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>>5947502

Usually, in polite society, it is seen as a social faux pas to leave a lady waiting in the rain. Especially if said lady is also alone in the middle of the capitol at night. As it continues to pitter-patter against the ground, forming large puddles, outside the trolly station stop you’re under you begin to think your father might have been right about the Inquisition. If this is their standard modem operandi then perhaps your skills would be better served elsewhere. If only you had better options available at the present moment.

Then your thoughts are brushed aside as you see a tall man with long hair walking directly towards you from across the street. You almost make the mistake of taking him for a common ruffian as once he gets closer you can make out raggedy torn clothes and an open wound at his hip, causing him to limp. However, before he gets too close he pulls out a medal depicting a spider lily from his coat pocket. He must be the inquisitor you’ve been waiting for, strange seeing as he can’t be much older than you. Has the Inquisition sent you to follow a novice?

“Lorina de Lindan, I presume?” The man asks once he steps under the small roof of the trolley station. The rain and tears have soaked any semblance of decency out of his uniform.

“Indeed, and you must be the Inquisitor I’m assigned to shadow?”

He nods, “Inquisitor Asher, call me whatever you want since you’ll probably be forced with me for at least a month.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, honored Inquisitor,” You say with a small curtsy, years of etiquette training bring pleasantries out of you as if it were second nature.

However, it seems the Inquisitor deems fit to disregard the rituals of civilized society and makes no move to continue the pleasantries as he continues, “I made contact with the Stranger near the market on my way here. If we’re lucky we’ll be able to dispose of him before dawn. C’mon, follow me.”

The Inquisitor immediately turns and starts to move back into the rain but you feel your mouth opening on instinct before you can think about what you’re saying.

>”Wait! You’re hurt,” You bend down and start to heal his wound with your magic, you can’t stand to see someone in such a state. [Good-Natured]


>”Wait! What took you so long?” The last thing you expected from the Inquisition was to be kept waiting. You will be quite upset if they didn’t take your application seriously and continue to show you such disrespect. [Haughty]

>”Wait… Never mind let’s just go,” You end up deciding you’ll defer to the Inquisitor's fast-paced movements, he’s the more experienced in this line of work… At least that’s what you tell yourself. [Socially Akward]


>”Wait” [???] [Write-in]

>>5947506
>”Wait! What took you so long?” The last thing you expected from the Inquisition was to be kept waiting. You will be quite upset if they didn’t take your application seriously and continue to show you such disrespect. [Haughty]

>>5947506
>”Wait! What took you so long?”
I always liked the "Fallen Princess" trope, and this fits best with being a newly disgraced black sheep.

Also, you should inform the /qtg/ that you've started the isekai hunter quest you were talking about to get a few more people interested.

>>5947506
>”Wait! You’re hurt,” You bend down and start to heal his wound with your magic, you can’t stand to see someone in such a state. [Good-Natured]
I have been awaiting this

>>5947512
Don’t mind the ID change. I want to but I don’t know how to link threads like I’ve seen other people do for updates in the QTG. If I can figure that out I will.

>>5947520
Just copy the number of the first post in the thread

>>5947520
Shouldn't be too hard. Just...
>go to the /qtg/
>click the [Post a Reply] link at the bottom of the thread
>copy the spoilered text here >>5947502 and paste it a few times in the reply box
>add some text in the reply box saying what the quest is about and why someone should play it.

...and you're done.

>>5947506
>"Wait! Making me wait in the rain was extremely disrespectful, and I'll only forgive you this once because you're injured."[Haughty but secretly good-natured]

>>5947526
>>5947535
Thank you, anons. I’d be lost without you.

>>5947502
>”Wait! What took you so long?” The last thing you expected from the Inquisition was to be kept waiting. You will be quite upset if they didn’t take your application seriously and continue to show you such disrespect. [Haughty]

>>5947506
>”Wait! What took you so long?” The last thing you expected from the Inquisition was to be kept waiting. You will be quite upset if they didn’t take your application seriously and continue to show you such disrespect. [Haughty]

Good luck with the new quest!

>>5947506
>”Wait! What took you so long?” The last thing you expected from the Inquisition was to be kept waiting. You will be quite upset if they didn’t take your application seriously and continue to show you such disrespect. [Haughty]

This quest should be lots of fun

>>5947506
I wouldn't mind >>5947549 either.

>>5947550
No problem. If you're still taking suggestions for anime-isms, mind if I post them in here, or should I post them in the /qtg/?

>>5947506
>>"Wait! Making me wait in the rain was extremely disrespectful, and I'll only forgive you this once because you're injured."[Haughty but secretly good-natured]

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>>5947506
>>”Wait” [???] [Write-in]
>"Wait a second you fat little cunt...!" You're gonna talk shit since he made you wait. [genuinely just a Bitch]

>>5947561
Changing actually to this >>5947549

>>5947567
I’m always open to new ideas and suggestions so feel free to post them here.

>>5947584
I don't want to play an Australian

>>5947506
>"...Must we?" [indolent]

>>5947591
Alright then, I've got one or two that have been percolating...

>Isekai'd dweeb's cheat skill is the ability to use his cellphone's internet connection to "invent" things like gunpowder, the printing press, the assembly line.
>the things he pulls up have either been made, are rendered obsolete due to magic, or requires dramatic shifts to cultural and social norms that would disrupt the current order.
>tries to do them anyway, but gets made and only barely escapes
>his carrier cancels his service a few days later due to ludicrous roaming charges and because they think someone stole his phone after his "kidnapping" and don't want to get sued by his parents
>he has to try to survive with the few actual resources he brought over, which isn't much

And...

>reports from the marketplace about a weirdo asking around for the slave market
>slavery was outlawed, so the inquisition team up with the city guard for a slavery sting/Stranger removal
>finds him at a Church run orphanage trying to buy an orphan thinking it's secretly a slaving operation
>after capture, research turns up that, yes, it's just a normal orphanage
>later, if the church is actually evil, it turns out that while it's still a normal orphanage, but it's being used to launder money

>>5947636
That was bri'ish, not 'strayan. Cunt isn't an insult in Australia.

>>5947652
>reports from the marketplace about a weirdo asking around for the slave market
>slavery was outlawed
Hey, stop reading a couple post ahead please! Not all of us here are time travelers. Actually though your first idea meshes very well with one I had for a Stranger down the line so I’m going to be making some more notes about that.

Sadly, doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to make an update tonight so I’m leaving the vote open till tomorrow. But I’ll still be able to post for a few more hours if needed. I’m really happy so many people have decided to vote, thank you all.

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>>5947676
It really says a lot about isekais that the whole "buy a slave to become my adopted family" thing is so common in that genre... I mean, I guess you can try this if you want a subversion.

>after slave market weirdo gets bagged, an actual underground slave market gets taken down by the guard, who says something requiring the inquisition came up
>in exchange for life in prison instead of immediate execution, head slaver spills about a definite hideous looking Stranger purchasing one or two young children, made with a large amount of gold, apparently gotten through a cheat power involving exchanging his world's currency for it's worth in gold
>slaver has the feeling that the Stranger knew how to work through the underworld in Earth, suggesting he might have been a crime lord there
>after a lot of detective work involving going through purchaces of land, carpenters, stonemasons, laborers and animals a few dozen miles outside the kingdom, the inquisition finds the Stranger in a newly built mansion
>break in mansion, sneaking through to a door cracked open with light spilling through it
>inside it's picrel

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>>5947794
Don't know why I left in the subversion bit, when it's exactly what I said it was...

>>5947549
Supporting

>>5947506
>"Wait! Making me wait in the rain was extremely disrespectful, and I'll only forgive you this once because you're injured."[Haughty but secretly good-natured]

>>5947510
>>5947512
>>5947555
>>5947563
4 votes for [Haughty]

>>5947516
1 to be a good girl

>>5947584
1 to be malty

>>5947641
1 for sloth

>>5947549
>>5947564
>>5947577
>>5947587
>>5948082
>>5948194
6 votes to become the dreaded [Tsundere].

Votes are now closed. I mean it's not like I'm writing for you or anything, baka!

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>>5948265
“Wait!” You call out and affix the inquisitor with the firmest glare you can manage, “Making me wait in the rain was extremely disrespectful, and I’ll only forgive you this once because you’re injured!” To complete the scolding you fold your arms, huff, and pout. That’ll teach him! For sure!

“Uh, okay?” Urk! He looks more confused than anything- wait why is he poking at his wound? “Sorry, I didn’t even realize I took a hit. Be bad if I let it get infected, so thanks.” He then starts to pat himself down, clearly looking for something.

Looks like you’ll need to step in, like always, “I suppose that I can be courteous enough to rid you of this trouble. Remove your hand and I will heal the wound with my magics.”

“You know healing magic?”

“You can count it as one of my very many talents,” you state before you lean over to hover a hand near his wound. You don’t kneel even if that would make it easier, royalty does not kneel!

“That’s a pretty rare skill, you must be a pretty powerful MageKnight to pull off something like that.” You don’t miss the hidden question in that statement. You’re skilled so why are you here? Why is such a young and important noble waiting in the rain for some shady character at night? That’s what he must be wondering, the dog!

Well if he knew then there wouldn’t be a need for such stupid questions. You’re skilled, but not skilled enough. Bested by a commoner in all things, the disgrace! And despite it all you still would’ve ended the victor in the academy if you could just keep control of your blasted temper!

“Hey, you alright there?” The inquisitor dumbly states as he notices your gritted teeth.

You try and save as much face as you can, “Hmph, shows how little you know, but yes I am indeed finished. Just so you know I only did this because I couldn’t bear to keep looking at your pitiful state, don’t expect to get this kind of treatment again!” You say as you stand to your full height. It’s about enough to look the inquisitor square in the eyes. You’re more used to looking down on people.

Infuritatingly the inquisitor only chuckles at your menacing declaration, “Sure thing princess. I’ll try my hardest to not get stabbed in the future.”

“I believe that’s enough dallying, inquisitor. Weren’t you the one who was rushing just a moment ago? Well? Where is it that we need to depart to?”

“Right, sorry for the distraction. Come on, we can walk and talk,” he pauses for a moment, an oil lantern being lit in the dunderhead's skull, “That is unless the princess is opposed to getting a little wet?”

Idiot. You don’t rise to his taunt and take two calculated steps so you both dodge the first puddle and stand directly in the rain. Immediately you wish you didn’t do that as the winds and water mat your silver hair over your red eyes and makes you scramble to brush your locks away.

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>>5948328
At least the inquisitor doesn’t stand to mock you, as your academy peers would, and steps into the rain to lead you to a side street, “Anyways, as I was saying I made contact with the Stranger in some alleys near the markets. Learned quite a bit in our scuffle too.”

“And that would be?” You question.

“Well, first I should start at the beginning. His exact location in the city was discovered by the Inquisition when someone made a report that a foreigner was looking for some sort of slave seller in the marketplace.”

“But slavery has been outlawed for centuries?”

“Exactly, it means he’s probably new and still figuring things out about this world. We’re lucky most of the people thought he was just an eccentric merchant from the Free States instead of panicking at an obvious Stranger.”

“So this man gets brought to our world and his first instinct is to look for a slave?! What sort of barbaric culture does he come from?”

“Here’s the kicker, slavery is illegal on Earth too. Means we’re dealing with a real piece of work here.”

“And you know this how?”

“Ah,” he stutters, “Guess when you’re in the business for long enough you pick up a few things.”

“I see, I suppose that means you do have some knowledge of value you may be able to instruct me on. That is acceptable.”

“Sure, anyways,” he turns a corner into a part of the city you’ve never ventured into before, a poor and cramped part, “I figured out the reason why during our scuffle. Looks like he has some sort of magic brand on his right hand that allows him to control people.”

“Magic to control people? That isn’t exactly something magic can do, I’ve studied it for years.”

“It’s his Cheat Skill, has to be, and Cheat Skills don’t have to make sense.”

You silently allow him to continue as you leap over a large and filthy puddle.

“I got caught off guard when some civilians with the same brand started charging me, must have been hit there.”

“And he got away in the confusion?”

“Yeah, then I decided to pick up you for backup.”

“Wait! You mean to say I was waiting at the station while all of this was happening?! Why? I could have assisted you! Do you think me incapable?!”

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>>5948331
“Wait- Stop -Calm down!” He stresses, more panicked than mad, “I was going to get you but saw him while I was on my way, I had to take my chance.”

You glare, very threateningly you’re sure, “I suppose that is reasonable. I retract my previous statements, my apologies.”

“Whatever princess, just try not to be so loud, okay? I know it’s raining and we’re probably too far out for the Stranger to hear but you might wake the neighbors.”

Hopefully, the rain can hide your embarrassed blush, “Ah, again my apologies.”

“Right, so anyways you can see how bad the situation can get? We got a Stranger with mind control powers running around the largest city in the kingdom with its most important people.”

You stop dead in your tracks, the blush and all other color falling from your face, “Wait- my family-”

“Already has inquisitors guarding them, most nobles have seen the reports he was entering the city a few days ago.”

“A few days ago? How long have you been tracking him?”

“The Inquisition has known for about a week, maybe. Me personally? Since this morning when I was told I’d be your chaperone. He’s proven himself elusive so if we can’t catch him tonight the whole city is going to be put into marshall law.”

“This is rather serious then, is this supposed to be a test of my abilities? See if I can make it in the institution?”

“If that’s going to make you work harder then sure, more a coincidence than anything. Anyways we’re getting close to the market, do you have your weapon ready?”

“Of course, I never leave home without my-

>[Rapier] The standard weapon for both a MageKnight and Nobellady for its excellent conductivity for offensive magic and its elegant form.

>[Matchlock Pistol] Gunpowder is the new fad in noble society and of course, you’re up to date on all the newest trends. It even serves as a nice conduit for offensive magic.

>[???] [Write-In]

Before you reach the market do you wish to ask anything?

>???

>>5948333
>[great epee]A heavy two handed rapier, heavier than a normal one, but with a greater reach.

>>5948333
>>[???] [Write-In]
>Mace. It may be inelegant but no one levies insults after getting their skull caved in or arm shattered.

>>5948333
>>[Matchlock Pistol] Gunpowder is the new fad in noble society and of course, you’re up to date on all the newest trends. It even serves as a nice conduit for offensive magic.
SHOOT SPELL LIKE BULLET

>>5948333
>[Rapier] The standard weapon for both a MageKnight and Nobellady for its excellent conductivity for offensive magic and its elegant form.

>>5948333
>[Rapier] The standard weapon for both a MageKnight and Nobellady for its excellent conductivity for offensive magic and its elegant form.

>>5948333
Support >>5948394

A matchlock would be horrible in this rain.

>The branded people that attacked you, were they armed, if so, then with what? Did they wield magic?

>Wait, he's only been in the city a week, or the inquisition only learned about his presence a week ago? How long ago were we expelled? When was our honor duel? What if he had something to do with Albrecht's sudden betrayal of us? How else could he have fallen for the meagre wiles of Lyndale, and tore up a budding alliance between our two kingdoms if not for mind control?!

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>>5948333
>Swiss saber, a two-handed weapon with a complex handguard

>>5948465
Dunno why but that reminded me that Messers exist and they're dope as fuck. Kriegsmessers and grossesmessers especially. Nice knife indeed.

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>>5948333
As a matter of fact I'll change my vote

>>5948405
To
>[Kriegsmesser] A simple sword designed for war, discarding adornment for sheer utility

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Also just to post more sword, a (sort of)basket hilted cutlass. Now with 102% more spikes.

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>>5948405
Support, except it's not a mace it's just a big metal pipe

>>5948493
Based clang enjoyer.

>>5948493
>>5948333
I vote for pipe.... but a pipe that channels magic a bit better and has an actual hand grip to make up for the fact it's just a freaking metal pipe

>>5948394
>>5948486
Voting for two-handed sword. I'm fine with either stabbing or slashing.

>>5947794
All the benefits of a harem/friend by using money to buy them rather than putting the hard work and respecting their autonomy as people.

I am still waiting an isekai where the slaves just outright murder their 'master' in his sleep while far away from civilization or in a dungeon.

>>5948557
The nice thing about kriegsmessers is they're pretty well balanced and shaped. You can one hand them without issue despite the two-handed design.

I think anon is confusing the epee for an estoc. Or maybe not. Epees are dueling swords like a rapier but they weren't really made for pitched combat. They're nimble as fuck but they lack mass to really hurt anything unless you're thrusting. Sure you can cut people with it but it would be more painful than debilitating. Since they are by design smallswords I don't really know if you can "greatify" them. This is of course if we aren't considering the modern epee, which is just a floppy stick.

>>5948333
I'll switch to >>5948486

>>5948333
>write in
Estoc for bonus style

>>5948586
Or, he could be basing it off of Elden Ring's Heavy Thrusting Swords.

>>5948557
Fuckit, going fully for the "War Knife". Busty swordwomen are where it's at.

>>5948618
There are swords in Elden Ring other than the Greatsword?

I both love and hate Soulsgame weapons. They're so goofy and so wrong but also so cool and fun. Like they say the estoc has a bladed edge, which is wrong. Then they go and say the great epee is just a big rapier. Which is kind of right? They all look swag as fuck though.

All this talk about weapons... Give our character a new trait... she's secretly a otaku for all sorts of weapons!

If you are ever invited to her room, there will be racks upon racks of blades, polearms, wheel locks, flint locks, etc and two whole chests of maintenance equipment...

>>5948631
>"My my, lady, you have so much oil in here. Hmhmhmhmh"
>"Put that down! I need that for my fifteen baselards! The price of blade oil is going up."
Honestly, very amusing.

>>5948333
>[Matchlock Pistol] Gunpowder is the new fad in noble society and of course, you’re up to date on all the newest trends. It even serves as a nice conduit for offensive magic.

Gun
Magic Gun

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>>5948394
1 for the [Great Epee]

>>5948409
>>5948645
2 for the [MAGIC GUN]

>>5948416
>>5948420
2 for the [Rapier]

>>5948612
1 for [Estoc]

>>5948465
1 for [Swiss Saber]

>>5948493
>>5948551
2 for [UngaBunga] (Chads)

>>5948486
>>5948599
>>5948557
3 for the [Kriegsmesser]

Please, God, tell me I counted right since voting is now closed. Shouldn't matter too much though because >>5948631 is now canon and other weapons can get their time to shine.

If I get anything wrong with how any of them work please correct me and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again, not much of a weapon otaku myself other than finding their designs cool.

>>5948655
>not much of a weapon otaku myself other than finding their designs cool.
>meanwhile anons are about to hit you with the DEEPEST LORE of the double digit number of rapier blade-types and how they fit into the idea of post-chivalry and romanticism

>>5948655
If you want a fun fact about the estoc, it could be used from horseback in a similar fashion to a spear or lance. In that you ride something down and use the momentum of the horse to pierce with the tip of the sword. You could also club someone to death with it, because they were very tough and rigid "blades" with no intended edge. Out of all the thrusting swords named, aside from modern epee foils it is the truest thrusting sword.

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>>5948655
Well, there are a lot of things you’d rather bring with you instead of letting them rot at home. After so many weapons were left lying around your room, completely cared for and kept in perfect condition, of course, your father granted you a room in the palace to make your personal armory. Like all proper noblewomen, you have a particular fondness for swords and other instruments of death. It should also be stated that the care, maintenance, and creation of weaponry is a perfectly civilized hobby for the aristocracy to dabble in. Truly, you only really dabble and it’s everyone else's fault for looking so shocked when they enter your room and find your walls covered with bladed instruments.

Today, however, concerning the rain, you decided not to take the newest edition to your collection, the matchlock. Instead, you went back to your Kriegsmesser, your “war knife,” and an old favorite of yours. Sure it doesn’t have the elegance of your rapier, estoc, or saber. It’s certainly not as funny as that pipe you picked up one time to disrespect that one obnoxious student who sought to embarrass you in a duel. But it’s been with you through thick and thin, and elegance isn’t exactly something you need when hunting Strangers in the rain, the utility of the sword will be much more valuable.

“Hey, princess you still there?”

“Uh, wha-?” Oh my, it would seem you zoned out thinking about your arsenal, bloody hel- “I mean, certainly! Of course I am here, why wouldn’t I be?”

“You know I can see the sword on your hip, is that what you’ll be using?”

“Correct,” you pull your baby out of its sheath, “This is…”

>My Kriegsmesser [You do not name your weapons]
>[Write-in the name of your sword]

Then you return her to her rightful place at your side. You are normal about your weaponry, everyone else is wrong for thinking you’re weird. The hobby that you only very slightly dabble in is not at all “barbaric” or “unladylike” as some of your female peers would exclaim. At least the noblemen understood you… Most of them anyways.

“Inquisitor, before we begin our search at the markets there is something I wished to ask you.”

“Shoot.”

“The people who attacked you, what did they wield? Did you get caught off guard by any magic?”

“No, nothing like that. They were in a crowd before the fighting began and pretended to be gawkers during it. Thankfully, they were only commoners and only had knives and other sharp things you can find around a house… It was a little girl that got me, I hesitated trying to disarm her.”

“You did not try to kill those who were under the Stranger's control?”

“Tried not to, didn’t know if I succeeded or not. Didn’t stick around after the fact to find out. I’m hoping once the bastard is dealt with the Cheat Skill’s effects will vanish.”

“Will they?”

You can’t hear it over the rain but you see the inquisitor let out a shuttering breath, “That’s impossible to know.”

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>>5948760
“Then should I?” You don’t finish the question. You’ve never taken a life before.

“That’s up to you to decide, I won’t fault you either way.”

“I’m not sure if that is reassuring or not.”

“I’m not either.”

You ponder for a second if somehow Albrecht fell under the sway of the Stranger, but you have to disregard that notion. The Honor Duel was more than a month ago, right before summer break, and the Stranger has only been known for about a week. It’s not like the Honor Duel was the first time he disregarded you either, throughout the three years you were at the Academy you were always neglected by him, no matter how hard you tried to win his favor. It hurt, and it still does but… You’re not sure you can hope that he was under the control of a Stranger just to make the breaking of your betrothal more digestible. It would be too cruel.

He was so sweet when you were both children, when you were both friends, even if you could only meet twice a year. What could have made him fall for that gold-digging harlot, Lyndale?

“Inquisitor, remind me again how long the Inquisition has known about the stranger?”

“Alright, so what I know is that another inquisitor was in a hamlet near the capitol where some dude was found lost in the forest. Some serious freaky cultist stuff was happening in the hamlet, that’s why she was called in the first place. Then she deduced the two events were related and acted against the Stranger’s little harem cult. The stranger then goes and flees to the capital and all that was about a week ago. According to my colleague, he couldn’t have been in the village for more than a week with how the cult was only just starting so one week we’ve known about him and two he’s been in this world is our best guess.”

So Albrecht’s betrayal and the Stranger couldn’t possibly be connected... You can’t place the emotions you’re feeling.

“Alright, princess we’re here, the markets,” The inquisitor says as the two of you walk out of a cramped alley and into the nearly deserted square near the center of the city. You can even see your house, the royal palace, in the distance.

The markets are an interesting location, one you can’t say you frequent but you are familiar with. It functions much like a bazaar one might find in more eastern countries with hundreds of stalls manned by independent, or not-so-independent, merchants. Your history tutors have taught you that it, and many markets like it, were created around the adventuring and monster-hunting profession due to the need to acquire many unique and often rare materials in their line of work. It then expanded to accommodate more normal trades until the point some entire towns were given different fief obligations due to their “market town” status. Or well, that’s what your tutors told it. It’s not like you specifically inquired about the subject of adventures to see where you could expand your weapon collection or anything!

>>5948765
The Grand Market of the Royal Capitol is an open-air market, with stalls dividing the plaza it’s in into a series of pathways between them. It is currently devoid of life due to both the late hour and the storm. To accommodate your mental point lightning strikes in the distance causing thunder to resound within the area.

“Alright, princess let’s get to work. I don’t expect the Stranger to be out in the open but he should still be around here somewhere. Can’t have gone far with the broken leg I gave him,” he lets out a sound that's a mix of a chuckle and laugh, “Trolleys were already stopped for the night by the time I saw him, and the storm is harsh enough most won’t be driving carts anytime soon. Meaning the Inquisition has enough resources to check everyone that leaves the city.”

“So all the cards are currently in our favor?”

“As much as they’ll ever be in this job, now where do we start rookie?”

“Wait, you’re asking me?”

“Well, if you can’t think of anything I have a hunch or two but I want to see your deduction skills. They’re vital to your continued survival in the Inquisition.”

So it’s a test, well if the inquisitor is hoping to see you fail then he’ll be sorely disappointed.

>”Look at that trolley station, I can see two figures through the glass even though the next ones won’t be until the morning” [Investigate the Trolley Station]

>”There’s light in the building with a sign, it’s the only place on this side of the street that has their lights on,” [Investigate the Lit Building]

>”I think I see some people by that stall over there, everyone should have packed and gone home by now,” [Investigate the Market-goers]

Those three are the only things of note that you can investigate right now but that doesn’t mean that’s the only thing you can do right now. You can also ask Inquisitor Asher questions or perform other actions in the market.

>??? [Write-in]

>>5948760
>Sturmreiter

Actually wrote it out before refreshing and seeing the third post. Fitting though.

>>5948765
Appreciate including my write ins even if no one voted for them.

>>5948769
>”I think I see some people by that stall over there, everyone should have packed and gone home by now,” [Investigate the Market-goers]

We can check them for brands and ask them if they saw an limping person recently, assuming they aren't controlled. I don't think he'd only have one person with him. He'd probably feel safer with his minion all about him, or he'd try and hide. Alternatively he'd rush into a building to try and find a healer to mind control. The lit building could just be everyone choosing to save power/candles and gather about for discussion about the fight that broke out or the storm.

>>5948760
>>[Write-in the name of your sword]
Part of me wants to just play it straight. Let the swords speak for themselves. The other part of me is telling me to give silly names.
>"Hairsplitter". It is very good at settling arguments.

>>5948769
>>”There’s light in the building with a sign, it’s the only place on this side of the street that has their lights on,” [Investigate the Lit Building]
Knock knock who the fuck's home?

>>5948769
>[Write-in the name of your sword]
Sophia
Due to a comment from our cousin that we lack 'wisdom' upon seeing our collection.


>”There’s light in the building with a sign, it’s the only place on this side of the street that has their lights on,” [Investigate the Lit Building]

The people at the station might be someone just trying to stay out of the rain. Given our target has a broken leg, he'd probably want to get that treated away from the sight of other people. I doubt he wants to be outside.

>>5948776
Sturmfahrerin might be nice. Has the feminine touch to it, similar enough connotations. Blitzreiter if you want more ERIKA for your vibe lmao.

>>5948760
>[Write-in the name of your sword]
I'm not sure what, but if we're using a German style sword, might as well stick with the language... maybe Schatzi, for treasure or darling?

>”There’s light in the building with a sign, it’s the only place on this side of the street that has their lights on,” [Investigate the Lit Building]

>>5948784
Sure, the former though. lol not looking for those sorts of implications

>>5948760
>[Write-in the name of your sword]
Slicer #4
>>5948769
>”I think I see some people by that stall over there, everyone should have packed and gone home by now,” [Investigate the Market-goers]

>>5948760
>The Throngler
The ultimate name

>>5948769
>”There’s light in the building with a sign, it’s the only place on this side of the street that has their lights on,” [Investigate the Lit Building]
A bit meta, but this is exactly the point where an isekai MC would be helped by a random girl who hides him in her dwelling.

>>5948769
> Wifecutter
>”I think I see some people by that stall over there, everyone should have packed and gone home by now,” [Investigate the Market-goers]

>>5948777
>>5948779
>>5948788
>>5948946
4 to investigate the building

>>5949007
>>5948847
>>5948776
3 to question the market-goers

Closing the vote so I can start writing. Expect the update in about 2 hours time. The vote on your swords name however will remain open until the update drops.

>>5949036
>tfw we have every single name option under the sun
>once each
Maybe we should subvote it before we have the entire catalogue of sword names in existence on the voting block kek

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>>5949036
“There’s light in the building with a sign, it’s the only place on this side of the street that has their lights on,” you say while pointing to a decently sized building across the plaza.

When you turn to look at the inquisitor you see him looking… Impressed, “That would’ve been my first choice too, though I think for different reasons. Do you know what that building is?”

You think for a second about lying to make yourself look smarter but disregard the notion. You’ve done that before and only ended up looking like a larger idiot, “No, I don’t.”

“It’s the Dawn’s Light, an inn with more adventurous clientele. If you look to the building left of it you see it’s a branch of the Adventurers Guild. Not exactly the kind of place one would imagine a princess would like to spend her time at.”

Wait, does he know? You try and analyze his face for any hidden taunt but can’t see anything. Maybe he’s making a jab at your status and not your completely normal fascination? Or maybe- ah, he started walking away.

“Um, not that I wouldn’t have inferred, I definitely would in time, but since time is naturally of the essence why is that place the first one you’d search?” You ask.

“Well, since time is of the essence I won’t bore you with the long-winded theoretical reason, naturally. Instead, just remember that Strangers tend to be drawn to the Adventurer’s Guild and adventurers for one reason or another.”

“And that is why you would investigate an area with them first?”

“That and adventurers are some of the most dangerous people out there, if the Stranger got a few of them under control it’d be hell in a handbasket.”

“So you would want to deal with the problem before it can fester? I suppose that is a logical enough conclusion to make, good job.”

“...Why are you acting like you’re the mentor here?”

It feels weird walking through a market that usually has so much life in it while it’s deserted. You can count the times you’ve been here in person on one hand, and that was surrounded by guards, but through the palace windows, it always seemed so alive. Even at night, there was still a healthy amount of activity, all above board being so close to the palace, but with the storm, the inquisitor and you are practically the only people here.

That is except for the building you’re rapidly approaching. Even from outside you can hear the sounds of boisterous laughs and outraged yells. Through the brightly lit windows, figures dance and act rowdy as they engage in what only commoners would refer to as a party. It looks and sounds like nothing you’ve participated in before and as you open the door and step inside with the inquisitor it all stops, immediately. What a shame.

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>>5949117
“Oliver! I heard the party from outside, what’s the good news?” The inquisitor strides into the establishment with a wide smile and false cheer air around him. How he switches from one persona to another reminds you of many nobles you’ve met.

“Inquisitor, you’re soaked.” The big man behind the counter states as he goes to clean a class, using his hand with a large bloody bandage on it to do so. Two people awkwardly pay and shuffle out of the establishment behind you, “If you must know the Purse Puncher,” he gestures to a group of four youths with his bandaged hand all of their hands are under the table, “had a big payout from hunting dire wolves. Now who's your friend? This is the first time I’ve seen you with company.”

“Ouch, Oliver that hurts,” the inquisitor feigns being hurt, “And you mean to tell me you don’t recognize her? Hmm, maybe that’s why you’re not showing proper respect. Don’t worry Princess Lorina de Lindan is an agreeable sort!” Why did he just reveal who you are? What’s he doing?

The bartender, Oliver, looks a bit nervous suddenly, “Ah, my apologies your highness. Please, there’s a booth in the back, I’ll get Clarice to get you some towels in just one moment.” With that, he retreats behind a door that is itself behind the counter and starts yelling for someone.

“Right this way, Your Highness let us enjoy this establishment's hospitality. Wouldn’t want you to tire your legs now,” the inquisitor says as he leads you to the booth furthest from the door and closest to the stairs which a sign lets you know is leading to ‘Resting Quarters’ for a price that’s shockingly low to you. Three more people leave the inn.

As the inquisitor nestles himself into the booth, back facing the door, you take a seat opposite him and witness his face morph back into a completely neutral expression. “Well?” He says in a deadpan the complete opposite of his fake cheer.

“Well, what?”

“What do we do next, rookie?”

>”We should wait for Clarice to give us towels,” Then the bartender will be back and you can ask him actual questions. Also, you’re soaked, and that’s not a nice state to be in.

>”We should go and talk to these ‘Purse Punchers,’ I’m suspicious of them.”

>”The bartender is obviously suspicious we should pull our weight and demand to be allowed to investigate the Inn, under threat of action.” You want to go in guns blazing.

>”We should leave, I think it’s wrong to stay here.”

>[Write-in]

>>5949115
I'm pretty sure Sturmfahrerin has two votes. I'll be appropriating the other names if you guys bring more weapons out of your arsenal. Also, you're all Germaboos.

>>5949118
>”We should wait for Clarice to give us towels,” Then the bartender will be back and you can ask him actual questions. Also, you’re soaked, and that’s not a nice state to be in.
He said the mind-controlled people had symbols on their hands? Then the bartender may be hiding one under his bandages. We should isolate him and confirm it

>>5949118
>”The bartender is obviously suspicious we should pull our weight and demand to be allowed to investigate the Inn, under threat of action.” You want to go in guns blazing.

>>5949118
>>”We should wait for Clarice to give us towels,” Then the bartender will be back and you can ask him actual questions. Also, you’re soaked, and that’s not a nice state to be in.

>>5949118
Supporting >>5949136 especially the write in part. Ask to speak privately.

>>5949118
>”We should hide and ambush Clarice as he comes back to give us towels, I'm 99% sure he's going to be bringing the Stranger with him to enslave us."

>>5949118
>”We should wait for Clarice to give us towels,”
Yeah, him and the freelance fraternity of fetchers DEFINITELY aren’t part of that Stranger’s gang… (wink wink)

>>5949136
>>5949153
Don’t forget the barflies in the corner trying to be inconspicuous about their hands.

>>5949170
I remember, but I want to confirm with one before potentially alerting a group all at once that we are on to them.

>>5949118

>”We should wait for Clarice to give us towels,” Then the bartender will be back and you can ask him actual questions. Also, you’re soaked, and that’s not a nice state to be in.

We should find a way to offer to heal the bartender's wounds. After all, you have noblesse oblige and all that.

>>5949115
We have a frickin' armory of weapons. Even if one name gets chosen, whose to say those other names don't belong to the other killing implements we have at home.

We mind as well let our imagination run wild on such a low stake vote.

>>5949213
Well because we need one specifically for this one, specifically. It's important. You can't call your halberd the "lil sticker" since it is clearly the "hydra", you know? And of course "Lady" is a good name for a rapier but not a two-bit axe. To say nothing of "Marie" which is obviously the name of a rondel or triangle-shaped dagger. The Throngler is too powerful. It must remain unseen in a sealed container.

>>5949225
>can’t call a big two-bitted axe “Lady”
Real anons can appreciate a big girl, especially the top heavy ones.

>>5949232
It's not the size it's the status. A Lady for a lady. Clearly a big double sided axe is a Bertha. Or a Gloria. Maybe a Dearest if you're feeling sweet.

>>5949233
Come on, anon, haven't you heard of Gap-Moe? Everyone's heard the stereotype of calling larger women/weapons Bertha, but Lorina puts more thought into naming her darling weapons.

I'm beginning to imagine Lorina likes sleeping with her favorites in her bed like normal girly girls do with plush toys.

>>5949256
Bertha isn't a big woman's name, it's the name of a woodsman's wife. Come on man. All you think about are appearances. You'll never meet a nice girl that way.

She gets mad if you don't put the three (to everyone else) imperceptibly different clubs on the wrong side of the bed. Just like those weird girls who aren't into weapons do with pillows.

>>5949136
>>5949147
>>5949153
>>5949168
>>5949210
5 votes to wait

>>5949139
>>5949167
2 for a more violent approach

Votings closed, looks like you're going to try and isolate the bartender and hope he slips up. Updates might get a bit shorter since we're now in an "action sequence" that may require dice rolls.

>>5949256
>>5949268
You know I wasn't exactly expecting Lorina to end up as a tsundere weapons otaku but I'm certainly not complaining. All I can say is that Albrecht managed to fumble a Best Girl.

>>5949290
>All I can say is that Albrecht managed to fumble a Best Girl.
Makes it to a first down and immediately trips over his own laces. What a fool he is.

>>5949290
>>5949291
Well, you can't exactly blame him... Office Ladies isekai'd into otome game protagonists must have some sort of fujoshi pheromone that make handsome rich men go buckwild trying to flirt with them while looking like they want to have angry sex with each other.

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>>5949296
No wonder she wants to get rid of these strangers.

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>>5949296
:)
>>5949290
“We wait,” is all you whisper to the inquisitor who gives a nod in return.

He doesn’t speak and neither do you as more patrons file out of the tavern, either going upstairs to their rooms or out the door. An inquisitor silently waiting with royalty in a dingy bar isn’t a sight you see every day. The mere presence of the two of you seems to be unnerving enough to cause some people to turn tail and run. It’s like the adventures have a sixth sense that tells them something bad is about to happen. Though you see a couple loitering outside the establishment, perhaps hoping to catch you if you decide to leave. Soon enough the only occupants in the tavern are the inquisitor, you, and the Purse Punchers. Goddess, it’s such a stupid name.

Even still you can feel your heart quickening as the silence drags on. Like the moment right before a duel yet so much worse. In a duel, the only thing you have to worry about is an accident or complete humiliation, but this isn’t a duel. You’ve entered a lion’s den while cold, wet, and tired, you’re about to face a Stranger, and Strangers are dangerous. How is the inquisitor managing to stay so calm!?

A knock breaks you out of your anxiety episode, you notice it’s the inquisitor's knuckles hitting the table. He nods his head over to the door the bartender went through and mouths the words, ‘Get ready,’ before slowly resting the same hand near the hilt of his sheathed sword.

Soon enough the door opens revealing Oliver ushering in a small woman, who looks more like an adventurer than a bartender, holding towels with both her hands. Her glove-covered hands. “Hi! So you must be her Royal Highness, it’s an honor to have you at the Dawn’s Light!” The girl says as she practically bounces towards you handing you all but one of the towels. That one going to the inquisitor.

As to not be rude or reveal that you know, they know, that there’s a Stranger here you take the towels without so much as a thank you. It is best to keep up your haughty noble appearance. Then you throw the first towel onto your face and dry your head off, you’re certain you do so with elegance and grace that fits only the highest of nobility. At least Oliver and Clarice seem to think so as they keep staring at you with “warm” smiles.

The inquisitor doesn’t even try to hide his laugh as he sets his towel on the table without drying himself.

“Mr. Oliver, sir, you appear to be hurt. Is everything alright with your hand?” You decide to lay your cards out early hoping to catch him off guard. At the other side of the table, the inquisitor slightly nods in approval.

“Oh, that’s nothing you need to worry about, Your Highness, some lads got a bit rowdy and there was an accident with some broken glass. Doesn’t even hurt, see?” Oliver completely his point by waving his right hand into the air. There’s not even a wince from the pain a wound that causes that much blood should have.

>>5949323
“Sir, I really must insist it would dishonor me to allow my citizens to perform their honest labor while hurt,” You continue, pressing on the issue.

The bartender scratches the back of his head, with his “hurt” hand, the idiot, “Aw, shucks Your Highness, and please call me Oliver but I’m afraid-”

“Daddy!” Clarice whines, cutting into the conversation, “You can’t just refuse her Royal Highness like that! And I don’t want to see you hurt too!” Crocodile tears accompanied by a pout and finger wave, a noble lady’s special move. Somehow this commoner girl seems to have perfected it.

The large bartender seems to get an idea as his face lights up before he very hastily hides his expression, “Oh well, I suppose it can’t be helped now, can it? Your Highness if you’d be so kind could you follow us to the backroom? I got myself some medicine I’d like to disinfect the wound with before you cast any magic on it.” Perhaps if the commoner knew better he wouldn’t make such a completely idiotic statement. You don’t need to disinfect a wound before casting healing magic, it would be insanity if you did.

The inquisitor raises an eyebrow at you.

>”Of course, please after you,” as you stand you give the inquisitor a gesture to the Purse Punchers

>”Actually on second thought…” You’d rather not walk into a trap even if you know it is one.

>[Write-in]

>>5949324
>”Of course, please after you,” as you stand you give the inquisitor a gesture to the Purse Punchers
But also send Clarice away, e.g. to get more towels, so that we don't face them together

>>5949324
>”Of course, please after you,” as you stand you give the inquisitor a gesture to the Purse Punchers
I guess we're doing this

>>5949324
>"Not to worry. Healing magic disinfects the wound magically, so you won't have to waste any expensive medicine on it. If you doubt my efficacy, please ask my last patent. Isn't that right, Inquisitor?"
So, is Clarice wearing gloves on her hands, or are they bare?

>>5949324
>”Actually on second thought…” You’d rather not walk into a trap even if you know it is one.

>>5949338
Clarice is wearing gloves on both her hands.

>>5949323
>>5949338

>revealing Oliver ushering in a small woman, who looks more like an adventurer than a bartender, holding towels with both her hands. Her glove-covered hands.

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>>5949343
>>5949344
...How'd I miss that?

>>5949324
>>”Of course, please after you,” as you stand you give the inquisitor a gesture to the Purse Punchers

>>5949324
>>5949338
Actually this anon may be illiterate but I like the cut of his vote, I'll back

>>5949268
You're right.
The name for a hard-bitten battle-tested axe is 'Warspite'... with her own nickname as 'The Grand Old Lady'

Come on, take a page out from the same book of perfidious Albion in naming tradition. Too much Germaboo.

>>5949324
>>[Write-in]
Tell him to bring a bottle of high proof booze, you'll disinfect right at the bar.
Say you'll treat the Purse Punchers to what remains of it.

>>5949391
Actually, how about an Italian name... Eleonora, for Merciful, which is also a name for that stylin' DS3 axe in the Profaned Capital dropped by a giant finger baby monster.

>>5949391
The best things from Albion are from the people who don't want to be a part of it. Their vaunted longbow is Welsh! Just wait until the Chinese names start coming out. Nobody is ready for "The blade of seven-hundred mornings' dew". "Sky Piercer" is fucking legit though.

I don't get where the Germaboo is coming from though. So far there are only two names that are straight up Muh Doichlang. And they're for a German sword no less. I can't wait for a highland claymore to pop up so we can all make drunk choking sounds in our best faux Scottish accents. Depending on the time period, a claymore is either the big fucker with the cross hilt, or a one-handed basket hilted broadsword. Ah language.

>>5949392
>>5949390
>>5949338
Just to be clear these votes are to not isolate the man as he leads you into the obvious trap so he can take you to the Stranger and instead, you want to stay in the main room?

>>5949457
Yep. I've got that scene from Inherent Vice in my mind, where the stoner detective gets clocked from behind with a bat in the massage parlor. There, he just gets tossed outside next to a dead body with the police pulling up. Here, with a mind controlling pervert slaver around? Could go much worse.

>>5949457
I just wanted to give him a bit of trouble and see what excuses he'd come up with to get us in the back room.

>>5949331
>>5949375
2 votes to be lead into the trap, hoping that he doesn't know that you know that he knows.

>>5949338
>>5949341
>>5949390
>>5949392
4 votes to do something else, mostly make the man struggle.

The vote is now locked for what will be the last update of the night and some dice rolls to follow.

I've got three ducats on that the barkeep doesn't even have a daughter.

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>>5949479
“Oh, don’t worry Sir Oliver, healing magic doesn’t require any sort of disinfectant. I’d hate to have you waste expensive medicine.”

“Oh, uh, are you sure? I’d be no trouble to use it, so you wouldn’t need to worry.”

“I’m quite sure, isn’t that right inquisitor? You see he was my last patient.”

“Yup, She didn’t need anything but her own magic to heal me up last I checked, Oliver. It was such a dire wound too, I was practically crying in pain and now I’m right as rain! So it should require even less for your meager wound that doesn’t hurt at all!” The inquisitor is enjoying this too much. His fake cheer contorts itself into smug mockery as the bartender starts to sweat from his nerves.

“A-are you sure? I mean it would be improper for me to undo the bandage right here in the open.”

“And it would somehow be more proper for a youthful and beautiful princess, like myself, to follow a grown man into the backroom of his bar?” You say with faux innocence.

“I- I mean uh, Clarice would be right there too!”

“Hey! Stop being mean to my daddy! You’re making a scene in front of the customers!” Clarice starts to do a mixture of yelling and whining towards the two of us, clearly seeing the situation get out of hand.

“Well, it doesn’t look like there’s anyone else here other than the wolf-slayers over there. Surely, we can’t be that bad?” The inquisitor inquires.

“Oh, you’re right inquisitor! Maybe we could get them an expensive bottle in celebration of completing their quest!” You shout, gaining everyone in the room’s attention, “We could even use a little to ‘disinfect’ you’re wound if you’re still hung up on that!” You say like it’s the smartest idea in the world.

The inquisitor is trying his very hardest not to laugh.

“Or- uh, I suppose that wouldn’t be a bad idea, but miss I really need you to-”

Too bad for the bartender you’re already out of your seat, followed swiftly by the inquisitor, “Oh, maybe I’ve done something wrong seeing as you’re at a loss for words, my apologies the customs of the low class are so hard to follow at times,” You say with very fake disappointment, “But I do really need to see your hand, please unbandage it.”

“I-i can’t, miss-”

“And you seriously going to ignore an order from her Royal Highness, Oliver?” The inquisitor’s tone suddenly has a dangerous edge. If the situation was any different you’d think he was being serious.

“N-no! It’s just that I-i-”

The bartender is once again cut off not by you or the inquisitor, but by a mumble, “This has gone on long enough,” and the sound of a drawing sword. The drawing of Clarice's sword. Right before its sharp edge swings directly towards you.

>>5949537
Only to be met with steel.

Sturmfahrerin is a large girl, yet one you can still hold with ease in one hand. After all, you’ve been with her for much of your life, you know her in and out, and one hand is all you need to parry the blow from the “swordswomen” you now face. Caught off guard her strike goes wide and carries her blow into a booth, tearing it apart and forcing her to have to yank it out, with little immediate success.

Before you can press the attack you you feel a large rush of air blow past you as Oliver is knocked over the countertop, unconscious. You have no idea how the much more slender inquisitor managed such a feat but truly it matters little at the present moment. “Jesus Christ, I was right. Hell in a handbasket.” He mumbles as he draws his sword and steps behind you, facing down the rising quartet of novice adventurers and the two people who were loitering outside.

In front of you, Clarice begins to finally recover.

“Well, rookie what’s our game plan?” The inquisitor asks.

>”I’ll deal with Clarice and try to find the Stranger as you deal with the others.” Will require a [DC 16 Roll]

>”I’ll deal with everyone in here if you can find the Stranger.” Will require a [DC 14 Roll]

>”Let’s deal with everyone here, together, then we’ll look for the Stranger,” Will require a [DC 10 Roll] The Stranger may have time to try and flee if there are people inside to help him.

>[Write-in] I will assign a DC once a write-in is locked in. More creative and thought-out plans will get lower DCs

Rolls will begin when the voting is closed and for now, will simply be 3d20 with crits each d20 rolled by a separate person. These mechanics are subject to change in the future I just want to try them out.

>>5949539
Perhaps we can lower the DCs if we inform them that the person they're assisting is a slaver stranger wanted for sex trafficking? It probably won't work completely, but it might be enough to get them to resist their orders or slow them down.

>>5949539
>>”I’ll deal with everyone in here if you can find the Stranger.” Will require a [DC 14 Roll]
Hey, he broke that bitchass stranger's leg last time they fought. Ain't no way the inquisitor drops the ball again now that he knows how insidious this mind control shit can be. Dickass stranger using kids. Fuck em.

>>5949539
>”I’ll deal with everyone in here if you can find the Stranger.” Will require a [DC 14 Roll]
>Jesus Christ
So some Stranger did nanage to becone a cultural influence?

>>5949539
>>”I’ll deal with Clarice and try to find the Stranger as you deal with the others.” Will require a [DC 16 Roll]

>>5949539
>”I’ll deal with everyone in here if you can find the Stranger.” Will require a [DC 14 Roll]

>>5949695
>So some Stranger did nanage to becone a cultural influence?
Good catch. Maybe.

>>5949546
>>5949695
>>5949752
3 votes to fight the guards

>>5949715
1 vote to find the stranger yourself

>>5949544
1 vote to try diplomacy

Vote is now closed. Can I get some d20 rollin?

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5949797

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5949797

>>5949802
>>5949811
going to keep the last roll open instead of rolling it myself since I won't be able to write the update before 5 (UTC-4) today unless the next anon rolls very soon. Wait times might get a bit longer during the week in general but I'm going to try and update at least once a day and I'll be sure to tell you guys if I can't.

Also, the next roll decides whether you succeed or fail, no pressure.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5949797
>no pressure

>>5949802
>>5949811
>>5949846
>13
Well, it could be worse than a Slight Faliure

Writing.

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>>5949852
“I’ll deal with everyone in here, Inquisitor. You go find the Stranger!” You command.

The inquisitor doesn’t say anything, simply choosing to vault over the countertop and kick his way into the back room. Leaving you completely surrounded. The bastard. Immediately you feel a tingling sensation on the back of your neck and leap for cover as a beam of electric energy is sent hurdling past you, from the Purse Puncher’s little mage.

“I don’t suppose I could get you all to stand down by saying a perverted slaver is mind-controlling you?”

Clarice takes another swing at you accompanied by a loud “HYAH!” as four of the adventurers behind you charge.

“I didn’t think so.”

The only world that can adequately sum up the next few moments is chaos, complete and utter chaos. One second a kid in homemade armor is attempting to run you through with his dagger, the next Sturmfahrerin sends him flying into the expensive liquor on the top shelf. An archer lets loose an arrow from the exit door only for it to find perch in Clarice’s shoulder instead of yours. The mage chants while holding her staff in your direction, only to find that a two-handed swing from your messer is more than enough to chop a twig in half.

No one here is as skilled as you, how could they be? You’ve been trained by the very best tutors in the kingdom. But this is also the first time you’ve had to face so many opponents. You’re bound to slip up eventually. And slip up you do.

Four of your opponents are unconscious and you allow yourself a moment to try and strategize. Only for to much of your concentration went to trying to solve the issue of the archer, if only you had your matchlock, which makes you forget Clarice isn’t totally out of the picture. Then before you know it a cry of pain spews forth from you as your back gains a long slashing wound. On reflex, you turn around to deal with Clarice only for an arrow to lodge itself in your calf.

For a second your body lurches downwards from the shock, and you see Clarice bring her sword up high, for a decapitating strike. You panic, magic fills your arms and runs up the length of your sword, superheating it, as you bring it to deflect the blow. You expect to block the blow, not for Sturmfahrerin to cut straight through it. Who doesn’t use battle magic to reinforce their weapon? Nevertheless, your strike continues upward, and you barely manage to avoid killing Clarice. Her right eye and side of her face, however, are instantly cauterized.

She falls to the floor screaming bloody murder.

>>5949879
You feel you should act more seeing the gruesome display, perhaps gag or reel back in shock as you’ve seen people do in tournament accidents. In honorable duels. But the adrenaline inside your body doesn’t allow you to, you’re no longer surrounded. You force healing magic into your wounds to allow yourself to stand, though you can feel its effects weakening, you’re getting too exhausted. But you have enough in you to stand and press your advantage.

What’s left of the guards here are two members of the Purse Punchers, their fighter and staffless mage, and the archer from outside. Everyone except the archer takes a step back as they see you rise and focus all your attention on them. You’re not sure how much longer you can keep fighting, but they don’t know that.

Then you hear someone behind you start to head down the stairs, possibly reinforcements, or someone alerted by the fighting and screaming you’re not sure.

What do you do?

>Contue to focus on the fight downstairs [DC 13]

>Run upstairs to confront whoever is coming [DC 17]

>Run into the back room to find the inquisitor [DC 14]

>[Write-in]

>>5949879
>>Run into the back room to find the inquisitor [DC 14]

>>5949881
>>Contue to focus on the fight downstairs [DC 13]

>>5949881
>Continue to focus on the fight downstairs [DC 13]
Clean this up before taking on anything else

>>5949881
>Contue to focus on the fight downstairs [DC 13]
Attack the archer with thrown bottles?

>>5949881
>>Run upstairs to confront whoever is coming [DC 17]

>>5949881
>Contue to focus on the fight downstairs [DC 13]

>>5949881
>Continue to focus on the fight downstairs [DC 13]
Oof, I hope healing magic can fix that... Maybe we can make it up to her by letting her pull the lever for the guillotine during the execution!

>>5949890
1 to go help your colleague

>>5949932
1 to go upstairs

>>5949895
>>5949899
>>5949911
>>5949940
>>5949948
5 to keep fighting these mob characters.

The vote is now closed, can I get some rolls?

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5950050

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5950050

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5950050

>>5950052
>>5950053
>>5950054
I can't tell whether you guys are lucky or unlucky. Regardless that's a Success. Writing.

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>>5950058
You think for a moment of leaving the battle here and suspecting yourself to being chased so that you might have a more agreeable advantage, but as another arrow whiffs your body you disregard those thoughts. The mage looks to be about useless due to her lack of a staff but the fighter stands between you and the archer. You lament your lack of ranged attack for only a second as you see an expensive-looking whisky bottle. You doubt it’s actually expensive, only to these peasants it might be.

You’re no stranger to improvised weapons, the pipe speaks for itself, and the bottle does its job well. Sailing right over the short adventurers and impacting the forehead of the archer, bringing him out of the fight. Blood and alcohol aren’t exactly substances you’d want to wash out of your eyes. Especially not with rainwater as the archer seems to be trying as he rushes out the door.

Seeing everything go wrong on their front the mage and fighter seem lost on what to do before the latter settles on simply charging you with a loud yell. It takes only two swings to disarm him, three to knock him prone, and a kick to make him go unconscious.

The Stranger only had time to get the lowest of the low, huh? It almost makes you think this was set up by the Inquisition more than you know. Or perhaps inquisitor Asher really did just stumble across him and scared him hard enough he was desperate to take over anyone he could.

The mage girl doesn’t stand much of a change and settles on throwing the little remains of her staff at you. Needless to say they… bounce off your… assets as you approach. But even with all her shaking you can now see the mark in all its “glory.” A glowing purple symbol with six eyes looks to be branded on the back of her right hand. “Please, master, please be all right,” the girl mumbles in reverence(?) when she realizes there’s no hope of winning her encounter with you.

Then all of a sudden there’s a loud, yet muffled, scream from somewhere deeper in the building and the brand on the girl's hand begins to dissipate. Not a trace of it having ever been there is left after a moment's time. Then the mage collapses. You rush over to stop her from falling, and when her shaky legs finally recover enough to stand and her eyes regain lucidity she begins to frantically look around the ruined tavern in horror.

“Huh, wha- Derrick..?” She says as she looks over the unconscious form of the fighter, “Morgan..? Sophie..?” Somehow her face loses even more color as she spies her entire party. At least Clarice has finally stopped screaming, hopefully having fainted.

“Are you alright?” You curse yourself for asking such a stupid question the second it leaves your mouth, but you can’t think of anything else to say.

“Y-your H-highness?” She keeps getting paler.

“Yes?”

“W-we just attacked the princess…” As that realization sits in there’s nothing you can do to stop the poor adventurer girl from fainting.

>>5950119
Now you stand alone in a tavern that looks like it had a wyvern loose. What do you do?

>You can’t hear anyone coming down the stairs, maybe you should still go check?

>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.

>There are wounded people in this room, including yourself, you should spend your time healing them. Even if it might exhaust you fully.

>[Write-in]

>>5950120
>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.

>>5950120
>”I’m not pressing charges. The Stranger, however, will be paying for this with his life.”
>There are wounded people in this room, including yourself, you should spend your time healing them. Even if it might exhaust you fully.

>>5950120
>>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.
Measure twice, cut once. Any decent craftsman knows that.

>>5950143
I think the only one of them not currently unconscious is outside trying to wash their eyes in the rain. And he might still have fallen over when the compulsion left him. Surely we're not crazy enough to speak to an empty room, right?

>>5950120
>>You can’t hear anyone coming down the stairs, maybe you should still go check?

>>5950120
>>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.

>>5950120
>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.

>>5950120
>>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.


Also, we should save our healing might for the most badly injured after we get the all clear.

>>5950143
1 vote to heal the wounded

>>5950157
1 vote to check upstairs

>>5950129
>>5950150
>>5950160
>>5950186
>>5950192
5 votes to go find that Stranger.

Voting is closed, writing. Going to be the final update tonight.

>>5950120
>It looks like the inquisitor got the Stranger, but you can’t know for certain unless you see for yourself. This could be a test or trick.
We can heal them up later
Or leave them injured as an example of the harm Strangers can cause to justify additional funding to the Inquisition

>>5950119
>>5950261
Too late for me to vote, but fuck it.
>There are wounded people in this room, including yourself, you should spend your time healing them. Even if it might exhaust you fully.
It wouldn't be a good idea to start on bad terms with an adventurer's tavern bartender for maiming his daughter. Plus, y'know, we need to make friends with girls who like swords, too!

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>>5950261
Maybe it’s a silver lining that the mage girl joined her comrades in slumber. You’re not sure how long it’ll take to convince a panicking woman that you’re not going to send her to the executioner's block for being mind-controlled. However, you can’t say the same for the Stranger, who you should be finding.

Unlike the inquisitor you enter the back room without fanfare, other than some precautionary looks inside to avoid an ambush. Your worries are unfounded as the only two occupants of the kitchen are in no state to offer resistance. The first, a woman has a rapier impaling through her shoulder and sticking the wooden wall behind her, due to this it looks almost like she’s standing slumped even though said rapier, her rapier by the looks of her scabbard, is the only thing keeping her upright. The other occupant, a large and unsightly man lies limp on the floor next to a cast iron skillet. By the blood covering the pot and the man’s broken nose, you can only imagine how he got into that state. But somehow both of them are alive, though with some grievous wounds.

The pattern of opening a room to macabre displays of unconscious commoners repeats twice more before you follow the sound of yelling, and whimpering into the establishment's wine cellar. Where you’re greeted with another uncomfortable sight, three women in various states of undress lie on the cold floor as the inquisitor himself stands over a sniveling man. A man desperately clutching the stump where his right hand used to be. Said hand lies discarded on the floor a few feet away, still with its brand.

Unluckily both men see you enter, and immediately the Stranger starts begging, “P-please! You have to help me! This stalker’s going to kill me!”

You ignore him, “inquisitor,” and nod to your “superior.” In reality, very few people are above you, and you know that.

“Is everyone taken care of upstairs?”

“For the most part, everyone who attacked me is unconscious.”

“-Wait! You’re with HIM?!” Both of you ignore the Stranger.

“Not dead?”

“It is well within my capabilities to defeat opponents without killing them.”

“Not sure I’d be able to, you MageKnights sure are scary.”

“My work is far less frightening than what I saw you’re capable of, inquisitor.”

The inquisitor hums but doesn’t refute your claim, “I’d like you to meet my new friend, one Keiji Hashimoto, our resident troublemaker.”

“Wait, this is all one big misunderstanding! You have to believe me!” The black-haired man says as his eyes dart for you to the inquisitor and back again.

“Ah yes, the big misunderstanding of why two separate inquisitors found you surrounded by a blossoming cult of predominantly young women who’ve been mind-controlled to obey you.”

He hisses in pain as he tries to stand up, momentarily forgetting he’s lacking a hand to push himself up with. The inquisitor's boot keeps him on the floor, “I know it sounds bad, but it isn’t what it looks like! I was just trying to make friends!”

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>>5950290
The inquisitor turns towards you, “Personally, I prefer to make friends the old-fashioned way. Y’know by going outside, touching grass, and talking to people. Am I out of touch with today's trends, is mind-controlled sexual abuse all the rage these days?”

“No, I believe you’re still correct on what is normal in this day and age.”

“Thought so, we must have found an outlier then,” The inquisitor says while leveling his blade to point toward the Stranger. He can only whimper in response. “Care to do the honors, Princess Lorina de Lindan?”

“Is his execution not to be a public display?” You ask, confused.

“Not normally, most people in the city don’t even know there’s a Stranger here, and the Inquisition usually likes to keep it that way. But if you wish we can make it a public affair, could give you some clout I suppose.”

“In what way?”

“Imagine the headlines, ‘Princess Lorina intercepts Stranger, execution at eleven!’ though if you don’t want that or to bloody your hands yet, I can always do the deed.”

“I see, then I would prefer-

>”To do it myself, I want to make sure he’s dead.” [Execute the Stranger] How do you do it?

>”If you did it.” [Have Inquisitor Asher Execute the Stranger]

>”To make this a public affair.” [Capture the Stranger] There is no trial for Strangers, their mere existence violates the Goddess’ domain but many will come to see a public execution

>[Write-in]

>>5950271
>>5950281
I respect the late votes though I wouldn't worry. With healing coming in solidly in second the adventurers will be all right. They'll just be left comatose for a bit.

>>5950294
>”To make this a public affair.” [Capture the Stranger] There is no trial for Strangers, their mere existence violates the Goddess’ domain but many will come to see a public execution

>>5950294
>>”To do it myself, I want to make sure he’s dead.” [Execute the Stranger] How do you do it?
Naturally we must practice our vertical stroke. Can we make it through his skull? Can we make it through his breastbone? Can we bifurcate him? It is rare indeed to be able to test your swordswomanship on a willing target. From brow to balls our blade should travel. Very lethal. No time for ruses or tricks or cheats on his part.

>>5950294
>”If you did it.”
"You're the one who started the investigation and brought him down. It's fitting that you should be the one to finish it."
>"After all, taking credit for someone else's work is for louts and braggarts. You're not thinking I'm one, are you?!"

>>5950294

>”To do it myself, I want to make sure he’s dead.” [Execute the Stranger] How do you do it?
Quickly and cleanly stab him in the the heart with our sword. We aren't sadists, and we're not cruel. We kill him with hardly a word and right away.
Afterwards, cut off his head.

>>5950294
>”To make this a public affair.” [Capture the Stranger] There is no trial for Strangers, their mere existence violates the Goddess’ domain but many will come to see a public execution

>>5950294
>”To do it myself, I want to make sure he’s dead.” [Execute the Stranger] How do you do it?
Off with his head. A mind controlling lech is too dangerous to let live.

>>5950294
>”If you did it.” [Have Inquisitor Asher Execute the Stranger]
I don't think we've ever killed someone.

>>5950294
>>”To make this a public affair.” [Capture the Stranger] There is no trial for Strangers, their mere existence violates the Goddess’ domain but many will come to see a public execution

>>5950294
>”To make this a public affair.” [Capture the Stranger] There is no trial for Strangers, their mere existence violates the Goddess’ domain but many will come to see a public execution

>>5950294
Voting is going to remain open until tonight since today is exceptionally busy for me. Sorry for the inconvenience.

>>5950294
>>”If you did it.” [Have Inquisitor Asher Execute the Stranger]

>>5950294
>>”To do it myself, I want to make sure he’s dead.” [Execute the Stranger]

I personally don't like the idea of spectacle and it's better to kill the Stranger off to disallow any antics like 'escapes' or other Strangers coming to rescue (as unlikely that might be).

So I'm wondering, what is the logic behind voters have for making it 'a public affair'?

Because you think it's an interesting option? I'm sort of curious behind the reasoning behind it.

>>5950895
It originally wasn’t even an option before some anons suggested something of the sort earlier in their write-ins and I thought “why not.” So I consider it’s as somewhat of a creative write-in choice personally.

>>5950895
I voted to just off the Stranger where he stood, but I can see why the public execution would be an appealing choice. Our Princess here could make a statement/boost her appeal as a future ruler by publicly killing him. I would pick it if the Stranger wasn't a mind controller.

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>>5950301
>>5950351
>>5950593
>>5950639
4 votes to make the execution public.

>>5950303
>>5950321
>>5950407
>>5950806
4 votes to do it yourself

>>5950305
>>5950574
>>5950733
3 votes to have the inquisitor do it

Not going to tie break roll because I'm exhausted and I fear a drop in quality if I force myself to write. If the votes haven't changed by tomorrow I'll roll.

Also I've been struggling forever to find someone close to what I imagine Inquisitor Asher looks like and I remembered Sein exists. The outfit would be different but he has the same general build.

>>5951096
Y'know, I've seen some QMs ask the /qtg/ when there's a tie on a vote for someone to help break it. Couldn't hurt going to them and asking next time.

For now, though, I'll switch to
>”To make this a public affair.” [Capture the Stranger]
For the chance of an interrogation scene to figure out where all these strangers are coming from. And to eventually kick him in the nuts when he makes a smarmy comment about our girls.

>>5951096
>Do it yourself
Something something fight dark something in the light

>>5951096
>”To do it myself, I want to make sure he’s dead.” [Execute the Stranger] How do you do it?
Through the heart then decapitation.

>>5950301
>>5950351
>>5950593
>>5950639
>>5951129
5 to capture the stranger

>>5950303
>>5950321
>>5950407
>>5950806
>>5951187
>>5951209
6 to kill the bastard yourself.

And that's all she wrote. Writing.

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>>5951439
Well, despite the vote going different then what I preferred, there's still a bit of a silver lining to it. Now we can have Sturmfahrerin engraved with picrel!

>>5951445
That quote both fits the setting and goes hard as hell.

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>>5951439
“I see, then I would prefer-” you swallow, “to do it myself,” your hands start to sweat. Suddenly it feels harder to hold your sword.

The Stranger's eyes widen in horror as you force yourself to bring Sturmfahrerin above him, “Hey- wait, miss please!”

You bring your war knife down, stabbing the strange man in his heart. Before you can even think you bring your sword up and slash through his neck, beheading him. Blood covers the floor and your sword. The Stranger dies quickly and in fear. A tremble makes its way through your body and you feel like throwing up. You knew this would have to happen eventually when you decided to join the Inquisition but to actually take a life with your own hands? Maybe you could have asked the inquisitor to do it, he’s done so before. Maybe you could have had an executioner do it in a grand affair. But you couldn’t bring yourself to say so. This is your reality now, it’s better to accept that now than to be found wanting later.

After tonight you’ll never be the same woman again.

“First time?” The inquisitor asks.

You nod and keep your gaze on the still-breathing man. You can’t bring yourself to either speak or look at the corpse. His gaze turns softer, “Why don’t you go upstairs and heal what you can? The body and people down here will only take me a minute.”

One last time you look at the half-naked girls sleeping on the floor next to the dead Stranger. At least when you tell yourself you did the right thing the comfort isn’t cold.

Your body moves on autopilot as you heal the most grievous wounds of the inquisitor's adversaries, before lying them down as comfortably as you can make them. You focus all your concentration on healing so that you can forget the night's affairs for a brief moment. You’re not even sure when the inquisitor joined you but as you reach the main room of the tavern he’s there to accompany you, with three wet sacks. He thankfully leaves them hidden behind the counter.

“So, Oliver, how was your night?” You hear the inquisitor ask after a long while of silence in the tavern.

You turn around from your work on Clarice, people are starting to rise. Then you turn back, trying to heal the final part of her face. Her eye, however, is unsalvageable. The organ is too delicate, you're too exhausted, and you’ve spent too much of your magic. Maybe a more skilled healer could fix her, like Lyndale, but you’ve learned your lesson. You’re not her.

“Asher, Goddess, what happened?” Oliver sounds different, more relaxed than he did earlier.

“Can you remember anything?”

“Damnit- it’s all so hazy.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow for questioning then. Make sure everyone who is here right now still is when I return.”

“Sure, whatever. Hey, are you to blame for all my product covering the floor?”

The inquisitor laughs, “Not me this time, that’d be Her Highness over there.”

“Her Highness?” You hear him pause, “Asher.”

“Hm?”

“Why the fuck is royalty healing my daughter?”

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>>5951461
https://youtu.be/TAe2NLB8N0c?si=uSCVUo49VEzgzXzu

[MISSION COMPLETE]

[THE STRANGER IS DEAD]

[THE WONDERLAND IS SECURE]

>You’ve chosen to make Lorinda de Lindan [HAUGHTY], [GOOD-NATURED], and a [WEAPON OTAKU] this has the adverse effect of making her a [GIRLFAILURE] in select social scenarios.

>Your [MENTAL CORRUPTION] rose 0% during the mission. Selected 0 choices leading to meeting Her.

>You did not talk to, negotiate with, or fall under the control of the Stranger, achieving the [INQUISITION END]

>Inquisitor Asher is [IMPRESSED] with your capabilities, you having quickly deduced where the Stranger is hiding, fought off multiple opponents, and [EXECUTED] the Stranger. He is likely to give you an [EXCELLENT] recommendation.

>Inquisitor Asher sees you more as a [COMRADE] than a [STUDENT] or [RIVAL] due to your agreeable (funny) personality, willingness to take command, and skillset. He is willing to work with you again.

Would you like to

>Resume the night

Or skip to

>Lorina’s mission epilogue [A Meeting in the Palace]

>Asher’s mission epilogue [After Action Report]

>Both epilogues

>Anastasia’s mission epilogue [LOCKED] Public Execution was not chosen

>>5951464
>Resume the night
Maybe see if we can contact someone who is skilled enough to heal Clarice's eye afterwards, like that person we thought of, Lyndale? At the very least, we should send her a replacement sword, anonymously, of course.

>>5951464
>>Lorina’s mission epilogue [A Meeting in the Palace]

>>5951468
You should return to first post if you don't remember who Lyndale is.

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>>5951470
U SAY IE NO REED GOUD
I KAN REED GOUD
SCRU U

Thought it was her first name, not the family name

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Oh, yeah, if you're thinking about doing the engraving thing, here's a pic of a different executioner's sword from the 15th century that basically says the same thing. From a quick google translate, Sünder is Sinner, and Fremder is Stranger, so...

>>5951464
>Both epilogues
I suspect Asher is a Stranger himself

>>5951464
>Both epilogues
all the scenes

>>5951464
>Resume the night

>>5951464
>>Both epilogues

>>5951464
>Both epilogues
Caught up, good quest.
I want our next weapon to be "Sophia".

>>5951464
Going to the movie theater so the update is going to be later tonight, voting will be open until then.

>>5951464
>Both epilogues

I wonder if there are Strangers who aren't total assholes. I mean old style isekai stuff had folks wanting to go home or being extraordinarily wary and disoriented being in a completely new world, they weren't the sort of jump into crazy adventures with their powers.

>>5951464
>Both epilogues

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>>5951702
I mean, there's at least one old western isekai-ish series where the protagonist wanted to go home AND was a complete asshole... I kinda stopped reading it before getting to... that certain point.

>>5951835
Wait, isn't this the protagonist that decided, the moment he was cured of his leprosy in the other world, to rape some rando girl who found and helped him?

>>5951842
...YEP.

Imagine being a former fantasy book reading parent who kept their collection, with a fantasy book reading young child who likes going through their old collection, and realizing your kid is reading THAT book.

I'm so glad I didn't get completely mentally fucked up by reading that part. Of course, later I made the bad decision to read The Sword of Truth slightly too young, but at least it wasn't in the collection, and that I dumped it after getting to the BDSM bit.

>>5951656
I'm glad you enjoyed the quest so far. Thanks for coming, anon.

>>5951835
>>5951842
>>5951864
I don't even want to know what these are. My only reference for western isekai is Connecticut yankee and Alice in wonderland.

>>5951468
>>5951526
2 votes to keep playing where we left off.

>>5951469
1 vote to see Lorina's epilogue

>>5951498
>>5951502
>>5951602
>>5951656
>>5951702
>>5951723
6 votes to see the epilogue.

Each epilogue will have 1 vote that will determine how the character's story continues on the quest. I'm going to be starting with Lorinas. Writing.

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>>5951916
>I don't even want to know what these are.
Good plan.

>Each epilogue
Wait, was this only a one shot? I thought there'd be more to this.

>>5951931
Each mission will have an epilogue. I'm writing it as something as a breather moment and a way to give personal info on each character, such as their family and friends, as well as gaze into their thoughts.

I plan to continue the quest since I'm having a lot of fun writing it

I also need time to make the next mission, and this gives me that time.

>>5951937
Next mission? A stranger opens a soup store. The soup is too good. People are going rabid for it. He's using MSG in it.

Dark and dastardly.

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>>5951916
>Lorina’s epilogue:

For the first time in your life, you feel out of place in the ornate halls of the Royal Palace. Wearing wet and tattered clothes you walk through the dimly lit halls, toward the bathing room you instructed a servant to prepare. The few servants who are still awake at this ungoddessly hour are quick to vacate your path as they see the state you are in and the scowl you're unable to hide. Oh, how you wish you could just curl up under your warm covers and cuddle Schatzi, your great epee, as you drift into slumber. Alas, you’re filthy and would feel ashamed if you tried to sleep as you are.

But mark your worlds, once you’re dry your warm, warm, blankets will never know what hit them.

You don’t even need to worry about arising early either, like you did in the academy. The inquisitor said someone will come to retrieve you sometime in the afternoon, and won’t make you wait in the rain either. Small mercies you suppose.

However, you did have to end up promising to return to the Dawn’s Light. Clarice was rather insistent and quite intimidating after she regained consciousness, and her personality flipped. She ended up pulling out her hair ties while curing the Stranger for making her wear them. She said under no uncertain circumstances she wouldn’t be in debt to royalty for saving her, and that you had good technique during your fight. So at least she can’t be all bad, even if she did seem a little bit too happy about being able to wear a “badass adventurer eyepatch.”

“Lori?” You hear someone call out your name as you turn into one of the palace's many halls. Said someone walks up to you until you’re in conversation distance, giving you a good look at a silver-haired man.

“Arthur? What are you doing up so late?” You ask the man, your brother, Crown Prince Arthur.

“I could ask the same- ah, no that doesn’t quite make sense does it?” He chuckles awkwardly and rubs the back of his head, “It was already pretty late when you went to meet with the Inquisition so- I’m rambling aren’t I?”

You nod.

“Oh, right! What I’m doing up. Well, you see Edith was getting in one of her little moods and then my wife demanded-”

“Suddenly, I find myself uncaring about the reasons you’re here.”

“So cold!” He says in (mock) shock.

You only press your lips into a thin line.

“But seriously though, are you alright? You look awful, Lori. We were also expecting you to be gone for a week at least, off to train or something.”

You sigh, “No everything went well, I suppose. We- I killed a Stranger-”

“What! Already?!”

You wince at your brother's shriek, “Yes, already. I’m told it was a coincidence but I’m not sure how much I believe that. At least my mentor for the assignment was skilled enough to not slow me down, ah, no that’s not right. It’s just-” You stop yourself from putting your foot in your mouth, “I’m tired brother can we speak later.”

>>5951983
Your brother's gaze softens, even since he became a parent he’s done a remarkable job of resembling father. You remember both of them trying, and failing, to console you after news of your expulsion, “Alright, but I want to hear everything. Mom and Dad will too.”

“I will, but tomorrow, please.”

“Today, you mean. Since it’s after midnight and-”

“Arthur.”

“Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood.”

“Goodnight, Arthur,” You simply cannot bear this conversation any longer.

“Goodnight, Lori,” He says with a cheerful wave.

As you walk away to your bath, you can’t help but feel the weight on your shoulder lighten a smidge. It's like you’ve forgotten about them when faced with your idiot brother’s usual antics. And when your bath is over and you allow yourself to finally go to sleep, you’re out the instant your head touches the pillow.

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>>5951985
You’re here again.

You stand in the doorway to an ornate room filled with decor that wouldn’t be out of place in an aristocrat’s villa. Almost everywhere you look in the room has at least something containing velvet blue. A fire burns filling the room with warmth while the open curtains show a storm raging outside. You can’t even see the stars this time.

This is Her room, where She resides. But she isn’t here now. Why?

The couch and chairs look so inviting, so soft. Like you could sink into them and wait for an eternity. Wait for Her to return. Why isn’t she here?

But you don’t have to. You are the only one in control of yourself, you can shut the door.

Maybe you should wait for her to come back, the girl with blonde hair, or was it black, silver? You can’t remember, but you can remember when the two of you played. She’d probably want to play again. She loved your tea parties, after all, you’re a noble you know how to make the best ones! She also loved it when you showed Her your new sword techniques, too!

No, this isn’t real, it can’t be. You don’t need to make it be.

She always had such fun interests, because they were all of yours! Wouldn’t be a shame if you missed out on meeting Her again?

Maybe if you waited, if you sat on the couch by the fire and picked up Her- no your favorite storybook she’d come are read it to you! Reading it to you as you sink into eternity here!

You don’t have to. YOU can do whatever you want, not what other tells you.

>Walk over to the couch and rest. You’re so tired, after all.

>Close the door and leave the dream

>>5951987
>Close the door and leave the dream
DREAM THOT BEGONE

>>5951987
>Walk over to the couch and rest. You’re so tired, after all.

>>5951987
>>Walk over to the couch and rest. You’re so tired, after all.

>>5951987
>Close the door and leave the dream
Just in case this is yuri. I hate yuri. Sorry.

>>5951987
>>Close the door and leave the dream
Anti-/u/ gang

>>5952124
>Just in case this is yuri.
I'm so confused about what made you think this but okay.

>>5952185
If it's not I'll switch to
>Walk over to the couch and rest. You’re so tired, after all

>>5951987
>Close the door and leave the dream

>>5952195
On a cursory glance, it seems to me to be Lyndale trying to take over our life by becoming us.

>>5952243
You know, now it looks lime a split personality thing to me. I think I'll switch back to
>Close the door and leave the dream
Sorry for being a fence-sitter, QM

>>5952246
Don't worry about it, anon.

>>5952057
>>5952124
>>5952137
>>5952243
>>5952246
5 votes to close the door.

>>5952081
>>5952094
2 Votes to take a rest.

Voting is now closed. Writing.

>>5951987
>>5952303
Missed it again. Hope this doesn't completely close off this story hook. Here's my late vote, anyways.

>Walk over to the couch and rest. You’re so tired, after all.

Also, regarding western isekai that's not deeply uncomfortable, The Phantom Tollbooth is meant for a younger audience, but it's still pretty great. Give that one a shot.

>>5952313
Don't worry, this plot thread is a little too important to just end here. However, this will affect how Lorina reacts to it.

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>>5952303
It takes an insurmountable amount of effort to force your hand to rise to the doorknob. Even more so to close the door in front of you, separating yourself from the world within. Your breath is ragged, your ears are ringing, your nose is bleeding, your body is on the verge of shutting down.

Then it all stops. This is a dream it can’t hurt you.

Or so you thought, “Big sis, why don’t you want to play anymore,” a youthful, familiar, voice calls from behind you. You can feel Her presence so close and yet so far.

“You’re not real.” You say, but your body refuses to turn around.

“How can I not be real, big sis? I’m talking to you, aren’t I?”

“I don’t have a sister.”

“Whatever do you mean? I’m right here.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Why are you being so mean to be, big sis? Why won’t you just let me in.”

It would be so easy to, you realize. You wouldn’t even need to worry about a thing-

“No! I’m in control! Me, not you! I won’t let you take that away from me!”

You wake up with a startle. Sunlight comes through the blinds and onto your pillow. The chirping of birds can be heard outside. Your blankets and sheets are thrown everywhere around you and there’s a metallic taste on your tongue- ah, you’ve been chewing on your sword pommel in your sleep.

You feel like you had a pretty vivid dream last night, but whenever you try and recall the dream you lose more memories of it than you gain.

>[Mental Corruption] rose 0%

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>>5952346
>Asher’s epilogue

The stone halls of the cathedral are cold and empty. Other than the clergywoman very few people stay here overnight under the watchful gaze of the Goddess. But you’re safehouse is at the edge of the city, and you’re certain you’ll get sick if you step back out into the storm. And it’s not like you could just carry the corpse all the way there anyway, you needed to drop most of it at the morgue. Though you carry the tainted hand on your way to the prohibited parts of the cathedral, the parts where the Inquisition resides.

The other inquisitors look at you with wary eyes, you’re a pretty infamous figure around here. No one outside of the upper echelons of the order knows your history, but they do know you get results. Your penchant for working alone hasn’t leaned well to making friends with your fellows, but they do respect you. Such is confirmed as you receive multiple nods as you walk towards the room of the Lord Inquisitor, somewhere you frequent often when you’re in the capitol. It’s strange to see so many inquisitors in one place, even here. The Stranger you and the princess took care of must have spooked the church something fierce.

At least Inquisitor Beneger is probably asleep.

You heard once from a fellow inquisitor that people think of you as mysterious. Someone who is out of the ordinary, with strange mannerisms and stranger work habits. You can kind of see it, you’re life has been anything but normal for as long as you can remember.

Your hand raps at the door to the Lord Inquisitor’s office, “Come in,” speaks a guttural voice after a few seconds.

Every move you make from then on is practiced and precise. You open the door and shut it behind you, giving your superior a nod, you then walk up to the Lord’s desk and place the bloody sack away from any documents. Two steps back and you perform a formal kneel. Your right knee on the floor with your left raised, and your right fist extended to the floor as your left elbow connects with your left knee. You bend your forehead down so that it touches your protruding left arm completing the kneel, an act of submission before your superior, all as Beneger taught you.

“Oh, come off it boy, none of that.” The Lord’s deep voice bellows, “Pah, fine! Rise, Asher, you’re Lord commands.” The Lord Inquisitor states.

You do so without a word, getting a good look at the man sitting before you. The Lord Inquisitor practically spills out of his chair, and his bald head is covered in sweat as dozens of papers are spread out before him, along with many used-up quills. The man is best described as looking more like a fat cat than anything else. “So I take it that your task is complete?” He asks.

“The Stranger is dead, this is the hand he was using to control people.”

“Is his Cheat Skill still active?”

“I haven’t tested it but the effects seemed to dissipate when I severed the limb.”

“Hm, good. And your judgment on Lady Lorina?”

>>5952350
“Exceptionally capability in both intelligence and skill. Should she continue in the order I see her going far.”

“That’s a rare recommendation from you.”

“I mean what I say, sir.”

“And how many times did you,” he pauses before leaning forward in his chair, “Fail in this mission?”

“Not once,” you continue when he raises his eyebrow, “I meant what I said about her capabilities.”

“Hm, brief on the full report later then. Spare no details.”

“I never do.”

“I know, Asher, it’s one of the many qualities I like about you.”

You nod, accepting the praise though unsure of why it was said.

“Tell me, what are the next steps you’d have the princess take?”

“I would see her tutored under Lord Beneger.”

“You believe that is the right course?”

“Lord Beneger is wise beyond his years, my lord.”

The old man barks out a laugh at that, “Wise is certainly one word to use! Though you say so through gritted teeth, I assume?”

You do not deign to respond, it is not wise to speak ill of your superiors.

“A good suggestion, if it were anyone else. But no. I have other plans for the princess.”

“Understood sir, shall I leave you to make them?”

“No, Asher, I expect you’ll play a big part in them.”

You blink, confused, “Sir?”

“Tell me, did you see anything abnormal about her? Anything at all?”

You shake your head, “Not really, some personality quirks sure but nothing the Inquisition would consider strange.”

The fat cat grunts, “Well, I did. When I went to see the King years ago, I saw something- unique about her.”

You stay silent but the Lord Inquisitor does little more than shake his head with a sigh, “She’ll be needed if what I fear is true. If the festering wound that is the Demon Wastes is getting ready to spit out another.”

“Sir, you can’t mean-”

“I do, boy. I do.”

“My Lord, I thought we prevented another one from arising.”

“Prevent? No. Postponed, yes. But this world is cylindrical, another Demon Lord will come and if we want to prevent the damages of the last we will need to be creative.”

“Sir this is concerning, but may I ask why you’re telling me this?”

“Hm, you may.”

You stare, blankly. It takes over half a minute for the Lord Inquisitor to raise his eyebrows and gesture his hand in a manner telling you to speak up, “Why are you telling me this?” You say, exasperated.

“Because you’re secret makes you special, boy, and we need more special people,” at his words your mouth hangs open, “Soon the cesspit called Earth will spit out another Demon Lord, and one way or another Lorina de Lindan is the key to defeating it. You are the one I trust most to be able to guide her towards understanding the Inqusisitions secrets and t’s better she learns them from a familiar face, than say a stranger. Don’t you agree inquisitor?”

“My Lord-”

“Don’t. You. Agree. Asher?”

>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you

>Disagree and refuse play the part instructed of you

>>5952362
>>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you
Our superior officer is ordering us practically. So I guess we don't get to choose really.

>>5952362
>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you

>>5952346
We're kinda weird, huh

>>5952362
>“And how many times did you,” he pauses before leaning forward in his chair, “Fail in this mission?”
Stranger or stole one's blessing, some kind of time loop power probably

>>5952362
>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you

>>5952362
>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you
Gee, I wonder who’s the corrupt bureaucrat who will power up with demon magic to become the first boss is going to be…

>>5952362
>>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you

>>5952362
>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you
we never had a choice in the matter, really

>>5952362
>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you
Ahaha, was I right?

>>5952362
>Agree and accept the role he’s granting you

Also on a random note is no one going to question why literally Alice from Black Souls is in our head and trying to mind rape us?

>>5952537
What are you talking about? That was just our old imaginary friend. You're being hysterical. There is nothing to worry about.

>>5952543
Oh, of course my apologies I'll go take a rest now to clear my thoughts. The mind conjures up the silliest of things.

That reminds me... how did this place end up having "Jesus Christ" infiltrating the language?

I propose that an amnesiac Catholic Christian Stranger whose only power is to remember all the really cool hymns of his faith ended up as a musician and trying to relearn his Christian faith through the lyrics.

Unfortunately, the Inquisition eventually caught up with him and killed him off even though his ability was harmless.

At least he introduced Miserere Mei Deus before he died.

>>5952644
Inb4 Jesus is the first Stranger in this world

>>5952644
I think it's because Asher is a Stranger himself

>>5952368
>>5952385
>>5952389
>>5952414
>>5952418
>>5952430
>>5952438
>>5952537
Looks like the vote is unanimous. Writing.

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>>5952803
“Of course, Lord Inquisitor.”

The man's face adopts a Cheshire grin, “That’a boy! Now, scratch any plans you made for the week, you’re going hunting!”

“Wait already!? There can’t possibly be too many active Strangers in the country.”

“And that’s what got me so worried, Asher. Read these then get some rest,” He hands you a few documents from his mess of a desk, “You’re going to need it.”

You briefly skim the pages, frown, and give the Lord Inquisitor a grim nod. No one disturbs you as you find a place to clean up and sleep. What you wouldn’t give to be born in less interesting times.

At least sleep comes easily enough.

>Inquisitor Asher will remain in the party

You are Lornia de Lindan and you have just finished your morning routine. Your stomach is full, your hair is dry, and your weapon maintenance is done. Your mace has a few chips in it but nothing to worry about. A messenger came by earlier this morning to inform your family that Inquisitor Asher himself will be arriving early in the afternoon and to prepare for a weeks-long trip to the north. So of course you prepared a few weapons for the trip, some of your favorites. They are Sturmfahrerin and:

>[Write-in weapon name and type] You can bring up to three more

Servants will be preparing the rest of your luggage as is their station. Though you were informed you’d be traveling by rail, which is a rather interesting prospect as you’ve never done a long journey on a locomotive. The technology is too new and your father was too worried about it possibly being accident-prone when it first came out. It’s been years since then but you’ve never needed to use the metal contraption before. Though the girlish side of you is slightly giddy at the prospect. And yes being fond of heavy machinery is something noblewomen often are, you’re not weird.

But that’s beside the point! After conversing with your parents and your brother’s family over breakfast about the past night you’re left with a problem. They all have a country to run and you’re not leaving until this afternoon. It’s middle morning and you need something to do until then. Now all you need to do is figure out what.

>Perhaps it would be a good idea to train? You’re a bit sore after all the work you did last night but that’s nothing some stretches won’t fix.

>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?

>You could always leave the palace and head to the Dawn’s Light, it’s quite closeby. Clarice said she was interested in meeting again. Maybe she wasn’t only saying that because of your station?

>Or you could always [Write-in]

>>5952824
>The pistol, a pollax and a dagger. Name one of them Sofia to please that one anon.
>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?
Friendships need maintenance

>>5952824
Matchlock, beidana style falchion, and a very special dagger given by Albrecht that first got us into weapons.

>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?

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>>5952875
And I forgot the picture… they’re on the lower right.

>>5952824
>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?

for weapons, backing >>5952875
but swap the falchion for a rapier

I just had a thought… our only friend must have had some sort of similar hobby that would mesh well with our weapon collecting hobby, since she’s friends with us. You think a military history otaku would mesh well with our proclivities?

>>5952856
>Pistol (Ember or Cinder), Pole-Axe (Sophia) and Dagger (Best Regards)

>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?

>>5952824
>>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?

>>5952824
>[Write-in weapon name and type]
>>Axe
>>Stiletto
>>Horseman's pick

>A servant told you a note arrived from your friend at the academy, your only friend at the academy. She should still be at her estate currently as it’s summer break. Maybe you should read it and reply?

>>5953063
You can be friends without sharing hobbies.