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The Black Metal Armor that Lucian wore was like an icy coffin. Covering his entire body, the metal easily lost all the heat that was built up in the lower lands of Bretonnia. Unlike his body the metal armor that was worn around him did not need to conserve its heat, it did not need to stop the cold air from seeping into the numerous joints and gaps that were all about his body.

The Knight thought his armor was impervious. Daggers from Goblins and the Axes of Orks failed to pierce the hardened armor of Dwarfen Reinforced Iron. He had faced the horror from Hell itself and yet he was victim to the blazing cold winds that passed through the area.

Perhaps, the Knight realized, this was because winter was indeed near. Perhaps the Gods of the winter storms hanged their hats on these mighty mountain tops and when the time came released their children across the forest and plains of Bretonnia. There they did battle with the Goddess of Mercy, the Lady, and Mann thus warming the winter for all who live there.

Here they were stepping into the domain of those frosty gods that not even the Dwarfs revere. Lucian wondered for a moment if perhaps that lord was Ulric, that beastial lord that the Empire loves almost as much as they do Sigmar. Perhaps they are those nameless gods, not those of Chaos but either so far away or desolate for anyone in Bretonnia to even know. They only know of their presence because of Winter’s Bite.

And indeed the Winters bit. It slithered through the armor and onto the numerous layers of clothes that Lucian had wore. The Fabric only doing so much better than the armor as Lucian could feel the winds pouring through the small pores of the cloth he wore. He even wore a scarf underneath his helm, both on in an attempt to delay the encouching cold of the Grey Mountains.

Lucian’s fight was not personal, for the two coldblooded Lizards had been fighting it as well. It was because of them that they had grown to a crawl like this. The mighty Bok, a monster who slaughtered hundreds of Skaven, was being kept warm but the mystic powers of his Skink Master Tee-Nee-Tyny.

The Lizard, for all his mastery of magic, was in a losing fight. He focused on keeping his companion from freezing over and thus began wearing several layers of clothes just like a man would.

Adok did not say anything. The Dwarf was wearing a large scarf that revealed only his eyes. Pulled by Truffles, the white donkey who did not complain, the two were like silent patrolman sort of accustomed to these conditions. Perhaps it was the Runesmith’s experience that was giving him an edge against all of them.

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Just as Lucian was starting to wish that a scruff of fuzz would grow upon his chin in an attempt to shelter his body just that little but more from the winds he noticed something. The road, which they had been following for several days, had become covered in the snow of the mountains yet Lucian was able to make out a small grey spot.

It was a place that looked almost untouched by the road of snow that they were walking through. It reminded Lucian of the spots around the village where the heat of homes would be the bane of snow gathering all around them. Yet he could barely imagine such a large amount of snow would be fought against, memories of having to fight against feet of it coming to his mind.

It was then that Lucian heard a small voice. A hushed voice that sang in a language that Lucian knew but did not. Its weakness drew away all meaning that Lucian could have gained from the words for they were meant to be so. As if there was a great many sheets drawn upon the singer who would have brought a cathedral to its knees.

His first thought was the Lizard, Tee-Nee-Tyny, yet the Lizard was still focused on the small welling of magic dancing upon his palms to have given such a graven mournful song. The giant beast that was Bok was equally not as able to sing, but for reason of intelligence above all else.

So Lucian understood it as he glanced towards Adok. The Dwarf lowering his head as if weight had been placed upon him.

Lucian wanted to ask the Dwarf what he was singing or why, but he could tell that now was not the time to say anything. Runesmith he is, and perhaps a friend, the Dwarf was within a world of a sorta prayer. Lucian would not have appreciated if his prayers to the Gods was interrupted. As such he gave the Dwarf his space.

Yet Lucian realized as they approached that the place was growing larger and larger. It seemed like no time at all passed, yet now Lucian was looking directly into a Mountain hold of the Dwarfs.

Karak Ziflin, the further Dwarfen settlement on this side of the world.

There he could see them, bright spots of bronze and steel against the gray mountain side. They were stout, round bellied, and carrying weapons twice their size.

Dwarf Warriors.

>Let Adok take care of getting them in
>Announce oneself as the leader
>Make it clear they are all a group

>>5862463
>>Make it clear they are all a group

>>5862463
>Make it clear they are all a group
>and that Adok is our mouthpiece in all matters Dwarfish

>>5862463
>Announce oneself as the leader
Adok doesn't seem to want to stride forward and lets be real here, Lucian is the heart of this team. Hes also got that nice Slayer Rune on his chest.

>>5862463
>Announce oneself as the leader

>>5862463
>Announce oneself as the leader
Are good enough in dwarvish to converse? That could make a good impression.

As a Leader
>>5863116
>>5863139
>>5863167

As fellows
>>5862957
>>5862985

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The distance was covered in only a few minutes, each and everyone of them felt by the biting cold that nibbled at the heels of Lucian. He could see Nightshade, his beast who had carried him across these slopes, breathing a cloud from its nose like it was a chimney. Lucian had heard that the horses of Bretonnian Knights were something other, but to think that Nightshade had gotten this far without even a complaint about the cold air around them only demonstrated the breeding that had gone into such a mighty beast.

Looking up Lucian saw that what was once an odd speck upon the mountain was indeed many times larger than he imagined. It was the entrance to the Mountain Home that was roughly the size of a manor house, but smaller than the Bretonnian Castles that Lucian had seen across the mountain side.

Such a thing made sense to the Knight. If he understood the world that Dwarfs lived in was underneath this gate. While it looked like a small fortress at the top there was an entire civilization below it.

It was then, as Lucian gazed at the ramparts while standing at the head of the party a horn was sounded. It was a mighty one that caused a rumbling in the snow underneath Lucian’s feet.

“Halt!” Declared a Dwarf who was wearing the silver armor of the Dwarfen people. While not large in stature it did not rob the Dwarf of the beard whose length was close to the floor he stood upon. Upon his back was a mighty waraxe that was the length of his person, and Lucian knew that the Dwarf could cut a man in twine with a single strike by it. He spoke in an accent that reminded Lucian of Adolf Wigmar’s, “You have approached Karak Ziflinn in troubled times. State your purpose or face Grimnir’s wrath!”

Lucian looked towards Adok, the Dwarf keeping his head close to his chest and covered by the scarf. His song had died out but there was no movement to answer the call of the Dwarf who stood above them. As the Lizardman was not expected to talk to these people Lucian brought Nightshade forward.

“I am Lucian the Durand of Verac, Knight Errant of Bretonnia! We have come to the Grey Mountains seeking a path northwards away from the turmoil of the Lowlands.” Lucian shouted at the top of his lungs, making sure that his chest showed to their judge, “Can you grant us entry from this icy wind?”

Lucian noticed it near instantly. He could hear the chatter even from his spot as the Dwarfs caught a full glimpse of the symbol emblazon upon his armor’s chest. Lucian did not know the spoken language of the Dwarfs, but he knew that the rune was causing an uproar amongst the soldiery.

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There were quickly several Dwarfs now standing next to the Gatekeeper. Each of them were gawking or staring at Lucian as he kept his chest out and his posture firm. He wanted to curl into a ball, the cold now stabbing him as he tried to look tough and strong, so he endured it. He would endure it if it meant they would have entry into this keep.

“Bretonnian!” A Dwarf had pushed away the gatekeeper and was now shouting down in a voice that was louder and more brutal than the last, “Why do you bear the mark of the Slayers!? How!?”

“I bear it because I seek vengeance!” Lucian told the Dwarfs with a firm pronouncement, “My home was burned and destroyed by the dead, and I vowed vengeance against the Vampire who did this. Grimnir knows this, I am sure, and gives me his strength!”

Taking his hands, the Black Knight removed the helm and exposed himself to their sight. He could feel the surprise of all the Dwarfs as they gazed upon him, each of them seeing the green eyes that showed the Knight Fey Touched.

“Do you permit us entrance?” Lucian asked as he hanged his helm to the side while grabbing the reins of Nightshade, “May you assist me in the vengeance I seek!?”

There was a sudden chatter amongst the Dwarfs, this one far more fervent and with shouting so loud that Lucian could hear it clearly. He could understand a few words, like man, stupid, and Slayer in the tongue of the Dwarfs.

It was only when another of those, this one whose beard was as silver as the other’s armor, spoke out, “You, the Dawi in the Wagon, reveal thyself! Was it you who made this Umgi’s Rune!?”

Lucian glanced over to see his fellow look up. Hesitant for a moment, the Dwarf quickly took the hat and scarf off to reveal his full face to the Dwarfs present. He looked at the men, his face soft as he yelled, “I am Runesmith Adok Fireskin…” He hesitated with a baited breath, “Son of Runelord Lornir of Karak A Karak!”

Lucian noticed that whatever Adok just said had sent the Dwarfs in a frenzy of words. Their voices reminding Lucian of those damning whispers of court, except the Dwarfs here did not hide it. The word Oathbreaker was what caught Lucian’s ears the most.

>Try to take control of the conversation
>Let Adok work this through
>Throw in as much support as needed for the Dwarf

>>5863409
>Throw in support behind the dwarf.

Oathbreaking. Serious crime. But he is our buddy.

>>5863409
>Try to take control of the conversation
>Throw in as much support as needed for the Dwarf

I'm sure not much would derail the Dwarfs, but I think Lucian is committed to representing the best of his party to the best of his ability.
Also throw in that Lucian has fought Orkish warbands where we met Adok on campaign.

>>5863409
>Try to take control of the conversation
>Throw in as much support as needed for the Dwarf
Don't worry bro i gotchu

>>5863409
>Throw in as much support as needed for the Dwarf
Unironically, if the dwarves set down a a punishment for wearing the Slayer Rune we need to take it, anything else would be an affront to our honour, the honour of Adok, and the Honour of the Dawi at large.

>>5863409
>Write in. Its deathly cold, but that doesn't quench the heat of them calling Adok an Oathbreaker. Its courtly nonsense. We are here to go through the mountains slaying skaven, a dwarf enemy and an obstacle to our quest. Just the thought of it brings a response from the Rune. Those who would shield an enemy, inadvertently or not, only make the Rune burn brighter. Who dares stand in our way?

Take Control
>>5863501
>>5863452
>>5864129

Throw in all the support
>>5863441
>>5863743

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Lucian could hear the bickering of the Dwarfs and knew that they were not going to go anywhere soon. They were more than willing to bicker amongst each other in this place and keep them out, for the fire of their words was more than enough to keep them warm against this damnable cold. Such seemed true to almost all of those present.

As he gazed towards Adok, he could see the dwarf lowering his face in penance.

An oathbreaker he might be, Lucian was going to stand their ground, “Dwarfs of Ziflin! Does calling Adok an Oathbreaker really enough to warm yourselves in this damned cold that threatens to eat our flesh!”

“What was that Umgi?” One of the Dwarfs yelled as he leaned over the edge. What should have only been bother for a human was clearly written with angered annoyance across the Dwarf’s face.

They did not like being called out.

“We come to this Hold for it is on our way towards our Quest! The longer you leave us out in this dreadful chill is the longer that you keep us away from the Skaven and other terrors who we will tear through!”

Upon the mention of the dreadful enemy Lucian felt heat. What he might have first mistaken to be his soul willing himself to full might was denied as Lucian saw the brightness emanating from his chest. Invoking such an ancient enemy had been the right whisper to awaken the wrath of Grimnir.

“Who here will deny us this fate? Who stands between us and our quarry!?” Lucian shouted now as he felt the power of the rune flowing into his blood. Intoxicating as it was, Lucian held back the murderous rage while looking around to all those present.

The Dwarfs looked at him, silent all of them as they gawked at the sight of an awakened rune upon the man’s breast. Lucian could guess they did not believe that such a thing was before them but they could not disbelieve it.

“OPEN THE GATES!” Yelled one of them towards the gatekeeper, “OPEN THE GATES!”

Quickly, as one spoke it, it had grown into a chorus of declaration and cheer. The Gatekeeper disappeared for a moment before the gates before Lucian slowly began to open. Mighty stone doors somehow moving in a manner Lucian realized did not make sense to his human mind.

Without missing a beat, he gestured Nightshade through the massive doors.

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Walking into the chamber Lucian looked to see another pair of gates before him. The chamber he was within was a massive place that had similar ramparts from before surrounding the entire room from high above. This time though the Knight was welcomed with additional Dwarfs upon the ground.

These warriors were not as decorated as those ornate Longbeared ones but each of them were covered head to toe with the chainmail that Adok had first made for the Knight. Their bodies each had plates as large as their bodies as shields, so thick this metal that Lucian knew he would failed to slice through it.

Both sides stood their ground. Even as the gates to the outside world slowly began to shut themselves they were staring each other down, possibly weighing if a fight was needed. Lucian upon Nightshade, and the Dwarfs within their block formation were the foremost competitors. Yet as a wave of heat washed over their bodies Lucian heard the subtle growl of a beast rearing back to life.

Bok, the Kroxigor, was ready for a fight.

Neither side marched forward or tried to intimidate the other though. Instead Adok, dismounted from his wagon, walked to the side of Lucian as the other pair of gates began to open themselves. Those fighters in front of Lucian did not move, perhaps because there was no way for them to further prepare themselves for a fight.

AS these next pair of mighty doors opened Lucian saw that the same group of assumed to be elders walked through. Each of them sporting white beards yet one of them had the longest. He was clearly a warrior, one that Lucian felt had more skin that those common around him.

“Lucian the Durand.” He spoke surely and with force of will, “You bear the mark of Grimnir’s Slayers upon your chest, yet you stand resolutely before us with your mind intact. How?”

Lucian raised a brow to the Dwarf, but the creature was genuine in his question. The Knight had to admit there seemed to be something fierce behind the Dwarf’s eyes as he studied Lucian, an aged warrior looking at something he knew should not be truth.

Yet it was, and he wanted to know.

>Force of will
>Paying the fury with a tithe of slaughter
>Because our goals align.

>>5864579
>Because our goals align
I'm not sure if this is audacious or humble to say our purpose aligns with Grimnir's. It's hard to tell with Dawi.

>>5864579
>Because our goals align.
I am on a quest for vengeance for a quarry that hides well so i must keep my mind sharp and my blade sharper

>>5864579
>Force of will
Simple as

>>5864579
>"...No damned Clue."
>Dismount Nightshade, look at the elders and tell what happened the same night you wore Grimnir's Rune in all the bloody glory, the feeling of how our mind and body was burning, hurting, washed with lunacy and pain before calm came, and then tell how the first thing we did was ride on our Steed into a bloody massacre of Beastmen scum on the near village of Count Ramone's castle.

Idk much about WHF, but I feel that telling a true story of our epic as some kind of bard could help explain ourselves, and maybe, by telling them our experience, one of the elders might know an answer on HOW it happened. Hell, let's say Adok maybe saw something in us that made him trust the power of the rune in the first place, and if he feels somewhat uplifted with our storytelling, he might say how we met after the goblin attack and how we were capable of resisting Dwarf's brew

>>5864579
>Because our goals align.
My enemies are the enemies of the Dawi.

>>5864579
>>Because our goals align.

I think both force of will and goals align are true. While Lucian used his will and mind for not be enraged by the rune and control it, he has been chosen by Morr, and must prove worthy of this choice by becoming his champion, Lucian is also favoured and aided by The Lady, Grimnir and even the Old Ones.
So his oath of vengeance and the incoming darkness that must be destroyed, make them naturally aligned.

Grimnir watches over him and expect the knight to bring a great slaughter of foul and dark enemies be greenskins, skavens, beastmens, undead, chaos and so on.
The priests of the Karak will probably realize this quite rapidly, once up and close with Lucian while the dwarfs with more knowledge or experience will see the lizardmens for what they are.
They might reconsider their opinion of Adok once they realize what he is doing (fighting and working for redemption).

>>5864579

>Force of will.

The moment of my death has yet to come, as my destiny is in the hands of Morr.

Goal Align
>>5864587
>>5864590
>>5865108
>>5865119

Force of Will
>>5864605
>>5865351

Interesting
>>5864612

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Before he answered the question Lucian swung his leg over Nightshade, the movement swift as a seasoned veteran of long battles could make it. The Knight had then thrown himself off of the Horse, his feet impacting with a loud bang of rustling metal and sheer force.

The Dwarfs did not react to the movement. The eldermost who spoke to the Knight was keeping his eyes trained upon the Knight as he walked up to them and expressed his chest to them. Lucian knew full well what it felt like to be talking to a person who was upon horseback, and taking in what Adok had done Lucian did the same.

“Elder of Ziflin, I believe that Grimnir and myself share goals with one another.” Lucian said to the posse of Dwarfs with as much will as he could muster within his heart, “My life as a Knight has been to fight the terrors that live in the night and underneath the earth. Such were the times that your Ancestor God saw fit to give me strength.”

Lucian, not stopping, began going into the tale of the mayhem that he experienced upon dawning the armor. The fights against Beastmen, Skaven, and his fellow man. He told the Dwarfs the power he experienced in each of these fights. How he had felt nothing when going against his own kind but had become close to what might be a Grail Knight when he was fighting the Abomination from Hell.

He did his best not to accent any of these tales. The Black Knight told his tale without any of the accents or plays that a Bard might. They would know the whole truth as Lucian knew it, so their judgment would be based on such triumphs.

It was then that the Dwarf who had the longest grey hair spoke, but it was not towards Lucian but to Adok, “Adok, son of Lornir, does this man speak truth? Have you witnessed him so blessed by our Ancestor God?”

As eyes settled on Adok, the Dwarf raised his head slowly. He took his hands and unwrapped the cloth that was wrapped around his neck to reveal his full face to those present. His features were the conviction of stone Knights defending the tombs of dead Dukes, a powerful set of eyes showing that he did not lie in the slightest as he spoke the next few words.

“I have, by the blood of Thungi that runs through my veins.” The words rocked the room like a hammer strike. All of the warrior dwarfs flinched as they heard the words of their god being sworn upon.

The Grey Longbeard smiled to those words, “Then you are welcomed to Karak Ziflin, Lucian the Durand, Adok son of Lornir, and Child of the Old Ones.”

Upon their words the rearmost door opened fully, revealing in full splendor the city that was underneath the Grey Mountains.

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Lucian knew he was stepping in a foreign world as he looked around at the structures that were all about him. Just looking in Lucina could see massive spires of rock jutting to the ceiling as a plethora of homes, hovels, and such were scattered across the floor. Across the sides of this cavern were structures that ran up and down the walls of the mountain, each of which carved into the stone by the elegant hands of the craftsdwarfs.

Above there was only the gates that led into the hold, underneath the place was lively with more activity that even the great city of Aquitaine. Dwarfs were going from one end of the place to the other each with beasts of burden that Lucian had never seen before. Many of them, the Knight noticed, lacked eyes unlike their overground brethren.

Led by the corps of warriors, they were going towards the most opposite wall with what was clearly an ornate palace carved into the foundation of the mountain.

Lucian, gazing at all of this, only noticed Adok trying to get his attention when the Dwarf slammed his fist into the back of the Knight. Lucian barely stumbled from the impact, but looked towards the Dwarf whose eyes had a shine in them.

“Thanks for that, Umgi.” He said with a small cheer, “For that, I don’t think I am going to become a Slayer today.”

“You’re welcome.” Lucian said as he thought to himself for a moment, “But what was all of that about? You broke an oath?”

“Aye, remember that… quest I told you about. The one about finding the greatest drink?” The Dwarf hinted as they crossed over a trail that went over the heads of the common folk, “There are two things that I did not fully explain. First, I went on my travels… because of a disagreement with my Father. One thing went to another, and I vowed to never set foot in Karak Ankor until I found something to prove him wrong. Karak Ankor… is all lands of the Dawi.”

“You… banished yourself?” Lucian could not help keeping back the surprise within his voice.

“Think of it as one of your quests.” The Dwarf admitted as he gave a sigh, “I wanted to prove him wrong, but I have yet to do so. Returning early is a sign of defeat but you are clearly a good enough reason that they’ve yet to demand I shave my head. Sign of the Gods you are.” He ended while patting Lucian’s lower back with a familial chuckle.

>That is acceptable
>Yeah, I feel ya
>A betrayal of trust, that is.

>>5865704
I’m not sure I understand the implications of each response. Could you elaborate a bit?

>>5865761
i think the first two are : an "okay", and "i find it understandable", and the third probably "you betrayed me in words, this is out of our oath Adok !". Essentially this is all about the oath Adok and Lucian made with each other, because there was no mention of this part by Adok.
Though i agree with you, Machine usually leaves it quite nebelous the meanings of some decisions and leaves few info most of the time in posts.

There is not even Count Remon or Truffles on that two lines above in the first post. Or stuff like the oaths (people have misunderstood already that the Albion oath of three great kills for getting an alliance with the albionians, is about doing it in Albion otherwise it doesn't count) and equipment.
Though is good that there is Wolfmar and Wingmar names at least.

>>5865704
>That is acceptable

>>5865761
>Begrudgingly fine with it
>supportive of the decision
>Ouch, that hurts my heart.

>>5865906
>>5865973
Thanks. Yeah just not as obvious to me this time what the meanings were.

>>5865704
>Yeah, I feel ya

>>5865704
>>5865973
>Yeah, I feel ya
Adok is our friend. We swore we would help him in his quest, and we will.

>>5866014
No we won't. He just had it compromsied by breaking it. Which he should have told us, because that is a stain on all of our honours to come this way.

>>5865704
>A betrayal of trust that is.
We swore to aid him, and by keeping information back we have almost doomed him to being a slayer.

>>5865704

>Yeah, I feel ya.

His crime doesn't affect us in any way, is it a bit selfish of him not to talk to us about it? Maybe, but it's not an attack on our honor.

>>5865704
>>Yeah, I feel ya

Acceptable
>>5865906

I feel ya man
>>5866014
>>5866243
>>5866272
>>5866011

Betrayal of trust
>>5866236

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“I… think I understand.” Lucian said as he gave a nod to the Dwarf, “Its not something you can really tell anyone you meet. As your Father is a… Runelord, I take it your goal doesn’t involve the greatest drink?”

“Aye, it's not.” The Dwarf gave a subtle laugh as he heard those words from the Knight, “I swore to my Father that there are Runes out there beyond the halls of the Mountainhome. That the future of the Runesmiths is not losing a Rune every century because the one who wielded it died but instead finding the Rune just as Thungi had!”

“You’re losing Runes?” Lucian asked to confirm, knowing it was not even the greatest of points the Dwarf wanted to point out.

“Ah, yes, yes!” He gave a laugh as those words escaped his mouth, “The craft of Runes is passed down from generation to generation of Thungi’s children. We are heirs to his knowledge and blood that allows us Dwarfs to work it. However unlike my Ancestor God, we can only learn so many Runes in our lifetime. So, if a Keep holding a specific tradition of Runes is lost then that is an entire row of power and meaning lost!”

“I see… I think.” Lucian claimed as he tried to set things within his mind, “So no one has discovered any Runes since… Thungi right?”

“Aye, it was Thungi who taught his dozen sons how to shape rock and metal into what we know as Runes today. These Clans are not as mountainous as they once were, the Clan Fireskin being a mix between three of Thungi’s sons.” Adok said as if such a matter was equal impart to Lucian’s understanding of his quest than the origin of their art, “Thungi found the Runes during the time the Old World was young, learning their secrets so that his children could use them against those who will magic against us.”

“So thats why the Dwarfs have never gotten a new Rune, because they all come from Thungi? Would it be Heresy to try and find them?”

“Its not Heresy, not like you Umgi think it.” Adok said as he gave a small chuckle, “But my own Father called me stupid and a fool for trying it.”

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“Why did you banish yourself?” Lucian asked as the group they were following turned direction towards what looked to be another building carved into the cliff face. This one though appeared closer to a building than a manor or fortress from the uneducated eyes of a Peasant Knight.

“Because I’d be damned if I didn’t. Making it an oath was making sure my Father didn’t have an excuse to drag me back to Karak A Karak claiming I was being a fool! I will prove him that I am no fool.”

“And I will be here to help you with that.” Lucian declared as he gave a grin to his fellow, “It was thanks to your craftsmanship that I still stand in the land of the living. I’m guessing you want to go to Albion because thats where you think a Rune might be?”

“You are striking the iron!” Cheered Adok, “Albion is the land of many mysteries, if it's anywhere it is going there. Since we have a Child of the Old Ones with us, I suspect it's more likely than ever!”

“To the Gods them, and may they bless us on our Quest to Albion!” Cheered Lucian.

“Aye, cheers to the Gods!” Laughed Adok in a mighty roar.

Soon after they arrived the group arrived at a massive structure that was apparently a kind of inn that the Dwarfs used for diplomats. The King of the Mountainhold would welcome the Knight and Runesmith to his land, but he was in the middle of other matters for the day.

Tee-Nee-Tyny and Bok had both made their way into an alotted room, both enjoying the heat of the hearth that was stationed there for their use. Neither would be leaving it from Lucian’s point of view. Luckily the Dwarfs were able enough to take Nightshade and Truffles to tac, leaving Lucian and Adok to do what they wished.

It was here the Dwarf suggested they explore, check out the Mountainhold of the Dwarfs.

>Check out the Market District
>Explore the Mines
>The Smithy!
>Hang out near the gates.

>>5866420
>Explore the Mines
I honestly don't think we can afford anything in the Shops or the smithy

>>5866420
>Check out the Market District

>>5866428
I believe we just got some money from the Duke after the whole skaven episode.

>>5866428
>>5866430
Well.... Lucian didn't really spend much of his money. Not saying he never used them but he didn't spend them a lot really.
From when he was a man ar arms to now it was mostly buying some stuff here and there, mostly basic first necessities. Count Remon helped him a lot with cash too, and Lucian lived a whole year without expenses in Castle Veristage.

They spended some cash for drinking him and Adok. And i think Adok didn't mind paying for a lot of stuff, like materials for improving the black knight armor and scythe, the colors of the heraldry, the wagon, more drinking etc...
So Lucian should have cash, not hyper rich like a certain ducal princeling idiot, but he has cash. The question is what to spend on it... really. Since we have quite the travel ahead.
There is no problem with it, but I do remember some stuff that Lucian has right now on him. Thats things we don't need to buy ! Just improve if we want too.

Lucian himself, he has :
- The Black Knight Armor, very very heavy and thick armor (other humans plate armors look and are light. No argument), very dark too. Some gold decorations and raven skull and feathers on top, clothing on top of it for better keep warmth and show our colors. Grimnir Rune on torso, and smaller runes all around, favour of Albera tied on one arm too.
Fitting for a knight chosen by Morr, but why not improve it again ?
- Verac Scythe, this weapon is a murder machine. Reforged and sharpened again it is quite strong, problem comes with armored enemies (Lucian still kills them either with more hits or going for weak points).
Could be improved more perhaps a spear point at the top or an hammer at the other side...
- Remon Sword, a sign of nobility. Fine steel sword
Not really much use beside if the Scythe isn't close by. The Scythe is the main weapon why not have it always close.

- Personal writing book, Lucian has a book were he writes down in brettonian and dwarven runes. Currently he has Adok educate him when they can on dwarven tongue, while talking through letters with Emelina for brettonian lessons.
Buying something educational could be good.
- Three books on the undead, gifted by Count Remon. They don't seem super specific but with a lot of general knowledge and lore of the undead.
Is pretty good for basics, but is not enough for whats up ahead and the many enemies of different kinds of evil.

- Writ that informs of who Tyn and Bok are, and that they are allies and companions of Lucian. Officially signed by Count Remon and Duke.
Goes without saying that if the Dwarf King of Karak Ziflin put his sign too, the writ is further reinforced.

Beyond that there is a mix of other stuff. Like Nightshade has mail armor, Tyny
and Bok have clothing etc...

>>5866420
>The Smithy !
So there shouldn't be issues in buying stuff really, be from smith or market.

>>5866475
Meant Duke Guine of Bastonne on the writ.

>>5866420
>The Smithy!

>>5866420

>Check out the Market District.

Mines
>>5866428

Market
>>5866430
>>5867176

Smithy
>>5866475
>>5866585

Huh, well, I'll think of something.

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Lucian had never seen such a large concentration of people before in his lifetime. To be among them was a different matter entirely for the Black Knight. Streets were filled with dwarfs buzzing around trying to get from place to place with stock of goods and weapons within each of their hands. The loudness of their bartering rang across the hall as several dwarfs were yelling at each other demanding that they get a better deal than the last person.

Lucian, as a Peasant, had seen bartering before but the occasional punch made by the customer or the seller was a different matter entirely. One of the customers would throw a hand at the owner of the stall, only for themselves to be thrown back by a powerful blow by the seller. To the Knight’s surprise things did not degrade into a brawl between them but instead a narrowing of the price in favor of the seller’s stronger hand.

Lucian noticed also one thing, that the amount of beards was beyond what he reasonably thought was possible. Every man-dwarf who walked through these halls possessed some kind of beard. There were some who did not have beards, but Lucian guessed them to be the woman-dwarfs as their hair was rivaling the beards of the males. Yet many of they too possessed beards, the style clearly not being segregated between sexes.

“You enjoying what you’re seeing?” Adok asked over his shoulder at Lucian, “You got a view of just about everything happening, don’t ya?”

“I do, and things are… more brutal than I would think.” Lucian admitted to his companion, “I’m a little surprise that no one has taken out an axe yet.”

“Ha, well we Dwarfs are tougher than Umgi, so we don’t mind throwing each other around a little bit.” Pointed out the Dwarf with a chuckle, “But…”

Lucian could hear the Dwarf’s voice drop and felt weariness as it came, “What?”

“Let’s head to the Forge.” The Dwarf said without any other delay.

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The Forge met all qualifications for the word. Lucian looked out to see a massive contraption of fire roaring through the center of the place with Dwarfs all around working at their craft. Unlike the smithies of man these Dwarfs each had a torrent of fire breathing hot fire in in their direction like a torrented blaze. Each of the dwarfs worked at it in their own way, skillfully placing their swords, axes, and arrowheads into the fire pit or dancing it on the open flame to get it hot.

Lucian could only describe it as magic, but knew it was something called technique, or technology. To what it meant from there the Knight did not know.

“This… is this Forge a great one? I’ve never seen anything like it.” Lucian asked Adok as they approached it.

“It's a middling forge. Ziflin is the greatest fortress in the Grey Mountains, but that isn’t saying much.” Adok told Lucian the last part in a lower voice so that the others would not hear it, “During the Great Collapse we lost almost all the great holds in these mountains, some of which we might see during our travels under the mountains.”

“How far were the Dwarfs during that time?” Lucian dared ask, “You say the Grey Mountains were yours, anything further?

“Aye, during the War of Vengeance we drove the Elgi from the Old World and onto their little island across the sea. Your lands, the lands of Man, would be ours if we bothered keeping them.” The Dwarf gave a small chuckle at the thought, “But I agree with my ancestors, mankind can have the lowlands. I prefer not to have my feet hurt from walking so much.”

“I can understand.” Lucian said as they walked up to what Lucian realized was the largest workstation in the forge.

It seemed they were here to talk to someone.

>Focus on their conversation
>Look at all the weapons being made
>Talk to one of the lower-rank Dwarfs
>Walk around the forge for a little bit.

>>5867522
>Look at all the weapons being made

>>5867522
>Focus on their conversation
The more we know about our friend and his troubles the better we help him

>>5867522
>Focus convo

>>5867522
>>Focus on their conversation
Okay this conversation might be useful ? Though Adok is no exactly well liked.

>>5866475
Ah beyond all this stuff well....
Adok has an heavy dwarven armor in both plate and mail, alongside an hammer and his own runes collection, plus smithing tools. He also put a banner with our heraldry on a pole at the center of our wagon, and a seat for himself.
Bok has his large mace and Tyny beside the helmet/hat/thing on his head he has his magical staff. Not sure if they would want something made for them or to buy stuff. Maybe ? I don't think it would be a bad idea to give them something regardless. Though Adok might just answer he can do it on his own (he isnt without coins) for himself.
Adok probably is fine with anything dwarven quality, Bok and Tyny would probably accept something with bronze or gold. Not sure if steel would be considered by them maybe if its included with the other two.

>>5867522
>Focus on their conversation

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The two fellows made their way towards something that Lucian could only describe as a shrine. The first and most noticeable thing was that this forge was guarded by two massive pillars, both of which had the mighty faces of the Dwarfs carved into them with all manner of script across them. Lucian recognized a few of them, noting that many of them were names. The lowest was of Thungi, the name of the Dwarven Craftsman God who discovered the Runecraft of the Dwarfs.

From there there were twelve names, with four of them being carried down as a sort of grapevine across the pillar. Lucian realized that the etchings slowly became newer and newer the higher his eyes went.

Next Lucian as they approached the Forgestation that the steps they were walking upon started to have etchings upon them. These were not runes or words, but scenes of deeds that had happened so long ago. Some of them were clearly from the current era, but others were so old Lucian wondered if they belonged to the times before Bretonnia was even a nation.

What didn’t miss the notice of the Knight was on one, whose stone was the kind of cleanliness only freshly broken stone could have, the image of a Dwarf smashing a hammer into the skull of a horde of Skeletons.

“Runesmith Eldir, Son of Elindir, can you hear me!?” Shouted Adok as they crossed over the last steps onto the platform. The Black Knight felt the last bits of frostbite burned away replaced by the furious flames of the forge fire that they were standing upon.

Standing at the forge was a Dwarf of the same build all their kind had. His beard looked to Lucian to be a little longer than Adoks, but there was no white upon it unlike the Longbeard Elder that they had the privilege of meeting earlier.

“Adok?” The name came out almost confused as he looked up from his craft, “Adok Fireskin, son of Lornir! Of all the faces to expect here today yours would have been the last.” He gave a nasty grin to Dwarf as he settled his gear, “There is a running bet on what would get you, and you are making me lose my bet by coming back.”

“I’m not coming back with my tail between my legs, and I want Runelord Lornir to know that!” Declared Adok with anger and some triumph laced in his voice, “I come here on my path to Albion, we plan to use the Ancestral Tunnels to travel there.”

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“Ancestral tunnels, but those are crawling with Skaven, Orks and Undead these days.” The native Runesmith answered them, “Be quite a bloody path you need to make for yourselves to even get to Marrienburg.”

Adok glanced towards Lucian, the Black Knight being too honest not to show the sudden flare of anticipation upon his face. The mention of the undead was not something the Dwarf had told him before, and now they were given interest, “Well fancy me for bringing a Knight of the Umgi’s Death God with me then, that's this fellow Lucian. But I never heard of the undead in the tunnels before. Are they the reason you are building so many weapons?”

“That's a Runelord’s son for you, aye.” Answered the Runesmith as he pointed at the bolts on his table, “It started about three months ago I think. First it was only a few of them, then these last few weeks the monsters had been coming every night to try and break down our gates. Most of them approach from above ground, but some have been spotted trying to get around the tunnels.”

“If they find a way to get through the tunnels, then they’ll swarm us just like the Skaven do.” Adok declared with a firm worry in his voice, “Not good, not good at all.”

There was a warmth in his chest, a burning desire that Lucian felt anticipating a battle. This was not however from the Rune, but his own blood running hot upon hearing the undead. The fact was simple, where the undead walked there was surely someone controlling them.

If something was controlling them, then that something could be a Vampire. Perhaps even [i]thee[/i] vampire.

“Where are they? The Undead!” Lucian shouted with agitation in his voice, something that was admittedly rude for a Noble to be doing to someone of such high ranks.

Yet he was talking to a Dwarf, who gave him a smile, “Its night now, so they are getting pelted by the arrows of the Warriors and cannon of our Engineers right now at the gate.”

>Rush to battle
>Stay atleast for the end of the conversation
>Leave the Dwarfs to defend their own hold

>>5868279
>Stay at least for the end of the conversation.
Let's not charge straight into a storm of missile-fire. There'll be plenty of time to carve our way once Lucian has a full grasp of the situation.

>>5868279
>Rush to battle
There be Killin to do. We can talk later.

>>5868279
>Stay atleast for the end of the conversation

>>5868279
>Stay at least for the end of the conversation
At least ask who is in charge of the defense. We should go to that dwarf and request permission to join the fight. Also our cold blooded friends might want to join us, to repay the dwarven hospitality

>>5868279
>Stay atleast for the end of the conversation
My Lucian is polite to people. He will find the commander, ask for a sally from the gate or a side gate, then do it himself if need be.

>>5868612
The understanding I am getting right now is that you guys want to kindly leave the conversation after learning who to talk to.

>>5868648
I think so, yeah.

>>5868648
I would like to know whats actually happening beside "yeah we are blasting some undead fucks at the gate, and they appear from old tunnels like skaven and greenskins", is not much and the forgemaster seems kind of chill about it.
What the undead are sending, who is leading, whats the terrain like etc.. would be useful. Beside the skavens under Castle Bastonne this is actually a true fight underground for Lucian. And so far he showed an uncanning brain for the average brettonian.

Give us time to for a see if all our group is battle ready, make prayers to the gods, and go grab Nightshade if the terrain allows it. If not we just go to the walls ready to fight.

So Adok came back home with Lucian in tow and called it their science fare project? Bruh... I know he believed the knight to be awesome and such, but I can see a twinkle of GREED in his eyes

>>5868279
>>Rush to battle
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>5868279
>>Rush to battle

>>5868279
>Stay atleast for the end of the conversation
It'd be impolite not to.

>>5868648
Yeah my take is that he’d be itching to fight but he isn’t a beserker and hasn’t lost his wits (yet). He’d be in self control enough to be polite about it, but probably impatient to get away from the forge and to the gates. But let’s be honest he’d need directions to find the place and the dwarves at the gates would probably be confused at what a human and lizards are doing trying to fight their fight. Also he is a guest and doesn’t really know the dwarf customs (would they be offended that he thinks they need his help?) etc. I think Lucian would make haste slowly.

>>5868279

>Stay atleast for the end of the conversation.

>>5868648
For this update, I made it on the assumption as above.

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There was an urge there, Lucian would not lie, but he held it back to ask just a few more questions. Still the rush to go out for action was there, not wanting to waste more time than was really necessary, “Who is the one leading the defence?”

“King Kargin!” declared the Dwarf happily.

That would be enough to explain the King’s decision to move aside meeting their group until tomorrow. If there was an impending invasion of Undead then he would be spending each and every day in preparing the defenses for it. Let it be the commissioning of bolts for their bows or weapons to be given out to the citizens in case there was ever a breach from the front.

“Eldir,” Adok leaned into towards his fellow with a thumb pointing towards Lucian, “Would you mind if my fellow went out to help the King? He holds a Grudge against the undead.”

The eyes of the slightly older Runesmith widened as he waved his hands at Lucian, “Get out of here then! You can meet his Lordship at the top of the walls. Look for a pair of staircases leading up the wall. Tell the guards that Eldir sent you!”

“Thank you for the privilege, Runesmith Eldir.” Lucian gave the Dwarf a curtious bow as expected of any Bretonnian to someone who is giving him so much.

“Get!” Shooed the Runesmith, so the Knight ran as fast as he could.

The streets were quickly becoming more and more desolate, for even though there was always a dwarf working something at sometime, they were still tied to the terrors that lived outside. Best one live inside their home incase the incursion of undead broke through their mighty walls, that way they could defend what is left of their clan and family.

Because of this the Knight was able to become the fastest thing in the streets. The Knight easily crossing the streets towards the mountainous wall that was pointed out to him by the Runesmith. His words did not lie, for Lucian came across a staircase that appeared to dig into the wall in the direction of the outside gate.

There several squads of warriors were preparing their equipment, their weariness removed upon invoking the name of their trusted Runesmith.

Soon Lucian was going up the mighty stairs, only for him to find a platform at the top of it. Confused for a moment, one of the Dwarfs who he had passed came to his rear and pushed Lucian onto the platform that now several Dwarfs were standing upon arranged in rank.

Then, to the shock of the Knight, he felt the floor shoot up towards the sky. Looking up, Lucian realized that they were going up some sort of chimney.

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When they arrived at the top Lucian felt his knees shaking. The weird magic that the Dwarfs employed causing his mortal body to be shaken by the sudden shock of it all. His mind though had to accept what had happened and that such thing would surely not mean his death for Morr would not allow it to be.

When the Dwarfs began moving Lucian joined them. The moment he stepped off the floor which flew the entire thing went flying down like some sort of demented beast of burden. Lucian would have paid more attention to that but the sudden ringing of thunder caught his attention in an instant.

Lined across the walls were large black barrelled weapons. Some of them having several barrels tied together while others were lonesome. All of them had the might of Mann placed inside of them as they rang with the same kind of fury he gives to those on both sea and land. He noticed then flashes of light in addition to the torchlights dancing across the way, the Knight realizing that the Dwarfs were sending their might to those down below.

The walls were built to be enclosed, Lucian having to duck slightly as the wall came roughly down to his neck. There were several portals pointing towards the outside, many of them being used to house the odd weapons the Dwarfs used or for their users to look onto the crowd below.

A sudden thought came upon the Knight, and slowly he made his way to one of the holes that looked out into the darkness. He did not find complete darkness though, but a subtle green glow that was filtered over an army below.

There were thousands of them. Thousands of Skeletons rushing towards the gate with weapons stabbing into the stone walls. From all around him Lucian heard the cry of thunder, and saw both bursts of light followed by the shattering of several dozen Skeletons. Many others, he realized, had been pierced by arrows from giant ballista, those silent compared to the concussive might of what Lucian began to realize might have been Cannons.

At least, thats what he remembered bearing at one point. It might have been among one of the merchants trying to sell Count Remon something, but the Knight could not say. All he could say was such weapons were sort of terrifying if he did not know Morr was protecting him.

“A manling holding up in here, I find something new every step I take.” Lucian turned around to see a Dwarf with a beard as stark white as snow and whose length was somehow both immense and modest. His armor was nothing too outrageous to look upon yet Lucian noticed that his eyes were sharp.

As if the courtesy was automatic the Knight spoke, “I am Lucian the Durand, sir Dwarf.”

“Visa,” Answered the white haired dwarf with a smile on his face.

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“Quite the war that's happening out there.” The Dwarf said as he pointed to one of the windows, “These undead have been working the gates for a better part of a month I think.”

“It looks like it, but can the undead even stand a chance?” Lucian asked the Dwarf as he gazed back out, “Or… perhaps there are greater horrors that I am not seeing.”

“Aye, there are greater horrors. All the evils of the world seems to have something nastier than the last.” The old Dwarf said as the ringing of a cannon shook their room.

For Lucian the concussion of such mighty thunder was shaking both his armor and his bones. He wondered to himself how the Dwarfs were holding themselves in this chamber but he realized that they might have been more used to it than he. That, and their rather round bodies helped keep the blast from hurting their flesh like his.

“So what should we be watching for? Horrors from Hell?” Lucian remembered the Abomination he fought so long ago and shook his head, “I need to meet his Lordship. I’m useless in here.”

“The King of this Karak is busy keeping an eye on his people down near the gate.” The white haired Dwarf said as he brandished his axe, “Also, I’m thinking you’re right where you’re supposed to be.”

Lucian looked out at the horrors that were abroad, the skeletons continuously fighting. Wave after wave of soldiers marching their way through the snow only showing how mindless they were, “Are you sure?”

“I think so.” The Dwarf answered from under Lucian’s shoulder, “You’ve got good eyes for a Manling, perhaps you can see something we can’t.”

The Knight did as he was told, his eyes searching the green darkness. Morrslieb light was horrible for many present, yet Lucian noticed that he could see just that tad bit better. Looking from the horde the Champion of Morr looked up towards the green moon, seeing what he guessed to be crows. Yet they looked so small against the moon.

“I don’t see anything.” Lucian said as he looked down, yet Visa was missing.

>Heed his suggestion
>Go find the king
>Drop into the field to start going ham

>>5869079
Uhhhh? I'm assuming adok is with us or did we run without him?
>ask nearest dwarf. Who visa is and what is their rank.
>if he doesn't exist or is a low born dwarf ignore his suggestion and go to the king.
Can't have an undead kill the dwarf king.
We also don't have a ranged weapon how we gonna kill anybody up here? We want to sortie with the dwarves if that's what they're going to do.

I'm not certain if he is good, charmed, or a vampire. Hence my write in.

>>5869079
>Heed his suggestion
We have green eyes for seeing in a green light. Also, it won’t be the rabble that is a threat, we can wait a bit more patiently until the real threat comes. Then we can sound the alarm and go nuts.

So just to confirm then this is the outside gate we used to enter the dwarf stronghold? The undead are coming from the countryside? Otherwise there wouldn’t be moonlight right? I guess I though that the threat was coming from the underground mountain road we wanted to travel on. Does this mean we just waltzed by an undead host while preoccupied with how cold we were?

>>5869089
We left him behind, we are by ourselves.

>>5869237
yes that is the same gate

>>5869079
I retire what i said about Lucian being intelligent, him losing the ability to talk and not telling his group to come with him is an average brettonian brain. Those three books are being forgotten too apperantly.
Whats in the fumes of the forge that no one moved ? I am surprised, are they all tourists or part of our company ?
Hop hop double time fuckers.

>Heed his suggestion
Just get the scythe in our hands, its not a bad idea to be a spotter for the dwarfs (even if they likely have dwarfs in towers doing that already so this is very strange and not smart exactly) but is just too sudden. Do it with weapon in hand, the walls might come under assault here.
Wait the walls are enclosed.... we can't see well if they are small holes, and the place is made for dwarfs. And why he said to us this is the best place, then mention the gate has been attacked for a whole month by the undead and the King is there.

>>5869237
The green eyes are aesthetic not an upgrade, they just make a costant light around them of the new color. So you can see them even when they are behind an helmet (visors exists lol), useful for enemies to spot us instead and kill us. In fact choosing green from anons wasn’t
good. Is mostly a symbol of evil, not connected to either Morr, Lady or Grimnir.
Morrslieb is an evil moon not connected to Morr.

>>5869079
I dont want to trust the fey
>>I dont want to trust the fey
I dont want to trust the fey
>>>I dont want to trust the fey
I dont want to trust the fey

>Heed his suggestion

>>5869079

>Heed his suggestion.

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“What…?” The Black Knight looked around him, his eyes searching the numerous faces of the Dwarfs who were around him. He saw plenty of faces, many of them with beards of colors ranging from burnt brown and reds all the way to those of the darkest grey. Yet their faces, let alone their beards, carried both that aged wisdom and the sheer whiteness of the Dwarf.

Taking a few steps forward he got close to one of the soldiers, “Sir Dwarf, do you know a Visa?”

The Dwarf looked at Lucian curiously, “Visa? Do you know whose son he’s?”

“No, but he looked like one of the warriors. Maybe one of the fellows helping to aim these metal weapons.” Lucian said while jestering to the weapon that was being preped for another attack.

“The cannon? No I don’t think there was an engineer named Visa.” The Dwarf told Lucian has he pondered for a moment before calling to a fellow, “Nolard, do you know a fellow named Visa? He… what did he look like?”

“Uh, he was a White Dwarf.” Lucian said before shaking his head, “A Dwarf with a white beard. It was a mighty one I must say, if prepared for travel.”

“A white bearded warrior? But there are no Longbeards up here…” The Dwarf said as he rubbed his beard seeking the answer through the hairs.

“Visa’s doesn’t sound like a Dwarf’s name.” Pointed out one of the Dwarfs next to them.

“But that's the name he gave me. Was he a Fey?” Lucian said as he shook his head, “By Morr why…”

Lucian held his words as he gazed towards one of the many windows.

“Fey, now calling a Dwarf, even one who's not here, an lugi is insulting!” Declared the warrior not studying the eyes of Lucian, “Now why-” The Dwarf’s eyes stopped as he saw the glowing brand upon the chest of Lucian.

“Something is coming!” Shouted the Knight as he felt the fury of the Dwarfen God flow into his veins. The Scythe already in his hands he looked through the window to see what was there, to see what no one else had noticed for they were looking down at the massacre.

What Lucian mistaken as crows had grown in size by several times. Their wings, what Lucian thought to be feathered, were but skin without any quil to speak of! And the distance was what quickly fooled him for the they had grown nearly five times their size from the glare of Morrslieb!

“Look up! Look up!” Shouted the Knight as he felt his blood boil from power, “They come from the sky!”

As if hearing his call the monsters of terror answered with a loud screech.

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There must have been two dozen of the monsters coming from the direction of Morrslieb. The men who Lucian understood to be Engineers tried had began moving their cannons to fire upon the incoming monsters of flight. Yet he watched as they began swinging through the air, acting erratically as if they were many birds in flock swarming over a corpse.

The distance had made the lie of their size quickly clear as they arrived over the battlefield. They were roughly the sizes of large Bretonnian Horses, their maws easily big enough to take wholesale the heads of Dwarf and Man alike. Their eyes were black in the green light of the evil moon hanging above their heads.

They were but the heralds, Lucian realized, as from below what was once a horde of Skeletons attacking at random had ceased instantly. Instead the Skeletons moved as if puppetted by a greater power into standard formation expected of their breed.

Then, behind these newly organized skeletons, assembled an army of immense size. Not just were there Skeletons but the half frozen corpses of zombies whose clothes had simply frozen together instead of falling off because of the rot and decay of dying bodies. Then he realized, where the Skeletons were mostly short and stout like Dwarfs these Zombies were humped but still taller.

Their clothing left, tatters of green and brown mixed with numerous holes about them, left little to imagine whose people they were. After all, Lucian had worn clothes just like those when he was in Verac.

Time had run out Lucian realized when a mighty horn was sounded out across the battlefield, a sound foreign that rang a cord with the Rune that danced across his chest. The cannon had taken out five of the flying creatures, the beasts no longer having the ability to avoid the attacks at such close range. They were not impeded, for Lucian guessed that the weird flesh birds were as undead as the creatures walking across on the ground below.

These birds, carrion terrors of the sky, quickly threw themselves upon the cannons of the Dwarfs. Lucian watched as one of the monsters snared one of the rods and tugged at it just as the crew fought back against it. He found himself rushing over, grabbing with one hand on a rope that was being pulled by the warriors.

One of the Dwarfs quickly took a torch and slammed it onto a string which peaked out of the weapon. Lucian felt the blast of the weapon as the cannon blew off the skull of the monster which allowed them to pull the cannon back in.

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Yet where he was not the Dwarfs found themselves losing. A group of the engineers were slammed into the wall as one of the cannons were yanked from their grip and thrown over the wall into the mass of undead below. Another, a Dwarf too stubborn for his own good, found himself carried through the window thus joining the cannon in the depths of damnation.

It was right after that Lucian watched as one of the holes who cannon was lost had the creature sticking its head through. It opened its mouth to show a wide array of teeth which were terrifying to Lucian’s mortal soul. The Black Knight charged the creature before even thinking about it as the hand of Morr guided him to slaying the monster. His scythe slicing the head off before the monster could bite anyone.

It was then the Champion of Morr saw from the other end of their chamber as another of those creatures had gotten their head through the shoot. He wiggled for a moment, then as if his body was liquid shoved the rest of his decaying flesh through the portal.

It was then that a primordial cry was let out from outside. The Knight turned to see through one of the portals as three creatures many times larger than even the Kroxigor running through the crowd of undead. Their faces almost like the monsters who Lucian fought right now but clearly had much more necromancer handiwork placed in them.

The tactic was clear to Lucian. Disable the guns, allow those creatures to the gate. Possibly, just possibly, those three mighty monsters could break down the two gates to allow the undead into the keep. Perhaps, if this flank was lost, then all would be lost already as they can get into the heart of the keep quickly in a charge that would make a duke blush.

>Stay here and fight!
>Go down to try and fight the big ones
>Join the retreat

>>5869736
>Go down to try and fight the big ones
This is what we're made for

>>5869736
>Stay here and fight!
Save the cannons!

>>5869731

>Stay here and fight!

>>5869736
>>Go down to try and fight the big ones
Remember, lucian's head is crashing against the ceilling because of these weird walls. In this position he can't fight well, with no space to swing his scythe.

He has to go somewhere that allows him to reap

>>5869736
>Go down to try and fight the big ones

>>5869736
>Go down and fight the big ones
T

>>5869736
>kill guys that are already on the walls when they get to the gate jump in behind them. After a volley of cannon fire

>>5869736
>Go down to try and fight the big ones

I'm sure Lucian's pike-scythe is anti-large.

>>5869736
>>Go down to try and fight the big ones
There is not a lot of space here, it's too close for fight this things.
so the thing to notice were the crows, meh.
I guess we could kill the undead flying things here at least and then jump on the big ones that are about to charge the gate. Not a great tactic since they are outside and we don't have Nightshade or anyone with us at the moment. But is necessary, Lucian can't really swing and strike well with the scythe inside this walls and the dwarfs are just dying here. This enclosed walls are essentially a tight long box for the flying things to stick their heads in and eat to their hearts content.


On the ground outside Lucian can swing and strike with the scythe how much he wants, and dropping from above should at least heavily wound or instant kill one of the three things. I don't think the Karak gates will open so Adok, Tyny and Bok better run and jump too when they are ready.

>>5870067
I think this is where some confusion is. Lucian can fight the Vargheists since the Vargheists are also restricted. Hell, he can probably one man stand to hold the monsters back.

Also, the Vargheists can wiggle inside the place. They are basically bats after all.

>>5869736
>Stay here and fight

>>5869736
>Fight here.

Reclaim the cannons!

Fight the big ones, like a Slayer
>>5869746
>>5869767
>>5869921
>>5869968
>>5870048
>>5870067

Stay and Fight
>>5869747
>>5870147
>>5870432
>>5869982

Alright, Roll 1d100, Bo3!

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>5870477

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>5870477

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>5870477

>>5870477
I hope we at least kill some bats on the way down, the cannons would be of good help.

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The heat of the Drengi Rune was swelling as Lucian looked upon the monster before him. He felt invigorated, just as he had when fighting the Abomination from Hell, except now he expected the might to swell into his limbs. The murder of Dwarfs all around him must have stroke the cord with the Rune, or perhaps the Knight had finally become accustomed to the Rune’s own power.

Whatever means Lucian charged the monster from the front. Even without a horse a Child of Bretonnia knew that the greatest form of attack was to go at it from the front with all the force one could muster in a single decisive strike!

“By Grimnir’s bones!” Shouted a Dwarf as Lucian’s scythe sailed over his head, the weapon buzzing through the air before slamming into the skull of the offending creature. Lucian felt, even though it should had been as tough as leather, the weapon cleave through like the flesh was butter to his scythe. Force so great that Lucian was easily able to cut the skull in two, sending the creature planting upon the ground.

As quickly as he killed that one another came towards him, trying its best to crawl and pulverize its brother with some difficulty. Indeed the flesh of the undead was dry and tough, so even creatures who were built to kill mortals would find its own skin hard to shred.

He dug the weapon deep once again, making sure the two were stack ontop of one another in a matter that made it much harder to get over. He prayed if there were still Dwarfs alive on the other side, but he felt there were none as he ran to one of the many holes in the wall. His gaze fixed upon the monsters marching their way towards the gates, their mighty jaws working as if they could taste the blood of those inside already.

Suddenly, as it sensed exposed prey, one of those bird-like creatures lunged from the air towards Lucian. He did not think then, but instead the Knight held his scythe in one hand to kneel before the portal where the cannon were supposed to sit through. The creature, not realizing the danger, had closed the distance in second which was exactly what the Knight of Bretonnia wanted.

With a sudden push of force that sounded like the rupturing of a cannon the Knight sent himself flying at the monster. The giant avian like undead did not realize what trouble it was in as Lucian got a firm grip upon its odd furlike line. With a push of his will and mighty demi-god strength Lucian found himself getting on the back of the belligerent creature in some crude form of pegasus flying from the tales of yor.

It was not a pleasant one.

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Being ridden the creature was constantly bucking and trying its damndest to throw the Knight off of its back. It threw itself from side to side with constantly changing directions as the Knight held its backfur with a grip of giants. As it was undead the creature did not falter in these attempts, each and every one of them as strong as the last. However that the sheer weight of Lucian and his armor was enough to slowly bring the two of them closer to the ground.

Hearing the cries of their grappled comrade the others quickly brought themselves upon Lucian. Half a dozen came to its aid with claw-like feet ready to shred through the armor of the Knight. The first two to come over found that Lucian was not foolish in his matter, his scythe glinting an eerie green in the moonlight of Morrslieb as it severed one of their heads and another one of their wings, sending both of them towards the ground.

The others, the first feelings of freight they have ever experinced within their immortal lives quaking through their flesh, took a distance between themselves as the scythesman.

Here Lucian saw the entire battlefield, the three mighty monsters followed by legions of Skeletons and Zombies. They were followed by what Lucian realized to be risen warriors, Grave Guard, marching in order waiting for the chance to exact their master’s orders without delay.

Gazing across the covered floor Lucian finally noticed [i]him[/i]. It was a human, or at least something that looked like it, standing upon a cart that was covered in corpses of slain Bretonnian Peasants from the wars in the lowlands.

Suddenly the monsters were upon him once again, this time five of them trying their luck at the same time instead of duos. Lucian was suddenly flailing his scythe across the air trying to get a good angle at all of them. Their guess was correct though as the Knight could not slam his weapon into all of them but all of them bore the wounds of Morr’s Champion, one of them easily falling out of the sky because of the attack.

Their claws scratched his armor but no purchase could be found. Not when Lucian was actively trying to take them all down with him with lethal strokes of his weapon. What they had found easier was their own ally, so with callousness expected of the Children of Nagash they had torn their brother assunder.

The two of them came careening down onto the ground, Lucian quickly putting the bulk of the undead between him and the ground as impact was made. Because of this Lucian had landed with his feet firmly planted on the back of the undead, throwing himself off its back as he threw himself upon the horde of undead zombies that were advancing.

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The ground quickly became a maelstrom of battle as Lucian laid into the horde with his scythe. The strength he had gained becoming so great that no mere Zombie or Skeleton could pose a challenge to him. The zombies he was among quickly learned this as Lucian shattered their frozen bodies into a cake of half frozen sludge gore painting the nearby wall.

They tried to grapple him, the Knight being forced to look into the faces of the damned who he had failed to save. They tried to bite and claw and grapple but Lucian simply had to flick his scythe to turn them all into a pile of death.

Yet as soon as he killed them he noticed the purple motes of light dancing across their bodies. From the husked bodies they began to rise once again as if death was not an inevitable cause of life. That they were constantly being forced to fight on behalf of their damned lords for a foolish goal!

“BY MORR STAY DOWN!” Lucian demanded on the undead with a mighty strike of his scythe. Yet even from this strike they were still rising.

It was the Necromancer, Lucian realized, it was the Necromancer who was keeping this fight going! If such a creature fell then perhaps the horde would fall apart without their master to control them. That was true, Lucian knew without knowing, but he also realized that so many undead in the area made killing the Necromancer not an instant victory. That was because Nagash, cursed be his name from beyond the grave, would simply puppet the undead until the wind of Shyish ebbed away.

Yet there were the monsters. Surely they were no simply like these zombies that they could be knitted together? Those monsters Lucian had been slaughtering earlier were of that breed, that the Necromancer only chose now to keep him tied up in these undead!

It was then, and only then, that Lucian noticed white hair in the crowd of undead. He saw the White Dwarf bringing down his axe upon a horde of undead that was in the direction of neither the Necromancer nor the three Giants. Then he was gone, Visa had disappeared.

A fellow? A fellow living mortal among the horde? He did not know how the Dwarf was down here but perhaps what he needed now more than ever was someone to help cut through the undead and kill these monsters!

>Head towards the Dwarf
>Kill the Necromancer
>The Giants! The Giants!

>>5870582
>Head towards the Dwarf

>>5870582
>Head toward the Dwarf

>>5870582
>Head toward the Dwarf
He hasn't steered us wrong yet.

>>5870582
>Head towards the Dwarf

I say we can pull some shit out of our ass
>Pray to Morr, imagine that we gather some of his divine might, and strike the floor to dispel the Necromancer's magic in the undead around us.
It's a fact that Morr blesses us, but also that we can call upon his power, which was known when we sanctified the bodies of our fellow Bretonians on the same campaign where we met Adok. Idk if this is something risky and in some WHF book someone did the same and ended up with his soul banished, but if someone can confirm that's not the case and wants to try it out, cool

>>5870582
>>Head towards the Dwarf
Someone to help in the fight is always welcome, directing eachother toward the giants or necromancer would be smart.

>>5870679
Praying to Morr is fine. We are his champion, though I don't think we can ask for you have written mostly because its not exactly that easy.
Maybe something minor like each hit of our scythe slowly cuts at the magic of the foul necromancer, weakening it or simple more protection from the undead. Preferably i would have it done properly in one of his temples. The minor blessing we have is for sanctify the dead and put them to sleep, it cant really be done in battle is more after it.


If you remember we gained one of the three aspects of Morr, the dreamer, which is like a great blessing not too long ago (the other two aspects were undead slayer and lord of the dead). I don't think we can ask for another Aspect now without proper deeds to match the request, if you were thinking about those instead.

>>5870582
>Head towards the Dwarf
Harvest time

>>5870582

>Head towards the Dwarf.

Fighting alongside the White Dwarf must be one of the greatest honors in this world, it would be a mistake to let this opportunity pass by.

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>>5870500
>Towards the dwarf
Fine I'll trust the Fey ONCE (1)

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He needed allies in this battle, Lucian realized that as he slaughtered another grouping of the undead with a swipe of his scythe. The undead kept coming down upon him with the fury only rabid animals could have, each of them trying to tear apart the Dwarfen made armor that Lucian was wearing. Whenever they would touch him the Knight flexed his muscles with such immense force that their bodies exploded in a gore of flesh.

He advanced forward, his feet having the flight of wind underneath him as he charged in the direction of the Dwarf he saw. His memory had blazened the direction, yet even without it he felt that his soul knew the direction. Something about the Dwarf’s appearences were striking a cord with Lucian that few things had before.

It was hard to explain but he did not have the time to think. He simply followed his senses and kept on the slaughter that was these fleshy sacks of meat.

How many had their souls and afterlife ruined by the machinations of Nagash? How many of them had been tied down by the servants of the undead lord that were suffering because of it. Oblivion would have been a greater goal than becoming the lackey to some upstart who though they could change the world order to their advantage.

The pitty in his heart only made his blade work more. What Lucian was committed to was not the killing of people but the freedom of them. With each step that he took, with each attack of the blade, he was giving them back to the realm where they belonged. He was giving them peace!

“By Morr’s Will I will triumph!” Shouted the Knight as he harvested a dozen more head for Morr.

Then his steps were where he had witnessed him. The Knight of Morr, he who devoted himself, had gone to where the White Dwarf stood. Yet he did not see a White Dwarf standing there, yet Lucian knew that he was not cheated.

Morr would not cheat him.

Reality proved the Champion right as sudden a wave of corpses came flying in his direction. Lucian had raised his scythe in the direction as a block as three bodies of the dead and damned came scattering like some perverse scattering of leaves in the autumn wind.

He heard the horse then, the Knight lowering his guard to look up at the beast and then the Knight that was upon its back.

Ducal Prince Gillot, he who was his sworn enemy and had chased him across the lands of Bretonnia, had his helm faced squarely at Lucian. Both looked at each other for not even their metal masks could hide the surprise that they felt for seeing the other here.

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“By the Lady, Lucian!” The Knight spoke as he raised his blade into the air, then quickly bringing it down upon a group of undead that were coming behind him.

Quickly Lucian placed his back towards the man, his scythe animated as to slay another grouping of the undead that were coming towards them. Willed by a mind that was not their own a grouping of Skeleton had rushed behind the reaped zombies in an attempt to get the advantage in speed. They too were cut down quickly for Lucian held the might of a Demi-God within his veins!

“Why-!?” Lucian could barely say anything more as he cut down another group that was coming, this one a mixture as two hordes were coming together to try and overwhelm the Knights of Bretonnia.

“I-!” Gillot was silenced for a moment as from the sky one of those massive monsters that they were facing came from above. Its sight clearly placed upon the two distracted Knights who were fighting. Yet it did not find purchase as the young Knight Errant sitting upon his horse raised a Lance against its descending body to impale it, “I am no coward!”

Lucian barely allowed the monster, now impaled, to even move upon the lance. He had felt their bodies and slew enough of them to knew to deliver unto them the clean bisection. He was quick about it, his scythe severing the body from the stomach down with a stroke of his weapon.

Gillot flung the body across the ground before once again focusing on his swordplay with the other hand.

Why were they together again, and in this pitched battle no less? Lucian did not need to question Gillot’s decision to fight for he must have witnessed Lucian’s attempt to fight. Yet the surprise he shared told Lucian that he charged because he saw a fellow Knight in trouble, nothing more.

Would he fight with him? Here the two of them were fighting side by side in a pool of the undead yet Gillot possessed a Bretonnian Steed! If Lucian could convince the Knight, the two of them could go anywhere within this horde without fear of repulsion!

>Suggest they fight the Necromancer
>Bretonnian Knights always charge the biggest creatures
>No, we will not work together

>>5871484
>Suggest they fight the Necromancer
And do it quick!

>>5871484
>Suggest they fight the Necromancer

>>5871484
>Suggest they fight the Necromancer

>>5871484
>Bretonnian Knights always charge the biggest creatures

>>5871484
>To the necromancer.

We chastised him for not being reasonable. It would be fool indeed to declare a refusal to work with our rival in this situation

>>5871484
Wtf Gillot what you are doing here ?! Then again he was following us a lot not too strange.
The gods cleary made this encounter possible and might want to help the champion of Morr in saving Karak Ziflin, and ending that feud with Gillot through bonding in battle ..... yet would Gillot see it now or not... did the ducal prince learn something during this time....

>Suggest they fight the Necromancer
*send a quick prayer of thanks to the gods, any help in this battle is welcome. The fate of a city is at risk*
"Gillot listen, the undead horde is immense and they are assaulting the Karak right now ! Follow me, we must kill the necromancer together ! Let us fight side by side, grave guards and more dangerous monsters are aplenty near that dark sorcerer !"
"FOR MORR ! TRUE KING OF DEATH, I SHALL FREE THIS SOULS IN YOUR NAME !"

>>5871484
>Suggest they fight the Necromancer
“You go high and I’ll go low just like we did with the ork boss”

>>5871635
>Wtf Gillot what you are doing here ?!
Yeah he was on our tail. I thought it a bit strange we managed to walk past all the undead into the stronghold (since they were battling nightly, I would have thought that the road would have been blocked, but happy to hand wave that away). Considering the time we spent fighting Skaven it makes sense the prince was hot on our heels.

Incoming bromance. Maybe. Probably want to ensure he doesn’t take all the glory this time like he tried to last time.

>>5871685
Apperantly the undead were out. We thought they were fighting inside in the tunnels against the Karak dwarfs.
The ancient underground roads are still filled with enemies.

Eh i am not sure. Gillot has not been a great person but its shaping to be a great knight, this said the gods are giving him one more possibility for not be a retard. The feud really doesn't matter in their eyes in comparison to what needs to be done for aid the world. If Gillot can understand that Lucian is not here for steal his life, but for aid the world, then it should be good.

For glory, its not going to matter anymore what Giĺlot tries, it might have worked with the warboss. But after that ? Lucian and co leave a slaughter of their enemies around. Right now and before this moment the dwarfs of Karak Ziflin, have witness the slaughter of undead made by Lucian with his scythe. There is no mistake at this point, only a fool wouldn't understand that Lucian is not just favoured by the gods but someone chosen to be a champion of one.

>>5871484

>Suggest they fight the Necromancer.

Come with me if you want to live.

roll 1d100, roll low, Bo3

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>5872424

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>5872424
FOR MORR!

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>5872424
not looking good folks

we're fucked

>>5872447
Eh 37 is not so bad.

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“The Necromancer-!” Lucian shouted as another swarm of the undead came upon him. These skeletons, equipped with shields, were finally putting forth resistance as Lucian had to not only chop through the undead but their sheilds as well, “We need to kill him!”

Lucian felt the horse behind him for in a swift fleet of foot, the large beast smashing a troop of the undead underneath its massive hooved feet with weight behind them. The slashing of a sword also sounded as the Knight upon the beast fought. Yet the Horse’s rearing was enough to give him a moment’s word, “The one upon the cart!?”

“Yes!” Lucian had another troop, this one just as numerous as the last come towards him with their swords battering against his armor. Taking his weapon by both hands the Knight slammed the staff of his scythe into the group and caused a wave of force to push the creatures back, “Together, we can get to him together!”

“Together!?” The Knight sounded outraged as if his honor had been further stained. Perhaps it had been, “We fight together because we simply are! That’s it!”

Taking his weapon into the air, the Black Knight quickly reaped the group infront of him. Luck would have it that he went through their feet, cutting the undead in such a way that their enchantment failed them. He took this moment to speak, “The Gods brought us together! Know this! Morr, Grimnir, and the Lady have!”

Lucian had to stomp on one of the skeleton heads as a group of Zombies came towards him. The strength of Drengi flowing through his blood yet the Knight was finding the wear and tear of battle mounting. He could not say what kind of injuries the fall earlier caused him, but they were likely not good.

With no response from the Prince he had to start the march, taking one step forward before sweeping through a horde of the undead. Another group quickly replaced them but the Knight was able to take another step as they advanced forward. A swipe of his scythe was the payment needed for another step through this pool of corpses, the snow already consuming them as he he eyed the Necromancer who laughed at their futile effort.

“FOR THE LADY!” The words were sounded as Lucian heard the stamping of feet from behind. Quickly rushing past him the Knight of Bordeleaux had charged through the undead bringing them all low underneath the feet of his mighty steed while making a line for the Necromancer.

Lucian quickly followed after, for while the horse could not gain so much speed it was both strong and heavy! Keeping the rear clear the Knight’s Lance and Horse turned all that were before them into an icy paste upon the ground.

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The charge forward was brutal and bloody, the beast of Bretonnia being a beast of carnage who crushed all beneath its hooves. Even the snow that began to drift upon the battlefield did not impede the two Bretonnians as they relied upon their thorough bred beast to bring them victory in this battle.

Lucian had to focus on fighting, swinging his weapon in a way that it killed those who posed some danger. The issue with undead the Knight realized was that they did not feel shock or awe at the attacks. Killing their fellow was simply killing one of them, they did not care about his life. It was only when Lucian was sure a grouping of them were close to death that some of them would fall apart naturally, as if the magic holding them together had loosened.

In a sense these creatures were puppetted as a group, if Lucian guessed the magics correctly.

As for the flying creatures Lucian realized that a great many of them were gone now. He would have thought they’d gotten into the Dwarfen Stronghold, but as he watched something with red hair fly out of a gunnery portal with one of them the Knight was not so sure.

“By the Lady! Lemera!” Shouted Gillot as Lucian slammed into the rear of the beast. The Impact being just enough for the horse to teeter over as Lucian saw the many spears piercing its chest. The Knight riding it had already began dismounting, narrowing avoiding the collapse of the beast upon his leg which would have been a death sentence.

Lucian glanced around him, noticing upon each of these warriors an suit of armor of some kind upon each of them. Many were Dwarfs, but some were Humans wearing the armor of Bretonnians and that of the Imperials!

Lucian glanced, he saw the Necromancer was only twenty five yards away from them. Yet he seemed so far now as the Knight realized he was among the Grave Guard. Creatures who were just like the one who gave Lucian his Nobility, but with luck Lucian noticed that none seemed to be carrying that accursed sword.

Gillot had quickly parried a strike from one of them while fighting the others off with his Lance. Lucian had quickly blocked as three of them came at him, the Knight only being back to defend from one as the other two slammed their dulled blades into his armor.

>Focus on just survival
>Send Gillot to kill the Necromancer
>Abandon the Ducal prince
>Try to advance together

>>5872475
>Try to advance together
PUSH

>>5872475
>Try to advance together
We have bigger fish to fry.

>>5872475
>Try to advance together

I'm not clear on this line:
>Lucian glanced around him, noticing upon each of these warriors an suit of armor of some kind upon each of them. Many were Dwarfs, but some were Humans wearing the armor of Bretonnians and that of the Imperials!
Is this referencing the undead or allies around Lucian?

>>5872513
The very next paragraph anon.
> Yet he seemed so far now as the Knight realized he was among the Grave Guard.
The prompts also wouldn't really make sense if they were friendly.

>>5872475
>Advance together.

>>5872475
Man, Gillot is such an idiot even with proof in front of him, he has to carry this feud even around a legion of undead. I am very tempted to leave him here, if it wasn't for the gods giving us such a clear sign i would.

>>Try to advance together
"Gillot we are close him !"
"IN MORR'S HOLY NAME I BRING YOU DEATH SLAVE OF NAGASH !"

>>5872513
Undead, it seems this Necromancer has gone around quite a bit for build such an horde, and sacked many cemeteries and battlefields. This is not a necromancer like the one leading the other three in Castle Bastonne under the garden. This is someone older, more experienced and powerful.
Man not having Nightshade with us really makes it harder to push in. Too bad the rest of our gang cant reach us at this point.

>>5872475

>Try to advance together!

"Lucian glanced around him, noticing upon each of these warriors an suit of armor of some kind upon each of them. Many were Dwarfs"

I always thought using dawi to make undead was impossible, because I've never seen any examples of them before. Speaking of which, I've never seen any necromancer's try to create something using ogres or giants either, but in any case it's really cool to see one capable of besieging a Karak by himself.

>>5872475
> Try to advance together

Yeah gotta keep trying to crack the prince. He can’t stay dumb forever. At some point he’ll have an epiphany and realise some things are bigger than himself

>>5872752
It seems necromancer are improving in spells and rituals, that powerful magical sword a year ago in Castle Bastonne and the ritual for make an undead out of the ancient Grail Knight Osmont the Brave are clear sign of that.
This is more proof of it, that they can raise dwarf skeletons and corpses.

Lets get those rolls!

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>5873068

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>5873068
rollan

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>5873068
Excelsior!

>>5872752
>I always thought using dawi to make undead was impossible, because I've never seen any examples of them before

There are plenty examples of them being ghosts. Probably the reason humans are undead most of the time is because those were the scupts GW sells.

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With a push of his will Lucian brought his scythe down upon the three who were assaulting his person. Each of them a warrior of some kind tried to defend Lucian with their own parries and even one of them tried to bash his weapon into the torso of Lucian. If he was stronger, perhaps, Lucian would have been pushed back and the attack interrupted.

Yet the Knight had the might of Grimnir within him. His feet remained firm upon the ground and remained as so as the blunt blade slammed into his arms. The impact, which could have been bone shattering to a peasant, barely bruised Lucian as the Scythe came through and ripped the helmet of the offender off. The Knight slithering his weapon into the gap and of the armor and severing the skull from the rest of the body.

The other two backed away in that moment, dodging the attack with nimble ease afforded to them by their inhuman bodies.

Lucian quickly found himself defending as another of the undead came from the crowd and struck at him. The Knight was forced to swing his weapon over and try to strike at the attacker, killing him before he got a good hit. The Black Knight failed to do this, but the offender’s weapon had struck the armor in the rush. So while he got the first strike Lucian was able to slam his scythe into the helmet of the Skeleton.

It was not a beautiful strike, but it was a damning one that sent the skull hurtling towards the Necromancer. Lucian had tracked it, noticing that the Necromancer was now looking directly upon them instead of the gate. He reached his hand forward, a sinister feeling coming upon Lucian for those few precious moments. He felt cold, almost dead.

The Might of Grimnir had flared in that moment, Lucian feeling his blood fry and the magic rebounded from him and caused the Necromancer to almost fall backwards. Suddenly he saw a sword coming towards his visor, and so Lucian narrowly dodged it with a duck and letting out a punch by his mortal hand.

He had hit solid metal, pushing back the undead before another took tis place with its sword held high. The Peasant Knight raised his arm and defended against the strike against his head that caused orange sparks to fly. He retaliated this time with his scythe, caving in the ruined armor of the offending warrior with the sheer might of a Slayer!

They were losing time, they were losing time! Lucian knew this in an instant as another grouping of the Grave Guard came in his direction.

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“Gillot!” He shouted as a Dwarfen Warrior came before him brandishing a warhammer, “The Necromancer! We need to Reach him!”

“Working on it!” Shouted the Ducal Prince as he forwent his lance and focused on swordsmanship, “Damn it!”

Lucian heard a cluttering of metal as he turned to see Gillot had pushed the Knights he was facing away from him. Trickles of blood were leaking from his armor as the Knight Errant suffered injuries from fighting those of such immense skill. He was lucky that the armor he wore was the highest grade of Bretonnian made armor. If it was not, he surely would have died already.

Seeing this though Lucian took a few steps forward, sweeping his scythe in an arc as to reap those within his path. Many of those he was facing stood their ground against the strike for even in life they did not fear death as a normal man would. Lucian had made them pay as he sent a few of them onto the ground with a push of his will, two dwarfs among them losing a skull and having their smashed in respectively.

“For the Lady!” Shouted Gillot as he realized what was happening and marched forward. His weapon animated as he slammed the pummel onto one of the Knights who were trying to cleave him in two with a greatsword. Said warrior was pushed back by the effort and fell upon his fellows.

Lucian saw his chance and advanced one step more, taking the fallen warrior’s place to slam his staff into the others with nearly a tackle. Such force of weight he brought that all four infront of him, a Dwarf, two Bretonnians, and an Imperial, were all sent backwards at the lurch.

One step more, and Gillot had taken it with his sword swiftly going into the skull of a Knight poised to cut Lucian’s head off. He gave a scream of rage as he ripped the weapon out, Lucian silently going around him and managing a swift attack that had they crossed nearly seven yards to reach the Necromancer.

It was then that their feet began to feel the ground shake.

A quick glance by Lucian and the Knight saw that one of the giant monsters were advancing towards them. Its teeth as large as a torso and running on all fours, though they gave a united effort such an effort did not afford them the time needed to kill the Necromancer!

>Recklessly charge the Necromancer
>Prepare to face the Varghulf
>Throw the Scythe at the Necromancer
>Throw Gillot at the Necromancer
>Other Ideas? *Stupid might work here*

>>5873270
>Prepare to face the Varghulf
>Throw Gillot at the Necromancer
Can we do these two? Either these or just throw a fucking rock into his head.

>>5873270
>Prepare to face the Varghulf
FACE ME DEMON

>>5873277
Kinda the idea that if Gillot is thrown at the Necromancer, Lucian faces the monster alone.

>>5873320
What about throwing a rock at the nerd?

>>5873270

>Prepare to face the Varghulf.

We need to increase our experience fighting "leeches".

By the way, QM Gillot will automatically beat the sorcerer if he faces him, or is there a possibility that he might fail?

>>5872844

Another really cool thing a necromancer could do, would be to fuse several different humanoid parts together to create an undead chimera.

Ultimately, the factor that most hinders the power of necromantic arts is the lack of creativity on the part of its users.

>>5873270
Eh most options feel nasty and dont throw a rock thats just too time consuming "yeah I search the ground filled by corpses XD while surrounded by a ton of grave guards XD and said ground filled by snow and ice XD". The stupid option sound like a big ol trap. In regard to Gillot, he has no particular protection against necromancy and dark sorcery (beside a bit of Lady protection) and he is bleeding. Best option is fight together the Varghulf, we can kill it faster in two.
Yes this is correct, the Necromancer will have time for do more magic or call more grave guards, but Gillot is not on the same level of Lucian. A good knight, but Lucian is a deity champion and favoured by other gods. Gillot risks highly to die in both cases i think so lets fight together again.
And no dumb shit thanks "ROCK ROCK ROCK" meme is old and can remain in that other quest.

>Prepare to face the Varghulf
"Gillot attack it from the left and i attack it from the right ! On my signal we charge it !"
"I SHALL CUT YOU DOWN IN MORR NAME !!!"


>>5873546
Maybe.
Lorewise i think is the lack of experience, and the need to master the basics. And probably not having the time and corpses for experiment if they are occupied running away from place to place.
Also GW probably didn't want to write or make stuff that they wouln't sell. Much the same case for chaos, with so few demon types and being all uniform.

>>5873546
Well that would be spoiling the story now wouldn't it? Really though if you guys roll well he will succeed and it's a Bretonnian Knight against a Wizard. the Necromancer is no Vampire.

>>5873546
Is best if we fight together the Varghulf, a better chance instead of throwing a wounded Gillot with no particular protection against necromancy. The Necromancer would still have plenty of grave guards aiding him too. So doesn't mean much.

>>5873588
Well that's your all's decision. The Necromancer is on a Corpse Cart, so the Grave Guard are not going to immediately be able to protect him.

>>5873270
>Other Ideas? *Stupid might work here*
>Throw Gillot's lance at the Necromancer like this is 300, but a version where it does infact kill Xerxes

>>5873595
Nah thanks i am going to keep a very large dose of doubt on that, and i prefer the choice of Lucian and Gillot attacking from two different sides the charging Varghulf.
Ensure he gets wounded from at least one side and gets a nasty wound, has two powerful enemies to face which means split attention and more errors. Pretty good overall.

Yeah sure all "ours". Like when we totally wanted to abandon our party behind.

>>5873581

I agree that in the old world the average necromancer doesn't have the time or resources to create new abominations, but what would limit a necromancer living in Norsca? I understand GW financial decisions but the lost potential makes me sad.

>>5873585

Perfect, by the way, merry Christmas QM. Thank you for taking some of your time to bring us such an awesome quest, may next year bring even more epic adventures.


And Merry Christmas to all of you who also read this message.

Well, Kinda sad we will not be seeing the Princling being thrown but oh well. Rolls!

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>5873821
Im surprised throwing him didn't win.

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>5873821

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>5873277
>support
>>5873270

>>5873821
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY FESTAG MACHINE QM

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“Gillot!” Lucian shouted as he stopped the advance in quick order, “Monster!”

There was a distinct clink of metal as to tell Lucian that his fellow was looking at it. A subtle curse was quickly given by the Knight as he prepared himself, “Lady damn them!”

The two warriors found that even though the monster was coming that the others were not stopping. Lucian felt two impacts from blades across his shoulder, the Knight quickly flailing his arms across to smack the two warriors away. He then had to defend against three others who were coming at him with a hammer, spear, and sword!

A decision was made quickly, Lucian slammed his scythe into the spear that was coming dangerously close at the same moment the hammer smacked him in the hip. A force that would have shattered a mortal’s hip caused pain to rupture through Lucian did not break. He felt, as the odds were going against him, a burning fury of power flushing his muscles. He looked upon the sword once again aimed for his visor and the Knight suddenly had the ability to dodge the attack instantly. His body going to the left while carrying the scythe on his right in a trail.

With one hand Lucian slammed the weapon into the undead. His control not lost as he made sure to go through the necks or knees of these great warriors. The Dwarf outright killed, Lucian’s scythe quickly went through the necks of the humans with a return strike while they were upon the ground.

Lucian had to be quick on his feet, the Knight turning to face the creature that was charging them with all his heart. He was surprise to find that Gillot, the Knight bearing the blue and gold heraldry of his homeland, standing next to him with the sword in hand.

In that moment the Ducal Prince glanced at him, taking in the full understanding of the situation they found themselves within. Here they were supposed enemies yet the terrors of humanity brought them both together. Such was a great many tales that Lucian had heard time before even as a Peasant, events like when Bretonnia and the Empire would join forces to fight against the Raiders of the North.

The Grave Guard who were in front of them did not stop their advance, but within seconds they were all crushed under the mighty weight of the massive beast that was meant to tear down the mighty gates of the Dwarfs. Perhaps instead of being stupid and foolish, these men simply had a deathwish to not remain undead like they were.

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The mighty undead was the size of three Bretonnian Horses. Its body made from the flesh of five of those kind with claws large enough to rip a steed asunder. It rippled with what appeared to be real, active muscles that moved and contorted with the flow of blood in its body.

Said blood, Lucian guessed, was not of the creature’s own body. Not when its fangs were so large that they could easily rip into the flesh, arteries, and heart of its victim.

“For the Lady!” Shouted Gillot as he took one side of the mighty monster. Lucian found himself taking the other side of the mighty creature with his scythe quickly slamming itself into the flesh of the monster with as much force as he could. As his weapon came across its flesh of its leg and tore through it with ease that was against what Lucian expected.

It showed its undeath though as it ignored the wound and swung a hand in the direction of Lucian. The Knight saw the rending claws and knew better than to even allow them the chance to slice into his flesh, so he sent himself in a roll to the side as to avoid the strike upon his chest that would have rend his chest apart.

Then the monster swung at Gillot, the Knight narrowly ducking under the attack as he slammed his sword into the offending arm. Lucian watched the Knight struggle in trying to retrieve the sword, getting so with a yank before the monster could prepare itself for another blow.

Both of them were in luck Lucian realized, for in the two attacks the monster gave close to a dozen Grave Guard had gotten themselves killed through ignoring the logic of the living. Their armor shredded by the mighty claws of this undead monster who had more traits of vampires than man, Lucian realized.

A moment now here, they must take down the mighty monster!

>Aim for the head!
>Work together to get on the back!
>Big wooden stick, aimed at the heart!

>>5873918
>>Aim for the head!
Merry christmas!
Is the lance the big wooden stick ?

>>5873918
>Work together to get on the back!

Merry Christmas!

>>5873918
>Aim for the head!
DEATH, DEATH FOR FESTAG

>>5873918
>Aim for the head!
Tried and tested method that worked for us last time

>>5873938
Perhaps

Also, Merry Christmas Everyone!

>>5873918

>Aim for the head!

>>5873918
>Aim for the head!
>"If your sword is stuck on the beast, there's a lot more swords on the ground! Don't waste time and energy when it can cut us like butter!"

idk but I can just imagine Gillot trying to get the sword from he beast, just so he can be lift up and either eaten or crushed because he kept trying taking it.

Rolls!!!

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>5874381

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>5874381
I got a bad feeling about this ine.

I dont think we can kill them before the necromancers escape.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>5874381
>>5874384
Should've thrown Gillot at him.

>>5874348
The sword he is using is better than the stuff around on the ground, and a Brettonian Knight wouldn't abandon his weapon really.

>>5874384
Have a little faith. The necromancer is too full of himself and didn't retreat so far from corpse cart, this is just one Varghulf at least.

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The creature quickly swung its claws across the battlescape, trying its damndest to slam into Lucian and Gillot with pure chance and effort. The Knights found themselves having to use the most of their armor’s allowance in dexterity, narrowly throwing themselves over the offending limb as the attack scattered into a horde of the Grave Guard who were being taken down to the dozens now.

As Lucian rolled onto his feet he shouted at the top of his lungs, “THE HEAD! TAKE ITS HEAD!”

A cackle of laughter came through the air as someone other than Gillot heard those words. Lucian did not need to look to know that it was in fact the monster who orchestrated this entire scheme, “You fools think you can kill a mighty Varghulf! He is but the finest breed, a creature made with the very blood of the Von Carsteins!”

The monster gave a roaring response as Lucian found himself thrown back by the backhanded blow of the monster. The Knight barely kept his feet as the mighty armor of the Dwarfs shook violently. It should have bent, Lucian knew this, but the enchantment of a Runesmith made the metal infused with the same power that enveloped Lucian.

The beast looked upon Lucian, beastial eyes looking hungry as its maw began to widen.

From the rear of the Varghulf came a flashing light, the Knight who wore the blue and gold heraldry of Bordeleaux came from the darkness behind the monster and slammed his sword into the left eye of the mighty beast. It raised its head to give a mighty roar of pain, Gillot holding his sword as tight as a Knight of Bretonnia could.

Yet, no matter how strong he was, the metal of man was only iron.

With a mighty ring that sounded through the landscape the sword of the Knight Errant shattered into two pieces. One of them lodged in the blood of the Varghulf while the other stayed within the hands of the Knight.

Yet that was enough.

Charging forward Lucian felt the power of Grimnir flowing freely, urged on by the bloody battle that changed life and death on the line. The Knight brought his scythe up and with a swing sliced through what he could guess was the jugular of the monster, allowing blood to be sprayed across the field with brutal effect.

Lucian caught his breath along with Gillot. The two looking at the Necromancer who gave them the most scornful stare.

As they did, the cannons of Karak Ziflin began to sound.

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“You fools, you FOOLS!” The Necromancer shouted as the Grave Guard assumed their marching positions. The man reached forward with a menacing smile while gesturing at the monster that lay at their feet, “A wound like that does not simply bring down one of my creatures! Watch and witness as-!”

The Necromancer did not get another chance, collapsing onto the ground as a familiar Dwarf stood behind him. The Grave Guard turned, their skeletal expressions somehow conveying the surprise at the sight of their master being taken down.

“Now now, you all can go back now.” The White Dwarf gave a smile to them, “Give my regards to Grimnir if you see him there.”

It was then that Lucian felt it, the sudden fluctuations in the air as the magic was arrested. It was hard to describe yet it was what it was. Magic in all its forms was now nailed to the runes of the Dwarfs as the mighty gates of Karak Zilflin exposed the raised army of Dwarfs.

Before the eyes of Lucian the undead began to wither. Bone by bone the enchantments that were holding them all together being banished as the Dwarfs imposed their will upon reality. Those that had a mind went willingly, while the two monsters were now covered by a dozen Slayers each.

“Good job, both you.” The Dwarf said as he picked up the Necromancer and threw the old man at the two Bretonnians, “You fine fellows can keep an oath, right? Don’t mention seeing me. If you do it might get everyone too riled up before the real battles come.”

Gillot looked somewhat bewildered but spoke quickly, “I understand, a nameless warrior. You have my word!”

“Thank you, good fellow. I believe this is a kind of stained glory but you’re fighting got everyone distracted. Even the Zombies were watching.” He gave a chuckle before leaning a step over the corpse cart, “I’d like to see some valiant warriors like you two on my side when the time comes!”

And with those words the Dwarf dropped off the Corpse Cart, disappearing from their view.

>Give Gillot the Credit for the Necromancer
>Both take credit for both actions
>Tell the truth
>Claim all the glory!

>>5874425
>Tell the truth
It's what we've always done.

>>5874425
>Both take credit
The White Dwarf specifically asked not to be mentioned. We should respect his wishes.

>>5874425
>>Both take credit for both actions
>"Thanks Sir Dwarf"
>"Gillot, thank you for arriving here today. You aided us in saving a whole Karak, and fullfilled the wishes of the gods. Our encounter here was no casuality"
>Pick up the two pieces of his blade and give them to him
>"Like this blade, we were meant to fight united against this darkness not divided, and so i have a proposal for you. After the dwarfs have reforged and repaired a new our gear, and we have healed and rested from battle..... would you join me and my company ? Imagine what we could accomplish again in the gods name and for Brettonia, more dark enemies would fall and we would stop their malevolent ambitions."
>Regardless of answer, after informing the dwarfs and ensuring we aren't bleeding or too tired, start sanctify the dead. Lot of work here in Morr name.

>>5874425
>Allow Gilliot credit for the necromancer if he wants it.
>If not then Both take credit.

>>5874529
We are still in a fued. We cannot recruit him until the fued is settled, and even then its Gilliot.

>>5874425
> Both take credit for both actions

>>5874529
>support
>if he says no makes him look petty at least we tried.

>>5874425

>Both take credit for both actions.

The secret about the White Dwarf must be kept.

Still is a visible sign of the gods, it wasn't something casual. People cant afford to dismiss something of this gravity and importance.

I mean the fact Lucian and Gillot found eachother and fought together on the battlefield

>>5874425
>Tell the truth
Truth, truth in death and life, just don't mention the Dwarf unless specifically asked after him

Tell the Truth
>>5874429
>>5874887

Both Take Credit
>>5874439
>>5874613
>>5874607
>>5874642

Give Gillot Credit
>>5874553

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“Thank you, Sir Dwarf!” Lucian declared as the dead were falling down all about them, “If Morr will allow it, I would agree.”

“By the Lady…” Lucian heard Gillot say as the Knight almost fell upon the giant monster that the Necromancer called a Vargulf.

He reached onto his helm and ripped it off, revealing the young features of the princling for what they were. Lucian could see the numerous bruises and trauma that were layered across his body, many of the wounds leaking into bloody wounds from the face, but that was ignoring the blood that was still leaking in a steady stream down his arm where a nasty impact had dented his armor.

He looked towards Lucian, his eyes pained from the numerous wounds inflicted upon him. Yet he took the lighter of the two, the Knight narrowly dodging the death that taking an full impact from the Vargulf’s claws would have dealt him. Here he was wounded and in pain from it and Lucian still stood above him as if he was unharmed.

He was not normal. Perhaps not even a true human now. Lucian knew that at the very least something had happened to him to become this strong. He could remember such toughness from times even before the Rune of Dregni, the Rune of the Slayer Cult, sat upon his breast.

Lucian, for all his life, had been strong. But in those days before his journey he was at least bruised when hit by farming tools.

“Do you wish to keep gawking at me?” He asked as he stared at Lucian with conviction now laced within his visage, “Or perhaps we should get our stories straight. As much as I hate it he, that Dwarf, saved my life by guiding me to you.”

“I am the same.” Lucian said to his fellow Knight Errant, “He knew we would work well together and so guided us through Omen and Portence.”

The Prince gave a small laugh, then shook his head at the fact, “Was he not a mortal creature then? A figment of the Gods?”

“Yes, in that I am certain.” Lucian told his foe with firmness that held no place for another opinion.

“Then to whose honor does the Dwarf’s credit goes?” Gillot asked as he laid further into the Vargulf.

“We will both have that honor, just as we do this monster.” Lucian said as he pointed to the creature the Prince sat himself upon.

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“Both?” There was a clear confusion within the voice of the Knight as he heard it. He made an action, likely trying to rise from his seat, but the pains of combat stopped his effort quickly. So from the beast he called out, “What do you mean both us? You killed this Vargulf, there is no question to that!”

Lucian did not answer right away, instead walking over to the head of the beast which dangled by its still intact spine. Kneeling for a moment, he pulled out from its eye a metal shard roughly the length of his own arm, “Gillot, you have aided us in saving the Karak. He, that White Dwarf, he was an actor who serves the will of his Gods. We were brought together by at least Grimnir or Grimni’s will, perhaps even Morr’s if my heart sings true.”

“You did not answer my question.” He gave those words with a sort of venom. Though he would not bite, not when it was the aftermath of such a battle.

“Like this blade here, when it is whole we can fight against the darkness. We can blind it, fight it off. That… isn’t that what it means to be a son of Bretonnia?” Lucian said as he looked towards Gillot, “Together we are supreme, but apart the darkness we’ve fought today will spread! Gillot you have seen my trail, the ruin! Bretonnians tearing eachother apart as the throne sits empty!”

“What I saw… what I saw was proof that my words to you that started all this was truth! I saw a trail of ruin that lead from Bordeleaux to Karak Ziflin!”

“You call it my doing?” Lucian asked, not taking anger in his words. Instead the words of Gillot had stung with a tinge of truth.

Gillot looked upon Lucian with a piercing gaze with words that were quick, “You either have the worst or best luck a Knight could ask for. I agree, for our witnessless duty we shall both take credit for the kills. A strike at the same moment for both.”

There was something there Lucian realized. The Prince looked at him with something that was not demanding or declaration. Perhaps, the Knight guessed, the man wanted something?

“Good, we will have a lot of work to do. You will need to heal and I will have to sanctify all these dead.” Lucian said as a group of Dwarfs approached their location.

>A Rune Scythe
>Support for the Lowlands/Bretonnia
>Send what has happened to the Bards!

>>5875225
>Support for the Lowlands/Bretonnia

>>5875225
>Support for the lowlands.

I want a scythe but our beed for that is already taken care of.

>>5875225
>Send what has happened to the Bards!
This is asking what Gillot wants out of this right? "Perhaps, the Knight guessed, the man wanted something? "
He says 'witnessless' so he must want the honour of this act. In that case I nominate the bards.

>>5875225
> Send what has happened to the Bards!

I’m choosing this because our fued started back when Gillis wouldn’t share honor for killing the war boss/our stories didn’t align.


Having a bard tell everyone we managed to repeat the feat and kill an undead monster together will hopefully put us on the track to resolving the core of our fued

>>5875225
>A Rune Scythe
We are probably in the best place to get good gear as we are likely to get
Also gillot could get a new sword and flex on his fellow nobles

>>5875225

A rune scythe is going to happen anyway, especially if we keep receiving favor from the gods at this rate. With a little luck maybe we will have the True Scythe of Morr.

Asking the Dwarves to protect human territory is a mistake. Firstly, we would be offending the nobles responsible for the territory (Yes, I know they are incompetent, but I don't want to have to deal with them again). Secondly, weakening the defenses of this fort that has just emerged from a siege does not seem fair to me.

>Send what has happened to the Bards!

Becoming known as a friend of the Dwarves and a slayer of necromancers will be very helpful to our public image.

>>5875225
For clarification correct me if i am wrong
- A Rune Scythe
Completely new scythe. Wouldn't be a new upgrade to our current one, which has been with us from Verac and has been reforged and improved upon more than once. Or can we ask for upgrade the Verac one ?
- Support for the Lowlands/Bretonnia
Some or all the duchies in the south/south center of Brettonia receive dwarven help from Karak Ziflin. Like Bastonne, Bordeoux and Aquitaine.
- Send what has happened to the Bards!
The story told by Lucian and Gillot spreads faster on purpose. I am guessing this would give them both a very large amount of honor/prestige (even if Lucian is kind of entering the realm of great heroes already by becoming the chosen of Morr, his honor and prestige will go through the roof with that and if he decides to go grail knight too he will be an absolute unit. I think he could have chance in fighting and possibly kill a chaos champion or a vampire knight right now). I imagine the story would still be talked around by the dwarfs, but this would spread it faster with many letters being sent around on top of tasking the bards living in or passing by the karak.

This said is possible for us to spend the wealth we accumulated (Be in the forge or market. i know we plan to keep some money for get on a boat in Marienburg and then Albion) ? And would we have the possibility to talk with the King of Karak Ziflin (for his sign on the writ) ?


>Send what has happened to the Bards!

To the Bards!
>>5875416
>>5875461
>>5875567
>>5875611

Support the Lowlands
>>5875345
>>5875240

Rune Scythe
>>5875475

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The Throne Room of the Dwarfs had a great difference between them and those of Mankind. Where the aim of Man’s Thrones were the sheer size and scale of them, each of them having a palace that was dedicated to the administration of their realm and for the sake of the Ruler’s vanity and prestige, a Dwarfen Throne was about the size one would expect from a Count. Even though he held the title of King the scale of his room and realm was equal to only the middling lords of Bretonnia.

What they made up for in scale was in how much work was placed into the place. All about the throne Lucian could see detailed carvings of deeds long past that had happened within this fortress. Just like those the Knight had witnessed sometime ago, the closer to the throne one was the older the works were.

About the room were ornaments carved in the face of their Ancestor Gods. To who each of these Gods were Lucian could not tell, yet he knew their names. One of them was surely Grumni, the Craftsman God who was said to be the father of their first High King Grombrindal. It was from him that the idea of Dwarfs were fashioned and all descendents shared a characteristic look from this deity.

Others were surely either Grimnir or Thungi, one their God of War and the other their God of Magic. Though Lucian could remember what calling their runecraft magic had caused Adok to do.

These figures, forged in the mighty fires of what was likely the greatest craftsman of their age, were made from the finest gold that Lucian had ever seen. He could not describe how he knew this to be fact but he could guess it was because of the sheer skill and craftsmanship within it. That the sculptures simply radiated the magnificence of the Ancestor Gods. And still, Lucian had to admit that this was likely the greatest amount of gold his eyes have been allowed to lay upon in his entire life. There was no contest that this might be the greatest concentration of gold this side of the Old World.

Upon the Throne of Karak Ziflin was someone as magnificent as the room he commanded over. The King of the Dwarfs wore a silvered beard that was ordained a great rings of gold to help decorate it. He was stout like all other Dwarfs, though Lucian was sure that he would not have any chance in moving the Lord from his throne.

Such was how immovable he seemed to be sitting there.

Here in this room was Lucian and Gillot, Lucian having Adok by his side while Gillot had none. His fellow Knight had not had the best few days, underneath his armor was a series of bandages. He was lucky though, he had only loss a lot of blood in the fight. None of his muscle were torn asunder and so he could still fight.

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“Knights of Bretonnia, visitors from the Lowlands!” The King bellowed as he looked upon them from his throne. There was no herald for the King, no one at his side to give him advice. A Dwarf, Lucian knew, talked directly with people and gave them all his mind could offer, “I cannot express the happiness my Karak, and all the Dawi within, have for your assistance in fighting the Necromancer and his Horde!”

The two Bretonnians stayed silent, for it was courtesy. One did not talk to the King until called upon, and generalist statements like that did not mean one should talk. To do so out of turn, and thus interrupt the Lord, was a stain on the Lord’s honor and would be punished.

“You Lowlanders lose your tongue?” The King asked in a voice of both annoyance and confusion.

“We are grateful, your Liege!” Gillot said quickly. The action automatic and telling that he was someone who was in the courts for many years, “When I saw the siege I had to help, for my Bretonnian Blood would never have allowed otherwise.”

“There you go!” Laughed the King as he leaned in, “I’ve heard that you fellows are Knight Errants, right? If the tomes are as valued as how much they weigh, you Knight Errants needed to do something to prove yourselves becoming… Knights of the Realm. With the siege broken we will be trading once more with the Lowlanders, and I have given instruction to both our Caravans and Engravers to tell everyone of what happened! To kill both the Necromancer and a mighty beast worthy of Grumni, I want all to know it!”

“We are grateful your Lordship!” Gillot once again said. He was quick on the dial, Lucian had to admit, for what else was there.

“With that said, our interrogation of the Necromancer has brought some troubling news. To the North, in the hold we call Karak Kol, the Necromancer’s allies have made into his Fortress. With a team of Scouts, I ask that you head there and see what they have done to its mighty walls.”

Lucian heard a whisper from Adok after the King’s words, “Its gonna be on the way. We were talking about it before this pomp happened. Just need to make sure the Scouts get there and away safely.”

This time Gillot did not answer quickly. Taking a glance did not help Lucian, the Knight still keeping his head bowed as was tradition. Perhaps, Lucian guessed, he was waiting for him to make the call.

>Take on the task.
>Probably shouldn’t.

>>5875822
>Take on the task.

>>5875822
>Take on the task.
Necromancer's allies? Then they are servants of Nagash are they not? It is part of our oathes to root out such villains.

>>5875822
>Take on the task.

>>5875822
>Take on the task.
Maybe the vampires the ally?

>>5875822
>>Take on the task.
"Certainly King, we will provide this aid to you and your people."
"What rumors have been heard from Karak Kol so far be from travellers or any survivors of the Karak ? What we could expect there ?"
If they are on our way to Albion sure no problem, but before that... shopping and writ ? The shopping kind of got stopped by the battle, and the writ we could ask for the king sign now (arriving in Marienburg with a writ signed by a count, a duke and a king would be very good for Tyny and Bok security).
I am sure Adok, Tyny and Bok were also seen and provided great help during the battle.

>>5875835
>>5875858
Could be more undead or someone else still evil. Probably undead, a vampire is not impossible or more necromancers, even a powerful undead whight or ghost could be there.

>>5875822
>Take on the task.
>"But that's me and my friends Adok, Tee-Ny-Tynee and Bok. Sir Gillot here was a boon brought by the Gods, but it's not officially part of our committee, so I won't dare to choose for him this task, for this align not only with my duty to Morr and bring an end to all of Nagash's progeny, but because it's on the way of our final destination."

Also I'm going to support >>5875886

>>5875886
>>5875912
>>5875822
>support

>>5875822
>Take on the task.
Clarify that we don’t speak for Gillot, but your party would be glad to help. It is on your way and the undead are your nemesis, so your goals are still aligned

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Lucian knew it was only a formality at this point. Of all the things the King has likely asked Adok before their meeting here today it was whether the runesmith through his companion would agree to these terms.

“Your Lordship, it would be our honor to serve as such on your behalf!” Lucian declared firmly as he faced the Dwarf King, “It is my responsibility, as a Warrior of Morr, to see all of the foul monsters of undeath killed. If it means helping the Dwarfs prepare for their invasion, then you will have it.”

The King smiled to those words, the fact being that Adok had told him the absolute truth in these matters.

“Your Highness,” This time it was Gillot who spoke out to the Lord, “I too pledge my support of this cause. To think that there are enemies on the borders of Bretonnia, I must be witness myself so that I can accurately inform my Father of the threat.”

“I see…” The King leaned in towards Gillot with suspicion written across his face, “You must understand, Prince Gillot of Bordeleaux, that I am not so ignorant about your grudge with your fellow warrior to my right. For a Dwarf, such grudges will act up even during times of War. The Ancestor Gods have shown us time and time again that truly worthy grudges even against our own kind should not be so easily forgotten.”

“In Bretonnia, when called up in a war, it is declared by the Dukes leading it that all Feuds are to be put on hold in defense of the realm. This doubles for Errantry Wars and Crusades, both of which this mighty threat we saw yesterday can call for.”

“But no Duke has yet called for these wars.” The Dwarf pointed out with a sickly grin, “Don’t think you are going to get around me with that your Princling. I’ve seen plenty of Dwarfs trying to pull what you are. I want an Oath.”

Of all the things Lucian expected it was not the sheer offense upon Gillot. Raising his head to speak, it allowed a full display at the sheer amount of disrespect he was given by the Lord of this hold. A stain upon one’s honor that was so great that it might drive Knights to challenge their own Lord into a duel.

Yet he did not. He instead spoke to the Lord while slamming his hand into his chest, “Upon my name, that of my Father, the realm of Bordeleaux, and the Lady, I swear that I shall not bring harm to Lucian or his Companions.”

“Your Oath is heard.” Laughed the Dwarf before looking at the others, “Well you all better get going. You’ve got a long journey through the Underway to get to.”

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“You’ve got a lot of questions, don’t ya?” Adok said as they walked out of the throne room, “First and foremost, the King said he wanted as much help as he could get on this. Thats the reason your rival was invited.”

“That's… not what I was wanting to ask. I didn’t actually think about it that much.” Lucian admitted while scratching his head, “He said something about von Carstein, the Necromancer. Will there be Vampires there?”

“Not from what the Necromancer said. Apparently those undead found the halls of Dawi too drab and unappealing.” Mocked Adok while shaking his head, “They seemed more interested in the works of their own people to appreciate true craftsmanship when it hits them in the face.”

“But the place is owned by the von Carsteins?” Lucian asked to seek clarification.

“Its own by the Dawi first and foremost!” Adok said with a sad grin on his lips, “Last I heard it was taken by the Raki. He mentioned something about the Raki striking a deal with these von Carsteins to turn our hold into a launching platform for their coming invasions into the Empire and Bretonnia.”

“That…” Lucian had to think hard to the many maps he had seen yet he could not realize yet what that meant.

“You’re probably thinkin’ that its right next to Reikland, where the Capital of the Empire is. Well you would be right, it would be perfect if someone wanted to try and quickly claim the seat of the Empire for their own.”

“But dealing with Skaven for that? I did not know the Ratmen could even do that.” Lucian admitted while shaking his head.

“The forces of Chaos tend to find common tresspasses to ally eachother on, until they stab each other in the back. No sane man would give their back to the Skaven. I'll let you hear that.” Adok declared as firm as the will of the Gods, “Good thing is once we do this, from Karak Kol we can follow the Underway to Marienburg. So that means all this was worth it.”

“Indeed, but then, where are all the Vampires if not there.” Lucian had to ask Adok.

“I think thats what we are trying to find out. Problem is they’ve kept their minions as in the dark as us, only telling them to wait till the darkness falls over both nations.” Adok told the Knight of Morr with as much annoyance as Lucian felt.

>Get going through the Underway
>Visit the Temples of the Ancestor Gods
>Spend a day hanging out with Adok in the Dwarfen Lands

>>5876678
> Visit the Temples of the Ancestor Gods
Learn a bit more about why we’ve been blessed/marked with a rune

>>5876705
>>5876678
>support
(I'm assuming this is a minor detour)

>>5876705

>>5876924
lmao, i forgot to write the fucking "+1"

>>5876705
Ditto, maybe present ourselves before Gazul, who's obviously just another form of Morr, right? Right?

>>5876678
>>Visit the Temples of the Ancestor Gods
i like this king

>>5876678

>Visit the Temples of the Ancestor Gods.

We have the chance to learn more about our sponsors, not to mention that a dwarf priest can give us a lot of valuable inspiration for ourselves.

>>5876678
>>Spend a day hanging out with Adok in the Dwarfen Lands
nah i wanna see a special flower or something

>>5876678
>>5876705
Also might be a chance to find out who the white beard is

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The dwarfen scouts needed a few days to get their materials together and prepare for the coming infiltration. Lucian had been in a few of their discussions, hearing them try to figure out their manner of infiltration, was enough for Lucian. He did not know the pros and cons of approaching from the underway or approaching from the surface, but the Dwarfs surely did.

They were professionals. He at the end was at the end of the day still a Peasant Knight. Someone who was upon this journey because it was his duty. Not because he had all the competencies needed.

It was as he walked towards the Ancestor Temples of the Dwarfs that Lucian knew his competency was present.

Like all other pieces of Dwarfen work there were a plethora of faces each of which looked nearly identical to Lucian. They were however the faces of different gods, each of them a different aspect of their divine nature. That was what Adok had told Lucian and he actually felt truth in those words.

As with all structures of the Dwarfs there were engravings all about the place. Each telling a tale as old as time itself by Lucian’s recogning. The one thing he noticed though was that many of the engravings were not just deeds of valor, but events that had happened in the lives of the Dwarfs. Some of them detailed miracles, some of them detailed the death of others. Wondering in the eyes of the Knight noticed quickly the sheer scale of the place was beyond what he knew.

It was then, after taking in the size of the place which was grand by even some human standards, was the stone coffin that sat at one end of the room.

Curiosity sparked in the Knight, and he approached.

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The Coffin Lucian noticed was layered with even more gold than the throne room of the Dwarfen King. The top of it having a nearly lifelike visage of who was entombed within it. Across his coffin Lucian saw the runes of the Dwarfs, each of them meticulously carved into the surface with a steady hand.

He knew some runes, for Adok had done so when the Knight was learning to write. His eyes easily saw the title of King upon it. Seeing the age of the markings Lucian began to understand that perhaps the one marked upon this grave was perhaps the first king of this hold?

It was a good guess Lucian had, his eyes going away from the runes to the engravings that were scattered across the coffin and near it. Lucian had caught glimpses of artwork, especially the throne of the Dwarfen King. He thought that the King had the most detailed and beautiful works this side of the Old World. Yet looking upon this Sarcophagus Lucian was witness to what he could only describe as scenes of the past which made Lucian see perfectly what had happened.

Many of the scenes was the King triumphant against the numerous foes of the Dwarfs. Many of these foes were Goblins and Orcs, but Lucian guessed that a few of those long limbed people to be the Elfs that Adok had spoken about before. Driving them to the land beyond the seas. Others, Lucian realized, were the vissages of daemons the likeness of which Lucian never wished to witness.

Then he saw it, a face that he did not think he would recognize before. The Dwarfen King residing in the stone casket was kneeling before a Dwarf whose beard was of such magnificence that none would deny it. In his last moments of seeing the Dwarf Lucian had seen such a mighty beard.

“Hello, Champion of Morr.” Lucian heard the words spoken from behind, the Knight quickly turning around to see a dwarf dressed in the dark clothing that reminded Lucian of Morrticians, “The one you look upon is King Heldincrat, he who was appointed by none other than the First High King Grombrindal.”

“That… is magnificent. May I ask who you are?” Lucian said while giving a curtious bow.

“I am Keltor, High Priest of Gazul.” The black dwarf said with a returning bow.

Lucian recognized that name, for it was the name of the Dwarfen God of the Underearth. As Lucian understood it, the Morr for the Dwarfs.

>Discuss the workings of this place
>Methods of killing undead
>Learn more Theology.

>>5877588
>Learn more Theology.
I have a feeling that with Dwarves, Theology is all three options rolled into one

>>5877588
>Learn more Theology.

>>5877588
>Learn more Theology

Priest powers need priest lessons.

>>5877588
> Learn more Theology

Also, what does this mean? Have we seen another dwarf with a similar beard? If so, who? Our whitebearded fey friend?
>In his last moments of seeing the Dwarf Lucian had seen such a mighty beard.

>>5877588
>>Learn more Theology
Very important time to learn

>>5877588

>Learn more Theology.

Between rituals and traditions there is enough power to neutralize all evil, on our journey ahead.

>>5877588
>Methods of killing undead
RIP AND TEAR

>>5877773
Yes

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“I have heard of your god before.” Lucian said to the Dwarf as he gave his full attention to the Dwarf, “He is your Lord of Death, the one who guides the dead. I see though that this is no… Garden as my Cult would call it.”

“We Dwarfs look upon our dead a little differently than the humans of the Empire or Bretonnia do.” The Dwarf answered him with a solemn nod, “We do not just venerate the Gods, but our Ancestors. You would perhaps only care about those you’ve met in your lifetime, a Great Grandfather perhaps. If you’re a noble, maybe you would care about those that are greatest in your line. We Dwarfs see such things differently.”

Lucian watched as the Dwarf gestured, his hand pointing towards the numerous sarcophagi that were strung across the walls climbing ever deeper and ever higher, “Where we stand is where the King would worship and venerate his Ancestors. Each and every one of them he would attend and learn about like you would a great warrior whose deeds are told in song.”

Lucian gave a nod to those words, having a little understanding of it. It was something to know, not really something he needed to fully comprehend.

“Do Ancestors have expectations of their descendents?” Lucian asked as he rubbed his chin for a moment, “To venerate them in such way, surely their will must be carried out in some way.”

“That is true, and is even further true for almost all Karaks in both the Grey and World’s Edge Mountains.” The Priest said with a nod of understanding, “Always shall one value their Ancestor’s will. Those who are venerable are the most knowledgeable in the will of the Ancestors before he.”

“Which makes them closer to the Ancestor Gods?”

“Yes.” The Priest said with a soft smile that would have gone amiss to someone not used to timid members of Death Cults, “A Dwarf should always listen to their Elders. Sure you can complain, many do, but you always do what your Father and His Father tells you.”

Hearing those words Lucian began to think about his Companion Adok. If he remembered what was said about Adok’s situation. His words came as they were formed, “What is the fate of those who go against the Ancestor’s will.”

“If they are proven wanting,” The Priest began with what was a long breath, “then it is grounds to become a Slayer. Even Heirs of Karaks have faced this fate.”

>>How to approach the Karak Kol?
>Take the Underway
>Go over the mountain

>>5878195
Sorry for the short one, but I'm fighting a cold. Also I thought it would be good to go right into the march, as to avoid wasting time.

>>5878195
>Take the Underway
Negatives
Less combat space (both in width and height, possible problem for Scythe in small spaces and no Nightshade combat), less vision, possible issues of terrain for travel and fighting, skavens receive reinforcements faster of their own and later undead allies, our helm has still a visor were our green eyes do their light (no it doesn't give any night vision), they have likely familiriazed themselves with the Karak by this point, no fresh air.

Positives
We have more than one dwarf and fighting might happen in a Karak (its not their Karak, but they better know Karaks than their enemies), underground means more natural choke points and small spaces making meaningless the advantage of numbers or great monsters, the dark armor of Lucian is very thick and heavy so not stealthy at all but is quite dark so it might not be easily seen in shadows, doing certain magical spells could be more difficult underground for the enemy, no weather issues, might be warmer.

Outside
Negatives
Likely patrols of both undead and skavens, more enemy spotters and sentinels, cold, weather issues, larger space for camp larger forces, they have also likely familiarized themselves with the outside, much more space for enemy sorcerers to do their spells, the advantage of more numbers and larger monsters can be better used.

Positives
Our objective might be here, combat space guaranteed (Nightshade combat), sure vision, less issue of terrain, fresh air, the weather issue while a negative for us is also one for the skavens

>>5878200
No problem.
I ll be honest : i don't think its wasting time at all, i liked it and it felt like a moment to expand upon. A shame frankly.

>>5878195
>Take the Underway
Stay out of the cold, for our lizard friend’s sake

>>5878628
>support I guess
I don't really feel strongly about either this is the best reasoning I guess.
>>5878195

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The Underway was massive. It was, for the most part of Lucain’s sight, a cavern whose walls had been skillfully hollowed out by the hands of the Dwarfs. Their workings was evident to the Knight as the heads of their gods were layered across the place. So tall was the Ceiling that Lucian was able to ride Nightshade through the caverns with ease.

Lucian would have thought they’d be moving slowly, but he realized quickly that something was off about these roads under the ground. His Dwarfen companions, those who were the scouts of the King, seemed to keep walking speed with Nightshade and the rest of the party who made their way through the lanes.

Nothing more to say about Gillot, the Ducal Prince who was in the middle of the pack and walked with a sword. His helm upon his face, Lucian could not gleam anything from him.

The Scouts had taken point in case they were to spot anything, making it so Lucian and his group of riders were in the back as rear guard. It made sense for they would easily be able to strike against anything that would come at them with the intent to harm.

Taking his glance at his companions Lucian noticed both of the Lizardmen were walking with strides. The Skink on top the Kroxignor seemed rather entranced with something, focusing on something to deal with magic. At least that is what Lucian guessed it to be.

As for Adok, the Knight decided to call out to him, “You wanted to stay in Karak Ziflin a little longer?”

The Dwarf looked over from the stack of food being carried by Truffles with a mocking sadness, “Oh I am sadden to be leaving the realm of my kind. Damned I am to be back on the road towards the horrors that this Gods Damned World has to offer.”

“Be careful what you are saying.” Lucian said with a mock surprise on his face, “You follow the Heir of Ruin, he who keeps running into terrors beyond his wildest dreams!”

“Ha, you speak of the one who got himself thrown into a pit with some Traitor, or the word being that he jumped headfirst into an army of the dead and damned?” Adok joked with with a smirk.”

“Both were good ideas in the end.” Lucian told the Dwarf honestly.

“You fight like a Doomseeker would, unafraid of death.” Adok pointed out with a finger pointed at Lucian’s chest, “Perhaps the Rune is doing more than just giving you the strength of Dwarfs.”

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Lucian had to think about it for a moment, “I will answer that with the idea that I had always done this. When all this began, with Verac, I faced down a Vampire by myself!”

“You’re right, you do have a deathwish.” Adok announced for the cavern to hear.

Lucian looked forward for a moment, thinking to himself what exactly he had been thinking. He gave the most honest answer that could be given, “Morr guides my life from the moment I met that Vampire, and has kept me alive since then. He will not allow me to die unless it betters the lives of our peoples.”

Adok gave a shrug to that answer, “Should have guessed as much. Still doesn’t explain why we keep running into these mayhems. The time I traveled before you hadn’t been this eventful.”

“You’re accusing me of being the Heir of Ruin?” Lucian asked half in jest, but with interest as well.

“First city we walked into together we find a Necromancer trying to resurrect a Grail Knight.” Adok laid out with a brush of his hand, “Next thing we know, we are hiding in a castle against a bloodthirsty fool for a year.”

“That year wasn’t very eventful though.” Lucian told the Dwarf with a point made.

“If you put hands on that lass who was teaching you there would have been one.” Adok told the peasant, “But now I’m afraid of us walking into a village, for all we know we’ve walked into a den of Chaos Worshippers by chance!”

There was a joke, but also a point in that Lucian understood. A glance towards the Ducal Prince was enough that if Lucian admitted to it, perhaps the earlier wounds would be mended. While it did not look like it Lucian could guess he was listening into their conversation.

It was a hard thing to still deny Lucian knew. Too many things have happened for him not to have at least a bad tendency to run into trouble. Having such a title only formalizes that Lucian was a dangerous character, not that he himself was dangerous but his appearance meant things were about to go really bad really quickly.

To go against it would only be a point of pride to keep the feud going, or if deep down he wanted to resist such a title.

>Formalize the Title
>Deny the Title