>>47610428
>Ask about his knowledge of the Order.
>Ask about other prison camps.

>>47610428
>>Ask about his knowledge of the Order.
>>Ask about other prison camps.

>>47610428
>Ask him about Russia’s involvement in Finland.
>Ask about his knowledge of the Order.
>Ask about other prison camps.

I want to know everything, give me the lore.

>>47610428

"What do you know about the Order?" You ask.

"Only what most Russians know," He says. "They stood with the Tsar during the war, then fled when the Reds made their opening moves. Neither Comrade Stalin nor his predecessors had any love for the Catholics, or their ancient ties with the Russian nobility."

"Do you know anything about them in more recent times?"

"Only rumors, and rumors of rumors. Some say that, after the war, the thing collapsed due to infighting. Without Valkyries to fight, they killed one another. Others say they became Britain's lapdog, or the other way around."

"And what do you think?" You ask.

"Me? I think people like the Order never really go away. Besides, it's obvious to me that they're line of work isn't finished just yet. But I've had my focus on Finns and Swedes, not angry Catholics. You'd be better off asking Father Grigori."

"Who?"

"A man with a warped sense of humor. Chief interrogator of the Independence Party, and as far from religion as a man can get. A good communist, happy to kill priests and gothi with equal delight. They say he was once part of the Order, but was removed due to his...ah...tendencies towards violence."

"I've heard the Resistance talk about him," Tobias adds. "He's high on the list of people the Finns would be happy to see dead."

"Speaking of prisoners," You continue. "Are there more camps like the one we destroyed?"

"Only two with a similar scope and purpose," Koren nods. "Though, after what you did, it's safe to say they're either full of paramilitary boys or completely deserted. They don't like repeating setbacks."

"Do you know where they'd take the prisoners if they transferred?"

"Perhaps, perhaps. Nothing verified, but there's always talk. Tell me, what's the worth of a few hundred more Finns?"

(Cont.)

>>47610856

"You're asking for a bribe?" You ask, raising a brow.

"I no longer serve the Independents, so I wouldn't call it a bribe," Koren shrugs. "I'm an honest man of sorts, and if I get out of this alive, I'm going to start over. So, what could you get poor, helpful Koren?"

>"The Resistance could use you as an informant. As I understand, they look after their own."
>"If it's money you're after, I think we might have something for you."
>"I hardly think you're in a position to be making demands, Russian."

>>47610870
>"The Resistance could use you as a man of your caliber. As I understand, they look after their own."

>>47610870
>"The Resistance could use you as an informant. As I understand, they look after their own."

>>47610856

"The Resistance could use a man of your caliber," You muse. "As I understand, they look after their own."

"Oh, of course," He snorts. "A Russian in the Finnish Resistance. I'm certain they'll be most accepting."

"It would be a good start if you helped them by telling us what you know," Tobias says. "If you help us, and what you say is true, myself and my men will vouch for you."

"Hmmm," Koren taps his chin. "Not quite what I was hoping to hear, but it's not as bad as I feared. Alright. I will give it some thought. Now, what else can I tell you?"

>Ask him about Father Grigori.
>Ask him about Russia's involvement in Finland.
>Other?

>>47611161
>Ask him about Father Grigori.

>>47611161
>Ask him about Russia's involvement in Finland.

File: grigori.jpg (120 KB, 1024x768)

120 KB JPG

>>47610856
>You'd be better off asking Father Grigori.
IT'S HAPPENING
THE EVENT IS OCCURRING
SOMETHING'S GOING ON

>>47611161

"Where can we find Grigori?" You ask.

"He's always on the move, terrorizing the countryside," Koren says. "He works most often in the west, along the border and the major cities nearby. You'll need to find and ask someone more aligned with his line of work. I was a prison guard, nothing more."

"The Resistance will likely have an idea where he is," Tobias offers. "If not, we'll find someone who does."

"It's the worst kept secret, Russian's involvement here," You say. "Just how much do the Soviets control?"

"I can't say for certain how much of a hold we have," Koren shrugs. "The leaders of the Independents are Finns, but they've been sympathetic to the socialist plight in Russia for years. We've offered them power, and they took it without question. They get to rule Finland, and in turn we get to do what we please with their dissidents."

"Aren't you afraid of the Empire stepping in?"

"The Empire? Had you asked me ten years ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. Now? Their little lion from the north has turned into a pitiful house cat."

You admit you know little and less about Sweden's political situation, or anything else about it in its present state. You know that King Gustav IX is in power, but little else besides. Koren seems to see this in your expression and offers a sympathetic smile.

"You've not been home for some time, have you, Valkyrie?" He asks. "Your home has lost its fire. The Allies let your king keep his crown, but they took his claws. He will not stir from his place. Not if it means a chance of war."

The obvious disrespect makes you angry, but you cannot deny him. If the Empire was here to protect Finland, there would be no need for you.

"You'll watch your tongue, Russian," Tobias growls, seeing your discomfort.

"Did I offend you?" Koren asks. "It was not my intent. I merely speak the truth."

(Cont.)

>>47612048

Tobias takes a step forward but you stop him with a wave of your hand.

"Thank you for your help," You tell him. "We'll do what we can to reward you."

"Until next time, Valkyrie."

With that you and Tobias leave the room, stepping out into the hall. You heave a sigh, your mind a jumble of thoughts.

"I don't trust him," Tobias says.

"Neither do I," You admit. "Even so, he seems willing enough."

"That's what worries me. If he was shouting and angry, I'd be at ease. This one's more dangerous than he lets on."

"Then I think we'd be better off keeping him with us," You note. "We came here looking to recruit the Colonel. I hadn't expect things to become so...complicated."

"I want to tell you that things will get better, but I'd be lying," Tobias grins. "Things are rarely simply, and they are never easy. But we still have to keep going, for others as much as ourselves."

"Which brings us to a decision. Do we remain in Finland longer, try to help the Resistance further, or do we move on elsewhere?"

"The people here are doing well for themselves," Tobias says. "I believe we've done more than just rescue a few prisoners. We've given the Finns something to believe in again. And we've made the Russians realize what they're dealing with. Perhaps it's time to move on, perhaps find allies elsewhere."

You nod, considering.

"I'll think on it," You decide. "For now, I remember Gothi Maris saying she wanted to speak with me."

"Do you want me to tag along?" Tobias asks.

"I don't mind," You nod. "Let's go."

The temple's keeper and her acolytes are a quiet, reserved group of individuals. You rarely see them conversing with the Resistance men, but they serve their purpose well as healers. Now, with the arrival of you and your sisters, they seem to be more active.

(Cont.)

>>47612063

You find Gothi Maris in the main temple chamber, speaking quietly with a Resistance man. He kneels before a statue of the Allfather, looking between him and the Gothi herself. Seeing you enter, she gives the man a gentle pat on the shoulder before turning and approaching you.

"Lady Sarah," She greets. "I'm pleased to see you well."

"And I, you," You smile. "You said you had something to discuss with me?"

"I did," Maris motions towards the door you came through. "This is meant to be a place of quiet. Would you walk with me?"

Wordlessly you nod and take your place beside her as you leave. The temple's many halls seem to go on forever, some sections blocked off to outsiders and Resistance men alike.

"You and your sisters are not the first Valkyrie to grace my temple," Maris says. "This place has served as both a place of training and protection, to Valkyries young and old. You are a strong and capable warrior already, but you yet have much and more to learn. With your permission, we would be honored to assist you and your sisters in furthering your training."

You admit, for all his knowledge, Doctor Orek and the others had little practical knowledge about training and raising Valkyries. You've become a good soldier, but as a Valkyrie, you're hardly better than a novice.

>"We'd be honored."
>"Thank you, Gothi Maris, but we lack the time."

>>47612074
>"We'd be honored."
>"I'm afraid we don't have as much time as we'd like though."

>>47612074
>>"We'd be honored."

>>47612074
>"We'd be honored."
Though if an opportunity comes up to REAL FINN HOURS SMASH DAT MF PRISON CAMP WHO RISE UP we should probably pause training and go help

>>47612074
>"We'd be honored."

>>47612074

"We'd be honored," You say, smiling. "Though, I can't say how long we'll be remaining."

"Of course, Lady Sarah," Maris says. "For as long as you're here, we are at your service. When you wish to train, simply speak with Garren. You'll find him in the main chamber. If you wish to speak further on the history of Valkyries the Empire itself, I will offer what knowledge I possess."

Emma is still waging a war on their library, with slow but steady results, and Anna is still too weak to pose as a capable training partner. Perhaps you could pay Garren a visit. Or, rather than forcing yourself through all those books, you could learn a few things yourself from Maris.

>Find Garren.
>Remain with Gothi Maris.

>>47612237
>Find Garren.

>>47612237
>Remain with Gothi Maris.
Knowledge is Power
Or, rather, Knowledge allows you to avoid the mistakes of the past, and to best use your power to take advantage of opporunities you might not have known about, and allows you to more efficiently pursue a goal.

>>47612237
>Remain with Gothi Maris.

You don't even play LoL, what is Garren doing here you nigger?

>>47612237
>>Find Garren.

>>47612413
(What's an LoL? Kidding...I think.)

>>47612237

"Will do," You nod. "Thank you again, Maris."

"I'll let you have your fun," Tobias says. "I'll catch up with you later, and you can tell me about what you did to the poor man."

Chuckling, you take off back towards the chamber. Inside, you find the man from before waiting for you. He still appears as a Resistance man, but you note the end, or perhaps the beginning, of a dark tattoo of Nordic symbols on his neck. He looks to be an older man, but he moves just as easily as Tobias as he approaches you.

"Lady Sarah," He greets. "I assume you've accepted our offer?"

"I did," You say. "Garren?"

"The very same," He says. "If you'll follow me."

You still have trouble navigating the temple, but Garren appears to know exactly where he's going. He leads you past the point where outsiders are allowed, passing by a handful of the Gothi's acolytes who nod or bow as you pass.

You're lead into a large, open room. The floor and walls sport old but still visible marks where lances of energy missed their marks.

"Three generations of Valkyrie have seen the inside of this room and the others like it," Garren says. "I've helped train the past two, and now it seems I'll train the newest one as well."

"Where do we start?" You ask.

"I was with the Colonel when you assaulted the compound," He says. "I saw you in action. You leave a lot to be desired."

The comment takes you off guard. It must have shown, because Garren gives a bark of laughter.

"I've been hit, stabbed, and burned by more Valkyrie's than I can count," He says. "The others might grovel, but I've seen what a real Valkyrie looks like."

"That just means I have a lot to prove," You grin. "Let's get started."

(Cont.)

>>47612834

"At least you're dedicated," Garren says. "Alright then. Take a stance."

"What kind of stance?" You ask, then cringe as Garren heaves a weary sigh.

"Let's say you're about to get hit by something or someone," He says. "How are you going to brace for it?"

You briefly pause to consider, then plant your feet and raise your arms. Tobias had tried to teach you boxing at one point, but you had never really gotten the hang of it.

"Like this?" You ask.

"It's a start," Garren admits.

Without further instruction, and with surprising grace, he pulls his pistol free from its holster, aims at you, and fires.

>Roll 1d100, lower the better.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>47612846

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>47612846

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>47612846
No God

>>47612874
GODDAMNIT SALT!

>>47612874
Great fucking job, You killed us and now someone else has to sacrifice their life for us!

>>47612846
Can we PLEASE not have anyone sacrifice their lives for us please?

>>47612890
>>47612899
>>47612928
Guys its fine, relax. At worse case we get shot and it hurts.

>>47612874
10/10 roll m8

or rather

100/100 roll m8

>>47612967
I dunno. If you're training and you VASTLY overestimate someone it's possible to hurt them quite severely.

>>47612967
Oh yeah, Like last time right, Oh wait.

>>47612977
Fair enough. Least we know the dice gods exist.

>>47613020
last time was not my fault, if I remember correctly.

>>47612846

Time briefly slows as you see the bullet approach you. When it draws almost to you a field of energy seems to appear from thin air before it. However, it forces itself through the field, shattering it.

Time returns to normal as your vision goes white, your stomach bearing a scorching pain as you stumble backwards and collapse.

Blinking away tears, you grit your teeth as Garren kneels over you. His expression is more disappointed than anything.

"Last of the Valkyries," He mutters, placing a hand on your side. "The Allfather has an odd sense of humor."

Like with Anna, you feel an overwhelming sense of warmth and the pain begins to subside.

"Alright, up," Garren orders. "If I'd been aiming for anything serious you'd be in trouble."

Raising up, you look down at your side and see a small tear in your shirt. However, the skin showing shows no signs of damage. You look up at him in confusion.

"Mother was a Valkyrie, and my father a descendant," He explains, offering you a hand that you take. "I once swore an oath to one as well, so I'm damn near as close to a Valkyrie as an honest man can get."

"Why did it break?" You ask. "Before, at the prison, I managed to stop more than just a pistol."

"Wonderful things like adrenaline help amplify your abilities, but it's not exactly working with much. You may be a Guardian, but that's no excuse to neglect your magical potential. If a bit of extra strength was all that made someone a Valkyrie, well, I'd have earned my wings long ago."

You place a hesitant hand on your side.

"That's why he managed to paralyze me, wasn't it?" You ask.

"A part of it, yes. He'd used so much of his strength subduing the only one of you with a lick of real magic, he had to just get rid of you," Garren explains. "Stopping bullets is one thing. Resisting holy magic is something else entirely."

(Cont.)

>>47613206

"So...I need to work on my magic, then."

"Very much so. All three of you do. You might all make fine soldiers, but it's not soldiers we need. It's Valkyries, and that means being more than just another rifle."

"How do I do that?"

"Your affinity with magic is like a muscle. The more you train it, the better it becomes. There were ways to speed the process along, but most of the science behind your training aren't available to us. So, we have to rely on the old fashion way of things."

"Such as?"

"You're going to do your best to kick the shit out of me."

You can't help but laugh.

"I can try," You say.

"That's all I can ask of you," He nods. "Let's start over with the basics, less dangerous this time."

The next several hours go by with Garren teaching you the basics of using and maintaining your magical reserve. He explains that certain acts use different amounts of magic, and once you've exhausted your reserve completely, you'll need to fully recover before you can use it any further.

You're capabilities are still hardly anything worthy of song, but you learn quickly.

During your training, you focused on...

>Offensive magic; ranged attacks and amplifying your physical strength.
>Defensive magic; using barriers as well as providing battlefield healing.

>>47613221
>>Defensive magic; using barriers as well as providing battlefield healing.

>>47613221
>Offensive magic; ranged attacks and amplifying your physical strength.

>>47613221
>Defensive magic; using barriers as well as providing battlefield healing.

>>47613221

By the time Garren decides to end end your training for the day you're both exhausted. You've managed to create and sustain a minor defensive barrier, as well as heal a black eye you accidentally gave him. Garren says the barrier is a passive ability, and should help against surprise attacks. Though not quite a sixth sense, it will help at least cushion attacks that you don't see coming. As well as those you do.

"I'll help both of your sisters when they find the time," He says as you walk back to the main part of the temple. "It's been too long since I've managed to work with someone worth a damn. Training the Resistance serves a purpose, but you can't make steel out of copper."

"I'm sure you're still a great help to them."

"Oh, certainly. I make as decent a drill sergeant as I do a Valkyrie trainer."

"Is that why you dress like a member of the Resistance?"

"In a manner of speaking. A long time ago I served the Empire, spent my time getting shouted at by the best soldiers in the world. Now they're dead, and it's my turn to do it in their stead."

You finally reach the main hub of the temple, and Garren turns to you.

"Though I may not show it, it was an honor to train you, Lady Sarah," He says. "I hope we're able to do it again."

Without a doubt he's the best teacher you've seen that can keep up, even excel, with a Valkyrie. As much as he's a boon to training Resistance recruits, you could use him just as well.

>"If we really are the last Valkyrie, we could use a teacher like you on our journey."
>"The honor was mine, sir. Thank you."

>>47613221
>Defensive magic; using barriers as well as providing battlefield healing.

Healers are always in demand.

>>47613557
>"If we really are the last Valkyrie, we could use a teacher like you on our journey."

Gotta git gud.

Though if we're doing this we should push over at least one more Resistance target. I dunno, rek a russian supply convoy or something.

>>47613557
>"If we really are the last Valkyrie, we could use a teacher like you on our journey."

>>47613557
>"The honor was mine, sir. Thank you."
Special operation teams don't win wars, The grunts in the trenches do.

File: how to win wars.png (7 KB, 350x247)

7 KB PNG

>>47613650
I asked google how to win wars.

Logistics
Worship
Artillery
Gold
Intelligence
Technology
Money

We already have the worship.
That's a pretty clear indicator that we need to work on our Economy to win wars. Plus build some artillery.

So, how do we pump out the Cash and the Tech?

>>47613699
well... we have the Nazi's who do crazy and amazing shit? We'd really need to get a safe location and abunch of needs that we could funnel shit into but we're constantly on the move and the ship only has so much room.

We can also rob Russian and order locations for cash?

>>47613699
Wait.

Why would Google, of all places, suggest that money wins wars?
That's dangerously close to "Money causes wars", and Google wouldn't like people (following) that ((trail)) to see where it (((ends up))).

>>47613800
Cash has little value in a war if it's not of a widely accepted tender. Typically your own guys won't accept your enemy's currency, and if you try to buy stuff from your enemy, they'll tell you to fuck off. Robbing Gold, on the other hand, will pay off well.

>>47613815
your a cheeky cunt, I like you. ((Goldberg))

>>47613836
Well we'd have access to Germany, 'russia' to a degree, including the former empire holdings, Italy and abunch of the Balkans. So our tender might get us places.

>>47613888
Having access to Italy is a downside in any war.

>>47613699
Don't worry, Hearts of Iron 4 is out soon. We'll figure out how to win then.

>>47613557

"If we're really the last Valkyrie, then we're going to be needing a good teacher," You say.

"Is that a not so subtle invitation, Lady Sarah?"

"Indeed it was."

Garren snorts, but doesn't immediately refuse. Instead he seems to think the offer over with a degree of uncertainty.

"I may take you up on your offer, but I'll give you a definite answer once you're prepared to leave," He says. "Until then, I bid you good day."

Waving him off, you're left to your own devices.

>Go check up on Anna.
>See what Emma's found out.
>Go pester Tobias.

>>47613916
Having Italy on your TEAM is the downside. We have the Nazi's, not Italy. Its called buying through a third party.

>>47613927
>See what Emma's found out.

>>47613927
>Go pester Tobias.
ROUTE LOCK

I was hoping we'd get to waifu Rommel tho

>>47613937
then don't lock the fucking route you twat.

>>47613944
2late lol

>>47613927
>Go check up on Anna.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>47613927
I notice we have one request for each option.

Here is a tiebreaking dice.

>>47614000
In order of posts?

>>47614038
I ... I don't know.

This didn't help at all did it.

>>47613937
(Soon.)

>>47613927

You find Tobias alongside the commanding Resistance officer, Lieutenant Alan. They and several others stand huddled around a map of Finland and the rest of the Baltic region. Upon your entrance only Tobias and his men remain at ease, the rest straightening and facing you.

"Lady Sarah," Alan says. "You honor us with your presence."

"The honor is mine," You smile. "I simply came to find my own lieutenant. What is it you're doing?"

"Plotting and planning," Tobias says. "I've been trying to help them plan their next course of action."

"With the prisoners help we've found a handful of targets worth hitting," Alan explains, looking back to the map. "The closest, and easiest to reach, is a warehouse owned by a left-wing paramilitary group. Allied with the independents, it's full of weapons and armor to be used if there's ever a wide-scale uprising. Similar buildings and group no doubt exist, but we have solid evidence that this one is here."

"There's also, of course, finding Grigori," Tobias adds. "Following our attack it's believed he's moved from the west to the east. We think he may try and find those responsible."

"They say he's more beast than man, able to sniff out dissidents with the ease of a bloodhound," Alan says. "If he manages to find the temple, or even just the village below, I fear for the bloodshed that would follow. Which is why I wish to petition for the Colonel to allow us to hit him first, before he gets anywhere close to our home."

"Whichever they try, they'll likely get more support with a Valkyrie backing them," Tobias says. "Which would you support?"

>Raiding the arms warehouse.
>Assassinating Grigori.

>>47614410
Both seem like a good option. Do we have the resources to do both?

>>47614410
>Raiding the arms warehouse.
It mgiht lure out Grigori?

>>47614410
>Raiding the arms warehouse.

>>47614410

"I like them both," You say. "Can't we do both?"

"We can," Alan says. "In theory."

"In theory?"

"Killing an officer and raiding a major armory are no simple feats. The Resistance has been bolstered considerably, but to perform both would mean we'd have to dedicate soldiers not as well trained as we'd like. Though, I admit, if both teams were assisted by Valkyrie..."

He lets the comment hand in the air.

"What if we combine the two?" You offer. "Grigori will not just be looking to stop us, not after what we've done. He'll likely want to make a show of it. So if we raid the warehouse of an allied faction, cause chaos, he may be drawn in to try and stop us."

"They still don't know just exactly what they're dealing with," Alan admits. "As formidable as it's said he is, I'm confident we can handle him with your help and that of Lady Emma."

"The longer we wait for him, the more we'll have to deal with," Tobias says. "It's not a bad plan, but every minute that passes with us still there are that many more soldiers that arrive. We won't be out in the wilderness this time. We'll be in a city, and we'll be facing more than a surprised garrison."

"We'll get in contact with the local army commander," Alan explains. "Army units sympathetic to us will be among the last to arrive, so if any Finnish Army troopers arrive, they'll likely be no friend of ours."

Taking two birds with one stone would put the Resistance that much closer to being a major and ground changing force in Finland. However, you're not certain about taking on a force that's both prepared and larger than you.

>Raid the warehouse and leave.
>Raid the warehouse and lay a trap.

>>47614759
>Raid the warehouse and lay a trap.
Go big or go home.

No I don't mean giantess valkyries. I mean take risks for great rewards!

>>47614759
>Raid the warehouse and lay a trap.

>Raid the warehouse and lay a trap.

>>47614759
Question, will there be more runic magic in the quest? Like Galdr singing?

>>47614928
Runic magic works by spelling out words or sentences in another language, e.g. the language of the gods, right?

>>47614759

"Grigori sounds like someone I'd enjoy meeting," You say. "We'll take all that we can from the warehouse and wait for him."

"It will take time to prepare, but I'll see it done," Alan says. "Keep this pace, Valkyrie, and we may just see Finland free after all."

With the decision made they begin to work out the logistics and other requirements needed to pull this off. It's hardly interesting, but you admit it's a talent Tobias has and does well. It never fails to amuse you how serious he gets when he's next to a map or plan.

He briefly looks at you, curious as to why you're still here. Or maybe why you're staring at him?

You hesitate, uncertain yourself.

>Stay, try to learn from the officers.
>Let them do the boring work, find something else to do.

>>47615011
>>Stay, try to learn from the officers.

>>47615011
>Stay, try to learn from the officers.
Learn how Logistics works, Sarah.
Wars aren't won on spirit alone. Unless your spirit can summon fuel, ammunition, food, and spare parts.

>>47614941
sadly, you know more than I do, anon

>Stay, try to learn from the officers.

>>47615028
No I'm asking how it works.

The common idea is that runes represent words in the language of the gods, but that's not necessarily how it works. They might not inherently mean anything, and just be pretty patterns that you write so that the god of A E S T H E T I C decides your scribbles are Runicwave enough to bestow you with power.
Or they might represent patterns in your mind, and serve as a focus or mnemonic to help you work your mind's abilities.

>>47615058
Or fuck knows. Maybe Group Theory is a fundamental force of the universe, and by forming a proper subgroup out of runes (under a certain operation), the universe aligns itself along the mathematical axis, and the realignment looks like you casting a fireball.

I know the Celts viewed Knots as inherently carrying magic, with the type of knot and the arrangement of knots determining the magic. Knots are math. So it might be that way for runes.

Basically, I dunno how it works.

>>47614928
I saw your question but my brain decided to not add any comment. Yes, eventually you (and/or other Valkyrie) can learn Galdr magic, either written or spoken.

>>47615011

As much as it drains your spirit, you admit their work is essential to making your mission possible in the first place. So you remain with them, listening and occasionally asking questions. To your relief they're pleased to answer you, and Tobias seems proud of your dedication. The thought makes you happy.

To get the required manpower for this operation they have to draw from multiple Resistance cells in and around the city the warehouse sits within. Thankfully said city rests in the northeastern part of the nation, where wilderness far outnumbers civilization. This means there are both less defending troops and less cells to draw support from. Even so, the force intending to take on the warehouse number over thirty in strength, discounting the drivers meant to provide transport and flee.

The paramilitary group in question is one of the primary backers of the Independence Party, playing the part of their enforcers where the Russians would be distasteful. Entirely Finnish in membership, they are the majority of the extreme left in Finland. From what you gather, they were the political opposite of the Resistance when they were still part of the political right.

A brief call to Colonel Elias confirms that you'll be receiving some of the Resistance's best fighters. The Colonel won't make a personal appearance, but he sends his regards and hopes for a swift victory.

(Cont.)

File: Borrow mean links.png (261 KB, 800x794)

261 KB PNG

>>47615058
>>47615089
Also I expect this shit to pop up constantly.

>>47615302

"We'll let our man near Grigori let it slip what we plan to do shortly before we attack," Alan says. "He'll make like hell to get to us before we leave, while anyone that may help us later on will drag their feet."

"Sounds good," You nod. "When will we be ready?"

"Within an hour's time, if all goes well. It'll take time to get there, so we'd best make haste. Will you retrieve your sister?"

"Will do," You say, turning on your heel.

You feel good, having been part of the planning process for once. Perhaps it wasn't as boring as you first thought.

You find Emma in her usual place, though this time in a more amusing position. Her face is planted inside a book, leaned over the table and blissfully snoring away. You feel like she didn't leave that chair since you and Tobias left her.

>Wake her gently.
>Zap her.

>>47615318
>Wake her gently.

>>47615318
>Put her hand in a pot of warm water

>>47615318
>Wake her gently.
>>47615338
Not cool anon.

>>47615364
Yes, Warm.

>>47615318
>Wake her gently.

>>47615338
You. I like you.
>>47615369
And you.

>>47615318

You approach her and place a hand on her shoulder, gently shaking.

"Emma?" You ask. "Em, come on. Wake up."

She murmurs something and nuzzles her book. As adorable as she is, you persist until she cracks open an eye.

"Are we under attack?" She murmurs.

"No," You say.

She answers with a grunt, pushing herself up and rubbing her face, yawning. She scratches her cheek, looking up at you with an unfocused glaze in her eyes.

"What's the matter, then?" She asks.

"We're making another move with the Resistance," You tell her. "We're going to be pulling some heavy punches, so they need another Valkyrie along for the ride."

"Last time wasn't heavy?" She asks, standing and stretching. "What exactly did you talk us into?"

"We're stealing from some government enforcers, maybe killing an enemy officer if we're lucky," You explain.

"Great," Emma nods. "I'm on-board."

You both depart to your rooms to prepare. Once again you don your armor and shoulder your gun. It's a familiar, welcome weight in your arms. You walk into the hall to find Emma waiting for you. Her armor is nowhere near as bulky, but it still provides decent enough protection from what she can't dodge.

"You should train with Garren," You say. "He's good at his job, if a little heavy-handed."

"The Gothi's apprentice?" Emma asks. "I'll look into it, once we get back. Is he a decent teacher?"

"He shot me, but it was only because I didn't stop him."

She gives you a pained look, then shakes her head.

"I'm not even going to ask," She says.

"Probably a smart idea," You chuckle.

(Cont.)

>>47615825

By that time the initial team is gathered in the temple hub. Beside you and Emma and a gaggle of Resistance and Tobias' men, a dozen in total. The rest are meant to either meet them along the way or at the city itself.

"You all know your orders," Alan says, now donned in worn but well-maintained Swedish Army fatigues. His men are similarly dressed. "Let's get going."

A pair of transport trucks await you, and in short order the small convoy sets off onto the rural roads of Finland. Winter is slowly on its way out, but you're traveling further north. Over time, you notice the others wrapping their coats tighter around themselves, but you and Emma remain unaffected.

You drive for an hour when you feel someone nudge you, turning, you see Tobias pointed out of the back of the truck. Behind you, another truck has appeared. The two men in the cabin wave, and one of the Resistance men wave back. Before you reach the city, two more of the trucks have joined your convoy to a total of five.

You come to a stop after what feels like an eternity of driving. Only a handful of you dismount, primarily officers, as you see the city sprawled out in the distance.

"Our man inside says Grigori and his personal guard are on their way as he speak," one of the Resistance officers says. "He's likely not far behind us."

"Then the trap is set," Alan nods. "Some of you fought at the prison, so you know what to do. Stay next to the Valkyrie, keep them supported, and they'll do the same to you. Understood?"

A chorus of acknowledgement.

"Let's begin," Alan says.

You all return to your vehicles, closing the canopy to hide the passengers within. It's not long before the sounds of the city grow slowly but steadily.

(Cont.)

>>47615844

"When we first start there's bound to be people around," Alan says. "I want no accidents. Watch your fire, make sure the area's clear before you start using grenades."

The others nod, checking their weapons one final time as the air in the truck grows tense.

The truck soon groans to a halt, and near the front cabin you hear voices speaking. You recognize the driver's voice, but the other is less fluent, more gravely.

"It says this is the place," The driver says. "Everything we have goes in there. Look for yourself if you want."

Gravel crunches beneath boots as someone moves around the truck and pauses at the canopy. The flap raises and there stands a man in a familiar beige uniform. The man's eyes widen in surprise, but before he can open his mouth Alan and another man grab him and yank him inside, the former sinking a knife into his throat.

The man thrashes briefly, then goes limp. Alan and Tobias are the first ones out, and you're close behind.

There are a number of warehouses around you, all unmarked except for a number and a letter. However, you make a confident guess that the one you're looking at is guarded by half a dozen beige soldiers. Seeing you emerge, they are as surprised as the first man, but are much quicker to react.

"Alarm!" One shouts, raising his rifle and firing.

>Roll 1d100.

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>47615860

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>47615860

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>47615860
Kappa

>>47615935
fuck's sake, really?

File: greyface.png (126 KB, 300x400)

126 KB PNG

>>47615943

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>47615860

You level Freyja and send a torrent of fire flying towards the guards at the front gate. Two of them are cut to pieces, but the remaining three take cover behind barricades they had built.

On the other side of the warehouse you hear a similar fight breaking out with the other half of the team, including Emma.

One of the large doors to the warehouse slides open and a man briefly appears, aiming his rifle not at you but at the truck behind you. You spot something seemingly placed inside the barrel of his rifle, but you don't get long to inspect it.

He fires the rifle and your world goes silent, a force throwing you down onto the ground on your hands and knees. Freyja clatters to the ground, only the sash wrapped around you keeping it with you.

Looking back, you see the truck you had come in, and intended to carry supplies, now in flames and in pieces. Around it, a Resistance soldier and one of Tobias' men lay dead. Nearby, Alan lay with a shard of metel lodged in his shoulder.

Though your ears are still ringing you force yourself up, bringing Freyja to bare once more. The rifleman appears again and you tear apart him and the doorway he hid behind.

Looking back, you see Alan being tended to by one of his men. Tobias smacks you on the back, shouts something you don't hear, and advances into the warehouse.

You do the same alongside the remainder of your team. Inside, a number of the paramilitary men are squaring off with the assault team from both sides. Crates and barrels of various military hardware sits within the building, some of it being used by cover by both sides. The thought of using your machinegun in here is an uneasy thought.

>Be mindful of your shots, keep using Freyja.
>Rely on your magic, support the others.

>>47616117
>Rely on your magic, support the others.

>>47616117
>Rely on your magic, support the others.

Rolled 11, 32 = 43 (2d100)

>>47616117
Let's just get these rolls out of the way and advance the RNG a bit

>>47616117

You decide against getting blown to high hel and put Freyja aside. Instead you flex your hands and concentrate.

"Tobias, follow me!" You say.

Without question he breaks from his cover nearby and moves behind you. You're surprised he doesn't have a comment or objection. Maybe he's finally learning to trust your judgment.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Sarah," He mutters.

There it is.

You move forward and Tobias dutifully follows. It's only a few steps before your in sight of a pair of enforcers. One raises his rifle and fires, the shot ringing off of the air in front of you. He fires again, alongside his dumbfounded companion, before the latter is shot by Tobias for hesitating out of cover.

"You're insane," Tobias says, shooting the other man. "Keep going!"

>Roll a 1d100-10, forgot to say first of three count.

Rolled 19 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>47616325

Rolled 94 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>47616325

>>47616413
Need ta +- to add the minus anon.

Rolled 47 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>47616325

(I'm going to assume that the rolling system doesn't take the -10 into account and just adds it to the result. In which case I'll take that 9 if that's alright with ya'll.)

>>47616325

You push forward into the warehouse, Tobias right behind you with the others not much farther. As prepared as these men were to face the Resistance they weren't expecting you or your sister. Bullets continue to ricochet or simply stop on your barrier, your heart pounding in your ears as you see the bullets draw closer and slam against it.

"Keep it up, Sarah, you're doing fine!" Tobias says, firing over your shoulder and through the barrier.

Ahead of you, you spot Emma moving as a near blue, vaulting over small crates and colliding with unlucky defenders. Some are simply thrown into containers, sprawled out and unable to take cover. Others are shot or hit, one of them grabbed spun, sent flying into a wall with a crack.

She pauses to reload her pistol when she sees you, gives you a thumbs up, and continues her work as you do the same.

The defenders, for their part, fight to the last man. In the span of three minutes the entire warehouse is cleared. The remaining survivors of the group then scramble to begin hauling ammunition and other supplies into the surviving trucks.

You rest against a nearby crate, the barrier having nearly sucked the life out of you. Emma sits nearby, equally exhausted, though physically rather than mentally.

"Where did you learn to do that?" She asks.

"Garren," You answer. "As I said, he's a good teacher."

(Cont.)

>>47616604

Nearby, Alan and a handful of others sit while a pair of Resistance medics tend to them. Most of them only have minor wounds, but Alan and another man are in a more dire state. The piece of shrapnel in the lieutenant's shoulder is embedded deep, and the wound is flowing freely. The other man was shot in the stomach, and is doubled over on the ground, being tended to by a hurried medic.

You remember the recovery techniques Garren taught you, but your heart pains every time you hear the wounded.

>Let the medics work, recover your strength.
>Help heal the wounded.

>>47616611
>Help heal the wounded.

>>47616611
>>Let the medics work, recover your strength.
No good to anyone if we pass out.

>>47616611
>Let the medics work, recover your strength.

>>47616611

As much as it pains you, you're having enough trouble yourself. Instead, you steady your breathing and try to regain some of your strength.

For a short time, at least, the sounds around you dampen and you feel some of the fatigue begin to lift.

Sadly, it ends almost as soon as it begins. When you open your eyes, nearly all of the warehouse is empty. Alan, his shoulder now bandaged, attempts to stand up straight as he speaks.

"We've loaded up all we can alongside the wounded," He says. "We're prepared to take positions and await Grigori's arrival."

"You're hardly in a position to fight, Lieutenant," Tobias says from his place beside him. "Leave your fighting men with mine. We'll take care of him."

Looking to Emma, you see that she's rested some as well, however little it might be. You wonder if it'll be enough.

>"Get yourself out of here, Alan. We'll handle the Father."
>"We've worn ourselves out too much. We leave now; let Grigori find ashes."

>>47617228
>"Get yourself out of here, Alan. We'll handle the Father."

>>47617228
>"Get yourself out of here, Alan. We'll handle the Father."

>>47617228
>>"Get yourself out of here, Alan. We'll handle the Father."

>>47617228

"Get yourself out of here, Alan," You tell him. "We'll handle the Father."

"May the Allfather look after you, Lady Sarah," He gives you a curt nod before departing.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Tobias asks, tone softening. "I'm not letting you push yourself again."

"I'm alright," You say, offering your usual cocksure grin. "Just watch my back, alright?"

"Always do," He says, smiling as he helps you to your feet.

"No, no, I'm fine," Emma muses dryly, standing on her own.

Tobias flushes, apologizing before Emma stops him.

"No need for any of that," She says, giving her own cheeky grin before glancing at you. "I'll see the wounded off. Find yourself a place to set up with that gun."

"Will do," You nod.

The trucks are soon gone, and any curious patrols are driven off by the perimeter scouts. You find yourself a place on your stomach on a catwalk above the warehouse floor, able to bring Freyja to bare on either doors. The remaining explosives have been positioned around the ground fleet alongside crates the enemy could use as cover. You hope it's not too much.

The sun has begun to set as the men on the perimeter report vehicles approaching fast. The remainder of your part number twenty three, most held up inside the warehouses around you. You, two Resistance fighters, and one of Tobias' men are positioned on the catwalk, masked in darkness as the light inside were smashed.

You remain still as a stone as you hear doors slam and engines die, voices shouting together as one. To your surprise you hear hounds baying, and within moments you catch sight of them.

They're massive, ugly things, snarling and slobbering as they yank on the ends of their chains. The enforcer holding onto them is easily over six feet tall, yet he struggles to keep them to heel, cursing and shouting. More soldiers enter the warehouse, rifles raised.

Then enters Father Grigori, and your heart seizes in your throat.

(Cont.)

>>47617778

He's a monster of a man, taller still than the handler and wearing full plate. His helmet rests clipped to his waste, revealing an ugly face covered in scars. A jagged line running down his face leaves a permanent sneer, revealing teeth yellowed and rotted. He strides into the warehouse with a sword strapped to his back, a bible attached to his belt. In his hands hangs a light machinegun similar to your own, though Russian in design.

"No survivors, Comrade Grigori," one of the enforcers report.

"I can see that," He growls. "Spread out, look for a trail. The hounds are hungry."

You swallow hard, but maintain your control as you steady your breathing. Your sights remain focused on Grigori.

He walks into the center of the warehouse, looking around him and then pauses. He inclines his head backwards, loudly sniffing at the air.

"That stench," He growls, and his men freeze. "I've smelled it before."

It's impossible, but he looks up at you, as if he always knew.

You open fire.

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>47617802

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>47617802
welp

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>47617802

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>47617802
PogChamp

>>47617802

Freyja roars to life, showering the man with bullets. He turns away and raises an armored arm, bullets tearing at the armor on his back and shoulder. He slams a gauntleted fist onto the ground, producing a blinding light that leave you seeing stars.

You blink away the spots in your eyes, finding the man moving with surprising speed towards the door on the opposite end of the warehouse. You fire at him once more, one of your bullets punching through his armor and causing him to stagger. However, by then he's through the door and out of sight. In his wake, his enforcers scramble to find cover and return fire. However, a handful of well-placed rounds ignite the explosives next to them and incinerate them.

With the men inside dead you vault over the catwalk, landing with a heavy thud. Outside, you hear Emma and the others exchanging fire with more of the enforcers. You glance over your shoulder where Grigori had left from.

>Go help Emma and the others.
>Go after Grigori.

>>47618211
>Go help Emma and the others.
Our sister is more important.

>>47618211
>Go help Emma and the others.

File: tihr get.jpg (209 KB, 1366x768)

209 KB JPG

>>47618211
Good news, Argy!

We've conquered Tihr.

Harlaus immediately called a Feast in Praven, so we're all riding back to celebrate.

File: when_butter_is_on_sale_in(...).jpg (273 KB, 1162x850)

273 KB JPG

>>47618338
>Mfw
>>47618211

You gave Grigori something to think about, so now your sister takes priority. You and the men with you rush outside, finding the street in chaos. Finnish Army troop trucks lay tipped over or aflame, with the bodies of enforcers and a handful of your own people scattered across the ground.

"Sarah, we've got a problem!" Emma shouts from behind a truck, looking ready to collapse. "Down the street!"

Looking, you look on in awe as the beast of metal comes rumbling up the street, gunfire brushing off it like it did your barrier. It was a fairly small thing, smaller than the trucks around it, but the machinegun on it chattered away while the other, larger gun on the turret appeared more dangerous. Two squads of enforcers move up alongside it.

"Jared, Anti-Tank rifle, now!" Tobias barks from nearby to a scrambling trooper. "Sarah, help us cover him!"

It's not that large. If you could scare off Grigori, surely something like this couldn't prove any more of a challenge.

>Do as he says.
>Deal with it yourself.

>>47618618
>Do as he says.

>>47618618
>Do as he says.

>>47618618
>Do as he says.

>>47618618

You take cover next to a parked transport truck, leaning out of cover and sending a torrent of fire down the street. It pacify's the enforcers, however briefly, but the tank is unfazed as it lurches ever closer. The AT trooper, Jared, braces himself against the ground beneath one of the trucks.

A loud thump is heard, and a hold is punched in the front of the tank. It halts, and Jared puts another hole in it. It turns its turret towards the tank the trooper's using for cover.

"Jared, Jared move! Now!" Tobias orders as he and other troopers scramble out of the way.

Jared, seemingly unconcerned, puts a third round into the tank.

>Duck.
>Protect him.

>>47619024
>Protect him.
WE'LL SHOW YOU WHO THE TANK IS HERE.

>>47619024
>Protect him.

>>47619024

You're not sure if Jared's deaf, stupid, or suicidal.

Either way, you like his way of thinking.

You sprint forward in front of the truck and brace yourself. The enforcers briefly cease their firing, seemingly dumbfounded by your apparent bravery.

"Good evening, Lady Sarah," Jared says calmly, reloading his gun.

"It's an evening, at least," You chuckle lowly.

The tank fires.

>Roll a 1d100-10

Rolled 94 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>47619116
welp

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d100 + 1)

>>47619116

>>47619163
Holy shit anon

Rolled 81 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>47619116

Rolled 82 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>47619116
FOR PONY

>>47619116

The shell comes flying at you. It grows larger and larger, seemingly aimed straight between your eyes.

It nearly touches you.

Then, with fluidity that surprises yourself, you deflect it. Taking a step back from the blow, you backhand the shell away, which sails into a neighboring warehouse and explodes uselessly within.

For seemingly an eternity, the entire city is silent.

The enforcers stare at you in a mixture of awe and horror.

>"Drop your weapons. Now!"
>"Run."
>Open fire.

>>47619269
>Open fire.

>>47619269
>"You've betrayed the motherland, For that you will burn."
>Open fire.

>>47619269
>Open fire.

>>47619269

You bring Freyja back to your arms and open fire, spurring the enforcers into action. A fourth round punches through the turret of the tank, and a fifth and final round seems to finally kill the beast as it begins to smoke.

You kill a number of the enforcers before they finally understand which direction you're not and going there. Before long the street is empty once more. Behind you, over half of the team is wounded, and five more Resistance men are dead.

"More will be here soon," Tobias says. "The Resistance will help us hide until we can leave. For now, we're going to have to keep our head down in the city."

You inspect the destruction around you.

"Grigori escaped," You say.

"A pity," Tobias admits. "You'll have him next time."

"I hope," You murmur.

Tobias rallies the men and disperses them into groups. A handful of safe-houses exist within the city, and with your previous transport well on their way to safety, you're going to be later getting home. You find Emma and offer her your support. Grateful, she leans against you as you walk.

"It'll be dark soon," She notes. "Good time for a nap, I think."

You take her hand a squeeze. With that, you follow Tobias and the team assigned with him. Within minutes, you come across a hurried looking man constantly checking around him.

"That was some good shooting," He says. "Come, come, I'll find you a place to stay."

Wordlessly Tobias nods, turning back and signaling you and the others to follow. In the distance, an ambulance siren begins to wail, quickly followed by others.

___________________

Made it well into tripple digits and nearly twenty people poking their heads in. Nice!

I think we're finally getting into a rhythm, which I'm more than happy to note. I'm gonna stick with my Saturday schedule until further notice, with the occasional two-fer when I'm feeling generous.

Any questions? Now's the time to ask'em.

>>47619569
Thanks for running Argyle.

>>47619569
Thanks for running!