>>36347668
>sit with hobo and rager, get to know them a bit
Also get some beer, talking goes with beer.

>>36347668
>>BEER!

>>36347668
>BEER
We dorf nao

>Sit with Hobo and Rager
Ask them about how they ended up in a mercenary company.

>>36347668
>BEER!
>Sit with (Hobo and Rager) Get to know them.

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>>36347668
What do we look like OP?

Something like this?

So, let's go meet the strange guys. Hobo and rager. Blackie is with them, too. That's nice, a good way to prove the kid's theory wrong. You go sit with them.
"Hey guys."
"Hey." Hobo.
"Hello, Will."
Blackie grunts.
All normal. Wait, Will? "Yeah, I'm Will, and it's nice meeting you guys. But how did you know that?"
"Somebody told me." But you don't usually call someone's name if they didn't give it, do you? You usually should fake ignorance. It would be strange not to. It's strange. You're strange, rager, and your white hair doesn't help.
"So, your names?" you ask
"They called me Milligan. I'm Milligan." Who are they? Your parents?
"I'm Kipp." Hobo, you seem really out of it. Not like you've seen him 'in' it yet. He's always confused. Does he even know where he is? Why he's here?
"And why are you guys here?"
"They called us in for supper." No, hobo, that's not what I meant.
"That's not what he meant. He means 'why did you join a band of mercenaries?'" Good insight. Now, answer? Your thoughts must show on your face, because that's what he does.
"I threw a dice. The dice told me to come here."
"A dice? For what?" Oh, boy, is he strange.
"For choosing how to die. I had options. I chose how to die. With dies." Is he serious? Does he just mean he chose his career path?
The soup being thrown in front of you stops your thoughts. Same soup. Same bread. Why, oh, why. Better occupy the mind while eating the inedible. Continue.
"What do you mean?" you ask.
"I mean what I mean. I need to die. The spirits promised me. I'll have what I desire once I'm dead." Oh great, one of your men is a suicidal shaman. Good god, why didn't he kill himself yet? Does he have to take you with him?
"I can't kill myself. It doesn't work like that. I have to try and stay alive, or I won't have what I want." His words have pull. Did you ask? No. He's the kind of crazy you should steer clear of. But you can't. What does he desire that's worth more than his life? Need an answer.

"And what is that?"
"There are other worlds. Those other worlds have other rainbows and those rainbows have colours I don't know. I want to own those colours." God, he's topping the charts. He's really too far gone. Shamans. Never lend your mind to thousands of sentient beings, that's always the wrong path.
Now, interval. If hobo is half as strange, you better have a beer by your side. You call the whale and ask for a beer. You don't call her whale, obviously. She's the one that keeps your beer hostage.
"Hey, how come you're giving the rookie a beer?""Leader's orders. They can get a beer. A single beer.""Well, they didn't give US that when we were recruits. What's that mean, girl?""Dunno, ask boss.""Fuck that."
Judging from the exchange between the lovely cetacean bringing you your beer and the mercenary with half his face missing, you guys are privileged and other guys don't like that. But mentioning the leader stopped the complaints, so you shouldn't worry too much. And you have a beer!
You start sipping your beer before going back to hobo. The soup is made with used leather, but the beer is good. You can continue now.
"And what about you?" You ask him. No answer. You look at him. Is he cataleptic? You touch him. He wobbles. What?
"Uhhhh... EH?" He asks. What's wrong with him? You thought blackie was the one with lower chances of making it. You could have been wrong.
"Why did you join a band of mercenaries, Kipp?" you ask again.
"Band of..? Ah! Yeah, that. Because they threw me out of the town guards after a little error and nobody else wanted to give me a job." You can see why.
Blackie is finished, again he rises and walks away. Kid could be onto something. Is 'jerkiness' irredeemable?

How did that dude got hanged on a branch with armor on? I mean suicide or execution, you'd think he'd take it off. Or at least take off helmet, it's kinda hard to get a noose around your neck with it on

"Not really a little error. He let a known murderer get out of town after being told of that eventuality. He just let him walk out. His superiors didn't like that." Heh, that guy could have been you. Did you just make some guards jobless on the other side of the pass? Who cares. Nobody. Surely not Kipp and Milligan. They haven't asked why you're here either.
"I know why you're here. I know the truth." Ok, Milligan, that's one hundred percent too creepy. Out of here. Now. The beer! Finish the beer first. Ok, now out.

You rise up from your seat. "Bye, guys." "Eh?" "Goodbye, 'Will'" Did you just imagine that? You hope so. You hate shamans.

So, escape to:
>Your room: your lynx needs you and you have books now.
>Another table. Sornen and Tristam are still around, you could talk about (write in).
>Out. Let's go (write in).
>Other.

>>36348144
>Your room: your lynx needs you
Then visit Thruster.

>>36347951
To me, that looks more like the kid, but you can imagine every character as you desire. That's why descriptions are kept to a minimum.

As I see it, Janus has at least 5 years more than the guy in your image. His hair is black and wavy, shoulder lenght, his features are a little more defined and he has a goatee and soul patch. But that's not canon.

>>36348142
I didn't draw the thing, but if you really need to have an answer, he could have sprung some kind of trap while on horseback. That's how I see it. Not really that easy to get a noose perfecly around your head and helmet but it doesn't matte much, does it?

>>36348144
>>Your room: your lynx needs you and you have books now.

Gotta get that thing off our armor.

>>36348144
>Your room: your lynx needs you and you have books now.

>>36348195
So like Hellsing Alucard in his swordsman form?

>>36348228
Hair shorter, cheekbones a little more visible, at least from what google tells me. The goatee is longer. Still, not canon.

Oh, and if you want to read, I forgot to ask what you want to read between Arathe's one and Tactics' one.

>Voting for your room

>>36348270
>Hellsing Alucard in his swordsman form
Give Arathe's a try.

>>36348270
Ok then so close? Need a drawfag for this even if its not canon I kinda want to see this. i'd do it but I can't draw to save anyone's life mine included.

Give Arathe's a try, pretty sure we're decent at tactics.

>>36348137
>Never lend your mind to thousands of sentient beings, that's always the wrong path.
kek

>>36348323
I could give the weapons and armor a try, but maybe when we're farther along in the quest.

Time to strip metal from paint then. You go up to your room.
"Are you lost?" a guy with a strange nose asks you. His face tells you he knows who you are. He thinks you shouldn't be here, then? Why is that? Strange, strange nose. Is there a right time to get to one's room?
"No, I'm not, but thanks for the concern." you answer.
"Uh." and he enters his room. So it's not the time. Do recruits have to do something else after supper? They would have told you. Should, at least.

Well, armour first. You enter your room. It's small. You didn't notice this afternoon but it's a really small room. A bed and a small dresser are all the furniture you have, the space just enough to get in and out. Well, you're on the lowest rung, what did you expect? You set the books over the dresser and start unlatching your armour.

This is slow. Boring. Where's your squire when you need it? Being tortured in Mechina, that's where he is. They will probably think he had something to do with the prince's premature death, Just for being your squire. You left a lot of people in the dust. And that doesn't bother you in the least. And THAT bothers you. Have you ever had a conscience? Did you lose it? Is this a recent development?

Whatever, the armour's off, time to say goodbye to the lynx. It's looking at you, knowing. Symbolic again. You're stripping away your coat of arms. You're stripping away your surname, your family, your connections, your past. You're killing Janus Myrson, you're christening Wilmond Hemmels. In essence of turpentine. Is that a bad omen?

The lynx comes off fast, its stare doesn't. Stop it, Will, paintings don't stare. That's just you and you know it. You're the only one in this room and you know you did nothing wrong. You did what had to be done, and you'll continue to do just that. How come taking off some dry eggs and powders from your armour shakes you when killing unarmed men doesn't do anything? You're crazy too, aren't you? Are you going to talk to spirits or something? Get back, Will, there's nothing looking.

Your god maybe, but you're not even sure he exists. Granted, there are some guys that work miracles in his name but that doesn't mean much. There are others that can do magic. It's training and knowledge. Yours is a god of power, of dominance on other men. If some magic tricks can convince others to follow you, that's what your god wants. Your god is legitimation. Your god could be an excuse and it would work just the same. But you're alive against all odds and what you just did could be an affront. If he exists.

Cast off idle thoughts. Think about something else. Books. You have books. You have questions and you have books. Time for some answers. Why is this town so geometrically perfect? Why don't they have a castle? How does that work? The nice looking book called 'Arathe' should know. So, let's settle in and read.

Light first. There's a candle holder on the dresser. There are candles on the dresser. Will you have to hold the candle holder the whole night? Why is there no oil lamp here? Remember, you're a recruit now. You should say your thanks for the candles. But you're not going to hold them up the whole night. Just melt some of the wax over the bed-head and stick the candle on that. That's better. So, Arathe.

Arathe is strange. Really strange. No dynasty rules here. Every city decides his Maior. Elects, this says. Every citizen with enough wealth or knowledge can cast a vote. That's stupid. How can you let all that people decide who's going to rule? That's really stupid. That's not how that works. There are rules for this kind of thing. There are rules for a reason. I can see a million way this can go sour. But they have solutions for some of them. The Maior can't take money from the taxes. That's good. Means you have to have money of your own to be a Maior. That means you have power before becoming one. The Maior can only rule for 6 years. Good if the people chose someone unfit to rule, but some things just can't be done in 6 years. But you can be elected again.

Oh, that's how it works. You just have to channel the votes. You rule 30 years, then your son's turn. If you're a good ruler, a good planner, your enemies won't go far. Still, much too complicated. No reason to do that. And Maior, what a stupid title. You know where it's from, you know enough of the ancient language. It implies some kind of parity. You're better than your peers and that's why you rule, but you're one of them. That's stupid. That's really stupid.

Drowsiness sneaks up on you. You let your book slip to the ground and blow on the candle. Not even a bedside cabinet. You think about Arathe and his strange workings as you slip in a dreamless sleep. It's nice and comfortable in here. Black, but comfortable. I want to stay here some more.

Morning's at your window, get out of there. Time doesn't stop for anyone. Sir, yes sir. Why do you let your industrious side take the lead? Shut up, lazy bastard, and get up right now. Ok, ok, I'm up. What now?

>Training, that's what. Those guys still can't tell a disengage from a remise. (write in who and what)
>Out to the city. I'm going to (write in)
>But the bed has been so nice to me sir! I don't want to renege it!
>Other (write in)

>>36349030
>Training, that's what. Those guys still can't tell a disengage from a remise.
Have more sparring sessions and give them more pointers. Then maybe do a specialized training for each of their weak points (say a weak spot is reflexes, have him do a dodging training, like being unarmed and having to evade a wooden spear or sword)

>>36349030
>Training, that's what. Those guys still can't tell a disengage from a remise. (Try to work with the people we haven't til now worked with, need to set the training up to see what they can do.)

>>36349030
Gonna third training whoever Janus has deemed the weakest link. The more meatshields live, the higher are our chances.

>>36348988
>>36349016
>>36349030
>this update size
Nice

>>36349030
>>36349154
>>36349156
>>36349172
I agree with these guys.

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Get up, Will. Those guys are what stands between you and a grim death. Get up and try to get something out of them. Two days to go. Use the time you have or you won't have much time left. Alive. Maybe you could go haunt Milligan in his multicoloured new world. Doesn't seem like fun. Can dead shamans still harbour spirits? Probably not. A spirit spirit carrier. Nah.

Up you are. You quickly go through your morning rituals. Public bathroom. Beggars can't be choosers, Will, and Will is a beggar. The other guys look at you. You shouldn't be here. Again? Did they start training already? Did you miss something yesterday too? Armour. Breakfast. Oh, lovely salted meat. The allies of justice were so nice to you. Decent food, canteens, ropes and money. You still have something less than 8 gold coins. Good guys, those guys.

Down to the training grounds, then. Yeah, they started already. Well, you weren't required to join in, why wake you up? Because you have an interest in this guys getting good, while the other trainers aren't even trying. You're deemed lost already. No, Will, prove them wrong. Prove them wrong or die trying. Heh. Eyes on the prize, Will. Eyes on your guys now. Who's the one that needs training the most? The vet and hobo are sparring. Kipp. He's... decent? He's focused. He's using a buckler and a long sword, and you can see he had his training. He's mechanic in his movements. And that's good. Vet's movements are somewhat dirty but clearly effective. He's been there and he knows what he's doing. They're not who you're looking for.

Milligan is sparring with Totter. Was the shaman always that good? No. His eyes are not there. He's possessed, and that's how he can go against the kid. His moves are heavy, but he doesn't leave his body exposed. The kid tries to get a strike in every time he sees half of an opening. He's too nervous. He should bide his time, try to find the right moment. He's a kid. But he's not getting hit. They're not the ones in need.

And then you see him. Blackie, you ARE a jerk. What are you doing with your ass on the sand? Don't you care about your life? Get up and train. Now. You walk toward him.
"Hey, get up and train with me" You try not to scream in his face.
"What for?" Is he serious? Is it better to kill him now?
"For the mission. Don't you want to be back?"
"I just need to participate. After that, I'm done." What? What does he mean? Just participate? And do what? Does he want to hide somewhere through the whole mission? Oh, that's not how this is going.

>"I'd like your participation to be meaningful." Be diplomatic
>"If you try to run or hide I'll kill you with my own two hands. And I'll make sure it hurts." Diplomacy goes a long way.
>Let him be. He's time lost. He's dead meat anyway.
>Let him be. Time lost. Dead meat. You'll make sure of it.

>>36349673
You guys seemed curious. This is what MY kid looks like, more or less. Maybe with some armour that makes sense.

>>36349687
>"I'd like your participation to be meaningful." Be diplomatic
>"These skills could save your life someday, or you know, during this next mission, notice how everyone treats us as dead meat? The extra benefit they gave us during meals (beer)? Well, I'm sure it means only one thing, they're pretty sure whatever we're facing we'll die. I think hiding or running won't really save you, and if any of use survive I guess some of the guys might be pissed at you getting paid for no work."

>>36349715
How about the others?

Can you give us some pointers or images on their looks?

>>36349687
>>"I'd like your participation to be meaningful." Be diplomatic
inb4 some noble looking to make a name for himself by appearing on the field once.

>>36349687
>"If you try to run or hide I'll kill you with my own two hands. And I'll make sure it hurts." Diplomacy goes a long way.

>>36349687
>"I'd like your participation to be meaningful." Be diplomatic

>>36349687
>>36349796
>>36349760
This, the hiddwn threat is cool too.

B. Won't do shit otherwise

I think our choices might effect our Karma. Do we want to go down Black Knight route or try to stay in the middle?

>>36349889
Golden Asshole: Do good when we can but be assholes, making sarcastic comments or fucking shit up while we can.

So near the middle. What do ya say?

>>36349760
>>"I'd like your participation to be meaningful." Be diplomatic

>>36349889
Considering the QM is writing our guy as mora and more of a raving amoral nut job even without our input probably means out karma's alredy set.

>>36349903
I'd like to stay in the middle, but Black Knight is pretty tempting. I mean, only reason he was forced to leave the country was because he thought the prince was raping that girl.

>>36349921
You have a point for him being a moderately good guy there

>>36349920
Well what people think and what they do are very different things. I try to be a good person but I'm truly a huge dick, just good at controlling it.

(Still he could let the dick out at times)

>>36349889
The right answer would be to stay on the winning side. The MC has been very practical so far. Try the carrot first, stick if that doesn't work.

Ok, Will, you can do this. You can do this without the need to make him swallow his teeth.
"I'd like your participation to be meaningful." You're a good guy. Be the good guy for him. That's the best way to get him to train. "They think we're dead meat, that's why they're treating us this good; and we probably are if we don't rise up to the challenge. We're going on a mission, we can't just fake it and get back smiling. We have to be prepared. And don't think you can just skip your part of the work. Your comrades wouldn't take it that well. I wouldn't take that well, and you still need to be back to be 'done', don't you?" Did you get that, blackie? Know what I mean?
"Yeah, you're right, sorry. It's just... I didn't WANT to be here, ok?" No, blackie, you didn't get that, but that's ok. I meant I'm going to kill you if you try to bail. But you don't need to know.
"But you're here now. So, want to train?" Say yes, blackie, prove the kid wrong. Prove you still care about yourself, at least.
"Yeah, ok. Yes." Who's a good boy, blackie? You're a good boy.
"Take a sword then." You both go and get a training sword.
"Ok. Let's start. Block my swing."
"Ok?" You swing. He closes his eyes and puts his sword in front of him. You hit the sword. It goes flying. No blackie, bad. Is this even possible?

>Yes it is. You're going to get his ass in gear.
>No it isn't. Let's change focus. Ranged, maybe? (write in)
>No it isn't. Time lost.
>Other.

>>36350135
>>Other.
as him what he is skilled in

>>36350135
>>No it isn't. Let's change focus. Ranged, maybe?
Yooo closing his eyes is bad and we need someone with a bow. See if he's any good with that. What a fucking idiot.

>>36350135
>>No it isn't. Let's change focus. Ranged, maybe? (write in)
lets cover our bases before deciding he needs to be trained from scratch, ask if he actually knows how to fight/use a weapon. if not run him through some gear for something he can competently use and start training
>Bow
>sword/Shield
>something two handed
>hell daggers maybe

>>36350135
>No it isn't. Let's change focus. Ranged, maybe? (write in)

>>36350135
>No it isn't. Let's change focus. Ranged, maybe?
Train the fear out of him. He's scared of the sword, teach him to respect it instead.

Also might try to give him a bow after that, but seriously, at least make it so he isn't scared of swords enough that he won't get himself killed when trying to evade one

>>36350135

>Yes it is. You're going to get his ass in gear.

>>36350201
I'm gonna second you this is almost exactly what I was going to put

we need to bed the best wench in the world and by that i mean a female pirate captain

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>>36350223

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>>36349793
I can find something. This is something of a blackie, minus the dagger and the bear. And he's going gray, but not that gray. Still, his face shows that kind of age.

>>36350245
Oh blackie's old.
The attitude got me thinking he was a young'un

>>36350281
Again, that's MY blackie. My characters are open to interpretation.

>>36350245
>that pic
obviously he can fight with his bear hands

Give him two daggers.

>>36347668
>get signed up with mercs
>guy who signs us up orders to pair us with a bunch of loser new recruits who would normally be failed in the test, but for some reason were allowed in.
>And then disappears himself
ok, this might be paranoia, but could he have recognized us and is just trying to keep us busy and in one place while arranging to sell us out?

>>36350317
I liked your blackie bro. Just saying but canon images help the way you tell the story. Don't need to be ultra detailed but knowing if someone is old or new impacts their backstory and more, so don't be afraid of surprising us with the way you see - your - characters. We're but decision makers for the main personage.

>>36348137
>"There are other worlds. Those other worlds have other rainbows and those rainbows have colours I don't know. I want to own those colours." God, he's topping the charts. He's really too far gone. Shamans. Never lend your mind to thousands of sentient beings, that's always the wrong path.
I see what you did there

>>36350436
What did he do?

>>36350378
Not impossible but I don't think so, to me it's more like "God this canon fodder is so useless, let's just stop wasting time and let that moron over there train them for us, see what he can do too"

>>36350378
no it ok to be paranoid we pissed off the trainer by making him look bad

>>36350378
or maybe for the person claiming to be a deposed royal out to reclaim his/her kingdom and openly stating which one it is.

>>36350467
>What did he do?
a character said how crazy shamen are for lending their minds to an insane committee of spirits, which is what quests are

>>36350512
>mfw just realized this
Guess we know what broke in the MC's mind after his deed.

>>36348988
>This is slow. Boring. Where's your squire when you need it? Being tortured in Mechina, that's where he is. They will probably think he had something to do with the prince's premature death, Just for being your squire. You left a lot of people in the dust. And that doesn't bother you in the least. And THAT bothers you. Have you ever had a conscience? Did you lose it? Is this a recent development?
you know, just because we are voting to "survive at all costs" doesn't mean we have to be a complete psychopath. just that we aren't willing to die under any circumstances.

No, not possible. He needs to do something else. Sornen came out good with that. Find something for blackie. But he hasn't shown you nothing. Ask him.
"What did you do before coming here?"
"Eh? Ah, blacksmith." Blackie is a blacksmith. Heh. What? A blacksmith? A blacksmith doesn't fear the sword. A blacksmith doesn't faint after a punch. But you can see it. He has the body. It's all fear. He's full of fear.
"Why do you fear swords?"
"What?" He has 'what kind of question is that?' written all over his face. You look at him. Wait. "Because swords kill." Well, that's true. And?
"Did you ever make a sword before?" He's a blacksmith.
"No, I didn't" Figured. So, how to let him understand?
"Think you could kill me with your hammer?"
"Yes?" Good boy, you're getting there.
"And how is that different from killing me with a sword? A sword is a tool. You shouldn't fear a tool. Would you close your eyes if I swung an hammer to your face?" How is that going to solve anything? You can't do this, can you?
You can. His face lights up. He takes the sword in his hand. "Ok. I got that. Let's try again." Is that you, blackie? You swing. He stops his eyes from closing and looks at you. He puts his blade against yours. His wrist bends, but he doesn't let the sword go. That's better, blackie. But we don't have the time to work on that.
"That's better. But training in the sword requires time. Time we don't have. Let's try something else, ok?"
"Ok?" He doesn't seem convinced. Doesn't matter. So, what are you going to do for him? He has strength in his upper body. He could pull a heavy bow. Let's try with that. So, archery range.
"Follow me. Let's go to the archery range."

He follows you. Good boy, blackie. Get the bow, blackie. Take an arrow, blackie. Try to hit something, blackie. Ok, we'll have to work on that, blackie.

>He can do this one. Let's go with a bow.
>He's better suited to (write in).
>He's useless.
>Other.

>>36350738
>>He can do this one. Let's go with a bow.
Keep the sword as a backup. Just in case. Unless we can get him a hammer?

>>36350568
You're not a psychopath. But you don't feel what they told you you should feel when doing something like that. And that bothers you, because you're not a psychopath.

>>36350738
>He's better suited to (write in).
Give him a hammer or a warhammer

>>36350779
We could get him a Warhammer..

>>36350838
Assuming they have those in the armory.

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>>36350568
Nooo. I love this character. His attitude is perfect.

Besides, he's broken. There may be a reason we don't yet know for that.

Also, now I'm thinking the MC looks like the guy on the right.

>>36350738
>He can do this one. Let's go with a bow

>>36350738
>Give him a warhmmer
"Think of your target as one of your works, think of the precision you use when working at the forge and the strength you apply.
Precision and strength blackie"

Also ask his name after that

We still need the Vet's name too

>>36350876
On the right is a woman. But yes, I can see it.

>>36350738
>He's better suited to
Any chance we could outfit him with a crossbow? It takes much less skill to fire one and get a person up to speed. A bow is something you have to train in for a significant period.

>>36350738

>Give him a warhmmer

>>36350950
Aren't crossbow less strength requiring?
Doesn't that mean throwing away his strength advantage?

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>>36350876
>>36350912
Take the EEEEEVIL out and that's how I see it.

>>36350950
>>36350980
Can do crossbow. Yeah, they need less strength, but they are so easy to use they were giving to peasants when defending cities.

>>36350980
Stronger you are the faster you can reload

Still, warhammer is in the lead. I'll wait a couple of minutes more and then write that.

>>36350738
Warhammer

>>36351071
Another vote for war hammer.

>>36351036
True, but I still feel like we should play to his strong spots, that is his skill with the hammer and his brutish strength.

That'd possibly get us another heavy bruiser.

I don't see why we're voting warhammer. There's not going to be much transference in skill from his blacksmithing into fighting in melee. Better to train him with a crossbow, where we won't need to really teach him how to take a blow. He just has to point it the right way and practice reloading. Plus we lack for ranged capacity right now with our group. The value of another close-ranged fighter, especially an unskilled one, isn't going to be significant comparatively

>>36351133
Can't we train the throwing knives guy to use a shortbow?

>>36351133
Furthermore, there's nothing saying we can't train him to be a close-ranged fighter after the mission in a couple of days. We just need to find something for him to be useful at quickly. You're all looking at this as a long-term solution, when right now all we need is a short term one.

>>36351133
He has shit aim.

>>36351226
Aiming a bow is an order of magnitude more difficult than aiming a crossbow.

He also has no combat reflexes or training in how to defend himself properly. He isn't going to pick that up in two days, warhammer training or no.

Yeah, give him a hammer. If he's anywhere a decent blacksmith, he should be able to hit where he wants every swing with exactly the amount of force he wants. We implement some rudimentary footwork, teach him how to block, and everything else should fall into place.

>>36350738
http://pastebin.com/3b4RRFC5

Did a thing, if anyone wants to change or remake it, or just add stuff feel free.

I think these are good to remember certain points.

>>36351504
Doing holy work there, I had trouble keeping up with both names and nicknames. Wonder how many we'll need to remember after the first mission.

>>36351533
Thanks anon. Just took a time off my calculus studying to do something fun.

Well, he's used to hammers, he could do something with a warhammer. Let's get him one of those, then. Off to the armory. Blackie, go play with the other kids while I get you your toys.

The armory guy knows you. How does everyone of this guys know you? Did you do something to get this well known around here? Aside from slapping a trainer, that is. You didn't even slap him that hard, not enough to make yourself known. Doesn't matter. What matters now is how to convince him you need a warhammer and another shield. No need to do that. Boss trainer put in a good word for you. You're the new trainer around the block. That's good. Now, hammer and shield. They're not that good, but he just needs it to train, right? Ok, back to blackie.

He's sparring with Nikan. She's going really easy on him. Really, really easy. But his eyes are open most of the time and his sword doesn't fly off that much. That means he sucks. Sucks less than before, but enough to last less than a minute on a battlefield. Let's try this hammer thing. Sornen. Where's he?
"Hey, Sornen!"
"Yes, MASTAH?" He laughs.
"Want to try getting hit by a blunt weapon?"
"Who doesn't want that?" Laughs again.
"Hey, what about me? Are you leaving me all alone? That's not nice!" Tristam complains. No need to say anything. Nikan walks to him and he's happy. Happier than before. Did not need to say anything. Am I being recognized by them, too? What did I do?
"Ok. Now, try to hit him with the hammer."
Blackie charges. That's the way, blackie, let him feel your strength. Sornen rises his shield and blocks the hit. What? Like that? Nothing? Something is wrong.
"Try again, blackie, put your strength behind the hit." And again. CHARGE, BLACKIE. And again, nothing. No power behind the strike. His form is poor.

"Try it without moving." He changes his position and hits. Strong. That's what you wanted. But he can't just stand there with feet at shoulder length while battle rages around him, can he? What is to be done here? What can you do to make him useful? The 'big girl' interrupts your thoughts. Time for another serving of mystery soup, then. You have time to think about this.

You all get in. Nobody but your group in the canteen again. Your group. Something is happening, but you're not sure of what. You don't even know the name of some of them but they are 'your group'. How does that work? Well, time for grub.

>Sit down, invite (write in)
>Sit down, let 'your people' decide.
>Eat out, you can't suffer the torment two times a day.
>Other.
>>What about blackie? What to do with him?

>>36351796
>>Sit down, let 'your people' decide.
We joined them before, let them join us. Or not.

Also I'm getting paranoid.

>>36351796
>Sit down, let 'your people' decide.

>>36351796
>Other.
Tell em to join tables, we're feasting together.
Also try to get the Vet's name and Blackie's name.

About blackie, he can hit while standing but not while moving, I'm thinking his footwork is fucked up and he can't put his weight into the hit while moving from all those years smithing standing still.
Teach him about footwork and body rotation, also teach him how to anchor his body to do it like he's standing.

>>36351838
I think we're getting setup to be a diversion. We take the brunt of an assault and die, while the other mercenaries do the real work.

Can we ask around for the guy that recruited us the next time we see one of the regular mercs?

>>36351796
Help him work on having him put his shoulder into it.

And by that I mean grab his biceps and move his arms through the correct motions.

>>36350807
this is the obvious solution

>>36351838
That's good, paranoia is good. But it's not like I've a shitstorm in three phases planned out. Or do I?

>>36351504
Thanks, Anon. That's nice work there. Having what you know written down will surely help.

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>>36351906
Oh my

>>36351914
A bit late are we?

>>36351900
Wouldn't be surprising. Recruiting everyone means they need a lot of bodies. Sounds like something big.

>>36351884
>>36351906
He's old too. It's possible that his knees or hip are messed up. Let's ask him about it. Maybe we know a curing spell to fix it temporarily?
>muh crossbows :(

>>36350800
the definition of a psychopath is someone who cannot emphasize with other people.
if you pity someone, but still say "better them then me" that is normal human
if you can't feel pity than its psychopathy

>>36350876
Initially, but lately he comes off less broken and more just completely lacking in human empathy. In particular to people he knows.

>>36351796
>Sit down, let 'your people' decide.

We should give blackie a polearm of some sort. Probably a halberd. That will let him stand farther from the enemy and really plant himself for each swing.

>>36351971
I think it's about him standing still for blacksmithing, so he can't use his weight properly.

He's not that old though is he? OP said he's younger than the pic he used.

>>36351926
No problem man, good quests deserve it.

>>36352014
Exactly. But that can be solved by teaching him to move his shoulders in time with his steps. That can be taught in two days, I think.

>>36351983
Psychopathy is not clearly and unanimously defined. I think MC showed some sociopathic behaviour, but he has good behavioural control, is not subject to outbursts, doesn't seek thrill and seems to have something of a life plan.

Right now he's taking responsibility for what he thinks as his team and he just decided to sink his time in training a man he sees as hopeless just to give him a chance at surviving.

I already gave him for dead and our MC decided to save him. That must mean something.

>>36352152
Agreed.

Also just an idea here, unrelated to this but to training of the entire group.

How about we ask some mercs or get our troupe and have then do a group combat?
We could either find another group, in the company or outside, that we can fight against to train teamwork.

Ooor we could divide our group in two teams and have sparring that way. Then shuffle and do it a few more times.

You sit down, waiting for the others to take place. Who wants your company? Are you seeking validation? Attention? No, it's a test. For what? Who knows. You'll see.

And then the unexpected happens. "All right, guys, we're a team now, let's start acting like one." Sornen gets some tables and moves them around, connecting them together. Your table just quadruplicated his total area. The same shape, though. A square. Expect the unexpected. Nice job, Sornen.
"Yeah, man, that's what I mean. We're a team and we're gonna take over a whole continent for a princess. We have to be some kind of brother knights, right?" Everybody looks at him, confused looks all around. "What?" Shoot for the moon, kid, but be careful of the fall.

They take place. Everyone takes place. In front of you, the vet and Kipp. Right side, Tristam and Nikan, left side, Totter, Milligan and blackie. Sornen is by your side. On your side. They're all on your side now, aren't they?
"Uh, guys... I'm... Sorry about my attitude. It's just... I was forced to join this company. To repay a debt. And I'm not really comfortable with this kind of things. But I swear I'll try. I'm Sidian. Nice to be with you guys." So somebody just wanted him dead. As a message. Just do this mission for us and your debt is gone. You will be gone too, obviously.
"I'm Totter. Totter Gram. Future knight." Tone it down, kid.
"I'm Tristam." Suave. He smiles. Is he trying to seduce the whole group?
"Nikan." Just that.
"Clodius" The vet has a name too, then.
"I'm... Kipp." At least it's the same name he gave you.
"Sornen here!" and I'm happy to be here! Good for you, Sornen.
"I am Milligan." Stress on 'am'. Are you unsure yourself.
"And I'm Will." Ok, we're done with that. Now what? They're all looking at you. You're the one that knows. No, you're not. But you have to. So, what now?

>Do a speech about (write in)
>Ask about (write in)
>Talk about (write in)
>Get up, walk out.
>Look at someone else (write in).
>Other.

>>36352546
Suppose a short speech about what is expected of them (having each other's backs and ours especially) is in order.

At some point ask if they have noticed anything strange going on. A lot of mercs going around in specific times, eyeing them suspiciously or something.

>>36352546
>Do a speech about
Teamwork, focus and hard training so that we can all live to see another beer.

>Talk about
Talk a while about tactics with any of them and see who has any experience with group working or fighting in groups.

Finally
Toast to them, then start the "feast", let them talk to each other and try to get the morale up

God knows they need it

>>36352651
>>36352546
>>36352632
Both of these. Focus on solidarity.

>>36352546
>>Do a speech about (write in)
"Alright you sorry excuses for mercenaries, here's the deal far as I see it. We've all joined up for one reason or another, but all the vets have already counted us out and have probably started an ad for our replacements. Well I say fuck 'em! We're a team now maybe not the best, yet, but a team none the less. So I say we show em what we can do, by the end of tomorrow I say we turn ourselves into a force to be remembered"

>>36352546
>>36352651
This focus on teamwork watching each others backs because once we're out there we only got each other

>>36352546
>Talk about (write in)
Right then, there's about three people here, including myself, that will be able to handle themselves when the mission happens. As boy wonder here said, we need to work as a team. Blackie, I want you to with the vet. He'll keep you alive if we can fix up your footwork and give you a decent charge.

Blondie, go with shaman. Shaman, you'll be filling in for his defense. Kipp, go with Tristam. Tristam. Hide, scout, and try to avoid people who already see you. It's easy to go killing unnoticed in a battle if you know what you're doing. Work on pickpocketing the Vet while he's sparring for practice. Vet, keep your coins elsewhere for a bit. I don't want to have to clean up their smears because they wouldn't give you your purse back.


Who am I missing?

>>36352783
Sornen and nikan

>>36352783
Tristam is blondie.

Also we know all their names now no need to use them like that.

Plus, if we do the group training thing we could have a better luck about what's practical.

>>36352651
No beer during lunch. Toast with water?

>>36352851
Yes.

Beer and money. Just about the best motivation for rising in ranks.

>>36352851
Toast with water.

Maybe tell them if they hit it off in this work soon enough they'll be toasting with something better than water or cheap beer.

>>36352837
Nikan is...who again? The ex-guardsman, right? Just tell Nikan to try to keep Sornen on a leash and NOT get himself killed. Kid needs to live long enough to tone it down.

>>36352984
Bro here:
http://pastebin.com/M2RSyTC8

Updated version btw

>>36352984
Sornen's the tank, tristam's the kid.

>>36353005
Wait. Totter's the kid.
Fuck, this is confusing.

>>36353099
Totter = Kid
Tristam = Blondie
Nikan = Girlie
Sidian = Blackie
Kipp = Hobo
Sornen = Buzzy
Clodius = Vet
Milligan = Rager

>>36353003
Thanks man.

Alright, new arrangement.

Tristam & Sornen One is offense, the other is defense.

Milligan & Sidian Sidian takes up a chokepoint with his hammer and shield, and Milligan lures them into it. Hammer & Anvil

Clodius and Totter. Totter's skill isn't in question here, it's his decision making. Clodius should be able to help temper that.

Kipp & Nikan. Both have faults, both have competence enough to compensate. Hopefully. Nikan might be able to give Kipp the pep talk he needs. Or at least be enough of a damsel in distress that Kipp wakes up long enough to not die.

>>36353243
The pairings are not bad I suppose, but it'd be better if they had general roles in the party instead of specific parties.
After all we have - no - idea what we'll find so we have to be ready for anything, and to make up plans on the run.

>>36353278
We can make plans for if we stick together. Milligan, Tristam, and Clodius leading an offensive force while Sidian and Sornen provide a line for them to fall back to. Kipp and Nikan can harry at the flanks of an enemy squad or protect our own.

But sometimes there's more than one objective to do. Squad tactics takes time we don't have, so we need to make sure they're at least near someone who can make up for what they lack.

They want a speech, and a speech they'll have. You're in your god's graces again, it seems. They gave you your title back. You're their knight now and you're going to lead them.
"Ok guys, I want to be honest with you. Maybe you've caught up already, but they're not betting on us being back from our first mission. We're dead to them, and they're not going to do anything about that." You stop for a second. That's not what they wanted to hear, it seems. Wait. Wait. Now.
"But that's not how things are. That's not how I see it. Sure, our team is rough around the edges. Most of us don't have much experience, some don't have any at all, but we're a team. The single's weakness doesn't matter in a team. A team balances its strengths to cover its weakness. You will not have to care about what you can't do on the battlefield. You'll only have to know what you can do and use that for your team. Know your teammates are with you and be with your teammates. We are a team now, and that's all we need." You get on your feet and rise your cup. They follow suit. Good.
"We will be back. We will rise. We will get what we want. And next time we toast our cups will be full with the best alcohol money can buy." You down your water. This is stupid. They do the same without a thought. This is doubly stupid. But it makes sense. Next time it won't be stupid.
The banquet is open, then. Mystery soup. You should get some of the meat you have upstairs. Better keep that for when you're back. It's good luck. You have to come back. And you will.

"Good speech there." Not that good. You'll have to write something up for next time.
"Thanks, Sornen. I meant that."
"I know you did, and I'll be waiting for the alcohol, MASTAH." He smiles. You're a good man, Sornen. You'll have your alcohol. When we're back.

Your 'banquet' is uneventful, but really warm. You all chat up like old friends. Those are your companions now. For the first time you think that could mean something.

And the whale screams again. I was doing some reflection here, madam. Some of that insightful thinking. Not like she would understand.

>Back to the training ground. Let's do some planning. (write in)
>Out to the city. (write in)
>To your room. (write in)
>Talk to (write in) about (write in)
>Other. (write in)

>>36353485
>Back to the training ground. Let's do some planning. (Group tactics and coordination)

>>36353485
>Back to the training ground. Let's do some planning.
Get them into group coordination and team tactics.
Make them pair up, do groups of three, or more, and have them face off, or teach them specific tactics. Show them how to compensate for their weaknesses (Example have tristam lure and enemy and use his speed to distract him while Sornen hits him)

When they're at full speed we should ask whoever's around to get another merc team to face us, so we can have some more practical combat.
Using training weapons ofc

>>36353485
>Back to the training ground. Let's do some planning. (Group tactics and coordination)
though we also should train Blackie to be better with his hammer

>>36353508
I'll second this. But let's work on pairs, first and foremost. It's easier to trust one person to do their job right than 7 other people. Once there's some trust between pairs, then we can work on larger groups.

>>36353485
>>Back to the training ground. Let's do some planning. (write in)

>
>Out to the city.
what could we even do/buy in the city, we have like 8 gold

>>36353003
Janus' kindom's was named. Mechina. And you know about 2 of the big 7 and one of the less renowned houses. And their blazons. Not like that matters much.
A couple of gods got a name too, but they don't matter either.

>>36353647
Eh, I'll backtrack later, right now I'm on a tight schedule so I just put on what I remembered from my head.

>>36353683
>>36353647
Oh but thanks for pointing it out though.

>>36353594
I don't know. You're down two gaunts and two armguards, but your armor costed something around 140 gc, so...
I expect you guys to come up with stuff. I have stuff in mind, but that's because I know what's to come. And that could change on every player choice.

>>36353758
Thank you, Anon. I love how you guys are doing all this nice things for the quest and fellow anons.

>>36353786
We should try to get some armour completion later then

>>36353786
mercs provide arms and armor for the team right? crap arms and armor but enough to cover them til payday right?

Back to the training ground then? The speech was good, but you're a team in name only. All you did until now was sparring in groups of two. Three that one time maybe? Doesn't matter. Team matters. Down to it.

You don't know what's to come though. That's a problem. How do you plan for something you don't know? Should you teach skirmish tactics? Will this be large scale warfare? Are you going to defend territory? What is to come, and how to prepare?

Let's start with analyzing the team. You can't go wrong there. Catalogue the guys. Give them a role. Start with that. From the top:

Clodius. He knows how to fight and has experience. Uses a sword and a buckler.
Nikan. She's trained. Scholastic. Only a longsword for her. Sabre would fit her better, maybe would fit the battlefield less.
Totter. He has tried every weapon he could get his hands on and seems to know what to do with each one of them. Zero real experience, doesn't know how to use his head.
Milligan. He's possessed by something when fighting. Could other spirits make him different? He's using a bastard sword.
Kipp. Buckler and shield for this one too. He hasn't lost his focus when training. Here's hoping that's a constant.
Sornen. He probably has fighting experience, just not armed. Shield and mace. He's doing good.
Tristam. He's agile and quick on his feet. He has good vision and knows where to strike. He's using a shortsword.
And then there's Sidian. He clearly has nothing resembling fighting experience. There's work to be done that. You still have to choose what to give him, but the warhammer could work.

So, roles? Planning? What are you going to do? What to expect? What to train? Write up a formation? Get them in couples? Groups of three? This is complicated. Think about it, Will. You know what to do. Just do it.

>(write in)

TRPG time, folks, if you need any info I'm here for you. Votes were somewhat confused, so I'll try to get something clear cut here. This is your team, it's important. At least for a couple of days.

>>36353845
Yes, they do. But you should assess the situation

>>36354227
>For Sidian
Teach him the footwork and shoulder work he needs, rotating his body, etc. How to put weight into his strikes WHILE moving.

>For the group
Teach them a couple simple strategies and how to follow orders.

Say teach them distraction in pairs (fast guy distracts for the heavy hitter)

A weak center formation (put someone tough in the back and flanks then have the center retreat. Enemies flock to the center, back and flanks push them and have them surrounded.

Teach the quick guy about flanking, maybe give him some throwing daggers and have him train on helping others at range.

Have the tanks train with damage dealers and maybe have them train a circular defense formation.

Give them some info on orders and how to position and communicate with the team.

>>36354227
Sornen and Clodius would make good guardians/tanks Milligan should be near the front so his berserking doesn't catch us in a Tk situation. Nikan and Tristam should be on the flanks as skirmishes and pivots because the are agile but no that strong. Kipp and toter should be all arounders with their standard weapons and skill if not intuition. Sidian should take wear rear where he can swing that hammer and not hit us and watch our backs.

>>36354341
>>36354227
Teach them a defensive, entrenching position with the tanks get a weaker one in each of their flanks, this way the tanks hold down and the weaker guys take off the stragglers. Use this hold positions.

Teach them how to advance with care and the importance to watch out for ambushes.

The wedge is interesting for them
Have the top of the pyramid be composed of our three tanks leading the charge, with the others at the back. Good to break line formations

>>36354341
We ought to get these guys to practice a shield wall as well, come to think of it. Solid defense, reigned supreme as a tactic for centuries until cavalry messed it up. We don't really have spear users for it though.

>>36354400
The sword serves well, especially considering these swords are decent for stabbing, so close enough to the gladius or spata.

Sornen and Sidian wouldn't be able to join up though.

Also we shoul really have Tristam see if he can pull ranged off, with throwing knives or with a bow, or crossbow

>>36354429
Sidian watches our flanks and hammers anyone that gets around or defense. Just put a spike of the end of Sornen's mace the dude is strong enough to make it work with some practice.

Next time we dine with the other mercenaries, we should try and take a seat at one of their tables. Goal being to try and fleece out some information from them aabout what's coming up, and what the plan is next for us.

>>36354393
>>36354341
Please tell me who you consider as tanks.
>>36354400
>>36354429
That means giving other guys full shields?
And Tristam has never shot a bow. He's decent with throwing knives, but the range of his throws is obviously limited. He hasn't tried with a crossbow. A crossbow is easy to use but hard to master. And knowing how to gap shoot requires some experience.

>>36354534
True. Could outfit him with knives though.

About giving shields, maybe just bucklers, don't need to make a full cover line, just one when we're in a tough spot.

>>36354534
"tanks" meaning those who show to be strong.
I'd say Milligan and Sornen are though, and we could serve as a tank considerin we're a knight.

If Sidian got some way to suck less I'm guessing he's one though fucker, that's what forge working does to you, so he'd be a decent tank as well.

>>36354534
Sornen is definitely a tank and Milligan needs to be near the front for his tendencies. Clodius should make a good tanks too, if he can use a full sheild. Nikan and Tristram should be the pivot people on the flanks and Sidian should cover our rear with us. The kid and Kipp are all arounders/ secondary tanks.

>>36354534
Somen is definitely a tank I think with a bit of work Sidian could turn into one too but we're running out of time. Tristam definitely could use knives i'm thinking he'll be our scout/skirmisher.

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>>36354534
Would this pass as anyone in the quest?

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>>36354900
Why are most sites with fantasy art so hard to sift through

>>36354900
Not the guys you met until now.
>>36354927
I don't know. I could find hundreds of porn examples of my characters but having them clothed becomes a challenge.

>>36354957
> I could find hundreds of porn examples of my characters but having them clothed becomes a challenge.
Such is life on the internet

https://thraen.minus.com/uploads

There's this one, don't know if anyone posted it before.

Start with defence. Having them alive is the first priority. Give Clodius and Milligan a shield. You take one too. A shield wall. Flying and inverted wedge. The other guys between you. Nikan and Tristam closer to the flanks, giving them a way to get in and out of the fight independently. Diversion runs. Entrenching in circular formations. Splitting in smaller units. Advancing and retreating. And you still have to figure Sidian out.

Armory and back then. Ok, you have this. Men, let's start our drill. Begin by explaining what you're going to do and how does that work. Questions? Then let's get started. Sidian, just keep your shield high and follow orders. Explain what the orders mean. Look at them try. No, that's wrong. Try again. Better. Stop. Advance. Stop. Turn face. Circle. Flanks up. Back. Split. They're all so serious. They're all following. They know what this means, what they're training for. This is good. And it's going to get better.

You spend hours teaching them what they need to know, but you know it's time well spent. Progresses are fast. They all keep up with the movements and start to get something resembling team coordination. You join them. You won't be out of formation shouting orders when the time comes and you need this as much as they do. The drill continues, then. It's good.

You split the formation in half and try a mock battle. Clodius will lead for their side. Charge, then! Shields meet shields and all is good. Both groups search some space, some weakness in the other. And they find it first. Sidian is down, your flank is lost. Move him? Losing the center of a formation would be worse. Sidian, lose the shield.

That's better. More to be taken from this than before. Sidian needs to get some form of proper training. But the rest are decent. You could hold your ground against most untrained rabble. That's not much, but it's a start. And you need to see things as they are. You could kill two of them right now from your position just by exposing yourself a little. You'd do that, if you knew you could trust the men by your side with your life.

You're going to trust these men with your life anyway. Keep this up, point at what's wrong. Too much space. Follow your comrades. Know what you're doing, know what they're doing. Wait for the right moment. Take a single one of them down and ride on that momentum. Break their formation and they're done for. Don't rush. Keep your comrades by your side. Again, from the top. You're getting better. We're getting somewhere.

The whale. Again. Ok guys, training is over for today. They go in. They're tired, but they know they have to do this. Sidian comes to you.

"Hey Will."
"Sidian."
"Look, I know I'm keeping us down and I know I should have taken this seriously from the start; so I shouldn't ask. But I need help. I need training." Good. He knows what's good for him. Is 'jerkiness' transient, after all? Was he not a jerk from the start? Time will tell. For now, he's waiting for an answer. Sidian, not time. Time has its own answers.

>"It's good you asked. We still have a couple of hours of light, let's get to it."
>"Ok, that's the first priority tomorrow morning."
>"I'll get (write in) to give you some lessons tomorrow morning."
>"You brought this on yourself. You just need to die without being a hindrance for the rest of the team."
If training:
>How, what. (write in)
If not training:
>Get in, eat with (write in), talk about (write in)
>Go out. (Write in)
>Other

>>36355507
>"Ok, that's the first priority tomorrow morning.
Need to rest otherwise the training won't stick.
>Get in, eat with (everyone), talk about (Good progress we keep it up we can do this.)

>>36355554
>>36355507
This, and tell him if he wants we can do some training after dinner.

>>36355507
>"It's good you asked. We still have a couple of hours of light, let's get to it."
>How:
Footwork, balance, bodyrotation. Show him how to move to put impact in his blows, show him the difference between being a blacksmith and being a fighter, he has the strength he just needs to get used to a new kind of movement.

If possible also show him some basic blocking with the warhammer.

>>36355507
>"It's good you asked. We still have a couple of hours of light, let's get to it."

>>36355507
>>36355554
Yeah i'm gonna go with this it fits what we need to do and if he's too exhausted he's not gonna be able to learn anything.

>>36355596
>>36355507
This.

>>36355507
>"Ok, that's the first priority tomorrow morning."
Tell the others: Mornings will be spent on individual battle skills. Evenings on squad tactics of varying sizes.

>>36355507
>"Ok, that's the first priority tomorrow morning."
For now get some rest, you're going to make it if you work hard

>>36355596
The warhammer is one handed. I thought you guys wanted a shield on him. And it's not easy to block with a warhammer. Having no handguard means you have to block the blow with the head of the hammer and be really accurate.

>"Ok, that's the first priority tomorrow morning."

We should use the rest of the night to try and get some information from the real mercs about what's going on an proceed from there. Someone will be sympathetic to our efforts.

>>36355665
Thought it was two handed, my bad.
Then I guess basic shield blocking.

Or get him a two handed hammer hahah

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"It's good you took the initiative. But you have to rest now, or today's training will be lost. We'll get you up and running with that hammer first thing in the morning. Let's get inside now."
"Yeah, ok." Not really ok, uh, Sidian? Are you feeling the pressure? That's good, that will help. Inside now. Your table and your spot are waiting for you. Nobody changed place. Go to your seat, Sidian, You take your spot beside Sornen again.

The other guys in the canteen are giving you strange looks. What, we shouldn't bond as a team? Judging from the place, no you shouldn't. The canteen is enormous and deserted. You're the biggest group sitting together in here. There's a couple of tables with three or four people seated, but most of the guys in here are sitting alone. This seems like one of those places where if your comrade dies in battle you rejoice. You're getting his stuff, after all.

The soup is here again. Some of the mercenaries are not given mystery soup, but various kinds of real food. Thank god. Get up in rank fast, Will. And what is your team waiting for? Looking at you again. 'Good dogs, you can eat now'. Guys? What are you waiting for?
"Ok, today's training was good. You pick things up fast and we're doing good progress. We just need to keep this up and the mission will be as easy as walking through the plaza." You mean, if your mission is really going to walk around the plaza? Or is that plaza full of enemy infantry? You can't tell them that, Will. You just have to hope the mission is appropriate to the state you're in now.
"Yeah, man, we'll kick ass. We're going to best walkers in the plaza, man." What does that mean? Nobody has an answer. Time to eat then.
"It's more like being born inside of a raindrop, isn't it?" What is with you and rain, Milligan? And how should being born inside of a raindrop be like? Change argument. Don't let the others get pulled in the shaman's craziness.

"Sornen, you never told us how you got here. Want to share?" Yeah, good topic. The shaman told you he knows, he's starting to open up to the group and you ask about the past. Great move, Will.
He smiles "Well, not much to talk about. It's just getting hit for money wasn't doing much good to me. I thought hitting back would make that better. And it does!" What do you mean, Sorner? Were you in some kind of circus act? Abused by someone who was giving you monetary support? What does it mean? You want to ask, but this is not terrain you should tread.
So, is there something that comes to mind?

>Ask about (write in)
>Talk about (write in)
>Inane conversation is the best kind there is.
>Keep your mouth shut. Listen.
>Other.

>>36356267
>Talk/Ask about plans
Ask what everyone's plans are, long term you mean.
If anyone asks of ours then we'll have to think of something, hah.

Then after that just listen to the conversations.

>>36356267
>>36356302
This

>>36356267
>Keep your mouth shut. Listen.
watch and smile

>>36356267
>Inane conversation is the best kind there is.

>>36356267
>Inane conversation is the best kind there is.

>>36356302
>>36356267
thirded.

"And what about your long term plans?"
"Long term plans? Having a roof over my head and two meals a day?" You're a simple one, aren't you, Sornen?
"Heh, funny that, I've got the same plan." Kipp, you're with us? That's good. That's really good.
"Hey, me next! Me next! I'm gonna be the best knight ever for that kingdom. You know, Vantrils." Heh. Keep at it, kid.
"Vantreis." Nikan corrects. "I'm going to lead armies. I'm going to get power back." That's dark, girl, really dark.
"I just want to be on the right side of the law. For some time at least." Mercenaries don't care that much about laws, Tristam. War doesn't really have laws.
"I want to get out of debt. Maybe make enough to get my forge back. But not as a mercenary. I don't think I'm fit to be one." You can do it if you try, Sid. Or maybe not. Who knows.
"I want my colours. All of them. Every colour has a meaning and I need them to know. And I need to know." I'd like to know too, but the path is dark, Milligan, and you lost your sight already.
You take your eyes on Clodius "I... War is the only thing I know. I tried to get out, but I can't. I don't really have a plan." Born for war? There are more things on the four planes, Clodius... You should look around more, maybe. Life has something for everyone. If war is what you want, know what you want from war.
"And what about you, MASTAH? What's your plan for conquest?"
"Yeah, man, let us hear the master plan now! How are we going to get that kingdom?" Still soaring high, this kid.

What about you? What is the real master plan? What's the kingdom you're searching for? Have you just lost your way? Is this a step on the path, is this the path itself? Do you know where the path leads? Where are you going?

Your kingdom. Now. They want to hear of your kingdom. You will have to spawn your castle out of thin air. They're waiting. They're waiting for magnificence. They too are looking for something. They're lost. And they're searching for that something in you. What are you going to give them? You're their leader now. You have to know what you want and you have to move to get it. They will follow you. They will take you wherever you need to go. But they want to know. They need to know. And they need that now. Who are you? What are you? What are you looking for and what can you give them?

Make them dream. Give them purpose. You know how this works and it's your turn now. Tread the boards or walk the plank. Time for the truth. Give them your dream, let it be their dream.

>Answer (write in).
>Don't answer.
>Other.

>>36356900
>Answer (I want power, pure and simplistic. Not divine power, or military power or monetary power, I want true power. I want for people to know my name has power from my reputation alone.

>>36356900
>>36356866
>Answer:
Think for a bit.
"I want to live by my code, to redeem myself. I don't know what I strive for, if it's a ruler's life or just to wander the land selling my services, what I do know is that I want to serve justice in some way. What brought me here... well I was trying to serve justice, but ended up getting on the wrong side of powerful people doing so."
You can change it up, but essentially:
>I don't know exactly yet
>But I want to be the knight I was
>I want to be fair and to bring justice to the land
>And I'll find a way to do so

>>36356976
way to drop the act

>>36357061
>>36356900
this

>>36356976
This

>>36357061
I'm not sure that's really IC. I'll wait for other anons to discuss. Maybe I'll change it some to make it fit. Or is that just the dream you're selling?

>>36356900
>>36357061
This. Obviously it's a charade but we need pawns and obviously we need to keep them happy. At least, for now.

>>36357117
It's just the dream.
Why would we tell them
"I WANT POWER, UNLIMITED POWER HAHAHAHA"
And go full palpatine in front of them?

Internally it should go more like this
"I honestly don't know" since he's conflicted between his knightly nature and his dickish (internal) attitude

But really, he's a dick INSIDE
he hasn't been a dick outside a single time

>>36356976
Unlike this, which is pure dick

>>36357150
Just the dream we're selling*
Fuck me

>>36357150
I'd change that too. You can tell people you're aiming for power without sounding like the BBEG everyone is looking for. That's how you get to be a big enough BBEG.

>>36357185
I still like pretending to be a paragon.

Truth is you can go your whole life being neutral but never have trouble if you pretend to be good.

MC honestly leans to a neutral character with a dick attitude, not a BBEG, and he puts on a facade of being good, though honestly considering how conflicted he is on his reactions to him murdering the prince and running away and all... well I think he actually wanted/wants to be good. He's just one big asshole.

Ok, 3 to 2 for the "I'm going to be the best knight there ever was. Fuck you kid, I'm the boss now."
I'll wait 3 minutes more. Not like I'm expecting more votes. I'll probably do one last long update to close the day and the chapter together.

>>36356900
>>36356866
Right now I just want to pull through this mission with not a single casualty. And then... who knows? I'll just live as best as I can and keep fighting on, protecting those who fight by my side

>>36357296
Hey kid said best knight - of vantreis -

>>36357061
I think this is the best choice.

Just got here, but can I suggest telling the truth, but with so much embellishment that the others take it for a fanciful story? It's amazing how easily the truth can be disbelieved if you add in a beautiful, supposedly chaste, religious girl who puts out without much thought, and a mage with a forked tongue and snake eyes that's raining fire everywhere.

My bard never had to lie about where he was if he wanted people off his trail. Oh god, that campaign was a fucking grind.

>>36358001
That's not bad actually, but the ship has sailed sadly.

"The master plan is bringing all of you guys back alive from your first mission. That's step one. After that, I'll try to go back to who I was or I'll try to understand who I am now. I'm a knight, and that's what I want to be. I'm not sure where that will take me. I could rule; or I could serve. What I know is I will be on the side of justice. I'm a knight. I fight for what I believe in and that's what I will strive for." Muddied your minds enough? Was that what you wanted to hear? Follow me, and we will be the warriors of justice! Sounds nice, doesn't it?
"Nice plan you've got there, master. I'll accompany you on the road." Yes I did. Sold it like the best merchant.
"Yeah man! Best knights ever!"
They all seem to like where you want to take them. Justice is always a great word. And you can bend it as you wish. What is justice? Every one of them has his justice. Just let them believe. Everyone needs to believe. What do you believe in? What is your real long term plan? You'll answer that question when the time comes. For now, the plan is staying alive.

You like the company of your men. The inane chatter is refreshing. They know what to speak about. They know what you shouldn't say. They keep everything light and you do the same. Some of them don't speak if they can't add something. Some of them like the sound of their voices. Some of them just can't restrain themselves from speaking. Some can't restrain their other selves from speaking. You'll understand when you'll understand, he says. You don't think you'll never understand how to know your weight in the world from the colour of your soup. But you don't need to know. You'll decide what to make of yourself and the world. You'll get there when you get there. Just like the soup's colour thing. Stop following Milligan. It's bad for you.

The supper ends and the teammembers go their separate ways, most walking to their rooms. You go that way too. The day was long and you worked hard. Time to get some rest. The book you started is waiting for you. You still have questions. You'll get your answers. This book can't help with all the questions, but you never know what is in it before reading it. And so you get back to it.

Nationwide political system then. Still election. Different kind. The overall ruler is elected from the last ruler's family. That's good. Nice going, Arathe. Only people who have ruled land for at least 12 years can vote. They're this country's nobility, then? Could be. The ruler must adopt in his family promising 'nobles'. So his family is not his family. Hitting twelve, every man and woman born into 'nobility' must spend 6 months in the court. Some sort of evaluation. Good one, adopted, bad one, go back. Adopted when they're 12? They're not the ruler's family, clearly. How can you rule like that. One step forwar and two back. This place doesn't make any sense. 12 years old. You're going to work for your family. What loyalty towards your new 'father' can you have? You're going to try to scheme your way into power. And now the king has to watch his back from a group of power-hungry kids backed by powerful families.

How can you rule like that? They obviously have no idea how this kind of thing should work. Have they even given a thought to this? How long has this kind of thing been going? Less than a century, probably. It's impractical. You can't make it work. But maybe you're wrong. Maybe the second part of this book, the part on the history of this place, will tell you that this has been going on for millennia. Maybe having to fight so hard for his place on the throne hardens the ruler. He knows how that goes. He knows how to defend from the next batch. Or maybe the king is nothing more than a puppet, strings pulled by the families. He's not a king, anyway. He's a 'dux'. Another stupid name. This one means he just leads the people, doesn't rule them. That wasn't even a formal rank in the ancient language.

No more time time for thoughts. Sleep is here for you. You let him reclaim your conscience. Good night, world. You're going somewhere else.

[End Chapter]

>>36358203
>>36358184
>>36358167
Nice mate, want me to archive it?

>>36358203
See you, thanks for running!

Sorry for the strange split, I'm fighting against character limits.
>>36358210
If you would be so nice.

I will be here for some more time. Ask and ye shall receive, as long as it doesn't spoil everything. I'd like to hear some feedback too. Like, if there's something wrong with his thoughts. I was gonna write "dodged a bullet" somewhere in the last update, but then I thought he doesn't even know what a bullet is. And another anon made me notice I did that already. I used "job description", and that's strange. So, feedback?

>>36358282
Thank you for being here.

Oh, and what about running times and days? Today the thread was really active. Should I stick to weekends? Saturday and sunday?

>>36358293
Thanks for running things are shaping up.

>>36358293
Archived, see you next time brother.

>26 posters
You're doing good mate, just remember: people pass through and then just finish reading on the archives often.

And you did do better with time most of this thread, ye know?

>>36358348
Updates were shorter too. I don't think I'm getting faster.

>>36358386
Don't worry mate, see those quests with 80+ threads?
Those guys have been at it for a long time, some have done multiple quests and others had previous writing experience too.
Just keep going and you'll get the hang of it, your following is doing well, so just really, keep the story entertaining and you'll do it.

>>36358444
I'll try and stay on target. Do threads without votes get deleted from the archives?

And I forgot this:
https://twitter.com/CiollonzQM

>>36358503
It's a good idea to get upvotes, too much disapproval and you get deleted yeah.

Sorry for the lateness I was in the bath hehe

>Here's the archive page for this quest:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Prince%20Killer%20Quest

The character is great. Inner monologues are everything that I want. It's what drew me to the quest in the first place. I like how things are going, looking forward to the big mission, whatever it is.

What are Janus' magical abilities? Just minor healing?

>>36359292
Think we don't know yet.

>>36359292
Oh yeah, and how common is magic in this world? What is the reputed upper threshold of human magical power reputed to be?

I like how common updates have been, although understand if that pace stops. We've all lives to lead