Rolled 3 (1d10)

>Repel the goblin onslaught

>>5187631
You are

> The Scion of a long noble line, able to call on connections, but perhaps not popular with the new kind

> An upstart, popular with the new king, but resented by older retainers.

> An old hand, once tortured and maimed by foreigners. No one could claim you a traitor but many claim you incompetent.

> An outsider. The King met you on an excursion, and gave an offer you accepted. This alienates you from the court but gives you options elsewhere.

> Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.

>>5187639
>> The Scion of a long noble line, able to call on connections, but perhaps not popular with the new kind

>>5187639
> An old hand, once tortured and maimed by foreigners. No one could claim you a traitor but many claim you incompetent.

Let's stay under the radar.

An old hand, once tortured and maimed by foreigners. No one could claim you a traitor but many claim you incompetent.

>>5187639
> The Scion of a long noble line, able to call on connections, but perhaps not popular with the new kind

Having connection with the establishment is worth more than having an in with the newer blood, stagnation and mental deficiencies such as laziness or privilege among our allies can hopefully be overcome through player input and if we need to bridge the gap between the older retainers and the new then we should have the advantage there as the more connected old guard in regards to tempting them to integrate with our views.

Interesting concept QM.

>>5187639
> Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.

In every quest anons pick some pussy shit with connections to avaid confrontations and play some political game.
A blunt character going straight to the point, taking no bullshit from anyone can be fun for once and lead to just as interesting encounters.

>>5187686
By the very quest's premise we have to eventually confront the isekaiied people and kill them, this choice seems to simply be about how the emperor retainers view us or who we are connected to. It's a reputation thing. If the time comes to fight we'll be fighting regardless and if we need to wrangle around for resources to perform the kill then we'll have to do that anyways regardless of who we are if our resources aren't sufficient.

Wouldn't mind being a warrior though.

>>5187639
>> Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.
Let's be badass.

>>5187639
>Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.
The enemy cannot collapse your kingdom if you disable his life.

>>5187706
What good’s a soldier when the entire kingdom’s army is doesn’t trust you?

>>5187639
>Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.

>>5187639
>The Scion of a long noble line, able to call on connections, but perhaps not popular with the new kind

>>5187631

> Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.

>>5187639
>Trusted Warrior. You are the best of the young king's entourage, he expects you to end this threat straightforwardly. But not all threats are so straightforward.

Op here from hotel wifi. Update tomorrow, for Im stuck out of town with car trouble.

Does look like Warrior has it but vote remains open, only fair. For anyone skeptical I'll confirm this post with the original ID when I get home.

File: contract.jpg (410 KB, 1122x1136)

410 KB JPG

>>5187874
>>5187867
>>5187792
>>5187706
>>5187703
>>5187686

You began your long service in the northern territories, home of long and grueling campaigns against the savage Clansmen of Ard Negh. The northern duchies of Althimura were said by the soft southern Lords to much resemble their hated enemies from the clan lands. Its an accusation you resemble, with your preference for a Ard Neghian hand and a half blade and avoidance of cosmopolitan Imperial fashion in favor of the Tartan shared by both the Northern nobility and the savage Clans themselves. Your young life saw much combat, but little in the way of what the peacocks of the capitol Althimur would name refinement. That is not to say you lacked cunning, and this was what drew the attention of the then Heir: Alkaign.

Travelling incognito with his closest knight and friends, the Heir was waylaid by Neghian raiders who had crossed border earlier that week. At the critical moment your band rode in, slaughtering the savages before they could overrun their prey.

His men thanked you profusely, but Alkaign had your measure. "Well met, sir, but you were following us for so long, why wait to help?" Momentarily flustered, you maintain your composure and explain the stratagem. "It's risky, but this way we got them all, because they were committed."

To your shock, he wasn't angry, and instead offered a feast of thanks to your band and yourself. Ever one to seek out new talent, he revealed himself to you that night, and you entered his service soon after. As his retainer he valued both your battle skill and sound strategic mind. The final forms were filed later upon return to Althimur. You stared at the page for some time. You were actually a good hand at your letters, but you felt the weight of the document you were to sign.

> Your name and Title

> Sir Faerghus Macallan, knighted upon your joining with the Heir

> Lord Uilleam Campbell, lord of a minor northern smallhold

> Captain Logan Smith, commoner, unknighted by due request

> Write in

>>5189243
> Lord Uilleam Campbell, lord of a minor northern smallhold

Campbell sounds alright. Lord of minor house is likely subtle enough for most.

>>5189243
>Lord Uilleam Campbell, lord of a minor northern smallhold

>>5189243
>Lord Uilleam Campbell, lord of a minor northern smallhold

Guessing we make a pretty mean soup on top of our fighting skills

>>5189243
> Lord Uilleam Campbell, lord of a minor northern smallhold

>>5189243
>> Lord Uilleam Campbell, lord of a minor northern smallhold

File: tavern.jpg (977 KB, 3600x2200)

977 KB JPG

>>5189248
>>5189311
>>5189332
>>5189451

You signed your title, Lord Uilleam Campbell, and then your life was forever changed. The next few years were a whirlwind of new experiences, you found yourself thrust into a circle of bright rising leaders from across the Althimuran Empire. There was Sir Elpest, a childhood boon companion of Alkaign and nearly as fine a warrior as yourself, possessing boldness in as much quantity as you held cunning. The Honored Xia Chen, a woman from a far off land who had found a home in the Heir's confidence, a true prodigy at numbers, money, and the manipulation thereof. Old Sir Graven, slowing in his old age but of unshakable loyalty and of a paramount tactical skill even you were unable to match. Lastly the Lady Alys, Alkaign's sister by blood. Women do not inherit in the Empire of course, but she was not a mere heiress to be married off for political cause. At her own insistence, she was trained in the subtle arts of assassination, poison, and interrogation.

Together you continued on Alkaign's task before you met him, traveling across the Empire as mundane if well armed travelers. The Tundra of your home, the green heartlands of Althimura itself, the dust of the eastern Khana scrublands, the craggy canyons of western Bolo and it's sparse but hardy people, and finally the southern deserts and their vast oasis cities, the jewels of the sand. It was to be the culmination of Alkaign's long upbringing as heir, finally putting a face to the people he had read and studied all his life in preparation to rule. You watched in comradely satisfaction as he rose to the occasion, respecting every esoteric tradition, a true friend to the people who he would be tasked to protect and guide. You only knew the reality of your own smallhold; a tiny motte and bailey overlooking a humble town by a frozen river, but you judged him up to the task.

Over the years the Heir grew to trust you implicitly and care for you as a friend as he did all of his retinue. You returned his esteem humbly. But there was one you would call a closer friend than the others, one you found yourself in a shoddy tavern in the Althimur City on the night the Heir returned to report to their father. A fateful night, indeed.

>>5190341

You sat with your closest friend of the last few years:

> Sir Elpest: You admire his fighting spirit and his upbringing as the ward of a hardened battle commander from the central Empire, a man who sounds much like your own father, a hard man who died in a Ard Negh ambush the same year you were knighted.

>Honored Xia Chen: You had been intrigued with the foreign woman, and you ended up bonding with her over both being relative outsiders to the retinue mostly filled with those from the Imperial heartland. You respect her keen mind, and her reserved manner reminds of the stoicism common at home.

> Sir Graven: Like the father you had lost, Sir Graven had wisdom and advice to spare. He tempered your more reckless instincts and his hundreds of stories never failed to bring a smile.

> Lady Alys: You were aloof from her at first, seeking not to offend your new liege, but over time she came to you. You share in an appreciation for intellect, especially when it comes to deceiving enemies and earning friends. Perhaps the only person in the retinue you can truly consider your intellectual equal, besides perhaps the Heir himself.

>>5190347
>> Sir Graven: Like the father you had lost, Sir Graven had wisdom and advice to spare. He tempered your more reckless instincts and his hundreds of stories never failed to bring a smile.

>>5190347
>> Lady Alys: You were aloof from her at first, seeking not to offend your new liege, but over time she came to you. You share in an appreciation for intellect, especially when it comes to deceiving enemies and earning friends. Perhaps the only person in the retinue you can truly consider your intellectual equal, besides perhaps the Heir himself.
We're described of being a more tactical minded person, So I would say it only makes sense we would be interested in court-craft

>>5190347
>Sir Graven: Like the father you had lost, Sir Graven had wisdom and advice to spare. He tempered your more reckless instincts and his hundreds of stories never failed to bring a smile.

>>5190347
> Lady Alys: You were aloof from her at first, seeking not to offend your new liege, but over time she came to you. You share in an appreciation for intellect, especially when it comes to deceiving enemies and earning friends. Perhaps the only person in the retinue you can truly consider your intellectual equal, besides perhaps the Heir himself.

Her subtle skills could be useful as a black ops operative

>>5190347
>Lady Alys: You were aloof from her at first, seeking not to offend your new liege, but over time she came to you. You share in an appreciation for intellect, especially when it comes to deceiving enemies and earning friends. Perhaps the only person in the retinue you can truly consider your intellectual equal, besides perhaps the Heir himself.

File: alyshooded.jpg (35 KB, 650x976)

35 KB JPG

>>5190492
>>5190554
>>5190564

You sit next to Alys as the business of the tavern livens up. It's about the time most in the city would begin seeking to drink off the day's toil. The others are, of course, attending Alkaign as he reports to the Emperor. But you hate ceremony, and Emperor Albrecht had ever been cold to you and disdainful of your northern origin. As such you found elsewhere to be. There is a far off look on her fair face as she cradles a thick ale in one hand, her crimson braid falling out of the dark hood she keeps up habitually even indoors. You note, not for the first time, that Alys is effortlessly beautiful. Even obscured, even uncleansed after a long travel, her elegance radiates.

"Will, you're not with the others? Can't say I'm surprised." She smirks as she snarks at you, as she is wont to do. You don't correct her about the nickname, she is a princess after all. "My Lady, I feel I would be unwelcome at the palace just now. But I have never once felt unwelcome at your side." She smiles graciously and motions for you to sit next to her. The tavern keeper deftly slides an ale to you to match Alys'. You take a swig and grunt at the appreciable quality of the brew before speaking. "I am more surprised by your own absence. Surely you would be welcome before your own father?" She shakes her head with mirth before taking yet another sip. "If I was so welcome do you think I would willingly travel with you brutes?" Her sardonic grin is enchanting. "No, I am here for the very same reason as you. Father would be discomforted by the presence of his wayward daughter." There is real sadness in her eyes as she says this, and you wish futilely you could wipe it away. Alys has been a boon companion to you these last few years, her wit and sardonic approach a counterweight to the sometimes over serious demeanor of the others. Not to mention her knifework, which to your practiced eyes borders on the supernatural.

"Anyway Will, I wanted to say, before Brother is made Emperor, we-" The door to the tavern bursts open and a guardsman in tattered armor stumbles in. "Lord Campbell! Lady Alys! Come quick! The throne is under threat! Lord Alkaign sent me, he is still in combat!" Alys looks to you with a shocked expression, clearly anxious for her father and brother.

You:

> Press for details, no fight should be fought with bad intelligence

> Go at once with Alys, your oath demands no less

> Gather more men, whatever the threat, overwhelming force will end it

>>5191295
>> Go at once with Alys, your oath demands no less

>>5191295
>> Gather more men, whatever the threat, overwhelming force will end it

>>5191295
>Gather more men, whatever the threat, overwhelming force will end it

>>5191295
> Press for details, no fight should be fought with bad intelligence

>>5191295
> Gather more men, whatever the threat, overwhelming force will end it
It's curious that we're being sent for if there is a threat to Alkaign. He IS with the Emperor, so there's bound to be guards with them for the ceremony.
Which means they're being overwhelmed somehow, and need reinforcements now

>>5191295
>Go at once with Alys, your oath demands no less

Send the guard to rally men, we must act

>>5191295
>Go at once with Alys, your oath demands no less
>>5191784
This, and ask for details on the way.

>>5191784
+1, good idea

>>5191295
>Go immediately but ask for details and then send him off to fetch more men

File: bastard.jpg (76 KB, 1884x1884)

76 KB JPG

>>5191332
>>5191784
>>5191870
>>5191877
>>5191879

You and Alys rush past the exhausted soldier, no confirmation or elaboration needed as you speedily travel up the central hill the Imperial Citadel sits upon to answer the threat. Your only word to the man is to gather more men to meet the enemy, no battle was ever lost by having forces too numerous after all.

You leave the man to it as you and Alys hurry to the throne room. Along the way you pass dozens of dead, some even sliced nearly in half. Who could have done this? Alys gives you a worried look as you approach the throne room. The door to the last corridor you need to pass is thrust open by the two of you, and you witness utter carnage. The Imperial Guard lay utterly decimated, many of them in several pieces. Only some sort of monster could have done this. Behind you is the conglomeration of the reinforcements you have called, dozens and soon to be hundreds ready to defend their ruler. The doors to the throne room were easy to open, revealing the truth.

The Emperor is dead, his head separated from his body and lying with its surprised expression some dozen feet from it's body and the throne. Alkaign and the rest of the retinue fight a pitched battle against the enemy, a young man of little more than teenage years clearly getting the better of the Heir. You know the man to be a strong warrior, and detect something supernatural in the invader's strength.

You:

> Call on Alys and both aid her brother

>Tell Alys to aid the others and fight Alkaign's attacker solo

> Destroy the lesser threats before aiding the Heir

>>5192041
>Destroy the lesser threats before aiding the Heir

>>5192041
>Call on Alys and both aid her brother

>>5192041
> Call on Alys and both aid her brother

From the picture, I assume we’re armed with a longsword?

>>5192041
>Call on Alys and both aid her brother
Protect the emperor!

File: duel.jpg (109 KB, 736x580)

109 KB JPG

>>5192201
>>5192242
>>5192248

The young man about to slay Alkaign is your first target. With a nod, you and Alys split up to engage the enemy, your bastard sword angling towards your foe, a blow he easily deflects and answers with his own swing which you deftly dodge. The next strike you meet with your own blade, a fateful mistake.

In agony, you feel every bone in your right arm break apart as the unnatural strength of your opponent meets yours. You cringe backwards, spying Alys calling out your name as she carves through the lanky compatriot of your enemy, concern and despair writ large on her face even obscured by her hood. Your dominant arm disabled, your foe quickly disarms you, and a subsequent strike sends you to the ground.

"I will end the tyranny of this empire!" the boy says, sparking confusion in your mind. Albrecht had spent most of his time on infrastructure and culture, hardly a Tyrant by any measure. His sword sweeps down to end you, but Alys intervenes, her own opponent now dead, and tackles him away from you. You spring up, blade in your off hand, and seek to aid her in bringing his end.

> roll 1d100 best of three

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>5192849

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>5192849
Let's hope I rolled this right, I always froget how to do it

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>5192849

>>5192849
Update tomorrow guys, I just had a birthday and my uncles had me out drinking. Ill not give you a drunken update if it can be helped. Be good out there.

File: blooddagger.jpg (309 KB, 1920x1920)

309 KB JPG

>>5192856

The boy is unspeakably strong, but any warrior worth his salt knows that strength isn't everything in a fight. Sometimes it comes to skill and long experience, and something tells you the boy lacks both despite his monstrous strength. Alys has his attention for now and you quickly take advantage, slipping to the side of the young warrior and slipping the blade between your foe's ribs. He cries out and you twist the knife before taking it out of his side as you deftly move aside from the wild swing he takes at you in response.

This was a fatal blow, one you had seen undo many a warrior in your years of service. So you struggle to believe your eyes as an ethereal glow surrounds him as he sinks to his knees just for a moment, a young woman in what you think is religious garb holding out her hands towards him. You do not understand what's happening just now, but your going to stop it.

"Alkaign, the girl!" You shout, hoping your meaning comes across. He nods, disengaging with a nearby enemy garbed in Ard Negh furs and swinging a massive hammer. In a moment he is there and momentarily incapacitated, your enemy is unable to respond as the Heir lops her outstretched arms off at the elbow with a mighty downward swing. She screams and falls to her knees, the glow fading from the warrior as blood gushes from her ruined limbs in place of the unnatural healing. Your wounded enemy, deprived of her aid, calls out in concern. "Vera, no! Damn you!" The affection in his voice might stir emotion if you were not locked in mortal combat. Combat about to end in your favor as reinforcements flood the throne room. The girl's voice somehow becomes even more shrill as her ally sinks to his knees as more blood pours from the gaping wound you had delivered, and peaks into a wail of despair as Alys slips behind the boy and pulls his unarmored head back and scrapes her knife across his bared throat, opening it from ear to ear. Surprise is clear on his face as he claws at the wound, gurgling blood before Alys releases his hair and collapses face down into a rapidly spreading pool of his own blood. The fight seems to go out of the others, the brute with the hammer all but letting Alkaign and Sir Graven wear him down and disarm him, several of the arriving guardsmen taking him into custody shortly after. The danger subsides, but now questions remain. How and why?

Alkaign cleans his blade, his eyes and drawn expression looking over the corpse of his father. You step forward but Sir Graven motions for you to keep your distant. He moves to where Albrecht's head sat on the stone floor, and tenderly removed the Imperial Circlet. As the healing woman and the large hammer wielder were ushered out he held up the jeweled headwear. "Emperor Albrecht is dead! All hail Emperor Alkaign!" The blank look on Alkaign's face does not waver as the old man places the Circlet on your liege, nor does it when the guardsmen acclaim him with enthusiasm.

>>5195130
It takes him a few moments to return to normal, but you see the grim purpose on his face as sheathes his sword and nods at Sir Graven, who looks as stony faced as ever. You note that Alys is silently crying over their father's body, and though you begin to walk to her side, you are interrupted. "Lord Campbell, attend me." You are unused to the commanding tone of the new Emperor's voice, he had always been more relaxed with you in the past. "My Emperor." You bow formally as you approach the man, his face now a stony mast of command. He points to the limp body of the young assassin. "That boy was unnatural in ability, as was the girl I disarmed. Find out where they came from, and why. Found out how they came to possess such power. This is my first order to you." His cold gaze moves to Alys, still silently weeping on her knees. "Alys, go with him, provide any aid you can. I command it." She wipes her tears away and stands shakily. She nods, her quiet voice responding. "Of course, My Emperor." She comes to your side, and you look on her with sympathy. Her father had been aloof from her, you knew. Now they would never reconcile this side of the Depths. Alkaign consults with Sir Graven. "Bury Father in the crypt. Swear the men to silence. He passed in his sleep, a long ailment. Word of this outrage cannot spread. We must find the truth of this night." Graven moves to follow the command, gathering the surviving guardsmen and giving them their new orders. Alys follows silently as you move away from the Emperor, pondering your first move. Your arm pains you, but duty demands action.

> Examine the bodies of the fallen assassins. Perhaps some physical cause is visible

> Begin interrogations immediately. The woman may not survive her injuries for long and you fear suicide from the other before you can speak

> Question the surviving Imperial Guards. Maybe one is guilty of treachery

> Write in

>>5195151
>Examine the bodies of the fallen assassins. Perhaps some physical cause is visible

>>5195151
>Examine the bodies of the fallen assassins. Perhaps some physical cause is visible
And ask Lady Alys to interrogate the dying ones, or the contrary if she doesn't feel comfortable doing that now.
And have someone gather and count the guard for interrogation later, so that nobody escapes. Treachery or not they must have seen something.

>>5195293
+1

>>5195151
>Examine the bodies of the fallen assassins. Perhaps some physical cause is visible
Quickly before evidence can be damaged/lost. Also send someone to bring s healer we need to get our srm splinted asap

>>5195151
>> Begin interrogations immediately. The woman may not survive her injuries for long and you fear suicide from the other before you can speak
bodies don't change over minutes, but people do. in grief they are more vulnerable, but only until they recollect themselves

>>5195151
>>5195461
Support.
> Begin interrogations immediately. The woman may not survive her injuries for long and you fear suicide from the other before you can speak

>>5195293
Supporting. Leaving the interrogations to Alys would be best, since we need to do so much in so little time

>>5195151
>> Begin interrogations immediately. The woman may not survive her injuries for long and you fear suicide from the other before you can speak

File: Spoiler Image (95 KB, 800x944)

95 KB JPG

>>5195203
>>5195293
>>5195364
>>5195404
>>5195521

"Alys, follow the prisoners, I'll join you soon. Get what you can out of them, but try to keep them alive." You say. The woman, Vera you think, is likely near death. You think the Northerner probably suffered little more than a few broken bones. If you hurry your task here you can likely see Alys at work, grim as it may be. She crooks her head and her breathy whisper shows concern rather than the emotional devastation of before. "I'll get my tools and tinctures. But I'm also getting you a healer, your arm isn't supposed to bend like that, Will. Don't go anywhere before they find you, please." You grunt. "No time, and I wont let them drug me. But if it's so important for you I shall wait around for whoever you send." She gives a wan smile and pats your uninjured shoulder before briskly striding away towards the cells. You first search the lithe man Alys had killed before aiding you with young warrior. She could have been the dead man's own counterpart, you found many blades and vials of what you expect are poison. You are careful to not touch any of the bare metal of his weapons, fearing a contact agent. There is nothing too obvious on his body, could be any thug or hired knife in a dozen Imperial cities.

Instinct tells you anything worth finding is on the boy. You step over still spreading pool of blood pouring from the young warrior's neck, your eye for wounds telling you Alys' blade scraped bone. Not how you'd want to go out, but he made his choices tonight. Having one good arm makes a thorough shortage a bit harder, and Alys had yet to send a healer, but you manage. You rummage around. Mundane items abound: a whetstone, some rope, a journal you pocket later in case it has anything worthwhile written between it's covers. Then you strike what you are looking for.

"By the Depths..." Secured in an innermost fold of the light leather armor the boy wore in place of the more traditional chain or plate is an item of known provenance. Perhaps related to the unnatural ability of the warrior and his girl? Part of it seems to be some sort of dark mirror, though cracked. And there are unfamiliar runes. You fiddle with it, but it appears to be damaged. Who knows if this happened in the fight or some time before. You pocket it with the journal, uncanny trepidation filling you. Who was this man?

File: torture tools.jpg (166 KB, 1000x443)

166 KB JPG

>>5195840
Rising from the body, you see the old surgeon Neremis enter from the direction Alys left to. She must have sent him back from tending to the prisoners. He attends you before any of the other wounded, confirming your suspicion. "My Lord, I will be needing to set that or it will heal wrong." He reaches for a bottle you recognize as a poppy concoction for pain relief. "No, surgeon, I need my wits. Just set it." He looks skeptical, but his deceptively strong hands begin their task.

CRAAAACK

You would like to say you don't scream out but you absolutely do, the adrenaline that had let you fight on in the battle now faded and the pain retaining all it's edge. But it does pass, receding to a more dull though still considerable ache. He huffs. "I'll need to look at this later, but I understand you have a task to attend." You nod as he feels your maimed arm to confirm his results, and he steps aside. Alkaign's cold gaze follows you as you leave the throne room, all warmth gone.

Moments later you arrive in the cells, both prisoners chained with extensive restraints. Alys is with the woman, her ruined limbs apparently sought to by the surgeons before your arrival. You still don't rate her chances. She lost too much blood. You note the large Northerner is unconscious. Alys turns as you approach. "Ah, Will, welcome. The big one cannot be roused, it's like all that brute strength fled from him and now he's too exhausted to even hold himself up. The guards told me they had to carry him." You notice Alys' "special tools", blades and liquids and all sorts of concoctions. Seems you'll both be working on the Vera woman first. "And the woman? I see her staring." Vera strains against her chains and glares at Alys with the purest look of absolute hate you think you have ever seen. Alys shrugs. "She doesn't seem to want to talk to me for some reason. Maybe you'll have better luck? Most of my tools might kill her in this state. It's a last resort." You make your way into the cell, gently stepping in front Alys to meet the prisoner's gaze. "You healed the warrior when I struck him. Why not heal yourself?" Something about what you said brings tears back to her eyes, her lips quivering in despair. You decide to show her the broken mirror. She screams when she sees it. "HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HIM! YOU ANIMAL!" You produce the journal next after wiping the spittle from your face and burying the desire to slap the maimed woman with your mailed fist. It confirms your other suspicion as you pull it out. The text is nothing you have ever seen. You speak and read Imperial and Ard Negh fluently, and can recognize the languages of most countries with no issue. This is alien to you, but you do note the runes on the mirror resemble the handwritten scrawls in the pages of the book. You cup the woman's face in one armored hand, and you hear Alys approach softly to your back in concern. "What are these scribbles? How can I read them?"

>>5195860
The sobs begin again, heavier this time. "They are not yours to read, Imperial bastard, they're our story." Maybe your getting through after all, not that you didn't guess that it was a form of journal. You turn and show it to Alys. "Any idea?" She shakes her head. "I speak every language on the continent and I have no idea what that is. Maybe a cipher of sorts? We can find out after we are done here. Speaking of..." Alys walks past you with a grim look and examines her tools. "There are a few options here now that she's not being cooperative. Tools, maybe nightshade essence to loosen her tongue. I do not think despite her defiance she would last long under the question, but she might die of her wounds at this rate. Normally I'd let her rot for a while, but Bro- I mean the Emperor strikes me as wanting results as soon as we can get them. The Nightshade has its own risk, her blood is thin and too much will just put her under never to rise. I am, as always, at your disposal, Will". She whispers quiet enough not to clue in the girl on your discussion. You suppose you could also try talking again before getting down to business, but you have your doubts what you could get from the distraught prisoner that way.

> Tools

> Nightshade

> Negotiation(Say what)

> Write in

>>5195861
> > Negotiation(Say what)
Ask her why the Empire is evil and tyrannical in her eyes. She’s emotional, so it’ll come easy for her to insult us. If we aren’t going to learn who they really are, then we could eventually learn what the motives of the entity that brought them into this world, and if there are more coming from some sort of vengeful god/dess/es with an excess of bus’d teenagers

>>5195861
>> Negotiation(Say what)
Nightshade would be a mistake, making it so she'd be too weak or out of it to speak clearly. Using the tools would be the most practical option, but considering how she is now emotionally, she might just bite her tongue out of spite.
The best we can do is try and rile her up emotionally and she what she lets slip. Telling her how she is likely to bleed out soon might be a good idea too. She also seems to have a strange sentiment toward the broken mirror for some reason

>>5195861
Supporting >>5195885 and >>5195888

>>5195885
+1

>>5195885
Yeah something like this she'll probably be willing to rant about their cause and at least learning why they're doing this could be useful.

Also as a suggestion for alternate interrogation tactic; the big guy should be able to handle a lot more punishment and if she cares about her comrades we might be able to get her to talk by mutilating his unconscious body if she doesn't cooperate

File: Vera, kind of.jpg (36 KB, 512x512)

36 KB JPG

>>5195885
>>5195888
>>5195934
>>5196012
>>5196090

You scratch your bearded chin in thought. No option is perfect, but the woman is so very pale. Well acquainted with blood loss, you see all the signs. A sigh leaves your lips, admittedly performative. "Hold off for now Alys, I have a few ideas." She blinks as if surprised and you approach the prisoner again. "Vera, was it?" The girl looks surprised you bothered to remember her name. "I'll be honest, I've been on battlefields most of my life. I've seen wounds like that and I doubt we'll get to execute you even if my liege comes down here and does it himself this very night. Tell me something useful, anything but this insipid silence, and I'll have the surgeons do what they can. I cant give you much, but I can give you a chance." She looks green at this news, which surprises you. Was she not a healer herself? Surely she saw her own dire condition. "I suppose you'll also promise me a reprieve, you lying murderer?" Her voice is broken, but you almost respect the commitment to act. Still, this was little more than a child playing at hero, you suppose. You chuckle without mirth. "No, I shan't promise you what I cannot give, lass. I doubt anything you give us will change the final result. How you get there, how painful it is, that's the difference." You shrug to her still unconscious companion. "That goes for him too, you seemed so very close with your friend in the throne room. So if what mercy I can give you doesn't appeal, we can always see how much of him my friend here can remove before he bothers to wake up. Not that it would stop her." The fury again, this time directed at you. "Harain is defenseless, you disgusting creature!" You sigh again. "I doubt that headless old man upstairs put up much of a fight. He was old, spent most of his life building roads and aqueducts. Hardly a warrior you lot killed. Who's the murderer here, Lass?" The answer, you, was clear on her quivering features. "I've been patient, but your time is going to run out before my forbearance does in any case. Answers, now, and no harm will come to him or you. At least until the Emperor sees fit to deliver justice."

She bites her lip, clearly fighting with herself over what you have offered. You've made your play, now to see the outcome.

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>5196830
Roll for Vera Defiance

DC 20 and over is good outcome for you guys

You picked her buttons well and there is another hidden factor that makes the prospect of imminent death more unpalatable for her. Honestly I expected torture o clock, maybe you guys are going to not be total edgelords.

>>5196832
Unpractical edge is boring, I didn’t really see the point in torturing her, why did you think we’d go for it? Is it because of the quests theme or something else?

>>5196832
She sobs, and falls limp against the restraints, her head droops and and the once defiant eyes will meet yours no longer. The voice is no barely more than a whisper, and you worry Alys again as you lean close to hear. Depths woman, she doesn't have arms and I'm twice her size, you think silently. "... I'll tell you. I'll tell you what I can, but," She looks up again, the ghost of defiance faint but present. "...you killed the only person who knew everything. Reiji was," She coughs another sob. "Never ready to tell us everything. Now we'll never know, Ill never be able to tell..." She trails off. Tell who? No matter, first things first. "Tell me Vera, the mirror, what is it? Where did it come from?" She smiled sadly. "It was a window, into a better world. The hateful hierarchies people here impose over and over, all things of the past. Everyone was free to do whatever they wanted, I could have been a warrior, Harain a priest." Women warriors and male Clergy? Sounds like some nightmare dreamed in the Depths. "You're no warrior lass." She shakes her head. "I wouldn't want to be be, but there I could be, and that's beautiful." You raise an eyebrow. "This better world, it's real? Not some mad manifesto? Is that where this language and the mirror come from." She scoffs. "Of course it's real, you'd know for yourself if you hadn't broke this gift he gave us all. Reiji came from there, there were pictures like you were standing just where he was. Maybe even you would have been persuaded like we all were." You highly doubt that. "This language, you can speak it?" Regret is clear in her voice. "It was one of the things he kept secret, he made it sound like there was something that stopped him. I know he at least wanted to teach me." You nod. "Take a moment to rest then, we will continue shortly." Something she said is bothering you, along with how she blanched at the prospect of death being so near. You step back as the girl says not another word.

"Alys, do you have something to keep her awake? I want the surgeons sent in as a show of my word." She reaches into her satchel. "Of course, I'll have to lessen the dose because of the blood loss but she'll not sleep even if desperate to do so." She cocks her head in that way she does. "Why do you look like something's bothering you?" A grimace twists your face. "I always look like that." She smiles. "I suppose there's a truth there, but I know you." You have to put some things together, she's right.

> Roll 1d100 DC 60 roll under best of 3

>>5196838
/qst/ is wildly unpredictable when it comes to edge. Not going to say there wont be edge here given the premise, of course. If you had chosen old hand in char gen that would be the edge choice. It was a less than subtle reference to one Sand dan Glokta

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>5196856
Don’t get me wrong, I’m cool with edge, just not needless random edge.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>5196854

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>5196854
>>5196856
Basically what >>5196858 said, I'm fine with going to some dark places but edge for it's own sake is boring and childish. Also playing with someone who's more interested in being effective than cruel is more interesting

>>5196921
I personally stay away from edge unless the quest is clearly made for anons to go edgy, there are exceptions of course

File: Treason's End.jpg (522 KB, 3689x1843)

522 KB JPG

>>5196858
>>5196859
>>5196921

You stop mid stride as you and Alys leave to get the surgeons, the guards stepping back in to watch the prisoners. "Sudden question, but do you have means to detect if someone is with child?" She blushes for a moment, surprising you, before composing herself. "Yes, that is within my capabilities. You don't mean?" You nod. "The way she reacted when I said she was dying, I expected resignation, but there was a deep fear there. Seeing how close she was to this Reiji, I made an assumption. This complicates things, but it also gives us more leverage. Do you think she knows Imperial Law requires the unborn be brought to term before execution of the mother?" Alys snorts. "Do you think dear brother cares? You saw him before, he's never been like that. He's furious." No doubt. "Rightly so. But the wound is fresh and he has ever been reasonable. I can make the case to postpone things when his blood is cooler. It sounded to me she knows more than can be imparted in just the time before a regular execution is carried out. I would like to find out just what. This better world worries me. The girl, Vera, is garbed as a priestess of the Deep Lady. I actually don't think it a mere disguise, as she has the temperament for it. The big brute is clearly an Ard Negh, savage fighter like them all. Something that could turn the two of them into fanatics against Imperial order has a power we cannot ignore. The Emperor can be convinced to utilize all resources to their fullest, I'm sure." She sighs, shaking her head, her hood briefly falling to her shoulders and revealing crimson locks before the woman habitually brings it back up over her head despite there being no need for anonymity in her own home. "Better you than me, then, Will. I don't think I can handle an audience with the Emperor just now, I'm barely together as it is." You give her a concerned look. "I can handle the rest tonight if you need rest." A cold glare. "I do as the Emperor bids." You shrug, but the concern remains. Battle has taught you what can happen when someone doesn't know when they need to stop.

File: peasant.png (242 KB, 900x2002)

242 KB PNG

>>5197638
The both of you quickly gather the surgeons and return to the cells. They set about Vera's wounds as Alys gathers what she needs from her satchel for the matter you had discussed earlier. It's at this moment that the door to the cells bursts open, and two of the remaining Imperial Guard enter carrying a limp form between them, led by an officer you recognize as Captain Osric. Odd, you were sure all the assassins were here or dead on the floor from the battle. Then you see his face. At first you think him beaten, but it becomes clear he's just unbelievably drunk. You stop Osric, leading the two carrying him to the cells. "Why are you arresting Sir Elpest? Did he have something to do with this? I find the suggestion offensive." The Captain cringes as you get in his face. "It's yet to be cleared up, Lord, but we found him in the hay with the stablemaster's daughter. Again" One of the men carrying the wayward knight sniggers for a moment before a look of pure malice from Osric silences his amusement. "My lord, I figure it just a youthful indiscretion, but the Emperor was wroth. He nearly had us kill him on the spot before Sir Graven advised otherwise." Good man, Graven. You'll have to thank him, and maybe intercede for the young man yourself. He's too valorous a knight to waste such, and you have a feeling Althimura will need every one of those it has and soon. Your mouth closes into a tight frown. "Very well, Captain, I understand. He's probably safer here for now anyway. I'll give him a talk on overconsumption when he's lucid again." Osric is visibly relieved. "Aye, my Lord. I'll tell the gaolers not to molest him." He and his men proceed to deposit Elpest in the furthest cell from the other prisoners, the drunk man's groggy eyes loosely focusing on you as they carry him, though no words come before he is allowed to collapse on the straw cot of his new quarters. With a bow, Osric and his fellows leave, and you return to the night's duty. The surgeons have cleansed the wounds and replaced the bandages, and Alys is looking worriedly towards you, her hands wringing. She approaches. "Will, you were right, what you said earlier. To think, I was more than willing..." Her eyes dart to her tools still arrayed on the nearby stool in the dank cell before she shakes her head free of the dark thoughts. "You have to take this to brother, for the reasons you claimed of course, but I am a trained midwife as well. I could not be party such barbarity." A grave nod is let out. "I gave the girl my word she would not be harmed until justice comes. I keep my word. I hope you know that." She doesn't smile, meeting the gravitas of your demeanor instead for once. "Yes, Lord Campbell, that I do."

File: Elpest in better days.png (28 KB, 200x381)

28 KB PNG

>>5197660
Alys tells you the tincture to keep Vera awake has been ministered, and will not adversely affect her condition in her experience. As she tells you this, the large man begins to stir. You could question him as well, you speak his language as does Alys, though the House Campbell tartan you wear over your mail hauberk names you the blood sworn enemy of the Clans from which he hails. Maybe better to have Alys speak to this one, as you stood in her place with Vera. The matter of Elpest is a thorn in your mind. In the back of your head you imagine an enraged Alkaign turning back on Graven's advice and sending the Guard back down to lynch the poor man, one more body to try and weigh out his father's. You shake that thought, though maybe it would not hurt to appeal on the knight's behalf sooner than later. Vera already looks better, color returning to her, though the despair remains and you know infection is never far for any amputee. Continued questioning while she is still lucid is an option, though you are hoping you have more time for that over the coming weeks as she may improve considerably and perhaps come to terms with her situation. You also have your newfound knowledge of her coming child to use as it suits you.

> Supervise Alys interrogating Harain. She can speak, you can come up with questions. Obviously no tools or harm, you gave your word. Unless that means less than you let on...

> Question Elpest. You really doubt any malice was involved, but in situations like this it pays to be paranoid. Armed with knowledge, you can make his case to Alkain, or not. You doubt he will be able to convincingly lie in his state, after all.

> Continue to go after Vera, breaking down her defenses further. You've broken her resolve, but perhaps some more days down here will make her more willing to talk? Or is it better to double down on your momentum?

The Emperor will be expecting your first report soon. Last choice in the dungeon.

>>5197672
> Question Elpest. You really doubt any malice was involved, but in situations like this it pays to be paranoid. Armed with knowledge, you can make his case to Alkain, or not. You doubt he will be able to convincingly lie in his state, after all.
Alys can handle herself, and Vera needs to simmer in her juices for a while.
unrelated but the carian knight set is so good looking. It’s such a cool set for spellswords.

>>5197672
>Question Elpest. You really doubt any malice was involved, but in situations like this it pays to be paranoid. Armed with knowledge, you can make his case to Alkain, or not. You doubt he will be able to convincingly lie in his state, after all.
Being a bloodstone enemy will probably just make the interrogation of the northerners harder (plus we did give our word and having a reputation as an honest man can be very useful), and the girl is likely too weak atm to be up to much talking.
Best to make sure there isn't anything to this other matter before we plead it before the Emperor. I have a nasty suspicion that while he probably isn't knowingly involved his tryst may have been arranged as a way to get him quietly out of the way.

>>5197672
> Question Elpest. You really doubt any malice was involved, but in situations like this it pays to be paranoid. Armed with knowledge, you can make his case to Alkain, or not. You doubt he will be able to convincingly lie in his state, after all.

Appreciate the interest folks and please do respond to the last prompt. Just want to ask: what are your thoughts? Not my first quest but I always want feedback. I figure I've got five or so regs and my philosophy is to do what the people want. Feel free to ignore this post, but if you have an issue be not afraid. I do have a concern im being too edgy, which I have tried to address, but let me know.

>>5197672
>Question Elpest. You really doubt any malice was involved, but in situations like this it pays to be paranoid. Armed with knowledge, you can make his case to Alkain, or not. You doubt he will be able to convincingly lie in his state, after all.

>>5197854
As I said earlier, touching on sensitive topics and/or going to dark places is fine just so long as the edge is there for a reason other than simply being edgy. For example I like that our protagonist was fulky on board with the potential of torture as it's entirely realistic for the setting and situation but I also really appreciate that he was smart enough to know the limitations and to take the less edgy but more effective methods.
Also personally I'm finding the base concept interesting, one of the things that always annoyed me about so many Iseki was just how stupid the antagonist factions are so the idea of playing as an actually competent opponent for some stereotypical Japanese high-schoolers has some interesting potential.

>>5197908
The entire concept of this is isekai running into a stable and somewhat responsible gov so glad you got that.

>>5197854
I don't really have any criticism since this is just the first thread, but I do like the main idea and pacing of it so far
I guess the only thing I can say is that I hope you find that fine line between it being realistic and exciting, since introducing the idea of Isekai to a more Medieval setting can have it's issues. Still, looking forward to how it goes!

>>5197854
No real issues I've noticed so far, keep going, doing great.

File: 1646654022431.gif (2.06 MB, 624x335)

2.06 MB GIF

>>5197672
>Question Elpest. You really doubt any malice was involved, but in situations like this it pays to be paranoid. Armed with knowledge, you can make his case to Alkain, or not. You doubt he will be able to convincingly lie in his state, after all.
>>5197854
I like it so far QM, my one and only nitpick are your big fuck off paragraphs. I'm not trying to sound rude but I'd rather you separate them a bit, it's a bit rough to read. Otherwise? Top notch stuff, keep up the good work.

File: ImperialGuardArmor.jpg (85 KB, 736x1354)

85 KB JPG

>>5197687
>>5197691
>>5197752
>>5197877
>>5198034

You leave Alys and the surgeons to their tasks and approach Elpest's cell. Better to get his story quickly, there might not be time later. The knight looks miserable, his rumpled smallclothes covered in sweat. His head hangs low as he moves to a seated position on the rough cot. You make yourself known by lightly rapping on one of the bars. His head shakily raises and his bloodshot eyes meet yours.

"You picked a great night to do this, Elpest." You say, shaking your head. He chuckles dryly, but you don't see the humor in this. "Lord Uilleam, ever the hatchetman." You're not in the mood for snark tonight. "Just give me your story, I'm not taking a hatchet to anyone until I hear it." He grunts. "What's there to say? We just got back, I was celebrating. I got drunk. I fancy Aeflyn from the stables, you all know it, I invited her for drinks and we ended up doing what couples do hidden in a haystack." Rubbing your nose, you fight off a migraine. "The Emperor needed you Elpest, needed us all." He laughs sharply, derision clear on his face. "Saved him yourself did you? Save me the righteousness, Lord Campbell" He turns your title into a sneer. "I wasn't the only one out at a tavern with girl he fancies, was I?" This idiot is really making you regret considering helping him. "It's not like that." He doesn't look like he believes you. "And we could be found, Elpest, we came when called. You couldn't even stand." He tosses his arms up in exasperation. "And that makes me a traitor? Alkaign, my sworn brother, tried to get Graven to behead me, Uilleam! Right there on the floor before the throne. They weren't done cleaning up the blood already there and he wanted more of it!" He's scrambling, and you see the desperation behind his lashing out. He truly thinks himself condemned, and you are not convinced he is wrong. In this moment, despite his words, you decide to do what you can.

"I'll tell him what you said. I don't see a traitor here, just a drunk fool. We don't hang those." You turn away from the cell. "Don't let them hurt Aeflyn!" He calls out to your back. "They took her too!" You stop for a moment. "I can't make promises for yourself, but if what you said is true no one will harm the girl on my watch, you have my word as a knight."

You have to leave it at that, as two Imperial Guardsmen enter the dungeon, walking with brisk purpose.

"Lord Campbell, The Emperor sends for you." There is only one answer to that. "As he commands." You leave with the men, not missing Alys' worried glance nor that she was not sent for.

File: AssortedNobles.jpg (71 KB, 598x319)

71 KB JPG

>>5198470

The throne room is full when you return, a horde of lords and advisors fighting to divide Alkaign's attentions. You spy the Honored Xia Chen with a long scroll near the throne, almost certainly amidst the thankless task of balancing Imperial finances. The flurry of activity in the hall dies down as the Emperor raises his hand for silence. "Lord Campbell, I trust you have news?"

You sink to a knee. "Aye, My Emperor, I do." He motions you to approach, and you begin telling him what Vera has given up. It takes time, and you leave no detail out, even throwing in a few of your own theories for good measure.

"Another world? You believe this girl?" Alkaign seems less incredulous than you might think. "I believe she believed it, my Emperor. And I gathered items from the boy's body that support her story." You look up upon the throne and note a spot where some of Albrecht's blood had yet to be cleaned from the gilt metalwork of the ornate chair. The Emperor notes the movement of your eyes, and his eyes fix on the spot, a small show of sadness crosses the Imperial mask that has replaced your liege's face. It is gone in a moment. "Their powers? You arrived late to see it with the Lady Alys, but they had some sort of glamour about them when they entered. Fath-" He stops himself. "-the former Emperor never expected one of his own guardsmen to take his head. By the time they were revealed they already had us on the back foot. You say the strength of their leader, and the brutish endurance of their Northerner. Did the prisoner say from whence it came?"

"No my Emperor, but she will. I have little doubt the girl will tell us all she knows. I suspect their abilities faded when Lady Alys and I slew the one from their so called better world. The girl's life was fading but she made no attempt to heal herself. The northerner is so exhausted its like he just marched across a mountain range carrying a full pack. I believe he was the keystone and once it was struck the fortress of their superior powers fell quickly, and I believe the girl will confirm this when she is strong enough for more questioning."

He rubs his brow just under the Imperial circlet. "So it's true then, you brought healers to her? Seems a waste, Lord Campbell, I'll have her head upon the battlements as soon as you have wrung her dry." You close your eyes for a moment. This is the hard part.

"My Emperor, I would never place myself between my Liege and due justice, but please heed my words. The girl is clergy, and with child-" His first slams down on the throne, to his right Sir Graven gives you a worried look as Xia Chen jumps back, startled. "Damn the priestesses and damn that bastard's vile spawn! I thought better of you, Lord Campbell! Such softheartedness. Did they show father mercy? Would that boy have thought for a second had he taken your head and not shattered your arm? I think no, my Lord, no I do not think so."

File: dungeon.jpg (21 KB, 415x582)

21 KB JPG

>>5198502

Sir Graven is pale with shock at the outburst, but the old man is stalwart as ever and steps close to the Emperor, coming to your aid. "My Emperor, Lord Campbell has the right of it. You cannot begin your reign by violating the law and putting a woman with child to death. The clergy would also surely have much to say of you executing one of their own without consultation. You have Imperial primacy over them of course, but the Priestesses can cause you no end of grief in many ways. Lord Campbell has risked your righteous wroth due to his loyalty, I humbly suggest you reward him with consideration." Graven nods towards you as Alkaign seethes, but the Emperor does wait for you to finish.

You bow your head in respect to your liege. "Justice will come my lord, but wait until the child is born. It will also give us time to wring all possible information from the prisoners. Once it's done, we make them face the Depths for what they've wrought."

Alkaign's fingers rap relentlessly on the throne's armrest, and it is several moments before he speaks. "So be it. Damn the Lady for saddling me with the world's most damnably moral northerner, and the world's most silver tongued knight." He nods towards a relieved Sir Graven. You do not budge, and Alkaign soon notes it. "I imagine this is the part where you plead mercy for Elpest as well?"

He sounds less angry, but he spits Elpest's name like a curse. "It is, my Emperor. I believe his story. He's a drunken fool, but no traitor. And the girl he was with is innocent, just lovestruck." Alkaign waves away your concerned look with a hand. "Bah, I know it. I had them release her already. I recognized the girl, they've been courting for years at this point. As for Elpest, he will be punished. But I am convinced to be merciful. Honored Chen?"

The diminutive woman steps forward. "My Emperor?"

"Strike Sir Elpest from the lists. He is an Imperial Knight no longer." She nods, and steps out to find the documents, no doubt. "You may release the fool from the dungeon, Lord Campbell, but he is to be gone from Althimur in a fortnight on pain of death. If I see that lout again his head will join the two I already placed on the battlements tonight."

"Your mercy abounds, My Emperor." Alkaign snorts. "Against my better judgement. Thank you for your report Lord Campbell, you may leave, I will call for you again soon."

You rise to leave, noting Graven's nod of respect as you make your way back down to the cells to inform Elpest of his fate. The imbecile has more luck than sense it seems.

Alys is still there when you arrive, clearly relieved to see you, and obviously the prisoners remain. The northerner is now awake, and straining futilely at his bonds. You note Vera seems to be trying to calm him down, the guards allowing it as they don't want to deal with the giant themselves. You call them over, as they don't seem busy.

>>5198530
"Elpest is to be freed by order of the Emperor. Open the cell. The doors creak open as the former knight rises unsteadily. "Uilleam, you actually convinced him? I don't know what to say." He wince. "Don't thank me. You've been struck from the lists and banished from the capitol. It's a better deal than you could have got, so take it well." He looks stricken. "I'm not a knight? But Uilleam, what will I do? I don't have a trade? Where will I live?"

> Take on Elpest as a man at arms. The man is an ass but a fine warrior, and whatever task the Emperor gives you next will need men like him. He can leave for your retinue at Hold Campbell.

> You want no part of an unreliable man. Tell him to see if his girl will still have him and leave the city with her, find some way to get by.

> Write in

Carpal Tunnel is a bitch for writing guys

>>5198533

> Take on Elpest as a man at arms. The man is an ass but a fine warrior, and whatever task the Emperor gives you next will need men like him. He can leave for your retinue at Hold Campbell.

>>5197854
Actually, this update reminded me that you should probably write the entire update and then post all at once instead of writing and posting piecemeal, especially if you ping the voters with the update. It's much smoother that way. Good job on the spacing btw.

>>5198533
>> Take on Elpest as a man at arms. The man is an ass but a fine warrior, and whatever task the Emperor gives you next will need men like him. He can leave for your retinue at Hold Campbell.
poor elpest, thrown away by his lifelong companion. to be fair to him it was meant to be a celebration and he couldn't have known this would happen, but still...rough

>>5198533
>Take on Elpest as a man at arms. The man is an ass but a fine warrior, and whatever task the Emperor gives you next will need men like him. He can leave for your retinue at Hold Campbell.
Make it clear that he's still on thin ice so his behavior had better be impeccable.

>>5198533
>>5198671 +1

>>5198533
> Take on Elpest as a man at arms. The man is an ass but a fine warrior, and whatever task the Emperor gives you next will need men like him. He can leave for your retinue at Hold Campbell.

File: Sealed letter.jpg (136 KB, 800x600)

136 KB JPG

You think for a moment. Whatever problems you have with his personality your time on the road with him showed Elpest to be a fine warrior. You do not have many men at arms in your small hold, but there is surely room for another. Devoid of trade and without his knightly stipend, you expect Elpest can do no better.

“Alys,” You call. “Do you have a parchment and quill?” She silently approaches and hands you what you ask. You scribble down some directives and seal the letter with your signet upon a red wax seal. A surprised Elpest receives the letter in confusion. You look him in the eyes. “It's a letter of introduction to Captain Laphroaig at Hold Campbell. I'll take you on as a man at arms, he'll see you quartered. I will give you one free morsel of advice Elpest, behave yourself. I keep in correspondence with my mother and sisters and I will be asking after you.”

He pales. “L-lord Uilleam, you are generous, and I accept. But what of Aeflyn?”

“The girl is free and unharmed, Elpest, the Emperor knew her by sight. If you plan to see her again I would go to her soon. You have a fortnight to be gone from here in perpetuity. It's not my business, but I know how close you are. If you can convince her father feel free to take her north with you. Honestly, if you have someone keeping you from making an arse of yourself when you get there I'll sleep better trusting you around my womenfolk. If not, well, you have some days to say your goodbyes.”

Elpest nods vigorously, his look that of a man saved from drowning but unsure of how to get to shore. “I'll go right away, my Lord. Thank you, thank you so much.” He effuses his gratitude at you, and you motion for him to get going. He hurries from the dungeon as you hear Alys giggle at the sight.

“The ever magnanimous Lord Campbell! You save any more wretches or maidens tonight and I might be tempted to swoon.” She says with a sly grin.

You grunt. “If I have to carry you out of here I am not letting you forget it.”

She smiles radiantly. “Why would I want to?”

You scratch the back of your head and turn to the remaining prisoners. “I should let Vera know the Emperor agreed to my terms. Shouldn't leave her in suspense.”

Alys has produced one of her knives and is fiddling with it, cleaning a fingernail you note has no need of such attention. “I won't stop you, Will. I think I am going to find some food before the kitchens are cleared out. Good luck.” You understand she is likely leaving as to not put Vera on edge.

File: regret.jpg (19 KB, 374x310)

19 KB JPG

>>5199773
Appreciating her intent, you nod as she turns to leave and make your way to the shackled girl. Her attentions turn from calming the northerner to you.

“Vera, you should know. The Emperor, in his mercy, has agreed to what I offered. You will live, for a time. We will speak daily, as long as it takes to learn all you know, and you will be spared undue discomfort as will your Ard Negh friend. This is not a pardon, I want you to know, at the end of this road is death. But you will arrive there with dignity.” You speak gravely, wanting no misunderstanding of the girl's situation for the next few months.

She sinks, realistically she could not have thought other outcomes were likely, but you detect an outside hope has been crushed. “Okay, okay, I can do this. Do you want to start now?” You shake your head.

“It's late Vera, and I'll have food brought for you and Harain. We have many months to work at this, I think.” You sigh. “You could have said you were with child. I would never do anything to harm an unborn if I had the choice. We are not monsters, nor is the Emperor.”

She blanches. “I thought you would use it against me! I've seen what happens to those who step out of line, you expect me to believe that was below you?” You look at her sadly. This young girl was bought with promises of a foreign world. If she would have just been a priestess of the Lady in her proper place, would she have been happy? You think maybe so. What a waste that her youthful rebellion ended so destructively.

“The child will be brought to term, Vera. I can promise little beyond that. But I will do what I can. I hope you see now I am a man of my word.” Against your better judgement, you place a comforting hand on her slumped shoulder. Either out of lack of will or strength, she does not throw you off. You hardly believed she had tears left to give, but perhaps the ministrations of the surgeons have given them back, as they fall once again.

“It's not fair, it's not fair! We were supposed to be heroes...” You turn away. Not in disgust, but in absolute pity. This girl will meet a bad end despite what of her and the dead boy you have managed to salvage. Her own culpability in this fate does not make you at peace with the part you will surely, and have surely played in it. But duty always has a cost. Tonight there is nothing left to say, and so you close the cell door behind you and leave without another word. It will be a long several months.

File: These are lamb chops but (...).jpg (64 KB, 500x375)

64 KB JPG

>>5199775
You haven't eaten all night, and hunger pains you as you enter your palace quarters, thinking after washing the blood and grime from your body you might go to the kitchen yourself to beg at least some bread at this late hour. Refreshed from the cleansing after some time, you leave the side room to find a fresh meal of mutton and a hearty soup on the table near your door, a note and some ale beside. You break the nondescript seal and read.

Will,

You've been going without ceasing. Please, eat and rest. I admire your determination but no one wants you to collapse mid day because you kept going when you should not. Rest your arm, and your mind, we will begin again tomorrow. If you swoon next time we are in the dungeon, I quite literally will not be able to carry you.

Yours, Alys

The chair creaks as you sit into it, and begin to lay into the food and drink. Alys is right, of course. You have ever neglected yourself for your duty, but there would be no one else to blame were you to weaken or fall ill because of your own bullheaded negligence. You resolve to thank the woman when you can. Far away from the only family remaining to you it's clear she is the one who seems to look out for your health. You take comfort in this as sleep claims you moments later, sprawled across the bed with the sheets given no mind.

File: A far nicer castle than H(...).jpg (12 KB, 248x204)

12 KB JPG

>>5199777
Six months pass...

You remain in the capitol, questioning Vera and even occasionally Harain, though the northerner unsurprisingly gives a hated enemy little of value. Neither attempt escape, and Alkaign is pleased with the steady progress of your fact finding. You confirm that the strange powers faded with Reiji's death, that the Better World is indeed as vast as your own, and not simply some foreign and unknown isle or remote continent. She spoke of technology and magic beyond Imperial reckoning, horseless carriages, metal avians to carry passengers to cross long distances, weapons of war that boggle the mind. But you could hardly get her to cease speaking of this world's strange and horrifying political systems. Radical “equality” between the sexes, surely destroying social order. Giving even the lowliest a say in politics, ensuring only demagogues could hold any office. Worst of all, the rightful masters paying their lessers to continue to exist. You are horrified that this young girl and her savage friend were susceptible to such madness, and that they saw it viable here in the Empire. Over time, useful information dries, and you begin to hear of nothing but anecdotes of the life Vera and Reiji shared. Humoring this is your only option, you fear if it became clear all use was exhausted Alkaign might kill the girl on a whim, and then your word and honor would be broken. They met years ago, both but children. Reiji seemed beyond his years and Vera was smitten, despite already being in training to join one of the more restrictive orders of the Lady of the Depths. On her sixteenth birthday she was to be sworn to her final vows, but they ran away together. Taking in a roguish thief from a southern desert city they sojourned in for some time named Deris, the other dead man in the throne hall, they then travelled north and met Harain. To your worry, she described how the new ideology of the Better World had taken root nearly everywhere they went, whispered among the smallfolk and the unfortunate. This seems to be a brewing long term threat.

Things continue much the same for months. It becomes clear that whatever his other faults this Reiji had some concept of keeping secrets. You find out little more than you did the first few weeks. Alys and you work together to do what you can, but it feels like more an effort to keep Alkaign satisfied than anything truly productive. You do receive a letter from your eldest sister Ava, noting the arrival of Elpest and his new wife the name of whom she could not get due to the man's overprotectiveness. He is nonetheless sworn in as a man at arms, and Captain Laphroaig notes his ability and dedication. Maybe the wastrel has turned a corner after all.

File: infirmary.jpg (61 KB, 670x419)

61 KB JPG

>>5199779
It is, of course, not long before the birth comes. Alys demands to be there to aid it, despite the enmity Vera still bears her. You wait outside, your current duties at the capitol beginning and ending with the prisoners for now. It is some hours, and you reflect on not ever being present for a child's coming before, being away training for your younger sisters' births. You find yourself nervous despite your detatchment from the child. You worry for Alys, who surely must be conflicted delivering the child of a woman who hates her, and you even find a surprising pang for Vera, who you will very shortly deliver to her end regardless of the outcome of the birth. You find you really want a drink.

You are surprised to find yourself asleep, a hand on the pommel of your sheathed bastard sword, when the screams of the girl's agony come to be joined by the shrill cries of an infant. A quick glance at the infirmary window tells you it is early morning, the sun only cresting the horizon. You slept through most the night, a long labor, you reckon. Standing, you take your former place near the door, waiting patiently for any call. It's not long before the door bursts open. It's Alys, her arms covered in gore, her eyes red with open weeping. She doesn't need to say a thing, you enter the room.

The assistant midwives crowd Vera, covered in her blood as much as Alys is, and not nearly as much as the bed. You have never seen a birth, but you know the battlefield. Vera is dying, and very soon. One of the midwives holds the newborn, the cord cut, as Vera limply reaches for it.

You shout. “For fuck's sake, woman! Give the poor girl her child!”


The midwife startles and shakily hands over the infant. Vera's pale face lights up at the baby's crying face, still red and pink all over. “My son, my little boy.” You would rather face the Depths than ever see another dying woman hold her infant again. Your face remains immovable, but your soul screams. Vera hugs the child to her breast, this girl barely more than a child herself playing the mother to a son doomed to orphandom. You stand, like an idiot, just inside the door as she takes her fleeting joy from a son she will never see grow. Her head turns to you, the last thing you ever wanted to see here. Her weak voice the last thing you wanted to hear.

>>5199780
“There will be more like Reiji, you know. Many more. He told us that. I don't know how he knew, or who they are. But they're coming.” She laughs softly. “I think they'll win. But you let me have my son, so I'll warn you.” She hands off the boy to the midwife and musters her strength to sit up, clearly straining herself. “ I hope when they win, they show you the same MERCY-” Her voice breaks as she screams the word. “- as you showed us.” Her eyes turn to Alys, who you notice is leaning against the doorway, still bloody with Vera's birth. Her voice is fading as Vera says, “I hope they don't show her any mercy at all...” Her head falls slack as one of the midwives and one of the surgeons rush over. They take only a moment before they look you in the eye, shaking their heads. She has bled out. Vera is gone.

The midwife holding the child approaches you. “Lord, what of the child? The Emperor made no decree, I do not know what to do.”

> I will take him as ward. The Emperor will accept that and my sisters will welcome a little brother no matter his origin. I will speak to the Emperor of it.

> A royal ward of course, it is the Emperor's job to decide what becomes of the child.

> Consult Alys

> Take the child before Alkaign before deciding

> Write in

This was an experiment in both spacing and characterization. Hope you guys enjoyed it. And to the one anon, not only is this first post in a separate word processor this is the first update not done on my tablet as my laptop is finally back from the shop.

>>5199781
> Consult Alys
Difficult choice here. I don't like taking him before Alkaign, he has already stated that he doesn't really care what happens to the child, and was partial to execute Vera while she was still pregnant; I doubt anything fruitful would come from that meeting. Taking him on as our ward is a lot of responsibility, and I'm not sure we're in the position to be raising a child with more of these guys coming. What if more pregnant party members arrive? Will we take them all in personally? I'm not entirely sure what a 'royal ward' entails, but if it means being raised by the Emperor, then almost certainly not. Alkaign would resent us for ladening him with this child of his hated enemy. I think Consulting Alys for more wisdom on the situation is a good move here.

I wonder if it was merciful that she died in childbirth rather than however Alkaign would have her executed.

>>5199798
I'm liking it, QM. Keep up the good work.

>>5199781
>Consult Alys

>>5199781
> Consult Alys
I think we should take him as a ward but a second opinion can't hurt.

>>5199781
>Write in
If more of these unnatural enemies are coming and could be in any walk of life than I suggest we start some long term planning: petition the emperor to start a program to take in orphans and begin training them from early childhood as spies and assasins to monitor the population for signs of these outsiders and end their threat before it can blossom. Besides I'm sure the idea of turning the spawn of his enemy into a tool to use against them might help temper any desire of vengeance he might feel against the child

>>5199812
A royal ward is effectively a hostage against good behavior. In this case you would not know against who, if anyone, it might have value, but it was a common practice.
Considering circumstances Alkaign might view it as a hold on Uilleam if anyone.
For note: both William Marshal and Vlad Tepes were at one point such hostages. Marshal even at one point was all but strung up on a makeshift gibbet made of a trebuchet. Tepes was forced to participate in war on his own country.

I dont intend to force either of these things on the poor boy if this is your choice, only wanted to show what this option allows.

>>5199781
>Consult Alys
Also are there no orphanages at all in this country?
Could we just give him to some farmers or something? Historically so long as there wasn't a food shortage childless families were happy to adopt healthy babies to ensure future workers and someone to care for them when they got old

>>5199918
That's totally an option!

Alkaign will likely not appreciate it if he finds out.

>>5199781
>> A royal ward of course, it is the Emperor's job to decide what becomes of the child.
the ultimate good in monarchy is the will of the king/Emperor. submitting himself to the Emperor's will speaks well of Uilleam, even if it does bind him. it also would give the kid a somewhat better life than most other options.
I don't see why Alys would have any clue what would be best and she's obviously not in a good emotional place. straining her is not the move. it's Uilleam's place to make a decision, and he can't waffle
>>5199862
this plan relies on a very modern state apparatus with clearcut identities and institutions. without those things, either the kid is raised where the court/Uilleam can see him and therefore has some kind of 'loyalty' and knowledge impressed upon him; or he is raised where they can't, and his allegiance is left to chance.
while we don't know for sure how premodern spying worked due to the nature of the job, I definitely don't think it would work like a 20th century sleeper-agent story.

File: bloodybasin.jpg (2.96 MB, 4608x3228)

2.96 MB JPG

>>5199812
>>5199816
>>5199858
>>5199918

You look to the midwife. “Let me think for a moment, see to the child's comfort.” The woman nods as you walk towards the doorway and the bloody woman leaning against it with a pensive expression. Your hand reaches Alys' shoulder as you leave the room. “Walk with me, Alys, let's get you washed up.” She follows at your side as you move down the infirmary halls to the water basins. You arrive, and she begins to wash her hands.

“You don't know what to do, do you Will?” She says softly, her voice barely carrying over the sounds of the water basin.

You shake your head. “I had a few ideas, but I don't know anything about children. I was never around while my sisters grew up.” Father had you training with his men and himself, travelling throughout your lands and beyond, learning your trade against Ard Negh incursions. You love your sisters but you were only an intermittent presence as they grew.

She looks over as the basin turns pink and then red. “We have a few options. I don't think we should leave him with brother, he'll see the assassin in him as he grows and it will only take one bad day and boy's fate is sealed. We could find somewhere obscure, but I worry about what Vera said about the tales of the Better World spreading throughout the populace. Especially with more like that boy coming. If they find the child he could be a rallying cry. Not to mention brother would have our heads if we snuck him out to hide him.”

You scratch your beard idly. “A ward then, somewhere more secure? Maybe someone we trust?”

She shakes her head. “Runs the same risk, if they find him it will be no end of trouble. I think I know what we can do, though. We need to obscure his identity. We can swear the midwives to silence, claim the child stillborn. No one will question it considering the fate of the mother. We send the child to a hold was ward, announce them as ward later when enough time has passed to not raise suspicion.” She grimaces.

“What is it, Alys? We'll have to tell the Emperor, won't we?”

She nods. “We will, but that's not it. I'm sure he will see the wisdom in it. To keep the child safe, he can't just be some nobody or someone might put it together. We can't trust anyone but us for this either. So my solution is simple. We send him to your hold, and you claim him as your bastard.”

File: Hold Campbell.jpg (91 KB, 616x497)

91 KB JPG

>>5200639
“What!?!” You cry out louder than you intended. She places her newly cleansed hand over yours.

“Calm down. Think about it. You've been gone more than two years since the Heir's party last passed by Hold Campbell. It would hardly be unheard of. You're unmarried, so it's not too much of a hit to your reputation, and the Emperor favors you so it's not like anyone will speak out on the matter anyway.”

You scoff. “My mother would never believe it. My sisters...”

She stares into your eyes. “I know how important your honor is to you, Will, but if you want to protect the child this is the best way. If your mother doesn't believe it, fine, I'm sure you can come to an understanding.”

This option troubles you deeply. The logic behind it is clear, but you will be sacrificing your honor, or at least the appearance of it, to sell it. Not to mention outside of your closest confidants you will have to lie about the boy constantly. You are unsure you can maintain such a deception.

“Alys, I'm a warrior, and I am sworn to the Emperor. I cannot raise a child.”

She laughs softly. “Since when have men bothered raising their children? I'm sure your sisters will enjoy having a little one around, and your mother struck me as imminently capable.” When you passed back through the area a little more than a year into your journeys with Alkaign, Alys and your mother, the Lady Moira had got on famously. You were a little glad to leave, because you feared mother might be angling to make things awkward on your relationship with your liege by trying to foist you as a marriage prospect for her. In fact, you have little doubt they've been in correspondence since, though you've respected Alys' privacy by refraining from bringing it up.

You have to make a decision. The Emperor gave no directive about the child, only telling you to see to the matter satisfactorily. Alys' option will likely not raise his ire. And, to be honest, you don't know if your own trepidation is coming from an honest place or, vile though it may be, an attempt to avoid an unwanted responsibility.

"We need to report to the Emperor, Alys." You say, your waver quavering slightly.

"Don't change the subject, Will. We do need to report. So we better know what we plan to do, no?" The sardonic grin returns, though you do note the redness of her eyes remains. She's pretending not to be affected but it's clear Vera's death, and perhaps her last words, are bothering her. You second guess her much as you did yourself. Is she thinking clearly? Or do you just want an excuse to discount her?

> Go with Alys's suggestion

> Another option is best(choose which one)

> Write in

>>5200641
> Go with Alys's suggestion

>>5200641
>Go with Alys's suggestion

>>5200641
>Another option is best(choose which one)
Have our new man at arms and his wife foster thr child. He owes us for saving his ads and a new couple having a child is hardly going to raise suspicion

>>5200641
How well do we know Elpest would >>5200726 work?
Because if so I'd like to back that suggestion

>>5200726
>You scratch your beard idly. “A ward then, somewhere more secure? Maybe someone we trust?”
>She shakes her head. “Runs the same risk, if they find him it will be no end of trouble.

This won't work apparently. I'd rather not go behind the Emperor's back or have a lingering liability for the rest of our life.

>>5200641
> Go with Alys's suggestion

>>5200641
> Go with Alys's suggestion
There really isn't a better choice than this, aside from getting another of the Emperor's circle to raise him as their own. And considering we'll most likely be dealing with this otherworlder problem, we would do best to keep him close to us
Though it might be a problem when he eventually finds out the truth

>>5200726
>Support
It's the exact same thing since he will be on our hold and under our watch, except the excuse is more believable.

>>5201028
If it's the exact same thing, then we should not do it, because it's been said that the Emperor would view it very negatively if we offloaded him onto someone else.

>>5201045
>>5200855
But the option of going behind the emperor's back is the one of giving him to a farmer or orphanage, all of the wards ones have to go through him. The problem of sending to another hold is that it's out of our control, and making him a royal ward puts the child at risk.
She points out that a ward somewhere else would risk being found out, and that only we can be trusted. However it would not be us that would raise the child anyway, but our sisters amd mother.
Sending the child to be raised by Elpest has the same result becuase it would still be in our hold, he can become our ward, and his identity is obscured, without having to make a lie that everyone that knows us will see through.
The only risk is that the emperor is angry at Elpest, but we can claim that since he is to avoid showing his face to the emperor ever again, so will the child, and by one being our man at arms and the other our ward, they become our responsability.

>>5201063
Basically, it is Alys' proposal, but instead of the excuse being that he is our bastard, the lie is that he is Elpest' newborn, because it's a bit more believable to people that know us.
And the child can still become our ward or page, since the oarents don't need to be dead and it can be (relatively) voluntary as well.

>>5201071
>>5201063
Alright then, that's a good idea as long as the child is explicitly our ward and this isn't a secret from the Emperor. However, people who know the Elpest couple would know that she didn't get pregnant recently, and they've been over there for 6 months by now. It might be believable if they had just arrived with the child, but babies don't pop out of thin air. Though perhaps we could say that they just adopted the child.

>>5201199
Hmmmm, maybe they could hide the child until she does have one, and they say they are fraternal twins?
The one year age difference will throw it off at the beggining, but eventually it would become neglible.

Okay, I'll admit, I'm at a loss here. Love the discussion guys but I can't really tell if anyone has fully convinced the other so with the exception of

>>5200685
>>5200720
>>5200888

Who all seem locked in can I get the rest of you to reply in greentext with your choice between Alys' proposal as is or the anon's write in involving Elpest? Sorry for the trouble, but I absolutely do not want to misconstrue anyone's vote.

>>5201439
Appreciated QM
>Have our new man at arms and his wife foster the child.
on the condition that they are our ward and this idea is neither scandalous to nor hidden from the Emperor. Otherwise:
> Go with Alys's suggestion

>>5201439
>Elpest will raise the child, claiming it's. He will become our ward or page when he grows up. He will be our responsability, same as Alys suggestion, but he is not our bastard. Make Elpest's wife a handmaiden to one of our sister if nescessary to keep them inside our hall where the child can be looked over.

why do we care about this child at all? it's the kid of the crew that murdered our former liege, make him a royal ward if we have to but why stain our reputation for the sake of some bastard?

Leaving the vote up another night or so. Hell or high water I will take the majority I have tomorrow and write it.

Have a good one folks.

>>5201448
>>5201460
+1

>>5202001
Please put which one of those you support in greentext because they do have differences and I don't want an aneurysm tomorrow.

Guys, I dont want to be anal about this. But I think from now on votes will have to be greentext. This kind of stuff just adds unneeded confusion. Please do your votes from now on in greentext. As always, write ins are welcomed.

>Turn the kid over as a royal ward.

>>5202016
>Elpest will raise the child, claiming it's. He will become our ward or page when he grows up. He will be our responsability, same as Alys suggestion, but he is not our bastard. Make Elpest's wife a handmaiden to one of our sister if nescessary to keep them inside our hall where the child can be looked over

>>5200641
>Go with Alys's suggestion

By my count it's

3 for Elpest

1 for Royal Ward

4 for "Bastard"

Close vote. I'm closing it here so no one gets any last minute desire to samefag. For those suspicious of 1ID voters I understand but I did just advertise in /qtg/ for the first time so I cannot discount them. Update later tonight when I get home.

For what it's worth the Elpest write in was clever and not an option I thought of. Though maybe not thrusting parenthood on the cad right away will be for the best.

File: amoredignifiedfatethanVer(...).jpg (272 KB, 472x502)

272 KB JPG

>>5202791

You clasp your hands behind your head in exasperation, pacing before a clearly amused Alys, before all but falling down upon a nearby bench and laughing bitterly. “Alys, you really are too good at this, I keep looking for reasons to say no to that and all it's doing is giving me a migraine.”

She laughs as she softly sits beside you on the stone bench. “See, you do keep me around for a reason.” Her happy expression drops as you both see two of the midwives pass by the doorway, a shawl covering the burden they carry, a pale handless limb swaying from the movement of those carrying it down the hall. You hear her sigh, the long exhalation breaking into a quiet sob, and feel her head rest softly on your shoulder. “She hated me, the entire time, she hated me. Hated you. Even though we helped her.”

You shake your head slowly, careful not to disturb the woman overmuch with the movement. “Alys, we were only ever going to be the people who killed the father of her child. She was young, and angry, and dying. Her last words shouldn't have been an affirmation of hate, but Vera isn't around to realize the last thing she ever said should have been words of love for her son.” Your confidence in your actions keeps your voice steady. “We did the right thing, even though it was hard and thankless to do so. She got to hold her boy, and Alkaign didn't lash out and do something I am sure he would come to regret.” At least, you hope he would have. The man you traveled with for years and the Emperor ever seem to be divergent people.

“Hmm.” She hums, not moving from her spot against you. “Maybe someday I'll believe that.”

“We should head up to the council chamber soon, Alys.”

“You're right. Soon.” It is some more moments before she budges, and you don't begrudge her the time as she breathes softly against you.

Albrecht had always preferred to do all business in the throne room itself, placing some importance on doing the business of government in the relative open of the large audience chamber containing his office's ornate chair, both throne and room a result of one of his many renewal projects. Alkaign broke with this, doing most everything save formal audiences and ceremonies from the far less grand closed council chamber. At least it's more private, you suppose. It's there you find him and his councilors, in the middle of Xia Chen giving what sounds like a report on tax revenue.

File: councilchamber.jpg (145 KB, 1200x675)

145 KB JPG

>>5203175
“ -southern revenue is down due to the missing collectors the Lord Constable mentioned. I suggest increasing guard on their caravans and hiring more locals to the Imperial Revenue Service. Alternatively-” She is cut off by the Emperor.

“Ah, Lord Campbell! Lady Alys! If you're both here, then I assume I can finally end the life of your damnable charity cases?” The Emperor spreads his arms wide from his seat in welcome.

You both bow, and you meet Alkaign's eyes. “You will need only one gibbet, my Emperor. Vera did not survive the birth.”

He fails to hide his disappointment. “A better death than the whore deserved. The child?”

Alys speaks up. “My Emperor, we have a proposal about that...” She proceeds to explain the fate you had chosen for Vera's son, and why you both felt such an approach was wise. To your surprise, Alkaign required little convincing. He seems to even find it amusing.

Only you, Lord Campbell, are so honorable as to sacrifice your honor.” He says, a sardonic smile that resembles Alys' across his aquiline features. “Maybe having the child around will get your sisters to find a match before your hold becomes some sort of sanctuary for spinsters.”

Alys takes this opportunity to relate Vera's final warning of the coming of more foes like Reiji.

File: Castle Barython.jpg (755 KB, 1920x951)

755 KB JPG

>>5203179
“More then? I suppose it couldn't be simple. There have been a number of growing issues these last few months, from missing tax collectors to unseasonal northern raids. Could they already be here? We have to find out. Which brings me to the other matter at hand.” Alkaign holds out his hand and a sealed document is placed into it by Sir Graven, as always standing behind his liege. “My grandfather was a man of military bearing, his campaigns gave us the northern duchies you call home, Lord Campbell. His extensive war spending was of course unpopular, and revolts happened with some frequency. He had an answer for this: The Beholders. An autonomous spy organization tasked to maintain public order and protect the Empire from internal and external threats. It was very successful. Too successful, if my father disbanding it is any indication. I wonder how many bridges he built off of what used to be the order's budget?” He unfurls the scroll he holds, clearing his throat. “I, the Emperor Alkaign, in Imperial Year 630, declare the reinstatement of the Order of Beholders. Lord Uilleam Campbell, of good name and faithful character, is named Captain-General of the Order immediately. Castle Barython is relinquished from Imperial stewardship and bequeathed upon the holder of the office of Captain-General and all successors to the office henceforth.” He closes the scroll.

Every eye in the room is on you, and you have a hard time hiding your surprise. “My Emperor, this is too much honor.”

Alkaign barks a laugh. “Honor? This is work, Lord Campbell. You'll be cursing my name in nary a month. These damned visitors are going to be Depths' damned hard to root out. And the job is yours. I can't be barking at shadows my entire reign. So you will do it for me.” He points at you. “My first command to my Captain-General is to ride to Barython and take command. The garrison and staff are yours, as is the budget I'm having Honored Chen carve out of the treasury. Get the Order settled in it's new home, and then destroy these subversives by any means necessary. I'll expect a report when you first take one of their bastard heads.”

You rise. “It will be done, my Emperor, on my honor.”

“Considerable as it is.” He holds up a finger like he remembered something he forgot. “Oh, and do take Lady Alys with you. That stare of hers would put me in the grave short a month if I didn't send her with you. Now get you gone, I'll spare you the next few hours of Chen's damnable numbers and figures.”

You and Alys leave the council room as you hear Xia Chen dive back into her exhaustively detailed list of revenue changes and suggestions on how to increase the treasury. The heavy oak doors close behind you both.

File: Sir Friedrich.jpg (40 KB, 361x489)

40 KB JPG

>>5203181
“So,” Alys says, humor evident in her voice. “-a castle.”

You nod. “I have no idea how to run a castle.”

“It's like your hold, just bigger.”

You massage your temple. “Mother runs my hold.”

“Thank the Lady for that. I've seen what your tent looks like on the road.” She teases as you both walk down towards the stables.

"Hey I know where everything is at least."

You find a number of knights saddling up when you arrive. One in the livery of Alkaign's household approaches you.

“Captain-General, Lady Alys. I am Sir Friedrich. The Emperor has bade my men and I to accompany you on the road to Castle Barython. A number of functionaries newly sworn to your Order are also preparing to travel via caravan alongside us.”

You accept the knight's greeting and return his salute as he places his fist over his chest.

“Will, I'll go get the child. We'll ride with the functionaries. Go ahead and get your horse saddled, I'll return shortly.” You nod, and the woman leaves, her dark cloak swishing in the stale stable air as she turns to leave.

“Child?” Sir Friedrich inquires.

“My bastard.” You say it for the first time, a scowl almost coming to your face at the word.

“... I see.” Friedrich looks disapproving, but knows his place. You doubt you'll hear about it from him again.

Your horses readied after some time, you and the knights ride out into the courtyard where the caravan is preparing. It consists of a few dozen of Chen's legion of civil servants. Now sworn to your service to fill out the nascent bureaucracy of the Order. You see Alys, cradling a small bundle, in one of the first carts Making conversation with a man in the gold-rimmed robes of the Revenue Service. Likely to be your Order's treasurer, by your reckoning. The knights and Friedrich join you at the head of the lead cart, forming into marching order.

“I defer to you, Captain-General. Barython is to the north, of course. How will we take the road?” Friedrich has one of his men bring the two of you a map.

>>5203182

> Keep off the main roads. You will be slowed but the reports of missing tax officials and increased raids make you cautious. You'll be sure to find the time to stop by Hold Campbell without much additional delay, to gather more men and deliver the child.

>Keep to the Imperial Roads. May as well take advantage of old Albrecht's fixation on civil engineering. Much quicker, even your detour to the Hold will not hold you long from arriving in good time. However, the caravan may be vulnerable to hostile activity on the road.

>Scout ahead with knights and send the Caravan via the roads. A compromise, the knights will be able to flush threats ahead but this is still slower than traveling as a group. The knights will be vulnerable to ambush themselves. Your knights will arrive first, but you will have to wait at Hold Campbell for the caravan to catch up.

> Write in

>>5203183
>Keep to the Imperial Roads. May as well take advantage of old Albrecht's fixation on civil engineering. Much quicker, even your detour to the Hold will not hold you long from arriving in good time. However, the caravan may be vulnerable to hostile activity on the road.
Worst case scenario, we do our job a little early.

>>5203183
>Keep to the Imperial Roads. May as well take advantage of old Albrecht's fixation on civil engineering. Much quicker, even your detour to the Hold will not hold you long from arriving in good time. However, the caravan may be vulnerable to hostile activity on the road.
I don't see any reason to not travel with the caravan

>>5203183
>>Scout ahead with knights and send the Caravan via the roads. A compromise, the knights will be able to flush threats ahead but this is still slower than traveling as a group. The knights will be vulnerable to ambush themselves. Your knights will arrive first, but you will have to wait at Hold Campbell for the caravan to catch up.
It's what the knights are for.

>>5203183
>cout ahead with knights and send the Caravan via the roads. A compromise, the knights will be able to flush threats ahead but this is still slower than traveling as a group. The knights will be vulnerable to ambush themselves. Your knights will arrive first, but you will have to wait at Hold Campbell for the caravan to catch up.
Let's get a measure of these knights

>>5203183
>Keep to the Imperial Roads. May as well take advantage of old Albrecht's fixation on civil engineering. Much quicker, even your detour to the Hold will not hold you long from arriving in good time. However, the caravan may be vulnerable to hostile activity on the road.

Update may be a bit later than usual. I lost a bit of sleep on the last one and I'm exhausted tonight. So I am going to sleep a bit. I'll see you guys soon. Im thinking a good writing session with tomorrow's coffee/whisky combo.

In the mean time, feedback always welcome. One of my big priorities with this quest is characterization, something I have lacked in the past. I hope it's come through. Thank you all for reading.

Sleep well QM. Characterisation is pretty good. I'm really getting a feel for the dramatis personae. The atmosphere of medieval intrigue almost makes me forget the quest is about dealing with OP japanese teenagers at times.

>>5203276
>>5203287
>>5203422

"We keep to the roads, Sir Friedrich. Our Emperor will brook no delay. Prepare your men and I will see to the caravan."

He nods. "Of course, lord! Men, marching formation!" The knights move into a loose wedge as you ride to the carriage holding Alys and the child.

"How is he?" You ask with no small amount of trepidation.

"He is well, Will." Alys replies. "I found a reliable nursemaid from the castle, she will see him fed till he arrives." Her lithe, athletic build precludes her own participation in succoring a child. You nod and sigh. "At least I will have some time to figure this out then. Keep an eye on the functionaries, anyone could be an enemy now."

Despite Alys' demands, the child is not named. The northern tradition is to wait a full year and if you are to claim the child it will be no different. On the way back you do pass the holy city of Avighon. the city of saints, where holy heroes are consecrated. A plan strikes you.

> Subject the infant to the trial. If he succeeds, he will be seen as a chosen of the Gods.

> Ignore the local beliefs. The infant deserves it's own life.

> Subject yourself. Recruitment will skyrocket\

> Punish your men for any occultism

> Buy supplies in town

>>5204206
I apologize for the relatively anemic update. Really had to sleep tonight and still do. Glad I got something out though. Blessed night, everyone!

>>5204206
>Subject yourself. Recruitment will skyrocket

>>5204206
>Subject yourself. Recruitment will skyrocket

>>5204206
> Ignore the local beliefs. The infant deserves it's own life.
I don't think it's a good look if we were to fail

>>5204206
>Subject yourself. Recruitment will skyrocket

File: Cathedral.jpg (13 KB, 450x288)

13 KB JPG

>>5204206
Avighon was a medium sized town, unremarkable save for one characteristic. Where many Imperial towns have a keep or castle overlooking their more urban sprawl, Avighon boasts a massive cathedral. The Bastion of the Depths is the center of Imperial religion, home of the Prioress of the Faith, and the center of learning for all of Althimura's clergywomen. Looking upon it's majesty for the first time, you have both a passing regret for your own lack of attention to piety and a wonder that somehow the path that led Vera to her death passed through this very place.

Friedrich speaks up, riding at your side. “Avighon, Lord. Many have sought the blessing at the Lady's cathedral upon being knighted or receiving a new duty. Perhaps you seek the same?” His tone remains polite, but it's clear the knight thinks you unworthy of such consideration from any deity. Probably the whole “bastard” affair, you suppose.

“Perchance I do? Worst that can happen is nothing, and who can say? I am sure the Emperor would be pleased with divine approval of his reinstatement of the Order.” Friedrich gives a smile that does not quite reach his ears, and thinks better of goading you further. The last few days of travel had been awkward between you and the head knight. To you, it seems your favor in the eyes of the Emperor coupled with what Sir Friedrich must view of the dishonor of claiming a bastard must have rankled the man. Too well bred to ever bring it up, Friedrich none the less has made his distaste for you known in a dozen ways, though none rising to an offense you could honorably answer. Unable to answer this disdain, you grew frustrated.

As your caravan enters the town, your new fellow order members make their own arrangements for accommodation. It's not long before you are approached by both the town's mayor and the Prioress of the Bastion. The woman is an older sort, faded blond hair framing her face from a grew hood of the same hew you have seen many times before. The man is exactly as you pictured, a balding functionary whose unremarkable build screams bureaucrat.

“My Lord Campbell! I am glad to greet you!” The man exclaims, and you immediately peg him as vying for your favor and what advantage an association may bring, The older woman only nods as her goateed companion prattles on. “Welcome to Avighon! We are so pleased to welcome the companion of our dear Emperor! How may we serve you?” The man goes on and on, placing an arm around your shoulder and embarking on a tirade about his home you doubt anyone could match even were they paid for it. The woman is must more circumspect. She takes the opportunity to whisper to you as the mayor goes on.

>>5205145

“Be at the Bastion after midnight. We will see your fate.”

Immediately after this, she folds back into her role as a long suffering attendant to the mayor's extravagance, not saying a word. But you remember. And you fear. Will the Gods judge you well? You have worked in accordance with your duty. But you condemned a young mother to death. A young man, enemy he may be, to an agonizing execution. You didn't even see Harain's end. Will the Divine forgive you such callousness, even in the name of your sworn word?

Your feet bring you before Alys, where the caravan has stopped in town, She has handed off the child to one of the women of the group, the boy laughing as he is rocked by the frocked functionary among her fellows who all laugh and cajole her about the child's attentions. Alys looks to you, seeming tired.

“I trust them, Will, don't worry. Alkaign chose well.” She smiles at you, radiant as ever.

“I am not worried about that, Alys. I am going to subject myself to the trial.”

She is clearly taken aback. “Why, Will? No one doubts you, not Alkaign, not me, not anyone.”

Thinking of Friedrich you shake your head. “Plenty doubt me. More will. Even if they declare I do not hold favor, at least I will have tried. It will help.” You look to her worried face, and clasp her slender shoulder. “It will be okay, Alys. Let me do this, it will make everything easier.”

She looks down, and nods in affirmation. “I can't stop you, Will. But please, be careful.”

You look at the woman, your eyes digging into hers, “I will come back, Alys. You have my word.” You've never broken it. Yet. Midnight comes before you expect. The woman leaves you with a troubled glance backwards.

In moments you are ushered into the Bastion, and called by an unseen priest to kneel. You will stay in such a post until the priests have declared your submission acceptable. Then you may rise, and swear your faith to the Lady. After, the presiding Priestesses will inform you of whether you have acquired divine aid. You hope your cause righteous, and your actions just. But, only a man, you cannot understand the will of the divine.

>>5205146
Please roll

1d100 best of 3 DC 40 roll under

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>5205149

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>5205149

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>5205149
In all other quests I follow, I am a champion of the disappointingly low rolls. I pray my die will roll the same here.

File: 1438203906936.jpg (13 KB, 327x323)

13 KB JPG

>>5205179
Fuck this gay Earth.

>>5205155
>>5205169
>>5205179

Rolls confirmed. Post tomorrow. Have a pleasant night guys. As always any feedback welcome. Especially on characters and the MC. Peace.

No update tonight. Had a bit too much to drink. Will be around tomorrow.

File: medtavern.png (3.26 MB, 1920x1136)

3.26 MB PNG

Hours pass, your knees screaming in anguish before the altar of the Depths. The agony does not move you, and you remain still before the holy place. No priest comes to tell you of the favor of the Gods, and you do everything you can to not cloud your mind with doubt. You think of the past, the first time Father brought you out hunting, your Mother's tender caress and fair counsel, the girlish laughs of your sisters, the night Alkaign took you unto his service and the first time you and Alys sat by the campfire and talked late into the night. These memories, strong as steel, gird you for the trial. But strong as you are, no man can withstand nearly a day of kneeling on hard, jagged stone. The sun rises on a new dawn before you are relieved, the rough surface of the Cathedral's floor cutting you so deep that blood begins to pool beneath you despite your defiance. The priests have neglected you, and you know deep down the Gods have as well. Your mission is not divine. But it is your charge, and you will not see it neglected.

You make your peace with the lack of divine attention just before you feel a light hand on your shoulder. You refuse to move your head from your attentions on the altar before you, but Alys reaches you nonetheless. “Will, it's okay. Not every duty is holy. We are called to do things the Gods might abhor, but it is nothing more than a necessary burden. Come on, let's get out of here.”

Your hand meets hers on your shoulder, though you never remove your sight from the altar. “Alys, I don't understand. These people, these things, they come across worlds to destroy us. Why will the Gods not endorse us? We only want to protect our ways, our lives.”

She pulls on your hand until you relent and rise. “You don't need them, Will. I know you. I know you can do this. We'll do it together. Come with me.” With only a single glance backwards, you follow her. The priestesses glare at you as you pass, your lack of divine favor clearly coloring them against you. But nothing can be done, and you attempt to ignore their disdain as Alys leads you out and into the streets of Avighon. Troubled by the Gods' inattention, you allow Alys to lead you to a nearby tavern. A full day is between you and your departure, the schedule allowing for your now vain hopes of holy endorsement. You barely notice when a plate of roast chicken and a mug of ale are placed before you. Alys has no food for herself, and looks attentively at your as you slowly begin to eat. “Listen to me. You cannot be like this in front of the men. You need to project confidence, capability. I'm sorry the Gods did not give you their backing, but it doesn't change what you have to do. It doesn't change who you are.”

>>5207241
You are half through a chicken leg as she says this, and the meat drops from your hands as you consider it. “My path is murder, Alys. Who is to say if these people deserve what the Emperor has bade me to subject them to? I will do my duty, but what if my duty is evil? What if I am evil?”

Being comfortable around Alys for years of association, you are taken aback when she slaps you and charges out of the room sans a word. You feel your reddened cheek, no real damage done, at least physically. You are left alone, the other patrons looking at you in a mixture of amusement, worry, and confusion.

You still have most of the day, having stood vigil the previous night. Hunger and thirst are gone from your mind, anguish your most forward emotion.

>Buy something(for who?)

>Get drunk

>See to your men

>Make an observance to the Priestesses despite your lack of favor

>Go to the mayor's estate and announce yourself.

>>5207248
>See to your men
The longer we avoid them the more chance they'll start talking about our failure

>>5207248
>See to your men

>>5207248
>See to your men

>>5207248
>See to your men

Op here from undisclosed shitty motel in Georgia. Update tonight, got caught on the road again. Sorry about that.

File: roastchicken.jpg (42 KB, 584x389)

42 KB JPG

>>5207366
>>5207486
>>5207507
>>5209808

You consider just taking the opportunity to drown your newfound sorrows in relative solitude, but one thing Alys said sticks with you as much as the sharp sting on your bearded cheek. You were not raised to neglect your duty, and what kind of man would you be if you fell short at the first mere setback? Are you some child to need some paternal figure to descend from the heavens and give you a personal endorsement? Of course not. Your mental imagery is filled by the disappointed face of your father, the details indistinct as the passage of years since the man's untimely death wears away his features like the surf does the shore. She's right of course. You cannot just let the men hear of this failure and wonder what in the Depths' you are going to do about it. If these men and women are to pledge themselves to you, you must earn their respect even if you cannot get it delivered to you by the Divine.

On the way out, you have a second thought. You haven't eaten for a day, so you take a swig of ale accompanied by a few hearty bites of the roast to chicken to keep you going before leaving to find where the men are billeted.

Asking around the various stables you think the horses likely to be housed, you soon find that while Friedrich and some of his closest companions have taken billet at a nearby inn, the body of the functionaries and a majority of the household knights have surprised you by expressing welcome frugality outside of the city limits themselves. It it a green, pleasant clearing, easy enough to find. The stable hand who told you of it mentioned that it is maintained by the Clergy for the sake of the many pilgrims who come through Avighon seeking blessing, favor, or to enter Holy Service.

The wagons are gathered together and made into a pleasant makeshift camp. You see your new subordinates milling about, many cooking an early dinner on spits over a number of fires. You see the same nursemaid from before looking after the infant, rocking him softly while using one of the covered carts to stay out of the afternoon sun. Alys is nowhere to be seen. This is unsurprising to you, but you suppose she could have simply booked a room instead. You doubt it though.

It's not long before the man from before in the robe of the Revenue Service approaches you. “My Lord Captain-General, excuse my lack of introduction. I am Arvent Bardus, late of the Imperial Revenue Service and by will of our beloved Emperor sworn to the Order as treasurer, as it pleases you.” You nod in acknowledgment.

“Honored to meet you, Brother Bardus. Is there a financial matter I should see to for the caravan?”

He looks confused for a moment before catching himself. “Ah, no Captain-General, we have plenty to go around. I have been named by the others as the head of our little caravan when yourself or Sir Friedrich are indisposed. The initiates are wondering how your time at the Bastion went?”

>>5210771
You try not to grimace. Remember, you think, show them why they should believe in you.

>Please roll

> 1d100 best of 3 DC 50 roll under

>A write in of sufficient quality will call another roll with better DC.

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>5210775

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>5210775

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>5210775

>>5210879
>>5210896
>>5211023

If any of you three would like to try a write in as offered you have all night. Its late and I need sleep.

I apologize for the delays in updates, life finds a way(to fuck with you)

>>5211027
"I did not acquire the blessing of the gods, but that was probably to be expected given the nature of our work to come. That we didn't gain their boon changes nothing of our crucial mission to defend our nation, homes, and families from those evildoers that would seek to undermine and destroy them, and I fully intend to carry this out to the best of my ability, blessing or no blessing."

File: Public speaking.jpg (122 KB, 800x530)

122 KB JPG

>>5211171

You bid Brother Bardus gather the initiates, and he sets out to do so. Even many of the knights, not yet sworn to you or the order, follow as a crowd gathers around you. You spot, for a moment, a black clad figure watching tentatively from the wood line, but they are gone by the time you can again turn your attention upon them. Expectation weighs, and you begin to speak.


"I did not acquire the blessing of the gods, but that was probably to be expected given the nature of our work to come. That we didn't gain their boon changes nothing of our crucial mission to defend our nation, homes, and families from those evildoers that would seek to undermine and destroy them, and I fully intend to carry this out to the best of my ability, blessing or no blessing."

Your duty binds you. Will it bind them?

>Please roll

>1d100 best of 3 60 roll under

>Write ins are appreciated and will have similar effects in the future

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5211917
let's see if we can get one under 50 after 6 over

>>5211966
lmao, it succeeds the check but that makes 7 rolls in a row over 50

>>5211969
Do want to see the other three rolls but I ran the numbers on that and its pretty remarkable

>>5211917

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>5211917

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5211917

Sorry guys on the road again. I'll update when I get back in. Might be tomorrow, might be tonight.

File: caravan.jpg (75 KB, 360x253)

75 KB JPG

>>5211917
It is moments before you see a reaction among the initiates and knights. But it is soon clear you have touched them. To your surprise, your lack of divine favor does you little damage. The sworn functionaries appear to be behind you as you expected, but to your surprise the unsworn knights also gravitate to you in some numbers after your brief speech. They have questions, and you give assurances, but overall you cannot call this anything but a success. You have Bardus give you a quick rundown on the needs of the caravan, and finding little that draws your direct intervention, you decide to make your own tent up and sleep yourself. It is still the early evening, but you and the others will be leaving tomorrow morning according to your previously agreed schedule, so more sleep is preferable to less.

Sunlight floods your tent as morning comes, waking you from slumber. You wipe the grime from your eyes before standing, taking a drink of water from the small the table you keep while traveling. It is almost gone before you finally notice the dark figure seated in the corner of the tent. You reach for your scabbard as the mug falls, but the figure is too fast and warmly embraces you before you can do anything to stop them. The smell of lavender threatens to overcome you, and you only just manage to resist clasping the woman back.

“Alys, I-”

“Will, be quiet. You did exactly what you needed to. They'll follow you now, forever if you keep that example to heart.”

“I don't know, Alys, I don't know if we have the right-”

“We do, Will, we have a duty. I know you believe in that, if nothing else. And we won't lose our souls to it. If you commanded me, I would have mutilated Vera. You knew better. That's not nothing. It's something amazing, and I will never let myself forget it.”

Her gray eyes stare into yours, and you know that there is no transgression that will drive her from you. If you go too far, she will tell you, if you fail, she will still be there. But when you triumph, she will be by your side. Unshakable. Constant.

And so you return her embrace, and you remain that way for some time, until she gently releases you and returns to her own accommodations with no words, but a glance that says everything. You know now, you have your duty, but also good people and friends who believe in you. The horrors you might commit may weigh on your soul, but letting down those depending on you would be the worse burden by far. Soon you return to your cot and sleep, and it comes easier than it has in months.

Weeks pass as you travel to Hold Campbell. You spend the time with the men, many of them clearly more sold on you as a leader than they were before. You spend your nights dining with Alys and Bardus, both of whom seem to accept your role as leader. Alys has been more familiar than you remember, and you find you miss Elpest and his customary derision of the closeness you share with the cloaked woman. A strange observation.

File: John-Cameron-A.jpg (348 KB, 556x1200)

348 KB JPG

>>5215830
But of course it could not be that simple. Your long experience with Ard Negh raiders warns you only moments before you arrive in a northern pass. A rock is rolled before the convoy and a huge bearded man lands ahead of you, a smile on his face and double headed axe in hands.

“I am told ye were the one who let that Emperor of yours put me brother in the dirt!”

The axe is swung with flair before being stuck into the snow covered ground.

“Harain might have been a little shit, but I'll gladly end ye for the sake of my own brother!”

The axe is wielded with grace and pointed with malice towards you. But you have fought these savages your whole life. Alys waits for your lead and Friedrich waits to see how you handle this, holding his knights back.

>>5215834

> Negotiate

> Duel him, if you prevail you have the right to command him by Ard Negh law

> Bid your men to charge. No honor in war.

> Flee

>>5215834
>Duel him, if you prevail you have the right to command him by Ard Negh law

>>5215834
> Duel him, if you prevail you have the right to command him by Ard Negh law

>>5215834
> Duel him, if you prevail you have the right to command him by Ard Negh law

>>5215837
Gonna give this vote another dozen hours or so. Was out late tonight and hope we might get other votes in the mean time.

As always, thank you for reading.

>>5216921
thanks
time your time ofc

>>5215834
> Duel him, if you prevail you have the right to command him by Ard Negh law

>>5215834
>Duel him

We are ever and always a slave to our honour. Outward appearance doesnt matter, nor does threats and cajoling. If a man will never break his honour, he is worth a hundred others who would.

File: mountain pass.jpg (157 KB, 1015x571)

157 KB JPG

>>5215887
>>5216126
>>5216487
>>5217556
>>5218379

You've been here before, more than once. So you look up. Both ridge lines of the pass are filled with the indistinct shapes of Ard Negh warriors, assuredly armed with bows as well as the axes favored by the savages. If you dismount the knights, you think you could handle them, but casualties are a certainty. It would certainly be an ignominious start to your tenure as Captain-General to diminish your forces over some northern blood feud before even arriving at your destination. So, knowing how these savages can claim some primitive sense of honor, you find your solution.

You step ahead your companions and draw your own weapon, placing it before the man's axe in the ground between you. Alys gives you a questioning look and Friedrich scoffs, motioning for the knights to dismount before you hold up one arm to hold them. Bardus sounds panicked.

“My Lord!?”

You ignore him and address the Ard Negh instead. “I am Lord Uilleam Campbell. Is single combat an option?”

He laughs, his blood thirsty grin spreading nearly to his ears. “By the Gods, ye southern dog, it is damned preferable. I am Chief Domlech of the Avech Clan. I accept yer challenge and by the cairn you no doubt denied my brother, ye die this day!” He launches himself toward his planted weapon, and you do the same for yours. This is the ancient custom of his people, and one the northern duchies have seen fit to borrow for their own. Blood enemies, your people share this along with the tartans you both wear over your armor.

The first meeting is a shock to the senses. He lacks the enhanced strength of the boy Reiji, but this man is a veteran and skilled plenty to make up for it. His scraggly beard has a fair shock of gray to it, and you would put him ten years your senior at a minimum. Knowing how his people live, that is a lot of combat experience over the years. You absolutely must take this seriously, and balance caution with the confidence every warrior needs. Back-stepping from a heavy overhead, the snow begins to swirl thickly around the both of you, no doubt obscuring the clash from the watchers on both sides. His silhouette in the snow cloud shifts and you wait for an opening.

>>5219561

> Please roll 3 1d100 best of 3 DC 50 roll under

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>5219565

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>5219565

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>5219565

>>5219672
Praise heaven, a bare victory

File: Domlech,sortof.png (475 KB, 850x850)

475 KB PNG

>>5219595
>>5219661
>>5219672
>>5219717

Close one guys. This would have had some lasting consequences.

With a roar he charges towards you again and you roll out of the way rather than meet his weapon with yours. You expect him to plant his axe in the ground once again, but he is too skilled for that. The trajectory of his axe alters mid swing, and he scores a shallow hit on your back. Despite the glancing nature, the sheer power of the blow sends you sprawling forward into the powder, and you are forced to scramble back to your feet.

“This aint some Lord's training field, boy!” He calls out, his grin still plastered on his face. He gives no time for further recovery, his axe meeting your left steel vambrace as you raise it to protect your vital areas and let your sword arm lower. It dents deeply and your arm alights in searing pain. You faintly hear a “No!” from behind you but no aid can come to this kind of fight. The wound is crushing, but you had worse from Reiji, so you force yourself back once again. You just barely outdistance Domlech's axe, but it's clear his skill with it can force you on the back foot. Using your superior agility to the burly savage you begin to stay just out of his range as he keeps up his furious attack. This infuriates the man. “Ye said ye would fight me, cur! Typical Godsdamned southerner, all talk, no balls!”

But you never planned not to fight him. In his fury, you see his expert movements slow and your final gambit takes form. You can't outfight him. Not if you are where he wants to be. You cannot run forever, honor demands resolution. So you will make sure he is forced to fight you as less than he is. You will make him lesser. Your left arm is still operaple, but you let it fall almost limp, as if the blow was more grevious than it was. And as you do, you one hand your hand and a half sword, something possible but very taxing. Your swings to drive Domlech away as he advances become sluggish, your feet begin to stumble. The very picture of a wounded enemy sapped of energy. You are hurt, and tired, but that does not mean you cannot play it up. You hunch slightly as if catching your breath, and your foe charges towards you for the killing blow. For half a moment, you close your eyes.

The first thing ever taught to you by your father in the training field at Hold Campbell was never, ever let loose of your weapons. A warrior must hold onto his tools like they were family, never letting go. He had died with his sword in his hand. The very sword you now carry. It's weight is heavy on your sword arm, it's heft meant to be used in two hands.

File: the dagger.jpg (10 KB, 400x600)

10 KB JPG

>>5220645
A few weeks after swearing to Alkaign you found yourself with Alys at the party's fire as you always did. Alkaign and the others had gone into a nearby town to buy supplies, and you were left to tend the fire and see to the camp. Bored out of her mind, Alys had shown you a pastime of hers. Or perhaps a skillset: knife throwing. She explained to release the blade so the point and not the pommel would land, and how useful this could be in a fight. You scoffed at first, throwing a weapon went against what you were taught by your father, but her deft skill with the blades impressed you as the night went on. And so this was the first of only many times you both practiced this together.

There is still a dagger at your side.

Your eyes open and you see the mad rush of the berserk savage approaching. He is closing fast, and there is no time to dodge. The “limp” arm shoots up your side, unsheathing your side dagger and slinging it full force at your foe. His forward momentum is so total that even had he seen your movement there was nothing to be done. The small blade sinks deep into his right thigh and he stumbles in his furious charge.

“Gah! Damn you!”

You don't wait, springing into action as you once again swing with two handed blows towards your opponent. His charge now made clumsy by your dagger, you sidestep the slowed slash and land another attack to your opponent's legs. This time a crimson streak opens up amid the furs and leathers covering his left leg as he howls in fury and pain. A desperate swing follows, but you manage a steel shod kick to the man's face after dodging. Blood flying from his shattered nose, he falls backward and the axe leaves his fingers as his hands shoot up instinctively to hold his face together. You stand over him, sword ready to fall in a final arc and sever his head.

File: whiteflag.jpg (19 KB, 600x600)

19 KB JPG

>>5220647
“Yield!”

“Pfhah, fuck, that was dirty ye motherless-”

You half swing the blade down. “YIELD!”

“I yield, by the Gods! I Yield.”

“And you swear yourself to be my bondsman?” His eyes fill with some degree of resignation.

“Aye, but only ye. I give no promises to that Emperor of yours.” He spits on the ground besides where he lay.

You shrug. “Good enough for now, but don't ever say that to his face if you meet him.” You help him up, and offer him a shoulder due to his wounds. “Oh, and after you get looked at I want that blade back.”

He grunts. “I hardly wanna keep it in me leg, southerner. You have a healer?” He manages to raise an arm, and peripheral vision tells you whatever forces he had gathered are leaving. This is their way, he is now your man, and no longer any sort of Chief. You expect many of those men will not survive the coming power struggle, but it is no business of yours.

Your companions form in the mist of snow as you approach. Alys and Bardus are first, the knights arrayed in formation before the rest of the caravan in a wide formation. His helmet is on now but you can imagine Friedrich's disapproving expression beneath it. Bardus looks amazed, while Alys just smiles in amusement. “Healer? More of a poisoner, though I am told there is overlap. I hope that's not a problem?” He looks at you with skepticism. “It will be fine, Domlech, she's the best. Alys! Our new friend will need some attentions to be of any use, I am afraid.”

Alys approaches and gives a quick once over of the wounds. “Nothing I cannot handle, Captain General.” She proceeds to spy the knife in the savage's thigh and meets your eye. You barely notice her sly wink.

“Ah, not like I have a choice. You bastards have any ale!? I am not undergoing this... woman's ministrations sober.” You help him towards the caravan as Friedrich rides to you. Alys notes she can help your bondsman further, so you let her go with him and speak to the lead knight.

“So, now a pet savage? Ever full of surprises, Captain General.” It doesn't sound like a complement, and your title is spit like a curse. You wonder if Friedrich wanted this position for himself all along, or if that's just some paranoia you have been developing on your own.

File: apictureofagiantrock.jpg (5 KB, 259x194)

5 KB JPG

>>5220650
“I know his people, Sir Friedrich. They do have some concept of honor. I do not trust him, but he can be relied on to do as I say.”

The man snorts. “As you say, Captain-General. I will note in my report.”

You scratch your chin. “Can your men move that rock?”

“With the help of the caravanners who can move more than a pen?” He thinks for a moment. “Yes, we can do it. Will take a few hours, open us up to further ambush.”

You shake your head. “His men will be too busy killing each other to return, it's what the Ard Negh do.”

“Then I will get to it. By your leave, Captain-General.” You nod and he trots off to the knights. You cannot help but think that the man will be a thorn in your side once he eventually returns to the capitol.

You then approach Bardus. “Get the caravan ready and gather anyone able enough to help the knights with the rock. We cannot stay here.

He all but sketches a salute. “Of course, Captain-General!” He hurries off to his duties.

You take a moment to examine your ruined vambrace. It will require a replacement, but your destination is Hold Campbell to drop off the child before heading to Barathon, the very place where your armor was forged. You can get a replacement there. Your arm hurts like hell, but it's not the crippling pain you remember from the fight in the throne room. You'll live, and you are sure Alys will insist at seeing to it anyway. Leaning against one of the carts, you deeply sigh. Not even going home, it seems, will be without complication.

>>5220653
About five days later you all arrive at the rise just before the fortified hill that is Hold Campbell. You can see the nearby river that gives the hold water, the forest you hunted in as a child, and the stone bridges that lead to the nearby settlement.

"Good to be home, Will?" Alys rides to your side, her cloak blowing about in the northern wind.

You nod. "It is, but I wonder what we should tell my family. About the child." He had been well taken care of, and grown much during the journey. No expert on child rearing, you still found yourself surprised.

Alys shrugs. "Why not gauge how they react? The Emperor didn't make it a decree or anything, you know. It's pretty much up to you."

It's true you have some autonomy here. Your thinking is interrupted as you are joined by Domlech astride a horse, though uncomfortably. His people abhor them. "This is your Hold then, eh? I prefer huts myself."

"And that's why you've never managed to do more than raid some thatch huts, Domlech."

He scowls at your words, but says nothing.

>Inform your whole family. It's only right as you are all but foisting the child upon them.

>Only inform your mother and the eldest of your sisters.

>Only inform mother

>Keep it a secret, let the rumors spread as they may, you will confirm none, not even to family.

>>5220664
>Inform your whole family. It's only right as you are all but foisting the child upon them.

Gave a pretty long one tonight. I have a ways to go tomorrow and might not be able to make it. As always, discuss among yourselves if you wish. The Hold Campbell update will be a monster and I might not be able to get it done tomorrow. But it will be done. Be good out there fellas. I appreciate all of you.

>>5220664
If you mean tell them about our "bastard" then
>Inform them all.

If you mean tell the truth
>Tell nobody

One thing we learned from game of thrones. You can only keep a secret if you are the only one who knows it.

>>5220895
Supporting this

>>5220895
Sorry for any confusion. I meant telling them whole truth about the child's provenance, but not of the Isekai element. Obviously the existence of the child will be obvious as you will be leaving him with them. I will leave this vote open for some time in case anyone is confused, and also because tonight is somewhat busy for me. I appreciate your attention.

>>5220664
>Only inform your mother and the eldest of your sisters.

Do we know that our younger sisters can be trusted not to tattle? Word spreads fast in a hold, especially since servants pick up more than most people would guess—although our protagonist (and certainly Alys) are probable exceptions to that rule.

>>5221858
I'd say that is all the more important not to tell them.
Even if we tell our mum and sister, they need to be able to sell that they believe he is a bastard and the stigma that Carries for both us and the boy.
I dont think they can do that. So let'nso jeprodise our efforts and already lost standing.

>>5220664
>Keep it a secret, let the rumors spread as they may, you will confirm none, not even to family.

>Keep it a secret, let the rumors spread as they may, you will confirm none, not even to family.

We already accepted the hit to our honor. Scrabbling desperately to preserve some measure of it is pointless.

>>5221909
Worse than pointless, it could undo the good that hit did.

>>5220664
>>5221858
Based on the replies of the anons below, I'll change my vote to
>Keep it a secret, let the rumors spread as they may, you will confirm none, not even to family.

Update likely tomorrow. Got stuck out of town.

File: man at arms.jpg (401 KB, 690x810)

401 KB JPG

>>5221900
>>5221909
>>5222678
It's snowing lightly as your party approaches the hold, and a small group of mounted guards rides out to meet you. Your personal banner flying alongside the Order's, it is a simple matter for the escort to bring you all inside the walls. The horses and carts are once again put to order and quarters found for the initiates and knights. You are dismounting yourself as a group of guards approach you, one leading your horse away. A familiar voice meets your ears.

“Welcome home, my Lord.” You turn to find Elpest, now accoutered in your house colors. He gives a quick salute. He seems to have adjusted well to his new circumstances as it appears he is already in charge of some of the other men within the garrison.

“Elpest. I take it you are well?”

He gives a sad smile and nods his head. “It was hard at first, Lord, but I have managed. I want to thank you for what you did for Aeflyn and I. I was surly with you before and it was unbecoming. We owe you.”

You look him in the eye. “Do your duty well and you owe me nothing besides that, Elpest. The Lady Moira is in the hall?”

“Yes, Lord. She sent me to fetch you after you made your way inside the walls.” He is dismissed with a nod as you go to find Alys, who had returned to the carts as you rode in from the rise. She's securing her tools and tinctures as you approach.

“Alys, where's the child? I think we should get this over with.” She places the last of her items in her satchel and drops down from the cart she was rifling through.

“With the nursemaids in the next cart. He's doing fine. I can have them bring him with us. You came to a decision then?”

You look around for a moment, and no one is nearby. “Mother will figure it out on her own. But that's it, otherwise we go with the story.”

She sighs. “Alright Will, let's go then. It will be good to see Lady Moira at least.” The two of you proceed to gather the child and place him with one of the hold's nursemaids, the one who had cared for him on the road clearly relieved to have a much needed break after the journey. They then follow you to the central keep of Hold Campbell. The iron studded, heavy oak double doors that lead inside are slowly pulled open by two of the garrison troops as you approach. The familiar interior of the keep is revealed, the audience room warmed by two fireplaces and lit by numerous sconces set into the stone walls. The wooden chair is in the back of the room, the chair you still finding yourself thinking of as belonging to Father all these years later. And gathered before it, your last remaining family in the world. You stride across the furs spread across the cold floor to greet them.

File: noblegirls.jpg (39 KB, 333x500)

39 KB JPG

>>5225060
Lady Moira, a stately woman of straw blond hair only subtly graying embraces you as you meet. You have a full head over her height, though she is by no means a short woman. “Welcome home, Uilleam. The hold is yours.” You release her, and straighten her black dress where it had wrinkled as she pressed against you. Despite attempting to hold a stoic visage, you cannot help but smile to see her again. So taken in this moment you are caught on back foot as a bundle of navy blue fabric flies into you, laughing. You tousle the hair of your eldest sister Eleyse, and spy the more shy and shorter forms behind her. Meera and Ava have always been more uncomfortable around you, with you being gone for much of their formative years.

“You're back!” Eleyse squeals while she does her best to suffocate you. Moira tuts from a few feet away in a scolding tone.

“Only for a few nights or so, I have duties elsewhere. It is good to see you, sister.” Looking over the others you address them. “All of you. But I have to speak with Mother now.” Eleyse reluctantly releases you and steps back with the younger two. They give you some space to speak with Mother in relative peace. You nod at them and then motion for Alys to step forward, and she joins you before Moira. The nursemaid follows with the child. Moira raises an eyebrow upon recognizing the nature of the bundle the woman carries, the child blessedly sound asleep.

Moira speaks softly, her words not intended to carry elsewhere in the room to the various guards and your sisters. “Lady Alys, wonderful to see you again. You look radiant.” Alys smiles at the complement. Mother was never much for effusive complements so it can be very pleasing to receive any from her at all. “Same to you, Lady Moira. It's good to be back.”

The polite smile falls from Moira's face. Suspicion fills her voice. “Uilleam, the infant. Who is it?”

“My bastard,” you grunt, “I need you to look after him here.”

Her eyes widen and she steps even closer, nearly whispering. “Your bastard?” She sounds genuinely shocked. “When did this happen?”

Uncomfortably, you answer. “While we were in the Capitol the past year or so. It's why I was there so long.” She stares you in the eyes and you try your hardest to not drop your gaze from hers. “I can't take him with me, my new duty from the Emperor will be dangerous. This is the best place for him.”

Her eyes narrow, but she does not outright accuse you of falsehood. She seems to think for a moment before turning to Alys. “And the child isn't-”

File: feasthall.jpg (229 KB, 1200x900)

229 KB JPG

>>5225062
Alys turns into a torch at your side, flushing a deep red before stammering out, “N-no!”, slightly too loud. You notice Eleyse in the back of the hall look over for a moment and cock her head in curiosity. Moira's eyes narrow even further.

“This is your hall, Uilleam. If you want the child nursed here that's your decision. Your sisters and I will see to it. However, you should talk to Eleyse about this. She's more than old enough to know what it means, and you know how much the poor girl idolizes you.” You grimace. That won't be an easy conversation to have. Eleyse has ever been idealistic. “What's his name?”

“He's not old enough to be named yet.”

She crosses her arms. “You have not been simply calling him the child since he was born?”

“... yes?” You say with some embarrassment.

She sighs deeply. “I'm sure the nursemaids or your sisters will come up with a pet name. Think on it over the next few months, bad luck to not name him when the time comes.” You know that, of course. If you don't make it back the hold's way during your service with the Order you'll have to send a missive when appropriate. Nothing you need to decide now, and honestly you can't really think of it right now. “Anyway, come, the servants should have dinner served by now. We'll celebrate your return, however so brief.”

The child is sent to a room further up the keep's four stories to be looked after by the servants, and you and Alys along with your family leave through the passage to the dining hall. As you remember from growing up, the food is hearty fare without being overly refined. You honestly prefer it to the more stuffy occasions you experienced traveling with Alkaign. You catch up with your family, describing what you can of your new duties and the last few months. While you plan to leave as soon as the caravan is resupplied(and the hold's blacksmith replaces your vambrace), you will have enough time to do one significant task while at home. You consider your options.

>>5225063
>Examine the garrison. It has grown, Elpest hardly the only new addition. There is a possibility you could take some of your men with you without harming the defenses of the hold against raids.

> Call a new levy. Its been enough time that you could get fresh recruits. As is, other than the small garrison at Barathon and whatever knights can be swayed to swear to the Order you have little combat potential. The levy would be sworn to you and not the Order, but that is no matter

> Leave one of your sworn in new Brothers as a liaison to the Hold. Trained in the arts of bureaucracy they can make the hold into a more effective outpost for the Order. You will have to vet the individual chosen for this and it will take some time to find the right one.

> Write in

You also think about how to tell Eleyse about the boy. You should probably have that talk in private. The servants can gossip but you owe her an explanation, as mother said. Even if it's not the truth.

>Please roll 1d100 best of 3 along with the previous choice DC70 roll under

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5187631/

A little premature but I also got the thread archived. Been a while since I did that so sorry if I fucked it up.

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>5225066
>Leave a sworn in brother to make the hold an outpost.

For our sister, I think we should go with a story about a drunken infatuation that led to a night of passion. The mother died and we promised her that we wouldnt abandon it.
Sounds plausible enough for us, I think.

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>5225066
> Leave one of your sworn in new Brothers as a liaison to the Hold. Trained in the arts of bureaucracy they can make the hold into a more effective outpost for the Order. You will have to vet the individual chosen for this and it will take some time to find the right one.
>>5225109
Supporting this

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>5225066
> Leave one of your sworn in new Brothers as a liaison to the Hold. Trained in the arts of bureaucracy they can make the hold into a more effective outpost for the Order. You will have to vet the individual chosen for this and it will take some time to find the right one.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>5225066
>Leave one of your sworn in new Brothers as a liaison to the Hold. Trained in the arts of bureaucracy they can make the hold into a more effective outpost for the Order. You will have to vet the individual chosen for this and it will take some time to find the right one.

>>5225066
> Call a new levy. Its been enough time that you could get fresh recruits. As is, other than the small garrison at Barathon and whatever knights can be swayed to swear to the Order you have little combat potential. The levy would be sworn to you and not the Order, but that is no matter

We need more soldiers - and men who are loyal to us first and foremost.

They’ll have time to train in due course - loyalty is a much harder attribute to have.

> Leave one of your sworn in new Brothers as a liaison to the Hold. Trained in the arts of bureaucracy they can make the hold into a more effective outpost for the Order. You will have to vet the individual chosen for this and it will take some time to find the right one.

Backing this as another anons have

>>5225553
you only get one mate.

And do you have any pointers for breaking the news of our "unfaithfulness" to our sister?

>>5225066
> Leave one of your sworn in new Brothers as a liaison to the Hold. Trained in the arts of bureaucracy they can make the hold into a more effective outpost for the Order. You will have to vet the individual chosen for this and it will take some time to find the right one.

>>5225109
Supporting this anon when it comes to our sister. We should also make sure that Alys knows our final story, so that it matches if they ask her about it.

Decent way into the current post, cannot keep my head up, will continue tomorrow.

File: goblets.jpg (42 KB, 612x408)

42 KB JPG

>>5225109
>>5225130
>>5225497
>>5226196

The dinner proceeds pleasantly, and with only a little awkwardness. Your Mother and Eleyse speak more to Alys than you about your shared travels, and she good naturedly describes what is appropriate to them with little fanfare or exaggeration. You try to keep your younger sisters entertained, but they seem unable to tell you from a stranger. Sad, but not surprising. You can tell Moira knows there is more to the stories but Eleyse seems enraptured. She insistently asks Alys about how she was involved, what she did for the journey. Alys for once seems bashful describing what has been her profession for years, to a young girl of barely twenty. You begin to suspect your sister has an alternative motive on this line of questioning and you therefore discard it. Perhaps it's not only Moira she kept correspondence with all these months. No good to suspect family and friend. Until you have to.

Two hours pass before the last course is cleared. Your Mother announces her intent, “The hold, as I said, is yours, dear son, but do get some rest.” With that admonishment and a respectful tilt of her head, she retires, your younger two sisters at her heels as is proper. But Eleyse remains, as is her right as a legal adult. This seems, well, deliberate. The only people left at the table are you, her, and an increasingly uncomfortable looking Alys. You had made the opportunity to inform your companion of the nature of the lie beforehand, something which will hopefully provide dividends now. You take another gulp of the wine before you address your sister.

Of course, she's there before you. Damned clever girl. “Who's the kid, Uilliam?”

You gulp audibly. “I had him with some woman in the capital. I-I had too much to drink. It's nothing to be worried about.”

Eleyse makes a laugh, not unkind, but sharper than you would expect from her. She seems to accept that, but without some little condemnation. Though you do notice the four wine glasses empty before her.

“Oh bugger brother, that's such a social faux paux. Couldn't you have just fucked Alys? At this point no one would have said anything” Alys almost falls out of her chair and you yourself only do marginally better, a small drop of liquid leaving your lips.

“Eleyse! You know better than that!” You cry in legitimate outrage.

“Do I? Oh, fuck it, I believe you. It's Mother who always thought you were an angel with no wings. It was me who found you in the hay with village girls. No shock you would just do it again.” Eleyse is right, you once had a great deal of fun with girls in the village at the foot of the river. But that was almost fifteen years ago, that was before Father died, and now your love is duty. As you say this to yourself, Alys looks at you with a more vile expression than you have seen. Interrogated in your own home, how shameful.

File: The slap.gif (903 KB, 448x424)

903 KB GIF

>>5228188
You stamp down the desire to shout at your sister. It would be unbecoming of the head of the family after all. Luckily Alys does the job for you. She pounds on the table and jumps to her feet. “Eleyse! How dare you! You dishonor your brother and myself with such talk! I may be your friend, but I am the Emperor's sister and I demand respect!” Eleyse's face droops and reddens as she looks despondently at her collection of empty glasses. Alys storms from the hall in a huff. “I am retiring!” She sounded so like a real noblewoman there, quite unlike the Alys you know. You'll have to find her later, for your sake as much as your sibling's.

“Perhaps you had too much wine, sister.” You say, with some effort to keep your tone kind.

“Perhaps.” She pouts, twirling the thimbles worth of remaining wine in her last glass around and around.

“I made a promise, Eleyse. To the mother. I would see to the child. She died, you see. When he was born, she didn't make it. What else was I to do? He's my responsibility now. More than that, as long as he is at the hold, he is your responsibility too. Can I trust you with that, dear sister?” This lie comes easier. It should, as it's mostly true. You gave Vera your word, and that you never break. Eleyse looks positively shamed, like when she was little and you or Mother caught her sneaking sweets out of the kitchen.

She puts her head between her crossed arms on the feast table, and lets out a sigh that sounds more a sob. “Of course you can, brother. And I'm sorry. About the mother, whoever she was.” You get the feeling she may be more sober than she was acting. So you get up from your seat and take the one next to her, putting your arm around her. She leans into you, just like when she was just a girl.

“Are you okay, Eleyse?” You whisper. While you've been gone a long time, this is absolutely out of character for your eldest sister. She may have had a mischievous streak, but was always responsible and dutiful in the end.

“... no, I'm not.” She whimpers. “I'm bored, Uilleam, Mother wants me to marry off but I have no interest in it. The other northern lords send their sons, and I give them the time of day, but they're all pigs.” She spits the word. “I wish I could do what you and Alys do. Travel around, having adventures. That's why I admire her so much. D-do you think she hates me now?”

You stroke her back soothingly. “Alys doesn't hate you. She's a caring person. You just made her mad. If it makes you feel better, she slapped me in the face only a couple weeks ago.”

OP being dumb: The Alys slap was before the Smith slap, but I couldn't resist.

File: Stables.png (840 KB, 894x488)

840 KB PNG

>>5228191
She giggles. “What did you do, make a move on her?”

This again? You shake your head. “No, I was moping, and I needed to snap out of it.” You turn your head to look into Eleyse's eyes. “That's what you need to do, too.”

She nods her head. “I know, but I don't know what I want. I know I don't want what Mother wants, but as for the rest, my life is like a gray fog. I don't know what to do but get married, but I don't want to get married. You understand me, brother?” You do. All too well. She want's to take the path Alys did. Go from one kind of tool to another instrument entirely. As family head you could do this for her, get her Alys's training. Alys would tell you who taught her. Despite her outburst she dotes on Eleyse. Your sister would be grateful and possibly another asset to you and the Order. But do you want to forge your little sister into a weapon? Would she not be better off as some courtly wallflower, however miserable it makes her for a time? You cannot make this decision on a whim. Best to bide for time.

“I understand, and I will think about your future. Remember, whatever Mother may want, you're my family. As head, I can overrule her. Even if it does make her cross with me, and I hate getting scolded.”

She nuzzles against you. “Oh, I know. I thought she and Father were going to kill you when I told them about that girl in the village.”

“Tattletale.”

“Whoremonger.” You jostle her softly, and she returns the favor before you both fall into quiet laughter, not wanting to draw attention. Both of you stay like that for some time before Eleyse, too, excuses herself upstairs to sleep off the wine. With her gone, you only have one task left for the night.

You find the functionaries and knights getting settled with their new quarters. There are enough of them that the most junior of both groups are in fact sleeping on hay with the horses, your humble hold unable to properly house them all even two or three to a room. Still, you take the time to interview everyone you can. It takes more time than you would like, and you will suffer for it tomorrow, but sleepless nights have ever been a fixture of your life. What you find is surprising.

File: convoy.jpg (32 KB, 622x350)

32 KB JPG

>>5228194
None of the functionaries suit your purposes. All too old, too timid, or too dedicated to their books to be a mostly independent agent. But one of the knights surprises you by coming forward. Sir Therin was the son of a minor lord, but is the grandson of one of the last great spies of the last incarnation of the Beholder Order. He expresses to you an excellent knowledge of all lands of the kingdom, especially your own Northern Duchies, where he was a squire under Duke Bertrand himself, your immediate liege lord. You had never heard of the man, but he impresses you with his humble demeanor and voluminous knowledge. Deciding such things are more important than mere bureaucratic acumen, you offer him a place in the Order and he quickly accepts. At least Friedrich did not poison this one against you. He will remain when the others leave, the first tendril in a network you will surely have to spread across the Empire if you are to counter the threat of the Better World.

You soon retire, your dreams haunted by the young mother you condemned to death and the child you have taken on. Was there a better option? It's too late to question yourself now, you tell yourself, as you haul your still tired body out of bed for the remainder of the journey to Barathon. You wash up before leaving. You are unfortunately unsurprised to find Alys in the hallway, a half eaten apple in her right hand. “So, Will, village girls?”

You scowl. “I was fifteen, Alys. Don't try to tell me you behaved then.”

She smirks. “Behave? Never. But I wasn't allowed out of the castle until I was eighteen, you know that. No village boys for this maiden.” She bites into the apple again, and you make a manly effort not to stare as an errant line of juice traces the smooth contours of her mouth and down towards her chin before she wipes it away with one of those formless sleeves of the hooded robe she continues to insist on.

“What?” She says, genuine confusion in her voice. You've been staring.

“Nothing, we should see to the men. And say goodbye to Mother.” You turn and walk towards the stairs. She follows after but a moment of silence.

The farewells to your family are brief. Your Mother hugs you, though more briefly than in relative private. Eleyse does at well, but she sneaks a whisper for you to keep your word about considering her situation as if you need it. Meera and Ava give you a shy goodbye. You wish to the Lady you had time to know them better. As your convoy leaves you spy Sir Therin and Elpest at his side. They wave, and you return the gesture despite your breeding. To them you have entrusted your family, and so they warrant consideration. Alys rides at your side, any wroth from your youthful indiscretions carefully hidden. Your functionaries and knights proceed slowly out of Hold Campbell.

File: hooded man.jpg (26 KB, 800x533)

26 KB JPG

>>5228198
Castle Barathon lies only a week from Hold Campbell, being in the north east of the central Imperial province. The trip is leisurely, and you smile at the cheer that rises from the caravan when you finally leave the snow covered landscape of your home. From here on it is not exactly warm, but a footman wouldn't catch frostbite from taking a piss. Alys is a little morose during the remainder of the journey. Ever the melancholic, you let her have her space as she broods. Probably has something on her mind she needs to parse out. A week of travel with no serious upsets later you arrive at Barathon. The castle is truly magnificent, at least three gated walls before one can reach the keep, each teeming with the life common to a castle town. And town life extends beyond, a small city that is equal to Althimura's central district sprawling beyond the gates. Alkaign has given you a tough duty, but your own petty kingdom to do it with, it seems.

As your party approaches the gates, you see cloaked figures disappear from the opening, for unknown purpose. The soldier's instinct fills you. Spies? From the castle perhaps, and therefore friends? Assassins? Curious local thieves? Who can say? You don't call a halt, but you do talk softly to Alys.


> “Send the knights in, make a ruckus. Something is wrong and I want it drawn out.”

> “Alys, ride into the city. Find who those men were and if the Castle sent them.”

> “You and I are going, Alys. We need to find out who those men are and I will not be a coward in front of my new castle.”

> It'll be fine.

> Write in


Also:

What is to be done with Eleyse?

> She will be sent to Alys' tutors. Poisoner. Assassin. Spy. She seeks an adventurous life. She will have it.

> Mother will find her a suitor eventually. Eleyse will hate you for this, but it's the way things are done.

> Find a better match than Mother can. You don't know any off the top of your head, but considering your duty running into some adventurous third son or something is not out of the question.

>>5228206
> “You and I are going, Alys. We need to find out who those men are and I will not be a coward in front of my new castle.”
QM, how many figures are there? A couple, a half dozen, more? I might change my response based on this.
> Find a better match than Mother can. You don't know any off the top of your head, but considering your duty running into some adventurous third son or something is not out of the question.
Top seems kinda like a bad idea, it’ll get her killed. And the other end seems like the whole conversation would just be useless.

>>5228237
There were four Uilleam could make out. That, of course, is no guarantee, there could not be more.

>>5228206
>Alys investigate
She is the spy. Let her counter spy.

>Find a better match than mother can
In the meantime, might we suggest she tries taking up hunting? A physical activity of some sort to keep her mind occupied.

>>5228206
> “You and I are going, Alys. We need to find out who those men are and I will not be a coward in front of my new castle.”
> Find a better match than Mother can. You don't know any off the top of your head, but considering your duty running into some adventurous third son or something is not out of the question.

>>5228237
>>5228259
>>5228283

Keeping vote up another few hours. Thanks for playing guys.