>>13975999

"Your skills are far greater than mine. I have much planning to do before the day is out, preparing for our march."

>>13975999
"I think you can handle it my dear. I think it might be prudent to continue searching for prospects in another part of the city. Something the second said has made me think we should recruit a mystic as soon as possible."

At this point, I suggest we start searching the poorer areas of the city and see if we can hear any rumors of crazy people or people that are avoided for being weird.

>>13976080
I agree. Depending on how advanced their powers have developed, a mystic may have been labeled as mad. We'll need to take the arcana with us.
Should we bring along some guards, since we'll be going into the rougher areas of the city?

Anyone mind sumarrising what we had planned to do this time around? How much time left before we move out? I remember we wanted to patch up Laeliths face and leave orders for Lord Helmet to go into real estate but not much esle.

>>13976114
Unless Pax wants to say otherwise, I imagine we'd be fine as a commander of the legion. Unless we get jumped by a band of criminals, it shouldn't be a problem and I don't think we're going to walk into any alleys or anything like that.

>>13976129
Right. That's another thing we should look for. Well known healers - either those in clinics or some of those healers that use folk remedies or methods you wouldn't normally expect to work but does. Likely because said person is an elementalist.

In regards to the list... Maybe later. Too distracted atm. As far as I can remember though, 2 days until we get grilled about our elementalism and 5 days until the gov's party.

>>13976133
We should avoid being alone whenever possible. We're a relatively high-profile figure now; having a couple capable friends/bodyguards with us at all times has moved from "paranoia" to "reasonable precaution".

>>13976154
Righto, also we should scheduale a time to go meet Jaynes sister and bring the commander she's interested in the guise (not that we need to disguise this) of dinner together but also catch up on the politic-ing that happened in the city while we were away and if the younger sister got an invite since Jayne didn't.

>>13976186
It also makes talking to people more annoying depending on what we want to say. Look at how much trouble it's been to introduce our assassin. What if people have similar ideas to us recruiting someone who everyone else claims is crazy?

"I think I'll leave this to you, love. Not only are you better qualified for the job, but youve already dressed for the occasion." you tease the elf, sliding an arm around her waist

The elf looks herself over again and smirks "I thought you would approve." pecking you on the cheek a suggestive spark in her eyes "What do you intend to do today then?"

"I hope to find more talent in the slums, I've heard that the blind and mad can do fascinating things when trained." you quip.

"Be careful how many you take, love, we were lucky with how quickly Lena learned control." Laelith replies.

You squeeze her a little tighter "But of course. Also, I have been warned that the tests to prove that we do not simply have an abundance of arcana may be... degrading."

"I'll tell the others if you arent back before I finish my work. Will you want me to work on anything else when I am finished with this?"

>>13976257
I wonder if we can just do whatever tests they want done on us. Why force our retinue to go through that if it's not needed.

"If you can, perhaps you could take Lena and visit the library once again. Finding some lore on High Mages might help her training more and I'd like you to look at other source of magic or elementalism that might counter necromancy. If there's a whole school of it to raise the dead, there might be something that opposes it and could be effective at destroying them or putting them to rest."

>>13976257
I think Laelith should concentrate on training the elementalists on controlling their powers.
We don't have a lot of time before we have to set out, and I think this coming campaign will have a lot of potential to be very frustrating.

>>13976308
I assumed when she said finished with this, she meant when the people were too tired to go on and she was free. There's no way she'll be as tired as they will be when they're done their first day of training.

>>13976308
Also in the beginning I imagine that we should designate multiple stages for those undergoing elementalism training. With each stage thier tasks during the campaign would differ since we wouldn't want to hold those combat capable back with those still struggling, the question is what to do with them.

>>13976352
Well, Earth elementalists are easy: ditch-digging and making earthen berms for when we make camp.
Fire elementalists could be assigned to camp fire and kitchen fire details, I guess.

I'm not sure about wind or water elementalists though.

>>13976348
I guess you're right. Having Laelith search the libraries would be a good use of her time.

>>13976225
Than they can suck it up because we're the boss and ultimately we'll be proven right.

Seriously, though, our soldiers and our officers both have a lot of faith in us. We don't need to worry much about skepticism on this sort of thing, considering how wildly successful we have been in the arena of the supernatural thus far.

>>13976396
I think we do though. As mentioned, just introducing that we had an assassin join us had a number of our captains displeased with what that fact. Yes they have faith but actions like that will shake their faith in us. To the point where they abandon us? Not likely but it's something like that that could be nurtured against us if any enemies of ours start to try to look for weakness in our maniple.

I'm curious as to what our life elementalists have done with the vine sap. We were about to go talk to them about it before we got interrupted.

>>13976424
exactly, we haven't been quite aware on its uses yet

"When you finish, you may as well take Lena with you to the archives, to see about finding any potentially useful books on the arcane arts." you answer as the elf slips from your grasp at the door.

You gather the arcane detection stone from your cache, but a voice nearly makes you leap from your skin "Will have have any need of me on your outing today?" Daeseu asks, slipping from the shadows.

>>13976473
Eh. If people are worried about being attacked, I suppose we can have him tag along. Although I think we should let him loose at some point to make a network within this city. We might also want to ask him about the cult... Forgot if we asked him or not but he might have come across them in Uurlanth.

>>13976473
"Not today, no. For right now, I suggest you start building up a line of contacts. We'll need information to take out the lordfathers."

>>13976473
We should bring him. He can probably get into the more unsavoury places to mine for information that a maniple commander shouldn't and woundn't go to. Also we could use some extra protection just in case.

>>13976473
I don't think so. He should just make sure he's spending his time doing something low-profile and productive. Building up contacts is usually a good one, and also I'd kind of like him to find and start training a couple apprentices. We'll need more than just him eventually and skilled infiltrators/assassins don't grow on trees.

>>13976544
Let's wait a little more until we ask him to train more people. Our maniple is still weary of having him around and I doubt they'd work well with him for now. Also, we might as well ask him about the cult while he's here with us since we haven't asked him thus far.

>>13976473
Making contacts in the city could also reveal to anyone that looks, that we have such a person on our payroll.
Besides, making contacts and such requires currency, usually of the monetary kind. How much money will he need to start cultivating contacts?

>>13976578
It just means we have contacts in the city. It doesn't automatically mean we have an assassin. It just means we're building an intelligence network and may have spies or people of that nature. And that is true, it will require money. We might have to supplement him for now with our req funds if it does and then replace the use of that with the loot money we're going to get.

>>13976594
I didn't mean that it would reveal that we have an assassin on our payroll; just that we have someone who deals with the shady side of things.
Probably not a big surprise for any of the more established noble houses or politicians, but just something that might be used against us if it could be proven. I admit, it's a small consideration.

>>13976658
I wonder is we could set Daseau up as a black marketeer, selling armor and weapons we capture and are not going to use. Probably use the old excuse "It fell off the back of the wagon"

"While you will not need to accompany me into the city, I would like you to begin an information network once I have money to give you to start such a project.'" you answer, stepping back from where the assassin had been waiting "With Lord Helmet maintaining my finances and more overt political affairs..."

"I would imagine Janos to be busy enough with that." the assassin replies, silencing you as he sees the sudden mix of concern and fear on your face "The whereabouts of one traitor to a crown I had no real love for is not enough to save my life, he has nothing to fear from me." the assassin chuckles "And you truly must be new to this game if you think that I would simply hand out coin to establish a network, it takes weeks to know someone well enough to put them on your pay for such a... delicate, thing as an information network. I'm sure Janos will be able to work with me when that time comes. Now, what sort of information will you want gathered?"

You are unable to speak for a few moments, finaly managing "Anything on the Lordfathers and their cult, and any political enemies I may have or make."

Daeseu tilts his head "Cult?"

>>13976699
Go into details in what we know about them as well as their symbol. As well as asking if he has seen them at all within Uurlanth. Since he knows about Janos, we might as well tell him how they've pretty much taken over House Stant.

>>13976720
Second.

>>13976699
Right - we may also want to mention how it seems they've infiltrated parts of our empire and he should be careful with his looking for information. Like how that one praetorian seems to either be involved with them or not care about their infiltration. Something he might want to pursue as an avenue of intelligence... If he can intercept some of their information, that would be huge for us getting some solid info.

>>13976720
This. Also, show him some of the letters we have regarding them, and mention how the new lord stant's step son and wife are heavily engrained with them.

"They've got their hands everywhere, here in the empire, Urrlanth, and even the Dutchy to the south. Their interests seem primarily in raising necromancers to lead them."

>>13976699
>sudden mix of concern and fear on your face
Why would we be afraid or concerned here? We expected him to figure that out. If he hadn't, I would have been very disappointed in his level of competence.

>>13976757
I'm not sure if the necromancers and lordfathers are connected. Based on what the Hag said, the numbers of necromancers and such don't match up to the 9 left over lordfathers.

>>13976773
Can't it just mean that they'll end up behind schedule by the time they have to strike?

>>13976742
>>13976720
these sound good

>>13976840
Possibly. I re-read what the Hag was saying - 4 liches, 2 summoners I think and then an unknown number of other arcane arts users. So it could be them after all. No solid link saying it is 100% them but possible.

>>13976771
>becasue you weren't in control, and the assassin could easily run off and ruin Janos' shit if he wanted too. Which is the exact reason you _didnt_ use Janos name when you introduced Daeseu

You briefly inform Janos of the cult, their long reach, and what little you know of their intent. "These, lordfathers, look to be interesting foes in a shadow game, to say the least. I will be sure to show discression, and inform you of what I can discover."

"See that you do." you reply, as you walk from the storehouse you keep your arcana in, and part ways with the assassin. The Nobles Causeway is still a riot of mercenaries, and those who fancy themselves as mercenaries. However, that is not your destination this day. At the end of the causeway you reach an intersection, from here you could proceed to one of three slums, the Rust District, near the iron district, which is well known for its infestation of gangs and slum lords, the West Wall, abode of the most destitute and broken-willed of DragonsReach, or the Market Sewer, adjacent to the Market District, where the homeless, beggars and slum dwellers still cling to shreds of hope and self-worth. Either of the three would take the same amount of time to reach and search, and to search more than one would go deep into the night. and as honest as even the inhabitants of the Market Sewer claim to be, none of the districts are safe after dark.

>>13976881
The West Wall sounds good for a mystic, but the Market Sewer sounds like it might be better for finding a life elementalist.

I'm going to vote West Wall.

>>13976881
I think the Market Sewer is where we should search with the West Wall as the next option if people disagree with my first. The last place sounds too dangerous alone and I doubt blind and crazy people would do well there. The West Wall might be best for crazy people and thus mystics but if they're broken-willed, I think they might be too dangerous to really use for our purposes.

One vote for Market Sewer.

>>13976881
>becasue you weren't in control, and the assassin could easily run off and ruin Janos' shit if he wanted too. Which is the exact reason you _didnt_ use Janos name when you introduced Daeseu
I thought we didn't use his name because we were making him find it out on his own, just to be a dick. And as a subtle statement that the information is not to be treated as public.

When we first employed this guy we made the decision right then that we were going to risk Janos' life and some of our reputation on it. You don't employ a spy/infiltrator/assassin and expect them to remain ignorant of your secrets, particularly when those secrets are as loosely held as ours are- anyone talking to a half-dozen of our troops over the course of an afternoon could find out who Janos really is. Expecting him to remain ignorant of Janos' identity would have been idiotic, and Justinian Trentz is not an idiot, whatever his flaws.

So I would dispute that we "weren't in control"- events proceeded exactly as we expected them to proceed.

West wall or market sewer, either is fine by me. Also, did we find a healer for Laelith's face yet?

>>13976881
Market Sewer. I think we all prefer people with strength of character in our team, and i just don't see that happening in the other two areas. If we are lucky maybe we can find another Wolf.

>>13976938
Nope. That's one of the goals of this search in my mind. Either someone for Laelith's face, a mystic or a mage. Ideally I'd just want a mystic and the healer but as long as we end up with a mystic so we can work on our defenses, I will be content.

>>13976938
>Also, did we find a healer for Laelith's face yet?
No, and it's one of the things we're doing now. We're either going to get a mystic or a skilled life elementalist out of this day's search.

To do list:

Make sure that Jayne has funds for her unit

Recruit more mercs
(I'm assuming that we won't be reserving much funds for bribing away mercs later, since we'll be dealing with Uurlanthi troops and won't have Janos with us.)

Undergo elementalism testing

Attend Governor's party

Once we have our own funds:

Purchase derelict temples

Purchase workshop for Degrian

Build war orphanage, which will screen orphans for potential magic users, future priests, apprentices for Degrian or Blackbird, etc.

Send more funds to the new clan Orcs

>>13976931
>geh, I misremembered/fucked up, sorry. the mail-in for your pegasus blowjob is a few threads back in the archives
>also, roll 4d100 for your searching then

rolled 6 = 6

>>13976968
One search from moi.

Search roll.

rolled 49 = 49

>pegasus blowjob
>mfw

rolled 4 = 4

Oops. Fail roll.

Search roll.

rolled 80 = 80

let's give it another go.

Something more long-term that I'd like to put out there:

We should contact Eago about the fact that the Uurlanthi King is using Felixian conscripts. He is supposed to be their patron god, as I recall.

I'm not saying that we ask him for favors. However, just like we and Neshai(?) are working together against the Undead, there is nothing wrong with alliances of convenience with the gods, when our interests intersect.

Eago probably does not want to see the Felixians, who are not suitable for war, to be drafted into battle. We don't want to face additional Uurlanthi troops in battle. Perhaps we could work with him to make sure that those Felixian conscripts never get deployed.

>>13977055
Ah, piss.

>>13977055
It's alright man. Two awesome rolls, one decent and one not so decent. At least it wasn't a botch worthy roll.

>>13977006
>inside joke from the irc, we're too classy for unicorn blowjobs, and I'm sure as hell not gonna blow you for an apology

By late morning you are passing through the Market District, men hawking swords and jewelry, cloth and cloths. Farmers shouting out prices for their food at rates normally obscene. However, with winter just now ending, food is in short supply, animals lean, wheat stores dangerously low, no forage to speak of outside the walls, more people go hungry early in the spring than in any other time of the year. You ignore it however, passing through to the Sewer. There are still folk hawking their wares, though you see more flesh and pleasure being promised than actual goods. Mixed in with the merchants, whores, drug dealers, and smugglers are beggars. Most of the time they hold out hats, wooden bins, whatever they have on hand. One man catches your attention though, his tunic a similar cut and color to the military tunic you are wearing, though it is filthy, stained and tattered. His face is a spiderweb of scars, and his left arm hangs idly at his side, his right arm rests on his good ear, and he is quetly humming an old marching tune to himself, the only man on the street not begging. You turn your crystal on the man, and it lights up a faint purple, vibrating ever so slightly.

>>13977292
If nothing else, the fact that he's former Legion, and not begging, should stop us to strike up a conversation with him.
The fact that he's attuned, makes it all the better.
Let's go up to him and ask him his former rank and legion.

What was purple again?

>>13977292
Approach the man.

"When did you last serve soldier?"

>>13977344
Mystic, so if he was kicked out for the crazies...

Purple is mystic. So, woot.

And someone full of scars is not going to worry about getting even uglier.

Talk to the man.

>>13977292
Chat with the old veteran. Hopefully he soldiered under our mentor, so he can avoid him losing face, by saying we'd like him to come to our barracks to tell old stories about our mentor. Furthermore he could get a meal and bath in our barracks. After that we can screen him and tell him what exactly we want.

You approach the man, a handful of questions in your head "Five years ago I left with honor, two later I lost all." the man blurts out, before whimpering and covering his normal ear, the other a mangled, presumably useless wreck, again. Most of the other inhabitants of that particular stretch of street begin to back away, the looks on their faces making it clear that they are expecting something they have seen before to happen again.

You know, I just realized, that if he's a mystic with some developed power...we don't have to say anything to him all. He'll just read it off the top of our mind.

I guess that's one way to screen for mystics.

Potential mystic and examiner are alone in a room, seated across from each other at a desk.
Mystic: You're thinking of the number 8, and I am to report to the 8th Century for further training.

Bringing this up since it was mentioned in the IRC chat earlier and I was asked to bring it up and figured people might want to vote for or against this plan. The herbs Nomz showed us that has the effects of making elves drunk were suggested to be used as a weapon against our next enemy who has mostly elves. Talking to Pax, a bale of the stuff that would be effective as an artillery weapon would cost anywhere from 1-5k per shot depending on quality and it wouldn't effect an entire unit since only direct inhalation would work. Furthermore the terrain we're fighting in next does have forests and such, so it might limit the use of a weapon like this since they'd have to be on fire unless we don't mind torching our own forests. The other solution to possibly use it beyond artillery would perhaps to drop it from our flying mercs but I haven't asked Pax about that.

Regardless to sum it up, it might be doable to use as a weapon to make bunch of the enemy units get drunk and easier to deal with but it'll cost money. And get us weird looks as we lug a bunch of that crap around. Thoughts?

>>13977457
Well, stand ready in case he goes batshit. Keep our cool, though.

>>13977468
If we're going to be throwing large, flaming objects into the midst of the enemy in order to make this work already... why not get some kind of explosive or greek fire thing instead? To actually kill the enemy instead of just drugging them, and it'd probably be less expensive.

>>13977457
"That makes things slightly easier. You have a talent that I assume you can't control and I think I can help you with it. Would you like to speak in a more private place rather than out on the streets? "

>>13977468
Too expensive and situational for not enough effect. There's a reason medieval warfare didn't use gas attacks: It requires specialized chemistry and dispersal methods.

>>13977457
Stay calm, and try to blank our mind.
"Which legion did you serve in, veteran?"

>>13977457
Reply very simply "You hear them, don't you? Voices of those that are, were, and never to be?"

>>13977499
>if you guys want to go with blanking your mind, roll for it (not thinking is harder than you'd imagine)

rolled 60 = 60

>>13977547
I can't see doing it as a bad thing.

>>13977547
I imagine us rolling a 100 and the guy's head exploding

>>13977570
Well, it's only a 60. I hope that it's just a low murmuring compared to metaphorical shouting.

You attempt to blank your mind, though you only manage to focus it, which makes the man both draw back, and look at you with some shimmer of hope through his pained face "What legion did you serve with, veteran?"

"I... I was in the VI maniple, IV Cohort, IX Legion." the man twitches, violently "Yes, off the streets, out of the cold, away from the voices." he stands up, his right leg clearly haven healed wrong after being broken in multiple places, the quiver in the limb leads you to beleive that at least one break was recent. You look around, there are several taverns in the area, though none are likely to have a properly private back room. Though one looks to have very little business, and offers both food and drink.

>>13977653
Personally I think it better if we try to get him back to the barracks. The less people around, the better he'll be able to focus as there are less minds shouting their information at him.

The less-populated tavern if people want something local, however.

>>13977653
The problem with going to one of those taverns is if we're recognized, it's going to bring people to them or to us. We'll need to find one with a private back room or a place where we can get some privacy at least.

To intentionally blank your mind is nearly impossible. However, it is incredibly easy to focus entirely on one, very simple thing.

Counting, for example. In big, bold numbers that take up your perception. Or if that's too simple, math problems. Easy enough that you can solve them before a different, stray thought pops up.

>>13977653
I'm not sure we should go to the taverns in the area. The quiet one could be a front for something else. Barracks is the best place for it.

>>13977653

"If you want friend, I can take you to some people who can heal your leg. I'm very good friends with a life elementalist or two."

>>13977653
Bring him back to the barracks. Nothing really shocking about a commander taking time to help an enfeebled former brother in arms down on his luck. At the very least he will get a hot meal and a room for the night.

>>13977740
Might want to say 'healers' for now. More vague, less crazy, and not as threatening as 'doctor'.

"If you want friend, I can take you to a place with excellent healers, as well as _quiet_ and a good, warm meal. Perhaps on the morrow, when you are rested, we can talk some more." you make sure to put as much emphasis as you can on quiet.

"Thank you, Commander, I, yes, we will talk." the veteran replies haltingly. At the veterans slow, limping pace you are able to get a good scan of the front portion of the Market Sewer, no mages, though a few healers stands you passed showed promise.

-----CQ-----

It is late in the afternoon by the time you return from dropping the mystic potential off at your barracks, and you were sure to stipulate that the man was to be given a wide berth, and set him up in a simple room in one of the unoccupied barracks wings for one of the smaller battalions. Back in the Market Sewer, you search through the rest of the district. A few folk caused the crystal to do much more than quiver. You have, however, narrowed down the potentials to heal Laeliths face down to an old Lacerta with a small healing shop. You are ready to enter to do business, but it has felt like you were being followed for the last few hours, and the shops entrance is down a rather foreboding alleyway.

>>13977733
Actually, you bring up a good point. The only question is, would counting intentionally like be akin to screaming the numbers in the mystic's ear? Focusing that much mental effort might be the opposite of what we want to do.

>>13977929
I assume we can keep track of some people with stonesense? Take a walk around the block before heading down any dark alleys and see which footfalls come with us on our pointless roundabout journey.

>>13977960
Thats a good idea, we had trained it what, twice?
seconded

>>13977929
>but it has felt like you were being followed for the last few hours, and the shops entrance is down a rather foreboding alleyway.
Damnation, now I'm regretting not bringing Daeseu along.

Is there a tavern we could go into, buy a drink to see if they'll follow us in, then take a back way out to lose our follower?

>>13977960
voting this.

>>13977986
Might be worthwhile to do just to see if they approach us if we're in the tavern. Might be someone is trying to contact us but I doubt we're that lucky. I don't think we're going to lose them that easily doing this though. Might be worth it to just go around a corner and wait for them to come to us and get this settled.

You walk around the district for a while longer, focusing on the footsteps of those following you. Three larger folk, and one small. You duck into a tavern, the selection of drinks is horrible, so you order an ale and pay extra for a clean mug. Halfway through the brew you feel the farmiliar footfalls enter the bar, and casually turn to see a cruel looking dwarf, and three large, lightly scarred lacerta enter. Almost immediately their eyes come to rest on you.

>>13978101
Crap. And we're inside a structure, too.

Hey Pax, can our Terrakinesis still work here? We might be needing it.

Alright. Go down the alley to the shop, but as soon as we enter it slam up a wall of stone behind us, 10 feet high or more. With sharp rock spikes at the top.

That will keep us from being mugged by those motherfuckers.

Offer to buy a drink for each of them and see if this can't be resolved amiably.

If not, we ARE carrying a weapon aren't we? At the very least that magic dagger that pierces armor.

>>13978146
Err, and by that I mean quietly just leave the bar acting like nothing was wrong and we were just getting a drink after a walk. Then we duck into the alley and wall it off until we're done with our business.

>>13978101
"So you're the ones who have been following me around. Something specific you'd like from me?"

We're not outside yet guys. We can't just dash into the alley without getting past them.

>>13978170
They don't know they've been made, though! We've been using fucking magic to track them. We could just walk out like nothing is wrong.

>>13978189
Perhaps but at this range, I don't think they'll just let us go. Plus I assume they're blocking the entrance. If I'm wrong then yeah let's just leave but I'm assuming it's unavoidable at this point.

Let's finish our drink first, ensuring to keep an eye on them with stone sence, thank the barkeep and walk out to the alley. Then, we turn and face them before they turn into the alley.

>>13978220
I'm liking this myself.

You decide to finish your drink before any unpleasantness arises, Sansa would be incensed if she learned that you didn't finish the drink, no matter how bad, you joke to yourself. As you set the empty mug down you quietly ask the barkeep if there is a back exit, frozen in terror, he shakes his head. "Now, I wonder." a shrill, cruel sounding voice asks, coming closer to you, only one set of lacertan feet moving with it from the door. "What a famous, well off commander such as yourself, is doing in my part of our fair city. And what business he has taking _MY_ taxpayers from my streets." the dwarf hops up onto the stool and motions for two more drinks, taking the mug you just had been drinking from after both are full. The one you are given is clearly filthy.

The Legion is recruiting. We're in the middle of a war if you hadn't noticed, and despite appearances, I do indeed have use of that man.

He won't be the last, nor will it only be from 'your' district. If you can't handle that, I'm sure my maniple can handle it for you.

If that's all, I'll be on my way. Have another round on me.

>>13978313
"Funny, I don't seem to recall there being a tax on old broken veterans."

>>13978313
>And what business he has taking _MY_ taxpayers from my streets.
The plain bloody-minded part of me just wants to respond with "They are not YOUR taxpayers, they are the EMPIRE'S taxpayers, DWARF." And then earthspike him.
But, that would be unduly hostile, and we would have to file a very boring report afterwards.

Perhaps go with, "I am simply taking care of a Legion-man. Will you deny my duty to provide succor for a man who served the Empire?"

>>13978313
Seriously? Some punk-ass slumlord is trying to pick a fight with a LEGION COMMANDER?

Laugh in his face and walk off. If they try to stop us tell them that they had best piss off before we kill them all and have the guard come down on their families like the fist of an angry god.

>>13978313
"I didn't realize our fair governor had appointed someone to watch over this district. As to what I'm doing here, while this isn't your business at all, I'm in the middle of preparing for my future campaign against Uurlanth. Veterans from previous wars are always useful."

>>13978313
Smile. Don't touch the drink. "I daresay that a loyal citizen of the Empire such as yourself has no interest in my idle cares."

Prep an earthspike right through the floor, if someone comes for us. Or, if we can't, enough of an earthquake to shake them up since they won't be ready for it.

>>13978389
You make a good point; they are a dwarf and lacerta, trying to pick a fight with a human Legion commander, when the Empire is embroiled in a very bitter, very costly war with its traditional enemy.

>>13978366
>>13978389
>>13978377
I like these, we ain't gonna take no shit from some punk-ass dwarf who thinks he has some sort of criminal power. The law is on our side, as they say. Fuck this punk and the Lacerta he rode in on.

EARTHSPIKE him, or at least trap him somehow alogn with the 3 lacertas. If they do anything, maybe we can have them arrested

>>13978423
Were we not faced with the prospect of three lacerta, I would agree but I think it's too risky honestly. Humour the dwarf a little and see if we can get out of here without issue is the way I see it. We can always deal with him after.

Who is stupid enough to try and pick a fight with a commander of the Imperial Legion in a time of war? We can literally get away with murder and nobody will blink an eye. Point that out to him.

>>13978438
Thugs and brutes. We've killed better men without thinking twice about charging into the fray, plus we can probably run them through with spikes before they so much as draw blades.

We are an officer in the armed forces and arbiter of the law at times as well. This will not stand.

You raise an eyebrow, pushing back your cape to reveal the pommel of your blade, which you rest your hand on "I have need of that man." you concede to the slum-lord "However, I do not recall there being a tax on broken old veterans, dwarf."

"Ah, now that was rude, and refusing a drink a fellow citizen bought for you, in his favorite tavern no less?" the criminal replies, tilting his head, all three lacerta silently reveal axes or maces hidden underneath their thick winter robes.

"I wonder if you recall that there is a war on?" you interject, reminding him of just how much power you can wield legally during a war "I executed a noble lord not more than a month ago, simply because he offended me."

"And I'm sure the dog deserved it, and you were in your element. Son," the dwarf takes a swig from his drink "this is _MY_ element. You cross me and they will never find your body. Now I'm offering to be civil about it. Pay me the old fuckers backtaxes, plus a fee for what I wont be making from him in the future, and I let you walk out of _my_ tavern, _my_ town, and back to _your_ part of the city." you open your mouth to reply, but the petulant little dwarf cuts you off "Let me remind you, that these boys are not my best, and are still more than enough to take one Legion upstart."

Laugh in his face.

Hard.

Then shove a spike up his ass.

>>13978530
"You fail to consider one little thing. You're next to me. Your men might very well take me down but you won't survive the encounter before I'm done with you. Now I'm going to make you an offer. Have your men drop their weapons and stand aside and I'll leave peacefully and you get to keep your life today."

I assume no one else will want to do this peacefully so might as well go with the flow.

>>13978530
Kill them all. Extortionist scum like these are something the Empire is best rid of. Openly threatening and extorting a soldier of the Legion is surely grounds for summary execution... especially in self defense.

And they weren't reckoning on a razor sharp shard of rock going up their hoo-hoos before blades were even drawn.

>>13978530
I vote laugh in his face and then impale them all with extreme prediguice predijuce that word and then pay the bar man for any damages with money on their corpses.

>>13978530
Smile.

"Random question, and answer it, and i just may ensure all necessary taxes are paid. Did you loan money out at one point to a lady dwarf and her father, only to 'repossess' the place some time after after she couldn't make the payments when he passed?"

>>13978530
I will be so sad if we have to roll for combat and get our asses handed to us.

spike the lacerta and fissure the dwarf.

>>13978530
On the one hand, we really shouldn't stir up trouble where we don't have to; our military superiors would not look kindly upon us clashing with criminals when we should be preparing to march and fight the Uurlanthi.

But on the other hand, this slum lord has impugned the honor of the Legion, and threatened a military officer in a time of war.

I don't know which way to vote.

>>13978574
This sounds like the best option at this point. Fuck this guy.

>>13978588
Different city dude. Completely unrelated.

I vote for something like "I'll give you the chance to back down gracefully, I suggest you take it."

And if he doesn't, well... kill the three Lacerta with earth spikes and draw our blade on the dwarf. We can take him in for extortion, assault, and attempted murder.

>>13978622
While I don't really want to go around slaughtering people in the streets, I seriously doubt anyone will give a shit about us defending ourselves.

>so, you want to use elementalism, dont like this guy, and would rather not have any paperwork? make your roll.

rolled 76 = 76

>>13978664

rolled 23 = 23

>>13978664
Let's see if I still have my luck.

>>13978664
Someone dies this encounter. Let's Spike his thugs.

>>13978664
please let this work...

rolled 5 = 5

>>13978530
"Last I checked these are the emperor's streets. They are not mine, or yours. And if you think your little cheerleader squad scares me you are about to be VERY disappointed. Now, may I leave peacefully or do we have a problem?"
>>13978588
OOOOO, I want to see the answer.

rolled 41 = 41

>>13978664
Paperwork would be fine if we could take them alive, but I was under the assumption we are in a life or death situation and had best be aiming to take them out as efficiently as possible.

>>13978589
>>13978676
FFFFFFFFUUU

rolled 88 = 88

>>13978664
THUG SPIKE

>>13978676
>76
I really want this settled on the first exchange.
Should we botch?

>>13978676
Botch? I'd like him dead to be honest.

>>13978676
Guess we use our botch here.

>>13978664
Not JUST elementalism. Prep for physical combat too, obviously.

>>13978707
Yes, botch time.

The intimidation along of some 'legion upstart' having powerful ground shaping and attacking arcana should be enough to have his men flee. Ensure to capture one and make him squeal, we need to know where his 'best' are as well.

You focus for a moment and a handful of stones from the road outside come sailing through the thin wooden walls, orbiting the hand not on your pommel. "Let me remind you, that those streets you claim to own are the Emperors, and I am his servant." you rise to your feet, and shove the stunned dwarf to the ground "Your thugs, frighten me less than an Uurlanthi levy, stinking of his own piss for having to charge my maniple. Now, I'm going to go about my business, and you are going to let me."

You step over the dwarf contemptuously "GET HIM!" the dwarf spits out, his voice full of insulted indignation, the fool truly believed himself to be the one in charge, and in the right. The lacerta next to you goes for his blade, one rock shatters his arm, another his leg, a third catches the brute under his chin, sending him sprawling atop his employer. The other two move to rush you. the largest takes a trio of cobblestones to his chest, each one crunching sickeningly as it impacts with flesh; the third sending the brute to the ground gasping. The final enforcer topples to the last two bricks, his ankles shattered.

"And so ends your criminal empire." you mock the slum lord "And to think, I had offered to let you continue your business." you lift the shocked criminal from the ground, restrain him, and leave him in the bar "I'll be back for him later." you inform the barkeep, tossing him a few more dragoons.

-----CQ-----

the healers shop is dark, and reeks of plant matter, both live and decaying. A cloying smoke fogs the small shop, multiple censors burning about the space. Shelves are crammed with old trinkets and totems, pots of plant, and an occasional rare stone or pile of coin, though none of the currency is Degnarian, or new. "How can I help you?" the old lacertan female asks in her low, sibilant voice.

"I am to understand you are a healer of no small skill?"

>>13978884
"A moment, please."
Final confirmation with the crystal. If she checks out:
"I am in need of a healer, for a friend. She has some very deep scars that I am hoping can be healed. I am hoping that you will be able to help her."

>>13978884
Hello good lady, might I inquire as to if you offer... healing services?

>>13978884
Greet the lady kindly, with a nod. "I have, a very good feeling about this shop. I think, that you'll be able to help with with my issue. Tell me, do you have anything, for scars some months old?"

Don't forget she has to take care of tattoos as well.

>>13979002
Ah, right. I almost forgot those.

"I have been lead to beleive that you are a healer of impressive prowess. Would it be within your powers to heal scars months old, and remove tattoos years old?" you ask, cutting straight to business.

"The tattoos, are they mundane in nature?" the lacerta asks, rising from her chair, the creaking of her joints audible.

You think for a moment before replying "No, they are not."

"Hmmm..." the healer flicks her tongue at the air, thinking and pacing her shop, seemingly taking stock for a few minutes "Three days, and I will be able to heal your friend, bring her here no later than midday and I will see it done."

Bow, deeply.

"Thank you. This means much to me."

>>13979072
That kind of throws our training schedule out of whack, and there's the whole problem of her being called up for examination during her treatment.

We'll need to send a runner to let Laelith know to come to this shop, and we should probably get some of the more rough-and-tumble sorts from our maniple to help us with the thugs (I'm thinking of subjecting them to military law, if the civilian authorities will let us).

>>13979072
"Oh, and might in inquire if we have any mutual friends who might have led you to believe it is a she we are talking about?

And I would like to be with her during this time, if at all possible."

I don't want Laelith getting carted off to some mentally and emotionally traumatizing ordeal without us there to lean on, plus I am leery of just handing her over period considering who she is and more importantly how she looks... combined with what we have already experienced of this area.

I think we can spare the time to be there for her during what is, probably, one of the most important events in her life.

>>13979109
Perhaps if we explain that it'd interfere in the elementalism questioning and that by us doing that, it'd make her services and skills a lot more valuable once the Empire acknowledges those skills are real? Part of me wonders if we should try to recruit her since it was said only a really skilled life elementalist could do what we wanted in the first place. Although I doubt we'd be able to really.

>>13979072
Wait, isn't there a time conflict with the elementalist review? Could we get her to put it off by a day or so?

>>13979072
"Would taken care of the likely scum that tries to extort or otherwise steal from this nice store shorten the time?"

>>13979165
How could they possibly extort or steal from a highly skilled life elementalist? She could twitch an eyebrow and stop their hearts if they ever annoyed her.

>her timeframe would be two days after the arcane arts review

>>13979175
If she is a disciple of Nyetini then she wouldn't do that, though.

I second trying to get her to move the time around and going with Laelith if we can. Both things make sense to me.

>>13979157
I doubt that we could take her on campaign, seeing as she's Lacerta and we don't have any of those magical warmth amulets, and she's described as elderly.
But frequenting her shop and having her on retainer to help train our life elementalists while we're in the capital and to help heal crippled members of our maniple is likely more doable.

>>13979183
Oh, if she's going to start 2 days after the review, then we should be fine.

>>13979196
Fine, then, she could give them sudden and explosively rampant diarrhea. Point is, life elementalists are scary motherfuckers who you cannot easily push around.

>>13979183
So it's workable? *shrug* Okay then. But we really should escort her, or at least get one of the other girls (maybe Jayne? bonding+life elementalist training) to do so if we can't do it ourselves. Though I still say being there in person is more appropriate considering it's such a big deal.

>>13979183
We haven't briefed our guys about the arcane arts review yet, right? We need to get on that.

>>13979230
She could touch them and have their entire body go numb. Imagine pins and needles all over your ENTIRE body at the same time, flopping about uselessly like a ragdoll.

"What makes you think it is a she that I am arranging this for?" you ask, more curious than anything.

The old lizard collects a few items from her shelves and chuckles "Blind and old as I may be, I know a young man when I hear one, and I know of only one thing that would drive one such as yourself to this part of the city. I will see to her, and if you so wish, you can accompany her during my healing."

>so, anything else you want to take care of before the screening?

>>13979281
I don't know of anything else.

But damn, I like this lizard woman already. We totally have to try and befriend her, even if it's to totally get our assumptions shot down by elderly wisdom like that on a regular basis.

I thought we were going to talk to the old mystic/veteran the next day?

>>13979300
Yeah probably should talk to that mystic. Perhaps deal with that criminal we grabbed too.

>>13979281
Make sure the criminal is handed in to the city guard and we give a full listing of his crimes, including assaulting a commander of the legion and attempted murder... plus the more mundane extortion racket.

>>13979281
Making sure that the dwarf slumlord is hauled up on assault charges, preferably in a military court. I want him crucified.

Also, if Laelith hasn't gotten to it, making sure that all of our elementalists know that the examinations are going to be long and most likely humiliating and degrading. I'm expecting that we'll all be stripped and given cavity searches.

Finally, ask Jayne if she's been able to ask her sister if they received an invitation from the Governor, and if she thinks it would be right to have her accompany us to the party. And what kind of wedding gift we should get for the governor's son.

>>13979320
If he's really a halfway decent crime lord, he'll get off with a slap on the wrist at most. Hell, he might even pull enough strings to turn things around and make us look the fool- though I doubt he's THAT connected. Wouldn't have been smelling bad and walking up to us personally if it were so.

You make your way back to your barracks happy, with your outing. When you return, you see some 20 odd perspectives walking away slowly and dejectedly, clearly not possessing enough potential for Laeliths regiment. Inside, the remaining 30 are watching her with rapt interest, although all she is doing at the moment is telling them when their next lesson will begin, though the elf looks positively drained. In the far corner of the yard, Bellatrix is training with four soldiers, looking positively furious, Sansa leaned up against a wall flask in one hand, apple in the other watching the exchange hapily. You deposit your prisoner with the guards the Legion provided for your dungeon. Sansa beckons you over to her, though Laelith looks like she has something to say to you as well, now that her class is departing.

>>13979212
We actually do have a few of those heating amulets, but only a few, not nearly enough to outfit a small group, but enough for her. Granted, she is very old, creaking bones, blind. not a campaign healer, Worldly though

Sansa first, then Laelith.

>>13979383
Well clearly we talk to them both. Arm around Laelith, guide over to Sansa, chat on the way. Then eventually we take Laelith aside and give her the news about the healing in private. Make sure she has everything prepped and all, can't leave the students without instruction for three days or whatever.

>>13979410
If we do plan on starting an elementalism college here, she'd be a definite recruit as one of our first instructors.

Maybe our fellow with the vine could learn a thing or two from the blind lacertan?
Anyway, let's see about Sansa, Laelith, and Bellatrix, in that order.

>>13979383
Give Sansa a holding motion, and go cheer up the poor exhausted Lealith.

You hold up a hand to Sansa, and make your way over to Laelith "How did it go, love?"

she sighs, almost falling into your arms as you hug her "Longer than I had planned. did you have to drage _every_ potential from the Causeway here? Even you must have realized that some of them had no real potential."

>>13979444
Might as well do this, we have to tell her about the healing scheduled anyway. That's something pretty personal IIRC right? Then Sansa of course. See what she did to Bellatrix to make this fight happen.

>>13979383
Well, we ARE currently in need of combat elementalists, so the bar does have to be set a little high.
When we have the time and resources to start an Academy, we might be able to use those with lesser abilities in civilian fields.

Also voting to talk with Sansa first, then Laelith, and see what's up with Bellatrix. Tell Laelith about the healer in private later.

>>13979473
"Unfortunately I'm not as skilled as you are when it comes to differentiating wheat from the chaff. I do have a surprise for you though - I believe I've found someone who can take care of those scars but more importantly those tattoos."

>>13979473
"Mmm, maybe, But, now, though those men return to their homes. They know, they may have Something, something inside that few others do. Thats something nice to carry around.

Or maybe i just wanted you to be prepared for a large class so you can get used to teaching numbers.

Anyone that seemed to impress?"

>>13979473
"Deferring to your expert judgement, dear. After all I have to occasionally make you work in between all the luxurious baths and royal banquets, right? Speaking of talent, I found someone who is quite possibly the most talented life elementalist I have ever seen. If you are up to it, she says that she can tend to both the scars and tattoos. If you still desire to be rid of them."

>>13979505
this

>>13979505
Alright fine. Just let her know that it'll be in three days.

>>13979528
>>13979505
These sound good.

>>13979473
"Even meager potential which can't be of use on the battlefield has its uses. My hope is to establish a school of elementalism here, under my control, which could recruit and train potentials in the future so that we do not have to do so in the field. It could also provide no few connections and prestige, if we can manage it well enough. For something like that, masters of finesse will be as important as those with brute strength- for as it is said, those who can do, but those who cannot may still teach."

"I simply lack the talent to screen them that you do." you reply, helping her stand properly again. "Or, perhaps, I simply wanted you used to having to teach large classes of potential."

Laelith playfully punches you "No. I refuse. I'll teach some of the better talent to do that. I... mean..." she trails off, more easygoing in her exhaustion than she normally is.

You plant another kiss on her forehead and whisper into her ear "I found a healer to see to your scars and tattoos, if you still-"

Your sentence is cut off by a deep kiss, and when the elf finally breaks off she mumbles out "Tell me when when I have enough energy to remember things." at that she staggers off to the officers barracks.

You make your way over to where Sansa is leaning against the wall, she hands you a rolled, sealed parchment and asks "Come to enjoy the show with me?"

>>13979589
"What's got Bellatrix so furious?"
Might as well take a glance at that scroll while we're at it.

>>13979597
Second.
I hope it's not the Second admonishing us for picking fights with lowlifes when we need to be preparing for the elementalism examinations and for deployment in a week and a half.

>>13979630
How would he even know? Plus, this was almost surely sent before we ever got into that fight.

You open the scroll, it seem sthat your loot has been finished early, and if you were to stop by the treasury at some point in the future it is ready for you to collect. "What has Bellatrix so angry?"

"The same thing that led Laelith to finish her screening of your potential today, and the same reason you haven't seen Lena or Wulf since before you left the barracks yesterday." Sansa chuckles "Bellatrix didnt take it to well, Collin said she should try some sparring, womans been going nonstop since you stopped through earlier today."

>>13979687
We should take a few moments to evaluate if Bellatrix is fighting with any improved skill, or if she's just being angry.

>>13979706
Not a bad idea. Hopefully this girl learns to control her emotions more and start to let go of always being around her sister.

>>13979706
Might make for good observation.
Personally, I'm of the mind to leave her be and work this one out on her own.
Maybe get a few other Legionnaires to rotate in to give the four Bellatrix is already sparring with a chance to rest.

>>13979687
"I'd hate to be in Aurelius' shoes when she gets mad."

>>13979687
Grin.

"Oh, and what did you know of this little plan? I'm guessing Laelith gave the girl some pointers, which means you had to have known it was coming."

>>13979733
But imagine the crazy-sex.

You observe Bellatrix for a while, as she methodically works her way through four soldiers, calling for them to be replaced as she does so. Clearly she fights best when channeling emotions, she just needs to learn to get a proper handle on them. "And what did you know of this plan?"

Sansa looks at you, wearing the most innocent face you have ever seen her make "He never saw it coming..." she trails off for a while "also, we haven't been able to warn either of them about tomorrow, and, well... we drew lots and you are going to have to do it." though her voice is apologetic, her face doesn't shift one bit.

>>13979744
I call that and raise "imagine if Bellatrix gets knocked up by Aurelius."

Memorize this face and remember it as her tell.

Then pinch her ass and see if it changes.

>>13979782
>we drew lots and you are going to have to do it.
*sigh*
"Alright, I suppose it's best if it comes from me."

Let's go to the barracks, loudly and obviously calling for Wulf and Lena so they can make themselves presentable.

>>13979782
Oh, I'm sure that's going to go over well.

"Yeah, I know you just finished making sweet, sweet love to your girlfriend/boyfriend for the first time. Tomorrow the high commanders are going to require you to strip in front of them while performing magic because they don't believe you can. Cheers!"

Sigh. We best do it before it gets dark, because, well... yeah. Daylight is the best time to attempt this action.

Sansa gets the tickle punishment for forcing us to do this, and no special brew until tomorrow.

So Bellatrix is Sith. Awesome.

Are we going to have to track down Lena and Wulf at whatever motel they are hiding in?

>>13979782
THEY drew lots and somehow WE got stuck with it?

I sense foul play.

>>13979838
Obviously.

We're going to have to take revenge. Sexy, sexy revenge.

>>13979838
"Lots" is probably code in the Legion for "not it!"

>>13979803
A pinch or two would likely do that cheeky girl some good. Sticking us with this. Grumble, grumble.

We should get the whole story from Laelith eventually. She's the girl's instructor and mentor, apparently in more than just magic.

>>13979855
I fully support this course of action, but remember that Sansa was not alone in planning this foul betrayal. They must all be punished! Sexily.

But yeah, seconding telling Lena/Wulf soon.

>>13979782
>we drew lots and you are going to have to do it.
That is such bullshit. "For future reference, Sansa, if everyone is inclined to pass responsibility upward I would prefer honesty over thin excuses. I suppose I had best go ruin their evening, then."

>>13979864
>cheeky

I see what you did there.

You level a mildly displeased glare at Sansa "Will I need to track down the inn they went to?" alowing a little ice to creep into your voice.

Sansa chuckles, pinching your ass "I'll make it up to you." she pauses for a moment "Why do you think Bellatrix is so furious? Wulfs room, the door is locked, but I know you have a key that can open all the doors here." then she yawns, takes a final swig from the flask, kisses you, and makes her way into the barracks.

You make your way to Wulfs room, and knock sharply three times. After a few seconds of rustling and panicked whispering you hear your proteges voice "Whos there?"

>>13979899
"I would suggest making yourselves decent, as I'm opening the door in thirty seconds."

>>13979899
Make fun of Bellatrix by doing a bad impersonation of her

after looking around and making sure she's not standing right behind us of course.

>>13979899

"Not Bellatrix. So you'd better open up before she gets here."

>>13979899
>Sansa chuckles, pinching your ass
FFFFFFFFF-

SHE BEAT US TO IT?!

>>13979924
Clearly we are dealing with an asstical genius here.

SANNNNNNNNNNNSA!!

>>13979916
Going with this.

>>13979921
This was pretty good too, though.

"Not Bellatrix, now make youselves decent before I unlock the door." you answer just loud enough to be heard through the door.

You hear more panicked whispering "Umm, we blocked the window yesterday after you left... and cant see anything in here." Lenas voice rings out in your ear, though the sound is a bit off, and the volume is wavering considerably.

You sigh "then make sure your covered, there is something I NEED to tell the two of you before tomorrow."

After a few seconds you hear Wulfs voice again, letting you know that its safe to enter. The scent hits you after you open the door, like a wall it meets you. "Have you really been at it since..." you are unable to help yourself, or finish the question.

"I talked with Laelith." Lena squeeks out, clearly blushing in the low light.

Wulf reaches over and lights a candle, knocking over a small mountain of empty pitchers "What did you need to talk with us about?"

>>13980003
> knocking over a small mountain of empty pitchers

...

What?

>>13980022
Gotta keep hydrated. It's, ah...sweaty work.

>>13980022
>water, food, Sansa brought Lena the time to set up a proper lock-in in Wulfs room without his knowing

>>13980003
"Tomorrow those of up in the maniple with supernatural powers will be subjected to an examination of our capabilities, which is extremely likely to include awkward and distasteful portions. I'm not sure exactly how far they'll take it, but I suspect that ridiculous lengths will be gone to in order to assure the skeptical that we could not possibly be somehow using arcana to simulate our powers. Be ready.

"Oh, and getting fresh air into your room occasionally is recommended."

>>13980047
add a cough to the end of that and mutter something about mildew

>>13980003
Just sigh, facepalm, and then get on with telling them.

As we leave mention that Wulf might want to try a little elementalism to freshen things up, lest they choke to death and we lose both our mage and protege.

Ahh. Young love.

"I have been warned that the tests that will prove that we have elementalism abilities will likely be... degrading. So, make sure you clean yourselves up beforehand. And remember that you have nothing to be ashamed about what the gods gave you... Carry on then."

>>13980003
>The scent hits you after you open the door, like a wall it meets you.
....
....
I can't even come up with a witty quip for this.

"Wulf, Lena, we are going to be undergoing examinations by tribunes tomorrow regarding our new-found powers. They are to determine that our abilities derive not from arcana, but from the return of elementalism and magic to our world.
"The Second Praetorian has warned me that many of the tests will likely be humiliating and degrading. I want you both to be mentally prepared for it, and to feel no shame during the testing. Proving that we are right, and forcing the established High Commanders to accept the realities of our time is of paramount importance."

rolled 6 = 6

we should also remind Lena that her sister isn't dealing well with this. The separation is really bothering Bellatrix and maybe she should talk to her.

"Tomorrow we will be screened to prove that the arcane arts are truly returning to the world, and that we are not simply in possession of an abundance of arcana and skilled at hiding the artifacts. The Second Praetorian warned me that the tests are likely to be degrading in the extreme. I simply wanted you to be prepared for the worst, and to remind you that you have nothing to be ashamed of." you inform the couple.

Wulf grins and moves his hand to the blanket, though Lena slaps it away before he can even touch the cloth. "Is that all?" he asks.

"Yes, actually, open a window, I would rather not loose the two of you to choking." you begin to leave the room, before stopping again "And be sure to wash beforehand, if you dont it will only make it more awkward, degrading and seem to drag on even longer." After you leave the room and shut the door, you decide to lock it, just in case Bellatrix is still unhappy when her sparing is finally finished. At that you head to your room, to find a mildly repentant Sansa waiting for you.

>I got work in the AM so I'm gonna call it here.
>someone archive please
>I'll be back Tuesday at 9pm server time
>If you have any CQ/setting questions just e-mail me at [email protected]

Archiving complete. Don't forget to vote!