>>3436558
>>Of course, I’ll be there.

>>Find Sigmund, ask about the job and the payment.
>>Find the Surgeon, Devel, he said he had questions for you.

>>3436558
>>Of course, I’ll be there.
>>Light-Training. Your leg may be weak but you can’t be slack. (Spend skill points.)
>>Find Sigmund, ask about the job and the payment.

>>3436558
>>>Of course, I’ll be there.
>>Find Sigmund, ask about the job and the payment.
>>Find Nurmen and Payter, see how they fared.

>>3436558
Question, we lost the clever after we ran, yeah? or can we claim it and sell it/equip it? Is this something we can discuss with Sigmund when we speak with him?

>>3436736
You did drop it, but you could definitely speak to Sigmund about claiming it. They might have grabbed it for you anyways.

>>3436650
>>3436719
>>3436732
Seems like all the votes were going to get for now, so I’ll just write up the meeting with Sigmund and then we can decide where to go from there. Writing.

>>3436558
>>Find Nurmen and Payter, see how they fared.
Only one I care about

>>3436558
If we're voting for the second action, then
>>Find the Surgeon, Devel, he said he had questions for you.
Such a handsome man, I wonder if he'll be proposing.

“Of course, I’ll be there. First I need to go find Sigmund.” Sandon nods. “He’s probably waiting for a report from you anyway. Good idea to see him first.” You take a few steps towards the door. “Any idea where he is?” Sandon tilts his head, thinking for a moment. “Most likely, this time of day, on the roof. A few of the guys say he’s obsessed with that new weapon of his, ever since captain Huron showed him the fighting style his people use with it.” He shrugs. “It served us well against those goblins, I’d like to see what he can do with a more familiar weapon though...”

Sandon follows you to the door and you expect him to head to the stairs with you but instead he heads towards the front door. You’re puzzled, he said he was going to get some sleep, but shrug it off. Maybe he’s grabbing food first.

You take your time, the stairs to the roof leaving your leg feeling more liquid than solid. Finally you make it to the top landing and out into the fresh air. The sun tells you it’s early afternoon and the warmth feels good on your skin.

Sigmund stands silent, his eyes closed and his blade held vertically, both hands loosely clutching the shaft of the spear-scimitar hybrid. You join in the silence, listening to his measured breathing. Slowly he drops into a low stance, one knee bending as the other foot slides outward. As his body drops so too does his weapon, he holds it more like a traditional spear. The metal catches the sunlight as it shoots forward three times in rapid succession. As it draws back from the third strike, Sigmund pivots and it becomes a wide, sweeping attack.

It’s strange to watch this giant mountain of muscled-flesh move so gracefully. He opens his eyes and sees you. “Good. You’re awake. You did good work down there. I saw the body of that hobgoblin. Did you cut his head off before of after you turned his chest into a gaping hole?” He smirks, the butt of his spear resting on the ground. “After, knew I needed an intimidation factor for the next group I came upon.” He laughs. “You’re a smart one, using the tools you have at hand.”

He motions to a small table next to the door you exited from, a pair of chair rest next to it and a pitcher of water rests upon its surface. “Why don’t you take a seat? Tell me everything that happened once you went through that fissure. I’ve heard Nurmen and Payter’s reports, but there’s quite a bit that only you saw.”

>>Tell him the facts. Nothing more, nothing less.

>>Downplay your actions. You got lucky, is all.

>>You kicked ass down there, let him know it.

>>Write-in

>>3437017
>>Tell him the facts. Nothing more, nothing less.

>>It was terrifying

>>3437017
>>Tell him the facts. Nothing more, nothing less.
>The three paths
>The hobgoblin transformation pot
It was an incredible fight! If it wasn't for that pot, I would have bit the dust going against that hobgoblin. I'm happy we were able to save the woman and found those two boys, though, I don't think that was the last of his kind. The hobgoblin said something about his brothers and father. I'm ashamed to admit I let my fear get the best of me and ran at the end .

>>3437049
Sounds good. Also we should meet that Helena chick later. We literally saved a goldsmith merchants daughter. Gonna get us some Khabarovsk Milkers

>>3437119
Fucking Khazar Milkers not Khabarovsk

>>3437017
>>Tell him the facts. Nothing more, nothing less.

Make sure to mention the gobbo evolution and that he had a family of some kind.

>>3437049
The but no shame in being afraid. A smart man fights as long as he can, not longer.

>>3437017
>>>Tell him the facts. Nothing more, nothing less.

I am so mad at myself for missing the rest of the last thread, but good job anyway anons

>>3437017
>>Tell him the facts. Nothing more, nothing less.


Anyone have any ideas what to buy for after the pay?

>>3438350
We do not know how much he will pay us

I was thinking
>Pair of nice clothes
Something better the your typical peasant
>Amor
Obviously that +5 armor
>Save some for food and stuff

My apologies guys, just woke up maybe twenty minutes ago sick as a dog. Pulling myself together and writing now though. I’ll get at least two updates out before work, and hopefully one during the night.

>>3437029
>>3437049
>>3437119
>>3437137
>>3437256
>>3437484
>>3438350
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but. Writing.

File: The Brass Companions.jpg (6 KB, 250x140)

6 KB JPG

>>3436558
Excuse the intrusion,but with your 3rd thread you just earn your place on the timeline. Is the OP of the first thread fine with you?

>>3439820
Absolutely! Appreciate being added!

>>3439820
Hey, don't forget Mass Effect, Standard Fantasy Nation Builder, Frontier Outpost, Stellaris, Space Marines, Sir Paragon, and Fantasy Restaurant.

>>3439846
You earned it.
>>3439850
Noted, but keep it in the general. I rather not intrude too much on a quest thread.

You decide it best to start from the beginning. “I assume Payter and Nurmen told you of crawling through the fissure? And the empty goblin barracks beyond?” Sigmund nods. “The running idea is that the goblins had been living in that cave, the fissure opened up in the wall and they tunneled from the fissure into the basement of that abandoned home. But go on.” He locks his gaze on you, listening intently as you continue. “We split up, there wasn’t a trail to follow so we had to cover as much ground as possible.” Sigmund holds up a finger. “And you went alone, slightly injured, why?” You shrug. “We heard definite noise down the tunnel Payter and Nurmen took, figured that Payter shouldn’t go alone in case of an ambush and Nurmen was the more wounded of us so he shouldn’t go alone either.” Sigmund nods again. “Fair enough, continue.”

“I took my time creeping down the tunnel, me being alone forced me to be cautious. I found tracks of the woman being dragged and knew that I was on the right trail. Rather than go back to find the others, and let the goblins get further away and possibly lose the trail again I kept going.” Sigmund leans forward, pouring himself a drink. “I came upon another split. Three ways, one had an intense and forge-like heat from it. One had the sound of scale scraping stone. The third smelled of cooking food.” A look of concern crosses Sigmund’s face for just a moment, if the two of you hadn’t been sitting so close you would’ve missed it. “You’re saying the forge was up and running when you passed through?” You nod. “That’s… problematic. We passed through there when we cleared the rest of the cave. The forge was in ruins, we assumed it hadn’t been used. The other passage did have quite a few Viper Wyrm skins in it. None of them full grown though.” He falls silent for a moment, you can see gears turning in his head. “Go on, what happened next.” You suppress the image of you fighting a dozen snakes thicker than your arm and nearly as tall as you.

“I chose the path with the food, thinking the goblins might follow their baser instincts. I was correct as I found the trail again further into the tunnel. I crept in close and saw that hobgoblin. He called himself Papa Geral. There were ten goblins waiting to be fed with him. He gave them… a potion or something to drink. They… changed.” Sigmund’s eyes narrow. “They were the ones who attacked Sandon and the two other squads then? Freakishly tall, fast, or strong? For a goblin, at least.” You nod. “He sent them to the entrance tunnels. Since he was alone, I tried to sneak up on him and kill him.” Sigmund smirks. “Brave.” You nod and continue. “He took the hits from Liar Biter like they were big bites. We danced around each other, he opened with this incredible burst of speed and caught my leg. That was the only time he touched me and it left me as wounded as I was. I knew I had to get creative.”

>c

>>3439976

>>Sigmund Respect Increased!
“I tried to boil him in his own soup. It nearly worked too but the pot was simply too heavy to full tip. It did blind him though, and I was quick enough to duck away from him dumping the last of the pot back at me.” Sigmund laughs. “Damn good move, killing him with his own dinner.” You smirk. “He made a grab for that huge cleaver of his, thankfully I ended it before he could chop me in two. When.” Sigmund laughs again. “And end it you did, I saw the corpse, nearly punched through him. That cleaver though, Sandon’s dragged it out for you. Said you needed a trophy cause the head was missing.” You smile, of course he did. “When he was dying, he called out two names and for his father. Shive and Rios.” Sigmund looks like he makes a mental note of the names.

“After that, I found the two boys and freed them. Gave them my dagger.” Sigmund perks up, reaching behind his back. “That one I have, the boys handed it to me once they found Optra and I.” He slides the serrated dagger back at you. You dip your head in thanks. “From there, I chopped the head free and carried it with me. I found the woman, a pair of goblins attempting to have their way with her and tossed them their master’s head. The scattered and I knew I was flagging, so I focused on getting Helena out.” Sigmund scratches at his chin. “That was smart. So you doubled back, then what?” You shift, slightly uncomfortable. “I paused to take proof of the hobgoblin, a hand or something. I heard a group approach, heavily armed from the sound of it. I knew if they were hostile I couldn’t handle another skirmish. I didn’t want to die. I knew I had to run.” He smirks again. “Even smarter. A good soldier knows that retreat is an option, but never the first option. You handled yourself well. I knew I liked you from the moment I saw you. I have to make a report for the governor tomorrow for us to get paid. You should be getting eleven gold from all the goblins killed and I’m going to make him give you an extra five for that beast of a hobgoblin.” He laughs to himself. “I’m having the corpse delivered to his estate with me, we found the head deeper in the tunnels but I think he needs to see the whole thing.” You now your head again. “Thank you, sir.” He shrugs. “Of course. A job well done. Anything else?”

>>Ask Sigmund something? (What?)

>>Leave to do something else(Pick one below)
>Light-Training. Your leg may be weak but you can’t be slack. (Spend skill points.)

>Find Nurmen and Payter, see how they fared.

>Find the Surgeon, Devel, he said he had questions for you.

>Spend time with other squads. (Who? Or from which unit type?)

>Visit the Quarter-Master, spend some coin.

>Rest, give your leg more time to heal. (Time-skip)

>Write in

>>3439846
Sup op, I noticed we didn't have an option to visit the gildsmith shop, maybe tomorrow?

>>3439983
It’s definitely an option, I forgot to include it, but you guys are free to go wherever you want even if I don’t explicitly write it out as an option.

>>3439980
>>Light-Training. Your leg may be weak but you can’t be slack. (Spend skill points.)

>>3439993
Let's go there tomorrow then, no need to be running there the moment we wake up.


>Find Nurmen and Payter, see how they fared.

>>3439980
>Ask Sigmund something? (What?)
What happened when they were clearing out, was there another exit, is it possible they escaped?

>Find the Surgeon, Devel, he said he had questions for you.

>>3439980
>Find the Surgeon, Devel, he said he had questions for you.

We should decide on what to spend point when QM decides to make bigger break go to sleep or something. So more anons will have a chance to decide what to spend points on.

>>3439980
>>>Ask Sigmund something? (What?)
Are we to go back into the cave once more?

>Find Nurmen and Payter, see how they fared.

Going over the pastebin and rules, it's hella dumb that a shield gives 5 points of damage reduction instead of raising our hit DC by 5.

>>3440046
Supporting

>>3439980
>>Find Nurmen and Payter, see how they fared.
>Find the Surgeon, Devel, he said he had questions for you.

>>3439994
Training

>>3440010
>>3440680
>>3440101
Find Nurmen and Payter

>>3440046
>>3440087
>>3440658
Find Devel

Since it’s a tie, and I said I would post twice before work and wasn’t able to. I’ll let you guys do both. Writing.

>>3440263
>>Going over the pastebin and rules, it's hella dumb that a shield gives 5 points of damage reduction instead of raising our hit DC by 5.

To respond to this, it does add to your hit DC, it adds 10 to block rolls. The way I see it, some weapons favor a more defensive fighting style and some a more aggressive, hence why block die are attached to weapons. But you can only move a shield or weapon around so much, hence why you can only block a limited number of attacks. (Though higher level skills may change that number.)

A shield aids in blocking, which is you actively trying to stop an incoming attack. Dodges, which is how you respond to the rest of the attacks, is more about not letting the attack hit at all. A shield doesn’t help you maneuver out of the way of an incoming blade but it does help stop damage coming in.

If that doesn’t make sense feel free to tell me I’m stupid, and if you continue to disagree I’m not above working with you guys on how the rules work. After all, we’re all here to have fun and if somethings getting in the way of that I’m more than happy to adjust what I can.

“Is it possible the goblins, or hobgoblins, who were using the forge escaped? Was there another exit? What happened when the other squads cleared the caves?” Sigmund thinks for a moment. “Those are good questions. It’s possible they escaped. We found a section of tunnel that was caved in, it’s possible that they caved it in to cover a retreat. We found no other exits besides the fissure you entered through and the mouth Sandon and the others discovered. The squads killed a few goblins but other than that nothing major happened down there after you were carried out.” A chill runs down your spine, there could be more hobgoblins that got away. “Are we to go back into the tunnels?” Sigmund shakes his head. “No, the goblins most likely won’t return and it would be a waste of manpower to have men stationed down there in case they do.” You nod. “Thank you for your time sir.” Sigmund nods, thinking and no longer paying you much attention.

You head back down the stairs, intending to speak with the surgeon, when you come across Payter and Nurmen making their way up. Nurmen’s arm is wrapped up in a sling and fresh bandages adorn his torso. Payter has a cut across his forehead, but otherwise seems unharmed. Payter greets you with a smile. “Good to see you up and about! We were worried when Sandon found us in those caves. He told us how he found you, and what you’d fought.” Nurmen adds in. “Yeah, we only had to face eight greens, not a bloated bastard like you did.” You smile. “I’m glad the two of you are okay. I was worried once I saw the hobgoblin that there was more.” Payter chuckles lightly. “Me and Nurmen have been through a lot, it’ll take more than a few goblins or a hob or two to kill us. I should tell you about the time we fought pirates aboard a Swarsee merchant vessel. Now that was a close call.” Nurmen cracks a smile at the thought. “Yeah, we found out halfway through the fight Payter didn’t know how to swim...” The pair share a laugh. You marvel slightly, Swarsee was about as far from your home as you could get, it’s shore the host to an entirely different ocean.

“Maybe tonight, Sandon told you we’re meeting at the Northern Sword?” The pair nod. “Yes he did, we’re heading to catch some shut eye before we head over. Well, I’m going to sleep. Nurmen will probably scrounge around for some company with tales of how he was heroically injured.” Nurmen gives you a one armed shrug. “What’s the point in being a mercenary if not to use the stories you’ve taken part in to impress women.” You laugh this time. “Fair enough, I’ll let you two get to it.”

The two of them trundle up the stairs as you make your way back to the surgeon’s office. You find the gaunt man changing the sheets on the bed you’d occupied not too long ago. He glances over at you. “Must ensure the space is clean for each new occupant. Can I help you?”

>cont

>>3441454

You watch as he works, each movement he makes measured and precise. “You said you had questions, about the hobgoblin; Geral.” His pale features light up. “Yes, yes, yes. I did. Allow me to finish. I have a pot of tea brewing, we can sit and talk.” You loiter for a few moments as he cleans the rest of the space and soon the whistle of a teapot fills the room. Devel leads you through a different door than the one you entered, into a small office. A metal barrel with a grated door on the front of it and a fire roaring inside sits in the corner, piping drawing the smoke upwards and through the wall. A kettle steams on top of it. Devel ushers you into a seat before he hurries over to a cabinet.

Devel quickly sets two small and delicate cups down on the table, shuffles a bit of powder and crushed leaves into them, and pours the scalding liquid into them. You open your mouth to speak but he raises a long and bony finger, silently asking for silence. You watch as the clear water of the cup tints into a shade of muddy brown-red. Devel, after several minutes raises his cup to his mouth and takes a delicate sip. He looks expectantly at you. You lift the cup, it smells foul as you draw it close to your nose.

>>Drink

>>Don’t drink.

>>3441465
>Drink

>>3441465
>>>Drink

>>3441465
>Drink

>>3441465
>>Drink

>>3441465
Drink

>>3441465
>>>Drink

>>3441471
>>3441513
>>3441522
>>3441527
>>3441652
>>3441687
Drink the tea. Writing.

>>3442014
You feeling better QM?

You glance between Devel and the tea and decide to take the plunge. You take a small sip from the cup and immediately your tastebuds are assaulted with the most bitter taste you could imagine. An involuntary shudder runs through you, which draws a ghastly grin from Devel. After a moment of intense bitterness, the taste fades into an uniquely sweet and pleasant sensation.

“It’s an acquired taste, I’m afraid. Though I am surprised you drank it. Not many would drink Remari tea.” You shudder again, Remari? Your mother told you stories as a boy of the Remari. Far East and Far South was a land inhabited by men and women warped and twisted by the sins of their forebearers. The Sundral, as they were called at their height, wielded magic unbelievable and were ruled by a group of twelve powerful sorcerers called the Sagarii. The Sagarii damned their people, their lands, their very existence. The peninsula they once called home now a blasted wasteland inhabited by shades of men, barely recognizable as human. You mother said Remari was their word for corpse.

Devel continues, unabashed. “The whole brewed from the plants and soil of the doomed land thing scares most away.” He shrugs. “We’re not all aberrations, as some would have you believe. And the tea does have tremendous healing properties, I would offer it to all my patients, should I be able to convince them it’s safe to drink and find a large enough supply of the ingredients.” You force a smile and stare down at the liquid in your cup. “Thank you, I’ve never had the opportunity to try such a tea before.” His grin widens into a smile. “Why, of course!” He pauses to take another sip.

“Now, if I may...” You nod, allowing him to continue. “This hobgoblin, he was described to me as being unique. No creature, save our lovely Optra, should be able to support near the amount of weight he was reported to bear. Is this correct?” You nod. “He was wider than he was tall, and massively strong. He moved slowly at first but when he first tried to attack me... it was like he burst into action. I’ve never seen anyone move that quickly.” Devel nods, taking in every word. “Do you have any idea what could have brought about such a reaction?” You shrug. “I’m not sure if they’re connected, but there were ten goblins he fed a liquid to, they changed.” Devel perks up, actually scooting his chair closer to you. “Changed, how?” You describe how each of them changed as best you can remember, with each description Devel grows more excited, more frantic. “Did any of these tinctures survive? Were any recovered?” You shake your head. “I’m unsure, not that I know of.”

Devel deflates slightly. “Well, if I could ask a favor, should you find any of them please bring them to me. I would very much like to see their usage in person.” You nod. “I can do that.”

>Continued.

>>3442099

Devel stands suddenly and spins around to fetch parchment, and a quill and ink. He sits back down and begins hurriedly jotting down notes and sketching diagrams of goblins. “I should like to see any of the bodies of the changed goblins, that survived well enough to be dissected. I’ll speak to a captain about retrieving them.” He speaks more to himself than you. You nod along anyways, before glancing back down at your tea. “I should be going, I’ll tell you if I come across any of those potions.” Devel looks up at you with that disturbing smile. “Thank you Kanard.” You nod again. “Of course.”

>>Finish your tea.

>>Leave the cup full.

>>3442109
>>>Finish your tea.

>>3442109
>Finish the tea

>>3442109
>>>Finish your tea.

>>3442039
I’m alive, still feel like crap but I’ll be fine. Thank you for asking!

>>3442109
>>>Finish your tea.

>>3442109
>Finish your tea.

>>3442109
>Finish your tea
We have manners after all

>>3442111
>>3442113
>>3442144
>>3442177
>>3442181
>>3442290
Finishing your tea, childhood superstitions be damned! Writing

>>3442113
+Tell him that there is celebration and if it's ok to drink alcohol.

>>3442295
Why? I don’t think getting sloshed will help us recover our leg injury any faster.

>>3442405
What i meant to ask if it's ok to mix alcohol with this tea?

You drink the rest of the tea in a few gulps before making your excuses to leave. You get the feeling that, despite him seeming entirely focused on his work, Devel is watching as you drink it. You pause at the door. “One question.” Devel lifts his head slightly. “Hmmm?” You motion towards the pair of tea cups. “Does Remari tea react with alcohol?” Devel shakes his head. “No, you will be quite fine.” You pull the door open. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

You stroll out toward the square in front of the inn, Sandon sits at the arranged tables picking at the last of a meal. He motions you over and points towards a plate of food. “I got myself too much, you want it?” You shrug and help yourself. Sandon grins at you over the his last few bites. “Think I can bring that serving girl home tonight? I mean she seemed interested last time, and I’m pretty sure she saw me carrying Andron out of the alley.” You cant help but laugh, nearly choking on your food. “You sound like we’re boys again.” Sandon’s face tints red. “Yeah well, it’s exciting you know? We’re in a city, fighting battles... I don’t want to spoil it with paid company or some ugly hag.”

Nurmen drops down next to you, a plate of food in his unbound hand. “I had a feeling women were being spoken of.” Payter follows a moment later, balancing a plate and a pair of drinks. Sandon fixes a friendly glare at Nurmen. “There’s a woman, at the tavern. Blonde, ass that could tempt a Dumarian monk...” Nurmen grins. “Let me guess, you bedded her and think she’s yours?” Sandon glances down at his plate. “Not exactly.”

Nurmen laughs, obnoxiously. “You haven’t slept with her yet?” He glances between the three of you. “I wager, I can bag her before Sandon does with one arm... tied to my front.” He flats his bandaged arm jokingly. Sandon puffs up, you recognize it immediately. A fire’s been lit under him. “I’ll take that wager.” Nurmen gives you a subtle wink. “Ah, the eagerness of youth. It pales in comparison to the experience of age, at least in the field of women.” Sandon’s face goes redder. “We’ll see about that.”

Payter, having busied himself with eating during the exchange, lifts his head. “Let’s get going then, enough talk. I need a few drinks.” Nurmen and Sandon nod and rise from the table, you and Payter follow a moment later. The two of them hurry off, staying a few paces ahead of the two of you. Payter smirks, not needing to speak quietly as Nurmen and Sandon engage in a very loud bout of boasting to each other about previous conquests. “Nurmen can be quite the prick, but he’s a good motivator when he wants to be.” You smile. “I’ll have to thank him in Sandon’s behalf later.” Payter nods. “You ready for tonight? Me and Nurmen have celebrated our fair share of successes, a good number of failures too, but we’re experts. Think you can keep up?”

>>Choices coming next post.

>>3442579

>>”I’ll do my best.”

>>”You’re the one who needs to get ready, you haven’t seen how the boys of my village can drink.”

>>”Sandon and I once split a keg of Dumarian bourbon... we paid for it the next three days. Sandon thought he was blind for a while, but we finished it. I’ll be alright.”

>>Write in

>>3442589
>>”I’ll do my best.”

No need to brag

>>3442589
>>”You’re the one who needs to get ready, you haven’t seen how the boys of my village can drink.”
Friendly banter amongst men.

>>3442589
>”I’ll do my best.”
Flashbacks to this
>”Sandon and I once split a keg of Dumarian bourbon... we paid for it the next three days. Sandon thought he was blind for a while, but we finished it. I’ll be alright.”

>>3442589
>>”I’ll do my best.”

>>3442589
>"I must confess that no matter how watered down my ale drinking has always laid me low. I hope you will have mercy on me tonight."

>>3442626
>>3442649
>>3442664
“I’ll do my best” takes it writing.

You shrug. “I’ll do my best.” Payter smirks. “Good, that’s all I’d ask for. Besides, your best up to this point has been pretty good.” He glances around he street. “So you grew up around these parts, right?” You nod. “Not far from here, it’s a small village.” You still marvel at how many people are crammed into this city. “It’s a fine country, shielded from the worst of the world by those mountains and flanked by the sea. My home of Dumaria, though it sits against the other side of the mountains, is much more volatile. Raiders from every direction except this one.” He lets out a single, dark chuckle. “Suppose that’s why the god-queen pushes missionaries so hard on your people.” You nod. “I remember the first time they came to our village, they’re quite good and working up a crowd.” Payter smiles. “Aye, they are.”

The two of you arrive at the tavern a moment later, Sandon and Nurmen already having let themselves inside. You find the pair of them sitting at a corner table, a drink waiting for you and Payter. Sandon’s quarry is leaving the table as you both sit. Nurmen hides a half-grin. “He’s got stones, your friend. Asking her to join us once she’s free from work. She said she would, looking at me the entire time.” Sandon gulps down his first drink. “Fat chance, she couldn’t take her eyes off of me.” Payter smacks his hand down on the table.

“Boys! There’ll be time for that later!” He raises his mug. “We’ve survived another one.” He nods at Nurmen and Sandon. “And you, you’ve survived your first.” He tilts the mug towards you. Nurmen chimes in. “His first time and he’s already outdone the great Payter!” Payter continues, ignoring the comment. “We’re going to keep surviving them too! We’ve got each other’s backs and that’s all you need, brothers in bloodshed and in shed blood!” The three of you raise your mugs and smash them together, Sandon’s empty mug ringing hollow while the other three slosh their contents on the table below them. You, Nurmen, and Payter bring the mugs to your mouths and, like Sandon a moment before, drain them in a single go. Another three rounds follow in rapid succession, and the four of you settle into a steady rhythm of drinking. Payter turns to each of you, seemingly unaffected by the last few rounds. “Let’s have a story, since you and Kanard are still new, still unfamiliar. What’s your proudest moment? Nurmen, why don’t you start.” Nurmen, looking slightly off-kilter smiles to himself. “Well, obviously, it was bedding that Samfati princess. Had her convinced I was a lord from a far away land, was going to take her away. Shame her betrothed found us and I had to kill him.” Three sets of eyes turn to you.

>>Choices incoming

>>3442821
>>Sounds dumb but, joining the company. It’d been a story since I was a boy.

>>Me and a few of the boys from my village’s militia drove off a band of Samfatian slavers, the people we freed threw us a feast.

>>Bedding this fiery trader from Melogia, red of hair and energetic

>>Write in (don’t go too crazy)


>———————

>>Headed into work now, I’ll try and get an update in tonight but if not, see you all tomorrow.

>>3442825
>>>Me and a few of the boys from my village’s militia drove off a band of Samfatian slavers, the people we freed threw us a feast.
Have a good one.

>>3442825
>>>Me and a few of the boys from my village’s militia drove off a band of Samfatian slavers, the people we freed threw us a feast.

>>3442825
>>Bedding this fiery trader from Melogia, red of hair, large breasts, and energetic

At least this way when we die next mission we won’t die a virgin.

>>3442825
So this is to see the background?

>>3443256
>>3442825

>>Me and a few of the boys from my village’s militia drove off a band of Samfatian slavers, the people we freed threw us a feast.

>>3442825
>Sounds dumb but, joining the company. It’d been a story since I was a boy.

>>3442825
>>Me and a few of the boys from my village’s militia drove off a band of Samfatian slavers, the people we freed threw us a feast.

>>3439859
Then don't interrupt it in the first place.

Just wanted to let you all know that I’m not dead and the quest isn’t abandoned!

I do have appendicitis though, so I will be out of commission for a few days. I’m currently in the hospital and I’m scheduled for the first of two surgeries to fix it. I will let you guys know on here and on Twitter when updates are going to resume.

>>3445835
good luck with that QM, hope everything turns out alright

>>3445835
Qm curse is realm I hope you get better soon

>>3445835
Just cut that shit out and be done with this in one go.That how I did it. Well I didn't have a choice because it's broken and spilled on the inside. So maybe done do it. Well be well

>>3445835
Ouch, get well soon and hopefully surgery goes well.

We should use this time and vote for upgrade

>Hale and Hearty I - +25 HP You feel a new vigor coursing through your veins.

>Armor Mastery I - Armor values increased (multiply by 1.25, rounding down) OR armor dex penalties decreased. (Multiply by .75, rounding up)

>>3448463
Sounds like a good idea.

>>3448463
How about we wait until we are at the point to vote for the training?

>>3448837
We can pick training with already made decision on upgrades. This one is quite important one so it would be wise to spend some time thinking about it.

I don't know what choosing training decision changes.

>>3450050
The Qm said he would present some combinations for vote later, the training vote has nothing to do with it I think

>>3448463
But which side of armor mastery?

>>3445846
>>3445858
>>3446068
>>3446070

Appreciate the well wishes! I’m home and I’ll be starting updates tomorrow around noonish, as usual!

>>3448463
>>3448528
>>3448837
>>3450050
>>3450419
I’m completely open to you guys deciding on where to spend skill points when I’m not updating. I’d just apply the decision to the next time you guys picked training.

Or like >>3450083 said, I’m happy to throw up a couple of combinations of skills.

If anyone has a better idea on how to handle spending skill points, I’m all ears.

>>3456319
I think if you put up some combination options with the ones mentioned already and the possibility of write in for others to present their combinations would be good.

it would make for a cleaner vote and it would be easier to count

>>3456319
Welcome back!Glad everything went well.

>>3456322
Yeah I’m thinking that’s the best way to handle it.

>>3456396
Thank you!

Welcome back op, hope everything went well?

>>3442846
>>3442930
>>3443258
>>3443374
Militia defeats slavers. Writing.

>>3456729
Everything went well, thank you!

You think back, your mind crossing a few possible stories before you settle on one. “Well. When I first joined the militia, there was a group of Samfati slavers who were terrorizing the area...” Sandon interrupts. “I remember that, that was before you convinced me to join up with you.” You nod. “They took a few children from our village. The commander of the militia, he was an old veteran, decided we would give chase.” You shake your head. “He takes thirty men, all of us barely armed and him the only one with armor. We track those horsemen for three days before we find where they’d set up camp.” A shiver runs down your spine, remembering your nerves that day. A notched longsword and a shield made up of old and half rotten planks were the only things you had.

“Our commander has us wait for nightfall. The southern slavers think they’re hidden, he says, so they’ll spend the night drinking and singing and testing out the women they’d captured. So we spend the day waiting.” The three of them listen with interest. “The commander maps the sentry’s routes and once it’s dark enough he slits two of their throats to create an opening. We barge into the camp weapons at the ready and find sixty men in the middle of their prayer service. None of them are armed, so chaos erupts as they scramble to get weapons and we scramble to kill them before they can. A half dozen sentries end up joining the fight, but we’ve got surprise and desperation on our side.”

“We lost twelve men in that fight, but saved hundred men women and children from villages that sat miles north. We were content to leave, give these people some supplies and take the children from our village back home.” You can help but grin at the next part of the story. “But this huge woman, Gertrude, size of a dairy cow stomps over to us. She demands that we take a seat, that since we saved their lives they were going to cook for us. The Samfatians had brought another month’s worth of provisions with them...” you laugh to yourself. “I swear we finished all of it that night, I’d never been so full of food.” The three of them grin. Sandon adds. “That’s the story that got me into the militia, I heard him tell that the day they got back and wanted a piece of the action.”

Payter glances between Sandon and you. “A good story, was it your first real battle?” You nod. “So you’ve been a fighter since the first time you picked up a blade, I can say the same.” He smiles happily to himself. “Guess it’s my turn then. My axe, I claimed from a Ghent’s retainer in single combat.” Sandon perks up. “A Ghent?” Payter nods. “It’s what the lords of the Nortjunder’s are called. Brutal bastard who rule by force of arms, it’s the only way those tribes stay alive though.” He shakes his head, finding his way back to his train of thoughts. “We were sent as missionaries to the north.”

>C

>>3457806
“We got snowed in with one of the tribes. They wanted to butcher us. Take our supplies, not share their own. My brothers were young, the leader of our mission old, most of us were women. I knew that nearly every member of that tribe was a warrior, knew they fought for every moment of their short lives. So, I found the biggest bastard who wasn’t the chief. Challenged him. The entire tribe, and my whole mission, gathered around to watch this guy supposedly pummel me to death. Since I challenged him, he picks the weapons. He picks axes, since I don’t have one he has one of his people hand me a simple axe for chopping wood. He pulls out what’s now my axe. Beautiful, deadly, dark as sin.” He pauses to take a sip from his mug. “He underestimated me, I hamstrung him after we danced around each other for a while. I tried to show mercy, let him live and he nursed back to health. His chieftain, his Ghent, lopped his head off with his own axe. Handed me both axe and head, said our people were to be left alone.”

You can’t help but respect the story, Payter seems to be more dangerous than he lets on. Now the three of you turn to focus on Sandon. You notice he’s hesitating to tell his story, waiting for the serving girl to be within earshot. Once she is he begins. “You all know that hammer? The one I use to batter through those goblins that plagued this city?” The three of you murmur yes. “I forged that hammer, my father always taught us that the first thing you make with your own hands is something to defend yourself and your family with.” He glances over at the woman, flashing her a smile. “I spent an entire month perfecting it, shaping the haft to fit my grip, adjusting the weight so each swing felt natural, making it well and truly mine. It’s served me well, and earned me a fair bit of coin.” The serving girl comes over, depositing a fresh round of drinks onto the table she smiles back at Sandon.

“So, you ready to join us yet?” She glances between the three of you. “The table looks full, why don’t we go somewhere more private, so we can talk while I take a break?” He nods and she takes him by the hand, leading him towards the back doors. Nurmen and Payter both let out small laughs. “Finally. Took him long enough.” Nurmen says before grabbing Sandon’s abandoned mug and drinking it. He turns to you. “So fresh-meat, the greyslayer. You going to hang around with us old salts, or have you had enough?”


>>Stay for a few more drinks.

>>Bow out, best to get some sleep before it’s too late.

>>3457808
>>>Bow out, best to get some sleep before it’s too late.
still recovering

>>3457808
>>>Bow out, best to get some sleep before it’s too late.
We are still recovering after all.

>>3457808

>>Bow out, best to get some sleep before it’s too late.

Maybe visit the goldsmith in the morning

>>3457808
>>>Bow out, best to get some sleep before it’s too late.
>>3457831
Supporting. Let's do some visiting of our own.

>>3457808
>>>Stay for a few more drinks.

>>3457822
>>3457825
>>3457831
>>3457868
Bow out.

>>3457891
Stay.

Heading home early takes it. Writing. We can definitely visit the goldsmith in the morning.

You glance towards the door as someone exits, moonlight barely filters through. You shake your head. “My leg is still healing, best to go now before I try to drunkenly stumble back and injure it.” Nurmen smirks. “Fine, leave to me drink alone with this stick in the mud. I’ll see if a few dozen more drinks loosen him up some.” Payter narrows his eyes playfully. “If I remember correctly, the last three times we’ve drank together I carried you back to the inn.” Nurmen laughs. “That’s because you stopped drinking well before I did!” Payter shakes his head. “That’s because I know when enough is enough. But Kanard, take it easy walking back and next time we drink there will be no excuses. Okay?” You smile. “Okay. I’ll see you two in the morning, I expect.” Nurmen shrugs. “Or the next day, maybe.” Payter shrugs, mimicking Nurmen. “Or the following day. But go, and rest.” You give both of them a final smirk and leave the table.

You make your way out towards the door, gently working your way through the building crowd in the tavern. You exit and the moon sits high overhead, the fresh air reignites the alcohol diluting your blood. You walk slowly, remembering the easy path back to the inn. The streets are relatively empty, people mill about several of them drunk like you. You smirk happily to yourself, thinking of visiting Helena at her father’s shop in the morning. Your mind wanders, picturing her happily embracing you, her father gifting you with wonderful trinkets, her gifting you with… You snap back to reality, best not get ahead of yourself.

You turn at the end of a street, expecting to find the inn you call home awaiting you. Instead you find a dead end, the unfamiliar street headed off by a large wagon. The wagon’s side is open a stuffed full of items of every variety. Anything from swords, to exotic fruits, to simple bits of scrap metal. An old man sits cross-legged on a large rug in front of the wagon. A long pipe, long enough that the end rests upon the carpet while still in the old man’s mouth, slowly lets out a fragrant smoke. His skin is like tanned leather, old and tough. Bright blue eyes pop open and lock on you. “Ah! Come to Browse Imhera’s wares! Yes? Something has caught your eye, no?” He rises on creaking joints and waves his hand with a flourish.

>>That egg, the size of your chest, it’s gentle wobbles caught your attention.

>>The ring, though small the strange sparkle it emits locks your gaze to it, something about it evokes feelings of triumph

>>A bracelet, a small bone with a hole drilled into each end and a length of knotted cord looped through it. The morbid token leaves you with a feeling of safety.

>>Something about this is not right, turn and leave.

>>3458006
>>>A bracelet, a small bone with a hole drilled into each end and a length of knotted cord looped through it. The morbid token leaves you with a feeling of safety.

hpppppp, armooooor

>>3458006
>>>The ring, though small the strange sparkle it emits locks your gaze to it, something about it evokes feelings of triumph

>>3458006
>> something about this is not right, what are these bought with merchant?

>>3458019
this is good too, we should ask about the price before anything else

>>3458006
>>That egg, the size of your chest, it’s gentle wobbles caught your attention.

>>3458006
>Something about this is not right, turn and leave.

nah man not any of this magical bullshit for me

>>3458014
The Ring

>>3458033
The Egg

>>3458039
Leaving

>>3458019
>>3458022
The Cost.

Asking about a price wins. Writing.

The hair on the back of your neck leaps up, something strange is happening. You turn to the merchant, away from his wares. “What are these bought with, merchant?” He smiles and stares at you for a moment. “Ah. Price, yes.” He looks back at the collection behind him. “You would agree, everything here is priceless, no?” You see a few things that seems to be simple junk, but you nod anyways. There seems to be a fair share of treasure amongst the trash. “Indeed. Priceless. Yes.” He steps closer to you.

“The only way to transfer a priceless item is a trade, no?” His breath stinks of liquor and the sweet smell of his pipe. “So we would trade but what would you want in return?” He pauses, silent at your question. “Nothing you would miss, yes.” You give him a puzzled look. “Maybe once there were five, now three or four or two, no?” You shake your head. “Six of what?” He smiles. “See? You do not even know what it is! Nothing you would miss, yes.” He turns back to his wares and takes a long draw from his pipe. “You will look now, no?” He exhales a cloud of smoke and turns to you. His wrinkled features shining in the moonlight. “Old Imhera has forever, but you do not, yes?”

>>The Ring

>>The Egg

>>The Bracelet

>>Ask for the truth.

>>Leave

>>3458082
>>>Ask for the truth.
Otherwise
>>>Leave
This sounds shady as hell.

>>3458082
>>>Ask for the truth.
don't like this one bit, storming out seems like a good idea all of a sudden

>>3458082
> I refuse to buy an item for an obscure price. If you wish for this trade tell me what I am giving.

>>3458082
>Leave

>>3458089
>>3458091
>>3458093
Asking for the truth. Going to try and knock this out before work.

“I won’t make a trade not knowing what I’m giving up.” The old man takes a step back. “The truth is what you seek, no?” You nod. “Yes. The truth. What is it I’m giving up if we trade?” A small smile crosses the lips of the old man. “The truth is different to each man, yes?” He doesn’t wait for a response. “You ask me to tell you what you would give up but how can I tell you that which you do not know, no?” You shake your head. “Enough riddles, if you want this trade I’ll have you speak plainly.”

The old man shuffles away, looking through the collection of items. His fingers glance the egg, which wobbles more at his touch. The ring shines just slightly brighter as he approaches it. The bracelet almost hums in your ear as he lifts it to inspect the cord. His fingers brush the edge of a blade studded with black gems which runs ice through your veins. He stops before a warped mirror and inspects himself before speaking again. “To speak plainly… yes.” He turns back to you. “Can you speak plainly when you describe color to a man with no eyes, no.” He shuffles two steps closer. “Am I to believe you can explain sound to the deaf, yes?” His bright eyes shine, collecting and pooling the light of the moon. “I seek no trade, I am happy with each treasure I possess, it is you who came to me, no?” He wrinkles his nose. “Old Imhera never refuses a trade, but he does not seek them, yes.” He lowers himself back into a cross-legged position and closes his eyes, drawing deeply from his pipe. “If you would trade, trade, no?” He exhales another cloud of perfumed smoke.

>>Deal. (Which item)

>>No Deal.

>—————

>>Off to work, I’ll try to update later tonight though.

>>3458082
>The Egg
It's years of our lives.

>>3458130
>>>No Deal.

>>3458130
>>>No Deal.

>>3458130
>no deal. I cant imagine you get many buyers like this.

>>3458130
>>No Deal.

>>3458130
>the bracelet

>>3458130
>>No Deal.
It's either our life or our squad mates. Weird creepy gypsy dude should be reported to the doc and our captain.

>>3458130
>>No Deal.

>>3458131
The Egg.

>>3458184
The Bracelet.

>>3458562
>>3458462
>>3458334
>>3458147
>>3458144
>>3458141
>>3458137
No deal. Writing.

You grit your teeth. “I can’t imagine many people trade with you, with such loose terms.” The old man simply shrugs, paying more attention to his pipe. “You would be surprised, many men are gamblers when the cost is low, yes?” You shake your head. “I’ll have to decline. Your terms are too vague.” He nods, a look of what might be sorrow crosses his face. “I expected as much from you, your gifts would have brought you great strength but some men must make their own way, no?”

You shrug, unsure of how to answer him and turn to leave. His voice echoes behind you as you make your way back down the street. “My trinkets remain mine for another day. Stay well, stay safe so we may meet again Kanard, yes?”

You turn at the mention of your name, a question springing to your lips, but the world spins around you. Your vision blurs and you feel a sensation of falling. Just before you would have hit the ground you spring up.

The sun pours through the window of your bunks, burning your eyes as they adjust. You sit up in bed covered in a sheen of sweat. A glance out the window tells you that it’s already well into the morning. Payter sits on the bottom bunk across the room, running an oilcloth over the black blade of his axe. “Good morning, or what’s left of it.” He greets you with a smile. “You got in after we did. What did you get up to last night? Had a girl waiting for you and didn’t want to admit it?”

>>Mention the strange man.

>>Say you got lost, best to keep this to yourself for now.

>>3458944
>>Mention the strange man.

>>3458944

>>Say you got lost, best to keep this to yourself for now.

>>3458944
>>Mention the strange man.

>>3458944
>>>Mention the strange man

>>3458944
>>>Mention the strange man.

You swing your legs over the side of the bed, letting them hang for a moment. It seems Devel’s tea actually did help, as your leg feels stronger and steadier. “I ended up taking a wrong turn, found myself at this wagon.” Payter glances up at you intrigued. “And there was this man there, ancient by any standard. He spoke in riddles, offered to trade three objects for… he wouldn’t explain what the price was.” Payter stares at you for a moment. “Did you make the trade?” You shake your head. “No, he said that five would become four or three or two. But wouldn’t say what that meant. I didn’t want to take the chance. He knew my name though.” Payter scratches at stubble beginning to collect on his chin. “If I were still a godly man, I’d say maybe you met one of the gods.” A bitter look crosses his face at the mention of his people’s religion. “But I’ve seen the true face of the gods I was raised to believe in. They’re nothing but men and women wearing masks to appear as something greater. Did this man name himself?” You nod.

“Imhera.” He thinks for a moment, you can see the gears turning in his head. “He’s not any god that I know of. None of the twelve of my people’s, the Nortjunder’s three, or the guises of the many-faced god of Melogia. Perhaps he’s one of your primordials?” You think back, your father was never much a believer in anything but coin but your mother believed. You try to remember their names as she would sing to you as a boy. You recite it as best you can remember. “Gurrut, the currents of blood and sea. Ashmaim, the spark of soul and flame. Hemrai, the stones of bone and soil…. I can’t remember the fourth. Sandon would know, his parents were both more devout.” Payter nods. “Maybe it’s the fourth one then, but I doubt it. Probably just a crazy old man.” He rises from his bunk. “Speaking of Sandon though, he asked me to give you this.”

He bends down and pulls a large package from underneath his and Sandon’s bunk. The shape gives it away as the massive cleaver the hobgoblin tried to kill you with. “He wanted to give it to you himself, but Sigmund asked if he would accompany him to the governor’s estate. He took Optra as well, said he was going to be carrying quite a bit of gold back and could use help.” He rises, lifting the heavy cleaver towards you. You drop down from your elevated bed and take the weapon, setting it on Nurmen’s bunk to unwrap it. The brutal weapon has been cleaned and oiled from the lack of blood and shine on the blade. “Almost puts my axe to shame, massive bastard he was.” You lift the heavy cleaver, nearly your own height in length, with both hands. You marvel, this thing would’ve cut you clean in half. You notice, also in the bundle is the pouch you snatched from Geral’s waist. You’d wondered where it went. Payter moves to leave. “Enjoy your trophy. I’m off to get breakfast, if they’re still serving.”

>Cont

>>3459600

Your stomach rumbles. You could do with some food too. You place the cleaver back in its wrappings, remove the pouch, and slide the weapon underneath your’s and Nurmen’s bunk. You decide to check the pouch, seeing what Geral would have kept hidden. Inside the pouch is a series of twenty loops designed to hold vials, five of them are occupied. Four of the vials hold a clear liquid while the fifth holds a vicious, teal sludge. You wonder if these are the potions he fed those goblins, and what effect they’d have on a human. You close the pouch, for now, and think on what you could do with it.

>>Smash the vials. Better to be safe.

>>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.

>>Drink one? (which)

>>Leave them for now.
>If chosen: Pay for breakfast (-4 Silver) or eat for free

>>3459605
>>>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.
>Eat for free

>>3459605
>>>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.

>>3459605
>>>>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.
>>Eat for free

>>3459605

>>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.

>>3459605
>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.

>>3459605
>Bring them to Devel, he was interested in them.

>>3459610
>>3459619
>>3459621
>>3459622
>>3459628
>>3459682
Bring them to Devel. Writing!

Damn I wasn’t in time I would have voted to drink all of them

>>My apologies guys, got called into work early yesterday and it threw my whole day off.

>>Devel Respect Increased!

You decide Devel would benefit the most from whatever sits inside the vials. You tuck the pouch under your arm and head down the stairs to the surgeon’s quarters. You hurry down the stairs, hoping to make breakfast after you finish giving Devel the potions.

You find the waiting room occupied, a pair of men you don’t recognize sit in the corner and look expectantly at the door. You wait for a moment before the door that leads the the surgery room creaks open and Devel calls from inside. “If you’re both still waiting, and would like to help your comrade. He could use assistance rising.” The two men hurriedly stand and enter the room. A few moments later they return, one of them supporting a third. A large scar crosses the third man’s chest, the new flesh still freshly red and irritated looking. “I told you, her husband wasn’t going to appreciate you sneaking into his bed, Knopp.” The man supporting the injured one scolds his friend quietly. “Sergeant Haftan is furious with you.” The other man remarks as they leave the waiting room.

You knock on the heavy door as you hear the sound of Devel cleaning the surgery room. He turns slowly, all of his movements weak and tired. His gaunt features look even more pale, more sunken in. “Ah, Kanard. How can I help you? Your leg isn’t troubling you, is it?” He sounds exhausted, like he hasn’t slept for a week. “Are you alright, Devel?” He smiles, instead of the usual uncomfortable feeling it evokes in you instead it only summons pity. “Yes, yes. Knopp simply required considerable healing. The use of the powers of my order is… taxing, to say the least.”

You nod. “Enough of me, I will be fine. What brings you to this seldomly voluntarily-visited corner of the company?” You smile. “I have something for you.” You hold the pouch aloft. “Those potions, the ones the goblins took and changed from? I believe I have some of them.” Some of his weariness dissipates as he quickly finishes cleaning the blood stained sheets and replacing them with a fresh pair. “This is excellent news! Into my office, if you please.”

He follows you into the office you shared tea in previously and you set the satchel down on the table before you take a seat. He sits across from you and gingerly touches the leather pouch. “May I?” He looks to you and you nod. His hands nearly tremble, with excitement or exhaustion you’re unsure, as he pulls the pouch open and examines its contents. First he pulls the thick teal potion from its sleeve. He unstoppers it and immediately a horrid scent assaults your nose. It smells like a rotting corpse. Devel nods, speaking to himself. “As much as I expected. Visga Milk.”

>Continued

>>3461838

He rolls the vial towards you. “You should keep that one. It’s a potent poison, you could treat a weapon with. A nasty death, that one. Paralyzed but sensate, breathing just enough to stay conscious as your flesh rots away from the bone at a startling pace.” There’s a gleam in his eye that unsettles you as he describes what the poison does. “I wouldn’t touch it with bare skin, it may seep through your pores and cause intense pain. A thick leather glove should suffice in protecting oneself during application.” You nod and gently lift the vial, tucking into into your belt.

He takes one of the clear vials and unstoppers it. He smells the vial but shakes his head. “No discernible scent…” He stands, turns around, and opens a small cabinet along the back wall. A half dozen rats in cages sit inside the cabinet. One squeaks nervously as he takes it and places it on the desk between you and him. He reaches into the cage and gently lifts the rat and brings it to his face. “Sorry Ehlo, you know I mean no harm.” He pets the rodent for a moment as it calmly rests in his hand. Then he takes the open vial and carefully drips a single drop into the rat’s mouth.

You both watch with bated breath as the rat squirms and squeaks. Devel sets it back in its cage as the change beings to take affect. It’s muscles visibly expand and it nearly doubles in size in a matter of moments. Devel stares fascinated for quite some time after the change has ceased. “This is… incredible!” His eyes dart up towards you. “I suspect these tinctures will occupy much of my free time in the coming days.” He pauses, shifting in his seat. “Should I find them safe for human consumption…” He pauses again. “If I do, would you partake?”

>>Yes

>>No

>AND

>>Ask Devel any questions?

>>3461844
>>No
Not feeling particularly like being a test subject until after long-term animal testing thanks.
>>Ask Devel any questions?
Knowledge of the old man merchant

>>3461844
>>>No, but I'm sure you'll be able to find volunteers.
>>Ask Devel any questions?
Any initial theories on the ingredients?

>>3461844
>>>Yes
If it's safe and can help us fight better maybe, but first I'd like to know if it's temporary or permanent

>>3461844
>>Yes, No, Maybe

>>Ask Devel any questions?
Knowledge of the old man merchant

>>3461873
Support

>>3461844
>No

>Ask Devel any questions?
Do you know someone named Old Imhera?

>>3461844
>>NOPE
I saw one of these potions make a goblin bleed from his eyes. The Hobgoblin dumped him in the boiling soup before I could see the rest of it, and frankly, I have the feeling it was a mercy.

>>3461859
>>3461865
>>3461887
>>3461896
No.

>>3461868
Yes.

>>3461873
>>3461876
Maybe.

No takes it. Asking about Imhera, possible potion ingredients, and warning him about what happened to the goblins. Writing.

“I saw that potion make a goblin bleed from his eyes. The hobgoblin dumped him into the pot before I could see anything else. I suspect being submerged in boiling liquid was a mercy.” Devel grabs a quill and notes down what you said. “Interesting, suggests volatile composition. So I suspect, unless I can guarantee a positive outcome, you would deny imbibing?” You nod. “I’d rather not take the risk.” He nods back. “Reasonable.” You look down at the vials. “Any theories on what’s in it?” He shakes his head. “Too early to tell, I would suspect exotic regeants, like Giant’s Bane or Arrow Frog’s Marrow, but the Hobgoblin would have to be extraordinary well connect to be able to produce a single sample, let alone fourteen, using such things.”

You bob your head like you know what he’s talking about. “One last question. Do you know anyone of the name Imhera? Or Old Imhera?” Devel shakes his head. “It doesn’t sound familiar, why?” You explain the story to him and he regards you with an interested but puzzled look throughout. You mention Payter’s idea of it being something mystical which finally causes Devel to respond. “He indeed sounds like a strange man, but this world is filled to the brim with strange men. I doubt he was a god, or primordial, or what have you. A practitioner of some magic maybe, but still a man.” He pauses. “Should you meet him again… I would very much like it if you could convince him to come here with you. So I may meet him.” You shrug. “He didn’t seem very cooperative, but I could try.”

Devel quickly drops his attention back to the rat. He places his hand in the cage, seemingly checking for increased aggression, The now enlarged rat nuzzles against his hand. “That is a good boy Ehlo.” He glances back at the other cages. “Let us see if your siblings want a taste, yes? I suspect you will have quite a few more brothers and sisters over the next few days.”

He stands and collects another cage from the cabinet. He sets it down carefully and looks up at you. “If I make progress, I will inform you. I should hope to have something of note within a few days.” He pauses, all of his weariness seeming to have faded away in response to his new project. “I thank you, Kanard, for this opportunity. Ask anyone, I never forget a kindness shown to me. I will repay your kindness as soon as I can.” You smile and nod. “Of course, you’re welcome. I’m glad I could give you something interesting.”

>Continued

>>3462036

You head out with another rumble from your empty stomach, hopefully you can catch the end of breakfast. You hurry towards the kitchens and find several of the company’s servants begin the lengthy process of cleaning the kitchens. One of the cooks, his face hidden beneath a mass of tangled crimson beard, stands over the last of the meats and spots you searching for scraps. “Yer late.” Your stomach growls in protest. “You new? I dun recognize yer face. Watcher name?” You nod. “Kanard, ser.” He cocks his head to the side slightly. “You the one they’re goin round callin Greyslayer?” You nod again. “Suppose I could scuse one tardy then.” He fetches a plate, bowl, and mug. “Yer not gettin’ the full spread, but you’ve earned more than a bowla soup and water.” He slices a considerable portion of meat, fills the bowl with still steaming soup, and pours ale into the mug. “Never let anyone tell ya that Tom doesn’t appreciate the work you boys do in the field.” He laughs. “It’s let me grow fat and old, cooking food I don’t have to hunt.” You dip your head in thanks as you balance the food and drink on your arms.

You head out to the courtyard but find most of the tables already gone and the few that remain men are dragging to clear the space. You find a quiet corner and eat sitting on the ground. The food is filling but you’re thankful for the meat, the soup wouldn’t have been enough on its own, not after the last few days you’ve had. You suspect it might do for dinner, if you don’t have an eventful day.

>>Pick one, for now. You should be able to accomplish three over the course of the day.

>>Find Helena’s father’s shop. The Gilded Fountian

>>Light Training (Spend Skill Points)

>>Visit the Quartermaster.

>>Visit with someone. (Who? Sandon, Sigmund, and Optra are unavailable.)

>>Explore the city (Pick a district: Markets, Rich, Slums, or the area around the Inn)

>>Get to know another squad. (What type?)

>>Rest. (Time-skip)

>>Write-in

>>3462042
>>>Find Helena’s father’s shop. The Gilded Fountain

>>3462042
>>>Find Helena’s father’s shop. The Gilded Fountain

>>3462042
>>Find Helena’s father’s shop. The Gilded Fountian

>>3462042
>>>Find Helena’s father’s shop. The Gilded Fountian

>>3462042

>>Find Helena’s father’s shop. The Gilded Fountian

It'd be good to see our rescuee safe and sound.

Since that stint with the slavers back in the village and now the rescue of the two boys and Helena we've became quite the breaker or chains

>>3462042
Thanks for being here and running, Companion.

>if you don’t have an eventful day.

oh, but I hope we do.

>>3462044
>>3462048
>>3462054
>>3462057
>>3462060
Attempting to make a pit stop in bone-town Checking on the woman you saved. Writing.

>>3462061
I do what I can, apologies it’s been spotty as of late!

As long as you guys keep enjoying the story, and Kanard doesn’t bite the dust, I’ll keep writing.

You deposit your dishes back at the kitchen and make your way out through the courtyard, which is already filling up with men sparring. The clatter of metal on metal fades as you make your way out onto the city streets. You see Brand, the scarred captain who would’ve given you the last name horsefucker, leading two squads into the back of a wagon. You head in the opposite direction, towards the market district, intent on finding The Gilded Fountain.

It takes some time to walk to the market district but you find it easy enough. The overwhelming feeling you felt when you first reached Gabriel’s Rest is reignited at the incredibly busy market. Men, women, and children pack themselves into the street. Some bargain with merchants hawking wares out of simple tent stalls, while others wait to press inside the larger and more permanent locations. The sheer variety of shops is overwhelming, smiths of every color, tailors of every fabric, and artisans of every medium. Grocers, Stables, Bakeries, Wineries, Tanneries, Butchers, and Fishmongers crowded the space.

Soon enough, and thanks to the garish sign hanging from the second story, you find The Gilded Fountain. The shop isn’t terribly busy, maybe eight other patrons browse the wares arranged on display in the front room. Three girls, all with a similar look to Helena though at various younger ages, assist those with questions. You feel distinctly underdressed, as everyone else is garbed in silk and jewelry. To her credit, one of the younger girls approaches you. “Welcome to the Gilded Fountain. How may I help you ser? My father makes the finest jewelry in the city, and he not only specialized in working gold but silver as well!” You glance around, taking the shop in. “I’m looking for Helena. She told me I could find her here?” The young girl hides a smile behind her hands. “You’re her rescuer then? She was hoping you’d come, I’ll fetch her.”

>Continued.

>>3462393

Helena exits from a door behind the counter of the shop and her face lights up with a smile when she sees you. She wears a blue dress today, long and silken, and a large gold necklace with a ruby suspended in the middle of it. She motions for you to join her behind the counter. You oblige happily. She leads you back through the door she had just exited and into a small sitting room. The room is lavishly decorated and you imagine that a great many coins have passed hands over business deals made in this room. You catch a glimpse of the younger girl peering through the crack of a door on the far wall. Helena embraces you as you close the door behind you. “I’m glad you came, and I’m glad to see you walking.” You see the cuts on her face have healed and she is quite beautiful now that you have a moment to truly take in her features. Long brown hair, currently done up in a fancy bun. Soft, pale skin, large green eyes. Ample amounts of womanly assets.

“I’d be here even if I had to hobble like I did when we first met.” You both share a smirk. She motions towards the chair. “Sit, sit. Let me get you a glass of wine.” You lower yourself into a cushioned chair, sinking into the soft fabric. Helena grabs two glasses, their long and thin necks decorated with gold filigree. She pours a rich red wine into them and joins you, sitting in the chair next to yours. She presses a glass into your hand. “Any wine as fine as this deserves a toast before drinking it, my father would say.” She looks to you to make that toast as she finishes speaking.

>>”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.”

>>”To you, the most beautiful thing in a place full of treasures.”

>>”To the daring rescue that drew us together, hobble and all.”

>>Write in

>>3462396
>>>”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.”

>>3462396
"To your safety, health and beauty, may I never need to hobble us out of another dungeon."

>>3462396
>>”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.”

>>3462396

>>”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.”

Classy and flattering.

The second one seems to blunt as to why we would be here and the third brings up the topic of het abduction that could sour even the best of wines.

>>3462420
This

>>3462396
>”To lovely company, good health, and a bright future.”

>>3462396
>>>”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.”

>>3462396
>>”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.”

>>3462414
>>3462430
>>3462435
>>3462625
>>3462657
>>3462723
Lovely company.

>>3462420
>>3462613
Safety, health, beauty, and not needing to hobble. I liked this Write in! But the other option takes it writing.

Just a heads up, I don’t know how much updating I’ll be able to do this weekend. I’m going to see Endgame tomorrow and then I’m working after that, and Sunday is my day to sleep in/spend with the girlfriend before work.

You take a moment to come up with a good toast. ”To lovely company, beautiful surroundings, and good health.” Her smile widens as she knocks her glass against yours and she takes a sip of the deep red liquid, you do the same. “Well spoken. So tell me Kanard, from where do you come?” She takes another sip as she awaits your response. “I’m afraid if you’re expect some dashing foreigner, you’ll be disappointed. I come from a village a little over a weeks walk from here.” She smiles. “No I suspected you and I shared this country as our home, I’m surprised you come from so close though. You must be familiar with Gabriel’s Rest then? I’m surprised I haven’t seen you before, I know I would have spotted a face like yours.”

You return her smile. “You are mistaken, it is your face that stands apart among crowds. I actually had never been here before I joined the Brass Companions. My father made a few trips but I was always left behind to tend to the horses.” She leans forward, taking another quick sip. “Your father breeds horses? There is good money in that and yet you became a sellsword.” She taps a finger against her chin playfully. “So I suspect you wanted glory? Women lining up to bed you? Stories built around your name and deeds?” You shrug. “When you put it that way… it does sound enticing, doesn’t it?” She laughs and reaches over to rest a hand on your knee. “It does seem hard to resist. Besides the glory you earned killing that great hobgoblin beast, what other great deeds have you accomplished in your time with the company? I expect someone as seasoned as you to have quite a few stories.”

You shake your head. “I’m afraid that is my only story. I joined the company less than a week ago.” She laughs again, thinking you’re joking, when you don’t laugh with her she pauses. “You weren’t kidding? You killed that thing with only a few days of training?” You shake your head once more. “I served with the militia of my village, but yes. I had only trained for a day before I fought that beast.” She smiles again. “Then truly, you were right in not raising horses. It seems your path is one of glory.”

>>”And women?”

>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”

>——————
>>If the thread dies before I get a chance to update again, I’ll archive it and have a new thread up around noon EST on Monday!

>>3464116
>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations. Speaking of doing what is right...”

>>3464116
>>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”

Besides, I could not let them take you away, no hobgoblin would get in the way of that.

>>3464116
>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”
Some real horn dogs here

>>3464116
>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”

>>3464116

>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”

>>3464116
>>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”

>>3464116

>>>”I just do what is right, I’ve always had a knack for making my way through tough situations.”

>>3464116
This thread is pretty much done. Thanks for running. If you don't archive, I will.