"You should consider taking on the quest to defeat the evil witch, Sinistira," you suggest, carefully watching Prince Galiant's reaction.
He strokes his chin thoughtfully, pondering the proposition. "The King of Brithnia has no sons. If I were to liberate his kingdom from the clutches of Sinistira, he might offer his daughter's hand in marriage and name me his successor. A splendid opportunity to cement my legacy." Then, turning his sharp gaze upon you, he asks, "But what's in it for you, Blade?"
"Money," you respond with a calculated fib, maintaining your mercenary facade. "Surely the king will generously reward those who free him and his realm from tyranny."
Galiant nods, seemingly satisfied with your answer. "Then it seems our interests align." A moment later, his expression turns serious. "However, our swords alone won't be enough to defeat Sinistira. We'll need the aid of a mage."
"A powerful mage, akin to Kindalor the White," you suggest, keeping the conversation flowing.
Galiant sighs, the weight of reality in his voice. "Kindalor has vanished from the civilized world for twenty years. Many believe him to be dead."
"We'll search for him in the cursed forest," you declare with resolve. The cursed forest of Langorn is infamous, a place shrouded in mystery and danger, but it's exactly where a wizard like Kindalor might conceal himself.
Galiant's face tightens at the mention of the forest. "The cursed forest teems with monsters. No one who ventures too deep has ever returned," he reflects, concern etching his features. "We'll need to gather more allies for such a perilous quest."
> We need a thief
> We need a priest
> We need a ranger
> We need a druid
> Write in

>>6008985

> We need a ranger

I’m cautiously optimistic QM

>>6008985

Cursed forest, eh? Seems like an argument can be made for any of them, but Druid seems the best compromise- some of the navigation and help with nature that the ranger would provide, some of the infiltration skills of the rogue if they have something akin to wildshape, and some of the support/healing options of the cleric
>We need a druid

>>6008985
>> We need a druid
If we're adventuring into the forest then we need either a ranger or a druid to help us find our way, and since we lack a priest I think the magic of a druid wins over the martial ability of a ranger.

>>6008985
>We need a druid

>>6008986
>>6008987
>>6009047
>>6009753
"We need a druid," you propose, the idea taking shape as you speak. "A druid could guide us through the treacherous paths of the cursed forest."
Prince Galiant considers this, nodding slowly. "A wise suggestion. Their affinity with nature could be our key to navigating the forest's dangers without falling prey to them."
"Exactly," you affirm, feeling a spark of hope at his understanding. "And their knowledge of the cursed forest might also help us uncover clues about Kindalor's whereabouts if he's indeed hiding there."
Galiant's eyes sharpen with resolve. "Let's find a druid, then. The sooner we assemble our team, the sooner we can venture into the forest, find Kindalor, and confront Sinistira."
> Rowan Greenmantle - a venerable druid known for his mastery over woodland creatures and plants
> Fenris Moonshadow - mysterious and reclusive, Fenris communicates with animals better than humans
> Elowen Whisperwind - a nomadic druid who found her calling controlling the weather
> Write in

>>6009797
>Rowan Greenmantle - a venerable druid known for his mastery over woodland creatures and plants

>>6009797
>Rowan Greenmantle - a venerable druid known for his mastery over woodland creatures and plants

Surprised this came back, but I'll bite.

>>6009797
>Fenris Moonshadow - mysterious and reclusive, Fenris communicates with animals better than humans

>>6009797

> Rowan Greenmantle - a venerable druid known for his mastery over woodland creatures and plants

We need a hermit weirdo to catch another one, I think

>>6009913
>>6009917
>>6010021
>>6010046
You and Prince Galiant journey to seek out Rowan Greenmantle, a venerable druid known for his mastery over woodland creatures and plants. Rowan is a hermit, residing in a modest hut at the very edge of the cursed forest of Langorn.
As you approach his dwelling, the air thickens with the earthy scent of moss and ancient timber. You knock gently on the rough-hewn door of the hut.
Rowan opens the door, his gaze wary yet curious. "Who calls upon Rowan Greenmantle at the edge of these cursed woods?" he intones, his voice resonant with the deep wisdom of the woods.
"We seek your guidance, Master Greenmantle," Galiant responds firmly. "We are on a quest to find Kindalor the white and defeat the witch Sinistira, and we believe your druidic abilities could lead us safely through the cursed forest."
Rowan studies you both, his eyes sharp. "Many dangers lurk within Langorn, shadows not just of this world but of the spirit too. What makes you think you are prepared for such perils?" he inquires, stepping back to let you into his world of greenery and shadows.
> Our blades are sharp
> Our cause is just
> We are the heroes of the prophecy
> Write in

>>6010656
>> Our cause is just

>>6010656
>Our cause is just

>>6010656
>We are not, but with your aid we may be.

>>6010656
>We are the heroes of the prophecy

>>6010656
> Our cause is just
Welcome back, QM!

>>6010656
>> We are the heroes of the prophecy

>>6010701
>>6010763
>>6010822
>>6011115
>>6011119
>>6011712
You respond firmly, "Our cause is just."
Rowan snorts, clearly unimpressed by your declaration. "Many mercenaries cloak their ambition in righteousness," he retorts skeptically. "Can you demonstrate that your intentions are pure? That you do not simply seek to dethrone Sinistira for personal gain, for money, or to usurp Brithnia's throne for yourselves?"
> Allow us to undertake a task of your choosing to demonstrate our commitment to this cause.
> If you aid us now, we are willing to share the rewards bestowed by the King of Brithnia with you.
> When we locate Kindalor, let him be the judge of our worthiness and the purity of our quest.
> Write in

>>6011824
>> Allow us to undertake a task of your choosing to demonstrate our commitment to this cause.

>>6011824
>Allow us to undertake a task of your choosing to demonstrate our commitment to this cause.

>>6011824
> When we locate Kindalor, let him be the judge of our worthiness and the purity of our quest.

>>6011824
>> Allow us to undertake a task of your choosing to demonstrate our commitment to this cause.

>>6011828
>>6011833
>>6012067
You meet Rowan's skeptical gaze steadily and propose, "Allow us to undertake a task of your choosing, to prove our dedication to this cause."
"Very well," the druid concedes with a nod. "A group of poachers in league with Sinistra has ensnared a sacred white deer, intended for a dark ritual under her command. Free the deer, and I will guide you to Kindalor."
Galiant frowns, his impatience evident. "We cannot afford to chase after mere wildlife when every moment strengthens our foes. We must not be diverted from our main quest."
"You'll find that diversions are often woven into the fabric of any great quest," you say, shrugging. "We accept your challenge, Master Greenmantle. But where might we find these poachers?"
Rowan gestures towards the back of his hut. "Wart will show you. He has an uncanny ability to track such matters." Moments later, a lean boy, no more than sixteen, emerges. Known as Wart, he nods shyly, ready to lead the way.
> You welcome him on your quest.
> You warn him not to slow you down.
> You ignore him, he is unimportant.
> Write in

>>6012963
>You welcome him on your quest

>>6012963
>> You welcome him on your quest.

>>6012963
>>You welcome him on your quest.
But also
>>Warn him that this will not be easy and he'll need to work hard if he expects to join us. Suggest that Prince Galiant see if the boy has any talent with a sword and maybe give him some lessons while we travel.

Wart is the hero, calling it now. Can't get more classic than that.

>>6013010
+1

>>6012965
>>6012978
>>6013010
>>6013157
"Welcome aboard, Wart; your tracking skills will be invaluable to our quest," you greet the boy, emphasizing his importance to the mission. Meanwhile, Galiant barely acknowledges him, deeming the boy unimportant.
You then turn to Wart, your tone serious, "This journey will not be easy, and you'll need to keep up and work hard if you expect to stay with us."
"I promise to work hard and not hold you back, Master Blade," Wart assures with determination, ready for the challenge ahead.
As you begin your journey into the fringes of the cursed forest of Langorn, you gradually learn more about Wart. He's an orphan with no memory of his parents, and Rowan took him in, providing him a home. While not a druid, Wart possesses a unique ability to sense spirits and sources of white magic, making him more useful than he appears.
Seeing potential in the boy, you turn to Galiant, suggesting, "Perhaps you could see if the boy has any talent with a sword and maybe give him some lessons while we travel?"
Galiant frowns, puzzled by your interest. "Why bother? He's not important to our mission. Once we've dealt with the poachers, we'll be moving on to more pressing matters."
> Every ally's strength contributes to our success, Galiant. Preparing him might benefit us more than you expect.
> Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear.
> Why not give it a shot? At the very least, the boy will walk away with valuable skills from our journey together.
> Write in

>>6013236
>> Every ally's strength contributes to our success, Galiant. Preparing him might benefit us more than you expect.

>>6013236
>Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear.
Like us, lol.
I knew Gallant was an ass.

>>6013236
> Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear.

>>6013236
>Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear.

A little on the nose, but why not?

>>6013236
>Every ally's strength contributes to our success, Galiant. Preparing him might benefit us more than you expect.

>>6013236
>> Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear.

>>6013236
> Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear.

>>6013242
>>6013353
>>6013389
>>6013585
>>6013828
>>6013979
>>6014462
"Appearances can be deceiving; you never know who might turn out to be more important than they appear," you remind Galiant, a slight smile playing on your lips, though it remains concealed behind your mask.
The irony isn't lost on you; after all, who would guess that the missing Princess of Brithnia is masquerading as Blade, the masked eastern mercenary? This truth makes you ponder the hidden depths others might carry—Wart included.
Of course, you don't seriously entertain the notion that Wart is some undiscovered noble—his slender build, modest height, plain brown hair, and shy eyes hardly suggest hidden royalty. Yet, his humble beginnings and unique abilities might still harbor unseen depths, even to himself.
With Wart leading the way, you and Galiant quietly navigate the dense foliage from Rowan’s hut toward the poachers’ camp. The atmosphere thickens with tension as you near your target. The poachers, ignorant of the true significance of their capture beyond its value to Sinistira, have kept the sacred white deer alive but caged, awaiting its fate in the witch’s dark ritual.
As you observe the camp from a safe distance, cloaked by the underbrush, you strategize quietly. The poachers' drunken laughter pierces the air, their guard down, believing themselves safe in their remote hideout. This might be the opportunity you need to free the deer and prove your worth to Rowan.
> Let's strike them swiftly together, and ensure the area is secure before we free the deer.
> Galiant, you create a diversion on one side of the camp, and I'll use the chaos to free the deer from the other side.
> Let's wait until nightfall; I can move in quietly to unlock the deer’s cage while their guard is down.
> Write in

>>6014696
>Let's strike them swiftly together, and ensure the area is secure before we free the deer.

>>6014696
>> Let's strike them swiftly together, and ensure the area is secure before we free the deer.

>>6014696
>> Galiant, you create a diversion on one side of the camp, and I'll use the chaos to free the deer from the other side.

>>6014696
>Galiant, you create a diversion on one side of the camp, and I'll use the chaos to free the deer from the other side.

>>6014696
>Let's strike them swiftly together, and ensure the area is secure before we free the deer.

>>6015340
Whoops, sorry, forgot to drop my trip.

>>6014696
>> Galiant, you create a diversion on one side of the camp, and I'll use the chaos to free the deer from the other side

>>6014696
> Galiant, you create a diversion on one side of the camp, and I'll use the chaos to free the deer from the other side.

>>6015072
>>6015179
>>6015273
>>6015296
>>6015340
>>6015353
>>6015555
>>6015559
The poachers outnumber your group, making a head-on attack risky and likely to fail.
"Galiant, create a diversion on one side of the camp," you propose, forming a strategic plan. "While they're distracted, I'll free the deer from the opposite side." This approach lowers the risks and boosts your chances of success.
"Alright," Galiant agrees, nodding. Although he's the stronger swordsman, your training emphasizes speed and stealth—a necessity, given your lesser physical strength. Galiant and Wart still believe you're an assassin from the east, unaware of your true identity and training in the royal palace of Brithnia.
As per the plan, Galiant starts his assault, drawing attention to one side of the camp. Seizing the moment, you slip silently to the other side where the deer is caged, ready to set it free.
> 3 rolls of D20
> DC over 8

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>6016105

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>6016105

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>6016105

>>6016121
>>6016150
>>6016215
> 19, 4, 8 = 2 Successes
The poachers, lacking the discipline of trained soldiers, fail to guard the deer's cage adequately while distracted by Galiant's assault.
"Go on, you are free," you whisper softly as you swing open the unguarded cage door. The sacred deer, a majestic creature with white fur that seems to glow in the moonlight, lowers its head to you in a quiet gesture of gratitude before vanishing into the forest.
You notice Wart observing the exchange, his eyes wide with surprise, but you dismiss it as mere curiosity.
Meanwhile, Galiant has managed to overpower most of the poachers, with the remainder scattering into the night. His prowess confirms his reputation as a formidable swordsman, perhaps even the hero foretold by prophecy.
Upon your return to Rowan Greenmantle, you report the successful liberation of the deer. "Well?" the druid inquires, turning to his apprentice.
"The sacred deer bowed to Master Blade before it departed," Wart reveals, clearly impressed. "It's a sign that his cause is just, and his heart true."
"Then the decision is clear," Rowan concludes with a nod. "I will guide you through the cursed forest to find Kindalor the White."
Galiant, however, regards you with a hint of suspicion. "I thought you joined this quest for money, Blade. Why would the sacred deer honor your cause if it were merely about profit?"
> "It's time for the truth," you say, slowly removing your mask to reveal your true identity as Princess Eliana of Brithnia.
> "I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.
> "Perhaps the deer's gesture was just a simple act of gratitude, not a deep judgment of my character," you suggest, questioning the deer's discernment.
> Write in

>>6016407
>"I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.

>>6016407
>> "I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.

>>6016407
>"I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.

If my tropes say anything, it's that we deny this now and only reveal our identity at a suitably dramatic moment. That, or the mask gets knocked off at some point, forcing us to reveal it.

>>6016407
> "Perhaps the deer's gesture was just a simple act of gratitude, not a deep judgment of my character," you suggest, questioning the deer's discernment.
Bruv, it's only an ungulate.

>>6016407
>> "I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.

>>6016407
I'm enjoying this qst, it's refreshingly nostalgic. Thanks for running it.

>>6016407
>"Perhaps the deer's gesture was just a simple act of gratitude, not a deep judgment of my character," you suggest, questioning the deer's discernment.

>>6016407
>"I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.

>>6016407
>"Perhaps the deer's gesture was just a simple act of gratitude, not a deep judgment of my character," you suggest, questioning the deer's discernment.

>>6016414
>>6016419
>>6016423
>>6016460
>>6016465
>>6016466
>>6016493
>>6016517
>>6016644
"I have personal reasons tied deeply to Brithnia's fate that go beyond simple monetary gain," you hint, suggesting a deeper connection to the cause without revealing your identity.
Galiant casts you a skeptical glance but decides not to press the matter further. Together, the four of you begin preparations for the journey into the cursed forest of Langorn, aiming to locate the reclusive wizard, Kindalor the White.
"As we enter Langorn, remember, the boundaries between our world and darker realms grow faint," Rowan Greenmantle cautions while leading the way. "Stick to the path I guide us on. Stray from it, and you might find yourselves in a world of shadows. Sinistira seeks to unleash a powerful demon from such a realm. We must prevent this, for the threat extends beyond Brithnia; the entire world risks falling into darkness."
"We shall prevent it," declares Galiant with firm conviction.
Rowan nods, his tone grave. "The cursed forest is rife with dangers—shapeshifters and creatures borne of shadow. You may hear voices of deceased loved ones or long-lost loves tempting you off our path. Ignore them! They exploit your fears and desires to ensnare you. Stay true, do not falter, or you may be lost to us forever." As you proceed, you reflect on what your greatest fear might be.
> Your parents, lifeless in the palace dungeons, victims of Sinistira’s cruelty.
> Visions of Brithnia in flames, reduced to ashes by Sinistira's forces.
> A sinister shadow stretching out from a darker realm, its dark tendrils reaching for you.
> Write in

>>6017748
>Clowns
Coulrophobia is a serious mental health problem.

>>6017748
> A sinister shadow stretching out from a darker realm, its dark tendrils reaching for you... And exploiting your fear of clowns

>>6017755
I gotta'. Damn you, anon, now I GOTTA'.

>>6017748
>Your parents, lifeless in the palace dungeons, victims of Sinistira’s cruelty.

>>6017748
>Your parents, lifeless in the palace dungeons, victims of Sinistira’s cruelty.

>>6017748
>> Visions of Brithnia in flames, reduced to ashes by Sinistira's forces.

>>6017748
>Your parents, lifeless in the palace dungeons, victims of Sinistira’s cruelty.

>>6017755
>>6017757
>>6017767
>>6018035
>>6018307
>>6020209
As you gather supplies for the perilous journey into the cursed forest, you realize what your greatest fear is—the image of your parents, lifeless in the palace dungeons, victims of Sinistira's cruelty. You hold this fear close, not revealing it to your companions.
Rowan takes the lead, using his affinity with nature and mastery over woodland creatures and plants to guide you through the intricate maze of trees and underbrush.
As you trail behind, thoughts of your parents haunt you, the weight of your secret mission pressing heavily on your heart. You can't help but wonder about the fears harboring in the minds of your companions, or the hidden desires that might lead them astray.
What secrets do they hold? What might tempt them from our path? These questions linger in your mind as you move deeper into the shadows of the cursed forest.
> Ask Galiant what motivates him beyond his quest for legacy
> Ask Wart about his past and how they shape his current fears and aspirations
> Ask Rowan about his experiences with the forest and any lingering fears that come from them
> Write in

>>6022399
>Ask Galiant what motivates him beyond his quest for legacy

>>6022399
> Ask Galiant what motivates him beyond his quest for legacy
> Ask Wart about his past and how they shape his current fears and aspirations
Why not both, if we can? Just Galiant, if that's not allowed.

>>6022399
> Ask Galiant what motivates him beyond his quest for legacy
> Ask Wart about his past and how they shape his current fears and aspirations

>>6022399
>> Ask Galiant what motivates him beyond his quest for legacy

>>6022399
>Ask Wart about his past and how they shape his current fears and aspirations

I've been busy with irl stuff lately. The search for Kindalor will continue in the next thread

>>6025746
Thanks for the heads up, QM. See you then!