>>3999879
>>A Knight-Errant

>>3999879
>An Eastern Ronin

>>3999879
>An eastern ronin

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>>3999892
>>3999896
>An Eastern Ronin
You hail from the Thousand Lotus Kingdom, an alliance of clans far from the west you find yourself now in. Once you were a samurai serving under a daimyo, now you serve no one. You must forge a new path for yourself.

What do you seek?
>To prove your strength and valor to all in this new land with bared arms
>To become a monster slayer and hunting the most dangerous creatures of these lands
>To prepare yourself for a return to your country
>To do something else... (Write-in)

>>3999918
>>To become a monster slayer and hunting the most dangerous creatures of these lands

>>3999918
>To prove your strength and valor to all in this new land with bared arms
Is that a girl?

>>3999918
>To become a monster slayer and hunting the most dangerous creatures of these lands

>>3999918
>To prove your strength and valor to all in this new land with bared arms

>>3999932
Our ronin sure can be. Whadda ya think, are they gonna be
>Ronin-chan
>Ronin-kun
>Or just keep it ambiguous

>>3999942
>Ronin-chan

>>3999942
>Ronin-chan

>>3999942
>>Ronin-chan

>>3999942
>Ronin-chan

>>3999944
>>3999950
>>3999952
>Ronin-chan
Ronin waifu it is! And since we have a tie for purpose,

>>3999920
>>3999932
>>3999939
>>3999940
>To prove your strength and valor to all in this new land with bared arms
>To become a monster slayer and hunting the most dangerous creatures of these lands
You seek to not only demonstrate your skill to the people of the west, but to it's deadly wildlife as well! None across the continent shall not have heard of your deeds! Now it's only a matter of starting...
The lonesome road you have walked has finally lead you to civilization. A town where houses and shops crowd the main road, people go about their business, and children play their games. The place seems lively, full of life and opportunity.

Where do you go?

>>3999964
a place to eat some food.

>>3999964
We seek out somewhere to eat, drink and hear of these people... and perhaps their woes which we may be able to assist with.

>>3999964
Every good adventure starts in a tavern.

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>>3999965
>>3999966
>>4000295
>Head for the tavern
The rumbling in your stomach is never a good sign. Time to find some food and maybe a problem or two to fix.
You open the door to a building called "The Lizard's Gizzard," and it's full of folks! Feasting, chatting, music playing, a real party going here. Every now and again the patrons heckle the bard for playing a shit song, but the mood in here is even more jovial than it is outside.

What do you do?

>>4000420
Order a drink and meal. Sit next to an interesting patron.

>>4000449
This

>>4000449
support. I bet theres an old man with a funny hat smoking a pipe or something

>>4000449
>>4000496
>>4000505
>Order a drink and meal. Sit next to an interesting patron.
The people in the tavern look at you, more specifically your funny hat, as you order and pass by the super cool dark and brooding loners table to take a seat by the weird old man.
His beard is magnificent, his pipe is aromatic, his hat- oh gods his hat. It's even funnier than yours.
"Greetin's, slit-eye. You gonna try an' sell me somethin'?"
Oh.

>Deny any and all accusations of merchantry
>Accept the role of the travelling eastern saleswoman
>Turn the tables on him and accuse the man of trying to sell you something instead
>Embrace your inner fence-sitter and be vague about your capitalistic intents
>Write-in

>>4000568
>>Turn the tables on him and accuse the man of trying to sell you something instead

>>4000568
>>Turn the tables on him and accuse the man of trying to sell you something instead

>>4000568
>>Deny any and all accusations of merchantry

>>4000578
>>4000622
>Turn the tables on him and accuse the man of trying to sell you something instead
With all the passion of a sore loser who was just defeated at cards, you're prepared to flip this table so hard that acrobats would be envious of its spins! You take a deep breath and prepare to give this old man the speech of his life

You can understand what he's saying, but do you speak his western language?
>Hell no. You'd sooner wash your mouth out with molten steel than learn a word of "Common." Lotus-tongue for life.
>Nope, but you sure can try. Just throw a few words you heard at him and hopefully he'll understand
>Yes, but why should you? He's clearly not being very polite. Maybe hurl a few insults in your native language his way to spice up your speech
>Yes, and you'll use it to absolutely blow this man's mind.

>>4000736
>>Yes, and you'll use it to absolutely blow this man's mind.

>>4000736
>Hell no. You'd sooner wash your mouth out with molten steel than learn a word of "Common." Lotus-tongue for life.

>>4000736
>Yes, and you'll use it to absolutely blow this man's mind.

>>4000736
>>Yes, and you'll use it to absolutely blow this man's mind.

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>>4000756
>>4000764
>>4000819
>Yes, and you'll use it to absolutely blow this man's mind.
You may be a dirt language-traitor, but it gives the benefit of making international travel viable for you.
You run linguistic circles around this old man, his feeble mind can't even begin to comprehend the doublethink logic you're hitting him with. You? Sell HIM something? nonono, HE'S the salesman here, and right now, you're not interested. He's gonna have to really step his game up of he wants your dosh.
As your rousing words come to a close, the old man with the funny hat is positively stunned at the storm-tide of words that just assaulted his mind.
"I-I..."

>Keep going! He needs to be put in his place!
>Let his mind be. Don't want to break him
>Demand he sell to you at an extreme discount for your trouble
>Write-in

>>4000863
>Demand he sell to you at an extreme discount for your trouble

>>4000863
>>Demand he sell to you at an extreme discount for your trouble

>>4000863
>>Keep going! He needs to be put in his place!

>>4000863
>Demand he sell to you at an extreme discount for your trouble

>>4000919
>>4000926
>>4001000
>Demand he sell to you at an extreme discount for your trouble
You are downright sick of this geezer thinking he can charge you with merchantry. As a final nail in the coffin, you assert that all of his goods should be given to you for free whenever you ask! Though you are a benevolent customer, and offer to buy at an eighty percent discount instead.
In awe, the old man blinks at you.

"What the fuck."

The tavern is silent in wake of your rant. Looking around, you see the eyes of every patron staring back. On second thought, that might not have been awe in his eyes, but intense confusion. How embarrassing.

Quick! Do something!
>Quickly try to convince the tavern you were just kidding
>Stick to your figurative guns. You will not be swindled by some uppity old merchant!
>Sit there and bask in the pure, unadulterated awkwardity of the room
>SMOKE BOMB! Paffsshht!
>Write-in

>>4001021
>Sit there and bask in the pure, unadulterated awkwardity of the room

>>4001021
>SMOKE BOMB! Paffsshht!

>>4001021
>>Quickly try to convince the tavern you were just kidding

>>4001021
>Sit there and bask in the pure, unadulterated awkwardity of the room

>>4001021
>Stick to your figurative guns. You will not be swindled by some uppity old merchant!

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>>4001059
>>4001082
>Sit there and bask in the pure, unadulterated awkwardity of the room
You slowly sink back into your seat and let the quiet over take you, your face now glowing bright red. Someone coughs uncomfortably, and the old man looks at you with pity in his eyes. You've successfully prolonged the unbearable silence.
(Perk Gained: Madness Suppression Device)
- Whenever you get the urge to go on a strange rant, your scarf will give you a second chance to rethink your strategy.

...Ahem, sooo...
>Stick to your brand new metaphorical guns and keep sitting, hoping something happens to save you
>Attempt to crack a joke even though the comedy window of opportunity is long gone
>Idly check through your things to try and avoid noticing the tavern any more than you already have
>Get up and halfheartedly yell "SMOKE BOMB" before shuffling out of the tavern
>Write-in

>>4001180
>Stick to your brand new metaphorical guns and keep sitting, hoping something happens to save you

>>4001180
>>Idly check through your things to try and avoid noticing the tavern any more than you already have

>>4001180
>Stick to your brand new metaphorical guns and keep sitting, hoping something happens to save you

>>4001180
>Stick to your brand new metaphorical guns and keep sitting, hoping something happens to save you

>>4001180
>>Stick to your brand new metaphorical guns and keep sitting, hoping something happens to save you

>>4001186
>>4001202
>>4001222
>>4001278
>Stick to your brand new metaphorical guns and keep sitting, hoping something happens to save you
Deciding to stay quiet, you decide to get acquainted with your scarf. You hold the fabric over your mouth and nose, keeping you from saying anything else strange. You also find that your scarf smells like tea, mint, and oranges. This comforts you somewhat.
(Perk Upgrade: Madness Suppression and Comfort Device)
- Along with giving you time to think before you speak, your scarf also allows you to calm yourself down by taking a few deep breaths into it.

"There, there.", it seems to tell you. "This isn't nearly as bad as you think, don't worry."
As the patrons starts to turn their attention away from you, a young man calls through the tavern door, "Oy, festival's startin' soon!" A number of the patrons, mostly the strong and hardy among them, rise from their seats and begin to trickle out the door.

Festival? Where are they off to?
>Stay put and stew in your citrus-flavored shame
>Head out the door with the others to see what this festival business is
>Ask the old man what's happening
>Write-in

>>4001285
>Ask the old man what's happening
He already took pity of us, we may as well make an acquaintance

>>4001285
>>Ask the old man what's happening

>>4001285
>Ask the old man what's happening

>>4001293
>>4001315
>>4001351
>Ask the old man what's happening
The old man nods and takes a drink as he watches you smell your scarf. "Take all the time you need, slit-eye."
Once the utter embarrassment has mostly left your system, you ask him why everybody is leaving. "Festival of the Red Star.", he says. "It's ehhh... sorta party for 'em goin' off to compete in that big city tournament that goes on 'bout now. S'posed to grant 'em blessin's of luck in battle from them spirits of Phyrus, that big 'ol red bastard you can see 'round the start of the year."
He points upwards as he says the name. "Outsiders are welcome, if that's your thin'."
Strange though, you know that star isn't called Phyrus. Her name is Shiho, and having her messengers come to you is supposed to mean your year is to be cursed with misfortune.
More of the patrons begin to go, the light from outside shining the sign of dusk into the tavern.

>Correct the man on Shiho's actual name and significance.
>Ask about the man himself
>Ask about yourself
>Leave the tavern as the other patrons do
>Write-in

>>4001393
>>Ask about the man himself

>>4001393
>Correct the man on Shiho's actual name and significance.

>>4001393
>> ask about the man himself
Then we will go to the bout to kick some western ass.

>>4001393
>Correct the man on Shiho's actual name and significance.

>>4001393
>Correct the man on Shiho's actual name and significance
It's our burden to guide such filthy gaijin

>>4001393
>Correct the man on Shiho's actual name and significance.

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>>4001404
>>4001468
>>4001471
>>4001472
>Correct the man on Shiho's actual name and significance.
You tell the man of Shiho. One of the first leaders of the Thousand Lotus clans. The Red Wind was said to have the supernatural to feel the land and know when the country would come under attack. She would send her messengers with an offer to any who would invade, warning them that they would receive only pain and suffering in their conquest. She never lost a battle during her reign, and when she felt the land tell her that her time was up, Shiho was said to have turned into red dust that danced away on the wind. The day after she was gone, a red star appeared in the sky and marked her as one of the ascended rulers of the Thousand Lotus clans.
The man gives you a funny look. "Aaalright then... Well he's Phyrus here, so keep that straight."
>>4001402
>>4001427
>Ask about the man himself
"What me? Ah, nothin' to tell. Just an' old fucker livin' the days he's got left."
As you open your mouth he shushes you, saying, "An' no, I ain't no merchant, so I can't give you any discounts. I'm a professional tavern-sitter now."
When you realize he hasn't said his name, he tells you. "Ol' Alain. Mr. Eliee if you wanna be formal... eh, apologies 'bout settin' you off earlier, girl."

The last of the people start to leave the tavern. The sounds of music are growing louder and louder

Sounds like things should be starting soon.
>Keep talking with Alain
>Thank Alain for the conversation and leave
>Leave without thanking the man
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab
>Write-in

>>4001476
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab

Like a boss

>>4001476
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab
That's the discount

>>4001476
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab

>>4001476
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab

>>4001476
I am up for thanking him but leaving without paying our tab

>>4001529
Shoulda made that an extra option. All combos and that. Quick addition!
>Keep talking with Alain
>Thank Alain for the conversation and leave
>Leave without thanking the man
>Thank Alain but leave without paying
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab
>Write-in

>>4001537
>Thank Alain but leave without paying

>>4001537
I’m still sticking with this

>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab

>>4001537
I stick with neither paying nor thanking

>>4001537
I stand by my earlier vote.

>>4001537
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab

>>4001547
>>4001551
>>4001553
>>4001564
>Leave without thanking him or paying your tab
You rise from the table, picking your bag back up and slinging it over your shoulder, then try to head for the door without the barkeep noticing. It's partly for greed's sake, but it also has to do with the fact that your coin purse is flatter than a mid-costal servant "girl"'s chest.
Luckily for you, he's too busy hitting on his own barmaids to notice much of anything.
Once outside you see the townspeople gathered together around a large wooden platform. Many of them hold candles, torches, and other flammable sources of light. Music plays through the crisp air, night is fast approaching

Taking an educated guess, that's probably the festival
>Go join in on the festivities
>Hang back and watch from afar
>Leave this town an head back on the ol' lonesome road
>Write-in

>>4001576
>Go join in on the festivities
There might be coin in this!

>>4001576
>Hang back and watch from afar

This all seems harmless enough but you can never be too sure

>>4001576
>Go join in on the festivities

>>4001576
>Hang back and watch from afar

>>4001576
>Hang back and watch from afar
Wont join these pagan festivities yet, lets observe and see if there is something to win from it, i am curious about the tournament the old man mentioned.

>>4001576
>Hang back and watch from afar

>>4001576
>Go join in on the festivities

>>4001576
>Hang back and watch from afar

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>>4001580
>>4001597
>>4001600
>>4001602
>>4001640
>Hang back and watch from afar
You stand back a good few feet away from the back of the crowd, watching as a man in a very polarizing outfit. Fine, noble-like clothing with a very tribal looking mask covering his face. Judging by the difference between his clothes and the townsfolk's, it might be a safe bet that this is the leader of the town. Mayor or something. Fucking westerners, I swear to the divines.
He makes a speech about something or other. Tradition, "Phyrus," tournaments, blah blah blah. How long can one man drone on? Thankfully, as soon as he's done with his little shpeel, he calls for anyone going to participate in the Tournoi de Ophelie to come up to the platform he's standing on.

This must be when all the contestants are blessed by their star
>Join the others on the platform
>Stay back behind the crowd
>Squint at the whole display with mild contempt for the moment
>Write-in

>>4001642
>Squint at the whole display with mild contempt
then
>Join on the platform

Those filthy gaijin traditions are laughable but we wanna fight in the tournament. Show them the power of eastern steel!

>>4001642
>Join the others on the platform

>>4001644
+1

>>4001644
+1

>>4001642
>Squint at the whole display with mild contempt for the moment
>Take one big theatrical step from the crowd

>>4001642
>>Stay back behind the crowd

>>4001642
>>Join the others on the platform

>>4001644
>>4001649
>>4001659
>>4001729
>>4001749
>>4002126
>Squint at the whole display with mild contempt for the moment
>Join the others on the platform
Eugh, fuckin pagans. If they could tell you were squinting your already slanted eyes, they'd probably be peeved. It's the thought that counts though. With a stride that would rival even the most powerful of runway models, you step up and claim a spot on the platform. Standing among the others, simple strongmen and wandering mercenaries, you can't help but feel a sense of superiority over these silly westerners.
Soon everybody willing has stepped up and the townspeople begin singing some old folk song as music guides them along. They couple up and start some kind of decidedly ignoble circular waltz around the platform. Multiple layers of circles revolve around you, each moving in alternating directions, as the pillar torches around you burn brighter and brighter. Their flames sway with their dance, trailing over to the next torch in a ring.
Up above, Shiho shines down on the festival.

>Stay where you are, let the people finish their ritual
>Change your mind and quickly leave the platform
>Write-in

>>4002148
>>Stay where you are, let the people finish their ritual

>>4002148
>>Stay where you are, let the people finish their ritual

>>4002148
>Stay where you are, let the people finish their ritual
>Grip your blade in preparation to slay the filthy westerners should they shame you.

>>4002241
+1

>>4002151
>>4002197
>>4002241
>>4002256
>Stay where you are, let the people finish their ritual
>Grip your blade in preparation to slay the filthy westerners should they shame you.
Though they are many and you are one, their UNDISCIPLINED, GRACELESS, and NOT META VIABLE combat styles would be no match for your ascended ability.
Checking inside your Pack-Without-End, of "Bag of Holding" as these doofuses have called it, you spy your weapon.

You grasp the familiar handle of your old
>Nodachi
>Naginata
>Bow
>Tetsubo
>Tanto and Wakizashi
>Tessen
>Write-in

>>4002280
>>Nodachi

>>4002280
>Tessen

>>4002280
>Nodachi
I've loved these bad boys since the first time I played Legend of the five rings. It's a sword that lets you cut through men, armor and be anti cavalry. What's not to love?

>>4002280
>Tessen

>>4002280
>Tessen

>>4002280
>Tessen

>>4002280
>Nodachi

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Based tessen gang. Patrician's taste, /qst/.
>>4002293
>>4002303
>>4002306
>>4002317
>Tessen
The end of the war-fan feels like it was made for your hand. This is your weapon.
The flames of the torches have now formed a solid, whirling ring on the perimeter of the platform. Some of the other combatants stand back towards the center. Embers travel up and up and up towards the night sky while the music reaches its peak, the red star above shining brighter than ever before. Now called upon, Shiho sends her message in the form of a gentle crimson glow.
For better or worse, you have partaken in the people's ritual
(Perk Gained: Phyrus' Blessing)
- The Red Star will watch over your battles to come. In your most dire moments, you may find an escape.
(Perk Gained: Shiho's Message)
- The Red Star has sent you her word. She is not angered, though she warns you that misfortune may strike at the most inopportune time.

The towns people let out a cheer as the spectacle comes to a close, breaking off from the dance to make merry with carts, stalls, and plenty of food and drink

Though the light of the Red Star fades, you still feel it upon you
>Wander around the festival
>Find somewhere to rest after this pagan event
>Speak to the others who will join you on the road to the tournament
>Write-in

>>4002392
>>Wander around the festival

>>4002392
>>Wander around the festival

>>4002392
>Speak to the others who will join you on the road to the tournament

>Wander around the festival

>>4002392
>Speak to the others who will join you on the road to the tournament

>>4002392
>Wander around the festival

>>4002392
>Wander around the festival
Time to find more stuff to rant about!

>>4002392
>>Speak to the others who will join you on the road to the tournament

>>4002535
please my liege, have mercy
>>4002411
>>4002435
>>4002446
>>4002493
>Wander around the festival
With the ritual over, you hop down from the platform and begin walking around. The townspeople man their stalls, some wheel out carts of food, others set up games. Smells on the air: breads, meats, smoke. Laughter and conversation offer a white noise to occupy your ears.

It's absolute dumb stupid idiot dumb dummy trash garbage compared to the festivals back home, but what can you do. W*sterners, am I right?
>Look for more free food to stuff your face with
>Browse the trinkets being sold. Probably not even at an eighty percent discount
>Show off your eastern skill at some of the games
>Rant quietly to yourself about how inferior all of this is to a proper Lotus festival
>Write-in

>>4002562
>Rant quietly to yourself about how inferior all of this is to a proper Lotus festival
Except not quietly

>>4002562
>>Browse the trinkets being sold. Probably not even at an eighty percent discount

>>4002562
>Do all of the above and secretly enjoy it

>>4002577
support

>>4002577
+1, while complaining about >muh Lotus festival. Can't let those Westerners get the wrong idea, or they'll get cocky.

>>4002577
This.

>>4002567
This

>>4002567
>>4002605
>>4002577
>>4002598
>>4002603
>>4002600
>Rant to yourself about how inferior all of this is to a proper Lotus festival while secretly enjoying it
As you wander around you begin talking to yourself about how dumb all of this is. No fireworks, no dragon costumes, fucking meatpies for sale??? Despite yourself, you can't help but enjoy the atmosphere. Let's just hope it doesn't sink too deep.

>>4002576
You approach one of the small open tents with odds and ends on display, and your scarf starts to tug at you

>Listen to it and stop your strange rantings to nobody in particular
>Keep going, they must know just how lame this all is
>Ask your scarf what you should do instead of rant
>Write-in

>>4002735
>>Ask your scarf what you should do instead of rant
Ronin-chan is cute!

>>4002735
>Ask your scarf what you should do instead of rant

>>4002735
Consult helix scarf

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>>4002751
>>4002759
>>4002847
>Ask your scarf what you should do instead of rant
Now just because it doesn't respond doesn't mean it isn't talking. You just have to... listen. Sliding the scarf up above your nose and mouth, you open your mind's, um, ear.
"Complaining won't solve anything, you know that. Westerners will do what their culture wills. Why not let yourself enjoy what's around? I can feel that you want to."
The warmth wrapped around your neck hugs gently. "Or you can go find somewhere to rest. You've had a long day of walking, some sleep would do you good. You'll need plenty of energy for that tournament after all."

"Oh, but please make sure you at least eat something good for you!"
>Stop ranting and enjoy the festival
>Leave the festival after grabbing a healthy snack
>Leave the festival with no snack
>Ignore your scarf and keep complaining
>Write-in

>>4002859
>Stop ranting and enjoy the festival

>>4002859
>Get the most disgustingly indulgent and filling food, then enjoy the rest of the night

>>4002859
>Leave the festival with no snack
How could it even suggest we debase ourself in such a way.

>>4002881
Supporting.

>>4002859
>>Stop ranting and enjoy the festival

>>4002880
>>4002896
>>4002881
>>4002891
>Stop ranting and enjoy the festival
>Get the most disgustingly indulgent and filling food, then enjoy the rest of the night

Nodding into your scarf, you take a deep breath and lower it from your face. Newfound resolve to enjoy the night takes you to the stalls and carts with food! So much... hopefully some of it is free.

Scarf forgive you for the gains you are about to lose
>Look to the stall selling fried batter mazes with white powder on top
>Investigate the cart selling tubs of some kind of frozen northern milk
>Spy on the tent selling hog meat glazed with something sweet smelling
>Write-in

>>4002937
>>Spy on the tent selling hog meat glazed with something sweet smelling

>>4002937
>Investigate the cart selling tubs of some kind of frozen northern milk

>>4002937
>Investigate the cart selling tubs of some kind of frozen northern milk

>>4002989
>>4003026
>Investigate the cart selling tubs of some kind of frozen northern milk
Tubs of colored cream-stuff sit in a cart manned by someone using a scoop to slowly liberate it from its frozen confined and place it into baked cones. Some asking for samples are given a small amount on tiny carved flats of wood. At one point children come by with fizzing drinks from another cart to have their scoops dropped inside. A sign hanging off the cart reads "Two free scoops for the blessed." Far from home, you most certainly are.

It does look quite inviting though...
>Ask for the northern cream
>Return to the other foodthings
>Look for the stall selling fizz drink
>Write-in

>>4003077
>Ask for the northern cream

>>4003077
>Ask for the northern cream
>Go sight seeing as you savor the taste

>>4003077
>Ask for the northern cream

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>>4003122
>>4003412
>>4003421
>Ask for the northern cream, and go sightseeing as you savor the taste
At last, food has been acquired. Well, snack really. It looks sort of like the mochi back home. You start to walk around again as you go to take a bite.

What flavor did you pick?
>Vanilla
>Chocolate
>Strawberry
>Cookies and cream
>Mint
>Orange
>Tea?
>Write-in

>>4003429
>>Chocolate

>>4003429
>Cookies and cream

>>4003429
>Cookies and cream
>Strawberry
TWO SCOOPS!

>>4003429
>Cookies and cream
>Bite into the cold dessert, tasting delicious regret

>>4003429
>Cookies and cream
>Mint

>>4003487
>>4003509
>>4003541
>>4003597
>Cookies and Cream with Strawberry
The flavors you picked are soundly drowned out by the icy sting you feel in your teeth.
why
why would anyone eat this
This torture food is beyond cruel. You can barely focus on seeing the sights around you as you let the chunk of frozen cream melt in your mouth. The flavor though... it might just be enough to push you to eat more.

Whether tis nobler in the mind
>Suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous cold on your sensitive teeth
>Take up arms against this cream of troubles, and by opposing, end it
>Just calm down and rethink your eating strategy
>Focus on your walk and try no to look like a doofus
>Write-in

>>4003616
>Take up arms against this cream of troubles, and by opposing, end it
>confront the assassin that dared to serve this to you

>>4003616
One who is skilled in warfare principles subdues the enemy without doing battle

>>4003616
>Suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous cold on your sensitive teeth

>>4003630
+1

>>4003630
>>4003763
>>4003635
>Take up arms against this cream of troubles, and by opposing, end it
>confront the assassin that dared to serve this to you
"One who is skilled in warfare principles subdues the enemy without doing battle." The thought bounces through your head as you raise your snack to slam it into the ground. With it held above your head, you realize that invincibility lies in the defense. When there is no chance of victory for the opponent, you have won.
You march yourself back to the cream cart with a plan in mind. Your teeth will be hurt no more. A smirk shines on your face as you prepare to show the vendor just what he's dealing with.

>Eat the snack using your lips to guard your precious teeth
>Eat the snack using a powerful stabbing lick to scoop it into your mouth
>Give the snack to a nearby child and ask what it tastes like
>Give the snack to the vendor and ask him what it tastes like
>Write-in

>>4003784
>Eat the snack using a powerful stabbing lick to scoop it into your mouth
Let's show the vendor how good we are at eating

>>4003784
>Eat the snack using a powerful stabbing lick to scoop it into your mouth
Make sure to squint extra hard at him as we do so

>>4003784
>>Eat the snack using a powerful stabbing lick to scoop it into your mouth

>>4003825
+1

>>4003784
>Give the snack to a nearby child and ask what it tastes like

They at least seems to enjoy it...
And children are children, even if they are of those filthy gaijin

>cue in "To catch a Predator"

>>4003788
>>4003825
>>4004159
>>4004171
>Eat the snack using a powerful stabbing lick to scoop it into your mouth
You tilt your head back just enough to squint your eyes shoot a stinging glare to the ice cream man. Like the legendary spear-wielding cavalry before you, you stab the treat fiercely and devour an entire chunk of the top scoop. Your tongue is a dwarven mining team, and this snack is an unsuspecting virgin mountain. It and its creator stand no chance.
Now that it hasn't touched your teeth, it's actually quite good! You can see why these children love it so much.
The vendor just stands there uncomfortably, looking around to see if some mischief is being played on him

You've go him on the ropes! Quick, say something cool! Let him have it!
>Aggressively thank him for the snack while flashing a wicked grin
>Rhetorically ask him if he really though he could defeat you so easily
>Declare your victory dedicated to your ancestors
>In a cool voice, tell him that this was nothing personal
>Write-in

>>4004419
>Rhetorically ask him if he really though he could defeat you so easily

>>4004419
>>Aggressively thank him for the snack while flashing a wicked grin

>>4004419
>Declare your victory dedicated to your ancestors
True honor!

>>4004431
>>4004458
>>4004603
>Rhetorically ask him if he really though he could defeat you so easily
>Aggressively thank him for the snack while flashing a wicked grin
>Declare your victory dedicated to your ancestors
You laugh in his face at his feeble attempt to destroy you. Good grief, it's going to take more than mere chilled cream in a cone! You are a blade (metaphorically) of the Thousand Lotus clans! Or...were. S-Still! Your endurance is unmatched!
Of course, this victory would not be possible without the spirits of your clanmates watching over you. They must be giving silent cheers in the sky as you overcome obstacles like this. You are a hero of your line, you just know it. Your smile glints in the moonlight when you thank him, then turn away. Your robe swishes dramatically in the wind as you continue on your path of destiny.

This is what a hero does. This is what heroism and victory feel like.
>Continue enjoying the festival
>Wrap up for the night and find somewhere to rest
>Write-in

>>4004716
>Wrap up for the night and find somewhere to rest
Even noble heroes need rest

>>4004724
Agreed.

>>4004724
>>4004726
This. Maybe the Inn?

>>4004724
>>4004726
>>4004740
>Wrap up for the night and find somewhere to rest
You let out a yawn before rubbing your eyes. Whew, what a day. Got into town, ranted at an old man, received a divine blessing, got icy cream, defeated an assassin, and now you're here. You've earned a rest. A heroic rest. Rest for a hero.

But where will you heroically rest? Your funding is more in the conceptual stages at the moment
>Try the inn and rely on your smooth talking skills
>Sleep on the platform, directly under the star
>Rest against a tree on an isolated hill
>Write-in

>>4004789
>Sleep on the platform, directly under the star
Bathe in SHIHO's light

>>4004789
>Try the inn and rely on our female charms

>>4004789
>>Try the inn and rely on your smooth talking skills

>>4004789
>Sleep on the platform, directly under the star

>>4004998
>Sleep on the platform, directly under the star

>>4004806
>>4004998
>>4005055
>Sleep on the platform, directly under the star
You climb up onto the wooden surface once more and lay down on the center, using your pack as a makeshift pillow. Being effectively bottomless and having nigh-infinite space inside, its oddly fluffy. Like a pillow filled with space clouds.
Up above, Shiho looks down at you. Her true emotion is hidden behind the shine of her star, but the light upon you is warm

You tilt your hat over your face and close your eyes
>Drift off to sleep and dream
>Write-in

>>4005055
>Drift off to sleep and dream
Heroic dreams

>>4005120
>>Drift off to sleep and dream

File: Thanks for playing!.jpg (341 KB, 745x703)

341 KB JPG

>>4005125
>>4005127

>>4005251
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our first adventure as Ronin-chan, and to my first time running a quest!
I'm hoping to do more sometime in the coming week, so keep an eye out

>>4005261
Thanks for running bro

>>4005261
Congrats, you did a pretty good job.

>>4005444
I'm glad you enjoyed this lil madness train. Hope to see you aboard the next!
>>4005462
Thanks! If anybody has any, I'd love to hear suggestions on how to improve as a QM

I'll also be posting some of the art from this chapter and notifications for future quests on my twitter. @PkArtt if you're interested.

>>4005569
more draws

>>4005722
I'll most certainly try! I usually wait around thirty mins to an hour depending on the prompt and responses before deciding to do a drawing or not. Don't wanna make you guys wait forever on a more mundane or simple choice while I fumble with lines and all that.
Also ended up slacking at the end cause I ran really low on paper in my sketchbook, forgive me sire

>>4005789

Don't worry ser, no harm done!

So ronin-chan is a petty, skilled(?),a little bit childish, but traditionalist and she at least try once in awhile to keep "MAH HONOR!" Failing moat of the times...

She has a scraft that she relies on and is becoming more powerful by the post that probably will become so attuned to emotion that it will become a psionic gestalt.

I don't see why she wouldn't be a Lotus Blade anymore!!!

>>4000568
>saleswoman
cringe