You sit quietly, watching out the window for anything suspicious as everyone else sleeps.

Once Laura had dried her eyes, the four of you made your way through the dark tunnel to its end. It came out in here, a small, abandoned storefront in the business district. Inside there’s some meager furnishing, a couch, a few desks and a lot of secret compartments.

Laura and Selene currently occupy the couch, and Marcellus is asleep beneath it. The two of you decided to take it in turns to keep watch.

You don’t know what Marcellus did, but you’ve spent the better part of your watch snooping around. Hidden all over this place there are weapons, tools for disguise, several changes of clothes of all sizes, and a list with a few names of people in the city.

Through the window, you see the sun rise. It’ll be a while longer before the streets are crowded enough for you to get anything done. Sneaking through the empty streets sounds easy in theory, but if anyone spots you from anywhere, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. If you want to hide a tree you use a forest, if you want to hide a person, you use a crowd.

Sounds like Laura is starting to wake up. She’ll want to know what you’ve found.

>[ ] Start with the list

>[ ] Start with the disguises

>[ ] Ask her if she has any ideas

>[ ] Ask her how she's feeling

>>39010811
>[ ] Ask her how she's feeling
>[ ] Start with the list
we have no idea who these people are she might have a clue
hello smiley i see you got the picture colored

>>39010811
>[ ] Ask her how she's feeling
>[ ] Start with the list

>>39010800
>Giles is a fucking nigger
And dropped

>>39010811
>[ ] Start with the disguises

>>39010925
He's from the fantasy Middle East.

>>39010811
>>[ ] Ask her how she's feeling
>>[ ] Start with the list

>>39010925
Giles is a thieving fucking Aladdin

>>39010925
>>39011023
didnt it say in the quest that giles is alka-habran and that alka-habrans have dark skin?

>>39011054
Yes it did it was one of the first things we ever learned about Giles.
>>39011049
>Giles is a thieving fucking Aladdin
My thoughts exactly.

>>39010925
You won't be missed

>>39010800
>And found the king and queen dead in their bed.
This is the worst way to learn you've missed a thread.

>>39011172
We had the option to leave both princesses to their fate so it could have been worse. I know the choice was so obvious it probably shouldn't even count as one, but still it was there.

>writing

“Good morning sleepyhead.” You say.
“Mmmm-mm… huh?” Laura says.
You turn away from the window to face her. “Sorry, should that be Princess sleepyhead?”
Laura gives you a tired half-smile as she sits up carefully, trying not to disturb Selene. “Good morning Giles.” She says.

“How are you feeling?” You ask.
“Like I want to curl up into a ball and stay that way for a week or so… but I’ll live.” Laura says.
“You’ll be interested to know that this place is a treasure trove for someone wanting to make an escape. Which makes sense, I suppose. It is an escape route after all.” You say, pulling the list out and walking over to Laura.

“Find something useful?” She asks.
“Oh, I found several things useful. Most of which I think we’ll be needing before the day is out. But I wanted you to have a look at this.” You say, handing her the list.

Laura wipes the sleep from her eyes and gives the list a once-over. “Smugglers” She says once she’s finished.
“Really?” You ask.
Laura nods. “Most of them are dead, out of business or in jail most likely. This list is old.” She says.

>[ ] Still worth checking out

>[ ] Ask her about other ways out of the city

>[ ] Talk about disguises

>[ ] Other

>>39011623
>>[ ] Still worth checking out
>>[ ] Ask her about other ways out of the city

>>39011623
>>[ ] Still worth checking out
>>[ ] Ask her about other ways out of the city

>>39011623
>>39011749
yeah those two but disguises guys

>>39011623
>>[ ] Still worth checking out
>>[ ] Ask her about other ways out of the city

>>39011783
we can do disguises when we get ready to leave

>>39011783
I don't see the point in talking about what disguises to use before we know how we intend to get out.

>writing
>this post may take a while, as I have to eat something. Feel free to discuss while I'm gone.

So are we leaving our destination post-city escape up to Laura (assuming we do leave), or do we have any ideas? Melissa is a no-go, due to variously glaring factors, but Giles has so far been taking charge fairly well.

>>39012012
well its not like we have anywhere we could really take them we dont have a home or anything we could just try to leave the city and find a hotel or something until we come up with a more solid plan

>>39012012
As they're royalty I'm assuming they have a lot of hidey holes throughout the city.
Besides, Laura apparently knew of the secret entrance already, right? So she should have some idea of where to go from here.

I'm pretty curious about what happened to Roderick, though.

>>39012069
implying Roderick didnt start shit
Plus I wont trust too much royal escapes

>>39012069
We could go to harth assuming that this whole thing wasn't orchestrated by Louis

>>39012172
I was about to call you a faggot. But isn't Louis the only person who gains anything if the whole royal fam is killed?

>>39012665
Pretty much, yes. Although, I'm pondering about the significance of the Crown. If it has some kind of purpose, beyond a symbol of succession. If so, the lack of it might cause some serious shenanigans.

Hey guys did we totally just leave our adoptive sister back in the murdercastle last night?

>>39013490
Yeah. Not that we had much choice. I doubt she was a target though

>Wow, that took WAY longer than I expected
>But now I'm back and the next post should be out in ~10 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0I6jCO9ia4

“Still worth checking out.” You say, grabbing the list back from her. Even if some of these names will be dead ends, the ones that aren’t could prove more than useful. “You know of any other ways out of the city?”

“Other than the bridge? No. If the smuggler’s list doesn’t pan out, we might be stuck here for a while.” She says.

“No other way?” You ask.
“If we really need to, Melissa wouldn’t turn us away I don’t think. But that would mean involving her in all of this.” She says.
“If she’s okay...” You say.
“I’m sure she’ll be fine. Melissa has her own friends on and across the Degran sea, if something happened to her they would be less than pleased.” She says.

For Melissa’s sake, you hope she’s right…

Outside, you can hear the city start to come to life. It won’t be long now before the streets are full and you can do some recon…

The question is where to go first.

>Choose two

>[ ] Work off the list

>[ ] Look around for alternate ways out

>[ ] See if you can get info on what’s happening in the palace

>[ ] Other

>>39013909
>[ ] See if you can get info on what’s happening in the palace
>[ ] Work off the list

>>39013909
>[ ] See if you can get info on what’s happening in the palace
We're dying for information here: even a broadsheet printed out for public consumption would be huge.

... Assuming this world has the printing press invented, at least.

>>39013909
>>[ ] Look around for alternate ways out
>[ ] Work off the list

We can glean intel on what happened in the palace once we're relatively secure in our next movements. Besides, shouldn't make too many folks suspicious. People might question why we're so inquisitive if we ask around too much.

>>39013909
what about the disguises

>>39014005
We will GET to disguises when it's TIME for disguises.

>>39014039
well this sounded like we were leaving the safe house thing

>>39014073
We're still planning our moves proper. It'll be disguise time soon, but not now.

>>39014105
ok i just wanted to make sure we didnt leave without them

>writing

...Huh. Was hoping for more votes. Then again, quest just started.

Once the city is well and fully awake, you wake Marcellus and Selene up.

You explain to them your plan. You’ll be going out into the city to glean some info and try to wrangle yourself a smuggler, they’re to stay here, find disguises, and try to think of places to go once you’ve left the city.

“You’re coming back right?” Selene asks.
“Of course I am Selene.” You say, patting her head.

Laura takes Selene into the other room to look through possible disguises while you make your way to the door. As you check yourself over to see if you have everything in place, Marcellus approaches you.

“You are coming back aren’t you?” He asks.
“Of course. Did you not hear that when I said it to Selene?” You say.
“I hope you realize just how suspicious you are. You come out of nowhere, ingratiate yourself with BOTH princesses, and somehow you happen to arrive just when things look bad.” He says.
“Well… that does sound suspicious. But trust me. I wouldn’t take you guys this far only to abandon you here. At the very least, I’ll get you out of the city.” You say.

“And then what?” He asks.

As you open the door and make your exit, you shrug. You’re really not sure about what you’re going to do after that.

But there’ll be time to ponder that later. Right now you need to focus.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>39014429

Here's hoping...

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39014429

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39014429
Stealth for the Stealth god...

>>39014489
Better than mine, at least.

>>39014489
Stealth god is pleased...

>writing

>>39014429
Well, we can always allay Marcellus's suspicion that we are part of the murder plot by pointing out that we came here to steal their crown.

I'm sure this would be an excellent plan with no drawbacks whatsoever.

>>39014755
Let's...keep that one in our back pocket...yeah.

You shut the door behind you and immediately make yourself one with the crowd. There’s a trick to this, you just have to look like you belong here.

If you were in the mood for that kind of gamble, you probably could have tried to get into the palace this way. Just waltz up to the gate and walk right in like you live there.

It takes a while to make your way down to the docks in the business district. And a while longer to get yourself pointed in the right direction. You make casual conversation with some of the sailors and deckhands, all the while subtly mentioning some of the names from your list until someone finally recognizes one of them.

The crook nosed sailor was kind enough to point you in the direction of “Ol’ Frankie”, and you make your way over to him.

You find him tying off a small boat at the docks.
“You Ol’ Frankie?” You say.
The older looking man looks up from what he’s doing. “What’s it to you?” He asks.
You lean in and speak in a hushed tone. “Word is you’ve got a bit of a reputation.”
Frankie eyes you carefully. “You with the guard?” He asks
“No” You say
“You got coin?” He asks.
“Certainly”
“And what goods are ye lookin’ to transport”
“People. 4, specifically.” You say.

He looks you over carefully again. “I aint done this kinda business in years.” He says.

>[ ] And you will be paid well
>[ ] Then point me to someone who has

>[ ] Coerce him

>[ ] Other

>>39014975
>[ ] Other
Well if you're not interested in the kind of coin I'm offering for the job I'd still be willing to offer a small finders fee if you can point me to a reliable individual who does do 'that kind of business'

>>39014975
>[ ] And you will be paid well
>[ ] Then point me to someone who has

Drop a bit of coin for a good reference. We want to avoid raising suspicion: it can't be obvious that we have a bunch of money to throw around, but a little silver goes a long way towards quiet lips.

Gold may be too much, though I have no idea really how pre-industrial currency works.

>>39015057
Sounds reasonable. For these folk, no expense spared.

>>39015097
Again: flashing too much money could raise suspicion. We want them to think we're smuggling people for something relatively ordinary.

If we drop a ton of gold for a reference, people might think "Who are these people that they'll drop this much for a little smuggling job?", and from there comes getting sold out.

>>39015173
Point.

>writing

>>39015173
>a small finders fee
I don't think the idea is to flash a lot of cash, just enough to keep him interested

>>39015199
In any event, we need a good cover story. It will be difficult to completely disguise Laura's and Selene's noble accents, so I think anything involving disguising them as commoners is straight out.

Perhaps Laura and Selene as a lady-in-waiting and her younger sister, fleeing after a scandal with Marcellus? Laura fleeing a bad marriage with Marcellus? Keep it simple, keep it boring, and keep it difficult to disprove.

>>39015265
I was responding to this:
>Sounds reasonable. For these folk, no expense spared

>>39015350
And perhaps we should go deeper: have a cover story for the cover story, preferably a bad one. Disguise Laura and Selene as commoners, and let other people come to the conclusion that it's something stupid like a runaway with her lover?

You reach into your cloak and pull out two silver pieces, which you idly toy with between your fingers.
“Well if you don’t do that kind of business anymore, than perhaps I could offer you a finder’s fee for pointing me in the direction of someone who can.” You say.

The old man eyes the coins in your hand. “Maybe I was too hasty…” He says.
You smile.

You work out the details for the next few minutes. One gold up front, another one when the job is finished, as well as an extra piece each for keeping his mouth shut and not asking any questions.

He seems agreeable to that. You agree to meet him after dark at an old sewer outlet. It’s one of the few hidden ways out of the city, but it’s useless without a boat.

With that finished, you pay the man what you promised up front and make your way up to the noble district.

You have no problem crossing between districts. Strange, you’d think that a regicide would be enough to put things on lockdown…

You need more info. This is the place to get it.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>39015645

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>39015645
Here goes.

>>39015645

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39015645
Woops
>>39015688

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39015645

>writing

Not too shabby again. Good.

You make your way through the noble district’s many streets lined with shops and houses, keeping your ears open all the way.

You catch snippets and tidbits on conversation, and none of it is good. The people here are aware that the king and queen are dead, though no one has told the people in the lower districts yet. The news is bound to spread though.

The prevailing story is that Laura conspired with Prince Louis to remove the King and Queen so he could rule, while she would be free to go gallivanting about.
Prince Louis and his wife Louise have been locked up in the dungeons, but most of the other party guests have left by this point.

That you didn’t expect. With the theft of the Crown you think they’d be detaining the guests…

Unless they don’t yet know that it’s gone.
Oh that is good. With all of the other things that are happening, you wonder just how long it will be until they notice.

>[1/2]

Alright, that means Melissa's probably beat feet by now. Louis and Louise...hm. They might have to stay a somewhat loose end for now.

Thinking further on the cover story: we (Giles) would probably be the shady family friend of Marcellus's, who Marcellus and Laura are paying to help smuggle them out of the country.

We can then play this up by deliberately over-stating the bribes in front of other people: for example, "Had to pay the guy five gold for this Marcellus. Discretion doesn't come cheap", with the implication that we're skimming off the top.

We're not, of course, but you've got to play the role.

Am I over-thinking this?

You twirl your cane happily as you head back to the middle district. The news that Laura is being blamed for this whole mess makes you more than a little angry.

But as The Gambler you’re tickled pink by the fact that no one has noticed your work yet.

You’re so caught up in your own thoughts that you almost don’t notice someone calling out to you.

“Giles!” Eleanor calls out.
A chill goes down your spine. You try to ignore her, but she calls out again.

Fuck, this is attracting the wrong kind of attention. You glance back. It’s Eleanor alright, and she’s not alone. There are two unfriendly looking types that look away the second they see you turn, they must be following her…

Though she doesn’t seem to be aware of that fact.

>[ ] Continue to ignore her

>[ ] Lead her somewhere private

>[ ] Talk to her out here

>[ ] Other

>>39016255
>[ ] Lead her somewhere private

>>39016255
>[ ] Talk to her out here
>[ ] Lead her somewhere private
Act natural. And, once in private, tell her exactly how much we appreciated that.

>>39016305
>>39016306
What about her tails? Won't they follow to the 'private' place?

>>39016361
Our knives serve for that purpose.

>>39016361
Not much that can be done except for trying to discretely shake the tails.

>>39016255
if we can talk without being overheard
>[ ] Talk to her out here

>writing

You put on your best ‘friendly’ face and turn to face Eleanor. “Oh, hey.”

“What do you mean ‘oh, hey’. Do you have any idea what’s going on? They wouldn’t let me back into the Palace this morning, and now I’m hearing about how Laura had her parents killed!” She says.

You swoop in behind her and lead her forward with a hand on her back.
“I’ll tell you what I know, but not here.” You say quietly. Glancing backward you can see that he tail has started to follow.

“Giles what-“
“Shh!” you say sharply.
Eleanor looks frightened, but you can’t deal with that now…

>[ ] Try to lose them

>[ ] Dispose of them

>[ ] Other

>>39016779
Dispose of them.

>>39016779
>[ ] Try to lose them

>>39016779
>[ ] Dispose of them

>>39016779
>[ ] Try to lose them
lets try this first

>>39016779
>[ ] Try to lose them
If it fails
>[ ] Dispose of them

>>39016779
>[ ] Dispose of them
Blood for the blood god!

>>39016779
hmm if we lose them they'll undoubtedly report back, so even if it' likely to raise suspicion
>Dispose of them
but do it as quietly as possible

>>39016779
Dispose might be the option, here. They can't be allowed to say that they saw us.

>>39016910
I agree, though, try and do it quietly.

>>39016779
>[ ] Dispose of them

>writing

>>39016779
>>[ ] Try to lose them

If they don't report back, whoever sent them will know something's amiss...

You lead Eleanor through the noble district and into the middle district as you look for a good place to do the deed.

When you see one, you quietly tell Eleanor your plan. “Eleanor, we’re going into that alleyway. When we do, I want you to hide somewhere and not come out until I tell you so. Okay?” You ask.

“What are you going to do?” She asks.
“We’re being followed. I need to convince them to leave us alone” You say. Better to put it that way than to tell her outright that you plan on killing them.
Eleanor nods weakly.
“Sorry about this…” you say.

You lead her into the alley. Lots of hiding places in here both for Eleanor, and the bodies. As well as a nice spot for an ambush…

Once Eleanor is hidden, you hop up onto a crate, from there up to a ledge, and from there up to the roof.

Below you see your foes enter the alley. Both of them.

>Attack

>Guard

>Special

>>39017305
>Special
Sneak attack? Sneak attack.

>>39017305
>Special

>>39017305
>Special
We ass creed now?

>>39017305
>Special

>>39017305
Wouldn't they be on their guard, though? I forget if Special beats that.

>>39017305
>Special

>>39017369
Yeah, it beats.

>>39017369
We've got the jump on them. Special works here

>>39017305
>Special
>>39017355
Eagle Dive, Motherfucker

>writing

You pull the wooden tip off of your cane. It’s not a long drop, but you’d still like something to cushion your fall.

So you’ll be taking out the fat one first.

You hop off the rooftop and land with your legs on the man’s back, and your cane firmly planted in his head. He falls to the ground with a soft *whump*, which draws his buddy’s attention.

“What the hell?” He says.

Saying nothing back to him, you simply pull your cane free of the first man’s head.
The second man pulls out what appears to be a metal baton and comes at you.

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39017529
>[ ] Guard

>>39017529
>Guard

>>39017529
>[ ] Guard

>>39017529
>>[ ] Guard

>writing

He’s big, but he lacks skill. You used to eat guys like this for breakfast back in Tulia, and that hasn’t changed.

He swings at your head, putting all of his weight behind it.
But he misses his mark and stumbles, struggling to regain his footing. Then he turns back around and steps forward…

… right into the waiting tip of your cane. You push it forward, skewering his heart, and pull it back out as he collapses.

You pull a handkerchief and a new wooden tip out of your cloak so you can wipe off and re-tip your cane as you admire your handiwork.

It takes you a while to lug the bodies into the derelict barrels in the alley, but you get it done. Thankfully you picked the spot well, as no one passes by to catch you in the act.

When you’re satisfied that you’ve done the job right, you call Eleanor back out.
“Giles, where did that blood come from?” She asks, staring wide-eyed at the fresh bloodstains on the ground.

>[ ] Dodge the question.

>[ ] Tell her the truth.

>[ ] Tell her a lie

>[ ] Other

what happens in the event that we and the opponent choose the same option (attack, guard, special) do they cancel out?

>>39017945
Depends on the opponent and the situation, but they will usually just cancel out.

> Tell her the truth

>>39017925
>>[ ] Tell her the truth.
I don't think they wouldn't have minded ours there instead, mind...

>>39017925
>[ ] Tell her the truth.

>>39017925
>[ ] Tell her the truth.

>>39017925
>>[ ] Tell her the truth.

Shit is going down, we do NOT have time to pussyfoot around the situation.

>writing

You sigh and scratch your head. “There was two thugs tailing you. I had to deal with them.” You say, flipping into a more serious expression.

“Y-y-y-y-you k-k-killed them?” She says. Her knees tremble and collapse, and you rush over to make sure she doesn’t faint.

“Yes” You say.
Still trembling, she looks at you with some semblance of determination. “Giles… tell me what’s going on.” She says.

Well, you’ve already told her one truth…

“The king and queen are dead, that much is true. The story about Laura is all bullshit, though. The same men that killed the king and queen tried to kill her and Selene as well” You say.
“How do you know this? Weren’t you with Melissa?” She asks.

This isn’t the best place to do this…
But where the hell do you go? Whether you wanted it to happen or not, she’s involved now. If you just let her go now, they’ll know that the men tailing her were killed. You aren’t sure what that means for her, but if you keep her here then it won’t be happy times for her.

But if you take her with you, the same can be said…

>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

>[ ] Take her back up to the noble district

>[ ] other

>>39018487
>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

It's the only practical choice..

>>39018487
>>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

We can't send her back now that her tails are dead.

>>39018487
>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

>>39018487
>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

>>39018487
>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

Trying to think of a more practical solution in the short term. Can't.

>>39018487
>>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse

Seriously, we need to GTFO before more people get wrapped up in this.

>>39018487
>[ ] Bring her back to the safehouse
Best short-term solution, I suspect.

At this point, I still suspect she can still back out. She can be entirely honest up to this point: she saw a friend (whom she had no idea was involved in anything), flagged him over, and he killed the people she did not know were tailing her. Anything further can be explained as either her trying to investigate, or threats from us.

She may still be able to return to her old job, albeit at the cost of compromising our safehouse: the only question is whether her interrogators are going to be reasonable, or unreasonable about all this.

>>39018487
>Safehouse
Hot damn, having her hang around Marcellus so much is gonna make things deliciously awkward. Deliciously.

>>39018627
We definitely shouldn't have killed those people following her

>>39018607
(Same anon)

What's our current party makeup, anywho? (RPG terms because nerd) Thief, Warrior, Archer, Kid, Support?

>writing

Short term, the safe house is the best option.
Beyond that, you aren’t sure…

You can either bring her with you to… wherever you end up going.
Or you can convince her to sell you out. If she goes back to whoever is in charge now with information as to where you are or where you might be heading, then maybe it’ll be enough to guarantee her safety.

But even then, it’s a big maybe…

You take a roundabout route back to the safe house. It takes a while, but it’s best if you shake off any further tails before you lead them right to your hide-out.

By the time you get back, the sun is lazily peering over the buildings. This took you longer than you expected, but you’re still within your time limits. You’ll still have some time to talk things over with everyone before you need to leave to meet the smuggler.

You don’t bother knocking as you enter. Selene, Marcellus and Laura all look up in expectation.

“What took you so long?” Laura asks, rushing up to you to check you over.
“Yes, I was beginning to think you’d abandoned- Eleanor?” Marcellus says.
Eleanor stands in the entrance, still very much frightened.
“Shut the door, there’s a lot that we need to discuss and not much time to do so.”

>Start with-
>[ ] Where we’re going

>[ ] The Smuggler

>[ ] What to do with Eleanor

>>39018974
>[ ] Where we’re going

>>39018974
>>[ ] What to do with Eleanor
>>[ ] The Smuggler
>>[ ] Where we’re going

>>39018974
>[ ] What to do with Eleanor
>[ ] Where we’re going
>[ ] The Smuggler

Can we do all of them in this order? if not

>[ ] Where we’re going

>>39018974
[ ] What to do with Eleanor

>>39018974
>[ ] What to do with Eleanor
>[ ] Where we’re going
>[ ] The Smuggler
In roughly that order. All are important.

> Eleanor first

If she doesn't stay with us then she can't know anything.

>>39018974
>[ ] What to do with Eleanor
>[ ] Where we’re going
>[ ] The Smuggler

In that order.

>writing

Marcellus grabs you by the cloak and pulls you in. “Giles what is Eleanor doing here?” He says angrily.
You swat off his hand. “I ran into her in the noble district while I was fishing for info on what’s happening in the castle. She had a tail, her tail saw me, so I had to… see them off.” You say, careful about your choice of words with Selene around.

“You didn’t… not in front of her…” Laura says, checking Eleanor over as well.
“No… Well, not really. That isn’t important right now.” You say.
“He’s right. This isn’t a small problem… what are our options?” Marcellus asks.

“We can’t leave her here!” Laura says, hugging Eleanor closely.

“We can… but not without a cost…”
“What cost?” Marcellus asks, his eyes narrowing.
“She would have to sell us out to guarantee her safety.”

“What!?! I couldn’t… no! I won’t! “ Eleanor shouts.
“The only other option is to take her with us. If we leave her here with nothing to show for it, things won’t go well.”

>[ ] Take her with you

>[ ] Leave her here

>[ ] Let her decide

>[ ] Other

>>39019455
>>[ ] Let her decide

>>39019455

...fuck it, new party member. I have a feeling if we let her decide, she's gonna try to stay, but not sell us out- which could lead to very bad things for her.

>[ ] Take her with you

>>39019455
>[ ] Let her decide

>>39019455
>>[ ] Take her with you

>>39019455
>>[ ] Let her decide

Lets not force her to go if she doesn't want to..

> [ ] Let her decide

>>39019455
>[ ] Take her with you

>>39019569
I deleted my previous vote if that was not obvious

>>39019595
That's a faux pas. Just say you changed your vote and link to the old vote.

>writing

>>39019455
>[ ] Let her decide
Ordinarily, I'd strongly advise "just sell us out", but that relies upon the other guys being reasonable.

>>39019621
I can't see the old vote.
It was the first vote posted.
I think it is the only one that got deleted.
I don't really think before I do things when I am drunk.

You don’t want to do this, but it is her life. It should be her decision.
But in the unfortunate event that she makes a dumb one, you can always veto it.

“So what do you want to do Eleanor?” You ask.
“W-what? Me?” She asks.
“Yes, you. It’d be unfair to force you into anything, so I’m asking you what you want to do.” You say.

Once the shock wears off, Eleanor thinks. “I…” She says, trembling once more. “I won’t sell you out… but if I can’t be safe here unless I do that… then… I’ll come with you…” She says.

“Are you sure about this?” Laura asks, still hugging the trembling maid.
“No…” She says.
Laura gives her a squeeze and then pulls away. “Come on, let’s find you a disguise.” She says, taking Eleanor by the hand and leading her into the other room.

“I’ll help!” Selene exclaims as she follows them in.

>[1/2]

“What did you find out?” Marcellus asks.
Caught that did he? This guy is sharper than you give him credit for, even if he is still an ass.
“Reigning story is that Louis and Laura conspired on this, to get Louis the crown so Laura doesn’t have to be responsible. Louis is currently locked up. They’ve probably got people out there looking for Laura as well.” You say.

“They threw Prince Louis in the dungeons!?!” Marcellus asks.
“And his wife.” You say.
Marcellus puts a hand to his chin. “King Julian will be furious. I guess we were right in our decision…” He says.
“So we’re going to Harth, then?” You ask.
Marcellus nods. “It’s the only place we could think of where we knew we’d be safe with the limited info we had.” He says, stopping to think before addressing you again. “How about our way out?”

“Done, and done. A smuggler will be waiting for us at a sewer outlet in the Middle District after night falls.” You say.

“Good. Then as soon as they’re done we can get going. How do you plan on reaching the middle district?” He asks.

You ponder that for a moment. You could either wait until all the shops start closing and people start heading back to their homes in the middle district, or find a time when it’s quiet and sneak across.

>[ ] Go in with the rush

>[ ] Wait until it’s quiet

>[ ] Other

Huh. Surprised me. But this also means we're probably gonna have to pay extra for another head.

(captcha: eliah. Sounds like a good alias...)

>>39020038
>[ ] Go in with the rush

People blend in best with other people.

>>39020038
>[ ] Go in with the rush

>>39020038
>[ ] Go in with the rush
so long as the disguises are good

>>39020038
>[ ] Go in with the rush

>>39020038

Hm. Both options have their risks. Chances are people will be expecting us to GTFO as soon as possible, and thus will be looking for us in a crowd. On the other hand, waiting until nightfall makes it more obvious that we're doing something illicit...I'll vote

>[ ] Go in with the rush

and hope the disguises and smuggler are good.

>>39020038
>>[ ] Go in with the rush
Alright, you're going with Laura and Selene. Your cover is that you and Laura are a well off merchant couple, and Selene is your daughter. You're off to see the importing business you own with them.

Me and Eleanor will try to look like a young couple out on the town, down to see the sunset at the docks.

>writing

>>39020174
You are serious about these cover stories, huh?

>>39020263
I was bored while waiting and it was something to do, OK?

>>39020321
It's fine, I'm not hatin'. Just noticing.

>>39020321
Well allright then.

>>39020353
Oh. OK.

D-does that mean we can still use them, s-senpai?

>>39020427
That's why I didn't mind them in the first place- they actually sound solid. I was just noticing, is all.

File: 1396057064128.gif (1.87 MB, 320x240)

1.87 MB GIF

>>39020466

“We’ll cross over during the rush, once we’re in the middle district the only real obstacle will be getting into the sewers unseen.” You say.
Marcellus seems satisfied with that, so the two of you wait patiently for the others to come out.

The disguises aren’t perfect, but they’ll pass.
Laura is wearing a long brown wig, and wearing a simple, dull blue dress.
It looks like they dyed Selene’s hair black, and did the same with Marcellus’s. Marcellus has changed from his uniform into the sort of light leather armor you would expect to see on a mercenary.
Eleanor comes out without much change other than her clothes.

It isn’t much, but it’s all workable. The way things are, Marcellus and Laura look like they would pass as Selene’s parents, Laura and Eleanor could pass as sisters, and you… are the odd one out…

You tell them your plan for covers, and they all seem to agree with them.
“Sounds solid.” Marcellus says.
“M-mother? I guess…” Laura says.
“Does that mean I get to call you Mommy?” Selene asks.
Laura picks Selene up. “Yes dear.”
“What about you?” Eleanor asks.
“Dunno. I guess I do stand out from the group, don’t I?” You say.
“Y-you could be… my husband…” Eleanor says, hiding her eyes under her bangs and blushing.
“Yes, that could work.” Laura says.

You talk details for a moment, and then it’s time to head out. As you go to leave, Marcellus asks one last thing.

“What if someone asks for our names?” Marcellus asks.

>[ ] Smokebomb

>[ ] Just say them

>[ ] I’ll give them false ones.

>>39020569
>[ ] I’ll give them false ones.

>>39020569
>>[ ] Just say them
More specifically, your middle names.

>>39020620
Middle names aren't a thing.
Last names are something you have to earn, which is why Eleanor, Giles and Marcellus don't have one.

>>39020620
I'll back this

>>39020569
>[ ] I’ll give them false ones.

>>39020645
You can't, according to >>39020641
>Give false ones

>>39020641
Thanks for ruining my plans, you monster.

Seriously, then, I'll go with
>[ ] I’ll give them false ones.

>>39020569
>[ ] I’ll give them false ones

if we do false names the problem will be making sure selene doesnt say the real ones

>writing

>>39020698
Selene's good about this stuff. She wants to be a master at being sneaky, remember?

>>39020776

...she's gonna have to be, nowadays.

>>39020698
the real problem is that people are incapable of introducing themselves with false names

Also, we're gonna have to break the news to Selene sooner or later if Laura didn't say so. It's gonna suck, and there's gonna be a lot of tears, but it needs to be done. Probably after we get the hell out of dodge.

>>39020821
Backing it, it's the right thing to do.

>>39020569
One problem with our plan, we now have an extra person, I'm pretty sure that's a big red flag in the underworld circles. At best it costs us money, at worst he screws us over by refusing and taking our money we already paid him. That is if this doesn't become a trap already. The easy thing would be for us to find our own way there but that leaves them high and dry if they get into a trap, unless we can be like a ghost stowing away on the smuggling ship.

“We’ll give them false ones.” You say.
“That… won’t actually work” Marcellus says.
“Of course it will, watch.” You point at Laura. “Your name is Danielle” You say.
It takes a moment for it to click with everyone.
“Ah, so we don’t introduce ourselves, we introduce each other!” Laura says.

After working out the details, it’s decided that you’re going to be doing the talking. Mostly because you have the best poker face, but also because you’re probably the least recognizable.

With that settled, the five of you head out.
Armament-wise, you’ve got all of your gear, Marcellus has his sword, and with some difficulty they managed to put Laura’s bow and quiver underneath that dress.

Fine work too, even you don’t notice it.

As though it was mocking the amount of prep you did, the crossing into the middle district passes without anyone so much as batting an eye.

Well, better to be over prepared…
That tactic might come in handy later, though.

You reach the sewers without issue, and after making sure that no one is watching you usher the five of them in.

As you’re about to get in, you remember something that’s been bugging you…

“Giles, aren’t you coming?” Laura asks when she sees you pause.

>[ ] Yes

>[ ] Check Melissa’s ship to see if she’s okay

>[ ] Other

>>39021010
>[ ] Check Melissa’s ship to see if she’s okay

>>39021010
>>[ ] Yes

>>39021010
>[ ] Yes

>>39021010
>[ ] Yes

I have faith in Melissa.

>>39021030
Backing

>>39021010
>[ ] Yes

>>39021053
Anon, just stop.

>>39021010
>[ ] Check Melissa’s ship to see if she’s okay

>>39021061
Oi I was the first vote. Not sure why this guy said "Backing" instead of voting properly. He's not a samefag

>>39021010
>>[ ] Check Melissa’s ship to see if she’s okay

>>39020852
>>39021010
>[ ] Check Melissa’s ship to see if she’s okay

We still have the number problem.

>>39021010
>[ ] Yes

I just want to get this shit done.

if we go to melissa will they have the gold to pay for things they might need?

>>39021010
Damn, am I torn on this one... I don't want to leave them high and dry, yet I'm afraid Melissa's fucked if we don't show up...

(sigh) I'm gonna go with 'yes', regardless.

>writing

>>39021240
Yeah, that's my concern- if we don't intervene, Melissa dies. I really don't want that.

“Worried about Melissa?” Laura asks.
“Is it that obvious?” You respond.
“She’ll be fine, Giles. Melissa is tougher than you give her credit for.” She says.
You did kind of want to let her know that everyone is alright on top of making sure that she was, but that’ll have to wait.

You’ll see her again.

You hop down into the sewer, and Laura smiles at you. It feels strange being comforted by someone who by all rights needs it more than you do.

The sewers are dark, but you don’t light them up. Instead you make your way by feeling the air flows and following them to the outlet.

Where you find the old smuggler waiting.
“You guys wait here” You say.

“I don’t remember you saying there’d be five.” He says.
“Situations have changed since we last spoke.” You say.
“Well then, so has my price.” He says.
You keep your face neutral.

>[ ] By how much?

>[ ] I need the boat, don’t think you aren’t expendable

>[ ] Other

>>39021513
>>[ ] By how much?

>>39021513
>[ ] By how much?

>>39021513
>[ ] By how much?

We expected this.

>>39021513
>[ ] By how much?

>>39021513
>[ ] By how much?

>writing

I mean, shit, it's not like we don't have cash comin' out of our ass.

You figured this would cost you. “By how much?” You ask, keeping your ‘bargaining face’ on.
“Ten gold” He says.
You raise an eyebrow at him. “Five” You say.
He mulls it over. “Deal” He says, and sets to work getting his boat ready.

That makes what… 9 gold now? A bit much for something like this, but still within reason. It is pretty precious ‘cargo’ you’re getting him to smuggle, even if he doesn’t know it.

You head back to the group.
“What was that about?” Marcellus asks.
“There are more people here than I told him there would be. He wanted to renegotiate the price” You say.
“Oh goodness! I had completely forgotten about that… I don’t have anything with me, can you handle it on your own Giles?” Laura asks.
“Not a problem, I’m not exactly poor.” You say.

“Just what do you do anyway?” Marcellus asks.
“Oh, I lie, and I cheat, and I steal.” You say, revelling in the looks that everyone is giving you before clarifying. “Politics.” You say.
That seems to put Marcellus off of his question at least, though you are going to have to give him a straight answer eventually…

>Anything you guys want to talk about on the boat?

>>39021920
True. I think the point was not to let that on, though.

>>39021937

>“Oh, I lie, and I cheat, and I steal.” You say, revelling in the looks that everyone is giving you before clarifying. “Politics.”

I lol'd

>>39021937
so any plans when we get there?

>>39021996

We need to figure out how we approach the king with this, then figure out a way to keep our asses out of the public eye afterward. There WILL be hired swords after us.

I would looooove to discover (if he is a reverse-trap) Marcellus' gender; 'his' suspicion of us, for being secretive, would be null. "Well, if it isn't the Pot calling the Kettle black!"

>writing

>>39021937
I think we ought to tell them our true profession

>>39022114
I think so too but after we're away from this smuggler. Hopefully with something along the lines of

"Oh, and by the way princess well I guess you're the queen now here's your crown" *Places it on her head*

>>39022170
While the thought amuses me, and it definitely does, I don't think we've endeared ourselves to them THAT much, yet.

>>39022197
Same. I DO think we're close, though.

>>39022114
Yes we should, but we will do so at a dramatically appropriate moment.
>>39022170
I am still hoping that at some point the crown will be revealed to be vitally important. If we reveal that we nicked it before that we will be wasting a wonderful opportunity.

You hop on first and then help everyone else get on. The boat isn’t large, which will work in your favour.
If he hasn’t sold you out, the small size of this boat will be necessary to keep out of sight.

Okay, scratch that. This guy’s definitely sold you out, and you’ll be moving forward under that assumption. Chances are there’ll be an ambush waiting for you as soon as you reach the shore and give him his money.

Which is good, because you don’t actually intend to pay him. You’ve got fake gold coins for situations like these.

There are plenty of things you could talk about, but none of them are the kind of stuff you want this guy to hear.

But there are other problems you have right now, like the fact that everyone is nervous about this trip, Laura and Selene have just lost her parents, and you basically killed two guys right in front of Eleanor. You'd like to try and comfort them at least a little while you have the time...

Oh, and Marcellus is here too.

>[ ] Talk to Laura and Selene

>[ ] Talk to Eleanor

>[ ] Talk to Marcellus

>>39022264
>[ ] Talk to Laura and Selene

>>39022264
>Eleanor

I'd like to help laura, but we can't do that here without spilling the beans to selene

>>39022264
>[ ] Talk to Marcellus
should probably tell marcellus to be prepared for a trap

>>39022264
>Okay, scratch that. This guy’s definitely sold you out, and you’ll be moving forward under that assumption. Chances are there’ll be an ambush waiting for you as soon as you reach the shore and give him his money.

Giles, you genre-savvy son of a bitch

Incidentally, Laura & Selene

>>39022264
>[ ] Talk to Marcellus

Alert him that there might be a trap

>>39022309
>>39022310
Changing my vote to this

>>39022334
I meant I'm changing to telling marcellus, if that wasn't clear.

>>39022264
>>[ ] Talk to Laura and Selene

>>39022310
>>39022309
Both of these.

>>39022323
>Alert him that there might be a trap
Alert him that he might be a trap.

>>39022424
Well that too but in a more appropriate setting.

Something I'd also like to discuss,
>Things aren't to weird for you, having Eleanor here? You DID blow her off.
Whether we do it here, or later, is irrelevant, but he's kind of a dick (HAH)

>writing

Double post.

Smiley.

You let the girls sit together at the front, while you and Marcellus sit at the back near the old smuggler.

“Question for you George.” You say.
It takes Marcellus a moment to register that you’re talking to him. “What is it?” He says.
“I heard that you blew off Emily the other night. What’s up with that?” You ask.
“You did… of course you did… it was a personal matter. I had my reasons.” He says.
“Care to share those reasons with the rest of us?” You ask.
“No… can we please talk about something else?” He asks.

That was disappointing. You’re having a hard time reading this guy. He’s more prudish than you, but he honestly expects you to believe that he had a woman whose name he can barely remember in his room for a fling?

“So what are your plans for when we arrive?” You ask, giving him a very serious look.
“I’m… not sure?” He says, uncertain as to why you’re looking at him like that. “What about you?”
“Me? I intend to prepare for the worst.” You say, dropping the expression and winking.
His hand drifts to his sword, and you shake your head.
“But for now I can relax.” You say.

>[1/2]

time warp

What does Marcellus look and sound like?

Your conversation topics with “George” dried up you pass the rest of the trip in silence.
It takes over an hour for the small boat to finally reach the shore, but you get there eventually.

You help the ladies out of the boat first, then Marcellus. Then you toss the old man a bag with 9 fake gold coins in it.

“Pleasure doin’ business with you” He says.
“The pleasure was all mine.” You say, giving the boat a shove off and walking back to the rest of the group.

The ground before you does not give you the advantage. You’re a ways away from the road, so it’s mostly thick brush beyond the beach. If you can make it to the woods you can use them to your advantage. The real question is whether or not whoever is lurking in there will let you.

“You think they’re here now?” Marcellus asks in a whisper.
“I absolutely do. The question is, what do we do about it?” You say.

That is indeed the question. You’re out of bow range right now, but not by much. You have 5 more daggers enchanted with Dark Fog, more than enough to cover the treeline. Alternately, you could follow the beach in the hopes that there’s a more favourable position up further.

>[ ] Add Laura to this discussion before you decide

>[ ] Dark Fog is go

>[ ] Head further up the beach

>[ ] Other

>>39022865
>>[ ] Add Laura to this discussion before you decide
>>[ ] Form up nea the water's edge

>>39022865
>[ ] Add Laura to this discussion before you decide

Wait, what's going on? Who are we targeting?

>>39022864
Androgynous, shorter than Laura, dirty blonde (I believe) tied back, in a ponytail, not much muscle, and has a higher voice than a man his age should.

>>39022865
>[ ] Add Laura to this discussion before you decide

>>39022865
>Throw one dagger for distraction and go up the beach

>>39022865
>[ ] Add Laura to this discussion before you decide

>>39022865
>[ ] Add Laura to this discussion before you decide

>writing

>>39022904
the ambush

>>39023059
Oh, right.

You wave Laura over. You can just barely feel it now that you’re focusing, but the arrows under her dress are definitely enchanted.

“What’s going on?” She asks.
“Giles thinks there’s an ambush waiting for us in those bushes” Marcellus says.
“Call it a hunch, but that smuggler definitely sold us out. I’d bet my left nut that there’s at least a few guys waiting in ambush.” You say.

Laura’s expression turns serious, and the three of you run down your options as Eleanor looks after Selene.

Laura does indeed have a few general purpose enchantments on her, a few for light, a few for starting fires, nothing fancy.

>Current options-

>[ ] Dark Fog the treeline and engage
You run into throwing range for your knives and cover the treeline with a smokescreen, allowing yourself and Marcellus to approach without getting feathered and bring the fight to them. When the smoke dissipates, Laura can provide support

>[ ] Try and find a more favourable position
There seem to be some rockier areas further to the north. The boulders there could make good cover if you can get there without your ambushers getting antsy and attacking.

>[ ] Laura burns the treeline
High risk. It’ll force your assailants to either leave the brush or pack up and go, but it will also draw the attention of the city. If you take this route you have to be able to make a quick escape.

>>39023276
>[ ] Dark Fog the treeline and engage

>>39023276
>[ ] Dark Fog the treeline and engage

>>39023276
>[ ] Try and find a more favourable position

>>39023276
>[ ] Dark Fog the treeline and engage

>>39023276
>>[ ] Dark Fog the treeline and engage

>writing

You pull your remaining 5 enchanted daggers out of your cloak.

“Ready?” Marcellus asks.
“Probably not, but that’s never stopped me before.” You say with a wry grin.
“Good luck you two.” Laura says.

“Where are they going?” Selene asks.
You hear Laura talking to her as the two of you head towards the forest.

As you thought, the second you get into shooting range an arrow flies out of the brush.

You duck under it and break into a sprint as you feel the arrow remove your hat. Damn, you liked that hat…

Marcellus keeps pace with you, swatting arrows away with his sword as he moves.

Just a bit closer… You mutter the activation for Dark Fog and count to three.
Then you break from your sprint, pivoting on one foot to whirl around and send your five daggers towards the tree line.

A short moment later and you’re in the dark. Your eyes are now useless to you, but you expected that.

They didn’t.

>Attack

>Guard

>Special

>>39023605
>Special

>>39023605
>>Special

>>39023605
>Special

>>39023605
>>Special

Aren't they attacking?

>>39023662
Not at the moment, no.

>writing

You stop running and focus. You can hear some people shouting profanities at their sudden lack of sight.

Sounds like 6… maybe 7 people. A good number for an ambush.

You walk silently in the direction of someone who is currently cursing about how he dropped his arrows.
You calmly feel out where his neck is.

“Oi, Carson is that you?”
“No”

He tries to scream, but finds that the knife in his throat makes that difficult.

The smoke starts to clear, and you can make out a few shapes. That means they can too.

An arrow from your left sails past your head and hits a tree, forcing you to take cover.
“Damn kids. This fuckin’ job was supposed to be easy! Wind Dasher!” He calls out, and another arrow sails past. This time you dive out of the way as a wave of wind batters and cracks the tree you were hiding behind.

Your smoke screen foiled by his wind spell, you look up to see him nocking a crystal arrow into his bow.

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39023798
>[ ] Attack
A crystal arrow seems like a special to me

>>39023798
>>[ ] Attack
Seems pretty special

>>39023798

That's a special, feels like. Hopefully that's not just his ammo.

>Attack

>>39023798
>[ ] Attack

>>39023798
>>[ ] Attack

>writing

>>39023798
>Attack

As he opens his mouth to say his activation, your arm whips out and tosses a dagger.

Not at him, at his bowstring.

“Burst Impact!” He shouts, just as your dagger meets his bowstring and slices through it. The string whips back and you can see the pain on his face as it meets his arm.

And then his arrow explodes in his face.

As you stand up, a man jumps at you from your side. But an arrow to the face dissuades him, and he decides to take a nice long nap instead.

Marcellus approaches you from the bushes. “Think there are any left?” He asks.

“Hopefully not. But if there are, they won’t bother us anymore.” You say.
Marcellus nods to you, and the two of you make your way back out to the beach.

There’s still the matter of where you’ll be sleeping for the night, and how you’ll be getting to Harth to be discussed.

You step over the body of the mage-archer as you go back. You’ve never been a huge fan of fighting. You tend to at least try to avoid it when it’s not a necessity.

But a necessity is what it’s become, and you get the feeling that isn’t about to change.

That's all for tonight. I hope you guys still enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it!

The next thread will probably be tomorrow night. But I'll be honest with you, I don't actually plan that far ahead.

As always I'll be sticking around for question time.

>>39023984
Thank's for the thread!

Rock on. Thanks for running!