Previously, the young protagonist exited the forest and met with Roland, the Paladin of the 13th Order of Holy Knights. After explaining Mona's situation, redacting the portions about herself undergoing Ranger training, she convinced Roland to aid her in reclaiming what was taken from Mona in exchange for her magical powers. Now the group, along with a frightened squire and maimed inquisitor, arrive in Dragonfell.
The streets are as much you remember them, cold and winding. Having made is through the gates with ease thanks to Roland's position, you walk a fair ways into the outer rim of town, primarily a district dedicated to housing the rabble, and come to a cross street. Roland turns to you, his wounded comrade on his back.
"I must attend to something at the Our Lady of Luminescence. My comrades need patching, and I hope to learn about our attackers. It would be difficult to explain the two of you for the moment, however I might be able to escort Lady Mona under the cover of her condition. I don't suspect the two of you will desire to part, of course."
Mona doesn't seem interested either way.
>Travel alone
>Travel with Mona
>Ask/say
>>44000866
>Travel alone
>Ask for a bit in private with mona, y-yknow for what..
tell her to keep to herself about our ranger situation, and about her killing the rangers, also tell her to keep safe!
Remember to thank Roland for his kindness and help.
>>44000866
>>Travel with Mona
>>44001006
Mona agrees, and the two of you part ways for the time being. You now find yourself alone on the streets of Dragonfell, the greatest city for a month's ride in any direction.
Looking around, you see things as fairly normal, save for what appears to be a small crowd of busybodies a ways down the road. It might be best to avoid being spotted by too many people, however.
>Investigate the crowd
>Find another way to entertain yourself
>>44001096
>>Investigate the crowd
>>44001096
>Investigate the crowd
>>44001131
You make your way over and weave through the group to spy the cause of the event. Leanine against the wall, impaled by a spear, is a knight of the church of the heavenly god. His blood still flows, albeit slowly, meaning this was a recent attack. The people gathered seem either too shocked or too self-involved to take action.
>Look for clues
>Inform a guardsman
>Leave the scene
>Other
>>44001166
>>Look for clues
>>44001166
>Look for clues (*from a distance*)
>Inform a Guardsman
>>44001187
You peer around, using your enhanced senses to keen things about the scene. You surmise that the attacker ambushed the knight and fled down a nearby side street. To involve yourself further would be to stare at dangers face. Informing the authorities however would tie your hands, so to speak.
>Investigate alone
>Let the constables handle it
>>44001290
>>Investigate alone
>>44001304
You follow the trail left behind until coming to an alley. It is dim and eerie, but near the other end is a man hunched over, peering around as if waiting to see something.
>Confront him
>Observe
>>44001547
>>Observe
>>44001547
>Observe
>>44001547
You watch and wait a while as the man continues to nervously look over his shoulder. Eventually, another man approaches, cloaked in old travelling clothes. You close your eyes and try to listen.
"I killed him, just like you said, and with the spear you gave me."
"Very good. The church will no doubt understand the intent behind this. Here is your pay." A bag is exchanged, and the two go their separate ways. You follow, but both are gone from sight before you can catch eithet. It would seem there is intrigue to be had in town.
You lean against the wall and think. The hustle and bustle of the town makes it difficult of course. It's hard to imagine you were ever once used to such an uproar. You suppose you might try to inform Roland, but your history would make things complicated for him. Your only other option is to find somewhere to stay with the little money you have, barely enough to shelter you for two nights, or to simply wander.
>Rest
>Wander
>Other
>>44001757
>>Wander
>>44001757
>Wander
>>44001757
>Wander
Over yonder
>>44001777
You wander aimlessly around the west side of town, avoiding the grand bridges. Things seem normal despite te cold blooded murder afoot. By dysk, things settle, and your feet are a bit sore, so you sit near a fountain and relax. You dip your fingers into the water and splash around a bit, wondering about this and that.
At some point, you notice something going on nearby. You turn your head and spy Mona, amidst a few well dressed men. They seem to be leaning on her, though because of her condition it is difficult to discern their intention at a distance. You watch closely, and notice one of them resting a hand on her shoulder, seemingly trying to pull her along somewhere. Another touches her face, leaning in close enough that she turns her head away to avoid his glare. It might be time to step in.
>Let Mona defense herself
>Approach casually
>Approach aggressively
>Other
>>44001967
>Approach casually
>>44001967
>Approach aggressively
>>44001967
>Approach casually
>>44001967
>>Approach aggressively
>>44002169
You stand and wipe your hands, moving over calmly. As you come nearer, it is clear that these men see Mona as not just a conquest, but surprisingly a high born one. You arrive as they are trying to convince her each to let them escort her home. When she sees you, she brushes away the grabbing hands.
"My friend is here. I have to-"
"Ah, I see. By friend you meant your valet."
"I've never seen a valet dressed so clumsily." One if them tries to say without you hearing.
"Not to worry, she can come along. Just as long as I get to know a little more about you, my lady."
At this, Mona snaps her fingers, and all three of the men begin coughing and spitting up small bits of vomit and bile. She steps out from between them and out of the splash zone.
"Hey. Roland is in jail. He gave me clothes and some stuff. I'm tired. Can we go somewhere to eat? I want apple pie."
>Ask about Roland
>Take Mona somewhere safe
>Ask/say
>Other
>>44002342
>Take Mona somewhere safe
We gotta get away from these dudes, then we can ask about Roland.
>>44002342
>>Ask about Roland
>>Take Mona somewhere safe
>>44002342
>Other: WALK AND TALK GODDAMN
>Ask about Roland
>Tell her about what we saw
>Go where he is imprisoned or where we can talk about this with someone.
Also ask if his helpers are imprisoned, if not we can enlist their help.
Alright they framed Roland.
>>44002342
>>Ask about Roland
>>Take Mona somewhere safe
>>44002403
The two of you travel together, taking long strides. You exchange information as you go.
You learn that Roland reported to his superiors, then brought Mona to a grand library. They retrieved an ancient compendium of demons before going to Rolands private chambers. There he had maids wash Mona, and dress her in clothes he thought more befitting of a proper lady, including a black blouse and corset, a long skirt woven of soft wool, riding boots and gloves, and a riding cloak in a midnight blue. Shortly after having her hair brushed and tied, two other Paladins came and raised charges against Roland, claiming him to be in conspiracy with the church of the Earthly god. He packed the compendium, as well as a purse of gold into a sack for Mona before hurling her out a window and into the bushes.
The two of you reach a small Inn and decide to stop inside for a while at least. There Mona finishes her tale. She has little insight on the connection between the murder and Roland's areast, but you both agree they are connected.
"Oh, and before I forget, here."
Mona reaches into her sack and hands you a set of three finely crafted daggers, tucked neatly away into sheathes. You adorn yourself with them, feeling safer already. No doubt Rolands way of protecting you at a distance.
"Can we eat now?"
>Feed Mona
>Sweep the inn for information
>Other
>>44002695
>>Feed Mona
>>44002695
>Feed Mona
>Sweep the inn for information
Not mutually exclusive.
We might look into finding a doctor to take a look at our wounds too.
>>44002695
>Feed Mona
>Sweep the inn for information
>>44002695
>>Feed Mona
>>Sweep the inn for information
>>44002732
You order a plate and some sweet tea for Mona, and begin gathering intelligence.
"Paladins? Em are up in arms about something lately. I heard from a frieND that one of em were killed not a month ago, with a spear which the undertakers say only the monks across the bridge use. Ask me, it's their way of trying to keep the red queens children in line. They who as say the throne should go to them, since the prince is barely out of swaddling clothes."
"Murder happens every day. But to kill a knight takes guts. More guts than a bottle has at the bottom."
"The thirteenth order are cowards, so they say. Their leader is against open hostilites with the opposing church. Same goes for the seventh and ninth. Come to think of it, it was the seventh Paladin who was killed not long ago by the monks, right? Shows you what sympathy buys you in this world."
You return to Mona. Her meal is done, and she is flipping through the compendium, skimming pages for key words.
>Ask about the book
>Talk about Roland
>Ask/say
>Other
>>44002877
>>Ask about the book
>>Talk about Roland
>>44002877
>Ask about the book
>Talk about Roland
>Ask/say
talk to her about what you saw earlier, about the assassin and stuff.
>>44002877
>Ask about the book
What is she looking for?
>Talk about Roland
Does she remember from her time in the city where we might head to, in order to find Roland?
>Other
Ask her opinion on going back to the crime scene to try and locate the trail of the fellow who was ordering the hit
>>44002877
>>Talk about Roland
>>Ask about the book
>>44002919
You ask Mona what exactly she's looking for. She explains that she is going through every demon known to empower mortals at a price. From there she will narrow it down to those with strong magic ability, and from there to any who might empower witches.
"If the church arrested him, he'll be at the Palace of justice. It's connected to the Cathedral. The only way in is to be a member of the church. As for the crime scene, it'll be picked clean by now. It's probably better to wait until morning. The killer might come back out of morbid curiosity. I'm sleepy." Mona shuts the compendium and stuffs it into her sack before leaving you at the table to rent a room. Without a word, she begins heading upstairs.
>Follow
>Head to the crime scene
>Head to the palace
>Other
>>44003111
>Other
Doctor? Healer?
>>44003111
>>Head to the palace
>>44003111
>>Follow
Eh. Always best not to get into a jam without backup.
>>44003160
>>44003150
>>44003148
I'm so glad we're all in agreement
>>44003253
I know, right? Such perfect consensus is so rarely achieved. It's beautiful. I may cry.
>>44003148
You leave Mona to herself, confident she will be safe for the time being. Your arm has been itching, and youd like to get it redressed.
You ask around and are directed to a surgeon in not too far away. It is late, but for your coin he is happy to help. He removes your bandages, stitches your wounds, applies some tonics, and gives you a bottle of red capsules for the pain. After taking one, you feel good as new, though he stresses that too much strenuous activity will slow the healing to a crawl.
That done, you step outside into the chilly night air. You have a little money left. You aren't particularly hungry.
>Purchase leathers
>Return to Mona
>Head to the palace
>Other
>>44003371
>Return to Mona
Hope that dragon blood gave us a little bit of healing powers 'cause we need to be in better shape tomorrow.
>>44003371
>>Purchase leathers
Something to help us be less stabbable is always welcome.
>>44003371
>>Purchase leathers
>>44003416
With all the coin you have left, you buy a leather vest, bracers, and a wool hood. It isn't much, but it will serve. You then return to Mona, and get a good night's rest. You dream of a burning heart, and the blood of dragons.
Day comes, and Mona is gazing at herself in the bedroom mirror when you wake. The room she rented came with this, a basin, and a tub. It seems she made use of all three as you slept.
"This corset makes my breasts look bigger. It's sweaty though. I found a way to reverse my condition."
>Comment on the corset
>Ask about the process
>Insist on helping Roland first
>Other
>>44003596
>>Comment on the corset
>>Ask about the process
>>44003596
>Comment on the corset
>Ask about the process
>>44003596
>Ask about the process
It's not like we're commiting to do it right now
>Comment on the corset
"Hey, if you don't want it we can sell it for coin"
>>44003634
Mona remarks that she has enough money, pointing to a small castle of gold resting on the bedside table.
"Pretty much all the demons I found don't break contracts. I need to replace the missing parts of my soul. To do that, I need to cast a ritual, but the key component is hard to get." She turns to you, cupping her breasts absentmindedly. "We need an orphan soul. The sadder the better."
>"We can't hurt an orphan."
>"That's not something you find lying around."
>"Easy."
>Other
>>44003753
>>"We can't hurt an orphan."
>>44003753
>"That's not something you find lying around."
>"Can we use an already dead orphan? Please?"
>"And would that affect your powers at all?"
>>44003753
>>"That's not something you find lying around."
>Why is it better if it's sadder?
>>4400378
>>44003885
"Sadder, angier, all it needs is the intensity. Orphans just tend to be sad. As for a dead one, capturing a sout after the body dies is pretty hard. It takes a specialist. The only confirmed necromancer died over 200 years ago. It's fine though. I'm getting used to this. Today I woke up and ate a piece of toast and had a bath, and I didn't even think about how I'll never feel love or pain again. It doesn't even bother me that I'll die cold and alone. In a lot of ways, this is more practical." Mona turns back to the mirror. "I didn't tie my hair right. As for my powers, I should be just as strong. Consuming a soul is pretty dark magic. I might go to the fourth hell. But it's not like I'm afraid."
>Refuse the process
>Agree, on condition
>Ask/say
>Other
>>44004047
>Refuse the process
>We'll find another way
>Ask if she had access to a bigger and better library or maybe ancient stuff she couldn't find something better?
>>44004047
>>Refuse the process
>Ask/say
see if there's some way to communicate with the demon responsible.
>>44004047
Wow. That was so unintentionally brutal I actually laughed. Good show.
>>Ask/say
"Let's put that on the back burner. See if we can find another way."
Let's not unilaterally rule it out. Who knows. Maybe we'll run into a dying orphan.
>>44004078
>>44004094
>>44004139
"Maybe. It's possible a huge collection of dark magic records would have something. I wouldn't expect demon magic to be susceptible to much of the usual eye of newt though. As for talking to one, it would be pretty pointless. They don't break contracts. And if they did, they'd just want something worse in return. It's alright if you don't want to do it. The old me did this for you, for some reason. It made sense at the time. I'm hungry." Mona heads downstairs.
>Get some more sleep
>Follow
>Look at the compendium
>Other
>>44004271
>>Look at the compendium
>>44004271
>>Look at the compendium
Get ready to roll sanity.
>>44004271
>Look at the compendium
Not a lengthy one we still need to go and save Roland.
>>44004298
You move over to Mona's bag and retrieve the demonic compendium. As soon as you sit down and cracked it open, you notice Mona's notes and markings scattered across its pages. It seems she spent most of last night and this morning checking and rechecking, which is impressive considering you can barely parse the information contained within. You find a particular demon circled, "He who tempts the chaste". You do indeed see a footnote that explains a ritual to nullify a demonic seizure of the soul, though it is too complicated for you to understand. What is clear is that all mentions of dealing with demons are reflected as bleak, hopeless l, and damming. Getting ready to quit, you notice a page near the back, which has been bent for later location. You flip to it, and see that it is a ritual based around the consumption of ancient blood.
"Hey." You are shocked to see Mona returned, with a buttered roll in hand. "They're executing a knight outside."
>Ask about the blood
>Go outside
>Other
>>44004588
>>Go outside
>>44004588
>Go outside
Or rather, run outside, get ready to save our buddy
>>44004588
>>Go outside
Ah hell.
>>44004614
You shut the book and follow Mona out.
Outside, on a raised platform in the middue of the street, a middle-aged man kneels bare chested before two others in full plate. One, older and bearded, steps forward to address the thick crowd gathered here.
"Good citizens! Look upon this man! This treacherous, treasonous man. He who denies the throne it's rightful protector. He who conspires against the church of the Heavenly God. He will stand today as an example of what we as the defenders of this city will not tolerate. Before your very eyes stands the proud Sir Annandale. True blood descendant of The red queen. Log has his lineage been denied, but no more! Today he will prove before all that his blood is that of royalty, and his hand to be the guiding force our Kingdom needs!"
Annandale reaches to his side, and shows the crowd his weapon. A white longsword sheath with gold accents, and a fine handle if white and dark wood.
"This is the sword, First Light! My ancestor plunges this sword into the very heart of the Dragon of the Falls, two hundred years ago. Only one of her blood may draw it without burning his hands beyond repair. Now look upon me!" Annandale grabs hold and draws the sword in one grand motion. The blade shines in the sunlight, dazzling te crowd. They cheer and whistle, and only intensify their adulation as the blade makes a single stroke , removing the kneeling Knights head.
>Look away
>Cover Mona's eyes
>Watch
>Other
>>44004897
>>Watch
>>44004897
>Cover Mona's eyes
Wait who was this?
>>44004897
>>Watch
Welp, my head went right to Vreenak.
>>44005060
You look on as the head rolls from the platform and into the crowd. Annandale wipes his sword on the slumped body of the deceased knight, and replaces it in its sheath. The crowd cheers his name as he steps down and is guided away by a retinue of armored knights, back toward the palace of justice.
You feel a tug at your shirt, and look over to see the source. It is a young boy, familiar of face, clearly shaken by the execution.
"M-miss. A message from Sir Roland. Might we speak somewhere quiet?"
>Agree
>Refuse
>Other
>>44005199
>>Agree
>>44005199
>>Agree
>>44005213
The boy follows you back inside, and the three of you sit down. The Tavern is almost entirely empty.
"Sorry to bug, miss, but Sir Roland hasn't much time. They plan to hold a farce for a trial, and execute him in a week. He's been framed for conspiracy. He gave me this, and said to beg your help." The boy hands you a folded note, which you open and read silently.
"Dear lady, I hope this missive finds you well. I am locked away behind iron and restrained by chains, but my squire will act as my hand. Find the boy prince and his elder cousin. He must live, or Sir Annandale will ascend, and plunge us into war. I cannot bear the sight of my Kingdom ripping itself apart. Should you work to protect the boy, I will offer to you my eternal gratitude as well as my life. He is likely hiding away at the Stone Temple, where the warrior monks train."
You refold the note and pocket it. The boy across from you looks nervous.
>Dismiss him
>Refuse
>Agree
>Other
>>44005478
>>Agree
>>44005478
>Agree
>>44005478
>Agree
Fuck, any chance there are people who like sir Roland enough to help us break him out before he gets killed?
I mean the guy IS very loved
>>44005478
>>Agree
>>44005533
Before seeing the boy off, you ask after Sir Rolands men.
"The 13th is under much scrutiny mum. Anything they do will be noticed. But they love Sir Roland. Should the time come you need us, you need only show one of us that note, and we will know it to be his will through you. Choose that time with utmost discretion, and you will have 100 knights, 20 inquisitors, and 10 clerics at your back." With that, the boy hurries away.
>Head to the market to prepare
>Find the Stone temple
>Other
>>44005702
>>Find the Stone temple
>>44005702
>>Find the Stone temple
Unless there's anything anyone can think of as we might need?
>>44005702
>Find the Stone temple
Acquire warrior monk allies.
Ask Mona about the blood by the way
>>44005743
Smoke bombs, bombs, more throwing daggers, rope, provisions, robes/cowl, something to break locks, a whistle, potions, medical provisions, something to read on our way?I wonder what Russel is doing
>>44005737
You and Mona cross the great north bridge and make it to the black queens domain. After a bit of asking around, you find the Stone Temple. Located high on a rocky hill near the walls of the city, it towers over a good deal of the landscape. It's walls are heavy and the path to its entrance is steep. You have to pause to let Mona rest three times before reaching the final step, where a yard lay. There is a brick path to the main doors, lined with stone lanterns, and also with warrior monks, who sit meditating in silence.
At the far end, just before the doors, sits a young woman. Her hair is short and dark, and her olive skin has been lovingly brushed by the sun. She wears a white wrap around her chest, revealing her navel, and a pair of loose pants identical to the warrior monks. Her feet bare slippers, and her hands are wrapped in black bandages. As she gazes at you, you feel a wave of heat wash over your body.
"Turn back, assassin. My cousin will have his rightful place. It was decreed long ago."
>"I'm only here to warn you."
>"I'll be protecting him from now on."
>"Big talk is often the Herald of a weak back."
>Other
>>44005930
>>"I'm only here to warn you."
>>"I'll be protecting him from now on."
>>44005930
>"Big talk is often the Herald of a weak back."
>"Your kung fu is weak"
>"Also I'm not an assassin. She isn't either"
>Show her the document
>"I'll be *helping* with protecting him from now on."
>"Aaaand we need to save Roland"
>>44005930
>>"I'm only here to warn you."
>>44005983
She throws her head back in exaggerated laughter.
"Only an East side thug would talk like that to me. My cousin has all the protection he needs right here. Me. Pietra the 9th. You'd have heard of me if you weren't such a backwoods slob. Don't worry though, I'll introduce you to the twins in just a moment." She kisses both of her closed fists. "Unless you'd like to turn around and scamper away?"
>Accept challenge
>Refuse
>Surrender
>Other
Rolled 10, 1, 4 = 15 (3d10)
>>44006214
>Accept challenge
"Alright but if I win then you'll follow me and do as I say".
What is she the 9th at? Jesus, like, not even top 5, please.
>>44006214
>>Accept challenge
>>44006257
You accept her challenge. She gleefully cracks her knuckles, and without a moments notice, rushes at you, pounding the stone path hard. Nearly halfway across, you are shocked to see her hands ignite, trailing flames behind her as she sprints. In the last few meters of her charge, she leaps high and comes down with a powerful chop.
>Dodge
>Counter
>Parry
>>44006427
>>44006427
>Counter
Move to the side and cut the write wrap she's wearing with a dagger.
>>44006427
>>Dodge
>>44006427
>>Counter
I'm getting a lot of milage out of this one lately.
>>44006503
You avoid the fiery strike, dodging to one side just enough to bring you dagger around, slicing the fastenings on her top with expert precision. She falls as a heap on the ground, covering her chest and flaring red with embarrassment.
"H-huh?! That's not fair! Fight right!"
>"There's no fair in a fight."
>"Get up then."
>"Surrender?"
>Other
>>44006687
>"There's no fair in a fight"
Would she not, to protect her cousin?
>"Surrender?"
If she doesn't and chargest at us, crouch and trip her.
>>44006687
>>"There's no fair in a fight."
>>44006687
>>"There's no fair in a fight."
If you don't learn that, you won't be able to protect yourself, let alone your cousin.
>>44006750
Pietra slumps over.
"Fine you win."
You look over to the temple doors as they open, and a boy no older than Russel steps out. He is dressed elaborately in robes of silk. Beside him two monks walk, each carrying curved polearms.
"Forgive my cousin. Her talent for the monk arts are a source or pride for her. If only she were any good at bare handed fighting, she might one day be a threat to someone."
The boy stops shy of you, extending a hand.
Prince Ortho. Crown prince. My cousin is Esmeralda, Elda for short. She styles herself after the Black Queen, but she resembles not her constitution or prowess in battle. She is here as much as I to be guarded. I take it you were sent here by Roland? My soothsayer warned me of your arrival days ago. Come, let us go inside for tea." The boy prince heads back toward the door.
>Follow
>Help Esmeralda
>speak outside
>Other
>>44006987
>>Follow
>>Help Esmeralda
>>44006987
>>Follow
Ignore the adorable chuuniblob. Only way she'll learn.
>>44006987
>Help Esmeralda
>Follow
>Ask if they already have any plans
>>44007017
You reach down toward Esmeralda, offering a hand. She nearly slaps it away, but stops halfway and decides to begrudgingly accept your offer. You hoist her up, and she follows you inside while trying to refasten her top.
Inside you are led to a small chamber devoid of windows, but containing a wooden table and chairs. You all sit, save for the monks guarding Ortho, and tea is served shortly.
Ortho blows on his cup before speaking.
"As I said, my soothsayer predicted many events in advance of today. Sadly, she passed just yesterday from the stress of her visions. I hoped you would arrive sooner rather than later. I wish to hire you, in order to reclaim something I need to nip this silly uprising in the bud. Milk?"
One of the warrior monks extends a small pot of milk, acting as dexterous as an extension of Ortho himself.
>Refuse
>Deny
>Other
>>44007201
>>Other
Accept?
>>44007201
>>Deny
No milk. Elaborate on the hire.
>>44007282
You accept milk, ruining the tea. The monk pours a bit into your cup, and another, silent as a shadow, appears behind you to give it a quick stir before disappearing. Ortho takes a sip of his before continuing.
"I know you trained under the Rangers. And I know about your friend's accident. If you help me, I solemnly swear to reinstate the order as an ally of our nation, as well as give any help I can in aiding your, er, 'special friend.' Do we have a deal?"
>Accept
>Counter offer
>Refuse
>Ask/say
>>44007363
>>Ask/say
What assurances do we have of you keeping your end of the bargain?
>>44007363
>'special friend'
Lewd dude, we didn't do anything
>Ask/say
What Wren said +
Ask if he plans on saving Roland
Ask what he needs us to do.
>>44007408
You seem to stump Ortho. He clears his throat.
"Well, I suppose you may take my cousin. She is weak of body, but her talent for fire magic is sure to come in handy."
You look to Esmeralda, who sinks into her chair. She sips her tea quietly.
>Deal
>No deal
>Other
>>44007493
>Deal
She can train with us to be more useful even
>Other
questions from before
>>44007493
>Deal
>>44007493
>>No deal
Last thing we need is dead weight.
What. Does he want us. To do?
>>44007522
You accept. You notice Esmeralda looking down at her hands.
You follow up by asking what Ortho might do for Roland.
"Er, yes well.of course we'll have him pardoned. As for your task, what I ask is simple. Sneak into the castle and obtain an item of great potential. A bottle of strange white fluid that my ancestor kept. If what I've read is true, it is a mago catalyst that will stop the rebels in their tracks." Ortho seems quite proud of himself.
>Accept
>Refuse
>Other
>>44007722
>>Accept
>Other
talk with Esmeralda on the trip about Ortho.
>>44007722
It was meant to say magical, but whatever it's a mango catalyst now
>>44007808
now I'm getting hungry.
>>44007722
>Accept
Alright but we want him to try and stall best paladin's execution.
>>44007722
>>Other
"...how will it stop the rebels?"
My suspiciousness senses are tingling.
>>44007844
Esmeralda slams her hands on the table and stands, glaring at Ortho.
"That's enougj. I won't deceive people to realm our birthright, cousin. We have to tell the truth." Ortho chokes on his tea, and you see all pretense of confidence vanish.
"Ortho and I are the heirs by law. But generations of lax governing have left our family in shambles. We have no support. The uprising will be over the moment the knights charge the gates. We have one hundred monks, but against forty thousand, even their skill will count for little. Our fathers and mothers are dead. Our extended family are too weak and hedonistic to raise banners. Its just us." She and Ortho both look at one another solemnly. "But if we can how the people the true power of an heir, they'll take our side. Annandale is an imposter. His name is a coincidence. Sadly, there are no true heirs to the red queens line to dispute him. The last of her descendants died in battle years ago. All that remains are the church and a few non blood nobles. But Annandale wants war! He's only a brute! Please, help us recover the catalyst! It's the only relic that the church doesn't have locked away! It's our last hope!" Esmeralda reaches across the table and grabs both of your hands.
"Please?!"
>Agree
>Refuse
>Other
>>44008106
>Agree
Is there anything we can learn from the monks tho?
>>44008106
>>Agree
Ok, this may be a bit meta, but maybe we should brag Russel, because he seems to fit the bill...
Gonna wrap here, maybe continue tomorrow morning. Thanks for coming by everyone, hope it was fun
>>44008106
>>Agree
Now was that so hard?
Bloody nobles. It's like pulling teeth, trying to get a straight answer.
>>44008263
The plot thickens.
>>44008263
Archived, see you next time.
>>44008263
Twas indeed. Pleasure as always.
