>>25599832

Angus McHoller.

'What the hell are you doing here?'

>>25599832

Go back to sleep, they obviously have the wrong room.

>>25599865

Seconding this. Maybe more polite though. We don't have a sword.

>>25599910
>>25599900
>>25599865

Well, they'll see your face and know that they've got the wrong man, and you can turn around and-

'Are you Angus McHoller, sir?'

God damn it.

'I... am. And what are you doing here?'

To your surprise, one of them takes out a scrolled letter, with a wax seal, and then walks up to you holding it with both hands. This is weirdly formal. 'If you will receive, please, this letter of appointment...'

Huh? Appointment? Well, you might want to gauge your reaction to this. It could well be a prank - these people have their clothes on a bit oddly. But if it's real, then... someone in the Kingdom is giving you a job?

> What react?

>>25599928

Ask how much you'll get paid then read the letter.

>>25599928

Um... check the seal. Does it look real? Then open and read it.

>>25599956
>>25599950

You take the letter into your hands. Well, by appointment they have to mean something like these guards. To be honest, if it gives you a chance at restoring the good old days of House McHoller, you don't mind being a guard (for a while)...

'How much will I get paid for this?'

The guards look at you blankly. 'Um, paid, sir?'

Helpful. The wax seal looks authentic. You open it, but then the guards quickly withdraw, apologising for their rudeness in kicking down your door. The inn-owner, who had been staring daggers at you for days for your money, puts the lamp down and backs out.

That's nothing compared to the letter's contents, though.

'Angus McHoller,

You, a scion of House McHoller, are hereby summoned by royal command to become Lord of the District of Cackmere, in the south lands. You are to arrive at your post with utmost haste.

Signed,
Duke of Pensec'

You- They- You- what? You get up, still in your bed clothes, and look out. The sky is slowly turning blue again, but it's still night and you still want to sleep...

> What do? That's... a surprise.

>>25599928
Can we have a setting infodump?
What is "the kingdom" and why is it so special?

>>25600002
Seconded
>>25600000
Secure the letter somewhere it won't be stole over night and also get some sleep

>>25600000

Go back to sleep, this is obviously a dream.

>>25600016
This, but with better grammar.

>>25600002

Naturally.

Well, the Kingdom of Neronsec is your homeland, and that of your fathers and fathers' fathers in House McHoller. Stretching from the Red and White Mountains in the west and north, to the South Sea and Great Sea in the south and west respectively, it is a great and mighty realm, though it has many rivals in its neighbourhood.

The Duchy of Pensec lies along the southern coast, a wild land of hills, grass, and... to be honest you've never been there and you don't know anyone there, but where you were from, it is a land of legendary sheep-shaggers and cow-tippers. Thinking about that makes you a bit less enthusiastic about the whole appointment, for some reasons.

> What would you like to know, specifically?

>>25600034
What is the role of House McHoller in the kingdom? Are we a person of nobility, or a lower class?

Although, judging by the fact that we're sleeping at an inn, I'd guess the latter.

>>25600034
What has been our role in life up to this point?

Has there been any contact with the lands
outside of the kingdom?

What tech level are we talking here?

Are politics in the kingdom stable?

>>25600034

What I meant was, where you were from, Pensec is mostly known as a land of sheep-shaggers and cow-tippers. You're from the Heartlands, which are rather more civilised, and more into women. Human women.

>>25600016
>>25600021
>>25600032

You know what, you're probably fucking right. Appointment to somewhere in the south from someone you don't know for no apparent reason? Yeah, you'll be the fecking Crown Prince of Neronsec next.

You chuckle. But then just in case, you put the letter under your pillow. The door's going to be back on its hinges and you'll still be a dispossessed young lord who's fallen off the far branches, you bet.

Next thing you know, you are in a place you actually *know* is a dream. And it's not a good one either. Ah, fuck, it's the one you always have after the nice ones.

It's your father, lying dead on a pile of sticks.

> Did he die a violent death?
> Stand by, or go up to light the fire?

>>25600069
>Did he die a violent death?
No, his body looks perfectly healthy and there are no signs showing how he may have died.

stand by

>>25600069
We've had this dream before, just let it play out like always.

Also, is this the beginning of a new Lord Quest?
ilikethesoundofthis.jpg

>>25600051

Your role in life up to this point will be explored a little now. Pray be patient.

Oh, certainly. On your island there are three other kingdoms, one to the north of the Red Mountains, the other two to your west across the White Mountains. And across the Seas to your south is another even larger land, a continent even. The people there were highly civilised, but these days contacts with those lands have waned somewhat.

Tech level - a sword is a good weapon, four oxen is the ultimate in field-tilling, it turns out a fast flowing river can drive a wheel to mill flour (feckin' amazing), and writing is for the likes of you. Well. You can read fine, but your handwriting is horrible.

>>25600069
Yes, his throat is slit
stand by

>>25600115
thankyou :)

>>25600108
seconded

>>25600108
Thirded,
Always let the GM decide:
it makes for a better story.

>>25600089
>>25600108
>>25600117

You stand by, head bowed. This is a familiar dream after all; you know enough than to attempt to change the script.

Can you imagine it, a McHoller lying on a pile of twigs to be burned like a commoner? You look at the pale corpse. Sometimes he's intact, sometimes you think you see the wound that killed him, in his side or across his throat. Well, if someone didn't do that, the drink and the clap would have done it for them in due course. Your father made a hash of life, that's what you know.

'Cragg! Light the bier!'

Cragg, your older brother, goes up and takes the torch from the priest with a tattered robe. He sways visibly on the few steps to the bier. Yeah, like father, like firstborn.

You don't even know where he is now. You can imagine he's gone off whoring. See, you can even hear the whores.

'Sir? Lord Angus? Lord Angus?'

You open your eyes. Sunlight. No whore. There's a woman next to your bed! Oh, it's the inn owner's daughter, with your breakfast. 'Quick, Lord Angus, before Dad finds out I'm bringing you food!'

The door is not on its hinges. The soup smells... soupy. And you take away your pillow to see the letter.

Bloody hell.

> What do/say? Looks like it wasn't a dream...

>>25600157
Thank the innkeeper's daugher for smuggling us some grub.

Ask her what she knows about Pensec.
Don't want it to turn out to be actually full of cow-tippers.

>>25600157

What's the girl's name? Ask her if she saw and heard everything.

We... might want to start heading for our appointment soon.

>>25600157
Thankyou, <Innkeepers daughter>. I've just had the biggest stroke of luck in my life, so I don't think I'll be seeing you again.

Here, keep the change,I say, passing over approximately 10x the normal tip (if I can afford it) or the most I can afford if I can't

>>25600157
>> What do/say?
Thank the girl for breakfast.

Well ... Fuck. It wasn't a dream, it was real.

I guess we should get ready after breakfast and go down stairs.

See if those two guards are still here, they might want to escort us or something. The might be able to answer some questions.

If they've gone, I guess we just go to the court by ourself.

>>25600157

What stuff do we currently own? Any money?

>>25600157
Thank her, finish the soup, then go downstairs

>>25600183
>>25600187
>>25600196

'Thanks, Violet,' you grab the soup and bread. And then you realise she called you Lord Angus. 'Violet. Did everything last night happen?'

'Two men walk in and kick in your door, sir? I think so.' She gestures at the door.

'I see.' You dip the bread. 'Well, in that case it seems this might be the last time we speak, if I'm headed all the way south to Pensec.' You read the letter again, and then think about it. 'Wait a minute. Aren't you and your father from Pensec?'

'Yes sir!' Her eyes widen, as if she is expecting you to remember something... of some sort. 'Course we are! Where are you going?'

> What might you like to ask?
> Do/say anything else?
> Roll d100 to attempt to remember... whatever it was. That was quite an expectant look.

Rolling to remember,
we should at least try

>>25600214

Violet says the two guards buggered off last night. 'Didn't even bother to stay for the night. Typical.'

As for your possessions, to be honest, you haven't any cash left. Other than several copper coins - loose change, really. But you do have an heirloom sword, a fur cloak (it's good fur, it's really not cow), and then the clothes on your back. Oh, and an old nag on its last legs.

Come think of it, even getting to Pensec is going to be a bit of a palaver...

Rolled 34

>>25600259

Rolling to remember.

Ask about the climate in pensec. Maybe if it's warm, we can sell the fur coat.

Rolled 62

>>25600259
>What might you like to ask?
Ask her about the place. We've never been there and only heard the sheep-shagging rumours.

A little info couldn't hurt.

Rolled 37

Rolling to remember

Rolled 83

>>25600259
Rolling to remember

Will the inn take credit if we present solid proof w can pay it back (the letter) ad maybe give the coat as security?

Rolled 63

>>25600371

You suddenly remember a conversation you had with Violet which might be behind that look. She was supposed to be married off to some guy in this village, the miller's half-handed son (the other hand of his left hand went into the village grain supply; everyone commiserated but no one complained.)

She really does not want to though, and you think you can guess what she's thinking, even if she does not say it.

>>25600318
>>25600331

As you eat breakfast, you ask Violet some questions about Pensec. It turns out she's from a bit that's quite far from Cackmere, or so she says.

'It's a very nice place,' she smiles. 'I know, sir, everyone says we romp with the sheep and the cows, but I guarantee you, it is a nice place. If you like peace and quiet, anyhow.'

'Is it a wealthy place?'

Her face falls rather. 'Oh, that it isn't, sir. Not really. Mostly sheep farming. And fishing I suppose.'

'How about the climate?'

'Oh, it's warmer than here! There's a bit of wind from the sea, but that's all good with the sun in the sky.'

Well, well. You wonder about the inn fee. Maybe you could just give the cloak in exchange for all the payment you've missed? That should make up. But as for the business of Violet, well...

> Hmmm. All right. It seems to be planning and recce time.
> What do?

Rolled 38

>>25600259
Rolling to remember

About how much do we owe the inkeeper?

A horse worth?

A coat worth?

A house worth?

How much would a trade of our nag for a better horse cost?

>>25600408

The one time I snoop around in another quest and I forget to put the name back.

Rolled 20

>>25600408
How skilled are we at combat and what are the customs surrounding betrothal in these lands?

Would we be able to duel the one handed commoner for Violet's freedom and would she appreciate it if we did?

>>25600418

... ask Viola what she can do to get us some cash. Legally. And quickly.

If she can get us the journey money, we help her escape.

>>25600439
This.

I think we should make the cloak trade.
It doesn't seem like we'll be needing it anyway.

Just how much influence would us being lord give in this village and would people be likely to believe us if we presented the letter and sword.

>>25600447
This should be a fall back plan but we might be able to sort this without resorting to elopement and bringing down the inevitable pursuit and possible dishonour this would trigger on our newly noble head.

>>25600418

Those are pretty general questions; it does depend on the currency you've got and the quality of what you're buying.

You owe the innkeeper 'several silvers', he keeps telling you. That sounds a bit like extortion. But your cloak is worth more than that and he knows it.

As for trading your nag for a better horse in this village, it might be difficult. You won't be getting coursers in these parts, naturally. Your sword is worth a good riding horse, but you're a bit loathe to part with a McHoller heirloom.

>>25600439
>>25600475

Well, betrothal is mostly a matter of social convenience. Naturally, the innkeeper and miller marrying makes a pretty good match for a village.

If you challenge the miller's son or the miller, though, it wouldn't be for Violet's freedom - it would be for Violet's hand. Of course, if you're buggering off immediately you might slip out of that, but...

>>25600447

Violet blinks as you lay out the trade right there and then, and sputters a little. 'I... uh... hmmm... I might, actually, sir, I might. With the miller, the priest, and the chandler...'

Huh.

> What do/say?

>>25600509

Sorry, didn't see your post. But your point is taken. Running away could be troublesome, whoever with.

>>25600408
>What do?
We're bring her with us aren't we?
/tg/ Give us a chance to whiteknight and waifu at the same time, you know what'll happen.

"Feel like being a lords consort?"

What the hell, having some company and someone to tell us about the place could be good.

Offer to pay with our fur cloak and hit the road.
We've been summoned to court, better get a move on.

>>25600520
This but instead of hitting the road immediately head into the town square and cry for pistols at dawn (or swords at midday as the case may be)

>>25600510

Hmm. While sneaking off with Violet might seem sneaky, fighting a duel and then sneaking off with Violet sounds even worse.

If we're taking Violet (and with her local knowledge I'm for it), we ought to do it quietly.

Pay inn with cloak, violet fixes cash, we split.

>>25600540
Seconded

he only has one hand and owning a sword, even an heirloom, implies some level of competence with it. It's quite likely he'll back out when he sees we're serious (it was implied to be a marriage of convenience) and if not lets hope we roll low.

>>25600549
This could work but it may raise question at th appointment and risk our inheritance before we even have it.

>>25600540

Nonono, let's not. Sneaky is best.

>>25600510
Could we use our cloak, horse and maybe a few coppers as payment for the inn and to get a new horse?

Doesn't have to be a stallion, just something that would do the job.

>>25600540
If the girl in on-board with the idea, find the millers son, tell him to yield or get his ass kicked.
Then head out.

>>25600510
She'd better not be planning to prostitute herself for it, cos that's what it sounds like.

Inquire about just how she plans to get the money.

Sounds like a split-ish decision between duelling or scarpering. Will give it a little more time, so think it over.

I forgot to mention your skill at the sword - well, you had two or three years of sword training when you were younger, but that was some years ago. Then again, seriously, you're talking of fighting a young commoner with one hand.

Also, it does not escape you that were you to propose marriage to Violet to the innkeeper, he probably would not require any bloody payment from you. His daughter to a *lord*! He'd go kick the miller's son on your behalf if you made that proposal.

>>25600549
I don't think we need to sneak off with her.

OP said we could challenge him for her.

If such challenges are a legitimate thing, we can just win the girl and be on our merry way.

>>25600585
seconded

>>25600602

But making that proposal would make it public, no? Then we are bound to marry her? I'd much rather not, and fix a proper lord's marriage.

>>25600602
>were you to propose marriage to Violet
Before we commit to this, can we get a local custom info dump?

Lords marrying the innkeepers daughter?
Nobles marrying commoners in general?
More than one wife or consort?
Other stuff?

If this is something that will bring political scandal on us and fuck everything from now on, we should hear about it before we commit to anything.

>>25600602

Actually let's go with that! We say we'll get married properly at Pensec, and whisk her away. Legitimately.

>>25600637

Certainly.

Well, your new and mysterious status as a lord means you might be eligible for a more noble marriage, but honestly small lords like this (it sounds small) do often marry commoners. You wouldn't expect a Count, or a Baron to do it, but a small lord, yeah.

Monogamy is the norm. Having concubines or mistresses is common for nobles, but it can be expensive, and is a status symbol as much as a love or babies thing.

In general, unless you have powerful ambitions, there's nothing unusual about actually marrying Violet. But even if you do 'marry' her, divorce or annulment is often possible. Go to the priests and see what bit of a temple needs restoring, you see?

Definitely, if this marriage happens, it means a lot more for the commoner than for you. Then again, what can they do you if you don't actually marry Violet? You'd be halfway across the kingdom by then.

>>25600594

Violet smiles. 'I've got some debts I can recall, perhaps, sir.'

Perhaps this girl who brings you breakfast out of niceness each morning is a bit more cunning than she lets on.

> I'm taking the decision which is in favour of duelling. An honourable thing to do for a nobleman, after all!

Violet clears your breakfast with a hushed 'thank you', and sneaks off. Before that, you ask when she can get things arranged.

'Maybe by... this evening, sir. And what will you be...'

'I'll handle it.'

After waiting a while, you go out of the inn and to the small watermill. It's a humble building, and you can see the young man - quite a pleasant looking chap, actually - just hanging around outside it. His disposition changes somewhat as you go up to him.

'What'd you like, sir?'

'Well. I hear that Violet the innkeeper's daughter is promised to you,' you say, puffing up your chest. 'I would like to dispute that promise!'

'You *what*, sir?' He stands up straight now. He's a little taller than you, it turns out. 'Look, man, shall I call the entire village to watch you rant, you arrogant noble guest? What do you think you are?'

Woah. Didn't quite expect that amount of backbone, perhaps.

> What do? Make it a big thing?

>>25600700
I say we take her with us.

If we want to make it 'official' later we can, for now, just ask her if she'd like to be a lords consort.

Offer fur and horse in trade for our room at the inn and a slightly more sturdy horse.
Tell the millers son to yield or get his ass kicked then skip town.

>>25600799
>What do?
"I didn't come to rant, I came to challenge you for her.

She's non too happy about you and I've taken a shine to her.

Will you fight for her hand or yield?"

>>25600836

Seconding this. Hand on sword. We mean it.

>>25600805
Agreed, we'll take her to amuse us during the journey, and when we get bored of her we'll just dump her. It's not like anyone cares, and we're halfway across the country by then.

>>25600836
This, put on your fighting boots.

>>25600799
"Arrogant noble? If I were an arrogant noble, I'd be off with her already, nothing you could do about it. I've come here to give you the opportunity to fight for Violet's hand in a fair duel, and if you don't accept the challenge, I'll claim it as your forfeit."

Dude's a bit rude. We shouldn't mention that, though.

If he accepts, it's a duel in front of the entire town, nothing less.

>>25600858
Well, I guess so but maybe we could be a bit less dickish about it.

I'd prefer to phrase it more like 'It's not like it'll be official unless we make it so. We'll enjoy each others company and if it doesn't work out, we'll just go our separate ways.'

>>25600805
>>25600836
>>25600856

> Righto!

You put your hand on the hilt of your heirloom sword. The leather grip's a little worn, but it's a damn sight better than anything this miller can muster, surely.

'A lord does not rant. He commands, and if defied, he fights. So, sirrah, fight or yield?'

In that moment you see the man's resolve waver a little, though he is still more surprised than anything. He backs up against the wall, and then you catch his hand closing around something... damn, it's a working hammer!

> What do?
> If attempting to intimidate or fight, roll d100.
> If it's another cunning plan, state it.

Rolled 63

>>25600906

Shit. Kinda calculated he wouldn't actually fight!

Let's try to intimidate before he attacks. Rolling.

Rolled 92

>>25600906
"Choose your weapon and name the place."

Show no fear. Treat this fight like it's just another Tuesday.

Intimidate him with how completely non-concerned we are.

>>25600903
>'It's totally me, not you. Sorry it didn't work out between us.'
>*ditching noises*

>>25600934
Yeah, we gotta do this properly or not at all. This peon actually thinks we're going to start brawling right here and now, what nerve!

>>25600934
Awe yeah.

He just shit himself and folded like a house of cards.

>>25600962
>>25600922
>>25600934
>>25600946

> Good success!

You think of something in the nick of time, and press your sword flat against the scabbard lip so the drawing is loud and clear.

SCHIIIING!

The McHoller heirloom sword is a fine blade, too, and immediately the miller's son's hand stops before it closes around the hammer. You lower the point at him.

'Oi! Do you think I'm here for a brawl in a tavern over some whore? If you want Violet, I suggest you fight in public for her, and all honour to you. Or, you can be reasonable and yield.'

The moment of tension does not last very long. The miller's son frowns, and tries to bluster. 'You must be insane, sir. You have hardly any idea what Violet is like! I can only wonder what she has done to you during your stay in the inn!'

After which he scarpers for his hut.

You turn around, and then realise that there's been a small crowd building. Among them is the innkeeper, his face ashen. Oh. Oh yeah.

> Um. What do/say then?

>>25601000

Well. We have her hand then. You can have this coat.

Or something like that??

>>25601042

We should totally do that.

>>25601000
'Congratulations, my good man, today you've married your daughter into the nobility!'

>>25601000
An audience?

"Your daughter is a lovely young lady and I find myself liking her. She said she was unhappy with her previous engagement and I offered to fight for her.

We'll both be off today to the royal court, I hope we can leave with your blessing."

Offer fur and horse trade, hit the road before things get awkward or someone calls for a priest to make this official.

>>25601096
Sconding this.

>>25601060
>>25601042
>>25601070
>>25601096

You smile at the innkeeper. 'I suppose that settles that, boss? I might owe you some payment, but if you would like this cloak, I shall take your daughter with me.'

'I- we- they-' he gestures to the others, who stare back at him.

'Or will you not give your blessing, in which case-'

'No, no, my lord! Blessings, oh yes! I bless you! No! I can't bless you. I'll find the priest-'

Woah. Woah. 'No need for that. Violet should get a conjugal ceremony as befits her new status. I shall take her to my appointment site, and there wed her properly.'

'I... yes, sir,' he almost sighs as if defeated. Well, that's that!

> Say anything more to your rather confused father-in-law?
> Make any more preparations?
> Or just grab Violet and go while it's still light?

>>25601134

I think it's time to get out of dodge and set forth on our magical journey.

>>25601134
Fur.
Horse.
Girl.
Go.

Don't wait around for the other shoe to drop.

>>25601134
Grab Violet, hoist yourselves onto your rampant horse and canter away into the sunrise!

>>25601169
>>25601180

You pat him on his shoulder and hand him your cloak, then go off in search of Violet. When you finally find her, she's walking out the back entrance of the temple, and-

Uh...

'Sir! I was just about to head for the chandlers...'

'Is that a mule cart, Violet?'

'Mm hm.'

The priest owes her a mule cart. You're not sure you want to ask. 'We're not going to the chandlers', we're headed off. Do you know which way to go to Pensec?'

'Huh? Oh... I guess we head south? Just to start?'

South it is. You manage to get your old nag and slip out without too many people noticing - you're not sure where the innkeeper's gone, even. Then the road curves around a hill, and the village where you spent two months of your life goes out of sight.

'That's a bit of a hurry,' Violet mutters. Your nag huffs as if to agree.

> What do/say now?

>>25601240

"I'm...uh... just excited to start our new life, um... together..."

>>25601240
"Well, I received a royal summons, we should probably try to make good time.

Also, duelling for a maidens hand then eloping is very exciting. I'm keen to ride off together."

Onward. To adventure!

>>25601240
'Adventure waits for no-one, and we're starting one of the lifetime my love!'
Try to keep a straight face.

>>25601240
"Never a better time than the present, I say." Grin in a hopefully dashing way.

So are we actually going to wed her or possibly encourage her to perhaps fall in love with some strapping young lad, all full of vim and vigor?

Who knows, maybe we'll meet one on the way to our new home. While we make some easy cash while escorting a merchant caravan, perhaps.

This way we'd keep the door open for a possibly rich wife.

Or are we even that cunning?

>>25601291
>>25601267

'Eh?' You look over at her driving her mule cart behind you. 'Is there anything in the cart?'

'No, but it's nice to have one isn't it, sir? What were you going to say?' She sounds chirpy, and strangely unaffected at leaving her lifelong home.

'Oh, I was just... eager... to get going with the appointment. Also, duelling for a maiden's hand and then running off... rather suits me.'

There is a long silence from behind you.

'Did you just say you married me, sir? Are we married, then, sir?'

You're about to say something when the road forks into two, one heading into forest, and the other apparently looping around another hill. This is the Ashhead road, you find out; maybe both roads lead to Ashhead but by different terrain? Or... well, not having a map is a problem.

> What do/say?

>>25601311

Seconding this, actually.

I'm not sure we should actually marry her. Maybe having her, but marrying... it seems we could do with something more advantageous.

>>25601331

Divert her attention by asking if she knows which road to take, if she doesn't then flip a coin.

Rolled 1

>>25601331
>Are we married, then, sir?'
"It's nothing official yet but ... I guess we are, in a way. I'm a newly Landed Lord so I suppose the official term would be consort or concubine.

We can change that later if we want, nothing to worry about for now."

Ask if she knows which path would be better. Failing that:
1 Right.
2 Left.

>>25601371
>>25601390

'Um, well, we'll come to that. But do you know which way to go here?'

Violet looks around, drawing alongside you. You wouldn't say she was very beautiful, but in a rustic way there's something nice about her. But you suddenly recall what the miller's son said about not knowing what Violet was like. What *is* she like...?

'I think the forest route is for Ashhead, where we could stop for the night. If so, then the journey will take another day more - maybe 6 days in total. The hill route bypasses Ashhead, though, so while it's faster we might... be stuck outdoors.'

Hmm. Interesting. Civilisation or the outdoors? You've had your share of sleeping in the rain and it does not quite bother you to be honest. Also, you didn't think Pensec was that close. It sounded a bit more distant than 5 or 6 days...

> Well then. Where go?

>>25601425

Do we have money for a room/s at an inn? If not go the hill route.

>>25601425
We only had coppers with us. Best to go the shorter route and just camp.

We have a nice cart to sleep on and a girl to curl up with.

Ask her about herself, we should get to know her.

>>25601509
>>25601474

'Well, if we haven't any money for an inn or anything, then we ought to take the hill route,' you say.

Violet nods and goes along, but soon she raises the question again. 'Well... I guess we somewhat are. But no priest has said so. It is not in stone yet, if that is comfort to you.'

You turn around and see her blushing.

It would appear the forest road is a lot more popular; the hill route is almost empty, save for the occasional wandering traveller. The going is quite tough, which makes riding a horse or cart nice, but the views are lovely - rural valleys and forests.

'So, Violet, tell me something about yourself. And Pensec too.'

'Well, I was born in Pensec actually. Mother died when I was three, and father decided to move out. Ever since then he's been trying to dangle me out well.' She pauses. 'It's getting rather dark now, isn't it, sir? Do we... shall we set up somewhere?'

That makes sense. You tether the animals and park the cart at a bend in the road, almost like a little cave. It turns out Violet has a bag of raw rice, and you have firestarters, but not much more.

Meanwhile Violet asks you about your appointment. 'I never knew you were in line to become a lord, sir...'

> What do and say?

>>25601582

Best try to get a fire started somehow, and cook that rice. Do we know edible plants? Get some.

I think we should be honest and say we didn't know that either.

>>25601582
"Until recently I was a landless Noble. I come form Noble ancestors but that hasn't meant much for the last few generations.

I guess some cousins have died out and I'm the next in line for their Lands and Titles. Or something like that.

Tell me more about yourself, what kind of things to you like?"

Chat for a bit, set up camp and get comfortable.
Sex up the new waifu.
Get some sleep.

>>25601582
SHE'S YANDERE! ABORT, ABORT!

"It's as much a surprise to me as it is to you.'
Make plans to stock up on supplies next time we can. Uncooked rice and herbs from the bush aren't going to keep us fed.

>>25601688
This. Also lots of nobleman spaghetti should be dropped.

>eirfoljT commoner

>>25601582
"And I didn't know it was possible for a priest to owe a tavernkeeper's daughter a cart, mules and all. Seems there's lots we don't know about each other."

Are we hungry yet? Is there water nearby? Do we have a convenient shield or an actual pot to boil the rice in?

We should probably see about rationing the rice, it's gonna be a long trip. How long do we have rice for? Do we have any wilderness skills, like hunting? We should probably ask Violet if she has any, maybe she can pick up some wild herbs and vegetables and shit.

>>25601582
For some reason so far this quest reminds me of Don Quixote for some reason.
>>25601701
Seems like a good place to start things.

>>25601711
>>25601721
Ehh, we can always pimp her for quick cash. It looks like she's well familiarized with that business already.

>>25601711

I think it's a bit soon to tell if she's yandere, but if she is, that would be awesome.

>>25601759
THIS IS HOW IT STARTS, MAN! READ THE WRITING ON THE WALLS!

If it turns out that she is, then there's no way we're going to be able to sleep around and be a generally irresponsible nobleman, what with her MURDERING EVERY GIRL WE TOUCH

>>25601688
>>25601701
>>25601711
>>25601721

'Well, to be honest, I have no idea either. I am noble, but we've been landless for a long while now.'

'Oh. That's odd. Is Pensec where your family came from then?' She's gathering nettles while you try to make a fecking fire. This will take some time.

'Um... no, actually.'

'So... that's strange, isn't it, sir?'

It is completely dark by the time you actually get a fire, some water, the rice and nettles all thrown in. As the water begins to bubble, you can hear growling stomachs. That's the both of you.

'How did the priest owe you a cart and a mule, Violet?'

'Oh! He borrowed some off Dad. And then something happened, and they never came back again. Just went off somewhere.'

'But that's not owing *you*, then.'

'Well...' she flashes you a mischievous smile. Her canines are slightly out of place, jutting out. 'Also, this stuff won't last us very long.'

'No. We'll have to hustle and hunt.' You can make a sling out of your clothes and have a go at taking down a pigeon. That'd be nice, a roasted pigeon... 'what kind of things do you like?'

'Oh, um... uh... pig's ears? Like, for eating? And uh... I like hills. And the sea. I like cats, too. Like the village cat.'

That cat is an absolute monster, you think inwardly. By the time the rice looks ready, Violet's nodded off, leaning against the cart wheel and snoring almost inaudibly. You are considering that when you hear a noise up the road. Footsteps.

> What do?

>>25601779

Wait. Where are the warning signs exactly?!

I have the feeling there's something about violent is odd though.

>>25601798
Feel her up to wake her.

>>25601779

How is this not a good a thing?

>>25601798
Hide. Stealthily.

We'll know if they're a good guy or not by how they react to a scene of a sleeping pretty young woman and a warm pot of rice. You can always just stumble back with a few sticks at hand, claiming to have left to get some more firewood - or get the jump on them if they're honourless dogs.

>>25601798
Wake her. Make sure our sword is on hand and position a good burning stick on the edge of the fire.

Probably nothing, just another traveller, but best to be cautious.

If it is some bandit or something. Dual wielding combo: Fire and Blade.

>>25601798
Leave Violet to sleep, stand up against the cart so you're not caught by surprise, keep sword sheathed just in case it's like, I dunno, travelers. Stay in the firelight.

>>25601820
We're the archetypal playboy noble scion, are we not? We need to sleep with ALL THE BITCHES. Doesn't help matters when they keep dying.

>>25601846

This sounds good. Sword at the ready, though, just to be clear. If they try to take the rice or touch Violet, we strike.

>>25601857
>We need to sleep with ALL THE BITCHES.
We haven't really established our character yet.

No need to shoehorn him into a role. Just let it happen naturally.

>>25601846
This, let's use the woman as a bait.

>>25601846
>>25601883
>use the woman as bait

Very noble.

>>25601879
Well at least let's agree on not considering marrying Violet seriously. We need to set out sights higher.

>>25601857

So, just sleep with them before they get killed off and then we won't have to worry about them any more.

>>25601893
We're a nobleman, not gentleman. There's a difference.

>>25601816
>>25601846
>>25601868
>>25601855
>>25601857

For a moment you glance at her, head tilted back and neck exposed, and interesting thoughts about ways to wake Violet up come to mind. But no. An intruder's here.

Taking your sword and a long stick, you stand up and back away a little, so as to be not easily visible. Then, into the circle of firelight, steps a traveller wearing a mask. It's a wandering priest!

Or it looks like one. Any fecker can wear a wandering priest mask, anyway. He stops when he sees Violet and your hand tightens on your sword, and you shuffle your feet so he can hear your presence.

'Ah, I hope this is not a lure to draw a holy man to unholy thoughts,' he mutters in a low, quavering voice. Violet suddenly jerks awake a moment later.

'Huh? WOAH!' She jumps up, grabbing another stick.

'I'm not armed, by the stars! Not armed!' the wandering priest says. 'I'd just smelled the kindness and wondered if I could partake...'

> Huh. There's not that much rice, though. Entertain, or tell him to go away?

>>25601903
This, it's like killing two birds with a single stone. Or lovers, in this case.

>>25601920

See, he gets it.

>>25601908
'What is a man of god doing wandering around the forest at this hour?'
He's totally in cahoots with bandits, I tells ya.

>>25601908
Oh god no, Violet's going to want to get married right here and now. No reason not to be polite about it, though.

"Sorry, but our provisions are running low as it is."

Also, it's pitch black, what the fuck is this priest doing wandering around?

>>25601942
>>25601940
Yeah, I'm with these guys. Be suspicious of strangers appearing in the middle of the night.

>>25601908
Drive the priest away with your stick. We're a nobleman landowner now, we gotta get used to dealing with riff-raff.

>>25601901
Woah, she's adorable, intelligent, kind, and incredibly helpful.
That's waifu-class, that is.

>>25601908
Not many people travel in the dark. Let's sharpen our sword, it'll be ready for a fight and we'll have an excuse to be keeping it out.

Plus, the blade is probably dull from lack of use. Never hurts to do some maintenance.

As for the priest, ask him why he's out this late while offering him some rice.

>>25601908
Listen for any more in the darkness. If he's alone, step into the light.

"Hello. Don't worry, I'm quite friendly, I just wanted to make sure you were friendly too.

It's okay love, I didn't leave you, I was just over there watching our friend here. Wanted to make sure he wasn't a bandit or something."

I guess we can share a small bowl. Maybe he has something to trade.
Talk to him, he might have useful info about the area.

>>25601908
Have him sit and ask what he is doing wondering at this hour.

>>25601981
She's also not wealthy or from a prestigious family. She's concubine tier at best or honestly speaking 'that one cute maid I fucked once for fun' tier, most likely.

>>25601981
>>25601970
>>25601968
>>25601940
>>25601942

'What is a man of the gods doing wandering the hills at this hour?'

As they say and you know, any idiot can wear the mask. Any murderer, killer or rapist too.

'The men of the gods are everywhere all the time, sir, ma'am. Rather, what might a couple be doing here, that is the better question. But I shall not ask that question too pointedly in exchange for nettle porridge.'

'Pretty sharp, priest,' Violet says.

'I'm afraid we made provisions for two, and just two,' you say, trying to still be diplomatic. Your hands are ready to draw and go though, and Violet seems that way too. It wouldn't be nice to beat a man of the gods, on the off chance.

To your surprise, the priest sighs and slings his shoulder bundle around. 'As they say in the books, one must throw a pebble to lure a boulder, is it not? I have some pebbles here, if you would like.'

... well, scratch your left armpit with a stiff hazel switch. His 'pebbles' turn out to be four preserved eggs, and a long, dried sausage. Like, the pork kind. Violet's resolve crumbles pretty quickly, and her stick is already a little lowered...

Damn. You're having thoughts too.

> What do? You don't hear anyone around, and you haven't heard anyone around. It seems unlikely there's an ambush going on...

>>25602011
Nothing good, that's what he's up to. Let him taste stick instead, he's probably not even a real priest.

>>25602041

Huh. We are not eating any unless he has some first. But if that's done... then okay.

>>25602041
Pork sausage fuck yeah, this guy's all right.

>>25602104
>>25602041
Seems like a fair trade. I'd say let him partake in the comfort of the fire and trade some porridge for eggs and a bit of that sausage. We'll part ways in the morning unless he can bring something to the group that isn't freeloading on our meager supplies.

Though of course we'll keep an eye on him during the night. We can snooze in the cart during the day, Violet'll shriek if there's trouble.

>>25602041
Well.... Okay, let him sit with us. But keep an eye on him.

If he is dodgy, if we send him away, hell just leave the immediate area, turn around and come back when we're asleep.

And I don't want to just assume the worst and kill him. If this turns into another lolrandum murder quest.....

Invite him to sit with us and keen an eye on him.

>>25602041
I wouldn't say trust him, but this at least earns him a place by our fire and a little something to eat. Maybe ask him his name?

Just out of interest, is this am earthlike setting, ect no magic/mythical creatures or a fantasyland other intelligent races magic and occult setting

>>25602113
>>25602104

> That wasn't very hard!

Pork sausage! You haven't had one in... you don't even remember now. But suddenly a sense of caution hits you, and you lift the stick again.

'Have a nibble first, priest.'

'Eh? Oh yes, yes, if you must...'

The priest sits down before the fire as you walk closer, then bites into a large hunk of the reddish brown sausage. You can see the speckled lumps of fat inside, the little white bits of what is probably rice or wheat or something nice, and the priest chews until his lips are all greasy before wiping them. Violet is also staring, if that makes you feel any better.

'Satisfied? Shall I have an egg too?'

'That one,' Violet points. Clever girl. But that test is also passed, so food is shared around. Dear gods the sausage is tasty, and Violet thinks so too. The priest just eats some porridge while looking at the two of you.

'Where are you headed then, youngsters?' He asks as you take a preserved egg. The greyish-black jelly wobbles invitingly, and you catch Violet gulping as she looks at it.

> What do/say?

>>25602161

There might be mythical animals and creatures, but it's definitely low magic. I'm more a historical fiction person than a high fantasy person, if you see what I mean.

>>25602152
>>25602143
>>25602137

Your questions will be asked next post. If things go well.

>>25602161
Good question.

OP, this guy's a man of the gods. Do gods actually exist here?
Do other things exist, Orcs, Elves, Dragons?

>25602143
>lolrandum murder quest

Yeah, I'd like to avoid that, too.

I'm currently on paranoia-mode. Why did the Duke give us this Lordship? We're a nobody, and there's naught in Cackmere but sheep. Is there some huge plot for the Duke to raise a puppet-Lord that'll do his bidding due to blind gratitude. Is the priest a secret agent sent by the Duke's enemies to curry our favour and persuade us to work against the man who gave us our title?

OH THE SUSPENSE

>>25602180
"Cackmere, in Pensec. It's a whole... thing."

>>25602220
You shouldn't look gift horses into mouth, anon. We're penniless so even a shitty lordship is infinitely better than what we have.

>>25602180
>What do/say?
"Heading for [insert name of place I forgot here].

What about you? Going somewhere or just wandering?"

I'd just like to say that Cackmere is a brilliant name. Shitswamp indeed.

>>25602240
Because when you stare too long in a gift horse's mouth, the mouth also looks into you.

>>25602220
Best guess, some distant cousins died out and we're next in line.

Or maybe we (or our dad) did something noteworthy at some point and a heirless Noble named us as successor.

Could be something like that. We'll see I guess.

>>25602253
>>25602220

Oh, your concerns are too many, fretful man. How could an honest Royal Appointment lead to such worries and problems?

>>25602227
>>25602194

'Well, southwards. To Pensec. Cackmere.'

'Oh, but who would want to go there? Windswept, white earth, sheep and scarce a warm body with a soul...'

'Sometimes... duty calls. You must know how that is, priest.'

'Fair enough,' the man says.

You ask him his name, and he says he's Frer (that's the rank) Molin. As for his trip, he has been attempting to preach and heal while wandering towards the west, where he will turn north to the Royal Court. 'Now that is a proper place! A city! Thousands upon thousands!'

That doesn't sound like a very ascetic attitude, you think.

You make more inconsequential small talk, and you have another of the really fine and delicate preserved eggs. Violet is caught looking again, and looks down at her porridge. It's nice, isn't it? A priest, a pretty girl, it's warm by the fire, the stars above are bright. Hmmm. Very nice sort of day it's turned out to be. Even setting aside the noble appointment bit.

> What do?

>>25602345
Group sex anyone?

>>25602345
>Playboy scion
>Deviously clever "just an ordinary village girl" companion
>Somewhat hedonistic monk

Looks like we've got ourselves an adventuring party.

But right now, we're exhausted. Catch some z's by the fire. No point in making a move on Violet just yet. Let her snuggle up if she wants. Staying aloof is the correct choice for now.

>>25602345

Let's do a little romantic egg-feeding on Violet, then, the poor girl..

>>25602407
We should totally do her while the monk is trying to sleep, though.

>>25602345
>What do?
Sit watch and chat 'till they fall asleep.

We can snooze in the back of the cart tomorrow.

If the priest is cool and doesn't do anything to make us suspicious, we can invite him to travel with us tomorrow, we're all heading for the royal court.

Unless we get any else happens, can we time-ship to the next day/event.

>>25602441
This, take an egg in your teeth and let her take a bite.

>>25602441
>>25602404
>>25602445
>>25602458

/tg/, masters of seduction.

>>25602345
>honest Royal Appointment
>implying

Regardless, the best course of action is to sleep lightly. Maybe have a few quiet words with Violet and sleep in shifts? Dear Frer Molin might try to make off with the cart and our stuff
before dawn, or one of the mules. Sounds like he's plenty keen on getting to the comforts of civilization.

Oh. Basically what >>25602457.

No seduction, at least while the priest is around. Getting involved with a woman when we've just discovered our elevated status and haven't even seen our lands will only bring us trouble.

Maybe some light flirting, but let's not get frisky.

>>25602404
>>25602407
>>25602441
>>25602445
>>25602457
>>25602458


> Close vote in favour of moving on Violet, I'd call.

The Frer soon shuffles to one side of the fire before you can say anything about sleeping, and curls up with his back against a rock. Heh. He doesn't take his mask off even when he's sleeping.

Violet turns to you, and seems about to say something when the idea presents itself. You break the egg and place half in your mouth, then move towards her. The intention is, of course, quite clear.

She's hesitant, but soon you finish that half of the egg between you. You drop the other half - can't have occupied hands right now. Violet moves up against you as you slide your hand down her neck, pushing aside the rough fabric of her tunic. It's a nice contrast how smooth her skin actually is. She's so warm... it's so lovely... she tastes nice, making cute little noises as she... woah, you're totally in there...

Actually, wait. You probably should be careful about this. What if... oh dear, your hands are getting close...

...

... you open your eyes. Sunlight is shining right in your bloody face. Somehow your body is bouncing and not on the ground. There is a distinct sense you done fucked up.

Violet groans beside you, and you turn to see her wincing. Then you notice the ropes across her chest. Actually, you know what, you've got them too...

Fuck.

> What do/say?

>>25602558

Also, as more of your faculties return, you realise this is indeed the cart Violet got. Well, you're part of the cargo now it appears. But you're not sure how much you can move...

>>25602558
Groan audibly. "You couldn't have waited ten more minutes before knocking me out?"

>>25602558
'That escalated quickly.'

File: 1372007503529.jpg-(5 KB, 256x273, You know what to do.jpg)

5 KB JPG

>>25602568
I'm sure there's one part of us that can move.

Cheerily inquire as to when we'll be getting to our destination.

>>25602558
>There is a distinct sense you done fucked up.

I FUCKING KNEW IT. I FUCKING KNEW IT.

My vote goes for >>25602584 due to comedic value while trying to wiggle free.

>>25602558
Check if the priest is there as well. He might not be at fault.

Are we carrying a small knife of some kind? Is Violet? How loose are the ropes?

>>25602584
>>25602632
>>25602588

You manage to lift your head just enough to see that you seem to be securely tied... even though the ropes are palpably a little loose. The Frer is at the driver's seat, and you are probably on the same road, just a different section.

It's nice he's continuing the journey for you, isn't it?

'That was quick,' you slump back, and turn to Violet. Her face is red. 'We could have gotten another ten minutes! I would not have minded that!'

'It's... the egg,' Violet whispers. 'I shouldn't have had half of that egg.'

Oh, so it's *your* fault then, is it? Fine. 'Frer? Is it to the slave markets, then?'

'Oh, I don't know,' the Frer says. 'I'll have to ask the others. But that means the forest first, so we'll go there.'

You glance at the sun. Ow, your eyes. But hey, you're going south. That's still nice. Right? Right.

> Roll d100.
> If you can think of anything to say or do that does not involve a sloppily hog-tied body, go right ahead.

Rolled 39

>>25602683
"Somehow I get the feeling you're not a holy man after all."

>>25602683
'You know that I'm a lord, frer? I bet you could get a nice ransom for me, no need to share it with your friends.'

Rolled 2

>>25602683

Turn to Violet. 'We're really bound together now, eh.'

Rolled 8

>>25602683
Quietly apologize to Violet. It was your own damn libido that got you into this mess. No different than usual, but still, it's unusual for anybody else to be kidnapped with you.

>>25602719
>>25602727
Y'all cray.

>>25602701
This. And something like "A man of your nature certainly doesn't disrespect the power of gold. I am to be a Lord in the South and I could see you greatly rewarded were you to release me."

Rolled 53

>>25602683
Try to sit up. "So what are you, bandits? I'm a lord, you know. You could get a pretty penny from ransoming me by yourself - enough to get you to the big city and get as many fine things as you'd like."

>>25602747
>>25602735
>>25602719
He's a bandit of the smart variety, not the retarded greedy variety. For god's sake, he knocked you out with a poisoned egg while disguised as a priest, you really think he's gonna bite the "Hey I'm super rich you know" bait? Also, it's pretty clear that we're traveling with next to no cash.

>>25602701
>>25602727
These. Also perhaps try to console Violet a bit, she must be pretty shocked.

>>25602701
>>25602719
>>25602727
>>25602728
>>25602733
>>25602735
>>25602747

Try as you might, you manage to wriggle the knot looser just slightly, but never to find the bleeding ends. Violet whimpers as her shoulders move around, trying to force the knot.

'We're really bound together now, eh.'

'Thanks.'

'Fine. It was my fault to feed you the eggs. I am sorry for that.'

She turns to you, slightly surprised, and then you lift your head again.

'You know, I'm of some value to you. I'm a lord in the south! Just been appointed. Now, if you let me go... let us go, of course, then that's a nice bit of the jingles, is it not so?'

'Oh, sir, I know,' the Frer says. 'Your appointment's with me.'

... that takes a moment to sink in. Without the appointment it's not likely anyone will recognise you as Angus McHoller.

The carriage turns off somewhere and starts moving leisurely downhill. Soon it enters a forest, and amid the chirping of birds, you stop at a clearing. The Frer gets off, and walks around to the two of you.

'Please make yourself comfortable. I shall be back.' He raises your letter of appointment. 'Presently.'

> Roll d100! Plan! Something!

>>25602683
How are we tied?

Are we secured to the cart or just have our limbs secured?

If we can move around, shuffle to the front of the cart, loop our ankles over the cunt and roll off the cart.

That would probably break his neck if we did it right. If not, we can choke him to death.

>>25602828
HORSEFUCKER.

How do we get out of this mess? Can't cut the ropes, can't wriggle free. Can Violet get loose? No point calling for help in the middle of the woods. Need a miracle.

Start praying to any gods that will listen.

Rolled 7

>>25602828
That cunt! He's going to kill us and take our name!

We need to get free. We've loosened the rope a bit. Finish the job.

Once we're loose, see what we have to work with.

Rolled 32

>>25602874 here
Rolling because retarded

>>25602831

You are not secured to the cart. Your arms are behind your back, and can move a little. Your legs are a bit more securely bound together and straight.

Violet's been bound the same way, it... would seem.

Rolled 80

>>25602828
The cart is pretty old and rickety, so there's a nail sticking out. Use it to loosen your bindings.

>>25602875
SOMEONE ELSE ROLL!

I THINK MY DICE MIGHT HAVE KILLED US.

>>25602897
Chill, we're fine.
>>25602896

Rolled 23

>>25602891
Turn back to back and try and untie each others ropes.

Rolled 31

Angus uses STRUGGLE!

>>25602891
Quick, bite through each other's ropes!

Or if you still got the sword, try and use that to cut it.

Do something anyway, before the bandits decide Angus is not worth keeping alive and Violet is taken as a sex slave.

>>25602896
>that roll
>that plan

Sounds legit. If this works out, we should check if the bandit left any of our stuff behind. Like our SWORD.

Rolled 48

>>25602828
Strangle him with our legs.

>>25602896
>>25602875

You grit your teeth and roll around, and Violet starts thrashing too. After a while you feel this damned thing cut your arm slightly-

Oh wait. That's a nail! 'Violet! Stop pushing me up against the nail!'

Violet stops, and you shuffle yourself over, trying to fit some loops over the nail. No, that doesn't work. THE DAMN FECKIN' THING-

You jerk back and forth until the nail, being used as a rather poor saw, finally breaks part of the rope. Violet turns when she hears the sound. 'Quick, sit up, sit up!'

You sit up, and you can feel Violet inch around and use her mouth to try and undo your ropes. Good idea! Also, it's nice to have her smooching around your wri-STAY FOCUSED.

Once your arms are free, the rest is relatively easy, but just as you untie all your ropes, you hear what sound like hooves coming up the road towards you. That's a different way from where the Frer went. If you are surrounded by enemies already, then seriously...

> What do? You have your sword. There is a forest around. It seems standing or fleeing both have their merits and drawbacks.
> Of, if you have a cunning plan, write in!

Rolled 13

>>25603006
Pretend to be bound and conceal sword.

Wait until enemy is in range then SURPRISE ATTACK!

>>25603006
The Frer did mention others, and we might be captured again if we stay in one place. After all, he could have left us at the camp for a longer trip, but instead we're here. Better to leave as soon as possible, and hope we can catch him.

Do we still have our sword and shield? The McHoller crest might be able to prove our identity, if we even have a crest.

>>25603052

Seconded. Though we have no shield.

Let's run anyway. Sword and Violet are top priorities. If we can find our way back to the road, we could always do something.

>>25603006
I am in favor of bravely running away.

>>25603006
>implying we weren't kidnapped due to political hijinks and the people responsible for hiring the bandits aren't coming to fetch us now from them.

Anyway, my cunning plan involves escaping post-haste in a direction away from the bandits and the incoming folk.

>>25603052
>>25603083
Poke our head up and see who/how many are coming.

If it's one guy, just pretend to be bound and ambush him.

If it's 10 guys.... Cheese it!

>>25603006
Send Violet to forest to distract the bandits, run yourself to the other direction.

>>25603123
We can't wait around, it's too risky. We have to get moving now, or else we're pretty much fucked by bandits or slavers or whatever else is out there. And anyways, we need to catch up with that not-priest, so the quicker we move, the better.

>>25603083
>>25603052

> Conceal and escape!

You quickly grab your sword and drag Violet into the undergrowth, despite her whispered protestations. 'Not here! Not here!'

But then both of you crouch as you spot the riders. The horses! You blink. Those are fine-boned, well-bred horses - not the sorts of nags that bandits manage to scrounge up. They come up to the cart, and you count six of them.

'Where're the people?'

'He must have taken them as well,' another man said. As his horse moves, you can see the insignia on its barding - a crest wreath with laurels, which means they are not bandits but the troops of a count. The local count, perhaps? 'But the appointment?'

'Not here.'

There is a pause. Then you hear the drawing of swords, and suddenly the pained shrieking of a mule. Violet covers her mouth.

'We find the imposters, whoever they are, and hunt them down. Spread out. There is only one of them.'

'Yes, sir!'

... this is all getting very messy, to put it mildly. What if you are now considered an imposter too?

> Well then. What do?

>>25603160
Aha, but there's not just one of us. See, Violet is useful.

We should approach the troops, especially since we have no ride now. Sword down, naturally, don't want to be attacked.

>>25603160
Hmm... Reveal yourself and hope for the best, or run and hide? These people seem legit, but you have no way of proving your lineage right now, nor do you have any ability to vouch for Violet.

Then again, they just admitted that there's "only one" impostor, and two of you. I say we go for it. Come out of the brush, hands raised. Tell Violet to stay hidden for now until you call for her.

>>25603160
Wait until they are long gone then move.
Stay of the roads and trails for a while, cut through the woods.

Best guess, someone else wants the lands and titles that were going to be awarded to us.

The only way to fix this (for now) is to get to the court and make it official. Then report what happened and describe that crest.

>>25603201
>>25603194

Wait, wait, no. The guy didn't say 'bring them in', he said 'hunt them down'. He's out to *kill* the imposter.

When someone is on a mission to kill, it's best not to reveal yourself, innocent or not. Hide and let them run before leaving.

>>25603219
This, if we pop out of the bush now they're just going to take us for the imposter and nail us.

>>25603194
Are you nuts!

They, evidently, hired that bastard to find us and deliver us to them.

They were probably going to kill us.

Wait until they leave the area then move on.

>troglodytes getodye
captcha warns of troglodytes.

Huh. Even vote right now...

Well, in any case, three of the horsemen speed off, leaving two of them at the cart. You can now see the mule, on its side, still struggling as blood gushes from its throat.

One of the horsemen goes over and puts the sword through its chest.

>>25603271
Just stay hidden 'till they move on.

Even if we can get the drop on 3 of them.

The others'll see the bodies and know where to start looking for us.

Chill, they aren't going to star here forever.

>>25603237
>>25603250
No, see, the guys mentioned 'people'. They know the bastard had hostages, and we have rope-burn and bruises from being tied up. We are people, and unless we insist on charging the troops with a drawn sword, the fact that a) We're not alone and b) We are accompanied by a lovely maiden really ought to mark out our innocence.

>>25603271
Shame about the mule.
Let's emerge from the bush.

>>25603327
Eh, worth a shot. Come clean.

>>25603299
Send Violet creeping to the left while you go right. Explain to her that they can't catch you both and it's safer that way for her.

Have no intention of going back for her after you get away.

>>25603262
>>25603250
>>25603237
>>25603219

> Sounds like a coalition of the hiding.

You decide to hide, moving closer to a tree behind you. Violet curls up against the tree, clearly in shock.

Calming yourself as much as you can, you hear their voices over the thumping of your heart, and try to listen in...

'I don't think that fake Frer is trustworthy,' one of them says. 'We ought to ride after him as well. And cut his throat when we find him.'

'That's not ours to do; there's two to handle that.' The other pauses for a while then goes on. 'The madness of it. Fobbing an appointment letter off on some drunken fool of an old dead house. Even if that man reached Cackmere, did they reckon he would be there more than three months?'

'Still. It would make good cover. People have to make a show of openness every now and then. But if the gods don't like openness, men can't do anything, eh?'

They laugh. Meanwhile Violet, recovering slightly, is looking around. She gestures to a path that leads deeper into the forest, and then another one that seems to meet with the path that the Frer was taking.

Hmm. Well, you can't sit here forever. Besides, you realise you're sitting in a nettle patch. Your hands are beginning to itch.

> Well. Which path?

>>25603327
>>25603340

Argh. Apologies. I was writing and posted before checking.

I vote to either sneak up on one of them and kill him, or use Violet to lure them in to get a quick kill.

Then interrogate the wounded survivor.

Path to the Frer

>>25603340
>>25603327
>'Where're the people?'
>'He must have taken them as well,'
NOOO!

They knew he had people.

How could they know that?

They know because they /hired/ him! It's not like they have CCTV or an emergency police line.

They came here looking for him, expecting him to have captives waiting for them.

The only way they could have known that is if they were in on it.

>>25603369

We could attempt this.

If not that, then we go to the Frer.

>>25603369
You're retarded.

>>25603352
Only one option; hunt the Frer down. Somebody's got to pay for putting you in this mess, and he's the closest and most guilty target right now. Sneak off onto the path that looks like it'll meet up with the Frer.

>>25603352
Get Violet going on the path to the forest, you move on the path that frer was taking.

>>25603352
>Well. Which path?
Once they move away a little, follow the path into the woods.

>>25603369
>>25603409
Remember that we're basically some noble fop who only has token training with a sword and NOT some professional assassin-for-hire who can pull this sort of bullshit on well-trained guardsmen.

>>25603409
I disagree on attacking them. They're armored, mounted professional-looking soldiers, we're a dude who played swords as a kid.

Head to the woods with Violet. We can come back and scavenge for supplies later. I doubt they'll bother burying a bunch of bandits.

>>25603369
Take on 3 armed men on horseback and just cross our fingers that their friends don't come back?

>>25603415
>hunt the Frer down. Somebody's got to pay for putting you in this mess, and he's the closest and most guilty target right now
Their 3 friends already went to do that, unless you want to run into them, best to head for the woods.

>>25603423
Let's compromise by doing this?

>>25603369
Thus, anon won the award for "Most Direct Character Death That Wasn't Suicide".

But genuinely, that's a terrible idea.

>>25603423
We shouldn't abandon Violet, she might get lost, and she makes us look better and less suspicious.

>>25603415
I like this idea, we need to catch that guy. Our appointment is the only reason we're out this far, and if we give it up, we lose everything we have. We don't even have that fur cloak anymore. We bet it all on this, so we have to make sure as much as possible that it succeeds.

>>25603478
>>25603415
>>25603423
>>25603394
>>25603409

> Coalition of the Frer-Chasers, this time!

Your hands clench as you consider the Frer. Son of a mangy pariah bitch! You gesture that way, and Violet moves off ahead of you, as quietly as she can.

You follow the barely visible trail quietly, steady Violet with your hands on her shoulders, until eventually a path to your right - the one the Frer must have taken - comes into view. You remember what the two guardsmen behind said, though - there's two guardsmen already posted there to stop the Frer, and probably to finish him off.

Well, it'd still be worth pissing on the corpse, you reckon.

Glancing back frequently to make sure you've lost the chasing horsemen, you are surprised when Violet lets out a gasp and pulls you along into the undergrowth. When you emerge again, you look down on quite the sight. A single black courser, with its barding still intact, is pawing at the ground, looking rather distressed. As well it might; beside it, lying face down in a pool of blood, is a dead guardsman. The other one is nowhere to be seen.

... Did the Frer do this?!

> What do?!

>>25603478
>we need to catch that guy. Our appointment is the only reason we're out this far, and if we give it up, we lose everything we have.
I support trailing him but not getting close.

Those other 3 solders went after him. According to their friends, they are hunting him also.

Best to let them do the job and pick over what's left. With luck, we can get our Appointment back. If they take it, we can still prove our identity with our sword.

>>25603515
Check the corpse for anything you can use. Identification, weapon, a gold pouch he might have had on him...

And then seriously reconsider chasing the friar down if he fucked up two guards this badly. Also, examine his wounds.

>>25603515
>What do?!
Can we see or hear anything near by?

If safe, get closer and see what killed him.

Further action can be decider when we get answers.

Search his body for anything useful. Perhaps he has his orders on him.

>carefully rtutOmb

Okay, lovely people, I'd just like to say that I might be off soon and will attempt to give warning of stopping this chapter.

If you'd like to know when the next chapters of the quest might be held (it will mostly be weekends), my Twitter is @stratocumulus1.

Archiving this would also be appreciated in case I leave in a hrury.

But for now let's continue until I'm summoned away.

>>25603515
Oh, I know this, I know it!

Search the body. Give some easy to handle weapon to Violet - a dagger would be ideal.

>>25603578
Thanks OP, this has been a delightful quest so far! I like the balance of serious and light-hearted tone in your writing.

>>25603567
>>25603568
>>25603574
>>25603531

You tell Violet to sit tight and keep quiet, then creep out. As you creep out over the path, you see what happened to the other guardsman. Blood washes over his breastplate from a single stab to his clavicle, perfectly aimed. But he's still alive, it seems, and gasping.

You go up to him. 'Grrghhh. Grrrrgrrrghh. He...'

'He what?' Meanwhile you go to check the dead guardsman. His sword is not with him, and his neck has been cut wide open, probably with his own sword. You check him and manage to find a dagger, a pouch of coins, as well as what turns out to be a roughly drawn map of somewhere you don't recognise. Keeping that for sure.

> What do?
> Roll d100.

>>25603567
Never mind the body, there's his horse that is worth more that we've ever owned, get it!

>>25603626
Take the courser, grab Violet and get the hell out of here!

Rolled 39

>>25603640
second.

Rolled 5

rolling

Rolled 74

>>25603626

Rolling. What's the man trying to say?

And definitely get the horse, yes!

Rolled 95

>>25603626
Get what information you can out of him, take the horse with Violet and book it (depending on what we learn). Revenge is all well and good, but not when it gets you killed.

>>25603640
>>25603652
>>25603659
>>25603672

If that horse is wearing custom horseshoes to identify a guardsman's tracks from others then we're fucked so that should be checked first

Rolled 46

>>25603626
Listen to what the guardsman is trying to say - try to give him some first aid, if you can. The guy was only doing his job.

>>25603672
>>25603659
>>25603640

You get to your feet and lead the horse by its reins. See, that's what a courser's all about, following any cues. You lead it to the side of the road, then bend down to the dying man.

He gurgles. Then he tries again. 'He... and he... horse...'

You look down. Well, the Frer's definitely taken one of the horses, it seems. When you look back again, the man says another word, '... count... count...' and then slumps.

Keep that in your mind, you reckon. You quickly get Violet to come and help with the horse while you search the newly dead man, and under his breastplate you find a leather pouch with something inside it. Well then!

You take out the pouch, help Violet on the horse. 'We've got to hoof it,' you say. 'Is south that way?'

'I... think so.'

Good enough. You canter on until around noon when you seem to have shaken off the lot of them; then you realise your horse is clearly the Count's horse, therefore stolen property. Quickly the two of you shed the barding, after which Violet slumps to the ground, hidden by long grass, and starts sobbing.

> What do? I should be off after one or two more posts. But thanks for a great quest!

>>25603693
Custom horseshoes aren't a thing, anon. It's tack and harness carries the insignia of the count though, we might want to do something about that before showing up in public.

>>25603693
Yes, in addition, make sure to remove things like the coat of arms or crest on its harness or saddle.

Once we get it off the road I mean.

Don't just stand in the road like a tit messing with the horse.

>>25603730

When I say you look down, I forgot to say you could see the tracks. The Frer rode off. And you are riding, up until the stream, in the same direction too, because you are going to show that very deadly fighter what you're made of.

... Flesh and blood, mostly.

>>25603730
She's hysterical, calm her down by by slapping her around a couple of times. We need to find frer's tracks, not dilly-dally around!

>>25603730
Apologize to Violet for pulling her into this mess. This was supposed to be one of those adventurous "run away with the noble lord" deals, not a clusterfuck.

Also, check what's in the pouch.

>>25603352
We'll take the path that the Frer took. The captcha wills it.

>edgotia Honour

>>25603751
The frer stole our letter and broke pork sausage friendship, those are unforgivable sins! We will track him until the very ends of the world if needs be.

>>25603762
Agreed, do this after slapping her. Women like caring men after all.

>>25603730
Just comfort her a bit.

Hug her, tell her it'll all be okay.

Let he know, we know she didn't really sign on for this, if she wants to go back home we'll understand. We'll sort out passage for her when we reach a town or something.

>>25603730
These.
>>25603747
>>25603762

Let her sob while you sort out the horse and maybe eyeball the map. We should have some rough idea of what area we're in, unless we were out cold for longer than a day.

"This is getting far too dangerous."

"I'll drop you off in the next village with enough money to go home - or somewhere else, if you fancy."

>>25603762
>>25603764
>>25603757
>>25603773

For heaven's sake, she's just helped you shed the barding! You apologise to her, and then let her alone for a while, while trying to find the path the Frer went.

... Wait a minute, there's three paths leading from the stream crossing, and two of them have fresh-looking tracks. That seems interesting.

Also, you take the leather pouch out and take out its contents; it turns out to be a letter. As you read it, you feel... chilled. Not chilled, chilly.

'Your orders are:

- To ensure that the copy of the appointment given to unauthorised persons is found and destroyed.

- To ensure that whoever has been given the appointment is also to be destroyed.

- Failing either, to make every effort to ensure that the rightful lord of Cackmere arrives first at the appointment, in order to assume his lordship.'

No sender; no leader to trace it to. Violet, having recovered somewhat, is now walking around looking at the tracks.

'What do you think?' You ask her as she combs her hair with her fingers.

'I'd say there's two riders going off at the same time, actually...'

Bloody hell. You just wanted a feckin' lordship! What's it take these days?

> And that ends it for today. Once again, @stratocumulus1. It'll probably be next weekend. Goodbye!

>>25603849
Archive this?

>>25603849
Awesome quest, see you next time.

>For the start of next thread.

Keep that letter and one of the crests we removed from the barding.
We may have to present them as evidence at some point.

Screw the fake priest, we need to get to court.

Someone else is trying to snipe our claim to the Lordship! If we want it, we need to get a move on.

>>25603849
Thank you! This was an exciting beginning - you had my interest at first THUMP.

Could you supply us with somekind of description of what Angus and Violet look like?

>>25603874
Done.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/25599832/

>>25603874

It has been carried out, with promptness and a dispatch that would make a cheetah slink away blushing, and I shall have your assurance you shall upvote it kindly.

>>25603926

Thank you!

To be honest, I don't really know what they look like; the only things I had fixed in mine are that Violet is a brunette, with slight freckling, and that Angus has a beard, but not a huge long one.

>>25603924

Thank you as well. Also, just to say, you are not going to the court; you are headed south towards Cackmere. It seems the first person to get to Cackmere becomes the Lord of Cackmere.

> And now I wonder if it's better if we win or lose this race. Well, there will be fun either way!

>>25603926
Nah, I prefer it if we can imagine them as we like.

>>25603977
First one to arrive to Cackmere becomes a lord, runner-up loses his head, I like that!

>>25604006

When you play the Game of etc. etc. etc.

Also, a general question on quest direction because I have a terror of being bored of my own stuff.

Assuming optimistically that the race is won, and that you become a lord, would you prefer to emphasise the management of the lordship, or would you prefer to retain some of the freedom we have now? You might not wander so much if you're a lord, of course, but would you be the administery type or the knight-errant?

>>25604045
Would be neat to be a knight-errant with a side of administery. I'd imagine at the beginning we'd like to see about trying to make Cackmere a more successful, profitable place. But all responsibility and no adventure makes Angus a dull boy.

>>25604045
Zero responsibility, all upside. Must continue to be a fop.

>>25604226
Administration is for bureaucrats anyway.

>>25604273
>>25604226

We should have some administration too, though. Estate management and detective work!

>>25604978
Yes. Some administration first, and then some whoring.

>>25604045
I think we should only make the most important administrative decisions and spend most of our time on adventures that are somehow related to Cackmere.
Something like leaving town on a treasure hunt in a faraway land wouldn't make much sense but fighting off bandit raids in your hold (for example) would be adequate.

>>25605138

Probably with a lot of local politics as well. I don't know, I'm not sure we are highly ambitious, but climbing the social ladder can't hurt.

>>25604045
Are you familiar with the original Lord Quest?

Oh those glorious, glorious spread sheets.

I think that had a nice enough balance to it.

Admin and small scale civ building broken by bouts of adventuring.

Allocate resources to dig a new well.
Assign workers to gather peat iron.
GO SLAY A DRAGON!
Have a new store house constructed.
Ect ect ect..