NOW

She holds you close, frightened and quiet, against her chest. The near fatality of the combat has panicked her.

>>17843846
Ask Ceran if magical weapons are made by aborting the soul of a creature and infusing it into the weapon during creation. Then ask her if we have the soul of a fae.

>>17843866
Second, because fuck you I wanna know!

>>17843862
"It's alright, Ceran. The enemy has been neutralized. You are safe now. Come, pick yourself up, and let's get you to someplace for a drink to steady your nerves."

>>17843866
>>17843883
You almost barrel her with a salvo of questions, but first and foremost, you know...

>>17843924
That she needs to be calmed, if she can even answer.

>It's alright, Ceran. The enemy has been neutralized. You are safe now. Come, pick yourself up, and let's get you to someplace for a drink to steady your nerves.

She nods, holding you for a few more moments before rising - and people begin to make their way back to the market. It was strange, how the fae was capable of simply making a place empty.

"Yeah. Let's... Let's hit a bar. Or something. I could use a drink, after that." she mutters. Still, she holds you close. Perhaps she is frightened, perhaps she is grateful. Either way, she enters the bar. The Silver Wineskin, she comments, is a nice place, simply on the virtue of it not being a dive but a respectable establishment.

The bartender, a man with oddly-colored skin, looks up.

"A Scribe? Don't get many of your sor-"

"Just give me a Roaring Tiger." she replies, and the man rises and gets to work as Ceran sets you down, finally, leaning against the bar.

>>17844258
"On your own time, Ceran. When you're ready."
Wait for her to drink and calm down a little.
"You were ordered not to reveal to me how I came to be created, so I will not ask you to disobey your orders.
"But I would like to say, that I felt...something, when that Fae died. I wonder if the souls of living beings are a crucial component in the forging of me and my kin."

>>17844433
You wait for Ceran to visibly calm herself.

>You were ordered not to reveal to me how I came to be created, so I will not ask you to disobey your orders.
>But I would like to say, that I felt...something, when that Fae died. I wonder if the souls of living beings are a crucial component in the forging of me and my kin.

"I was ordered not to speak on the matter because I'm ignorant of it. We found you. We know you were made by human hand. But your construction is a mystery." she says, knocking back the last of the drink. "Another." she says. "Order or not - I'd tell you if I could. You've my trust, Westing, more than Argyle. But after that..." she shakes her head. "I told you, once - others have tried to teach me, and they failed. I know ancient ways of swordfighting, how to properly handle a bow, how to stand behind a shield."
She knocks another back. "But in the end... I ran away. I always go back to working under Argyle, since he's the only one who'll take me. I've been on the front more times than I care to count."

She stares at the bar.

"I'm a blood-damned coward."

>>17844853
"The front is not for everybody. Some people just don't have the stomach for it...but as long as you point me in the right direction, for a long enough time, you'll hit something. You won't need to be on the front. You can be a mile away and if you look long enough, you can hit something with me."

((Is that all? Awww, guys, come on.))

>The front is not for everybody. Some people just don't have the stomach for it...but as long as you point me in the right direction, for a long enough time, you'll hit something. You won't need to be on the front. You can be a mile away and if you look long enough, you can hit something with me.

"I, I know this. But you'd be even better in the hands of someone truly capable, Westing. Are you really that fond of me? That you'd gimp your ability just to stay along with me?"

She looks down at you, eyes doubting, face oddly... hopeful? Fearful? You are not very good at reading emotions. You don't exactly have a face, yourself. This whole emotion thing...

Still, it feels like this is something of an important decision. Would it really be that great of an idea to simpply choose Cera above a potential better?

>>17845506
"A better? I cannot improve a superb marksman's skill. In their hands I am just a very good musket.
"In your hands, with enough aiming, we can hit any target in sight. But I do not wish to push you to do anything you do not wish to."

I'm honestly not sure if we should bind ourselves to Cera. Sure we like her, but is putting her in constant danger really what's best for her?

>>17845506
We'd like to stay with you, and our ability is such that we aren't useless in your hands. Our true strength isn't in a battle like we had today, but in the quiet distant shot from the dark.

Tell you what, let's stay with you longer and get a soldier or someone else to accompany us. We've more to discover of the world and our nature, and I'd rather a scribe we trust and like help us with that business. And if you can't handle that, perhaps you can accompany us with our bearer all the same.

And if it IS argyle we end up going with, we'll want you to carry us most of the time. His hands are way too rough.

>A better? I cannot improve a superb marksman's skill. In their hands I am just a very good musket.
>In your hands, with enough aiming, we can hit any target in sight. But I do not wish to push you to do anything you do not wish to.

She remains silent, seemingly uncertain.

>>17848092
She considers things more, going from option to option.
"What... What sort of armor do you think would work best for me out there. If I go. I'm not saying I am. Just... hypothetically. Don't get the wrong idea, here." she says quietly, face flushing slightly. "Besides, I'd like to stay around here a while longer, with you." she pauses.
"T-to find a better weilder! Yeah. I mean, what if the guy can't take care of what you need? I'm a Scribe, that's... that's what I do. Yeah."

>>17848769
"Something that you can stay long periods in without discomfort. And that doesn't make too much sound. My powers are reliant on Patience, after all.
"And I would like to spend more time with you, Ceran. I feel useful in your hands."


We really need to get that scope and see what our maximum range is.

>>17848769
Something comfortable, definitely. Wearing heavy chain isn't going to help much, as being on the front lines with a Musket, specially a musket that acts like a sniper rifle, isn't that great of an idea. So really something light, like a mix of padding and leather. Maybe riveted leather in the spots that don't move as much, such as the thighs, shins, forearms, possibly back and chest too. Really anywhere that doesn't move all that much. Nothing loud.

>>17848849
I'd say getting that bipod would be more of an issue. Easier to steady the gun and weight.

Guys we don't need a scope or stand, giving her confidence is all the force multiplying we need. Literally.

>>17848769
"You know, the instinct to put distance between oneself and one's enemy, is probably the most valuable a marksman can have."

Still there OP?

>>17849095
>>17848849
>Anything you can spend a long time in, comfortably. Something you can move in, easily. Something good for climbing.
>Perhaps you can get a scope or a stand...

"So, leather armors." she nods quietly. "I... I think I know a person. A-and the robe?"

>Eh. Up to you, but you'll want to be able to climb easily and move with haste.

"Okay. Okay. And I can requisition those other things. They might take a while to order."

>The instinct to put distance between oneself and the target is quite valuable.

"Nice spin, but I know my weakness." she says. "Would you like to go shopping with me? I could also leave you with Damien for a bit."

>>17849624
Get Damien early and we can all go shopping together. I don't know if you're noticed, but walking around alone hasn't worked out well for you today. Or if not him anyone, can we as a noble recruit a random soldier to accompany us?

>>17849624
"If you would not mind the company. I would like a bipod and telescope, if such are available."

>>17849624
I enjoy spending my time with you if you haven't noticed.

Your weaknesses are things we can help with. Our thing is patience after all, it's not shooting that is the important less you'll have get from us, it's that and the calm control that goes with it.

We'd be wasted ourselves directly on the front lines, anyway. Best to arrange things such that we can be sure that won't happen.

>I enjoy spending my time with you if you haven't noticed.

"Well, uh. O-okay."

>>17849684
"Naw, I'm doing this today. There's still a few hours till dinnertime." she hums to herself as she visits the first store on her list: A tannery/tailor. Time passes, and eventually, she gets measured. It turns out there's actually a suit of armor in her size, so she turns towards the fitting rooms - then looks at you.

Back and forth she looks, before deciding and picking you up, taking you and the suit back with her.

"Don't make me regret this. I don't want anyone to steal you."

>>17850586
We're a sentient gun. If someone tries to snag us, you'll know. So will everyone else.

>>17850617
I agree. If she's uncomfortable with changing in front of us, she doesn't need to. If somebody tries to steal us, we'll simply fire a shot into the air.

you guys really want to stick with the scribe for a wielder?

It seems like it would be more trouble than shes worth...she seems to prefer us as a club than a musket. Plus, while we can hit anything if we aim long enough, we're a much more effective weapon if we have more options than standing still for half a minute.

>>17850617
>BLAMBLAMBLAMBLAM

>>17850804
Nah she'll do fine. We just need someone to cover our her back.

>>17850804
I had to brave tgchan for this piece of advice, so I hope you appreciate it

>On that note, /quest/ will often form an almost obsessive attachment to the first NPC they run into, especially if said NPC is female.

Replace /quest/ with /tg/ and: presto.

>>17850829
> We just need someone to cover our her back.

Exactly. we need a babysitter for our wielder. I still think we should stick with her friend--we could do ANYTHING in his hands-magic or no magic.

>>17850897
Maybe we can get her friend to join up? He'd be great covering her back and helping her learn, he's dangerous enough with normal weapons so he and us with her will make a strong team. In a real pinch with close enemies he can grab us and lay waste to everything in sight. He just has to agree to it, and I think he would.

>>17850948
A spotter/body guard and a sniper. Makes sense.

>>17850948
Actually, I'm looking at it as the reverse. Ceran said herself, she knows how to use just about every weapon under the sun, plus, shes clever. Shes a better spotter than a wielder.

we don't even have a face to leer with, so I think she'll be fine.

on other notes, can we feel out what kind if any of darkness our new ability requires? would a parasol on a sunny day make a difference, or other magics?

>>17851003
Problem is she can't put that knowledge to use.

>>17851003
She's wielder cause she's a coward.

>>17851003
She's barely adequate though. Think of this scenario: there is an importand long range shot to make, one that saves the day. There are also a steady stream of mooks closing in and they need to be fought off or we're done for. Give the old man us and either be perfectly defended while our window closes, or take the shot as she tries to fight them off.

It's smarter if she's doing the otherwise impossible shot, and he's kicking ass in his regular, effective fashion.

'You definetly have several attributes I want in a wielder, the way I would be best used is as what I call a sniper. Hide for long periods of time, watching a target before picking the perfect moment to strike. Then running like hell as we aren't as useful against the target's friends. In short, we are an assassin's weapon, best weilded by someone who prefers fighting unseen to direct confrontation.'

Also forgot to ask, did we lose accuracy if a target is moving?

>>17850974
We don't need sniper/spotter pairs as we, the gun, act as spotter.

For clothing, we want a ghilly suit. Just a set of clothing with a ton of cloth strips stained with plant/earth colors sewn on.

>>17851099
tl;dr: the best wielder for us is in fact one who runs away in the face of immediate danger.

Just so long as you can stand the less-immediate danger posed by things like sneaking around behind enemy lines.

>>17850586

Just remember that you probably won't be using one set of clothing/equipment for everything. Depending on the terrain, you may need different sets of colored clothes to better blend in with the terrain.

>>17851240
the best wielder for us in the one that doesn't lose their shit because they had a close call.

>You can put me outside. If someone tries, I'll just fire.

"..." she looks at you, then sets you down outside of the fitting room. "Why do you keep saying I'm a good weilder. I'm having trouble understanding why someone like me is a fit." he says, the sound of cloth shifting slipping past the door.

>The way I would be best used is as what I call a sniper. Hide for long periods of time, watching a target before picking the perfect moment to strike. Then running like hell as we aren't as useful against the target's friends. In short, we are an assassin's weapon, best weilded by someone who prefers fighting unseen to direct confrontation.

"...I see." she mumbles, and the pants she wore previously pool around her barely-visible bare feet. Smooth, pale, delicate, almost.

>Well, if you can stand sneaking about behind enemy lines?

"...I can probably manage." she says, stepping into the armor pants. The armor is thicker leather than the pants were, and she slips her feet into boots that go with it. "This armor isn't so bad."

>Well, we'll want to add a ghilly suit, too.

"What?"

>Set of clothes with lots of strips stained with earthy colors on. Occludes your silhuoette.

"I see. I'll mail for it..." she says, and you here a series of belts being tightened.

>Well, really, you'll probably want more sets of clothes for different terrain...

"You really are all business, aren't you?" she asks, the door opening. The suit...

Well, it's certainly adequete. You can't help but notice, however, that she's... slim. Well, no, that's the wrong word. Slim implies thing, without figure. She's healthy. The suit has trouble hiding it. Her curves are...

Wait, you're a gun. You spend a moment in confusion pondering why you were checking her out, and she picks you up. "Well? How do I look?"

>>17851451
>Positive Compliment of some kind, but not too flirty.
"I can see why you've had so many requests by my compatriots".

>>17851451
It's armor, but you could still draw a date with it.

>>17851451
I would like to remind everyone, that we are a gun. and thus incapable of ever having any sort of remotely romantic and/or physical relationship with this human being.

"It isn't about looks, it's about how effective it is."

HEY THIS ISN'T A LEGACY OF KAIN THREAD

you tricked me

>>17851451
You wear it well, both in appearance and effectiveness.

>>17851582
We're sentient, and human like.
We could totally romance her.

>>17851451
"You'll have to wear something over that. We don't want to attract any kind of attention, and I think that will be impossible with you in that outfit."

>>17851582
Dohohoho. Is that a challenge?

>>17851582
Doesn't make us soulless calculators. Woman asked how she looks, so we answer the question.

>>17851451
"Not bad, add a barrel and a stock and you'd be my type."

>>17851671
This.

I miss the start of one thread and suddenly we are interested romantically in someone ugh but really she isn't good as our wielder and we should wait for better prospects (people trained in stealth unlike her)

>>17851671
>>17851688
Sounds rather gay, bro.

>>17851719
Our name is Westing.
just roll with it.

>>17851712
Stealth isn't difficult from range. Unless fae have supersenses. Speaking of, we need to learn a thing or two about them.

>>17851755
problem is hiding behind enemy lines for extended periods is better for someone who knows how to disappear in various environments and how to fight silently when discovered unlike a scribe poorly trained in front line combat.

>>17851799
It makes for an interesting story.

>>17851799
She mentioned having gone to the front line many times, and being well trained.
She just freaks out in real combat and runs, which isn't that bad for us.

>>17851817
And it would be much better if someone else was there to cover her while backing off. That's why we need a second person.

http://www.hermeskelly4u.com/ Hermes Belt

>>17851799
See >>17851817
Plus, I'd see a coward picking up stealth pretty easily. Furthermore, who are we going to find better at stealth? I dont think the military would gladly hand off a one of a kind weapon to an assassin. They would more likely use one to teach her what he knows about stealth. While not 'obsessed' with her last thread, she's looking like a good canidate now.

>>17851842
No. More people = more chances to be seen. We are already a perfect spotter. And if anything gets close enough to need a bodyguard, we are already running or severely fucked.

>>17851962
Maybe after she is more accomplished she can be trusted alone. Not yet. Besides we're already up against things that specifically only go people when that are alone. Why the hell shouldn't we have another person with us?

>>17851962

I think we may not need a spotter, but we need a couple other people. Maybe we could form a sniper unit? Have Westing as the commander, having a person with you may not help much, but having a couple other snipers in the field would. A few bowmen maybe.

>>17852046
this would probably work since we are effective against high value and durable targets while a bow or other silent weapon is better for killing enemies to get to those targets (maybe a unit of magical weaponry wielded by a marksman and a skilled swordsman)

>>17852067
Ideally out companion would be able to join us in ranged attacks and also provide melee defense so we can shoot unaccosted.

ITT: people don't understand how snipers operate

>Not bad, add a barrel and a stock and you'd be my type.

She smiles at the joke, picking me up.
"Well, good to see you have a sense of humour." she says, picking up her clothing. "Easy to move about in, too." she says with a grin, approaching the counter. "I'm buying."

"Glad to hear it." the man says. "We have your measurements, so please, come by if you need repairs or replacements, as need may be."

"Naturally." she replies, leaving. "Still, feels odd to not wear the robe. Honestly, I feel a little... naked, without it. Oh, right! There's another weilder I need to introduce you to. Perry. Remind me later? Right now, we need to get you a... Scope, was it?

>Yes. And a bipod.

"Right. So... blacksmith?"

>For the latter. The former we need a glassblower. ...And a blacksmith.

"It sounds complicated."

>It is. It basically is an aiming aid for long-distance shooting. A bipod is a steadying pair of rods that sit under the end of my barrel.

"I see..."

>Yes, and there's that suit I mentioned too.

"And it's getting a little dark. Shall we seek out the boys?"

>>17852358
"Yeah, why not. You know, you can simply wear your robe over the armour, right?"

>>17852358
Aye. And be quick about it, but stick to more populated areas if you can.

>>17852358
'Before we look for scopes, how small and how powerful are the lenses capable of being made? The bipod is simplicity itself, so the blacksmith would be the best idea, might be able to pick it up tomorrow. And while we go there, mind telling me what is known about the fae, seeing as we keep running into them?'

>>17852358
If it's getting dark then we should definitely find the Darien's boys, since they owe her dinner. We can go shopping tomorrow if the shops are closed after dinner.

>>17852959

Yes, dinner. but on the way ask her about the glassblowing trade and quality. We need to know how good of a scope we can get, also might be good to introduce her to the concept.

>>17852982
It's a city, so there's likely more than one of the common tradesmen, like metalworkers. If we can explain the concept well enough to her, she can probably choose the individuals who are better suited at those tasks than others of their trade.

"Let's head to dinner. You've done enough at my whim today, time for you to reap your spoils from earlier. On the way though, I'd like to provide more detail for what I need, so that you'll know who we need to visit tomorrow"

>>17853113

Oh let us also tell her about needing a good strap, so that we can more easily be carried.

I think Ego's given up on us guys.

((Working on update now))

>You could wear the robe over the armor.

There's that look again, as she pulls it back on over her head.

>Anyway, can you find a man who is skilled at glassblowing? Do you know how good it'd be?

"I'm not versed in such matters - but I'm sure the engineering officer would be of use." she says brightly. We have people available for just such a situat... tion..." she pauses as we reach the Rust Princess's statue. There is a dead body there.

"Wh..."

In a red robe, holding a musket. Hazel eyes stare out from under the hood, a sword impaled in her chest, covered in rust, the handle wrapped in bandages, topped by a green gem. "What... This... It doesn't... Why isn't anyone... What's going on!?"
Her heart begins to race.

>Ceran! Calm yourself! I've been meaning to ask, what do we know about Fae. This is important, focus.

"Fae are... are what we call the creatures from the other side of the Breach. Each one is wholly unique. Their soldiers are the sole... sole exception..." she tears her eyes away from the body, looking up. not seeing it calms her. "Soldiers are the sole exception. Otherwise, each one is wholly unique and skilled in areas it's brethren either lack in or are wholly lacking. Some Fae can create an area of effect where abilities are pronounced, called a Bounded Field. Others work more subtly, changing the area they occupy over time, this is called an Unbounded Field."

Her eyes slip back to the body, along with yours.

It's now aiming at her.

>>17853559
Wait, so the dead body is aiming a musket at us?

Ignore it. That's preposterous.

Actually, on second thought, nick the sword, then briskly walk away.

>>17853559
"I think we should get behind cover. Now."

>>17853559
That is... could this be some kind of fae illusion? Put something between you and it, just in case. And train our aim at it. At it's gun.

bump

We just need to get behind cover or out of the area.
It might just be an illusion, but that doesn't mean we should assume so..

But not much else we can do right now.

>>17853656
>Cover!

"Sorry!" she yelps, lifting you up. You feel an impact, but it doesn't hurt, ot feel adverse - the bullet rebounds off of you, and she cries in pain.

>Ceran?

"I'll be f-" she blinks. The body is gone, along with the sword. But the rifle lays there, as if dropped by the corpse. "Bloody god-damned rusted fae." she swears, picking it up. "This doesn't even make any sense..." she says, looking around. She even feels the scratch the rebound made - her hand comes away clean. "This is so strange... I should get to Darien." she says, dropping into a run, making good time to the range where the boys are waiting. They don't look angry anymore. If anything, they're nervous, which... is odd to see in such a strong man. Her gaze doesn't linger. "Darien, take this to Argyle, ask him to scrub it for me." she says, handing the gun off to the large man. "I want dinner."

The boys sigh.

"What happened?" Darien asks.

"I'll... I'll explain later. For now, I need to relax."

"mmmn. Taking the gun with you to dinner?"

"I... uh. Well, Westing? Feel like coming?"

>>17853939

Considering all the things that have been happening, I think its best that we don't get separated. Not that there is any reason to refuse going with her.

>>17853939

after three attempts on your life, i refuse to consider leaving you. i am coming.

>>17853939
What else am I going to do? And besides with the day we've had... yeah. Damien will understand why we're here when you tell him about all that.

>>17853939
"Might as well. I helped you win that dinner after all, and I'd prefer to be with you if more danger shows up."

>>17853994
It would be imprudent to allow m'lady to go unarmed under such circumstances.

>Yes, please. Given the events..."

"Yeah, he's coming with me." she says, "Something strange is going on."

"Strange?"

"...I think I'm the target of Fae attacks."

"So they sneaking in fuckers again." the man mutters. "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

"I... I thought it was isolated."

"Mmmmn. I'll let Argyle know of this. Enjoy yourself. Boys... Keep an eye on her."

"Yes father." the younger one says.

"Good. Have a nice time."

The boys turn to Ceran, and smile - forced smiles.

"What's wrong? I thought you'd be leaping at the opportunity."

"Eh. We lost, is all." the older one mutters.

Nonetheless, we may our way to the place they've chosen. It was a bar/inn, once, but now, it's converted to full-time eatery. Ceran sets you down, and things proceed apace. Ceran seems to enjoy herself, but can't stop looking over her shoulder.

>Something wrong?

She looks down at you and shakes her head. The boys are well-mannered, even polite, and over time, the initial icy reception breaks and the conversation flows. Mostly small talk, but it seems the boys are eager to be deployed. The younger one is reticent, feeling himself more capable with a crossbow than the usual longbows, but his brother assures him that his eadle eye will definitely be of use.

... Another weilder? It's only a vague possibility.

Something strange is happening with the atmosphere - it seems people are finding excuses to leave more and more quickly.

>>17854203
"prepare yourself, we may be having some rather hostile dinners guests soon."

This must be how the areas have been cleared out before, everyone feeling ill at ease and leaving on their own. Even the guys you're with said such a thing during the first attack. Tell them about this, make sure they do NOT leave your side.

>>17854237
Pretty much this.

A crossbowman will do those guys good if they ever go up against armored opponents.

Predictably, you're about to be attacked again. Either ask the soldiers to stay to fight (reminding them that they will feel compelled to leave), or tell them to get out of there so that you don't have to worry about protecting anyone other than yourself—though, as soldiers, they'll have to fight Fae sooner or later, and they seem eager enough. Since these guys keep coming to you, I doubt running anywhere yourself will accomplish anything. Ready us.

Get ready to leave, and leave as a group. Head somewhere more secure. Last time we went up a watch tower right? Lets head there. Its possible that there are many fae in the area, time to put our skills to work.

>>17854230
>Prepare yourself.

She picks you up again - soft hands clenched tighly around your lenght - and stands. The boys seem to understand the signal, drawing short blades.

They nod to Ceran, as the place empties entirely.

[[Well. It seems you've learned a thing or two, Patience, Ceran.]]

It's hard to determine where the voice is coming from. There are echoes, and the voice seems to come from every seat.

[[So I thought I'd do something a little different. A little more fun. The way I see it, you've three friends with you, Patience.]]

The same man sits at every table. Sometimes, two to a table. He wears a suit, and his head is bandaged. A single, malignant eye gazes out. [[After all, not all of us are... animals. At least... not all of us are animals... now.]]

"Wh-what?" Ceran says.

[[Ah-ah. I can't say any more, unless you win. However, if you enter the game... You put everyone at stake. Exit the building... and there will be no game - no fight. We will merely part ways. Sit down, and I will explain the rules. They will be fair, I assure - on this, I give my absolute word. These are the stakes. If you win, I will answer any three questions you have. If you lose, I will take the lives of the three humans left in the building.]]

The boys immedietly sit down, a hard look of bravery on their faces.

"I guess you're the swing vote..."

Don't risk it. We're not prepared to ask any questions worth risking lives for, and I doubt Fear would make the offer if it would seriously impair their side of the war effort.

Not to mention that making deals with these kind of guys is about the most textbook genre-dumb move one can make.

>>17854475
say no to this. we are not going to gamble our lives with a fae...

>>17854475
>However, if you enter the game... You put everyone at stake.
Ask who all he means by 'everyone'.
If he means it in terms of humanity, No deal.

Well this guy is a bit of a dick, isn't he? Questions would be nice, but I don't like these stakes. The game isn't fun for us, see? And it certainly isn't fair for the three lives in danger here.

Tell him that if declining would spare those lives then you'll pass on playing his game. Tell him to come back with a game with more appropriate stakes. Something fun for everyone. But if he says they die anyway well then we have no choice.

Nope, sitting down would be bad, time will give us the answers we need. That is the patient outlook.

>>17854475
A chance for three questions in no way comes close to being worth risking their lives. We should just leave.

>No. Not worth it.

"I'm sorry, but the stakes are too high."

[[A shame. It seems you may never know what you are, Westing.]]

She gathers up the boys, and we move to the doors.

Which are locked. Seemingly, barred from outside. They won't open!

"But you said -"

[[I said if you would not play, we will part ways. And that we would not fight, if you left the building. However... I never said you would be able to leave.]]

"You foul, monstrous, decietful - "

[[Also, I won't be the one fighting you. That would be my brother - you're advised to find a way out in a hurry. Have a nice day, Westing. Or should I say... Patience?]]

He laughs, and the room empties aside from us.

>>17854606
Tell him to wait just a minute! He never even offered a different wager!

>>17854606
are there any windows nearby? if so, time for dramatic window jumpin' scene

>>17854606
"Ceran, am I or am I not a magical musket of obscene accuracy and impossible firepower?"
"If your answer is yes, then take aim and SHOOT THE DAMN DOOR OFF OF IT'S FUCKING HINGES!"

>>17854606

The fucking cheater! These fae are jerks.

Anyway time to leave, blast the door off its hinges, or more blast the hinges off the door.

>>17854606
"Find a window and smash it. We have to get out. If we can't find one, we'll just have to shoot the hinges off the door."

>>17854634
"Come back with a fair game, if you want to be amused so badly!"

Time to shoot a door down. Aim for the larch and give it a few seconds, make sure we pop it correctly.

We are shooting our way out of here.

Get the soldiers smashing out through windows/etc as a backup plan.

>>17854692

Nah dude it said its barred from the outside, that implies a blockage on the other side. Taking off the latch won't do much good if the problem is elsewhere. Have to shoot the hinges so the door will fall in.

Next we make for a watch/guard tower.

>>17854692
Latch won't work if it's barred from the outside. And hinges will only work if it's barred on the side with the latch. If it goes all the way across, we're doubly screwed.

>>17854709
we can shoot more than once.Unlimited ammo works.

>>17854708
>>17854709
Shit.

>>17854720
Enough shooting might get us through but at that point we may as well be shooting down the wall.

Quick, what windows and rooms are here for us to deal with? Any kind of opening or weak spot?

>>17854736
No windows.

Ceran aims and shoots off the hinges - but the door stays fast.

"Oh, blood-rusted hell." she mutters. Things begin to feel unsettling. This isn't good...

The boys run off to seek ways out, But return swiftly to report there aren't any. Where once there were windows, there is wall.

"Bounded space." she mutters. "The area is changing to suit the Fae within. We've gotta hurry..."

Downstairs, you hear growling and muttering.

[[cut it up, hang it down, paint it up, beat them down...]]

"Okay, okay. Bounded spaces can be breached by destroying the source or finding the stress point, the stress point being the point in the bounded space most unlinke or unfamiliar to what creates it..." Ceran mutters as the growling grows louder.

The place used to be an inn, so there's rooms upstairs. The front door leads into a large common room, and branching off there is the kitchen and from the kitchen, the basement. There's also a storage closet under the stairs.

>>17854803

Well, lets go upstairs, if it was an inn there will be a hallway between the rooms, and so even if we don't find the stress point we could wait at the other end of the hallway for the fae and have a clear line of sight, then blast them.

>>17854823
Yeah, upstairs is probably the best bet. Voices coming from downstairs, and he can appear multiple places at once, so all the reflective surfaces that would be in a kitchen are not the "most unlike" him in anyway.

The beast is below, so let's not be in a hurry to go there. First all of you check the common room. Then send the boys upstairs to check that rooms quickly, you do the kitchen and storage closet. If that all fails, group together and head downstairs.

We may be Patience but speed is of the essence, only go slow enough that we do not pass over our goal.

((Pausing it here - will continue around 11 hours from now. ))

bump till 4pm

Another bump

>Upstairs. We'll have to kill it. Prep me and wait at the end of the hall!

She nods, then directs the boys. Upstairs is a long hallway flanked by rooms, and we set up carefully to wait for the gibbering beast.

It's not Fear. This is something else. Something about it is... unsettling. Its eyes, its body, is wrong.

"Oh god."

>Stay steady!

She does, aiming with care - and she pulls the trigger as the creature raises an arm. Blood spurts from the hole and exit wound, and it drops the cleaver it was holding.

Both of the boys rush it, running the blades into its pale flesh. More blood oozes out, but it does not drop.

Ceran is panicking, her aim too unsteady to activate your ability.

>>17859713
"Ceran, you're doing well. It can be wounded, so there's nothing to fear. You're surrounded by friends, people willing to protect you."

Let's try to shoot the things extremeties off.

>>17859713
"Ceran, calm down and focus! Keep me trained on it and take AIM! It bleeds, we can kill it."

>>17859713
"Take a journey with me Ceran. Let's go to a faraway place. Close your eyes and breathe.

We are walking through a large field. There is not a cloud in the sky, and you can feel the sunlight on your face, on your arms, in your bones. Smell the long strands of grass that brush against your bare legs. Breathe deep the pure, sweet smell of the grass, Ceran. No evil can survive here.

Far away, at the edge of your vision, you see a figure. This is a being of evil, and we will not permit it to intrude on our field. Take aim, and end it, Ceran. You have all the time in the world. And this is our field. End his suffering."

It's ok you're doing well, you'll be safe soon. Just aim at its head and for a moment and it will all be over.
>influence her to be calm

bump. a quest this good should be on front page

>It can bleed. We can kill it. Stay calm!

You feel your power... lessen. Just slightly. But Ceran's grip tightens, her aim ceases shaking. You feel much closer to her, as if she is suddenly...

Similar to you.

Your aim ratchets as the creature's fist slams into one boy's belly, knocking him to the floor. The sword remains. Your aim ratchets as the other boy struggles to hold it back. Your aim ratchets as his hand opens, reaching for Ceran.

She pulls the trigger at the last possible moment, and you fire, feeling yourself peak. The bullet slams into and through its neck, and its hand touches her shoulder, grip tightening as the bullet actually slams back, through the back of its head, the creature screaming as it drops, melting into blood, evaporating away.

You feel your stock and body is much more dense - you are much more steady and if used in melee, much stronger.

The similarity between you and Ceran evaporates, and she lets out a little cry, falling to the ground. One of the boys is on the ground, unconscious, the other, holding his arm that is bent at an odd angle.

Ceran is also unconscious.

>>17860424
"You there! Boy! Get Ceran and your brother into one of the rooms. Pick me up, we must see if the Bounded Field has been broken."

>>17860426
If the kid can't hear us, try to wake Ceran up. Otherwise all we can do is wait...

>>17860424
First things first, we're going to need to reset the arm in it's proper angle and get him to a medic. Preferably for the medic to fix his arm however, because if we mess it up he may never use a bow again. But if one isn't close enough, we need to do it ourselves because leaving it is worse. We're going to need to wake the unconscious one up because we need help.

>>17860626
The immediate threat is passed, there should be people coming back shortly who can help. Soldiers if we're lucky.

>>17860678
There are also those three people still in the building.

>>17860970
Those three people was the Scribe and other two. Fear was addressing us.

>Boy!

The young man perks up.

>Get Ceran and your brother into one of the rooms. Pick me up once this is concluded. We must check if the bounded field is broken.

The boy nods, setting himself to the task quickly - after setting his arm unflinchingly. It seems it had been pulled from its socket by the beast. He works quickly, then picks you up. His hands, while not rough, are not soft, either. The eatery is normal again, and he breathes a sigh of relief. It does not take long to find a doctor to see to his brother and Ceran. It appears the danger has well and truly passed, for now. He waits beside Ceran, then hands you off as she awakens. She smiles, holding you close again.

"That was a little too close for comfort." she says. "What shall we do now, after we get these boys home?"

>>17861028
"Is there some one, a police constable or some other authority figure that this should be reported to?
"Shopping for my bipod and scope can wait. I am more concerned with your safety."

>>17861028
"Perhaps we should do the same and head home? I've had enough excitement for the day."

>>17861028
I thought that fae was going to answer our questions?

>>17861028
Ugh, I really don't like the idea of carrying on without doing something about what is going on. Do you know anything more about the things we have encountered today? Or if not let's go somewhere or to someone who does. What about Argyle? Certainly he is experienced and some of those may be relevant to us. Or at least give us some idea for who to talk to.

>>17861073
No, we didn't play his game.

>>17861073
Nah, we didn't agree to play his game and so he set this thing upon us.

>>17861073
We didn't accept the deal.

>>17861072
>Perhaps we should do the same and head home? I've had enough excitement for the day.

"That sounds excellent." she admits. "This is all... Gyah. I might head to the front lines simply to know what to expect."

She rises and sighs.

>>17861095
>However, does anyone know more about Fae?

"Yes. Argyle has studied them at length. He might have something more to tell us. Tommorow morn?"

>Very well.

She takes the boys home - both fine, if a little worse for wear - then heads back to her dormitory. She props you against the wall, then pulls off her robe with a heavy sigh, working at the buckles on the back of her armor.

>>17861332
>working at the buckles on the back of her armor.

See if we can help her with that. If I remember correctly, Xaver88 could levitate and manipulate objects. Perhaps we can do the same.

>>17861353
i don't think we can do that, at least not yet. last time we tried to move, all we could do was fire.

>>17861353
Ask in a way that doesn't imply lewdness, however.

Also, ask if this has happened to anyone else before. Maybe someone is still alive might explain some of the things that have been going on?

Don't place us by the window tonight, but point us so that should we fire off a shot to wake you that it will do little damage. Just in case

>>17861353
We don't have that power, and lets don't ask about it.

>>17861400
If we don't have the power, don't bother asking.

>Don't place us by the window tonight, but point us so that should we fire off a shot to wake you that it will do little damage. Just in case

"Right." she says, pausing, propping you up against a corner before returning to getting out of her armor. It takes time, the fasteners being several belt-like buckles along her back, but she finally shuffs it off, revealing a simple linen wrap around her breasts, before slipping out of her boots and unbuckling the leather trousers. She inhales deep, stretching in her undergarments, before slipping into bed, pulling the covers over her.

She pauses before she sleeps.

"If..." she thinks for a moment. "If you are something... made in wicked ways... by terrible, wrathful hands... Would you still protect me?"

>>17861805
Yes. I would. If I was just an unthinking weapon, I would have just shot the prisoner when Argyle was holding me without determining that he was a threat. But since I'm not and you are a friend to me as well as my wielder, I will protect you. I will advise you. I will serve you.

>>17861849
Couldn't put it any better.
Seconded.

>Yes. I would. If I was just an unthinking weapon, I would have just shot the prisoner when Argyle was holding me without determining that he was a threat. But since I'm not and you are a friend to me as well as my wielder, I will protect you. I will advise you. I will serve you.

"I..." she blushes, then turns away. "Alright. Goodnight."

[END OF THREAD[

>>17862357
Nice. Any idea when the next one is going to start? Might help getting more people from the beginning.

>>17862384
Saturday around noonish.