The vote at the end of last thread was a tie so I flipped a coin to see how you would go forward.

After a few moments of thought you voice your decision, “I alone could easily take care of any hoodlums we come across, so for the sake of time going straight through seems like the best option. That's just my impression though, what do you feel like would be the best course of action? Surely you've passed through Vindenis on business at least once before?”.

“Two times actually, and I wasn't with such a small caravan on either; my route is usually to Gaeta or Aedava. From what I remember you're probably right about being able to handle the riff-raff, if any of them are willing to fight you in the first place. What I'm more worried about is the guard.”

“What do you mean?”.

“In Vindenis there's no 'inner city' to draw trustworthy captains from – when I last came through we ended up paying five 'tolls' just to get through the city. While I'm sure you'd happily slice down anyone that gets in our way, killing corrupt guardsmen is more trouble than it's worth,” she explains, making her disdain for the place clear.

“Any chance it's gotten any better?”, you ask hopefully. The only response she offers is a wry chuckle.

A few more minutes of deliberation later you head towards the cluttered outskirts of the city, facing no end of complaints from Fas along the way. Luckily main road through the town is relatively well defined, but you grow increasingly uneasy as the crowd grows denser the further in the city you go. Momentarily you wonder how another of Pasifitor's faithful would have reacted to the sheer chaos that seemed to characterize every facet of the town – from the unorganized traffic to the seemingly random angles at which buildings connected to one another as well as the main street.
>continued

>>36547474
“What is Vindenis even known for?,” you question after several minutes of wary silence, “It's hard to imagine this town even producing much of anything, much less serve as a trade juncture.”

This time Octavia is much too concerned with navigating the cart and it's Fas who responds. “I think they used to provide naval equipment to Berenice or something back before they used up all their lumber and mines. I don't know what they've been doing recently though; I haven't heard of Gnaeus running shipments to here at least.”

The thought of such a useless settlement baffles you, although perhaps Postumia keeps this place in her domain as an easy recruiting center. Regardless, you return to your somber march alongside the cart whilst giving threatening glares to any that edged too close. After almost several minutes of walking, you come to a fork in the main road – clumsily constructed around a row of abandoned buildings.

“If I'm remembering correctly – and I might not be – the right path leads towards Ulpia and the left directly to Istrium. My only concern is that the street directly to Istrium is closer to the city barracks, and we're sure to have to bribe our way through at least a few guardsmen. If we follow the right path for a little bit and then detour through the city back streets we probably won't see any guards but there's always the local thugs to worry about. Any suggestions,” Octavia calls back to you as she surveys the crowd.

“I'd rather not fight anyone if I don't have to... I mean Gnaeus would probably be angry if we spend too many of his funds paying tolls too,” Fas offers before you can speak. How do you respond?
> Go the most direct route – it's better to be accosted by people with at least some restraint rather than be held up by some suicidal hoodlums.
> Try to make your way around; talking out problems is not exactly your realm of expertise, and any chance to beat a little order into this town is more than you could ask for.

>>36547494
> Try to make your way around; talking out problems is not exactly your realm of expertise, and any chance to beat a little order into this town is more than you could ask for.

We can probably take down way more thugs than guards if things turn ugly.

>>36547494
>Try to make your way around; talking out problems is not exactly your realm of expertise, and any chance to beat a little order into this town is more than you could ask for.

Nobody will miss a few thugs, but getting in trouble with guardsmen might lead to a faster way of getting in trouble with the powers in this town.

I guess this is a bad time to run. Oh well, I'm fine to write as long as people are voting.

>>36547646
>>36547717
Time to fuck up the local poor.

>>36547494

> Try to make your way around; talking out problems is not exactly your realm of expertise, and any chance to beat a little order into this town is more than you could ask for.

>>36547494
>> Try to make your way around; talking out problems is not exactly your realm of expertise, and any chance to beat a little order into this town is more than you could ask for.

>>36547494
“I prefer that we go around; I can easily fight us out of a holdup, but I couldn't do the same if something went poorly with the guard,” you offer, rattling your sword as you do so. Fas gives you something between a look of horror and confusion, and Octavia simply nods and starts the cart down the path to Ulpia.

The landscape of the city is more or less the same as you continue down the main road – utterly hopeless but at least structurally sound – but all this changes as Octavia directs the caravan down a side street just barely large enough for the cart. The further you get into the twisting maze of the slums the more desperate its residents and their abodes become; one of the buildings you pass literally lacks two adjacent walls and is held aloft by a number of makeshift braces.

You resist your urge to intervene in the myriad of questionable activities that surrounds your slow advance, but it seems impossible to deflect your growing tenseness. After some time you notice a growing number of rough looking men following your procession – no doubt waiting for some momentary lapse in formation to take advantage of. To his credit though, Fas and the other guards maintain a professional composure as you move along and the only person that seems to be on the edge of panic is your expensively dressed caravan leader.
>continued

>>36548058
Eventually the passive aggressive stalking comes to a head, as you spot a line of thugs blocking your path forward. A man, who could ostensibly be said to rival your rather large frame, steps forward and calls out to your caravan.

“Humble merchants, you have no reason to fear or ready your weapons! I can understand how you might be confused, considering you seem to be lost, but we are not going to unfairly appropriate your goods. No, I am a reasonable man and the tariff for transporting goods through my territory is but a small one. All I ask is a pick of simply a fourth of your cart's contents – considerably less than my less enterprising rivals on the west side.”

With a quick glance towards Octavia it's clear that she is leaning towards giving in to the man's demands, and if you don't speak first you will be out a fourth of your goods. What do you do?
> Allow Octavia to conceded; this is a fight that can be avoided for much less than you would have imagined.
> You didn't go this far out of your way just to be exploited anyway! Kill them all.
> Tell Octavia to charge forward as quickly as she can – getting her and the goods out of the fight for the slight risk of becoming lost.
> Talk with the man. (What do you say?)

>>36548077

> You didn't go this far out of your way just to be exploited anyway! Kill them all.

>>36548077

> Talk with the man. (What do you say?)
draw sword "Child ill cut through you all like carving a cake, disperse or be departed "

>>36548077
>>36548127
Seconding, and can we scoff at him while we're at it?

>>36548077

How many thugs are there to contend with, not counting the burly guy?

>>36548077

Can we try to talk him down? If not

> You didn't go this far out of your way just to be exploited anyway! Kill them all.

>>36548147
Seven or so not counting the big one. Three in front and four behind.

>>36548077
> You didn't go this far out of your way just to be exploited anyway! Kill them all.

>>36548125
>>36548127
>>36548145
>>36548163
Try to talk him down/intimidate.

>>36548077
“I do not believe that is an advisable course of action scum,” you growl halfheartedly as you prepare yourself for the inevitable fight to come. Even if he gives in, it will take a lot of restraint to not punish such a flagrant obstruction to the common law.

“You truly believe that you can fuck over Aulus Quinctia on his own turf? How about no? Just let your more reasonable lady-friend there do the talking and I'll think about sparing your life,” he boisterously announces, motioning to the still very conflicted looking Octavia.

“I'm afraid that's simply not going to work out for you or your thugs. I find it hard to believe you feel like you're in a position to make such threats.”

He laughs heartily before motioning his men forward, and after a second of hesitation they start to make their way towards you from what you can only assume is both sides. You yell for Fas to handle the back as you step towards the advancing toughs, barely holding back a chuckle at what they considered good martial form.
>continued

>>36548547
With the intent to keep them from ganging up on your fellow escort to the left you lunge in to action as soon as they get reasonably close, thanking the cramped nature of the alley as all three of the men have to retreat a few steps to avoid your mighty swing. Thinking that you were now open for an attack, one of the thugs charges forward with a makeshift club with as much agility as he could muster. It proves to be too little however as you quickly recover from your cleave to dodge his attack and bring your sword down heavily on his back, no doubt snapping the spine. Turning your attentions back to the others you find one is locked in a stalemate with your companion and the other is warily attempting to edge his way towards you.

When he strikes at you, you knock the shortsword from his hand and take his feet out from under him with a carefully placed swipe. Mercy being reserved for those who could truly repent, you drive your sword through his chest and once again take a glance at the battlefield. The other escort had taken out the thug and was now aiding Fas in fighting off the aggressors to the south, and the burly man that calls himself Aulus is making his way towards you – battleaxe in hand.
Roll 1d20, will take the best of three. DC 15

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>36548562
"you move that ax like you cut wood not men"

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>36548562

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>36548562

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>36548562

>>36548613
>>36548632
>>36548633

Well, these dice just don't like our protagonist at all.

>>36548613
>>36548632
>>36548633
That's amusing.
>>36548643
Just a bit too late.

>>36548662

Either our protagonist has a lot of room to grow, or this thug is a real badass.

>>36548562
“Is that axe for felling trees or-”, you begin to taunt before he begins to barrel towards you – defying your expectations for how fast such a man could run. As he brings his ax down upon you, you attempt to deflect his blow with a powerful strike, but the awkward angle this forces your sword into lessens the force you can apply significantly and it barely changes the trajectory of the ax head.

It deviates just enough however, to avoid slicing into your neck and instead buries itself into your left arm. Ignoring the pain assaulting your mind as you had been taught as one of Pasifitor's faithful, you slice your blade forward with what strength you can muster to open a long cut in the man's side.

Similarly unfazed, Aulus tears his weapon from your arm and staggers back a few steps – giving you a chance to regain your bearings somewhat; using your left arm now would probably just injure it further so you prepare yourself for a battle in which you are unable to utilize the massive blows that make up much of your approach. As he moves forward yet again, you duck under his swing and force your sword up through his abdomen to great affect, this time causing him to howl in pain.
>continued

>>36549008
Using the entirety of his body weight, he forces you back several steps, your sword still lodged in his stomach, and draws back his ax for another great cleave. You dodge once more, although his sheer mass crashes into you as he falls forward with the blow; now pinned against the wall of the alley, you begin smashing his head with your still functional right gauntlet – spraying blood in all directions as his face is shred to pieces.

Finally he responds to your assault after fumbling with his belt for several seconds, producing a jagged knife and attempting to force it in your eye slits. Just as you expect to lose your life, or at least half of your vision, a bolt slams into the side of his head causing his form to lethargically slump backwards.

“Perhaps fighting them wasn't the best choice hero,” calls an incredibly cross looking Octavia with a hand crossbow in her hand. Behind her the other guards were finishing off the last of the thugs.

Looking at the copious amounts of blood seaping from the new hole in your arm's armor she offers, “I can sell you one of our potions if you want to handle that.” What do you say to her?
>Absolutely – I had no use for my gold anyway. (Say something else?)
> Nope, it's just a flesh wound. (Say something else?)

>>36549017
How much does that potion cost?

>>36549017
>Absolutely

>>36549017
Much appreciated Octavia, guess this is what I get for being cocky. Bust up one cult of demon worshippers and then get tossed about because I underestimated the guy with a big axe. I think i'll take you up on that potion.

>>36549055
She doesn't tell you, but market price is roughly fifty silver.

>>36549017
> Nope, it's just a flesh wound. (Say something else?)
Let's see if we can use our remaining power to heal it.

>>36549017
>Absolutely – I had no use for my gold anyway. (Say something else?)

Better to heal it now than to let it fester.

>>36549062
>>36549067
>>36549091
>>36549097
Take the potion and admit your mistakes.

>>36549017
You nod as best as your helm allows and begin, “That would be greatly appreciated Octavia, and yes, I agree that it was a bit rash of me. I've certainly fought tougher foes, but I underestimated what an oversized thug with an ax could accomplish.” She simply rolls her eyes and moves to take something out of the cart.

“You're supposed to be the big bad escort, so I guess you know that better than I do. The potion will cost you twenty silver by the way,” she states as you hear the sound of a crate being popped open.

“Am I getting a discount here?”, you question with a mix of amusement and suprise.

“It's a one time thing as a reward for saving some of our goods, but don't expect me to go easy on you next time you decide to start shit.” Exchanging the money and taking the vial, you take a look at your wound to see if you had enough power to heal it outright; probably not judging by appearances alone. Deciding not to take chances, you swallow the bitter mixture and curse the apothecaries who feel the need to add the burning sensation so that you can “tell if it's real”.

Once you feel your wound magically beginning the slow process of stitching flesh back together, you make your way to the back of the cart to check on your subordinates.

“Did everyone make it through that skirmish alright?”.

“Skirmish? No, I'd like to see what you call a real battle you damnable fool!”, Fas laments before anyone else can respond, adding more force into his voice than you thought possible; not that it was an impressive display however.
>continued

>>36549614

“Has anyone been grievously injured or killed?”, you ask, this time rephrasing it into a less open question.

“Just a few scratches sir,” the female guard reports, gleefully admiring her bloodied sword. Perhaps one of them has some mettle after all.

“Nothing you'd care about,” calls the other somberly as he drags his feet back to his post at the corner of the cart.

Complimenting them on not dieing briefly, you exit to the front before Fas can complain about trivialities once again. Octavia immediately signals for the caravan to continue, obviously concerned about even more aggressors showing up. As you pass the corpse of Aulus, you grab a coinpurse that was tied to his belt, imagining that such funds would be better used in your own hands than by whatever passing criminal comes by next.

You exit the city without much further incident, although people do give your blood soaked armor some choice glances as you make your way to the other side. After exiting the town you travel for another several hours before making camp to the side of the road, under a few sizable trees. You have a little time left before the fires go out and everyone retires; do you do something?
> Talk to Octavia some more. She did most likely save your life after all. (What do you say?)
> Talk to Fas and the other two escorts – overall you're impressed with their performance. (What do you say?)
> Talk to no one, you have no desire to know any of these people better.
> Other.

>>36549643
Talk to Fas and the other two escorts – overall you're impressed with their performance. (I apologize for my brashness, but if they take from us now they'll do worse on our return. Us giving in to them only encourages them. That being said I would not have chosen to fight if I did not think you could handle it. You all did very well.

>>36549643
>Talk to Fas and the other two escorts – overall you're impressed with their performance. (What do you say?)

They acquitted themselves very well. Not everyone can handle a fight against superior numbers like that.

>>36549741
>>36549810
Give the subordinates a pep talk.

>>36549643
While the thought of peacefully going to sleep after another long day of killing and walking definitely crosses your mind – you decide that it's about time that you gave your subordinates a rousing talking to. This sort of thing used to be standard procedure when it was your turn to babysit initiates, so unless you're rustier than you think it shouldn't be too hard.

“I'd like to commend you on your performance today,” you announce as you walk over to the fire they are huddled around, getting a visible shudder out of Fas as he wildly attempts to discern the origin of your voice. When he turns around and spots you he relaxes somewhat, but barely.

“My rashness today forced us into a rather dire battle today, and for that I apologize. I do not regret my actions, however, as to give in to a thug like that is to indirectly permit chaos and evil to exist in this world and I would hope any follower of Postumia would agree that such a thing is impermissible. That said, I would not throw you in a battle that I did not think you could overcome, and you have met my expectations with ease. All that is before us now is the road to Istrium, and I am now assured that we can make it there and back in one piece.”

“Of course sir!”, exclaims the female guard from earlier, beaming at the mention of cleansing evil.
If only the other two were so affected.

“Let's hope so,” mutters Fas, refusing to make eye contact at any point in your monologue. The other guard merely gives a noncommittal shrug when you look at him, but at least seems to be in somewhat higher spirits. Deciding that this is the greatest victory you could ask for given the circumstances, you wave them goodnight and return to your bedroll to rest yourself, but not before you attempt to call upon your god. Still no response, despite your best efforts.
>continued

>>36550264
Following another night of horrific dreams, you wake up in the morning pleasantly surprised to see that your subordinates actually managed to maintain a regular watch all throughout the night. Perhaps your conversation had some affect on them. You travel once more for most of the day, covering a great amount of distance as Octavia pushes the caravan forward.

Nothing of note happens until it's almost dusk, when abruptly a wave of fog overcomes the landscape, obscuring your view entirely. Octavia assures you that this sort of unpredictable occurance is natural in the east until you spot several skeletal forms gathering around the cart from all directions. You have enough time to ready yourself and your subordinates, but they'll be upon you shortly.
> Give any specific command to the other escorts? (Currently each of you are at a separate corner of the wagon.)
Roll 1d20 DC 13.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>36550292
>Give any specific command to the other escorts? (Currently each of you are at a separate corner of the wagon.)

Alert them to possible skeletal foes. Since it's foggy out, if we have to dismount the wagon to fight, we should stay together as much as possible.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>36550427
>>36550292

In addition, perhaps add in some advice to fighting skeletons. It's very different from fighting living foes, since they don't have organs or stuff.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>36550292
Dismount form in twos, use a blunt weapon to break them up. Watch for who raised them.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>36550292

Adding another roll.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>36550292

Rolled 12 (1d20)

Alert the other guards of the foes coming our way, tell them to stick together.

>>36550427
>>36550498
>>36550534
>>36550539
>>36550546
>>36550550
Alert the guards and stick together.

>>36550292
“It looks as though some dark sorcery is afoot,” you call, brandishing your weapon and positioning yourself in front of Octavia, “so stay close and keep your wits about you. If you haven't fought undead before, just remember that the highest priority is reducing their fighting capacity. Chop off limbs first and go for the head later if they don't automatically fizzle out.”

With a chorus of grunts you can hear the guards forming up behind you as well as Octavia priming her crossbow. As the figures approach you see that their skin wraps tightly around their bones – so much so that no few have exposed patches covering their horrific form. This isn't the first time you've combated necromancy however, so you feel confident in your ability to win the coming conflict.

Following your own advice, you work quickly to disable the oncoming horde one at a time, although you occasionally cleave through several when they begin gather in large clumps. You take a few blows before you can slice off the appendages of some of the well preserved corpses, but the weakened attempts of already decayed bodies prove too weak to even create a sizable dent in your plate.
>continued

>>36550996
Looking over to your subordinates you see that they are easily maintaining the tight circle, with dismembered corpses accumulating at their feet; Octavia is standing at the head of the cart, shooting into the crowd as quickly as she can to admittedly negligible affect. You are quite surprised at the ability of whatever tainted mage created the undead army to maintain so many vessels at once however, as most of the time such persons have turned to necrotic sorcery exactly because they lack in sheer magic.

Just as the onslaught begins to wear on you, the remaining undead begin a slow retreat – having apparently decided that their losses weren't worth whatever it is you have. You feel drawn to follow them, hopefully to whoever is controlling the horde, not only because of your hatred of such things but also because the thought passes your mind that this could be what had taken the other shipment. What do you do?
> After the foul creatures! Such abominations need to be cleansed from this world. (Leave someone behind at the cart?)
> Forget it; your job is to find out what killed the other caravan and escort this one to Istrium and back. You doubt you'll be compensated for doing more.
> Other.

>>36551015
> Other.
Advise Octavia that the undead may keep on returning to wear down the caravan.

>>36551015

> After the foul creatures!

>>36551015
>Forget it; your job is to find out what killed the other caravan and escort this one to Istrium and back. You doubt you'll be compensated for doing more.
>> Other.

Seconding this as well:

>>36551064

Also, it's odd that undead would retreat like this. There might be somebody intelligent controlling them. We can deal with this later, though, when we have more people with us and aren't escorting a caravan around.

>>36551015
> Forget it; your job is to find out what killed the other caravan and escort this one to Istrium and back. You doubt you'll be compensated for doing more.

>>36551015

Supporting this
>>36551064
Also tell them about our theory of the other caravan. I want to go after them, but we've already used a potion cause we bit off more than we could chew. Ask for aid?

>>36551064
>>36551111
>>36551125
>>36551133
>>36551161
Continue on cautiously, also explaining your theory.

>>36551015
“They might very well be readying for a second assault, and while I'd like to stay around and meet their forces, it might be best that try to get out of here,” you call to Octavia as soon as it's clear that they aren't immediately going to turn around.

Giving you a look of genuine shock she replies, “That sounds surprisingly reasonable. Right then, everyone on the cart; let the horses do the legwork.”

“I'm not about to try and bit off more than I can chew right now,” you explain, hoisting yourself onto the side of the vehicle, “but don't worry, I plan to come back and deal with this once this job is over.”

“Your righteousness is almost too much to bear. You'd give the holy orders a run for their money if these past few days show how you always act.”

“I would certainly hope so, but more importantly I'd imagine that this attack might not be an isolated occurrence. Do you think it's plausible that they may have been the end of the other caravan?”

“Might have been, might not, but you might as well tell Gnaeus that either way. Anything less than an intelligent horde of undead and he'll be in a terrible mood for weeks.”

“D-don't even suggest that,” calls Fas from his corner of the cart, seemingly reliving some past job.

The fog eventually clears to reveal that night has already fallen, and despite the luminescence of the nearly full moon it's still nearly impossible to see into the dense forest that lines either side of the path. Conversation is sparse as everyone keeps a vigilant watch to either side of the cart.
>continued

>>36551643
After several hours however, the need for rest both for the horses as well as your companions forces you to make camp in a small clearing that is obviously often used for this exact purpose. Convinced of the necessity of keeping a good watch, you volunteer yourself for the first shift; you're well experienced with these sort of situations after all.

Everything is silent as you look out into the pitch black forest that borders every side of your camp except that adjacent to the road – which simply puts you farther on edge. Near the end of your shift however, a group of travelers enters your field of view, just silhouettes against the background at first. As they draw near you notice that the figure leading them is in fact a paladin of Hjer, although none of the others seem to be carrying symbols of that accursed god. How do you react?
> Rouse your companions before they get any closer and get out. This may require some explaining, but it will avoid any chance of a confrontation.
> Welcome them and put on your best “I don't want to murder you” face without ever taking off your helm and possibly compromise your identity.
> Other.

>>36551665
> Rouse your companions before they get any closer and get out. This may require some explaining, but it will avoid any chance of a confrontation.

>>36551665

Are these travelers moving toward us or are they just nearby?

>>36551665
Ask one of the other guardsmen to take over your shift and sit near the cargo.

>>36551665
> Welcome them...

>>36551731
They're heading in the same direction as you along the road. They'll have to pass by pretty close before they pass you though.

>>36551665

>>36551743
I like that - just cause their god is a dick doesn't really mean that we need to kill every Hjer paladin ever. If it becomes an issue later we'll just have to hope our allies stand with us.

>>36551708
>>36551743
>>36551764
>>36551786
Switch shifts.

>>36551665
You certainly don't want to be around when the paladin comes closer – and there's no reason to chance a conflict when it can be avoided, even if it's one of Hjer's servants that you're up against. Getting up from your post on top of the cart, you walk over to the other escorts' bedrolls and wake up the one that's not generally useless. She readily agrees to assume her shift and you set up your bedroll some distance from the road, remaining awake to hear if anything goes wrong.

A gruff male voice hails the guard and after exchanging some pleasantries, as well as warning them of the possibility of an undead attack, the topic of traveling together comes up. Luckily after a few minutes of debate, the man decides that he'd rather not slow himself down by traveling with a trade caravan and they make their way past without any further trouble. Typical paladin of Hjer – passing up the opportunity to make sure the stability of the region is upheld personally; not to say you would've preferred to travel together.

As you fall asleep you forget to ruminate upon Pasifitor, and your dreams were less painfully vivid than they have been previously. In the morning the caravan sets off cautiously despite a general lack of sleep, with the hope to make it to the gates of Istrium the next day.
>continued

>>36551665
>Welcome them and put on your best “I don't want to murder you” face without ever taking off your helm and possibly compromise your identity.
They might be cool, right?

>>36552200
On the long journey, during which you were back to walking alongside the cart, you finally took the time to learn the names of your other two subordinates, now sufficiently convinced they weren't going to die in the near future. The somber man's name was apparently Decimus – which seemed a tad too heroic for such a reserved person, and the woman's name was Spuria which had some long and proud history that you didn't actually listen to with any great attentiveness.

When you made camp yet again, there was still quite a bit of time left in the day, a large part of which you devoted to running through a number of the physical exercises Pasifitor required to maintain your discipline. After you are done, having received no few inquisitive glances from your companions, you still have time to perhaps talk with one. What do you do?
> Talk with Octavia, it's been a few days since you've chatted. (What do you say?)
> Talk with Fas and your subordinates, they actually seem to be doing their job recently. (What do you say? Do you talk with anyone in particular?)
> Just go to sleep; you'll probably never see any of these people again after this job.

>>36552224
> Talk with Octavia, it's been a few days since you've chatted. (What do you say?)
Thank her for saving my ass and for the discount healjuice.

>>36552224
> Talk with Octavia, it's been a few days since you've chatted. (Thank her for the heal juice (its overdue) and ask her abut what she thinks happened to the other caravan as well as whats happening in the city we left.

>>36552224
>Talk with Octavia, it's been a few days since you've chatted. (What do you say?)

If we haven't already, perhaps we can ask her how she got into this business? And why she has such an aversion to breaking business agreements? Not that one shouldn't try to uphold those types of things, but it seems to be of the utmost importance for her.

>>36552242
>>36552264
>>36552271
A unanimous vote for Octavia. If any of you have lewd intentions, you should feel ashamed.

>>36552417
Nope just trying to balance our boss and our guys.

>>36552458
Plus she really did save our ass.

>>36552224
You have some free time, so you decide to get to know your caravan leader a little better. You never did give her proper thanks for how much help she was in Vindenis since there has been no end to action in the recent days.

“Making the rounds?”, she laughs as you approach, actually looking up from the pot of whatever it is she's boiling over her fire.

“First and foremost I'd like to properly thank you for saving my life back in those slums, as well as the discount on the goods needed to patch myself up,” you begin, sitting down opposite to her.

“Unless you're going to back up your gratitude with some cash, then I think I've already had my fill.”

“Just making sure. If you don't mind I'd like to ask you some questions – perhaps we could grow to understand one another better,” you offer, trying to imagine the sort of thing that would make good conversation. This was not something Pasifitor's teachings covered.

“I could just as easily say the same thing to you. What sort of mercenary runs about talking about righteousness and the 'need to fight chaos'? Or even stranger, how much experience does a random escort have fighting undead?”, she fires off, getting to the root of exactly what you didn't want this conversation to be about.

“It's a rather... complicated tale all told, and I'll not bore you with the specifics.”

“Just give me the general story then.”

“Can't we talk about something else instead, like how you got in to this whole 'merchant caravan' business?”.

“It's complicated,” she replies with a smirk.
>continued

>>36552976
“Fine, long story short I was once part of an order of a god you've probably not heard of. Due to some circumstances I left, and this is the variety of work I'm now involved with”, you explain, making sure not to lie but leaving out most of the specifics.

“I suppose that's all I'll get out of you – not that I'd want to ruin your mystique anyway,” she eventually concedes with a sigh, “and I suppose I owe you an answer in return.”

“I got into trading when I was little girl, training in the arts of commerce under my father who also worked under Gnaeus. He tried to make it clear to me how important his trade was back then, and I guess some of it wore off on me. When he retired, I took his place working for Gnaeus; it's as simple as that.” You take in this information with a nod, and speculate a little more about what state Berenice might be in right now. Overall she seems disinterested in idle guessing, as she has even less information about what was happening than you.

Another restless night is followed by a long day of travel, and it's almost dusk of the next day before you reach the gates of Istrium. They certainly don't compare to Berenice's illustrious entrances, but they seem magnificent in comparison to Vindenis. What will you do when you enter the city.
> Head strait to the marketplace and attempt to sell off your goods; the faster they're gone or traded for, the faster you can continue your retribution.
> Try to find accommodations first, and have one of your subordinates keep a tight watch over the cargo whilst you and the others rest.
> Other.

And with that, I think I'll call it a thread. I know it's been a short one, but finals week is soon and I need to study at least a bit. Next thread will probably be this weekend; I'll announce it at https://twitter.com/ZarathustraFall. Thanks everyone for participating, and I'll stay around a bit for some critisism/Q&A.

>>36553004

> Try to find accommodations first, and have one of your subordinates keep a tight watch over the cargo whilst you and the others rest.

Thanks for running.

>>36553004
> Try to find accommodations first, and have one of your subordinates keep a tight watch over the cargo whilst you and the others rest.
Have us watch if none of the others look like they'll stay awake.

Anyone have any particular complaints thus far?

>>36553004

Perhaps we can sleep in the caravan? It's hardly a room, but we can keep a watch on the goods while getting rest.

>>36553219
Why is it that we must hide that we are a paladin?

>>36553737
The story that Hjer's order spread to explain the destruction of your god was that Pasifitor had finally gone mad and assaulted one of their branches (not an uncommon event for smaller faiths in this world). As such, people would see you as both a murder as well as potentially insane if you were to make your identity know.

>>36553880
What's the significance of the nightmares? Why were they eased the one night we didn't pray to Pasifitor?

Did he actually go mad?

>>36554038
My thinking is this could be a test, so we should continue trying to commune
Also OP could you relink your twitter?

>>36554038
There's only so much significance as people give to them. As of right now they're sort of a measure of how much priority I think Kaeso's giving do the whole "revenge the order" thing. Madness might be in the cards though.

>>36554150
Sure: https://twitter.com/ZarathustraFall.

>>36554179
Back when we killed demon cult, did you plan a particular route ahead? Say, did you plan that we take demon's power? What would happen then?