>>34487592
>B) Have at it

>>34487650
You give Maurice the go-ahead, and he giddily rubs his hands together before reaching into his robes to draw out a bottle. With two fingers, he dips into the steaming blood from the drake's stomach and draws a ritual circle on it's belly. Soon, white mist begins pouring from the drake's belly wound, inflicted by your sword just minutes ago, and into the bottle which Maurice holds out before. Once the steam is spent, Maurice corks the bottle and returns to you covered in blood.

"Much easier when fresh. Twin souls will be... useful." Maurice smiles, then peers over your shoulder. You turn to see what he does, and spot a handful of lightly armored men running across the field toward you. The have bucket helms, and longswords.

A) Approach them
B) Get back to the horses
C) Other

>>34487840
>A) Approach them

>>34487886
You and your group saunter over to the men, and meet them face to face. They seem to range from young to almost middle-aged, and are quite obviously well built. They look like seasoned soldiers, even the ones with young, smooth faces. The leader, or at least you presume him to be, approaches you with an arm extended. You shake, and he looks around you to see the drake.

"You all brought that beasty down, did ya? Impressive. We've been tangling with it for months."

A) It wasn't all that hard
B) I couldn't just watch your city burn
C) And yet I had to step in to beat it
D) Other

>>34488049
>B) I couldn't just watch your city burn

>>34488080
"Yeah well, thanks I guess. Truth be told we were just going to hide the woman and children until the thing ran out of steam. We never imagined someone would be foolish enough to tackle it head on. You must be some kinda something." He moves around you to get a better look at the drake. "Say, I don't suppose you know what we should do with this thing now? I can't imagine it's any good to eat."

A) Burn it
B) Bury it
C) Other

>>34488210
>C) Other
loot it for materials and then burn it

>>34488255
You tell the men to strip it of anything useful, then commit the body to ash. They grunt in understanding, and half of them break of to grab the drake's corpse. You try to turn and inform them that it will take far more people to tow the body, but you're stopped when you notice Pietra throw an arm around one of their shoulders.

"Hey there, big guy. Seeing as how we did you the favor of handling pest control, what say you allow us to negotiate repayment." The man seems slightly confused.

"Huh? Oh, well I guess that seems fair."

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

>>34488370
>B) Let her go

>>34488420
Pietra walks a little further away from the rest of you, and you look back to the drake. Much to your surprise, the men have managed to begin pulling the corpse back, with help from Kor. They move at a decent pace too.

A) Help them
B) Follow them

>>34488688
>A) Help them

>>34488718
With your assistance, the drake is brought back into town in a matter of minutes. As you enter the city limits, several thousand people cheer in the streets and from windows and rooftops. They throw bits of paper at you for some reason. The men you're aiding tell them all to stay back, and after a long bit of walking through frenzied crowds, you reach a patch of old land. You and yours wait around a while, with the exception of Pietra who seems to have gone missing, until the locals gather butchers, masons, and carpenters to all take whacks at carving up the drake. In two hours, the body is down to large bones, and the guards begin setting it up to be burned. You watch, half asleep with boredom, until Pieatra finally returns.

"Good news. I've persuaded these suckers to help you. The top mercenary guilds here are willing to march on Dordak Khan for nothing more than the right to divide his remains as prizes. Oh, and also free brothel time. They were really adamant about that."

A) The more the merrier
B) I really wish you'd stop negotiating for me
C) Other

>>34488886
>A) The more the merrier

>>34488886
>A) The more the Merrier

>>34488963
>>34489038
Pietra claps excitedly.

"Oh, this is going to be so fun. And so easy. We won't even have to lift a finger. These northern chumps will throw themselves at Dordak Khan while we watch."

A) I'm going to fight
B) The hard part isn't the battle
C) Other

>>34489090
>A) I'm going to fight
>B) The hard part isn't the battle

>>34489090
>B) the hard part isn't the battle
>A) I'm going to fight
If anyone is going to kill that dragon it's going to be us

>>34489128
>>34489117
"Hahahaha! You're funny! No. You aren't going anywhere near that thing. You're going to stay with me and Annalise where it's safe. Feel free to send Maurice to die, though." Pietra smiles, but you sense something sharp beneath her facade.

A) I'm absolutely going to fight
B) Why this all of a sudden?
C) We're all fighting
D) Other

>>34489280
>B) Why this all of a sudden?

>>34489308
>B) Why this all of a sudden?
>A) I'm absolutely going to fight

>>34489308
>>34489335
"Why did you think I was doing all this? I made an army from nothing so you wouldn't have to kill this monster! It's a dragon! You've read books, you know what they say about these things. Kingdoms burned, armies were washed away in tides of fire. Gods were fell by these things! We're going to let the northmen throw themselves at it, then if we win we'll take all the credit and be safe. If we lose, we'll run away. I've got it all planned." Pietra approaches you and Annalise. "Come on, tell him he's not fighting!" Annalise looks at the two of you nervously.

"W-well it's not as though I want him to. Maybe it is better..."

A) I'm fighting, and there will be no further discussion
B) We're all fighting. Together.
C) Other

>>34489567
C

I know that you're trying to help. The more people we can bring to the fight, the better, but if I should be fighting too. Because if I'm not there to strike him down, who knows how many others will be felled in my place.

I promise you, though, we'll make it out of this together. Don't worry so much.

>>34489667
I second this

>>34489667
>>34489698
The girls both look at you with doubtful expressions. There are no more words between you for the remainder of the evening.

Later, as you prepare to settle in for bed, Maurice finds you just outside the complementary room offered to you by the town. He seems worried, but not panicked, so at least there's that.

"Sir. The riders are resting well. After this, there will only be one last push to the falls. I expect we'll finally meet the resistance of the monster's troops, if he has any remaining. From what I hear, word has spread through the merchants about us. Hopefully, that alone will give us an advantage. The clerics are a mere week behind us, and the watchmen report scouts in black on speedy horses in the south. If it's the Rangers, they've overtaken us and will meet us soon. Shall I give any orders before morning?"

A) No. Get some rest.
B) Yes

>>34490035
>B) Yes
Use that soul that Old soul (the one the Monk Ross Gave us) To create a weapon preferably a greatsword

>>34490035

A) No. Get some rest.

Just tell the guards to be wary of black riders and try to confirm if they are rangers.

>>34490123
"I would, sir, but I've no arm for the forge. And I'd need a weapon to start."

A) Jut get it done
B) Later, then
C) Other

>>34490304
>B) Later, then
>C) Other
Use my Sword

>>34490304
>C) Other
let's hold off until we find something suitable.

>>34490467
I thought we had a Greatsword.

>>34490488
we do?

>>34490520
Yeah, I thought our sword was a 2Hander

>>34490304
>B) Later, then
Until we have a set plan, lets hold off.

>>34490617
hey tiger

>>34490467
>>34490617
You tell Maurice to hold off for now. He nods, and scurries off. You head into your room and sleep until first light.

The next morning, you stretch, wash and dress. The locals have gifted you with a set of light leather, simple but more than enough considering your blessings from Ross. You look at it, then at your damaged plate. They are each about as useful as the other now.

A) Wear the leather
B) Wear the plate

>>34490668
>A) Wear the leather

>>34490702
>A) Wear the leather

>>34490626
Sup Wren.
How's everyone doing th day?

>>34490668
I take it we can't wear the plate over the leather?
If we can, do that. If not,
>A) Wear the leather

>>34490731
been a busy week, going to relax for this weekend.

>>34490702
>>34490722
>>34490731
You pull the leather on over your tunic and trousers, leaving the plate behind. You feel a little more stiff, but much lighter. You exit the room and enter the hallway. It is lit soothingly by the sunrise. You make your way outside and toward the front of town. Maurice and Kor are already watching as the mercenaries assemble. They wear almost exclusively leather and chain, with a few in scaled mail. It's clear who are the troop leaders and who is only along for the pay. As the leaders work to rally their rowdy men, you approach Maurice.

"Morning, sir. These mercenaries are a handful, but their spirit is strong. The riders are already picked up and fed, waiting just outside as they feed their mounts. Miss Annalise and Miss Pietra are watching over them. Shall we begin marching?"

A) Yes, the sooner the better
B) Let's wait until they've settled down
C) Other

>>34490989
>A) Yes, the sooner the better

>>34490989
>A) Yes, the sooner the better

>>34490989
>A) Yes, the sooner the better
It is time.

>>34491141
Yes, let the final march begin

>>34491030
>>34491070
>>34491141
The mercenaries form loose ranks and begin stomping out of the city. A few of the townsfolk peek out of their windows to watch, but none bother coming out in the cold morning air to say any goodbyes.

You move behind them, and within half an hour the entirety of them are assembled outside of the city limits. Maurice gives an estimate of about four-thousand men, armed mostly with simple weapons and side-arms. No archers or riders to speak of. With that, you meet with the riders and begin marching east.

The first few days are hard. The ranks refuse to cooperate, even when offices lay down the law. Men rabble-rouse and squabble, stealing bread and drink from one another. It isn't until a week has gone by that everyone begins getting along properly. By then, you are tired and stressed.

"Sir." Maurice approaches you as you sit down to lunch. "Rangers to the east. The aren't moving, so it seems they are waiting for you to catch up. The clerics have begun increasing pace to meet us, but they will be tired when they arrive. Too tired to fight, I imagine. What shall we do for now? It will be less then four days until we near the coast."

A) Rest for now
B) Bring the Rangers here
C) Wait for the clerics
D) Other

>>34491338
C) Wait for the clerics

>>34491338
C) wait for the clerics
gonna need our heal bots

>>34491383
>>34491419
You decide to stop for a few days, in order to allow the clerics to meet you. After four days, they do, and they are as exhausted as Maurice suggested. It turns out that they panicked, worried they'd be late for a potential ambush, and doubled their pace. You are forced to give them two more days to rest and recuperate, before you can finally set off again.

The next day, you spy a row of black horses on a hill in the distance. As you approach, they do as well. Your troops come to a stop, and allow them to pass. Within a few minutes, the riders approach you, and one of them dismounts.

"We've been sitting on our hands for two weeks. I certainly hope you're a faster thinker than you are a walker." Leon reaches out and pulls you into a tight hug, patting your back roughly.

A) "What happened to hunting the ultimate mark? Were you too afraid to move without me?"
B) "It's good to see you safe."
C) Other

>>34491801
>A) "What happened to hunting the ultimate mark? Were you too afraid to move without me?"

>>34491801
A) "
What happened to hunting the ultimate mark? Were you too afraid to move without me?"
B) "It's good to see you safe."

>>34491801
>B) "It's good to see you safe."

>>34491819
>>34491876
Leon laughs, pulling away with his hands clamped on your shoulders. His wounded eye looks slightly worse than you remember, but it's hard to tell if it's just your imagination.

"Gods, you look like you've been carrying the horse, not the other way around. So, what's the plan for killing this thing? I've heard mundane steel won't pierce dragon flesh, so unless you know something I don't we're going to have a tough time."

A) Let's not talk about that now, we just got back together
B) We have something up our sleeve
C) Other

>>34492141
>B) We have something up our sleeve

>>34492141
>B) We have something up our sleeve
as much as I like him if there's any spy's in the camp... lets not tell him more than he needs to know

>>34492141
>B) We have something up our sleeve
but
>A) Let's not talk about that now, we just got back together

>>34492141
>>34492230
this. and tell him to get his eye looked at

>>34492186
>>34492190
"I hope so. Anyway, what do you say we settle down for the night? It's almost sunset anyway. Two more days and we'll be right on the beast's doorstep. This might be the last chance we get to sit together before things get hectic."

A) Sure.
B) We've got too much to prepare for
C) Other

>>34492447
>A) Sure.
get drunk?

>>34492447
ugh... I wanna say A but..
>B) We've got too much to prepare for
I mean, we're going up against a dragon that's been around since the creation of the world. You also can't forget his big ass army he also still has one last drake. If shit's gonna start flying I think we should be prepared for it.

>>34492447
>A) Sure.
A last breath before the charge is not to be denied.

>>34492484
>>34492630
The combined forces of the Northern Rangers, the Clerics of the Icy Tower, the Riders of the White Pine, as well as the mercenary troupes known as the Rising Suns, the Frostwolves, and the Iron Jacks all hunker down for one last night of rest. You find yourself near the center of this massive gathering, amidst plumes of delicious smoke and laughing men and women. Drinks are poured, meat is roasted, songs are sung, and all try to put out of their minds the threat that looms on the horizon.

You yourself sit in a tight circle with your friends. Annalise, the Daughter of Lumen. Leon, the Lionheart. Pietra, the Viper of Hollag. Maurice, the Hanged Man. Kor, the Princess of Sunset. Jirad, the Demon's Hand. All of you hold cups of bubbling brew as you stare into the fire. Tomorrow, you will meet your foe. There will be no turning back. The silence between you all is tense, but comfortable. Leon is the first to speak.

"I don't know all of you too well. But tomorrow we'll be all any of us has to depend on. So before then, just know that I am Leon, the Ranger, and that I will do all I can to ensure that we all live to embellish this tale." Leon sits.

A) Maurice
B) Annalise
C) Pietra
D) Jirad
E) Kor
F) Silence

>>34492869
if we're going in order of who's talking:
D) Jirad
A) Maurice
E) Kor
B) Annalise
C) Pietra

>>34492869
Sorry, but I'm not too sure what we're voting on.
If it's the order of talking,
>D) Jirad
>E) Kor
>A) Maurice
>B) Annalise
>C) Pietra

>>34492869
I'll abstain..

>>34492922
>>34492992
Jirad stands next. He is a bit wobbly on his feet. At that moment, you realize this is most likely hi first time imbibing alcohol.

"I just wanted to say that, like, I love you guys. And I really hope we don't all die really hard tomorrow. And, uhh, I love you guys. I'm gonna kill like five guys, and then I'm gonna..." The rest of Jirad's speech is garbled nonsense. Leon sits him back down. Kor stands next.

"It's been o much fun traveling with all of you. I've seen so many things I never imagined I would. Hopefully I can use all of it to help my people when I finally go back." Kor sits down, and is followed by Annalise.

"My father trusted my brother with the sword bestowed on him by the Father, and Leman trusted me. I only hope that I deserve such a blessing. As well as the other blessings in my life." Here, Annalise glances over to you and Pietra, blushing. Pietra speaks without standing.

"Yeah, well whoever makes it out alive gets a cut of the profit. So try hard, but not too hard." The group laughs. You notice Maurice is oddly silent. You ask him if there's a problem.

"Hm? No, sir. Just that, we've only four weapons that can pierce the flesh of Dordak Khan. I don't know that that will be enough to fell him." Everyone begins to look somber now, even sober. They look at the burning fire, and seem to take on weight in their shoulders.

A) It'll be fine
B) We'll think of something
C) Other

>>34493395
>B) We'll think of something

>>34493395
>B) We'll think of something

>>34493395
>C)other
What if you use the soul Monk Ross gave me to create a weapon here and now?

>>34493497
there's something about that soul that makes me feel wary. He won't tell us anything about it.

>>34493542
It's probably the soul from the Tiger Monk Ross killed

>>34493570
I sometimes wonder if Rags was trying to tell me something there.
...
Nah.

If we do wind up using the soul of my poor innocent brethren to make a weapon, a greataxe seems appropriate. Or possibly a pair of trench knives.

>>34493465
>>34493494
You try to comfort everyone, but it doesn't help much. You all sit quietly for a minute, taking sips from your drinks.

Maurice reaches into his robes and begins pulling some things out. He holds before him three bottles, each containing what looks like a small, fragile, and warm flame. Two are pale, and the third is large and golden.

"Perhaps it's time to spend these, sir. Although..."

A) Do it
B) Not needed
C) Other

>>34493757
>A) Do it

>>34493757
>C) Other
"Although...?"

>>34493757
>A) Do it
Since we're so big and have our strength back lets do as Tiger said and use the big soul to make a Giant Motherfuckin Axe
and the two drake souls can either be used as artillery or twin daggers?

>>34493757
>>34493829
yeah, go with tiger...

>>34493757
>>34493829
Yeah lets do
>C) Other
"Although...?"
and if the answer is good enough
>A) Do it

>>34493911
>>34493868
>>34493829
"Hm? Oh. Nothing sir. I was merely considering what I'd need to complete the weapons. Without a forge, it will be difficult. Still, there may be was to improvise."

A) Then get to it
B) What ways?
C) Other

>>34494083
>B) what ways?
And is there any way I can help

>>34494083
>B) What ways?

>>34494083
>B) What ways?
These are irreplacable resources. We need a set gameplan before we commit to action.

>>34494145
While that's true, if we don't have a strong enough weapon there is a good chance we and our army will get wiped off the map. Now I like the hammer we have but frankly I think we might need something with a little more "Oomf" to it.

>>34494215
All the more reason to get all our ducks in a line before we act. We can't afford a loss here.

>>34494110
>>34494121
>>34494145
"I will need a fire. A private one would be preferred. Working under observation is unnerving. I'll also need an iron hammer. Other than that, I just need elbow grease. If I'm being honest, sir, I'd rather you all stay as far from me as possible. My magic is not friendly."

A) We'll get you what you need
B) Other

>>34494302
>A) We'll get you what you need

>>34494302
>A) We'll get you what you need

>>34494302
>A) We'll get you what you need
>>34494276
Still I'd like to have more than one contingency weapon..

>>34494359
I think we might be talking past each other here. All I'm saying is we need a solid plan on what to do with the souls, the weapons we're making, and how we can forge them without specialised facilities.
Most of which has now been covered.

>>34494314
>>34494344
>>34494359
You tell Maurice that you'll provide the tools if he can do the work. He smiles, though bitterly.

"Excellent. Then I'll use this fire. Please have everyone move to a minimum of ten meters. I'll also need weapons. We've three souls, so three weapons will be the most I can do."

"Let me in on this." Leon stands and unbuckles his swordbelt. "I want to look that thing in the face and show it what happens to monsters that sly berets in their sleep." Two swords means two souls. To side with Leon means you'll be left with only on soul left.

A) Do it
B) No
C) Other

>>34494469
Well Like you said I'd like the Tiger soul to be a big ass axe. As for the twin Drake souls I was thinking we could resurrect them and control them to use for Air strikes and combating the other Drake Dordhak Khan still has

>>34494567
>A) Do it

>>34494567
>A) Do it
Use the drake souls for the swords.
I stand by the big soul as a giant brute axe.
Unless... could we use a soul to make armour?

>>34494567
>) Do it
Drake souls for Swords unless we can make armour.. Either way make a giant ass Tiger axe
>>34494659
We do have the Orichalcum shield so we're kinda set...

>>34494737
>We do have the Orichalcum shield
...I'd forgotten about that. Excuse me while I go feel like an idiot.

>>34494809
I thought it was mithril?

>>34494818
Could be.
Mithril, orichalcum, adamantium ratheruncommonite - it's fancy magic metal. Either way, close enough.

>>34494818
it's bluish greenish metal I can't remember if it was Mithril or Orichalcum... Either way it blocks dragonfire and spells so whatever it is it works

>>34494629
>>34494659
>>34494737
Maurice takes Leon's swords and slings them over his shoulder. This leaves you with the golden soul left. You contemplate making an axe, but you don't have the time or resources to forge one.

"I can ask around and see if any of the mercenaries or clerics have one, but I don't think they'd give it up and risk going to fight empty handed." Annalise tries to help, but she seems to be at a loss as well.

"You have that hammer, right? I don't think anyone but you and Kor can swing that thing." Jirad rubs his eyes, trying to refocus his mind.

A) Find an axe
B) Use something else
C) Other

>>34495002
>A) Find an axe

>>34495002
actually, how about a spear?

>>34495002
>A) Find an axe
and give them our sword in exchange

>>34495063
Compromise Halberd?

>>34495121
that could work

File: Axe.jpg (19 KB, 351x400)

19 KB JPG

>>34495002
>A) Find an axe
>>34495121
Or a halberd. Halberd works too.

>>34495038
>>34495070
>>34495160
You tell Annalise and Pietra to search for an axe while Maurice gets to work. In exchange, you give up the bastard sword given to you by Leman. That done, you all move away to allow Maurice space to work.

From a distance, you watch as he pulls various odds and ends from his robes. White powder, bottles of strange liquid, a gourd of some mystery drink, and a vial of something too small to identify. He begins chanting, and the fire rises higher. Every person in the camp nearby begins to watch him as the flames dance dangerously close to him, just managing to singe the edges of his robes.

After some time, the fire dies down just slightly, and the chanting ceases. Maurice takes a long few gulps from the gourd, and tosses Leon's blades in. The fire kicks up again, as does Maurices chanting. The flames flash, then turn pale blue. The people around you are dazzled. Sparks fly in every direction, and explode in crackling streaks.

Pietra and Annalise return before Maurice is done, and present you with a large steel axe. The head is double edged, and the weight is so hefty you imagine the previous owner must have been at least your size to swing it.

"It might be a little sweaty, but it'll do, right?" You thank them, and turn back to Maurice. Now the flames shift back to orange, and he takes a swig from the gourd. He reaches into the flames, his sleeves catching, and pulls both swords out. Even from here you can see they're different.

Maurice beats out the flames on his sleeves and stands before limping over to you. When he gets close, you can see exhaustion in his eyes.

"For Leon, sir."

A) Give him the axe
B) Other

>>34495402
>A) Give him the axe

>>34495402
>A) Give him the Axe
>B)Other
"I know you're tired Maurice and I can't even begin to imagine the condition you're in but this is the last one."

>>34495402
>>34495477
nah, dude, let him have a breather for a moment.

>>34495402
>A) Give him the axe
"This is the last one, Maurice. Just a little longer."

>>34495498
but you put A) too...

>>34495548
yeah, but he doesn't have to get to it straight away.

>>34495498
>>34495564
Keep in mind, if he takes a breather, he'll have to work the flames up just right again, which'll likely knacker him more.

>>34495634
oh.

>>34495434
>>34495477
>>34495534
Leon takes the twins. The flames have charred them to an obsidian black, but the edges remain silver. The curve of the blades is slightly more exaggerated, and the handles have gone from wood wrapped in leather to deep blue steel. Leon tests them, swinging and twirling them to examine their weight. His smile is wide and a bit eery.

You hand Maurice the axe and instill him with confidence. He smiles weakly.

"It's been an interesting adventure, sir." He turns back around and drags the axe toward the fire. With a grunt, he heaves the thing into the flames and watches it go up. He throws more white powder in, sending the fire sky high. He then pours in the golden soul. Instantly, the fire explodes and engulfs the area around it, nearly reaching you. As the flames reach up, you see them twist and take the form of a geat tiger's head. It's fangs are white, and it's stripes black fire. It looks at you, and roars so loud and hot that you feel like you might be burning.

Then, the head shoots up into the night sky, and comes crashing back down, exploding and sending all of the observers flying ten feet back.

You get back up quickly, just in time to see the flames receding. You rush over, and find Maurice crumpled into a ball on the ground. His robes are blackened, and he isn't moving. Something lies in the smoking ashes of the campfire, long and broad. The others approach now as well, asking what happened.

A) Check on Maurice
B) Take the weapon
C) Other

>>34495786
>A) Check on Maurice

>>34495786
Oh, shit Rag's not my feels not Maurice anyone but Maurice! Crap i'm conflicted I wanna keep the weapon safe but i wanna check on our bro...

>>34495786
>A) Check on Maurice
Damn it, kin, don't be an asshole.

>>34495786
Ok i'm gonna be the unpopular one...
>B) take the weapon
then run over to Maurice as fast as humanly and inhumanly as possible

>>34495938
I don't blame you.
I was tempted, myself.

>>34495848
>>34495893
You slide on your knees and stop beside Maurice. You lift him up and turn him over to see his face. What remains of his face, at least.

His face is nearly completely burnt away. What little skin remains is cooked red. More than half of it is down to nothing but blackened bone. Both of his eyes are gone, leaving nothing but goop in black sockets which leaks out like tears. His breathing is so shallow, you doubt it could fill the lungs of a sewer rat. One of his hands is completely gone, and the other is charred black. His head shifts around, seeming to search for something.

"s...sir..."

A) What happened?
B) Be quiet
C) Other

>>34496056
>C) Other
"Do you have a potion or something that could save you?"

>>34496046
Don't get me wrong I love Maurice and he's put his life on the line for us so many times but who knows what that weapon can do? I mean it has the soul of something that fought on par with a god! Help our old friend who may or may not already be dead or secure a weapon that could destroy our entire army?

>>34496056
>B) Be quiet
>C) Other
I'll get a healing potion

File: Depression.gif (104 KB, 700x526)

104 KB GIF

>>34496056
>C) Other
"...I'm here, Maurice."

>>34496116
>>34496056
Also, get anna to help us

>>34496056
Everything Wrenloft said... and make someone get the axe

>>34496056
>>34496148
this too

>>34496093
>>34496116
>>34496139
You cradle Maurice, and speak softly to him. You command Annalise to come over, and she does. She shrieks upon seeing his face, sending a chill up your spine as well as everyone elses. She fumbles in her robes for her holy symbol, trying to hold back sickening sobs as she raises it over Maurice. You ask if he has anything to help. He chokes as he tries to make words.

"...soul...strong...burnt...no...hope..." Maurice begins spasming, wild but weak. He struggles to continue breathing. Annalise continues to sob, trying to speak despite it.

"I can't! It's not working!" Her sentences are punctuated by sniffs and coughs. "Father, please, have mercy!" Annalise's hands begin to shake, and her symbol loses it's fierce glow. Pietra kneels behind her and embraces her, trying her best to comfort her.

"...sir..." You look back down at Maurice. His blackened hand clutches something. It's a small, empty bottle. Maurice begins to clack his blackened teeth, and the cooked remains of his tongue lick at his nonexistent lips.

A) Take the bottle
B) Other

>>34496430
>A) Take the bottle

>>34496430
Oh god Maurice, brother..
>A) Take the bottle
>B)Other
C'mon Maurice You can do it stay with me man

>>34496430
Why would you do this to us?

>>34496565 I swear Rag's is cold blooded sometimes

>>34496457
>>34496491
You take the bottle from Maurice's hand, and encourage him to speak. He struggles with all his might.

"...thir...sty..." Maurice can no longer breath. His chest ceases moving entirely, but his heart still beats weakly. Annalise's symbol is down to barely a shine now.

A) Come on, just hold on
B) Raise the bottle

>>34496430
Oh God Maurice please don't die on us man you were my favorite character.
>A

>>34496703
>B
Please let this work.

>>34496703
>A) Come on, just hold on
>B) Raise the bottle
come on Maurice don't go not yet just not yet...

>>34496703
>A) Come on, just hold on
B) Raise the bottle

>>34496703
>A) Come on, just hold on
>B) Raise the bottle
Somebody get some water!

>>34496788
this, too

>>34496730
>>34496732
>>34496755
You bring the bottle to Maurice's lips. He lets out one final, weak sigh, and a black substance wriggles from his lips, and crawls into the bottle. It curls up there, weak and cold. When you look back down at Maurice, you are forced to watch as his skin peels away in small, thin bits. It it tossed in the breeze like confetti, and soon the same begins happening to his bones and muscles. In mere moments, nothing remains of him but his charred robes, and the contents held within.

Annalise turns and sobs into Pietra's bosom, and Pietra herself tries to hold back tears. Leon and the others bow their heads in respect. The rest of the camp is merely confused. You release Maurice's robes.

A) Examine the bottle
B) Examine the cinders
C) Other

>>34496911
>A) Examine the bottle
>B) Examine the cinders

Damn you Rags.

>>34496911
>C) Other
Check on the Axe then
B
A

>>34496934
Something came out of him HOPEFULLY since he's a Necromancer that is like his essence and we can res him or something...

>>34496911
>A) Examine the bottle
>B) Examine the cinders
Rest easy, brother. We will remember until the end times, when the skies shall fall and the dead shall rise and we shall beat the crap out of you for making us worry, you tit.

>>34496911
Nooooo, Maurice! Fuck man, we should have given him a break.

>A
>B

>>34496934
>>34496945
>>34497079
You look at the bottle. The black stuff now resembles a tiny flame, like that which dances atop a dying matchstick. It seems to shy away from the mouth of the bottle, as if the cold night air chills it.

You turn your attention to the cinders, all that remains of the fire Maurice used to forge your weapons. You set the bottle down and reach in, brushing away the white ash to grab hold of something long and firm. You drag it out, and it reveals itself as a massive axe. It has a single blade on its head, which weighs heavy even in your mighty hands. The cutting edge faintly resembles the fangs of a beast, and white fur with black stripes decorates the shaft beneath the head. You can feel the power in this weapon. This is a weapon to slay a god.

You turn back to the others. They watch you silently, hoping for comfort.

A) Silence
B) Other

>>34497228
>A) Silence
>B) Other
gather his remains and place it in a container. We'll find a better spot to bury him

>>34497228
>B) Other
"Maurice Sacrificed himself for these weapons. He sacrificed himself for the chance to get rid of this beast that terrorizes the north and will undoubtedly terrorize the rest of the world should we fail. Let's not have it have been in vain."

>>34497228
>B) Other
"Gather the remains. He deserves a better resting place than here."

>>34497295
Seconded.

>>34497228
What I said and what Tiger said. Our Bro deserves a goddamn monument and big ass Tomb all for himself when this shit is over

>>34497295
>>34497349
>>34497249
You sling the immense axe over your back. You tell the others that Maurice's life will not have been spent for nothing. Your companions, as well as your troops, get a charge from this. You tell the others to find something to place Maurice's remains in.

They find a wooden box, and fold his robes into them after removing his things. Most of it was charred to ash. The only things that remain usable are his assortment of bottles, and a hand of his cards with survived, albeit singed around the edges.

"Love, you should rest. You look tired." You turn to see Annalise. Her eyes are dry and swollen. She is still shaking.

A) Not yet, but you go
B) Okay
C) Other

>>34497577
You and Pietra go first. I... I think I need some time alone.

>>34497577
>A) Not yet, but you go
We need to know what this thing'll do.

>>34497577
>A) Not yet, but you go
>C) Other
Investigate the bottle. Address it ask it if it's Maurice

>>34497577
>>34497643
What Spring head said too go out and practice with the axe get used to it

>>34497577
>B) Okay
Read between the lines, guys. They cared about Maurice, too.

>>34497761
I know but that bottle of stuff that came out of Maurice that seems at least Semi-sentient bothers me and i'd rather find out what it is first before telling them Maurice may or may not come back.

>>34497640
>>34497643
>>34497651
You tell her to go lie down with Pietra, and that you'll join her soon. She stands on her toes to kiss your cheek, and walks back to tent provided to you by Leon.

You look at the bottle again. The small, black flame continues to cower and flicker. It shivers like a pup in the snow.

A) Shake it
B) Other

>>34497872
>B) Other
tap it a few times.

keep it close on our person

>>34497872
>B) other
"Maurice? Is that you?"
if there's no response
>A) Shake it GENTLY

>>34497872
seconding >>34497905
don't want to shake what could be Maurice's life force.

>>34497872
>B) Other
Swaddle it. Keep it close, keep it sheltered, keep it warm.

>>34497872
now go lie down with pietra and anna and sleep this tragedy away. it'll never be slept away.

>>34497934
which is why we should release it as anger while practicing with our new axe

>>34497872
hold on I take back my second option tap it don't shake it

>>34497905
>>34497924
>>34497926
You raise a finger and tap the side of the bottle gently. The flame seems to respond, albeit only a tiny bit. It seems to be attracted to your fingertip, but does not try very hard to move much. you cover the opening with a thumb, and the flame seems to perk up. When you remove it, it cowers again. You think you may need to give up for now, as your eyes are growing quite heavy.

A) Lay down to rest
B) Other

>>34498071
>A) Lay down to rest

>>34498071
I think we've had enough for tonight

>>34498071
>B)Other
Put a cork in the top of the bottle seeing as how it doesn't seem to like not having something over it and keep it close to your body then
>A) Lay down to rest

>>34498071
seconding >>34498169
keep him warm

>>34498071
>B) Other
Find someplace safe and warm to keep the bottle overnight. Like a tiny, fragile, bottle-shaped necromantic corpse-baby.
Then
>A) Lay down to rest

>>34498201
I know on the body isn't that smart but i'd like to keep him close I mean if it is Maurice I don't want anything bad happening to him...

>>34498169
>>34498197
>>34498201
You search around for a cork, but are forced to settle for some clay which you stuff into the opening of the bottle. The flame seems much stronger as a result. With that, you tuck it into your trouser pocket, and head to bed with Pietra and Annalise.

You regain consciousness somewhere new. It isn't the stone tower, or the sunflower hills. This place is a cold riverbank. The water runs fast, wide and deep. It is black as a new moon, as well. The grass growing along the shore is a dark blue, and the only source of light is a great moon that shines brilliantly upon you. You look around for a moment, and are then surprised when you turn around to see a raft has suddenly appeared. The oarsman leans on his pole, draped from head to toe in black robes and leather. The only part of him visible are his pale hands.

He sees you, and waves, pulling from behind his back a lantern that burns dull orange. Suddenly from behind you, someone appears. A short figure in a black cloak and hood approaches the raft, but just as it is about to board, it turns to look at you.

A) Silence
B) Other

>>34498485
>B) Other
bro hug.

"We'll miss you."

>>34498485
>B) Other
"Maurice is that you?"

>>34498485
>B) Other
"...it's that time already, then."

>>34498514
>>34498557
>>34498619
You think of many things to say, but none of them seem right. The hooded figure takes a step toward you, and holds out it's gloves hand. You reach out, but yours goes through it like mist.

"Yoohoo. Last call for Tartarus." You both turn to see the black oarsman. "This is really sweet, but your friend has a date with four-hundred and sixty-two lifetimes of unbridled torment."

A) Say goodbye
B) Other

>>34498790

ask what's in the bottle

tell him you will always remember him

>A) Say goodbye

>>34498790
>B) Other
"What is the Black Flame?" "Is there any way to bring you back?'

>>34498790
>four-hundred and sixty-two lifetimes of unbridled torment
Don't suppose I could convince you to commute the sentence? Down to, say, a lifetime or two of mild vexation?

>>34498790
>>34498810
>>34498845
seconding both Wren and Brand he left us with so many questions;_;

>>34498810
>>34498845
>>34498869
You ask about the black flame. The hooded figure raises its hands and shrugs. It holds two hands out to you, and props up fingers on each hand. One on the first, three on the second.

"Hey! If you aren't on this raft in the next ten seconds you can swim to Tartarus! I've got other stops tonight. You aren't the only sap who died tonight." The oarsman stands up tall and begins prepping for shove-off. The hooded figure looks back at you one last time, bows, and makes for the raft. It steps on, and the raft is away, floating down the black water and into the distance.

You wake up in the tent. It's nearly sunrise, and the camp is already active. You are drenched in cold sweat and shaking, but when you see Annalise and Pietra beside you and in the buff, you relax a little. Everything seems to be normal again.

A) Go outside and prepare
B) Lay down a while longer
C) Other

>>34499052
B) Lay down a while longer

>>34499052
>A) go outside and prepare.
Time for the conclusion

>>34499052
>B) Lay down a while longer

>>34499052
>B) Lay down a while longer

>>34499078
>>34499112
>>34499194
You lay back down on your bedroll. You feel rested, but still tense from your dream. If it was a dream. You close your eyes and relax for a while longer, until Pietra rouses and sits up. you behold her olive skin for a while before she notices you, and lays down on top of you with her head resting on her shoulder.

"I had a strange dream last night, you know. There was some black river. It only lasted for a minute though. I'd rather have dreamed about you two."

A) It's just stress
B) Let's start getting ready
C) Other

>>34499307
>B) Let's start getting ready

>>34499307
>C) Other
Tell her about the dream

>>34499352
>>34499307
yeah, tell her and anna this when she wakes up

>>34499307
>>34499352

>>34499352
>>34499402
>>34499409
You tell Pietra you had a similar dream, but one that went much deeper. She doesn't lift her head from your shoulder, but she does seem to be listening.

"Hm. Magic is confusing, I suppose. If that really was Maurice, I wonder if he was trying to tell you something." At this point. Annalise stirs, squinting her eyes as she pulls strands of her own hair from her mouth.

"Who told who what?" You explain it to her as well. "That sounds familiar. I think my father and Leman saw a place like that in dreams too, but I don't remember what they were about."

Suddenly the tent flap swings open, and Jirad peeks his head in. He begins to say something, but then gasps and lets the flap shut again when he realizes what's inside. Annalise shrieks and covers her chest with the furs, but Pietra merely laughs.

"S-sorry you guys, but the morning scouts saw movement. We might be under fire in less than an hour."

A) Tell everyone to prepare for battle
B) Tell the girls to stay here
C) Other

>>34499571
>A) Tell everyone to prepare for battle

>>34499571
>A) Tell everyone to prepare for battle
Let the fun begin

>>34499571
>A) Tell everyone to prepare for battle

>>34499571
>A) Tell everyone to prepare for battle

>>34499599
>>34499604
>>34499625
You rise and tell Jirad to have everyone dress and prepare. He runs off, and you and the girls begin preparing. You pull on your underclothes, tunics, and armor. Annalise takes a moment to kneel and pray before you all exit the tent together.

Outside the camp is alive and chaotic. Men pull on armor, chant, paint themselves, and hurry to eat a final meal before marching. The Rangers and riders are the first to form up, and are all mounted in less than fifteen minutes. The officers in charge of each group with you approach and form a semi-circle, awaiting orders. According to them there are an estimated twenty-thousand marching toward you. Only half of them will arrive here today, but even then you are evenly matched. Their forces include mostly archers and spearmen, but also contain some light cavalry and what appear to be clerics, but only a scant few.

Your men include:
Riders- 800
Spearmen- 3000
Skirmishers- 3000
Archers- 1500
Clerics- 1000
Armor- 1200
Rangers- 200

You must think of a plan to engage your foe.
>

>>34499844
Go ahead, throw their lives away

>>34499844
what terrain are they coming through? if we can, we might be able to set up traps and ambush them in close proximity rather than at range.

If they're coming through a forest, we could always light it on fire.

>>34499965
Hills. Some rocks, but not big or numerous enough to call it rough.

>>34499844
I take it Skirmishers are horsemen with bows?
>Have the spearmen form phalanxes while the >archers stay behind while giving them cover.
>skirmishers break off and harrass the enemy while they're marching towards us
>keep the armor by the spearment
>Rangers keep the rangers hidden for a surprise charge
> keep the cleric's on standby
>have the riders (Heavy Horsemen I'll assume?) prepare to flank the enemy

>>34500021
Skirmishers are footmen without side-arms

>>34500061
And by that I mean, only with. I'm dumb.

>>34500061
Well that changes things... I guess now we have some cannon fodder huh?
>Archers on a hill
>cavalry hidden behind a hill to flank
>Rangers held back for any nasty's that Dorrdakk Khan can throw at us
>Spearmen form phalanxes with armor and cleric's nearby

>>34500061
estimate a location where the enemy will be traveling through.

Have archers hide behind some hills with spotters to direct volleys.

try to have the other units hidden behind hills as well until they hear the signal, then form up around the enemy.

We'll have armor lead the way, followed by skirmishers and spearmen and clerics for support.

Riders will flank enemy positions and we'll have Rangers sneak around backside with additional support from some more skirmishers and spearmen

>>34500163
Sounds like a plan.

>>34500163
I like that but i wanna keep the Rangers back considering we have so few and who knows what Nasty's Dordakk Khan has in store..

>>34500163
>>34500197
We'll have the rangers and assorted spearmen/skirmishers go around as a reserve force.

If we need reinforcements, they come through the back.

If the enemy is being routed back, they take pot shots and make ambushes.

>>34500226
K sounds good but we have a crapton of skirmishers and they only have side weapons

ok, just for clarification, what are sideweapons? as in, short swords and stuff like that?

>>34500163
>>34500192
>>34500226
You make up the formations, and the officers run of to relay the information.

Within twenty minutes, you are set up behind the largest hills you can find. You form the archers into squadrons, and assign each one a spotter. The spotters take position on the hills, laying prone in the tall grass. The armor, spear, melee, and cleric units form in tight rows behind you.

You and your comrades sit mounted, waiting for the spotters to give word. Leon and his Rangers are prepared to ride around and flank the enemy, since they are masters of the melee both on and off horse.

There is a shout. Enemies approaching. From this range, you'll be lucky to hit them, but it might spook them either way.

A) Open fire
B) Wait for a better chance

>>34500363
>B) Wait for a better chance

>>34500363
>B) Wait for a better chance
Don't fire until you see the white's of their eyes!

>>34500363
>B) Wait for a better chance

>>34500363
>B) Wait for a better chance

>>34500381
>>34500393
>>34500407
You have the archers hold. You can see that they are growing nervous now. A few minutes latter, the spotters inform you that the enemy have moved from a slow march to a stride. They are at a better range, but now you'd only be peppering them.

A) Open fire
B) Wait

>>34500448
>B) Wait
Make ready.

>>34500448
>B) Wait
we want to saturate them with arrows, and close the distance before their archers can attack us.

>>34500448
>>34500494
both of these Knock arrows

>>34500492
>>34500494
You have the archers hold still. A minute passes, then another. You can feel your heartbeat quickening. You look to Annalise. She is stern, but nervous.

The spotters call again. They're close enough now that you'd only get three or four volleys off, but they'd nearly all hit a mark. The enemy formation is tight as well, so the first strike will be lethal.

A) Fire
B) Wait

>>34500604
>A) Fire

>>34500604
> A) Fire

>>34500604
>A) Fire

>>34500615
>>34500627
>>34500630
The archers knock, draw, and loose. Thousands of wooden shafts take to the sky, whistling as they volley overhead, and come down less than a mile away. After a moment, you hear cries rolling from over the hills. The spotters inform you that the enemy have begun a charge, and their archers are preparing to fire.

A) Fire
B) Prepare to defend
C) Other

>>34500698
A and B

>>34500698
>A) fire
>B) Prepare to defend
have the archers fire at will

>>34500698
>A) Fire
>B) Prepare to defend
Archers keep firing, everyone else...

>>34500731
well, we may want to direct them to fire more at the enemy archers

>>34500752
yup

>>34500727
>>34500731
>>34500748
You order the archers to keep firing, and have the rest of the units mobilize. The riders move south, and prepare to flank the enemy. The spotters report heavy armored units advancing, carrying majorly polearms and bludgeoning weapons.

"Seems like Ferris lent them a bit of aid." Pietra leans over to whisper to you. It's regrettable, but nothing can change it now.

The armored and spear units begin cresting the hill now.

A) Follow
B) Stay back

>>34500837
>A) Follow

>>34500867
>A) Follow
Time to test out our new Axe

>>34500837
>A) Follow
Let's pull some Dynasty Warriors shit

>>34500837
>A) Follow

>>34500867
>>34500922
>>34500932
You kick your horse into a trot, and begin cresting the hill along with your troops. Annalise and Pietra follow you, but Kor and Jirad stay behind.

You see thousands of armored troops rushing at you, hampered by their weight but nearly unaffected by the volleys of arrows launched by your men. There are plenty of lightly armored men, many of which lie wounded from multiple shafts, but not nearly as many as you'd hope. In the distance, enemy archers begins firing, and arrows rain down upon you.

A) Speed up
B) Stay with your troops

>>34500970
>A) Speed up
We're a priority target - staying with the troops just lets the enemy concentrate fire.

>>34500970
>A) Speed up

>>34500970
>A) Speed up

>>34501004
>>34501010
>>34501016
You spur your mount forward, heading straight into the belly of the beast, so to speak. The armored troops converge on you, which is not in your favor, but does draw the attention of the archers.

A) Dismount
B) Fight mounted

>>34501084
>A) Dismount

>>34501084
Let's discuss this one
>A) dismounting gets us right into the fray
>B) Fighting mounted makes us a bigger target seeing as how how we're separated from our men I'm not sure which to choose...

>>34501084
>A) Dismount

>>34501084
>B) Fight mounted

>>34501084
I'll go with
>A) Dismount
after all we do have a big ass axe

>>34501116
>>34501151
The first enemy approaches and take a wide swing with his halberd. You lean back, dodging under it. In the same motion, you roll backward and somersault off of your horse, landing on your knees. You rise to your feet just in time to sidestep a vertical swing from another opponent, and pull the axe from your back.

Men begin to surround you now, and seem to think they have the advantage. The first one charges at you, pike poised to pierce your abdomen, but you turn it aside and smash his helmet in with a mighty swing. He collapses backward into a heap.

A) Fight defensively, you are alone
B) Fight offensively, strike fear into them

>>34501260
>A) Fight defensively, you are alone

>>34501260
>B) Fight offensively, strike fear into them

>>34501260
>A) Fight Offensively, strike fear into them
Strike terror into their hearts, show them the wrath of Monk Ross and his Prophet!

>>34501260
>B) Fight offensively, strike fear into them
Get them focusing on us while our troops pick off theirs.

>>34501308
>>34501341
>>34501343
You swing the axe with all your might, smashing everything in its path. Even metal shields dent and rip open at the ferocity of your weapon, and the divine strength with which you wield it. Despite this, enemies continue to rush at you, mostly scratching your blessed skin, but leaving no real damage. For each scratch you take, you smash another skull, and continue to mow down foes.

After what seems like hours, but is in fact likely minutes, your own troops arrive and begins pushing back. The spearmen have immense trouble with the armored enemies, as their plate turns away piercing attacks, but many of your skirmishers carry hammers and mauls, which helps.

The battle is in full swing now, and despite not taking any heavy damage, you're beginning to feel your stamina drain away. Your swings are slower, although still quite lethal. Suddenly, you feel something heavy connect with your back, and are knocked to the ground. You flip over to see a large man, armored well and brandishing a warhammer, coming down upon you. That is, until something streaks by him.

A gush of blood sprays from his back, and he collapses to his knees. You look over and see Jirad holding hiss curved sword, Samael.

"Pietra and Annalise have fallen back. Pietra was injured. Kor is in here somewhere too." Jirad helps you to your feet. "Leon is performing a hammer and anvil from the rear, but his Rangers arrows don't do much to the armored ones. The riders' hooks are even worse. We can't count on them for much aid this time around."

A) Keep fighting
B) Fall back to the girls
C) Other

>>34501514
We gotta find their commander's and kill them.
Can our Axe do anything special like the hammer and wind dagger?

>>34501514
>A) Keep fighting

>>34501514
>A) Keep fighting

>>34501561
>>34501564
You leave Jirad to his own work, and continue marching forth into the fray. As you go, you take occasional swings at enemies who approach you, but many of them are occupied with your forces. At most you managed to slay forty men, but that is not even a dent in their numbers. Finally you near the center of the field, where the two forces begin to mingle, and spy someone on horseback far in the back. He wears a red cape and armor, and after a little searching, you spy several more. Getting to them will be extremely difficult, but each one killed will be a heavy blow to enemy morale.

A) Attack
B) Stay back

>>34501514
>A) Keep fighting

>>34501643
>A) Attack

>>34501643
>A) Attack
take our as many commanders as we can

>>34501643
>A) Attack

well I'm out, fallin asleep here and as much as I wanna keep goin I gotta get up tomorrow. See you Rag's, Tiger, Wren and as always, awesome thread I love this quest

>>34501646
>>34501667
>>34501668
You raise your axe and charge, smashing through the enemy lines easily. Too easily, honestly. As you run, you realize that the foes you move through aren't actually making contact with you. They are blown away half a foot away from you, as if you had taken a swing at each of them.

You reach the first commander, surprising him and gaining the upper hand.

A) Aim for him
B) Aim for his horse

>>34501751
>B) Aim for his horse

>>34501751
>A) Aim for him

>>34501767
You wind up, and swing hard, sinking the blade of your axe into his mount and cutting through like a cleaver through a side of pork. The beast cries in pain, and collapses, sending his rider tumbling to the ground. You mover around the fallen horse and find the commander pinned beneath it. He struggles to get free, but is unarmed and unable to defend himself.

A) Finish him
B) Other

>>34501875
>A) Finish him

>>34501875
>A) Finish him

>>34501875
>B) Other
punch him out

>>34501895
>>34501907
You bring your axe up, and slam it down with all your strength. The commander's head, helmet and all, roll away and down the hill on which you stand. You grin and lick your lips. Suddenly something strikes you as odd. You raise a hand up to your mouth.

Sure enough. Fangs.

>>34501979
Wrapping here. Tune in next week for the exciting conclusion, where we eat the dragon and gain his power, then blow up the sun.

Thanks to everyone for playing. Be sure to come back for the finale.

Thread is archived, so don't sweat. I'm off to bed.

>>34502001
Gnight, Rags.

>>34502001
good night rags

File: Rakshasas.jpg (79 KB, 750x600)

79 KB JPG

>>34501979
>Sure enough. Fangs.
I sense a nice suit in our future.

>>34502001
Night Rags. Sleeeep.