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File: Young Knight and Witch.jpg (106 KB, 751x1063)
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“My dear?”
“Mmmh?”
“I hate to rouse you, but I thought you should see this.”
“Oh. Thank you. I suppose this is worth waking for.”
“I should warn you, things are much different now.”
“Good. They should be. Nothing should be stagnant.”
“Was that a joke? Oh, I’m already regretting at how this will end.”
“How do any of my dances end?”
“Ohhh, my Lady…you spoil me.”
“Hard to find something more rotten than yourself. Now, like always, I’ll lead.”

- - - -

You are Orion Boglach, now Sir Orion Boglach, and right now you are truly glad you were raised in a swamp, as you, and the other knights, trudge through the murky sludge of one. Well, you were raised in the family castle that was built on the edge of the swamp. It was close enough for you to know the tricks. You are the only one who’s not complaining about mud sticking to armor, or wriggling things slipping into your boots.

Actually, this isn’t too far away from your home. If you climbed up to the top of one of the tall trees here, you could probably see the lights from either the castle, or the town. All the more reason why you have to succeed in this mission.

Your first mission. Everyone’s first mission, really. The final test for the graduating class of Knights in the service to the Kingdom of New Brios. There have been reports of strange lights, odd noises, and other signs of magical activity. Of course, this is the Northern Swamp, so that’s not out of the ordinary. What is strange is that a surveyor team for the railway, and the detachment sent to protect them, has disappeared too.

If you’re lucky, then they just wandered afoul of some swamp beast. This place is full of the things. Also, the ‘magical signs’ could be anything from bog gas, the visions of some farmer eating bad mushrooms, or the histrionics of an Infallible family, screaming about a Hedge Witch’s presence. To those zealots, someone just out gathering plants is a sign of blackest sorcery. Those were the predictions of the other four knights, and back before you had to leave your horses, they were plausible.

But, you know this swamp. Its long black hanging moss, the pale soft-barked trees, hazel colored flowers, and warm thick reddish mud, are all familiar friends. This was your playground as a child, and there are signs, bad signs, that you spot. No fireflies. Not enough snakes lounging about. The frogs are quiet. You’re coming up on something bad.

(cont)
>>
File: Swamp.jpg (223 KB, 1032x688)
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>>349336
You draw your weapon. Your fellow knights look at you, and they draw their weapons as well.

The stories, and older members of the order, all speak of a ‘knightly bond’ between members of the brotherhood. You have no idea what that is. There’s the two jackasses taking point, who only joined so they could then skip over to the New Brios National Army, and become a Captain without seeing a single battlefield. Then there’s the two cowards, limping along in the mud behind you. They had their families buy their way past the initial tests. Nothing improves your value on the marriage market, and family’s prestige in Parliament, than having a Knight’s title. Or…at least it used to, now you suppose it’s the easiest way to get a quick bump.

Of course, they probably think just as little of you as you do of them. You could be seen as the backwards relic. The one who thinks that just because his uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and so on were all knights, that makes him better than the rest. You hope you aren’t. You hope that you’re a knight who knows how to respond to dangerous situations.

Such as what to do when you come upon a Demonic Tree, in the middle of a clearing in the swamp.

Everyone freezes when you see it. There’s a huge black tree, a tree that can NOT exist in your swamp, rising out of the water and mud. It’s bark is bone white, but you can also see black wood underneath it. This is not a tree. It’s something from Hell. Someone created a Black Gate, opened it, brought something through it, planted it here, and nurtured it so it grew into…this.

You see, on the other side of the clearing, a swamp hut. It’s hard to spot, but you’ve put together a few in your youth. You doubt this one is as innocent as those were. There’s also chains on the door. No idea if that’s to keep something in, or out.

The only way to the hut is to walk around the Tree’s clearing through thicker brush, or to cross the clearing. The only way you’re going to get there quietly, is if you go yourself.

Also, your ‘brothers’ are debating what to do. The general feel of the group is ‘This is over our heads, we should run.’ However, while the Jackasses want to cut and run, the Cowards say that they need to get a bit of a tree to bring back for the Prudens to examine.

Huh…maybe you mislabeled them.

> Sneak off to the hut on your own, by going through the brush.
> Boldly stride out into the clearing.
> Try to get your brothers to agree on a plan.
> Wait until they decide what to do.

Majority vote wins, Minimum 3 votes, 15min time limit for votes once three have been made. In case of ties, votes will be given an opportunity to change votes and new votes will be accepted. If a tie remains, choice will be decided by a die roll. Dice rolls will be d20s, 3 rolls minimum, best roll plays. Unless specified, DC is 15. Crit Success trumps Crit Fail which trumps non-crit Success and Fail.
>>
>>349343
>Quietly announce our intention to enter the clearing. Ask them to provide backup if things go south.
>>
>>349343
>>349383
Backing.
Are you anon intentionally?
>>
>>349434
No, that was a slip-up on my part. Apologies.
>>
>>349343
>>349383
Backing this as well.
>>
>>349383
>>349343
If this is an option, then I'm backing this instead of my other vote.
>>
File: Hell-Tree.jpg (253 KB, 736x737)
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>>349383
"Brothers?" You say.

The other knights turn and look at you.

"I'm going out there." You motion towards the tree and the clearing. "You should hang back, but be ready, in case something goes wrong."

"Why you?" One of them, the Not-Coward asks.

"Because I know how to run in this muck, if I have to." You say.

"Are you just going out with that blade?" The same knight asks. He lifts up his pistol. "You want mine?"

"Pfft." One of the jackasses snorts. "This one doesn't like 'modern' weapons."

You narrow your eyes at the jackass, but don't say anything. Contrary to popular belief. You think gunpowder weapons are marvelous things. Anything that kills something, while it’s a field away from you, is something that you approve of. You’ve seen a firing line, and there’s no question that it’s how New Brios will maintain its borders against any aggression from the Small Kings, Old Empire, and the Infallible State. However, in a one on one battle? You’d prefer something that’s simpler to use, and more reliable. For example, the others haven’t yet realized that those precious personal firearms that they brought with them are now useless as they’ve gotten waterlogged and jammed with Swamp Mud.

"I think a sword will be more useful. Never doubt the strength of a single sword." You say. "Anyway, you need to clean that, fire it now and it'll jam."

The jackass rolls his eyes. "You want to go out and get killed, fine."

"Remember, we'll need a branch for the Prudens to examine." The knight with the pistol says.

You nod, and then start walking out into the clearing.

That Tree is a thing from Hell. No question. But a Demon wouldn’t do this. Demons just hunt for food. This is the work of a Soul-Sold. A powerful one too, if it’s made this. You don’t see anyone around. The swamp is still, but you know that doesn’t mean anything.

> Walk straight across towards the swamp hut, quietly.
> Head for the Hell Tree, you need that sample.
> Start thrashing in the water, best to get the attention of whatever's in here while your brothers are capable of helping you.
>>
>>349551
> Head for the Hell Tree, you need that sample.
>>
>>349551
>Head for the Hell Tree, you need that sample.
>>
>>349551
> Head for the Hell Tree, you need that sample.
>>
>>349551
>> Head for the Hell Tree, you need that sample.
>>
>>349551
>> Head for the Hell Tree, you need that sample.
>>
File: Swamp Coven.jpg (627 KB, 1391x900)
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>>349569
>>349576
>>349642

You get closer to the tree. Already you can feel the pressure on your mind. The whispers that are just faintly audible, and the iron pendant under your armor is throbbing.

You start mumbling the basic litany of strength. You need to keep your focus. The tree is trying to tempt you. Or lure you. Or it's asking for something. You don't know, you don't care. You're stronger than that.

Thankfully, the tree doesn't seem to be actively intelligent. It's a plant.

You gingerly touch one of the branches in your gloved hand. No reaction. You pull it down, and then with a swipe of your sword, you cut off a good 12+ inches of branch.

The tree recoils from you, a soft groaning noise of pain and fear.

Then, lumps start to emerge from the water.

The good news is that it's not one, extremely powerful Soul-Sold that summoned this thing. The Soul-Sold is of average strength, for a person who traded their soul away for hell-based power.

The bad news is that there are seven of them. You've found a coven, you are right in the center of them, and you just woke them from their communion trance state.

> "TO ARMS MY BROTHERS, CHARGE!"
> Dive under the water, now.
> Run for the hut
> Run for your fellow knights.
>>
>>349715
> Run for your fellow knights.
> "TO ARMS MY BROTHERS, CHARGE!"
>>
>>349715
> "TO ARMS MY BROTHERS, CHARGE!"
>>
>>349715
>Run for the hut
>>
>>349715
>> "TO ARMS MY BROTHERS, CHARGE!"
some help is better than no help.
>>
>>349715
>Run for the hut
Those damned cowards are useless anyways
>>
Sorry I'm late, Echo! Catching up!
>>
Rolled 2, 15, 4, 13 = 34 (4d20)

>>349731
>>349735
>>349762

Orion Boglach, on his first day as a knight, took on an entire coven of Soul-Sold, living in his family's ancestral grounds.

Honestly, you don't even need to come out of this alive. Dad will be SO proud.

"TO ARMS MY BROTHERS!" You shout. "CHARGE!"

>Roll 1d10 for initiative, highest number of three plays, unless number is repeated.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>349833
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>349833
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>349833
rollan
>>
Rolled 1, 1, 7 = 9 (3d10)

>>349856
Well...turns out you were VERY wrong in your labels. Your coward brothers draw their pistol and a mace and charge forward. Your jackass brethren turn tail and run.

Three on seven...and they have Hell Magic and a Demon Tree.
>>
>>349880
It looks like your brothers-in-arms are NOT as at ease in swamp travel as you are. However, you are very at home here. You go first.

> Use your sword on the closest Soul-Sold
> Stab the tree
> Stab the S-S with the tree branch
>>
>>349899
> Use your sword on the closest Soul-Sold
>>
>>349899
>> Use your sword on the closest Soul-Sold
>>
>>349899
>Use your sword on the closest Soul-Sold
Wouldn't our training include what happens if a Soul-Sold is touched/stabbed with a branch of the Hell Tree it summoned?
>>
>>349899
> Use your sword on the closest Soul-Sold
>>
>>349899
>> Use your sword on the closest Soul-Sold
>>
>>349915
>Wouldn't our training include what happens if a Soul-Sold is touched/stabbed with a branch of the Hell Tree it summoned?
Yes and the answer is 'Almost anything.' Magic is unpredictable, barely controllable, possibly sentient, and unquestionably powerful.

You step forward through the murky water and slash.
> Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>349952
>>
>>349952
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>349952
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>349963
opps
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>349952
Kill them all!
>>
File: Soul-Sold.jpg (34 KB, 500x273)
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Rolled 5, 4, 5, 18 = 32 (4d20)

>>349968
>>349968
The creature screams as it staggers back (while some of them are easy to tell, you have no idea if this one is male, female, or Other. Soul-Sold warp their bodies in an endless number of ways.)

The S-S you hurt starts to chant, and her hands grow into claws. She swipes at you.

Four of the soul sold point at the knight with the gun and start chanting.

The last two also grow claws and lunge at the mace knight.
>>
Rolled 5, 3, 8, 14 = 30 (4d20)

>>350002
You dodge the attack. And the gun knight instantly starts reciting a litany back at the others in a loud clear voice.

The mace knight dodges one of the slashes, but gets hit by the other.

It looks like the soul-sold are going to be able to slash more, now that they don't need to chant to grow their claws.

Still, the gun knight aims and fires at the S-S you were fighting.

The mace knight swings at the creature that got him.

And remember, these are knights who have had the same training as you...although maybe they didn't take it as seriously as you did. (Roll 2d20, highest plays.)
>>
Rolled 3, 14 = 17 (2d20)

>>350022
>>
Rolled 3, 20 = 23 (2d20)

>>350022
>>
Rolled 9, 16 = 25 (2d20)

>>350022
rollan
>>
>>350022
The mace knight gets his hit in, and you hear the crunch of bone.

The gun shot goes wide.

>Unless you want to change attacks, keep rolling 1d20
>>
>>350027
>>350029
>>350030
My fault, I was unclear. I was rolling 2d20 for each knight.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>350031
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>350031
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>350031
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>350031
rolling
>>350064
nice
>>
Rolled 10, 11, 6, 19, 7, 6 = 59 (6d20)

>>350064
Oh Master Benic would be so proud of that move. A moving slash and stab that flows from one Soul-Sold to the next. The first one drops to the ground, red blood seeping into the water.

The second one screams os your blade slashes into her. She stops chanting at the Gun Knight, and draws her claws and aims at you.

Her sister also stops chanting and just lunges at you with her still forming claws. Your brother with the mace is dealing with a flurry of claws, and two S-S are still chanting at the gun Knight.
>>
Glad to catch your quest, Echo. Also thanks for the last one. I enjoyed it.
>>
>>350099
The chanting Soul Sold finish their chant, and suddenly the Gun Knight is pushed under the water, like something pulled him down and pressed him at the same time. You see a stream of bubbles.

Your mace knight gets another slash.

You manage to dodge the claws of the two attacking you.

> If you want to try and attack the chanters, you'll be easier for the ones attacking you to hit. Keep in mind, they get two attacks each now. Otherwise, to continue combat, roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>350115
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>350115
Take out a chanter
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>350115
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>350115
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>350115
You bunch have no guts for dice!
>>
Rolled 13, 2, 3, 16, 11, 20 = 65 (6d20)

>>350126
You try to lunge towards the chanter, but the soul-sold blocks you and knocks your sword out of your hand. It splashes into the water.

The two pairs of S-S lay into you and your partner. Your fellow knight also tries to fight back.

The chanters continue to recite, and you see fewer bubbles in the water.
>>
Can we save the drowned knight?

When does our witch appear?

And where is my OP song Echo?
>>
>>350163
Your partner gets another slash and is looking REALLY bad, but he manages to cave in the head of one of the soul-sold and have the back swing smash into the other one.

You wince as one of the S-S slashes you through your armor.

There's two S-S fighting you. One fighting the mace knight. Two chanting who are holding the gun knight under the water. And you don't have your sword. You know how to get items from this swamp.

> Use your turn to get your sword back
> Fight them with your fists alone: Roll 1d20 DC 17
> Try using the tree branch. Roll 1d20 DC:???
>>
>>350185
> Try using the tree branch. Roll 1d20 DC:???
>>
>>350185
> Try using the tree branch. Roll 1d20 DC:???
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>350185
>Try using the tree branch. Roll 1d20 DC:???
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>350185
>> Try using the tree branch. Roll 1d20 DC:???
>>
>>350171
>And where is my OP song Echo?
I'm still actually trying to pick one. KONGOS has the right mood, but I don't know if 'Come with Me Now' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz2GVlQkn4Q is too overused or not. I also like their new one. 'Take It From Me' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Or7opAAV0 Any preferences?
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>350185
>>350204
Forgot to roll
>>
Rolled 15, 4, 9, 17, 20, 1 = 66 (6d20)

>>350209
You lash out with your tree branch and whiff the air. The S-S laugh at you.

The chanters continue to chant.

The pair of S-S keep slashing at you.

The single S-S keeps attacking your fellow knight.
>>
>>350231
Can we try to save our friend?
>>
>>350210
Come with me now is probably the better of the two, but it still doesn't have the charm of run into the light did.
>>
>>350231
You watch horrified, as the other Soul-Sold rams their clawed hand right through the chest of your fellow knight. However, in his last gasp of life, he swings his mace and crushes the monster's throat. They both splash into the water, dead.

There's barely any bubbles left coming out of the swamp water.

You get a nasty slash from each of the Soul-Sold you're fighting.

You're bleeding very badly now. Another attack like that and you're dead.

>>350244
It's hard with two long clawed demonic humans slashing you to ribbons. But you can try.

> Continue to fight with hands/branch
> Grab sword
> Run
> Dive under water and try to free your comrade (This will let the other Soul-Sold have an easier time to hurt you.)
>>
>>350269
> Dive under water and try to free your comrade (This will let the other Soul-Sold have an easier time to hurt you.)
>>
>>350269
> Grab sword
>>
>>350269
>> Dive under water and try to free your comrade (This will let the other Soul-Sold have an easier time to hurt you.)
>>
>>350269
>tackle a chanter
>throw stick at other chanter
>>
>>350269
> Grab sword
>>
>>350269
>> Grab sword
>>
>>350269
> Dive under water and try to free your comrade (This will let the other Soul-Sold have an easier time to hurt you.)
>>
>>350278
>>350293
>>350305
Yes sacrifice our friend and get 4 on one'd. Brilliant.
>>
>>350292
>>tackle a chanter
>>throw stick at other chanter

I am changing my vote to this from grabby swordy.
>>
>>350316
This
>>
>>350272
>>350283
>>350311

You make a fake left, and then dive right and go under the water. It's just like when you were little...only...you weren't bleeding as much. (Honestly, these creeps hit almost as hard as your sisters.)

You always found it easy to see in swamp water, well...sorta. Just you know how to see anything in swamp water. You do see shapes of someone, struggling under the water. Something long and black is wrapped around his neck and his ankles.

You grab at his throat and pull as hard as you can.

> Roll 1d20 DC ??
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>350386
HWG
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>350386
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>350386
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>350386
for not coward number 2
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>350386
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>350403
oh no am so sorry
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>350386
>>
>>350396
You try, but it's on too tight. You look and you see your brother, your friend, your comrade, who is certainly not a coward...he shakes his head and motions for you to go. Run!

The he closes his eyes and sits back.

You see the bubble stop.

You swim away and you emerge out of the water...and find that you are surrounded by all four Soul-Sold.

You grip the tree branch in your hand and your blood drips onto it. You need a weapon, you want a weapon. Something to kill these monsters that killed your friends, and defiled YOUR home!

You wish...

> For a Sword
> For a Mace
> For a Gun
>>
>>350457
> For a Sword
>>
>>350457
>> For a Mace
simple and effective.
>>
>>350457
>> For a Mace
Much better for close combat
>>
>>350457
> For a Sword
>>
>>350457
> For a Mace
Brute Force can deal with the heathens
>>
>>350457
>>A Sword

There's something just [i]right[/i] about a Knight with a sword. Yeah, Maces are cool, and if there was a Catholic Church that forbid the shedding of Christian blood, I bet a mace would be baller. Guns can be cool, too, but what kind of gun is it?

No, I think we need a sword, brothers.
>>
>>350457
> For a Mace
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

1 Sword
>>350462
>>350479
>>350486

2 Mace
>>350482
>>350477
>>350472

Rolling
>>
>>350457
>> For a Sword
>>
>>350510
This day, we honor our lost Brother.
>>
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>>350510
There's a flash, and you feel the brach squirming in your grip. You do notice that the pressure, and whispering that you heard before has completely vanished. Instead...there's a feeling of something familiar...but it's just for a moment.

Because now you are holding a mace in your hand. It is impressive. This is much better than the standard issue equipment you received from the armory at the training hall.

The Soul-Sold all step back. Eyes wide and shocked. Obviously a knight isn't supposed to be able to do something like that.

It's an opening though.

> Fight until you drop
> Run
>>
>>350576
>>Fight until you drop.

We are a knight, charged with the defense of our home and our realm. We will die defending our land, or die trying!
>>
>>350576
>> Fight until you drop
With some luck, we can recover our brother's bodies at least.
>>
>>350576
> Fight until you drop
>>
>>350576
>> Fight until you drop
Deus Vult! (Or whatever the equivalent)
>>
>>350576
> Fight until you drop
We've probably committed some sort of heresy, but well, these things happen.
>>
>>350576
> Fight until you drop
>>
File: 1377914342411.jpg (422 KB, 1269x1991)
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Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>350608
am scared bbut we will atone
>>
>>350576
> Fight until you drop
>>
>>350594
You scream and swing at the bastards.

> As long as you use Orion's Mace. DC is 14 for now.

> Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>350629
Are we an Soul sold now?
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>350629
>>
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Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>350600 true
>>350629
begone evil
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>350629
Saving us with a half-decent roll.
>>
>>350603
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez6wfJWVCeI
>>
>>350634
>>350636
>>350637
Well that's terrifying
>>
ahaha oh lawd.
Reminds me of your last quest, Echo...these rolls.
>>
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>>350648
are yyyou the anon with the stump that is so happy?
>>
>>350648
>>350645
Dammit, men, roll!
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>350629
Saving this quest
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>350629
>>
File: Felled Knight.jpg (194 KB, 880x898)
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>>350636
You make one step towards the wounded Soul-Sold...and you get stabbed right in the back.

By your own sword.

You drop to your knees. The world spinning...and everything goes dark.

The Soul-Sold are laughing and clapping.

You do not let go of that mace.

So...Orion Boglach, latest knight of the Boglach line...felled to a coven of Soul-Sold...took down a few with him...

My won't Father be proud....

> Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>350678
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>350678
rip quest
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>350678
Nnnnoooo
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>350678
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>350678
>>
>>350674
>>350682
...fuck you, fuck your sixes, fucking hell.
>>
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>>350678
Rip Orion. We were barely a knight.
>>
File: 1332983383027.jpg (77 KB, 453x604)
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Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>350678
rolling
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>350678
honi soit qui mal y pense
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>350678
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>350678
>>
Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>350688
1. Eye
2. Left hand
3. Right hand
4. Tongue
5. Foot
6. Gelded
>>
File: 1239070134015.jpg (50 KB, 319x480)
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Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>350756
oh no... well at least our legacy is safe
>>
>>350756
2 handed mace is going to be hard to use with a gimp hand.
>>
File: Knight and Witch.jpg (17 KB, 236x335)
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>>350756
"Hello? Hello?" A voice rouses you.

You look around. It's dark, and you're in a small room that's made of wooden planks. You're tied up in thick hemp ropes, and your left arm hurts.

You're inside the swamp hut. You know that smell.

"Why am I still alive?" You say, half to yourself.

"They must want you for something special." The other voice says, and you see your companion.

It's a young woman with black hair. The woman has been bound. All of it in heavy black, iron chains. She’s dressed in a dark blue habit with a white tabard.

"I heard them say something about the tree...did...did you get it to work?" She asks.

"I...I don't know." You say.

"They've been sacrificing blood to it. It's supposed to be like a Contractor Demon, only...minus the middle man. Gifts directly from Hell." The girl says. She looks at you. "I can't move...can...can you see a man behind me?"

You look, you see what's left of a man. His hands are missing, along with his eyes, tongue, feet and...other parts. He's long dead.

"I'm sorry." You say.

"Damnit!" She says. "I think he was alive when you arrived...we thought..."

You curse your weakness. “Did you know him?” You ask.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I don’t even know his name.”

“I’m sorry.” You say. “Is there anyone else? The surveyor team?”

The Sister shakes her head. “No. The coven probably has them all dragged under the water. Feeding that abomination. I suppose they were saving me for something big. I suppose that no one told them that lunar positioning has no effect on sacrifices.”

“Why did they only use…parts of your handler?” You ask.

“To mock me. I begged them not to. Told them to use me. Said that I’d share my secrets.” The nun fights back tears and makes a choking sound as she holds her composure. “I’m sorry. I tried. I really did. They must have thought it was funny, letting me hope that he wasn’t dead.”

You pause. The habit...iron chains...secrets...no way.

"You're a sister of Walpurgis Abbey?" You say.

"A witchborn. Yes." The girl says. "Before you ask, no, this Iron they pulled from the tree. I can't do anything with it wrapped around me. We're stuck...until the moon is right and they kill me, and then harvest you like they did him...I'm sorry."

> Knowledge Roll 4d20
>>
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Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>350832
steel hand we are iron
>>
Rolled 10, 6, 18, 7 = 41 (4d20)

>>350866
>>
Rolled 9, 16, 15, 10 = 50 (4d20)

>>350866
HWG
>>
Rolled 9, 4, 8, 4 = 25 (4d20)

>>350866
>>
Rolled 2, 12, 15, 1 = 30 (4d20)

>>350866
rolling, I guess.
>>
Rolled 34, 98, 79, 94 = 305 (4d100)

>>350866
>>
>>350903
...Wat.
>>
Rolled 9, 20, 8, 19 = 56 (4d20)

>>350866
>>350903
Woops.
>>
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>>350886
You know two things right now.

1) The Litany of Passage allows Witchborn to cast past Iron.

2) You know that litany.

You have no idea if you've just sold your soul by using the tree to summon a weapon. Also, you do not know how to escape from these ropes, as they're both out of reach of your teeth and wet hemp is a bitch in general.

You can't perform the litany without touching both the Witch and the chain. You need a way out of these ropes!

> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
> Ask the Witch to bite you free.
> Forget the ropes, just lean up against the Witch and start reciting, who cares if Benic said that this was one of the Things You Should Never Do.
>>
>>350952
>> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
>>
>>350952
> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
>>
>>350952
> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
>>
>>350952
> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you
>>
>>350952
>> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
>>
>>350952
> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
>>
>>350952
> Try to get your feet, and legs, through your arms, so that your arms and hands are in front of you, instead of behind you.
>>
>>350952
>> Forget the ropes, just lean up against the Witch and start reciting, who cares if Benic said that this was one of the Things You Should Never Do.

What, we get wed for life?
>>
>>350968
>>350970
>>350971

You're woozy from all the lost blood, and your hand aches like crazy, so you aren't doing the cool thing of jumping over your hands, like Master Benic showed you.

Instead you're flailing on the ground like a baby, struggling with your arms and legs.

"Sssh!" The Witch says. "They'll hear you and come take another part!"

> Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>350989
HWG
>>
>>350989
GOD WILLS IT
>>
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Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>350989
foir balls
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>350989
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>350989
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>350989
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>350989
>>350998
LETS TRY THIS AGAIN
>>
>>351000
A sad performance.
>>
>>351000
You make it, but you also make a lot of noise. You lie there on the ground, waiting to hear if there's noise coming from outside.

The chanting starts up.

The witch looks at you. "Hurry!" She says.

You start gnawing on your wrist bindings. You do realize that you don't have a left hand anymore, you don't have the time to focus on it. Get free, or die. That's your only option.

> Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>351028
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>351028
Just move up to her.
>>
Rolled 904 (1d1020)

>>351028
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>351028
>>
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Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>351028
gogogo I love you people
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>351028
HWG
>>
>>351039
You whot mate?
>>
>>351035
>>351038
>>351042
welp gg no re we're dead.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>351028
DEUS VULT
>>
Is this going to be Echo's shortest quest yet?
>>
Just chant it while getting as close to her as possible.

Pray to your deity.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>351028
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>351039
Fuck meant this
>>
>>351068
>>351049
Oh wow.

Dead. Emi is amongst us.
>>
File: slav is durable.gif (2.57 MB, 375x221)
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>>351054
no we will become captain of the guard hook
>>
>>351076
I am glad they stopped for him on the other side of the road.
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>351028
>>
>>351038
You bite through the ropes but it takes too long, far far too long. The chanting finishes, and you hear the sound of people walking through the swamp water. Towards the hut.

No time to free your feet. You've got to get the girl out of those chains NOW.

"What's your name?" You ask.

"What?" She says.

"I need to know your name. NOW!" You shout.

"Geheimnis." She says.

"Bless you. Now tell me your name!" You say.

"That IS my name!" She snaps. "It's traditional!"

"Fine...Geheimnis..." You start the Litany of Passage.
- - -
You are Geheimnis, and the young boy in armor starts to chant under his breath as he places his hand on the chain and touches your shoulder with his bloody stump. You feel the iron chains feel...lighter...less heavy...less solid...the world is pressing down upon you and you can feel the thrumming of the universe around you. A gesture and the chains turn to brittle clay and shatter to pieces around you.

At the same moment, the door to the swamp hut opens, and one of the soul-sold is standing there, holding a ritual knife.

> Blast her
> Blind her
> Throw the boy at her
>>
>>351120
> Blast her
>>
>>351120
>> Blast her
PURGE THE HERETIC
>>
>>351120
> Blind her
>>
>>351120

> Blast her
>>
>>351120
>> Blast her
>>
>>351120
>> Blast her
>>
>>351120
> Blast her
>>
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>>351128
No time for anything fancy. Just a blast of raw power. To their face. Also, you don't know what that boy did, but the world is a bit easier. It's like for the moment, a lot of the heavier things in the world have stepped aside allowing you and your power to pass by them and mess up this freak's FACE!

> Roll 1d20+3
>>
Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>351218
Alright then.
>>
Rolled 8 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>351218
>>
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>351218
HWG
>>
>>351229
Apparently this soul-sold had a bit of battle damage, maybe from the boy...no...Knight. Only a Knight or Pruden knows about the Litanies.

Either way, the blast is enough to drop the soul-sold. Their kin are gathered around the tree. There's only three of them left.

> Free the knight
> Make a run for it.
> Face the creatures on your own
>>
>>351241
> Free the knight
>>
>>351241
> Free the knight
>>
>>351241
> Free the knight
>>
>>351241
>> Free the knight
>>
>>351255
>>351256
>>351274

You flick your fingers at the ropes binding the knight's feet they burn away to nothing in an instant.

"What's your name?" You ask as the pair of you run out into the swamp clearing.

The knight is looking at a large Mace leaning up against the tree. "Orion. That's mine." He says.

You don't sense any trace of Hell Magic upon it. You gesture and the thing flies from it's resting pace to your hands. You hold it out to him.

"Oh, It's going to be a bitch doing this one handed." He says.

> Let him deal and focus on fighting the Soul-Sold
> Adjust the Mace's properties
> Give the Knight a Hand.
>>
>>351320
>> Give the Knight a Hand.
Ayy.
>>
>>351320
> Give the Knight a Hand.
>>
>>351320
> Give the Knight a Hand.
>>
>>351320
> Give the Knight a Hand.
>>
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>>351320
> Give the Knight a Hand.
>>
>>351327
>>351334
>>351336

> Mud/Clay
> Wood
> Vines
> Rocks
>>
>>351353
> Mud/Clay
>>
>>351353
>Mud/Clay
>>
>>351353
> Mud/Clay
>>
>>351353
>>Vines
>>
>>351353
> Wood

GET WOOD
>>
>>351353
> Vines
>>
>>351353
> Vines
>>
>>351353
>> Mud/Clay
>>
>>351353
> Wood
>>
>>351353
>> Vines
Changing my vote to this.
>>
>>351364
>>351370
>>351375
- - -
You are Orion and you gape as the Witchborn, Geheimnis gestures, and a wad of reddish mud flies up from out of the water and splats against your chest. Covering your stab wounds, and the biggest blob is on your left stump...only you see it shape and twitch and...holy shit you have a hand again. It's a dull red of potters clay and it bends and cracks as you move it. But...it's your hand.

"That's not going to last." The Witch says. "But long enough until we're safe or dead."

"Long enough. Thank you Gehimemmen...look can I just call you Gem or something?"

"Fine."

The Soul-Sold have produced their claws and are advancing.

"My turn again." You say.

> Roll 1d20

It's a hard G sound, so it's more like 'Gemm' and less like the jewel
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>351415
nat 1
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>351415
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>351415
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>351415
second time's the charm?
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>351415
>>
>>351424
The Demon reels back as your mace smashes into it.

Gem smirks and goes for a follow-up.

> Blast the Soul-Sold with power
> See if THEY like being drowned
> Try to create a Construct to even the odds.
>>
>>351451
>> Try to create a Construct to even the odds.
Shiny!
>>
>>351451
> Blast the Soul-Sold with power
>>
>>351451
>> See if THEY like being drowned
>>
>>351451
> Blast the Soul-Sold with power
>>
>>351451
> See if THEY like being drowned
>>
>>351451
> Blast the Soul-Sold with power
>>
>>351451
> See if THEY like being drowned
>>
>>351451
> Blast the Soul-Sold with power
>>
>>351451
>> See if THEY like being drowned
>>
>>351505
>>351481
>>351467
>>351461

The Witch summons up a sphere of raw energy and chucks it at the Soul-Sold.

> Roll 1d20+1 (The Hand uses up some of her power granted to her by the Litany)
>>
Rolled 13 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351534
>>
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351534
>>
>>351534
GOD WILLS IT
>>
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351534
>>
>>351544
God wills you to learn how to roll.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>351534
>>
Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351544
>>351534
FUCK DAMMIT
>>
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>>351560
DEUS VULT BROTHER
>>
Rolled 15, 19 = 34 (2d20)

>>351543
WHAM and another one hits the dust.

The odds are now even. Still, the soul-sold summon their claws, and try to gut you like they did before.
>>
>>351570
And sadly, you're still not as fast as they are, so you get two nasty wounds.

But...you're still standing. (Barely) And you are not dying here without knowing that they're dying too!

The mace in your hand is warm, it knows you're about to die...again. But it feels your will, and now it knows its purpose. Your mace will end your enemies, if it knows that you are ending.

> Roll 1d20+1
>>
Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351600
>>
Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351600
>>
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351600
>>
Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>351600
>>
>>351604
And there's one more pulped Soul-Sold head. The splash is in the water and the water is churned crimson.

Gem looks at the last Soul-Sold. She's lost her will to fight, now that the odds are against her, and there's a pissed off knight that will NOT die and a very angry Walpurgis Witch both looking at her.

She's going to run.

> Blast her
> Drown her
> Get the vines to catch her
> Get the mud to hold her in place
> Rip the air out of her lungs
> Impale her on the damn tree
> Summon a spectral blade and see how SHE likes being carved up
>>
>>351620
>> Drown her
>>
>>351620
> Blast her
>>
>>351620
> Rip the air out of her lungs
Nothing that will give power to the tree etc
>>
>>351620
> Blast her
>>
>>351620
> Get the mud to hold her in place
>>
>>351620
>> Rip the air out of her lungs
>>
>>351620
> Summon a spectral blade and see how SHE likes being carved up
>>
>>351620
> Drown her
>>
>>351620
>Rip the air out of her lungs
>>
>>351666
>>351636
>>351630

Gem grabs the air and she PULLS, HARD.

> Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>351675
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>351675
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>351675
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>351675
>>
>>351699
Thank you for being slow
>>
>>351680
The Soul-Sold collapses to her knees, gasping for breath that wont come. She tries to run, but just ends up floundering and gasping, and coughing up blood.

Orion walks up to her. The laws are very concrete. This creature is no longer regarded as human. There's no need for anyone to speak to it. There are no trials.

And she killed your brothers.

> Smash her head in
> Hold her head under the water until the bubbles stop.
> Other
>>
>>351722
> Smash her head in
>>
>>351722
> Smash her head in
>>
>>351722
>> Smash her head in
Quick and clean.
Until we fuck up the roll.
>>
>>351722
>> Hold her head under the water until the bubbles stop.
slow and painful.
>>
>>351722
> Hold her head under the water until the bubbles stop.
>>
>>351722
> Smash her head in
>>
>>351729
>>351734
>>351735
You swing the mace down, and smash in the last of the coven's head in. There's no sound, and then slowly, you smile as you hear the right kind of silence return to your swamp. Filled with insects, frogs, and lots of other noises. A comforting silence that's anything but.

You look at the Hell tree. Then back at Gem. You motion for her to hold out her arm. She nods and does, you mutter a basic litany and see the seal of Walpurgis Abbey appear on the back of her hand. The Emperor's Compact. Good. There's no way to fake that, or its response to the litanies. She's a legitimate sister of Walpurgis Abbey.

"Without sacrifices," Gem says. "It'll wither and die on its own. Quickly."

"Anyway we can chop it to bits, or burn it?" You ask.

She shrugs. "It's a tree. If you don't mind waiting, we can burn it and hack it to pieces. I think I saw a sword lying around somewhere. It'll take hours though."

That's good, but there's the question of your fellow knight's bodies. If you leave them here, even for a couple of hours, they'll get bloated and putrefy...at best. You can't just haul the bodies out of the water and set them aside, either. It's going to take hours of work for both you and Gem to deal with the tree, and the swamp works much faster than that.

> The tree dies now, let's get to work.
> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
>>
>>351776
> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
>>
>>351776
> The tree dies now, let's get to work.
>>
>>351776
>> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
They died following me into battle. I can at least make sure they get home.
>>
>>351776
>> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
>>
>>351776
> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
We can always come back and check. Our brothers are more important.
>>
>>351776
> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
>>
>>351776
> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
>>
>>351776
> Let the tree rot. I need to take my brothers home.
>>
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>>351780
>>351782
>>351787
>>351790
>>351795

"We'll come back for the tree later. Can you help me with the bodies?" You ask. "Your friend in the shack, too. And anyone else we can find."

She nods.

Counting your comrades and Gem's friend, there's four bodies intact enough to take back home. The fourth one was half buried under the tree roots, and looks to be one of the missing surveyors. You also find complete skeletons of three people and an assortment of other bones, skulls, and random limbs.

You gather what you can. You know how to make decent temporary satchels out of hanging moss and bark.

Gem uses her power to construct a cart using fallen timber and mud.

Your left hand falls apart, a dripping mess. You use mud, moss, and bark to seal up your wounds.

"So where are we going?" Gem asks as she starts the cart moving.

"Home." You say as you limp along, pushing the cart.

"Where? Knight's Keep? Horizon?" Gem asks.

You shake your head. "Boglach Castle. It's closer than you think."

"The Lord won't mind that we show up on his doorstep with a cart full of corpses?" Gem asks.

"Well, seeing as I'm his son. I think he'll be fine." You say. "My sisters on the other hand, will probably complain."

"Your fath...you're a noble?" Gem asks.

"Sir Orion Boglach, son of Earl Janus Boglach, Protector of the Northern Marsh." You say. "Thank you for saving my life, Revered Sister Gehminini...Sister Gem."

"Well," The sister smiles. "Thank you for saving MY life, Sir Boggy."

"Seriously?" You say.

"Say my name right, and I'll say yours." Gem snaps.

You groan. "Oh, God...I grow up with NINE sisters, and when I finally get away..."

"Nine sisters?" Gem smirks.

"Two Above, six below, one in the same year." You sigh. "And four mothers...although I never met mother number one."

"Dear Lord, you were already a veteran before you left home." Gem says with a smile.

"Perhaps. You have any siblings?" You ask.

"No. Apart from the Sisters in the Abbey. Walpurgis Valley families aren't known for large families." Gem says.

"So you're from the Valley, and then went to the Abbey? Short trip." You say.

She shrugs. "Well, the Valley isn't known for many other exports, but I think we have the best goats."

The rest of the hike is silent. Gem is focusing on the magic that keeps the cart together and moving. And you're focused on keeping yourself together, and moving.

Finally you see home. You wave at the lit windows, and you know they can see you coming.

When you arrive at the front gate. The doors open, and half the staff runs out. Behind them are the Eldest Twins, looking concerned, and Father going as fast as he can with his limp and his cane.

You collapse into the arms of others.

"Sisters...Father..." You say.

> "I've done the family proud." (Orion's mentality is Prideful)
> "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." (Orion's mentality is Reverent)
> "I got my brothers killed." (Orion's mentality is one of shame.)
> Write in. (Please add Orion's outlook.)
>>
>>351903
> "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." (Orion's mentality is Reverent)
>>
>>351903
> "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." (Orion's mentality is Reverent)
>>
>>351903
>> "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." (Orion's mentality is Reverent)
>>
>>351903
>> "I got my brothers killed." (Orion's mentality is one of shame.)
Regardless of which wins, "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." should be used jokingly at some point.
>>
>>351903
>> I'm home. (Orion's outlook is tired and trying to hold back sorrow.)
>>
>>351903
> "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." (Orion's mentality is Reverent)
>>
>>351903
> "God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." (Orion's mentality is Reverent)
>>
>>351916
>>351918
>>351930
>>351976
>>351977
>>351935

"God sent me a Witch, and she saved me." You say. "You...should probably send a telegraph. Let them know...I'm home."

Darkness takes you.
- - -
And so the dance begins...
Marvelous start. Can you keep in step for what's next, my dear?
Can you, dear sir?
I suppose we will see.

END PART 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10rlgeEkmXE
>>
>>352022
Thanks for running.
>>
>>352022
Thanks for running Echo.
>>
>>352022
Thanks for running boss. Any ideas on next session? This thread will be around for 2 more days at least.
>>
>>352022
Thanks for running.
>>
>>352022
Woo we didn't fuck up!
Thanks for running, boss. Looking forward to the next session!
>>
>>352022
Thanks for running
>>
>>352047
Well, I'm going to try for a session a week. Usually on Friday. Maybe on Saturday if I don't have anything. On those days I'll try to use the same thread.

Also as a note: THIS IS NOT STEAMPUNK.

I love steampunk, but this isn't a steampunk story. You aren't going to see any tech you wouldn't find in our own world.

Number 2: No magitek.

I also love magitek. This isn't that kind of story either. Magic here is not an observable, repeatable, force. The scientific method doesn't 100% work on magic. Also, there's no 'generic' +1 weapons. Every magic item is unique, possibly alive, and very temperamental. Yes, this applies to whatever you end up naming Orion's mace. (Cause it WANTS a name. Promptly.)

Number 3: World building

I love world building. What I don't want to do is drag out the quest for three posts while I info dump. So, I'm probably going to be Codex posting after the session, and throughout the week. So please, keep an eye on these threads.

Also, I invite all my players, and those who just like to watch, to ask me questions about the world of Ardan. Ask me any question, and I'll try to give you an answer.

People who can draw characters, draw maps, or just draw a straight line in general, are more than welcome to contribute. This also applies to any one who thinks they could be a good voice actor, or even an animator.

Above all, let me know how I can make this quest more engaging, and more fun.
>>
>>352136
how are the soulsold different from the witches of the abbey? How'd gem get caught if she's so fuck off powerful? Did you expect us to roll so incredibly badly?
>>
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>>352163
>how are the soulsold different from the witches of the abbey?

Hell is 100% an actual place. Now, is it the place that souls go after they die? Probably not...hopefully. It is where Demons live, and Demons are conduits of power. So, a Soul-Sold gets power from a Demon, who funnels power through themselves, to their clients. At least, that's what most of the Prudens believe how it works.

The Sisters of Walpurgis Abbey, the Witchborn, are born with a direct connection to magic itself. No demon funneling them power.

Now, if that is making you say 'But...doesn't that mean that Witchborn are like demons?' Then you are either a member of the Infallible State and a Witch Hunter, or you haven't been taught about Emperor Brios' (The first one, the great one) decrees, one of the first that said that Witchborn unquestionably had souls, and were human as you or I.

>How'd gem get caught if she's so fuck off powerful?

Well, if you're sucker punched and then bound in iron, doesn't matter if you're a sister superior. You're in trouble. As for HOW Gem got sucker punched...you'll have to ask her about it.

>Did you expect us to roll so incredibly badly?

After LDQ, I always keep my options open because a rogue crit, or rash of bad rolls, can warp a quest like that.

(The picture is the work of a friend of mine, who loves Doll Makers. She insisted on doing this. This isn't exactly what Orion and Gem look like, but it's not far off what I'm thinking of.)
>>
>>352201
>After LDQ, I always keep my options open because a rogue crit, or rash of bad rolls, can warp a quest like that.
Don't forget about post apoc magical girl quest!
>>
>>352201
So how does Iron kill magic but not litanies? What IS a litany?
>>
So do naturally born male magic users exist? Male witches, wizards, warlocks?
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>>352218
>So how does Iron kill magic but not litanies? What IS a litany?

Short version: It's a kind of weak spell that only Witch Hunter and Knights can cast.

Longer version: When Emperor Brios conquered the world, he came upon a kingdom who found out that by using iron, they could neutralize the Witchborn and cripple one of his biggest assets. (Of course, that didn't really help against his massive armies, and the fact that the Emperor made a deal with the neighboring kingdoms that they could carve up the clever one for themselves afterwards.)

Still, the Emperor knew that if you have a weapon with a weakness, it's not very useful.

At that point the Infallible Church was still part of the Empire, and they obeyed the Emperor's word as God's. So, the scholars, the Prudens, were put to task to find a way to discover a way around the Iron-Beats-Magic rule.

What they found, is that with enough training, a person can repeatedly recite a string of sacred words, and cause a minor effect. Normally, this is a parlor trick. Maybe, if you've got Witch blood in your family, you can cause a glass of water to bubble while you hold it as you recite the Litany of the Sun. That's about it. However...if you use it in conjunction with a Witchborn...you can do a LONG list of things. One of them is let a Witchborn bypass Iron.

There's a lot of litanies, and some of them are for the explicit purpose to cripple Witchborn as well. The Infallible State has their Witch Hunters use those a lot.

These days, no one really cares about them that much. They're taught at the Keep as an optional course, and these days people are more impressed with weapon skill than who can say church-words over and over again.

People who know litanies, are usually Infallible and therefore, according to the stereotype that's seen in the dime novels, are either hypocritical witch hunters or so self-righteous that they have their head shoved completely up their ass.

Of course, Orion is a traditionalist and an overachiever.
>>
>>352251
Ok what IS the infallible church? Who was Brio's? When did the Empire fall? What weapons is Orion good with?
>>
>>352237
>So do naturally born male magic users exist? Male witches, wizards, warlocks?

Short version: No.

Longer version: 'Hedge Witches' are really just a rude term for apothecaries, alchemists, and the person who likes their privacy and knows the right herbs to keep the cows from getting sick. There are male 'Hedge Witches' but don't call them that.

There are male Soul-Sold. Orion, his brethren, and Gem just killed a couple. It's common knowledge that there are any number of deviant men who would sell their souls for power.

There ARE NO male Witchborn. That's Imperial Law from back in the founding of the Empire. Emperor Brios hunted down every male witchborn and killed them. This was in the wisdom of the Emperor, because everyone knows that a male with that kind of power would naturally try to take over the Empire for themselves.

(Any commentary that Emperor Brios just killed all male witchborn because he felt threatened, or thought that taking over his empire with magic is what HE would do if he was a witchborn, is a scandalous fallacy. Also, any comment that the Emperor was sexist and a racist is also total nonsense.)

These days, if a man starts showing off magical powers, people are going to scream that he's a Soul-Sold. Then the Witch Hunters, local guard, or maybe even a Knight, get called out to put them down. Though, more often than not, Death By Angry Mob is the usual COD for Male 'Soul-Sold.'

Walpurgis Abbey is 100% female, and absolutely has no people hiding within it passing for women. The Sister Superiors are beyond reproach.
>>
>>352264
>Ok what IS the infallible church?

It's the name for the old church, once it was good and pure as it stood next to Emperor Brios, and helped him sow peace and righteousness through the world.

Now it is corrupt, and the infallibility of its leaders is nothing more than a lie that they demand the ignorant and oppressed to obey.

This is of course, in start contract to the High Church of New Brios, that still holds the holy spirit within in. Helping save souls, and preserve the people's spirit. Blessings be upon them.

>Who was Brios?

Emperor Brios was the man who founded the Great Empire, conquered and united the world, and, according to the people living in the Old Empire (True Empire, if you ask them), possibly divine. They say he died upon his throne, his hands reaching out to seize Death for daring to take him.

Boglach Marsh, also known as the Northern Marsh, or 'The Damn Endless Swamp', is on the northwestern part of the continent. It is part of New Brios, and pays fealty to King Brios, and Parliament.

King Brios is an actual descendant from Emperor Brios, and is the recognized ruler. New Brios does not recognize the legitimacy of that inbred child that the territory known as 'Old Empire' currently calls 'Emperor.'

>When did the Empire fall?

About four generations ago, give or take a few decades. No one living currently in Boglach Castle was alive when the Empire fell.

The short version of how the empire fell was a combination of Empirical Rot, Economic Disaster, Religious Schism, and a Fucked Up Wedding Rehearsal.

>What weapons is Orion good with?

Orion has been trained with swords (one-handed, greatsword, and fencing), maces, lances, flails, dagger/knife, shield usage both defensive and offensive, hand-to-hand brawling, and can string a bow and loose an arrow with passable accuracy.

He's not an expert in any of these fields. The Boglach line was more of the opinion that a Knight that can use ANY weapon to kill someone was better than a Knight who could use only one. Master Benic didn't like it, but seeing as Orion was the only one taking his courses seriously...and that the Knights were a fading breed...he just took comfort in kicking Orion's multi-talented ass in training.
>>
>>352315
So technology is slowly replacing magic and no one is trying to weed out souls old anymore? Could we get our hand back?
>>
>>352338
>So technology is slowly replacing magic and no one is trying to weed out souls old anymore?

Yes to the first. Mostly magic stays in Walpurgis Abbey, where everyone else is happy to keep it.

As to weeding out Soul-Sold, that coven was a rare occurrence. Normally, there's only one, maybe two Soul-Sold. In those cases, the new centralized standing army gets sent out to deal with them. Hell Magic or not, Soul-Solds die when a rifle line opens fire on them. Iron bullets.

>Could we get our hand back?

No. Orion's looking at a hook or some other prosthetic....or something else.
>>
>>352315
So the New Empire/Old Empire is an Eastern/Western Roman Empire kind of thing?
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>>352350
>So the New Empire/Old Empire is an Eastern/Western Roman Empire kind of thing?

Kinda.

The Old Empire spanned the entire continent, and all the small islands that line it.

Then it fell apart.

Now, there's the remnants, the 'Old Empire,' which is the giant, rotting, capitol, and the closest lands around it.

There's the theocracy of the Infallible State which is everything that the Infallible Church could grab for itself.

There's the Small Kings. Which are Kingdoms that declared independence during the collapse, and managed to hold onto it and themselves. There's at least a dozen of them, and they all fight each other over a couple of acres.

Then there's New Brios, which is the entire western coast, the islands, a bunch of breadbasket kingdoms, a few mountain and mining towns, the Northern Swamps, and Walpurgis Valley. Parliament crowned Andre Brios, one of the many heirs to the Brios family, King, and they rule. (More Parliament than the King, but it was felt that it was important that there be a throne, and a Brios on it.)
>>
What's the general level of technology and society? Also what kind of gun? Muskets, arquebus, or rifle already?
>>
>>352410
>What's the general level of technology and society?

It varies depends on where you go. Most of New Brios has been set up on a telegraph network. You'll see towers and lines strung up along roads.

Society advances as quickly as the people want it to. In Horizon, the capital city, it is closing in on Victorian. Out in the sticks, it's still about Colonial.

Boglach Castle has chamber pots, a regular citizen in Horizon would probably use a communal bathroom that connects to a sewage line, a noble in Horizon might be willing to pay through the nose to get one of those brand new 'water closets.'

The biggest thing, that dominating everything in Parliament, Horizon gossip, and everywhere that isn't Orion's world, is the brand new railway. They just finished the first, short line, and they're already working on the Mk. II steam engine. People are still going nuts over what it can/should/could be used for.

> Also what kind of gun? Muskets, arquebus, or rifle already?

Muskets, and flintlocks are common. If you have connections and money, you can get fancier things. If you're in Horizon, and among the nobility there, you might see a brand new chambered pistol with cartridge bullets, but those are absurdly expensive.
>>
Do you have a twitter we can follow for the next time you run?
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>>352442
Yes I do!

Twitter: @Echogarrote

Also, I archived this on the sup archive.
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>>352022
Thanks for running good DM!

I for one likes the ED theme.
>>
How do the Knights fit into the rest of the army? Are they usually cuirassiers-style mounted cavalry (this swamp being one exception) or are they actually a form of heavy infantry carrying a mix of melee weapons and firearms?
>>
>>352136
>The scientific method doesn't 100% work on magic.

Arcanum here I come!
>>
>>352464
>How do the Knights fit into the rest of the army? Are they usually cuirassiers-style mounted cavalry (this swamp being one exception) or are they actually a form of heavy infantry carrying a mix of melee weapons and firearms?

That's actually something that's being heavily debated. And argued. It used to be that each Lord, or noble, would muster their own forces. Protect their own lands, and if the King called on them, would send capable armed men out to fight. The Knights were the best of the best, and leaders of the men given a spear and pointed in the right direction.

Now, with the standing army, things are kind of different. Also, gunpowder weapons are also changing things as well. If a Small King mounts a raiding party, they run into a firing line, and that charging line of calvary breaks.

If someone's really stupid enough to mount an invasion against New Brios, someone sends a telegraph to Walpurgis Valley, and then fire rains from the sky.

The Infallible State has counters to that, with Witch Hunters, but again, their Witch Hunters aren't immune to bullets.

There's talk of training soldiers in the way of Knights. Horse riding, pole arm weaponry (Orion knows how to use a halberd, pike, and spear.) and the Litanies. Get heavy calvary up in the common rank and file.

The Masters of Knight's Keep. (A nickname, it's really part of a small village called Mildrid, but the Masters there refuse to be known as 'Mildred's') are VERY reluctant to pass on their training to the rank and file. They've been dragging their heels as much as they can.

That's why a lot of Knights today are getting officer postings in the army. THEY are the ones who pass on the combat, riding, and other skills to the average soldiers. (A fact that makes the current Knight's Keep masters even more unhappy.)
>>
Do heretics and witches get PURIFIED
>>
>>352478
>Do heretics and witches get PURIFIED?

In New Brios? Never.

Mostly, 'Heretics' get shouted at to shut up and get a real job.

And witches, well...female witches...mostly end up getting a visit from the Pruden for examination, and then a nice sister from the Abbey comes and explains everything.

The Old Empire and the Small Kings...probably just a chair, a tree, and some rope. Maybe a dungeon if they're gonna think about it.

As for the Infallible State?

Well...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEGo41443iI

Kinda that.
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>>352485
>a nice sister from the Abbey comes and explains everything.

Is that a nice friendly explanation or an explanation to the corpse?
>>
>>352201
Is there a actual wiki for the world of arden? Or is this your own wetting if so then kudos for making something pretty damn cool.

It almost reminds me of that NichlousCage movie of the witch hunter, only done a lot better and the witch is the good guy.

Also whose the emperor? Is this by chance inspired by warhammer?
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>>352910
>Is that a nice friendly explanation or an explanation to the corpse?

Hopefully the first one, some of the Small Kings are allies with New Brios, and they try to send people to the Abbey, but sometimes bad things happen before the High Church and the Sisters get there.

>>353487
>Is there a actual wiki for the world of arden?
No, just me and this.

>Also who's the emperor?
Emperor Brios, the first one, is long dead.

The current Emperor of the Old Kingdom is a child who is claimed to be a 'pure' descendant from the original Emperor Brios. However, Parliament doesn't recognize him as legitimate.
>>
Was everyone dying a part of your plan?
>>
>>352201
>The picture is the work of a friend of mine, who loves Doll Makers. She insisted on doing this. This isn't exactly what Orion and Gem look like, but it's not far off what I'm thinking of.)

Heheheh, looks like she's going to have to update it for Orion's missing hand.



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