>>4266268
Male: Scruffy
Female: Scruffie

>>4266271
Scruffy is a good name

>>4266268
>Roy

>>4266268
>Scruffy

>>4266268
Joyride

>>4266268
Roynaldo "Scruffy" Denders

>>4266268
>Scruffy

>>4266268
Yornayme

>>4266268
>Female: Scruffie

>>4266268
Scruffie

>>4266275
Changing to Scruffy

>>4266268
>Male: Scruffy

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Your name is Scruffy. You are a travelling mercenary.

You have been running with this mercenary caravan - the “Butcher Block” - for the last week. After a short and unsuccessful career as an adventurer, you turned your attention to the blossoming field of travelling mercenary work.

Although you’ve made only two brief stops so far on this towering pile of swords and splinters, the pay has been great. The outer reaches of the Primordial Sea are host to plentiful and dangerous monster hordes that afford you ready work. The other mercs haven’t been very reciprocal to you, but you can’t expect much from mercenaries.

Right now you’re in between towns. The region is vast and it can take several days just to get to another settlement. You figure you’re about a day out to Drexel.

>What do you do?

>>4266315
>scrounge up some breakfast

>>4266318
+1
Most important meal of the day

>>4266315
Pet the horse, give him an apple.

>>4266318
>>4266320
Supporting

>>4266315
Let the horse graze and give it a bit of water. Let the beast of burden rest when we stretch our legs and go for a little walk.

>>4266318
>>4266320
>Supporting
this horse is in desperate need of apple

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The horse is actually the main character. The QM is just tricking us to think it's Scruffy.

Can we give the horse a name? I like the name Magnus the Mighty.

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>>4266320
>>4266322
>>4266323

>Pet the horse, give him an apple.
>Let the horse graze and give it a bit of water. Let the beast of burden rest when we stretch our legs and go for a little walk.
>this horse is in desperate need of apple

While you seldom talk to the other mercs living with you, you all share a mutual respect for Magnus. He’s tended to by everyone in turns.

>>4266318
>>4266319
>>4266321

>scrounge up some breakfast

You listen to the dull thud of the freight cart arriving at your room. Given most mercenaries' proclivity to brooding isolation and stabbing people when angry, your food is hauled up through a small box and rope crank system. You open the shutters and retrieve your stew.

You take a tentative sip before nearly spewing all over your bedroom. It tastes bitter and sour and dirty all at the same time. You examine your stew closely. Thin bits of green and brown float in the mucky haze. You take a tentative bite of the brown. That is 100% leather.

Although caravans aren’t renowned for their hygiene or living conditions, you’ve never actually been fed a fucking scabbard.

>What do you do?

>>4266344
Check the gender of the horse.

>>4266344
>hold your nose and down it, pray it doesn't come back up again.

>>4266344
>check on other members of your team

>>4266344
Send the soup back down then go back down and ask the big question, "Why did you think it was such a brilliant idea to feed me leather?"
Outcome #1: We're out of food. Smack the cook and get some boyz ready for a good ol hunting.
Outcum #2: the food guys is an ass. Smack them regardless.

>>4266355
You've clearly never tried to eat leather before.

>>4266357
Support

>>4266357
+

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>>4266356
>check on other members of your team

“Team” is generous. It’d be more apt to call them roommates. It’s a small caravan - including you, there’s only four residents - but you still seldom actually see them.

>>4266357
>>4266360
>>4266364

>Send the soup back down then go back down and ask the big question, "Why did you think it was such a brilliant idea to feed me leather?"

You scowl, shoving the stew back into the freight and slamming the shutters. You storm out of your bedroom and down the rung, indignation painting your face pink. Why the FUCK would they serve you leather?

You reach the base where the boss of the company, foreman, cook, ex-knight, and mercenary herself sits with the reins on Magnus - Ana. She cuts a massive figure under the frame of the caravan, her armored figure blocking out most of the opening. You can make out the tattered red gambeson cloak emblazoned with a white lion.

“Why did you think it was such a brilliant idea to feed me leather?” You hiss.
“Goblins got into the storeroom last night. They took the meat and flour.” Ana responds coldly. “Don’t like it? Don’t eat it.”

>What do you do?

>>4266394
Honestly would have preferred a note telling us the meat and flour were pilfered. We gonna hunt something?

>>4266394
This >>4266405

>>4266394
>"Any idea where they're hiding?"
>Grab a couple of apples, some salt and a cabbage and make some apple cabbage stew. Save one for Magnus.

>>4266410
This. We can't murder hobo goblins on empty stomachs. Do we have anything left in whatever area we store the food in? You don't need meat or flour for decent soup.

>>4266394
>get whoever was supposed to be on guard last night to help us hunt down some food.
>suggest to Ana that we cut that guards rations

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>>4266417
>>4266410
>>4266409
>>4266405

>Honestly would have preferred a note telling us the meat and flour were pilfered. We gonna hunt something?
>"Any idea where they're hiding?"
>Grab a couple of apples, some salt and a cabbage and make some apple cabbage stew. Save one for Magnus.

“Any idea where they’re hiding?” You ask.
“We’ve been travelling for an hour now. Wherever their den is is long gone.”

You slowly creep over to the storeroom - a small, under-stair closet sized room. You peer into it. It really was ravaged. Loose bits of meat lay strewn over the base, glass shards from shattered water jugs jutting out of the walls. As for what survived.. a few apples roll about aimlessly. A small brick of salt on a high shelf. A few bottles of Cavendish Whiskey..

“Don’t touch it.” Ana grunts. You jump, slamming the stair closet shut. “The apples are everyone’s dinner. Don’t tell me you can’t stomach leather for just one day.”
“Who the hell was on guard last night? Wasn’t it Sigrid? Aren’t you gonna punish her?” You whine, taking a step toward her. “How the fuck am I supposed to eat leather?”
“Try using that big mouth of yours.” She maintains a steely gaze away from you. “If you want to go hunting, be my guest. You can keep whatever food you find all to yourself. Just keep the caravan in sight. If you lose track of it, I’m not coming back for you.”

>What do you do?

>>4266461
Grab a sword, bow, and quiver of arrows. Maybe we'll get some kind of plains animal.

>>4266461
Welp, nothing for it.

Let's go hunting then.

>>4266461
fuck me sideways I should consolidate my posts.

Did any of the water jugs survive? Why are we using water jugs? Wouldn't wooden barrels be a better alternative?
Grab the LOOSE BITS OF MEAT on the ground to use as bait or a distraction.
I had to check the OP picture of the SECONDARY MAIN CHARACTER. We'll need a hat if the sun is too hot.

>>4266461
>gear up and go hunting

>>4266461
>go hunting
>guilt trip sigrid into coming with us

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>>4266491
>>4266471
>>4266470

>Grab a sword, bow, and quiver of arrows. Maybe we'll get some kind of plains animal.
>Grab the LOOSE BITS OF MEAT on the ground to use as bait or a distraction.

Unfortunately, a bow’s likely out of the question. Although excellent hunting tools, they’ve fallen out of style with the advent of firearms. You can’t imagine your fellow mercs plan on hunting much. You examine your weaponry:

-A dragon. It’s a short flintlock pistol you received as an adventurer. Not too useful for direct combat, but the smoke and noise produced by it are excellent for scaring off most monsters.
-A longsword. It belonged to your adopted elf dad. It’s a simple but valid tool for your environment.
-A vorpal dagger. It’s cursed - or enchanted, depending on the roll of the dice - to cut like a butter knife until the rare opportunity arises that it instantly beheads an opponent.

You pick up some meat for bait. You consider picking up a partner as well - although Ana’s evidently upset with you and you haven’t talked to Miyuki once, you suppose you might be able to goad Sigrid into coming with you. She’s definitely the most amicable out of your fellow mercenaries. Of course, that’d mean you have to share whatever you find on the trip...

>What do?

>>4266523
>sneak around until you find something to shoot

>>4266543
+1

>>4266523
Start hunting by yourself. More people means more chance of spooking game.

I'm not going to vote in this thread because all the quests I'm sweet on that I've voted in (Paranormal SWAT Quest, that spaceship captain one from a few weeks prior) go to shit and don't get finished. I'll lurk and comment instead.

>>4266523
>Vorpal Dagger
>>4230251
Wait. Are you the GM that did the mini rogue quest where we killed a super boar? Was dad an elf?

>It belonged to your adopted elf dad. It’s a simple but valid tool for your environment.
YOU ARE AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! Finally a continuation!

>What do?
Go bother Sigrid into helping

>>4266523
we a dude or a chick

>>4266998
yes

>>4267008
Welp

I choose to believe we have pp instead of coochie

>>4267039
but I like coochie

>>4267054
doesn't mean it has to be attached to us

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>>4266543
>>4266560
>>4266562

>sneak around until you find something to shoot

You storm out of the caravan and into the tidal wave of tallgrass. The towering block of bastardized carpentry is an easy enough landmark to keep in sight. You know how dangerous it is to get lost out in the Primordial Sea.

You delve into the grass. Deers, boars, and rabbits are endemic to the region, although you’ve come across farm animals before from the growing human population here. You walk with a soft step, your straw cloak sinking your form into the grass.

As you walk, you note a thin trail of smoke just over the horizon. They’re common enough. It typically means some goblins are having a spitroast.

>What do?

>>4267320
>you're not touching whatever these dirty goblins have laid their nasty hands on + not paid to check on every campfire
>ignore and hunt some game

>>4267320
> Go hunt some gobbos. Like fish in a barrel

>>4267320
Kill gobbos

>>4266523
Hey I recognize this artstyle, you're the shitposter that made this!
>>4261719

Very cool hope this is a fun quest.

>>4267481
>>4267362
Taking on gobs is probably a bad idea by ourself

>>4267356
>Hunt

>>4267320
Go bother Sigrid into helping to kill gobbos.
Are there bounties for killing goblins?

>>4267504
We could bring a plus one. These might be the same goblins that took our shit so it could be worth killing them.

>>4267520
Yeah I'd only be down to hunt gobbos if we got help
If other voters agree then sure

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>>4267504
>>4267520
>>4267536
>>4267362
>>4267481

>Go hunt some gobbos. Like fish in a barrel
>Go bother Sigrid into helping to kill gobbos.

You return to the caravan, clambering up onto its wooden haunches and barreling up the ladder to the mercenary rooms. Although goblins are rather diminutive and simple monsters, you’d rather not risk the annoyance of a knife in the leg again. You’re each afforded an uncomfortably small little hovel to sleep and eat in. You tentatively approach the halfling’s room and knock on the door twice.

The door slowly opens as you adjust your gaze downward. Sigrid is the only mercenary of the caravan shorter than you and as such, one of the few mercenaries you’ve been able to get on speaking terms with. A witch expelled from the August Conservatory for her heretical fascination with ghost magic. Her dim room lined with jars and dusty books frames her figure.

“Mmm. Scruffy?” She looks up at you, wiping the sleep from her eyes. A strip of leather hangs from her mouth. “What is it?”

>What do you do?

>>4267549
"Hey big girl saw some goblin out back. We can take them... It you're not scared."

Make it worth her while by offering a 40/60 split in her favor if she refuses.

>>4267549
>A strip of leather hangs from her mouth. “What is it?”
I cant believe she'd actually settle for leather.
Goblins got into the food so we have nothing to eat. Come hunting with me so we can kill some goblins and find something that's not boiled leather to eat for lunch.
We should probably tell everyone else about the goblins so they know and dont bitch to Ana about it. I mean shes a bitch but it would be a less of a hassle for everyone if they all didnt go to her to bitch.

>>4267567
40% for us and 60% for her? Just make it 50/50 and we debate over who gets to keep which neat trinket.

>>4267581
Supporting

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>>4267581
>>4267603

>Goblins got into the food so we have nothing to eat. Come hunting with me so we can kill some goblins and find something that's not boiled leather to eat for lunch.
>We should probably tell everyone else about the goblins so they know and dont bitch to Ana about it. I mean shes a bitch but it would be a less of a hassle for everyone if they all didnt go to her to bitch.
>40% for us and 60% for her? Just make it 50/50 and we debate over who gets to keep which neat trinket.

“Goblins got into the food so we have nothing to eat. Come hunting with me so we can kill some goblins and find something that's not boiled leather to eat for lunch.” You tell her brusquely. “We’ll call it a 50/50 split for meat.”
“I know. Miyuki gave me her portion. You don’t like leather?” She tilts her head at you, slipping a bit of the strip into her mouth and chewing. Does she actually like it..? “And.. do I HAVE to go hunting? It’s kind of a pain..”

>What do?

>>4267606
If we don't hunt the goblins, they'll come at night to kill me, and rape you since you're a female

>>4267606
if you prefer the leather, I'm sure someone will trade you for the meat.

also, do goblins have ghosts?

>>4267608
geez dude

>>4267618
Supporting

>>4267628
>geez dude
Goblins are no joke my dude. They will mess you up

>>4267606
No, but the company would be nice. Also FUCK the goblins with a hot iron rod plus they stole our supplies. I'm sure the other would appreciate it.

>>4267631
Yeah this guy. Fuck goblins. They'll all about stealing babies and skull fucking them. True story.

>>4267618
+1

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>>4267638
>>4267640
>>4267618

>if you prefer the leather, I'm sure someone will trade you for the meat.
>No, but the company would be nice. Also FUCK the goblins with a hot iron rod plus they stole our supplies. I'm sure the other would appreciate it.

“.. No, but the company would be nice. Also FUCK the goblins with a hot iron rod plus they stole our supplies. I'm sure the other would appreciate it.” You nod proudly. That’s right. FUCK goblins. “If you prefer the leather, I’m sure someone will trade your for the meat.”
“... Mmph. Fine.” Sigrid shrugs, turning face back into her room. She holsters a large blunderbuss across her back and slings a staff over her shoulder.

You return to the fields. Although the smoke trail has grown smaller due to the distance traveled while talking to your new halfling companion, it’s still in sight. You’d better hurry to keep up with the caravan, too.

You approach the smoke trail swiftly, Sigrid lagging behind. “How do you plan on doing this?” Sigrid pants, wiping some sweat from her mane. “Just gonna shoot them? Stab them?”

>What do you do?

>>4267645
>"let's ambush them, goblins can't be as smart as that."

>>4267645
We'll shoot. We'll get close enough where we can shoot them reliably. Due to our low profile it will be easier to sneak up on then, so once we've picked our targets we can either do a firing retreat if there is a decent number of them, or attach should their numbers be low.

Can you remind me what you can do? What does Ghost magic entail?

>>4267645
spook them away with ghosts.
steal supplies.
Act as her bodyguard and down a few gobs.

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>>4267672
>>4267648

>"let's ambush them, goblins can't be as smart as that."
>We'll shoot. We'll get close enough where we can shoot them reliably. Due to our low profile it will be easier to sneak up on then, so once we've picked our targets we can either do a firing retreat if there is a decent number of them, or attach should their numbers be low.
>Can you remind me what you can do? What does Ghost magic entail?

“We'll shoot. We'll get close enough where we can shoot them reliably. Due to our low profile it will be easier to sneak up on then, so once we've picked our targets we can either do a firing retreat if there is a decent number of them, or attach should their numbers be low.” You respond confidently, slinking through the grass and watching the smoke pillar grow larger in sight. “Can you remind me what you can do? What does Ghost magic entail?”
“Ghost magic is a complex and newly developing language that’s EXTREMELY powerful.” She snorts. “To use it on goblins would be like killing a kobold with a cannon. But perhaps you’ll get a glimpse.”

Pulling aside grass, the base of the smoke comes to creep into sight. It’s not a goblin spitroast.
“A motorized carriage..” Sigrid whispers, peering at the ruins of the destroyed porcelain vehicle. You’ve never seen one yourself.
“What the hell is one doing out so far in the Primordial Sea?” You ask, keeping a healthy distance and scanning the scene.

Although coated in a thick layer of grease, grime, and blood, you can still make out the royal blue insignia of the House of Bosphoramus engraved into the side of one fallen wall. Errant arrows and daggers stick out from the side of it. Could’ve been bandits or goblins. The bodies of several guards are strewn around the scene - while you get excited at the prospect of scavenging some fancy royal mail, it’s only momentarily as you realize they’ve been largely stripped bare of their plate. A few fancily crafted crates and trunks litter the ground.

>Investigate corpse.
>Investigate fallen carriage wall.
>Investigate boxes.
>Write-In.

>>4267687
>Check the scene
This screams trap, check the perimeter first for a potential ambush, then
>Investigate corpses
Let's hope some of them aren't corpses

>>4267677
>no going out of our way to kill goblins
Absolutely disgusting

>>4267687
>Investigate corpse.
>Investigate fallen carriage wall.
>Investigate boxes.
>Write-In.
See if there are any that are dying but not dead. If they are all infact dead, could Sigrid summon their dead ghosts and get then to spill what happened here?
Could... is the wagon remains worth anything?

>>4267696
That's a good idea. Check the area roughly for traps before going in.

>>4267687
Can we take the banner as a souvenir?

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>>4267697
>>4267696
>>4267702

>Check the scene
>See if there are any that are dying but not dead. If they are all infact dead, could Sigrid summon their dead ghosts and get then to spill what happened here?
>Investigate corpses

You first check the scene - staying low and quiet, hunting for trip wires, bear traps, or tunnels. You find nothing - save for a few dried out goblin corpses littering the surrounding area. Long gashes at their throats and torsos. There was definitely a raid, but they likely lost enough numbers to clear out.

You turn to the actual corpses, approaching the bodies hesitantly. “Careful near the carriage!” Sigrid warns. “A damaged engine block would turn this place into a crater. Try not to touch it.”
“.. Right.” You shuffle around the remains of the vehicle, approaching a corpse. A dagger sticks out from her throat, her tongue hanging loosely from her mouth. Definitely dead. “Could you.. summon their ghost? Have them tell us what happened here..?”

“Tcch. Child’s play.” Sigrid scoffs, gently pushing you aside as she approaches it. Closing her eyes, she whispers a small prayer before leaning in and kissing the corpse. You feel REPULSED. She remains still for a moment.

Sigrid suddenly stoops up, her eyes turning a pale blue and a thin trail of gas leaking from her lips. “.. G-galia.” She whispers. Her accent is thickly northern now. “Galia..?”

>What do you ask the specter?

>>4267742
Hello, I go by Scruffy. Can you tell me where you and your troop were going? (How many corpses still have weapons lodged in them? Ask for "I might take the weapons out of the bodies" purposes.)

>>4267742
who's that? (hopefully start her talking instead of scaring her)
what attacked you?
what were you transporting?

if she gets scared, introduce ourselves. we just got here.
anyways, if we were with the bad guys, we wouldn't need to ask these questions.

thoughts:
they stabbed this person, looted her, and left the dagger. so they're either stupid or rich or found too much loot to carry.
note the goblin corpses were "dried out". are the human corpses in the same condition? might be from a different fight.

>>4267742
> save for a few dried out goblin corpses littering the surrounding area. Long gashes at their throats and torsos. There was definitely a raid, but they likely lost enough numbers to clear out.
How fresh are the guard corpses? Can we still see the wagon from here? Are some guard corpses dried out too?

>>4267800
>Errant arrows and daggers stick out from the side of it. Could’ve been bandits or goblins.
If the weapons are shit tier, they be goblins. If not, they be bandits? Bandits and goblins? Probably just goblins.

>>4267884
I'm paranoid it was bandits trying to pretend it was goblins.

note there's "errant daggers". someone threw daggers hard enough to stick into porcelain. that doesn't sound like goblins.

>>4267918
>>4267884
Soild points

>>4267800
This, and be v. gentle

>>4267918
Damn man. Do you think this could be some sort of conspiracy? Maybe the bandits had a stock of live or dead goblins just for this occasion so people would instantly blame the goblins once they saw the corpses. If the guard corpses are still relatively fresh then that would make it a big him that the gobbo corpses were saved for this kind of situation.

Even worse, if not bandits, then there's some major conspiracy shit fuckery going on. They might got some OP McGuffin they were transporting. I don't know I'll stick to the ideas that bandits did this.

>>4267933
>Maybe the bandits had a stock of live or dead goblins just for this occasion
Aight brev I think you're reaching a LITTLE hard here

>>4267938
I'd do that if I was bandits. can't hunt bandits if you don't know there's bandits. low effort if it's dead goblins, and it doesn't need to work every time to be useful.

could also have been undead goblins.
or maybe goblins biology is weird and they dry out fast. like Thrilling Intent imps. I don't know how goblins are in this setting.
or goblins attacked, they drove them off, then bandits attacked.

>>4268028
My money is on goblins just drying out faster

>>4268102
that'd be cool worldbuilding actually. creatures that have evolved to mummify on death, so they can be eaten by their peers instead of rotting.

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>>4267800
>>4267884

>How fresh are the guard corpses? Can we still see the wagon from here? Are some guard corpses dried out too?

The guard corpses are still relatively fresh - maybe a day’s old - and the corpse is just by the wagon. You’d chalk it up to goblin corpses drying out pretty quick due to their biology. Goblin “jerky” would make a pretty nice snack if it weren’t so taboo to eat humanoids.

>Hello, I go by Scruffy. Can you tell me where you and your troop were going? (How many corpses still have weapons lodged in them? Ask for "I might take the weapons out of the bodies" purposes.)
>who's that? (hopefully start her talking instead of scaring her)
>what attacked you?
>what were you transporting?
>if she gets scared, introduce ourselves. we just got here.
>anyways, if we were with the bad guys, we wouldn't need to ask these questions.

You clear your throat. “Hello. I go by Scruffy. Can you-” You begin.
“Galia. You have to get Galia. I-it’s not her fault. We were complicit.” “Sigrid” reaches out to grab your straw cloak, pulling you in. “W-we were ambushed. We weren’t ready. They had a hob. Galia is still here - just bring her back, i-it’s-.. the crest-..”
“Who is Galia? What were you..” You begin your line of questioning, but it dies in your throat as the channeled spirit begins to snivel, curling up Sigrid’s face. “Uh oh.”
“P-please bring her back. I failed. I-I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I failed King Bosphoramus.” The spirit sobs.

Sigrid hiccups and her eyes roll back to green. She clears her throat and removes her hands from you, backing up. “Alright. Channel’s dead.” She wipes some tears that aren’t hers from her face. “Get anything good?”

>Check the boxes.
>Check the royal insignia.
>Write-In.

>Check the boxes.

@Sigrid: they were transporting someone called "Galia", who should still be here. said something about the crest, maybe a secret door. can you check the carriage? I don't think I'd recognize an "engine block".

ambush included a hobgoblin. that explains the knives.

thoughts:
are any of the knives stuck the wrong way around? because that's a funny mental image.

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>>4268300
>Check the boxes.
>Check the royal insignia.
>Write-In.
>If there's any arrows, daggers, and weapons in the corpses, wagon or otherwise then take them. If they're too shit tier then don't bother.

So the dead lady you were channeling (probably the incorrect term, but we're not a witch), said something about getting a lady called Galia who *might* still be alive. They were caught flat footed in an ambush and to make matters worse the goblin party had a Hob with them. Seh said something about bringing Galia back, then some like "It's the crest" and mentioning how she failed King Bosphoramus. Does the name Galia ring any bells? If she's royalty we better tell the others. I bet we'd get a PHAT bounty and finders fee for the safety of this Galia gal.

>Write-in

"This is clearly something out of our depth. Let's go tell Ana."

This >>4268333 She'll probably be less likely to blow things up.
>Galia is still here - just bring her back, i-it’s-.. the crest-..”
Wait you mean literally at the scene of this death battle? If Galia is just hiding in the wagon ruins then that'll make our job leagues easier.

>>4268300
So my thinking is so long as whatever weapons laying around is made of metal, we can probably make some decent money off of it. If we're going by D&D currency system then we might get slivers.
I still want to take the banner.

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>>4268333
>>4268340
>>4268350

>@Sigrid: they were transporting someone called "Galia", who should still be here. said something about the crest, maybe a secret door. can you check the carriage? I don't think I'd recognize an "engine block".
>Check the boxes.

“they were transporting someone called "Galia", who should still be here. Said something about the crest, maybe a secret door. Can you check the carriage? I don't think I'd recognize an ‘engine block.’” You ask.
“Galia..? Hm.” Sigrid taps at her chin. “Sounds familiar.. Can’t place it, though.”

Whilst Sigrid tends to the royal carriage, you approach the boxes. They’re a pretty affair, wrapped up in a thick brown paper and done up with string in fancy knots. You undo the string and carefully remove the paper - revealing a compact wooden crate painted with the royal crest. You open the box and your face instantly goes sour.

Whatever was in it must’ve been pretty tasty at one point, but baking under the sun in an open spot of the Primordial Sea has done a number to it. You take a few tentative whiffs. Under the spoiled mess of rot, you can pick up vague, salty fishiness, cheese, and cream. The kind of delicacies so tenderly rich it’d melt on your tongue. What kind of moron brings THAT to the sea? People here eat jerky and stale bread, whiskey and stew.

You open up the rest of the boxes. Luckily, you manage to find a few things that haven’t spoiled too bad. A few wheels of lizardperson cheese, cans of jellied fish, hunks of dwarven salami wrapped up in foil paper. You note the boxes and find that this is plenty to last you until you arrive at Drexel. Nice. You’re gonna eat the shit out of this.

“Find anything?” Sigrid calls out. She’s taking slow and gentle steps around the carriage, but doesn’t seem too keen on getting too close to the actual thing. “I don’t see anyone that looks alive.”

>Investigate the carriage yourself.
>Write-In.

>>4268424
>A few wheels of lizardperson cheese, cans of jellied fish, hunks of dwarven salami wrapped up in foil paper.
This is enough to make a man cry. Luckily we're not a weak man. We're a BIG and healthy GROWING man. We're eating good tonight Sigrid. Anyway you could, I don't know, sent a messenger ghost to Ana telling her we found luxury food?
>Investigate the carriage yourself.
And can you point out things I shouldn't touch?

>>4268552
+

@Sigrid posh food. it's not all spoiled. cheese for weeks/months (depending on cheese wheel size), shame our flour's gone.

Galia might be an animal or artifact? dead person? she said it was a "she" and the king will want her back. makes more sense to have in a secret compartment than a humanoid would.

outside of the carriage should be fine, right? as long as I don't cause it to shift?

>Investigate the carriage yourself.
look at the crest to see if there's anything weird. hinge along the edge?
if there's nothing or a hinge:
feel the edges of the crest to see if there's a hidden handhold.

if it doesn't feel like it can be pulled off, scrape our nails down the crest and try to find any cracks like levers or buttons.

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>>4268552
>>4268563
>>4268561

>@Sigrid posh food. it's not all spoiled. cheese for weeks/months (depending on cheese wheel size), shame our flour's gone.
>Investigate the carriage yourself.
>outside of the carriage should be fine, right? as long as I don't cause it to shift?

“Posh food. Not all spoiled. Some cheese that could last a couple weeks.” You nod. Sigrid starts drooling.
“Ch-cheese..” She whispers, her eyes going hazy.
You turn back and come to investigate the motorized carriage yourself. It’s a tall, ceramic machine with fancy carvings marred by the apparent raid. Twisted steel beams and oiled wood stick out of the mess. It’s almost beautiful in just how mangled it is.

“Outside of the carriage should be fine, right? As long as I don’t cause it to shift?” You turn back to Sigrid, who has taken many, many healthy steps away from it.
“Yeah. Don’t play around with it too much. They’re noble deathtraps.” She nods. “I’ve seen one of these go up out in the capital. It made such a huge crater that it burst a sewer line and nearly flooded the street..”

You take some tentative steps toward the machine, finagling with the exterior - feeling around with gentle brushes and scrapes with your nails. Nothing turns up. You turn to the royal blue crest of the House of Bosphoramus - a dragon encircling a letter B - and remove the flag from the side of the carriage. Although hard to see under the reflectively bright porcelain, there’s a seam in the machine. You feel around the edges of it with your fingers until you hear a satisfying click as it pops open.

Sigrid totters up behind you as you slowly open the door - it looks like it led into what would’ve been a small crawl space under the carriage, but after the machine seemingly fell apart, it leads only to more grass. You pull aside a thrush of greenery and find yourself face to face with-
“The princess.” Sigrid breathes out behind you. The angular half elven features of the royal line are all too evident in her swept white hair and tall, fleshier ears, albeit stained with blood She’s garbed in untouched plate armor with a blue silk cape tucked around her breastplate. Although shallow and ragged, she still breathes. “Galia Paige Bosphoramus I.”

>What do you do?

>>4268611
Get Sigrid too help remove the princess from the death trap. I don't know, ghost call Ana. This is big, really really big.
First we secure her safety back in the band wagon.... then we secure the cheese, agreed?

If Sigrid cannot for the life of her send off a magic messenger familiar thing, the, reseal the food box and toss the banner over it before legging it back to the others.

>>4268624
+

anything around that looks large and light enough to move her onto and drag?

@sigrid spells for stabilizing the injured are technically necromancy, right?

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Also, last post for tonight. Thanks for reading! cya tomorrow

>>4268640
If carrying her is too tiring, not saying that Scrubby is a weak armed lad no sir. He's a strong MAN.
Right but if carrying her is theoretically too much work we can fold the banner in half and drag her on that. We'll just have to bitch a bit at a wizard to clean the stains with a cantrip.

>>4268645
She's more dummy thick than I imagined. II thought she'd be more scrawny but you won't find any complains from me.

>>4268611
supporting>>4268649

>>4268649
she's bleeding from the mouth, we should probably keep the torso steady and not bend it or turn her over much.
looks like there's mostly grass around, so the banner should work. but I'm also seeing some big pieces of car in the background of
>>4267687
that might be a smoother ride.

>>4268679
You're right about the bleeding. I don't know much about injuries, but at the minimum I think she might have a concussion and some surface level bleeding in addition to being unconscious. Maybe even a little dehydrated and hungry once she wakes up. At worst she has all the previous mentioned aliments plus fractured boned that might need to be set and some minor internal bleeding (is suffering blood loss / had suffered blood loss but the wounds scabbed up depending on if they really were attacked a day or so ago).

If Sigrid has no healing capable magics, nor messanger spirits (which I hope she does), We'll have to drag her. And by we I mean Scruffy while she's on guard with her blunderbuss.
Slab of cart of folded banner, whichever will work so long as we're able to get back to everyone at a reasonable time.

Alternatively, should Sigrid be unable to conjure up a messenger spirit, we can pull the princess's body into the grass and out if sight. Sigrid will stay behind to guard her body and we'll run back to tell everyone the news.

>>4267549
Are you using a mouse to draw these???

>>4268611
I cant tell if the neck portion of her ensemble is solid metal neck guard connected Ted to her breast plate making it a solid piece so her neck cant move, or just a fancy turtle neck. Let's be extra care with her hand and back, and try not to grab her by the neck. We'll need to see if her legs are anyways functional.

>>4268624
+

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>>4268640
>>4268624
>>4268679

>If Sigrid cannot for the life of her send off a magic messenger familiar thing, the, reseal the food box and toss the banner over it before legging it back to the others.
>I cant tell if the neck portion of her ensemble is solid metal neck guard connected Ted to her breast plate making it a solid piece so her neck cant move, or just a fancy turtle neck. Let's be extra care with her hand and back, and try not to grab her by the neck. We'll need to see if her legs are anyways functional.
>If Sigrid has no healing capable magics, nor messanger spirits (which I hope she does), We'll have to drag her. And by we I mean Scruffy while she's on guard with her blunderbuss.
>Slab of cart of folded banner, whichever will work so long as we're able to get back to everyone at a reasonable time.

You first (gently) remove the princess from the crawlspace, allowing the bedding of tallgrass to cushion her. Sigrid looks her over - peeling away segments of plate and mail to look over her form.
“Mmm. It’s rough.” She mumbles, peering over her severely bruised ribs. “Rib fractures. Her tibia is shattered. Internal bleeding. Dehydrated and starved. We’ll have to bring her back to the convoy. I’ve got some necrotic material there that could fix her right up.”
“You got any messenger spirits? Familiars? We could call Ana.” You glance over to her.
“Pssh. GHOST magic doesn’t work like that. Too wild.” She scoffs. “We’ll have to take her over with the food. Got any ideas? Carrying her would only exacerbate the injury.”

You turn your attention to the ruined segments of carriage and banner. After a few minutes of knotting and dragging, you manage to create a makeshift stretcher, using the banner to cushion the injured princess with various crates of food keeping her in place. You initially drag alone - which, to your embarrassment, is kind of difficult - until Sigrid eventually picks up some cloth and helps you, dragging Galia out to the thin tower on the horizon. The halfling is surprisingly strong for her size.

Your attention is shaken as an ear-rending explosion warms your back. Glancing over your shoulder, you find that the thin smoke trail from earlier has turned into a roiling black mushroom. Sigrid grimaces. “Told you.”
Evidently, you weren’t the only two alerted to the explosion. As you grow closer to the Butcher Block, thin trails of grass start to spread in your wake, accompanied by nasally, throaty growls and snarls. You catch sight of a spearhead disappearing into the grass. They begin to converge around the shell of the carriage.
“Goblins.” Sigrid groans.

>What do you do?

>>4269382
is the stretcher sliding on top of the grass in head height or is that just weird perspective?

keep an ear out, keep our head down. look around and directly backwards sometimes; we're somewhat camoflaged.

whisper @Sigrid they're focused on the carriage and too short to look over the grass. let's just hurry and try to lose them. can you take off your hat? or make it less tall?

>>4269402
This >>4269382
>GTFO

>>4269402
>>4269411

>whisper @Sigrid they're focused on the carriage and too short to look over the grass. let's just hurry and try to lose them. can you take off your hat? or make it less tall?

>Roll a 1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4269501

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Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4269501

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4269501

>>4269514
phew

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>>4269514
astronomically based and sigridpilled

>>4269514
>Rolled 14 (1d20)

"They're focused on the carriage and too short to look over the grass." You whisper. "Let's just hurry and try to lose them. Can you take off your hat? Or make it less tall?"
"Fine." Sigrid groans, smushing it down onto her mane. "Let's hurry up."

After a stressful and quick-paced journey along the sea, you manage to make it to the Butcher Block unscathed, save for a few bruises you pick up from tripping on the walk there. Ana stands at the carriage as you approach with the stretcher.

".. What the hell is that?"

>What do you do?

>>4269543
>Oh yeah we got a buncha food by the way, before you chew us out for wasting time to save this broad
>Explain the situation

>>4269543
what's left of a Bosphoramus motor carriage that was ambushed by goblins. posh food and what Sigrid assures me is a literal princess.

>>4269543
We found food and the pricess. Goblins ambushed they. Anyone inside good with medicine? Sigrid said shes suffering from dehydration, starvation, broken bones, some bleeding.

>>4269543
Home many other peeps do we live with besides Ana and Sigrid?
Can I also throw out there that I think the king would be VERY grateful to returning his daughter safe and sound.

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>>4269559
>>4269556
>>4269548

>Oh yeah we got a buncha food by the way, before you chew us out for wasting time to save this broad
>Explain the situation
>what's left of a Bosphoramus motor carriage that was ambushed by goblins. posh food and what Sigrid assures me is a literal princess.
>We found food and the pricess. Goblins ambushed they. Anyone inside good with medicine? Sigrid said shes suffering from dehydration, starvation, broken bones, some bleeding.

Careening up to the block, you remove the crest from the shell of the carriage, revealing the princess. Ana freezes in place.

After bringing the princess in with Ana’s help up to Sigrid’s room and setting her down on the bed, you explain the situation to her - about how you found the abandoned motor carriage with the dead guards and discovered her hidden under it. Ana listens intently as Sigrid sets to work with whatever ghostly magic she had to help her.

“.. Mm.” Ana thinks aloud as you finish your recollection. “The situation isn’t atypical. Some frilly noble gets tired of the high life and hijacks a motor carriage, driving out to the wilds in search of adventure. They come with some fancy, polished armor and their father’s heirloom sword and get shivved in the gut by some bandits in the night. I didn’t think it’d extend to the princess, though. This is big.”
“.. What do you think we should do?” You ask, glancing back to the unconscious form of the noble.
“I saw some royal posters back at Euhorn on the forefront of the bounty board. Said that Bosphoramus had been kidnapped by some guards that went rogue. I’m guessing she convinced them to accompany her out here. I didn’t think anything of it at the time. More noble troubles. But the bounty was.. healthy.”

“How healthy?” You frown.
“Maybe a few million gold pieces for her safe return.”

>What do you do?

>>4269594
I mean definitely
>Medical care, Ana is ex-paladin after all right? They have "lay on hands" and all that, or so you've heard
then probably
>wait for her to wake up

This could go two ways, I think:
She actually did get kidnapped by those guards and we're about to get some serious shekels
She was running with her private entourage and got jumped, and is going to beg us not to bring her back to her folks because she despises the idea of a life of royalty.

>>4269594
>"Weird... Sigrid was able summon one of the dead guards. They said they were complicit with her going out here, and that they failed the king."
>"Anyway, first things first. Let's see if we can get her fixed up before we take her back. I shall volunteer my time and efforts to bathing her."

>>4269608
>I shall volunteer my time and efforts to bathing her
Sigrid is a better waifu
fite me

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>>4269602
>>4269608

>Medical care, Ana is ex-paladin after all right? They have "lay on hands" and all that, or so you've heard
>"Weird... Sigrid was able summon one of the dead guards. They said they were complicit with her going out here, and that they failed the king."
>"Anyway, first things first. Let's see if we can get her fixed up before we take her back. I shall volunteer my time and efforts to bathing her."

“You mentioned a kidnapping..? Weird... Sigrid was able summon one of the dead guards. They said they were complicit with her going out here, and that they failed the king."
“If I had to guess, I’d say that she came up with this whole runaway adventure on a whim. Hijacked a motor carriage and some old armor and convinced some guards to come with her. They probably agreed to prevent her from getting hurt and paid the price for it. Then the nobility saw the princess and a few guards had gone missing and spun some kidnapping story.” Ana nods.
“Do you think you could help Galia? I don’t know if Sigrid is so..” You turn back to the halfling who is trying to stuff something into the elf’s mouth. “Let's see if we can get her fixed up before we take her back. I shall volunteer my time and efforts to bathing her."
“I haven’t done healing in ages. Leave it to her.” Ana turns away from the witch who is now putting her entire hand in the princess’s mouth. “And bathing? You might have the wrong convoy. Nonetheless, we’ll have to divert from our usual route to get her back. Most towns this deep in the Primordial Sea don’t have royal guard checkpoints. If we stop at Drexel for supplies and loop back around, it should take maybe 4 or 5 days to get her to the nearest town with a royal presence.”

>What do you do?

>>4269602
>>4269608
but not the bathing.
+
@Ana
the guard said there was a hobgoblin with the ambush. there were also a lot of thrown knives.

@everyone who knows about the food:
don't tell the princess we looted the food. I'm sure she'll want to go home once she eats something normal. better for her and us if she realizes that immediately.

>>4269594
Well first things first we aught to heal her up and question her. We're probably gonna need to be extra tight with security tonight, just to be safe. The bounty should still be considered.

>>4269608
Not this. Dont be a fucking creep.

>>4269614
This. This man has excellent taste. Sigrid is best girl.

>>4269614
Anon, I need a frame of reference on how stacked the girls are before I determine who's the best to waifu. Shortstack is pretty good, but I gotta see how amazon looks outside her armor, and elf princess might be pretty nice herself.

>>4269625
Look man, ghost witch is a pretty great archtype to waifu

>>4269621
>Ask Sigrid what she's doing.
>Suggest giving yourself a small cut and Ana can practice healing that a few times so she can get back in practice. Criticize her gumption if she refuses
>Hold off on making a proper decision or until the next day, whichever comes first. We're on out way to Drexel anyway, right?

>>4269621
Well, attempt to make a thin broth for the elf, then feed it to her using a clean cloth. Have Ana massage her throat to get the food down.

After we're done with that, get some food for ourselves and an apple for Magnus, and have something approaching a good meal.

>>4269621
Ok. So I guess we or someone else will take care of steering Magnus while Ana help Sigrid sith the princess. Bring the food and banner inside, cut a wedge of cheese, and let's plot a course to Drexel.

>>4269623
I don't see the issue about the food. We got nothing and she needs to eat something after spending the better part of a say unconscious. So a pretty bad idea to withhold food from her.

>>4269625
How dare you

>>4269632
The broth is a good idea, but let's leave the healing to the professions yeah? Here, look at this not too long ago quote:
> “Rib fractures. Her tibia is shattered. Internal bleeding. Dehydrated and starved. We’ll have to bring her back to the convoy. I’ve got some necrotic material there that could fix her right up.”
She's already in good hands, and theres no point in looking silly by offering to make a small cut on the skin.

>>4269636
I mean if you trust Sigrid that much then sure
In seriousness though it's probably a great idea if Ana could learn how to heal again.

>>4269634
she has to have food. but if she gets boring food that's extra motivation to go home.
I don't know how stupid and headstrong this princess is, she might need something extra.
and if boring food is what flips her, she'd change her mind at some point anyways. better it happens now.

>>4269639
Let's just assume that healing is like bicycle riding, and that she knows how to do it, she just hasn't needed to in a long while. Cutting ourselves so she can relearn healing isn't necessary.

>>4269651
But we don't have boring food. We have high quality gourmet grub we just got off the motorized carriage, or scabbard stew. And once she attempts scabbard stew, she's going to try to find where we put the good stuff she brought.

>>4269639
I trust her to be a better healer than we could be. Plus, with how bullshit magic can be at times, I expect Ana to be there to act as a filter. You know so she doesnt try to turn the princess into a lich or something.
It's not a matter of relearning. She just needs some time to thing and examine the wounds on the princess as she works in tandem with the ghost witch. Besides, restiching a cut is vastly different from treating fractured ribs, internal bleeding, and other such like injuries.

>>4269651
We can't starve a princess. That's how you dont get payed. She's already suffered enough. Uf anything we can hold the death of her guards over her head and stress how her own hubris had killed them, and most likely her if we didnt by chance find her. In fact if we had decided to take a break before we encountered her, she'd most likely be nothing but ash in the carriages crater.
So better to feed her and build up a positive rapport. Because if she really doesnt like us, shes gonna snitch to her daddy and tell him how the mean mercenaries starved her. The healthier her condition, the better for everyone involved.

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>>4269632
>>4269636
>>4269651

>Well, attempt to make a thin broth for the elf, then feed it to her using a clean cloth. Have Ana massage her throat to get the food down.
>After we're done with that, get some food for ourselves and an apple for Magnus, and have something approaching a good meal.

You spend the next hour preparing food for the princess and tending to her alongside Sigrid and Ana. You feed the broth to her via a clean cloth as Ana massages her throat. It’s a methodical and slow process, but watching Sigrid clean up the princess is satisfying. As she strips her bare of her plate armor and tucks her mangled hair into braids, the delicateness and softness to her features more immediately hints at her nobility. Her skin glows a more warm pink rather than a pale yellow.
Once you suppose that Ana and Sigrid have the matter handled, you come down to Magnus, throwing him an apple, setting your hands on the reins, and checking the map set by the seat. Drexel should be another six hours away, so you’ll be arriving by night. As you drive the horse forward, you dig yourself into Ana’s position and rest your eyes for just a bit.

You open your eyes to evening light filtering in through the carriage opening. The warm amber lights of Drexel lie just over the horizon. You hear shouting from the rooms above.

>What do you do?

>>4269689
It's probably the princess. Time to see how much of a problem this new passenger is going to be.

>>4269697
This. Magnus needs a break and some good brushings after this for being a good horse.

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>>4269697
>>4269720

>It's probably the princess. Time to see how much of a problem this new passenger is going to be.

You let go of the reins, hesitantly climbing up the rungs of the ladder and maneuvering your way through the cramped caravan halls. You approach Sigrid’s room cautiously and without warning open the door to catch sight of Ana standing back defensively with her hands up.

“Princess Galia, please-” She begins, but is sharply cut off as a pot is flung at her head - it clangs satisfyingly with her helmet.
“I did NOT come to the Primordial Sea to get dragged in with some shitty, dirty mercs.” The almost musically light voice of the princess is dripping with disgust. “What the fuck did you do to me? What’s in my mouth?”
“Bitter root and ground up goblin eyeballs.” Sigrid pipes up in a small voice from behind Ana.
“U-ugh. Where’s Curnow? I-it doesn’t matter. Just.. drop me off at the nearest adventurer’s guild or I’ll have some guards burn this caravan down. I need to-..” She catches sight of you, her eyes narrowing.

“Who the fuck are you? Another shitty merc?”

>Who the fuck are you?

>>4269689
>a more warm pink
cute!

reign in magnus, pat em, and go see what the disturbance is about

>>4269740
>Oi, this "shitty merc" saved your damn life! If it weren't for us you would be princess of the fucking crater your caravan turned into

>>4269740
Hi. You killed your guards. You wanna keep adventuring you better pay up, because that's adventuring. It's unfair bullshit. We were actually really close to blowing up in the wagon if we never found you.

>>4269758
Ok I worded that wrong. Your wagon was pretty close to blowing up if we didnt find you in time.

>>4269740
>I'm the guy who is starting to regret saving you. In fact I'm starting to think we could get a little more than the bounty reward if we ransom you.

>>4269740
Curnow died from a goblin dagger to the throat, princess. Along with the other guards you brought. Right now, we're bringing you back to your father.

Also, that's not goblin eyeballs, that's just leftover scabbard stew, and if you don't chill out, that's all you'll be getting for a while.

>>4269772
Maybe too much?

>>4269748
+
@Galia
do you remember when the goblins ambushed you?
you were hiding in a crawlspace on the underside of a motor carriage, which collapsed around you. the guards are dead.
we've done nothing but help.
if we have it: it's #current date/current weekday. you needed that help.

>>4269772
Let's not bring up the word "randsom" anywhere near her, lest the king use it as an excuse to kill us.

>>4269786
+

>>4269786
+++

So overall we agree that
>she is very mean
>her whimsy lead to the death of her temporary guards
>she should stop being mean to the people trying to help her
>could she at least acknowledge what happened
>do not fuck around with goblins

>>4269740
I would also like to point out to her that I'm suprised that someone of her status would bother with even remembering the names of her guards. Why, they only lived to serve and act as her traveling accessories, is that not true? I mean one of the ghosts of the guards even begged us to save her like a good little guards woman should. She served her purpose even in death.

>>4269811
>I would also like to point out to her that I'm suprised that someone of her status would bother with even remembering the names of her guards. Why, they only lived to serve and act as her traveling accessories, is that not true? I mean one of the ghosts of the guards even begged us to save her like a good little guards woman should. She served her purpose even in death.

Stop trying to antagonize the princess, anon. We shouldn't make this rescue mission harder on ourselves by making her want to escape from the safety of the caravan as soon as possible.

>>4269825
Ok you make a fair point. I dont want to me a hypocrite so I'll drop it for now.

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>>4269811
>>4269786
>>4269784
>>4269758
>>4269777
>>4269748

>Oi, this "shitty merc" saved your damn life! If it weren't for us you would be princess of the fucking crater your caravan turned into
>Curnow died from a goblin dagger to the throat, princess. Along with the other guards you brought. Right now, we're bringing you back to your father.
>do you remember when the goblins ambushed you?
>you were hiding in a crawlspace on the underside of a motor carriage, which collapsed around you. the guards are dead.
>we've done nothing but help.

“Oi, this "shitty merc" saved your damn life! If it weren't for us you would be princess of the fucking crater your caravan turned into. You remember when the goblins ambushed you? You were hiding in a crawlspace on the underside of a motor carriage. ” You scowl, your voice turning bitter. “Curnow died from a goblin dagger to the throat, princess. Along with the other guards you brought. Right now, we're bringing you back to your father.”
“C-Curnow died?” Her eyes widen and the half-elf’s voice softens for just a moment, but it quickly turns just as bitter. “I didn’t need your help then and I don’t need your help now. Just bring me to the nearest adventurer’s guild NOW.”

Ana pulls you aside for a moment. “Sigrid and I need to step out. We’re going to pick up some supplies for the trip for “princess” here. Miyuki’s probably already left, so I trust that you can keep an eye on Galia here. Don’t let her out. Don’t let her get seen. Word travels fast, and if it gets out that we’re carrying millions of gold pieces on board..”

>What do you do?

>>4269852
Do as Ana suggested. And keep her inside.

Let's have a talk first princess. You probably need someone to vent and yell at so let's hear it. What's on your mind?

>>4269852
>After Sigrid and Ana head out, turn back to the princess
>*scoff*, "didn't need help?" I'm not lying about your caravan exploding, you would've been unconscious during the explosion and blown to bits. Wouldn't hurt to show some gratitude.
>Why would we drop you off at an Adventurer's guild when we can get a few millions pieces of gold from your pa? What makes you think someone else wouldn't snatch you up and actually try to ransom you off?

>>4269860
>Why would we drop you off at an Adventurer's guild when we can get a few millions pieces of gold from your pa? What makes you think someone else wouldn't snatch you up and actually try to ransom you off?
Maybe we should give off the wrong idea by saying that.

>>4269868
I figure it actually puts the ball in her court and makes her properly aware of the situation. Makes it seem like we're doing her a favor by NOT ransoming her off, maybe get her off her high horse.

>>4269852
Your pa put up a million gold bounty for bringing you back, so you're staying in for a day or so. We'll talk about you leaving your room once you get a disguise so you're harder to be noticed by bandits and highwaymen.

Now why exactly are you so desperate to go out adventuring? Because while I can't blame you for that, I do have an issue with you going unprepared for danger.

>>4269857
+
your father wants you back. how would you even pay for adventurers without his blessing?
if it's with have a sob-story, let's hear it.

thoughts:
don't tell her about the guard seance, we can catch her lying.
don't get flat footed if she casts magic. if she's on some dumb adventure there's probably a reason she thought it would work.

Bah, I'll drop this >>4269860 and go with these
>>4269857
>>4269879
>>4269880

>>4269868
But who's to say that once we return her to the king she won't immediately tell her father that this was all a ploy? You had the right idea, but your deliver leaves much to be desired. I was going to say that "what's to stop someone from kidnapping her and actually ransoming her off for money?" but then I realize as she is now she's not likely to try and be reasonable. Like right now.

>>4269880
Should we also bring up how she's probably hurting her parents by leaving? She probably thinks that she's more than capable of defending herself, but what if we brought on the idea that her parent's do not believe she is and really don't want to see their daughter in a casket? She can boast about her combat prowess all she likes, but if she's worried about hurting the feelings about her ma and pa, then maybe there's a chance she may reconsider everything?

>>4269895
let's hear the sob story first. maybe later.

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>>4269857
>>4269880
>>4269879

>Do as Ana suggested. And keep her inside.
>Let's have a talk first princess. You probably need someone to vent and yell at so let's hear it. What's on your mind?
>your father wants you back. how would you even pay for adventurers without his blessing?
if it's with have a sob-story, let's hear it.
>Now why exactly are you so desperate to go out adventuring? Because while I can't blame you for that, I do have an issue with you going unprepared for danger.
>Your pa put up a million gold bounty for bringing you back, so you're staying in for a day or so. >We'll talk about you leaving your room once you get a disguise so you're harder to be noticed by bandits and highwaymen.

As Ana and Sigrid step out of the room, you sit down on a chair across from the bed to face Galia. She stays standing.
“Let’s talk, princess.” You regard her distantly. “Your father wants you back. How would you even pay for adventurers without his blessing? If it's with have a sob-story, let's hear it.”
“You’re not worth my time.” Galia sneers. “But if you’d REALLY like to know, merc.. my grandfather was an adventurer. Callister Bosphoramus was one of the premiere explorers that cut their way across the Primordial Sea. That sword I had belonged to him. I’m not paying for adventures. I want to BE one. Join a guild and fight beholders and minotaurs and trolls with my loving party.”

You neglect to mention that you didn’t find a sword on her.

“Really, it’s my destiny to become an adventurer. Not sitting to death in one of those stuffy noble courts or listening to the pleas of men that my father brings to court me.” She flips one of her braids smugly. “And adventuring is a MUCH more noble livelihood than mercenary work..”
She makes a move for the door, but you cut in. “Your pa put up a million gold bounty for bringing you back, so you're staying in for a day or so.” You speak up. “We'll talk about you leaving your room once you get a disguise so you're harder to be noticed by bandits and highwaymen.”
“Oh yeah?” She smirks at you. “And what’s stopping me from walking out, getting my armor and sword, and leaving this shithole?”

>What do you do?

>>4269946
The goblins, the highwaymen, the lack of settlements in the Primordial Sea, your current lack of money, the fact that you'd be only going with a sword and armor and no bedroll, firemaking equipment, rations, map and compass, sense of destination or allies to keep watch for said goblins and highwaymen... I can go on, if you like.

>>4269959
This exactly

>>4269959
based and survivalistpilled

>>4269946
Ask her if her bones are still broken

>>4269959
This and would anyone be against getting into a defensive stance in case the princess tries anything funny? I expect her to aim for the head or go for bellow the belt blows. We can't hit her on the chance the king might take offence, but we can do parries and grapples until she tires herself out.

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>>4269959
>>4269961
>>4269964
>>4269970

>The goblins, the highwaymen, the lack of settlements in the Primordial Sea, your current lack of money, the fact that you'd be only going with a sword and armor and no bedroll, firemaking equipment, rations, map and compass, sense of destination or allies to keep watch for said goblins and highwaymen... I can go on, if you like.
>Ask her if her bones are still broken

“The goblins, the highwaymen, the lack of settlements in the Primordial Sea, your current lack of money, the fact that you'd be only going with a sword and armor and no bedroll, firemaking equipment, rations, map and compass, sense of destination or allies to keep watch for said goblins and highwaymen... I can go on, if you like.” You respond flatly. “And are your bones still broken?”
“Hmmm..” She looks like she’s pondering it. “I’ll take my chances over sitting in a dirty merc convoy.”

With that, she ducks out the door.

>What do you do?

>>4269959
>>4269970
+

>>4269979
Tackle her, then continue with the rant as we drag her back to the room.

>"...the fact that you don't know where in the Primordial Sea you're in, the animals, the biting flies, the lack of safe places to camp that aren't taken over by goblins and highwaymen, your lack of sword training, the fact that we hid your sword and armor..."

You guys can add stuff in, if you want.

>>4269959
>mention that there is no sword as well

>>4269979
Whatever happened to stopping her QM? The actual fuck?

Right here >>4269970 how did you miss this?
Well shit. Now we have to deal with the benny hill goose chase troupe.

>>4269989
Grapple and tie her up.

>>4269979
again the actual fuck

>>4269989
>>4269970

>Tackle her, then continue with the rant as we drag her back to the room.
>This and would anyone be against getting into a defensive stance in case the princess tries anything funny?

>Roll a 1d20 to MANHANDLE the princess back into the room.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4270002

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4270002

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4270002

>>4270011
>>4270007
>>4270006
We didn't even break off our rant as we tackled her.

>>4269979
>>4270002
>"There was NO SWORD when we found you!"

>>4269989
the fact that you're obnoxious. let alone find adventurers who don't offend your delicate sensibilities, do you think you'll find ones you who'll tolerate you?

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>>4270011
>Rolled 19 (1d20)
>
>"...the fact that you don't know where in the Primordial Sea you're in, the animals, the biting flies, the lack of safe places to camp that aren't taken over by goblins and highwaymen, your lack of sword training, the fact that we hid your sword and armor..."
>"There was NO SWORD when we found you!"
>the fact that you're obnoxious. let alone find adventurers who don't offend your delicate sensibilities, do you think you'll find ones you who'll tolerate you?

"...the fact that you don't know where in the Primordial Sea you're in, the animals, the biting flies, the lack of safe places to camp that aren't taken over by goblins and highwaymen, your lack of sword training..” You continue to rant as you grab her by the ankle, dragging her back into the room. “.. The fact that you’re obnoxious. Let alone find adventurers who don't offend your delicate sensibilities, do you think you'll find ones you who'll tolerate you?”
While you’re wrapped up in your rant, you don’t notice as the princess begins to tremble in your grasp. “And there was NO SWORD when we found you. Are you dense?!” You finish. Galia lies still on the floor of Sigrid’s room. She turns around to face you. Her lips are trembling. You catch your reflection in her eyes.
“Th-.. there was no sword?” She whispers hoarsley. You nod. “Th-.. that was my grandfather’s sword..”

Galia begins to cry on the floor. Oh geez.

>What do you do?

>>4270025
Close the door and prop the chair against it. Take a seat and give her a scolding glare.
So she lost not only her grandfather's sword, but a priceless kingdom relic that's probably being defiled by goblin hands. Ok princess. Here's a deal. We will see if we can retrieve the sword. If we do this, we you promise to behave- if not for us then for your grandfather? How would he feel knowing you lost his sword? We could find a priest and have them commune with the gods so they could bring your grandfather's spirit here so he could tell you how dissapointed he'd be.

>>4270025
>"Yeah, goblins tend to steal everything from the dead. If it was important to you, it's probably best to offer a reward for it to be recovered when you get back to your family."
>"Regardless, you're going to stay here until you get back to your dad, and while we're going there, you're going to learn how to survive in the Primordial Sea so you don't end up in a shallow grave."

close the door and block it (if it swings inwards). don't get scary.
(don't do >>4270044)

watch solemnly until she calms down.
then
>>4270052

then
anything great about the sword aside from its history? we might need to give the locals a heads up about a hobgoblin with a magic sword.

>>4270025
this>>4270052

>>4270061
Why not do >>4270044? I thought it would be a good bit of negotiation for keeping her compliant if we get her grandfather's sword back. It seems like it meant a great deal to her.

>>4270061
+1
Fighting a hobgoblin wit a magic sword without prior warning would be bad

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>>4270075
It's a good thing we have GUNS. Is this grandfather's sword magical?

>>4270069
-we're not going to retrieve the sword before delivering her.
-don't try to get witty with a crying person.

my option:
try to motivate her to stay with us with adventuring knowledge.
get her to realize on her own she fucked up, without accusing her or making outlandish threats.

>>4270081
>It's a good thing we have GUNS. Is this grandfather's sword magical?

"Was it magical?"
"I-it looked cool.." She snivels. "It was crafted by an elven smith.."

>>4270088
So probably magic, if not very sharp. Ok we'll wait and tell Ana about the sword.

>>4270087
But you can't deny she would feel better about having the sword back and would be more complacent. Not to mention that the goblins might have ok loot. If they live in a cave then we can do what we did last time: suffocate them to death. That happened in the last thread when Scruffy was younger.

>>4270088
>"Well, at least we're not going to have to deal with the goblin tribes uniting to destroy the towns..."
>"We'll talk to Ana about POSSIBLY looking for your sword, so long as you behave, alright?"

>>4270087
>-we're not going to retrieve the sword before delivering her.
Why not?

>>4270100
not read that. difficult to search for a QM with no name. do you remember the name?
also yes, I can deny that. might go back to thinking she's invincible.
also we don't even know the sword still exists. the goblins didn't loot the food. sword might have been inside the car, where we didn't look carefully.

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>>4270107
>>4270100
>>4270061
>>4270075
>>4270052

>"Yeah, goblins tend to steal everything from the dead. If it was important to you, it's probably best to offer a reward for it to be recovered when you get back to your family."
>"Regardless, you're going to stay here until you get back to your dad, and while we're going there, you're going to learn how to survive in the Primordial Sea so you don't end up in a shallow grave."
>So probably magic, if not very sharp. Ok we'll wait and tell Ana about the sword.
>"Well, at least we're not going to have to deal with the goblin tribes uniting to destroy the towns..."
>"We'll talk to Ana about POSSIBLY looking for your sword, so long as you behave, alright?"

"Yeah, goblins tend to steal everything from the dead. If it was important to you, it's probably best to offer a reward for it to be recovered when you get back to your family." You shrug.
“D-dad is going to be so angry..” She whispers. “I am NOT going back.”
“Yes, you are. You're going to stay here until you get back to your dad, and while we're going there, you're going to learn how to survive in the Primordial Sea so you don't end up in a shallow grave."
Galia begins to cry harder.
"We'll talk to Ana about POSSIBLY looking for your sword, so long as you behave, alright?" You hiss. She cries a little less gratingly loud.

You end up waiting out the night for Sigrid and Ana to return. It takes a good few hours. You spend most of the time staring directly at Galia, whose persona quickly shifts from pathetically remorseful to bitter and condescending again, curling up on Sigrid’s bed and avoiding direct eye contact with you. She eventually falls asleep facing the wall. Soon, you hear the satisfying thud of Ana and Sigrid returning from town late into the night. It’s not long before the two enter the room - Sigrid now wearing the helmet while Ana goes bare.

“Good to see our little princess is asleep.” Ana states flatly, glancing to the figure. Her accent is a bit more noticeable without the tinniness of the helmet masking her vocals. “How was it?”

>What do you do?

>>4270126
>Elaborate on everything that happened
>Mention her special sword

>>4270126
Inform her of what we know. She can't defend herself to shit and has the strength paraplegic. She lost her grandfather's sword, the sword which belong to her legendary elven adventurer grandfather. There's probably a minor bounty in addition to the return of the king's daughter. The problem is that it probably in the hands of the goblins, + one or two hobs. And plans?

>>4270126
>>4270140
+
@Ana your guess was right on the money. was her grandfather's sword though. broke down crying when she heard we didn't have it.

either of you know much about Callister Bosphoramus? that's the grandfather. she didn't know anything about the sword.

>>4270126
>"DAMN, YOU'RE PRETTY CUTE WITHOUT YOUR HELMET!" (Don't actually say this)
>"Ugh..."
>"She's trying to become an adventurer, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if she knew what she was doing. But she doesn't. And she thinks she doesn't need to. So chances are we're going to have to keep her from killing herself on accident."
>"In addition, she's lost her grandfather's sword. Probably going to be a reward for getting that as well as the princess. I told her if she behaved herself, we might, MIGHT go back to look for it."

>>4270158
She'd probably be allowed to go on adventuring if her parents didn't cared for her safety too much and had a second child to fill the role as the future monarch for the kingdom.

>>4270126
There's Scruffy, Sigrid, Ana, and Magnus. How many other people are in our Mercenary shack on wheels?

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>>4270164

>There's Scruffy, Sigrid, Ana, and Magnus. How many other people are in our Mercenary shack on wheels?

Including you, there’s:
Sigrid, the ghost witch.
Ana, a south coast ex-knight that served with the Ashen Lions.
Galia, an annoying half elf princess.
Miyuki, a changeling that you only gotten glimpses of and keeps reclusively to herself.
Magnus, a horse.

Generally, it’s best to keep the number of mercenaries living together low as a rule of thumb.

>>4270154
>>4270140
>>4270158
>>4270148

>Elaborate on everything that happened
>Mention her special sword
>either of you know much about Callister Bosphoramus? that's the grandfather. she didn't know anything about the sword.
>"Ugh..."
>"She's trying to become an adventurer, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if she knew what she was doing. But she doesn't. And she thinks she doesn't need to. So chances are we're going to have to keep her from killing herself on accident."
>"In addition, she's lost her grandfather's sword. Probably going to be a reward for getting that as well as the princess. I told her if she behaved herself, we might, MIGHT go back to look for it."

You explain the situation to the both of them in full. Ana nods while Sigrid plays with the helmet. “She's trying to become an adventurer, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if she knew what she was doing. But she doesn't. And she thinks she doesn't need to. So chances are we're going to have to keep her from killing herself on accident." You explain. "In addition, she's lost her grandfather's sword. Probably going to be a reward for getting that as well as the princess. I told her if she behaved herself, we might, MIGHT go back to look for it. It belonged to.. Callister Bosphoramus? Do either of you know anything about him?"

“I’ve heard of Callister. He was a great adventurer. He’s the reason so many dungeons out here are empty and walled off now.” Ana recounts.
“I don’t know anything!” Sigrid exclaims.
“.. But why exactly do you think we need her sword? It’ll have value, sure, but the reward is paltry compared to the time spent flushing out every single goblin den in that area. It could take up to a week and the resources will be costly. If we travel efficiently, we could get her highness to a royal checkpoint in just four days and cash in the reward.”

>What do you do?

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Also, last post of the night. Cya tomorrow.

>>4270189
>"For one thing, I DID say MIGHT. For another, I'm hoping that the idea that we'll try to find it will motivate her to co-operate with us. She sounded like the king would be pissed at her for losing it, so I'm worried that she'll try to go out to look for it on her own if we don't make an attempt."

>>4270189
Let's talk with Ana a bit away from the "sleeping" princess and let Sigrid play overwatch on the princess in case she tries to escape.

Once we're alone with Ana lets explain. Her compliance would be valued and I don't want her to whinge and whine about "oh how I miss grand papa's sword waaaaah waaaaah! You adventuring brutes should go get the sword back waaaaaaah! I want my mommy and daddy waaaah!" You tell me she won't whine and complain the whole entire trip back. Beside that, we if we show her we have iit then hide it away on the wagon, I doubt she'll try to escape without her grandpa's sword.

>>4270189
>>4270225
after leaving:
I think the same, to be honest. might even have been in the carriage when it blew up. if it's magic, and the goblins have it, that's gonna be a problem for other people. but that's a big if.
she'll probably get pissy about it, though. hopefully it'll be an impotent kind of pissy.
also, we should maybe not store her in a room with necromancy supplies? might do something stupid like threaten to eat them.

context for
>>4269514
joke 1: >>4269501
joke 2: http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/halfling
joke 3: http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/spell:spike-growth

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>>4270225
>>4270248

>Once we're alone with Ana lets explain. Her compliance would be valued and I don't want her to whinge and whine about "oh how I miss grand papa's sword waaaaah waaaaah! You adventuring brutes should go get the sword back waaaaaaah! I want my mommy and daddy waaaah!" You tell me she won't whine and complain the whole entire trip back. Beside that, we if we show her we have iit then hide it away on the wagon, I doubt she'll try to escape without her grandpa's sword.
>I think the same, to be honest. might even have been in the carriage when it blew up. if it's magic, and the goblins have it, that's gonna be a problem for other people. but that's a big if.
she'll probably get pissy about it, though. hopefully it'll be an impotent kind of pissy.

You pull Ana aside and out of Sigrid’s room, closing the door behind you. “I think the same, to be honest. Might even have been in the carriage when it blew up. But if it's magic, and the goblins have it, that's gonna be a problem for other people. But that's a big if.” You appeal to her knightly duty. “Plus, you tell me she won't whine and complain the whole entire trip back. If we show her we have it then hide it away on the wagon, I doubt she'll try to escape without her grandpa's sword.”
“Hmm.” Ana considers it for a moment, glancing back to the door leading to the sleeping princess. “.. Alright. We'll start traveling in the morning. When we pass by that area, you can go out and hunt, but if you don’t retrieve the blade in a few hours, we’re continuing without it. I’ll lend you my Smoker to flush out dens.”

>Leave Sigrid to watch the princess overnight.
>Bring her to your room and watch her yourself.
>Ask Ana to watch her.
>Write-In.

>>4271432
>Write-In.
Ask her who does she think can reliable watch over the princess, and for the love of whatever gods do we still have any earl grey tea or coffee? I know their luxuries in some places but we're gonna need some caffeine for the "princess". I dont know, do you think we might have go go so far as to drug her food at times so she sleep and doesnt try to pull a fast one?
Whom among us do you think can watch over her competently?
Did you see any bounties for goblins in town? If we have to kill the slimey things, we might as well make a quick buck out of it.

>>4271441
Smart thinking, supporting
>It should probably be us though, she already knows us a bit since we had a "conversation" of sorts

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>>4271441
>>4271442

>Ask her who does she think can reliable watch over the princess, and for the love of whatever gods do we still have any earl grey tea or coffee? I know their luxuries in some places but we're gonna need some caffeine for the "princess". I dont know, do you think we might have go go so far as to drug her food at times so she sleep and doesnt try to pull a fast one?
>Whom among us do you think can watch over her competently?
>Did you see any bounties for goblins in town? If we have to kill the slimey things, we might as well make a quick buck out of it.

"Do we have any earl grey tea..? Coffee? I know they're luxuries, but we should get some caffeine for the princess.” You grimace. “I don’t know. Do you think we should drug her food so she sleeps and doesn’t pull a fast one? Who do you think should watch her?”
“Drugging up the heiress to the kingdom isn’t a very good look for us when we return her.” She sighs. “I trust that you or Sigrid can handle this. Miyuki wouldn’t like it. Decide it among yourselves.”
“Did you see any bounties for goblins in town? If we have to kill the slimey things, we might as well make a quick buck out of it.” You offer up.
“Goblin bounties? They’re fodder for porcelain adventures.” She scoffs. “Besides, we’re not coming back for Drexel. The royal carriage is a few hours out from here. I’m not turning back with a caravan full of goblin corpses for some copper pieces.”

>Watch the princess.
>Let Sigrid do it.
>Write-In.

>>4271452
>Sleep in shifts with Sigrid. Princessa over there is probably gonna stick with us, but better safe than sorry yknow?
>Slumber party inc

>>4271456
This. Gotta conserve that energy for when we go searching for the sword.

>>4271452
Oh yeah. Forgot to add this but I suppose we could sharpen Dad's sword and clean the gun after our nap. Does Scruffy wear armor, or does he rely on reflexes and dexterity to avoid getting hit in combat?

>>4271501
Good question

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>>4271456
>>4271478

>Does Scruffy wear armor, or does he rely on reflexes and dexterity to avoid getting hit in combat?

You wear some boiled leather arm guards and shoulder pads, but mostly rely on your sheer DEX to avoid getting stabbed. You’re pretty speedy.

>Sleep in shifts with Sigrid. Princessa over there is probably gonna stick with us, but better safe than sorry yknow?
>Slumber party inc
>Oh yeah. Forgot to add this but I suppose we could sharpen Dad's sword and clean the gun after our nap.

You sleep in shifts with Sigrid to watch over Galia - switching out every couple of hours or so to keep an eye on her sleeping form. When you awaken, you spend your time whetting your dad’s sword and cleaning the powder from the rifling of your dragon. One shift, you actually discover the princess attempting to sneak out, but after catching and scolding her, she just grumbles and goes back to sleep. You end up sneaking segments of cheese from the pantry throughout the night to keep you full. NOTHING beats lizardman cheese.

You awaken to your boss standing over you, fully helmeted and armored up. Sigrid and Galia are sleeping on top of each other on the bed. Ana holds a Smoker in one hand - a thick barrel of rubber and steel with a copper tank attached to its base. A pilot light glows at the open end of it. It’s a standard royal model, a remnant of Ana’s time in the Ashen Lions.

“We’re in the area.” She states flatly. “You gonna bring someone with you?”

Ana would likely be the best choice. She’s easily the strongest mercenary on board and would make killing a hob child's play. Her skill with the Smoker could flush out goblin dens easily, and she could likely decapitate a hob with one swing. Of course, that would mean leaving Sigrid alone with the princess, and after goblins got into the pantry last night while she was on watch, you’re not sure that’s the best idea.
Sigrid would provide some needed backup, but she isn’t quite up to par with Ana’s level of training. You’re not entirely sure the two of you alone could take on a hob, so you’d probably have to set up some kind of trap. Plus, that’d mean you’d have to operate the Smoker yourself, and those things are pretty dangerous and heavy. Of course, that’d mean there’s no way that the princess could get out with Ana watching, though.
You could bring the princess and either Ana or Sigrid, leaving one behind to watch the caravan, but you suppose she’d likely get more in the way than anything.

>Bring Ana.
>Bring Sigrid.
>Bring the princess.
>Go alone.
>Write-In.

>>4271516
>Sigrid and Galia are sleeping on top of each other on the bed
r8 lewdness

>Taken everyone but Miyuki
Ask Miyuki to watch the place while everyone heads out to make sure no gobs get into the pantry again. I'm sure that fresh gourmet food will probably smell delicious, and get picked up on the wind by anyone hungry.
We should take everyone because:
>Ana knows the smoker
>Sigrid is great backup
>Princess knows the sword (willing to bet she has spooky magic senses involving where it is), and this will DEFINITELY get her some much needed experience

>If Miyuki doesn't agree give them some cheese

>>4271516
Does Scruffy Naruto run for extra SPEED? I'm joking of course, but in all seriousness can her parkour?

The changeling. It's time to see who they are.

>>4271531
>“I trust that you or Sigrid can handle this. Miyuki wouldn’t like it. Decide it among yourselves.”
Miyuki doesnt want to guard the princess and Ana by herself is already overkill. Sigrid cant be bothered to guard the princess properly so I think she should be feed some caffeine.

>>4271540
ehhhhhh, ok. Let's take Miyuki, they're a changeling after all right? So maybe they could pretend to be a gob and ask about "any new finds wot ya gots"

Changing >>4271531 to >>4271537
still r8 lewdness though

>>4271546
God I hope cameras exist. If there was a time to take pictures, now would be one.

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>Bring Ana.
>Bring Sigrid.
>Bring the princess.
>Go alone.
>Write-In.

>>4271537
>>4271546

>The changeling. It's time to see who they are.

“Miyuki.” You confidently respond.
“Miyuki?” Ana echoes almost incredulously. “.. Alright. I’ll leave the Smoker by the exit. Don’t break it.”

Changelings are generally reviled by civil society. Regarded as untrustworthy and disgusting, most have two paths: choose a new default and take up a new life as a different species, or follow the path outlined to their kind as an assassin. A base changeling is extraordinarily tall, slender, and are strange, pallid, translucent creatures. Naturally, they have a proclivity to shapeshifting and can maintain a new form nigh indefinitely. In the past, some famous politicians have come to only reveal their true forms as changelings in death.

Miyuki followed the assassin path. She seldom leaves her room and you’ve never actually spoken to her. You take a deep breath before knocking on her door. Slowly, it creaks open. The lanky figure wrapped up in purple slowly creeps into view, her singular eye focusing in on you. She looks like the type to hang out in the corner of some distant tavern, toying with a dagger and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. A strange, ragged, and whispery voice escapes her as she bends low to face you.

“.. What.” She asks.

>What?

>>4271567
new waifu acquired
Sigrid cant watch the princess to save her life and needs Ana to baby sit the both of them. We're gonna kill some goblins to get back a magic sword and I'd like some help.

>>4271567
Seconding >>4271577
>I know we haven't spent much time together in... well, at all. But I figure because of the circumstances now would be a great time to start, yknow?
>Try not to look too spooked

>tfw lewdness not rated

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>>4271577
>>4271586

>Sigrid cant watch the princess to save her life and needs Ana to baby sit the both of them. We're gonna kill some goblins to get back a magic sword and I'd like some help.
>I know we haven't spent much time together in... well, at all. But I figure because of the circumstances now would be a great time to start, yknow?
>Try not to look too spooked

“Sigrid can't watch the princess to save her life and needs Ana to babysit the both of them. We're gonna kill some goblins to get back a magic sword and I'd like some help.” You clear your throat, trying not to look spooked. “I know we haven't spent much time together in... well, at all. But I figure because of the circumstances now would be a great time to start, yknow?”

She remains quiet for a moment. “R-really? W..why do you need me?” She asks in a small voice. You're a bit taken aback. “I don’t usually fight goblins..”

>What do you do?

>>4271612
Nice

>I figure that, if you're willing, you could pretend to be a gob and ask them the sword's whereabouts before we flush them out of whatever hidey hole they're in with the smoker.
>I can run distraction while you assassinate as you're able
>If we come across a hob I could really use your help watching my back by putting a knife in his

>>4271612
Because besides Ana who is overkill when it comes to killing gobs and hobs, you'll be able to keep up with me in terms of dexterity and nimbleness. That and you come across as a mature lady that takes potential seriously. It would also be a good chance to get to know her better.

>>4271618
We'll probably have to do that if theres a goblin encampment and to underground nest or cave to smoke.

>>4271635
*and no underground

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>>4271618
>>4271626


>I figure that, if you're willing, you could pretend to be a gob and ask them the sword's whereabouts before we flush them out of whatever hidey hole they're in with the smoker.
>I can run distraction while you assassinate as you're able
>If we come across a hob I could really use your help watching my back by putting a knife in his
>Because besides Ana who is overkill when it comes to killing gobs and hobs, you'll be able to keep up with me in terms of dexterity and nimbleness. That and you come across as a mature lady that takes potential seriously. It would also be a good chance to get to know her better.

“Because besides Ana who is overkill when it comes to killing gobs and hobs, you'll be able to keep up with me in terms of dexterity and nimbleness. That and you come across as a mature lady that takes potential seriously. It would also be a good chance to get to know her better.” You reply, amping up your confidence. “I figure that, if you're willing, you could pretend to be a gob and ask them the sword's whereabouts before we flush them out of whatever hidey hole they're in with the smoker. If we come across a hob I could really use your help watching my back by putting a knife in his.”
“..O-okay.” Miyuki whispers. “B-but that’s actually a common misconception. Just because I turn into a goblin doesn’t mean I can speak their tongue. But.. w-working with someone else could be fun..”

[...]

The two of you walk about the thrush of the Primordial Sea some distance from the still caravan. Because of Miyuki’s frame, it’s only suitable that you carry the Smoker, but it’s size and heftiness is still a pretty big burden on you. You put most of your effort into not dragging the machine along the ground.
“Wh-where to..?” Miyuki asks in that whispery voice.

>Investigate the carriage for clues.
>Find a random goblin den and flush them out.
>Write-In.

>>4271724
>Investigate the carriage for clues.
I only now noticed how tall a profile she has. Can she temporarily shapeshift into a form much smaller, or does she think she can use her superior position to spot anything?

>>4271724
>Investigate the carriage for clues.

>>4271728
>>4271731
Supporting

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>>4271728
>>4271731
>>4271733

>Investigate the carriage for clues.
>I only now noticed how tall a profile she has. Can she temporarily shapeshift into a form much smaller, or does she think she can use her superior position to spot anything?

“Can you maybe.. Shapeshift into a smaller form? Or do you think you can use your position to spot anything?” You glance up to the tall purple changeling casting a shadow down on you.
“O-oh, yeah. Okay.” The bands shrink and seep into her form as white tendrils encompass her - striated white bands take on different colors and shapes. By the time she’s finished, she looks exactly like you. Her face flushes pink in embarrassment.. “Is.. is this good..?”
“.. Sure.” You turn away from her. This is too weird.

[...]

The two of you arrive at the caravan - or, at least once was the caravan. A large crater stains the grass fields of the sea. You figure it won’t be long until grass grows over the crater itself as small patches of greenery have already begun to spring up along its base. Miyuki peers over the edge.
“W-wow..” She whispers.

Checking the perimeter, you find that the dried goblin corpses have disappeared. Dirt trails and foot patterns lead off into the distance. You suppose that a nearby den got hungry.

>Investigate the crater.
>Follow the trails.
>Write-In.

>>4271743
>Investigate the crater.
We can check out the den, for now let's see if they missed anything. Check under the wagon for any remains of a weapon. Are there any traps in the carriage?

>>4271743
>Investigate the crater.
First check for traps then see if there is anything left to investigate

>>4271756
>>4271759
Supporting

>>4271743
>Make small talk: "So do you prefer your original form? Can you only imitate people or is it possible for you to come up with a completely new look you've never seen before on the spot? This is a little strange talking to 'myself' but it's pretty cool too! Just don't try and replace me alright?"

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>>4271765
>>4271759
>>4271756

>Investigate the crater.
>We can check out the den, for now let's see if they missed anything. Check under the wagon for any remains of a weapon. Are there any traps in the carriage?
>Make small talk: "So do you prefer your original form? Can you only imitate people or is it possible for you to come up with a completely new look you've never seen before on the spot? This is a little strange talking to 'myself' but it's pretty cool too! Just don't try and replace me alright?"

"So do you prefer your original form? Can you only imitate people or is it possible for you to come up with a completely new look you've never seen before on the spot?” You ask, riding the slope of the crater into the base as she follows along behind you.
“I-I’ve never really considered which form I like “best. Anything’s fine, I guess..” She responds. “I can only imitate people. I can’t really do beasts, but humanoids are fine. H-halfings, gnomes, goblins, orcs.. N-nothing like an owlbear, though. And I can’t really imitate their strength, either..”

Checking the crater, you find burnt segments of the carriage shell lying around the freshly dirty and grassy ditch. You pick through some of it with the assassin, looking over what you can scavenge - until you hit something hard in the ground. Digging your hands into the mound, you dig up a rather hefty steam trunk. You pop open the locks and peer inside - you find multiple folded royal dresses, mostly blue and white.

“M-must be the princess’s clothing. Lucky it survived.” Miyuki peers over your shoulder. She waves a dirty, rusted hunk of steel above her head. It looks like a fragmented blade. “I-I found this. Think it’s the princess’s..?”

>What do you do?

>>4271789
>"I dunno, I'd assume it wouldn't be cause of how rusty it is, but people can be fond of the weirdest things... Put it with the trunk, in case it is."

>>4271789
>She waves a dirty, rusted hunk of steel above her head. It looks like a fragmented blade.
Let's give it a once over and appraise it. The dirt is obvious in origin but the rust clues us in that it belonged to the goblins due to its lack of maintenance. It takes time for a weapon to rust and I doubt some fancy elven sword would ever do such. Still, give the blade a keen appraisal for any elven markings juuuust to be extra sure.
While we're at it let's dig through the princess's still for fun. I wonder if she has any tiaras or crowns you and I can wear.

So we have the option to take the truck, but we're probably already encumbered as it is. Lets leave it here for now, and if there is nothing else here let's follow the tracks back to the den.

>>4271792
Why in the hefty clothes trunk? Are we gonna carry that and the smoker? I mean don't me wrong. Scruffy is plenty MANLY enough to carry both of them at once. I'm just worried he might get tired for when he has to fight the goblins. Unless I'm misinterpreting your intent.

>>4271803
With, not in. And I figured we'd keep the stuff near the carriage before we bring it back.

>>4271789
That's probably not it. An heirloom would definitely be in a better condition than that, and not rusted
>>4271799
>more loot

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>>4271799
>>4271818
>>4271820

>That's probably not it. An heirloom would definitely be in a better condition than that, and not rusted
>While we're at it let's dig through the princess's still for fun. I wonder if she has any tiaras or crowns you and I can wear.

"That's probably not it. An heirloom would definitely be in a better condition than that, and not rusted." The thought occurs to you that you could just bring it back to the princess and say that the sword got decimated in the explosion, but you shake it from your mind. You turn your attention to the steamer trunk and glancing back at Miyuki, you begin to dig through it.
"A-are you sure that you should be going through the princess's things..?" She asks in a small voice.
"Ehh. It's fine." You snort. Peeling away some flowery blue dresses, you find some of the more interesting items. A book detailing the adventures of Callister Bosphoramus. Some pictures of the king and queen. An unsurprising lack of maps. Some drawings clearly made by the princess. And a pictograph of the princess next to two of the guards - those that died in the carriage accident. They're smiling.

>What do you do?

>>4271845
So she did at least care about them. The photograph and book will mean a lot to her, so let's keep it. Out of curiosity, would Miyuki turn into one of these guards? Not that we're asking her to do that right now.
Alright. Let's take the stuff and check out that den.

>>4271845
>What do you do?
Leave the stuff in the trunk, leave the trunk in the crater, move on to the goblin den. We can come back for this stuff later. It's probably important to the princess.

>>4271974
This. We do have hours.