You check your gear and everyone's else. Everything seems in good order. Are you forgetting something? Something you need? Last call, Will, this could be your last time in the city. Or even in a city.

>No, let's depart.
>Yes, (write in).

>>36464473
>Yes, (Need some medical herbs and some alcohol in case one of us gets nicked, also torches jsut in case and some rope.

>>36464510
This sounds like a plan.

>>36464485
>>36464510
Seconded

File: Sling_bullets_BM_GR1842.7(...).jpg (1.48 MB, 1850x700)

1.48 MB JPG

>>36464473
>>36358293

>I was gonna write "dodged a bullet" somewhere in the last update, but then I thought he doesn't even know what a bullet is

Actually, the term bullet is far older than firearm, it was used to refer to metal "stones" made for slings. the picture is of lead bullets from 2100 years ago.

Also, you could have just gone with dodge an arrow or a bolt

>>36464485
This is good.

>>36464473
Yes, (write in).
Do we have a length of rope each, a needle and thread (for sewing up wounds), loot bags, and back up plans?

Still here Ciollonz?

>>36465082
Long update probably

>>36465097
Here's hoping

File: Purple-Rain-Prince-DYR.jpg (337 KB, 1600x1204)

337 KB JPG

>Prince killer
Baby, that ain't Prince Minnetonka

What could you need? What could happen? It's a fight. They're in a cave. Some of you could get wounded. Alcohol. Cloth. Herbs. Needles and thread. Some of them could surrender. Rope. You could have to explore the cave. More rope. Torches. Flint stones. Anything else? Not right now, Will, but thanks for asking.

You should ask someone that could give those supplies to you now. Who does logistics here? The big girl tells you she can do that for you. You can get all that you asked for. For a price. Recruits must pay for that kind of thing. A caution. They know they have to be cautious with you. Well, more like they just think you won't be back. Is that caution? You'll pay. Pay. What about your pay? That was not written on the mission sheet. Doesn't matter. They told you recruits are lucky to get a silver coin for a mission. You can discuss that after your return.

You wait for the girl to roll back to you with what you need. Keep the medical supplies, you don't know who in your team can do first aid. And you're less likely to be wounded. Proud of yourself, aren't you? No. Wearing plate against bandits is better than whatever pride could provide you with. Distribute rope and torches. A backpack each. Are we ready? As ready as we can. Time to depart.

Out of the city. Down the hill. To the cave. Silence is golden. Same as the fields that surround the road. Golden and silent. Not strange. It's not time for harvest yet. The colour is different on this side of the mountains. Gold as gold can be. You walk along your silent teammates. Should you say something? You probably shouldn't. Whatever it is that is keeping them silent is good for your mission. They're under pressure. Concentrated on what's to come. That should make them do good.

The sun continues on its path as you walk to your first mercenary trial. You're nearing the mountains. The fields are replaced by forests. Gold by brown. The day is nearing its zenith, bathing the forests with harsh light. It'll take some time to find the right cave. Will you have to check every possible place? That is going to take time. But maybe you won't. Lady luck is knocking on your door. Or you're just going against incompetents. Bandits. Probably incompetents.

Smoke rises from the mountains. You walk between old pines, slowly making your way to the smoke. You reach the other side and get a look on where the smoke comes from. Still distant. You can't see much. There's a fire alight in front of a cave. Can this be? Seems too easy? Would a group of wanted bandits draw so much attention to themselves?

Maybe they don't know they're wanted. Or that there's information on the whereabouts of their headquarters. It could be a group of hunters taking refuge in a cave. It could be stupid bandits. Only one way to know. Getting there. Somebody hat to go take a look. You should take a look. Leaving the group. With possible hostile presence. Yeah, that's the right thing a leader should do.

Other choices? You could send someone. And be responsible for their death, maybe. Take the whole group? If they're not the bandits, we can just go back and search for the right cave. After having alerted them to our presence. That doesn't seem like a great idea either. So, what now?

>Take the whole group there.
>Scout ahead.
>Send (write in) to scout ahead.
>Other.

>>36465269
Ask if anyone has any experience with scouting, stealth or things related
if not then:
>Scout ahead.
>If we don't come back in X time (whatever is reasonable for the distance involved) then you guys can choose between running away or coming to look for us.

>>36465269
Send kid ahead. He was probably a thief or sneak pad

>>36465269
>Send Tristam to scout ahead.
Take no chances Tristam alright?

>>36465269

>Take the whole group there.

>>36465311
>http://pastebin.com/M2RSyTC8
according to paste bin Blondie (tristam) likely was

>>36465269
>>Scout ahead.

>>36465293
>>36465311
>>36465312
>>36465318
Waiting for the scale tipper. Will roll in a couple of minutes.

>>36465381
>http://pastebin.com/M2RSyTC8
>>36465311
Change my vote from Kid to Blondie. I got the two confused

>>36465417
That's still 2 for tristam, 2 for scout ahead and 1 for whole group.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>36465377
There he goes.
>>36465417
And it's back.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

You told them you will bring them all back. And you will. They showed you they can take care of themselves yesterday. No need to fret about it. You'll just leave Clodius in command and scout ahead.

"That could be the place we're looking for. We can't take chances with this. I will scout ahead. Clodius, you're in charge until my return." Should you add an 'if' there? Don't hex this, Will. If they're the bandits they proved they're not the cream of the crop already. If they aren't there should be no risk involved.
"Yes, sir." He spoke. They didn't go mute overnight, then. Sidian, what's with that look? I will be back. Just be a good boy and follow this nice mister. There's nothing to be distressed about. Just try and pull off that serious look the others are trying to go for. You're a mercenary now, act the part.

You give you back to the group and walk towards the mountains. As you near, you notice a path leading to the cave. A large winding path stopping right in front of the entrance of the cave. You set on it, letting the terrain conceal your presence as it can. Two parallel tracks are lightly outlined on the path. You were right in not taking the group with you. Must be a trading post. They could give you directions.

Sorry, where are the bandits we're looking for? Right over your head, lad. You can see now. They're armed. Mismatched equipment. You bet no trading is going on up there. You should get better visual. Or you should stop right here and turn back before they're blinded by the light reflected on your plates. How could you overlook that? You're a knight in shining armour and you're shining near your enemies. They're more interested in their food right now, but it won't take much to get their attention. Run back. Don't run. Walk back.

You go down while keeping yourself from the light. The sun is at its apex now. That doesn't help you. But nothing rains on your head from the cave. No shouting. You made it back. Or they're just waiting for your move. Are they smart enough? Stop underestimating them. That's a beginner's error. Are you a beginner? Technically, yes. Doesn't matter. You studied this. You were trained for this. They're your enemy now and you need to give them respect, lest you be caught unprepared.

You get back to your group. Nothing changed. They seem relieved to see you alive. What, dead to you already? It can't have been more than twenty minutes. On target, Will. What did your human eyes see? The path is large enough for us to walk in formation up to them. They have the high ground. They will notice us arriving. There were at least seven of them out of the cave, eating. They'll take some time to react. The path is long enough to let them. Could get attacked with ranged weapons. There should be more inside. What else? They're dressed in cloth. You saw short blades. And they have fire.

"That's the place." What now?

>Plan it up (write in)

>>36465980
Lure them into an ambush, make someone call them up with a very attractive target in a spot they can't immediatelly see.
Like telling them a caravan toppled over, have them go there and spring the ambush.
This way we take their high ground advantage and also get the surprise factor going for us.
If only some of them come, like half, then it's good. We take out half their force with - lots - of ease and the rest will be easier than usual to take out despite their advantages back at base.

>>36466093
That's if they don't shoot the messenger on sight. We need a safer way of pulling their attention. Is there a way to cause a large noise? Maybe cause a rock fall around or near the entrance?

>>36466147
I'd think maybe someone screaming would get their attention
"HELP HELP, MY GOLD, MY GOLD IS ON THE FLOOR"
kek

>>36466093
>>36466147
>>36466169
So, Anon, where's the plan? How do you get their attention?

>important decision
>everyone afraid to post
every quest

>>36466286
I'd say Shield wall up and trudge towards them, but then I like the direct approach. IMO too much can go wrong with the trap.

>>36466286
Does this road lead straight up to the cave, or does it snake pass it? It would be odd if a road nobody but those in the know suddenly has a caravan on it.

Come on, Anon. Just throw some ideas in. Discuss this thing. What can go wrong?
>>36466337
>A large winding path stopping right in front of the entrance of the cave

>>36466286
Do we have a layout of the area?

>>36466305
We don't have full shields, and if they have arrows we're pretty fucked.

>>36466286
Have Nikan act like a damsel in distress and when they see her have her lure to an area where we have the advantage?
.

>>36466352
But you do have shields. 5 of them. I wrote somewhere that the shields, mace and hammer you used in training were normal, didn't I? Could have been last thread.

>>36466369
Yes mate, but not roman style men sized shields, which is what I meant with "full"

Other kinds of shields are kind of crappy when considering we have just 9 men, going uphill and at a close range.


Unless we set up all around their camp, in the rocks, and with a signal attacked them.
Then stormed the cave using a wall formation

>>36466351
Alright then, have two or three of of scruffiest looking stumble out of the woods close to the enterance, looking like lost hunters or travellers who have been out there a few days. The rest will be hiding nearby for the rig moment. They then ask the guards at the cave mouth for directions and assistance. If they don't get shot immediately, the guards should leave their posts at some point. Soon as they get a good distance away, the rest spring up and rush them, taking them down as fast as possible while the distraction group grab what they left behind from them and join the brawl.

So:
>Walk up to the cave
>Lure them down

>>36466519
Have us do the luring.
Because we're good liars.

>>36466528
We are also in armor, which really speaks our intent. So lets not

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>36466553
*bluff check*

>>36466519
I was asking for you guys to vote. Maybe it wasn't clear.

>>36466519
>Walk up to the cave

>>36466585
>Lure them down

Ok, the quest needs to restart. Luring won. Choose who, how and roll 2d100.

Rolled 65, 69 = 134 (2d100)

>>36466695
Tristam and Nikan
Lie and tell them their caravan is fucked up and they need help to move their TONS of GOLD
"We'll show you were it is, you just need to follow us"

Rolled 1, 13 = 14 (2d100)

>>36466711
>>36466695
Supported

Rolled 32, 48 = 80 (2d100)

>>36466745
...
there's no critfails right, and it's best of three?

Rolled 74, 30 = 104 (2d100)

>>36466695
Have Sidian and Blackie play the lost and hungry, but relatively well off traveller stick to get them to abandon their posts for a quick stick up then jump them.

>>36466754
Yeah, you're right.
>>36466759
They're the same person.
http://pastebin.com/M2RSyTC8

>>36466795
Sorry, put Sornen in there then roo.

File: 1416266656252.gif (3.27 MB, 400x226)

3.27 MB GIF

>>36466759
>sidian and blackie

>>36466830
To be honest, I'm not used to this writing style so it throws me around a bit.

>>36467073
Don't worry mate, it's normal.

Can't risk being engaged before being in range to counterattack. Better to get them to you and ambush them. How are you going to do that? Give them something they can believe. Something they want. Bandits. Some easy prey. Gold. Rich travelers. Merchants. A caravan. A stuck caravan. That can work. Make it work.

Rich travellers. Nikan and Tristam. "Nikan, Tristam, I need you to lure the enemy down here. We're going to stage an ambush. Leave your weapons. You're merchants now. Your caravan got stuck and you need help to get moving again. Don't take risks. If you think something has gone wrong you just run back. We will attack them as they get out of the path. Run to the forest as soon as we start the attack. Understood?"
"Yes, sir." Nikan's answer is dry and fast. She'll do what she has to. Tristam takes a moment more to answer, his voice low. He doesn't like it. He's thinking of everything that could happen. But he doesn't protest. They're leaving their lives in your hands. Hope you made the right choice.
"I want it to be clear that coming back alive is the first priority." You look at them. They understand. "Go." They start walking towards their destiny. Tristam was always light on his steps. They're heavy now. He's taking every step as his last.

Think about what you have to do. They're on their own now. Lead the group in the forest. They know what to do. It's not in your hands anymore. Do what you can to ensure this goes well. Find the right spot. Where they can't see you until it's too late. Leave enough distance for a charge. Not enough for a reaction. Set the men up to get in formation as soon as they can. Check everything. Check twice. You did what you can? Their turn now.

You wait. How long will it take? Not much. They should be on the way already. Merchants. A stuck caravan. Stuck where? In the forest? Why would a caravan enter the forest? No, on the other side of the forest, obviously. They will be back. Soon. Why aren't they back already? Your teammates are going to ask that question any second now. You feel it. Agitation. Why aren't they back? You killed them. You killed them and now you have to explain why. You made a promise, didn't you? Let's go up. Right now. We can make it in time.

And then you see them. There they are. They're near. They're almost in range. 14 men behind them. Why did they take the whole group? To raid the caravan. No, that's not it. They're looking around. They're alert.

"Charge!" Get them. Run. Get them now. Only one shot at this. Run. Everybody is with you. Get them. The yearned song of steel on flesh. Everything up until now was for this. This is the only moment. This means everything. Four of them go down before taking their swords up. Your shoes on the still warm bodies. Don't stop. We need them all. They'll respond, now. Close formation and advance. Kill them all.

You're winning. They're shocked. The ambush worked. You continue advancing on them. They go down. Your men are defending well. Nikan and Tristam are in the forest. No wounded. Six of them now. Blood flies. Not only bandit blood. Sidian screams. Get back. No, he's up. He can still go. Advance. Get them. Give your all. No need to. Sornen got the last one. What was his face is now a bloody pulp. No one left standing. You relax.

You're done. Everybody is safe. Sidian's wound is light. You can relax now. Clodius is ensuring the ones on the ground won't survive. It's done. Totter is vomiting his soul out. Milligan is praying. It's finished. Kipp is breathing heavily. Nikan and Tristam are walking back from the forest. The moment came and it's now gone. The mission is over. You won. You're done. Done already. You rise your head and remove your helmet, basking in the sun's light.

And then you see them. You're not done. There are three of them running up to the cave. You count the bodies. Eleven. You let them go. You let them escape. They're just going up to the cave. You can still get them. They have nowhere to go. They're part of the mission. You have to get them. No. Think. Wait. It's the adrenaline. Don't let that get to you.

Priorities. What is it you need to do now?

>Dress Sidian's wound.
>Heal Sidian's wound. (Magic)
>Go up to the mountain. Kill them.
>Send (write in) to kill them.
>Get the whole group to the cave.
>Other.

>>36467588
BAD
ASS
MOTHERFUCKERS
>Cleaning up on isle five, pulped up bandits

>>36467614
>Dress Sidian's wound.
then Take Sornen Clodius and Nikan with you to deal with them while the others check the bodies for anything of use or value.

>>36467614
How long does it take to heal sidian?

>>36467614
>Heal Sidian's wound. (Magic)

>Get the whole group to the cave.

>>36467655
You mean with magic? Something more than a minute. Still, take into account how magic works in the setting.

>>36467614
>Dress his wound
then take everyone but hide Sidian somewhere for the fight's duration.

>>36467749
>>36467614
Actually nevermind.
>Heal him
then
>Take everyone but leave Sidian at the back, with someone else, say Totter, and they'll wait until we clean up the cave.

>>36467614
>>Get the whole group to the cave.
Get the loot

>>36467768
>>36467666
Roll me 1d100, then.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>36467863

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>36467863
God for the God Blood

captcha:
msfulo blood

>>36467614
>Dress Sidian's wound.
>Get the whole group to the cave
the mission was extermination lets complete it

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>36467863
Shiiiet

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>36467874
>>36467863
Not bad

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>36467863

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>36467942
>>36467896
>>36467886
>>36467876
Thank god these aren't the only rolls

>>36467971
Yeah, the dice gods mock us

First priority is Sidian. How is the wound? A dagger cut through his armor. Deltoid. Not deep. The cut is clean. Get here, Sidian. You did good. Nothing to fear, just a flesh wound. You'll be better soon. Take the medical supplies from your your bag. Take off the leather. Rip the shirt. This will hurt a little. Bear with it. Stop screaming, please. Stop. You're wrapping the cloth around his shoulder. Can he stop now? Done.

Clodius is talking to the kid. He probably did that already. He's experienced. For every kid that vomited on his first time.
"Are you ok now?" You ask.
"Yeah man. It's not like- It's just... I don't know." Clear as day. Better let him and Sidian take a step back on this last part of the mission.

The last part. "We aren't done yet. Some of them escaped. Take your weapons up. Don't take your backpacks. Totter, Sidian, you take the rear guard. There could be more of them. Let's get to work."

You slowly walk up to the cave. No need to hurry. No need for close formations. They have nowhere to go. Just enjoy the walk. You just need to kill three more. Could do that alone. With a hand behind your back.

Look at that, the one on lookout has his shortsword still in the sheath. Has he lost hope. He screams towards the interior of the cave. Is he just waiting for death or-

A heavy, rhythmic sound interrupt your train of thought. Something is coming out of the cave. Do they have aces up their sleeves? What are the other two doing? You will know soon. It's coming. Get ready. Heads up.

Time stops. You don't understand. What is in front of your eyes? What is happening here? The seams of reality are ripping. That thing can be. A man can't be that high. That big. Light blue? That's not a man. His skin is glistening, mucus running across it. He doesn't have a mouth. No nose. Its eyes don't have sockets. They're solid black balls grafted on his head. Eyes? They could be everything. And he's big. He's really big.

Time unfreezes. And everything is going twice as fast. The thing is running towards you. Charging you. You push Sornen away and try to sidestep him. Too late. A punch hits you. Not as hard as you thought. His fist is soft. But it still takes you a couple of feet over the ground. And you go back to it. Back first.

The beast stops. You all stop. You can- feel him? He's regretting hitting you? He doesn't want to do it. But he must. Did you hit your head? Leave this things to Milligan.

The creature takes a step towards Sornen. Slowly. Get up, Will. Promises. Things you have to do. He's a good guy, don't let him die. Up on your feet. It doesn't matter how much that hurts. Up on your feet now. Don't panic. Don't let them panic. It's going to hit soon. Do something, Will. Do it fast.

>Go for the beast (write in) (roll)
>Go for the bandits (roll)
>>Orders to the team (write in) (a second d100)
>Other

Rolled 35, 20, 90 = 145 (3d100)

>>36468498
Sornen, CLodius, Millener Help me keep this thing distracted stick and fade!
Nikan Tristram Totter Sidian kill those bandits they are controlling whatever the hell this thing is.

Rolled 31, 17 = 48 (2d100)

>>36468498
>Go for the beast, keep it busy while the bandits are killed (roll)
>>Orders to the team kill the bandits (a second d100)

Rolled 42, 50 = 92 (2d100)

>>36468498
>Orders to all except Sornen and Milligan to go kill the bandits.
>The rest keeps the beast busy and tries to do some damage at least

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>36468498
>>Go for the beast (write in) (roll)
Try to circle it and have us take the front

still here op ?

Up. Up and at them. On your feet. It hurts. Doesn't matter. Keep it together. Set things in motion. Mend reality. Stop the thing. Kill the bandits. No panic. Time to do something. Time to be the leader.

You run to the beast and bury your sword in what should be a leg. Its soft skin splits open, a river of cyan blood coming out. The beast turns to face you. Slowly. He doesn't seem to care at all. You're not 'feeling' him anymore. What was that? The battle, Will, the battle.
Your team hasn't noticed they're in battle yet. They just stare amazed at the turn their life just took. "Sornen, Milligan, stay with me. Attack the beast. Keep it busy. The rest of you go kill the bandits. They're controlling him." A second of pause and they're back.

Sornen hits the creature towering over you. It turns quickly this time. Enraged? Milligan hits it before its arms move. Turquoise. The beast springs again. Milligan evades his blow. Divert his attention. Hit where it's wounded. Your sword touches bone. His leg twitches. You jump away as it bends.

How long does it take to kill three bandits? You look for an answer. And the answer is not what you wanted it to be. The bandits are dead. The rest of your team is watching the beast, unsure of what to do. It's not working. It doesn't work. The thing is still out for your lives. He's a threat even on his knees. His reach longer than yours. What now? You have to kill it. That's what.

March to it. Kill it. No fear. It's your duty. You have to kill it fast, before he makes you break your promise. They're all staying away from it now. That's the sane thing to do. But you can't do the sane thing. Can't let him get back up. You have to kill him now. Get to his back. Continue hitting him from a safe angle. The pool by his feet has gone teal now. He's losing blood. Or something. He's losing something. Just go with what you know. Your sword enters its body again. Another stream of fresh liquid. You duck under a punch. What are the others doing?

Another gush of turquoise appears on the other side of the beast. They are doing their jobs, that's what they're doing. Sornen's shield intercepts the arm looking for Kipp. He stops the blow. The force makes his feet slide on the ground. He stops. The whole team gangs up on the monster. Wounds all over it's body. That's how it's done, guys. We're mercenaries. Just kill the thing. Its movements are going slow again now. He's getting slower by the second. More metal. More teal. Its arms go limp. It starts wobbling. You all move away.

And the air vibrates as its body hits the ground. Not moving anymore. You lean on a rock and slide down to the ground. Gasping for air. Hard. You're tired. This was hard. This was really hard. You wouldn't have made it without your team. But it's done. You've done more than you should. You all passed the test. Flourish of trumpets should resound right now. Only your rugged breaths are.

You all take some time to catch your breath and rest. The tension gone, you start laughing. Why are you laughing? You're not sure. But they're following you. All laughing. Have you gone mad? Doesn't matter. It's good to be laughing. It's good to be alive. You must be blessed. The absurd chortling dies down after a while. The feeling stays. You're done. Really done this time.

>Go back to the city. You won.
>Search (write in)
>Speech (write in)
>Other

>>36469791
>>Search (write in)
the cave and the bodies pair up and fan out

>>36469791
>Speech (Guy's the expected whatever this was, they thought we'd all die. WE worked as ateam and showed them all that we don't die easy. Good work!
>Search the corpses and the cave. Also search the blue things body, maybe something there is useful.

>>36469897
seconding this

>>36469791
>>36469897
Sure.

>>36469791
>Search (write in)
Search inside the cave and the bandit camp. Make sure that there is nothing we left of the bandits.

Op you alive?

>>36470943
Writing. Could still take a while. I'm slow.

>>36470979
Ok then again you dump a shitton of text so no problem

You rise up and point your hand towards the mass of slimy meat covering most of the path's width. "Well, I believe this is the surprise I was talking of. This is why they gave us for dead. But we're alive. Nobody could believe we could take something like this on. And still, we're alive. We worked as a team and we survived. All of us survived. We did the best job we could. That anyone could."
You pause. Some of the guys shout their agreement. "And after completing our mission we're officially mercenaries. So let's do the mercenary thing. Plunder!"
"What? Man, we're gonna be knights. We can't go around stealing things from others."
"Look, kid, we're not stealing. They're bandits AND dead and if we want to go anywhere we will need some funding." Simple, good guy. He knows what to say.
"He's right. We're going to need all we can get." Nikan chimes in.
"Are we really sure this is not stealing?" Tristam, you chose the wrong path.
"They have what they need. We still have to find what is ours." Milligan's words close the conversation. Everyone is ok with taking what we need now. Did you miss something? Did what he said make sense? Don't dwell on it. The results are what counts.

You look at the body of the monster. He doesn't have anything on him and not one of you wants to harvest from it. It's best left alone. You make your way up and enter the cave as Kipp and Milligan search the bodies outside.

The cave is just one big room. Some torches are up on the walls. There's an open cage looking at you from the other side of the room. Strange smells in the air. A stagnating sweetness pervades the cave. Pallets all around the room. A wooden ottoman. If there's something valuable that's where it should be.

ou walk to it. A lock. Why should you go for that when the hinges are rusted? Some good old brute strength and a lever. Open. Great lock you have there, by the way. Two small leather bags. Just that. Nothing else. You were expecting it to be full of loot. No loot. Two bags. Hope the bags are not filled with disappointment. You pick the first one up. Heavy. Metal sounds. Circular objects. No disappointment in there. Are they made of gold? Yes, they are. Good enough to feed fourteen mouths for a couple of years. They didn't think about the future much, it seems. They were right in that.

The second bag has another round object in it. Bigger than coins. Wrapped in velvet. You take it out and unwrap it. A black container closed with glass. A little arrow in it. Something strange. You rotate the container and the arrow doesn't move with it. You've seen something similar. A bucket of water. Cork. A needle. It's a compass. But you've never seen one this small. Or this dry. This could be worth something.

You stand up and look around. Your team has finished with their search. The room is a mess now. It was a mess before. Now it's chaos. They did a good job. They're not taking food or clothes. They're not taking anything worthless. Time to search the rest of the bodies. Let's get back to your backpacks.

Your things are still waiting for you. As the dead. The smell of blood is heavy. The kid has to stop himself from vomiting again. How is Sidian keeping up better than him? Wasn't he trained or something? Still a kid. Your team goes through the bodies of those who had shorter lives. Scavengers. Carrion eaters. We're wetting our beaks in the blood of our enemies. We will survive. Thrive on the death of our foes.

That was dark, Will. You're just doing your job. And part of the promise was about good alcohol. They don't gift that. Hard cash is needed. You're one to keep your promises, aren't you? This is just a mean to an end. Not who you are. For now at least.

You put the pouches on the ground and go retrieve your backpack. As you turn around you see new items have appeared all around them. Your team put what they found where you did. They followed Clodius in that. And now they're looking at you. What is this? Vultures don't work like that. No pecking order there. Well, you're the leader. Do the leader thing.

>53 gc, 7 sc, 3 cc.
>4 swords. Low quality. 2 are chipped.
>3 daggers. 2 low quality. 1 decent.
>A set of silverware. 10 forks, 10 knives, 10 spoons.
>2 wool hats. Who thought that had some value?
>The compass.
>A ceramic doll.
>A nice lute.
>3 wood carvings representing The Light. Two are well done, one is blasphemy.

>Split loot (write in)
>Keep everything.
>Other.

>>36471544
>>36471633
Bring a vial of blue/cyan/teal blood. Need evidence.

>>36471658
>Keep the decent dagger and the compass
>Suggest that Sidian gets the chipped swords. He should be able to do something with them, having been a blacksmith
>everyone gets 5gc
>Split the loot between those who want. The one with the least loot gets the rest of the money.

>>36471658
I support this >>36471790

But I would say give everyone a set of silverware as a trophy for our success.

>>36471658

Split the gold, keep the compass?

>>36471790
>>36471658

Ooh, this is good. Supportan'

>>36471658
>Split loot
5 gc for everyone and the rest for the 'party fund'
You know, for expenses of the missions

The rest share between all. We just need one carving of light and 1 dagger

>>36471658
>>36471790
I like this I'm gonna support it too

>>36471790
>>36471658
This is good.

>>36471840
>party fund
interesting idea, but who would hold onto it?

>>36464473
>>36471658
speaking of which, I've completely forgotten what The Light is about. Probly should be added to the pastebin.

>>36471658
>Split the gold, keep the extra coin(s) for ourselves
Swords we can sell back to the mercenaries as the shit weapons they are. Mercs are always looking for shit weapons to give to noobies like us.

The compass, hats, and the shit daggers can go to Tristam. A small bit of smithwork from someone like Sidian can get them weighted for throwing. The decent dagger we'll keep.

The doll, the carvings, and the silverware we'll keep collectively until we find someone to pawn it off to. Lute as well, if noone wants it.

>>36471960
I've never mentioned what The Light is about. Just a church you saw dedicated to the god. You're not forgetting anything.

>>36471921
We would make a public sheet for it detailing what goes in and what goes out and keep it in a safe.

>>36472001
...yeah, I think that should wait until we've got a more solid foundation. How many of them even care about accounting? Maybe next time, after confirming that the Mercanaries aren't likely to try and break the safe open.

>>36471993
Cio, you still around?

Bump I guess.
Did everyone abandon ship?

The gold can be split. Five gold coins each. 8 gold, 7 silver, 3 copper left. Team fund. For the promise. Tonight you're going to have the best alcohol money can buy. The best alcohol 8 gold coins can buy. What else? You'll keep the compass. It could be useful. It could be worth good money, too.

"Ok, guys. Everyone gets five gold coins. The rest is going to the party fund. Tonight's party, I mean. We have to toast with real alcohol this time. Take your pick on the rest. If there are things that nobody wants to keep we're going to sell them and split the money. I'll be back in a moment."

You go back up. How many times have you trodden this ground today? It's getting tiring. But having proof of your hunt is needed. You should take some blood back. You have nothing to keep it. Don't even think about it. No way.You need your canteen. You're not going to use that. Just take some meat. Cut a finger off. Three fingers on each hand. Hand? Fingers? Are you sure that's what those are?

No need to try and understand. Just cut the finger, will you? Wobbly meat. The mucus is drying up. That's disgusting. You now have a bundle of that disgusting meat in your hands. You're regretting the decision. Go back and wrap it in something. Fast. Cloth. You had cloth, didn't you? Yes, that will do.

Your group is done picking what they need. Nobody likes The Light it seems. Or music. Or silverware. Strange looks are directed to Clodius. Was he the one who likes wool hats? The strange looks are now on you. Why are you carrying around what looks like vomited cyanotic meat? That's a great question right there. One you don't have a good answer to. Wrap it up and hide it into your backpack.

Ten pieces of silverware. An idea pops into your head. Hunting trophies. That's a stupid idea. What did you hunt, high class gourmands? But they could be commemorative. A good luck charm. A little fragment of your first great victory. You could split them up amongst yourselves and leave the last set here.

en pieces of silverware. An idea pops into your head. Hunting trophies. That's a stupid idea. What did you hunt, high class gourmands? But they could be commemorative. A good luck charm. A little fragment of your first great victory. You could split them up amongst yourselves and leave the last set here.

No way to propose that kind of idea without looking like a madman. "Those silverware are apotropaic in their nature. The light they reverberate will keep us on the path. Leave the one on the first cobblestone and let them accompany us on our journey. They will split the light for us. Make it so we can understand." Yeah, he's the only one who can propose that idea. Thanks, Milligan. You had ceased your creepy mind reading. But thanks.
"Well, they could be keepsakes. To remember us of this moment. Of us. I'd like to remember this team even if our paths split."

You take your set, they take theirs. Milligan takes the remaining cutlery and buries them. After bathing them in the blood of the bandits. Why, Milligan? I'd like to think you have some sanity left. Why don't you let me dream?

As the shaman finishes his little ritual you all take your belongings and the remaining loot and start to walk back. You feel like you spent an eternity fighting that thing. The sun has a different view on the matter. It's still less than half way through the descending part of the parable.

Your band of mercenaries is a merry one now. You all have smiles on your face. The way back is a pleasant stroll speckled with light chatter. The kid spends most of the time weaving epics about your deeds. You were not aware you jumped over the monster and stabbed it in the head. You must be able to jump really high. 15 feet at least. You didn't know that. You still have much to learn about you. And your team. Nikan chopped a guy in half with a single slash of her sword. Clodius took 35 men on his own. You're a team of demigods. Benevolent, too. Nobody is spoiling Totter's fun. Listen to him soothes

The city you get back to is permeated by the reddish light of the day's last hour. You wonder how your fork would split that up as you make your way to the mansion. A guy in a red silk cloak is just about to enter as you reach there. He turns around and looks at you. Surprised. Leader. You shouldn't be here, that's what his face tells you. He walks up to you. And starts screaming.

"What the fuck did you do? Did you just run away? That was an important mission! You had to fight with all you could muster! Get back there and do what you have to!" Your blood is getting hotter. Cool down. Answer. You did what you had to.
"We did what we had to already. We completed the mission, sir." Something changes in his eyes. He doesn't believe. He's trying to come to terms with what you just told him. They told you he was the only one who knew about your mission. He knew about the mission.
"How could you- You had to d-Was something wrong? Were the bandits alone?" He asks. Your blood starts to boil. He knew. He knew from the beginning and sent you to your deaths. You were a pawn. He needed you dead. And now he's screaming at you. Not nice of him. Reaching a limit.

>Vent your rage. On his face. With fists.
>Answer (write in)
>Just stay quiet. Try to calm down.
>Ignore him. Walk in.
>Other.

>>36473626
>Answer we did the mission......... sir (set proof at his feet)

>>36473626
>Ignore him. Walk in.
Reporting to the boss takes priority.

>>36473626
>Answer
It would have been nice if you fucking told us about the goddamn behemoth that bled blue blood!
and then throw the bag of severed parts and vials of blood at his face

>>36473626
>>36473687
Supportan'. No-one will begrudge us a small...slip of the "finger." It's been a long tiring day.

>>36473626
>>36473708
Backing this.

>>36473626
"It was child's play"

>>36473842
You know what I'm gonna change my answer to this. This is literally the best fuck you and yet entirely civil

>>36473626
called it

>quietly show him the proof. Wait for his reaction.

>>36473626
actually, no. changing >>36473979

Don't wait, just show the proof then ignore him. Report and get to drinkin.

Ok so far we have three options
1. Be Utterly Polite as with >>36473687
2. Be polite yet snide as with >>36473742
Or
3. Basically tell him to fuck off as with >>36473708
Cast your votes! (if that's allright with you Cio seeing as how we're sort of at an impasse

>>36474928
oh shit fucked up number 2 i meant >>36473842
sorry people

>>36474928
>>36474959
You also forgot ignoring him:
>>36473688
>>36474115

>>36474928
>>36474959
I'm almost finished. I'm writing the next prompts. Fret not, three posts are incoming.

"Nothing strange. We did our mission, sir. Child's play." You take your proof out of your backpack, unfold it and push it straight to his chest, mucus and blood staining his fine shirt. Silk brocade. Silver threads. You stop yourself from punching him and walk in. He doesn't follow. Your team does.
"Heh. It's gonna be hard to get that off." Sornen notes.
"You shouldn't have done that. That's not a smart move." Nikan didn't take that well. She's right. That was stupid. But every part of you is screaming that was the right thing to do. And that you should go back. And hit him. Hard. Repeatedly.
Maybe Nikan's right. That was wrong and you're still fuming. "Yeah, I shouldn't have let the fact that he didn't tell us about the monster get to me. Could be some sort of trial. I'm sorry about that. Now, back to your rooms. Leave your equipment and meet back at the canteen. We're going out drinking tonight." You all walk up to your rooms.

Some of the mercenaries on the way congratulate you on your first success. For killing bandits. Not one of them mentions monsters or beasts. You leave everything you won't need tonight. You take the armor off. Back to the canteen. Everyone is waiting for you when you get there. Easy for you guys, you just had leather armour. Is that a good thing? No, it's not.
"So, where are we going?" Kipp asks. You just set foot in here. The prospect of what's to come is making you impatient, Kipp?
"I don't know. I'm not familiar with the city. We could just walk around and find a nice place like last time."
"You didn't know the tavern you took us to yesterday?" Is that so strange, Tristam? Don't you get the feeling of a place from its surroundings?

The debate rages on. Half of your team could never drink in classy public houses, the other half is not from this city. You let them talk. You wait. Nothing is coming out of this. Leader time then.

"Ok guys, we still need to get supper. Why don't we go to that tavern from yesterday? It was nice. We can see what we can toast with there."

The charade ends. As you're walking out of the canteen a hand stops you. Redhead. He has a message for you. They told him to tell you the leader wants to meet you three hours from now. Great. Just great. Can't even wait for tomorrow morning, can he? Not like he was out fighting giant beasts today. Don't let this sour the mood, Will. The party. Get to the tavern. Everything is going to be alright. Time to relax.

You get back to the tavern and take the same spot as yesterday. Only a couple shares the venue with you today. The atmosphere is relaxed. The same woman welcomes you back. You're too tired to think about what you should get for your team. They all liked the beef and potatoes. Let's go with that. No, no beer this time. Do you have wine? Wine then. We're back. Time to close the circle. We're going with wine.

You look at her going back and turn around to find the attention is on you. Again. This thing has to end. Or you'll have to get some books on rhetoric. You won't be able to come up with something every time. And you don't try to.
"There's not much to say. We did a great job today and we're all back to enjoy the fruits of our labour. I'm proud of us." Smiles. And silence. No need to break it. There's even less of a reason after the food is on the table. You taste your food slowly. Life is so good right now. You have to stop and taste the beef. By the time you finish your serving the chitchat has resumed. Time for that thing.

You rise up from your seat and take your cup. "There was a promise. Wasn't there?" They all get up, cups in hand. You rise yours. Only two words needed. "To us." "To us!" they echo.

The wine is good. Heavy but sweet. Fruity. Complex. Maybe not the best. But it's good. And this is good. You sit back down. The party continues on a higher note. Heavy and sweet. You're all happy. The day has been good. And tiring. Tristam's eyes are wandering, eyelids going down. It's time to go back, then. You all rise up. Just as you step outside another hand stops you. Is this going to be a thing?

Matias. Just Matias. "Hey there." "Hey." "Look, I didn't know what he wanted you guys for. But things were fishy and I just let it go. I- What I mean is, I think I owe you another couple of beers. Have time?"

>You have some time before the thing with the leader. You could understand what happened before going to him. Talk to Matias (can write in specific questions/topics)
>A friend wants to apologize. The leader can wait.
>Just walk straight to the mansion and wait for your meeting.
>Other.

>>36475129
>You have some time before the thing with the leader. You could understand what happened before going to him. Talk to Matias (can write in specific questions/topics)

Sure Matias I have a little time before leader wants me to report in. We dealt with the bandits there no problem. Did you know they had some sort of thing under their control though? (Describe it) I mean I can get it if merc think that rookies are cursed, new guy not knowing the sharp point of a sword and all. But are we going to have that sort of thing happen to us constantly? I mean if I hadn't trained the others up we would have gotten our collective asses killed.

>>36475129
>"Another time, I've already had a few. Don't want to get TOO drunk when I meet the leader."

>>36475129
>"I'm in a great mood right now and I'm kind of hoping it'll prevent me from punching our boss in the face in about ten minutes. Can we do this another time?"

>>36475129

>>36475206.
I'm gonna back this one. As much as I want to bro it up with Matias this is just more practical

>>36475245
Definitely this.

The rest of your team walks back to the mansion, leaving you to your talk.
"Let's keep that for another time. I have to meet with the leader. Can't get there drunk, can I?"
"You can but you shouldn't" He laughs "Well, come find me when you have the time."
"Yeah, I'll do that. See you."
"See you."

Time to go see the leader, then. Go find him. He's probably in the administrative section. Wait, find him? Matias told you to do that. Without giving you any way to. Great. Well, you'll pull off the greatest investigative work you ever did. Free beers. Worth all the trouble.

You reach the end of the corridor while thinking about ways to track Matias down. You could just ask the leader right now. It's quiet here. Yeah, ask him. He's always been so friendly. The door is ajar. No way that can go bad. He could even walk you to his house. There doesn't seem to be any lamps on. And join you guys in drinking, too. Yeah, he's that kind of guy.

A strange sound. You heard that before. You walk in. The leader is sitting on an armchair. Behind his desk. Parchment litters it. He's not talking. He's not moving. Parchment and blood. His throat is open, blood is gushing out. Red and cyan mix together on his shirt. There is something in the shadows. Behind the chair. There was always something in the shadows. And they tried to warn you. And you didn't listen. Your monster comes out from under your bed. His face is the face of a man. A man you've seen before. A man you have humiliated. A man taking his sweet revenge.

Jo passes you a dagger. You catch it. He smiles and whispers to you. "You're 'it' now." He opens the door and runs out. Fast. Screaming. This is not looking good. This won't look good. You're knee deep in it. They saw you antagonizing him. They know he sent you to your death. You wouldn't have a problem killing him. And a trainer is going to tell them you killed him.

You're 'it' now.

[End Chapter]

Sorry if this last update is short. I'm really tired and I'm slipping. I'm going to be around for some time to answer questions and get feedback. If I don't fall asleep on the keyboard.

>>36476081
Alright, let's start thinking of defenses. The first thing I can think of is that we never took any weapons from the armory. We only used our personal weapons. If we can prove that, it'll take a lot of heat of our backs.

>>36476101
Thanks for running Ciollonz. What if I may ask does the dagger look like?

>>36476182
Wooden handle, short blade, no guard. Well mantained. Not worth much.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/36464473/
Archived lads. Sorry for the numbering fuck-up. Too much vodka tonight.

>>36476232
Does the armory keep a tabulation of their pieces?

>>36476138
Yeah, but who are they going to believe a veteran trainer or the new guy who was a bit of a dick to the leader then conveniently ended up dead?
On top of that WE have the dagger in our hand and unless Jo has any blood on his hands from cutting the bosses throat (which should happen given how messy cutting a throat is)we can't really prove anything.

>>36476081
Just writing this for next thread

Immediately drop dagger, and stand there mouth open in shock. Shouldn't be too easy to fake, as we're not faking at all.

Our defense: Matias, who saw us, and we actively told him we don't want to attack the boss
The trainer already has it out for us, there were witnesses to what we did to him, and he's the only one to this.
We have no blood on us, and his throat was slit.
Odds are the trainer DOES have blood on him.
We finished our job, none the worse for wear, and we're expecting pay. No boss, no pay
We didn't flee the scene.

And the list goes on.
I want to turn this completely on that fucker.

>>36476316
this is good i'll second this for the next thread and maybe if we drop to our knees with our mouth open it might add a little more to the scene?

>>36476412
Probably not. We've seen death before, and they know that, so our response shouldn't be that extreme.

>>36476430
Yeah I gotcha, but my first instinct is to run the hell away as fast as we can and then hunt down that son of a bitch Matias. But I get the feeling that wouldn't end well.

>>36476528
It wasn't matias, Matias is cool. This was the trainer from before.

>>36476081
dang, we should've gone straight to the leader.

>>36477250
Yeah, if we stuck around and drunk with our bro Matias none of this would have hapened.

>>36481449
No, if we stuck around to get drunk AND THEN head to the leader, we'd get worst-case scenario.

If we said fuckit and never went to see the leader, we'd be in the clear, though. Matias would be a good witness that we never went near him.