to a halt a few feet away. Jerome looks like he’s about to say something, when Dervich snaps out a phrase that makes your heart sag. “Permission to ask a question, Sergeant?” he says, his voice rigid.

>Granted
>Denied

>>31569662
Granted

>>31569662
>Granted
Face as stone

>>31569662
granted

He gathers himself up to his full height, nearly five inches over yours, and glares down at you so hard it matches the sun for intensity. “I ran for my life, with an army of ghosts and the end of the world behind me,” he snarls. “What’s your excuse?”

The Governor apparently overhears his voice, or maybe just his tone, and glances over. His eyes go wide with recognition, too. He starts making his way over through the throngs of soldiers, Guards, and Legionaries.

Jerome draws himself up to his even more imposing height and glowers at the uppity Corporal who’s disrespecting his wife. You lay a restraining hand on his wrist and he steps back, still seething.

>I didn’t run at all, Corporal. ( cold )
>I was cut down. I only made it back this morning. ( patient )
>Watch your tone, Corporal Dervich. ( authoritarian )
>Meet me after the evening muster. I need to explain something to you. ( let him in on the secret once you can get him in private )
>writein

No matter what you pick, roll 1d100+5 for a dialogue modifier I will use in lieu of a coin flip for tiebreaking.

I included tonal notes because there is no 'wrong' answer. This is as much to determine Elsa's character in the future as it is to move the quest along.

>>31569878
>I didn’t run at all, Corporal. ( cold )

>>31569878
>I didn’t run at all, Corporal. ( cold )

>>31569878
>I was cut down. I only made it back this morning. ( patient )

I already voted >>31569950
but I guess we could combine the two >>31570026
So, start out with I didn't run at all giving him a hard glare (he is challanging us, but then again this was hard on him, probably), then move on to a more soothing "i only made it back"

That is also feasible! It would have been nice if even one person had noticed this part, though.


>No matter what you pick, roll 1d100+5 for a dialogue modifier I will use in lieu of a coin flip for tiebreaking.

Whatever, this is doable. Writing now.

>>31570138
doh, I can't believe i missed that

Rolled 48 + 5

>>31569878
trying again

Rolled 49

>>31570138

Dervich glowers at you, full of righteous anger, and, you suspect, a non-trivial amount of self-loathing. You steel your patience and speak quietly, with as much authority as you can muster. “Corporal Dervich. I didn’t run at all.” You jerk your thumb at your back where the knife hit you. “I took a throwing knife to the back. I was cut down. I barely made it out alive. As it is, I only managed to get back this morning.”

Your Corporal closes his eyes and tilts his head back a degree, inhaling deeply. “Yes…ma’am,” he says flatly. “I…” he deflates. “Yes, ma’am.”

“You don’t believe me?” you demand.

He scoffs. “I don’t think it matters. We’re alive. The rest of the battalion isn’t.”

The Governor hurries up. He looks over your insignia, and his eyes widen. “You! Sergeant! You were in Lieutenant Ekrine’s platoon, just like the Corporal here, weren’t you?”

You ignore Dervich for now, turning to salute the Governor. You know he was a Legionnaire back in the day, which meant he served in the King’s own personal army, and not the city-by-city garrison of offensive forces and auxiliaries, like you do. You salute him crisply. “Governor Ekrine, sir, yes, I did, sir.”

“Then tell me, Sergeant. What did you see out there?” he demands.


>May I ask how much the Corporal has already told you, sir?
>Very little. I was badly hurt, sir. It took powerful healing magic to get me back in one piece.
>writein

>>31570399
>May I ask how much the Corporal has already told you, sir?

>>31570399
Let us go somewhere more private for this.
Followed by
>May I ask how much the Corporal has already told you, sir?

You look around at the columns of troops moving about the parade ground behind you. “I mean you no disrespect, Governor, sir, but is it appropriate to discuss this in the middle of the staging ground?”

The Governor sighs, a tense little burst of air. “No. Follow me, both of you,” he says to you and Dervich. As you start to follow, Jerome clears his throat.

“Elsa, sweetheart, I think I need to be going to work,” he says.

>No, stay with us.
>I’ll catch up with you after dinner, Jerome.

>>31570681
Well, this might be a while so,
>I’ll catch up with you after dinner, Jerome.

>>31570681
>I’ll catch up with you after dinner, Jerome.
kiss kiss

wait, did we ever find out if our parents were notified of our death too? we only checked husband so far.
maybe have him stop by them and let them know?

>>31571051
You have no idea.

You can assume they sent Mortuary Officers to your residence before your parents' residence; but that doesn't mean they won't find out on their own.

After this last sequence with the Governor, however, the quest formally finishes the tutorial, and the open-world phase begins, wherein you will start receiving quests and intel from Asa and begin the investigation proper. It would be quite easy to find time to pop in on your parents.

>>31571157
alright. it guess that works

Writing.

As much as you like when your husband intimidates armored combat veterans, he actually does have a job. The first half of the day he could justify to his bosses, a whole day…maybe not.

You squeeze his hand. The rough marks of constant heavy lifting feel especially coarse to your god-healed hand. “I’ll catch you up after dinner, Jerome,” you promise.

He leans down to accept a kiss, one you deliver quickly. Best not keep the Governor waiting, sadly.

With a lingering glance your way, he joins the crowd dispersing after the Governor’s speech, remaining visible long after parting ways thanks to his considerable height. The Governor, meanwhile, is already marching off with all dignified haste, making for the Parade Master’s tiny office at the back of the huge, open parade ground.

The parade ground is maintained with magic, so that the grass is always green and healthy. You suspect it’s more for aesthetics than anything, but if that’s how the King wants to spend his money, who are you to complain?

Inside, the trophies of a career groundskeeper decorate sagging walls. A layer of dust covers tools and implements of cleaning as the Governor corners the both of you. “All right, Sergeant, now get to it,” he says briskly. “What happened out there?”

“May I ask how much the Corporal has told you, sir?” you inquire, before Dervich can open his mouth.

Ekrine shoots Dervich a glance. “That all but two of you were dead, and that he and the other man only survived because they ran. The entire rest of the column was destroyed by an as-of-yet magic spell never before encountered.” He grimaces. “This, of course, includes my grandson.”


>Tell the entire story (including your Heraldship)
>Tell as much as you can without mentioning the Heraldship

I'm only repeating the option to tell people about your Heraldship in case you wanted to be specific about the group who know, I'm not disregarding your previous choice.

>>31571805
>Tell as much as you can without mentioning the Heraldship

>>31571805
>I'm only repeating the option to tell people about your Heraldship in case you wanted to be specific about the group who know, I'm not disregarding your previous choice.
yea, that is fine.
I think being specific is important.we told husband, i wanted to tell general. I think we probably shouldn't tell governor unless we really need to (like if he figures out we are withholding information and we are at risk of being thrown in prison for it)

>>31571859
PS. focus on the detailed description of the men doing the deal, this will give him something to direct himself at. tracking down those men

>>31571805
>>Tell as much as you can without mentioning the Heraldship
Just say we got bloody lucky, and the attack that downed us nicked a nerve.

>>31571805
>>Tell the entire story (including your Heraldship)
We need at least one high placed ally. It'll make things easier.

>>31571928
actually, before we proceed, how high placed IS this guy?
he is a governor, but... I don't have a frame of reference here.

Also, if we want a high placed ally, we should aim for the king.

>>31571805
>>Tell as much as you can without mentioning the Heraldship

The Governor of the capital is the highest-ranking noble outside the Royal Family.

And yes, it is POSSIBLE to win this quest without telling anybody. POSSIBLE.

>>31572096
but we already told our husband :).

In that case I am changing my vote to telling him. (but only him, but not our ex squad member who is with us right now) and asking him to keep it quiet. and also getting him to get us an audience with the king and telling him too.
Basically, only the highest ranked nobles will know of it.

>>31572167
PS. I think we have to tell someone because we only have 3 days off and then we are going to be back to being reassigned. that means going AWOL to continue the quest or convincing someone we have some reason to not stick around after those 3 days

That is doable! Writing.

Do we have any artistic talent? can we sketch the people involved in the trade or sculpt?
if not, does the kingdom have a concept of police sketch artists?

>>31572338
The Guard does have what we would recognize as a primitive forensic team, but they're little more than Mages with medical training and a skill for dissecting crime scenes. It might be better than just trying to remember.

>>31572390
we can give them a try later

You recite the same story that you told the Captain-General, leaving out only the part where Asa stripped your soul from your body and gave you a healthy, superpowered new one. Which is really the point of it all, in your mind, but you want to keep things quiet for now.

You linger on the descriptions of the conspirators, providing perhaps as much detail as can be provided, including what the Captain-General told you. Eventually, you arrive at your return to the city, and the Governor sinks into a chair, leaving you and Dervich at an uneasy attention.

Ekrine stares into the dusty desk, looking for words. It’s not hard to see how much he’s hiding his pain at his grandson’s death. It doesn’t suit a man of his martial bearing. At length, he looks up at you both. “Thank you, Sergeant, Corporal. You’re both dismissed,” he says quietly.

Dervich snaps off a salute and makes his exit. You do not. Ekrine stares up at you as Dervich closes the door. “Something to add, Sergeant?”

You take a deep breath. You’ve realized how impossible this is going to be without mortal assistance…and even if you weren’t quite ready to tell Dietrich, the Governor has resources outside his nominal command of some local Army and other military.

Without a word, you reach up and unfasten your bandana. You let it fall away, revealing Asa’s mark.

Before, the silence that filled the room was the silence of regret and bitter sadness. Now, it’s absolute and complete shock. Ekrine’s skin pales. The dim light through the window glimmers in his suddenly watery eyes.


(con’t)

“…You?” he whispers. “You…speak for the Pantheon?”

You tap the jewel. “I’m surprised you even know what this is, Governor,” you say.

Wait. No. You would never say that to a Governor. Not a noble that highly ranked. What’s happening?

Something momentous is swelling up inside you. “Asa and her friends have agreed that the possibility of activating a Harpy Feathered Demon Orb is too great to be ignored,” you continue. Where are you getting these words? “They elected to restore me, to carry out her holy work here.” You close your eyes for a moment, and your words are your own again. “Sir. I trust in your discretion…and assistance?” you add.

Ekrine’s eyes are bugging out. He tries to stand, but his hands on the table are shaking. He looks down at them, uncomprehending. “I thought…the pacts they swore after the Collapse, I thought they forbade…”

You nod. “Yes, sir, they do. These are exceptional circumstances, sir.”

“Indeed,” he whispers. He slowly rises. “I…am at a loss.” His old eyes are focused on you now, and spark rekindles there. “Why you and not my grandson?”

You hesitate. “I don’t really know, sir. I suspect I was the only one to survive the battle without running. The rest were cur down in an instant, with no body left to salvage and rebuild, sir.”

He looks through the dusty window at the castle. “May I…tell the King?”


>Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it.
>Only if you don’t tell Captain-General Dietrich.
>Not unless I’m present.
>Hell no, never.
>Writein

ABILITY UNLOCKED: VOICE OF THE DIVINE
New Divine Ability unlocked!

Character sheet updated: http://pastebin.com/v2Sa7Miq

>>31573155
>Only if you don’t tell Captain-General Dietrich.

"I mean no offense, sir, but I would prefer that this not become widespread knowledge. Whoever acquired the Demon Orb can't be allowed to find out that a Herald is after them."

>>31573155
>>Not unless I’m present.

Rolled 5

>>31573155
Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it.
Not unless I’m present.

both combined into
>Yes, I would prefer to be present at the time though.
>And please, tell no one else until we discuss it with king. I have only told you and my husband thus far.

also, our justification for reassignment (aka, being given the freedom from current unit to act as we see fit) could be that we saw the faces of the perps so king wants us to travel around. of course this will not be an order but a suggestion of an idea we had, unless the king has a better one.
The king might have some other individuals in mind to tell to

“Certainly, Governor, sir,” you say. “I would prefer to be there, however. And I am afraid I must ask that nobody in the military be informed, either, sir.”

He turns to you, clearly baffled. “Herald…?”

“There are elements in the military and mercenary sectors I feel can not be trusted, suffice it to say,” you provide. The feeling of power that swelled up in your breast has faded, but it’s left a comforting feeling behind. You have to wonder why you’re not more scared. You push on, regardless. “My survival is not widely known. My status as a Herald is known only to my husband and you. The King’s counsel is unavoidable, of course, sir, and I suspect I will have to inform others at some point, but for now…”

Some color returns to his cheeks as he struggles to comprehend what’s happening. “Yes…yes, I see.” He takes a long, ragged sigh. “Yes. I understand…” He hesitates. “Er…the protocols do not come readily to mind. What honorific would be appropriate?”

…Good question.

>Nothing, if others can hear us.
>Well…I do speak for a Pantheon member, so Your Eminence would probably be most accurate.
>(Ask Asa really fast)

>>31573742
>>Nothing, if others can hear us.

>>31573742
>(Ask Asa really fast)

You press your finger to your forehead, focusing your thoughts.

[Lady Asa, what would the proper title of address be for me now?] you quickly ask.

After a second, you hear her voice filter back. […Sorry, working on something. It’s been a while…either Your Eminence if you’re addressing a noble or congregation, the latter of which no longer formally exists…Lady Ledren other times.] Her voice flickers. [Can this wait a few minutes? There’s an earthquake in the region near the Scar, and there’s…a lot of ghosts getting loose.]

Oh. Well, that’s bad. [Of course, my Lady. Forgive me.] you think.

You pull your hand away. “ ‘Your Eminence,’ would be appropriate, sir, among nobles. Simply Lady Ledren would work the rest of the time. And of course, no titles beyond Sergeant when we’re in danger of being overheard, sir.”


[TEMPORARY END OF THREAD]

Sorry to cut things off, but I need to go rest. I will continue in the morning if this is kept alive.

>>31573742
Since I am keeping it a secret, I would prefer that you continue to refer to me as normal.

I think when we talk to king, I am considering the following explanation.

>My predecessors were the voice of the pantheon, they were literally heralds and ambassadors to the kings and queens of mortals. They brought down the orders of the pantheon to the mortal races.
The gods have not had one of those for 3000 years for a reason, they wish for the mortals to rule themselves. This policy of self governence was not changed with my appointment. rather, I was recruited for a different reason, to retrieve or destroy forbidden harpy weapons.
ideas?

>>31574001
Thanks for the thread, OP! See you tomorrow.

bump

I'll be updating throughout the day. Thanks for keeping it afloat.

The Governor inclines his head. “I see. Then…Lady Ledren. If you would prefer, we could meet with the King right now.”

You blink in surprise. “Isn’t he rather busy with the recovery of the armor that was lost in the attack, and coordinating the search for those responsible?” you ask.

“Well, yes, but your arrival changes things like nothing has in three millennia, Lady Ledren,” the Governor says. “He would be more annoyed if he were left waiting.”

>Then let’s go.
>No, thank you.
>Questions first (what?)
>Writein

>>31580751
>Then let’s go.

>>31580751
>Then let’s go.

Sorry about the delay, friends, I was contracting a drawfriend to create a new OP pic (and doing some visual work of my own). Writing now.

An audience with the King. In your whole life, you’ve never even seen him. Now you may well be giving him orders. What a world.

“I would be honored,” you say with a nod. You refasten your bandana as Ekrine opens the door and tries to still his obvious nerves.

“Best be off, then, Sergeant,” he says loudly. You stifle a sigh. Could it be more obvious he was hiding something?

The two of you make your way across the bustling parade ground. The military forces here are gearing up like there’s a siege on the way. You see bundles of ballista bolts, mangonel barrels, even trebuchet missiles being winched up to the top of the walls. Offhandedly, you can’t think of a reason why the Army and Legionary Auxiliaries would need to be using artillery right now, but perhaps they’re just covering the bases. If the King called a military alert, he’s probably just taking the effort to show the nation his determination. It’s not like anyone outside the military knows about the Superweapon; you and Dervich have probably only told four people between you. Still, the loss of an entire battalion must have been noticed immediately.


(con’t)

The castle in Clen is the largest in the nation, and despite its size, appears foreboding only from outside the walls. From inside the city, the structure appears brightly lit, thanks to the strips of enchanted marble that line the outer wall surfaces. They’re arranged like stars, in patterns of random placement and brightness, so that on dark nights, when clouds cover the sky, the castle glows like a starfield. You’ve been inside many, many times, of course, you used to be stationed there, but the Residency is closed to all but Legionnaires and members of the Royal family – and perhaps some officers of the Shadows, if ugly rumor is to be believed.

The Governor doesn’t seem to be slowed by the presence of Legionnaires, though. He marches right up to them, passing checkpoint after checkpoint without delay. You follow in his wake through the lavish corridors, taking in the sights. The place is beautiful, no question, and security is tight.

After a lengthy climb up the utility stairs – the main stairs are apparently being repaired – you arrive at the Royal quarter itself, where the King’s work office is located. You know he prefers the smaller room over the audience chamber in which he makes formal appointments.

The guard outside the door looks like a marble statue under a kaleidoscope, so heavy with enchantments is his equipment. Sure enough, his armor has the grey arrowhead shape of the Shadows on the spaulders. There aren’t many in the Army or Legionary Auxilia that don’t find the Royal Family’s personal guards – and – overseers distasteful.


(con’t)

I think I didn't explain a point earlier. The Guard are the local military, serving as town watch, road and gate patrollers, and defensive soldiers. The Army is the general, city-by-city professional volunteer service-under-arms, and they can all be sent under the command of a single military leader like the Captain-General or the King if a cohesive force is needed. They're all equipped identically for convenience's sake. The Auxilia are Army troops permanently seconded to the Legion (and you are a member of an Auxiliary unit). The Legion are the knighted and landed classes, lesser nobles who lack an armed force of their own, mercenaries hired to a life-long contract, and other lifers who will serve the King their entire lives. They answer exclusively to the King and his Councils. The Shadows are the King's personal guards, and they also serve some field combat duties; I suppose you could compare them to the Praetorians, except they lack any political powers and are not allowed to serve as law enforcement, thanks to some timely legal blocks put in place by the current King's great-grandfather.

The Shadow takes one look at the Governor and waves him through. You, however, he swiftly moves to block. “Thanks for the escort, soldier, but your duty is completed,” he says in a tone of pure boredom.

Before you can act, however, the Governor is at the soldier’s side. “No, no, Lieutenant, the Sergeant is here to deliver a crucial report. Let her through.”

Annoyance floods the Shadow’s tone. “Out of the question,” the Shadow says, not turning his sight. “Sergeant, you’re dismissed.”


>wat do

>>31582810
annoyance? aren't "The shadows" supposed to be proffessional?

Let the governor deal with it

did we use up our voice of the divine for the day?

Nope, that was a freebie. You can use it here if you don't think you'll need it for the King.

And the Shadow just thinks you're the Governor's bodyguard. If you can convince him otherwise, he'll move. He's just doing his job.

>>31582810
"My Lord, I can wait outside while you tell the King."

>>31583130
Depending on whether the King believes the Governor, he might order the Shadow to let us in.

>>31573742
>There are elements in the military and mercenary sectors I feel can not be trusted, suffice it to say
eh, in the future can we just say "stealth is important for my mission, it is best that as few people as possible know at the moment". That way we are not casting unwarranted blame at people

>>31583166
even if he doesn't believe him he would order an audience.
he can also just say that we have something for his ears only, we turn over all our weapons, and then come in for the private audience and show the king

>>31580751
if you pick up a quest thread after being gone all night it is best to make a new notification on twitter to let your regulars know about it.

>>31583218
Good call.

>>31583130
Actually, don't be TOO forward
>My Lord, may I make a suggestion?
After he says yes
>I can wait outside while you tell the King. I am sure he will agree with your decision to have me report this matter to him personally, and inform his guards appropriately.

>>31583401
>I can wait outside while you tell the King
correcting self here
>I can wait outside while you inform the king of the matter.
rest is unchanged

>>31583401
Seconded.

Writing.

The Shadow is just following orders, you suppose. You shrug and step back. “I’ll wait here. Governor, sir, His Royal Majesty will want to speak with me, I imagine.”

“You may rest assured of it,” the Governor says. He closes the door. The Shadow looks at you funny behind his full-face crystal mask, but says nothing. You can’t hear anything through the solid stone door, sadly.

The antechamber is at least comfortable. You sink into the nearest chair, trying not to snag anything on your armor. The cushion is so soft it feels like you’re floating. The room is surprisingly vacant of courtiers and visitors, given the madness of the last few days. Perhaps they’re waiting for the King to make an address from the main Audience Chamber?

The door to the King’s private office suddenly opens, startling you and the Shadow alike. Governor Ekrine appears at the door, scanning the room. “Sergeant, Ledren, His Majesty requests your presence at once,” he says formally.

You rise and pass the Shadow, who’s looking a bit whiplashed behind his mask. He doesn’t offer you a comment as you enter the room, merely retaking his position before the door like a good sentry.


(con’t)

You come to a halt at the threshold of the room. If the primary Audience Chamber is considered ‘too opulent,’ in the King’s opinion, for the sort of private, quiet work he needs to do as the leader of his country, then his definition of ‘opulent’ is a bit inaccurate. The whole chamber is stuffed with trophies, of bewildering variance and cost. Ancient Spireling artworks from before the Collapse stand on pedestals around the four hundred square foot chamber. A huge fireplace dominates one wall, flanked by empty suits of armor embossed with the Royal Crest. A stuffed bear lies in one corner, its fur meticulously cleaned. Swords and daggers that glimmer with enchanted steel protrude from arms baskets or sit mounted on plaques. A Dommen shield, shined to mirror finish, reflects the light of a roaring blaze in the huge fireplace.

These and thousands of other items cover every surface and hangar in the wall, interspersed with banners and flags from the satrapies and vassals of the Kingdom. There are…many. The King is clearly a man who is not afraid of visual reminders of his responsibilities. Good.

The King himself is standing beside his desk, fists on his hips. He’s staring into the fire, facing away from you. You quickly review what you know of him. He’s younger than the Governor, having inherited the throne early, but not unusually so. He has a wife, you know, but she rarely leaves the castle, and a daughter of eight years. His wife is said to be pregnant, further diminishing her presence outside.

You come to a halt before him, and quickly drop to one knee. You bow your head, feeling your heart race. You weren’t this nervous until now. Sure, you’re a demigoddess’s champion, but he’s…well, he’s a king!

You say the only thing you can think of. “Your Royal Majesty King Maas, I am Sergeant Elsa Ledren, Herald of Asa, and at your humble service.”

>Wait for him to reply
>Spill everything now

File: 1307094008259.gif (9 KB, 420x420)

9 KB GIF

>>31584218
>>Wait for him to reply
Time to wait and see if Maul is handing us an ally or an obstruction.

Writing.

The crackle of the fire drowns out his footsteps as he walks up to you. You see a hand appear in your vision, and you look up to see the King staring down at you. His dark elf features are almost heroic, you see. Those statues of him in the parade ground are actually not very flattering after all. He’s looking fairly young, even given his actual youth. Clearly, he’s learned to tap the well, as Dietrich has.

His voice is as smooth as water, too. “Rise, your Eminence,” he instructs. You do so, feeling the race in your heart pick up a bit more. Hearing the actual King say those words…it’s an exhilarating reminder of your newfound power. “I understand you have a story to tell me.”

“I do, your Majesty,” you say. You bow over his hand, or try. To your shock, he bows instead, his eyes never leaving the brand behind your bandana.

“May I see with my own eyes the mark of your alliegance?” he asks.

>You may. (remove the bandana)
>No, I’d rather not. (provide a reason)
>Writein

>>31584820
>remove the bandana
don't actually say anything, just perform the action

>>31584820
>You may. (remove the bandana)

>>31584907
PS. I might be leaving soon, i got family stuff to do for holiday
You were having trouble getting players yesterday, it wasn't just you. I saw established quests with normally dozens of plays get no more than 4

>>31584820
>You may. (remove the bandana)

Also ask Asa if she wants to talk to him.

Writing.

Man, my tone has been really formal so far. It probably reads like a textbook. My writing tone is supposed to shift depending on whoever you're talking to, but so far it's been all family, superiors, subordinates, and Pantheon members. I'm hoping you guys take to the undercity to track down some conspirators and I can write noir style, or go talk some Guildsmen and I can write like a pulp thriller.

>>31585531

Or go to a Tavern so you can write sailor style.

>>31585531

Where does Noir fit in? There's no cigarettes, guns, Private Eyes or Yank Accents.

>>31585705
Not in the modest homes of senior NCOs in the Auxiliaries, the parade grounds of the Royal Legion, or deep and ancient woods of the Great Forest, no.

You haven't visited even a measurable fraction of one percent of the places I have sketched out in the city. You won't need to, either, but you can if you wish. Many are disreputable.

And this city totally has private eyes.

>>31585816

So everyone speaks American? Typical.

File: local_players.jpg (64 KB, 738x657)

64 KB JPG

In fact, fuck it, I'm just going to show you something.

I was going to save it until after this thread, since this is the last of the 'tutorial' threads and the investigation begins in earnest after this one ends, but I may as well show you now since Elsa knows this information already.

As much as you originally wanted to keep things covert, you no longer have that option. You silently unfasten your bandana and remove it.

The King takes one look and slumps. His shoulders droop as he sits down in a seat beside the desk. “I see.” He runs his hands over his purple eyes and sighs heavily. “Please sit, your Eminence.”

The change in his demeanor is so sudden, it’s like someone doused a candle. You sit in the chair beside him and the Governor pulls up a chair of his own.

As you do, you covertly study them both. Ekrine is looking more disturbed than ever, while Maas is just…tired. He looks like he hasn’t slept in a day or two at least. “Your Highness, I feel that I should explain my decision to inform you,” you say uncomfortably.

He rests his elbow on the arm of his chair and looks over at you. “Do you? I think you needn’t. I would have found out inevitably anyway.” He closes his eyes again. “Sergeant, I want to apologize. Your battalion was dispatched into the woods to hunt simple bandits, and encountered something profane instead.”

From heroic and handsome to self-abashing and old in one statement. Maas is a politician, all right. “Your Highness, this was a trade of arms that haven’t seen the air since before the Collapse, when the Dommen were exterminated in the explosion at the Scar and half the planet was burned clean,” you protest, feeling oddly defensive towards your King. “Nobody could have anticipated this.”


(con’t)

He half-smiles. “I suppose so. You sound like my daughter.” He stands again and turns to face his desk. “Something to drink? The old protocols are all but lost, I’m afraid, given the a-historic rarity of your sort. Still, I’m supposed to be your host, eh?” he wearily chuckles.

You graciously accept a goblet of brown brandy and take a sniff. It smells like it costs more than your house. “My thanks, your Highness,” you say. A sip reveals your price point may have been right on the mark. The Governor accepts another glass in silence.

The King himself eschews the brandy for water, dropping a sphere of ice into it from a self-replenishing dispense on the desk. He sits back down and turns to the Governor. “Lord Ekrine, if we’re imposing, then you may return to your duties.”

“With respect, your Majesty, I should stay and hear this,” Ekrine says politely.

Maas waves a hand. “As you wish.” He sips his water again. The simple robes he’s wearing look, upon closer inspection, to be made of actual silver in places, rendered spiders-web thin and preserved with enchantment magic. It matches his hair, another relic of his dark elf heritage. “Your Eminence, is there anything about this Heraldship that confers an insight into the identities of our mysterious conspirators? Anything that would help me kill them?”


>Well, no, your Highness, but Captain-General Dietrich did recognize one of them…
>Asa didn’t say.
>Writein

>>31586145
>Well, no, your Highness, but Captain-General Dietrich did recognize one of them…

Also describe the old Explorer guy.

Writing!

A memory from your conversation with the Captain-General stirs. “Yes, your Highness. I spoke to Captain-General Dietrich earlier, and he mentioned that a man from the mercenary team I saw in the woods matches an officer from his command, some time ago. He called him Everett Soutri.”

The King glances away in thought for a moment. “Hmm…that name is not familiar to me. He was one of the mercenaries who accompanied the one selling the Demon Orb?”

“He was, your Highness.” You think back to the encounter, but you don’t remember him doing anything. “He wasn’t pursuing us. The only one I saw actually come after us was the invisible one.” You cough into your hand. “Well, I mean, I couldn’t see him, but…you know what I meant, Sire.”

Maas snorts. “Indeed, your Eminence. They were guarding the others?”

You nod. “They were, Sire. The two nobles were guarded by the mercenaries, while the old Explorer was guarded by a pair of men without uniforms.”

The King leans forward. “I would appreciate it if you described the Explorer in greater detail. The World Headquarters of the Explorers’ Guild is right here in Clen. I may well know this man.”

You think back again. “Well, Sire, he was quite elderly. Very elderly. He was a light elf, male, with a Master’s uniform on.”

“Master…hmm. Would you say he looked like a career fighter, your Eminence?” the King asks.

“Absolutely not,” you assert. “In fact, he looked very frail.”


(con’t)

Maas ponders that. “I see. Has Asa divined the identities of the three men who died?”

You wince regretfully. “No, Sire. I will ask her when I can.”

“Very well.” The King sips his water again, looking pensive. “May I ask what you intend to do next?”

You sigh through your teeth, letting a bit of your exasperation show. “Your Highness, I have no bloody idea. Asa doesn’t know who the conspirators are. All I have is one name. I only have three days’ leave before I’m recalled to service, as well.”

Ekrine’s eyebrows rise. “Truly?”

You shrug. “I decided not to tell the Captain-General.”

Maas blinks at you. “Why not, your Eminence?”

“I don’t know who to trust, Sire,” you say respectfully. “That’s the long and short of it.”

“Yet you inform us?”

“I wouldn’t dream of acting against two nobles in Cender without informing you, your Highness,” you reply.

(con’t)

“You could, you know,” Maas points out. “Your authority supersedes mine, on a purely practical level.”


Roll 1d100+4 for Perception. First three answers get averaged.

Rolled 43 + 4

>>31587696

Rolled 31 + 4

>>31587696

Rolled 27 + 4

>>31587696

Rolled 13 + 4

>>31587696

Well that grilled cheese sure happened.
Okay, writing.

His tone makes you pause, but you can’t see a trap in the words. “I…” You trail off as you look for the right thing to say. “I don’t know that I agree, Sire. I have no political power.”

For a moment, the King looked like he was frowning, but it passes. “Too kind, your Eminence. I can’t speak to the divine. I can but dictate the law within my own borders.” He looks at you over the rim of his glass. “To be honest, this is something I doubt I can influence much. You seem to be staying largely covert, and you seem to have put the military beyond your trust.”

“I would sincerely hope that I could trust the military, your Highness, being a member of it,” you say carefully. “The problem is that two of the conspirators appear to be nobles.”

The King sighs again. “Indeed. From the descriptions that the Governor passed along to me, they do not seem to be members of my court. You say they carried enchanted rings? Personal shields?”

“That is what I observed, Sire, yes,” you recall. “They seemed to be leading the mercenaries.”

“Interesting,” the King muses. Before he can say anything else, however, the door knocks. Not the door you used, but the smaller and much more modest wooden door at the other side of the room.

“Dad? Are you in there?” a young girl’s voice asks.

The King’s head whips around to you, but you’re already retying the bandana. “Er, yes, Mara, I am, but I’m speaking with someone,” he says, suddenly flustered.


>”If I may, Sire, I can just duck out.”
>Say nothing at all.
>Writein

>>31588880
>”If I may, Sire, I can just duck out.”

>>31588880
>>”If I may, Sire, I can just duck out.”

Writing.

You look meaningfully towards the door. “Sire, if I may…”

“Thank you, your Eminence,” the King says, heaving himself up out of his chair. The Governor follows you silently to the door as you make your exit. Looking over your shoulder, you see the King crouch to speak with a small dark elf as the door swings shut.

“The King’s daughter?” you ask.

Ekrine clears his throat. “Yes, Sergeant, his daughter Mara.”

You make a noncommittal noise as the Shadow resumes his post. “Governor, shall we continue our discussion in your office?” you ask, anticipating another trek down out of the Royal Quarters.

Before he can answer, however, the Royal office door swings open again. The King sticks his head out, searching the room for you. “Sergeant, if you could just wait here for a moment, there’s something I wish to show you when I’m done with my daughter.” His tone, of course, is that of a King addressing his loyal subject, as he’s gratifyingly unwilling to risk revealing your status in front of the Shadow. At least your advice is apparently sticking with him.


(con’t)

You offer up a quick bow. “Certainly, your Highness,” you say. The door swings shut again, and you sink back into the chair you were using before.

The Governor takes a seat in another of the floaty chairs next to the door. “Well. Sergeant, what role did my grandson play in your battalion?”

The sudden shift in conversation throws you for a second. “Well, he was a platoon Lieutenant…I recall he was educated, and was able to pay for his own gear, so he was offered a commission…is that what you mean, Governor?”

He waves an impatient hand. No doubt another affectation for the sake of the guard. “Yes, but I mean his actual role. Was he a disciplinarian? Was he a fatherly sort?”


>Well…I didn’t know him well personally…
>He was could be a bit of a nep.
>He wasn’t there long enough to show his true skills.
>writein

>>31589441
>He wasn’t there long enough to show his true skills.

>>31589441
>He wasn’t there long enough to show his true skills.

A commander needs time to prove himself, time to show his skills. Your Grandson will have that time, and he will show us what he can do, but he needs that time before any of us can judge him thus.

>>31589441
>He wasn’t there long enough to show his true skills.

>>31589532
um I'm pretty sure his grandson died
so yeah
he won't have that time

>>31589666
Correct! You found his armor when you left the forest.

Writing.

You hesitate. Your impression was brief and not positive. You settle on a diplomatic course. “With respect, sir, I only knew him during the forty day muster period before deployment. I didn’t really know him long enough to see his true skills. He was clearly good enough to lead our advance platoon, though, Governor.”

He transfixes you with a piercing stare for a long moment, before relenting and sagging back into his seat. “I see. Well. Thank you, Sergeant.” A mournful tone leaks into his voice. “He was so eager to lead. He wanted to protect this city from its staggering banditry problem, you know.”

“We all did,” you murmur. “It’s a cause worth fighting for. The people have worked hard. They deserve what’s theirs.”

The Governor looks out the tiny slot window towards the endless rows of green fields outside. “I campaigned against the enemies of the country in my youth, as well. They wore uniforms. They didn’t wear masks.” He sighs. “I hope that when this madness is over, we can work against the criminal packs that roam our countryside.”

The door swings open. King Maas appears at the portal, nodding to the guard as he does. “Governor, Sergeant. I have a map I wish to show you.”

(con’t)

The two of you troop back in, just as the door swings shut behind Mara. You glance over at her, but don’t catch a glimpse before she’s gone. The King notices. “My daughter Mara. Eight years old and more energy than a Utility Mage,” Maas says fondly. “She wants to go to the market with her Shadows this evening. I am tempted to let her go, but with all this uncertainty…well. It’s a risk.”

“I understand,” you say. You look down at his desk as he brings a glow-light paperweight out of a drawer. “A map, Sire?”

“Indeed.” Maas weighs down the corners of the map and points to a large structure in the corner. “This is the castle…where is your home on this?”

You indicate the small block of townhouses where you and several other NCOs live. Or lived. It’s still hard to think about how you’re the last NCO from your entire battalion. “Here, Sire.”

“Very well.” He looks at the distance. “Yes…hmm. I wonder…”

He snaps his fingers, and the paper suddenly shifts in color. You jerk your head back in surprise. You didn’t know he was a Mage. You can’t stifle a startled sound. “Oh!” He turns to look at you quizzically. “Sorry, your Highness, I just…didn’t know you had magic.”

He chuckles. “Not much. Enough to use a shielded paper.” He points to the spot you had indicated. “Do you see that purple line on the paper there? Near to your home?”

You squint at the paper, and see a thick line run under your block, heading for the castle. It’s not perfectly straight; it looks like a ripple. “I do, Sire.”

The King sets his hands on the desk and leans forward. “That line, your Eminence, is an underground tunnel the Utility Mages use to ferry fresh water to the castle. Or, rather, it was. It’s empty.”

You look up at the King, who is regarding you with a neutral expression. “Sire?”

“The tunnel, your Eminence. You can use it to get about the city…if you wish.”


>writein

>>31590660
As what entrances and exits there are.

You look the map over, trying to overlay it with your own knowledge of the city. You recognize a Utility tower in one corner, connected to the rest of the map with blue lines and purple lines. There are only three purple lines, however, that seem to be connected to other purple lines. The one that runs under your house to the Utility tower and the castle, one that connects the tower and a cluster of large buildings you don’t recognize, and another one that seems to run between the tower and the main marketplace. “What are the blue lines?” you ask, just to be sure.

“Active lines,” the King confirms.

“Why was I never informed of this, your Highness?” the Governor asked in surprise.

The King sighs. His tone is positively bashful. “Because my father wanted to ensure that this could be used to escape the castle.”

The Governor snorts. “He never did trust me.”


>”Is this even accessible from my house, Sire?”
> “Yet you trust me?”
> “Who else knows about this?”
> Writein

>>31591347
>”Is this even accessible from my house, Sire?”
> “Who else knows about this?”

>>31591347
>>”Is this even accessible from my house, Sire?”

K, I guess my audience is in bed. I'll write one more post and pick it up tomorrow morning.

>>31592438
No. 4chan just broke links. Look at the URL. Had to search for all my opened threads.

My URL is completely and totally unchanged from what it was when I started the thread yesterday. Are you using an old version of 4chanX?

>>31592506
Not using 4chanx at all. Which might explain why you transitioned seamlessly.

>>31592506
They're doing some major renovations to the site. It's getting all fucked up, a while back I couldn't even post.

I'm not even using an official extension, actually.

>>31592530
I'm not using it wither and I'm fine.

The map shows the purple line running within a few dozen feet of your house, though of course this is just one small piece of the city. In fact, if this is a water line that you never knew about…

“Sire, is this accessible from my house?” you ask.

“Not yet,” the King says confidently. He straightens up and folds his arms over his chest. “The construction team can be dispatched to your home to begin excavation on my order.”

Your eyes go wide at the realization. He wants you to have a direct line to the castle? “This…is a huge honor, Sire,” you manage. “And an incredible token of trust!”

Maas nods solemnly. “You’re a Herald, your Eminence,” the King says. “More than that: you have a specific task to fulfil. I won’t allow myself to withhold support when I could lend it. The Pantheon taking a personal and direct interest in this matter is proof enough of that.” He turns to face you and smiles grimly. “Count on my assistance, your Eminence.”


[TEMPORARY END OF THREAD]

So! That went well for you. The King is offering support, you have a name of a conspirator...a few more posts and the intro level ends. Thanks for staying with me!

>>31593073

TRhank you very much OP. Do you want this thread kept afloat till you get back, or should it be left to 404?

Oh, and I will, of course, pick up tomorrow if this is alive. Easter and all.

>>31593073
Thanks for the thread, SE! Catch you in the morning.

bump

Bump from Down Under.

I hope more people come to this quest. It has far more potential then most anime harem waifu quests.

Howdy.

I know that on Easter, I can't expect much of a crowd, so I'll be sort of leaving each post open ended for people to comment on, and I'll write when I can get away from the party.

File: 1261340917055.jpg (162 KB, 500x411)

162 KB JPG

Bampo

>>31597133
And for a change, we are a married woman... married to a man at that. i am sick of "lesbian harem quest the harem waifuing"

I do think the holidays were a big part of it. some older well established quests with normally well over 10+ posters barely scraped buy on 3-4 people the last two days.

I hope so. Se. said on the IRc that he spent two years fleshing out this city.

I will be in and out, there are people here for an Easter get-together.

You came here not knowing what to expect. Distance? Awe? Hatred, even? You were ready as you could have been, perhaps, but unconcealed candor is still a relief. At least he’s taking things seriously. “I appreciate that, your Highness. It’s profound honor,” you say, sketching a quick bow.

The King gives you a regal nod in return. “I wish that more of the old protocols had been preserved. I find myself at something of a loss.”

“We seem to be functioning well enough as it is, Sire,” you joke. The mere idea of joking with Kings would have been so heady. Perhaps you should ask Asa why it isn’t, any more.

“Indeed.” Maas turns to look at the map once more, then steps back and looks over at the grand picture window, facing out over the city. “If you’d like, I can direct you to others I believe would be willing to help out.”


>I would prefer if you didn’t.
>So long as you can vouch for their discretion.
>Absolutely!
>writein

>>31600368
>So long as you can vouch for their discretion.

>>31600368
>So long as you can vouch for their discretion.
As long as he doesn't openly tell them what we are, and just order them, why not ?

bump

File: image.jpg (24 KB, 520x522)

24 KB JPG

>>31600368
>So long as you can vouch for their discretion.
This seems reasonable

Writing.

New allies? For all your newfound power, you are a soldier at heart. If there’s people out there that can be of more assistance, you’re not about to disregard them. Still, discretion is important.

“I would greatly appreciate that, Sire, so long as they don’t have any inclination to reveal my existence to others,” you carefully say. You wince at the implied insult to his judgment. “Of course, I wouldn’t imagine that you would direct me to someone indiscreet,” you hastily add. “Sorry, your Highness, I’m new to this.”

He raises an eyebrow at your comment, but waves it off. “It is nothing. To be frank, your choice to reveal yourself to me was the wisest move, in my opinion,” he says. “This conspiracy wouldn’t be trading such weapons if they weren’t intent on using them.”

“Unnerving,” the Governor mutters. “They are certainly not trophies.”

Asa’s words about their use in the wars that preceded the Collapse come back to you. “Asa said that they played a role in at least one god-slaying,” you recall.

“All the more reason to broaden your net,” Maas says decisively. “I recommend you bring the Brotherhood, the Firesouls, or both into your hunt.”


>Remind me, who are they?
>Why?
>Do you have any contacts with them?
>Writein
>Ask Asa for advice

>>31603515
>Why?

OP, you should get better art. Even just get a picture off an art thread or something, this one is really unappealing.

Your writing is also pretty textbook, which fits the military life to a T, but is an acquired taste.

And finally, maybe it's just me, but playing a character whose main ability is to throws stuff with a slingshot is a huge turn off, I hope we'll be able to focus on spear-bearing in the future.

>>31603976
>Better art
What? That pic is awesome. It's the main character, what else should be on there?
>Writing
Yes, it is. For now. Then we'll leave the military context, and I can play around a little.
>Sling
You haven't used it more than once or twice in the whole quest so far. Once this tutorial mission of sorts has ended, you'll be free to adopt different gear.

Writing.

You consider that. “The Brotherhood and the Firesouls…I asked Asa why she didn’t just ask for their help when this all started.” You remember that feeling of drifting out of your body and shudder. “She said that they weren’t really material to the discussion, at that point. Why do you think they’d be of help?”

“Their members aren’t bound to a strict chain of command like a uniformed army would be,” the King points out. “They are also, individually, very powerful, and can keep up with a Herald. They have skills like infiltration, protection, espionage, crafting, enchanting…all manner of training that the Army doesn’t need.” He uncrosses his arms and leans back over the map, seeming to study it for something. He snaps his fingers to bring the building layer back up. “The Firesouls, especially. They have abilities no soldier possesses. They can keep secrets, too.”

>writein

>>31604111
>It's the main character, what else should be on there?
Anything that would actually get people's attention. Lift something from an art thread, if you want more players.

You need to realize how much face value matters on /tg/. Right now you have a generic soldier picture next to a generic title.

>>31605066
That was just the character picture. I buy my pics from a friend who draws for a living. an OP pic is en route.

If all you meant by 'better' is 'more dynamic,' fear not, there is one such pic on the way.

>>31604961
I will need time to mull this over, too much is at stake for hasty decisions.

Is there any way I could get an idea of their inner workings, and are there member you would recommend ?

Writing.

I owe you all an apology. Today was so chaotic, I shouldn't have even run. I'm sorry my post schedule is so messy today. It will be much more civil next Friday.

>>31607061
hey, no problem.
thanks for doing the quest

You have to admit, he makes a good case. The Brotherhood are known across the span of the planet for their skills, and the Firesouls are the toughest mages alive. Still, though, you have to wonder. “Your Highness, I will need time to mull this over. Too much is at stake for hasty decisions.” You soften the remark with a question. “Is there any way I could get an idea of their inner workings, and are there members you would recommend for contact, Sire?”

King Maas seems not to take offense at the hesitation. “Reasonable enough, your Eminence. The Firesouls are a group of ultra-elite mages who train under a single master, right here in Cender. The Brotherhood is a formal organization like a Guild. They have Masters, they have chapter houses, they have tithes and fees.” He sits on the edge of the table, thinking it over. He’s remarkably disarming that way. “They are explorers and fighters. They map out the ruins of the world that the Explorer’s Guild can’t safely reach, fight as elite bodyguards, that sort of thing.” He rubs his hands together, picking his words carefully. “I would recommend you approach the Firesouls after the Brotherhood, if you decide to approach them at all. They’re temperamental, and very…free-spirited,” he adds, the slightest note of displeasure coloring his words. “The Brotherhood is commanded locally by a man named Culler. He and I know each other well.”


>Then I think I should take my leave.
>(Ask questions)
>Any more advice?
>Ask Asa a thing
>writein

>>31607896
>Ask Asa a thing
Her opinion on both those groups, and why she chose us instead of going to them. Is it because she suspects them (god knows I do) ?

After that, ask him (if possible) for extra advice.

>>31608031
sensible enough. after that we need to go visit our parents and make sure they know we are alive.

Then maybe stop by with the local crime investigation unit and see if they have a good sketch artist. (even if we don't want their face plastered in every corner, we could at least get a few copies for top investigators)

>>31608031
>>31608104
Both of those things are entirely possible! They are also not exclusive, it's only about 1400 and Jerome won't be expecting you until 1900.

actually, a revision of >>31608104

>>31608031
>Her opinion on both those groups, and why she chose us instead of going to them.
she already told us why we she chose us. We faced them and lived. And not through running. We excelled. Also we were dying and willing to be brought back from the brink to go after a weapon that kill gods (it will instagib us if we get hit with it)

Writing.

Your patron may have some advice, but it would be the height of rudeness to simply poke your forehead while the King has to stand and watch. The King himself has probably been tasked to his limit, as well. It’s not like he’s had more than a few minutes to think about all this. “Your Highness, I suspect that this avenue of investigation would be fruitful,” you say. “I’ll go and contact the Guard, as well, to see if they have any idea who these people may be. Criminal records and so on.”

“A good idea,” the King says. He stands back up and brushes himself off. “Well. Have you any more questions for me?”

“Only what other advice you can offer me, Sire,” you admit.

He grins. “Have faith.”

It’s a peculiar thing, faith. Your world barely has any sort of religion, since the Demigods project Avatars in the cities to hold question and answer sessions all the time. You know that back in the day, the world was filled with temples, where Heralds and Avatars conversed with the people in great ceremony, with all the attendants and rules that implies. It’s a very strange thing, knowing you’re the last of them all.

Still. It’s a kind gesture. You smile and incline your head, feeling quite satisfied with the entire encounter. “Much appreciated, your Majesty. Thank you for having me.”

“It is my privilege, Herald Ledren,” he says formally, bowing low. A King, bowing. What a world, indeed.

You bow to him and the Governor in turn, then take your leave.


(con’t)

The castle is still a riot of activity as you make your way down to the lower levels. The soldiers and courtiers of the Cender Royal castle run through the day’s activities with all the urgency of a world-changing event. The loss of the force in the woods is clearly common knowledge, now. You can’t help but wonder how many people know you’ve lived through it all. What worth does Elsa Ledren’s life have compared to all those others?

You shake your head to snap that idea. What a stupid thought. You can’t hold yourself to the same level as eight hundred others. If you die, Asa will appoint another Herald, and the process will continue.

“Sergeant?” a voice asks through your fog of thought.

You blink as you recognize the tone. It’s Corporal Dervich. He’s caught up to you, right at the exit of the building into the courtyard. “Yes, Corporal?” you ask.

He shuffles his feet a bit. “May I say something freely, ma’am?” You nod. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

>apology accepted, Corporal.
>No, you shouldn’t.

>>31608729
>No, you shouldn’t.
That was completely out of line.

>>31608729
>>No, you shouldn’t.

Writing.

>>31609006
>>31609106
damn you guys are cold. can't even accept an apology

It would be totally out of line to dismiss what he did on the grounds of just mental trauma and indignation, if only because he lost it in public. You glare at him, and he shuffles into attention, clearly apprehensive. “No, Corporal, you shouldn’t,” you say coldly. “See that it doesn’t happen again.”

“Ma’am, yes ma’am!” he says crisply, though you can see the bitterness in his eyes. You walk right past him with a cursory ‘dismissed.’

Out in the parade ground, you make your way through the emptying area to the gate. En route, you see several laborers hefting bundles of ammo up to the walltop weapons. Even more ballistae bolts and trebuchet missiles make their way up the walls in their hoists and pulleys, for no more clear a reason than before.

As you reach the gate, you let out a long, heavy sigh. You met the King. You met the King, and speaking to him as an equal was as natural as breathing! You stifle a nervous laugh that had been threatening to break free the whole time.

“…Wow,” you whisper to yourself as you finish, looking around to see if anyone saw. “This…is crazy.”

Well. You shouldn’t waste any time. Asa wouldn’t want that. You look back and forth along the roadway in front of the gate, wondering where to go next.

LEVEL ONE COMPLETE: WHISPERS, GREED, AND MURDER

Progress: B+
Combat: A+
Improvisation: C


Well, that was a rocky start on my part, and I’m sorry for that, but you all seem to be doing pretty well! The combat at the beginning was handled about as well as it could possibly be, even culminating in you killing a guy who was supposed to live through the encounter!

You aren’t really doing much improvisation in your responses to dialogue challenges (which as you’ll recall confers huge bonuses) but your combat improv is top-notch.

Progress was pretty good (I define Progress in terms of tracking down the conspirators). You took out the invisible man and the two thugs, so there’s good news. In terms of character progress, well, you seem to be vacillating a bit about whom to trust, which isn’t biting you yet, but you’ll have to decide pretty soon if you want to track these nine guys.


I want to keep going, but it's time for bed here, and you folks have hit an ideal stopping point. You have leads to pursue and things to do. The floor is open if you want to ask things.

>>31609594
What do you expect out of improv ?

Will all the powers bestowed upon us by Asa be social based, or will we get more offensive abilities ?

Improv is the quality of >writein solutions. They aren't necessary, they can just save time.


Some of Asa's abilities are combat, you just haven't been leveling that skill.

>>31609969
So there's a sort of levelling system, interesting. Are they different depending on what weapon we decide to use ? Can training, cause them to appear ?

>>31609594
>vacillating
this is the nature of a quest. random completely different people come in and post their opinions.

Training may unlock natural abilities, tied into the Well of Magic that the King and Dietrich have found. It's actually a remnant of a mechanic I toyed with when I was making an RPG. You can extend your life, unlock new powers, refine existing ones, all that.

GAINING new Divine abilities requires either a specific effort or obeying Asa's will in ways that will be pretty clearly defined. Spending lots of time with her Avatar or helping her with projects aside from killing conspirators will unlock them faster. Some are combat, some are social, some are mechanical (i.e. roll buffs). The thing about Divine abilities is that they can't be detected if you don't want them to, unlike magic or Gifts. You could be literally channeling Asa's words through your mouth and nobody would ever know.

Actively earning Asa's favor with certain actions will make her more willing to spontaneously help you out. She'll brief you on what she expects of your conduct when she's not dealing with the outbreak of Soul-Consumers in the Rift zone to the south. Not all ghosts are friendly like you were. Some are very bad. Asa will also be quite willing to repair and heal you and your gear.

What she will NOT do is enchant your gear. She basically can't (without breaking rules). You can spend money to have gear enchanted at any Alchemists' Guildhall, or the Legionary barracks if they're favoring you. You can also earn favors to get upgrades installed.

Any final questions before I fuck off until Friday?

>>31611109
No questions here, yet

Then I'll see you all Friday! Thanks for playing.