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File: Alterac.jpg (44 KB, 462x567)
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Nine years ago King Aiden Perenolde betrayed the Alliance and sided with the Horde of Orgrim Doomhammer. Nine years ago Prince Alric Perenolde, the second heir of Alterac was sent into exile for his own protection. This exile turned permanent and Captain Normand Garside, your guardian for the past nine years made sure that you were safe and learned the useful skills that would help you in the future.

Now you are ready to carry the responsibility and unite the scattered Alteraci people and reclaim the lands that were once the Kingdom of Alterac.

The Army of Alterac had marched into Strahnbrad Hills and claimed what is rightfully yours, the land and the oil hidden deep underneath the surface. They hadn’t faced any serious opposition, just a scattered band of bandits and brigands. Now would the work start as soon as the goblins gather themselves and the Dark Irons, deep from Blackrock Depths, would arrive with their machines and technology beyond your reach.

But not everything would be just about the oil, for you spent considerable time with your lover Jandice Barov as you were recovering from the Incident. Her three words of “I love you” echoed in your mind, for it was love you couldn’t answer to.

Yet your time in Tarren Mill would cut short. Jandice would leave and you would have to return back to Dawnholme as finally after months of waiting the Stonemason’s of Stormwind have arrived. Hundreds of them, with them mercenaries, a warlock in disguise, children and women. You would have your hands full with everything related to them.

You had hoped that you wouldn’t be swamped with work, especially with Taretha increasingly pregnant. A lot of paperwork would fall into your hands amongst other duties. But you had decided to put the work away, you wouldn’t repeat the previous mistakes and work yourself nearly to death.

You would enjoy your life, take whatever chances you have to relax and spend time with your friends. Maybe for once your life could be steady and without worries?

Welcome to Alterac Resurgent Quest!



Twitter: https://twitter.com/MedivhQM
/qst/ Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Alterac%20Resurgent%20Quest
Prince Alric Stats: https://pastebin.com/rysxdRsv
Quest Mechanisms: https://pastebin.com/CyD88qqf
Character List: https://pastebin.com/FkYd6wkJ
Side Character Stats: https://pastebin.com/aRfyksUG
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>>5960681

All of this was just a matter of organisation. Hundreds of newcomers in a form of Stonemasons would have to be welcomed and integrated into the Alteraci society. There would be many hurdles and you weren’t sure how everything would advance from here.

“Master Pelija is here.” Taretha Foxton announced to you. Your earlier, rather personal time spent with her was replaced with the more official and responsible one.

“Send him in.” You replied to her and watched as Tari gave you a gentle nod and closed the door to your study for a moment.

Standing and facing one of your bookshelves, you heard the door to your study open after a moment. Wearing your brown leather jacket, you had closed it closed, the neat row of buttons making sure it was all neat and tidy, its collar folded and fixed.

“Prince Perenolde.” Master Mason Erefor Pelija greeted you.

“Call me Prince Alric, Prince Perenolde makes me feel awfully old.” You replied and turned to face him.

You had chosen to speak to him in a more formal and regal tone this time. To both show your disappointment in him and to make sure that he understands his position.

“Yes Prince Alric.” Pelija replied to you and caught your eyes.

You had chosen to not wear you glasses this time. The dark glasses that now usually hid your eyes were safely on the table and now you faced and stared at him with your eyes that had the green tint of Fel in them.

It seemed to make most men nervous, even someone who was at least twice your age, for you could see Pelija shift nervously. You would have to play your own part today, this evening.

“Please take a seat Master Pelija.” You replied to him, choosing to stay standing. The older gentleman chose to follow your orders.

“Now though, I will have to say that I am disappointed in you Master Pelija. I wouldn’t have expected you to lie to me nor try to obfuscate who the mercenaries really were.” You said to him. The trio who had been hired to protect the Stonemasons were supposed to be Stonemasons, not just your usual mercenaries. Morgan the Collector, Surena Caledon and Erlan Drudgemoor, the fighters and a warlock masquerading as a mage.

“They asked me to Prince… Alric.” Pelija said and caught himself.

“Doesn’t matter, what is done is done.” You replied to him and made sure with your tone, that what was said, wasn’t done. “Now though, what shall we do with the Stonemasons?”

Taking your seat and sitting down, you came opposite of him. Taking your glasses, you put them on and gave him a gentle smile.

“Where do we start?” You asked him.

1/1
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>>5960684


>Their numbers. How many of them have arrived and how many of them will arrive in the coming weeks and months?
>Housing and tents. How are we going to house them all and get them inside where it is warm and dry?
>The Stonemasons need to integrate with the Alteracis and Master Mason Erefor Pelija is going to help you with that.
>The mercenaries are an issue, you cannot have armed men outside of your own soldiers in Dawnholme or in your realm.
>Surena Caledon is a warlock, he knows that right?
>Other, write in.

QM: As always, if you have any questions regarding the Quest, the characters or what is going on, please go ahead and ask them. I will try to answer them the best as I can.
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>>5960684

"you had closed it closed"

Goddamn it, this is what I get for rereading the update just once before posting it. Silly mistake to do.
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>>5960687
>Their numbers. How many of them have arrived and how many of them will arrive in the coming weeks and months?
>Housing and tents. How are we going to house them all and get them inside where it is warm and dry?
The basics.
>The Stonemasons need to integrate with the Alteracis and Master Mason Erefor Pelija is going to help you with that.
Be tactful but incisive, especially about how we trusted him yet he seemed to be more loyal to the mercenaries than us. He's not being a very good example to his people.
>The mercenaries are an issue, you cannot have armed men outside of your own soldiers in Dawnholme or in your realm.
Either in the guarding the frontier or helping Blackmoore's campaign.
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>>5960687
>>5960744
support
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>>5960687
>>Their numbers. How many of them have arrived and how many of them will arrive in the coming weeks and months?
>>Housing and tents. How are we going to house them all and get them inside where it is warm and dry?
Specifics and numbers, very important.
>The Stonemasons need to integrate with the Alteracis and Master Mason Erefor Pelija is going to help you with that
We have offered an home, we have protected them politically and now with military. This is our realm, and he is going to help us.

>The mercenaries are an issue, you cannot have armed men outside of your own soldiers in Dawnholme or in your realm.
They will be put under us and our army. The only troops we tolerate of others is allies and friends, and even then they don't stay long since this is our land. They can be sent to join the main army in the Hills, or Blackmoore campaign. Perhaps we should send a messanger to him that our own campaign is almost done. I would like to join the Blackmoore campaign but we are still going around with the cane so big no.

>Other, write in
>"Do the Stonemasons have anything else to say that i should know ? Are you or Van Cleef telling me everything ? How many men remained behind ? I have noticed many men of fighting age or younger not being present. Van Cleef really wants to remain there then, with the army of king Varian hunting him down ?"
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>>5960687
>Their numbers. How many of them have arrived and how many of them will arrive in the coming weeks and months?
We need a census, because we are past supply limits as he might already be aware of.
>Housing and tents. How are we going to house them all and get them inside where it is warm and dry?
How soon until the first houses are ready?
>The Stonemasons need to integrate with the Alteracis and Master Mason Erefor Pelija is going to help you with that.
Pelija is the longest serving leader based in Alterac. We will leverage this relationship and make him the representative of all the Stonemasons, until the people find their feet and integrate themselves. Of course then there's the townhall..
>The mercenaries are an issue, you cannot have armed men outside of your own soldiers in Dawnholme or in your realm.
As mentioned last thread, the only place that the mercenaries should be able to unsheathe within Dawnholme is drilling in the barracks. Unless they commit to joining the army or the city guard.
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No update today. Work was stupidly taxing and I have no juice left for any creativity. I will try to get the update out tomorrow whenever I have the time.

Though I could ask you what is the overall stance Alric has with mercenaries? You have everything ranging from professional soldiers to former forest bandits, but does Alric have any restrictions he has placed on himself? Any types of mercs he wouldn't touch or races/creatures other than humans?
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>>5961486
I won't speak for everyone but some fundamentals for the new mercs of loyalty/nationalism to Alterac, to not agitate the current fragile peace with the Alliance, to work with neighbours like Tarren Mill, Hillsbrad, Southshore and follow Alric's policy of friendship with those friends.

For everyone else like ogres, syndicate, trolls, or even the next Stonedon, if they fight on scouting then they should prioritise the soldiers' own lives over the objective. If they fight on campaign, then Alric would expect giving their all to further the objectives and welfare of Alterac.

In regard to races, there is a goblin engineer, dark iron dwarf trading partners, a secret red dragon teacher. I think Alric is open-minded about allies but will be more wary with orcs and trolls (even if goblins were also aligned with the Horde). He has already attacked the Blackrock demon-summoning kidnappers, so there is precedent.
I couldn't predict how the next meeting with Thrall will go, but if Alric was present, he'd try to work out an agreement I think.

I expect Alric's pragmatism to really work with anyone except for the worst of assassination-rogues... or deathknights & liches
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>>5961486
What do you mean exactly by "stance on mercenaries"? He has hired many of them already, including those shady rogues, and he's also hired other races so I suppose the only kind of merc he wouldn't hire is a morally black one because of his principles and/or an Orc one because of the optics.
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>>5961486
As long as what they're doing benefits alterac I doubt he'd care.

As long as they don't flee a fight costing us more lives. I don't think he'd care.

Alric is worried about looking like a horde lover so anything to do with trolls, orcs, ect. Would be done behind closed doors or high levels of plausible deniability.

I'd prefer a nice relationship with our Troll neighbors. Basically a I won't fuck with you, you don't fuck with me. And we'd be happy to do some dead drop trades. Aka leave a wagon of goods in the woods. After we get paid upfront.

>anons I was thinking we could let the Trolls (once we have a good relationship) go through our lands to raid alliance convoys. That's only if the alliance start trying to step on us.
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>>5961862
>anons I was thinking we could let the Trolls (once we have a good relationship) go through our lands to raid alliance convoys. That's only if the alliance start trying to step on us.
That's exactly what pissed off the Alliance during the second war except orcs were let through to ambush the elves and Lordaeron. We need to be really really careful there, but WoW lore on Zul'Aman shows the trolls let a plague unfurl on their doorstep and hardly gave a fuck.
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>>5960718
Isn’t it about time to change the title image? That black and white banner with the old Horde pennant isn’t particularly attractive.
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>>5961486
During Ancient Greece times one of the things that tyrants would do is hire mercenaries and pay them with land, turning them into settlers and with their settlements becoming a source of soldiers that is loyal to the tyrant and who aren’t particularly chummy with the locals and their plight. Maybe we could try something like that? Get your family and children to settle down in Alterac in a contractual arrangement where instead of paying with money you pay with military service at a moment’s notice.
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>>5961486
I think that Alric is down would be down with mercs from every race except for the overly antagonistic ones like orcs, gnolls and murlocs. Also, Alric probably worries about the optics that comes with mercs with a bad rep, even if they happen to be human. Hiring known rapists, raiders, barbarians and whatnot is not a good look.
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If the QM or players are interested at all interested, I'd like to cordially invite you to participate in that greatest of /qst/ community events, the official crossover husbando/waifu (or king & queen) contest! As this is a long-running, character-driven quest, I thought you folks might be interested in joining the festivities!

Taking nominees now, and for the next four days.

>>5961634
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Work is stupid, I wish this job site would end. Please God strike me down! I dislike being unable to get the updates out, especially with a brand new thread. I am hoping for things to sort out as quickly as possible.

Good musing about the mercs, this was exactly what I wanted out of what I asked.

And have the updated map of Strahnbrad Hills, the place is yours now. Just clean up and patrolling needed.

>>5962120

Maybe, potentially. I do have the few alternatives that anons made saved up.
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>>5962133
you should stick to advertising in the general, my dude
>>5933504
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>>5962206
Eh, maybe, but I know the general and Discord are actively spurned by some players, and I didn't want to exclude folks from some of the the most dedicated quests on the board. I'll take it under advisement, but I've pretty much already done the rounds.
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>>5962191
Run these maps of yours through an AI converter so they’ll be easier on the eyes without much effort, any discrepancies can be chalked up to medievalist lack of technology. Also those more lore accurate trolls are terrifying, I think it’s only a matter of time before they start directly fucking with Alric by doing things like cheekily advancing their border totems with none the wiser until they meet resistance or start literally demanding a troll toll to exist unmolested.
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>>5962191
>Maybe, potentially. I do have the few alternatives that anons made saved up.

Maybe put that into a vote and then make some in-universe justification for it, like Maybe as a visual representation of a reborn Alterac turning over a new leaf so to speak.
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Having asked him where to start, you in fact spoke first.

"The mercenaries, I cannot have armed men outside of my command in Dawnholme. So what will we do with them?" You asked him and continued. "Because we have a few options."

"Which would be?" Pelija asked you and chose to listen.

"The Alteraci law is very short about this, but only soldiers and servants of the crown can bear long blades and other common weapons in towns and in cities. Now of course as a Prince I can rule however I want, but following the laws as they exist is a basis of good and just rulership, don't you agree?" You said and asked.

"Yes of course." He replied.

"But the issue is twofold, the law is somewhat vague, does it mean that the weapons can't be just carried or is the ownership banned as well? And can I trust the mercenaries to obey the laws?" You told him and continued. "I won't deny their stay here, that would be counterproductive and cause issues between our peoples, but there are a couple options."

"Prince Alric, are you planning on confiscating the weapons or just banning their carry?" Pelija asked you.

In this group only there were nearly ten fighters and forty others who had blades and could carry them. That would be a lot of armed men in Dawnholme, rivalling your City Guard in numbers if not in gear.


>Based on the law, the Stonemason's cannot carry their weapons in public. They can be stashed in their homes or in other secured locations until they are needed.
>Confiscate their weapons. As they don't serve you, bearing arms is illegal. Gain 3 Supplies
>Don't enforce the law. There is no need to cause any potential issues.
>Other, write in.

>Let the mercenaries be and settle down for now. You will decide what you will exactly do with them on a later date after everyone has arrived.
>Ask about recruiting them into your City Guard. Having Stonemasons amongst your guards could be useful, if they actually enforce the peace.
>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it.
>Lord Blackmoore is planning a campaign against gnolls, he is going to need mercenaries and skilled fighters are always needed.
>Other, write in.

QM: Please vote on both. A shorter update just to get things moving again. I will try to catch up missed days during the weekend.
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>>5962247

AI converter? What kind of a gimmick you are talking about? And sorry, my artistic skills are restricted to finger painting level of art. At least the filename is apt.

>>5962418

Good idea, I will have a vote at the end of this thread if we should switch to a new OP picture or keep the old one.

As a sidenote, I am annoyed that RyanRyzzo, the artists who drew the infantry I used this time to depict the City Guard, went and deactivated his Deviantart. He did bunch of rather fun early medieval fantasy art in that style and now some of it has been sadly lost. Such is life.
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>>5963204
>Lord Blackmoore is planning a campaign against gnolls, he is going to need mercenaries and skilled fighters are always needed.
>Confiscate their weapons. As they don't serve you, bearing arms is illegal. Gain 3 Supplies

Unless they swear Allegiance to us and fight in blackmoors punitive expedition.
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>>5963230
Basically a trial test. If they're loyal and support our cause they get to keep their weapons. They'll be called upon as a supporting militia for the city if it is ever under attack.
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>>5963224
Use the way back machine from the Internet Archive for RyanRyzzo's deviantart. Or maybe just go to pinterest? Someone other than you must've saved his works in one shape or another. As for the AI gimmicks. There's a ton of gimmicky websites that let you draw something or just insert an image and then they convert it into something else, like spaghetti art. Then you could Also use one of the many DnD apps around to. Touch up on stuff.
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>>5963204
>Based on the law, the Stonemason's cannot carry their weapons in public. They can be stashed in their homes or in other secured locations until they are needed.
>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it.
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>>5963204
>>Based on the law, the Stonemason's cannot carry their weapons in public. They can be stashed in their homes or in other secured locations until they are needed.
>>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it.
>>
>>5963204
>Confiscate their weapons. As they don't serve you, bearing arms is illegal. Gain 3 Supplies

Gun control wasn't much of a thing in the middle ages, and the line between a weapon of war and a farming/working implement was even more tenuous at best, with things like the messers in mind. Anyone who's not a subject of Alric ought to be barred from carrying anything expressly made for warfare, like I remember hearing that certain medieval cities limited the sizes of blades which one could carry for one. Just be sure to isolate the mercenaries when it comes to the confiscation to make it easier.


>Let the mercenaries be and settle down for now.
>Ask about recruiting them into your City Guard. Having Stonemasons amongst your guards could be useful, if they actually enforce the peace.
>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it.

About the City Guard, DOes Dawnholme actually have a mayor or something or is it just directly administered by Alric and his staff? I keep going back to the Town Watch in Rome Total War, so I just assume that the City Guard is already a military force, only shittier and cheaper in comparison to the default footman. So it's kinda redundant to ask the mercenaries since either way they'll be offered a military job, no?
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>>5963204
>Based on the law, the Stonemason's cannot carry their weapons in public. They can be stashed in their homes or in other secured locations until they are needed.
well couldnt we technically have a warehouse of theyre weapons intead of just letting them stash it somewhere.
>Lord Blackmoore is planning a campaign against gnolls, he is going to need mercenaries and skilled fighters are always needed.
Mercenary work first if blackmoores willing if they prove themselves reliable
>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it
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>>5963264
the city guard is okay not great but they aren't bad, i don't remember what exact stuff they had though. It should be armor, sword and i think something else like an an halberd. They have a description of their unit in the pastebin
here it is
"A step above the militia. Armed and armoured with halberds and bits of plate and mail. Effective in groups and to uphold law."

Ye Alric, Garside and the rest of the gang call the shots. Beric is about our trade instead.
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>>5963264
Bro please send the mercenaries to lord blackmoor. The gnolls effect us all.
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>>5963276
The pastebin site has been a tad fucky on my end unfortunately, it works now and holy moly that is like a whole thread's worth of stuff that I haven't read yet. For the sake of removing the stressed debuff on Alric, can't we set up a whole mayorship yet or is it still too soon? I'd love to for the lulz to just suddenly shove the post of Mayor of Dawnholme to Malevus as soon as we click create new vassal.
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>>5963314
We can do that all the while the other human resource management is getting done, "Hey, here's some mercs so those Alteraci soldiers I've lended you leaving won't create a massive gap fo ya." I'm also thinking that maybe the QM is gonna pull a fast one and those mercenaries arrive with camp followers. The mercenaries' deaths ought to make assimilating their women and children easier.
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>>5963204

>Based on the law, the Stonemason's cannot carry their weapons in public. They can be stashed in their homes or in other secured locations until they are needed.

>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it.

Now they are mercenaries but they are also the people who kept these Stonemasons who are arriving safe throughout their rather treacherous and uneasy journey. Their leaders and favored hands. If they take some considerable losses I don't know if that would be taken well. If we send them out to Blackmoore as mercs he will use them as mercs, but if we send them as part of the Alterac Army its a bit better. Plus now that Strahnbrad Hills are pretty much cleared since its decided not to engage the trolls it will only need patrols and some could be sent to support the Blackmoore campaign.

>Other, write in.
We attempt to recruit them, and they would go together some of our army to help the Blackmoore campaign.
>>
Side note, we don't want to have more troops eating up supplies while we are eating more then we make. So at the very least it needs to arranged that Blackmoore will provide supplies lol. That would be a good way to alleviate some of our supply issues for the moment for the regular army too.
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>>5963204
>Confiscate their weapons. As they don't serve you, bearing arms is illegal. Gain 3 Supplies

Unless they opt for the following:
>Ask about recruiting them into your City Guard. Having Stonemasons amongst your guards could be useful, if they actually enforce the peace.
>You want to recruit them into your military. Ask about their willingness to join it.
If the goon squad want to stick to their charge of guarding the migrants, then they can guard Dawnholme while they're at it as a City Guard. Or (preferably) join the military.

If neither is acceptable, they can fuck off to Blackmoore.
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"Master Pelija, I need soldiers so I am willing to give them these choices. The mercenaries can join the Alteraci military and keep their arms or join the City Guard and continue watching over the people here in Dawnholme. Those who don't want to serve will have to keep their weapons stashed away." You told Pelija and continued. "Now Lord Blackmoore needs mercenaries and those who want to join him and earn some coin should be allowed to leave. If the mercenaries serve Lord Blackmoore or me well, consider my trust in them restored."

Pelija nodded to you as an answer.

"Give them these options and when everyone has arrived, I want to know what they prefer." You said to him. "Just make it clear that I want no tomfoolery and how I see them changes on how they decide to act."

"Yes Prince Alric." Pelija nodded and replied.

Knowing the final number of armed Stonemasons and how many mercenaries and others have arrived should be when you make the final decision. What they prefer is just a polite thing to ask as well. Either way if the groups that are to arrive are just as big as the first one, you could have a couple dozen mercenaries available to be hired.

"Good, now how many Stonemasons have arrived this time?" You asked him.

"Around four hundred and fifty souls in total. Of those fifty or so are workers, the rest being women, children and the elderly. And of course the mercenaries guarding them." Pelija said to you.

"We will have to get them in our books, talk to my scribe Eligius and he will start sorting the things out." You told him. "How many more should be arriving?"

"Two groups, at least two groups." Pelija replied.

"How big are the groups?"

"At least as big as this one, but they are taking different routes so it's hard to say." Pelija explained.

As big as this one? With quick math it would mean as much as nearly fourteen hundred newcomers. That would be more than the number of people living in Dawnholme. Your earlier pondering of the population doubling seems to have become true.

"That is a lot. How are we going to house them all? I know you have prepared the plots and planned some housing, but will it be enough for everyone?" You asked him.

"It won't, not immediately." Pelija confessed. "With the work on the sewers and the infrastructure taking priority, they are going to be living in tents for now. When we get the first houses up, then people can start moving in and when everyone is in, then we can start planning housing for individual families."

1/2
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>>5963841

That was a sound plan, but it did sound that it would take most of the spring and summer for them to accomplish it. And you knew that they wouldn't be doing a shoddy work with it. The quality would be top notch.

"I trust that you are going to do your best with it." You replied. "Not an easy task at all."

"No Prince Alric, not with the people of Underbelly needing houses as well." Pelija replied to you.

Yes, they too. They were staying in the Alliance camp and in the houses that have space and allow them to be let in. You had a feeling that come autumn, Dawnholme would be a changed city.

Though there was the matter of integrating the Stonemasons with the Alteracis that needs to be tackled. You had discussed some good ideas with Eligius and now would be the time to present them to Pelija. But first, what portion of the Stonemasons do you expect to join the overall workforce?


>Fully, they are now in Alterac so the same expectations apply to them as it does for everyone else. If fifty workers arrive, they all should join the workforce. Gain 50 Peasants
>Half, you expect at least half of them to join the recruitable workforce. You need more soldiers, miners and other workers. Not everyone can be builders for the rest of their lives. Gain 25 Peasants
>Quarter, you can't force them to work for you, but you do have some expectations. Gain 15 Peasants
>None or those who volunteer. They are refugees and outsiders. You can't force them to work, but you hope that as many decide to voluntarily join the workforce. Gain X Peasants.

Total Resources:
0 Wealth, +15 per season
24 Supplies, -6 per season
90 Peasants

QM: I will present the recruitment options for the military later and now with this you decide the policy of how many of the Stonemason workers are available as Peasants to you.
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>>5963264

Exactly that was what I had in mind with this. Some cities had some restrictions regarding weapons and their lengths.

Town Watch is a good comparison, as would Urban Militia/Militia Sergeants from Medieval 1 Total War. They are soldiers above the push in emergency and release the horde of peasant militias, and below the actual soldiers in footmen. And it does matter a bit. The City Guard is a much safer job than joining the military proper.

Dawnholm doesn't have a Mayor, it has been mostly Normand and you who has been running the show, with Tannis Foxton, Tari and Eligius coming to help you. Funnily Foreman Davis could have been a very solid Mayor candidate, but you hanged him with a good reason.

>>5963317

Have fun reading the pastebins. I am trying to keep the Socials and Stats one most up-to-date, with Quest Mechanisms pastebin getting a look through before season updates. The two other pastebins require a more thorough update, but they shouldn't be horribly out of date.

And yes, I am going to rule that you need the Town Hall for the Mayor or equivalent to work in. Of course they need their own helpers, clerks and a tidy office.
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>>5963842
>None or those who volunteer. They are refugees and outsiders. You can't force them to work, but you hope that as many decide to voluntarily join the workforce. Gain X Peasants.

With the understanding that the more people who step up to help build, the faster potentially we can have the city and homes built.
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>>5963842
>Quarter, you can't force them to work for you, but you do have some expectations. Gain 15 Peasants
Expecations here being the key word. Pelija should be aware that the more workers and food, the safer the position of Dawnholme is, if some of those new peasants can be assigned supply-gathering or house building. I assume the remaining 35 workers will be unoccupied?
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>>5963910

The Stonemasons who don't join the ranks of Peasants available to you will continue their lives normally. You just can't use them to recruit soldiers or have them employed in whatever new buildings you choose to make.

I have explained it long time ago, but think Peasants as a resource just like Wealth or Supplies. They are a game mechanism. When you have free Peasants, they don't idle around and do nothing, they continue working and doing all sorts of things around Dawnholme. Similarly to the womenfolk, children and elderly. They are there living and doing things, they just aren't counted in the Peasant numbers.
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>>5963842
>Fully, they are now in Alterac so the same expectations apply to them as it does for everyone else. If fifty workers arrive, they all should join the workforce. Gain 50 Peasants
No special privileges.
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>>5963842
>Fully, they are now in Alterac so the same expectations apply to them as it does for everyone else. If fifty workers arrive, they all should join the workforce. Gain 50 Peasants
If this applies to everyone else then so too does it to these new arrivals. No special treatment.
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>>5963842
>Fully, they are now in Alterac so the same expectations apply to them as it does for everyone else. If fifty workers arrive, they all should join the workforce. Gain 50 Peasants

They need to start building houses.
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>>5963842
>>Fully, they are now in Alterac so the same expectations apply to them as it does for everyone else. If fifty workers arrive, they all should join the workforce. Gain 50 Peasants
Everyone, they are Alteracis now so they better to work for us. We cant allow separate society to form here even if they might not like it
>>
"Regarding Stonemasons, till this point you have been here as our guests, fulfilling the promise of paying us back for the help we provided to you and then staying here after the news of the riots reached us." You told Pelija and continued. "But with more of you coming here, the political, economic and societal ramifications are too big to be disregarded."

This meeting had been very formal and the way you spoke to him had been very much that of a royalty speaking to their subject. You intended to continue this way.

"I cannot allow Stonemasons to form their own society next to the Alteracis. Now that you are here, you are my people, you are under my protection and you serve me." You told him and continued again. "There won't be special rules or exceptions, in my eyes you are Alteracis so you will follow our laws and those who are capable will join the workforce, just like everyone else."

Pelija looked at you and didn't say anything back as there was a knock on the door.

"I brought the two of you tea." Tari replied as she stepped in.

"You have a great timing Tari." You said to her and gave her a warm smile.

Pelija gave her a polite nod as he took his cup.

"I will leave the two of you then, just shout if you need anything." She said and smiled back before leaving the study.

The door closed and Pelija stayed silent for a moment. The older man seemed to process what you had said to him before sighing deeply and sipping the tea.

"This is good tea, Taretha knows what she is doing with it. You have found a good… friend." Pelija said to you with a peculiar tone. Did he believe the rumours? "But back on the topic, some will think that they have just exchanged one King to a Prince, that they should have stayed in Stormwind."

"They might, but they will also realise what I am doing for them. A new home, a place to start again." You replied. "Master Pelija, you do understand my situation, the position I am in. I am doing this as much to you as I am doing this for my own people."

You sipped the tea and smiled.

"Well, like I said, you are now Alteracis even if not a single bit of our blood flows in you." You said and continued. "We are different in our looks, in our accents, in our habits. Yet we are very much alike in how we all had to leave our homes, hounded by others for crimes we haven't done."

1/2
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>>5964134

Pelija listened carefully and then nodded.

"I don't envy your position Prince Alric." He said.

"Then you understand what I am after." You said and continued. "No special rules, no privileges. You are Alteracis now, so I expect all of you to be ready to serve me in any way you can."

"It might take time for people to accept that." He said.

"Hence we need to start integrating the newcomers as fast as possible and as smoothly as it is possible." You told him and continued. "I need to have them feel accepted as part of us and not as outsiders."

Pelija gave you a curious look.

"Prince Alric, you are quite serious about this." He replied.

"I have to be, this needs to work. For us and our future children." You said back and poured all of your responsibility into those words.

"Then what do you have in mind?" He asked.


Gained:
>50 Peasants


>Have a welcoming feast in a couple of days for the first group of Stonemasons who have arrived.
>Try to arrange as many Stonemasons to share homes with Alteracis as it is possible.
>Show an example and take one family into your home.
>Start encouraging marriages between Alteracis and Stonemasons. There are plenty of unmarried men in Dawnholme.
>Teach them Alteraci customs and ways. Have them learn these so that they can blend with the locals better.
>Walk and be amongst the Stonemasons as much as possible. See how they are doing, try to learn their names.
>Make it clear to everyone that you count them as Alteracis now, they are your people just like everyone else in here.
>Forbid them from wearing the red bandanas. They are Alteracis now, not Stonemasons.
>Adopt the Syndicate orange bandana as your own and have them wear it instead of the red one.
>Other, write in.

QM: Plenty of options, no need to choose them all. Write ins are still appreciated
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>>5964138
>Have a welcoming feast in a couple of days for the first group of Stonemasons who have arrived.
>Try to arrange as many Stonemasons to share homes with Alteracis as it is possible.
>Show an example and take one family into your home.
>Start encouraging marriages between Alteracis and Stonemasons. There are plenty of unmarried men in Dawnholme.
>Teach them Alteraci customs and ways. Have them learn these so that they can blend with the locals better.
>Walk and be amongst the Stonemasons as much as possible. See how they are doing, try to learn their names.
Although don't be as overt in these efforts as these prompts seem to imply, we need a nudge not a push. It's why I don't support the last three.
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>>5964138
>Have a welcoming feast in a couple of days for the first group of Stonemasons who have arrived.
>Try to arrange as many Stonemasons to share homes with Alteracis as it is possible.
>Show an example and take one family into your home.
>Start encouraging marriages between Alteracis and Stonemasons. There are plenty of unmarried men in Dawnholme.
>Teach them Alteraci customs and ways. Have them learn these so that they can blend with the locals better.
>Make it clear to everyone that you count them as Alteracis now, they are your people just like everyone else in here.
>Forbid them from wearing the red bandanas. They are Alteracis now, not Stonemasons.

We don't need a hijab problem.
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>>5964163
Spin it as if the alliance show up you don't want everyone to be persecuted because they're still wearing their gang colors. They're Alteracians not stonemasons. Allows us to no sell the alliance in that regard.
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>>5964138
>Have a welcoming feast in a couple of days for the first group of Stonemasons who have arrived.
>Try to arrange as many Stonemasons to share homes with Alteracis as it is possible.
>Show an example and take one family into your home.
Lead by example
>Start encouraging marriages between Alteracis and Stonemasons. There are plenty of unmarried men in Dawnholme.
>Teach them Alteraci customs and ways. Have them learn these so that they can blend with the locals better.
>Walk and be amongst the Stonemasons as much as possible. See how they are doing, try to learn their names.
The gallant people prince.
>Make it clear to everyone that you count them as Alteracis now, they are your people just like everyone else in here.
>Forbid them from wearing the red bandanas. They are Alteracis now, not Stonemasons.
The bandanas are a literal red flag (heh) and will bring bad attention to us that and it also seperates alteracis and stonemasons again.
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>>5963942
Peasant economics, the Brettonian way to governance: Alterac edition.
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>>5964138
>Have a welcoming feast in a couple of days for the first group of Stonemasons who have arrived.

Refugees welcome, kek.

>Try to arrange as many Stonemasons to share homes with Alteracis as it is possible.

>Start encouraging marriages between Alteracis and Stonemasons. There are plenty of unmarried men in Dawnholme.

Plenty of widows up for grabs and orphans up to adoption I’m for sure.

>Show an example and take one family into your home.

I strongly object to this unless it’s VanCleef’s very daughter and/or wife for the sake of diplomatic hostage taking.

>Teach them Alteraci customs and ways. Have them learn these so that they can blend with the locals better.

Just give them a crash course on the dos and don’ts.

>Walk and be amongst the Stonemasons as much as possible. See how they are doing, try to learn their names.

We already walk amongst our subjects by default.

>Make it clear to everyone that you count them as Alteracis now, they are your people just like everyone else in here.

”Here in my kingdom I’m your lord, I order you to cower and pray.”

>Forbid them from wearing the red bandanas. They are Alteracis now, not Stonemasons.
>Adopt the Syndicate orange bandana as your own and have them wear it instead of the red one.

Screw the bandannas altogether, wearing orange ones will make it easier for our opponents to allege collusion with The Syndicate and the red ones will make it easier for the stonemasons to self-segregate and be segregated by the locals. If the stonemasons complain say it’s for their own good as it’ll make it harder for Alliance stooges to pick them apart among the public of Dawnholme.
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>>5964226
Also, there’ll always be stonemasons that will hold on to the stonemason identity for dear life, for them I suggest making our very on Stonemasons’ Guild of Alterac under our control with perhaps master Pelija in charge. Astroturfing ho!
>>
SIDESTORY

The Namesake


"Your namesake is back." A man said to another.

"The Prince has returned?" He asked.

"Just a moment ago, Thomas said he saw him and his elf to escort more of those Stonemasons here." The man said as he leaned on a shovel. "Hey Alric, are you sure your namesake knows what he is doing?"

Lindgren was one of those who had recently arrived from Underbelly under the invitation by the Prince. The migrant had quickly found a job as a farmhand for you and while he was a good worker, sometimes he was a bit annoying with his questions.

"I am very sure he knows what he is doing." You replied back to the younger man. "Now keep shovelling the shit, I want it spread before the night falls."

Grumbling, Lindgren continued with the task. You meanwhile stared at the direction where Dawnholme was. You could see the town, scaffoldings around new buildings and the faint traces of smoke rising up into the sky from the many chimneys and worksites. So much has happened since you and your family stood outside the old farmstead Prince Alric calls his home two years ago.

You remember there were only a few of you that had answered the call of Captain Garside. You were amongst those few still loyal to Perenoldes, loyal to the idea of independent and prosperous Alterac. Truth to be told, it had taken a lot for you to uproot your family and make your way here. Daunell had even threatened to divorce you, but in the end she stood there listening to the Prince make his first speech.

Light be damned he had been just a boy. Face of a child, not fully grown up, yet carrying himself with the certainty and poise of a royalty.

And while you had settled down and built a small farm for yourself and your family, the Prince had fought. It was something everyone had been expecting and everyone knew that he would be in good hands. Both Captain Garside and Sergeant… Lieutenant Cromwell had good reputations as skilled fighters. But no one had expected how often the Prince would fight against his enemies.

Kobolds, gnolls, bandits, ogres, orcs, more bandits and gnolls. And more, and more, and more.

Every time the Prince rode out with his soldiers following him, you grew concerned as did the others. Because every time he returned, his armour had a one more dent, his youthful figure seemed to have grown heavier. His responsibilities grew and grew, as did the town around him, yet he always smiled and found time to exchange a few words with everyone whom he met. He even remembered your name and joked about it.

Everyone was glad that your namesake had grown up to be such a good man, but everyone knew that the hard reality would hit back at him some day.

1/2
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>>5964254

The first assassination attempt had been a shock to all of you. Then the news of the Alliance garrison arriving. More battles, more fighting. Prisoners from Strahnbrad Hills. Whatever happened in Durnholde, the Prince returning with his would be assassins in tow. Then all the rumours about him. Being someone who enjoys debauchery, has women everywhere he goes, a womaniser and a lady killer without an equal. Returning back home with a new woman following him, who now was pregnant yet not officially recognised to carry his child. Everyone knows it's his child, yet why won't he recognise it as his own? All of you think he should do it.

But all of these events and more had shaken the picture you had of him. He wasn't as unflappable, his poise wasn't unbreakable. He made mistakes, he acted unwise and made choices that were whispered about in bad light. Concern rose, would he be able to act for the good of himself and you come the future, or was he digging his own grave?

Then the third assassination attempt happened, a poisoning in his own home. That had hit all of you hard. By all accounts he had nearly died, his family and companions hadn't said a word about his condition for days. Rumours spread like a wildfire, until the news came out. He was alive, but very weak.

It was a dreadful time for all of you. Someone whom you in the end respected and trusted to do the right things, now being tainted by Fel, green terrific eyes and being forced to walk around with a cane. It had been a sorry sight when you saw him for the first time since the poisoning, but you and everyone else were just glad. Even when the Prince clearly struggled to find the energy to talk with you and show his face, he carried himself proudly just like he had done nearly two years ago when you had seen him the first time.

Now the rumours about him didn't matter, neither did the whispers about his mistakes. Even after nearly dying, he carried himself with determination. He had always been the same man, maybe a bit more mature and having his own vices. But who doesn't have them?

Prince Alric was your Prince and you were proud for it to be that way. You knew that he would sort things out with the Stonemasons, maybe you could even get another farmhand helping you?

"Hey boss, Alric!" Lindgren shouted at you. "I have spread the shit, what now?"

"Get yourself cleaned, there should be water in the barn." You shouted back at him.

Two Alrics, one a Prince and one a farmer. You were honoured to share a name with a man like him. You knew he would make things right and Alterac would prosper.

Alterac would stand.


QM: The sidestory idea from the last thread. I had been thinking about this for some time already. When planning this Quest, I used the villager from WC3 Human Campaign Mission 3 who told Arthas about the healing fountain as an inspiration for Alric's name. This is that villager. If you have more ideas, I might write them out.
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>>5964254
Man, these early portraits throw me back, they give me the same kinds of vibes as the ones from Old School Runescape.

>>5964255
I’d love to see Sir Radan find love in a heartwarmingly goofy way, like maybe he barges into one of the newly arrived secret witches and they get it on over their shared ugliness.
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>>5964255
Interesting. I hadn't even considered that it might look bad if everyone just assumed Tari's child was Alric's and he didn't take responsibility for it.
But anyway, we have good people.

Few ideas for side stories:
- Thrall POV
- Edwin VanCleef POV
- Varian raging about the Stonemasons and Alric's involvement
- Jandice dealing with family drama about her relationship
- Capital City Alteracis thoughts on Alric and his brother, insight into how they live and are treated in the city
- Krix Wiklish thoughts on his business deals and his progress
- Council of Six in Dalaran discussing Underbelly/Alterac & perhaps the rumours/news surrounding Alric
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>>5964255
If that other guy is Alteraci, does that mean that the Alteraci Brill is a thing in this version of Azeroth? Does the other Brill in Lordaeron also exist?

>If you have more ideas, I might write them out.
POV of the dwarves of Dun Garok and Aerie Peak receiving the letters Alric sent to them and their reactions.
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>>5964634
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>>5964299

How dare you! Sir Radan isn't an ugly man, he just looks like a scrawny rat.

>>5964634

Things again get complex due to the world changing between WC3 and WoW and what the books tell us. There were enough hints for me to make the conclusion that people living near the King's Road were Alteracis. Now will Brill be an Alteraci town? Maybe, maybe not. We aren't there yet.

We can also see from the map you posted how much the world changed between WC3 and WoW in terms of geography.

The next update will come later this evening, I have things to do during the day, so plenty of time to vote and discuss.
>>
"A feast, let's say in a week to give us all some time to prepare, that would be a good starting point." You told him and continued. "Everyone is invited and mingling with each other should be encouraged."

You didn't want to think about how much food and alcohol would be required. You should probably send a message to Monica and Fowley to send you more of everything.

"A welcoming feast wouldn't be a bad idea and many haven't had a proper feast in a long time." Pelija replied.

"We also need to arrange as many families to share homes with the Stonemasons… which won't be that easily done thanks to the migrants from Underbelly." You continued and sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of your nose. You need those migrants as well, but what a timing it has been with their arrival. "I will also house one family here, so Master Pelija can you make sure to choose a good family for me?"

"Prince Alric, you don't need to go that far." He replied.

"I need to show everyone that I am serious about this, to show an example is the best way to do it." You answered back to him. "If there are any good families amongst them, send one to see me."

"Yes Prince Alric, anything else?" Pelija asked, at this point he had learned to just listen as you practically dictated your terms. Thankfully he seemed to have understood the severity of all of this.

The two of you continued to talk and sip your tea. The topic moved to trying to encourage marriages between Stonemasons and Alteracis, but both of you knew that it would take some time before that would start to happen. Maybe though the feast could lead into a happy accident or two?

But you also spoke about trying to get them to blend with the locals as much as possible. Alteraci traditions and customs should be taught to them, at minimum to avoid misunderstandings and to obfuscate the real number of Stonemasons who have arrived here. The word would spread fast, but if the real number never gets out, your neighbours might not throw a fit about this?

"Are you out of your mind?" Pelija nearly shouted to you.

"The red bandanas need to go." You replied and held your stiff upper lip. "They are too overt of a signal that there are Stonemasons here and the orange bandanas of the Syndicate are too close in colour."

"They are part of who we are." Pelija argued back to you.

"And I can never deny where you come from, but you are now here and the bandanas are a sign that you aren't from here." You argued back. "Think about it. You know that I am not coming to this from a misguided point of view."

1/3
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>>5964860

Pelija looked at you and bit his lower lip.

"I cannot accept that, not now. I need to think about it." He said to you after a pause.

"I know I am asking a lot." You said to him and continued. "But I want to be clear, all of this is for the good of our people."

Pelija stared back and nodded once.

"Is there anything else?" He asked you.

"No, just keep the mercenaries from causing any issues." You told him and allowed him to stand up, you stood up as well as he gave you a deep bow. "This wasn't the most gracious start, but the world is changing around us and we need to change as well."

"You might be right Prince Alric, I will tell the news to the others." Pelija replied and went for the door. "It was great to talk with you."

"Likewise." You said and watched as he left your study.

You had asked a lot, demanded more. It wouldn't be easy for them to accept it all without grumbling and disagreements, but you should face it all. Tomorrow you would walk amongst them, just like you do with your own. They will learn that you will listen to their worries, you won't hide away behind castle walls and be a distant King.

You sighed. By the Light you were tired, maybe you should go take a bath and then ask Tari to tidy your hair? If you are going to present yourself to them, you should look all proper and tidy.

Hah, what Malevus said seemed to be true. You were the Prettiest Prince in all Alterac.



You woke up in the middle of the night and realised that everything was wrong.

You were in your bed, that hadn't changed, but everything else in your bedroom had changed or was out of place. The bookshelves weren't where they should be, a new cabinet had appeared and there was a chandelier made from wrought-iron hanging from the ceiling.

And what was most apparent was that Aurvan'kal wasn't there. Well there was an armour on the armour rack, but it wasn't the best there is, best there was, the best there ever will be. Instead of the silvery metal and gold of Aurvan'kal and the smooth elven shapes, this plate mail was all black, made in the more typical human fashion, covering the user from head to toes.

You blinked a couple of times to clear your eyes and tried to push yourself up so that you could sit, but you felt that something pressed your chest. And that something stirred.

Carefully lifting the blanket off you, you saw a familiar face next to you and her arm took a better hold of you.

2/3
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>>5964861

"Jan…" You said to no one. Jandice was sleeping next to you, but how? She wasn't supposed to be here.

Your thoughts raced into a conclusion, this must be a dream. A strange dream, yet a dream.

Jandice stirred more and pressed her head on your shoulder. She really felt like she was here, right there.

"Al… did you wake up?" She asked and opened her eyes.

"I… I did…" You replied to her. "It's just that…"

"Don't worry about it, everything's fine." Jan replied and leaned in to give you a soft kiss. Her lips felt real, like this wasn't just imagination.

Even in a dream her presence had a calming effect on you. You listened to her soft breathing and felt her warmth as she wrapped her body with yours.

"My love, go back to sleep." Jan told you and smiled before kissing again, you could see her eyes giving you a wanting look. "Or… do you want to continue our earlier… activities?"

You could feel her hand travel down your chest towards your stomach and beyond. Perhaps you should allow this to continue, it felt so exhilarating and real, yet…

Yet something was wrong.

You realised that the few lone candles in your bedroom emitted green light and you realised that this wasn't just a dream. This was something else, nothing you saw or felt was real even if they felt like it.

All of this was just a figment of your imagination. But would you push it all away, because it wasn't real, or would you enjoy what your mind conjures together? After all, your lover is right there.


>Jandice is right there, enjoy this dream to its fullest. Have a passionate encounter with her.
>Cuddle with her, don't let her go, but don't go any further. Just enjoy her presence as much as you could.
>No, this is a nightmare. She isn't real, none of this is real. Get up and see what this is about.
>None of this is real, you are going to wake up in your own bed right now and push this nightmare away.
>Other, write in.

QM: Dream? Update now, got it out earlier.
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>>5964862
>None of this is real, you are going to use your mana focusing techniques. And force this dream to bend to your will. Those candles will turn to regular fire. We will watch the sun come up and bathe the world in light sweeping away the darkness. And we will pray to the light for its blessed protections and the protection of our people and all those we love.

Fuck that fel taint. Puuuurgeeee
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>>5964862
>No, this is a nightmare. She isn't real, none of this is real. Get up and see what this is about.
Face it.
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>>5964634
Oh lawd, them dwarves and their “honor” give me indirect Chinese communication vibes, we should be extra careful with our wording so as to avoid hurting their feefees and image to themselves and their compatriots.
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>>5964862
>No, this is a nightmare. She isn't real, none of this is real. Get up and see what this is about.
Try not to make a scene at first in the off chance that this is real and we're hallucinating the fel
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>>5964862
>No, this is a nightmare. She isn't real, none of this is real. Get up and see what this is about.
>None of this is real, you are going to wake up in your own bed right now and push this nightmare away.

I want this nightmarish dreamy shenanigan to be over and done with quickly with like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU24VItAmWk
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>>5964862
>>No, this is a nightmare. She isn't real, none of this is real. Get up and see what this is about.
Fel dream, clear as day. I think this is our passion, want and lust flaring, making our dream to be like this. I would have voted to go for it, but I can see that I would have lost. Because I cant see what would have happened, lets take the second best option.

Nightmare Investigator Alric is a go!
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>>5964862
>>No, this is a nightmare. She isn't real, none of this is real. Get up and see what this is about.
>>
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You grabbed her wrist just before she could reach what she wanted. Now if this was real, you wouldn't have stopped her, but now…

"I am sorry Jan, but you aren't real." You told her and gave her a slight smile.

She froze.

You blinked once and she disappeared along with everything else. Instantly you found yourself standing in the throne room of the old Royal Palace. You wore your normal clothes and the Cinder Sword was by your side with your hand resting already on the hilt. Why had the nightmare thrown you into a false home of yours in the first place?

And ahead opposite of you stood Malevus Thing.

"You are stubborn." She hissed, her broken form trying to stand upright as the bones found their places, dead eyes piercing into yours and blood slowly pouring from her many wounds.

"She wasn't real." You replied back to her.

"But your want of her was real, you keep fighting back to what you truly are." Malevus Thing hissed back at you. "All the nights spent with her, your triumph in the battle, drinking and having fun with your friends. All you."

The blood stained her white dress that started to cling on her body.

"How long will you continue this charade? How long will you pretend to be something you aren't?" She hissed at you.

She shambled towards you and you could feel your body start to freeze, her presence felt like it was smothering everything around you.

"You are stubborn, you really think you can get rid of me." She said. "The priest doesn't know what he is telling you, his mind is clouded by his dogma."

You tried to open your mouth so that you could argue back, but no words came out. Beads of sweat started to appear on your brow.

"I am you and you are me." Malevus Thing hissed at you with her emotionless voice. "You want to get rid of me, yet you can't accept that I am you."

She stepped closer, now well within striking distance. Yet your body wouldn't move, you were frozen in this smothering terror.

"How many times do I need to tell you that before your thick head realises it?" Malevus Thing said and stopped just inches off you.

You struggled against her influence and succeeded pushing your sword slightly out of its scabbard, just for Malevus Thing to press her hand on yours and push the sword back in.

"Try to burn me away, try to fight against me. Do it, try it! Because I am keeping you alive, because I am you and you are me. Because in the end you will realise that getting rid of yourself has only one option." Malevus Thing said and leaned in closer.

Her face nearly touching yours, she whispered.

"Death."

Gasping air, you found yourself sitting on your bed. You felt your lungs struggling, trying to breathe in and out, but without much success. You could feel your chest burning somewhere deep within and your mana was a churning maelstrom. This heavy presence and feeling was all over you. The smothering feeling not going away.

1/2
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>>5965143

You were all sweaty, your blanket was somewhere on the floor and the linens were all messed up from you twisting and rolling in the bed.

Trying to calm down, you concentrated on the mana inside you, but it was difficult.

This was real, this wasn't a dream. This was a panic attack, your breathing and racing heart unwilling to calm down.

Attaining a modicum of control over yourself, you fell on your back and slowly wrestled your body under your control. Your breathing became steadier and your heart slowed down. Yet this dreadful feeling, this weight wouldn't leave you.

Last time this happened to you, Jandice was there holding and calming you down, now she wasn't here. Could you go and ask help from the others or would that be too inappropriate?

Should you just go out for a walk and try to calm down that way? It was nearly a full moon after all.


>Dress up and throw the Robe of Obfuscation over your shoulders and head out to watch the stars trying to calm down that way.
>Go wake up Malevus, she knows how to calm you down.
>Taretha knows you, she can ease the panic attack away.
>Eligius lives on the other side of the town, but he is a warlock and understands these things.
>Just stay in bed and wait for things to pass like always before.
>Other, write in

QM: Curiosity isn't always rewarded.
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>>5965145
>>Go wake up Malevus, she knows how to calm you down.
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>>5965145
>Other, write in

Chill under the cold moonlight whilst dragging on our hookah that's full of fantasy weed until you calm down.
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>>5965145
>QM: Curiosity isn't always rewarded.

Nonsense, of course it is! Even if something bad happens, now you know something bad happens! :D
>>
>>5965145
>Go wake up Malevus, she knows how to calm you down.
best squire.

>QM: Curiosity isn't always rewarded.
Nonsense curiosity is always rewarded and worth it. The struggle will make alric stronger truly.
>>
>>5965145
>Whoever is closest.
Taretha or Malevus, either is fine.
>>
>>5965145
>Go wake up Malevus, she knows how to calm you down.
>>
>>5965145
>Go wake up Malevus, she knows how to calm you down.

She's our squire of course she'll be more than happy to help us.
>>
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Pulling yourself up, you planted your feet on the floor and then pushed yourself up and standing. You had to take a couple careful steps to balance yourself before you were confident enough to reach for your shirt that you pulled on and buttoned it.

You would need help, this feeling wouldn't go away on its own. You needed to go downstairs, there you would be helped.

Taking steps past the mirror, you gave it a quick glance to look at yourself. Just braies and a shirt would be enough, your green eyes stared back at you.

"I am you and you are me."

You thought that you saw a glimpse of someone standing behind you in the mirror and you quickly spun around to face them. Yet there was nothing in your bedroom. It was all empty and you could feel your breathing quickening again.

Pushing the door to your study open, you quickly grabbed the black noise device from the desk and walked across the room. Opening another door and then walking very carefully downstairs, you found yourself standing in front of the door to your old bedroom.

The current bedroom of Malevus.

You knocked on it carefully. Nothing happened.

You knocked on it again.

"It's me Alric." You said and tried to listen if there was a reaction. Nothing.

You knocked again and you felt your breathing quicken once more and your heart raced. The room around you felt like it was collapsing on you.

"Who is it?" The tired voice of Malevus came from inside her room.

"Alric, let me in." You replied quickly.

"Alric? Give me a moment." She said back.

It didn't take long and soon you heard the lock disengaged and a sleepy looking Malevus stood in front of you. It looked like she had just thrown her white dress on and her deep red hair was all messy.

"What is it, it's the middle of the night?" She asked and tried to clear the sleep off her eyes.

"I… I need help, I think I have a panic attack." You succeeded in telling her and you could see how the confusion disappeared immediately from her face.

"Come in and sit down on the bed." Malevus immediately instructed you. You quickly stepped in and she closed the door behind you.

Her room was dark and you couldn't see much so you out of pure instinct snapped one of the candles lit. For briefest of moments the fire was Fel green before it turned to normal, but it was enough to make you gasp for breath.

"Sit down, hold my hands and look into my eyes." Malevus instructed and sat down next to you.

You placed the black noise device on the table, activating it to not wake up anyone else and did as told. Taking her hands, you felt that they were calloused and rough, but warm and gentle. Yet you couldn't concentrate on anything specific as you just looked around your former room.

1/2
>>
>>5965257

You had given Malevus a lot of privacy and hadn't barged in like this before so you got a first proper look at her belongings. There were her clothes waiting for the morning in a neat pile on a chair, armour and other equipment were on a rack. Bookshelf was full of her steamy romance novels and books about the Holy Light.

"Alric, look at me." Malevus gave you guidance. "Look into my eyes and concentrate on them and then think about all the times you have beaten me during sparring."

Yes, think about something else. Something not this. Your breathing started to recover slowly as did your heartbeat, the burning was still there and the heavy smothering feeling was all over you. This was working, but not fast enough. You could feel your breathing quickening again.

"What caused this? The nightmares?" Malevus asked you, concern on her fair face.


>You had a nightmare and you woke up like this and she was the first who came to your mind to ask for help.
>It was a nightmare, tell her about what Malevus Thing had told you. About how she is you and getting rid of her is futile.
>Tell her everything. About Calia, about Jandice, about the nightmares and all the stress on you. You promised to be truthful to her.
>Other, write in.

>Stay like this and hold her hands.
>Lean on her for comfort
>Hug her for warmth and protection

QM: I said I would catch up the missed days.
>>
>>5965261
>Tell her everything. About Calia, about Jandice, about the nightmares and all the stress on you. You promised to be truthful to her.
>Lean on her for comfort
>>
>>5965261
>It was a nightmare, tell her about what Malevus Thing had told you. About how she is you and getting rid of her is futile.
Third option is too much to speak of all at once.

>Lean on her for comfort
>Hug her for warmth and protection
Touch!
>>
>>5965261
>>Tell her everything. About Calia, about Jandice, about the nightmares and all the stress on you. You promised to be truthful to her.
>Lean on her for comfort
we are still dreaming. Wake Up.
>>
>>5965261
>Tell her everything. About Calia, about Jandice, about the nightmares and all the stress on you. You promised to be truthful to her.
>Hug her for warmth and protection
Hugs for the hug god.
>>
>>5965261
>You had a nightmare and you woke up like this and she was the first who came to your mind to ask for help.
>Hug her for warmth and protection
>>
>>5965261
>Tell her everything. About Calia, about Jandice, about the nightmares and all the stress on you. You promised to be truthful to her.

From now on till the day we croak, Malevus is now our personal shrink whether she wants to or not. Conveniently, much like a mamluk, the fact that she’s a foreigner makes her more reliable for the role.

>Lean on her for comfort
>Hug her for warmth and protection

Change perspective, Malevus must now roll for wisdom to resist taking advantage of her sire’s vulnerable state to inappropriately caress his weakened, but still absolutely chiseled, physique. Nor to greedily take in the sight of those cheesegrating abs.
>>
>>5965261
>>Tell her everything. About Calia, about Jandice, about the nightmares and all the stress on you. You promised to be truthful to her.

>Hug her for warmth and protection
>>
>>5965620
>>5965611
>>5965332
>>5965281
>>5965262
Why are you trying to snitch on jandice and calia? Those aren't our secrets to share... You're voting to violate the trust those women put in us to protect their virtue and reputation. Like literal oath breaking. You realize our word will mean nothing now ya? And that's literally a step towards corruption for not keeping our word. Smh. I don't think you guys thought this out. Just cause we're having a panic attack doesn't give us a right to break our word. It's one thing for them to tell others but not when we promised not to.
>>
>>5965261
>It was a nightmare, tell her about what Malevus Thing had told you. About how she is you and getting rid of her is futile.
>Stay like this and hold her hands.

>>5965663
agreed
>>
>>5965261
>You had a nightmare and you woke up like this and she was the first who came to your mind to ask for help.
>It was a nightmare, tell her about what Malevus Thing had told you. About how she is you and getting rid of her is futile.

I don't understand these tell everything posts.

>Stay like this and hold her hands.
Just please help with the tremors, Malevus, just a few minutes please.
>>
>>5965663
I wont be changing my vote this anon is hysterical.
Malevus is already aware of calia but not the current...nothingness with it.
And the whole relationship with Jandice was a mistake in on itself.
>>
You nodded several times and leaned closer to her, your shoulders and arms rubbing each other.

"Just look in my eyes, everything's going to be alright." Malevus said back.

This wasn't working, not well enough. Taking her by surprise, you leaned closer, letting go of her hands so that you could wrap your arms around her.

"A-Alric…" Malevus protested for a second, but relented as your head found its place on her shoulder. She then carefully wrapped her arms around your back and pulled you a bit closer.

Slowly your breathing steadied again, the turmoil deep inside you, the burning calmed down. The smothering feeling was still there, but wasn't as strong as before. It didn't feel like the walls and the ceiling were going to fall on you.

Her legs touched yours, you felt her body move as she breathed. The scent of her hair was sweet, a bit like raspberries. When she ran her hand through your hair and comforted you, you realised how vulnerable you were at this moment and how inappropriate this might look. But nothing of that mattered now, not when she started to faintly sing something.

Of course you didn't understand what she was singing, but it was beautiful and it felt like her words and the warmth she radiated entered you, banishing the smothering feeling away.

"Are you crying?" She asked when her singing stopped.

You hadn't even realised that, it seems that you were. Couple of tears had fallen on her dress and she had noticed it.

"It's just… it was…" You tried to find your words.

"It's alright, cry as much as you want." Malevus said, her soothing words made you feel warm again.

And like that you stayed, holding her in embrace and she returned it. It took time, but your breathing had become normal, the smothering feeling had disappeared. You felt like this had worked, but you didn't want to leave now, because she deserved to know the truth. Carefully you removed your arms around her as she did the same.

"It was a nightmare, just like before, but I haven't told you everything." You said to her. "Nor told you the truth."

"It's alright, everyone has their secrets." Malevus said back to you.

"No, you deserve to know." You replied.

1/2
>>
>>5965725

You started with Calia. The two of you had broken up, you weren't a couple anymore. You told her about Calia's sickness and how she just wanted you to be happy. You then spoke about the day when the letter arrived from her and how Jandice had arrived. You talked about the ski trip and how things had led into another. Not with a single word you tried to justify or defend yourself, you just told her what had happened. You and Jandice were lovers, Malevus now knew it. You had lied to her once before, but now she knew.

You spoke about the nightmare, about Malevus Thing and her words. You had told about the nightmares before, but now the words you had heard were different, they hit harder. You spoke about the stress you had before the incident, how you had just worked too hard. You spoke about all that and more, letting Malevus know about all of this.

And she listened while holding your hands. When she heard about Calia, she was sad. When she heard about Jandice, she was surprised, but it was like everything made sense to her now. And when you finished, she stayed silent for a moment.

"Alric, you are an idiot, a fool, a buffoon." Malevus replied to you sternly.

"I know." You replied.

"No you don't, because if you did, you would have told the rest of us about all your worries and issues." Malevus said still rather sternly and continued. "You carried Calia's sickness, all that work you have done, alone on your shoulders and didn't want to share the burden with us."

You looked at her and didn't know what to say.

"You blithering idiot, we are your friends, we are supposed to help you if you ever need help, to share the burden so that you can carry on." Malevus replied and continued. "I could care less about you and Jandice as long as it makes you and her happy. Just don't keep anything like this a secret from me or Tari. Don't hurt yourself or others, because you think keeping everything for yourself is the best way to go, you stubborn fool."

Her saying that made you stop.

"Alric, we will talk more about… all of this later, but now, please understand that we are here for you." Malevus said and her gentle smile returned.

You gave her a nod and smiled back.

"I don't want to see you hurt, because seeing you hurt makes us hurt." Malevus said to you and now the gentle warmth she radiated returned. "None of us want that."

"I know…" You replied back to her.

You stared into her eyes and she stared back. Telling her everything had lifted a huge weight off your shoulders and heart. It had been the right thing to do, you can't keep everything just on yourself. That would just lead into trouble, into more nightmares and worry.

Malevus wasn't just your squire, she was your friend, your confidant. She was someone whom you could trust and she would trust you with whatever was on her heart as well. You were sure about it.

2/3
>>
>>5965726

"Alric…" Malevus started to say, but chose just to hug you. It surprised you as her arms wrapped around you and this time she pressed her head on your shoulder.

You were like this for a moment, you needed this. This feeling of happiness.

When she let go of you, Malevus was smiling. In the lone candlelight she looked beautiful as her cheeks approached the colour of her hair and her ears started to droop, she was more than just a friend to you. And slowly she started to lean closer.

A single butterfly flew in your stomach.


>Kiss her
>Let her kiss you
>Not today, not after this, you are too vulnerable right now and not thinking straight
>No, you cannot. You are a Prince and she is your squire, it would be inappropriate to have a such relationship
>Other, write in

QM: Malevus route?
>>
>>5965728
>>Not today, not after this, you are too vulnerable right now and not thinking straight
This option truly means its still on the table.
>>
>>5965728
>Let her kiss you
>>
>>5965663
>Why are you trying to snitch on jandice and calia?

Because that’s what you’re supposed to do with therapy, ya dingus.
>>
>>5965728
>No, you cannot. You are a Prince and she is your squire, it would be inappropriate to have a such relationship
Yeah one lover is more than enough. Let's not make things more complicated than they already are.
Besides she's old enough to be our grandmother.
>>
>>5965728
>Not today, not after this, you are too vulnerable right now and not thinking straight
>No, you cannot. You are a Prince and she is your squire, it would be inappropriate to have a such relationship

No no absolutely not, if she gets the hots for us anymore than she already does then her inner degeneracy will flow forth unbidden in a way that the fel would love. I’ve seen enough monstergirls to know where that’ll end up. Damn elves.
>>
>>5965728
>Let her kiss you
>>
>>5965915
>Besides she's old enough to be our grandmother.

You say that like it’s a bad thing, some people age like a fine wine and are better enjoyed mature. Also, Alric has at least one ancient dragon lady trying to get into his pants in the form of Onyxia Prestor who is older than his kingdom, probably. And I didn’t see you pipe up about that. Not to mention Nalice.
>>
>>5965728
>Let her kiss you
You guys voted for the most intimate option, let her shoot her shot I say.
>>
>>5964255
The hunter twins
Our vassal
Normand & Maura
Garithos rage

But I think a general mix of both named characters and unknown NPCs (soldiers, xriminals,nobles etc...) POVs could be good time to time. Both near and distant.
If they are evil vague on what they are doing.
>>
>>5965728
>>Not today, not after this, you are too vulnerable right now and not thinking straight
>>No, you cannot. You are a Prince and she is your squire, it would be inappropriate to have a such relationship
At least not now, she can shoot her shot on a later date. It might be still not a proper thing to do, we are her superior
>>
>>5965728
>Let her kiss you
>>
>>5965728
>Let her kiss you
Why are anons pussying out now? If we're going to have an intimate moment then don't do a half measure.
>>
>>5965728
>Let her kiss you

Love me Malevus shes great.
>>
>>5966008
>>5965967
>>5965923
>>5965917
1 post per ID
this is just Sus.
>>
Malevus leaned closer, her eyes looking into yours. Her mouth was slightly open in anticipation and her warm breath, you could feel it on your lips.

And as she got closer, she forgot to breathe until her lips faintly touched with yours. And after they touched, you returned the kiss in kind.

Neither of you dared to move further, until she slowly withdrew, leaving her sweet taste lingering on your lips. Malevus looked at you and then averted her gaze away as she realised what she had done. She was blushing like there was no tomorrow and her ears twitched nervously.

Only thing she could do now was to take her hands and try to cover her face with them. She was too embarrassed to do anything else and you found that cute. She was always so lovely when embarrassed.

"P-P-Prince Alric!" Malevus succeeded in stammering out while peaking through her fingers.

"Yes Malevus?" You replied and smiled back. She hasn't called you a Prince since the incident.

"That was not proper, it was not." She hastily replied. "You are a Prince and I am your squire."

"Yet you did it." You replied back to her.

"I… well… we…" She tried to find words until she fixed her gaze on your shirt and found her excuse. "Y-You are dressed immodestly with just a shirt and braies, and then… h-hugging someone wearing just a dress."

Immediately after having said that, she realised the implication. She wasn't wearing anything else underneath and the dress barely reached her knees.

Malevus reached redness you hadn't seen before, her breathing had gotten heavier as well. This was way too much for her so you made the decision to take a step back.

"Don't worry, I think I will make my leave then." You said to her.

"Yes… that would be for the best Prince Alric." Malevus replied, still incapable of looking at you.

"Thank you Malevus, thank you for calming me down." You said to her and smiled as you stood up. "You are special, you really are…"

"Don't make me more embarrassed…" Malevus said and barely was able to look at you. "Please leave… I-I need to be alone."

"I understand. Good night Malevus." You said and stepped towards the door.

"Good night my Prince, sleep well." Malevus replied to you.

You spared her one final glance and smile before you left her room.

She had kissed you and it hadn't felt out of place.



Laying on your bed, you had been going through your mana concentration techniques, trying to achieve tranquillity and peace through your body. It has given you plenty of time to think as well as a lot has happened in one night.

The nightmare had been more forceful, what Malevus Thing had said had been more direct. Was death really the only way for you to get rid of her? Was it truly her who kept you alive?

1/2
>>
>>5966162

You found yourself sighing. You were calling the Fel inside you her, giving it a character.

This felt like a setback. How much what was told to you was true, or was this just a way to manipulate you? You weren't sure.

You also thought about Malevus, she had found her courage to kiss you. Though you had given her the perfect chance to do so after having made you feel comfortable and safe, banishing the panic attack away.

There had been signs in the air that she had a thing for you. A bit too many close encounters and it probably didn't help that you teased her continuously. Now you just wondered when and if she would raise this up again as Malevus was someone who was very easily embarrassed. You could just imagine her hiding behind her hands and trying to look away while blushing hard if she was to try it.

It was a cute reaction, a pure reaction and you liked that about her. What she says or does, it all comes from her heart. What she said about you keeping things to yourself and then her kiss, she really meant it all.

You smiled and closed your eyes. It was late and you really should try to catch some more sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.

And the sweet taste of her kiss still lingered on.



Next morning arrived. You woke up later than usual, well way later than normally in Dawnholme. Brushing your hair and checking your clothes, you buttoned your jacket and made sure you were as presentable as possible.

You looked damn good, handsome even, as you watched your image in the mirror. And this time you didn't even spot anyone in the corner of your eye.

You smiled, you had a hunch that this would be a good week. Now though, how would you approach the Stonemasons, you were supposed to mingle with them each day.


The focus:
>Join Eligius in documenting them all. Let them come to you and speak with them while paperwork is done.
>Go and be amongst them in their camp. Approach them and make sure to at least attempt to speak with everyone, including with the children.
>The worksites through Dawnholme are bustling with activity. You want to see how the work is continuing and see if you can help them in any way.

The escort:
>Malevus is your squire, have her follow you and be with you as it is her duty.
>Sir Gravis and the knights, they would be a more martial escort, but very fitting for a Prince like you.
>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.
>Sahvan, a bit of a wildcard choice, but the assassin could get a lot out of this.

QM: Vote both, choose one from each. Also Malevus route is open and the ball at the moment is in her court. And damn, one more woman into the now quite long list with feelings or wants towards Alric.
>>
>>5965663
>>5965917
This is me. Fucking fat fingers.
>>
>>5966166
>The worksites through Dawnholme are bustling with activity. You want to see how the work is continuing and see if you can help them in any way.
>Malevus is your squire, have her follow you and be with you as it is her duty.
>Sir Gravis and the knights, they would be a more martial escort, but very fitting for a Prince like you.
>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.

Full escort let's dazzle the newcomers. And be efficient with our work.
>>
>>5966151

Can be suspicious or it can be just Dynamic IP at play. As someone whose IP changes all the time, I can't really point fingers at others. It has even done that mid update!

But has anyone noticed that the thread IP counter was removed? I wonder why that happened.

>>5965915
>>5965922

Not a grandmother, but mother definitely. For an elf Malevus is quite young and as you know, she is very inexperienced in quite many things. Those steamy romance novels could be a bad influence to an elf like her!
>>
>>5966166
>Go and be amongst them in their camp. Approach them and make sure to at least attempt to speak with everyone, including with the children.
Prince of the people.
>Malevus is your squire, have her follow you and be with you as it is her duty.
>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.
Not too light but also not too overbearing.

>>5966175
Milfevus.
I just get suspicious when on rolls like this a bunch of 1 ids show up im still paranoid someone samefaggot the vote in the mountain cabin with Jandice.
Atleast Malevus is an agreeable choice.
>>
>>5966175
>>5966183

Understandable. Also she could in fact be your grandmother. I thought I had mentioned her age once before.

Thread 16:

"“Malevus, if you don’t mind, can I ask how old are you? You haven’t brought it up before and I know that elfs can live for quite a long time.” You asked her.

“I do not mind Prince Alric.” Malevus said to you and smiled. “67 years old, that is still quite a young age for an elf. Some consider me to still be a child.”

It really puts things into perspective. Malevus being 67 years old makes her older than Normand and Maura Garside and you didn’t recall knowing that many people who were older than her. The elfs truly do live for a quite long time."
>>
>>5966151
The thread is new bruv.

>>5966166
>The worksites through Dawnholme are bustling with activity. You want to see how the work is continuing and see if you can help them in any way.
>Malevus is your squire, have her follow you and be with you as it is her duty.
>Sir Gravis and the knights, they would be a more martial escort, but very fitting for a Prince like you.
>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.
They see me rollin~
>>
>>5966151
Tbh, worrying about samefagging is such a petite bother, so I don't bother when I run my quests, nor when participating in one. I just let and encourage my players to fight fire with fire, don't like the samefags fagging their way to victory? Then fag right back at them!
>>
>>5966320
Oh wow, didn't know trips automatically transferred in-between posts, sorry about that.
>>
>>5966166
>QM: Vote both, choose one from each. Also Malevus route is open and the ball at the moment is in her court. And damn, one more woman into the now quite long list with feelings or wants towards Alric.

The focus:
>Join Eligius in documenting them all. Let them come to you and speak with them while paperwork is done.

"Papers, Please". I can't wait for us to catch a spy in their midst.

The escort:
>Malevus is your squire, have her follow you and be with you as it is her duty.

Gaslight the fuck out of her, act like nothing happened between the two of you and pretend that SHE is the one being weird when she inevitably drops her spaghetti upon us. Ala: "Malevus, what do you mean we kissed last night? That's improper for a squire and their master to do! Frankly, I think you should lay off those raunchy romance novels of yours, they're clearly taking their toll on you. You ought to read something befitting your station, like this treatise on Stormwind's taxation system."
>>
>>5966166
>>Join Eligius in documenting them all. Let them come to you and speak with them while paperwork is done.
>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.
>>
>>5966166
>Go and be amongst them in their camp. Approach them and make sure to at least attempt to speak with everyone, including with the children.

>Malevus is your squire, have her follow you and be with you as it is her duty.

>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.

The Prince of the People look does sound good, let them get a look.
>>
>>5966166
>Join Eligius in documenting them all. Let them come to you and speak with them while paperwork is done.
Man of the people moment.

>Sir Gravis and the knights, they would be a more martial escort, but very fitting for a Prince like you.
>Erefor Pelija, have him follow you and make sure that everyone sees the two of you together. You can plan things with him at the same time.
Their Stonemason community rep and also the bouncers to keep things from getting rowdy.

Malevus is too close to Alric professionally for a relationship even if she is an excellent person.

>>5965903
>>5965712
I thought the whole point was getting help for dealing with the Fel, not with the romantic liaison, but what do I know.
>>
>>5966166
>>5966499
Supporting, we dont need our knights and they seemed to be interested in Malevus.

>>5966335
We shouldnt mention the events at all if she doesnt do so first and even then have her be the one making further moves

>>5966772
I am bit iffy as well, but if things are to develop, it should be a slow progress. Not as fast as with Calia or Jandice
>>
There is a tie between mingling with them in their camp and being with Eligius while he documents them. Could I have a tiebreaker?

And could I have some rolls?


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>5966918
Mingle in camp I guess.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>5966918
>>5966183
switch to being with eligius it doesnt really matter that much.
>>5966223
Its not that young considering the posts who were voting other ways had atleast a few posts beforehand and suddenly a bunch of 1 posts by ID show up posting for the same thing?
>>5966320
The whole thing with quests is collective storytelling if people are so anal about something going they're way they should just play singleplayer games. Not to mention if it just goes on to counter them is to do the same shit all you get is nonproductive spam with 2 tards and a bunch of false engagement. Just seems a kind of mentality that just makes quests worse.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>5966918
>>
>>5966974

Well it does matter, because you switched from mingling in the camp to Eligius which again tied the vote!

Tiebreaker is still needed.

>3

I am going to need another set of rolls please.


>1d10, Best of three
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>5966985
Are we gonna be rolling like shit again?
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>5966985
Well then i switch back again!
Im fine with either option.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>5966985
>>
>>5966988

At first yes, but these rolls saved it. Good job.

Update will come later this evening.
>>
You walked downstairs and found Malevus, already in her elven half-plate waiting for you.

"Good morning Prince Alric." She greeted you, again she called you a Prince. "Did you sleep well?"

"Good morning and yes, I did fall asleep in the end." You replied politely. "How about you? Did you sleep well?"

"I did, I am ready for a new day Prince Alric." She responded.

She kept her cool, just like nothing had happened last night. There were no signs of blushing or drooped ears. Nothing that would mark her as embarrassed. Well if she wasn't going to mention anything about the kiss, then you wouldn't either.

"The two of you are up and ready to go?" Tari asked as she walked from the kitchen.

"It will be a long day." You said and pulled out a letter you had written yesterday evening. "Can you have this sent to Mayor Fowley?"

"Yes of course. How fast delivery do you want?" Tari took it and asked.

"Not in a hurry, but preferably today." You told her and continued. "I am asking him and Monica if they could lend a hand with the feast."

Monica nodded as she understood the hurdles of catering for hundreds of guests. There had been plenty of feasts in Durnholde she had helped to organise after all.

"I will have it sent as soon as possible." Monica said and continued. "And for the two of you, have fun. I'll be here getting buried under the paperwork."

"I can order you to not do them." You replied.

"But I would disobey." Tari smiled back.

"Alright then, let's go Malevus. We have a lot of Stonemasons to meet, hands to kiss and babies to shake." You told her and marched for the door, your cane clacking on the wooden floor

Tari laughed at your joke.

"Now go, before you get the idea to shake the baby in my stomach." Tari replied and covered her mouth as she laughed.

"Alright alright, see you later then." You said and waved your hand as you stepped outside.

Standing in your small walled yard, you were alone with Malevus for a moment. Sparing her a curious glance and a smile, she opted not to react to them.

Well then, she can approach you when she's ready, now she would just follow you as always as your trusted squire.

It will be a long day.



>3
>3


It will be a long week.

Master Pelija had spoken with his closest underlings about what you had told him and asked for him to do. The word had spread like a wildfire and when you reached their camp just on the town's outskirts, the reception was quite chilly.

And everyone had their red bandanas either covering their faces or just around their throats.

Wonderful.

But if they thought that you would relent, they were absolutely bloody wrong.

"Quite welcoming." You mused aloud to Pelija who stood next to you.

"They are stubborn Prince Alric, I warned you about that." He replied.

"Yes you did, but that just means I need to work harder." You told him and put on a slight smile.

It was time to get to work.

1/3
>>
>>5967335

>8


At first they thought that you would relent, that giving you a cold shoulder would work.

But they hadn't met you before, so you kept your smile and spoke with them.

Every time the same thing happened. You would approach a group of them, they would act coldly yet not overtly so, you were a Prince and you gave them a new home after all. Then they realised that your smile wouldn't budge and you would keep asking them completely mundane questions and telling them about Dawnholme and Alteracis. And each time, step by step, the ice between you and them broke.

You spoke about the similarities between you and them, how you have worked hard to provide for your people and you would provide for them as well. It has been an arduous journey for all of you, each one of you carrying the physical or mental weight for what has happened.

Seeing you like this talking with them made the Stonemasons understand what kind of a person you were. Nineteen years old and walking with the help of a cane because someone wanted you dead. It does help you how you dress yourself is rather mundane and that you aren't that tall. Instead you are of average height and build, you could be mistaken for a completely normal person.

You weren't a larger than life character with some special strengths or attributes, well you had magic, but they didn't know about it, you were just someone who has put a lot of work to be where you are now. And that was something they could respect.

Funnily, the person who helped you the most to break the ice wasn't Pelija, but Malevus.

Elves aren't that common in Stormwind City thanks to the distance to Quel'thalas so seeing one up close was quite exotic for the children. Then there was the fact that she was a woman, a beautiful redheaded long-eared woman, who happened to be your squire, studying to be a paladin and being a bodyguard as well blew so many minds.

The children loved her immediately and at first Malevus was unsure how to handle them all, but you just told her to be natural and her usual self. It would be fine.

When the adults saw the children swarm Malevus due to how cool and awesome she was, they relented a bit as well. And while they thought that having an elf woman as your bodyguard was a bit strange, telling them that she had already saved your life once was a convincing argument for having her with you.

Every day you mingled with the Stonemasons for several hours. While you hadn't and couldn't win everyone to your side and see the things your way, yet. You have made good progress and built a foundation.

Though the red bandanas wouldn't disappear as the days passed. That just meant that more work needs to be done.

2/3
>>
>>5967336

On the early afternoon of the fourth day, you were stretching on the bedroom floor. You had spent the morning talking with the Stonemasons and then sparred a bit with Malevus. The daily sparring sessions had returned, but all the walking and standing around hadn't been good for your legs.

So you were taking your sweet time with the stretching. It gave you time to think.

Malevus hadn't said anything about the kiss, she had been perfectly normal, maybe a bit more formal with calling you a Prince again. But there hadn't been any errant looks and faint unusual smiles, you had learned to recognise them. Oh well that just means that she probably isn't ready to approach you again, you know how embarrassed she can get after all. She is probably just waiting for the right moment.

You finished the stretching and stayed on the floor thinking what would you do next? You had nothing planned for the afternoon, but later in the evening you would join Eligius for the magic training. He had graciously asked to postpone the earlier meetings due to the work with the Stonemasons taking all of his time and you had agreed, but today he would have time for magic.

Just what would you do before it?


>The clothes Lady Nalice got you are still in the package. See what kind of a mage uniform she got you.
>Pai the assassin hasn't called for you, but you thought about paying her a visit to see where she's at with her thoughts.
>Sauna, a visit to the steam room would be a great way to relax and get clean before studying magic through the evening.
>Just stay home and spend time with Tari and Malevus, that is if they aren't too busy.

QM: Choose one, while you would technically have time for all of them, each of them have a separate event/events tied to them and I want to give you a stricter choice this time. The rolls were their attitude, what kind of a trick or thing they would do and could you recover from it.
>>
>>5967338
>The clothes Lady Nalice got you are still in the package. See what kind of a mage uniform she got you.
Either this or the sauna imo.
>>
>>5967338
>Sauna, a visit to the steam room would be a great way to relax and get clean before studying magic through the evening

I am very tempted for that robe. Though part of me says we should wait until Malice can be the first one to see it on Alric.
>>
>>5967338
>The clothes Lady Nalice got you are still in the package. See what kind of a mage uniform she got you.
>Sauna, a visit to the steam room would be a great way to relax and get clean before studying magic through the evening.

>Invite malevus to her favorite thing the sauna.
>>
>>5967338
>>The clothes Lady Nalice got you are still in the package. See what kind of a mage uniform she got you.
>>
>>5966974
>The whole thing with quests is collective storytelling if people are so anal about something going they're way they should just play singleplayer games.

Nah, people aren't drones and never will be. Whether it's football, chess, politics, there will always be anal action in collective efforts and we're all guilty of that in one way or the other. It's just a matter of not being too much to chew for the collective, and samefagging certainly isn't.

>Not to mention if it just goes on to counter them is to do the same shit all you get is nonproductive spam with 2 tards and a bunch of false engagement. Just seems a kind of mentality that just makes quests worse.

It only makes quests worse if the QM gets triggered that way, if anything truly out of line happens that's what the banhammer is for. With the "false" engagement still being engaged by real people who are committed enough to a quest to do such a silly thing as samefagging over it. And it ain't like there's simply trolling either, there's voting fraud that ultimately progresses the quest, argumentation over who's best waifu, autistically ornate plans of action, the works. So it's still way more productive than just 2 tard making two posts and leaving it at that.

>>5967338
>Sauna, a visit to the steam room would be a great way to relax and get clean before studying magic through the evening.

Quick question, does our fantasy sauna have those Finnish therapeutic self-beating bundles of leaves? If not, can we get them for funzies?

Oh boy oh boy, I sure do hope that Alric's private sa'una time doesn't get rudely interrupted by someone with less than stellar intentions towards him!
>>
>>5967338
>The clothes Lady Nalice got you are still in the package. See what kind of a mage uniform she got you
>>5967743
It just makes quests worse and shits it up. Id rather quests have atleast some standards than let retards loose. Just because bad things happen doesnt mean we have to tolerate them. Ultimately its up to the QM what he does but i will call out cancerous shit if it happens.
>>
>>5967338
>>The clothes Lady Nalice got you are still in the package. See what kind of a mage uniform she got you.
Fashion Resurgent Quest! I would like to get Pai sorted out, but if she doesnt call for us, she can stay in the jail
>>
Clothes win, could I have some rolls!


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>5967957
Clothes!
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>5967957
Inb4 we roll like shit again.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>5967957
>>
>>5968010

Well alright then. That's a pretty damn good roll right there. The rolls were for potency of an enchantment and what type of an enchantment the clothes get. Everything's coming up Alric!

Update this evening!
>>
A large bag had been collecting dust since it was placed next to your wardrobe. The clothes, the mage uniform given to you by Lady Nalice had been waiting there for weeks now inside it. So maybe now would be the time to see what exactly she had gotten for you?

You took the large bag and found it heavy as you carried it to your bed. Opening it, you realised why it was so heavy, there was a pair of boots and a bundle wrapped in leather and string inside of it.

You took the boots out first. They were riding boots made from black leather and with a slightly different cut than the ones you usually wore. They were also taller than the old boots you bought from Kris Legace as the black ones seemed to reach a bit higher than your knees. Couple straps kept the boots on your feet and on the front the boots were reinforced with a second layer of leather. They did look quite stylish and the protection offered was better than what you had before.

Putting the boots aside, you took the bundle out of the bag, fumbled a moment with the string and opened it. On top of everything was a folded piece of paper that you took and started to read.

Immediately you had to sigh as the familiar scent of the perfume Katrana Prestor used hit your nose. Yes, she had collected the clothes just like Nalice had said, but you wondered if she had more to do with these than just that? Either way, you started to read again from the start.

There were the usual asking of how are you doing and other pleasantries blah blah blah she misses you blah blah blah hopefully you will find this gift useful blah blah blah.

You skipped ahead and reached the part with the inventory of everything in the bundle and the descriptions. Thankfully everything seemed to have been packed in order as the first item in the list was five pairs of long socks and in fact on top of the bundle were five pairs of long socks that were black.

You could never have enough socks.

Next were five braies, again black, but these weren't as loose or long as the braies you used to wear, barely reaching your upper thigh. They must prefer this design in Stormwind City.

Putting them aside with the socks, you next took out trousers, two of them. These weren't black, they were closer to dark purple, definitely darker than purple Barovs use. Reading the description, they were made from normal silk with silk from Deadwind Widows mixed in. The spider silk was supposedly strong and elastic, which should help to prevent wear and tear. And when you looked closer, you could notice a slightly more grey thread in the mix, that must be the silk from the spiders. The trousers didn't have pockets and the cut was rather narrow with high waist, you now understood why the braies were different, these trousers weren't as loose as they were supposed to be close to skin.

Placing them on the bed you smiled as you took out the next piece of the clothing.

"Ladies… you have done it all now." You mused aloud.

1/3
>>
>>5968212


It was a fine robe, quite similar to the old Alteraci design you like to wear during feasts and other important events, but there were some differences.

The robe was made from dark purple silk with Deadwind Widows silk mixed in. Embroidery was made with black thread that changed patterns depending on from which direction you looked at it. There was either a great dragon breathing fire on one side and an Alteraci swooping falcon on the other. And when you turned it around, they in fact switched places. It was frankly marvellous how this was even possible, you would have to ask Malevus how this is done. Rest of the robe was embroidered with what you recognised as draconic and various geometric shapes and they too changed patterns when moving the robe around.

Otherwise the robe followed the old Alteraci designs. A row of metal buttons, Dark Iron to be specific, on the left side, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs. A high collar to protect your throat and a length to just below your knees.

You continued reading the letter, apparently Nalice had heard you give an off-hand remark about needing a second set of finer clothes and had gotten the idea from that. She wanted you to have a set of clothes that you could wear in any situation and mentioned that pointy hats and stupid robes could be saved for the archmages of Dalaran.

Next was the sash to keep the under robe firmly on you and to protect it from the wear and tear of your sword belt. It was made from sturdy cloth, not from silk, and it had been dyed Alteraci orange.

Next there was the outer robe, it was made from the same silk blend as before with two layers, but it was fully black from outside. No, it was not. Again as you turned it around, the colour changed between black and dark purple like waves hitting the shore or clouds gathering in the sky. There was no embroidery this time, just this shifting cloth. From inside it was dark blue, which gave some contrast to the robe itself and there were numerous pockets small and big added to it.

There were a set of buttons, but you weren't expected to wear this robe closed outside of deep winter. Instead it was supposed to be worn on your shoulders. The long sleeves could hide your arms nearly completely or you could poke your arms through armpit openings. The robe also reached below your knees.

2/3
>>
>>5968213

Finally there was a large orange chaperon and truth to be told, it didn't really match with the old Alteraci style of the robes. But it was your hat of choice and you always had liked to wear one so fashion be damned you were going to wear it.

Looking at the clothes spread on your bed, you really had received more than what you had thought you would get. Nalice and Katrana had acquired you something marvellous to wear, something not just to use when casting spells, but to wear on special occasions or why not every day. But you knew that this wasn't everything as there was still a letter to read through.

Nalice had told Katrana that you preferred to wear the Robe of Obfuscation to hide your presence, so she had something similar yet different in mind. After the tailors had done their magic with the robes, Katrana had acquired a mage to place several enchantments on them that should help you.

When the under robe was worn, it wouldn't hide your presence like the Robe of Obfuscation or make you invisible like Cloak of Shadows, but it would make you harder to be noticed and more easily forgettable. And when the outer robe was worn with it, the wearer could Blink short distances.

Blink.

You had to blink several times when you read that. You knew the spell existed, but you didn't know the theory and now supposedly with the robes you could Blink? It was hard to believe the robes could do it, but Nalice or Katrana wouldn't lie to you.

Oh and the pockets on the outer robe are actually magically deeper than they really are.

You read the letter. Katrana told you that getting the right enchantments hadn't been easy, but she is sure that they will end up being extremely useful to you and keep you safe. She also said that whoever made the enchantments refused to name the robes, so you would have to think of a name for them.

This was frankly a lot. You didn't really know what to say, but you would need to thank both of them when you have a chance. Now though you just stared at the clothes and thought what to do with them? Should you test them out immediately?


>Put on the clothes and go show them to Tari and Malevus, let them see how handsome you are and save the Blink for Eligius.
>You need to test the Blink immediately, change into these clothes and Blink across the room.

Name for the robes:
>Write in

QM: New clothes! Return of the zupan and kontusz. You would have gotten the lesser version of obfuscation in any case, but the 10s got you a bit better version of it, deep pockets and the Blink. There were a couple other passive bonuses available, but Blink was the strongest enchantment I could give you now. And as we are talking about a magical item, it needs a snazzy name so think something nice for it.
>>
>>5968215
>>Put on the clothes and go show them to Tari and Malevus, let them see how handsome you are and save the Blink for Eligius.
>>
>>5968215
>Put on the clothes and go show them to Tari and Malevus, let them see how handsome you are and save the Blink for Eligius.
No need to rush, the robes aren't going anywhere.

Name for the robes:
>The Mythic Robes
One name that I think brings it all together. The falcon and the dragon, the geometric patterns, all the colours between sundown and sunrise, the enchantments.

>You would have gotten the lesser version of obfuscation in any case, but the 10s got you a bit better version of it, deep pockets and the Blink. There were a couple other passive bonuses available, but Blink was the strongest enchantment I could give you now. And as we are talking about a magical item, it needs a snazzy name so think something nice for it.
Good thing I rolled so well at the right time.
>>
>>5968215
>Put on the clothes and go show them to Tari and Malevus, let them see how handsome you are and save the Blink for Eligius.

>"Robes of Alterac"
>>
>>5968215

>Put on the clothes and go show them to Tari and Malevus, let them see how handsome you are and save the Blink for Eligius.

>Blink

That’s the quick teleportation spell, right? If so, for the love of The Light don’t try it out with supervision, lest we put Alric in undue risk of noclipping into a wall and suffocating to death.

Name for the robes:
>Write in

The name needs to be something specific enough for people to actually know what’s being talked about but not “special” enough to be obnoxiously magical for normies.

So maybe something like The Raiment of Dawn?
>>
>>5968215
>Put on the clothes and go show them to Tari and Malevus, let them see how handsome you are and save the Blink for Eligius.

Its got a dragon breathing fire, and alteraci swooping falcon on the other. Its black or very dark purple and shifting. Nice orange sash tho. Got some deadwind widows silk mixed in.

The dragon and falcon disappear and reappear, it can also blink, it makes people think he wasnt even there as well. Like a Mirage.

>Write in
The Midnight Mirage

The Black Dawn. Nightwing. Widower's veil.

Dude Where Did I Put My Robe?
>>
>>5968215
Nice enchantments, wow. I thought it would be something basic like mana regeneration.

Rider's Raiment. It's a subtle nod to the movement allowed by the clothes without making it blinding obvious.
>>
>>5968215
>>5968333
Of the other names suggested, I like "Rider's Raiment" the most. Especially since it can be shortened to just "Raiment".

On another matter, I think we should ease off on the ban of the Stonemason bandana a bit with time. Something that creates distance between the criminality and is distinct from their previous lives but still acknowledges the heritage. Turn it into an optics win by talking to them and figuring something out that is acceptable to everybody, most likely a hybridisation instead of full conversion, and come off as reasonable instead of tyrannical. Trying to repress their identity too forcefully will just turn us into another hostile outgroup when we want both Alteracis and Stonemasons in the ingroup and the Alliance as the big bad. Especially King Varian, the prick.
>>
>>5968614
Make some red bandanas for them as a complimentary thing, only have an orange falcon slapped on them to get the integration going slowly. It's symbolic of being 'in this together' while still letting them hold onto the red identity.
>>
Hmmm… maybe Rider's Raiments for the name? Or The Raiments of Dawn? You need to think a bit more about the name, before finalising it.

But now you had other things in mind as you quickly took off your clothes and put on the new clothes you received.

Braies, socks and trousers, the high waist surprised you slightly. Then the boots and making sure walking with them felt good. Under robe and then you threw on the outer robe. Finally you put on the new chaperon and looked at the mirror.

Damn you looked good, honestly if you were a woman, you could fall for the handsome young man staring back from the mirror.

You felt slight tingling on your skin as you looked at your mirror image, you could feel the robes being special. You spun around, checked the robes, saw that you can easily sit down and get up. After a bit of stretching, you found that the elastic Deadwind Widows silk gives the robes just enough elasticity to not hinder your movement at all. And they felt incredibly comfortable and soft.

Finally you tested the supposedly deeper pockets of the outer robe. Sticking your hand in didn't seem to do anything, but when you took the black noise device and stashed it into one of the pockets, you understood how it worked. It was a cube, but it didn't protrude from outside nor from inside. Without checking the pockets, people wouldn't know what you had with you.

The Blink would have to wait as you went back for the letter. It read there that there are limits to how often and how long of a distance you could Blink. And that when and if you would learn the spell by yourself, the robes would help you in casting it properly. Rest of the letter was guidance in how to activate the Blink and how to keep the clothes clean along with other tips for washing them. You would need to give that part of the letter to Tari, you are fairly sure she can handle washing them when needed.

Now though it was time to go and show these clothes to her and Malevus. You are fairly sure both of them will end up loving them.



Leaving your study, you saw Tannis Foxton in your father's small office working on something. He didn't pay you any notice so you turned to look down from the balcony into the main room below.

Tari was at the large table working on some papers and Malevus was cleaning her armour by the hearth. Both of them could easily see you if they were to turn their heads slightly, but neither seemed to have noticed you.

This did give you a perfect opportunity to test how difficult it was for them to notice you. Maybe you could try to surprise them?


>Surprise Tari, approach her from behind.
>Surprise Malevus, she seems to be fully concentrated with her armour.
>Stomp down the stairs like a madman and see if they notice that.
>Other, write in.

QM: Good name ideas, now could we just have some form of a consensus on what the name will end up being?
>>
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>>5968713
Not-fond memories of zerging Deadwind Pass to get to the Swamp of Sorrows at level 30-40 before I got a horse. Fuck those spiders.

>Other, write in.
ABRACADABRA and blink in the living area between hearth and desk.
in before we roll a 1 and blink to the Twisting Nether and an eredar pops into our place, or worse get stuck in the ground like fucking Warsong Gulch
Soon to be renamed Rider's Lament.

>Surprise Tari, approach her from behind.
>>
>>5968713
>>Stomp down the stairs like a madman and see if they notice that.
Start slowly and see at what point do they notice you. Blink is really cool skill to have when wearing the robes.

For the name I like Raiment of Dawn more than Riders Raiment. We arent exactly known for being a horseman
>>
>>5968713
>Stomp down the stairs like a madman and see if they notice that.
>>
>>5968713
>Surprise Malevus, she seems to be fully concentrated with her armour

Blow some air on her ear
>>
>>5968713
>Surprise Malevus, she seems to be fully concentrated with her armour.
>>
Going to do an executive decision and ask for a tiebreaker between making noise at the stairs and Malevus. If I could get one more vote, I think I can put out one more update today.
>>
>>5968950
Malevus!
>>
>>5968950
>Stomp down the stairs like a madman and see if they notice that.
>>
If Tari looked to her right she would see you, if Malevus looked to her left, the same thing would happen. Tari would be a fun target to surprise from behind, but Malevus was a much more fun candidate. So it would be her whom you try to surprise.

You walked down the stairs, your cane periodically hitting the wooden steps. Neither of the ladies had noticed you, so the robes… The Raiments of Dawn, or just The Raiments were actually working. Having gotten downstairs, you slowly walked towards Malevus and until you had nearly reached her, she noticed you.

"A-Alric?" She asked when she saw you. She was quite surprised.

"Damn it, I got this close." You muttered, you nearly got a chance to blow air into her ear.

"W-what are those clothes?" She said next.

It seems like the Raiments do make you more difficult to be noticed, which does sound somewhat strange as otherwise the clothes are really well made and beautiful. Why would you want to hide yourself If you were to wear something as good as this?

"Lady Nalice got these for me, she had overheard me talking about needing new clothes and if I were to become a mage, I should dress properly for the job." You told her.

"I-I see…" She nearly whispered. "It's really beautiful, the workmanship is very high quality."

"What are the two… Alric?" Tari had turned around and saw you wear the new clothes.

"A gift from Lady Nalice." You replied again.

Malevus had put her armour down and knelt next to you as she touched and probed the robes. She was completely mesmerised by the work and this got Tari's attention.

"You never told me that you knew about tailoring?" Tari asked her, causing Malevus to recoil a bit.

"I mean umm… just look at it." Malevus mumbled and stood up. So she hadn't told Tari about her past.

"It is really gorgeous." Tari said back to her and walked to you. "Who made this?"

"The same people that made my previous fine clothes. Old tailor in Stormwind City." You told her.

Now Tari seemed to start gushing over your new clothes and that was the signal for you to take a step back and leave to see Eligius.

"I will be going to see Eligius now, it might be a bit late when I return so don't be waiting for me." You told them.

"Studying magic?" Tari asked.

"Yep." You replied.

"Stay safe Prince Alric." Malevus said to you next. She had recovered from the sudden sight of you in such a beautiful set of clothes. Still you could see there being a sliver of interest to see more in her.

If she wants, she can have a closer look tomorrow or whenever she wants. Now though, will she have the courage to approach you?

1/2
>>
>>5969042

You had skirted the town and the tent camp of Stonemasons and seemingly no one had noticed you. Clearly the Raiments weren't as foolproof as Robe of Obfuscation was, but you could walk like this without any issues.

When you had reached Lady Nalice's home, which Eligius was now using, you found your spymaster slash warlock busy at work rearranging shelves full of books and scrolls.

He too was very impressed by your new clothes and found them to be very interesting especially when you told him about the enchantments in them.

"Blink? Prince Alric, are you serious?" Eligius asked. The warlock was wearing his usual grey clothes and a black robe over them and it looked like he had tidied his short beard and hair.

"I am, I thought about trying it now." You replied back to him.

"Have you read the instructions?" He asked you.

"I have, I think I can do it." You replied back to him.

"Alright, because I want to see this. Prince Alric, I have never seen Blink in action so colour me very interested." Eligius seemed like a small child seeing knights parading past him for the first time. He was very excited. "Are you going to do it here or outside?"


>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
>Go behind the house where there's no obstacles or walls just in case something happens.
>Take a short walk into the woods, there no one can see you and you can talk with Eligius while travelling there.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5969044
>>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
The whole basement magic training is to hide from the paladin in the town.
>>
>>5969044
>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
And with the smallest amount of mana required.
>>
>>5969044
>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
Either this or the woods is fine by me.
>>
>>5969044
>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
>>
>>5969044
>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
>>
>>5969044
>>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.
>>
>Do it inside the house, Blink only a short distance, a couple of yards. No one can spot you here.

>>5969051

Does Alric actually have a basement or not? Also absolute hivemind on this one.
>>
>>5969364

The farmstead turned into a manor doesn't have a basement and building one would be rather difficult.

With the hivemind being very clear on what it wants, could I have some rolls. Let's see how well Alric handles this Blink business. The update will come later this evening.


>3d10, Best of four
>Higher the better
>>
Rolled 3, 2, 2 = 7 (3d10)

>>5969379
Inb4 shit rolls
>>
>>5969381
Yeah that tracks
>>
Rolled 10, 5, 6 = 21 (3d10)

>>5969379
Best of four?
Alrics either getting good or its a tough one.
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d10)

>>5969379
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 6 = 16 (3d10)

>>5969379
>>
Rolled 3, 8, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>5969379
for posterity
>>
>>5969392

That 21 was a good roll, but damn those 7s weren't. I didn't expect an outright failure, but if 7 had been the best roll, something fun like Blinking halfway into wall could have happened.

The update later today!
>>
>21, Success!


The basement of Nalice’s house had all the wards still intact and ready. Even if she had said that Raleigh wouldn’t be a problem, and he wasn’t even in the town as he was with the soldiers in Strahnbrad Hills, it was better to cast magic where it is safe to do so. Especially as Surena Caledon and the witches were in the town, they might sense or realise something is going on.

The two of you cleared a table away so that you would have as much space as possible available for the Blink, maybe five yards at max, but you were fine with just getting across the room and not phasing into the brick wall.

“Are you ready Prince Alric?” Eligius asked you. He had made sure that the wards were all working as he took his position by the adjacent wall.

“I am.” You replied to him.

You checked the Raiments, you were quite sure that wouldn’t do anything, but it made your nervousness slightly go away. The instructions on the letter were simple, channel mana through your body and then just imagine yourself where you want to Blink.

Couple deep breaths and you fixed your thoughts on a spot on the floor across the room.

And then just like if you were to light a candle, you raised your hand and snapped your fingers.

And with a blink, suddenly the wall opposite of you was awfully much closer to you.

“You did it!” Eligius practically shouted.

Turning around you looked back and saw a faint cloud of smoke and electricity in the air where you had stood just a blink ago. Grinning madly, you felt the tingling across your body as you had just Blinked maybe four yards across the room.

“It feels strange, but I think I will get used to this.” You replied to Eligius while grinning.

“That was incredible, can you do it again?” Eligius asked you.

“Sure, that’s why we are here.” You said and prepared for another go at it.



Having Blinked several times across the room and back, you had learned the limitations the Raiments had. There was no cooldown, the robes could handle the spell without much issues, but as you did it twice in a row, you really felt how it was taxing you and you sat down to catch your breath. Yet you didn’t feel overly tired, you still had your own mana remaining so it didn’t use that much mana when you casted it. Or the distance was just too short to really cause you to spend a lot of mana.

“There wasn’t much in the books, but the Bloodstone you got, you should treasure it.” Eligius told you.

“Is it that powerful?”

“In the right hands, yes.” He told and continued. “We don’t know where the stones get their power, there are just theories ranging from just blood to Fel to something else completely. But what we know is that somehow they end up in the hands of warlocks of some renown.”

“Are there any risks in using it?” You asked the important question.

1/2
>>
>>5969653

“I don’t know outside of giving it too much of your own blood?” Eligius said and shrugged. “I can try to find more about it, but at this point I can’t say much more.”

“But would you use it?”

“Yes, no doubt I would use it if required. It might be, or it is a more potent source of power than the Fel inside you Prince Alric.” Eligius explained.

“I see.” You replied.

Well, that would give you plenty to think about. That Bloodstone seemed to be quite a powerful tool in your arsenal if you were to use it. Maybe you should stash it in your pocket just in case?

“Prince Alric, how shall we continue?” Eligius asked you. “I mean Lady Nalice left me some instructions on how to proceed, but it is your call in the end.”

Yes, how should you continue your studies? The instructions Lady Nalice had left to Eligius were quite standard in your eyes, continuing your studies in theory with equal amounts of practical knowledge. But you also had alternatives, you could go all in with the basics and the foundation of magic like the master of Eligius made him go through, the knowledge of magic and Arcane theory could be very useful to you.

But you had also planned on burning, quite literally, the Fel inside you away. Maybe you should prioritise that or go all in with your control of fire? Imagine how much stronger you could be if you were to learn the weave and bend the fire fully to your will? The show you put up for Jandice would be just a child’s play compared to what you could learn.

Or maybe you should learn how to use and control the Fel further? After all Lady Nalice had changed the draconic glyphs on your chest to give you a better control over it, maybe after all of this accepting Fel as part of you and your powers would be the way to go? I am you and you are me.


>Keep studying based on the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice.
>You need to concentrate on the basics of Arcane Magic and study them as much as possible. Create a strong foundation.
>You had planned on burning the Fel away, make that your utmost importance.
>You have learned to control the fire, concentrate on that and learn the secrets of fire magic.
>The Fel inside you is a potent source of power, if you are going to be stuck with it, you should learn how to use it.

QM: This vote is potentially a two parter. Please choose only one. The one you choose will be your priority where Alric will put most of his time studying in. If you choose to follow the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice, there won’t be a second vote. If you choose anything else, Alric will try to split his time with the winners of the two votes. This is for what Alric will be doing during timeskips and between updates for his magic training.
>>
>>5969654
>You need to concentrate on the basics of Arcane Magic and study them as much as possible. Create a strong foundation.

I don't trust nalice teaching methods ever since we got tainted with fel. And basics will give us a stronger foundation.
>>
>>5969654
>You had planned on burning the Fel away, make that your utmost importance.
We've been putting this off for too long.
>>
>>5969654
>Keep studying based on the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice.
>>
>>5969654
>>Keep studying based on the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice.
So basically what we were doing before that we had decided on before.
>>
>>5969490
If there had been a crit-success, would the blink be fel-charged with green electricity??

>>5969654
>Keep studying based on the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice.

I'm torn between options, I want Alric to learn manipulating the fire sword enchantment to sneak in fire blasts during fights, also to improve arcane mastery so he can eventually make his own Mirror Images like the assassin in Durnholde, then there's the Fel.. but Nalice knows best.
>>
>>5969918

Blink would have been a cakewalk for you when wearing the Raiment's of Dawn and it would have given a bonus in learning it outside wearing the clothes.

At the moment you don't know the spell, you just know how to cast it when wearing the clothes.
>>
>>5969654
>>You need to concentrate on the basics of Arcane Magic and study them as much as possible. Create a strong foundation.
>>
>>5969654
>>Keep studying based on the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice.

Hot for teacher.
>>
>>5969654
>Keep studying based on the curriculum provided by Lady Nalice.
>>
Continuing to study based on Lady Nalice's instructions is the winner here and we don't need to go for a second vote.

The update will come tomorrow as I am just way too tired to write anything today.
>>
Lady Nalice knows what she is doing, even if she can be slightly eccentric, but that probably comes with her being a red dragon. So following her instructions is probably the smartest thing to do. But that doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t be trying to burn the Fel inside you away. At the end of each study session you would try to create a small fire with Fel only and that way slowly burn everything away.

The curriculum, if you could call it that, puts effort on growing your own mana reserves through repeated exercises with the reasoning being simple. If your mana reserves grow, you can cast more spells and more stronger spells. In addition you would be studying the other usual subjects like fire and Arcane, a quite wide array of other things to learn to give you knowledge on little bit of everything and not just on Arcane itself.

Though there were few peculiarities in the instructions provided, for example you should continue getting the elven sigils painted on your skin to help with your mana control and also you should study dragons and their history. You would also study Fel to be more prepared in dealing with it and to protect yourself. You would also continue studying draconic on your own.

“Prince Alric, you had planned on studying while in Tarren Mill.” Eligius mentioned to you.

“Yes, I did spend time studying.” You replied.

“Any progress?” He asked.


>Demonstrate any progress you have made, Arcane Writing, weaving fire and controlling it
>Show him the Arcane Writing, your control over fire isn’t worth showing to him, at least not yet
>You haven’t really achieved much, nothing worth showing or demonstrating.
>Tell him about Jandice Barov teaching you, Eligius might otherwise wonder how you have learned new magic
>Other, write in
>>
>>5970920
>Show him the Arcane Writing, your control over fire isn’t worth showing to him, at least not yet
>>
>>5970920
>>Demonstrate any progress you have made, Arcane Writing, weaving fire and controlling it
beep boop clever prince.
>>
>>5970920
>Demonstrate any progress you have made, Arcane Writing, weaving fire and controlling it
>Tell him about Jandice Barov teaching you, Eligius might otherwise wonder how you have learned new magic

He's our spy, whatever he doesn't know now, he will learn soon, so at least he will know some extent of the training Alric is getting from the Jandice, like Malevus already did (before the full confession).
>>
>>5970920
>Demonstrate any progress you have made, Arcane Writing, weaving fire and controlling it
>Tell him about Jandice Barov teaching you, Eligius might otherwise wonder how you have learned new magic
Any progress? Here's the progress.
>>
>>5970920
>>Demonstrate any progress you have made, Arcane Writing, weaving fire and controlling it
>Tell him about Jandice Barov teaching you, Eligius might otherwise wonder how you have learned new magic

Though my Eligius could probably figure it out, theres not that many people around Alric who have been in close proximity while he was in Tarren Mill and could learn Arcane Writing from.
>>
Demonstration, let's go for some easy rolls. Surely Alric won't fail these!


>3d10, Best of four
>DC 12, 14, Crit 20
>>
Rolled 2, 3, 8 = 13 (3d10)

>>5971141
Surely he will!
>>
Rolled 2, 9, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>5971141
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 10 = 20 (3d10)

>>5971141
surely.
>>
Rolled 8, 10, 6 = 24 (3d10)

>>5971141
My Alric will (not) fail
>>
>24, Crit Success!


“Yes, in fact I did have some success.” You replied back to him and stood up from the chair you had been sitting on. Checking your clothes that they were all tidy, you brought your arm up and started to draw in the air with your hand.

A purple line was created where your index finger was as you wrote in the air.

ELIGIUS NEEDS CLOTHES OTHER THAN GREY OR BLACK

“Haha very funny.” Eligius replied and sighed before continuing. “Impressive work Prince Alric, have you learned Arcane Writing?”

“Yes, I did. And well… I did have some help.” You said back to him.

“Help, by whom?” Eligius asked.

“Lady Barov.” You said to him.

“Lady Jandice?”

“It didn’t take long for her to realise that something was funny with me. And after she realised that something was funny with me, I told her that I was studying magic.” You said back to him.

“You told her?” Eligius asked surprised.

“She had put one plus one already.” You sighed. “And after that to pass time she wanted to teach me something useful.”

“Which Arcane Writing was?” Eligius replied.

“Part of the curriculum in Dalaran supposedly.”

“Well, that would be quite a smart thing to do.”

“Well it wouldn’t be everything I had learned.” You told him.

“Oh?”

You extended your arm again and opened your palm. Then you concentrated.

A small Fel green flame appeared on your hand before it turned normal. The liquid fire leaked down the fire on your hand, but as usual it didn’t burn you.

And then you made the fire grow larger before waving your hand in the air and making the fire follow it. The fire lagged your hand and burned in the air, for a moment a near perfect circle of fire existed.

“Wonderful, you have progressed far Prince Alric.” Eligius said proudly. “Year ago I hadn’t even met you and now here we are.”

“Thank you Eligius.”

“My pleasure Prince Alric.” He said and gave you a polite bow. “But there is still a lot for us to do.”

“We have, so shall we get started?”



A messenger arrived the next day from Captain Garside bringing a message. His patrols hadn’t found anything within Strahnbrad Hills, but the patrol sent upstream found something of note outside of a chain of totems made by trolls. A logjam was spread across the Darrowmere River, blocking any travel up or downstream. The patrol didn’t want to stay there for long to not attract unwanted attention, but they were adamant in their observations. To clear the logjam, one would have to enter the troll territory.

That was unwanted news, but news nevertheless. In addition Lieutenant Beckston would be returning to Dawnholme shortly for a bit of rest and to escort a supply caravan back to Shoredon and to the valley where oil was located. He will be in Dawnholme in a couple of days.

Though you would have other things in mind. You had a feast to organise.

1/2
>>
>>5971366

Since you put the plan of hosting a feast out, there had been a serious effort by Alteracis and Stonemasons alike to prepare it. As you walked amongst them, you had your own hand in trying to sort everything out. Speaking with them, you got a good idea of the size of the feast and what was required. And as you spoke, you hadn’t pointed out that they were still wearing their red bandanas, maybe you shouldn’t push them as hard regarding them?

But as you spoke with them, you noticed their womenfolk, especially the younger ones sparing you glances. You recognised their looks, where they… yes they were. They must have learned about the rumours.

You chose not to respond to their looks.



“Prince Alric, there is a visitor.” One of the Royal Foot Guards greeted you. The evening had arrived and you were preparing to leave to study magic with Eligius.

“A visitor, this late?” You asked.

“A woman, came from Tarren Mill.” Was the reply.

That must be Monica then.

“Send her in.” You replied.

The soldier bowed and stepped out before letting your visitor in.

“Hello Monica.” You greeted her. She was wearing her usual green skirt and shirt, and this time with a large green cloak.

“Evening Prince Alric.” She greeted you and gave you an unnecessary deep bow.

“We are friends, you don’t need to Prince me nor bow to me.” You replied to her and smiled.

“I thought that I should greet you in your own home.” She replied to you.

“And in my home I am amongst my friends.” You said back to her and stared her through your dark glasses. “But it is late, I presume you need a place to sleep in?”

“Yes, but now. I have my tent and I can stay with the… Stonemasons weren’t they?” Monica replied to you.

She seemed to be fine with staying in a tent outside, but maybe you should provide her a room. Though you didn’t exactly have a free room in your home, which would mean that someone would have to either share or step aside.


>Monica can sleep in your bed, while you sleep on the study floor in a bedroll.
>Taretha can share the wide bed of the guest room with her.
>The guest room should be given to her temporarily. Have Monica sleep there and Taretha goes to sleep in your old room used by Malevus currently.
>Malevus can sleep elsewhere while Monica takes her room.
>If Monica says so, she can sleep in a tent with the others outside near the town.
>Other, write in.

QM: Good roll!
>>
>>5971369
>Taretha can share the wide bed of the guest room with her.
But ask her first, if we get a no then either Monica or Alric can sleep in a bedroll.
>>
>>5971369
>Monica can sleep in your bed, while you sleep on the study floor in a bedroll.
>>
>>5971387
>support
>>5971369
>>
>>5971369
>>Monica can sleep in your bed, while you sleep on the study floor in a bedroll.
>>
>>5971387
>>5971369
support
>>
>>5971369
>>5971387
>support
Tari, we have a visitor!
>>
>>5971369
>>Taretha can share the wide bed of the guest room with her.
>>
qm is kill
>>
>>5972232

QM is very tired and sleepy. Update will come tomorrow. Sorry about that.
>>
>>5972264

QM wants a simple roll for tomorrow.


>1d10
>Best of three
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>5972342
Oh boy!
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5972342
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5972342
>>
qm is kill
>>
File: Innkeeper_Monica.jpg (53 KB, 269x784)
53 KB
53 KB JPG
“No no, we will find a solution.” You quickly replied to her. “We have a guest room, but it is slightly occupied right now.”

“Then don’t bother.” Monica tried to argue back.

“Bother what? Alric, who's the guest?” Tari asked as she leaned on the upstairs balcony railing.

“This is Monica Sengutz.” You replied to Tari before turning to face her. “And that is Taretha Foxton.

You saw Monica’s eyes move up and slightly down as she observed Tari. She definitely noticed her pregnancy.

“Monica is going to stay with us for a few days, is it fine if you share the guest room with her?” You asked Tari. “I mean I can’t have my friend to stay outside nor have you moved down to Malevus’ room.”

Tari gave you a slightly surprised look before nodding.

“Of course, the bed is wide enough for the two of us.” She replied back to you.

“Wonderful.” You smiled and spoke to Monica. “See, we found a solution.”

“You really didn’t have to.” Monica said back to you. “But if you insist.”

“Oh I do insist.” You replied. “Come Tari, let’s have some tea, the three of us.”

“Three?” Malevus asked you back. She had heard the commotion to her room and had come to see what was going on. “Oh hello Monica, when did you arrive?”

“Just a moment ago.” She replied. “Alric sent a message asking for our help with the feast.”

“Speaking of that, did Mayor Fowley come as well?” You asked her.

“No, his stomach issues have returned and he chose to stay home to rest.” Monica told you. “But I brought four carts full of food and drink from Tarren Mill as a gift.”

“And Alterac will accept that gift and remember your generosity.” You said while straightening your back. For a brief moment you were Prince Alric, and not just Alric, a good friend of Monica. “Now though, I will go bother Maura to prepare us some tea.”



Maura had joined the four of you shortly with the tea and some rather fresh cookies. Near immediately she had accepted Monica as one of your friends and it had broken any remaining ice Monica might have had while being in your home. And while she had learned to know Alric who was her friend, she hadn’t yet learned Alric that often sheds everything Princely about him.

“You have a lovely home.” Monica said to you.

“Old farmstead, but it has served me well.” You told her.

“Not exactly a place I would imagine a Prince to live in?” Monica responded to you.

“Monica, it’s not the size, but who inhabits it.” Tari said to her. “I couldn’t imagine returning to Durnholde even if it is a mighty keep and way more grandiose than Alrics home.”

“Within these walls I… I don’t have to play a character.” You told her and took off your glasses. “I don’t have to play my part.”

2/3
>>
>>5973148

You gave her a gentle smile and stood up.

“I have things to do, Tari and Malevus, can the two of you get Monica all cozy and settled in?” You asked them.

“Will do Alric, you are going to see Eligius?” Tari asked back.

“Yeah, the studying never ends.” You responded and put your glasses back on. “Just need to change my clothes and then I'll be off.”

“Have fun and stay safe.” Tari responded. Monica had no idea what you were going to do and that was for the best.



>7


The carts Monica had brought with her added a lot of food and drink to the existing stocks, really allowing the feast to be completed without any bigger issues. As the Stonemasons and Alteracis started to set the tables and the large cloth covers over them, you had other things to handle.

“My Prince.” Lieutenant Beckston greeted you. He had arrived with his men early in the afternoon.

“Lieutenant.” You greeted back. “Any news from the Captain?”

“We penned the letter we sent to you together.” Beckston replied to you. “But there is something new to discuss Prince Alric.”

“What is it?” You asked him.

“We found orc tracks near Sofera’s Naze.” Beckston told you. “Four of them moving into Strahnbrad Hills and back.”

“Scouting party?” You asked again.

“Most likely, they just moved in and out. Sir Radan and his men followed the tracks till they entered the troll territory.” Beckston told you.

That was a bit worrisome. Orcs had raided Strahnbrad Hills in the past few years taking slaves and prisoners with them. It was most likely the Blackrock Clan remnants that inhabited the deeper reaches of Alterac with whom you had an encounter in the past. And if they moved through the troll territory, maybe it was a sign that there existed some sort of a pact or overall neutrality between them.

“Do you have any suggestions?” You asked him.

“More patrols to Sofera’s Naze and nearby lands, but that would require more troops to be pulled back from the Hills.” Beckston suggested.

He was right, you didn’t exactly have the men to patrol all of your lands right now and if the orcs decide to push their luck, you would need a bit more to act as deterrence. Strahnbrad Hills seemed to be more and more secure within, with just the trolls being an unknown factor outside.


>Lieutenant Beckston and his Swashbucklers are now in Dawnholme to rest and escort another supply caravan back to Strahnbrad Hills. Have them instead move to Sofera’s Naze and patrol the lands there to deter potential orc raids.
>Send orders for more troops to be moved from Strahnbrad Hills to Dawnhome to patrol your lands here.
>Have Captain Garside to move troops within Strahnbrad Hills to react to this potential threat.
>No moves are needed. This was just an orc patrol that didn’t dare to venture deep into Strahnbrad Hills and you don’t want to potentially antagonise trolls within their territory.
>Other, write in.

QM: >>5973080 I'm not dead yet!
>>
>>5973150
>Have stone Mason mercs patrol Sofia gaze. They need to earn their keep.
>>
>>5973150
>Have Captain Garside to move troops within Strahnbrad Hills to react to this potential threat.
Mercs can patrol here until they're sent to Blackmoore's campaign, Garside is to be on the lookout for further movements. Warcraft orcs aren't like 40k orks right? Don't see why they would attack now with so many troops in the area when they can wait and get more loot with less of a fight later.

>I'm not dead yet!
Yet... not yet.
>>
>>5973163
Plus they’re not as valuable as our natives.

>Other, write in.
Can’t we just vietcong our lands with booby traps in order to cope better with our lack of patrols? I saw in a video that the VCs got some hidden markers to help them distinguish a trapped area between an untrapped one, since I doubt the orcs and trolls are gonna mingle with humans to figure them out any time soon, hiding those markers from them should be easy enough.
>>
>>5973150
>Have Captain Garside to move troops within Strahnbrad Hills to react to this potential threat.

You ever get the feeling that Monica is about to get kidnapped by Orcs who are gonna raid her caravan on the way back?
>>
I will let this vote continue till tomorrow. Plenty of time still remaining as I am way too tired to write due to work being ornery at the moment.
>>
>>5973150
>>5973334
Support, if the trolls are going to place totems around their land, we can do the same in the face of incursions but this will require way more manpower, so for now Stonemason patrols would help as boots on the ground if they want to keep their armaments.

If they're unwilling, I guess we fall back on other options.
>Send orders for more troops to be moved from Strahnbrad Hills to Dawnhome to patrol your lands here.
>>
>>5973150
>>Have Captain Garside to move troops within Strahnbrad Hills to react to this potential threat.
>>
>>5973150
>>Send orders for more troops to be moved from Strahnbrad Hills to Dawnhome to patrol your lands here.
>>
after binging this quest for the last two days I can safely say we messed up. We should have focused on supply and recruitment rather than mercenaries.

Also we are extremely lucky, we are surrounded by kingdoms that can marshal thousands of troops to our meager two hundred.

Lastly, we need to start thinking defensively, Alterac has the potential to be the greatest defended kingdom solely because of the mountains, it's time to make forts everywhere.

Also stop flip flopping between women. I'm also pretty sure we got Calia pregnant.
>>
>>5974469
>We should have focused on supply and recruitment rather than mercenaries.
We haven't focused on mercenaries? We have exchanged a deficit in supplies for a speedy military buildup but I don't think that was a mistake.

>Also we are extremely lucky, we are surrounded by kingdoms that can marshal thousands of troops to our meager two hundred.
We are lucky in that we are neighboured by the least hostile member of the Alliance but we've also worked to make some friends to keep it that way.

>Lastly, we need to start thinking defensively, Alterac has the potential to be the greatest defended kingdom solely because of the mountains, it's time to make forts everywhere.
We can't, King Terenas' Edict remember? We can't go past the mountains.

>Also stop flip flopping between women. I'm also pretty sure we got Calia pregnant.
Flip flopping implies that we're hesitating about commiting to any one woman when we have no intention to commit at all, not now anyway. Doubt we got Calia pregnant but if we did, at least we get a justification to marry her which is a win in my book as a Caliafag.
>>
>>5974480
I meant in the early game. We focused on mercs and it costs us a lot of early wealth and supply.

Also, Alterac is more than just a city, it's also a territory, a mountain territory. We can turn it into hell-switzerland While we cannot go PASSED the mountains, we can occupy them.
>>
"I will have the orders penned and ready for tomorrow morning." You told Beckston. "Captain Garside will move troops to face this threat and to see if they can find anything else in that part of Hills."

"Understood, we should have the men available for that." Beckston replied.

"I don't want anymore farmers or hunters kidnapped by them. The people living in the Hills are under my care now, so make sure that the patrols march past their small huts and houses." You told him. Orcs had raided one of the farms there, you had witnessed the remains of that. The locals must be quite nervous and distrustful over your new rule so what needs to be done to win them over, needs to be done.

"Fiercely independent people, not that many come to see us when we marched through one of the small villages." Beckston told you.

"They will learn to trust us." You said and continued. "Oh I will ask if the mercenaries that came with the Stonemasons would be willing to move to Sofera's Naze to keep watch over there."

"I saw the Stonemasons. Prince Alric, how many of them did arrive?" He asked you.

"Several hundred, more than what arrived from Underbelly and more are to come." You told him and sighed. "They had their own guards with them, I'm not exactly sure what I will do with them, but if they agree to go to Sofera's Naze, it could help a lot in building the trust between me and them."

"I see… well if they ever need someone to give them an encouraging talk, who's better than me?" Beckston asked you. "I mean I am a Kul Tiran, an outsider."

"You are right." You said. "But let's not push them too hard. Speaking of them, will you join the feast?"

"For sometime, but not for the whole evening. I haven't spent enough time with my wife, you know, marital duties." Beckston said and grinned.

"Then I won't keep you waiting." You replied and gave him a sly grin back. "Three days, then you will return back into duty so spend that time well."

"Understood Prince Alric, I will do my best." He replied with a laugh.



Afternoon had passed and you were getting ready for the feast. The orders for Normand were waiting on your desk to be given to a messenger and other bits of paperwork you had finished earlier were waiting for Tannis Foxton to file and check for one more time.

Tari's father had taken the job of being a clerk and assistant to Normand seriously. He worked hard and avoided mistakes, but he didn't talk that much to you as he clearly kept his distance. It was probably because of how he had learned to work under Blackmoore, but maybe because of Tari and her pregnancy. He probably feared to approach you regarding her daughter, and chose just to work hard to preserve his and her position and your acceptance of them.

Either way, he was of a lot of help.

"You have a beautiful home Alric." Monica said to you as you stepped downstairs, you had the bath made ready as you wanted to be as tidy as possible for the evening.

1/3
>>
>>5974587

"It's not much compared to the Royal Palace, now that was a fine place." You replied to her. You hadn't had a chance to speak that much with Monica earlier in the day as both of you had been busy. Apparently though she had slept well and sharing the bed with Tari hadn't been an issue. "I hope one day I get to show it to everyone, that is after repairing and rebuilding it. Who knows in how bad of a shape it is now?"

"So humble." Monica said and smiled. "No but I really mean it. I didn't have much when growing up, so what I have now. The inn, restaurant, the hotel. It's more than I could have ever asked. It gives perspective."

"Your kingdom." You replied.

"Yep, you have said that before. But I spoke with Maura earlier today and she told me more about your childhood and how this had been just a dilapidated farmhouse before the three of you moved in." Monica told you. "And now look at it, it's all repaired, renovated and decorated. Maybe a few too many weapons hanging on the walls."

"Blame Normand." You laughed. "Most of them are his and besides I have used all of them during my training."

"As have I." Malevus said as she stepped into the living room. "The bath is ready for you Prince Alric."

"Thank you Malevus, I will go there shortly. "You said and replied with a smile. Malevus had taken the bath first and was still damp from it. Her red hair was slick with water and the white dress she wore was slightly sticking on her skin.

You stared at her a bit too long as she walked barefoot past you and you felt a single butterfly fly circles in your stomach. You weren't sure if Monica noticed that.

"I guess it's my turn now." You said and continued immediately. "I am going to be quite thorough with the bath so it might take some time, you can go ahead if you want, no need to wait for me."

"Got you, I am mostly done by myself, just need to change clothes." Monica told you. "See you at the feast then."

As Monica stood up from the chair and headed upstairs, you left to have a nice and comforting, hot bath.



You had asked Tari to brush your hair after the bath and she had told you that she might come to visit the feast a bit later, but wouldn't stay for long as she had been a bit tired due to the pregnancy. Monica hadn't left either as she was supposedly waiting for you to be ready downstairs.

Now though you had to make a decision, how would you present yourself? All of it mattered, what clothes you were wearing, who would be with you, how many guards would you have and so on.

2/3
>>
>>5974589

Thankfully you did have several options. Clothes were rather self-describing, but who would escort you during the feast for both protection and well for being your vis-a-vis? You weren't sure how much protection you would need as Dawnholme seemed to be quite secure right now. And then there was having someone to escort you. You weren't sure if you should ask someone to be your vis-a-vis for the evening, especially as it could cause plenty of talk, but it could be a fun experience for the both of you. Maybe you should ask one of the locals or the newcomers to be your escort?


Clothing:
>Your normal clothes, the more down to earth Prince Alric Alteracis have learned to know
>Your finer clothes, mark this event to be an important one for all of you
>Your mage clothes, The Raiments of Dawn. Something new, eccentric and fashionable.

Protection:
>You are amongst your own people, you don't need anyone following you around
>Malevus can shadow you as always, she is your squire after all
>Sir Gravis and the knights, you have to be serious about your protection even here in Dawnholme

Vis-a-vis:
>Taretha
>Monica
>Malevus
>Surena Caledon
>A random Alteraci woman
>A random Stonemason woman
>No one
>Other, write in

QM: Please vote on all three.

>>5974469

Welcome to the Quest, I hope you had fun binging through my mediocre scribblings.
>>
>>5974591
>Your mage clothes, The Raiments of Dawn. Something new, eccentric and fashionable.
Please don't let that be the name. We already have Dawn in the name of many things.

>Malevus can shadow you as always, she is your squire after all
>Sir Gravis and the knights, you have to be serious about your protection even here in Dawnholme
But keep it subtle, to participate in festivities while also being on the lookout for threats.

>Surena Caledon
Either or a Stonemason woman. Where is Surena from anyway?

>I hope you had fun binging through my mediocre scribblings.
You give yourself too little credit.
>>
>>5974626

You don't know this, but you could guess based on her accent that she was born and raised in Stormwind City.
>>
>>5974626
>>5974591
>Support

>Make sure we dance with malevus.
>>
>>5974664
Sure! That sounds fun :)

Hell... I think we can dance with a bunch of people!
>>
>>5974591
>Your mage clothes, The Raiments of Dawn. Something new, eccentric and fashionable.
>You are amongst your own people, you don't need anyone following you around
>No one
>>
>>5974591
>Clothing
I want the most orange thing we have as it's a grand binding moment for Alterac and the protector of the realm's formal introduction.
>>5968213
>It was a fine robe, quite similar to the old Alteraci design you like to wear during feasts and other important events
Mage clothes it is

Protection:
>Malevus
>Gravis at our table or nearby

Vis-a-vis:
Maura Garside, with a toast to her and her husband's efforts
>>
>>5974591
>>5974626
Supporting. Surena will probably be a bit surprised when we approach her like this
>>
Raiments, Malevus and Sir Gravis, Surena as your vis-a-vis. Update will come later today, but before it could I have some rolls.


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll
>>
Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>5975053
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>5975053
>>5975068
Nice roll anon.
>>
>>5975068

You can do that roll again, I could count it as a six, but let's see if you can do anything better.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5975053
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>5975053
roll bad
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>5975053
bones be rollin
>>
>7
>7


Not awful rolls, the feast will happen without any issues or shenanigans. Now for some QM background bookkeeping could I have a roll. It is not for Alric or for anyone in Dawnholme.


>3d10, Best of three
>Higher the better
>>
Rolled 7, 8, 4 = 19 (3d10)

>>5975268
Here I go rolling bad again!
>>
Rolled 9, 6, 9 = 24 (3d10)

>>5975268
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 7 = 19 (3d10)

>>5975268
>>
Your cane clacked on the wooden steps as you made your way downstairs. You felt like you could go without it, but better to have it around just in case. Besides you are going to be walking a lot this evening, maybe even dancing so saving energy for that should be done.

"Alright, let's go." You said and got everyone's attention.

"Alric, you look incredible." Monica said to you as she stood up. She was wearing a new dress, a green one of course, that looked quite rustic in style, but fitted her perfectly.

"Thank you, I had ordered these before… well the incident." You told her. "And you don't look half bad either."

"Ehh just something new to try, I suppose I have to present myself well nowadays." Monica said. "Being a businesswoman and all."

She averted her gaze a bit when you complimented her.

"Malevus, please follow me, but keep your distance." You said to her. Malevus had made sure that her armour and clothes were all tidy as well. The orange cloak was especially well taken care of. "Keep your eyes open, but don't forget to relax a bit."

"Understood Prince Alric." She nodded.

"Good, now remember we are supposed to have fun. This is supposed to be a feast to make the Stonemasons feel welcomed and at home. So carousing and dancing will be involved." You told Monica and Malevus.

"How do I feel that I am being caught in one of your plans?" Monica replied and got a chuckle from Malevus.

"It will be fun, what's the worst that could happen?" You asked and laughed.

Exactly, a bit of harmless carousing and mingling with the Stonemasons. It would be a fun evening.



>7
>7


Several large tents had been set up near the border of the town just in case it would start to rain, but thankfully there were no signs of bad weather. In the tents the womenfolk prepared the food, and where the alcohol and treats were stashed before being carried to the rows of tables placed on the grass outside. For you and a few others of your companions a small platform had been built where a table was waiting for you.

The sun was shining and you could see hundreds of men and women already having started to eat and drink when you made your entrance. At first they didn't notice you, but then Alteracis and Stonemasons alike turned to look at you as they saw your new clothes for the first time. A murmur spread across the crowd that quieted as you walked past them and when Alteracis greeted and bowed to you with some of the Stonemasons joining as well.

When everyone stared at you, you turned around to have a good look and to show your new clothes. When you were sure that you got their attention, you spoke.

"This is supposed to be a feast, not a funeral." You told them and continued. "So eat, drink, laugh and dance. There's plenty of food thanks to the courtesy of Tarren Mill."

You gave a polite nod to Monica who seemed to garner plenty of curious looks.

1/2
>>
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57 KB
57 KB JPG
>>5975426

Thankfully you didn't have to order them twice as it felt like near instantly the people stopped staring at you and did as ordered. Food will be eaten and alcohol will flow.

Now though, you had a mission. You were going to find someone very specific.



"Prince Perenolde." Morgan greeted you and waved some of the other Stonemasons around him away.

"Morgan, Drudgemoor." You greeted them back without nodding. "I would like to talk with Miss Caledon, if the two of you wouldn't mind."

"Of course." Morgan replied again and nodded to Drudgemoor. The two men walked past you, leaving you and Surena Caledon alone.

"Prince Alric, why do I owe this pleasure?" Surena asked and gave you a questioning look. She was wearing the same clothes as before, but it was clear that she had put some effort into her hair. Not going to lie, she did look quite stunning.

"I thought that a Prince like me would need an escort, a vis-a-vis for an evening and feast like this." You told her matter of factly.

"And you chose me and not…" Surena asked, a bit puzzled, but stopped.

"And not what?" You asked her. She must have learned more about the rumours around you.

"The girl from Tarren Mill, or maybe the one in your home?" Surena asked.

"Oh I can go ask them if you don't want to." You said and started to turn around.

"No I didn't mean that." Surena replied quickly. "I would love to be your date for the evening, but why me? Why not anyone else?"

Your little trick worked, a small bait and switch.

"Prince Alric… what about… the things people talk about you?" Surena asked carefully. So she had heard the rumours.


>Surena is an interesting person based on her skills. You want to know her better.
>Everyone needs to see you mingling together with one of the Stonemasons. Ask her to play a part in this ploy.
>Because of your reputation, of course you would choose the most beautiful of the Stonemasons. Be completely serious about this.
>Other, write in

>The rumours surrounding you are false, all of them. Yet you need to feed them for a reason.
>Damn the rumours, both of you know that you are going to have fun today carousing and dancing.
>It depends completely on what rumours she is talking about. Can she tell you what she is talking about?
>Other, write in.

QM: Please vote on both.

>>5975307

That is a really good roll. Good things are going to happen.
>>
>>5975429
>Surena is an interesting person based on her skills. You want to know her better.
>Everyone needs to see you mingling together with one of the Stonemasons. Ask her to play a part in this ploy.
>Because of your reputation, of course you would choose the most beautiful of the Stonemasons. Be completely serious about this.
All of these are true desu. She's interesting, beautiful and having her accompany us plays into our plans.

>Damn the rumours, both of you know that you are going to have fun today carousing and dancing.
>It depends completely on what rumours she is talking about. Can she tell you what she is talking about?
What Im imagining is something more like: "What about them Ms. Caledon?" since it questions both the relevance and the substance at the same time.

>That is a really good roll. Good things are going to happen.
I love it when that happens.
>>
>>5975429
>>5975432
Support all these things especially a sly:
>It depends completely on what rumours she is talking about. Can she tell you what she is talking about?
Feigning ignorance and then hamming it up. Maybe a throwaway line like, "I heard it was the royal way of things to build relations in every faction, no?"

What we really want is a dragon though. Onyxia is for petting.
>>
>>5975590
+1

If our playful social teasing/seduction rolls end up in getting her all hot and bothered I’m all for hamming it up more than a butcher’s shop.
>>
>>5975432
>>5975429
support
>>
>>5975429
>Surena is an interesting person based on her skills. You want to know her better.
>It depends completely on what rumours she is talking about. Can she tell you what she is talking about?
>>
>>5975432
>>5975590
>support

Chad Alric rizz tonight bois.
>>5975429
>>
Looks like Alric will be a bit more sly than usual. Now though how much ham and rizz (God I feel dirty for writing that) will Alric use? And with that I mean flirting.


Flirt with Surena:
>No
>Little flirting
>Flirting
>Major flirting
>>
>>5975889
>No
Anons plz.
We dont have to live up tot he rumours.
>>
>>5975889
>>No
Or
>>Flirting
You either do it, or dont do it at all, just dont over do it. Besides Surena seems like Alrics type, a mysterious warlock woman
>>
>>5975889
>No
>>
>>5975889
>>No
>>
>>5975889
>Little flirting
I want some of Alric's pre-Monica naivety back
>>
"I find you interesting and you know why." You said to her and continued. "So I want to know you better, to learn what I should do with you."

Surena looked at you and shifted a bit while you crossed your arms and turned to face the crowd enjoying the feast. Musicians from Dawnholme were tuning their instruments and soon would start playing.

"They need to see me be with one of them and I think you qualify for that. You might just be a hired mage, but you have followed them here." You said while looking at the Stonemasons and Alteracis. "Besides, wouldn't picking the most beautiful of the Stonemasons fit me well?"

Your tone was serious, but you let a sliver of intrigue slip in.

"Are you serious?" Surena asked somewhat unsure of what she had just heard.

"Of course I am, on both accounts." You replied back to her while still looking away. "Stonemasons need to understand that they are now my people and if they see me having fun with one of them, slowly they might relent."

Now you turned to look at her.

"And I wouldn’t lie about someone's beauty, Miss Caledon." You said to her and gave her a slight smile. That would be enough of sweet talking to her. You can still be a bit coy.

"Such nice words, I feel embarrassed." She replied with a jest and pretended to be flustered. "Sounds like the rumours were correct."

"What about them Miss Caledon? It depends completely on what rumours you are talking about?" You said to her, feigning ignorance. "Can you tell me what rumours have you heard about me?"

"Prince Alric, do you really want to hear what the gossipping women are talking about?" Surena asked. She had taken your cue and pretended to be flustered again.

"Yes of course." You replied.

"They are saying that you are a very polite young man, who is well taught and who does everything he can to help his friends and allies." Surena told you matter of factly.

You hadn't expected to hear that and now it seemed like it was Surena who was playing with you a bit. The roles had changed.

"They also spoke about the following." She said and then leaned a bit closer to you, giving you a glimpse down her rather open shirt before whispering into your ear. "They all want to you to fuck them."

Surena pulled back and gave a polite smile to you. That sounded more like the rumours you had heard about.

"Oh do they? Quite vulgar isn't it? I haven't heard that before." You replied and again feigned like you were shocked. "But I guess each rumour has a sliver of truth in them."

"You might be right, but shouldn't we join the others before they think that I am keeping you all for myself?" Surena asked you. "Can't have your ploy be finished and done immediately by scorned women?"

"You are right Miss Caledon, we have my ploy to go through." You said and offered your arm for her. "Take it and let's have a bit of fun today."

1/3
>>
>>5976046

Surena smiled and gently took your arm. She knows what she is doing, near immediately she saw through your words and now she is playing the same game you were playing with her.

Nevertheless the evening was young and you had a lot of people to meet and talk with. You couldn't spend all evening just flirting with her even if that would be fun. She understands what you have to do and accomplish and thankfully she agrees to follow you and be your vis-a-vis for the evening.



There were curious glances from the people as you walked amongst them with Surena by your side. You got especially many glances and whispers from the womenfolk, but you didn't let that bother you and it didn't seem to bother Surena either.

As the musicians started to play, you spoke with many Stonemasons about little bit of everything, but mostly how they had gotten used to Dawnholme and Alterac. And to your pleasant surprise, Surena played her part well. Asking confirmations and taking your side more often than not.

Though when you approached Monica to introduce her to Surena, you quickly noticed not everything being alright as you noticed Monica being a bit more stiffer than usual.

Oh no, you did recognise that look now. She must be a bit jealous, new dress and all and you have someone else keeping you company. Oh dear, hopefully nothing bad will come from this.



You had to rest your legs, all the walking had made you feel a bit tired and to reserve some strength for dancing, you needed to sit down.

Watching as the Alteracis and Stonemasons mingled with each other, you ate and continued to drink. Having already downed some wine, you were starting to feel a bit tipsy, but so was everyone else too.

"Prince Alric." Surena got your attention. She had of course joined you at the table. "I think your ploy is working, just look at those."

She nudged her head towards a couple of Stonemason women talking with a couple of Alteraci men. They seemed to have a lot of fun based on how much they laughed.

"It sure looks like it, but have you had fun? I mean you are a bit tied to me." You asked her politely.

"Of course I have had fun, don't be silly Prince Alric. Not often do you get to hold Prince's arm." Surena replied to you and feigned to be proud. "Besides, I feel bad that we lied to you."

You chose not to reply as you found that interesting.

"This is quite fun and the dancing is ahead of us, but I must ask you a question. That woman, your friend… Monica was her name, I don't think she likes me." Surena asked and leaned a bit closer to whisper to you, giving you another glimpse down her shirt. "I think she might fancy you Prince Alric."

"I saved Monica from bandits, everyone knows that. Since then I have stayed in her inn, nowadays a hotel while in Tarren Mill." You told Surena and you knew that wouldn't answer her question so you continued. "She is one of my closest friends and at one point she had a crush on me and now I think she is a bit jealous."

2/3
>>
>>5976047

You looked at Surena as you spoke with a steady voice. You didn't want any drama about this.

"Ah… I see." Surena quickly put things together in her mind. "She thinks that I am trying to get you and feels protective over you."

"Sounds about right." You replied.

"Or she still fancies you and wants you for herself." Surena said nonchalantly.

You gave a curious look to Surena and didn't say anything. That sounded surprisingly plausible.

"Poor girl, I feel bad for her. It must not be easy to be a friend of a Prince. You have all of your duties, you can't spend time with her like normal people could. In the end you will marry some Princess or a Lady and the best thing she can hope for is to become your Mistress that you will see when you are in town." Surena said to you rather sure of herself. "And even if that isn't her goal, there's always rumours about a Prince meeting and being friends with a commoner like her."

The musicians started to play something more suitable for dancing and people started to move some tables away to clear some space for more dancers.

"And you Prince Alric, you have a lot of rumours around you." Surena finished talking.

She read the situation quite well. She had a surprisingly good eye for all of this and she was rather close to the truth. She also dared to ask you and speak what came to her mind, you liked that about her.

Surena Caledon surely was an intriguing person. And very confident.

"My Prince." An Alteraci woman approached your table and did a deep curtsy.

"Yes, please continue." You politely replied.

"We have cleared the tables away for dancing and we thought if my Prince would like to have the first dance?" The woman asked you and gave you and Surena a glance "We know you like to dance."

"I would love to have the first dance, if Miss Caledon would allow me to take her for a dance?" You said as politely you could.

"Of course Prince Alric, it would be my honour to dance with you." Surena replied and played her part well.

The woman who had asked if you wanted to dance did another curtsy and walked away. The musicians seemed to wait for the two of you as did the bystanders.

"Well then, shall we go?" You asked Surena and stood up. Offering her your arm, she took it and spared a slight smile.

"Let's go have some of the fun you said we should have." She replied with a smile.

You smiled back, oh dancing. It would be so much fun.


Dancing, choose as many as you want:
>Dance with Surena only
>Dance with Malevus
>Dance with Monica
>Dance with Taretha
>Dance with everyone, strangers and friends alike

QM: Dancing!
>>
>>5976048
>>Dance with Surena only
>>Dance with Malevus
>>Dance with Monica
>>Dance with Taretha
Dance with all of your friends, but not with the locals or stonemasons. Keep bit of distance to them. I like Surena as well, she does have good eye on others.
>>
>>5976048
>>5976089
Sure, let's dance with the girls!
>>
>>5976048
>Dance with everyone, strangers and friends alike

As a wise guy once said: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
>>
>>5976089
>support
>+flirt with malevus

I demand red elf ears!
>>
>>5976048
>Dance with everyone, strangers and friends alike
>Dance with Malevus
All dancers are equal but some dancers are more equal than others.
>>
>>5976048
>>Dance with everyone, strangers and friends alike
>>
Stepping into the open field of grass, you pulled Surena closer to you and placed your right arm on her hip while holding her hand with your left.

And then the musicians started to play and you started to slowly dance with her.

You grinned, not to her, but for the musicians. They deliberately had chosen a slower tune for you, everyone knew that you walked with a cane so a faster paced tune wouldn't be good for you.

"What are you grinning at?" Surena whispered.

"Nothing important, they are just very thoughtful." You whispered back. "Slow tune."

It took a few seconds for Surena to realise what you meant and you could see in her eyes that she realised something.

"Then let's enjoy it." She responded.

The two of you danced, your eyes never leaving hers and vice versa. Sure she couldn't see your eyes, your glasses did their job, but she knew that you were looking directly into hers trying to find out more. While you didn't find anything, you did realise that she was a good dancer, a very good dancer.

When the first song ended, you performed as good of a bow as you could and she responded with a curtsy as the crowd gave you a polite applause. Softly pulling her up and closer as other dancers now entered the grass, you smiled at her.

"Thank you for the dance Miss Caledon." You said to her.

"It was my pleasure Prince Alric." Surena replied.

"They are starting to play again, do you want another go?" You asked her.

"You don't need to ask again." Surena replied again and laughed a bit.

And so you danced.



After two more songs you had to step aside and catch a breather. Your legs were a bit tired, but nothing stretching out wouldn't fix.

But you wanted to dance more and you spotted your next dance partner.

Malevus who had been silently following you around and keeping the watch hadn't expected you to come ask her for a dance. She hadn't expected this at all and suddenly turned a bit embarrassed as a group of younger women giggled at you and her, you after all approached her as politely as possible and followed full protocol.

She thankfully relented and taking her hand, you guided her to where others were dancing before pulling her as close as her armour allowed you.

"This is embarrassing…" Malevus protested as you started to dance.

"Dancing is perfectly normal my dear squire." You replied. Since the kiss she hadn't said anything about it.

"Still…" She replied and slowly stiffness in her step and how she responded to your touch and guidance disappeared.

"There you go, isn't it nice?" You asked her.

"I guess…" Malevus said and carefully averted her eyes away from yours.

Her cheeks were a bit red and her ears started to droop slightly. Not much, but enough for you to notice. A butterfly flew in your stomach as the two of you danced and you could feel the nervousness in her. Had she put aside what had happened and tried to push it away? You weren't sure, but when the song ended, you gave her a bow and thanked for the dance.

1/3
>>
>>5976251

"Thank you Prince Alric…" Malevus whispered back to you.

It took her slightly longer than you expected to let go of your hand.

"Pleasure was mine, my dear squire." You replied.

"Don't call me 'my dear'..." Malevus replied to you as the redness creeped higher.

You wanted to remind her that she had called you 'my Alric', but didn't dare. Knowing her she would have exploded like one of those rockets Wiklish is making.

"Now can you help me back to my chair, my legs need some rest." You said and leaned on her shoulder.

"Of course Prince Alric." She responded.

Always so dutiful.



As the evening progressed, you danced with Surena again and when Tari had appeared to see how everything was going, you had dragged her to dance a bit with you.

Now with her being pregnant, you danced extra carefully with her. And while people gave you curious glances, you felt like Tari needed to have some fun. Being pregnant was seemingly quite stressful.

Seeing her smile and laugh as you told her a jest or two did give you strength and energy to continue further into the evening. When the song ended and you allowed her to go, you felt like you could dance a dozen more times.

Or it was just the alcohol in your veins.

Either way, the evening continued and you couldn't enjoy life any more than this.



"Thank you for the dance Miss Caledon." You said to her and bowed.

"Thank you Prince Alric, I wanted one more dance." She replied.

"And it was the right choice."

The sun had set a long time ago and now the moon, stars and multitudes of lanterns and small fires provided you with light. Surena had asked for one more dance after you had danced with what felt like half of the Dawnholme.

There had been women and girls of all ages, though mostly younger ones who were adventurous enough to approach you. They all felt really nervous at first, but when you didn't bite nor try to seduce them, they became relaxed. Most of them didn't try anything, but one buxom Stonemason spoke sweet words in your ear and gave your buttock a gentle squeeze. You did give her a playful smirk and then pretended to have too tired legs to dance more with her. She needs more than that to impress you.

Outside of her, when the dance ended they were just wishing for more. And while you couldn't give them more, you had given them a pleasant memory to treasure, at least till the next time there is a feast and you need a dance partner.

"I will now go, I think I have drunk too much." Surena said to you and gave a polite smile.

"Thank you for the evening." You said to her. "Come see me tomorrow evening, we should talk."

It wasn't an order, but a polite suggestion.

"I will, thank you Prince Alric." Surena said and gave a slight hug to you.

2/3
>>
>>5976253

As she walked away, you noticed that not that many remained. Sir Gravis was talking with some lady, Malevus still stood there watching over you and the diminishing crowd. And finally there was someone whom you had somewhat expected to approach you before.

Stretching your legs, you walked to her and gave her a slight bow.

"Miss Sengutz, may I have the next dance?" Being overly polite was part of the process.

"You may Prince Alric." Monica replied and put down her glass of wine.

You took her hand and with a smile guided her back on the grass. The musicians started to play a very slow tune, a signal that this was one of the final dances of the night.

As the lead, you pulled her closer and placed your hand on her hip. Looking into her eyes and having felt how she responded to your movement, it was clear that something bothered her.

And you had a very good idea of what.

It was exactly like Surena had told you it is. She still has the crush on you and she is feeling jealous as you dance with everyone else, except not with her. Not till now.

"Something is bothering you." You whispered to her.

"Nothing is bothering me." Monica nonchalantly lied to you. It was way too apparent from how her eyes reacted.

"You are a bad liar Monica." You responded.

She didn't answer as she tried to stare past you.

The moonlight and the fires shone light on her face. Monica had always been good for you, a friend not like anyone else. Yet you couldn't have responded to her feelings and you had already done it once. Now those feelings are again lingering and causing issues. Surena was right, Monica was a poor girl, a jealous poor girl. And you had known she would be like this ever since the meeting with Kris Legace.

How could you set things right, to make her feel better? You weren't sure.


>Have her tell you what is wrong. Let her be the one who speaks first.
>You are going to tell her how you are seeing things, take the initiative. Be honest.
>Tell her matter of factly what is going on between you and Surena. It's all part of this plan of yours.
>Talk with her about the last time the two of you danced like this in Dawnholme. Your first kiss and all.
>Apologise for not asking her to be your vis-a-vis for tonight. She had a new dress and clearly put some time in her auburn hair.
>Other, write in.

QM: The feast is slowly wrapping up. How will Alric handle Monica this time?
>>
>>5976258
>Apologise for not asking her to be your vis-a-vis for tonight. She had a new dress and clearly put some time in her auburn hair.
Senpai did notice you.
>Tell her matter of factly what is going on between you and Surena. It's all part of this plan of yours.
That whole she's beautiful, interesting and plays into our plans thing.
>Have her tell you what is wrong. Let her be the one who speaks first.
"What is it you wish of me Monica?"
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>>5976262
>>5976258
>support

>Flirt more with malevus when we go home.
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>>5976262
+1
>>5976307
that wasnt our malevus.
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>>5976262
In regards to having a harem or something along those lines, I'll keep in mind that although the Religion of Light in Warcraft's Azeroth is obviously Christian coded, it isn't actually Christianity. So having mistresses should be fine so long as anonymous do not try to retard in equality about that like it happened in Fate Type Moon Quest from a while that. Also, this quest got me in the mood to play the Guardians of Azeroth mod for CK2, if nothing else, can't we give Monica a consolation prize from amongst our retinues? Like, even if prince charming won't settle for her, a knight in shining armor ought to account for something right?
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>>5976262
1+
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>>5976342
>So having mistresses should be fine so long as anonymous do not try to retard in equality about that like it happened in Fate Type Moon Quest from a while that.
Yeah... harems get a bad rep because of the low IQ coomers. Tact is the name of the game and something coomers just skip past.

>Also, this quest got me in the mood to play the Guardians of Azeroth mod for CK2.
Hey! I played that mod as Alterac because of this very quest a while back! iirc I quit because expanding was pretty much impossible without swearing fealty to Lordaeron wich felt icky as hell.

>if nothing else, can't we give Monica a consolation prize from amongst our retinues? Like, even if prince charming won't settle for her, a knight in shining armor ought to account for something right?
If she wants one commited guy then sure but if she wants be one of Alric's girls then that's fine too. It's her life to live.

Speaking of her life to live, what happened to that girl we offered a stay in Alterac? Think it was Maleb's daughter? We haven't heard from her so I assume she picked the other option?
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>>5976350
>>5976342
I don't see a problem with a harem if the girls know what they're getting into. And we aren't promising to be solely committed to one of them. No shady shit. No lying to them about intentions.

Plus malevus is actually a lady... she could be a potential wifey material. That binds us to the blood elves. We then have cause to stop the scourge from fucking them up later.

Plus I really enjoy the chad alric rizz. Tis a fun aspect of our character. We don't have to sleep with them to flirt and make them all hot and bothered.
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>>5976374
And save the ultimate waifu Sylvanas.
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>>5976374
>I don't see a problem with a harem if the girls know what they're getting into. And we aren't promising to be solely committed to one of them. No shady shit. No lying to them about intentions.
Exactly! Honesty is the best policy.
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I've not really got much to say on the point of waifu wars / harem hopefuls - they're all good women and fun characters, Alric spending time with them is nice to read.

What I do have to say is, Wiklish needs more funding/assistance. Discovering the idea of gear ratios alone has made him worthwhile (massive industrial/economic potential, only gets better with more tech to build on it) but rockets aren't bad either. I'm of the opinion that his economic ideas are probably more useful than military ones but I can see arguments for both paths of development.
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>>5976493
Military technologies are one of the very few developments that actually trickle down instead of being practically monopolized by an elite few. The internet, firearms and antibiotics are all good examples of this and during The Renaissance, the great European developments in civilization where greatly exacerbated by The Military Revolution. So in other words, military and economics go hand in hand. But I don’t think that Wiklish is gonna be our goblin Archimedes unless we’re stupidly lucky with the rolls. Better give him a team, an apprentice or something along those lines.
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>>5976377
Not even Blizzard could save her, or even salvage her so I wouldn’t get my hopes up. I know that one that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but unless you treasure trashiness Sylvanas is simply not worth it. But then again, the bar has been set so low by Blizzard that it wouldn’t be particularly hard to outdo them by now.
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>>5976258
>>5976262
Supporting. Overall it depends on what Monica wants. We cant take her as our wife or put on a pedestal, but like anon said if we are honest to her about our intentions and what we can offer, maybe something can be agreed on. Maybe something similar to Jandice and Alric were we see her when we are visiting Tarren Mill for business, or just one night. One thing for sure, we need to tell her that we dont have feelings for her.

I like this Alric as well, it is bit funny how Alric is constantly surrounded by women of which most are just his very good friends and nothing more.
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>>5976570
That being said, I dont think we should over do it. Keeping Alrics closest friends just as friends, teasing them mercilessly of course, feels like the most wholesome and fun option.

There is a balance that can be found.

>>5976493
We need to wait till the oil money starts to roll in, then we can invest on nearly anything.
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>>5976258
>Have her tell you what is wrong. Let her be the one who speaks first.
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>>5976258
>>5976262
support, seems fine.
Heavily emphasise that it's a diplomatic move to the new immigrants.

>>5976493
Alterac needs anything that can boost its supply issues immediately. If Wiklish can fit his gearing system to the windmill, to a plough and make an air seeder, or some other crazy shit then this would be amazing.
I still want the iron mine running and he could probably benefit from that too. Trading iron for food from Southshore could work?
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I had an idea. Since the Alliance doesn't want us entering Alterac proper, but we can enter the mountains, which is currently where the trolls are, do you think we should propose an expedition to get rid of them and claim what's left of Strahnbad?

My idea comes into place here with asking for the expedition forces to be Knights of the Silver Hand, which would be two fold. It has Uther in it, who we can trust to be unbiased, and it was ease some of the bias from them obliterating us in the second war. Which could potentially shift politics to be more favourable to us, especially with how Garithose egregiously overstepped his bounds.
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>>5976815
Doing math here we have 275 men altogether from our own military and allies and vassals, I didn't include town guards though, which would be another sixty men. Which would be 335. This is a lot of men. Well, relatively, for our area.
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>>5976493
>What I do have to say is, Wiklish needs more funding/assistance. Discovering the idea of gear ratios alone has made him worthwhile (massive industrial/economic potential, only gets better with more tech to build on it) but rockets aren't bad either. I'm of the opinion that his economic ideas are probably more useful than military ones but I can see arguments for both paths of development.
Agreed, we've only asked him for a military invention to crack that fort we need to take. Otherwise, he should be looking into more eco stuff since we're always short on money.

>>5976570
>>5976574
>One thing for sure, we need to tell her that we dont have feelings for her.
Not necessarily true, just like Jandice, he can have some feelings for her just not the sappy full on "love of my life" kind.

>That being said, I dont think we should over do it. Keeping Alrics closest friends just as friends, teasing them mercilessly of course, feels like the most wholesome and fun option.
Solution: Alric needs bros.

>>5976714
No need to heavily emphasise anon, Alric's just telling how it is.

>>5976815
>>5976820
I doubt the Lordaeronian military would permit such a contribution to an Alteraci expedition. QM has written about how Garithos' mindset is the norm not the exception.
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>>5976845
Hence why I said we request the Silver Hand. They were the ones who destroyed the country in the second war, who better than to judge (and chaperone) than the ones who made the entire country a ruin.
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>>5976857
Yes and since the Silver Hand is de facto part of the Lordaeronian military, I believe they feel the same way until told otherwise by QM.
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>>5976815
We have gnolls to fight soon sadly....

We gotta clear the Lands north of blackmoor. Sadly trolls is thr last thing we kind of want to fuck with. Especially since the alliance is going to probably respond to stonemasons and our kicking out of their garrison.
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>>5976934
The Alliance can't really do anything about the garrison, since the dude publicly insulted us and then challenged us to a duel. In their eyes, they are the ones who fucked up with Garithos and then the insult and duel, so we're fine there. Only Varian cares about the stone masons.
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Around you were the other dancers and still some curious bystanders enjoying the warm spring evening. They were couples, lovers, two strangers having met each other the first time and ending up dancing. And then there was you and Monica.

You gave her a brief smile and sighed.

"I am sorry for not choosing you to be my date or escort or vis-a-vis for tonight." You told her and continued. "The moment I saw your new dress, not forgetting your hair, I knew that I would be neglecting you. But I had my reasons to do so."

Monica’s eyes showed confusion.

"I need to win the Stonemasons to my side and Surena is part of that plan." You explained to her. "They need to see me be with one of them, have fun with her and then mingle with the rest of them. Maybe then they might feel more accepted and less hesitant about all this."

"So Surena…" Monica started to say, but you interrupted her.

"She is willingly helping me, she knows what I am doing." You said and stopped as one other couple came a bit too close so you slowly swayed with Monica until it was safe to speak again. "Think about it, who else would I choose with my reputation? She is beautiful, she is intriguing, she fits who I would be interested in perfectly."

Monica looked at you for a moment and didn't say anything until she closed her eyes and lowered her head a bit.

"I have been such an idiot, I thought…" She said as the musicians finished the song, causing her to pause.

"Could we have one more song please." You raised your voice for the musicians to hear. Thankfully they started to play one more time for the evening. "Thanks."

Monica raised her head and opened her eyes to look at you.

"I thought that you were chasing her and that I…" Monica stopped again. "I have been such a fool."

"Monica, what is it you wish of me?" You asked her rather directly.

"That's the thing… I… I'm not sure." She replied. "Alric, it's just…"

She had difficulties at finding the correct words so you just smiled at her and pulled her a bit closer. She responded by tightening her hold on you.

So the two of you danced as the musicians played and when they finally stopped, the two of you hadn't said a word.

You gave a polite nod to the musicians as the rest of the dancers started to leave as well. Sir Gravis nor the knights were nowhere to be seen, just Malevus stood there and she seemed tired.

"Go ahead Malevus, I want to talk with Monica in private." You told her.

"Are you sure Prince Alric?" Malevus replied.

"Just go and good night."

"Good night then." She replied and turned to walk back home.

"Walk with me Monica." You said to her and without a reply she followed you, lending her shoulder for your support.

You picked your cane and headed past your home. The weather was clear and the grass was dry so when you stopped, you sat down and looked down into Hillsbrad. Far in the distance the few lights of Southshore could be seen.

1/3
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>>5976976

"It's beautiful isn't it." You said out of nowhere and took off your glasses. "The moon is out, the stars. You feel so small compared to them, don't you?"

Monica gave you a puzzled look as she stared into your now revealed eyes.

"Alric, I'm sorry for coming to conclusions that were wrong in the first place." She said to you.

You waited for her to continue as you felt a slightly cold breeze hit you. Taking off your outer robe, you placed it on her shoulders and helped her to wrap it around her for warmth.

"I have been a fool." She repeated herself.

"You keep saying that."

"I thought after you warned me of the rumours that they were false. But then I heard that you had brought a girl with you, who lived in your home and then that she was apparently pregnant. I thought maybe there was something in those rumours." She said to you and leaned slightly on your shoulder. "And I had been going from success to success with my business, so I thought maybe I could get lucky?"

"But you didn't try?" You asked.

"No, because you were hurt and… I didn't want to take advantage of that. But then I learned that you and Lady Barov…" Monica said and cleared her throat while looking at you. Had she found out?

"Me and Lady Barov what?"

"Don't play coy with me, the two of you are having sex, often." She said to you. It was better to not try to wiggle out of this.

"How did you realise?" You asked her, confirming what she had learned.

"I personally changed the linens every day. Hers always were near spotless, but then suddenly yours were all… let's just say that it wasn't the first time I have had to change linens after love-making." Monica told you. "And when she left, it stopped."

"Ahh… yes… well… it is true me and Jandice, we are lovers." You said to her a bit sheepishly.

"When I learned that, I thought I would try after she leaves, but then I couldn’t do it." Monica said and continued. "I was going to, but nothing happened."

"And then I came here, I got to meet your… mother and Taretha… she is so lovely and at that point I was unsure what I would do?" Monica explained to you. You could hear and sense her confusion.

2/3
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>>5976979

"You had your new dress and then you saw me pick Surena instead of you… and now we are here." You said to her and continued. "Not knowing the full picture has brought us here."

Monica nodded to you and spoke.

"So you and Jandice, but Taretha? Didn't you say that you were in a relationship?" She asked you and you thought that it would be better to be somewhat truthful.

"The child is not mine, it is Blackmoore's. I got her out of Durnholde to here to be safe. And if I have to carry the rumours, then so be it, her safety and smile are worth it." You told Monica. "And for the relationship, she broke up with me. The distance… it was too much for the both of us."

"Alric…" Monica said and hugged you suddenly. "So all this time you have been protecting her?"

"Yeah there is nothing between us… Jandice and I, we are completely separate thing though." You replied.

Monica looked at you and seemed at the same time relieved and confused about all this.

"So Monica, now you know. Has it changed what you want of me?" You asked her.

"I…I just want to be with you. You know I am ever grateful for you for saving my life and saving my town, I can't shed my feelings away that I have for you." Monica said and kept hugging you. "I get to see you so rarely which hurts me, it was months between the last time and your most recent visit. We are supposed to be friends? So I just want to get as much out of the brief moments we have together."

Monica pressed her head on your shoulder and closed her eyes. You heard her calm breathing and felt her warmth. She was right, it was way too long between your previous visit in autumn and now during the spring. You had been an awful friend neglecting her like this. And you knew by how she hugged you and spoke, she wasn't telling any lies. Her feelings towards you were real as was the want to be with you. Should you give her what she wants, but doesn't dare to say? Or should you think of something else?

"I can't force you into anything, I don't have such power over you." Monica whispered. "I just want to be with you, to see you more often somehow."


>You can't promise anything. You don't have those kinds of feelings towards her and everything else would feel wrong.
>Kiss her, give her a small memory to cherish.
>One night in Dawnholme, you have a feeling she wants it.
>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.
>Other, write in.

QM: Monica decision. Final vote, unless you choose the one night in Dawnholme which requires one more vote afterwards.
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>>5976982
>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.
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>>5976982
>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.
But caution her to think on it. That whole does she want a commited man or Alric? We do not want her to act under the false hope that we'll eventually be her husband or something so give her some time to figure herself out.
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>>5976982
>>5976993
+1
>>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.

Go all in on the hotelier business, create a spy network through her hotels, invest and become a top shareholder in the business.
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>>5976982
>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.

>You can't promise anything. You don't have those kinds of feelings towards her. You like her, she's very nice, and she's very attractive. But it would never be anything more. And you feel like that would hurt her more than just staying how you are now. But if she wants a romp in the hay as they say. So be it.
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>>5976982
>>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.
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>>5976993
I think "Sleep on it" is more clear as to what I mean.

>>5977039
Ain't that an idea, a pub on every town that also serves as the local intelligence center for us.

>>5977165
> But if she wants a romp in the hay as they say. So be it.
Ehh it wouldn't be just like that. Take Jandice for instance, Alric does a lot more with her than just sex. What is correct is that part about it not going further which could hurt her more than keeping things as is.
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>>5977202
True take the romp out then. Tbh I don't really like Monica anyways. She keeps letting her emotions get the best of her and she's extremely jealous all the time. High risk she starts trying to sabotage stuff just because much feelings.
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>>5977165
Amend mine remove the romp in the hay part. She's too unstable and doesn't really know her lane. She keeps getting jealous.
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>>5976982
>>Make her your official representative in Tarren Mill. Then she has an excuse to visit you anytime she wants.
So this is like the third or maybe fourth vote about monica relationship. plz QM let this one be the last one.
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>>5977377

But my lovely anon, time is a circle which forces us to relive our memories time and time again until we all turn to dust!

Not but seriously, this is the final final vote and looking at how unanimous it currently is, it will stay as the final vote. Consider Monica route closed.

I will write the update later, hopefully come afternoon latest in the evening. I do must say, good musing regarding the trolls, politics and such.

>>5967743

Yes the self-flagelation with twigs and branches exists, Alric is bit unsure if he would try, but Malevus is gushing about it.

>>5976350

Elizabeth Maleb left Southshore and travelled to Capital City with her mother. You might bump into her in the future.
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"You foolish girl." You said to her and hugged her tight.

"A-Alric." Monica managed to reply.

"You should have just said that you miss seeing me and we wouldn't have had to go through this." You told her and let go of her.

"S-sorry." Monica said.

"But now that I know what is going on, I have a solution to it." You said and continued. "From this point onward, you are going to be my official representative in Tarren Mill. It is a serious responsibility, but then you would have an excuse to visit me here whenever you want."

"Alric you can't do that! I'm not an Alteraci, what will the others or the Alliance think about it?" Monica protested, shocked by your suggestion.

"The Alliance can go to hell as can everyone else if they stand between me and the happiness of my friends." You adamantly replied. "And I am a Prince, my word is the law. I can do what I want and this is what I want."

"I don't think I can refuse?" Monica asked.

"No. No you can't, it is decided."

Monica didn't say anything, but then slowly you saw her eyes get teary and she lunged at you to hug you. Laughing, she holds you tight, accidentally pushing you down on the grass. Seeing her happy made you smile and you couldn't help but laugh with her.

"Should we head inside, it is getting a bit chilly." You said to her.

"You are right." Monica replied and let go of you. "Better for you to not catch the flu. Now that I work for you, I need to take care of you."

"Thanks Monica, but help me get up, all the dancing has made my legs feel like logs." You said and smiled.

As she helped you up, you gave her a pleasant smile, but you knew that you needed to say something.

"Monica, that position is a very important one, but I am not worried about you not being able to handle it. What I am worried about is you. You need to think to whom you want to be committed to, because I can't be what you might want." You said to her and continued. "I don't want you to live under the false hope or believe that we'll eventually be a couple or something else. That this is a step towards it."

"I understand." Monica said as you took support from her shoulder. "I do need to think about this, but I am sure my mind is at ease now."

"That's good to hear, now let's head inside."



The next morning you rummaged through your wardrobe and took out your orange cloak. It had seen some use, but you wouldn't be needing it right now, besides you can always get a new one and now there was a recipient who needed it more than you did.

You found Monica casually chatting with Tari and Malevus downstairs.

"Stand up Monica." You ordered her.

"Good morning Alric… why do you have the cloak?" She asked as she stood up, puzzled about this.

1/2
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>>5977450

"With Taretha Foxton and Malevus as my witnesses." You said to her and threw the cloak over her shoulders, fixing it with the clasp of the swooping falcon of Alterac. "I hereby name you Monica Sengutz as the representative of Alterac in Tarren Mill. May you serve your Prince and kingdom with honour and loyalty."

Malevus and Tari were gobsmacked, they hadn't expected anything like this to happen at all.

"Alric, you didn't need…" Monica protested.

"But I did, if you are going to have an office, you need something to carry as a badge of it." You told her and turned to Tari. "Tari, can you write a scroll as a proof of her new position?"

"Of course, come Monica. Let's go upstairs, I want to hear how Alric came to this idea." Tari said and stood up as well.

"Wait for me, I will join the two of you." Malevus replied.

Ahh great, now they are going to gossip about you. You could just hope that Monica wouldn't tell all the details you had revealed to them.

Oh well, what is done is done. And what had been done felt like a big stone had fallen off your own back and a stone the size of an ogre had fallen off Monica's back. You felt like you had made the right decision and this chapter of the book was now finished.

Now just to eat breakfast and then get to work. There would be a lot of it.



It was early evening. Malevus had dragged Tari and now their new colleague Monica to the sauna. Apparently she had never been in one before so Malevus would get to gush over it to someone who was a complete beginner. Meanwhile you had something else to do.

"Please take a seat." You said to Surena as she entered your study.

"Prince Alric, you told me to come to see you?" Surena said back to you as she took the seat opposite of you.

"I did." You replied and put some papers away.

"Then what was it that you wanted to talk about?" Surena asked and looked around while studying the outlook of the study.


>About the feast, how did it go? Did your plan work or is it too early to know?
>About your plan to send the Stonemason mercenaries to Sofera's Naze to patrol and watch over the land there.
>About Surena herself, you want to know more of her past. Who she really is?
>About what she thinks about you. How does she see you?
>Other, write in.
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>>5977453
>>About the feast, how did it go? Did your plan work or is it too early to know?
>>About your plan to send the Stonemason mercenaries to Sofera's Naze to patrol and watch over the land there.
>>About Surena herself, you want to know more of her past. Who she really is?
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>>5977453
>About the feast, how did it go? Did your plan work or is it too early to know?
>About Surena herself, you want to know more of her past. Who she really is?
>About what she thinks about you. How does she see you?
Don't see why we'd want her opinion on military movements.
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>>5977453
>>About the feast, how did it go? Did your plan work or is it too early to know?
>>About your plan to send the Stonemason mercenaries to Sofera's Naze to patrol and watch over the land there.
>>About Surena herself, you want to know more of her past. Who she really is?
She is close to the mercs, we might need her to convince them to move to Soferas Naze. We havent hired them as Medivh hasnt given us that option yet.
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>>5977639
Alright, if it means Medivh can update sooner then I'll change to you guys' selection.
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>>5977639
>She is close to the mercs, we might need her to convince them to move to Soferas Naze. We havent hired them as Medivh hasnt given us that option yet.
By the way, we're using their attempted deception to extract some free service from them as compensation but getting Surena on side could make it go down easier.
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"Do you think it is too early to talk about the feast?" You asked her.

"Yes." Surena said. "I mean we both saw how things went and everything went well, but will it change anything?"

"Hmmm yes, just keep your eyes and ears open." You said to her.

"I will try." She replied.

Surena seemed rather happy to help you. You weren't sure if it was just self-preservation to make herself useful to you to prevent you from casting her out or outright capturing her as a warlock. Or did she genuinely try to help you because she is a nice person? Or she just wants to see if the rumours are really true.

"Good, good. I'm not sure if we will have further feasts when the rest of the Stonemasons arrive, so we need to get as much out of this as possible." You told her. "We don't have the food nor the alcohol for it. And I don't think my legs would handle a dancing session like that again soon."

"Prince Alric, you were a good dancer." Surena said and gave a slight smile to you.

"And you weren't half-bad either." You replied, returning the smile. "Where did you learn how to dance?"

"It was just something that I liked to do." She said and you knew she wasn't telling you everything.

"Just liked? Surely there is more to this?"

"Well, there is, but I prefer not to say." Surena replied and shifted in her seat.

"Miss Caledon, please do not hide things from me. I don't want to speak more with this tone." You said to her with a very serious and formal tone, while giving her a knowing look.

"Alright… nobles and rich merchants love their dances and balls. And what they like even more are beautiful women who know how to dance." Surena told you and continued. "Those lecherous old men couldn't approach younger women elsewhere, but the dances…"

"And you got close to them to do what? To steal from them?" You asked her.

"No no, well once or twice, but most of the time they would shower you with gifts and gold if you made them happy." Surena explained to you.

So she was a thief, or better term to use would be a fraudster. She pretended to be interested in these noblemen, get them to shower her with gifts or outright take what she wants from them.

"Do you understand that you just confessed to several crimes that would land you in a prison or worse?" You asked her.

"Did I have an option to stay silent?" Surena said and leaned forward a bit. "Look Prince Alric, those days are behind me. As much as it was quite lucrative, there is a point where old men just make you feel dirty."

You weren't an old man. Should you be worried?

"That's not the full story either." You replied.

"Alright fine, there were too many wives that were after me." Surena replied nonchalantly and leaned back dismissing the idea. "Besides, I had started to study magic and that took my time."

"And you ended up stealing the Bloodstone from your master. Once a thief, always a thief?"

Surena shifted somewhat uncomfortably in her seat.

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>>5977816

"Miss Caledon." You said again very seriously, but softened your tone. "Surena, you will learn that I have a reputation for leniency and giving people second chances. I even have former bandits in my service and a prison camp full of them that I am trying to get them to join and serve me. And those men tried to kill me."

This time you leaned forward, taking your glasses off and staring into her eyes.

"In your previous life you might have been a thief and whatever else you did, but here across the sea, this is your new chance so don't squander it. Don't do anything stupid, because the last time someone dared to steal from me, he ended up hanging." You said to her and saw her stiffen up a bit. "It would be a damn shame to hang a beautiful woman like you, what a waste it would be."

Surena swallowed, you didn't feel or see any hostile intent in her, nor did you sense Fel or anything else either.

You gave her a polite smile and leaned back.

"Prince Alric, did you just threaten to hang me and called me beautiful in the same sentence?" Surena somewhat unsurely asked you.

"I am very serious, I wouldn't lie about women's beauty." You replied and gave her a sly smile. A bit of a payback from her attempt to play the same game. "Now though back to business, I am going to talk with Master Pelija about sending you mercenaries to Sofera's Naze."

"Where is that?"

"You came here following the King's Road, The Headland is where we are, Sofera's Naze is to the right." You told her. "There are trolls in the mountains, but they stay in their own territory. Orcs meanwhile, remnants of Blackrock Clan have conducted raids and we found few tracks of theirs."

"You want us to face the orcs?" Surena asked and was slightly shocked.

"The tracks were in Strahnbrad Hills and I am going to have patrols there, but I want to be sure that Sofera's Naze and the peasants there are safe." You told her which seemed to reassure her slightly.

"We aren't hired by you?" Surena said to you. That was right, they were hired by the Stonemasons.

"I know, that is why I am going to ask Master Pelija if he can convince you to do as I tell you, at least for now." You said to her.

Surena thought about what you had said for a moment before speaking.

"What would we get if we did as told? Because I'm open to this idea, but I am not sure if Morgan and Erlan are." Surena asked you. "I can convince them, but things would be easier if I or they get something from this."

Oh so she tries to barter? Something for her that would ensure that the mercenaries agree? You could attempt to barter back or promise something, or just tell her that she isn't in a position to negotiate. Definitely nothing physical or giving her coin. The ball was now in your court.

2/2
>>
>>5977818


>Surena is not in a position to negotiate for anything, but agreeing would help in rebuilding the trust.
>Let the mercenaries carry their weapons in public, even if that is against the law.
>Promise to introduce her to Eligius and let her join your magic training.
>Allow her to choose something. Of course you have a veto over what she wants.
>Give the Bloodstone back to her.
>Other, write in.
>>
Loved Alric's threat, very nice.
>>5977819
>Surena is not in a position to negotiate for anything, but agreeing would help in rebuilding the trust.
"They say they won't cause trouble after trying to deceive me? Here's their chance to prove it."
>Promise to introduce her to Eligius and let her join your magic training.
"As for you, should you prove your dedication to turning over a new leaf, I'll have you... assist me in my magical endeavours." Don't want to give her information for free so I want to be purposefully vague.
>>
Out of curiosity is there a map of our controlled territory and allies?
>>
>>5977823
>Support
>+They would get houses. You can't support a bunch of hungry mouths doing nothing. Unless you think they'd rather move on. But I would assume the mercenaries would like to stay with the stonemasons. There's also the upcoming gnoll campaign.
>>
>>5977998
>>5977819
Forgot to link post.
>>
>>5977892
There is but its shitty.
>>
>>5977819
>Promise to introduce her to Eligius and let her join your magic training.

By getting her into this together with us we'll get more leverage over her since if Alric hangs for warlockery then they all hang together with him.
>>
>>5978004
Where it at?
>>
>>5978071
You're the guy who binged the quest recently, you should remember where it is in the archive better than any of us.
>>
>>5977892

QM to the rescue. I need to give this a small update as number 14/Strahnbrad Hills is now under your control. You can find the numbers and what the colours mean in the Quest Mechanisms pastebin.
>>
>>5978102

I am not overtly happy with this map either, but it works well enough to describe who owns what. Most importantly it splits the land into those chunks for the season updates to choose what to build and where. It is a quest mechanism in the first place and less accurate map in second so do not fully trust it to describe the landscape in the fullest.

>>5977998

Giving them new houses is an idea that can work.
>>
>>5978091
I am also pulling two all-nighters for uni. Brain meats tired.
>>
File: alterac map.png (1.12 MB, 792x582)
1.12 MB
1.12 MB PNG
>>5978110
I also found this a bit ago, there's better versions but the only one I found was from a roleplay guild on wow.
>>
>>5977819
I'm not sure about the point of not being able to negotiate, but support the
>agreeing would help in rebuilding the trust.
>Promise to introduce her to Eligius and let her join your magic training.
>priority in housing
>If they become formal members of the military then let the mercenaries carry their weapons in public
About the last point, while Lieutenant Cromwell is in town, he should speak with the Stonemason mercenaries about his experiences
>>
>>5977819
>>5977823
Supporting, the mercs dont need a carrot, but Surena might. I kinda want her to join us for magic because we need more magic
>>
File: Map of Lordaeron.png (4.5 MB, 1924x2227)
4.5 MB
4.5 MB PNG
>>5978136

That is quite well detailed map, but as it is littered with homebrew role-playing stuff, it is quite useless for me.

Issue is that there is a distinct lack of good maps for me to use. They are either the maps WoW uses like the one I posted earlier today or then a map like this one. This would be great, but the scale is the whole Lordaeron which just is too much for the Quest. And trust me, I have tried to look for maps and it is basically the two that I have posted here that are worth something. I really should take some paper and a pen and draw a map that is Quest accurate because there are differences and other fixes I have done and then poorly described.

The problems QMs face when using existing IPs, partial or non-existing sources and information is plenty.

>>5978254

Lieutenant Beckston is in the town, but sure you can have him visit the mercs just like I told you he could do.
>>
>>5978359
I found this one on google
>>
>>5978426
With the exception of the dalaran crater it doesn't seem to bad.
>>
>>5978429
Just write over that using the crayon function of MS Paint.
>>
"You aren't exactly in a position to negotiate, you know that?" You asked Surena. "We started this with you and your compatriots deceiving me and agreeing to help me would help to rebuild the lost trust."

There was a knock on the door and Maura opened it. She always had a great timing when to bring you some tea.

"I brought some tea." She said to you.

"Thank you Maura, I think tea will be nice right now. What do you think Surena?" You replied and smiled as Maura passed the tea for you and her.

"Thank you." Surena replied as she took the cup from Maura. "It does smell good."

Maura left as soon as she had arrived, leaving you alone with Surena again.

"Where was I?" You said and sipped the tea, it was really good. "The lost trust, yes. The feast was something both of us enjoyed, not often do you get to dance with a Prince, but I did notice how open you were helping me with my ploy."

"Like you said Prince Alric, I got to dance with you and we had a lot of fun." Her slightly sly smile made it clear that now it was her turn to play the game.

"Oh it is just my irresistible charm and not because you want to rebuild the trust." You said back to her with a smile and continued more seriously. "Look Surena, you told me that you feel bad for deceiving me and I appreciate the honesty, but there is still a long way for you and the rest to earn my trust."

You put the cup down and continued.

"There is a small cabin in Sofera's Naze that is used by our patrols as a resting place. It and the barn next to it have enough space for all of you mercs currently here. Going there, patrolling the lands and seeing if any tracks can be found would go a long way in earning my trust again." You told her. "Being a professional gets you far. They said they won't cause trouble after trying to deceive me? Here's their chance to prove it. Besides I might think of something nice for you."

That caught her attention.

"Nice?" She asked.

"As for you, should you prove your dedication to turning over a new leaf, I'll have you... assist me in my magical endeavours." You told her and smiled. "Because you said that you could convince them, do it and accomplish this task and that will be your reward."

Surena seemed to think was a moment before extending her hand for you to shake.

"Deal."

You smiled as you shook her hand.



You had drank the tea and allowed Surena to leave. You had said to her that you would speak with Master Pelija first and he would be the one delivering your request. After that Surena can play her part in this.

For the rest of the evening you didn't do much, just some paperwork and when the girls returned from the sauna you went to see them.

1/3
>>
>>5978577

Watching them from the balcony, you found yourself quite content. Seeing Malevus smiling as she got another friend, someone with whom to talk all the girl stuff and not worry about her duties or who she really was, made you happy. As did seeing Monica getting a new friend from Tari and Malevus, someone with whom she can forget the monotonous daily tasks of a hotelier and just relax.

But most importantly it warmed your heart to see Tari laughing. Her life has been less than grand, wretched even for the past few years and now she was safe and amongst those who appreciate her as who she is and not because of being a concubine. She didn't need to guard herself, but instead just be herself and laugh.

"Alric, the sauna was great!" Monica shouted to you.

"Yeah the sauna is quite a relaxing place." You replied to her. "Now you have another reason to come visit us often."

"I need to hire a manager to take on most of my tasks first, but then I will visit as often as I can." Monica said back.

You smiled, the three of them were smiling. It felt like you had done something right. If all this means that your friends are happy, then you have made the right decisions along the way.



Three days had passed since that evening. Monica had left yesterday after following you and Tari around, learning about your policies and goals. Tari and her spoke for hours about what you were doing and how all that information would help her to perform her new job. Thankfully Monica is a smart woman and she took all of it in rather quickly, but you also wrote a long letter to Mayor Fowley describing her new status. Monica wouldn't have that much power, but if you weren't around people were supposed to go ask her what you were planning and if she then needed clarification, she could either send a letter or come visit you.

Other things that happened during these days was that Pelija did manage to convince the mercenaries to move to Sofera's Naze. Couple of your soldiers would join them to give local knowledge and advice, but outside of that they would be on their own. Before they left though, Lieutenant Beckston did visit them and had a small chat with them. Not as a lesson to them, but more as an outsider speaking to other outsiders.

There was also news of several goblins arriving at Tarren Mill. At first the locals were somewhat nervous, but when they met with Mr. Wiklish and had valid currency to pay for food and roof on top of their heads, people's concerns went away. It was good that more goblins arrived, it just means that the workforce for the oil rig was starting to gather. Hopefully just a couple more weeks and the work would start properly.



"Prince Alric, are you sure you don't need Sir Gravis with you?" Malevus asked as she helped you to prepare Epona.

"I need to stretch my legs and besides you are coming with me." You told Malevus.

2/3
>>
>>5978578

It had been a mistake to concentrate on paperwork after all that dancing. Your daily sparring hadn't helped enough and you felt extra stiff. So you had gotten the idea of going for a ride, maybe staying out through the night. A bit of a camping trip if the weather permits.

"Still…" Malevus protested.

"We'll be fine, we have our sleeping rolls, Maura has packed enough food to last days." You told her.

"I didn't mean that, but what if we bump into a bear or a mountain lion?" Malevus asked you and was somewhat concerned.

"Then you are going to protect me." You said and grinned. "What could go wrong?"

You did have a second thing in your mind outside of just relaxing and trying to get the stiffness out of you. Malevus hadn't said a word about the kiss, nor had shown any signs of affection or embarrassment towards you outside of the dancing at the feast. She was very seriously avoiding bringing it up at all, while acting all serious and professional.

Though this did leave you somewhat conflicted. If she did want to bring it up, should you do it? You had chosen earlier not to after all.

"Prince Alric, knowing you everything can go wrong." Malevus sighed.

"Don't be such a spoilsport, it will be fine." You replied and waved the concerns away.

Now what will you do with her?


>If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you won't talk about it either. Concentrate on relaxing and getting the stiffness out of you.
>You are going to act like you usually do. Be the Prince Alric that got her to kiss you and nothing more.
>Teasing her mercilessly is the name of the game, you will break her and she is going to talk first.
>You are just going to ask her when the time is right. You want to know what is behind this all.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5978579
>If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you won't talk about it either. Concentrate on relaxing and getting the stiffness out of you.
Just relax and enjoy the ride. Two girls pondering their next relationship steps with you is nothing compared to the beauty and serenity of nature.
>>
>>5978579
>If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you won't talk about it either. Concentrate on relaxing and getting the stiffness out of you.
>>
>>5978359
I grabbed you the one without the gay homebrew nonsense, that's the old wow map.
>>
>>5978579
>Teasing her mercilessly is the name of the game, you will break her and she is going to talk first.

Gotta keep teasing her. Best bit of having malevus around.
>>
>>5978579
>Teasing her mercilessly is the name of the game, you will break her and she is going to talk first.

I love teasing my Malevus, but I also want to know whats up.
>>
>>5978579
>Teasing her mercilessly is the name of the game, you will break her and she is going to talk first.

There's more than one way to get rid of stiffness, if you know what I mean. Also, given the rumors about Alric it's only a matter of time before her family decides to come in knocking to see what's up between their scion and the playboy prince, I doubt they'll believe that there's nothing going on regardless so might as well take it higher than the electric avenue with her.
>>
>>5978579
>>Teasing her mercilessly is the name of the game, you will break her and she is going to talk first.
>>
>>5978612
>>5978643
>>5978658
>>5978711
Fine, fine... teasing Malevus is a favourite pastime but can we try to relax and enjoy the ride while doing it?
>>
>>5978724
Of course.

As long as we get to tease her I'm happy to do it while super relaxed and while enjoying our ride...

If you know what I mean ;)
>>
Yo, QM man, if you didn’t know already, pretty much every grand strategy map game has a mod of varying quality that lets you play in the World of Warcraft. Personally I own two of them, CK2 and EU4, maybe I could fire them up and give you screenshots of them for you to use? If you can’t do that yourself of course.
>>
>>5978609

The map you posted is from the homebrew role-playing version of Alterac. It is a nice map, but it has things that don't exist at all in WoW or this Quest.

>>5978887

I do have both of them, so I can check the mods out as well. I am just a bit skeptical how much of help they could be.

Also please do and vote.
>>
>>5978579
>>Teasing her mercilessly is the name of the game, you will break her and she is going to talk first.

>>5978902
Its unlikely you will ever find a map that fits for the quest. What bothers me most with warcraft map is the scale. At best just pick a map that fits you bet and modify that or fully go into the mspaint mapping.
>>
>>5978579
>>If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you won't talk about it either. Concentrate on relaxing and getting the stiffness out of you.
I think this is a losing vote, but Ithink if she doesnt want to talk about it, then we shouldnt push and probe. She will talk to us when she is ready. I dont want to be overly pushy
>>
Teasing Malevus it is. I will write the update this evening, but before it could I have some rolls and if you have ideas how to tease Malevus, I can take those write ins.


Teasing Malevus:
>Write in

>1d10
>Best of three
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>5979028
"Your Alric has some questions."
"Your Alric really wants to know."
"Your Alric is thinking about you."
>>
>>5979039

That roll was btw the fan favourite, the weather roll! No sudden snow storms or hurricanes appearing, just clear weather and bright skies.

One could say that the weather is just as beautiful as Malevus is!

Though I will still take the remaining two rolls just in case something funny happens.
>>
>>5979042
Hmmm idk if that's good or bad, a bad weather could have meant another cabin in a storm event after all!
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>5979028
No suggestions as perfection was already said.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>5979042
I don't know what to say for tease. Didn't we read one of her romance novels? Maybe mention that and ask plot questions.
>>
>>5979039
I've noticed that Malevus never said "My Alric" but only "My prince".

>>5979042
A beautiful day for a stroll then.
>>
>>5979148
Last thread when they had that meaningful little chat was when she said it.


"I want my Alric back… the one from before and not this… current one." You told him. It wasn't easy to say any of this to him. "You have changed."
>>
>>5978902
Alterac in colorful CK2 action!
>>
You would tease her, if you could get her to react then she might talk or you could get her to talk. Yeah that sounded like a good plan, start slowly and let things pick up speed.

Outside the stables Sir Gravis was waiting for you. You had informed him of your plans and he had come to see you off.

"My Prince, is it wise to leave us behind?" He enquired.

"My dear squire is with me, I have no worries with her around." You told him and spared a glance to Malevus.

"I have no need to distrust Lady Malevus, but leaving us behind makes our job quite difficult." Sir Gravis protested.

"And you have been doing a splendid job regarding that, so think of this as a time off. I can't have you lot all tired." You said back to him. "But if you want to feel useful, make sure that Taretha is protected while we are away."

"Understood Prince Alric." He begrudgingly replied.

"Good, we'll be off now." You said to him and mounted Epona. "I don't want to dawdle around anymore. Let's go my dear squire, we have plenty to see!"

If you had looked at her, you would have seen her roll her eyes.



>10


The weather was perfect, nearly a cloudless sky, the sun was shining and it was warm. No signs of rain or storms arriving. Just perfect spring weather.

Having ridden towards Darrow Hill to the west of Dawnholme, you passed several farms before heading towards the mountains. There was a place you wanted to show to Malevus that you thought she would appreciate.

"Are you sure the fourth book is written by the same author?" You suddenly asked her.

The speed the two of you had been riding had been leisure at best as not you or her had wanted to speed off to the distance, the weather was just too good for that. And besides the fields looked splendid as fresh flowers were pushing through the grass.

"What do you mean?" Malevus asked back. She had no idea what you were talking about.

"I finished the fourth romance story book yesterday evening." You said.

"O-ohh… well it is the same author." She replied a bit carefully.

"I mean the first three follow the same formula. Marcus meets the woman, he helps her or saves her and then in the end after conquering whatever obstacle is between them they have sex." You told her rather matter of factly.

"Well yes… that's the author's style. I mean it is not high literature." Malevus said back to you, there was a tint of embarrassment in her voice. "It's not supposed to be."

"That's what I mean, because the fourth book was surprisingly good. And I'm not joking." You told her and you weren't joking. For a trashy book it was quite solid. "It started differently, you had Marcus and the 'Guardian of Duskwood' Adele going at it already in the second chapter, completely flipping the formula upside down. And the way it was described, it was way more smuttier than I expected. I couldn't believe half of what I was reading."

"Y-yeah." Malevus responded.

1/2
>>
>>5979273

"And then the rest of the book was Marcus chasing Adele for that sweet touch and her playing hard to reach and not even looking at him. Until finally after saving her from the spiders, they had hot passionate sex." You said to her and continued. "Sure it's still trashy and smutty, but easily the best book of the first four."

Malevus didn't respond as she tried to look away.

"What do you think of the book my dear squire?" You asked her and smiled gently.

"I-it's one of my favourites…" She confessed sheepishly. "When he finally got her again…"

"I know right, it was worth playing hard to get and hard to reach instead of surrendering to Marcus immediately after the first time." You said to her. It in fact wasn't that bad of a story arc, maybe critics would have appreciated it if not for the style of the books.

It was also a tremendous coincidence that you could draw parallels between Marcus and Adele and you and Malevus.

"There is a better story, but it will come later in the series…" Malevus said to you, there was a bit of red on her cheeks. "You will enjoy it."

"I will have to borrow the next book when we return back home. What's the catch in that?" You asked back.

"T-twins…" Malevus sheepishly said. "It's quite a… the descriptions…"

"I see I see, well after I finish that, we should talk about it. Exchange notes so to speak." You said and smiled.

Malevus meanwhile replied with a slightly horrified look. Talking such things with you?

"Don't give me that look my dear squire, I know you like your trashy steamy romance novels way too much to say no." You replied with a laugh.

"A-alright, but promise to not talk about the details." She replied.

"No promises!" You laughed.

Malevus just stared at you and shook her head. Oh you were starting to get some work in. Thankfully you still had plenty of time remaining.



Having left the farms behind, you had pocketed your glasses and guided Malevus through the woods and fields. Several times the two of you had just stopped to watch the nature, the flocks of birds flying or trying to catch bugs and once you saw a fox frolicking in grass.

But finally you had reached the place you wanted to bring Malevus to.

"It is a rock." She replied as she dismounted.

"Not any rock, but a rock I found a few years ago. The view up there is tremendous." You told her and tied Epona to a nearby tree. "You just need to climb up there."

The old tree next to the rock was still there and so you started to climb between it and the rock.

"Alric be careful!" Malevus replied as she watched your climb.

"Not the first time I have done this." You said back.

Thankfully it wasn't too difficult, just a bit harder than usual with your stiff legs.

2/3
>>
>>5979274

"Alright my dear squire, your turn. I will catch your arm and pull you up the last yard or so." You instructed while laying down on your stomach on the rock.

Malevus hesitated a bit before taking off her armour. It would be much easier to climb with just a gambeson on. And when she did so, she had very little difficulty reaching high enough for you to grab her hand and pull her up.

Malevus was lighter than Jandice so you overestimated how hard you would pull. With a grunt and a heave, you used your body as a leverage and suddenly she found herself on top of you. Your faces were just inches apart from each other.

"You are going to love the view." You said to her while smiling as she realised how close she was to you.

Malevus quickly rolled off you and you concentrated on picking yourself up and dusting the dirt off your clothes. Not hearing anything from her, you turned to look and saw Malevus staring into the distance.

"I told you, you are going to love the view." You said and sat down next to her. "I found this place before I started this journey, but I haven't visited here in a long time."

Dawnholme was down there, you could see the scale of the construction projects, the farms being worked around the town, you could even see individual humans. They were like ants in the distance.

And way in the distance was Southshore with the tall masts and sails of the ships visible entering and leaving the harbour. The views were beautiful.

"Well that was a lie, I brought Jandice here." You said.

"Jandice?" Malevus said and turned to look at you. You could see the confusion on her face.

"I wanted to show her my domain, that it wasn't just Dawnholme, but all the lands, fields and forests. I think it helped her to realise something important." You said to her.

"Which was?" Malevus asked curiously.

"I'm not sure if I should talk about others, but… there is more to life than just work and duty." You told Malevus and continued. "Before Durnholde her life was just work for her family or for Dalaran. The near death got her scared and I think seeing what you are seeing now gave her some scale to all of this. We are just humans, small in the grand scheme of things, so why not enjoy life to the fullest?"

Malevus stared at you and then turned to look down into the Fingers of Hillsbrad. She kept staring at the view for a moment before choosing to speak.

"What did she say about the view?" Malevus asked.

"She said that it was incredible."

"Jandice was right, you can see so far from here." Malevus replied.

The two of you didn't say anything for a moment as you just stared down into the distance.

"Alric… what do you like about her? I mean… like about in Jandice, of Jandice?" Malevus suddenly asked you. "Is it just the, you know…?"


>Write in

QM: This time I will only take write ins. Still taking teasing ideas, I will have to sprinkle them here and there.
>>
>>5979276
Malevus likes men who know what they want, so my take is not going to be 'Well shes got experience, and.." and whatever other traits.

>Write in
"Shes fun, enjoys a drink, athletic with her fencing. She wants to find ways to get away from all the hassles of nobility now and then, that I can appreciate too...But yes, that. Though I don't see it going any further then a fling, and neither does she. She did take the offensive though which I liked."

Then the realization, woah its like Malevus is also all those things...But better.
>>
>>5979294
>support

>+Jandice also pushed me to be better than I was. As soon as she found out I could do magic she wanted to push my learning to the next step. Kind of similar to how teaching you how to fight helped teach myself how to be a better fighter. It made me revaluate the basics and why they're the basics.

>You're also much cuter than Jandice. She's a bit of a predator hunting her prey. While you have an adorable naivety.
>>
>>5979294
+1
>>5979295
+1

Jandice is a magical girl in more ways than one, smart and fearsome and definitely not a damsel in distress kinda gal, despite being literal nobility. Not letting such trappings keep her down, she’s also a fit bombshell, which complements her personality. She’s also a blonde, which is nice but I look more to a woman than just her hair. I’m open to more variety.
>>
>>5979276
The "you know" is definetly a part of it, she is fit, beautiful and erotic. However, Alric and Jandice are kindred spirits in the worlds of politics, business and magic. She's made numerous attempts to be helpful to him in his endeavours and also is just fun to converse with and be around since they share common interests and have complementing personalities.

>>5979294
>Though I don't see it going any further then a fling, and neither does she.
Again, not really just a fling is it? More like a "situationship".
>>
>>5979341
Sextuationship more like.
>>
>>5979371
Situationships involve sex anon, putting it in the name is redundant.
>>
"The 'you know' definitely plays a part in this. She is fit and athletic thanks to training how to fence, she is beautiful and takes care of herself and she is quite erotic, she knows what she is doing in the bed." You told Malevus after thinking for a moment.

Her face quickly reached the colour of her hair as you told her that, forcing her to hide her face with her hands. If you were to guess, her imagination was running rampant right now.

'But she is a magical woman in more ways than one, she is fun to be with, she is very smart and knowledgeable. She enjoys a drink just like I do and wants to leave the hassle of her duties and life behind whenever she can, something both of us have learned the hard way." You spoke to Malevus and continued. "We are kindred spirits in the world of politics, business and magic."

Malevus had stopped hiding behind her hands as she listened carefully to what you said.

"The moment she realised that I studied magic, she wanted to help me. She helped my studies forward and pushed me to be better than I was before. Kind of similar to how teaching you how to fight has helped to teach myself how to be a better fighter. It made me reevaluate the basics and why they're the basics." You explained to Malevus and raised your hand in front of you, carefully drawing a purple line and then a circle in the air that soon faded away. "And her help hasn't just stopped in magic, I think she genuinely wants to help me and see me succeed."

Malevus looked at what you created in the air and back to you.

"You are fond of her." Malevus quietly replied.

"Yes, yes I am. I think. Telling you all this has made me realise how alike we are. Our personalities complement each other, we have common interests and she is someone who is quite straightforward in saying what she wants and active in pursuing whatever it is." You told Malevus and continued. "Definitely not a damsel in distress, even if she is a noblewoman and part of the richest family in the whole Lordaeron."

"She does seem to be a nice person." Malevus replied. The two of them had become acquaintances during your visit to Tarren Mill.

"She is. But you are cuter than her, she is a bit of a predator hunting her prey from time to time." You said and laughed as Malevus turned red again. "You have the adorable naivety, the innocence to the wider world that I appreciate. While her, she has seen enough to know how things work, a thing I appreciate as well."

Malevus had buried her face again in her hands.

"Please don't say things like that…" She quietly replied.

1/2
>>
>>5979701

"But I am telling the truth, both of you are special in your own ways. If Jandice wasn't Jandice, would we be lovers? If Malevus wasn't Malevus, would you be my dear squire?" You asked her and waited for her answer.

"I-I guess not." She replied somewhat unsure of what to say.

"Just like if your Alric wasn't the person he is, you wouldn't be as worried and caring about him." You said to her and smiled gently. She wouldn't have kissed you either.

That was enough for Malevus as she just dropped on her back and stared at the sky through her fingers. That had gotten through.

You let her lay there as you kept staring down into Hillsbrad as the sun caressed your face. You really were fond of Jandice, but the butterflies in your stomach had never appeared. At least not yet, maybe with time and some thinking. You had never said the three words, while she had said them to you. But you did miss her, her presence and waking up next to her. She was important to you.

"What will become of the two of you, I mean what are you going to do in the future? Have you talked about any plans?" Malevus asked and you gave her a curious look. She was still lying on the rock before pushing herself up and looking at your face, her eyes finding yours. "Do you love her?"


Future:
>Write in

Love:
>Write in

QM: Again taking the write ins
>>
>>5979702
>Future:
Be truthful about what the two of you have spoken about. No plans on going more serious, you are going to see her when in same place. Jandice isnt ready for kids or marriage.

>Love:
I think Alric loves her, but not in the romantic love of my life way right now. Clearly he cares for her and if something was to happen to her Alric would be big sad and then seek vengeance. Tbh Jandice rose higher in my stocks with this update.

Malevus seems to be testing the waters on where Alric and Jandice are standing and where she could fit in all this. For teasing just tell her that she is really cute when blushing.
>>
>>5979702
Just when /qst/anon thought this would be a civ-building and conquest quest, turns out it was a ero-VN all along.

>Future:
We expect nothing except what opportunity presents us with the Barov family. Alric has already leveraged her with the discovery of the oilfield. On a personal level, she is someone that he cares about and is intimate with, but not romantic with? No bouquets of flowers, no candlelit dinners unless you count Alric's bonfire-escape.

Love:
Much the same as above, that she is someone to care about, but not care for. If Alric learnt she had family troubles such as the potential WC3/WoW necromancy events then he would help. I don't believe that there would be any deeper involvement on Alric's part in her life and reciprocating her feelings.

I still think we owe her a finder's fee for that oilfield discovery, but Alterac cannot entertain that now.

>>5978359
Thank you, so it was Beckston. Yes please on the visit.
>>
>>5979702
Future:
>Write in
"We will keep going with our lives, and use any opportunity when we encounter each other. No plans beside this, she is not interested in anything serious like marriage or children. I think she and i could make this work for quite a while, we have full control of the situation."

Love:
>Write in
"I care for her, i want her and she has my affection, and if i had control over the weather i would have made her stay more time, but i do not truly love her. Its not the same feelings i have and had with other women, it's still quite strong if different. Wild, in a sense. I can't see myself making refined poetry for her for example."
>>
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>>5979702
>Future
We both enjoy the relationship as it is so we'll keep it as is. Simple as really.

>Love
I do feel like I love her. I desire her, care for her and deeply enjoy her company. That sounds like love doesn't it?

>>5979727
>pic rel
Having a character story playing out within a larger political and strategic story is why I enjoy Crusader Kings so much.

>>5979785
> I can't see myself making refined poetry for her for example.
I can, it wouldn't be the sappy kind but I can see Alric making such a gesture for her.
>>
>>5979727
>>5979702
>Support

Basically it's a stress free relationship that won't be going further than it has already. No marriage no children.

Definitely do not love her. I do care about her though. She's a good person. And she's a good person to be friends with since she cares about my success.

>+ I don't get that fuzzy feeling like I get when I am with you though. Which is a bit perplexing since you like girls. (Back to teasing her about her liking girls to hopefully defuse the situation a little bit and hopefully make her respond with "well I don't only just like girls! I like you!)
>>
>>5979792
The fuck did my ID change for?

>>5979785
>>5979801
Y'all doing Jandice dirty, Alric does love her. I agree with teasing Malevus about liking girls tho.
>>
>>5979826
No he doesn't. We purposely voted to not say we love her back. And she caught on and purposely told us she doesn't want to change our relationship aka go to the next level. I'm pretty sure the majority of anons aren't trying to wife her. I'd be willing to wife Malevus. Even if I think Sylvanas is the better waifu.

I'd settle for saving Sylvanas from the scourge and saving silvermoon from being partly destroyed because of them. Plus that would most likely allow us to save Kaelthas too. And I always thought he was pretty based.

Tbh I would of liked Jaina too but anons got confused about calia due to how "qm described alrics feelings about her" even though he was just using description to hype her up. Plus I think stealing calias virginity was enough of a fuck you to Arthas.
>>
>>5979925
Like seriously just think if the Horde didn't have the forsaken because they don't exist. And don't have the blood elves cause we saved them. Which was the blood elves biggest gripe over the alliance.

The horde would be neutered. The alliance would still have lorderon.

I'd be happy if we could get the reformed Orcs and dark spear tribe too. We could Basically invalidate the whole conflict between horde and alliance.

And have the Alterac Chad's be the number 1 power house in the world. Plus if we can save the dark iron dwarves that would be cool asf. We'd be Ballin vs all the shit that comes in the future. We could gank Illidans faction we could fuck with the demon lords. It would be an awesome rewrite of WoW lore IMHO.
>>
>>5979925
>No he doesn't. We purposely voted to not say we love her back.
I voted to not say I love you back because I wasn't sure what the intentions and expectations behind her I love you were and didn't want any misunderstanding. Now that it's clear, I wouldn't have a problem with voting to say that to her. Point is: he desires her, cares for her and deeply enjoys her company. How can that not be called love?

>I'm pretty sure the majority of anons aren't trying to wife her.
Recognizing he loves her ≠ Trying to make her his wife.

>I'd be willing to wife Malevus. Even if I think Sylvanas is the better waifu.
I don't want any talk about wives at the present time and circumstances.

>Tbh I would of liked Jaina too but anons got confused about calia due to how "qm described alrics feelings about her" even though he was just using description to hype her up.
I like Jaina too but I said it before and I'll say it again: there was no confusion. Pretty girl shows interest so Alric shows interest back.
>>
"We don't have plans other than meeting when we are in the same place. We are both too busy to try to arrange our schedules to match each others and we are supposed to keep it a secret." You said to Malevus and continued. "Even then we might not always be able to meet."

Malevus looked at you as you sighed slightly.

"She can't marry me, her family would be very much against it. Neither can she provide me with an heir, she isn't ready for bearing a child either. We will keep going with our lives, no real plans beside this. I think she and I could make this work for quite a while, as long as we have full control of the situation." You continued speaking to Malevus while looking away into Dawnholme below. "Quite stress free and I believe this suits both of us quite well. Could things change in the future, maybe. But right now we don't have any reason to change the course."

"She doesn't want children?" Malevus asked carefully.

"No, at least not right now. It is tied to her family and duties. If we got married and she got pregnant, right now it would mean that her family would turn their backs on her and Dalaran would probably shun her as well." You mused. You really hadn’t pressed her and why should you? "Those two things are too important for her to lose."

You looked at Malevus who was paying full attention to you.

"And do I love her? I think I do, but I don't at the same time." You replied.

"What do you mean you do, but don't?" Malevus was now confused yet slightly blushing.

"I care for her, I want her and she has my affection, and if I had control over the weather I would have made her stay longer, but my love towards her is not the romantic kind. No bouquets of flowers, no candlelit dinners, no sappy poetry or other grand gestures of romance." You told Malevus. It was hard to put everything into words, but you pressed on. "It's not the same feelings I have and had with other women, it's still quite strong if different. Wild and passionate, in a sense."

This had gotten surprisingly deep. You hadn't really talked about this before, but it did feel good to open up a bit. Malevus hadn't gotten too embarrassed either, maybe because you had spoken so softly about Jandice, your affection clearly shown in your voice.

"That does sound like love…" Malevus said to you.

"It might, but I don't get the same fuzzy feeling, butterflies in my stomach, like I do when I am with you." You said and smiled gently. The lone butterfly in your stomach had found a friend, the fuzzy feeling spread through you. "Which is a bit perplexing since you like girls."

"A-A-Alric!" Malevus nearly shouted back at you and hid her face with her hands again and now tried to bury her head between her knees. "Don't say anything like that…"

You had to just smile at her reaction.

"What? About the girls?" You replied with a jest.

1/2
>>
>>5979968

Malevus had enough as she stopped pretending to be hiding from your sight and lunged at you, punching your shoulder several times in an attempt to have some payback. Though she only managed to knock you on your back and she quickly moved on top of you, straddling your waist. She grabbed the collar of your jacket as you didn't try to fight back. She didn't seem that happy.

"Well I don't only like girls, I like you!" Malevus said to you, blushing and red as her hair.

Then she leaned down and kissed you once. Her kiss tasted sweet and left you speechless as she withdrew her lips off yours and pulled back. She seemed emotional and you didn't do anything as you just waited for her to say something.

"I like you, I like you a lot." Malevus confessed. "Coming to Alterac and Dawnholme has been the best thing to happen to me because I met you."

"You are kind, you are caring, you are just and you have a great sense of humour. You are a wonderful person who has been good to me, who has treated me as who I want to be and not as who I really am. I like this Alric, my Alric." Malevus said to you, her words had power behind them, but at the same time they were fragile. "And when the incident happened, I realised I might lose you. I got scared and horrified. But you pulled through like you always do, but something had changed."

"Yet you kept being the same Alric I had learned to like. Changed, yet the same. And at that point I realised what my feelings were. And that one night, I showed them to you." Malevus said, her voice breaking more and being more intense. "And I got scared and terrified again and you didn't say anything till the feast and now you brought me here teasing me like there is no end to it. Don't play with me or with my feelings Alric!"

"Malevus…" You tried to reply.

"Don't Malevus me! Don't you see how hard this is to me? I am supposed to become a Paladin who puts emotions aside, yet I can't do anything to this turmoil inside me. What am I supposed to do, when I am feeling like this for the first time towards a man? Towards my Prince, someone whom I am supposed to serve?" Malevus spoke to you, her voice now raised and speech faster. "I-I-I…"

Malevus shed a few tears as she pounded your chest with her fists while trying to speak.

"I want to be your 'Guardian of Dawnholme', but I need time to think and clear my head. I can't go on like this, conflicted about my thoughts." Malevus said to you finally. "Please Alric, I need the time. Don't play any games with me, don't go teasing me and don't make me be concerned again."

2/2
>>
>>5979969

>If she isn't sure, then she should put those feelings aside and concentrate on everything else.
>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
>Let her get her thoughts straight, but you are going to remind her about you from time to time.
>Tell her that isn't her feelings clear enough already. She just needs to do what is right in her heart.
>Roll over and switch positions, you are going to make her decision for her. She likes you, make it very clear for her.
>Other, write in.


QM: Malevus route speed vote from full-stop to slowest to fastest. Basically how to proceed with her. Extra hard teasing got you this reaction. We will potentially return to normal adventures after this vote.
>>
>>5979970
>Roll over and switch positions, you are going to make her decision for her. She likes you, make it very clear for her.
>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
Basically one last tease and our take on the situation but then let her be. She's her own woman so Alric will respect her decision.
>>
>>5979970
>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
>Let her get her thoughts straight, but you are going to remind her about you from time to time

I don't want to make the decisions for her.
>>
>>5979970
>Roll over and switch positions, you are going to make her decision for her. She likes you, make it very clear for her.
>Tell her that isn't her feelings clear enough already. She just needs to do what is right in her heart.

>She just needs to tell us what she WANTS out of this relationship.

I'm more than happy to drop it if that's what she wants. But hopefully the switch up will allow her to be true to her feelings. And I'm more than happy to drop jandice to only be faithful to her if that's what she wishes.

EMBRACE THE BUTTERFLIES ANONS.

MALEVUS LOVE ARC IS A GO!!!
>>
>>5979970
>>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
I dont think having an elf for a wife would be good for the kingdom longterm. Besides when we die it would crush her.
>>
>>5980035
Why not? Our half elf children will outlive all other human kings! It's an amazing thing.

Implying elves don't die in blazes of glory. We'll outlive most blood elves unless we change history.
>>
>>5980020
>And I'm more than happy to drop jandice to only be faithful to her if that's what she wishes.
>EMBRACE THE BUTTERFLIES ANONS.
>MALEVUS LOVE ARC IS A GO!!!
No, I don't want no sappy romance anon.

>>5980035
>>5980058
Having an elf wife isn't the issue to me, it's having a wife at all. I can't quite put it into words but it really doesn't feel like the right time.
>>
>>5979970
>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
>Let her get her thoughts straight, but you are going to remind her about you from time to time.

The potential for a neutral-good martial queen, learning to use powers of the Light, from a noble Elven house and she wants a prince.
That's hard to beat, but I think story-wise rushing in after this admission of a sexfriendship really shows Alric chasing skirts.
>>5980020
>She just needs to tell us what she WANTS out of this relationship.
Support this, if she wants to pursue it then definitely lets gooooo!
Alric reserves the right to carry out teasing that is considered necessary. The teasing considered unnecessary could be stopped.
>>
>>5980146
We can easily just ask QM to cool it on the sappy shit. Like he can imply it with writing tons of sappy dialogue lines about it. He's done stuff like that before.

QM just don't put a shit ton of sappy shit in ayy?
>>
>>5980149
I mean fair. I just want to show her we're at least serious about her and it's not just us teasing the fuck out of her and we're totally none serious about her and we're just bring a hound dog.

Wasn't my best paragraph ever but I can't be fucked fixing it to be more concise. I hope you understand the gist of it.
>>
>>5979970
>>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
>>Let her get her thoughts straight, but you are going to remind her about you from time to time.
I think the "Guardian of "Dawnholme" was a reference to the "Guardian of Duskwood" in the book which was her favourite. If Malevus wants that role, then Alric needs to be the one doing the chasing while she thinks all of this through. There are similarities here, just need to allow her the time that she asked.

Loved this update, Malevus top cute!
>>
>>5979970
>>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
>>Let her get her thoughts straight, but you are going to remind her about you from time to time.
>>
>>5979970
>>Give her all the time she needs and avoid unnecessary teasing. She doesn't ask for much.
>>Let her get her thoughts straight, but you are going to remind her about you from time to time.
heard the request, that's fine.
>>
>>5979970
>If she isn't sure, then she should put those feelings aside and concentrate on everything else.
>>
>>5980308

More sappy shit? Syrupy as hell sap? Aye aye Captain!

Giving Malevus the time and easing on the teasing looks like the winner. Now could I have a roll please, a simple roll for an event.


>1d10
>Best of three
>>
Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>5980443
>More sappy shit? Syrupy as hell sap? Aye aye Captain!
No thank you!
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5980443

>>5980451
great roll
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5980443
I love the sappy shit
>>
>>5980443
>More sappy shit? Syrupy as hell sap? Aye aye Captain!

Now that you mentioned it, I don't there's ever been even a passing reference to maple syrup or a fantasy analogue for it for that matter in all of the Warcraft series. Maybe look into that as a form o nation building? I mean, the Canucks managed to do it, why can't we? :D Also, outside of maybe some names and accents, I don't think there's any real identitarian differences between Alteracis and the other humans unless I am mistaken.
>>
>>5980466
Me too man, me too...
>>
You smiled because you were happy. The butterflies kept circling inside you, you felt fuzzy and good. Malevus had opened her heart to you, told you that she liked you a lot and kissed you again. But her thoughts were muddled, she needed time to think this through, to clear her head. Her confessing that you were the first man she had such feelings circled in your mind. This was a new territory for her and she was right, she needed the time.

But before that…

You grabbed her gambeson around her waist and with a twist rolled her over, finding you now staring down towards her. Malevus hadn’t expected this, yelping when you did it and now she waited mouth for your next move, not breathing.. It was a quite precarious position, one that could give a lot of ideas to her, but you just smirked and after a small pause stood up, extending your hand towards her.

Malevus looked at you before taking your hand as you pulled her up off the mossy rock.

“Take as much time as you need, I can’t force you into anything you don’t want nor can I make the decision for you.” You said to her and continued. “I want you to be happy, for you to fulfil your dreams and reach your full potential.”

She looked at you biting her lip before nodding once. Then she hugged you, wrapping her arms around you and burying her head on your shoulder. You carefully returned the gesture and held her close to you.

“Thank you…” She whispered.

“Anything for you.” You replied, the butterflies making a quite ruckus within you. You smelled the scent of her hair, the sweet scent of raspberries. You felt her warmth, of someone who was genuine in her feelings.

Then your stomach rumbled, interrupting this gentle moment and causing Malevus to chuckle.

“My stomach betrays me in my greatest hour.” You joked back.

Malevus slowly let you go and held your shoulders while staring into your eyes.

“Should we check what Maura has packed for us?” Malevus asked you and smiled.

“We could, unless you want to hug me and starve me more.” You said with a jest.

“Alric… what did I say…” Malevus complained.

“Sorry, that was out of pure reflex.” You said and grinned while holding your hands up.

“Why did I end up liking someone like you so much…” Malevus shook her head and let go of you.

“Because I am a handsome Prince of course.” You replied and slightly puffed your chest.

“Alric…”

“Sorry, again just a reflex.”

Malevus just shook her head again in disbelief.

“Alright, I will stop, but don’t think that I won’t remind you of myself.” You told her and continued. “If I can’t tease you a little bit, am I sure I am alive?”

Malevus blushed and rolled her eyes.

“Just let’s go and eat.” She said as you just laughed.

1/3
>>
>>5980581

Having gotten off the rock, you did check what Maura had packed for you. Some wine, sandwiches and smoked venison did fill you up as you leaned on the warm side of the rock. Neither you or Malevus had spoken anything about what had happened on the rock as the two of you ate. You just enjoyed the moment and enjoyed the view.

And having eaten, the two of you rode further up into the mountains. The uncertainty and pressure of the past few weeks had dissipated. Both of you now knew where you stood, things were simpler now.

Riding, you stopped to check mountain flowers you didn’t recognise, neither did Malevus. You stopped to watch birds who were in progress of building their nest. There were even a couple of deers that you spotted before it was apparent that the evening was coming.

You found a spot near a small pond to set up your camp. Malevus went to collect dry dead wood, while you butchered several small spruce saplings for their branches, laying them on the ground where the bedrolls would be placed. A small trick to insulate yourself off the ground. Lighting the campfire was as easy as snapping your fingers and then everything was ready for the night.

Neither of you needed to say anything as the night fell on you and the campfire danced the shadows around you. It was a serene moment, something the two of you would remember in the future. Malevus looked at you and smiled, you returned the smile as you added more wood to the fire.

“It has been years since I have camped like this.” You told her. “Normand used to take me out into the woods during summer for a couple of days.”

“What stopped it?” Malevus asked you.

“We had to move a lot, he was recognized too often and when we got to The Headland, he was too busy for it.” You told her and continued. “Hence I ventured into the woods alone and found the rock I took you to.”

“You do like camping, don’t you?”

“I do, but it is not something I can do nowadays, at least without everyone else going away in the first place.” You replied. “Being a Prince and all that.”

The moon and the stars were up, illuminating the forest around you.

“As much as I would like to, I can’t step aside and avoid my duties. I feel like everything is just speeding up, more and more things for me to do and solve.” You said to her and continued after turning to look at her. “So I want to treasure moments like these.”

2/3
>>
>>5980582

Malevus looked at you and smiled. Her red hair looked like it danced in the flickering light of the campfire. Where would this all head towards, you weren’t sure, but you would try your utmost in making her happy. This elf, not even one year of knowing her, had become one of your best friends and confidants. She was something else, special in many ways. Maybe one day the two of you… no… it was better to not get ahead of yourself. Whatever will happen comes from her initiative, not from yours.

And you were now fine with that. Malevus needed time and you were going to provide it for her. And when she would be ready, you were sure she would know what she would want and do.



>7


“Is that falcon looking at us?” Malevus asked you.

It was midday, you had headed further up into the mountains and towards west, towards Gavin’s Naze. These lands were unknown to you and the speed you travelled was slow at best.

“I think it is.” You replied.

The falcon had been following you, circling above you and now it had settled on a branch maybe two dozen yards off you. It turned its head towards you and observed you and Malevus on horseback.

Then it flew away and settled on another branch further away from you, yet still looking at you.

“Should we follow it?” Malevus asked you.


>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.
>You are unsure, strange birds are many. Just continue your journey towards the west.
>No, why would you follow a bird? Many ill omens come from following birds.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5980583
>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it
>>
>>5980495

In the actual lore I haven't seen any real cultural and language differences between the different human kingdoms that I can remember of. But through this Quest, not really making a big note of it, I have written about Alteraci accent and described the finer clothes Alric wears. Now the clothes are a blatant rip off of Ukrainian cossacks, the names quite literally taken from them as seen in the Stats and Socials pastebin. That has been the biggest hint of what the overall look of Alteracis are, but like I said I haven't made huge number of it.

If you are to think of Alteracis, maybe the most accurate description would be "east of central medieval Europe". Not exactly Slavic of "Da we are all Russians/Poles", but something like of Bohemians or Silesians. If you have played Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you have seen Dawnholme as the towns depicted in that game are awfully close to how I see Dawnholme. Thrown in the sauna, you have a tad of Finnish influence or "Elves are Finns" meme.

Generally speaking the differences aren't major, but withing my mindscape enough to differentiate Alteracis from the others and to make Alric's finer clothes look old fashioned compared to everyone else.

Also here is the updated map of your holdings.

>>5980451

Your roll disagrees with you, ultra sappy hardcore handholding it is!
>>
>>5980583
>>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.
>>
>>5980583
>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.

I'm surprised anons. Yall want the sap. I assumed the votes would be against it.

>Proud sap lover here too.

Guess we'll win that vote bois!
>>
>>5980583
>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.

We have malevus to protect us
>>
>>5980583
>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.
ruh roh.
>>
>>5980583
>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.

Either that's a shapeshifter or Alric is gonna be recreating the Aztec founding myth in his refounding of Alterac.
>>
>>5980583
>Falcon is the national bird of Alterac, of course you are going to follow it.
...could that be Medivh?
And since he knows our national bird he picked that instead of a crow to draw our attention?
>>
“Do you think we should follow it?” You asked Malevus.

“Maybe.” She replied.

“Then it is decided.” You replied.

The falcon looked at you before flying away and stopping at another branch some distance away. You chose to follow the bird, riding behind its trail and trying to keep track of it. The falcon was the national bird of Alterac and this one was behaving rather too curiously for you to disregard.

You followed the falcon for a few hours, from branch to branch from tree to tree, until you reached a small clearing.

Dismounting Epona, you wrapped her reins around the tree and helped Malevus down from her horse.

“There is that falcon. “You whispered to her.

The strange falcon skittered around a bed of flowers, flying away and settling on a branch overlooking an opening amongst the trees. You stepped worth, entering the flowery field and looking around. Suddenly you had a feeling that you weren’t alone.

“What is it?” Malevus asked and you quickly shushed her. There was something out there and it wasn’t just the falcon.

Stepping forth Malevus right behind you, suddenly you saw whoever you were facing.

Opposite of you through the woods entered several orcs, they were wearing furs and carrying blades that could cut and split a human in half. There were six of them carrying axes and swords, way too much for you to deal on your own.

Malevus tried to step forth, but you caught her by her shoulders with both of your hands and pushed back.

“There are six of them, calm your hand.” You whispered to her.

Malevus glanced at you, but relented when you kept hold of her shoulders. Six orcs would be a lot for you. You could maybe handle one or two at the time, but six?

Holding Malevus by her shoulders you watched as the orcs spread out on the field ahead of you.

“If things go to worse, you will take the one on the left and I will take the remaining five.” You told Malevus.

The odds of two to six weren’t to your favour. You could maybe beat an orc one on one, but six of them? You could ignite one of them on fire and then draw your sword, but then what? You could kill maybe one or two of them, but there was no chance for you. It would be death or honour for you, but you didn’t dare to say that to Malevus.

1/2
>>
>>5980865

Death or honour.

Death or honour.

Death or honour.

The orcs spread ahead of you, brandishing their blades and preparing for combat.

“Remember, the orcs prefer to use their strength above all.” You told Malevus as you stepped ahead of her.

“Which one of you dares to challenge me?” You raised your voice as you stepped ahead of her and placed your hand on your hilt.

“I am Prince Alric Perenolde, the second heir of Alterac, the ruler of Alterac and Dawnholde, the one who has brought his people together, who is ready to die for his people!” You shouted at them. Your right hand landed on the hilt of Cinder Sword as you pulled it out of its sheath and prepared yourself. Putting yourself ahead of your people was something you were supposed to do. You were to serve your people, whatever the cost.

Staring at the orcs with your Fel green eyes, you saw that they didn’t dare to move. Until the seventh orc stepped forth behind their line.

It was nearly a head taller than the rest, and it had long black hair, eyes that weren’t red like the rest, but normal of black and blue. Carrying a large blade, it pushed past the orcs and faced you maybe ten yards away.

No, it can’t be. It really can’t be him.


>Thrall?
>I am Prince Alric Perenolde, the second heir of Alterac. The ruler of Alterac and Dawnholme, the one who has conquered Strahnbrad Hills and brought peace to these lands. Who are you? Challenge him!
>Draw the Cinder Blade and challenge them. Death or glory you are going to win this. In the end it will be you or them who is dead. Bringing as many of them into the grave will be your job.
>Other, write in
>>
>>5980872
>Draw your blade and have it ready just in case
>Thrall?
>>
>>5980872
>>Thrall?
Fucking knew it.
>>
>>5980872
>>Thrall?
>>
>>5980872
>>Thrall?
>>
>>5980872
>Thrall? Tarentha will be happy to hear you found your people. But I can't be seen talking to you. We will have to go some place better hidden if this is to be a long chat. She is safe. If that's what you are wondering.
>>
>>5980872
>Thrall?
>>5981201
Aren't we in orc territory?
>>
>>5980872
>Thrall?
>"Why are you in my lands ?"
Take a look around if we can see other orcs and watch if the falcon is still there.

There is much space between us. Keep our hand on Cinder but do not extract it, we could start a fire on the ground and ignite the orcs for a while if it comes to a fight and more importantly our horses aren't far away if we want to have more speed and charge trough them in combat. I dont think we will fight though.
I can sense Malevus already worried sick and angry with herself for not insisting in bringing an escort, while Gravis sighs in relief and goes "I told you Prince Alric" once we return. Hehehe that will be funny.


>>5981256
We have ridden more near the mountains, but i don't think we have passed in the Alterac mountains proper. We might be near the "border" so to speak, but this is definitely still our lands.


>>5981201
I don't think there is anyone here that can see us.
>>
I am dreadfully tired from work, so most likely no update today unless I get a sudden burst of energy.

>>5981201
>>5981256
>>5981270

Alric is still within the territory he has claimed and controls, but in the mountains it is difficult to draw exact lines on who controls what mostly due to the mountains being very difficult to patrol in the first place.

And I can say that no one has followed you. It is just Alric and Malevus around here, no need to fear Garithos hiding in some bush seeing you and getting his huge gotcha moment.
>>
>>5980872
Ah man it would have been really funny to go max aggression. Try and pull off a big fire like Alric showed to Jandice but use fel and the bloodstone for a crazy result. Then pull out the cinder sword and go to town.
>>
>>5980872
>Thrall?
>You found your people then? I would be happy under other circumstances, but you are in Alterac.

We can use this meeting lads. If Thrall can help us against the ogres and the Syndicate in the areas that Lordaeron prohibits us. Then they can unofficially get their own section of the original kingdom.
>>
>>5981431
As long as you promise. I don't want to hear about us being orc lovers or some shit. But getting him to merc the ogres or trolls would be awesome. We could always do some backdoor trade deals. You leave x wagon here we will leave y wagon here. We could always clear the river and let the orcs raid the alliance ships. And have them "fake" try to raid ours so we have a monopoly on shipping up and down the river for more money.
>>
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22 KB JPG
>>5981431
*Garithos jumps out of a nearby bush*

>Aha! I knew it! I knew you were always a filthy orc lover, just like your father!
>I also know that you are a filthy elf lover! I know that you, a grown man, were being coddled by her, crying like a baby and then kissed her!
>How do I know all that? By watching you of course!
>There has not been a single moment where you have been out of my sight Alric. I knew it was only a matter of time until you slipped up.
>I also know about you dabbling with the dark arts, that your fel eyes aren't from a poisoning attempt, and about your dragon master. I know about your relationship with princess Calia, your "adventures" with Jandice, and who Taretha's true father is.
>And now that you've exposed your true colors, we can finally get you put down like we did with your father!
>It's so over for you Alric.
>As for those greenskins, we'll take care of them soon enough.
>...Wait, what are you doing? You mongrels better stay away from me or else I'll cast Shockwave!
>>
Cinder Sword ate the air around it, slowly heating up and losing its dull grey colour while shedding embers. Against the orcs you were positive that your blade could cut them like a hot knife going through butter, but the question would be can you defeat them before one of them gets a strike in?

Though now that question seems to be a moot one. And thankfully that seemed to be the case. Because ahead of you stood a certain orc, the only one of its kind that fills that description. Why was he here? Wasn’t he supposed to have searched for Grom Hellscream and his band of rogue orcs?

“Thrall?” You asked carefully.

“Alteraci Prince.” Thrall replied with his deep growling voice and looked at Malevus. “An elf too.”

Malevus tried to step forward, but you placed your hand in front of her, stopping her. She gave you a quick glance, but you just chose to stare at Thrall instead.

The falcon flew above you, you could hear its screams. Has it guided you here? Or was this just a coincidence?

“I never thought I would see you again nor meet you like this.” You replied to him.

Yet this wasn’t a time to just relax, he was still an orc even if he was a wronged one and he wasn’t alone. Your body was tense, the calm sea of fire inside you had started to churn and turn into a maelstrom. It wasn’t just the orc you had met in the dungeons of Durnholde in front of you. It was someone who had fled and been free for months, things could have changed.

Thrall studied you, looking at your magical blade and then staring into your eyes. He hid it well, but you could see that it bothered him.

“I could say the same.” Thrall replied to you.

He seemed tense as well, the orcs behind him were fidgeting nervously. He probably had the same thoughts about you as you did about him. The cautious standoff continued, with neither you or him choosing to act first. What would you ask, how much would you tell? Are you sure that this won’t end up in a fight?


>Why is he here in Alterac?
>Who are the other orcs, are they from Grom’s band?
>If he wants to fight, then promise to let your squire go first.
>Tari will be happy to know that you are alive.
>Other, write in
>>
>>5982052
>>Tari will be happy to know that you are alive.
"What brings you here Thrall? I am hoping it is not a fight."
>>
>>5982086
+1
>>
>>5982052
>Who are the other orcs, are they from Grom’s band?
>Tari will be happy to know that you are alive.
>>
>>5982086
"You should already know these are Alteraci lands, why then move here."
Support best to use this
>>
>>5982086
+1
>>
>>5982052
>>5982086
support.
Keep it cordial.
>>
One of the orcs, seemingly a younger one, said something in orcish to Thrall. That orc seemed more agitated than the rest did, but got very silent when Thrall turned to face it and replied harshly. So the rest of the orcs were following him, they did respect him, Thrall was in charge.

You need to win their trust, or at least the trust of Thrall and you knew one way to achieve that.

“Tari will be happy to know that you are alive.” You carefully said to him.

Malevus stared at you and then stared back at Thrall. The large orc, near head taller than the rest and more muscular suddenly felt a lot smaller, shoulders slightly slumping.

“Is she safe?” Thrall asked you.

You nodded once, opting to say nothing more.

“Good.” Thrall replied and closed his eyes for a second before turning around and facing the orcs. He then said something in orcish and after a few seconds, one by one the orcs put away their swords and axes, Thrall doing the same.

You stared at them before sheathing the Cinder Sword.

“Alric…” Malevus whispered to you.

“What brings you here? You should have known that these are Alteraci lands.” You said to Thrall while keeping your hands by your sides as you kept staring at him and concentrating on his eyes. “I am hoping that you aren’t looking for a fight.”

Thrall seemed conflicted for a second before choosing to speak.

“In fact I am looking for a fight, but not with you or your people.” Thrall said to you. “There is something evil in these lands.”

“What do you mean?” You asked.

“Something connected to our past.” Thrall replied and continued. “A death knight has stirred from its slumber.”

Death knight? One of those orcish sorcerers who blasphemed the bodies of the dead knights of Kingdom of Stormwind? You turned to look at Malevus who had lost the colour on her face. She understood how serious the situation was.


>Death knight? Is he sure about it? How did he learn about the death knight?
>Where is it, will it pose a danger to the Alteracis?
>So Thrall is going to go and hunt it down. But why?
>Other, write in
>>
>>5982226
>So Thrall is going to go and hunt it down. But why?
Since it's an orc he should be on their side right?
>>
>>5982226
>>Death knight? Is he sure about it? How did he learn about the death knight?
>>Where is it, will it pose a danger to the Alteracis?
>>So Thrall is going to go and hunt it down. But why?
All of these questions need to be asked.
>>
>>5982280
>>5982226
>Support

We will help him if it's a danger to our people.
>>
“Death knight? Are you sure about it?” You asked Thrall. “How did you learn about a death knight?”

You were somewhat sceptical about this. The death knights were all supposedly defeated after the Second War? At least that was what the church and the Silver Hand kept saying.

“Our shaman has sensed the evil spreading through the lands, he is sure about it.” Thrall said to you. “The Horde of Doomhammer was never truly defeated.”

“A shaman?” You replied and continued. “Where is the death knight then? Will it pose a danger to the Alteracis?”

“Before the warlocks.” Thrall said and looked into your eyes. “The shamans had a major role in the orcish society.”

“I spoke with the old orc in the camp, he told me about the shamans.” You said back to Thrall and saw that he recognized with whom you had spoken with. “The death knight.”

“Somewhere north-east of us is a cave.” Thrall explained. “Birds and animals avoid that place, for it is unnatural. And before the death knight can gather its forces, it needs to be stopped.”

“So that is how you are going to find the death knight? A place where there are no birds?” You asked him and got a nod as a reply. “And you are just going to go and hunt it down, but why?”

“Why?” Thrall asked you back.

“The death knights were once orcs, why would you oppose it?” You asked and knew that you would be going against the grain.

Thrall seemed to be taken back by your question.

“Alteraci Prince, the death knights were the ones who drove us towards the madness that is war. Because of them, there was the First War and then the Second.” Thrall replied forcefully. “They betrayed us to gain power. Power! Does it feed our people, raise our young?”

“No, it does not. So they must be opposed, any chance you get.” Thrall finished, that had caught a fire inside him. Something that would drive him forward. By how he reacted, he was speaking the truth.

“So you are going to go and kill it?” You asked and slightly raised your head while crossing your arms.

“Yes.” Thrall replied to you.


>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.
>You can’t associate with orcs, but you can’t leave this matter alone. You will return home and come back with your soldiers.
>This is an orc business. Death knight or not, you are going to leave the matter to Thrall and his comrades.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5982602
>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.

>Ask if he knows about the Trolls in strahbad.
>>
>>5982602
>>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.
>>
>>5982602
>>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac

Didn’t they have undead retinues? I doubt this small gaggle of fighters, even though capable, will be enough to deal with those. And I don’t wanna risk Alric’s already shaky reputation by calling upon support from our boys. So unless Thrall has a hidden gang, we’re gonna be cheesing the ever living shit out of that death knight.
>>
>>5982602
>>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.

Looks like we go a death knight hunting, though having to do it without our Armor or the Raiment would kind of suck. I suppose we could try to go back for it and meet up tomorrow.
>>
>>5982602
>>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.
Fucking tell thrall our name to boot does he really not know it?
>>
>>5982602
>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.
YAY! A Thrall and Alric adventure!!!
>>
>>5982602
>Then you are going to join him, you cannot allow a death knight to exist within Alterac.
Let's go now then. I can't let the lord protector of the realm sit on his ass.
Malevus you be quiet about this now and later.
>>
You had met Thrall twice, once out in the yard where you sparred with him and showed him some respect and then when you met with Tari for the first time and followed her into the dungeon. But you had also spoken the truth in the Imperial Chamber, a child should not be responsible for the crimes of their fathers. Somehow you had ended up tied with the orc and maybe in better circumstances you wouldn’t need to be wary of him and everyone else.

If only things were that simple, but now the decision would be a simple one.

“Then I will come with you.” You said to Thrall.

He nodded.

You weren’t sure if you could trust Thrall, but if Tari trusts him and basically sees him as part of her family, then you will trust Tari’s judgement. You weren’t sure if Thrall would trust you either, but it did look like having a common enemy has made the two of you a rather unique pair.

“What you said about the death knight and the power has convinced me that it is the right thing to do.” You said to him. The old orc had seemed sincere, if Thrall had replied in some other way, maybe you would have backed away. “I cannot allow such evil to exist near my people.”

“I will lead the way, the death knight grows stronger every passing moment.” Thrall said and turned around and spoke something to the rest of the orcs who started to march behind him.

You watched the orcs leave for a moment before looking at Malevus. She looked at you and seemed conflicted. When she threw the dagger off the bridge into Darrowmere River, she probably didn’t think that she would ever meet Thrall.

“I will go get the horses.” Malevus said to you.

You nodded in agreement and looked around. The falcon circled high above you and you thought where would all of this bring you? The son of the Traitor King working together with an orc.



The orcs had settled on a rather brisk pace, nothing though you couldn’t match on horseback. You kept some distance to them as following too closely seemed to unnerve the orcs following Thrall.

“Alric, are you sure this is wise?” Malevus asked you.

“I don’t exactly have the time to go fetch my armour and reinforcements.” You replied to her.

“I didn’t mean that and you know it.” She said to you.

She was conflicted and concerned, but most importantly protective of you. This was sketchy, but what options did you have?


>Ask Malevus what she knows about the death knights, what are we exactly facing?
>Tell Malevus to not talk about this to anyone. If the knowledge spreads, it will be the end of you.
>You have to trust Thrall, if what he said is right and the death knight grows stronger, it needs to be dealt with right now.
>The orcs don’t trust you, but Thrall seems to keep them in line. This is a very delicate situation.
>Tari trusts Thrall and you trust her. Malevus needs to trust Tari as well when it comes to him.
>Other, write in.

>>5982855

He knows it and remembers it, but he is just very wary about you like a smart person would be.
>>
>>5982979
>Ask Malevus what she knows about the death knights, what are we exactly facing?
>Tell Malevus to not talk about this to anyone. If the knowledge spreads, it will be the end of you.
>Tari trusts Thrall and you trust her. Malevus needs to trust Tari as well when it comes to him.
>>
>>5982979
>Ask Malevus what she knows about the death knights, what are we exactly facing?
>Tari trusts Thrall and you trust her. Malevus needs to trust Tari as well when it comes to him.
>>
>>5982979
>>Ask Malevus what she knows about the death knights, what are we exactly facing?
>>Tari trusts Thrall and you trust her. Malevus needs to trust Tari as well when it comes to him.
Might not be very wise but we have to do it.
>>
>>5982979

>Ask Malevus what she knows about the death knights, what are we exactly facing?
>Tell Malevus to not talk about this to anyone. If the knowledge spreads, it will be the end of you.
>You have to trust Thrall, if what he said is right and the death knight grows stronger, it needs to be dealt with right now.
>The orcs don’t trust you, but Thrall seems to keep them in line. This is a very delicate situation.
>Tari trusts Thrall and you trust her. Malevus needs to trust Tari as well when it comes to him.

All these apply and probably should be said for Malevus's account. The orcs being distrustful seems obvious, but reminds the squire to not brandish weapons without care.
Based on what I checked, the Orc deathknights like Teron Gorefiend got into Dalaran so they know the Hillsbrad area already. Depending on whether it's a WoW-style deathknight where they're a heavy armour unholy warrior or a heavy armour unholy mage, Alric has some options available with his fire sword and magic, but they still remain bad news for Alterac.
>>
You slowed down enough to ride side by side with her for making talking easier and to make it a tad more difficult for the orcs to hear you.

“What do you know of the death knights?” You asked Malevus, she must have learned something during her studies.

“What do you know?” She asked back.

“Well what Thrall said to me basically. Orc sorcerers and warlocks who were the ones to corrupt their race and now cause the lethargy. Powerful in unholy magic and the art of Fel. For some reason inhabit the bodies of slain knights from Stormwind.” You said and shrugged. “That’s about what I know.”

“Then you know more than most do.” Malevus replied to you. “Silver Hand was partly created to counter their strength and even with the Horde destroyed, both Raleigh and Hampton have made it exceptionally clear that the death knights might pose the greatest threat to the whole Azeroth.”

Her tone was serious. There was something in the death knights that… didn’t scare her, but made her more concerned than what you had seen in a long time.

“They are very potent in their magic, but if what was told you is true, we might stand a chance if it is weakened.” Malevus said and finished.

That didn’t really alleviate your concerns, but it did sound better than what the worst case scenario could be.

“I probably don’t need to remind you of not talking about this to anyone else. What we are doing is a one way trip to the gallows if people were to learn.” You lowered your voice and made sure that the orcs didn't hear what you just said to her.

“Don’t worry, I would never do that to you.” Malevus replied and gave you a slight smile before whispering. “I just don’t trust them.

You smiled back at her and nodded.

“I don’t trust the orcs either.” You whispered to her. “But if Tari trusts Thrall, then I need to trust Tari. And you need to trust her as well.”

It wasn’t easy for Malevus to accept that. The orcs had decimated her homeland and she most likely knew people who had died in the fighting. And most importantly the orcs had been allied to the trolls, the eternal enemies of elvenkind.

1/2
>>
>>5983151

“If Tari says that Thrall is a good person, then I need to trust her word.” Malevus whispered back to you.

You had started to lag behind the orcs a bit too much, they wouldn’t probably like it if they noticed you whispering with Malevus and acting all suspicious.

“Alright, we should catch up with them.” You replied and rode fast enough to catch the orcs again.

Afternoon had arrived. The spring sun warmed your face and you had to open your jacket to not be all sweaty. The orcs seemed to be unbothered by the sun, even with the furs covering their shoulders and bodies. No one had said anything, nor any breaks had been taken. Their endurance did surpass yours which to be honest wasn’t a surprise. You still hadn’t recovered fully and your athleticism had never been your strongest point.

The landscape changed, the trees grew smaller and turned into small copses that littered the rocky land. You had to slow down a bit to not hurt your horses, which thankfully the orcs realised as well. You just hoped that you wouldn’t need to walk to your destination.

“We will take a break.” Thrall said to you when the orcs suddenly stopped. “Just a few moments to drink water.”

You gave him a nod and dismounted Epona, feeding her some fodder from a bag. When you would continue the ride, maybe you should talk with Thrall? But what should you talk about with him?


Talk with Thrall:
>Yes
>No

If Yes:
>Write in
>>
>>5983153

Prince Alric Stats and Social Points pastebin has been updated, nothing major though, but a few smaller updates.

To write a bit about Thrall, at this point he has very limited touching points when it comes to humans. Only people that have been good to him, were either Tari who he basically sees as a family member, the Sergeant who trained him hence mutual respect, the Teacher who taught him to read and you who showed a bit of respect towards him after the two sparring fights. Beyond that humans have either treated him badly or quite worse.

So while he is able to see the good in humans thanks to Tari, he is naturally very cautious when it comes to them and he hasn't grown into the leadership role yet that would make him more diplomatic.

That being said, it has been fun to read the old threads with the bits about Thrall and his escape. And I did spot a small mistake in continuity. I have been describing Malevus not as a morning person, but in the old threads she was the one waking you up. So either Malevus has changed, or Alric has learned to wake up stupidly early before the Incident.
>>
>>5983153
>Yes

>Who are the orcs you are with
>Was the falcon a coincidence or shaman stuff?
>does he want to have a meeting with tari?
>is there anything you'd like to ask me?
These are the only questions off the top of my head.
>>
>>5983153
>Yes

>Write in
Tell him we stopped the letters he left at that one camp, the ones between him and Tari, from falling into Blackmoore's hands. That was very nearly quite the oopsie.

If we it looks like our own patrols are approaching the orcs should hide, and then Alric and Malevus can handle it. I imagine that rather odd falcon can help spot anything which is how they got here without killing any patrols. If it led the way and is related to their shaman, and a bit more about that topic might be nice.
>>
>>5983212
>>5983210
>Support
>+ Do you know anything about the Trolls in Strahbad? Are they friendly? Are you friendly towards them? If no would you be willing to help us kill Trolls or the Ogres? In exchange for goods. We won't give you weapons though...

>Do you know of the Gnolls across the river? If so do you know where their camp is located?

>Warn him about Blackmoores upcoming Gnoll campaign. And that he and his friends should avoid the area during the campaign.
>>
>>5983153
>Yes
>Write-in

Were those orcs from Grom's group after all? I don't think he told us. How did he become their leader?

Also Tari's been doing well. She no longer lives with Blackmoore and works for me now.
>>
>>5983153
Talk with Thrall:
>Yes

If Yes:
>Write in
Yo, Thrall, you're not a thrall anymore, you're free, are you gonna change your name or something? Also, should Alric be worried about a new orcish warband coming up in Alterac? Not that Thrall would be especially forthcoming with such plans anyhow. Are you by any chance open to future secret cooperation on dealing with future menaces antithetical to life like this? We've already got warlockery, witchcraft and dragons breathing down our necks, what difference would it make to add orcs into the mix? We can only be sentenced to death once!
>>
>>5983153
>>Yes
Tell him about Tari and the grander scale of things happening in the world Right now
>>
The rocky terrain proved to be difficult even for the orcs to walk through so following them on horseback wasn’t that difficult as Epona masterfully avoided stepping on sharp rocks and other bits that could have hurt her. And as the speed slowed down to a crawl, you managed to catch up with Thrall with Malevus staying back behind the rest of the orcs.

“Thrall.” You said to him as you caught up with him.

“Alteraci Prince… Alric.” Thrall greeted you back with his deep voice.

“I wish to speak. More accurately, I wish to ask questions.” You said to him and looked at him, staring into his eyes with your own. It seemed that your eyes unnerved him somewhat, maybe the Fel green was too close to the red eyes of his brethren?

“You may speak.” Thrall responded.

“Who are the orcs who are with you? Are they from Grom’s band?” You asked him.

“No, they are from my clan of Frostwolves.” Thrall said to you. “They follow my orders.”

He wasn’t telling you everything, but that didn’t matter right now. But he told you something very interesting, Frostwolves? You hadn’t heard of a clan of that name. It also meant something very important which Thrall probably hadn’t intended for you to learn. Along with the Warsong Clan of Grom Hellscream, there was another orc clan in the wilds.

“Was the falcon just a coincidence?” You asked him next.

Thrall looked at you and a slight grin appeared on his face as he revealed his teeth. Was that a no?

“Alright, if you don't want to say.” You replied a bit jokingly and continued near immediately. “Do note, when you were caught after your escape, be lucky that the commander of that camp was illiterate.”

Thrall seemingly didn’t understand what you were saying until you could see it in his eyes that he realised what you meant.

“Yes… they had no idea of the letters, the ones between you and Tari. I fooled them and the commander went ahead and burned them.” You told Thrall and continued while nudging your head backwards towards Malevus. “And for the knife, my squire threw it into the river.”

Thrall stopped as he realised what you had just told him. The letters that connected him to Tari were gone, turned to ash. There were no links that he knew of and you didn’t know either that could make Tari responsible for his escape, for the burned barn under which he did so.

You rode in front of him and circled the large orc, looking down at him. Him realising what you had done for him, for Tari was something he hadn't expected to learn.

“You?” He asked.

1/2
>>
>>5983644

“I didn’t do it for you, I did it for Tari.” You replied. You didn’t dare to mention your feelings you had for her back then nor about how you have been fooling Blackmoore all these months. “You nearly managed to get her killed by being careless and by getting caught.”

“You were lucky that it was me that reached the camp first and not Blackmoore nor Langston.” You said to him and raised your voice slightly as you had to be consistent. “I even spoke in defence of you in front of King Terenas in the Capital City. A child shouldn’t be responsible for the crimes done by their fathers.”

The orcs that followed Thrall had grown restless. They didn’t seem to speak your language, but they could see the reaction you had on Thrall. The large orc was shaken by what he had heard.

“If you want to know, Tari is in Dawnholme which is the town down the hills. She is in my home, she is safe and she works for me.” You told him and continued. “Blackmoore can’t touch her, not anymore and never again that is for sure as long as I am alive.”

Thrall’s reaction was that of a shock as he fell on his knees. The six orcs that followed him tensed up and prepared to draw their swords and axes as you brought Epona around and stopped in front of Thrall.

How things had changed, just a moment ago it seemed that Thrall was the one in charge here, but with this little revelation he had shown his soft side. He cared for Tari for she was something like family to him by all accounts.

Just where would everything go from here? Well you knew one question you could ask him.

“Would you like to meet her?”



You are Thrall, son of Durotan, the future chief of Frostwolf Clan and a shaman in training.

And this human you barely knew had just told you that Tari was in fact under his care and that he had saved her, and you by proxy, after you had been caught by the guards.

The Alteraci Prince with whom you had sparred with had spoken to you with confidence in his voice, he wasn’t lying or telling you half-truths. This young man with his gentle face, long black smooth hair, but the sickly green eyes had told you something that you would hold very close to your heart and dear to you.

Tari was safe, she was in his care.

It made you happy, but also very unsure of what was to come because the news was a shock to you.

“Stand down.” You muttered to your brethren. The Frostwolves that were following you had already drawn their weapons and the elf protecting the Alteraci Prince had drawn her sword in response. You wouldn’t have blood spilt when such great news had been told to you.

“Thrall, you sure?” One of the orcs asked you.

“I am.” You replied and wiped a couple of tears off your eyes before looking at the Prince on horseback.

What could you respond, ask or say at this moment?


>Write in

QM: Pov switch! Get creative!
>>
>>5983646
>Write in
>QM: Pov switch! Get creative!
>Alrighty then! You asked for it!

As Thrall, you take a moment to gather your thoughts, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions swirling within you. Relief washes over you knowing that Tari is safe, but at the same time, you're filled with uncertainty about what lies ahead. This unexpected revelation has left you reeling, unsure of how to proceed.

Looking up at the Alteraci Prince, you find yourself struck by his sincerity and the genuine concern he has shown for Tari's well-being. Despite the differences between your races and the tense situation that had just unfolded, there's a sense of gratitude welling up inside you for his kindness.

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you finally speak up, your voice a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thank you... for everything," you begin, your words carrying a weight of sincerity. "I... I would like to meet her. To see for myself that she's safe."

You pause, gathering your thoughts before continuing. "But... I have to know... why? Why would you do this for her? What is it that you want in return?" Your voice is filled with genuine curiosity as you await his response, eager to understand the motives behind his actions.
>>
>>5983812
I know Thrall the most from Hearthstone of all things, I feel like I made him a tad more naive than in canon? But then again, he's like a teenager/young adult in this, isn't he?
>>
>>5983646
>Write in

Damn he really showed his sensitive side here.

Obviously he wants to see Tari, after the death knight has been dealt with. As long as Alric lives Tari is safe. BUT if he were to die on this little mission Tari might not be in a good spot. Motivation to make sure nothing happens to him, since I doubt Alric could be convinced to go back, but then again who knows Thrall has a way with words.

Hes grateful. Alric did it for Tari, but it did certainly save Thrall from being responsible for what could have happened. It means a lot and they both know it at this point. Thrall considers her family so if someone saved a family member would an orc of the traditional frostwolves consider it an honor debt of some kind? Even stevens if he saves Alric's or Malevus's life, or some such favor.

I imagine he'd have some words he would want Alric to take back to Tari.

His relationship with Blackmoore is complicated so he might want to know how his drunkard abusive adoptive father is doing, which could go into the gnoll campaign and what is causing that. Some kind of suspected movement in the hinterlands or what.

Being interested in Alric's well being, he might spot that Alric isn't in top form and hes already noticed the fel green eyes lol. Wanting to know if hes actually healthy enough to go on this mission. If Alric would like an orc shaman's opinion on the fel and dealing with its effects.
>>
>>5983646
>As Thrall, you take a moment to gather your thoughts, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions swirling within you. Relief washes over you knowing that Tari is safe, but at the same time, you're filled with uncertainty about what lies ahead. This unexpected revelation has left you reeling, unsure of how to proceed.

>Looking up at the Alteraci Prince, you find yourself struck by his sincerity and the genuine concern he has shown for Tari's well-being. Despite the differences between your races and the tense situation that had just unfolded, there's a sense of gratitude welling up inside you for his kindness.

>Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you finally speak up, your voice a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thank you... for everything," you begin, your words carrying a weight of sincerity. "I... I would like to meet her. To see for myself that she's safe."

You pause, gathering your thoughts before continuing. "But... I have to know... why? Why would you do this for her? What is it that you want in return?" Your voice is filled with genuine curiosity as you await his response, eager to understand the motives behind his actions.

>+I owe you a favor for helping Tari. And I owe you my life for helping me escape and covering up my mistakes. If you are ever in need I will help you.

(Good so now he can go subjugate the fucking trolls for us and murder the Ogres or some syndicate for us.)
>>
>>5983812
Kindness would be something unexpected from human men. as here:
>>5983176
It seems like the best Thrall could want for is leniency, so this would be the second biggest shock after Taretha being fine. So, in terms of reply I think the best thing to say is
>"Why would you put yourself at risk against another human leader for us? How can I meet her?"
Luckily with this sensitive side, it gives Thrall a reason to fight even harder. All Blizzard characters win when they have something on the line except Stormwind kings and commanders, and they all get killed when they go crazy.
>>
I can work with these write ins. Update hopefully later today.

But before that could Thrall have a roll?


>3d10, Best of three
>Higher the better
>>
Rolled 3, 8, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>5984201
>>
Rolled 8, 5, 4 = 17 (3d10)

>>5984201
Will Thrall have more luck with rolls than Alric? Let's find out!
>>
>>5984201
>>
Rolled 6, 1, 4 = 11 (3d10)

>>5984221
>>
>>5984210

Doesn't look that lucky, clearly association with Alric means that his luck has transferred to Thrall as well.

Now could Alric have some rolls.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 12, Higher the better
>>
Rolled 7, 3, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>5984227
Of course! Good luck is the exception in all things involving Alric.
>>
Rolled 7, 7, 2 = 16 (3d10)

>>5984227
Human supremacy roll.
>>
Rolled 2, 7, 3 = 12 (3d10)

>>5984227
My Alric will (not) blow it
>>
>>5984210
>>5984234

Thrall whiffed, but Alric saves the day. The update will come tomorrow, as I am way too tired to think about writing right now.
>>
The wave of relief crashed over you, the one person you cared about more than anything in the world wasn’t just fine and safe, but she was also nearby. The news of there being nothing connecting her to your escape, that the Alteraci Prince had done his own part with protecting her, was more than a miracle. You had feared Blackmoore learning about the letters, of him lashing out at her and her suffering because she just wanted you to be free.

Tari was safe and compared to that everything else was secondary.

Taking a deep breath, you pushed yourself up and stared at the Alteraci Prince, the young man whom you didn’t know had done you a favour that you will probably never be able to pay back to him. Looking at the Alteraci Prince, you find yourself struck by his sincerity and the genuine concern he has shown for Tari's well-being. Despite the differences between your races and the tense situation that had just unfolded, there's a sense of gratitude welling up inside you for his kindness.

“Thank you… for everything.” You said to him in common as his sickly eyes studied yours. His expression hadn’t changed, but you could see that him raising his voice earlier was just a way to get his point across.

“But... I have to know... why? Why would you do this for her? Why would you put yourself at risk?” You asked the Alteraci Prince.

“If I can’t protect someone whom I consider my friend, how do you think I can protect the other nearly two thousand souls under my care?” He replied to you and continued. “If I had failed, do you think I could have forgiven myself?”

He looked at you and blinked once.

“I might be a Prince, but remove that and who am I then?” He said and circled around you once. “Judge others as persons and not by whatever prefix they have, or who happen to be their parents.”

Staring back at the Alteraci Prince, you grunted once in agreement. He was right, peculiar how someone like him could speak so much truth.

“Why are we still stopped?” One of the orcs asked you.

“We will move then.” You said back to him before speaking to the human again. “Yes, I want to see her, but we shall talk more after we have dealt with the death knight.”

“Of course, lead the way.” He replied and nodded.

Continuing the march, you couldn’t shake Tari off your mind. The Alteraci Prince chose to ride next to you with his squire, the elf, having joined him. There was so much more to him that he hasn’t revealed to you which is fair, he is acting carefully just like you.

But you felt that you could trust him and that goes far.



>17, Failure
>19, Success


The land had turned even more rocky and the trees had grown smaller. Copses of trees and bushes covered the mountainsides as you trekked through the terrain looking for where the death knight could be.

Yet you hadn’t found anything, no signs, no feeling in the air. The spirits were quiet, they hadn’t told you anything.

1/2
>>
>>5984675

“Alric, is everything alright?” The elf asked suddenly and you looked at the Alteraci Prince.

He was breathing more heavily, his hand on his chest. His eyes gleamed of the Fel green, a slight sickly glow reminding you that not everything was well with him.

“The air feels… oppressive.” He said to the elf. “I can feel it, we are close.”

His horse neighed and he had to calm it down. The animals were reacting to something as well.

“We are close.” The Alteraci Prince said to you and looked at you. “But we have to continue on foot, our horses don’t want to go any further.”

You nodded to him and watched as he dismounted his horse and the elf joined him on foot. They managed to lead the horses to a nearby copse and tie them there before joining you again. This time though the Alteraci Prince had a wooden cane with him that got him leers from your comrades.

There was certainly something very much wrong with him.



The speed you travelled had slowed down even further as now you had to wait for the Alteraci Prince. While you couldn’t sense anything around you, the spirits were like they had disappeared, something was affecting him greatly.

He leaned on the elf who seemed to be more than concerned for his well-being, but he pushed on nevertheless.

Stopping for a small pause, he sat on a rock and drank from a waterskin. He glanced at you, like inviting you to speak or to say something.


>Ask him about what he is feeling? Are we close?
>What is the story of his eyes, what is wrong with him?
>Can he continue? Because by the looks of it, he is quite spent.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5984676
>>Ask him about what he is feeling? Are we close?
>>What is the story of his eyes, what is wrong with him?
>>Can he continue? Because by the looks of it, he is quite spent.
zug zug
>>
>>5984676
>Ask him about what he is feeling? Are we close?
>>
>>5984676
>Ask him about what he is feeling? Are we close?
>>
>>5984676
>>Ask him about what he is feeling? Are we close?
I miss few days and we got all of this happening! Happenings! Though we shouldnt try to pry too much, Alric will probably tell Thrall when the time is right. It is still smart to keep our distance to him and vice versa.
>>
The elf woman, his squire, kneeled next to the Alteraci Prince and handed him a small vial. He drank it in one go, passing it back to her. Watching the duo, the redheaded elf did remind you of Tari. How she looked at him, placed her hand on his knee. She seemed to care for him a lot which you did find curious, how did they come together? Knowing very little about elfs, seeing one was a rather new experience to you.

"Prince Alric." You grunted and got his attention. He turned to look at you and waited for you to continue. "What are you feeling? Are we close?"

"The air feels heavy." He told you and continued. "We are close, I can feel it. Evil spreads through the land."

You grunted in acknowledgement.

"When you are ready, lead the way." You told him.

He nodded as a reply.

You cursed in your mind for not sensing anything. Everything was so quiet, like the spirits were being dampened. Drek'Thar would know more, but he chose to stay in the village instead. Clearly your journey on the path to become a shaman had just started and you needed more practice. But how did the Alteraci Prince then sense something, was it his faintly glowing eyes doing it for him?



You are Prince Alric Perenolde and you feel like you are underwater.

Some time ago you felt it the first time, this pressing feeling deep inside you, tucked beyond your heart. It suddenly grew stronger and you instantly knew what it was, it was the same feeling you have had after the nightmares, it was the feeling of Fel making its presence known inside you.

"How are my eyes?" You asked Malevus, she had been helping you to move forward and had helped by lending her shoulder.

"Fel green, they glow faintly like when you create a green fire." She said to you, concern seeping into her voice.

You nodded and pushed yourself up off the rock before closing your eyes.

The death knight or its lair was leaking Fel and it was spreading through the land. That was causing all of this, this gripping feeling inside you that in turn has made the mana inside you churn as a great fiery maelstrom.

This oppressive feeling had made your breathing heavier, your steps were like you had stone weights around your ankles. The draconic glyphs on your chest throbbed, if you were to guess the additional glyphs Lady Nalice gave you are the ones partially responsible for this. They should give you a stronger and more precise control over Fel, but being Fel-touched also makes you sense Fel better than the others can. Your eyes revealed all of this, they reacted to the Fel around you.

Malevus looked at you, her eyes meanwhile revealing her thoughts.

"I'm fine, I am getting used to this closer we are getting to its lair." You told her, it was true.

She didn't reply, she didn't need to.

"Alright, let's go." You said with a raised voice and started walking. You had a solid idea where to go, the Fel felt heavier in one direction.

1/2
>>
>>5985219

At first the walking was very difficult for you, but slowly things got easier. You had Malevus helping you and you had the wooden cane with you keeping you up, but you needed them less and less.

"Alric, your eyes…" Malevus said to you.

"We are very close." You replied, they were probably glowing even more than before.

It felt like there was wind coming from one direction, wind that felt evil and oppressive. Pure chaos and destruction.

The orcs suddenly stopped and you turned to look at them.

"I can feel it now." Thrall muttered and spoke with his comrades. The orcs replied with a chorus of nods, they probably felt it too. Was the Fel something they could sense as well?

You continued until you had to stop in front of a rocky outcrop and there you found what you were looking for.

A doorway had been mined into the rocky wall. Barely wide enough for two men to go in side by side, it had ancient writing around the door into the mountain. You couldn't recognise it, but something compelled you to step closer.

With every foot and a yard taken, the pressure inside you grew stronger and stronger. You could feel the anxiety grow inside you and several beads of sweat appeared on your brow.

"The door, it is evil." Malevus said to you. Did she feel it now?

"It is more than evil, it is pure terror." You replied between breaths.

Extending your hand, you reached for the doorframe. When your fingers touched it, a jolt of pain travelled through you, making you recoil back and having Malevus catch you. Though at the same time your mind travelled through the stone deep inside the mountain where a laughing visage greeted you.

"It knows that we are here." You said to particularly no one.

"Alric, are you alright?" Malevus asked frantically, she was more than concerned. Her face revealed all that and more.

"I think I am, my mind is clear now, my body feels… normal." You replied. You still felt the Fel inside you, but nothing like just moments ago.

You found your balance and touched the stone again, this time you felt nothing except cold carved stone. Turning to look at Thrall, you gave him a nod that he understood.

This is it. This is the place.


>Be the one entering inside first.
>You found the place, let Thrall go first.
>The orcs should go in first, just in case.
>Other, write in

>3d10, Best of four
>DC 14, Higher the better

QM: Vote and a roll
>>
>>5985221
>The orcs should go in first, just in case.

>Other, write in
I wonder if we could use the Fel make Alric's body strong enough to fight for a bit. Its a rather intuitive force with how easy it is in casting spells. With how thick it is in here and how the battle goes it might be needed.
>>
Rolled 8, 2, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>5985221
Woops forgot to roll
>>
Rolled 2, 9, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>5985221
>>You found the place, let Thrall go first.
>>
Rolled 7, 10, 2 = 19 (3d10)

>>5985221
>Be the one entering inside first.
>You found the place, let Thrall go first.
Either or is fine with me. Just don't want no jobber to do it
>>
Rolled 10, 4, 4 = 18 (3d10)

>>5985221
>Be the one entering inside first.
>>
>>5985221
>You found the place, let Thrall go first.

We can go second and back him up.
>>
>19, Success!


"I brought us here, you can get the honour of going in first." You said to Thrall.

The large orc had kept his distance to you, allowing you to 'work in peace', but it was probably mostly just because of your eyes. Now with the Fel so thick around you, their glow unnerved the orcs greatly. It didn't help either for them to see you recoil when you touched the stone.

Thrall grunted, drawing his large blade and stepping past you through the doorway. You would follow right behind him as you drew the Cinder Sword that slowly started to shed embers.

The tunnel into the mountain was crudely carved. The stairs were uneven in size and shape and it got near pitch black awfully quickly. Thankfully there was an ancient torch made from iron on one of the walls that Thrall easily ripped off its holding place. With a bit of help from your sword, soon the bone-dry rags left there since who knows when were lit and some light was provided to you.

As Thrall continued to lead you and the others deeper into the mountain, he lit the passing torches for the other orcs to use.

"Alric… your eyes, I haven't seen them like this since…" Malevus started to say, but you stopped her by giving her a gentle smile.

"I can feel the Fel around us, we cannot allow the death knight to continue existing if this is what it is causing." You replied adamantly. "My eyes, glowing or not, we need to push forward."

It was a strange feeling now that you had gotten more used to it. The Fel inside you kept making the glyphs on your chest throb, it was a sickly feeling very much unnatural. But now you felt like it was pushing you onward, giving you strength to do so.

Soon you saw that the stairs would end as the light entered a large room, a chamber of some sort. Following Thrall, you looked around and found it empty. The shadows danced around you.

"There's another door." Thrall said to you and pointed across the chamber.

"We aren't alone." Malevus quickly said to you. "This is an unholy place, may the Light protect us."

She was right, you weren't alone. A sound of stone moving on stone appeared as large stone slabs moved out of their places by the walls.

1/2
>>
>>5985764

Thrall shouted something in orcish and the orcs prepared for battle. Ahead and around you stood men wrapped in cloth and carrying ancient looking arms and armour. Their eyes were glowing faintly just like yours.

They were undead, you had read about them. Ancient walking dead now employed to guard the death knight. This wasn't just a tunnel, but an ancient burial tomb. Looking around, more and more of them appeared. Undisturbed since their burials, nearly three dozen of them started to circle you, while there were just nine of you.

"Malevus, stay to my left and keep that side and my back clear." You gave her the orders.

You would need to deal with at least three of them to have done your part and you had no idea how strong the undead were. But the undead had no idea who they were facing.

You found yourself smirking.


>Alteraci Footman Drill
>Two-hand the Cinder Sword and be on the offensive. Ancient dead don't seem to be that athletic or fast in their movements.
>They are wrapped in cloth and have been in a dry place since being entombed. Light them on fire with your magic.

Do you use Fel:
>Yes
>No

Mana: 2/2
Fel: 1/1

QM: A reminder of magic in combat. The numbers indicate how many times you can perform magic in combat. Currently you can do it twice with your own Mana, but you can either boost the power and potency of the spell with Fel, or use Fel to cast the spell instead. At the moment Alric will prefer to use his own Mana first so Fel, if not used to boost the magic, can be used to cast a spell for a third time.

The roll was for Alric to hold everything together as he gets used to the Fel rich environment.
>>
>>5985765
>Alteraci Footman Drill
>No
Let's save it for the death knight
>>
>>5985775
>support
>>5985765
>>
>>5985775
>>5985765
+1
>>
>>5985765
>>5985775
+1

I want to save the magic for the death knight as well and then gank it in one go with a fire similar to the one we showed to Jandice. Just pour all our mana and fel into the fire and make the death knight a total geek.
>>
Unanimous and I don't expect that to change. Could Alric have some rolls please, let's see if he kicks some undead butt.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 10, 15, Crit 20
>>
Rolled 2, 3, 4 = 9 (3d10)

>>5985889
Can alric kick some undeadass?
>>
Rolled 10, 9, 9 = 28 (3d10)

>>5985889
>"No i did not fully recover at the time. I tripped on a blade."
>>
File: Orc Smile.gif (1.69 MB, 498x371)
1.69 MB
1.69 MB GIF
>>5985893
Alright, Alric is not fucking around. I am going to ask for more rolls, one more just in case for Alric and then three more for Thrall, Malevus and the orcs with the d10s and DCs in that order as well. I will add the d10s together from the rolls for final results.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 10, 12, 13, Crit 20
>>
Rolled 6, 7, 7 = 20 (3d10)

>>5985889
>>
Rolled 7, 8, 5 = 20 (3d10)

>>5985907
>>
>>5985910>>5985912
Double natural 20s? What are the odds of that!
>>
Rolled 8, 3, 4 = 15 (3d10)

>>5985907
>>
Rolled 1, 16, 19 = 36 (3d20)

>>5985907
>>
Rolled 4, 7, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>5985933
>>5985907
oops, wrong dice.
>>
Rolled 8, 3, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>5985907
Do we just keep rolling for Malevus and the no name orcs?
>>
>>5985943

No need, I will add the corresponding rows together and see the results. Everyone btw passed with 19, 18 and 14 being the results.
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 4 = 11 (3d10)

>>5985907
uh are the rolls done?
>>
>28, Crit Success!
>19, Success!
>18, Success!
>14, Success!


The ancient dead slowly walked towards you, with a closer look they carried a mix of spears and short swords with shields, while wearing ancient looking helmets and breastplates. They were quite ancient because you didn't remember seeing anything like this in your history books.

Though that didn't matter how old they were, what mattered was that their mummified bodies didn't seem that though and the armour they wore only partially protected them. Which to be honest was a lot more than your leather jacket.

"Lok-tar Ogar!" Thrall shouted and prepared to face the undead.

You just raised the Cinder Sword up to a standard ready position and waited. Shadows danced across the chamber half-illuminating your attackers. Their lifeless glowing eyes tracked you and their bodies croaked as they moved. And then the first one was close enough at trying to jab at you with its spear.

And then you found how sluggishly they moved compared to you, hell even half-groggy just dragged out of the bed Malevus poses more threat to you than them.

You caught the tip of the spear with your blade, directing it away from you and letting your sword slide up on the old wooden shaft. Slicing the fingers that held it off, with a single smooth move you pushed your blade into the undead's armpit and lobbed its arm off next.

Quickly following with a horizontal slash before it could raise its shield, its head was severed off its body. That was one.

The body crumbled immediately as bones and mummified flesh lost its cohesion and dropped like a sack of flour on the floor, but you were already on your next target.

Block a downward swing, aim your riposte on its neck and decapitate the head. That was two.

One tries to come from your right and you caught its sword with your own quickly redirecting it to the right. Seeing its torso open and unarmoured, you just chose to swing Cinder Sword as hard as you could and the now white and orange blade of superheated steel cut through the undead like it wasn't even there. That was three.

Next came with a spear which you just dodged and your own lunge found its throat. With a twist the head was removed. That was fourth.

At this point you grinned like a mad man, the sound around you had turned into silence. It was just you and your opponents. The Cinder Sword in your hand felt like an extension of your body and these ancient dead, well they posed no threat to you. If the death knight thought that they could pose any threat to you, it was thoroughly mistaken.

Fifth one you split from shoulder to stomach.

Six you drove through with your sword before bisecting it.

Seventh lost its sword arm and then its head.

Eight just had its head split in two.

You danced through them with your sword in your hand. Each strike was deliberate and deadly. Any thoughts or feelings on the Fel surrounding you had been pushed aside and forgotten as you fought like never before.

1/2
>>
>>5986029

You felt alive and you laughed a bit.

Ninth and the last one of them actually carried a longsword and it forced you to parry its swing, but then you just redirected its blade down and with one smooth swing severed both of its arms and decapitated it.

Looking quickly around, you found no enemies around you. The ground was full of mummified corpses and their body parts, some of them smouldering and one actually having caught on fire. The makeshift campfire provided enough light to the chamber for you to see that the fighting had already ended. Some of the orcs were stabbing their blades into unmoving corpses just in case, but most were staring at you. Sound slowly returned as your concentration lapsed.

"Alric, are you alright?" Malevus asked you. Her breathing was heavy and her red hair was all messy.

"I am, I am." You replied and leaned on your sword, you were a bit winded from this, but otherwise you felt fantastic. "You?"

"I'm fine, no injuries." She replied and smiled, but you couldn't help but notice her concern. "Alric you…"

Malevus was interrupted as there was an angry sounding talking coming from where the orcs were standing and you decided to investigate.

One of the orcs sat on the floor with a wound on his left arm. A bloody spear was next to him. The orc, the younger one who had been leering at you had been hit and now held his wound so it would not bleed everywhere.

"Not a deep wound, but look." Thrall said to you as you walked to him.

The flesh around it was dark, the orcs feins near it turned deep green. You glanced at the spear and realised what was going on.

"Fel…" You muttered, the spear had been cursed or something. You suddenly felt very relieved for not getting hit by one. "Malevus, can you…"

"I can close the wound… but the Fel…" Malevus spoke and continued. "I'm not sure if I can remove or push it away."

"I will cut off his arm, better amputation than agonising death." Thrall replied and you saw his grip tightening around the hilt of his blade.


>Allow the amputation and have Malevus heal the stump to stop the bleeding.
>Have Malevus heal the wound and hope that there's not enough Fel in it to kill the orc.
>Malevus can heal the wound and push the Fel away, it might not work though.
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.
>Other, write in

If you choose the Fel option:
>Burn it away immediately
>Hold onto it, you might need it later against the death knight

QM: Alric trashed those undead. Calm down!
>>
>>5986036
>Allow the amputation and have Malevus heal the stump to stop the bleeding.

These are Thralls people, follow his lead.
>>
>>5986036
>Allow the amputation and have Malevus heal the stump to stop the bleeding.

If the orc dies then its his call and thus his fault, not ours.
>>
>>5986036
>>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.

>Hold onto it, you might need it later against the death knight

Go big or go home. Save his life but also his arm so he can keep being a warrior. Finding use out of this affliction is nice.

Then get a little extra juice for the big fight, just overpower the death knight with one super intense flamestrike.

That said it would also be cool for Alric to burn away all the bodies and cursed weapons with a big fel bonfire, the orcs looking at him with fear and awe. Especially after we just cleared those undead like it was nothing.
>>
>>5986036
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.
>Burn it away immediately
Not sure how good would fel be against a death knight.
>>
>>5986036
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.

>Burn it away immediately

If that doesn't work he can amputate.

>Allow the amputation and have Malevus heal the stump to stop the bleeding.
>>
Wait a moment.
A death knight at the border of our lands. For who knows how long here and the cavern just letting out Fel ?
This must be related a bit to either our nightmares or Syndicate. Don't get me wrong could be something else entirely too. Regardless excellent show of martial skill, knowing the basics well really helps even if without armor and shield (and still need to recover).

>The ancient dead slowly walked towards you, with a closer look they carried a mix of spears and short swords with shields, while wearing ancient looking helmets and breastplates. They were quite ancient because you didn't remember seeing anything like this in your history books.

Interesting. Perhaps some ancient Alteracis or men of the hills. What to do with such a place, one defiled if the dead now walk. Something to ponder on. There could be some prestige in having ancient armors and weapons to show ? Or we could restore the tomb, simply leaving it here seems doesnt sit well with me

>>5986036
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.
>Burn it away immediately
Concentrate then do it, Fel is not exactly easy to work on. We don't know how much Fel is in there and we already have some in our body best cut out the new one.

And.....we do have only clothes on us at the moment, maybe we could use one of this old armors.
>>
>>5986076
People can still be warriors with just one arm.
>>
>>5986036
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.
Why resort to amputation when greater healing is in our grasp?
>Burn it away immediately
Our sigils are already strained by the fel within and without, I don't want to risk burdening them further.

>"I'm fine, no injuries." She replied and smiled, but you couldn't help but notice her concern. "Alric you…"
Oh shut it!

>>5986172
I don't think this is related to the nightmares or the Syndicate, not in any substantive way anyway. Agreed on doing something about the tomb although would wearing this armor really benefit us?

>>5986221
Yeab but not here and now and not without, like in Götz' case, a lot of technical help.
>>
>>5986036
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.
>Hold onto it, you might need it later against the death knight
>>
>>5986036
>>5986076
Supporting, go big!
>>
Drawing the Fel out and burning it. DCs describe different stages of success. Give me rolls!


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 14, 18, Crit 23
>>
Rolled 3, 9, 6 = 18 (3d10)

>>5986432
Hold on to your buts
>>
Rolled 6, 1, 8 = 15 (3d10)

>>5986432
>>
>>5986036
>You can control Fel to some extent, draw it out of the wound and the orc's arm into you. Malevus can heal it then.
>Burn it away immediately

As said earlier, >>5986138
Thrall can amputate if we fail, and I think it might just go OK. Unless fails his dc and accidentally summons demons from the orc's corpse
>>
Rolled 2, 7, 1 = 10 (3d10)

>>5986432
now i refresh. oops.
>>
Doctor Alric is in, let's see if Doctor Malevus joins him. Rolls please.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 15, Crit 22
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 2 = 5 (3d10)

>>5986503
My Malevus will crit
>>
>>5986510
And by that RNGesus took as crit fail
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>5986503
cmon RNGREEN JESUS THRALL
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 8 = 14 (3d10)

>>5986503
>>
Rolled 8, 2, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>5986503
He is dead Jim
>>
Uh oh


>1d100
>Best of one
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>5986530
now I'll surely get it
>>
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96 KB JPG
>>5986533
hahashit
>>
>>5986534
Should’ve just let Thrall cripple his own man, baka.
>>
>>5986510
>>5986533
Goddammit Malevus... she gets all sanctimonious about Alric's relationship with Fel yet it healed a wound better than her Light did.
>>
>18, Success!
>14, Failure!
>37


"No, that isn't necessary, I want to try something first." You said to Thrall and kneeled next to the wounded orc. "Malevus, be prepared to close the wound after I draw the Fel out."

"You are going to do what?" Malevus asked as what you said surprised her.

"If I can use the Fel myself, surely I can draw it out as well." You said to her. "Now help me and don't just stand there."

Malevus was going to protest your plan, but chose to not say anything. Instead she kneeled next to you and waited for you to act first.

"Move your hand." You said and stared at the orc. Of course he didn't understand you, so Thrall translated for you.

Thankfully he did as told and you saw the wound properly. It gushed more blood than you had expected and got a concerned look from Malevus, you didn't have the time to dilly-dally around. You saw the flesh around the wound darkening and you knew what you needed to do as you pressed your hands on the wound, stopping it from bleeding, but most importantly feeling the orc's flesh.

The orc grunted uncomfortably as he didn't know what you were going to do as you started to concentrate. Searching for the Fel inside you, you concentrated on that feeling and having gotten that into your mind, you started to search for the same feeling where your hand pressed on the wound.

And you felt it, the sickly malignant feeling of Fel, the same feeling you have in you, the same that has surrounded you since arriving here. But this was more potent, this was strong and deadly. Yet you needed to do this to save the orc whom you didn't know at all.

Concentrating on the Fel, you started willing it under your control. The Draconic glyphs on your chest throbbed and felt like they were burning. Your breathing turned heavy and beads of sweat appeared on your brow. But you saw progress, the dark green veins started to protract and return to normal. And then you felt the Fel entering your hands and leaving the orc.

By the Light it hurt, it felt like someone was stabbing your palms with a burning hot dagger and digging your tendons. You felt this moving up your hands into your arms and you saw your veins darken. You knew you would need to do this quickly and then burn the Fel away just as quickly. The orc gritted its teeth and tried to not show signs of pain, but you knew that it hurt like hell for him as well.

1/2
>>
>>5986609

Malevus and the rest of the orcs watched as you worked, until you knew you had to pull out. Drawing more Fel out of the orc had become harder and harder and you weren't sure if you had succeeded getting everything out. Taking your hands off the wound, you saw that the flesh wasn't as dark as before.

"Malevus." You quickly said as you pushed yourself up with your shaky hands. They looked bad, veins easily seen through the skin. You could feel this Fel, this dirty infectious Fel moving deeper into your body. You had no time to waste.

Concentrating again on your hands, you clapped them together and opened them up like a cup. A small green fire suddenly lit up above them, droplets of green flame dropping down. Thrall’s eyes opened wide open as he saw you do that, remaining orcs stared at you just as intensively until Malevus started to pray.

You felt the Fel slowly being pulled back from within you as the fire grew in your hands. Green flames licked upwards illuminating the chamber fully. Seconds turned into dozens. You were pushing your own limits, but you felt more and more in control.

Suddenly a shriek of pain filled the chamber and at the corner of your eye you saw Malevus getting punched by the orc she was healing. She flew on her back and the orc pressed his free hand on the wound. The Holy Light must have reacted with Fel and caused immense pain. But then you saw that Malevus didn't move and suddenly you didn't know what to do.


>Drop everything, raise hell and make sure the orc knows he fucked up even with a language barrier between you and him for what he did. You don't punch someone who is trying to help you.
>You need to check Malevus immediately, her well-being is ahead of everything else.
>There is still foreign Fel inside you, you can't drop your concentration now as you don't want this Fel inside you a moment longer.
>Shout to Thrall to handle things, the orcs are under his command after all.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5986611
>There is still foreign Fel inside you, you can't drop your concentration now as you don't want this Fel inside you a moment longer.

I don't know about you but not paying attention to the ball of evil-fire purifying our body we've got in our hands sounds like a recipe for bad times. Malevus is either fine or already dead - isn't like we know any healing magic - so either she'll be fine in a minute or two or she's not going to be fine.
>>
>>5986611
>>There is still foreign Fel inside you, you can't drop your concentration now as you don't want this Fel inside you a moment longer.
>You need to check Malevus immediately, her well-being is ahead of everything else.
>>
>>5986611
>You need to check Malevus immediately, her well-being is ahead of everything else.
>>
>>5986611
>There is still foreign Fel inside you, you can't drop your concentration now as you don't want this Fel inside you a moment longer.
Make a bigger fire and get rid of this extra Fel fast!
>>
>>5986611
>You need to check Malevus immediately, her well-being is ahead of everything else
I feel like Alric would check on Malevus first, maybe try to get her to drink the holy water we gave her.
>>
You can't stop now as much as you wanted to drop your concentration and go see if Malevus was alright. There was still Fel inside you and stopping now would mean that it could slip beyond your reach and get mixed with the Fel already in you.

And that was definitely something you wanted to avoid.

So you just had to concentrate drawing the sickly Fel out and burning it. The fire fluctuated, but you held your mind on keeping it lit. From the corner of your eye you saw Thrall talking to the orc who had punched Malevus and by the tone of his voice, Thrall seemed quite furious. And then you saw Malevus sitting up and holding her jaw.

Oh thank the Light she was alright. Same time you nearly lost your concentration, but you managed to squeeze out the last bits of the Fel you had drained off the wound and for a couple of seconds the fire turned into normal and then you allowed it to vanish.

Breathing out deeply, you dropped on your knees and looked at your hands. They were hurt, numb from pain and stiff to move. Yet there were no signs of Fel on them except the black nails. Neither did you feel anything being awry inside you besides the maelstrom of fire and the Fel Lady Nalice used to save your life.

"Alric?" Malevus asked you and looked at you.

You raised your head and looked back, seeing her holding her jaw and lower lip. She seemed fine, but for a moment you had felt absolutely dreadful seeing her not moving.

"I'm fine, I burned the Fel away…" You said between breaths. "You?"

"Busted lip and my jaw hurts." Malevus replied. "I was warned of patients that could get violent, but…"

"Not an orc…" You said and pushed yourself up.

Walking to her and completely disregarding the orcs for a moment, you helped her up and looked at her face. Yeah, a busted lip. That is going to leave a scar. Then you nearly lost your balance and Malevus was forced to catch you before you fell.

"Thanks Malevus." You said to her, face awfully close to hers. "How about the…"

"I stopped the bleeding, but the wound…" She replied as she helped you to stand.

"We will bandage the wound." Thrall grunted and got your attention. "Whatever you did has helped, but I need to ask you something very important."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Are you a warlock?" Thrall asked you and you noticed the remaining orcs having their hands on their weapons. "Because only warlocks use and control Fel."

Malevus quickly glanced at you and back at the orcs. They seemed rather agitated by what they had seen, which didn't really surprise you. Fel and warlocks having a bad reputation amongst them would be an understatement.

1/1
>>
>>5986783


>Yes, yes you are. And you have used this power for good.
>Technically yes, but in practice no.
>You are a mage, to defend yourself one should know about Fel.
>No, you are not.
>You don't need to answer, didn't saving one of his comrades' live be enough of an answer.
>Other, write in.

Tell him about the incident:
>Yes, full version
>Yes, abridged version
>Yes, you got poisoned
>No, he doesn't need to know, not now

QM: Malevus succeeded in stopping the bleeding, but not to mitigate the pain. The 1d100 got you the reaction of the orc lashing out in pain as Alric's thinking was correct. Light and Fel don't exactly match.

>>5986776

Ah damn it, I had typed the update out before I noticed this. Also Alric has already drank the vial, Malevus gave it to him in one of the Thrall updates.
>>
>>5986785
>Technically yes, but in practice no.
I mean we are ok with having warlocks under our command and such
>Yes, abridged version
>>
>>5986783
Nobody touches our people and the ones that work for Alterac. Malevus is under us, this is a slight. Better remind this orc boy, we expect bare minum an exscuse even if honestly there should be a punishment at least.

>You are a mage, to defend yourself one should know about Fel.
We are not a warlock, no we do not sacrifice people or consort with demons and undead. No we aren't evil.
We didn't take lessons for be one and avoided that path basically. In regard to saying we have warlocks under us, that is a topic we havent fully told even in our own very much trusted ranks. The people that know Eligius is also a warlock can be counted on a single hand.
Remember some stuff need to be kept secret.

>Yes, abridged version
Fine with talking but try and remind them that we have also a death knight to kill.
But the jest of it (which is true) is that the Syndicate is on a full on war against us. Which includes try and killing us, like with what happened on Durnholde feast. Or even more recently again in Tarren Mill.

Also check if there is an armor to grab for us. Dealing with a death knight only in clothing sound exceptionally deadly, so you know. Even if its ancient armor just grab it and put it on.
>>
>>5986611
>There is still foreign Fel inside you, you can't drop your concentration now as you don't want this Fel inside you a moment longer.

If Malevus dies then she can just pay one of those angel ladies to revive her, or travel all the way back to her corpse to reincarnate, ez. The worst that could happen would be if she ends up getting retarded due to suffering cerebral trauma.

However, since this is Warcraft and Warcraft is literally a juvenile power fantasy, all that we would need to do in such a scenario would be trepanning Malevus' skull open and then pour some health potion in. :D
>>
>>5986785
>>You are a mage, to defend yourself one should know about Fel.

Tell him about the incident:
>Yes, you got poisoned

Honesty, like all other virtues, are only good conditionally. Jeopardizing our whole safety by telling Thrall too much would be too bad of a condition.
>>
>>5986785
>>Technically yes, but in practice no.
>Yes, abridged version
>>
>>5986785
>No, you are not.
Not in any way that really matters, not like we're doing any of the terrible things warlocks have a reputation of doing nor are we pursuing mastery of the dark arts.

>Yes, you got poisoned
This isn't storytime people, not even for an abridged version
>>
>>5986785
>Technically yes, but in practice no.
>Yes, you got poisoned
>>
>>5986785
>You are a mage, to defend yourself one should know about Fel.
>Yes, abridged version
Just tell him fel poisoning was an accident out of alrics control.
>>
>>5986785
>You are a mage, to defend yourself one should know about Fel.
>Yes, abridged version


Noooo not malevus face! Sad panda bear. We'll have to have her heal herself and minimize the scarring.
>>
Rolled 8, 1, 6 = 15 (3d10)

Update later this evening, but before that could I have a roll. This is for the whole group. I will also roll for the death knight. Try to beat what I roll.


>3d10, Best of four
>Higher the better
>>
Rolled 6, 5, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>5987212
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>5986785
>You are a mage, to defend yourself one should know about Fel.
>Yes, abridged version
Saved by Fel against our will, now we're purging the fuck out of it wherever we can find it - including Alric's own self. I think Thrall can understand that much.

>>5987212
bones be rollin', please no more failures
>>
Rolled 2, 10, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>5987212
>>
Rolled 6, 8, 4 = 18 (3d10)

>>5987212
>>
>>5987218
>Saved by Fel against our will
Why the hell would we tell Thrall about that? We were poisoned and that's the story we tell people remember?
>>
>15
>21


"Technically yes." You said and watched his reaction. You could see his eyes open slightly when you said that. "But in practice no."

Extending your hand and opening your palm, with a snap a small flame appeared above it and you let it burn there for a couple of seconds.

"I am a mage, or well I am studying to become one." You said and let the flame disappear and your arm dropped. "And I know that the world is full of danger so one should be prepared and you shouldn't be blind. Yet this is enough to be branded as a warlock."

Thrall stared at you and stood in silence.

"And for the Fel, I had an incident and I nearly died, my heart stopped, but thankfully it was restarted quick enough. An accident due to which I have Fel inside me." You told him. "Hence my eyes, hence needing to use the cane, hence my overall weakness, hence my ability to sense Fel better than others do."

"Alric…" Malevus whispered as your voice gained some strength.

"I never wanted this, but now I have to carry this burden and may Holy Light smite me down if I lie, but one day I will be free of this." You told Thrall. "Is that enough?"

"It is enough." Thrall said to you and grunted something in orcish to the others who immediately seemed to ease up a bit.

The unease didn't disappear fully, which was understandable to you. You wouldn't suddenly turn buddy-buddy with them.

Suddenly this wave of dread sweeped over you, a cloud of invisible Fel miasma pushed past you. The orcs reeled slightly and you held Malevus' shoulder to steady yourself.

"The death knight is waiting for us." You said to Thrall. It looked like the orcs were more affected by this than you or Malevus were. "Let's not waste any time."

Thrall nodded and grunted something in orcish.

"Follow me." He said to you and picked up a fallen torch before stepping through the doorway out of the chamber.

You looked at Malevus who gave you a tired smile which seemed to hurt her a bit.

"After this is done, I want you to heal your lip. Can't have my dear squire all scarred up." You replied with a jest.

"Alric, what did I tell you…" Malevus just shook her head, but still smiled.

You couldn't resist.



Following Thrall into a new set of stairs and tunnels, you felt the dreadful stench of Fel growing heavier. Even though you had gotten used to it or pushed it aside previously, you had pushed yourself a bit too hard when you burned the Fel away. And now you felt the weight again on your shoulders.

Entering a narrow tunnel where Thrall had to walk sideways, suddenly you heard the noise of stone moving against stone. A stone slab right next to you started to move towards you. With a quick step forward you avoided it and then your mind realised something.

"Malevus!"


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 17
>>
Rolled 7, 8, 10 = 25 (3d10)

>>5987360
Tell the truth to Thrall but not Jandice... I really don't understand anons' reasoning here.
>>
Rolled 2, 8, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>5987360
>>
>>5987373
Meant Jaina. Freudian slip, lack of sleep, retardation or a combination of all three? I don't know.

Also damn, that roll was impressive. Very nice.
>>
>25, Success!


You turned around and saw Malevus leaping forward, easily avoiding the stone slab and landing right next to you just as the stone slab hit the opposing wall and blocked your path back.

"That was dangerous! What were you thinking!" You shouted at her.

"Well I can't let you go without me, who is going to make sure you can walk away from here." Malevus said back just as sternly. "Alric, you need me."

"Yeah and you could have just been crushed!" You replied back.

"I am an elf, I have certain grace. Jumps like that are easy for us." She said back to you.

"What if you had slipped?"

"But I didn't!"

Thrall cleared his throat and got the attention. Both Malevus and you leered at him for interrupting the two of you.

There were several knocks heard on the other side of the stone slab and Thrall very carefully pushed past the two of you so that he could pound the slab with his sword.

"It won't move." He said. "Not worth even trying, we have only one direction we can move to."

He was right, neither you nor Malevus could get through the slab. You could just move deeper into the mountain.

Towards the death knights lair.



The three of you were careful to not sprung any more traps, watching your steps suddenly you saw a faint green light ahead of you.

You drew the Cinder Sword and Malevus drew her sword as well. You were close, you knew it. Letting Thrall to enter first, you found yourself in a chamber lit by a pair of braziers with green fires on them.

And then you saw a being sitting on a large stone slab, a man wearing an old suit of plate mail wrapped in a dark robe that hid its head and face. A pair of red eyes stared at you underneath the hood.

"Finally you are here." The death knight said to you. Its voice was hollow and echoed through the chamber. "An orc, human and an elf.

Thrall readied himself as you stepped next to him and Malevus right next to you. There were so many questions in your mind that you wanted to know, but just as much you wanted to burn the death knight into cinders.

"Green eyes… and a paladin… quite peculiar." The death knight said to you.


>Ask who the death knight is and why is it here?
>Have the death knight tell you what its plans are?
>Proclaim that you are here to defeat it and let it know who it is facing.
>Just burn the death knight with your magic, it doesn't expect that.
>Other, write in.

QM: Choosing magic will give you another vote. Also Malevus easily reached you so I wrote the update. If she had failed, she just wouldn't have been able to join you and Thrall. No tomato goes squish.
>>
>>5987418
>Ask who the death knight is and why is it here?
>Have the death knight tell you what its plans are?
Try to entice them to monologue about their plans and how we are so doomed and what not. Earn that acting award Alric!

When it gets boring or useless:
>Just burn the death knight with your magic, it doesn't expect that.
Nuke it.
>>
>>5987432
>support

Pump it for info. Then kill it.
>>5987418
>>
>>5987432
Support

Might want to make a sign to Thrall for play the part for a while. If nothing else we are freely resting before combat.

And when it gets dangerous we attack with fire. Boring and useless, its still saying something that we can cook with for us.
>>
>>5987432
+support

Honestly I didn't really consider the implications of telling the truth, or who have we already told or have lied to.
I figured that there wasn't really any point in lying to him since I doubt that any of the guys who would condemn us for using fel would've taken his word for it
>>
>>5987229
>>5987373
No other human will listen to an orc. Jaina meanwhile is overly curious and overly chatty. The secret would easily get legs and travel the country.

>>5987418
>Has the deathknight uncovered the riddle of steel?
Seriously, how much does Alric know about the second war? This is a chance for Alric and Thrall to learn some of the history of the land.
>Was the death knight among those in the war among these lands?
>>5987432
>Ask who the death knight is and why is it here?
>Have the death knight tell you what its plans are?
>Are there other knights or warlocks around, or is he acting alone?
We know of the Blackrock warlocks already, but confirmation of others is useful.
>>
>>5987898
Finally, where was the knight's corpse drawn from. So where know where to return it after we down this guy, especially if its Northshire Abbey.
>>
>>5987418
>>5987432
Supporting, we should try to get as much out of it we can even if it doesnt lead to anywhere.
>>
Asking questions before trying to set the death knight on fire.

Now the second vote, how much mana will Alric use to cast the spell? The difficulty will ramp up with more mana and Fel you use, but I will give multiple DCs when it is time to roll the dice so a partial success will be plausible.


Mana: 2/2
Fel: 1/1

>Set the death knight on fire, use single mana
>Add more mana to the spell, use all mana to make it stronger
>Add Fel to the spell, powering it even further
>Draw more Fel from the surrounding environment and use it to supercharge the spell
>>
>>5988000
>>Add more mana to the spell, use all mana to make it stronger
A nuke is a nuke.
Alric is still mostly a swordsman so i doubt we could get another magic attack off.
I doubt using fel is a good idea on a creature thats basically all fel.
>>
>>5988000
>Add more mana to the spell, use all mana to make it stronger
>Add Fel to the spell, powering it even further
Wait making it more powerful makes failure more likely?
>>
>>5988006

It makes it harder for Alric to control it and if you fail to reach the higher DCs, the attempt can sputter out. Think of Alric ramping up the spell fast, adding more and more power to it. Depending on the roll, at some point Alric reaches his limit.
>>
>>5988015
Then what if, instead of one big bomb, Alric does something like this?
>>
>>5988000
>>Set the death knight on fire, use single mana
>>Add more mana to the spell, use all mana to make it stronger
>>Add Fel to the spell, powering it even further
>>Draw more Fel from the surrounding environment and use it to supercharge the spell
Power overwhelming! I want the death knight nuked properly with no half measures, properly geeked
>>
>>5988123

Alric is not on that level of fire magic, yet.

Oh God, is Malevus our Hawkeye?
>>
>>5988183
But you get my point don't you? A continuous barrage of fire instead of one big bomb, would that improve our odds?
>>
>>5988190

I do get your point and you will see what I have in my mind, of course depending on what vote will win and how the rolls go.
>>
>>5987360
>Can't have my dear squire all scarred up.

Shit taste, scars are hot and they feel nice to touch. Not to mention how they build character.
>>
>>5988000
>>Set the death knight on fire, use single mana

Burn, baby, burn. Also, if possible also add:

>Add more mana to the spell, use all mana to make it stronger

I don't think that using fel would be a good idea considering how the undead of Warcraft were created by fel demons. What if we end up empowering it somehow?
>>
>>5988396
I thought about that but I think that would only happen if they had grandmastery over fire since the Fel is being used in that way.
>>
>>5988000
>Set the death knight on fire, use single Attack.

Then hit him with another single attack.

I'd rather hit twice with an easier DC and chance to crit on both. Than a higher chance of failure and doing nothing and wasting all our mana. Definitely no fel. We might fucking heal it by injecting fel into it or power boost it.
>>
>>5988000
>>Add more mana to the spell, use all mana to make it stronger
>>
"If you find us so peculiar, I don't think talking would hurt?" You said taking a step forward and leaning on the Cinder Sword. A bit more rest would help all of you, even if leaning on your sword feels bad. "To humour me. Besides, our way back is blocked."

"To humour you? Perhaps, perhaps." The death knight replied to you.

It was eerie how hollow its voice was.

"You do want to know who you are facing, don't you?" You said and took another step forward. "Just like I want to know who you are and why you are here."

The death knight stood up and you could see that the years had taken a toll on its plate mail. Leather and cloth covered the body where steel didn't, plenty of material that you could set on fire. You just needed to be a bit closer, it would make the first move much easier that way.

"Fine, have it your way. I am Umo Shadowheart, servant of Gul'dan and the Shadow Council." The death knight spoke and pointed its gauntleted hand at you. "Who are you human? Who are they?"

"I am Prince Alric Perenolde, the second heir of Alterac and ruler of these lands." You said and straightened your back. You could see the red eyes of Umo dart back to you. "To my right is Lady Malevus Silverthread, heiress to the most renowned family of couturiers in the whole Quel'thalas."

You could feel Malevus staring at the back of your head, she was a Lady, but not a heiress. Making her a bit more interesting wouldn't hurt at all if you were trying to impress a death knight.

"And to my left is Thrall, the most successful gladiator in the whole Lordaeron." You told him. That wasn't a lie. "Now why are you here?"

"A Prince, a Lady and a gladiator?" Umo said to you with a questioning tone. "Has the world gone mad?"

"I can assure you, after the Horde was destroyed, madness has left this world of ours." You replied with a slightly more serious tone while taking another step forward. "Why are you in this tomb?"

Umo didn't like your tone, you could see it in how it moved.

"Orgrim failed so we fled, but I chose to hide instead of fleeing with the rest." Umo said to you.

"Hide in this tomb?"

"Yes, by chance I found this place. Its former occupants served me well as my protection till I am ready to wake up." Umo told you. "Until you destroyed them."

"Wake up?" You asked, that would explain its sudden appearance. It had woken up from whatever slumber it had been in. You took another step. Alright you were close enough now, maybe twelve yards. You could see a pair of skeletons, definitely not human by the death knights feet. Orcs?

"When the world is ready and I am needed again. The day will come when the sky will rain fire, you will be upon the brink of destruction and the reign of chaos has come at last." Umo said to you, its voice suddenly became very strong.

The death knight gestured and the two skeletons rose to their feet, picking up their disregarded weapons. They were orc skeletons and they towered over the death knight and you.

1/2
>>
>>5988938

"I think our talks are over now." Umo said to you. "Now die."

A wave of dread washed over you just like earlier and you could hear Thrall shouting his warcry behind you and the much softer steps of Malevus trying to reach your side.

But you had already prepared yourself by raising your left hand up. Mana flowed through your body, the sea of fire had turned into a mighty storm. Your gaze pierced into the death knight's red eyes.

And then you snapped your fingers.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 13, 17, Crit 24

QM: Using all of your mana is the winning vote.
>>
Rolled 5, 3, 10 = 18 (3d10)

>>5988940
tripple 1s
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 9 = 15 (3d10)

>>5988940
BIG FIRE
>>
Rolled 7, 1, 6 = 14 (3d10)

>>5988940
>>
Rolled 5, 7, 8 = 20 (3d10)

>>5988940
Now we're really rolling their bones
>>
>18, Success!


The robe Umo was wearing suddenly caught on fire over his shoulders. For a briefest of moments the flames were green before turning back into normal as you poured your mana into the fire. Your concentration held, willing the fire into existence with every thought of yours trying to make it burn as bright as you could.

The death knight reeled and took a step back. The fire you had created spread on the hood and down on its back. You wrapped it around the death knight, weaved it to burn like dragonfire. You had managed to surprise it, because when Umo grabbed the robe and tried to remove it, to the death knight's horror it realised the nature of your fire.

Droplets of pure fire had leaked down on its shoulders and found a way to get inside its armour. The cloth and leather ignited, adding to the walking pyre. Umo stopped trying to remove its robe and chose to stare at you just as the fire reached its mummified flesh.

Around you Thrall and Malevus had intercepted the two skeletons as they fought their own battles, allowing you to concentrate on the death knight.

Umo prepared to draw its sword and you knew that you needed to act fast. Already the flesh was on fire, soon it would lose whatever control it had on the corpse and the death knight would fall. But before that would happen it could act, you needed to finish it fast.


Mana: 0/2
Fel: 1/1

>Add Fel to the fire and scorch the death knight into cinders.
>Quickly dash close and with a single swing decapitate the death knight.
>Allow the death knight to just burn, you can parry and keep it away.
>Other, write in.
>>
>>5989090
>>Quickly dash close and with a single swing decapitate the death knight.
No fel plz.
>>
>>5989090
>Add Fel to the fire and scorch the death knight into cinders.
>>
>>5989090
>>Add Fel to the fire and scorch the death knight into cinders.
Dab on the death knight, Alric the Amateur Arcanist slaps death knight around without even touching it. Besides we need to burn the Fel away in any case.
>>
>>5989090
>>Quickly dash close and with a single swing decapitate the death knight.
>>
>>5989090
>>Quickly dash close and with a single swing decapitate the death knight.

The more stuff the death knight has to worry about, the better. Mob rush him!
>>
>>5989090
>Quickly dash close and with a single swing decapitate the death knight.
Happy feet! Wombo combo!
>>
Alric the Swordsman!


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 13, Crit 20
>>
Rolled 3, 7, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>5989338
Finish him!
>>
Rolled 10, 6, 10 = 26 (3d10)

>>5989338
>>
>>5989362
ALRIC WINS

FATALITY
>>
Rolled 8, 4, 8 = 20 (3d10)

>>5989338
kill em all ho ho ho~
>>
>26, Crit Success!


You weren't going to allow the death knight to act, because it ends now.

The few yards between you and it were closed with just a few quick steps as you kept the Cinder Sword down by your side. Guiding your left hand to its hilt, you swung it hard and brought the blade up.

Cinder Sword cut through the right wrist of the death knight, stopping it from drawing the sword though it wouldn't have mattered in the first place. Keeping the momentum your blade narrowly missed its breastplate and cut through the collar of the robe before slicing into Umo's chin. With no effort the blade cut through mummified flesh and bone, exiting the skull from its top.

As the bandaged front half of its head fell off, whatever energies that kept the corpse standing were still there. But then suddenly with a sound of wailing scream, the body crumbled and fell apart. What remained of the corpse continued to burn, filling the air with the uncomfortable smell of burning flesh and leather. Umo Shadowheart was dead, that was for sure.

The skeletons that had been fighting Thrall and Malevus broke apart similarly. Both the orc and the elf looked tired, the skeletons had pushed them hard, but it had given you the opportunity to deal with the death knight.

"It's done." You said and took a step away from the death knight turned into a campfire.

The braziers that had burned with green flames extinguished themselves, turning the chamber a much darker place. Just the corpse and the torch Thrall had been carrying provided you with light.

And then you stumbled a bit and Malevus rushed to hold you up.

"Alric… your eyes…" Malevus said as you regained your balance.

"They are not glowing?" You asked her to which Malevus just nodded.

You closed them and concentrated, just as suddenly as the death knight had crumbled, the Fel around you had dissipated. The oppressive feeling had disappeared.

"We should leave." Thrall grunted.

"But how, the path back up is closed?"

"Not that route." Thrall replied and pointed at a small door at the opposing wall. "See how the smoke is floating towards it."

"Air… there must be a way out!" Malevus replied and was clearly very glad about the news.

Thrall grunted and nodded.

"Then lead the way, I think I have had enough of death knights for a while." You told him.



It had taken a while, but following Thrall through the small tunnel where he had to be hunched down, did lead you in the end to the outside. Then you had to wait for a moment as Thrall located where you actually were compared to the real entrance and went to find the rest of the orcs.

1/2
>>
>>5989523

You took this time to just sit down and rest. Having spent all of your mana and the high you get from fighting had already passed, you felt really tired. Your fingers were tingling from the feedback, your legs were a bit stiff. Without your walking cane, which you hoped Thrall would pick up in the first chamber, you had to rely on Malevus. She had been right, you needed her.

And when the day turned into late afternoon, Thrall finally returned with his orcs in tow. He even had your cane.

"What will happen now?" You looked up from the rock you were sitting and asked the large orc.

"They are tired and the wound needs to be stitched up. So we will make a camp in the woods and rest through the night." Thrall said to you. "If you feel like you want to join us, you are free to do so."

Thrall was tired as well and it seemed that he was a bit sheepish when he said that to you. You weren't sure how the rest of the orcs would like that, especially the one who had punched Malevus. But maybe you could join them, maybe stay a short distance away from them?


>No, you will head in another direction. You really don't want to be found mingling with orcs.
>You can join them, but you are going to keep your distance.
>Join them, they should be able to trust you if Thrall trusts you.
>Other, write in.

QM: Add death knight to Alric's tally.
>>
>>5989526
>You can join them, but you are going to keep your distance.
>>
>>5989526
>Join them, they should be able to trust you if Thrall trusts you.

>Talk to Thrall about the gnolls across the river and what he knows about the Trolls.
>>
>>5989526
>Join them, they should be able to trust you if Thrall trusts you.
Hope we took or can take a trophy to remember this occasion by. Also try to gather intel on what's been happening in the wilderness of our borders like anon suggested.
>>
>>5989526
That's a good point anon brought up. Could we have taken the death knights armor and weapon. I know the leather straps burned but we could purify the armor and put new straps and stuff on it.
>>
>>5989526
>>Join them, they should be able to trust you if Thrall trusts you.
>>
>>5989526
>>Join them, they should be able to trust you if Thrall trusts you.
>>
>>5989526
>>Join them, they should be able to trust you if Thrall trusts you.
>>
>>5989526
>You can join them, but you are going to keep your distance.
Might has well rest for a day and then talk in the morning for a while.

>>5989661
>>5989788
We can return here once rested and back from Dawnholme with Eligius, Gravis and our knights.
>>
Alric and Malevus joins them. Could I have the fan favourite, the weather roll and potential event check.


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>5989977
Ho boy i love imps raining from the sky!
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>5989977
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5989977
>>
>>5989526
Suit of armour lying around in this tomb, I guess it wouldn't be worth sending back to a blacksmith if it's been saturated with fel energies right?
We still have a critical shortage of good armour back home.
>>
Like anon said we can return here or send people to retrieve the things for us. We have underlings for that reason, we can delegate.

With the armour we should sent it to Stormwind. It belonged to one of their knights whose body or whatever remains should be collected as well and sent
>>
>>5990086
Oh that's a good idea rather than just keep it. Political good will probably go further than just a set of armor.
>>
I am way too tired to finish writing the update so it will have to be pushed till tomorrow evening most likely. Before that I do have a small question, what do you think Alric has learned since leaving for this uneventful camping trip about himself or about others?
>>
File: Death Knight.png (102 KB, 713x900)
102 KB
102 KB PNG
>>5990156
>about himself
He can use his inner fel to detect other fel, so maybe this curse can be used for good

>about others
Although orcs are still quite aggressive, they are capable of setting aside differences and seeing the bigger picture. There is a clear divide between the shamanistic orcs and the fel wielding warlock orcs.
Thrall is a determined orc who is willing to risk his life for his people. These are admirable qualities but the fact that he lives in a world where the Alliance defeated the orcs means that he's going to make a lot of enemies in his quest. He'd better not be thinking of making Alterac his people's home or else we may end up as one of his enemies as well. One thing that is certain is that we're going to be hearing more of him in the future.
Alric has witnessed necromancy and fought the undead for the first time.
If the death knight is to be believed, in the future chaos is going to rain or something. Maybe we could ask an expert to explain what he meant.
>>
>>5990156
>>5990207
>inner fel
I'd like to think there is a subtle difference that his earlier exposure to fel means he is now sensitive to it and that he can now sorta manipulate it like fire magic too. This would have distinction of not actually being a fel-based activity and it survives past then the source of fel within Alric is removed.

>about others
>Orcs
They really are a people too. This might be the first exposure a human has had to their shamanism, though WC2 and WoW shows the Stormhammer dwarves have their own version.
He also has seen their strength in the reflex to Malevus, they feel pain and will act before thinking like humans do.
Thrall has continually been trounced by Alric in fel-detection and martial ability though, so Alric will be treated as a crippled Superman at this point weakened by the green stuff. I suspect Thrall will wonder what Alric is capable of when he's healed.

I'm thinking Thrall can live in Alterac-proper for as long as the Alliance-sanction is put on Alric and Dawnholme. No one can touch them if they carve out a place among the ogres. Thrall has been free long enough to see where the human settlements are and probably wonder why the ogres are living in human ruins.
>>
>>5990156
Inside that fel soaked cave he fought like a demon, once hes recovered gotta wonder how he do with the fel invested in his body the way it is. Might be worth looking into that missed Crit result of when Nalice improved the dragon glyphs on his chest. Also that sensing and manipulating the fel just sorta works, might be something to consider.

He used his fire magic in combat and it worked! The weapons with fel curse were pretty spooky. Its a good thing the Syndicate warlocks aren't anywhere near as powerful or knowledgeable, as far as we know.

Alric saw Thrall leading a group of orcs and they were all pretty lively. They seemed kinda spooked by Alric, his glowing green eyes, and his performance in combat. Learning to make his eyes glow could be a fun trick for intimidation.

Malevus didn't seem too bothered about having to be around orcs, and getting sucker punched by one while she tried to heal one. Wary certainly. I guess she might be too young to be bitter about the burning of quel'thalas in the war. I wonder if Kael has any orc hate in him.

Ah right, we didn't really take a moment to see if there had been anything else left by the death knight, or other stuff inside the burial mound. Might be good to go back another time for archeological fun if its from the same era as the silver rondel dagger, or missed loot.
>>
No update today either. It has been just a stupidly busy time for me IRL to put any effort in writing. Sorry for the inconvenience.

>>5990207
>>5990598
>>5990727

Absolutely lovely. I will be touching on several of these points in the coming updates. Nice to see that some things I tried to get people to notice, were noticed.

Alric has plenty to think about of quite many things when he gets home.
>>
>>5990156
>Himself
Despite the injury, his body vitality and health still exists in some form and might be recovering more than usual. A good sign.
He was able to control the Fel so thats nice, and finding Umo cavern through it was also done faster through it.
And his fire magic in combat was quite strong. His martial ability and skill also keeps going well

>Others
Umo was strong and thanfully it seemed he was an alone actor here or cut out from his allies/masters. He was not invincible and even if he created an aura of dread, it wasn't enough fear for win. Undead can be beaten. Makes you wonder if there are other undead knights waiting in caves around with skeletons. Umo was able to raise a dozen or so skeletons, create some Fel miasma of sort inside the cave and outside the nearby forest and create an "aura" of dread/fear around him. Umo seemed to have a personality of sort, and we catched him by almost total surprise. The ancient warrior also focused on Alric once learning of his title, not before (he didnt see the Fel in Alric...?)

The orcs seems to have differences, they are still quite violent but is possible to work with them. Thrall has become a leader and a respected one at that, he is not just a gladiator anymore. Thrall is also .... reasonable and a bit friendly, seems a good person. For an orc.

His tribe is also in Alterac so we are going to see more of him and his orcs. Which brings the question of : now what ...? Those are still our lands, edict or no edict existing. Alric might also start to have some anxiety at the thought of "what if i repeat my father error ?"

Malevus keeps growing. She managed to keep herself together with the orcs and was quite brave even against Umo. Wondering what she was thinking there, she has a connection with the light after all.
>>
>9
>4


Fire crackled faintly as the orcs spoke to each other. On top of the campfire was the deer they had managed to hunt down after a good camp position was found, and now they were rather happily grilling it.

Well not all of them as the orc who had gotten wounded and had punched Malevus in pain was sitting some distance away from the rest. Thrall had told you that the orc's name was Terok, younger warrior of the clan who had crossed the Dark Portal just after being accepted into the hunting parties. He was eager for an orc, but now that eagerness for action had backfired. Thrall and the rest of the orcs knew that Malevus and you were just trying to help Terok and what he had done had caused him to lose his honour. It would be a while till it could be recovered. The wound would heal, but the honour might not.

Sitting there cross-legged on your already spread out bedroll and watching the fire while Malevus cleaned her sword had gotten you to think about all of what just had happened.

Meeting Thrall was more than just pure luck and chance. You were rather sure that the falcon had guided you to meet him, but you weren't sure why exactly. You had your theories, but none that you were willing to bet on. It was strange nevertheless. When you had seen the orcs you had been ready to fight them to death, no way you could have beaten all six of them, but maybe if their leader had been a reasonable one it would have allowed Malevus to go and flee. That had been your gambit with calling them out like you had done.

But no, it was Thrall instead. And then you had followed him into a burial tomb, battled undead and defeated a death knight.

And how well that had gone. The nine walking dead you had destroyed had been just a walk in a park and yet again you had found yourself enjoying the rush of the combat more than you had before. Cinder Sword had been part of you while you danced through them. And then the death knight, in that moment you hadn't felt much, but as you had retrieved your horses it really hit you. You had burned a supposed master of dark arts alive with your own magic and then cut off its head. How far have you already reached in your studies? Or was the death knight weakened by years of slumber?

How much of it is because of the Fel inside you giving you strength? Because without it, you wouldn't have found the burial tomb before Thrall did. Your ability to sense Fel was apparent, as was your ability to control it to some extent. It did make you vulnerable and feel weak, but you did get quite used to it when you faced the death knight. Your eyes did glow which did unnerve the orcs and make Malevus concerned, but now away from the Fel they had returned back to normal. This would be something you would maybe need to bring up with Eligius.

1/2
>>
>>5991752

Malevus had fought bravely as well, apparently she had managed to cut one of the undead down and she had held her own against the skeletal orc. Her growth as a fighter has been impressive and made you a bit proud to be the one who has trained her. When you had held a small mirror for her as she healed her lip, you could see the relief in her eyes that you were fine. There would be a small scar on her lower lip, but thankfully nothing major.

"Prince Alric." Thrall grunted and passed you a piece of grilled venison on a stick.

"Thank you." You replied and took it.

Being surrounded by orcs felt strange, but you didn't feel like you were in danger. After the initial encounter you hadn't shown any signs of aggression towards them, but understandably they were wary of you.

"This tastes good." You continued after taking a small bite out of it. "Hot, but good."

"There's plenty more." Thrall grunted again. The large orc clearly wanted to speak, but restrained himself.

"Speak, you clearly want to." You said to him while taking off your chaperon. The blaze of the campfire was more than enough to stave off the chill of the evening.

Thrall stared at you, then your hair and grunted.

"Tell me about Tari, of Durnholde. How were you involved in covering my escape?" Thrall asked you and continued. "Why did you do so, what makes a Prince to protect a servant girl?"

You looked back at him and studied his face, he seemed genuine with his curiosity.

"There is more to you than just Fel eyes, more than being an exiled Prince." He continued.


>Tell him the whole story of you receiving the call to come help with the search and events that unfolded.
>You and Blackmoore are allies, and allies are supposed to help each other.
>Tari and you are friends and friends help each other.
>Give him the same dilemma you gave to Malevus back then. If orders say one thing, but your heart and morals say the other, which do you follow?
>Blackmoore had given Tari to you as your personal servant during your visits. Do not mention Blackmoore's plan regarding the two of you.
>Mention Blackmoore's plan to tempt you with her. Tell him that you have been fooling Blackmoore ever since.
>Tari is pregnant and Blackmoore is the father.
>Other, write in.

QM: Choose as many as you want. Weather is great and the orcs caught a deer. Finally the update is out, sorry about the wait.
>>
>>5991753
>You and Blackmoore are allies, and allies are supposed to help each other.
>Mention Blackmoore's plan to tempt you with her. Tell him that you have been fooling Blackmoore ever since.
>Tari and you are friends and friends help each other.
The context of Alric and Blackmoore being desperate for powerful friends in the region that pushed them both together in the first place. Alric for being an upstart Perenolde prince and Blackmoore for being vice incarnate. Then how Alric and Tari became friends and how that and Alric's view on Blackmoore's "conduct" led him to wanting to remove her from Durnholde.

>Tell him the whole story of you receiving the call to come help with the search and events that unfolded.
Also how Alric was not restrained by political circumstance in this instance and that he didn't feel morally bound by any orders at all and so did what he thought and felt was right. I don't like the Malevus prompt since it puts undue focus on the "orders" imo.
>>
>>5991753
>Tell him the whole story of you receiving the call to come help with the search and events that unfolded.
>Tari and you are friends and friends help each other.
>>
>>5982025
top kek
>>
>>5991753
>>5991765
This. Blackmoore forced the relationship unbidden and unwanted onto Alric. Alric made the best of it and formed the friendship, it helped Alric realise what Blackmoore represented and how Alric came to meet Thrall in the cells. I think it's important to place Thrall in this story.

>Give him the same dilemma you gave to Malevus back then. If orders say one thing, but your heart and morals say the other, which do you follow?
As a good friend of a good friend, Thrall received some of Alric's goodwill and assistance during the escape, but Alric has to always be mindful of how the Alliance views Alric's own dealings and treatment of Orcs. His people have already been sanctioned for how the Second War went by destroying the capital, and they've been further sanctioned by Alric's actions and unable to return home under penalty of military action. Thrall could well appreciate this too.
>>
>>5991846
>Blackmoore forced the relationship unbidden and unwanted onto Alric.
Blackmoore didn't force it, he couldn't even if he wanted to since he has little to no power over Alric. Alric simply couldn't afford to burn the bridge with Blackmoore since he has to consider his political reality and that includes being able to put morals aside in situations like these for the good of his country and subjects. It's a tightrope he has had to learn to walk on.

Also yeah Thrall could appreciate Alric's stories of dealing with Alliance leadership.
>>
>>5991765
>>5991753
Support this one
>>
>>5991753
>You and Blackmoore are allies, and allies are supposed to help each other.
>Mention Blackmoore's plan to tempt you with her. Tell him that you have been fooling Blackmoore ever since.
>Tari and you are friends and friends help each other.
>Tell him the whole story of you receiving the call to come help with the search and events that unfolded.

As a Prince in Exile there are few options for those willing to work with which lead to another who had few choices. Blackmoore. He had Tari act as a personal servant, and a friendship with her was kindled over our visits. Blackmoore knows his position is not ideal either.

How would Thrall react to knowing Alric is allied with Blackmoore, and that it allowed for Alric and Tari have fooled Blackmoore into letting her and her family go? Does Alric's action tarnish honor for not fulfilling an obligation to an ally in covering up how he escaped?

As far as I recall Alric did look for Thrall with the intention of finding and catching him. Though we can't say for sure how things would have gone if they did meet then. Covering up Tari's involvement didn't really hinder the search.
>>
"Me and Lord Blackmoore, we are allies." You said to him rather matter of factly and watched for his reaction.

Thrall seemed to be taken back by what you just said, you could see that in his eyes as you nonchalantly took a bite of the venison.

"I am an Alteraci, I don't exactly have many allies who would like to work with me and you know Blackmoore and his reputation. He needs allies and I need allies." You told him and continued. "Call it a marriage of convenience. An upstart Perenolde Prince long thought dead and someone who is… vice incarnate."

Thrall seemed to now understand your situation.

"He is not a pleasant man, but he has found being tied to me politically useful and I have benefitted from it as well. I won't go lying about that." You told Thrall and continued after a pause with Malevus having started to listen as well.

"And that is where Tari comes in. During my second visit to Durnholde, Blackmoore had sent Tari to tempt me, to have me use her and get me to appreciate Blackmoore for this gift. When I realised that and I saw the bruises on her wrists, I wanted to go and drive my sword through that man."

"But what would that have gained me? Quick trip to gallows perhaps? No, I… we chose to do nothing other than pretend that his plan worked and that fool really does think so. We have been fooling him ever since, he really thinks that he has succeeded in giving me a mistress, but no… he just gave me a really good friend who didn't deserve how she was treated by him."

You looked Thrall into his eyes. He had taken in every word you had said.

"That is why I had Blackmoore give her to me, he thinks that his grand plan worked, but instead he set her free to be safe. If it is up to me, Tari will never have to see that man." You said to him and after a bit of a pause continued. "Even if now half of Lordaeron thinks that she is my mistress and I am some supposed womaniser, it was still worth it. Seeing her smile every day is worth it."

The large orc seemed small again, his shoulders dropped and he looked down at his feet.

"Tari is more than just a friend to you, isn't she?" You asked him.

"She… she nursed me when I was a baby." Thrall grunted and continued. "And saved my life. She was always so kind to me, she saw me as her little brother… as a family. She is my family."

Thrall was silent as he stared down. Seeing the renowned gladiator like this felt strange, but if you were to guess, orcs were capable of being emotional in quite similar ways you humans can be.

"I don't know what I would have done if I had found you. I tried to look for you, but you had already slipped past my grasp." You told him.

1/2
>>
>>5992420

Thrall raised his head and looked back at you. Now the rest of the orcs had noticed him being all emotional and Thrall grunted something to them and they returned back to grilling the deer.

"I would have preferred death over going back into the cell." Thrall said to you.

What would you have done? That is thankfully a question you don't need to answer. Not now nor back then.



You had told him how the events had unfolded. The request for help, how you realised what Tari had done, the Internment Camp, letters and dagger. All of it, including drunken Blackmoore threatening you. For Thrall, hearing about his escape from the other side had been an eye opening thing, how close he really had been in ruining everything by having the letters with him. How the search parties had looked for him.

"I can't repay you for what you have done to me." Thrall said to you when you finished. "I owe you a favour. That is the least I can do."

You stared at him and kept your stiff upper lip. His favour? That could prove to be useful, especially knowing how honourbound orcs are. But you had spoken a lot and he had listened, if there was a moment to ask questions, it would be now.


Gained:
>Thrall’s favour

>Who are Frostwolves? Where are they?
>Did he find Grom Hellscream and the Warsong Clan? How was he?
>Does he know anything about the gnolls beyond the Darrowmere River?
>Or about the trolls in the mountains?
>What is he planning to do next?
>The falcon, there is more to it.
>Other, write in.

QM: Now is the time to ask questions from Thrall.
>>
>>5992422
>Who are Frostwolves? Where are they?
>Did he find Grom Hellscream and the Warsong Clan? How was he?
>Does he know anything about the gnolls beyond the Darrowmere River?
>Or about the trolls in the mountains?
>The falcon, there is more to it.
All of these are pressing questions, what he'll do next isn't too relevant so I omitted it for QM's sake but if possible we can ask that too.
>>
>>5992422
>Who are Frostwolves? Where are they?
>Did he find Grom Hellscream and the Warsong Clan? How was he?
>Does he know anything about the gnolls beyond the Darrowmere River?
>Or about the trolls in the mountains?
>What is he planning to do next?
>The falcon, there is more to it.
>>
>>5992422
>Who are Frostwolves? Where are they?
>What is he planning to do next?
>The falcon, there is more to it.
>>
>>5992422
>>Who are Frostwolves? Where are they?
>>Did he find Grom Hellscream and the Warsong Clan? How was he?
>>Does he know anything about the gnolls beyond the Darrowmere River?
>>Or about the trolls in the mountains?
>>What is he planning to do next?
>>The falcon, there is more to it.
>>
>>5992422
These questions are fine, though I'm not sure about asking where the Frostwolves are. Alric might want to keep their deniability. Instead I think it's better to ask what the Frostwolves represent - how are they different from other clans that have been kidnapping humans in Alterac for example?

>Tell me what you know of the trolls in the mountains. We see their totems and found tracks through them not long ago.

>>5991931
Good point, thanks for the correction.
>>
>>5992422
What would be some neat things to ask for Thrall's favor? What can he offer? Does it extend to what he personally can do or would he send frostwolves into danger as well? Would he risk clashes with the Syndicate if we asked him to look into their whereabouts and activities, or if he would kill one of their leaders? If they could find some interesting stuff like maybe what Nalice was looking for in the mountains? The blackrock warlock orc hideouts so either of us can finish them off?

Helping deal with the trolls, or with the ogres in Alterac, or with the syndicate who hold that pass we are hoping Wiklish's weapon will help us reclaim. That last one could be handy to have someone attack from the other side. Just knowing whats going on inside Alterac would be nice too.

Some kind of scheme to get part of Alterac into Alric's hands. The Edict prevents him from marching on in there to reconquer it without Alliance help. But if Thrall took the guarded pass, captured the people, then sent an official looking letter that made it look like the people or ogres there were surrendering and asking for Alric to be their prince and take over that area, that wouldn't break the Edict? Nothing says the enemy can't surrender and give it up to Alric. It would be super fishy on several ends but it would be a fun little scheme to grab it and get a foot in the door.

Some kind of shamanistic boon? Passing on some Shaman knowledge to someone we pick to try and learn, maybe one of the coven witches? THE frostwolf pup companion we raise. some kind of powerful shaman magic trinket, shield, or cloak.

I wonder if theres anything in the old Alterac Capital that would be worth having if they could sneak in? Some piece of regalia that would lend weight to Alric's legitimacy like a crown or scepter or ring. Important documents.
>>
"Who are the Frostwolves?" You asked him. He had mentioned them, but you haven't heard of a clan with that name before.

"They are my clan." Thrall responded.

"Yours?"

"I was found with cloth wrapped around me, a snarling wolf painted on it. It is the banner of my clan." Thrall told you and continued. "My father was named Durotan and was the chieftain of the Frostwolves."

"You found your clan? Does that mean that…"

"No, not yet at least. I have a lot to learn first before others accept me fully." Thrall said to you. "I am an orc, but I am not an orc."

That was quite surprising. A son of the previous chieftain of the clan?

"So plenty to learn? Where are they Frostwolves then, in the mountains?"

"Yes, high up in the mountains is a valley. Very difficult place to reach and we have made sure that no one can approach the valley without the clan knowing it." Thrall told you. "Frostwolves have chosen to stay hidden, just surviving is enough for the clan."

"Yet you are out here chasing death knights." You replied and gave him a questioning look. "Not just surviving, the times are changing, aren't they?"

A full clan of orcs hiding in the mountains was concerning, very concerning. But if they had chosen to stay hidden, then maybe Alterac and they wouldn't end up in a collision course?

Thrall looked back at you and grunted. There was more that he wasn't saying, but should you prod him further?

"A clan of orcs in the mountains… if the word got out…" You mused aloud.

"We would defend our homes. Once our clan left their homes behind, not anymore. The mountains can be a harsh place, but it is our home now." Thrall told you.

"Then what about Grom Hellscream, did you really find him?" You asked him.

"Yes." Thrall grunted. "He and his clan are alive."

"Hidden somewhere in the mountains in the east? That is what the rumours say."

"Hiding, fleeing, yet always so proud. Hellscream's will keeps his clan together." Thrall said to you.

"They aren't lethargic?" Malevus suddenly asked Thrall.

"No, but the weakness has taken all who were young and those who were old." Thrall told Malevus with sadness in his voice.

You thought about his words. Frostwolves of Thrall’s band have red demonic eyes just like the ones in the camps, but they aren't lethargic. And if Grom and his clan are still out there, is his will the only thing that keeps them together? You tried to remember what the old orc had told you, orcs once had shamans who guided them before they were corrupted. And now they don't have them and now their will to fight is gone.


>Shamans must be the reason why Frostwolves aren't lethargic
>It can't be just Hellscream who keeps their clan together?
>What can Thrall tell you about his clan, how do they exactly stay hidden?
>What did Hellscream teach Thrall?
>Other, write in.

QM: I split the update in two.
>>
>>5993358
>>What can Thrall tell you about his clan, how do they exactly stay hidden?

Even with operational security and all that, even a potentially lacking response would be informative on its own.
>>
>>5993358
>Shamans must be the reason why Frostwolves aren't lethargic
>It can't be just Hellscream who keeps their clan together?
>What did Hellscream teach Thrall?
>What about the Trolls, ogres and gnoll? What does he know about them?
>>
>>5993358
>Shamans must be the reason why Frostwolves aren't lethargic
>What can Thrall tell you about his clan, how do they exactly stay hidden?
>What did Hellscream teach Thrall?
>>
>>5993358
>>5993408
support
>>
>>5993358
>>5993408
support, desire to know more about the trolls intensifies
>>
>>5993358
>>5993408
And don't forget the falcon! What was the deal with that bird?
>>
Give me a roll, this is for Alric. And I didn't forget about the trolls, they would have come up on the second part of the update.


>1d10
>Best of three
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>5993931
Alric dropping hes spaghetti roll.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>5993931
Did we ever read the letter that Vancleef sent us when the stonemasons arrived?
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>5993931
saving roll here we go!
>>
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7 KB JPG
>>5993945

Whooops! Thanks for reminding me about it, because I completely managed to forget that letter.

Also reminder to all of my lovely anons, if it feels that I have forgotten something or something comes to your mind, go ahead and point it out.
>>
>>5993945
Good thinking anon I forgot about it too.
>>
“The mages of Dalaran have their own theories why orcs suddenly became lethargic. The old orc we both met had his own theory why it is so.” You said to Thrall and looked at him. “It must be the shamans why the Frostwolves aren’t lethargic.”

Thrall looked at you and studied your eyes while Malevus looked at both of you.

“It can’t be just Hellscream who keeps his clan together?”

“It is just Hellscream.” Thrall replied. “You haven’t met him for his… personality is strong, his will is strong, you can feel it Prince Alric.”

Thrall took a bite of the meat he had and chewed it for a moment.

“You are right about the shamans. My mentor Drek’thar is most likely the last shaman the orcs have. And he has been the one keeping the clan together through all these years.” Thrall said to you and continued. “The warlocks, Gul’dan and his ilk betrayed our kind for power. It replaced our connection with the spirits, it turned the shamans away from them.”

Thrall looked at you briefly before staring into the fire.

“The spirits in return abandoned us and the orcs found solace in the demonic forces that have turned our skins green and eyes red.” Thrall spoke.

“You weren’t originally green?” You asked back.

“No, supposedly not. Our skins were brown and yet when I was born and I hadn’t touched the power provided to us by the warlocks…” Thrall continued.

“You are green.”

He nodded.

“When the Horde lost the war and were defeated, warlocks and death knights driven away, the Dark Portal having closed, we lost the connection to those energies that kept our race strong and thirsty for war.” Thrall said. “But we didn’t reclaim our connection to the spirits that are around us, to our shamanic past.”

“You lost something that was part of you and now the orcs in the camps feel empty inside. That’s why they are lethargic!” You said back and was frankly a bit amazed.

But then you realised the implication, what if the orcs found the spirits, found something that makes their emptiness go away? Frostwolves had their shaman, Hellscream’s will keeps the Warsong clan together, Blackrock remnants are still sacrificing to their demonic overlords. If the orcs in the camps found one of the three, the Horde could rise again and there would be little that Blackmoore and his hodgepodge arrangement of guards could do.

Thrall nodded again and confirmed what you had in your mind.

“Then this Drek’thar… I don’t think the falcon was just a coincidence anymore.” You said to him and raised your eyebrow a bit.

“No… most likely not. He didn’t tell me anything if he had any plans, but the spirits can help us through animals. Birds tell us things and with a bit of negotiation, they do things for us.”

So this Drek’thar, the last shaman the orcs have, made sure for you and Thrall to meet.

“I presume he is responsible for keeping the clan hidden?” You asked back.

1/3
>>
>>5994410

“He is. He knows what is going around these lands and when someone tries to get close enough, he asks the spirits to help to conceal the clan or outright prevent them from getting close.” Thrall said to you.

This got you thinking, not last winter, but the winter before it you had tried to ski into the mountains, but an unnaturally strong snowstorm stopped you. Could it have been makings of this Drek’thar? Reaching further into your memory, you remember feeling like someone was watching you when you went to claim the silver mine and drive off the kobolds within. Was that him as well or are you just making things up?

“Then you must know something about the trolls and the gnolls over the river?” You asked him.

“Very little. I crossed through the troll territory, but they allowed me to go without being interrupted.” Thrall said to you. “But the gnolls? I don’t know anything about them.”

The lone tracks of large footprints that your men found during the winter must have been Thrall then. He crossed the river and walked through Strahnbrad Hills. It must have been him.

“Very little, I bet Hellscream did teach you something?” You went from topic to topic.

“He did, just not about the gnolls or trolls.” Thrall replied. “He taught me how to be an orc, our traditions, our language. How we fought and what is honour amongst our kind.”

“Then what will you do next?”

“Learn, Drek’thar has a lot to teach me. If Grom taught me how to be an orc, Drek’thar will teach me how to truly be an orc.” Thrall told you.

From a warrior to a shaman then? For an orc, Thrall had very little real knowledge about his race and their customs. It hasn’t been a year since his escape after all.

“You will study.” You said to him. “You will have plenty to learn then.”

“I will.”

“Then may the Holy Light bless you on this journey.” Malevus replied having listened very closely to the both of you. You gave her a curious glance.

“Thank you… elf.” Thrall responded.

“Call me Malevus.” She responded.

That was an awkward exchange from the both of them.

The fire crackled as the orcs cut pieces off the deer. You received another piece as did Malevus, and as you ate it and enjoyed the watered down wine provided to you by Maura, being surrounded by the orcs didn’t feel all that nervous or bad. Thrall sat mostly in silence, it was still a new experience to talk with a human like you or interact with an elf like Malevus. But you didn’t sense any hostility in him, he was just wary as he should be.

2/3
>>
>>5994415

It was all strange being here with Thrall. While it felt strange to work alongside an orc knowing the history and your family connection, yet it was different. All of the seven orcs could rip your arms off and flagellate you with them, yet their size or strength didn’t scare you at all. Even Malevus seemed calm and she had her own reasons to be against orcs, after all they had burned part of the forest that made her homeland down.

You exchanged small talk with Thrall as the evening turned into a night before throwing off your jacket and trousers and burying yourself within the bedroll. The campfire lit the trees around you and threw shadows beyond. After the long day you felt tired, your legs were still stiff and having used all of your mana had taken a toll on you. Yet it wasn’t the worst feeling, after all you had accomplished a lot in a short time.

Now just to catch some sleep before tomorrow arrives.



>7


You opened your eyes and found yourself watching a view that you haven’t seen in a long time.

The grand balcony of the Royal Palace of Alterac City was pointed west and from there you could see the views down below in the Alterac valley and if the weather was good enough, some glimpses of Dalaran.

Leaning on the railing of the balcony, you quickly looked around and realised that you were alone. You were wearing your new raiments and outside of the eerie green glow behind you, you could have imagined being back home.

But no, this was one of the nightmares of yours, it must be.

“Alric…” You heard the familiar voice behind you and you turned to see who it was.

Malevus Thing looked at you, her white dress was stained of blood and more bled out of her many wounds. She stood in an unnatural pose before rearranging her bones to match the person she tried to imitate.

“There is a ball inside, care to join me for a dance?” Malevus Thing asked you innocently, you didn't feel no hostile feeling out of her.


>Join her and dance with the Malevus Thing.
>Decline, but invite her for a talk.
>No, this is a nightmare and you are going to wake up right now. You have no time for this.
>This is a balcony? Dive over the railing and see what happens.
>Other, write in.

>>5993949

Not good enough. Why would Alric get the nightmares right now?
>>
>>5994417
>Decline, but invite her for a talk.
Quit the games, what do you want?
>>
>>5994417
>>Join her and dance with the Malevus Thing.
Dance time.
>>
>>5994417
>Join her and dance with the Malevus Thing.
>>
>>5994417
>This is a balcony? Dive over the railing and see what happens.
MYSTERY BOX
>>
>>5994417
>Join her and dance with the Malevus Thing.
Might as well. Atleast its not like Malevus Thing is pretending to not be Malevus Thing. Maybe this is the moment of after playing hardball to find an accord that is beneficial to Alric and isn't just waking up in a panic attacks. Having enough fel in our body equal to years of Nalice's dragon vitality would make it so much fel that I wonder if we could ever conceivably burn it away 1 unit of fel at a time.

Why you ask? Mmmm well its either about getting closer to Malevus again, or it doesn't like Thrall. Then again this dream is starting off pretty honest and not hostile, apart from its usual unpleasant bleeding and bone rearranging, could that mean that Malevus thing is actually in a good mood? From the fighting where we got the fel assisted battle-high being in the Fel tainted cave, that we intimidated the orcs even if not intentionally. Killing the death knight.
>>
>>5994417
>Decline, but invite her for a talk.

>Not good enough. Why would Alric get the nightmares right now?
OH I LOVE FORESHADOWING

>>5994504
in b4 we fall off an Alterac cliffside while sleepwalking or something
>>
>>5994875
medi wouldnt be that cruel. it would probrably be our stairs.
>>
>>5994417
>Decline, but invite her for a talk.

It is scared we just bodied a death knight
>>
>>5994909
True, I bet the option to go dancing would be the sleepwalking that gets us killed by the Orcs as they think Alric is possessed (and they're not wrong)
>>
Dancing and declining are at 3-3 tie. Could I have a tiebreaker? I might not be able to get the update out today though.

>>5994909

Are you sure about that?
>>
>>5994417
>>Decline, but invite her for a talk.
>>
>>5995163
I am SURE.
>>
“No, if you have something to say then say it.” You replied to her.

“I knew you would say that.” Malevus Thing hissed at you and took a couple steps closer. “You are very stubborn.”

She then sighed and let her posture drop a bit. The usual feeling of unease and dread she radiated wasn’t there anymore, or it was there, but it wasn’t affecting you. Her dead eyes stared at you before she spoke again.

“Time after time you have denied me.” Malevus Thing hissed at you. “You have chosen to not accept what is part of you.”

“You are not part of me.” You replied adamantly.

“Then why do you think you fought so hard while smiling at the same time, or why you defeated the death knight so easily.” Malevus Thing’s emotionless voice said to you. “Because I am you and you are me.”

Smoky darkness creeped closer around the balcony as she spoke.

“You are very stubborn, but you aren’t a fool.” Malevus Thing hissed again. “The Fel you felt around you was of poor quality, but what is inside you.”

She stepped closer to you.

“It gives you strength.” Her voice was now cold and you could feel shivers on your skin. “And just like I told you before, it keeps you alive.”

Malevus Thing then smiled and you recognized the scar real Malevus now had on her lip having appeared on her nightmare imitation.

“Now wake up.”



You stared at the starry sky and pushed yourself up to sit. Just as sudden the nightmare had been, it had ended just as suddenly. Malevus was calmly snoozing next to you and Thrall snored as he leaned on a tree. Just one orc was keeping the watch over smouldering remnants of the campfire.

You ran your hands through your hair and found your brow all sweaty, your heart beat fast, but overall you didn’t feel that bad.

“Nightmare.” You said to the orc watching over the campfire, of course he didn’t understand what you said to him so he chose just to nod slightly.

Falling back on your back you breathed deeply and stared at the stars. Another nightmare, this time after being in contact with Fel and not having used it. What was your mind unconsciously trying to do?

You looked at your side where Malevus was sleeping, her red hair covering half of her face. Butterfly flew in your stomach and you thought about carefully moving the hair away from her face, but chose not to. You could only think of Malevus Thing, why had your mind chosen Malevus as her image? Especially well before any butterflies had happened. Has your mind predicted all of this?

You sighed and closed your eyes before pulling the bedroll over you.

Undead, death knight, nightmares and Malevus. How awfully complicated this joyful camping trip into the countryside had become. Yet not all had been that bad…

1/2
>>
>>5996253

“Thrall”

“Prince Alric.” He responded.

The camp had been broken and you were already on horseback. You had planned on returning back to Dawnholme as fast as you could, just so that people wouldn’t be worried about you staying out in the wilds any longer.

You circled the orc horseback and looked at him. There was one thing to discuss before the two of you would part away and not see each other for some time.
>>
>>5996255

“Taretha, you want to meet her?”

“Yes, I do.” Thrall answered.

Well then, but when?


>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.
>Come near Dawnholme in three days and you can meet her then.
>It will have to wait, for reasons you aren’t going to explain. Taretha is pregnant after all.
>Thrall can’t meet her, it is way too dangerous for both of them to see each other.
>Other, write in.

QM: Thrall is for? Also whoops copy paste error!
>>
>>5996261
>>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.
>>
>>5996261
>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.
plenty of time to prepare.
>>
>>5996253
>“You are not part of me.”
I disagree with Alric. The Thing is a part of Alric's psyche made manifest and animated through Fel but the Thing is also wrong in saying that it is Alric because, if it were, it wouldn't be seperate and distinct from Alric.

>>5996261
>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.
Sure, plenty of time.

>Thrall is for?
Beating up Garithos together with Alric.
>>
>>5996359
It's like a parasitic emanation of fel which uses Alric's consciousness and subconsciousness to manifest an identity of its own. I'd love to see it having the tables turned by Alric, every meeting transforming into a nightmare for it and dream with us where the Thing would not be able to escape from. It would be better than therapy, but alas, this isn't fiction.live.
>>
>>5996261
>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.

>QM: Thrall is for?
zug zug
>>
>>5996261
>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.
I'm hoping Taretha will be mobile enough for this to happen. She would be getting quite large by now and probably shouldn't be on horseback or walking. Do we have a carriage?
>>
>>5996261
>In two weeks it is the full moon, find the large rock with an old pine next to it and you can meet her then.
I mean we are kind of having a campaign to secure the area but I guess if he can make it without being spotted theres no issue.

Thrall is for plots where we send him against our enemies for our political gain. Treasure hunting in the Alterac mountains? Mysterious shaman warnings about things. Sparring when we are healed up so we have someone who is a bit closer to our skill.

I think im coming around to figuring out how to make use of the fel we have, see what it can do with some training, and maybe accept that it is a part of Alric to find the right balance on this. Keeping him alive at least is probably true? Being up and about after his magically induced heart attack, and all plus when shit gets real in a fight it is there. I'd like to see what Eligius and Nalice have to say about it. Apparently from the updated pastebin Eligius does consider it a threat, but also a gift.
>>
>>5993952
Did the gnoll necklace come into play for the fire magic we used on the death knight or did we not have it on us?
>>
Did Eligius ever figure out how to read the Gnoll grimoire? Maybe he should just ask Nalice what is says lol
>>
"There is a large rock, big enough to tower over the smaller trees and from on top you can see Dawnholme and even Southshore in good weather. It has an old pine growing right next to it." You started to explain to Thrall. "It should be a full moon in two weeks, find the rock and be there then."

Thrall grunted in agreement and gave you a nod.

"It is only fair for you to meet her, but remember, I can't promise anything more." You told him.

"I will be there." Thrall replied.

"Good, because it would be rather annoying if you weren't." You said back to him. "We shall now leave, let's go Malevus."

There really wasn't a need to say goodbyes or farewells, you knew that you would be meeting him soon after all.

As you and Malevus rode away, you turned to give a look back. Thrall and the orcs had already disappeared into the woods which was impressive for them being so large. And as you continued to ride towards home, you just thought about all of this. You would have a lot to think about.

"I would have never imagined meeting orcs like this." Malevus suddenly said to you and continued. "They killed people whom I knew, their reputation was that of bloodthirsty savages."

Malevus looked at you as she continued.

"But them? Thrall? No, not anything like that." She said to you.

You gave her a curious look. She was right, the Horde had devastated a portion of Quel'thalas and the high elves had all the reasons to hate them. But maybe because Malevus was walking a path quite different from the rest she would see them in a different light?

"Think if there were no Tari, what then?" You asked her and raised a good point.

"I don't want to think about that, I was way too scared and worried all this time." Malevus said and seemed to relax a lot. "I hope I didn't show it."

You were lucky that it was just you and her. What if you had your knights with you? Or Rover Brothers? You didn't want to think about that. Even having the orcs around like this makes you nervous, they can't travel into your Alteraci territory because at one point someone will be in the wrong spot at the wrong time and orcs and humans will bump into each other.

And that could spell a disaster.

1/1
>>
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>>5997439

Page 10, 700~ posts. A good spot to end the thread. We dealt with the Stonemasons, Malevus confessed her feelings, you met Thrall and fought a death knight. Plenty of stuff got done, even if QM started to suffer from long thread fatigue a bit.

New thread maybe tomorrow or in a few days. I will need to make a list of stuff I need to cover, plenty of small things that are going to come up with maybe a few minor choices needed.

This thread is archived. Thank you for playing and reading. And as always if you have any questions or comments about the Quest or the characters or for the QM, please go ahead and say or ask them. I will try to answer them as best as I can in this thread or in the next one.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/MedivhQM
/qst/ Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Alterac%20Resurgent%20Quest
Prince Alric Stats: https://pastebin.com/rysxdRsv
Quest Mechanisms: https://pastebin.com/CyD88qqf
Character List: https://pastebin.com/FkYd6wkJ
Side Character Stats: https://pastebin.com/aRfyksUG
>>
>>5996816

She should be by my counts on her fifth month/20~ weeks pregnant, just avoid falling off the horse and she should be fine.

>>5997282

Alric didn't have the gnoll necklace with him as he had no idea of anything like this even happening in the first place.

Eligius has been studying the gnoll grimoire rather thoroughly. It was sent to Dalaran and you got it back with a translation and a study regarding it finished. You haven't really put effort going through it as it has been outside your curriculum.
>>
>>5997448
If Alric hadn't tagged along and Thrall couldn't find the cave with his bad roll what do you think would have happened? Death knight wakes up a bit more and gets stronger before he finds the cave? They get spotted by a patrol? Death Knight leaves the cave and they lose his trail?
>>
>>5997444
Nice thread QM

Btw if we used fel against the death knight what would have happened?
>>
>>5997448
You still forgot van cleefs letter that other anon brought up.

Lit thread thanks.
>>
>>5997475

If Thrall couldn't have found the death knight on the first try, he would have tried several more times. Umo meanwhile would have gotten stronger over time and would have left the burial tomb in the end if Thrall couldn't find or defeat it. The death knight would have then have searched for the Blackrock clan remnants and joined them.

>>5997512

With a good roll geeked the death knight with one attack. Emphasis on the word geek.

>>5997517

Will come up in the next thread!
>>
>>5997956
Damn that could have been big trouble. Would Umo have united the Blackrock clan remnants and started working towards some big stuff? Then again maybe another death knight will show up, or maybe one already has and we just dont know it? Oooo

That reminds me, Nalice said she used Fel because it would heal Alric's body. I don't think Alric hasn't taken any other wounds since then, so I am wondering if he did get cut or bruised how much faster his body would heal a minor injury even if most of the fel in his body is kept in check by the dragon glyphs.

Malevus Thing did mention an interesting point. That the fel in the cave was low quality fel, and that what Nalice invested into Alric seems to be high quality. I wonder if that would be a giveaway to a learned mage
>>
New thread tomorrow!

>>5998114

Just some bruises from the sparring and training, and scratches from Jandice's nails. Nothing has healed faster than usual.

Or it won't be noticed? Could the glyphs hide it? Or would it have an explanation people who notice it could buy?
>>
>>5998493
Uhmmm ...
>>
>>5998493
>>5999712

>>5999763
>>5999763

NEW THREAD!



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