>>3345097

You reach into the pouch on your belt and rub the pair of coins together as if it would make a third appear. An old hag of a woman strolls to your table a moment later. “Fresh roasted hen, on the fire now, is a gold.” You inhale, an entire gold for a hen? You were expecting six or seven silvers at the most. That would leave you with three silvers for a drink and the extra gold coin to spend on whatever else you please. “Pig and carrot soup, stewed it meself as the sun rose, is eight silvers. Beer is five, wine will be a gold. The wine’s a fine one. A Samfati trader brought it in a fortnight ago.” You shudder, not only at the expensive price but at the mention of the Samfati. Neighbors to the far south, where the mountains of the Wall ended, famed for their slave trade filled the stories your mother told you to keep you in line as a boy. Their desert domains were harsh, but they were harsher still.

>>Order a hen and a beer, you’ll be left with five silver but it’ll be enough to fill you.

>>Order the hen and the wine, it’ll be the last of your coin but it should be your last meal before employment with the famed mercenary company. That’s a reason to celebrate.

>>Order Soup and Beer. Best to save your coin and the soup should be filling enough. You’ve eaten less before.

>>Order Soup and Wine. Two silvers in your pocket is better than none, and your interest is piqued with what Samfati wine tastes like.

>—————————————————

>>Welcome to The Brass Companions, where you’re a peasant with big dreams and some training with his village’s local guard. The setting is low fantasy medieval. Let’s get started.

>>3345109
>Order Soup and Wine. Two silvers in your pocket is better than none, and your interest is piqued with what Samfati wine tastes like.
Let's celebrate but not go too crazy.

>Order Soup and Beer. Best to save your coin and the soup should be filling enough. You’ve eaten less before.

>>3345097
>>Order Soup and Beer. Best to save your coin and the soup should be filling enough. You’ve eaten less before.

>>3345109
>Order Soup and Beer. Best to save your coin and the soup should be filling enough. You’ve eaten less before

>>3345109

>>Order a hen and a beer, you’ll be left with five silver but it’ll be enough to fill you.

Lets atbleast arrive there on a full stomach

>>3345118
>>3345121
>>3345122
Writing. Can I get a roll of 1d100 best of 2.

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>3345142

Rolled 22 (1d100)

You think it over for a moment, your stomach rumbles but your father taught you to save coin every chance you could get. “I’ll have the soup, and some beer.” The woman nods as her hand shoots out, expecting payment. You fish the twin gold coins from your coin purse and gently rest them in her palm. She barely spares them a second glance as she drops them into her own, much heavier, pouch and gets your change, anyone in your village would’ve checked both to make sure they were real. Seven silvers jingle lightly as you tuck them away.

You sit in silence for a moment before your food is deposited in front of you with a grunt. The tavern is relatively empty, maybe a half dozen other men and women sit in small clusters eating their own food. The soup is thin but tastes good enough and the beer is weak, probably watered down. Your stomach gurgles slightly, hunger abated rather than abolished. You feel glad you didn’t give them a coin extra as you finish and take your leave. You catch a glimpse of the woman hovering over your table, probably expecting you left a silver as a tip, as you make your way back out into the bright sun.

You make your way into the city proper. Homes sit clustered tightly on top of each other, more people than your whole village meander down this single street. You realize you’re unsure of where the Brass Companions are holding court but soon enough you spot two men wearing the mark of the company. A single brass band around the left bicep. They joke and laugh loud enough to stand out from the noise of the busy street but not enough for you to determine what they’re saying. You follow the pair through the winding streets far enough to know you would’ve never found their company without them.

You find, near what you assume is the heart of the city, a small empty plot of land paved with stone. A fountain spits water happily in the center of the square. Several men are draped over the edge of the fountain, shirtless and covered in a sheen of sweat. More still hide in the cool shade of the nearby buildings, catching their breath. A dozen men stand, still fully clothed, waiting in one corner of the courtyard. The two members of the company finally notice you. “A recruit, then?” The one asks. You nod. The other forks a thumb towards the dozen men. “Join them. Sergeant Demos should be putting you through your paces soon enough.”

>cont

>>3345213
You join the group, men of all shapes and sizes glance about anxiously as they wait for whatever comes next. One of the men, small and squirrelly, turns and opens his mouth to speak to you. Before he can utter a single syllable, a voice that booms like thunder rings out over the crowd. “You maggots call that a formation? I want you in orderly lines, now!” The squirrelly man looks like he might have momentarily lost control of his bladder as you all shuffle into lines. Due to the odd number of people, you end up standing alone. Three lines of four men each stand to your right. The sergeant stalks out from a nearby building, an inn from the looks of it, and begins to inspect the line farthest from you. You snap your attention to the wall in front of you, remembering your drills in the Kelten Guards, your home village’s militia.

“You two, out of line! The company won’t be needing your services.” He shouts and you’re tempted to turn your head to see who he’d dismissed but you lock your gaze on a single brick in the bland wall. He dismisses the entire second line, from the sound of it. The third line follows the first and loses a pair of its members.

The sergeant rounds out in front of you, he’s got a deceptively average build. You can feel his eyes boring into you, searching for any hint of weakness. He raises a hand covered in callous to scratch at a stubble coated chin. “You start your own line because you’re the only one who knows how to stand at attention?” You know it’s rhetorical and that answering would be a bad idea. He smirks. “Quiet type, huh? Strong and silent. We’ll see how long that lasts.”

The two hours that follows is a blur. Sergeant Demos works you and the four others to the bone through all manner of exercises. Near the end of the second hour is when you begin to feel faint, and soon after your vision tunnels. You don’t remember falling over.

The sergeant stands over you as you startle awake, ice cold water shocking you back to the world of the living. “Gods be damned son. You show up here on an empty stomach?” You shake your head no. “I ate at the Marbled Maiden, sir.” He snorts. “That explains it. On your feet then.” He offers a hand and roughly yanks you to your feet. “What’s your name, boy?”

>>John

>>Kanard

>>Brandon

>>3345220
>Kanard

>>3345220
>Kanard

>>3345220
>Kanard

>>3345242
>>3345241
>>3345236
Writing. Also, apologies for my ID changing. Poorfag phone posting.

“Kanard, sir.” Your stomach sinks, you expect him to dismiss you after that display. He nods scratching his chin once more. “Named for the hero they laud in these parts, supposedly killed a giant that’d slipped through the northern mountains by himself, right?” You nod. “Yes sir.” He laughs. “You’ve got a lot to live up to then. Good.” The pair of you stand silent for a moment, you waiting for him to crush your plans of joining the company. “Drive can’t be taught, like most of soldiering can. If you can show up here and make it as far as you did through my drills with that foul witches brew in your gut you’ve got enough drive for the captains to take a look at you. Don’t make me regret this.” The weight lifts from your stomach and you nod thankfully. He hooks a thumb behind him, towards the inn he exited earlier. “Head on in. You should be the last one I’m sending in for the day. First door on the left.

You excuse yourself and hurry into the inn, the small entry chamber is clogged with men wearing the brass band of the company. You filter through them and find the door the sergeant instructed. The room, what was once a bedroom, has been converted into a small office. A long table sits parallel with the far wall and five men sit behind it. Off to the side sits a sixth man, a quill in his hand scratches across parchment. One of the men at the table speaks up, his speech marked with tones of superiority. You expect he’s noble-born. “Please state your name for the record.”

“Kanard sirs.” The man, your eyes adjusting to the dim light enough to make him out, speaks again. He’s handsome, in a well-cared for way, with and upturned nose and longer blonde hair. “Family name?” A second man chimes in, his voice coarse and unrefined. “Logitians don’t use last names you bleedin idiot. ‘Less they’re fancy-castle born like you. He’s obviously a peasant. Glad to know you been payin attention all day.” This man is bald, his skin dark from repeated sun exposure. The most remarkable features are the scars that cross his face. A pair of them cross his face, the higher one starting in his right eyebrow and the lower between his nose and mouth. They end beyond your sight, following the curve of his skull. You notice the upper part of his right ear is missing, replaced with a flat line of gnarled flesh. The noble counters. “Well every member of the company must have a given and family name.” A third man speaks up, his voice calm and reassuring. He’s the plainest looking of the bunch, with short cut brown hair and dark eyes. “This matter is simple enough to solve. What does your father do?”

>>He’s a farmer

>>He’s a smith

>>He’s a fletcher

>>He breeds horses

>>3345306
>He’s a farmer

>>3345306
>>>He breeds horses

>>He’s a smith

>>3345306
>>>He breeds horses
>inb4 our last name is "Horsefucker"

>>3345306
>>>He’s a farmer

>>3345306
>>>He breeds horses

>>3345306
>He breeds horses

>>3345306
>He farmer

>>3345590
>>He breeds horses

>>3345314
>>3345375
>>3345695
Farmer

>>3345321
Smith

>>3345319
>>3345335
>>3345577
>>3345590
>>3345716
Horses. Horses take it. Writing.

>>3345728
Man pops must be a tightwad. If he’s a horsebreeder and wouldn’t even give us a rounsey or garron to take into towns. It’s not like those are expensive ass warhorses or racehorses.

>>3345756
I mean, we (the eldest son) are ditching the family to be a mercenary.

You think back to your childhood, your father had you working with the mares as soon as you could walk and riding not long after. You body was honed from time spent on the back of a horse, and from dodging kicks from when they were upset. You were always quicker than most of the other boys from your village, and stronger than one would expect, though the smith’s boy was clearly stronger you could give the farmer’s son a run for his coin.

You look to the third man. “He breeds horses, sir.” The scarred man snorts. “Put Horsefucker as his last name and be done with it then.” A fourth voice chimes in, this one originating from one of the largest men you’ve ever seen. One of his hands looks large, and strong enough, to squash someone’s head like a grape. “Enough Brand. You forget I come from horse-breeders as well.” Brand snarls a retort. “And someone gave you the last name stableborn, probably because your father was an actual fuckin animal.” The big man shakes his head, not rising to the bait. “He’s young, looks a little unsteady on his legs. Colt is a fitting second name.” The calm man nods. “Kanard Colt, it does have a certain ring to it.” The Noble murmurs in agreement and the fifth man, silent and small, nods. The scribe quickly scribbles the name down. The plain man continues speaking. “Have you seen any combat? Know how to wield a blade?” You nod. “I served with the local militia, we fought goblins more than a few times sir.” The scarred man laughs again. “Ooooh, big bad goblin slayer. If your militia was so good at killin greens how come your lord asked-“ The plain man clears his throat. “That’ll be enough Brand. You sure you want this? Who knows how long it’ll be before another contract draws us back to your homeland.” You nod without hesistation. “Of course, sir.”

The five captians turn to look at each other. The plain man says “Well? I see him being useful.” The Noble chimes in first. “He’s fresh, almost too fresh, but he’s better than most of the other applicants we’ve gotten.” The big man speaks next. “I’ll trust him, as one son of a horse-breeder to another.” The scarred man shrugs. “Worst case scenario he takes a blade to the gut meant for someone more valuable in his first battle and we replace him next time we stop.” The silent man glances back at you, studying you for just a moment before turning back to the others and nodding. The plain man turns back to you. “Well, big choice for you then. Heavy Infantry, Light Infantry, Cavalry, or Skirmishers.” Brand, the scarred man, smirks. “Ten gold horsefucker picks cavalry.”

>>Heavy Infantry.

>>Light Infantry.

>>Cavalry.

>>Skirmishers.

>>3345756
He’s definitely a cheapskate and what this anon: >>3345807 said.

Just a heads up guys, I’m at work now. Right now it’s relatively slow but if it picks up I might not be able to post, but I will be back tomorrow.

>>3345816
>>Heavy Infantry.
"Never liked Horses Sir, reason I'm here."

>>3345816
>>Heavy Infantry.

>>3345837
Thanks. This is a pretty compelling quest so far.

>>3345844
Supporting

>>3345816
>>Cavalry
Rare to see focus on cavalry in quests

All choices seems interesting, although I'd rather get light inf or cavalry for mobility

>>3345816
>>>Heavy Infantry.

>>3345816
>Heavy Infantry
Eventually we can level up and become *mounted* heavy infantry hopefully.

>>3345816
>>>Cavalry.
Horse quest go.

>>3345844
>>3345884
>>3345909
>>3345952
>>3346078
Heavy Infantry.

>>3346422
>>3345911
Cavalry. It would’ve been interesting, but Heavy Infantry takes it. I shot myself in the foot saying work was slow but I’ll cobble together as much of a post as I can tonight so worst case I’ll have something ready to roll out first thing tomorrow. Should be around 12:30ish EST

>>Got going earlier than expected. Post incoming.

You look between the five captains as you think, your eyes settle on the scarred man finally. “Never liked horses sir, reason why I’m here.” While horses didn’t actually bother you, you wanted to see a different slice of life and wiping the smirk off the scarred man’s face for even a second was worth it. “I’ll join the heavy infantry.” The big man claps his hands excitedly. “Welcome then brother, I hadn’t expected that decision. We’ll have you musclebound before you know it.”

The plain man takes back over. “Just a few things, before you sign. You will receive a loan from the company in the form of your equipment. You’ll be expected to pay us back, the gold will be taken from your weekly wages until the debt is satisfied. I believe the recruit rate is twenty gold though until the loan is paid in full, you’ll be making ten gold a week. You are obligated to the company for, at minimum, the duration of your loan and three completed contracts. Service after that point is at will. The loan’s duration is four months.” He pauses to take a breath from his obviously well memorized and almost mechanical spiel. “You will join at the rank of recruit and upon approval from your sergeant be given the rank of trooper. You will be expected to follow the chain of command at all times. The company will provide medical care should it be required and should you be injured to the point of combat ineffectiveness, you will be offered a lump sum of gold depending on time served with the company. If you accept these terms, and know your letters, please sign with the scribe. If you do not know your letters, you may mark the line as you please or give the scribe permission to sign in your place.”

You don’t hesitate for a single moment as you cross over to the scribe’s desk and take the proffered quill. Your father was a learned man and expected the same of his sons, “one had to be sure the contracts they signed weren’t disadvantageous” he would always say. You quickly scanned the contract before you scrawled your name and your new last name across the line. You could hear brand remark. “Finally, I’ve had to piss for hours. We’re done for the day, yeah?” One of them must’ve nodded as the chorus of chairs scraping against the floor is deafening behind you. A moment later an impossibly heavy hand claps down on your shoulder.

>>3347683
“Let’s go get you assigned to a squad, little brother. I am Sigmund, and the heavy infantry are mine to command. Welcome to the Brass Companions.” You turn to your new captain, he stands easily two heads taller than you. “Thank you, sir. It’s an honor. I grew up on stories on what this company has done.” Sigmund smiles down at you. “Aye, I’d wager more than half the tales you heard are true as well. Our commander, Helio Otturum, is a sight to behold on the battlefield.” You nod, having heard tales of Helio and his fifteen champions riding against entire packs of ogres and coming out unscathed. “Is Helio here, sir?” The big man chuckles slightly. “He’d have interviewed you himself if he was. He’s about as far away from your homeland as you can get, last I heard.” He leads you out into the hall and towards a flight of stairs, he continues talking as you ascend. “Only a third of the company is present. Five captains. Myself and Brand you can match a name to a face for. Jamie is the posh one, Dieter the levelheaded one, and Huron the quiet one. Helio left Dieter in charge to wrangle with the four of us.” He lets out a good-natured laugh as he leads you down a corridor on the fourth floor. He stops abruptly at a door and knocks on it. “Optra, you in there?”

You hear movement beyond the doorway. The door swings open, slowly revealing a man that rivals the captain in height. Where Sigmund is pure muscle, Optra looks to be pure flab. His voice is slow and gentle as he snaps to attention. “Captain Sigmund, how may I be of service?” The captain claps the bigger man on the shoulder. “Filled out your squad. Kanard here is your newest man. Sorry to slap you with two slabs of fresh meat, old friend.” Optra simply smiles. “Rather have fresh meat I can season myself, rather than try to undo someone else’s work.” Sigmund laughs. “Well here you are, season away.” The Captain gives the two of you a nod before returning back down the hall. “It’s getting late in the day. We’ll visit the quartermaster at first light, lets get you a bunk.” He leads you down another two doors, his gait slow and steady. Just as he’s about to knock, he’s interrupted by a man carrying a pack, your pack. The man is out of breath and pants through his admonishment. “Demos has had me looking for you, next time don’t leave your shit laying in a courtyard for anyone to rummage through.” He hands you the pack briskly and hurried off away from you. You shoulder the heavy pack. You remember what waits inside, wrapped in an oil cloth. A gift from Henson when he heard you were leaving to join the company. He named it Liar Biter.

>>Choices in next post

>>3347687
>>A long sword, the hilt sticking out above the top flap

>>The head of a long spear, the shaft long rotted and in need of a replacement

>>A heavy morningstar, It’s sharp edges poked your spine the entire trip here.

>>A dagger, nearly the length of a short sword and with a needle point

>>The thick steel of a double headed axe, in desperate need of a haft to once again cleave flesh.

>>Write in (A melee weapon small enough to mostly fit inside of an overly large traveling pack, or piece of a larger melee weapon.)

>>3347689
>A heavy morningstar, It’s sharp edges poked your spine the entire trip here.

>>3347689
>The head of a long spear, the shaft long rotted and in need of a replacement

>>3347689
>>>A long sword, the hilt sticking out above the top flap

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3347689
Can't decide. Flipping.

1=Morningstar
2=Spearhead

>>3347689
>>A heavy morningstar, It’s sharp edges poked your spine the entire trip here.
These chain weapons dont get enough love

>>3347819
Just to clarify, the Morningstar is fixed to its handle, it’s not the flail variant.

>>3347689
>>>The thick steel of a double headed axe, in desperate need of a haft to once again cleave flesh.

>>3347689
The end of a Halberd, with a broken and splintered handle acting as your grip. Still a dangerous tool, once you can have it fixed - truly a massive weapon it will be.

We're heavy infantry, so let's go all in. Axe-spear

Will leave this vote open for roughly twenty minutes before calling it.

>>3347689
>>>The head of a long spear, the shaft long rotted and in need of a replacement
Polearms are best, though in conjunction with a decent shield sword+shield combo is pretty good as well

>>3347745
>>3347925
Spear

>>3347869
Halberd. I hadn’t thought of that, interesting idea

>>3347863
Axe

>>3347774
Long sword

>>3347698
>>3347785
>>3347819
Morningstar narrowly takes it. Writing

>>3347689
>>>A long sword, the hilt sticking out above the top flap

You shift the pack, Liar Biter’s teeth burrowing through the leather and into your spine, as it had done the entire walk to Gabriel’s Rest. Henson said that the weapon had carried him through his final four years with the company and had turned more than several men’s head into a wet splatter. Optra knocks on the hard wood of the door as he comments. “Now, back to your bunk assignment. You’ll be sleeping with the rest of our squad. When we’re out on the field, you’ll camp with our squad and one squad from each captain’s company. It’s supposed to foster unity.” He pushes the door open and leads you inside.

The room is dark, and from the sound of it one of your squad mates is enjoying the company of a lady of the night. Optra chuckles before he calls out, his voice still quiet but taking on a stern quality. “Sergeant on deck. Sound off.” There’s a shuffling as men climb out of bed, and a squeal as a woman hits the floor. Optra produces a metal tool that glints in the faint light that bleeds around him from the hall. With a click it produces a shower of sparks that illuminate his soft features. He uses the momentary burst of light to navigate to a large trio of candles. With three more clicks, each candle bursts into life.

Three men stand next to their bunks, two of them at attention and the third trying his best to both stand at attention and fight the woman he’d been sleeping with for the sheet to protect his privacy. The woman grunts and falls back onto the bed and the thin fabric shreds and leaves both with a frayed piece of fabric to drape over themselves. Your sergeant smirks but holds back a comment on the situation. “This is your newest squad-mate. Kanard. Treat him as I treat each of you.” He turns to you and motions towards the man tenting the sheet in front of him. He’s of average height and had the build of someone who spent years aboard a ship, slim with thick knots of corded muscle. “This is Nurmen. I don’t happen to know the name of his companion, but she is one of his many… friends.” Nurmen gives you a sheepish look before looking back to the floor, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He motions to the first of the pair that actually stands at attention. “This is Payter.” Payter is short, at least a head shorter than you and built like he could pull a cart by himself. He gives you a nod in greetings, trying to hide a smirk at Nurmen’s unfortunate circumstances. “Payter has been my second for quite some time, there’s few men I’d trust more with my life.”

He motions to the third man. “This is…” you interrupt him without thinking about it. “Sandon.”

>>The Smith’s son from your village. The strongest of your age group. You depended on him more than a few times to get out of tough spots.

>>Choices incoming.

>>3348162
>>The Smith’s son from your village. The strongest of your age group. You depended on him more than a few times to get out of tough spots.

>>A farmer’s son from your village. You know him more by reputation than face, he lived on the far side of the village and was known to be a troublemaker.

>>The fletcher’s son. Your biggest rival, he was the only one who could outpace you in a foot race but you were always the stronger of the pair.

>>Your youngest brother. He must have snuck out to follow in your foot steps.

>————————-

>>Fucked up the formatting, my bad. The smith’s son is an option too, so I put it on this post for clarity.

>>The Smith’s son from your village. The strongest of your age group. You depended on him more than a few times to get out of tough spots.

>>3348169
>>The Smith’s son from your village. The strongest of your age group. You depended on him more than a few times to get out of tough spots.

>>3348169
>>The Smith’s son from your village. The strongest of your age group. You depended on him more than a few times to get out of tough spots.

>>3348162
>The Smith’s son from your village. The strongest of your age group. You depended on him more than a few times to get out of tough spots.

"My god, no one ever told me what happened when you went and vanished. I'd be led to believe you died!"

>>3348216
>>3348217
>>3348240
>>3348255
Smith bro it is, writing.

>>3348277
now both of them accuse the other of coming here without them

Optra doesn’t comment on you speaking over him and simply nods and smiles. “It seems he needs no introduction. I’ll leave you to get acquainted with your new brothers and reacquainted with what I hope is an old friend.” He leaves the room and closes the door behind him. Nurmen murmurs. “Nice to meet ya.” As he engages in a hurried and whispered discussion with his companion about if that interruption counted against the time he paid for.

Payter smiles openly as he watches the pair argue. He glances over at you. “I’ll let you and your old friend get caught up. We can speak in the morning. I want to see how this plays out.” He sits down on the bottom bunk and laughs as the argument slowly grows in volume.

You cross the room to where Sandon grins at you. “You big bastard, we all thought you were dead. Your father sent you off with horseshoes to sell and you never came back. Attius was convinced goblins made a meal of you.” The two of you embrace in greeting as Sandon laughs. “You think I’d let a few goblins get the better of me? After all the times I saved you and Attius when we were with the guard?” You shrug. “Never said I believed him. But at least I had enough brains to tell everyone I was leaving for good.” His grin goes wider. “Yeah, those same brains that always landed you in trouble?” You nod. “The ones you followed along with.”

“It’s those brains of yours that got me here in the first place. That horseshoe shipment was meant to get the funds for me to open my own smithy in Pike’s End. But once I heard the mercenary company you raved about so much was recruiting, I couldn’t resist.” You smirk. “You probably knew I’d end up here too, you missed me too much, didn’t you?” He shakes his head. “How about we go grab a few drinks? I know a good tavern down the street. It’s better than that.” He motions to the only empty bunk, the one above Nurmen and his floozy.

>>Spend the night drinking with Sandon. He said he’d pick up the tab

>>Try and catch as much rest as you can, even with Nurmen under you. You’ll take a rain check on the drinking.

>>Write in

>————————————

>>Got called into work, my apologies. I will, to make up for it, post once more after I get home later.

>>3349389
>Spend the night drinking with Sandon. He said he’d pick up the tab
Haven't seen the big lug in for how long? Drinking we will go!
Tough break. It'll go by fast.

>>3349389
>Spend the night drinking with Sandon. He said he’d pick up the tab

>>3349389
>Spend the night drinking with Sandon. He said he’d pick up the tab

That's our brother from another mother, we can't say no.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3349513
>>3349584
>>3349627
Writing, rolling for no reason...

>Sandon friendship increases!

“Lead the way, a belly full of alcohol will help me sleep above him I’m sure.” Sandon smirks and leads you out of the inn. You follow him down the streets, though they’re much less busy as the moon glides silently overhead they still feel crowded to you. You pass several knots of your brothers-in-arms in various stages of drunkenness.

Sandon leads you past the mouth of an alley and into a small tavern. The sign names it The Northern Sword. You notice most of the patrons lack the Brass armbands of your company. Your friend offers a grin when he notices you scanning the room. “It’s good to get away from the company from time to time, less competition for wine and women.” The two of you find an empty table and sit down. “I pegged you for more of a cavalry guy, since you grew up with horses and all. Maybe light infantry, but heavy?” You shrug, glancing around for a serving girl. “Wanted to be in the thick of it. Henson said he was heavy infantry. And besides, I needed a change from horses for once.” Sandon nods as a blonde makes her way to the table, she’s dressed in a way that displays just enough of her curves to make you want to spend more. Sandon doesn’t miss a beat. “I’m celebrating with an old friend! Go get us whatever your strongest brew is, a friend that looks like you, and join us in celebration!” She gives the pair of you a playful smile. “Maybe after I get off, the boss doesn’t like us drinking on the job. I’ll be back with your drinks.” You both watch as she saunters away, swaying her hips purposefully. Sandon looks back at you, his grin nearly stretching from ear to ear. “That ass is more dangerous than any blade.”

You shake your head, knowing your friends weakness for blondes. “She remind you of that girl, what was her name? Holly?” His face flushes with color. “The one that got away... if only her father hadn’t caught us...” You can’t help but laugh. “He nearly gelded you, and you still kept snooping around his farm.” You shake your head as the server returns with your drinks. Sandon immediately raises his mug in a toast and you meet him. “To the god’s favorite mercenaries, and their newest member!” You reply. “To old friends to watch each other’s backs!” The two of you down your drinks, the vile poison burning the entire way down. Sandon lets out a cough before meeting eyes with the serving girl. “Another!”

The drinks flow. And flow. And flow. The conversation does as well, the two of you recounting your shared misadventures through the night. Eventually, one of you decides heading back to the inn is probably a good idea. Sandon makes a move on the serving girl, only to be rejected as the two of you stumble into the dark and cool night. The moon has already begun its descent to prepare for the rising of the sun.

As you exit, something draws your attention down the alley near the entrance to the tavern.

>choices incoming

>>3349841
A pained groan rumbles our from the shadows of the alley.

>>Check our the alley, your drunkenness emboldening you to rush to the source of the noise.

>>Even with more alcohol in your veins than blood, you know running down and alley in the dark unarmed isn’t the best idea.

>>3349847
>Check our the alley, your drunkenness emboldening you to rush to the source of the noise.

>>3349847
>Even with more alcohol in your veins than blood, you know running down and alley in the dark unarmed isn’t the best idea.

>>3349847
>>>Check our the alley, your drunkenness emboldening you to rush to the source of the noise.

I mean, you rolled a 9, what could possibly go wrong?

>>3349847

>>Check our the alley, your drunkenness emboldening you to rush to the source of the noise.

Tine to die on the first daybon the job, damn

>>3349847
>Investigate

>>3349847
>>>Check our the alley, your drunkenness emboldening you to rush to the source of the noise.

>>3349863
Caution

>>3349849
>>3349876
>>3350120
>>3350228
>>3350276
Courage. Writing.

You tap Sandon on the shoulder and point down the alley. “Something’s down there. Someone may be hurt.” You feel a surge of adrenaline as Sandon nods and motions for you to take the lead.

Emboldened by the alcohol, you take several quick steps down the alley, you throw caution to the wind. The groan grows more frequent but also more faint as you draw closer. The first thing that catches your attention is the glint of moonlight reflecting from slowly congealing blood and there’s quite a bit of it. A second glint catches your eye, the moonlight on metal. Sandon slurs several swears behind your shoulder as the two of you come upon the source of the groan. The metal is a brass armband, one of your brothers sits slumped against the wall in a pool of his own blood.

You both drop to your knees to check on the man, Sandon wipes sweat streaked hair from his face, his skin is pale and his eyes flutter weakly. “This is Andron. He’s one of Demos’ men.” You check over the wounds, several dozen stab wounds litter his torso from what seems to be a various weapons. “Who could have done this to him?” Sandon opens his mouth to speak but the man suddenly stirs to life. His eyelids burst open and he locks eyes with you, his pupils dilating wildly.

“Companions?” He slurs. You and Sandon both nod. “Greens, three of them. Gutted one.” He coughs, hacking up a wad of phlegm and blood. “Finish them.” Sandon looks at you. “We need to get him back to the company. They have a surgeon, he can fix this.” Andron shakes his head like a wild dog. “No, no. Kill the damn greens.” With one hand he grabs your wrist and the other wrenches a dagger free from under his leg. The handle is slick with his blood and the blade stained with the tar-like ichor you recognize as goblin blood. The dagger is vicious looking, a serrated edge that must leave ragged and horrible wounds. He presses the dagger into your hand. “Kill them.”

You glance down the alley and notice the tracks. Two sets of footprints, each about the size of a ten year olds, straddle a trail of drag marks and black blood stains. Maybe it’s the alcohol or your combat experience but you feel you could handle a pit of goblins.

>>Send Sandon to take Andron back to the company, you’ll track the goblins.

>>Help Sandon carry Andron back, the goblins can wait.

>>Try to convince Sandon to join you in hunting the goblins down.

>>Write in

>————————

>>Sorry about the delay in posting! Girlfriend (who’s not a poorfag, like me) dropped by and had lunch, she’s booked us a vacation for our anniversary so next weekend the quest will have to be put on pause for a week. Just to keep you all in the loop.

>>3350800
>>Send Sandon to take Andron back to the company, you’ll track the goblins.

>>3350800
>Help carry Andron back, gobs can wait

Take care of our own. Plus I don't like our chances alone drunk and outnumbered.

>>3350800
>>>Send Sandon to take Andron back to the company, you’ll track the goblins.

>>3350800
>>>Help Sandon carry Andron back, the goblins can wait.
We can always round up a squad once we get back to kill some goblin scum.

File: The times they are a changing.jpg (169 KB, 680x739)

169 KB JPG

>>3350800
>Send Sandon to take Andron back to the company, you’ll track the goblins.

>>3350800
>Send Sandon to take Andron back to the company, you’ll track the goblins

>>3350800

>>Send Sandon to take Andron back to the company, you’ll track the goblins.

Yeah, lets not leave the rapists to rape

>>3351086
>>3350982
>>3350948
>>3350816
>>3350904
Catching the gobs.

>>3350946
>>3350860
Help carry the injured to safety.

Goblin murder is a go. Writing.

You grit your teeth. “Sandon. You’re the stronger of us, you’ll be able to carry him back quicker. I’ll track down those damn goblins.” Sandon gives you an incredulous look. “Let’s both go back, we’ll round up a squad and catch them.” You shake your head. “They’ll be too far gone. I’ll handle it, just make sure he gets back to that surgeon. He’ll die if you don’t take him now.”

Sandon grunts uncomfortably. “Those brains of yours, always leading to trouble.” He gently begins lifting Andron, clamping a large hand over as many of the wounds as he can. “Don’t get yourself killed, I won’t be there to save you until after I round up some reinforcements.” You give him a smirk. You’ll handle this.

You wipe the blood free from the handle of the dagger so you can get a better grip on it as you follow the still wet foot prints. The tracks are easy to follow, the golbins either not caring or not thinking to try and conceal their tracks.

You follow the tracks through twists and turns, they stick to the darkest alleyways, and even once the footprints dry up and fade their wounded companions still bleeding wounds leave plenty enough of a trail. Soon enough, you hear the chittering. Golbinspeak. You turn a corner and spot them, the pair stand over the wounded goblin and chitter heatedly. You suspect they’re deciding if the wounded one is worth carrying any longer. They haven’t noticed you, yet.

>>Try to sneak up on the goblins, catch them unaware and kill one before they can react.

>>Charge them, a pair of golbins shouldn’t be a problem, even with just a dagger.

>>Wait it out, they might have a nest somewhere in the city. You should scout it’s location.

>>Write in.


>————————————-
>>At work, but I won’t jinx it tonight and will update as much as I can.

>>3351303
>>>Try to sneak up on the goblins, catch them unaware and kill one before they can react.

>>3349847
>Check our the alley, your drunkenness emboldening you to rush to the source of the noise

>>3351303
>Charge them

>>3351303

>>Try to sneak up on the goblins, catch them unaware and kill one before they can react

>>3351303
>>Charge them, a pair of golbins shouldn’t be a problem, even with just a dagger.

>>3351303
>Try to sneak up on the goblins, catch them unaware and kill one before they can react

Free kills are never bad

Namefagging because lul phone

>>3351303
>Try to sneak up on the goblins, catch them unaware and kill one before they can react.

>>3351303
>Charge them, a pair of golbins shouldn’t be a problem, even with just a dagger.

>>3351303
>>>Try to sneak up on the goblins, catch them unaware and kill one before they can react.

>>3351305
>>3351404
>>3351659
>>3351818
>>3351927
Sneaking.

>>3351374
>>3351439
>>3351880
Charging.

Sneaky beaky. Give me a roll of 1d100, Bo2.

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>3352310

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>3352310

Rolled 10, 27, 89 = 126 (3d100)

>>3352348
>>3352313
Rolling for the goblins awareness and writing.

You hunch down low and begin to creep up on the goblins, adrenaline surges through your veins and you take a deep breath the steady the shaking of your hand. You hadn’t seen combat in some time but your instincts were still strong.

You draw in close enough to fully make out the goblins. Ugly creatures, their skins a deep shade of green covered in scars and pustules. Each the size of a ten to twelve year old that hadn’t had a decent meal it entire life, their long spindly limbs waving animatedly as they argue.

The two arguing remain completely ignorant of your approach but the third, the one currently choking on his own blood, notices you. His over-sized eyes go wide as realization dawns in his meager brain. He hacks up blood and tries to warn his brothers but his cries are too weak.

You waste no time, not giving him a second chance to warn the pair, you spring from the shadows and grab the taller of the two standing goblins, he tries to fight back for just a moment as the serrated edge of your blade shreds his windpipe. His partner screeches as the fountain of black ichor spews from the soon to be deceased goblin’s throat. The blood spurts into the remaining one’s eyes as it pulls free a pair of crude daggers from its belt and scrambles a few steps backwards from you. The daggers seem to be no more than rusted and sharpened hunks of metal.

>>Combat initiated!

>Kanard
>HP: 100/100
>Armor: 0
>Serrated Dagger 2A 1B 1D - Applies Bleed

>Sticka
>HP: 50/50
>Armor: 0
> Twin goblin daggers. 3A 0B 1D
>Disoriented, Enraged

>Attack

>Defend

>Grapple

>Write in


>—————-

>We’ll be using a combat system inspired by the Warlord Quests by Cursed. Each weapon has three stats, A being attack die, the base number of attacks a weapon can preform in a turn. B being the base number of blocks allowed per turn. D being the number of d50 rolled for damage for each successful attack die. There probably will be some tweaking as the system gets tested out, but I’ll let you guys know as that pops up.

>>3352595
>Attack

>>3352595
>>Attack

>>3352595
Attack

>>3352595
>Attack

>>3352595
>>Attack

are to hit rolls high or low

Rolled 15, 29, 5 = 49 (3d100)

>>3352702
>>3352722
>>3352735
>>3352788
>>3352885
Can I get two rolls of 1d100 for your attacks and a roll of 1d100 for a block against the goblin’s first attack. Rolling for the goblins three attacks, the first will have to beat your block and the second two will have to beat 65 because of the dexterity bonus from horse-breeding background.

>>3352909
To hit is going to be higher is better

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>3353546

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>3353546

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>3353546

>>3353554
>>3353556
>>3353588
Two hits and a block. Can I get two rolls of d50 for damage.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3353546

Rolled 26 (1d50)

>>3353600
do we get a bonus? like a garantee+5 in damage or something?

>>3353607
Once Kanard gets a little more experience or a superior quality weapon yes, I’m working on skill trees/upgrades you all will be able to purchase that’ll include things like combat proficiency or special attacks that might due increased damage.

This knife does apply a bleeding effect though, so it’ll do an additional 1d10 damage per round after each successful hit.

Rolled 42 (1d50)

>>3353600

Rolled 27 (1d50)

>>3353600

>>3353607
>>3353626
26 and 42, goblin is deader than dead. Writing.

The goblin screeches incessantly as it wipes at its eyes with its forearm. It keeps one blade pointed at you defensively as you begin to advance. You remember your training, best to strike quick with a goblin before they get a chance to grab onto you.

You release the corpse of the first goblin and it lands on the ground with a heavy thud. You flip the dagger around to a standard grip and rush forward.

The goblin, to his credit, does the same. He rushes forward still half blind and squealing like a young boar. His first swing is a thrust from the left, you catch it on the flat of your own blade and divert it. A feat that you marvel at for a moment in your drunken state. The second two swings are wild swipes that find nothing more than air. You rears his arm back, like he was preparing a fourth strike but you don’t give him the chance.

Your first slice catches the meat of his arm above the elbow and carries upwards, tearing off a layer of ragged muscle down to the bone all the way up to his shoulder. He squeals for just a moment before your second strike lands, you bury the knife so deep into his stomach you feel the tip scrape against the bone of his spine. You wrench the blade to the side and open the pathetic creatures stomach.

Blood pours from the pair of ragged wounds too fast for the goblin to even acknowledge his own death, simply collapsing into a limp pile at your feet. You kneel down to wipe the thick black ooze from the blade on its tattered loincloth. You retrieve a coin purse, you expect it belonged to your wounded comrade.

The third goblin, hoping beyond hope, had begun crawling slowly away from the carnage of his former comrades. You press your foot on its back to that stops it dead in its tracks.

>>Kill it, leave the corpses

>>Drag it back, let the company string it up. It should survive.

>>Kill it, bring the three corpses back as proof you hunted them down.

>>Write in.

>———————-
>>Updates will be a little slower this afternoon, going into work a little early.

>>3353693
>>>Write in.
Drag the survivor back, we still need to see if they have a nest. Cut off the ears of the other two as proof of our kills.

>>3353693
Is there a way to interrogate it? Maybe not us but someone else? If we can discover where is the nest we could actually get paid to be rid of it.

If that's not possible just kill it and drag the bodies back, we take no pleasure in torture, even if its torturing this bastards

>>3353705
this

>>3353693
Is interrogating goblins a thing?
If yes this>>3353705

>>3353705
agreed

>>3353723
>>3353832
Yes it would be possible to interrogate them, the company may have someone on hand who can cross the language barrier. Humans can’t actually speak goblin and goblins can’t speak human but they understand writing pretty well.

>>3353705
>>3353723
>>3353830
>>3353832
>>3353874
Writing

You roll the goblin onto its back and stare into its beady eyes for just a moment, it stares up in terror with its eyes like two orbs of onyx. You shake your head. “Wait here one moment, I’ll be right with you.”

You turn to his two fallen kin and quickly go about the grizzly work of removing the corpses of their ears. You tear a shred of loincloth and wrap the two pairs of ears in them before returning to the wounded goblin. “Let’s head back to the inn, yeah?” The creature stares at you dumbly as you grab it by one of its legs and start pulling it.

Thankfully, the blood trail is still there to lead you back to where you found Andron, otherwise you would’ve most likely spent the night completely lost.

You turn the corner and find the rest of your squad marching down the alley. Optra leads the formation, a breastplate of solid steel large enough to fit two of you in it on his chest. He heft’s a tower shield nearly as tall as you are with the ease a child would play with a toy and his long sword is nearly the length of a great sword. Sandon clutches a smaller heater shield and a one handed hammer. Payter favors a two handed axe, the metal black and nearly invisible in the dim-moonlight. Nurmen wields a pair of brutal, single-edge chopping blades. The three of them seem to have forgone donning armor to get out on the search quicker. Optra spots you and your charge immediately. “I take it you caught up to them then?” He looks you over for a moment. “And it seems you return to us unscathed.”

>>”They were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I have the ears of the other two.” (Serious)

>>”Sliced through them like a hot knife though butter. Brought this one back for info.” (Bragging)

>>”You four really care, don’t you?” (Joking)

>>Write in

>>3355558
>”They were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I have the ears of the other two.” (Serious)

>>3355558
>>>”They were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I have the ears of the other two.” (Serious)

How's our companion? will he live?

>>3355558
>”They were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I have the ears of the other two.” (Serious)

>>3355558
>>”They were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I have the ears of the other two.” (Serious)
> "How fares our injured companion?"

>>3355558
>”They were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I have the ears of the other two.” (Serious)

>>3355558
>>3355990
+1 let us be a bro

>>3355990
+1

>>3355990
Supporting

>>3355598
>>3355623
>>3355974
>>3355990
>>3356283
>>3356579
>>3356655
>>3357091
Serious but concerned. Writing

You nod as you drag the goblin closer. “This one was already wounded by Andron, they other two were distracted, arguing, I took advantage and cut them down. I cut off their ears as proof.” Optra smiles at you. “And you thought of a nest, so you spared the wounded one. So it could be questioned, yes?” You nod again. “Yes sir. How fares Andron?” Optra’s smile falters for a singular moment. “It was wise to send Sandon back with him, and he was lucky you both found him when you did. He’s with the surgeon, he had lost a lot of blood. The surgeon said if he’d gotten there any later he would’ve been beyond his skills.” His smile returns. “I’m sure the news of you avenging him will speed his recovery.”

Your sergeant unspools a length of rope from around his waist and holds it out. Payter takes it without hesitation and moves to bind your captive. “Let is see if our goblin expert is awake and if this one has anything worth knowing.” He slowly walks over to you as he sheathes his longsword and reaches down to grab the goblin. “If you don’t mind, I’ll carry him. We can move quicker.” You nod and left him heft the small creature over his shoulder like it weighed nothing.

The five of you move quickly and quietly through the empty streets of the late night, making your way back to the inn. You arrive in the empty plaza and Optra sets the goblin gently by the fountain. “Payter. Go rouse Captain Huron. Tell him of what transpired.” Payter nods and sets off. “Sandon, Nurmen. The pair of you are free to leave and get some rest. Drills will be delayed until noon tomorrow.” Nurmen nods as he heads towards the inn. “Aye sarge, I’ll be in the bunks.” Sandon looks at you before looking back at the sergeant. “I’m going to wait by the surgeon’s quarters. Want to be the first to tell Andron he owes us one.”

You and the sergeant stand alone in silence for a moment. “Your actions tonight...” He pauses to mull over his thoughts. “They... they were brave. You saved a brother’s life, avenged his and the company’s honor, acquitted yourself well in battle, and brought in a possible work before we leave this land.” He pauses again. “They were also foolish. You chased an enemy alone and armed with nothing but a dagger, the goblins could have been laying a trap.” He finished with a smirk. “Having admonished you, as is expected of my station, I wouldn’t have you handled it another way. I’m happy to have you under my charge.” You open your mouth to respond but are interrupted by Payter. “Captain Huron, sir.” Both you and the sergeant snap to attention. The captain, the quiet man from your interview, waves the two of you to relax. A roll of parchment is tucked under his arm and a bottle of ink and a quill is clenched in his palm. “Good work.” His voice is almost like a whisper and thickly accented, good sounding like guld and work sounding like wuk.

>cont

>>3357965
You’re unable to place the accent, traders of many nationalities had come to your village but none had sounded like him. He doesn’t smile as he regards you and your sergeant but gives the pair of you a nod. He’s a slight man, short and rail thin, and his hair is a dark mop resting atop his skull.

He sets to work almost immediately, squatting down in front of the goblin and unrolling the parchment. He scrawls a handful of crude symbols and pushes it into the goblin’s face. A moment later he draws a dagger and brings it to the goblin, slicing its hands free from their bindings.

The goblin squawks weakly and begins furiously scribbling what, to you, looks like nonsense. The pair trade the quill back and forth for several moments before you see Huron’s jaw set in what might be slight discomfort or anger. He, in a motion almost too quick to follow, digs a finger into the green creatue’s stomach wound. A squeal of pain renews the creature’s scribbles and you see the makings of a rough map with an X marking a corner. Huron glances back at the three of you, Payter having joined in the observations, “Nest here.” His finger taps the X. “You, Sigmund, talk to Governor tomorrow.” Without even glancing back to the goblin he opens its throat before snatching the parchment away from the weak spurts. He offers the parchment to your sergeant before stalking back off towards the inn.

Optra sighs gently. “You two are dismissed.”

>>Head to sleep. Big day tomorrow, it seems

>>Join Sandon in his vigil over the wounded, sleep be damned while a brother lays injured.

>>Try and swipe the map, maybe you can handle the nest yourself.

>>Write in

>>3357992
>>>Head to sleep. Big day tomorrow, it seems

>>3357992
>>>Head to sleep. Big day tomorrow, it seems

>>3357992
>>Head to sleep. Big day tomorrow, it seems

>>3357992
>>>Join Sandon in his vigil over the wounded, sleep be damned while a brother lays injured.

>>3357992
>Head to sleep. Big day tomorrow, it seems
It doesn't seem right to intrude on Sandon, since he's been here longer. At the very least, let's ask Sandon if everything's okay and then tell him good night.

>>3357992
>>>Join Sandon in his vigil over the wounded, sleep be damned while a brother lays injured.

>>3357992
>>>Head to sleep. Big day tomorrow, it seems

>>3357999
>>3358000
>>3358043
>>3358103
>>3358204
Sleeping

>>3358069
>>3358184
Waiting while the surgeon does his work.

Sleeping takes it, writing.

>>3358103
I’ll throw a mention in there along these lines

You nod at the sergeant and follow Payter into the building, Payter heads directly for the stairs but you stop him for a moment. “Where the surgeon? Want to check on Sandon before I grab some sleep.” Payter points down hall, opposite the door your interview was in. “When the Companions bought the building, they combined those two rooms into a waiting room, the surgeon is beyond there.” You nod. “Thank you Payter.” He returns the nod. “No problem, greenslayer.”

You hurry back down the hall and duck into the waiting room, Sandon sits with the drill sergeant from earlier. They both turn their attention to you. “Just wanted to see if there was any word.” Sergeant Demos shakes his head. “No, but he’s a fighter. And the two of you gave him a chance to fight, he’ll be alright.” Sandon shifts in his seat, smiling. “Pretty sure he owes me a handful of silver anyway. So he’s got to be alright.” You shake your head with a smile of your own. “I’ll check in again in the morning, let me know if anything changes.” The two of them nod and return to a conversation they were having before you arrived.

You make your way up to your bunk and thankfully Nurmen is alone and asleep. Payer sits on the edge of his bed running a cloth soaked with some kind of liquid over the black metal of his axe, intently focused on his work. You climb into the bunk above Nurmen and drift off to sleep.

In a blink, night had slipped away at the advance of the morning sun’s rays. Your eyelids flutter open, letting your eyes adjust to the brightness. Nurmen stands at the edge of your bed, shaking it to wake you. “Optra is waiting for you near the mess.” He pauses, realizing you don’t know where that is. “Which is opposite side of the lobby from the stairs you took up here.” He stands awkwardly there for a moment as you nod and shake out the grogginess. “Alright. Catch you later then.” He files out of the room without another word.

You rise and dig out a fresh set of clothes from your pack and quickly change into them. You hurry out of the room and down the hall. Optra is coming up the stairs with a platter in each of his massive hands. “I thought Nurmen might have gotten lost or you’re a heavy sleeper.” His eyes crease with mirth. “I thought the smell of hot food might rouse you. The cooks charge four silvers a meal, beyond the basic soup and water, but I make a point of buying my men their first meal with the company.” He holds the platter aloft. Your mouth waters, not even the mayor’s daughters wedding feast in your had such a variety of food. Tender roasted meat, pork and beef from the look of it, and half a dozen kind of steamed vegetables. Balanced on the edge of the platter is a thick cup filled with what smells like a sweet mead. “Eat, then we’ll find the quartermaster and get you your brass band.”

>cont

>>3360343
You follow him to the first floor and out into the sunlit plaza. Several long tables have been dragged out and are filled with men breaking their fast. Optra drops heavily onto a bench and eats with gusto. You follow suit, the two of you so into the food that you don’t speak a word. Near the end of your meal you see two men helping a third to a seat. Even from the distance, you can tell it’s Andron. His skin is pale and his face gaunt. His torso is bare and wrapped in thick white bandages. His meal seems to revive him some, as you and Optra rise to leave he’s joking and laughing with the other men around him. You marvel, wondering what the surgeon could have done. Your village only had a medicine woman who would rub on foul smelling pastes and make you inhale rank vapors.

Optra leads you back into the building and down a few doors beyond where your interview was conducted. This door is made of a thicker wood and is has several heavy locks on the outside of it, all of them currently unlocked. Optra heaves the heavy door open and the smell of metal and oil assaults your nose. The room is filled to the brim with racks of weapons, shields, armor, and apparatus. Sitting at a workbench, polishing a mirror shine onto a shield, is a thick man with a thinning head of burnt orange hair. His back is to you but he turns to the door as it opens. You notice one of his hands is disfigured, looking as if it had been sheared off below his first finger leaving on the thumb, the first finger, and an uneven wad of palm-flesh. “Your newest recruit then, Op? What’re they calling him, greenslayer?” He eyes you up and down.

“Not many men round here have the stones to go chasing goblins before even their first day of training. Nice ta meet ya.” He extends the maimed hand out for a shake, which you take. It feels strange but you ignore it. “Suppose you need your armband, and your loaners?” You nod, unsure if you should address him with a sir or not. “I’m Quinn, by the way. Let me get you a few choices while you can ponder over while I find an armband that fits.” He circles the room a few times, grabbing items from here and there and shuffling them into the crook of his burly, yet injured arm. He deposits them on the workbench before sliding the shield he’d been polishing out of the way. “You’ve got some freedom with how you’re equipped personally. Our companies first commander decided that a man fights best on his own terms. All of these are roughly the same value, I’ll point out those that aren’t, so I’d say lay your mitts on three and we’ll call it even.”

>>Options incoming

>>3360344
>>Pick Three.

>>Brigandine Chestplate, leather with metal rivets. 10 armor(straight damage reduction). -5 To dexterity bonus for dodges (enemy attacks beyond those blocked by your weapon will hit at anything over 60 instead of 65)

>>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.

>>Plate Vambrace, solid steel to protect an arm. (Can be chosen twice, one for each arm.) 5 armor. -2 To dexterity bonus for dodges.

>>Plate Greave. Solid steel to protect a leg. (Can be chosen twice, one per leg) 5 armor. -2 To dex bonus.

>>Leather vambrace, thick cured hides to cloak the skin. (Can be chosen twice, one per arm.) 1 armor.

>>Leather pants. A thick pair of pants that covers both legs. 4 armor.

>>A heater shield, wood banded with steel. Undecorated front. 5 armor, +10 to block rolls in combat.

>>Tower shield. A wall of metal to hide behind. 15 armor, +25 to block rolls in combat. -15 To dex bonus. (Costs two of the three choices)

>>Longsword. The standard blade. 2A 2B 1D. Parry - Blocks beating the attack roll by 35 allow a free attack.

>>Axe. Hew lumber or men, the blade cares not. 1A 2B 2D. Shield-Breaker - beating a shielded enemies block by 35 either pulls the shield from their grasp or damages it.

>>Bardiche. A long pole axe, reminiscent of an executioner’s blade. 1A 2B 3D. Dismemberer - any damage roll over 85 automatically removes a limb.(Costs 2 choices)

>————————

>>Your morning star’s stats, just for reference.

>>Liar Biter, Morningstar. 2A 1B 2D+5. Piercer- Attacks ignore 25% armor.

>>Dual wielding is also possible, if the weapons are a set made for dual wielding they’ll have their own stat line. Pairs of unmatched weapons are possible, the off-hand weapon only get half of its usual attacks (minimum of 1) but deals damage as usual. It doesn’t add any blocks.

>>Also, my apologies for not posting last night. Fell asleep halfway through writing.

>>3360346
>>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.

>>Leather pants. A thick pair of pants that covers both legs. 4 armor

>>A heater shield, wood banded with steel. Undecorated front. 5 armor, +10 to block rolls in combat.

>>3360346
>>A heater shield, wood banded with steel. Undecorated front. 5 armor, +10 to block rolls in combat.
>>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.
>>Plate Vambrace, solid steel to protect an arm. (Can be chosen twice, one for each arm.) 5 armor. -2 To dexterity bonus for dodges.

This seems like a solid set for someone going into Heavy Inf.

>>3360346

>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.

>2x Plate Vambrace, solid steel to protect an arm. (Can be chosen twice, one for each arm.) 5 armor. -2 To dexterity bonus for dodges.

Time for HEAVY

>>3360359
Supporting.

>>3360346
>>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.
>>Leather pants. A thick pair of pants that covers both legs. 4 armor.
>>A heater shield, wood banded with steel. Undecorated front. 5 armor, +10 to block rolls in combat.

>>3360346

>>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.

>>Leather pants. A thick pair of pants that covers both legs. 4 armor.


>>Axe. Hew lumber or men, the blade cares not. 1A 2B 2D. Shield-Breaker - beating a shielded enemies block by 35 either pulls the shield from their grasp or damages it.

Dual wielding with an axe, the mace to ignore armor and the axe to fuck up shields

>>3360346
>>>Mail shirt, small ringlets to ward off attacks. 5 armor.
>>>Leather pants. A thick pair of pants that covers both legs. 4 armor.
>>>A heater shield, wood banded with steel. Undecorated front. 5 armor, +10 to block rolls in combat

>>3360359
>>3360361
>>3360362
>>3360372
>>3360381
>>3360446
>>3360454
Seems like Mail Shirt, Leather Pants, and a Heater Shield take it. Writing.

You hover over your choices as the quartermaster shuffles through a collection of brass armbands, testing each around your bicep to find the perfect fit. The options before you are varied, but you think back to the previous night. Your squad, save the sergeant, didn’t have time to dress themselves for battle, they simply grabbed their weapons and set out.

You decide you don’t want to have the same issue, and since you expect to be facing a horde of goblins in the near future, lighter armor that’ll be easier to don and let you stay quicker on your feet would be the best choice for now. The quartermaster, watching the gears turn in your head, adds in. “You can always buy more later, from me or whatever settlement we’re in’s armourer. You’ll find my work is cheaper though, at least for the quality you’ll get... saw a companion buy a plate cuirass from a village smith once, saw the same guy dragged into the surgeon with a half dozen holes in the plate.” You nod, his advice affirming your decision.

First, you grab the thick leather trousers. You test their flexibility and nod, resting them over your forearm. Next you feel the small rings on the Mail shirt. The shirt itself may be long on you, hanging almost to your knees, but a little more protection at waist level is never a bad thing. The shirt gets draped over the trousers. Finally you heft the heater shield, it’s heavy enough to stop a blow without slowing you down. Optra looks at you quizzically at you. “Not taking a weapon?” You shake your head. “Brought my own, it’s up in my pack.” He nods and falls silent again.

The quartermaster finally snaps an armband in place that fits snugly. “There we go, those your loaners? Final decision?” You nod. “Final decision.” He grabs a scrap of parchment, a quill, and some ink and scribbles down on it. “Lighter gear than I would’ve expected for heavy infantry. Must be quick on your feet to want to be in the thick of it without some heavier bits and bobs.” You offers the parchment and quill for you to sign, you glance over it quickly, it’s simply a receipt of the items you’re taking. You sign and the quartermaster stuffs the parchment into a drawer. “I’ll be getting back to work then, if you don’t need anything Sergeant.” Optra shakes his head. “We are all sorted.”

You and the sergeant file back out into the hallway, much busier now that the morning meal has finished. Men hustle in each direction in various states of battle-dress. Optra nods towards the stairs. “Fetch your weapon, dress yourself for battle and meet me back here. We’ll be meeting with Captain Sigmund soon.”

You rush and retriever Liar Biter and don the trousers and mail shirt and meet the sergeant back in the hall as soon as you can. Optra leads you to the same interview room you were in the previous day, Sigmund sits alone at the large table in the same seat he held during your first meeting.

>cont

>>3360577
“Optra! Kanard! Come in! A single day and you’re already making news, the story of you slaying a dozen goblins is inflated surely?” Optra smiles a gentle smile. “You know how the men do love to exaggerate.” Sigmund barks out a laugh. “You mentioned a map this morning Optra. What is this about?” Optra recounts Huron’s time with the captive and produces the parchment. He steps forward and rests it upon the surface in front of the captain, who studies it for a moment. “Excellent, after your squad finishes their first drills of the day, I’ll excuse myself from interviews. We all will pay a visit to the governor, you’ll...” He looks to you. “Provide first hand acccount of the goblins, stressing the need for their extermination. We’ll walk out of there with an easy payday of a few hundred gold lined up.” Optra nods. “Yes sir.” The captain glances at you. “You’re dismissed, sergeant. I would speak to the recruit alone for a moment.” Optra nods again and excuses himself with another “Yes sir.” Sigmund rises from the table, his stature dominating the room. “You seem like a smart enough lad. Why’d you join the company? Fame? Fortune? You could’ve made a fair deal of coin staying home and breeding horses.”

>>I joined because of a story teller in my village. Henson. He was a member of company. His stories inspired me.

>>I joined the see the world. I’d never see more than the few surrounding villages as a horse-breeder.

>>My reasons for joining aren’t of importance, I’m here now and I’ll serve to my fullest.

>>Write in

>>3360631
>To see the world

>>3360631
>I joined because of a story teller in my village. Henson. He was a member of company. His stories inspired me.
Who needs a bucolic breeder’s life when we could do so much more?

>>3360631
>I joined because of a story teller in my village. Henson. He was a member of company. His stories inspired me.

>>3360631
>>>I joined because of a story teller in my village. Henson. He was a member of company. His stories inspired me.

>>3360631
>>>I joined the see the world. I’d never see more than the few surrounding villages as a horse-breeder.

>>3360631
>I joined because of a story teller in my village. Henson. He was a member of company. His stories inspired me.

>>3360631

>I joined because of a story teller in my village. Henson. He was a member of company. His stories inspired me.

>>3360631
>I joined the see the world. I’d never see more than the few surrounding villages as a horse-breeder.

>>sorry everyone, work was hectic today. I will be up early tomorrow so I’ll crank out a post first thing so I’ll be able to get as many updates in tomorrow as I can.

You think back on your childhood, each evening gathering around the fire in front of Henson’s hut and listening to a new story. He never seemed to run out of new stories. “There was a story teller in my village, Henson. He served with the company for what must have been years. He inspired me, I knew that the company was in my future, sir.” Sigmund’s jaw goes slack for a moment. “Henson, Henson Gap-tooth?” You think back, his did have a pretty prominent gap between his two front teeth. “I think so.” He laughs. “That old bastard is still alive? He was old when I joined the company. He’s the one that gave me the name Stableborn. It explains how you’ve managed to make a name for yourself already, having your head filled with his stories.” He smiles to himself. “If we pass by your village on the way out of country, you’ll have to bring me to him. It’ll be good to see him again.” You nod. “Yes sir.” Sigmund sits back down absentmindedly. “Go, train with your brothers. I will speak with you later.” You snap to attention for a second before making your exit, though he doesn’t seem to notice.

>>cont

>>3362496
You find Optra waiting for you in the lobby of the inn, the rest of your squad assembled already. Sandon and Payter wear brigandine breastplates and while Payter wears leather vambraces, Sandon has full plate over his arms and legs. Payter’s short legs are obscured by what looks like a mail skirt. Nurmen has a pair of plate vambraces, a pair of thick leather pants similar to yours, and a basinet hides his face . Optra wears a full suit of plate armor, expanded to fit someone of his girth. Optra leads the four of you out of the back of the inn, to a large alley littered with straw dummies, large, rough-hewn logs, and heavy oak casks. Optra first leads you all through some warm up sparring with the dummies.

Your Morningstar feels good in your hand as you crush through the simple targets. The heavy weight of your shield also proves fit for bashing, as you drive the mock-soldiers to the earth.

Next, you are all disarmed and made to move the logs, too heavy for any one of you to move alone, by hoisting them over all of your shoulders as a team. Sweat beads down your brow and drips into your eyes, stinging them and you know that to free a hand to wipe the sweat away would result in you losing your grip on the log. Sandon shoulders a great section of the weigh himself, with you helping as much as you can. Payter struggles, all of you being taller then him requires his arms be almost filled extended to hold any weight. Nurmen, surprisingly, does his best to pull his own weight and you can hear the echo of his panting resounding within his helm. Optra follows along, offering words of encouragement when it seems like one of you would falter.

Soon enough, your muscles ache and burn like they never had before. Optra takes each of you, one at a time, and leads you to one of the oak cask. Each filled with a number of rocks to specifically test each of your strengths. You watch as Sandon bear hugs a barrel more than three-quarter full of stone and half jogs, half hobbles to the other end of the alley. Once your turn has come and gone your body feels ready to collapse in on itself. Optra has cold water brought to each of you and you are all given a chance to rest in the shade. Your arms and legs feel like they’re made of liquid as you nearly spill the water simply bringing it to your lips.

After enough rest to be able to function, Optra asks all of you to pair up to spar, he has the men who fetched you water fetch blunted version of each of your weapons. He gives you the first choice of a partner, as this is your first day.

>>Sandon. He’s a weapon and shield guy like yourself, maybe he’ll have some tips.

>>Payter. You don’t know much about him and that menacing ace of his, no better time to learn.

>>Nurmen. Those brutal cleavers of his should be hell to try and block, best to learn how to do that when there’s no threat of death.

>————-

>>Not going to have this be a full combat, so if you guys can give me 4 1d100

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>3362501

>>Sandon. He’s a weapon and shield guy like yourself, maybe he’ll have some tips.

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>3362501
>>Nurmen. Those brutal cleavers of his should be hell to try and block, best to learn how to do that when there’s no threat of death.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>3362501
>>>Payter. You don’t know much about him and that menacing ace of his, no better time to learn.

>>3362501
>Shit, the Payter prompt should say Axe, not ace.

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3362501
>Nurmen. Those brutal cleavers of his should be hell to try and block, best to learn how to do that when there’s no threat of death.

Rolled 74, 25, 6, 17 = 122 (4d100)

>>3362520
Sandon

>>3362530
Payter

>>3362602
>>3362528
Nurmen. Sparring with Nurmen wins. Writing and rolling for him

I'll change to
>Payter

He'll try to take out our shield and we will have to learn to prevent that, or even be inspired by it and use an axe on the off hand

>>3362614
Which vote were you?

>>3362625
Mine was Sandon's but you had already called it sonnon worries

>>3362672
If you were a Nurmen vote I would’ve rewritten, going to finish the post now, I’ll be back.

You motion to Nurmen. “Never fought someone with, or even seen, a pair of weapons like those. I could use the practice.” Nurmen shrugs. “Sure. Whatever.” His voice rings slightly in the metal of his pointed helmet.

Payter and Sandon pair up as you and Nurmen move further down the alley. Optra stands between both pairs, leaning against the wall so he is able to watch everyone.

Nurmen hefts the pair of blunt cleavers, both longer and much heavier than a short sword, as you tuck yourself in behind your shield and hold the blunt, wooden mace to your side. Optra glances between you and the other pair. “Begin.”

Nurmen explodes into action, leaving you completely unprepared. He rushes forward and quickly feints, you raise you shield to block a strike that was never meant to land and are rewarded with the hard edge of the wooden blades on each of your knees. You stumble, nearly falling at the sudden burst of pain. Your already weakened leg muscles shake as you take a few steps back.

Nurmen rushes again but this time you spot the feint, you stand firm as he fakes a second leg sweep and leave your shield to protect your body. There’s a resounding thud as you catch the swipe on your shield, and you feel the reverb of it up into your shoulder. You catch Nurmen’s wrist with the head of your club as he backs away. The metal of his vambraces rings like a gong, if you hadn’t been pulling your punches you’re sure his wrist would’ve been shattered.

He swears and foolishly rushes towards you again with a pair of wide chops from either side. With his arms fully extended you quickly step in and plant your shield into his chest. He tumbles back onto his ass with a grunt and another swear. You step forward again, club pointed at his chest. Before you can ask if he yields he quickly tries to strike again.

It’s a half-hearted swing, one cleaver trying to knock the club from your hand. With a twist of your wrist you roll the club and the blow’s moment continues through open air. You give him another whack on the wrist. “Yield?”

“I yield. I yield.” You drop the club and offer your downed squadmate a hand up. He drops both cleavers angrily and ignores your offer. “Beginners luck is all. Next time we spar...” Optra cuts him off. “Nurmen, it was a fair loss. No point being bitter, be glad you have Kanard to watch you back when holding real steel.” Nurmen shakes his head and grunts. “Yes sir.”

With your match finished, you have the luxury of paying attention to Sandon and Payter, who are still locked in a bitter fight. Sandon’s eye is already swelling, turned black and blue from a previous blow. Payter seems to be favoring an arm, handicapping his two-handed axes swings. Sandon catches three swings on his shield and tries to return a swipe with his hammer but his vision must be instructed by the growing welt. He misjudges the distance and leaves his guard open just enough for Payter to slip in an upwards strike.

>cont

>>3362832
The breath explodes from your friends lungs as the strike connects just below his ribs. He coughs and sputters out a yield as he tries to regain control of his breathing. Payter claps him on the back. “Getting better, you big ox, the blow to my arm would’ve crippled me permanently if it were a real battle.” Sandon smirks through his discomfort. “You would’ve given the inside of my skull a fresh taste of sunlight if it were a real battle.”

Optra nods as you all regroup around him. “Excellent work, all of you. I believe the lesson for today is patience. Both Nurmen and Sandon rushed to retaliate and suffered for it.” His tone is gentle, without a hint of admonishment. “Now, take a short time to rest, remove your weapons and armor, I’ll return with the Captain soon. He wants us to accompany him to the governor’s manor as he inquires about us solving this goblin problem.”

The four of you collapse in the shade of the alley, resting against the wall or laying in the dirt. None of you speak for some time, fatigue weighing heavy on each of you. Eventually Payter looks at you. “Optra trains hard, huh? He’s one of the best, and worst, sergeants to be under. Most sergeants just spar, or train on dummies, or do minor strength training. Some do two. Only Optra does all three, and he’s never done anything minor.” He smirks. Nurmen nods. “It’s probably why you beat me. You came into this fresh and rested. You’ll be sore like the rest of us tomorrow.”

>>”It was just luck Nurmen, could’ve happened to anyone. You nearly took my legs off with those opening strikes.”

>>”Nurmen, let it go. I was one of the best in my milita, I earned that win.”

>>Ignore Nurmen. “Doesn’t training this hard put us at a disadvantage if we need to go into battle the next day?”

>>Write in.

>>3362877
>>>Ignore Nurmen. “Doesn’t training this hard put us at a disadvantage if we need to go into battle the next day?”

>>3362877
>>>Ignore Nurmen. “Doesn’t training this hard put us at a disadvantage if we need to go into battle the next day?”

>>3362877

>>”It was just luck Nurmen, could’ve happened to anyone. You nearly took my legs off with those opening strikes.”

>>3362883
>>3362888
Ignore

>>3362902
Pacify

Writing.

You give Nurmen a glance, think about responding for a moment and turn your attention back to Payter. “Doesn’t training us this hard put us at a disadvantage if we have to go into battle the next day?” Payter shrugs.

“We’re in peacetime now, maybe we’ll pick up a job today, maybe another in a week. But it’s peacetime. Optra kicks out asses during peacetime so when were on a contract and it’s wartime, we can kick their asses. He lightens up when were expecting big work. I remember, before Sandon joined up, we were in Nortjund, near the eastern edge of Melogia. We were stationed in one of the valley checkpoints at the border. Some Nortjunder tribe or another was pressing the troops stationed there. Optra was pushing us hard and one day he just stops. Tells us to take the day to rest. The next morning, just before sunrise, the barbarians hit the outer fortifications. Screaming men and women with frost for blood. The man knows when to push us and when to lay off, it’s like a sixth sense.” As Payter speaks, the four of you slip free from your armor and shield, serving men taking them back to your quarters. Nurmen nods along as Payter finishes. “I cut through eight men that day...” he opens his mouth to continue but is interrupted by Optra calling.

“Captain present! Attention!” The four of you leap to your feet despite your aching muscles. The two titans, probably the bastard grandsons of some giant, Sigmund and Optra stroll into the alley. “At ease.” Calls Sigmund almost immediately. “We’ve got a house call to make. I figured you boys could use a rest so I took the liberty of borrowing one of the company’s carts and a pair of horses to pull it. Originally I was just going to let your four pull it, but Optra advised me you all had worked hard enough today.” He gives you all a friendly laugh, you all join in a moment later. Optra simply gives a soft smile. “Let’s move out then, cart’s waiting on the street.”

Sigmund leads the five of you to the edge of the alley and you find a pair of large horses, you recognize them as a local breed. Your father probably would know who bred them. Behind them is a large cart, Optra and Sigmund mount the front of it and Sigmund takes the reigns.

You and the rest of the squad climb into the back and find several dozen feather filled cushions to rest on. You make yourself comfortable as the wagon takes off. The rocking rhythm sends your comrades to sleep, a chorus of gentle snores filling the covered space. You take the time to watch the street through the space between the wooden base and the canvas dome covering. The streets are as packed with people milling around, separated by the wagon.

Soon enough the streets thin. The building grow less dense and their size increases. The cart rolls to a stop, all you can see from the vantage point is a thick row of tall hedges.

Sigmund knocks against the wood hard enough to wake the rest of your squad. “Incoming!”

>cont

>>3363958
Payter and Nurmen both leap up, searching for weapons, only to be greeted with Sigmund laughing heartily to himself as he peers in the back of the wagon. “Sleeping on the job, you three should be ashamed.”

The four of you climb out of the back, and round the corner of the hedges. An expanse of lawn half the size of your father’s horse pastures stretches out to a house bigger than any of the homes in your village. Probably bigger than half of them combined. A snooty looking man in a finely tailored tunic waits for you all with a look of disdain. “The governer’s time is most precious. He doesn’t have long to spend on the likes of you. Make your words count.”

The man leads the six of you down the lane and into the manor. Sigmund makes crude faces at the back of the man’s head. The entry way is a massive, two story chamber. You’re lead to the right of the staircase and into a small office. An older man sits behind a desk, three scribes writing missives at his dictation. He glances up at the group intruding on his work. “You’re late.” Sigmund glances at the window. “The sun hasn’t set yet. If anything we’re early.” The govener’s eyes narrow as he regards you. You become aware of the pair of guards wielding spears that flank the doorway you entered. “What is this urgent matter that requires my attention? And why did you bring this rabble? They’re not officers in your company.” Sigmund bristles as he pulls the parchment from a pouch on his belt. He tosses it onto one of the scribe’s desks. “You’ve got a goblin nest under your nose. I brought them because they’re the ones who found some of its inhabitants and handled them. The three they killed are free. The nest.. it’ll cost.” The governer sighs. “And what proof do you have?” Sigmund nods towards you.

>>Give your testimony, ply the good cop to sigmunds bad cop.

>>Toss the goblin’s ears you took as proof to the governer.

>>Give testimony, don’t be kind to the governer.

>>Offer the ears as proof, kindly

>>Write in

>>3363980
>Offer the ears as proof, kindly

>>3363980
>>>Toss the goblin’s ears you took as proof to the governer.

>>3363980
>Offer the ears as proof, kindly
>Testify, serious but not insulting

No need to be a dick to the man holding the purse strings. Yet.

>>3363980
>>Give your testimony, ply the good cop to sigmunds bad cop.
>>Offer the ears as proof, kindly

>>3364000
this

>>3364000
+1 Also skip the part one of ours got gutted.

>>3364000
+1

>>3364000
Support

>>3363981
>>3364000
>>3364080
>>3364139
>>3364203
>>3364220
Writing.

You step forward and feel a tinge if nerves dance up your spine as every pair of eyes in the room come to rest on you. The governer rolls his eyes before you can even begin speaking. “Last night, a friend and I were enjoying the evening in The Northern Sword. Once we’d had our full and were making our return trip we heard a woman cry for help. A trio of golbins had her pinned and were attempting to strip her of her valuables and her dignity.” The governer sits up slightly, paying more attention.

“Me and my companion drove the three of them off, giving chase down the alleys of your fair city. We slew two of them. I have their ears here as proof.” You unfurl the bundle they’d been wrapped in and step forward to present the blood-stained rag to the governer. He blanches as you approach. “That is quite close enough, one of the scribes will take them.” The three young men look between each other, silently hoping one of them will shoulder the burden and take them. Eventually, what appears to be the youngest offers a hand out and you pass them to him. The governer chimes back in. “And what of the third? You surely didn’t let it escape.” You shake your head. “No sir. We captured it, took it prisoner. One of our captains is skilled with languages, he conversed through written word with the final goblin and discovered the location of that nest.” The governer chews on the inside of his cheek as you step back in line with your squad.

Sigmund steps forward again. “The threat is true, and we all know golbins breed more than rats. What could be a dozen golbins today could be a score before tomorrow is through.” The governer pales even further. Sigmund continues unabated. “Most likely, they’ve taken over the root cellar of the building marked. Probably burrowing tunnels to the nearby homes as we speak. Your guards aren’t trained for that sort of extermination. My men are.” The governer, to his credit, forces some color back into his cheeks. “I’ll have you know, my men are just as wel trained as your own. I’d just rather risk the lives of common mercenaries over those of my own men.” Sigmund smirks. “Of course, the two boys clutching spears like they’re their pricks are obviously trained killers.” The governer rises from his seat and jabs a finger through the air at Sigmund. “That is enough! I will not be insulted by a name bearing the name Stableborn! You have been hired, three gold a goblin head. Begone!”

Sigmund steps bow, dropping into a deep bow. “A pleasure, as always, governer.” He ushers the five of you towards the door. “Out, out! The governer grows weary of your stenches!” He glances at the two guards, both scowling at him. “Seems your spearhead could use some polishing, best get to it.”

He leads you all back to the cart. “Am I giving you lot a ride home? Take the evening to relax, tomorrow we hit the golbins where it hurts.”

>cont

>>3364564
“I’ll let you boys decide if you want to keep this to your squad, and keep a bigger share of the coin, or if you want me to round up an extra squad or two for support.” Optra nods. “The current split, with just our squad, would be a single gold going directly to the company. Sigmund, as the captain would take seven silvers of the second gold, the remaining three would go to me. The final gold would be split five ways between each of us. You’d each be earning two silver a head. If we brought in a second squad, the final gold would be split ten ways. Their sergeant and I would split the three silver I would normally receive.”

>>You five can handle a dozen goblins on your own.

>>Maybe a second squad wouldn’t hurt. You don’t know exactly how many goblins are down there.

>AND (You’ll be able to choose how to spend your time at the chosen location in the next prompt.)

>>Head back to the inn.

>>Explore the richer district of the city.

>>Explore the market district of the city.

>>Explore the slums.

>>3364591
>>>Maybe a second squad wouldn’t hurt. You don’t know exactly how many goblins are down there.
We should at least get the cash for the two(three) we killed

>>3364591
>>>You five can handle a dozen goblins on your own.
>>Head back to the inn.
Get our reward first then we can spend money.

>>3364591

>>You five can handle a dozen goblins on your own.
>>Explore the slums.

>>3364605
You can definitely talk to Sigmund about that, he’ll handle the payment.

Do you want to weigh in on the second choice?

>>3364753
>>>Head back to the inn.

>>3364591
>>Maybe a second squad wouldn’t hurt. You don’t know exactly how many goblins are down there.
>>Head back to the inn.

>>3364591
>>You five can handle a dozen goblins on your own.
>>Explore the slums.

>>3364605
>>3364621
>>3364627
>>3364786
>>3364794
>>3364803
Going it alone and heading back to the inn, writing.

The four of you look between each other. Payter shrugs. “We could use a hand, could just be a dozen goblins or could be a hundred.” Nurmen shakes his head, his lips moving the second Payter finishes. “No way it’s a hundred. Even if there’s thirty, it’s a cramped basement. They won’t be able to get behind us, we can handle thirty and keep the extra coin.” Sandon shifts on his feet, thinking out loud. “I’d like the extra padding in my coin pouch, but I don’t want to step into water thinking it’s a puddle and have it turn out to be a lake either.” You look at the three of them. “If there was a hundred of them, wouldn’t there have been more than three in the alley? Goblins prefer larger packs if they have the numbers.” Sandon nods. “There’s truth to that. Gregor, from our militia, used to say that a pack of three goblins meant the nest was under forty.”

Nurmen smirks, having you and Sandon to support his side of the argument. “You want to weigh in Sergeant?” Optra shakes his head. “It appears the majority has voted.” He turns to Sigmund. “We will brave the nest alone.” Sigmund nods and you catch Payter frowning to himself. “Fair enough, now who’s hitching a ride back home?” Sandon nods and climbs into the back of the wagon but both Payer and Nurmen shake their heads. Nurmen comments. “Going to look around this part of town... never been to where the fancy people live.” Payter doesn’t comment on what he plans to do. You make your way towards the back of the wagon and begin lifting yourself up.

Sigmund shakes his head at himself. “Almost forgot. Captain Dieter wants the word out, no man is to be alone and unarmed after dark. He doesn’t want to lose anyone else to the goblins before we handle them.” He waves the two farewell as he rounds the cart and climbs in the front. Optra circles around the other side and mounts the driving bench. Sandon quickly arranges the feather-filled cushions so he can sit on them. “Can’t afford to sleep, I told Andron I’d give him a chance to win back the silver he owes me, I need my wits about me. You’re welcome to join, it’s just a game of dice.” You nod. “I’ll think about it.”

Sandon is quiet the rest of the ride back to the inn, which is unusual for him, but you chalk it up to the same nervous tension building in your stomach. Tomorrow blades will be drawn and lives will be taken.

You arrive at the inn and find the plaza has again been filled with tables, denoting that the afternoon meal is available. By the time you and Sandon free yourself from the cushions, Optra and Sigmund have made their way almost to the door. You have a few hours before sundown as you think about how you want to spend that time.

>Choices incoming.

>>3364897

>>First:

>Free supper (soup and water)

>Or

>Pay for Supper. (Something more filling, and something to drink more than water.) (-4 Silver.)


>>Then:

>Pick two:

>Find Sigmund, see if you can be payed retroactively for the goblins you killed the previous night. Technically it was before you were hired, but maybe he’ll let that slide. (+? Coins)

>Join Sandon in his game of dice, maybe your luck will reward you with more coin. How many of your possible 7 silvers will you wager? (+? Coins, -? Coins)

>Meet some of the other squads. (Feel free to specify if you want to meet other heavy infantry, or another unit type.)

>Visit The Northern Sword, have a few drinks. (Invite anyone?)

>Turn in early, best to be prepared for the morning.

>Write-in.

>>3364924
>>Pay for Supper. (Something more filling, and something to drink more than water.) (-4 Silver.)
we worked hard today, body needs fuel

>Find Sigmund, see if you can be payed retroactively for the goblins you killed the previous night. Technically it was before you were hired, but maybe he’ll let that slide. (+? Coins)
>Turn in early, best to be prepared for the morning.

>>3364924
>Free supper (soup and water)

>Find Sigmund, see if you can be payed retroactively for the goblins you killed the previous night. Technically it was before you were hired, but maybe he’ll let that slide. (+? Coins)

>Join Sandon in his game of dice, maybe your luck will reward you with more coin. How many of your possible 7 silvers will you wager? (+? Coins, -? Coins)
only risk the extra coin we may get from Sigmund, if we don't get any don't gamble and turn in early

>>3364945
Supporting

>>3364924

>Pay for Supper. (Something more filling, and something to drink more than water.) (-4 Silver.)
>Join Sandon in his game of dice, maybe your luck will reward you with more coin. How many of your possible 7 silvers will you wager? (+? Coins, -? Coins)

>>3364924
>Pay for supper
>Find Sigmund, see if you can be payed retroactively for the goblins you killed the previous night. Technically it was before you were hired, but maybe he’ll let that slide. (+? Coins)
>Turn in early, best to be prepared for the morning.

>>3364924
>Free supper (soup and water)
>Join Sandon in his game of dice, maybe your luck will reward you with more coin. How many of your possible 7 silvers will you wager? 4
>Meet some of the other squads. Light Infantry

>>3364945
>>3364947
>>3365209
>>3365324
>>3365513
>>3365967
>>Woke up super early so I can pack. Got my dates wrong and I’m leaving for vacation tonight so after 4ish today the quest will be out on hiatus for a bit while I’m out of town. I will be back on April 2nd. As recompense, and because my autism won’t let me just relax, I’ll have the skill trees/upgrade choices all worked out and we should be due for at least one upgrade/choice after the nest is dealt with.

Okay, so if I’m counting correctly, paying for supper wins. And we have a three way tie between finding Sigmund, gambling, and turning in early. I’ll compromise, we’ll meet Sigmund, play a hand or two of dice and the turn in early. Writing

If anyone’s around, and wants to roll 2d6. Higher is better.

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d6)

>>3366887

Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d6)

>>3366887

>>3366893
>>3366894
>>3366897
Thank you, back to writing!

You glance at Sandon. “Where is your dice game held?” Sandon smirks. “Joining us then?” You nod. “We set up out here after they cooking staff moves the tables out of the way. Want to grab dinner together?” You nod again. “After we eat I’ve got to run and do something, then I’ll join in for a few rolls of the dice.” Sandon nods and the two of you file into the kitchen. Both you and Sandon treat yourselves, dropping four silvers into the hand of a sweat-stained chef. A moment later a platter is handed to you, the spread of food is still considerable but not the same as your breakfast offering. You trudge down the line and are handed a mug of warm cider.

The two of you return outside, the air cooling to a comfortable chill as the sun descends. The warm cider chases away the worst of the cold and the hot food fills your empty stomach. Sandon explains the dice game to you as you eat. It’s simple, wagers are put in and then each man rolls a pair of dice. Whomever rolls highest takes the pot. Sandon gloats that he’s been cleaning up, having won more than half of his last dozen hands.

The pair of you finish eating and you excuse yourself. You make your way into the lobby and ask one of the men milling about where you could find Sigmund. You are directed to the roof of the inn. You climbs five flights of stairs an exit onto a flat topped roof. Sigmund is alone, crouched into a battle stance. In his hands is a weapon you can’t name. It looks like a spear, but instead of the blade being a like that of an arrow it is more the shape of a scimitar. The blade adds considerable length to the weapon as well. The massive, muscle-bound man whirls the blade through a series of forms with an incredible amount of dexterity for someone his size. You can hear the blade cleaving through the air, even from some distance away, as he swings it in a series of graceful chops. He spins on his heels and faces you, following through with a final chop. “Can I be of some help, Kanard?” You step forward, glancing around and taking in the view of the city. “I was curious. The governer told us we would be paid three gold a head per goblin, didn’t he sir?” Sigmund nods. “Aye, he did.” You turn your attention back to the giant man. “Well, it seems he neglected to pay me, and us, for the two I dispatched last night. Or the third who was kind enough to give us the information about the nest. Sir.” Sigmund grins, getting your point. “Aye, it seems he did. I’ll speak to him about that. In the meantime, allow me to offer you something on the company’s behalf.” His hand darts down to his belt and he digs a finger into a pouch. He flicks a coin towards you. “We’ll call it a... signing bonus and finder’s fee. Just this once.” You snatch the coin out of the air, it glinting gold in the dying light of the sun. “Thank you, sir.” You tuck the coin into your coinpouch. You realize Andron’s pouch still sits on your belt too.

>con

>>3366930
And his dagger is still tucked into the back of your hip. “Gold goads the great, guards the gentle.” Sigmund muses as you tighten the strings of your coinpouch. “S’what my mother used to say at least. Anyways, if you wouldn’t mind. I’d quite enjoy finishing my practice before sunset. Next time, if you’d like to join in, come up sooner.” You nod and stand at attention for a moment out of respect before you duck back into the building and down the stairs.

You make your way back to the plaza and find a few small tables with men circled around them. Sandon is easy to spot, another three men stand around him. The four of them turn to face you. You recognize one as Andron, his skin still pale but he’s hiding it well with a smile. Sandon frowns as he passes four silvers over to an older man, his grin nearly absorbed by his scraggly salt-and-pepper beard. The fourth man is slight and weasel-faced with the darker-tan skin of the Samfati, he also passes coin to the older man. Sandon introduces the pair. “Kanard! Glad you made it, maybe my luck will turn around now. You know Andron. Let me introduce our friends in the light infantry. This is Repra.” He motions the the older man with steely discipline in his eyes but a warm smile shining beneath the tangled beard. “He’s one of Dieter’s boys. Serves under sergeant Farank. And this, this is Hussurk. Reports to captain Brand, he’s sergeant Jekle’s second.” The southerner regards you cooly. “Now that you’ve all be introduced... let’s gamble already. How much is everyone wagering? Four again? Or three this time?” Repra grunts. “Three is too cheap. Let’s do four again.” Andron holds back a laugh, subtly clutching his side in pain. “Says the man who just won his first hand in a week.” Sandon hands you a pair of dice and throws four silver into the center of the table. The other men follow suit and you wait until enough coin has be placed on the table to break the gold Sigmund gave you, only having three silvers left after dinner. You pocket the six silver, leaving you with nine in your pouch.

Hussurk rolls first, a pair of ones leaves a bitter frown on his face.

Andron rolls second, a five and a four resting in front of him.

Repra rolls, getting a six and a two.

Sandon looks to you, waiting to roll. You shake the two dice between your palms, feeling them rattle and trying to infuse them with luck. You release the pair and they clatter against the wood. A six and a four. You smirk, currently having the highest roll on the table. Sandon rolls quickly after you, a pair of fours. He swears and you scoop up the pile. You pocket ten silver and return your gold coin to your pouch. Nineteen silver and a gold feel nicely heavy against your waist.

The next round doesn’t go as well, you roll a three and Repra comes out lucky again with a nine. Dropping you down to fifteen silver.

>cont

>>3366985
You glance up at the sky. You should have time for one more roll and still be able to get to bed early enough.

The first roller this time is Andron, to your left. He rolls a pair of threes. He shifts uncomfortably, sitting in the middle of the pack could go either way.

You roll again, a six and a three. Crushing Andron’s hope of everyone rolling low.

Sandon rolls next, a six.. and a two. He swears and steps back from the table.

Hussurk swears as his dice hit the table, another pair of ones glare up at him. You suspect he may have a pair of loaded die, badly loaded but still loaded.

Repra rolls last and takes an agonizingly long time. His dice clatter to the table... a five. And a three! You smile, another hand of dice yours. Thirty-one silver and a gold clink together as the winnings get deposited in your pouch. “I hate to take your money and run, but we’ve got a job to do tomorrow. I’m going to take my leave.” Sandon groans. “Well, you’ll have to play again, give us a chance to get our gold back.

>>Give Andron his dagger and coin purse.

>>Give Andron just his dagger.

>>Just head to bed.

>>3367002
>Give Andron his dagger and coin purse.

>>3367002
>>Give Andron his dagger and coin purse.
"Without this dagger we would be unavenged and jobless, so thank you brother."

>>3367002
>Give Andron his dagger and coin purse.

>>3367002
>>>Give Andron his dagger and coin purse.

>>3367002
>>Give Andron his dagger and coin purse.

Talking about a dagger, we should find one or a knife. We don't have a side weapon and things may get too crowded for our mace and shield insede the nest

>>3367005
>>3367011
>>3367014
>>3367057
>>3367169
Sorry about the delay! Girlfriend is over. But I’m working on a post now.

>Sandon Friendship increases!

>Andron Friendship increases!

>Repra Friendship increases!

You turn to Andron. “Speaking of getting things back... I have some of your things.” You free the dagger and coin purse from your belt. “Without this dagger we’d be jobless and the golbins who attacked you would still roam this city. Thank you brother. I assumed this was your coin, one of the golbins had it around his waist.” Andron smiles a genuine smile. “I gave that dagger away never expecting to see it, or anything in this life again. Take it as payment for slaying those foul greens. The coin I had expected lost, I thank you for returning it. Though if my luck with dice keeps up the way it is, you four should have all of it soon enough.” He laughs, trying to hide an obvious pain in his side as he does.

You look down at the dagger. “Thank you, I’ll use it well.” Andron claps you on the shoulder. “Good, gut a few goblins with it for me.” You nod and tuck it into your belt once more. “I’ll let you know how many fall once we return tomorrow.” Andron nods. Hussurk clears his throat. “Can we get back to the game now? I’ve got coin to win back.” You give the other three men a smile. “Good fortune to you.”

You make your way back up to your bunk, the room empty and peacefully quiet. You do a final check of your equipment, making sure it will all be ready for your first job with the company.

You climb into your top bunk and draft off to sleep. You stir a few times, probably at your squad members entering and climbing into their own beds, but your sleep is quick and dreamless. You wake to the gentle rapping of knuckles against wood. Optra’s soft voice carries through the door just enough to hear. “Time to get ready, all of you. I expect you down in the lobby in half an hours time.”

You rise and glance out the window, the sun barely peaking over the edge of the horizon. Payter also stirs, leaving the pair of you to wake Nurmen and Sandon. The four of you dress for combat in relative silence. Payter speaks before you all prepare to leave. “I spent the day yesterday watching the house the nest is under. I counted twenty different golbins, but something felt... off. They were well organized, unlike the traditional goblin rabble we’ve been facing these past few months.” Nurmen shrugs. “Probably because they’re in a city, they have to be smarter than the average green.” Payter shakes his head. “Maybe. Still doesn’t feel right.” Sandon nods. “I’m getting a big case of the pre-job jitters too.” You don’t admit it, but your nerves are slightly frayed as well, but that’s to be expected. You’re preparing to march into enemy territory.

The four of you make your way down to the lobby. Optra and Sigmund stand waiting, conversing quietly. Sigmund looks excitedly at the four of you.

>cont

>>3367351
“Brothers! You are about to dive into the belly of the beast, tear is asunder, and return home with glory for yourself and the company! And with a fat load of coin to fill your pockets.” He laughs at his own joke. “I will be joining you, and I have two squads on standby to catch any stragglers who may escape the nest. Sergeant Demos’ squad and Sergeant Yon’s squad will be stationed a few blocks away. They’re not getting a cut. Don’t worry. They’ve got nothing better to do anyways. When the five of you are ready, we’ll move out.”

The four of you look to Optra and let him know you’re ready and he nods back serenely. “Let’s go cleanse this fair city of some foul influence.”

>—————-

>>I’ll call the thread here, have to leave for our flights soon. Thank you guys for playing and I look forward to picking back up on April 2nd.

>>Feel free to ask any questions, or leave comments. I’ll be around for a little while to answer/respond.

>>3367380
Thanks for running, Inenjoy low fantasy and the difficulties that comes with it, and expect some great battles.

Do you have a twitter or any other means of letting us know if you are comung back or not?

Have you archived the thread yet?

>>3367390
I will get to work on a Twitter, I will be back though. The QM curse won’t take me.

I’ll archive it as well.

>>3367380
Will there be any chance to learn magic or wizard powers? Also can we retroactively buy some leather vambraces? Im surprised anons didn’t vote to get any since it’s extra armor and no dodge penalty

>>3367380
Thanks Companion. Have a great trip.

>>3368108
To be honest, on the magic front I’m not sure. Magic is extremely rare, the only one with any magic real skill at all in the entire section of the company you’re with is the surgeon. Magic for Kanard would most likely take the form of combat aides (like bonuses to hit or extra dodge) or minor dream-based precognition.

Up until this point, we’ve only had a few silvers so we weren’t able to afford any extra armor. Once we finish this job though I’m expecting a lengthy shopping trip.

>>3368419
Thank you, companion!

Last post lol

HAH Got'em

>>3368811
Thanks for running senpai.