>>2357509
>Talk to the Town Guard about the state of the roads.

>>2357509
>Proceed to leave.

>>2357509
>Talk to the Town Guard about the state of the roads.

>>2357509
>>Talk to the Town Guard about the state of the roads.

>>2357509
>>Talk to the Town Guard about the state of the roads.

>>2357509
>>Check in on the Guild for info about monsters.

>>2357509
>Talk to the Town Guard about the state of the roads.

Would rather buy stuff in the wolf tailled folk village. Maybe get some weirdwood.

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>>2357509
You watch as the rest of your expanded party begin to rouse, particularly those who didn't have to worry about night watch. Nino was already up and about, chasing away the village children who were gathering around the enchanted caravans in curiosity, sparks flying from her fingers as she does so. You suppose she didn't want to risk having anybody tamper with such precious materials.

Elias was already in his wagon, his skull face covered with a cloth so as not to panic the townspeople. While his face was well known and familiar in Eisenwand, it was a different story for pretty much anywhere else.

And you caught sight of Morgan trying to control Janice and Artya, keeping them from wandering around the town since they were supposed to be traveling incognito, and they would be leaving soon anyways.

Either way, the caravan wasn't going to be leaving just yet with all this temporary chaos, so you head over to the gate where the Town Guards were stationed. You manage to catch the guard captain, who was overseeing the shift change.

"Ah, Ashwalker." The guard captain nods to you as you approach. Looks like that name has even reached out here. "Going for a long one, huh?"

You nod in confirmation.

"If you're here to ask about the roads, well, it's a bit of good news and bad.' The captain sighs. "All the roads leading east back to Eisenwand are pretty clear. No signs of activity. Guess that Elf exodus spooked even the bandits."

Well, your trip here was completely uneventful, so that was something you already knew.

"On the other hand, that means they've been picking up stakes and moving farther west, where you're going." The captain grunts. "I wouldn't recommend lone travelers taking the main road out, but you're hardly alone here."

You nod again. You had a rather large and colorful party.

"Still, they've been getting more aggressive and sophisticated. Maybe the Elves are helpin' them out again." The captain grunts. "Or you can just take the fight straight to 'em. Some returning adventurers reporting a possible location of their camp, if you want to take it out."

You shrug. It might be something to consider on the way.

"And, well, if you're looking for any alternatives, there's an old logging trail you can use to bypass the main roads." The Captain continues. "But, well, they've been pretty neglected in the past few years and who knows what's taken up residence on them."

>Take the main road, You're ready for any trouble.
>Take the offense against the bandits. Get rid of a potential headache.
>Use the old logging trails to bypass the bandits.
>Other

>>2357509
>Talk to the Town Guard about the state of the roads.

>>2357668
>Take the main road, You're ready for any trouble.

>>2357668
>>Take the offense against the bandits. Get rid of a potential headache.

>>2357668
>Take the offense against the bandits. Get rid of a potential headache.

WE MUST CLEANSE THE ROAD OF HERETICS!!

>>2357668
>Use the old logging trails to bypass the bandits

Shame we don't have any Phoenix iconography on us. That would fit our Ashwalker title.

>>2357668
>>Use the old logging trails to bypass the bandits.

>>2357668
>Take the main road, You're ready for any trouble.

>>2357668
>Take the main road, You're ready for any trouble.
We fear nothing!

>>2357668
>>Take the offense against the bandits. Get rid of a potential headache.

>>2357668
>Take the offense against the bandits. Get rid of a potential headache

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>>2357668
>>Take the offense against the bandits. Get rid of a potential headache.

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>>2357668
You nod and give a thumbs up to the guard captain, letting him know you're thankful for the information.

"Safe journey, Ashwalker." The guard captain nods and the turns back to continue ordering his men around.

You head back for the caravan. The rest of the party has awoken by now, and were in the midst of eating breakfast. Janice, Artya, Nino, and Caroline were eating with wild abandon, with an exasperated Naru, Valentia, and Justine making sure they didn't choke themselves by accident. Niko obviously was amused at this situation as she watches from a safe distance. Must be nice for her to have few responsibilities.

"Hey, you need to eat." Morgan says as she hands you a plate full of sausages and eggs. "We're not going to be eat food like this on the road all the time, so you better enjoy it while you can."

You nod in thanks to Morgan as you take the plate from her.

"So, you've got that look." Morgan grunts as you raise your helmet just enough to get a bit of egg.

You look at her curiously, and Morgan's cheeks blush a bit.

"I can tell by the way you walk, you know. All gearing up for a fight. You're gonna go wreck someone, right?"

You nod and give her a thumbs up. That's pretty good intuition on her part.

"W-well." Morgan coughs, trying to shrug off the compliment. "You want to get the others in on this? Or keep it small?"

>Might as well get everyone involved.
>We'll just keep it within our main party.
>Other

>>2357820
>>We'll just keep it within our main party.

>>2357820
>We'll just keep it within our main party.

>>2357820
>>Might as well get everyone involved.

>>2357820
>>We'll just keep it within our main party.

>>2357820
>We'll just keep it within our main party

>>2357820
>>Might as well get everyone involved.

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>>2357820
>>Might as well get everyone involved.

>>2357865
What are those elves doing there.

>>2357882
meat shields?

>>2357882
They are half-elfs it's not their fault

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>>2357820
You just point to yourself and Morgan. You'll keep things small. Your own little party should be able to handle it.

"Right." Morgan nods. "Smaller groups would be able to move faster with less chance of detection. Though we should probably inform Elias, at least."

You nod in response and quickly finish up your breakfast. You were wasting Sol's precious light just milling around here.

"Oh? Clearing out some bandits?" Elias chuckles when you and Morgan, well, Morgan, explains what you plan to do. "I suppose it would be to our advantage to eliminate potential threats to the expedition."

"So you're fine with it?" Morgan asks.

"I have no objections." Elias nods. "The Twins and Valentia should be more than enough to protect the caravan, especially if you'll be attacking their main camp. Though I must ask, will you be planning on merely scattering them or exterminating them utterly?"

"Why do you want to know?" Morgan raises an eyebrow.

You also look to him curiously as his eyes smolder in a ruby red color.

"Just curious. It's in my nature to be, after all." The Archmage chuckles.

>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them.
>We end the threat permanently. No survivors.
>Other

>>2357991
>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them.

>>2357991
>>We end the threat permanently. No survivors.

>>2357991
>>We end the threat permanently. No survivors.

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>>2357991
>>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them.

>>2357991
>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them

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>>2357991
>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them.

The one thing that worries me the most is the disturbing absence of DEMONS in all of our adventures.

>>2357991
>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them.
Outta the way fools!

>>2357991
>>We don't want to waste too much time. We're just planning on scattering them.

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>>2358056
>implying that the elves aren't secretly making deals with them in an unholy alliance.

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>>2357991
You just shrug and make a swatting motion with your hand. While you would like nothing more than to wipe out the bandits, it wasn't your main quest and you didn't have the time to waste. Besides, it would be enough to prevent them from being able to mount any sort of organized ambushes on your caravan as you traveled.

"Ah, fair enough, then." Elias says, understanding your meaning. "Then I suggest you go on ahead while we prepare for departure. I'm sure you can still catch the bandits in the camp if you do."

You nod and wave at the rest of your party to form up.

Nino and Niko are instantly right up in front of you, while Naru just groans and slowly and reluctantly makes her way over.

"What are we gonna do now?" Nino's eyes sparkle.

"Is it gonna be more fighting?" Niko's eyes also sparkle.

"It sure as hell is going to make my job harder." Naru groans from the back.

"We're going to move ahead of the caravan and clear out some bandits." Morgan explains. "Just the regular stuff."

"Yes! That means I can use the big spells!" Nino squeals.

"Oh no..." Naru sighs.

You then hear Romulus bark and you turn to see him being tightly hugged in Artya's arms. The masked foxgirl simply stares at you. You get the feeling that she wants to come along, too.

>Let her come.
>She should stay with the caravan.
>Ask her if Janice knows.
>Other

>>2358094
>>Let her come.

>>2358094
>Let her come

Reminder that fox tails have floof, cats have sass, dogs wag, and bunnies have cute small ones.

>>2358094
>Let her come

>>2358094
>>Let her come.

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>>2358094
>>Let her come.

>>2358094
>>Let her come.

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>>2358094
You just give a simple nod, and Artya suddenly perks up and leaps into your wagon ahead of every one else. Romulus is quick to follow her. She seemed very excited to be going out with you on this. You wonder why, but don't feel it's in your place to ask her.

Not wanting to waste any more time, the rest of your party loads up in your enchanted wagon and start heading out. The guard captain is nice enough to provide you with the possible location of the camp on your map, and as Nino guides the wagon out to the road, you take the chance to really look at it.

Judging from the general area, you're guessing that the bandits have set up on an elevated hill in the woods. That would certainly provide them a defensive advantage as well as a commanding sightline of the surrounding area. Not exactly impregnable, but not an easy assault, either. It was still early in the day, so you might be able to catch the bandits unprepared if you hurry, but you'd have to forgo fully scouting and surveying the land. A potentially dangerous tradeoff.

But if you tarried too long, it would also give them time to get more alert as the morning carried on.

>You have to move as fast as possible.
>Take your time and scout the area first.
>Other

>>2358191
>You have to move as fast as possible.

>>2358191
>>You have to move as fast as possible.

>>2358191
>You have to move as fast as possible.

>>2358191
> you have to move as fast as possible

They will be equally unprepared that way. And we have EXPLOSIONS. Nobody expects everything to suddenly blow up.

>>2358191
>Other

Just putting it out there for discussion, less than a vote.

Have we considered using the bandits against the Elves?

>>2358191
>>You have to move as fast as possible.

>>2358242
Bad plan elves don't have gold for then to loot.

>>2358191
>Other:"Ask if Nino can use some kind of scry magic"

>>2358277
I think bandits just go for any kind of booty.

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>>2358191
You decide not to waste any time and pat Nino on the shoulder, pointing on the map.

"Okay! Full speed we goooooo!" Nino grins. "Everybody hold on! We're gonna be going FAST!"

"Is this going to be- AHH!" Morgan yelps as the wagon lurches forward at a much greater speed, the floating contraption not held down by simple things like gravity or friction.

Despite the speed, Nino is able to maneuver the large and ungainly wagon as close to the bandit camp as possible until you finally motion for her to stop and park it in some concealing brush. You then take a quick headcount. There was you, Morgan, Nino, Naru, Niko, and Artya. Oh, and Romulus too. The seven of you against a bandit camp of who knows how many enemies.

You all head up to the treeline of the clearing, where you could see the hill and small camp atop of it. You could see that the camp was somewhat fortified, with wooden stakes jutting out of the hillside in a large ring to keep the wildlife out. Further in, you caught sight of tents and huts. Several columns of smoke were rising from cooking fires. This was definitely a rather major base. Probably at least a few dozen bandits to work through.

"So how do we approach this?" Morgan asks.

Well, you could just start out loud. Have Nino open up with a magical barrage for some instant impact. However, you had to be careful. If Nino used up all her mana early in the fight, it might leave her unable to deal with any surprises the bandits could be holding in reserve.

Then you had Morgan, Niko, and Artya. They could conceivably sneak in and raise havoc within the camp, giving the opening you need to charge in.

Or, well, you could just charge in first and attract the bandits' attention, making them easy targets for the rest of your party.

>Have Nino open up with a big spell.
>Have your sneaky members do their thing.
>Charge in draw attention.
>Other

>>2358297
>>Have Nino open up with a big spell.

>>2358297
>>Have Nino open up with a big spell.

Time to play into everyone's expectations as to what the "Ashwalker" would do.

>>2358297
>>Have Nino open up with a big spell.
tell her to make sure she has some juice left to use in case of a problem

>>2358297
>Have Nino open up with a big spell.

>>2358297
>>Have Nino open up with a big spell.

>>2358297
>>Have Nino open up with a big spell.

>>2358297
> Charge up to draw them out while sneaky people flank.

>Have Nino open up with a big spell when they come out clustered together. We charge in hard to follow it up while sneaks penetrate to the back and start a fire in the camp.

Everything is now burning and some.e dude is wrecking shit. I feel like the bandits will be all "fuck this I'm out."

>>2358297
>Have your sneaky members do their thing.

So Merc when are you going to show the backslash for Nino using all this spells? I remember Ellias saying this wasn't healthy for her.

>>2358343
>inb4 DEMONS

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>>2358369
>inb4 demon Nino

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>>2358343
Ahahahaha!

I'll just say that it's a good thing she rolls so consistently well!

>>2358297
You nod to Nino. A frontal assault like this was going to need a big opening move.

"All right!" Nino grins as she stands up and cracks her knuckles. "One big spell, coming right up!

As she raises her arms, you can feel a buzz in the air as latent energy and mana begin to build up. You also notice the rest of your party taking cover. Even Artya, who instinctively realizes something big is about to happen.

>Fire spell. Highly destructive, but highly dangerous.
>Freeze spell. Slow enemy movement and attack.
>Earth spell. Destroy enemy fortifications.
>Other

>>2358383
>Earth spell. Destroy enemy fortifications.

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>>2358383

>>2358383
>Fire spell. Highly destructive, but highly dangerous.

>>2358383
>>Earth spell. Destroy enemy fortifications.

>>2358383
>>Earth spell. Destroy enemy fortifications.

>>2358383
>Earth spell. Destroy enemy fortifications

>>2358383
>>Freeze spell. Slow enemy movement and attack.

>>2358383
>Earth spell. Destroy enemy fortifications.

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>>2358383
Suddenly, the ground begins to rumble and shake as Nino works her magic...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2358423
Here comes the snow.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2358423

Make some magic, one way or the other

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2358423

>>2358435
FATE POINT FATE POINT FATE POINT

>>2358435
fuck

>>2358435
And just when we were talking about Nino's magic possibly harming her.

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>>2358435
Uh oh! That's a 1 there!

Would you like to spend a FATE POINT to negate it? You currently have 2!

>Y
>N

>>2358455
Y

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>>2358435

>>2358455
>Y

>>2358455
>Y

>>2358455
>N

Gibe me suffering or else anons will never learn.

>>2358455
N

>>2358455
>>Y

>>2358455
.Y

>>2358455
> N

>>2358455
>>Y

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>>2358455
>FATE POINT USED
>1 point remains!

Suddenly, the hill seems to raise up several feet like a spike jutting out from the ground before slamming back down to its original level. Rock and earth shatters and cracks, creating crevices in the ground and demolishing the relatively flimsy wooden palisade surrounding the hill. Tents and huts buckle and collapse and fires begin to rage as flammables are knocked over onto the campfires.

However, the bandits appeared to be relatively unharmed, as they all start dashing about trying to salvage what remained of their ruined camp. However, it didn't seem they noticed your presence just yet.

Nino squats down, taking some deep breaths as she appears winded from the effort. She then notices you looking at her and just smiles and gives you a thumbs up.

"That should do it!" She pants. "Don't worry about me, go get 'em!"

"I'll keep an eye on the squirt." Naru assures you as she kneels down next to Naru. "You go do your thing."

Artya, sensing opportunity, draws her knife and begins dashing forward toward the camp.

>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.
>Let her do her thing. She can take care of herself.
>Other

>>2358505
>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

>>2358505

>Other

They can't focus on her if we're beating in their faces. Let's race her to smite some evil.

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>>2358505
>>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

Last thing we need is a bunch of party members losing control of themselves

>>2358505
>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

>>2358505
>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

>>2358505
>>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

>>2358505
>>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

>>2358505
>>You need to rein her in. You don't want to lose sight of her.

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>>2358505
You quickly grab Artya by the collar, arresting her movement. You give her one warning glare and point to the ground next to you. She was going to stay near you at all times. After all, she wasn't officially part of the party and was a unknown quantity. You weren't sure if you could trust her to just run off on her own like that.

Artya nods reluctantly as she seems to understand your intent. Meanwhile, Morgan and Niko dash forwards to take up the vanguard. Morgan sets up behind a toppled palisade and starts letting arrows loose. Niko disappears from sight, but you knew she was still present.

It seemed that the bandits were now starting to realize they were under attack and were regrouping. Now that you were closer, you could see that there was a secondary compound in the center of the camp. It was collapsed and ruined like the rest of the camp, but it was still clearly acting as a rally point.

>Assault directly into the center.
>Focus on intercepting the stragglers.
>Other

>>2358561
>>Assault directly into the center.

>>2358561
>Assault directly into the center.

>>2358561
>Assault directly into the center.

>>2358561
>Assault directly into the center.

We really need some smoke, and ember effects enchanted onto our armor. Or maybe even a dragon themed helmet bellowing ashes and cinders.

>>2358561
>>Assault directly into the center.

>>2358577
Well now we know what to order from the mages.

>>2358561
>Assault directly into the center.

Hopefully no one will go after Nino and Naru while we assault then.

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>>2358561
You tap Artya on the shoulder and motion for her to follow you as you charge in towards the center compound. The foxgirl nods and follows your lead while Romulus bounds in alongside you.

There's a small pile of toppled palisade logs separating you from the bandits, but it's a simple matter to leap over them...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2358609

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2358609

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2358609

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2358609

>>2358609
leap over?? just ran though them

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>>2358609
You burst into the center compound, halberd ready as a dozen bandits turn in surprise at your arrival. They were all lightly armored of course, but they were all carrying a variety of arms ranging from swords, knives, clubs, and more. They all hesitate when they see your black armor.

You hear a war cry behind you that's instantly cut off as a straggler comes up behind you, only for Morgan to plant an arrow directly into his back. Looks like she and Niko would keep the other bandits from getting in behind you.

"Well, what you standing there, for?!" One of the bandits, an obvious leader since he was actually wearing armor and wielding a giant battle axe, yells. "It's just two of 'em! Get them!"

Romulus growls at the implied slight as Artya bends down, drawing upon her feral instincts and abilities.

>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.
>Get rid of the other bandits first.
>Other

>>2358629
>>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2358629
>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.

Call out our name and battle cry. Let them know that we're the ash walker.

>>2358629
>>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.

>>2358629
>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.

>>2358629
>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.

Cut the head of the snake.

>>2358629
>>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.

>>2358629
>Go for the leader while Artya and Romulus handle the others.
>>2358642
And the body will wither.

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Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d20)

>>2358629
You nod to Artya, who finally lets loose. Romulus charges forward with a howl, but you notice, now hat you're closer, that Artya makes no sound at all from her mouth as she lunges in, knife glinting in Sol's light.

The bandits instinctively track Artya's movements, giving you the opening you need to charge in straight at the bandit leader.

>Roll 1d20

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Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>2358668

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2358668
DIE!

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2358668

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2358668
Rolling

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2358668

>>2358668
That . . . Axe? It hurts my soul.

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>>2358668
One of the bandits attempts to get in your way, but you easily plow straight through him and knock him aside as you head directly for your quarry. The bandit leader scowls and prepares to swing his axe, but you're faster. You continue your charge in and slam his chest with a brutal shoulder check, forcing him back several steps, but he's not out completely. With a desperate battle cry, he swings his axe again, this time in a downward slamming motion.

>Sidestep and avoid the attack.
>Use your halberd to block the strike.
>Take the hit with your armor and counterattack.
>Other

>>2358696
>Sidestep and avoid the attack.

>>2358696
>>Sidestep and avoid the attack.

>>2358696
>>Use your halberd to block the strike.
then puch him in his bitch face

>>2358696
>Take the hit with your armor and counterattack

>>2358696
>>Sidestep and avoid the attack.

>>2358696
>>2358702

If we step in to the strike it will lose a lot of power too. So it won't be as bad as it sounds.

>>2358696
>Sidestep and avoid the attack.

>>2358696
>Sidestep and avoid the attack.

>>2358696
>>Sidestep and avoid the attack.

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Rolled 11, 2 = 13 (2d20)

>>2358696
Such a heavy, telegraphed attack. It should be fairly simple to dodge...

>Roll 1d20+2

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Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2358726
Time for dice!

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2358726

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2358726

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Rolled 3, 16, 9 = 28 (3d20)

>>2358726
...

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>>2358737
You swiflty sidestep the axe swing, which slams down and embeds itself into the ground. You quickly respond with a lightning jab of the butt of your halberd, crushing the bandit leader's nose and forcing him back yet again.

Meanwhile, Artya was tearing her way through the other bandits, who couldn't even hope to match her movements. Three of them were already down, with a fourth disabled by Romulus clamping down tight on his arm. The remaining bandits seem to have completely forgotten about you and were surrounding Artya, but she didn't seem phased at all. She continues to glare at them from under her mask, waiting for them to come.

You return your attention to your own battle. The bandit leader look to be furious now.

"You self righteous bastard!" He roars as he lunges forward for another swing. A wide, arcing horizontal one this time. "EAT THIS!"

>Duck
>Block
>Counterattack
>Other

>>2358740
>Counterattack

>>2358740
>>Block

>>2358740
>Counterattack

>>2358740
>Counterattack

I'm actually rather surprised our standard halberd carried us this far in our journey.

>>2358740
>Counterattack

This guy stupid or what? Our halberd has much more reach then his axe.

>>2358747
Nah man, the templar is just that good with it.

>>2358740
>Counterattack

>>2358740
>Counterattack

Might as well catch him mid-swing and punch him in the gut/face.

>>2358747
>>2358755
At this rate, it should be somewhat magical due to how much monster blood we cake it in.

Of course, that is also assuming we don't plan on having other permanent upgrades like magic enchantments, or even reforging it with dragonfire. Perhaps our own dragonflame if we ever gain the ability in our dragon form.

>>2358762
Make the Halberd pole out of weirdwood?

>>2358740
>>Block
grab it

>>2358764
Doesn't it have to be touching bare skin though? Maybe we could make some bitchin wooden horns....

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Rolled 16, 1 = 17 (2d20)

>>2358740
You decide it was time to end this now, with a simple and decisive counterattack. As the bandit leader swings his axe, you're already swinging your halberd back in response.

>Roll 1d20

>>2358767
Uh for some reason i tougth that carrying it would be enough. Besides a good way to put mana into it is by feeding monster blood to it.

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Maybe we can ask a dragon for some pointers, or techniques provided they don't try to eat us?

>>2358762
>>2358764

>Dragonforged Steel temporarily 'enchanted' (us breathing flames onto it) to be white hot. Melts regular steel as easily as a hot knife through butter.

If the sharp blade doesn't slice you in half, the enchantment will melt you in half.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2358768
Eat my knuckle sandwish scrublord

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2358768

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Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2358768
Here comes the snow.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2358768
CAST FIST

>>2358775
Well the bandit leader has lost all of his teeth.

>>2358773
I think enchanted steel would be enough to make the metal resistant to dragon fire. Then we coat it with our dragon breath (if we learn it) and use the heated steel as a weapon. melts you and your armor the same.

>>2358782
His teeth? We're already swinging the halberd, he'll be lucky to lose just an arm.

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Rolled 20, 19, 6 = 45 (3d20)

>>2358768
...

>>2358789
>20, 19
Welp, we brought along a murder machine.

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>>2358789
The bandit leader was nowhere near as fast as you were. Before he's even halfway done with his swing, you thrust forward with your halberd and slam the spear tip directly into his throat, where his armor doesn't protect. The bandit leader gives a pained gurgle and drops his axe with a loud thud. You casually lift your foot and kick the mortally wounded bandit leader off of your halberd, and he falls backward.

Well, with the leader slain, the rest of the bandits were sure to-

You then pause when you see the remaining bandits all slain, strewn about on the ground with a mix of wounds from tooth, claw, and blade. And in the midst of all of them stands Artya. There wasn't even a single drop of blood on her clothes as she casually wipes her blade clean on a dead bandit's shirt before sheathing it.

Romulus just whimpers, as if even he was taken off guard by Artya's casual ferocity.

>That's slightly concerning.
>You approve.
>Other

>>2358789
Why were we worried about her again? Also she is getting headpats. All good girls get one.

>>2358792
>You approve.

>>2358792
>>You approve.

>>2358792
>You approve.
Very much

>>2358792
>That's slightly concerning.

>>2358792
>You approve.
>Victory headpats

>>2358792
>You approve.
>Other : Apply Heapats.

>>2358792
>You approve.

>>2358792
Headpat

Prepare tor jealousy

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Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2358792
...

>>2358811
She can't resist it!

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>>2358811
You pat Artya on the head. She did good.

Artya's body straightens up and stiffens at the unfamiliar contact, but she doesn't protest as her ears and tail twitch. Romulus growls jealously and you pat him on the head too for being a good boy.

"Aw nuts, did we miss the boss battle?" Niko groans as she appears out of nowhere, as she was wont to do. "Maaaaaaan, what a drag! You're powering through these way too fast now!"

"Seems like Artya's capable, though." Morgan grunts as she shoulders her bow. Her eyes dart from body to body, and you can tell she's reached the same conclusion you did.

You may just be imagining it, but was Morgan acting jealous? She didn't seem particularly happy. Then again, Morgan was always generally rather dour.

>Prod Morgan about it.
>Save it for later.
>Other

>>2358816
>Prod Morgan
>Apply headpats to Morgan
>Apply hugs to Morgan

>>2358816
>Save it for later.

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>>2358816
>Save it for later.

We can be 100% hers alone when we find a nice private spot like a natural hotsprings if the demi humans have one in the mountains.

>>2358816
>>Prod Morgan about it.

>>2358816
>Save it for later.
>Other: Find Nino. Then Loot the camp

>>2358816
>Save it for later.

>not softly pulling her tail while the others prob for loot

one job anon.

>>2358816
>>Prod Morgan about it.

>Boss Battle
What if this is just an MMO with people in the CyberIdol-Verse as the character?

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>>2358816
You decide you'll save it for later. In the meantime, you placate Morgan by patting her on the head as well. You were sure she was working hard to keep the rest of the bandits from overwhelming you and Artya.

Morgan simply smiles while Niko rolls her eyes and Artya just looks on in confusion.

"So predictable..." Niko chuckles.

"Y-you really shouldn't do that in public!" Morgan whimpers.

Meanwhile, you notice Artya already crouching down and rifling through the slain bandits' pockets and belongings while Romulus looked on curiously. Looks like Naru was going to have some competition...

>Loot the camp to see if you can find anything of use.
>You don't have time to dally. You need to catch up with the rest of the caravan.
>Other

>>2358829
>>Loot the camp to see if you can find anything of use.

>>2358829
>>Loot the camp to see if you can find anything of use.

>>2358829
>Loot the camp to see if you can find anything of use.

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>>2358829
>>Loot the camp to see if you can find anything of use.

Here's hoping we get some cool stuff.

>>2358829
>Loot the camp to see if you can find anything of use.

LOOOOOTT

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>>2358829
You decide there wasn't any harm in sticking around a bit to see if there was anything valuable in the camp to loot. A bandit band this big couldn't get as large as it was by picking pockets, after all.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2358846
LOOT.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2358846

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2358846

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At least it isn't bad enough to be bikini armor, or boobplate.

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>>2358846
Unfortunately, it looks like the pickings were fairly slim. Maybe the bandits hadn't been holding on to much loot, or maybe it was lost or destroyed by Nino's earthquake spell. Regardless, there wasn't much to find other than whatever pocket change and loose items Naru and Artya were able to pick off the bodies.

However, while you were searching through one of the collapsed tents, you found an intact chest, which you opened to find...

>A 2-handed weapon.
>Leather armor.
>A trinket.
>Other

I guess i shouldn't be sad if the bandits have poor loot it means that no travelers or merchant got ambushed by then.

>>2358860
>A trinket.

>>2358860
>A 2-handed weapon.

>>2358860
>Leather armor.

>>2358860
>>Leather armor.

>>2358867
>>2358866
Why?

>>2358860
>A trinket.

>>2358860
Changing >>2358865
To
>A trinket

>>2358860
>>A 2-handed weapon.

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>>2358860
You rummage through the chest and find a little trinket which appeared to be of some use...

PENDANT OF SOL: A golden necklace bearing the symbol of Sol. Often carried by clerics and paladins of the faith, these pendants are said to carry Sol's protection. Has a chance of protecting the wearer from an attack.

SERPENT ICON: Bearing the likeness of the snake-like dragons of the Orient, this necklace is often worn by ninja to win favor among the dragons so they may be carried upon the winds they control. Increases the wearer's movement speed.

MANA CRYSTAL: A rare, crystallized chunk of solid mana. Often sought out and treasured by mages, since such can greatly increase the wearer's magical ability.

>Icon of Sol
>Serpent Icon
>Mana Crystal

>>2358880
>>Serpent Icon

>>2358880
>Icon of Sol

>>2358880
>Serpent Icon

>>2358880
>>Serpent Icon

>>2358880
>>Icon of Sol

>>2358880
>Serpent Icon

i don't like the 'has a chance' part from the sol talisman.

>>2358880
>Icon of Sol

>>2358886
Also Niko is the only one from the group who doesn't have a small upgrade.

>>2358880
>>Icon of Sol

>>2358880
>Serpent Icon

>>2358880
>SERPENT ICON

>>2358880
>Serpent Icon
We speed-knight now.

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>>2358880
You find a Pendant of Sol, glinting in His light. A bandit camp was no place for such a sacred relic such as this. You quickly pocket it before Artya or Naru could get their hands on it.

"Hey! Heeeeeeey!" Nino chimes as she dashes in. "Looks like we've swept the camp! So we're all done! You ready?"

You nod as you get up and start walking over. It was good to see Nino getting her energy back.

"So, so, did you like the spell?" She asks eagerly like a puppy wanting to impress its master.

You nod and give her a head pat as well, eliciting a small giggle from her. You then pick her up and sit her down on your shoulder. Given the amount of mana she must have expended, she should be conserving her energy.

Unfortunately, as you return to the wagon, you get the feeling that Morgan and Artya were glowering at you. Was it because of your treatment of Nino...?

Truly, Sol must be testing you. Perhaps you should worry about what to do with the pendant later...

>And that's it for tonight! As always, next thread is next week, and don't forget Macross on Friday!

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>>2358904
Whoops, looks like I forgot to refresh the votes, so, uh, just change the Pendant of Sol to the Serpent Icon! Sorry about that!

>>2358904
Thanks for the run Merc. See you next time!

>>2358905
Thanks for running.

>>2358904
Thanks for running!

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>>2358904
See ya next run!

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Just a quick update, guys! Turns out I've got plans on Saturday so I'll have to bump this week's Frontier Knight thread to Sunday at around 4pm PST. See you then!