At the end of the last thread there was a spirited discussion over the amount of sexual content in this quest. I would like the players to decide how much sexual content they are comfortable with going forward.

Although I’m not intending to trick or force players into anything sexual, what I have written can easily be seen as ‘early warning signs’ on the road to a magical realm.

Here’s my view
Have I been deliberating putting sexual content in the quest? Yes, absolutely.
Am I intending to force anyone into my magical realm? No.

As I have said before, I don’t intend to write detailed sex-scenes, mostly because I’m no good at it.

I do like to include sexual innuendoes, titillating scenes and explicitly sexual and/or attractive NPCs (of both genders).

I’m far more interested in the narrative and comedic effects of sex in the story, than the porn.

In Anime terms, I intend to write ecchi scenes rather than hentai ones.

As a QM you have my firm promise that:
Neither the PC nor adventuring companions will engage in sexual contact without a vote being put to the players.
By sexual contact I mean: kissing someone on the lips, petting, engaging in sexual acts.
I do not see a kiss on the cheek or hand as sexual contact, though I can exclude that if people want. Asshole NPC’s may slap the PC or companions on the backside, though this will probably provoke a reaction.
If you get captured or otherwise restrained then you may get briefly fondled or groped by enemies, but only to establish them as a creepy bad guy. It would not be an extended description, a sentence at most.

Any explicit sexual content will be obvious in the description and the voting options, there will no ‘oh you decided to get drunk? Welp you got date-raped, shouldn’t have voted for that option’.

>>33141073
I cite as an earnest of my good intentions:
The only time the PC might have kissed someone (fairly innocently) it was put to a vote, and, in line with the characters chaste status, would have required a Willpower roll to succeed.
After the feast you went to bed inebriated, nothing bad happened.

So whilst the shopping trip is running, I would appreciate player feedback as to what level of sexual content you feel comfortable with in this quest, from here on. I cannot change what I have done before, only what will happen going forward.

Also, as the inclusion of a young werewolf who occasionally falls prey to ‘animal urges’ rang a few warning bells, I am re-opening the voting on your warrior companion.

>Keep Matthias the werewolf
>Sir Andrew, the knight
>Gilyan, the short girl with the spear

Not including the barbarian as I don’t think anyone wanted him. If Matthias is not picked, this will retcon his selection for the party.

My apologies for slowing the quest down.

>>33141083
>Keep Matthias the werewolf
He was the most interesting character, best fighter etc.
Some people just get so paranoid about not being in absolute control of everybody, even the NPCs.
Plus, we got that shock collar in case he ever loses control and he wouldn't try to act on the urges of the wolfmind otherwise

>>33141056
>Weapons

>>33141073
>>33141083
>Keep Matthias the werewolf


I am completely fine with what you are wanting to do. I myself am interested in the narrative and comedic effect of sex in a story and feel that it makes characters come off as better written and deeper when they actually have interests of their own (these do not have to be sexual but excluding sexual ones for no reason is pointless)

So far I think you've been doing very well and I have had no problem with the dialogue, descriptions, or options given. I also quite appreciate the care you are taking to cater to your player base.

What do you check out first?
>Weapons
>Armour
>Utility Items

Metagame: I would like to get the shopping trip over so we can get the story rolling, but I’ll let the players decide how much discussion and debate they want over specific items.

Maybe if you just gave list of available gear both magical and mundane with their properties, it would go faster? I'm sure that in the end we'll check every category.

Also magical shackles for Mathias

>>33141223
Weapons

>>33141223
>magical shackles
I'd really prefer if it's fluffed as an amulet or combination of bracelets and anklets, not literally magical shackles.
I mean really.

Other than that, I agree that just listing all available gear will let us pick and choose quicker.
Also, are we expected to buy gear for our compatriots or do they bring their own shit?

>>33141242
Seconding the fluff on the magic item for mathias
Also a list of available gear would probably be best since we'll be going through it all anyway

>>33141223
I can dump the whole list if preferred.

Given how I did chargen though, I thought it best to work through individual options.

Yikes. If its that big then let's go one at a time. Weapons

>>33141403
Well, I was gonna do each character in each category separately. I guess we can do 1 full category at a time.

>Weapons
You decide to equip some magical weapons. You follow the directions Magister Dast gave you to a small shop in a back alley, or...what looks like a small shop, As soon as you enter through the door what looked like a tiny building from the outside becomes a huge, vaulted warehouse on the inside. At the front desk sits a bespectacled Gnome, making annotations in a big book and muttering and cursing under his breath. A few moments later he looks up and sees you, scowling in your direction.
“Another one, of course, taking all out inventory and nothing but promisary notes.”
“I’m Paladin Sireyi” you say, ignoring his rudeness, “I’m here to-”
His scowl disappears, replaced by what might be a smile “Ah, my apologies, I’m Gilgrum, Master of Magical Weapons, I thought you were someone else. Come in.”
He steps out behind the desk and shakes your hand, looking at you and your companions “So, who shall we be finding a weapon for first?”

>Me
Master Gilgrum rubs his chin and looks at you thoughtfully “Hmm, yes, a Halberd for you I think, but what kind?”
You can pick only one choice at this time.

>One that deals elemental damage (pick fire, cold or electricity)
>One that defends me (boosts defence)
>One that increases the effect of my smite attack
>One that deals extra damage to evil creatures
>Other (write-in)


>Isla
Master Gilgrum walks around Isla, musing “A staff with magical powers would suit, but what kind?”
You can pick two choices at this time, a staff can have two powers.

>One that increases the power of her attacking spells
>One that increases the power of her defensive spells
>One that defends her
>One that gives her a larger pool of magical energy to draw on
>One that fires an elemental attack (pick fire, cold or electricity)
>One that makes her resistant to magic
>other (write-in)

>>33141394
Well, there's a difference between Chargen and a shopping trip.
But if it's really as big as chargen then you should probably just go one by one.

>>33141415
>Jianxi
Master Gilgrum throws up his hands, “Knives of course, but what kind?”
“Ones that pierce armour” responds Jianxi

You can pick two choices at this time, one for each knife.
>One that deals elemental damage (pick fire, cold or lightning)
>One that creates a lethal poison
>One that creates a knockout drug
>One that deals extra damage on a sneak attack
>One that penetrates armour
>Other (write-in)

>Matthias
Master Gilgrum thinks about this carefully, “you I can’t place, interesting, it’s as if you don’t need a weapon.”

Pick Weapon type, only 1 choice
>Longsword
>Axe
>Mace
>Greatsword
>Halberd
>Spear
>Other (write-in)

Pick Enchantment, only 1 choice
>Elemental damage (fire, cold or electricity, pick one)
>Bane Weapon (pick creature type: Goblinoids, Giants, Dragons, Demons, Undead)
>Speed (bonus to hit)
>Defending (bonus to defence)
>Other (write-in)

Also, given the importance of your quest, you could just say 'all of the things'.

I'm artificially limiting your choices to make my book-keeping easy. Because I'm horrible like that.

>>33141415
>>33141428
>Jianxi, whose name was retconned from Janxi
>One that penetrates armor, as she requested
>One that creates a knockout drug

We really need some way of non-lethally dealing with enemies, and it'd be most useful on the stealth expert.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot knock people out by striking them in the head, it only lasts a few moments or causes permanent brain damage.

>Isla
>One that gives her a larger pool of magical energy
>One that fires an elemental attack (electricity)

Electricity has the best ratio of useful/nonlethal and will allow her to easily contribute to battle in spite of being more utility-focused.
Larger mana pool because it's the most useful for a utility wizard.

I'm going to say that our non-mages should go with the masterwork stuff from the fighter's guild, but in case others feel differently:

>Sireyi
>One that deals elemental damage (fire)
But only if it's fluffed as white angel-fire, otherwise
>One that deals extra damage to evil creatures

Probably Speed enchantment for Matthias, no opinion on what kind of weapon he should use.
Would go for Longsword myself, just for the sake of classics.

>>33141519
>Jianxi, whose name was retconned from Janxi

Good spot, thanks

Matthias added to Party pastebin, since there appears to be no dissenting voices.

New Stat: Loyalty.

Loyalty represents how loyal an NPC is to Sireyi.

Numerically this is rated -10 to +10.
-10 - They want you dead.
-9 to -5 - They will leave the party as soon as it becomes sensible to do so.
-1 to -4 - They dislike you.
0 - They don't care about you, they will do as you ask unless they think they know better.
1-4 - They feel somewhat loyal to you. They will usually do what you ask, unless you ask them to do something very out of character for them.
5-9 - They are loyal to you. They will even take actions they normally wouldn't, if you want them to (requires a Fellowship roll)
10 - They are totally loyal to you, their loyalty overrides their own judgement.

>>33141415
>>33141428
Me
>One that defends me (boosts defence)


Isla
>One that fires an elemental attack electricity
>One that gives her a larger pool of magical energy to draw on


Jianxi
>One that penetrates armour
>One that creates a knockout drug


Matthias
>Longsword
>Speed (bonus to hit)

>>33141519
>No opinion
>Immediately states an opinion
This is why I can't run a quest, I didn't think I was going to bother listing an opinion, went back and changed something, then added an opinion at the end without deleting the 'no opinion' statement.

>>33141552
You are absolute scum


Or not

>>33141547
>>33141519
Did we seriously just form a near-identical list of what we should buy?

File: Blush.jpg (173 KB, 800x900)

173 KB JPG

>>33141590
N-no...

>>33141590
>>33141611

Looks like the only choice is

>Angel-fire weapon for you
>defending weapon for you

Either change votes, or roll 1d20, highest option wins.

Pro-tip, picking armour next

Updating character sheets

Rolled 17

>>33141645
I say
>defending weapon for you
Since we are more diplomatic. It might suit us better to be able to defend ourselves better and try and de-escalate a situation than have better firepower against evil

>>33141645
Hmm, I guess I'll change.
The only reason I wanted Angel-fire over defense was that I figured we'd have a harder time dealing damage than avoiding or absorbing it.

>>33141666
>>33141669
defence it is

>>33141645
Also, does the fact that Gilgrum said Matthias 'doesn't even need a weapon' mean that a clawed gauntlet or some similar kind of weapon that would've been closer to how a Werewolf attacks would be better than a longsword?

This question is purely for my curiosity, it doesn't mean I'm changing my vote.
Unless Joy says that clawed gauntlets would've been a secret bonus option that makes Matthias an even better fighter, of course.

>Armour
You decide to equip some magical armour. You follow the directions Magister Dast gave you to a large blacksmiths shop with smouldering chimneys rising above it. Inside is a large balding man, hammering away at a sheet of metal, as soon as you enter he turns to greet you.
“You must be Paladin Sireyi” his voice booms “Been expecting you! Jurven, Master of Armour.”
“Yes” you say, your ears hurt, “I’m here to acquire some magical armour”
He looks you up and down, measuring you with his eyes “I’m not sure I can find something in your size.”

>Sireyi
He pulls out a tape and takes a few measurements “Not many women with your size, he says “still, I’m sure I can find something for you.”

Pick One
>No-Longer-Heavy Armour (magically lightened heavy armour, no mobility penalties, no fatigue effect whilst flying)
>Light or Medium Armour that resists magic
>Light or Medium Armour that resists elemental damage
>Light or Medium Armour that appears to be normal clothing
>Other (write-in)
>My size? What are you implying?

>Isla
He thinks for a moment, “of course, Robes of Armour.”

Pick One
>Robes of Armour (wizards robes, act as light armour)
>Robes that protect against magic
>Robes that resist elemental damage
>Concealing Robes (aids stealth-checks)
>Other (write-in)

>Jianxi
He rubs his chin thoughtfully “Not sure what I can do for you.”
Jianxi shakes her head, “I don’t need armour.”

Pick One
>Ok, no armour for Jianxi
>Light Armour that resists magic
>Light Armour that resists elemental damage
>Light Armour that aids stealth checks
>Other (write-in)

>>33141700
I am curious about this as well

>>33141707
>Matthias
He claps Matthias on the shoulder, “I’m sure I can find something in your size.”

Pick One
>Light, Medium or Heavy Armour that changes shape, staying with him when transformed
>Light, Medium or Heavy Armour that resists magic
>Light, Medium or Heavy Armour that resists elemental damage
>Light, Medium or Heavy Armour that appears to be normal clothing
>Other (write-in)

>>33141707
Sireyi
>No-Longer-Heavy Armour (magically lightened heavy armour, no mobility penalties, no fatigue effect whilst flying)
>My size? What are you implying?
Isla
>Robes of Armour (wizards robes, act as light armour)
Jianxi
>Light Armour that aids stealth checks


Matthias
>Light, Medium or Heavy Armour that changes shape, staying with him when transformed

>>33141700
>>33141708

Foreshadowing

Gilgrum can tell what weapon a person is best-trained at just by looking at them, when he looks at Matthias, he can't, or rather he gets a hint that Matthias fights without weapons.

Matthias can't learn how to use werewolf powers due to being in a funk.

But a power he could learn, after he cheers up (or gets a kick up the arse) is to manifest claws on his hands (partial change).

Right now it's not an option, it may become one later.

>>33141730
Heavy armor for Matthias


>>33141731
Sweet. I like that

>>33141707
>Sireyi
>My size? What are you implying?
>No-Longer-Heavy-Armour

>Isla
Robes of Armour, because she requested it.

>Jianxi
>Light armour that aids stealth checks, because specializing

Even if she doesn't need it, it won't interfere much and will help her out at least a little.

>Matthias
>[X] armor that changes shape, staying with him when transformed

Actually, ask him what class of armor he would prefer, then buy that with the changeshape enchantment.

>>33141748
>Actually, ask him what class of armor he would prefer, then buy that with the changeshape enchantment.

"I am trained to use all sorts of armour, and after...well, after becoming a werewolf not even Heavy Armour slows me down, but I prefer Light Armour, it feels less confining."

>>33141759
Hmmm.. light armor then I guess?

>>33141759
Way to complicate the decision, OP.
Does he have some kind of regeneration that would make it so that his preference wouldn't bring any undue danger to his life?
If yes, Light Armor, if no, Heavy Armor

Also, keep in mind most of the people in 4chan are from places that spell armour as armor, so I hope that particular bit of language drift doesn't anger you.

>>33141780
>Does he have some kind of regeneration that would make it so that his preference wouldn't bring any undue danger to his life?

Party Pastebin
http://pastebin.com/DMfRaXQV

>Werewolf Healing 1: Matthias fully heals between fights. He does not heal fast enough to heal in combat yet.

>Also, keep in mind most of the people in 4chan are from places that spell armour as armor, so I hope that particular bit of language drift doesn't anger you.

I can't even spell my own NPC names right, I'd be a bit of a hypocrite if I quibbled over that, but thanks for asking.

>>33141792
Okay, that's good enough for me. Going with light armor.

So which was the misspelling, Janxi or Jianxi?

"My size?" you ask, "What are you implying?"

Jurvan waves his hands in the air to indicate your height and...curves. "Most female warriors tend towards small both in height and, er, torso measurements. You're a bit unusual is all, still I'm sure I can adjust what what you want to fit ya."
>No further comment
>I see what you mean
>You know, I'm sure there are plenty of other women fighters who have to deal with this problem!

>>33141805
Janxi was the original, Jianxi was when I was writing at 7am on the train.

Will try to stick with Janxi

>Utility Items
You decide to gather some other magical gear. You follow Magister Dasts directions to a large sprawling shop that seems to have taken over a whole street, on both sides. As you enter you see it is rather busy and a harassed-looking clerk rushes up to you and blurts out “Welcome to Magister Zeltorums, Emporium of Wonders, how can I help you?”
You show him the letter of authority the church has given you and he nods “right, right. Who shall I serve first?” Shelves and shelves of exotic items fill the spaces, with mages and apprentices rubbing shoulders with strange magical creatures.

>Me
The clerk asks “And what are you looking for, milady?”

Pick 2
>Something to hold a lot of gear (Bag of Shrinking, reduces the size and weight of any non-magic items placed within it, allows you to carry a lot of, ordinary equipment)
>Something to hide who I am (Hat of Disguise, creates illusionary disguise at will)
>Something that protects against magic (necklace that provides magic resistance)
>Something that heals me (bracer that provides out-of-combat regeneration)
>other (write-in)

>Isla
The clerk asks “And what can I get you, miss?”

Pick 2
>Something to hold a lot of gear (Bag of Shrinking, reduces the size and weight of any non-magic items placed within it, allows you to carry a lot of, ordinary equipment)
>Something to hide who she is (Hat of Disguise, creates illusionary disguise at will)
>Something that protects against magic (necklace that provides magic resistance)
>Something that stores magical power (gemstone that holds Arcane Energy)
>other (write-in)

>>33141847
>Jianxi
The clerk asks “do you have any preferences?”
“A disguise” responds Jianxi

Pick 2
>Something to hold a lot of gear (Bag of Shrinking, reduces the size and weight of any non-magic items placed within it, allows you to carry a lot of, ordinary equipment)
>Something to hide who she is (Hat of Disguise, creates illusionary disguise at will)
>Something that distracts foes (magic smoke bomb)
>Something that stores magical power (gemstone that holds Arcane Energy)
>other (write-in)

>Matthias
The clerk asks “I’m sure you would look good in this tabard, sir.”

Pick 2
>Something to hold a lot of gear (Bag of Shrinking, reduces the size and weight of any non-magic items placed within it, allows you to carry a lot of, ordinary equipment)
>Something to hide who he is (Hat of Disguise, creates illusionary disguise at will)
>Tabard of Health (increases hit points)
>other (write-in)

>Something that stops him going crazy (control spell for when/if he changes)
Is a given, no need to pick

Grewatsword for Matthias, shock trooper ftw

>>33141853
Me
>Something that protects against magic (necklace that provides magic resistance)
>Something that heals me (bracer that provides out-of-combat regeneration)

Isla
>Something to hold a lot of gear (Bag of Shrinking, reduces the size and weight of any non-magic items placed within it, allows you to carry a lot of, ordinary equipment)
>Something that stores magical power (gemstone that holds Arcane Energy)


Janxi
>Something to hide who she is (Hat of Disguise, creates illusionary disguise at will)
>Something that distracts foes (magic smoke bomb)


Matthias
>Tabard of Health (increases hit points)
>Something to hold a lot of gear (Bag of Shrinking, reduces the size and weight of any non-magic items placed within it, allows you to carry a lot of, ordinary equipment)

>>33141833
I actually prefer Jianxi, and apparently you do too, if I'm reading this party pastebin right.

>>33141853
>Sireyi
>Regen bracer
>Bag of Shrinking

>Isla
>Protection from magic
>Arcane gemstone

Her willpower is actually pretty low in spite of being a wizard and she doesn't have divine shield, so magic protection is probably a good choice.

>Jianxi
>Magic smoke bomb
>Hat of disguise

Because ninja.

>Matthias
>Tabard of meatshield
>Bag of Shrinking

>>33141872
Anyone else want to vote Greatsword, or happy with Longsword?

>>33141878
Hivemind picks

You
>Bracer of healing
2nd option contested

Isla
>Magic Gem
2nd option contested

Jianxi
>Hat of Disguise
>Smoke Bombs

>Matthias
>Tabard of meatshield
>Bag of Shrinking

>>33141899
anon, my thoughts on the bag of shrinking for sireyi is that we can simply have other carry the 'loot'. Thoughts?

When making Sireyi a Paladin, I completely forgot about detecting evil, new ability gained via retcon and added to pastebin

>Detect Evil: You are able to detect evil. This comes in two forms, active and passive. Passive detection is always on but may miss weaker or more subtle evils. Active involves actively focusing on a person, place or object (including a spell) and picks up any evil not shielded by powerful magic. Passive detection is longer range, though only very powerful evil is detected beyond 50ft or so. Active detection is only valid within about 5ft.
Magical evils (demons, evil magic) are detected, but non-magical evils are only detected if they are very evil. I.e. you don’t detect most thieves, but you’d pick up on a cruel slave trader, or mass murderer.

>>33141928
Eh, that's fine.
I just figured, with willpower as a primary stat + divine shield, we don't really need more magic resistance.
I won't budge so easily on getting the wizard with 10 willpower and no divine shield some kind of magic protection.

>>33141936
This is a pretty good version of detect evil, but what qualifies as evil magic?
I mean, the horn is technically necromancy.

>>33141073

I don't care much either way, but I'll say this: no matter what you will do, keep in mind you can't please everyone. That is physically impossible.

Don't force yourself to change your style unless you're convinced you want it. People who don't like it are free to not read it.

>>33141948
>I won't budge so easily on getting the wizard with 10 willpower and no divine shield some kind of magic protection.
Good point.
So
>Sireyi
>Regen bracer
>Protection from magic

>Isla
>Protection from magic
>Arcane gemstone

>Jianxi
>Magic smoke bomb
>Hat of disguise

>Matthias
>Tabard of meatshield
>Bag of Shrinking

>>33141948
>but what qualifies as evil magic?

Magic used to torture (not just harm, because combat magic isn't evil) or enslave.
Magic that draws upon evil sources (demon cultists, priests of evil gods)
Others may be added later.
Detect Evil also gives you (basic) info about the type of evil you're dealing with.

>>33141963
He's been doing a pretty good job of pleasing everyone so far.
The minor shitstorm after the end of the last thread was mostly due to miscommunication and one guy not understanding that OP joking around with us, about a joke WE started, didn't mean we were going to be immediately raped.

>>33141974
Complete agreement.

>>33141998
>Complete agreement.
with >>33141974 ?
>Protection from magic

You never let me have any fun!!

But seriously, this is a good choice
Hint
Hint
Hint

>>33141991
So power source only matters if it's explicitly evil, then?
What about using your own blood or blood freely given as a power source, would that qualify as evil magic?
What about Necromancy, is it only evil if it rips unwilling souls from the afterlife?
Would animating a corpse with a magical force that doesn't involve souls qualify as necromancy, enchantment or some kind of golem?

>>33142018
What is it, OP? Did Sireyi fall down the well?
Seriously though, we're going to be fighting wizards.

Concerning mundane gear
I am assuming that the party will be stocking up with all the essentials of adventuring (food&water, tents, bedrolls, rope, 10ft poles etc) and using horses for transport (except for Matthias, who doesn’t need one, and whom horses dislike). I do not intend to track what you do and don’t have, assume that you have any mundane items you could reasonably carry. If any player wants to request specific gear, please do so now.

Updating character sheets, and then unless there are any specific equipment requests, we'll get this party on the road.

>>33142023
>What about using your own blood or blood freely given as a power source, would that qualify as evil magic?
>What about Necromancy, is it only evil if it rips unwilling souls from the afterlife?

Your own blood? not evil
Blood freely given? Not evil
Blood stolen? Evil

Ripping unwilling souls from the afterlife? evil.

Golems? Not usually evil

What I'm trying to say is

Magic drawn from an evil source is evil, no matter the use it is put to (or rather, it detects as evil).

Magic used for evil tasks or goals also detects as evil.

Obviously grey areas exist.

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>>33142047
Wow... So its not all black and white? You actually acknowledge there are grey areas when it comes to magic like this?
I think I love you

So we can make a necromancer with stand-like spirits? or like the caretaker story at long-gone threads?

>>33142077
Well, you're a paladin of the goddess of joy and love and life, so you probably wouldn't do it yoursel.

But you could have a not-evil necromancer in the party, yes.

>>33142098
Is there a good or /not evil/ way of becoming a lich? If they exist in your setting?

Character sheets updated, writing next update, last chance to request gear as next post will be on the road.

>>33142115
Yes, but the PC has never heard of it, if she met a lich, she'd probably asume it was evil by default, as that's what she was taught.

The lack of evil detected might clue her in.

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>>33142125
>mfw when you're this awesome

>>33142077

>stands

please don't push this shit into everything.

>>33142151

Eh, is it that bad here? Shaman King necromancer is also fine

>>33142151
Don't worry, they're going to push a good necromancer economic empire instead.

>>33142184
What? ME?! No! Never!

Of course we will. Good necromancer economic empire = BEST EMPIRE

>>33142151
>stands
I have no idea what stands (as it applies to necromancy) are, so don't worry.

My ignorance shall protect you.

Now fully equipped, you and your companions head south towards Alsterport, the main port for the Kingdom of Dornmer, on the south coast.

On horseback you will reach the port in about 10 days, making good speed. You could possibly half this time if you wanted to rush, but would risk injuring your horses and might run headlong into ambushes.

As you leave the city together, you wonder about your companions: who they are and how they will hold up in a real fight. As you travel on this journey what will you do on the long boring hours on the road.

(Pick up to 3: picking more than 3 means you spread your focus too thin to have an effect, restricting yourself to 1 or 2 choices has more effect in that area)

>Talk tactics with the party
>Talk training with the party
>Get to know Jianxi better
>Get to know Isla better
>Get to know Matthias better
>Use my swift flying speed to scout ahead and watch for trouble

The horns direction has not changed (South, with a smidgeon of east, direct towards Alterport)

>>33142201

Blah, forgot to add

Additional option
>Rush and push onwards with all haste

>>33142201
>Talk tactics with the party
>Talk training with the party
>Use my swift flying speed to scout ahead and watch for trouble

These are probably the most practical choices and scouting ahead means no ambushes.
We have too many enemies to not worry about ambushes.

>>33142201

>Get to know Jianxi better
>Get to know Isla better
>Get to know Matthias better

we bonding time now.

I suppose tactics+training+scouting would be more practical, but I figure Sireyi would take the personal approach first.

>>33142201
>Talk tactics with the party
>Get to know Isla better
>Get to know Matthias better

>>33142201
>Talk tactics with the party
>Talk training with the party
>Get to know Jianxi better
Sure it's top three, but Jianxi is most interesting at the moment and we need to get the first to clarified ASAP.

>>33142220
>>33142222
>>33142225
>>33142242

The quest hivemind disagrees eh?

I'll give it a few more minutes for voting, then pick the three most popular options. Ties will be broken with dicerolls

>>33142248
A black day.
I'm >>33142220 changing to:
>Get to know Isla better
>Scout ahead by flying
>Talk tactics

The first is because she has some ties to our past, and that seem interesting.
The second is because we have several powerful enemies (A king and our former family, who are pretty powerful nobles)
The third is because I don't want anyone to die due to a lack of cohesion when we get into a fight.

This isn't really a major change, but I'm not willing to sacrifice practicality completely.

Rolled 3

>>33142248
So far its
>>Talk tactics with the party
3
>>Talk training with the party.
1
>>Get to know Jianxi better
2
>>Get to know Isla better
3
>>Get to know Matthias better
2
>>Use my swift flying speed to scout ahead and watch for trouble
1

I am rolling for mine which is >>33142225

Rolled 18

>>33142269
I suppose I should roll for mine, then.

By takling tactics we know what they might think, their mindset

talk tactics

>>33142275
Going by this it's

Tactics
Isla

Jianxi/Matthias tie

1 roll for Matthias (3)

18 was rolled but for picked Isla, scouting and tactics.

Unless I've got it wrong, or there are no other rolls in the next few minutes it will be

Tactics
Isla
Matthias

Please don't freak out if your choice was not a winner, there will be other chances to bond

>>33142305
Wait, wait, wait.
If ties are always broken with dicerolls, doesn't that mean the only ways to have less than 3 actions chosen (to make the one/two decided on options more pronounced) is complete hivemind? This just means someone who votes for one thing is getting one-third of the vote of someone voting for three things.

>>33142305
I figured it was going to work that way. Glad What I was going for made it

>>33142305
Wait, shouldn't there be a roll between Matthias and Jianxi?

>>33142305
But.
But I rolled for scouting.
Oh well, it's better this way.
At least stupid options won't be able to win just because they get a good roll, not that wanting to avoid being ambushed is stupid.

At least I'll be able to say 'I told you so' if we get ambushed.

>>33142320
Only one guy voted for one thing, and everyone who rolled voted for three.
If the one thing guy had rolled, or there had been more people voting for one thing, maybe that would have happened.

>>33142320
>>33142325
How would you suggest doing it?

Rolled 15

>>33142336
Rolling for Jianxi since you didn't say when to roll (or that we'd be doing it and not you for that matter).

>>33142336
I dunno, probably just straight-up vote with no 'vote for fewer things to make them count for more'.

Rolled 9

>>33142336
It should've been select 3, no focus option.

Rolling for Matthias, since I probably can't use that 18 I rolled earlier for this.

>>33142344
>>33142356
>>33142365

Good point, thank you

So....

Tactics
Isla
Jianxi (15 beats 3+9)

Unless there are any objections I'll go with these. I'll post them one at a time, since each will have dialogue options.

We should really get training done soon too, initial discussion will let us make something of a schedule and regimen after all.

>>33142374
Sounds good to me. I'm thinking I may have jumped the gun with the rolling. How about next time after votes are tallied you call for the roll between the tied options? Rolls before they are called do not count.

>>33142402
That would probably work better, and be less confusing.
Seriously thought my option flat-out won when I rolled 18 and nobody beat it.

>>33142402
good point.

For most options from here on we'll have voting, and then dice rolls once an option has been chosen, or a tie needs resolving.

For conversations where you can pick more than one option without any option cancelling or preventing another it will be vote+roll in the same post.

>Tactics
Drawing on your military training you discuss tactics with your companions as you ride, trying to determine the best role for each of you in a fight.

Matthias’ role is easy to determine, as your toughest fighter her should be on the front-line, fighting in melee, his sheer toughness means that fighting powerful foes, or lots of weaker ones is not a concern.

Isla is likewise easy to determine, but she almost disagrees with you a few times. Isla’s spells and relative fragility make her better at staying away from melee combat and supporting the front-line using offensive or distracting spells.

Jianxi’s stealth and specialisation in attacking from behind makes her an ideal flanker, getting behind your foes and taking down enemy fighters or specialists (mages, clerics, archers etc). In your conversations with her, you detect a certain amount of stubbornness, you wonder if she will do as you ask, or just do as she thinks is best.

With your mobility, you are a special case, you could fight on the front line with Matthias, hang back to defend Isla, or join Jianxi in picking off specific foes. You do not need to assign default tactics to yourself.

>>33142439
>Isla, you have something to say (Fellowship, 1d20+5)
>Jianxi, you don’t agree (Fellowship, 1d20+5)
>Assign tactics (closes dialogue options)

If both dialogue options are picked, roll 2 unmodified d20, first will be Isla, second for Jianxi.

Only Assign tactics is an exclusive option, this will open up the option to actually assign which tactics each person will use.

Rolled 18, 8 = 26

>>33142449
>Isla, you have something to say (Fellowship, 1d20+5)
>Jianxi, you don’t agree (Fellowship, 1d20+5)

Why would you not choose both?
I seriously don't understand.
Also, do we get any kind of fellowship bonus with Isla thanks to high loyalty + hero worship?

Rolled 18, 10 = 28

>>33142449
>Isla, you have something to say (Fellowship, 1d20+5)
>Jianxi, you don’t agree (Fellowship, 1d20+5)
More interactions are nice!

File: I-disagree-with-you.jpg (341 KB, 777x428)

341 KB JPG

Rolled 1, 7 = 8

>>33142449
>Isla, you have something to say (Fellowship, 1d20+5)
>Jianxi, you don’t agree (Fellowship, 1d20+5)

>>33142463
>Also, do we get any kind of fellowship bonus with Isla thanks to high loyalty + hero worship?

Yes, the DC is dropped by her loyalty.

>Success
Isla shuts her mouth and stops looking like she wants to say something. That evening she comes to see you in your tent in private.
“Ah, Paladin Sireyi, I...I don’t know how to say this, but I...I.”
“It’s alright” you reassure her “Just tell me” You wonder if she’s going to confess to having a crush on you.
“My eyesight is terrible!” she blurts out, on the verge of tears, clearly embarrassed by this “I can’t see anything beyond about ten feet very clearly, if I cast a spell beyond that range I could miss, or hit you, or one of the others.” She bunches her hands into fists in her skirt.

>Well, we’ll just say you need to stay close to the fighters in case someone attacks you, that way it’s our secret
>We’ll have to let the others know
>We’ll get you some eyeglasses when we get to Alsterport

>Failure
Jianxi just gives you a dirty look and refuses to discuss it further.

>>33142506
>>We’ll have to let the others know
Emphasize there is nothing wrong with this, but it is important that weaknesses like that don't appear in the middle of battle.
>>We’ll get you some eyeglasses when we get to Alsterport

>>33142506
>We’ll have to let the others know, sorry
>We’ll get you some eyeglasses when we get to Alsterport
No keeping this a secret when it could mean life or death.
>>33142514
Awwww...but I wanna know more about what her deal is! Fine, later then.

>>33142506

>No problem, we'll get you some eyeglasses!
How does magic even work? Does she need to see who she's casting on when it's a friend she knows? Isn't knowing that it's, for instance, Matthias that she wants to cast 'endure elements' on enough to successfully cast a spell?

>>33142506
>We’ll have to let the others know
>We’ll get you some eyeglasses when we get to Alsterport

>>33142549
I think the concern was more the fact she's going to be shooting lightning bolts, and those probably need her to be able to tell what she's aiming at to not hit a friendly.

>>33142549
>How does magic even work?

Attack rolls for offensive spells, she takes a penalty to that, I've updated the character sheet.

“It’s fine” you reassure her “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, when I learned to ride I couldn’t tell you how many times I fell off”

Isla seems comforted by your reassurance (+1 Loyalty), and you sharing your own weakness with her.

“But we need to tell the others” you say, in combat we can’t have secrets that could get others killed.”

“Well, if you say so” says Isla, doubtfully.

“Besides, I’m sure we can get you some eyeglasses in Alsterport.” You add, Isla seems to wonder what she’d look like in glasses.

Assign Tactics – This picks your allies default options in combat, you can order them to take specific actions at any time, but this is what they will do otherwise.

Matthias
>Fight on the front-line
>Other (write-in)

Isla
>Hang back and cast spells
>Stay close to the fighters to cast spells, you might need bodyguarding (keep eyesight a secret)
>Stay close to the fighters to cast spells, tell the others about her sight
>Other (write-in)

Jianxi
>Flank and target archers for preference
>Flank and target spell-casters for preference
>Flank with no preference (what she wants to do)
>Other (write-in)

>>33142562

Well in that case she'll do as support wizard until we find a way to help with her problem.

Make sure to comfort her though. Bad eyesight is nothing to be ashamed for.

>>33142582
>Fight on the front-line
>Stay close to the fighters to cast spells, tell the others about her sight
This actually makes sense anyway because the rest of us (barring possible throwing knife shenanigans from Jianxi) are all melee-oriented, so if she hangs back we'd either need to set someone to guard her and remove them from the fight, or risk her getting ambushed with no recourse. She should probably be somewhat close to the fighting even after getting glasses.
>Flank and target spell-casters for preference
Nasty spell-slingers.

>>33142582
Matthias frontline

Isla near fighters. Tell about eyesight

Jianxi Target spellcasters

>>33142582
Mathias
>Fight on the front line

Why would you select something else?

Isla
>Stay close to the fighters to cast spells, tell the others about her sight

Jianxi
>Flank and target spell-casters for preference

What she wants to do would be far too pandering, we're a leader, not a doormat.

>>33142582

Matthias
>up front

Isla
>back row, support magic only

Jianxi
>flank and pick your targets
>maybe try knock leader out with a blackjack for questioning if one stands out?

Ok, so Matthias on the front line

Jianxi picking off spellcasters

Isla sticking close to the fighters, and you're telling everyone about her eyesight.

Jianxi gets a stubborn look on her face but doesn't argue.

Matthias and Isla accept their assignments

Jianxi snorts in amusement when told about Isla's eyesight, Matthias offers encouragement.

>Writing talking with Isla

>>33142657
>maybe try knock leader out with a blackjack for questioning if one stands out?

She has a dagger specifically enchanted to secrete a knockout drug, and there are a lot of very good reasons why things like hitting someone in the head to knock them out don't work.

>>33142700

It works in the movies.

>>33142704
Knocking someone out with blunt force trauma will either: A, only last a few moments or B, cause permanent brain damage.
I think you're just being sarcastic, but I have to make sure.

During your time on the road you get to know Isla a little better. She grew up in Wendmore, which is on the eastern reaches of Dornmer, and is frequently under attack by orcish tribes from across the border. Her father, Baron Wendmore, is a great warrior but often has to make harsh decisions about where to send his troops, which villages to protect, and which to let fend for themselves.

He arranged a marriage for Isla to a Baron Sertig, a nearby noble. Isla was supposed to marry him 2 years ago but instead trained to be a wizard. Baron Sertig is very wealthy, an alliance with him would allow Wendmore to train and equip more troops, and be better able to protect its people.

She tells you about how she had to beg and plead with her parents to allow her to take wizard training, on the understanding that once completed, she would be getting married.

>This sounds like a familiar backstory....
>Baron Sertig, I’ve heard of him
>You should support your family in any way you can, if that means getting married, so be it.

>>33142726
>Baron Sertig, I’ve heard of him
>What does she think of her fiance?

>>33142726
>This sounds like a familiar backstory....
>Baron Sertig, I’ve heard of him

The last one is completely hypocritical.

>>33142722

Well, yes and no. I am ignorant when it comes to knocking people out, but I'm taking your word on it for knowing better.

Out of curiosity, does that mean boxers suffer from permanent brain damage, by the way?

>>33142726
>Baron Sertig, I’ve heard of him

>>33142757
>does that mean boxers suffer from permanent brain damage, by the way?

Short answer: Yes

>>33142757
Surprisingly frequently, actually.
The padded helmets that have become mandatory dampen blunt force trauma and put the unconsciousness into the 'only lasts a few moments' area.
Usually.

>>33142737
>>33142745

thirding

>last one is completely hypocritical
sure is. That doesn't need to stop a character from picking it though. Let's go with integrity though.

You’ve heard of Baron Sertig, he is in his early 40’s and has 4 daughters, both of his previous wives have died under suspicious circumstances and it’s no secret that he desperately wants a son who can inherit his lands, and wealth. Depending upon which rumours you believe, he had his wives murdered when they could not give him a son, or they died in childbirth. Also, different gossip paints him as cruel to his daughters, or just desperate that his wealth won’t go to one of his cousins – who are all apparently counting the days until he dies, wanting to get their hands on his wealth. It’s no secret that his cousins are almost all drunkards, liars and scum, who would probably throw his daughters out to starve.

The parallels between your own situation and hers are obvious. When you mention this, the reason behind Isla’s hero worship becomes clear.

She idolises you for having the courage to run away from a bad match, and wishes she had the courage to do the same. She watched you from afar and listened for every rumour about you. You get the impression (though she doesn’t say it) that she hopes you will somehow save her from her own arranged marriage. She hates Sertig and seems convinced that the most negative rumours about him are the correct ones.

Final dialogue option before moving on, pick only one
>I will ensure that you will not be marrying Sertig!
>I would need to know more about Sertig before promising anything
>You know, our situations where very different, the full details of my marriage are too long to go into here but maybe you should give Sertig a chance

Also, roll Fellowship (1d20+5, DC 10/20), because reasons.

Rolled 15 + 5

>>33142833
>I would need to know more about Sertig before promising anything

Rolled 19 + 5

>>33142833
>You know, I wouldn't trust malicious rumors too easily, but I also wouldn't recommend that you do something you don't want to do. If you don't want to marry him I'll do my best to help you.

Rolled 10 + 5

>>33142833

>It is too soon to be making promises, but we'll be on a lookout for a way to get you out of this mess.

Why wouldn't the eldest daughter simply inherit the wealth? Not very emancipated, this kingdom? Depending on how well we do in our adventure, we might get a chance to petition the king or something.

We should definitely get some power base before alienating even more nobles though.

>>33142872
Women CAN inherit wealth in the kingdom, but only if there are no close male relatives.

Killing Sertigs cousins would solve the problem.

>>33142833
Supporting >>33142870

>>33142882

Yeah, THAT is out of the question.

>>33142913
Siting evil dunkards and save the damsel is Paladin like !

>>33142919
Them being lying drunks doesn't justify killing them.

>DC 20 successful

You reassure Isla that, although you need more information to figure out the best way to help her, you are on her side (+1 Loyalty).

During your conversations with Isla, there are a few hints as to why she doesn’t want to marry Sertig. When you finish speaking to Isla late at night, she suggests taking her bedroll into your tent to continue the conversation, one evening when you and your companions camp by a large pool, and take the opportunity to bathe one at a time, to wash away the dust of the road, Isla suggests joining you.

You enquire tactfully and discover that Isla prefers girls to boys, and has obviously fixed upon you as the current object of her affections. As a Paladin of a religion that makes no distinction between the genders of lovers, you have no moral objection to her advances, but you are not sure how to respond. You make a non-specific comment of encouragement and decide to think about how to handle it, should it become an issue.

>>33141242
> Magical dogtag

>Jianxi
You decide to get to know Jianxi, the most argumentative of your allies, a little better. It takes some coaxing but with your diplomatic skills you find out a bit more about what makes her tick.

Jianxi was rescued from a shipwreck as a child, and doesn’t remember much about her early life, other than her name.
Jianxi is very sure of herself and thinks she knows better than others, though when confronted with a solid argument, she will concede.

>Jianxi Knows Best: Jianxi has a 20% chance of not doing what you ask her to, and instead doing what she wants to do. Has no effect when her Loyalty is 3 or higher.

Jianxi doesn’t make getting to know her very easy.

Pick one
>Ask her about what she does remember from her early life, might reveal more info
>Try to get her to trust you
>Try to establish your authority

>>33142946

>friendzone her

Really, bathing together? I'd say we prefer someone less... forward.

>>33143005
>Ask her about what she does remember from her early life, might reveal more info
The other options seem questionable.

>>33142888

ask her what she remembers

>>33143005
>Ask her about what she does remember from her early life, might reveal more info

>>33143005
>Try to get her to trust you
>>33143007
Eh, disagree. Not that I want to commit to her right now, but I don't mind some forwardness.

>lesbiantics

we should put a stop to this, otherwise we will lead her on and that shit never ends well

>>33143005

>Ask her about what she does remember from her early life

My mind to your mind... my thoughts to your thoughts...

>>33143007
Let's not, I don't particularly want to pursue a relationship, but completely and abruptly shutting her down would probably hurt her feelings.
We'll deal with her affection if it starts to become an issue, and in the meantime, giving her a chance to earn our affection won't hurt anything, as long as we don't lead her along.
Siyeri probably wouldn't pursue any kind of relationship herself, and Isla might have picked up on this, hence the forwardness.

Basically what I'm saying is to do nothing different, and if we develop some form of affection for her, then that's what happens.

This is a process that would take dozens of threads, if it even happens, by the way.

TO THE FRIENDZONE!

>>33143077

Because leading her on and THEN shutting her down after she's already in love will totally not hurt her feelings.

Such things are better nipped in the bud.

File: Isla Wendmore.jpg (281 KB, 453x901)

281 KB JPG

>Friendzoning

but muh lesbians!

Anyway, back on track

Jianxi doesn’t make getting to know her very easy.

Pick one
>Ask her about her early life

When you ask Jianxi about her early life she gets a faraway look in here eyes.
“I can’t remember much” she says, in her clipped, precise way “But I can remember adults, my parents maybe, standing next to me as crowds of people bowed to them, and my mother, I think, saying how one day, I would have a responsibility to rule them. The clothes they wore were strangely elaborate. That’s all I have to remember them by, that and a birthmark.”

She laughs at herself “It’s silly, a foundling child imagining her parents are nobles, it’s probably just something I dreamed up as a child and now I think it’s real.”

>Raised to Rule: Though much of Jianxi's early childhood is a mystery she clearly remembrs ordinary people bowing to her. Jianxi does not give her respect easily. It is harder than normal to raise Jianxi's Loyalty.

Pick one, final choice before SUDDENLY ENCOUNTER
>It’s not silly, it could be the key to finding out who you are
>Yeah that does sound pretty silly, ha ha

Optional, extra pick, can be taken in addition to other picks
>What birthmark? (Fellowship, 1d20+3)

Rolled 10 + 3

>>33143170
>It’s not silly, it could be the key to finding out who you are
>What birthmark? (Fellowship, 1d20+3)

Rolled 1 + 3

>>33143146
Is not immediately saying you have no interest in someone after they make their interest known considered leading them on?
We should probably make it known we aren't looking for a relationship right now then, that way wouldn't hurt her feelings as much as straight-up rejection but would still accomplish the goal of getting her to not waifu us.

>>33143170
>It’s not silly, it could be the key to finding out who you are
>What birthmark? (Fellowship, 1d20+3)

Rolled 5 + 3

>>33143170

>It's not silly, it could be a lead for us.
>A birthmark? Is it odd-shaped? Like a crown, maybe?

>Failure
“It’s not silly” you insist “It could be the key to finding out who you are”
“Well, maybe” responds Jianxi, with a shrug (+1 Loyalty)
“So” you say, “does this birthmark shed any light on where you came from?”
Jianxi laughs “I’m not showing you that” she says “I’m not Isla, maybe you’ll see it if you ever catch me in the bath.”
It seems Isla’s pursuit of you has not gone unnoticed.

Several days later, perhaps 3 days away from the port, you are travelling on a winding road through a hilly region that makes it hard to see more than a few hundred feet ahead at any one time. Steep hills covered with forest are on either side. Ideal terrain for ambushes, you and your companions are on alert.

You hear the noise of battle up ahead – shouts and screams, just around the corner and out of sight.

Pick one
>Everyone advance cautiously
>Everyone hurry, people could be in danger!

Optional
>Sireyi flies ahead to scout

>>33143266
>Everyone advance cautiously
>Sireyi flies ahead to scout
Yep

>>33143266

Fly ahead, have the party advance cautiously after us.

>>33143266
>Everyone advance cautiously

>>33143266
>Everyone advance cautiously
>Sireyi flies ahead to scout

You see a trade caravan of a half-dozen wagons circled protectively. The wagon crew are standing atop their wagons and using clubs and shortbows to fend off a group of bandits.

Several of the bandits, and several of the wagon crews, lie unmoving on the ground, it looks like the bandits are winning, but their foes are making them work hard for it.

The bandits are a motley crew, with no uniformity to their weapons or armour, generally they have light armour and one-handed weapons (swords, maces and axes), here and there you spot the odd bandit with a shield or 2-handed weapon.

Some of the bandits have shortbows and are firing at the wagons, trying to distract the wagon crews with bows as to let the bandits superior numbers turn the tide.

The bandits are scattered in groups of 2 and 3 around the circled wagons, looking for a way in.

The largest group of bandits (6 in a bunch) have scaled one of the wagons and are battling the wagon crew on top of the tarp-wrapped baggage. This group of bandits is led by a large man using a greatsword, who is bellowing orders and encouragement to the bandits, probably their leader.

The wagon crews have no obvious leader.

At this distance you can detect evil (demon-typed magic), but cannot pinpoint it. There are no obvious spellcasters in sight.

Party Actions
Mix and match from the following
>Default actions
>Stay together, don’t want to get surrounded, don’t split the party
>Split the party (how?)
>Attack the leaders group
>Attack smaller groups
>Other (write-in)

Sireyi Actions
>Stick with the party
>Fly over battlefield to track down demon magic
>Other (write-in)

>>33143357
>Default actions
>Attack the leaders group

>Stick with the party

>>33143357
>Default actions
>Attack the leaders group

>Fly over battlefield to track down demon magic

Tracking down the demon magic doesn't mean immediately engaging the mage when we find him, right?
Better to know where he is than to get an extremely unpleasant surprise.

>>33143357
Gonna back >>33143398 here.

File: Bunny works too hard.gif (1010 KB, 480x247)

1010 KB GIF

>>33143357
>Default actions
>Attack the leaders group

>Fly over battlefield to track down demon magic


Shit I nodded off. Glad I set alarms on the hour marks so I wouldn't sleep to long if I did

>>33143398
>Tracking down the demon magic doesn't mean immediately engaging the mage when we find him, right?

Correct. The flyby is only to locate him, he could be invisible, hidden, or dressed as an ordinary combatant.

Once you locate him, then options for dealing with him will appear.

>>33143357

>Sireyi
Dive towards the leader, give them an ultimatum - Hold thy arms, knaves! surrender or be smitten!

If they don't comply, then:
>Matthias and Isla
Attack the leader's group with Sireyi
>Janxi
Sneak attack targets of opportunity, presumably in the smaller groups.

You direct your companions to take out the leader, maybe with him gone they will flee.
You fly over the battlefield, trying to locate the dark magics you sensed

Roll 4d20, in order these are for Sireyi, Isla, Jianxi, and Matthias, no modifiers required.

Rolled 13, 6, 12, 9 = 40

>>33143465
We're gonna smash face.

File: 1257102186829.jpg (605 KB, 1500x1141)

605 KB JPG

Rolled 7, 3, 13, 10 = 33

>>33143465

En Garde!

Rolled 15, 19, 9, 17 = 60

>>33143471

>>33143426
Smote. Smitten is a different verb entirely. I don't think you want them adoring you.

>>33143494
Shit, linked the wrong post, meant to link >>33143465

Does it still count?

>>33143508
Yes

All rolls made, writing

>>33143508
Hopefully, cause daaaamn.

>>33143503

It's the same verb actually, just used in a different context.

smite
verb [T] /smaJt/ (smote, smitten) literary
› to hit someone forcefully or to have a sudden powerful or damaging effect on someone

>Success
Sireyi flies over the battlefield, tracking the evil she has sensed. She finds a young man wildly swinging a stick at 2 bandits as they try and slip between a gap in the wagons. The magic is coming from around here, it’s very close by, perhaps the mage is concealed somehow
>Wait for the mage to reveal himself
>Attack Bandits
>Other

>Success
Isla stays at a distance, hurling a bolt of lightning from her staff at the bandit leader. He bellows in pain. Looking around he spots Isla and jumps off the wagon, heading towards her, greatsword in hand. He has two of his bandits following him
>No change in tactics
>Isla Run!
>Other

>Success
Jianxi fades into a blur, slipping underneath the wagon, a moment later, one of the bandits fighting beside the leader screams and clutches his neck, blood spurting from between his fingers. He falls from the wagon, beside him there is only a shapeless blur
>No change in tactics
>Target the leader
>Other

>Success
As your companions hit the small group of bandits from the rear, two of them turn to face this new threat.
Matthias smashes into them, cutting one down and knocking the other flying.
>No change in tactics
>Intercept the leader
>Other

>>33143562
Clarifying

Bandit leader still has 2 buddies AFTER Jianxi kills one

Also, battlefield numbers

Wagon Crew 10/12 remain

Bandits 16/20 remain, plus leader

>>33143562
Sireyi
>Attack Bandits
Isla
>Isla Run!
Jianxi
>No change in tactics
Matthias
>Intercept the leader

>>33143562
Sireyi
>Wait for the mage to reveal himself
Isla
>Isla Run!
Jianxi
>No change in tactics
Matthias
>Intercept the leader

>>33143600
>>33143617
I'll wait 5 more minutes for any more votes, otherwise a roll to tie-break Sireyi's actions.

Please don't roll until I ask

>>33143562

>Sireyi
Attack bandits, but don't overextend in case some demons appear (I bet it's the boy anyway)

>Isla
Take evasive action

>Jianxi
let her do her thing

>Matthias
Intercept the leader

>>33143562
fucking protect isla. get jianxi to help isla out.

>>33143660
Actions locked

Sireyi attacking bandits (but watching her back)
Isla running (no roll needed)
Jianxi stabbing
Matthias taking on the leader

Please roll 3d20, actions in order as above, Isla is not making a roll this round.

>>33143562
can we do a authoritative roll for sireyi?not that bandits will listen but we should at least try

>>33143761
Only after the bandit leader is dead, DC is too high otherwise

Rolled 17, 7, 11 = 35

>>33143759

Rolled 15, 2, 15 = 32

>>33143759
here we go

Rolled 5, 8, 13 = 26

>>33143759

Stand and deliver.

Rolled 16, 4, 1 = 21

>>33143759
fuck janxi.

Writing

>Shit Jianxi, get it together

>>33143775
>>33143777
>>33143784
>>33143789
why janxi why.

>Success
Sireyi dives down upon the two bandits, splitting one open with a strike from her halberd, as she faces down the other one, the young man with the staff moves up to support her, attacking the remaining bandit in a frenzy, yelling about how the bandit killed the young mans friend, and cursing at him. His attacks don’t hurt the bandit, but provide a good distraction (Bandits defence is lowered against attacks in the next round).
The evil magic you sensed is gone.

>With their leader dead, call upon the bandits to surrender (it is assumed that if they do, your companions will not attack them, chose companions actions on assumption that bandits don’t surrender)
>Take out distracted bandit

>No roll required
Isla runs away from the bandit leader, He is faster than her but she stays away from him long enough for Matthias to intervene
>Return to default tactics
>Detect magic to locate mage
>Other

>Failure
The blur that is Jianxi slips away from a bandits clumsy strike but then stumbles, missing her return strike.
>Continue stabbing
>Other

>Success
Matthias intercepts the bandit leader, outnumbered 3 to one he puts up an impressive fight, killing the bandit leader, but not before the leader gets his own cut in on Matthias. Focused as he is on protecting Isla, Matthias takes another sword strike from one of the bandit leaders companions. (Matthias HP: 23/33)
>Continue Fighting the two bandits
>Other

Wagon Crew 8/12 remain

Bandits 13/20 remain, leader is dead

>>33143891
call on them to fucking surrender. Tell them that their leader is dead, asking them if they really wish to be slaughtered here...
also use halo and wings and go full angel mode to freak them the shit out.

>>33143891
>With their leader dead, call upon the bandits to surrender (it is assumed that if they do, your companions will not attack them, chose companions actions on assumption that bandits don’t surrender)
Angel mode activated


>Detect magic to locate mage


>Continue stabbing
>Continue Fighting the two bandits

>>33143891
Ask the bandits what they value more, gold or their life?

>>33143891

Demand surrender, but on first sign of hostile action - resume fighting with default tactics

>>33143891
>>33143925
I forgot to do other options so I'll do them now
>isla detects magic
>jianxi uses knockout poison on at least one of the bandits, I want a fucking assured prisoner to question
>mathias continues fighting making sure to protect isla

>>33143891
All these guys going on about angel mode, how rare are angels in this setting?
Is it common enough that being an angel won't affect the bandit's psyche?

>>33143978
Angel Powers
Halo: A ring of light that hovers above your head, bolstering allies and discomforting evil creatures. Can be summoned or dismissed at will. Sheds light
1 – Small bonus/penalty, medium area
from the character sheet

>>33143925
>>33143943
>>33143961
don't forget to get jianxi to cast mass-charm spell on the bandits for further effect guys

>>33143988
I'm asking about how common angels are though. If angels are something you see everyday than there would be lesser effect of the halo + wings.

>>33143891
Warn them that if they don't surrender, you'll kill them all.
Not that we're actually going to do it, its just to scare them
also
>Detect magic to locate mage
>stabbity stab
>Continue Fighting the two bandits

turn on the Halo, come on
it gives buffs to allies and debuffs to evil creatures

>>33143891
Do we get bonus exp for peaceful solution (if we succeed the roll that is)?
Because if not than fuck peaceful solution and murderhobo them all. The merchants may even give us gold as reward

>>33144080
We generally do yes

>>33144008
It's rare enough that the ruler of a kingdom wanted to marry you just because you are half-angel.

Shit! I've said too much, anyway.....

Sireyi calls for Surrender
Isla detects magic
Jianxi keeps stabbing, using her knockout dagger for preference
Matthias tries to stay alive

Roll 4d20, actions in the above order

>>33144080
Yes, bonus xp for peaceful solution applies

>>33143978
>>33144008
We don't know exactly, but probably pretty rare, once-in-a-lifetime meeting kind of thing, not like, say, a free popsicle from getting one that says winner.
Half-angels like us are virtually unheard of, so they can't be *that* common.

>>33144080
Yes, we get bonus xp for peaceful solutions.
But that "solution" is wildly out of character, to the point that you'd likely need a crit to succeed the willpower save, in addition to near-unanimous votes, to do that.

>>33144080
Heres the XP we got for completely our first quest

Quest Complete]
20 XP Gained
10 XP is for quest completion (can be spent upon anything)
5 XP is non-violent resolution (Velya’s gift, can only be spent upon Paladin powers)
5 XP is for no innocent deaths (Heavens gift, can only be spent upon Angel powers)

Rolled 19, 13, 13, 4 = 49

>>33144105
We better get bonus to surrender after all the awesome comments we had.

Rolled 7, 19, 4, 19 = 49

>>33144105

Rolled 11, 6, 1, 14 = 32

>>33144105
Rolls.

>>33144080
Please read the archives, or at least the character sheet, before participating, thank you.

Dice rolls all in

>Jianxi only nearly fails

Well it's a start....

Writing

>>33144080

>minmaxing for gold reward from merchants
No.

>>33144151
damnit jianxi, all our fails in rolls are always her.

>Partial Success
Sireyi rises into the air where everyone can see her, her halo blazing above her head and her wings spread wide. “Stop this madness and surrender” thunders this voice from Heaven.
Their leader dead, the bandits resort to type and flee to the trees, the jeers of the wagon teams following them.

>Tend to the wounded
>Fly after bandits (capture one)
>Fly after bandits (harry them to the tree-line)
>Other

>Failure
Isla attempts to detect any nearby magic but shakes her head, he must be gone.
>Tend to the wounded
>Keep Trying
>Other

>Success
Jianxi slices along the arm of one of the bandits before he can jump off the wagon, his dive from the wagon becomes more of a freefall and he plummets to the ground, battered and woozy, but alive.
>Tend to the wounded
>Question Prisoner
>Other

Matthias easily disarms one of the bandits facing him, as the other one flees. As the unarmed bandit attempts to flee, Matthias grabs him one-handed and throws him to the ground, his sword at the bandits throat.
>Tend to the wounded
>Question Prisoner
>Other

You have 2 bandit prisoners, the others have fled or are dead.

You have 2 wounded wagon crewmembers

Will return drop out of combat actions unless you decide to continue the fight, somehow.

>>33144259
They did not surrender. We cannot have them hurt other merchants in the future.
Follow them stealthy to their "base" making sure not to get noticed

>tend to the wounded (We're a fucking paladin of joy, no fucking people dieing around us)

>question prisoner (she has the feel of one of those cold torturers so she'll work better than hot headed matthias)

>tend to the wounded

>>33143007
>Really, bathing together? I'd say we prefer someone less... forward.
Two people of the same gender washing off in the same stream means nothing.

>>33144259
Sireyi
>Tend to the wounded

Isla
Tend to the wounded

Jianxi
Question prisoner

Matthias
Question prisoner

>>33144259
>Sireyi
Tend to the wounded
>Isla
Tend to the wounded
>Jianxi
Question Prisoner
>Matthias
Question Prisoner

>>33144259
>Tend to the wounded
>Tend to the wounded
>Question Prisoner
>Question Prisoner

>>33144259
>follow them and capture one
we question all three independently so we can be assured their not lying to us

>Keep trying
plot point hook is plot point hook

>tend wounded
but keep track of the prisoners, cut their leg tendons if necessary

>tend wounded
same as above

>>33144305
it does mean something when one obviously has hots for another

>>33144259
Sireyi
Tend to the wounded, she has the best skills for this

Isla
Keep trying

Jianxi
Tend to the wounded
do>>33144333

Matthias
Question Prisoner

>>33144259
I am >>33144332 Changing to:
>Tend wounded
>Keep trying
>Interrogate prisoner
>Tend wounded

>>33144259
Obviously we need at least two to tend to the wounded so...
>tend to the wounded
>keep trying
>tend to the wounded (the prisoner is drugged so he can't escape)
>question prisoner

also can sireyi detect any evil?

>>33144399
Sireyi can no longer detect any evil.

Isla keeps trying to detect magic

Roll 1d20

Rolled 3

>>33144409
Gogogo!

Rolled 8

>>33144409

Rolled 15

>>33144409
lets go isla, don't pull a jianxi on us

Rolled 2

>>33144409

>>33144428
>Success
>Writing

Rolled 14

>>33144409
>>33144428
mfw I'm the only one with a decent roll which probably isn't even enough
>mfw I have no face

>>33144449
Can we make sure to keep the two prisoners separate?
We need to be sure that they give their stories independently so any lies are flushed out

>>33144471
Yes

With all the fighting over, the leader of the wagon train, a merchant by the name of Pelath, a stocky man in his mid-30’s with well-worn travel clothing and unruly hair approaches and introduces himself “Thank you, thank you” he says effusively “Without you, we would have been done for. Those bandits” he spits “always trying to take an honest mans money from him. Still, thanks to you, we’re ok.”

He spots the captured bandits “Bah, don’t waste your time on them” he says “leave them to the wolves or cut their throats.”

Sireyi tends to the wounded, as Jianxi and Matthias chat to their prisoners.

Once you have satisfied yourself that no one is going to die from their wounds, you talk to Jianxi and Matthias, the stories they gleaned from the bandits are identical – the bandits are a mix of former soldiers and criminals chased from towns and cities.
They have a half-dozen temporary camps spread across miles of forest.
They were preying on the caravan purely as an opportunistic attack.
They had no idea you four would come along to help
They no nothing about any mage.

Matthias is happy they are telling the truth.
Jianxi wants to interrogate them more forcefully (i.e. cut them rather than merely threatening them) because she thinks they are lying.

Pelath is effusive with his thanks and praise and asks that you accompany his wagons to Alsterport. He thinks you should kill the captured bandits, he offers to do it for you.

Isla keeps focusing and trying to detect the magic you mentioned earlier, slowly walking around the wagons, concentrating hard. Eventually she approaches Sireyi and whispers to her.
“I can’t detect any magic, but I notice that he [the young wagon man with the stick who Sireyi helped] is keeping his distance from me. I need to get close to him somehow.”

>>33144504
thanks, just want a backup incase we fail all all our questioning and they tell us a lie or omit some details

>>33144524
Pick One of
>No more bandit interrogation
>Let Jianxi ask more questions (torturing prisoners violates your paladin code, roll to avoid falling)
>Sireyi will gently ask questions and try to persuade them

Pick One of
>Let Pelath kill the bandits (killing prisoners violates your paladin code, roll to avoid falling)
>We’re leaving the bandits here, their friends can come back for them
>We’re taking them with us to Alsterport, they will be put on trial there

Pick One of
>Isla keep an eye on that young man, we’ll deal with him later (only if travelling with wagons)
>Isla try to get close to him without him noticing
>All four of us will box him in

Pick One of
>Travel with Wagons (adds 1 day to travel time)
>Continue on without wagons

>>33144531
>No more bandit interrogation
>We’re taking them with us to Alsterport, they will be put on trial there
>Isla keep an eye on that young man, we’ll deal with him later (only if travelling with wagons)
>Travel with Wagons (adds 1 day to travel time)

>>33144531
>Sireyi will gently ask questions and try to persuade them
>We’re taking them with us to Alsterport, they will be put on trial there
>Isla keep an eye on that young man, we’ll deal with him later (only if travelling with wagons)
>Travel with Wagons (adds 1 day to travel time)

>>33144531
Pick One of
>Sireyi will gently ask questions and try to persuade them

Pick One of
>We’re taking them with us to Alsterport, they will be put on trial there

Pick One of
>Isla try to get close to him without him noticing

Pick One of
>Travel with Wagons (adds 1 day to travel time)

>>33144531
umm doesn't jianxi have the charm spell? Why are we letting her torture them when she can just use the charm spell? Or do the bandits have some kind of magic resistance?
anyhow
>question bandits whilst jianxi uses charm
>take them to Alsterport to put on trial
>isla try to get close to him without hi noticing
>travel with wagons (plot points with young man are FUN)

>>33144557
Actually, we asked Isla about Charm spells in case of overlap with casanova-bard and she said she did, right? Seems like she could do it at least.

>>33144531
Agree with>>33144557
She is a bard (NOT a ninja... at least class wise)
Pick One of
>Sireyi will gently ask questions and try to persuade them, use charm.

Pick One of
>We’re taking them with us to Alsterport, they will be put on trial there

Pick One of
>Isla keep an eye on that young man, we’ll deal with him later (only if travelling with wagons)

Pick One of
>Travel with Wagons (adds 1 day to travel time)

>>33144531
>>Sireyi will gently ask questions and try to persuade them
>We’re taking them with us to Alsterport, they will be put on trial there
>Isla keep an eye on that young man, we’ll deal with him later (only if travelling with wagons
>Travel with Wagons (adds 1 day to travel time)

>>33144557
>doesn't jianxi have the charm spell

Yes, she does. All character abilities can be used at any time.

But Jianxi reverts to her knives before thinking of her charm spell, therefore that was the 'official' option

Voting over!
Sireyi asks questions, aided by Jianxi using her charm magic (Jianxi Arcane Power 1/7)

You take the bandits with you.

Isla watches the young man

You travel with the wagons

>Writing

>>33144610
Fuck the official option. charm the cunts like>>33144581
>>33144573
>>33144557
these fagits said
I wanted murderhobo so if im not going to get that than might as well charm the bandits and find their base before fucking them all up

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>>33144636

Curbing Jianxi’s bloodlust you convince her to use her abilities to charm the bandits as you gently ask them questions. No roll required. They were telling the truth and their stories do not change.

The wagons crews shift some of their cargo around, leaving a single wagon with enough room to lock the two bandits in, a makeshift prison.

Isla keeps a casual eye on the young man, who seems distraught over losing his friend. When you check in with her later she says he has been staring at the wagon with the bandits in a lot.

As you travel during the rest of the day you chat to Pelath, who tells you stories of his travels. You learn the young man whom you saved is called Camryn.

You make camp with the wagons that evening.
>Confront Camryn alone
>Confront Camryn with party (who?)
>Watch Camryn

>>33144700
>Watch Camryn

>>33144700
confront camryn alone
Tell him the old quote "an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind" and that his friends' wouldn't have wanted him to kill unarmed men.

>>33144700
>Confront Camryn with party (lsla)

>>33144700
>Set Jianxi to watch Camryn in secret
Isla probably isn't that great at stealth, at least without using magic.

>>33144728
in secret is less of an issue, with 4 of you, one of you can always keep an eye on him without it being obvious.

>>33144700
wait, did we find out where the bandits base was and how many members they have total? I don't want to get randomly attacked again
anywho
>Confront Camryn alone

>>33144636
I don't know if anyone told you yet OP, but you can ignore obvious trolls like this guy.
Their opinions literally do not matter.

>>33144700
>Confront Camryn alone

>>33144734
Bandits have several temporary bases.

Those you questioned revealed if the bandits ever had to flee a battle they would spread between the different bases to confuse pursuit, as they all seemingly fled in different directions.

>>33144718
this seems kinda chunni but than again we're a paladin so I guess the line fits
I'm>>33144734
still confronting Camryn alone but now say the lines the other guy said

Confront alone it is

>Writing

>>33144733
Well sure, but there's still a difference between acting when you're being seen and not being seen. Even if he doesn't suspect we're watching out for anything he might do, he'd still be hesitant to do anything around one of us.

>>33144788
We will still be close enough for a scream to reach our friends, right? Or even to be in line of sight (though not close enough to hear) of one of them.

The next day, you find an opportunity to confront Camryn alone, as everyone else is finishing their breakfast.
You find him loitering next to the wagon holding the Bandits, a scowl on his face.
According to Pelath, Camryn tried to sneak into the wagon last night but the man guarding the wagon spotted him and turned him away.
“You want to talk about it?” you ask quietly
“No” he responds, instantly his scowl disappears and his face has a guarded expression
“Losing a friend is hard” you say "Your friends wouldn’t want you to kill unarmed men, after all ‘an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind’"
“What would you know about it!” he challenges “All you holier-than-thou paladins can do is spout platitudes and hurt people! You don’t know anything!”

Pick one
>I’ve lost friends before
>You’ve had a bad experience with paladins?
>Something’s not right here....

>>33144860
>You’ve had a bad experience with paladins?
Let's hear it.

>>33144860
>I’ve lost friends before

>>33144860
>I’ve lost friends before
>You’ve had a bad experience with paladins?

>>33144860
>Yep, some of us are. Though I don't think I have fallen into that mind-set
>You've had a bad experience with paladins?

>>33144860
>....
inb4 the shitstorm

anyhow
>you've had bad experience with paladins?
lets dig for some personal details
>I've lost friends before
Lets try for sympathy

inb4 hes somehow connected to the bandits

>>33144900
>shitstorm
>>33144851

Bad Experience it is

>Writing

>>33144531
Well guess we're never going to get to the horn now at this rate.
Adventurers and all their SIDE QUESTS after all.

File: side quests everywhere.png (78 KB, 900x557)

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>>33144986
I fucking love SIDE QUESTS

>>33144900

More likely he's some sort of demonspawn and his brother was killed for being a freak.

>>33144986
We've (possibly) almost solved the Demon Mage sidequest and Alsterport was our destination anyway.

>>33145018
nah, thats waaaay to conventional.
Paladin so far has proven to go against the conventional somewhat, what with the goblins and the loggers situation from before

>>33144986
>Well guess we're never going to get to the horn now at this rate.

Horn is big overarching main quest.

I plan on leading you around by your nose using that for MONTHS.

“Some Paladins let their zeal run away with them” you start “Though I don't think I have fallen into that mind-set .”

Camryn snarls and spits out a curse at you.

A magical curse.

Your detect evil ability gives you a moments warning before a sickly glowing sphere is hurled at you, fortunately your divine and magical protections mean that it explodes into harmless sparks when it hits you. (evil magic, demon magic)

Camryn takes advantage of your distraction to dart towards the wagons opening, slipping past the startled guard who stares open-mouthed at the magical light show.

Camryn wrenches the door open, left unlocked whilst the bandits eat their own breakfast. You can hear the bandits shouts of surprise, and fear.

>Catch him!
>Wait for party to arrive, then go in there together.