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The date is OCTOBER 31, 1699. The endless maw of the CATACOMBS stretches out before you, the SUPER BLOOD WOLF MOON high in the air above.
>>
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You are the second-born of the VON GUNDYR FAMILY. Your lineage is one of distinction, a noble line of both social and military excellence. You take great pride in your heritage. Your name, however, has fallen from grace in recent years–your older brother’s catastrophic string of military defeats led to a series of critical losses along the country’s northern border and the loss of key defensive territory years ago. Your legacy ruined, your image tarnished.

But you are not without hope. Just ten years ago, the abyssal CATACOMBS were found–an accursed monster laden dungeon, where a strange black MAGIC bound souls to bodies and let men resurrect, all the same as monsters. The king would decree that whomsoever could reach its bottom, slay the foul LICH, and return to the king would obtain an immense sum of MONEY and the titlehood of NOBILITY. In the decade since, none would claim victory.

But you are different. The sum insignificant and the title unnecessary, you instead yearn for the glory and recognition of the king and the reclamation of your family’s former honor.

>What is your name?
>>
>>5192442
>Name
Giacomo

I recognize this style and I like it.
>>
>>5192442

>Claude
>>
>Alfonse
Which means noble, and i think Alphonse Von Gundyr has a cool and noble sound to it.
>>
>>5192442
>>5192449
+1
>>
>>5192442
>>5192450
This
>>
>>5192442
Jeffson
>>
>>5192442
Jerry
>>
>>5192450
YEH
>>
>>5192442
Guillermo.

>>5192464
>>5192493
I see there are those who still practice the old ways.
>>
Jerry Jeffson Jr.
>>
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>>5192501
>>5192493
>>5192464
>>5192463
>>5192455
>>5192450
>>5192449
>>5192447

>Alfonse

Your name is ALPHONSE VON GUNDYR, a 29 year old scion of the prestigious VON GUNDYR house.

You are a veteran of the king’s royal army, formally a dragoon with the LOCKSTEP CALVARY for eight loyal years. Your service was cut short near the close of the war by a grievous knee injury (that’s left you ken to walk with a slight limp ever since) and you were set on a train back home. But, not one to sit still, you set out to the CATACOMBS to reclaim your family’s old repute shortly after your return.

But, besides that, you admittedly have a secondary goal in mind for the CATACOMBS–you’re near your 30s now and still single, nary a kiss nor hug nor even affectionate letter to speak of. You’ve heard tell of fearsome and legendary mercenaries, soldiers, and adventurers from all over the country flocking to the catacombs–and among them, plenty of women to spare.

Yes, you, still single, have come to the CATACOMBS in part to find a WIFE.

It’s utilitarian, of course. Your duty as a noble son is to herald the future of your proud line. At your age, people start to whisper when you’re still single. And you’ve never had much luck with women. Your sisters claim that while your nobility, military service, and build may be attractive, your “oafish insensitivity” and “loutish manner” can offend some. And apparently they don’t find men who still read children’s action serials very attractive.

What twaddle. And unlike them, your collection of action serials will only grow in value as they age.

Nonetheless, you’re not one for the flowery, willowy types at noble social events–no, you yearn for a wife that’s a bit dangerous, and strong enough to handle your IMPRESSIVE LINEAGE. You’re certain that somewhere in the CATACOMBS is at least one one worthy of your name.

Your mind remains adrift in such fancy and fantasy as you walk down the steps of the stairway corridor, lower and lower, the entrance to the CATACOMBS just a slight, half-sunken in hole in a sheer cliff wall that hides a dungeon of such immensity that it’s yet to been fully plotted and charted in the decade since its discovery.

You arrive at the base of the stairs down to find a small, candle-lit room–a stone cold and dark welcome. The walls resemble columbariums, spacious features carved into the stone walls for bodies to be lain to rest. A door opens up to darkness up ahead, presumably the rest of the CATACOMBS. Just two await you down there–a rather wrinkly old hag and a slimy-looking merchant type.

>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.
>Speak to the slug-like mercantile.
>Plunge into the depths without acknowledgement.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5192526
>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.
>>
>>5192450
+ 1
>>
>>5192526
>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.
>>
>>5192526
>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.
>>
>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.
>>
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>>5192529
>>5192540
>>5192544
>>5192565

>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.

At a quiet, darkened corner of the room, far from the errant candles and wax, sits an old crone. She’s rather gnarled and small; so pathetic that you could’ve easily missed her had you been a little less attentive.

“You there. Hag.” You approach the hunched crone–each step leaves a fresh print in the ash and dust about the shrine.
“Ahhhh.. eheheh..” The witch quietly cackles in a shrill, crackly voice. “A new one, then, for the abyss. What’s it for this one? Is it the king's coffers? The lich’s head? No.. of course, it’s the cure for death..”

Bah. You hate talking to old people. Always weird riddles.

>Demand that she tell you about the CATACOMBS–you only have a cursory knowledge of it, after all.
>A cure for death? What does she mean by that?
>Attempt a little seduction. Just test your waters here. Not that you’d get with this hag.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5192526
>Speak to the doddering mendicant crone.
>>
>>5192603
>>Demand that she tell you about the CATACOMBS–you only have a cursory knowledge of it, after all.
>>
>>5192603
>Demand that she tell you about the CATACOMBS–you only have a cursory knowledge of it, after all.
>>
>>5192603
>Demand that she tell you about the CATACOMBS–you only have a cursory knowledge of it, after all.
>>
>>5192603
>Attempt a little seduction. Just test your waters here. Not that you’d get with this hag.
>>
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>>5192615
>>5192624
>>5192655

>Demand that she tell you about the CATACOMBS–you only have a cursory knowledge of it, after all.

“What can you tell me about the CATACOMBS?” You ask the hag, your eyes narrow. “And enough with the riddles, hag.”

“Hmm, hmm.. you’re not at all as charming..” The hag shakes her head after a long moment, her mouth open in a toothless grin. “But.. I can let you in on a secret. This hole–all of it, from these walls to its inhabitants to the traps–is the last remnant of a once powerful curse that grasped these lands. But these catacombs–this scar in the ground–is all that remains. And a lich has lain claim to it as her throne, and bound all that dare step within to true immortality..”

“Gah! Don’t listen to that old hag, friend. Nonsense, meaningless riddles and stories for all that dare waste time on her.” The slug-like merchant guffaws, leaning over to eavesdrop on your discussion. “Come, come now. You won’t get any good conversation out of that crone.”

>Move on. Speak to the slimy merchant.
>Press her further.
>Plunge into the depths of the CATACOMBS already.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5192674
>Press into her further.
>>
>Move on. Speak to the slimy merchant.
>>
>>5192674
>Seduce Hag
Shes an older woman who likely knows what she wants, we are young and inexperienced but we got that wild energy
>>
>Move on. Speak to the slimy merchant.
Let's speak.
>>
>>5192683
Switching to this.
>Flirt
>>
>>5192674
>Move on. Speak to the slimy merchant.
>>
>>5192683
fuck it, why not +1
>>
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>>5192683
>>5192701
>>5192706

>Seduce Hag

You’d once heard tell of a warrior’s practice in a faraway country–that when they found a new blade, they would cut down a weak passerby to test its edge before they took it to battle. You decide to follow a similar practice.
“So, hag..” You clear your throat. “Would you, perchance, be married, or..”
“Oh, my.. How very cute.” The hag cackles again, a bit more lightly than once before. “Are you trying to court me? Well, I’m flattered, but I’ve been taken for a very long time. My husband, his–what was his name? It was.. No-no, it was-..”

The hag’s look turns puzzled–despite your best attempts to draw her out of it, she seems lost in her own mind now. The merchant looks disgusted.

>Move on. Speak to the slimy merchant.
>Plunge into the depths. You don’t have the courage to face the merchant anymore.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5192674
>lich
>her
It's time to get it on with DEM BONES. Let's squeeze in some practice with the old folks.
>>5192683
+1
Looking forward to whenever you do CSM Quest 2, OP! Mush is cute!
>>
>>5192716
Fuck, I was too slow.
>Carefully pat a clothed part of her body - you don't want leprosy or something - and then speak to the merchant.
>>
>>5192716
>>Move on. Speak to the slimy merchant.
>>
>>5192716
Supporting >>5192723
>>
>>5192723
>>5192724
>+1
>>
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>>5192723
>>5192724
>>5192741
>>5192750

>Carefully pat a clothed part of her body - you don't want leprosy or something - and then speak to the merchant.

You can’t help but feel a twinge of pity for the ridden hag. You gently pat her arm before you turn away from the display–it’s always pitiful to see such dissipations of the mind. As you approach the slug’s array of merchandise, he sneers.

“Oh? You done feelin’ up the hag, then?” He scoffs.
“Quiet. It was a mere curiosity, nothing more.” You glower at the hunchback. “Do your job and show me your goods.”
“Well, well.. at least your judgement’s decent when it comes to purchases, eh?” He jeers as he waves to the array of knickknacks before you. “Take your pick. Best GRAVE GOODS in this hole.”

A cursory glance over his “goods” exposes his lie–they’re half-rusted swords, bent and broken armor, shattered alchemical bottles and ruined books. Nothing worth your time.

“..Grave goods?” You glance at the merchant, raising a brow.

“Ah. I guess you’re new around here, eh? Don’t know about grave goods.” He scratches his head. “See, grave goods are, uh.. when people die down here, they wake up again in little SHRINES like this, right? The immortality spell and whatnot. There’s little dumps just like these all over the CATACOMBS. But while their spirits get bound to fresh bodies, their corpses stay the same–so enterprising merchants such as myself do ‘em the favor of saving their goods from hungry monsters and getting them back to the adventurer–at a premium, of course.”

“You’re robbing them, then.” You cut him off. “Have you no shame?”

“Ahhh.. there’s that reaction.” The merchant snaps his fingers, his face lit up with smarmy recognition. “It’s always the same with your type. Fresh-faced adventures always up in arms about it. But you’ll get used to it. ‘Sjust how things work around here. And it’ll happen to you if you die down here, too. Some merchant will sweep that fancy-looking sword and that rifle right up from your carcass and turn ‘em over to any adventurer with a deep enough wallet. Best to keep your wits about you, or you'll end up like one of them.”

He motions to the array of merchandise beneath him.

>Question him about this so-called immortality spell.
>Ask about the monsters ahead of you.
>Ask him for any rumors around the CATACOMBS.
>Plunge into the depths and leave this shrine behind.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5192764
>>Question him about this so-called immortality spell.
>>
>>5192764
>Ask about the monsters ahead of you.
>>
>>5192764
>Ask about the monsters ahead of you.
>Ask him for any rumors around the CATACOMBS.
>Ask him, if he had the skills and training to enter these catacombs, what kind of monstergirl he'd go for.
>>
>>5192764
>Question him about this so-called immortality spell.

>>5192802
+1
>>
>>5192764
>Question him about this so-called immortality spell.
>Ask about the monsters ahead of you.
>Ask him for any rumors around the CATACOMBS.

I have no shame, ask all the questions.
>>
>>5192764
Also thirding the last question here >>5192802
>>
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>>5192802
>>5192881
>>5192885
>>5192886
>>5192783
>>5192777

>Ask about the monsters ahead of you.
>Ask him for any rumors around the CATACOMBS.
>Ask him, if he had the skills and training to enter these catacombs, what kind of monstergirl he'd go for.

“Tell me.” You stare down the graverobber. “What kind of monsters can I expect ahead?”
“Ah.. this is just the first BLOCK, friend. We call it the MORTSAFE. Nothin’ a blue blood like you can’t handle.” He smirks. “Ghouls, cultists.. a ghost or two. Y’know. Usual stuff. The deeper you get, the more dangerous they get.”
“..Right.” Are ghouls and ghosts and cultists really ‘usual stuff’? You, admittedly, had little experience with monster’s affairs beyond books. “Any curious rumors about, then?”
“Oh, rumors? Ah, lemme think, lemme think.. y’know–.. hmm.. it’s on the tip of my tongue, but..” He opens and closes an extended palm. You roll your eyes as you reach into your coat pocket–how unsavory..

The slug’s eyes bug out of his head as 2 PENT land in his open palm.

“Woah-haha! You really are a noble, huh?” He snickers, pocketing the coins. “I’d be a little less generous with that kind of cash if I were you. Not many people in this dump are as kind as I.”
“The rumor?” You hurry him on impatiently.
“Ah, don’t get your panties in a twist. Right. See, there’s been sightings of a dangerous monster around this BLOCK. Not the kind you’d usually see in such a shallow area.” He wrings his hands. “They say she cuts down every unlucky bastard that gets caught in her path with her rapier. And that she’s just as terrifying as she is beautiful. If only I could get so lucky, huh?”

“Right.” You decide to press the merchant a little further. “And if you had the skills and training to enter these catacombs.. you’d go for her, then.”
“Ah? You’re talkin’ some heretical stuff there, pal.” The merchant sneers. “But if I was 10 years younger, I’d land myself a drider. Big spider ass. You know what I mean?”

>Plunge into the depths and leave this shrine behind.
>Question him about this so-called immortality spell.
>Look over his goods a bit more closely.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5193106
>Look over his goods a bit more closely.

It is recycled junk mostly, but there may be something there we don't have that we need. These are taken from the dead who may potentially have gotten farther than we will after all.

I don't want to ask too many more questions, lest he demand more of our coin. We can infer what this spell is from what was said anyways. Sounds like a respawn spell, but you don't take your items with you.
>>
>>5193106
>Ask him, if he had the skills and training to enter these catacombs, what kind of monstergirl he'd go for.
>>
>>5193106
>Look over his goods a bit more closely
>>
>spider ass
YES ALL MY YES
WAHAHAHAHAHAHA
SHOW ME THAT SPINNERET
>>
>>5193106
>Question him about this so-called immortality spell.
>Look over his goods a bit more closely.
>>
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>>5193118
>>5193121
>>5193189
>>5193329
>>5193351

>Look over his goods a bit more closely.

You ignore the ill-bred comment and look the man’s array of grave goods over once more. It’s just as you first thought; the vast majority is a mess of half broken weapons and armors torn from the corpses of dead adventurers. But on closer inspection, you find a few pearls among pig shit that might prove half-useful before you begin your journey proper.

You spot a small spherical bottle full of water–and you can make out the glass cross emblem of the CORPUS CHURCH atop its stopper. A bottle of holy water, most likely–especially effective against the unholy aberrations that litter these halls.
You find next to it an assortment of daggers. They’re rather pitiful at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you find that they’re meant to be thrown. They may prove useful if your rifle jams.
You see one–albeit, dingy and pathetic– small brass pocket watch. The face is open. It’s apparently 1:23. You suppose a way to tell the time in the dungeon may prove useful, but the clock itself seems rather strange.

“The pent I gave you should be enough to clear out your stall. I’ll take what I need.” You reach for your selection, but the merchant grabs your hand.
“Woah-woah-woah, pal! I’m generous, but I’m not that generous.” He scoffs. “You still gotta buy ‘em, all the same as the rest of us.”
“Then how much?” You scowl.
“Mmmm.. 30 pent, for each.” He remarks. You nearly choke. “No little, no less.”
“You’re not serious.” You stare daggers at the slug. You could afford that, but you’re not one to empty your pockets for junk.
“Sorry, pal. You know how tough the economy can be.” He winks. “Or, maybe I can part with just one for 1 pent.. Who knows?”

>Purchase the holy water.
>Purchase the throwing daggers.
>Purchase the stopwatch.
>Leave this swindler and enter the catacombs.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5193373
>Purchase the stopwatch.
if its anything like the castlevania stopwatch then its easily the best here
>>
>>5192764
>seduce the merchant
>>
>>5193404
anon we're looking for a wife
>>
>>5193373
>Purchase the holy water
>...and break it on the fucker's head.

>>5193405
Wifes are temporary, divorce is eternal.
>>
>>5193403
+1
I smell a sidequest.
>>
>>5193373
>Purchase the stopwatch.
>Purchase the holy water.

May as well stock up, if we die and resurrect then we aren't getting that money back anyways.
>>
>>5193373
>Purchase the holy water.
>Purchase the throwing daggers.
>Purchase the stopwatch.
>>
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>>5193403
>>5193404
>>5193412
>>5193424
>>5193446

>Purchase the stopwatch.
>Purchase the holy water.

“Fine, then.” You snarl. You reach into your coat pocket and toss a handful of coins down across the floor before him. They trace patterns in the ash as they clatter against stone–you pluck the holy water and stopwatch from his selection in the meantime. “I’ll be taking my leave.”
“You’re so kind, sir.” The merchant jeers, fumbling and grabbing at the most wealth he’s seen in a lifetime. You turn your back on the lowly pair and make for the dark hall ahead of the shrine, but the slug-man waves you off with a raucous laugh. “I hope to see you again soon!”

The first block of the CATACOMBS–the MORTSAFE. A series of dark, dim stone halls that wind in on top of one another, lit up by the endless wax candles that line the grounds and features of the walls. The labyrinth before you is caked with ash and dust, the footprints of adventurers before you wiped away by fresh cinders. On occasion, the stone facade gives way to the dirt and root underneath. It’s remarkably quiet–almost peaceful, in fact.
You once thought this dungeon a hot-blooded war ground between man and monster, where the sounds of slaughter and sword would ring throughout the halls, but this almost feels like a funerary ground. As you wind yet another dim corner near half an hour later, you almost begin to grow bored–that is, at least, until your senses are all at once assailed by foreign element.
You pick up the scent of rotten flesh and paradoxically warm blood down one hall–likely the result of an undead. You’re still foreign to combat with monsters, but this may prove a useful learning experience.
You hear the sound of steel against steel and shouts down another hall. You’re more familiar with this sort–a human dispute, maybe..?

>Investigate the scent of rotten flesh and blood.
>Investigate the sound of steel clatters and grunts.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5193480
>Investigate the scent of rotten flesh and blood.

Let's dip our toes into the local pastime before we meet a potential waifu, so we have something to talk about.
>>
>>5193490
+1
>>
>>5193480
>Investigate the scent of rotten flesh and blood.
>>
>>5193480
>Investigate the scent of rotten flesh and blood.
>>
>>5193490
>before we meet a potential waifu
>before
You fool. Undead pussy is a perfectly acceptable hole. It's our endgoal, too. Lich is a chick, after all.
COURAGE AND VALOR
>>
>>5193480
>Investigate the sound of steel clatters and grunts.

Fight! Fight! Fight!
>>
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>>5193490
>>5193546
>>5193549
>>5193590
>>5193614
>>5193616

>Investigate the scent of rotten flesh and blood.

You decide to first investigate the undead. Your experience with monstrous affairs is inadequate, to say the least–your knowledge only stems from what you’ve seen in books and photos. If you’re to lay claim to these catacombs as its champion, then it’s best that you understand its inhabitants first. You follow the hall that reeks of rot and blood–it only grows more and more pungent as you creep down the corridor. You’re not unfamiliar with it.
With the scent comes sound–a vile gnawing noise, all manner of hungry slurping and licking and gnashing. Your nose crinkles.
The ashen corridor gradually opens to a small, circular end room–several matters of traps set into the walls appear to have been set off, as several bloody spears that stem from points along the facade crisscross the room. And in the room’s center, rending plate and flesh from some poor bastard hanging from a bayonet, is an UNDEAD.

She slowly turns to face you–her hair a tousled, tangled mess, a loose eye dangles from its socket. “Oh, hehehe! New meat! And you’re a big one, too!” The pupil from her loose eye turns to face you.
“Ugh..” You steel yourself. “My name is ALPHONSE VON GUNDYR. You’ll do well to remember it, subhuman.”

>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.
>Go for your rifle. A mainstay of your time in the cavalry corps.
>Pull your holy water. Test it’s effectivity.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5193665
>Go for your rifle. A mainstay of your time in the cavalry corps.
>>
>>5193665
t... titties
>>
>>5193665
>Go for your rifle. A mainstay of your time in the cavalry corps.
>>
>>5193665
>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.
>>
>>5193665
>Subdue and headpat. Continue headpatting until target is rendered insensate.
>>
>>5193665
>>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.
>>
>>5193877
Support
>>
>>5193665
>=>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.
>>
>>5193665
>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.
>>
>>5193665
>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.
>>
>>5193665

>>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.

Foul undead, taste my steel!
>>
>>5194089
based
>>
>>5193665
>>Go for your rifle. A mainstay of your time in the cavalry corps.
Eat lead, big titty bitch
>>
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>>5194128
>>5194091
>>5194089
>>5194030
>>5194005
>>5193988
>>5193986
>>5193877
>>5193829
>>5193800
>>5193793
>>5193711

>Go for your greatsword. A family heirloom, it last saw blood near fifty years ago.

You go for your greatsword, an heirloom blade that was a mainstay in the parlor of your family’s manor for as long as you can remember. Your hand clumsily fumbles along your neck as you grasp for its hilt and, with a slight bow of your back, you begin to tug steel from sheath. While you’re not quite as comfortable around your sword as you are your rifle, you still took lessons as a youth. You should have no trouble against a brainless undead such as this.
With a great grunt, you heft the sword from its sheath and dash the stone beneath you with its fall. It bounces with a sickly shock of steel against rock, clatters, and lies on its edge. With a gasp, you attempt to heft the sword up again for a proper swing. Your back strains and arms scream as you just barely inch the sword upward into a combat stance–and it falls, unceremoniously, back to the ground as your arms give way. Your brow furrows.

Is this.. really a sword? No. It’s too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough. It’s more like a large hunk of iron..

“Geheheh! What?! Haaa? Is this really the best you humans could muster?!” The undead nearly doubles over, her cruel laughter bouncing along the chamber’s. “Well.. don’t worry. Lots of guys can’t get it up around me. Gehahaha!”

>Drop the sword and go for your rifle. Two in the head should stop these foul insults.
>Try for your sword again. You should only need one swing to take care of this.
>Use the sword to break a spear off one of the traps lining the walls. That should prove more useful.
>Drop the sword and engage in fisticuffs. You should be strong enough to overpower her.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5194163
Give her a hug! A nice big hug
>>
Lift the sword with your LEGS

Put your legs on it.
>>
>>5194163
>Try for your sword again. You should only need one swing to take care of this.

It's a zombie. Bullets won't work, we have to cut its head off!
>>
>>5194163
>Try for your sword again. You should only need one swing to take care of this.
How can we expect to find a wife with such a poor show of swordsmanship?
We must brace our legs and thrust it forward!
>>
>>5194213
>>5194218
>>5194219
>>5194258

>Try for your sword again. You should only need one swing to take care of this.

You take a breath and wrap both hands around its hilt. How could you ever expect to find a wife with such a poor swordsmanship?

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5194266
>>
>>5194270
Hahaha, WELP.
>>
>>5194270
Looks like we're done rolling!
>>
>>5194270
>>
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wew

>>5194270

>Try for your sword again. You should only need one swing to take care of this.

You refuse to shame the Von Gundyr name again.

You grip the greatsword’s hilt, brace your legs, and with a great heave swing the blade up into the air, the weight of its blunt edge over your shoulder. It’s heft is such that your knees nearly buckle beneath it, its size such that it nearly scrapes the dungeon’s ceiling–but you grit your teeth and persist.
“A-..ah..” The undead’s jeers die in her throat as the shadow of your sword looms over her. “I..”
You take a step forward and let gravity do the brunt of its work as the blade, like a guillotine, falls over the room. It splinters and shatters the trap spears toothpicks as it hurtles toward the undead. You feel a rush of air as the sword swings down all at once to smear your opponent–she’s dead.

At least–she should be. A fusillade of ash and dust clouds your vision and fills your lungs. A gust, like quicksilver, blows past you. A clang of steel against steel. It all happens in seconds. As the greatsword’s sheer edge clatters against the dusty floor, your undead mark lost, you reorient yourself.
A lithe gray wolf pads the space betwixt you and your target, a rapier in its jaws. As it steps gently over the spears that litter the ground before you, its form gradually shifts–it’s fur twists up and darkens into a cloak, it’s maw recedes, andsoftens and curves. A slender, willowy young woman with a fine black cloak, her pale hair falls over her shoulder in a font of braids. She wields the rapier in one hand now, but two sheathes hang from her hip.

You catch a glimpse of fangs. A vampire? No. There’s a softness about her features, her proportions too human. Your eyes narrow as you tighten your grip on your greatsword.
“Oh, dear. Another dogged contender..” The dhampir sighs. “Did your mother not teach you how to treat a lady?”

>Warn the dhampir that if it does not back away, it will soon join the undead.
>Prepare to fight both.
>Demand to know what it’s doing. It doesn’t do monsters well to look after one another.
>Write-In.
>>
>Demand to know what it’s doing. It doesn’t do monsters well to look after one another.
>>
>>5194314
>Demand to know what it’s doing. It doesn’t do monsters well to look after one another.
>But, like, flirtily
Compliment her misguided chivalry, but explain that chivalry is for [MEN] to wield in defence of [WOMEN], not for beautiful [WOMEN] to wield in defence of [CANNIBALISTIC CORPSES WHO CONSTANTLY MAKE SEX PUNS]
>>
>>5194314
>Prepare to fight both.
>>
>>5194319
+1
a way to salvage the situation
>>
>>5194319
+1, fuck it
>>
>>5194314
>>Demand to know what it’s doing. It doesn’t do monsters well to look after one another.
Honestly, I am all for killing the waifus.
>>
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>>5194441
>>5194424
>>5194423
>>5194322
>>5194319
>>5194315

>Demand to know what it’s doing. It doesn’t do monsters well to look after one another.
>Compliment her misguided chivalry, but explain that chivalry is for [MEN] to wield in defence of [WOMEN], not for beautiful [WOMEN] to wield in defence of [CANNIBALISTIC CORPSES WHO CONSTANTLY MAKE SEX PUNS]

“You would spit your insipid platitudes at me, dhampir?” You glower. “I thought chivalry for men in the service of women, not subhumans in service of corpses.”
“My, you’re a charming one.” She remarks coldly. “You must be popular back home.”
“What’s your business here?” You continue, your hands firm on the greatsword. “You monsters seldom act out of charity for your own kind? Is it my head you're after?”
“I have no quarrel with you, noble.” The dhampir scoffs, her rapier low. “I simply thought to prevent an undue waste of such beauty.”
“Beauty?” You echo.

“Yes. Monster girls. Are they not beautiful?” She tilts her head, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world.

>Ask her to stop toying with you. What are her real intentions here?
>Ask for what beauty she sees in these aberrations.
>Demand that she hands over the undead at once or die alongside her.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5194482
>Demand that she hands over the undead at once or die alongside her.
We rolled a 20, fuck you OP you cuck.
>>
>>5194482
>Ask for what beauty she sees in these aberrations.
>>
>>5194482
>Ask for what beauty she sees in these aberrations.
>"The merchant said much the same. Professed an attraction to spider girls. I can't imagine it."
AND SO OUR MONSTERFUCKER JOURNEY BEGINS
>>
>>5194482
>Demand that she hands over the undead at once or die alongside her.
We will roll a nat 1, but derailing this whole thing into monster slaying instead of monster laying is too funny to stop now.
>>
>>5194482
>Ask for what beauty she sees in these aberrations.
>>
>Ask for what beauty she sees in these aberrations.
What's the deal with monster girls?
>>
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>>5194527
>>5194522
>>5194514
>>5194496
>>5194489
>>5194539

>Ask for what beauty she sees in these aberrations.
>"The merchant said much the same. Professed an attraction to spider girls. I can't imagine it."

“Beauty.” You reiterate. “What, pray tell, sort of beauty do you see in these unholy aberrations? I can’t imagine it.”
“Ahhh.. is it not obvious?” She sighs, her eyes shut. She clasps her hands together. “The gentle feminine curvature of skeletons–all at once thin and robust. The dichotomy between rotten flesh and smooth, supple skin among the undead. The cold yet gentle allure of broad, possessed armor. And the danger inherent to it all! That a monster girl might tear out your very throat as you court her! Is it not titillating?!”
The dhampir begins to drool a little. Is this some sort of.. psychological strategy? A trick, to lower your guard and let her close the gap to pierce your throat?

“Ah.. forgive me. I’ve yet to introduce myself. I believe that’s customary among the high born.” She wipes her mouth as she feigns a mock bow. “I am Lady Avalsidal–or, Lady Ava, if you’d prefer.”

>Demand that she stop her psychological attack at once.
>Demand that she hands over the undead at once, or die along with her.
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5194541
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
SLAP´
THE
THOT
>>
>>5194541
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
>Charm Lady Ava in a titillating fashion
>>
>Jeff's first daughter turned into a dumb yurifag
For shame.
>>
>>5194547
This was why God made the pump-n-dump maneuver.
>>
>>5194545
+1
>>
>>5194541
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
>>
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>>5194554
We're a nobleman, not a ruffian.

Just slap her across the face. And i mean a slap. Not a slap with our sword or gun, a real slap.

That's the noble thing to do.
>>
>>5194541
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.

>>5194560
Use the pummel of our sword.
>>
>>5194564
Hmm, i'm not sure that'd be very easy. The sword is very big, right? If we're fighting seriously, then we gotta just shoot her with our rifle (we are a dragoon apparently)

Which was why i said that it would have been better to slap. But i guess we can do that later.
>>
>>5194566
unscrew the pommel and end her rightly
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>>5194569
Better to just beat her over the head with it.
>>
>>5194541
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
And if we're going to have to fight her, don't just slap her, take out our white glove we carry around to challenge people to duels with and throw it at her.
>>
Oh yes, and we have to remember we have a wounded knee while this girl is obviously a dexfag, quite literally, in fact.

Let's try to fight in a way that doesn't require much moving, since we'll be at a disadvantage
>>
>And the danger inherent to it all! That a monster girl might tear out your very throat as you court her! Is it not titillating?!”
Unironically 40% of the reason why I like monster girls. Someone that powerful generally has no need to lie (unless it's like a kitsune or some shit and it's pathological, but even then it's playful when done romantically). Incredibly based QM, I like this dhampir.
The other 60% is because they look cool.
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
>>
>>5194541
we could make a deal with her tho.
We promise not to kill any of her precious monster girls and in exchange she gives us information on shorcuts to the lich.
probably a bad plan but its a quick route down
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>>5194585
Well, we don't want a shortcut, we were trying to find a wife, right? We should just take the scenic route. We're already a noble anyway, we don't need another title.
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>>5194586
we can use it as a excuse to make her come with us then.
she comes to "keep an eye on us"
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>>5194589
It's pretty obvious she's more interested in monster girls than human nobles.
>>
>>5194591
we can wingman her
I'm not picky
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>>5194596
pretty pathetic desu

we're here specifically to find a girl who isn't just a wet rag
>>
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>>5194541
>>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.

Wow imagine if she kicked our ass and stood over us while we're on the ground and said, "Pathetic." How embarassing haha ...
>>
>>5194541
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
>>
>>5194541
>Demand that she stop her psychological attack at once.
>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
An honourable duel, specifically, and not necessarily to the death.

This is Jeff Arsene's kid, isn't it?
>>
>>5194621
Yes, it's the same name. It's a shame, really, but i guess when you've got god knows how many children and wives, some of them are bound end up badly.
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>>5194623
>badly
She turned out exactly like Jeff.
>>
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>>5194625
Jeff can have children with monster girls, and did so

She's lucky she ain't the only arsene
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>>5194625
A moster girl Jeff would be a smug dexfag that would go after human man.
She's only half Jeff.
>>
>>5194630
No, that would be a REVERSE Jeff. She turned out EXACTLY like Jeff: a smug dexfag who goes after monstergirls. She, if anything, turned out TOO MUCH like him.

>>5194629
Didn't stop him seducing ones with no reproductive capabilities along the way.
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>>5194570
How about we buttstroke her with the rifle?
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>>5194640
I hear your argument but I must disagree. Jeff is a smug dexfag that's atracted TO his reverse, a feminine unhuman to his masculine human. As such, it is clear that Ava is only HALF Jeff because she is attracted to her own, feminine unhuman, essence. She lacks the duality of Jeff.
>>
>>5194640
>Didn't stop him seducing ones with no reproductive capabilities along the way.
Well, that's questionable, what with being monsters and all.

Doesn't really change that going after monster girls would mean an end to the line if not for the many siblings she probably has.
>>
>>5194641
You bet we're gonna stroke her butt with our rifle...
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>>5194650
it's called buttstroke, but it goes straight for the cranium
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>>5194657
But her ass isn't on her cranium, anon. It's where asses are supposed to be.
>>
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>>5194544
>>5194545
>>5194556
>>5194557
>>5194564
>>5194573
>>5194584
>>5194604
>>5194607
>>5194621

>Introduce yourself and demand she engage you in battle.
>And if we're going to have to fight her, don't just slap her, take out our white glove we carry around to challenge people to duels with and throw it at her.

“I am Alphonse Von Gundyr.” You declare, your voice steely–this is no ordinary monster. You tug a thick glove from your left hand and toss it to the ground beneath her. You shall not allow such embarrassment again. “And if you’re to claim such arrogance, subhuman, then you will back your words with blood. I challenge you to a duel.”
“Oh, my. A challenge to duel with your glove? How romantic.” Lady Ava sighs, her gaze drawn to the cloth before her. “I might just fall for you, little haut monde. But, unfortunately, I have more important affairs to attend to than a petty duel. And besides..”

She draws her rapier against the ground and flings her cloak upward. In the mere seconds’ gap of obscuration, you find her before you all at once–she stands atop your low greatsword now, both feet along its edge. You feel no shift in weight. “I hardly think it fair to fight a man who can barely lift his sword.” She whispers.

You shake the blade along its hilt to fling her off, but she steps off with grace all the same. “Bah! A cheap move. I was not yet prepared.” You excuse yourself, a bead of cold sweat on your forehead–she knows just as well as you do how poor of a match-up this could be, with your bum knee and sword’s weight against her agility. If you could get some distance, your rifle might prove of use, but.. “And what, pray tell, could a monster have to do that bears any sort of importance?”
“Hm? Well, I’m off to the bottom, of course. I make the pilgrimage every five years or so, but lo and behold, a rather pigheaded noble’s gotten in my way.” She smirks. With a flourish, she sheathes one of her rapiers. “Now, if you’d excuse me, I’m off for a visit..”

“The bottom?” You demand. “A bold lie, even for a monster–no one has seen the bottom layer since the CATACOMB’s discovery.”

“Ah–the discovery. You lot are so presumptuous.” Lady Ava scoffs. “Do you really think a dungeon of such magnitude a mere 10 years old? It’s been around for much, much longer than that–more like 150 or 200, by my measure. I’ve undertaken the journey many times now.”

>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she’s to lead you to the bottom herself.
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.
>Demand information on shortcuts or alternative routes to the lich.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5194699
>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she’s to lead you to the bottom herself.
>>
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.
Sounds like using her ego is a good idea. Though in all honesty, a rifle would probably be a pretty effective weapon in a closed place. Try to dodge a bullet when you've got nowhere to go.
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>>5194699
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.
>>
>>5194699
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.
>>
Whatever we do, we should also grab a spear from the ground. Spare weapons are always handy. Plus, if the local architecture is composed of roughly straight corridors, it becomes even more effective.
>>
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>>5194699
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.
>>
All I know is that we need to duel her for real, with our rifle. We cant let some dumb dhampir look down on us like some smug brat.
>>
>>5194699
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.

If she can provide them, then...

>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she’s to lead you to the bottom herself.

>>5194706
>>5194984
What kind of knave challenges someone to a duel, then runs away and takes pot-shots from a distance? If we're doing that, we must at least arm her with a gun in turn. We're trying to win our family honour BACK, are we not?
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>>5194699
>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she’s to lead you to the bottom herself.
>>
>>5195026
Distance? Long as we have our gun out and it isnt, I dont know, a flintlock musket, we would be just as good as a sword.
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>>5194699
>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.
>>
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>>5195026
>>5194887
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>>5194705

>Demand proof of her ridiculous claims.

“If you’re to claim such bosh, then you need to substantiate it.” You challenge her. “How do you expect me to take the words of a monster at face value?”
“Oh? Would you have me tell you the lich’s cup size?” Lady Ava rolls her eyes. “Because they’re hug–”
“Please. Enough vulgarity..” You sigh in exasperation.

“Fine. Excuse me, darling.” She gently steps past the fallen undead, who has since remained tight-lipped and curled up behind the “fair lady.” As the dhampir strides along the circular curve of the wall, she runs a pale hand along its surface. “This chamber is no dead end. From what I remember, it should be.. ah.”
Her hand seems to sink as the facade of a coarse stone wall fades and shimmers. It gives way to a long, dark corridor ahead–an illusory wall..?
“The exact order of passages and rooms may shift over the years, but their tricks will always remain the same.” She glances back at you. “The MORTSAFE is a trap in of itself, a cage of sorts for foolish new adventurers–a gridlock of stone halls and traps, a labyrinth with no end. The only way to progress deeper into the CATACOMBS is through illusory corridors and gaps in the walls like these. Are you quite satisfied?”

“You expect me to believe you from just that?” You scowl. “It proves your familiarity with this level–nothing more.”
“Well, if you’d like more proof, we can always get back to the lich’s cup size.”

>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she’s to lead you to the bottom herself. If you fail, you won’t hurt any of her precious monster girls.
>Enter the corridor yourself. You have no need for a dhampir’s tricks to succeed.
>Ask quietly about the cup size.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5195455
>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she's to lead you to the bottom herself. If you fail, you won't hurt any of her precious monster girls.
>>
Hm, yes, if we're going to duel, we should do it with the rifle. We already have multiple disadvantages, she's playing at home field and we have a wounded knee.

It's not shame for an rifleman to use a rifle. And as long as we have it out before she starts fighting, we will barely have to aim.
>>
>>5195468
Aim at the head to save the booba from getting wounded.
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>>5195472
I wouldn't try to aim at the head when dealing with an speedster. Since i don't think that we're using an peashooter, burly cavalryman that we are, hitting her alone would, if not obviously do heavy damage, cause enough of an impact that she would be thrown off her style.

Because again, we're in an single corridor, and we're way too tall for her to - for example, just jump over. Being a dragoon veteran, our reaction time should be good enough to hit her.
>>
>>5195455
>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she's to lead you to the bottom herself. If you fail, you won't hurt any of her precious monster girls.
>>
Really though, we should pull out our rifle instead of the sword. We're not going to get much use out of it unless our knee gets magically healed.
>>
>Ask quietly about the cup size.
Her natural defenses are important information.
Also, lmao at using what is presumably a fucking matchlock rifle in close quarters against a faster-than-the-eye speedster.
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>>5195455
>Ask quietly about the cup size.

Hubba hubba
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>>5195455
>Ask quietly about the cup size.
Also, try to compare what she claims is the lich’s size to her size.
>>
>>5195566
>matchlock rifle
We're a dragoon, this ain't the 16th century. Also, matchlock "rifle"? Why the fuck would you rifle a matchlock? If it's a rifle, then it's at the very least a rifled musket. Given we're an dragoon, though, it seems more likely to be an breech-loaded rifle.

Also. why not? We're a marksman, not an swordsman, and we definitely won't be throwing around the big dragonslayer with our wounded knee.

Stop simping like a retard.
>>
Also, just to make it easier to count
>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she's to lead you to the bottom herself. If you fail, you won't hurt any of her precious monster girls.
AND USE THE RIFLE
>>
>>5195455
>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she's to lead you to the bottom herself. If you fail, you won't hurt any of her precious monster girls.
>>
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>>5195463
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>>5195578

>Challenge her again to a duel. If you win, she's to lead you to the bottom herself. If you fail, you won't hurt any of her precious monster girls.

“Then my offer stands.” You stow your improper thoughts away and levy your glare at the dhampir. “I challenge you to a duel, subhuman. If I win, you’re to lead me to the bottom of these catacombs yourself. If you win, then you have my word as a nobleman that I will not hurt any of your.. ‘monster girls.’”
“..This is why I despise you humans. Always so quick to throw away your lives..” The lady sighs. She lays a hand on the hilt of her rapier and stands before the undead. “But if that would sate your curiosity.. I can put that ambition to rest. Go on, then. On your mark.”

She draws her first scarlet rapier in a flash and holds it low. She gently tugs at the air with her free hand. You watch as a second ebony rapier draws itself from its hilt and floats in the air at her shoulder, its point levied in your direction. A dual wielder..?

>Use your greatsword.
>Use your rifle.
>Use your holy water.
>Use a spear from a broken trap.
>Engage in fisticuffs.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5195594
>Use your rifle.
Holy water isn't going to work, she's a Dhampir. And again, it really isn't a good idea to engage in melee against someone who has all the advantages.
>>
>>5195594
>Use a spear from a broken trap.
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>>5195607
What did i just say? We're going to lose if we try to melee her because of our knee. She's a dexfag.
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>>5195610
She'd probably just dodge the shot desu, may as well use a weapon that doesn't need reloading
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>>5195612
She's not that fast. If she was, then we definitely wouldn't win in melee, stupid. Furthermore, even if she was able to dodge a bullet - which is doubtful, we're in a tight corridor. She doesn't exactly have a lot of leeway.

We're a DRAGOON.
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>>5195594
>Use your holy water.
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>>5195616
Holy water doesn't work on dhampirs
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>>5195613
I should probably clarify that you're in a circular room like this.
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>>5195620
Well, we're fairly close to the corridor.
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>>5195620
oo pretty
>>5195618
fine, then
>Use your greatsword's pommel
>>
>>5195594
>>Use your rifle
>>
>>5195594
>Use your greatsword
>>
>>5195594
>Use your greatsword.
>>
>>5195594
>Use your rifle.
>>
>>5195594 #
>Use your greatsword
The idea of shoting her in the face does not sit well with me.
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>>5195678
The idea of losing to her again is even worse. She's too smug. She needs some humble pie.
>>
>>5195594
>Use your rifle.
>>
>>5195594
>Use your rifle.
>>
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>>5195598

>Use your rifle.

You unholster the arm at your side–a CHEKHOV RIFLE, standard issue in the king’s LOCKSTEP CAVALRY. While your swordsmanship may be lacking, your marksmanship is a point of pride for you. You’ve been a crack shot ever since your youth, much in part thanks to your hunting experience. You load your five shots and pull back the bolt.
“Oh, my. What a big gun.” Ava tilts her head. “Are you sure about that? This close?”
You ignore her provocations as you shoulder the rifle. The dhampir stands about 5 meters away. At this range, it’d be impossible to miss–a human, at least. You’re not yet sure the full range of her abilities just yet. But you’d guess that her stupefying speed comes at a cost; just one strong hit is likely enough to incapacitate her, which would explain her focus on obscuration and speed with the flinging of her cloak and the blowing up of dust.

The dhampir drags one rapier against the ground as the other dances in the air along past her shoulder blades. “Ready yet?” She stares. “Whenever you are.”

>Begin by firing a shot off at her.
>Attempt to buttstroke her with the rifle when she comes at you.
>Write-In.
>>
Hmm, i think she's going to try to lunge at us. Maybe we can do something to split her attention, even if for a second, and then shoot.
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>>5195744
>Attempt to buttstroke her with the rifle when she comes at you.
>>
Maybe we could throw something at her to grab her attention and then shoot? But then again, we'd be moving the hand from the weapon.
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>>5195744
>Begin by firing a shot off at her.
though idk why these are mutually exclusive
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>>5195744
>Attempt to buttstroke her with the rifle when she comes at you.
>>
>>5195773
+1
>>
Actually, yeah, why cant we shoot and THEN Buttstroke?
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>>5195744
>Begin by firing a shot off at her.
>>
>>5195744
>Attempt to buttstroke her with the rifle when she comes at you.
>>
>>5195744
>>Begin by firing a shot off at her.
>>
>>5195744
>Let her make the first move. Squeeze the trigger, but not enough to fire it, read her movements to predict where she will be.
>>
>>5195744
>Begin by firing a shot off at her.
Use this to trick her and then
>Attempt to buttstroke her with the rifle when she comes at you.
>>
>>5195983
Yes, do this
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>>5195983
+1
>>
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>>5196062

>Begin by firing a shot off at her.
>Attempt to buttstroke her with the rifle when she comes at you.

“Let’s begin.” You expect no protracted contest nor dramatic turns; this matter will be decided in moments, whether it be a bullet through her sternum or a blade through your throat. With that, you crack a shot off.

A brilliant white spark snaps at the barrel’s tip as your first shot roars through the air. It's almost deafening in this confined corridor, the round spiraling through the dust and ash-laden air as it traces a path right through into her dark overcoat. Your shot was dead-on. It gnaws through the thick cloth and bores a hole right through it, the white hot lead having left the hole smoldering. You watch the cloak sink to the ground.
Was that it? You glare at the fallen shape.
But as you pull back the bolt, a waxen blur courses out from under the fallen cloak–a jittery, pale shape twisting and turning in the air at alarming speeds toward you, a black rapier spiraling along behind it. You curse beneath your breath. She’s become a bat now–smaller, faster, and a much more difficult target, whether that be with a bullet or your stock.

>Attempt to catch her with the butt of the rifle.
>Try to fire a shot off at her.
>Attempt to swing your great sword up to catch her.
>Drop the gun and switch to your fists to beat her out of the air.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5196088
>Attempt to catch her with the butt of the rifle.
>>
>>5196088
>Attempt to catch her with the butt of the rifle.
Bat the bat.
>>
>>5196107
+1
>>
>>5196088
>Attempt to catch her with the butt of the rifle.
>Bat the bat.
>>
>>5196091
>>5196107
>>5196136
>>5196163

>Attempt to catch her with the butt of the rifle.

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5196167
BONK
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5196167
we playing whac-a-flying-mole now
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5196167
>>
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>>5196177
HOLY FUCKING SAVED

She's going to turn into a splatter on the wall
>>
>>5196177
Clutch as fuck, Alphonse must have been one hell of a war hero
>>
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wewx2

>>5196177

You spin the length of your rifle along your arm as you direct your stock forward. You heft it back, and with a great heave, plunge the blunt end forward–where you catch the twirling bat dead on. The bat gasps as she’s flung downward along the path of your buttstroke, crashing to the ground with her black rapier.

“Ghh–” Lady Ava chokes, winded. You watch as the bat’s wings curl upward into a human form, gasping for breath and clawing at her chest. Her ears collapse and curl into silvery locks, her fur ruff into a loose poet shirt. As her breath catches, she slowly raises her head to come face-to-face with the end of your rifle.

“You’ve lost, dhampir.” You don’t bother attempting to mask the pride in your voice. “I expect you to uphold your end of the deal.”

“..What an ugly way of fighting.” She says, her voice low. “It befits someone of your countenance.”
“Oh? A sore loser is an ugly look.” You smirk.

>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
>Allow her up herself. It doesn’t befit you to lay hands a monster.
>Shoot her once for good measure. You don’t know what tricks she may pull.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
>>
>>5196199
>>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
A noble must remain noble even when dealing with weirdos who might be into necrophilia.
>>
>>5196199
>Shoot her once for good measure. You don’t know what tricks she may pull.
We have a zombie to kill and noncliche monsters to find.
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
To show we're above acting like a smug brat.
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
Hope she is ready for a snide gloating session
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
At the least, this sub human has a noble attitude.
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
>>
>>5196199
>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.
>>
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>>5196203
>>5196204
>>5196206
>>5196207
>>5196213
>>5196215
>>5196226
>>5196239
>>5196240

>Help the dhampir up. The duel is over.

You retrieve your glove from the floor, slip the thick rag back on, and turn it back out to her. “Well, then. Come up. You’re to lead me now, aren’t you?” You stare haughtily; she may be a monster, but a noble must remain a noble, even in extraordinary circumstances. The dhampir stares quietly before taking your hand in hers.
“..Thank you.” She mutters, pulling herself up–as before, you feel no shifting in weight. The lady dusts herself clean as she approaches her cloak–with a single, sharp shake, the bullet hole in it disappears and she dons it again with a flourish. You notice the undead gone in the meantime; it’s likely she fled through the illusory corridor whilst you were in the midst of your duel.

“Well? Hurry it up.” Lady Ava stands at the corridor’s exit, her eyes narrow.
“Might I remind you that we march at my pace, not yours?” You roll your eyes as you follow along after the dhampir through the dim hall.

The corridor is much the same as the MORTSAFE–a long dark hall that thins and widens and winds at odd points. You pick up only the sound of your footfalls and breath. Your escort, however, is apparently afloat and breathless. Your journey persists in that same silence for several long minutes as a rather uncomfortable atmosphere falls over the passage.

You think it unnecessary to strike up conversation with a dhampir, but you at least deserve to know more of the situation.

>Ask of the block ahead. It’s better to know what you’re dealing with.
>Ask of her own intentions here in the CATACOMBS. What use could she have with nobility or money?
>Ask what kind of human warriors to expect further down.
>Write-In.
>>
>Ask what kind of human warriors to expect further down.
>>
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>>5196242
>Picrel.
>>
>>5196242
>Ask of her own intentions here in the CATACOMBS. What use could she have with nobility or money?
>>
>>5196242
>>Ask what kind of human warriors to expect further down
>Write-in (Ask what sort of individuals should we be wary of, and who could assist us in our quest)
>>
>>5196242
>Ask of her own intentions here in the CATACOMBS. What use could she have with nobility or money?
>How did you find out about the lich’s cup size, anyways? I’d expect that information to be kept close to the chest, so to speak.
>>
>>5196286
+1
>>
>>5196242
>Ask of the block ahead. It’s better to know what you’re dealing with.
>>
>>5196286
+1
>>
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>>5196371
>>5196292
>>5196286
>>5196266
>>5196263
>>5196252
>>5196243
>>5196442

>Ask of her own intentions here in the CATACOMBS. What use could she have with nobility or money?
>How did you find out about the lich’s cup size, anyways? I’d expect that information to be kept close to the chest, so to speak.

“So what are your intentions here in the catacombs?” You ask, led on by your curiosity. “What possible use could a dhampir have with wealth or status?”
“Hm? Are you.. unaware? I thought you like the others.” She glances back. “..Do you truly think a meager noble title the only thing at stake here? ”
“How do you mean?” You frown. “The king’s bounty for the lich’s head was one of monetary compensation and nobility, nothing more.”
“Bah! So you are ignorant.” She snickers. “..No, gold and title are such.. ephemeral trophies. Insignificant against the dungeon’s rumored true treasure.”
“And that would be..?” You sigh, sick of her condescension already.
“Immortality.” Lady Ava replies. “A means for adventurers to attain endless life beyond the confines of these walls. It’s said that the lich found a way long ago, but by then, it was too late for her.”
You pause. “Then.. you’re familiar with the lich, are you not? Is it true?”
“Hmm.. who knows?” She turns away. “But immortality is a foolish thing to yearn for.”
“Then how did you know about the lich’s cup size?” You scowl. “I’d expect that information to be kept close to the chest–er, not like that.”
“We’re familiar.” Lady Ava scoffs. “She’s like a big sister, I suppose.”

Your conversation is cut short as she comes to a halt all at once. The passage has come to a sudden end, open to a wide, dome-like room supported and structured by several stone arches. The room is lined with candles and spaces in the walls–another SHRINE, most likely, for adventurers to resurrect in. A handful of disparate people mill about here, a far cry from the pathetic, forlorn shrine prior. You spot a couple interesting adventurers betwixt the few..

“Here. You can ply your trade.” Lady Ava sighs, resting her back against a wall and folding her arms. “I’ll wait for you to finish before we continue. Do hurry up.”

>Speak to the bushy-browed merchant hocking his grave goods.
>Speak to the quiet armored one brooding in the corner.
>Continue your conversation with the dhampir.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the bushy-browed merchant hocking his grave goods.
Merchant time
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the quiet armored one brooding in the corner.
We need a tank.
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the bushy-browed merchant hocking his grave goods.
>Speak to the quiet armored one brooding in the corner.
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the quiet armored one brooding in the corner.
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the quiet armored one brooding in the corner.
Lo, good man. What is it like ahead?
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the bushy-browed merchant hocking his grave goods.

Let the brooding man brood alone, he's brooding for a reason.
>>
>>5196461
>>Speak to the quiet armored one brooding in the corner.
>>
>>5196461
>Speak to the bushy-browed merchant hocking his grave goods.
>>
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>>5196975
>>5196695
>>5196677
>>5196601
>>5196587
>>5196493
>>5196465

>Speak to the bushy-browed merchant hocking his grave goods.

You turn your attention to the bushy-browed merchant first. You approach his stall–just like the one prior, his is a thin cloth lain out with an assortment of haphazard knickknacks and merchandise. Whilst the merchant himself is a rather crooked, twitchy-looking fellow, his raggedy shirt hanging from a scraggy frame, his stock seems more valuable than the slug’s.
“Hmm, hmm!” He furls his moustache back. “And what, pray tell, have I done to earn the good grace of a noble’s visit..? My, my. Take your time.”
You note a figure to the merchant’s side–a slight, pale young woman with her head down, her hands clasped and her eyes half-lidded. She remains silent but her eyes follow your gaze. His daughter, perhaps–or a body guard, from the looks of the knife that hangs from her hip.

>Examine the merchant’s goods.
>Ask about his selection.
>Examine the woman next to the merchant.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5197041
> Ask about his selection.
>>
>>5197041
>>Ask about his selection.
>>
>>5197041
>Ask about his selection.
>Examine the woman next to the merchant.
>>
>>5197063
>Anonymous
+1
>>
>>5197072
dumb pc
don't know why it quoted
>>
>>5197041
>Examine the woman next to the merchant.
>>
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>>5197095
>>5197075
>>5197072
>>5197063
>>5197060
>>5197056

>Ask about his selection.
>Examine the woman next to the merchant.

“What have you got?” You cross your arms.
“Ahaha.. Ah, yes, yes, of course, one moment..” He rubs his moustache. “Hmm.. right here, we have a CHOIR mask of the CORPUS CHURCH, useful against DHAMPIR and VAMPIRIC tricks and illusions. And here, some SILVER ROUNDS, for the occasional beastly presence.. Aha–some RATIONS, in case you might need to camp, or distract a monster..”
He continues to ramble on for the rest of his ill-gotten grave goods. In the meantime, you look to the woman by the man. She’s short and frail in appearance, her clean, frilly lady’s dress in sharp contrast to the cold stone grounds around her. The knife that hangs from her hip is held by a ribbon–you note that the edge is lightly stained with a deep, dark hue. She continues to stare.

“Hmm? An eye for my daughter?” The merchant cuts in with a chuckles. “Well, she is about that age.. But her mind’s in a rather strange place, you see. A few trips too many down into the catacombs for grave goods, I presume..”
“You’d send your daughter to do your dirty work for you?” You narrow your eyes.

“Well, she’ll return to this shrine all the same, won’t she?” The merchant raises a brow. “And she’s a rather capable combatant, you know. Ah–speaking of–you’re on your way down, aren’t you? You know, I can hand over all these goods for free if you’d do me a favor..”

>Hear the man’s favor out.
>Purchase the man’s choir mask.
>Purchase the man’s silver rounds.
>Purchase his rations.
>Leave him alone. Go speak to the armored one.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5197127
>Hear the man’s favor out.
Let's hear it out.
>>
>>5197127
>>Hear the man’s favor out.
Free huh? Proceed.
>>
>>5197127
>Hear the man’s favor out.
>>
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>>5197130
>>5197161
>>5197166

>Hear the man’s favor out.

“..Very well.” You settle. “What do you propose?”

“Ah, well.. it’s a very simple favor–should be nothing for a proud nobleman of your kind.” He steeples his fingers. “My daughter, you see, is normally the one to retrieve my stock for me–she relieves bodies of their goods and whatnot on her trips through the block ahead. But she’s had a rather rough go of it lately; tends to come back with such few items these days.. I think it may be some kind of tough monster, or difficult trap. if you could just allow her to follow you through to the next block, I’ll allow you a few free items from my shop. What say you?”

>Agree to his offer.
>Deny him.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5197189
>Agree to his offer.
Fair enough.
>>
>>5197189
>Deny him.
He should do it, maybe that way he will appreciate the danger to which he is sending her.

plus, this smells like a trap.
even if you can "revive" in this place, I'm not sure if that aplies if you die of hunger
>>
>>5197189
>>Agree to his offer.
>>
>>5197189
>Write-In.
Give me your daughter instead.
>>
>>5197189
>Agree to his offer.
>>
>>5197189
>Agree to his offer.
>>
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>>5197281
>>5197280
>>5197276
>>5197271
>>5197217
>>5197192

>Agree to his offer.

“..Very well.” You settle. You have some lingering doubts about the situation, but she’s just one frail girl; how much trouble could she be?
“Ah! Wonderful, wonderful. You can treat yourself to these,” He nods, scooping up the choir mask, the silver rounds, and the rations. “Here, here. You needn’t worry about her welfare–hell, you’ll hardly notice her. She can take care of herself.”
He nudges his daughter. She gently curtsies, her head still low. “..Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Her voice is cool and quiet. “You may call me Noelle. I am a handmaiden by trade.”

>Move on from the shrine. Two followers is more than enough.
>Speak to the armored one. Still brooding, still lonely.
>Speak to the dhampir. Maybe she can weigh in.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5197337
>>Speak to the armored one. Still brooding, still lonely.
>>
>>5197337
>Speak to the dhampir. Maybe she can weigh in.
I don't think we should try to get that many people so soon.
>>
>>5197337
>Speak to the armored one. Still brooding, still lonely.

We don't need him to join to still make his acquaintance, and we'll undoubtedly see more of him as we travel further into the dungeon.
>>
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Also, heights.
>>
>>5197442
Shortstack. Nice.

>>5197337
>Speak to the dhampir. Maybe she can weigh in.
>>
>>5197337
>Speak to the dhampir. Maybe she can weigh in.
>>
>>5197337
>Speak to the armored one. Still brooding, still lonely.
At least talk to him. We can ignore him after if we want.
>>
>>5197442
We're a big guy.
>>
>>5197460
>>5197460
>>5197460
>>5197460
>>
>>5197442
Now those are some big shoulders
>>
>>5197337
>Speak to the armored one. Still brooding, still lonely.

>>5197460
For you.
>>
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>>5197498
>>5197449
>>5197384
>>5197345

>Speak to the armored one. Still brooding, still lonely.

You turn your attention to the corner again–the suit of armor broods alone in one dark corner, his arms folded and his head lowered. You can make out only a plume of ashen hair and pallid skin between the thick plates of coal black armor. While such a heavy set like this is far from standard wear in the royal army, the armor strikes you as familiar; you could swear you’ve seen one like it before.. but he catches your glare.

“What is it?” She asks in a low voice, much to your surprise. “I’ve nothing to do with you. Go away.”

>Ask for her origin. You recognize her armor.
>Ask what her business here is.
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.
>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.
>Leave her be. Speak with your new handmaid.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5197529
>>Ask for her origin. You recognize her armor.
>>
>>5197529
>Ask for her origin. You recognize her armor.
What, did we see her in the army or something?
>>
>>5197554
>Ask for her origin. You recognize her armor.
>>
>>5197529
>Ask for her origin. You recognize her armor.
>Ask what her business here is.
>>
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>>5197554
>>5197558
>>5197593
>>5197610

>Ask for her origin. You recognize her armor.

“Your armor.. is familiar.” You stare. “Did you serve with the KING’S ROYAL ARMY? I’m a veteran myself.”
“So that’s it.” She responds brusquely. “I was with the BERSERKER REGIMENT. “

Ah; you might not recognize her armor from your time in the battlefield, but you can certainly recall it from your studies at the academy.
The BERSERKER REGIMENT were a unit of elite shock troops that saw deployment on the front lines for years. They would use spells and curse-bound armor to break the limits of human strength and spirit, whereupon they would lose control and rage for days on end.
They were like human artillery strikes; killing friend and foe indiscriminate, devastating villages, gnawing on their own blades. It’s said that just one was enough to level a battlefield. But they were retired from use about fifteen years ago–the tides of modern warfare had shifted and berserkers had grown outdated. Moreover, their rages cut their lifespan short by decades. The last one was said to have died years ago, but...

“So how are you here?” You ask, rather insensitively. “Your type aren’t prone to live long.”
“The same reason I can lance you through the throat right now and you’ll wake up as the same pain in the ass.” The berserker snarls. “Are you done?”

>Ask what her business here is.
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.
>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.
>Leave her be. Speak with your new handmaid.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5197650
>Ask what her business here is.
Then
>Leave her be. Speak with your new handmaid.
>>
>>5197650
>>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.
Better not waste time with someone that unstable.
>>
>>5197658
+1, She's liable to snap our neck or something if we piss her off.
>>
>>5197650
>Ask what her business here is.
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.
>>
>>5197650
>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.

Best leave her be, she'll do as she says if we use up more of her time I think. If we want to talk to her more we can do it gradually over time.
>>
>>5197650
>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.
>Leave her be. Speak with your new handmaid.

Make formal introductions. Ask the handmaid what use she is, and what led to her current sorry state (but, you know... Nicely. IF we even can.)

Ask Ava what she knows about the threats ahead, and whether the items we acquired are sufficient to handle them or if we need an extra pair of berserk hands.
>>
>>5197737
+1
>>
>>5197650
>Wish her luck in finding whatever it is she is looking for. As one comrade in arms to another.
>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.
>>
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>>5197844
>>5197748
>>5197737
>>5197728
>>5197676
>>5197663
>>5197658
>>5197656

>Wish her luck in finding whatever it is she is looking for. As one comrade in arms to another.
>Leave her be. Speak with your dhampir about your affairs.

"Well.. good luck, then, in finding whatever it is that you’re looking for." You turn. “As one comrade in arms to another.”
“..Yeah.” She mutters.

You approach the dhampir, who rests quiet at the shrine entrance. She raises her head as you approach. “Done, then, with your attempts at courtship?” Ava remarks, her voice light. “I picked up on some of it. You really do have no idea how to speak to a woman, dead or alive.”
“What can we expect in the BLOCK ahead?” You scowl, refusing to play into her irritating jeers.
“Ah, you’re no fun.” Ava scoffs. “Well, up ahead is the GRAVESIDE. It's the true entrance to the CATACOMBS–the MORTSAFE is a mere blockade. It’s like a vast stone abyss, led on by the dim light of torches and a spiral of long horizontal tombstones in the walls that compose the “stairs” downward. At some points we might find good ledges to rest–it's a rather long stretch before the next block. But that’s not to speak of monster attacks.”
“Hmph. What sort?” You frown. “And take a look at these wares. Do you think them useful to handle them?”
“Hmm.. skybound monsters, mostly, that flitter up and down along the chasm.. DEMONS, BATS, GARGOYLES. With their big fat stone asses. Your gun may prove useful.” She tilts her head. “And what’s this? Hmm.. silver rounds, yes.. rations.. ah–a choir mask?” A strange look crosses her features for just a moment, but it quickly dissipates. “The rounds and rations will prove useful. The journey is long and strenuous–for a human, at least.”

“Right, then.” You shoulder the supplies in the rucksack beneath your coat. “Hurry along. Let’s go.”
“Ah, one last thing. About your new hanger-on..” She lowers her voice, her eyes firm on the handmaid behind you. “There’s something strange about her.”
“Something strange?” You raise a brow. “Is she one of.. your sort?”
“No. She smells human, at least. Just strange.” Ava shrugs. “I’ve no particular objections if you get a knife in the back either way.”

>Speak with your new handmaid. Best to determine whether she’s trustworthy or not.
>Continue along. You’d best not waste time.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5198017
>Speak with your new handmaid. Best to determine whether she’s trustworthy or not.
>>
>>5198017
>Speak with your new handmaid. Best to determine whether she’s trustworthy or not.
>>
>>5198017
>Speak with your new handmaid. Best to determine whether she’s trustworthy or not.
>>
>>5198017
>Continue along. You’d best not waste time.
>>
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>>5198020
>>5198026
>>5198041
>>5198075

>Speak with your new handmaid. Best to determine whether she’s trustworthy or not.

As you readjust for the new weight of your rucksack over your shoulder, you find your eyes drawn to the handmaiden–she stands idly just behind you like always, her hands clasped and her head lowered. To ease the strange sense of apprehension in your gut, you decide to speak to her.

“Noelle.” You call for her. She raises her head. “I don’t believe I’ve formally introduced myself. My name is ALPHONSE VON GUNDYR, and that one is.. LADY AVA.”
“.. The pleasure is mine, Von Gundyr, sir, and Lady Ava as well.” Noelle bows low. You find this sort of formality amidst a dungeon stranger still. “You needn’t worry to look after me.”

“So big..” Ava mutters.

>Ask of what use she is in a fight.
>Ask what led to her current affair here. She seems a bit strange.
>Ask about the deal with her father to retrieve grave goods.
>Press onward. That’s quite enough.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5198246
>Ask of what use she is in a fight.
>Ask what led to her current affair here. She seems a bit strange.
>Ask about the deal with her father to retrieve grave goods.

All useful lines of inquiry. Also:

>practice flirting
>>
>>5198246
>Press onward. That’s quite enough.
I like the mystery
>>
>>5198246
>>Press onward. That’s quite enough.
>>
>>5198246
>Press onward. That’s quite enough.
Hm...this noelle is interesting.
>>
>>5198246
>Press onward. That’s quite enough.
>>
>>5198246
What's the big thing that Ava's talking about
>>
>>5198302
tidders
>>
>>5198246
>Press onward. That’s quite enough.

>>5198302
Probably our sword...I think?
>>
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>>5198301
>>5198287
>>5198281
>>5198268
>>5198260

>Press onward. That’s quite enough.

“Very well.” You decide a name is fine enough. You turn your back to the shrine. “Let’s depart.”
“Fine, fine–do try to keep up.” Ava releases a long sigh of exasperation as she stands from her lean. With a flourish, she removes the rapier from its sheath. “However, a fair word of caution; at full sprint, this trip usually takes me several hours. But with a bastard noble and his portly housekeeper on my back.. you may need a cane before we reach the bottom.”
“..I’ll do my best.” Noelle bows.
The second block of the catacombs–GRAVESIDE. As you step out from the shrine into the new block, you are assailed all at once by a maelstrom of chill winds and gael’s howls. A mind-bogglingly vast abyss stretches out before you, a circular chasm lined and spiraled by immense tombstones that stick from the walls and descend downward into it like the spikes of an iron maiden. You take a cautious step onto the first step–the stone surface is vast. 15 meters long, perhaps..?
“If you keep up at that pace, you’ll join these stones.” Ava rolls her eyes as she leaps gracefully to the next. “Shall I carry you?”

You grumble beneath your breath as you maneuver down the block, from one step to another–on occasion, you might have to climb up along a different tomb upward and then back downward again, or even clamber along an open ledge along the chasm’s walls. Your breath and patience begins to run short as an hour ticks by without sight of another human nor monster, only broken corpses.
“And why are we going up again?” You gasp, your face slick with sweat as you pull the weight of your sword and supplies up along another stone. “What purpose does this serve? There’s a path down right there.”
“I know what I’m doing. This route is one of the shortest.” Ava scowls, seemingly having grown just as short-tempered as you have. “Believe me, I’m not a fan of this either. Dragging you along like this.. we’d be near halfway there by now if I was alone. Maybe I should’ve shoved you down and plied along with the maid.”
“..My apologies. I seem to have cause some upset.” Noelle glances back down to you. She’s had a rather easy go about it, much to your surprise–the handmaiden shows no signs of fatigue despite the strenuousness of the climb. And.. her knife appears freshly wet, despite not having run into any monsters. What..?

A low, drawn out wail catches your attention from below, along the route of graves that go downward. You cast your gaze downward–while you might not see the wail’s root from beyond the veil of black below, the rest of your party certainly heard it. “Bah. Another death..?” Ava sighs. “Ignore it. We’d best finish quickly. I’m certainly not stopping.”

>Investigate the source of the wail.
>Continue along with Ava.
>Interrogate Noel. What’s become of her knife?
>Write-In.
>>
>>5198387
>Continue along with Ava.
>Interrogate Noel. What’s become of her knife?
>>
>>5198393
+1
>>
>>5198393
+1
>>
>>5198393
Support.
>>
>>5198387
Supporting >>5198393

I'm not risking our guide abandoning us in this barren hellscape just to see who bit the bullet.
>>
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>>5198393
>>5198404
>>5198408
>>5198461
>>5198488

>Continue along with Ava.
>Interrogate Noel. What’s become of her knife?

“..Fine, fine.” You decide to press forward with the dhampir–you’d rather not risk the loss of your guide in this godforsaken hellscape for mere curiosity. You heft yourself up along the stone with a great heave and wipe the sweat from your brow with fresh vigor. But, first.. you glare at the handmaiden’s back. “You.”
She pauses halfway along the stone and turns back, her eyes dull. “..Yes, sir Von Gundyr?” Noelle asks.
“Explain yourself.” You nod toward her newly-shiny knife–upon closer inspection, it resembles more of a large medical scalpel than a dagger. “What’s become of your knife? There’s fresh blood on it, but we’ve yet to encounter human or monster down here. Just what have you cut?”

“Ah.. forgive me. I’d neglected to keep it clean.” She pulls a handkerchief from her skirt and daubs at the blade’s edge; the blood stains the white cloth wholly crimson. “The blade is cursed. It's prone to bleed of its own volition. It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

While her tone and demeanor remain as always dreary, a sense of doubt claws at your guts. A cursed blade? Really?

>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
>Demand to see her knife for yourself.
>Demand to know what she’s hiding from you.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5198532
>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
>>
>>5198532
>>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
>>
This is suspicious. Really suspicious. Is she trying to kill herself or something?
>>
>>5198532
>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
>>
>>5198532
>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
>>
>>5198532
>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
But keep an eye on her just in case.
>>
>>5198532
>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.
>>5198556
No, but you should try.
>>
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>>5198791
>>5198615
>>5198594
>>5198589
>>5198547
>>5198541

>Let it be. You’d rather focus on getting ahead for now.

You glare–as much as you might doubt the truth behind her knife, you’d all the same rather not waste any more time in this damnable chasm. You can take care of the matter when you’ve more solid grounds to stand upon. As you press forward past her, she bows again. “..My apologies.”
Your step forward, however, is cut off–a pirouette of furled wings and twisted tail bounds up from the space between gravestones and separate you and the girl from the dhampir. You take several steps back as you place a hand on your holster. The shape curls in the sky above you, an axed tailed and forked tongue in sight. Your eyes narrow. It’s naked.

“Gyehahaha..! More fodder for the bottom, then..!” The GARGOYLE sneers.
“Ahhh.. such a fat ass. What a waste..” Ava sighs.

>Take aim and fire.
>Order Noelle to handle it.
>Tell Ava to deal with it, with her.. methods.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5199085
>Order Noelle to handle it.
>>
>Take aim and fire.
SHOOT
HER
>>
>>5199085
>Take aim and fire.
Damned exhibitionists.
COVER YOUR TWAT YA FILTHY CuNT.
>>
>>5199085
>Take aim and fire.
We ain't Jeff boys, let the unhuman fear.
>>
>>5199107
>>5199101
>>5199099
>>5199098

You shoulder your rifle and take aim--you'll have none of this exhibitionism about.

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5199142
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5199142
BABANG
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5199142
Kapow
>>
Threat neutered! Good job, gentlemen.
>>
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>>5199147

>Rolled 16 (1d20)

You pull the bolt, ease the trigger, and pull. A smoking round blows out from the barrel’s end, piercing the howling winds that shear the chasm walls–your aim holds true and pierces the monster’s wing. With a yelp, the gargoyle’s wing curls inward as she begins to tumble along the wind shafts downward and into the dark below. You glare over the edge. Noelle claps.

“.. Ahh, such a waste of a beautiful monster..” Lady Ava sighs, shaking her head. “Must you always turn to violence?”
“And what? Let her tear my throat out?” You glower.
“Well, it’s no matter, I suppose.. she’ll resurrect all the same.” The dhampir turns. “Just rather unpleasant to see.”

Your journey continues as such; you catch occasional glimpses of dark shapes in the sky in the haze ahead, but they dissipate quick upon your approach. Moreover, your exhaustion begins to grow wearisome around four hours in–much to the dhampir’s chagrin, you push for a brief rest on a vast ledge set into the chasm wall ahead.

“How much longer, then..?” You lower your head, your rucksack set up against the cavern wall.
“At this rate? Hmmm.. another two hours, perhaps, maybe three.” Ava sighs, her hands against the hot plate fire. “If you die, know that I do not plan to come back for you.”
“Hmph. I might not either for you at this point.” You scoff. You raise your head, your eyes low. “Hmm.. have you seen the handmaiden?”

“The handmaiden? Noelle?” Ava sighs. “She stayed a few steps back up. Said she had to take care of something.”
“..Is that so.” You frown.

>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.
>Go back up. Noelle’s still a lady, no matter how strange. It’s not right for her to be alone in such a dangerous area.
>Scout out ahead before you continue your rest. You’d just like to make sure.
>Write-In.
>>
>Go back up. Noelle’s still a lady, no matter how strange. It’s not right for her to be alone in such a dangerous area.
>>
>>5199174
Noelle's father said she's fine going here all by herself, I say we give her and her knife some privacy.
>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.
Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
>>
>>5199180
Why waste time with some dumb smug dhampir who looks down on us instead of looking after the maid? The father is a jackass who uses his daughter as a grunt, i wouldn't trust him.
>>
>>5199174
>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.

>>5199182
Because we're tired and don't want to get into unnecessary trouble, and the daughter seems suspect herself.
>>
>>5199174
>Go back up. Noelle’s still a lady, no matter how strange. It’s not right for her to be alone in such a dangerous area.
>>
>>5199186
The daughter is about the level of suspect i'd expect from someone who's been dying god knows how many times solely to get her father more money.
>>
>>5199182
She might be more tolerable when she's a bat and can't talk and we pet her a little.
>>5199190
Or she's a psychopathic killing machine.
>>
>>5199193
She's not going to be tolerable because she's completely smug. She looks down on us.

I'd rather go see what the quiet maiden is doing instead of sitting here and being insulted.
>>
>>5199198
What part of flying mice can't talk you don't get, anon?
>>
>>5199204
>implying that'll stop her
>>
>>5199174
>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.
>>
>>5199212
>implying you know for sure it won't
>>
>>5199253
She's not going to stop being annoying if she turns into a bat. She'll just turn into an annoying bat.
>>
>>5199261
That'll be solid grounds for termination, then!
>>
>>5199174
>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.
>>
>>5199198
I mean...it's not like we are any more polite to her, calling her subhuman and all that. Really most of our exchanges are pretty mild.
>>
>>5199303
Hey, she was the one who came being all smug and pompous in the first place. She even jumped on our sword to taunt us.
>>
>>5199174

>Go back up. Noelle’s still a lady, no matter how strange. It’s not right for her to be alone in such a dangerous area.
>>
>>5199174
>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.
>>
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>>5199887
>>5199556
>>5199299
>>5199217
>>5199187
>>5199186
>>5199180
>>5199177

>Spend your time at rest. Perhaps you can exchange some words with the subhuman dhampir.

You decide to leave the handmaiden to what bizarre inclinations she may find herself amidst–you need not waste any more energy on frivolous meander. You can at least take advantage of this rest for an hour, perhaps a bit more..
As you begin to polish and wipe down the cylinder of your rifle, you find your eyes weary to wander toward your monstrous guide. She sits by your army hotplate, her eyes cast low as she runs a kerchief along the flat edge of one rapier. If your sisters were to learn that you set out with a dhampir, they’d be aghast (and likely pester you to know if it was anything like whatever their god-awful smutty romance novels are like).


“You’re staring a bit too much.” Lady Ava stares at you from the reflection of her blade. “You’re going to make me blush.”

>She never told you the purpose behind her journeys here. Why does she visit the bottom every couple years?
>Ask for why she scorns humans so much. As loathe as she might be to admit, she’s still’s half human.
>Ask if the smutty rumors about dhampirs are true.
>Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
>Write-In.
>>
>>5200059
>She never told you the purpose behind her journeys here. Why does she visit the bottom every couple years?
>Ask for why she scorns humans so much. As loathe as she might be to admit, she’s still’s half human.

The two I'm most interested in, desu.
>>
>>5200059
>Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
>Inquire her about those awful exhibitionist gargoyles with their huge... wings... on full display.
>>
>>5200066
I coulda swear i already voted
+1
>>
>>5200084
Alright, it just too a while to appear
>>
>>5200059
>She never told you the purpose behind her journeys here. Why does she visit the bottom every couple years?
She called it a pilgrimage, what's she visiting? A shrine? A grave? A relative?
>>
>>5200059
>>Ask for why she scorns humans so much. As loathe as she might be to admit, she’s still’s half human.
>>
>>5200059
>She never told you the purpose behind her journeys here. Why does she visit the bottom every couple years?

>Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
>Ask for why she scorns humans so much. As loathe as she might be to admit, she’s still’s half human.
>>
>>5200059
>She never told you the purpose behind her journeys here. Why does she visit the bottom every couple years?
>Ask for why she scorns humans so much. As loathe as she might be to admit, she’s still’s half human.

Though I will say >>5200067 would be funny af.
>>
>>5200067
+1
>>
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>>5200270
>>5200225
>>5200114
>>5200090
>>5200084
>>5200067
>>5200066
>>5200274

>She never told you the purpose behind her journeys here. Why does she visit the bottom every couple years?
>Ask for why she scorns humans so much. As loathe as she might be to admit, she’s still’s half human.

“You never did mention your purpose here.” You turn your attention back to the rifle’s polish. “What reason might you have to return to this godforsaken dungeon every few years, besides your bizarre fetish for the dead?”
“Oh? You, a magnanimous noble scion, have taken an interest in the meager whims of a half-monster subhuman? Wh-why.. I’m honored!” Ava gasps. You roll your eyes–more of the brat routine. “If you truly must know, I come here to visit family. You’re familiar with the concept, no? As a noble, I’m sure you’ve visited your sisters many times before.”
You decide it best to not speak up lest you stir up a serious fight, but you gnarl rather colorful language unfit of a noble beneath your breath. “..Family? The monstrous side, I presume.” You grimace. “..What reason do you have for your disdain for man? As loathe as you might be to admit, you still share blood with I.”

“Ah? And what reason is there not to? They’re such foul things–ignorant, imperious fools that butcher each other in worthless wars over land and gold and pride.” She laughs low, her voice bitter. “And what reason might I have to even fraternize with humans? A mere 60, 80 years, and.. they die. And I remain. Always. It saves a great deal of pain to avoid your type, but a worthless noble has snared me to guide him like a mule.”

You neglect to mention that she agreed to the terms of your duel.

>Tell her of yourself.
>Slip into sleep. Just a quick nap ought to do you well.
>Ask if the smutty rumors about dhampirs are true.
>Go check on Noelle.
>Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
>Write-In.
>>
>Go check on Noelle.
Meh, dumb brat
>>
>>5200289
>>Tell her of yourself
We're obviously not been given the full thing but it's a personal so let's drop it, for now at least rather talk about ourselves a little since she oh so graciously share some with you.
>>
>>5200289
>Tell her of yourself.
>Ask if the smutty rumors about dhampirs are true.
>>
>>5200289
>Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
We can bonk her then.
>>
>>5200289
Alphonse is being played like a man with no touch.
might as well lean into that.
>"Am I a bad person?"

let's throw everyone on a loop.
>>
>>5200289
>"Am I a bad person?"
>Go check on Noelle.
>>
>>5200289
>Tell her of yourself.
>Ask how that batsformation of her works. Can she turn into a fluffy flying mouse now?
>>
>>5200289
>Tell her of yourself.
>Go check on Noelle.
>>
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>>5200416
>>5200346
>>5200317
>>5200314
>>5200308
>>5200306
>>5200304
>>5200298

>Tell her of yourself.
>"Am I a bad person?"
>Go check on Noelle.

“Do you think me a bad person?” You stare.
“Well, I cannot say I know you very well; but from what I’ve seen so far, I cannot say I am fond, either.” Ava shoots back. “I’m all too familiar with your contemptuous noble breed. Your blue blood stinks so thick of high society arrogance that I might vomit from the smell alone. You would do better to go lay with the rest of your family than waste any more time in these pitiful attempts at glory.”
“..I grew up in a small noble family, with three younger sisters,” You begin. “My mother perished in childbirth, my father preoccupied himself with high society affairs, and my older brother shipped off to war. I did my best to raise my sisters to be respectable, intelligent, and kind people, even while I might falter in such qualities. They’re my only family. As such, I must ask that you refrain from such loathsome “jokes” about them–say what you may about I, but they do not deserve such filth.”
The dhampir does not respond to your reproach–just as bratty as ever, you suppose. You stand. “The handmaid hasn’t returned yet. I’ll be off to check on her.” You brush yourself clean of stone debris and keep your sword at the ready. “Be up to check on me if I do not return soon.

“..I’m sorry.” Ava whispers as you leave the cave feature, as if in the half hope that you would not hear.

You clamber up several stones set into the wall along the route you came–it feels terribly perilous with the accompaniment of your party, and now that you’re alone, you feel as if you’re just an errant breeze away from a gruesome fall. You use your greatsword’s weight to stead your stance along the stones as you approach the last stone available.

You spot the handmaiden alone on the step right ahead, hunched over.. something. You catch some bloodstains spattered along her arms and face, but it's difficult to make out what she's doing. It seems she’s humming.

>Keep watch from a safe distance.
>Get a closer to watch.
>Ask what she’s doing from a distance.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5200454
>Get a closer to watch.
>>
>>5200454
>>Get a closer to watch.
>>
>>5200454
>Get a closer to watch.
>>
>>5200454
>Get a closer to watch.
>>
>>5200454
>Ask what she’s doing from a distance.
>Keep watch from a safe distance.
>>
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>>5200470
>>5200473
>>5200474
>>5200490

>Get closer to watch.

You take a few precarious steps along the grave for a better vantage point. The handmaiden cuts neatly and cleanly at her mark with her knife, its scalpel-like blade slick as she hums a quiet tune to herself–it’s peaceful, almost a lullaby. You peer just over her shoulder for a glance at her focus and your stomach turns.
You only get a glimpse of it, but its enough to set you naueous. You’re not unfamiliar with gore, but not once to this perverse an extent, and you turn away from it. It seems the handmaiden has set herself upon a corpse that your party had passed earlier and dissected it neatly. Your step back catches the stone at an unfamiliar angle and your boot heel grinds against the stone.

“Oh, dear.” Noelle glances back, a stray blood spurt catching her face. “..You’ve seen it.”

>Pull your sword and demand to know what she’s doing.
>Flee the scene.
>Demand to know what she’s doing.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5200519
>>Demand to know what she’s doing.
Politely but firmly ask why she's disecrating random dead body(ies)
>>
>Demand to know what she’s doing.
Hmm, very weird. She's not even killing anyone. People can't even die for real here.
>>
>>5200531
+1

Polite and firm.
>>
>>5200531
+1
>>
>>5200531
Support.

>>5200519
>>
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>>5200547
>>5200539
>>5200535
>>5200533
>>5200531

>Demand to know what she’s doing.

In spite of your initial repulsion, all told, the desecration of corpses is less reprehensible when death bears no significance here. But still; you’d rather not risk an unknown and you stand your ground. “What are you doing?” You ask firmly, but politely. “Explain yourself at once.”
“...” The handmaid stares for a long moment, her eyes still dull and pale, and begins to speak very slowly. “..Father said that.. if I retrieve organs for him.. he can make me like I once was, and not like I am now. Do you plan to stop me?”

>Tell her that you do intend on stopping her.
>Retrieve your sword.
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5200559
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.
>>
>>5200559
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.
>>
>>5200559

>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.
This feels very sketchy. How the hell are a bunch of organs going to help her?
>>
>>5200559
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>>
>>5200559
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.
Despite being gross and weird, we have no reason to stop her.
>>
>>5200559
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.
>>
>>5200559
>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>>
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>>5200782
>>5200606
>>5200602
>>5200595
>>5200592
>>5200575
>>5200567

>Demand to know what she means by “what she is now.”
>Ask what the purpose of these organs is.

“What do you mean by what you are now?” You maintain your steely glare. “You’re human, are you not?”
“My apologies. It was not my intention to fool you, but father thought this best.” The handmaiden frowns. Noelle gently removes a thin satin glove along her fingertips; beneath, smooth mechanical ball joints lie at articulation points along her fingers. She curls the mechanical fingers–they move with human grace.
“A doll, then. I thought she might be as such.” A sudden voice speaks from behind you. The dhampir curls up along past your coat, her rapier in the air along her shoulder. “They’re mechanical facsimiles of humans–half strung marionettes, halfway between life and death.. Poor, pitiful thing.”

“The purpose of these organs, then?” You glare.
“I can answer that.” The dhampir speaks up. “Human organs can be sewn into a doll to grant them new affinities, talents.. memories. I’d hazard that the guts of many corpses before her are sewn into that porcelain body–their skill is what allows her to explore this block alone. A rather ugly practice.”

>Demand that she return to her father.
>Let her be. She can continue to accompany you so long as she keeps that practice to herself.
>Demand to know what the true purpose of her accompaniment here with you was.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5201189
>>Let her be. She can continue to accompany you so long as she keeps that practice to herself.
Meh they're all dead and will resurrect anyway. However tell her no matter what yours are out of limits.
>>
>>5201189
>Ask her how did she turn from a human into... this.
>Demand to know what the true purpose of her accompaniment here with you was.
A doll filled with guts? Shit's fucked, I'm glad we have the dhampir on our side.

Her hand is long, damn.
>>
>>5201189
So i'm guessing she was actually accompanying us to wait until we died so she could steal our noble organs?

It's a pretty bad practice, but i mostly blame the father for being a scumbag.
>>
>>5201189
>Let her be. She can continue to accompany you so long as she keeps that practice to herself.
>>
>>5201189
>Ask her how did she turn from a human into... this.
>Demand to know what the true purpose of her accompaniment here with you was.

I like Von Gundyr's harem so far more than Arsene's
>>
>>5201239
>harem
>when aval seems to be more interested in whatever monster hussy is attacking us than alphonse
>>
>>5201247
She's flirted with us a bit. Pretty sure she's bi.

Though if she just wants to be our winged wingman, that's cool too. I still like her.
>>
>>5201189
>Let her be. She can continue to accompany you so long as she keeps that practice to herself.
>>
>>5201252
>I still like her.
Well, she certainly doesn't like us
>>
>>5201260
Reasonable, given our interactions so far. We'll warm her up to us yet.
>>
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>>5201197
>>5201198
>>5201214
>>5201239
>>5201257

>Let her be. She can continue to accompany you so long as she keeps that
>Ask her how did she turn from a human into... this.
>Demand to know what the true purpose of her accompaniment here with you was.

“I may overlook this, as repugnant I find it, but tell me,” Your lips curl in disgust. “What was the true purpose of your accompaniment here with us? And how did you turn from a human into this?”
“..In truth, I have not had any trouble with the retrieval of grave goods for my father’s wares. This.. excursion, is one of many.” The doll speaks carefully. “My duty is to follow adventurers and await their deaths. Then, I would relieve their bodies of their goods and organs and return them to the shrine to sell back.”
“A vulture, then. What a revolting thing to do..” Lady Ava lours.
“As for I.. I was not human, not ever.” The doll’s eyes look past you, glossy and dull. “..When father’s daughter died, he crafted me in her image, replete with what parts he could salvage from her body. But he could not save all of her and I was half made. To complete me, father left for the catacombs to fill the emptiness of my person. But now.. he’s begun to rip even his daughter’s parts out for different organs. I believe he somehow thinks to make me even better than she.”
“Abhorrent.” The dhampir’s normally cool and playful voice quakes with rage. “What a despicable thing to do to your own daughter. I ought to fling myself off and gut him when I awake back there..”

>Ask what she intends to do now that she’s told you this, and if she has her own free will beyond her father’s.
>Set off for the end of the block. She may follow and plunge her knife into your corpses if she wishes.
>Offer her the chance to continue her journey past the end of this block and leave her father behind.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5201357
>Ask what she intends to do now that she’s told you this, and if she has her own free will beyond her father’s.
>Offer her the chance to continue her journey past the end of this block and leave her father behind.
>>
>>5201357
>Ask what she intends to do now that she’s told you this, and if she has her own free will beyond her father’s.
>Offer her the chance to continue her journey past the end of this block and leave her father behind.
>>
>>5201357
>Ask what she intends to do now that she’s told you this, and if she has her own free will beyond her father’s.
>Offer her the chance to continue her journey past the end of this block and leave her father behind.
>>
>>5201357
>Ask what she intends to do now that she’s told you this, and if she has her own free will beyond her father’s.
>Offer her the chance to continue her journey past the end of this block and leave her father behind.
>>
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>>5201426
>>5201401
>>5201365
>>5201361

>Ask what she intends to do now that she’s told you this, and if she has her own free will beyond her father’s.
>Offer her the chance to continue her journey past the end of this block and leave her father behind.

“Then.. what do you intend to do now that you’ve told us all this?” You cross your arms. “Just tarry along behind us as you have? Can you even conceive a will beyond that of your father’s?”
“Now that I’ve told you, I suppose I must return home.” Her eyes fall. “But my will is not always in step with his. He’s grown more extreme–begun to suggest that I even slay those that I follow, so that I might better my chances to drag in wares. He’s begun to remodel my body’s form to suit him better. It may be.. improper, but he has begun to frighten me. His eyes toward me are.. not those of a father for his daughter.”
Such a repugnant affair. You feel naught but pity for the marionette, no matter how inhuman she may seem. “Then you can travel with us.” You affirm. “Continue your journey past this block’s end with us and leave your father behind. You need not adhere to his will.”
“Is that truly alright?” The doll asks, her shoulders sunk. “If–I may prove troublesom–”
“It’s fine.” Ava speaks up. She extends a hand of welcome to the doll. “You can travel with us. You won’t prove any more troublesome than the noble lout I’ve found myself with already. You may even help me to babysit him. He’s quite the handful already.”

“Then.. if you would allow me, I can follow you for a bit longer.” Noelle bows her head low. “My apologies for the intrusion.”

>Continue on right ahead–you need not waste any more time here.
>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5201511
>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.
I feel bad for her.
>>
>>5201511
>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.
>>
>>5201511
>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.
>>
>>5201511
>>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.
>>
>>5201511
>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.
>>
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>>5201515
>>5201583
>>5201631
>>5201656
>>5201817

>Welcome her properly. She’s still somewhat of a lady, if only on the inside.

“Very well.” You place a hand on the doll’s shoulder and lean in–with the other, you wipe the stain of blood from her porcelain features. Her eyes widen. “And keep yourself tidy. You’re a lady, are you not?”
“I.. yes.” Noelle lowers her gaze. “Of course.”
“Quite well. Then let us retrieve our goods and depart.” The dhampir turns. As you move forward to walk alongside her, she lowers her voice. “..My. How very debonair. I did not think you capable.”
“What?” You scowl–what nonsense is she on about now? “I wiped the blood from her face because she was filthy. I’ve done it for my sisters many times before. Was that somehow offensive?”
“Oh, I see. I retract my compliment, then.” Ava rolls her eyes. “You’re just a clueless oaf.”

You continue your journey in lockstep with the doll and dhampir. The hours tick by as you clamber over step after step before you, the abyss beneath you seemingly ceaseless. The dhampir, at least, speaks to you with less venom in her tone than prior; the doll, however, hangs back from you and seems to shrink from your mere glance. It seems you actually have offended her..
“We’re close to the bottom.” The dhampir waves to a division in the steps–one, in your present direction along the wall and one that seems to go backward. “However, the routes split from here; one is more dangerous but shorter. The other is longer, but it should ensure we run into few monster along the way. What say you?”
More than safety, you catch strange sounds up ahead–from the more safe route, the same wails from before, and from the dangerous one, the beat of horse hoof.

>Follow the safe route with the wailing.
>Follow the dangerous route with the horse hoof.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the dangerous route with the horse hoof.
Better to just get there in one piece. We may not die for real, but i still would rather not have that happen.
>>
>>5202275
Fuck, i meant
>Follow the safe route with the wailing.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the safe route with the wailing
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the dangerous route with the horse hoof.
We are more than safe in our group, and desu, i'd like to see a combat encounter.
>>
>>5202254
This is supposed to be a long journey in general, yes? One that Ava, with her full speed would still take a while to complete. Are we sure we have enough rations for the longer route? Better to take the mere risk of dying with the shorter route than risk certain death at the longer route if so.

>Follow the dangerous route with the horse hoof.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the safe route with the wailing.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the dangerous route with the horse hoof.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the dangerous route with the horse hoof.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the safe route with the wailing.
>>
>>5202254
>Follow the safe route with the wailing.

centaurs a shit
>>
>>5202773
sirens have no pussy and still smell like fish
>>
>>5202778
how df is a siren going to be in an underground cave system, stoopid?
>>
>>5202779
You ever hear about Mexico’s blind cave fish?
>>
>>5202795
Also, I’d go for a visually impaired Latina mermaid, please.
>>
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>>5202773
>>5202431
>>5202374
>>5202371
>>5202349
>>5202338
>>5202326
>>5202300
>>5202276

>Follow the safe route with the wailing.

“We’ll embark on the safe route, then.” You step down to a tomb that points outward and back. “I’d rather not slip and die and end up all the way back at the top.”
“Fine, fine. I’m sure that either route would result in just as much annoyance for me.” She sighs. She extends a hand for the doll. “Come on, Noelle. Let us hurry.”
“..Yes, of course, m’lady.” Noelle mumbles, taking her hand and following her step. She retreats from your glance again! Gah! You must’ve done something unbecoming.. what was it?

You continue along past the slow route–by the dhampir’s estimate, the journey could take between another five or so hours and a day. You suppose a dhampir’s conceptualization of time is.. different, than a human’s. Your sword’s immeasurable weight and the heft of your rifle and the sling of your back are now at the back of your mind, however; now that you’ve the sight of an end, this stress is meager.
The wailing grows louder and louder as you step along the chasm.. “Gah. A siren, or..?” You turn to the dhampir.
“I’ve no clue. It’s not a cry I’m familiar with. Sirens’ cries are sexier. Y’know, like, aaaangh, Von Gundyr~?” The dhampir makes a lewd face and voice. You turn away, your frown only set in more deeply.

Your curiosity, however, is quickly sated as your party comes upon the wail’s source–a lone woman, shackled and collapsed onto the floor. Her face is bound in an iron mask of some sort–caged bars and forged smile guise her true features in inky black shadow. Her body fares no better with iron chains and cuffs around her arms and ankles and legs. Her dress is that of a noblewoman’s, in spite of her sad state of affairs as she continues to wail and tremble.

“Oohhhh…” The woman snivels between wails. “Someone, please, help me..”

>Approach the woman and reassure her.
>Hurry them past. This seems suspicious–some sort of trap, perhaps.
>Keep your distance and announce your presence. Ask what her issue is.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5202846
>Keep your distance and announce your presence. Ask what her issue is.
The Woman in the Iron Mask. Must be some royal sibling.
>>
>>5202846
>Approach the woman and reassure her.

this is definitely a trap
but we can tank it
>>
>>5202846
>>Keep your distance and announce your presence. Ask what her issue is.
>>
>>5202846
>Keep your distance and announce your presence. Ask what her issue is.
>>
>>5202846
>Briefly pause to ask our companions if they know this person or if this person's description matches that of anyone who is known to trap or kill people. If they say no, then draw our greatsword so we at least have a weapon out and slash through her chains.
>>
>>5202846
>Keep your distance and announce your presence. Ask what her issue is.

>You must’ve done something unbecoming.. what was it?
Not cutting the dhampir's tongue out.
>>
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>>5203141
>>5203012
>>5202939
>>5202855
>>5202853
>>5202848

>Keep your distance and announce your presence. Ask what her issue is.
>Briefly pause to ask our companions if they know this person or if this person's description matches that of anyone who is known to trap or kill people. If they say no, then draw our greatsword so we at least have a weapon out and slash through her chains.

“Are any of you familiar?” You glance back to your companions, your voice low.
“Mmm.. perhaps not this particular one, but is it not uncommon for your human kings to toss dangerous prisoners in dungeons like these?” The dhampir looks bored. “She’s just one of many. It’s best not to waste our time with this type–who knows what sort of abominable things she’s done?”
“This seems.. cruel..” The doll murmurs, her voice low.

You maintain your distance along the grave step, a hand on the hilt along your back. “..You there!” You loudly announce your presence, cutting through her wails. She falls silent at your voice. “We’re on our way down. What seems to be the problem?”
“Ahhh, please, please..” The prisoner begs, her hands clasped beneath her mask. “..I was on my way up to leave this accursed dungeon when my chains caught my ankle and shattered it. I lack even the strength to fling myself off. Please–..just slay me, so that I might awaken at the shrine anew and try again..”

“And what have you done to earn those chains?” The dhampir glares.
“Please, right away..” The prisoner ignores the dhampir’s question and stares up at you through her mask.

>Abide by her request and grant her mercy.
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.
>Leave her be and continue on. If not you, then hunger and thirst will take her just fine.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5203249
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.
>>
>>5203249
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.

As much as I want to help her out, the dhampir is right, we ought not offer convenience or mercy to someone with malicious intent or someone that is dangerous to the more benign denizens of this dungeon.
>>
>>5203141
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.

I'm catching up and I really like this Quest. Also, what is this Jerry you're talking about? Is this some kind of spin-off from a previous quest or something?
>>
>>5203249
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.

>>5203334
JEFF Arsene was the MC of the first iteration of Haremvania, which was goofier and more overtly just about seducing monstergirls. It was from last October, I think. It's on suptg!
>>
>>5203249
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.
>Actually look at her ankle.
>>
>>5203249
>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.
>>
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>>5203334
Thanks for reading! This is a kind of indirect sequel to a quest I ran a little back.

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2021/4708015/

>>5203415
>>5203396
>>5203351
>>5203334
>>5203272
>>5203332

>Repeat the dhampir’s question. Ask for her identity.
>Actually look at her ankle.

“No, I agree.” You stare her down, your gaze like ice. “What have you done to earn those chains? Who are you?”
“...” She falls silent; after a long and drawn out quiet, she continues, her voice clear. “I researched a means of immortality and the king had me tossed into this dungeon; said that I had committed an unforgivable crime. But iIsn’t it ironic? To fling me in here, of all places.. the answer I had so long sought after. Please.. I beg you. I will die here nonetheless, whether the monsters tear me apart or hunger and thirst ravage my broken body. But you can spare me a great deal of meaningless pain now..”

You glance to her ankle--sure enough, as he said, its bent and torn in odd directions. You avert your gaze from the pitiful sight.
“..Such foolishness. I will never understand man’s endless thirst for immortality. ” The dhampir stares, her eyes narrow. “And this is how it always ends. Broken and bent, begging for death.”

>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
>Leave her be. You’d rather not sully your sword for an uncertain purpose.
>Ask the dhampir to take care fo it.
>Ask Noelle to take care of it.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5203351
Huh, nice. Maybe I check it out, thanks anon
>>
>>5203435
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
We can spare one bullet.
>>
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
>>
>>5203435
>Ask the dhampir to take care of it.
Well if she hates humans so much....
We'd probably miss, tdesuh.
>>
>>5203435
>>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
>Inquire with the Dhampir if we can tell her about the Lich.
Who knows maybe she could use a friend.
>>
>>5203435
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
>>
>>5203435
Actually, I changed my mind. Since Noelle will probably want her organs, she may as well do the deed. Besides, she'd damage her body less than us with our greatsword or a messy bullet to the brain, and she could tank any hits with her mechanical body if this does turn out to be a trap.

>Ask Noelle to take care of it.
>>
>>5203464
changing my vote to
>Inquire with the Dhampir if we can tell her about the Lich.
>Ask Noelle to take care of it.
>>
>>5203494
>>5203527
Noelle has no use for organs anymore, her father was the one implanting them inside her.
>>
>>5203435
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.

>>5203528
and even if she could use the organs, there's no reason she couldn't take them after we granted the mercy ourselves
>>
>>5203528
>>5203529
I just don't want MC to shoot her, τbh
>>
>>5203435
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
>>
>>5203435
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
>>
>>5203528
>>5203529
I know her father is a shit parent, but did we ever actually confirm she has no more use for the organs? Her not wanting to adhere to his will doesn't mean that she'll never have a use for them anymore. Nor do I see us doing it being any more clean, or otherwise doing less damage to any organs she may or may not want.
>>
>>5203435
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.
say a small prayer or something, i still don't trust this "revival" thing.
>>
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>>5203628
>>5203555
>>5203547
>>5203529
>>5203527
>>5203494
>>5203490
>>5203484
>>5203464
>>5203444
>>5203440
>>5203436

>Inquire with the Dhampir if we can tell her about the Lich.
>Grant her the mercy she asks for.

“Shall we tell her of the lich?” You glance back to the dhampir. “She may find herself in good company.”
“I don’t doubt that she already knows of the lich’s cure for death. It's hard to divorce yourself from while down here” The dhampir grimaces. “And you’ve seen where her curiosity has gotten her already. It’s best not to incite her any more.”
“Very well.” You stand at attention and unholster your rifle. You’re not unfamiliar with this..
“Ahhh.. thank you, kindly.” The iron mask prisoner slowly raises her head. You levy the rifle’s sights through its bars, into the blackness beneath. “A-hahaha.. I promise to remember this kindness when we pass each other again.”

“..May you rest easy.” You pray. You pull the trigger--a shot rings out, blinding you with white hot spark’s burst and screaming along the walls before all grows silent again.

The prisoner lies before you, her iron mask dented and its bars twisted along your shot’s path; curiously, the mask bears no exit hole. You grimace as you lower the arm. “..Very well. Shall we continue?” You glance back to your party. “Ah.. Noelle.. Would you want to engage with it first?”
“Do you mean the organs?” Noelle asks, her voice quiet. The doll shifts, her gaze low, one hand along her arm. “I.. suppose I could. I bear the knowledge for an organ graft, if you’d like me to awaken to her memories and skills. But..”
“Perhaps not. I’m sure you already remember many countless deaths. The dhampir eyes you. “We’re close to the entrance of the next block. Let us not tarry.”

>Let it be and continue to the exit. You’d rather not bind her to something unfortunate.
>Insist that Noelle take in the organs. You may find out something valuable from the mysterious prisoner.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5203732
>Insist that Noelle take in the organs. You may find out something valuable from the mysterious prisoner.
I am torn between the two options you gave, but it is best we get some information as, as it says, curiosity killed the cat, but it isnot wrong to try.
>>
>>5203732
>Let it be and continue to the exit. You’d rather not bind her to something unfortunate.
I don't want to force her to do that.
>>
>>5203732
>Let it be and continue to the exit. You’d rather not bind her to something unfortunate.
>>
>>5203732
>I'll leave the decision up to you, Noelle. It's your body and mind at stake here, after all.
>>
>>5203732
>>Let it be and continue to the exit. You’d rather not bind her to something unfortunate.
>>
>>5203732
>>Let it be and continue to the exit. You’d rather not bind her to something unfortunate.
What the fuck this quest is actually great despite the coomer undertones.

>>5203742
We already know enough and getting trivia is not worth traumatizing the doll.
>>
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>>5203742
>>5203745
>>5203751
>>5203753
>>5203780
>>5203796

>Let it be and continue to the exit. You’d rather not bind her to something unfortunate.

“..No, no. You’re right.” You shake the thought from your mind–as curious as you might be, you’d just agreed to help loose her of such repugnance; to go back on that and insist it upon her would be unforgivable. “My apologies. Let us hurry on, then. I’m rather sick of this place.”
“..Yes, of course, Von Gundyr, sir. I have no outright objections to organ grafts necessarily, b-but..” The doll bows her head low. “..Th-thank you.”
Your journey continues in quiet–the safe route, as expected, [i]is[/i] safe, and you meet no more strange wailing prisoners or horrible skybound nudist monsters. You watch the steps ease along into a low ledge along the abyss–while the chasm still stretches out into infinity below, a small doorway is set into the wall along this random feature. The dhampir releases a long sigh of relief.

“Ahh.. truly! How amazing..!” Ava smiles, looking down at her pocket watch. “I foolishly thought our journey would take perhaps 15, 16 hours.. but it's taken us nearly 25 of constant effort! We’ve defied expectations!”
“Are you done?” You sigh; you cast your gaze out back to the ledge, where the maw of the pit that gapes and extends far beneath.“But.. is this truly the end? We have still not seen the bottom of the chasm. In fact, the steps go even lower from here..”
“Ah, you needn’t worry about the bottom. It’s empty, laden only with endless fallen bodies and monsters–no, the next block is at a random point halfway down. Cruel, right?” She laughs darkly. “But.. we’ve been in such constant pace that even I’ve begun to tire. We had better rest at the shrine ahead, perhaps eat. The block ahead is.. rough.”

With that, the dhampir struts into the shrine ahead with the flourish of your cape. As you make to follow her, you feel a sudden tug at your sleeve.
“Uhm.. Von Gundyr, sir,” The handmaiden keeps her eyes low. You raise a brow. “I.. was actually looking to ask for your help in something. A request, if you might consider it.. I’m afraid you might find it a bit strange though.”
“..Yes?” You raise a brow. “If you’d like my organs, I’m afraid that–”
“It’s hair.” She lowers her head. “..I’d like hair. Lots of it.”

>Ask for her to expand on that.
>Continue on through the shrine. You’re too exhausted for this. You’ll deal with it tomorrow.
>Ask if she means yours. You’re rather fond of it.
>Say that if she holds the dhampir down, you’ll get the scissors.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5203815
>Say that if she holds the dhampir down, you’ll get the scissors.
This will be hilarious.

Only the OP can format text I think.
>>
>>5203815
Why would she want more hair, though? She already has some pretty cute hair.
>>
>>5203815
>>Ask for her to expand on that.
While it would be funny to tease the half breed I rather not fully antagonize our guide.
>>
>>5203836
Maybe she just doesn't want to look like her maker's deceased daughter?
>>
>>5203815
>Ask for her to expand on that.
>>
>>5203815
>>Ask for her to expand on that.
>>
>>5203815
>Say that if she holds the dhampir down, you’ll get the scissors.

Revenge! for all those mean words
>>
>>5203815
>Ask for her to expand on that.
>Ask if she means yours. You’re rather fond of it.
>>
>>5203815
>Ask for her to expand on that.
Wanting to try some new hair styles?
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>>5203932

ooohhhh….

>>5203918
>>5203914
>>5203896
>>5203859
>>5203851
>>5203838
>>5203827

>Ask for her to expand on that.

“You want hair? How do you mean?” You frown; as much as you’d like to shear the dhampir bald, you can’t help but shudder at the thought of the aftermath, especially in a dungeon where death is no easy escape. “It looks to me like you have a fine head of hair already.”
“Ah, yes, well..” Noelle toys with her own short locks. “Although artificial, my shell was built to replicate the human body; my skin can bend and flex, I can consume and taste foodstuff, and my heart can beat. But the one thing I cannot do is grow hair. It was sewn into my scalp at a set length.”
“..I see. So you’d like longer hair, then.” You begin to understand. “And you’d like my help?”
“..Yes. Up above, in the shrine, adventures would sometimes pass with locks that grew like floods of tangled waves. I always thought it beautiful, but father vehemently denied my requests. Because then I would no longer resemble his daughter.“ Her voice grows distant. “Although I might share her face, I am.. unlike her. I would like mine so long that it falls along my hips, smooth and fluffy and warm. It makes me feel comforted.”
“And how would we do that? Not my hair, I hope.” You frown. Your lineage is one proud of its locks and its distinct lack of male-pattern-baldness.
“You need only provide me hair–lots of it. I can perform the work myself.” She bows her head. “And.. from near anywhere is fine, I suppose.. alive or not.”

>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>Deny her. She’s fine the way she is.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
Behold, doll!
Time for fluff
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
Very cute
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>Ask if MAYBE she'd like to ask Lady Ava for some of hers
Heh, make AVA say no to these puppy-dog eyes. Bet she can't.
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>Ask Lady Ava where in the CATACOMBS we might find werewolves, just out of curiosity.

Might as well shave one of those furballs, they have more than enough hair for one maid. Wolf was best girl of the last quest and I want a new one
>>
>>5204032
Last quest anon? Could you share a link please?
>>
>>5204073
see pic related
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>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>>
>>5204131
Thanks anon. Also

>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best
She's blushing, cute.
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
Kneew itt.
>>
>>5203944
>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>>
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>>5204191
>>5204163
>>5204139
>>5204032
>>5203990
>>5203987
>>5203978
>>5203950
>>5203947
>>5204298

>Agree to her request. You’ll do your best.
>Ask if MAYBE she'd like to ask Lady Ava for some of hers

“Hmm.. very well. I suppose I can lend a hand.” You a place a hand on your chin, deep in thought. “If you were to.. perhaps hold down the dhampir, I might be able to..”
“A-ah, well.. I think it may be best that it be from somewhere else, as lovely as Lady Ava’s is.” The handmaiden gently grasps your arm. “But.. thank you, Von Gundyr, sir. I know it selfish, but..”
“It’s no matter. I prefer long hair, anyways.” You scoff, turning and pulling yourself away. “Let’s make haste.”

Like the one prior, the shrine before you is a vast, dome-like room structured with stone arches and steps, laden with candles and ash. A number of ajar stone coffins and clean spaces in the walls betoken fresh resurrections. The adventurers that mill here are distinct; far from the meager, crestfallen ones in the shrine prior, they exude a kind of dirty resolve. The dhampir sits atop an ashen stair ahead.
“..There you are.” Ava glances up. “We’ll sleep here for the night. Perhaps dig into those rations. And try not to make a fool of yourself. The ones here won’t hesitate to gut you if you piss them off, and you’re rather competent at that.”

You reexamine the room around you–you spot a few points of interest. There’s another merchant–a member of the CORPUS CHURCH, it seems. The same BERSERKER from the last shrine. And a strange one in a hood.

>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.
>Speak again to the berserker.
>Speak to the hooded one.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.
You never know until you try.
>>
>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.
>>
>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.
>>
I kind of want to speak to the Berserker and give her our huge ass sword, y'know, because she'd be a rampaging monster empowered by cursed armour and magic, wielding something too big, thick, heavy and rough to be called a sword. Indeed, more like a heap of raw iron. And that image is spiritually fulfilling for some reason.
>>
Like come on, it's almost intentional at that point.
>>5204302
>Speak again to the berserker.
>>
>>5204353
You do know it's a famiy heirloom, right?
>>
>>5204355
I could not care less.

Seriously though it's pretty much just weighing us down, we had to roll a natty to get it to do work for us against a common zombie, and it would've fucking bisected them if our dhampir friend didn't intervene, but I'm pretty sure anything slightly less than a 20 against a threatening opponent would pretty much boil down to "you swing it around and you manage to make them step back from you (because if they stepped in to gut you they'd also die) but you don't really accomplish anything."

Also she was also in the royal army so I want to talk to her, + I like strong women, + we could ask for it back or marry her to circumvent the problem entirely lmao.
>>
>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.
>>
>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.

we got a waifu and a bunch of stuff from the last one
>>
>>5204353
>>5204354
Supporting this.

>>5204302
>Speak again with the berserker
>>
>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.

>>5204353
I'll admit, it would indeed be well suited to her.
>>
>>5204363
Shit up, simp.

We're not giving her our family heirloom, if you WANT her love, do something more meaningful than just giving her a shitty Sword that surely she's going to ditch somewhere because she has a powerful Demon Sword. Better ASK HER to train you with how to swing our sword, or even some exercises we can do to actually lift the sword.
I also want a big, strong, actually-fucking-dangerous warrior wheyfu, but your option sounds lame and stupid.

>>5204302
>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.
>Speak again to the berserker. This time ask her for some sword training or how to properly stand with it, say hello and ask straight, no bullshit
>>
>>5204406
Shut up*
Fucking phoneposting
>>
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>>5204395
>>5204382
>>5204373
>>5204373
>>5204366
>>5204354
>>5204346
>>5204320
>>5204305

>Speak to the merchant, despite your poor luck with the ones prior.

You decide to exchange with the merchant–despite your past look with the prior ones, perhaps he’ll prove different. You furrow your brow as you grow close–you’d recognize the alabaster fluttery gowns of the CORPUS CHURCH anywhere, but upon a more close inspection.. is this not but a child? A boy, in fact? He looks to be a CHOIR BOY–a trainee with the CORPUS CHURCH for their CHOIR, the storied hunters and scholars branch.

“Ah-hello! Uhm, excuse me, sir, just one sec.. a noble, too, geez..” The boy exclaims upon your arrival, finagling with his goods and straightening his ribbon. While you’ve not gotten the chance to get a close look, the selection certainly seems more high quality than past–you’d presume the block ahead is host to the corpse failures of many other powerful adventurers before you. “Anything you’d like..!”

>Look over the boy’s goods. Might as well toss him a coin.
>Ask what his business is this deep in the CATACOMBS.
>Ask where his attendant is. A choir boy is seldom far from their CHORISTER.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5204433
>Ask what his business is this deep in the CATACOMBS.
>Look over the boy’s goods. Might as well toss him a coin.
>>
>>5204442
+1
>>
>>5204433
>Look over the boy’s goods. Might as well toss him a coin.
>>
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>>5204442
>>5204445

>Ask what his business is this deep in the CATACOMBS.
>Look over the boy’s goods. Might as well toss him a coin.

“So.. what business do you have down this deep in the CATACOMBS, boy?” You look the kid over. He appears infirm and meek, a far cry from yourself at his age. “Doesn’t seem the place for your type.”
“Ah. Well, our CORPUS CHURCH has sent choristers into the CATACOMBS for years, to study the monsters and investigate the immortality curse. I’m.. from one of them, you see.” He smiles as he steeples his fingers. “Spare a look at my goods?”

You look the boy’s goods over; you a spot a handful of noteworthy purchases. You see a SILVER STRAIGHT SWORD, a smaller and wieldier arm than the 200 kg slab of iron on your back–could be useful if you don’t need to obliterate someone. You catch sight of.. a strange vial, with thick red liquid within it, almost like blood. And in the corner is a strange weapon–a cleaver inscribed with a SAINT’S CALENDAR along the flat steel edge. How curious.

“The sword, the beast blood, or JUDGEMENT, then?” The choirboy catches the direction of your gaze.
“And how much would each of these be?” You look the goods over, curious. Each could prove useful..
“20 pent for each.” The boy responds handily. Your shoulders sink–there’s no way in hell you’ll spend 60 pent for all three. It figures that the church’s holiest would rob you blind..

>Ask where his attendant is. A choir boy is seldom far from their CHORISTER.
>Purchase the silver straight sword.
>Purchase the beast blood.
>Purchase the saint’s calendar cleaver.
>Degrade yourself to haggling over prices with a child.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5204455
>Ask where his attendant is. A choir boy is seldom far from their CHORISTER.
>>
What does beast blood even do?
>>
>>5204455
>Purchase the silver straight sword.
Never hurts to have yet another weapon.
>>
>>5204472
Except maybe when you have 200kg of iron on your back?
>>
>>5204476
The MC is huge, the doll was even eyeing up our guts.
>>
>>5204478
Then we should have no problem using Guts' sword. That silver toothpick ain't shit.
>>
>>5204455
>Purchase the saint’s calendar cleaver.
>Ask about the CHORISTER's whereabouts.
JUDGEMENT is probably the only weapon worth the price.
>>
>>5204455
>Purchase the saint’s calendar cleaver.
>Ask about the CHORISTER's whereabouts.
>>
>>5204480
Even guts had sidearms.
>>
>>5204455
>Purchase the saint’s calendar cleaver.
>Ask about the CHORISTER's whereabouts.
Also:
>ask Ava if she wants to purchase the beast blood -- seems more her speed
>>
>>5204455
>Degrade yourself to haggling over prices with a child.
>>
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>>5204673
>>5204595
>>5204508
>>5204489
>>5204472
>>5204463

>Purchase the saint’s calendar cleaver.
>Ask about the CHORISTER's whereabouts.

“..The cleaver, then.” You sigh, your pride still such that you refuse to barter with a mere boy. You toss him a handful of pent.
“Ah, JUDGEMENT, then! You’ve a good eye.” He smiles, extending the cleaver’s handle toward you. “You know, this was the favored weapon of a legendary monster hunte–”
“Yes, yes, I’m sure it was.” You sigh, drawing the blade from his hands. It has a strange weight about it–like it’s too light., “Say.. you choirboys are never far from your choristers. Where’s yours?”

“Ah, well.. I believe he actually left the dungeon some time ago.” The merchant laughs weakly. “I’m sure he’s already forgotten all about me. You needn’t worry about it.”
“What do you mean some time ago?” You frown. “It’s rather dangerous around here alone, is it not?”
“Well.. it’s been years.” He looks to the side. “I’ve been here alone for quite some time.”

>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the berserker.
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>Speak to Ava. Ask if she has any interest in the merchant’s wares.
>Ask him to expound upon that further.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5204759
>>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>>
>Ask him to expound upon that further.
That's uh...kind of worrying
>>
>>5204759
>Ask him to expound upon that further.
>>
>>5204759
>Ask him to expound upon that further.
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
>>
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>>5204842
>>5204776
>>5204765
>>5204762

>Ask him to expound upon that further.

“You were left behind?” You repeat, your mouth agape–you could not imagine a year alone in here, much less several, in particular for a child.
“Ah.. well..” His gaze falls. “Maybe it’s best I tell you–I should’ve in the first place, but.. it’s all so troublesome to recount for newcomers down here..”
“How do you mean?” You frown–not another doll, you hope..

“In truth.. the CORPUS CHURCH found the CATACOMBS a little over a century ago. It was kept a secret, only for the highest echelons of the church and choir. They sent several inquisitions into the catacombs to explore, research, and experiment on the monsters here–but most of all, they sought to exhume the dungeon’s immortality spell.” The boy recounts, a weak smile on his face. “I was one of the fruits of their research here, born in the dungeon and meant to replicate the immortality spell so that I might be brought up to the surface. But for their years of research, I was a failure–only biologically eternal, not truly deathless. And for my failure, they.. all left me behind.”

“So.. you’ve been stuck down here for the last century.” You stare the boy–er, man, down. “And you’re forever a boy.”
“Yes. But, to tell the truth.. I hardly feel it.” He laughs meekly. “It’s strange.. I don’t feel like an old man.”
“..I see.” You feel a pang of regret for not haggling.

>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the berserker.
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>Speak to Ava. Ask if she has any interest in the merchant’s wares.
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5204880
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.

I almost want to ask if he wants to come with us.
>>
>>5204880

>Extinguish the regret. It is unbecoming a man of your position.

> Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.

> Ask if he wants to come along adventuring.
>>
>Speak to Ava. Ask if she has any interest in the merchant’s wares.
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
>Ask if he wants to come along adventuring.
>>
>>5204880
>Speak to Ava. Ask if she has any interest in the merchant’s wares.
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
>>
>>5204880
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
>>
>>5204880
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
we've got two ladies that could probably use them.
>>
>>5204880
>>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>>Speak to Ava. Ask if she has any interest in the merchant’s wares.

>>5204897
This is HAREMvania, there's no room for dudes in our party, especially not human ones.
>>
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>>5204988
>>5204984
>>5204982
>>5204957
>>5204897
>>5204992
>>5205007

>Extinguish the regret. It is unbecoming a man of your position.
>Ask if he has any hair ornaments suitable for a lady.
>Ask if he wants to come along adventuring.
>Speak to Ava. Ask if she has any interest in the merchant’s wares.

You crush the regret underfoot. “Then might you have any hair ornaments suitable for a lady?” You keep your voice low, your question unwieldy and awkward as it spills from your mouth. “I believe women like that sort of thing, do they not?”
“A.. hair ornament? Hmmm.. ah–you know what? I believe I do have something like that.” He fishes into the pile of grave goods on the cloth before him–soon, he removes a fine length of red twine–three circles compose a triangular form and terminate in a long string. “Here. It’s of noble make. I’ll throw it in for free, even.. I don’t think many other adventurers would have that much interest in a purchase like this, to tell the truth.”
“Ah.. it is of rather fine craft.” You play with the string along your fingers before you enclose it in your palm and tuck it into your coat pocket. You may find this sort of decoration purposeless, but your sisters were always fond of this sort of thing for their birthdays. “And.. say. I’m on a trip to the bottom myself. Would you have an interest in coming along?”

“Ahh, well,” He smiles sadly. “I appreciate your kindness, truly, but.. I must decline. I know it foolish–that a century has long gone above and they’ve all but forgotten about me by now.. but I still await my choristers’ return. Before they left, they promised they would return for me. And I would hate for them to come all this way and find me gone.”
“..I see.” You nod–a respectable dedication, if yet foolhardy. You turn, to retreat to the dhampir.

“..It’s a fake.” Ava remarks offhand.
“..What?” You frown.
“JUDGEMENT. The one you’ve bought. It’s a fake. They sell those replicas en masse at the church, for adventurers to purchase and die in hand with.” The dhampir shrugs. “I mean no offense. It’s still blessed by a saint’s calendar, and cuts all the same as a cleaver. But that’s not a legendary weapon in your hands. Just a holy cooking utensil.”
“Ah, that brat..” You sigh, your eyes low.

“Emil..? I’m sure he meant you no harm. He likely thought it authentic, too.” Ava smirks. “.. But, you know.. every time I pass by this shrine, I offer him guard for a journey back up. He always refuses–says he’s waiting for the church to come back for him..”
“..Right.”

>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the berserker.
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5205014
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>>
>>5205014
>>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>>
>>5205014
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.
>>
>>5205014
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the berserker.
sheee
>>
>>5205014
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the berserker.
>>
>>5205014
>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one

Isn't Ava taking us through the shortest route? How did the berserker beat us here? Maybe her route finding abilities are trash?
>>
>>5205014
I fucking knew it was a fake lmao.
>Attempt to return the cleaver
>>
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>>5205020
>>5205035
>>5205037
>>5205125
>>5205126
>>5205128

>Leave the merchant to his own devices. Go speak to the hooded one.

You leave the cleaver be for now, and in turn, walk to the one in the corner–she’s sitting alone atop a coffin, cradling a wet, black sickle in her hands. Your brow furrows as you draw close–her pale robes strike you as all too familiar. The one before you is an acolyte of the RESURRECTIONISTS, an unsightly heretical “religious order” from the surface. Their ultimate goal is attaining immortality in shirking their own humanity, becoming monsters one and all–undead, vampires, spirits. It figures that one would be down here. You needn’t bid to mask your disgust.
“Ah. Hello.” She speaks in a quiet, almost whispery voice. “And what business might I have with a high-borne?”

>Ask what business a RESURRECTIONIST has down here.
>Leave her be. Go speak to the berserker.
>Ask for her hair.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5205360
>Ask what business a RESURRECTIONIST has down here.
>>
>>5205360
>Ask what business a RESURRECTIONIST has down here.
>Ask if she wants to buy an ordinary cleaver.
>>
>>5205360
>Ask what business a RESURRECTIONIST has down here.
>Ask if she wants to buy an official, replica, dhampir-appraised cleaver
>>
>>5205360
>Ask for her hair.
Promise that it's not for masturbation purposes
At least you don't think it is
>>
>>5205391
Come to think of it, we could bait her by saying it's not very monster-like to have long luscious hair. Sure, dhampir over there has hair, but this here is just an ordinary human, she might be prone to overcompensating...
>>
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>>5205398
>>5205391
>>5205388
>>5205383
>>5205362

>Ask what business a RESURRECTIONIST has down here.
>Ask if she wants to buy an official, replica, dhampir-appraised cleaver

“And what business might a RESURRECTIONIST have down here?” Your voice drips with contempt.

“I have forsaken my order and elders and come down here of my accord. I refuse to submit to mere undead found on the surface; no spirit nor corpse body can satisfy my want.” She smiles thinly. “I yearn for more–to become the LICH, to subjugate her form, and embody her very power. I want to attain the ultimate monster body. That is the truest, highest form of immortality, is it not?”

“I see. I thought as much.” A vile, nonsense conception. Your lips curl. “Then.. might I interest you in an official, replica, dhampir-appraised cleaver?”
“..I’m afraid I do not bear much interest in cookware.” She laughs.

>Ask for her hair. She surely wouldn’t mind parting with some.
>Retreat from her bizarre, weirdo ideas. Speak to the berserker.
>Ask for what she means by becoming the lich. Does she have a plot to defeat her?
>Write-In.
>>
>>5205407
>>Write-In.
Ask Noelle about her hair, if she likes then:
>Ask for her hair. She surely wouldn’t mind parting with some.
>>
>>5205411
Supporting.

Also:
>Ask if she has a plan to defeat the lich

>>5205407
>>
>>5205411
+1
If she wants to become a lich, surely she wont miss her hair
>>
>>5205411
+1
>>
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>>5205434
>>5205422
>>5205419
>>5205411

>Ask Noelle about her hair, if she likes then:
>Ask for her hair. She surely wouldn’t mind parting with some.

“Excuse me.” You part from the cult acolyte for a brief moment as you turn to the doll–she has taken up step close to the dhampir, and sits alone on a step as she examines the blade in her hands. “Noelle. Would you.. Mind the hair of that hooded one, over there? I was unsure of what sort you bore interest in, so..”
“Ah.. that hair is lovely. I wouldn’t mind for it to match my current color, so..” The doll smiles faintly. “So long as she agrees to it, I suppose.”
“You there.” You fold your arms before the acolyte. “You might think this strange, but I need your hair. It's by a lady’s request. Would you not mind to part with some?”
“Ah.. my hair?” The acolyte tilts her head, running a hand through the flowing locks along beneath her hood. She pauses, her voice quiet, as she observes the shrine ahead–specifically, your party, and she smiles. “I can even give you all of my hair–in trade, of course. You’ll need to offer a measure of equal value.”
“Not my hair.” You scowl.
“No, no. Not your hair. Of course not.” She laughs. “..What I’d like is the dhampir’s bite. Just the merest pinprick. While my true interest lies with the lich.. vampiric power may help me to more quickly attain my goal. And for your dhampir, it should take no more than a second–a mere pinprick is all I want. Is that not a fair trade?”

While, certainly, it may please Noelle, you can’t help but feel a sense of clawing doubt in your gut about this acolyte–and you can’t imagine Ava might so easily agree to such a trade..

>Agree to her offer. You can sway Ava to lend a bit of her power.
>Deny her. You don’t trust her and you can find hair elsewhere.
>Leave her, to speak with the berserker.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5205447
>Deny her. You don’t trust her and you can find hair elsewhere.
This is a pretty bad idea and a good way to get on the dhampir's bad side I think.
>>
>>5205447
Hmm...that is very suspicious. Not sure.
>>
>>5205453
>a good way to get on the dhampir's bad side I think.
Since when were we in her good side?
>>
>>5205447
>Agree to her offer. You can sway Ava to lend a bit of her power.
Nobody said she has to survive... and that would be one foul witch dealt with.
>>
>>5205455
She's obviously overwhelmed by our manly charms.
>>
Uh...i'm pretty sure a dhampir bite would do literally nothing. You can't become a vampire by dhampir bite, else there'd be no dhampirs since they'd turn themselves.
>>
>>5205447
>>Write-In.
Ask Ava, better ask first than make any empty promises also say it's for Noelle.
>>
>>5205447
>Deny her. You don’t trust her and you can find hair elsewhere.
>>
>>5205447
>Talk it over with Ava before deciding.
>>
>>5205496
Yes, we shoudl talk it over
>>
>>5205447
>Talk it over with Ava before deciding
>>
>>5205447
>Talk it over with Ava before deciding.
>>
>>5205447
>Deny her. You don’t trust her and you can find hair elsewhere.
>>
>>5205471
>>5205594
>>5205523
Support. Let's be smart qnd courteous, as best we can manage.

>>5205447
>>
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>>5205644
>>5205638
>>5205594
>>5205523
>>5205498
>>5205496
>>5205479
>>5205471
>>5205458
>>5205453

>Talk it over with Ava before deciding.

With a brief huff, you excuse yourself from the acolyte. In turn, you approach the dhampir–what’s the most smart and courteous way to broach this topic with her? Your relationship with her is rather touchy, after all..
“The cultist there wants you to turn her into a vampire. Says she’ll offer her hair in exchange. The doll wants it.” You state flatly, with the gentle sensitivity one might expect of mortar fire. “What say you?"

A flash of rage crosses her features, but it subsides all at once, and in its place she smiles coldly. “Perhaps you’ve.. misunderstood our relationship.” Ava speaks slowly. “So allow me to reiterate for you. I am guiding you to the end of this dungeon. Nothing more. I am not a dog for you to sic onto whomever you please. Do you understand?”

You feel as if you’ve somehow offended her. Why the hell must they be so complicated to deal with..?

>Press the matter further.
>Leave her be. Go speak to the berserker.
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5206297
>Press the matter further
"I ask, rather than commanding, because I respect your (presumed) noble heritage and your 'aid' thus far. You are no dog, but a lady, even if a distasteful and subhuman one. It's just... Noelle does not wish to look like the girl she was built to replicate any longer. She wishes to have nice, long hair. I just wish for her to be comfortable. I thought we at least had THIS in common?"

If she storms off in a huff:
>Go talk to the berserker
>>
>>5206302
Fair enough
>>
>>5206297
>Get to rest. You've a troublesome journey ahead of you.
Smooth move, Exlax. Just as well. The cultist feels like bad news.
>>
>>5206302
+1
>>
>>5206297
Seconding >>5206302

We may be an unsubtle communicator but at least we actually did properly communicate our reasoning to her.
>>
>>5206302
>>5205479
>>5206306
>>5206327
>>5206346

>Press the matter further
>"I ask, rather than commanding, because I respect your (presumed) noble heritage and your 'aid' thus far. You are no dog, but a lady, even if a distasteful and subhuman one. It's just... Noelle does not wish to look like the girl she was built to replicate any longer. She wishes to have nice, long hair. I just wish for her to be comfortable. I thought we at least had THIS in common?"

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3, to determine Von Gundyr's handling of sensitive topics.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5206364
alrighty then
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5206364

Let's goooo
>>
>>5206297
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
Called it.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5206364
>>
15 is good
>>
Are we really going to give some weirdo stranger vampiric powers for a headfull of hair? This seems reckless at best.
>>
>>5206423
Does a dhampir bite even give powers, though?
>>
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>>5206373
>>5206396
>>5206404

>Rolled 15 (1d20)
>"I ask, rather than commanding, because I respect your (presumed) noble heritage and your 'aid' thus far. You are no dog, but a lady, even if a distasteful and subhuman one. It's just... Noelle does not wish to look like the girl she was built to replicate any longer. She wishes to have nice, long hair. I just wish for her to be comfortable. I thought we at least had THIS in common?"

"I ask, rather than command, because I respect your apparent noble heritage and your 'aid' thus far.” You eke together what meager delicacy you can manage. “You’re but a lady.. even if a distasteful and subhuman one. But, it’s that.. Noelle does not wish to look like the girl she was built to replicate any longer. She wants for nice, long hair. I just wish for her to be comfortable. I thought we at least had this in common?"
Your smoothing over seems to ease her anger toward you, if just a little bit. Her voice grows softer. “I.. pity the doll. Truly. To bind someone to a miserable half-immortality like that is awful.” She admits. “But this is a different matter entirely. To grant some wayward itinerant vampirism after a mere minute of conversation.. for hair? And to even grant someone immortality.. it sets a terrible pit in my stomach. It’s an awful thing to live this long, and it’s near impossible for humans to understand until it’s too late.”

“So will you not do it?” You ask.
“If you truly, in your heart, do not think it unnecessary, nor irresponsible, nor frivolous.. I can bite her.” She lowers her voice. “But I want you to understand that it’s a terribly cruel thing to do.”

>Say that it's for the best.
>Go back on it. Perhaps this isn’t a great move.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5206450
>Go back on it. Perhaps this isn’t a great move.
we did say it was if Ava was willing
>>
Ehh, isn't she very set along this path? With so many monsters, won't that woman just find another way to get immortality for herself?
>>
>>5206450
>Ask Noelle what does she think
>>
>>5206450
>"The entire reason why I came to you to talk about it was to see if it is something you would feel comfortable doing. If you feel it would go beyond your morals, we'll simply find an alternative."
>"In the meantime, perhaps we could utilize this as a sort of compromise for the time being?" (brings out hair ornament)
>>
>>5206450
>Go back on it. Perhaps this isn’t a great move.
>>
>>5206462
+1
>>
>>5206450
>>Go back on it. Perhaps this isn’t a great move.
Eh I feel sorry for poor Noelle, but I would feel bad for trying to force something from Ada, even if she's an very rude and slightly misanthropist dhampir.
>>
>>5206450
>Go back on it. Perhaps this isn’t a great move.
Supporting >>5206465

She's right, this is truly a frivolous dangerous thing, the cultist is really shady and we are literally doing it for hair that we can get from anyone for Noelle. Lets just get the hair from someone else more willing, no point being impatient.
>>
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>>5206510
>>5206504
>>5206476
>>5206474
>>5206465
>>5206462
>>5206455
>>5206451

>Go back on it. Perhaps this isn’t a great move.
>"The entire reason why I came to you to talk about it was to see if it is something you would feel comfortable doing. If you feel it would go beyond your morals, we'll simply find an alternative."
>"In the meantime, perhaps we could utilize this as a sort of compromise for the time being?" (brings out hair ornament)

"The entire reason why I came to you to talk about it was to see if it is something you would feel comfortable doing. If you feel it would go beyond your morals, we'll simply find an alternative." You decide–you’d rather not strain your relationship with your sole guide even further.
“Very well.” A hint of relief creeps into the dhampir’s voice. “..I’m glad you understand.”
“In the meantime.. perhaps we could utilize this as a sort of compromise for the time being?” You reach into your coat pocket and dangle the red hair ornament before her eyes. “Women are fond of this sort of thing, are they not?”
The dhampir raises a brow as she examines it. “..Hmmm. A gift, then? I didn’t think you capable of such.. cordiality.” She remarks. “It’s delightful. I’m sure the doll would appreciate this. I might just get jealous of her.”
“Well, if she’s to lend her ability, I might as well compensate her.” You bluster.

>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>Go speak to the doll.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5206528
>Go speak to the doll.
>>
>>5206528
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>>
>>5206528
>>Go speak to the doll.
>>
>>5206528
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>>
>>5206528
>Go speak to the doll.
>>
>>5206528
>Go speak to the doll
>The the berserker
>Then rest
>>
>>5206605
+1
>>
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>>5206646
>>5206605
>>5206587
>>5206573
>>5206567
>>5206563
>>5206531

>Go speak to the doll.

“Noelle,” You begin brusquely. The doll sits quietly atop a coffin not far from the dhampir. You clear your throat as she looks to you–you do your best to mind your manners and speak with tact. “I’ve gotten your recompense for your aid on my journey down. It’s not the hair you covet, but I hope that you might find this satisfactory for the time being.”
“Oh?” The doll tilts your head. You fish into your coat pocket and remove the hair adornment–a fine, if simple, ornamentation–and present it to her. “Oh, my.. A-ah.. it’s lovely. Thank you, Von Gundyr, sir.”
“Yes, well, I know it’s not what you seek. Consider it a momentary compromise before I can find your hair.” You huff, your words hasty and unsure as they fall from your mouth. “I had thought to find some hair from that cultist, over there, but the dhampir said that I..”

“Does.. it suit me?” Noelle cuts you off as she fastens the hair ornament to her head–it’s red shines brilliantly against her pale hair.
“Ah, yes. Well, it’s fine.” You turn away. “It suits you fine.”
Her porcelain lips curve into a smile, her face flush. “..I know that this face is not my own.. that I’m no more than counterfeit, but..” Her voice grows quiet. “Do.. you find me.. cute?”

Gah! You place a glove against your face, now red hot. How are you supposed to answer this? What’s the right answer to that sort of question?

>Yes, yes, she’s cute enough.
>You cannot answer. Escape the situation before you shame your line.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5206724
>Yes, yes, she’s cute enough.
Why contain it?

'scool
>>
>>5206724
>Yes, yes, she’s cute enough.

>before we shame our line
ships that have sailed
>>
>stand stupidly with confusion like a big dumb scarecrow
>>
>>5206724
>Yes, yes, she’s cute
>>
>>5206767
this +
>Yes, yes, she’s cute enough.
>>
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>>5206880
>>5206768
>>5206767
>>5206759
>>5206756

>stand stupidly with confusion like a big dumb scarecrow
>Yes, yes, she’s cute enough.

You stand there like a big, dumb scarecrow for just a brief moment, your mind at a mile a minute sprent–what might you say to prevent any undue offense..? “Yes, yes. Cute enough.” You settle with a huff as you readjust your cravat. You begin to walk from the scene. “..If that’s all.”

“I see.” The doll laughs faintly. “.. Thank you kindly, Von Gundyr.”

>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.
>Write-In.
>>
>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.
now that's cute
>>
>>5206917
>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.

Adorable
>>
>>5206917
qt
>>
>>5206917
>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.
>>
>>5206917
>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.
>>
>>5206917
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>>
>Talk to the angry tanky girl. Maybe some day we'll be able to get past her shell.
>>
>>5206917
>Get to rest. You’ve a troublesome journey ahead of you.
>>
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>>5206920
>>5206930
>>5206975
>>5207005
>>5207023
>>5207155
>>5207178
>>5207468

>Go speak to the berserker. You're still unsure of just how she got ahead of you.

You retreat from the doll with a bluster. You’re not one for such tawdry displays of sentiment, but you may find it well to accustom yourself to such if you’re to claim a wife as your own.

In the meantime, you find your attention again drawn to the lone armored one–she’s, once again, isolated herself in a dim corner, her head low and her arms crossed. You might find some human accompaniment a welcome familiarity after such a long journey with a misanthropist dhampir and an organ-filled doll.
She jolts up at your approach, a little jumpy, and her lips curl into a frown. “Oh.” She grimaces. “You again.”
“..And hello to you, too.” She seems less acerbic than before–you chalk that up to a rough journey downward, her armor notably dented and shoulders sunken in exhaustion. You may find her more talkative now. “..I merely found it curious that, in spite of that freight of armor, you’ve gotten ahead of my party. My guide claimed her route the quickest. Did you find a better one, or..?”
“I leapt.” She responds curtly.

“..I see.”

>Ask about herself.
>Ask of the purpose of her journey downward.
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5207488
>Ask about herself.
>Ask of the purpose of her journey downward.
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.
>>
>>5207494
+1
>>
>>5207494
Support.

>>5207488
>>
>>5207488
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.

I don't want to pry, she may want to share and she can whenever she wants, but it is mutually beneficial for people to go together rather than alone.
>>
>>5207494
I second this. we need a tank anyway
>>
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>>5207685
>>5207642
>>5207534
>>5207500
>>5207494

>Ask about herself.
>Ask of the purpose of her journey downward.
>Ask if she’s looking to join a party.

“I don’t believe I’ve formally introduced myself.” You offer. “My name is ALPHONSE VON GUNDYR. I’ve come to the CATACOMBS for the king’s good favor.”
“A noble, then. My, I’m honored.” She mutters beneath her breath. “..I am Emilia.”
You’re a bit taken aback by her name–you thought it might be more along the lines of DESTROYER or RAVAGER. “What brings you downward, then? I don’t presume you’re in want of a noble title.” You continue, seating yourself against a stone lid nearby.
“What else but for its immortality?” The knight responds brusquely, a bitter laugh built up at the back of her throat. “A deathless berserker? Not one man in the country could stop me.”
“A motive that fits the berserker repute, I suppose..” You fold your arms–as much as her coarseness may put you off, a berserker might certainly prove useful for the apparently dangerous block ahead. “What say you in joining my party? We’re in need of another of your.. strength.”

“Your party..?” Her lips tighten. She seems to think on it. “Yes, I suppose the COFFIN is next. That might prove troublesome alone..”
“Yes, so..? Are you interested?”
“..Hmph. Not without recompense.” Emilia responds, her voice cold. “Consider it business. I’ll help you progress to the next block for fair payment.”
“And what would that be? If it’s cash, I can assure you, I can provide all you need..” You begin, but she shakes her head.
“Your GREATSWORD. Give it to me.” She motions. “I lost my own greatsword some time ago and I’m in need of a weapon with heft. The toothpick at my side at present is hardly enough. And you look like you can hardly carry that blade.”

>Agree to the terms of her deal. It may prove better in her hands than yours.
>Deny her. Renegotiate the deal. It may be anything but that.
>Deny her outright. You have no need for her strength.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5207721
>Deny her. Renegotiate the deal. It may be anything but that.
That's a heirloom. Unless she intends on marrying us, she ain't getting it.
>>
>>5207721
>You may borrow it until we both reach the end of the catacombs and return alive, it's a family heirloom you see, and I would trade it for nothing. I would be willing to find a replacement for it once we are outside too, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle if we succeed in our quests after all.
>>
>>5207766
Support.

>>5207721
>>
>>5207766
>+1
>>
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>>5207726
>>5207766
>>5207771
>>5207807

>You may borrow it until we both reach the end of the catacombs and return alive, it's a family heirloom you see, and I would trade it for nothing. I would be willing to find a replacement for it once we are outside too, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle if we succeed in our quests after all.

“..You may borrow it until we both reach the ends of the CATACOMBS.” You settle–the berserker, in turn, grunts in annoyance. “It’s a priceless family heirloom and I would trade it for nothing. But I would be amenable to find a more permanent replacement once we return to the surface–it should not prove to be a hassle if we both succeed in our quests, after all.”
“And you’d presume that I accompany your party until the very end, even past the block ahead?” She lowers her voice. “I may not be against it, but I’d remind you that my sole goal is immortality. Nothing less. And if one of your own yearns for it in turn, and there is allowance for but one.. then I will not let your party get in my way. Can you accept that?”

>Allow her to accompany you on those terms
>Refuse her.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5207856
>Allow her to accompany you on those terms
>>
>>5207856
>Allow her to accompany you on those terms
>>
>>5207856
>Allow her to accompany you on those terms
>>
>>5207856
>Allow her to accompany you on those terms
>>
>>5207856
>Allow her to accompany you on those terms
>>
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>>5207863
>>5207882
>>5207903
>>5207980
>>5207980
>>5207989

>Allow her to accompany you on those terms

“..Fine, then.” You settle–as threatening you might find her terms, a tank will prove invaluable given your group’s present constitution. You lower your head, sliding the greatsword from its sheath. “Our party leaves for the next block after a short rest. I presume you’ll be ready by then?”
“I’m ready now.” The berserker takes the sword from your hands–while you knew her strong, you’re a bit taken aback as she hefts the sword back and forth with just one hand. She grunts in satisfaction as she swings it over her own back. “..It’s got decent weight. This’ll do well enough.”

As you break from the warrior to rest, you find comfort in a small loculus set along the wall–with your rifle at hand and rucksack set out, you figure to rest here for a few hours before the continuance of your journey. You settle into the hole in the wall and, after a brief few moments, fall into a restful slumber.
You find your dreams plagued with strange, confuddled imagery–undead and skeletal monsters, haunted sets of armors, slobbering, fanged werewolves, and a vampire queen.. all manner of monster that infest the lowest corners of the earth. If the dhampir were to learn of your nightmares, she would likely grow jealous.
As you ease back into consciousness, kicking the soreness out from your back and rising from your quarters, you pause. You hear an instinct conversation in the background–difficult to pick up initially, but as you listen more closely, you find them familiar. The dhampir and berserker appear to be in the midst of a conversation.

>Listen more closely. While you know it wrong, you’re curious.
>Rise. It’s improper for a man of your status to eavesdrop.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5208012
>Listen more closely. While you know it wrong, you’re curious.
If they're plotting against us, we must know.
>>
>>5208012
>Listen more closely. While you know it wrong, you’re curious.
>>
>>5208012
>Rise. It's improper for a man of your status to eavesdrop.
>>
>>5208012
>Rise. It’s improper for a man of your status to eavesdrop.
>>
>>5208012
>Listen more closely. While you know it wrong, you’re curious.
I don't see where it's wrong. If they wanted privacy, they could get further away from us.
And besides, allowing them to have secrets is dangerous just based on the nature of our group and our mission.
>>
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>>5208019
>>5208052
>>5208073
>>5208088
>>5208110

>Listen more closely. While you know it wrong, you’re curious.

You lean up, your eyes shut as you listen in on the conversation–while you may feel a certain uncertainty about the act, the nature of your group does not afford much trust. You catch a brief glimpse of the two outside–the berserker exudes a kind of hostility as she towers over the dhampir.

“--may sound meaningless from someone of my constitution.. but I warn you that your search will only prove fruitless.” The dhampir speaks with delicacy. “Your time would be better spent back on the surface.”
“Of course it’s meaningless from you.” The berserker snarls. “Your type live for thousands of years. How could you possibly imag–”
“You have my pity. I could not possibly understand, but...” The dhampir’s voice softens. “..I promise you that leaving this world is not as scary as it sounds.”
The berserker looks ready to lance the dhampir through the gut.

>Intervene. Feign waking up.
>Let the conversation continue.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5208148
>Let the conversation continue.
>Attempt to go back to sleep.
Heyy, they aren't plotting our untimely demise! That's cool.
>>
>>5208148
Ava was willing to help us with the hair, if we asked. One good turn deserves another.
>Intervene. Feign waking up.
Help a brother out.
>>
>>5208148
>Intervene. Feign waking up.
>>
Sure seems like ava's not a fan of people seeking immortality. Very weird choice, for someone who probably has like 50 equally long-living sisters.
>>
>>5208148
>Intervene. Feign waking up.
>>
>>5208148
>>Intervene. Feign waking up.
>Intervene. Feign waking up.
>>
>>5208148
>Let the conversation continue.
>>
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>>5208196
>>5208180
>>5208168
>>5208164
>>5208163
>>5208160
>>5208206

>Intervene. Feign waking up.

You decide to intervene–as did the dhampir in turn for you, you’ll do her a favor as well. You pull your feet out from the loculus and, with a grunt, pull yourself to a stand. The conversation betwixt them dies at the sight of your rise; the berserker turns, frustration still evident on her features, whilst the dhampir merely glances your way.
“Well..” You brush the dust from your coast as you acknowledge her. “Something the matter?”
“A mere disagreement in philosophy with our new party member. Nothing more.” The dhampir shrugs off the conversation. “Ready to continue, I presume? The block ahead is where things begin to get particularly dangerous. I would not be surprised if you died once or twice.”

>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.
>Ask for what she had just been speaking about with the berserker.
>Ask why she bears such clear distaste for immortality.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5208218
>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.
>Ask for what she had just been speaking about with the berserker.
>>
>>5208218
>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.

Let sleeping dogs lie on other matters.
>>
>>5208218
>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.
I wonder whose coffin.
>>
>>5208218
>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.
>>
>>5208218
>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.
>Ask why she bears such clear distaste for immortality.
>>
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>>5208326
>>5208283
>>5208255
>>5208233
>>5208227

>Ask for more details on the block ahead, the COFFIN.

You suppose it best not to immediately press her for any more detail on the matter. “So, what is the COFFIN like, then?” You posit. “How could it be any worse than GRAVESIDE?”
“It’s.. difficult to put to words. The COFFIN is one of the more open blocks of the CATACOMBS. Unlike the twisting corridors of the MORTSAFE or the unending tomb steps downward in GRAVESIDE, the COFFIN is like a.. high wall in an abyss.” Ava figures. “A superstructure of countless stone brick buildings that mirror architecture on the surface, but that collapse and build on top of themselves from an endless void below. The sky is sheer black, an infinite maw of darkness above that resembles a starless night sky.”
“I.. see.” It’s difficult to imagine. It sounds like a dream..
“It’s also got some sparse signs of life, not much like the rest of the dead halls before us. Some vegetation–trees, grass.. water pools at some sunken points. And with that life comes.. feral types. Difficult to romance. Werewolves. Trolls. Rats, Giants..” She begins to drool, but clears her throat and wipes it away. “Excuse me. And it numbers in some of the most dangerous contenders of the lot. Lots of adventurers plenty willing to slit a throat for a way forward. Even more monster hunters in search of glory. The berserker may prove useful there. And the doll, if she can fight as she says.”

>Continue onward. Might as well see it for yourself.
>Ask for what she had just been speaking about with the berserker.
>Ask why she bears such clear distaste for immortality.
>Write-In.
>>
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Also, a rough visualization of what the catacombs look like so far.
>>
>>5208443
>Continue onward. Might as well see it for yourself.
>>
>>5208443
>Continue onward. Might as well see it for yourself.
>>
>>5208443
>Ask for what she had just been speaking about with the berserker.
>Ask why she bears such clear distaste for immortality.
>>
>>5208443
>Continue onward. Might as well see it for yourself.
>>
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>>5209073
>>5208576
>>5208571
>>5208513

>Continue onward. Might as well see it for yourself.

“Quite well. Then we don’t need to tarry.” You place a hand on your rifle butt. “Let’s continue.”

Your party gathers in quiet. The dhampir leads at the front, her head low and a hand on her rapier, and you trail behind with your rifle at the ready. The doll remains close at your coattails and the berserker lags far behind. You press onward as you leave the old shrine behind and make for the dark onward.
You find the dust-caked stone brick tile beneath you turn to dull, dried pavement and wispy patches of grass. As you round a set of spiral stairs upward, you come to it all at once.
The COFFIN is, as mentioned prior, difficult to put to words–the stretch before you appears almost like your hometown of the capital above, but collapsed and rebuilt and shattered on top of itself all at once in a pale stone. You walk forward, your eyes on the strange stone architecture around you–arches half-built into towers, corner shops explode out and up like tumors, streets pull up and down into walkways that creep into the sky and along buildings.
The city is not endless–along some streets and in some buildings are sheer falls into black below, and it seems to primarily stretch straight ahead like a road. With the sky above and abyss below pure black, the “city” ahead of you is like a thin knife’s edge in the dark. It’s also the most spacious–you’re confident you could ride your horse through this block with comfort, not unlike a ride down the main street back above.

“My. It’s like a dream..” The doll murmurs from behind you.
“Yes, well, more like a nightmare.” The dhampir mutters. “Feral monsters and half-mad men like the sorts of darkened corners that sprout up along here- between buildings. I’d advise you to stay low-key, but that’s rather difficult when we have two mountains on legs with us.” She glances back to you and the berserker.

Your progress onward comes to a quick halt–almost immediately, you find splits in the road that continue on along strange paths. From one, you hear human voices, the clash of steel, and horsehoof–from the other, you can only pick up an eerie silence and the faint smell of cooking–stew, maybe..?

>Follow the horsehoof.
>Follow the scent of stew.
>Split your party to go through both.
>Write-In.
>>
>Follow the scent of stew.
Never split
>>
>>5209516
>Follow the scent of stew.
>>
>>5209516
>Follow the scent of stew.
>>
>>5209516
>Follow the scent of stew.
>>
>>5209516
>Follow the horsehoof.
>>
>>5209516
>Follow the scent of stew.
>>
>>5209516
>Split your party to go through both.
>>
>>5209516
>Follow the horsehoof.
>>
>>5209516
>>Follow the scent of stew.
Splitting up is a rookie mistake
>>
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>>5209975
>>5209906
>>5209753
>>5209744
>>5209741
>>5209693
>>5209613
>>5209543
>>5209525

>Follow the scent of stew.

You decide to persist through after the scent of stew–a split up now could prove disastrous for your fragile “party”. You follow your charge through a corridor of half-sunken stone streets that creep up and along under a tall bridge that crumbles and hangs in mid-air. As you pass under, you note a strange curiosity; a handful of wayward crosses seem to stretch out along the path before you, dotting the grounds and sprouting up across occasional earthen surfaces.
“What’s with these crosses? A choir inquisition pass by?” The berserker remarks, her voice low. You look to the side of the path, where four stick up like roots.
“..I’m not sure.” The dhampir sounds unsure. “They don’t seem right. Let’s hurry on.”
You press forward and ignore the crosses, after the scent of stew. As it grows strong, you begin to pick up extra details–a faint, melodic hum, the clatter of spoon against porcelain. And, as you round a street corner, you come upon the root of it–a mass of fur hunching in the middle of the street ahead, stone facades of architecture crept up around him like an arch overhead. He gently stirs a pot of thick, milky stew above a crackling fire.

The wolfman speaks before you do. His voice is a low snarl. “Four in total.” He does not bother to turn to face you. “One broad, male, heavy step. Jangle of too much pent in his pockets, gunpowder.. a cavalier, the king’s noble pets. One small, scent of preserved human organs in salt and sugar, a doll. One tall, heavy armor, scent of blood on her sword too thick to wipe away, and not long for this world.. a berserker. And.. you, Lady Avalsidal.”

“..Hello, Morne.” Ava’s gaze falls. “It’s been some time.”
“You familiar with this lot?” The berserker places a hand on the hilt of her greatsword.
“My.. half-brother.” The dhampir murmurs.

“My name is Morne.” The wolfman glances back and you note his eyes for the first time; they’re scarred over, cut out in crosses. “Since you’ve got my dear big sister with you, I’ll afford you some mercy. if you turn back here, and take another route, you may leave in peace. If you choose to continue along after me, then I’ll have to cut you down like the rest.”

>Follow his advice.
>Attempt to press past him nonetheless.
>Write-In.
>>
uhh i do not fucking know, maybe talk to aval to see what this guy is even trying to do?
>>
>>5210192
Supporting.
"What is the meaning of this? Why is your... half-brother... Attempting to impede our progress?"

>>5210136
>>
>>5210136
>"You seem to be stopping for a meal here. If you don't want people following after you, what if we just go ahead before you?"
>>
>>5210136
>Follow his advice.
We could maybe take this guy in a fight, but I doubt the dhampir would want to and it could get messy.
>>
>>5210136
Supporting >>5210217 to try and get information from him, and >>5210197 after that.
>>
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>>5210304
>>5210288
>>5210217
>>5210197
>>5210192

>"You seem to be stopping for a meal here. If you don't want people following after you, what if we just go ahead before you?"
>"What is the meaning of this? Why is your... half-brother... Attempting to impede our progress?"

You press past the dhampir and speak up. "You seem to be stopping for a meal here. If you don't want people following after you, what if we just go ahead before you? That shouldn’t be a problem, no?"
“That is not the issue.” The wolfman’s intonation hints at more sophistication that his beastly look belies. “I fell every adventurer I encounter. It thins out the competition. But to kill my sister like that would leave a bad taste in my mouth. So I’ve given you ample warning. Leave or I’ll kill you all. If we cross paths again, I will not warn you twice.”
“What is the meaning of this..?” You glower at the dhampir. “Your own half-brother would cut even you down?”
“My brother is in search of immortality for his own purposes. We’ve had.. disagreements about it in the past.” Ava’s expression is distant. “If you should so desire it, I suppose we could attempt to press past him. I will do what I must. But I must warn you in advance that he’s a rather capable fighter–maybe even more than me..”

Your berserker keeps the hand on her hilt. “I could take the dog alone.” She snarls. “Just one less contender..”
“I will protect you, Von Gundyr.” The doll places hand on your sleeve.

>Follow his advice.
>Attempt to press past him nonetheless.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5210320
>Attempt to press past him nonetheless.

I mean, we're almost definitely gonna run into him again later, and since he's done with warnings he might just ambush us then. Not like he can die down here anyway, he'll just respawn at the nearest Shrine.
>>
>>5210320
>Let him have his meal.
Honorabu and the like. Also to not make this extra sad.
>Attempt to take him on now, next time you will be at a disadvantage.
>>
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also, bonus morne
>>
>>5210320
>>Follow his advice.
maybe later, dont want to ruin their future family dinners
>>
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>>5210340
we will fight him anyway and the dinner can be had before duel
>>5210336
cute dog
>>
>>5210320
>Write-In.
>Let him have his meal.
>"Should you wish for immortality, then I invite you to go along with us. We won't stop you as long as you don't stop us."
If he refuses then
>Attempt to press past him nonetheless.
>>
>>5210320
>Attempt to press past him nonetheless.
It won't get easier later.
>>
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>>5210371
>>5210351
>>5210340
>>5210334
>>5210331

>Let him have his meal.
>"Should you wish for immortality, then I invite you to go along with us. We won't stop you as long as you don't stop us."
>Attempt to take him on now, next time you will be at a disadvantage.

“We will not turn back.” You announce, a hand on your rifle. “..You may finish your meal.”
“That’s quite alright.” The wolfman shakes his head as he stands. “It’ll still be warm when I’m done.”

You suppose pride runs in the family.

You almost take an involuntary step back as the half-beast rises to his full height–even with shoulders half-hunched and back sloped, he’s a veritable mountain of fur and fangs that towers above even yourself. He reaches into his cloak and produces a handful of crosses–four cross point ends stick out from his knuckles like claws.
“You’re responsible for the crosses, then..? What are..” The dhampir begins, but a flash of recognition crosses her features, her eyes widening before narrowing in disgust. “..That’s a loathsome trick, Morne. You’d rob men of even that slight mercy here?”

“What are they?” The doll asks, trepidation creeping into her tone.
“A relic from centuries past. They’re CRUCIFORMS.” The dhampir responds, unsheathing her second rapier. “..Before it was found that holy weapons could prevent undead resurrections, choristers would use CRUCIFORMS against them. They’d stick them in the corpse and tether spirit to body. It would prevent undead’s rise so long as they were in place. So, all those crosses from before are..”
“I may not be able to truly fell men, but I can at least halter their progress.” He responds flatly. “I will do what I must. Immortality will not elude me.”

With that, Morne flings his cloak upward–not unlike Ava–and disappears in the billows of his sable cloak. It would figure that they would fight similarly, but the half-wolf is all but gone from your sight. You quickly scan the area as you unconsciously form a tight circle with your party members.

>Keep your rifle levied straight ahead, within your eye line.
>Point your rifle upward.
>Demand that Ava tell you what she knows of the wolf, and quickly.
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5210320
>Follow his advice.

Lady Ava doesn't want to fight her brother, and that's enough for me.
>>
>>5210398
>Point your rifle upward.
>Demand that Ava tell you what she knows of the wolf, and quickly.
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.
>>
>>5210398
>Point your rifle upward.
>Demand that Ava tell you what she knows of the wolf, and quickly.
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.
>>
>>5210398
>Demand that Ava tell you what she knows of the wolf, and quickly.
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.
>>
>>5210398
>Point your rifle upward.
And shoot, I bet he jumped
>>
>>5210398
>Demand that Ava tell you what she knows of the wolf, and quickly.
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.

>>5210403
simp
>>
>>5210398
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.
>>
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>>5210487
>>5210471
>>5210446
>>5210437
>>5210424
>>5210409
>>5210403

>Point your rifle upward.
>Demand that Ava tell you what she knows of the wolf, and quickly.
>Ask if the berserker and Ava can keep the wolf distracted whilst you and the doll attempt to get at his vital spots with your weaponry.

“Ava..!” You glance back. “What do you know about him? Any weaknesses? And be quick about it.”
“Ah–..” Ava furrows her brow. “..My brother is blind, but that seldom proves much trouble for him. His sense of smell and ears grant him better sight than most. He fights like I, with a predilection for obscuration and ambushes for quick victories. He’s a little slower, but his speed is still such that he can outpace humans with ease. And he hits far harder, so just one solid hit with that sword of his is often enough to decide the course of a fight.”
“..I see.” Like her, but a bit slower and much stronger. You doubt your rifle butt will prove as decisive now. “Ava and Emilia, keep aggressive and up close to draw his focus. Noelle and I will focus on his vital spots and strike him down while he’s tied up with your assault.”

“You’re forcing the dhampir on me?” The berserker scowls. “She’ll only get in the way! A stray dog is nothing for me. I can handle this alone, unless you’d like me to cut our guide in half along with the wolf.”
“Your arrogance will only get the best of you.” The dhampir glares. “I’m the only one here who can beat his speed. You’ll get cleaved in two mid-swing with that sword of yours.”
“I could stand a couple blows from that sword of his.” Emilia shoots back. “You’ll get folded like paper if you make one mistake.”

You heft your rifle up–sure enough, you catch a glimpse of a dark shape up on the half-sunken stone arch above. It dashes out of sight and along past the blinde side of the arch, but you know now that his assault will come from above.

Decide your FRONTAL ASSAULT:
>Set them both on the wolf, in spite of their protests.
>Have Emilia lead the attack.
>Have Ava lead the attack.
>Write-In.

Decide your COURSE OF ACTION:
>Shoot at the wolf while he’s still on the arch.
>Wait for him to begin his attack.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5210536
>Set them both on the wolf, in spite of their protests.
>Shoot at the wolf while he’s still on the arch.
>>
>>5210536
>Set them both on the wolf, in spite of their protests.
>Shoot at the wolf while he’s still on the arch.
>>
>>5210536
>Set them both on the wolf, in spite of their protests.
>Shoot at the wolf while he’s still on the arch.
>>
>>5210536
>Set them both on the wolf, in spite of their protests.

Ava engages him just long enough for BERSERKER to land a blow. ez

>Shoot at the wolf while he’s still on the arch.
We have 5 shots before we need to reload right?
>>
>>5210569
>>5210551
>>5210540
>>5210540
>>5210539

>Set them both on the wolf, in spite of their protests.
>Shoot at the wolf while he’s still on the arch.

"Both of you, on the wolf." You harken back to your military days. In turn, you levy your rifle at the wolf on the arch.

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
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Also, heights again.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5210580
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5210580
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5210580
>>
>>5210664
Well done anon. I guess our boy is not only great in height but in leadership as well.
>>
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>>5210664

>Rolled 18 (1d20)

“You’ll both assault the wolfman.” You reiterate, exasperation having crept into your tone. “You needn’t worry about coordination. We’ll handle this in short.”
“..Fine.” The dhampir huffs. While you figure that both may be a bit too prideful to bend the knee so easily at your command, they accept your word without protest. The matter of a wolfman bounding over the arch overhead may be a bit too pressing for any smart remarks.
As they both lift their blades, you raise your rifle and track the mark shape coursing over the tilting length of the arch. It's difficult to get a firm hold on, given the length of cloak and fur that trails behind it. But you’re not unfamiliar with the quick, distant sort–years of youthful hunts out for birds are plenty experience for a matter like this. You trail ahead of the wolf’s path, take a quiet breath, and pull the trigger.

A shot of light cracks out from the barrel’s end, cracking out across the air and terminating into the wolf’s back. With a great howl, the half-beast falls from the archway overhead and careens down on toward you–you take several steps back as he twists into a rough roll forward. It grinds to a halt as dust billows up in its path.
“Impressive shot.” Morne gnarls. A hand gingerly touches his chest. “Silver rounds? More competent than I thought.”
Both the berserker and the dhampir, wordless, haft their steel and charge the wolf–the following maelstrom of swinging blades and rapiers is near impossible to make out, but the wolf meets them both with ready competence, his own blade twirling along like a ribbon in spite of its size and deflecting near all of their blows.

Unfortunately, it's rather difficult to make out much in the mess. The mass of black steel, fur, and cloth is like a whirlwind. And the both of them seem somewhat reluctant to press any more, lest they injure the one at their side.

>Attempt to land a critical shot with your rifle.
>Ask the doll to go in with her scalpel.
>Wait for a more critical moment.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5210713
>>Write-In.
The wolf seems busy with them, use this chance to position ourselves in a better spot so we can shot him with impunity, ask Noelle to watch our back just in case the wolf catch wind of us.
>>
>>5210721
+1
>>
>>5210713
>Attempt to land a critical shot with your rifle.
>>
>>5210713
Supporting >>5210721
>>
>>5210721
Supporting.
>>
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>>5210768
>>5210762
>>5210736
>>5210722
>>5210721

>The wolf seems busy with them, use this chance to position ourselves in a better spot so we can shot him with impunity, ask Noelle to watch our back just in case the wolf catch wind of us.

While Morne is tied up with Emilia and Ava, you turn to Noelle. “I’m going to get a better position for a shot off on him.” You keep your voice low. “Watch my back.”
The doll bows her head. “Understood.” She nods. “I will protect you with my life.”
As the beast trades blow with your frontline offense, you creep up along past the exchange with your rifle at the ready, the doll close behind. You can just narrowly escape his field of view as he deflects his way through the whirlwind of blades before him–they don’t afford him a single chance to strike back, but one mistake on either of their parts could prove disastrous.

You raise your rifle and stare down the beast. You’re behind him now, with a decent shot on his back–but he’s still twisting the cloak and flexing with the length of his blade. You’re not sure if you can guarantee fatal shot, and you’d feel much more comfortable if you could.

>Wait just a little more. You feel like you can get a perfect shot off on the wolf with just a bit more time.
>Crack a shot off now.
>Ask the doll to go in for a blow with the knife.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5210782
>Crack a shot off now.
The longer we wait, the greater chance we lose a guard or tank and maybe lose Ava's burgeoning trust
>>
>>5210782
>Crack a shot off now.
We should probably not murder our guide's brother.
>>
>>5210782
>>Crack a shot off now.
He still Ada's brother, whatever fate awaits him after our tussle it's best we and Ada are in the same picture rather than simple going for a killshot, rather not anger our guide.
>>
>>5210782
>Crack a shot off now.

Even if it's not fatal, it should stagger him enough for the two melee fighters to slice and dice.
>>
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>>5210847
>>5210843
>>5210799
>>5210797


>Crack a shot off now.

You pull the bolt back and loose your second shot. It snaps at the air like a dragon and tears forward through the air, lancing the wolf’s upper back along his left shoulder. It gnaws at the black fabric for just a moment before piercing through. You pull the bolt back again–another three shots before reload..
Morne, caught by surprise, throws his head back in a wince of pain; just the briefest moment of distraction from his iron guard, but Emilia takes it. “There!” The berserker shoves the dhampir aside and hefts your blade over her shoulder, bringing it down all at once and gashing the wolf across the chest. It cuts across the length of his upper shoulder and down to a hip and spatters the two with the beast's blood.

The wolf jolts backward and stumbles, a hand against his chest.. but much to your dismay, does not fall from the wound. He punches his chest several times, as if to kickstart himself, and turns his gaze back toward the direction of the shot–back toward you. As if a mere annoyance, he raises his clenched fist, crosses in hand, and flings one toward you with a snap of his wrist. It hurtles with near bullet-like speed as a pointed end flies toward your chest.

The doll moves to front to protect you, her hands out.

>Allow her to take the blow.
>Take it yourself.
>Attempt to move both yourself and her out of its direction.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5211159
>Attempt to move both yourself and her out of its direction.
Tackle her out of the way. If we have time to push her out of the way, we have time to tackle
>>
>>5211159
>Attempt to move both yourself and her out of its direction.
>>
>>5211159
>Attempt to move both yourself and her out of its direction.
If that fails
>Take it yourself.
>>
>>5211162
>>5211170
>>5211175

>Attempt to move both yourself and her out of its direction.
>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5211176
Go
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5211176
Protect the smile. And us, in that order.
>>
>>5211191
SMILE:SAVED
WIFE:ACQUIRED
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5211176

>>5211191
Nice going lad!
>>
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>>5211191
>Rolled 20 (1d20)

You snatch the doll up in your arms and shove her into a roll away under the cross. It howls overhead as you both hit the ground, whereupon it lodges itself into a stone facade ahead. You save her from the brunt of the impact and drag to a slow halt with her in your arms.

“..Von Gundyr?!” Noelle asks, her face flush.
“Be more careful.” You huff as you pull yourself away, your face a dash hot itself–you’re not all too familiar with this sort of thing either. But you’ve still got the wolfman to deal with.

You shoulder your rifle and look the fight over again. Much to your chagrin, the wolfman seems to have shifted tactics after that chest wound. He now attacks both the berserker and dhampir with reckless abandon, swinging his sword overhead and under with shocking speed, allowing their cuts to crisscross him on occasion to meet them with a swing of twofold strength.
His shift to aggression seems to confuse the two, who have a difficult time with the windows to parry or swing while stuck between their opponent’s wall of slashes and the one at their side.
The berserker hefts your greatsword up to catch one such wild swing. The wolfman meets it with confidence and wrenches his sword forward at an odd angle–his blade’s barbs catch the edge of her weapon, and with a solid twist, your heirloom greatsword flies out across the stone street, sliding to a halt near your feet.

Morne takes advantage of the shock of her disarmament to smash the flat edge of his blade over the berserker’s head. She crumples underneath. In turn, the wolfman turns the brunt of his attention to Lady Ava–the flash of blows is difficult to keep up with, but it looks like the dhampir is struggling to stand her ground against the onslaught, taking several steps back beneath his now careful and controlled swings.

>Crack another shot off now. Admittedly, their speed is such that you’re worried you might hit Ava.
>Wait just a little more for the fight to slow. You’re sure you can guarantee a solid hit with some time.
>Pick the greatsword up and attempt to join the fight via melee.
>Ask the doll to go for a vital point hit while he’s tossling with Ava.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5211226
The Wolf is much bigger. Take a good position and shoot him.
>>
>>5211226
>Pick the greatsword up and attempt to join the fight via melee.

Forefathers one and all
BEAR WITNESS
>>
>>5211226
>Crack another shot off now. Admittedly, their speed is such that you’re worried you might hit Ava.
>>
>>5211226
>Pick up the greatsword and join the fray
>Tell Ava to stroke somewhere vital if you or Ava create an opening
>>
>>5211226
>Ask the doll to go for a vital point hit while he’s tossling with Ava.
>Wait just a little more for the fight to slow. You’re sure you can guarantee a solid hit with some time.

We need to balance out the melee, but he also commented on our silver ammunition, it is possible that we are the only real threat capable of harming him with our gun. Thus we need to go for the critical blow. If multiple blows by Ava and Emilia weren't enough to put him down after we had already wounded him twice with our gun, then simply hitting him more with their weapons may not be worth anything.
>>
>>5211226
>Wait just a little more for the fight to slow. You’re sure you can guarantee a solid hit with some time.
Surely he's running out of steam.
>>
>>5211226
>>Pick the greatsword up and attempt to join the fight via melee.
>>
>>5211226
>>Ask the doll to go for a vital point hit while he’s tossling with Ava.
>>Wait just a little more for the fight to slow. You’re sure you can guarantee a solid hit with some time.
>>
>>5211452
Changing my mind, trading the:
>>Ask the doll to go for a vital point hit while he’s tossling with Ava.
For:
>Tell Ava to stroke somewhere vital if you or Ava create an opening
>>
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>>5211296
>>5211314
>>5211342
>>5211249
>>5211313
>>5211334
>>5211336
>>5211452

>The Wolf is much bigger. Take a good position and shoot him.
>Wait just a little more for the fight to slow. You’re sure you can guarantee a solid hit with some time.
>Tell Ava to stroke somewhere vital if you or Ava create an opening

You decide to hold back from the greatsword and maintain a more impersonal distance from the fight. You take a deep breath as you levy the rifle forward, the two in the midst of a clash of blades. You figure that if you just wait a little more for the fight to slow, you can guarantee a solid hit on the wolf.
“Ava! Can you make an opening?!” You shout past the flash of her black rapier against the wolf’s barbed sword. “You need to stroke somewhere vital!”
The dhampir does not respond as she cuts underneath another flurry of swings. Her rapiers move like her–a dance between barbs that flow along past each and every strike. As they engage in another trade, the wolf miscalculates just once–one swing too heavy, too far–and the dhampir snatches at the window. She darts up close to him and both rapiers lance toward the underside of his chin.

But Morne predicts it, and a paw flashes from under his cloak and strikes the side of Ava’s head. She stumbles, stabbing one rapier into the ground to steady herself as her floating rapier clatters against the ground, and the wolfman meets her unsteadiness in confidence. With a great heave back, he spears his greatsword forward and lances his sister through the gut.

Lady Ava hangs against the sword, her mouth agape as if in disbelief. “Morne..?”
The wolf pauses. This seems like your moment to shoot.

>Shoot Morne in the head.
>Shoot Morne in the knee.
>Let Ava handle it.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212346
Fuck it. We trief to be nice, but if he's spearing his own sister, fuck him.
>Shoot Morne in the head
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the knee. (maybe both if necesary)
We don’t know how to heal her, but he should.
And i don’t trust the revival thing this place has.

there is also the risk of hitting Ava, I'm not willing to risk it
>>
>>5212364
Shooting him in the knee wont stop him. He fucking speared his sister, he has to die or he'll kill us.
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the head
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the knees
>Send Noelle to render medical aid to Ava
>Demand that Morne tell us how to mend his sister most effectively
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the head.
He'd do nothing less to us.
>>
>>5212346
>>Shoot Morne in the knee.
I would like very much to blow his brains out but I think those two have some issues they need to work with, so for now let's just disable him.
>>
>>5212346
>>Shoot Morne in the knee.
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the head.

We can't let him live and risk him spearing Ava with his cross thingies that prevent revival, if she doesn't have some sort of regeneration then she is super dead from this and we'll need to head back to fetch our guide, we don't know the way.
>>
If they resurrect then in all likelihood they'll meet anyways and have time to work out their issues in privacy, they probably use either the same or nearby shrines if they both use and prefer this path.
>>
>>5212475
This. We need to kill the guy or we'll be dead, and he'll keep us dead with the cross.
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the knee.
>>
>>5212346
>Shoot Morne in the head.
>>
>>5212346
>>Shoot Morne in the knee.
>>
Shooting morne in the knee is stupid and we're going to get mauled by that wolf if we do it
>>
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>>5212355
>>5212364
>>5212381
>>5212401
>>5212410
>>5212439
>>5212461
>>5212475
>>5212480
>>5212484
>>5212535

>Shoot Morne in the head.

You raise your rifle, pull the bolt back, and loose your second to last round. The explosion of powder and light burns through your barrel and courses through the air and, with a decisive crack, punctures the wolf’s head. The beastman stills for just a moment before, with a great groan of dust and blood and fur, falls to the ground. You’ve slain Morne.

“Lady Ava..?!” Noelle rushes past you, her fluttering gown trailing out behind her as she approaches your guide. The dhampir remains in a half-bent position, the sword still stuck through her chest. Her breath is ragged and shallow. “Lady Ava, please, allow me to–”
“..I’ll be.. fine. I can.. regenerate from.. this much.” Ava gasps, her words staggered. With the foul wet sound of flesh against steel, she takes a deep breath and rents herself backward–the blade and its barbs ease out from her ribs and clatters still by the wolf. As she takes a low breath, she stumbles back into the doll’s arms. “..It just hurts.”

You take a moment to regroup–you awaken the unconscious berserker and set the dhampir to rest on your rucksack. She figures that she’ll recover fully within an hour, but you’re without a guide in the meantime. You decide to set camp in the area whilst you wait, not far from her brother’s corpse.
You sit by the open fire set by half-beast. Lady Ava lies flat against your rucksack as Noelle tends to her side. Emilia has secluded herself to the other end of the fire, where she appears to be rummaging through a satchel of the half-wolf’s belongings.

“What are you doing?” You scowl at the berserker. “It’s distasteful to rob the dead.”
“And what use will he have for these? To slaughter us all the better when he returns?” Emilia glares.
You open your mouth for protest, but Ava shakes her head. “..No. It’s best we take advantage of what we have.” She mutters.

>Ask Ava why her brother set upon even her.
>Ask Ava if you should stick a cruciform in her brother’s body.
>Let Ava rest. Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212581
>Ask Ava why her brother set upon even her.
>Let Ava rest. Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
The last thing we need is for the berserker to stick a crucifix in the wolf and permanently kill her brother
>>
>>5212581
>Ask Ava why her brother set upon even her.
>Ask Ava if you should stick a cruciform in her brother’s body.
We should probably stick one in him anyway even if she says no. The last thing we need is a pissed off werewolf nipping at our heels.
>>
>>5212581
>Ask Ava if you should stick a cruciform in her brother’s body.

>>5212594
pThis. The moralefaggotry doesn't apply in this place. He isn't dead and he's a total piece of shit that won't hesitate to pull dirty tricks on us.
>>
>>5212594
Yeah, good idea, let's piss off our only guide by permanently killing her brother, idiot
>>
>>5212604
It was specifically stated that the cruciforms merely bind the spirit to the body, he won't stay dead, it will merely delay his ressurection.
>>
>>5212613
So what, we drag his body around until we decide we can revive him?
>>
>>5212623
we leave him there and come back for him later, if we so choose. Ava can go get him later if she wants, who cares what happens to this guy for now.
>>
>>5212624
>we leave him there and come back for him later
Yeah, leave him in this random part of the creepy underground ruin, i'm surer we'll find him easy peasy later

It's a dumb idea.
>>
>>5212591
+1
>>
>>5212628
I'm not even sure why you think his carcass is our problem, he'll get a fresh body when he does eventually resurrect.
>>
>>5212581
Supporting >>5212594

We can respectfully loot him, the scavengers will loot him otherwise, and his anti-revive crosses will end up in the hands of scum like the merchant at the entrance or something.
>>
>>5212638
The problem is finding it again to remove the crucifix, stoopid.
>>
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>>5212594
>>5212599
>>5212591
>>5212630
>>5212647

>Ask Ava why her brother set upon even her.
>Ask Ava if you should stick a cruciform in her brother’s body.

“Then, might you care to explain why your own blood would attack you like the rest of us?” You ask, your eyes set on the dhampir. She averts her gaze.
“..My brother came to me a few months ago.” Her voice is weak. “He was desperate, and begged me to help him find the means for immortality.. but I denied him. He grew aggressive, I said something unforgivable, and he set upon me. We had a brief fight and then he left. I suppose he came here after.”
You get the feeling that she’s purposefully neglected some details of the exchange, but you leave it be for now. You glance to the heap of fur off the fire. “..Should we stick a cruciform in your brother, then? I’d rather not have him nip at our heels the entire way down.”
“..I suppose we should.” Ava grimaces. “But don’t expect him to remain dead the entire way. As rare as they might be, I hear grave good merchants take to plucking cruciforms out when they can and reviving the corpses beneath to widen their clientele. If he finds we stuck a cruciform in him after his revival, he may grow angry enough to hunt us down personally.”

>Stick a cruciform in his corpse.
>Leave the corpse be. Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
>Question her further about her brother. She’s clearly hiding something.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212659
>Stick a cruciform in his corpse.
Turnabout is fair play and he'd probably come after us anyway.
>>
>>5212659
>Leave the corpse be. Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
He's seeking immortality. If we just let him be, he'll probably go off on his own somewhere else. If we stick a crucifix, he'll have a vendetta.
>>
>>5212659
>Stick a cruciform in his corpse.
>Question her further about her brother. She’s clearly hiding something.

>>5212666
>PROBABLY
>>
Not gonna lie, I didn't have many expectations looking at the title. Glad I actually read it.

>>5212659
>Leave the corpse be. Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful
Let sleeping dogs lie. He seemed respectful enough before we fought, let's make sure he beats himself up when he comes back instead of us.
>>
>>5212659
>Stick a cruciform in his corpse.
>Question her further about her brother. She’s clearly hiding something.
>>
>>5212659
>Use the cruciform
He's already clearly nursing a grudge
>Leave well enough alone
Don't be nosy about family affairs.
>>
>>5212659
>Stick a cruciform in his corpse.
>Ask her if she will require some new clothes at the next shrine.
>Make a mental note to remove as many cruciforms as we can on our way back.
>>
>>5212659
>>Leave the corpse be. Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
>>
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>>5212666
>>5212684
>>5212687
>>5212712
>>5212719
>>5212726
>>5212750
>>5212764

>Stick a cruciform in his corpse.
>Ask her if she will require some new clothes at the next shrine.
>Make a mental note to remove as many cruciforms as we can on our way back.

“Very well, then. I can’t imagine he doesn’t already have a grudge against us already.” You stand with the brush of your coat. You bend and retrieve a cruciform from near the fire–it’s a thick, iron black cross stake with ornate engravings and carvings along its bloody surface. And it's difficult to carry in even one hand, too–you can’t imagine the kind of strength it would take to fling one like a bullet..
You approach the heap of fur and with a great heave plunge the stake down into his body. A faint white glow emanates from its point as it finds gradual rest in his corpse. An ugly tool, but useful. You make a mental note to pluck as many as you can on the trip back up.

“So.. will you need new clothes at the next shrine, then?” You ask the dhampir as you return. “Yours took quite the beating back there.”
“It’s fine. My clothing is bound with magic to resew itself.” Ava sighs. You do recall her shaking away the bullet hole in her cloak after your first duel. “I appreciate the thought.”
“Ah..! Here it is..!” The berserker cries out in a voice of triumph. You look her way to see her smiling, a bottle of whiskey in her hands. “Been too long..”

>Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
>Question her further about her brother. She’s clearly hiding something.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212778
>Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
>>
>>5212778
>Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
Got to make sure she doesn't pocket everything for herself.
>>
>>5212778
>Offer Ava a drink of whiskey, as it has been a taxing day for her no doubt
If she wants to talk about it, she'll talk about it.
>>
>>5212778
>>Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.
>>
>>5212788
+1 after we ensure the berserker isn't doing anything bad
>>
>>5212788
Supporting this too.
>>
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>>5212792
>>5212790
>>5212788
>>5212786
>>5212781
>>5212803

>Offer Ava a drink of whiskey, as it has been a taxing day for her no doubt
>Go monitor the berserker’s rummaging and make sure she’s not disrespectful.

You suppose to offer the dhampir a drink a little later--for now, you doubt she can stomach much with that gash in her stomach.

“Hey, hey. Watch your hands.” You chide the berserker as you approach her.
“What? How am I desecrating him? I’m not the one that stuck a cross in the body.” The knight shoots you a look as she tucks the bottle into her armor.

You look over the halfwolf’s strewn out belongings; they were haphazardly flung from his bag by the knight and lie out in a messy pile before the fire. You take a more close look at some the items–for his lack of sight, there’s a surprising amount of physical information in the form of papers, notes, and books.

You see a map. It’s marked up with countless scribbles and even notes.
You also see a strange journal–it looks especially old, maybe even older than the wolfman.
You also spot a few leafs of paper, torn out from another book–a surprise, given the wolf’s lack of sight. There seems to be some kind of haphazard scribbles on them..his attempts at a log, perhaps?

>Investigate the map.
>Investigate the strange journal.
>Investigate the scribbles on scraps of paper.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212813
>anons got told off for trying to have their cake and eat it too
lmao

>Investigate the scribbles on scraps of paper.
He'll probably be livid if he smells our scent on the journal, which is probably a diary.
>>
>>5212813
>Investigate the scribbles on scraps of paper.

>Tell the berserker the cruciform is a holy symbol, so that means we were consecrating the corpse.
>>
>>5212813
>Investigate the map.
The map seems more interesting.
>>
>>5212813
>Investigate the map.
>Investigate the strange journal.
>>
>>5212813
>>Investigate the map.
>>Investigate the scribbles on scraps of paper.
>Eat the stew with the party.
Might as well use this chance to take a breather.
>>
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>>5212835
>>5212833
>>5212830
>>5212899

>Tell the berserker the cruciform is a holy symbol, so that means we were consecrating the corpse.
>Investigate the scribbles on scraps of paper.
>Investigate the map.

“The cruciform is a holy symbol. If anything, I consecrated his corpse.” You shoot back.
“Yeah, yeah.” She mutters. “Looks to me like you just stabbed a dead dog.”

You first look to the map. It’s vast–upon close inspection, it appears to be one of the continent, and even the far off tips of some foreign countries' lands far beyond the stretches of PHORCYS’ SEA.
A lengthy route stretches out all across the map–the red line crosses distant country plains, stops in near every town, the capital several times over, some of the offshore islands, the ruins of the old kingdom, even in monstrous woods. The scrawl features tactile bumps for the blind to distinguish between certain areas on the maps, like mountains, plains, seas, and towns.
The notes themselves, however, are nigh impossible to decipher. The writing is so minuscule and scratchy that you can hardly make any of it out, as if it was made more to ascribe it to memory than to actually read. You do note, however, that the last stop on the map rests atop the CATACOMBS. You suppose that this is where his journey reaches the present.

You turn your attention next to the scraps of paper, lifting a handful and examining them more closely–in actuality, the “scribbles” here are just poor handwriting, distinct from the scratchy handwriting of the map. You’d berate your sisters for this sort of penmanship. You have to squint to decipher the mess.

March 17

Dad came to visit today. He brought a bunch of books from the capital! They’re about a super cool thief that steals things from bad guys.. I wonder if I could be like that when I grow up?

July 14

I had a dream that Dad was a frog. But I don’t think he’d was as cool..

August 30

Today Auntie Ava came to visit. She let me look at her floating sword, but she wouldn’t tell me how it works… I think it was a string!

April 9

I went to the library by myself today. I got more books, but they didn’t have any of the serials from the capital. I hope Dad comes back with the rest of them soon.

December 16

Today’s my birthday! Dad hasn’t come to see me yet, though, so I’m celebrating alone. I’ll tell him all about it when he gets back!

They’re diary entries, torn from some book.

You glance over to the old journal, the last most obvious scrap left behind of the wolfman’s. The parchment is of impressively fine make, but not very well taken care of–the front has a fanciful silver embossment whose letters have worn off with the passage of centuries. It appears to read M_S____DE LOG.

>Investigate the strange journal.
>Confront Ava with the contents of the papers.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212926
>Investigate the strange journal.
Auntie ava? What is this, the wolf's son?
>>
>>5212926
>Investigate the strange journal.
>>
>>5212926
>Stop snooping in his personal belongings and move on, if Ava is ready
>>
>>5212956
>if ava is ready
she was literally speared through the guts

we're probably going to have to camp her for now
>>
>>5212926
>>Write-In.
Take this chance and take a breather with the party and do some planning with the info at hand, eat the stew as well, better in our stomachs than it being wasted.
>>
>>5212968
I agree on taking a breather, but we need to study the journal first
>>
>>5212926
>Investigate the strange journal.
I smell a plot hook, we might as well stop and do some light reading.
>>5212968
I'm not sure we should eat whatever it was he was cooking.
>>
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>>5212940
>>5212949
>>5212956
>>5212968
>>5212985

>Investigate the strange journal.

You decide to investigate the strange journal. You reach out and heft it up–it’s rife with notes, uneven with the thick sheafs of parchment that stick out haphazard from all ends of all corners. You wipe some dust from the tome–the title is still near undecipherable, but you make out a faint inscription on the front, written in old ink long since dried: FOR MY SON.
You flip the book open and begin to scan the pages text; unlike the jotty, tiny penmanship of the map or the childish scrawl of the diary, this text is entirely readable in flowy and elegant cursive. And as you press on through the pages, scanning and flipping through the old leaf, your stomach begins to churn at the contents, your face drawn pale and hot at the horror of the text. What awful, heretical matter is this..?

It’s some kind of log of all the dates and interactions one man has ever had with monster girls. In it are detailed records of dark date spot ideas, recipes to cook for undead stomachs, and flirty, punny monster-relevant one-liners from centuries ago. Your face knots up. This is obscenely lewd.

>Bring up the contents of the wolfman’s papers with Ava.
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Ava.
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Noelle.
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Emilia.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5212998
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Noelle.
Fuck it, we don't need to read this. Let's go chill with the cute doll.
>>
>>5212998
>>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Ava
>>
>>5212998
>Bring up the contents of the wolfman’s papers with Ava.
Embarrassing the crap out of the wolfman by showing his sister this aside, we should probably save a few of those pick-up lines. Might be handy at some point.
>>
>>5213014
Those pick-up lines are literally two centuries old, anon. And they're also from her father. It's the last thing we should use.
>>
>>5213018
They're so old they're practically new again.
>>
>>5213021
You forgot the part where they're also from ava's father.
>>
>>5212998
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Noelle.

Oh no
we're gonna bone the last MC's kid
i want to unknow this
>>
>>5213032
Ava might technically be on the menu, but does the MC really want to introduce vampirism into his bloodline?
>>
Hmm, it would seem we've hit the bump (not the image bump)

I really do hope we're going to have a second thread. The first iteration of the quest with jeff was way more plot light, it was basically just jeff walking about flirting with random women, but this has an actual story.

And if i'm honest, Alphonse is way more interesting than Jeff.
>>
>>5213032
How did you not know this? I knew it the moment her name was revealed. QM said it last thread the name of jeff's first child was Avalsidal.
>>
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>>5213042
>>5213042
I originally intended for this to be one thread, but I might end up having to stretch out to two depending on how things go. It helps that threads last so long now.

i also originally meant for it to be as plot light and goofy as the first one lol
>>
>>5213058
>but I might end up having to stretch out to two depending on how things go
I hope so, it's interesting. Alphonse is more of a serious protagonist here.

The first one was great, but it was mostly jeff charming a monster girl, the zombie acting incredulously and repeating it. Good and all, but goofy.

Alphonse, on the other hand, seems to be way more light on it, but i think that makes the moments cuter. Stuff like when he gave the hairpin to Noelle stands out more because he's usually acting like a hardass. And it'll be interesting to see where things will go between Ava and Alphonse, since they're exactly pining after each other or even buddies.

Either way, we haven't even hit image bump, so this thread can still go for a good while.
>>
>>5213058
There are threads that have been up for a month and a half, i'd say we still have some time.
>>
>>5213042
Post bump limit is irrelevant since threads have a timebased autosage (sticky says 2d, I think it's actually 5?) anyway.
>>
>>5212998
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Ava.
>>
>>5213058
I like both threads, I don't mind this one being more serious than the original one, also like one anon said it just makes the moments more impact full, like Alphonse going about his family or he doing the stuff with Noelle. Both have their charms though I think we're gonna have to work harder to end up with a harem.
>>
>>5212998
>Bring up the contents of the wolfman’s papers with Ava.
>>
>>5212998
>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Ava.
>Bring up the contents of the wolfman’s papers with Ava.
>>
>>5212998
>>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Ava.
>>
>>5213058
I also hope you keep this running. I'm loving it, and it seems like it would have more staying power than Jeff's adventures.
>>
>>5212998
>Bring up the contents of the wolfman’s papers with Ava.
>>
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>>5213388
>>5213277
>>5213236
>>5213201
>>5213086
>>5213014
>>5213012

>Take a break to relax and drink a little with Ava
>Bring up the contents of the wolfman’s papers with Ava.

You settle on an exchange with the dhampir. Given what has just taken place, you’d imagine she’s the most in need of a stiff drink. After a brief barter with the berserker (and the promise that you would not empty the bottle), you take the flask to her side. Her eyes are heavy and dark.

“Ah. You’ll tend to her then, Von Gundyr?” Noelle stands and bows her head. “I’ll excuse myself. Please take care, Lady Ava.”
“Care for a drink?” You hold up the glass and two steel mugs from your rucksack. “..If your kind can even stomach this?”

“I’ll be fine.” Ava tugs at the air with a loose finger–her rapier flies up and its blunt end catches the end of one mug, which flies from your hand into hers. “What is it? Come to make fun of the subhuman for catching a blade in the stomach?”

>Bring up the contents of the map and diary pages. It mentioned an Auntie Ava.
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.
>Ask of what other obstacles you might encounter in the block ahead.
>Ask if she’s holding up well.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5213598
>Ask if she’s holding up well.
Then
>Ask of what other obstacles you might encounter in the block ahead.
>Bring up the contents of the map and diary pages. It mentioned an Auntie Ava.

Get the important bit outta the way first.
>>
>>5213598
>Ask if she’s holding up well.
Then
>Ask of what other obstacles you might encounter in the block ahead.
>Bring up the contents of the map and diary pages. It mentioned an Auntie Ava.
>>
>>5213600
+1
>>
>>5213598
>Make fun of the subhuman for catching a blade in the stomach.
>>
>>5213598
>Lighten the mood by bringing up that monster flirting journal and her half-brother's apparent degeneracy
>Ask if she’s holding up well.
>>
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>>5213600
>>5213605
>>5213606
>>5213607
>>5213637

>Ask if she’s holding up well.
>Ask of what other obstacles you might encounter in the block ahead.
>Bring up the contents of the map and diary pages. It mentioned an Auntie Ava.

You stow away the passing thought of mocking fun of the subhuman for catching a blade in the stomach. “..You holding up?” You ask with the bedside manner of a coat on a chair.
“I’m fine, as I’ve said before.” She reiterates, taking a sip from the mug. “Morne’s blade is meant more to inflict pain than it is to kill. That isn’t to say it doesn’t do a very good job at killing, though.”

“Then, you suppose we have to face any more like him in the block ahead?” You lean in. “Any more half-brothers or half-sisters you’ve irrevocably offended?”
“No. Well.. I think.” Ava’s face scrunches. “The rest of the block.. might be monster hunters, monsters.. that sort. All the same as before. No more like him, I hope.“

Your exchanges alone with her are still stiff and short. You suppose that she’s not all ken to warm up to you–but you aren’t all too ready, either.

“Ah, and..” You take another sip from your own. “I went through the halfwolf’s belongings. Found some curiosities. There was a map of the continent, with all manner of markings and pathways charted out all across it. And.. some torn out diary pages. They mentioned Auntie Ava. You know about that?”
The dhampir stiffens at the mention of the diary pages, and her eyeline slips from yours and down into her mug. “..Yes. I suppose those would belong to Morne’s daughter. I guess he brought some along with him while on his travels. Couldn’t read them, but he could smell them.”
“His travels?” You echo.

“Oh, I..” The words seem to slip from her mouth with the drink. You doubt she'd tell you otherwise. “..His daughter is a sweet girl–a full human, unlike me or him. Luna. She caught ill around two years ago. Some kind of magical disease that gnaws at her core. He’s been traveling all across the country in search of a cure for it since.”

>Then, presumably, Morne came to Ava for help.
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5213642
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.
>>
>>5213642
>Then, presumably, Morne came to Ava for help
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.
What does the flirting have to do?
>>
>>5213642
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.
>>
>>5213642
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.

Don't pry, yet.
>>
>>5213642
>>Then, presumably, Morne came to Ava for help.
>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.
>>
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>>5213653
>>5213648
>>5213647
>>5213646
>>5213663

>Bring up that horrid monster-flirting journal.

You hold back just yet from any more on the matter of her half-brother and his daughter. The dhampir seems a bit touchy on that. “And, as well.. I found a curious journal in his rucksack, aside from all that. Seemed like something the church would use as kindling.” You lighten the topic at hand. “It was a very old book. Had directions on how to woo monster wives. Heretical matters. You know anything about that?”
“Oh, Morne still has his?” Ava’s expression softens, and a slight smile crosses her features. “Yes. Father gave his children copies of his monster girl manuscript in our youth. It was about all manner of monster dating techniques. I was very fond of mine and kept its contents close to heart. Morne.. usually used his to prop open doors, or steady uneven table legs. I’m surprised he even still had his on hand. Was it not wonderful?”

“Yes, it was.. interesting.” You remark. You suppose you know where she gets it from now.
“If you’re done, then.” Ava looks to the black sky above. “I think I’m ready to progress from here. My wound’s well enough now.”

>Ask about the matter with her brother. She’s neglected to mention specifically what it was about.
>Don’t pry all too deeply into the matter. Continue your journey onward.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5213665
>Continue your journey onward.
>>
>>5213665
I think i know what happened. Morne asked her to vampirize his daughter so she could survive the illness, but she refused.
>>
>>5213665
If we are going forward, we should carry her.
Gut wounds hurt if you put weight on them.
>>
>>5213665
>Continue your journey onward.
>>Write-In.
She's opening herself a bit to us. Let's leave that door open. Tell her something like:
>"Ava I know we haven't started with the right foot, however, although we have our differences I come to trust you as an good companion and while I don't know if the feeling is mutual I have you know, if you want to talk or just want to be listened I'm here."
She seems to have her own issues, so if she feels like let's give her an ear.
>>
>>5213718
Supporting.

>>5213665
>>
>>5213718
Oh yeah also leave the wolf's personal stuff close to him, if he see his diary and his kid's stuff still with him rather than thrashedor, lost or scattered away he might be a bit less pissed on us.
>>
>>5213718
supporting
>>
>>5213665
>Don’t pry all too deeply into the matter. Continue your journey onward.
>5213667
I think your guess is as good as any.
>>
>>5213732
Supporting, adding this to >>5213721 (also me)
>>
>>5213043
It's been a while since the last thread

>>5213665
>Don’t pry all too deeply into the matter. Continue your journey onward.
>>
>>5213665
>Don’t pry all too deeply into the matter. Continue your journey onward.
>>
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will continue updates probably tomorrow night
>>
>>5213058
wait why did her hair change color
>>
>>5214263
It's the vampire genes, of course. Everybody knows that half-vampires start out with black hair and then turn blonde when they grow up.
>>
>>5214263
>>5214267
I think that's daughter. The sick human woman.
>>
>>5214335
Ava was born with black hair, but either vampirism, age, or just dye guys, come on turned it white/blonde.

I think it's because she grew up to be an Alucard allusion, to be perfectly frank.
>>
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>>5213666
>>5213718
>>5213721
>>5213738
>>5213748
>>5213780
>>5213834
>>5214059

>Don’t pry all too deeply into the matter. Continue your journey onward.
>If we are going forward, we should carry her.
>"Ava I know we haven't started with the right foot, however, although we have our differences I come to trust you as an good companion and while I don't know if the feeling is mutual I have you know, if you want to talk or just want to be listened I'm here."

“Well.. we may not have begun on the right foot, but I suppose you’ve proven yourself useful since.” Your mouth filters your words. “If you should so wish, you can talk to me. I can give you council on troublesome matters, given that you seem so prone to find yourself in them...”
“Oh, my. How gallant. I can ask a man two hundred years my junior for advice.” She rolls her eyes. “Well, I suppose it’s the best you can manage.. thanks.”
As the dhampir attempts to stand, she nearly stumbles and falls–you reach out and grasp her by the arm to steady her. “That’s troublesome.. You shouldn’t put weight on a gut wound. Shall I carry you?” You begin, but she wrenches herself from your grip.

“I’m fine. Let’s go.” Ava mutters as she walks forward. You stand with a huff–what's with all these mood swings..? It’s just like your sisters.

Your walk persists at a steady pace from the wolf’s camp–you tend to his belongings beforehand. While you don’t hope to assuage his anger for a cruciform in the back, it would feel wrong to leave the memories of his daughter strewn out like garbage before the fire. Like as before, the dhampir leads the charge while you trail behind with the doll, the berserker far in the rear.
You come to another fork in the road soon enough. The stone street beneath you curls up from the ground and along past the roofs of several buildings ahead–another route arches down along the sheer edge of the cliff to your right, a ledge above blackness.

But moreover, you pick up strange scents and sounds from the routes. From the one above comes the sickly sweet scent of raw blood and flesh. From below comes the notes of a melodious instrument.

>Take the route above.
>Take the route below.
>Write-In.
>>
>Take the route below.
Yeah, i've had my fill of mysterious food smell.
>>
>>5215171
>>Take the route below.
>>
>>5215171
>The route below
>>
>>5215171
>Take the route below.
>>
Its a prank, you have been pranked. Never ever.
>>
>>5215171
>Take the route below.
>>
>>5215171
>Take the route below.
>>
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>>5215496
>>5215432
>>5215368
>>5215203
>>5215188
>>5215177

>Take the route below.

You decide you’ve had your fair share of strange food smells for the day. You grind your boot heel into the craggy stone below as you follow after the dhampir down the ledge along the cliff–it’s a precarious walk, but one preferable to whatever beast awaits down the other.
The journey is painfully slow–the four of you clamber along the sheer, bare ledge of a cliff that falls off into an endless abyss of black below. The doll clings to your coat while the berserker loudly bemoans the weight of her armor and blade with each shaky step along the way. The dhampir, however, seems all too fine.

“Come on, then.” She chirps out from her bat form, twisting about your party line, wings flailing. “Hurry it up.”
“What happened to your gut wound..?” You mutter, your breath low as you inch along past the ledge.

You manage to find rest halfway along the cliff–the ledge opens up into a small cavern along the cliff, its face open to the fall. And from within it, you spot the root of your music–a strange, floating assemblage of haphazard objects, including a flowing white cloth, a harp, a black flamberge, a book, and a skull. The music grows shrieky and off tune at the sight of you.

“Poltergeist.” Emilia steps onto the firm ground of the open cavern and begins to reach for your greatsword..
“...” Ava eyes you expectantly. “..You’ve had your way with every monster so far. Won’t you let your poor, overworked, wounded guide have just this one?”

>Let Emilia take care of the poltergeist.
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>Take care of it yourself.
>Write-In.
>>
Eh..not sure. Ava's method of dealing is probably just going to be flirting like it's jeff all over again. I have no idea what this could be, though.
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>See if you can get the flamberge thrown into it as well.
>>
>>5215536
>>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
she's seriously pulling the overworked card here after she got to just fly over the ledge
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>See if you can get the flamberge thrown into it as well.
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.

Honestly, we could use the flamberge as a temporary replacement for our greatsword, or we could switch it with Emilia. That way we get our heirloom back and she gets an appropriate melee weapon.
>>
>>5215536
>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.
>>
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>>5216027
>>5215735
>>5215699
>>5215695
>>5215688
>>5215675
>>5215596
>>5215559

>Let Ava take care of the poltergeist.

“..Fine.” You dither. “Just make it quick. And try to retrieve the flamberge while you’re at it, too.”
“I’ll get more than the flamberge.” Ava steps with gentle grace toward the poltergeist, who begins to grow aggressive–its sword swinging and book twirling about the length of cloth, the notes of its harp grow impossibly discordant. The dhampir, however, eases just under the blade and along past the bent strings of the harp as she rests a hand against the skull’s “cheek.”
"That lot may have wanted to put you to rest, but I intend on taking you to bed." She smiles, her eyes half-lidded.
You have to cover the doll’s ears for what comes after. Even the berserker looks away from the scene in shame. After the string of punny soliloquies, confessions of love, and “subtle” lewd innuendos, the poltergeist’s array of objects begin lazily lolling about in the air, the ghostly eye in its skull socket twirling. The dhampir plucks the flamberge from the air and hands it to you.

“See? No waste of ammo or energy. I can pacify monsters with ease.” The dhampir smirks, her face flush.
“..You know,” You begin, as you heft the weight of the flamberge up. It’s got a solid weight–more suitable for you right now. “In noble society, it’s considered indecent for a lady to play with another’s heart like that.”
“What? Don’t be a prude.” Ava scoffs. “Nothing wrong with playing around sometimes. Marriage is one thing, this is another.”

You continue on forward along past the ledge after that indecent display. The length of the journey along the sheer edge of the cliff continues on for quite some time–another half hour passes before the ledge begins to ease back up onto the level ground of the COFFIN proper, the half-strung and sunken architecture a strange relief after such precarious travel.
Your relief at the continuance, however, is short-lived. The familiar clop of horse hoof alerts you to another presence–and the dhampir as well. Her pupils grow sharp.
“..It’s one of them. Hide us. Me and Noelle.” Ava mutters, throwing a hood beneath her cloak up and guising her features. “If you’d like to prevent my head from falling from my shoulders, then you’ll have to cover for me. Meet them with confidence and do not hesitate to throw your noble title about, like you’re so apt to do.”

You hardly get the chance to ask her what this is about.

>Leave them in the open. You’ll use your diplomatic skills to cover for them.
>Attempt to hide them beneath your coat. You’ve got a big enough frame.
>Just stand in front of them with the berserker. You’re both big enough to easily cover the both of them.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216072
>Attempt to hide them beneath your coat. You’ve got a big enough frame.
>>
>>5216072
>Hide Ava in your cloak, since she's more obviously a monster
Hold her real close so nobody can possibly spot her.
>Use diplomacy to explain Noelle and Emilia
"This is my... Erm... Wife. And our bodyguard."
>>
>>5216072
>Attempt to hide them beneath your coat. You’ve got a big enough frame.
We are extremely wide, so if you consider their puffy clothing, they would be able to hide inside our coat. HOWEVER, Make sure that the berserker stands in the front so they won't notice it too hard.

Also, ava continues to be worst girl
>>
>>5216072
>Just stand in front of them with the berserker. You’re both big enough to easily cover the both of them.
>Do as she says and explain them away with our bluster and titles if whoever is coming spots them

I'm guessing either some sort of crusaders who hate undead and "unnatural" things, or perhaps a super strong centaurs or dullahan with a veneer of civility which explains them caring about titles and stuff like that.

Pretty funny that Ava's father's influence on her came in handy in this case. I guess our lewd dhampir can be cute when she meets someone that puts a fire in her eye.
>>
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>>5216087
Forgot the image
>>5216085
They might notice noelle is not human, no? They might have even seen her when they passed that old vendor.
>>
>>5216090
We didn't notice that she wasn't human, nor did Ava, who is a monstergirl connoisseur with superhuman senses.
>>
>>5216100
True, but ava specifically said to hide her AND Noelle. So chances are, they probably have some way to detect it.

So i'd say to just hide her to be sure since we're extra wide.
>>
>>5216105
But I want to introduce Noelle as our wife and see her reaction
>>
>>5216120
Yes, well that has about the same reaction potential as forcing her to hide under our cloak, with an added potential for alphonse's reaction because of her large "figure"
>>
>>5216072
>Attempt to hide them beneath your coat. You’ve got a big enough frame.
She's obviously just looking for an excuse to get a hug in.
>>
>>5216072
>Attempt to hide them beneath your coat. You’ve got a big enough frame.
>>
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>>5216083
>>5216085
>>5216087
>>5216089
>>5216178
>>5216180

>Attempt to hide them beneath your coat. You’ve got a big enough frame.

“Then.. fine.” You huff. You open your military jacket up. If your commandant could see you now.. “..You can hide beneath my coat. Try to keep your heads down.”
“Your stupidly big frame can prove useful, I suppose.” Ava lowers herself and attempts to worm her way beneath the thick cloth of your military jacket. “This is kind of lewd.”
“..A-ah.. yes, of course..” Noelle murmurs as she hesitantly presses in close underneath you. “Oh, wow..”

You had caught worry that two women so close to your chest might make you fluster, but they both prove so cold to the touch that it’s difficult to feel much besides uncomfortable. They shift and wriggle about beneath your coattails and you feel some hands at strange places. “What are you doing..?!” You hiss, but the berserker nudges you with a shoulder plate.
“Quit playing around. They’re here.” She grunts.

You recognize the portent–anyone would. The rhythmic clop of horse hoof, the jangle of steel and gunpowder, the black hats with arrowhead-like points. A figure atop a mare approaches from the crumbling, sinking stone building ahead–sitting tall and proud atop her noble steed, her sable noble garb trailing behind her. A choir mask guises her steely eyes. A member of the Auf Arsene, whose presence is an omen of monsters.

“..Well met.” The woman greets you from atop her black steed. “I am Millicent, of the Auf Arsene.”

>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask what the Auf Arsene are doing here.
>Ask if there’s an issue for her to stop before you.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216199
>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask what the Auf Arsene are doing here.
>>
>>5216199
>>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask if there’s an issue for her to stop before you.
>>
>>5216199
>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask what the Auf Arsene are doing here.
>>
>>5216199
>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask what the Auf Arsene are doing here.
>>
>>5216199
>>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask what the Auf Arsene are doing here.
>>
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>>5216201
>>5216206
>>5216231
>>5216244
>>5216244

>Introduce yourself and the berserker.
>Ask what the Auf Arsene are doing here.

“My name is ALPHONSE VON GUNDYR,” You bow your head and gesture toward the knight. “And this EMILIA. I’ve come here for the king’s bounty on the lich’s head.”
“My, my. A nobleman. It’s a relief to see one of your stature.” The monster hunter nods. “The sort down here tend toward boorishness, all told.”
“Yes, yes. A pleasure.” Emilia mutters.
“If you wouldn’t mind, might I ask why the Auf Arsene are here?” You raise a brow.

You’re not unfamiliar with the story. Some two hundred years ago, a famous lineage of monster hunters, the ARSENE CLAN, met its end with the first son’s sacrifice to defeat a terrible vampire queen and rid the world of her curse. In turn, a number of wolfish nobles sprung up all over the country to lay claim to the name of humanity’s savior. From there, the AUF ARSENE came about–a clan of mismatched nobles, playing pretend and claiming glory.
But in the centuries since, the progeny of those nobles have all but forgotten their vulgar roots and arisen to their titles with passion. The AUF ARSENE today are a vast, august fraternity of monster hunters that continue their family name in spirit, if not truly in blood. They speak the ARSENE name with a reverence left oft only for the divine.

“We’re here to defeat the lich, of course. We send inquisitions down every few months to try for it.” Millicent responds in hand. “We’ve no interest in money, title, nor those ugly rumors of “immortality.” We only seek to free humanity of monsters wherever they arise.”

>Attempt to pass her by now. She doesn’t seem to have much interest in you.
>Ask if there’s an issue for her to stop before you.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216263
Well, it wouldn't be normal to just pass by someone in this dark place, so we should just excuse ourselves and go
>If there's nothing you need us for, we should keep going
>>
>>5216263
>Attempt to pass her by now. She doesn’t seem to have much interest in you.
What a lovely conversation, time to go before Ava or the doll start getting gropy.
>>
>>5216263
>If there's nothing you need us for, we should keep going
>>
>>5216263
>If there's nothing you need us for, we should keep going
Just don’t look at our feet unless we can pick the girls up a little
>>
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>>5216333
like this?
should be fun.

>>5216263
If she says something about coming with us turn her down with the excuse that we are also searching for some heirloom
And our progress is too slow to keep up with monster hunter.

the heirloom can be something generic, like a gold watch with the family name.
>>
>>5216348
Sensible, re: heirloom. The matter of picking up the girls seems unnecessary -- Ava can float.

>What about Noelle?
She can cling to us with her arms and legs.
>>
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>>5216333
>>5216296
>>5216288
>>5216266

>If there's nothing you need us for, we should keep going

“I see.” You nod. You feel another cool hand on your stomach and bite your tongue. “..If there’s nothing you need, we should keep on-..”
“Actually, there was. My men and I were locked in combat with a golem but lacked the necessary firepower to kill it. We had to retreat, but some of the ground here crumbled on the way and I was forced to split from them.” She holds you up. “I wanted to know if you’d seen them around?”
“..I’d heard the clop of horse hoofs earlier on.” You recount the first split you saw–you went down the wolf’s route. “That may have been them. They were close to the shrine.”
“..I see. Thank you, then. I’ll go to meet up with them. Thank you, Von Gundyr.” Millicent smiles. As she moves to leave, stirring her horse on–she comes to a sudden halt while passing you. Her horse sticks its nose close by your coat, flashing its flat teeth and braying incessantly. You pull away from the beast. The AUF ARSENE’S lips tighten.

“..That’s curious. Ludwig can smell a monster on you.” She remarks, her eyes on you alone now. “And yet there’s no blood on your jacket nor your sword..?”

>You fight with a rifle. You’re not privy to get close to monsters, so there’d be no sign of their blood.
>You had some close encounters but escaped getting hurt.
>Flee.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216352
>You had some close encounters but escaped getting hurt.
We just had to fight a big wolfman.
>>
>>5216352
>>You had some close encounters but escaped getting hurt, as you're a marksman you fight by keeping your distance hence those monsters must try and get closer and personal to attack you. We must be smelling of them, I consider taking some time to properly hygienize myself, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
>>
>>5216352
+1 except say it in a less robotic manner
>>
>>5216372
meant for >>5216360
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>>5216352
>You had some close encounters but escaped getting hurt.

>>5216403
Emilia would birth a strong heir
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>>5216352
>>5216360
+1

>>5216410
Uuuoooooo strong lady..............
>>
>>5216403
We should convince her to take that helmet off at some point.
>>
>>5216410
>spoiler
They all would (will), but a son between Emilia and Alphonse would be a literal fucking hercules.
>>
>>5216432
Nah, it's hotter if the helmet stays on.
>>
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>>5216410
>>5216374
>>5216360
>>5216355

>You had some close encounters but escaped getting hurt, as you're a marksman you fight by keeping your distance hence those monsters must try and get closer and personal to attack you. We must be smelling of them, I consider taking some time to properly hygienize myself, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
>You had some close encounters but escaped getting hurt.

“I’m a dragoon by trade so monsters have to get close to reach me. I’ve had some close encounters, but escaped any serious injury myself–and my partner and I just engaged with a half-wolf, so that may be the cause.” You attempt to ease her suspicion. “I had no idea the smell was so strong. I’ll have to shower when I can. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”
“..I see. Well, forgive my inquiry; the people that take residence down here tend to be.. unsavory.” The hunter remarks, still seeming a mite suspect. “There’s been a growing issue with illicit monster organ sales on the surface. They tend to source their substances from down here. So, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to check for something before I go on my way. It should prove no real issue for a man of your caliber.”

“..What is it?” You watch as gently removes a small glass bottle from her bandolier–inside is a clear, pale liquid. She removes the stopper.
“Just a flask of holy water. Allow me to pour this atop you.” She stares you down. “It should rid you of the monster smell, dissolve any monster organs you have on you if you do.. and prove the veracity of your claims.”

>Allow her to pour it on you.
>Deny her suspicions. You have a feeling your inhuman partners may not take well to holy water.
>Flee.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216446
Yes, but it's better if alphonse accidentally makes her all flustered by seeing how she looks under the helmet without actually realizing he's done anything.

Alphonse is accidental smooth.
>>
>>5216455
Hmm, can we get the girls to move to our back? If they hide in our back, our MIGHTY CHEST will protect them from the rain.
>>
>>5216455
"Fine, I will do it myself."
Slight of hand to pour most of it on hair and abbs/floor behind you?
worst case scenario, its really obvious what we are doing.

if everything goes to shit we can say we were starving and ate a monster, thats the reason of the smell.
maybe worst than confesing but we have that option.
>>
>>5216455
>"No, thank you. The deathly cold of this crypt is already testing me and I'm not trying to catch hypothermia"
>Turn our nose up and scoff "Besides, It would be improper for a lady such as yourself to assist in bathing me, the right to do so is reserved only for my wife."
>>
>>5216512
Support. How dare this ruffian insult us so?! Who does she think she is? Does she know who WE are?

Karen it up.

>>5216455
>>
>>5216455
I was gonna
>Drink Holy water
but the I saw >>5216512 and I knew that I had to support him, that write in was too good to pass up. Millicent waifu when?
>>
>>5216512
There's no way I can't support this
>>
>>5216455
>Deny her suspicions. You have a feeling your inhuman partners may not take well to holy water.

our clothes are too nice to have water poured on them

also your arsene hero was a dirty monsterfucker
>>
>>5216512
+1
>>
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>>5216589
>>5216580
>>5216537
>>5216529
>>5216512
>>5216498
>>5216461
>>5216607

>"No, thank you. The deathly cold of this crypt is already testing me and I'm not trying to catch hypothermia"
>Turn our nose up and scoff "Besides, It would be improper for a lady such as yourself to assist in bathing me, the right to do so is reserved only for my wife."

“..No, thank you. The deathly cold of this crypt is already testing me and I'm not trying to catch hypothermia.” You turn your nose up and scoff. “.. And it would be improper for a lady such as yourself to assist in bathing me. That right is only for my wife.”
“...” Millicent glares at you, the choir mask’s eyes narrow slats. She gently restops the flask. “..Very well. I’ll assume my mare has made a mistake. And I do have you to thank for directions. I’ll be on my way to meet my comrades now–but I’m sure we’ll meet each other again further down. And I’d hope, for your own sake, that you rid yourself of that horrible smell when that time comes.”
Your haughty noble “act” seems to convince her well enough. The AUF ARSENE leads her horse away and the gentle, rhythmic clops of the steed fall quiet in the distance. You release a quiet sigh of relief before you nearly choke as the two beneath your coat worm their way out.

“..Gah!” The dhampir gasps for breath. “..Was hot down there..”
The doll looks dazed, face flushed. You suppose it may have been a bit much for her.
“Well, you did well for yourself. Those AUF ARSENE are usually like dogs–when they pick up a scent, they bite down and don’t let go. It’s good that she was alone.” Ava sighs, patting you on the back. “..And I suppose you came off as a bit too pompous for her to consider worth her time, so she just left. If only I had done the same..”
“Right, then. You done?” The berserker scowls. “We’ve lost enough time as is.”
“Yes, yes. I know.” The dhampir rolls her eyes. “Maybe I should’ve just crawled into that oversized suit of armor along with you.”

Your walk continues forward from there–you note that the half-shattered, twisted grey architecture has begun to thin out around you. “We’ve begun to reach the end of the COFFIN, the GIANT’S LID.” The dhampir glances back. “From here, the half-sunken buildings will begin to crumble into nothing. We’ll have to walk a lengthy narrow route. This is the most dangerous part of the block–all too easy to step on one wrong stone and fall to your death, resurrecting back at the shrine and losing all your progress.”
“..Right. Let’s hurry up.” The berserker gasps. You glance over to her. She seems rather ragged–her breath is short and weak, her shoulders trembling beneath their plates.

>Stop the group here. Take a brief break before you finish up.
>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is.
>Press on. You’re close enough to the next shrine for a proper break, anyways.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216617
>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is
>>
>>5216617
>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is
>>
>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is.
I'm going to guess that she's tired from her RAGE.
>>
>>5216617
>>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is.
>>
>>5216617
>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is.
I’m guessing the Berserker’s short lifespan is getting to her which is why she’s here in the first place
>>
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>>5216633
>>5216630
>>5216629
>>5216622
>>5216642

>Walk alongside her and keep your voice low. Ask her what the matter is.

You halter your pace behind the dhampir and allow the doll to continue ahead. You lower your voice as you speak to the berserker–you doubt her pride would much appreciate a public display. “..Is something the matter?” You ask. “You look exhausted. You need to speak up when it comes to things like this.”
“I’m fine–” Emilia brusquely begins, but her foot catches the ground at a strange angle and she stumbles. She grounds her foot into the stone below and steadies herself with a sharp gasp. The dhampir and doll up further ahead look back at the sudden noise.

“Everything alright back there?” Ava glances at you.
“..We’re fine. The berserker and I are merely discussing matters.” You respond back. The dhampir shrugs as she continues forward.
“..It’s.. my armor.” Emilia mutters, her face notably flustered beneath the helmet. She rolls her shoulder back several times. “It’s made to be heavier than what a normal human can manage. It’s torture to wear when not berserk. I’m-.. not used to walks this long.”

>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
>Ask Ava to stop. You can take a break here and rest.
>Ask if she can press forward for just a little longer.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216652
>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
wanna see that face
>>
>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
Tell her that it won't matter if she wears the armor if she fucking collapses
>>
>>5216652
>>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
>>
>>5216652
>>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
>>
>>5216652
>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
Her passing out just means we gotta carry her and lose two bodies in combat
>>
>>5216662
>>5216728
Supporting.

>>5216652
>>
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>>5216733
>>5216728
>>5216700
>>5216683
>>5216662
>>5216659

>Ask her to just remove it. You see no need for that much right now, with the brunt of the monsters behind you.
>Tell her that it won't matter if she wears the armor if she fucking collapses
>Her passing out just means we gotta carry her and lose two bodies in combat

“Then just remove it.” You insist, our arms folded. “A suit of armor’s not of much use if it breaks your back. Your exhaustion will just mean that we have to carry you and we’ll lose two bodies in combat.”
“I–.. I can’t.” Emilia breathes, her voice quiet. The knight places a hand on a shoulder plate and wrenches forward–deep red striations curl up around the iron plate as it rattles in place. “It’s cursebound. We berserkers are meant to die in these tin cans. We’d need an adept mage to decipher and break the curse. So, unless you know any magic tricks, I’m stuck in here.”
“..Well, at least take a break.” You insist.
“I’ll be fine. We’re close enough to the next block that it doesn’t matter. I won’t be a burden.” The berserker insists, her pride more able than her body. She begins to walk forward again. I’ve worn this armor for the last 15 years. An hour or two more won’t make any more of a difference.”

>Let her go. You’ll just rely on her ability to carry forward.
>Demand that your guide halt. You won’t risk such a major liability when you’re so close.
>Write-In.
>>
>Demand that your guide halt. You won’t risk such a major liability when you’re so close.
We've explicitly been told that a single wrong step and she would fall to her death.
>>
>>5216768
>>Write-In.
Call Ava, ask her if two things first one is to slow down a bit since our tank/berserker is tired and second ask her in private if she knows any way to undo her cursebound. She lived for centuries maybe she picked up or know a thing or two.
>>
>>5216792
+1
>>
>>5216792
+1
>>
>>5216768
>Demand that your guide halt. You won’t risk such a major liability when you’re so close.
>While we rest, speak privately with Ava; ask if she knows any way to undo her cursebound. She lived for centuries maybe she picked up or know a thing or two.
>>
>>5216768
>Demand that your guide halt. You won’t risk such a major liability when you’re so close.

why risk ruining the last 15 years of work when you could rest for an hour or two
>>
>>5216768
>Demand that your guide halt. You won’t risk such a major liability when you’re so close.
This is a bad spot to rest, but we might not have a choice.
>>
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>>5216886
>>5216858
>>5216847
>>5216804
>>5216792
>>5216778
>>5216917

>Demand that your guide halt. You won’t risk such a major liability when you’re so close.
>While we rest, speak privately with Ava; ask if she knows any way to undo her cursebound. She lived for centuries maybe she picked up or know a thing or two.
>Call Ava, ask her if two things first one is to slow down a bit since our tank/berserker is tired and second ask her in private if she knows any way to undo her cursebound. She lived for centuries maybe she picked up or know a thing or two.

You jog ahead of the well-worn knight, up to the side of the half-human. “..Think you can slow down? Our tank has begun to lag considerably far behind. She’s spent with the weight of that armor.” You ask.
The dhampir glances back. “..Mmm. Well, I’ve cut my pace enough already with you lot behind me. If I were to slow any more, we’d be stuck in place. We might as well take a moment to rest for her.”
You manage to ease back into a slow halt along the side of the path, a stone plateau that seems stable. You set your hot plate and rations up along the flat top in spite of the berserker’s protests, but her complaints die down in her throat as you begin to warm the food. She eases into a sit some distance from the rest of you.

“..Ava.” You warm your hands before the gas heater. “Are you familiar with any way to undo the curse on a berserker’s armor? Picked up anything in the last two centuries? She’s under quite the strain beneath it. It’ll only damper her efficiency as a tank.”
“Well, magic isn’t my speciality.” The dhampir shrugs, halfway done with a chocolate biscuit. “I know a handful of telekinetic tricks, nothing more. A curse is a complex magic–like a lock of sorts, with all manner of tumblers and cylinders. You’d need an able sorcerer. But if it eases your discomfort, cursebound armor–even hers–isn’t an impossible curse to break. Just a challenge.”

“Mmm. It’s unfortunate that magic users are so rare here, though..” The doll murmurs. “I saw so few pass through while up in the shrine, but.. that iron mask prisoner was a magical sort, wasn’t she..?”

You look to your tank. She’s taken up a spot some distance from you three, where she digs greedily into her portion of food. While you brought her onto your party, you’ve hardly had the chance to speak to her. If you’re to work in a team, it might do you well to build more proper rapport.

>Ask the Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that.
>Ask the Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
>Ask what she plans to do if she does attain immortality.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5216940
>Ask the Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that.
If we ask about her directly, she might not answer. First we should connect, then we can ask about her.
>>
>>5216940
>Ask the Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that.
>>
>>5216940
>Ask the Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
>>
>>5216940
>>Ask the Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that
>>
>>5216940
>Ask the Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that.
>Ask the Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
>>
>>5216940
>>Ask what she plans to do if she does attain immortality.
she could ask the lich to break her curse, yet she chooses inmortality?
Why?
why fight forever when she can escape that fate?
>>
>>5216940
>Ask the Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that.
>>
>>5217554
Breaking the curse wouldn't fix her short lifepan
>>
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>>5217659
>>5217554
>>5217385
>>5217157
>>5216991
>>5216984
>>5216945

>Ask Emilia about her time in the army. You can connect over that.

You break from the rest of your party and approach the lone knight. You may not be the best at conversation, but you can still manage some chit-chat.
The knight greets your approach with a silent half glance over her shoulder.
“Emilia.” You acknowledge her. “..How goes it?”
“Why are you here?” Emilia glares you down, halfway done with a second bowl of pork.
“Well, I thought I might eat with you.” You offer her. “I don’t want to intrude. Just thought to ask you about your time in the army. And the lot over there are unfamiliar with human matters like this.”

The berserker remains quiet, eyeing you with suspicion, before opening her mouth. “..I shipped off when I was 16 because my brother got sent home in a box. Thought I might do his memory well. They figured my build a good fit for the berserkers, so they sent me to be trained and locked me in this suit. Then I fought for a year with the CROW LEGION of the BERSERKER REGIMENT.”
“The crow legion?” You echo.
“The last generation of berserkers. Named so because they only sent us in after the fight was all done–our job was to pick at the leftovers.” She responds bitterly. “Then they had us shipped back, stuck in our suits and blood still fresh on our blades. But our kind aren’t built to survive after war’s end. My unit all died, one by one. And I came here to escape that.”

>Ask if she was fond of her time in the army.
>Ask Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
>Ask what she plans to do after she attains immortality.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5217705
>Ask Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
NOW we ask about her.
>>
>>5217705
>>Ask Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
>>
>>5217705
>Ask Emilia about herself
>Tell her a bit about yourself, too, because you are a very interesting fellow
>>
>>5217705
>Ask Emilia about herself. You still hardly know anything about her.
>Tell her a bit about yourself too
>>
>>5217705
Supporting >>5217760
>>
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>>5217764
>>5217760
>>5217752
>>5217707
>>5217765

>Ask Emilia about herself
>Tell her a bit about yourself, too, because you are a very interesting fellow

“And what about your time out of the military?” You ask.
“I became a sellsword after the war to make money. And now I slay monsters in this dungeon so that I might drag my miserable life out just a little more.” Emilia responds, her voice dull. “What do you think?”

“Well, you surely had interests before all that?” You insist upon her. “I, myself, collect action serials. They’re great reads–dense enough to provoke interest, but light enough to enjoy before bed. And they’re written to enjoy for all ages, not just children. Like The Picaresque Adventures of Jack Knife. That’s literature. To tell the truth, those sorts of stories were the ones to prompt my military career.”

“I.. I like to paint. I wanted to be an artist when I was a girl. To illustrate for children’s books.” Emilia mutters in a quiet voice, her face a dash pink. But frustration begins to creep into her tone. “But now I’m stuck down here. What do you want me to say? Why are you even asking me this?”

>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>Let her be. She’s clearly begun to grow upset.
>Ask if she was even fond of her time in the army. For someone who claims to seek immortality to kill better, she doesn’t sound like it.
>Ask again what she plans to do after she attains immortality.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5217780
>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>Ask again what she plans to do after she attains immortality.
>>
>>5217780
>>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>>Write-in
>So you're an artist and a illustrator Emilia? If you won't mind I would love to see one of your works someday, maybe I could even show a few of my favorite action serials as well.
>>
>>5217791
>I could even show a few of my favorite action serials as well.
I meant: I could even show you a few of my favorite action serials as well.
>>
>>5217780
>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>Ask her to show you one of her drawings one day
>>
>>5217780
>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>>
>>5217780
>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>Ask her to show you one of her drawings one day
>Show her your favorite action serial, if you have it on you, which OF COURSE you do

Huge beefy nerds bonding over /co/ shit. I love it.
>>
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>>5217782
>>5217791
>>5217797
>>5217875
>>5217913

>Reassure her that you just wanted to know more about her.
>Ask her to show you one of her drawings one day
>Show her your favorite action serial, if you have it on you, which OF COURSE you do

“I meant no offense. Just thought we ought to know more about each other if we’re to work together.” You attempt to reassure her. “Would you mind to show me one of your works when we return to the surface?”
“I haven’t drawn in years. When your life runs so short, such frivolity falls by the wayside." Her voice grows weary. “I left that all far behind me.”

“Well.. I brought mine.” You scoff with pride. You root through your rucksack–from it, you pull a small, pulpy magazine, still kept well in spite of its age. Not the crown jewel of your collection, but an old favorite–one that might withstand the wear of combat. You’ve brought it out to the battlefield before for good luck. “Take a look. The Blackguard Wolf Knight of Wirt, vol. 2, #6. With all the illustrations intact.”
Emilia stares, her mouth agape. “You brought a children’s book to the CATACOMBS?”
“It is not a children’s book. It’s for all ages!” You snap back. “And it’s a serious work of literature. It deals with a half-monster mercenary’s adventures on the battlefield. It wrestles with all sorts of existential and horror themes, and the artwork masterfully and tastefully depicts the fights with such excellent linework that truly–”

The berserker, rather rudely, cuts off your spiel with laughter. You grow hot in the face.
“..I’m sorry,” She wipes a tear from her cheek. You’ve never heard her laughter before. “I.. don’t mean to insult your interests. But.. you don’t look the sort. You come off as your average blue blood with a stick up the ass. To bring a magazine like that down here..”
“Well, you hardly look like a children’s book illustrator, either.” You shoot back.

“I suppose I don’t.” The berserker smiles weakly. She lowers her head. “..I.. I want to return to the surface. I miss it. I-I don’t even want to be immortal all that much–I just want to prolong my death, just for a little while more. I want to see the sun again..”

>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>Ask again what she plans to do after she attains immortality.
>Ask if she truly wants to keep fighting after her return to the surface like she claims.
>Write-In.
>>
>Ask if she truly wants to keep fighting after her return to the surface like she claims.
>>
>>5217952
>Ask if she truly wants to keep fighting after her return to the surface like she claims.
>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>>
>>5217952
>>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>>
>>5217952
>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>>
>>5217952
>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>>
>>5217952
>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>Everyone deserves a chance at a long, and happy life.
>>
>>5217952
>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>>
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>>5217960
>>5217965
>>5217975
>>5217977
>>5217986
>>5218021
>>5218063

>Ask if she truly wants to keep fighting after her return to the surface like she claims.
>Reassure her that you’ll help her. You’ll find a way to unbind her armor and prolong her life, somehow.
>Everyone deserves a chance at a long, and happy life.

“Did you not mention you sought immortality to berserk again, an unstoppable soldier?” You ask. “Was that really true? Because I can’t say it very much sounds like it.”
“I thought it might ward you off. But it did not.” Emilia lowers her voice. “..I.. don’t want to fight anymore. I know it’s pathetic for one of my stature to run, but.. it’s all so tiresome–wearing this armor, swinging this sword. I want to find somewhere nice, and quiet, and sunny.. I want to go home. I-I want to paint again.”
“..I see.” You grimace.
“And now I’m stuck wandering an endless battlefield, lugging this armor around, cutting down monsters indiscriminate, just like always.” She laughs bitterly. “I came here for the chance to find solace and peace, and now I have to fight to live, just like before. Isn’t it like a cruel joke?”

“Well, I believe that everyone deserves a chance at a long and happy life.” You kneel by her. Your pride as a noble won’t let you abide by this sort of injustice. “I’ll work with you as best I can–find some way to unbind that armor and prolong your life outside of this dungeon. You have it on my family name as a VON GUNDYR. I will help you.”
“What?” Emilia stares. A long moment passes and she averts her helm from your gaze, her face a shade more pink than prior. “I.. I will believe it when I see it.”

>Write-In.
>>
>>5218087
Hmm, not sure what we're supposed to do.

If that's it, then we can go talk to noelle and see if she's alright, since we haven't talked to her ever since we hid her under our cloak.
>>
>>5218087
She might have to wait a little while, every soldier deserves to be able to set the sword aside and live out their days. If nothing else getting that armor off should be very possible.
>>
>>5218087
>go talk to Noelle and see if she's alright, since we haven't talked to her ever since we hid her under our cloak
>Then, if everyone is rested enough, let's carry on
>>
>>5218087
>Go check on Noelle
I'd say we got through to her pretty well, probably in 2nd place after Noelle (Ava is hard to get a read on)
>>
>>5218087
>Start studying curse magic right now, you'll disenchant it yourself
>>
>>5218087
HEAD PAT THE BERSERKER!!!
>>
>>5218087
>go talk to Noelle and see if she's alright, since we haven't talked to her ever since we hid her under our cloak
>Then, if everyone is rested enough, let's carry on
>>
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>>5218353
>>5218272
>>5218222
>>5218189
>>5218144
>>5218102
>>5218092

>go talk to Noelle and see if she's alright, since we haven't talked to her ever since we hid her under our cloak
>Then, if everyone is rested enough, let's carry on

“I will do my best, then.” You grant the berserker.

You break from her to give her some space, returning to the party proper. You seem to be pledging all sorts of promises: hair for the doll, freedom for the berserker.. You sigh in exhaustion. You don’t suppose it’ll be long now before you hear out even the dhampir’s hopes and dreams. Your pride proves troublesome.
“Von Gundyr.” The doll gently curtsies upon your approach. You haven’t had a proper exchange in a short while. “How do you fare?”
“It’s a troublesome situation I’ve found myself in, to tell the truth.” You mutter, rolling a shoulder back. “..I’ve got to figure out a way to break the armor’s curse. I suppose I might be able to find some magic user down here, but to earn their aid could prove a whole nother matter–I can only hope they accept payment in coin. And then, I’ll have to figure out how to prolong life besides immortality..”
“Mmm. Well, those sound more like her troubles to me.” The doll tilts her head, a faint smile on her lips. “And yet you sound so taken by them. You.. truly are kind, Von Gundyr.”

“ What? If she’s to lend me her strength, I need to help tend to her problems. Any noble worth their name would help a comrade-in-arms. Don’t make it strange.” You huff, turning away from the doll. “We need to depart. Let’s go.”

You break from your hasty camp and continue along the crumbling pathway–the half sinking structures around you dissipate, eaten up by the black miasma, and before long your group walks in a single file line along a long stone road that hangs in the black chasm. Each and every step is controlled and composed–the very ground beneath you quakes and crumbles with each footfall. You note that the berserker sticks a bit closer to the party than usual.
“Hmmm.. road’s split. Looks like the route’s shifted a bit since I last came.” The dhampir glances back from the lead. You peer over her shoulder. The road splits in twane, and both ends lead into the murky black ahead–one is marked up with blades that stick from the ground, and the other with crosses.

“Your guess is as good as mine. But by my measure, both should lead to the COFFIN’S end.” The dhampir glances back at you.

>Follow the blade route.
>Follow the cross route.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the blade route.
unlimited boneworks
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the cross route
Maybe we can find a dark priestess able to lift a curse, or at least to donate some hair.
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the cross route.
>>
>>5218439
>>Follow the cross route.
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the cross route.
time to get cruciformed
>>
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also, quick emilia
>>
>>5218493
that woman is a brick house.
>>
>>5218493
STRONG. HEIRS.
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the blade route.
>>
>>5218493
Now there's a woman who can handle our IMPRESSIVE LINIEAGE.
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the blade route.

Facing monster hunters might not be good for us.
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the blade route.
>>
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hairy noelle
>>
>>5219354
How cute
>>
>>5219354
happi girl
child bearing hips
>>
>>5218439
>Follow the blade route.

>>5219360
It'd be like that scene from Robots where they build the baby bot
>>
>>5219360
I've been wondering, does she even have the "parts" considering her nature?
>>
>>5219366
Well she did stole organs from a lot of people at her father's order. There's always the chance she, especially considering he was planning to turn her from daughter to wife.
>>
>>5218439
>>Follow the cross route.
>>
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>>5219362
>>5218931
>>5218610
>>5218540
>>5218447
>>5218445
>>5218444
>>5218442

>Follow the blade route.

“We’ll cross by the path of blades, then.” You take a shaky step along the precipice of the stone and sword. “I’m not in want of a cruciform in the back.”
“Yes, well.. I can’t say I hope to see any familiar faces, either.” The dhampir glances back over her shoulder. “Let’s hurry.”

You press forward down the route in quiet. Your journey, like the past hour, continues with shaky half-steps along a thin stone bridge in the chasm. Your only guard rails are the blades that mark up its length. As you press forward, the swords that lock the route down only grow in density; at some points you have to keep a careful eye on your coat, lest you earn a trip back out to the tailor when you return to the surface.

As the blades sprout up like grass all around you, some still fresh with warm blood, your guard comes to a silent halt. You look past her shoulder to see your final obstruction.

A woman hangs loose from blades that crisscross the path, and countless more stick out from her at all ends. Her pale white dress, that of a chorister for the CORPUS CHURCH, is stained a deep red. And yet she still breathes gently. An undead, perhaps..? No. Her flesh seems too warm, too pink.

She raises her head to face you, still silent, and rests a hand on a sword that terminates out from her chest.

>Declare that you’re not willing to fight. Try to reason with the chorister.
>Pull Ava aside and handle it yourself.
>Step aside and allow Ava to take care of the matter.
>Step aside and allow Noelle to take care of the matter.
>Step aside and allow Emilia to take care of the matter.
>Write-In.
>>
>Pull Ava aside and handle it yourself.
Yeah, she seems like a fucking psycho

If i'm gonna be honest, i also want to keep alphonse's 'harem' to be minimal. Quality of over quantity - instead of 10 girls he charmed in one minute, it's like 3-4 that he took the whole game to turn into his wives
>>
>>5219378
>Pull Ava aside and handle it yourself
>At least try diplomacy, though
Can a Chorister help with a curse? If we can get her on-side, even temporarily, we could help out our Berserker buddy.
>>
>>5219378
>Ask if she's ok, she looks a little bit impaled
>>
>>5219461
As good a start to diplomacy as any. Add that to >>5219421 (my vote)

>>5219386
Also, agreed, I can't imagine adding more than one more girl to our harem, tops.
>>
>>5219378
>Write-In.
Rush up to her and pull the sword out of her.
>>
>>5219489
...Why??
>>
>>5219378
>Pull Ava aside and handle it yourself.
i'm not sure if she can still be helped, but we can ask first, then shoot.
>>
>>5219489
um anon what if it's holding her blood in
she could die of blood loss
think
>>
>>5219552
I guess she'd resurrect but, still: why?
>>
>>5219378
>Declare that you’re not willing to fight. Try to reason with the chorister.
>Step aside and allow Ava to take care of the matter.

This is Haremvania lads, getting the girls is in the name.

Just have her relegated as a reoccurring side-character, and if the group splits for some reason we can develop her some more, that fair?
>>
>>5219584
We have 3 girls already, so it's a harem. Alphonse is more of an tough headed guy, so he doesn't use Jeff's style

Having 3, maybe 4 girls alone means we can develop them more.
>>
>>5219378
>Declare that you’re not willing to fight. Try to reason with the chorister.
>>
>>5219378
>Pull Ava aside and handle it yourself
>At least try diplomacy, though
>>
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>>5219799
>>5219584
>>5219535
>>5219489
>>5219471
>>5219461
>>5219421
>>5219814

>Pull Ava aside and handle it yourself.
>Declare that you’re not willing to fight. Try to reason with the chorister.
>Ask if she's ok, she looks a little bit impaled

You step ahead of the dhampir, a hand on your flamberge. Her head follows your movement with dull lethargy. “You there. Are you quite alright?” You maintain your distance. “You look rather.. impaled.”
“..They are not wounds.” The one ahead murmurs, her voice whispery and ragged. “They are sheaths.”

With that, her body creaks to life. She moves like an automaton, arms snapping forward and torso renting itself from the blades that jut from her form. Both hands reach for the swords criss crossing her shoulder blades like wings, tearing them free. You take an unconscious step back along the stone bridge–in spite of the mess of blades that hang from her body, none of the blood seems to seep from her.

The chorister collapses to the ground and slowly rises, some swords still speared through her torso, as if dragged upward by invisible strings. Her arms hang limp at her side, steel in hand.
“We don’t intend to fight you,” Your declare, words at odds with your actions as you keep a grip on your blade’s hilt. “We merely mean to cross.”

“..Before Father Wilhelm left the CATACOMBS, he instructed me to cut down any who sought to go deeper than this.” The chorister breathes. “If you intend to cross, you intend to die.”

“..She’s another CORPUS CHURCH experiment. Like the boy back at the shrine–another product of humanity’s attempts at immortality.” The dhampir commiserates behind you. “No. 9.”

>Manage the fight yourself.
>Step aside and allow Ava to take care of the matter. She must’ve defeated her before to cross.
>Step aside and allow Noelle to take care of the matter.
>Step aside and allow Emilia to take care of the matter. You struggle to see how a berserker could fall to one so small.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5219830
>Manage the fight yourself.
We have a gun. Shoot her.
>>
>>5219830
>>Write-In.
Let Ada take the lead on this one, if she she knows about that thing then she must have an idea about how to organize our team to fight against her.
>>
>>5219830
>Step aside and allow Ava to take care of the matter. She must’ve defeated her before to cross.

Ava is the one of us all least affected by wounds, even if she's squishier than Emilia. She also seems to have experience with this one.
>>
>>5219830
>Step aside and allow Ava to take care of the matter. She must’ve defeated her before to cross.
>>
>>5219836
Supporting.

>>5219830
>Let Ava take the lead
>Supply back-up with the rest of the harem
>>
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>>5219965
>>5219893
>>5219877
>>5219836
>>5219833

>Let Ava take the lead
>Supply back-up with the rest of the harem

“Then.. if you would.” You glance back at the dhampir.
“Oh, my. Is the big noble scared?” She stifles laughter. Your face grows hot. “No, no. I understand, of course..”
“It just makes the most sense. You’re the most familiar with this route, are you not?” You snap back. “Or should I have found another guide?”

“No. I can’t argue against that.” Lady Ava unsheaths her second rapier with a flourish. It flows gently along past her cloak. She bows her head. “Then.. please, allow me to put you to rest again, No. 9.”
The sword sheath chorister remains silent as she raises both blades. “Is there nothing we can do to help, Lady Ava..?” The doll murmurs from out behind you.
“If any more try to fight her on a route like this, we’ll both just get in the way.” Ava returns. “She’ll only skewer me as a bat or a wolf. Just stay behind me.”

And with that, the chorister leaps forward with mind boggling speed, the swords run through her clashing against one another in a jangle of steel. In a flash of sparks she twirls like a whirlwind in the dhampir’s direction. Your guide, for her part, meets her opponent well–near each and every blow is parried with a clang of steel, and if not, dodged. But the chorister’s movement is strange–stilted and crooked, her swordsmanship unlike any you've seen before. She twists her torso and limbs so that even the blades that still find home in her body pose a threat, a sickly kind of dance that threatens to decapitate your guide with each stray dip and spin.

The dhampir takes a few shaky steps back beneath the maelstrom. Both her rapiers course through the air like ribbons to match the onslaught. In spite of her clear skill, you doubt that she’s much one for such face-to-face confrontations, and there’s no running and hiding here–only matching her.

>Attempt to take a shot on the sword chorister from here.
>Allow Ava to engage with it alone.
>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.
>Join Ava in the fight despite her warnings.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5220028
Yay, just caught up with it. Literally the minute the update drops.

>Allow Ava to engage with it alone

She’s done this before. Considering how intense the battle is, letting out a damn gunshot and startling her into making a mistake is a bad idea. I have a feeling it won’t be that easy either.
>>
>>5220028
>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.
Seems like the most reasonable answer
>>
>>5220028
>>Allow Ava to engage with it alone
Let's intervene only if things go south.
>>
>>5220028
>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.

WOMBO COMBO
>>
>>5220028
>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.
>>
>>5220028
>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.
>Have Emillia take over on this side.
>Attempt to take a shot on the sword chorister from here. Be patient.
>>
>>5220028
>>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.
this but send Emilia, she should be able to out-reach it with the greatsword and her armor should be pretty blade-proof also
>>
>>5220028
>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.
Battlebros with our bat-babe.
>>
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>>5220032
>>5220038
>>5220055
>>5220057
>>5220087
>>5220099
>>5220100

>Ask Ava if she turn into a bat and fly around the length of the chasm, to the other side of the sword chorister. You’ll sandwich her.

“Ava! Can you get to her other side?” You shout over the din of steel and sparks.

Ava greets your request with a slight glance back. With a flourish, she crosses her scarlet rapier and her black rapier over one another and kicks forward. The brunt force of her wall of steel is enough to push the sword chorister back and afford the dhampir just a brief moment of reprieve from the onslaught.

With it, her hair curls back into ears and her cape twists up along her body into like quicksilver. The pale bat, red rapier at its side, soars out over the side of the stone bridge and over the length of the black chasm. You take a hesitant step back now that no dhampir stands before you and the swordswoman.

But the sword chorister, unlike the halfwolf, seems single minded in her intent to kill–she’s turned her back on you now as she rips swords from the ground around her and hurdles them at her now airborne opponent. You begin to walk, twisting flamberge in hand. Even with her back on you, you’re unsure of how to approach this–the lion’s mane of blades that stick out from her back make her seem on guard from all ends.

>Take a swing at her now. Make sure she can’t strike down Ava while she’s mid-air.
>Wait for Ava to arrive at the other end and then engage in combat.
>Ask Emilia to go for a swing with your great sword in your place.
>Ask Noelle to go for a backstab in your place.
>Write-In.
>>
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Also, I've gotten suddenly pretty busy for the next few days so I might not update too much until Saturday. Until then you can post some quest drawing requests I can stockpile for later.
>>
>>5220365
>>Wait for Ava to arrive at the other end and then engage in combat.
>>
>>5220368
Requesting the girls in swimsuits.
>>
>>5220368
requesting the girls giving alphonse a big hug

that's it, a big hug
all of them, at once
>>
>>5220365
That's a trap, by the way. The Chorister only kills those who try to pass the bridge. The moment we step on the bridge she'll skewer us.

Either we shoot her or we wait until ava gets there to go and decapitate the chorister.
>>
>>5220365
>Wait for Ava to arrive at the other end and then engage in combat.
Bad idea to rush in with our bad knee versus a wall of sharp things
>>5220368
Either the cover of one of our action serials or a good ol outfit swap Alfonse may or may not be included
>>
>>5220365
>Take a swing at her now. Make sure she can’t strike down Ava while she’s mid-air.

>>5220368
Alfonse reading his action serial, Noelle brushing her longer hair, Emilia illustrating her passion, and Ava drawing something raunchy with Alfonse and writing some smut.

Also a full-size comparison of the people/beings we met along the way.
>>
>>5220437
Oh yeah, that makes sense. Ava is already good at dodging. In bat mode, I don’t think we have to worry about her getting swatted out of the air.
>>
>>5220365
Shoot her legs.
>>
>>5220365
>Take a swing at her now. Make sure she can’t strike down Ava while she’s mid-air.

CHIVALRY OR DEATH.
>>
>>5220365
>Take a swing at her now. Make sure she can’t strike down Ava while she’s mid-air.

Wish we had greatsword range
>>
>>5220365
>Ask Emilia to go for a swing with your great sword in your place.
I think brute force will do more, as sad as it is Noelle doesnt get her chance to shine.
>>
>>5220716
As I see it, she serves well as a close-at-hand bodyguard, underestimated and with a close-quarters weapon. She seems to have embraced it, too.
>>
>>5220365
>Take a swing at her now. Make sure she can’t strike down Ava while she’s mid-air.
>>
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>>5220931
>>5220716
>>5220529
>>5220443
>>5220439
>>5220438
>>5220390
>>5220437

>Take a swing at her now. Make sure she can’t strike down Ava while she’s mid-air.

You decide to draw some attention from the dhampir. You take a few unsure steps forward along down the path, the flamberge in hand. It's a great deal more amenable to your frame than your greatsword, but you’ve not had the chance to put it to use since you first got it–the grip and shape of the blade is strange, unlike any you’ve held before.
You inch closer and closer, the black blade in hand.. but before even before you get the chance to swing, the sword chorister’s head snaps back toward you with a crack. Her attention drawn all at once from your dhampir to you, she raises both blades with a flash of steel against steel as they clang against the brands that hang from her torso.

In an instant, she twists her arms and torso back for another death dance.

>Jump backward.
>Dodge under.
>Attempt to parry her.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5221477
Hmm, she's very fast, so parrying might not be wise. Dodging is even worse, since we have a wounded knee. Jumping backwards might work.

It's either jump or parry. Since flamberges are made to be worse to parry (for the enemy), i'm going to go with parry. Ava should be able to strike, right?
>Attempt to parry her.
>>
>>5221477
>Attempt to parry her.
>>
>>5221477
>Parry
>>
>>5221477
Swing the sword to break one of her blades.
>>
>>5221477
>Jump backwards

Uhh parrying seems kinda bad. Remember the part where she spins like a porcupine and attacks with stationary blades that are sheathed in her body? If we parry, we're gonna catch the first sword and then get impaled by six more.
>>
>>5221794
We'll have an harder time jumping because of our bad knee.

That's the problem with Alphonse. His movement is severely damaged because of his bad knee.
>>
>>5221477
>Attempt to parry her.
Do a perfect parry then reposte for double damage.
>>
>>5221993
Right, I forgot about that part. I still think parrying is dangerous, but in this case, probably just as risky as jumping.
>>
>>5222047
Yes, well, like i said before, at least flamberges are supposed to counter parrying.
>>
>>5221477
>Jump backward.

She's distracted from Ava, mission accomplished
>>
>>5221477
>Attempt to parry her.
You guys better roll good
>>
>>5222119
>>5222017
>>5221570
>>5221554
>>5221540

>Attempt to parry her.

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5222268
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5222268
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5222268
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5222268
>bo3
wtf we can't roll until we get a 20 anymore
>>
>>5222276
>>5222294
SHEEEEEEESH
>>
>>5222310
Our best was 15, though?
>>
>>5222428
Not bad, really.
>>
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>>5222273

>Rolled 15 (1d20)
>Attempt to parry her.

You don’t have time to hesitate; you draw your sword up to match her fusillade. The curved black steel meets the stained edge of one with a spark of light, but she curls her body up along past your attack with another in an instant’s notice. You draw your sword back with an involuntary step, but her strike meets true and catches your left shoulder. You take another few steps back.
“Von Gundyr..?!” The doll asks, but you wave her back. You place a hand on the shoulder–a shallow cut, but still..
Your struggle, however, is not without merit: out behind the sword chorister, the bat makes headway and lands, and white fur furls upward into a mane of silvery blonde hair, a scarlet rapier in hand. She draws the full attention of the sword chorister yet again as she engages in another trade of steel.

“Von Gundyr.” The dhampir speaks loudly and declaratively over the din of blades. “We can’t kill her in any way that matters. Go for her legs and arms. Hinder her movement.”

You take some steps forward. The sword chorister attacks her relentlessly, but she seems keenly aware of your presence behind her with an occasional glance back. It seems she feels you aren’t as much of a threat to her provenance as the dhampir is.

>Try for an attack on her legs from here.
>Attempt to draw the chorister’s attention and let the dhampir hinder her movement.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5223048
>Try for an attack on her legs from here.
We're not as nearly as agile as ava, but we're pretty strong. Let's try to chop off her legs.
>>
>>5223048
>Attempt to draw the chorister’s attention and let the dhampir hinder her movement.

Alfonse is not agile, lets play into his strong suit
>>
>>5223048
>>Try for an attack on her legs from here.
Chop chop
>>
>>5223048
>Try for an attack on her legs from here.

If she's not focusing on us, might as well go for it
>>
>>5223048
>Attack the legs
>>
>>5223048
>Try for an attack on her legs from here.
>>
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>>5223060
>>5223065
>>5223070
>>5223078
>>5223080
>>5223106

>Try for an attack on her legs from here.

You heft the black flamberge upward for a blow to her legs–but the very shift in the air seems to draw the attention of the sword chorister, her reflexes and senses beyond the pale of what humans can muster. She meets your movement behind her with a mere glance, as if a dare for you to go for the easy blow.

“Von Gundyr..!” The dhampir demands, her voice raised. Your guide trades more slashes and parries with the chorister, but the the swordswoman’s movement picks up in pace and a stray cut traces its way along the dhampir’s face. It closes up in mere moments, but the half-human’s eyes grow wide. “Hit her already!”

>Attempt to slash at her legs and take one off.
>Ram the blade through and try to pierce it into the ground.
>Switch strategies and slam the flat end of the blade into her. Attempt to knock the sword chorister off the bridge.
>Write-In.
>>
>Ram the blade through and try to pierce it into the ground.
Our strength is brute force. If we could throw her off the bridge, ava would have done so.
>>
>>5223152
>Ram the blade through and try to pierce it into the ground.
>>
>>5223152
>Attempt to slash at her legs and take one off.

She already has 50 swords in her, what's one more gonna do
>>
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>>5220402
>>
>>5223309
cute noelle

that helmet is gonna rust in the sea salt, though.
>>
>>5223152
>Attempt to slash at her legs and take one off.
>>
>>5223152
>Attempt to slash at her legs and take one off.
Even if we merely injure her, we should try to slow her down.
>>
>>5223309
>swims with a helmet on
emilia is very safety conscious
>>
>>5223309
Teach the Dhampir how to swim, how hard could it be?
>>
>>5223398
It may be a side-effect of how vampires can't cross running water or seas.
>>
>>5223309
>>5223398
Seconding teaching the Dhampir how to swim.
>>
>>5223398
+1, along with a kickboard and floaties.
>>
>>5223309
Great work QM.
>>
>>5223365
>>5223354
>>5223301
>>5223203
>>5223157

>Attempt to slash at her legs and take one off.

>Roll a 1d20, Bo3.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5223850
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5223850
Rollin
>>
>>5223868
>>5223869
What in the

Next one better not be a 3
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5223850
>>
>>5223868
>>5223869
It’s been a fun run bros
>>
>>5223898
Do crits get prioritized or something? I'd hate to die...i really don't trust that 'respawn on death' thing.
>>
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>>5223882

>Rolled 13 (1d20)

You let the flamberge fall. The corded mass of black steel slips from your hands and its twisted edge clatters flat against the stone ground beneath you. Your opponent’s back leg kicks up from the stone, knocking your flamberge back and forcing you several steps back.

Ava shrieks. Your gaze shoots up. The sword chorister has paused her relentless assault, the dhampir now lanced on two blades that pierce both her shoulders. And, in return, the chorister has earned a red rapier through the eye. It's point sticks out from the back of her head. But she still breathes and moves, evne

The chorister lets one blade go and reaches up in an attempt to wrench your guide’s rapier from her eye, seemingly forgoing any semblance of humanity she might have pretended toward.

>Attempt to use your brute strength to shove the chorister off while she’s distracted.
>Try to lance your sword through her leg and pin her down.
>Cut a leg off.
>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.
>Write-In.
>>
>Cut a leg off.
If we could have shoved her off, ava would have done it before. But she said to hurt her.
>>
>>5223921
>>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.
Time to bring in the big guns.
>>
>>5223921
>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.
Pride cometh before the fall, and Ava's hurt. Time to let our tank do some tank shit.
>>
>>5223921
>>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.
>>
>>5223921
>>>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.
>>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.
>>
>>5223921
>Cut a leg off.

Clean cut so she can reattach it later.
>>
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>>5224195
>>5224142
>>5224007
>>5223973
>>5223951
>>5223923

>Ask the berserker to knock the chorister off.

“Emilia!” You shout. The berserker needs no further command; she steps forward and shoves you aside, whereupon she barrels down along the stone corridor. The chorister, blade still struck through her skull, nary has time to respond to the sudden appearance of a new opponent.
Your wall of steel collides with the chorister at full speed, her swords splintering and snapping along the berserker’s plate, and she’s flung from the side of the route and down into the dark chasm below. You peer over the side to see her disappear down into the miasma of black.
You make no time for congratulatory pats on the back. You heft the flamberge back over your shoulder and begin to move forward–the doll rushes ahead of you, out to the dhampir’s side to support her by the arm. Ava staggers beneath the weight of both blades stuck through her and greets you with a weary smile.

“Why is that I’m always getting run through when I fight with you?” She rolls her eyes, almost playfully. “Am I that useful as bait?”

“Yes, well, at least it’s taken care of.” You feel a wash of shame at the sight of her injuries–a result of your own failure to act. “Let’s be on our way. I don’t think we should tarry here.”
“Mmm? Well, I wouldn’t count that chorister out just yet.” The dhampir grimaces as she wrenches a blade from her shoulder. “Look. Over the side. Do you hear it?”
You frown as you glance back over the bridge–deep, in the depths of the chasm, you can pick up just the faintest sound–.. a scuttle and clatter of steel against rock..? You squint–and far, far below, you catch sight of the sword chorister. She scuttles up along the rock face of the path that extends into the black below, each sword that sticks from her body and limbs an anchor into the wall, her movement strange and jerky like a spider.
"What the hell is she?” Emilia scowls.
“A human.” The dhampir’s voice is grim. “I wouldn’t waste any more time here. Let’s hurry. If we make it to the shrine door, she’ll forget about us.”

>Flee along with your party. You needn’t risk any more injuries and the shrine door is in sight.
>Attempt to throw one of the blades around you down at the chorister. Try to knock her off.
>Write-In.
>>
>Flee along with your party. You needn’t risk any more injuries and the shrine door is in sight.
Nope. Fuck that. Get the fuck outta here.
>>
>>5224279
+1
>>
>>5224268
>>Flee along with your party. You needn’t risk any more injuries and the shrine door is in sight.
>>
>>5224268
>Shoot her lmao
apparently we suck with swords. use gun
>>
>>5224268
>Attempt to throw one of the blades around you down at the chorister. Try to knock her off.
>>
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>>5225036
>>5224376
>>5224369
>>5224303
>>5224279

>Flee along with your party. You needn’t risk any more injuries and the shrine door is in sight.

“Very well.” You don’t bother to argue. You heft your rifle and flamberge over your back and begin your best jog–with a slight limp–down the route. The dhampir leads the way, an arm half slung over the doll, whilst the berserker hastens behind. You make up the back, a dull pain in your knee flaring up, roaring to life again.
You glance over your shoulder. The chorister moves like a spider, each blade run through her a leg of steel. Her own limbs now dangle limp beneath her as she contorts her body to route her way down the path. But the disturbing sight steals just a bit too much of your attention–you trip along an uneven edge of rock, collapsing to the ground with an unceremonious crash.

You attempt to pull your way back up with a scramble, the chorister’s focus all on you at once, but a sudden, strong grip rips you back up from the ground.

“Watch your feet.” The berserker mutters, hanging an arm over your shoulder and nearly dragging you alongside her. The sound of the chorister’s blades grow distant in the back, the entrance to the stone hall before you all at once. You file in after your party, your lot leaning against the wall and collapsing to the ground in exhaustion after that sprint.
“Close it.” The dhampir gasps, pointing to the door. The berserker, not eager to face the horrifying spider sword monstrosity, makes for the stone entranceway and slams the hinge stone shut. You wait a few moments–and a sudden crash of steel and flesh against rock shakes the room, billowing up dust and shaking the very walls.

The chorister at the other end grows very silent for just a moment, before her voice, once so quiet and composed, begins to creep into a shrill wail. The grinding of her blades against the stone door and her pathetic, sobbing moaning send shivers down your spine.

The dhampir turns away. “Let’s get to the shrine proper. I don’t want to listen to this.”

>Follow after the rest of your party.
>Attempt to converse with the sword chorister.
>Write-In.
>>
I don't think there's anything we can do, is there? She's stuck in the bridge.
>>
>>5225199
>>Attempt to converse with the sword chorister.
Why not? We're already safe anyway, and if we can put our CHA to work we can make her stop trying to kill us and have a safe route on the way back.
>>
>>5225199
>Follow after the rest of your party.
>>
>>5225199
>Attempt to converse with the sword chorister.
>>
>Attempt to converse with the sword chorister.
>>
>>5225199
>Follow after the rest of your patty
>>
>>5225199
>Attempt to converse with the sword chorister.
>>
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>>5225339
>>5225321
>>5225253
>>5225220
>>5225214
>>5225206

>Attempt to converse with the sword chorister.

You break from the party as they continue forth. You may do well to attempt some conversation with the swordswoman, at the very least. You might assuage her to treat your party with more care upon your return to the surface. Her wails begin to grow thin, her voice hoarse and weak from the sobs. You take your chance at the window of silence.

“You there.” You attempt a greeting, facing down the stone wall. “The swordswoman. No. 9, correct?”

“Ooohhh..” The chorister’s voice breaks. Her speech is muttering, gibbering nonsense, nonsensical words and phrases weakly slipping from her mouth between snivels. “..Father Wilhelm.. Where have you gone..? Emil.. M-my.. my sword, please.. No, Emil, you needn’t cry. Father Wilhelm will return.. A-and he’ll keep his promise, too.. Oh, Emil.. Where have you gone?”
“You’re wasting your time.” The dhampir rests against the wall behind you, arms folded and head lowered. “She was given inhuman regenerative ability, enough to prevent death no matter the injury. But the process is unimaginably painful–incomprehensible for humans–and it drove her mad long ago. She won’t understand you and you won’t understand her.”

“I see.” You glance back to the stone door, the swordswoman’s whispers crept up from under it, before you continue your walk along after your guide.
“You and the berserker can take advantage of this shrine. The doll and I will wait by the exit.” The dhampir murmurs, throwing up a hood and guising her features. “We’ll all leave when you come for us.”

You nary have time to ask why as she slips back and away from your side. The hall comes to a quick close and opens up to another vast room before you. The SHRINE here is unlike the others. It’s cleanly, with little dust nor ash to speak of. A number of implements hang from the walls and lay strewn across the ground–blades, knives, axes, cleavers, whips and crosses.. A number of monster hunting tools.
The vast majority here look to be MONSTER HUNTERS. You spot some of the AUF ARSENE from earlier–MILLICENT, too. You see a number of CHURCH CHORISTERS around as well, resplendent white garb and a sense of arrogance hang around them. A hooded figure chained to a wall, a number of GRAVE GOODS on a cloth lain out before him. And another, lone few figures–RESURRECTIONS, from the looks of it.

“Just a hodgepodge of stuck up assholes.” The berserker grunts at your side.

>Speak to the GRAVE GOOD merchant.
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE.
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>Continue on. You needn’t waste time here.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5225364
>Speak to the GRAVE GOOD merchant.
Let's see what they have.
>>
>>5225364
Poor girl, if we ever meet her again, maybe we should we tell her about Emil being up in a few floors above.

>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5225364
>Speak to the GRAVE GOOD merchant.
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE.
>>
>>5225364
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST
>>
>>5225364
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST
>>
>>5225364
>Speak to the GRAVE GOOD merchant.
>>
>>5225364
>Speak to the GRAVE GOOD merchant.
>>
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>>5225504
>>5225499
>>5225487
>>5225438
>>5225432
>>5225394
>>5225382

>Speak to the GRAVE GOOD merchant.

You decide to first exchange with the GRAVE GOOD merchant. You break from your tank and approach the lone merchant. He lifts his head at the sound of your step; his features are masked by a black hood, himself clapped in irons around his neck and limbs. He sets a thick book down–several towers of such flank his sides.
“Ah.. a new one. And not of the typical monster hunter sort, are we?” He laughs low, his speech more eloquent than his look belies. “You’ve come to barter, then. Please, have a look at my wares–but you should know that they might not be of the sort you’re accustomed to.”

You look the man’s goods over–they’re books, pamphlets, and manuscripts of all matter, not at all like the weapons and tools of those prior. “What? Are you a literary type?” You scoff.

“Mmmm, well.. the CHURCH and the AUF ARSENE aren’t one for typical grave goods merchants, you know–grave robbing is a serious crime, after all.” He chuckles beneath the hood. “But we have a.. mutually beneficial arrangement. They let me brave the block ahead, relieve corpses of their goods, and bring them back to their owners for free at the shrine.. but in return, they allow me to keep the books off their bodies and sell them.”
“Are they of that much interest?” You frown, picking a book over and flipping it around–it’s a recipe book, with a hundred recipes for turtle-related dishes.
“Well, I like to purloin information, you see. It’s a hobby of mine.” He points to his own book–it’s a record of CORPUS CHURCH inquisitions into the dungeon. “You’d be fascinated by what you can learn from such books left behind by those that explore here. All manners of history, backgrounds.. I simply like to learn.”

>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?
>Look his GRAVE GOODS over.
>Write-In.
>>
Not sure if he'd know any curse-breaking, but maybe there'd be a book who would have information on such things
>>
>>5225636
>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?
>Look his GRAVE GOODS over.
>>
>>5225636
>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?

he might not have such a book on display
>>
>>5225636
>>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?
>>Look his GRAVE GOODS over.
>>
>>5225636
>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?
>Look his GRAVE GOODS over.
>Ask him if he has any pulp action serials in his inventory.
>>
>>5225636
>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?
>Look his GRAVE GOODS over.
>Ask him if he has any pulp action serials in his inventory.
>>
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>>5225655
>>5225665
>>5225679
>>5225689

>Ask about the man himself. Does he know of any magical curse-breaking techniques?
>Look his GRAVE GOODS over.

“Mmm. Well.. you must be well-read, then.” You acknowledge the thief with a nod. “..Might you have any familiarity with magic? Spells, or that sort? I’m looking to break a set of cursebound armor, but it’s beyond the pale of any magic I can muster.”
“Mmm.. well, sorry, friend. I’m afraid magic is a muscle–it must be flexed, maintained, and that’s a mite difficult with these.” He raises his cuffed hands. “But if you truly seek to break a curse.. I hear that the pontiff of the RESURRECTIONISTS has made an appearance down here–said she’s here to reclaim a “lost lamb,” y’know. She’s an all too able sorcerer.”

“..I see.” You frown. As recalcitrant as you might be to the idea of cooperation with them, they may be an easy out. You look the man over once more–besides his towers of books and his chains, you spot a few strange artifacts you can’t quite pin down. And, to his right.. an immense ladle, near the size of your flamberge. “..Why do you wear those irons?”

“Oh, these? Yes, well.. do you think I’m here of my own accord?” He laughs, a low, hollow sort that echoes up from his belly. “No. I’m a prisoner here, down in this hole for my crimes. I’m a slippery sort, you see, and found my way here after a few unfortunate mistakes on my part.”
“Right, right.” You grimace. You suppose you can’t expect much more than the unsavory kind down here. “..And.. what is the purpose of that giant spoon?”
“Oh, this?” He laughs with a glance toward it. “It’s a memento, you see. A souvenir from my old residence–the Gong–”

“Yes, yes. Hurry it along” You sigh in exasperation. You’re not eager to hear a convict’s life story. “Show me your goods already.”
“Of course. Take a look over them. I’ll part with one–maybe two, depending on what you’ve chosen.” He smiles.

You see a small, paper pamphlet–stained with strange liquids, “RESEARCH LOG NO. 45/4: PROPERTY OF CORPUS CHURCH.”
A diary. “MILLICENT” is written across the front.
And an old, beaten up journal–in a particularly old script across the top is “CATACOMBS EXPLORATION AND STUDY JOURNAL.”

"Do you, uh.. have any action serials in your inventory?" You lower your voice. "My collection lacks "Tales from the Butcher Block, No. 7, Issue--"
"I do, but I'm rather fond of those, so I'm not keen to give them away." He shoots back. You sigh--you understand that all too well, you suppose.

>Choose the research log.
>Choose the diary.
>Choose the dungeon journal.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5225715
nice gaol quest reference
very pog

>Choose the dungeon journal.

he's not willing to give up the only issue we lack? we can pay
>>
>>5225715
>Choose the diary.
>Talk about your collections and what you've recently read.
>>
>Choose the dungeon journal.
>>
>>5225715
>Choose the research log.
>Choose the diary.

Need the diary, it's gonna be useful intel with our soon-to-be-rival.
>>
>>5225715
>Choose the research log.
>Choose the diary.
>>
>>5225715
>>Choose the research log.
>>Choose the diary.
>>
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>>5225817
>>5225786
>>5225759
>>5225752
>>5225719
>>5225717

>Choose the research log.
>Choose the diary.

“Mmm.. the research log, then. And the diary.” You lift the dusty pamphlets and old tome from the cloth–in turn, you toss him the necessary pent.
“Just that? Then, I suppose I can part with two. I must admit, I can’t assume much interest in the private thoughts of young women.” He shrugs as he looks your coin over.

You briefly scan the papers over. The pamphlet is inscribed with all manner of complex medical and scientific terminology, dated entries and scattered pictographs.. to tell the truth, you can hardly comprehend the vast majority of it. The diary, on the other hand, is rife with fancy cursive scrawl in simple language. But you don’t feel it entirely right to ply through it when the woman it belongs to is in the very room..

>Read through the research log.
>Read through the diary.
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>Continue on. You needn’t waste time here.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5226381
>Read through the research log.
>Read through the diary.
>>
>Read through the research log.
>Read through the diary.
>>
>>5226381
>Read through the diary.
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.
>>
>>5226381
>Read through the research log.
>Read through the diary.
>>
>>5226381
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.

>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5226381
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
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>>5226406
>>5226429
>>5226430
>>5226439
>>5226447
>>5226460

>Read through the research log.
>Read through the diary.

You flip through the pamphlet: although most of the medical scrawl in it is far beyond your faculty, you can pick out entries in plain text here and there that you can make sense of.

New Test Report 6/7/83

Project Number 9 continues to be the first and only successful test case of a beast blood transfusion. Project Number 9’s regrowth extends to subcutaneous cell structure: beast blood “bodiy morphology memory” test a success. Tends toward extreme mood swings, violence. Further testing will have to be carried out to determine degenerative effects on her mental state. Found to calm down in the presence of biological family members. Father Wilhelm has moved forward with further experimentation to test the limits of her regenerative capacities.

Test Progress Report 7/9/87

Project Number 4: “Emil the Ageless.” 17 years post success, experiment outcome remains cogent. Project Number 4’s biological age remains 11 years old.
Project Number 9: “Yulia the Bloodless.” 4 years post success, mental degradation is such that she now slays any and all humans save for family. Only Father Wilhelm, Project 4, and Project 19 are to be let near her.
Project Number 19: “Adeline the Bodiless.” 1 year post success. Adheres well to new body. Displays few abnormalities. However, continued caution must be kept well into the future, assuming relapse state..

You flip through the pamphlet. You catch a handful of pictographs–.. strange, dark images of glass and steel, human bodies in pale white garb unlike any you’ve seen above ground. You release a humph and flip the pamphlet shut. You’ll have to ask another to decipher the rest–you can hardly manage even this. You turn your attention to the diary; as improper as it might be to read..

October 14th, 1699.

Officer Piero has approved me for the 16th Survey for the Catacombs. As excited as I am to follow in the footsteps of my seniors, I can't help but feel a little frightened, too. I know it's pathetic, as many missions as I’ve gone on now, but monsters and the like still frighten me to my core. I suppose I can only place my faith in my own ability. I trust that ours will be the survey to uncover the secret of Jeffrey Arsene and put him to a gentle rest. May the Unfathomable have mercy on our souls.

October 26nd, 1699.

In advance of my exploration–and possible entrapment, and eternal death–in the Catacombs, I confessed to Montgomery. He told me he had a fiancee. I ought to kill myself here–

You slam the diary shut before you read the rest of it. That page looked particularly tear-stained.

>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>Continue on. You needn’t waste time here.
>Write-In.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5226491
>He told me he had a fiancee. I ought to kill myself here
KEK, poor girl.

>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.

Also, there's hope for Yulia, at least. Now that we know Emil might be able to help. QM, how much time do we have here? Are we able to do all the options?
>>
>>5226491
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.

>>5226514
>Are we able to do all the options?

How about a Chad Yes?
>>
>>5226491
>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.
Tell her you know Montgomery's fiance and she's SUPER HOT

>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5226574
Let’s not let her know we read her diary
>>
>>5226579
If we don't fess up it'll haunt us forever
>>
>>5226491
>>Speak to the AUF ARSENE.
No need to be a dick to her about what she wrote, though.
>>
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>>5226514
>>5226527
>>5226574
>>5226784

>Speak to the AUF ARSENE. MILLICENT numbers among them, and she'd likely be happy to get diary back.

You tuck the pamphlet into the pocket of your jacket. You can peruse that at your leisure. However, it’s unfit for a man of your stature to galavant around with a woman’s diary in hand. You turn over to the AUF ARSENE in the corner–a rather impressive assemblage of black hats and coats, guns slung over their shoulders as they whisper amongst themselves and polish their blades.

You approach the short one at the front. Without the horse beneath her, she cuts a diminutive figure. “Oh. The noble.” Millicent glances up at your step, having been wiping a small black whistle to a polish. “My. It’s quite the surprise that you kept up with our pace, to tell the truth, especially with our cavalry. I thought that maybe it’d take you a few days to get here, perhaps a week.”
“Mmmm. Then.. this is the AUF ARSENE, is it? Never seen this many together at once..” You remark, hands on your hips.
“Are you impressed? You’re looking at the AUF ARSENE’S 16th Survey Corp into the CATACOMBS. The cream of the crop of the country’s finest monster hunters, and I rank among them.” She smirks with pride. “So, for your sake, I hope you’ve ridden yourself of that awful monstrous smell. The lot here won’t be so quick to overlook such a matter as I was.”

>Hand over the diary.
>Hand over the diary. Make a smart remark about her love life.
>Ask if the AUF ARSENE truly only seek to slay monsters here.
>Ask what she knows about the CHURCH.
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>Continue on. You needn’t waste time here.
>Write-In.
>>
>Hand over the diary.
Do not do it. Do not remark about her love life. That is not a good idea.
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary. Make a smart remark about her love life.
the greatest rewards require the greatest risks

>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary.
>>
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary.
No commentary on her love life. If she asks, though...
>>
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>>5226855
Damn, that's rough
>>
>>5226818
Considering that she just said
> “So, for your sake, I hope you’ve ridden yourself of that awful monstrous smell. The lot here won’t be so quick to overlook such a matter as I was.”

>Hand over the Diary
>Ask for the vial of holy water now

We still stink. Would be helpful to do her this favor, and then ask for it and go clean up.
>>
>>5226873
Oh yeah, we should ask for the vial now.
>>
>>5226873
Smart play. Supporting this.

>>5226818
>>
>>5226873
Won't it look more suspicious that all of a sudden we're willing to get doused
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary.
>Ask if the AUF ARSENE truly only seek to slay monsters here.
>Ask what she knows about the CHURCH.

I can't wait to see her panic and blush.
>>
>>5226873
>>5226875
>>5226881
Uhhh, lads? I think that won't work, on account of her 'overlooking' the smell meaning that she probably knew and was giving us a fair warning not to consort with monstergirls.
>>
>>5226895
(Not samefagging, mobile IP)
Well, the issue back then is that we didn’t want some random woman to pour cold water on us in the middle of a crypt. Now, we’d be asking for it so we can go off and have a wash by ourselves, in a checkpoint. The idea of the bath itself was never really contested.
>>
>>5226895
The idea is that we're willing to take it to douse ourselves, not her cleaning us.
>>
>>5226818
>Tease her a little
>>
>>5226916
>>5226920
right, but there wasn't anything stopping us from taking it and dousing ourselves back then either, so she'll wonder why we're so eager to do it now all of a sudden
>>
>>5226916
>>5226920
>>5226942
Not to jump into this bit of autism, but it's clear to me that the whole 'pouring holy water onto us' bit is irrelevant now, considering
>“So, for your sake, I hope you’ve ridden yourself of that awful monstrous smell. The lot here won’t be so quick to overlook such a matter as I was.”
clearly hints that she already suspects and that it doesn't matter.
>>
>>5226818
>>Hand over the diary.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary. Make a smart remark about her love life.
Love is a battlefield girly. Defeats are not uncommon.
>>
>>5226855
Poor girl, she's a cutie though.
>>
>>5227012
Think she could be persuaded to give her hair to our doll-waifu?
>>
>>5227014
Absolutely not
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary.
>Ask if the AUF ARSENE truly only seek to slay monsters here.
>>
>>5226818
>Hand over the diary.
>Ask if the AUF ARSENE truly only seek to slay monsters here.
>>
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>>5226826
>>5226837
>>5226846
>>5226862
>>5226873
>>5226875
>>5226881
>>5226901
>>5227001
>>5227006
>>5227238

>Hand over the diary.
>Ask for the vial of holy water now
>Ask if the AUF ARSENE truly only seek to slay monsters here.

“Yes, well..” You look to the lot before you, clad in black and steel. “Shall I have that holy water bath now?”
“Ah, you needn’t worry about that affair anymore. I see no more need for trial on my part.” Millicent shrugs. “If you truly do harbor any criminal secrets, then my men will handle it. They will sniff you out, arrest you here, and drag you up for judgment. They’re far more customary with it than I am. But I trust you’re not of that sort. No?”
“..Yes, of course.” You suppose you’d best steer clear of them for the block proper. “..Are you truly just here to slay monsters? There’s far more AUF ARSENE here than any I’ve seen before.”
“The lich must be a strong monster given the size of these CATACOMBS, no? I doubt we could manage with even one body less.” She raises a brow. “And yes. We don’t plan for any strange magical experiments or research. Our foremost interest here is to slay monsters. We aren’t the CHOIR.”

“Ah, and, one thing..” You reach into your coat pocket and remove the small diary. Her eyes widen at the sight of it. “I bought this off the GRAVE GOODS merchant over there. Suppose it belongs to you?”
“Ah, yes! That’s my journal.” She sighs with relief. “Our party explored ahead, but were caught by way of a powerful monster and forced to retreat to the shrine. That rat merchant took what goods he could back to us but kept the records. Honestly, I don’t see why we agree to that rotten deal with him.. oh, I hope the little creep didn’t read through it. There’s no more foul a thing than to intrude on one’s personal thoughts like that.”

She smiles warmly at you. “Thank you. I did not think such kindness had a place down here.”

>Admit you read it.
>Leave it be.

>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>Continue on. You needn’t waste time here.
>Write-In.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5227278
>Leave it be.
>Continue
Haha yea very rotten, time to go
>>
>>5227278
>>Leave it be.

After seeing this, >>5226855 I really want to see her squirm for the funny factor, but I really don't want to make her cry. Even if her team is going to try and fuck with us.

>Speak to the Church Choristers
>>
>>5227278
>Admit you read it.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
Second choice so we can get a lead for the curse breaking, first because I don't feel like lying.
>>
>>5227278
>>Leave it be.
>Ask details of said monster.
Let's be prepared for what you come next.
>>
>>5227278
>Leave it be.
>Ask details of said monster.
>>
>>5227278
>Admit you read it.
cowards

>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5227278
>Leave it be.

>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>>
>>5227278
>Admit you read it.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>>
>>5227411
>cowards
I'm trying to spare her feelings.
>>
>>5227595
shouldn't have read it in the first place then
>>
>>5227278
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.

>>5227642
As if we voted to read it.
>>
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>>5227717
>>5227565
>>5227463
>>5227411
>>5227366
>>5227361
>>5227323
>>5227313
>>5227282

>Leave it be.
>Speak to the RESURRECTIONIST.

“Yes, well.. if you’d excuse me.” You feel a hot wash of shame as you turn from her innocent smile. You might do well to refrain from such frivolous exploration into the thoughts of young women in the future.

Rather, you turn your attention back to the RESURRECTIONS–they’re few in number against the litter of monster hunters around the shrine proper, but even just the couple here exert a certain presence. They don dull, pale hoods that terminate by their knees in frills and lace, each pale figure held aloft by ornate white staffs. You do not bother to mask your disgust as you approach.
“You there.” You announce your presence brusquely. The one at the charge of the party turns toward you–his face is pale, with a faint stench of rot that curls up from his guts. An undead? Your nose crinkles. “RESURRECTIONISTS.. have you no shame, throwing away your humanity with such reckless abandon?”

“I wonder.. will you still think the same when your time comes?” The acolyte responds in turn.

>Ask about their apparent leader. She’s supposed to be here, is she not? Could she break a curse?
>Recall your earlier encounter with the RESURRECTIONIST. Are they familiar with her?
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Continue on. You needn’t waste time here.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5227790
>>Ask about their apparent leader. She’s supposed to be here, is she not? Could she break a curse?
>>Recall your earlier encounter with the RESURRECTIONIST. Are they familiar with her?
>>
>>5227794
+1
>>
>>5227794
Support
>>
>>5227794
+1
>>
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>>5227794
>>5227797
>>5227802
>>5227845

>Ask about their apparent leader. She’s supposed to be here, is she not? Could she break a curse?
>Recall your earlier encounter with the RESURRECTIONIST. Are they familiar with her?

“I met one of your lot in an earlier block.” You keep an icy distance from the acolyte. “Said she was after lichood. I presume you’re after her?”
“You would be correct. She’s but a lost lamb led astray from her flock and we’ve come to shepherd her back.” He responds coolly. “She’s young and zealous, and with that comes some unfortunate misapprehensions. We do not spurn our humanity for power. We only seek affordance from death–an affordance to continue where humans cannot.”
“Yes, yes.” You wave off the nonsensical religious jabber. “I hear your leader’s come down here to retrieve her. Is that true?”
“You must mean Mother Ingrid.” He smiles elusively beneath the hood. “Yes, she has come to personally escort our lamb back to the surface. We came to provide support in her journey downward, but.. she truly is wonderful. She had little need for our own magic, such is her skill. We are only here to help receive the lamb and bring her back.”

“Mother Ingrid..” You grimace. “She’s skilled with magic, then? Do you suppose she could break a set cursebound armor?”
“Oh? Do you seek her help?” He steeps his fingers. “Such a matter is trifling for her–the trouble is in whether she bears interest in helping you. Mother Ingrid moves on her own whims.”

“Is she nearby?” You look the cultists once over–none of them seem like the leader type.

“She’s outside the shrine, in the midst of a ritual to purify our lamb of her sins.” He tilts his head. “She’ll be done in short–or, if you’d like, you can move ahead to get a glimpse of the ritual yourself. But it may be difficult for one such as yourself to understand.”

>Ask for more details on this Mother Ingrid. What could you do to earn her help?
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Excuse yourself and continue on with the rest of your party. You needn’t waste any more time here.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5227854
>Ask for more details on how to earn her aid
>Witness the ritual
>Bring Noelle, in case it gets dicey
>>
>>5227854
>Ask for more details on this Mother Ingrid. What could you do to earn her help?

First solid lead. I only worry about the price.
>>
>>5227865
+1
>>
>>5227790
>Ask for more details on this Mother Ingrid. What could you do to earn her help?

try and catch that ritual tho
>>
>>5227854
>>Ask for more details on this Mother Ingrid. What could you do to earn her help?
>>
>>5227865
Support, maybe Emilia as well since she's the cursed one also worse come to worse she can tank.
>>
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>>5227865
>>5227866
>>5227871
>>5227877
>>5227887
>>5227888

>Ask for more details on this Mother Ingrid. What could you do to earn her help?
>Ask for more details on how to earn her aid

“Then.. what can you tell me about her?” You lean in, your voice low. “Any ways to earn her attention? Her help?”

“Mother Ingrid is an undead, but one might presume her human at first glance. Her skin does not scaph nor rot, her hair is plentiful and lush, and her flesh is warm in spite of its pale. Hers is a.. unique constitution.” He recounts. “And she can be.. strange. Her interests and curiosity change on a whim. The best–and most simple–way to earn her attention is to offer your humanity in turn for life as a monster. She’ll grant near any wish in exchange.”

“Yes, well, that’s not an option.” You respond flatly. “Any other way to draw her gaze?”

“Well, like I said, she only cares for matters she finds of interest.” He shrugs. “I suppose you can only hope that she might find one of yours worth her attention–perhaps if you had a decent story, or were of a unique breed, or had an item worthy of her glance, she might care to break a curse for you. But I would not get your hopes too high. Mother Ingrid is busy and has other matters to attend to while in the CATACOMBS. ”

>Leave to meet with her alone.
>Step out from the shrine with Noelle.
>Step out from the shrine with Ava.
>Step out from the shrine with Emilia.
>Step out from the shrine with your entire party. You’ve got an entire assemblage of unique breeds.
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5227911
>Ask Noelle and Ava if they would be willing to help, bring them if so
>Bring Emilia the the shrine for sure, since her armour is an interesting item AND what we're hoping to get removed
>Maybe see about scoring some hair for Noelle, too
>>
>>5227911
>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.

Let's speak to the Church before gallivanting off to see the Mother, eh?
>>
>>5227923
+1 except for hte hair party, she's an undead so her hair won't grow, which means she's probably not going to give it away

Getting it from a living woman is easier, since it'll grow back anwyay.
>>
>>5227911
>>Speak to the CHURCH CHORISTERS.
>>
>>5227923
+1
She has an interest in monsters and shit. Bring the whole harem. There’s a dhampir and reanimated doll, that’s sure to get her attention.
>>
>>5227911

>Step out from the shrine with your entire party. You’ve got an entire assemblage of unique breeds.
SQUAD UP
>>
>>5228047
Can't wait to uniquely breed them if you get my drift
>>
>>5227923
+1
>>
>>5227923
+1
>>
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>>5227923
>>5227929
>>5228021
>>5228047
>>5227926
>>5228019
>>5228358
>>5228369

>Ask Noelle and Ava if they would be willing to help, bring them if so
>Bring Emilia the the shrine for sure, since her armour is an interesting item AND what we're hoping to get removed
>Maybe see about scoring some hair for Noelle, too

“Ah.. Ava. Noelle.” You wave the two over–they stand quiet by the entryway, hoods and cloaks over their inhuman features. “We’re to see about explore a lead on the armor’s curse–one of those foul RESURRECTIONISTs might have the magic to break it. She’s just outside. Would you like to accompany us?”
“We’re already off to the CORPUS DELICTI, then? Fine.” Ava shrugs. “I was beginning to get bored. Let’s go, Noelle.”
Your party follows out for the shrine’s exit–while you accrue a few strange glances, you manage to leave without much objection. You leave the shrine with fresh readiness and vigor. And as you leave, all your readiness becomes a sickly wave of vertigo that wrench its way up from your gut. You take a few shaky steps forward as you prop yourself against the wall, your face pale. The doll lays a hand under your shoulder.

You manage only a short look at the block around you from your entrance, but it looks like dark, gothic architecture, curved angles and sharp turns, an immense sea of stars beneath you. Your vision begins to fade.. “Hey, hey.” The dhampir claps her hands in front of your face. “Take a deep breath with me. You humans tend toward this kind of reaction when you first enter this block. It’ll only get worse from here, so suck it up.”
The berserker herself shambles dizzily just up ahead, and with each uneven step comes a jange of steel..
You manage to steady yourself enough to pull yourself up into a stand. You look the block over once more. It’s made up of gothic architecture, black steel points and wrought iron curves, more recognizably structured and formed than the tumorous mess of architecture of the COFFIN. But this area almost resembles an upside down tower–the ceiling above is made up of stairs that lead downward, while the floor you stand on is curved and warped like a ceiling..

“If you’re to vomit, don’t do it on my cloak.” Ava nudges you. “You said you had a lead, did you not? Lead the way.”
>>
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As you progress down–or, up, or whatever–along the block, the scent of raw flesh and blood grows palpable. Your initial sickliness offset the scent, but it's been present since the very start. You follow after it with new vigor–in time, the scent makes way for the sound of gentle gnawing and chewing. You feel a strange sense of deja vu.
Your party comes to a halt soon enough: under an upside down archway, sat atop the keystone, sits a woman in a pale, flowy robe that hang loose from a fleshy body. She holds a chunk of bloody meat in her hands that she gently chews, almost bored. A grisly carcass made up of white robes and pale hair lie before her. She raises her head at the sight of you.

“Oh, my. Newcomers?” She remarks, a thin smile along her lips. You note the stitches that mark up her smooth features. “Noble. Berserker. Doll. And.. my lovely big sister! Hello!”
“Agh–” Ava’s face twists. “..Ingrid?”

>Demand to know what she’s done to the RESURRECTIONIST.
>Let her finish whatever she’s doing.
>Ask if she truly is Mother Ingrid, and if she’s as capable with magic as others claim her to be.
>Demand to know why Ava’s dad couldn’t keep it in his pants.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5228377
>Demand to know why Ava’s dad couldn’t keep it in his pants
>Ask if she truly is Mother Ingrid, and if she’s as capable with magic as others claim her to be.
>>
>>5228377
>>Ask if she truly is Mother Ingrid, and if she’s as capable with magic as others claim her to be.
>>
>>5228378
+1
>>
>>5228378
+1
>>
>>5228378
Support. We can already work put the Resurrectionist's punishment: to be killed and eaten (but presumably respawn at the shrine).
>>
>>5228378
+1, also man Ava got screwed out of the big titty gene
>>
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>>5228435
>>5228414
>>5228382
>>5228381
>>5228378
>>5228451

>Demand to know why Ava’s dad couldn’t keep it in his pants
>Ask if she truly is Mother Ingrid, and if she’s as capable with magic as others claim her to be.

“I see your father was a.. wanton sort.” You remark in a low voice as you size up the new half-sibling. “To lay with vampires, dogs, and now corpses..”
“You shan’t speak of my father as if he were some street whore.” Ava frowns. “He only slept with a handful of monsters. Maybe eight. O-or ten, I think..”
“Ten?” You echo, your mouth agape.

“Oh, it’s wonderful to see you again. It’s been far too long, mmm?” Ingrid cuts into your discussion. “And you’ve gotten a whole party of friends now, too! You grew so cold and mean after.. well, never mind. But to think you could stomach a trip with others. It’s quite the sight. I’m so proud of you!”
“They’re not friends.” Ava replies icily. “I’m here to fulfill the terms of an agreement.”
“You’re Mother Ingrid, are you not?” The berserker speaks before you can, stepping ahead of the rest of your party. The undead smiles elusively at her approach. “I hear you’re good with magic. I need you to break the curse on my armor and scrape me out of it. What do you want in return?”

“That would be me, yes. And a curse on armor is no trouble at all. I once rent my brother from a set of cursebound armor after he left the king’s army. It should take no more than a few moments.” She smiles, a hand on her chin as she licks her fingers clean of blood. “In return, you can offer your humanity up to me. I’ll simply turn you undead after I break the curse. Deal?”
“I..” Emilia pauses, and bites her lip. “..Is that all?”

>Speak up. You don’t see a need for that.
>Ask Ava to speak to her sister on your behalf. Maybe she could convince her to grant it for free.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5228470
So trade a curse for another? Fuck no. I dont think ava could convince her to grant it for free, but could we get ava to discuss a BETTER price?
>>
>>5228470
>Speak up. You don’t see a need for that.
Surely there's something else we can do since it's so little trouble?
>>
>>5228470
>Speak up. You don't see a need for that.
>At the very least, ask Emilia if she's sure -- this could be worse than being trapped in the armor.
>Does Ava know what her sister likes, or covets, that perhaps we could offer instead?
>>
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>>
>>5228483
+1
>>
>>5228470
>>Speak up. You don’t see a need for that.
No we're leaving, fucking ressurectionists.
>>
>>5228491
+1
>>
>>5228470
>Speak up. You don’t see a need for that.
>Ask Ava to speak to her sister on your behalf. Maybe she could convince her to grant it for free.
This is too sketchy. If Ava feels like cutting a deal for us then that's great, if not then we'll just leave Ingrid be.
>>
>>5228470
>Speak up. You don’t see a need for that.
>Ask Ava to speak to her sister on your behalf. Maybe she could convince her to grant it for free.
>>
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>>5228478
>>5228483
>>5228491
>>5228508
>>5228512
>>5228519
>>5228589
>>5228594

>Speak up. You don't see a need for that.
>At the very least, ask Emilia if she's sure -- this could be worse than being trapped in the armor.
>Does Ava know what her sister likes, or covets, that perhaps we could offer instead?

“And trade one curse for another? I see no need for that.” You cut in, your voice firm. “You haven’t fallen for this drivel, have you? This could very well be a worse fate than a curse.”
“...” The berserker remains quiet.

“And suppose you find another to break her armor’s curse in my stead. What after?” The undead smiles with a slight tilt of her head. “She returns to the surface, free of her chains.. and she dies? By my measure, her time has already come. She’s kept alive only by the magic of this dungeon. I can both free her of the armor and afford her life after this dungeon.”
“And.. I would keep my mind?” Emilia’s voice quiets.
“My magic is such that I can maintain your mind past the loss of your humanity.” The undead maintains her warm demeanor. “I imagine you must have grown desperate. Your life had begun to molder and you came to this dungeon in search of immortality, to afford yourself just a bit more time without the loss of your humanity. But I can grant you the time you yearn for without the caveats of true immortality.”

“Ava. She’s your sister. Can you not convince her otherwise?” You glare. “Do you know anything she likes? What she covets that we could offer up instead?”
“I, ah..” Ava’s brow furrows. “I–.. I don’t know.”

“Oh, my. Not eager to offer up your ally’s humanity?” Mother Ingrid speaks up with a soft laugh. “..Then, I might break the curse in exchange for another affordance. Hmmm.. How about some of the organs of that doll? I don’t mean to consume her whole–the heart, perhaps, and the liver.. maybe some of the inner lining. When an organ stews in the guts of a doll’s sugar, you’re said to be able to attain its memories upon consumption.”
“But.. I would lose some of mine..” Noelle speaks softly.
“Gah. Such pickiness.” Ingrid clicks her tongue. “If you want to spur change, you have to make sacrifices. That’s how it works! But if you’re so insistent.. then I have one more offer for the breakage of her curse. For my dear half sister.. I don’t ask for much. Just some information.”

For once, her demeanor changes–she loses the warm, distant motherly affectation and her eyes grow dark. “Tell me where true immortality is. I know father told you.”

>Allow Emilia to sacrifice her humanity.
>Allow Noelle to offer up her memories.
>Have Ava tell her about the true immortality.
>Offer something up yourself.
>Write-In.
>>
What does she even have that we could offer? We can't let Emilia become some zombie puppet.
>>
>>5228863
she even want*
>>
>>5228848
>>Offer something up yourself.
We can't sacrifice our allies just like that. How about an alternative, how about we owe her an favor, we can even make it a sort of a magical contract or some other mumbo-jumbo to make sure we won't break our part, say something like as long as isn't anything immoral or illegal we shall do whatever she wants using our resources and means no question asked, sure even she knows the value of having a noble able to do one request for her.
>>
>>5228870
Yeah, that just sounds like she could use it as an "become my zombie lol" card

And we ain't becoming a fuckin' zombie. I mean seriously, isn't there something she wants that isn't just "give me your memories and soul"
>>
>>5228870
+1
>>
>>5228880
Did you skip the part were I posted: "as long as isn't anything immoral or illegal"? Do you think turning us or helping her turn someon in a zombie is legal or morally alright? Look we have absolutely nothing she could be interested, unless she somehow a fan of action serials owing her a favor is the only thing we can do.
>>
>>5228848
>Offer something up yourself.

Our favorite action serial. It's a sacrifice that I'm willing to make for our friends.

Otherwise, we tell her to fuck off and find another way of getting her outta that armor.
>>
>>5228891
>Our favorite action serial.
If it saved Emilia, i'd give our whole collection. Thing is, would she accept it?
>>
>>5228848
>Offer something up yourself.
We did promise we'd help her, but i'm not sure what this witch would want from us.
>>
How about this then, let's offer either our most rare(s) and valuable(s) action serial(s) else we go with the favor plan, if neither aren't acceptable then politely make our way.
>>
>>5228848
>Use threats and coercion
hope we saved some cruciforms because it's hard to threaten anyone down here
>>
>>5228930
We don't, the one we got was used on Ava's brother.
>>
>>5228940
I thought he had multiple
>>
>>5228945
We didn't took any, we said we would remove any if we found but we took the blade path rather than the cross path so we weren't able to obtain any.
>>
>>5228949
The first part of that sounds right but the second sounds nonsensical. Maybe we can put one together?
>>
>>5228898
Support. If that fails...

>>5228848
We can't ALLOW Emilia to do anything. She is her own woman, and not yet our wife.

>Offer our action serial collection
>If it fails, ask Emilia if she's sure, and respect her decision
>>
>>5228973
Yeah well as a friend, we can't allow her to give up her life and become this woman's puppet.
>>
>>5228848
>Offer something up yourself.
>>
>>5228985
If that's indeed what would happen. Ava and even Ingrid herself seem to suggest that undead status does no render one a mindless puppet. Plus, we know this OOC from Thread 1, but that's besides the point. Further, if Ingrid is correct, Emilia may be out of other options, besides true immortality.
>>
>>5229030
>Ava and even Ingrid herself seem to suggest that undead status does no render one a mindless puppet.
Ingrid explicitly says that she only wouldn't lose her mind because of her magic.

And plus i don't want emilia to become a monster.
>>
>>5229032
A cursed, hulking supersoldier with magic rage powers is already a monster, really. But I get it if you want to hold out for a chance to make her human again. I just think it should be her call.
>>
>>5228848
>For once, her demeanor changes–she loses the warm, distant motherly affectation and her eyes grow dark. “Tell me where true immortality is. I know father told you.”
First Ava, the wolf and the corpse, are all the previous MC kids full of issues like that? I hope if we do end up with a harem of our own our kids don't end up like that.
>>
>>5229060
Well, when you have 50 children from 10 different mothers, it's kinda hard to personally help them, innit?

Which is why we should keep our 'harem' small. Ideally, just Emilia, Noelle and Ava. AT BEST one more girl, but no more.
>>
>>5229060
Forgot my vote supporting this one >>5228925 who knows maybe just maybe she accept our comics or the favor. But gee that's one fractured family.
>>
>>5229064
Millicent, clearly. And whatever mostergirls Ava brings home every now and then.
>>
>>5229073
Considering she's a monster hunter, that would need some work.

Also, Ava is still barely in the friend-line. She's a long ways off from Emilia and Noelle in closeness to Alphonse.
>>
>>5229074
Don't worry, we'll break them both down emotionally, like in our action serials!
>>
>>5229073
Milli is a big cutie, I hope we see more of her.
>>
>>5228848
>Offer something up yourself
Your favourite action serial.

And if she's not into that surely the corpus research notes would be of interest to her.
>>
>>5229064
I think we gotta keep one spot open for the Lich, on top of one other person.

>Offer something up yourself.
>>
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>>5229358
>>5229201
>>5229065
>>5229016
>>5228973
>>5228930
>>5228902
>>5228898
>>5228891
>>5228870
>>5228883

>Offer something up yourself.

“Very well, witch.” You glare. “At our family’s capital manor, in a trunk beneath my bed, I’ve a copy of “Hedge Knight’s Quest,” vol. 1, issue 1. It’s in mint cond–”
“I have no interest in your children’s books.” Ingrid smiles sweetly.
“If not that, then what do you want?” You snap, your face red with frustration. “Because memories and humanity are far too steep a price to pay for your parlor tricks.”

“From you? Mmmmm..” She looks you over, gently dangling her feet and rhythmically tapping the ground. “Well, what could you offer me? Your life is not on the line, so I see no reason to take your humanity yet. Your memories are of no uniquity, such dull pastiches of war and noble life.. And I don’t suppose you know where to find true immortality, either. To tell the truth, I don’t see what you can offer me. So, unless you’d like to offer your services as an eternal footrest, we have no deal to make.”

“How about a trade? A physical trade?” You ply forward. You reach into your rucksack–from it, you pull a handful of curios you’ve bought from the grave goods merchants since your journey’s start. “Surely one of these items must be worth your interest?”
She sighs. “Let’s see.. an old stack of papers. A fake JUDGEMENT. A choir mask. A handful of bullets, a half-eaten can of cornbeef.. And.. what’s this?”

Her eyes rest on the small, broken pocketwatch you bought from the merchant in the first shrine.

“How curious.” Ingrid remarks. “Well.. I’d be willing to trade for that, then. Break your friend’s curse in exchange for a broken pocket watch. A fair deal, no?”
“And what, exactly, would you get from a broken clock?” You glare.
“Who knows?” She smiles. “But in your hands, it’s just a broken watch. I mean that in earnest.”

>Hand over the pocket watch.
>Let Emilia to sacrifice her humanity.
>Let Noelle to offer up her memories.
>Have Ava tell her about the true immortality.
>Leave the witch be. You’ll find another way.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5229374
>Hand over the pocket watch.
>>
>>5229374
>Examine the broken pocket-watch.
>”We’ll think about it.”
>Leave the witch be. You’ll find another way.

A strange broken pocket-watch, being equal to one’s humanity, memories, or immortality? Yea, I ain’t buying it. If we can’t find another avenue to help Emilia, then I’d be willing to revisit this deal, but certainly not before we figure out just what the hell this ‘broken pocket-watch’ really is.
>>
>>5229374
>Hand over the pocket watch.

Fuck this watch. Honestly, I don’t really care if she uses it for some mysterious nefarious purpose. Emilia’s life is worth parting with some junk. Plus, it’s gonna be hurtful if we deny her this over paranoia.

As an aside, I think we should ask her if she can break the curse on the armor, rather than just peeling her out like a can opener. We’re still in a dungeon, so if possible, letting her keep it as actual armor would be useful. I’m also 100% sure she’s naked under there.
>>
>>5229393
It ain’t paranoia, it’s ludicrous. A broken pocket-watch shouldn’t be worth one’s life, that’s a damned fact. We can always come back to her if finding another cursebreaker doesn’t pan out, but don’t be taken in by the first snake oil salesman we try.
>>
>>5229398
Clearly it’s something very important to her, yes. But it means absolutely nothing to us. We’re sacrificing Emilia’s first chance to be free over damn pocket lint, because the titty monster /might/ do something evil with it. She’s not going to be here forever to just take the deal at any time we want, it’s not a video game.
>>
>>5229401
Calm your tits, we ain’t sacrificing shit, we can always come back to trade the pocket watch. I know you think this isn’t a video-game despite having all the elements of one, but giving up the strange pocket watch to a hustler known to take people’s humanity raises too many bells to be blasé over the trade.
>>
>>5229407
I still don’t agree, but it’s not like your argument has no merit. So I’ll change my vote >>5229393 to:

>Silently hand Emilia the watch and let her decide.
>>
>>5229374
>Ask Ava if she knows anything about the watch
>If no, hand it over
This is literally our best choice
>>
>>5229374
>Hand over the pocket watch.
>>
>>5229374
>>Hand over the pocket watch
>>
>>5229374
>Ask Ava if she knows anything about the watch
>If no, hand it over
>>
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>>5229393
>>5229387

>Ask Ava if she knows anything about the watch
>Hand over the pocket watch

“Ava. You familiar with this?” You glance to the dhampir, the broken watch in hand. You look its surface over one more time; it appears, for all intents and purposes, a broken watch complete with stray sprockets and gears and springs.
“No. But I very well doubt it’s just a watch if she’s so ready to exchange her magic for it.” Ava’s gaze is dark. “..Do what you think is best.”
You turn the watch over in your hands one more time and take a deep breath. “Very well. I’ll abide by the terms of your agreement.” You declare. You toss the watch to the undead. “This broken pocket watch to break my companion’s armor’s curse. Is that all?”

“I’m glad we were able to reach an agreement! It's good to see some here have common sense.” Ingrid beams as she slips the pocket watch into the open neck of her gown. “I’ll break your companion’s curse summarily. To do so will cost the armor, unfortunately; the very curse is what holds that plate together.”
“Get on with it.” Emilia’s lips are tight.
“Of course.” The undead traces a thin circle in the air with her palm–in turn, an ornate ring of white light hangs before you. “I’ll be on my way right after, though, so, before we part..”

“Ava.” Ingrid looks through you, toward the dhampir. She smiles sadly. “I only want things to go back to the way they were. I swear it.”
>>
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With her final words, the undead seems to fall into the very stone archway. Her body phases through the brick like a phantom and she slips from sight. The light circle she made, however, persists–all at once, it expands in circumference like the maw of some beast and closes in around your party’s tank. You take a step forward in concern.
The light of the ring seeps into the black plate as fractures of white begin to creep out along the crevices of the berserker’s armor–and then, with thin hisses of steam, the armor begins to fall from her form and crumble into the ground like dust. Her greaves slip from her thighs, then the poleyns, her plackart, her breastplate, pauldrons.. and the helm falls from her head as a mane of ashen hair explodes out from beneath the visor.

Emilia takes a deep breath, casting her gaze downward, carefully flexing a palm, then stretching an arm out over another. “There. That’s better.” She sighs.

>Cover your eyes. Insist that she clothe herself.
>Keep looking.
>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5229482
>>Keep looking.
>>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
You're a big girl.
>>
>>5229482
>*jaw drops to floor, eyes pop out of sockets accompanied by trumpets, heart beats out of chest, awooga awooga sound effect, pulls chain on train whistle that has appeared next to head as steam blows out, slams fists on table, rattling any plates, bowls or silverware, whistles loudly, fireworks shoot from top of head, pants loudly as tongue hangs out of mouth, wipes comically large bead of sweat from forehead, clears throat, straightens tie, combs hair*

>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
>>
>>5229482
>Keep looking
>Offer a military jacket
>Also offer a polite compliment on her physical fitness regimine
>>
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>>5229484
holy fuck those abs, it's like a greek statue

+1
>>
>>5229482
>Keep looking
>Offer some clothes
>Ask Ava what's the deal between her and her sister
>>
>>5229482
>Cover your eyes. Insist that she clothe herself.
since when is a proud scion of the von gundyr name the type to ogle an undressed maiden
>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
>>
>>5229482
>>>Keep looking.
>>>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
>>
>>5229482
>Cover your eyes. Insist that she clothe herself.
>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
There goes our eye virginity.
>>
>>5229482
>>Keep looking.
>>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.
>>
>>5229480
>Turn the other way. Insist that she clothe herself.
>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.

Sure would be a shame if we caught a glimpse off a reflective puddle nearby
>>
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In the middle of switching from my old dying PC to a new one, so probably won't update until later tomorrow.
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>>5230652
Aw, i wanted to see Emilia's reaction.
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>>5230652
Cute!
>>
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>>5230427
>>5229619
>>5229610
>>5229607
>>5229551
>>5229510
>>5229507
>>5229486
>>5229484

>Keep looking.
>Offer some of your clothing. You kept spare military jackets on hand.

You can’t pry your gaze from the woman, much to the shame of your family name–admittedly, you feel a tad envious. You’ll have to hit the weights when you return to the manor..
“..You’re staring.” Emilia mutters, seemingly now conscious of her state of dress. She sheepishly turns away.
“That’s improper, Von Gundyr.” A quiet voice chides you as a set of porcelain hands wrap around your eyes from behind and obscures the knight from your sight.

“I merely thought to offer her clothes!” You insist, a last-ditch defense of your chivalry. “My rucksack has a few spares. Dress yourself before you catch a cold.”
“Men’s clothing?” The dhampir echoes.
“Well, it’s not as if any of yours will fit her.” You respond matter-of-factly. You feel someone kick your shin.

You catch awkward shuffling and mumbling as the knight dresses herself with your spares–the jangling of the metal, the stirring up of the cloth. In a short few moments, the doll’s hands gently unwrap from your eyes and reveal the woman before you. She cuts an impressive figure in your own dress. You wore that garb once early on in your career as a cavalier!

“Does it.. suit me?” Emilia asks in a quiet voice, sheepishly grabbing her own hand.
“Yes, like I thought.” You respond confidently, arms folded. “Your shoulders and arms are far wider than most women, so my jacket is suitably–”
“Shall we continue?” The dhampir cuts you off before you can dig your own grave any further. “We had better not risk a run-in with the AUF ARSENE.”

Your party continues forth along the block–another quiet falls over your assemblage.

Noelle hums a song to herself. You recognize the song as one she sung when she dissected men.
Emilia seems now relieved, her shoulders eased and face softened as she trails close behind you.
Ava, on the other hand, seems to have lost the wry superiority and edge she had in the beginning, and in its place her gaze is now distant and dark–-you took notice of it with Morne, but now with Ingrid she’s grown all but desolate.

>Continue on in quiet. You don’t need to stir on any undue feelings.
>Speak with Noelle.
>Speak with Emilia.
>Speak with Ava.
>Write-In.
>>
>Speak with Ava.
Well, Emilia is all nice, Noelle seems calm, it's time to go see if Ava's okay.

I mean, i'm sure Alphonse would not be happy if he had to see his sisters in such horrid states.
>>
>>5231715
>>Speak with Ava.
She needs it more
>>
>>5231715
>Speak with Ava.
>>
>>5231715
>Speak with Ava
What's going on with her, anyway? Why is she keeping a secret like this even from her undead family?

Is she okay?

>Speak with Emilia
Ask her how she is feeling, and if being out of the armour is all it's chalked up to be.
>>
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>>5231718
>>5231726
>>5231732
>>5231744

>Speak with Ava.

You break from the party proper and approach the front. The dhampir leads, her head lowered and her brow furrowed in contemplation–as rocky a start as you may had with her, you’ve no doubt that you’d feel much the same to see your own sisters in states like that. “Ava?” You begin, but she cuts you off before you can continue.
“If you’d like to know, we’re a little over halfway done now.” She responds dully. “It won’t be too long now until we reach the bottom–perhaps another two blocks. But the blocks are immense, more so than any before, with multiple shrines inside the block itself. Luckily, we needn’t worry about the return trip–”

“That wasn’t what I thought to ask.” You cut off her ramblings. “I thought to ask about your family situation.”

“My family situation? What of it? Are you worried we’ll run into any more subhumans?” She echoes, almost incredulously. “Who knows? Maybe another one will crawl up from the ground and set upon us. It seems that everyone nowadays is in want of something from me.”

>Ask why it seems that only she knows so much about “true immortality.”
>Ask why she keeps such a secret like immortality from her own family.
>Ask about Ingrid.
>Ask about Morne.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5231760
>Ask about Ingrid
>Ask why only she was told about 'true immortality'
>Ask about her father
>>
>>5231760
>Ask about Ingrid.
Other options seem a bit iffy. She’s already made her stance on immortality clear, and she told us about Morne earlier. Probably should ask about this latest sibling.
>>
>>5231760
>Ask why it seems that only she knows so much about “true immortality.”
>Ask about Ingrid.
It's obvious that she doesn't like immortality, and that's why shee keeps it a secret. The real question is why she's the only one who knows true immortality.
>>
>>5231760
>>Ask why she keeps such a secret like immortality from her own family.
>Write-In. (Ask about Jeff Arsene)
I don't think we need to ask the first topic since her Ingrid already answered that when she said Jeff told Ava about it, rather let's ask of Jeff I am a bit curious of the Jeff after his harem ending, I wanted to ask about the event mentioned by Ingrid but I don't think it's the time yet since it seems to be a very touchy topic.
>>
>>5231760
>Ask about Ingrid.
>>
>>5231760
>Ask about Ingrid
>Ask about her Father
I can only guess someone like her is tired of losing those close to her
>>
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>>5231764
>>5231765
>>5231770
>>5231777
>>5231795
>>5231907

>Ask about Ingrid.

“..You certainly seemed acquainted with your sister.” You observe. “Did anything take place between you two?”
“Oh, did you pick up on that? How astute of you!” Ava laughs bitterly. “What is it? You want to know her weakness so that we might easily kill her next time?”
“..I meant no offense by it.” You ease her. “I just thought it a shame.”

“..My apologies. I lost my composure.” The dhampir turns away, her head low. “If you must know, Ingrid, like Morne, came to me a short while ago for help. I.. broke a long held promise and told her of immortality’s existence. Ingrid began to search for it in a frenzy–desperate for it now, just like Morne. That’s all.”
“For help?” You echo. “She’s an undead with magical ability, is she not? What possible use could she have for immortality?”

“..As tempting as immortality might seem, all known forms of it have caveats. That’s what makes the prospect of true immortality so enticing.” Ava speaks carefully. “For undead, that catch is the loss of memory. As centuries wear on and their bodies decompose and recompose over and over again, their minds reach a.. critical point, and they begin to lose memories–themselves, their past, their friends and family. It's an ugly thing. Ingrid’s mother, an undead herself, lost all memory of her own daughter and my father. And now Ingrid’s begun to lose herself, too. She once forgot father's name.”

“I see.” You’re unsure of how to respond.
“..Do you think me a bad person?” Ava keeps her face turned away from you. “To deny my own siblings relief from their misery when I can so easily save them.”

>She did what she thought was best.
>To turn away from her own brother and sister like that is a terrible thing do.

>Ask why it seems that only she knows so much about “true immortality.”
>Ask why she keeps such a secret like immortality from her own family.
>Ask about Morne.
>Ask about her father.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5232384
>Ask why she keeps such a secret like immortality from her own family
Okay, i get it, Immortality bad, but how can it POSSIBLY be worse than literal Alzheimers?

Its one thing to want to stop mortals from getting immortality, Alucard style, but why the fuck does she deny it to ingrid? How can it be *that* bad?
>>
>>5232384
>She did what she thought was best.
I’m not here to judge.
>Ask about Morne.
>Ask about her father.
>>
>>5232384
>>She did what she thought was best
>Ask about Morne.
>Ask about her father.
>>
>>5232384
>She did what she thought was best.
>Ask about Morne.
>Ask about her father.
>>
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>>5232437
>>5232432
>>5232403
>>5232399

>She did what she thought was best.
>Ask about Morne.
>Ask about her father.

“You did what you thought was best.” You attempt to reassure her; the dhampir's eyes only grow more heavy. “I suppose the same of Ingrid was true of Morne, no? He came to you for immortality?”
“Yes, but not for him.” Her voice grows weak. “Morne went to Ingrid first, a last resort to save his daughter. But her disease was of the blood, and it was such that it would gnaw at her whether she was man, undead, or beast–there was no escape from it. So my sister told him of true immortality. And then he came to me, and begged on his knees for me to lead him to it.”
“And I presume you didn’t.” You continue for her.
“No.” Ava cannot look you in the eyes. “But he persisted. We argued. I grew upset. I.. I asked him how it mattered whether his daughter lived or not, when she would die a mere seventy years later. And he attacked me. Before he left, he told me he would find it on his own. And he would be after me next if he didn’t find it in time.”

“...” You’re unsure of how to respond to that. “..I suppose your father told you about it.”
“My father swore me to secrecy.” She speaks quietly. “That it was my responsibility to bear because I would outlive my siblings by a measure of many thousands of years. He gave me the duty of protecting immortality, ensuring no one could attain or know of it. And I thought that best, too. But it’s too late for that now.”

The dhampir’s voice breaks. “What am I supposed to do? My little brothers and sisters come to me begging for my help and I have to look them in the eyes and tell them I intend to let them die?”

>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
>Let her be for now.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
“Did your father ever tell you how he found out about it? I’d imagine the story of how he discovered it to be part of his reasoning why he only mentioned it to you…”
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
Damn, give the girl a hug
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can
>Acknowledge that True Immortality must have a terrible cost
>Ask if she would like some space, an apologize for prying
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
>>
>>5232461
Poor girl, Jeff gave her one hell of a deal, yeah I get it someone must keep a watch around some secret like that, still, she got it rough. For now:
>>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
Let's give some reassuring words like:
>"Ava, I really believe you did the right thing. I could not imagine an immortal life where I get to see those I love departing before me or worse forgeting about them they may not believe you but I truly believe you did the right thing. What I have learned from this are two things: One you're are truly noble and two you really love love your family.
And give the poor girl a hug, she looks like she needs one.
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.

It's ok to let subhumans die, you did nothing wrong.
>>
>>5232567
Top kek.

>>5232534
>>5232483
I'd support the hug, or at least offering one, but I don't think she likes or trusts us that way yet.
>>
Ok, why is immortality so bad again?

They're literally already immortal. What in the everloving hell can be worse than literally losing your mind to the point where you don't even remember your fanily?

Are we gonna ask that or no? Am i the only one who thinks it's weird?
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
She's a tough one, not sure I could've done that.
>>
>>5232567
Based

>>5232534
+1

Yeah I figured that she 100% said something stupid about Morne’s daughter. We shouldn’t push too much for now, but asking her why she’s so fixated on Immortality bad is probably on the to do list in the future
>>
>>5232534
That just sounds forced and cringeworthy. Her situation sucks and all, but let's not act like some sort of pity party.
>>
>>5232461
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
>>
>>5232461
>She did what she thought was best.
It's a shitty burden to bear, but Ava was given a duty and she's trying her best to carry it out. She can't beat herself up about it too hard.

There has to be some downside to the immortal thing, right? Even if you consider the whole watching your peers grow old and die thing or even someone blabbing about it and cause droves of people to scour the land for the source (which is already happening), it'd have to be big for it to be guarded against the rest of Jeff's kids.
>>
>>5233332
Wow I'm stupid, I copied the wrong choice
>Attempt to reassure her the best you can.
>>
>>5233332
My initial guess was that it would make you lose your memory over the years, because it’s not like you can contain an infinite amount even if you’re an immortal. But then that turned out to be the case for Ingrid and Undead already.

Maybe it’s some case where there’s just no downside at all, but making everyone covet and achieve it is a slippery slope to complete chaos and anarchy.
>>
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>>5233334
>>5233321
>>5232799
>>5232722
>>5232567
>>5232534
>>5232532
>>5232489
>>5232483
>>5232473

>Attempt to reassure her the best you can
>Acknowledge that True Immortality must have a terrible cost
>"Ava, I really believe you did the right thing. I could not imagine an immortal life where I get to see those I love departing before me or worse forgeting about them they may not believe you but I truly believe you did the right thing. What I have learned from this are two things: One you're are truly noble and two you really love love your family.

“You did what you thought best as well as you could.” You do your best to console her. “That’s a terrible burden to bear.”
“And it’s not even a responsibility I could fully uphold.” Ava’s shoulders sink. “My duty was not just to its location, but to its existence. But I just couldn’t bear to watch my sister’s mind slip. I thought only to give her some measure of hope, so I told her of immortality. And now the secret’s spread and humans from all over flock to this dungeon, just as desperate as her for it..”
“And, even then, it must have a terrible cost.” You acknowledge.

“It’s.. difficult for humans to conceptualize. No, even for monsters to understand. But the immortality I speak of is true eternity–endlessness, beyond all life and even time itself.” She speaks slowly. “It’s easy to consider the short-term losses–outliving all family and friends past the grave, endless warring as countries vie for its power.. but even those are insignificant in the face of eternity. In many hundreds of thousands of years, when all men and time and space and monsters have ground to dust, only the immortals will be left behind in the nothing, forever foreign to the mercy of death.”
“You’re right. It is difficult for me to conceptualize.” You admit. “But it sounds to me like you’ve done all this for the sake of others. Raise your head. It doesn’t befit a noble to mope around like that.”

“..” Ava shuts her eyes. “Thank you, Alphonse.”
“Ah.” The berserker cuts into your short conversation from behind. “Route split. If you’re done flirting, which way should we go?”

You look the split over–it’s a set of two upside down archways that lead down two dim black hallways. On one, you can make out fine engravings in black –monsters dancing about the wall of stone. On the other, the engravings are impossible to make out, such as they are splattered with blood.

>Go down the clean route.
>Go down the bloody route.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5233412
>Go down the clean route.
I wanna see the engravings
>>
>>5233412
>Go down the clean route.
Don't want to get blood on our nice clothes
>>
>>5233412
>>Go down the clean route
>>
>>5233412
>Go down the clean route.
>Ask Emilia how she's feeling, now that she's out of her accursed armour
>Ask if maybe she'd part with a bit of hair for Noelle, so you can make good on your OTHER promise
>>
>>5233412
>Go down the clean route.
>>
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>>5233575
>>5233483
>>5233478
>>5233466
>>5233455

You decide to follow the bloodless route. You’d rather not risk another bloody encounter, lest you ruin your own clothes (again). As your party follows along the length of the hall, your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the fine reliefs set into the stone walls–they’re abstract, artistic imagery of monsters in dance, a line-up of inhuman horrors. A skeleton, an undead, possessed armor, a werewolf, a lamia, a stitched giant, and a vampire queen..
“Watch where you’re going.” The berserker places a hand on your shoulder and stops you before you get the chance to walk into a wall.
Your party continues along in quiet as the hall thins. A number of torches, burning with a strange purple flame, lead your way down the winding halls and casting strange shadows across the brick. But the silence breaks quick enough–as you near another hall’s corner, you pick up the faint sound of discussion from down the corner. You investigate, easing around the corner and peeking over.

You catch sight of a few AUF ARSENE down the hall in a circular room. They’re speaking amongst themselves. You make out the gory remains of a monster before them.

>Listen in on their discussion.
>Approach them with the berserker while the monsters hang by. Perhaps you can just talk them away yourself.
>Back off. Perhaps you can just wait for them to pass.
>Back away. Perhaps you can go the other route.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5233795
>>Listen in on their discussion.
>>Approach them with the berserker while the monsters hang by. Perhaps you can just talk them away yourself.
>>
>>5233805
+1
>>
>>5233795
>Approach them with the berserker while the monsters hang by. Perhaps you can just talk them away yourself.

Eavesdropping is morally beneath us
>>
>>5233795
>>Listen in on their discussion.
>>Approach them with the berserker while the monsters hang by. Perhaps you can just talk them away yourself.
>>
>>5233795
>Approach them with the berseker while the monstergirls hang back
>>
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>>5233950
>>5233874
>>5233839
>>5233814
>>5233805

>Listen in on their discussion.
>Approach them with the berserker while the monsters hang by. Perhaps you can just talk them away yourself.

You press your ear against the stone and furrow your brow; and although you’re unable to make out the full breadth of their conversation from here, you can pick out some stray bits and pieces here and there.

“..another corner.. already passed this one..”
“No! This corpse marks.. already been here..!”
It seems that they’re lost. You motion the berserker over and press along past the wall toward the assemblage of blakc before you. They raise their head in alarm at the sounds of your footsteps, gloves flying for revolving pistols and blades–but they relax at the sight of your presence. You recognize a short one near the front.

“Ah. You two again!” Millicent remarks, hands on her hips. “It seems we keep running into each other.”
“..Yes. I’m impressed.” You remark. “You keep finding ways to get ahead of us.
“Well, we do have our spectral horses. And this block is a rotten one–so many winding halls, trellises, archways–.. it’s a labyrinth, just like the MORTSAFE.” She sighs. “It’s no surprise we’d end up on top of each other at some point. And, to tell the truth, we’re in a bit of a strait right now. We’ve not taken the necessary precautions for the nausea of this block and we’ve all ended up dizzied..”

“I’m telling you.” A taller, brusqe man scowls at her. “We take the right. I remember, I set the undead’s hand to point toward the direction we went first.”
“And if the undead twisted her hand in the other direction whence we left?” Millicent shoots back, kicking the pile of meat before her.

She looks back to you. “Um.. if you wouldn’t mind.. Would be willing to aid us? You seem to navigate this dungeon easily enough.”

>Unfortunately, you’re rather busy at the moment. You couldn’t take the time.
>Sure. You might be able to lead them away from the more monstrously-inclined of your party.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5234966
>Sure. You might be able to lead them away from the more monstrously-inclined of your party.
>>
>>5234966
We need to find a way to tell our monster friends about that part without looking suspicious. I have no doubt Noelle and Ava could shadow us.

It would not, however, be wise to stray too far from Ava and Noelle.
>>
>>5234966
>Sure. You might be able to lead them away from the more monstrously-inclined of your party.
>>
>>5234966
>Sure. You might be able to lead them away from the more monstrously-inclined of your party.
>>
>>5234966
>Sure. You might be able to lead them away from the more monstrously-inclined of your party.
Anything for a cutie.
>>
>>5234966
Two options for them
Put a hand in a wall of this place and start walking, always with that hand on the wall.
Very slow way to get out of a labyrinth, but will not fail.
Or use a map and take notes of specific landmarks, since memory fails more often than not with these things.
Fast way to leave a labyrinth but requires skill.

We have been going by gut and luck, slowly following the path of least resistance since it’s the most traveled one.


this is all the help i would give them since offering more could make them stick to us.
and that would be awkward.
>>
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>>5235416
>>5235206
>>5235118
>>5235063
>>5234984
>>5234974

>Sure. You might be able to lead them away from the more monstrously-inclined of your party.

“..Very well.” You relent to her request with a reluctant glance back at your party–while this may be no more than a waste of time for them, it would certainly do you well to lead the lot of them away from the monsters in your party. You’ve no doubt that they’d slaughter merry little band and clap you in irons if they found out.
“Ah.. thank you, again.” Millicent bows her head. She steps aside and allows you the full purview of the paths before you. “Then, please. Lead the way.”
You exchange a careful glance between the paths before you and, without much thought, pick one at random–the left one. The berserker follows close at your side whilst the AUF ARSENE crowd around behind you, a wall of weapons and hats that divide you from the rest of your party. You’ll have to trust that they can keep in pace.

“..So..” Millicent leads the charge of her party and, as such, remains close behind you. “You’re rather tall, Von Gundyr.”
“Mmmm?” You frown as you glance back. “Yes, I suppose so.”
“What do you do back on the surface? When you’re not exploring monster-infested dungeons, I mean.” She presses on.
“..I was a DRAGOON with the LOCKSTEP CAVALRY.” You shrug–more small talk. “With the war over, I came here. I’ll have to consider an actual career when I return.”
“I see. A military man.” Millicent glances at her feet. “..You have family back home? ..Like, a wife, or any of that sort?”

You roll your eyes. What’s with the interrogation? Does she still doubt you?

>None. You’re not spoken for.
>You’re got someone back home (your collection of action serials).
>Write-In.
>>
>>5235491
>None. You’re not spoken for.

I’m not interested in having her in the Harem, but I do think it’s just in-character to pick this
>>
>>5235491
>You’re got someone back home (your collection of action serials).

In all seriousness, do we want to entertain Milly's attempt to gain our affections?
>>
>>5235496
I think it'll be funny to watch her try, and have Von be complete oblivious to everything because he's a massive chadautist.
>>
>>5235491
>None. You’re not spoken for.
Oh boy, please don’t be the yandere of the group
>>
>>5235491
>None. You’re not spoken for
Alphonse wouldn't answer the latter when the whole point of coming to te tombs was to find a wife.
>>
>>5235491
>>None. You’re not spoken for.
>Ask back (You look like such a charming lady got anyone waiting for you?)
>>
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>>5235520
>>5235507
>>5235504
>>5235496
>>5235495

>None. You’re not spoken for.

“No. I’m not spoken for.” You bite your lip, loathe to admit your unluck with love–is this an attempt to bully you..?
“I see. I can’t say I am, either.” Millicent laughs. “..Then, do, um-.. perhaps have any hobbies..?”

“I like to read. My family manor is host to a fine library.” You recall that you found your first action serials among the shelves there.
“Oh, you like to read?” Her voice lilts. “Actually, I’m a bit literate myself. Have you read Klaushein? He’s one of my–”

“Is this really necessary?” The berserker loudly cuts in with a sharp look at the monster hunter.
“Oh, n-no. I guess not. Sorry.” Millicent shrinks beneath the knight’s gaze. An uneasy silence falls back over the party.

“Ah. Another route split.” You cut into the silence as you fold your arms–two paths in the hall split out before you. You look the routes over–one is littered with spears that crisscross the path, necessitating cutting through, whilst the other is near completely dark.

>Take the spear laden path.
>Take the dark path.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5235525
>Take the spear laden path
Emilia is jelly
>>
>>5235525
>Take the dark path.
Last time we took a path of weapons we had to fight a bioweapon
>>
>>5235525
>>Take the dark path.
>>
>>5235525
>>Take the dark path.
Time to meet a spooky Choir ghost
>>
>>5235525
>Take the dark path.
>>
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>>5235532
>>5235534
>>5235539
>>5235543

>Take the dark path.

“We’ll take the dark path. You have lanterns?” You glance back to the AUF ARSENE–in response, they begin to light the gaswick lamps at their side. You remove your own from your rucksack and attach it to your belt. “Then, let’s proceed.”
You make for the dark hall–even with the oily glow of the lanterns at your sides, its a perilous journey and you have to keep a close eye on each wayward footfall. The floor itself is uneven–uneven and half-sunken stones that cast dark shadows across the floor beneath you, whose shadows obscure the next step ahead.

“Shit.” The berserker scowls, resting a hand against the wall and examining her foot. “Can’t stand this floor..”
“Well, it shouldn’t last long..” You attempt to reassure her–but your words die in your throat at the sound of a foreign noise from behind. It was like a clang of steel, and in turn, each member of the AUF ARSENE swing back in response.
“..Monsters?” Millicent snarls, a hand on the sword at her hip. “I can go take a look.”

>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions.
>Reassure her it’ll be fine. Press on regardless.
>Let her go take a look.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5235552
>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions.
>Ready your sword incase it isn't
>>
>>5235552
>>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions.
>>
>>5235552
>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions.
>>
>>5235552
>>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions
>>
>>5235552
>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions.
>Ready your sword incase it isn't
>>
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>>5235582
>>5235575
>>5235573
>>5235564
>>5235559

>You’ll go look at it yourself. It’s likely one of your monster companions.
>Ready your sword incase it isn't

“I’ll take a look. You stay back and provide support if necessary.” You raise your flamberge and maneuver your way back through the crowd of AUF ARSENE–the berserker follows close behind, her hand around the hilt of your greatsword. You break from the crowd proper as you round a corner.

With each step comes a pendulum swing of the lantern at your side–the swings afford you just brief, rhythmic glimpse of the hall ahead, tiny windows of opportunity that cast the hall in an orange glow. You step–another swing, another empty hall. You take another step–another swing, and another empty hall. You take a third step–

You just barely raise the blade in time. The pointed end of an iron cruciform deflects off the edge of your twisted flamberge and clatters against the ground beneath you in a flash of sparks–the sheer weight of the cross nearly knocks the blade from your hands and you take several steps back. You catch just a brief glimpse of a mountain of black fur ahead of you, a dark shadow that blocks the hall off.

“Von Gundyr!” Emilia grabs your shoulder to steady you as you look they hall over with another pendulum swing of the lantern–empty yet again.

>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE.
>Try to press forward and check with Ava and Noelle.
>Remain here and try to engage.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5235600
He's going after us right now. And he's specifically pissed. Let's try to trap him - If anyone can defeat him it's the Auf Arsene. If we push forward we'll just die.
>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE, provoke the wolfman
>>
>>5235600
>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE, provoke the wolfman
>>
>>5235600
>>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE.

They can help
>>
>>5235600
>>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE.
>>
>>5235600
>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE, provoke the wolfman
>>
>>5235615
Addendum
>provoke the wolfman.
Your daughter would be ashamed of you if she knew what you're doing.
>>
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>>5235621
>>5235620
>>5235615
>>5235611
>>5235607
>>5235606

>Retreat back to the AUF ARSENE, provoke the wolfman
>Your daughter would be ashamed of you if she knew what you're doing.

“We need to go. Come on.” You pull the berserker’s hand back as you lead her down back into the dark, the lantern alight at your side. As you break from the hall, you cast a glance back at the darkness behind you. “Your daughter would be ashamed of you if she knew what you were doing.” The shadows do not respond to your provocation.
You find them soon enough–the same party of black hats and flags, you near trip into the group’s arms along the uneven ground. “There’s a wolfman behind us.” You speak clear, albeit a bit short for breath. “He’s intelligent. He’s trying to kill us. Lend your help.”

They understand your loose string of words well enough. In an instant, the front and back form a tight, circular pack along either end of the hall with you at its center–each one with guns and blades in hands, they narrow their aim into the darkness, their lanterns set at the ground beneath them. A moment passes. And then another..

“Could he have.. left, Von Gundyr?” Millicent briefly glances back from the sights of her pistol. “..Are you sure it was even a wolf man you saw? Because I see none here.”

>Insist that they stay here and wait it out.
>They can move forward, but it should be done with caution.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5235634
>They can move forward, but it should be done with caution.
>>Write-In. (Warn them about him)
Do not underestimate him, he might be blind but unlike us darkness is no hindrance to him keep together and on guard he's caring cruciforms with him which he is strong enough to use as a throwing weaponry.
>>
>>5235647
Support.

>>5235634
>>
>>5235647
+1
We fought him. We know his dangers.

I'm worried about Noelle and Ava, though. Ava wasn't able to beat him alone last time.
>>
>>5235647
+1. Telling them about him is good.
>>
OP, i got a question.
Did the Morne bring his daughter to this hell hole to avoid her dying while he was gone?
since, you know, she cant die here.

>>5235634
>They can move forward, we will be staying here.
Morne is after us, easily just talk from the shadows and speak of the company we have been keeping.
Turning the AUF ARSENE against us permanently.
Best if we confront him now.
I think the best plan is kicking his ass and then talking to him.
alone, even if you guys dislike the idea.
>>
>>5235677
What makes you think they're going to believe a literal monster over a noble AND a berserker?
>>
>>5235713
they are paranoid and trigger happy.
at minimum they will keep an eye on us just in case.
at worse we will be under heavy scrutiny.
>>
>>5235634
>They can move forward, but it should be done with caution.
>>
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>>5235663
>>5235659
>>5235658
>>5235647
>>5235677

>They can move forward, but it should be done with caution.
>(Warn them about him)

“..Very well. We can move forward, but it should be done with caution.” You hazard them–in turn, many gradually let up from their tensions. “Do not underestimate this one. We’ve run into this monster before–he’s blind, but unlike us, darkness is no hindrance to him. Keep together and on guard. He carries cruciforms strong enough to use as throwing weapons.”
“..How beastly.” Millicent murmurs, following along after you as you continue walking down the hall. “Nonetheless, we should make for a quick exit if a wolf man’s on the prowl here. As able as we might be, I thought to ask for help with navigation so that we might avoid a situation like this–when so many travel together in halls as tight as these, combat can grow messy and uneven. We fare far better in the open.”

“I see.” You grimace–you hadn’t thought about the potential hazards of such a large group here. You travel slowly, careful to check every wayward shadow and stray sound. But your party comes to a quick halt as another clang of steel rattles you–this time from ahead. You raise your lantern across the length of the hall; more dark, open spaces, cobbled floors and tiled walls.. but a strange glint catches the light of your lantern in the dark.
The berserker reacts before you can, raising her blade. Her greatsword is accompanied by the raising of rifle barrels behind her. But the dark does not meet her inquiry with words; rather, you hear a strange sound from the stone above. And then, all at once, a cloud of white powder billows up all around you.

“Flour..?!” You cough, blowing some of the particulate from your face. You take a moment to look about–the AUF ARSENE around you are now dark shapes in the haze. “Did he set traps..!?”
“Nobody shoot!” One of the men snarls. “You’ll blow us all up!”

You hear a sudden gasp behind you. You swing back to face the assemblage of hazy AUF ARSENE in the flour dust,where you catch sight of it–an immense, dark form cutting through the crowd, dipping in and out to occasional shouts and screams in the mist.

>Order everyone to flee after you. This is no place for a fight. Run the other way.
>Try to slip out the way you came while the wolf is occupied with the AUF ARSENE. You can reunite with Ava and Noelle that way.
>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5235798
>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.

Can’t very well leave them to clean up our mess.
>>
>>5235798
>>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.
>>
>>5235798
>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.
>>
>>5235798
>>Order everyone to flee after you. This is no place for a fight. Run the other way.
Damn he is on us, let's get out of here.
>>
>>5235798
>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.

The WOMBO COMBO has never failed us
>>
>>5235798
>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.
>>
>>5235634
>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.
>>
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>>5236744
>>5235845
>>5235831
>>5235824
>>5235811
>>5235810
>>5235807

>Attempt to make your way through the flour and cut at the wolf with the berserker.

You push through the AUF ARSENE–incidentally, you have to step on some as you make for the shape in the flour. You keep your flamberge at the ready.
“Emilia! Can you lend a hand?!” You raise your voice–sure enough, another tall shape at your side moves to match your approach.

But, much to your surprise, upon your approach the dark shape glances twists back, peeling away back down the hall and dashing back into the dark. You register a wolf’s tail slip into the dark behind you with the clatter of claws. And, all at once, you’re left alone in the hall again. The flour begins to dissipate all around you.
“Von Gundyr..?! Von Gundyr, are you there?” Millicent raises her voice.
You feel a sharp tug on your coat, and you turn to come face-to-face with the small monster hunter. Her face is lightly dappled with deep red blood, but it looks to be hers. “..My apologies for doubting you.” She grimaces. “But we’ve lost some men. Any more than this and we’ll have to turn back to regroup at the last shrine”

You look the hallway once over–a handful of bodies litter the grounds all around you, a sluice of cut down hunters that pool up around your ankles–of the twelve your party began with, it looks like you only have five besides yourself.
“Take a look. He’s targeting the AUF ARSENE.” Emilia glowers. “And I get the feeling he’ll keep swooping in, thinning them out, and running until it’s just us.”

>Hunker down here. Perhaps you can bait the wolf out and trap him.
>Press onward nonetheless. You’ll just have to make your next encounter the last.
>Move backward. You want to try to meet up with the monstrously-inclined of your party to better your chances.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5236757
>Move backwards and regroup
If Morne thinned out the Auf Arsene, our other girls have less to worry about in showing themselves.
>>
>>5236757
>Move backwards and regroup
>>
>>5236757
>>Move backwards and regroup
>>
>>5236757
>Hunker down here. Perhaps you can bait the wolf out and trap him.
He might just pick us off before we can escape.
>>
>>5236757
>Press onward nonetheless. You’ll just have to make your next encounter the last.

If they have to turn back oh well
we'll continue on and meet up with our crew
>>
>>5236757
>>Move backwards and regroup
We won't stand a chance like this, he literally set up for us, the flour to make sure we can't shot him, the dark place so we can't react fast enough, let's turn tail before he gets to us or the girls.

>Write-In.
Ask if she's okay, she seems a bit wounded, ask if she's okay enough to walk or would like to be carried out of here.
>>
>>5236757
>Move backward. You want to try to meet up with the monstrously-inclined of your party to better your chances.
>>
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>>5237183
>>5236930
>>5236868
>>5236866
>>5236811
>>5236807
>>5236786

>Move backwards and regroup.

"We should move back." You nod to your berserker companion. "We've got no chance here. He’s clearly prepared and set traps for us."
“Right. Then there’s no use standing around here.” Emilia twists your greatsword along the palms of her hands.

You make to move forward, but you feel a sharp tug on your jacket.

“Ah–..what of us?” Millicent asks, looking up to you. “If you’re to retreat, we should accompany you back as well, right..? Some of us are injured, but..”
You grimace. While it’d be awful of you to lead them here and leave them for dead like that.. the group here would make the trip back unwieldy and open to more hit-and-runs. And you don’t imagine they’d react well to Ava nor Noelle..

>Let the remaining members accompany you.
>Tell them to do what they wish. They can follow after if they’d like, but you won’t slow to help them.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5237238
Well, i don't wanna let millicent die here. If the members want to accompany you they, can, BUT
>Warn them that the wolf probably has it out for you in specific beforehand
>>
>>5237238
>>Write-In.
We won't stop them if they wish to follow us but let them be warned the wolf is after us so staying close to us can mean he'll come for them as well.
>>
>>5237330
>>5237249
This. Also:
>I suspect you already know this, but... Some of my companions are not human. I must ask that you jot do them any harm, since they're our only chance to live through this... And my friends.

>>5237238
>>
>>5237345
Yeah, no, don't say it out this early. These are literal monster hunters here. Let's see if anyone decides to leg it first.
>>
>>5237238
>Tell them to do what they wish. They can follow after if they’d like, but you won’t slow to help them.
>Warn them that the wolf probably has it out for you in specific beforehand
>>
>>5237353
Whisper it to her, then, but if we don't tell them, and don't make it clear what the situation and terms are, the literal monster hunters will see our literal monster girls and attack.
>>
>>5237238
>Let the remaining members accompany you.
We'll deal with them finding out about our teammates when we get to it.
>>
>>5237249
>>5237330
+1, make sure we make it clear that the wolf is specifically coming for us
>>
>>5237238
>Tell them to do what they wish. They can follow after if they’d like, but you won’t slow to help them.
We can't afford to risk our existing party by revealing them to monster hunters, and regrouping with Ava should take priority since she's the only person in our vicinity that can actually keep up with the wolf.
>>
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>>5238000
>>5237713
>>5237444
>>5237392
>>5237345
>>5237330
>>5237249

>Warn them that the wolf probably has it out for you in specific beforehand
>Tell them to do what they wish. They can follow after if they’d like, but you won’t slow to help them.

“You should know that the wolf is after our heads, not yours in particular.” You warn her, turning back around. “..You can do what you wish. But we can’t afford to slow down to help you.”
“I–..” Millicent bites her lip and casts her gaze back to the ground. “..Very well. We’ll try our best. I’ll.. be seeing you.”

You break from the group with the berserker, leaving the gaslit light of their assemblage of lanterns behind–now, only the swaying of your own lantern affords you a view of the path ahead. You manage to duck through several corners and past the strange sound of scampering and clattering all around you, presumably the wolfman moving out of your sight–however, without such a large group, you come by the end of the corner with ease.

The light here is a welcome relief from the dark hall, but the air is all but sucked from your lungs at the sight of what waits for you at the end.

Noelle hangs limply from Ava’s arms, both stained deep with blood. “Is she–” You begin, but the dhampir shakes her head.
“..She’s only hurt. I don’t quite understand how dolls work, she’s lost a significant amount of blood.” Ava lowers her head. “..This is my failure. I could only drive Morne off. My apologies.”

>Pause here in the crossroads to look after the doll.
>Press forward through the spear laden path. You should try to get to the next area right away.
>Attempt to retreat back to the shrine. You'll find a momentary safe haven there.
>Go back through the dark hall where Morne waits. You won't be able to rest easy until he's taken care of.
>Write-In.
>>
If we pause in the crosroads, we'll just get hit by Morne while we're taking care of her. We need to get to the next shrine.
>>
>>5238035
>>This is my failure. I could only drive Morne off. My apologies.
We were also attacked by Morne, Tell her she's done well enough also ask if she's okay herself.
>>Attempt to retreat back to the shrine. You'll find a momentary safe haven there.
Let's go back to the shrine and take care of our future Doll wife.
>>
>>5238035
>Go back through the dark hall where Morne waits. You won't be able to rest easy until he's taken care of.

The Auf Arsene might also decide to regroup and recover at the shrine, and that would be awkward. If Ava says she's only injured, I can believe her.
>>
>>5238055
Supporting.

>>5238035
>>
>>5238035
>Attempt to retreat back to the shrine. You'll find a momentary safe haven there.
>Tell Ava you also got attacked
Better safe than sorry
>>
>>5238473
I don’t think that’s an option. We go back, we’re going to run into a bunch of naked Auf Arsene, who’ll immediately see us with the Monsters.

>Press forward through the spear laden path. You should try to get to the next area right away.
>>
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>>5238535
>>5238473
>>5238070
>>5238061
>>5238055
>>5238042

>Attempt to retreat back to the shrine. You'll find a momentary safe haven there.

“..You’ve done well enough.” You approach the dhampir for a more close look at the doll–her eyes are shut, her porcelain skin far more pallid and cool to the touch than its recent warmth. “..We’ll retreat back to the shrine and take a moment to rest there. It should at least afford us some brief respite from Morne.”
“And of the monster hunters there?” Ava’s eyes are heavy. “If they see us..”
“We’ll only stay briefly. Just to lick our wounds.” You attempt to reassure her as you press back down the path, your party close at your side. “Come on then. Let’s hurry. I can’t say I’d much like to watch a young lady die.”

You rush into the shrine, the lady and doll first, and then you, and your tank far behind–as one might expect, you find yourself subject to a number of caustic glares, but your presence was so sudden that they’ve not yet gotten the chance to protest your appearance–even then, Emilia’s glares prove a good enough ward for now. You watch as the dhampir sets the doll down atop a stone coffin lid.
“..She’s deteriorating quickly.” Ava murmurs, her eyes low. “I’d hoped something like this wouldn’t happen.”
“Yes, well.. it’s unfortunate. I don’t suppose natural healing magic will sew up that skin of hers, and I don’t think anyone here plans to spare any glue.” You huff, arms folded. “..I can’t say I much want to await her resurrection here of all places..”

“I’m afraid this is a bit more dire than what you might think.” Ava lowers her voice. “Noelle asked me not to tell you this. But you should know that she had doubts whether she fell under the bounds of the immortality spell here.”
“What?” You ask, your eyes narrow.
“The spell binds all living beings in this dungeon to immortality. But dolls are.. tenuously ‘alive’. Some consider them constructs, like golems.” She begins, but you understand her implication well enough.
“So what are you saying?” You raise your voice in frustration. “The immortality spell is perfect, is it not? That’s why all your brothers and sisters are clawing for it, correct?”
“For beings made by god, perhaps. But dolls are man made. Please, forgive my analogy, but your sword would not reaffix itself to its hilt if it broke.” She lowers her head. “I suppose her father was the one to attend to her reconstruction if she “broke” in the shrine before–dollmaking is a very difficult and complex field, a union of mechanical knowledge and magi–”

“So she’ll die even here, then.” You glare her down.
“I don’t want that either. But standard healing magic will not work on her.” Ava’s lips are pressed. “We’ll have to get a dollmaker’s help to repair her.”

>Ask if Ava knows of any ahead.
>Inquire for help from any of those around you.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5239650
>Inquire for help here
>If none can or will assist, ask Ava if she can hook us uo
>>
>>5239670
+1
>>
>>5239650
>Ask if Ava knows of any ahead.
There be hunters here.
>>
>>5239677
And they already know we are traveling with monsters. It's too late not to attract attention.
>>
>>5239650
>Ask if Ava knows of any ahead.
any here would have been driven out by the auf crew
>>
>>5239650
>>Ask if Ava knows of any ahead.
>>
>>5239650
>Inquire for help from any of those around you.
>>
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>>5239670
>>5239675
>>5239677
>>5239679
>>5239682
>>5239744
>>5240058

>Ask if Ava knows of any ahead.

“..You’ve undergone this journey enough times in the last two hundred years to know this dungeon well, no?” You press her. “There must be a dollmaker of some sort somewhere ahead. This dungeon’s magic attracts all sorts.”
“Ah.. well.. there might be. When last I saw him, he mentioned he dabbled in dolls.” Ava tilts her head. “A skeleton that lives in the CATACOMBS. Yorick, my half-brother.”
“Oh, another one? And I don’t suppose he loathes you too? Because you denied immortality to him, or his brother, or his mother, perhaps?” You begin with dry bitterness in your tone, but you stop yourself at the look of pain in the dhampir’s eyes.
“No. Yorick doesn’t hate me.” She can’t seem to meet your gaze. “But he’s quite a ways away–he tends to set up shop in the shrine just prior to the next block. If we intend to go to him, we’ll have to carry the doll the block’s length.”

“Hey. You there, noble.” A stray voice calls. You glance over–it seems some of the fallen AUF ARSENE have begun to rise from the niches in the walls and coffins around. “Why do you harbor a dhampir?”
“We should go.” Your berserker cuts into your conversation with a narrow look. “You won’t prove much help to the doll if you’re clapped in irons and dragged back up to the surface.”

>Retreat back into the shrine ahead with the doll.
>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5240277
>Retreat back into the shrine ahead with the doll
>Ask Emilia to intercept and block an interference
>Apologize to Ava
>>
>>5240277
>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.
We don't have time to deal with this lot let's get a move already.
>>
>>5240277
>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.
>>
>>5240277
>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.
>>
>>5240277
>>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.
>>
>>5240277
>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.

"Dhampir? Don't be ridiculous, she's just anemic."
>>
>>5240619
Kek.
>>
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>>5240280
>>5240286
>>5240293
>>5240345
>>5240355
>>5240619

>Let Emilia carry the doll while you press forward.

“Right, then. Let’s hurry.” You shoulder your rucksack. “Emilia, do you mind carrying Noelle..?”
“Yes, yes. Least she’s not more armor.” The berserker isn’t wont to complain, and easily slings the doll over the length of the shoulder as a handful of hunters begin to protest.

You follow after the dhampir’s lead from the shrine–luckily, you didn’t stay long enough to incite any upset serious enough for them to chase after you. You come to the same crossroads after some time–to the left, the spear-laden path, and to the right, the dark one.. but, unlike before, blood pools up about near the entrance.

“..Mmmm. Here again.” Ava looks sullen. “I thought this seemed like a trap my half-brother might’ve set. Funneling enemies into a path he’s lain traps in prior isn’t a strategy foreign to him. But by the time I realized and set out to warn you, it was too late.” She glances back to you. “Which way do you suppose best?”

>Follow the spear laden route. It’s a preferable alternative to whatever lies in the dark.
>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.
>Write-In.
>>
>>5240636
>>Write-In.
Let's split up, we hold Morne's attention with the help of Millicent and the remaining Arsene while the girls go through the spear path and talk with Yorick. It's risky but that way at least he won't attack them again.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.
Let's end this.

>>5240649
Splitting up is how we got into this mess, necessity notwithstanding.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.
A Dhampir should have better night vision than a human right?
>>
If we attack morne, he could easily kill noelle. Fuck that.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the spear laden route. It’s a preferable alternative to whatever lies in the dark.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the spear laden route. It’s a preferable alternative to whatever lies in the dark.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the spear laden route. It’s a preferable alternative to whatever lies in the dark.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.
>>
>>5240636
>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.
>>
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>>5242568
>>5241571
>>5241383
>>5240956
>>5240871
>>5240858
>>5240828
>>5240710
>>5240661
>>5240649

>Follow the dark route. You’d like to ensure Millicent is okay and you need to take care of Morne.

“We’ll follow the dark route again.” You settle, your voice firm. “We’ll all end up dead if we let Morne run about ahead of us and set any more traps. Now that our party’s whole, we may have a real chance to put him down for good. And I ought to check after Millicent. I left her behind after leading her there, after all.”
“We’re going to fight Morne? With Noelle in tow..?” Ava asks, unsuredly. She casts a glance back to the berserker and the doll atop her back. “..Fine. I can’t much argue for letting my brother go free after this, but I can hardly call our party ‘whole,’ either. But if you feel it’s best.. then let’s proceed.”

The dhampir leads the way, her head low as she steps into the dark. You briefly look back at the crossroads behind you before you plunge back into the breach again after her.
>>
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Thread archived:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5192441/

I've gotten pretty busy wrapping up my semester, so I'll call the thread here for now. Will finish the quest with one more thread in another week or two!
>>
>>5242694
Thanks for running QM! Been a real joy, I'm completely hooked on this. One of the best quests I've read. Hope to see you soon, and good luck for Finals.
>>
>>5242703
Agreed! The first was fun, but this sequel has some real meat on its bones and I love the characters and their dynamics.

>>5242694
Amazing work, QM!
>>
>>5242694
Great thread QM, hyped for the continuation
>>
>>5242694
Great job QM, I hope we can save Noelle on the next thread.
>>
>>5242694
Thanks for running and good luck with Finals!
>>
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bonus doodle before the thread falls off lol
>>
>>5244502
Damn nice, though i have no idea what the thing in the top is supposed to be. I mean, it's ingrid, im guessing, but it looks very confusing.
>>
>>5244574
I'm pretty certain its Ingrid's memories slowly fading. Which won't be a good thing if we run into her again



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