>>2492771
“Have you lost your mind, witch!?” one of the other patrons shouts as the young man who was mouthing off at you falls to his knees at your feet.

“The report said four yōma,” you muse quietly, glancing about the room with your silver eyes and ignoring the sole protest. “I've slain one, so that leaves two... three... four...”

You quietly count off as your heightened senses pick out the remaining yōma from their human shields. The big guy against the far wall, sitting alone in a booth with his ale. The skinny guy who was flirting with the bar maid when you walked in. And the fourth, a fat man whose ugly face makes you wonder if he even understands how a 'disguise' is supposed to work. But also...

“Damn it, Tomas,” you sigh, realizing that the discrepancy you thought you'd noticed wasn't just a trick of your overactive imagination. “Are you even trying anymore?”

>Call out the fat yōma, get at least one of your enemies to make a stupid first move.
>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.
>Convince them to transform, give the humans a chance to flee while they do so.
>Other?

>>2492778
>>Call out the fat yōma, get at least one of your enemies to make a stupid first move.
Cross your fingers and hope this doesn't turn into a hostage situation.

>>2492778
>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

>>2492778
>>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

>>2492778
>>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

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>>2492778
>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

>>2492778
>>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

Surprise attack go!

>>2492778
And for those of you who have no idea what's going on right now, welcome to Second Swords Quest. This quest uses the setting of an anime and manga called Claymore, following the efforts of an organization of all-female warriors called 'Claymores' who fight sadistic, man-eating monsters.

If you're not familiar with the setting don't worry: the canon characters and region won't make an appearance. So really, you won't be at any sort of disadvantage in terms of participation: aside from the basics it's going to be new for everyone.

Typically I'll leave 15 minutes between updates for voting, at the end of which I'll call for a roll of 3d10 against a stated DC taking the best of three. It's not an uncommon system, and it should be easy to catch on once we get started.

For now I'll leave voting open a bit longer than usual, so that folks can trickle in, but hopefully we'll gain momentum through the session.

>>2492778
>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

>>2492778
>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.

>>2492778
>>These yōma haven't shed their disguises, that gives you a chance to land another strike.
What rank are we?

>>2492818
I'm wagering this is just the intro, I could be wrong.

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>>2492818
Not sure, probably pretty low, considering we're not even a full-blooded Claymore, we're half or whatever, like Clarisse was.

>>2492818
Probably quite low so that we can get that tasty growth story.

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>>2492778
For normal humans, those without monster blood forcibly grafted into their bodies, yōma are an almost perfect predator. They're not so far beyond human ability that strong armor and a sharp spear couldn't be used to kill them, at least the least among their ranks. But yōma also have the ability to change their shapes, so that they look like humans: they can even look like specific people, like a sibling or a lover.

And because of that, it can be next to impossible for ordinary humans to fight against a yōma... because no yōma in their right mind would reveal themselves until they were certain to have the upper hand already, or until forced.

But you're different. Even the lowest ranked warrior of your organization is capable of sensing a yōma's presence, which gives you an advantage here. These yōma are still in their human disguises.

“Alright, then,” you smirk, hands tightening around the grip of your sword.

What color is its grip?
>Red: a red handle means an offensive warrior, capable of swift and powerful swordplay. However in exchange, offensive type warriors lose out on advanced regenerative abilities and durability.
>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.

>>2492867
>Red: a red handle means an offensive warrior, capable of swift and powerful swordplay. However in exchange, offensive type warriors lose out on advanced regenerative abilities and durability.
Makes sense if you're still going with the Bad Luck theme if you ask me.

>>2492867
>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.

>>2492867
>>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.

>>2492867
>>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.
We might have problems killing them, but our own survival is quite important.

>>2492867
>>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.

>>2492867
>>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.
regen is great, man

>>2492867
>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.
The ability to regen-tank is better than being a glass cannon.
Also our Claymore is No.47 then?

>>2492895
Think we're a single digit if I remember correctly?

>>2492867
>>>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.
Regen is king

>>2492895
I don't think we're the lowest rank, the narration didn't suggest it, but we're probably pretty low, yes.

>>2492904
Nah mate, single digits are the elites, I think we're low-rank.

>>2492867

>Green: a green handle means a defensive warrior, capable of taking hits and swiftly regenerating their bodies from damage. In exchange, their attacks are typically less lethal than an offensive type.
time to be a TANK.

>>2492908
If King didn't change from what he said earlier in one of the threads I'm pretty sure we're a single digit, Or at least in the 10-20's.

>>2492771
Actual spoilers ahead, don't read if you haven't finished the manga
Are we invading the mainland in this quest?

>>2492919
Oh? I'm going on what was discussed in the discord, and afaik we're kinda scrub-ish. *shrug*. Might be cool to be a single digit from the start, though.

>3d10, DC 15, critical 20
>best of three
These guys are all fairly low-level and unprepared. So while it's an opposed roll it SHOULD be fairly simple unless something unusual happens.

>>2492927
Eh I'm not up to date on the discord stuff, I just remember asking in thread before, Was in one of the Shinigami threads.

Rolled 5, 5, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>2492931

Rolled 5, 10, 2 = 17 (3d10)

>>2492931

>wake up
>forgot claymore quest was today
>fuck yeah

Rolled 8, 10, 9 = 27 (3d10)

>>2492931
>>2492932
ah, I don't follow Shinigami Savant, heh.

Rolled 6, 8, 3 = 17 (3d10)

>>2492931

Rolled 6, 8, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2492931
AAA MOTHERLAND

>>2492945
Damn, good roll right there. Good thing I was slow.

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>>2492945

>>2492945
And thus, claymore quest begins.

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>>2492957

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>>2492945

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>>2492778
Your hands tighten around the hilt of your sword... wrapped in green to denote that you've been classified as a “defensive-type” warrior. It's a blade almost as long from point to pommel as you are tall, with a foot-long hilt and curved quillons: a “Claymore”, after which you and your fellow warriors are commonly named. Each of these blades identifies you by type: green for defensive, red for offensive. The top ten warriors in the organization each bear a sword with a blue hilt, setting them apart. Each sword also has a personal symbol inlaid into the forte, identifying you as an individual among the thirty-five ranked warriors operating at any time.

And when you die, this sword will mark your grave.

You swing it in one hand, easily slicing through the nearest yōma: the fat, ugly-looking one, whose body falls in two pieces split from the crown of his head to his crotch on one stroke.

There are more screams from the taverngoers, most of whom either run for the door behind you or leap through the small wooden-framed windows if they don't think they can get around you.

“I'll kill you!” the big guy against the wall shouts, throwing aside his ale and barreling towards you. His body is already changing, his skin darkening to a deep, unnatural shade of purple and his facial features contorting. His muscles bulge in a sudden burst of speed...

He's underestimated you, of course.

>Block his assault with your blade and turn, embed your quillon into the side of his skull.
>Meet his charge with a thrust, then turn and behead him once his assault has been blunted.
>Throw your sword to meet him halfway, stunning him so you can follow with a second attack.
>Other?

>due to the critical, this will automatically be considered a success

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>>2492945
>>2492945

>>2492989
>>Meet his charge with a thrust, then turn and behead him once his assault has been blunted.
OMAE WO SHINDEIRU!

>>2492989
>>Block his assault with your blade and turn, embed your quillon into the side of his skull.

Defensive action to killy action!

>>2492989
>Throw your sword to meet him halfway, stunning him so you can follow with a second attack.

>>2492989
>Meet his charge with a thrust, then turn and behead him once his assault has been blunted.

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>>2492989
And for those of you who are wondering, this is a fingerpaint representation of the MC's emblem.

>>2492989
>Kill the skinny yoma first
Big guy is pretty far from any bystanders.

>>2492989
>other: Brace for impact and impale the incoming youma. then use the momentum to flip his corpse and toss it into the yoma leaning against the wall.

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>>2493003

>>2492989
>Meet his charge with a thrust, then turn and behead him once his assault has been blunted
Use his own momentum against him!

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>>2493003
huh
reminded me of this desu

>>2493031
itsperfect.jpg

>>2493031
Huh. I forgot about that, it's actually supposed to be a stylized maple leaf.
>few more minutes here

>writing

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>>2493076
You meet the charging yōma head-on with a powerful thrusting charge, combining your momentum and skewering him through the chest. The yōma's purple blood gets everywhere, though thankfully none of it manages to get on you at the very least, and before the blood can run down the length of your sword you withdraw it sharply.

With a turn on the ball of your foot, you execute the technique your personal style of swordsmanship revolves around. You tuck your arms in as close as possible to turn quickly, then at peak velocity you extend your arms to make a powerful, sweeping strike with the sword in your hands. It's all about building as much momentum as possible in an instant and delivering it with the greatest precision you can manage.

The sword slices through the yōma's body across its shoulders, cutting it cleanly in half.

Unfortunately the fourth yōma has started to think better about fighting you directly.

“Stand still, you pink-haired bitch!” the yōma barks, holding its claws to the terrified barmaid's neck. “Move another muscle and the woman gets her throat torn out!”

This... is a problem.

By the orders of the Organization, it's not allowed for you to take a human life under any circumstances, or to take any action that directly leads to the death of a human. Violation of those orders is punished by execution: a draconian rule meant to reassure the general public of where your loyalties lie.

“That's right,” the yōma hisses, tightening its grip on the woman in its claws. “No way am I getting myself killed by some low-ranked, half-demon whore! Toss it here.”

Having little other choice, you toss your sword so that it lands point-first a few paces over the yōma's right shoulder.

“Excellent,” it sneers, licking its lips. “I've never had the chance to eat the flesh of a Claymore before. I'll be sure to savor every part of you...”

You can't help but chuckle. “You're mistaken about one thing.”

“Oh?”

“My rank,” you smirk. “It's thirteen.”

The yōma stares blankly at you for a moment as it processes that, giving you a second in which to retake the initiative...

>Advance, using your ability to sense yōki energy to counter every move the yōma makes.
>Move to your sword in a single instant, and sweep its edge through the back of the yōma's neck.
>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.

>>2493134
>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.
FIST FIST FIST FIST

>>2493134
>>Move to your sword in a single instant, and sweep its edge through the back of the yōma's neck.

>>2493134
>Move to your sword in a single instant, and sweep its edge through the back of the yōma's neck.
Sounds badass.

>>2493134
>>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.
I CAST FIST

>>2493134
>“Stand still, you pink-haired bitch!” the yōma barks
>pink hair.
WE HAVE PINK HAIR?

>>2493134
>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.

>>2493134
>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.

>>2493134
>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.

>>2493151
Yup, though in reality it's more of a pinkish tone of strawberry-blonde rather than an anime-pink. A color you actually see in nature sometimes.

>>2493134
>>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.

>>2493134
>>This is a good chance to try out the unique technique you've been working on: by punching it in the head.

Unsurprisingly head punch is winning

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>>2493163
like this shade of pink then?

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>>2493163
Kind of like this?

>>2493179
I think it needs more pink

>>2493185
Lighter than that. We'll get into a little more precise detail in a few posts.

>>2493134
I figured as much
>Move to your sword in a single instant, and sweep its edge through the back of the yōma's neck.

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>writing
Give me a 3d10, not an opposed roll so no DC, but higher is better. Best of three.

Rolled 9, 2, 6 = 17 (3d10)

>>2493217
first roll for this quest!

Rolled 1, 4, 1 = 6 (3d10)

>>2493217

Rolled 6, 5, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>2493217
S l a y

Rolled 3, 1, 5 = 9 (3d10)

>>2493217

Rolled 1, 4, 5 = 10 (3d10)

>>2493217

>>2493217
....If we look like Mordred I'll fucking find you and kiss you you beautiful person you.

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mother of god
our rolls are shit

>>2493242
>wanting to look like a pseudo-king loser
No, thanks

>>2493243
The 21 wasn't that bad
Then there was my 27 earlier
>>2493242
Yeah, we look like Mordred, more or less.

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>>2493248
>pinkish haired saibah face
>not moedred
>instead

>>2493291
Why would you want worst Saibah face though?

>>2493291
Okita is fine too.

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>>2493217
As much as you hate the idea of using something like this on an enemy this weak, it is the perfect situation to test it. You need to focus inward, using your senses to feel out the movement of yōki within your body and concentrate it. Not just the way other warriors do, for brief bursts that exceed even their own superhuman abilities, but continuously. And even beyond that, you have to push that energy even beyond the extent of your own fist... a feat of control that would be impossible for any offensive warrior to manage.

You can feel your body beginning to warp as you draw a dangerous amount of yōki, close to fifty percent of your maximum, which is enough that your muscles begin to bulge and your otherwise feminine appearance disappears as you begin to look more yōma than human.

“Ha, thirteen my ass!” the yōma jeers. “How pathetic that you're already starting to awaken... soon you'll be just like...”

He doesn't get to finish the thought as you dash towards it, stopping short an arm's length away. You grab it around its wrist and crush the bones inside, your yōki exerting force inside the toughened skin and prompting a howl of anguish as you nearly wrench the limb from its socket. Now that the girl is safe, you drive your fist into the yōma's head. It releases the barmaid in a stupor, your blow having rattled its brain inside its thick skull, before you strike against its sternum. The monster's internal organs tear and rupture from the pressure, destroying its heart and lungs.

With that much damage your opponent is all but dead... but you know that yōma can regenerate, and sometimes it pays to be safe rather than sorry. So you grasp your sword, and thrust it calmly through the yōma's head.

The barmaid sits against the wall in shock, staring at you with wide eyes. It's almost worse than the harsh words the traveler had for you before you started slaughtering this yōma pack.

You sigh, seating yourself at the bar with your sword at the side.

“That's four,” you announce. “This contract is complete... pour me a drink.”

The bartender pokes his head up from the bar, rather timidly. “Yes... of course, miss.”

A little bit of whiskey goes into a small cut crystal tumbler, which you take in your left hand and sip from.

“So... what was that just now?” the bartender asks. You can feel that your body has finally returned to normal, after having been distorted by your use of yōki just now.

You blink slowly, savoring the flavor of your drink. “I call it White Fist... it's a technique that lets me kill a yōma without spilling its blood, since I find the smell rather offensive.”
>1/2

>>2493327
“I see,” the bartender nods, feigning interest. “Quite the impressive technique.”

It does have a flaw though, you realize. As things are the amount of raw power and focus it demands is extreme, even for a half-blooded warrior such as yourself. And while it is definitely a sound technique that has a lot of potential against stronger opponents who might be able to stop a sword with their armored hide, with your focus so monomaniacally focused on augmenting your strikes, your speed suffers accordingly.

At ten percent yōki utilization, a warrior's eyes change colors from silver to gold, with slitted pupils. At twenty percent your face will start to change and distort, and at fifty percent your muscle mass expands and your body begins to contort. But the risk in this case is worth it, since when your yōki releases that far your speed increases to match, and the passive improvement is enough to offset the drawback of your White Fist technique.

But were you to push further... somewhere around eighty percent yōki release, varying from one case to the next, a warrior can no longer suppress their power. If that happens, you'll become the very sort of monster you gave up all hope of a 'normal' life for the power to kill.

Most warriors hope to be killed in battle before that happens.

“It's imperfect,” you admit, tightening your right hand's grip on the hilt of your sword. “But not as imperfect as your disguise, monster.”

You sweep your blade through the bartender's neck in a fountain of purple ichor, and the last yōma falls dead to the floor.

>Check on the barmaid. This is never easy for normal humans to witness.
>Head outside, you've completed the job you were contracted to do.
>You may want to take a moment to wash up... despite your best efforts.
>Other?

>>2493360
>Check on the barmaid. This is never easy for normal humans to witness.

>>2493360
>Check on the barmaid. This is never easy for normal humans to witness.

>>2493360
>Check on the barmaid. This is never easy for normal humans to witness.
How does one feel a yoma's presence?
Is it an itch, heat or cold?
Or is it just intuition?

>>2493360
>other: tidy up the room. Put the corpses in a pile off to the side. It's the least you can do. And apologize for the mess.

>>2493371
Let's go with this

>>2493360
>other: tidy up the room. Put the corpses in a pile off to the side. It's the least you can do. And apologize for the mess.
So essentially we pulled a omae wa mou shindeiru?

>>2493367
It's a sixth sense, most similar to smell.

>>2493360
>>You may want to take a moment to wash up... despite your best efforts.

>>2493382
Does it change according to a yoma's strength?
A powerful yoma is "stinkier" than other weaker yoma?

>>2493360
>You may want to take a moment to wash up... despite your best efforts.

>>2493360
other: tidy up the room. Put the corpses in a pile off to the side. It's the least you can do. And apologize for the mess.

>>2493360
changing this
>>2493365
to
>>2493371
this

also is it possible to Half Awaken in this quest like Claire was able to?

>>2493360
>>other: tidy up the room. Put the corpses in a pile off to the side. It's the least you can do. And apologize for the mess.
At the very least We can try to be polite. Might get us into more places than the normalcy.

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>>2493406
Pic related?

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>>2493411
less horror and more body horror

>>2493406
Wasn't Claire some kind of patchwork? She had part of another Claymore inside I think.

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>>2493421
I'd say more like this.

>Check on the barmaid. This is never easy for normal humans to witness.
>Plug our nose and help clean up the mess we made

>>2493422
she was iirc, but other characters were able to half awaken, like Miria or some of claire's two other friends.

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>>2493422
Instead of using Yoma flesh to create Clare, they used Teresa's flesh.

>>2493360
You decide to save the locals the trouble, and grab each yōma's corpse by their clothing and hurl them out through the door. Some of them have to go in two pieces, but you quickly empty the tavern but for the broken furnishings and the bloodstains.

“Do you keep matches behind the bar?” you ask the barmaid quietly.

She stares at you, eyes still wide, and you offer her what you hope is a reassuring smile. “I'm not going to hurt you.”

She nods silently, and you hop the bar and grab both the matchbox and a bottle of cheap spirits. Stepping outside where there's already a crowd gathered you smash the bottle over the pile of corpses and set fire to it.

“Problem solved,” you mutter.

“You worked quickly,” an old man greets you, shuffling through the crowd which parts to let him by. Clearly he must be the master of this town. “And you even cleaned up after yourself. Quite professional.”

“Service with a smile,” you reply with a straight face. “The contract said four yōma. There were five.”

“Five?” the old man muses, counting the body parts. “So it would seem. Please allow me to apologize for the poor information.”

“It wasn't a bother,” you shake your head. “One more hardly matters.”

“As we arranged,” the old master nods, waving for an assistant to bring up a bag full of what you can only assume is money.

You hold up your hand. “I don't handle the money. The carrion-bird I call a handler will arrive after I leave.”

“And how will we know it is him?” the man asks.

“He wears all black,” you clarify, “and goes by the name Tomas. He's also rather... unappealing to look at. You should know when you see him.”

“Well then, in any event... you have our thanks.”

>One word of advice... if Tomas increases the cost, don't argue.
>I don't take money... but if you have any perfume I could use a vial.
>A place to sleep and a small meal would be nice... maybe not in THERE though.
>Other?

>>2493478
>One word of advice... if Tomas increases the cost, don't argue.

>>2493478
>>I don't take money... but if you have any perfume I could use a vial.
I wanna see where this'll go...

>>2493478
>One word of advice... if Tomas increases the cost, don't argue.

>>2493478
>One word of advice... if Tomas increases the cost, don't argue.

>>2493478
>“Service with a smile,” you reply with a straight face.
We didn't give them a moe smile. HOW COULD YOU NOT WRITE THAT IN?
>other: if you have any perfume I can accept that as 5% down payment.

>>2493478
>>One word of advice... if Tomas increases the cost, don't argue.

>>2493495
I don't suppose I can add this to my vote?
>>2493491

>>2493478
>>I don't take money... but if you have any perfume I could use a vial.

>>2493502
>>2493497
Claymore aren't supposed to handle any reward that affects the price of the job.

>>2493511
I didn't say anything else though?
I just voted.

>>2493478
>I don't take money... but if you have any perfume I could use a vial

>>2493495
>>2493495
>>2493478
If you're confused, I'm basically voting for

>I don't take money... but if you have any perfume I could use a vial.
with a slight modification.

>>2493478
>>I don't take money... but if you have any perfume I could use a vial.

Vial is too interesting.

>>A place to sleep and a small meal would be nice... maybe not in THERE though.

Place to sleep is always good.

>>2493521
Opps, sorry. Wrong post

>writing

>>2493554
Also, I need a roll. 1d10, and I'm taking the second roll only. This is non-critical.

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>2493564

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>2493564

>>2493564
I will laugh if this is us meeting up with one of the #10

>>2493569
this quest is brought to you by the number 8.

>>2493577
Khorne is pleased

>>2493554
“I may not be able to accept any payment,” you sigh, “but a token of kindness, like a small vial of perfume? That I would be able to accept.”

“Perfume?” the town master furrows his brow. “Not exactly the best place for it here, but I am sure someone's wife has something that would make a gift.”

“You may rest the night in our town if you desire, and in the morning I should have a vial to present to you.”

“I appreciate it,” you bow your head slightly. “Thank you. And I have one word of advice to offer you.”

“Yes, warrior?”

“If Tomas wants to raise the price, don't argue,” you tell him sternly. “Just pay. Please trust me when I tell you that it's easier that way for everyone involved.”

“My dear,” the old man shakes his head. “I have lived many years in this town. Unlike the youngsters who are so eager to replace me I know better than to slight the Organization. I have heard the stories... but all the same, thank you for your word of warning.”

Although the kindly old man has made a sincere effort to treat you with some civility, you can quickly tell that the rest of the town isn't exactly willing to do the same. You've slain the monsters in their midst, and instead of gratitude you've earned their fear. It's a familiar pattern, and one that typically ends the same way.

The sun goes down, and the air grows chill. While this land of Tarsus does not get nearly as cold as nights in Hazaran do, you're thankful that your body has grown numb to cold and such mundane discomforts over the years.

The town of Merced, where you have taken this job, is moderately sized. It has a thick wall some ten feet tall, and within that wall's footprint are a series of four-story apartment blocks home to some three thousand souls. These townsfolk never stray far from Merced's walls: working the fields that surround the walls, or working in the shops on the first floors of the apartment blocks, and worshiping in the modest church at the north end of the town's defenses. For such a place to be host to five yōma is a bad situation... given enough time those five could have inflicted unrecoverable losses, especially had they the brains to concentrate on the small detachment of guards stationed here.
>1/2

>>2493577
Khorne approves of these shenanigans.

>>2493609
You find the largest gate in the wall, at the north end near the church, and plant your sword's tip in the ground so you can lean against it to sleep. This is typically how you do things, especially when camping outside of a town, but also when the locals are intolerant of your presence in their midst. Some of the guards seem a little suspicious at first, but they don't bother you as you shut your eyes.

“Are you asleep?”

You open one eye to find the barmaid from before, wrapped in a shawl against the nippy air, standing several paces away.

“No,” you admit, shutting your eye.

“Nobody offered you lodging?” she asks.

“No,” you repeat. “They did not... though it's hardly unusual.”

“You... may stay in my apartment, if you want a place to sleep that's not the street.”

>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.
>No. While I appreciate the concern, I neither want nor need it.
>If it helps you sleep easier after what happened today, then sure.
>Other

>>2493648
>If it helps you sleep easier after what happened today, then sure.

>>2493648
>If it helps you sleep easier after what happened today, then sure.

>>2493648
>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.

>>2493648
>>If it helps you sleep easier after what happened today, then sure.
Eh, doubtful.
Let's keep our guard up.

>>2493648
>>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.

>>2493648
>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.
Ignorant folk tend to think the worst of people.

>>2493648
>>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.

>>2493648
>other: please no. though if you could bring me a chair that would suffice.

>>2493648
>A chair or a cushion would be appreciated

>>2493648
>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.

>>2493670
I'm fine with this

>>2493648
>>No. Associating with me may bring you problems later.

>>2493648
A small blanket would be appreciated.

>>2493648
>>2493670
Seconding onto my vote here>>2493673

>>2493648
>>If it helps you sleep easier after what happened today, then sure.
This works too >>2493670

>writing

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>>2493217
Classed it up a little for ya.

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>>2493648
“Associating with a warrior will only bring you problems,” you sigh. “People fear us, and they will come to fear you if you're not careful.”

“You saved my life,” the barmaid protests. “So yes, I'm afraid of you too... but I know I owe you. Let me do something to thank you.”

You shake your head, surprised at her sudden determination. “If it will help you sleep better knowing I am nearby, I can sleep below your window. I also would appreciate a pillow... but I will do no more. The last thing I want to see is lives ruined by my presence in them.”

The barmaid nods. “My name is Nina, Nina Blascio. You... do have a name, don't you?”

>Noel, number 13 in the Organization.
>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.
>My name is Noel Tiberius di Hazaran.
>I am simply a warrior. It is easier for me not to share my name.

>>2493723
>I'm "Bad Luck".
Omit the Noel.

>>2493723
>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.
Every Claymore has a nickname.
Though Tiberius di Hazaran is a good real name.

>>2493723
>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

>>2493723
>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

>>2493723
>>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

>>2493723
>>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

>>2493726
>>2493723
Alternatively
>Call me "Bad Luck".

>>2493723
>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

>>2493723
>>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.
Backstory time?

>>2493723
>My name is Noel Tiberius di Hazaran. Call me Bad Luck for short.

>>2493723
>>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

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>>2493723
>They call me “Bad Luck” Noel.

>we a saibah face now

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>>2493774

>>2493723
“My name is Noel,” you reply with a slight smile and a nod. “Though my nickname is Bad Luck.”

“You certainly were bad luck for those monsters earlier,” Nina tells you.

You shake your head, smile fading. “That's not where it comes from.”

Your new hostess escorts you to one of the apartment blocks, then through a short hallway out into a garden at the center of the block. She then points up at a second-floor window. “That one is mine. I'll be going upstairs.”

With a quiet nod you settle against the wall below Nina's window, admiring the faint smell of the flowering trees and the wet grass in the courtyard before a pillow lands on your head. You use it at the base of your spine, and eventually settle into a light sleep.

The next morning you have Nina let you back out through the hallway before most people are awake, and take your leave of her. The town master is waiting for you at the main gate with a small cloth bag.

“As promised,” he smiles, handing you the bag.

Inside is a small glass vial, a careful sniff of which confirms its contents. Top notes of orange and bergamot, middle notes of morning rose and jasmine, with a base of patchouli, vanilla, and white musk.

“This is a good scent,” you nod appreciatively. “Please thank whoever you took it from for me, and compliment them on their taste. I hardly expected a scent from Hibernia.”

“You can tell that from a single sniff?” the master wonders.

“I wasn't always a warrior,” you remind him. “One last thing.”

“Yes?”

“The barmaid, Nina Blascio... you know how this often goes. She may be timid, but she has a kind heart.”

“Make sure that doesn't happen to her. She doesn't deserve it.”

The master sighs, but eventually nods. “It will take some insistence, but I will give it my best.”

With a nod, you turn and leave Merced behind you.
>1/2

>>2493774
our hair is pink though.

>“The barmaid, Nina Blascio... you know how this often goes. She may be timid, but she has a kind heart.”

oh fuck

I forgot that in setting villagers toss people out of their villages(making them vulnerable to yoma and bandits) if they had prolonged contact with Yoma and at times even Claymores

I mean the master said he'll try

but we know how this goes

R.I.P Nina

>>2493817
>I forgot that in setting villagers toss people out of their villages(making them vulnerable to yoma and bandits) if they had prolonged contact with Yoma and at times even Claymores
As someone who knows jackshit about the setting I assume that this goes against the whole "Thou shall not kill humans or have a hand in a human's death?" for the Claymores and that's a big reason why they stay the fuck away from everyone?

>>2493822
no we do not do it, other superstitious and stupid villagers do it.


Basically anyone who's been near spooky stuff like us for any length of time typically gets booted out of the village forever.

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>>2493789
Inner Tarsus is a highland, with rolling rocky hills and deep, long lakes. In this season it's fairly sunny and not particularly cold, but it's still not especially hospitable. Unlike the rest of the district out to the southwest trees are scarce, and the soil is shallow. But it's still more hospitable than your own homeland, the Kingdom of Hazaran, much of which can't support a town of even Merced's modest size.

Thankfully it's not raining, so you can make camp at the base of a rock outcropping. It's out of the wind, and the ground is dry enough that you can start a fire of heathers and peat using a tinderbox.

Well after night falls, a voice greets you.

"This is rather nice. As always, your modest hospitality is a credit to your breeding."

"Tomas," you grunt as your weasel-faced handler appears out of the shadows. "As always, your briefing was useless."

"Now, now," Tomas sighs, raising his gloved palms in a gesture of self-defense. "I only report what I am told. I do not gather the intelligence myself."

>Fine... as much as I'm tempted to blame you for everything you have a point this time.
>What do you want, vulture?
>Silent treatment.
>Other?

>>2493833
>>What do you want, vulture?

>>2493833
>Fine... as much as I'm tempted to blame you for everything you have a point this time.

>>2493833
>Silent treatment.

>>2493833
>silent treatment.
>other: visibly pout.

>>2493833
>Fair enough, what do you want? You'd not be here to enjoy my "modest hospitality" unless you wanted or needed me for something.

>>2493847
this'll do

>>2493833
>Fair enough, what do you want? You'd not be here to enjoy my "modest hospitality" unless you wanted or needed me for something.

>>2493833
>Fair enough, what do you want? You'd not be here to enjoy my "modest hospitality" unless you wanted or needed me for something.
>Other: give him a Kratos-Tier Scowl to spook him

>>2493833
Changin my vote here>>2493840
to this>>2493847

>>2493833
Voting this>>2493847

>>2493822
Claymore's setting is middle ages-ish

Kinda like Berserk

Most people are highly superstitious at this point in time and believe that people that have prolonged contact with the Yoma(monsters) and Claymore(half monsters) bring bad luck and misfortune and attracts more Yoma to their homes, so more often than not they kick those people out of their village, essentially damning them to either death via elements, bandits, or Yoma.

>>2493833
>>2493847
Supporting this one.

>>2493876
Ah that makes sense. Thanks for the quick sitrep of the setting.

>writing

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>>2493916
“I... guess that's actually fair,” you admit with a sigh. “Still, you would not be here to 'enjoy' my 'modest hospitality' if you didn't want something from me. What is it?”

“A new job,” Tomas informs you. “This one in Sakia.”

“Sakia, hm?” you muse. “Liliana and Elsa not available for it?”

Tomas shakes his head. “Liliana was obliged to cross the border into Karluk, while Elsa is on a job together with Alicia.”

The number 18 and 22 are working together, and the number 21 is absent, meaning you really are the closest? That only leaves...

“And Laura?” you ask.

“The Number Two is also on a mission, in Noroit,” Tomas adds.

Laura... the warrior tasked with protecting the mountainous region of Hazaran and the highest-ranked among you to not have a nickname. You've only had the pleasure of meeting her twice despite serving in the adjacent region to hers, which has entirely to do with her role as a single-digit. Those warriors are always assigned to one of the mountainous inner regions, though they rarely spend much time there. Instead they are always on the move, serving as force multipliers in nearby regions overseen by the double-digits like you.

This continent you live on has many nations and districts, each of which has one of the thirty-five numbered warriors assigned to it. You share Tarsus with the current number Twelve, Luciana... and the two of you don't get along well. Her personality is particularly abrasive even by the standards of your Organization, and only gets along with Valeria because they knew each other before joining up. Valeria serves in nearby Petraea as the current number Eleven, and she's been nothing but professional the few times you've met her. The only other warrior you know personally is Fiore, who serves in nearby western Bretonne, though you know a few by reputation alone.

You also know that the number One in the organization is always stationed in isloated Tamu province, while the number Ten is always assigned to Lavinia, a small island off the northeast coast. Lavinia is where the Organization is headquartered, and where all of its warriors are... you're going to call it 'trained'.
>1/2

>>2493994
“What is the mission?” you ask for clarification.

“One of the hilltop monasteries near the border with Hazaran,” Tomas explains. “They've reported what they suspect is a yōma attack.”

The hilltop monasteries are famous in this region, a cluster of fairly small cloisters on high stone pillars elevated above the surrounding plain with a commanding view. It's a popular region for pilgrimages and near to a major trade route, but no warrior has ever seen the inside of one. Partly because there's never been such a request, and partly because the warrior-monks in these high cloisters have an unabiding hatred for anything they consider 'unnatural'.

And the 'silver-eyed witches' as you're often called in more religious circles are very unnatural.

“Are we sure this is a good idea?” you ask.

Tomas chuckles to himself. “Are you questioning the Organization's orders?”

“If I am it's only because the orders are so questionable.”

“Well, I think it's rather odd myself,” Tomas admits. “However they are your orders, and I must confess I'm interested to see how this plays out.”

“You would be,” you grumble. “You don't have to deal with the monks.”

“I hear they practice punching cast bronze bells all afternoon long,” Tomas muses almost playfully. “Speaking of which, I heard an interesting report from the town master in Merced.”

“What about?” you ask warily.

“He tells me that the only witness to your full fight mentioned that you beat one of your targets to death,” Tomas tells you. “Now, why would you do such a thing?”

>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.
>I wanted a tool to knock out a human in one hit. Its use against yōma is incidental.
>I never asked for your Organization's help, and I don't trust it.
>Other?

>>2494014
>>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.

>>2494014
>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.
It's kinda sad because she probably constantly can smell it from herself.

>>2494014
>>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.

>>2494014
>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.

>>2494014

>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.

>>2494014
>>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.

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>>2494014
>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.

wait so just how big are these regions on the map?

cause by the looks of it thats a lot of area for only one or two claymores to cover.

>>2494014
>>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.
Not really interested in saying we would attack a human or that we distrust the Organization. Reading the comments tells me both lines of dialogue are sketchy at best.

>>2494014
>I don't like yōma blood. It's the goddess-damned STENCH.
>other: Start complaining up a storm about how much of a mess using a claymore sword makes and how it's so time consuming when it comes to cleaning up.

>>2494022
Part of why she carries perfume.

>>2494041
Hah, Seconding that.

>>2494041
kek, I'm good with this too.

>>2494038
Maybe around the size of California? Claymores have it a bit easier because they can keep on trucking at a good pace for several days without resting, eating, or drinking.

They also don't get altitude sickness, which is important because the mountains at the center of that map can reach 25,000ft or more.

>writing

>>2494081
>25000ft or more
jesus tapdancing christ...

>>2494081
“Because I hate yōma blood,” you admit, narrowing your eyes in disgust at the mere thought. “It's the goddess-damned stench of it, and when you use a blade this size it makes a mess. Did you see the inside of that tavern when I was done with it?”

“I believe the locals had already removed and burned all the flooring and furnishings by the time I arrived,” Tomas admits, “but I can imagine. This technique, what do you call it?”

“Whit Fist,” you tell him.

“So named because it draws no blood when performed?”

“Correct.”

“How did it perform in practice?”

What do you tell your handler?

>It's imperfect. That really says all that needs saying.
>It's intensive, basically demanding 50% yōki to be usable.
>It worked. I'll improve on it with practice I'm sure.
>Other?

Also, ask why he wants to know?
>Yes
>No

>>2494112
>>It's imperfect. That really says all that needs saying.
>It worked. I'll improve on it with practice I'm sure.
Don't mention the 50%, that makes you a liability.

>>2494112
>It worked. I'll improve on it with practice I'm sure.

>No

>>2494112
>>It's imperfect. That really says all that needs saying.
>>no

>>2494118
Changed my mind, supporting this.

>>2494112
>>It worked. I'll improve on it with practice I'm sure.

>>2494041
This works for me.

>>2494112
>>It worked. I'll improve on it with practice I'm sure.

>Yes

>>2494112
>Other?
What do you care? As long as I kill the yoma that's all that matters, and it does the job well enough.

>>2494112
>>2494118
this

>>2494112
>It's imperfect. That really says all that needs saying.
>other: I don't get many opportunities to practice it.
>Yes

>>2494112
>It's imperfect. That really says all that needs saying.
>Yes

>>2494118
>>2494112
supporting.

>>2494112
>It's imperfect. That really says all that needs saying.
>No

OP, is thing going to end with lesbians?

>>2494191
As a QM there are some times where you can't really argue with your players if they unanimously want something and are willing to fail a few times before it works. Especially true since none of the other Claymores in the setting have even made an appearance yet, so who knows how anons will respond.

From where I sit now, I don't see lesbians on the horizon.

>in the process of writing

>>2494166
By which I mean not telling him about the 50% thing.
My actual vote is
>It worked. I'll improve on it with practice I'm sure.
>>2494112

>>2494191
I for one would rather keep things platonic. blatant lesbian fest/undertones carried by the fandom tend to kill the mood/interest.

>>2494245
pretty much.
I asked to see if i had that bleak end to look forward to.
I wish more qms hard ruled straight female protags more often like hellborn quest or just avoided romance.

>>2494112
“It will take more practice,” you tell him vaguely, “as with most things. You've never taken an interest in my technique before... why now?”

“For a warrior to abandon her sword is very unusual,” Tomas points out. “More so to make a functional style out of it. Though I must admit I see certain advantages to it.”

“Oh?” you muse, willing for now to let Tomas speak. It would just be a waste of time to argue with him.

“Yes, think about it,” Tomas continues. “What is the weak point in any sword technique?”

“The user?” you offer.

Tomas cocks his head at you. “Not the answer I was looking for, but perhaps you do have a point. No, what I meant was that no matter how proficient one becomes with a sword, it still amounts to striking with a sword. The basic interface between warrior and yōma never improves. Our number One strikes a yōma with the same sword our number Thirty-Five does.”

“And you think my technique is different?” you wonder aloud. When you think about it he may have a point... you're not striking with your fists but with your yōki, so it's entirely possible that the more yōki you can release without awakening, either due to technical aptitude or slow growth of your yōki over time, your 'weapon' actually will improve to match.

It's an interesting thought, but one you can't act on just now.

“Anyway, you should leave at first light tomorrow,” Tomas insists, getting to his feet. “As for me, I need to get back to town. I'm paying for a bed and I'm currently not in it.”

“How wasteful,” you grumble, trying to remember the last time you slept in a bed. “I'm sure the Organization would throw a fit.”

“Do try not to anger the monks too much,” Tomas shoots back. “I would miss that charming and witty sense of humor of yours if they beat you to death.”

I'd be fine with Shinigami Savant levels, I guess? Or maybe just subtext. *shrug*

>>2494273
and the even rarer occurrance of anons playing as a female protag and actively pursuing a male NPC to romance with. "Endless Skies: Ace Combat Quest" comes to mind.

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>>2494224
>From where I sit now, I don't see lesbians on the horizon.

>Tfw there are still male claymores in this continent.

>ohshit

I'd rather not have any waifu nor husbando dilemmas at all, shit's like poison to a quest, only a few quests do it right.
For now, lets just hunt beasts and see where it leads us.

>>2494294
Pretty sure if they are still around they are all awakened by now, going by what King said in the discord and Shinigami savant. Only first gens were male. That being said, if Riiful and Dauf can find a way as AB, it's possible, I guess.

>>2494296
King keeps it low key going by his body of work, he'd be one of the few I'd trust to do it right. Also given the super high lethality, any SI would likely die anyways.

>>2494281
And that's where I'll have to put things on hold for the time being... it's actually great timing. Great turnout for the first thread, and hope to see you back tomorrow at the same time for the second session. After that, Claymore will run on Sundays while Shinigami Savant will resume in the Saturday session.

For those of you who are new to this whole thing my twitter handle is @QMKingofHearts, I try to keep it updated with details and reminders prior to every session. I also use a discord for random questions, announcements, and off-topic conversations for all my current and recent quests. It's usually my preference that on-topic stuff goes in a thread when there's one active, so being in the discord is more for shits and giggles, or for news/announcements. It's absolutely not necessary.

Invite link is: https://discord.gg/uSXdYpQ

>>2494314
OMAKE TIME:
>Noel's Deadly Bar Brawl against 4 yoma. From Barmaid Nina's perspective!

>>2494314
seeya boss, thanks for running

>>2494314
Thank you for running

Oh shit, we have an unarmed technique and we're going to visit some monks that study punching.

>>2494314
Thanks for running

What would our style and specialty options have been if we were offensive?

Also how good is our yoi perception/ manipulation on the scale of Clarisse to Galatea?

>>2494314
And as an aside, I don't see this quest as particularly fertile grounds for romance of any kind. Claymores are mostly too messed up for that.

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>>2494314
Thanks for the run, twas fun.

>>2494342
>moedred3.jpg
Anon, I have news for you
That's not Mordred

>>2494340
ain't that the truth.

>>2493050
So we're A Fucking Leaf, eh?
>>2493244
>not wanting to look like the only Saberface that actually makes fucking sense.
>>2493367
Same way Immortals sense each other in Highlander.

>>2494313
I also trust king, he's got the adaptability and the ability to do right by it.
>>2494340
>>2494358
Amen to that.

>>2494340
Hey now, its been years since i read it but im pretty sure Clare gets herself a nice shota by the end of the series.
thats something nice to shoot for

>>2494409
he aged from a nice shota to a fine beefcake.

>>2494340
I mean getting a romantic partner and watching them get killed by this setting is a really fast way to awaken iirc so dont completely write it out yet =V

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>>2494409
>>2494412

>>2494412
Nice

>>2494322
>OMAKE TIME:
>>Noel's Deadly Bar Brawl against 4 yoma. From Barmaid Nina's perspective!

I approve this. Thanks for running King!

Man our Bad Luck must be pretty damn awful if we're ranked 13 with those stats considering we beat number 5 and 4 of Teresa's generation and the 8 and 9 of Clare's, Either that or the ones above us are simply damn monsters.

So here's the deal, folks. I'm going to be at a Dominaria prerelease event, which starts at noon my time, and the quest starts at 6pm my time. So I pray that six hours will be enough for three rounds of sealed, but we'll have to see.

If it looks like I'll be delayed I'll put up a notice on Twitter an hour or two before we're set to start.

>>2496695
Good luck, Dominaria is sweet. Hope you open an Icy Manipulator, card is busted.

>>2496702
There's a lot of good cards in the set, to be sure. But whatever I get in terms of bombs, I'll be playing in the colors where I get removal.

>>2496712
such is the way of sealed. big tip? mainboard at least one artifact killer if you can, just about all the equipments in this set are stupid good.

>>2496712
>>2496719
Having the extra promo means that there are more bombs than usual.

My tips are that Dub is suprisingly good and can steal games, and that the green fight spell is worse than it looks.

>>2496720
>>2496719
From what I've heard WB can be really strong, but yeah. Dub seemed distinctly not bad, and I usually won't touch fight anyway.

As for what spot removal I get, I'll run whatever the sealed gods give me.

>>2496648
Probably because of Noel's tendency to lose limbs or take massive damage, or other Claymores getting badly wrecked if they partner with her.

Thread will proceed as scheduled, resuming at 10am PST.

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>>2496930
You are Noel Tiberius di Hazaran, ranked Thirteenth out of the Organization's warriors, and you find yourself kicking out the embers of your campfire shortly before dawn. The morning air is cold and wet, making you glad for the close-fitting black outfit your kind wear underneath the scraps of shining armor you've been issued.

Fog has closed in over the night, leaving you stumbling for a half hour or so before you re-locate the main road leading away from Merced and into the higher foothills of northwest Hazaran. Cutting through the pass at Dari will be the quickest way to get into Sakia: if left to your own devices the trip will take about two days and nights, but any unplanned diversions, rest periods, or poor weather around the pass will slow that down.

Daria is a town a little larger than Merced, the last major stopping point in Sakia before caravans enter the mountains and passes of Hazaran where resupply is only rarely possible. From what you've heard the monasteries are placed on a series of rocky pinnacles which rise up from the low hills and valley floors where the town itself is laid out. Each is home to a relatively small number of monks who are charged with caring for the site and for the church which exists in each monastery... in times of trouble these nigh-inaccessible locations have been used to shelter the population of Daria from harm.

You're not sure how valid that plan is anymore, considering how much the town is supposed to have grown in the last hundred years or so. But it would probably work out for the monks at very least.

The road isn't busy at first, but eventually small-time merchants and their wagons begin to appear on the road around you. By midday the fog has begun to burn off, though the higher clouds remain stubborn.

>1d10, taking the second for a randomized encounter

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>2497113

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>2497113
this quest session is brought to you by the numbah...

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>2497113

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>>2497113
>pic related

>>2497113
Comfy.

>>2497113
GET HYPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk2mmKw5vrY

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>>2497113
After a few hours of climbing into the mountains, you've crossed the border into your homeland of Hazaran... though at first there's little obvious difference. Eventually the path reaches a quick-flowing stream, its water brutally cold and crystal clear where it pools between massive granite boulders. The path itself becomes mud in places thanks to the water running off the slick stony ridges around you.

By one of the many pools, you encounter a familiar sight from your childhood: a small detachment of Hazari soldiers.

The men are clad in breastplates tucked under leather and cloaks, and each carries a short sword alongside a large, rectangular shield that can be set up on a folding stand. What stands out as different however is the fact that several of them now carry long muskets with polished wooden stocks.

“Good afternoon,” an officer with a plumed helmet enclosing his head greets you gruffly.

“You're being deployed?” you muse. “I don't remember there being a garrison out here.”

“It was constructed just last year,” the officer informs you. “Meant to dissuade raiders from attacking the caravans in the pass.”

“Has it worked?”

“To a degree.”

Well, that's better than nothing at least. Still, being posted out here so far from the capital must be quite the miserable detail.

“Any reports of yōma activity in the area?” you ask.

The officer shrugs. “Some traders have gone missing, whether it was yōma or raiders is hard to tell. Neither leaves survivors.”

>Would you mind having a traveling companion for a little while? I'm from Hazaran, I'd like to hear about my old home.
>I should accompany your detail, ensure that you reach the garrison without being attacked by yōma.
>I hope you don't take offense, but I am expected elsewhere for a mission. And I move quicker on my own.
>Other?

>>2497168
>I hope you don't take offense, but I am expected elsewhere for a mission. And I move quicker on my own.

>>2497168
>>Would you mind having a traveling companion for a little while? I'm from Hazaran, I'd like to hear about my old home.

>>2497168
>>I hope you don't take offense, but I am expected elsewhere for a mission. And I move quicker on my own.
>>Other?
Has anything interesting happened recently that comes to your mind?

>>2497168
>Would you mind having a traveling companion for a little while? I'm from Hazaran, I'd like to hear about my old home.