As we get going, XP. This will be handled as the quest goes on, voting will continue until a clear consensus appears.

XP will be awarded, and spent, on each character separately. Followers get less general XP than the main character.

Sireyi
General XP 5 (can be spent upon anything)
- Quest Completion (2)
- Discover Jianxi backstory (1)
- Discover Isla backstory (1)
- Approach the Shrine of Kilran (1)

Paladin XP 7 (you can only spend this upon paladin powers, weapon skills and Divine Energy)
- You redeemed 1 evil person (3)
- You ended combats peacefully, as soon as it was possible (4)
- You used no paladin powers in combat (0) – because demon combat didn’t happen

Angel XP 4 (you can only spend this upon angel powers and Divine Energy)
- You didn’t kill any mortals outside of combat (4)
- You didn’t defeat any demons (0) – because demon combat didn’t happen

[Metagame Post]
Commentary at the end of the previous Quest indicates some players feel as though Isla romance is being forced on the players, comparisons were made to the protagonist of Halfling Quest having a drunken one-night stand.

I’d like to say I’d planned this, but in the end it’s just worked out this way. The Romance is forced: Isla is forcing it because she hero worships you and believes she is in love with you.

As QM I’m not trying to railroad you into lesbians, I’m just playing the characters as I believe that would act, whilst giving you the voting options.

>>33204060
>>Talk to Isla in private, clear up any misunderstandings.

>>33204060
>Talk to entire party at once, clear up misunderstandings

>>33204060
>So what *exactly* did you bet on. Because I'm not entirely sure you have actually won that bet.
>Await response and then clarify right there that while you technically slept in the same bed, nothing else untoward happened.

>>33204060
Supporting >>33204128

>>33204073
A question about one of the Paladin Powers

There is a secondary benefit associated with Blessed Health: The ability to choose to become pregnant or not and, at higher levels, accelerate or suspend pregnancies. How quickly can pregnancies be accelerated with this power?
And just so you know, op: I dare to enter this magical realm.

>>33204073
>You didn’t kill any mortals outside of combat
Now that's easy experience to get.
>comments regarding forced romance
As long as players are still controlling the MC in these issues, everything else is ok. What gets players scared is that other QMs have repeatedly had trouble maintaining that difference. People will keep fearing common QM mistakes, this doesn't mean what you are doing is wrong. It just means that there are signs of the possibility of future mistakes. Keep those comments in mind, but don't over-react.

They are similar to sting-rays stabbing behind them as soon as a shadow falls on them out of fear that it might be cast by a shark. It's more likely that it's just a random shadow from something else, but it pays of to make sure.

>>33204073
Angel Sight -5 Angel XP
Healing 2 -7 Paladin XP -3 Gen. XP
Negotiator 2 -2 Gen. XP

>>33204206
>Agility- 11 (+0) Divine Warrior 13 (+1)
Spend 2 XP to rais it to 12 so we get another bonus point. Stat's are more versatile than skills. Other than that, I agree.

>>33204231
You should try to get your twitter added to the directory!
>Take Isla shopping for eyeglasses

>>33204203
This, pretty much.
Also, since we seemed to get a lot of new participants last session, you should probably reiterate your stance on magical realm and lewds.
Namely the fact that you said you wouldn't write anything more sexual than light petting.

>>33204231
Yeah, but we've only used our agility bonus once or twice.

>>33204265
You mean the one they link to at the beginning of each QTG?
Then no, no he should not.

>>33204073
I don't actually think it's comparable to HQ at all - Halfling Quest's situation only came up as a discussion of Female MCs who've had sex with dudes recently, and spun off from there. I'm not sure anyone thought the situations are comparable, which they won't be as long as you don't remove agency by making the results of a given voting option incredibly unclear. After all, the issue of HQ was that the option 'show up bard with your amazing musical talents' led straight into 'fuck bard' with no option to bail out.

>>33204285
I don't have twitter so the directory is the only way for me to see thread announcements. So yes, he should.

>>33204285
>Yeah, but we've only used our agility bonus once or twice.
Fine. Also I just noticed that Divine Warrior 2 (which we should get at one point in the future) will give use an uneven number of stat bonuses, so my reason for raising it won't apply for very long.

>>33204206

So for XP

>Angel Sight -5 Angel XP
>Healing 2 -7 Paladin XP -3 Gen. XP

Appears to be winning with a possible split between

>Negotiator 2 -2 Gen. XP
or
>Raise Agility by 1

I'll leave it open to voting for a bit and if it's a tie, dice as normal.

And for plot, the most popular option appears to be honest discussion then and there

Ditto leaving it open for a few minutes.

>>33204310
Get twitter then, it takes about five seconds.
Hell, he announces the threads 12 hours in advance, you could just favorite his twitter page and check on it once in a while.
He also runs every weekend at about the same times, I knew he would be running today without even checking the twitter.

>>33204310
You can look at someone's twitter without an account.
>>33204322
Negotiator, please.

>>33204073
The Isla thing isn't remotely comparable to Halfling Quest, I don't think even the people against an Isla romance would claim that. I guess you scared them a little with the bed thing but reasonable anons weren't really worried. I quite like her myself.

Also I think QTG thinks I'm an idiot due some stupid shit I did in the first quest, I doubt they'd add my twitter if I asked.

>>33204325
>You can look at someone's twitter without an account.
Yeah but that requires either bookmarking it or keeping a tab open, and both my bookmarks and tabs are way too full for that. It's why the directory is nice, so I don't have to have 20+ bookmarks of QM twitters (or rather, so I'm not clueless as to when quests run because I'd never bother with that).

>>33204322
>Negotiator 2 -2 Gen. XP

Go with the honest discussion then and there.

>>33204333
Honestly, last thread I panicked horribly because, while not against romance, I was worried we were moving way too quick.

>>33204349
Then get an account and follow him, stop whining just because it's slightly inconvenient for you.
Also, mostly consistent running schedule, twitter is totally unnecessary.

>>33204367
This is a bit early in a quest's lifetime to say there's a consistent schedule to be honest. It could be if it's maintained though.

>>33204194
Almost missed this, sorry.

[Spoiler]Depends how much Divine Energy you invest into a pregnancy, invested points cannot be regained until the pregnancy is over. The rule for humanoids is 2 weeks shorter per invested point to accelerate, 5 points to suspend indefinably. [/Spoiler]

>>33204395
I do intend to mostly run on weekends. I will also run during the week, depending on if I have a day off due to working saturdays (as I did this week).

>Writing plot

>Seems Negotiator it is too

>>33204423
>spoilers

bugger

>>33204423
The best way to make spoilers is to highlight the text you want to spoiler and press ctrl+s

Don't feel bad, it took far too a time time for me to figure out that shortcut.

“So what ‘exactly’ did you bet on?” you ask Jianxi “Because I'm not entirely sure you have actually won that bet.”
Jianxi is overcome by giggles for a few moments whilst Matthias grins and Isla blushes. When she calms down, Jianxi responds “I bet that Isla would be able to get you into bed to have her way with you, before we set sail.” Isla’s face is now flaming red.

“Whilst that’s not quite a suitable subject for a bet” you admonish her “You didn’t win, we slept together in the same bed because we stayed up late talking, and we didn’t do anything else.”

Matthias’ grin deepens and he holds out his hand, Jianxi gives him his gold back with a sulky expression and mutters “not on the ship yet.”

What next

>Take Isla shopping for eyeglasses
>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again
>Go see the Harbourmaster
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler
>Other (write-in)

>Updating character sheet

>>33204469
I didn't even know that shortcut existed, I've been doing it manually for six months.

>>33204471
>Take Isla shopping for eyeglasses

>>33204471
>>Take Isla shopping for eyeglasses

>>33204471
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler

>>33204471
>Take Isla shopping for eyeglasses
then
>Go see the Harbourmaster

Jianxi
General XP 2 (can be spent upon anything)
- Half main character XP (2)

Bard XP 4 (you can only spend this upon bard powers, stealth skill and Arcane Energy)
- Stealth kill (1)
- Captive taken (1)
- Remained concealed during entire combat (2)
- Perils of the Arcane (0) – Did not happen

[Locked] XP 0 (you can only spend this upon [Locked] powers)
- No opportunities in this quest (0)

Character sheet updated

>>33204515
Also, I have now added your allies abilities to Rules pastebin.

It would really help you pick powers if you can actually see them. Derp

>>33204471
>Take Isla shopping for eyeglasses

>>33204515
Can...can we spend bard XP to improve her skills with an instrument?

>>33204559
>Can...can we spend bard XP to improve her skills with an instrument?

With a regular Bard yes, but not with Jianxi

>>33204569
Awwww...
Pretty please?

>>33204515
I thought that allies would be spending XP based off of their own wills.

So, what does mirror image mean by '1d4 +1 per three levels'?
I don't recall seeing levels anywhere, this system is kinda freeform in how XP is handled.

>>33204423
I just wanna check my math

A standard pregnancy is about nine months
Nine months is 36 weeks. (4x9=36)
Blessed Health reduces pregnancy by 2 weeks per point invested.
Instantaneous pregnancy requires 18 divine power. (36/2=18)

>>33204604
I'll be honest, I stole a lot of stuff from 3.5 SRD and then took all the class+level specific stuff out, or so I intended.

If the players don't want to do the book-keeping of spending ally XP, I can handle it behind the curtain.

>>33204577
This I'll put to a vote, should Jianxi be able to spend her Bard XP on musical skill?

>>33204639
Well I'd go with 38 weeks as a base, but other than that, yes.

>>33204642
Well as original anon, I obviously vote yes for Jianxi.
I'd spend XP on it even if it was functionally useless.

>>33204642
No for musical skill.

Is Jianxi the only one that earned XP or have you just not posted Isla and Matthias's gains yet?

I would honestly prefer you to handle our allies XP distribution, but I feel the hivemind would be against me on that matter.

And now, the plot continues

You take Isla shopping for eyeglasses. After an hour of making her look through lenses of all different types the old man who owns the shop has found the ideal parameters for her and prepares the lenses for shaping, in the mean-time he asks his assistant to help her pick out what frames she wants. The young man offers her all sorts of frames. Isla asks you “Which ones do you like?”

>The large frames, got to have as wide a field of vision as you can
>The small frames, they’ll make your eyeglasses look hardly noticeable
>The fancy ones, they make you look pretty
>Whichever ones you like
>other (write-in)

>>33204642
Honestly? I think Sireyi would be the better bard. She's got charisma out the wazoo.

>>33204668
I've not posted Isla and Matthias, was going to do them 1 at a time

>>33204674
>Whichever ones you like

>>33204642
>This I'll put to a vote, should Jianxi be able to spend her Bard XP on musical skill?
no, she doesn't seem the type

>>33204674
>The large frames, got to have as wide a field of vision as you can

Birth Control Glasses Go!

>>33204674
>>Whichever ones you like

>>33204674
>The fancy ones, they look natural while the other two...don't, really. Also they make you look pretty.

>>33204682
So I should already be trying to figure out how to spend Jianxi's XP?
That would've been good to know.

I assumed that you would post all three at once since their gains are smaller and less likely to spark debate than our own distribution.

>>33204697
She asked for our opinion, I feel like this is a cop-out.

>>33204722
>She asked for our opinion, I feel like this is a cop-out.
As someone who wears glasses, I might ask for opinion on specific frames, but not overall style.

>>33204720
I'll support >>33204720
Because there's nothing that shatters a hivemind like a purely aesthetic shopping trip.

>>33204722
>That would've been good to know.

My apologies, I'll make it clearer next time.

>>33204674
>The fancy ones, they make you look pretty
>Not wanting bard Jianxi
Pffft, fine then.

>>33204349
>My bookmarks are full
I take worst excuses for 400.

>>33204674
>Whichever ones you like. Actually, take two, because one will probably be damaged during the adventure.

>>33204674
>other (write-in)

Either the large ones, for their field of vision, or the small ones if you don't want people to notice them so much.

No real point to the fancy ones.

So pretty and pick yourself are tied?

5 more minutes of voting then a roll if no consensus is made.

Please don't roll until asked to.

Also, Ally XP
>Players handle it
>QM handles it

>>33204808
flip a coin or something

>QM handles it

>>33204808
>QM handles it
Saves on paperwork if you handle party members

>>33204756
Don't worry about it too much OP.

Jianxi:
Agility +2 -2 Gen. XP
Mirror Image -2 Bard XP
See Invisible -2 Bard XP

XP sheet in case Players handle it wins.

>>33204808
>QM handles it

>>33204808
How about both? She needs a spare.

>>33204867
>>33204808
>How about both? She needs a spare.
Sounds like an elegant solution to me

>>33204867
good idea

>>33204867
>>33204894
>>33204896
Good point.

“How about two pairs” you say “One could get lost or damaged, though the fancy ones doo look good on you.”
Isla picks a pair of fancy ones, and a pair of small ones and you leave to

>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again
>Go see the Harbourmaster
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler
>Other (write-in)

>>33204901
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler

>>33204901
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler

>>33204901
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler
Aright, smuggler time.

>>33204901
10 gold she only picked a pair of fancy ones because Siyeri mentioned they looked good on her.

Roll 1d20+5 to locate him.

Ally XP to be handled by QM for now.

>>33204901
>Try to find Trader Jisan, the smuggler
We have a disuise hat, don't we? Might be a good time. I'm not sure whether smugglers are known to open up to angels.

Rolled 19 + 5

>>33204975

Rolled 12 + 5

>>33204975

Rolled 15 + 5

>>33204975
Go go go!

>Success
After asking around you discover that Trader Jisan is a private man, and he's keeping his head down because the port authorities also want to talk to him.

But it seems Trader Jisan has a weakness for pretty ladies of dubious virtue. He has frequently been seen at the Dropped Cloth, an innocently named tavern with a not-so-innocent trade.

The Dropped Cloth is on a backstreet far from the respectable parts of the city. The sign outside shows a serving maid in a short dress bending over to pick up a cloth she has dropped, whilst behind her two men look on approvingly.

It is currently midday

>Go to the Dropped Cloth now
>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again, I'll go to the 'Cloth later
>Go see the Harbourmaster, I'll go to the 'Cloth later

>>33205077
Hat of disguise. I vote for it. At least to hide the Angel attributes (might lead to a neat reveal even).
>Go to the Dropped Cloth now

>>33205077
>Go to the Dropped Cloth now

>Captcha: seetsale excitement
Right you are captcha

>>33205077
>Go to the Dropped Cloth now
So, does Angel Sight mean that our eyes glow in the dark now?

>>33205077
>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again, I'll go to the 'Cloth later
He'll probably be there later.

>>33205122
We should probably use the hat of disguise, if the spell woven into it can accommodate the wings and other angelic qualities.
Mainly the wings though, inhuman hair and eye coloration would be present even in those with only distant traces of angelic blood.

>>33205077
>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again, I'll go to the 'Cloth later

>>33205140
Not unless you want them to.

Cloth it is

Also, please vote on >>33205122

When visiting the 'Cloth, are you going as you are or disguised as just another human (or some other humanoid creature)?

>In my full glory
>Disguised

>>33205205
>>Disguised

>>33205205
By 'not unless you want them to' do you mean head-canon or that we can make them glow at will?

>Disguised

>>33205205
>Disguised
The other sounds lewd.

>>33205221
Glow at will

>>33205205
>Disguised
Next question would be: Disguised as what:
>Fully human
>Slightly angelic human (no wings, slight angelic features)
>Different person altogether (Someone might recognize us otherwise)

Disguised it is, also, options as per >>33205249
>Fully human
>Slightly angelic human (no wings, slight angelic features)
>Different person altogether (Someone might recognize us otherwise)
>Other

>>33205265
Also

>Going alone
>Going with full party
>Going with only...(who)

>>33205265
>>Different person altogether (Someone might recognize us otherwise)

>>33205287
>Going alone.
Don't want to scare him away. At most a second person.

>>33205249
>Different person altogether
Someone boring-looking.

>>33205265
>>Different person altogether (Someone might recognize us otherwise)

>>33205287
>Going with only...(who)
Jianxi

>>33205265
OP, I know that you're gunshy of giving us too many options all at once after Chargen, but these options could've been included in the last post.
>Someone else entirely
>Going with only Jianxi
Jianxi will definitely catch anything we miss and knows how to be subtle.
Bringing the others would definitely ring some alarm bells due to group size and might lead to him piecing our identity together.

>>33205322
I forgot about who was accompanying you until I'd posted.

The disguise plan surprised me, my apologies.

Options checked!
>Disguised as someone else
>Only Jianxi with you
>Writing

>>33205421
Jianxi has the second hat of disguise, right? If we are disguised as someone else, it would be natural for her to be as well.

>>33205449
you only have 1, Jianxi has it, you're borrowing it for a while

Inside the tavern are three long stages with tables lined up alongside each one. At the end of each stage a long metal pole runs from the floor of the stage up to the ceiling.

This early in the day there are only a few patrons, and only 1 woman dancing on a stage, she looks like she's new - she keeps missing steps and the few patrons don't seem too interested. At this point she still has all of her clothes on.

You ask one of the serving girls about the owner of the establishment and a few minutes later a very fat woman wearing far too much make-up and far too many rings on her fingers and through her ears comes out to see you.

“What do you want” she looks you up and down critically “Hmm, maybe, but you only see basic pay for the first 3 months, no tips. And you do private services for whomever pays, no refusals.”
She casts an eye over Jianxi too “Hmm, bit skinny, but being Kugani could be a draw I suppose, I’ll let her keep the tips she earns.” Jianxi’s eyes widen and her hand moves towards her knife sheath, you lay a restraining hand on her arm and stare her down when she glares at you in anger.

Pick one of
>An offer of employment? Tell us more
>I’m not here to work as a dancer, or...whatever else you just offered, nor is my friend

And one of
>I’ll come back later
>I’m looking for Trader Jisan (open)
>I’m looking to get out of port without meeting the guard (indirect)

Optional
>Kugani?

>>33205535
>An offer of employment? Tell us more
>I’m looking to get out of port without meeting the guard (indirect)

>>33205535
>I’m not here to work as a dancer, or...whatever else you just offered, nor is my friend
>I’m looking to get out of port without meeting the guard (indirect)
>Kugani?

>>33205480
...Now I feel stupid. I should have bothered to make sure we buy two last thread but forgot. Eh, spilled milk.

>>33205535
>An offer of employment? Tell us more.
>I’m looking to get out of port without meeting the guard (indirect)

>>33205576
>>33205561
Implying we would be interested in employment then immediately telling her we want a way to leave port seems a bit of a strange way to have a conversations anons.

>>33205599
I can work with it, if that's the vote

>>33205599
>>33205535
We want to leave. Imply that – until we can – we would work (maybe even pro bono) if she can help us make that happen.

>>33205599
Could be we're down on our luck and need some quick cash before we leave town

>>33205623
>>33205625
I would prefer the other option, to give off the impression of being here for a reason and being relatively no-nonsense.
Smugglers would rather work for someone who they believe can pay and won't ask many questions, in my opinion.

I won't bitch about it if I don't get my way, though.

>>33205643
I'd be ok with either, but I feel like teasing Jianxi, What with her teasing us this morning.

>>33205672
That was less teasing and more her genuinely believing we slept with Isla, but I see your point.

I'm still worried about 'Jianxi knows best' kicking in and breaking our whole undercover espionage thing, though.

>Writing
>Fallen on hard times it is

Well this didn't turn out the way I expected.

“Well, the thing is” you say, twisting nervously “we need a way out of the City without meeting any of the guard, and we need some money to get us by.”

“Say no more child” says the fat woman “Mama Sallie knows exactly how to help you.” She puts a thick arm around Jianxi’s shoulders , and another around your waist and leads you into the back of the establishment. “Why if you impress enough customers I’m sure you’ll be richer than nobles in no time, and as for leaving the city I might know someone who can help you out.”

She takes you to a back room that has no customers, and a smaller version of the stages out front, complete with pole going to the ceiling, towards the back, you can see a room with all sorts of costumes in it. Mama Sallie gestures towards the changing room. “Go, pick out something that’ll fit you, and then we’ll see how well you dance.”

You and Jianxi head to the changing room. As soon as the door is closed, Jianxi turns on you. “Are you out of your mind?!” she asks in a harsh whisper “What are you thinking?”

>Just trust me, I have a plan
>I was thinking we could get close to Trader Jisan
>If you have a better plan, I’d like to hear it
>Other

Also, you have the hat of disguise, whilst Jianxi will need to get changed, your hat can imitate most of the costumes here without you needing to take any clothes off, whereas Jianxi will need to end up wearing something....revealing. Perhaps this is what’s upsetting her.

>>33205807

>Just trust me, I have a plan

>>33205807
>I was thinking we could get close to Trader Jisan

>>33205807
>I was thinking we could get close to Trader Jisan
>If you have a better plan, I’d really like to hear it

>>33205807
>>Just trust me, I have a plan
>>I was thinking we could get close to Trader Jisan

>>33205807
>>If you have a better plan, I’d like to hear it.
This content, but make it sound less snappy? We *are* open to input, but this is one way that has a high chance of working and we took it.

Given that our disguise will only have to hold until we meet the smuggler, we might even use an excuse that she cannot dance right this night. Only use that lass sentence in an emergency.

>>33204336

>taking QTG at face value

Just no. If you're already going there, question every post and only take them as inspiration.

“I was thinking we could get close to Trader Jisan” you respond in a conciliatory manner.
“This is not the way to do that!” She responds, her voice rising before she controls herself.
“What would you suggest?” you ask
“Simple” She says “I visit the ‘Cloth disguised as a patron, and ask around to see who knows him. It avoids either of us being decked out like whores and parading naked in front of everyone, and it means I can make him a credible offer. He won’t take a couple of dancing girls seriously – all he’ll do is fondle our rears!”

>Good idea, we’ll leave and go with that plan
>We’ll stick with this plan
>We’ll do something else (what?)

>>33205935
>Good idea, we’ll leave and go with that plan

Honestly, I like her plan way better.

>>33205935
>>Good idea, we’ll leave and go with that plan

>>33205935
Another working plan. Good thing we can try both, if needed.
>We’ll stick with this plan.
For today. We might adjust it so that we don't actually dance this night. Maybe tell her that we are glad this option is open and just have to take care of some things today. We will check in later, she can introduce us to the smuggler, we can check our meager savings against costs and then we start tomorrow with a plan for how long we need to work.

>>33205935
>We’ll do something else (what?)
I'll dance, you'll deal.

>>33205935
I like >>33205999
Do the job interview, use the excuse of needing to take care of some things to not dance tonight, come back later and meet the smuggler under the assumption of working out how long we'd need to work and if that doesn't work we have Jianxi's plan.

>>33205935

Split the party.

what could possibly go wrong?

Go with her plan. The current plan is dumb.

>Writing

Close vote, will keep options open in case you want to come back

“That’s a pretty good plan” you concede. Instead of either of you changing you leave, telling Mama Sallie you have changed your minds. As you leave the Dropped Cloth her voice follows you out “come back when you feel the law closing in, girls.”

It’s shortly after midday.

>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again
>Go see the Harbourmaster
>Other (write-in)

Also, when is Jianxi going back disguised as a patron?

>Now
>In the evening, when it’ll be busy
>Other
>Whatever time it is, I’ll go back to be a dancer a little while before, so both of us are present

>>33206097
>Go see the Harbourmaster
>In the evening, when it’ll be busy

>>33206097
>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again

>In the evening, when it’ll be busy
We'll stick close by (as in perched atop a nearby building) in case things go sour.

>>33206097
>Go to the Church of Velya, try to see the High Priestess again
>In the evening, when it’ll be busy

>>33206097

>see the Harbourmaster
>in the evening, when it's busy

also make a mental note to check on this "kugani" thing when we get ourselves to sage company - or a library.

>>33206097
>>In the evening, when it’ll be busy

Seeing a tie for Harbourmaster and Church, will wait 5 minutes then roll-off if it's still a tie.

>In the evening

Is now locked in

>>33206097
>>Go see the Harbourmaster

You go off to see the Harbourmaster. The Harbourmasters Offices are a large building some ways back from the waterfront, it is a bustling, busy place. Clerks argue with quartermasters over good classifications for taxes. Ships captains stand near the fireplace sipping wine and complaining about the weather.

You show your letters of authority to a harassed looking clerk, who ushers you into the Harbourmasters own personal office, he’s haranguing a young clerk “I don’t care if he tells you he’s going to eat the damn things, it’s also used for dyes, his import tax is based on commercial goods, not food.” After the clerk hurries out, the Harbourmaster, an old man with a prominent bald patch, glares at you. “What do you want?”

“I’m Paladin Sireyi” you explain, showing him the letters giving you the Churches authority

>I need to find out how someone got past ship inspections
>Where can I find Smuggler Jisan?
>I need a record of all shipping manifests for cargo and passengers for the last 2 weeks
>Other (write-in)

>>33206254
>I need to find out how someone got past ship inspections
>I need a record of all shipping manifests for cargo and passengers for the last 2 weeks

We already know how to find Jisan.

>>33206254
>I need a record of all shipping manifests for cargo and passengers for the last 2 weeks

“I need to find out how someone got past ship inspections” you explain “I need to find someone wh-”
“If I knew that, they wouldn’t get past them!” he explodes at you “My inspectors do not take bribes! We’ve been checking every single ship from top to bottom, just like we were asked to, I don’t think whomever you’re looking for came through here at all.”

He did, you can feel the Horn towards the south and east, straight out over the water. But maybe the Harbourmaster won’t be able to help you

“To help me in my search, I need a record of all shipping manifests for cargo and passengers for the last 2 weeks” you say, not letting his outburst rattle you.

“It will take my clerks all day to write that out” he says, with a sour expression “Come back tomorrow to pick them up, was there anything else?”

>No, go to Church
>No, go elsewhere (write-in)
>Yes (write-in question)

>>33206341

Has there been any unusual activity for this time of year during last week? Someone in a hurry maybe?

After that, thank him for his time and head to the church.

>>33206341
Do we want him to tell about the smuggler? At least do it after we have left.

>>33206341
>Ask about unusual activity
>then go to Church

If we have more time to kill, then I don't see why not.
Is our party implied to be traveling with us during these scenes or are we alone?

>>33206370
Do you really want him to jump the gun and cost us a lead?
I don't trust this guy's competence or patience.
Or did you mean telling him when we leave the city?

>>33206391
Leave him a message after we have left, then. Actually, the church will probably get that information to him after a while.

>>33206370
Then go to church.

“Has there been any unusual activity for the time of year, starting last week?” You ask.
“You mean other than the damned Church of Konig interfering in my business” he blusters “No, everything has been fine, or would be once the holier-than-thou idio-” He breathes deeply and continues in a much calmer tone.
“This is a big port city, a lot of strange things happen here, but nothing that immediately springs to mind, no.”

You thank him for his time and leave to go to the Church.

[At the Church]

You decide to go back to the Church of Velya, perhaps the High Priestess can see you now.
You are in luck, as you enter the Church, it seems a young novice has been tasked to wait for you. She leads you directly to the High Priestess’ office.

High Priestess Winmer is young to hold such an exalted position, barely 40 years of age. She ushers you in and bids you take a seat. She has dark circles under her eyes and looks upset.
“How can I help you child” she asks after a pause.

>What’s wrong?
>My hunt for the Horn
>Other

>>33206441

>take the side quest
>I mean "What's wrong?"

>>33206441
>What’s wrong?

>>33206441
>What’s wrong?

“The Church of Konig is what’s wrong!” She snaps, then takes a deep breath “My apologies child, I’m overwrought.”After a pause she continues.

“As you know, the Church of Velya runs hospitals and shelters for the less fortunate, the clergy and laypeople tend to anyone in need, no matter who they are.”

“Yesterday, a number of gang-members from rival gangs came to one of our hospitals, looking for help in the aftermath of a war over territory, of course we kept them apart from one another. But we didn’t think to keep the clergy of Konig out, they so seldom come to our hospitals, we thought they were there to offer help, we were wrong.”

“Once the priests of Konig had ascertained the identities of the gangs, they left, only to return with church soldiers to take those young men and women into custody.”

“Of course the priestess on the ward refused, as some were in poor condition. I don’t know the full circumstances, but now one of my own, a priestess I trained, is dead, along with a dozen hospital workers.”

“I was at the Church of Konig until late last night, arguing with my counterpart there – he is adamant that the church soldiers were just doing their duty in hunting down all possible leads in the hunt for the Horn. He said he was sorry for my loss – he actually had the balls to say that to my face – only to say in the next breath that she must have provoked them!”

>>33206528
Face flushed, she breathes heavily for a long moment, before continuing in a calmer manner “I can understand that the Church of Konig is eager to have the Horn returned, but I think that in their desperation, they are compromising their own ideals. Tell me if there’s help I can give you towards finding it. Not just for my own peace of mind.” She forces a smile “I’ve always liked you child, ever since your mother asked the Church to care for you.”

Pick One
>I need help finding Trader Jisan
>I need help finding the Horn
>Wait, what can you tell me about my mother?

>>33206541
>Wait, what can you tell me about my mother?

>>33206541
>Wait, what can you tell me about my mother?

>>33206541
>>Wait, what can you tell me about my mother?

She pauses “I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”

“No” you respond “Priestess Hapswith said she didn’t know who my mother was.”

“Well” fusses High Priestess Winmer “I’m not sure it’s my place to-”

“Please” you beg her.

“Alright, I’ll tell you what I know” she begins, looking at your companions “You may want to keep this private.”

>I need to hear this alone
>Everyone deserves to hear this
>Only some should here this (who?)

>>33206614
>>I need to hear this alone

>>33206614
>I need to hear this alone

Isla's loyalty is 9, and she thinks she's in love with us. Is there any practical limit to what she'd do if we asked, or is she going to go along with anything (like would she have even complained about the 'dancing girls' plan if it had been her instead of Jianxi?).

>>33206614
>I need to hear this alone.

You ask your companions to wait outside the main Church building, they do so, though you get some concerned looks.
“Your mother is a member of the ruling cast of angels, called the Eladrin, of course, not all Eladrin are high ranked. It is a general class of angels, they are the bureaucrats and administrators of Heaven. Your mother was

>Low ranked (no special rules)
>Of mid-rank (weak resonance)
>Highly Ranked (strong resonance)

As this could affect the main character and her abilities, this will be a 'choose your own backstory'

Resonance: What magics (if any) were you exposed to whilst in the womb.

Resonance can affect what abilities you can learn later. Resonance can only add optional abilities, it will not block you from learning powers.

Resonance may reduce XP costs for some abilities, it will not raise XP costs.

Unless otherwise specified, please pick only 1 option

>>33206669
Asking her to do something out of character (such as dancing in a tiny outfit) would still require a roll, but given her high loyalty, and your diplomatic skills, it's almost a guaranteed success.

Would she have complained? Yes, but in a far less forceful way than Jianxi.

>>33206698
>Highly Ranked (strong resonance)
Only if we can be the rebellious teen later on. I don't feel like actually becoming part of the ruling class angels.

>>33206698
>>Of mid-rank (weak resonance)

>>33206698
>Highly Ranked (strong resonance)

>>33206735
None of these choices will set your path in stone

>Highly ranked

>>33206764
Does the 'no special rules' bit of low rank mean we might get restrictions on what actions we can take when we increase in power if we choose a high resonance option?

“Highly ranked” continues High Priestess Winmer “She worked

>Advising the more military-minded angels on matters of logistics, and how to deal with mortals
>As an advisor to a God
>As a diplomat, spending as much time on assignments as she did in Heaven (splits Resonance)

>>33206802
>>Advising the more military-minded angels on matters of logistics, and how to deal with mortals

>>33206802
Now I feel like taking something our dearest paladin doesn't ever want to do. What does the hive-mind say?

>>33206793
nope, no choice restricts your path.

To clarify, 'low rank' doesn't mean your mothers powers were weak, but that she was not in a position to encounter other, stronger powers. Mid/High rank means she rubbed shoulders with greater powers.

>>33206802

>As a diplomat, spending time on assignment...

>>33206802
This a key vote, will leave it open for at least 20 minutes from posting, give everyone a chance.

Will answer any questions you have.

>>33206802
What does Splits Resonance mean?
Would it make our effective resonance as though we had picked a lower resonance option?

>>33206802
>Advising the more military-minded angels on matters of logistics, and how to deal with mortals

>>33206855
How infallible are gods? Do they need much advising?

>>33206802
>>As a diplomat, spending as much time on assignments as she did in Heaven (splits Resonance)

>>33206802
>As a diplomat, spending as much time on assignments as she did in Heaven (splits Resonance)
Seems to make the most sense.

>>33206802
>As a diplomat, spending as much time on assignments as she did in Heaven (splits Resonance)

THE HIVE HAS CHOSEN

>>33206802
Diplomat makes the most sense, but I don't really want the mother to be well known to mortals.
>Advising the more military-minded angels on matters of logistics, and how to deal with mortals

>>33206976
Then you should've voted for advisor to a god, not the one that would give us more combat-focused powers.

>>33206976
>>33207006
Oh right. Misquoted. Thanks for the catch.

>>33206862
Yes, splits resonance means powers from 2 sources at lower strength/level of effect.

>>33206875
Gods are very powerful, and most are highly intelligent, but not infallible.

Diplomat has won

“as a diplomat, in service to

>Konig: God of Warriors, Knights and Paladins
>Mazon: God of Merchants, Trade and Commerce
>Yerra: God of Dragons, Wizards and Sorcerers
>Velya: Goddess of Joy, Life, and Peace.
>Other Good God (write in a generic description and I’ll fluff it out, include general themes i.e. Nature, Weather, Magic, Warfare etc)

And just before you were born, she was assigned to the court of

>Elementals
>An evil God
>a demon lord

Pick only 1 from each list, key vote, 20 min minimum.

>>33206976

It doesn't matter what we or the MC wants.

Mother being a diplomat would explain our affinity to nonviolent solutions and politeness as well as give the mother ample opportunity to have a half-mortal child. It would also contribute to explaining why MC found herself in situation where she would be put into arranged marriage.

>>33207129
>Mazon: God of Merchants, Trade and Commerce
>Elementals

>>33207129

>Velya
>an evil god

>>33207129
>Konig: God of Warriors, Knights and Paladins
>a demon lord

>>33207129
>Velya: Goddess of Joy, Life, and Peace.
>elementals

>>33206722
Just as a hypothetical, what would the DC check to be to get her to run around naked in public as a distraction?

>>33207129
>Velya: Goddess of Joy, Life, and Peace.

Would explain why Velya took a shine to us, and why our mother decided to ask her church to raise us.

>Elementals

>>33207186
21 or so

>Velya
and
>elementals

currently in the lead, but the times not up yet!

What, no one wants to develop demon powers?

>>33207129
>Yerra: God of Dragons, Wizards and Sorcerers
>a demon lord

>>33207219
>>33207175
I do!

Current votes

>Konig 1
>Mazon 1
>Yerra 1
>Velya 3

>Elementals 3
>An evil God 1
>a demon lord 2

10 minutes remain

>>33207129
>>33207258
Actually, scratch that.
>Konig: God of Warriors, Knights and Paladins
makes far more sense than Yerra. I also like how we are somehow entangled with Konig but don't follow his doctrine.

>>33207324
Is there anyway we could get a little info on what each option implies?
I just don't want to change my vote to demon powers just to discover that demon powers are angel powers but evil.

>>33207129
>Velya: Goddess of Joy, Life, and Peace.
>a demon lord

>>33207129
fuck can't believe I slept past the start of the quest
anyhow
>velya
>elementals

>>33207370
Last vote will be type of elemental, evil god or demon lord.

Each has specific abilities. Demon powers are not inverted angel powers.

Angels are more light, healing, holy warrior etc

Demons are more corruption, madness, monsters, blasphemy, transformation, 'I feel the warp overtaking me' etc

>>33207129
>Velya: Goddess of Joy, Life, and Peace.
>a demon lord

Contrast? Yes please.

>>33207420
Okay, so demon powers are completely useless for the character we've established.
Noted.

>>33207129
can't we have a demonic elemental lord?
Like he was half half.
we'd get both abilities but severely weakened forms of both

>>33207420
well demonic is useless with our character unless theres some major HAIRCUT aka char development later on

>>33207129
velya seems to fit our current personality whilst konig seems to fit our childhood personality

demon lord and elementals both sound fun but I'm going to go with evil god for the lels

>>33207484
Which is one reason why Konig would fit nice as our Origin, while Velya is our place after growing up.

Voting over, counting.

Votes asking for 2 options will not be counted

>>33207219
stop railroading and hurry up
everyone whos here has chosen so get writing

>>33207502
true but its /tg/. why would you ever expect them to make the story interesting or to follow the story?

>Veyla

Tie
>Elemental
>Demon Lord

Please vote again for one of the two options, voting for 5 minutes only. Please include a 1d20 roll.

The votes with the highest total from rolls (even if few votes) wins, let the dice gods decide.

After this, only 1 last vote, promise.

>>33207544
That's kinda harsh, man. Though I am a little sad that Velya has one. It seemed to be the most boring option, imho.

>>33207568
elemetals

Rolled 4

>>33207568
>Elementals

Rolled 12

>>33207568
elemental

Rolled 2

>>33207568
>Elemental

Rolled 8

>>33207568
>Elemental

Rolled 1

>>33207568
>demon lord

Rolled 8

>>33207568
Suck this elemental faggots
>DEMON LORD

Rolled 14

>>33207568
demon lord

Rolled 17

>>33207568
Elemental

Rolled 2

>>33207568
Time to let dicegods decide
if this roll is even than its demonlord
if this roll is odd than its elemental

>>33207568
>>33207577

Forgot my dice

Rolled 15

>>33207568
>Demon Lord

Rolled 14

>>33207568
>Demon Lord

Rolled 19

>>33207568
Elementals

Rolled 18

>>33207652

fuck.
lets try this again

voting over, counting

Rolled 16

>>33207568
lets go demon lord for possible PLOT

Rolled 12

>>33207693
sry, elements have already won.

>>33207680
no need to count, overwhelming win for elementals
suck me off edgy demon faggots

>>33207693
>lets go demon lord for possible PLOT

It's like you're not even trying anymore

>Elementals

What type?
>Air
>Fire
>Earth
>Water
>Exotic (write-in type)

Please note, 'exotic' is for pan-elementals like 'lava', 'storms' etc.

Votes for Plutonium Elementals and similar will be disregarded.

>>33207729
I'm reading words of radiance whilst playing this game.
Can't fully concentrate for 10hours+ like last game

>>33207743
>exotic
crystals

Rolled 19

>>33207743

Air

I just for once want a Air elementalist :(

>>33207743
Water!

>>33207743
>air

>>33207743
>Exotic (write-in type)
Heart

>>33207743
>storms sounds fun

Rolled 15

>>33207743
>>Fire

>>33207743
>Moonlight
Alternatively
>Water

>>33207743
>Air Elemental

>>33207772
Crystal isn't one of the pan-elements, at least not normally.

>>33207784
I laughed.

>>33207743
either
>Storms
or
>Air

I want us to be able to fly like a badass

>>33207743
Lets go air for POWERUP whilst flying

>>33207814
Since storm seems like it might win, and I was just trying not to split the vote too badly, I want to change this vote to >Storm Elemental

>>33207484

I'm not seeing the relation to Honig in our origin story. Maybe the quizzing and curiosity would favour the wizard god, but warrior one? I don't think so. Velya fits well with a lively child.

>>33207743
>Storms
How does this even work?
I mean what goes under storms and what goes under air?

>>33207743
>Storm

>>33207743

Bismuth

Just kidding, go with Air

>>33207743
>Storm

>>33207846
They're trying to define a complex thinking being in such a way that it fits their choice, Little Siyeri had bits and pieces of ALL the gods in her personality.
Except maybe Mazon.

>>33207846
do you even remember our rebellious personality and threatening to cut of people's sausages?

Storms wins (just)

>writing

>>33207743
>mfw I suggested storms to make it slightly more interesting and to make voting take longer
>mfw it actually is winning
>mfw I don't have a face

>>33207866
Storms emphasises the violent aspects of air
>Lightning
>High-speed winds that throws people everywhere
etc

Air can do those things, and other things, but storm is more focused on them

>>33207943
Could we use the high-speed winds aspect to increase our flight speed?

>>33207943
yeah, okay storms seem like the best choice to me. Thank god I voted storms instead of air.
I want fucking lightning!

And, to put that into a coherent sentence “Your mother was a high-ranking diplomat who served our Goddes, Velya” says High Priestess Winmer “You though ending up with our Church after running away was a coincidence?” She chuckles “Child we’ve been looking out for you since you were born.”

“Now, whilst carrying you, just before giving birth, your mother was serving in an elemental court, the court of storms to be exact.”

She looks down, when she looks up, all mirth is gone from her face “She resumed her duties to Velya shortly after you were born, though she visited you often. It was when she was travelling from the realm of Velya to travel to the court, just before your first birthday that she disappeared.”

“Of course the other angels of Velya searched for her, but she was never found, to this day, we still don’t know where she is. Even Velya has only been able to determine that she is alive, but nothing else” Noticing the look on your face she pulls you into a hug “There, there child, I’m sure you’ll see her again, after all you’ve got a long time to meet up with her again.”

>Thank you for telling me that
>What do you mean, ‘a long time’?

>>33207943
>high speed winds
Jet plan sereyi GET, wanted air just to make a super fast flyer for the lols. This works

>>33207926

Success of your vote swept it away?

>>33207959
You can, yes, but such violent winds could harm those nearby.

You might want to get lightning-based teleportation instead

>>33207974
>What do you mean, ‘a long time’?

>>33207974
>Thank you
>what do you mean by long time?
>Do you know anything about the court of storms?

>>33207943
Wouldn't Storm be water and air? Like rain as well?

>>33207962
Yeah, splitting our resonance between diplomacy-focused Velya and combat-focused (hopefully in a way that counts as magic, rather than melee focused Konig) Storm elemental seems the best choice.

>>33207974
>Thank you for telling me that
>What do you mean, ‘a long time’?

>>33207993
You're spoiling us for choice, OP.
Seriously, please wait a couple threads before doing another one of these retroactive backstory things.

>>33207974

>[x] all of the above

I guess we have another task to accomplish after our current quest is done.

>>33207974
>what was our mother like personality wise?
>Thank you for telling me that
>What do you mean, ‘a long time’?

>>33208011
Storm is Fire and Air, if I remember my quasi-elements right.

>>33207974
wait wait wait, this is a chance to learn more about our possible storm POWERS
>storm court information
>Thank you for telling me that
>What do you mean, ‘a long time’?

>>33208037

Good, we're gonna be pretty fiery in half millenium.

>>33208018
Yeah I want to get to the bit where we're bossing Isla around. In bed.

>>33208018
we suck so bad at melee ;_;
Let's hope magic can make up for our shitty lack of training physically wise

>>33208060
Oh god, the idiots who never bothered to read that OP wouldn't be writing any smut are back.

>>33207974
umm OP, you do understand that people care about the present more than the past?
Don't spam backstory please. its starting to get weird

>>33208078
she/he said that she/he prefers writing ecchi instead of hentai
nothing about not writing low-level smut

>>33207974
>>Thank you for telling me that
>>What do you mean, ‘a long time’?

>>33208086
I like back-story, but I agree that this has been enough for quite a while. Maybe a dozen or two threads later.

This is the last backstory planned so far, unless plans change, there will not be another.

“Thank you” you say, wiping tears from your eyes, before realising what she just said “What do you mean ‘a long time’?”

“Well half-angels are very rare” says the High Priestess “but some records indicate for over 2,000 years.”

It’s mid-afternoon and you have plans for this evening. You thank the High Priestess for her time and return to your inn to work out your plan for tonight with your allies.

Currently you plan for Jianxi to disguise herself, pretending to be a patron at the Dropped Cloth, and try to locate Trader Jisan. You thought you’d either take up the job as a dancer and watch from inside the place, or perch on a nearby building.

Parts to the plan, you only have 1 hat of disguise

Jianxi disguise
>Hat of Disguise
>Regular disguise
>disguised as who/what?

Sireyi
>Dancer (requires hat of disguise, unless you really want to go in there, wings and all)
>Hidden nearby

Isla
>Dancer
>Hidden Nearby
>Stay back at your own inn

Matthias
>Patron
>Hidden Nearby
>Stay back at your own inn

>>33208086
I think we've mostly got it out of the way by this point.
I actually like the ability to determine our own backstory, but the fact that it's been happening every thread is a bit irritating.

>>33208106
See >>33080118
In particular:
>I'd be comfortable writing scenes as lewd as kissing and light petting.
>Anything beyond that is fade-to-black.

>>33208147
>Hat of Disguise

>Hidden nearby

>Hidden nearby

>Patron

>>33208147
jinaxi
>regular disguise (shes a NINJA after all)
Sireyi
>disguised as regular customer nearby, no need to be a slut
Isla
>hidden nearby (we need her magic)
Matthias
>Hidden nearby (we need some brute force with us incase we fail our rolls)

>>33208147
Jianxi disguise
>Hat of Disguise
Sireyi
>Hidden nearby
Rest I don't care either way.

>>33208147
Jianxi
>Regular disguise
Sireyi
>Dancer (requires hat of disguise, unless you really want to go in there, wings and all)
Isla
>Hidden Nearby
Matthias
>Patron

>>33208147
I think the backstory spam scared some people away but anyhow
>regular disguise
>disguised as a customer
>dancer/patron with hat
>patron (hidden)
>patron (hidden)
>patron (hidden)

Writing

Rolled 11

>>33208147

Jiaxi
Hat of disguise

Sireyi
Hidden nearby

Isla
hidden nearby

Matthias
Patron

>>33208243
man I'm really regretting not getting another hat of disguise back at the shop.

>>33208262
Aye. I even thought about it at the time but forgot to actually post it.

>>33208276
Hindsight is 20/20, I'd rather focus on trying to work with what we have than focusing on what we could've chosen to have.

>>33208147
Jianxi disguise
>Regular disguise

Sireyi
>Dancer (requires hat of disguise, unless you really want to go in there, wings and all)

Isla
>Dancer

Matthias
>Patron

As Jianxi disguises herself using her own skills, you don the magical hat once more and you both return to the Dropped Cloth disguised as patrons, whilst Matthias and Isla hide nearby.

The Dropped Cloth is doing a roaring trade this evening, all of the stages are occupied and the bear is flowing freely. Dangerous-looking thugs stand inside near the entrance, but with the number of people here, and the noise, you could probably knife someone and no one would notice. You and Jianxi start to circulate, buying beers and discretely asking questions.

Roll 2d20 for gathering info

>>33208276
guess we're just going to have to hope jianxi has some NINJA skills.
because if not we're going to be fucked up pretty hard and going to have to waste energy using charm spells and shit.

Rolled 20, 4 = 24

>>33208296

Rolled 14

>>33208296

I wonder how half-angels act, when drunk

Rolled 16, 13 = 29

>>33208296
Can jianxi use mass charm on the targets?
anyhow rolling.

Rolled 13, 16 = 29

>>33208296

Rolled 17, 3 = 20

>>33208296
>>33208313

Oh sorry, I forgot it was 2d20

>>33208305
I have just had a silly idea. What, now don't freak out, what if we bought another hat of disguise? Unless, of course they are only found in that one city we already left.

>>33208340
I don't think we brought our infinite budget with us anon.
The church made deals with the guilds ahead of time to give us equipment and bill them (the churches) later.

>>33208340
probably not found here.

>>33208340
>>33208357
>>33208362
Is found here, this is a big port city.

And you can request funds direct from churches

>>33208340
no cash, we're supposed to be going UNDERCOVER

>Success
Once plied with enough beer, a helpful person points out Trader Jisan, sitting at one of the tables, leering up at the girl dancing in from of him.
Trader Jisan is an ugly-looking man with rotten and missing teeth, and stained and patched clothing. As he speaks spittle flies at every 4th or 5th word he speaks.

Who will approach him
>Jianxi
>Me
>Both

And using what method
>Direct (I hear you can smuggle people out, for the right price)
>Indirect (I really hate customs inspectors)
>Seductive
>Magic (charm spell, requires Jianxi)
>Other (write-in)

>>33208371
we need 4 hats, that should be highest priority since once we're in the fucking 100 kingdoms...
man we're going to need the hats bad.

>>33208386
>both
>magic + angel voice lel
seems like easiest way

>>33208386
>>Both
>>Seductive
>>Magic (charm spell, requires Jianxi)

>>33208386
I say we send the bard. She has to have learned some people skills regarding subtlety. Try the indirect approach

Plan b) would of course be approaching him directly. Plan c) to wait until he leaves and catch him.

>>33208386
>Jianxi
>Indirect (I really hate customs inspectors)

>>33208386
>Both
>Magic

Jianxi is kinda violent and shit at diplomacy.

>>33208394
Two hats I can understand, one for us and one for backup, assuming we even go to 100 kingdoms.
What I don't understand is why Matthias and Isla would need hats of disguise.
Also, it's called 100 kingdoms for a reason, and only one kingdom would be a bad place for us.