>>18381592

Matthew sat wearily on a log next to the ballista that dominated the room, which was always pointed at the front door. “Looks like they roughed you up something fierce. If you'd told us that you were wounded so badly, we could have bandaged you up.”

“It doesn't hurt.” This was also a lie.

“Suit yourself.” He doesn't believe you, “Now that we're all wide awake, how about you fetch your weapons so's I can sharpen them for you?”

You pull your tunic over your massacred chest, “Certainly. I'll start chopping firewood for you, as promised.”

“Aye, good man. Could you let the goats out of the shed as well?”

You climb up a ladder to the latch in the roof, it was only in this way that anyone ever entered or exited the cabin. The front door was eternally locked. Rachel follows you through the latch. You climb down the rope stepladder and toss your weapons onto the thatched roof. First, the steel sword that Princess Gwendolyn has claimed for her own, and then, almost reluctantly, you lob your headsman's axe onto the the cabin. Rachel dutifully takes these to her father to be sharpened.

>>18381604

The sun had not yet risen, but the sky in the east grew rosy as the night waned. From the inside of the cabin, you hear the sound of metal against stone. Matthew has started fulfilling his end of the bargain, you should do the same. You walk to the back of the cabin to the goat pen and release the animals from the shed, and pet your horse on the mane before turning your attention to a pile of unchopped logs against the side of the house. Rachel appears on the roof on the cabin once again, an axe in her hands which she tosses down to you. It's not nearly as large as your headsman's axe, but, then again, it was not meant to intimidate the unlawful. You gather a bundle of timber in your arms and drop them next to a stump adjacent to the cabin and begin your work.

You've been chopping firewood for as long as you can remember, and it's undoubtedly your greatest talent. Growing up in Glenshire, you chopped wood for every single household in the Old District. The act soothes you, mentally and physically. As you slice log after log into neat halves, the ache from your tortures begins to dull. With every swing, you are not only cut timber, but you are slicing the events of the last fortnight into small and manageable pieces.

>>18381615

When you turn to the cabin to gather more wood, you notice that young Rachel is still on the roof and must have been watching you as you worked. She blushes and retreats into the latch. By the time the sun has risen above the trees, you have chopped your way through half of the pile, probably a more thorough job than Matthew intended, but he will won't have to chop wood for months. The soreness in your muscles is nearly gone.

Satisfied with your work, you climb back onto the roof and descend into the cabin. Gwendolyn is eating breakfast with Rachel, who stares intently at her bread as you enter. Matthew is inspecting his handiwork on your weapons.

“I know pride is a sin, but you could shave with edges these sharp,” he says, handing you your axe, “Though I don't recommend you try it.”

The head of your axe is razor sharp, Cox's smithwork was very impressive, “Many thanks, Matthew.”

***** What would you like to discuss? *****

>>18381626

Might be a good idea to feed and water our horse. I say we let the Princess and the child rest a bit longer.

btw, great writing so far. this is awesome.

>>18381626

Ask Matthew how safe it is to travel these parts during the day. Do we risk attack only at night?

>>18381724
>>18381657

"Come, Richard, you must be hungry. Let us eat!" He spoons out two bowlfuls of leftover boar stew. And beckons you to the table. This causes Rachel to lose her appetite, "Rachel, could you be a dear and tend to our guests' horse when you are finished with breakfast." The young girl jumps at the opportunity to make herself scarce and scurries up the ladder onto the roof. Gwendolyn says nothing.

You sit down across from Matthew, who offers you a slice of bread, "What is the way to Derrington?"

"There is a stream about one thousand paces north of here. Follow it downhill and you will find a game-trail that runs parallel to it. In three miles this will turn into a road. There will be a bridge across the ravine, cross it and you shall be in Derrington before dark."

"Is there risk of danger."

Matthew laughs, "There's always risk of danger in the Southern Wood, or anywhere else for that mattter. But the fiercer beasts only come out at night, bandits are the worst you can expect. I had to clean a fair bit o' blood off your axe, so I expect that shouldn't be a problem."

>>18381885

"Once you arrive at Derrington, go to the church and ask for Father Dmitri. He will accept the babe. If he puts up a fuss, tell him I sent you. We fought together in the Holy War and he owes me a favor or two."

***** What would you like to discuss? ******

>>18381885

Ask Matthew if he has any dried meat or fish for trade since we have only bread and nothing to hunt with. Also, ask if he would mind sparing some goat's milk for the child.

We should get an early start, consult with the Princess if she is ready to leave. First priority should be dumping off this baby somewhere so we can continue on unimpeded.

>>18381923

First stop should be Derrington for sure, we just need to make sure we have our story straight so we don't draw suspicion when we drop off the child. When we reach Derrington we can assess the situation and see if we can find some lodging without drawing too much attention.

>>18381923

If Father Dimitri owes Matthew a favor, perhaps we could ask him to put us up for the night after he takes the child. Maybe chop some wood in exchange?

Either way, we need to roll out.

I thank you very much for all that you have done for me and mine, Matthew.

I hate to be a poor guest and tread where private thoughts have safe harbor, but why do you stay here in the southern wood, where danger lurks over every corner?

friendly bump

>>18382048

Also, wish him peace on his journey through life, for him and his daughter.

>>18381931

Gwendolyn spoke, "You've given us so much already, and for that we're eternally grateful. We are truly in your debt, but we were wondering if you might spare us any provisions that might aid us on our journey, we will gladly pay for them. Milk for the child perhaps."

"It shall be yours, m'lady. I also have salted meats to spare, as Rachel and I only can eat so much before it spoils."

"Many thanks, kind Matthew. How can we repay you?"

Matthew takes her hand, "Make it to Derrington safely. That shall be my reward."

Matthew's generosity strikes you deeply, and your gut hardens when you think of all the deceits you conjured to earn his trust. For all he knew, she is a the daughter of a Lirilish merchant, and you were her bodyguard. He did not even know your names. Would he have been so kind if he knew that you were a convicted murderer? You look to the princess and wonder if this bothers her at all.

>>18382133

You finish your breakfasts and make light conversation with Matthew, until you reluctantly decide that it would be best to leave. You take your axe and don your suit of armor. Gwendolyn fastens her sword about her waist. Loading your rucksack with a bottle of milk and a sack of salted boar, you ascend the ladder to the roof and fetch your horse.

You think the father and daughter for their extraordinary kindness and generosity. With a shaking of hands and a bidding of farewells you journey northward from the cabin.

"Good travels, Isabelle of Liril and Richard. May we meet again in this life or the next!" Matthew calls to you as you leave.

The Cox's watch you as you disappear from sight into the forest. You find the stream and trail Matthew had spoken of and follow it. It will be some time before you reach the main road road. With no one but Nicholas and yourself to talk to, Gwendolyn resumes her silence. She is obviously still upset about the business with the infant's mother.

***** What do you do? *****

It might be better to talk to her about why you chose to do what you chose to do, with regards to the infant's mother.

You do not take life lightly, but the choices she made led her to her end. Hope that the child does better and learns better.

If not, that is why your profession exists.

>>18382158
I say stay silent until she brings it up. I don't think this character would be one to go out of his way to appease people who dislike him on his own initiative. Seems like he's the kind of guy who is used to being disliked and just accepts it.

Also, I also wanted to chime in and say I'm enjoying this quest a lot OP.

>>18382158
Weren't those kind and generous folks? The world would be a better place if more were like them.

So we'll get this babe to a new home and start working on me getting my pardon, and stopping a holy war.

I know that I killed the woman and you dislike that, but since we're traveling together for the foreseeable future I may as well clear this up. No matter what changes there have been in my life lately I am still a headsman, it is my duty to cut at the root of evil. She was not an innocent woman forced into a life of crime, she was as evil as the rest of them, using an innocent child to lure travelers to their death. She deserved what happened and maybe we can keep her child from following in her footsteps.

>>18382225
Add on that if we had let the woman go, anyone pursuing us might have gone to them. And then they might have been tortured the way we were for information on us.

>>18382207
Seconding this.

>>18382244
>>18382225

You decide to ease the tension, or at least give an explanation. She deserves as much, "Kind folks like the Cox's are not common in this world," you begin.

Gwendolyn responds with silence.

"The wicked commingle with the virtuous, wolves in sheep's clothing, they prey upon the innocent. If this weren't so, the world would have no need for headsman. It is grim work, but if a finger turns gangrenous, it must be amputated before it can spread its foulness. My axe is the divide between good and evil.

If we had let that woman go, she would have betrayed us. She would have followed us to the Cox's and her foulness with her. I could not tolerate such a thing. Understand?"

The princess does not say anything, and this annoys you greatly. You had explained yourself, whether or not she chose to accept it was entirely her concern.

***** Long Intermission *****

***** Apologies, but I have some errands to run. Sorry to leave you hanging, but I'll resume between 4:30-5:00 Pacific *****

***** I promise more action after the break ******

>>18382408

perfect, gives me a chance to workout. I am looking forward to it.

Fuck yeah! More Headsman's quest. I will catch up then participate. Dont you die on me

Its 4:30 now, hopefully OP will be back soon.

Friendly bamp

>>18384514

***** Writing *****

>>18384612

YES!

>>18382408

You contemplate the idea of speaking to the princess again, as you feel you sooner get a response from a tree. But a persistent idea has grown ripe in your brain, and no matter how hard you try you cannot shake it from your thoughts.

"You said that Gatekeeper Quentin VIII must be killed," you say this in a hushed voice. The words taste bad in your mouth, "How did you come across this conviction?"

You are not surprised when the princess remains mute.

"Did you feel this way before you saw the Golden Sarcophagus?"

"No."

You continue on in silence for some time.

>>18384817

I would ask the Princess if she is simply afraid of the 2nd Holy War or the ramifications of opening the golden sarcophagus if the key is obtained.

>>18384817

After three miles the trail crosses a road, just as Matthew had said. A few hundred yards to the east from the intersection there is a wooden bridge that spans the narrow, yet steep ravine. This is the way to Derrington.

However, you notice two soldiers in armor standing at the far side of the bridge, each with a spear in hand. They likewise notice you and call out, beckoning you forth.

***** What do you do? *****

>>18384923
I second this

>>18384967
Tell the princess to stay a bit back while you see what they want. Your axe is a better weapon than their spears if things get ugly

>>18384967
Do they look like soldiers that would have been in the town we used to stay in? Not sure if our pursuers might have bypassed us by now or not.

>>18385006

This would be too suspicious. Since we are still in a guard's armor we can simply tell the other guards that we are escorting this lady and her child in to town. We should use similar alibis that we used with the Coxs'.

>>18385032

***** They wear the colors of Andura, Red and White, but their armor is not that of Glenshire *****

>>18385068
Nothing to fear then. Go see what they want but stay alert.
>>18385057
And use the same story as the previous day

>>18385057
Yeah, don't keep the princess back. Worst case scenario, we have to distract them and let her get past them.

>>18385057

They are looking for a man and woman unaccompanied. Tell them it is you and your wife, travelling to Derrington to get a blessing for the child from the village priest.

>>18385135

Thats a solid story but 2 things:

You're wearing guard armor and if they see any of your torture wounds they are going to ask questions.

>>18385193
>>18385193

Ah, my mistake then. Trying to type a further explanation for that would only result in a deeper dug hole.

Vote for previous story then.

>>18385057
>>18385110

You approach the soldiers, they stand at attention at the far end of the bridge, blocking your path. You halt about ten yards from them, about halfway across the bridge.

"Oi! You there!" one of the guards shouts to you in a surly tone, he's the older of the two about thirty years old with a finely trimmed goatee, "State your business."

"I am escorting the daughter of a Lirilish Merchant and her child, I am her bodyguard!" you say to them. The guards do not budge.

"And your names?" the other guard replies. This one is not much older than yourself and has not yet decided what to do with his stubble.

"She is Isabelle and the little one is Nicholas. I am Richard. This blockade is rather unusual for such a small bridge, what is its purpose?"

The older guard replies to this, "We are looking for a villain."

You focus every fiber of your being to not let your expression betray your emotions, "A villain? Of what nature?"

"He's a nasty one," the soldier continues, "A condemned headsman, ironic innit. Went axe crazy and got himself thrown in a dungeon. He didn't take kindly to that, so's he escaped and kidnapped himself a Lirilish princess. He's a dangerous one. Killed himself two men, he did."

"Two men?" you repeat.

>>18385135

I think we're going with this OP.

>>18385389
It looked like more posts were in favour of the guard story to me.

>>18385423

This is correct, disregard >>18385389

>>18385389

No, that was my post and what this >>18385193 anon said changed my mind. Should I delete the post to avoid further complications?

>>18385388

***** Nevermind: The original story stands. *****

>>18385474

Its fine, looks like OP has sorted it out. ONWARDS TO MORE CHOPPY GLORY!

>>18385478

Anything else OP, or can we start talking?

>>18385636

***** Now without typos *****

"Aye, two men. Real villain this one is. Killed a man a little under a fortnight ago in a drunken rage. That's what got him in the dungeon."

This is all very familiar to you, but the next part was something new.

"Then he escaped two nights ago, sneaked into the Lord's castle and killed himself another royal escort before absconding with the princess."

The young soldier chimes in, "Tell, Richard what he looks like."

The older guard reprimands the young man with his gauntlet, "You shush, David! I was just getting to that!" he turns to you and smiles, "This villain, he's a young one he is. No older than David, here. But he's a big fellow, about six foot going on seven, real muscular, too. When he escaped the dungeon, he stole a horse, brown and white. A lot like the one you're riding, Richard."

"He also stole a suit of armor," young David continued, "A lot like the one you've got on."

You can feel your innards turn to stone. You do not like the way this conversation is headed.

***** What do you do? *****

rolled 11 = 11

>>18385636

Attempt to bribe the guards with some silver and tell them that you'll keep an eye out for the villan.

>>18385686
Shrug it off as coincidence. Horses are common enough and it's not like guard armour is customized for each guard. Hopefully the princess chimes in here since they think we kidnapped someone and the princess clearly does not look like someone who has been kidnapped.

>>18385686

Well shit, that is awkward.

[sarcasm]How likely is it that A six foot/seven foot man grown can find armor that would fit him well?

How likely is it that someone would be travelling with a common brown and white horse?

[/sarcasm]

[anger] I just had to get through fighting some Motherfucking bandits on this motherfucking road, avoiding god damn ferals which are attracted to the screeches of the young like whores to gold. I'm going to get this merchant lady to the town, get paid, and fucking drink my ass to oblivion. [/anger]

Then compose yourself, saying...

I don't blame you for thinking you guys just made your careers. How bout this, you take my axe and talk over this misunderstanding.

When the young one gets close, punch him in the face and swing the axe hard at the old man. Then finish with the young one when you have to.

Do this is the sarcasm/anger bluff doesn't work.

Well, if we were some sort of fast-talking, manipulative bastard, I think we could still talk our way out of this.

I...don't think we're fast talking or manipulative enough.

One thing to do might be to sigh and surrender, telling them that we're not the guy we're looking for, but that you don't want any trouble - and then hope the princess can take them out (possibly with our help) while they're distracted with us. Of course, the princess might leave us out to dry, too.

Still, I don't think we want to fight these guys if we can possibly help it.

(Also, what's the thing with the dice rolling? How much are we rolling, and for what purpose?)

rolled 20 = 20

>>18385856

In the past threads we would roll 3d20s and op would add them together

>>18385733
>>18385829

"Sirs, I do not like what you insinuate against me. This horse is of a common breed and there are many like it. As for my armor, I am a watchmen for the town of Glenshire and this is mine own uniform. Were it otherwise do you think it would fit me so well?"

The bearded guard looks very stern and taps his spear against your chopper, "And this? Mighty big axe for a watchmen, looks more like something a headsman might use."

David turns to the princess, "She's been awful quiet. How about it m'lady? Is your 'husband' telling the truth?"

***** Roll 1d20 (I add the first 3 rolls) *****

rolled 15 = 15

>>18385928
She's not my wife first of all, and if I was a kidnapper wouldn't she be screaming bloody murder at this point.

rolled 6 = 6

rolling, and may god help us.

>>18385928

***** Sorry about the wife thing. I got sort of mixed up *****

>>18385984


***** Correction: Is your 'bodyguard' telling the truth? *****

rolled 9 = 9

>>18385928
Rolling, don't fail this.

>>18386034
>>18385970
>>18385956

***** Rolled 30 *****

"My bodyguard speaks the truth. I'm afraid I am no princess. Please, let us pass and be on our way."

The guards look at each other for a moment, puzzled. Slowly, you watch the convictions they had for you fade from their faces. The older nods to the younger and they both step aside.

"Sorry for the inconvenience," says the older man in an apologetic tone, "You may pass."

Without another word you trot past the blockade. But the conversation had brought new information to light. The guard said that you had killed two men. Half of that was true, but another royal escort was murdered the night you escaped. When you found Gwendolyn, she had already escaped the castle and was on the run from Glenshire. It suddenly feels as though a stranger is sitting in the saddle behind you.

***** What do you do? *****

>>18386246
Penny for your thoughts, and by that I mean it's a bit harsh for you to judge me killing a bandit when you off your own guard.

>>18386315

Same, be more forceful in questioning the death of the second guard.

It seems like we have a scorpion in our midst and must be very wary about her.

Ask her if she killed that man they are blaming you for killing. Otherwise lets continue on.

waiting for Op, bumping for him too.

>>18386373
>>18386356
>>18386315

You wait until you are out of earshot of the bridge guards before you speak, "They say that a royal escort was murdered the night we escaped from Glenshire, do you know anything about that?"

Gwendolyn seems to have resumed her vow of silence.

"Gwendolyn, please answer me."

She does not respond. You continue this way for about a mile. Suddenly you yank on the reigns and come to a forcible stop. Without warning you tear the infant Nicholas from Gwendolyn's arms and rear your horse so she falls.

You have your axe raised before she has a chance to draw her sword. You glare at her, fiery rage in your eyes and she stares back, cold venom.

"Did you kill a man when you escaped Glenshire?" you snarled.

Gwendolyn's noble facade comes tumbling down. In an instant the Lirilish Princess was no more. All that remained was a desperate, defeated woman. Her eyes were wide with fear and anguish, her lips waver, unsure of what to do or say next. Her small, pale, teen-aged hands tremble over the hilt of her sword, but she dares not touch it. You have never seen her vulnerable before.

Your voice was pure venom, "I already have two murders to my name on your account. Let's not make it three!"

Nicholas began to wail uncontrollably. Gwendolyn finally spoke, her voice was hollow and diminished, as if she were a puppet and her words came from some other place.

"Yes. I killed a man the night we escaped Glenshire," she does not look you in the eyes when she said this.

***** What do you do? *****

>Gwendolyn, please answer
>She does not respond.

Oh god, my sides. I've spent too much time on /adv/.

Ask her why.

>>18386857
It's obvious why. So she could escape. The only way she could was by killing. I suppose we should have asked her how she escaped earlier. Killing her at this point won't get us anywhere. Let her up and continue our journey. Maybe we should give her the silent treatment for a bit. This damn woman has caused us so many problems.

>>18386819
She probably had to do it to escape, we probably know why, ask her anyway.

Tell her that if we want to live through this we're going to have to be honest as hell with each other, we may hate each others guts, but we're pretty much stuck together. Tell her to get back on the horse and to please not stab us in the back.

Put a good pile of vitriol and venom into this.

>>18386974

This and forcibly take her sword....and give her a backhand for good measure.

>>18387080
Backhand is not needed. We're just asking her to betray us at some point if we do things like that.

The princess glares at the ground for a long while, her hair was a dark mess that obscured her face "I did it to escape. I had to escape. I needed to."

"Why?" you press on, "Because you wouldn't marry Lord Geoffroy? For that you took a life?"

She glares at you, her pale, stately eyes are now wide, brimming with rage, sorrow, and, most of all, fear. You are reminded of a spooked animal. "You haven't touched the Sarcophagus!" she shrieks, "You haven't seen what I've seen!" spittle flies from her mouth when she says this.

"Matthew talked about a coming storm! I've seen it! The Holy War is just the beginning, and if we don't stop it. The Sarcophagus must never be opened! Don't you understand! If we don't stop the Gatekeeper from getting the key... All the good in this world will wither and die. All who live will envy the dead!"

She begins to sob uncontrollably. Gwendolyn was a broken, shaking, stammering heap. This display withers your grip on your axe.

***** What do you do? *****

>>18387221
Put the axe down, put as comforting an arm around her shoulder as we can. We're an asshole with empathy problems, but we're not inhuman. Once she settles a bit put her back on the horse and continue on.

>>18387266
Second.

>>18387221
this is an opportunity to improve standing with her and hopefully get some more cooperation in the future. Comfort her a little bit but dont overdo it. She is the one who got you tortured. give her the baby to hold again. it might help her calm down a bit

***** Sorry about the slow responses, by the way ****

>>18387326

It's fine. I don't mind waiting as long as it's for quality.

>>18387316
>>18387291
>>18387266

You put your axe away and dismount your horse
to console the pathetic girl. You kneel beside her, Nicholas still in your arms, "Look, Gwendolyn, we've gone and made little Nicholas cry. Why don't you sing him one of your songs?"

This seems to draw her back into reality. With quaking arms she takes the screaming infant from you. She begins to sing to it, another Lirilish song. You don't know what she is saying, but it seems to calm them both down. Slowly, the princess gets to her feet.

You put a hand on her shoulder, "Please, Gwendolyn, do not conceal the truth from me," you say in the kindest voice you can conjure, "especially if you plan to pass another murder onto my head," you add.

The panicked girl has already begun to evaporate, the princess is returning, "Can you forgive me?"

You shrug, "I't doesn't matter. I'm a condemned man. It doesn't matter how many murders I commit, I only have one head to lose. Come, let's continue our journey before darkness falls."

The two of you mount your horse once more and continue down the road to Derrington.

***** Short intermission 30-45 minutes *****

>>18387625

Bump for you OP. Cant wait for this to continue

After ten miles the forest comes to an abrupt end, giving way to a sprawling hilly landscape. You are on the very easternmost edge of Andura. Farms divide up the landscape into geometric shapes.The town of Derrington sits on a knoll to the north. It is a small village, and has no walls or castle to speak of. The highest structure is the steeple of the church, which rises from the center of the town. You have about an hour before the sun sets as your horse trots into town.

You arrive at the church. It is by no means an impressive structure, with cobbled walls and a stubby steeple, but it is well maintained. It boasts a fresh coat of white paint and it is flanked on both sides by colorful flowers. You tie your horse up outside the building and knock on its wooden door.

A priest in a simple brown robe answers the door. He's in his late thirties or early forties and most of his hair is gone. He wears a hexafix around his neck and you notice he is missing his left arm below the elbow. Nonetheless, he is a muscular man.

"Father Dmitri, at your service," his voice is soft, yet stern.

***** What do you do? *****

>>18388401
Time to offer Nicolas to him. Don't bring up Matthew unless he refuses. I suppose we should also ask him for news on what has been happening in the area.

>>18388401

Greetings, good father. Your friend Matthew Cox said that we should come to you for aid once we left his cottage. May we come in?

>>18388401
Introduce yourself as Richard, personal guard of this merchant's wife (i think thats right) and tell of how you were set upon by bandits in the wood. Continue to tell of finding the babe and staying at the Cox cabin. Finish by saying that Matthew said to give the child to him. Also ask to come in and pray

>>18388425

Gwendolyn steps forward, the infant in her arms, "I am Isabelle and this is my bodyguard, Richard. This is Nicholas. We happened upon him in the Great Southern Wood. His mother was the victim of bandits and we do not know who the father is. Our travels are full of danger and we cannot hope to care for this child. Will you please take him?"

Father Dmitri makes a noise in his throat. He does not look pleased, "This is a church, not an orphanage. There's an orphanage in Glenshire, you can take him there if you like."

You speak to the man, "We travel east, Glenshire is two days west from here."

The armless priest steps forward and looks you right in the eye. Even though his head barely reaches your nose, he has that priestly way of making one feel very small, "God gave you the infant to deal with, do not pass his work to me."

Gwendolyn spoke next, "Please, your friend Matthew Cox said you would take him. We don't know where else to go."

This takes the air out of his disposition. He clutches his hexafix in his remaining hand, "Matthew Cox said I would take the infant?"

Father Dmitri stands aside and invites you inside. The interior of the church is dark, the waning sunlight trickles in from high placed windows. A large wooden hexafix stands behind the pulpit. A nun is dutifully lighting candles on either side of the altar.

>>18388926

"So you are friends of Matthew Cox?" the Father Dmitri's voice is magnified by the stone walls and vaulted ceiling of the small church, his soft voice turned grand.

"Aye," say you, "He is a kind man, he offered us a place to stay when we needed shelter. He said you owed him a favor?"

Father Dmitri looked to his missing arm, "I suppose I do. We fought together in the Holy War, I owe him my life and my soul. He saved me from the heathen who took my arm."

Gwendolyn shifted Nicholas to a more comfortable position, "How did he save your soul?"

Father Dmitri cast her a very dark look, "After I lost my arm, he took my place as a litter bearer for the Golden Sarcophagus."

***** What do you do? *****

>>18388945
"is not the sarcophagus a great holy artifact? How could it harm your soul?"

>>18389035
Yeah something along these lines. Taking that role from him doesn't really seem like a favour from our point of view.

Hmm, I have noticed that it changes a man's mind whenever it is touched. But how and to what degree I cannot say.

Off-topic, If the Golden Sarcophogus is making people go insane, what about Matthew's daughter?

>>18389049
>>18389035

You glance to the princess, her face shows not a shadow of her hysterics from earlier that day, you turn to Father Dmitri, "To carry the body of the savior? Is that not the highest privilege a mortal can have?"

Father Dmitri calls to the nun at the altar, "Florence, this infant needs food, lodgings, and care. See to it that he receives all three."

Without hesitation, the robed woman takes the babe from Gwendolyn into her gentle arms and takes him to the living area for the clergy in the back of the church.

The balding priest turns to you, "When the Golden Sarcophagus was unearthed in the ruins of Holy Ebera, there was a great deal of fuss among the generals over whose army would have the honor of carrying it back to Phedra.

"Sir Bartholomew, the lord whose soldiers found the Sarcophagus, suggested that there were to be eight litter bearers for the body of the Savior. Seven from each of the Northern Kingdoms, and one from Phedra itself. I was chosen to be the litter bearer representing Andura, and this news was the most joyous day in my entire life. To bear the Heavenly Casket to Phedra, there was no greater honor."

Father Dmitri looks to the hexafix behind the altar. All of a sudden, he seems as frail and tortured as the effigy of the savior, "After the first fortnight of the march to Phedra, a darkness began to fall over Sir Bartholomew and his men. The bearers of the Sarcophagus were afflicted worst of all. It enfeebled our minds and bodies with every step.

If that heathen had not claimed my arm, I would have surely been lost to depravity. It's weight would have dragged my soul straight to hell."

>>18389359
Is this a what do? Regardless, he said Matthew Cox took his place to bear it right? How come he seemed to have escaped the effects of it while everyone else suffered so much?

>>18389359

The sun had almost set, the church became dark, its vaulted ceiling was lost in shadow, "Matthew Cox is a good and honest man. He was able to resist it's taint better than the other bearers, but some great fear has driven him into the forest to never return.

"No man can touch the Golden Sarcophagus unchanged. It poisons your very soul. Three litter bearers took their lives with poison shortly after arriving in Phedra. Two more were beheaded for... villainy. Father Thomas of Norrland eventually gouged his eyes out and wandered into the wilderness. And Father Opus of Liril refused to eat until he withered and died. Matthew and I are all that remain."

***** What do you do? *****

>>18389471

That such taint, however small, did not reduce him to madness is as sure a sign as any that he is a good man who is to be trusted.

Ask him if we can stay for the night, and do some chores in the morning to repay him for kindness. Also, where is the next town, preferably a very large town. Small towns might get us noticed quicker, as we would stand out.

>>18389512
This. Also make sure to pray for a bit. We seem to be at least somewhat devout and it wouldn't hurt our image in the eyes of the priest

>>18389471
Wow, never heard that before, nasty artifact that.

Ask if we can stay the night. Offer to chop wood.

All things considered the Sarcophagus would be a bad thing to open, it probably wasn't meant to keep us out, but to keep it's contents in.

>>18389551
>>18389512

Father Dmitri does not look well. The faint candlelight makes his face look gaunt, almost skeletal. It becomes abundantly clear that he lost more than his arm in the Holy War. He takes a few paces toward the hexafix and speaks in a low, muttering voice, "What do you think the Sarcophagus holds?"

You tell him you believe it holds the body of the Savior, the remains of the mortal man with the Voice of Heaven, upon whose teachings the Scripture is based.

He does not look to you when he speaks, "That is what the Church claims to know. You can believe it all you want, but nobody knows what the Sarcophagus holds. But what if..." his voice becomes a whisper, "what if we unearthed something else in the Eberan desert? What if we carried something... unholy back to Phedra?"

***** End of Part III *****

***** Questions, criticisms, & harsh words beyond this point *****

>>18389766
I like it.

Looks like we managed not to kill anyone today.

>>18389766
I'm enjoying it. Playing a character that's had such a messed up social life is somewhat amusing when we have to be social. My largest complaint would be the time between updates but I followed quests like Void Quest and Dragon Quest so it's not a huge issue for me.

Next quest will be on Wednesday.