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>>5198601
Things could not have gotten worse before you even reachedAlbion. While Guts managed to escape, it came at the cost of your identity being revealed to the Holy Iron Chain Knights. Now being captured and interrogated by their leader Farnese thanks to Serpico pulling you into a bad fall, you are stuck in a forced interrogation session where you're either forced to comply, or get a lit torch prodded on your skin.

After daring Farnese to do her worst in her torture as you laid shirtless in front of her, tied up by your wrists and with a heavy iron ball strapped to your untwisted ankle, you wait for her to interrogate you for information on The Falcon Of Darkness, The Black Swordsman and her belief that you are a Phantom, just so you can see how hard she breaks when reality goes against all of her convictions, she knows nothing of this world, and she should not get away with punishing its explorers.

However, before you could feel the flames scorching you alive, she unexpectedly turned over to the sigil behind her and, with deep breaths, started to kneel at the holy object and say her prayers to gather the remnants of her patience:

"O Lord. Please forgive whatever actions I am about to do. Your trials greatly challenge me in my character, but my faith for you will always reign absolute. Overcoming this test is within your plan, and so I will answer to your call. Despite how personal these matters are, I will do them not because they threaten my well being, but the entirety of our land's inhabitants. We will succeed, so please, guide me to your wishes."

"What the hell was that? You think saying sorry to god in advance will suddenly make it ok for you to do whatever you're about to do? If your faith was absolute, you wouldn't be wavering just from-" You started to mock what she stood for, but Farnese placed a hand on your chin and approached your face to her torch, making you cough as you inhaled the constant puff of smoke coming out of it.

"I will make myself clear once and only once. As eager as I am to see you gone, you are not my target. You have met The Black Swordsman, and no doubt you're working along with him. I need to know his motivations, whereabouts and his goals so we can possibly end this age of darkness. Cooperate and respect my authority, and we'll never have to see each other again. Derail this conversation or fail to respond to my questions, and I'll make sure your passing to the other world will be slow and painful."

"Psh, no promises. Doubt a blind sheep like you would listen to what I have to say." Despite seemingly recomposed, you can still see her fingers trembling as she backs away from you. The emotions are far too strong to ignore. Anger, Fear, Vengeance, Happiness, Attraction, it's a swirl of emotions where none of them come out clearly.

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>>5198623
"Wether what you are saying is true or not, I will judge you accordingly. Now, tell me what is your relation with The Black Swordsman. Why are you siding with the child murderer? What do you have to gain by letting him escape from us?"

"I've told you before. He's merely a red herring. The real Falcon Of Darkness will reincarnate in St Albion. The real enemy is making you waste your time with someone who poses no threat to you!"

"Blasphemy! Are you implying that the dreams of salvation aren't tellings of our lord, and that we've been worshipping the enemy instead?"
"Yes! Femto is the one who plans to reincarnate and use his magic to become the messiah and dominate you all!" You try to explain to Farnese in layman's terms, but that would imply that she's willing to listen about her entire foundation being evil, and she's been too indoctrinated to even give you the benefit of the doubt.

"Do you really expect me to believe that nonsense, that an organisation from several hundred years has been working for nothing because our real savior is some hoodlum criminal? Magic does not exist. Whatever paganist cult they brought you from, this Femto entity you speak of is not real. Has your upbringing with religious parents brought nothing of their knowledge? Or have they also been corrupted by evil spirits?"

"Oh, you better not put my family into this, or I'll tug you at your pigtails and ram your face on the nearest bonfire!"
"Answer my question!"
This is ridiculous, how can you prove something that you don't have any physical evidence while she does nothing to prove her claims? This dialogue is completely one sided. She will not be pleased by the truth.

>Magic is real, I can prove it!
>I haven't seen Femto, but I know of his apostles.
>If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'ethereal form'?
>Can you prove to me that your god is real?
>Write-in.

>>5198638
>If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'ethereal form'?

>>5198638
>Write-in
"Interesting how my 'pagan cult' upbringing has turned me into a man aiming to make ammends for his past. But your RIGHTEOUS and virtuous one has turned you into a flame loving degenerate. The lord certainly works in mysterious ways"
>If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'ethereal form'?

>>5198638
>If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'ethereal form'?

>>5198645
Hell yeah, roast this bitch

>>5198645
+1 stick it to her before she inevitably sticks something into us

>>5198638
>If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'ethereal form'?
"Dear liberals, if you think magic isn't real, why do believe in ghosts? Curious."
-Vladimir de Santana, Turning Point Midland

>>5198653
I always knew that knave Soros was behind the Holy Chain Knights.

>>5198653
>Vladimir de Santana
He should be "Vladislaus", like Dracula.

>>5198638
>If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'ethereal form'?
>Magic is real, I can prove it!
>"Interesting how my 'pagan cult' upbringing has turned me into a man aiming to make ammends for his past. But your RIGHTEOUS and virtuous one has turned you into a flame loving degenerate. The lord certainly works in mysterious ways"

>>5198680
actually, I'll retract my vote for.
>"Interesting how my 'pagan cult' upbringing has turned me into a man aiming to make ammends for his past. But your RIGHTEOUS and virtuous one has turned you into a flame loving degenerate. The lord certainly works in mysterious ways"

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>>5198642
>>5198645
>>5198647
>>5198653
"The lord certainly works in mysterious ways, doesn't he? Making my 'pagan cult' work as a trial to ammend for my past, while your virtuous synagogue has only turned you into a flame loving degenerate! Tell me Farnese, where in the scriptures does it tell you to enjoy the process of torturing the innocents?"

"You are anything but innocent, monster!" Farnese stabs at you with her fiery torch as you grit your teeth and endure the pain, letting go only when her ire subsides. While her grip is not firm and her thrusts are even sloppier, the fire seems to do most of the damage for her, with an evident blister showing as the result of the burn in your lower chest area.

"Monster, Phantom, Ghost... If magic does not exist, how do you explain my 'etheral form'?" You dare her to come up with a sound explanation as you muster up air between your groans.
"God might not display miracles or let others freely use his powers, but one does not need to see absolute good to know about the powers of evil! Deviating from his words is the root of all this madness, and letting hedonists and non-believers corrupt society will only worsen our condition! You said it yourself that you were seeking to cleanse the swamp of the occultists after your passing, but the fact that you are still here either means that you've failed, or that you have ulterior motives, as you had when you were a human!"

"Oh, so now my words have weight to you? I have read the Holy Scriptures too, you dumb bitch! Page 74, Chapter 4: 'Tolerance is God's Teaching' Have you actually read anything of your book, or do you only remember the parts that are convenient to you?"
"If your words were as sharp today as they were in your trial, your family crest wouldn't be a mere afterthought amidst all the nobles in Midland."
"YOU BASTARD-" You attempt to rip the damn chains shackling you after you hear Farnese have the audacity to insult your dead family members after you've warned her before, but your exhaustion, your added wounds and the sturdiness of the material only makes you helplessly squirm under her grasp.

You definitely caught Farnese giving you a short smile after seeing you flailing about as she caressed her thumb around your swollen burns, before retracting her arms and continuing her inquiry after being noticed.
"What, were you the one lying back then? Why would you call yourself a Phantom when you weren't one?"

>Because you would have died to the flesh creatures if I didn't get you out of there!
>I am real! Have you ever seen a ghost react to fire?
>Have you ever considered that the spirits existing are also your god's doing?
>I did it to piss you off.
>Write-in.

>>5198696
>Have you ever considered that the spirits existing are also your god's doing?
let's try to not give her too much at the moment

>>5198696
>Because you would have died to the flesh creatures if I didn't get you out of there!
>I am real! Have you ever seen a ghost react to fire?
>Have you ever considered that the spirits existing are also your god's doing?

Captcha be SXXXY

>>5198696
>"Are you even self-aware of yourself? You literally pick little pieces of what I say when your fucked head hears a click and that part fits the narrative you pull out of your ass"
>"Back in the Swamp, touching the corrupted part, even a little drop of the blood would be enough for anyone except for few people to turn into one of those Flesh Monsters. And I wasn't planning on using one of your people as a subject... After all, it's rude to mess with other people property, right?
>"I said I was a Phantom so you could just turn around and leave"

changing>>5198701

to support >>5198709

Pst when are we going to spill the beans that we were trying to save Merlina's eternal soul from damnation to hell?

I'm sure this won't make anyone upset to hear. Especially not with the monumental pain of failure painting our voice. It sucks that Farnesse is so fucking psychotic that you can't actually reason with her like a normal person. Or even find common ground in most normal people things. Gotta get all deep and existential because she's basically just a walking bible at this point.

>>5198696
>Because you would have died to the flesh creatures if I didn't get you out of there!
>Have you ever considered that the spirits existing are also your god's doing?

To everyone within earshot of Farnese's tent, it must sound like her and Vlad are arguing like a married couple.

>>5198746
If the Farnesefags like me get their way, within a few months Vlad and Farnese WILL be a married couple.

>>5198719
Probably later when she hopefully starts listening to us.
>>5198709
+1
This is good

>>5198763
>hopefully starts listening to us.
Can't be longer than I've waited for my dad to bring the milk home, surely?

>>5198767
Kek, if things keep going the way they are now, it won't be long.

>>5198709
+1

>>5198746
>"Hey, do you think lady Farnese and that guy we just captured know each other more than they let on? Do you think there is something else going on between them?"
>[sound of heated arguments followed by grunts and deep breaths]
>"Between him and out fair lady? Perish the thought."

>>5198696
>>Have you ever considered that the spirits existing are also your god's doing?
>>5198719
Not now, she is not even convinced.
The soul is also kind of related to taking out the hand first, it can't be really saved before.

>>5198746
Getting tortured and burned while being interrogated by a zealot, is not exactly what i would call an average conversation. Maybe if the knights are particularly drunk they might think that.

>>5198709
also forgot but
support

i like this write in

>>5198708
>support

>>5198696
>Because you would have died to the flesh creatures if I didn't get you out of there!

>>5198696
>Have you ever considered that the spirits existing are also your god's doing?

>>5198709
+1

>>5198696
>I tried to explain it to you, but you chose to ignore it. So I instead said what you wnated to hear to stop you from touching that cursed swamp. Because if you set foot in that, it would turn you into one of the monster you set out to kill. Fire would do nothing but anger it. You are welcome by the way.
>That curse by the way, was made by one of those evil being you talk about. There were four of them, but Femto is now the fifth. Do you know what they do? They often fake being one of the four angels and cause chaos in the world, like this plague of rats, that I saw one of their members unleash with my own eyes.
>Their fifth member is the Falcon of Darkness. And like the rest of his buddies, he is now faking being the Falcon of Light. Did you think that people would fall for the one responsible for the end times, even if they knew of his coming? It's obvious that they fake being holy to mislead others.
>Because a man with a sword cursed to fight is far from a man that would destroy the world. Guts has no ambition other than just live to see another day.

>>5198709
+1

>>5198892
Trying too hard there

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>>5198701
>>5198708
>>5198709
>>5198892
"I said I was a Phantom so you could just turn around and leave instead of being cursed by the Flesh Monsters! A single drop of blood is enough for anyone to turn into an undead creature, I saved your life, you should be thanking me!"
"Then why are you here? To have your 'thank you' kiss and pass on?
"I AM real, for God's sake! Have you ever seen a ghost react to fire? What do I have to do for you to be convinced?"

"Your death was declared by Your Majesty King Wyndham himself, you were buried there! How could you fake your death in front of the entire kingdom?"
"It was a secret mission, no one but me would be able to get in, and I wanted to clear my name after being accused of witchcraft. Sir Gallahad helped me escape, and though I was victorious, the awakening of monsters during the Fifth Eclipse spread the plague upon our land. This was thanks to one of the angels of the God Hand, Conrad. Femto is their newest member, and he will no doubt sacrifice every last one of us if it means having a physical body."

"So that's your defense? The swamp conveniently did not choose you to be consumed by it's flesh creatures so you could cleanse the land of the plague? How immaculate of you, would you also consider yourself to be some sort of prophet?" Farnese considers striking at you once more, but seems to recall the prophecy of the Falcon and notice some logic in your words.

"When the sun dies five times, the fifth angel will alight, The master of the sinful black sheep, the king of the blind white sheep... The one who shall call upon the world an age of darkness." She seems to believe part of your narrative, even if she does not believe in magic, it was insightful enough of an answer to give her room for thought.

"Back in your caravan, we found several items of pagan origins." Before you could explore that argument to see if she would believe more of what you had to say, she turned over and rummaged through your belongings. "These papers with runes plastered all over them, what are they supposed to be?"

"Wards. I use my magic to protect myself from weaker entities when I am traveling or sleeping-"
"There you go again with your magic! If you were such an experienced magician, why don't you come out of your chains and set yourself free? Not even a freak like you would subject yourself to such a dangerous interrogation."
"So now you admit you're torturing me... Even if I could, there are limits to my magic. I am not omnipotent, and there is only so much I can do without studying and practicing first."

"What can you do here, then? Show it to me that you really have otherworldly abilities! Every single one of those who claimed to do so never were able to prove their powers! It's all an excuse to indulge in drugs and orgies, much like you did in your younger days!"
So she really has done her homework on you... But lucky for you, there are some things you can still do while restricted.

>>5198946
>I also know a lot about you (Probe her mind and look into her past)
>Come closer, I have something to show you (Suck her dry of energy)
>I can tell exactly what you are feeling right now (Read her mind)
>Refuse. She probably won't see it and if she does, it'll only make her more agitated.

>>5198949
>I can read mind and thoughts. I can see what you are thinking right now, and see your memories. It's how I knew what you done on your mansion, and how I avoided your attempts.
>I can also heal myself, but I need a willing donor. Taking energy and using blood is dark magic, tainted and corrupt.
>So your choice on how you want me to prove it. Not that I expect you to scream that I'm a monster because of it.

>>5198949
>"Ow, so I leave such a impression on you so big you have to investigate me? How sweets"
>"If you want me to prove you I will, only if you don't go nuts and try to execute me once you see what I can do"
>"First, I can see and know your thoughts. Think in the most unexpected thing you can or something you're sure I wouldn't know..."
>"Second, go and grab my hand or some part of me. You will feel a little weak with this one so don't get scared. If you do so, you should see how I recover a little from my injuries." Do the transfering Od thing to heal us, but not let her dry, just a little

>>5198963
Y'know? Maybe we should just try to tell her we can know her thoughts. We already shown some of that in our dance three years ago.

Also, I say we should start talking more low so if anyone is near the tent doesn't hear. With least people knowing, the better.

>>5198949
>>I also know a lot about you (Probe her mind and look into her past)

>>5198949
If it's possible after demonstating self-healing also show we can heal others. Maybe tell her to cut a finger and touch us.

>>5198968
Good idea, +1

>>5198946
>offer to read her mind.

>>5198949
>I also know a lot about you (Probe her mind and look into her past)

>>5198949
>I also know a lot about you (Probe her mind and look into her past)

>>5198968
+1 in regards to talking lower and more quietly

>>5198949
>>I can tell exactly what you are feeling right now (Read her mind)
>Come closer, I have something to show you (Suck her dry of energy)

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>>5198958
>>5198963
>>5198976
"I... I can read your thoughts. It's how I can dodge people's attacks so well, or how I knew how to dodge your kicks when we danced" You speak on a lower tone, not wanting to reveal your secrets to whoever else might be nearby.

"Wh-What?" Farnese's eyes open wide after hearing your explanation.
"I can also go further in a person's mind and know more of them by searching their memories. Of course, I know how intrusive that can be, so I tend to let them speak and reveal their stories when they want to, unless absolutely necessary."

"Liar! Tell me what I'm thinking right now then!"
"Oh, Farnese... Numbers? This is child's play! You're thinking of the number 7."
"..."
"39."
"...!"
"You thought of 66, but went back to 42. Changing numbers around will not confuse me, our minds are linked now, and there's nothing you can do about it. Give me a real challenge."

Farnese visibly sweats as her eyes advert away from your body, her hands starting to shake again.
"How can he know of my every thought? This is impossible! Does he also know about my past...?"

"Oh yes I do. In fact, I can revist it right now if you'd like." You close your eyes and see the image of a young, terrified girl alone in her room. The mansion is wide and dark, and though it's far into the night, the roar and crackles outside make it impossible for the poor child to sleep.

"Following the chantings and with no one to supervise her, the child was welcomed by the eerie shadows of the night and the stench of burning flesh. The people were once more being condemned by their sins outside her home, they burned brightly as the religious order killed them for what they believed to be evil deeds.

The dancing of the flames and the swaying of shadows scared Farnese to no end, until one of them handed her a torch and told her to throw it at a person.
Soon she threw another torch, and another, and another. The feeling of control over life and death, the darkness around her being swept away as she conquered her fears, the words of praise she got from her peers as she was called a child of great faith, a blessing from the lord himself. It was the recognition she always wanted to have from her neglectful family.

Unbeknowst to her audience, the heat of the flames was also responsible for her sexual awakening, as the fire was also being felt in an area she never had any positive reaction from before... She was too young to understand what that meant, but for now, an easy way to feel well is all she needed to know.
The covenant was not a place for her to explore her sexuality, making her repress her impure thoughts despite only making them harder to control. Thankfully, burning people was still approved, if not encouraged as an obligation as their army's leader. So she found it justified to inflict pain onto others to meet the lord's expectations, while privately inflicting pleasure on herself.

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>>5199016
Things were now finally making sense. The first thought she had when meeting you at the royal ball was burning you to cinder. The only way she knows to love is to feel pain and to push pain onto others. Serpico was literally the only one that didn't run away when she tried to abuse him relentlessly, but why was that?

You see a few more memories of her and Serpico going inside a forest when they were young, something that would contextualize her relationship with him and her workers.
"Fetch me some twigs."
As Serpico caught a few bundles of sticks, he noticed several skeletons of small animals, along with the chirping of a caged little bird. After lighting the cage on fire, the poor creature furiously fluttered and cried before welcoming the sounds of silence.

"Why are you doing this, Lady Farnese?"
"The bird didn't become attatched to me. It was a bad pet. This is my crematory, my holy altar, where I send them away." Her smile was illuminated by the flames as she absorbedly responded to her page. It was far from the first time she did this. That mansion was a prison of her own making, and though she liked to burn things at a young age, she also realised that made her all the more unlikeable and unnaproachable towards people her age.

She purposefully made an effort to scare her servants with her evil side, and the ones who couldn't stomach her poor character traits to see the real her were deemed weak by her standards. She would rather be feared than to be found out that she is the one afraid. Afraid of getting attatched to someone, only so they can leave her to find someone more stable. The one who was supposed to love her the most, was the one who set that rule towards her.

"Father! Father!" Farnese once interrupted a meeting to give her parent a hug, not seeing him in a whole year when the only interaction she had was seeing the tortured inquisitors at her plaza.
"What is it, Farnese? Can't you see I'm in the middle of a conversation?"
"Y-Yes, Father... I apologise!" She held a rabbit plush close to her, one that she got from her father in a family trip when the Vandimions were still close and relatively united.
"Do you still carry that filthy old doll around with you?"
"Huh? Y-Yes, Father."
"Throw it away. I can order them to make you as many as you'd like. Go play by yourself now."
"But-" Farnese felt conflicted in losing the emotional value of her gift for several hollow duplicates, but her father knew what was best for her, so she obeyed in order to approve him.

"...Yes, Father..."

"STOP IT!" The real Farnese slaps you out of your trance by whacking you relentlessly with her torch until she lost her breath. She did not want to be reminded of those memories when she thought she grew past them, but the tears in her eyes were very visible. She did not want anyone to know about the inner workings of her mind, yet she was exposed by the one she least wanted to be laid bare by.

>>5199039
Your entire upper body is now covered with her bruises, both of you are drenched in sweat, rapidly breathing and cautiously examining each other's bodies. As Farnese held her head down, her voice finally cracked into something that would resemble the insecure, crying child you saw her as.

"Why? Why did you make me relive those moments?"

>Do you believe in magic now? I've proven my innocence!
>As much as I would like to deny it, our upbringings were not so different.
>Put that torch down, Farnese. There is nothing more to gain from this.
>Be honest with yourself. You torture people because you get a rise out of it.
>Is this still fun to you? Hurt me some more, I know you're loving every second of it.
>When I left your side at the ball, did that make you upset?
>Write-in.

>>5199047
>>As much as I would like to deny it, our upbringings were not so different.
>>Put that torch down, Farnese. There is nothing more to gain from this.

>>5199047
>As much as I would like to deny it, our upbringings were not so different.
>Put that torch down, Farnese. There is nothing more to gain from this.
Basic negotiation tactics

>>5199047
"We all carry burdens from the past farnese, I just want to use what I was born with to lessen mine and help those who I can."
>Put that torch down, Farnese. There is nothing more to gain from this.

>>5199048
Support

>>5199047
>As much as I would like to deny it, our upbringings were not so different.
>Would you like to see mine?

>>5199048
>Support
Adding
>When I left your side at the ball, did that make you upset?

>>5199061
+1

>>5199065
I'll also add
>Would you like to see mine?

>>5199047
+1 >>5199048
>"Everyone, at some point lives in their own hell in some point of their lives, Farnese. It's a scar we bear each one of us and it never goes away"
>"It's only when we are faced by those memories and overcome them, it's when we're truly free. And when we try and dodge those memories is when we those turn into a burden, being each day more heavy than before, draining us and making us weak, Farnese"
>"Wanna know why I was a drunk man looking for some company in a whore house? For the same reason I also used to not go near to church, for seeing all those Flesh Monsters screaming my name, because I choose to just ignore it and try to lock everything and everyone from me"
>"My Mother and my father maybe thought I was cursed, that I was some wicked child, and still they raise me as their Son"
>"And it was only when I have cleansed the Swamp, when I knew my origin... That's when I was finally free and with a porpuse"
>"But... No... There's still things I have to do, to fight for, because if I die in a tent like this, in such a pathetic circunstance that I didn't only fail to myself, but also to my master and last person I could call family..."
>Put that torch down, Farnese. There is nothing more to gain from this

And if we can show Farnese our thoughts and all, I wanna go with
>Would you like to see mine?

>>5199069
Also adding
>When I left your side at the ball, did that make you upset?

For the feels

changing this >>5199056

to support >>5199069 >>5199069

>>5199069
10/10, +1 all the way.

>>5199047
>I didn't make you relive those moments Farnese, I just picked a personal one that you would believe me. The fact that memory was the one on hand means that it's always on the back of your mind, even though you try to ignore it.
>We all carry sins of our past, what matters is what we do with them. The whoring and drinking was my attempt to hide from my suffering. I didn't do it because I was a hedonist, but because my dreams were haunted by monsters of the swamps. I avoided the faith because it also happened when I stepped foot in it.
>I was adopted Farnese, a children of the clan my father had set out to destroy. I was immune to the swamp's curse because they were my blood, not because I was a holy prophet. And even though I learned that truth after I started purging it, I carried on.
>And still I failed to save those that mattered in the end. My master, my father, my mentor, the servants of my household. But I will hold on. Because it was the false angels and the falcon of darkness the ones that responsible for it. I know Guts isn't responsable, because I can see that he bears the mark of the cursed, not of the wicked.
>You can rise above your past. You can rise above your mistakes. But only you are the one that can do it. So put the torch down Fernese. And talk to Serpico about it for God's sake, he is a good man.

>>5199069
>>5199048
"As much as I would like to deny it, our upbringings were not so different, Farnese." You soften your voice after seeing your words finally getting through to her.
"Don't you dare compare yourself to me... What could you possibly have gone through to say that we are the same...?"

"We aren't the same, but everyone, at some point lives in their own hell in some point of their lives. It's a scar we all bear that never goes away. Would you like to know mine?"

You don't wait for her to respond, her expectant eyes focusing on your lips is consenting enough for you to continue.
"I had a bad rep of being a drunkard and addicted to sex, always looking for company in whore houses, but I did that for the same reason I couldn't go to my family's church. Through all my life up to my 19th birthday, I saw flesh monsters screaming my name, my vision was covered by undead creatures of the swamp... And all I did to solve these problems was to ignore them, I left my room less and less, until eventually I locked everyone and everything outside my doors."

"This is where we diverge, my mother and my father thought I was cursed, that I was some wicked child, and still they raise me as their son, they had hope that I would never stray away. Even if they had their doubts, they refused to force their lifestyles onto me, and that came with the feeling of being even more aimless in life. But it was only when I have cleansed the swamp, when I knew my origin... That's when I was finally free and with a purpose... If I die in a tent like this, not only will I fail myself, but also my master and the last person I could call my true family."

Farnese's face slowly turns more neutral as your sorrowful story reaches her.

"When we are faced by those memories and overcome them, it's when we're truly free. And when we try and dodge those memories is when we those turn into a burden, being each day more heavy than before, draining us and making us weak, Farnese. This was your mistake, but it's not too late to fix it. Put down that torch, there is nothing more to gain from this."

Farnese's lips start to quiver as you show some brief recollections of your life in the Santana Estate, testing how much you've improved in your spell casting. All this time, the help she desperately craved for was a lot closer than what she thought. Begrudgingly, she places her touch on a handle, and picks up a leather whip from her drawers.

"Well... That's a start." You chuckle while still being thankful that she changed to a safer weapon.
"I cannot change. Not when there are so many people depending on my actions. I need to press forward, or else the past few years will all be for naught. What could I possibly do to reform now? You know who I am now, the degeneracy of my thoughts, this cannot be fixed without a higher power."

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>>5199106
"I have tried to be honest with my feelings before, it only lead to more suffering... It's the reason I found this calling... I was foolish enough to believe Serpico would understand how I feel."

"He was my personal servant ever since I was young. The only one who never left my side. No matter how much pain I made him go through, he would always obey me. He was everything I wanted in a man, and before I caught wind of it, we had already grown through our teenage years together. He was the only one that could understand my depraved mind, whenever other nobles tried to have their way with me in gatherings, I ordered him to duel whoever offered my hand in a dance. That idiot never bothered to actually win, always ending it in a draw... But there was one time where he could not defend me from my foe... My father."

"Father wanted me to accept another man in an arranged marriage, and I desperately wanted to escape my conditions... But when I opened up to Serpico and pleaded for him to save me, to run away with me towards our freedom... He rejected me. My only knight failed me in my time of need... So I had to take measures in my own hands, and burn the house down..."

"So that's why you were already in the way to the See when we met at Wyndham... Tell me, when I left your side at the ball, did that make you upset?" You asked Farnese after getting to understand some aspects of her craziness.
"I still wanted to escape, but I knew I could not trust him, so I thought I could make him jealous by dancing with someone else. Even if I wanted nothing to do with you, you gave me hope of escaping, but I knew it would not last. You only cared for me because of my looks, my name, my high status. But..."

"But?"
"Do you know what he said to me after we were back on our journey?"
"Seems like a swell lad aside from the puking part, hopefully you two can warm up to each other on a less dangerous meeting."
"Already afraid of being replaced? Maybe I'll find someone who does not disappoint me."
"Why would I be afraid right now? You could use some company other than mine."[/i]

"I lived my entire life with him, and he still had never seen me as his woman... Why should I care about what you can do for me, this is the path I chose, and I've grown past those pesky feelings of mine. This is not a phase that can be swayed by a man's words, not my father's not Serpico's, and certainly not yours."

>I've also been rejected before, get over yourself.
>He's not obligated to accept your feelings, surely he must have his reasons.
>Serpico was right, you are too self absorbed.
>Let's say Serpico accepted your feelings, then what?
>How many whippings will it take for you to forgive him?
>Write-in.

>>5199138
>Let's say Serpico accepted your feelings, then what?
>He's not obligated to accept your feelings, surely he must have his reasons.

>>5199138
>I cannot change. Not when there are so many people depending on my actions.
"The people aren't depending on you burning supposed heretics."
"If this was truly about the people, you could have used your family's wealth to help them twice as much."
>What could I possibly do to reform now? You know who I am now, the degeneracy of my thoughts, this cannot be fixed without a higher power.
"Accepting who you are is the first and hardest step to overcome. The rest will come naturally, you just have to trust me."
>I lived my entire life with him, and he still had never seen me as his woman...
"Let's say Serpico accepted your feelings, then what? Would all your problems have miraculously vanished?"

>>5199141
>Support

>>5199141
support

>>5199138
>You don't meed to be swayed, you only need to follow your path. You are asking that someone else come save you while you fake that are the one in choice. And you also want someone else to make the choice you want, while it hoping that it would be your won will.
>You say this is the path you chose, still you beg for a savior. You say that you grown past your feelings, but you still carry them in your mind.
>You are repeating the same actions over and over. Still hiding a secret, still being ashamed of it. Still following the orders of another willing hoping that you can find a way to break free of it. Still hoping for a white knight to come and drag you away from your worries. The details changed, but the picture is the same.
>What would happen if tuis dream prince appeared? Would you suddenly not have those feelings? Tgis is what I was talking about, you want to hide from the problem, run away from it, even if God came down from the heaven and personally guided you, it would still be your hands that would need to face them Fernese, other can give you support, but only you can face your own heart.

>>5199138
+1 to>>5199141 and add
>"I can't say that I was rejected too, I already told you that I would find company from a lady either paying, or because of my looks"
>"I turned down other womans before, and I know how that could affect someone... Some just stay sad for Days, weeks or months. Others may be depressed for years and years, but for something like being rejected and still be aflicted like that, is like stand in front of a wall and not even trying to see a way to pass over it"
>"It's ok to feel sad about those things, but not to consume you at such an extense"
>"Do you wanna know why I asked you to a dance? It was not because I tried to go under your dress nor even go some steps up in status, that I was planning in achieving with being a Knight"
>"I just read your mind, see all that have you felt for me in that moment and think for myself 'Hah, let's have a little fun making this brat mad', just plain fun after a couple drinks and feeling great for my victory in the battlefield"
>"You may argue that it was because I wanted to embarrass you, but if that was the cause I might have done something worse like make you look like you trip and fall..."
>"Instead we did a really good show if you ask me, we were a really good couple in that dance floor"
>"Maybe if everything didn't go so horrible like it went, we could, you know... Talk more, maybe"
>"Or if I didn't needed to fake my death things could have go other way... Maybe you coming to my state and try to get a revenge..."
>"There's a lot of 'what if's' and 'what could' in a single lifetime, but we are people that are meant to live in the present and strive for the future, only looking to the past when needed."
>"i'm not looking for you to shake all the foundations you build in all these years, and surely you won't shake mine the slightess, but there's always a first step"

>>5199138
>You don't think he...you know...has a greater appreciation for his own gender, do you?
Funny moment

>>5199161
+1 lol

>>5199138
>>Let's say Serpico accepted your feelings, then what?
>>He's not obligated to accept your feelings, surely he must have his reasons.
"You are correct on one thing. This phase cannot be changed by your Father, Serpico or Me. Neither by the Church or any of your knights."
"But it can be changed by you."
"You do not need to be consumed by that fire, the one in your heart. Rule your passion, and choose a new path. You are still young, I did change and if i can it should be possible even for you."
"The firsts step on that path, if I can suggest one to you, should be to prepare you and your knights for the task ahead. Take away as many innocents as you can from that place, and avoid that the agents of darkness feast on them like scythes in fields ready for harvest"
"Freeing me would be also nice. But that's beyond your new path."

Change never needs to be sudden. The quicker you expect it the harder it becomes. And yet we're always changing whether we see it or not. The mind is truly an enigma. Pity party havin' ass bitch. Doesn't even want to try other lifestyles to see if she likes them. All emotionally closed off and shit.

>>5199165
Maybe she would be happier if she had a fun hobby like rock climbing, gardening, or wrestling.

>>5199168
She could just turn her unhealthy obsession into an acceptable hobby. Instead of burning people she uses fuels and retardants to selectively burn/singe wooden canvases and make char art or something.

Or she could go fishing. You get to sit around and relax with no one to judge you but the fish.

Or just about anything other than wallowing in a mire of her own emotional making.

>>5199176
"I always say morning instead of good morning, because if it was a good morning, I'd be fishing"
-Farnese

>>5199185
So deep.

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>>5199176
>>5199185
I will not apologize for this

>>5199215
As if there was any need to apologize for this masterpiece.

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>>5199215

>>5199141
"Let's say Serpico accepted your feelings, then what? You'd happily live running away from the most powerful family name in all of the continent? Surely you didn't think that far ahead."

"I... I would..." Farnese tries to think of something she would do if she had her way, but she only proves you correct, she has no idea what she actually wants.

"Be it relationships, gods, or what have you, they can only do so much to guide you. Fixing your issues is not anyone's responsibilities, all you've done thus far is change pedestals instead of looking towards fixing your directionless compass. You're still limited by expectations, not noticing you're doing the same to poor old Serpico. He's not obligated to accept your feelings, because he is his own person."

"Wh-What other options do you think I have? It's easy to say this when no eyes are on you."
"Several options, as I had as well. Quit speaking like and old woman, for crying out loud. You're too young to think nothing will change in your life. Hell, you're in the same age I was when I first started having those thoughts. The best advice I can give you right now is to take control of your heart, and not be blinded by the lights of the camp fires. It's a different answer for each of us, but when you do grow enough to get out of that existential pit, your mind will be that powerful fortress you seek from others."

"I've... I've found the place I belong to already, I don't need your help!" She tapped you with her whip, while not intending to be a full strike, you still flinched from her hitting your newly made wounds.
"Argh! Alright... Didn't expect for you to change your mind with a single pep talk. If it makes you feel any better though, I didn't ask you for a dance because I was looking for a cute youngster to shag with, or to step up in status. I just read your mind, and after seeing your feelings, I genuinely wanted to see you turn that frown upside down. If I wanted to embarrass you like you think I did, we wouldn't have been the center of the attention in the dance floor when none of the families there were fond of us. Give others a chance again, and you'll change before you notice it."

"...I don't need to change, and this inquiry is not about me. You have failed in giving me good reason to forgive you for saving The Black Swordsman after his proven crimes, but you have proven to be indeed alive, so I can trial your witchcraft as a man, and not as a phantom."
"Back to square one then... Shame, I thought I was making sense."
"I will place you back in your cage, Serpico will give you rations in the morning."
Farnese unshackles you as your limp body falls to the floor, she attempts to lift your body up, but her noodle limbs fail to even do that much as she holds your back on her knees.

"HMMMPH!"
Nope, not a budge.

>Lend me your energy, I know the way down.
>So you're still sending me to my death?
>Serpico! You there?
>Write-in.

>>5199234
>Lend me your energy, I know the way down.
>Unless you also consider healing to be evil and pagan, in which we case you should really burn some sacred relics.

>>5199234
>Your hands are cold.
>Lend me your energy, I know the way down.

>>5199239
>>5199240
Both of these are good. +1

>>5199234
>Your hands are cold.
>Lend me your energy, I know the way down.
>Unless you also consider healing to be evil and pagan, in which we case you should really burn some sacred relics.

>>5199234
supporting >>5199239 & >>5199240

>>5199245
>Support

>>5199240
support

Also, Serpico is going to be quite surprised with how Vlad has been able to help Farnese

>>5199240
+1

>>5199254
Bros, are you sure you want Vlad to make wooden scultures or falconry? Maybe poetry would be nice seeing how we softed the crazy bitch's heart.

We could even start being a therapist

>"So tell me, Serpico, when do YOU really think your problem started?"

>>5199265
Well being a literal mind reader does help with fixing people's problems.

But no way. Shit gets depressing fast.

>>5199265
>>5199267
We'll need to be careful with how we escape though. We don't want to break Farnese's heart and possibly make her rebound and make her even worse.

Though if for some godforsaken reason Vlad ends up meeting Mozgus in chains, I'm confident Vlad won't immediately die. If we play our cards right and use our powers smartly, like showing him Vlad's memories, we could make the inquisitor have a crisis of faith.

>>5199279
>show a zealot your memories
>thinking he wouldn't immediately cave your skull in for trying to force false visions and lies into his mind
Do not do a single fucking thing that makes you seem like a false prophet or tempter to a violently religious person.

>>5199267
The whole world of Berserk is depressing. Our boy Vlad has been through a lot
>>5199279
The thing with Mozgus is that he firmly believes that what he's doing is the right thing. He won't budge just from some mind reading. On top of that he's also got his executors with him, so the chances of getting to discuss with him without interferences are slim. Iirc, Guts had barely managed to defeat them in their pseudo-apostle forms . Would current Vlad be able to defeat current Guts? Knowing this would give us an idea of how Vlad would fare against them.

>>5199284
I mean of course don't immediately show Mozgus magic, we don't want Vlad's skull caved in with a book. Same with being careful with words, piercing the inquisitors' ideals and beliefs at the wrong time could end bloodily.
>>5199288
Personally, I think Mozgus will take great personal interest in Vlad Satana. For Vlad came from a family that was a great contributor to the Holy See once. And Vlad can actually do magic, no matter how basic, the inquisitor will likely want to see his healing magic among other things. So, I'm imaging Mozgus and Vlad will get 1 on 1 torture sessions similar to the current one with Farnese.

>>5199292
That's also a great idea. Perhaps we would be able to convince Mozgus like we did with Bar ham? Would love to see both scenarios play out

>>5199292
Man Mozgus didn't drink the Kool-aid. He excretes that shit from his pores. He ain't listening to a sinner. He doesn't even listen to the innocent.

>>5199297
Yea that would be the best-case scenario Vlad changes Mozgus's mind just like with the apostle. There could also be interesting interactions with the Disciples, a talk with the crow, the Twins noticing Vlad's astral nature (they could see Puck in the manga).

But >>5199305 has a great point. Mozgus didn't drink the Holy See's Kool-Aid. He's practically there Kool-Aid man.

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>>5199239
>>5199245
"Your hands are cold." You tell Farnese her fingers feel as icy as her real self.
"I have been holding a torch for this entire inquiry. It's not my fault your body is-"
"Hot?"
"This is why I despise you." Her eyes squint at you as she lets you drop off her lap.
"Whatever... Just lend me your energy, I know the way down to the cage. Unless you also consider healing to be evil and pagan, in which we case you should really burn some sacred relics."

"How do you know you will not suck me dry out of my energy?"
"I trusted you enough not to kill me, the least you can do is offer the same benefit of the doubt to me."
"...Very well." She pressed her hands on your blisters and waited for you to do your thing. She didn't have to press that hard, though...

Taking a few deep breaths, she sees your burn marks diminish greatly to the size of pink pimples as the See leader squeals in shock.
"Ah!" Just before your ankle could get properly healed, she recoiled with unseen speed, still seeming as energised as she was before helping you out.
"What happened? I know it usually is tiring, but it doesn't tend to hurt. Do you feel any different?"

"N-No... I just..." It seems Farnese just got scared of the feeling of having her od pool slurped on, but she seems completely unphased by it. Have you gotten better at this, or is Farnese's Od predisposed to magic?
"Well, if you had any doubts that magic was real, I'm here to prove you wrong."
"Get out of here before I whip you over your blisters!" Farnese starts whipping at your back muscles. While not as bad as the burns, her wacks still sting like hell... At least it's something to take the focus out of your bad ankle.

"There you are, friend." Serpico quickly appears as Farnese disappears inside her tent. "Sorry about leaving you alone with her, had to distract Azan or else I would have two higher-ups giving me lectures for disobeying their others. Come here, I'll place you back at your place."

Offering you his shoulder, Serpico guides you to the squared cage amidst the rocks and hands you some ointment to fix your burns.
"I'd look sunburnt at all times if it wasn't for this, pretty sure it works on actual burns too, go ahead. Don't think this will be the only time you and the commander will be getting some alone time." Serpico takes a look at your twisted ankle and with a precise crack, places it back where your joints were supposed to be.

"So how did it go with her? I was thinking of going in to see if you were ok, but I was hearing a lot of grunts on her end followed by yours, and thought it would be awkward to interrupt whatever was going on between the two of you..."

>About as well as it could possibly go.
>Get your mind out of the gutter.
>Is she usually this rough?
>Why are you helping me?
>What is it with you and Farnese, she told me you rejected her feelings for you.
>How long until we get to Albion?

>>5199322
>What is it with you and Farnese, she told me you rejected her feelings for you.
>Got her to question some things, but you don't undo a lifetime of problems in a conversation. Atleast she admits I'm alive and magic is real.

>>5199322
>Is she usually this rough?
>What is it with you and Farnese, she told me you rejected her feelings for you.

>>5199322
>Get your mind out of the gutter.
>Got her to question some things, but you don't undo a lifetime of problems in a conversation. At least she admits I'm alive and magic is real.

>>5199326
+1, but say the magic part quietly.

>Get your mind out of the gutter. I was literally being tortured.
>Got her to question some things, but you don't undo a lifetime of problems in a conversation. At least she admits I'm alive and magic is real

>>5199215
excellent anon, this will be a fine addition


>>5199322
>Get your mind out of the gutter.
>>How long until we get to Albion?
"I would like to know if you are ready for it, i need to count on you, with me in this conditions .... i doubt i will be capable to save even a dozen of the people left there, if i am able to stand and fight that is. Just for convince you let us talk with our minds."

>>5199322
Dear god, now Serpico is lovingly rubbing Vlad down with ointment?
Don't let Farnese see, she wouldn't be able to accept that Vlad stole Serpico's heart long ago.

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>>5199326
>>5199327
>>5199329
>>5199375
>>5199377
"Get your mind out of the gutter, dude. I was literally being tortured."
"Ah, my mistake. Sometimes it's hard to differ without visual context." Serpico laughs to himself. "You certainly don't look that worn out, guess I doubled my dinner servings for nothing today.
"Could have saved some of that food for me, dickwad..."
"Sorry, this is everything I got." Serpico takes a fistful of grains out of his pouch and hands you a teacup's worth of water.
"Eh, better than what your master gave me."
"Good for you and good for your horse! If only he didn't try to bite my hand off every time I fed him..."
"Trust me, you get used to it... Anyway, it went better than expected. Got her to question some things, but you don't undo a lifetime of problems in a conversation. At least she admits I'm alive and saw a few tricks of mine."

"Good to hear, surprised she didn't leave you full of blisters."
"She did! If it wasn't for her lending me her energy, I wouldn't even be able to walk over here. Is she this rough to all of her prisioners?"
"Nah, she usually just takes them to Mozgus or whoever they order her to leave them in, THEN it gets rough. I don't like watching those things myself, don't have a good history with fire..."

"I'm surprised you say that, given how close you are with her. What is it with you and Farnese anyway? She told me you rejected her feelings for you."
"Oh, goodie... Listen, I don't really want to get into this at the moment, so let's just say I have a few reasons to not reciprocate her love, despite being very, very aware of what she thinks of me. Part of me hoped you two got along just so I could let this slide without having to give her a proper explanation." Serpico got uncharacteristically emotional after you've gotten into this subject, what could he be hiding from someone who knows every facet of his being.

"...You into guys?"
"What? No!"
"I'm not judging, The people I align with aren't exactly a favorite among the church either... Not everyday a guy offers me to oil me up-"
"It's a lot more serious than that." Serpico frowns. "I would like to solve this on my own terms, and whether or not I want to disclose this to Farnese is completely up to me. Read my mind to do it behind my back and I'll be the one pushing you into the pit, understood?"
It's legitimately surprising how Serpico can go from cool and aloof to a few wrong word combinations from slitting your throat without hesitating.

>Fine, you have a right to your secrets.
>Come on, I'm going to find out anyway.
>How long until we get to Albion?
>What can you tell me about Mozgus?
>What do The Knights and The See think of Farnese?
>Are you sure she's taking a liking to me? She's very rough around the edges.

>>5199464
>How long until we get to Albion?
>Are you sure she's taking a liking to me? She's very rough around the edges.
He has his secrets, we have ours. Let's drop the conversation, for now.

>>5199464
>If it's a personal thing I won't dig into it, I'm not an asshole who goes digging i to people's secrets and judging them for it, that's an inquisitor's job.
>How long until we get to Albion?
>What can you tell me about Mozgus?

>>5199464
>How long until we get to Albion?
>What can you tell me about Mozgus?

>>5199474
+1

>>5199464
>>Fine, you have a right to your secrets.
>>How long until we get to Albion?
>>What can you tell me about Mozgus?
"Would be willing to believe me about the apocalypse arriving in that place ? Perhaps work together ? Do you need a demonstration ?"

We have a reason for be here, othewise we would have go to the capital. Let s try and do something for that

>>5199464
>What can you tell me about Mozgus?
>What do The Knights and The See think of Farnese?
>Are you sure she's taking a liking to me? She's very rough around the edges.

File: 1572374829139.pdf (5.23 MB, PDF)

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>>5199464
Hello BecchiQM

This quest has been incredibly joyful, and has given me tons of inspiration. As thanks, I'd like to introduce you to what was once the work of an anon on /tg/, now a fully fledged published system. These 2 are all am able to obtain, though

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>>5199540
Thanks! Been wanting to illustrate the magic runes for the longest time but I didn't know how to do it without pulling it out of my ass, definitely saving this for when Vlad gets in contact with some magic experts. Hope you enjoy the rest of the ride!

>>5199288
> Would current Vlad be able to defeat current Guts?
I'd say Guts would win 8/10 with moderate to severe difficulty if they were to fight seriously. The spells could work on Guts just as well as an apostle since he's branded, but that's the only advantage Vlad's got.
In DC terms, you'd have to pull a two crit combo on him again to stand a chance, or spend a few more weeks rock climbing your spells.

>>5199464
>Come on, I'm going to find out anyway.
>How long until we get to Albion?
>What can you tell me about Mozgus?
>What do The Knights and The See think of Farnese?
>Are you sure she's taking a liking to me? She's very rough around the edges.

File: 1629159977189.pdf (2.31 MB, PDF)

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>>5199562
Also, if the Enchiridion proves to be too time consuming, this one can help be a quick read

https://stormforgeproductions.tumblr.com/post/138912483577/there-are-many-ways-to-kill-an-enemy-in-the-runed

In case anyone wants to know the producer, and get some nifty rune arrays.
https://discord.gg/6GD43QD

>>5199623
>>5199540
Holy fucking based, anon.
These look cool as FUCK.

>>5199540
>>5199623
>179 pages of rune making
Nice

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>>5199474
>>5199483
>>5199488
>>5199508
>>5199513
"Fine, you have a right to your secrets, digging into your personal life is an inquisitor's job." You assure Serpico that you won't pry further if the subject is something that discomforts him.
"Glad we got that sorted out. Maybe I'll tell you one day, a man needs a second opinion on these matters."
"If it's about Farnese, I'm just as clueless as you are. Are you really sure she's taking a liking to me? She's very rough around the edges."
"Absolutely. If she actually wanted you dead, she would have left you to rot on quicksand, would have been a lot easier too..."

"Not wanting you to die is not a cutesy thing your crush does, that's basic human decency."
"You'd be surprised at how many people lack it these days. That goes double for the commander. Mozgus was the one that reinforced those rules on her. If you can believe it, she is just doing a tamer version of his average workday. God is forgiving and tolerant, until you do something I dislike, then I put you in an iron wheel and tear you limb by limb."

"He just does that to everyone he meets?"
"Not everyone, just the ones we send there. Farnese thinks that his trials are just and that she's doing the right thing by letting him judge her suspects, but I've never seen one person come out of his inquisitions and live to tell the tale."
"He can't be seen well by the people."
"Oh, The See loves him. Legitimately, he's done a lot of charity work and funded several organisations for Vritannis. Philanthropy is his middle name, and though most of it comes from what the poor would consider money laundering, he does more with his net worth to help the poor than the average noble. Just make sure not to protest against him, or he'll crush your teeth in with the holy bible itself."

"If Farnese is set on following his footsteps, she must be very popular..."
"I wish, ever seen a 0% approval rating? She's as close as it gets to it if you ask the Iron Knights. Granted, most of the guys here are total scrubs, figure a guy like you can defeat half the army with a butter knife in hand, but they got a lot more than what they signed up for. Some starved, some have dehydrated, some of them got lost, caught by the plague, killed by Farnese investigating something that was clearly out of their capability, you name it. I don't think most of them have even read the full scriptures, they're just here because they're afraid of disobeying her."

"Vandimion must be a hard name to go against, huh?"
"That's the only reason the council hasn't ditched her yet. You think the last holy lady would have taken 2 years to find The Black Swordsman? Put me in a dress and give me 3 months, done and done. They've even told her to focus on helping Mozgus in Albion, but she still wants to prove her worth by taking him in, or else the time she wasted will really be for nothing. It's why she settled on you as her silver medal. She really wanted you to be a ghost."

>>5199540
reminds me of larro's quests

>>5199666
>She really wanted you to be a ghost."
Damn dude sorry for not being fucking dead.

Also, Satan with dubs as garnish. Nice.

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>>5199666
"Makes sense, How long until we get to Albion again?"
"Eh, I'd say we have it until the weekend. We've been ordered to help the refugees over there, but it might be dangerous given how close to the border we are. Kushan Empire started to invade us after hearing about how the king was bedridden. Haven't heard the news lately, but I'd guess he should be dead by now."

"Let's hope nobody invades the castle and does something they might regret..." Your statement makes Serpico nod as the thinks you're mentioning the Kushan, but you are thinking more about Barnham and the gladiators. How are they doing right now? Did he manage to end the plague? Is he strong enough to occupy the castle and stay there for months on end? And will he really end the royal family's life...?

"Also, there's something about an actual cult being there, lots of people getting into orgies and sacrificing virgins in Albion, so we need to stop those guys either way. Maybe that has something to do with the apocalypse part of your spiel, hear some of the guys are wanting to look for some escorts there if you're interested on that too."

"So you're willing to believe me?"
"Believing? Yes. Supporting? Eh..." Serpico shrugs. "Sorry, Vlad. If you say right and Farnese says left, I'm going left, that's just how it goes here. Lending you an ear and some energy is the most I can do on my end, don't take it personally."
Taking his help for granted, you finish your food and take a nap. If it wasn't for Serpico healing you every now and then, you would never get any better inside your makeshift cell, this thing was made for you to starve and die inside...

The Tower of Conviction was within sight when the desolate wasteland showed it's ugly face. Several poor people managed to get fed by the knights in their charity work, but they were celarly understaffed for the thousands of peasants they had to feed on the hour.

"Hey, Hey! You need to stand in line!" Azan tried to explain to the ones who rushed to eat the cauldron of runny soup they had saved for them, meant to last a day, gone before noon.
"Help! A Kushan group is going after my husband!"
"On it!" Serpico was dispatched with a few other knights.

Seeing all of this behind bars while Jerome toyed around with a key ring was at the very least, upsetting. You could be doing so much for these people if you weren't in here...

>Snatch the keys from Jerome.
>Bend the bars until you can make an opening.
>Try to break the lock.
>Encourage Jerome to help the knights.
>Convince him to open your lock, maybe community work will reduce your penalty.
>Stay still and let them do their job.

>>5199685
>Convince him to open your lock, maybe community work will reduce your penalty.
if that fails
>Snatch the keys from Jerome.

>>5199685
>Convince him to open your lock, maybe community work will reduce your penalty.
>I willing got into the cage didn't I?

>>5199695
Support.

Vlad besides being a warrior is a healer. He should be putting that power to work. And besides Vlad using his magic to heal the refugees will be seen as the iron chain knights performing miracles

>>5199685
>Convince him to open your lock, maybe community work will reduce your penalty.
"It would do more good in the current task if I were able to assist."

>>5199685
>Encourage Jerome to help the knights.
>Convince him to open your lock, maybe community work will reduce your penalty.

EVERYBODY IN THIS THREAD RIGHT NOW
THIS IS A WARNING TO ALL OF YOU
DO NOT
I REPEAT
DO
NOT
LOOK UP THE METRIC PREFIX FOR 10 TO THE -15TH POWER
WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE!!!!!!

>>5199712
Oh fug buttsecks ingomming :DDDDD

>>5199707
WTF? No, let's not "be seeing" healing people anon, that's just gonna freak everyone out.

If you really wanna help, the moment we give someone his food, if our hands touch the other persons finger let's transfer a little grain of our Od to heal them. And even then, I say we should sense the peasants Od to see if they're not corrupted or some shit like that, just to be sure there isn't a trap or we actually change evil Od

Also QM, what about of Merlina's cape? Please tell me it is safe somewhere in Farnese's tent or if we're actually using it

>>5199712
That's the size of his penis.

>>5199720
PUSSY

The See can't do shit to us if everyone thinks we're a saint of some kind.

>>5199724
Because the church has never burned anyone that the wider public had positive thoughts of before.

Right?

>>5199720
Tucked in inside your armor. Serpico barely managed to take it out the quicksand without ripping it off, but he didn't see any of the runes there while washing it. He just thinks it's a fashion piece so he left it at Farnese's tent. The fabric feels nice, at least. The Holy Lady could probably wear it if it didn't itch so much

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>>5199695
>>5199702
>>5199707
"Hey you!"
"Huh? What do you want?"
"You do not have enough people to help the poor here. Let me do some charity work for you."
"Yeah? And what's one more guy going to do there that the other bunch aren't already doing?"

"No doubt something a lot more useful than sitting around here hearing the ringing of the keys. Do you even want to be here?"
"No, but they gave me orders to let you stay in there and shut you up while everyone does their job, so shush." Jerome hits the lock of your cage, wanting to end the conversation so he can get through the day faster.

"I am not here by choice either! Don't you feel upset seeing all these people being unable to simply live and be with their families?"
"A little bit, yeah. But what am I supposed to do, cry for them?"
"You could set me free, for starters."
"I wasn't paying attention to the debriefing today, but I've heard the word 'Phantom' enough times to last a lifetime, so no can do. I know you can probably release a bunch of arcane shit at people if they upset you, so let's not be hasty about our decisions, ok? I can only take so many salary cuts." Jerome says without even turning his head back into the clouds.

Wow, this guy really has the drive of a scarecrow. There's gotta be a way for even him to get motivated.
"Jerome! What are you doing with your pants down?" You mimic Azan's voice inside his head, distracting Jerome as he looked downwards and moved his wrists down. And that's when you bit the key ring and snatched it out of his fingers.

"Wha-HEY! Give that back!" Jerome puts his hands inside the bars, but can't quite reach you in there.
"This would be harder to do if you cared about your job."
"Look, I really don't care about you, or whatever crime you're here for, just don't get me into trouble!" He tries to reason.
"If I willingly got into the cage before, you have nothing to be worried about. If anyone asks, just say I used my ghost powers to phase out of the cell."
"Grr..." Jerome covers your cage with a rag, letting you out while your hands were still restricted.
"Damn it, I just wanted to check the girls out. Why did you have to get captured by Farnese anyway?" Jerome straps you to his horse as you stay behind him, explaining to his colleagues that you needed to take a piss.

"You see a pile of refugees, and the first thing that goes through your mind is the hot women around?"

"After hearing the nagging of Farnese in your ear, anyone with a different voice sounds like an angel to my ears... Alright, where do you want to go, hero? You're already feeling like a second boss..."

>Let's see how Farnese is treating the poor.
>Let's help them get more rations.
>Serpico might need some help with the Kushan group.
>You wanted to see the women, right? Let's go for it.

>>5199562
Also, should the rune sequences be something Vlad sort of knows but can't do yet? Should the wards be basically does the pushing against evil targets and triggered by presence of evil? Schierke also uses wards but it has some sort of alchemical symbol instead of futharks. Should I try to find and post Enchiridion Alchimia and post it here? I can't find it yet.

>>5199742
>Let's help them get more rations
This is our chance for Vlad to become friends with Jerome, thus making the Holy Iron Chain Knights like Vlad more. Let's not waste this chance!

Also it's the safest choice, remember Vlad had been stuck in a cage for days at this point. And Farnese has mixed feelings for him leaning towards positive. Let's be safe and keep it that way.

>>5199742
>You wanted to see the women, right? Let's go for it.

>>5199745
>Schierke also uses wards but it has some sort of alchemical symbol instead of futharks.
I'm betting that Schierke and Vlad are using different "schools" of magic you could say. Schierke uses elemental magic air, earth, fire, water. While Vlad's magic is of the light and darkness, or something like that.

>>5199753
+1

If we really, REALLY wanna be friend with Jerome the easy option is going for some woman... Until of course, Serpico, Azan, Farnese or any other Knight comes to see we aren't un our cage and then getting Jerome in three times mor troubles than he could have got.

Let's just help with the rations and try to be friendly with Jerome, maybe crack a joke or two and see if he starts having some good time with us chatting while helping people

>>5199759
I was going to ask how Magic works and if for us to use fire Magic we need to talk to some fire Spirit. But from my point of view, it looks like Vlad uses Magic focused in purely Od instead transforming the pure energy of the Od in a fireball

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>>5199745
Good thing about saying that Merlina taught Tudor magic to Vlad is that I can somewhat freestyle it under the explanation that it's a different language and a different style of teaching. You can post it if you want but don't feel obligated if it's too much work. Plus I've only skimmed through the past two books so far.

Vlad has practiced plenty of rune sequences to the point where he knows several of them by memory, but Merlina prioritised the easier ones that didn't risk his well being and were more attuned to his soul such as protection traps, light wards that work as 'keep out' signs and healing.

There's probably a Megidolaon spell or some shit like that which Merlina sneaked in case he needed it but the lack of pen and paper in a flesh swamp really put a damper on things

>>5199763
Yea Vlad has the innate and powerful ability to direct and control the flow of Od, and he can do very powerful things with it. Like healing someone with just his hands, telepathy, etc. Though he probably has no skill in transmuting Od into fire or other energy's, he doesn't need it as he's a incredibly skilled fighter.

>>5199562
>The spells could work on Guts just as well as an apostle since he's branded,
Huh, I didn't know that. Thanks for the insight, Becchi. Hopefully we won't have to fight Guts seriously. Man's built like a tank.

>>5199764
I thought of going to the Trove but then I realized yesterday it's down for 9 months, the archive is incomplete and I have no idea how to properly browse the archived version, besides, the Enchiridion Alchimia is literally just a guide for alchemists like distilling alkahests and reagents so I don't think Vlad's white mage build will need that. Also I pretty much freeloaded the first two, Runes of Power on the /tg/ archives and Sigillum by typing in "Enchiridion Sigillum pdf free" and a fireden link for download showed up. There's also a ufile upload of Alchimia but it's past 30 days and you need a subscription for it.
The address for the E. Alchimia and ufiles
ufile.io/lck2rw5u

>Captcha: A444H

>>5199764
So far I only know one place to get that book
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/345318/Enchiridion-Alchimia?affiliate_id=855104&fbclid=IwAR21TL_H_EKq0-Evm8SRkuo0qSuAyoWa_1E5rSJLmB0vMsZyPvO_BHaE7Oc

>>5199770
In this case it would probably be just being careful to fill the rune array with enough Od not to break it, although the original "human blood powering" is right out since that's Dark Magic. iirc in the original setting (Runed Age) it's sort of implied that the runes themselves come from entities whispering into people's heads (see: Runes of Power pdf).

>>5199764
Also, have you considered having Vlad try using incantations? Not every place will be available for the Barnham Maneuver, and whatever spells Vlad could use now could be less obvious. Maybe Vlad can scribble arrays into papers and carve into small rocks, leave it overnight to soak up the Od that's flowing strongly now (his Od senses were going crazy when skull knight landed him in the stables at the beginning of the last thread), and use them like naruto paper tags.

>>5199742
>You wanted to see the women, right? Let's go for it.
Maybe we can stumble into the cult and in the chaos Vlad will have a way to fake his death again.
Also its game over if Mozgus gets a hold of us so Vlad must escape before then and there is little time left to do that. Mozgus won't give a fuck about good deeds, proof, or well spoken arguments. Vlad is a suspect and being handed to him so he must be put on the breaking wheel and killed in his mind. Remember what he did to that women that begged for her baby to be fed.

>>5199742
>Serpico might need some help with the Kushan group.

>>5199742
>Let's help them get more rations.

>>5199742
>You wanted to see the women, right? Let's go for it.
This can only end amazingly

>>5199742
>You wanted to see the women, right? Let's go for it

>>5199742
>Let's help them get more rations.
We got out to help the people, so let's help the people

>>5199742
>Let's help them get more rations.
An army marches on its stomach.

>>5199742
>>Let's help them get more rations.
I imagine we are in rags. Could we ... take our stuff let s say. Or i guess we can't uh, there is probably knights guarding it. I really don't think is safe for us to stay here, the inquisitor will not play nice. Barnham is just an exception, not everyone give respect or consider talking for that matter especially if they are evil.


>>5199783
I think we could make some with pieces of cloth and paint. I was considering to also use them for counter the ritual maybe ? Though the place is big.
Maybe we can create some rune kill zones for demons, it s unlikely we can cover the entire refugee camp. Though I would say our priority should be to save people and get out. Monster slaying is good, but odds are not in our favour here with the 2 eclipse.
If Serpico, Azan and Farnese can understand that people should not stay here and that Mozgus is insane maybe there is a chance more can escape to safety. But I am not counting on that until the last second.

>>5199948
Maybe it's high time we try casting our telepathy out as much as possible and hope that any spirit picks up the call.

>>5199948
Or we could, in the time it takes to travel there, gathher up all available writing materials, and following Enchiridion Sigillum, just add in fucktons of conditionals and "murgrot/massive" (read: 10,000% increase in size of effect rune) to expand the size of the array enough to cover a significant area so we can at least be spirit-free. Also, I've been trying to decode the runes in the pdf, they are obviously some sort of bind runes but the combination if done from english just don't match up with what is shown. I fear that the maker has taken artistic liberties with a format I can't replicate with the runes. I've been researching and it the rune name seems to take from Old Dutch as well as some sort of Proto-Germanic

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OH GOD OH FUCK IM BECOMING A SCHIZO AAAAAAAHHHJ SAVE ME NIGGERMAN

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>>5199947
>>5199948
>>5199859
>>5199753
"Let's help them get more rations."
"More? But there's not that much we can do without Mozgus. That is, unless we get more from our own rations..."
"So there is something we can do, you're all getting fed once you get to the tower anyway, what's half a day without eating going to do to you?"
"Hey, if you have no problem taking some crates from our food, you better spend some time with your stomach rumbling as well."
"I'm gonna die anyway, might as well give it to people who might outlive me."

Jerome places two crates of a varied assortment of foods and places them on your back, the way he strapped them at you while you hopped down to walk felt like you were more of a packhorse than the actual packhorse.
Still, it was worth the effort, Jerome rang a bell to call some people's attention, and while several of the beggars were already beating each other and getting beaten up by the knights for disobeying the bread line order, along with Farnese arresting several of them from eyewitness reports of stealing, being head members of the cult, prostitution and murder of priests.

You could probably go there to ask her if they're actual criminals or not, but since you're already her prisioner, interjecting on her work would only result in public spanking.

Regardless, it was really hard to watch them eating their food. Some of them clearly hadn't bathed in weeks, their teeth were decaying, some had their limbs amputated from the sickness, and a few of the children were shedding tears of joy just from having a single apricot to eat that day instead of absolutely nothing.

"Lord, please... Spare this poor mother some alms... The food is running out here, and I need to feed my son..." A lady is talking to herself while holding a child that is already decomposing in her hands. Flies are coming in and out of her son's mouth, yet she still carries him thightly around her breast.

"This is depressing... At least Ilos had less people to work with... Jerome, do you have any pocket change?"
"No..." Jerome lies, but you can hear the rustling in his pockets when he walks back.
"Come on, they need it more than you."
"Doesn't mean I don't need it. Was looking forward to giving them to the girls whoring at the tents..."
"..." You blankly stare at him for being so stingy.
"What, I'm giving money to the poor, right? They need to work for it too."

>How much do you have?
>If Serpico still has my money, I can pay you back for this.
>A few dimes won't hurt, the girls probably work for dirt cheap at the brothel.
>Hands up, bitch boy.

File: Journey of Array design vol2.pdf (7.71 MB, PDF)

7.71 MB PDF

>>5200007
Hi BecchiQM

I have had immense difficulty in trying to design new runes, much less figure out what language names them (I think it might be Norse), but iny search I've found more free pdfs

>>5200007
>How much do you have?
>If Serpico still has my money, I can pay you back for this.

>>5200007
https://pdfcoffee.com/the-sigil-system-pdf-free.html
The Sigil System

>If Serpico still has my money, I can pay you back for this.

>>5200007
>How much do you have?
>A few dimes won't hurt, the girls probably work for dirt cheap at the brothel.
Might as well use old Vlad's knowledge to use.

>>5200006
You are going full /x/.
Never go full /x/

>>5200012
>>5200017
No problem, can't say I'll take a look at these until I get through this week's session though. Want to take my sweet time with these sorts of books, always have to read the source material to make sure I don't forget things so it's not like it's too much work on my end

Identified languages
- Old Dutch
- Old German
- Some weird obscure things
I really need help reading the Sigillum and Runes of Power, so we can decode the language naming the runes. It's the key to a bright future where when Vlad learns more magic we can design and submit our own spells

>>5200007
>How much do you have?
>If Serpico still has my money, I can pay you back for this.

>>5200007
>>How much do you have?

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>>5200014
>>5200021
>>5200023
>>5200039
"How much do you have?"
"Right here? Uh... about 2 silver coins in bronze."
"That's 60 bronze coins, a few of them could certainly be used to help them out."
"Ugh, first you waste my time, now my money too?"
"Serpico probably saved my stash, You can ask him to pay you back later, alright?"
"Sure, but I hope you're not talking out of your ass..."

Money: 7 gold coins and 24 silver coins at hand. (140 Gold Coins and 28 silver coins on their way to Ilos.)

"Thank you, Lord! Your kindness is immeasurable to a sinner like me!" The single mother thanks the higher entity for the alms instead of the guy who handed it out to her. And so did the the following few people who saw Jerome open his pockets.

"Please, mister! Have some for me!"
"And me!"
"Me too!"

"That's all I got for today, brothers. Shoo!"
"Liar, I can see the coins on your closed fist!"
"I can't empty my savings on all of you." Jerome brandishes his sword so they would back off him. "Gee, never seen a group of hoodlums act so entitled for money. Give an inch and they'll take a mile."

Not bothering to argue with Jerome, you help him hand out more food for the remaining few hours, and by late afternoon, you managed to give enough rations to the poor to feel like some of them will survive until the Holy Knight's next expedition.
"Hey, I heard you two were handing out money?" A young woman with brown hair accompanied by a shorter blonde one steadily approached you and Jerome.
"Sorry ladies, the handouts are done for today, come back at a later date."
"Oh no, that's alright. We were thinking of getting our sum from you by... working." The girl promptly lifts the lower part of her dress to show her legs up to her thighs, the blonde one was supposed to accompany her, but she was too busy zoning out of the conversation.
"Nina!" The head hoe elbows the sheepish girl on the shoulder so she follows suit, resting her head on your bare chest and fondling your muscles, refusing to show her vag to the audience.

"Whoa, mama... Seems like hard work does eventually pay off... The brunette in particular really caught my eye... Hey Vlad, you mind staying with the blonde chick? This one's on the house."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, who would have thought that instead of going out to look for the girls, they would flock to us just by doing our part? Between this and the cage, I'm sure even you want a change of scenery."

That takes you back to your teenage years, always face deep in some boobs to forget the horrors of your visions... Will it really feel the same now that you have everything mostly worked out mentally? A guy needs to have fun every now and then, especially when he's about to go on a suicide mission against The God Hand.

>>5200082
"How much?"
"5 bronze coins. No kissing and not doing it from behind. If you want to choose another girl, we have a few others on our tent." Nina replies, still deadpan in her delivery.

>Sure, I'll stick with the blonde chick.
>No way, you can keep the blonde chick.
>I'll pass. I don't know where you've been.
>Mind if I get to know the other girls first?
>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.

>>5200083
>Mind if I get to know the other girls first?
>I'll pass. I don't know where you've been.

>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.

I'm not doing the 'I'll pass' because Vlad is a gentleman and won't insult a woman on hard times for her occupation. He's a friend of whores.

>>5200083
>>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.
Farnese will see us if we do and shit on us.

>>5200083
>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.
Keep your horny in check Vlad.

>>5200083
>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.

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Practicing bind runes, maybe I'll do something once I figure out the language....

>>5200105
Isn't it just Anglo Saxon?

>>5200111
There are quite a number variants of runic alphabets, they do have a common origin

>>5200111
I have now decided to ask the pdf's producer for the language, no reply yet. I'll keep posting if I make progress.

>>5200083
>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.
A gentlemanly way of avoiding STDs.

>>5200083
>I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome.
Time for Vlad to outgrow his whoremongering ways

>>5200093
>>5200094
>>5200095
>>5200100
>>5200102
"I want to help out a few other people before the sun sets, they're all yours, Jerome."
"No complaints there. Don't mind if I take my time, can you make up an excuse for me?"
" 'Jerome? Oh, he was worried about Serpico and the Kushan group, so he went out to help him.' " You start training on what to say to the Holy Lady.

"Already sounding like an Iron Chain Official." He gives you a thumbs up.
"Can't believe you lost another client, Nina! I know you have a thing going with Joachim, but you gotta focus on your work now."
"That's not it... He probably got suspicious that I didn't show my body anyway..." The girls whisper between each other after Nina was seemingly rejected by you.
"Relax, sweetheart. You'll get more clients in due time." You play with the curly flocks of Nina's hair as you cheer her up. "I'm not exactly a free man, and there are a few other things I want to see and do before having any fun. Keep your chin up, a girl like you would be very popular where I come from."

"Th-Thanks?" The confused Nina blushes in return, not being sure how to take the compliment.
"Let's get going. Pepe's not used to taking care of Elaine." The brown haired woman takes both of their hands and waltz to her home.

...You could have banged a girl named Pepe?

Ok, let's see how the others are doing...
Serpico comes back with a crossbow in hand, his hair making him look like a ginger with how much blood is on it. There goes the excuse you made up for Jerome... He seems to be pretty exhausted, wanting to take a breather before having to hear more of Farnese's nagging.

The holy lady was constricting a few of the deemed guilty to old tree stumps, interrogating the cult leaders while the others got rocks thrown at them. Plenty of them are already dead by the time she's done talking with the first one.
Azan is checking the fabrics at the cavalry, seeing if he has any spare blankets to hand out to the cold and underclothed. He seems to be the most invested in actually helping out the beggars, good for him.

>Approach Farnese.
>Approach Serpico.
>Approach Azan.
>Wander on your own.
>Go back behind bars.

>>5200083
>Sure, I'll stick with the blonde chick.
I know I'm gonna lose the vote but I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't do what I thought would be the most fun/interesting lol.

>>5200132
>Approach Farnese.
Ask how we can help and that the rightious can't be kept behind bars.

>>5200132
>Approach Azan.
I wanna see how our other bro is faring since we already talked to everyone else.

>>5200132
>Approach Serpico.
>With a bucket of water. He...could really do with a rinse.

>>5200132
>Approach Azan.

>>5200140
Support

>>5200132
>>Approach Azan.

>>5200132
>Approach Azan.

>>5200132
>>Approach Azan.

>>5200132
>Approach Azan.
Joining the bandwagon

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THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED

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>>5200140
>>5200145
>>5200148
"How's it going? Need someone to sew you a few holes?" You approach Azan as you drag your feet around.
"You're out of your cage?" Azan raises his eyebrow
"Innocent people don't stay behind bars. I supposed you don't have any objections to me helping the people?"
"Not at all. Given how you're also half naked, I'm surprised how you haven't caught a cold yet."
"Nature loves me, a little cold wouldn't get me down even if I catch something."
"Just make sure not to cut your bare foot here, you wouldn't believe how many people die from stepping on someone else's urine." He hands you a few colored rags to share with others.

The galloping of a horse is heard in the distance, and with him, comes several spasms of your body. Ones very similar to the ones you had when didn't have any control of your visions, but this time, they feel a lot more real.

You're not even feeling for Od. Who could be doing this?

Someone is watching you. An amalgamation of souls both alive and dead, resenting the church for how many they have killed. Even though they prayed through their anguish, no miracle graced their presence. They curse God and life itself, and intend on sacrificing all to quench their vengeance.

A branded individual is here, and it sure ain't Guts. Given how many souls are already gathered, even if you evacuated all the living from here, they still wouldn't hold a candle to the generational genocide that Midland is known of. Every block of dirt hides the skeleton of some forgotten human. The tower feels heavy, and with a powerful entity residing here, a cult, and someone who went through a sacrifice... Placing a hateful inquisitor such as Mozgus here would only lead to more destruction.

"You feeling ok, son? Seems like your condition is acting up again." Azan takes you out of your trance, seeing you paused for several minutes without blinking.
"Something like that... Do you mind if I lie down for a bit?"
"Go ahead, I'm almost done with the work anyway. You've helped me plenty!"

What was supposed to be a quick rest made you crash as soon as you hit the fluffly blanket under you. Your body felt restricted by several evil spirits circling around your body.

LIGHT! MORE LIGHT!
THE INQUISITORS! PUT OUT THAT FIRE!
SAVE US, GODDESS OF FIRE! AAAAAAAH!
They recognize your soul as a pure one, seeking to invade your body to corrupt you from the inside...

"Blessings to you, Brother Azan. Though our struggle is immense, God shall remember our names in the days of reckonings and retributions."
"Father Mozgus! I didn't think you would be here so soon!" You have barely enough time to hide yourself under the blankets while Mozgus' Od dissipates the souls by his mere presence.
"'Tis is marvelous to see Farnese acting her role as a holy woman, perhaps you would know of her current whereabouts?"

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>>5200201
"Think she's rounding all the prisioners up in their cells."
"Good, I would like to examine the heretics and punish them myself."

There is a very little margin of time for you to get back in your cage, or for Farnese to realise Jerome let you out. You're not sure if Azan didn't mention you because he also wants to cover for you, or because he considers you to still be within his grasp, but Mozgus appears to lead an army of several masked disciples, each carrying pitchforks, breaking wheels ans scissors.

If they are really Farnese's mentors, they will show no mercy to the ones who are here. He might not be aware of it, but he is directly contributing to the rebith of Femto. Admission of suspicion means guilt, and questioning of his actions will result in meeting 'divine light'.

>Keep hiding under the blankets.
>Run away into the beggar crowd.
>Go back to your cage and make your case against Mozgus.
>See if you can telepathically talk to Serpico.
>Beg for Azan to help you escape from Mozgus.

>>5200229
>Keep hiding under the blankets.
Naw man I ain't fucking with Mozgus, the man is buffer than a bodybuilder and his od is so strong it can wash away several evil spirits without any effort.

On a separate note, should we maybe use our telepathy on Mozgus so that he thinks he's being contacted to an angel or his god or something? We could maybe use it to tell him to go find Farnese and that would get him away from us atleast.

>>5200229
>>Keep hiding under the blankets.
i know already the case could just be throw away by Mozgus. As an inquisitor he already put on fire men of any kind or class, and he knows is theology.
i don t think the others will protect us, they are still soldiers of the church.

>>5200229
>>Keep hiding under the blankets.
As much as I would like to go back, Hiding under a blanket and being caught is peak comedy.

>>5200229
>Keep hiding under the blankets.

>>5200233
+1
>>5200235
That could be a good idea. It's worth a shot if he isn't able to track down where the telepathy message is coming from.

>>5200233
Support

>>5200229
>Run away into the beggar crowd.
Nope, getting the fuck out of here

>>5200229
>See if you can telepathically talk to Serpico.

Should've stayed with the whores, at least we'd have a bit of fun before the pain then.

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>>5200233
"Vlad! Where did you go? I could have sworn Jerome was taking care of him..." Serpico is heard rummaging through the tents to see if you were still around.
"V... Phantom! Show yourself!" Farnese thinks about calling you by your name, but quickly corrects herself after seeing Mozgus' look of disapproval by calling a demon lord by his true name.
"I'll let them find you on your own, you look too tired to run anyway." Azan patiently waits for the holy knights to come to his place so he can promptly point in the direction of the blankets.

"There you are! Who said you could come out of your cage, monster? I shall whip you and whoever is responsible for this!" Farnese is back on her zealous mode, aiming her whip at your face until her hand was caught by the grand priest himself, Mozgus.

"Hold still, Daughter of God. Before punishing the heretics, it is common courtesy to remind them of their cardinal sins. Take his belongings to me. I will personally take care of his trial. Please focus on the task at hand." Mozgus' hand bleeds after blocking her blow.

"But I... He..." Farnese has mixed feelings about letting you go now that you opened her mind to different possibilities, but still stayed silent in order to comply with her master.
"You shall see him again in the tower, where you will guide all the others to in the following days." The square faced inquisitor finishes his explanation and turns over to meet his most curious subject yet.

"I have heard about your family before, Vlad Of The Santana Estate. Your father was a great contributor to our crusades, as was his father and his past ancestors. Without his generous offerings, plenty would not be here today persecuting the heretics." Mozgus reminds you that if you weren't adopted and treated like a cursed child, this is probably were you would have ended up on, right next to Farnese as a Holy Iron Chain Knight. Either licking her boots and hoping to get her approval like Serpico, or turning into a jaded non believer that did whatever he liked to in his offtime like Jerome.

"So why? Why hast thou resorted to heresy, lost brother of mine? Faking your death to the King to fix the swamp was something only a saint should be capable of, yet despite embarking on such a dangerous mission and even killing The Silver Eyed, you have learnt her magic and used it to help the agent of darkness. For every sin you have committed, an equal virtue was created."

"Your drive is admirable, but a sin is still a sin. What do you have to say in your defense?"

>The plague is nearly over thanks to me.
>I am not a sinner, my powers are pure and only used for good.
>There is great danger lurking in this area, you need my help.
>Where were your praises when my family was being persecuted?
>Farnese and Serpico can attest to my good character.
>Run away.
>Write-in.

>>5200342
>Write-in.
>There is a great danger that has yet to come, allow me to atone by slaying it, let me break the cycle of virtue and sin.

>>5200342
>There is a great danger that has yet to come, allow me to atone by slaying it, let me break the cycle of virtue and sin.

>>5200342

>Straight up till him the truth. There are five members of the godhand exist who are each responsible for the fall of midland. The current plague and heretics are due to the corruptive nature of Slan (the heretics) and Konrad (the plague). I know this due to revelation revealed to me by god during my trial in the Swamp. I have killed the silvereye witch and purified the land. What great feats of holiness or miracles have you executed false priest?

>>5200350
Support.

We gotta be careful Mozgus is not to be trifled with

>>5200342
>I am not a sinner, my powers are pure and only used for good.
>There is great danger lurking in this area, you need my help.
"I may have been a sinner in the past, but i am not now. I have not forgotten the lessons of my family and Sir Gallahad, both of them pious and faithful."
"Test me against this great danger. I will not escape, give me some rest and then send with me the knights and anyone else that will watch me. From my actions judge me"
"But i also have a request, regardless of being a sinner or not. This is a mundane concern. I think you have already notice, but the refugee camp is getting too large and the conditions are not the best. Would it be possible to contact nearby priests and see if their communities can take some of them ? At least the ones that you see are innocents and pious."

>>5200342
I was right Mozgus is taking great personal interest in Vlad. Let's try and stay on his good side for now, we can't have Vlad losing eyes, fingers or toes.

>>5200342
>There is a great danger that has yet to come, allow me to atone by slaying it, let me break the cycle of virtue and sin.
Fuck it, lets try to push the redemption angel on this.

>>5200342
>There is a great danger that has yet to come, allow me to atone by slaying it, let me break the cycle of virtue and sin.

>>5200342
>I have not learned magic Mozgus, I was born with it. It was a curse that lead me to the debauchery, to hide away from the visions of demons.
>I tried to run away from it, but it landed me in the prison. I would not lie to the church, or bersmirch my parents. So instead I decided to fight the fire with the fire I was given, and it was it thatvallowed me to purge the swamp.
>The man you call an agent of darkness, is also a cursed man, but of a different kind. I wanted to interrogate him myself to be sure. He is misguided, because he never had a proper education.
>Because a great ritual of sin will happen in this city, one that will rival the start of the plague. I've come here as part of my penance for my birth, to do whatever good will I can, so that God may atleats spare my soul.
Time to dress up our intentions as a faithful man that is repentant. Who knows, maybe Mr. Headcracker will fall for it.

>>5200386
Fuck, I forfot to mention that guts is just a red herring.

>>5200342
Changing from >>5200379
to support
>>5200386

>>5200345
+1

I would laugh my ass off if Mozgus turns into a based and chill guy around Vlad.

>>5200364
>Support

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>>5200386
"I have not learned magic Mozgus, I was born with it. It was a curse that lead me to the debauchery, to hide away from the visions of demons." You kneel in front of Mozgus, offering no resistance as he listens to your story.
"I tried to run away from it, but it landed me in the prison. I would not lie to the church, or bersmirch my parents. So instead I decided to fight the fire with the fire I was given, and it was it that allowed me to purge the swamp. There is a great danger that has yet to come, allow me to atone by slaying it, let me break the cycle of virtue and sin."

For something you managed to come up with on the spot, it didn't sound that bad for an explanation to the priest. However, the shaking of his fist and the way the veins are bulging out of his face... This was never the type of enemy you could befriend or talk to as your equal.
As Serpico said, what Farnese gave you was merely an appetizer for the real torture.

"Atone...ATONE!? Who do you think you are, to repent and choose your punishments without consulting the church? Do you really believe to be so enlightened that God would guide you to your path, instead of being further pushed into the depths of hell?"
"What? No. I just wanted to do whatever good I could, so God can forgive my soul-" You lifted your head to argue with Mozgus, but you were struck by his bible, the blow being powerful enough to send your face into the rocks.
"YOU ARE NOT A SCHOLAR OF GOD! DO NOT PRETEND TO BE INFORMED OF HIS WAYS, INFLICTING PAIN ON YOURSELF IS ONLY MINDLESS SELF-FLAGGELATION IF YOU DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LORD, DO NOT ACT AS IF YOU KNOW WHAT HE THINKS, WHEN THE GREATEST INQUISITOR OF MIDLAND HAS NO GRASP OF HIS TRUE GOALS." Mozgus strikes you relentlessly with the holy scriptures. You thought a regular man would have no power over you anymore, but his hits rival even the ones you took from Barnham back at Ilos.

"Your life is doomed to be cast in sin, because you have not truly been punished by your past actions. To truly repent, you shall have your body and soul properly cleansed by an official. Farnese, what punishment shall be given to a believer who has refused to confess, and refused to return to his covenant for years?"

Farnese stammers after seeing you spitting blood on your knees, along with some cracked wisdom teeth, but responds promptly to her master after he stared dead in her eyes.
"777 whippings daily, for 7 days... I have seen his cursed powers at hand, and the way he portrayed himself as a phantom could very well count as falsefully testifying... His fingernails shall be removed in the iron chair, as for the curse, the funnel should work if we cure him with holy water."
"Correct, as expected from the Holy Leader." Mozgus clasps his hands with a smile, should you be happy that your death was not confirmed?
"If god is truly with you, Vlad Of The Santanas, you shall live on and be enlightened by your test."

>>5200604
>Farnese, this isn't right! You know it in your heart!
>Why resort to pain? This is not the only way to be treated!
>HAVE I NOT GOTTEN THROUGH ENOUGH PAIN AND PUNISHMENT?
>Run from Mozgus before he apprehends you.
>Punch him back while you have the chance.

>>5200604
>Run from Mozgus before he apprehends you.

Literally the only option that has a chance of working.
Farnese won't do shit, we can't reason with Mozgus, and he's built like a brick shithouse, so punching him won't do anything.

>>5200609
>So you will torture me just like the Tudors did with my parents? Very well, you can't break a Santana.
>Just remember that when the heretics bring an eclipse of blood over Albion, it was you who chose to ignore it.
I have a pessimistic feeling that we are getting put on the tower no matter what, so might as well get it over with.
Anyone that isn't a depressed idiot, please vote to run away, >>5200611 is correct

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>>5200604
>Run from Mozgus before he apprehends you.
"NI-"

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>>5200611
>>5200614
>>5200619
Took it a while, but we'll finally get to roll on this session, a 1d100 to try and escape el grande padre. Maybe GP is nearby?
Roll for results!

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>5200621

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>5200621
How do I roll

>>5200621
RIP homeboy
I'm sorry BecchiQM
I fucked up

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Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>5200621
rolling for FAST
captcha:NYARA

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>5200621

Nat 1

>>5200623
>>5200628
>>5200631

We need to stop running away from things without Gunpowder. It never works.

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Rolled 14 (1d100)

>these rolls

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>5200621
Hey is this Bo3

Also 777 lashings from someone (multiple someones in fact, that shit wears your arm the fuck out) would be more than enough to expose and clean bone. And by doing it for seven days they rock 7777 which ain't right for a holy number since it has to be in threes to represent the trinity. Basically what I'm saying is these are some dumbass zealots.

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>>5200623
>>5200628
>>5200631
Sprinting into a run, you trip after noticing that there was still an iron ball chained around your ankle.
Big deal! Your new armor set weighs twice that amount all over your body, might as well use this as a weapon.
Placing your shackled foot high up in the air, you use the weight around to knock Mozgus a couple feet back, when this was supposed to crush his ribs... How tough is he?

Still, it opened enough space for you to pick up the iron ball and run away to wherever Gunpowder was, if you could manage to find his Od amidst this chase.
"So much for repenting... It seems the ancestors of his family head are shaking their head at this scene. AFTER HIM!" Mozgus wipes the blood off his chin and points to your fleeting figure.
The Holy Iron Knight Chains are all a different breed of weaklings. Here you are, half naked and disarmed, still managing to dance around their blades and arrows as they all hit each other. Killing them would have been too easy, so you decide to do the self imposing challange of only knocking them out with the force of your palms. They all fall down as you effortlessly reach Gunpowder's settlement. He's there waiting for your signal, your caravan is ready, you just need to-

Serpico appears inside, brandishing a replacement sword as he calmly approached you in guard.
"I believe I've told this before, but I have no qualms with repeating myself. If my commander orders me to apprehend you, then it shall be done. It has nothing to do with personal feelings, though I am curious on how you will fare off now." Without any warning, he jumps forward and starts attacking with great vigor. He makes you circle several times around your weight, using irregular swinging motions to confuse your soul reading. He feigns one attack so you can dodge one way, only to read your reading and slash at your flesh. Even in regular conditions, you already considered Serpico to be a formidable foe of around equal strength, but now that he has so many advantages against you, this fight seems nearly impossible to win.

"You know, I never managed to win a duel with the nobles when Farnese ordered me to fight in her honor. Not because they were good, but because I knew that winning too much against those prideful brats would draw unnecessary attention. I didn't want to stick out, but I felt like I was always handicapping myself. This is one of the few times I get to go all out, and with a man of equal skill, no less. Given how much I want you to get along with her, I might consider this duel something more than a fight for your freedom... But for mine as well."

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>>5200665
"Wouldn't really call this the best of times to have a duel, even if I did want to see how strong you were..." You dodge one of his strikes correctly, even if the damage is starting to add over time. Mozgus, Farnese and their disciples appear to be closing the distance.
"As you are now? Going down by my hand is the most honorful way to take your current loss. You can't fight 5 of Mozgus' men at the same time, and I don't think you can even face him and his disciples on your full arsenal."
"I can't know that if I don't start making my run, right? So move out!"

Serpico shakes his head and once more. The adantage in range, offense and defense makes this fight ridiculously unfavorable to you.

Unless...
>Use the weight ball to break Serpico's sword.
>Take a weapon from the fallen knights.
>Kick him and knock him out with the metal ball.
>Chuck the damn thing at his head.
>Order Gunpowder to distract him.
>Run away without GP
>Surrender.

>>5200668
>Order Gunpowder to distract him
then
>Run away without GP

I doubt they'll kill Gunpowder for fucking with Serpico.

>>5200668
>>Chuck the damn thing at his head.
And as the ball goes flying we can just jump with it. Go straight over him and hop on the whip. EZ PZ geddafuckouttahere.

Honestly Serpico has to know undergoing Mozgus' oh so loving treatment would be fatal. Unless he plans to come in every day and nearly kill himself to make sure we don't die. And somehow keep that secret from a bunch of inquisitors every time.

What a goober.

>>5200669
+1
Don't want to hurt our bro(?) Serpico quite yet.
Hopefully Farnese goes easy on the whippings if she is the one administering the punishment and we do get caught.

>>5200668
>Use the weight ball to break Serpico's sword.

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5200724
I was late for the vote and roll so let's see what I would have got.

>>5200668
>Chuck the damn thing at his head.

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>5200668
>Kick him and knock him out with the metal ball.

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>5200727
Changing to this vote, this might be more jarring for Serpico and give Vlad a window to get on GP and leave.

>>5200734
I'll never roll again

>>5200727
>>5200733
>>5200734
Don't roll unless called upon you fucking jobbers

>>5200668
>>Order Gunpowder to distract him.
"Serpico, honor has no space here i have a mission to accomplish and that zealous judgement will be my end. Not even if you offer your energy everyday would i survive. Farewell, holy knight"

Getting caught no absolutely. We get on Gunpowder and if possible grab our stuff, if it can be grabbed easily.
We cannot fight after 7 days of torture, plus all the other days before.