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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXj7_zUh2ok

It's quiet in the bandit encampment, you only hear the crackling of the fireplace, a background buzzing of insects, and the occasional nocturnal bird singing in a mellow tone.

The four surviving bandits are being placed in cages by Nar, but you order him to open up the cage to the Beastblood again, as you approach with some cloth to gag her, just in case. You reach her, but it doesn't go the way you thought it would. As you are about to place the cloth around her head to tie it, she seems to snap out of her daze, almost as if your actions dispelled her daze. Her reaction is one of fear. She is already sitting down, but she also bring up her arms & hands in front of her face in an X, and swing them in a defensive manner. You can taste her fear grow, fuelled by the fire that is her rcognition of the situation she is in. It's not a bad taste - it even makes you a little hungry.

At first she gives a short, panicked, scream. "Don't kill me don't kill me please-please-please! Just" she begs and starts sobbing, her head turned away from you, while she whispers to herself "shit shit shit... why did I go and join this stupid group", and similar disheartened words.

For a moment you were prepeared to kill her, but I doesn't seem she intends to fight you currently. You wonder if you have any way to keep her from casting any spells. Your abilities don't seem to offer much. You consider [Fear of Death], but you wouldn't be surprised if that would just spur her into action, and you don't want that. That's exactly the thing you came here to make sure she wouldn't do. Maybe some good old intimidation, then...

"Settle down Beastblood, if you don't do anything stupid I won't kill you. But I'm gonna have my servant here watch you closely, so that you don't pull anything, seeing as you're a mage". As you say it, you point at Laughing. She doesn't see you pointing though, because she's still cowering, but she does nod repeatedly. Ah well. You shrug to yourself, and have Laughing Dead stand in front of her cage, with the door being open so that he can cut her down the moment she tries anything. You sense an anticipation from your servant - he probably wants her to try something. Well whatever, it should work.

With that done, you sit down in front of the fire, the center of the camp, and poke it with a stick.

...

Well, it should probably take Tina around an hour or so to get back. The atmosphere is nice, but there's not a lot to do.

...

Boooored~....

...

>Wait it out
>Do something (specify)

Inventory: https://pastebin.com/L2Ysed2z
Character: https://pastebin.com/cuLbLQT5

No idea how to post an actual specific archive, but here are the last two threads:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2950382/
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2994664/

>>3033836
>play around with the valuables, try to find anything magic until tina gets back

>otherwise do smalltalk with Nar

for anyone new, there is a discord for noticfications if you are interested: https://discord.gg/UhdQdQ

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>>3033836
>See how many pushups you can do
It's a good trait to see how far our undead body can go.

Ur next Scrub

>>3033836
Didn't we send Nar to town with the prisioners? So they wpuldn't see what we do here and prevent any adventurers of sniffing around? It was like the first thing we did.

>Do something (specify)
>practice with our blood infused thing so we can offer it to Tina later today
>grab that sword for tina(if she wants to go for the fighter build) and start looking around for valuables

>>3033836
That should be Fast Zombie instead of Nar. Nar-khur accompanied the prisoners to town.
Brainfart. Mb.
>>3033847
Yup, mb.

>>3033845
For some reason it gets more funny from the simple fact that this game of yours started in another thread.

>>3033849
>For some reason it gets more funny from the simple fact that this game of yours started in another thread.
Never let the meme be just a dream

>>3033849
I guess we can start requienim and colecting heads too

Just sitting around is boring.

Oh right, you gotta collect the heads. You get up and start collecting bandit heads with your scythe - turns out it cuts pretty well. Well it is a military grade weapon. That makes you wonder though, weapons with edges are probably gonna need maintenance - you vividly remember seeing butchers and woodcutters from Rydding sharpening their tools before going to work.

The only few times you have difficulties are when your blade hits the middle of a vertebra, instead of between two. At one such time, you have to twist the blade some to get it free, and the work emits quite a few gory sounds. This makes the mage look at you, much to her regret - the nausea is obvious on her face. You can't help being a little delighted at her reaction, and for a moment, you consider harassing her more. But you figure you'd better not.

Since you've already used [Requiem] on the corpses, and gathered their heads as well now (and placed them in an empty crate), you are again left with nothing to do.

You then decide to check out the loot. There's a lot of stuff, and you take your time looking through some of it. Maybe some of it is magical? Aside from the estoc, that is. Ah, but you don't really have the means to find out. Wonder how people do that.
Aside from a few books, there's no reading material of interest. The books themselves seem to be two novels, a third seems to be some sort of recounting of castles and forts (who would need that?).

You decide to approach one of the bandits, and ask him "hey, do you guys have any magical items in camp, other than the rapier? Or maybe some hidden cache of valuables somewhere?"

The guy, and halfelven male, shakes his head and stammers out "n-no, I-I don't think so.."

You give him a few seconds of silence, so that you're sure he has thought it through, before you ask another question. "Unfortunate. What about your group's contact in town, who would that be?"

(cont.)

He looks at you with confusion, but after a second another one answers, "yeah, uh, that'd be Nagtaba you're talking about". You approach him instead, and look at him with a look that says 'go on'. And he does. "Nagtaba is our fence. Dwarf, about... this tall, brown hair and beard, usually hangs by the market. Often has some sort of shop set up. Fine clothes. I know for a fact that he's got a few of the young beggars in his pocket for stealing stuff and what not"

Well that was easy. Doesn't seem like he's lying. "That's the only informant you have?"

"Yep. He usually sent birds to message the cap'n..", at the end there he sort of trails off, and looks at the captain's corpse. He then says "you'll probably have a week or so to get the drop on him, any longer and he'll know something's up... If you want I could go with you and show you? I'm sure a noble young lady like you could use a hand to avoid the trouble yourself!"
He seems somewhat confident that you'll agree, and probably spare him as well. Odd, you don't think you've given off that vibe. He's probably just hopeful. You end up shrugging, and walk off.

Bored as you are, you decide to test out your endurance, and do some physical training. You were never strong enough to do a pushup, much less several of them. In that sense, it's kinda nice to do it. Liberating.

But that doesn't last for more than a few minutes, then it just starts to get boring. It's not outright easy, but it's not all that hard either. The stress on your muscles seems to be the same from start to finish. You probably do around 150 of them before you stop. Your muscles aren't the least bit sore, and you're in no way out of breath, since you don't do that, except for out of habit.

"Um, miss?", the mage calls out. You sit up and raise an eyebrow in her direction. You then get up and go to her cage.

"I uh.. I know about something. A magical item". She then pauses, her beast ears halfway flat against her head. You look at her, as if to say 'go on', but at first she doesn't. After a pause, she then speaks up. "It's a stash, and I know there's a magical item in it. I'll tell you were it is... if you promise me you'll let me live".

Another bandit chimes in, "hey Sierra, tell her to let me live too! C'mon girl, we're friends right?!". She doesn't answer though, she seems preoccupied with her own safety.

"So what kind of item is it?", you demand.

"A bracer. That's the only thing I know is there for sure.. It should make the wearer stronger. The captain wanted to keep it a secret, but he had me identify it for him, and I saw where he stashed it, so.."

>Response?

>>3033878
we could promise to keep her alive and then deliver her to the city watch to do what they want with her

we would technically keep our promise

I mean...were we going to kill these people left anyway? I feel like they'd be dead if we wanted them dead.

>>3033886
Well it's mostly up to you guys. Tina has started that she intends to drink from the remaining 4 bandits.

>>3033886
>>3033882
I'm perfectly cool with either decision. They both seem in character for Alice.

>>3033878
Promise her that we (Alice) will not kill her, then we will have a flesh gift for Tina, also we should bring one guy with us, but Tina has to hypnotise him.

>>3033905
I mean, even we tell the guards that the dwarf is a partner of them we have to show them proves. Bring one of those messages from the birds, dunno.

anyone else getting the feeling that tina might be addicted to blood now?

she seems a bit to eager to kill people while draining them of every bit of blood/life left

not that alice has that much of a better experience, she is getting really turned on/hungry by her oponents fear

First come first served, need up to 3 1d20+12

Rolled 5, 3, 11 + 12 = 31 (3d20 + 12)

>>3033989

Rolled 20 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>3034012
fuck, ignore that post, since i apparently can't read

>>3033989

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You consider her offer for a while.
"Sure", you tell her, "show me the stash, and I'll let you live". This way she'll be a gift to Tina, along with the other three. Even if Tina ends up draining them dry, it technically won't be you who killed her. It's really just mincing words, but you don't feel like you owe any of them anything as it stands.

"...You promise me you will let me live?" the Beastblood asks.

"I promise".

She seems to be gauging your words and your expression for a while. Eventually she lets out a breath of relief, and her shoulders lose some of their tension. You order your servant to move, and gesture for her to come along. "Go on then and show me. No funny business though", you tap the blunt end of your scythe into the earth twice to emphasize your point.

"Y-yeah, I won't try anything - just don't you be too jumpy either".

You then follow her, with your Fast Zombie close to her, as she leads you along. Shortly after you arrive at a thick oaken tree, just outside the camp. On the opposite side of the tree, she points to the ground, and say "this is it, under that bird's nest". You order your servant to dig, while you keep an eye on the girl, ready to bring down your weapon on her in case she's gonna run or attack.

After a very thin layer of dirt, your Fast Zombie digs up a relatively small decorated casket, and hands it to you. You open it, and inside on its padded floor, you find some coin along with a few pieces of jewelry, and an exquisitely made golden bracer.

The Beastblood confirms, "that's the one I told you about. The rest shouldn't be enchanted though, but valuable nonetheless". You close the casket and nod. Once you start heading back, she asks "you're gonna keep your promise, right? You won't kill me now?"

"Yes, I'll keep it, don't worry. I'll still need to you come along for now though".

She seems nervous at the prospect, but agrees to come along for now with no trouble.

Once you're back inside the quiet encampment, she asks "can I please come sit by the fire, now that you're not gonna off me? It's cold and uncomfortable in the cage.."

The same guy from earlier speaks up again from a distance, "yeah me too! I'll do whatever you want!"
You let out a sigh. It's one thing to have one of them sitting free. And something about that guy's attitude just annoys you. Doesn't he get how much danger he is in? He should be a little more intimidated by this situation, honestly.

>Answer
And also
>Pass time until Tina gets back
>Do something (specify)

>>3034030
>Fine.
>So why bandits?

>>3034030
>>3034056
this

and test ou blood infusion technique

>>3034030
>>Do something (specify)
Test how big our magical spear can be.

>>3034030
don't let the guy out of the cage and she can sit with the fire, tina can then decide what she wants to do with her after she is back.

we are innocent when tina decides to 'eat' her and if not we will give her over to the city watch

>>3034056
supporting the question about the bandit life

>>3033926
To answer your question: Yes although it is not a surprise when her entire undead nature relies on blood for sustenance. It also does not help that most of the time she's draining actual criminals so she's either going to get a rude wake up call with draining a civilian or she's actually seeing them all as food sources and is just paying us lip to stay on our goodside. (And again, the latter would not be a shock since her entire life was around being shit upon by the village for being an elf much like us getting shit upon for being a dark elf.)
Either way we're just going to have to wait and see.
As for pointing out Alice's nature, I've already commented on it in a way with my Positive/Negative theory I had in the last thread.

>>3034056
Supporting

>>3034056
I go with this but have our minions be uncomfortably close to the guy. I think that'd be funny.

All of the above, and also test out the magical bracers and rapier

1d100, best of up to three.
Roll for experimenting with energy infused blood.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>3034456

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>3034456

You sigh mentally at the situation, but brighten up a bit when you get an idea. That guy should take the situation more seriously, and you thought of a fun way to do that. Brute then opens his cage, lets him out, and points him to the fire, at your will. You head there yourself as well, right after putting the casket with the rest of the loot.

Fast Zombie escorts the guy to the fire, and when he sits down, a bit warily, you have the servant stand right behind him. His eyes widen some when it gets so close, and as he looks to you, you shrug with one arm, and say "gotta make sure you don't try anything".

You sit down as well, and decide you're not just gonna stare off idly while waiting. And so, you ask the both of them, "so why bandits?"

They both seem taken aback by the question. The first to answer is the mage, who's sheepish about it "I uhh... I made a bad decision..."

The focus on the subject actually seems to get her to calm down some. She continues "I needed money, badly. Which was why I turned to adventuring but... Turns out it wasn't as easy as it seemed. I guess I could say in short that I had a hard time finding anything legal to do, so I joined this lot here when Dereck said they could use my help.. Honestly, I just wanted to become a rich and famous hero who helps people, but because of my race and background, not a lot of people were willing to work with me. And I refuse to sell myself.."

While she's answering, you channel some negative energy into your being, and experiment with the blood thing. Your eyes are closed for focus, but you hear just fine, and your servants are keeping tabs on the outlaws. Last time worked out somewhat, according to Tina, but you figure if you prepare a little here on the bloodtaste, it may go better next time.

(cont.)

"Really?", you ask, "you say your goal was to help people, but it doesn't seem like it took much to go the opposite direction". You open an eye a little to get a read on her reaction. She scratches her neck and looks slightly ashamed, with eyes downcast and ears to match.

"Yeahh.. I guess that's true.. I guess I had to compromise.. It's not like 'being good' is my main goal, but it'd be nice if I could do that as well.."

You think you are getting somewhere, with the blood. You got a few select ways to taint it now - you have got no idea what it tastes like, but once Tina drinks it, you'll be able to try out each approach, and see if any of them work as intended.

"What about you", you ask the guy, as you open your eyes, and channel some negative energy into a [Energy Negative: Javelin]. You get a reaction from both of them as you conjure up this deadly weapon. Although you try to make it clear that you are just minding your own business with your body language, as you playfully throw the mass from one hand to the other, and reform it.

"Uh, hahaha, well, y'know miss, it's like that saying, why bother with the past, right? I mean I'm sure you've done some nasty stuff yourself. You seem like a shady type o' gal, and seeing as you are into that kind of mag-.."

He trails off, as you attempt to increase the size of the javelin. And it works, it turned out to be effortlessly simple. In one deep, hollow, WHOOMP, the spear increases by approximately 1/3 in size. It seems it takes more negative energy to create. However, you are positive that it will be more lethal like this. As you test it out, it grows again, now about two thirds larger than at first. But that seems to be your limit for now. Good to know, it'll be worth trying out against a particularly dangerous foe. Their captain didn't outright die from one regular javelin, but maybe this would have done the trick. Once you let go of the energy, you find that you can only reabsorb 50 % of it, in this case 7 rounded down from 7.5

The empowered javelin is pretty expensive, so it had better be just as much more powerful.

(cont.)

"You were saying?", you offer the male outlaw, as you reabsorb the javelin.

He gulps, and you see a small amount of sweat on his brow. "Erh... What I mea.. What I mean is, uh.. Ah... Well, you know, it's a living, hah. And it's honestly not as bad as you may think, we're pretty decent with most folks, hahah!"

You relish this sort of anxiety, where he may think that any moment will be his last.. This fear, where you have absolute control over his fate. It builds an appetite in a different way than the smell of food. Tyrannical dominance.

The mage makes a brief 'pfth'-sound as if to say 'yeah, right', and shakes her head, before she says "decent? It's decent to murder people? To sell them off to slavers? I get it's a living, but it sure as a golem ain't decent". She stares at the fire.

The man give a pointy glare and answers in an agitated manner. "Screw you Strayblood! It ain't like you're so innocent yourself! At least I'm man enough to face the people I kill up close so they have a fighting chance, not from a distance like the frigid bitch you are, you damn coward!"

Oy. He seems really on edge, but you don't think he realizes that he just insulted you as well, by that logic.

...

You try on the supposedly magical bracers, they're supposed to increase your strength. Luckily their size is adjustable with a few thin leather straps inside of them. Once equipped, you can't really tell any difference. But when you try another pushup, the difference is obvious - it's way easier. Huh. Neat. But magical gear seems tricky, you should probably pay someone to look it over, to be sure of its effects. And how will you be able to tell if something is magical or not? There's so much you have left to learn.

Good thing you've got an eternity for it.

"So what's your name, and what's your deal - why do you do this? I'm assuming you're a hero of sorts", asks the Beastblood.

>Answer?

That'll be it for tonight. Hope you guys enjoyed it, be sure to like, comment and subscr.. wait, wrong platform. Erh, right.
As always feel free to ask/say whatever, I'll check to respond between runs. Speaking of which, no real idea when next run is. May be tomorrow, may be sunday, maybe not until next week sometime.

>>3034598
Hero? I wouldn't go as far as that, but bandit's make me particularly angry, and they always have so many valuables....you type of people...almost....took something very important from me.

>>3034598
>>Answer?
>Ain't a hero at all. That's a big word overused nowdays and surely you can tell by just thinking a bit that, a "hero" would has kill you all already, that's there justice. I'm just a dark elf who want to live peacefully.

>>3034598
>>3034622

"Well, ya know Sierra - Bandits were the worst thing and the best thing that ever happened to me." ( By the way, make sure manacles are on both Mage and bandit) "They almost took away the most important things to me. Now we are anti-banditing, because somebody always thinks they can give trouble to folks who are minding their own business. In Wyvern's I got some hate over my race from some. But what do they know? I'd still probably protect them unless I knew they'd done something really bad. We even saved some of our crumby village that had never had anything nice to say to or about me."
"And you, meat-bag- (point at Bandit guy), how much do you get for the prisoners sold to slavers?"

>>3034959
this

>>3034598
>>3034959
supporting this

also good job weaver, on making me feel for her

anyone else for trying to convince tina to let her live, but giving her to the watch and the courts?

>>3035875
Thanks, I actually kinda hoped it would have an effect like that on at least some of the readers. But I realize that not everyone will feel like that.

Btw, I feel I should mention this: while I didn't open the discord myself, I do notify in there every now and then when I post an update, and I'm open to use it for pretty much whatever. However, I get the feeling that there's some hesitation among quest anons when it comes to discord for various reasons. It seems one of those is the fear that people on there will have my ear more than ppl who only vote, and another is that I'll post info on there which won't show up in the thread.

I'll do my best to make sure neither of those two things happen. If there are any other concerns, feel free to voice them.

Best of up to three, 1d20+7 !

Rolled 10 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>3035895

Rolled 18 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>3035895

Rolled 10 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>3035895

There's a silence between you, as you wonder how to answer her question. Something about her phrasing doesn't sit right with you, and you try to figure out how to put it into words.

"Hero, huh", you muse to yourself, "I don't think that's quite right Sierra. Honestly I think the word is being bastardized by how people use. I'm just a Dark Elf who wants to live peacefully.. But that's where your kind came into the picture. Bandits.... They make me particularly angry. Bandits almost took something very important to me away, you see. Bandits are the worst and best thing that ever happened to me".

You let it hang in the air, before going on. "You lawless think you can ruin the lives of regular people who just mind their own, and think that's just fine? If I were a proper hero, surely my sense of justice would have already killed all of you, for what you've done to others. It's not like I haven't faced some prejudice myself, as you can probably imagine. That doesn't make what you're doing right. I'd probably still protect the racists, if their lives were in danger. In a way, that'd be the best way to get back at them, too. So for now, hunting bandits is what I do. It's what I felt like doing, and it seems there's a lot of money in it. So no, I ain't no hero"

There's another pause. You'd really prefer to have them in manacles, but you left those in the wagon. At least you'll have them once Tina gets back. But for now, you have Fast Zombie really close to the prisoners, and Laughing Dead pretty close as well. You think both you and Laughing could get an attack in on the mage before she would be able to cast anything, and the guy is unarmed.

You look at him, and nod addressingly at him. "Hey, meat-bag. How much money did you get for selling prisoners?"

He gets tense at your question, "a-ahahahhh, well it wasn't me who sold them, I-I-I had nothing to do with that part. In fact, I kept telling the captain we shouldn't sell people, it ain't proper and all!"

(cont.)

You make a circular movement with your index finger, and say "yeah, yeah I get it, you're a saint. Now answer the question".

He gulps, and clears his throat. "Ah, uhm, like I said, I didn't sell them, so uh.. I'm not really sure.. The captain made the dealings... I'd guess somewhere around 40 gold?", he looks at Sierra for confirmation, but she shrugs. "Uh probably around there, give or take", he then says.

Fourty gold coins for a life. A person. The absurdity of the idea stays in your head for a while, as you imagine the fate of random village people being decided by four platinum coins. Sure it's a decent amount of money, but...
You imagine the turns you life and Tina's would have taken, if you had been taken prisoner and sold as a slave, instead of being killed. You imagine the various fates you could have, if your destiny had been slavery. You don't know a lot about slavery, since it's not used a lot around these parts.. But you've heard stories.

Maybe used for demanding physical labour. So taxing that it'd leave a healthy adult man broken after a decade. When you think of your frail frame, and the disease you had, such work would have killed you in less than a year, you imagine.

Or sold as a whore in some backstreet alley in an unknown city far away. Bruised and broken, physically as well as mentally. A demeaning life, if it could even be called a life. You feel a knot in your stomach at the thought, and an intense anger blooms from your core, until you force your thoughts away from the subject.

Maybe even put in an arena, for fighting or other sorts of entertainment, whipped and humiliated until you lose all sense of worth as a person, and only put on an act, like some wild animal that needs to get fed.

You can almost feel your hatred seethe from you, radiating like a dark aura, as you stare into the fire with vivid imaginations.

...

(cont.)

Yeah, you need to focus on something else. You get up, and shake off as much gloom as you can, before looking at the two and say "move an inch, and you're dead". You then go fetch the estoc, and stab into nothing a few times, to activate its spell like ability to throw kinetic thrusts further than the tip of the sword itself. The violence of it is satisfying, and works to calm you down some.

______________

Before you realize how much time you've spent, Tina returns. She sits on the front of the wagon, and steer the horses inside the camp.

"Hey Alice! Have you put some food on the fire yet and opened some alcohol? 'Cause I'm ready to liven up this place, just like last time!"

Her bright appearance and vibrant mood puts out the rest of the remaining fire that is your unease and bitterness. Finally.

Ah, you had thought of prepearing something to have a celebration party, but you completely forgot about it.

"Oh, I see you took some of them out of their cages? Ah, sorry if you were that bored while I was gone"

For some reason that makes you a little embarrassed, and you dishonestly end up stammering "n-no, I wasn't particularly bored. Didn't even have time to prepare for the celebration party", while looking slightly away from her.

"Well", she says, "then we'll just set it up now. Oh but I should probably put some shackles on those two if they are gonna be out here. Hey, will you have one of your guys carry down the bottle of wine as well as the mead?"

You agree, and set up the party from there. You look through the camp's supplies, and find some food you could cook over the fire, and bring some of it out on a makeshift table. Meanwhile, Brute brings the alcohol, and Tina moves to put manacles on the two blood morsels.

Sierra seems confused, and says "uhh, you don't need to restrain me, your friend said she wouldn't kill me, so I won't try to do anything". The guy yelps up "y-yeah, I was let out too, so, I'm cooperating. No need for the manacles".

Tina gives you a puzzled look, and you pull her to the side, and say "I didn't actually promise the guy anything. But it's true that I told the Beastblood that I wouldn't kill her.. Now at first I just thought it was true because it wouldn't be me doing the killing, but.. I don't know. I'm thinking about keeping her alive, maybe hand her over to the city guards or something. She doesn't seem all that bad".

(cont.)

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At first Tina puts on an attitude of an child sulking, and then says "ehhh~, but I had looked forward to especially that one! She smells like she'd taste really good, and it's fun how she gets nervous when I get close".

"Actually I have experimented with my blood, and I think I can make it taste good for you". That gives you an idea: "how about you can drink from her, but avoid killing her? That way we can test if you can truly control your hunger. But make sure that she's hypnotized or something, so that she doesn't know about you being a Dhampir if she survives".

She seems skeptical at the mention of your blood, which is probably fair, since last time was only a mediocre succes. But she beams up at your second proposal.

"Okay, sure, let's do it like that", she answers.

She then cuffs the guy, much to his dismay, but lets the girl remain uncuffed. You're not sure why she doesn't put manacles on Sierra. But then again, you're not sure it would actually do anything to keep her from using magic - you don't think it would restrain you a lot.

You've found some large pieces of salted venison in a barrel, and gathered some of that, along with some carrots and some spice. You're no professional cook, but hey, you gotta start somewhere, and it is kind of fun. You also still haven't given up on the idea of cooking a meal that is so good that it'd even taste good to Tina.

Meanwhile, Tina has gathered the bedrolls, pillows, and quilts, and spread it in front of the fire to make a soft and comfy relaxation area. While looking through the goods, she says "score! Hey Alice, they have a set of cards! We should play cards while drinking!". You did notice a set of playing cards, but hadn't thought much of it at the time. But yeah, this could be a fun idea.

While you are preparing for a good time, Sierra, the Beastblood, asks the both of you "hey, uh... Think that.. Maybe I could join you guys?"

What.

After a pause where you and Tina look at each other, but say nothing, Sierra adds "I-I don't really have anywhere to go after this, and what you guys are doing doesn't seem so bad, so..". She lets the rest of the sentence trail off, but then adds "I know some magic, so maybe I could even be of help to you? I just don't have anything left and-", she then looks to you, "it was actually really inspiring to hear about how you just, you know, do whatever you think is right. That sounds more like the life I'd want rather than banditry anyway".

>Uhhh. What. What do you want to do about that situation?
And
>Are there any additional things you want to prepare for the celebration party?
And
>Anything you want to add to how Alice proceeds with the evening?

>>3035973
for preparations, make something to eat and maybe have one of our minions burry some of the alcoho, so that it gets cooled a little for the meal
and put that guy back in the cage, that part about the slaves really turned our stomach

i would take sierra with us, but be honest about the situation (how we would have killed her/given her over), also she would need to spill all the beans she knows to the city watch and we keep an eye on her until she has redeemed herself

(gonna let this one simmer for a while, to give everyone a chance to react)

>>3035973
>>Uhhh. What. What do you want to do about that situation?
In all honesty, the bitch is carrying away of herself. We can enjoy our time, but if somehow lead to a new 'companion', hell no, not at least with free will.
>>Are there any additional things you want to prepare for the celebration party?
>Well, cards, food, alcohol, let's not make a big bonfire, the other group will begin at the morning, worst thing they catch us drunk or asleep. Ah yes, make bets while playing cards and other stuff, like the shoots with bow.
>>Anything you want to add to how Alice proceeds with the evening?
Let's kill the bandits, except one that will be the testimony to catch the dwarf, but hypnotise her before we start to drink.

>>3036086
a short question, are you against new companions in general, or just in her case?

>>3035973
prepare drinks and games to enjoy with Tina, give some foods food to our minions, make a mega snugle fort near the fire like last time.

at the end of the night offer Tina some of our infused blood before we snugle together to sleep.....let's see if we wake up with an elven ear in our mouth again

>>3036086
I agree, I would not be surprised if she was trying to pull a fast one on us.

>>3036256
>>3035973

further elaborating
proceed with the half drinking the beast blood, then put her to sleep, but before that let her eat and drink a little.

play cards with Tina, bet clothes

let her kill the other bandits, raise one and use as a prop to our games, after the beastblood is out cold

>>3035973
>Uhhh. What. What do you want to do about that situation?

Hm. I mean, it's plausible she's bullshitting, but I like to think we can handle any fuckery she tries.

Eh, I say we let her join on a provisional basis. If there's any way we can put a minor geas or some sort of 'do not betray us' codeword in her mind, we should do that.

>>Are there any additional things you want to prepare for the celebration party?
Cards, booze, and food sounds like a good time.

>She can drain one or two, leave Sierra alone for now. Let's test our blood on her.

>>3035973
Let her drink and eat a little then hipnotise and drain so she can't remember( don't want her getting addicted in Tina bites)

Play card and drink with Tina
Give her the bracers as gifts trying to see her smile
Use whatever is in the camp for us to have fun.
Let her drink us and sleep in the fluffy things after

>>3035973
Tina can mesmerize Sierra the Beastblood,then she can ask about what Sierra really intends and thinks. Lies get drained.

>>3035982
>>3036279 ( not a bad idea)
>>3036305 ( bracers for Tina, or the rapier? or both?)

Put bandit guy away in the lock ups - give the prisoner bandits blankets, food and drink. We only need to really keep 1 aside from the Beastblood. So we can let Tina drink, we can use the DarkEnergy Spear or have Hulk choke them.

>>3036386
>>3036305

agreed too

>>3036102
Against bandits companions, for once, bandits killed us, for second, they have no rules so they aren't to trust.

>>3036427
There is something just sad to me about this adventure. A shadow overhanging. Alice's clear dislike of her sickness and the village where the only positive was Alice. A strong attraction to the dark side of necromancy - causing fear and pain. A bit of unfocus. Not sure what we want with or from Tina or for ourselves. Flashes of guilt about animating the dead, or regrets or doubts about giving second chances For all that I enjoy it Stuff to probe around in the characters.

>>3036667
only positive was Tina....wish there was an edit option.

You're not sure how to feel about this. She's an outlaw, the same kind of people who killed you. On one hand she seems sincere enough at first glance, on the other hand, can you really trust her? For all you know she has got no moral compass whatsoever. Tina seems unsure about this as well.

While wondering about it, the male bandit chips in, and says "hey, well, if it's all the same to you, can I just go now? I don't wanna overstay my welcome, and-.."

You wave your hand dismissively, and mentally order Fast Zombie to bring him back to his cage, as you say "take him back, I don't wanna listen to him anymore". Somehow, whenever he opens his mouth, something unpleasant comes out. It's like he represents everything that's bad about bandits. He seems unsettled about your choice, but doesn't complain openly about it. You're even pretty sure you catch a glimpse of him being pissed off, before he conceals it.

As for Sierra...
You look to Tina, and say "do that thing again, I want to know if she's being sincere". Sierra gets visibly tense about that vague code. Tina on the other hand clicks her fingers, and say "ah, smart thinking. Come here little doggy, we're gonna have a talk" with a smile on her face. This makes Sierra more nervous, scared even. Even more so when Tina gets up and go sit next to her.

Tina graps Sierra's chin, and make her face Tina, but without being forceful about it. After a moment of eyecontact, Sierra's shoulders drop, and all signs of resistance or agitation disappears from her.

(cont.)

"Attagiiirl~", Tina says, as though talking to an actual dog, "now tell me, that interesting proposal you just brought up, were you being sincere about it, or did you have any nasty plans?"

A small smile grows on Sierra's light-headed face, and she answers "Ahh... I meant it.. I haven't really liked my life lately, but.. I feel like I might with you guys... Plus.. You seem crazy strong so.. I think I'd be safer with you... But there is one thing I was deceitful about.. And that is that I thought if I asked you that, even if you said no, maybe there was a bigger chance you'd let me live... I don't really trust you yet..."

"Attagirl", Tina says, and pat Sierra on the top of her head.

You take the opportunity and propose "ask her what she thinks of us. Like does she resent us, for example". Better to be thorough on this.

Tina looks at Sierra and say "well you heard her".

Sierra then says "I admire your strength... But I'm scared of you", her expression glooms at that, and she looks at Tina, "I feel something... Dangerous, about you.. It feels like you're a wolf that's gonna eat me... I felt like that since the first time you did this to me.. Losing control like this feels nice right now... But when it's over, I got super scared last time.."

Sierra then looks at you, the shadows in her expression lightens, and she says "I wan't to be as strong a mage as you, sometime.. I have no idea what kind of magic you used.. but it seemed powerful... I suspect you may have a deal with a Demon or something like that.. I'm sorry for thinking that, but that's what made sense to me.."

"..And I don't really hate you.. Half of the people here deserved what they got, and some worse... Only one guy seemed proper enough... He's dead though... But that's what happens, when you live like this.."

She ends it, by saying "if you let me live, but let me leave, I have no idea how to make money, I'm not strong on my own.. I don't want to rob people to get by... But I probably will, if I can't find anything else... But please don't kill me.."

It's kind of odd, how she's so calm about it. And her naked honesty really emphasizes how useful and powerful Tina's ability is.

Tina laughs a bit, and then ask you "anything else we should ask her? Oh man, I can totally use this for some sort of game when we party, hahah!". She's mostly just playful in her attitude.

>Anything else you want to ask her?

>>3036667
I want to be sure I understand what you meant: did you mean that even though there's a lot of 'sad' aspects to it, you still enjoy it?

>>3036669
You and me both mate...

2d20, best of up to three
Part of it is for cooking attempt, part of it is for boring behind-the-scene numbers.

>>3036675
Drain her some andd put her to sleep, don't know what else to ask

Rolled 9, 15 = 24 (2d20)

>>3036726

File: __original_drawn_by_hansh(...).jpg (3.95 MB, 4800x3000)

3.95 MB JPG

Rolled 2, 2 = 4 (2d20)

>>3036726
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

>>3036765
badass mob.
Good thing it's best of three, and you didn't roll any 1s

>>3036770
I'm just happy I got dub rolls.

>>3036776
ha, well that is a glass half full way to look at it.

Rolled 2, 5 = 7 (2d20)

>>3036726
righto.

It's getting late, and I'm not quite done with the update yet, so I'll postpone it for now. If I feel up for it tomorrow, I'll write it soon after I wake up (in which case expect it within 15 hours). Prolly wont be much of a run tomorrow tho, as i got plans later on.

But thanks for playing so far.

Glad i decided to wait it out on the vote regarding the Beastblood.

>>3036845
thanks for running
hoping for jealousy and awkward approaches

Rolled 11, 10 = 21 (2d20)

>>3036679
Oh yeah, I totally look forward to new posts. Just like I say...some quests are frantic, some trying to be the most sadistic twisted SOBs, some seem clueless. This is good, but as I say...There is something just a touch sad in the story and a main with a moral direction but ambiguity.

>>3036742
Agree, let Tina sip some and set Sierra to sleep it off. Then talk with Tina about what to do. Keep her or turn her in? How we feel about second chances and redemption? Our second chance gave us choices and adventure, but we could have had our dull no choice village lives or if taken prisoner instead of what happened, would we be slaves, raped by bandits and kept as camp sluts, or become bandits ourselves over time? I'm personally a bit more generous...give her a chance since she is honest in her intent, give Nar a chance. Unlike our rotten village - family of chance and conditions -we get to make our family/ band now. And I do not like the half elf bandit guy. Meat. But maybe keep him as information source if we are going to save Sierra, since we have no assurance of amnesty or protective probation custody to us for her giving evidence.

>>3036920
appreciate the feedback

>>3036845
It's been a long time since the first thread, but did Alice's parents ever mention any extended family or what made them settle down in the village?

>>3036675
>>Anything else you want to ask her?
"What would you do if someone stronger than us appears and kill us leaving you alive?"

Also this anon >>3036742
and probably my best suggestion is leaving her fate at Tina. She wanted her after all. I mean, in my point of view, one can't undo what has been done, she has her option done and only regret at this point cos we damn killed them almost all, even if she was unhappy she still preferred to be there at that point, killing innocents (us) stealing innocents (us) only cos her life was hard (like a lot of people yet they chose the rightful path.)

test

>>3036675
>ask her what she would think about being given over to the city watch
It seems like most of us are against taking her with us, so i would propose we give her over to the watch, since she has to pay for her crimes

>>3037036
her parents were never mentioned by name, in general it seems alice felt some resentment for her parents bringing her to the village were she was discriminated.
I would imagine alice wants to leave her old life, the only thing she could not stomach to loose from that was tina

>>3037036
They did. They left the country they both grew up in, because of war. And you also get the feeling that the leadership might have been tyrannical - neither of them had a lot of nice things to say about the emperor. At your curiosity, they have even shown you on a map where the country is, and what city they lived in.

Part of what made then leave was having children. The whole 'wanting to give your children a better future' deal.

They settled for Rydding, and while they knew it wasn't perfect, they told you to be 'thankful for what you have', and 'dont take it for granted', since a lot of villages wouldnt allow Dark Elves to stay.

(post wont happen today, MAYBE tomorrow, but probably monday)

Sierra seems pretty nice.
Eh, I say we let her join. Could combine our magical knowledge together, that's always helpful.

>>3039628
I'm willing to give her (Sierra) the chance. Under the hypnosis she showed no hidden plan.
The questions are - keep her out of town, offer testimony for immunity or pardon ( and probation with us) or turn her over.

>>3040449
I'm not completely against that, but leave that to the guards is how it should be, because we're losing gold for not having her head, second we are showing here too much concern for a bandit regardless of her position, she has killed and stolen yet we're like "She has been honest, let's forget the past" which is like we are some kind of Saint and so far we can tell we aren't.
The whole group of bandits wanted to stole us, rape us and kiled us, we're too soft on her, our character haven't showed any sympathetic attitude that I can tell to go so far for her.

Yay, finally got around to reading this quest. Wished i could have been around since the start, but was bummed out. I love the quest so far. I can see us becoming a renown, powerful, but goodwilled necromancer in the future, or even find a way to become death itself.

Not sure how i feel about sierra. Having a mage in our group seems really useful and her CURRENT attitude is sincere, but what if it changes at some point? That's the problem with her keeping her free will. On that note, is there magic that could make living people loyal to us? I imagine it as some mental barrier that prevents them from certain actions, similar to the bind we have to our undead, but weaker and less absolute.

>>3043953
Also shamelessly gonna namefag from the get go :)

Gonna write some stuff today, like I said, but it may take a while because reasons

>>3043953
>>3043955
Welcome, I'm glad you like the quest so far.

>>3037036
Just realized I didnt answer your question completely: Yes, there's also supposed to be more family in Zai-nura (large Dark Elven city). Your father came from a well-off family named Oussath. And being as well off as they were, there's a realistic chance they are still around.

>>3043953
ah, speaking of forgetting to answer...
Yes, such magic exists. It's mostly illegal to use, but often requires strong magic to prove.
There's a subtle sort of persuasion magic, with doesn't enslave a target, but rather makes them more susceptible to your point of view. And then there's charm effects, like Tina's. Neither of which you posses at this time. I'll go ahead and say that achieving it would be difficult for Alice, since she's a natural necromancer, and that doesn't really touch upon the domain of mental control magic.

That being said, it's possible, you'd just need to go to extra lengths to get it. There are various unique ways to achieve mostly anything, for example being granted the ability as a favour from a minor local god would be possible (if it is strong enough to do so, some minor gods a extremely weak). But you would have to earn its favour first.
Other than that, you could try to learn such magics by being trained as a wizard. Your power as a wizard would have to be built up pretty much from scratch though, as it's more of a scholarly intellectual approach, rather than the raw natural talent you use to manipulate negative energy.

If you do choose to train as a wizard, you wouldn't get weaker at necromancy, just less specialized.

I think I'm droning on here. Feel free to ask about anything about it, if you have further questions.

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49 KB JPG

It's actually kinda fun, having such a power at your disposal, and you decide to ask a bit further.

"What would you do if someone stronger than us appears, kill us, but leave you alive?"

She hesitates at it, and he drowsy smile neutralizes for a few seconds, until she says "I... don't know... If it would free me from this spell, I think I would try to find an animal in the forest... For food.. Maybe move to another region, if I could... Ideally I would move to Shahi*, if possible... Teaching magic there would be cool... But.. I don't think that's possible... Since I'm a combat mage... I guess that was really a stupid choice... I just thought it sounded really cool at the time.."
*Shahi is a country fairly far from here

"A bandit who wants to be a teacher?" You ask her.

Her dozy smile disappears again. "Yes.. But I have no experience with it... And I'm really not all that strong, but my flashy spells impressed the bandits enough that I could join them.. Like I said, I don't think it's possible for me... I'm too weak to be live an honest life, and too spineless to try and do something about it..."

You nod, and say "with that attitude, yeah, you're correct. Anyone who lets fate shape their future, instead of taking it into their own hands, deserve what shitty outcome they get. I'm the proof of that".

Sierra contemplates that for a while. "I guess you're right".

After a moment of silence, you speak up. "What would you think about being handed over to the city watch?"

Her charmed and dazed expression falters, and a flash of agitation shows on her visage, but she settles down quickly enough. "You wouldn't do that to me, would you?.. That would make me sad and afraid... They would probably execute me.. Not that I don't deserve it, I have killed someone innocent... Maybe it would be for the best... But still.. I don't want to die.. But it's not like I can just un-kill that man..."

You shrug to Tina, and say "I have no more questions for now. Let's have a drink, and think about it".

"Good idea. I think I'll keep the enchantment on her though. Hey Sierra, wanna have a drink?". Tina then gets up, and you both start thinking about how to celebrate

(I can't really make heads or tails of the votes regarding Sierra. So to make it simple: If you have an opinion on the matter, quote this post with your answer)

>Execute her
>Hand her over to the city guards
>Let her tag along for now
>Something else (specify)

(cont; but I'm not done writing the next part yet)

>>3044025
>Let go, or follow, we will keep our word of not killing her for the bracers.


But that will depend if we don't get jealous about her blood being better tasting than ours, Alice can get jealous lol

>>3044025
>>Hand her over to the city guards

>>3044025
>>Let her tag along for now

I feel bad about just leaving her to be executed or execute her ourselves after we made the deal for the magic item, I say we let her tag along until that big city full of heroes we are going to next, she'll be able to find work as a mercenary or adventurer there with her skills

>>3044051
I like thid actually, but we should get Tina's imput on it too.

I just don't want to kill her since we said we wouldn't and now we went and learned her name and that got us all sympathetic, sigh.....never ask bandits for their names again

>>3044025
>Let her tag along for now.

If nothing else should be a good pack mule.

>>3044025
>Let her tag along for now
But kill her if she shows signs if trying to learn light magic or shows other signs of trying to backstab us

>>3044029
Supporting

>>3044065
>never ask bandits for their names again
You could just keep to a goal, nothing says we can't be principled and still murder the fuck out of Bandits.

A wealth of brews, spicy food, pleasurable company. The spoils of the victorious

Time for proper party preparations!

You order Brute to dig a hole, where you bury some mead in. Hopefully that will cool it down a little.

While your servant tends to that project, you place a tent in front of the campfire - it's more cozy that way, it will be warmer, and it will offer some privacy from the prisoners! Win-win-win. Inside the tent, you & Tina spread out some bedrolls to serve as a floor, and place the pillows Tina bought as cushioning on top of them, and then finally at the quilts on top of the pillows. The end result is as good as you thought it would be - as soft as a luxurious bed. If a bit uneven. Well whatever, it's awesome! This'll be great.

You make a servant bring the prisoners a bit of simple food and water, and some blankets or the like from the camp, so that they don't get too cold. Since you're trying to not be too evil, you figure that even if they are gonna die, there's no need for the to be uncomfortable until then. Even if part of you do feel like it'd be satisfying to treat them as worthless beasts.

You then start the cooking - it's probably gonna take a while, so you had better start early. You decide to dice a large piece of venison, and let it simmer in a dark ale you found, and you add some sliced carrots to the mix. There are a few spices, but you don't really have any experience with them. You should really get a cook book or something. Still, you feel like you can wing this. And so, you taste a bit of each spice, and add as you feel is fitting from that.

While you're doing this, you hear the sound of simple music, and notice that it's Tina who has apparently found a sizable drum. It looks valuable, as it is decorated with engravings, and holds a ring of silver around it. She grins when you look at her, and continues experimenting with producing different sounds from it, and making rhythms. Mostly slow stuff. It's nice, and you think it adds to the atmosphere. For a moment you consider if you could make an Undead whose only purpose was playing music, but you quickly dismiss the notion. You both start sipping some wine at this point, to get started a little. Sierra also gets some, as you figure it'll be easier to handle her if she's tipsy as well.

You wave Tina over, and you tell her in a hushed voice that "I think you should start with he Beastblood, and then put her to sleep afterwards. That way you can take your time with the others, and we won't risk her seeing anything". Tina agrees reluctantly, "eh~? I wanted to save her for last.. Fiine, I get your point. You're right".

(cont.)

Now that you've added the last touch to the food, it just needs to simmer to gather the flavour. You look at Tina with a smile, and say "how about you stop playing drum, and start playing cards with me instead?"

"You ready? Sure thing", she answers. The two of you then sit down inside the tent, and bring out the cards. You have Brute bring in the barrel of wine as well, and you use your wooden soup bowls to drink from. As you talk about what card game to play, you decide that it's better to spice it up a bit, so you propose a drinking game variant of a regular card game. Tina agrees and says it's a great idea, and it promptly turns into a semi contest of how funny rules you can come up with. One of the ridiculously complex rules you agree on, is that whenever a certain cards trumps another specific one, the loser has to sing the first verse of a childrens song, and next time it happens, the loser has to sing the next.

While talking about this, Tina calls Sierra over, who is still left in a daze. "I just thought of something hilarous, you're gonna love this. Don't we have something like a ball or something. Hey puppy, do you have a ball or something like that in your encampment? No, wait, nevermind".

She then finds one of your waterskins, and empties most of the water on the ground. "There we go. Okay girl, now pretend you're a dog. Sit! Paw". At first the dazed Sierra seems puzzled, but when she understands her docile expression turns into that of a playful dog, though still mixed with that dazed expression. She does as Tina asks her, squats down and holds her hands in front of her as though they were paws, and loll her tongue like a dog.

"Gooood giiirl! Now here's the ball, are you ready Sierra?". Sierra imitates a bark to answer, and Tina throws the waterskin some distance, while saying "go fetch!"

And just as she throws it, Sierra start running for it. As well as she can run, anyway, given that she's trying to run like a dog. She returns with the waterskin in her mouth, and drop it on the ground with a bark, and roll over. The absurdity of it all have you laughing soon enough. It looks really funny how this otherwise pretty and dignified looking Beastblood is acting, and the fact that she's part dog herself makes it all the more fun. And you can tell that part of why it's so damn funny, is also because how absolute control you have over her life. And you feel like doing more cruel things to her, but you decide to not give that small voice any attention.

(cont.)

Another part of why it's funny, is the awkwardness of it - you simply can't ignore the... Undertones... Of having her act like that, and how utterly inappropriate it is. You can't tell if Tina thinks the same, but she's having a blast either way. Sierra seems very pleased to just play along, but that's most likely just the hypnotism talking. Then again, you did give her a generous amount of alcohol as well.

You probably spend about twenty minutes on this charade, before Tina decides 'Sparks' (as she've nicknamed her during the charade) has earned some rest, and you all three head inside the tent.

Back inside the tent you all sit down again, and pick up where you left off, talking about your card game, and testing it out.

After a while, with the cover of the tent, Tina sinks her fangs into the neck of the Beastblood, and devours some of her crimson essence. She takes her time with it, too. She does like to do that. It must taste really good to her.. You can tell from her pleased smile how intoxicatingly good it must be.

After a few minutes, she lets go and licks the wounds shut. She then wipes her lips, and tells Sierra to "go to your cage and go to sleep. Be sure to wrap up in a blanket so you don't get cold". Sierra is a bit groggy at first, but manages to get up, and walks out. You order Laughing Dead to escort her, and keep guard in front of their cages.

"There", Tina says, "that should take care of her. But depending on how drunk we get, you should probably have one of your servants keep an eye on her, just to be safe".

"Already did", you tell her.

And so continues the card game. Tina tries to play the drum along to whatever song you're singing, and while she isn't all that good at it, it adds plenty of fun anyway.

It doesn't take long for you both to realize that all the dumb rules you agreed on makes the game insanely hard to play, but that doesn't stop you from having a ball. Quite the opposite, really. You notice the familiar buzz of alcohol-induced warmth in your face during one of your mutual laughing fits. "Oh shit, shit-shit-shit", you say, as you hurry up and outside to stir the food. You hadn't felt the alcohol affect your balance yet, but you certainly feel it as you hurry up. You do manage to stay up, however clumsily, and Tina almost can't open her eyes from laughter at your spectacle, as you hurry up and get out to check on the food. And sure enough, some of it is burnt at the bottom. Ah, who cares. You have a servant take the pot off the fire, as you empty your bowl of wine in a large gulp, and fill it with food. You also order a servant to serve some of the food to the prisoners, in case they want any.

(cont.)

Back inside the tent, you throw a miniscules sized orb of negative energy at the still giggling Tina, to get her attention. It makes a small *pop* sound as it hits her shoulder and disappears. When she finally calms down enough to at least listen, you bring up Sierra again.

"That girl, what are your thoughts about her?". You can tell you have to concentrate at this point to not slur while talking. Maybe it'd be better to bring it up tomorrow, but the current you honestly doesn't care.

"Hmmm~? Ahhh, the puppy", she laughs a bit at her own wisecrack, but then makes an I-don't-know sound, and says "a toin coss?". That gets her giggling again, and for some reason you find the way she say it wrong hilarious, as she starts repeating it in a posh voice. Once you both settle down again, she says "I thought about keeping her as a blood puppet, the idea of keeping her enchanted like that seems fun. Ahh, but that's probably wrong to do"

You nod, using her as a slave seems bad.

The food you made ended up being... Okay? You think? Probably. So long as you don't eat the burned parts. In a way, the food reminds you of yourself, in the way that you messed part of it up, but some of it ended up being salvagable anyway. A second chance... And for Sierra, it's really kind of the same, the more you think about it. She messed up too, but maybe you could give her something like a second chance as well. You would lose out on some gold coins though. Ten, if you recall correctly. Sheesh, why couldn't all the bandits just be obviously evil and bad guys? That would be easier...

You scratch your hair in a frustrated manner, and half-shout "arrgh! Whatever! I don't wanna think about it right now. Let's just play instead".

(cont.)

As the night goes on, Tina empties out two of the bandits during your game, who you put to rest afterwards. A strange sensation fills you this time around, a sort of freshness, almost to the point of discomfort, like sucking in a deep breath of cold air after having brushed your teeth. You feel the new positive energy fill you as well as the negative, and a discomfort accompanies it for a few seconds, until it is... contained? You think, in some way. It's a strange feeling. A good pain.

After a servant has brought the corpses outside, you offer Tina to try on the enchanted bracers. She puts them on, and tests her strength by breaking a long sword in two. "Yeah I do feel stronger". Her left hand is bleeding now, though, and you tell her. She must've gotten a cut when the sword broke.

"Hahah, so I am!". When she notices, her small wound quickly heals up, in that weird stitchy way. "By Torag do I feel a difference. These are awesome!"

You take that opportunity, and ask her "do you wanna keep them? I mean we share most stuff, but this could be like a gift, if you want it".

At first she doesn't respond. Well she is pretty drunk. Instead of saying something, she flashes a wide toothy grin, and give you a bear hug instead. You return the hug as best you can, and she nuzzles her cheek against the top of your head. "Mmmm! My cute little doll".

After this, you both agree to go sit in front of the fire, figuring you've spent enough time playing cards. She brings out the drum, and play it. But in a slow and quiet way. You'd like to join in, but there aren't really any other instruments. Instead, you borrow the drum after a while, and try it out some yourself. You think you're doing okay, considering it's just improvisation.

That's when you remember the mead, and you order a servant to bring it. And once you taste it, it's pretty easy to tell the difference in temperature - it's pleasantly cool to the throat as it sails down.

(cont.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuofG8a7EEk
You probably spend another hour or two, just sitting there outside, taking turns at the drum, and drinking cold mead. At some point you decide to let Tina keep the drum, and instead opt to join in with song, aiming for something soothing, something akin to a lullaby. It turns out to be a bit more somber than you had aimed for, but the result has its own charm, and you decide to keep it that way.

This eternal moment feels authentic to you. An exotic, strange, little moment in time. But as tantalizing the idea of remaining like this seems, you need to go to bed soon.

"Let's go inside again", you offer her.

Back inside, when you start going to bed, Tina does so as well. It takes a while to get properly comfortable, but once you do, it's pleasingly cozy. You lie in a way so that your heads are close, but your feet and legs point away from each other.

Ah, right, before you go to sleep...

"Still thirsty?", you ask her, "I've done some tests, and-.."

You can tell from her face, that as soon as she grasps the meaning of the first two words, that that's all it took to get an answer. "Always", she says with a lazy smile.

You offer her your forearm. "Don't drink too quickly, I have a few things I want to do to test the taste.. let me know if I do something right". She smiles and nods.

Gently holding your forearm with both of her hands, she sinks her canines into your flesh with an eager look on her face, but takes her time nonetheless. And you retry the ways you experimented in channeling negative energy into your blood, effectively infusing it, and hopefully enriching the taste.

You have four different ways prepared. Between each test, she licks up the wound to close it, before telling you how it was.
Her reaction to two of them are unimpressed, and the third seems decent enough. At the first three, her drinking was brief enough that it didn't really bring you into a daze.

But the final one seems to have something going, as drinks with unabashed craving, and she doesn't stop to let you know how it is, either. Within seconds, you meet that same feeling as last time, quickly taking over your mind. This alluring satisfactory feeling is all you need, right now.. Or ever, really... A warm feeling heats your mind, and all that matters is your delirious devotion to comply with whatever this divine being next to you wants.. Even if you hardly sense anything around you.. But that doesn't matter, as long as you have this feeling..

...

You feel a shiver on your neck, and the fog in your head slowly clears. You can feel your judgment return to you, but instead of accepting it, you choose to ride this enchanting daze, and let your mind drift asleep...

(That'll be it for tonight)

Another carpet bomb of a post. Phew. Kinda wanted to end it on a prompt, but the last prompt about the fate of Sierra will have to do.

Also, I somehow forgot about the whole issue with the actual name for the upgrade to [Requiem], it's still just labelled [???] in my notes. I'm thinking about just picking [Requiem's Echo], since 1) I liked that one, and 2) I thought "maybe this isn't actually an issue important enough spend time and energy voting on? Anyway. If there's anyone who feels its a bad choice, feel free to speak up, it's not set in stone.

Dunno when next update will be, desu. If I feel inspired one of these days, then maybe, but there's a few random factors irl atm, so yeah. But I'll at least aim for some time within this week.

>>3044244
Thanks for sticking by QM. See ya around.

>>3044244
Thanks for running!
I'd say requiem's echo is a good name. From the negativity of death, the positive energy echos back.

>>3044244
thanks for running man, it seems we got it right on the forth, for science...definitely science...

>>3044025
>Let her tag along for now

>>3044025
>Let her tag along for now

>>3044025
>Let her tag along for now
>Something else (specify)- Keep Sierra outside of town when we get back.When reporting for the bounty, tell officials about the Dwarf accomplice and offer a witness in exchange for probation with us. If she breaks probation and is found here without us, the doom is back on.

>>3044244
Thanks man, just go with that, you're right, is not that important, so let's keep it simple for the greater good.

>>3044234
Next time we can play strip poker, or a "Truth or Dare" game.

>>3044025
>>Hand her over to the city guards
Also we need someone to testify about the conspiracy of the dwarf.

>>3040449
Pretty solid write-in, appreciate it. And since the vote is going for letting her live for now, I'll do something along those lines.

A speck of life shines brightest against a backdrop of death.

...

You find yourself waking up in Rydding, among the still burning ruins of the decimated village. You sit up, headless, as you awaken to your new unlife for the first time. Or rather, you witness yourself doing so, as some incorporeal spectator. There's no doubt in your mind that this is a dream. You often remember your dreams, which you've always been thankful for.

Having dreams was almost always a good thing, to you. It was an interruption of the dull, and mostly unpleasant, everyday life. Your dreams often offered enjoyable experiences, like love, food, fantastical landscapes, freedom, and other captivating ideas. You remember a particularly vivid dream, where you dreamt that you were a Dryad. A forest spirit who minded their own, just grooming the serene forest that was your domain. Waking up was a cruel ordeal. Life often paled in comparison to jubilant fantasies.

Part of why these dream were so enjoyable, was the fact that you rarely realized that you were in a dream. Not before it was over, anyway.

This one is different, in that aspect. You're lucidly aware that this is a dream. It seems to be a replay of your awakening, but from a different angle.

When your observe yourself animate your second Undead, that's when you see something different: A white raven lands on a half-collapsed roof nearby, and observes you. The dream seems to skip through eventless moments, and soon after you are back at the first bandit encampment, the white raven following you the entire time.

The moment after you've quartered your killer seems to be of some importance, though you're unsure why. But for some reason, you can sense the raven growing uneasy.

At one point while you and Tina had both started getting pretty drunk, you raised a bandit as a Zombie, for you two to use as an archery target. It was pretty fun. But when you observe yourself raise that corpse, that's when the white raven caws, and takes off. As you watch it fly off, and wonder what it all means, it doesn't take long for another being to fade into existance where the raven was placed.

This being, probably a Beastblood, is a strange mix of humanoid and dog jackal, specifically. It is covered in a thin layer of light brown fur, and has a dog's head. Aside from being covered in fur, the rest of its body looks like a strong, male, Human. But the strangest part is the pair of skeletal wings on its back. The being is dressed only in a ceremonial looking loincloth that's long enough to reach its kness, and it is holding a large ceremonial looking staff in its left hand.

(cont.)

File: Spoiler Image (25 KB, 236x364)

25 KB JPG

The being continues to observe you, and you sense a hostility in it. And for some reason, you know that while the creature is there, you also know that it isn't, that the same time. Like the being is only present in a mirror of existance, and that it couldn't easily get to your side of the mirror.

As your story goes on, the being seems to grow more hostile towards you - you can't actually see it frown or anything, you just know it. At one point, it decides that it needs to find you, and end you. And then, it takes off, and the white raven takes its place, and continues observing you.

You know that the raven agrees to the choice in killing you, but as times passes, and it observes you using [Requiem] to put people to rest for good, it grows hesitant of this choice.

...

Some time passes, and eventually you reach the point where you decided to try and cultivate some sort of counterpart to your negative energy. The point where you develop your [Requiem's Echo]. And when you use it, you sense emotions of panick & regret in the raven - a choice was made, but it turned out to be a grave mistake. Even though it is just a dream, you can still taste the small degree of fear of consequences from the bird.

The next important event that is shown, is you going to bed, just this night, after another celebration. When you go to sleep, the raven hops along a few times on the ground, until it sits right next to your head, where it caws loudly at you, trying to warn you of what is headed for you. You see yourself groan in your sleep, and you know the creature is somehow communicating with you.

That's when you wake up, and sit up. Not in surprise or shock. But you remember clearly what you dreamt of, and there's little doubt in your mind that this was something more than a regular dream.

And, as usual these days, you wake up without your head on. You can't really see a lot, but as you wiggle a bit, you realize that Tina is holding it close, as though it was a teddy bear. It's a nice, familiar, smell from her.

You do feel the alcohol you drank last night, however. You feel sluggish. You'd prefer to just sleep another six hours - you probably only slept for four hours - but you're not sure it's a good idea. You have a feeling that the dog-like creature will be here within hours.

Tina is still asleep, and you notice that so is Nar, who is outside the tent. The rest of your servants are keeping guard.

>Actions?

>>3047847
confusion, slight panic
lets take our head back from tina and get a little air to clear our mind, mill over what we just witnessed

then lets wake tina and tell her all about it

>>3047847
call Tina's name softly as to not startle her and if it doesn't work give Tina some gentle bites to wake her up, I don't know if we can guide our body to our head without seeing where it is and she is holding us tight.

grab some water for both of us and retail the dream, it may be some spirit trying to warn us or even a divinity of some kind

>>3047847
So the raven grows uneasy when we do bad deeds, and reacts positive when we do good deeds.
It doesn't at all like us gaining positive energy.
doggo, who you chose to picture as anubis, wants our death.
Huh, exciting mystery you threw as there qm^^

>action
wake Tina and tell her about it

>>3047902
no i think he likes us using requiems echo, he seems panicked because he thinks they made a mistake in their decision
(i assume to kill or judge us)

>>3047857
Support
>>3047917
Thid I think, he's probably responsible for the basedls of the dead and was mad at us for corrupting them with our magic, now he doesn't want to kill us because we started putting those souls to rest.

>>3047925
>basedls

Meant souls....don't know how it ended up like that

What in the abyss was that dream. No, it couldn't just have been a dream. Something is going on here. You're not entirely sure you understand it, but in case it means something, you don't want to risk not being prepared, somehow.

The link between your head and body makes it surprisingly easy for them to locate each other, and you use that to sit down next to Tina, while you call out to her. You try not to startle her, however, as you figure you have enough time to handle this.

"Tina..? Oy, Tina, wake up". She stirs a bit, but doesn't wake up at first. Seeing as how you managed to get your body to sit next to her, you use it to take your head back, and put it on.

You shake your head to clear it, and then get up and go outside to fetch some water. After having a refreshment, you bring a waterskin back inside the tent, and gently shake Tina's shoulder to wake her up.

"Nn? wha..?", her eyes are barely open. You offer her the waterskin.

"Have some water. We need to talk".

"Huh..?"

It takes a while for her to wake properly, but after she's had some water, you tell her of your dream, and make it clear that you believe it to be more than just a dream.

You end it with telling her "I'm not sure if it's some sort of spirit, or something related to the divine, or something completely different. But I don't think it was just a dream"

She seems to take your story seriously, althought it's easy to tell that she's still groggy. You're not exactly chipper yourself.
"That sounds omnious..", she says, "and you think that dog-man is coming to attack us?"

You shrug, "it's definitely a possibility. We should be ready for anything, I guess"

"Damn, wish we had some bear traps of some kind to set up, or something like that". After a pause, she continues, "why do you think it's attacking us? The way I hear it, it sounds like it's related to something about your magic".

You nod, and say "well it's not unusual for necromancy to be frowned upon, to my knowledge, but I think this is different from that. Probably some kind of guardian of the dead, or something, who's angry I disturbed the dead. Maybe. I don't know, the last part of the dream was a little strange."

Tina seems to reflect upon it for a while. "So if someone's coming to kill you.. Shouldn't we just go back to town to get our prize for the bandit heads? I mean, if someone attacks us in town, wouldn't the guards help us? That would be kind of like setting up a trap"

You consider the option. Maybe.. You have been trying to avoid letting people know you raise the dead, and there's a risk someone in town will know, if you take the confrontation there. On the other hand, it sounds safer. And it's not like it's illegal to use. Besides, you're the good one here, most of what you've animated so far were outlaws. Hells, you even killed a bunch of bandits near Wyvern's Bazar, that should be a big deal, in your opinion anyways.

But what to do...

>Stay here
>Go to Wyvern's Bazar
>Something else (specify)

(if I post more tonight, it'll be a slow go, so don't wait up. If I end up deciding to not post more tonight, then i'll at least get back at you with an estimate for next post time)

>>3047958
>Stay here

Dig in. Bury our minions sp they can spring from the ground and surprise our hunter.
Pile the dead in the center and medite near them to gather some much needed negative energy. Let Tina drain the other prisioners exept for the mage so she cam be at top form, drain and requiem them too. Reset the bandit trap to try and get the hound man when he comes.

Count our loot and play cards worriedly with Tina, nar and sierra to wait for the beasts arrival, elves versus dogs

>>3047969
Just to clarify, all bandits have already been laid to rest (and thus you cannot get any energy from them), except for 2. Those 2 are Sierra and a guy that seemed to know about the informant dwarf in town.

>>3047958
>>Go to Wyvern's Bazar

Loot the camp, we still have some time.

when we go to the city we should set up our defenses in the graveyard, can we mast Brute with that dead man's illusion so he looks like a really big fellow?

>>3047979
also, make a whip out of one of the corpses

aaaaaaand, and idea from before that we didn't get around to consider much, raise the bandit leader both as reinforcement and as a possible instructor to Tina.

>>3047958
>>3047979
i support this, but make sure we requiem all minions and dead bandits, then tell sierra we take her with us to wyverns bazar
if we don't give her over, disguise her so the prisoners don't recognize her

>>3047981
we need a living sentient being to use the whip ability

better ask tina before we decide that

>>3047982
yeah, forgot that about the whip

yup, ask Tina about the bandit leader

>>3047981
>>3047982
Hm, regretfully I've already written bandit leader off as being requiem'ed. I thought the consensus was that sapient undead were a no-go. mb. Guess we'll need to bring that issue up for debate again, at some point, then.

If you want, I can retcon it so that you didn't requiem that particular guy. But there'll still need to be a vote on whether to actually animate him as intelligent, seeing as that subject seem divisive before.

>>3047979
Yeah you already did that. You can use it on yourself, as well as one additional servant per lvl. So currently all of your servants are cloaked as living beings.

>>3047979
Supporting the idea of setting up in the graveyard. If we can we should get our quest reward before that, as we might get kicked out by the townsfolk or they might try to kill us (they'll probably find out about us being a necromancer)

>>3048020
no need for retcons, we will find someone else

>>3048020
Nah, I think we're fine for now.

>>3048035
>>3048020
agreed, its not a big issue

>>3047979
Also take the bandit to testify, we're going to the town, the beastman can tag along under her own risk (some may recognise her since there are survivors). After get our reward let's change our appearance from all of our minions and Tina if we can.

>>3047958
>Go to Wyvern's Bazar

>>3048020
Load the wagon. Take the loot. Head to Wyverns. Ask Tina to ask Sierra what she knows about the Dwarf and Derrick's communications. If she knows a lot, then we don't need talking meat bandit. There is your spine whip and anti-raven acts.
Meanwhile we have 2 forces judging and watching us - Raven which dislikes evil and pain and Anubus - acting like a judge guardian of the Dead. We should walk carefully around these 2 and be on watch for the threat. On the road we can also ask Nar how the delivery of prisoners went and what he'd like.
Get to town, collect the bounty and see if we can swing a pardon or probation for Sierra.

>>3048020
>I thought the consensus was that sapient undead were a no-go
It was, but new people and opportunities change sometimes that, like having and protecting a criminal as a companion without a reason. But I do recalled that Tina will tell us what she wants to learn someday, so it's unnecessary maybe keep caring about.

(vague estimate for next post: aiming for sometime during this week)

I just caught up on this quest and reading it was a ton of fun. Can someone make a permanent invite to discord and post that? all the ones linked so far are expired.

>>3049467

https://discord.gg/bQcXeq

>>3049467

scratch that, i have an unlimited one right here
https://discord.gg/A4WV7DM

>>3049490
That sends to the hero academia discord^^

>>3049613
dafuq?
wait
AAAAAH
https://discord.gg/gpa2k7B

>>3049467
Welcome, good reader, and I'm glad you like it so far!

>>3048206
You can't change Tina's appearance, but you can aim for having her look different with clothing, which im assuming you want.

>>3048874
You wanna use the spine trick on the annoying bandit, if it turns out that you dont need him, I'm assuming?
And for everyone else: I will go with it, if there are no objections. I'm saying this, cos i got the feeling some may be reluctant about it

>>3048874
I'm on the impression the raven was not mad because we were doing evil things, but because we were tainting the souls or something like this, so he sent the anubis lookalike to hunt us, but then he saw we putting thise souls to rest and regreted swowing us to anubis, now he was trying to warn us(through dreams) that we are in danger

>>3049670
>which im assuming you want.
Not really, but since we can't change her with skills, so be it. The idea is disguise her to avoid being recognized by that grim church, probably wont happen.

>>3049670
>I will go with it, if there are no objections
No problem here as long as we have someone to testify about the dwarf, or if we have another kind of proves like the letters or something. We can make some extra from that.

No run tonight, so ill be updating in approx in 20 hours instead

The cost of preparedness - measured now in risks of reputation, later in blood.
No, yeah, you should be safest in Wyvern's Bazar - you're helping the damn law, it should be expected that you're welcome there. Besides, there's a bonus chance that being there may complicate matters for... whatever that Beastblooded man was.

You order your servants to pack up camp and its valuables, as you get ready to set out for Wyvern's Bazar again.

This time, it seems you're the hunted one. An odd position to be back in, actually. But you don't dislike the challenge, because that's ultimately what it is. A test of strength and cunning, a trial to turn the tables on your would-be pursuer. You WILL be victorious, and you will be prepared. Being this steadfast is a new sensation to you, but a good one. The way you are locked on to triumph makes you feel an amount of control, and through it, power.

Yes, power is one's ability to change fate.

And in order to be as prepared as possible, you can't take half measure, and fight it out here. Sure in town there's a risk of people discovering your affinity for dark arts, but that's just a reputation. What's a reputation, next to survival. Sure it may bring you some trouble, but you'll just have to deal with that when it comes. Besides, if you have a headstart on the being, then you know of a certain graveyard in the Bazar that should serve nicely for filling up on energy.

You have Sierra brought to you, inside the closed wagon where you're already sitting, and offer her to sit in front of you.

"The informant, the Dwarf guy, Batago, or something. You know of him?"

She nods and corrects you "Nagtaba, the fence. Yeah, saw him once. I wasn't part of this group all that long, but he was here about a month ago. He picked up wares to sell in the city. Why?"

"Could you point him out?"

"..Sure? If I see him".

With a name, you would probably be able to pick him out yourself, given time, but it'd be easier to have someone who knows what he looks like. Your new ability, [Sight of Destiny], seems like a fun one. Even just now, you used it to confirm that Sierra is indeed her real name. Huh, wonder what it'd show on you. Or Tina for that matter.

(cont.)

"Good. You will have to, at some point, since we're gonna hand him over to the city guards. Hopefully they'll pay another platinum coin for his head as well".

As your words hang in the air, Sierra seems to get unsettled at the subject. You can tell she's nervous about being handed over as well, and the current pause obviously adds to it. You can't help but enjoy seeing her squirm a bit - not just because she's an criminal, but just because.. Well it sates a certain hunger in you. Ah, better to not do it too much.

You decide to offer her some relief, and add that "I do hope they pay for his head as well. That would make up for not getting paid for yours".

"...Not getting paid for mine? ... So... You're not handing me over as well?"

"Correct. I've decided not to kill you, since I made a promise, even if it was only a half-hearted one at the time. We'll all go to Wyvern's, and I'll hand over your friend outside, as well as the Dwarf in town. And I'll try and get a sort of probation arrangement for you. I'm confident it'll work out, with how I'm helping them with keeping their trade routes safe. When it's all arranged, I plan on having you along, at least long enough to ensure that you won't turn to this kind of lifestyle again. Agreable?"

She silently nod. Then she gets teary-eyed, and makes a sound like she was trying to say something, but ended up choking on the word, aaaand she's crying now. Happy tears, at least. Soon after, she clasps your hand with both of hers, and meekly says "thank you". You can tell she wants to say something else, but that her voice fails her.

Tina pokes her head in, between the covers on the wagon, and say "ah! Alice, you can't go around making the other children cry! I didn't raise you to be mean", acting like an stern adult reproaching a child. She then flashes you a smile, and ask "so we're keeping her around I'm guessing?"

You nod, and tell her of your plan regarding Sierra. Meanwhile, you decide to check her name. Indeed, it says both Tina Tanner, as well as Aurúthiel Meilûdriath. Curious. In a way it would be more fitting to call her by her Elven name, instead of Tina, but you've never really made a habit of it.

(cont.)

Not long thereafter, you are leaving the encampment, and travelling back to Wyvern's Bazar. You have kept the annoying bandit in his manacles, and Laughing Dead is walking close to him.

At one point he says "don't touch me you speechless oaf!" with a loud voice. Apparently Laughing had accidentally bumped into him, but the male outlaw doesn't say anything to pursue the matter further. But you can tell he's getting restless, and fearful, since you didn't let him go. Reap what he sow, his fate is his own fault, and he doesn't strike you as a type that would benefit from a second chance.

It doesn't take long for Tina to huddle up in her hooded robe, as the sun rises higher above the horizon.

While travelling, you decide to take up an experiment you've put off for a long time: testing whether your servants can actually give you some sort of answer through your mental bond. You call Nar over, and tell him to try it out. It takes him a few moments to get what you mean, but when you tell him about the mental orders you give him from time to time, it seems to click. The experiment, however, quickly meets a dead end, as he tries to will it as strongly as he can, but nothing happens.

Ah well, maybe you could try to learn an ability that would allow such communication at a later time.

Some hours later, you arrive at the gatehouse. And just like last time, ten guardsmen are stationed outside of it, each equipped with some expensive looking gear, and a ornamented tabard. It all serves to give them that proper military look.

When you get close, a pair of them approach you. One of the two, a tired looking Half-Orc, says "greetings and good morning to you travellers. What is your business in Wyvern's Landing?"

You figure there should be no trouble in telling him the truth, and say "we're here to hand over some outlaws, the ones troubling the road between here and... Ah.. Almondhill? And possibly sell some goods"

"That'd be Almondhill, yes. I see. Very well, good work, girl. I'm glad to see there's still proper folks about. If you're here to trade, you'll need to pay tribute to the Merchant's Guild".

You smile and say "yes, I'm somewhat familiar with the routine".

"Oh? ", he then starts walking back towards the others, and gesture for you to follow along. "That's good, then you won't mind the escort you'll need for the prisoners then. Uh, let's see, who's up for runner?" He asks the last part of the group of eight other guards. One of them calls back "Uh, sir, that'd be So-..", as he's about to say a name, he is interrupted.

(cont.)

It is one of the two people clad in gray, tattered, robes who speaks up, a woman, "ahh, no I'll take this one". You recognize the woman as she approach you as the same one as last time. The one who led you to the tavern.

The guard just says "mmh", and goes back to the others as the reptile takes his place. She gives you a polite smile, and say "so you did a number on those bandits huh? Impressive", as she looks between you and Tina. "So first stop is the headquarters of the guardsmen".

"Erh, well, yes". You hesitate for a bit, as you think about getting the fence first, to get it over with. But it would probably be better leverage for a possible probation agreement to have that as a bargaining chip of sorts.

The woman in gray looks puzzled at your hesitance, but doesn't ask anything yet.

The building you arrive at is as impressive a sight as the last time: sizeable, and solid with an air of military professionalism about it. And your guide shows you to the same room as last time you were here, and the same Kitsune woman greets you.

"Welcome again. This is about the bandits, I assume?", her hand welcoming you to take a seat at one of the four solid chairs in front of the desk, which you do.


"Yeah, we have put an end to their raids, I hope. We found about thirty of them. Even a few alive. I'm assuming any bandits handed over will be executed?" As you say this, she raise her brows in an impressed look.

"Just so, my young friend. For their crimes, they are to be executed". You can tell she's wondering why you're asking.

"I was actually hoping we could do something about that". You continue before she can speak up. "I would like to propose a deal of sorts.. I would like to bargain a probation deal - one of the former outlaws will be staying with me, and prove that they can better their ways. In exchange, I can offer you an additional outlaw who's hiding in town. A scout of sorts, who they seem to have used as an informant, to warn them of potential targets".

(cont.)

She doesn't immediately answer. She leans forward, rests her elbows on the desk, and cross her fingers in front of her mouth. "Iiiinteresting proposition. When I hear this, however, I can't help but wonder if some people would hear this, and think doesn't this sound a awful lot like enslavement?, which you of course know isn't legal in this part of the world".

At first you wonder why it's such a big deal. But you can see how this deal could be viewed as such.

"I don't mean for it to function like slavery. I think maybe one of them could turn their life around.. Probably.. And I'd be willing to give them a chance to do so. I told her that she could tag along with me for now, since it seemed she turned to brigandry out of necessity. I.. Don't have any particular plans about the whole deal yet".

The woman asks you to bring Sierra inside, so that she can hear Sierra's version of the story. Seeing no harm in it, you do so. And Sierra tells her version of it, and you're a little surprised of how positive of a light she puts you in, in her version, as she apparently wants to be sure that there's no doubt of your good intentions.

After Sierra's story, the Kitsune leans back into her chair, and ponder it for a few moments, before speaking up. "I'm not sure about this, I'll admit. I'm not sure I can fully pardon her crimes, however, I can certainly delay it until a just decision have been made. For now, I'll accept your proposition, on the condition that you return her here within two months, and account for her progress. Agreed?"

>Agree.
>Counter offer (specify)
Also:
>Tell her about the possible assailant?
>Don't, it could invite trouble.

(taking a break for now. But I'll write more later)

>>3054967
>>Agree.
its a good proposal, it helps all partys and puts a further point of commitment on sierra
i am not sure she needs it, but its not bad to have

>Tell her about the possible assailant?
frame it as a dream, that there might be trouble later on

after this, maybe tell sierra something about us, not to much, just that there is an understanding of shared trust, or the beginning of one

>>3054967
>agree
It's agreeable as long as out word actually accounts for something. if Sierra proves to be able to change her ways, maybe she could, after the proposed two months, work for the city as some kind of community service for a while, so she literally pays for her crimes kinda. Since she's a mage maybe she can learn healing magic and work at whatever a hospital is in this world.

>Don't tell her
we don't know how she would react, even if we don't specify that our assailant is not human/beastkin. For all i know we could be labeled as "bringing trouble to the town" and get kicked out (unlikely, but i can't help but think of the worst case scenario here)

>>3054967
>>3054987
Supporting, it may bring real problems, not only for bringing up sone kind of baseless premonition but also expecting help "I did something, now help me." Let's just hope that this thing end without involving a lot of people or we gonna get labeled with guilty.

>>3054967
>>Agree.
>Don't, it could invite trouble.

>>3054987
>>3054999
Depending on how things go down we can be viewed as that hero who saved the city from that thing, let's just hope it doesn't talk

>>3055023
we're a necromancer. our necromancy will likely be revealed. i don't think they'll label us a hero

>>3055023
>>3055084
Honestly, I don't even think the monster will appear.

High noon

"Sure, sounds good", you tell her. The deal was easier to get than you feared it might have been.

"So about those bandits, did you remember to actually bring their heads back? That's the part you get paid for, after all" the Kitsune asks.

You smile a little, thinking back on it. "Yeah, they're in my wagon, outside. Put them in a crate. Want me to bring it in?"

She sighs, like the idea isn't really appealing to her. "..Yes, that would be.. I'd appreciate it".

You're about to order one of your servants who are still outside to bring it inside, but maybe that would be suspicious in some way, since it would show that you're able to communicate with them in some other way. Then again, it's not like it would seem like something evil? Ah whatever, it's probably best to hold your cards close, when you don't know a lot about the workings of the world.

You go outside, and have Brute bring the crate back inside. The Kitsune shows your Brute where to put it, and you make it follow her directions. She then ask one of the soldiers to count the heads for her. He smiles at her unease, but doesn't comment on it, and simply does as asked.

"28 dead bandits", he confirms.

"And one alive", you add. "I have one outside, one of my s-.. Friends is guarding him. And then there's also the matter of the fence who's still at large, I'll need to find him first though".

"Lovely, one of the guards will accompany you back outside to receive the prisoner. When do you think the second prisoner will be brought back? The fence, that is".

"...Hopefully today, but I do have something I need to attend to first".

Her reaction tells you that she thinks it strange, but she just says "..very well, I'll be looking forward to seeing you again. I'll have your payment ready once you bring in the last guy. Ah, and a footnote: I don't think you're the type who would try to deceive me, but... That girl", she nods at Sierra, "you had better keep your word on returning, okay? I'm fairly certain you both will be found, if you try to do something like escaping the country."

(cont.)

Something about her tone is slightly intimidating. Odd. You don't see why you would pull a stunt like that, though. You simply nod, and say "mh", after which she gives you a polite smile.

"Will that be all then?", she asks. For a moment you consider telling her about that vision of yours but... Ah, better not. First of all, you can't say for sure something will come of it, and second of all, you do not want to ruin the goodwill you are building here. Hopefully people won't link the being to you, if it does appear.

You bid her farewell, and go back outside again, where a guard takes the male bandit with him inside. The outlaw, seems extremely displeased with the way things are going for him, and even angrily calls you a few unflattering names as he pass you, before the guard gives him a backhanded slap with his metal gauntlet, and carries on dragging him inside.

Once he leaves, the reptile guardswoman asks you "so, you were talking about possibly selling some wares? Wanna go to the Merchant's Guild at once, then?"

Would be nice to get it over with, but if that being is coming, you'd rather be topped off on negative energy before meeting it, better safe than sorry after all. And you don't really know how long you have left, so you should really go to the graveyard.

"Ah, no", you answer, "I... Have something I need to do first".

She tilts her head with a puzzled expression. "Oh? Okay then, where to? I don't mind tagging along for that first, I'm almost off work anyway"

..."It's really nothing interesting, and it could be while, it'll really just bore you", you try to counter.

She smiles and dismissively waves her hand in front of her. "Ah, don't worry, I don't have any plans today anyway".

... You feel you should probably shoo her away, if you're just gonna lounge at the graveyard for a while. It would be kind of hard to explain why you're just idling there. Maybe you could just tell her you like the calmness of the place, for meditating?

>Shoo her away, somehow (specify)
>Let her tag along

(as a side note: you haven't changed the appearance of your servants yet, since Sierra and that other guy had tagged along until now, you can still try to do it though. Maybe write it off as illusion magic? It wiould still reveal that you can do something like that, to Sierra and other people who know who you are)

>>3055280
My family was killed by bandit, and so was Tina's, we just want some time to meditate and present our respects for the dead, could you give us some time alone? I'll look for you as soon as we finish so you can take us to the Merchant's Guild

>>3055280
>Shoo her away
solemly say: "I'm going to go to the graveyard... if you don't mind"

>>3055308
>>3055280
i support this, tell her we have distant relatives that might have been buried here and we would like to check if we recognize one of the names

Acting it is
1d20+12, best of up to three

Rolled 4 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>3055377
pls don't mess this up ...

Rolled 3 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>3055377
oof

Rolled 16 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>3055377
uoooooooooo

>>3055280
>>3055450
Oh shit, the lizardwoman looks like a nice girl, goodwill to her.

Rolled 8 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>3055361
These are good. We want to see if we can find a relative's grave and pay respects. Ancestors smile upon us and give us aid and thanks are appropriate.

Gonna need a 1d100, best of three.
Theme of the roll: Luck.

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>3055833
Holy shit my nigga.

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>3055833

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3055833

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3055833

(ouch. That's a crit fail. Won't affect the coming post, but something after it)

File: 1521553790683.gif (4 KB, 256x272)

4 KB GIF

>>3055853

"I...", you start, but you're not sure what to say. She's somewhat persistent, for some reason. "I.. Wanted to pay my respects to the dead.. I would prefer for you to not come along, no offense intended.. If you don't mind.."

She looks somewhat surprised, but says "oh, yeah no, of course. I only wanted to come along because I thought it wasn't a big deal, don't worry about it".

Seems like it worked. "I could meet you later though? Once I'm done" you offer her.

"Sounds good. Although, depending on how late it gets, the Merchant's Guild will be closed for the day, since they close early today. If you plan on staying at the same inn again, I could just meet with you in the morning?"

Convenvient. "Yeah", you say, "that may actually suit me even better. Don't know when I'll be done".

She smiles slightly, with an expression that says 'my condolences', and say "of course, take your time. And sorry if I brought up something uncomfortable"

You shake your head and say "don't worry about it. I'll see you tomorrow then".

She doesn't say anything, but waves goodbye, and take her leave. Meanwhile Tina have been keeping to the shade, while looking at a booth nearby. You go to her to group up, before taking off towards the graveyard. Apparently she's looking at jewelry. She always did have an interest in mostly anything pretty.

You let her know that you're done talking to the reptilian guard.

"Just a sec more", Tina says, "I'm almost done looking through these periapts"

"You should probably do that later.. We have stuff to do, remember? And I would rather not have you walk alone right now". Especially not in the sunlight, it's plain for you to see that the sunlight is taking a toll on her. And you remember that you could physically overpower yesterday while the sun was out, and you're not all that strong.

She pouts a little and follows along, but she doesn't bother keeping up the act for very long.

(cont.)

File: black-eyed-susan.jpg (201 KB, 800x800)

201 KB JPG

Tina lets out a tired grumble, and says "Bath.. I definitely want a bath once we're done for today, this sun is killing me.."

You nod. It's not all that warm, around 20 degrees or so, but it's probably her Vampirism acting up. Erh, Dhampirism? Ah whatever, that thing. But a bath doesn't sound like a bad idea, once this is over with. If you recall correctly, there was a bathing facility at the Fox & Harp.

You drive the wagon to the inn, and have the stable boy take care of the wagon. Inside the inn, you pay the barkeep for housing the horses as well as the wagon. You're really much too focused at the task at hand to properly take notice of mostly anything right now.

Soon enough, you find yourself at the grave of the nameless. Once there, you find a nice spot in the shade to sit down, and start gathering negative energy with the [Patience of the Grave]. You sit near a pretty flowerbed of yellow 'Susans. It's a pretty common flower to use in grave decorations, in your experience.

It's a lengthy process, it seems. You can feel the ambient negative energy in the grave, and if you wanted to, you could probably fill within half a minute. But doing it the fast way would empty out some of the dark energies that desecrates this place, whereas just basking in it will allow you to eat your fill without permanently emptying part of it.

And now... You wait.

(not sure I'll post more tonight. I might, but don't wait up. If I end up not posting something, I'll get back to you about when next post will be)

>>3055893
ok thanks nfor the heads up, now we have to deal with this guy so we can have a thermal pool episode with Tina

>>3055904
i hope we took sierra with us in all this, letting her out of our sight this soon after the deal would be, ... bad

>>3055919
You did bring her along, she just didn't have very much of a presence, as she's still not entirely settled down about the safety of her life. Walking on egg shells and all that. Actually meant to write in this part: >>3054981
But kinda forgot in the process. I have added it to my list tho, so i should remember next time

>>3055919
She is probably with us and will likely help us with anubis, I'm worried about Tina's weakened state due to the sun, maybe those str bracers can balance things out.
>>3055904
Yup, we let Nar in charge and take some time off with her

>>3055937
i thought about giving him suggestions instead of commands, not sure if it is possible, but it seems less like we enslaved him that way

>>3055946
(Its possible. You can give him suggestions that he doesn't have to follow. Unless you use the mental bond to actually force his will, all of his actions are his own. He is, however, inclined to do what you want)

>>3055930
>safety
Well, just hope she doesn't become in a burden, things may get lit here. Also, probably too late, but can we talk to her about her a bit, like abilities and so, we should know how strong she really is.
And some questions if you can answer, QM.
Does Requiem works without looking at the corpse just by knowing where it is? And and we have an skill Heal 5, is for healing in general, like healing our zombies or our own healing?

>>3055930
Give her (Sierra) one of the books on magic to start reading while we mediate. Get Nar a rare or raw meat to eat on the way or promise to get him on the way back to the inn and a big meaty dinner.

>>3055978
Yes - we should as about Sierras magical abilities. Get them listed.

>>3055978
Not too late, will add it to the next post.
Always open to questions.
-Requiem doesnt require you to see the corpse. It does require proximity however.
-Healing is stolen straight form d&d 3.5. It is your general abilities and knowledge concerning the humanoid body, everything from stabilizing someone bleeding out, to torturing someone efficiently. In Alice's case, most of her knowledge about it comes from taking care of dead people, from when she was alive. So no, you couldnt use it to actually have you or a servant recover health. However, someone who is wounded would recover health more efficiently if cared for by someone with medicinal knowledge (heal ranks).

>>3055983
What are they? A kid and a pet? Btw, I believe those books and everything are in our wagon at the inn, we're at the cemetery.

>>3056003
Thanks for answer me. Also QM, some other questions. Can we somehow know the skills of our zombies or we have to somehow ask them? Additionally, can you please make a pastebin we a list of the skills and what they do for an easier search and understanding. Some zombies, I think, can be exploited in a good way. Finally, in our inventory (pastebin) doesn't appear the rapier, if by chance we have it, can you suggest it to Tina, she has those sword, but just in case, she hasn't used it yet.

>>3056029
>pets
Well, we did play fetch with Sierra, but I think they are more like indentured servants, both were bandits that are helping us out now in the hopes we let them go later, Sierra to a new life as a law-abiding citizen and Nar to let him cross to the other side.
They are more like paying a karmic debt

>>3056029
I'll give some thought about the whole deal with skills. So far i have run a theme of 'you just dont know yet, youll either need a skill or to read about them to know', but im starting to think it may be more giving if you know about the specifics of each servant.

>>3055893
Drat, I was late.
Here's to hoping that shit doesn't hit the fan too badly.

>>3056043
>They are more like paying a karmic debt
You do have a point, good sir. Sounds kinda cool too.

>>3056059
>but im starting to think it may be more giving if you know about the specifics of each servant.
Well, we kinda have a connection to them, but the thing is, even if we do know the skill, there's no way to know our zombies have it, so that's the deal of my question.

>>3056029
>>>3055983 (You)
>What are they? A kid and a pet?

Sierra is a different style of magic use and a member of our party. Hopefully somewhat useful while paying off Karmic debt and getting a new start. So we sharpen the tool and increase the bond by giving her more value and showing her that she has value. (Weaver - consider some point of view shifts to get the players invested in Sierra as a character).
Nar is also aware and has needs that if unmet may lead to problems. As I said previously that bandit group is both the worst thing that happened and yet, also the best because it changed us from pointless feeble village bumpkins with no future to starting adventurers. Nar has a debt to pay, but that doesn't mean we need to be cruel and mean since he is our undead slave. Nar is useful with his paralysis attack, and awareness so that we don't have to command his every action. Neither are empty tools for psychopathic behavior or totally meaningless, unless you are inclined to drag the play to Chaotic evil vs a more Neutral goodish neutral. Animating and commanding the dead is a break of the laws of life and death, but not evil per se unless you think it robs a soul of a divine punishment or reward. But even then, giving an unlife option for karmic redemption is good ( see the WhiteWolf game Vampire: Kindred of the East for an undead redemptive path, or even the Camarilla clinging to being more human than monsters). I certainly see this story as being one of walking a path of balance between certain poles and influences.

Maybe we are actually a Lawful Neutral with our own code. I certainly don't see an intent to be evil, but I do see temptations and pulls to evil.

>>3056180
I don't know if I would go for lawful since we skirt very closely to be outside the law but certanly not evil, yes, we want to be good but there is always a pull towards the evil side(probably due to our undead condition and saturation of dark energies or something) leaving us at a nice and neutral balance. I deeply enjoy it to be honest

>>3056059
you could go with a mixed approach. Like:
1)punch
2)kick
3)???
4)proffit

and show that it has something there but we dont yet know what it is untill we figure it out.

>>3056246
That's a simple but effective way of doing things. I approve.

(so about next update: no idea desu. I just write stuff when I feel like it. I wanna give you guys info on that, but I cant really work with a schedule, so.. Idk, guess it won't work like that. For now I guess I could say that Im aiming for posting at least once a week)

>>3059073
Alrighty QM, we'll be here.
The only thing I can say about this is just don't die on us. I've seen one too many quests die an ignoble death that way.

>>3059073
That's good, QM, would love if is on weekend though, like that people will catch it easier.

>>3059073
Btw QM, just a suggestion by interest, if you can add to the quest something related to "sanity check" (maybe related to fear) would be appreciated, is up to you of course.

>>3059107
Well im bound to end it at some point, but yes, ill try to keep the quest alive for a long time yet. Im surprised to see how many quests get sacced within the first 48 hours of its existance.

>>3059553
Will consider it. I even thought about something similar myself

>>3059553
Although, maybe you could elaborate on your thoughts on the subject? For example the fear part, how it would work

>>3059609
I think it's more a thing that people beeing exposed constantly to fucked upo shit gradually lose sanity and become insane, like what can happen with Sierra if she tags along for a lot of time, I mean, she doesn't even know about the vampirism and the undead since she was under a spell when it happened and now all the undead are hidden by the illusion

>>3059609
Along these lines >>3059634 though a little more wide.
In general, use sanity checks to see how far mental effect damage is caused, and I was thinking something like this: 1d100 where 1 is faint, 2~30 irrational actions, 31~50 paralyses in fear, 51~70 run, 71~100 just do nothing. Of course, can me simpler than that.
This is going to be more relevant considering all the gore that people at some point may see, also when we actually have an aura of fear (this can be accumulative, long exposed time will cause more effect), and finally, it can effect us too, you know, that thin line between ingenious and madness, when someone get drunk by power and cause and somehow irrational behavior.

Status update: I don't expect I'll post anything more this week. Which means thread will die before I post more, I think. Like I said earlier, I'll try to post something next week, not sure when tho. Some have suggested using the weekend, and while I take the advice to heart, Im not sure im gonna do it. I really just write this stuff whenever i feel like it. So yeah. Thanks for playing so far. Bit of a cliffhanger to end on, ah well.

>>3060810
Appreciate the feedback