>>1719980
>>1720033
You ask Clark how exactly you should proceed to deal with the anchors.

"Alexander would have hidden the anchors in various places. I know there is one in Crone's Way tavern. I know there is another one in Inisvale and Havelsberg. He's been to lethbridge, but given the current buildup, I think it's still coming from Havelsberg." He ponders a bit, "Depot Sierra is unlikely to have it, but Graggen possibly has one. If he was aware of the anomaly, then odds are he might have put an anchor there too. In fact, I'd bet on it."

"How do we destroy the anchors?" Pisteia asks.

"You smash them. Simple as that. Your sword would be the best option." He replies, indicating Pisteia."

>Go to Crone's way
>Go to Anomaly
>Go to Inisvale
>Go to Havelsberg
>Go to Graggen
>Go to Lethbridge guild hall

>>1720261
I vote for the tavern, sounds easy(er) than the others...

>>1720261
Glory for Alainn !

Voting for the tavern too. If we secure it, we may be able to use it to secure civilian.

>>1720261
Let us burn a tavern then!

File: crone's way.png (1.31 MB, 1180x558)

1.31 MB PNG

>>1720304
>>1720350
>>1720411
You arrive at Crone's Way, an old roadside tavern and inn (well, old to Pisteia.)

Lantern lights flicker as carts and Drak are stabled outside. The smell of cooking food and honey wafts around the entryway. Your tank rolls up to the door. One of the windows upstairs is pitch black.

When you enter you find it's livelier than the guild hall at Inisvale, and the people seem generally more cheerful. Thanks in no part to a bard, sitting on a chair in one corner, singing songs that are strange with terms you recognize. Stranger still are the images that appear in the haze and smoke of the room, forming images of vehicles whole he sings.

The the guitar. There's no doubting that it's some old magic. While he plays it turns into the next instrument needed for the song. It shifts at least 4 times... Almost like it's alive. It might just be.

Clark nods, "I can feel it, it's upstairs."
>Approach bard
>Go upstairs
>Leave Crone's Way

[Twitter created. I'm probably just going to post writing and photos and Cold Soldier updates on it... https://twitter.com/IrateResearcher ]

>>1720464
I suggest we switch the heavy assault kit with infiltrator for this one and try to sneak upstairs. If we packed it in the tank anyway.

>>1720464
>>Go upstairs

>>1720464
>>Go upstairs

>>1720519
[You currently have Heavy Assault and Infiltrator. Almeda has Engineering and Infiltrator]

>>1720519
>Upstairs

>>1720464
>>Go upstairs

>>1720552
Oh, how very optimal of us. As expected of Alainn's finest really.

First time sticking around for a quest, hope it goes well!

>>1720530
>>1720543
Your group starts heading upstairs. Fortunately, nobody stops you, but who would? Your group consists of two people with guns, a knight, and a clear magic user. You reach the room, and Clark does his orb spell once more.

Pisteia rams the door, sword unsheathed and aglow with whatever magic it held. The knight takes a swing and you hear a screech and splatter. Clark follows her as his orb starts sucking the creatures in.

Artoria's natural glow allows you and Almeda to spot the shifting creatures. They have too many eyes and mouths. Horrifying to look at. Relieving to shoot.

A black rune is carved into the ceiling. When Pisteia plunges her sword into it, there is a low pulse of energy... through everything.

It seems the forest gets a little brighter, but not much. The rune crackles and falls off, dissolving in the air. Clark makes a motion, spinning the fragments into his palm.

"That's mine, thank you..."

with the room clear, you feel a bit safer.
>One of seven anchors destroyed. Garvelton's hold on Crone's way is gone.

You move downstairs once more. The bard watches you, "...happiness is a warm gun..." He stops midway through the song.

Hrm, didn't Garvelton want this man dead?
>Approach bard
>leave Crone's way.

File: v2 broken swing.png (34 KB, 184x200)

34 KB PNG

[I must go to work now, will continue on return]

>>1720596
>>leave Crone's way.
let sleeping dogs lie. We destroyed what we needed to, so lets go destroy some more

>>1720596
>>Approach bard

>>1720567
The Great General would expect nothing less.

>Approsch the bard

>>1720596
>Approach bard
Maybe he has useful intel on the shady bussinesman

>>1720596
>Approach bard
Let's see what dirt he has on Alexander

>>1720596
>Approach bard
Interesting.

>>1720633
>>1720667
>>1720676
>>1720772
>>1721703
You approach the bard, the muscian's images fade in the air.

"You destroyed that rune upstairs, didn't you?" He asks, "I felt it."

Pisteia nods, "I certainly did!"

You decide to ask him questions before he decides to ask more, "What do you know of Garvelton?"

The bard shrugs, "Well, he mind-controlled my mother, impregnated her, then made off with the family wealth before I was born. At least, I think he did, unless there are more Alexander Garvelton's running about." He looks at you, "So I guess you could say I'm out to kill him."

Oh, so Garvelton can control people's minds. Lovely. No wonder he was backed by the duchess. You look at Clark.

"...I didn't think the mind control thing was an issue since you had me with you. Why let you get concerned about it?" He asks.

"Are you out to kill him?" The man asks.

He's one of Alexander's loose ends, an unintended side effect of his schemes.
>ask the bard who he is and how he can help your group.
>leave him be and warn of the assassins

>>1722921
>>ask the bard who he is and how he can help your group.

>>1722921
>ask the bard who he is and how he can help your group.

>"Are you out to kill him?"
We can't say yes to this, right?

File: v2 smiling talk.png (18 KB, 131x143)

18 KB PNG

>>1722950
[would you like to say yes to it?]

>>1722955
Not in that way, it was more of a question. I mean, we were only promised to destroy those weird seven sources and something to be done with it right?

>>1722967
[Ah, I see. Fair enough.]

>>1722948
>>1722950
"Before I answer, who are you, and what can you do?" You put forth. The bard smirks.

"I'm Uriel, nicknamed 'Rumor,' I'm one of the most famed bards. If you want someone to tell of your feats in heroic light, I've got you covered... Alternatively..." He plays a song on his guitar. the air swirls around him and a host of spectral soldiers appears, soldiers with guns, "Whatever I sing about, I can conjure phantasms of... and... They can be as solid as I want." No wonder he still had a bounty on him from Garvelton. The man could create an squad of disposable troops.

"Sound magic, spun with elemental magic, intriguing." Clark mutters, "Can you heal others?"

"Regrettably not, but I can shield people from attacks, even making them briefly invincible, so long as I can sing about it."
Unusual.

"We were just getting rid of the anchors he set." you explain.

"Yeah, good luck getting into the factory, because that's where he put one of the anchors... And the factory is full of shapeshifters and creatures that can rip a metal beast in half."

You pause, "Are you sure of this?"

"Yeah, I did take a look in there. I'm his son, so they didn't attack me." Uriel explains, "the squad of strange soldiers that entered before me weren't so lucky, and they had a tank. I'm offering my help. If it helps me kill that man, I'm in."
>Accept Uriel 'Rumor' into party.
>Leave Uriel

>>1723011
Well why not.
>>Accept Uriel into party
Also ask him if those strange soldiers are the same as the ones in Sierra

>>1723011
>Accept Uriel 'Rumor' into party
The more the merrier.

>>1723011
>Accept Uriel 'Rumor' into party

>>1723011
>>Accept Uriel 'Rumor' into party.

>>1723011
>Accept Uriel 'Rumor' into party.
Man's got solid abilities and has a serious bone to pick with our target. He's in.

>>1723028
>>1723149
>>1723235
>>1723307
>>1723465
"Alright, we'll have you, just don't expect us to go out of our way to kill the man."

"If there's anything I know well it's that you won't have to. Garvelton will eventually target you." Uriel replies.

>Uriel 'Rumor' has joined the party! A bard whose songs are otherworldly, but whose powers are quite impressive!

>???? has joined the party! ???????????????????????

Pisteia looks over the tavern, "So this was the easiest one."

"Inisvale probably has two. I was trying to pin a location down when we met." Clark replies.

"There's one in Graggen. I actually confronted Alexander when he made it."

Artoria recounts, "Graggen 1, Inisvale 2, Havelsberg 1, The factories 1. That is 5 anchors of 6 remaining."

Clark pauses, "There's one in the deep woods from the feel of it, by the Anomaly."

Graggen is anti-Garvelton, so it should be easy. The anomaly is close by. Havelsberg and Inisvale are under his control, and the factories are going to be the hardest. Where to?
>Anomaly
>Graggen
>Havelsberg
>Inisvale

>>1723552
>>Anomaly

>>1723569
>Anomaly

>>1723552
>Anomaly
Better have a couple of bolts and an artefact detector just lying around.

>>1723569
>>1723652
You drive out into the forest, heading towards the anomaly. Uriel seems rather shocked by the machine during the trip but gets used to it.

Then you arrive. The achor is obvious, but the anomaly...

It's bigger than a building, a massive ripple in the air like the surface of water. In the flickering, you catch glimpses of a desolate wasteland on the other side.

>Roll a d20, lowest score wins

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1723664

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1723664

>>1723664
QM, can we just roll another d20 to get this moving?

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1723832

Might as well do

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1723664

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>1723664
Lemme try.

>>1723664

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>1723664

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1723664
Rolling.

>>1724937
>3
[Oh shit, this is gonna be a difficult one... For the party.]

>>1723740
>>1723827
>>1723832
>>1723958
>>1724043
>>1724937
>>1724960
>>1725010
>>1725136
The anchor is easy enough to destroy, Clark and Pisteia take almost no time at all.

>Two out of seven anchors destroyed.

Then the pulse resounds. The forest is quiet, a bit lighter than before, you're sure.

>1-20, 20 as safest, 1 as highly dangerous.
>Roll: 3
"I'm detecting... unusual magic." Artoria turns to the anomaly.

The ripple shimmers and something enters! There is a burst of brightness as the gloom is swept away! The area around the anomaly becomes verdant and bright.... and then the colors supersaturate. In the air, a tiny, winged humanoid, no bigger than a foot flutters in the air on gossamer wings, regarding you.

"Oho! There were humans hiding in here! Silly humans, why are you hiding? Let's play!" Dust shimmers in her hands.

"Creature bears incompatible magic. I can't get a reading..." Artoria says quietly.

Clark, who kept his cool until now points at it, "FAE! KILL IT NOW! HURRY!"

You don't know what that is, Pisteia is laughing nervously, "Am I hallucinating now?!"

The fae grins, "But you all seem so boring! How about I make you a bit more fun first? Let's see, what fun things can I make out of you?"

>roll a d20
Action
>Open fire (roll another d20)
>Attempt to negotiate
>Try to retreat (roll another d20)

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1725606
>>Open fire (roll another d20)
BALLS TO THE WALL

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1725606
>>Open fire (roll another d20)

Rolled 4, 5 = 9 (2d20)

>>1725606
>Kill it!
Mage guy probably knows what he's talking about!

>>1725628
lower is better...?

>>1725670
[you want to roll high here. the low roll was just for the anomaly event, which was triggered by the anchor's destruction.]

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1725606
>>roll a d20

>>1725679
well fuck

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1725606
>>roll a d20
since I really want to know what's going to happen next, I'm going to roll this for the third time.

Unless QM decides otherwise.

>>1725688
[if you want me to use these rolls for the next one...]

>>1725628
>>1725634
>>1725639
>(1+14+4)/3 = 6.3
Your group scrambles to make distance as the fairy slings pinkish-hued magic at you.

Uriel starts singing about how he can't be touched or something as he dives behind the tank, and Clark has joined forces with Artoria to create a very ominous looking wall to protect themselves.

The attack scatters into dust, landing on you and Almeda. As you strive to keep it off you, Almeda coughs. Her ears have gotten pointier. Your hair, on the other hand, has gotten longer... And appears to be changing hue.

"It's no fun if you keep hiding! Come on now! Playtime!" The fae calls.

>(17+5)/2 = 11
>Assault Kit + Carbine score: 10 (Success!)

You open fire on the fluttering creature with your rifles. The creature zips around your shots before a hit pegs her in the arm.

"Aaaah! You meanies! That's it, I was gonna be nicer, but now..." The fairy pauses, noticing one person who has yet to take cover or be affected by her magic, "Eh? I-iron armor?" The fae flutters away from her, "N-no matter, I just gotta stay out of reach... HERE!" She slings another magical shot.

>Roll a d20
Actions
>Run
>FIRE FIRE FIRE!!! (roll an additional d20)

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1725764
>Fire, fire, fire

Rolled 8, 12 = 20 (2d20)

>>1725764
>>Roll a d20
>FIRE FIRE FIRE!!! (roll an additional d20)

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1725764
>>FIRE FIRE FIRE!!! (roll an additional d20)

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>1725770
For the additional d20.

>>1725776
roll the other one, mate

Rolled 17, 11 = 28 (2d20)

>>1725764
>FIRE FIRE FIRE!!! (roll an additional d20)

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1725776

Rolled 3, 3 = 6 (2d20)

>>1725764
>Kill it kill it kill it

>>1725770
>>1725774
>>1725776
>>1725779
>>1725783
>>1725786
>(19+8+12+17)/4 =14
Clark and Artoria's shield manages to deflect most of the dust, but it still doesn't help the bit you got hit by. Still, the results are minimal. Although Almeda is looking a bit like an elf. Your hair has gone blonde.

"Damn it! How am I supposed to make you more interesting if you keep hiding!" The fae cries out in frustration as she tries to zip around the barrier.

>(12+18+11+7)/4 = 12
>Requirement: 10

You and Almeda decide to give the thing a barrage of gunfire again.

"Come on, this is so not fair! I only got one hit on you, and you keep hiding behind this nasty shield of yuckiness!" The fae cries out as another sot from you scores her leg, "STUPID HUMANS! Do you have any idea what you are dealing with?!"

Clark pulls his arm back and releases a gout of purple flame at the tiny flier, "Oho! So this is one of you guys' hidey places! No wonder there are no faeries to help me!" She flies backwards in the air,"Don't worry, once I'm done with you guys, I'll tell all my friends that this place could be made prettier!" She scatters dust as she flies.

Then she hits an invisible wall.

"Huh? Huuuuh?!" Uriel, outside the wall the fae is pushing, strums his guitar with a determined expression.

"Right, we've got it trapped. A couple more hits should finish it!" Clark calls.

>roll 2 d20s

Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d20)

>>1725854

Rolled 2, 6 = 8 (2d20)

>>1725854

Rolled 11, 9 = 20 (2d20)

>>1725854

Rolled 11, 14 = 25 (2d20)

>>1725854
I really don't want to find out what other shit this thing can do.

Rolled 13, 17 = 30 (2d20)

>>1725854

Rolled 2, 19 = 21 (2d20)

>>1725854

>>1725867
>>1725874
>>1725875
>>1725876
>(1+2+11+11+13+2)/6.666
>Oh crap
The faerie's shower of dust manages to get past the barricade, getting on you and Almeda. For some reason your rifle seems bigger, wait, you've gotten shorter! Almeda coughs, having inhaled some. You note her teeth seem more pointed when you can see.

>(3+6+9+14+17+19)/6=11.33
Gritting your teeth, you fire as much as you can at the fae, Almeda joins in. You score a hit on her win and she spirals to the ground.

"W-wait! No, I just wanted to have some fun-" Her protests are cut short as Pisteia's blade falls through the tiny creature.

Clark moves in quickly extracting a jar from his vest and quickly bottling the corpse. "It was attracted by the pulse. The other side of that anomaly contains creatures like that..." He glares at the portal, "We can't keep the body there or more will come."

>Almeda can currently pass for an elf. You are currently a foot shorter and looking a lot younger. Your strength is the same and your clothing still fits.

Uriel sighs in relief, having evaded the fae entirely. He's interrupted in relaxing, though.

"How do I undo this?!" Almeda asks the bard.

"W-well, I heard the madman can do anything."

Pisteia laughs, "The madman? That's a myth. A fairy... oh."

Clark holds the jar up, the fae has dissolved into glowing pink dust, "Not all myths are fiction, you know... We have more anchors to destroy."

>Head to Graggen
>go to Havelsberg
>go to Inisvale

>>1726007
>>Head to Graggen

>>1726007
>go to Inisvale
Let's get to looking for that anchor.

>>1726007
>Where do you find the madman? And what has happened to us exactly??

>>1726007
>>go to Inisvale
changing vote to this so we can go forward

>>1726049
>>1726033
>>1726036

You get back into the tank, "What... what happened to me?"

"You look cuter!" Pisteia remarks.

"Not helping." Clark sighs, "You've been altered by fae magic. They don't exist in this reality... normally... but one of the things fae can do is convert others to their species. It looks like it was trying to turn you into another faerie. Adrianna as well."

The tank rumbles into Inisvale.

"So the madman can fix this?" You ask Uriel.

"The madman can fix anything, if legends are to be believed." The bard explains, "but I'm not sure how to find him. He vanishes when he's done."

You arrive before the guild hall, where you met Clark.

"One of these stores or alleyways has got to have the anchor..." He remarks, landing on the cobblestone.

The small blonde girl from before is once again there, watching you from an alleyway. Clark regards her...

"...That's a shapeshifter." His orb flickers in his hands, "That's one that was born here."

>Capture small girl
>Attack small girl
>Look through the shops.

>>1726220
>Capture girl

>>1726220
>>Look through the shops.

>>1726220
>Capture small girl

>>1726220
>Capture small girl

>>1726220
>>Capture small girl

File: alleria plain.jpg (592 KB, 1374x1835)

592 KB JPG

>>1726228
>>1726240
>>1726245
>>1726254

You move towards the child who lets out a yelp, running back into the alleyway. Uriel starts playing music. You watch the girls walk up a wall and over it, but You find yourself climbing invisible stairs.

You chase her down a winding maze of empty alleyways and side-streets before she reaches a dead end...

But there's someone else there, someone who she hides behind. Someone pointing a high-tech pistol of unknown make at you.

It's a woman wearing a labcoat, the unnatural coloration of her hair standing out. You note that she bears the symbol of that unknown flag from the strange soldiers on one shoulder.

"Any reason you're chasing my Lily around Lovecraft town?" You can't understand the terminology she's using.

Clark takes a step back with a nervous smile, "What... Another fae, are you serious?!"

The woman glares at him. You notice her hair seems to curl as she indignantly replies, "I am a human!"

"You're a fae sheltering a shapeshifter." Clark responds.

"Says someone from a group chasing a little girl. Seriously, did you consider how it looks? Is it normal to chase children? Maybe for the little boy there," she points at you, "But the rest of you? A knight, an... elf? Mr. classy, wonderwall, and cyborg..." She pauses.

"What am I looking at here? I thought this was knights and swords not cyborgs and guns land."

She's a lot more reasonable than the faerie, at least.

"Look, I'm here for three things. And none of them involve fighting you guys."

Next action:
>threaten her with weapon
>Ask what she's after
>attempt to negotiate
>back off

>>1726328
>Ask what she's doing here

>>1726328
>>Ask what she's after

>>1726328
>>Ask what she's after

>>1726328
>>Ask what she's after

>>1726347
>>1726350
>>1726354
>>1726416
"What is it you're after?" You ask.

She bites back a laugh, "Okay, don't get me wrong, but I think it's really cute with you trying to sound intimidating when you look like that." The girl, Lily, stares from behind the coat. You briefly see the woman's coat extend a bit to pat the girl's head.

"Right, Three things. The first and foremost is that I am looking for someone important. They are very whimsical, but there's a bunch of people after them and I need to get to him first. The second is that I need to establish a sort of... base of operations for my forces. And the third... Is I need to get rid of this Alexander guy." She keeps the pistol on your group while she shrugs, "It wasn't originally part of the plan, but, you know, what can I say? If I leave him be, he might try to enslave Lily again, can't be having that."
So the strange troops are hers.
You may pick two lines of questioning.
>What do you mean by base of operations Do you mean Depot Sierra?
>Isn't that girl one of Garvelton's shapeshifters?
>Who are you looking for?
>attempt to negotiate
>back off

>>1726491
>Negotiate
It's good to know she is against the same guy we're against... We could reach an agreement?

>>1726491
>attempt to negotiate

>>1726491
>>Isn't that girl one of Garvelton's shapeshifters?
Also
"I'm glad to see other people think Alexander is such a hateable fellow. Only met him once but he got under my skin something fierce."

>>1726523
>>1726527
>>1726620

"Isn't that girl one of Garvelton's shapeshifters?" You ask.

"Was. It turns out that if they are born here they are no longer under his control. He has to force his will on them." Alleria explains.

"That'd be true. All the reason why we need to halt the spread. He can't control all of them."

"We are after Alexander Garvelton too, but for different reasons." You state, a bit annoyed by her amusement at your plight.

Clark frowns, "Ah, but you aren't from this world, are you?" Most of the party looks at him.

Alleria nods, "Well, that's correct, I was expecting to have an advantage here, but there are cyborgs."

"If the troops in the forest are yours, then I estimate that their numbers are not enough to warrant an advantage." Artoria states, "We have also been notified that your soldiers have suffered casualties during an incursion against the factories."

The scientist makes a noise of distaste, "Figures. I'd need either artillery or air power to hit that place."

"Perhaps we can reach an agreement?" You offer.

"Oh? And what do you have to offer, kid?" The scientist seems more like she's humoring you than anything else.
>If you join our group, we can remove Garvelton from the region. We have a plan.
>We can give you a detailed map layouts.
>Trust me, later down the road you'll benefit from helping us.

>>1726672
>If you join our group, we can remove Garvelton from the region. We have a plan.
>We can give you a detailed map layouts.

Also, we have a tank, and have taken out a blood dragon with it. Does that count as artillery enough?

>>1726672
>>If you join our group, we can remove Garvelton from the region. We have a plan.
Otherwise, we can give you a detailed map layouts and call it even.

>>1726680
>>1726681
"If you join our group, we can remove Garvelton. We have a plan."

"Oh?" Alleria looks back at Lily, then to you, "That is something. He's the greatest threat to my forces here. If you really can... Then we might have an accord."

"We do have a plan." Clark reiterates.

"Interesting, interesting. So who are you people?" You give introductions, using pseudonyms of course for Almeda and yourself.

"Interesting. Very well, I am Dr. Alleria Trost, Director of FEATHER base. I'll work with you. Hopefully it will allow my forces to establish a better operations center here."

>You are now aware of the faction FEATHER. This group bears high-tech materials in limited supply, but knows next to nothing about the world. They share quite a few ideals with Alainn.

>Dr. Alleria Trost has joined the party. She is of Fae nature. This party member can call in reinforcement from her soldiers, and allows access into Depot Sierra. She is able to shapeshift and infiltrate areas.

>Lily Tekel Trost. This child is a shapeshifter of eldritch nature. Lily is capable of shapeshifting, and is ignored by otherworldly creatures.

Alleria motions to the wall behind her, where an anchor symbol is, "I was studying this recently. My scanner was picking up readings on the nature of it."

"That is part of our plan..." Clark states before Pisteia destroys the symbol. Clark sucks it into his hands, "Aaah, much better." The region lightens once more.

>Three anchors destroyed of seven.

Alleria nods, "there was another in the palace, but we need something to get past the guards."

"...we do have a tank." Almeda suggests, "Or optic cloaks..."
>Use tank to enter Duchess' castle
>infiltrate into castle
>Go to Graggen.
>Go to Havelsberg.

>>1726784
>>Go to Graggen.

>>1726784
>Infiltrate into the castle

[there is a method to undo the fae's alterations, in case you were wondering, but like all things, it must be found.]

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1726784

>>1726788
>>1727048
You decide to hold off on breaking into the castle of the duchess. On spotting the tank, Alleria whips out a device and speaks into it.

Soon you hear a sound you never expected to hear, the high-pitched whine of jet engines. The unknown aircraft from before lowers over the group and a ladder extends.

"I'll follow from the air." Alleria and Lily are pulled up as the flying transport vanishes behind optic camo.

Your tank rolls down the road to Graggen. The guards tense at the sight of the war machine. Your guild card doesn't help them relax. It isn't until Uriel pops out that they let you in.

Gragged is notably brighter than the rest of the duchy, but you can still see the shifting shadows. Alleria touches onto the ground before your vehicle with Lily. It's lightly raining.

"Ah, so that town was Graggen? Let's hurry and find the anchor."

You make your way across the town. The opposite shore from the town seems to hold sunny lands again. Finally you reach the garrison fort of the city.

Clark looks it over, "The town guard is in here. They want Garvelton gone too, so if you want to recruit them to help drive him out, we can enter. I feel the anchor is by the docks."

The warlock shrugs, "Or we could split up. Pisteia and I could probably do this one alone."
>Split the group, meet up later at garrison.
>stay together

Your next action
>head to the docks
>head into garrison.
>head to Depot Sierra
>head to Havelsberg

>>1727058
>Split the group, meet up later at garrison.
It's safe here, easy decision.

>head to the docks
Find out what's happening down there and then go to the garrison.

>>1727150
Seconding

>>1727150
sure

>>1727150
Same

>>1727150
>>1727152
>>1727341
>>1727348
"We'll split up at the docks, meet up later at the garrison." You decide,

"Well, I suppose if that's what you want to do..." Clark shrugs as you drive down to the waterfront. Unlike Inisvale or Lethbridge, these docks are far more active, though you see a decided lack of fishermen. Oil lamps line the streets just in case, just like Inisvale. It's mostly smaller riverboats though, you're not sure your ship could dock here if you brought it.

Clark hops off the tank, followed by the clatter of Pisteia. It looks kind of funny, since Clark looks so small.

"Right, be back later then. Good luck at the garrison!" Pisteia waves.

You fire the tank up and gun it back to the garrison, shocking a few of the residents before stopping in front of the fortress.

With the tank too large to enter, your team exits, though it doesn't seem like there's any need for it in this town.

The entry hall is a clear defensible position. Many guards occupy mounted defenses. Your mishmash of people seems to set a few on edge, but they let you pass. A duo of armored soldiers escorts you upstairs to the head of the guard.

"I heard you were with the bard. That means you can't be on the side of Inisvale... or rather, Garvelton. The duchess is nothing more than a puppet at this point." a grizzled veteran addresses you as you enter, "I am Commander Seskel Hallewel of this Esmor army station. Garvelton has stolen a duchy from the king, and we intend to get it back."

Esmor? That must be the name of the kingdom you are in.
Pick any 2 options.
>Offer your support in taking down Garvelton
>Discuss your plan in removing Garvelton.
>Ask about Esmor
>Ask why you haven't seen any Archivum in this duchy.
>Ask why Uriel is a special case to enter.

>>1727470
>>Discuss your plan in removing Garvelton.
>Ask why Uriel is a special case to enter.

>>1727470
>>Offer your support in taking down Garvelton
>Ask why you haven't seen any Archivum in this duchy.

>>1727470
>Offer support
>Ask about Uriel

>>1727470
>Offer your support in taking down Garvelton
>Ask about Esmor
>Ask why you haven't seen any Archivum in this duchy.
>Ask why Uriel is a special case to enter.

>>1727150
>>1727152
>>1727341
>>1727348
Splinting up when there are shadow horrors all round.... Hope she went with Clark or Uriel at least.

>>1727495
>>1727517
>>1727523
"I'm curious, why did you let us in when Uriel appeared?"

"That man is one of Garvelton's priority targets. Our spies in Inisvale have kept tabs on his hunter's guild. He'd passed though earlier by ferry, so we know he's not with the enemy." The commander moved a marker on the map laid before him. Sadly, it was only of Inis, so you weren't able to gain more information.

"We intend to take down Garvelton." You state, "We'd be willing to support your efforts."

"Just you guys? No offense, but we're going to need more than just a few people and a pre-war tank."

Alleria smirks, "How about that and the soldiers of Sierra Depot? Those are my assets."

The commander stares at the woman in white, "Th-those are yours? Maybe with them backing us we could breach the factory perimeter, but..."

"You would need to wait a bit. We're setting up a method to weaken the defenses." A pulse shakes through the room as Artoria speaks.

>four of seven anchors destroyed.

"So you'll back us up then?" The commander rubs his chin, pondering, "That might work, It's better than holding out for the royal army to reinforce us."

It appears you've gained the military backup of Graggen for the assault on the factories.
>Ask about Esmor Kingdom
>ask why you haven't seen any Archivum.
>leave garrison

>>1727583
>>ask why you haven't seen any Archivum.

>>1727583
>Ask about Esmor Kingdom
>ask why you haven't seen any Archivum.

>>1727590
>>1727610
"Where's the Archivum... aren't they present in all the regions?"

"They used to be, until a few days ago..." The commander's expression darkens, "Under Garvelton's advice, the duchess put out an execution order on all archivum staff in the duchy for their use of magic. They blamed the whole event on them. The noboilty has always been at odds with the Archivum, so it's no surprise how easy it was for him to get her ear that way." He looked down at the map, "If not for Lethbridge, the Archivum wouldn't be in Inis at all. We've managed to keep Graggen and Lethbridge under our control."

Interestingly, you are on good terms with both nobility and Archivum factions.

"I don't know a lot about Esmor..." You state, feigning ignorance.

"Not surprising. Most people just look at the duchies and consider them separate countries, but Esmor is ruled by the king in Korlanis. The many duchies that occupy the land here are such that few ever leave them."

"Thank you. I've got to meet up with others of my group now. We'll send you a message when we are ready to attack the factories."

"Alright. We'll be ready." The commander nods.

You meet up with Clark and Pisteia by the tank. They seem to have gotten something to eat while you were away.

"Word of warning, don't ever ask Clark about how his magic works." the armored woman states.

"...It couldn't have been THAT boring." Clark huffs, "I don't know how, but she can turn every conversation into sword techniques."

Where to?
>drive to Havelsberg
>drive to Depot Sierra
>drive to Inisvale

>>1727665
>>drive to Depot Sierra

>>1727676
Seconded

>>1727665
>Depot Sierra

>>1727676
>>1727776
>>1727872
"Right, Depot Sierra is next." You tell your group before they pile into the tank.

Again, Alleria stays out, "I'll go on ahead, see ya!" Her ladder descends and she's whisked away in an instant.

Yourtank rolls up to the gates of the depot. instantly you are caught in the lights as soldiers move up on either side.

"Interesting, almost looks Cold-war level." One remarks.

"Nah, Sponsons are first world war. This is like a hybrid of both." The other replies, "This is what the director mentioned, right?"

"Indeed I did." Alleria strides toward your vehichle from the lights, "Move forward, unless you are a fan of the spotlight."

You roll into a setting of military technological might. Buildings that are prefabricated, generators, tanks, and the flying transport, all arrayed in orderly fashion. The depot's elevator has been replaced with a stronger looking one, and you see a load of crates get pulled up and carted off.

For once you feel in your element. Stepping outside of the tank, you see soldiers moving from building to building, some even performing drills. Sure, they aren't Alainn's but they are close. This group must come from a country with a great deal of military history.

Alleria introduces you, "Welcome to Camp 1 of FEATHER. If you need food, I'll happily provide, but if you want our weapons and vehicles I'm afraid we are in limited supply."

Pick 3 Actions:
>Return the gun and helmet you found.
>Get food
>What is FEATHER?
>Why are you here?

>>1728042
>>Return the gun and helmet you found.
"These are yours, right? Found them inside an empty archivum building"

>>1728042
>>Return the gun and helmet you found.
>>Get food
>>What is FEATHER?

>>1728042
>What is FEATHER?
>Why are you here?
>Return the gun and helmet you found.

>>1728056
Supporting this.>>1728056

>>1728086
>>1728056
>>1728051
You provide the helmet and gun. Alleria takes them, "Oh, good, glad to see something given back from the scouting team. shame they didn't come with the soldier attached..." She hands it to one of the troopers, who rushes off, possibly to an armory.

"So... What is FEATHER?" You ask.

"Well, if you want the abbreviation it wouldn't make much sense. It's a very large floating structure that acts as a mobile operations base. Where we come from, it's one of the last bastions of civilization."

Clark frowns, "Because of the fae?"

"Because of fae AND other things. Most of the environment is destroyed." She states.

"So you came here?"

"Well, it's an intact, green world with substandard technology. Either we get to it first or someone else does." She shrugs, "Would you prefer the fae?"

You shudder.

"Great, we're in agreement!" Alleria responds, "However what you see here is merely an expeditionary force. Once we secure an anomaly we can fully move to this area."

"So you are going to conquer Inis?" Uriel asks.

"You make it sound like a bad thing. Look, this place gets exploited by a noble businessman with dark magic." You kind of get where she's coming from. Almeda shoots you a glance with a raised eyebrow.
>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)
>decide to keep an eye on FEATHER as a potential future threat.
>About that food...

>>1728364
>>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)

We have the same love for tech, and the same enemies. Once Alainin comes back, you guys could be a very valuable ally

>>1728364
>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)

>>1728364
>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)
Best try the diplomatic approach first.

>>1728364
>>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)
Similar goals. Similar tech. Similar tactics. I daresay they are our brothers and sisters from another world.

>>1728364
>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)
I like how these guys work.

>>1728364
>>We should discuss something in private, Alleria.
The more the merrier!

>>1728364
>>>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)

Yes, we start to rise.

>>1728364

>We should discuss something in private, Alleria. (try to recruit FEATHER into Alainn)

>>1728412
>>1728472
>>1728603
>>1728654
>>1728691
>>1729401
"Dr. Alleria, I feel I should talk to you in private about something..." You start. The scientist's eyes flash in response, a spark of interest.

"Oh? Let's talk in my office." You turn to the group and tell them to wait up for you, try the food or something. Clark knows what you're up to, but it doesn't seem like he cares, he just nods.

You follow Alleria into one of the prefabricated buildings. Ah! Climate control! How you missed it. The forests were humid but you never noticed it until now. She sits behind a desk, a strange flag you've never seen before behind her.

"So what might you want to discuss?"

"You have many similarities to our own nation, even tactics." You start.

"Okay, now I'm really intrigued. Your nation wouldn't consist of shotas and elves, would it? because that'd be strange as hell."

"What? No, we met a fae at the anomaly. Our nation is purely human."

"Ah, apologies. I'm surprised you survived. I've had a fae turn one of my troop transports into a dragon once on a scavenging run."

"They were eaten?" Almeda asks.

"No. Dragons need organs... then it attacked us. You're lucky to escape in that state." She clasps her hands, "So this nation of yours is technologically advanced... Why don't I see any of it?"

"It's in stasis after we won the grand war. We're allowing the planet to recover." You explain. Alleria nods.

"Would that we could do that, but the Fae would take us then. So this grand war... That's where the tank came from? How did you win?"

You and Almeda exchange a glance.

"Orbital weaponry. The other countries never saw it coming. We obliterated everyone from above."

"DAMN." Alleria leans back, impressed, "So is this a threat, or...?"

"We want you... to join up with us. And fight alongside and for Alainn. Once the country revives, I doubt any force on this world could oppose it."

"Hrm... Interesting. I can see a lot of benefits for FEATHER if we did this. What about you? What do you get from this?"

"We are scouts of the 13th legion... Alainn's elite, under the Grand General's command... We were supposed to have support from the 14th, but they've turned traitor and are hoarding resources... And might even plan to strike our nation in its slumber."

"Ah. I see. So if they do that, they take the country and all its resources, and then FEATHER has to deal with their version of Alainn..." Alleria ponders, "FEATHER will Ally with you on one condition: Autonomy. We might be a remnant of our country, but we greatly value our freedom."

"Very well, I'm sure the Grand General wouldn't be opposed." Actually, if you recall the Grand General was very amiable. There had never been a more humble ruler of Alainn.

>FEATHER has allied with Alainn. Their troops and resources can be called on for assistance if you have Artoria call for them.

Next action:
>rejoin group (food)
>visit armory

>>1729925
>>rejoin group (food)

We can hit the armory later, right now we need some food.

>>1729939
Supporting.

I knew our nation was badass!

>>1729925
>Orbital weaponry
Why is our country so great OP?
That said,
>rejoin group (food)

>>1729939
Supporting also hit on Pisteia

>>1729984
Tried that before, didn't go do well...

>>1729981
>>1729939
>>1729969
>>1729984
[We will have more explanations of why Alainn is so badass soon!]

You and Almeda make your way back to your group. You find that the group is sitting and eating unusual food. Lilly offers you a paper bowl.

"What are these?" You ask.

"Onion rings! They're deep-fried, breaded onions!" Lily replies. This leaves one question... what the hell are onions? You take a tentative bite. It's really good!

"Don't eat just those, try the other foods!" grilled bread and cheese... meat set into a bun with vegetables(?) on it... a round flatbread with a reddish sauce and cheese atop it.

Otherworld food is strange, but delicious.

You sit across from Pisteia, "So, how's it going? I must say you are looking fine."

The knight nearly chokes on her meal, "Ace, if you say that while looking like a little kid, I really can't take you seriously!"

Oh, right, you look much younger... Flirting is going to be much harder. Alleria appears with her own food, crunching something from a bag.

"So, where to next?"
>Take Inisvale castle to destroy the anchor.
>Move on Havelsberg to destroy that anchor.
>You want to see the armory first.

>>1729999
>>You want to see the armory first.
>Move on Havelsberg to destroy that anchor

>>1729988
We she did say that we look cute now, so why waste a chance

>>1729925
Holy crap. Orbital weaponry?

>>1729999
>Move on Havelsberg to destroy that anchor.
Will checking the armoury take some time? If it is, let's do that briefly. If it isn't, let's check that later when we are going for bigger targets while setting up a plan back here.

>>1730000
>>1730007
[You have yet to even see what the Zericans had.]

"I want to see your armory..." You say. Alleria steps aside, waving you to the elevator.

The trip down is smoother than the Otharthurian original, and the FEATHER troops had added much-needed lights. The sprawling garage and control center of the depot is revealed, holding host to many vehicles you've never seen, all ground craft. A reactor pulses in the back.

"Impressive, right?" You never saw Alleria behind you when you entered, "The man I am chasing invented that reactor back there. we have two allowing us to power everything we could ever want."

You look at the weapons. Most are hybrids, energy-based or ammo-based, but some od ones stand out... locked in very secure crates.

"Ah... those. Those weapons are not normal. They seem to... defy reality. I'm chasing someone very important. They made those. And who knows what they made here."

You head up the elevator after touring the technological wonders. When Alainn awakens, trade with FEATHER would greatly benefit.

"How did you get this advanced?"

"Our nation was... founded on war. We fought wars through history for ourselves and later others... but at some point, everyone was against us. So... everyone lost." She says sadly.

You reach your group, thinking about what you saw and heard.

"We're dealing with Havelsberg."

The tank roars down the road. One of the FEATHER vehicles follows. You find the town gates blocked. A man in robes stands at the door.

"Only followers of Lord Garvelton are welcome here. You have earned his wrath."

The FEATHER vehicle stops next to yours, "Oh, is that so? I brought a day pass." One of the locked away weapons pops out, aiming at the gate and the robed guard. Then with a flash, both targets are nothing but ash.

"Alright then, we have cultists. What's the plan?"
>shoot way to anchor
>just run over anyone stupid enough to block a tank.
>Get out and fight.

>>1730037
>just run over anyone stupid enough to block a tank.

>>1730037
>>just run over anyone stupid enough to block a tank.

>>1730037
>shoot way to anchor
Just with the small guns, we don't have to blow buildings unless it's necessary, but I don't want to take chances.

>>1730276
Supporting this.

Just over people and use our secondary weapons when appropriate.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1730041
>>1730044
>>1730533
Your tank plows ahead, armor and treads ignoring whoever dares cross your path. You save yourself a lot of ammunition and energy just by crushing whatever crosses with the tank.

When you finally reach the anchor site, you stop. The FEATHER vehicle rolls up behind.

"That was really something. You'd think they'd get the hint after the third guy that you weren't stopping." Alleria steps from her vehicle, shooting her pistol at someone on approach.

The anchor before the tank has been placed in the open, behind the sign of a factory. Clark and Pisteia break it apart, causing a pulse and the region to lighten.

>Anchor five of seven destroyed.

More people in cloaks started to appear, some bearing more impressive weapons. deciding it's time to go, your group piles into the tank and plows your way back into the forest.

You are just in time to see a pale horror burst from inside the factory and lurch towards your tank before you are back in the treeline.

Once you are in the clear, you stop your vehicle. Alleria hops out of hers, "So... only two left. The factories will have to be the final assault, so that means the palace one is left."

She pulls out a communications device, "Would you prefer to go loud and hit it from the front, or go in quiet and infiltrate?"
>Go loud (Tank)
>Go quietly (You, Almeda, Pisteia, Clark, Alleria, and Lily only)

>>1730681
>>Go quietly (You, Almeda, Pisteia, Clark, Alleria, and Lily only)

File: dropship.png (1.8 MB, 1920x1080)

1.8 MB PNG

>>1730689
"We'll need to go in quietly..." You decide. Alleria nods.

Your convoy returns to Depot Sierra. Your infiltration team assembles, and Alleria has you enter the transport aircraft.

It's a bit jarring to feel the floor lurch as it lifts off. The aircraft flickers outside as the doors close. Pisteia clings to one of the walls.

"I am not a fan of this!" She cries, "The tank was better!"

Clark chuckles, "Please, it's just like an airship."

"This is nothing like an airship!"

Your aircraft lowers near the battlements as the door opens, allowing your team to vacate. Clark and Pisteia vanish under a magical spell of concealment, but Almeda and you use your optic camo cloaks. Alleria and Lily warp in form, mimicking palace guards.

"We could either head to the throne room and deal with the duchess and the anchor, or we could go to the armory and sabotage it to keep reinforcements from stopping us during the former."
>Attack the throne room
>Armory first, then throne room.

>>1730791
>>Armory first, then throne room.

>>1730791
>Armory first, then throne room.

>>1730804
>>1730803
Same

>>1730791
>Armory first, then throne room.

Always secure weapons first.

>>1730803
>>1730804
>>1730824
>>1730844
Your team sneaks into the armory. It's... not impressive. The stone walls hold armor, bows, spears, swords, and a few 'rifles' if you can call them that. Alleria coughs.

"So... I was expecting more than... well, this. This is crap-quality steel."

Clark shrugs, "So we take whatever's valuable metal-wise and melt the rest!"

>You have obtained 20 gold sword hilts and handles.

You move from the armory (now full of piles of melted steel.) to the throne room.

The duchess is seated on her throne. a great etching in the stone behind her glows, the anchor. Many guards line the room Your force moves in, only two 'guards' visible.

From the crystals lining the hall, the Duchess is apparently a powerful mage. She'll be a major obstacle.

Clark glares at her, "Dabbling in the arts too, I see..." his voice barely reaches you.

You need to figure out a plan to deal with that anchor.
>Reveal yourselves, take out everyone in the room.
>Snipe the duchess, take out the guards next.
>use grenades to take out guards first, battle duchess.

>>1730963
>>Snipe the duchess, take out the guards next.
If we can get the magic user out quickly

>>1730963

Take out the Duchess first, from range.

Have Clark keep Pistea under cloak, and they flank around to hit the anchor while the Duchess and the Guards are busy with us. They can then hit the Duchess from behind after the Anchor is destroyed.

>>1730963
>Snipe the duchess, take out the guards next.

>>1730965
>>1730980
>>1730988
You sight your rifle, centering on the noblewoman's head. One pull of the trigger, and she is no longer an issue. The guards panic, looking where the shot could have come from and rushing to the duchess. As she collapses, vile-looking energy is released from her body, enveloping the guards.

Their forms writhe painfully before sprouting new limbs and tendrils while their muscle mass builds. The duchess is dead.

Clark and Pisteia move around to flank and reach the anchor. Lily, Almeda, Alleria and you are left with the shambling abominations that were once men.

Lily gleefully charges in, her form warping to one far more horrifying as she jumps on top of one of the guards. Alleria's guise falls off like a shell, her pistol firing a bolt of hot plasma into one of the nearest guards, melting its legs. She takes another step and executes it before firing on another one.

Almeda has gone loud with her rifle, which, due to lack of heavy assault upgrades, is firing single shot, but having quite the power boost from her engineering module.

You, on the other hand, have the benefit of rapid fire and more ammo packs than you could ever need.

>Roll 4 d20s, highest result wins

Rolled 19, 2, 15, 17 = 53 (4d20)

>>1731002

Rolled 12, 13, 6, 20 = 51 (4d20)

>>1731002

Rolled 19, 18, 16, 9 = 62 (4d20)

>>1731002

>>1731021
>>1731011
>>1731009
>62
Your rifle roars as you pelt the monstrosities with a hail of gunfire. Your bullets seem to rip through their bodies like paper. While your onslaught occurs, Var plunges her sword into the anchor. The world pulses for a moment, then a force rips through what's left of the guards.

>One anchor remains.

The throne room is now yours. You dig through the bodies, and find Duchess Inis's signet. What good it does you.

Yogto back atop the roof of the castle and get picked up by the aircraft again, much to Pisteia's dismay. Within moments, you are back at Sierra.

The final battle approaches.

The forces you've gathered are poised to strike. How will you begin?
>Use Graggen soldiers as spearhead, back up with FEATHER troops, you deal with anchor.
>Attack from two directions, with Greaggen from the city and FEATHER from the forest. Slip in the middle.
>You attack from the sea using your ship. Graggen and FEATHER hit from behind while the attention is on you.

File: v2 explain.png (48 KB, 134x146)

48 KB PNG

[I will be going to a convention, so regrettably I will not be able to post the next thread of Cold Soldier Quest until the 7th.

However, that WILL happen, and I do have a twitter: https://twitter.com/IrateResearcher where I will update when the next thread starts.

It will open with whatever attack you choose, of course, though I might need to make a separate post for your accomplishments so far.]

>>1731072
>Attack from two directions, with Greaggen from the city and FEATHER from the forest. Slip in the middle.

This appears to be the safest option to me, as it is fuckhard to defend on two opposite fronts and keep a tight defense on other points of entry.

>>1731072
>>Attack from two directions, with Greaggen from the city and FEATHER from the forest. Slip in the middle.

>>1731094
Supporting this.

>>1731072
>Attack from two directions, with Greaggen from the city and FEATHER from the forest. Slip in the middle.
We should coordinate well, and hit simultaneously from each other's sides simultaneously, don't want one side taking too much of their firepower.

>>1731072
>>Attack from two directions, with Greaggen from the city and FEATHER from the forest. Slip in the middle.