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Ostentum (Magic Knight Errant Quest)

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Brutal
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    • Depressed as shit Sneeze reluctantly writes update off of two votes

    [X] Attack
    [X] Magical Ability
    -[X] Deactivate Null Body
    -[X] Exploding Fist


    You stare down the rumbling shadow, preparing to attack. This time you'll need to keep in mind that your strikes, while apparently doing damage, don't seem to faze the monster at all. Hopefully you can adjust to compensate for that. And...

    You take a deep breath. At this rate, the result of the fight is clearly not in your favor. You'll have to give your all if you want to make it through. With a final huff, you steel yourself and press forward!

    Again you lock blades with the eerie shadow, and again you clash several times with it. Its swings are slow but below the mindless nature of its actions, it seems to have some skill in swordplay, somehow. Mysteries for later. Again, you shove back the shadow and cleave down across its shoulder. More shadowy substance sprays from the cut, and just as last time, it doesn't flinch, preparing to attack you. Now...!

    You stop its arm with your own sword arm, halting its swing and knocking its hand back a bit. Quickly you dispel the effect of null body, and just as quickly you feel your magic gathering within your hand. With a single swift swing, you slam your fist into the shadow's gut and let the magical power explode!

    The shadow is thrown back by the force, falling to its knees as it roughly slides away. You get back into fighting posture as you observe it. Where your fist struck, you see a thick haze of shadow rising out, much like the cuts you've made. You definitely hurt it with that. Now if you can keep this up-

    You involuntarily stop as you feel a dangerous presence rise from the shadow's crouching form. As if it's angered...

    The shadow bolts upright! With a hideous, bizarre roar, it wildly throws a dark ball of magic at you - the same kind as earlier! You move to dodge, but the shot is too fast - it pelts against your shoulder, where you feel it sink in slowly. As last time you feel an utterly sickening sensation, but this time it doesn't go away. You can't feel anything immediately wrong, but this magic gives you a bad feeling. Damn...! And after you managed to prevent it last time. Was it just waiting for an opportunity...?

    What...whatever. This isn't over yet. You can tell you've done significant damage, if you can just stay this path, then the fight is yours! You won't let this monster get the best of you!

    You lock your stare on it, and note the slightly red aura from before grows in intensity for a brief moment. At that moment, you feel a tinge of pain from your bleeding wound.

    ...Your temper lightly flares, before settling down. Whatever this monster is doing, you won't simply let it! You ready your blade...and the creature seems to glare back at you, shuddering quietly as if it were...simmering with rage.

    --

    Lethis attacks the shadow, hitting for 20 damage! With a quick motion and 10MP, Lethis deals another 14 damage with Exploding Fist.

    The shadow attacks with a strange magic! Lethis is hit and suffers -2HP. The magic leaves an unknown effect...Lethis feels wrong.

    The shadow seems enraged...
    There is a few unlisted passive effects going on this round
    Lethis' wound bleeds openly, -1HP.
    As well as effects the shadow has applied to itself
    The shadow radiates an aura of intense bloodlust - it mysteriously heals 2HP.
    Which for now remain a mysteryyyyy!
    Allies
    Lethis // 26HP // 17MP [Bleed] [???]

    Enemies
    Shadow // 38HP // ??? [Bloodlust] [Madness]
    Fight won't last much longer anyways
    --

    [] Attack

    [] Guard

    [] Magical ability

    [] Flee


    Quite the lucky round. OR IS IT!?!?!?!?!?!?!? WAHHH SUSPENSE PLS VOTE
     
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    • Spite
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    • [X] Attack
    [X] Magical ability
    -[X] Energy Wave
    -[X] Null Body


    As you advance to attack, the shadow lurches forward with an attack of its own! You halt a vicious swing, parrying its weapon away, but it swings back around with inhuman speed. You dodge backwards, avoiding the sweeping blade, but it doesn't let up, already rushing forward with a brutal stab before you can move away!

    You deflect the blade slightly, but don't manage to stop the stab or avoid it - the weapon gouges into the side of your gut. Your eyes flick down to where your body meets its blade - you shudder as you see a bizarre red aura surrounding where its blade lies inside you...!

    You jerk back, pulling away from the weapon - the shadow swings at you again, and you lock blades in earnest, stopping its onslaught a moment. Your new wound...it hurts. The pain is enough to make you feel weak. But it could have been worse, you tell yourself. You weren't stabbed completely through - again your gambeson and mail prevent the worst, and the penetration was shallower than it would have been if you took that attack with no protection...but...it's still a bad injury. Pretty bad...

    Eurgh...you won't go down just yet! You muster the determination to fight on, summoning strength for another attack! You shove forward, drawing closer to the shadow and pushing its weapon aside. Hoping to push it back or disrupt it in some way, you sweep your free hand back towards its head, crashing the back of your fist into its face. It reels back, only from the force, not in pain, and you promptly drive your heel into its gut. Again, it reels back. Again, you ready an attack! You put your body's weight into a ruthless chop straight into the shadow's collar!

    That sick, nauseating feeling from the shadow's magic returns stronger than before as soon as your blade drives home. Near instantly you break into a cold sweat, accompanied by an awful feeling in your gut. Quickly the feeling is replaced with righteous anger, and you yank your longsword back, roughly withdrawing it from the shadow's shoulder. You pace backward hurriedly before it can retaliate.

    As it looks ready to advance toward you again, you decide to halt it early. After only a brief charge, you swipe your sword through the air, launching a wave of energy toward the shadow! It makes no effort to avoid your attack, taking the hit solidly.

    Again...when your attack lands, that repulsive feeling creeps through you, and you shiver deeply. It's getting stronger...and with it you feel an intense irritation. Whatever this is, it's getting to you. You try to activate null body...it comes on, but you feel no change. Damn it. You aim your frustrated gaze to the weakened shadow monster.

    Your eyes widen as you see it start to slouch over. The weapon in its hand dissipates in shadowy wisps. Slowly it leans further down, before it starts to seemingly melt away into the ground. More of its body dissipates in the same way, until it's...gone.

    Slowly you look around, still tense as you wait for something to happen. Slowly, you notice the heavy atmosphere in the air start to fade. Slowly, the feeling of danger disappears.

    --

    The shadow viciously stabs Lethis! It deals 19 damage! A strange energy seeps into its blade. The shadow heals for 5HP.

    Lethis attacks the shadow, dealing 19 damage, followed by an energy wave to deal another 13 damage!
    As Lethis attacks, the sickening feeling caused by the shadow's magic grows in intensity. Lethis' accuracy and evasion suffer...

    Lethis activates Null Body for 2MP.

    Lethis' wound bleeds openly, -1HP.

    The shadow...fled?

    Allies
    Lethis // 6HP // 5MP [Bleed] [???]

    Enemies
    Shadow // 11HP // ??? (Disappeared)

    --

    Slowly...the tension leaves your body, and the pain you were ignoring grows more intense. You lean on your sword and clutch your wounds with your free hand.

    You're hurt...badly. You're liable to just fall over if you bleed much more...but your supplies are back at camp. The others should be there, you can- wait! That person, the one you saw on the ground, are they still-?

    You check, and you see them lying exactly where they were, still motionless. You're not sure how much you could help in your state...but can you really just leave them here?

    Your worried thoughts are interrupted by a distant voice. It's hard to hear, but...someone calling through the woods. As you focus your ears you hear it more clearly...your name. Voices calling your name. You recognize the louder one - Cortaine.

    You call back, as loudly as you can in your state.

    "Yeah! Over here!" You bellow. "This way!"

    You stop hearing their voices, but shortly you hear someone approaching through the woods. Finally you see Cortaine's face in the distance...you start to call to her.

    "Th-" Your voice halts in your throat. The sickening magic feeling wells up explosively, freezing you. An ominous sensation grows deep within your chest, and-

    A burst of searing pain rips through your body! You jerk in agony and cry out loudly. Your chest...! It feels as though it's being torn apart- it's- excruciating...!

    You don't manage to stay standing after that outburst. The wave of intense pain finally manages to rob you of your consciousness, and you crash to the ground with a groan.

    --

    The shadow's growing magic bursts within Lethis, dealing 14 damage.

    Lethis loses consciousness...

    Allies
    Lethis // 0HP // 5MP [Bleed]

    --

    "Ah- oh no! Miss Lethis!?"

    "Hold on, stay calm, she's still breathing. I've got bandages-"

    "Wait, I'll use my magic..."

    "Ah, right...that works better, probably."

    --

    Your eyes crack open, greeted by dim sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. You shuffle and try to sit up, and find yourself feeling fairly drained and sore.

    "Ah...miss Lethis!"

    You cock your head toward the voice - Ancillas' voice. He's kneeling next to you, leaning over you to make eye contact.

    "I'm glad you're okay...but my magic couldn't fix everything, so...you might still hurt."

    Ahh...so Ancillas has healed you. That's a relief. Your injuries were no joke.

    "This is nothing," you strain to finally prop yourself up on your elbows, "Thank you, Ancillas..." you trail off when you notice, from your new position, your bare stomach. On your torso, all you're wearing is your cloth chest wrap. You see your armor, gambeson and simple shirt lying to your right side...

    "I-" Ancillas turns away hurriedly, as if he's only just been reminded of this fact, "I, I'm really sorry, about that, it was just- it was very bad, we had to- um, I, I had Cortaine do it, I didn't, um, I mean..."

    You smirk and sit fully upright. Ancillas turns fully around, staring away from you in embarrassment.

    "It's fine, I understand," you reach and pat him on the back with a grin. You shift around, turning to face your laid out clothes. Wincing lightly you reach to put on the shirt. As you stretch to throw it on you feel like Ancillas is looking, but by the time it's fully on the feeling is gone. Ignoring that, you lightly stretch and flex, trying to work at least some of the soreness out of your body. It's then you see Cortaine sitting some ways behind you, next to another woman laid out on the ground.

    "Hey, boss," she waves, "Glad you woke up. This one still hasn't," she nods to the woman.

    That woman, she's the one that had been laying there that whole time. You get a good look for the first time - she's got striking red hair, dressed sparsely in a simple red chemise and boots. She's still unmoving, but Cortaine didn't seem to imply that the woman is dead...as you look closer you do notice the extremely slight rise and fall of her chest. She's...breathing, at least.

    "What's wrong with her?" You ask Cortaine, "Is she hurt?"

    "Don't think so..." she answers dumbly, "She's not really hurt, just out cold. For a while, now. Is this who was screaming?"

    "...I don't know," you sigh. "She was already out when I got here."

    At least she's alive. Seems your efforts weren't totally in vain.

    "So er, what happened? Wolf attack?" Cortaine asks, looking around at the wolf carcasses that are still here. Huh, you forgot about those actually.

    "No...something else was here," you shake your head, "That can wait, though."

    Steadily you get to your feet, gathering up the rest of your armor. What should you do about the unconscious stranger?

    [] Try and wake her

    [] Take her with you back to your camp

    [] Meh just leave her


    Holy wordcount, batman
     
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    • Jaiun
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    • [X] Take her with you back to your camp


    "Can't just leave her here," you lean down toward the woman, "let's get her back to camp, and then..." you start to move her, when Cortaine stops you.

    "I'll get her, don't worry," she says, getting ready to carry the stranger, "you should try and take it easy, yeah?"

    "That's..." well, you suppose. "Very well, then."

    You focus on gathering your armor and weapon, then turn back to Cortaine to see her slowly lifting the unconscious woman up. She hefts the woman up across her shoulders in a competent fireman's carry.

    "Alright, I'm ready," she says, lightly adjusting the weight over her shoulders.

    ...You don't tell Cortaine that you expected her to flop the unconscious woman's body over her shoulder in an uncomfortable position, balanced precariously, and possibly drop her. Instead you just check with Ancillas to make sure he's ready, and start making your way back to camp.


    Trekking back through the woods, you keep trying to stretch out your core, where a majority of the soreness lies. You aren't feeling too bad, especially considering the extent of your injuries and that ugly burst of pain at the end. You can only assume it was the strange shadow's magic, causing damage inside of you...you shiver. It gave you that gnawing, irritable feeling, too; it was making your temper flare more than it should have.

    At least you're fine. Guessing from your current state, you'd do alright in a normal fight, and you ought to recover fully before long. You won't need any rest, you think - you should be able to keep traveling with no issues. You're durable enough for that.


    You get back to your shabby camp in the clearing without incident. Cortaine carefully lays the woman down, then looks around. Ancillas stands there silently. You kneel next to her and wonder...what exactly to do. You examine her a bit more carefully.

    Hmm. She really doesn't seem hurt, as Cortaine affirmed; it's almost looks like she's just sleeping, instead of out cold. As you noticed before, she's sparsely dressed, nothing but a fancy red chemise. It looks nice, but not something you'd expect someone to wear while alone this far out in the wilderness. She's pale, very much so - looks like she has a pale complexion, that's currently even paler and wan looking. Hrmm...her long hair is tied at the bottom with a ragged looking red cloth, looking a bit out of place with her nice clothes. It's got some symbol on it...if it's a family crest or something, maybe you can identify it? You gently lift her hair, and the cloth, to see...

    Your brow perks curiously. This looks to be the symbol of the Kr'joran Rune Fencers! Could she be one? That just makes this even more confusing. If she is one, what's she doing here?

    You'll need to get the answers from her whenever she wakes up, you suppose...you look back to her pallid face, glancing at her vacant amber eyes - eh?

    Oh! You stand back up and move away a bit. She's awake? She was just looking at you! How long...? Agh...whatever.

    "You're awake, then? Are you alright?" you offer your hand, "Can you stand?"

    "I believe so," she says smiling thinly. She takes your hand with a thank you, and you help her up.

    Temporarily disregarding you, she busily adjusts her clothes, wiping off dirt and trying to work out wrinkles. She fixes her hair, flipping it back into place rather fabulously. She takes note of the three of you watching her.

    "Hm? Is something on my face?" She asks with a calm, empty smile.

    What a peculiar woman...

    [] You've got some questions for her...

    [] Send her on her way, now that you know she's fine.
     
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    • Nima
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    • [X] You've got some questions for her...
    -[X] Her name and if she knows where she is right now.
    -[X] You found her lying next to some sort of shadowy creature after you heard someone scream last night. Was that her and does she know what that creature was?
    -[X] Ask what's a Kr'joran Rune Fencer doing here anyway?


    "..." you try to get your thoughts in order, and finally conclude how to proceed. You start at the basics. "Could I ask your name?"

    She looks expectantly at you. After a moment she speaks up, "To whom am I introducing myself, then?"

    "Ah..." you realize that you forgot to give her your own name. "I am Lethis Writham."

    "Hello, Lethis." She pauses, looking aside a moment, before returning to eye contact. "You may call me, Nima."

    "I...see. Nima, then. Pleasure."

    "Hm," she answers simply with a nod.

    "Nima, do you know where you are?" you ask further, eyeing her carefully.

    "If memory serves, I'm in the woods to the south of Klause," she gives another level answer.

    "Okay, then..." so, she knows where she is, she's seemingly fine, and apparently totally unconcerned about the condition she was found in. And also that she woke up surrounded by strangers. "I found you last night, on the ground next to some strange, dark monster, and I'd gone there because I heard a scream."

    She listens to you quietly as you explain all that, cocking her head as you pause.

    "Was the screaming you?" you finally ask.

    "Was it?" she answers curiously, "I don't remember screaming particularly loudly at any point."

    ...

    "Then," you squint, "Do you know anything about that...creature?"

    "Creature, you say?"

    "Yes," you nod, "a shadowy figure. Dark haze floated from it like a cloud. It had an insanely threatening aura, and I was forced to defend myself from it. It used some bizarre magic...and it wielded an impossibly sharp blade."

    "Eh? A shadow-person?" Cortaine looks over, surprised.

    "...It was that dangerous...?" Ancillas frets, "If we'd acted sooner..."

    "Don't worry over something like that, Ancillas. I'm perfectly fine now, aren't I?" you try to assuage the boy, before looking expectantly to the woman - Nima.

    "Hmm. A shadowy figure, was it?" she seems to think a moment, her eyes growing a bit more serious, "It sounds like you encountered a shade."

    "A shade?"

    "There are stories about them, albeit fairly old, and admittedly superstitious. I can't imagine the tales are widespread. But what you described sounds like one."

    "And what is a 'shade'?" you ask, head cocked.

    "Hmm...old texts say different things. Collections of dark thoughts and evil intent, restless and disturbed souls, simply people lost to forbidden magics - you'll see a different answer anywhere they're mentioned," she says with a shrug, "All that remains consistent is that they're described as incredibly ill omens. Portents of calamity, if you will."

    "...Calamity?" you repeat with a grim expression.

    "Wouldn't you say it's easier to believe that's all a superstition, though?" she shrugs once more, "After all, surely it can't be that every time some old codger thought they saw a shadow-person in the darkness, a disaster followed."

    "I'm no old codger. And the wounds it gave me were not imagined," you assert with a frown. It's hard to get a read on this woman.

    "Ahah, now, I never said that."

    ...You sigh.

    "For these tales that are so old and unknown, you sure know quite a bit about them," you continue with a bit of suspicion.

    "You could say I'm well learned," she answers readily.

    Slowly you rub your forehead.

    "...Fine. Aside from all that," you move on to your next question, "what's a Rune Fencer doing here, anyway?"

    She perks her brow, looking around briefly, "There's a Rune Fencer here? I had no idea," she faces you again, "Wouldn't you know better than I? I'm only just hearing about it."

    "That cloth," you indicate the tattered red cloth she's tied her hair with, "It bore the symbol of a Rune Fencer, no?"

    "Ah," calmly she pulls her hair over her shoulder, examining the rugged cloth. "This is a memento. Indeed, it once belonged to a Rune Fencer."

    "You mean..."

    "Yes, she died."

    "I'm sorry," you quickly say, but she shakes her head.

    "It was a lifetime ago. Besides, you might say she's still here with me," she lightly caresses the makeshift ribbon, "in spirit."

    You rub your neck, letting the uncomfortable silence settle. She fancily flips her hair back into place, then addresses you again with her own question.

    "So, why did you bring me here?" she looks around the clearing, at your simple camp.

    "Eh? To help you. You were unconscious in the forest," you reply dumbfounded. Was it not clear that you were helping her...?

    "Ah, right," she nods with understanding, "Then, you decided you'd ask me some questions. So, what comes after that?"

    ...Well then. What comes after the questions?

    [] Ask more questions?

    [] Part ways with her

    [] Offer to let Nima travel with you to Klause

    [] Let her do whatever
     
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    • Protection
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    • [X] Offer to let Nima travel with you to Klause


    "Well, the three of us are traveling to Klause. If you'd like, you can join us."

    "Ah...I see. To pay you back, yes?" Nima nods with a smile, "Very well. I'll accompany you to Klause, but I'm afraid that's where we'll have to part."

    "Er," you squint in confusion, "I'm sorry, you said, 'to pay us back'?"

    "Hm? Yes. You mean to have me offer you protection as reward for your trying to help me, yes?" she claps her hands together firmly, "So long as I am your ally, you needn't worry about shades. Or wolves, most likely."

    She seems to have gotten the wrong idea, but, whatever. More importantly, 'you needn't worry', huh?

    "Your protection," you repeat her words, "Is that so?"

    "Yes," she smiles again, quite warmly, "Will that be alright?"

    Well, you're the one that asked if she'd come along. No reason to deny her.

    "I have no problem with it."

    "Then that's that." Nima answers immediately. "I hope we can enjoy our travel together. I'll be ready to leave whenever y'all are."

    You blink, noting that somewhat crude 'y'all', a noticeable contrast to her normal, more refined manner of speech. She doesn't say anything about it, or even seem to notice what she's done, and nobody else seems to notice, so...you'll just ignore it.

    --

    Once you've gathered what supplies you had sitting around the small camp, and finished getting your armor back on, you're ready to depart. And depart you do.

    As you head out, Cortaine addresses Nima, finally introducing herself.

    "Uh, I'm Cortaine, by the way. Hired protection." She explains briefly with a light wave.

    Ancillas realizes he hasn't introduced himself, either, and jumps in, "Oh, I'm Ancillas..."

    "Ah. Nice to meet you, miss, and you, young man," she nods to each of them in turn. Ancillas seems relieved.

    "Then, Miss Nima...are you a mercenary, like Cortaine?" he starts asking questions of Nima.

    "No, I don't believe I've ever done mercenary work."

    "Oh..." he exclaims, a bit puzzled, "so...um, but you offered to protect us, right?"

    "Indeed, I did."

    There's some silence as Ancillas probably tries to figure out what to say, until settling with an uneasy "Ah, okay...". Despite being royalty, he really isn't all that good at talking to people.

    You suppress a yawn and keep your eyes forward. With your journey starting again, you silently hope that today won't be as eventful as last night. Either way, now that you're on the road again, what to do as you journey?

    [] Be vigilant

    [] Is there anything worth talking about?

    [] Or maybe a way to pass the time?

    [] Or...something?
     
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    • Retiree
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    • [X] Ask Nima what her profession is, and if she's performed similar jobs like this before.
    [X] Any news and interesting tidbits about Klause?


    "Er, Miss Nima," you look back to her and grab her attention, "What exactly is your profession? Have you done things like this before?"

    "My profession? Well, you could say I'm retired. Though yes, I have had the duty of protecting people, before."

    "Retired?" you raise an eyebrow at that. She looks hardly past her thirties. "You don't seem so old as to be retired from anything."

    "Be careful," she warns you with that same blank smile she always flashes, "my age is a sensitive topic."

    "...Right." you face forward, sighing under your breath. Still, retired? From what? She didn't say, but you're not sure if you can attribute that to her apparent empty-headedness, or if it means she doesn't intend to share. Again, she's hard to read.

    While you deliberate on that, you suddenly remember something else to ask.

    "Do you know of any recent news from Klause?"

    "Klause, hm? News of what sort?"

    You shrug, "Anything worth sharing, I suppose? Important news, interesting tidbits?"

    "Hm. Klause..." she trails off, staying silent a moment. "To be quite honest, no, there is none. Apart from the recent disturbance of animals and strange creatures hounding their roads, Klause has been fairly calm for some time," she finishes her explanation with a halfhearted shrug.

    "I see," you mutter. If nothing else, she knows the state of Klause. Likely, she's been there recently? That's easy to believe, considering you found her about a day's trip from the city itself.

    "So Miss Lethis," she suddenly asks of you, "Could you tell me what your profession is?"

    "My-? Well, currently, nothing official, I suppose. I'm in training to become a rune fencer."

    "Oh?"

    "I'm journeying to prove my merit. Perform brave feats and deeds."

    "Ahhh," she murmurs thoughtfully, before smiling once more."And, what deed are you performing now?"

    "Hm? I'm...protecting a frail young man."

    "Ah, I see, I see," she nods along, not saying anything more.

    ...Well then. That's the end of that, you guess.

    Travel continues, nobody really says anything for a while. Until someone does.

    "So, Ancillas?" Nima turns to him with a light smile.

    "Eh?"

    "Lethis is training, Cortaine is a mercenary. What about you?"

    "I, um..." he looks to the side, unsure how to answer. You're prepared to interrupt to stop Nima's questioning, but Ancillas does answer. "I'm studying magic."

    "Oh? Is that so?"

    "Yes...I've been staying at the Selaiut college and studying there..." he says uncertainly.

    "Selaiut..." Nima says quietly, "That's quite far away, huh?"

    "I'm...we're traveling..." Ancillas answers nervously.

    You decide to interrupt, addressing Nima, "Any reason for the curiosity?"

    "Oh, just trying to pass the time," she answers listlessly.

    You sigh. Internally. Travel continues on in silence.

    Think about something else, you tell your self. It's good that nothing has happened, so far. Mhm. At this rate...hm...maybe by dusk, you'll have reached Klause? It's hard to say.

    [] Stay vigilant until then

    [] Hannz (Write-in)
     
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    • Looks like we made it
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    • [X] Stay vigilant until then


    Better to stay safe for the remainder of your trip. You'll continue while you keep careful look out for any kind of danger.

    Your party treks through the woods, silent and wary...

    --

    "Say," Nima speaks up some hours later, surprising you a bit, "The Selaiut college is where Princess Lilya was killed, was it not?"

    "Eh?" Ancillas blurts in surprise.

    "That's what I'd heard, anyways. The college must be quite hectic right now, since they can't figure out who did it. I'm sure there's a witch hunt there," she rambles, a bit bored sounding, "You must be glad, getting to avoid the chaos following a princess' death. And with you being so far away, it'd mean you weren't around when it happened, thus you can't be suspected. You're quite fortunate, young man."

    "I...I suppose you're right..." Ancillas weakly agrees.

    "Don't speak of matters of death around the boy," you cut in firmly, "It makes him uncomfortable."

    Ancillas glances over at you, clearly glad that you've cut that conversation short.

    "I see. I apologize, then," Nima answers with a smile.

    --

    As you predicted, you finally reach Klause just when dusk begins to fall. And thankfully, there was no trouble on the road! Excluding the odd run-in with that...'shade' thing, there was no danger. You're glad that Ancillas was kept safe.

    Your group enters Klause, passing through the gate without incident.

    "I suppose this is where we part," Nima is again the first to speak up, "I have to be going. Important things to do, you see. Now that you've made it back to civilization, try to enjoy yourself while you can, hm?" She cheerfully says her farewells as she turns to leave.

    "Hm. Thanks for your...'protection', Miss Nima," you thank her somewhat impassively.

    "Oh. You're very welcome," she glances back to you, "I hope we meet again. Be careful until then."

    With that, Nima parts from your group, strolling away down the city's paved road and disappearing through the crowd.

    "She was interesting..." Ancillas drones quietly.

    You simply grunt noncommittally in response. You aren't really sure how to feel about that woman. While she was fairly talkative and friendly, in the end she was as much of an enigma as that Idunna woman. And something about all of her questioning and the things she said was just...off.

    Whatever. You disregard that train of thought and turn to regard your other companions, Ancillas and Cortaine. Cortaine's looking at you, beaming.

    "So...job well done, eh boss?"

    Sighing, you retrieve her payment and hand it over. Regardless of how helpful she actually was, you agreed to 75 silver for her to accompany you to Klause.

    (-75 silver)

    "Oh, thank you," she starts to put the payment away, relief painted on her face, "If you tried to haggle down or not pay me, I'm not sure I'd have had the heart to argue. It kind of felt like I didn't do anything."

    You feel strongly compelled to tell her to stop talking before you actually try to get your money back. Instead, Ancillas speaks up to her.

    "Don't mind things like that...um, thank you for your service, miss Cortaine. It was nice having a larger group...kind of fun..." he eventually loses steam and finishes quietly, but the message gets across.

    "Uh...right," Cortaine answers a bit awkwardly, like she's at a loss for words. "Well...if you two decide to hire another escort, you can always look for me. I'll probably be hanging around at the abode, so..."

    "The abode?" Ancillas asks with a cocked head.

    "Er, it's the name of a pretty cheap tavern kind of toward the west side of town. 'Abode' like a 'humble abode', right? Ah, but it's mostly ironic, because it's kind of a sh- it's a pretty run down place," she corrects herself with lightning speed as your flash her a harsh look.

    Cortaine clears her throat and continues, "Er, yeah. If you want...I'll be there. I can give you the same special rate. For uh, customer loyalty."

    "Is that so." You answer her in deadpan. You doubted from the beginning that it was a special rate, at all. 75 silver is probably all her service is worth...

    "...Right. So, I'll be going. You two stay safe," and with that, Cortaine heads off.

    "...She was nice."

    "Mhm."

    Your journey to Klause is complete, and your extra members have separated from you. Hm...now what? You suppose finding decent lodging would be best, assuming you plan to stay in Klause.

    [] Look for a place to stay

    [] Just explore

    [] Continue straight through to the next city
     
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    • Special
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    • [X] Look for a place to stay
    -[X] Doesn't Klause have a Wolf Infestation? Try and look into that, maybe earn some coin for a few hunts.


    Right then, a place to stay. You'll need to find a decent bed for the prince. Not...too nice, though. It pains you to think like that, but you'd rather be careful with your money. You wonder if you could do something about your current funds...

    --

    With some instructions from the helpful people of Klause, you find an average, moderately priced inn. Once you're in you find that it seems to relatively nice place. There's no bar or any kind of food, just rooms and a lobby. Simple and comfy. You approach the young girl at the counter.

    "35 for two beds- oh, one bed? 20, then," the bubbly keeper smiles as she tells you the cost of a room.

    "Only 20?" you ask with minor surprise. You anticipated maybe double that.

    "It's like a special we're doing. Room prices are lower for two weeks! Well, two weeks from when we started. Today's the last day."

    "I see. Seems we have good timing."

    "Guess so!" she answers with a laugh.

    (-20 silver)

    You hand over 20 silver, and as you put your wallet away, you're reminded of your concern over your money...

    "Say, Klause is having a problem with wolves, right?" you decide to ask the girl at the counter about the problem on Klause's roads.

    "Mmm, yeah, it's all I've been hearing about recently," she answers while nodding, "That and the news about the princess."

    "I see," you say quickly, "is the city doing anything about it?"

    "Wellll, the sentries tried to go do something about it a while ago, but it didn't go too great. Now they've started offering rewards for killing the wolves or whatever on the roads."

    A-ha, exactly what you'd hoped for.

    "I heard the real military might try to do something soon, too..."

    "Is that so? Well, er, do you know where I might go to inquire about the rewards for killing wolves?"

    "Huh? Are you gonna go hunting, lady?"

    "Possibly," you answer firmly.

    "...With a sword?"

    "Eh?" you stare a moment, glancing at the longsword you're carrying... "Er, nevermind that. Do you know?"

    "Um...well, I think it was at the town hall. That's where I'd guess, anyways."

    Well then.

    "Well, alright then. Thank you," you give her brief thanks as you head to your room.

    "No problem! And, thanks for staying with us!"


    Once you get to your room, you set your things down and sit down. Unfortunately, you still feel sore...so a minute to take a load off is nice. You take a deep breath and heave a heavy sigh...

    "Miss Lethis, are you doing alright?" Ancillas asks you with some concern.

    "Of course. Don't worry about me - I'd be a poor knight if I let this slow me down."

    "Jeez..." he huffs as he looks away slightly, "You almost died, you know...? You don't always have to act so cool. If you're hurt, then..."

    Your eyes widen slightly, and you idly blink as your face resets.

    "Prince...it's very kind of you to worry about me like that, but really, I'm fine. There's no need to worry," you finish with a slight smile and lightly pat his head. He flinches subtly, but shows no other reaction aside from a downcast gaze.

    "If...you're really alright, then, that's fine..."

    You grin and lean back, stretching slightly. Right! So, you've secured a room. A fairly nice one, and for fairly cheap! You also learned a bit about where Klause is with the whole, wolf situation. Should you want to, you could go hunt wolves for money. With, er, a sword.

    Now...

    [] Rest.

    [] Explore the city.

    [] Find the town hall.

    [] ??? (Hannz)


    More life, more video games, more ways to get distracted from writing
     
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    • Town Hall
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    • [X] Find the town hall.


    Well, you may as well visit the town hall to get more information on the reward for those wolves. You let Ancillas know your intentions.

    "I see..." he answers slowly, looking down. "Are you...sure about the wolf thing...?"

    Ancillas doesn't sound too eager about going wild wolf hunting. That's understandable. It brings up another thought, too - you already failed to protect him from a wild beast once, when the wolf outside the last town injured him. If you go through with this, perhaps you should consider not forcing the prince into it.

    ...Worrying about that can wait. For now, it can't hurt to at least visit the town hall.

    "I suppose it's not certain, but either way, we've nothing to lose by visiting the town hall. Perhaps we'll learn of something aside from the wolves."

    "...Alright," he answers with a hesitant nod.


    You head back out to ask the girl at the counter how to find the town hall, when you see her talking to a familiar face.

    "Seriously? Only 20 silver?" Cortaine blurts, astonished, as she fishes out her wallet.

    "Yes, it's...a special. Today's the last day, so tomorrow it's-"

    "Yeah, I know, even one night is good enough!" She interrupts, holding out 20 silver.

    "Alright, then. Enjoy your stay..."

    "Oohhhh man...a nice bed, for once! I'm so glad I heard...hey, is there a bath here?"

    "That's..." the girl finally notices you off to the side, "Hi, do you need something?"

    "Oh- hey, boss." Cortaine greets you coolly, regaining her composure real quick when she finally notices you.

    "What happened to the 'abode'?" You ask her as you approach the counter.

    "A friend told me I could get a bed here for barely more than over there, and well...20 silver is well worth it for a clean bed."

    ...A...clean...?

    You hurriedly disregard that little bit of information and continue dispassionately.

    "I see. This special was quite fortunate. Either way, Ancillas and I have things to do, so I'll beg your pardon?"

    "No problem," she nods enthusiastically, "I'm going to check out my room, heh..."

    Cortaine hurries off, leaving you to finally speak with the girl at the counter.

    "Sorry, but could you tell me how to reach the town hall?"

    You get some directions from her, offer your thanks and head out with Ancillas in tow...

    --

    "Ah, you're asking about the beast bounty? It's just been increased - 25 silver for each beast slain."

    Increased, he says? How fortunate for you.

    "Is that so?" you offer idly, just confirming.

    "Mhm. Are you planning on going hunting, miss?"

    "Possibly."

    "With that sword?"

    You sigh. "Yes."

    "I see...well regardless, please stay safe."

    "Yes, and yourself. Thank you."

    As far as you can tell, there's no other rewards, jobs, or ways to earn money otherwise, available at the town hall. Seems there's nothing left for you to do here; you head back out with Ancillas and stand around to the side of the building.

    Ancillas sits quietly as you consider your options...

    [] Head out for a hunt
    -[] Go alone?

    [] Go shopping?

    [] Go do something else?
    -[] What?

    [] Go back to the inn
     
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    • A-hunting I will go
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    • [X] Head out for a hunt
    -[X] Go alone


    You make up your mind to go out hunting for the reward - and you decide to leave Ancillas in town. He can wait safely at the inn.

    "Let's go back to the inn," you say, turning to Ancillas, and he nods quickly.

    ---

    Once back to your room, you let Ancillas know your plan.

    "Eh...you're going to go out, alone?"

    You nod affirmatively. "You can remain here - it will be safer that way. I should be fine on my own."

    "...I see...I suppose I wouldn't be any help..."

    "Er..." you pause uncertainly, "It's just more assuring to not have you doing something so dangerous. You're a prince, after all."

    He nods with some apprehension, and silence fills the air.

    "Well..." you clear your throat, trying to clear away the unpleasant atmosphere, "Will you be alright? If so, then I'll be heading out."

    He nods once more.

    "Alright, then. I will be back, before long."

    You ensure Ancillas of your safety, and head out.

    --

    You stand outside the city's walls, looking out toward the woods where you're most likely to encounter the beasts. Briefly you check your equipment, ensuring you're ready, and sally forth to make some honest money - by taking up your blade and slaughtering hostile wildlife.

    So, the hunt begins...


    Much later, after night fall...

    You finally exit the forest, hauling your spoils behind you.

    The trip was a decent success, thankfully. You got lucky - well, as 'lucky' as getting attacked by wolves can be. A group of four found you first, but you managed to kill all of them. Luckily in their frenzy they weren't smart enough to run away when you'd already killed a couple. And while you didn't escape unscathed, you're relatively uninjured, fortunately.

    Allies
    Lethis // 29HP // 41MP

    Unfortunately...you aren't totally familiar with this 'killing beasts for reward' thing. Of course the concept is simple, and you were aware you needed something to prove you killed the wolves...but you couldn't think of what to use as solid proof besides the entire carcass.

    So now, you're lugging four wolf carcasses around, using a rope you're pulling over your shoulder.

    ...You hope this was the right decision.

    --

    Finally you get back to the city. As you pass, the sentries give you odd looks but don't say anything, instead simply shaking their heads and disregarding you. Now, you'll head back to the town hall to claim your reward...and eh, hopefully do something about the wolf carcasses. You trudge slowly through the streets...


    --

    At last you arrive at the town hall, still dragging wolf carcasses behind you. You sort of...heft them up, slightly lifting them so as to not drag them across the floor of the hall, and approach the door. It opens outward as you get near, and a man in full armor exits the building, passing you.

    You double take at his impressive armor - there's no doubt, that man is a royal law-bringer! A member of an order of knights that specifically hunts dangerous or notorious criminals, usually by order of the king. You briefly watch as he hurries off, wondering for what reason one of them would have appeared here, of all places?

    Thoughts for later, you suppose. Right now you want to hurry and claim your reward, so you can be finished carrying these wolves...hopefully. You enter and approach the reception.

    "Hell...o," she greets you uneasily, "I presume the animals..."

    "Yes," you state firmly, trying to not appear awkward, yourself. "I slew these beasts in the woods outside of town, and I'm aware there is a reward."


    Fortunately there's little need to verify the number you've killed, so you're readily paid with the reward for four dead wolves: 100 silver. It's no fortune, certainly, but a good amount regardless if you consider that you made so much in one night with little injury.

    "You say you don't want the carcasses?"

    "Er...no. We don't really...deal in that. You're free to do what you want with them."

    Great. Now you have four dead wolves to get rid of.

    "I see. Thank you for your time, then."

    "Thank you for your help with the beast dilemma," she replies automatically as you leave.


    You exit the town hall with a sigh, still carrying the wolves over your shoulder. After carrying them for so long your arms are getting tired...

    Hm? You notice another pair of law-bringers in front of the town hall. One of them seems to be putting up posters, and once done, he and the other one depart hurriedly. If they're putting up posters, they must be looking for someone in this town. You plod over to get a glance at the poster.

    It is, indeed, a wanted poster. Complete with a drawing, a reward, a crime, and a list of physical features the sketch doesn't make clear, such as height, hair and eye color, and what not. Yes, that much is all clear. You're having a hard time grasping the rest, though.

    Although no name is listed, the drawing looks strangely like Ancillas. The hair color, eye color, and other descriptions listed also match Ancillas'. The reward is a staggering twenty-five thousand silver. The crime listed...

    ...The murder of Princess Lilya.

    You blink idly, staring silently at the poster, reading it through and re-examining the drawing several times.

    ...It couldn't really be Ancillas, could it? That's ridiculous. But...what is this, then? If it's true...shouldn't you inform the law-bringers? It can't be true, though. Does Ancillas know about this? Actually, is he safe?

    [] What...do you do?
     
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