>>2992038

You nod as the group begins to filter in. You notice Vreel and the five Fae he’d been speaking to last night arrive as one large clump, the six of them making up more than a third of your warriors for the mission. Vreel offers you a beautifully crafted shirt of overlapping leaves, each leaf is the color of stone with a hardness to match yet somehow remains as flexible as one would expect from a leaf. “May this armor keep you safe, brother.” You slip the shirt over your head and it rests against the brilliant red, orange, and gold leaves that cover your body. You feel rather drab, but know that the armor may mean the difference between life and death.

Another Fae approaches you after the group has gathered and is prepared to leave and offers you a small round shield that seems to be made of thick, plain wood.

>>Accept the shield

>>Refuse the shield

>(The shield will prevent you from using your spear two handed as long as it is equipped)

>>Ask any questions before you set out?

>> I need a roll of 1d100, first come first serve, for travel encounters.

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>2992039
>Accept the shield

>>2992039
>>Accept the shield

>>2992074
Kek, it seems we found them before arriving at the keep1

>>2992077
Excellent, we can attack in any direction

>>2992039
>Accept the shield
If the spear isn't specifically designed to be wielded two-handed, we may as well bring a shield. We can strap it onto our back while travelling, so that even if we never decide to use it, we still have the option.

If the spear is actually a two-handed pike, I'm not sure why they're offering us a shield.

>>2992039
>>Accept the shield

>>2992074
>>2992077
>>2992133
>>2992124
The spear isn’t pike length, its short enough to wield one handed but long enough to benefit from using both hands.

But accepting the shield and a roll of 3 on the encounter table. Writing.

File: 5654726B-8A8C-43C2-8E83-D(...).png (436 KB, 865x538)

436 KB PNG

You take the shield with a nod of thanks and the group sets off. Palius calls you over to him and the two of you lead the group from the clearing by the light of dawn. Many of your kin gather and offer well wishes and luck to your party. You see Helia waving among the small crowd.

Once you emerge from the clearing, the feeling of safety you had felt within its oaken walls departs. The trees here are much denser, creating a thick canopy that light only barely filters though and the pools of shadow are teeming with wildlife of every kind. Long grasping vines dangle down, awaiting for unwitting prey. Predators stalk their unsuspecting meals.

A hushed silence fills the thick forest as your group weaves through the trees. Several times, due to the density of the trees and the spread out nature of your group, members appear lost for several moments before rejoining the main host. You seem to be the only one concerned with this, so you decide to leave your concerns unspoken.

Half a day passes without incident and the sun is high overhead when Palius calls the group to a halt. He calls all of you over to where he is standing. You spot what he called a halt for instantly. The decapitated body of a Varag lies in the dirt. Obviously animals have begun feeding on the carcass, but the decapitation was caused by something with an smooth edge. Vreel gives the limp body a swift kick and it rolls over, it’s weapon noticeably absent. “Someone hunted down the ones who fled, looks like.” Palius remarks. “Good riddance.” Vreel spits in response.

With nothing else of interest, your group continues onwards. You notice some of the less bold members seem to be keeping a tighter grouping but Vreel and his friends seem unconcerned with the noons discovery’s.

It is just before the sun sets that a call echoes forth from between the trees. “Brothers, sister, to me!” Vreel’s tone seems unshaken but tense as he calls for the rest of the party.

You cross a small brook as you find your way to Vreel. He stands infront of a host of forest goblins. Their small spears, merely sharpened wooden stakes or bits of sharp rocks tied to branches, pointed directly are Vreel. It is hard for you to count how many of the goblins there are as they chitter and bounce around excitedly.

The largest of their number stomps forward, you see in his hands he is clutching an iron weapon strikingly similar to those wielded by the Varag in the previous night’s attack.

A smaller goblin in a tattered cloak croaks in the largest one’s ear and points at you. The largest one points at you with his blade and says, in a mangled and gurgling voice. “Who is you? Why you here?”

>>How do you want to handle this?

——————————————-

>>Gained Stone-Leaf Chestplate (+15 armor)

>>Gained Wood Shield (+5 Armor while wielded)

>>2992216
Think it's best we try to talk our way out of this one. There's enough goblins here that even if we manage to defend ourselves in a fight, at least one will be able to run off and warn others. And making allies of them wouldn't be too terrible, either, if we can manage it.

What do we know of goblins?

>>2992216
Ae are the forest alive we are here
to kill varag and destroy that weapon
*Point to the iron weapon.
Give it to us and we won't kill you to the last!

>>2992261
You don’t know much about the goblins, you know there’s numerous tribes that inhabit the forest and that they all have different levels of respect/reverence for Fae.

>>2992277
Fair enough.

>>2992216
"I am Aurelio, of the Fae Court. Put your weapons away and we may speak together. I have no wish to spill blood this day, but will respond nonetheless if threatened."
Less overtly threatening is better in this case, I think.

>>2992290
+1

>>2992290
+1
Yeah let's not kill them we're a protector.

>>2992290
supportin'

>>2992290
>>2992300
>>2993058
>>2993076
Writing, peaceful it is.

You decide it is best not to wait for the rest of your party to join you and speak plainly to the goblin. "I am Aurelio, of the Court of the Thicket. Put your weapons away and we may speak together. I have no wish to spill blood this day, but will respond nonetheless if threatened."

The goblin’s eyes narrow, as if he is attempting to detect deception. Vreel gives you an incredulous look, as if he expected to kill the goblins. The goblin’s voice cracks the silence abruptly. “Aurelio, no kill goblins? No trick?” You give a warm and genuine smile. “No tricks, now if you and your friends would lower their weapons.” He considers you for a moment before croaking something at the horde still keeping Vreel at spearpoint. Their spears lower not a moment later and they part ways.

The largest goblin slides his sword over his shoulder and beckons for you to follow him. “Me is Scarsticks. This is Rootrusher.” He motions to the smaller goblin that had been speaking to him. “He is dream-speaker of our tribe. Me is chief.” The smaller goblin chitters excitedly and croaks again in Scarsticks ear. The larger goblin simply nods.

The pair lead you and Vreel into a small camp, meat sits over cooking several doezen fires tended to by female goblins and each fire is surrounded by an immense huddle of small animal hide tents. Scarsticks leads you to the largest fire, and the largest tent, where half of a deer is being slowly roasted. Goblin children shriek and chase each other through the camp grounds. There has to be at least hundreds of goblins living here.

Scarsticks sits by the fire and offers you a seat next to him. You oblige and Vreel follows your lead, though rather unhappy with this turn of events. Scarsticks eyes the pair of you for a moment. “Why is you both here?” You notice, in the distance, Fae ringing the edge of the goblin campground, watching to see what will happen.

>>Continue speaking plainly

>>Lie (what say?)

>>Write-in

>>2994142
Speak plainly lying will only dig our grave

>>2994142
>>Continue speaking plainly

We are here to kill Vreel

Aswer but don't give details, but more importantly

"Why are you here?"

Why did they make a camp where I assume is our territory or pretty close to it

>>2994142
>Continue speaking plainly

>>2994173
We'are not here to kill the fae vreel. We're here to kill Hursk you dip.

>>2994173
support, but you mixed up the names

>>2994176
Yeah I fucked up up, I meant to say Varag

>>2994150
>>2994173
>>2994175
>>2994180
Speaking plainly, writing

“We are hunting Varag...” the goblin interrupts you, spitting on the dirt at your utterance of the word Varag. “Filthy Varag, nasty Varag. We kill one. Me take his sword!” The goblin chief beams up at you with pride as he pats the sword slung loosely from his back.

You return the smile down at Scarsticks. “What are you doing here chief?” The goblin’s face twists in response to your words, at first you assume it is anger but it quickly reveals itself as concentration. He croaks several words in goblin at Rootrusher and the smaller goblin scampers over. He bows and adjusts his tattered cloak before you. “The chief has given me permission to speak. He does not know your words like I do.” You nod, allowing the goblin to speak.

“We are awaiting a sign from the forest, my dreams have told us to venture here.” He bows again and shoots a nervous glance at the chief, who is watching the exchange intently. “The Mushcaps mean no disrespect if we are too close to your lands. Our fathers paid...” He pauses to find the right word. “Homage to your court when it flourished, this is know.”

Scarsticks croaks for a moment at Rootrusher and they enter a quick exchange before Rootrusher turns back to you. “The chief has many questions. First he offers food, as our fathers taught us the customs.”

For a moment, you expect to be offered the deer roasting over the flames. The cooked meat would make you ill, though you’re unsure if the goblins would know that. But after a moment and another series of croaks from the chief, raw meat and a foul smelling brew is brought forth for both you and Vreel, who perks up at the idea of free food. “That is the chief’s own deer and his personal stock of Madcap.” Rootrusher announces with pride. “Now that food has been offered... the chief would have me ask why there has been many Varag here?”

>>Do you eat and drink?

>And

>>How do you answer the goblins?

>>2994329
Acept the food but do not take much , we sre in a hunt.

Say that we don't know why there is so many but we are going to find out. Tell him that we suspect they might be in big numbers.


We have to keep moving I guess, we can't waste too much time, tell them we may speak later.

>>2994329
>eat and drink only enough to be polite

>we don't know but that is what we're here to find out

>>2994329
>Just a bit for politiness
>we don't know but they attacked us so we're going to find out...And attack them.

>>2994345
>>2994352
>>2994362
Taking enough to be polite, and informing the goblins you’re going to find out why the Varag are here.

You take a small portion of the deer and a single clay mug of the Madcap. The chief nods, respecting your decorum. Vreel, however, shows a complete lack of politeness and digs into the offered food.

You take a sip of the goblin brew, the stench is foul as you raise the mug to your lips and the taste is worse. Bitter mushrooms seem to be the main component of their drink. You offer a polite smile and instead focus on the fresh venison.

“We do not know why the Varag are here in such number, to be honest. We intend to find out, and put a stop to it.” You pause, letting Rootrusher translate. The chief responds, presumably not needing the smaller goblin to translate. “You kill Varag, yes? You attack their camps, yes?”

You nod at the chief and he leaps to his feet, hurriedly speaking to Rootrusher. The dream-talker takes the conversation over again. “The chief would have us accompany you. He says you are what my dreams brought us here for.” The small goblin pauses for a moment before adding. “I agree with him.”

Vreel gives a derisive snort. “Would your lot be able to keep up? We move rather fast.” The small goblin turns to face Vreel, a smirk upon his lips. He lets out a low whistle which the chief quickly joins in on.

Moments later a pair of wolves join you all in the clearing. The wolves are clearly equipped to bear goblin riders, with harnesses and riding tack securely attached. The chief clambers gracefully onto his mount, a large black wolf with one yellow and one blue eye. “We join, yes? Hundred wolf riders.”

>>Do you accept the goblin’s offer of aid?

>>Do you ask any questions?

>>2994527
I guess we accept, the sooner they consider their vision fulfilled the sooner they will leave our lands and go back to whatever hole they came out of.

>>2994527
>Yes
>What are they good at in fighting?

>>2994527
>Do you accept the goblin’s offer of aid?
Yes
>no questions

>>2994557
Supporting.

>>2994551
>>2994567
these

>>2994527
>Do you accept the goblin’s offer of aid?
Of course. We have little to offer them save the prospect of Varag blood spilled, but if this is enough to satisfy them, then so be it.

>Do you ask any questions?
What else did this dream show them? Do they know of anything else (or anyone else, for that matter; more allies will always be useful) that may help us in our hunt?

>>2994527
>Do you accept the goblin’s offer of aid?

>>2994589
Well do you?

>>2994589
Woops yes yes goblins help

>>2994527
Accept their support and tell them to pull back if they start to take heavy loses. Something like this.

"Your help is most graciously accepted. However if you fear your loses are becoming to great at any point you may leave."

"You have no reason to give your lives for us."

>>2994713
Itl be more of a distraction for them as we go deeper in to kill the boss and get information

>>2994733
Agreed, we could use them as distraction

File: Am+sure+this+will+be+usef(...).jpg (54 KB, 364x360)

54 KB JPG

>>2994733
Listen here pal we're here to save lives not throw them away, even if they are just simple Goblins. Just cause they offered to help doesn't mean we should throw them into the meat grinder.

>>2994761
Who said meat grinder? They are goblins, they exel in ambush and harassment, they just have to grab their attention and book it while enter the other way to interrogate(about the weapons) and kill the leader.
If anything they will suffer less losses than if we did open battle

>>2994768
We still don't know for sure how many of them there are. The ones we took might be exaggerating but we can't know for sure.

>>2994761
There going to die so at lest they can be useful about it.
Just get them to blow a horn when there leaving so we know.
Just do tons of hit and rans im sure the varge we fighting will go chasing arfter them.

>>2994776
We have magic that should help us get in as well.
We can also offer that if they get attcked they can find shelter in the fas home for there help.

>>2994781
shit no! don't bring deranged Varag to our home while the warriors are away, we don't tell them where our home is, we don't tell anyone

>>2994783
They alredy know where we live as they tryed to raid us befor.
Just saying to the goblins that if there village gets raided they could come to us

>>2994841
Agreed

>>2994841
I'm compleately against sayimg where our village is to anyone right now too, we are very vulnerable, maybe down the line

>>2994551
>>2994557
>>2994567
>>2994569
>>2994575
>>2994570
>>2994596
>>2994713
Accepting the help with a few questions. Writing.

You look down into the chiefs eyes, even mounted on his wolf you have to crane your neck to do so, and without hesitation say. “Yes, we will fight together Scarsticks.”

The goblin gives a yelp of joy and grins at you. You return the grin with a warm smile. “We do not have much to offer in repayment for your aid, save spilled Varag blood.” The chief nods. “We take Varag shinies. We take Varag homes! Dream-talker has shown us to you for this!” You glance over at the smaller goblin who only just mounted his wolf, a sleek grey coated beast. “What else did your dreams show you? And do you know if there are any other beings nearby who would also aid in hunting Varag?”

Rootrusher adjusts himself in his saddle as he speaks. “I dream of a gift, the gift of true magic, but not to who the gift goes. More magic than dream-seeing. Magic like you. I dream of blood changing hands. And of high walls scaled in the dead of night.” He looks profoundly into the distance for a moment, almost as if he is in a trance, before nodding at you. “We have only just come here, we do not know these forests that well. Where we came from there were ogre families who may have helped you.” You nod and thank the diminutive goblin for his information. “Scarsticks, I will leave you to gather your wolf riders. I must inform the rest of my people that you will be joining us. Blow a horn when you are prepared to leave.” The chief wastes no time as he spins his wolf around and bellows in his croaking language.

You leave the clearing with Vreel in tow. “We’re not seriously taking them with us, are we?” He asks once you’re clear of goblin ears. “Yes, we are. If the prisoners spoke true, we are seventeen against a thousand. Any chance to even the odds is one we should take, I think.” Vreel simply grunts, accepting the truth of your words.

You meet Palius and quickly inform him of what transpired. Palius remains silent through your recounting but you notice an impressed smirk slip onto his face several times. “You handled yourself well. Many of our kind would not have been able to gain a seat with goblin-kind, much less secure their aid in battle.” A moment later a horn blows, signaling that the goblins are ready to march.

The seventeen of you filter through the trees and find, in a surprisingly ordered formation, what must be at least a hundred goblins mounted on the backs of wolves of all colors and sizes.

Palius gives the chief a curt but respectful bow. “I am Palius, chief Scarsticks. We will lead the way, Aurelio will stray between the groups to ensure we stay together.” The chief nods as Rootrusher translates.

The two groups embark, the fae in their loose group and the goblins in their ordered ranks. The goblins ride the wolves hard to keep pace with your kin. You flit between the groups, relating directions as needed.

>cont

>>2996857
Evenly you fall in beside the chief and his seer. “We appreciate your aid in this, but I must insist if you start to suffer severe losses, you are not bound to us. You do not need to spend lives for us.”

The chief smirks and has Rootrusher translate. “He says these are his most seasoned riders, they have fought in many battles with the other tribes and never fallen.” You nod. “How do they prefer to fight?” The seer thinks for a moment, trying to mentally translate what he wants to say. “They strike with speed and fade away and their weapons are coated with Dredge-sap.” He offers a cruel smile at the mention of the foul substance. You recognize the name immediately, it is an incredibly violent and fast acting poison drawn from within Itus trees. The goblins are either brave or foolish to use such a substance.

You give the two goblins a respectful nod and range back towards the rest of the Fae.

>>Speak to anyone else on your hike?

>or

>>Timeskip

>>I need another roll of 1d100 for the travel table please, first come first serve.

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>2996878
Timeskip

>>2996878
>Speak to anyone else on your hike?
I'd like to speak more to the goblins to learn more about their kind, but it's not a conversation that necessarily needs to be covered step-by-step. Narratively, it'd be fine just to
>Timeskip
over them with the understanding that some minor conversations took place.

What might be more important is a discussion with Palius and Scarsticks about how the goblin riders will function in battle alongside our warriors, such that in the event we're ambushed, we already have some pre-planned tactics to fall back to.

>>2996924
+1

>>2996878

>>Timeskip

The odds are still against us, but since they are riders they can harass the Varag and retreat as a diversion without suffering losses while we go around and take their leader by surprise

>>2996878
Timeskip

>>2996893
>>2997004
>>2997053
Timeskip it is.

>>2996924

I can definitely throw some information in there though. Writing

The next two days pass without event or incident. You speak frequently with the goblin seer and his chief. You learn that a few days hike from where you originally met them is the home of forest goblins. Ancient trees, much like those of your own clearing, fill a grove that houses the majority of goblin kind. There are dozens of tribes competing for such a relatively small plot of land, warfare among the goblins is brutal and unending.

Ever since the Diminishing, when the Fae retreated from their positions of power throughout the world, the goblins have never known peace. Scarsticks, through much urging by Rootrusher, sought to abandon the old territory and find new lands for himself and his people. They have forsaken their tree-bound dwellings and now carry everything they own on their backs. You find that all of their tents are quickly collapsed when the chief tells his people that it is safe for them to move on. You also find out, much to your surprise, that the extent of goblin magic is entirely what they know as “dream-talking or dream-seeing”, and incredibly diluted and unreliable form of divination. And that even this is exceedingly rare.

Palius, Scarsticks, and yourself frequently collaborate on tactics, though in the beginning your presence there is more one of polite respect, rather than active participation. You quickly absorb all they can offer on strategy and tactics.

On the fourth day since having left your clearing, you notice the trees are slowly growing more sparse, and the space between them is being filled with smaller vegetation, more able to soak up the rays of the sun.

Much to your discomfort, you find a series of trees uprooted. The trees seem to form a wall that narrows avenues of entrance and exit to this area of the forest.

Progress is slowed as the party is forced to find alternate paths for your small allies. You are searching for one such path as you happen upon the culprit of this maze of felled trees.

Towering over even you, an exceptionally tall Fae, is a massive, many-legged, bark-coated reptile. From head to tail, this creature must be at least forty feet long and it’s torso bends and slopes upwards giving it an almost centaur-like appearance, thought it is entirely lizard. The creature seems to be currently occupying itself with devouring a rather large bear but, after stealing a quick glance at what must be the creatures lair (and one of the only ways through this maze), you find signs of sentient, or near enough, intelligence. The lair is marked with trophies. You see serveral suits of armor built for someone squat and broad, what might be the claws of a young dragon or drake, the skull of some large horned creature, and what seems to be the desiccated form of a Fae.

>>This creature hasn’t noticed you yet.

>>Gather the others, see if they have found another way out of this maze.

>>Gather the others, attack this beast

>>Attempt to converse with the reptile

>>Attack alone?

>>Write in

>>2997179
>>Attempt to converse with the reptile
That's dwarf armor! Let's ignore the Fae body, throw on an illusion that makes us look like a diminutive version of it, and direct it towards the Varag camp saying that we've heard they've been talkin' shit bout it and that we rushed as soon as we could to tell 'em.

>>2997179
prepare an ambush and in case talks go south

>>Attempt to converse with the reptile

>>2997179
Supporting >>2997201

>>2997179
>Converse
Like a sir

>>2997356
>>2997218
>>2997201
>>2997191
Talking to it after establishing a fall-back ambush. Writing

You sneak away from the creatures lair and hurry back to the established meeting point, most of your group had already returned by the time you make it to the waiting goblins.

You quickly describe the situation as the last few straggling Fae filter in. Palius’ face is grim and he quickly gets reports from the rest of the Fae. No other ways had been found through the maze.

You look him square in the face. “I intend to speak with it. It hordes trophies. It must have a mind like ours. But, I would prefer you all to be ready to ambush this creature should it not go the way I plan.” Palius stares at you for a moment, taken aback. He speaks in a hushed tone, so only you can hear. “That plan may have worked with goblins waiting for some mysterious sign, but we know nothing of this creature. I doubt any of our kin save the Twigfather could hope to speak with this creature and survive.”

You give Palius a look of determination. “I have made up my mind, this creature will see reason. If it will not, you will not have to worry about sharing leadership of this mission and be able to boast that you killed this beast.”

Palius gives a shrug and a sigh before nodding. “We will climb the tree trunks around it’s lair and I’ll have the goblins wait just beyond the entrance. Should you mention redcap mushrooms, we will leap down to your aid and the goblins will pour in. Understand?” You nod and slowly make your way back through the maze.

You linger with the goblins outside of the creatures lair, giving the Fae time to get into position. Scarsticks croaks quietly at his seer, who translates. “The Chief says you are brave beyond measure and he is honored to follow you... and should we kill this beast, he would like the armor the beast has collected. He would refit it for his honor guard.” You smirk and nod before breaking free from the horde of goblins and step into the lair.

The square lair is open to the air and must be a hundred feet from wall to wall. You step forward with a loose grip on your spear, showing preparedness but no overt hostility. The creature, finishing the bear carcass, watches you casually with one large yellow eye as the rest of its face is buried in gore. “I am Aurelio! Of the court of the Thicket!” You shout across the open space. The creatures head withdraws from the corpse and a long serpentine tongue cleans blood from its snout. It’s twin eyes, with pupils like slits, focus on your form. In a lightening quick scurrying of its many legs it crosses the open ground between you. You try to remain calm but can’t help but feel your grip tighten on the length of your spear.

>>2999059
The creature, now lowering its head and scenting the air around you, speaks. It’s voice fills the space, buffeting you with the force of its exhalations. The scent of poison reeks from its gaping maw and at this close you can see that it’s bark-like skin is covered in dozens of thick scars. “I thought you had snuck away in fear, I smelled you watching me eat, but instead you return and attempt to speak with me. Why?”

>>How do you want to handle talking with this creature?

>>2999060
We would like to pass though here and to ask what it is you are

>>2999060
>"A powerful being such as yourself deserves respect for we need to pass through."

>>2999060
Passage is what I seek, we are hunting but you are not what we seek, the Varag is what we want, would you let us pass?

>>2999059
"Need comes before fear, and I am in need of passage through your domain. If you allow me and mine to pass unharmed, I have little reason to bother you further."

"The only question I have is this: I am in pursuit of Varag, in search of the leader of those who sought to murder my kin. The only route I know of that leads from our lands to theirs is through yours. Did they pass through this place?"

>>2999105
this is good, if they went there they may have passed here, and dif they passed maybe he let them, which is bad

>>2999114
To be clear, if he did let them through, that doesn't necessarily make an enemy of him. They might have just walked up to him and asked nicely to let them pass, like we're doing. It's possible that he's just neutral to anyone he meets.

The bigger problem is if they didn't pass through here, because that means the Varag have some route they can use to invade our lands that we don't know about.

>>2999070
>>2999083
>>2999096
>>2999105
Respectfully asking for passage, plus a few questions. Writing

You take a deep and steadying breath before you look into the creatures eyes and speak. “A powerful being such as yourself deserves respect, and I am sure you would prefer me to present myself, rather than sneak through your domain.” The reptilian creature regards you cooly as you speak but let’s you press on. "I crept away earlier because of fear, that is true, I have never seen a being such as yourself before. Need comes before fear, and I am in need of passage through your domain. If you allow me and mine to pass unharmed, I have little reason to bother you further."

Something akin to a grin spreads to the creatures lipless mouth. “You and yours.” He mimics your words and pauses before continuing. “So you do not intend to try and conceal the horde of goblins and the Fae ringing my home from me. Good. Many who wish to pass through my domain ply me with gifts, yet I see you have brought none. Most interesting.”

Thinking on your feet, you quickly respond. “In truth, we did not know this was your home. We did not know that a being such as yourself even existed, so you must forgive what seems impertinence.”

The creature appraised you for a moment. “I suppose it has been quite some time since one of your kind has traveled in these parts.” He gives the Fae corpse an almost sorrowful look. “I am known as Grigori. Before we discuss terms of your passage, I would know why you need to cross through my home.”

“We are hunting Varag, this is the only way we know of to reach their camps. They attacked our home and we must not let them strike with impunity.” A thought dawns on you. “Forgive me, I have one question, you said that those wishing to pass ply you with gifts? Were the Varag one such group?”

The creature shuffled idly on its multitude of feet, pondering. “No, I have not seen a single Varag in many years. One named Hursk did pass through here long ago. He lacked the grace you have shown. He crept into this land as I slept and attempted to slay me. He gave me one of my many scars before he fled from my rage. He was not wholly Varag, he could not have been. He gave too much of a fight.” Grigori skitters forward, drawing closer to you.

“Let us speak of what you might give me to allow you, and the many behind you, passage.”

>Grigori isn’t in a terrible mood today, luckily enough.

>>Do you try and find something to offer him?

>>Try and persuade him to let you pass without tribute? (Requires a roll, I’ll call for it if it’s needed)

>>Write in

>>3001200
we can offer him Hursk, we know where he is right now and he is the one we are going to slay, and where he is, there's probably many trophies worth taking

>>3001200
A trophy off of Hursk

>>3001200
>Try and persuade him to let you pass without tribute?
"My kin and I set forth on our hunt with the barest essentials for travel and battle; I regret that we have nothing we may part with to offer you. The goblins are our allies, and I cannot presume to speak for them; but they too have ventured forth from their homes, and I know not if they have aught of value to you.

"Is there no means I can persuade you to allow us to pass without material tribute? I have no wish to make promises for the future, and risk perishing and leaving debts unpaid."

>>3001207
>>3001208
>>3001218
I’m going to roll these into one, since offering Hursk/trophies from Hursk aren’t readily available. Can I get a roll of 1d100, best of three, and we can see how convincing we are.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>3001404
nat 1 incoming

good thing we have that backup plan

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>3001404

>>3001410
>>3001419
If one of you wants to roll again, I’ll get cracking.

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>3001470
Rollan.

>>3001480
>>3001419
>>3001410
>87 writing

You swallow hard, and step forward. Your voice carries calm and clear a cross the open space between you and the reptile. "My kin and I set forth on our hunt with the barest essentials for travel and battle; I regret that we have nothing we may part with to offer you. The goblins are our allies, and I cannot presume to speak for them; but they too have ventured forth from their homes, and I know not if they have aught of value to you.”

Grigori remains silent, though he looks quite unhappy with your decision, but he does not move.

"Is there no means I can persuade you to allow us to pass without material tribute? I have no wish to make promises for the future, and risk perishing and leaving debts unpaid."

Grigori, taking your words surprisingly well, thinks for a moment before speaking. “You hunt Varag, do you not? Would Hursk be among their number?”

You nod quickly. “Yes, he leads the band that we seek.” Grigori’s lipless mouth creases into a smile-like shape again. “Let me think on this.”

You stand silently for several moments before he speaks again. “You have shown yourself to be honorable and you have spoken well. You have no material gifts to trade for your passage, though should you return I would suggest Hursk’s helmet, his head still inside it would be a bonus.”

“To pass now, I ask for a gift of blood.” You look up at the creatures sinister smile. “What does that entail?”

“Has your kind forgotten what it means to give the gift of your blood? Shame.” He rears up slightly, his first set of legs reach outward, grasping claws snake towards you.

“A simple slice of your palm, and a slice of mine, and letting our blood intermingle for a moment shall suffice. Do we have a deal?”

>>Do you deal with this creature? Will you give him some of your blood?
————————————————-
>>in an effort to remain transparent, I’m not sure if I’ll post much this weekend and I’ll be leaving work soonish. RDR2 is calling my name. But I will return Monday morning, bright eyes and bushy tailed.

>>3001519
I say yes, not much we can do

>>3001519
>yes
This is a blood curse, isn't?
Have a good weekend.

>>3001519
>agree
What kind of person says no to a blood pact

>>3001519
>Do you deal with this creature? Will you give him some of your blood?
Of course. Are we really going to say 'no' after negotiating this far?

In hindsight, I realize we might have offered to use Bloom to fill his clearing with flowers or fruit-bearing plants depending on his preference. Of course, we might still do so.

>>3001590
He doesn't seem like an omnivore though he might enjoy his home being pretty.

>>3001519
>Agree "a pact made in blood"

>>3001527
>>3001562
>>3001583
>>3001590
>>3001862
Let’s get this train moving. Making a blood pact with a giant reptilian monster, what could go wrong? Writing

You think on the creatures offer for a moment and decide that the first time your blood is spilled being willing isn’t the worst thing that could happen. “I accept, Grigori.”

Without hesitation, and quick enough for you to barely register what happened, one of Grigori’s clawed hands darts forward and opens your palm from just above your wrist to just below your fingers. You notice a gleaming in his yellow eyes as the golden ichor that fills your veins wells forth from the would.

Before even a drop can splatter onto the soil, Grigori had sliced open his own hand and engulfed yours with it. For a moment, you feel nothing beyond the warmth of his grasp. Then, suddenly, a tugging sensation fills your stomach. The intensity of the sensation grows until it feels like you might turn inside out. Grigori seems to be experiencing something similar, as you watch the giant yellow orbs of his eyes roll back up into his skull.

Just as the sensation seems to grow beyond baring, there is a sudden snap and the feeling ceases. Grigori releases your palm, both of the wounds completely healed.

Grigori gives you a bow. “I thank you for your gift. Your kin may pass.” You attempt to return the bow and stagger suddenly. Before you can catch yourself, you topple forward into the dirt and debris of Grigori’s home. You feel a small bone of some kind pressing into your cheek as your consciousness fades.

>cont

>>3010459
You awaken, still in Grigori’s lair, though the bright summer sun beats down around you. You can feel Grigori contently sleeping in the shade, a recent meal still filling his stomach.

Something is strange about the scene, you seem to be floating above it. You watch as a Fae unknown to you stalks the lair, her beauty is incredible even for one of your kind. You watch as she reclines onto Grigori’s immense coiled body. You feel a bristle of happiness.

The scene changes, dusk in autumn. You feel anger coming from the immense beast you traded blood with. Your vision swims for a moment before coming back into focus. Dozens of small figures fill the clearing, wearing suits of armor that match Grigori’s trophies. Each one hides behind a shield nearly the same size and themselves. You feel pain as their iron tipped spears punch into Grigori’s hide. The beautiful Fae flits above the dwarven lines, raining bolts of pure mana down on them. You watch as her magic incinerates the squat creatures, armor and all. You watch, as if in slow motion, a spear whistles through the air towards the Fae. The spear tears through her flesh, and then a second follows it, and a third. She crumples and falls to the earth with a thud. You feel a bellow of sorrow mixed with anger. You watch as Grigori shreds the remaining dwarves, filled with rage beyond comprehension. You feel something in a Grigori fade as does the life of the Fae he is desperate to protect.

Your vision swims again, Grigori sleeps as the winter sun slowly crests over the horizon. You feel a hollow pitting as dreams of loss filter through your mind, their pain undiluted even after so many years. Suddenly those dreams are replaced with a searing pain. Grigori uncoils and definition returns to his home. A lone Varag stands before him, though larger than any of the Varag who attacked your clearing. He wears thick black armor and wields an iron sword in each of his massive, clawed hands. He slashes Grigori again, blood pouring forth from two deep gouges of flesh. Grigori with a powerful sweep of his tail sends the Varag soaring. The swords clatter to the earth and Grigori is on him before even the though of retrieving them could have passed through the Varag’s mind. Claws sink deep into the Varag’s flesh, passing through the thick armor as if it was no denser than the air around it. Shock fills your mind as the Varag grasps at those same claws with surprising strength and wrenches them free.

You awaken with a start, the tree tops infront of your vision sway as they pass by. It takes you a moment to realize you’re being carried in a litter by two of the Fae who Vreel has spoken to.

One of them notices you staring up at them confused and begins shouting. “He is awake! He has awoken!” Her voice carries through the forest around you.

>cont

>>3010488

Soon enough, a camp is established and you are sat against a tree with a small fire before you. You find yourself weak but your strength slowly returning.

Palius, Vreel, Scarsticks, and Rootrusher sit around the same fire. As of yet no one had spoken to you. Palius finally breaks the silence. “So, would you care to explain what exactly happened to you? We have carried you for four days, expecting your death to come at any moment.” All of them perk up as they await your response.

>>What do you tell them?

———————————————-

>>Gained: Blood Bond: Grigori

>>Gained: -???- (The blood bond has changed something, that much you can be sure, but what exactly has changed you do not know)

>>3010495
>"I saw....I witness Grigori's past. Why he wants the helmet and head of Hursk."
Welcome back. Hope you had a nice weekend.

>>3010495
>"I swore a bond of blood with Grigori - the lizard, his name is Grigori - as his price for allowing us safe passage. I dreamed of his past; it seems he bears some animosity for Hursk as well. This may not be the last we see of him."

>>3010636
>>3010621
I’m going to take both and start writing so I can get a second update in today!

>>3010621
I had a good weekend, thank you! I hope you had a good one as well

You open your mouth to speak and find it dry, Rootrusher quickly offers you another cup of their tepid brew, madcap, which you take without a second though and gulp down.

"I saw....I witnessed Grigori's past. Why he wants the helmet and head of Hursk." Palius gives you a queer look. “You made no mention of skill with divination... especially with your abilities in Illusion.”

You shake your head. “It was not divination.” You think on how to better explain yourself. I swore a bond of blood with Grigori - the lizard, his name is Grigori - as his price for allowing us safe passage. I dreamed of his past; it seems he bears some animosity for Hursk as well. This may not be the last we see of him." Scarsticks and the two Fae regard you curiously, only Rootrusher seems to take your word for truth. Palius speaks again. “I have been alive since only ten years after the great Diminishing. I have never heard of such a thing. Is it possible you are mistaken? And what is the purpose of this bond of blood? Did you not think to question this creature about what it asked of you?” You shrug him off. “I did not have time to question him, you were not standing before him. I am not mistaken, I know that I witnessed.”

Rootrusher nods. “It is as I have dreamed! Blood changing-hands! You have given a gift as much as you have recieved one.” He smiles to himself and stalks off from the fire. Palius watches him go with anger in his eyes. “Very well. I suggest we all turn in. We are within a days march of Hursk’s fortress and will need all of our energy.”

Without another word he stands and leaves you, Vreel debates with himself for a moment before following, leaving you and Scarsticks alone at the fire. The goblin stares at you for a moment before standing and preparing to leave. “Glad you live.” He croaks with a smile.

You find some meat and engorge yourself before drifting off to sleep. You awaken in the morning as the first light breaks over the horizon. You feel stronger and aid the goblins in breaking down their tents.

You all march hard for half of the day before Palius has everyone slow, the trees have begun to give way to vast rolling plains. Your group moves much more cautiously without the cover of the forest.

Soon enough you spot what must be Hursk’s fortress. Thick trees form a ringed wall around the encampment. Each tree is cut to roughly the same height, sixty or so feet. The Fae and goblins use the cover of a nearby series of hills to make camp and hide from the Varag, even at some distance sentries are visible patrolling the walls.

Palius, who has been rather cold towards you all day, and Scarsticks seek you out. They quickly discuss tactics. Scarsticks voices concern about the height of the walls while Palius is hesitant about the approach having no cover from archers on the walls. Palius, giving you an icy stare, asks for your input.

>>How would you attack this stronghold?

>>3010697
Ideally, we would scout out their defenses more before committing to a plan. But that much is obvious.

Naturally, we don't need to defeat every soldier behind that wall. Our primary goal is to slay Hursk himself; once that is done, we can make our escape if need be.

Which means that stealth and the element of surprise will likely be our greatest assets here. Cowardly, perhaps, but a frontal attack against an unknown number of foes is suicidally foolish.

What manners of magic are our forces versed in? Your own Illusion may afford some advantage here, but on its own is unlikely to suffice.

>>3010697
Sneaky scouting and sneaky assassination of Hursk. Then retreat.

>>3010697
A fortress of that size must require supply. We have a large raiding force. We will find the supply routes and cut them off. If they send foragers, we will kill them off. When they grow weak from our sustained tactics, we will go in and kill Hursk. Then, we will call for aid and starve or kill every last Hursk in this fortress.

>>3010762
>>3010749
Writing. These two are similar enough to count as the majority

You think hard on the situation before you respond. “We would need to scout more before we commit to any plan, though that is obvious.” Scarsticks nods. “Me sent sneaky goblins to try and get a look at their camps. Varag don’t kill goblins on sight.” You nod. “Good.” Palius glances between the both of you. “I have sent Fennick and Emeratus to try and get a glimpse over their walls. Both of them can soar high enough, and know to keep close enough to the sun to avoid detection.”

“Good. We need to know as much as we can. Our target is Hursk, if we can sneak in and kill him and fade back into the shadows, we can avoid facing the entire bulk of their force.” Palius looks affronted and interrupts you. “We are not here to assassinate one Varag. They attacked our home, spilled our blood on sacred grounds. We will put the bulk of their forces to the sword and end this threat for good. We will scatter them to the winds.”

You suppress a sigh. “It is possible we are severely outnumbered.” Palius grunts. “Each of our Fae is worth a dozen Varag. Even you defeated two without a scratch.”

You decide to ignore his comment. “Well, it would do for me to know what manner of magic our kin are adept in.” He pauses to think for a moment before responding. “Many of our kin are not as strong as we are. Most of them are solely adept with evocations. Vreel is adept with Evocation and Transmutation. Fennick is adept in Abjuration. Emeratus shares your skill for illusions.” You take notice that he neglects to mention his own fields of expertise. “And, as with all of our kin they can glamour themselves. And each has some skill in their own element. Two air, three water, and ten earth. You are the only one born of flame, I believe in our entire court.”

You nod, soaking up the information. “You know, Aurelio. Maybe it would do to scout this fortress yourself. You could take one of our kin, if you so wish, or a gaggle of goblins.”

>>How do you respond? Will you try to scout Hursk’s fortress?

>If yes,

>>How do you enter? Invisible or glamoured? And who do you bring?

>>3012366
>yes
>invisible
>Take Emeratus

>>3012366
>Yes. Take one good with Illusion and go in Invisible.
Also would it be possible to bond with an Iron weapon, or is that simply impossible because it's so antithesis to us.

>>3012988
+1

>>3012611
>>3012988
>>3013177
Taking Emeratus and sneaking in invisibly. Can I get a roll of 3d100, best of 3.

>>3012988
Theoretically, is Aurelio were to both somehow find a magically forged iron weapon and also somehow gain an immunity to iron, he could bond with such a weapon. As of now though, it isn’t possible. Just being near iron causes Fae to feel ill

>>3014348
Forgot my name

Rolled 8, 15, 27 = 50 (3d100)

>>3014348
>magically forged iron weapon and also somehow gain an immunity to iron, he could bond with such a weapon
This is my mission now. We were born to bring change and so we will become one with what our kind fears.

Rolled 100, 40, 69 = 209 (3d100)

>>3014348

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3014348

>>3014353
>Gained: -???- (The blood bond has changed something, that much you can be sure, but what exactly has changed you do not know)
Clearly we need to blood bond with enough different entities that all the combined immunities we gain counter all the weaknesses.

Rolled 25, 23, 73 = 121 (3d100)

>>3014348

Rolled 95, 41 = 136 (2d100)

>>3014378
Whoops, forgot the other 2d100.

>>3014353
>>3014366
>>3014378
>>3014379
>>3014380
Final total of 100, 95, 69. Writing

You nod. “I’ll take Emeratus when he returns, we will breach their walls under the cover of invisibility.” Palius simply nods and the three of you go your separate ways, the two of them to ready troops and defenses for your own camp and you to await Emeratus’ return.

You watch as the two Fae drift into camp after around an hour. They float gently across the winds and land silently behind the spike-filled trenches the goblins have been laboring on. You wait as the pair rest for a moment, eating and drinking a small meal.

You join them at the same time Palius does. “What did you see?” Fennick is the first to speak up. “It’s a big settlement. Could easily hold the numbers those prisoners claimed.” Emeratus chimes in as his partner falters. “But, this time of day, streets should be bustling.” He glances up at the sun, still high in the air on its downward slope toward night. “Streets were busy but we’re talking maybe a hundred or two, not thousands.” Fennick takes back over, you notice that the two of them have the same light and airy tones, and share a certain wispiness to their cloud colored plumage. “Mostly women and children too. The guards are the walls seemed to have crossbows, no telling if they’re using iron bolts though.” Emeratus interjects. “We counted thirty patrolling the walls. Maybe another sixty or so armed males in the streets and another hundred-hundred and a half unarmed males.”

Palius nods. “This is interesting news. We will have to think on what that could mean. First though, Aurelio has requested you, Emeratus, join him on another reconnaissance pass. I’ll leave the two of you to discuss it. Fennick, if you would join me, I’d like to hear more in depth about the Varag within those walls.”

You lead Emeratus towards the edge of the encampment. “I think we shall cloak ourselves and get a firsthand look inside their walls.” Emeratus nods. “I suggested I do the very same when we first arrived, I did not know I had traveled with another illusionist. Palius said it would not be smart to venture into their walls alone.” You nod. “We will watch each other’s backs. Do you require anything for our mission?” Emeratus speaks almost immediately. “I shall grab my weapons and we can leave as soon as I return.”

Emeratus returns rather quickly with a pair of short thrusting daggers, one blade made from the claw of some great beast and the other the thorn from a fresh-smell tree, named for its enticing fruit which is guarded by thick and sharp thorns. “Shall I do the honors of cloaking us?” He questions. You simple shake your head.

>>3014711
You feel an unfamiliar flutter as you call forth your magic and then, like a bottle uncorking, raw mana bursts through you. You find both yourself and Emeratus cloaked so wholly that this spell would even shield you from the sensitive noses of the Varag. Emeratus sputters in shock. “I... this... how?” Thankfully, due to your invisibility, it is easy to hide the shock mirrored on your own face. You try to chalk it up as luck, but you feel deep down that somehow your connection with illusionary magic has deepened.

You waste no time and simply respond with. “Let’s move, we’ll climb the wall between sentries and explore.” Emeratus makes a sound of agreement and verbally points out a spot on the wall that should work. The two of you scale the wall with such ease that it makes their fortifications seem laughable. The rough trunks of the trees provide many natural hand and footholds. The sentry on the wall, if your initial spell hadn’t been so strong, might have noticed the two of you but instead gazes boringly over the rolling plains. A second Varag joins him and they begin a casual conversation about a human that was strung up and disemboweled for the previous nights entertainment.

You stand at the edge of the rough planks that ring the interior of the wall, it would be easy to drop down into a nearby roof and explore. You glance out over the town, it is quite large with hundreds of roughshod homes made of wood and stone. A few locations stick out towards to you. Near the center of the settlement is a large clearing, evidently the human from the previous night still hangs there, as you can make out a dangling figure. To your left, almost a quarter of the way around the roughly circular perimeter wall, is the main gates. Opposite the gates, along the wall is a large home made of a higher quality than the rest. Closest to you, not far from the section of wall you stand on, is some kind of large barn or stable, though the sounds emanating from within are troubling at best

>>Drop onto the roofs and move along them, listening for anything of value

>>Find the ladder down to ground level, make your way through the settlement towards a specific point. (Where?)

>>Continue to eavesdrop on this pair of guards, maybe they know something?

>>Write in

——————————————
>Critical roll! Illusion magic increases!

>>Choose One

>>Permanently improve Cloak spell to protect from smell as well as sight and become more difficult to see through (+10 difficultly on spot checks)

>>Learn new spell, Create Visions (Craft visual illusions. The detail of the object or scene depends on the roll to cast, though the visions are insubstantial.)

>>3014716
>Drop onto the roofs and move along them, listening for anything of value

>Permanently improve Cloak spell to protect from smell as well as sight and become more difficult to see through (+10 difficultly on spot checks)

>>3014716
>>Drop onto the roofs and move along them, listening for anything of value
>>Permanently improve Cloak spell to protect from smell as well as sight and become more difficult to see through (+10 difficultly on spot checks)

>>3014716
>Continue to eavesdrop on this pair of guards, maybe they know something?
>Permanently improve Cloak spell to protect from smell as well as sight and become more difficult to see through (+10 difficultly on spot checks)

>>3014760
>>3014804
>>3014947
Cloak spell improved!

>>3014760
>>3014804
Dropping onto the roof and keeping our ears open. Writing

You whisper as quiet as you can. “Onto the roofs.” You wait a second to hear a response but none comes. You decide to hope he heard you and start to lower yourself onto the roof of the nearest building. For most of races the drop from a sixty foot wall to a two story home, which can’t be more than 25 feet, would be dangerous at best and disastrous at worst. For an exceptionally tall Fae such as yourself, after letting yourself hang from the edge with your arms straight above your head, it is a minor drop. You land with a slight thud and wait for a moment to hear Emeratus’ landing.

You feel the flutter of a breeze and Emeratus whispers suddenly. “Which way?” You glance over the edge and see near the end of the street there is a cluster of Varag. It seems several unarmed men and women are angrily shouting at and surrounding a pair of armed men. “Let’s hear what they have to say.” You hear gentle footsteps heading away from you towards the gathered crowd and follow as silently as you can.

Each member of the crowd shouts, trying to make their complaint heard.
“Why hasn’t the raiding party returned yet! It was my sons first raid!”
“Where is Hursk’s group! My brother was with them! They’re three days overdue!”
“Hursk spread us too thin! He took too much from our stores!”
“Where is Krawk! He’s supposed to be in charge! He should hear all of this!”
The two armed Varag draw their blades. “That is enough! All of you!” Even at this distance the mere sight of iron makes your stomach roll. “You will return home. Krawk will address everyone tonight at the festivities!”

The crowd quickly disperses and you take stock of what you’ve learned. Hursk isn’t here, he’s taken a large amount of supplies and a group of warriors with him, and he’s left someone named Krawk in charge.

>>Keep moving along the roofs, maybe there’s more to hear

>>Try to find this Krawk, maybe he knows more.

>>Return to camp and share what you’ve learned

>>Write in

>>3017335
>Keep moving along the roofs, maybe there’s more to hear
>Head towards the most important looking building

>>3017369
+1

>>3017369
+1

>>3017369
>>3017710
>>3017739
Writing! Also I updated the pastebin, I’ll relink. https://pastebin.com/er4nqAJF

Rolled 99 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>3019621
Also, ignore this, it totally isn’t to see if Emeratus... well never mind.

You glance around the rooftops and begin mapping a path towards the largest, most important looking building. You quietly share that plan with Emeratus and the two of you set off.

You keep your ears open the entire way, picking up gossip from the streets. There seems to have been four separate reading parties sent out, each heading in a different direction. One of them has returned with a plethora of spoils, one is overdue, and two aren’t yet due to return. You assume the one that was overdue was the one who attacked your clearing. You also find out that the reading party sent to your clearing was the smallest, at least from the discussion of a fish vendor and a customer. He said “at least it isn’t one of the bigger raiding parties that’s overdue.”

At one point you come across the roof of a building covered in slick tiles, without thinking you divert around it without a word to Emeratus. It only dawns on you when you see the tiles shift under the weight of his invisible form.

One of the tiles breaks free from the roof and skips down and over the edge, landing with a crash as it shatters below. Your heart thumps, did Emeratus fall as well? You hurry your pace on your detour, leaping from roof to roof over narrow alley ways, and quickly stop on to opposite side of the tiled roof. “Emeratus? Are you okay?” You whisper loudly. He quickly responds from almost right next to you. “Of course, the tile fell after I’d crossed. You crossed rather quickly though, you could’ve warned me that it was treacherous.” You feel the heat of slight embarrassment on your cheeks. “In truth, I went around the roof without thinking to warn you. I apologize.” He is silent for a moment. “All is well brother, it is easy to forget one is invisible with a cloak of this strength over you.”

Suddenly, voices sound out from below you, drawing closer. “I swear, I heard voices up there! And the tile nearly killed me when it fell!”

The two of you waste no time to hurry toward your destination. You hear a clamor as guards start to search the roofs behind you for possible intruders.

Moments later, what appears to be a very large spider with the head and torso of a man leaps onto a nearby roof. It strings webs, making pearly white rope bridges between the buildings and it seems to be heading in your general direction. It’s bare torso is splattered with glossy red blood. You hear a shout. “Looks like Krawk is onto something! Follow him!”

>>Flee the half man-half arachnid, return to camp

>>Strike from your cloak while you have the chance.

>>Send Emeratus to warn your camp, try to lead the spider on a goose chase through the city.

>>Write in

>>3019663
>Flee the half man-half arachnid, return to camp

>>3019663
>>Flee the half man-half arachnid, return to camp

>>3019663
>>Flee the half man-half arachnid, return to camp