>>2912487
>I'm actually here to see Vigilus.
>Gratitude? Now that's a bit uncommon, isn't it? Sounds like you have the right of it though

>>2912487
>>What about the guard captain?
>>I'm actually here to see Vigilus.
No need to raise anything.

>>2912487
>>What about the guard captain?
>>I'm actually here to see Vigilus.

>>2912487
>What about the guard captain?

>>2912487
>what does the witch look like?

>>2912542
cheeky. Not supportin', but amusin'

>>2912487
>>Aww, I'm flattered they remember.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13 (3d10)

>>2912573

Rolled 5, 6, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>2912573

Rolled 7, 8, 6 = 21 (3d10)

>>2912573

File: bizo.jpg (44 KB, 301x267)

44 KB JPG

>>2912577
/k/ripple's luck strikes again

File: 1480656922504[1].jpg (74 KB, 900x900)

74 KB JPG

>>2912583

>>2912573
“We're here to see Vigilus,” you declare.

“We'll have to register your names and your weapons,” the officer insists, “along with some basic details. Let's see, female, seems to be mid-twenties, pink hair, large sword... like a claymore...”

His partner stops writing as soon as he hears the words “pink hair”, but it takes the officer a few moments to put it together himself.

“Ah. I see.”

“Please don't tell anyone,” you sigh, “we're trying not to cause a scene. I just have to call in a favor with Vigilus and then we'll need to be moving on.”

“Sure, of course,” the officer stammers. “I suppose you of all people would know where to find him?”

“I do.”

“Great,” the officer nods curtly. “Well then. Welcome back to Daria.”

“Thanks,” you smile. “Oh, and by the way.”

“Yes?”

“Can you tell me how the guard captain is doing?” you ask, and the truth is obvious even before the man begins his lie.

“He's fine of course, everything is fine,” he insists.

“He's dead, isn't he?”

The guards exchange an uncomfortable glance that confirms it. “He hanged himself, the day after the mayor called off the men who were watching him. Seems he was determined from the start... that girl was all he had left, and it turns out he couldn't even hold on to that?”

“I can't agree with what he did, but I can understand why he did it.”

“We see it all the time,” you mutter. “Sorry to have brought it up.”

“It's okay. You had the right to know.”
>1/2

>>2912597
>"We'll see the captain soon enough"
>He killed himself.
Really Queen? REALLY?

>>2912611
Is it really that outlandish of an idea?

>>2912611
Not surprising. Another town would've killed or ran him out for spending so much time with a yokai. But the man's honorable, and lost one of his reasons for living, so took his own life. Welcome to hell!Japan

>>2912597
Sorry, there will be a bit of a delay as I just had to swoop in and stop my flatmate from setting our kitchen on fire. So I'll be working a bit more slowly while I keep my eye open to make sure he doesn't do it again.

Because I'm not 100% sure he learned his lesson.

>>2912622
Is your flatmate either a canine or underage goat?

>>2912622
...

>>2912625
Worse, he was an undergraduate until just last year. So he had about a 50% chance of being able to actually take basic care of himself, at least going by my own personal experience.

>>2912661
it depends on where he was an undergrad, but yeah. Good luck, Queen

File: meteora_5.jpg (179 KB, 800x534)

179 KB JPG

>>2912597
When you arrive at the bottom of the pathway up to the monastery, you find that here too there is a more serious armed presence courtesy of the regional government rather than the local guard. Without escort these men have no way of knowing that you already sorted out all of the other officers' questions before even getting this far, so they stop you again.

“Where are you from?”

“Hazaran,” you reply. “We're on our way back from Vaila on some business. Thought to stop in and see a friend at the monastery.”

“With swords nearly as long as you are tall?” the guard asks skeptically.

“If you were a bandit, would you want to try to rob the two women where all they had of value were their massive oversized swords?”

“Point,” the man admits. “Though I've met some pretty crazy people in my life. I'd hope for your sakes you actually know how to use those things.”

Serana merely shrugs before clambering down off Alysheba's back.

You leave your horse in a small stables at the base of the trail, which is mostly provided for the sake of any pilgrims who stop here on their way through the city. The monks of course have no need of a horse, as they rarely if ever leave this place once they have sworn their oaths.

Having successfully passed the security checkpoint, you are allowed to walk up the pathway towards the monastery itself.

>Explain to Serana the nature of the monastery that you're about to enter.
>Explain to Serana the history you have with Father Vigilus.
>Warn Serana that she may have to win Father Vigilus over for him to help.
>Other?

>>2912676
>>Explain to Serana the nature of the monastery that you're about to enter.

>>2912676
>>Explain to Serana the nature of the monastery that you're about to enter.
>Warn Serana that she may have to win Father Vigilus over for him to help.

>>2912676
>Explain to Serana the nature of the monastery that you're about to enter.

>>2912676
>>Explain to Serana the history you have with Father Vigilus.
>Warn Serana that she may have to win Father Vigilus over for him to help.

>>2912676
>Warn Serana that she may have to win Father Vigilus over for him to help.
>Explain to Serana the nature of the monastery that you're about to enter.
>"Good luck Serena Maybe he'll take a liking to you as he did to me."

>>2912676
>Explain to Serana the nature of the monastery that you're about to enter.

>>2912676
>>Warn Serana that she may have to win Father Vigilus over for him to help.

>>2912676
“Serana,” you begin as you continue to climb the many steps, “the monks at this monastery swear a vow of silence upon entry and pilgrims are obliged to respect that same silence. When we reach the monastery grounds I will not be speaking, unless we are in private and Father Vigilus indicates that I may.”

Serana nods, clearly understanding what you've told her. So you continue.

“They are also quite dedicated to the practice of martial arts, and to the preservation of specialized knowledge,” you continue, “not simply religious texts. Father Vigilus himself is an accomplished martial artist...”

You hear the bell ring as a monk strikes it just right.

“... himself. He transcribed the notes in that book personally.”

HE. FRIEND.

“Yeah, I'd like to think so.”

Upon rounding the last corner you quickly search for a monk to speak to, in order to track down Father Vigilus.

VIGILUS?

You spell out the letters for him using simple hand signs for each letter.

He nods politely. SLEEPING.

You roll your eyes, pointing at the sun overhead. It's already sliding down towards the horizon.

HE. SAYS. MEDITATION. TRUTH. SLEEPING.

… vice doesn't look good in an abbot, you think.

>Well, wake him up. The woman who saved his life needs a favor.
>I have a few questions for him. Where should we wait?
>Please allow me into the library, we will wait there.
>Other?

>>2912800
>>I have a few questions for him. Where should we wait?

>>2912800
>I have a few questions for him. Where should we wait?

>>2912800
>>Please allow me into the library, we will wait there.

>>2912800
>>I have a few questions for him. Where should we wait?

>>2912800
>I have a few questions for him. Where should we wait?

>>2912800
>I have a few questions for him. Where should we wait?

>>2912800
>>Please allow me into the library, we will wait there.

Rolled 5, 10, 10, 6 = 31 (4d10)

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 1, 4, 6 = 11 (3d10)

>>2912901
>.

Rolled 3, 5, 5 = 13 (3d10)

>>2912901

Rolled 5, 8, 10 = 23 (3d10)

>>2912901

>>2912901
You ask the monk where you can wait for Vigilus, and he guides you to a secluded room with a hearth and places to sit around it... a tea room in the western tradition, floored in rush mats and austere inside. The tea comes not long after: a good, strong, fermented black tea with cardamom and cinnamon mixed in with the leaves.

As it happens you barely have time to finish the cup before Vigilus joins you, looking very much like he just woke up.

APOLOGIES. WAS MEDITATING.

You shake your head. SLEEPING.

He frowns. WHO. SAID?

You respond with a wide, sweeping gesture. EVERYONE. KNOWS.

WHO. THIS?

Immediately seizing upon the opportunity, you gesture to your silent partner.

She nods in understanding, having apparently shared your thinking. SERANA. 9.

She spells out her name one letter at a time, and for his part Father Vigilus seems a little surprised that you apparently taught someone else to use these hand signs so soon after you yourself began to learn.

SHE. SPEAKS?

You shake your head. SERANA?

Serana unfastens her collar and displays the obvious scar across the base of her throat... Vigilus doesn't need to be an expert in medicine to understand the severity of such a wound.

I SEE.

Vigilus sighs, shaking his head in apparent disbelief. YOU. FRIENDS?

YES. You insist. I. TRUST. MY. LIFE.

Then you pull out the book he gave you last time. SHE. NEEDS. ONE. THIS.

THEN. WHAT?

>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.
>I expect we'll be seeing a lot more of each other now.
>I want to help her, but I also have my own considerations.
>Other?

>>2912980
>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.

>>2912980
>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.
>I expect we'll be seeing a lot more of each other now.

>>2912980
>>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.

>>2912980
>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.

>>2912980
>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.
>If you could make more for other Claymores I would be grateful though.

>>2912980
>Then she'll learn to speak. From there it's in her hands.
>I expect we'll be seeing a lot more of each other now.

>>2912980
>>2913034
backing this

>>2912980
SHE. WILL. LEARN. TO. SPEAK.

You consider the point behind Vigilus' question for a moment, then add your thoughts on that matter. ALL. ELSE. HER. HANDS.

Vigilus seems to accept that answer, as does Serana when you make eye contact with her not long after. Then after a few moments of consideration, Vigilus sighs.

“It is a kind thing you're doing,” he tells you quietly. “I wanted you to know I appreciate how you have used what I thought at first to be an almost silly inclusion.”

“I had no choice in the matter,” you sigh almost wistfully. “I met her, and that was all it took. I knew I had to help her.”

Vigilus nods thoughtfully. YOU ARE A GOOD WOMAN, NOEL. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP.

TWO. BOOKS?

Your question gives him some pause. YES.

Serana glances back at you. WHY?

OTHERS. CAN. LEARN.

She nods in agreement. Like this, if she meets another warrior she thinks she can trust and that is worth speaking to she can share at least the basics of this new form of communication.

>Thank Father Vigilus, and excuse yourself. You should be returning to your own region.
>Wait here with Serana while Vigilus works, avail yourself of the library until that time.
>Other?

>>2913113
>>Thank Father Vigilus, and excuse yourself. You should be returning to your own region.
Let's get down to business

>>2913113
>>Wait here with Serana while Vigilus works, avail yourself of the library until that time.

>>2913113
>Thank Father Vigilus, and excuse yourself. You should be returning to your own region
Let's skedaddle

>>2913113
>>>Thank Father Vigilus, and excuse yourself. You should be returning to your own region.

>>2913113
>>Thank Father Vigilus, and excuse yourself. You should be returning to your own region.

>>2913113
>Wait here with Serana while Vigilus works, avail yourself of the library until that time.
BOOKS

>>2913113
As much as you would prefer to linger here just a little longer, you know that the Organization won't let you do so. They'll be coming after you if you're any later in reporting than you have to be, and if you delay for too long they'll start to suspect that you and Serana are coordinating in a way that goes beyond the bounds of professional interest. And you suspect that the Organization would start to see that as a threat even assuming they don't know about your secret nature.

You've come to care about Serana and Valentina, and in this case doing right by them means keeping some distance.

“Sorry, Serana, but I have to keep going,” you declare quietly.

You gesture for her hand, and out of sight of Father Vigilus you trace a fuller explanation onto her palm.

I HAVE TO GO. IF THEY START TO SUSPECT IN ANY WAY THAT WE ARE AWARE OF EACH OTHER AND COORDINATING THE ORGANIZATION MIGHT RESPOND WITH PREJUDICE. THEY MAY EVEN START TO SUSPECT AN ALTERNATE POWER STRUCTURE.

I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN. I PROMISE. AND WE'LL FIGURE OUT TOGETHER HOW TO MAKE SURE WE ALL SURVIVE.

You carefully reach behind her neck and pull her in close, butting heads slightly, then turn to excuse yourself. But you find that your wrist has been caught.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION?

>It's a necessary evil. We simply have to make the best of our own situation, support each other how we can.
>They're out of control. Once we're strong enough, once we have enough allies... I want to leave them for good.
>For now concentrate on survival, and gather any relevant information. When we know how many half-awakened warriors there are we'll consider a plan together.
>Other?

>>2913243
>>For now concentrate on survival, and gather any relevant information. When we know how many half-awakened warriors there are we'll consider a plan together.

>>2913243
>>For now concentrate on survival, and gather any relevant information. When we know how many half-awakened warriors there are we'll consider a plan together.

>>2913243
>>For now concentrate on survival, and gather any relevant information. When we know how many half-awakened warriors there are we'll consider a plan together.

>>2913243
>>They're out of control. Once we're strong enough, once we have enough allies... I want to leave them for good.

>>2913243

>They're out of control. Once we're strong enough, once we have enough allies... I want to leave them for good.
>For now concentrate on survival, and gather any relevant information. When we know how many half-awakened warriors there are we'll consider a plan together.
>Other: If there are any that members of the organization that hold a unfavorable view of the system, take note of them. I want to drag as many people out of it.

>>2913243
>They're out of control. Once we're strong enough, once we have enough allies... I want to leave them for good.
>For now concentrate on survival, and gather any relevant information. When we know how many half-awakened warriors there are we'll consider a plan together.

>>2913243
SURVIVE. GATHER INFORMATION. WHEN WE KNOW THE OTHERS LIKE US WE'LL ALL PLAN TOGETHER.

You trace out your thoughts for the future onto Serana's palm, after which she lightly grasps your fingertips and touches her forehead to the back of your hand. Then she runs her fingertip across your palm.

YOU WILL HAVE MY SWORD.

“Thank you, Serana,” you tell her quietly. “And take care.”

She bows politely, and you turn to Vigilus. I AM LEAVING. BE WELL.

AND YOU, he replies immediately. I WILL DO ALL I CAN TO HELP YOUR FRIEND AS WELL. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE.

THANK. YOU. You offer a gesture in return, which he mirrors.

You head out of Daria not long before sundown.
>3d10, taking the third roll

Rolled 8, 2, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>2913344

Rolled 8, 8, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>2913344

Rolled 7, 8, 4 = 19 (3d10)

>>2913344

Rolled 6, 9, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>2913344

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>>2913344
You continue on into the night, turning the little extension of Hazaran that projects out into Sakia slightly near where Alicia, the number 21 warrior, is based. When it becomes too dark for Alysheba to see the trail you tie him off at a tree and spend a few hours sleeping.

This time you have no dreams of any kind, including a distinct lack of any appearances by your mother. Which you suppose is a good thing.

But in the morning you awake to the distinct smell of something burning.

“Good morning, Noel.”

You groan, quietly cursing your misfortune. “Good morning, Tomas.”

“I will have to requisition a new uniform for you,” he muses. “So expect that in a few days' time. But in the immediate term, I brought some bacon.”

As much as you resent being awakened like this, you can't help but feel a little bit of gratitude for the food. Once you've finished eating exactly one strip of freshly-cooked bacon and a small bit of crusty bread, your handler starts to do his job.

“So how did the mission go?”

“Everything in that town was basically a yōma already,” you explain. “The men had murdered the women and children and the awakened being was using them for... depravity. I don't want to talk about it in any greater detail.”

“And the awakened being?”

“Dead,” you inform him. “Honestly she was not that difficult an opponent between myself and Serana, though it took substantially longer to cleanse the area of her filth.”

“And you succeeded?” Tomas presses.

“Between hot water, yōki, and the liberal application of fire, yes.”

“Good,” Tomas nods in appreciation. “Very good. We have sent a team to confirm it of course.”

“And how did you find Serana?”

>We got along fairly well, all things considered.
>She is still quite skilled, even with one arm.
>We didn't talk much.
>Why do you want to know?
>Other?

>>2913523
>>We didn't talk much.
Not a lie.

>>2913523
>We didn't talk much.
>Losing one arm didn't hinder her that much. Still fought as hard as if she had two hands.
>other: Have you handled other claymores before me?
I wanna start digging into how mom was like before she went woke.

>>2913523
>We didn't talk much.
>She’s smart, thorough and a good warrior. Seems to have made inroads to a new style to adapt for losing an arm.

>>2913523
>>She is still quite skilled, even with one arm.
>>We didn't talk much.

>>2913523
>We didn't talk much.

>>2913523
>3d10, best of four
Runoff vote: ask whether Tomas has ever had another Warrior?
>Yes
>No

>>2913595
>No

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

>>2913595
No

Rolled 3, 5, 10 = 18 (3d10)

>>2913595
No

Rolled 6, 6, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>2913595
>No

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

>>2913595

>>2913595
>yes.

So why are we not daring to ask Tomas? How else are we supposed to get information besides asking mommy Yukari-Sabela?

>>2913595
“For only having one arm she seems to have adjusted quite well,” you reply, a more or less empty response. “Though we didn't talk much.”

“Understandable,” Tomas admits. “Given the circumstances... however I must confess some surprise that your response is not more pronounced now that you presumable know her situation.”

“What can I do?” you sigh. “Her injuries are such that any intercession might actually leave her worse off than she currently is, and she seems to be making due with the use of her off hand only. To think that she used to be stronger it is no wonder she was once ranked number Three.”

“Well then congratulations on another successful mission,” Tomas nods. “I have another one lined up for you, this time in Noroit.”

“And the mission is?”

“To track down a yōma and eliminate it,” Tomas informs you, in an almost lazy tone. “Nothing complicated about this one, at least on its face. It's simply that the usual warrior responsible is on a hunt in Audiern.”

“I see, so I'm handling another warrior's usual duties now?”

“That is part of the job,” Tomas points out. “And you really shouldn't be complaining about getting a simple mission every now and then.”

“And you really think this one is going to be simple?” you raise an eyebrow.

“There is no evidence to suggest otherwise,” Tomas shrugs. “You will be met in Acerrae, where you will be issued a new uniform and I have arranged for more specific instructions for you as well, though hardly anything will come as any surprise.”

“This one really does promise to be that simple.”

“Well... we'll see then.”

>>2913595
>No
>>2913654
I just don't want him to know we're getting curious.

>>2913655
And sorry to cut it off now, but I'm not feeling well and we just hit a good spot between the "cleanup" of this thread and the next mission. So thanks for playing along, sorry about the mess, and hope to see you back next weekend where things will go a bit more smoothly.

>>2913661
ah poop. Just got here.

>>2913661
Sleep tight Queen, feel better and I hope your roommate manages to learn how to not burn your place down

If anyone has any omake ideas that won't get too spoilery I'll consider them.

>>2921111
A five-hundred year game of poker while Riku and co. wait for the right time.

>>2921111
Young Noel's birthday party at the palace

>>2921111
Monk Noel

>>2921111
Noel plays Charades with the Monks in Daria. She gets utterly schooled.

>Sabela sometimes drops in on Noel when she doesn't have a mission and basically spends the time either trolling/mothering the daugher or goes around commenting on her tastes.

>The aftermath of Noel's mission in Daria told in the POV of the Guard Captain.

>>2921111
Could we have an omake from the Monk's perspective about Noel? Or any character about their first impression of her

Or maybe a training day with Noel's best friend before she died.

>>2921111
A unit of joe normals issued rifles for the first time then encountering a yoma.

I'm just wondering would everyone still be using smooth bore tactics at this point and what load type they were?

>>2921664
This one is first.
>>2922081
These are added to my backlog.
>>2921886
The last one is in my backlog.
>>2921886
>>2923064
Some of this is too close to stuff that will happen over the course of the actual quest.

>>2923094
“Dominica, do I really need to wear this?”

Noel Tiberius di Hazaran looked thoroughly disgruntled with the situation, standing in a frilly dress with a ribbon in her hair as the Lady of the Bedchamber, wife to the wise old Master of the Household and personal assistant to the Princess, looked on.

“This is supposedly quite fashionable for young ladies in the east,” the Lady observed, a subtly amused smile on her clever face. “It comes with slippers.”

Noel, who had been eyeing her favorite boots with obvious longing, heaved a sigh. “Must we?”

The Lady nodded once. “I fear we must. Your birthday is after all a public occasion, so we will be hosting dignitaries and social figures from all over the kingdom.”

“... must we?”

The Lady chuckled, hanging the young Princess a pair of slippers to match her dress. “If it helps, your father has a surprise waiting for you if you keep your best behavior. I'm sure you'll love it.”

The birthday of a Princess is quite the splendid affair, particularly for one so beloved by her father as Noel. The Master of Revels spent a full week working together with the Master of the Household and the Keeper of the Purse acquiring all the candles, fresh flowers, and foodstuffs which would be required. One low assistant spent days on end polishing the silver, one spent a similar time ensuring that the porcelain was spotless. Every single detail was planned to be perfect, from the moment a Lord or Lady was welcomed at the entrance to the moment when they were escorted out to return to their homes.

Those who were favored with an invitation began arriving at noon, to be welcomed by the Lord Chamberlain and ushered up the stairs and into the outer reception rooms, where tea, light snacks, and lightly alcoholic beverages were offered in no short supply. A few of the Lords and Chieftains who had daughters were in luck today, as those few younger guests were allowed to take their tea with the Princess herself. Most citizens of the capital however were not invited, though many turned up anyway at some point in the afternoon to watch the arrivals. Even some village folk made their way to the Capital if they could on this day, as it was now tradition for the King to make a personal speech on the day of his daughter's birth.

Eventually, shortly before dinner and after the majority of the guests whose attendance had been confirmed were present, Noel herself put in her official appearance with a curtsy and an outburst of applause.
>1/?

>>2923115
“Well, my dear,” the King greeted his daughter warmly, his hand extended. “I imagine Lady Dominica had to tease you with the promise of a surprise to get you into that dress?”

The King was always in the habit of referring to those who managed his home in the most formal and respectful of tones, using either their full title or “Lord-or-Lady” and their given name for the sake of clarity when the situation arose.

“I hear it's quite fashionable,” Noel replied, in a tone of thinly-veiled mutiny as her father led her towards the doors to the balcony overlooking the front lawns of the Palace. “Though I don't care for it.”

“I know you don't,” the King admitted. “But please try to endure it. Appearances are rather important in our line of work, you know. So even if you never develop an interest in fashion, at the very least please continue to trust your Lady of the Bedchamber to take interest for you.”

“Yes, father.”


“And try not to look so gloomy,” the King sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in a habit most unfitting for a King. “If it helps, I got Marshal Noventus to bring you a pony...”

“You got me a pony?” the young Princess interrupted, her foul mood suddenly gone. “I can finally learn to ride?”

“All day long tomorrow if you like,” the King promised. “You won't have to go anywhere near a dress again for a whole year if you just put up with it for the rest of the evening.”

Noel at first moved to embrace her father, but suddenly mindful of the onlooking nobles she checked herself. “You're getting a completely shameless outburst of filial affection later, father.”

“You mean you're going to hug the crap out of me?” the King chuckled. “Will you at least allow me enough room to breath?”

“I shall take it under advisement.”

The duo stepped out onto the balcony, and the King loudly cleared his throat. A crowd of the common folk had packed into the broad lawn to listen, with some having evidently traveled far to be here on this day.

“I understand that many of you think me mad,” the King begins in a booming, commanding voice, immediately prompting a wave of murmurs through the crowd. “Whether this is true or not is irrelevant. Though I have done all I can to serve my people well, once rumors start to spread it is impossible to contain them, or to deny them. I am well aware that this has tainted perception of my rulership in a way that I am not confident my own actions, however successful and beneficial, can change, and that any mistakes I may make in the future will be further colored by these sentiments.”

“And so I have decided that on this, the tenth birthday of my daughter, I should announce my abdication from the throne in five years' time.”
>2/3

>>2923130
Little Noel is adorable.

>>2923134
Indeed, I just love her, somewhat predictable, reaction to getting a pony

>>2923136
I most like her sudden switch to "prime and proper" mode.

>>2923130
“Father,” Noel muttered under her breath, sparing her father a worried glance. “What are you doing?”

“Noel has been a gift to me,” the King continued, his voice strained slightly from containing his emotions. “For ten years I have kept that gift selfishly to myself. You may see her only as a girl today, but I have had the privilege of seeing her grow. She is... a unique young woman, always surprising me with how quickly she learns and leaving me in the dust with how energetic she is. You'd think after all these years I would have learned how to stop underestimating her, but here we are!”

The crowd was, for the most part, too stunned to appreciate the joke.

“She will be a fine queen one day, perhaps a day that is sooner than I would have hoped but later than you would have liked,” the King concluded, his tone almost pleading his case. “I only ask that you give her time to finish being a child first. When she is a legal adult she will take the reins from me, and she will be more than ready to do so. And it will be the proudest day of my life.”

“For now I wish you all good night, and may you and your families be blessed.”

Turning, the King led his still-stunned daughter back into the palace and left his still-stunned people to debate what they had just heard.

Inside, the mood was one of surprise as well.

“Did you mean what you said, father?” Noel asked.

The King took a knee, resting his hand on his daughter's shoulder. “Every word of it, Noel. And remember, I only seem to be able to under-estimate you, so one day you will probably be a great queen.”

“Now,” he changed tack, rising back to his full height. “I take it you know the proper procedure for leading your Lords and Ladies to dinner?”

Noel rolled her eyes. “Of course, father. I've only had nine of these silly parties before this one.”

“Then I'll leave it in your capable hands,” the King smiled.

“Well, my Lords and Ladies,” the young Princess announced with a sweeping gesture of her hand more suited to her father's frame than to her own, “I believe that dinner is ready in the formal dining room. Stewards, if you would be so kind as to lead the way?”

As his daughter took the reins, at least for this one event, the King couldn't help but smile. Marshal Noventus hung back with him for a few moments. “That was a very courageous thing you just did, old friend.”

“What courage was involved?” the King replied, seemingly amused. “You've surely seen it too. You can tell that girl is destined for great things... the best I can hope to do is teach her what I can while I have her, and step aside for her when the time is right.”

Noventus chuckled grimly. “You know, hearing you speak like that? They're either very wrong about you or very right.”

The King simply shrugged, before gesturing for Noventus to head for the dining room. “Both might be true.”
>3/3

>>2923141
Very wholesome, ... if you dont think about the later part if history ...

>>2923141
He may be the opposite, but he has earned my respect.

>>2923141
That was heartwarming, but at the same time I see why people would consider him mad.
"In 5 years I'll abdicate for my daughter who's currently just ten and who I'm completely sure is a genius, and totally not just because I'm a loving father"? Yeah, I'd consider rebellion too.

>>2923145
He is a king, that's actually relatively normal behavior

>>2923145
Peter the Great was ten when he became Tsar, and overthrew his half-sister who had been regent at 17. Emperor Antoku ascended to the throne in Japan at the age of two. The last Emperor of the Song dynasty was six at his coronation. Henry VIII was crowned at 18. Henry II fought in the Anarchy at 14, became Duke of Normandy at 17, inherited Anjou at 18, and essentially conquered England at 21.

All around the world kings and emperors have led with varying degrees of autonomy and success at tender ages. And in this case the king was arguably more methodical about it than any historical ruler. He gave his subjects five years' notice, and for the average person a fifteen year old IS an adult. They'd have no reason to suspect that he'd be incorrect in his assessment that she'd be ready.

The REAL problem was that there were nobles and officials who saw her as a nobody and had their own aspirations for rulership.

>>2923159
All those people inherited rulership when their predecessors died. It had nothing to do with their ability to rule.
There's no question that Noel might have been fit for rule at 15. But she also might not, and 5 years prior no one could know which it'll be. So I can see people viewing the abdication decision as a crazy whim.

>>2923159
we all know that Moel was a flaming redhead, but what was her eye color before the clay wash?

>>2923169
It'd also pay to remember that at this point Noel was about as popular in Hazaran as puppies, and unlike her father there was no contemporary debate about her mental stability. And in case you were wondering, it's absolutely not a coincidence that the King was talking about "appearances" to Noel, and he wasn't talking about dresses

The entire thing was the ploy of a man who already suspected that he was going to be violently deposed, to try and make it harder for the coup faction to do anything to his daughter without massive public backlash.

>>2923171
Dark brown.

>>2924288
Was Emma a offensive or defense claymore type?

>>2924288
Who is the highest ranked Defensive claymore now?


How likely is it the Organization helped the king's downfall because of Noel's existance?

>>2924288
Well then. now to make a color portrait of Noel who either went full woke and embraced her abyssal heritage or didn't go through the claymore wash.

>>2924615
Offensive.
>>2924638
That Noel knows of? Herself, which leaves five unknowns above her (Olivia was the only Defensive type ever ranked #1).

If you want to know the answer to your second question you'll have to pursue it yourself.

>>2924288
Also, that spoiler. He knew more than enough to know what went down with Sabela and what is up with Noel's heritage.
>“You mean you're going to hug the crap out of me?” the King chuckled. “Will you at least allow me enough room to breath?”
>Noel actually having enough strength to bear hug her dad to the point where he can't breathe.
The signs of her claymore heritage are already there.

>>2924706
She's also incredibly articulate for a 10 year old.

>>2924710
She is an abyssal child after all, children pick up and learn new things at an incredible rate. Noel just learns much faster due. Even her father stated that of all the things he's learned, whether it be court politics or mathematics, Noel's skill and learning rate actually left him in the dust if we were to compare his age and skill to hers.

He probably also knew about the Organization policy of "leave no evidence" ever since he got involved by laying with Sabela. Like who in the world would have a fling that committed with a single digit claymore serious enough to get a child out of it and not become privy to the organization's secrets and politics? His pleading moment in his speech must've been to not only his citizens but also towards the Organization members and scouts hidden among the party goers.

>>2924732
Of course, Sabela might have been a claymore when she had us, not an Abyssal one. King did say that the pain of childbirth causes awakening, and they was oddly specific.

>>2924774
>awakening from the pain of childbirth
It's specific, but that still gives leeway in the timing. Did she awaken from the labor pains from a particularly bad contraction while Noel was still in her tummy or did she awaken while Noel was halfway through the birthing canal? or did she let herself go in the afterglow after getting Noel completely out? And keep in mind that Noel was still connected to Sabela via umbilical cord so the flesh mutation that occurs during awakening will still affect the child itself regardless of when Mom went woke from childbirth pains. She might not have enough time to cut the cord before she lost control of her yoki and went woke.

There's also the mystery of Mom and dad's relationship when they had the fling. did they fuck each other with the intention of making a child? or was Noel a happy accident? We'll have to ask mom when we see her again.

>>2924288
>Noel was about as popular in Hazaran as puppies
I can envision that.

>>2924732
>He probably also knew about the Organization policy of "leave no evidence"
They waited 12 years IIRC. I don't think this was about evidence.

>>2924857
I still can’t buy the idea of pregnant claymores, unless they’re partially awakened, the stigmata are gonna interfere with their pregnancy pretty badly

>>2924857
There is also the possibility that Noel is not Sabela'sfirst child . . .

Imagine if Sabela had gotten pregnant before only to have it end horribly due to her unhealing Claymore physiology or something. Noel might merely be her first living offspring.

King, if I or anyone ever guesses it right, please just don't tell us and don't change anything.

>>2925623
There are certain questions at the moment where I refuse to weigh in any further than I already have and this is one of them. Literally anything I could say other than "I'm deliberately saying nothing" would be a mistake.

>>2925620
With the number of partially awakened Claymores the Org has produced and how it partially heals the wound even if it isn't complete that plus the trademark staples would probably do the trick.

>>2925630
It doesn't matter, we all know Sabela was doing evil demon lies and that Noels real mom is a horse!

>>2925638
A moe horse!

File: cXmQgHj.png (3.09 MB, 2676x3420)

3.09 MB PNG

>>2925638
>Noels real mom is a horse!

>>2925638
And that number of half-woke claymores is apparently rising the more Noel investigates. Noel's a half woke, Serena's half woke, even a double digit warrior like Valentina (who was previously #19) is half-woke, and the latter knows another one half-awakened claymore in the single digit ranks aside from Serena and Noel

>>2925630
Very good. I am glad you can remain detached from all the questions and wild specific.

Thanks for that.

>>2925788
*speculation

Now excuse me while I scream insults at my phone.

Just so I'm not wasting a post: has Noel ever released enough yoki to show the more extreme changes? Teeth, bulking up, etc.

Claymores have the peculiar ability to become monstrous and pumped as needed, just wondered where Noel fit in that spectrum.

>>2925789
Teeth change at 20-30 % and bulk up happens at 50. Before Saria Noel routinely hit 50 to use White Fist. So yeah she has.

File: AHuzqPx.png (371 KB, 600x428)

371 KB PNG

>>2925789
If you're fishing for more specific changes that happen when someone goes too far but still in control (i.e. pic related), Noel did pass that threshold, but she didn't take note of what it looked like because she passed out soon after. Saria knows what Noel looks like but she's dead and the only description that she told us of what the extreme change was to Noel was that Noel in her "full woke form" looked appropriately like a "Lonely Queen". A "lonely queen of what?" is the big question here that comes out of it.

>>2925872
my question is more how did she LOOK lonely

>>2925630
>gasp

>>2926107
You know the SadBat emo hollow from Bleach? it's probably like that

>>2925872
I was more wondering how strongly the changes present each step of the way. Galatea, for example, dramatically increased in power and inhuman traits as she let her yoki rise up to 50 percent. More than any other Claymore in canon according to her.

>>2927855
Not going to lie, Ulqiorra appealed to me a lot as a kid

>>2923141
You awaken early in the morning in a bad mood, having dreamed of the day when your father declared his intention to abdicate on your fifteenth birthday. Your understanding today is that he anticipated the threat of a coup, and had hoped that a combination of your own popularity and the promise that the 'mad' king would only rule a few more years would keep you safe from assassination.

Unfortunately what it did was force those who wouldn't mind killing you to work on a shorter time schedule. It wouldn't be two full years before they made their move.

You rub the sleep from your eyes and shake the exhaustion from your limbs, before taking Alysheba and heading towards Acerrae. It takes you the better part of a day to reach the town, and when you arrive you realize that you've gotten here before your contact in the Organization.

That gives you a little bit of time.

>Return to the Byron estate.
>See if there's still a military presence here.
>Find a cafe and wait there for your contact.
>Other?

>>2933493
>See if there's still a military presence here.

>>2933493
>see if there's a military presence

>>2933493
>>See if there's still a military presence here.

>>2933493
>See if there's still a military presence here.

>>2933493
>>See if there's still a military presence here.

>>2933493
nice tie-in to the omake
>See if there's still a military presence here.

>>2933493
>>See if there's still a military presence here.

Rolled 2, 2, 9 = 13 (3d10)

>3d10, best of three

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

>>2933539

Rolled 6, 8, 10 = 24 (3d10)

>>2933539

Rolled 7, 9, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>2933539

Rolled 10, 7, 6 = 23 (3d10)

>>2933539

>>2933539
You manage to quickly ascertain that there's no military presence in Acerrae anymore, which is probably a good thing for the locals. It means that there's nothing going too horribly wrong in this region. With a short series of conversations in the market you figure out that the cavalry you saw here moved out not long after you passed through here, and haven't been seen or heard from since.

A few hours later, you start to realize that you haven't met with your Organization contact yet.

In fact it takes so long that you have to stop for an hour or two to get something to eat. It's a small meal, a few pieces of vegetable-filled pasta in a light coating of butter and herbs and a small glass of wine, but it helps you kill the time.

With no real luck.

The sun goes down and you still haven't seen hide nor hair of your Organization contact.

>Find a place in town to sleep.
>See if Lord Byron would put you up.
>There's a ruined castle outside of town.
>Other?

>>2933603
>There's a ruined castle outside of town.

>>2933603
>There's a ruined castle outside of town.
>other: yoki sense search for mom.

>>2933603
>There's a ruined castle outside of town.

>>2933603
>>There's a ruined castle outside of town.

>>2933603
>>There's a ruined castle outside of town.
what's caution

>>2933603
>Find a place in town to sleep.

>>2933603
>There's a ruined castle outside of town.

Rolled 8, 9 = 17 (2d10)

>3d10, best of four

Rolled 6, 1, 1 = 8 (3d10)

>>2933640

Rolled 2, 4, 9 = 15 (3d10)

>>2933640

Rolled 2, 6, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>2933640

Rolled 2, 9, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>2933640

Rolled 8, 7, 6 = 21 (3d10)

>>2933640
>>2933640
>>2933640

>>2933651
*sigh*

>>2933653
butterfingers from eating roasted pork belly ribs.

>>2933658
Were they good ribs, at least?

>>2933664
yes. fingerlicking good.

>>2933640
You recall that there's a ruined castle outside of town, and that your mother was living there when you encountered her the first time. And since your Organization contact still hasn't put in an appearance, you decide that there would be worse ways to pass the evening than putting a few more questions to Sabela.

When you're close enough to the ruins, you realize that there's no sense in any caution: Sabela clearly isn't here, nor is any other yōma. You examine the area thoroughly, noting that there are hardly any traces that she was ever even here in the first place. There's still a sealed barrel of wine tucked away in a hole in the wall, but there's no food and the fireplace has even been cleaned out. It seems like she's been gone for a while, and it was obviously a deliberate move.

It seems that your mother likely spends most of her time moving from one place to another, for whatever combination of reasons. Possibly from something as simple as boredom.

In the morning, after sleeping in the relative shelter of the ruins, you return to town shortly after sunrise.

“Have you seen an extraordinarily creepy man all in black recently?” you ask the first person in the market who will stop to talk with you.

The woman, who seems to be on her way to a spice vending stall, shakes her head. “No, miss. Can't say I have.”

You wander towards the entrance to town where you first arrived, and from which direction on the road you expect your contact to arrive from the mountains. There's a small cafe here which has tea for a good price, and you settle in to wait.

You review the hand signs in Vigilus' book.

You overview a few of the martial techniques, particularly a series of images depicting a rapid method for sheathing a curved sword. You'd seen this before of course, but it bears further study.

When you look up from your third cup of tea, you realize that it's getting on towards noon with no sign of your contact.

>Move on, the Organization has never had difficulties finding you when it needs to.
>Leave a message with the mayor of Acerrae, letting him know to expect your contact.
>Remain here a little while longer. The Organization is bound to send someone soon.
>Other?

>>2933694
>other: well this is odd. And irritating. if they're not coming to see you. you're going to see them.

>>2933694
>Leave a message with the mayor of Acerrae, letting him know to expect your contact.

>>2933694
>Find the closest Claymore we know of.

>>2933703
how would we even go about trying this

>>2933694
>Move on, the Organization has never had difficulties finding you when it needs to.

>>2933694
>>Move on, the Organization has never had difficulties finding you when it needs to.
Well whatever.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2933705
>>2933713

>>2933753
You decide to write a quick message, and you take that note to the office of Acerrae's mayor.

He's an older man, with a kindly face and a receding hairline. He asks what business a young lady with a large sword might have with him.

“I was supposed to meet with a handler here,” you admit, proffering the handwritten note. “But he never showed up, which is unusual. I'll have to continue on alone, but if you get reports of a man in black asking after a Claymore could you see that he gets this?”

The mayor nods politely. “Apologies, I didn't realize at first. Yes, I can make sure he gets it.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course,” the mayor waves off your gratitude. “If a Claymore asks a favor, even a simple one, I've found over the years it's best for everyone involved to simply agree. These things are rarely not a matter of life and death for someone after all.”

Once that piece of business is taken care of, you head up towards the mountains with Alysheba. The ride is fairly easy going, and by sundown you make camp near the tree line in preparation to push straight through the high pass tomorrow morning and be back down out of the cold by this time tomorrow.

Alysheba munches contentedly on some grass nearby, and you settle in next to the base of a tree to wait for it to be light again.
>3d10, taking the third roll

Rolled 6, 5, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>2933829

Rolled 9, 10, 7 = 26 (3d10)

>>2933829

Rolled 9, 10, 4 = 23 (3d10)

>>2933829

Rolled 8, 2, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>2933829

>>2933837
damn son

>>2933866
only third roll counts

>>2933876
still that's 23, which isn't bad at all.

>>2933901
but I wonder who the 11 is for...

>>2933837
You can hear the sound of a horse coming down from the opposite direction, from above the treeline, and you glance back at the trail just in time to see the slumped shape of a rider silhouetted in the moonlight. Then, slowly, the rider falls from the saddle with a dull thud.

You're about to head up to the trail to investigate when you hear several more horses approaching. Not liking the situation you rein Alysheba in, leaving him tied to a small but tough-looking shrub so that a large rock is between him and the trail, and you stay close to him.

The sound of hoofbeats slows... you think you can hear three horses in total, and when most of the horses have stopped you hear a man's voice. You can't quite make out what he's saying, but you can tell from here that they're words of anger... and then there are three loud noises, sharp cracks which echo along the trail.

You have to keep Alysheba calm, holding his head close and his jaws shut. He seems to get the hint.

After a few minutes, you hear the hooves once more, heading further down the trail. All three seem to fade, until you struggle to hear them. Then the sounds are gone.

It takes you a few minutes longer before you're confident that whatever just happened is over, and once you are you carefully and quietly climb up the slope towards the main path.

“What the hell?” you wonder aloud as you nearly stumble over the body of a dead black-haired horse.

Then, not much further up towards the trail, you find the rider at the base of a tree, his spine clearly snapped where his body slammed into it.

The figure is dressed entirely in black, his face not quite horrifying but definitely a bit odd. In his coat there are three obvious holes that you can see, with dark blood draining from the corpse. One in the head, one in the chest, and one surrounded by already-dried blood in his side just above his hip.

You quickly search through a pack at the back of the dead horse's saddle to confirm your suspicions: in it you find a warrior's uniform. The one meant for you.

This handler, who you do not recognize, must have been shot in the side a fair distance from here, then ridden downslope to where the trio of riders caught up to him to finish what they started. And when they did so they put two lethal shots into him, one into his horse, then disposed of both... and you can't tell that they stole anything.

>Take the uniform, but do not put it on.
>Take the uniform and change into it.
>Do not take the uniform.

Also,
>Head back for Acerrae. You have the element of surprise.
>Leave now, don't wait. You don't want to risk those riders learning of your movements from the Mayor.
>Head for the checkpoint and report a robbery on the road. That ought to slow the riders down.
>Linger here long enough to investigate a few details, figure out more about the context of this attack.

>>2933916
Someone looking for us and doesn't find shit course we are to good at hiding when we don't know we are playing

>>2933929
>>Take the uniform, but do not put it on.

>Head back for Acerrae. You have the element of surprise.

>>2933929
>Do not take the uniform
>Linger here long enough to investigate a few details, figure out more about the context of this attack

>>2933929
>>>Take the uniform, but do not put it on.
>Linger here long enough to investigate a few details, figure out more about the context of this attack.

Context is good.

>>2933929
>Do not take the uniform.
Best if we're incognito. Tomas would still recognize us from our current clothing.
>Linger here long enough to investigate a few details, figure out more about the context of this attack.
Apparently there are factions that do not like the Org at all. Imagine what would've happened here. and apparently

>>2933956
"Imagine what would've happened here if the pursuers caught up with us in the middle when our handler went to deliver our uniform..."
Is what I was gonna say.

>>2933937
supporting

I prefer to investigate here rather than rushing back to town immediately this could be an inter organizational fight. I dont want to head in blind

>>2933929
>Do not take the uniform.
>Head for the checkpoint and report a robbery on the road. That ought to slow the riders down.

>>2933977
I see "linger" and get spooked; would rather take advantage of having the element of surprise

>>2933979
it only makes sense for the robbery if there was an empty saddlebag at the scene.

>>2933967
btw: don't you need to link to King's post too...?

>>2933929
>Take the uniform, but do not put it on.
>Linger here long enough to investigate a few details, figure out more about the context of this attack.

>>2933991
...yeah
so...>>2933937
>>2933929
supporting

>>2933994
on one hand, a claymore outfit will be SUPER suspect at checkpoints and border crossings and immediately flags Noel as a Claymore for those hostile to Claymores and the org. on the other hand, it's good clothing.

>>2933929
>>Take the uniform, but do not put it on.
>>Head for the checkpoint and report a robbery on the road. That ought to slow the riders down.

>>2933929
You retrieve your new uniform from the saddlebag: at some point you're going to be expected to wear this, but it might not be wise to do so right now, with a handler having just been murdered in cold blood. But you also take the time to investigate the situation a little more thoroughly...
>3d10, best of three

>>2933929
>Take the uniform, but do not put it on.
>Linger here long enough to investigate a few details, figure out more about the context of this attack.

Rolled 7, 8, 8 = 23 (3d10)

>>2934034
woke up from drunk, time to roll.

Rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14 (3d10)

>>2934034

Rolled 2, 2, 10 = 14 (3d10)

>>2934034

>>2934039
Nice, maybe you should drunk roll more

>>2934095
Nah, I'm already sober.
I just woke up from my sleep of the gods, aka drunk nap.

>>2934034
You do a little bit of poking around, finding that the dead handler has no personal effects to speak of. Unless of course you count money as a “personal” item, which you do find in no short supply. Clearly this was not a robbery, as the only thing of value he was likely to be carrying is still on his corpse.

There's a little bit of food in the saddlebags as well, both horse feed and trail rations. Enough to last at least a few days.

It takes some further rummaging to tell you that he has no paper copy of your orders on him.

A little more searching uphill, fumbling in the dark, and your hand finds a small dented metal container that glistens slightly in the moonlight. Opening it reveals what you were looking for: your orders. The handler must have thrown this container before his attackers caught up with him. Inside you find the relevant details written as brief notes.

>Contact: Miss Veronica Gambino
>Settlement: Lanerk
>Region: Noroit
>Level: C
>Details: Reports of a lone yōma, killed two people. Identified as Marcus Gambino and Nathaniel Grisholm, merchants. Former is late husband to civilian contact. Site of attack is the market center in Lanerk. Occurred on the seventh night of the ninth month.
>Payment: Half upfront, 1500 due on completion.

That gives you a clear idea of what happened as well as an idea of where to go next. Because of his last-minute thinking the three riders will not have discovered your orders... and the fact that the trio did not spend any more time searching for this container tells you even more about the situation.

They definitely killed this handler knowing who he was, and disposed of his body and that of his horse to cover up their deeds. They were well-equipped, but did not know enough about their target to realize he might be carrying orders. So they're not taking orders off deceased handlers, and they may not even be targeting warriors with that much sophistication.

Ultimately, it tells you that the killers have a clear grudge against the Organization but know little about how you operate.

>Complete your mission solo, report what you saw here once that mission is complete.
>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>Other?

Also, pick one:
>Loot the body
>Don't loot the body

>>2934186
>>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>Don't loot the body

>>2934186
>>Complete your mission solo, report what you saw here once that mission is complete.
>Don't loot the body
Let the vulture corpse be.

>>2934186
>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>Don't loot the body

On the one hand I hate the organization and I hope they get what's coming to them.

On the other hand I'm worried that failing to report asap will make us a larger suspect.

>>2934186
>>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>Loot the body
Definitely loot the body.

>>2934186
>>2934192
supporting

>>2934186
>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>Loot the body

>>2934186
>>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>>Don't loot the body

>>2934186

>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>other: complete the mission incognito.
>don't loot the body.

>>2934186
>You need to find a way to report this first, it seems like a more pressing issue.
>Don't loot the body

>>2934186
>>Complete your mission solo, report what you saw here once that mission is complete.
>>Don't loot the body

>>2934186
As much as you realize you could use the supplies and money for your own purposes, instead you elect to leave the body. You've taken what you needed and what was intended for you anyway, and you'll leave the rest in case someone from the Organization comes later to investigate the scene.

And speaking of which, you'll have to report this to the Organization as soon as possible. But how exactly to do that... typically it's Tomas who finds you, or else another handler who you meet with like you were supposed to in this situation.

The way you look at it there are a couple of options.

>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.
>If you cross into Hazaran you may be able to track down Laura, report to her.
>If you backtrack to Acerrae someone may come looking eventually.
>Other?

>>2934296
>>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.

>>2934296
can someone remind me who's Laura again?
(yes my memory's shit)

>>2934296
>>>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.

>>2934296
>>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.

>>2934296
>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.
>travel incognito. ride at night.
>mark down the castle ruins as a possible staging/fallback point

>>2934313
The #2 warrior. Noel met her in passing as a friend of Olivia's.

>>2934296
>>>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.

>>2934296
>>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.

>>2934296
>>Find this “Veronica” mentioned in your orders. Clearly she found a way to contact the Organization.
Eh, let's stick to the proper channels then. No need to make the Org wary of warriors' colluding

>>2934296
You decide that the best way to proceed is to follow the mission as far as meeting with the client, who clearly has her own way of contacting the Orgnization. When you meet with her you'll inform her of the situation that's arisen and she'll relay your message while you handle her job. That way everything that needs to happen anyway will happen in a timely manner.

At least it beats trying to track down Laura for several days. Who knows whether this “Veronica” will even be alive by the time you're done. Depending on whether Laura is actually deployed away from Hazaran it may even be slower reporting through her.

When you pass the border checkpoint, the guards there don't give you any trouble for once and wave you through.

You avoid speaking with any of the other handful of travelers trying to make it from the checkpoint out of the pass before nightfall...

>Push on through Cuilan. You want to be meeting with the client day after tomorrow, as early in the morning as Alysheba can get you there.
>You can rest once you're down out of the pass, maybe pump the other travelers for information before moving on.
>You would be less conspicuous as part of a group. Such precaution may not be uncalled for at the moment.
>Other?

>>2934465
>Push on through Cuilan. You want to be meeting with the client day after tomorrow, as early in the morning as Alysheba can get you there.
Can't claymores go for days without sleep? If I'm mistaken guys please correct me.

>>2934465
>You would be less conspicuous as part of a group. Such precaution may not be uncalled for at the moment.
>You can also pump the traveling group you're with for info about the local rumors.
>other: spread the rumors of a group of riders hunting down organization members and claymores. That'll spread rumors and news faster than actual messages.

>>2934465
>>Push on through Cuilan. You want to be meeting with the client day after tomorrow, as early in the morning as Alysheba can get you there.

>>2934465
>>Push on through Cuilan. You want to be meeting with the client day after tomorrow, as early in the morning as Alysheba can get you there.

>>2934465
>>You would be less conspicuous as part of a group. Such precaution may not be uncalled for at the moment.

>>2934481
The only consideration is whether or not Noel's horse could do so.

>>2934465
>>You would be less conspicuous as part of a group. Such precaution may not be uncalled for at the moment.

>>2934506
Oh right the horse.

>>2934465
>be less conspicuous as part of a group

>>2934465
>>Push on through Cuilan. You want to be meeting with the client day after tomorrow, as early in the morning as Alysheba can get you there.

>>2934465
You would prefer to get to the settlement called “Lanerk” as quickly as possible, but there are two limiting factors. First of these is that Alysheba cannot push as hard as you can for as long as you can without collapsing of exhaustion, so in order to maintain a pace but without killing your horse you will have to do it in fairly short bursts. The second major consideration is that it will help to try and blend in with other groups of travelers.

With the knowledge that there are killers targeting members of the Organization, it would be best to keep as low a profile as possible.
>3d10, best of four

>sorry for the delay, I'm running out of steam

Rolled 8, 6, 10 = 24 (3d10)

>>2934620

Rolled 9, 2, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>2934620
Np, Queen. Gonna wrap up the session here or...?

Rolled 4, 2, 9 = 15 (3d10)

>>2934620

>>2934629
I can crank out another update or two to get us to the mission.

Rolled 10, 5, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>2934620
>>2934620

>>2934620
You manage to strike a nice balance for the first day, blending in with a group of merchants on their way to Noirot by horseback. Your claymore you decide to wrap in spare cloth, disguising its more obvious features and storing it at Alysheba's side. It's not hard to get directions to your goal from the traders as well, and as it turns out there will be little trouble. Apparently there's a main road that leads there, as the town you want to find is a trading crossroads.

By night you move more slowly, giving Alysheba some time to rest and eat, only to resume the next morning.

Were it not for your childhood passion you may not have known how to push Alysheba right to the edge of what you'd consider cruel for an animal, then to allow him to recover just enough to push again. It's a hard second day's ride, and much to your dismay you passed another trio of riders with rifles who seem strikingly familiar to the three who killed your would-be handler.

You can't be sure of course, but the thought of it leaves you a bit on edge.

By the end of the third day you've gotten far enough to let Alysheba rest for real... you even get a little sleep yourself.

Early in the morning, right about on the schedule you had hoped to keep, you arrive in a large town: Lanerk.

A wide, slow river with a road running parallel to it on its eastern bank meets a second wide road, which must be connected by a number of cable ferries that stretch across the water. All along the shores on both sides are waterwheels and wharfs, where flat boats of various sizes are being loaded and unloaded.

You pick a shop near the largest market street and begin your search.

“Can you tell me where to find Marcus Gambino?” you ask a spice merchant at a stall. “I have news on a shipment he requested.”

“Gambino?” the old woman asks. “He's dead, I'm none to sorry to say. Got eaten by a yōma, him and his scoundrel of a partner.”

Well that's a surprising amount of animosity towards someone so recently deceased. “Did the two of them have a bad reputation?”

“More like they were just too good at what they did,” the woman admits. “Undercut a lot of folks... myself included.”

“Well, I still have business to attend to,” you sigh. “Can you point me towards his widow... Veronica, if memory serves?”

The woman writes down the address to the Gambino shop, and you head straight for it before hitching up Alysheba outside. Inside you find a woman in a black mourning dress, seated by the front window.

“Valentina Gambion, I've been sent here to do a job?” you ask.

“You can't be a Claymore?” she asks in disbelief, before quickly shaking her head. “No, I suppose with eyes like yours you must be.”

“The terms of my employment have changed,” you inform her warily. “Unfortunately, I need you to contact the Organization immediately, the same way you did before.”

“For what purpose?”

“There's been a... development.”

>>2934760
And this is where I have to say goodnight. I'm not feeling quite as sick as I did yesterday at least, but I'm now beyond exhausted.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you had fun, and look forward to more next weekend where we deal with the mission at hand AND the still-unknown killers who are apparently stalking Organization personnel in the field.

>>2934764
Definitely a lot of fun, very tense stuff. Looking forward to dealing with it next session.