Your skeletal and free roaming left fore arm has had a plate gauntlet and brace placed on it, its ornate and usually gets plenty of weird glances.

You've trained lightly with your favorite hammer, and your crossbow, simply because you've become slightly paranoid since that night, Drinking has always and continues to be a favored pass time after hard days work.

Running the town has fallen to you, but you've gotten a lot of help. The now deceased mayor's son has been a huge help, even if he is an insufferable know it all. The final word however has always been coming from you.

"You need to get up sir". A voice calls as you are startled awake by your own heavy gauntlet being tossed into your lap. It's the mayors sun, you had been snoozing in a hammock set up in the shade in your new shop.

"Big, Big, huge day! Lots of visitors all wanting to talk to you!"

You sit up and strap on your arm. Time to find out what everyone wants.

( Feel free to ask questions of him, or me for any information you wish to know that has passed in the last 6 months that you might wish to know.)

going to play along but reading the old threads on archive site first missed these

yell at em for wakin us up. we gotta be well rested to drink tonight

>>6316718
yelling at the orphan sounds a little out of char considering we've been a good guy so far.

Ask him whos come to visit and what the on tthe table for today

>>6316718
>>6316758
You feel a little irritated and want to yell at the little bugger at first for waking you in such a rude manner, but you shrug it off and ask him whats up.

It takes a few minutes for what he tells you to sink in even after the teen has run off to do whatever he does all day.

Apparently you've got four visitors who all wish to have meetings with you today. A human from the nearby city guard, an elf from the church of their sun god, a dwarf, an an Orc trader you've met a few times before and done business with.

You can see them all at once, or have a meeting room set up for one at a time, or go find each of them. Or say screw it and leave the politics to the other townspeople. Etc.

>>6316837
This is me. Posting in other threads while I see if this picks up forgot to turn namefaggin back on.

>>6316837
One at a time starting with the human, then the elf, dwarf, and Orc. Do it all in a meeting room and have the mayor's son give us as much information on each as possible.

i dont get how that "blacksmith" has a weird shaped lazer hammer >>6316513

>>6316918
If you had bothered to read the last thread, you'd find that it isn't a lazer. It was powered up by the dead spirits that were trapped in a crystal by some jackass lich, whom we smashed into non-existance.

>>6316909
You hop out of the hammock and move to the door of your shop, pulling your cloak off the wall and wrapping yourself up, its cold and rainy out.

You manage to grab the kid and ask him for more information before he's too far gone. You know plenty about the Orc as you've dealt with him before. He's like most orcs ( In this vague fantasy setting). He's brutish, but smart when it comes to trading and business, and overly serious.

The kid manages to tell you that the elf lady is stupidly pretty, in fact he goes on about it so much, he does not seem to remember much else. The dwarf showed him some "Royal Seal", but he didn't learn much through her accent, and arguing with her companion.

The human was from the town guard and apparently wants to talk about patrols for this town and its relations to the city.

You tell him to set up a meeting with them, and he beams as if happy as hell to be helping, and you head off to the town hall.

>>6316966
ok this got me interested. im lurking now.

>>6316996
(Cont.)
You take a seat behind the mayors desk, and after a short while the mayor's son steps inside He informs you that everyone is comfortable and sitting outside, he once more stutters on about how pretty the elf lady is, you try not to roll your eyes.

( Everyone fine with guardsman first?)

>>6317043
I was hoping that the guard had something serious to say, but we may as well start with him first seems like the easiest to deal with.

I love this quest so much.
>>6317043
I'm perfectly alright with meeting the guardsmen first, I just hope the usual players show up soon.

FUCK YEAH!

DEATH WISH!

FUCK YEAH THE HONORABLE MAYOR CHARLES BRONSON!

Let's meet with the human guard.

Also, you said we read up on the Elven god who we called on. What did we find out?

>>6317043
Yeah.

And I assume we buried the dead in the recently enlarged cemetery?

>>6317151
I hope not, seems like a lot of work for children to make all those coffins and dig all of those holes.

>>6317074
>>6317079
The guard walks in and gives you a polite nod before offering his hand to shake, since we've taken the roll of being a nice guy, we stand and act respectful, after all, the city guard -did- send five men out to help you, and all of them died.

He sits down in the chair across from you, and you relax back into your chair resisting the urge to put your feet up on the table.

"I'm here under order of Lord Ushwald. I'm sure you know he's the elected official leading the city right now... and I know you've been through plenty, I mean the whole city is talking about you like you're some kind of celebrity..."

He seems a little bitter about this, but tries to hide it.

"I'll keep it simple. Your town was always profitable, but it had men to keep it safe, and plenty of mercenary foot traffic. Now that the tower is gone and is a shine, this place screams for a raid, or other things to set up here. ..

( Cont.)

>>6317171
Shrine?

>>6317171
I smell a plot hook.
Delicious.

Reminiscing. Our hammer fucks shit all kinds of up.

Anyone feel like we should become a Paladin somewhere along the quest? Seems like an appropriate choice considering what's happened so far.

>>6317223
Nah. We're too hardcore for those pansy ass paladins to handle.

..and the Lord's cousin and closest friend was the paladin who died rushing to your aid. The Lord does not blame you. In fact he thinks you are a fine example of human courage, but... when he found out he died trying to save an outlying town that.. well.. pays no taxes to us he was...upset to say the least."

He pauses for a moment, looking at you as if that should mean something.

"The citizens were upset as well. Pretty much, we're offering to bring guard patrols out here, and have guards stationed out here. As long as you are willing to start paying the appropriate taxes. "

You try to not get angry. You've toughed it out here for years, and those five guards were the first aid the city had really offered this town since it began.

( Time to get political. Remember if you stay in the town or not the decisions are going to matter. ... well to the town at least :P)

>>6317244
Fuck this douchebag.

Be polite as fuck and decline his offer. It will probably end up causing some deaths for our townspeople later on, so we should get some defense plans of our own in motion.

>>6317244
Offer to pay the taxes, the town is doing well enough to afford it. Make sure to be cautious though, have our scribes or at least the child mayor look over any contracts. Have the guardsmen led out and make sure he is attended to as he leaves.

where were these douchbags BEFORE everything went to hell? Now that the works done these fucking wana mosey on in and take over by imposing their law and guards and taxes and FUCK THAT NOISE

>>6317255
>>6317269
( Thats one for each. )

The town likely -could- afford it, but at the same time, going into dealings with the main city pretty much means you are going to be getting orders from people higher up, and most people moved to this "dangerous" outskirt town to avoid "the man".

>>6317294
I like your style

>>6317300
We'll become a refuge. Once some rough and burly types show up, we'll recruit them as guards.

>>6317244
Fuck 'em we can take care of ourselves.

>>6317300
We'll decline.

>>6317244
accept, but tell him that since everyone productive is dead, taxes from the town will have to be purely symbolic until we get back on our feet.

once we do get back on our feet, we can dispose of the guards if we like. no need to turn down free help, though.

Since it looks like we'll be declining the offer, something I forsee arising:

The mayor or whatever of this city tries to fuck with us covertly. He might send his guards disguised as bandits to fuck with us.

>>6317358
I think this guard racket would be like the mob. Once we're in, we're in for good.

That's why I'm against it.

I don't see why we need to upright tell em to fuck off or be accept it with a smile, let's offer some tribute so we don't get wiped off the map and then build a small army once we can afford it.

>>6317321
>>6317318
>>6317294
You resist the urge to get angry and instead just sit back as if thinking a moment, but the decision was all ready made.

"I think we'll do our best our here sir. I'm glad those men came to help me out there and I'm so sorry they died, but this has always been a town that wants to grow into its own... I can't sign us away."

He frowns as if he's very unhappy with this.

"I'm allowed to offer you quite a sum of gold to do what you personally please with, and part of the towns taxes will be yours after collection. And I'm also allowed to offer you a position in the city guard, with training and such, we could use men like you. And you need to understand, if you still say no... we won't be riding out here to help you even if we see the town burning to bits."

>>6317403
We appreciate the offer, but this town can stand on it's own two feet.

..and here I thought the guardsmen would be the easiest to negotiate with.

>>6317403
"No thank you."

Be polite as all fuck. And seriously, expect these guards to fuck our shit up in disguise. We'll need to recruit some guardsmen for our town. A little militia.

>>6317403
I AM OFFENDED GREATLY. DOES HE THINK CHARLES MOTHERFUCKIN' BRONSON ACCEPTS BRIBES!? OUTRAGE!
Tell him no.
Be polite about it though.

>>6317457
CHARLES FUCKING BRONSON BENDS TO NO MAN!

But yeah, seriously. Once we're done with meetings, we need to get some defenses in action. A wooden fence if nothing else. And forming a town guard of our own.

We respectfully decline. Kill 'im with kindness if possible.

>>6317441
>>6317422
>>6317457
Once more you tell him no, and he looks more then a little annoyed. Its likely he had expected this to be easy.

He stands and tells you goodbye, giving you a small bow of the head before turning to leave without really being very polite at all. When the door opens you can hear two dwarf voices arguing rather loudly in the out side room.

The Mayors son steps inside and asks who you'd like to call in next.

>>6317519
Lets talk with the Orc. He seems legit.

Let's break up that argument by calling in the dwarf next.

Orc, he seems like he would know where we could find men and women who would aid us.

>>6317519
Send in dem dorfs, can't have them being rowdy in the waiting room.

>>6317546
>>6317587
You decide to call in the Orc next, not sure if you might want to call the dwarf, but the dwarfs sounded like they were arguing with each other, male and female. They could just be living up to their race's grumpy reputation.

The Orc walks in and grins at you in his ragged leather gear and muddy boots. He sits down across from you without much of a greeting.

"I always knew I liked you blacksmith! Good prices for ore, good eye for steel. Trusty blades. I'd al'most think you was green deep down. An' now ya went and did me a huge favor for my home tribe. Used to be all the trade routs down south for us had to come too close for that tower, an ya know how spooked some of my people can be of magic.."

You see where he is going with this.

"You want to make sure there won't be trouble with your people stopping in this town to sell wares and rest in inns... set up a shop or two?"

He grins at you. His sharp teeth are unsettling, but the friendlyness is obvious.

"You've got it. You let us join in this perfect little high traffic spot, and we'll be handing you a little bit of gold each month.. course you know havin my people around gives you that totally unearned ..."Reputation".

>>6317697
( Cont)
Orcs are Mercs and traders in a near religious sense. To adapt once the ever expanding humans and dwarfs the orcs changed from brutish raiders into killers for hire, and traders in both legal and illegal goods.

They are trust worthy... as long as you have their trust -in writing-, and their money on time.

>>6317728
Let them in the town with stipulations.

They buy or rent an existing building to use, or they build their own. Things they sell must be approved by us. And they must contribute towards a town guard.

>>6317740
That sounds about right, but we should be cautious. We can only trust 'em as far as we can pay 'em, and that ain't that far.

Reputation be damned, this sounds win-win. Although we may get the city sniffing around...

We're already on the road to becoming the outlaw/bandit king of this city, we might as well keep it going by joining with the orcs.

>>6317740
>>6317760
>>6317766
You actually take a little bit of a while writing up a contract with him. He actually seems very pleased to get some of his men merc work acting as a portion of the town guard, but it seriously cuts into the amount of money he'd be giving the town in tithes etc.
He agrees to let you okay all merchandise before they start to sell anything new, but he makes sure to say not blame him if any of his cohorts do sell anything without notice.

Basically "You might get some black market items being sold here, but if you catch them, they -will- get in plenty of trouble." You just worry that they might not get caught.

You two decide you can flesh out more details, and you finish the meeting with a shared shot of spirits from the mayors desk. He's good "people" as far as you are care. He leaves and once more loud dwarf voices can be heard.

The boy steps back in and asks who he should invite in next.

>>6317851
Dorfs now, they is good people.

The dwarfs now, we don't want to leave two angry dwarfs last and cause any disrespect.

>>6317851
Yeah, the dwarfs next.

BTW, before we talk to the elf, what did we learn about that God?

Fuck the elf, send in dorfs

Or perhaps you might actually want to fuck the elf given her appearance

Dwarf time, if only to stop their bickering.

>>6317896
>>6317864
>>6317890
( I'll state what you learned about the elven god right before we speak to the elf lady, it will be a pretty big post. For now, DORFS)

The boy nods and a moment later two very armored and very important looking Dwarfs walk into the room, both of their heads held high. Their armor is black and inlaid with gold. You are actually impressed enough to stand, as the whole "Royal Seal" the boy mentioned might not of just been hype.

They both give you a firm handshake, the male's almost hurts, but you squeeze back and he looks glad you didn't cry like a little girl. After settling in you ask what you can do for them.

The female looks like a Dwarf males dream woman. In fact she's absurdly pretty for not being of your race and taller then your hips. The downside to the two of them, is even speaking calmly they are loud. Your father could be like this at times, it comes from working in the forge too much.

The female speaks as the male lights up a pipe and smokes, nodding at times.

( Cont.)

>>6317974
Did I mention that I love this quest? 'cause I do.

>>6317974
I like this dwarf guy. What a pimp.

>>6317974

we need to have sex with the female dwarf

also drawfags need to draw the female dwarf

Also, I'm really glad we decided to go to the tower ourselves like a badass instead of going to the city for help.

>>6318027
Yes.
>>6318032
No.

>>6317974
"You've got a reputation, and yer a blacksmith laddie! That's why we here. Well... one o'da reasons.Our father is HighHelm Durgish. I'm sure ya heard o' em. So anyway.. he recently had a human hussie trick him outta one o' 'is favorite blades. An elfish number that he got from a dear friend 'o his..."

She pauses for a long moment and looks at you as if you should know what she speaks of. And you do, the silver blade you used. It's currently back at the Tower set up as a shrine and tribute to the god who saved your ass that night. The least you could do.

"Anyway, he ain't got no problem wit you... he'd like that blade back.. an'fixed. Or... he' needs somethin better made.. he loves he's weapons. Loves em havin lore. An' ya added a big ol tale to that sword.."

( -insert questions/reactions etc.)

>>6318066
Ask about the sword first off. Get info about it. Also about their father/king whatever. If we know about him, fill us in a little, if not, act polite when asking about him.

Now, the sword seems like a pretty important thing to us. It melted in our hand and took our skin with it. Saved our life. It's ours by blood and flesh and bone.

If we have to, we'll craft them a new weapon.

Forge a warhammer named 'Deathwish', using only our detachable hand

we should talk to the priestess before giving a definitive answer. Her request may have something to do with the sword as well.

>>6318087
I support this. We'll use our Shit Ruiner to craft it.

"This is the Deathwish. Crafted by my cursed hand. Forged by the very hammer that smote the lich."

>>6318090
Also this: Ask for info, then ask VERY politely for them to wait back in the lobby or whatever while we talk to the elf.

>>6318066
Great. I suppose we could forge him another blade, we are a kick-ass blacksmith after all. We would need to find a way to assemble some lore about it, though. >_<

>>6318119
See my post:
>>6318111
I have a feeling that anything forged by us, with our skeleton hand, and this mighty Shit Wrecker would become a cool thing to have.

This whole thing reminds me.

Have we rebuilt our workshop since burning it down? And have we made anything? If so, how did it turn out? Same quality as before? Anything noticeable?

>>6318086
>>6318087
>>6318090
You tell them the tail a little bit more in detail, and when you say

"The blade saved my life, its mine by flesh and bone.."

The male dwarf raises his eyebrows and grins, puffing away on his pipe.

And continue to explain the elf outside might wish something to do with it, and the tribute of keeping it there was payment for saving your life. He grins even wider, holding up his hand when it looks like the female will speak to quiet her, slowly he removes the pipe an talks to you.

"Laddie... ya got guts. An I ain't gonna lie. I really want tha sword back... but.. I hear what yer sayin. The blade's saved mah life as well... and was a gift from a dear long past friend'o'mine. But He' woulda' wanted it this way I think..."

It's pretty clear the king has been sitting next to his daughter the whole time. Knowing this you feel a little under dressed.

"So I'll make ya a deal. If ya kin come up with a weapon.. eh.. fit ta match it. An battle worthy.. I mean ya make -me- a -real- weapon. I'll let the sword rest there. I lost mah favorite axe down the throat of a very nasty black dragon.. so I'm a'vin a competition o' Blacksmith's ta come an' stay as a royal guest for a few months... make me somethin nice. You win it, ya decide what happens wit that blade.."

"...not ta mention the party and pride ya'll git to be the first human ta beat a dwarf at blacksmithin in his own home...heh.. And tha gold I'll throw at cha."

>>6318172
You have rebuilt your shop in the town.
You made your arm, a custom Crossbow. Other then that normal things to sell and help the town out.
It's the same as always, but your weapons are in demand due to your sudden semi-fame.

>>6318194
We'll make him an axe. Gladly. But we can't leave these people. We're got a responsibility here, to our people.

And this is us: A young, "Once Upon A Time In The West" era Charles Bronson.

>>6318227
He's rock solid on the fact that you have to come to his keep for 3 months as is tradition to plan, craft and create with a small team to make a royal weapon. He wants that or the sword, its hard to debate... he's kind of a big deal.

Hrmm.

Inform him that we'll need a few minutes to answer him, and ask politely for them to wait in the lobby while we talk to the elf.

Deathwish quest and evil quest on the same night! FUCK YEAR.
Also: Agree to go, as long as its not right this minute we need a couple weeks to get shit set up here and someone to keep watch on things in our place.

>>6318194
Sounds perfect, and if we win there's sure to be a feast where we can chat up his daughter. Let's agree, but we need to make preparations for our departure. We need to have plans in place for our three months of absence, we'll have the boy send us correspondence, and set down some decrees.

>>6318289

agreed.

Looks like if we're going to make this guy a new weapon, we'll need to find someone to fill in for us.

>>6318289
You tell him you'll need a while and he nods standing and giving you another firm handshake.

"You've got a lot on yer plate Lad I understand, but Ya aint the first guy ta live through somethin nasty or against tha odds. I respect ya, but ya either show up at mah keep in three weeks ta take part in tha build-off, or ya need to get that sword ready for one of my men to come pick it up."

The pair leave after very polite and respectful fair wells, finally, its time for the elf priestess to come in.

She steps inside and smiles warmly at you. Looking at her almost hurts, she is wearing so much white, gold and yellow, her platinum bolode hair and golden eyes. She looks like some sort of demi-goddess.

Once more you feel under dressed. Her only "flaw" is a scar cut into the shape of the symbol you once carved into your arm, right in the center of her forehead.

( Incoming BIGPOAST.)

>>6318194
is the dorfs name battlehammer by chance?

was the sword named 'twinkle'? :P

>>6318374
>Her only "flaw" is a scar cut into the shape of the symbol you once carved into your arm, right in the center of her forehead.
OH GOD.

>>6318374
oh s.hit here it comes

>>6318404
And that's what I get for typing too fast. Fucking ergonomics.

>>6318374

Seeing the symbol makes you remember what you found out about what turned out to be a Goddess of protection and light named Eos.

The act of carving your own flesh to the symbol unknown to you was an act that should of damned you in the Goddess's eyes. Pain and blood is against all she stands for. The exception to this and the reason you were protected, is you had no idea you were doing anything wrong.

Priestess whom follow this goddess are chosen at birth, and a priest must bear the burden of becoming weak to the dark arts and cursed by the goddess, by carving the scar into the child, who has no idea yet it is wrong.

This is strong protective magic, and the cursed person is equally damned just as the person is blessed. They carve it into the for head to protect the mind from darkness.

The church is about healing, protection and forgiveness, and think very deeply of fate. The blessing gives little in the way of offense against darkness, but protects better then any other rune known to any of the races.

>>6318476
Say nothing and remove the gauntlet.

>>6318503
Lets wait and hear what she has to say.

Indeed. We should hear her out before acting.

>>6318476
She offers both of her hands, and you reach out your fleshy one to shake them, but she denies it, pointing to your one forged by steel. She takes the great metal fingers in her hands and gently shakes it as if saying hello, her hands look small and dainty as if she has never lifted more then a book.

"I'm so glad to meet you. Word spread fast to our temple in the city, and I was dispatched to see your new little unofficial shrine to our Goddess."

She does not sit, but instead, a little unnervingly strokes your steel gauntlet as she stands speaking to you.

"Fate has blessed you deeply, and its written you must train with our sect as soon as you find the time. The creatures of night.. vampires... undead wretches warlocks.. they have been festering. Your defeat of that monster... in the name of our Goddess speaks that the time for simple defense is over..we need champions."

( time for questions and reactions.)

>>6318545
"With all respect, I killed nothing in the name of your goddess. I did what was needed. That's all." Pause for dramatic effect. "I honor your goddess, and I thank her daily for the help she gave me. But I am no priest, and no champion, and I will not come with you."

>>6318545
As far as I can tell our choices are:
A. Stay home and look after the city.
B. Fuck off to the Mountain-Homes and compete as a blacksmith to keep the sword.
C. Train as a paladin/champion of an Elf Goddess.

I am very in favor of A, that is just who we, Charles Bronson are.

>>6318545
Will this training interfere with entering the competition or can we both travel to the keep and be trained?

>>6318589
I agree.

We should reforge the sword to give back to the Dwarf. We're a simple person. This is our home, and we've been given the burden of protecting it.

>>6318574
This, but: "I cannot go with you now, but perhaps we can form some sort of alliance? It is my job to protect these people, and it sounds to me as if these nightmarish creatures will be upon us soon. I will indeed take up arms to defend against them, but it is my first and foremost priority to insure the safety of this town."

>>6318603
Burden?
No, it is just who we are and what we do. Otherwise, yes.

Obviously we inform that that the only way she will get shit out of us is if she lets us bone her.

I mean, really.

>>6318589
(It is possible to do -all- of these things as well. I'm not trying to have 3 railroad tracks. If enough people say "fuck this lets just go fuck around in the forest or hang out with the were-wolf girl" I'll send it that direction.

But doing things will have outcomes. Time away or here will effect the town. A system of running it while gone can work, but will also have repercussions.)

>>6318545
nothing complicated, no motives, just a
"Nah, I'm good"

My opinion:

We go with the deal we have with the orcs. Build our town. Protect it.

We can't go to the Dwarven city for months, leaving our town to change unexpectedly upon our arrival. The orcs could take over, perhaps. Or the city's guards.

And likewise, we can't join these Elves at their temple. We aren't a paladin. We're a blacksmith. We are CHARLES FUCKING BRONSON, and we do what needs to get done.

And right now, what needs to get done, is to keep these kids, and our town, safe.

Accept the offer, but ask if it is necessary to travel and train with the sect. If it's possible persuade her to stay with us in the town and train us here.

>>6318665
Here, here!
I would be loath to return the sword, but damn-it if that's what it takes!

>>6318545
Ahh, time is something I seem to be drawing short on, the dwarves want either the silver blade repaired and battle ready or something I forged myself in it's place, either would take quite some time unless... could the elvish smiths do such a thing quickly? Also, tell me about *remove gauntlet* this.

>>6318574
>>6318637
>>6318631
>>6318620
You decide that you are not a champion and the hero thing really isn't your shtick. You enjoy doing good, and not being a jerk, and money is not as important as getting by, but that does not mean you're a paladin.
You let go of her hands and gently touch her on the shoulder.

"With all respect, I killed nothing in the name of your goddess. I did what was needed. That's all." Pause for dramatic effect. "I honor your goddess, and I thank her daily for the help she gave me. But I am no priest, and no champion, and I will not come with you."

She continues to smile as if she did not hear you. She leans in strangely close and softly kisses your forehead before stepping back out of reach. She smells like spring, clean sheets, and ... you snap out of it as she starts talking.

"Your choices are your own, because your words and choices even unknown to you are the choices of our goddess, just as mine are. She guides your steps even as you plant your feet. May I, and a few of my sisters be allowed to set up a true shrine in that wicked tower, for the weak and weary? It will make this town prosper with travelers."

>>6318701
I figure that's what it takes.

This man was a king. We're a small village. A village run by CHARLES FUCKING BRONSON, but still, a village.

The sword is no shrine. It's just a sword. And we are no priest to pray at a shrine. We thank the Goddess every day by living with the life she saved, and by protecting the people of our town.

Staying is just.

Also, try and talk to the dwarf king if he's still in town. If we give him the sword, have it be on the condition that he'll consider in the future returning it to us in exchange for a weapon like no other. We'll think something up.

agreed

>>6318722
Them setting up a shrine there would do for removing the sword.

I say we allow them to, but make sure we've looted it all before we let them in. Also, keep an eye on them. They are priestesses and all that, but it doesn't mean they aren't nefarious.

>>6318728
Personally I think we -should- at least go to the Dwarf king's place and take part in the event. It's only a few months and we get a few weeks to prepare.

>>6318722
Yeah let her build that shrine.
Hey, I just had a brilliant plan!
Why don't we stay here and send skeleton arm to go do business with everybody? As long as we get somebody we trust to take the arm around I think we'll be good.

>>6318767
We were a blacksmith before we became Mr. Acting Mayor, and once the kid is of age he's likely rightfully the next in line.

Besides with the money we get from winning the king's weapon thing and the FAME we could do a lot of good for the town once we return.

>>6318771
I like the cut of your jib

>>6318771
HELL, FUCKING, YES!

>>6318797
The arm still works, ( As far as you know) No matter how far away you get. The problem is that you cannot -see- through the arm. Nor hear through it. Meaning that once it is out of sight its sort of like a blind man feeling around for something.

Oddly enough you can still "feel" through the arm, but its a very dull sense.

>>6318771
uh. what would the arm do? according to the questguy it would just flop uselessly around. Let her build the shrine.

>>6318830
Can the elf priestess make some kind of mental link with us? If so, have her carry the arm around. Also, send a shoutout to werewolf-girl, perhaps she would be intrested in travelling with our arm?

>>6318830
Let's send the arm to forge a weapon. We'll send a trusted guardian or two to go with it.

We'll forge a weapon by feel. It will be a simple weapon. Nothing grand or angelic. A simple, sturdy weapon. No fusses. Straightforward, exquisitely made.

>>6318899
While I like the arm idea, I don't think it will work out how you plan.

How is one arm going to forge a weapon? How is it going to interact with the forge team to build it, why are we trusting it to a girl who would most likly chew on it?

I deem these ideas very silly.

>>6318915
It will be tough, yeah. But it's worth a shot, and in this particular quest, it might just work.

We could have the person traveling with it carry it to the forge, and hold it while it hammers and all that.

>>6318929
Haha, oh wow

You know you need to see what you hit, right? you need to know when the metal is hot enough, where to hit it, when it's finished.

A single arm, even assisted by a team of master dwarves, isn't even going to make a dagger passable for a beggar.

>>6318797
>>6318771
>>6318767
>>6318761
You tell her it is fine to let her build the shrine using the Tower, and she grins happily. Her smile makes you feel absolutely stupid. In fact you almost feel off-put by how she makes you feel like a dirty, hairy human compared to her without even trying.

Kisses you once more on the forehead, and you grunt before pulling your arm and sitting it on the table. Letting it move and drag its self along. You put a small ball bearing on the inside of the elbow near the brace, so the back end did not drag when the fingers pull the rest of the forearm.

She laughs as if it is the cute-est thing she has ever seen.

"Oh how interesting! Whatever destroyed your arm was a nasty spell! How amazing! Since you carved the rune in the wrong spot it worked strangely... the "essence" of your lifeforce in your arm is literally immune it seems to dark magics. It tore the flesh away, but still it remains able to bend the world around it. You really are blessed!"

With your arm explained in a round about way, she turns to leave, calling back to you.

"We will make sure Ashtheir's sacred sword and the shrine around it will be well taken care of!"

Fuck. That sword has really gotten you into a lot of shit. Your arm flicks her off once she is out of sight. You don't remember telling it to do that.

>>6318687

my vote goes with this.

>>6318976

silly me, thinking that I didn't have to refresh.

Well what do we do now?

>>6318961
Oh shit....I'm thinking we're going to get into a possessed hand sub plot sooner or later.

I vote we send our arm to make an axe for the Dwarf king. It's crazy enough to work.

>>6318929
(Yeah as clever as the arm business man idea is... once it is out of your sight its sort of useless. And with your loose grasp of magic the gauntlet feels more like your arm then the skeleton and "magic" inside of it. Anything spectacular you could do with it is unknown aside from "Hey look it comes off and still moves! Jawsome!")

>>6318999
LISTEN. Our insane plans work when they are at least moderately plausible. The arm thing while it would be epic, is just sort of dumb, we need that arm.

I'm just making my vote known.

>>6319024
( this. I am for epic plans and the underdog winnin out. Thats kinda the theme. But an arm that has to drag its self up to the anvil, then flail around trying to hit things and sign language to tell someone when to move the weapon.... its not going to win any awards.)

Well, one thing's been made clear; if we want to participate in the forging contest, we'll need to go ourselves.

>>6319047
xD

Haha, alright. It was an awesome idea though.

So our only decision left is, send the sword back to the king, or go to craft him an axe.

You sit back in your chair thinking.

You have three weeks to either get the sword re-forged and ready for the king. Or to prepare the town for you to have a short vacation so you can go and make him a weapon.

Crafting for a king would honestly make your dad shed a tear, if he wasn't all ready weeping over how proud he is of how you use his hammer, but the town would be left to the new comers, the orcs, and the Kids.

The Mayor's son is almost of age, and people do come to him for most small problems and questions. He knows laws, and does a good job as far as you can tell, he's a stand up kid, but still a kid.

You are almost sure the priestess would train you or at least teach you more no matter where you agreed to be taught.

Man. The Werewolf girl could totally keep an eye by watching from the woods on the town and on full moons use her most likely high movement speed to bring us status updates for a night before heading back!

like one or two updates a month for sure from a reliable source1

>>6319096
Isn't our father dead?

I think we should prepare the town for ONE short vacation, and let's try to not leave any loose threads in the Mountain-Homes. Then we look after our own.

I wonder if we can get the elven priests to watch over and protect the town before building a shrine. That way, we would be able to go forge a new weapon for the dwarf king, and our town will be relatively safe.

>>6319148
I agree with this. go win a contest turn our tiny town into our own big chaotic good city lol.

>>6319096
Let's look at our options.

Stay: We have to send the sword back to the king. This could hamper our relations with the priestess/church/cult, but we remain in town to deal with things.

Go: We keep the sword near our town as a symbol, and we get a big boost to our fame/relations with the dwarf king if we go and win. But on the downside, the town could possibly go wild.

I'd say it's worth it to go. We set up a contract with the orcs to help protect the town, and they will have to keep their word. We could give the mayor's son temporary control of the village while we're gone, and depending on how he does in our absence, could takeover forever. There are other people in the town we could give orders/requests to. And those elves could keep an eye out, but I still don't trust them.

And then even if we set up great contingencies, there is the chance that if we go, that when we return we find a ruined town of ash and blood.

But I say we go.

>>6319148
Yes your father is dead. But if he was alive he -would- be very proud. You feel pretty good about this.

You're arm is also shaking the bottle you took a shot from with the orc at you. All this thinking and scheming really makes you... want a drink.

looks to me like our choices are:

train with dwarfs and become mighty warriorier and rich

train with elves and become bible bashing cleric with healy spells and smitey goodness


also the hand giving the elf the finger had me lolling hard thanks OP

>>6319132
Finding that werewolf would be awesome. I say we go, and search for her, asking her to keep an eye on the town.

Of course, she is a werewolf, and those elves might try to kill her if they catch wind of it.

I say we go as well. I was rather interested in making a weapon worthy of a king when it was first brought up.

The orcs will give some additional protection to the town, but we need someone to protect the town from the orc's influence. This is where the elven order can some in. Ask them if they can delay building a proper shrine until you return, and have them watch over the town in your stead.

You could probably make any big decisions from the dwarflands and have the elven priests ensure that your orders get carried out at the town.

>>6319191
NO BAD HAND

Work not done, drink AFTER work. AFTER.

>>6319242
I don't trust those elves. I might trust them to keep the orcs in check, but not to run this town.

The mayor's son though. We saved his life. We've worked with him. He, along with a few other people picked from the populous as advisers in our absence, I believe could do an alright job.

In fact, let's not have any one group doing any one thing. Split tasks between people.

Mayor's son + a few others running the show based on our orders. Orcs + other men in the town as guard. Elves + other men keeping watch over shit.

Well if we do go abroad we should invite the priestess to come and at least teach us a bit. We don't want to be a crusader, but learning a spell or two would be a great asset.

>>6319201
You suddenly think of the Wolf girl, who has finally told you her growly name. She refuses to be called a human name, stubborn as she is. You've speak a couple times a week, and she has been very helpful.

On nights with a full moon, when she changes, she hunts down anything that might be dangerous to humanoids, making the paths to town very safe, as most creatures know her stomping grounds by now.

She would rather die then be cured, and she obviously "likes" you in a carnal sense, but never acts on it aside from being a tease, she does not wish to turn you she's explain, and does not wish to do more then co-exist.

She does however love the town's children ever since the incident. She can sometimes be found out playing with them on the outskirts of town.

You've come to find she hates the city guard as well.

>>6319191
Tell me, we DID destroy that lich, right? There was no lingering trace of his essence that could've found it's way into our arm, right, RIGHT?

>>6319259
Yeah. This hand, it seems, is slowly getting out of our control. It's falling to our more baser instincts. We need to maintain control of it.

>>6319284
Spooky now.

>>6319284
>>6319286
As far as you can tell, when your arm is detached and you begin to think of something other then controlling the arm, it sort of "Does its own thing". It has never done anything you were not thinking or feeling under the surface. It feels as if it is totally your limb... its just detachable and runs on your basic instincts when not being directly controlled.

As in "Note to self, do not free arm while drunk with big breasted bar maid."

More than likely we didn't "kill" the lich.

I think the gem we smashed was a focus for whatever spell he was working, but not this phylactery.

>>6319339
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice

>>6319339
>"Note to self, do not free arm while drunk with big breasted bar maid."
>"Free arm while drunk with big breasted bar maid."
FUND IT

>>6319351
Nope. Looks like he's dead.

So I think it's the consensus that we go to make an axe.

>>6319366
I think he is dead, Charles Bronson doesn't leave anything half-finished.

axe good

>>6319286
>>6319323
>>6319351
You stare at your arm and begin to feel paranoid. It sits the bottle down and sits there calmly tapping its fingers along the base as if tense as you are now.

The Lich looked very dead, and you've slept with this arm in your room for 6 months, and never did it kill you.

But you did free a lot of souls when you smashed that crystal.... ...as the paranoia builds the arm seems to tense up, but only because you are winding yourself up.

>>6319394
....at least you hope because you are tensed up.

>>6319394
Prepare the village for your departure. Then depart to the Mountain-Homes.

>>6319394
>>6319408
FUUuUUuuUUuuUuuUUUuuUUUUuuuUU.
Let's take a drink. Get things set up for our tip over the course of 3 weeks and try not to freak out over our phantom arm.

>>6319424
2nd

I think everyone wants to go forge a weapon for the dwarf king. The question is how do we prepare the town for our absence?

Also SIEG ZEON!

>>6319423
>>6319424
>>6319390
>>6319371
Your first week is spent talking with several people, and letting people know you will be gone for a few months.
People are VERY happy that you told the guards no, and are VERY hyped about you creating a weapon for the dwarf king. You never got out much, but apparently just to be considered is to get a massive amount of reputation.

People are drawn between being happy about orcs joining the town. Some don't mind at all, they are mostly merchants. The people who -do- mind have children and /or are children.

The town is fine with the Mayor's son leading, buy a little nervous. You appoint a couple of older newcomers to make sure he does not do anything -really- stupid and unexpected.

The 2nd week the orcs arrive and get to the middle of setting up, you help them and knock out the contract. The town seems at more ease once they get to know them. There is one big, nasty Merc orc that everyone is terrified of.

He likes you tho, he bought his favorite weapon from you years ago through the Orc trader.

You have 1 week left before you leave to the Dwarf Kingdom, anything you wish to do with this week please tell!

>>6319517
Make sure we inspect what they have to sell.

Reassure the town that the orcs won't do anything uncouth, or that upon our return, we'll deal with it directly.

And for that matter, when we do return, we'll deal with any outstanding issues.

Like I said before, interlock the different areas. Get some rugged, trustworthy men to work with the orc mercs as guards. We want a web for our town. No man is an island.

>>6319578
Except Charles Bronson

>>6319517
We will naturally need to pack. Do so. Contemplate what we will make and how for the Dwarf King.

>>6319591
Also, learn a little Dwarvish.

Here's a VERY rough idea for an axe we could make.

Gold colored handle, maybe some kind of magic gold that's hardened or some shit. Or just some other metal with a golden coating. And two axe heads.

I DUNNO.

>>6319517
What is the most favored and cherished weapon of Dwarves in this universe?

>>6319589
Except Charles Bronson.

>>6319578
You make sure to get a few men to sign up for guard shifts, they are eager to prove themselves to you, and are interested in keeping an eye on the orcs.

The priestess squad always has one or two of the elf girls in the town telling stories, telling of their goddess in a soft gentle way, not yelling fire and brimstone. The elf girls are honestly being an asset and enjoying the hell out of helping this little town.

The Orcs seem to tolerate the elves, but seem annoyed by their sparkly clean presence.

The Orcs have no contraband or obviously illegal things such as poisons, drugs, or cursed items.

Get the fucking town started on building a fucking wall, so there is a fucking fall back position if the fucking city and their fucking guards decide to try and 'influence' our town into joining through violence.

'Gee, nice town you have here. Be a shame if it was torched raided and sacked'

WALL. FUCKING. WALL.

i do not trust those fuckers.

>>6319628
Get the orc mercs to sign a contract where they get their pick of some of your equipment and a salary in exchange for upholding the town laws to the letter and enforcing the will of the people (plural) in charge.

And make it a short-term, flexible contract with room to renew but also allow them a quick out in case they wanna pick up and move on.

>>6319633
Agreed, if anyone wants to put in on building the wall it would definitely be a benefit. Even a wooden one for the time being.

Hell, with the orcs and the elves and the reputation we're going to get from forging the hammer of the gods for the dwarf king himself, we might expect our town to end up a target no matter what happens. Though I suppose orc mercs are a benefit if the shit hits the fan, and I don't think those elves wouldn't either stand up or get some paladins to ruin any raiders' shit too.

>>6319645
Contracts already negotiated dude. We might be able assume that is how the contracts were negotiated however.

>>6319633
Exactly what I was thinking.

Let's build this town into a city!

I SAID FUCK YEAH! *shred shred shred*

>>6319666
AGREED.
HIGH FIVE OF GREAT JUSTICE!

>>6319591
>>6319599
>>6319627
Dwarfs as a whole in this setting love hammers and axes. ( BIG SHOCKER). But apparently the king loves two handed axes. He loves any weapon with a story however, he made that clear, and he is a collector.

He had a few scars on his face and spoke of fighting a dragon, so he still needs battle worthy weapons, not just show bits.

You manage to pick up a book from the traders about Dwarf culture and how to speak common phrases that you might need, but most races now how to speak two languages ( Aside from lazy humans like you!)

You pack up plenty of clothing and gear, you also make sure to have plenty of maps, food, and your trust hammer.

The king made sure to tell you before he left for home that all the materials and tools would be provided and of the highest quality. You are excited at the idea of working with steel you'd never be able to afford.

>>6319666
Charles motherfucking Bronson building his town into a city?

Actually that would take a good long while but it sure wouldn't hurt to start the groundwork.

>>6319666
OH SHIT, 666!
>>6319672
MORE LIKE HIGH TEN!

>>6319681
Let's get a move on.

>>6319681
Yeah, but Shit Ruiner should be usable to help in the forging. Even if it's only at the beginning and we refine our weapon with high quality tools at the appropriate stage of the forging process, just for the sake of being able to say that it was forged with it.

>>6319698
I say we use our hammer, and only our hammer, for hammering shit.

>>6319681
It will be a double handed Axe. All craftsmanship will be of the Highest quality. It will be encircled with rings of Granite and menace with spikes of Obsidian. It will be forged by our weird-ass skeleton hand and our hammer, shit--breaker. We must then go on a quest to give it a story.

>>6319633
>>6319682
Your last couple of days you spend sketching up plans for a wall around the town.

Everyone loves the idea, well.. the elves think everything is wonderful, so they don't really count.

But the Orcs like big walls, the towns people would feel safer.

The Orcs look at it as a chance to make their future job easier, and get the townsfolk to trust them. The trade leader offers to build a wall that would make the city nearby jealous, and get it done before you get back.

Catch is they get to stay for free for the next 6 months. Contract still stands, they still protect the town, but no taxes or rent being payed.

Deal or No deal?

>>6319731
Only if we are sure it would be worth it. (Non-committal response)

>>6319712
100 internets to you sir
>>6319731
yes deal!

>>6319731
DEAL. As long as the town is safe, let em stay.

>>6319731
Sounds good.

On the condition however, that if they are in breach of contract, we have the right to run them out of town. Also make the wall large enough for future expansion within the wall.

>>6319705
Yes, you can and -will- use your favored Hammer to forge it, there is nothing against the rules for using things.

In fact the more lore added into it, even if its round about will be bonus points.

You, your arm, and your hammer if said the correct way, are all ready creating lore for your weapon before you even start.

>>6319787
We are most definitely a living legend. Let's get going!

Backreading the older quests, as I missed them. Just wanted to say great job OP, looking forward to jumping in next time.

>>6319776
>>6319770
>>6319754
>>6319751
You deem it worth it. And the Orcs seem very happy about it. Preparing for a fight, even if its as simple as building a wall, and even if there is no battle on the way, still seems to get them pumped up.

The Orc leader promises to have the walls up by the time you're back from winning, and the biggest scariest orc is all ready going on about how much gold he'll have saved up to buy a new weapon from you after you win.

You have a big send off. And head out on the road with a few days to get to the Hill Homes to the north.

( Will be continuing most likely at 9 tomorrow. Have a good night and thanks a lot for playing. I know this was a lot of diplomancy tonight, but things will pick up. Now that the new story is rolling.)

I bet some other smiths will try to sabotage our shit.

>>6319837
This is a good quest and you should feel good for running it.

This quest makes me nostalgic.

Good on you, OP, damn good on you for running it.

>>6319846
Thanks a lot man. I want to entertain the neckbeards and get my own magical creative juices flowing while doing so.

Anything you want answered about their world, or things you think the Blacksmith might all ready know, just plop it in this thread and I will answer tomorrow at the start.

So it seems like there's a lot of mythic stuff. Or at least fantasy things. Humans, elves, dwarves, werewolves, drags, lich.

Seems like a lot of stuff.

Anything else worth note taking?

Also, take some books with us on our journey to the Dwarven city. Books on Dwarven architecture and shit. It can be instrumental in making an axe pleasing to the king.

>>6319916
Yes, this is "Vague Fantasy land". It's got all the essentials, but I try to make them less cliche' or SO cliche' it makes them spectacular.

And no not all the elves will be this disgustingly sweet.

>>6319712


I say we make a single sided axe with the back end as a fucking hammer to balance it out.

>>6319837


We should make something nice and just give it to the orc as a gift. It would be a good idea to have as many friends as possible.

>>6320128
Yes, Big Orc deserves a free weapon if he's looking this forward to one of your wares.

>>6320104
Axe/Hammer is a great idea.

Our Blacksmith guy is generally likeable and not a bad guy this quest is unique? I guess would be the word?

>>6320765
nice idea. or what if one of the sides can be unlatched or unscrewed and an axe or hammer head can be added for varity if you were feeling smashy one day but slashy the next.

also their armor is gold and black i think the axe should be too.

This is archived right?

>>6320765

Here is my take on the competition axe. I envision it having a hard wood handle (possibly with a steel core for strength) with a polished black lacquer and gold inlays. I think that a dragon motif would be appropriate given the first one was broken taking said beast down. As such, Dragon hide grips and a dragon tooth attached to the base (gold plated as well). I could also see the tooth being left bare, or ground and polished like ivory. Preferably the real bits of dragon on the axe would be from the dragon the dwarf king slew, adding to the lore for the weapon. Also, including the rune of the Elf Goddess on the base would be a good nod to Mr. Bronson previous adventure. Thoughts?

Also, I think that a pick on the back would be more useful in battle given the ability to pierce armor and other such carapaces. The Dwarf did say that he wanted a practical weapon.

Anyway, nice quest. I am looking forward to the next installment.