The town seems like a good place to start getting information; and the time to get there means more people may be awake.

You leave the library, actually feeling a little tired – you'll need to sleep once you get back to the real world – and head out, moving past the servants who are bustling around, lighting fires and cleaning rooms.

The guards at the gate hurry to let you through, the castle grounds lit by a barely-risen sun, and your replenished MP helps Summon a horse easily enough.

-

The town – Latipa ('You just reversed 'Capital' and took the C away, didn't you, Russell?' Uh – we didn't think anyone would notice...') - is large, easily big enough you could spend a day or two wandering around.

Unfortunately, you have other plans, ones that don't involve a decent cup of coffee and maybe picking up souvenirs for the family. Plans that involve stabbing dragons in the face, and being generally evil. And well-paid evil, at that.

You refuse the various quests blandly-smiling NPCs give you, turning down several basic tutorials (who needs twenty deer-skins, anyway?), taking in the details; the stalls setting up in the market square, evenly laid out on brick paths, the smell of fresh bread from the town bakery, stray cats fighting down an alley; it makes you wonder exactly how much processing power is going into something like this.

Maybe you should have negotiated a higher pay.

After aimless wandering only to find nothing, you have two hours before you're 'unplugged', and it's time to get focused.

>Try a tavern. That's where major quests are handed out in books, right?
>Stand in the square and loudly announce you're looking to kill a water dragon.
>Write-in.

>>41281342
>Stand in the square and loudly announce you're looking to kill a water dragon.

>>41281342
>Try a tavern. That's where major quests are handed out in books, right?

>>41281342
>>Write-in.
Walk dawn dark ally acquire gangsters, take over underground of city!

>>41281342
>>Try a tavern. That's where major quests are handed out in books, right?

>>41281342
>Stand in the square and loudly announce you're looking to kill a water dragon.
Ah, the original LFG.

Gonna keep this open a while longer due to the delightful three-way tie we've got going! I must also warn you that I'm drinking on an empty stomach right now, so my judgement may be somewhat lacking.

>>41281544
What're you drinking?
I'll join you.

>>41281561
Cider. Not much of a drinker, but cider I like.

>>41281544
don't do that fill it up! have you forgot how fucking great taco bell tastes drunk?

>>41281574
Damn.
I don't have any of that on hand.

Rum it is.

>>41281584
I've never had a Taco Bell! Don't think we have any in my town. ... And having checked, there's one in the next town over. Hm.

>>41281588
Ooh, rum. I do like some of those. Drink up, me hearty!

Right - five more minutes, then I'll roll for either tavern or square. God, these captchas are making me hungry.

>>41281817
tavern


>>41281637
I am so sorry to here that just remember the rule the greaser the food the better

>>41281854
Were you the dark alley vote guy?

>>41281817
Square

>>41281974
Five minutes were up, sorry. Currently writing for tavern.

Might as well take a more subtle approach first. The Swindler's Inn is open for business, a blandly-smiling quest-giver NPC standing around outside; you move past her and into a dimly-lit pub, looking as stereotypical as it does unhygienic.

Early morning, it's not exactly full; a dark-cloaked, unshaven man snoring in the corner looks like he's been there all night, two armour-clad women at the bar have apparently decided to start a drinking contest early, a serving-girl is lighting the fires while the barkeep writes up the day's menu, and what looks like a particularly grubby urchin lingers by a table, eyeing you up as you enter.

Your expensive clothing marks you out as somewhat different than the usual passer-by.

>Order a drink and talk with the barkeep.
>Talk to someone else (who?)
>Announce to all that you're seeking to slay a dragon.
>Write-in

>>41282117
Talk to the two armor clad women

>>41282117
>>Order a drink and talk with the barkeep.

>>41282117
>>Order a drink and talk with the barkeep.

>>41282117
>Order a drink and talk with the barkeep

Heading to the bar besides the women, you attract the man's attention with a wave, and skim down the list of drinks. What the hell does a 'Crazy Necromancer' taste like?

“Just a weevil beer,” you finally say, the barkeep giving a vague grunt and pulling the pint with an obvious lack of enthusiasm. From the looks of him, there isn't much he gets enthusiastic about anyway, asides from possibly sleeping.

“I'm looking for some information,” you test the waters. “Maybe you could help.”

Grunt.

Taking the drink and passing over a silvery coin from your inventory to the lazy-eyed barkeep, you continue. “I need to know

>whether you've heard tell of any water-dragons causing trouble.”
>if there's anyone in town who's had dealings with dragons.”
>whether you do karaoke nights.”
>Write-in.

>>41282383
>if there's anyone in town who's had dealings with dragons.”

>>41282383
>>whether you've heard tell of any water-dragons causing trouble.”
>>if there's anyone in town who's had dealings with dragons.”

>>41282383
>if there's anyone in town who's had dealings with dragons.”

>>41282383
>>if there's anyone in town who's had dealings with dragons.”

>>41282474
Supporting

The barkeep manages to summon the energy to look slightly interested by your question, as you take a long pull on the holy shit that's disgusting. No wonder they call it weevil beer. You keep your expression blank and down the swill, well-trained from the pubs by the docks.

“There's a couple,” he mumbles, sliding a bottle of something over to the other drinkers. “Marios is in town – he does some work for dragons, travels around gettin' things for 'em, seeing as they can't get around most places.”

Could be useful. “And the other?”

He winces, gaze drifting over to the half-finished menu, advertising 'Meat Pie (with real meat)'. “Nn. Probably wouldn't be helpful. Depends why you want to know.”

>Never mind, the first guy sounds good.
>I plan to hunt down a dragon and kill it.
>I'm planning on writing a book on them.
>Write-in

>>41282713
>>I'm planning on writing a book on them.

>>41282713
>>Write-in
I am open to all sources of information. How about you tel me about him while i drink one of your more expensive drinks?

>>41282713
I can't decide between "plan to hunt" and >>41282780

>>41282837
I think broadcasting our intent is a wrong move. There could be dragon worshipers or agents in town who could warn our target.

>>41282876
Now those are shadowruns.

So we're just going for 'sidestep the question'?

>>41282713
>I'm planning on writing a book on them.

>>41282780
I like this one.

“I'm open to all sources of information,” you explain. “Considering whether to write a book on them. Mind getting me another beer?”

Another silver coin later, and you're finishing up the last of the first beer, alert for the feeling of anything wriggling in your drink. There must be a reason it's called 'weevil beer', right?

The barkeep, wariness apparently allayed by hard cash, clears his throat by coughing something wet up and depositing it by his feet. “He's part-dragon himself, they say.” Whoever 'they' are. “Lives on the outskirts of town – not like anyone'd let him live inside inside Latipa, would we, that kind of dangerous part-blood. He does some hunting, sells skins, furs and the like. Don't know if he still deals with those damn lizards, though. Anti-social, too,” he grumbles.

>Sounds like the first man is more useful.
>Actually, the second one sounds better.
>Write-in

>>41283355
>>Sounds like the first man is more useful.

>>41283355

>Actually, the second one sounds better.

>>41283355
>>Actually, the second one sounds better.

OP, if I understand correctly, we level skill/spells by using them?

>>41283528
Yep, that's correct!

Also, you guys only have a couple of hours left in-game before you'll be pulled out to sleep and then a meeting with... people.

“Outskirts of town – which way?”

The barkeep, more reluctant now his source of money is disappearing, points – working it out, that's the direction of the forest which was still burning this morning. Taking up the menu-board again, he hunches over it, continuing where he left off. “Doubt he'll be any help to you. Barely talks. Not lke anyone wants him around, 'cept for his hunting.”

That's probably WHY he doesn't talk to anyone, but you can't be bothered to explain that to the moron, instead setting your half-finished beer down.

'Two hours until shift ends!' Jesus. You'd nearly forgotten Russell was there, doing who-knows-what. 'There's a meeting later, too, but – uh – never mind. That's for later.'

“I'll go see him,” you say aloud, pulling a face as you step back to find the straw from the floor sticking to your boot-soles. Hopefully that's just spilled beer. “Might pick up something interesting for the book.”

The barkeep watches you turn away with doleful eyes, obviously not expecting more custom for a while, and picks up your tankard. You're pretty certain, as you start walking away, that's he's finishing it off. What a charmer.

>Head over to the outcast's home and ruin their morning.
>Something else for now (write-in)

>>41283950
>Head over to the outcast's home and ruin their morning.

I want Russel's job so much

>>41283993
In real life, or in the quest?

>>41284001
In real life.

He gets to relax for hours, research medieval architecture and design a massive interactive world.

That's a damn dream job, what could be better, with the possible exception of John's.

>>41283950
>>Head over to the outcast's home and ruin their morning.

>>41283950
>Head over to the outcast's home and ruin their morning.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>41284122
If only he weren't a complete moron when it comes to everything else...

Writing.

There's only one thing left to do before you have to go back to your old, aching body and get some damn sleep.

Completely fuck up someone else's day.

It doesn't take long to get across town, moving first from businesses to more residential areas, which become newer as you reach the fringes, a different building style noticeable here and there. You spotted the brat from the pub sneaking out after you as you travelled, but gave him the slip easily enough, even in this unfamiliar place.

The constant, chatty tour-guide spiel from Russell as you walk doesn't speed things up, although hearing him point out the places likely to give the 'food poisoning status effect' is... probably helpful. Somehow.

A couple of NPCs are smart enough to give more specific directions, giving you odd looks when they realise who you're looking for, and you soon find yourself at a small house – not on the outskirts of town, but more directly outside it.

Not run-down, but certainly looking a little shabby, the wooden building is small but well-fortified, with shuttered windows and a heavy door, a patch of half-grown vegetables to the side covered by some kind of wire link fencing. Oh, and getting closer, it looks like someone's thrown eggs at the door and wall. Idiot kids, hopefully.

You knock on the door, hard; after half a minute, the sound of footsteps approach from inside – and the door slides open slightly, revealing the expressionless face of a kid, maybe twenty years old, with an unfortunately pretty face. Unless girls prefer that to more masculine ones, you guess.

“Yes?”

>I'm looking for information on dragons... (write-in)
>I'm hoping to write a book... (write-in)
>Did you know someone's egged your door?
>Write-in?

>>41284693
>Did you know someone's egged your door?

>>41284693
>>I'm looking for information on dragons... (write-in)
Strengths, weaknesses, magics,habits, fondnessess/

>>41284693
I hear youre a man who can find things for a price. Im looking for a water dragon.

>also ask russel as to why this hasnt popped as a quest in the quest tracker

>>41284693
>>Did you know someone's egged your door?

>>41284830
Simple.
Dragonboy ain't an NPC.

>>41284830
>>41284873
It's actually because I thought I'd written that the water dragon quest had pinged up, but looking through the past thread, I forgot to.

... By which I mean Russell fucked up, and it has nothing to do with me. Honest.

Unless you mean looking for this guy? I guess you COULD have extremely minor quests like that, but that's like 2 XP. You walked across town.

Oh, and do you want to lead with info-gathering or door-egging? Important question.

>>41285025
Door egging.

“Did you know someone's egged your door?” You ask, foregoing any greetings or introductions.

The man – boy? – looks nonplussed by this, breaking the expressionlessness. “Oh. That happens.”

There's a pause, but apparently that's explanation enough; you try a different tack. “I'm looking for information on dragons. To be specif-”

The door slams in your face. Then it locks.

Twice.

… What the hell kind of a response is that?!

>KNOCKNOCKKNOCK
>Yell something (write-in)
>Go around the back
>Write-in

>>41285324
>KNOCKNOCKKNOCK

>>41285324
>Go around the back

>>41285324
>KNOCKNOCKKNOCK
We should get some armor before we go, just some leather or lorica segmentata so we don't die from one blow. We have the entire kingdom's treasury after all

>>41285324
>KNOCKNOCKKNOCK
if that fails knock faster

>>41285324
>>41285324
Burn his house down, he'll be forced to leave. We're good at burning things, but can always use some more training.

You've come all this way, haven't got much longer before you have to deal with arthritis again, and you have to deal with some punk who can't even listen to a complete sentence? No. That's not happening.

Balling your fist, you practically slam your knuckles against the door, an- crack? That - that was definitely a cracking sound. Slowly, you pull your hand out of the indentation, splinters of wood gently falling, and look at the unbruised flesh.

'You remember you're pretty strong, right?' Russell burbles into your head.

'I've remembered now,' you think back, gritting your teeth. 'Thanks.'

'You're welcome!'

From inside, you hear a furious, “Are you breaking my door?!”

>Yes. (Apologetic)
>Yes. (Fuck you)
>No. (Blatant lie)
>Write-in

>>41285721
>Yes. (Apologetic)
Forgot my own strength.

>>41285721
>Yes. (Apologetic)

>>41285721
>Yes. (Apologetic)

>>41285721
>"A little, but I really didn't mean to and I swear I'll send someone by to fix it!"

>>41285721
>No. (Blatant lie)
"Heavens no, I'm just knocking. Frustrated mind you, but still with a communicative pourpose. I think you might have rotworms in your door."

>>41285721
Yes. (Apologetic)

Huh.

Well, even if you're meant to be a villain, there's still such a thing as basic decency. “It was an accident,” you call back, trying not to sound too embarrassed. This damn strength will take some getting used to. “I'll have someone fix it. And the egging!”

At the very least, there's no death-threats from the other side; and not too many seconds later, the door is swinging open again, fully this time, showing the kid's details – Neile, level 32 – and his battered, somewhat-loose clothing, covering almost all his skin.

For a moment, you stare at each other, before he sighs. “You're the first person to offer to repair damage, rather than threaten to add to it.”

>It's my responsibility to fix.
>I'm generous like that.
>Just kidding. Got you out here, though.
>Write-in

>>41285721
>Yes. (Apologetic)

>>41286013
>It's my responsibility to fix.

>>41286013
>It's my responsibility to fix.
>besides, don't want to reflect poorly on the royal family.

>>41286013
>It's my responsibility to fix.

>>41286013
>It's my responsibility to fix.
We decided on commander of the army, right?

>>41286138
King's brother and lord commander of the royal army, IIRC

>>41286138
Yep.

“I damaged it,” you admit sharply, drawing yourself up straight.. “It's my responsibility to fix it.” Or order someone else to fix it, but that's basically the same thing.

“Not many around here think of it that way.” Neile's brow wrinkles as he squints at you, looking more closely. “Do I know you?”

'One of the smarter NPCs.' Russell again. 'He'll actually recognise you without prompting. Nice to see the recognition system's working properly!' Good to see he's not wandered off.

Whether being noticed as Lord-Commander will be useful or a pain in the ass remains to be seen, but you can hold it off for now. “Only heard of you today. Looking for information on that subject you apparently don't like.”

“Ugh.” Eyes narrowing slightly, he fixes you with a small glare, before stepping aside, a slight slouch to his figure. “Just get in, already. Not like I could keep you out anyway, with a knock like that.”

Secure if your higher levels, you step inside, closing the door (carefully) behind you and following him in. The shabbiness continues inside, including in the room where he motions you to take a rickety seat, throwing himself into the one (in better condition) opposite.

It's reminiscent of a badly-done interrogation, up to the haughty look he fixes you with. “What do you want?”

>I want to know where the nearest water dragon is.
>I want to know how to kill a dragon.
>I want to hire you.
>Write-in

>>41286509
>I want to hire you

>>41286509
>"I'm writing a book on dragons, and have decided to start with Water Dragons. Of course, I need to find one first. When I mentioned it to the inn-keep he said you were the only one who might know something about that."

>>41286509
>I want to know where the nearest water dragon is.
>I want to know how to kill a dragon
>I want to hire you
Mention that we can pay him very well and can outfit a hunting party with the best weapons and armor to his specifications

>>41286509
>I want to know where the nearest water dragon is.
>I want to know how to kill a dragon.
>I want to hire you.

>>41286509
Ask his opinion on dragons as a whole.
If negative, ask him to help,
Positive, ask for info.

>>41286509
>>41286710
Yeah, probably the best idea to test the waters first.

“Three things,” you state, casually flicking non-existent lint from your well-tailored clothes – subtle, you apparently aren't. “I want to know where the nearest water dragon is – I want to know how to kill it – and I want to hire you.”

He stares. “To kill a dragon?”

“I can pay well.” You allow yourself to smile faintly, while Russell (apparently forgetting his mic's on) mutters his way through checking his emails. “Enough to outfit a whole party, if that's any help.”

“Doubtful,” he snaps, voice pointed. “You'd need an army.”

>I've already got an army.
>A few select people can get the job done...
>So it's just killing it you have a problem with, not finding it?
>Have you got anything better to do?
>Write-in

>>41286817
>So it's just killing it you have a problem with, not finding it?
>Have you got anything better to do?

>>41286817
"Let's say I have one. What then?"

>>41286817
>I have a hulk

>I've already got an army
Give some rousing speech about how it's threatening our way of life blah blah naturally evil blah blah FREEDOOOOOM!

Sure is three-way tie in here! Waiting for any other votes.

>>41286881
Second

>>41286973
>>41286990
>>41287228
These look to be the same

>>41287283
There's a different tone between them, with 'I've got an army' making your identity and resources clear, while >>41286973 is more hypothetically based. Unless I'm reading too much into this. In my defence, I'm drunk as fuck.

>>41287368
I'm>>41286973 and you are exactly right. This can Imply we already have an army, or I can get one, or I have some thing of the same magnitude, or I can get something of the same magnitude.

Shit, I need to go, sorry. Sunday, 5pm, we'll continue. I'll hopefully be sober then. Sorry guys, I know we didn't get much done this thread.

Thanks for playing, and if there's anything in particular people want to do/see, mention it here, I'll see if I can work it in however far down the line.