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You’d rather be anything but here.

When Master honoured you by choosing you as his new disciple, four years ago, you had assumed that you would earn your title as a Knight of Ansàrra by staying by his side, learning and growing stronger by tempering your strength and your faith.
Always a bit of a naive optimist.

“Candènte!” Shouts the voice of the martial chaplain a few feet ahead, turning to look at your through his metal helm. “Keep up with the group!”

“At once, Sir,” you reply in a sigh, which turns into a ribbon of white steam just past your lips and you pull on the horse’s reins, its metal hooves squelching on the muddy road until you are riding just behind the carriage. The pitter-patter of this freezing rain on your brigandine is going to turn you crazy. At any rate, is not going to help you be in the right mindset for the battle ahead; you are not overly worried, but this bout of freezing rain is not helping, and what’s worse you are in the middle of the rugged hills behind the Holy Land… it is unfamiliar and treacherous terrain.
At least Master gifted you with a nice rain cape before leaving you to your year of so-called “specialised training”. You pull it a little tighter around your head, making sure to tuck in and hide every silvery lock of your hair.

Just a few more months and you can go back to Master.

The rider in front of you, guarding the top right corner of the carriage, turns to toss you a sneer over her fine protective clothes and ornate armour.

“Please don’t be so hard on her, Sir,” she coos in a falsely-sweet voice over the rain. “She was probably just daydreaming again.”

You grip on the horse’s reins just a little tighter.
Still, the martial chaplain ignores her goad, and she drops it.

You sigh through your nostrils, trying to focus on the task ahead, clearing your mind. Bit by bit, your annoyance subsides, even the drizzle feels less maddening.
Training is training. At least in this, you do agree with Master.

You'd better focus on what awaits you.

>an encounter with a band of Ubaiidi lizardmen who have been assaulting refugees to the Holy Land. Master taught you their ilk rarely travels so far from the Terre di Confino, and you wonder how you will fare against this specific kind of beastly folk. Especially considered how they usually keep to themselves.

>investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest. The antsy mood in your manipolo might be a little more justified if you are about to face cultists of the Seven Sisters. You raise a hand to brush against your votive cameo of Saint Bragia Lacresta, asking her for strength in facing this challenge.

>eradicate the remnants of a gang of smugglers who had the gall of attempting to do business in the Holy Land. Given your past history with merchants and swindlers, this might make this training exercise just a little bit more interesting… and personal.

>>6012274
>>investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest. The antsy mood in your manipolo might be a little more justified if you are about to face cultists of the Seven Sisters. You raise a hand to brush against your votive cameo of Saint Bragia Lacresta, asking her for strength in facing this challenge.

>>6012274
>Investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest.

>>6012274
>investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest. The antsy mood in your manipolo might be a little more justified if you are about to face cultists of the Seven Sisters. You raise a hand to brush against your votive cameo of Saint Bragia Lacresta, asking her for strength in facing this challenge.

>>6012274
>an encounter with a band of Ubaiidi lizardmen who have been assaulting refugees to the Holy Land. Master taught you their ilk rarely travels so far from the Terre di Confino, and you wonder how you will fare against this specific kind of beastly folk. Especially considered how they usually keep to themselves.

>>6012274
>investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest. The antsy mood in your manipolo might be a little more justified if you are about to face cultists of the Seven Sisters. You raise a hand to brush against your votive cameo of Saint Bragia Lacresta, asking her for strength in facing this challenge.

>>6012274
>>investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest. The antsy mood in your manipolo might be a little more justified if you are about to face cultists of the Seven Sisters. You raise a hand to brush against your votive cameo of Saint Bragia Lacresta, asking her for strength in facing this challenge.

>>6012274
>Investigate a sacrificial well someone erected in this part of the forest.

>>6012282
>>6012358
>>6012449
>>6012516
>>6012564
>>6012566

>investigate the sacrificial well

>>6012508

>encounter with lizardmen

it's not even a contest. I'll start writing in two hours, just in case someone else wants to add a vote or has any question.

also, this is my first Quest, so thanks a lot for participating!

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>>6012274

The relief of the blessed cameo seems to calm your nerves a little bit. You should remember that it is not your own strength that matters, but that of Ansàrra. You are not alone in this endeavour.

And yet — the thought of facing thralls of the Seven Sisters makes you feel a knot at the base of your stomach. During your training with Master you have faced mindless beasts and corrupted highwaymen. The two of you have carried out the justice of the Holy Land with nary a trouble.

But usually only fully-trained Knights are allowed to face anything like this.

Your eyes shift towards the carriage, with its pulled curtains, darkened glass, and its aloof occupant. A strange thought occurs to you: maybe it’s not four apprentice Knights escorting her, maybe it’s the other way around.

You grip on the reins and focus yourself on keeping pace with the carriage, as the rain seems to let up a little.

Then, the martial chaplain turns his horse to the right and starts to run a large circle around the carriage.

“Heed me and heed me well, ladies in wait!” He shouts as the droplets shower his metal armour. “Trouble awaits ahead! We shall take a moment for a hearty meal and a prayer.” He reaches close to you.

“I see you have stopped daydreaming, madama Candente. Keep your wits about you.”

“I hardly ever let them wander, Sir.” You reply with a sharp nod, then swiftly pull back your silver locks beneath your cape.

The chaplain does not grace you with an answer. He runs to share words with the other three, and when he reappears ahead of the carriage he’s aiming his sword at a spot further uphill. You can make out the shape of a large slab of rock peeking out into the dusk, like a raven’s beak scraping at the clouded sky.

“We shall take a quick break there”

“What if we wish to apply sacred oils and petition for a Sanction ere the fight, Sir?” Asks Salicera’s smooth voice from the spot to your left that’s hidden by the carriage. The chaplain hesitates at her question, then turns his head towards the carriage.

“I will have to ask when we arrive.”

Nobody else speaks as you follow the road towards the slab of rock.

Your right hand moves to reach for your assigned weapon, seeking comfort. Master trained you with many different ones, but after seven months you can feel a little bit of kinship with it. Your hand coils around…

>the pommel of a battle axe. Master has always praised your heavy strikes, piercing armour and putting the fear of Ansàrra into the hearts of heathens.

>the hilt of a longsword. Master taught you how to be graceful and quick on your feet, dance around your target as a swift steel hornet, and twice as vicious.

>the short metal shaft of a morningstar. You were a little surprised when they assigned you with the ancestral weapon of Saint Bragia. Perhaps it is a good omen, and it makes you feel like you are on the right path.

>>6012950
>>the hilt of a longsword. Master taught you how to be graceful and quick on your feet, dance around your target as a swift steel hornet, and twice as vicious

>>6012950
>the pommel of a battle axe. Master has always praised your heavy strikes, piercing armour and putting the fear of Ansàrra into the hearts of heathens.

>>6012950
>the pommel of a battle axe. Master has always praised your heavy strikes, piercing armour and putting the fear of Ansàrra into the hearts of heathens.

>>6012950
>>the hilt of a longsword. Master taught you how to be graceful and quick on your feet, dance around your target as a swift steel hornet, and twice as vicious.

>>6012960
>>6013164

>longsword

>>6012976
>>6013063

>axe

And here I wanted to post a new update shortly. I'll give it one hour to break the tie, otherwise I'll roll. Help a girl choose her weapon, will you?

>>6012950
>the pommel of a battle axe. Master has always praised your heavy strikes, piercing armour and putting the fear of Ansàrra into the hearts of heathens.
Axe girl

>>6013215
>axe it is

based. writing!

captcha: 0T02HP let's hope Argia has a couple more than 2...

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>>6012950
Master sat next to you, laying down in the tall golden grass while you panted and dried sweat off your neck. You could immediately spot the mirth in his grey eyes. Uh oh. This did not bode well. When he was amused, you either just did very well in your training or…

“A question, my disciple. At this point of your training, which one do you believe to be a Knight’s proper weapon?”

This sounded a trick question. The last time he asked something like that you ended up hanging from a tree until dusk. You would better think about this. Immediately, your eyes shifted to his own weapon, resting against a tree. The sheer-black poleaxe glinted in the golden afternoon light, the shaft and blade both carved in the finest blindglass you had ever seen… not that you ever had the chance to gaze upon many a Kiengir relic. Master’s smirk sharpened a little as he caught you.

“I’m aware that is a special case, Master,” you quickly added. Master was the bearer of a hallowed relic, so choosing what at first seemed the right answer right away would probably have her do sit-ups until her arms collapsed. No, it couldn’t be the poleaxe. The halberd, then? Or… “I would say the sword, maybe, but… it depends?”

He gave you a long look, waiting for you to continue. Feeling your mouth going dry, you added: “W-Whatever Ansàrra decides?” You tried, wincing. Your legs already ached from the morning’s training and you truly were not looking forward to more maddening work-outs. It had already been one year since Master had taken you as his disciple, and by then you had long-since abandoned any idea that labouring in the family’s winery amounted to any sort of hard work… at least as far as Master’s training was concerned.

“That is the right answer, Argia, but it is also a philosopher’s one,” he chuckled, reaching forward to ruffle your silvery locks. Not for the first time, you tried to stifle a blush at how he did not seem to fear your cursed hair, nor hate it. “Indeed Ansàrra decides which weapon one of her Knights brings to the battlefield, as well as his luck with it. But you did mention the sword.” He shook his head and stood up, detaching something from behind his back with a metallic noise. “Swords are a nobleman’s right, a weapon of filigree and grace. But you will not find much filigree on the battlefield, or on the pursue of heathens. Hence…”

He threw something at you. True to one good year of training, even your sixteen-years old arms managed to catch it between your palms. Barely so. It was an axe, with a long metal shaft and a curved head. You gave it a few swings and immediately felt how differently it pulled on your arm and wrist, leaning forward to balance yourself. The weapon’s sharp beak shone under Ansàrra’s sun.

[Cont.]

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>>6013265

“Those like us, an axe suits us better,” Master grinned. He took a step back and put on your training wooden shield. “Your first lesson is going to be quite easy, Argia. Let’s see if you can hit hard enough to let the axe bite the wood. And if you believe you don’t… just think about how your wineries are facing right now.”

You frowned at Master’s words. As you licked your lower lip, mind reeling back to the reason you were even here, a sliver of red-hot fury shivered from your heart onto your wrist. You raised the axe, once more marvelling at how it felt: both lighter than a sword, and yet heavier. Moodier. Quicker to anger. You gripped the handle with all your growing strength and began to square off against Master, your blue eyes trained against that wooden shield.

“Can I picture that son of a dog merchant’s face when I try to hit you, Master?” You asked.
“Argia, dearest,” Master chuckled, raising the three central fingers of his other hand in the universal goodwill sign of Ansàrra. “By now you ought to know you always will.”

# # # # # #

“Leave the horses,” comes the chaplain’s voice and you pull away from the reins and your memories alike. You let out a sigh of deep relief as you pass under the shadow of the rock and the rain stays behind. One by one, you all jump down your animals. You knead your sore shoulders and back, making the inner tetrarmide plaques of your brigandine crinkle like tinkling porcelain.
“There, there,” you also say gently rubbing the horse’s neck. It swats its tail, clearly grateful as well for the short rest ahead.

The other three ladies in wait all join together, happily ignoring you. It’s fine.
You are used to it, after all. It does not even gets a raise out of you anymore. You are perfectly fine here with your horse and your axe and—

“Here, boy,” the chaplain says as he pulls out an apple off his backpack, and your horse swiftly clops towards the treat, leaving you alone.

Still perfectly fine alone with your axe.

“Sir,” asks the tallest of the other ladies, her warm clear eyes glancing at the chaplain, as she lets down her long brown braid. “I asked before if we could take a somewhat longer break. Anyone else in favour?” Salicera asks the other two, who of course raise their hands at once. She then looks at you and you wince a little.

The vote has already been cast, but…

>you still raise your hand, if only to show you agree. There is battle ahead and you don’t feel like being the odd one out. At least not more than usual.

>you shrug. You are fine with taking a longer break, but if Salicera had actually valued your opinion she would have asked beforehand.

>you keep your hand at your side. You have been shunned by this group since you were forced to join it, and playing nice is not going to help.

>>6013267
>you keep your hand at your side. You have been shunned by this group since you were forced to join it, and playing nice is not going to help.
Axes and grudges? We're practically a dwarf!

>>6013267
>you shrug. You are fine with taking a longer break, but if Salicera had actually valued your opinion she would have asked beforehand.

>>6013267
>>you shrug. You are fine with taking a longer break, but if Salicera had actually valued your opinion she would have asked beforehand.

>>6013267
>you shrug. You are fine with taking a longer break, but if Salicera had actually valued your opinion she would have asked beforehand.

>>6013294

good point anon, but we are also much taller. and hotter, if I may say so.

>>6013305
>>6013332
>>6013430

neutrality wins this round. Let's see where this brings us. Writing!

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>>6013267
You trade looks with Salicera for a while, but in the end you just shrug, as the inner plates of your brigandine crinkle. You have already been outvoted, so it’s pointless to sway one way or another. You are not going to become friends with them just because you agreed to Salicera’s suggestion… even if it may be a sound one.

The chaplain takes off his helmet as well, holding it under his arm. He’s an older man, with wrinkled skin and greying hair – anywhere else, he might be considered a fool for running to war at his age, but, as you have experienced yourself, faith often holds on tighter than bone.

“I will have to ask,” he explain, climbing into the carriage. As the creaking wooden door closes behind him, you start pacing back and forth to liven up your sore muscles. Horse riding might be essential to a Knight, but you have always preferred to stay on foot. As you do a couple slow lunges to stretch your legs and arms, the other three girls share looks and a few words.

You do not mean to eavesdrop, but the space is cramped enough between the carriage and the horses, so…

“… how bad is it?” Asks Rubida, the same black-haired girl who mocked you before. And many other times as well, as she whispers leaning towards Salicera. “I have never head or ladies in wait to be sent against Seven Sisters wretches. I cannot believe the chaplain would risk our safety like this!” She runs a hand through her long mane of shiny hair. If she knows a secret to let them keep their lustre even on the outback, she surely has never shared it with you.

You feel the sudden need to pass a hand through your own hair, if only to tuck any stray strand beneath the cape. You are still wearing it even if the rain has been confined outside. Of course you are. Unlike the other three, you have kept them short, a matter of practicality.

“You will stay with us, won’t you?” Asks Soralisa, a petite brunette with large green eyes, looking up at Salicera. She fidgets, her hands almost reaching for the bow on her back. “I don’t like this. It’s almost night. Why are we going to face t-these heathens at night?”

You look up as you walk back and forth, peeking at the gloomy sky. Not only it’s raining, the dusk has definitely settled and in less than one hour twilight will put the whole sky in its black bag. You have to admit both Soralisa and Rubida’s words do make sense. Why are you investigating at night?

“The cloud cover should last enough,” says the chaplain coming out of the carriage. “That is what she believes. You four have time to petition for Sanctions, but no using oils. You don’t have time to take off your armours anyway.”

Oh. So that’s why you are all out in the rain.

You wonder for how long the clouds will hide the night sky, though...

[cont.]

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>>6013839
In a way, you are a bit relieved, you think as you crouch on the floor, drawing a large circle with your piece of white chalk. Thankfully the ground is dry enough. Begetting Ansàrra’s boons before the fight is definitely good thinking.

And yet, petitioning for a Sanction without using any sacred oil is not going to allow you to ask for anything but very basic protection, or…

“We should focus on a strategy,” you mumble, looking at the other three trainees, all of them already sitting inside their own circles.

They all turn towards you, so quickly you flinch. Soralisa is the first one to lower her gaze, but Rubida looks at you with sufficiency, and Salicera seems to ponder your words.

“I mean –” you continue, trying to put enough strength in your words, “I am the vanguard. Salicera is always at the centre, and you two usually strike from afar. We have a little time to think about our Sanctions, we should coordinate them as well.”

The martial chaplain grunts as he puts on his helmet again, walking out in the rain to check on the sky.

“Good thinking, Candente. You three, what do you say?”

You feel emboldened by his words. For the first time in weeks, it looks like your words can actually carry weight, no matter the cursed colour of your hair.

Rubida is the first to scoff. She coils an inky lock around her smooth finger and looks at you with sufficiency through her lidded eyes.

“Without oils we cannot ask for anything special, Candente. Or did you think I could help you with that?” She sneers.

You hold her gaze, but you can’t stop your cheeks from flushing a little. Using chalk and prayers is one thing, but a proper postulant would have to cover her body in words and symbols drawn using oils, and that often requires… support. Your treacherous mind flies to the last time you had to help Soralisa with hers, your fingers tracing hallowed signatures all over the smooth skin of her bare back.

“No, I think Argia’s request does make sense,” interjects Salicera, giving you the hint of a smile, and your flush gets just a tiny bit warmer. “We should at least try, even if we have limited tools. What Sanction would you petition for?” She tilts her head and her braid falls against her shoulder, waiting for you to speak.

You swiftly rake through your thoughts for something to say. It would make sense to petition for…

>Sanction of Daybreak Smite: ignites the edge of your weapon, greatly enhancing its striking power for a single hit. DC to cast: 36. DC to resist weariness: 60.

>Sanction of Sunwell Warding: will warn you if a creature comes within a certain distance from you. Very useful for exploring places you have never been before. Lasts for one hour. DC to cast: 32. DC to resist weariness: 48.

>Sanction of Searing Blood: upon being wounded, causes a spray of your blood to erupt in a searing burst of hallowed fire. DC to cast: 48. DC to resist weariness: automatically failed upon activation.

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>>6013841

# # # # # #

OOC:

Rolling mechanics: I

I will try to keep things simple, so I will try to limit rolls to d100 plus bonuses against a set DC, usually best of 3. Sometimes, especially when in direct combat, you may be instead asked to beat opposing rolls.

>dubs and trips and oh may Ansàrra lead my hand:

as a special rule and to keep things a little more interesting, you will also receive the following bonuses to rolls if the following happens when we roll:

>dubs: +6 to total
>trips: +18 to total
>quads: automatic critical success
>quints: as above, plus permanent minor bonus
>and more: Ansàrra personally headpats you

Also, I am resuming my dayjob, so from now on we may see updates once or twice per day, but there might be more if I see more activity.

For now, expect next update in about eight hours from now.

I should also be working on a pastebin...

What you have to do right now is just decide on which Sanction to pick… see you in a few hours!

>>6013841
>>Sanction of Daybreak Smite: ignites the edge of your weapon, greatly enhancing its striking power for a single hit. DC to cast: 36. DC to resist weariness: 60.

>>6013842
What do you mean by quads and quints? Post numbers?

>>6013841
>Sanction of Daybreak Smite: ignites the edge of your weapon, greatly enhancing its striking power for a single hit. DC to cast: 36. DC to resist weariness: 60.

>>6013841
>Sanction of Daybreak Smite: ignites the edge of your weapon, greatly enhancing its striking power for a single hit. DC to cast: 36. DC to resist weariness: 60.
All of these only really benefit us as the vanguard melee fighter so I expect others to mock us no matter what we choose.

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>>6013984
>>6013888
>>6013879

Looks like we are shaping Argia into a little angry nuke of divine retribution I love it.

>>6013984

Salicera is only asking about which Sanction Argia would choose for herself. The other three are going to follow with different ones that follow their specific fighting style better, hence why they are sitting in their own circles. Maybe I should have expressed that more clearly.

But as for mocking us no matter what -- well maybe you are right about that, anon.

>>6013879

yes, your post number also gives you a bonus if you get dubs or trips (or more?) during a roll. for example, the anon right below you scored the quest's very first trips, so if it had been on a roll he would have gained a further +18 to his results.

I'll be waiting a few more hours if more votes appear, then update.

>>6013841
>Sanction of Sunwell Warding: will warn you if a creature comes within a certain distance from you. Very useful for exploring places you have never been before. Lasts for one hour. DC to cast: 32. DC to resist weariness: 48.
seems I'm on the losing field, but I prefer this if the bonus strike only lasts for 1 hit. btw what is this weariness dc ?
>>6013879
>What do you mean by quads and quints? Post numbers?
newfag spoted

>>6013841
>>Sanction of Sunwell Warding: will warn you if a creature comes within a certain distance from you. Very useful for exploring places you have never been before. Lasts for one hour. DC to cast: 32. DC to resist weariness: 48.

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>>6014026
>>6014033

good suggestion, impressive rationale and forward thinking, but it seems the 'unga bunga here comes the SUN motherfucker' type of Sanction wins.

next update coming soon. get your dice all nice and lubed up anons, you are about to roll.

>>6013841
>Sanction of Sunwell Warding: will warn you if a creature comes within a certain distance from you. Very useful for exploring places you have never been before. Lasts for one hour. DC to cast: 32. DC to resist weariness: 48.

>>6013841
>Sanction of Daybreak Smite: ignites the edge of your weapon, greatly enhancing its striking power for a single hit. DC to cast: 36. DC to resist weariness: 60.

>>6014267
I had just started writing. Rolling to break the tie.

roll+1d2

>1: Daybreak Smite
>2: Sunwell Warding

>>6014275

dice+1d2

God I'm such a newfag

>>6014277

dice+1d6

(1-3 vs 4-6)

>>6014281
It goes in the options field.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

(1-3 vs 4-6)

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>>6014284
Daybreak Smite it is. I don't have to revise nothing.

>>6014282
thank you anon. I'll put on the dunce crown.

Now, update!

>>6013841

You feel the scrutinising gaze of the three trainees upon you as you try to decide. You do not even know that many Sanctions.

“I think…” you start, thinking about your role in combat. Salicera will be there in the middle, balancing every one of you, while the other two will cover your backs. That leaves you as the piercing vanguard, the spear tip of your little ill-made group.

That also means that if you are going to face threats, a perception boon would come in handy. Perhaps the Sanction of Sunwell Warding… you open your mouth to say so but then you feel your hand still touching your axe’s pommel.

And as Salicera’s eyes follow your fingers’ movement, you decide that a warding is not exactly suited to your combat style. Master used to say that you were raised on bread and grudges for the past four years. Your middle finger finds the edge of your axe and you give a sudden nod.

Yes.

“Daybreak Smite for me,” you state. Rubida shrugs at that, but Salicera quirks an eyebrow. “I would be at the head of our formation. You and Soralisa would be better served by the Satin’s Step. Salicera… something to toughen you up. Oakenbone perhaps. It is a bit hard to petition for but…”

“… it might just give us the edge we need,” Salicera agrees. “I support it.” She raises her hand, and to your surprise, the other two swiftly follow her, even though they do not seem so pleased.

Starless Night, what is going on? This evening is getting more and more strange. First you are about to investigate possible cultist activity and now the best one among your group suddenly supports your ideas?
Even if, a little pat of you whispers in the back of your mind, stopping by was Salicera’s own suggestion, not yours.

There is something amiss, but you can’t exactly put your finger on it.
“I will allow it. Candente and the others, get to it,” the chaplain says, stretching his neck to peer onto the leaden sky. “Feels like the wind is turning.”

“Right on it, Sir,” Salicera says, sitting on her own circle. You all follow her example.

Taking on a deep breath, you take off your gloves and set your fingers against the votive cameo depicting Saint Bragia.

Spare a good word for me, you plead, then close your eyes, and begin to shut yourself to the world outside. The rain coming down to kiss the rock, the low whinnying and swaying of the horses, even the faint creaking of the carriage – little by little they all fade, leaving room to your inner world, the place where you can ask for some proper help.

You have never been great at this.

But as Master said time and time again… it was never completely up to you.

And that is perhaps a bit comforting.

[cont.]

>>6014290

You are standing in your inside country, a place of winding roads and endless stairs folding upon each other, stark beneath a sky jewelled by strange broiling stars that vast little light.

A tower, to reach the heavens, you intone with the voice of your own thought, and against the blackness rises, bit by bit, like a beast waking up from uneasy slumber, a masonry spire, each brick smooth and dark, stark against the nothingness. You picture the door: a tall arch inviting you.

You step in. The inside is decorated with golden inscriptions, pooling crimson liquid at your feet, right as you step in the centre. The tower’s ceiling is wide open, a hole like a lidless eye praying onto the shuddering sky above.

A call, for the heavens to hear,, you follow, holding up your hand. Silence follows, and your heart quivers.

Ansàrra has so many petitioners. She is empathetic in spirit, and Her ears are keen, but what is your little voice among the thousands of other devotees begging Her for support or counsel?

A flame! A flame as merciless as the dawn. To bring the night to his knees,, you ask once again, your inner voice echoing inside the masonry walls of your tower, scattering above in echoes roiling upon themselves. You stretch your request like a child’s hand reaching for an apple.

All around your, droplets of crimson liquid bubble up like an inverse rainfall. A shower of vermillion that floats up and up, past your head, past the first and second tier of masonry, right at the hole that stays empty, looking onto the void th—
Child of the echoing Sea.

The blackness is shattered. A single ray of warm, golden light reaches you through the open ceiling. It coats you into its heat as the crimson droplets fall in a dance around you, coating your naked skin into an arabesque of words, of commands, of punishment and permission.

A flame you beseech. A flame as merciless as the dawn!

Says the bodiless voice, embedding itself onto your spirit, releasing you from your loneliness. It’s soothing and warm and it reminds you of running through the wineries with your brothers, your father playing the big bad wolf amidst the wines.

For a moment, you are eleven again, you can smell the intoxicating sweetness of the grapes, and you still love your hair.
Then the light presses on, the words of crimson etch into your skin, like roots finally finding their purchase into fertile soil.

To bring the night to his knees!, Her voice commands, and it’s time for you to… to show you have shoulders wide enough to carry Her graceful commandments.

>Best of 3: roll 1d100, add +10 (from the petitioning circle) and +6 (from the cameo of Saint Bragia), against a DC of 36. Remember to add corresponding bonuses if you get dubs or trips or more.

>A natural roll of 1 is a total failure. A natural roll of 100 is an incredible success.

You'll probably do better than your retardo QM anyway

Rolled 72 + 16 (1d100 + 16)

>>6014288
np choom, in exchange for this little helping hand please find a comfortable pace and don't flake even if voter counts are low. Your quest's been a treat so far.
>>6014297
Rollan'
Also there isn't really a way to know if one of our posts will be dubs/trips lol.

Rolled 72 + 16 (1d100 + 16)

>>6014297

>>6014223
>good suggestion, impressive rationale and forward thinking, but it seems the 'unga bunga here comes the SUN motherfucker' type of Sanction wins.
I myself like to pick attack related shit first, but just 1 fucking attack ? c'mon now
>>6014284
why a 1d6 instead of a 1d2 ?

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>>6014327
thanks a lot anon, your support is exceedingly appreciated.

also, I started this with the idea that the quest, as original content, would get maybe one or two votes, so I am happily surprised if I manage to get five or six. I'll try to keep a positive attitude.

>no way to know if one of our posts is dubs or trips

yeah, I should have worded that one better: I meant that I will be adding the results to the check when comparing rolls. Still... that tiny hope you get quads (or more) and manage total heathen death feels good, doesn't it?

>>6014373

>first two rolls
>both are 72
>1% chance

we are already playing with forces beyond our comprehension, great

>1d6 and not 1d2

because I'm mucho retardo and I just learned how to roll dices and this very statement might be a tad optimistic yet

Rolled 1 + 16 (1d100 + 16)

>>6014297
nat 100 incoming !
>>6014377
>because I'm mucho retardo and I just learned how to roll dices
i mean, that explains you not putting it in the options field, but not why why you changed it from a 1d2 (50/50 tie) to a 1d6 (kinda skews things up)

>>6014380
off to a great start then. so the weariness thing will get us tired from the saction ? I assume with a nat 1 we pass out and fail the mission then.

>>6014327
>>6014342
man I hope those double rolls have some effect

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>>6014380

>taunting the dice gods

anon...

>1d2 to 1d6

because I farted my brain out so hard it painted the wall and I thought that I couldn't roll a 1d2 for whatever reason, so I switched to 1d6 (1 to 3 vs. 4 to 6). I don't get how it might have skewed things up? It's still 50/50

>>6014382

>fail the mission

not right now because it was a best of 3, so the other two rolls carry you. I want to keep things nice and easy for now, so a nat 1 would spell doom only if you got three of them in a row and come on... what are the odds of that? It's absolutely unheard of. No chance it ever happens.

that said, if you have to do one roll later on and you get a nat 1 then something really really bad might happen, maybe Salicera gives you a wedgie or worse

>weariness

it gives you a temporary malus to all checks.

the human body is not made to channel the energy of a God, so it naturally frays at the edges, like a live wire hit by a mighty thunderbolt. The weariness DC represents this, but I want to better show the mechanic in fieri during the quest, so consider this explanation only partial.

>>6014391
>not right now because it was a best of 3, so the other two rolls carry you. I want to keep things nice and easy for now, so a nat 1 would spell doom only if you got three of them in a row and come on... what are the odds of that? It's absolutely unheard of. No chance it ever happens.
oh so that's how it works here. neat.

>>6014327
>>6014342
>>6014380

88, 88 and 1 against DC 36. Passed with flying colours!

writing!

>>6014297

The light and the crimson words press against your spiritflesh, carving themselves into your future reality, ready for using. For a moment, you feel like a searing whip has you caught in its grip, a barbed wheel that’s far too hot for your Mannish soul to withstand.

And then—

You blink and open your eyes, panting hard. Your right hand feels… warm. Your fingers are pulsating with an inner translucent light. You can see the profile of your bones through your flesh. It does not hurt. You passed the first part of the test.

It feels… warm. Like your hand fell asleep under a lovely summer sun.

It smells like soft earth and fresh echoing water and heady grapes.

Holding up your tingly hand, you reach for your axe with your left one and gently pass your finger on the metal edge. The light pours from your skin onto the metal, it glows faintly for a moment and then the axe absorbs it. By the time you have reached the other end of the edge, your hand is back to normal.

You really miss summer, for some reason.

You allow yourself a smile as you glance at the others. Sure, petitioning for this Sanction was relatively easy, and you had a lot of help, but you have been trained in the way of the Knight, not the way of the Sunseeker… so it’s a great success to you.

But the other three are all still meditating. Only the martial chaplain gives you a glance and a nod.

“Well done, Candente.”

“Thank you Sir, but—”

That’s when it hits you.

The faint echoes of that pleasant tingling turn into a simmering ache, and then a dizziness that claws at your throat, rising like bile to brush against your forehead.

“—but that might be a little too early to say…” you add, gritting your teeth and getting yourself ready for the consequences of channelling the Sun-Birther’s own essence through your imperfect, fragile, human body…

>Best of 3, like before: Roll 1d100, add +10 (from the petitioning circle) and +6 (from the cameo of Saint Bragia), and +2 (from the 88 you just got with the previous roll), against a DC of 60. Let's hope in some of those trips.

Rolled 29 + 18 (1d100 + 18)

>>6014421

Rolled 97 + 18 (1d100 + 18)

>>6014421

Rolled 95 + 18 (1d100 + 18)

>>6014421

>>6014437
>>6014440
>>6014482

47, 115, 113 vs DC 60 -- passed!

holy knickers, anon... shouldn't you save that kind of results for when you roll for your cup size? might happen, might not happen

writing!

>>6014493
Now that you've brought it up? What is it currently?

>>6014421
wait, why are we rolling this time ? if the weariness roll was that 1st one, what is this ?

>>6014421

You have felt like this before. The word of Ansàrra is both prayer and punishment, and there has never been one time when your body could just accept it with no consequence.

“Hnnh—” you grunt as the ache grows, splintering into a thousand needles all piercing your skin, threatening to seep into your muscles and wearing them out, to grasp your heart and make it weaker—

“—ahhnf,” you gasp as the choking feeling leaves your body. You blink, once, twice: it’s gone.
It’s gone.

In fact, you feel better than ever. Like you just took one extra hour of sleep.

You stretch your muscles and slowly stand up, patting the axe at your side, which now holds a simmering note of divine retribution.

“… and by eventide, we have done bright deeds,”, you whisper the tail end of the most common prayer, in thanks.
She really carried you by Her own hands.

“I suppose now it is done, madama Candente?” Asks the chaplain.

“Gracefully so, Sir.”

“Good. It has always been beyond me,” he adds with a rueful smile.

He walks back under the stone roof as the other three also open their eyes. For a moment there is a bright golden glow going off in the exposed parts of Salicera’s body, but it’s just an instant and she’s back to normal.

By contrast, Rubida chokes on her own spit and grasps at her head, her fingers running through her smooth black locks as the weariness slithers through her body. Her breathing turn heavier and heavier and she stumbles out of the circle, as if looking for purchase.

>You decide to be cavalier and hold out a hand to her. This can happen to the best Knights, and (even if a small ugly part of your soul laughs at Rubida’s troubles) you’d rather face the battle ahead knowing you four can put your differences aside. Plus, you can always rub it in later…

>You smirk looking at her making a fool of herself. Feeling cheeky, you even coil one of the silver strands of your hair around your finger, rubbing it in that the colour of your hair and its cursed namesake has nothing to do with the favour of Ansàrra.

>Write in (keep it SFW and try to make considerate suggestions).

# # # # # #

OOC

That's all for today. I will try to make a new update in, let's say... 14 hours from now. In the meantime, if you have lore questions or character question you can ask. I might answer if I can or mark it up for the future pastebin. Thanks for playing![i/]

>>6014496

it's a big secret for now but there might be a hint or two down the line.

>>6014521
>You decide to be cavalier and hold out a hand to her. This can happen to the best Knights, and (even if a small ugly part of your soul laughs at Rubida’s troubles) you’d rather face the battle ahead knowing you four can put your differences aside. Plus, you can always rub it in later…
gotta keep your group in shape for the coming assault

>>6014496
F cup, for respect.

>You decide to be cavalier and hold out a hand to her. This can happen to the best Knights, and (even if a small ugly part of your soul laughs at Rubida’s troubles) you’d rather face the battle ahead knowing you four can put your differences aside. Plus, you can always rub it in later…
They're showing us a modicum of deocrum, so let's reciprocate... For now. Don't spit on our good will, Rubi!

>>6014521
Meant to tag >>6014584 as well.

>>6014521
>>You smirk looking at her making a fool of herself. Feeling cheeky, you even coil one of the silver strands of your hair around your finger, rubbing it in that the colour of your hair and its cursed namesake has nothing to do with the favour of Ansàrra.

>>6014521
>You decide to be cavalier and hold out a hand to her. This can happen to the best Knights, and (even if a small ugly part of your soul laughs at Rubida’s troubles) you’d rather face the battle ahead knowing you four can put your differences aside. Plus, you can always rub it in later…

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>>6014528
>>6014584
>>6015071

vs

>>6014843

3 to 1 for taking the high road and rubbing in Rubida's face our moral superiority. At least so far.

I am keeping votes open for next four hours since this post's timestamp, then it's writing time.

>>6014521
>>You decide to be cavalier and hold out a hand to her. This can happen to the best Knights, and (even if a small ugly part of your soul laughs at Rubida’s troubles) you’d rather face the battle ahead knowing you four can put your differences aside. Plus, you can always rub it in later…

>>6014521
>You decide to be cavalier and hold out a hand to her. This can happen to the best Knights, and (even if a small ugly part of your soul laughs at Rubida’s troubles) you’d rather face the battle ahead knowing you four can put your differences aside. Plus, you can always rub it in later…

>>6014519
You rolled first to check if you were able to cast the Sanction (the first DC) and then to resist the weariness effect that comes with it (the second DC).

>>6014521

You hold out your hand and Rubida instinctively wraps her fingers around it. You hold her up, just in time. She would have stumbled on her face otherwise. Might have been amusing, but not the best thing for the confrontation ahead.

Still, you allow yourself a little smile – and perhaps the corner of your mouth is turning a little too sharply because Rubida blinks, flushes and frees her hand at once, standing on her two feet.

“It’s nothing, Candente,” she huffs through gritted teeth.

“I know how it is,” you offer.

“T-Then be upon your horse, posthaste,” she replies, turning her flushed face away from you. Her blushing ears are clearly visible even in the dusk. “I am doing fine. I was granted my Sanction, it was just – a little harsher in the taking than usual.”

“Hm,” you decide to agree and let it drop, turning away to pick your horse from where he’s sniffing about for more apples. Salicera joins Rubida to help her ride her horse, and you notice how the raven-haired lady does not shy away from Salicera’s help.

You did all you could. What just happened was still the most positive interaction you had with Rubida for the past seven months, so it is still a win in your book.
A bright deed is its own reward, chimes Master’s voice through your memories.
You are inclined to agree.

As you all find your horses, Rubida’s hands a bit less steady than before as she tries to hold back the effects of her sudden weariness, the carriage also begins to move. You pull your oiled cape tighter and ride out under the rain. As you shield your face with your gloved hand, you look up at the dark sky. The sun has gone down while you were in the cave, and all that remains from the embers of the day is a faint dull glow at the bottom, like the echo of a distant forest fire.

“At least the silver ring is still covered,” you murmur. You still hate riding out in the rain like this, but it does provide a modicum of shielding. While you are taken up in these thoughts, you let the horse go back to its usual place at the side of the carriage while it is pulled forward by its own pair of horses.

Wonder how long until we find the well. Admitted we can find a well in—

[cont.]

>>6015348

“Madama Candente,” cuts a female voice through your reverie and you turn to see that Salicera left her spot by the carriage to ride besides you. Her horse is a little shorter than yours, so your eyes are level – your own blue eyes affixed onto her greyish-brown.

It’s the closest you have been since the last time she helped you with the sacred oils, and your stomach tighten. How come you did not feel her close in?

Salicera Fors adjusts her very light armour – little more than reinforced clothing, really, as she leans to the left to speak in a whisper:

“A word, if you may? I have noticed the ease you accepted that Sanction with, just now.”

You are far more used to Salicera bathing in the admiration of the other two ladies-in-wait, what does she want from you? It seems this night will be even more peculiar than you thought… or hoped for.

>Listen to Salicera’s words, openly. You can admit you are a bit eager – you may be fast, and strong, and trained in the way of the Knight, but Salicera has always showed a natural talent that far outstrips what you possess. Perhaps you are even a tiny bit jealous of her… just like you may be just a tiny bit jealous of Rubida’s smooth hair.

>Listen to Salicera, but keep your emotions veiled. She has proven time and time again to be the best among you four, but why would she want to be so close and personal just because you managed to do a good job with that Sanction?

>Remind Salicera it was one of the simplest Sanctions you could perform, and ask her why is she breaking formation for casual idle talk while out on a quest. There is… something about Salicera that always rubbed you the wrong way, and you recent success with the Sanction emboldens your inquisitive spirit.

>Write-in.

>>6015351
>Listen to Salicera, but keep your emotions veiled. She has proven time and time again to be the best among you four, but why would she want to be so close and personal just because you managed to do a good job with that Sanction?

>>6015351
>Listen to Salicera, but keep your emotions veiled. She has proven time and time again to be the best among you four, but why would she want to be so close and personal just because you managed to do a good job with that Sanction?
Saw too little of her to make a judgement yet.

>>6015351
>Listen to Salicera, but keep your emotions veiled. She has proven time and time again to be the best among you four, but why would she want to be so close and personal just because you managed to do a good job with that Sanction?

>>6015393
>>6015481
>>6015485

interesting consensus here. I will keep votes open for one more hour since this message's timestamp and then write the update.

at any rate, to all players: please remember to vote or write in even if your idea goes in a different direction than the crowd's, or if you are outvoted. I aim to include every vote in the update, colouring it differently according to your decisions (Argia's inner voice).

this is not politics: your voice does count.

see you in a bit!

>>6015351
>Listen to Salicera’s words, openly. You can admit you are a bit eager – you may be fast, and strong, and trained in the way of the Knight, but Salicera has always showed a natural talent that far outstrips what you possess. Perhaps you are even a tiny bit jealous of her… just like you may be just a tiny bit jealous of Rubida’s smooth hair.

>>6015351
>>6015481
I think I'll change to
>Listen to Salicera’s words, openly. You can admit you are a bit eager – you may be fast, and strong, and trained in the way of the Knight, but Salicera has always showed a natural talent that far outstrips what you possess. Perhaps you are even a tiny bit jealous of her… just like you may be just a tiny bit jealous of Rubida’s smooth hair.
as well, just to try out a more open approach. If Argia gets hurt, so be it, she will be more on guard next time.

>>6015351
>Listen to Salicera, but keep your emotions veiled. She has proven time and time again to be the best among you four, but why would she want to be so close and personal just because you managed to do a good job with that Sanction?
Maybe she thinks we're cute? Just kidding, haha, unlessssss...

>>6015351
>Listen to Salicera, but keep your emotions veiled. She has proven time and time again to be the best among you four, but why would she want to be so close and personal just because you managed to do a good job with that Sanction?

>>6015393
>>6015485
>>6015508
>>6015535

>don't fangirl

>>6015502
>>6015495

>fangirl

so very light fangirling I guess? Writing!

>>6015351

You take another good look at Salicera Fors, at her long braid falling on her shoulders, at her light clothes, at the longsword peeking out of her right side. Hers was the only name you knew before you were assigned to this training unit. The other two ladies-in-wait were just here for the benefits, but Salicera was the only other one who embraced a true career as a Knight of Ansàrra.
And she was, for all intents and purposes, better than you at it.

Not that you minded.

Not too much.

Sometimes you just did stumble upon people like those. Master had been another such case.
So again, you should not mind.

And now, the very same Salicera praised your work.

It feels like a part of your heart feels like you are finallyshowing these people that your cursed hair do not define you. Silver is an unlucky colour, but you can be more than that. You can be the Knight your Master expects you to be. The Knight your family needs you to be.

So, you steel yourself and rein in your enthusiasm, trying to keep your face a mask of serene neutrality.

If your ears stopped feeling so hot it would be better… and once again you feel warmly thankful to Master for gifting you this cape.

“What of it? Ansàrra decided to bestow Her grace upon me,” you say, your eyes leaving her face as suddenly the muddy road beneath you looks much more interesting. “It had happened before and it will hopefully happen again.”

“I suppose so. You seem closest to Her than all of us in a way,” she says tilting her head. She opens her mouth, closes it, then Salicera seems to catch on a different line of thought. “How do you feel about tonight’s raid?”

You frown.

“Are you calling it a raid already? I thought it was just an investigation.”

Salicera’s brown eyes shift towards the carriage and she lowers her voice even more, leaning to her left so that she’s almost speaking directly to your ear:

“They would not bring that to a simple investigation. They would not bring me. They would not bring… you. Don’t you agree, Madama Candente?”

[cont.]

>>6015598

As a rule, you do not really like being close to people.

People bring crowds.

Crowds grow into throngs.

Throngs are mindless, heedless beasts.
Prowling howling trampling crushing.

Sometimes, someone gets hurt.

You shudder, shutting off bad memories as you withdraw from Salicera’s lips. She catches on your reaction and withdraws as well.

You are once again just a Knight trainee, under the rain, holding onto leather reins. Your horse wobbles beneath your legs and the rain bathes your lips in sudden kisses.

“Apologies,” Salicera mutters. “Perhaps I stepped into your inner garden. It was not my intention to annoy you.”

“N-No, perish the thought,” you reply. The last thing you need is even more sympathy and condescension. “I was just—” How can you put this? If only this was Rubida, you would feel no need to even justify yourself. “I was just taken aback, that’s all. I am a little antsy. Perhaps it is like you—like you said, Madama Fors.”

“That?” She asks tilting her head towards the carriage.

“Indeed.”

“Hopefully as a last measure,” she mutters, then raises her brown gaze towards the skies, and you follow her gesture.

Is it just you or is the rain starting to wane, bit by bit?

“Please excuse my strange words, Madama Candente,” Salicera says at last, turning to look at you with a sheepish smile.

She rubs her finger against her cheek, showing a tinge of embarrassment you have a hard time applying to your mental image of the same girl who turns herself into a whirlwind of steel and screams.

“I feel like we have shared the same company for a while, but we have merely begun to know each other. If I may use daring words once more…” she adds covering the side of her mouth with her hand, “… I do believe I may have more to share with our vanguard than we both believed? Let’s hope so. I suppose we shall see soon.”

She chuckles and then she does… that thing.

[cont.]

>>6015600

She squeezes her right eye and clicks her tongue at the same time.
It’s like she got dust in her eye for just a moment and then it’s not there anymore.
You have never seen anyone do a gesture like that, and you have travelled hither and tither with Master, for three years.

Nobody makes that gesture.

You may have tried to try it out, in the safety and privacy of your room, but to be fair, you never got the appeal.

It’s just another little quirk of Madama Fors, you decide.

“We will follow your plan, then!” Salicera grins, raising a hand to bid you goodbye as she rides her horse towards her own place in the formation.

“It was your plan,” you remind her. “Wasn’t it? You suggested to stop and bid for Sanctions. I merely—”

“This is a night where we ought to share, Madama Candente. Merits and guilt alike. Glory, hopefully.”

“H-Hopefully,” you agree.
What else should you say?

You often feel like the world is this wide wide wide ballroom, and everyone is dancing to some music you can’t hear, and you would make a fool of yourself nevertheless.
Salicera just confounds you.

She got so close, and then she spoke so cryptically, and now she’s disappearing behind the carriage and you won’t see her anymore until you reach your destination.

She has left you all bothered and uncertain and strangely hopeful for things you cannot even imagine.

“… hold us by the hearth of the heavenly home, may we be spared the hail and the storm.” you whisper, reaching for your votive cameo once again. The presence of Saint Bragia’s relief just beneath your fingers, once again, comforts you.

It does so even as you keep riding your horse, even as you try to listen and check whether the rain truly is dying down… and if the clouds are about to part.

Then, bit by bit, the road grows steeper, so steep that you feel yourself arching your back for balance.

Your horses’s canter slows and become more erratic.

The wheels of the carriage squeak in the mud.

Truly, wonder what Salicera did mean before?

The couple of horses pulling on the carriage whinny under effort and you feel like the martial chaplain is shouting something ahead, or maybe not.

Why did she lean so close to your ear?

Why did she—

Next to you, something cracks.

The right wheel of the carriage snaps like a twig, skittering off into the mud and disappearing down the cliff.

The horses whinny as the carriage wobbles, tilts.

It seems to grow so large and dark over you.

Ever larger.

Ever closer.

>Best of 3: roll 1d100 against a DC of 65 (60 base, +5 because you were caught in your own thoughts).

Ending update on a cliffhanger? More likely than you think!

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>6015605

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>6015606
Nice roll!

>>6015605
Maybe we can crit?

>>6015606

there it goes my rocks fall everyone dies. nice roll anon, sharp and quick!

>>6015608

crit is if you roll a 100 or get quads (or 1 but that's for negative crits)

>>6015609
We still have one more roll to try for that 100/quadpost! Let's impress Salicera!

>>6015611
let's hope so. I'll be going to bed for now, I suppose we can hope for another update in about 15 hours. I'll wait for the final roll to see if you get that crit hoping you don't get all your crits where you don't need them!

thanks everyone for playing, see you soon!

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>6015605
so there's a secret weapon in the carriage. can't wait for it. btw I gotta ask if you were inspired by the Lady Knight's Quest to make this one ? while a religious knight isn't a new thing, his quest was the only one to do it recently and with a femc to boot.

>>6015798
>secret weapon

maybe.

>Lady Knight's Quest

Actually I was inspired by Disappearing Hogwarts Quest of all things. I had so much fun reading it I decided to take the plunge. Originally I had an idea to set the quest at a magic academia set im this same world, and actually in Argia' s homeland, the Sea of Candéa/Mar da Candéa she has referred to a couple times. It's a familiar location to me and I already set a short novel there, so I had some previous worldbuilding to fall onto.

But then Argia pinched my cheek and I chose her. She's a character I seem to deal with a little better and it was ideal for a first quest. Especially considered this is her first quest as well.
She has a bright future ahead, if you manage to keep her alive.

As for LKQ I read the first few posts (it's real good), but I am not sure if I will continue to avoid being influenced too much. Even if as far as I can say I am taking the campaign into a completely different tone and themes.

I especially would like to explore Argia's own relationship with faith, agency and self-determination, as it is central to her character. I suppose we will see how it goes. For now I'll try to focus on learning how to be a decent QM. Thanks for the question!

>>6015606
>>6015608
>>6015798

[b]83,37,72[/b]

Nice rolls! Writing!

>>6015605

You swiftly pull on the horse’s reins, getting out of the way as the bottom right corner of the carriage swings, making it turn until it grinds into the mud, wobbling dangerously, and then it slowly tilts back until it falls back on three wheels, the pulling horses still scampering, all antsy.

“Candente!” Comes the voice of the chaplain, turning his horse to check on you, “are you alright?”

“I believe so, Sir,” you reply, your voice a bit strained. You can still feel your heart beating in your throat.

You were fast enough to avoid being pushed to the ground. Your horse might have fallen upon you and—

Not a good thought to have.

But what matters is that you are fine.

Through the thin veil of rain you see the carriage is still mostly intact, but it’s not going anywhere, unless you either find the broken wheel and repair or it put another plan together. Which might be a problem.

Just another one.

“I think the carriage is stuck,” you point at the place where the broken spoke bit deep into the mud. “I doubt the horses will be able to pull it out. We need to put something beneath it first.”

But it will be hard to get it some purchase with the ground so wet and slimy. Even if the rain does die down… which would expose the ring.

“We may be able to salvage the spoke. Did you see where the wheel fell off?”

“Somewhere down the cliff, Sir,” you reply pointing behind you.

“And it’s already sundown… what a blasted night!” He curses.

Then, from the inside of the carriage comes a noise like shifting parchment, and tinkling trinkets, and finally one of the metal windows opens just a sliver, to expose the bandaged profile of a pale face.

[cont.]

>>6016295

“Chaplain Selevanda,” she says with a voice that is nary a whisper but manages to be clear enough to sound as if it were right beside your ear. You shield your eyes in respect as the martial chaplain starts to reply.

“[i]Domina[/i].” He greets her, bowing his head “We seem to have, uhm, hit a snag.”

“I could perceive that from my bottle of ink turning into bottles of [i]spilled ink[/i],” she replies with an icy sigh. “So be it. Fix this, please. Ere the rain stops and the silver light of the Adversary reaches, if you at all can. Employ the trainees well.”

She shuts the metal window and you can see the chaplain’s shoulders slump.

You see Salicera get close as well, leading the other two and you share a look with the brown-eyed trainee.

>You decide to volunteer to go find the wheel. Without it you are going to have a hard time moving the carriage. Perhaps you five can affix it to the spoke and at least pull the carriage towards more favourable ground.

>There’s five of you and five more horses. You could still try to attach ropes to the opposite side of the carriage and pull it up, tilting it slightly so that it still runs on three wheels.

>You and Salicera are by far the most able and experienced. You can volunteer to check on ahead for signs the sacrificial well is close, and come back to help in a while. It should be safe, as long as you don’t ride too far away.

>Write-in.

this is an important vote so I will need a majority. I will be giving four hours from this post’s timestamp before tallying up results. You can ask for more info and I will reply, if I can. Think this thoroughly.

>>6016301
>>You decide to volunteer to go find the wheel. Without it you are going to have a hard time moving the carriage. Perhaps you five can affix it to the spoke and at least pull the carriage towards more favourable ground.

>>6016301
>You decide to volunteer to go find the wheel. Without it you are going to have a hard time moving the carriage. Perhaps you five can affix it to the spoke and at least pull the carriage towards more favourable ground.

>>6016301
>>You decide to volunteer to go find the wheel. Without it you are going to have a hard time moving the carriage. Perhaps you five can affix it to the spoke and at least pull the carriage towards more favourable ground.

>>6016301
>>6016301
>You and Salicera are by far the most able and experienced. You can volunteer to check on ahead for signs the sacrificial well is close, and come back to help in a while. It should be safe, as long as you don’t ride too far away.
Going big or going home, and we're all out of home.

>>6016301
>You and Salicera are by far the most able and experienced. You can volunteer to check on ahead for signs the sacrificial well is close, and come back to help in a while. It should be safe, as long as you don’t ride too far away.

>>6016328
>>6016367
>>6016386

zenposting

>>6016431
>>6016494

hornyposting

Also some stuff showed up so I am extending voting time to 60 minutes from now. Then it's writing time

>>6016301
“I might be able to locate the wheel, Sir,” you decide to say. “Let’s see if we can attempt to make it work.”

“This looks beyond repair to me,” the chaplain groans, jumping off his horse and checking the state of the carriage, the thick wooden beam embedded in the mud as rain tinkles off his armour.
“But you are welcome to try. It can’t be too far.”

He snaps his fingers and he turns to address the other three.

“Soralisa and Salicera will stay here with me,” he points to the two brunettes, and then to the only one left out. “Rubida, you follow Candente and watch her back.”

“Sir!” She protests, her hands gripping against the reins. “You have seen what has happened. Wasn’t it such a sudden misfortune? Are you sending me off into the forest with—”

“I can go alone,” you interject, but it seems the chaplain is done listening to your bickering.

“You four shut your mouth before I send you off back to the Holy Land, one kick at a time! Misfortune or not, you will accompany Candente. Find the wheel and bring it back.”

He shifts his gaze to Soralisa, who shivers and tries to hide behind Salicera.

“You two, gather all the horses and help me tie ropes on the other side of the carriage. Let’s try some other solution while we wait for Candente.”

Rubida glares at the chaplain, but in the end she relents, bringing her horse close to yours.

“Make way,” she hisses, riding it past you and towards the cliff.

“It fell on the other side,” you point out in a whisper.

“I knew that!” She shrieks, turning her horse in the right direction.

Salicera shrugs and waves at you as you follow Rubida down the muddy road.

Hopefully this will just go smoothly.

The rain feels ever lighter upon your skin.

[cont.]

>>6016583

At this point it is truly getting dark. You reach for your backpack, safely strapped to the horse’s back and take out a thick vial of what looks like transparent water.

You put it against your lips and murmur a brief auration.

“Chiaro è lo sole ne le acque de lo meriggio ansante. Chiara sia la nostra strada nella valle de lo ignoto.”

As you take your lips away from the vial, the liquid inside brightens until it starts to glow – a warm and incandescent radiance that’s soothing, and helps you see better than a torch.

You strap the vial to the side of your brigandine, and notice that Rubida is doing the same, carving out the shapes of your horses out of the blackness.

The auration makes your head fuzzy for a little while, much lighter than it would have been if you had cast a full Sanction.

You need to be careful — these hills are treacherous in the best of times, even if they are so close to the Holy Land.

There is a bad feeling biting at the mouth of your stomach, and it refuses to let go.

You grasp your axe.

You ride in silence, checking for broken branches, places where the wheel might have passed through.

For a while, the only sound is the soft clop of hooves, their raspy breaths and Rubida’s armour creaking and tinkling every time she leans out to check.

“I see nothing here,” Rubida sighs after a while.

“Patience.”

“I ran out of patience long ago, Candente.”

“That much is obvious—”

“Listen,” she hisses, turning her horse to reach for you. Her animal is larger and taller than yours, so she does loom a bit over you, her beautiful face framed by perfect black hair. “Is this all just a game to you? Like before, in the cave?”

Ansàrra Everburning, in this moment you hate Rubida so much more than usual.
She has better gear. A safe future ahead.

She is not here on some Quest to save her soul, like Saint Kishirra of old (may her name be blessed) or to help others.

She is here because one year of training in the outback counts as full remission of every sin, and in the eyes of a noblewoman of the Holy Land, it is a prize beyond compare if one has to be shipped off to marriage.

How do you know all this? You are not completely certain, but the way Rubida dell’Obertengo has always carried herself, together with her first-grade armour and weapons, as opposed to your assigned axe and downsized protections, with its thin tetrarmide layers, has spoken it loud and clear.

Maybe Salicera was right when she said that the two of you have far more in common.

[cont.]

>>6016588

“I merely lend you a hand,” you remind her with a sneer.

You should be a better devotee and not let these dark thoughts and words spew out of your mouth like sizzling tar, but Rubida’s accusation makes you want her to share in your hurt.

“Was that too much for you? A hand from the cursed one, from—”

“Oh, now you finally admit it,” she scoffs, pointing at your hair, barely visible underneath your cape.

You two are alone in the deep forest, there is no sight of the wheel, and you should stop this, but Rubida’s words tip you ever closer to rage.

Besides, she is a Knight in training.

She is honour bound to give you satisfaction if she keeps besmirching your person.

And she may have better armour and weapons, but she surely was not trained by Mastro Ibardo Delebasse.

“Do you think I wanted to have these?”

You growl, pulling down your cape just a little bit, exposing the tip of your silvery hair.

“I was born with it. Just like you were born in the safety and luxury of the Holy Land, far away from swindling merchants and the grinding gears of Frigeìa. But I have proved my worth, again and again. In the eyes of Ansàrra before yours.”

Rubida’s mouth curls into a sneer.

“You don’t get it, do you. I’ll let you see.”

She fumbles with her armour and pulls back a length of steel and then the leather cover beneath to show her skin.

It’s her right arm, and you suddenly remember that she has always kept it covered.
When she pulls back, you can’t stifle a soft gasp.
Her flesh is mangled.


For the length of two palms, her right arm looks like an old gnawed bone, muscles fibres twitching aimlessly in the golden glow of your vials.

It’s not fresh, it’s… old.

It couldn’t be healed.

“What…”

“My uncle,” she explains, her voice as sharp as glass. “A devotee. A good man. Beloved and upheld as a paragon of virtue.” She pulls the cover back, and then the armour on top of it. “On the outside, of course. The apple always rots from the core, as they say.”

“He gave himself to the Sisters,” you murmur, quickly connecting the dots.

“I was nary a child,” she recounts. “He pushed me. I—” she shakes her head as if to dispel the memory, and the coolness of shame rises to strangle the fire of your previous anger.

“I am sorry. For what it’s worth.”

“Then you already know what its worth may be,” Rubida adds, cradling her arm. “I have my own share of sorrows, Argia Candente. The Holy Land is not without its shadows, may they be borne from within or carried from the outside. But you will forgive me if I keep my distance from someone who carries the very sign of the Adversary on her own head,” she says pointing her finger right there.

[cont.]

Rolled 70 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>6016614

“I was granted the Sanction. Tonight, and many times before.”

“So was my uncle,” she replies.

“Are you saying that Ansàrra can make this kind of mistakes?”

“All I am saying is that She must have tried until the very last moment.” Rubida shrugs and pulls her horse away, once more checking between the branches and the leaves. “You will never know when they snap. I don’t want to be there when it happens, Argia Candente.”

With that, she shows you her back.

It’s clear this part of the conversation is over.

You are not going to snap.

There is nothing to snap from, you remind yourself.

You will not end up like that.

You are just here to prove your honour, and then, in a few months, you can leave this horrid year of training behind and go back to Master.

And when you will be crowned Knight and your family will finally be given access to the Holy Land, you will know that Rubida had always been wrong.

But it’s still a long way until there.

You sigh, trying to clear your mind of what you saw. The cobwebs of your sympathy for what Rubida went through beckon you to temper your anger.

“I think I have found it,” comes her voice. “Perhaps.”

You bring the horse next to hers. She is pointing her finger towards a wide hole in the ground, its lip surrounded by trees, but sharply leaving room to sprawling bushes and then… is that ice?

But there is something that resembles a wheel in the middle, for sure. The size is right, and the shape… you can’t really tell from here.

“Let’s check,” you say. If anything to show you are willing to listen.

You two bring the horses down, bit by bit. You frown as the air turns cold, then chilling, then bone-freezing. You shiver and pull yourself closer.
Rubida’s teeth are already chittering. Her metal armour is a trap.

“I’ll go,” you say, but before she can even react, there is a sound like raking nails and the and vials shatter, their light extinguished.

“Candente?” Rubida whispers. She’s pointing at the wheel.

The wheel that is starting to quiver.
And stand up.

It’s not a wheel.

>Roll: best of 3, 1d100 against a DC of 80 (70 base, +10 due to the cold).

long as fuck update, but I really wanted to show Rubida’s character a little more. Oh, and now it looks like you are in trouble. Best of luck with those rolls, frens. Next update tomorrow.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>6016643

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>6016643

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>6016643

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>6016643
I hope that roll is not for the monster's attack
>>6016654
>>6016660
>>6016670
of course we haveto fail now, it wouldn't be a proper quest otherwise

>>6016775
>of course we haveto fail now
Just like pottery.

>long as fuck update
Good as fuck update, QM. I enjoy your prose nd setting!

>>6016654
>>6016660
>>6016670

uhhh Anon...

>>6016775
>>6016818

getting amazing rolls on deciding the length of your eyelashes and getting nat 1 in a fight for your life is just upholding a noble tradition

Next update in about 7 hours.

>>6016818
[i]thank you so much anon.[/i]. I am so happy you are having fun

>>6016643
It’s hard to see in the dark but you see well enough.

This [i]thing[/i] resembles a wheel just in its shape, as a round collection of bones, roots, and branches as curved talons which unfurl before your eyes, rattling and creaking.

In the shade, you see the profile of what looks like a human skull, elongated and misshapen. The thing rears and prances just as the horses do, trying to get away, but their hooves have a hard time finding purchase on the frozen terrain, and they have to struggle just not to fall at the bottom of the ravine.

The abomination studies you two for a moment, then —

You are ready as it reaches for your throat, its fangs bare and sharp as knives.

You try to swing your axe and hit it in turn, but this thing is [i]fast[/i].

It avoids your lunge and coils around your arm.

“Ah!” You cry, more in surprise than pain as the thing’s fangs luckily fail to penetrate your inner plates, but your relief if very short-lived.

The serpent pulls you down your horse and towards itself, the deadlight in its empty sockets speaking of hunger.

You pick your axe with your left hand and strike, but the thing is tough. It presses you upon the icy surface as it draws you ever closer, its wooden extremities trying to coil around your legs, around your torso, like a frenzied spider. It creaks and shrieks with a chilled hiss.

Tthe cold is starting to seep into your bones. You have no idea where it comes from, but it’s starting to make you shiver as your muscles strain.

“Get off me!” You strike again, but you barely have time to nick at it before you have to parry another lunge as it tries to bit your throat. The thing is so close you can make out the pockmarks and scratches all over its boney mask as it rattles against you, trying to get to your warm flesh, to your lifeblood.

Something wheezes in the air past you. A throwing hatchet hits it straight in the middle of the skull and it pulls back, releasing you. You quickly stand up, tossing a look behind you at Rubida, who is still riding and has just thrown one of her axes, her other hand wrapped around the reins of your horse, which is still trying to get away.

You and Rubida share a look. She may hate you, but she hates you [i]less[/i]than this thing.

You grit your teeth and turn towards the snake.

Your left arm aches and you feel like your right one is about to pop off its socket, but as usual, you feel bruises to your pride much more starkly.

You take pride in being Ibardo Delebasse’s only disciple in more than twenty years. You won’t allow this thing to stain the name of the Master… or to allow Rubida to tell the entire camp how she saved your shiny silver butt.

As the serpent-thing scrapes its head against the ice and pushes off the hatchet, you tap your finger against the cameo of Saint Bragia.
May she guide your hand.

>Best of 3: roll 1d100+21 (+15 from your axe proficiency, +6 from Saint Bragia’s cameo), DC 65 (55 + 10 from the cold).

Rolled 50 + 21 (1d100 + 21)

>>6017458

Rolled 71 + 21 (1d100 + 21)

>>6017458

Rolled 76 + 21 (1d100 + 21)

>>6017458
Aah! Skelepede!

>>6017458
Btw are we using that buff rn or it’ll only come if we ask for it ?

>>6017472
good
>>6017524
better
>>6017535
now we're talking

>>6017611
You can use it whenever a majority of you decides to. Do you want to use it now?

>>6017642
Nah, I'd save the sanction for when things are dire. We have a whole cult to tackle, right?

>>6017645
So it seems, unless you feel courageous and vote to throw away your ace in the hole. Hey, fine by me if you do

>>6017642
No

File: Marine Kneel.png (83 KB, 310x289)

83 KB PNG

>>6017642
>Do you want to use it now?
nope, we still have a cult to cull after all. also being able to choose when to use instead of literally being the 1st strike makes it a little better than it was sold to us, QM you sly dog.

>>6017671
I'll add a friendly OOC reminder that if I treated Ansàrra's Sanctions as a big deal... it's because they probably are a big deal.

>the I kneel reaction image

I am blessed

>>6017686
>I'll add a friendly OOC reminder that if I treated Ansàrra's Sanctions as a big deal... it's because they probably are a big deal.
sure, I don't think any of the blessing were weak but since Daybreak Smith just said it applied to one hit and nothing else made it seem less useful than it'd be since most of the time you have to fight the weaker cultists before getting into the big one(s). with the info that we can choose when to activate it, now it looks better than Searing Blood, for example.

File: Argia SMASH.jpg (10 KB, 64x64)

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>>6017458

Even in this tense situation, you feel like being honest. Maybe Saint Bragia Lacresta, Archiater of Ansàrra and First Martyr to the Adversary, does not descend from the heavens bathed in a halo of searing light, raising her Morningstar in a divine strike of righteous retribution.

But maybe she did glance in your vague direction.

“Rrraahh!” You shout, your voice sounding coarse through your strained lungs.

Breathing in the freezing air hurts. Your axe cuts through the thing’s misshapen limbs and shears its knitted torso, screaming metal grinding against bone and wood.

Tiny splinters hit your face as your strike goes through any defence the monster may have and cleaves it right in twain.

The two halves fall to the frozen bottom, shuddering, shivering, and then one of them stops.

The one without the head keeps writhing there. You take a few more steps, clenching your teeth from the cold and you strike it again.
And again.
And again.

Until each chopped piece does not move anymore.

Panting, feeling the strain on your wrists from wielding your axe with such fury, you pick up Rubida’s thrown hatchet. It has bent in the impact and it’s probably useless now, but you feel like bringing it back to her.

“T-Thanks,” you say as you turn to your reluctant companion, your teeth chittering.

“Pick up a piece of it,” Rubida asks. “Soralisa will want to see.”

You nod, even if you really don’t feel like putting your hands there. You pick up the largest and closest piece even as your body gets raked by shivers. Breathing in this cold air feels utterly painful.

“I did not know,” you say climbing back up, when breathing in does not feel like swallowing needles, “that Soralisa was brave enough to look at abominations that closely.”

“She doesn’t,” Rubida replies, taking her hatchet back with a nod. “But she studies what terrifies her.”

“I had no idea.”

“Hardly a surprise, Candente.”

You ignore her goad and jump on your horse, holding the severed piece in your left hand.

Only then you realise that you picked up the head.

>Get out of this cursed spot and keep looking for the wheel. You came here for this, after all.

>At this point, it's clear that something is afoot. You better bring this up with the others.

Further dialogue/rapport choice:

>Thank Rubida for her help. It wasn't strictly necessary but it did help.

>You already thanked Rubida enough. It's obvious she only threw her hatchet out of duty.

next update tomorrow. I think it will be a pastebin with some more info about the character, mechanics and the world. At this point I believe you might find it handy.

Also, congrats on surviving your very first fight, anon. Good job.

>>6017779
>At this point, it's clear that something is afoot. You better bring this up with the others.

>You already thanked Rubida enough. It's obvious she only threw her hatchet out of duty

>>6017779
>At this point, it's clear that something is afoot. You better bring this up with the others.

>You already thanked Rubida enough. It's obvious she only threw her hatchet out of duty.

>>6017779
is that an aimage for ants ?
>Get out of this cursed spot and keep looking for the wheel. You came here for this, after all.

>Thank Rubida for her help. It wasn't strictly necessary but it did help.
thanks op

>>6017779
>At this point, it's clear that something is afoot. You better bring this up with the others.

>Thank Rubida for her help. It wasn't strictly necessary but it did help.

>>6017779
>At this point, it's clear that something is afoot. You better bring this up with the others.
>Thank Rubida for her help. It wasn't strictly necessary but it did help.
But also make a jab in return.
Something like
>"Didn't think it's in you to strike precisely with an ally so close to the target. Thanks."
inb4 "Accidentally hitting a cursed one isn't one of my worries."

>>6017821

>smol image

I am still unsure about what to use as pics for updates. I used to add buttons incons like that over the course of another webnovel, I might do it again.

I am not sure whether I should use AIslop either, I tried it before and the samey style makes it look kinda terrible desu.

I am open to suggestions.

>>6017857

I like this

>>6017779
>Get out of this cursed spot and keep looking for the wheel. You came here for this, after all.

>You already thanked Rubida enough. It's obvious she only threw her hatchet out of duty

>>6017791
>>6017793
>>6017834
>>6017857

>bring it up with others

>>6017821
>>6018258

>keep looking for the wheel

Also, 3 against further thanking Rubida, 3 for. I’ll write something appropriate.

Writing!

File: the forest looms.jpg (269 KB, 1280x853)

269 KB JPG

>>6017779

The forest looms.

You two spent a brief moment sharing ideas on what to do next. The wheel might be somewhere around here, but you are still shivering from the encounter, and not all of it is due to the cold.

Sometimes you glance at the ruined head you hold by your side, teeth aimed away from your thigh. It hasn’t moved yet, and the hatchet mark, courtesy of Rubida, is clearly visible.

She’s good at throwing. Master wasn’t one to teach you anything past a few basic moves as far as throwing weapons was concerned. He always deemed it a very last resort, and a dishonour to toss your weapon away during battle.

Then again, he was the bearer of a priceless relic from centuries ago, and you had been given a standard axe. You pass your thumb over the deep crack on the skull.

“That was a good one,” you remark.

Rubida turns towards you, creasing her eyebrow.

“I did not say anything.”

“I meant this,” you lift the skull.

She gives you a strange look.

“Was that a way to thank me once again?”

“No,” you reply with the tiniest flush growing to your cheeks, thankful for the cover of darkness.

Truth to be told, you have been of two minds about what to do with Rubida after she… helped you. Not that you really needed her help.

And you are not going to say ‘thank you’ over and over again.

“Good. Because who knows, I might not have aimed at the monster after all.”

You scoff.

“Your aim is less good than hoped, then.”

“Now now, Madama Candente,” she smirks, “are you perhaps comparing yourself to a monster?”

“I’m no—” then you realise the trap she laid just about your feet.

Once again, you feel like dancing in a crowded room, and everyone is just waiting for you to misstep. The blush on your cheeks gets blistering.

“Don’t you dare mention it,” she cuts short.

And that’s that.

[cont.]

>>6018451
As you try to recover from making a fool of yourself once again, you also recover from the cold, and your heartbeat returns normal. As you slowly ride out of the forest and onto the winding road, something else hits you.

You are taking far too much time to come back.
You look up at the dull sky. The rain is definitely growing thinner, but the ring is still mercifully hidden.

Still, you feel this unbidden pressure, like an oily film embedded onto your skin.

One turn of the road, another, and you finally spot the others rummaging around the chariot. But the road to get there seems… stretched somehow. The trees, their shadows and their branches, thicker and darker.
For a few moments, you feel like you have made a wrong turn.

As you finally rejoin with your group, you see what they had been busy with so far. They tied ropes to the other side of the carriage and, using the other horses, pulled it up from the mud, the broken spoke sticking out like a broken bone. At least it seems the carriage will be able to proceed now.

“No luck with the wheel, hm?” Asks the chaplain.

“No luck and worse than that,” you explain showing them the ill-shaped skull.

The chaplain frowns, Soralisa goes white in the face and Salicera instead seems perhaps intrigued.

“Rubida and I dealt with this. It looked like the wheel from afar, but it broke our vials and it almost managed to do the same with my arm.” You shift your gaze towards the shy brunette. “Rubida said you would know what this thing is?”

Soralisa hesitates, then Rubida sighs and rides the horse up to her, wrapping her shoulders with her arm. She whispers a few words to her ear and then, finally, Soralisa gets close, picking up the skull in her trembling hands, her fingers exploring the pockmarks and the roots hanging from the inside of the skull like a brainstem.

“You s-said you found this in the woods? I g-gather deep inside?”

“Not that deep,” you reply. “We didn’t…” but then the same feeling reaches you. The pressure. The oily, slimy sensation. And for a moment you feel like losing your balance, as if the muddy road was shifting beneath your feet.

You look down and it’s not. The road are not changing before your very eyes.

That would be ridiculous.

“How long did it take for us to find our way back…?” You mutter.

“Soralisa,” Rubida encourages her. “You have to tell us.”

“I think those who built the sacrificial well did so inside the territory of a [i]Malostromo[/i].”

That name echoes from cautionary tales Master told you.

The Tree of Rotten Ways was never good news.

>>6018465

OOC: before I proceed, I wanted to ask you a question. When there is a tie, like there was before about how to interact with Rubida (hence, something that is not related to dices or important decisions, more interactions or dialogue), is it alright with you if I write an interaction that is a mixture between the two? Or would you rather have any decision expressed with a clear voting majority?

>vote below

inb4 there is a tie on the vote to decide what to do with ties

>>6018466
It's okay if you can mix them, although I think there'll be votes where that isn't possible.

>>6018466
Yeah mixing is fine but sometimes it won't be possible, as the other anon said.

>>6018466
Mixing when possible is fine, but as >>6018483 said, for more 'yes or no' decisions, you may need to roll for it or the like I guess.

>>6015600
I wanted to mention this for a while but kept forgetting it. This is kind of a schizo theory that sprung up in my mind following Rubida's arm revelation, but perhaps Salicera is an agent of the Sisters and is scouting us since we have the sign of the Adversary with silver hair. It is just a theory but if seemingly friendly paragons can be corrupt, then it's not impossible. We need to be on our guard.

>>6018483
>>6018505
>>6018511

Yeah, I’d mix only when possible. When it’s not an outright numerical vote or roll. Stuff like before, dialogue and interaction options.

Glad we all seem to agree. I’ll allow 90 more minutes of voting on this issue and then it’s writing time as we resume the quest with Soralisa’s first speaking role.

>>6018514

Hook me up with your dealer anon ‘cuz that shit good

File: Malostromo FACTS.png (639 KB, 1414x2000)

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>>6018465

Soralisa keeps explaining, gathering strength bit by bit, as she seemingly rakes her mind for more information on the matter.

“I-I asked how deep you went in the woods because usually you only encounter this kind of tree inside the oldest forests. I did not even think we would meet one here.”

Salicera is the next one to talk.

“So, I gather that is ill news?” She asks quirking her eyebrow.

A moment of silence stretches between her and the others. She tilts her head, puzzled.
“Did I say something weird?”

“I am just a little concerned you do not know about the Malostromo,” Rubida explains.
“I just could not receive the same kind of education you did,” she chuckles. “Please go Soralisa, did not meant to interrupt you.”

“Y-Yes, sorry. It’s awful news. This tree… it’s huge, white and twisted, like a miniature forest of thirsty pale knots. It develops by eating the blood of the animals and people that get lost inside its territory. It makes you lose your sense of place, and it can b-bend the area around you. The trails change, you get lost, and each step you take brings you c-closer to it. And when you inevitably r-reach the centre, you are so weakened you can barely stand on your two feet…” she hesitates. Rubida rubs her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“Take a deep breath. What happens then?”

“You fall upon its roots and it sucks your blood dry. Your bones then are reanimated as part of one of its bony thralls. T-This skull… this skull belonged to someone who got lost here long ago.” Her voice cracks. “T-That what’s going to happen to us if we d-don’t’… oh Ansàrra Everburning, we must leave at once! Or at least ask the Blessed Blind for help!” She juts her finger towards the motionless carriage. “Please, Sir! Allow her to help!”

The chaplain scoffs and you inwardly agree. The Blessed Blind dances to a higher tune than anyone of you. Push her, and you get shoved back.
[cont.]

>>6018770

“Let’s keep our head on our shoulders,” interjects Salicera, gently cupping Soralisa’s pale cheek. “We are not a bunch of hopeless enp-…” she stops and resumes. “We are not a bunch of hopeless peasants. You have the chaplain looking over us, you have Rubida, you have me.”

“We all have Ansàrra,” you add with a thoughtful nod, holding out your hand with your three middle fingers extended.

“And we have Argia Candente, finally,” Salicera adds with a little grin. “If this exercise was trying to make us work together, maybe it is working, don’t you believe so?”

Soralisa does not seem at all convinced, but between the two of them, she has to grace Salicera’s words with a little nod.

“Not that impressed so far—” Rubida mutters under her breath. “But I suppose at this point we need all the hands we can get.”

“So, Sir,” you say tilting your head towards the road. “Can we move the carriage? Did the Blessed Blind said anything while Rubida and I were away.”

“She has said all that she wished to,” he shakes his head. “That was supposed to be more than enough. A Malostromo,” he sighs. “What an evil fortune. At least you all have your Sanctions, don’t you?”

One by one, you all agree – you as first and Soralisa last.

“Then it’s decided. We keep aiming for the hilltop. It’s where the sacrificial well should be located,” he aims his hand at the winding road. Is it just you or does it seem to knot itself more than before? And the trees seem to grow thicker and darker…

At least you know it’s not your imagination.

But it might be a good thing, you tell yourself as you put your hand against your axe.

You cannot hack and slash at your own imagination.

[cont.]

>>6018772

“Hearken to your hearts, ladies!” The Chaplain rises in his stirrups. “You have almost half your year of training ahead of you, I want to see all of you at the anointment ceremony! That goes for you as well, Madama Soralisa.” He adds a little chuckle which echoes metallic through his armour. “I see all that time spent with your nose in a book did not go to waste.”

He makes sure the rope attached to his horse is tight and starts to ride towards the hilltop.

One by one, you all follow him, changing your formation into a five-pronged fan, with the chaplain on the right and you next to Salicera to cover the left side, which is the most exposed.

With a tired whinny, the horses all start to pull and the carriage groans and creaks on its remaining wheels, but it starts to move. You add a silent prayer to your thoughts.

A Malostromo.

Of all the things you could face… at least this will make for an interesting story to tell Master. Your heart feels a little warmer at the thought of his grey eyes glinting with pride as you recount this adventure yet… something you came out of unscathed.

Because you are Argia Candente, and you have a family to free.

“Keep watching your ropes!” The chaplain reminds you. “We shall make road and direction checks every hundred steps.”

You all nod and keep pulling up the creaking, tinkling carriage.

After a few more moments, Salicera attracts your attention by rapping on your armoured shoulder.
“A word?” She hushes, leaning forward and cover her mouth with the side of her hand. “Was I really supposed to know about this vampiric tree?” She asks, her cheeks turning a little darker.

“It is quite infamous. You hear all about it in many legends and folk tales,” you reply, surprised by Salicera’s reaction more than her previous ignorance. “But I suppose it is alright. We are all making a fool of ourselves tonight… me as well,” you add with a little slump in your shoulder. After your lousy performance for the first half of your fight, the confidence you got from performing the Sanction is all but gone.

“Just between you and me, Madama Candente,” Salicera whispers, so soft you almost lose her words over the wet clopping of the horses and the creaking of the wood, “They both look up to me. Rubida and Soralisa. I want to keep being someone they consider…” she hesitates. “An… an inspiration.” She leans back, slumping on her horse.”

“You are an inspiration to most of us,” you reply, feeling grand. Are you really trying to cheer up the genius swordswoman who is supposed to be on par already with established Knight? Truly a portentous evening. “I am sure a little slip up here and there is not going to besmirch your reputation, Salicera Fors.” You say, putting a bit of strain on her family name.

[cont.]

>>6018778

She considers your words, her brown eyes looking past you are the forest ahead.

“I shall try to treasure your words, Madama Candente.” She pauses, and a bit of her usual bravado comes back to tinge her words, her eyes regaining their usual sheer focus. “And measure up to them.”

“Indeed, you want me to look up to you as well?” You tease, trying to muster a bit of hopeful mood given the task ahead.

Her smirk fades, but the steel in her eyes seems to grow.

“Nay. In fact, I hope we can look at each other on level ground, Argia Candente.”

Then she turns and checks on her rope, leaving you pondering on her words.

“A-Anybody can t-tell me when I ought to stop holding onto this dreadful skull, please?!” Shrieks Soralisa.

>The confrontation is ahead, and the slimy, oily sensation upon your body keeps growing. At this point, you should treasure Soralisa's words and try to see past your troubles with this group. You either get through this together, or not at all. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use on the benefit of others]

>As you keep riding on your horse you keep thinking about Salicera's words. The two other girls are looking up to her. And how couldn't they? Salicera is everything a Knight ought to be, and most importantly, she's not cursed. Just another reminder that your place is not here. You will do your best during this exercise... but then everything will go back to how it has been. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use for your own benefit]

Longest update yet. I had a blast writing it, I hope you liked it. I will leave you to your voting window, which I am closing in 15 hours from now. As always, thanks a lot for playing! I really like how we are starting to get into the heart of things... let's just hope we can get out of it.

>>6018791
>The confrontation is ahead, and the slimy, oily sensation upon your body keeps growing. At this point, you should treasure Soralisa's words and try to see past your troubles with this group. You either get through this together, or not at all. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use on the benefit of others]
thanks OP.
>>6015895
somehow I missed this response.
>It's a familiar location to me and I already set a short novel there, so I had some previous worldbuilding to fall onto.
>But then Argia pinched my cheek and I chose her. She's a character I seem to deal with a little better and it was ideal for a first quest. Especially considered this is her first quest as well.
so Cadente was an OC you already wrote before, but she wasn't going to be the mc at first ? fair.
>She has a bright future ahead, if you manage to keep her alive.
>As for LKQ I read the first few posts (it's real good), but I am not sure if I will continue to avoid being influenced too much. Even if as far as I can say I am taking the campaign into a completely different tone and themes.
I see, althought I dunno if the influence could be that much since you already start with different rules.
>I especially would like to explore Argia's own relationship with faith, agency and self-determination, as it is central to her character. I suppose we will see how it goes. For now I'll try to focus on learning how to be a decent QM. Thanks for the question!
No problem, waiting warmly.

>>6018791
>The confrontation is ahead, and the slimy, oily sensation upon your body keeps growing. At this point, you should treasure Soralisa's words and try to see past your troubles with this group. You either get through this together, or not at all. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use on the benefit of others]

Salicera a cute.

>>6018791

>The confrontation is ahead, and the slimy, oily sensation upon your body keeps growing. At this point, you should treasure Soralisa's words and try to see past your troubles with this group. You either get through this together, or not at all. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use on the benefit of others]

>>6018791
>>As you keep riding on your horse you keep thinking about Salicera's words. The two other girls are looking up to her. And how couldn't they? Salicera is everything a Knight ought to be, and most importantly, she's not cursed. Just another reminder that your place is not here. You will do your best during this exercise... but then everything will go back to how it has been. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use for your own benefit]

>>6018791
>As you keep riding on your horse you keep thinking about Salicera's words. The two other girls are looking up to her. And how couldn't they? Salicera is everything a Knight ought to be, and most importantly, she's not cursed. Just another reminder that your place is not here. You will do your best during this exercise... but then everything will go back to how it has been. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use for your own benefit]

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>>6018819
>Candente was an OC
yeah, I have a novel in the works starring her. She's cute to write for.

>waiting warmly
aww now you are making me blush

>>6018823
She is!

>>6018819
>>6018823
>>6018851

[b]3[/b] for banking a roll for others

>>6018864
>>6019259

[b]2[/b] for demanding our pound of flesh

Voting closes in 90 minutes from now. Then it's writing time.

>>6018791
>The confrontation is ahead, and the slimy, oily sensation upon your body keeps growing. At this point, you should treasure Soralisa's words and try to see past your troubles with this group. You either get through this together, or not at all. [You will get the chance to bank a single 1d100 roll to use on the benefit of others]
>I had a blast writing it, I hope you liked it.
I did.

Another schizo theory because I'm not sure what Salicera wanted to say with "enp-": she wanted to say "npcs" and is actually the hero of an isekai. This is supported by the fact that she isn't knowledgeable about common folk tales like the Malostromo. Though most likely she simply grew up sheltered and didn't know much of the world and wanted to say something else altogether. (yes I am insane)

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>>6019360
thank you for your vote anon - this brings the total to 4 vs 2 in favour of banking a roll to save your fellow Knight from something bad.

You will be able to bank this roll over the course of the next updates, following certain actions. I will specify when you need to roll in order to work towards your banked Nat 1, rest assured.

And now, the news...

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>>6019431

You keep looking around you, trying to perceive where the next threat might come from. The road is starting to change direction, as well. You raise your gaze from the horse to notice that the trees seem to have suddenly come much much closer.

You five have to change your formation at times to pass around a tree, or to avoid losing sight of the others.

From time to time, a “Report!” from the chaplain breaks the silence, to which you all reply your name; and you also make sure the ropes are all secured.

For the first few hundred steps, even as the road keep twisting in ways you did not expect it to, this still feels somewhat safe.

It’s strange. You are all working together, for once. Flashes of previous campaigns appear in your memory: each time you four trainees went out on the field, there was a clear distinction between the trio headed by Salicera, and then, you would just fight on your own, counting the days that separated you from your next meeting with Master.

Now instead – would you look at that: you even heard Soralisa speak more than three words. You started to see a side to Salicera you never knew it even existed.

And Rubida even threw a hatchet without trying to hit you.

As far as you could tell.

You pull the rain cape a little tighter upon your shoulders as the few raindrops that still manage to get past the cover of the trees fall around you. This foreign dance, this… ballroom you have not been invited to and which has always felt cold and hostile to you—

Perhaps you have managed to take a correct step of two.
Perhaps.

You could at least hope so.

And maybe this time (just this time), you won’t have to face the unknown alone. If you learn how to coordinate together…

You may be able to get out of this terrifying situation.

You would need to properly understand how, to be frank. Soralisa is the best among you with Sanctions, Rubida can be solid as a support or scout, and you have been trained in pretty much every kind of martial weapon by Master.

Thinking about the way others fight is a little easier than trying to understand how others think, or which words to use, but at least you have a bit of experience with that.

Yes. Now you just have to decide what to do and who to talk with first.

>You turn towar

No, wait.

Something’s wrong.
It’s been silent for a while now.
Gulping, you reach at once for the rope tied to the carriage, pulling it taut.

Trying to.

It hangs loose and useless like a worn-out sleeve from your arm, sharply cut.
And the dark branches of the trees surround you and your horse, blocking all sight and every possible path.

You are alone in the twisted forest.

You probably should have taken the chaplain’s words about keep your wits about you... a little more seriously.

>Discuss what to do as Argia mentally kicks herself for daydreaming again.

>>6019360
>Another schizo theory because I'm not sure what Salicera wanted to say with "enp-": she wanted to say "npcs" and is actually the hero of an isekai. This is supported by the fact that she isn't knowledgeable about common folk tales like the Malostromo.
hmm, this is kinda weak and she could just be sheltered, like you said.
>>6019431
>I will specify when you need to roll in order to work towards your banked Nat 1, rest assured.
AIIIIIIIIIE

>>6019455
damn, we got lost that easily ? welp, can we use anything to look for a way back ? maybe something to make some noise ?

>>6019455
In the image it was mentioned that the branch of a Malostromo could be used to find directions, can we use that? Though I guess Argia's not so close to the tree itself as to cut off its branch, but it's still good to be sure.

Besides that, I support making noise like the other anon suggested >>6019471 and maybe looking for the hill that we're supposed to ascend to find the well? Though I see in the update the trees are blocking sight... I'm at a loss. There's probably some detail that I'm missing...

>>6019471

You can try and find something resembling a trail between the branches and the encroaching roots, but it’s clear that the forest is closing in. Any trail would just bring you to the centre quicker.

Make noise to call upon the others might call worse things (remember the bony amalgamation), and at any rate sound never travels very far in forests, especially those so thick.

>>6019500

Using the info page I uploaded to gather info may definitely be good thinking, but the tree is certainly not at hand. Though, as you did point out, the tree does pull everything towards itself. It bends time and space to its whims, so it’s likely that the others have already gotten lost as well.

After all, everyone in its area of influence would be pulled to the centre, where the tree rests. That is what you remember from Soralisa’s words.

Of course, from your previous experience with hacking and slashing, you may figure out a way to deal with this obstacle…

>>6019574
USE DAYBREAK SMITE TO IGNITE THE WOODS. BURN IT! BURN IT TO THE GROUND!

Ok in all seriousness, idk how hacking and slashing will avail us. Seems like a good way to tire Argia out so she literally "falls to the tree's roots and gets her blood sucked dry", in the words of Soralisa. ig we can use our axe to cut a way through to the centre since we're going to end up there anyway at some point. This seems like the only anchor point to regroup with the squad, then we can see if we can figure something out together.

Can we use Saint Bragia's cameo somehow to lead the way for us?

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Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>6019586
>>6019455

>anon using his schizo powers

always a sight to see.

# # # # # #

Your hand coil on the reins, gripping on them for dear life. You are inside it - you fell into the trap, and the very air you breathe is damp with the feeling of despair and madness.

Your other hand feels the comforting hardness of steel. You have cut through hordes of enemies before. As the branches seem to get ever closer, you wonder if these malignant trees under the power of the Malostromo can be made to bleed.

Between your harrowing breaths, you feel the touch of your cameo against your breast.

What would Saint Bragia do in this situation?

Saint Bragia Lacresta, of the unwavering flame, whose flowers still sometimes bloom in the forgotten dungeons, guarding the bodies of lost Paladins…

Wait.

Through the darkness of mounting fear a ray of light peers through. You can’t die here. You have not come so far to die to a stupid tree.

“I can’t make a circle,” you murmur glancing at the profile of Saint Bragia. She is not striking beautiful like Saint Kishirra, she is not as awe-inspiring as Carnaval, the Angel of Ansàrra.

She used to be just a lost girl like you. But she never bowed the head. Not even when the Adversary rose in might to ensnare her.

Using the Sanction you called upon would be a terrible waste, but there is another you could use. Reaching for your backpack, you take out a long strip of cloth you use to hold your bread. But right now bread is the last of your worries.

The night that Saint Bragia was killed, Ansàrra mourned her passing with such anger that the night was sent shuddering and withered, licking its wounds in the murky corners of the sky.

Perhaps you can embody her sacrifice if… you are ready to sacrifice a little bit of yourself.

Blood better given to Ansàrra than some malignant plant anyway.

>Attempt to petition for a slow-burning version of the Sanction of Searing Blood, turning your left arm into a torch. It will likely cause some damage, but Ansàrra’s hallowed flames can make short work of steel and stone, wood would hardly be a problem. Of course, it’s going to hurt…

>You have an axe, trees are made to fall to axes, and there is only one way you are supposed to go. Let’s see how the forest likes it when you try to chop it off. You have a feeling that wood made malignant under the control of the Malostromo might be more vulnerable to your righteous anger.

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>>6019599
>Attempt to petition for a slow-burning version of the Sanction of Searing Blood, turning your left arm into a torch. It will likely cause some damage, but Ansàrra’s hallowed flames can make short work of steel and stone, wood would hardly be a problem. Of course, it’s going to hurt…
HOLY SHIT wood burning is actually go (this is probably a bad idea, but tiring Argia out is bad too, no perfect options, other anons' opinions?)

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>>6019633
>dat pic

Ansàrra's onyx tits, anon, I love it.

Argia is not one for half measures, it seems. Even if when they are probably bad ideas (but sometimes in a dire situation you can only choose the least-worst option).

I am going to leave votes and suggestions open for the next 18 hours this time.

Looking forward to see how this develops. See you all torrow!

>>6019599
>Attempt to petition for a slow-burning version of the Sanction of Searing Blood, turning your left arm into a torch. It will likely cause some damage, but Ansàrra’s hallowed flames can make short work of steel and stone, wood would hardly be a problem. Of course, it’s going to hurt…
after reading the story of that flower, I'm couldn't not choose the hardcore option. btw I'm assuming and Stilladìa is either some strong monster or some king of strong follower of evil here.
>>6019665
>Ansàrra's onyx tits, anon, I love it.
wait, she's a rock woman ? steven universe strikes again.

>>6019668

>the Stilladìa

you have already met her. I am working on a lore/characters pastebin to clarify a few details

>Steven Universe

please anon let's not bring blight upon this land.

Also, I have never properly described Ansàrra in any of my writings for very precise lore reasons; but 'onyx' is a good, if vague, descriptor.

>>6019722
>you have already met her. I am working on a lore/characters pastebin to clarify a few details
we did ? I'm more curious now

>Also, I have never properly described Ansàrra in any of my writings for very precise lore reasons; but 'onyx' is a good, if vague, descriptor.
oh, so it's the color not the mineral ? got it

>>6019599
>You have an axe, trees are made to fall to axes, and there is only one way you are supposed to go. Let’s see how the forest likes it when you try to chop it off. You have a feeling that wood made malignant under the control of the Malostromo might be more vulnerable to your righteous anger.

>>6019599
>Attempt to petition for a slow-burning version of the Sanction of Searing Blood, turning your left arm into a torch.
By fire be purged!

>>6019599
>>Attempt to petition for a slow-burning version of the Sanction of Searing Blood, turning your left arm into a torch. It will likely cause some damage, but Ansàrra’s hallowed flames can make short work of steel and stone, wood would hardly be a problem. Of course, it’s going to hurt…

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while we wait for the votes to approach the final tally, I have prepared you not one, but TWO pastes collecting info on your character stats, those of your companions, and another one which provides further info on the Powers of the world such as Ansàrra, the Adversary and the Seven Sisters.

Links below:

MC AND STATS:
>https://pastebin.com/By6W3xxD

LORE AND CHARACTERS
>https://pastebin.com/CuxGS43X

hope you find it useful!

>>6020222
can't read everything rn so mostly skimmed for the names and for the Stilladìa. So that's why silver is considered cursed and since you said we met her before, it must mean that she's the one responsible for our family getting displaced and probably why we have silver hair. btw you put the lore & cha link under the mc & stats and vice-versa, kek.

>>6020257

I noticed. Retardo QM as always

>she displaced us

not really, or at least not directly. I meant 'you' as readers/players, not Argia herself.

glad the reasons for the curse of silver are becoming clearer!

>>6020262
>not really, or at least not directly. I meant 'you' as readers/players, not Argia herself.
...did you make a previous quest with her ? wait, I just went to the top of the quest and now I get it, since it's a horned woman. does it mean Argia is destined to have her soul snatched since she picks an specific soul sphere and says our name ?

>>6020270
what happens to Argia is more up to you than to me.

>a previous quest

I'd wish. I have notes on at least a couple novels with her, but for now the Stilladìa sits on the benches twiggling her thumbs and waiting for those soul futures and options to mature.

>>6019599
>You have an axe, trees are made to fall to axes, and there is only one way you are supposed to go. Let’s see how the forest likes it when you try to chop it off. You have a feeling that wood made malignant under the control of the Malostromo might be more vulnerable to your righteous anger.

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>>6019668
>>6019770
>>6019787
>>6019633

>Burn it

>>6019757
>>6020356

>Chop it

While Argia takes a quit detour at home depot for a can of gasoline, I'll be writing the next update!

>>6019599

The forest seems to feel your ill intent. The branches loom ever closer, brushing and creaking against each other as air feels thicker. Not a drop of rain reaches your armour by now, so thick is the foliage around you.

Maybe the tree has perceived your intent. Or maybe it’s just hungry enough to pick you first.

“Big mistake,” you scoff, and your boast helps to fill your heart with a little more warmth.

You will not die here. Master has trained you too long and too well, and besides…

You pick up your axe and you swiftly pull up the sleeve on your left arm.

… besides, you are never truly alone.

“I am surrounded by a bunch of firewood, o Sun Birther,” you mutter as you cut the outside of your arm with the axe. Pain flares sharply — one, two, three. “It would be a wonderful occasion to introduce it to your Word.”

Just as blood starts to flow, you rip a few more clothes strip with your teeth and tie them around your arm, all the way up to your arm, forming a large knot, making it as wide and puffy as you can. You are going to need it.

Somewhere close, there is another kind of noise. Not just branches and wood creaking against each other, something large and heavy is approaching.

Whatever it is, you are in the middle of prayer now. It will have to wait.

You try to push your own fear away, focus on the pain, focus on the warm blood staining the cloth strips red.

You push out your thoughts, a beacon in the darkness. The circle is not there to help you, you don’t have the right preparation, you don’t have the right materials…

The cameo of Saint Bragia rests on your chest, though. And that may be all which you need.

That, and for your prayer to reach out to the Holy Land.

As you grit your teeth and the horse starts to agitate beneath you, it’s clear you have even less time than you though.

A few branches snap, behind the curtain of your closed eyes. The smell of dead things spread, thick and sickly sweet, mixed with a heady pinch of resin.

Please.

>Best of 3; Roll 1d100 add +6 from the cameo of Saint Bragia, against a DC of 48 to successfully cast the Sanction.

Rolled 72 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>6020406
c'mon lads, it's our time to shine

Rolled 21 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>6020406

Rolled 20 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>6020406

>>6020446
>>6020447
>>6020459

>78, 27, 26.
Close one, anon.

>>6020406

Light bathes your vision even through your closed eyelids. The soft gasp of when fabric suddenly catches fire flicks against your hair and when you finally open your eyes --

Your whole left arm wriggles with golden flames. They run up towards your wrapped hand, gently lapping at the knot you made, carving the shapes of the trees and branches from the night.

Their soothing warmth kisses your skin. After the fear and the desperation, it once more reminds you of summer.
Training with Master.
Seeing your skills improve.
Finding a moment of connection with Salicera and even Rubida.
The warmth seeps, gilded and welcome, all the way to your heart.

The closest leaves catch fire.

With a noxious scent of singed hair and burned skin, the branches burn, but they do not catch fire, instead blackening and coiling upon themselves like spiders do when their hour comes.

You blink through the wavering tides of light. Your arm still hurts, it's still bleeding, but it feels more like a distant ache now, like when you press your finger against a scab.

And then the sight of the fire and the flames, even as it hypnotises your gaze with their soft wavering, seems to draw you in... you sway atop the horse, wincing as you hear more of those heavy steps coming closer. Something is approaching through the curling branches, and with it the effort required from casting the Sanction, especially without a circle...

>You managed to receive the Sanction, but now you have to see if you can withstand its effects.
>Your left arm is now on fire: the Sanction should last at least a good half hour, but until it has ran out, you won't be able to use weapons or tools. You will receive a -4 (the 1d6+1 roll a few posts above), penalty to combat rolls until it heals.
>On the other hand: your left arm is now on fire. Use this info wisel- oh, who am I kidding?


>Best of 3; Roll 1d100, add +6 from the cameo of Saint Bragia, against a DC of 60 to resist weariness.

you have yet to score even a dub anon, I am sorely disappointed.

Rolled 77 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>6020474
Quads coming right up!

Rolled 37 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>6020474
So that’s what the 1d6 was for, welp. Also dubs are hard, qm and we did get one although it wasn’t during rolls.

Rolled 44 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>6020474

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>>6020483
>>6020491
>>6020497

83, 43, 50. Good job, anon.

one day you will get dubs, trips. even quads. I believe in you.

>>6020474

Once more, the demands of the Sanction seep into your flesh, hook into your soul. Just like the roots of the Malostromo would love to do, they try to sap at your life force, but—

“Day will rise again,” you mutter the words of Saint Bragia. The withering sensation fades, leaving you once more with just the dull singing of the flames. They dance and waver, chasing after the darkness, scattering it.

You can make out a slumbering misshapen shadow in front of you, shielding its sunken eyes from the heat and brightness of your left arm.

With renewed vigour making your heart soar, you aim your axe at the looming aberration: your glowing limb shows you a creature… no, an amalgam of bones and skulls and roots, just like the skeletal serpent you met before. This one though seems to have been made of many bodies conjoined. Pieces of rusted metal around its shins and a broken sword sticking out of its elbow suggest that the malignant wit of the thirsty tree is finally perceiving you as an enemy, and not just as prey.

The fact makes you smirk, even as the creature raises its arm, and the hors prances back, challenging.

>You wait for it to come close and strike it with your axe. Like before, these creatures may be horrifying, but they are relatively brittle. Let’s see how well this one fights without its sword… or without its head.

>You throw caution to the wind and pull on the reins, charging it atop your horse, a battle cry scraping your lungs.

>Your left arm is on fire.

>>6020504
>Your left arm is on fire.
putting it to good use already. also those santctions are kinda dangerous to use in the heat of battle due to the taxation that come afterwards, thankfully we're yet to get hampered by it.

>>6020511
you have been lucky so far. also, in general, shown good thinking and initiative.

of course, the [Weary] condition is no joke. and just wait to see the others...

>>6020504
>You wait for it to come close and strike it with your axe. Like before, these creatures may be horrifying, but they are relatively brittle. Let’s see how well this one fights without its sword… or without its head.

>>6020512
you mean our team ? shit

>>6020504
>You wait for it to come close and strike it with your axe. Like before, these creatures may be horrifying, but they are relatively brittle. Let’s see how well this one fights without its sword… or without its head.

>>6020504
>>You wait for it to come close and strike it with your axe. Like before, these creatures may be horrifying, but they are relatively brittle. Let’s see how well this one fights without its sword… or without its head

>>6020504
>You wait for it to come close and strike it with your axe. Like before, these creatures may be horrifying, but they are relatively brittle. Let’s see how well this one fights without its sword… or without its head.

>>6020504
>Your left arm is on fire.
Wasn't it mentioned that the holy flames consume not only wood but also metal and stone? Should be no problem to deal with the thing.

Rolled 17, 71, 35 + 5 = 128 (3d100 + 5)

>>6020511
>>6021016

>become firepunchman

2 votes

>>6020514
>>6020532
>>6020823
>>6020952

>burárum

4 votes

axes it is. Writing!

File: so axecited.png (577 KB, 594x908)

577 KB PNG

>>6020504

The stench hits you in waves. Thick and heavy, the same horrid sweetness you got used to during your travels with Master, with that hint of sap to remind you that this amalgamation is a revenant creature of the Malostromo. You stomach churns, but you hold on.

For a moment, even as the thing creaks and lumbers ever closer, its arm reaching its apex, you wonder who the bones and sinews used to belong to. You glance at a broken tibia, at a fragment of a rusty helmet caught between teeth, at empty sockets out of place, filled with the glow of your burning arm.

Someone who got lost? A mighty warrior, fallen to despair? A mother and child, slumbering in the endless roots labyrinth?

The gnawed mass of wood and bone and metal glistens at the light of your Sanctioned fire.

Time holds its breath.

You tense your right arm, gripping your axe -- whatever it is, it won't be for long.

# # # # # #

COMBAT ROLL!

# # # # # #

>Combat rolls usually work differently from rolls against DCs.
>You will be asked to roll 1d100 + bonus or malus
>This would be repeated for a total of 3 replies
>At the end, we compare each of your rolls to each of my rolls
>Higher roll wins.

So, now

>For the first 3 replies to this post: roll 1d100 and add +17 (+15 from your proficiency with axe, +6 from Saint Bragia's cameo, -4 from your bleeding left arm)
>Compare to my results of 22, 76, 40, and win at least ONE roll out of three

Rolled 45 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>6021107
Chop chop. Now I’m curious as to what’d be different if we went the firepunch route

Rolled 97 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>6021107
Axe time!

Rolled 7 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>6021107

>>6021137
>>6021138
>>6021140
we bet all 3, nice

>>6021137
>>6021138
>>6021140

You can always vote for it later on. The Sanction will keep your arm lit for a little while yet.

22 76 40
vs
62 114 24

good job, anon!

>>6021107

The thing lowers its arm, the rusty blades catching on the the light for a a moment. But your arm is much quicker, a steel lightning that strikes the limb of the conjoined creature. Your axe eagerly bites through the rotten wood and tainted flesh held together by the malignant will of the Malostromo, and it cuts it right off, sending it flying in the distance.

The creature does not scream nor reacts, merely stumbling forward and wobbling as its balance changes too sudden for the mind leading it to adapt.

You know what to do. Master drilled it into your mind far too many times. By now it's little more than habit.

# # # # # #

"Here," he says by pointing at his lower limb as he mimes a sword lunge once again. "Just as the shoulder shifts, you have to put your weapon where it will aim, not where it is right now."

"But if I can't even see it, how can I-- Master... I don't know..." You protest, your young body aching, covered in bruises where Master's wooden stick caught your arms unaware. Once, twice. Twenty times.

"It's all a matter of habit. You will train yourself to move without thinking. The warrior who stops and wonder is one ready for the grave, Argia. Again!"

He'd raise his arms to strike, and you, with your meagre strength and dull reflexes of a fifteen-years old girl barely escaped from the horrors of the Landing Strip, would wince and raise your arm to intercept it, until--

# # # # # #

You pull on the reins, using the horse's momentum to lean to your right, and your next swing catches the creature's very chest, cleaving it in two with a wet [/]squelch. The head of your axe cuts in one swing through wood, bone and metal, emerging close to its shoulder covered in filth and glistening with vengeances.

The monstrosity splits like a tree hit by lightning. Its two halves fall to the ground, and when they still try to tremble towards you, crawling on the dark grass like blind snakes, the horse quickly stomps on them, cracking skulls and snapping rivets.

At last, you take in a long breath, looking around you for signs more are coming. The dancing golden light of your Sanction shows only branches and leaves, each of them curling into black soot as the golden flames brush their kiss of death upon them.

You pat the horse's neck.

"Good job. I'd share an apple if I had it," you chuckle.

You swing your axe a couple times to clean it of filth, and then you can finally take a good look at your surroundings.

>The trails have disappeared, but with how easily the Sanction's fire burns through this filth, you are confident you can start creating your own trail.

>You couldn't recognise the bewitched bones, but they surely belonged to someone. You decide to take a few moments to spare a prayer to them.

>>6021165
>The trails have disappeared, but with how easily the Sanction's fire burns through this filth, you are confident you can start creating your own trail.

Anons generally vote fast, strange

>>6021165
>You couldn't recognise the bewitched bones, but they surely belonged to someone. You decide to take a few moments to spare a prayer to them.

>>6021165
>>You couldn't recognise the bewitched bones, but they surely belonged to someone. You decide to take a few moments to spare a prayer to them.

>>6021165
I don't see why we can't do both, in sequence, first prayer, then burning a trail. Or is it a decision about how much time we spend on stuff besides breaking through the forest towards the Malostromo? Because of the time limit of the Sanction?

>>6021351
Time must be the thing, anon

>>6021351
it surely is a matter of time. And also your companions might be uh... caught up in something. It's up to you to decide.

>>6021299
I for one appreciate it

Voting ends in 15 hours.

>>6021356
>>6021360
Alright.
>>6021165
>The trails have disappeared, but with how easily the Sanction's fire burns through this filth, you are confident you can start creating your own trail.
We'll avenge the bones by destroying the Malostromo with holy fire.

>>6021360
>I for one appreciate it
same, when I'm awake. so it's strange things were slow now

>>6021165
>>The trails have disappeared, but with how easily the Sanction's fire burns through this filth, you are confident you can start creating your own trail.

>>6021195
>>6021363
>>6021447

>3 for leaving

>>6021321
>>6021333

>2 for sparing a prayer

6 more hours to see if voting change. I need to catch some sleep today, uodates may be a little shorter.

Also nice triple trips anon, blessed. See you all in a bit