File: Platoon Command Tent.jpg (44 KB, 440x294)

44 KB JPG

>>357937
>>357937
>“…has smashed through the Albani and Chevalisse opposition, sacking several towns and holy sites. They now march near-unopposed in the south of Chevalisse. Meanwhile the Skalds have declared for the Free Alliance, torching the encroaching Wild and slaying monsters worthy of song.” [Warlord waxes, Wild Kind wanes].

-----------------------------------------------------

The camp is abuzz with the news brought back by ASGORGA, of the Warlord’s progress to the South-West and the Skald Declaration. Your Employer wants to move fast, and even if the Company is ahead of the main body you’ll need every bit of a head start just to keep pace with the tireless dead. If the subjugation, to put it politely, is wrapped up by mid-autumn the Necromancer will have an advantage none of the others will in the coming winter. A conventional fighting force would need to garrison somewhere stocked well, or at least stay put and resupply there. Complex or speedy movements would be out of the question, at least for large forces, and even then they’ll suffer attrition regardless of the conditions. The only plus to this would be that, at least for a few months, the actual fighting would all but cease.

Of course, most of his soldiers already being dead makes the Necromancer’s forces by definition unconventional. He would be able to carry on a campaign as if the sun was shining and the birds singing, dependant on the road conditions. You’re not looking forward to that, the dead have little need to fear the cold and light snows but you know first hand that such mortal concerns will certainly still affect your lot.

In any case, it’s a good thing there’s so much commotion outside otherwise no doubt your entire platoon would be hearing the heated argument between you and Sergeant ‘Bad Hand’.

“It is not!”

“It bloody well is!”

“You don’t make any sense whatsoever, you idiot!”

“Oh, because you’re well known for your staggering intellectual capacity, aren’t you?”

“For the last time, Bad Hand…” You growl, your Sergeant staring defiantly straight back at you.

----------------------------------------------

> “Dodgeknife is NOT a sport, and you are forbidden from starting a team for it.” [Courage]

> “There is NOTHING wrong with the name ‘The Dead Don’t Lie (But I Do)’ for our band.” [Clever]

> “There is NO SUCH THING as a female Wildborn. Or male for that matter.” [Experience]

> “We are NOT calling the dragon Fluffles and that is final. You are not to even –think- it.” [Elite]

>>357948
> “There is NOTHING wrong with the name ‘The Dead Don’t Lie (But I Do)’ for our band.” [Clever]

>>357948
> “We are NOT calling the dragon Fluffles and that is final. You are not to even –think- it.” [Elite]

They're all hilarious, but I like this one best!

>>357948
> “We are NOT calling the dragon Fluffles and that is final. You are not to even –think- it.” [Elite]

>Dodgeknife is totally a sport

>>357948
> “There is NOTHING wrong with the name ‘The Dead Don’t Lie (But I Do)’ for our band.” [Clever]

>>357948
> “There is NOTHING wrong with the name ‘The Dead Don’t Lie (But I Do)’ for our band.” [Clever]

Black Company Quest Time, fuck year. Gotta say OP this is probably my favorite quest on /qst/, good on ya.

> “We are NOT calling the dragon Fluffles and that is final. You are not to even –think- it.” [Elite]

>>357948
> “We are NOT calling the dragon Fluffles and that is final. You are not to even –think- it.” [Elite]

File: jammin.jpg (177 KB, 766x277)

177 KB JPG

>>357973
>>357990
>>357994

DC = EASY 80 (+5 Clever II)
DC = 85

3 Success = There is an actual line to audition for the band.
2 Success = The band is doing fine, just need a few volunteers is all...
1 Success = The Band dies in its infancy. It's music potential too pure and good for this world.
0 Success = Even worse. Bad Hand becomes lead singer.

>>358017
Oh stop it you. Cheers mate, I appreciate it

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>358030

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>358030

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>358030
To infinity and beyond!

File: Sergeant 'Bad Hand' Hadrien.jpg (584 KB, 791x1187)

584 KB JPG

>>358033
>>358040
>>358041
>2 SUCCESS!

Reactions to the call for a Platoon band have been… mixed. On the one hand there’s no such thing as bad publicity, but on the other you’re starting to suspect that the constant reasons and overwhelming duties you’re hearing about from the few musically talented (if you stretch the meaning of the word ‘talent’) are fairly frail as far as excuses go. It matters little, you’ll pull rank if you damn well have to.

“There is NOTHING wrong with the name ‘The Dead Don’t Lie (But I Do)’ for our band.”

“I am not going to be going in front of an audience with that kind of band name. My voice deserves a proper Absolutely ludicrous.” Sergeant Bad Hand huffs, quite clearly contemplating his impending stardom. He seems set on the stage-name Frederich Thallium. Apparently Mercury was taken.

“Bad Hand, how do I put this…” You massage the bridge of your nose. That’s supposed to ease headaches right? “To say your singing is akin to a strangled cow would be doing the cow a disfavour. The name stays.”

“Call your little musical gang whatever you want then, but leave me out of it!”


“Fine.”

“Good.”

“Great!”

“Fekking Excellent!” He practically roars as he storms out of the tent.

Just as you start to sink back into your foldable chair (a ridiculous extravagance for the officer class that is starting to grow on you) Bad Hand pops his head back in, still clearly disgruntled.

“White Bitch takes over my old squad. Deal?”

--------------------------------------

>“Deal”. She’s been Bad Hand’s 2IC for a year or so. 2nd squad knows her and will be comfortable with her in charge. Even if they don’t like her.

>”No deal.” You don’t need your subordinates to like you, but to actually be called ‘bitch’ to your face is not a great indicator.

>”Maybe.” You’ll talk with her first. Should be a charming experience.

>>358090
>”Maybe.” You’ll talk with her first. Should be a charming experience.

>>358090
>>“Deal”. She’s been Bad Hand’s 2IC for a year or so. 2nd squad knows her and will be comfortable with her in charge. Even if they don’t like her.

>>358090
>>358090
>”Maybe.” You’ll talk with her first. Should be a charming experience.

>>358090

>“Deal”. She’s been Bad Hand’s 2IC for a year or so. 2nd squad knows her and will be comfortable with her in charge. Even if they don’t like her.

>>358090
>>”Maybe.” You’ll talk with her first. Should be a charming experience.

File: 1375740208049.png (36 KB, 196x186)

36 KB PNG

>>358090
>>”Maybe.” You’ll talk with her first. Should be a charming experience.

>He seems set on the stage-name Frederich Thallium. Apparently Mercury was taken.
>mfw

File: 'White Bitch'.jpg (81 KB, 550x767)

81 KB JPG

>>358100
>>358113
>>358126
>>358147

"Maybe." You narrow your eyes. "Send her in."

"Wait, do you want to me to hang around or-"

"No, I'll be fine."

"...you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure, send her in already."

Really, how bad could one uppity Lance-Corporal be?
“So here he is, the in-fekking-famous, Lieutenant Prince. Colour me unimpressed.”
The speaker is an armoured woman, a pale brunette with a shock of white hair. Her height is only middling, but that doesn’t stop her looking down at you like you were a particularly unwelcome Vinehound turd. You try not to let it upset you, she looks at everyone like that. Sergeant ‘Bad Hands’ 2IC, the Lance-Corporal ‘White Bitch’ Tara, did not get her name due to her winning personality.

“Officers are one thing, but royalty?” She spits to the side, in case her low opinion of you wasn’t quite clear enough. “Here to finally give me command of the old geezers squad? Good.”

She has that I-fekking-own-this-place walk down pat. You can’t recall ever seeing a more arrogant stride, like she was the Kalgarri Warlord strutting around in his harem of nine-hundred and ninety-nine.

“Want me to bow? Kiss your ring or some shit?”

From the look in her eyes you can tell that not only is she not serious, you genuinely suspect asking her to do so would result in a knife to the ribs.

------------------------------------

>“A curtsey every now and then would be appreciated.” She talks plenty of smack. Smack talk her back. [Clever]

>“You will call me ‘Sir’ and you will call the old geezer ‘Sergeant’ if you want to keep the skin on your back.” Throw your rank around. [Elite]

>“I can tell Sergeant Bad Hand has been lax in disciplining you. That ends now.” Threaten punishment for her insubordinate backtalk. [Experience]

>“It has taken me all of 20 seconds to realise that I distinctly dislike you.” To the duelling arena, beat a bit of respect into her. [Courage]
Any Blackguard may issue a challenge to a Blackguard of identical or inferior rank, ‘White Bitch’ Tara is one herself as well.

>>358172
>>“A curtsey every now and then would be appreciated.” She talks plenty of smack. Smack talk her back. [Clever]

>>358172

>“A curtsey every now and then would be appreciated.” She talks plenty of smack. Smack talk her back. [Clever]

>>358172
>“It has taken me all of 20 seconds to realise that I distinctly dislike you.” To the duelling arena, beat a bit of respect into her. [Courage]

>>358172
>“A curtsey every now and then would be appreciated.” She talks plenty of smack. Smack talk her back. [Clever]

>>358172
>>“A curtsey every now and then would be appreciated.” She talks plenty of smack. Smack talk her back. [Clever]

File: 1410159339292.jpg (87 KB, 465x600)

87 KB JPG

>>358180
>>358188
>>358218
>>358249


DC = Hard 40 (+5 Clever)
DC = 45


3 Success = You've done the impossible. 'White Bitch' actually likes you. As in 'likes' likes you.
2 Success = You've done the impossible. 'White Bitch' thinks you're alright. For an officer.
1 Success = You're not friends. You're never going to be friends. But at least she'll do what she's told with minimum backtalk. Mostly.
0 Success = Expect a knife in the ribs at some stage. Not today. Not tomorrow. But someday.

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>358263

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>358263
Oh jeez.

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>358263
Rollin thunder

File: 1265263154198.jpg (21 KB, 400x333)

21 KB JPG

>>358267
>>358269
>>358275

>>358267
>>358269
>>358275
Well aren't we just silver tongued.

>>358267
>>358269
>>358275
>>358277
Harem soon.

File: 1466023374015.png (152 KB, 500x389)

152 KB PNG

>>358267
>>358269
>>358275

Man, I didn't think you bastards would actually get it.

>>358300
Never doubt the power of waifus I guess is the moral to this story.

File: how bout i smek ur shet.jpg (125 KB, 898x517)

125 KB JPG

>>358267
>>358269
>>358275
>3 SUCCESS! And the average beat the DC by 20+ so uhh... stuff will happen.Not today. Not tomorrow. But someday.

You’re quite satisfied to see her stop mid-strut, her jaw dropping for just a moment at the nerve of your back-talk. Shock and befuddlement quickly turns to scorn and anger.

“I- you- … Fek yourself!”

“Fek yourself, Your Majesty..”

You can’t hold the smirk in anymore, and then the oddest thing happens. Of course ‘White Bitch’ Tara swears and cusses at you for it, and is absolutely disrespecting the rank, uniform, your gender and parentage (odd since you’re an orphan). But you could swear you see the ghost of a smile playing at her lips the whole time.

---------------------------

>She’s got the promotion. 2nd Squad is hers.

>You can’t get over her attitude. 2nd Squad goes to someone else.

>>358332
Oh sure, saving children and not killing your boss's relatives is just too hard but as soon as women that can, and sometimes want to, kill you are involved you roll fine.

>>358277
I'm scratching my head over this image. So familiar, is it from the Iron Giant?

>>358359
>She’s got the promotion. 2nd Squad is hers.

>>358359
>>She’s got the promotion. 2nd Squad is hers.

>She’s got the promotion. 2nd Squad is hers.

File: hogarth27.jpg (20 KB, 326x313)

20 KB JPG

>>358368
>is it from the Iron Giant?
Yup.

>>358359
>She’s got the promotion. 2nd Squad is hers.

File: Spoiler Image (269 KB, 715x1024)

269 KB PNG

>>358380
I knew it! The horror movie somewhere near the start, right?

>>358373
>>358377
>>358379
You tell Corporal 'White Bitch' Tara to sod off so you can fill out the necessary paperwork for her promotion. Her attitude is back, swaggering out of the tent like she knew she'd get that promotion all along. She stops at the tent entrance for a moment, turning back at you, then hurrying off.

Did she just give me ‘the look’? That definitely looked like ‘the look’. Needless to say you have a trouble history with the opposite sex but you know the look when you see it. And that was definitely the look.

…maybe it’s because I’m in a band.

----------------------------------

> Your natural sexual appeal is sure to get me killed one day. You are okay with this.

> Your natural sexual appeal is sure to get me killed one day. You are not okay with this.

> It's the band, isn't it? Being in a band does things to womenfolk, makes 'em weak in the knees. And you haven't even debuted yet.

> It's the officer thing, surely. You -knew- you hated those sleazy, good-looking, well-dressed bastards for a reason.

>>358433
> Your natural sexual appeal is sure to get me killed one day. You are okay with this.

> It's the band, isn't it? Being in a band does things to womenfolk, makes 'em weak in the knees. And you haven't even debuted yet.

> It's the officer thing, surely. You -knew- you hated those sleazy, good-looking, well-dressed bastards for a reason.

>>358433
>> It's the band, isn't it? Being in a band does things to womenfolk, makes 'em weak in the knees. And you haven't even debuted yet.
how can I not pick this option.

>>358433
> It's the band, isn't it? Being in a band does things to womenfolk, makes 'em weak in the knees. And you haven't even debuted yet.

>>358450
This.

Also, are we gonna practice whatever the Erhu is? Pastebin says we've got a personal quest for good ol' Mask.

>>358433
> It's the band, isn't it? Being in a band does things to womenfolk, makes 'em weak in the knees. And you haven't even debuted yet.

>>358433
>>358433
> Your natural sexual appeal is sure to get me killed one day. You are okay with this.
> It's the band, isn't it? Being in a band does things to womenfolk, makes 'em weak in the knees. And you haven't even debuted yet.

>>358433
> Your natural sexual appeal is sure to get me killed one day. You are okay with this.
> It's the officer thing, surely. You -knew- you hated those sleazy, good-looking, well-dressed bastards for a reason.

>>358450
Seconding

> Your natural sexual appeal is sure to get me killed one day. You are okay with this.

File: Just had to Wuxia it up d(...).jpg (81 KB, 750x1125)

81 KB JPG

>>358456
>>358460
>>358467


>>358462
Hey don't blame me for picking the most obscure instrument possible.

-------------------------------------

If this is what it's like before your band has even gotten off the ground... Well, you didn't start the band for the sole purpose of becoming an object of immense sexual desire, but you can live with that side-effect. If only you had your Erhu...


You bought one on a whim from a Kalgarri Dominion trader many a year ago, but lost it after one rout or another (The Far Sut Rus Campaign was pretty rough towards the end). It would be hard to find another one in a regular marketplace, let alone the middle of an undead army where there isn't much of a trade scene.

If you want one, you'll need to pick it up while further away from the main undead force. Thankfully, while not your main forte, you have some talent with a more common instrument.

You can make it work for now. You already have a few band members. Trooper Kid on drums, Trooper Schuster with the flute, you with...

-------------------

> An actual singing voice. Not what Bad Hand thinks is a voice.

> The trumpet. Used to be your damn job in that campaign off the Sabari Isles.

> The mad dance moves. Let it never be said you lack reflexes.

> Some other common instrument [name one]

>>358501
> An actual singing voice. Not what Bad Hand thinks is a voice.

>>358501
>the accordion. You will see the day it becomes cool or die trying!

>>358501

> An actual singing voice. Not what Bad Hand thinks is a voice.
> The mad dance moves. Let it never be said you lack reflexes.

We've got those moves like Jagger.

>>358501
>the accordion. You will see the day it becomes cool or die trying!

>>358501
>> An actual singing voice. Not what Bad Hand thinks is a voice.

>>358501
Show them the swag
> The mad dance moves. Let it never be said you lack reflexes.

>>358527
Forgot about the namefagging, my bad.

>>358501
>the accordion. You will see the day it becomes cool or die trying!

>>358501
> An actual singing voice. Not what Bad Hand thinks is a voice.

>>358501
> An actual singing voice. Not what Bad Hand thinks is a voice.

>>358501
> The trumpet. Used to be your damn job in that campaign off the Sabari Isles.

>>358501
>the accordion. You will see the day it becomes cool or die trying!

File: NCO (purple) Blackguard C(...).jpg (307 KB, 1000x878)

307 KB JPG

>>358512
>>358521
>>358550
>>358561

Your voice isn't fantastic, but you can do a damn sight better than 'Bad Hand' in a pinch.

But enough daydreaming! This paperwork is taking all day. And you haven’t even signed off on the new Corporal’s for 1st and 3rd Squad. A pained groan escapes your lips as you glance at the pile of dead tree awaiting you on the desk.

While ‘Jack’ Marcus is a veteran of a dozen campaigns in the Neumunster legions, he’s fairly new to the Company itself. He’s a hardcase and a stickler for rules with all the necessary experience, but there are other candidates with more time in the Company, more experience with the men they'll be leading.

Like ‘Auntie’ Goodkind for example. She’s been with the Company for longer than you’ve been walking. Sharpening steel while you were still wiping your nose, ‘Auntie’ is apparently distantly related to half the Company one way or another. She’s much loved no doubt, but do you a Corporal who is loved?

Hirsun of Ligh has been fighting his entire life, made a name for himself in the Northern Coast Campaign 10 years ago, your first taste of battle. On the other side. The secession of the northernmost province was always doomed to failure, but you’re glad there weren’t a lot more Hirstun’s around. The Skald still sing songs about Hirsun’s Dozen, nowadays closer to three loyal old boys with attitude.

‘Murder’ Meriam is the youngest candidate by far, with a cold demeanour and silent intensity that even you find intimidating. You don’t know a thing about her past, which isn’t odd, except that she HATES the Chevalisse. As for her qualifications, in her short time with the Company she has already garnered a reputation for always getting the job done. No matter how high the cost, no matter how grim the task, 'Murder' Meriam will get it done.

---------------------------------------

Corporal for 1st Squad (Your old crew)
>’Jack’ Marcus
>’Auntie’ Goodkind
>Hirstun of Ligh
>’Murder’ Meriam

Corporal for 3rd Squad (Remnants of 7th and 8th Platoon)
>’Jack’ Marcus
>’Auntie’ Goodkind
>Hirstun of Ligh
>’Murder’ Meriam

>>358624
Corporal for 1st Squad (Your old crew)
>’Jack’ Marcus

Corporal for 3rd Squad (Remnants of 7th and 8th Platoon)
>’Murder’ Meriam

>>358624
>hirsun of ligh
>Jack marcus

>>358624
>’Jack’ Marcus
>Hirstun of Ligh

>>358624
Corporal for 1st Squad (Your old crew)
>’Jack’ Marcus

Corporal for 3rd Squad (Remnants of 7th and 8th Platoon)
>Hirstun of Ligh

>>358655
I'll have to second this voice.

>>358655
Thirded.

File: 'Hirstun of Ligh'.jpg (91 KB, 620x877)

91 KB JPG

>>358642
>>358646
>>358655
>>358669
>>358675

You hadn’t spent a lot of time with ‘Jack’ Marcus before yourpromotion, but you reckon you got the measure of the man during the Sack of Sarsburg. If a man doesn’t panic in the face of the denizens of Below you can depend on that man to keep his head about him in more mundane life-threatening situations.

And Hirstun of Ligh? Well to be honest he’s just a fan-fekking-tastic warrior. You’re the Kriegstrom, your whole job is to carve things up and get messy. There isn’t a soul in the platoon better than that than Hirstun of Ligh and his comrades, Godric Golden, Crackfoot and Arlen Rivers. Between the three of them they’ve killed more than the plague and shed less tears over it.

You skim over the relevant documents, signing where you have to and incoherently scribbling elsewhere. Really, this isn’t necessary. Who even reads all this rubbish? So long as their pay is correct and everyone knows they’re in charge you figure it doesn’t matter.

Finally you sign off on the final necessary Corporal ‘Jack’ Marcus and Corporal Hirstun of Ligh‘s promotion with a victorious flourish.

[Cont]

File: Godric Golden.jpg (171 KB, 900x1069)

171 KB JPG

>>358730
That’s it, all done! Hang on, what’s that other pile behind it? …Dark Father Below it! You forgot you had to appoint the Knight-Taskmaster, the head of the Blackguard Caste in your Platoon. It’s not really a secret order, more like a gentlemen’s association that is both a means of cathartic violence and a fast-track route for promotion. It's a club where you fight. There's probably a name for things like that.

There’s only a few rules. Any Blackguard can challenge any other Blackguard of the same or lower rank. Anything goes when you’re in the ring, (but aiming to kill is poor form). Also, and you’re not sure why, but you’re not supposed to talk about it. Which is silly because you’ve been making the odd coin off bets around the matches for years now.

There’s also an unspoken rule that Blackguard members will back up other Blackguard members in any dispute between common troopers. Probably the reason you joined all those years ago. That and, being a young fool, you actually thought it would be fun and good for your reputation.

None of that particularly concerns you right now. The position you need to fill, Knight-Taskmaster, will be the one to keep the other Blackguards from each other’s throats. from By default they’d need to be one of the best, and they’ll also double as your bodyguard. Given you prefer not to wake up to find your throat slit, you reckon you should give this decision the weight it deserves.

You could make your decision now, get that paperwork out of the way. Or you could find out more about the other two, they’ve been in the Company a while but always just ‘those guys’ to you since they were in 8th Platoon. Or you just solve it with violence and hope no one gets killed.

---------------------------------------------

>Make your decision now [Choose]
(1) The Snake
(2) Cairsun the Morning Light
(3) Pietre Verdun
(4) Mask

> Find out more about The Snake and Cairsun.

>Have them fight one another. Winner gets the job.

>Have them fight you. The one who beats you gets the job.

I'm going to take a break for food, so take your time.

More than happy to answer any general questions about the setting, characters or anything else.

>>358751
>Have them fight one another. Winner gets the job.
I'll be suprised if someone can beat a whatever Mask is.

>>358751
> Find out more about The Snake and Cairsun.

>>358759
Unlikely that they'd be able to kill it. But cut him into enough pieces and they'd have to call it a win.

>>358751
> Find out more about The Snake and Cairsun.
Find out if there's anything off about these guys that would exclude them from being desirable, and if everything's dandy:
>Have them fight one another. Winner gets the job.

Its a martial position and assuming non of the candidates are horrid or likrly to stab us it would be the least contentious to let them sort it out. Fighting each on ourselves seems foolhardy, 4 consecutive fights with these fellas? and the chance we could shame ourselves or accidentally a something or other. No thanks, pragmatism FTW.

>>358751
>(4) Mask

He's spooky as shit and can't talk back if we need him to odd jobs

>>358751
> Find out more about The Snake and Cairsun.

>>358751
>Have them fight one another. Winner gets the job.

>>358751
>> Find out more about The Snake and Cairsun.

>>358751
>>Have them fight one another. Winner gets the job.
>Have them fight one another. Winner gets the job.

File: Cairsun the Morning Light.jpg (101 KB, 736x1070)

101 KB JPG

>>358765
>>358772
>>358775
>>358804

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Generally, you don’t need to tell anyone your sorry story from before you joined the Company, and you definitely don’t ask. But you don’t need to ask to know the sorry story of Cairsun the Morning Light. Almost everyone does.

Son of some famous so-and-so, famous warrior, enchanted sword, magic curse, brave companions, mystical quest to save his fiancée. Everything you’d expect from one of those insipid storybooks. Except his fairytale didn’t end with a happy ever after, it ended in failure, blood and shame.

Now it’s just him, his sword and that pigeon of his.

>>358751
how does the rolling work exactly? Im new to the thread and dont really get the DC business earlier.>>358755

>>358832
Roll under the target number. Every roll under it is a success. Every roll over is a failure.

>>358832
As >>358839 said, it's a roll under system. Out of 3 rolls the more you get under the DC (which can be raised or lowered depending on bonuses or difficulty) the better you do.

File: The Snake.jpg (400 KB, 750x1350)

400 KB JPG

>>358828
You're not a fan of elves. In fact, you don't like them. In fact, your attitude towards the pointy-eared species as a whole is quite low. But there is no denying that is particular elf is the fastest little knife-ears you’ve ever seen.

The Snake, unlike his libertarian minded fellows in Helenwood, hails from the further western regions of the Elven state, where the Wild is well and truly established and survival is higher on the priority list than the innate rights of all sentient beings.

Lethargic to the untrained eye, when he strikes is with the speed and force of a hurricane. No one moves like him, writhing around the battlefield like a mix between a graceful dancer and epileptic serpent.

File: Mask and Pietre Verdun.png (1020 KB, 1276x1564)

1020 KB PNG

>>358876
Mask and Pietre Verdun you know well enough from your time as their Corporal.

-------------------------------------------------

> You're ready to make a decision.

> A Fight off will sort it out. Let's hope no one dies.

>>358887
> A Fight off will sort it out. Let's hope no one dies.

>>358887
> A Fight off will sort it out. Let's hope no one dies.

>>358887
> A Fight off will sort it out. Let's hope no one dies.
Should we keep Mask out of it? Seems unfair considering either he'd beat everyone, or get chopped up and rendered useless.

QM, if Mask gets cut apart, can he be stitched back together Frankenstein-style?

>>358909
He has magic reattachment.

>>358909
Magic means, but the process weakens him for a bit. It'd work out roughly similar to one of the other contestants suffering a wound if you're talking about recovery time.

File: 1467671463626.jpg (61 KB, 468x768)

61 KB JPG

>>358887
Mask
Pros:Scary, nearly unkillable, can't talk back to us, doesn't sleep.
Cons: Might watch us sleep, can't talk back Blackguards from killing each other, scary

Pietre
Pro: Extremely talented, charismatic, probably best candidate to lead Blackguards.
Con: Cocky, bound to get in as many fights as prevent, may resent being bodyguard.

Snake
Pros: Craaazy fast, assassins might underestimate him, most likely to actually be fast enoguh to step between us and a crossbow bolt.
Cons: We hate elves, speed doesn't always beat Blackguards, no idea about his leadership qualities, we reeeally hate elves.

Nite Lite
Pro: Famous (we will be famous jsut by association), been through plenty of shit, carrier pigeon, bitchin' sword
Con: Really bright sword, no idea about overall fighting ability, bird poop, no idea if he would be a good bodyguard.

After all that drivel I just typed out I pick
> You're ready to make a decision.
> Pietre Verdun
Plus he's a known quantity and probably respects us, if only a little.

File: Black Company Soldiers - (...).jpg (250 KB, 875x1157)

250 KB JPG

>>358921
Although you were outvoted here I really appreciate the thought you've given this and laying it out for other anons to see. Gold star, mate!

>>358905
>>358908
>>358909

Huh. That wasn’t so bad. Only the formalities are in place, you just need to grant the Taskmaster badge to whoever wins. Your whole paperwork ordeal couldn’t have been more than a few… is it getting dark outside? You started the paperwork this morning!

“Finish these off for me, will ya Kid?” You point a thumb over your shoulder at the mess of paper still on the desk. “Cheers, thanks, bye.”

Before the indignant mute little soldier can point out that you’ve only done half the bloody work, if that, you’re off into the hustle and bustle of the camp. Free at last! At least from paperwork. Since almost everyone is just holding out for the march out order its very much a case of ‘hurry up and wait’. The order to move could come in 10 minutes or it could be hours later. Perfect time to hold a bit of violent entertainment.

This will be interesting, the 4 hardest hitters in a free for all for a promotion. Certainly the platoon thinks so, as well as some men from other platoons. A crowd begins to gather around the four Blackguards and their patch of dirt. Bets are already being placed, the redheaded Hasselhof twins already working the crowd; some favouring the eerie, motionless Mask, others putting money on Pietre Verdun bouncing on his heels and warming up. While still more put their coin on The Snake, casually leaning against a wagon like he was here for the view; a few put money on the melancholic Cairsun, his sword and namesake The Morning Light sits in his lap as he rests in meditation.

You have 28 silver, and you’ve always liked a flutter.

-------------------------------------

At first you watch who is placing bets on who, determining who is the favourite.

(1)
>Select your least favourite candidate They will not win

(2)
> Bet 10 silver on one of the contestants [Name] this won’t decide the winner

>>358921
We should try to establish some form of communication with Mask no matter who the Knight-Taskmaster is.

Some kind of sign language maybe? Would the Black Tongue help?

>>358958
> Bet 10 silver on one of the contestants
> Mask

>>358958
Oh and the least favourite I'll vote for the Snake.

File: I know EXACTLY why I cast(...).jpg (85 KB, 210x375)

85 KB JPG

>>358961
>Would the Black Tongue help?

Maybe

>>358958
(1) The Snake

(2) Put 10 on Pietre.

>>358968
Give it a try

>>358958
1:The Snake
2:Pietre Verdun

>>358958
> Bet 10 silver on one of the contestants
> Mask

>Select your least favourite candidate Snek
Fukkin knife ears

As much as I like Mask I think Pietre would be the best Taskmaster. The man has a commitment to excellence and although his battleboner might get annoying it's better than a boss like Mask who just can't communicate with anyone in Black Company. Mask also seems like his pride wouldn't suffer as much as Pietre's if he continues losing duels.

File: (1) Blackguard.jpg (165 KB, 1920x1200)

165 KB JPG

>>358963
>>358967
>>358971
>>359031
>>359033

Unable to decide on whether to bet for Pietre Verdun or Mask you put 5 on each of them. Probably due to your loyalty to your own squad or something.


3 rolls of 4d100 please! (Lower the better)

Name who you're rolling for; Verdun, Mask or The Morning Light. (repeat rolls not accepted)

Rolled 30, 86, 73, 98 = 287 (4d100)

>>359063
Mask

Rolled 87, 3, 23, 68 = 181 (4d100)

>>359063
Morning Light

Rolled 26, 61, 53, 97 = 237 (4d100)

>>359063
Verdun

>>359068
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

File: knife-ears.png (79 KB, 426x382)

79 KB PNG

>>359065
>>359068
>>359071

You place your bet and sit back, the conversation and cat-calling dying off as the signaller takes his mark, holding a piece of cloth. Normally it would be the Knight-Taskmaster’s job to referee the match so a regular trooper has to fill in. Not that it matters, there are precious few rules in the ring anyway.

The cloth hasn’t even made it halfway to the ground before Verdun is on to Mask, eager to avenge his earlier lost weeks ago. His swordsmanship is something to witness, every thrust, swipe and parry timed to perfection. Mask looks like a rag doll by comparison, being literally taken apart piece by piece. A finger here, glancing slice to the calf there. Verdun is dominating the fight, but he only has to misstep once. He won’t enjoy the same endurance Mask possesses. And Mask never tires.

You’re sure Saint would have words with you about your ‘deep seated and illogical prejudice against the elven minority’ but you can’t help but grin at The Snake, clearly on the back foot. He’s fast sure, but fast can only do so much against a magic blade and a swordsman who knows how to use it. Cairsun’s moves aren’t as flashy as Pietre Verdun’s, but they’re the mark of a master-swordsman nonetheless, and even though The Snake ducks and dives out of the way of the flaming Morning Light seemingly without effort, he’s also not getting any good licks in.

The Morning Light’s victory is assured when, with a piercing shriek, his falcon spears out of the sky and into The Snake. Not the most gentlemanly of moves, perhaps even cheating, but it’s hard to cheat in a game with almost no rules. The bird, you still prefer to think of the silver-feathered bird of prey as a glorified pigeon, doesn’t actually strike The Snake, but it doesn’t need to. The momentary distraction is all that the Morning Light needs to come crashing down on his mortal blade, shattering it like it were glass, and bowling The Snake over.

“Yeild.” The Morning Light says in the same melancholy tone one might say ‘I give up’.

Opposite him, Verdun cements his victory. Not one to fall for the same trick twice, the Chevalisse-born duellist doesn’t stop at the first lost limb of Mask’s. For a moment there Mask almost has him, the detached limb in the dirt snatching out at Verdun and sending him stumbling, but his victory is secured when he springs back to his feet, slicing away one of Mask’s legs. The ad-hoc referee calls it there.

With the undead abomination, no offence, and the knife-ears out of the way the two master swordsmen face off. One with a world full of experience and an enchanted blade, the other with pure skill and pinpoint conditioning.

--------------------------------

Two more 4d100! Announce who

Rolled 29, 14, 11, 57 = 111 (4d100)

>>359100
Verdun

Rolled 48, 55, 12, 33 = 148 (4d100)

>>359100
Verdun

>>359105
Taking this one. Another for Morning Light please.

Rolled 93, 69, 65, 94 = 321 (4d100)

>>359107
Morning Light

File: shikata ga nai.jpg (10 KB, 179x207)

10 KB JPG

>>359109
Well, I guess Light's depression is bringing down his swordsmanship

File: tznA6tY.gif (603 KB, 477x267)

603 KB GIF

>>359105
>>359109

Cairsun the Morning Light is a renowned warrior. They say he's travelled the world and killed a man in every nation. They say he held the Bordessa Pass against a hundred Kalgarri with only and old man and a pregnant woman for company. They say the sword chose him, spoke to him from a flaming bush and he drew it from the ashes.

He's a worthy foe. And if there's one thing that Knight-of-the-Line Pietre Verdun loves it's worthy foes. Facing against his amateur boxing was one thing, but with a blade in his hand he's something else entirely. He's a blur, too fast for your eyes to keep up with.

If the Morning Light were to catch his blade in a block it would all be over, no regular steel would hold for a moment against the flame and fury of the enchanted blade. But he never does, Verdun slides the blade aside effortlessly again and again, his parries timed to perfection. If the Morning Light was to unbalance him it would all be over. But Verdun can’t be restricted let alone put off balance, he’s too fast; one moment tapping away at the Morning Light’s gauntlet, the next a jab in the shoulder. Not committing, not capitalising on anything, letting the one-time hero bleed. Death by a thousand cuts.

Eventually the Morning Light begins to tire, to slow. He makes mistakes and Verdun makes more cuts. Bit by bit. One thing to face against a creature that doesn’t feel pain, or anger, or humiliation. That doesn’t make mistakes or pay attention to those small cuts. But the Morning Light is a living, breathing man. And Pietre Verdun knows exactly how to break men like him apart.

By the end Verdun has turned into a show, adding more flair into his swings and steps. Arrogance? Certainly. But he has the skill to back it up. The Morning Light, Twice-Named and Twice-Chosen, sinks to his knees, raising his index and middle finger to yield. He looks no more forlorn at his defeat to Verdun than he was in his victory over The Snake.

So that’s that. Knight-Taskmaster Pietre Verdun will be your Blackguard Head for 7th Platoon and also double as your bodyguard. His duties prevent him from shadowing you constantly, but it’s nice to know that there is someone out there whose job it is to stab those first who want to stab you. And from the looks of it Pietre Verdun is very good at stabbing.

>>359125
>Sword of the Stranger

Fuck year.

File: Raiding, Reaving and Raping.jpg (41 KB, 350x292)

41 KB JPG

>>359125
>Gained 5 silver

With that all done and dusted, it's time to get your marching orders. . You stride purposefully to the Company Command Tent with your attendants beside you. Knight-Taskmaster Verdun tall and proud at your left, one hand on the hilt of his blade and staring down his nose at whoever is a little slow getting out of your way. Saint is on your right, brows furrowed in thought. Trooper Kid, your banner-bearer, notary and general aide


Rumour has it that the main undead force is splitting up. Plenty of ripe targets, already the towns Serkton and Iveress are in ashes. Borr opened it's gates without a fight resulting in it's unfortunate demise given the non-specific directives of the common undead minion. But you've been assured by the Captain that such accidents are unlikely to reoccur following new cultist incantation procedures.

After they squandered the last of their manpower marching right into your ambush Tallensand is too weak to do a damn thing to stop you marching further north and adding the other provinces to the list.

Small targets, certainly. But utterly undefended, and the rest of Neumunster is little better. It's going to be weeks before any of the recalled legions return, and months before a new force is raised. Meanwhile the whole of the North sits there shaking behind their walls, those towns lucky enough to have them, and the countryside stretches before you as timid and defenceless as a maiden on her first night.

You realise that you're grinning like a Wingshark. Time for raiding, *ahem*, you mean foraging.

Speaking of Saint, did you promote her to 2nd Lieutenant or just keeping her on as general platoon command staff? (Aide-de-Camp)

--------------------------------------------

> Hold off on that promotion for Saint for now. Keep her as an Aide-de-Camp, best to see what she's made of first.

> She's officer material that for certain. And if you go down in battle you need someone like her calling the shots, no room for confusion. Make her 2nd Lieutenant.

>>359139
> Hold off on that promotion for Saint for now. Keep her as an Aide-de-Camp, best to see what she's made of first.

> Hold off on that promotion for Saint for now. Keep her as an Aide-de-Camp, best to see what she's made of first.

>>359139
Aide-de-Camp until you know how she'll really handling things.

>>359139
> Hold off on that promotion for Saint for now. Keep her as an Aide-de-Camp, best to see what she's made of first.

>>359139
> Hold off on that promotion for Saint for now. Keep her as an Aide-de-Camp, best to see what she's made of first.

File: Less green more chainmail.png (215 KB, 636x366)

215 KB PNG

I'm going to finish up with this last post guys, this vote will decide where we start off next time. I hope it hasn't been too bad (a little slow I know) with the hangover.

>>359140
>>359141
>>359143
>>359145
>>359146

Might be a bad idea to put Saint in charge of the people who are in all probability directly responsible for the deaths of everyone she has ever known and loved. You’re certain she’s still in a form of shell-shock, better wait for her to adjust to the situation and present company before promoting the poor girl.

Captain ‘Cutthroat’ Kiranova addresses the gathered officers and their attendants with the same cool demeanour you’ve come to know and love (and fear).

“When the dead start they don’t stop, but they’re damn unwieldy to direct. Want a town razed to the ground, not a soul left alive? Bring in the skeletons. But you want that same town captured intact and with something left to rule over? They’re not so great for that. So tasks requiring more… finesse have been left to us.”

That gets a chuckle from the collected officers. Usually ‘finesse’ to a mercenary is a term used in tandem with words like ‘politically sensitive’ and ‘diplomatically delicate’ rather than ‘try not to kill everyone‘.

“Lieutenant ‘Black Ear’ you’ll be striking out West. The 4th and 6th Legions will be coming up that way in a few weeks, I want the bridge at Oxenfurt before then. You’ll have the 3rd, 4th and 12th Platoons with you.”

The grimy Skald nods, scratching at his blackened ear stump. “What about the Oxenfurt itself?”

“The town can burn for all I care, Lieutenant, I want that bridge.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The Captain turns her steel blue eyes on you. You have to make an effort not to clench your arse cheeks. From the attention, you see, not your sexual history.

“Lieutenant Prince, you’ll be taking 2nd, 7th and 9th Platoon to…”

-------------------------------------------

> “Assassinate this dan Jorst character. He’s gathering up every left-over unit, militia and retired forces and other tattered remnants under his own banner.” It’s the only thing resembling resistance in the area for now.

> “Foray deep into the Northern provinces, spreading fire, fear and ‘foraging’ among the villages previously untouched by the flames of war.” Take stuff, kill a few people that don’t want you to take their stuff, and scare everyone while doing so? You can manage that.

> “Sneak in and seize the town of Kresden. Intact, thank you.” Keep the looting to a orderly level, got it. No doubt your Employer would prefer there to be something left once they’re done conquering.

>>359167
> “Foray deep into the Northern provinces, spreading fire, fear and ‘foraging’ among the villages previously untouched by the flames of war.” Take stuff, kill a few people that don’t want you to take their stuff, and scare everyone while doing so? You can manage that.

>>359167
> “Sneak in and seize the town of Kresden. Intact, thank you.” Keep the looting to a orderly level, got it. No doubt your Employer would prefer there to be something left once they’re done conquering.

I wanna see how the Saint reacts to the facts of Black Company

>>359167
> “Assassinate this dan Jorst character. He’s gathering up every left-over unit, militia and retired forces and other tattered remnants under his own banner.” It’s the only thing resembling resistance in the area for now.

Seems more interesting than the other options.

>>359167

> “Assassinate this dan Jorst character. He’s gathering up every left-over unit, militia and retired forces and other tattered remnants under his own banner.” It’s the only thing resembling resistance in the area for now.

>>359167
> “Assassinate this dan Jorst character. He’s gathering up every left-over unit, militia and retired forces and other tattered remnants under his own banner.” It’s the only thing resembling resistance in the area for now.

>>359167
> “Sneak in and seize the town of Kresden. Intact, thank you.” Keep the looting to a orderly level, got it. No doubt your Employer would prefer there to be something left once they’re done conquering.
>>359173
>I wanna see how the Saint reacts to the facts of Black Company
Pretty much this.

>>358958
>Mornig bitch
>Bet 15 on Sake.

>>359167
>> “Sneak in and seize the town of Kresden. Intact, thank you.” Keep the looting to a orderly level, got it. No doubt your Employer would prefer there to be something left once they’re done conquering.

>>359167
>> “Assassinate this dan Jorst character. He’s gathering up every left-over unit, militia and retired forces and other tattered remnants under his own banner.” It’s the only thing resembling resistance in the area for now.

>>359167
> “Sneak in and seize the town of Kresden. Intact, thank you.” Keep the looting to a orderly level, got it. No doubt your Employer would prefer there to be something left once they’re done conquering.

>>359167
Time to loot
>"forage"

> “Sneak in and seize the town of Kresden. Intact, thank you.” Keep the looting to a orderly level, got it. No doubt your Employer would prefer there to be something left once they’re done conquering.

>>359167
Also, thanks for running!

File: Maria 'Murder' Meriam.png (370 KB, 534x804)

370 KB PNG

Thread is archived.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Black%20Company%20Quest

We'll be starting off next week at the gates of Kresden. Hopefully it goes better than your little foray into Sarsburg did. Can't go any worse, right?


>>359196
Cheers, matey!

>>359264
Thanks for running