Thread 6257245

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

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

Strahnbrad was a quiet city, as quiet as a city full of soldiers could be, no one said anything that didn't need to be said. The civilians minded their own minds and stayed out and away from the Syndicate business. And this all suited Eligius well. For the past two weeks he had been working as a scribe to Malgren, the leader of the Syndicate forces in Strahnbrad with his “wife” Pai the Assassin helping him with the work. This had gotten Eligius close, but not close enough, at least not yet.

Durnholde had turned silent as well. The ancient forests once full of gnolls and their bickering had ceased with the campaign having reached its goals. The gnolls were dead, their warbands and camps destroyed, leaders killed. What had gathered the different armies of Hillsbrad and Durnholde together had vanished under their combined might. But with the victories came questions and obstacles. How long is the reach of the Syndicate? Are they connected with the pool of Fel found in the forest and how many swords and blades did they really provide the gnolls with? For Prince Alric a lot was ahead of him, but he wasn’t the only one who was on a mission.

Welcome to Alterac Resurgent Quest!

…

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

>>6257245 (OP)

>8, 4
>9, 4


Life in Strahnbrad had found its rhythm ever since Pai had managed to persuade Malgren to hire you to sort out all the paperwork. In the morning you would walk to the town hall, pick up the latest pile of scrolls and papers and have them cataloged and prepared based on Malgren’s wishes. Now you didn’t mind this at all, the amount of work was less than what you generally faced in Dawnholme under the Prince and you got to read all the Syndicate texts in the city!

Frankly you loved this chance of pace.

The Syndicate had approximately thousand men in the city and in the vicinity of it. They were in progress fortifying it, building new towers, battlements and deepening the ditch around the walls. Strahnbrad would survive a siege by the ogres and by your estimation, also by the Alteracis from Dawnholme, for several months with the foodstocks already brought in.

You sighed, sadly you weren’t any closer to the actual mission of yours. You hadn’t learned anything new that could help you in your mission to find and rescue Alicia Perenolde. Nothing, no rumours or anything. And while all five of you had found work in the city to keep up appearances, the longer you stayed here the more futile everything seemed. Sir Cyrus and Otto Wanz had joined the local guard and sparred daily with them, the Stormwind knight seemed like a popular opponent for the local fighters to test their mettle. Old Bill Rover meanwhile unsurprisingly had gotten permission to hunt and besides scouting the lands north and east of the city, he brought a deer or score of rabbits with him back each evening. Your group of fake Syndicate members had gotten popular, maybe even too popular to your liking.

And speaking of Pai, she technically was your assistant and helped you to fetch and carry the papers around. But since the start of your job as a scribe, she has been spending more and more time in Malgren’s office. You didn’t approve her approach of trying to seduce the man, it was too risky, but she had gotten you the scribe's position and so you allowed her to try. Putting the wooden stick you used as a pencil to write your personal notes, made in cipher and arcane writing down, you looked outside through the window and found the dark night sky. Pai was late, later than usual and you had an idea for why. You sighed again as you picked the stick up and continued to write.

Suddenly the door opened to your room and the one you had been waiting for stepped in. Giving Pai a look, you found the short woman having a vicious smile on her face, her hair a bit messy and the blue dress you had bought her with a couple more wrinkles on it.

“You are late.” You said to her.

“Pishposh, I was on a mission.” Pai replied as she kicked off her shoes and jumped into the bed the two of you shared. Stretching like a cat, the scent of sweat filled the room to your annoyance.

“At least take a bath before coming here.” You lamented.

1/3

>>6257247

“The place wasn’t open, otherwise I would have.” Pai said back to you. “Either way you are going to love this. Malgren is a terrible lover, just lays there like a dead fish while having me to do all the work.”

“I don’t need to know that, but why didn’t you then stay there if you managed to bed him?” You had to ask.

“Well you are my husband and I told Malgren that you enjoy your wife more after she has been handled and well lubricated by someone else first.” Pai said and the vicious smile returned.

You didn’t reply to that with words, just looked at the seductress like a father who has to tell his paraplegic daughter that no, she won’t be a dancer.

“Don’t look at me like that! At least I didn’t have to stay by him for the night, even I have some standards.” Pai replied back to you and continued. “Besides I learned something.”

“What?” You asked.

“There’s some sort of a gathering of all the officers and leaders this weekend at The Prancing Peacock. All of them from here and elsewhere are going to be there.” Pai told you and continued. “Apparently Malgren is without someone fine like me to bring there so there’s an opportunity for me to get inside.”

“But not me.” You said.

“Not you, at least not yet.” Pai said back. “I might… I might be able to get you an invite, but…”

“Malgren needs to lay there like a dead fish a bit more.” You said back to her and continued. “You know what I think about it, it is too risky to get so close to them.”

“I am a big girl, I know what I am doing. But do you have any better ideas? I think I am the only one who has managed to achieve something.” Pai challenged you.

“Have you noticed that we haven’t been followed?” You asked her.

“Yeah, since three days ago.” She scoffed back.

“Two days, two days ago was the last time we had someone tailing us.” You told her. “I think it is the time to go visit this General whom we were pointed at.”

“What would some old General know about?” Pai dismissed your idea outright and waved it away.

“Old Generals have connections, besides I now know who it is. It is Hath, the General who allowed King Thoras into Alterac and betrayed King Aiden.” You told her and continued. “He is under house arrest at the other side of the city, going to talk with him is a more reasonable choice than you trying to sleep your way into the Syndicate inner circle.”

“I know I will succeed.” Pai adamantly said back to you.

“Yes, and that is precisely what makes me worried.” You said back to her.

“Alright, you are the leader so the decision is yours.” Pai reluctantly replied and let the matter be.

2/3

>>6257249

Getting into the meeting with the officers and other Syndicate leaders could prove to be useful. You had only met a few of them and they smartly kept their distance to others. But in a party type of a situation after a couple beers and shots of spirits, maybe they could be approached and things learned? And if they come there from elsewhere, maybe one of them could actually be from one of the keeps Lord Creedy uses as his hideout? But General Hath, he is a known figure and old officers like him have their connections and information that could prove to be useful. But has he kept his ear to the ground, is he still relevant to all this?


Choose One:
>Follow her plan. Allow Pai to continue seducing Malgren and getting the invitation to The Prancing Peacock for you. You know she will succeed in this.
>Your plan is better, but it hinges on the General Hath actually talking to you and not just pushing you away. Though as a General he might know something.

QM: For story reasons choose one path. Technically you could do both, but I am not going to allow it this time. But first in this thread, Eligius and Pai sequence!

Welcome everyone to yet another thread of Alterac Resurgent Quest.

Now with the new thread, I will extend the same request as before. If you have questions about the Quest, its characters or events, or for the QM itself, go ahead and ask. I will try to answer them as well as I can without going too deep into meta knowledge.

And as always, please have fun reading, playing or just lurking in the background.

>>6257251
Lol the pace is less strenuous than working under Alric

Never got to visit the warlock store eh

I thought I remembered they were hoping to track the groceries, hoping to see some expenses to a keep in the budget or someone like Creedy's woman buying in the market to follow. But I suppose no luck there yet.

A traitor general under house arrest or getting in to the officer party full of Syndicate elite.

Still got the blocks of Dreamdust for bribes. Money if Eligius can pull off some creative accounting where a debt is lost in the paperwork? Maybe Cyrus or Old Bill made a friend each.

The Old General might be a nice future contact for Alric, if for the second time he opens the gate but to Alric lol.

I'm curious what my fellow anons think

Might be there's a good reason Hath can't find a date, if none of the women usually come back from that sort of meeting. Though they could also just give her a bunch of Dreamdust against her remembering anything too important, so she might have to operate under the influence. Or the worst potential that someone there recognizes her as they are all Creedy's upper men, and their women.

Hath on the other hand we'd probably have to show our hand to some degree so he doesn't push us away. But winning him would come in handy now and later.

Pai or Eligius

>>6257265
>Lol the pace is less strenuous than working under Alric

I mean the work here is just paperwork, in Dawnholme Eligius handles the spies, their training, used to go talk with Pai to wear her down and get her to talk, the magic training during the evenings and then all the paperwork. Whole lot of work.

>>6257251
>Your plan is better, but it hinges on the General Hath actually talking to you and not just pushing you away. Though as a General he might know something.
Im going with this for now. Pai just seems too conspicuous, anyone who has seen and heard her talk before will recognize her.

Medivh, what is Pai's take on this opsec risk?

>>6257441

Someone might recognize her, but that to her is an acceptable risk. If she is recognized, then it hangs on the news on how many actually know that she had been caught? And that number can't be that big one.

>>6257447
Yes but if I was the handler for that op. I would've found out about it and then I would inform my peers and superiors that such and such resources were compromised. Especially since Alric has garnered a reputation for trying to flip Syndicate assets.

Members being captured and getting flipped is a known hazard to every criminal organization. I don't want to gamble on the Syndicate being incompetent enough to not have prepared for this. Maybe the infighting could account for that rather than stupidity but that's relying on too many unknowns.

It seems like Pai knows a lot about infiltration and assassination but little about the strategies involved with running covert groups.

>>6257251
>>Follow her plan. Allow Pai to continue seducing Malgren and getting the invitation to The Prancing Peacock for you. You know she will succeed in this.

>>6257249
>just looked at the seductress like a father who has to tell his paraplegic daughter that no, she won’t be a dancer.

Eligius is the best side-character ever. Goddamit Medivh, my sides

>>6257251
>Your plan is better, but it hinges on the General Hath actually talking to you and not just pushing you away. Though as a General he might know something.
Lore dump has hooked me.

>>6257251
>>Your plan is better, but it hinges on the General Hath actually talking to you and not just pushing you away. Though as a General he might know something.
Arbitrary forced decision.

Looks like Pai and her seduction plan is put aside. I would have had some fun writing that, but the General could prove quite useful encounter in long term.

Could I have some rolls, this time with a bit bigger dice for granularity.


>1d20
>Best of three

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>6257713
I would have liked to see Pai do her thing too. I had some distractions today but I think this is fine. I'd like to see an Eligius W.

Presumably Hath wouldn't be under house arrest unless he was still significant in some way while they have a war effort to prepare for against the ogres.

What do we tell him to gain his trust and cooperation? We serve Prince Alric and have infiltrated the town. We know theres going to be a big meeting at the Prancing Peacock. We want to know which keeps the Syndicate are using. If thats not enough?...We want to know where Creedy is. He has the youngest sister Perenolde hostage. Maybe offer him some Dreamdust his men can use for bribes lol.

Maybe discuss the Syndicate tactics of just kidnapping people for more bodies to the east who don't come back. Where are Strahnbrad's recruited and missing people?


So Hath followed orders to open the way for the Horde, then betrayed Aiden Perenolde, would he go for a third time for Prince Alric?

The Alliance destroyed the Kingdom and scattered its citizens. Strahnbrad survived destruction, taxed by the Alliance and squeezed for manpower by the Syndicate. Now Alterac belongs to Ogres and kobolds, plus some Blackrock Orcs. The Alliance doesn't care as long as taxes flow. Hes under house arrest by the Syndicate, forgotten by the Alliance.

The Syndicate is gearing up for war, they will fortify but eventually they'll have to retake Gallow's Corner. If they fail the Ogres will move to take revenge. They won't have to destroy the city and its fortifications they can ravage the land and siege, then it will be the Syndicate hoarding resources in town. Not to mention if their war leads to the Alliance discovering this place as a Syndicate stronghold, does he count on their mercy a second time?

Another setback for Creedy would atleast set back any attempts on the ogres.

Alric is a Perenolde, has honor and glory to his name, is willing to protect his people and neighbors.

Thats about all I had to try and convince this guy in my notes lol

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>6257713

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>6257713
Wish I'd roll a 20, not expecting it though.

“We will go see the General tomorrow.” You said to Pai and continued. “Your plan is just too risky for me to accept, what if the officers recognise you?”

“I don’t think that is likely.” Pai replied back.

“Who knew about your mission? Lord Creedy, his assistants? We are directly working against him in his territory. The risk is just too high.” You told her. “The information you got does help us, but going further just has too many variables.”

Pai seemed a bit disappointed that her plan wasn’t to be followed, but nodded.

“You are in charge here.” Pai lamented and fell on her back in the bed. “What about Malgren? Should I stop going to see him?”

“That is your call, you learned about the meeting at the Peacock after all.” You replied.

“Really?” Pai asked, she seemed surprised that you didn’t immediately shut it down.

“If you were to stop seeing him, that would be suspicious.” You said to her. “I don’t like it, but alternatives aren’t that much better.”

Pai sighed and rolled on her side back away from you.

“Let’s go with your plan then.” She said. “It is late, you should sleep.”

You watched as she fixed her pillow and pulled the blanket over her. She had gone from feeling victorious at bedding Malgren and getting the information out of him to just accepting her plan to be put aside. You still didn’t understand her fully, but she seemed motivated at pulling this mission through.

Putting the notes and everything else away, you walked to the only bed in the room and carefully sat down. Taking off your boots, you laid down next to Pai with your back turned against her. Sharing a bed annoyed you, but at least she hadn’t tried to touch you or try to mess with you since the last time. Just the compulsory arm holding that came with your backstory as a married couple.

She was a strange woman.

…

>17


The next morning you had gone to work as normal. Several new scrolls had to be rewritten and catalogued as you waited till afternoon and opportunity to leave the work early. At some point Malgren had come to see how the work was ongoing and looked at you like a rotten carcass next to a road. You didn’t pay that much attention to him, but Pai spoke with him briefly. She probably wouldn’t go visit him later this evening.

When the afternoon arrived you left the town hall. Making sure that the orange bandana was covering your face, you waited for Pai to follow you. It didn’t take that long for her to join you, the bandana covering her face she took your arm and her eyes asked for you to lead the way. The walk through Strahnbrad didn’t take that long. First along one of the main streets and then past several smaller ones, the houses that had inhabitants grew smaller and abandoned derelict buildings were everywhere. Some of them had already been demolished for parts to be used in the fortifications and towers.

1/2

>>6257775

“There, that is the house.” You said to Pai as she still clinged on your arm. “But first.”

There was a normal looking house beside the street and then there was a pair of tough looking men keeping watch across the street. They were the guards that you would need to get rid off first.

“Those two need to be dealt with.” You said.

“I guess killing them is out of the picture?” Pai asked.

“No killing.” You replied and sighed.

Approaching them, they noticed you and seemed rather nonchalant about you.

“Halt, not a step forward.” One of them said and spat on the ground. He seemed rather thuggish of a person.

You stopped just in case and kept your hands by your side where they could be seen.

“We are here to relieve you.” You said to them without a tone in your voice.

“You two?” The second man asked.

You took a small pouch full of coins and threw it to them. The first man caught it mid air and gave you a curious look.

“We will relieve you.” You lied to them and continued. “Me and my wife can handle the job, besides it is private enough here for us to…”

“Alright alright.” The man who caught the pouch said and waved his hand to his compatriot to follow him. A little bit of bribery gets you far.

Watching as the two men left their post, you waited till they had disappeared from your sight to take a step towards the house where the General should have been.

“Private enough?” Pai asked with a sultry tone and held your arm in place. “Ohh, finally liking the story I made up?”

“It works when it works.” You replied matter of factly. “Let’s go talk with the General.”

Walking across the street to where his house was, you approached the door and knocked on it several times. At first there was no reaction, but then you knocked for the second time and heard footsteps inside.

“I have told you, I take no visitors. Leave me alone!” A voice shouted from inside.

“Hath? We are here to see you.” You replied.

“Go away!”

You didn’t hear anything else from inside his home. Hath had probably just walked away and left you there.

“He doesn’t seem like he wants visitors.” Pai said to you. “I can get inside one way or another, I have some ideas.”

“Like what?” You asked her.

“I can lockpick the door or while you distract him, go around and climb through a window?” Pai shrugged.

Or you could just speak the truth and get his attention that way.


>Knock on the door again and tell Hath that you serve the Prince. Yes, that Prince. He should be curious enough to open the door for you.
>Have Pai lockpick the front door and force your way inside.
>Distract Hath and keep his attention while Pai goes around and finds a way inside his home to open the door for you.
>Other, write in

QM: The dice was what sort of a watch there was. Good roll meant an easy access.

>>6257776
>Have Pai lockpick the front door so you can force your way inside and tell Hath that you serve the Prince. Yes, that Prince.
Does Eligius have good intel on this guys motivations and character?

>>6257776
>Knock on the door again and tell Hath that you serve the Prince. Yes, that Prince. He should be curious enough to open the door for you.

>>6257776
>>Knock on the door again and tell Hath that you serve the Prince. Yes, that Prince. He should be curious enough to open the door for you.
Why is he even alive. Syndicate would hate this guy with a passion?

Knocking on the door and being overall a polite of a person. This roll is for Pai, it is a combat roll.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 14, 18

Rolled 4, 1, 10 = 15 (3d10)

>>6258135

Rolled 8, 3, 1 = 12 (3d10)

>>6258135

Rolled 2, 1, 1 = 4 (3d10)

>>6258135

>15, Success!


“Let’s try to talk to him first.” You said and knocked on the door again. “Hath, I know you can hear me.”

There was no reply and so you pressed your ear against the door and knocked again. Faint footsteps could be heard from within so you knew that he was still there.

“Hath, talking to you like this is awkward.” You said to him and got no answer. You didn’t like to pull this card this early, but surely it will work. “Listen, we aren’t from the Syndicate.”

“You told him that immediately?” Pai asked you.

“Better to be honest with him.” You replied and continued to speak through the door. “We don’t serve them, we serve the Prince.”

You heard nothing from inside so you repeated what you had said.

“The Prince just south of Alterac, the one that had gone into exile, but has returned.” You said.

At first there was nothing to be heard, but then the footsteps approached the door and you moved back a little.

“The Prince?” Hath asked you through the door.

“Yes, him. We can talk more inside.” You replied.

A moment later you heard the door being unlocked and then it was opened. An old bald man with a bushy moustache looked at you and stepped out of the way to invite you in. Giving him a nod, you stepped into his house.

“I am Eligi…” You started to say until you found someone grabbing your shoulders and throwing you face first on the floor. You smacked on the wood hard and didn’t have a chance to brace.

Pai immediately dashed inside and drew her shortsword to block a sword from finishing you off. The assailant that had thrown you on the floor was a man in dark clothes that clearly hid armour underneath them. Stronger than Pai, he pushed her away and allowed her to stand between you still on the floor and him.

“Alright, you lot should know that we have an agreement.” Hath said to you and pointed a crossbow that he had picked up at you. He had lured you in and now was in control of the situation. “You are not to approach me. I have no reason to believe anything you are saying either.”

“Especially when a known assassin is with you.” The swordman continued, he carried himself like a soldier. “General, should we send a message to them?”

You had a horrible idea what sending a message would mean. If Hath and his bodyguard wanted, they could easily kill you. That would send a message to the Syndicate for sure. Better to defuse this, but how exactly?


>What agreement? You aren’t from the Syndicate so you don’t know anything about some agreements.
>You aren’t lying to him, you serve the Prince. That is why you approached him. You believe that he can help you.
>Saving Princess Alicia Perenolde is your goal. Hath must know something about her.
>Alright, Pai can handle the bodyguard. You are fairly sure that she can disarm him. And you can handle Hath, Fear makes even the strongest men falter.
>Everything started on the wrong foot. Just offer to leave Hath alone as he clearly doesn’t want any visitors.
>Other, write in

>>6258174
>>What agreement? You aren’t from the Syndicate so you don’t know anything about some agreements.
>>You aren’t lying to him, you serve the Prince. That is why you approached him. You believe that he can help you.
>>Saving Princess Alicia Perenolde is your goal. Hath must know something about her.
He thinks were syndicate? If nothing else calling out how us approaching him like this makes little to no sense if we wished them harm. knocking politely at the door instead of sneaking should atleast lend credence to that.

>>6258174
>You aren’t lying to him, you serve the Prince. That is why you approached him. You believe that he can help you.
Like anon said, why the hell would the Syndicate do this whole charade this way?
>Saving Princess Alicia Perenolde is your goal. Hath must know something about her
Eligius' pride must be quite prickled from getting manhandled, again. Man doesn't need to be a monster like Alric but he needs to stop being such a reed if he wants to stop jobbing this way.

On the other hand, if Hath and his catamite feel less jumpy by doing this then that's to our advantage. They don't need to know they're dealing with someone that's stronger than they appear.

>>6258174
>What agreement? You aren’t from the Syndicate so you don’t know anything about some agreements.
>You aren’t lying to him, you serve the Prince. That is why you approached him. You believe that he can help you.

>Other
They obviously have some eyes around town. If we wanted to kill we would have brought the whole team. Maybe bring up that the people here pointed us to him, they want to make things better. They want their sons and daughters back. Wouldn't his people like to know where the Syndicate needs so many people? (The Hinterlands. If I had to guess a farm for drugs, dreamdust plantation etc. but Eligius could bluff actually knowing. With the gnolls gone they could actually send scouts to find exactly where.)

And if we really NEED to give away more yeah I suppose go for it. It would be nice to save something for an actual exchange. We can also point out that Hath couldn't even save and hold her if he wanted to, the Syndicate could use most of the town as hostages against him and his men. Kill them one by one so on and so forth. Hopefully we could exchange this for help finding the Keep. We can handle the actual mission. Maybe some horses for getting away.
>Saving Princess Alicia Perenolde is your goal. Hath must know something about her.


I really wanna get some use out of his magic...I feel like using Warlock powers would probably reinforce the image of being Syndicate. Though if we gain control of the situation and not kill him I suppose it works out. It also tells them that Alric also uses Warlocks, and how much that resembles the Syndicate lol. Just gotta be patient for the fights to come.

I wonder if Demon Skin can stop a bolt at close range. Maybe still hurt like hell unless he can crit the spell.

>>6258193
They know Pai The Assassin so I guess its not too much of a leap for them. Must not know she was captured and turned. But they do have some kind of intelligence to know the look of Creedy's former top assassin. Plus some kind of agreement with the Syndicate.

I suppose the only solution there is to convince him that she turned. That Creedy and the Syndicate kill their own if compromised, he probably knows very well how they really operate at this point regarding people who get captured. Hes probably atleast heard about Durnholde. Be nice if we could retake control of the situation.

>>6258174
>>>What agreement? You aren’t from the Syndicate so you don’t know anything about some agreements.
>>>You aren’t lying to him, you serve the Prince. That is why you approached him. You believe that he can help you.
>>>Saving Princess Alicia Perenolde is your goal. Hath must know something about her.

>>6258174
>>Saving Princess Alicia Perenolde is your goal. Hath must know something about her.

“Hold on a moment!” You said to them and started to push yourself up, but stopped when you got on your knees as Hath raised the crossbow up a bit more. “We are not from the Syndicate so we don’t know what sort of a deal or agreement you have with them. In fact we were pointed in your direction, by some sympathisers here in the city.”

“General, he is lying.” The swordman replied while keeping watch on Pai.

“Just listen to me, if there is some sort of an agreement between you and the Syndicate, then if we were part of them, we would know about it.” You argued back to him. “But we are not, we serve the Prince, that is why we approached you because we think that you can help us.”

You stood up and removed your orange bandana.

“I am Eligius, scribe and a spymaster to Prince Alric Perenolde. This is Pai, your bodyguard already knows her, but she serves the Prince now. And if the Prince trusts her, then I will trust her as well.” You told Hath and saw how Pai changed the grip she had on her sword. She probably wasn’t expecting you to tell them everything. “And the reason we are here is because we know that Lord Creedy is holding Princess Alicia Perenolde as a hostage and our goal is to free her.”

“Eligius.” Pai protested.

“General Hath, would a normal Syndicate member know about that?” You asked him and stood up. “Will you trust us now?”

The old general looked conflicted for a moment before nodding to you and putting the crossbow down.

“Beats, close the door.” He commanded.

“General?” The swordsman named Beats asked.

“Do as I say.” Hath said to him.

Beats looked at the two of you and sheathed his sword before going to close the door. Pai watched him and put her shortsword away too.

“Apologies, we can’t be careful enough these days.” He said to you.

“Only thing that got hurt was my pride.” You said back to the bodyguard and turned to look at Hath. “So can we start at the agreement? What is that about?”

Hath nodded once again and walked to a table where he took a seat. Inviting you to join him, you did as he asked and took a seat opposite of his. But both Beats and Pai chose to stay standing and keep watch.

“As you know, I am General Florian Hath and you know what I have done in the past. If King Aiden was still alive, he would have my head and so would quite many in the Syndicate.”

“Then why are you still alive?” You asked. The old general looked back at you. Years of service and just plain old age had made him not as strong as before, but his eyes were still sharp.

“Because of the sympathisers, because there are certain people high up in the Syndicate that have my back.” Hath told you and continued. “So we have an agreement. I stay here in my home with Beats as my guard and lackey, and in return Syndicate stays away from me. They call it a house arrest which I tend to agree with. But for the rank and file members, they might not care about such things so we have to be careful.”

“Then why lure us in?” You asked.

1/2

>>6258747

“Beats recognised Pai through the window, if she was here then you might actually be after my life and no amount of certain people high up can then protect me.” Hath explained. “As much as they would take revenge, that wouldn’t help me come back alive.”

“Better to take the initiative, get you in as you don’t look much like a fighter and deal with her next.” Beats told you rather expertly. He wore standard Syndicate leathers and the orange bandana.

“Do you want some tea?” Hath asked you and looked at Pai who shook her head.

“Yes please.” You said and watched as the old man walked to the fireplace in the kitchen corner and started preparing it.

“I presume you know about the Princess because Pai is here?” Hath asked you.

“That would be correct.” You said to him.

“Then you know as much as I do.” Hath said as the fire started to burn and he went to prepare the kettle. “I don’t leave my home, I hear only the things Beats manages to hear while running errands so I can’t help you that much directly.”

That was a shame, but maybe he knows something else that could help you?

“Tell me about the Prince.” Hath asked you. “We don’t hear that much about the events down south, just rumours and such.”

“What have you heard about him?” You asked him as he measured the correct amount of tea.

“He is a good swordsman, always fighting or campaigning. But he is also quite like the late King Aiden in having concubines and lovers, using drugs and associating with goblins, Dark Irons and warlocks while practicing the dark arts himself. Of course the Syndicate has all the reasons to make him look bad, look like his father, but is there any truth in those rumours?”

You kept your cool as half of those things were true and chose not to answer immediately.

“And how did a Syndicate assassin like Pai end up serving him, and you aren’t an Alteraci either, you don’t have our accent.” Beats asked you.


Eligius response:
>Write in

Pai response:
>Write in

QM: How much should you answer? Also don't be too eloquent, he will smell any bullshit.

>>6258749
Eligius response:
>As you might gather, Alric is in a difficult position with many powerful agents against him, which means he has to give it his all for his people.
>He's constantly working for them with little break, which is why it might seem like he's always on the move.
>He's the type to be open to doing business with those willing to help. That includes goblins and the Dark Iron Dwarves.
>Alric is certainly no drug addict, unless if you'd consider Alterac brandy and the occasional hookah smoke to be drugs.
>As for his reputation with women frankly it's none of my bussiness.
>He does seek out magic users to employ, some of them even dabbling in the dark arts. But so does the Syndicate and many others.
>The key difference between him and the others is that he does not let himself get consumed in his quest for power, nor does he forsake his true goals.


Pai response:
>Alric is a very interesting man, the type of man you'd want to follow just to see where he ends up.
>I've spent a long time outside Alterac so I'm used to changing my accent(was that the reason why? I don't remember)

So I got Eligius defending Alric and glazing him to an extent. I think it's a reasonable and honest argument.
For Pai I'm less sure about. I think the first part is close to what she'd say for that question, and she's not the type to let out her true motivations that easily afaik.
I don't know about the accent part, I don't really remember why her accent is like that.

>>6258756

Small correction, Beats asks you about your accent. Your accent is rather neutral, but not an Alteraci one. Pai has a rather normal Alteraci accent.

>>6258749
Eligius response:
>Write in
>The Syndicate have been taking captive anyone they can get their hands on. I owe the Prince my life.
>As for concubines and lovers...*He looks at Pai with raised eyebrow* She refutes. There are few women more seductive than Pai, if he refuses her I think you'll agree the rumors exaggerate.
>The Prince is a strong drinker. Some Hookah. Nothing stronger, I know the expenses.
>As for Goblins and Dark Irons...We needed a weapon that could beat the once ballista on Gallow's Corner but be moved through tough terrain easily. We got some.
>Alric gives mercy to those that surrender. If a Syndicate Warlock surrenders he will *honor* his *word*.

If that above was enough regarding warlocks good, if not maybe use this
>As for pursuing users of magic I'll borrow your words, "we can’t be careful enough these days"

Pai response:
>Write in
>Alric is a very interesting man, and a Prince too
>If I can't play with him then I've still got Eligibuns here
>Anything more will cost you

How does Beats just recognize Creedy's former top assassin? Ain't no way he should be able to do that easily.

If I had to guess Hath's benefactor inside the Syndicate, and someone high up as he claims. Someone that benefits from having a protected set of eyes and ears inside Strahnbrad. Hes probably Beve's man, the Lady Behind a Cloth.

Hopefully he or his man know someone we can track back to Creedy's Keep even if he doesn't know where the Princess is. Or do we end up waiting to get support from Beve anyways lol.

>>6258749
Eligius
>It is true that the Prince is very dilligent. He feels duty bound to Alterac and it's people.
>He's open to doing business with those willing to help. That includes goblins, Dark Iron Dwarves and various magic users.
>Alric is certainly no drug addict, unless if you'd consider Alterac brandy and the occasional hookah smoke to be drugs.
>As for concubines and lovers...*He looks at Pai with raised eyebrow* She refutes. There are few women more seductive than Pai, if he refuses her I think you'll agree the rumors exaggerate.
>And I serve him because I owe him a life debt.

Pai
>Alric is just so very interesting.
>If I can't play with him then I've still got Eligibuns here
>Anything more will cost you

Made some edits so it's more to my tastes.

I think I can work with this, could I have a roll please. I will try to get the update out later today.


>1d10
>Best of three

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>6258876

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>6258876
ALTERACCCCCCCCCC

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>6258876
cmon

Ugh a damn 5, I thought we were pretty decent with some of these. Good mix of genuine and polish.

>5


That was for overall feeling of the situation. I could take another roll for the very specific help you might receive. Try to get better than 5 this time.


>1d10
>Best of three

>>6258900
What is Pai gonna kiss Eligibuns, or Beve's real spy in the house decides to pop out

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>6258900

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>6258775
>How does Beats just recognize Creedy's former top assassin? Ain't no way he should be able to do that easily.
It isn't that surprising to me. Like I thought, anyone that's seen Pai is gonna remember her.

>>6258900

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>6258900

>5
>10


“The Prince is someone who has many enemies, he is not in an easy position. So from the outside looking in it seems that he is always doing something, but a lot of that is just his reactions to the threats around him.” You told Hath and continued. “He is always working for his people, pushing for the Alteraci cause.”

Hath continued to prepare the tea as the kettle slowly started to heat up.

“For the rumours? How much are you willing to believe?” You asked him. “He likes his Alteraci Brandy that ended up nearly getting him killed in a Syndicate assassination plot. His love life is something that I don’t care about, it is his private thing, but I know he refuted Pai…”

“Hey…” Pai replied.

“If your bodyguard knows about her, then he understands how high the bar must have been.” You told him.

“She is an assassin.” Beats replied.

“And the rumours say what?” You asked back and continued.”There are few women more seductive and beautiful than her, if the Prince declined her, do you think the rumours are true? Or are they just exaggerating?”

“I will make sure you will remember those words.” Pai replied and got a curious look from Hath and Beats.

“Her cover story is that she is my wife.” You told them matter of factly. “But of the rumours, if you hear anything that could paint him in the bad light, that is most likely false.”

“But the Dark Irons?” Hath asked.

“Weapons of war, just like with the goblins he is working with. Gallow’s Corner needs siege weapons and they can provide them.” You said to him.

“Ballistae?” Hath asked again.

“Rockets.” You said. “Same goes with everything else, I'll borrow your words, ‘we can’t be careful enough these days’.”

Hath seemed impressed when you mentioned rockets.

“And for myself, he saved my life. I owe him my life, there is a debt that I can’t ever pay back, but I will try.” You said and looked at Pai as Hath took the kettle and poured the hot water into the cups. “You can tell your own story.”

Pai shifted about a bit and looked at you and Hath for a second. As the old general served the cups, she chose to speak.

“Alric is just so very… interesting.” Pai said and her tone turned to the sultry one. “He plays hard to reach which makes him attractive.”

You sipped your tea and felt like allowing her to answer was a mistake, but Pai dropped her tone when she spoke again which might have been another mistake for you.

“And if I can’t play with him, then I have the Eligi-honey-boo here~” Pai said and mid dropping her sultry tone, it came back to mess with you.

“This is what I get for working with her, but anything for the Prince.” You interrupted Pai and her teasing of you and shook your head.

“Anything more General, and it will cost you.” Pai continued.

Hath sipped his tea as you blew on it to make it a bit less hot.

1/2

>>6259016

“I trust Beats when it comes to knowing the Syndicate assets.” Hath said to you and continued. “The fact that she is serving the Prince and you trust her…”

“If the Prince trusts her, then I will trust her as well.” You replied and made certain the point was received. You might not trust her personally, not with her shenanigans around, but if the Prince does…

Hath sipped his tea and you joined him, it was actually rather good tea. He knows what he is doing with the tea.

“The Prince has put a lot on your shoulders then, a known assassin and your mission.” Hath said to you. “I presume he made you his spymaster for a reason too.”

The reason being that no one else suitable was available. Not just because of your skills.

“Alright, you have convinced me.” Hath said to you after a pause.

“General.” Beats responded.

Hath raised his hand to silence his bodyguard.

“I am too old to do much, fighting or intrigue is beyond me. I just want to have the rest of my years in silence, but yet you younger folk end up dragging me into your ploys.” Hath said to you. “Alright, I will help you. You know about the meeting of the Syndicate leadership this weekend?”

“We do.” You replied.

“Good, there is a chance one of them might want to see you. I will let them know and if they agree then maybe a meeting would be possible.” Hath told you.

“How would we know where to go see them?” You asked him.

“Just get into the meeting. They should approach you if they want to.” Hath said and didn’t explain it any further as he sipped his tea. “I don’t know why I am doing this, the Alterac I served is dead and carrion birds are pecking at its corpse.”


>Because Prince Alric Perenolde is the future rightful King of Alterac
>Because it is the right thing to do.
>Because even an old soldier wants that one last battle.
>Because you don’t want to see anyone else win.
>Because, write in.

QM: The low first roll made you miss a chance to ask further questions from Hath. Eligibuns is a fun nickname, but honey boo rolls better on the tongue. Which one is the better one?

Eligius teasing nickname:
>Write in

>>6259018
Because Alric is the best hope for the child kingdom of Alterac to grow while the Alliance enforcement exists.
Aliden is a hack, playing at some of the same games King Aiden did and worse.

>>6259018
>My liege disagrees, General. So long as the alteraci people still live so too does Alterac.
Has Alric voiced this sentiment to Eligius? He should have at some point.

>>6259021
That doesn't hit the right notes I feel.

>>6259018
>>Because Prince Alric Perenolde is the future rightful King of Alterac

>>6259018
>>Because it is the right thing to do.

>>6259018
>>Because it is the right thing to do.
I think he atleast a little bit regrets to what happened to alterac.
Alric unlike the syndicate isnt hiding in the shadows hes little domain is free for now. Help alric the best chance to restore alterac properly as a sovereign independent kingdom instead of syndicate weirdness forevor doing crime and hiding in the shadow.

>>6259018
>nickname
Elibuns
Eliboo
Elisnuggly
..Playing with his Penigius
Elikins
GiGi

>>6259028
True, we can go further. Unsure if Hath will listen, but that Princedom of Alterac now has:
-a rough but working relationship with the Alliance
-an arrangement with the Church of the Light and the Paladins of the Silver Hand (this is important considering they executed the punishment of Alterac)
-a leader who won prestige in a tourney held in Stormwind, winning for Alterac with the cheer everyone knows
-knows the Menethils of Lordaeron personally
-has met with Syndicate elements in Lordaeron and survived
-broke up the shitty drug rings in Hillsbrad that the Syndicate ran

So Alterac is no one's bitch and stands up.

>>6259018
Hectic morning.

Shame about the no extra questions, would have been interesting to get his first person view of the end of the Kingdom. Did Thoras promise not to destroy Alterac when Hath let him in, but the Alliance didn't abide by that? Did he save anything from the Capital? Does he know if there was anything important hidden? etc.

Anyways I guess its between what I think Eligius would answer and what he thinks Hath would want to hear.

For Eligius its all very personal. Owes his life to Alric, able to settle down and practice the art inherited from his dead master, able to meet Nalice as his second master. Hes not particularly close to any Alteraci except Alric's family, Pai and Sahvan, the Witches if they can be said to be Alteraci.

Eligius and his master traveled all over not settling down and living in the wild. I imagine their perspective of what makes a Kingdom might be different in some way. Getting educated by Warlock Aristotle in caves on what the Kingdoms are.

Not attached to any land but to graze if we think of nomads with blood ties and blood debts, their chieftains and who they fought. Certainly their kingdom is the clans, the people. I don't think we've seen a wandering Caravan of Alteraci random event but I wouldn't be too surprised. But educated enough to understand Kings and laws, and when you need to skirt the laws for the sake of intrigue and politics.

I like what >>6259028 said

He wasnt there to hear it from Maxwell but if Eligius knew or suspected that Stromgarde would push their claim I imagine 'Because you don’t want to see anyone else win.' would be a strong contender for Hath lol. Hath tried, or was convinced, to do the 'right thing' by Thoras and look how that turned out. His own rightful king ordered him to let the Horde in. He seems legitimately tired and just trying to survive for the most part.

Question for Medivh, did the Witch they were trying to hitch to Eligius get pregnant from their Harvest Fertility Ritual potion drinking and 'Pin the tail' antics? It would be really funny to think of Eligius establishing that magic bloodline before Alric. Maybe holding his own child would help him get over his touch phobia.

>>6259235
>>6259018
Solid nicknames. Penigius slays me man.

Ligibuns kinda flows
Ligiboo
Snuggius
Ligikins
Ligilips

No update today, terribly swamped by work so the QM is very sleepy. I will write it tomorrow.

>>6259321

Eligius got very lucky so no.

>>6259018
elipoop!

>>6259425
Must have been some roll. Surely having a cute witch wife wouldn't be that bad

“Prince Alric disagrees, as long as the Alteraci people exist, so does Alterac. And he is going to make sure that said Alterac will stand.” You told Hath and finished your tea.

“Perhaps you are right.” Hath replied.

“Besides, it is the right thing to do, just look at what his brother is doing and then look at what he is doing.” You said and continued. “I am not going to list all the arguments why he should be backed, I am fairly sure you can find out the said reasons.”

Hath finished his tea and seemed thoughtful. It had started to rain outside and the tip tap of rain hitting the roof tiles filled the house.

“I think you should leave now.” Hath said to you. “We have already spoken too much.”

“You are right, it was a pleasure to speak with you General Hath.” You replied and stood up.

“As it was with you.” Hath said and didn’t stand up, instead he just watched as you walked to the door and went to open it. “Mr. Eligius, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“I do not know if you are brave as hell or just outright suicidal, but good luck.” Hath said to you and Pai.

“Thank you.” You replied, giving him a nod as you stepped out into the rain.

The rain outside made you put on your hood while Pai cursed aloud her lack of a cloak. Quickly hurrying across the street into the house where the Syndicate watch had stayed, you opened the door and let Pai go in first.

“Why did it have to start to rain…” She lamented as her blue dress had gotten a bit wet.

“I think we should stay here, we did send the actual guards away so whoever would have come to replace them should replace us.” You said to her and looked around.

The house was rather dilapidated with a few pieces of furniture. A table with a couple chairs, long benches by the walls and a shelf with some utensils, plates and such. A small fireplace against one wall with a bunch of firewood piled next to it. Nothing cozy about this house, just good enough for whoever is staying here while watching Hath. Even the windows were boarded as the glass had been taken away probably a long time ago, just a small gap left to look outside. And then you noticed that the roof was leaking, droplets of water slowly fell on the floor on a few spots.

1/2

>>6259951

“I am going to make a fire.” Pai said to you and approached the fireplace. It was probably for the best, you had learned that here in Alterac between the mountains, if it rains then it will rain a lot and it will be heavy rain.

Neither of you said anything as Pai struggled to make the fire, but finally succeeded in it. The light from the fire illuminated the small house and a couple candles were also lit to give a bit more light. While you took a seat by the table after putting a couple buckets where the water was leaking, Pai just laid down on one of the benches away from you. For you this silence was fine, you had gotten used to working on papers without getting interrupted, but based on how Pai shifted on the bench and sighed loudly, she had gotten bored.

“Eligius, say something.” Pai said to you after a while.

“Like what? I thought you had gotten used to the silence in the dungeon. You didn’t say anything to me in months.” You replied back to her and gave her a glance.

“That was different.” She replied. “Now I am free.”

You didn’t reply to her and just continued to listen to the crackling fire and the tip tap of the rain.

Pai groaned in annoyance as she got up from the bench to throw a couple more logs into the fire before walking to the table and taking a seat opposite of you.

“Now you can’t avoid talking with me.” She said and looked into your eyes.

You felt like that was a challenge, was she testing you again? Since her attempt to get close to you near two weeks back and you telling her about your fear of being touched, she had been quite cordial. Most she had done was holding your arm as your “wife” and outside of that you had kept talking to her at minimum. Just work and your mission related stuff.


Choose one:
>She is testing you. Stare at her silently like the Prince did with her. That should put her off asking you to talk with her or just annoy her greatly.
>Allow her to start talking, maybe she has something to ask from you?
>Ask her about herself. Who is Pai, what is her background that you don’t know about? More personal questions.
>Ask her about the work and your mission. How does she see Strahnbrad, Syndicate or the Frostwolf orcs?

QM: On purpose limiting the topic to just one of these. Wouldn't too much make sense to bounce around subject to another.

>>6259953
>Ask her about herself. Who is Pai, what is her background that you don’t know about? More personal questions.
I think its about time. They've talked enough about the mission.

>>6259953
>Ask her about herself. Who is Pai, what is her background that you don’t know about? More personal questions.

>>6259953
>Ask her about herself. Who is Pai, what is her background that you don’t know about? More personal questions.
"If you want to talk so much then talk about yourself. The oh so alluring yet mysterious assassin act has run it's course." Don't act like he did in the interrogation, so needy for answers.

>>6259953
>>Ask her about herself. Who is Pai, what is her background that you don’t know about? More personal questions.

"Alright, fine." You said and continued. "If you want to talk so much then talk about yourself."

"About myself?" Pai did seem a bit surprised that you relented in the end and wanted to hear about her.

"I have heard very little about you from you, more by what the Prince has told me second hand." You said to her and continued again. "Oh and the 'oh so alluring yet mysterious assassin' act has run its course. Please don't try to use it on me, I am not interested."

"Shame, shame. I had thought of a bunch of lovely nicknames for you Eligibuns~." Pai replied with an alluring tone, but when your face didn't even show disappointment, she dropped the tone. "But that was before I learned, you know… alright, what do you want to know?"

The rain outside grew stronger and you took a quick peek between the planks of the boarded window. Slowly the late afternoon was passing and the street outside turned into mud from the rain. There was no living soul out there. Suddenly a flash and then thunder was heard, catching Pai’s attention.

"I am not sure anyone wants to be out in this weather." She said. The heat from the fireplace had dried her dress and she fixed her hair as waited for your questions.

What should you ask from her?


>Start from the beginning, what is the story of Pai? This overrides other questions.
>How does she do the seduction play so easily?
>Before getting caught she was apparently quite non-serious about life. Why was that so?
>Ask about the Prince, how serious was she about seducing him and why.
>Now that she is free, what would she like to do or where to go?
>What did she get from all the assassinations and killing? Just doing it for the money?
>Other, write in

QM: Choosing the first one overrides the rest. So it is either that or combination of the rest.

>>6260115
>Start from the beginning, what is the story of Pai? This overrides other questions.
May as well start from here

>>6260115
>What she did before to get drawn into the Syndicate
which I guess mostly covers
>Start from the beginning, what is the story of Pai?

>>6260115
>Start from the beginning, what is the story of Pai? This overrides other questions.
"Speak freely. If you don't know where to start then start from the beginning."

>>6260115
>>Start from the beginning, what is the story of Pai? This overrides other questions.

“Start from the beginning, what is the story of Pai?” You asked her.

“Beginning? You sure?” Pai asked you back.

“You wanted me to ask something from you and this is what I asked.” You told her and raised your hands up feigning innocence. “Sure we can stay silent if that is what you want.”

Pai seemed slightly annoyed and another thunder caught her attention, she sighed and started speaking.

“Really from the start?” She asked.

“From the start.”

You knew bits and pieces, but not the whole story. Whatever she told you might help you to rein her in come future and later portions of the mission. Lady Nalice had taught you that childhood is important as it reflects a lot on what you do as an adult and that could be used to your advantage.

“I was born ten years before the Dark Portal opened, my parents passed away in a disease that spread across the whole Lordaeron when I was three. I don’t remember either of them and I found myself in an orphanage run by the Church, where I was for three more years.” Pai told you and seemed rather neutral about all of it.

“Ten years? That makes you twenty six?” You asked her. “You were in Alterac City?”

“Daring to ask… forget it, yes I am twenty six.” Pai replied and continued. “And yes I am from the capital. I didn’t like the orphanage, a dreadful place and so when they sold me out as a girl-servant, I was happy to get out of there.”

It wasn’t uncommon for orphans or just younger children of larger families to be sold elsewhere to work as servants and such. Now you didn’t need to feed them and the new host family usually, hopefully appreciated the new pair of helping hands. At least that is how it was in Stormwind.

“Well that was my mistake, the new owners were strict as fuck. One mistake and you got a beating with a belt or a stick. Two years I was there until I realised that I didn’t have to stay there.” Pai told you, her tone seeped with anger when she spoke of that time. “So I ran and there I was, eight years old in the streets with just the clothes I had on me. They tried to find me, but I ran and hid from sight.”

“How did you survive then?” You asked, guiding the conversation forward just like you had been taught.

“Whatever odd jobs people might need. A small girl fits into places grown ups can’t so I cleaned gutters, fetched water and so on. If I could get a copper or two a day I would be in heaven. There were days and weeks when I was just hungry and no one would give me any alms either. I begged and somehow stayed alive” Pai told you and continued. “And you know what I noticed, you should realise this as milquetoast personified.”

“Thank you.” You replied and caught her bit off guard.

1/5

>>6260672

“It wasn’t a compliment, but whatever. I noticed that people didn’t notice a small girl out in the streets, or they chose not to notice because who cares about us? Either way, I also learned that people wouldn’t notice one missing apple, or a piece of bread. That is how I learned how not to be hungry.” Pai told you.

“That is where you learned how to steal?” You asked her.

“To steal, to move silently. Well a small girl won’t make much noise and if I got caught, people usually let me go.” She told you and shrugged. “And if they didn’t, they would just beat the living shit out of me.”

“I am sorry to hear that.” You replied to her. “Your childhood wasn’t the easiest.”

“Don’t be sorry, I don’t believe you one bit. So save your pity.” Pai said and waved your words away from her. “I was in the streets for the next four or so years. You learn a lot in those times, who to trust, who to avoid. The fences and criminals that might pay you a copper or two for whatever valuables you got. But you know what happens to girls when you start to approach that age?”

You knew the answer and just nodded to allow her to continue.

“The first time I bled I was terrified, no formal education, no idea of any of the womanly stuff that happens to girls. Thankfully I was smartened up, but I found all of that horrifying. But then you know what I noticed, I was different from the girls of my age, I was more grown up and developed.” Pai told you.

Theory came to your head, she was shorter than most women. Maybe the lack of food before learning how to steal had stunted her height growth? But after that? She was if described a quite shapely of a woman.

“Around those times I ended up in the wrong circles, with street gangs and other thugs. I held my own and learned how to use a dagger, but when you look older than you really are, some of them started to have their own ideas.” Pai said and let that hang.

“Did they succeed?” You carefully asked. A girl that young forced to be with men?

“No, absolutely not. I kicked them in the balls, the rest found it rather funny and stopped after a couple drunken attempts. I found it quite a horrid idea, I bled from down there and they wanted to do what?” Pai shot your question down. “But those circles didn’t last that long, King Aiden curbed down on the criminal gangs and got most of them caught. I hid again, no one expected a girl like me to be part of their groups. Few men I even counted as friends, I sold them out for a pouch of copper coins. And you know what I got with those coins?”

“I have no idea.” You replied and shrugged.

“A dress, a blue dress in fact. It is my favourite colour.” Pai told you and smiled before leaning slightly forward and smiling. “Thank you for buying one for me Eliboo~”

“I told you, I don’t want to see your act. I am not interested.” You said to her and sighed. Though she seemed to actually appreciate the dress you had gotten for her disguise.

2/5

>>6260673

“Fine, fine. But I got the dress and suddenly everyone notices you. You aren’t just a shitcovered street rat of a girl, you are a woman. I couldn’t steal from the merchant stalls anymore and the support network of other spies was either gone or in hiding. But then I saw the way men looked at me and it made me think, they were interested in me. And one night this bookish of a man, drunk as hell approached me. He must have thought that I was a common whore and so I pushed the man away. But when he offered as much coin as I could make in a week, how could I decline?” Pai told you and grinned. “Oh it was horrible, I didn’t know what I was doing, neither did the man as he was rather drunk. But we got through it and after he came in me, I collected the coin and left.”

“I don’t need all those details.” You replied to her.

“You are going to hear them after all you wanted to know how Pai became Pai.” She replied and waved your words away again. “I was fourteen years old, I looked a couple years older and I already had the looks. He was my first, I remember every second of it and I realised that whoring yourself out is quite profitable. And all because I just wanted that blue dress. I didn’t have to steal anymore, there were enough customers that would approach me and happily pay for my services. And I could buy the foods and drinks that I wanted, I could get the clothes and perfumes that I fancied. It wasn’t much and after the other courtesans smartened me up for stealing their customers, I managed to carve my own little business at the merchant quarters, I was making a silver a day!”

Pai was smiling when she told that and leaned back on her chair brushing her hair.

“You were happy to be a paid woman?” You had to ask her. You found that profession rather distasteful after all.

“I was a whore, a proud whore.” Pai leaned forward looking into your eyes. “They called me Silver Pai, I didn’t have to steal anymore, I got what I wanted. And most importantly I learned how weak the men were, a couple honey’d words, a glimpse down my dress and they were on their knees showering me with gifts and praises. And what I had been scared off at first I learned to love, the feeling and the ability to control the men whom I was fucking. Some rich fuck gasping for air as I drained him and his coin pouch dry, it made me feel powerful. I was genuinely happy, I had climbed there from where I had started!”

Pai smiled and actually seemed to be happy remembering all those times, those good times.

3/5

>>6260675

“But then the shithead King went and sided with the orcs, the war came and the city was looted. Suddenly there were no rich merchants or not that many people overall around. We all fell Eligius, from the highest nobles to us the whores, like a carpet had been pulled out under our feet.” Pai told you and seemed serious. “No more silver a day, no easy jobs or gifts given. I was still hungry for it all, the foods and drinks and perfumes that made me more beautiful than anyone else.”

You opted to stay silent this time.

“And you know what you do at that point when you don’t get what you had before? You are desperate and you notice that the few customers might have a pouch of coins with them or something else valuable. So I took them to the fences that were around and usually paid a little for whatever useful things I got them, but you know how the word spreads fast in those circles. Pai was a whore, a good whore, but also a thieving whore. In my attempt to pay my upkeep all the good customers that remained had left me, only drunkards and thugs remained. They paid little and they weren’t as easily bent under my touch.” Pai said and sighed. “My downfall was my own and after stealing from the leader of the local bandits, I had to leave the city. Soon after Silver Hand came and drove everyone else away or just killed them and took the King to Capital City. Alterac at that point was done and over.”

“Where did you go next?” You asked.

“From village to village, town to town. The story everywhere was the same, I arrived, I found customers, I stole from the customers and when the word spread I was gone. I was living from day to day. I had gone from lowest of lows to highest of highs to back to all the lows.” She told you and seemed thoughtful. “I am not sure if I would be here if that had continued.”

“What do you mean? Is this the point where Syndicate found you?” You asked her.

“You would be right, very good thinking Elisnuggly~” Pai’s tone returned again.

“Please stop.”

“Sorry, all this talk about whoring just got me in the mood for some teasing.” Pai said and shrugged. “Either way I was drunk half of the time and second half which mostly overlapped with being drunk, I was fucking some farmhand for couple coppers. And there was this one man, some sort of a fighter with coin. It was unheard of that someone had coin in those quantities.”

“Where was this?” You asked her wondering how far she had travelled.

4/5

>>6260676

“Andorhal, he had the orange bandana that I didn’t think much of and he bought my services, actually paid me with a silver. I was thinking that I got lucky, but he thought that paying me so much would give him liberties. He was a proper thug and he hurt me, but silver was silver and he always paid me. I didn’t mind much, I was in a rather dark place, but one night he was rougher than usual and he tore a dress I had gotten before all had gone to shit.” Pai told you and was silent for a moment. “So I took his knife and slashed his throat.”

“That was your first…” You started to ask.

“Kill? Yes, and frankly I enjoyed it. He destroyed the one last rock solid thing from the happy days so he paid with his life.” Pai told you matter of factly. “That was a fair exchange so I walked out of the inn covered in blood carrying his knife. None of his men tried to stop me as I left and when I got outside the city, I burned the torn bloody dress. It was a wake up call of some sort for me.”

Thunder struck outside and caught her attention as she stood up and walked to the fireplace. Pai seemed all tense after telling you all this. Bad memories had followed the good ones, but you had gotten an idea how rough her childhood into adulthood had been. You felt sorry for her, but that Pai wasn’t yet the assassin you knew. She threw a couple more firewood into the fire and groaned as she stretched her back.

“Fuck, I need something to drink. If not for this blasted weather…” She lamented and walked to the kitchen shelves. The first one was empty, but in the second one she found what she wanted. “Lucky me…”

“Do you think it is wise to drink?” You asked her.

“You are the one that wanted me to delve into my past, so I will drink if I want.” Pai told you and picked two different bottles, one spirits and one rum, and a pair of small wooden drinking cups. You got an idea what she was going to do next.

She walked back to the table putting the bottles and the cups down before pushing one of them to you. Opening the bottle of spirits, she poured both cups and took a seat opposite of you.

“Let’s drink and let’s continue.” Pai said to you. “This rain won’t stop and I don’t think anyone will come to relieve us before next morning so we have all the time to talk.”

5/5

>>6260677


>Pai killed one of the Syndicates, is that why they approached her?
>Is her past as a courtesan why she is still so lewd and active?
>Was a single silver a good pay for that work? You don’t know if the courtesans in Dawnholme even ask that much.
>Did she ever think of settling down with one of her customers?
>If she knows how to steal, does she know how to pickpocket and other common thief skills?
>Did she ever see the Prince or other members of the royal family while in Alterac City?
>Other, write in

>She really shouldn't drink while going down the memory lane.
>Decline the drink, this is not the place and last time you drank with women you had to play Pin the Tail.
>Drink a little, just enough to be social with her.
>Drink normally, she is right this rain won’t stop any time soon so you have the time for this.
>It has been a while since last time you drank properly, try to match her

QM: Thief and a Whore. Please vote on both. I have been waiting for this some time, fleshing out an one page character from one of the RPG books. A proper wall of text.

>>6260681
>What was Alterac like? How did it compare to other places you've been?
All the other questions either have obvious answers or are uninteresting imo.

>Drink a little, just enough to be social with her.
Match the pace but not the volume. Enough to be at ease but not inhibited.

>>6260681
>Pai killed one of the Syndicates, is that why they approached her?
>If she knows how to steal, does she know how to pickpocket and other common thief skills?

>Other, write in
I suppose she didn't learn how to read until after the Syndicate picked her up, otherwise stealing letters might have good

>Other, write in
The Mysterious Assassin at Durnholde was tossing around poisons, smokebombs and mirror images. I don't suppose Pai ever learned how to make those.

>Other, write in
Its been a while but If I remember I think Eligius was also separated from his parents fairly early, I wanna say 7 which would be around the start of the war for him I think. Managed to get up here all the way from Stormwind. Then just continue naturally as the drink loosens things up. Eligius is what, 30, 31 now?

>Drink normally, she is right this rain won’t stop any time soon so you have the time for this.
>It has been a while since last time you drank properly, try to match her
Well if someone is giving you their whole life story I think its atleast common courtesy to drink with them to a decent degree. Also might want to see how well Eligius can drink since they have to get into that party.

>>6260681
>>Did she ever see the Prince or other members of the royal family while in Alterac City?

>>6260681
>Was a single silver a good pay for that work? You don’t know if the courtesans in Dawnholme even ask that much.
>Did she ever think of settling down with one of her customers?
>If she knows how to steal, does she know how to pickpocket and other common thief skills?
>Pai killed one of the Syndicates, is that why they approached her?
>If she knows how to steal, does she know how to pickpocket and other common thief skills?
Sorta like "oh is that how it is, and what did you get for it all?"


>Drink a little, just enough to be social with her.

>>6260681
>>Pai killed one of the Syndicates, is that why they approached her?
>Did she ever see the Prince or other members of the royal family while in Alterac City?

>Drink a little, just enough to be social with her.

I will allow this vote to go as midsummer is approaching and the QM is going to be visiting relatives and friends. No real time to concentrate on writing most likely and today I am proper knackered, maybe overextended my writing juices yesterday with that big update. But when writing dialogue, you suddenly find yourself just writing.

>>6260726

Yes, Eligius is about that age, I think I mentioned the age once. A bit over thirty in any case.

>>6261390
Have fun Medivh, I greatly enjoy these dialogue scenes. Though I'd like to see Eligius get drunk and loosen up to see if that goes anywhere lol. Get these two twisted trees in place to hold each other up.

>>6260681
>Did she ever see the Prince or other members of the royal family while in Alterac City?
>Drink a little, just enough to be social with her.

So I just finished with lorewalikng from that new WoW patch and now I got a mental image of Eligius playing as Pai throught the story in the same way the PC played as Arthas.

You sighed, she was right. This rain wouldn't stop soon and no one sane would brave the weather. So drinking it would be, at least enough to be social with her.

Taking the cup, you took a small sip and felt the spirits burning on your tongue. Oh this was potent stuff, strong enough to make a weaker man not stand this. You for a second felt like wanting to not drink it, but in the end your will was stronger than the spirits and you swallowed it. And while you struggled a bit and the memories of the rituals with the witches popped into your head, Pai had already downed half a cup.

"Too strong for you?" She asked.

"It is drinkable." You replied.

"Shame for you, that means more for me." Pai said and refilled her cup. "So, where were we?"

"You killed the Syndicate member." You reminded her.

"Yes, so this man was some local leader and I had already left for Hearthglen with whatever I had. But on the way there they caught me. I was staying in an inn and they managed to drug my wine. Next thing I know I was tied to a chair in some food cellar and a group of Syndies were planning on how to proceed with me." Pai told you and sipped her drink. "And as I listened to them talking, I just thought, that was it for me and I came to the conclusion that it had been in the end a life lived to its fullest. I had no regrets in anything, that it was only a shame I couldn't continue my life as is."

"You really enjoyed the life of a paid woman." You commented.

"I already told you Elibunbun~, just keep listening." Pai now slightly annoyed answered. "I was a proud whore, and that probably saved my life. You see the man I had killed had paid me with the Syndicate coin reserved for missions. He was a corrupted man and while he got results, he was just barely tolerated."

"That saved your life? Huh." You replied.

"Surprised? I was as well. The leader of the group that had caught me gave me an offer. They would let me go if I did them a favour. There was a man that needed to die and if I killed him, I would be free." Pai told you and continued. "I agreed immediately and a week later the man, the local sheriff, was already sharing a bed with me. He didn't even realise to struggle before it was already too late. He was my second kill and I realised that I was good at it. This was my chance to start again, I had all the skills someone like me would need."

1/3

>>6262161

"Just that you joined them? You agreed to kill this man and that's it?" You asked her.

"They had agreed to try to recruit me if I succeeded, but I ended up asking them first." Pai told you and took a sip. "Later on they introduced me to Lord Creedy and he took a liking to me. They taught me how to read, how to write and do maths. I was trained and groomed to be an efficient killer."

Pai leaned a bit forward before continuing.

"I loved it. I had coin, most of my targets were rich as well so taking a bit more wasn't difficult. I got what I needed and more. Yet I knew how the Syndicate worked so I lived to my fullest every day. They had given me a second chance, a second life. Besides it didn't hurt that they spoke about restoring Alterac, those had been good times for me as well. I hadn't really thought about it back then, but I was a little proud patriot."

"Was that why you were so scared and sure that they would kill you if you failed?" You asked her.

"You know how we work, failure is death." Pai replied and leaned back.

You interrogated Sahvan so you knew pretty well how the Syndicate works. Pai had been sure that they would send someone to kill her, but that hadn't happened. Then combined by the time spent in the dungeon, you could see how she was actually starting to cling to her life. The Prince being who he is probably didn’t hurt.

"Did they teach you anything other than just to read and write?" You asked her and sipped more of the spirits.

"You are asking about my skills? I know a whole lot, pickpocketing, poisons, all sorts of tools and gadgets. Just don't ask me to procure them, they had their own people for that." She replied and poured more for her to drink.

"That is actually good to know, we might need those skills." You said to her.

Flash and near immediately the thunder was heard. The storm was right on top of you and Pai immediately turned to look outside before drinking more. Thunder made her a bit jumpy, it started to look like that.

You took a sip and found yourself to have a slight buzz going on now. You were approaching being comfortably drunk, just enough the right amount. And you still had some questions to go.

…

It felt like the storm was hovering right on top of you as the rain washed the streets and made the roof take a beating. At one point you had to go empty the buckets as the roof had already leaked that much.

But outside of that the fire slowly burned in the fireplace keeping the two of you warm and dry. Pai continued to drink and was now quite drunk, her eyes lost focus half of the time and her speed was slow, but somehow she didn't stammer. Her self-control was more than impressive as the spirits had run out and the rum bottle was opened. It wasn't as strong as the spirits thankfully as you maintained your comfortable drunkness.

2/3

>>6262163

The two of you had spoken about Alterac. As you weren't from there, Pai mostly told you what she remembered. How the streets were narrow and how the Royal Palace actually wasn't that big nor the walls that high. But the city still felt secure even with all the criminals there, there was a certain understanding of how to behave that was shared by all classes. The city was rich, but not the richest, the houses were tall, but not the tallest. The people were proud, but not the proudest. By all accounts it was a good place to live.

She even spoke about an occasion when the Royal Family did their duties outside the Palace. She remembers seeing two older siblings out more often. Once she even had seen the Prince when he was a little, dressed up like a little nobleman. It was now strange to her to see him all grown up and serious. You realised she really missed those times. Sure growing up it sounded like an awful time, but the last two years before everything went to shit. In the alternative world Pai could be a respected courtesan with high ranking and rich customers.

The thunder rolled above you and Pai seemed slightly uncomfortable about it. You had come to the conclusion, she didn't like it at all. Was she actually scared of it?

"So GiGi~" She said to you and poured more rum for herself and filled your cup before you could say no.

"GiGi? Really?" You replied and sipped the rum.

"Yes, really." Pai answered.

"I told you, no act." You said back to her.

Pai stared back before sighing deeply and leaning back. She pulled her hair behind her back before looking into and past your eyes.

"You are boring." She said.

"Thank you, I try to be." You replied back.

"You are a fucking warlock, a spymaster for fucks sake." She complained. "You shouldn't be boring."

"I like it this way, it makes my job easier."

"Exactly Ligilips~! That's the issue." She shouted and pointed it out. Her teasing nicknames had gone way over the top the more drunk she had become.

"You are drunk." You said and just stared back at her.

"Yes, yes I am… and I am sorry." She said and turned quiet. "I am sorry, Eligius."

"For calling me boring? Don't be sorry." You said back and waved her apologies off.

"No, not for that. I mean it is part of it." Pai said and was now annoyed. "If you were a normal man I would have already had you on this table. But you are above it, because you are boring for a reason."

You didn't know what to say back to that so you just stayed silent.

"Eligius, I am sorry for all the teasing and… trying to touch you and… everything else." Pai replied and closed her eyes for a second before drinking more of the rum. "You are above that, I shouldn't have in the first place…"

Pai actually seemed sincere, or she was just drunk as hell. You weren't sure as the rum bottle was in the second half of it. She had drunk so much alone that you weren't sure if the Prince could compete with her.

3/3

>>6262166


>She was just saying that as she is drunk. You don't really believe her as she had just told you how she manipulated men.
>If she is sincere, she can tell you that tomorrow when she isn't drunk anymore.
>Accept her apology, she seemed to have realised having made a mistake and it had bothered her.
>Other, write in.

Short answer to Pai:
>Write in

QM: Assassin and a Patriot. I lied, I got the update out. Managed to find enough time for this through the day. Also this was the right amount of drinking, if Eligius had matched her, he would have regretted it.

>>6262172
>Accept her apology, she seemed to have realised having made a mistake and it had bothered her.
In vino veritas.

And a short answer to what?

>Also this was the right amount of drinking, if Eligius had matched her, he would have regretted it.
It was only sensible and doing otherwise would also be unprofessional, not something Eligius would want.

>>6262172
>>She was just saying that as she is drunk. You don't really believe her as she had just told you how she manipulated men.

>>6262172
Ligilips, I should have asked if she learned to do Lip Reading, useful skill. Thoughtful mood

>Accept her apology, she seemed to have realised having made a mistake and it had bothered her.
As a courtesan and whore she remembers the feeling of pushy people forcing things and why. I'm sure she sees what she did in that light.

Its her personal and professional pride to have power over men and coin. Her best of times with a blue dress. Then back to stealing, and finally even killing, to survive. Then to have that pride and power back as an assassin. Then lost again, and back again. Pai is a bit of a rollercoaster.

Her seeing Eligius as 'above it' is her own misconception I think which is fine, considering he can and would pin the tail on a witch with a little ritual brew to loosen him up. But he probably won't admit that part to her lol. Eligius isn't quite really feeling his lust and nobly denying it, more living in fear of it, albeit a healthy fear considering his warlock nature. But I suppose either way hes able to push off that which Pai has set as her power and worth, as something beneath someone that can shrug off her advances. As she regards those she can seduce as beneath her, so he is perhaps above.


Short answer to Pai:
You didn't know and couldn't have. We can make up in some way if it still bothers her.
(What could or would Eligius ask for, learn something? She already agrees to follow his decisions on the mission. Inb4 she kills Ol Bill protecting Eligius's secret identity.)

If he wants to comfort someone clearly frightened by the thunder they could just lie down by the fire and cuddle, call it part of their cover. Or if hes gonna be different about it, hes fostering a bond in a tender moment to secure his leadeship and a favor


Pai afraid of thunder, pretty cute. Separated from her parents, an orphanage, and living in the streets young could certainly do that. Plus the worries of a drunk assassin.

Pai is already so short theres not really much room for a nickname to help express his accepting her apology with some mild ribbing. P. Or maybe Eligius could do the reverse and give her a fuller name, something for the official record of Alteraci Citizens. Maybe her name in the orphanage was something more respectable, but she hated it and shortened it to Pai. Paisley. Pasifica, peacemaker. Pandora could have been so suitable for such a troublemaker.

Perhaps it would have been an enjoyable regret.

Peacock is Pai's best chance to get some poisons, tools, and gadgets. Stealing, or trading. Anything she might need for clearing the Keep in a stealthy way. Unless the hopeful meeting with the mystery benefactor there goes well, providing us with the Keep details and gear. Might be nice to visit the Warlock store too and see what they have

Seeing the two older Perenolde siblings in the street does rather set up recognizing them if one of them shows up at the Peacock lol. For the predicted 'helping out Creedy' while hes drowning.

>>6262172
>If she is sincere, she can tell you that tomorrow when she isn't drunk anymore.
>But the apology is accepted for what it is, an action to continue the operation. She'll be blasted by the void if she tries that stunt again.

>>6262213

I was thinking of some short reply to Pai about what she had just said.


Now could I have a standard random event roll for the next update. I will write it later today.


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>6262564
Capcha
>JXXXT
Will they get busy

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>6262564

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>6262564

>>6262637
just fuck my shit up

>>6262637
I cant believe that guy sent a warlock assassin just because Pai stopped sleeping with him for a day

>>6262637

>6
>1


Plans change!

We've come across several warlocks now. None have had a little demon as far as we know. Are they not powerful enough, would it be too conspicuous, is the price too dear. Or are they just that good at hiding.

Will the typical demon offer knowledge, secrets, power etc. in return for so and so. Want to get into this world and break through if it can. Can even the lowest imp shapeshift on its own, or would someone like Eligius shove it into a bird he bought at the market to hide and limit it. Into a fancy locket he prepares to use it like a warlock pokeball. A mirror. A haunted house.

Well FelMalevus is some kind of demon born out of Fel and Alric and we've seen how she acts. Certainly if you were going to hide a demon, inside of you is pretty sweet for the boons Alric has gotten even with the downsides. As long as you've got the dragon runes or equivalent knowledge, and willpower and support to not get fucked. Though the mutations are also an issue you can mitigate it a bit.

More unhinged choices. A body. Puppets and mannequins. Alchemic constructs. The land itself ala Fel Pool. Trying to split one demon into several bodies hoping it could act and communicate as one across distances for spying and scheming.

>>6262671
Poor Bocchi

"You wouldn't have known, couldn't have." You said to her and continued. "But I appreciate this, I forgive you."

"Sorry…" Pai replied and her eyes lost focus again. She was so drunk.

You sighed. You still didn't trust Pai personally, especially in the light of everything she just told you, but her apologising and telling you all of this was a step in the right direction.

Pai was an assassin, a profession you didn't really approve of. Her background before that was that of a paid woman, which you found not tasteful at all, selling yourself like that just didn't stand right with you. And she was also a thief! How she treated others, taking advantage of them for her own pleasure, to steal from them and to accomplish her goals and missions. She wasn't a good person at all, but you questioned your own judgement as she sounded just as broken as she is not a good person.

"I will go take a piss." You said to her and stood up from behind the table.

Taking the near full water buckets with you, you went outside and emptied them and yourself. It continued to rain with the heavy rain and clouds making the night sun hidden. This was quite a storm and you wondered how the Prince was holding out somewhere in Durnholde.

"It keeps raining." You said to Pai as you stepped in.

She was face down on the table snoring very loudly. The rum had been enough for her and so she had passed out. You looked at her snoring body and chuckled. Your light drinking had won, go Eligius!

Though it was a good time to stop, tomorrow will be a long day and being all hungover will bite you in the ass. Throwing a couple more pieces of firewood into the fire, you took a seat on one of the benches. Pai was snoring and drooling on the table, you had met with the General and knew the direction to go for in your mission to get information. You had a lead.

…


>6
>1


You and Pai got fired by Malgren. No more archive work in the town hall for you.

The storm last night had been rough to Strahnbrad. The strong winds had ripped several roofs off the buildings, scaffolding around the gatehouses and towers had suffered, rain had gotten into houses and cellars. And the town hall had suffered a lot, half of the roof was gone and the rain had gotten inside making a mess of the archive you had just spent nearly two weeks sorting out.

Malgren had been angry. He had sent people to come fetch you from the Sloppy Hole in the middle of the night, but you hadn't been there so they hadn't managed to save the important papers from the rain, because everything was sorted by you. And when you finally appeared at the town hall later in the morning after the rain was long gone and dragging a really hungover Pai out of the small house the two of you had stayed the night, that had been the last straw. You had been drinking and now all the paperwork had been ruined.

1/2

>>6262780

"The two of you, get the fuck out of here! And Margaret, I don't want to see you or your cuck of a husband again." Malgren had said to you and barely holding everything together Pai.

When you had told the news of a new lead to your team they had been quite positive about it, finally some progress. But then you had told the bad news and the mood dropped immediately. Sir Cyrus and Old Bill had just stared at you when you told the reason for this setback and at that point Pai laying motionless in the bed and looking like an undead made quite a lot of sense to them. At least you had the lead of General Hath's contact, but with Malgren really mad at you and Pai's and your way to get into Prancing Peacock blocked that way, a serious obstacle was in front of you.

…

"What should we do? Just walk into the Peacock?" Pai suggested and shrugged.

Evening was slowly arriving and she had recovered nearly fully. You had spent the rest of the day thinking, and dragging Pai to eat and take a bath.

"Looking like this? No way they will allow the two of us in looking like normal people." You said back. "And with what coin?"

"We have the Dream Dust?" Pai asked.

"To bribe them? That is sketchy." You said back to her.

"We can turn it into coin and get good clothes. We still have two nearly full days remaining." Pai shrugged.

The meeting between the Syndicate leaders was in two evenings. You had to be ready before that.

"Well there is the hidden store here for us warlocks, maybe they could turn the block into coin?" You mused aloud. Maybe you could also buy some reagents as well?

"We could go talk with the General again?" Pai suggested.

"I thought about it, but I would have to sneak in with the Robe of Obfuscation. That place is watched after all." You said to her. You were sceptical if the General could even help you, he gave you a solid lead already.

"You could just sneak into the Peacock?" Pai suggested. "And I could find another catch to get me in."

"In two days?"

"I know how weak the men can be." Pai replied and grinned. "Maybe we could infiltrate the place as extra workers? Maybe they could use a busty waitress like me?"

That could actually work, Pai’s skills are unconventional and not to your liking, but she could easily be a busty sexy waitress. At least you had some options, things weren't hopeless for you.

2/2

>>6262780


Choose one:
>Sell the Dream Dust to the warlocks and acquire really fine clothes to get into Prancing Peacock.
>Go talk with General Hath again, try to get the meeting arranged and changed to somewhere else.
>Pai finds another catch to bring her in while you sneak in with Robe of Obfuscation.
>The two of you infiltrate Prancing Peacock by trying to get hired as extra hands. Two in one package, just look at Pai really.
>Other, write in.

QM: That Bocchi was me despairing as my easy and fun planned storyline got a whole lot more complex. Choose one option please, this for QM and story reasons. Rolls were how bad the storm was and how shitly things went for you.

>>6262785
>Sell the Dream Dust to the warlocks and acquire really fine clothes to get into Prancing Peacock.

Fancy Eligius and Fancy Pai and a new blue dress. Plus I want those warlock store reagents.

Now if -I- was going to make a fun and messy plan with several pieces that could go wrong...
Once in the Peacock we expose Malgren's "corruption" which weakened all the construction and delayed repair works. He bragged about it to Margaret in bed, and knew the stormy season would eventually hit the hall and destroy the records of his pilfering with an easy excuse. But he missed some very important ones, which Eligius and Pai forge.

Or if Malgren tries to make a scene at the party we pull that out. But I think the fancy clothes plan should work just fine. Maybe a nice pair of masks to go with the bandanas.

>>6262785
>>The two of you infiltrate Prancing Peacock by trying to get hired as extra hands. Two in one package, just look at Pai really.

>>6262785
>>6262841
Support, this is a plausible plan and mention that Eligius was fired to be a scapegoat.

>>6262637
Just couldn't make this easy could it?

>>6262785
>The two of you infiltrate Prancing Peacock by trying to get hired as extra hands. Two in one package, just look at Pai really.
Plan A
>Sell the Dream Dust to the warlocks and acquire really fine clothes to get into Prancing Peacock.
Plan B

>>6262841
That's just way too convoluted for a plan. I'd only go for that as a contingency for Malgren making a scene at the inn.

I will be writing in about four hours. Right now I am seeing 2-2 split between infiltrating the Peacock and Dream Dust/fancy clothes with the latter having a small lead with a B option. I would like to have a tiebreaker/additional votes before I start writing.

>>6262785
>The two of you infiltrate Prancing Peacock by trying to get hired as extra hands. Two in one package, just look at Pai really.
Eligius is already unremarkable, he wont get noticed. I would like to visit the warlock store before we leave Strahnbrad, but to sell the drugs to get nice clothes I think is bit too risky plan. Alric could maybe do it, Eligius maybe is not that good actor.

Hmm I guess my worry is that Pai will be more noticeable as a busty maid serving many people than as just another attending syndicate member in good clothes minding their own business.

Also raises questions for anyone that recognizes she is Pai, why is she pretending to be a bar maid in this meeting she should just be attending normally?

If they restrict the servants from the actual important meeting room that might help keep her cover but make it a matter of stealth to overhear what we would want to hear. Or meet the person we need.

I think Eligius can act when he needs to. He's done well enough and had practice working with Pai. Though it could be fun to see his limits there.

He also has an option few other people have to prove he is Syndicate, he can demonstrate his warlock powers with a menacing glow. Someone unremarkable becomes very remarkable, but an actor can't fake having forbidden magic. Then hopefully most people stay away from the Warlock who was obviously pissed off or classically unstable. But that's only if push comes to shove.

"Trying to pretend to be someone important with fancy clothes is just too iffy, I am not that good of an actor either." You told Pai. "I know how to lie, but I would prefer to keep my mouth shut and head down."

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

"Extra workers, we try to get in by looking for extra work." You told her and continued. "Tomorrow we will go ask them."

"How do you think that will work? I have never worked as a normal waitress." Pai asked you again.

"You have called me milquetoast and boring, I am perfect to blend in with the crowd and stay out of their sights." You said and continued very matter of factly. "And I am not sure if any inn would like to say no to you."

"Ahh, that's sweet Eligius." Pai replied and smiled a little, before becoming serious again. "So I am the beautiful eye candy that gets us in."

"More or less."

"Could work, it could work." She mused.

"Other plans are too risky or require luck to be part of it. I don't like it." You explained and continued. "We need to do some preparations tomorrow, to look the part."

"That actually sounds quite nice." She said and stretched. "But I am still groggy, are you going to finish soon?"

You were in the process of making your own notes of the day.

"Just after these."

"I will then go to sleep." Pai said and fell on her back in the bed. She rolled against the wall and kept her back towards you.

It didn't take long for you to finish your work and you joined her in the small shared bed. Taking your own side and keeping away from her, the events of the day had made you rather sleepy. Hopefully tomorrow things will get sorted.

…

Early in the morning you went to the bathhouse to take a bath and most importantly to wash your clothes. The girls there saw you as an easy customer as you didn't need their help in anything. They just washed your clothes and dried them ik front of a fireplace while you bathed. You also tidied up your shoulder length black hair to be a bit shorter and shaved for the first time in nearly two weeks, leaving a tidy short moustache and beard on your chin intact.

Pai meanwhile wasn't that easy of a customer as she apparently requested all the help she could get. But it seemed to be worth it as after several hours, she looked like a new woman. Or at least someone who was deadly hungover.

"You look good my dear wife." You told her and played your part.

"Ahh thank you Hon, I knew you would like it." She replied. She was wearing her dress and had gotten a haircut as well. Her long brown hair was tidied up and looked very presentable. "Shall we go?"

You gave her a polite smile as she took your arm and avoided touching your hand. Now off to the Prancing Peacock.

1/2

>>6263598

"I am not sure if we need help." The proprietor wearing a Syndicate bandana said to you.

You had approached the inn and its backdoor. Thankfully one of the workers was there and opened it for you and Pai before fetching his boss.

"That would be a shame." You said and continued. "The other inn won't need us either."

"That place is a dump though." The boss said and eye'd the two of you. His eyes went through your clean appearance that made you look like, well a scribe or someone just bookish and then he looked at Pai still holding your arm. "Maybe…"

"Maybe you could reconsider?" Pai pleaded and hugged your arm, pressing it against her bosom. "Andorhal didn't have enough work for us so we came here."

You felt uncomfortable as Pai continued.

"We heard that there’s going to be a big night tomorrow and thought that it would be worth a try." Pai told the boss and kept hold of your arm while smiling at the man. "At minimum my husband knows how to do dishes, no one will notice him. And me? I guess your guests would love to be served by a woman like me~."

Pai's alluring voice returned as she pulled you a bit closer.

"My Hon knows how good I am at pleasing men, right?" Pai asked and looked at you.

"R-right." You replied as cold sweat started to gather behind your bandana.

Pai thankfully let you go as the proprietor seemed thoughtful as he scratched his chin.

"You know what, I am going to be blunt about this. I would take her in any day, but all three of us wear the same bandanas and I know when there’s a dog buried." The proprietor said and crossed his arms. "Two unknowns come asking for work a day before all the lieutenants and nobles are in town and in my Inn. You could be thieves or something else."

Oh no, the man is smarter than you had expected. He is right, this is rather fishy looking.

"So how is it, what’s your story?" The proprietor asked you.

"Hon?" Pai asked and gave you a questioning look.


>You are Eligius, this is Pai. The two of you serve the Prince, yes that Prince, and there’s someone whom you need to meet here.
>Play defeated and just have Pai to take the job. You really are unemployed inn workers, you swear by the Holy Light. You could even work for free.
>The proprietor is right, there is a dog buried in this. You can't say more, but it involves official Syndicate business from the top.
>Other, write in.

QM: Job hunting!

>>6263602
>The proprietor is right, there is a dog buried in this. You can't say more, but it involves official Syndicate business from the top.
"If your worry is about your inn then do not, we don't want trouble just as much as you do. The mission doesn't involve starting anything, otherwise we wouldn't even be speaking."

Leaving a lot of things unsaid so his imagination fills in the blanks.

>>6263612
Correction: think it should be "If you worry about your inn then do not." and not that amalgamation of two different sentences.

>>6263602
Tfw no Fancy Eligius and Fancy Pai uncomfortably dragged into a high stakes card table where they gamble for magic gear. Also the warlock store visit delayed, but im holding on to hope. How many times must Eligius change their cover story lol.

>The proprietor is right, there is a dog buried in this. You can't say more, but it involves official Syndicate business from the top.
"Let sleeping dogs lie."

If he can't buy that wisdom I guess something more like
"Every faction is going to be present. Each has its eyes, its ears, and its women." Eligius could try and endure his phobia to sell that last part a bit, a kiss, a bit of groping, Pai will sell it better than him. "Ours just does the courtesy of letting loyal members know they're watched, and after we're on our way. Thats how it should be."


Hmmm I wonder if a mixed strategy would have been more suitable. Pai gets in her way, Eligius buys his fancy outfit and sneaks in with the Cloak. Once hes inside he just has to not fuck up and draw attention with so many people from out of town. Could maybe even transfer the cloak to Pai so she can move around a bit more without being spotted.

I miss the Crocolisk dream of hunting syndicates and letting Cyrus eat the evidence.

>>6263660
I think Pai should get the cloak since otherwise she'd attract too much attention and probably be recognized again. Having such a wetwork agent around might make someone jumpy enough to start trouble. Eligius is already so mundane that he can hide in plain sight so only the actively looking will notice.

Lady Nalice had taught you to keep lies and acts simple, don't try to write and invent complex background stories with many moving parts. Keep things vague, but believable enough with as few things people questioning you could latch onto and find mistakes or suspicious parts. And the Prince had taught you to be confident in how you lie, carry yourself in a way that helps you in your act.

You sighed once and straightened your back a bit. You would drop your milquetoast husband act and be a Syndicate agent for a moment.

"If you worry about your inn then do not." You said to the proprietor. "You are right that with all the nobles and important people here, there’s a lot of interest in them. And our interest is just interest, if we wanted to start anything we wouldn't have approached you like this."

You glanced at Pai who had crossed her arms under her breasts and stood there all serious. She had caught on to your idea immediately.

"I see…" The proprietor mused.

"The one whom I serve will guarantee that nothing will happen." You said back to him and continued. "So how is it?"

"We can work for you, for free. That offer still stands." Pai replied and you noticed the proprietor's eyes wandered down for a second.

"Alright alright, just don't start anything. Prancing Peacock is the most luxurious establishment in the whole Alterac and King's Road to the north. And if helping you I can keep your boss happy then so be it." The proprietor replied.

"Thank you, we appreciate this and we will let them know about your cooperation." You said and gave him a polite smile.

"Now if you were to work here, I probably should show you the ropes." He said and continued. "And to learn what should I call you?"

"I am Edward and this is my wife Margaret." You said and Pai did a polite curtsy.

"Is she your 'wife' or wife wife?" Proprietor asked, he wasn't still fully sure what was a story and what was real.

"Wife wife." Pai replied and gave you a grin.

"Lucky you, now let's get to work and see how things will go tomorrow." Proprietor gave you an approving look and went back inside.

Now just to learn the tricks of the trade.

1/3

>>6263956

Pai quickly caught on what she would need to do. How to carry the drinks, how to speak to the customers, how to bend down for them to get a glance down her dress, which to be honest was piss easy for Pai. Oh she would attract so much attention, you hoped that not too much.

For you the proprietor quickly realised that carrying the drinks wouldn't be your job, neither would washing the dishes in the back. How you carried yourself normally made you perfect to take and retrieve jackets and such which suited you well. Near invisible position that allowed you to see who came in and who left.

For the better part of the day the two of you trained and helped to prepare the inn. The other workers there quickly became known to you and they wouldn't require more attention from you. They were just happy to have a couple extra hands. Near evening when normal customers started to arrive the preparations were near complete and further help from you wouldn't be needed and so you were allowed to leave. Before that though you observed several of the guests that had already arrived and weren't the contrast between them and rest of the Syndicates here apparent.

If the Strahnbrad Syndicate followed the usual lines of men wearing black clothes, cloaks with hoods and leather vests, with the higher ranking men like Malgren having just finer equivalents, the few that had arrived were lavish in comparison. Trousers and hosen made from high quality cloth, maybe silk or satin. Shirts with slightly puffy collars, embroidered vests and jackets, overcoats with fur and jewelry around their necks. They were rich, maybe old coin from before the downfall or just a way to show their success as robber barons. You hoped no one would recognise Pai, but if they did then she could solve the 'misunderstanding'.

…

"Don't try to steal from the nobles." You reminded Pai after the two of you had returned back to your small room in the Sloppy Hole. Here you could talk freely without anyone listening.

"Of course not." Pai replied and waved your concern away. "I saw how rich they were, but we aren't here for their coin or their lives."

Good, she had the mission in mind. Pai was casually lounging in the bed and twirling her toes. The nicer shoes of hers apparently weren't as comfortable as her usual boots.

"Sorry about the closeness at the inn." She said to you. "I know you don't like it."

"You played the act." You replied nonchalantly.

Since her telling you her life story and apologising for her tardiness, things between the two of you could be described as pleasant. The coldness and avoidance outside of work related business wasn't really there anymore and she seemed to be rather mindful in how she talked with you and avoided touching you. Gone were the teasing or want to tease that basically was her aura. She was just Pai.

2/3

>>6263957

"Hey Eligius." She suddenly said as you kept scribbling your notes. "Do you think that the Prince and his elf…"

"Malevus."

"Yes, her. Do you think that they are fucking?" Pai asked and seemed serious based on her tone.

You turned around just enough to look at her laying in the bed resting her head on her hand.

"That doesn't concern me. What the Prince does in his private life is not my matter as long as it doesn't impact my work." You said to her and went back to your scribbling.

"Bahh, you are boring!" Pai lamented.

"But if you are thinking if they are a couple, I think they are, just keeping things a secret for now." You told her as you had acquired some rare books for Malevus on Prince's request that had been quite time taking endeavour.

"I knew it! The way she looked at him and found my presence annoying. She was jealous!" Pai seemed now a bit more cheerful.

"Or she was just concerned that a known assassin was near the one she was supposed to protect." You replied matter of factly.

"You are still very boring." Pai lamented again.

She seemed to be in a talkative mood, things had progressed quite well despite the setbacks and if you were to guess the work as a waitress might have reminded her of her good times in Alterac City. And now you not really playing ball with her in talking made her restless.

"What do you want to talk about?" You asked her and sighed. "I can hear how you are shifting around constantly."

"You tell me, you are being all boring and that boredom is spreading into me." She said back to you.


Choose two:
>The Prince, she seems rather interested in him and you hoped not just in the usual Pai way.
>The Frostwolf orcs, how did her trip there go? How were they?
>Arts of the Warlocks and magic overall. You can nerd out and bore her with minute details.
>The work as a spymaster. Tell her about what you usually do from day to day.
>Talk about yourself, about your past and about your phobia too now that she knows about it.
>Other, write in.

QM: One socialising update before the main bit of this longer segment. I will try to get another update out later today if there are enough votes.

>>6263958

>Arts of the Warlocks and magic overall. You can nerd out and bore her with minute details.
>Talk about yourself, about your past and about your phobia too now that she knows about it

Pailigius, or at least the understanding needed to really know one another so they can be a good team. Also it would be nice to hear about his travels and time with his former master, I don't recall what his former masters name was.

Also magic talk would be nice for me to think on what we can do with him. Maybe Pai will have an interesting take on its potential uses. Otherwise the orc trip would probably be interesting.

>>6263958
>The work as a spymaster. Tell her about what you usually do from day to day.
>Talk about yourself, about your past and about your phobia too now that she knows about it.

Penigius will never see the light of day unless that happens to be the name of his daemon

>>6263958
>The Frostwolf orcs, how did her trip there go? How were they?
>Talk about yourself, about your past and about your phobia too now that she knows about it.

>>6263958
>>The work as a spymaster. Tell her about what you usually do from day to day.
>>Talk about yourself, about your past and about your phobia too now that she knows about it.
No recent work related stuff. My goal is to have Pai as long term addition to Alrics group, not even thinking Pai and Eligius pairing. She should get good idea what sort of stuff they do.

>>6263958
>The Frostwolf orcs, how did her trip there go? How were they?
>Talk about yourself, about your past and about your phobia too now that she knows about it.
If the spymaster option doesn't involve disclosing sensitive information the switch my vote from Frostwolves to that so we don't have a tie.

>>6263958
>>6264102
Also don't forget to use the black noise device.

You are Pai, the former assassin in service of the Prince and you are lounging on the small bed you are sharing with Eligius.

He put down his writing tools that amounted to a wooden stick he had picked up and turned the chair around so that he could face you better.

"I could tell you about my job?" He suggested. "What do I do from day to day?"

"Being a spymaster? Sure, that sounds…" You started to say back to him.

"Intriguing? It is the opposite of it." Eligius answered.

"Is it boring?" You replied.

"Guess how many people actually know how to read? Not that many." He said to you and continued explaining. "I am a scribe, one of the few in Dawnholme. Majority of all letters, work contracts, orders for materials and tools go through me or the few assistants I have. We write and read nearly everything. Maybe one in a hundred has something actually useful to us, rest are whatever and don't concern the Prince."

"Just dealing with paper? Really?" You asked him. The information gathering hadn't been part of your team's main mission, usually you had been given the information you needed.

"More or less. It is really thrilling to write yet another letter asking how some distant relative has been." Eligius said to you with a hint of sarcasm and continued. "Or a marriage certificate for the Church, or a paper asking for the delivery of ten chickens and so on."

"That is your job? That just sounds booooring." You expressed yourself with the long emphasis on boredom.

"Now just think for a moment what this means. I know who is doing what, what relative is living where, to whom the latest order of tools goes for. What are the cliques, who are the common customers." Eligius seemed a bit enthusiastic about what he was telling you. "And after a while you get an idea of what is going on in the town without having to leave your table."

"That's somewhat impressive, though still boring." You said and fixed your hair a bit.

"It might be, but sometimes you succeed. We noticed a difference in the amount of ordered and delivered goods. Our former foreman was embezzling the goods and selling them forward. That is how we found out about the Dream Dust ring as well." Eligius told you.

He had spoken about this before during his visits to your cell, but not with this detail.

"And all that just with looking at a bunch of records?" You asked him.

"More or less. Now I do have a whole lot of other duties and usually give guidance to the Prince in whatever he requires. So I do end up with quite a lot on my plate." Eligius said and shrugged. "The Prince can be a workaholic you see."

"I saw the paperwork at the town hall and thought that was a lot." You said. Having helped Eligius with the scrolls, you had found it very time consuming and boring. It was one reason why the dead fish of a man in Malgren was a better use of your time.

"Nah, that was easy. Like a vacation really. I was left alone and I could just work without getting interrupted." Eligius told you.

1/3

>>6264176

You just blinked several times. Vacation? Easy? You had misjudged Eligius, you had thought that he was just a bookish character, but no! He is a full blown geek!

"I am going to pretend that I didn't hear that." You replied and shook your head.

Eligius laughed for the first time you remembered.

"I do like my job. Out of sight, out of people's minds." He told you and smiled a little. "That is my way of serving the Prince, the best way I can."

You looked at Eligius, he seemed somewhat proud of all of this and it did make some sense to you. A spymaster to the Prince, holding all those strands of information in his hands and doing all that work. You have seen enough to say that he is an intelligent man.

…

Intelligent man or not, he is a flawed man and not by his own choice.

You had spoken with him for some time now, having found yourself sitting cross-legged on the bed as he told you about his life in Stormwind City before the First War and then what followed. Being a refugee and finding his master who provided him a shelter. And in return learning the arts of warlocks.

He told you a lot of those times, avoiding Silver Hand and the Church, or overzealous villagers until in the end he was saved by the Prince. You now understood what he meant by loyalty towards him, something that can't be paid back by him. He was amongst people who appreciated him as who he was and didn't chase him away. For you, you barely remembered what you had told him a couple nights back, it was good for you to understand the man a bit more.

"I know I am not a good person." You told Eligius. "I think you agree with that. But who I am, it is all me and my own choices."

Eligius didn't reply back to you immediately, allowing you to continue.

"But you? Having the fear of being touched as long as you remember? That is not of your own choice." You said to him. "It controls you, how you do things and respond to others."

"Is this what you meant by being above your teasing and actions?" He asked you and you nodded.

"Partially at least. I think you are a good man Eligius, you have just been dealt a bunch of bad dice in life." You told him and continued. "I am not going to say sorry again, being drunk as shit was enough of an attempt for me."

"And I will say thank you." Eligius responded.

Neither of you said a word for a couple seconds until you had to break the silence.

"Though it would have been funny if you had been a homosexual. Way too easy of an explanation, and with the Prince as well!" You said and laughed. "I mean he is quite a handsome man and all those rumours about him? It makes my knees suddenly so weak."

Eligius gave you a very disappointed stare. The stare he had given you before which immediately made you shut up.

"You can tease the Prince as much as you want when we get back to Dawnholme, but please don't try that with me." He said and stared at you.

2/3

>>6264180

Silence fell again upon you.

"It is quite late, shouldn't we go to sleep?" Eligius asked.

"You are right."

As usual you found yourself hugging at the wall as Eligius laid down on the other side of the bed. Neither of you had really said anything to each other, so you decided to change that.

"Good night." You said.

There was a long pause as if he was thinking of something first.

"Good night." He replied.

You smiled a little. Eligius was an intelligent man, rather smart even. Spymaster, confidante to the Prince. Warlock who can kill men with a snap of his fingers. It was better to be on the same level with him and not play any usual games of yours. He deserved that.

…

The next day the two of you returned to Prancing Peacock. It was the day of the large meeting.

"Oh cocksucker, why does it have to be this tight." You cursed aloud.

The blue kirtle of yours would have been fine, but the girls here had a uniform to wear. A short mid-thigh length chemise and a dark coloured, embroidered just as short kirtle on top of it. Both with of course a very wide opening around the chest. Simple sash and strings on the back keeping it all together. A revealing attire on purpose, showing plenty of legs and bosom, especially if leaning towards the customer.

Which wasn't the problem at all, you approved the idea as sex sells more drinks, but it was so awfully tight. You could move, but if you had to fight you were sure that you would rip the clothes by just running a bit. At least they allowed you to wear your black hosen held on with the garters, you would have your dagger with you.

"You looked ridiculous." Eligius said to you.

"I look very sexy thank you very much." You replied back. It was a slutty tavern maid clothing for sure.

Both of you were ready, dressed for the part, wearing clean bandanas and having tidy haircuts.

"I'll be at the door, where will you go?" Eligius asked. The first guests were already here, rest would arrive soon.


>Just follow the proprietor's orders, you are supposed to be working here after all.
>Latch onto the group that looks the most wealthy. Power follows coin, right?
>There must be some strong fighters with strong hands around, they could use some company.
>Keep your head down to avoid getting recognised. Whoever is here to meet you should approach you.
>Other, write in

>>6264104

Don't worry, presume that the Black Noise Device is always present when talking in private. It is bit of a meta device to cut back Shadowrunning and unnecessary paranoia.

Thoroughly enjoying writing Eligius and Pai right now. So different characters to Alric and Malevus.

>>6264183
>Keep your head down to avoid getting recognised. Whoever is here to meet you should approach you.
Like I said, have Pai wear the cloak and Eligius just hides in plain sight. I don't want a repeat of the meeting with Hath.

>Black noise device
Well forgive me but I noticed it wasn't mentioned and other QMs have punished players for not noticing details like that. I'll assume it's SOP from now on.

>>6264188

Yeah don't worry about it. I don't want people to think that there's Syndicates or other creeps spying on everything you say in private all the time. Well there might be, but at least they aren't hearing anything.

I do mention it if thematically it fits into the scene or if you are in a place where using it is required, like a busy tavern. But outside of that, it should be with Alric/Eligius all the time.

>>6264183
Tempting tempting. The wealthy (former) Nobles would probably talk more openly about what the big meeting is actually about. Maybe even good tippers lol. What, or who, could convince a bunch of alterac nobles to actually show up in Strahnbrad with the fighters and officers of the Syndicate. Though if its more robber barons and less noble remnants fair enough.

Also the very funny possibility of someone wealthy recognizing Silver Pai from the Capital as well as Top ASSassin Pai, and being rather chatty about it afterwards.

I was predicting a very big cooperation play between Creedy's faction and big brother Aliden's faction for reasons. If Aliden or atleast a representative of his shows up I'd guess that would move the nobles, or the contact of Beve that handles info from Hath to be the one to approach. Will Pai having seen the royal siblings in the past come back here.

>>6264183
>>Keep your head down to avoid getting recognised. Whoever is here to meet you should approach you.

You weren't exactly sure how much the proprietor was expecting you to work, but you knew that you needed to play the part of a waitress to blend in. Straightening your kirtle and straightening your back, you went to work. A waitress is expected to not be seen until they are needed and that suited you well.

Watching as more important looking Syndicate members joined the rest, the tavern slowly started to fill up. The main room was bustling with activity as men and some women talked with each other, smaller groups of duos and trios lined the walls or stayed in their half-private booths. The side rooms for the more important folk had guards standing by. By the looks of it, for a reason unknown all these important people were here, but why?

"Waitress! Three beers please!" Group of men at one table shouted to you and you replied with a curtsy.

The proprietor behind the counter quickly filled three glasses and you carried them to the table where the men were thirstily waiting for them.

"I hope you boys like them~" Your honey’d words and bending down caught their attention. "Quite an evening this will be~"

"Beauty, you are right about that!" One of them said and his eyes were exactly where you wanted them to be. None of them looked familiar, some mid-level lieutenants probably.

"Though might I ask why you boys are here~? They tell us so little, we don't know how long you'll be here~?" Pressing your hand on the man's thigh and looking him straight into his eyes, you saw him swallow. The men are so easy.

"Couple days maybe? We aren't told things either, but maybe we could spend some of that time together?" The man bravely replied.

"Some sort of an announcement apparently?" Another man said and shrugged. "That I 'ave 'eard."

"You are the best my love~" You gave him a wink and turned back to the first man. "But spending time~? That might cost you a couple drinks~? Can't have you be all thirsty can I~?"

Giving the thigh a squeeze, you straightened your back and walked away giving them a good look on your ass while doing so.

That's a mark, you can return to them later to blend in better. Maybe they have some other useful information to tell you. But first a couple more rounds amongst the guests are needed.

…

Malgren was here, but he hadn't noticed or recognised you. There were also a couple more people you recognised from your service to Lord Creedy. Old nobles, robber barons. Lord This and That, Baron Who and When. You left serving them to others, it was better to be around the lower ranks just in case the nobles might recognise you.

The trio of men had proven useful, especially your mark. Little bit of sitting on his lap after a couple more beers and he was talking. The announcement apparently is some sort of a military movement which matched with what Eligius had uncovered. Strahnbrad was getting fortified and stores were being brought in.

1/2

>>6264520

"Oh you are oh so most helpful~" You said to him and squeezed the thigh closer to his manhood. "Sounds like we get to be together more often then~"

"We might." The man replied and held your hand. "We might start today."

Carefully wiggling out of his lap and hold, you gave the man a wicked look.

"Can't have the sweets before eating and drinking well~" Your alluring words made him both disappointed and eager.

You nearly felt bad for teasing him like this and not being able to deliver the pleasure, but you weren't here for it. A year ago you might have, but not now. Walking away from the table to have another look around and maybe serve another set of customers while keeping a low profile, you passed several men and women leaning against the wall.

"What does Pai the Assassin do here?" A voice called behind your back.

You froze, someone had recognised you. For a second you thought about reaching for the hidden dagger tied to your thigh, but chose not to. Instead you turned around and looked at whoever it was.

An older lady wearing black trousers with high waist and a long sleeved black shirt and gloves was leaning against the wall. Her orange bandana was around her throat as she smoked a long pipe while leaning against the wall. You didn't recognise her, her long grey hair wasn't familiar either. Would General Hath's contact approach you like this? Is this someone else? You couldn't be sure.

"I asked you a question." The woman said and gave you a glance. "Why are you and your pretend husband here?"


>She is mistaking you for someone else. Sorry, but you are not Pai.
>You don't have a pretend or a real husband. Don't drag Eligius to this.
>It would be fair to introduce oneself before asking such questions.
>You are on a mission.
>Are you the contact we are waiting for?
>Other, write in

>>6264521
>It would be fair to introduce oneself before asking such questions.

>>6264521
>It would be fair to introduce oneself before asking such questions.

>>6264521
>>It would be fair to introduce oneself before asking such questions.
Lmao Pai's idea of keeping her head down was to start seducing some mook, but hey it looked like it worked. She is great!

>>6264521
>It would be fair to introduce oneself before asking such questions.
Maybe we can get you a private table and some hot tea hon (the same kind Hath liked)

Beve's contact with Hath, permanent or semi permanent one in Strahnbrad? It would be mean to make an older lady move around too much.

I don't imagine there are too many older ladies in the syndicate that aren't nobles, magically inclined, or an eccentric specialist. Some tricks up the long sleeves and in the gloves. Blow some ashes from the pipe in someone's face in lieu of pocketsand. Or shes got help around if need be.

Pai W getting the info we need. Stores to hold it or stores enough to field a force to retake Gallows Corner I wonder. I suppose the storm damage will delay things either way. Plus all the paperwork lost lol.

"It would be fair to introduce oneself before asking such questions." You said and crossed your arms.

The older lady looked at you curiously and turned to face you, giving you a better chance to look at her. Her clothes, especially the knee high boots looked like they suited someone younger than her.

"As feisty as expected." She replied and took one last puff from her pipe and emptied it into a flower pot with one smooth move. She walked to you, stopping right next by your side. "Go see your pretend husband when the announcement is supposed to happen."

She walked off and when you turned to look behind you, she was gone. Could she have disappeared into the crowd, maybe? But in just a couple seconds, probably not? It was like she had vanished into the thin air.

"Fucking Syndicate creeps." You muttered to yourself. No way in hell you would wait till some announcement before going to Eligius.

You walked briskly past the guests, including the ones with whom you had spent time with and found Eligius picking and fetching jackets.

"Hello Margaret." He greeted you with your disguise name.

"Did an older woman with long grey hair, black clothes fitting to someone much younger come through here?" You immediately asked him.

"Yes, but she left nearly an hour ago?" Eligius said and continued. "Was she the?"

An hour? But she was just there? Illusion? Doppelganger?

"Did she leave anything?" You asked.

"No, but…" Eligius started to say and walked to the wardrobes from which he took the small numbered wooden ticket. "I knew it felt strange."

You looked at the small round piece of wood with a rack number on it and suddenly faint blue lines appeared on it. It was like someone had drawn an awful looking house with a letter R on it and an arrow going past and behind it before going down.

"Arcane writing, whoever she is, she left us a message." Eligius said to you and continued. "Go change your clothes, I think I know where this place is."

"Right, that won't take long." You replied.

A magical message? Of course given to Eligius as he could make it appear. Smart move.

…

Having rushed to the backroom where your belongings were, you had very quickly thrown off the clothes given to you to wear and put your own back on. You immediately felt a lot better and being able to move in the blue kirtle as you walked past the confused waitresses and out of the backdoor.

"Shall we go?" A voice from the shadows called you as Eligius took off the hood of his obfuscating robe.

"Do you have an idea to where?" You asked him and fixed your hair.

"I have an hunch, follow me."

You nodded and followed Eligius as he led you through the night streets of Strahnbrad. You follow one of the larger streets until Eligius stopped and turned to look at a large red house.

1/2

>>6264680

"The letter R doesn't mean that it is written on it, but that it is red." Eligius said and held the wooden ticket for you to see. He was right, the crude drawing of the house matched the one in front of you. "And the arrow past it goes left of it."

There was an alley left of the house. Eligius immediately started to follow it with you right behind him. A fence gate to the right was open and the two of you followed the path until you were past and behind the red house and there was the location you were guided to.

"A vegetable cellar." You said.

"The arrow goes down." Eligius said back and went to open the door.

"Let me do it." You said and instinctively grabbed his hand to stop him as you drew your shortsword.

Pushing past him, you opened the door and found stairs going down. The stairs were longer than what you would expect and at the end of it was a door. It was dark, you could hear your breathing and the footsteps of Eligius right behind you. You didn't really see him giving you a nod as you opened the door and entered a dark room. Only light came up from the ladder.

"Eligius?" You asked and didn't get an answer, but he was right behind you as you took several steps forward.

Suddenly the door behind you closed, throwing the whole room into pitch-darkness. You could only hear your own heart beating and slow deep breaths.

And then there was light, as if someone had lit a candle across the room. It threw shadows across the walls and you saw the empty room around you, except for white linens spread across it blocking the line of sight. The candle steadied itself and in front of you on the linen was a shadow of a figure sitting on a throne.

"You should kneel." Eligius whispered and went down on his knee and kept his head down.

The Lady Behind the Cloth was in front of you. Princess Beve Perenolde.


>Fuck that, you aren't going to play her games. Step right through the linens and face her.
>Stay standing, you won't bend a knee to her.
>Kneel just like Eligius does. She is a Princess after all.
>Other, write in.

>Is this how she greets the close servants of her little brother? Mindgames and light tricks?
>Greet her normally and introduce yourself.
>Wait till you are addressed. She is from the Royal Family after all.
>Other, write in.

>>6264682
https://youtu.be/qzfXxkHrIBM

Woah the big princess herself come to oversee things from behind the curtain.

She knows Eligius could read the arcane writing hmmm. Knew or suspected and gambled on it. Did her agent in the Peacock sense his mana. Spot our other warlock Otto Wanz and presume we wouldn't send him without another magic user. Working off the syndicate assumption that Alric got Fel Touched by his messing with warlock magic, and then naturally send someone like that here. Or a leak somewhere in Dawnholme.


>Kneel just like Eligius does. She is a Princess after all.
Part respect, part I don't suppose the air smells like pipe smoke, and the sound of her footwear on the throne and cellar floor like fashionable boots lol.

>Greet her normally and introduce yourself.
She might even go so far as to ask for her cobbler, Beve had very nice boots.

Pai has only rarely demonstrated respectful fealty even to Alric. Certainly wasn't in the Loyalist Royalist faction with Royal Hostage Creedy over here. Its not like she respected many if any wealthy men and nobles in Alterac City either. The King had a bastard, got the whole place sacked then destroyed, lost the loyalty of his own General and got himself executed. The rest of the royal family went into hiding. Sold their own little sister to Creedy as a royal hostage. Also the family she was sold to from the orphanage sucked.

That said being a lady with power at the top of Syndicate intrigue and holding it is worth respecting if anyone for Pai besides some kind of super courtesan. Apparently Beves not above some field work either.

The stage persona shes rocking kinda makes me think of a royal family larping, playing D&D, and that makes me laugh a bit.

>>6264682
>Perform a curtsy
Think this is more Pai like.

>Greet her normally and introduce yourself.
After the introduction, wait to be addressed. Wonder how the introduction should go? "Hello Lady Perenolde, it is good to see you again."? Im questioning if Pai should do the redundant action of truly introducing herself since Beve already knows who she is.

>>6264733
I think Pai has acquired respect for Alric not for his station but for his character, same with Eligius. Beve is unproven but she'll be respectful since those two men care about her and, like you said, she does have power.

>>6264682
Also, is kneeling the correct response to meeting a noble that is not your liege? That doesn't sound right, a bow (or a curtsy) sounds more appropriate.

>>6264682
>>Fuck that, you aren't going to play her games. Step right through the linens and face her.
>Greet her normally and introduce yourself.

>>6264682
>>6264794
support

For a second you stood still, before doing a deep curtsy and keeping your head down.

"I am Pai… of Alterac." You introduced yourself. "And this is…"

"You might have some manners to do a proper curtsy, but you will speak when you are ordered to." A woman's voice echoed in the room, hearing it from different angles and within your head. "I know who you are, I know quite a lot about you."

The way her voice echoed disoriented your mind, was she actually speaking? Was this some sort of a spell? Glancing at still kneeling Eligius, you saw cold sweat on his brow. Was this affecting him more?

"It was the right move to approach Hath and allow me to learn about you. The General thinks that he has some role in all of this, but he just played his part. He is a lackey of mine and when he spoke to me through my messenger, I must say the reason why you are here intrigues me." Lady Behind the Cloth spoke to you. There was curiosity in her voice. "But what I don't understand, why would my little brother send you to do the task, his bidding?"

The candle flickered and the shadows moved and flowed on the walls and on the linens. The way she spoke made her voice very difficult to even describe. Was it a voice of a young or an old woman? Deep or high?

"We have Eligius, scribe and a spymaster. Loyal towards him, able to complete the tasks required and on top of everything a warlock." She said and you saw Eligius froze completely in place. "Don't think I wouldn't recognise a warlock the moment I see one."

You stood there and watched the shadows. You knew that she was a mage, but exactly how strong that you didn't know. For her to discern the true nature of Eligius just like that, she must be really skilled.

1/2

>>6265029

"And for you Pai, last we saw of you was in Durnholde Keep. You failed in your task and you were captured, my little brother taking you as his prisoner and now you are here. So either you have flipped sides or you have your own machinations at play." Her voice drilled into your mind as you still couldn't make sense where it was coming from. "Though consider yourself lucky, my little brother clearly approves of you. Because if he didn't and now that you are here, I would make sure you would spend the rest of your life in agony for trying to kill him."

Her words seeped of venom and malice, that just wasn't a threat, it was a promise. A single bead of sweat gathered on your brow. The feeling and the pressure on you started to feel oppressive as chill spread through your body. This was a work of magic, maybe some sort of a defensive mechanism? As a spymaster she must have even more tricks in her sleeves, or in this case behind the cloths. And how much exactly she knew about you and Eligius? How much she wasn't telling you?

"So please tell me, why does an assassin like you, who previously has had no inclination of morals or care, suddenly decide to do this? Why would my little brother trust you in the first place?" The Lady Behind the Cloth asked you.


>This is an opportunity to kill Lord Creedy. One less person who knows about your whereabouts.
>Saving your little sister is strategically a good move.
>He gave me a task to perform first, I succeeded. Don't mention the orcs.
>The Prince doesn't trust you, but succeeding in this will make him.
>Eligius keeps me in check.
>You find the Prince interesting.
>Other, write in

>You don't want to play her games. Step through the linens and face her face to face.
>Keep your head down and just stand there like you have been doing.
>Go down on your knee, maybe the chilling feeling within you grows weaker.
>Other, write in.

>>6265030
>>This is an opportunity to kill Lord Creedy. One less person who knows about your whereabouts.
>>Saving your little sister is strategically a good move.
>>You find the Prince interesting.
>>Other, write in

>>You don't want to play her games. Step through the linens and face her face to face.
I think Pai doesnt like to be pressured like this and would have had enough after moment or two. She might respect Beve but getting pushed like this would make her to push back. Answers mix of personal and why you are here in the first place.

Beve really likes theatrics doesnt she? Could work on some mooks but not on Pai.

>>6265030
>This is an opportunity to kill Lord Creedy. One less person who knows about your whereabouts.
>Saving your little sister is strategically a good move.
>You find the Prince interesting.

>You don't want to play her games. Step through the linens and face her face to face.

>>6265030
>>This is an opportunity to kill Lord Creedy. One less person who knows about your whereabouts.
>>Saving your little sister is strategically a good move.
>>You find the Prince interesting.
>>Other, write in
Beves not happy huh. Not to point fingers here, but who started this organization?! Then lost control of two thirds of it. Falconcrest in a feud with her older brother. Creedy in a feud with her younger brother. Pai atleast can control herself, mostly. Pai knows how to survive, and its not with the Syndicate anymore, but her chosen Prince.

>Other, write in.
Smoke and mirrors.
The air and smoke in the cellar is laced with something to help maximize her magic's effect by messing with their senses? Breathe through the masks?

Which I suppose depends, lowering herself might get less gas, but if Eligius seems to be having a worse time standing up and backing away might get them out of it. Putting out the candle. Convincing Eligius to make a hole with shadow bolt would be rather extreme.

Or a full blown mind altering illusion. Some real pain by biting herself might help break it.

Consensus is forming, but I will let the vote go through the night till tomorrow. I have pre-written the first Alric update so some progress for the future.

>>6265162

Beve is in a tricky situation as the Syndicate infighting hasn't really flared up in open and so she can't do much to the big players, but an assassin like Pai? Plenty of maneuvering is going on which is going to be helped by a mistake you have done.

>>6265217
Hasn't flared in the open but one of the big Syndicate lords having a 'Feud' with Aliden undermines his authority. A constant drain with the power struggles, a bubble waiting to pop, and she can't justify an assassination with her own resources? So they just sit and wait for Falconcrest to fuck up, the writing is on the wall.

But its not that. Beve's not happy that Alric was getting targeted by Creedy's orders? They started this whole organization, and Creedy gained power to where he can target Alric using assassins with no good way to handle it internally but sitting there waiting for Creedy to fuck up so they can swoop in.

She has no right to complain. If anyone can possibly be held responsible for the current culture and structure of the Syndicate its her and Aliden. Its not like one of Creedy's lieutenants is gonna say 'no'. I don't know if Beve just concentrated all their loyalists in one camp, but the organization has benefitted the gangsters and thugs with the most mobility. Those thugs would happily kill Alric for a bit more power.

The one who benefits most from Creedy dying or losing his hostage is Beve since shes in position here, and no amount of smoke and mirrors or theatrics can possibly shake the knowledge that Beve needs Pai to succeed to actually cash in. Beve may hope this show lets her seize control of the situation, but I am not convinced. Threaten to leave if need be.


Creedy is bound up in his own agreements now. The one where Aliden promises Alric he won't be targeted in particular. If Beve is here that means Creedy made the deal to accept their aid to fortify Strahnbrad and eventually retake Gallows Corner. IF Creedy then wastes more assassins against Alric, and his retinue, hed really be playing with fire.

If we walked out Beve would be back to desperately trying to influence Creedy's operations, but unable to make the decisive strike for fear of civil war. How long can she afford to be here before things elsewhere require her attention.

If Pai was still paranoid as hell she can walk back to the Frostwolves until shes needed.

Though I still think utilizing the element of surprise was better than waiting. This team has all the skills necessary with none of the baggage of green low class agents. I am surprised Pai or Otto didn't have a single contact they could trust, and even if they couldn't be trusted we have Cyrus the Lie Detector (and draconic garbage disposal), whom we have not used at all.

>>6265030
Tbh all of those first prompts are true so I ain't even gonna choose. Maybe the three anons have selected are the most succinct.

>You don't want to play her games. Step through the linens and face her face to face.
I do like anon's idea of putting a mirror to her venom. Why have Beve and Aliden let things get to the point? The Syndicate is more criminal outfit than alteraci patriots at this point.

Im betting the shadow isn't actually her and she isn't even in the room.

>>6265030
>This is an opportunity to kill Lord Creedy. One less person who knows about your whereabouts.
>Saving your little sister is strategically a good move.
>You find the Prince interesting.

>Keep your head down and just stand there like you have been doing.
None of you actually think shes here right?

>>6265030
>>The Prince doesn't trust you, but succeeding in this will make him.
>You don't want to play her games. Step through the linens and face her face to face.

"You are angry at me?" You asked with a tone of bewilderment and annoyance. "Not to point any fingers, but who lost the control of two thirds of an organisation you formed with your brother, my Lady."

"You have no right to make accusations, assassin." Lady Behind the Cloth replied with venom in her voice.

"No right!? Fuck that, I have all the reasons to make those accusations, because your actions have led me here. Creedy needs to die because he is one of the few who knew what I was doing and could order my death. Rescuing your little sister, whom you allowed to be taken a hostage, removes a whole lot of leverage Creedy has acquired." You spat back at her and gripped the shortsword a bit more tightly. "I have decided to choose my Prince instead of your lot. At least he is interesting and doesn't act like some common thug."

"You insolent wench." Lady Behind the Cloth stood up and the shadows grew all wrong as whatever candle tricks she used suddenly didn't work optimally. "Realise to whom you are talking to."

You had enough and pushed her voice out of your head. Whatever tricks she was using stopped working as you took steps forward. The linen spread across the room was held in place with a thin rope hanging from the ceiling and reaching the linen, you swung your sword and cut the rope and the linen in half. It dropped on the floor and remaining vestiges of the smoke and mirrors disappeared.

In front of a simple wooden chair stood a woman. Her tall waist high black trousers were tucked into knee high boots. The long sleeved black shirt and gloves hid the rest of her skin. Long smooth black hair cascaded down her shoulders and a golden amulet with a blue gem rested on her chest. You had seen her before, just twenty years older. She had been the one who had approached you in Prancing Peacock. And then your eyes met hers.

Instantly your muscles stopped working as if a binding coil had been wrapped around you. You couldn't move, not even blink as you could only stare forward at Beve Perenolde.

"You are feisty, I will give you that." Beve said to you and took a step forward. Her voice didn't echo anymore. "But you really should understand who you are and what your position is."

She looked eerily similar to his little brother. Same nose, same hair, same eyes prior to whatever Incident the Prince had. Her gaze averted away for a second and looked at where Eligius supposedly was behind you. You heard a thump on the floor as if someone had fallen down.

Fuck you, go choke on a sword! You had no idea what she had done to Eligius, but you would make her pay for it the moment you could move an inch. No one is allowed to hurt him!

"So vulgar thoughts, don't worry he is just asleep." Beve said and walked to your side. "He tried to help you so I had to put him to sleep."

Help me?

Beve took hold of your hand and carefully pried your fingers open, taking your shortsword and examining it for a moment.

1/3

>>6265559

"You are like this sword, a pointy bladed sharp instrument that is used to kill. But the sword alone doesn't kill anyone." Beve said to you and pointed it at your face, carefully placing the tip above the bandana and dragging it down, catching the bandana and pulling it off your face. "A hand needs to hold the sword, because at the end of the day it is a tool."

The feeling of the cold tip of the sword touching your skin and scratching your lip was unpleasant. Your lungs wished to breathe more rapidly, but couldn't as your mind was just a prisoner within your body. You just kept cursing Beve time after time.

"And now my little brother has set you free and you think that suddenly a sharp instrument like you who previously had been used to remove threats, guided by hands above with motivations unknown to you, can just waltz in and sweep the table?" Beve told you and carefully sheathed the sword into the scabbard.

Of course you are going to do all this, you have to do it. It was the Prince's request.

"Have to do it? Do you even listen to your own thoughts? My little brother is too hasty, he is young and he has the time. But I should have known he would act the moment he learned about his little sister." Beve replied, she must have been reading your thoughts. "And now you are doing his bidding, from a tool employed by Creedy to a tool employed by Alric."

She sighed and walked back to her chair before turning around.

"Isn't magic wonderful? It can do things that mundane people or technology can't, and if you push it further and cultivate it, new forms of it can be created." Beve told you and continued. "From spells that slow you down to spells that make you still."

Your body didn't move at all, your eyes had started to itch as you couldn't blink. The invisible restraints that held you in place pushed against your mind that tried to wrestle the control back to you.

"So feisty. Don't worry, there’s no long term effects." Beve told you and sighed. "You are right though, I don't like what the Syndicate has become, nor my brother either. But these are the dice we are dealing with, an unstable balance between three parties. And what you are trying to accomplish will break that balance. Have you slowed down, stood still and thought for a moment what happens if you succeed and Creedy is dead? Some of his followers might flock back to my brother, but Falconcrest and his hardliners would enjoy a strengthened position. There would be no more a third party to be guided against the other, just Falconcrest who finally could act against us."

For a second Beve looked tired.

"Syndicate civil war, Alteraci against an Alteraci." Beve replied and continued. "I am making a mistake in not killing you and sending Eligius back to my little brother, because I know a tool like you won't listen to what I say. You are going to go and do as you like and meddle in things you can't fully comprehend. Yet I will try."

2/3

>>6265560

She walked to you and looked into your eyes.

"Go back to Dawnholme and forget this foolishness. Creedy will die and Alicia will be rescued, just not yet not now. The time for it is not right, we aren't in a position to act." She said to you. "You will wake up in your room."

Beve gave a flick to your brow and everything turned black.

…

…

…

Rays of sunlight that got into the small room hit your face. Gentle snoring accompanied the otherwise near silence as you stretched your back and wrapped your arms more tightly around Eligius.

Hold on, why were you in your room? Why are you hugging the still asleep Eligius?

Your eyes opened suddenly and you let go of him whose back you had been pressed against. Scrambling away as much as the small bed allowed, you took hold of his shoulders and started violently shaking them.

"Eligius, wake up Eligius!" You shook and spoke to him. He mumbled something and you shook him a bit more.

Surprising you, he jolted awake, tried to get up and fell off the bed on the floor.

"The hell happened!" He shouted as he pushed up checking on himself and then looking at you. "Pai, what happened? We were there in the cellar and…"

"What is the last thing you remember?" You asked him as he leaned against a chair.

"The linens and you challenging Beve, but… after that nothing." Eligius said to you and grew concerned. "Are you alright? There’s a scratch on your lip."


>Tell him what Beve did to you and then what she told you.
>Eligius was put into sleep by Beve, that is why he doesn't remember anything.
>Is Eligius alright, does he feel fine?
>Eligius had tried to protect you, you appreciate that.
>Why had Eligius kneeled like that? Did her smoke and mirrors affect him more than you?
>Thank for the concern, the lip doesn't bother you at all, it is just a scratch.
>Other, write in

QM: Princess Beve Perenolde, Spymaster of the Syndicate, The Lady Behind the Cloth, Archmage of Alterac and at the end of the day loves her little brother so much.

>>6265562
>>Other, write in
Apologies Medivh, but I choose ALL ABOVE. I didnt expect facing and pushing her to wo-magichandle us, but I guess if she threatened to kill her former master, she doesnt like getting probed at. Also the pic of her in my mind is very hot

>>6265562
>>Tell him what Beve did to you and then what she told you.
>>Eligius was put into sleep by Beve, that is why he doesn't remember anything.
Beve is very protective. What we do ?

>>6265562
>>Tell him what Beve did to you and then what she told you.
>>Eligius was put into sleep by Beve, that is why he doesn't remember anything.
>>Is Eligius alright, does he feel fine?
>>Eligius had tried to protect you, you appreciate that.
>>Why had Eligius kneeled like that? Did her smoke and mirrors affect him more than you?
>>Thank for the concern, the lip doesn't bother you at all, it is just a scratch.
Sorry QM it is necesary.

>>6265562
>Eligius had tried to protect you, you appreciate that.
>Is Eligius alright, does he feel fine?
>Other, write in
I doubt Pai wants anymore scars, her beauty is part of her pride. Maybe Eligius would put some ointment on her lips. Check each other over after the weird magic. Also if Beve slipped a letter or present onto either of them.

Then work through the rest.

I'm sure Eligius could really get into how the magic worked along with the light, darkness, smoke were it laced with something, air were it also laced with something else, whether it worked more on him because he can use magic etc. The magic necklace she had, I'd guess that was the source of her 'telepathy' magic, which I had been thinking was a deep and subtle suggestion to voice their thoughts as if they had no filter, but who can say for sure.

So she always wanted to kill Creedy to protect Alric, what a darling sister. I had been thinking maybe EligiusXBeve might have been an interesting pair to aim for depending on their interactions, but lol.

Even while being here with presumably quite a bit of resources to fortify Beve isn't confident she can take over Creedy's operations and his men of various alignments upon his death or downfall, yet.

That said I think theres a real argument to be made on blowing up the Syndicate so they are stuck in a shadow civil war if I were so inclined. Against that Beve has made her reasons clear.

I could justify the whole mission so far as setup for later. Their group cover isn't blown and well established enough to be useful later. The lay of the land and the town. They made a contact out of Hath, they know about the Warlock store, and whats going on in town with the fortifying and reinforcements.

>>6265724
Before I forget, I refuse to leave this fucking town before we get to see the Warlock store, sell some dope, and get some reagents and other cool stuff. Eligius wants to 'lure' a warlock into his service or something.

I would reiterate that I'd think Pai or Otto could have a single useful contact or safehouse that wouldn't blow up in their faces. Though making someone disappear is an intrigue classic.

>>6265562
>Tell him what Beve did to you and then what she told you.
>Eligius was put into sleep by Beve, that is why he doesn't remember anything.
>Eligius had tried to protect you, you appreciate that.
>Why had Eligius kneeled like that? Did her smoke and mirrors affect him more than you?
Not in this order but these. I can go without the "Are you fine?" "Im fine." back and forth.

>>6265724
>>6265728
I think the reasonable thing is to contact Alric about this development and then the reasonable thing for Alric is to demand to be clued in or else he'll treat Beve as an accomplice. For all the airs she put on about Pai being a tool and Alric being foolhardy to act against Creedy through her, she admits that her and Aliden lost control of the organization yet clings to the notion that she cares about Alric. Why the fuck should Alric trust them with his safety and the safety of his half sister? Bitching about Syndicate civil war like Alric wouldn't want that. She even uses this cliche villain ass line:

>You are going to go and do as you like and meddle in things you can't fully comprehend

Sounds like total cope to me. Dutch van der Linde tier "Everything is going according plan, trust me bro."

I will write the update tomorrow for any late votes and opinions to have enough time. Beve's appearance after all is somewhat important of an event.

>>6265797

Having Alric informed now is something I will have to veto based on three things.

First contacting him would require someone, probably Bill Rover, to make his way back to Dawnholme dodging ogres and kobolds on the way. He probably could do it, but it would be rather risky even for him. Especially when you did bump into kobolds last time, they are more alert now.

Second is time. The trip alone would take about half a week and Eligius/Pai are now somewhere around three weeks in the future. If/when Bill would even arrive to Dawnholme, Alric's already probably on his way to Stormwind City by then.

Third is that Eligius and lesser extent Pai are the ones making the decisions here. They are behind the enemy lines and have to be independent. Going back to Alric for events would undermine this theme somewhat.

Also lol, Dutch "We just need a little bit more time" van der Linde wasn't my goal here. Beve is just rather concerned that if the current balance is shaken too much too soon, things could go to hell pretty fast. But I think I have given you a quite many options when it comes to where Syndicate could go, I will write that down as a Success! for me.

>>6265836
>>6265797
Preempted my questions more or less. Bill having to go through Ogre land and the timing.

Some more details of Beve's plans and options around Creedy for the path to cooperate with Beve might have been more palatable than 'Go back home and wait for the right time to avoid messy alteraci syndicate civil war'. Maybe she shoved a letter into Eligius's jacket.

What is Eligius gonna say to the crew "Oh well we got our contact and she told us to go home and wait. Pack it up. I'll hit the Store." I'm sure Eligius and Pai can try to dress it up like a real alteraci courtesan.

Though if she had given more details and even a clear picture of her schemes here that becomes a question of how much Eligius and Pai would really want to work together with Beve's faction of the Syndicate for an indeterminate amount of time, and doing who knows what. Would she really be willing to expose a number of her assets to do so, probably not. Eligius wouldn't invite his own agents back in Dawnholme here and expose them now that Beve knows about him. Beve believes that the fallout of immediate assassination benefits Falconcrest gaining most of Creedy's followers, and she says so without getting into the nitty gritty. Fine.

I'd have tried to make the assassination look like Falconcrest killed Creedy IMMEDIATELY after Creedy made a deal with Aliden's faction. He didn't like it etc. Something along those lines.

Though frankly Beve makes it sound like it would be Aliden gaining most of this, not Beve taking over operations. While Aliden is not outright trying to kill Alric hes made his line at retaking Alterac proper. Then what, Beve will have to choose between Alric and Aliden. I think that would have been a poignant point to bring up from Eligius if he wasn't unconscious lol. Though Beve did say her brother, and I assume she meant Aliden, had become something she didn't like.
I'll clear my thinking on this. When it gets to the point when Alric has to find the answer of taking over Strahnbrad how will things go? A frontal assault on its fortifications and possibly 1000 syndicate, or some kind of intrigue and diplomatic move.

If Falconcrest's hardliners gain power over Strahnbrad in the fallout will be a lot harder to get Hath to open the gates, probably because the hardliners might just kill him for having let the Alliance in the first time. Also if they figure out hes spying for Beve. Then whoever else believes in Hath like those tailors who pointed us to him. The Syndicate in the town will be harder to flip or at least take prisoner. I'm sure the townsfolk won't be happy.

If Aliden and ideally Beve has more influence in the town Hath should still be alive and have his influence. We convince him to open the gates one last time for Alric. We take over Strahnbrad with minimal casualties. Haths followers support it. We take a lot more surrendering syndicates. If Beve is around we see if she chooses Alric over Aliden.

>>6265836
Well, to continue the Dutch van der Linde comparison, this situation is just so analogous to Dutch getting mad at Arthur for rescuing John. Dutch has been getting the gang into nothing but trouble while going "Plan" this "Plan" that while not actually elaborating on HOW this "Plan" is gonna help or what it even is besides: MONEY, MANGOES, TAHITI. Arthur, after questioning Dutch on John's rescue and getting blown off, goes and does it on his own initiative and Dutch becomes irate and rants on how this affects his "Plan" (All the while still claiming to love John like a son).

Like how is Alric, through his agents, supposed to trust Beve with his and his half sister's safety when her and Aliden have proven to be so unreliable in spite of their supposed love for their siblings? Why shouldn't he, like Arthur, disregard her ambiguous PLAN and do the rescue and assassination anyways? Hell, she and Dutch both bring up irrelevant counter arguments against the rescues: "Syndicate civil war" and "Trouble with the law" respectively. Though they are irrelevant for different reasons.

Alric may not know about all this yet but Eligius should know him well enough by now that he'd know that something like this would be the Prince's reaction.

>>6265894
Alric loves Beve and that comes with trust, Aliden and her having an organization that grew too big too fast that it starts to splinter does suck tho. We are in the middle of if she can pull something off, or do we shoot her plan in the head for a shadow civil war.

With Alicia as a royal hostage its important for Creedy that she continues living, if Falconcrest killed her Creedy would probably not be happy, so she is 'safe' or as safe as can be for a Perenolde. Whether Beve made that deal is anyones guess but probably a decent chance.

Then I don't think I can blame Beve too much for Alrics safety, or lack thereof. He was perfectly hidden for years, but then he emerged. Alric is certainly not predictable with only a few people seeing all the directions hes being pulled in. I don't imagine he'd want to let her put any of her assets near him for his protection anyways, so he hasn't been part of her plans until this. What warning messages she sent were nice to have at least.

Any part of Beve's plan here is ultimately going to boil down to Beve believing Creedy's death or loss of Alicia right now will end up with Falconcrest getting most of his men and operations. Which I can sorta see.

We know Creedy was having weapons made for FC in his Hillsbrad operation. So at the very least they were on good enough terms to trade. Creedy wanting a royal hostage in the first place means hes probably not a loyalist, so lets say he and his lieutenants are mostly closer to Falconcrests faction as thugs or hardliners. Creedy losing so much stuff that hes drowning is Beve's opportunity to change that, and hes more or less cut off from Falconcrest with Gallows Corner in ogre hands with nowhere else to turn.

She needs to get her men into positions with this surge of reinforcements, blackmail and bribe who she can, kill or disappear who she has to until the dominoes are lined up. Then shoot Pai like an arrow into Creedy.

Though frankly I think it would have been fun for the Eligius and Pai crew to take part in some of those operations, good experience too. A bit risky for everyone involved because of Pai's identity, but we would have a better picture and time table of when we could kill Creedy while also contributing more to it. Maybe some nice rogue and warlock loot lol.

Creedy's stuff that we know of. Territory over Southern Lordaeron like Southshore, basically there for Falconcrest to take. The Outpost in the hinterlands, if thats some kind of trade hub with the orcs out there and a dreamdust plantation, who knows. Strahnbrad an actual surviving alteraci town with keeps, key to retaking Alterac land. Which way would these cards fall and does them being in either sides hands benefit us? I do think a Falconcrest Hardliner Strahnbrad would be harder to take and hold, for reasons in my previous post.

"It is just a scratch, don't worry about it." You said to him. "What we should worry about was what she told me."

"Go on." Eligius urged.

You started from the last moments Eligius remembered and went from there. You told him everything you could remember, all the details and even the tone of her voice. How you were held in place and how Beve had threatened you.

"She is right, you are a tool." Eligius said to you.

"Hey."

"No really, how often did you think about the big picture when you received the next target?" Eligius said to you and as you didn't answer, he continued. "See, she was right. And I agree with her reasoning."

"Are you taking her side?" You asked him somewhat surprised.

"I have insight to her position, some things require patience and this would be one of them. She basically wants to perform a coup of Creedy's position and insert her in his place. The balance wouldn't just be Aliden and Beve against Falconcrest, but Aliden being balanced against Beve and against Falconcrest." Eligius mused. "Sure they are siblings, but siblings do fight and if she is anything like the Prince, she wouldn't look well at what is going on."

Eligius sighed deeply and took a seat on the chair before running his hands through his hair.

"Shame that things went in this direction, at least we know what she told you." He sighed.

"Sorry, I probably shouldn't…" You started to say.

"Don't, you couldn't know or feel it."

"Feel what?"

"The killing intent, the moment we stepped down into the cellar, Beve was ready to splatter us on the walls." Eligius said and looked at you. "Let's just say that I have felt that before and kneeling in front of her was the best option to stay alive for us."

Your eyes opened, you couldn't have known that.

"But she put you to sleep! You tried to protect me!" You argued back.

"You are part of the team, the Prince chose you for a reason." Eligius told you matter of factly.

"I… thank you. I appreciate it." You said back to him. He had tried to help you even knowing the killing intent.

1/3

>>6266170

Neither of you said anything for a moment.

"So what's next?" You asked as you didn't really have any good ideas.

"Well, I don't think based on what Beve told you that she is going to act against us." Eligius said to you. "Besides if the Prince was here, he would take a deep breath, take his sword and march to wherever Creedy is hiding and drag his sorry ass out while rescuing his little sister at the same time."

"He wouldn't listen to his big sister?" You had to ask.

"Oh he would, but he would then argue back and push on whatever the odds." Eligius said and laughed. "The mission is on, we will rescue Alicia Perenolde."

"Well, you know him better than I do." You said and shrugged.

"Our covers aren't blown so we can still stay here. If the proprietor allows, we could continue working there." Eligius suggested.

"You just want to see me in that skimpy dress, don't you." You replied and got a blank stare as a reply. "Sorry."

"If reinforcements are sent here by Creedy, one or two might actually know where he is and or Alicia is kept. The Prancing Peacock is our best option." Eligius said to you and continued. "There's a couple other things I still want to do here and we aren't exactly in a hurry."

"We just need to be careful." You said.

"Says the known seductress." Eligius replied back. "Either way, Prancing Peacock. Boring ground work and information gathering."

You threw yourself back into the bed and groaned.

"But boring is slooooow!" You complained.

"And slow is fast." Eligius said back. "Let's go tell the others the news, they should probably know what we are going to do next."

Eligius was right. Your stay here in Strahnbrad would continue for at least some time and Prancing Peacock was your best option to learn something new. As much as the meeting with Beve hadn't exactly gone as anyone had intended, you still had learned a lot. And if she is thinking that you will act, Beve is probably putting her own plans in action. She needs more time and maybe now she gets just a couple more weeks.

Maybe that mark of yours is still around, he was rather cute in the end.

…

…

…

You are Prince Alric Perenolde and you have just returned back to Durnholde Keep.

Having left early in the morning, you had rode as hard and fast as you could on the small trails the campaign had already formed through the countryside. Pushing your horses to their limits, you had only stopped for quick breaks to eat and water them. Not that many words had been exchanged between you and your escorts. Lieutenant Gravis and his knights, Sir Foecourt with ten of his Durnholders. Lieutenant Beckston would be following you on foot with the Royal Foot Guards while Captain Cromwell stayed in the camp and prepared remaining wounded men to be transported.

2/3

>>6266171

Early afternoon you passed the previous caravan on your way to Durnholde and after several more hours of riding, finally as the sun was setting you had reached the Keep. Riding through the open gate past the lines of tents waiting for more soldiers to return, you dismounted your horse Epona and handed the first stableboy you saw the reins.

"Is Lord Blackmoore here?" You asked.

"My Lord, he hasn't left anywhere." The man carefully replied as he realised to whom he was talking to.

"Good, feed and brush horses." You replied as you started walking away. "And give them carrots!"

Marching through the Keep, the servants made way to you while greeting you. The freshly washed black arming jacket and trousers with Cinder Sword by your side and chaperon with dark glasses on your head had made you an easily recognisable figure in a Keep that already saw you in a very good light. Reaching Blackmoore's study, you knocked on the door several times before stepping in.

"Good evening Lord Blackmoore." You greeted the man. He was reading something spread on the table.

"Greetings…" He replied. He didn't seem drunk. "I should get a drink…"

"For any specific reason?" You replied. He really didn't need a specific reason to drink.

"Expenses, the campaign was a success, but it cost me a fortune." He said.

"We haven't yet retrieved the stashed loot, that could pay something back." You told him and walked to him to study the papers.

"Maybe, but why are you here? I thought you were with the army?" Blackmoore asked you. He seemed rather reasonable when sober.

"I wish to talk with the warlock, is he still alive?" You said and asked.

"He is locked down in the dungeon, but couldn’t he wait till tomorrow morning? Are we in some blasted hurry?" Blackmoore asked.

Well he was right, while you wanted it done and over, the warlock could wait till next morning. You could maybe use this time with sober Blackmoore for something else.


>No, you want to interrogate the warlock today. That is why you rushed here in the first place.
>The interrogation can wait till tomorrow, but stay on topic of Syndicate with Blackmoore.
>Talk with him about Darrowmere League, sell the idea to him once more.
>Raise the Alliance Meeting with him, are there points he would like for you to represent him for?
>Other, write.

QM: And we are back to Alric. Wonderful pondering from you regarding the situation. Though now I have an urge for another RDR2 playthrough.

I had planned this Eligius and Pai segment to be shorter, but taking Eligius route and those bad rolls, things got a bit more length. Pai seduction routed would have been shorter and a bit more explosive alternative.

>>6266172
>>The interrogation can wait till tomorrow, but stay on topic of Syndicate with Blackmoore.
>>Talk with him about Darrowmere League, sell the idea to him once more.
>>Raise the Alliance Meeting with him, are there points he would like for you to represent him for?
Tie Syndicate and Darrowmere League together. Security and trade. It was good Strahnbrad portion, shame meeting Beve didnt go as well as it could. I think that theres big showdown in the future between Alric and Creedy if he isnt killed yet.

>>6266172
Just thinking over Beve's choices now.

In Alric's mind now was the perfect time to strike. Creedy is on the backfoot, the element of surprise with Pai, the flow of traffic into Strahnbrad. If Beve understood Alric's warrior mindset I think that should be one thing that can be predicted.

Even if Alicia didn't exist, Creedy still needed to die. Beve could have alluded to such a future plan without ever mentioning Alicia. A single trusted messenger and some exceptionally cryptic methods if need be for secrecy.

Beve could have asked for their cooperation rather than telling Eligius and Pai to go home. Going into the meeting with "Killing Intent" and magic up the ass. Pai an assassin not feeling killing intent, sounds strange to me but I'll chalk it up to it coming through Eligius's magic senses. Show off her power, but maneuver them into doing some dirty work while dangling Creedy's keeps info they need for the mission and other benefits.

If she wanted to get them out of town for a few weeks but let the mission continue there is one location I can think of. The Hinterlands Outpost. Solid week or so of travel. Get a look at the mysterious outpost. Maybe there to sneakily kill someone, or act as courier and escort to get one of her people there who will make sure the Outpost falls into Beve's hands.

Not that they couldn't try for a second meeting thats not so antagonistic from the start to arrange something like that. Just between Eligius and Beve if needs be. Eligius sees what shes trying to do, and seems to approve. If they don't feel like just watching and fucking in the Peacock I think it would be an option where we get to see whats going on out there. Orcs, syndicate, Scarface esq drug farm plantation in the wilds of the Hinterlands. I enjoy the Eligius Pai outtings so it could be fun and useful.


Anyways Eligius decided to keep the mission going, at a pace that will hopefully accommodate Beve's plan to replace Creedy. Solid enough for now.


>>The interrogation can wait till tomorrow, but stay on topic of Syndicate with Blackmoore.
Their spies in the RD camp. Weapons and warlockery in the hands of the gnolls. Will they try the orcs next. The Warlock Fel Pool as their weapon, if it had been closer to the camps...

>>Talk with him about Darrowmere League, sell the idea to him once more.
The cost of the campaign? Well thats an obvious benefit of the League. Langston can handle the numbers and deals. Those merchants understand supply for security, guaranteed deals. Opening up the Darrowmere River means more Lordaeron nobles and merchants coming down, stopping at the Arena.

>Raise the Alliance Meeting with him, are there points he would like for you to represent him for?

>>6266172
>>>The interrogation can wait till tomorrow, but stay on topic of Syndicate with Blackmoore.
>>>Talk with him about Darrowmere League, sell the idea to him once more.
>>>Raise the Alliance Meeting with him, are there points he would like for you to represent him for?
blackmoore..........

>>6266172
>The interrogation can wait till tomorrow, but stay on topic of Syndicate with Blackmoore.
>Talk with him about Darrowmere League, sell the idea to him once more.
>Raise the Alliance Meeting with him, are there points he would like for you to represent him for?

"You are right, we aren't in a hurry." You replied and took a seat taking a closer look on one of the papers.

A hot meal, half a loaf of bread, two litres of beer or wine if no clean water. This every day for a thousand people and then on top of that everything else. Arrows, fodder for horses and oxen, spare tents and cloth. Medical supplies and alcohol.

"They ran out of medical alcohol." You pointed out. "This is not enough, they had to raid the personal stashes the soldiers had."

Blackmoore looked at you like you had just killed his favourite dog. Raiding alcohol stashes? That won't happen again.

"That needs to be remedied." He replied and took the paper from you to make changes to it.

It made sense why campaigning was so expensive. A soldier might be able to carry enough rations for a couple of days, but after that point you need the baggage train. Carts, supplies and servants, and they need their own carts and supplies. It wasn't uncommon for the baggage train to dwarf the actual marching army.

From here the talk shifted to the campaign itself, Blackmoore didn’t have much interest in the gnolls as their threat was for the most part removed and he had a whole lot of them in his cells for the next set of gladiator games. But the talk of the Syndicate threat did interest him.

"Warlocks and weapons being provided, this is a serious threat to all of us." Blackmoore said to you.

"To us, not just to me or just to you or Hillsbrad. They are a common enemy." You replied. "We got their drug ring busted, that was cooperation, this campaign was cooperation."

"Since the winter we have gone through our personnel, sent outsiders to the Camps and brought locals here. I have no interest in having more assassins here." Blackmoore replied. "But if there were men in Regional Defenders…"

"We have to presume that they have informants, spies or more assassins elsewhere as well." You told him and continued. "Rooting them out won't be an easy task."

"It won't be, nor this security is cheap." He said.

"Trade brings prosperity and prosperity is security." You said to him.

"Prince Alric, are you going to invite me to your Darrowmere League again?" Blackmoore asked and gave you a knowing look.

"Lord Blackmoore, you know my arguments for it, what benefits it could bring to you and how it would strengthen your position. More wealth, more cooperation, others would see you as a team player." You said and smiled.

"And that is why I will wait till the Alliance Meeting is over, I want to know where you are standing and if the Alliance has any demands on the Internment Camps." Blackmoore told you and continued. "Secure my position and I will join your League."

1/3

>>6266700

That was a pretty clear offer and a smart one. If you represent him and get a favourable end result for Blackmoore, he will then join you. His goal of latching on you is pretty apparent and as much as you detest the man, him having given you the claim to Durnholde and being overall a reliable ally, he had been useful to you. But you knew things he didn't know, sooner than later Thrall would attack the Internment Camps and release the orcs within. That could be Blackmoore's ruin.

There was a knock on the door before you could answer and it was opened.

"Lord Blackmoore, Prince Alric." Sir Foecourt greeted the both of you. The knight in his plate mail bowed and stepped forth. "This is where you had such a hurry to go."

"One shouldn't keep the Lord of the Keep waiting." You replied.

"Good that you are here Sir Foecourt, how many knights did you bring with you?" Blackmoore asked.

"Ten, what is it? I just came here to inform you of our arrival." Foecourt replied.

"Murlocks have been sighted by the shores, fishermen have gotten a bit jumpy. Tomorrow you will ride south and deal with them, then return to your homes. I do not want Thoradin's Wall to be unsecured." Blackmoore ordered him.

"Understood my Lord." Foecourt replied and saluted before turning around and exiting the room. He seemed disappointed.

You turned to look at Blackmoore and gave him a curious look.

"The petty nobles are always complaining about everything, but now they won't complain if I snub the problem immediately." He said to you and continued. "But tomorrow you will interrogate the warlock and then we shall go hunting in the afternoon. Ask the servants, they will prepare you a room."

You understood that as a suggestion to leave and you replied with a smile. Standing up, Blackmoore continued to speak with you.

"How long are you going to stay here?" He asked you.

"Till the whole army is here and we have retrieved the loot we have stashed away. " You told him. "Then I can disband the army and send the men home."

"Good, because in three days we have a grand feast to celebrate your victory. I wouldn't want you to miss it." Blackmoore replied. "The whole Durnholde has been invited, Southshore too."

You gave him a polite nod. A feast in your honour? That was rather nice of him and then some hunting tomorrow. He was buttering you up.

"Thank you Lord Blackmoore, till tomorrow."

You left his study and walked through the hallway to where the rooms reserved for high ranking guests were. Leaning against a wall you noticed a familiar man.

"Sir Foecourt."

"Prince Alric."

"Murlocks? Not a common threat?" You asked. "You are going to miss a feast."

"Typical of Blackmoore. He doesn't really like me." Foecourt lamented. "Shall we walk?"

2/3

>>6266701

He joined you as you made way to the guestrooms, stopping a servant to inform that you would take the best one. Understanding that he wanted to talk in private, you entered a small room with him and closed the door. Taking the Black Noise Device from your belt pouch, you placed it on a shelf and Foecourt understood that he was now free to talk.

"Like I said, Blackmoore doesn't like me. He sees a couple of us petty nobles as threats to his position. Me because of the knights I command and Lady Imswit as she has the respect of other nobles." Foecourt told you.

"Why don't you push back on him?" You asked.

"And give him a reason to work against me directly? No, I can't do that." Foecourt said to you. "Prince Alric, I have a request."

"What is it? I hope you aren't asking too much." You asked him.

"The petty nobles like you, can you keep their backs for me? Lady Imswit does her best, but she is just a Lady." He asked you.

"I will see what I can do, keeping the whole Durnholde friendly to me is a smart thing to do." You replied and shrugged.

"Thank you, I can't ask more from you." Foecourt replied. It felt like he wanted to speak more, but couldn't.


>He has something else that he wants to talk about. Ask him what is it?
>Has he talked to those knights who are willing to jump to your service? How many of them and when they would do so?
>Will Foecourt join you in Dawnholme. You respect him, Blackmoore clearly doesn't. You could use a cavalry commander.
>Thank him for fighting alongside you in the campaign. He is a good man and you think of him as your friend.
>Other, write in.

>>6266702
>He has something else that he wants to talk about. Ask him what is it?
>Has he talked to those knights who are willing to jump to your service? How many of them and when they would do so?
Foecourt.....

Some minor Eligius and the gang updates to Stats and Socials pastebin. I need to do some other pastebin maintenance soon, but that can wait a moment.

>>6266338

It was magical "killing intent", same sort of stuff as with when Nalice gibbed those guys in Southshore.

And why Eligius felt it? Because Beve is ready to cast without delay, that is how she hit Eligius with instant Sleep and Pai with instant Still. And archmage spymaster needs to be more than ready. This is something Eligius would probably realise in a day or two.

>>6266702
>>He has something else that he wants to talk about. Ask him what is it?
>Has he talked to those knights who are willing to jump to your service? How many of them and when they would do so?

>>6266702
>He has something else that he wants to talk about. Ask him what is it?
>Has he talked to those knights AND HIMSELF who are willing to jump to your service? How many of them and when they would do so?
>Thank him for fighting alongside you in the campaign. He is a good man and you think of him as your friend.

>>6266762
Magic killing intent is fine. Though if he wanted to convey that to Pai as soon as they were in the cellar its immediately fatal levels of magical danger so she should kneel, rather than Beve is royalty and magically larping up her stage persona so they should kneel, he should put that into his tone. He didn't and so seeing him say it later felt a bit incongruent to me.

He knew the syndicate contact he was meeting had a mage on hand because of the 'old lady' at the peacock or atleast the magic writing. Leaving him magic writing means they KNEW he could unlock it and that he knew magic, or the message would be useless. Then waltzed in to their prepared meeting place without his own magic protection, or what he had was useless. I'm sure he'll reflect on that. Holding a shadow bolt in his hand? Demon Skin? Holding onto Mana or Fel or Void magic inside to help resist getting knocked out? Something to think on. Was he just thinking "Oh Shit Eligius you've gotten yourself into a real pickle this time. Again. Overbearing magical women magnet Eligius. Thats me."


I'm more thinking on what Beve wanted to achieve here. She showed off which was cool. Implied her plan, even if that only got to the person capable of understanding it after the fact as she had to knock him out. Made them powerless before her and told them to go home, but if she thinks they will stubbornly stay then the meeting hasn't done anything to protect her plan further that she wasn't already doing herself.

Didn't give them an ultimatum after showing the difference in ability, not that she needs to use herself when exposing them would be a death sentence. "You can help me with this lengthy escort quest, get out till later, or die." Why have such an antagonist feeling to the meeting if you aren't going to use it to protect your very important plan. She has them in the palm of her hand if she wills it. Teach them some important lessons if they really are going to be protecting Alric in future and thats her greater wish here.

Maybe her style of spymastering is just different.

Escort quest out to the Hinterlands outpost through troll? Orc? etc territory. Buys a few weeks for Beve. Leave the gangs cover intact as they leave the town. Bit of combat experience to see how we would use Eligius and everyone while protecting a fragile escort. Just what they'll have to do later. Success helps out Beve's plan, gets intel, seasons the team a bit before they have to try the Keeps. If they need to recover from wounds thats a bit more time, maybe enhanced by whatever exotic healing syndicate warlocks can do. Or ol Bill pulls out some aragorn ranger healing.

Well I don't wanna push it too much so I'll leave it at that.


>>6266702
Is a spy like him is capable of anguish? But call him a good honorable man

>Other, write in.
He wanted to send those knights to us, but doing so immediately after Hellscream was discovered in the Durnholde hills could be a smirch on their honor?

"You have something on your mind?" You asked him.

"Yes, I have." Foecourt replied after a pause. "What did you talk about with Blackmoore?"

"Security, trade? Why do you ask?" You answered.

"I feel something is off with him." Foecourt replied to you and continued. "After the winter, he called all of us knights and officers here to Durnholde Keep for a meeting. There were going to be anti-Syndicate preparations here."

"He mentioned sending those who aren't from here out to the Camps." You told Foecourt.

"And he half-assed it. Half of the knights here are recent hires from elsewhere and yet they are here." Foecourt told you. "He also had some other plans, but none have been enacted."

"Are you suggesting that he is a Syndicate member?" You asked and couldn't really believe what Foecourt was saying.

"Look, I have no proof of that nor of any affiliation. This is just a hunch of mine." Foecourt replied. "It could be something else, him and Langston are always scheming something, keeping the rest of us out of the loop."

Blackmoore had roots in Alterac so he could have connections from prior Second War or even afterwards, but it could be just something else that bothers Foecourt. You know that Blackmoore has his own schemes of which you are part of half of them one way or another.

"Hmmm… thank you. I will keep my eyes and ears open if needed. Never hurts that." You said and shrugged.

"Or this is just my dislike of him making me believe things." Foecourt said.

"Could be, but you mentioned the knights that might want to join me. How many of them are there and when would they arrive?" You asked.

"Half-dozen, maybe ten at best. Depends on if they can get better contracts here." Foecourt told you. "Traditionally the contracts here end at the end of the summer, they would leave Durnholde then."

"Couple more months then." You said and got a nod as a reply.

Foecourt offered his hand and you took it.

"It was an honour to fight alongside you, I have no idea when we will meet again." Foecourt said to you.

"Likewise, it was an honour. Now go and give those murlocks hell." You replied and laughed.

…

Having said goodbye to Sir Foecourt, the servants had meanwhile gotten the room ready for you. Apparently some of them had been renovated and you got the fanciest one.

The room was in a corner of the Keep, windows opened to two directions and you saw the gatehouse and the village of Durnholde in the distance. Wardrobes and shelves were near the door as was a smaller bed for a squire or personal servant. A table for eating and then a smaller one for writing letters. There was even a small bookshelf, but none of the books were any special. Carpets covered the floor and embroidered cloths made the bare walls spring alive with colours. The room was L-shaped with out of sight from the door being the bed, this time one wide enough for two people.

1/2

>>6267001

You chuckled, Blackmoore had put a quite solid amount of coin into refurbishing the room and he had done a quite good job. Nothing really was missing from here, except your beautiful girlfriend to cuddle with in that bed. That would sadly have to wait, she would watch over the wounded men and return with the last ones. But now just some sleep, tomorrow would start with an interrogation!

…

Having washed your face and shaved, you were as fresh as you could. The warlock was being kept in the dungeons behind three layers of guards. Since the events of the winter, some lessons have been apparently learned.

"Good morning my Prince." Sir Gravis said to you.

"Good morning, how is our prisoner?"

"Alive, freshly checked by the jailer." He replied.

"Good, shall we go in?" You asked as Blackmoore stomped his way to join the two of you. "Good morning Lord Blackmoore, you are up early."

"I want this done and over with as soon as possible." He replied. He was as sober as man could be. "And then he will hang."

The jailer went for the door and opened it, a bit of light got into the cell and you were handed a lantern as you stepped in.

There he was, the warlock sat on the sandy floor. He had been stripped bare and several bruises, some newer, told a story of him getting roughed up and kicked around by the guards. The warlock's feet had been tied together by leg irons, the chain went up to his waist where it did a loop before going up into a collar around his neck and for his arms that were held up above his head. His hands had been wrapped in cloth to prevent him from making any signs or moving them, a smart move to prevent any sort of casting. A leather gag prevented him from talking and cloth over his eyes from seeing. Apparently he had been fed water and water bread so he wasn't starving, but they hadn't allowed him to move a bit as he sat on his own feces and piss. Slowly his chest moved up and down.

"Wake him up." You ordered and Gravis took a bucket of water that he threw at the man.

The warlock mumbled and shook awake as the water hit him and washed dirt off his naked body.

"I am Prince Alric Perenolde. You know very well who I am and what you are going to tell me will decide your future." You told the warlock. You knew he would hear you if not see you right now.

Now you weren't that much of an interrogator, but you knew how to talk. You also didn't like the idea of torture, but that is why Sir Gravis was here to do the dirty work with the jailer if needed. Maybe torture wasn't needed, but maybe a warlock deserves it? Or you could just talk with him man to man, maybe use your reputation for leniency to your advantage?


2/2

>>6267002


Interrogate the warlock:
>Questions, write in

Interrogation methods:
>Take off the gag, let him speak freely
>Take off the blindfold, let him see you
>Have the irons removed.
>Allow Gravis to roughen him up first
>Force him to stand by pulling him up with the chains.
>Tell Gravis to bring out the tools and prepare them for further use
>Have Gravis and Blackmoore leave, you will do all of this alone.

QM: There will be a couple rounds of this, no wall of text questions please, think where to start.

>>6267006
Interrogate the warlock:
>Questions, write in
Is he aware there was an attempt on Alric's life. Show him the bottle of presumed poison taken from their tent.
Name.
His mission.
Who gave him the mission.
Who were their contacts in the area.
Did they have a safehouse or meeting place if things went badly.

Name of his Master. His faction. Number of men in his group. As some others for this round or next.

Interrogation methods:
>Take off the gag, let him speak freely
>Take off the blindfold, let him see you

Not like he can answer the real questions with a gag lol. Plus we already know most of the restraints on warlocks are mostly for show, but if we can see his eyes we can gauge his reactions better. Plus he can see Alric's eyes. With Blackmoore standing there is a pretty good motivator too lol.

Alric can sense if he tries anything, and we've got the anti magic dagger.

>>6267096
My theory right now is these guys were sent to Southshore more than a year ago to join the RD as spies for Creedy, so before Gallows Corner was cut off and the letter we got from Aliden promising no more assassinations. Hinting at a deal between him and Creedy for support while hes drowning.

Their kit for assassination is very limited, they weren't particularly skilled, and really trying to assassinate Alric while working with the RD is rather unlikely to get close enough without very particular circumstances. If they had been sent as assassins everyone involved would have had to know about the Durnholde campaign more than a year ago, which isn't impossible but would very much limit who knew about it for sure.

So, why do it? I would guess someone higher rank is in the area, knew about their group, and ordered them to make the attempt recently. Cut off as they are it might be the first order they've received in a while, and with little means to defy a superior.

If we think of Durnholde as a shared territory for Syndicate interests maybe that makes it even easier for another factions officer to give orders.

Is it possible theres some interfactional motivations at play? Another faction's officer giving them this order, anticipating failure and that they would be wiped out. Less Creedy spies in the RD and area. Which faction would be motivated to give such an order, or to really make another attempt on Alric's life. Perhaps one of Aliden's officers would want them to die, but allowing the attempt would rather go against his word to Alric. Probably an officer of Falconcrest would make the attempt, even for just the show of it if we understand its a statement that will help him gather more support among hardliners.

The lantern wasn’t much and it was a bit too dark in the cell with your glasses on. Taking them off you heard the door click shut behind you and you passed the lantern to Blackmoore.

“Take off the gag and the blindfold.” You told Gravis.

Your knight did as told and the warlock coughed several when the leather gag came off and blinked when he could see. His eyes first went for the lantern, then to you, Gravis and Blackmoore, before returning to your eyes. The warlock looked at you and spat.

“I told you.” You replied as the spat caught your black arming trousers. “How you reply to me will decide your future.”

“Fuck you.” The warlock replied back to you.

“This really didn’t start on a good footing, did it?” You said to the warlock. “You haven’t really understood it, I am not lying to you.”

The warlock just stared back at you.

“So let’s start with some simple questions. What is your name?” You asked and gave him a polite smile.

“Fuck you.” The warlock replied again.

“Alright Fuck You, peculiar name, but name nonetheless. What was your mission with the gnolls? Who gave you the mission? Do you have companions?” You asked the warlock and didn’t get an answer so you took out the small bottle of poison that had been confiscated. “Are you aware that there was an attempt on my life by your compatriots?”

His eyes opened a bit, if you were to guess he wasn’t aware. His group was different to those who had infiltrated Regional Defenders. He probably didn’t realise that he had just revealed that. Watch the reactions, watch their eyes react.

“Fuck… you!” The warlock spat at you again and this time reached you black arming jacket.

“I think he is disrespecting you Prince Alric.” Blackmoore said to you. He seemed to find this funny.

“Clearly the man is incapable of spelling anything else other than his name.” You chuckled.

The man knows your questions you want immediate answers to, but he doesn’t want to talk, so maybe he needs some encouragement? Or just telling him how things will go? You really weren’t a good interrogator, but maybe a way through the man could be found?


Interrogation methods:
>Put the gag and blindfold back on
>Have the irons removed.
>Allow Gravis to roughen him up
>Force him to stand by pulling him up with the chains.
>You don’t like torture, but when you aren’t present, you can’t stop it from happening. Let the implication stand.
>Be frank about his future, it is most likely death, but how he answers will decide how he will reach there. By your blade? By hanging? By sending him to Dalaran? With torture beforehand?
>Tell Gravis to bring out the tools and prepare them for further use
>Have Gravis and Blackmoore leave, you will do all of this alone. Speak with him as magic user to magic user.

QM: Tough nut to crack

>>6267338
"But you're right there is a matter of respect here. Even if you can only say your name I don't think you're dull. You know what it means if you weren't informed." (They were going to leave you out to dry from the start)

Little bit of mindgames here, and decent chance its true they didn't care if another group might also get caught up in the post attempt investigations.

Interrogation methods:
>You don’t like torture, but when you aren’t present, you can’t stop it from happening. Let the implication stand.

Does he really want to risk torture, for the people ready to throw him under the wagon?

Though potentially not just torture, if they have a healer they can go beyond the normal limit of human endurance. That might be a bit too dark. Church inquisitor style.

>>6267338
"But you're right there is a matter of respect here. Even if you can only say your name i don't think you're dull. You know what it means if you weren't informed."
"Down there it must smell. You should get up. Guards throw some water where he is dirty, Mister Fuck you should appreciate it."

>Force him to stand by pulling him up with the chains. Throw water.
>You don’t like torture, but when you aren’t present, you can’t stop it from happening. Let the implication stand.

Now that you are cleaner, you should think twice before giving me the same answers. Your little pool of Fel was a nice attempt against our army, but it failed. Did you think it would slow us ?

And about the chief of that tribe of gnolls, that i killed, why did you decide to give Fel to him ? Wasn't all that equipment and weapons enough for make him work with the Syndicate ? A little project of yours, away from the eyes of your masters ?

>>6267509
I don't think we need to taunt or demean him any more. His earlier beatings and treatment left him resolved against answering. I'd guess if we had gone to him the first day we might have gotten him before some of that, but Darrowmere League is rather pressing.

Whether forcing him to stand will cause him pain or discomfort and muddy our reading his expressions like before would be my concern. But his reaction to earlier treatment makes me think he will take it as a challenge.

Let him keep his line of thought. Make him believe he was fucked by his compatriots before we even caught him, drain his resolve without torturing him.

The Fel Pool and the Gnoll Warlockery are interesting for that though.

I have very little doubt he will know absolutely fucking nothing about the Fel Pool, because I think it was actually some rogue dalaran trained warlock out there with his illusion traps and fel experiment who had no idea the Durnholde Campaign was going to happen until it did. But at the same time its a lot of stuff in one area for coincidence.

So hes painted as not only uninformed by the regular groups, but by the warlocks as well.

If he knew about the gnoll warlockery that might be interesting, but I doubt he does. Considering its a massive fuckup with Creedy losing all those materials to the gnolls he'll want to keep it quiet. He probably sent them a warlock to teach them. Dead once he trained up those two gnoll warlocks would be my guess.

After that it kinda looks like he doesn't know anything lol. Blackmoore might just ask if we can hang him and be done with it. That might play well as bad cop to Alrics good cop.

You sighed and looked at the warlock.

"But you're right there is a matter of respect here.” You said back to him and took a breath. “Even if you can only say your name I don't think you're dull. You know what it means if you weren't informed."

You took a step forward and bent down to stare at his eyes better.

"Down there it must smell. You should get up.” You said and smiled. “Sir Gravis throw some water where he is dirty, Mister Fuck You should appreciate it."

You walked away and let Gravis do your bidding. The door to the cell was opened and in few moments your knight returned with a bucket of water. You stopped him though.

“Do you think he can enjoy the water if he is sitting on the floor?” You asked Gravis.

He got your idea and went for the chain. Pulling it first the arms straightened and then the rest of the body started to rise. The warlock struggled and groaned as the chain pulled him up and his body stood up. His feet barely touched the sand he had been sitting and shitting on. Gravis took the bucket and threw the water at the warlock, the cold water hit the naked body and had an effect as he tried to lick whatever caught his tongue.

“Now that you are cleaner, you should think twice before talking to me. Your little pool of Fel was a nice attempt against our army, but it failed. Did you think it would slow us?” You told him and looked at him eye to eye. “I had the priests of the Holy Light surround it with their spells and prayers, then my mages to burn all of it away. Nothing remained of your pool except cinders and ash.”

The warlock stared at you back and didn’t say a word.

“And about the chief of that tribe of gnolls, that I killed, why did you decide to give Fel to him? Wasn't all that equipment and weapons enough to make him work with the Syndicate? A little project of yours, away from the eyes of your masters?” You said back to him. “The chief fought, he was a worthy opponent. But just like all the gnolls before him, he died. The expedition was a success, and I as the Lord Commander of it made sure that all the gnolls that we could catch were killed. And now I am here back in Durnholde, what does that tell you?”

You walked closer and looked at the now mute warlock as you took your chaperon and threw it to Gravis to put aside.

“You are a warlock, that means you are a learned person. You know me, you know that I am lenient, that I have the woman who tried to kill me still in Dawnholme as a prisoner. You know that I am a man of my word.” You said to him, lying to him about Pai and continued. “I don’t like torture, I find it unsuitable for a Prince like me, but what if I am away?”

You let the words hang in the air for a moment and two.

1/2

>>6267620

“Lord Blackmoore here has invited me to hunt with him and then to feast with him a couple days later. We will split the spoils and I will then call the campaign to be over, letting the men go back to their homes and I will ride back to Alterac.” You told him and continued. “Before that there's a couple of days when I am not here and then I will want my answers. And during those days the jailer that I blueballed last winter, is going to have a release I denied him.”

Blackmoore and Gravis both looked at you and gave questioning looks.

“If you want, I can ask them to put the gag on for maximum pleasure.” You said back to him. “So how do you want, do you wish to speak now or after a couple days of the jailer having his way with you?”

The warlock looked at you and and to the others.

“Fuck you and fuck you.” He said to Blackmoore and Gravis.

Did he want to talk with you alone or what?


>Tell them to leave, you will speak with him alone.
>No, they will stay. You are in Blackmoore’s Keep after all.
>Torture it is, you will go and enjoy the hunting with Blackmoore and return in a couple of days.
>Other, write in.

QM: Rapid firing these updates.

>>6267622
>Tell them to leave, you will speak with him alone.

Blackmoore and Gravis looking at Alric and going 'wtf'. Also saying blueballed like the jailer was the one from Berserk

>>6267622
>Tell them to leave, you will speak with him alone.

>>6267622
>>Tell them to leave, you will speak with him alone.

>>6267622
>Tell them to leave, you will speak with him alone.
this was funny.
>>6267655
>Blackmoore and Gravis looking at Alric and going 'wtf'
"he needed to be clean !"

Man to man, could I get a roll please.


>1d10
>Best of three

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>6267818

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>6267818

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>6267818
rolling demons

>7


“Lord Blackmoore, Sir Gravis, could you please leave.” You asked them.

“Are you sure?” Blackmoore asked back.

“Our Mr. Fuck You has something against the two of you.” You told them, getting a shrug as a reply from Gravis.

Blackmoore shook his head and knocked on the door for it to be opened. While he found this amusing, he didn’t seem to think that the warlock would speak much if nothing at all. He and Gravis stepped out and you heard the door click shut again, leaving you and the warlock alone.

You looked at the wet beaten man that was held up and standing by the chains around his wrists, he looked quite miserable like that and you gave him a questioning look waiting for him to speak. Instead the warlock just raised his head a bit to look at you better and spat. The aim wasn’t off and the wet spit hit you on your cheek. That was disrespect you wouldn’t allow and before the warlock had an idea what you would do, your hand was in motion, striking the warlock directly in the face with the back of it.

The hit got the man off his feet and dangling from the chains, his nose slowly started to bleed as the warlock tried to balance himself again.

“You really don’t get it.” You said to him. “You use the opportunity to speak with me alone to spit on me?”

“You don’t look like a Prince to me.” The warlock said, his voice giving a hint of pain in it

“A naked man hanging from chains can’t really give such opinions.” You replied and continued. “You know what I want, don’t make this any more difficult than it already is.”

“I sense the Fel inside you, not just your eyes.” The warlock said. “Show it to me.”

Still making demands, you started to feel that he was just fucking with you and just wasting your time with no intents of actually telling you anything. Was he suspicious of the poisoning story or trying to find out something? Did he suspect that you know magic or what? Was he even in a position to ask you such things?


>The warlock is not in the position to make any sort of demands.
>How can you show it if it is just the remnants of the Syndicate poisoning.
>Create a fire on your hand, yes you know magic.
>Burn some Fel away to show the warlock’s suspicions right.
>This is pointless, he isn’t going to talk to you. Leave the warlock to the care of the jailer and his tools.
>Other, write in

>>6267954
Insanely bratty warlock. If only Nalice was here.

>Other, write in
Put this Thing in its place Nalice style

Dramtic mood setting ideas.
Snap our fingers and put the lantern out. Get a good look of the glowing eyes.
Draw the cindersword and superheat it, let him feel it.
Nalice style. Can he build up his own spell inside without releasing it? Just the intent to burn this dude alive with mana and fel if he makes another spit.

Maybe choke his ass out

Bit of a funny mood today I'll just go with it, maybe someone else has a more sensible idea. I'd be fine just killing him too.

>>6267954
>>6268044
And reveal that ace up our sleeve to this scrub? God no.

I think it better to just stare at him in silence for a while then, if he the silence doesn't get through to him, just leave. Maybe he loses his nerve at the last minute but I was willing to kill Pai if we didn't see any progress and Im willing to kill this guy too.

>>6267954
>>How can you show it if it is just the remnants of the Syndicate poisoning.

>>6267954
>>6268044

Do we have the cinder sword on us?
>ignite the sword with a click

>>6267954
>>How can you show it if it is just the remnants of the Syndicate poisoning.

>>6267954
>>6268279
ignore previous suggestion, supporting stick to the story
>How can you show it if it is just the remnants of the Syndicate poisoning.

>>6268279
>>6268307
I'd think we would considering we only just had another assassination attempt lol, plus previous fights in Durnholde, but if custom and manners demand it I suppose we could have left it. Purely academic at this point it seems.

>>6267954
>The warlock is not in the position to make any sort of demands.

The tenacity of this man to even ask these things from you.

“How can I show it to you, if what you feel are the remnants of the doings of your organisation?” You asked the warlock and stared at the man.

The warlock didn’t say a word as you kept staring at the man. He wasn’t worth telling or showing anything and your patience had started to run thin, but not thin enough to fuck the warlock back. So you just stared at him and looked into his eyes, your green gaze piercing into his.

“Fine, I am dead in any case.” The warlock sighed.

“Willing to talk? What changed?” You asked.

“They talk of dark arts and magic surrounding you, but clearly they are wrong. You are just a pissant Princeling.” The warlock said to you. “If you actually were like the rumours say, then maybe I had a chance… either way you are not so this is a moot point.”

Was he going to offer his help if he was kept alive? To join you like Otto Wanz did? You did need more magic, but this man was too much of an errant warlock for that. Skilled or not, he was way too much of a risk.

“The rumours are quite wrong, imagine if you have heard something like that, what would my own countrymen have heard? Or what would Silver Hand have heard?” You said to him. “So shall we talk?”

The warlock nodded.

“What is your name?” You asked.

“Jonathan.”

“Where are you from?”

“Andorhal.”

“Jonathan of Andorhal, nice to meet you.” You said and continued.”What was your mission with the gnolls? Who sent you there?”

“That is a long story, but to keep it short. The Syndicate wanted to ally with the gnolls to ensure more footsoldiers and to make sure they wouldn't attack us.” Jonathan the warlock told you.

“I would like to hear the full story, I have time.” You replied and crossed your arms.

“Lord Falconcrest had issues with the gnolls in his territory, that is where it all started. I don’t know who made the decision in the end, but we moved into the forest and tried to contact them. At first it didn’t work and there were a couple small fights.” Jonathan told you.

“Around last year this time? Closer to autumn?” You asked.

“Before you destroyed our camp.” Jonathan told you and sighed. “Put me down, it is going to take a while to tell you everything.”

Taking the chain and loosening it, you allowed Jonathan to sit down, but still keep his arms above his head.

And then he spoke.

1/2

>>6268345

Jonathan wasn’t a high ranking warlock so he didn’t know everything that was going on, but he knows that the Syndicate was moving people east over the Darrowmere River. The gnolls were a probable obstacle that needed to be dealt with and trying to get on their side was the direction taken. At first it didn’t work, but after a couple more attempts during the winter and spring an agreement was reached. At this point you had already captured Stonedon and so the alliance with the gnolls turned more towards being pointed at you or Durnholde itself. But the gnolls had their own issues and they moved before Syndicate wanted.

“It was those blasted orcs that drove them south and out of the mountains.” Jonathan told you. “We had gotten them weapons and armour and then they went and ruined our plans.”


>So there’s no cooperation between the Syndicate and the Warsong Clan?
>What was exactly his role in this Syndicate plan?
>He didn’t tell you who his master is?
>What did he exactly do with the gnoll chief?
>The pool of Fel, what was the goal with it?
>Other, write in.

>>6268347
>What was exactly his role in this Syndicate plan?
>What did he exactly do with the gnoll chief?
>The pool of Fel, what was the goal with it?

>>6268347
>>He didn’t tell you who his master is?
>>What did he exactly do with the gnoll chief?
>>The pool of Fel, what was the goal with it?

>>6268345
Dude is dreaming of following a Warlock's Warlock. A Lord and Patron of the Dark Arts. Though he probably would have been satisfied and deferential with any small showing, then the rumors fill in the rest. I'll think on it.

His desperate hope against hope now that his time with the Syndicate is done. I get it. Bratty, respects magic power above all or even only magic power, has no faith in much else. If under the dirt and bruising he was just some dumb kid with edgy magic fixation maybe it would have gone better for him. Give it a couple days for the swelling to go down.

Though stepping away from his behavior towards us I suppose I can appreciate a defiant spirit just for its own value, he knows hes fucked but he was holding against the beatings and feeling of defeat. He got beat without even getting to put up a fight, but hes got spirit even if its in an unfortunate direction at the moment.

Really we got lucky with Otto Wanz, defeated in battle by our own non-syndicate warlock, and his strongest desire being to have a new purpose. Even if it looked like a suicide mission at the time lol.

>What was exactly his role in this Syndicate plan?
>What did he exactly do with the gnoll chief?
>The pool of Fel, what was the goal with it?

I'd take the whole bundle if theres time. Though if we save answers for later we have an excuse to keep him
alive and untortured since hes cooperating. Waste not.

How would he pair with the others and would their interactions be fun. Can Eligius learn from Beve's example and pull off a dramatic first impression on this guy. I imagine he might be able to work a few of her tricks out given time and resources. Or use the bloodstone to make an exceptionally powerful Fear to put him in his place, as Nalice might. Might be nice to see Eligius put someone in their place properly, start cultivating that aura of a real Spymaster Warlock.

>>6268347
>>So there’s no cooperation between the Syndicate and the Warsong Clan?
>He didn’t tell you who his master is?
>What did he exactly do with the gnoll chief?

I could use another set of rolls for the next update.


>1d10
>Best of three

Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d10)

>>6268828

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>6268828
woops force of habit there

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>6268828

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>6268828

>>6268858
DEEEEEMONS

>9


You knew that Syndicate deploys warlocks to strengthen their forces from Otto Wanz, but it might depend quite a lot if they are there just to provide direct magic support and knowledge or if they are there to handle their own business parallel to what other Syndicate plans happen to be. Wouldn’t surprise you one bit if that was the case. Plans upon plans in a decentralised structure where not all parties know what others are doing.

“What was your exact part in this Syndicate plan?” You asked him. “Because I don’t think you were just there to provide magical support.”

“I was there to lend a hand, but I had deliberate orders to guide the gnolls to accept the Fel to strengthen them. Only a few of them spoke Common so that was easier said than done.” Jonathan said to you. “But enough bribes and support with the arms and armour we gave them and they started to listen more and more.”

Jonathan continued to tell what had been doing this spring, the breakthrough in the Syndicate and gnoll relationship having been the weapon shipments and the gnoll mage being impressed by the warlock powers. The mage you had killed had turned to be the one who got the gnoll chief to agree to all of this and Jonathan had started to teach the mage and couple its closest assistants the arts of the warlocks. But there had been a major setback that nearly ruined everything.

“I had been given a small vial of distilled pure Fel.” Jonathan told you.

“By whom?”

“By my master Lady Montrose.” He replied.

“So the pool of Fel was of your doing?” You asked.

“Yes, for the gnolls to drink from it and for the mages to harvest more power. Just a small vial was enough to turn that spring into our tool.” He told you and continued. “But the mage got second thoughts and took its followers north, splitting away and off from the chief. I had to stay with the chief and then a couple days later I heard the mage had massacred my compatriots who had brought the latest shipment of arms.”

Hold on, the mage and the warband you had faced had split off from the main gnoll force?

“Why did the split happen?”

“The mage got second thoughts, it saw the transformation the chief went through and saw how a couple of the strongest fighters weren’t strong enough to handle Fel. The mage got scared and while it left, the assistants who had been let’s say well persuaded by me, they stayed.” Jonathan told you. “It spoke how this is all wrong and how the chief was making a mistake.”

1/2

>>6268872

Of course in the eyes of the warlock creating a pool of Fel that corrupts nature and whoever drinks from it is actually a good thing. The gnoll mage apparently was smarter than the man you are now talking with. And the name Lady Montrose is a familiar one, Wanz had told you that she was the person responsible for recruiting and training the warlocks in Syndicate service. If it was her plan to create the Fel pool and get the gnolls to be juiced up by it, that doesn’t really sound like something that would be attractive to other Syndicate members or the higher leadership, unless it was approved by them.

“Then you came with your army and the rest is history.” Jonathan told you. “When you attacked, I tried to get away, but your blasted mages caught me. To be Slowed, a warlock like me manhandled like that.”

“That’s it? That is your story?” You asked.

“Yes, I have told you everything I want to tell you.” He said and looked at you. “Now kill me, allow me that honour.”


>He will be hanged in a few days, justice will be served here in Durnholde.
>You will behead him, but the execution won’t happen immediately and it will be done outside.
>Kill him now, give him that honour.
>The warlock will be kept chained and bound before he is sent and delivered to Dalaran. They will take care of him.
>Other, write in.

QM: He won't speak or tell you more.

>>6268874
>The warlock will be kept chained and bound before he is sent and delivered to Dalaran. They will take care of him.
I'm really tempted by this to show that corruption is rampant in the backyard of Dalaran.

>>6268890
I also want a second opinion from our own mages William & Boyd on how Dalaran handles warlocks, is that possible?

>>6268891

You don't need Boyd or Williams for that, you know enough that Dalaran takes Fel and warlocks super seriously. If a warlock from outside is caught and is not some geek in Underbelly, Dalaran will very thoroughly interrogate the bloke after taking them in. And after the interrogation is officially finished, the warlock is executed. In reality Kirin Tor will have their own turn and the warlock disappears into the dungeons never to be seen again.

Not a fun enjoyable event, but Dalaran will like it big.

>>6268874
>The warlock will be kept chained and bound before he is sent and delivered to Dalaran. They will take care of him.
If Blackmoore gets uppity just assure him dalaran is most likely just going to kill him in the end. And we get some good rep with them for basically free.

do we know about warlock soulstones?

>>6268975

Haven't come up in your studies, but won't be part of this decision.

>>6268874
>The warlock will be kept chained and bound before he is sent and delivered to Dalaran. They will take care of him.

We'll need some Dalaran favor at the Stormwind Meeting with the Alterac Issue on the table.

In light of his behavior, his mission, and public knowledge of basically scooping him up, it would be a hard sell to want to recruit this guy and put him in his place. No apparent morals except liking dark magic power and punk rock giving the middle finger to authority.

If we had Nalice I wouldn't mind giving him to her and she retrains him into our weapon, or kills him for being bratty. If the public aspect of it was the issue, maybe an "execution by poison" medicine to fake his death, we'd only use warlocks in secret jobs anyways. It might have been fun to burden Eligius with trying to tame this guy, but hes pretty busy.


Wow hes actually the guy responsible for the Fel Pool with some pure distilled Fel, the Gnoll Warlocks, and the Fel juiced Chieftain. Wild. His exit strategy could have been better lol, but without Alric's fel sense he probably would have been fine so fair enough.

And he knows it was Falconcrest who was having problems with the gnolls in his territory which started it all, and that was while the gnolls were still in the mountains. Logically Falconcrest must own whatever Hinterlands territory is up there. That'll be a nice clue for Alric.

Thats pretty rough only the Chieftain was strong enough to survive the process of drinking from the pool, as far as we know. If they had a more skilled Warlock to handle it that could have been really nasty. As many elite juiced up gnolls as they could manage. Quite ambitious.

Did the Warlocks do it on their own, would Creedy have been desperate enough to approve it as a weapon against Alric, or Falconcrest approve it just for more power. Might have been an obstacle between the Orcs and Durnholde as well if it actually worked as intended.

But hes not the source of the very active magic landmine Alric stepped on? So that is still some other rogue mage testing their magic. Hidden workshop out in that trap zone? If we had time to send the mages or look ourselves that could have been interesting.

“You will be hanged.” That was a lie.

“Hanged? I guess that is how they do it around here.” Jonathan told you.

“In a couple of days, not immediately. We need to be ready for it, I don’t think Durnholde even has a proper setup for hanging and I don’t think you would like to hang there slowly suffocating.” You told him, that was a lie as well and you continued to lie to him. “Thank you Jonathan, what you have told me has been enlightening. I will make sure that you will be named and remembered in the history books.”

“We won’t see each other again?” He asked.

“No, not until the hanging.” You replied, another lie.

“Fine, goodbye Princeling.”

“May the Holy Light bless you.”

You went for the door and knocked on it. It was opened quickly and you stepped out while couple guards took your position inside the cell.

“He told me everything I wanted to know, have him be chained and bound just like before and prepare transportation for him to Dalaran.” You told Blackmoore and Gravis.

“Dalaran? I guess why not.” Blackmoore replied. “I guess some of our ways of restraining orcs could be used here.”

Blackmoore didn’t seem that enthusiastic about this, but he was willing to go along.

“What did he tell you?” He asked.

“We can talk more while we are out hunting, can we?” You asked him.

“I like the way you are thinking Prince Alric.” Blackmoore said and seemed immediately more cheerful.

“Shall we go then? Those rabbits don’t catch each other.” You said and smiled.

You had learned a lot, the warlock wouldn’t know where he was going to be sent until the moment he is going to be transported and you have a hunch that Blackmoore has a couple things in his mind to keep the warlock from not doing anything physical restraints can’t block. Now though time for some hunting and most likely drinking knowing Blackmoore.

…

You took a deep breath as you stepped inside Keep and stretched your back. The sober Blackmoore had been a fresh change and a surprisingly nice person to talk with, but the moment you had gotten out of the Keep and the hunting proceeded, Blackmoore had his wineskin out. And he offered you one and you couldn’t really say no to that.

And so for the past two days, first hunting some rabbits and then some common critters like foxes today, you had been drinking with Blackmoore. While you have pretty good drinking skills and ability to handle your alcohol, that was during one night and contained within it. Not keeping on drinking for two days straight with few pauses if any. But you had been talking with Blackmoore, slow and steady conversations about Darrowmere League, trade, security, Syndicate.

The Warsong orcs you had seen.

1/2

>>6269033

The presence of the orcs worried Blackmoore greatly, but he was sure that they wouldn’t come further south. They had stayed in the mountains for all these years, why would they rock the boat right now? Still, having men moved to the camps wouldn’t hurt now with the gnoll threat over.

“Prince Alric, it has been a while.” You heard a familiar voice call you. You turned around and looked at the source of the voice and found someone whom you knew.

“Lady Edith Imswit, it has been a while.” You said and greeted her with a polite nod. “Where is your daughter?”

The petty noble in her forties with smooth black hair was dressed in clothes that tried to minimize the size of her growing stomach.

“Resting in our room, the trip here tired her out.” Edith said to you. “You don’t look that fresh either.”

“Blackmoore.” You replied to her and she gave you a knowing look just as Sir Gravis stepped into the Keep.

Gravis paused as he saw Edith and then looked at you and her again and you and then her stomach.

“Have the horses been taken care of?” You asked him.

“Yes Prince Alric, they have been. The stableboys are cleaning and feeding them.” Gravis replied and felt nervous. Of course he was nervous, last time you were here Edith had been rather worried of who would continue the Imswit family with her daughter unmarried and no men in the family. It was a whole thing you had been trying to fix back in the winter, trying to find a husband for her daughter, Hilde Imswit with Langston and Gravis being the two final candidates. But Edith took the reins in her own hands and managed to bed Gravis in hopes of getting pregnant and it definitely looked like it had worked.

Continuing a bloodline seemed rather complex endeavour from time to time.


>So who is the father? How many months are you pregnant? Make sure to tease the hell out of Sir Gravis.
>Did Edith and Hilde come for the feast or what?
>Weren’t they supposed to come visit Dawnholme, you remember inviting them to come see you.
>Did the campaign against the gnolls affect the Imswits or rest of the petty nobles.
>Other, write in.

QM: We will find the husband to Hilde or it will be the end of me. I am not going to leave this sideplot hanging.

>>6269036
>So who is the father? How many months are you pregnant? Make sure to tease the hell out of Sir Gravis.
>Weren’t they supposed to come visit Dawnholme, you remember inviting them to come see you.
>Did the campaign against the gnolls affect the Imswits or rest of the petty nobles.

Hopefully its a boy. Though I suppose even if its a girl Lady Imswit can always try again. Wink wink nudge nudge. If Gravis is Hilde's husband I suppose it makes it easy to invite Gravis over as needed lol.

That reminds me. I don't recall if the Late Mayor of Southshore's daughter ever wrote to Alric on what she was up to in Capital City. I thought she said she might do some charity work to help the Alteracis there. Or some such.

>>6269036
>So who is the father? How many months are you pregnant? Make sure to tease the hell out of Sir Gravis.
Go Gravis ! Go ! Single handling saving the Imswit bloodline in one move ! Thats our Tiger Gravis ! WOWWWWW!
>Weren’t they supposed to come visit Dawnholme, you remember inviting them to come see you.
true. we didn't have much time, but we did throw an invite. If nothing else now the situation is safer (before the Thrall invasion at least). Beside its a good way for them to visit Gravis.
>Did the campaign against the gnolls affect the Imswits or rest of the petty nobles.
I recon no, since we very much where on the hunt for any moving carpet across the ancient forest. We even intercepted their attempted raids.


>We will find the husband to Hilde or it will be the end of me. I am not going to leave this sideplot hanging.
Go Gravis ! Goooooo !

>>6269036
>So who is the father? How many months are you pregnant? Make sure to tease the hell out of Sir Gravis.
>Did Edith and Hilde come for the feast or what?
>Weren’t they supposed to come visit Dawnholme, you remember inviting them to come see you.
>Did the campaign against the gnolls affect the Imswits or rest of the petty nobles.

>Are you okay with an absentee father of your child, as he is occupied being my senior knight?
>How long until you make him Lord Imswit?

“So who is the father?” You asked Edith. “You finally married your loyal man-at-arms?”

“Yes, a couple weeks after we left Durnholde.” Edith told you.

“Lucky man, I bet he is going to be a happy father.” You said and glanced at Gravis who was nervously sweating. “How many months are you pregnant?”

“Seventh, the child is quite active already, probably comes to his father.” Edith said and gave you a sly smile.

“His? Are you sure it is a boy?” You asked.

“Of course when you know the father.” Edith replied slyly.

Gravis looked like he was going to faint as you and Edith continued the conversation.

“But I do must ask, weren’t you supposed to come visit me in Dawnholme? I did invite you after all.” You asked her.

“Yes, we were planning on coming early summer, but this campaign and pregnancy made it easier for me to stay home. A lot of small things needed my attention back home. Blackmoore required us to send men and supplies, getting them together was an effort for us.” Edith said to you and continued. “I would have loved to visit Dawnholme, we have heard so much about your town and having a chance to spend more time with one of the husband candidates for Hilde would have helped in the decision.”

“We can talk about that later.” You said and the door to the Keep opened with Malevus in her priest’s robe stepping in. “Malevus! Perfect timing, I didn’t know you had arrived.”

Malevus was tired and somewhat bewildered as she looked at nervous and sweating Gravis, Edith who was slyly smiling and rather pregnant and you who was still drunk from today’s hunting trip.

“What is going on?” She asked you.

“We were discussing Lady Edith’s pregnancy.” You said and smiled. “And I think you can help me.”

“Help you? With the pregnancy?” Malevus was now thoroughly confused.

“I remember you and young Hilde to get along pretty well, so could you talk with Gravis and Mr. Langston for me and help with the decision of whom she should marry.” You told Malevus.

“Me?” Malevus protested.

“Yes you, I am still busy with Blackmoore and the campaign and I think this could need a more feminine touch than what I can provide.” You said to her.

“That sounds like a splendid idea.” Edith replied and took your girlfriend’s arm. “Let’s go see Hilde and leave the men to discuss their wars and battles.”

Malevus who had been just voluntold to the task looked at you and Edith without knowing what the hell just happened.

“Have fun!” You said to her and waved your hand as a goodbye as Edith dragged Malevus behind her and disappeared into the depths of the Keep. You meanwhile turned to look at the still nervous Gravis. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks, I guess.” Gravis replied.

“Do we need to get you some sort of a first time father gift?” You asked and chuckled.

“No, please don’t.” Gravis looked defeated.

You laughed.

1/3

>>6269388

With Malevus here, that also meant that Captain Cromwell had arrived with the rest of the army and wounded men. You found him at the barracks getting the soldiers where they should be. They had actually arrived before you, but you hadn’t seen them as they were on the other end of the Keep. Having spoken with Cromwell, everything seemed to be in order and you asked him to gather the officers together tomorrow morning for a meeting.

That done, you retired to your room and found out that the servants had already brought the rest of your stuff that had stayed in the camp there. Finally spare clothes and rest of the things you needed in daily life now that you weren’t out in the woods campaigning. But you didn’t have much time to rest as you were interrupted by someone at the door, going to open it you hoped it to be Malevus, but it was just some messenger wearing the colours of Stormwind and the letters he carried were exactly what you expected them to be.

The official invitation to Stormwind City to participate in the Alliance Meeting and a letter from Lady Katrana Prestor.

…

You are Lady Malevus Silverthread, a member of a family of renowned couturiers, a servant to a Magister Voren’thal the Seer, a Paladin in training, ersatz surgeon and most importantly a girlfriend to your love Prince Alric Perenolde.

“Alric, what are you reading?” You asked after arriving to Alric’s room as you stared at your boyfriend smoking the hookah and reading some letters. He was leaning on a chair lazily and going through the same papers again and again. He clearly didn’t like what he was reading.

“How was Hilde?” Alric asked you.

“She has grown and Lady Edith can’t really postpone her betrothal much longer.” You told Alric and sighed. “Such a sweet girl and she can’t enjoy her childhood without the marriage ripping it away from her.”

Alric gave you an assuring smile, you had after all for all purposes escaped from home to avoid getting married due to Quel’thalas politics. And for Hilde because her mother is requiring the marriage to be matrilinear, that cuts away quite many potential husbands. Leaving Sir Gravis and Karramyn Langston as the final two.

“You asked about the letters? The official invitation to Stormwind City for the Alliance Meeting and a letter from Katrana.” Alric said and enjoyed the hookah once more. “She needs my assistance and how she wrote the letter makes it sound that I don’t really have a choice to say no.”

“Because she has helped you so much?” You asked Alric and pulled off your priest’s robe. It was nice to get out of that stuffy robe.

2/3

>>6269389

“Exactly, she needs me to come there a week earlier. The Alliance Meeting is in four weeks and it will take nearly a week to sail there. So in two weeks we need to leave there if I am going to help Katrana.” Alric told you and closed his green eyes. Your boyfriend looked quite annoyed about this and then you noticed the glass of wine he was enjoying alongside the hookah.

“Are you drinking too?” You asked with a tone of disappointment in your voice. “What did Katrana request you to do?”


>Allow Alric to explain why Lady Katrana requires his help?
>Take the letter and read it for yourself. That way you don’t miss anything.
>Is Katrana trying to seduce Alric again?
>We could think of the trip to Stormwind City as a vacation. No wars or fighting, just the two of you.
>You have always wanted to see the Church of the Holy Light
>Other, write in

Preliminary Hilde Imswit marriage thoughts:
>She shouldn’t marry either if the child Edith carries is actually a boy. Then the urgency will pass.
>Langston is in an important position and he is rich. Sure the family name would be Langston-Imswit and you don’t like the man at all, but long term that would ensure the wealth of the family.
>Gravis is a good man and honourable. But he is just an officer and a knight, he doesn’t have much wealth or lands, but he does serve Alric which does count.
>Who is actually the father of Edith’s child? It is not the man-at-arms, right? It can’t be Alric?
>Other, write in.

QM: We will do most of the marriage stuff on the side while the rest of the events move forward to not bog everything down only on it.

>>6269083

Elizabeth Maleb hasn't written to you, but I haven't forgotten her. She is out there doing her things.

>>6269391
>Allow Alric to explain why Lady Katrana requires his help?
>Is Katrana trying to seduce Alric again?
>You have always wanted to see the Church of the Holy Light
here

>She shouldn’t marry either if the child Edith carries is actually a boy. Then the urgency will pass.
>Who is actually the father of Edith’s child? It is not the man-at-arms, right? It can’t be Alric?
>Other, write in.
>Have the Imswit thought about casting a longer net ? Perhaps a social visit out of the Hillsbrad region, now that there is more security ?

and here. Malevus is a smart cookie.

>>6269391
My memory is a little rusty. Gravis wanted this marriage right? He was willing to accept the matrilineal.

Though if the child was a boy the line would be secure, would the matrilineal be needed?

Malevus going to the big Storm wind Church could solve some issues. If she finds a priest willing to come to Dawnholme, one that meshes well.

I don't imagine Malevus wants to get in between the politics of Alric and his most powerful ally. He's foisted off Katranas advances before.

Though I did wonder about her being around when we meet with the Quelthalas rep.

>>6269391
>>You have always wanted to see the Church of the Holy Light
>Take the letter and read it for yourself. That way you don’t miss anything.
>Is Katrana trying to seduce Alric again?

>She shouldn’t marry either if the child Edith carries is actually a boy. Then the urgency will pass.
>Gravis is a good man and honourable. But he is just an officer and a knight, he doesn’t have much wealth or lands, but he does serve Alric which does count.

>>6269391
>Allow Alric to explain why Lady Katrana requires his help?
>Is Katrana trying to seduce Alric again?
>You have always wanted to see the Church of the Holy Light

>She shouldn’t marry either if the child Edith carries is actually a boy. Then the urgency will pass.
>Who is actually the father of Edith’s child? It is not the man-at-arms, right? It can’t be Alric?
>Gravis is a good man and honourable. But he is just an officer and a knight, he doesn’t have much wealth or lands, but he does serve Alric which does count.

Funny thought, but if the child really takes after Gravis it would be funny if they have to explain to his wife what happened.

Having Gravis married to a petty noble of Durnholde is a nice connection to strengthen ties to the region. That seems to be the real benefit here.

Could be worth more than I expect in the aftermath of Thrall's attack, and in any attempt to pursue the Deed of Durnholde. They could provide like 10 household troops to support Gravis in future? Maybe the Imswit family would be the nobles to take over Durnholde in the scenario where Blackmoore dies or falls from grace, if they have our support. But thats a lot of speculation.

Anyway its fun to play matchmaker with the officers.

“And is she trying to seduce you again?” You asked and took a chair that you dragged opposite of him.

Alric laughed and picked up a small red handkerchief from the table and gave it to you. You gave him a puzzling look as you felt the smoothness of cloth, it was quite expensive cloth and then you smelled it. Fragrance used smelled sweet and intoxicating.

“She has always sent something like that to me, maybe to just remember her better.” Alric shrugged and continued. “Or to try to seduce me…”

Alric offered you the hookah and after a couple weeks of campaigning, the softness and warmth that comes with it felt rather enjoyable. Taking it and inhaling slowly, the warmth spread through you and in moments you felt the weight of the past few weeks disappear.

“What did Katrana ask from you?” You asked Alric as you passed the hookah back to him.

“The House of Nobles and King Varian are in a deadlock. Varian doesn’t want or have interest to sign the budget as he is still lethargic from losing his wife. And Katrana hasn’t been able to get Varian to change his mind regarding it.” Alric told you and continued. “The issue is that while they have kept the bare minimum of the Kingdom running, without the King they can’t agree to troop movements or new infrastructure projects that require the treasury.”

“Why does Katrana think that you can help her?” You had to ask. “You have the Stonemasons seeking refuge in Dawnholme, I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I, but she explained that exactly because of that, he might listen to me. Varian is a Warrior-King, he would appreciate my bravery in walking straight into the lion’s den. And because I could explain my doings to him face to face.” Alric told you and continued. “Katrana also thinks that because I am not a King nor in the Alliance, it won’t be seen as tampering of domestic affairs.”

You thought about it for a moment and said something that sounded really smart in your mind.

“Because you exist in-between. Prince, yet not a King. Ally, yet not in the Alliance.” You blurted out.

Alric looked at you without saying anything as he put the hookah away and finished his cup of wine. He then stood up, walked to you and gave you a long tender kiss.

“W-why the kiss?” You asked as he pulled back.

“Because I am so lucky to be in love with such a smart woman. I couldn’t have put it any better.” Alric said and the goofy smile of his appeared on his face. “And because I like to kiss you.”

The blush appeared on your face as Alric pulled you up. His goofy smile didn’t disappear and you knew what was on his mind. And you wouldn’t say no to him right now.

1/2

>>6269829

The two of you woke up early. In the end you had just cuddled with your boyfriend, exchanging sweet words and gentle touches before the sleep caught the two of you. An actual bed and not a good enough cot as in the Camp was a huge difference, you slept really well and now you felt refreshed. Alric looked like he could get through dozens of boring meetings in a row.

As the two of you ate the breakfast servants delivered to your room, you spoke about Hilde and Edith as last night you had been occupied by the cuddling. While you thought that Gravis is a better option than Langston for obvious reasons, he isn’t exactly wealthy, but does serve your boyfriend. Edith did tell you that due to her requirement that the marriage is matrilinear, those from outside Durnholde had very quickly said no and the number of candidates had rather quickly receded to just Gravis and Langston. She had hoped the feast last winter could have found her another one who would be interested, but without much luck.

“But what if it is a boy?” You asked as you ate a bagel. “Couldn’t Edith and Hilde then wait as the urgency for an heir wouldn’t be there?”

“You are right, but is it a boy? What if something goes wrong during the birth or when the baby is young?” Alric asked and he was right even if that was a cynical point of view. “I don’t think Edith wants to take that chance.”

You shrugged as one last thing came to your mind.

“Who is the father then? Edith didn’t want to tell me, but said that he is someone I know.” You asked Alric who started to smile and seemed super coy about this. “No…no it can’t be you?”

Alric started to laugh and nearly choked on his tea. Apparently it wasn’t him based on his reaction.

“No, it is not me though Edith had asked me. She thought that all the rumours were true and I would bed anyone who was even half-attractive.” Alric said and laughed. “It is Gravis, he is the father.”

“Gravis! But if Hilde ends up marrying him, then…” You were surprised and started musing aloud.

“The family tree will look a bit wonky, but people outside of us don’t have to know.” Alric said to you and pointed out something. “At least Gravis would have a very good reason to go see his child, while visiting his wife’s mother. And if it isn’t a boy, they can always try for a second time!”

Alric now laughed while the idea made your imagination race way too fast.

“Let’s talk about something else please.” You mumbled.

Alric continued to laugh, at least he had fun.

2/3

>>6269830

The infirmary here in Durnholde was pretty well stocked and so you and the others had no problems at tending those who needed your help. It did help that your new assistant was loyally by your side, the helping hands of Lyman made the easy tasks even easier.

Today would be the day of the feast. All sorts of guests would be arriving from Durnholde and nearby. Alric had told you that he would prepare for it later today, but right now you were free to spend the rest of the day however you wanted. Which in your case meant work, you hoped you could find some time for something else by the side.


Choose one:
>The wounded men still need your help and care. Make sure everything is well with them and that they are comfortable. Sir Radan could enjoy your visit.
>There is a small chapel here in Durnholde Keep. Go and pray there for a while, you haven’t had a chance to properly do that for a while. Raleigh maybe could give you some spiritual guidance.
>The storehouse apparently got a shipment of the finest Quel’thalas tobacco. Go talk with Madam Martin as that seems to be the place she could be, you haven’t seen her in the infirmary after all.
>Other, write in.

>Talk with Gravis about Hilde’s betrothal
>Talk with Langston about Hilde’s betrothal

QM: Please vote on both

>>6269834
>>There is a small chapel here in Durnholde Keep. Go and pray there for a while, you haven’t had a chance to properly do that for a while. Raleigh maybe could give you some spiritual guidance.
>Talk with Gravis about Hilde’s betrothal

>>6269834
>The storehouse apparently got a shipment of the finest Quel’thalas tobacco. Go talk with Madam Martin as that seems to be the place she could be, you haven’t seen her in the infirmary after all.

>Talk with Gravis about Hilde’s betrothal

Whats Madame Martin up to? I wouldn't mind talking with her again after the last chat ended a little poorly, though I had been thinking it would be later when Malevus had a chance to sew up a nice witch hat, but smoking would be nice too. Would familiarity with it point to Malevus being a noblewoman? Do her ways in general give that away to someone like Madame Martin?

Is Madame Martin a potential Dalaran Underbelly informant, or she would be a good person to investigate who might be. Is she a noblewoman who moved to Dalaran rather than born there, maybe contributing to the various reasons her research wasn't well received. Was she taught by a witch in her youth and thats why she keeps her witch hat.

I wonder if this is Malevus stumbling into someone's out of the way secret meeting spot while looking for someone else, or just as is.

>>6269834
>>There is a small chapel here in Durnholde Keep. Go and pray there for a while, you haven’t had a chance to properly do that for a while. Raleigh maybe could give you some spiritual guidance.

Small chapel and Gravis, I could use a roll for things not related to Malevus.


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>6270132
Gee whose having a secret rendezvous in the chapel

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>6270132

>>6270172
Joever

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>6270132
nooooooooooooo

>>6270273
You did good bud

>10
>3


Thankfully most of the wounded men were in good condition and those whose wounds were infected and not properly healing weren’t that many. They deserved more of your time and while the progress was slow, there had been some progress in healing them. Careful and slow was the way and you were sure that the local healers could finish the job after you left back home.

You met Alric discussing the meeting with Cromwell and Gravis around midday when you went to eat. Apparently they had discussed beefing up the security of Durnholde Keep just in case something happens, especially with the last winter in mind. There should be more guards posted at the gates and then the Keep itself would have roaming patrols. It would help that the list of guests is quite a lot shorter and everyone knows everyone. They had also planned how the loot would be retrieved from the stashes. Langston apparently had already sent peasants with guards to work on it. They should have all of it here in Durnholde in two or so days, which means after that you can go back home to Dawnholme!

Well you didn’t really care about the loot, but by the looks of Alric and his officers, it was rather important to them. They looked like elf children in a candy story back in Quel’thalas!

But as they left to continue their duties, you asked Gravis to stay so that you could talk with him. Explaining why, Gravis agreed and two of you sat down for a cup of tea before he had to return to his own duties.

Sir Gravis of Knott was a rather pleasant person to talk with and the cup of tea turned into two cups rather quickly as time passed. He was a knight, a commoner who made enough name to be knighted and found employment later here in Durnholde. In normal circumstances knights like him had a rather hard ceiling on how far and high they can proceed in their careers, but as he is in the service of your boyfriend that ceiling might be gone and that makes him a slightly valuable husband candidate for petty nobles. Gravis did seem like a good husband for Hilde, but there was something you couldn’t really explain about him. But that shouldn’t stop him from being your current favourite for Hilde.

Gravis didn’t have issues with the matrilineal marriage, but he did question would Hilde move to Dawnholme to live with him? Would Gravis go to the Imswits to be the man of the family? What would Hilde do while he was serving Alric? Things like that bothered Gravis, practical problems for a rather serious subject that marriage is.

In the end you thanked Gravis and allowed him to go. He would be a good husband, but how far will his career go and would he have the time to be a good husband with his duties as the leader of the bodyguards for Alric? You weren’t as sure about that, especially as Hilde is still rather young. With the interview done, that just meant that Langston was remaining and you weren’t that happy about the prospect of talking with him at some point.

1/2

>>6270295

The chapel was empty when you got there, it was a simple small room with a similarly simple altar at one end. Kneeling in front of it to pray, you went through your usual prayers and then went for the ones taught by Father Hampton and Raleigh. You followed by reciting the books you had read, the one rare one Alric had gotten you had been very enlightening.

You weren’t exactly sure how much time had passed as you had gotten lost in your own thoughts.

“I was wondering where you are.” Alric said to you as he stepped into the chapel. “This is a small cozy place.”

“Durnholders don’t seem to be that religious.” You replied to him as you stood up. “Are you done for the day?”

“More or less.” Alric said and closed the door before he walked to you and took a seat on the first row pew while taking out the Black Noise Device. “I would like to talk about something with you, can you take a seat.”

Alric seemed serious, you had no idea what he was going to tell you. And he wasn’t asking you to take a seat, but more like ordering you.

“I didn’t want to talk about this elsewhere, we were either too tired or in the camp.” Alric told you. “This place is good enough, private enough.”

“Alric, you are making me concerned. Has something happened?” You asked him as you took a seat and placed your hand on his leg as a calming thing to do.

He sighed and spoke. He told you about the Fel nightmares he had during the campaign after exhaustion and stress, how it had pushed exhaustion away during the fighting and how he had denied it and pushed it away. But he had a mishap and allowed Fel to seep in from outside, mitigating and denying all the work he had done to burn it away in the first place in the past few months. How he described him controlling the fire or how he had burned the Fel pool away made your eyes open. It was easily, so easily very intoxicating and dangerous. Yet you hadn’t felt any changes in Alric, he was the same man as before. At least you hoped so.

“The strangest thing in all of this is that I feel fine, I feel like before the Incident. I feel healthy, I don’t get tired or exhausted like before. I have a theory I haven’t had fun thinking about, but I think the amount of Fel that Lady Nalice put into me to revive me wasn’t enough to keep me going. And more I burned away just made me weaker even though my body had recovered physically. But now with this intake there’s balance again in me.” Alric told you and looked at you with his Fel green eyes. “I am telling you this because I promised to be honest with you, I love you and I don’t know what should I really do now? I really don’t.”

Alric’s eyes showed sadness and concern over what he had told you. Has the Fel really made him feel healthy and like before? But Fel was dishonest, corrupting, unholy and impure. It wasn’t supposed to be within people, it went against everything you had been taught by Hampton and Raleigh. What you had been made to believe. Yet Alric told you the opposite.

2/2

>>6270296


>You are with Alric whatever the obstacles there are because you love him.
>The Fel is still something that needs to be removed, it is unholy and corrupting. It might not have an effect now, but in the future?
>Alric feels healthy like before the Incident? He doesn’t get tired like previously nor does he need the cane he had been using? That might prove his theory right.
>You haven’t felt any changes in him. Assure that nothing has happened that can’t be dealt with.
>Alric is strong and his willpower is what keeps everything in check. Father Hampton always talks about the need to have a strong will.
>If the Fel inside Alric is what keeps him healthy and strong, then it needs to stay there, even if it goes against everything you have been taught about.
>Other, write in

QM: The rolls weren’t for Malevus btw, they didn’t decide Alric coming for the Fel talk. Alric and Fel sideplot lurches forward, what Malevus decides will have weight in this.

>>6270297
>Alric is strong and his willpower is what keeps everything in check. Father Hampton always talks about the need to have a strong will.
>You are with Alric whatever the obstacles there are because you love him.

>>6270297
>The Fel is still something that needs to be removed, it is unholy and corrupting. It might not have an effect now, but in the future?
>Alric is strong and his willpower is what keeps everything in check. Father Hampton always talks about the need to have a strong will.
The Fel should go, and Alric is trusted to manage that process with the confidence of Malevus.

>>6270297
>>The Fel is still something that needs to be removed, it is unholy and corrupting. It might not have an effect now, but in the future?
>You are with Alric whatever the obstacles there are because you love him.

You took hold of Alric’s hand and looked into his eyes. He gently squeezed back.

“The Fel is unholy and corrupting, it might not have an effect now, but in the future? Alric, it is something that needs to be removed.” You told him and continued. “Whatever obstacles there are, I will be with you because I love you.”

Alric gave you an agreeing nod and smiled.

“You are right. The end goal hasn’t changed and won’t change.” Alric said to you.

“Father Hampton has always said to me that strength comes from having strong will and I don’t think I know anyone else with stronger will than you.” You said.

“He said the same thing to me.” Alric replied and the two of you just stayed there for a moment in silence.

“Thank you for telling me all of this.” You said.

“I told you I would be honest with you.” He said. “Shall we go, the feast is in a few hours?”

“If only I get to brush your hair, my Alric.” Was your demand.

“Deal, my Malevus.”

…

Alric had taken a bath in the small private bathing room in the refurbished guest wing and you had gotten the honour to brush his hair. You always had found him to have such strong and beautiful hair that taking care of it was actually a fun endeavour. Also to make him look good and presentable was a job of a squire and you weren’t going to botch it..

Instead of the usual fine clothes he had gotten last year in Stormwind City, he had packed his newer dark coloured Raiments of Dawn with him. You had given him a questioning look that he chose to wear his mage clothes to this feast, but they looked exotic enough to fit his image and him campaigning in an elven made masterwork plate mail was cherry on the top. Alric was eccentric and enjoyed being the center of attention after all. You meanwhile chose to wear your usual blue tunic and grey trousers, not having taken the dress you had made with you as you didn’t think Durnholde was the place worth revealing it to Alric. Looking mundane suited you well, you were just his squire after all.

Alric warned you that Blackmoore had been buttering him up for the past few days, hence the heavy drinking and hunting. He was rather sure Blackmoore would continue doing that today. He was probably trying to make sure Alric would have Blackmoore’s back in Stormwind City. But this buttering up meant that Alric would be engaged with Blackmoore for most of the evening, but he promised that he would try to dance with you at least once. So Alric just suggested you go and mingle around with the guests till that happens.

When you arrived to the grand hall where most of the guests already were, when Alric was introduced he received great cheers. You meanwhile managed to slink away and enter without much fanfare. Looking around you saw several groups of familiar faces you could maybe approach as you picked a glass of wine from a servant. Sipping it you thought what should you do?

1/1

>>6270531


>Just mingle with the guests, see who approaches you? Quite many probably want to come say thanks to you for healing them or their mates.
>Madam Martin has occupied a far corner with Luke Williams. Go talk to her and stay away from the spotlight.
>Cromwell and other Alteraci officers are in a one group chattering about. Maybe see what they are talking about and see if you could be useful.
>Go bother Karramyn Langston and talk about Hilde Imswit with him. Get it out of the way.
>Other, write in.

QM: If Alric had tried to burn more of the Fel away faster, he would have gotten the same same conclusion before the campaign happened. Slow and steady was more healthy solution, but it pushed things more to the future. This feast shouldn't be that long of a segment, hopefully.

>>6270533
>>Madam Martin has occupied a far corner with Luke Williams. Go talk to her and stay away from the spotlight.

>>6270533
All nice options.

>Madam Martin has occupied a far corner with Luke Williams. Go talk to her and stay away from the spotlight.

Will Madame Martin or Williams ask Malevus to try her healing on Boyd, since it is a Fel magic wound after all. That might be a nice way to recover their relationship.


Thoughts of Alric's Fel Situation. I think he keeps what hes got inside, and just rocks with keeping a lid on it for now. Hes kept it in check so far. We rolled pretty hot in the big chieftain fight so we weren't pushed into having to use it, but I like having an emergency source of power is handy until hes matured more. Just in case RNGesus decides to play hard.

Trying to void himself of Fel won't work for Alric. He'll have to wait for the Dragonfire vision path that needs either a greater mastery of his fire and dragon magic, Nalice, or all of the above.

Hes trying to wipe away the result of a traumatic magical event powerful enough to change his body and mind, with another and probably more powerful magical event to change his body and mind. Chances of mutation are pretty high I would think, but hopefully its more like the ones a powerful mage or dragons in human form would get. Even the Warcraft 2 Paladins were so juiced up they had glowing eyes and booming voices if I recall, but maybe they have some control over it lol.


Anyway my reasoning for keeping it. First Alric would have to empty himself of Fel. If he wants to do it without risking his health and safety even more he does it slowly over an entire season, or more depending on how much FelMalevus managed to suck up.

Then hes weak and tired for an unknowable amount of time, which complicates everything. Especially when he needs to maintain a public image of strength as the core of his Alteraci Restoration Movement plus the Darrowmere League.

He has to completely avoid battlefields and places of Fel. No warring, but considering his goals and opportunities he is extremely motivated to do so. Knowing if he isn't there hes unable to protect his precious veterans and officers, plus other opportunities. Maybe he can afford that if the enemy is syndicate rabble armies without strong leaders or warlocks, but against Trolls? Orcs? Ogres? He knows Thrall's attack is coming but not when.

Not to mention he has no control over when the next Death Knight, Warlock shenanigans, or enemy invasion might take place.

In the best light of the trying to void himself of Fel scenario, I'm thinking its at least 3 seasons of downtime. One season to void himself, one season of withdrawal's bad physical condition, and then one season of true recovery beginning.

Thats if theres no complications. No extra Fel that extends the voiding. If the third season is just the beginning of true recovery. Will he be all better after 3 seasons? 4? Would Alric sit on his ass for an entire year? I doubt it.

Madam Martin lazily stood around while Luke Williams leaned against the wall. The mute mage gave you a polite nod as you approached while Martin was smoking her pipe. Even here inside the older woman was wearing her ludicrously large witches hat.

“Madam Martin, Mr. Williams.” You greeted them. “Can I join the two of you?”

“Of course you can.” Martin replied and moved aside a bit for you to be able to see both her and Williams at the same time.

“How is Mr. Boyd doing?” You asked.

“He is doing better, but the weakness caused by the warlock’s spell is gone, but his body needs to recover.” Martin told you and continued. “A lot of rest is still required, but he should recover.”

“That is good to hear.” You replied and sipped the wine.

“Not wanting to join the Prince?” Martin asked you and nodded towards Alric.

He was being swamped by officers and soldiers shaking his hand and clapping his back. They were all laughing and enjoying the situation.

“Ehh, I think I will pass that.” You said and grimaced. “A bit too much attention to my liking.”

You stared at Alric making his way to the raised section of the hall where the table for him and Blackmoore were to be seated. The hall was cheering for him and chanting his name. There were no signs of opposition to him, not from Durnholders, men from Stromgarde, not even the Regional Defenders. The Alteracis of course cheered him the most along with the local petty nobles who saw him as someone who had saved their asses once again.

And speaking of them, their fashion sense made you feel unwell. While the Imswits dressed modestly, their dresses and kirtles looking finer than what normal peasants wear, rest of the petty nobles weren’t close to that. They wore whatever fancy and expensive looking clothes they had acquired, wore furs on their shoulders that didn’t match that it was summer and quite hot outside. Colours and styles mismatched all over the place. You had seen this before in Quel’thalas when the lower nobles tried to emulate you high nobles and get into the important balls and other social events. Frankly this behavior nearly disgusted you.

“The campaign wasn’t an easy one.” Alric spoke to everyone, he had started some speech that you hadn’t bothered really listening to, but the crowd seemed quite enthralled about it.

“He is quite a good speaker, isn’t he?” Martin asked you and puffed her pipe. “Rather charismatic person.”

“But we all fought all together for the safety of Durnholde and everyone living here.” Alric continued his speech.

Williams nodded to what Martin said to you agreeing with it.

1/2

>>6270660

“He is, I can’t deny it. There’s something about Prince Alric that attracts people to him.” You said and watched your boyfriend give his speech.

“Not just his handsome youthful looks I presume.” Martin said and chuckled. “We all have heard the rumours, haven't we?”

You gave a look towards Martin while Williams looked away as if not wanting your attention.

“And while we fought, there were those who made sure we had the food, we had the medicine.” Alric continued.

“What do you mean?” You asked Martin while Williams looked away like not wanting to be part of any of this. Before Martin could answer, you heard your name to be called.

“Without the efforts of Madam Judy Martin and Miss Malevus of Quel’thalas.” Alric spoke and got everyone’s attention to turn towards the two of you. “Many of our men wouldn’t be here today.”

Alric paused and found your eyes, at least you thought he did across the grand hall before continuing.

“Martin and Malevus worked tirelessly through the campaign to help those who required surgery or advanced aid. Both their skills with needle and thread and with the blessing of the Holy Light, saved so many of us.” Alric spoke to everyone and continued. “And just as much it was our blades that dealt the killing blows to the gnolls, they were the ones that made sure we could do it. So cheer for them and make sure to go and thank them for every comrade of yours who is still alive today!”

“Martin Martin Malevus Malevus!” The soldiers and officers present cheered the two of you.

You felt embarrassed by the attention and forced a smile on your face. By the Light you wouldn’t be able to avoid others today. You would get Alric later for doing this to you.

“I thought he would do something like this...” Martin lamented. “He found me earlier today while looking for you and asked if I was willing to be the Royal Surgeon. I said no of course, but after he promised extra funding and an actual royal position with his word behind it I ended up saying yes.”

“Congratulations! That is a big honour.” You replied to her and patted her shoulder.

“Yes it is, but it just means more living patients who keep moaning and complaining.” Martin lamented more. You guessed that you can remove a mage from Underbelly, but Underbelly doesn’t remove itself.


>But what did she mean by the rumours? Williams is cagey for some reason too.
>Ask if Martin could loan her pipe for a second, you feel like wanting to smoke a little to push the embarrassment away.
>Royal Surgeon? What does that exactly involve?
>You have never seen her magic, what sort of magic is it? Something to do with nature?
>Williams to you has always been a bit of an enigma, what sort of a person he really is?
>Other, write in.

QM: I chose to go with just two votes now to get another update out today. Also while Hulkenberg from Metaphor: ReFantazio has some Malevus qualities, sadly she isn't close enough most of the time.

>>6270666
>Ask if Martin could loan her pipe for a second, you feel like wanting to smoke a little to push the embarrassment away.
At this rate maybe she should just get a pipe, or remind Alric to get Gravis to warn her about public mentions lol

>But what did she mean by the rumours? Williams is cagey for some reason too.
I didn't think Madame Martin liked rumors and gossip, rather above it all. Though maybe thats just second nature as a former witch. Does Williams just want to avoid any potential scene, to avoid other rumors being brought up.

>Royal Surgeon? What does that exactly involve?
Is she gonna train up the soldiers who can actually bandage people, real surgeons, what about actual apprentices?

>You have never seen her magic, what sort of magic is it? Something to do with nature?
I mean we saw her grow the plants she was using already. I just wanted to see her combat magic. Though the implications I thought of were pretty much body horror.

>Williams to you has always been a bit of an enigma, what sort of a person he really is?

>Other, write in.
Just ask her why she likes the hat already

>>6270666
>Royal Surgeon? What does that exactly involve?
>You have never seen her magic, what sort of magic is it? Something to do with nature?
>Apologise for earlier offence. We know we're prying, but Malevus is responsible for duties to Alric as his squire. Getting to know important and skilled people could be important to Malevus's role. (Professional excuse)

Also I hope they're still aware that he's Fel-infused whatever the rumours on their mind.. Though Williams knows of the skill in fire.
>But what did she mean by the rumours? Williams is cagey for some reason too.

>>6270660
>They wore whatever fancy and expensive looking clothes they had acquired, wore furs on their shoulders that didn’t match that it was summer and quite hot outside. Colours and styles mismatched all over the place.
fashion-crimes detected.
>Frankly this behavior nearly disgusted you.
FASHION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE !!!!

>>6270666
>Ask if Martin could loan her pipe for a second, you feel like wanting to smoke a little to push the embarrassment away.
>Royal Surgeon? What does that exactly involve?
>You have never seen her magic, what sort of magic is it? Something to do with nature?
Williams running away huh huh. Let's chit chat with the funny Madam a bit. Maybe we can talk about Williams later.

>>6270805
The Bigger the hat, the Bigger the mystery.

Bigger the hat, bigger the power. We all know that.

No update today, I expected a busy day at work and it didn't disappoint me. No energy for creative writing today.

>>6271316
you're a good QM to us Medivh.

“So for us, let us enjoy this feast for us who are still here and for those who have passed away as the glorious dead.” Alric spoke to everyone and continued. “Lord Blackmoore has made all this food and drink and more available to us, so let’s not dishonour him by leaving scraps remaining. Drink, eat, enjoy yourself! For this is Durnholde and they are known for their generosity!”

You had to laugh, so this was the way Alric got back at Blackmoore trying to butter him up for the past two days. He was going to make Blackmoore lose a small fortune in the food and drink provided.

The musicians started to play and the guests did just like Alric told them to do. Chatter and sounds of laughter filled the grand hall and you watched as Blackmoore and Alric started to talk about something.

“Royal Surgeon? What does that exactly involve?” You asked Martin.

“No glue, the Prince doesn’t seem to know either, but he seemed adamant that he should have one. In case of something happens a surgeon well stocked with whatever is needed.” Martin said as she continued to smoke. “If it means a bit more funding then sure.”

Was Alric worried that something happens to him, or to anyone close to him? Maybe, but it is still smart to think and have these things organised.

“Maybe he is thinking that your magic could help you in that role?” You asked and continued. “Though I don’t think that is right, right?”

“My magic does not help with the surgeries, but if I have access to herbs and other healing plants, then that does help.” Martin told you and Williams turned back to listen to what she was going to say. Realising herself that she hadn’t really spoken about her magic, she continued. “What do you think I am?”

“You are Naturalist? That means your magic is about the nature and plants, right?” You asked her. “That is as much as I know.”

“Naturally I work with the plants, but it is more than that. Long time ago it would be Druids and Shamans who interacted with the spirits of the world and through that with nature. But that is highly unscientific, mere magic and illogic wrapped around themselves. A Naturalist is someone who tries to make sense of all of this, it is a science of how things work.” Martin seemed proud when she spoke about this.

“So what can you do?” You asked again.

Martin gave you a coy look and tapped the side of her nose. She wasn’t going to tell you? Williams cleared his throat to catch your attention as he started writing in the air.

“Knowledge is power.” The writing said. “Hide it well.”

Of course the mages had their own secrets and things they weren’t willing to reveal.

“Alright, keep your secrets then.” You replied and raised your hands up in defeat, getting a coy smile from Martin and Williams. “Then what was talk about the rumours?”

Martin looked at Williams and both of them stayed silent.

“Not wanting to talk about those either?” You asked, now feeling like they were fucking with you. “Fine then, don’t tell me anything.”

1/2

>>6271821

You sighed, mages and their tricks. And what is the deal with Martin’s large wide brimmed witches hat? Why is she always wearing it even inside? Sure it is a fine hat and fits her, but why always? Either way you have a feast to enjoy, better not to just think about hats and Naturalists.

…

Food had been eaten and wine drunk. Many times soldiers had came to thank you and Martin for either helping them or their friends, the constant need to shake hands had made you tired. You felt tipsy and full. It was hot inside the grand hall as the early evening moved into night, even with the doors opened to get more air into the hall it hadn’t done enough to cool the large room. Feeling like you needed to catch some breath, you filled your glass and headed out.

Stepping out on the battlements having walked through the Keep, the cool night air helped you to feel immediately much better. The summer sun had dipped behind the hills and mountains, its light still illuminating the night sky and making spotting the stars a somewhat of a hurdle. Setting your glass down, you stared into the distance. The village of Durnholde was down the road, couple houses having light shining through their windows. The fields surrounding the village and the Keep gently flowed in the soft winds and a herd of cows were happily still munching the grass in their pasture.

"Beautiful isn't it." A voice came from the left of you with a distinct thick Alteraci accent. "The midnight sun I mean."

You turned to look and saw a man wearing black clothes and robe. Glasses and orange bandana concealed his face as he stood there carrying a lantern. Was this the Fourth Assassin Alric had talked about? Your hand reached out for the dagger on your belt and you drew it, preparing to defend yourself.

“I am not here to fight anyone.” The Assassin said and held the lantern up. “I was hoping to be able to speak with the Princeling, but this might actually be better.”

“What do you mean, I am not going to tell you anything. How did you even get in here?” You replied and took a better stance to fight against him.

“Getting here is not that difficult for someone like me, besides I am not even here, you are speaking to a Mirror Image.” The Assassin replied and your posture slackened a little. “I would like to talk with you for a moment, the same offer I gave to the Princeling back then.”

You stared at The Assassin. The masked man seemed quite average or that was just his clothes that made him like that. But the fact that he could get here that easily and that this was a Mirror Image probably meant that he had other tools and equipment at hand. But to talk with him, that surprised you. What could you even tell him or talk about with him? What would Alric do?

2/2

>>6271823


>Alterac doesn’t negotiate with terrorists, you aren’t going to talk with him and you are going to alert the guards.
>What is the offer? What is The Assassin after?
>The Assassin is not in charge, you are the one doing the talking here after all whom you are talking to is just a Mirror Image.
>Attack the Mirror Image, you know enough that it can’t do anything to you.
>Other, write in.

QM: The rolls were for him, The Fourth Assassin. Theme: https://youtu.be/3hpbuiGSIII

>>6271821
>No glue

>>6271824
>What is the offer? What is The Assassin after?

>>6271828

"No glue"

Fuck sake, simplest mistake one can make. I always dread that I write a mistake like that. Let's go with Martin not actually having any adhesives.

>>6271824
>Other, write in.
"By blood he's your Prince too...You want to talk while holding a lantern to my face?" Not very nice to do to a lady, one hes imposing upon for answers or a message to Alric.

>What is the offer? What is The Assassin after?
I mean if we can really take his word on being a mirror image

>When Malevus looks at the fashion crimes. At mages not having a glue, being silly. At mystery assassins.

Though I should wonder, if the real him needed or wanted a lantern maybe thats because hes somewhere dark inside the keep. The mirror image still has to walk up here, or the real one does. If he out in the muddy woods, if we can spot a lantern down below from up here. Unless he really brought it just to hold in our faces.

How rare would an oil lantern be? Just for the well off or fine for the average citizen? Probably have to get it the oil through Southshore, or Dalaran?

But anyways we've got him infront of us. What do your elven eyes see Malelas? Such an incredible sense of fashion, she could tell what he would wear in any season.

His boots? Hair color? Scarred, polish or ink stained hands or gloves? A noble ring? How well tailored his clothes are lol. If he has any mud at the bottom of his robe and boots, then he walked outside or got here by horse especially after the rain. If he didn't then perhaps he got here by carriage like some of the petty nobles, though I suppose it could narrow it down to who was given guest quarters, and servant quarters, to change. Would the part of Durnholde that got burned still have ash and soot on the ground if they haven't cleared it all. If we step away does he follow with a particular gait.

Was the Holy Light supposed to grant some measure of magical vision to its more devout followers? Maybe Malevus should focus studying such miracles.

Anyway thats probably enough investitism

>>6271909

>How rare would an oil lantern be?

Lanterns weren't uncommon during medieval times. In simplest form they were just holders for candles or having a wick soaked in oil. Instead of glass they might use horn scraped thin and flattened, that is if the lantern has any sort of proper cover.

The lantern you see is a bit fancier type, actually might be an oil lantern. Thin metal covers, square in shape and glass window pointing towards you.

>>6271824
>What is the offer? What is The Assassin after?
Alric would atleast try to get some info even if he wouldnt agree to anything.
Damn mystery assasin being mysterious

Your eyes studied The Assassin. His clothes didn’t betray anything specific about him. Boots with black trousers tucked into them, belt with pouches and small bags not uncommonly carried around. His black tunic probably hid a hardleather vest or maybe a mail shirt beneath it if you were to guess. The robe hid whatever the bandana and glasses didn’t. You couldn’t make head or tails about this man just by looking at him from outside. Sure he carried what looked like a shortsword and a pair of daggers by his side, but if he was a Mirror Image, then he couldn’t really do anything with them. The combination of his glasses and the bandana hid his face and when he spoke you couldn’t see his face moving.

If you were to say, this man was a professional. But if you were Alric, you would at least try to acquire some information out of him and not leave empty handed.

“Alright, what is the offer? What are you after?” You asked him and continued. "By the Holy Light he's your Prince too. You want to talk while holding a lantern to my face?" Not a very nice thing to do to a Lady, one you direct your questions and answer to.”

The Assassin straightened his back as if wanting to laugh and gave you a very over the top bow as he kept his lantern at you.

“My apologies my Lady, but I cannot move the lantern away for it knows if you are lying.” The Assassin said in his thick Alteraci accent. “But thank you for asking what the terms are because they are quite simple. I will give you three questions and in return I have three questions I will want to ask from you.”

“What if you lie to me?” You immediately asked. Was what he said about the lantern a lie?

“True, I could lie to you, but that would just ruin the fun, wouldn’t it?” The Assassin said and continued. “It is supposed to be truth for a truth.”

The terms were quite simple, but should you do it? What if he asks you something Alric wouldn’t want out and in Syndicate knowledge. What if he asks something about you that you don’t want others to know? The Assassin did say that this might be better than just meeting Alric.

"So what do you say, Lady Malevus Silverthread?" The Assassin asked you. How the Fel did he know who you are?


>Yes, three questions each. Truth for a truth.
>No, Alterac does not negotiate with terrorists.

>>6271975
>Yes, three questions each. Truth for a truth.

Funny Syndicate Mystery Assassin Man wants to play his games, and maybe tell us something with his own questions too I wager.

Truth for truth when we can't even look him clearly in the eyes?

A mirror image with a lantern that can detect lies? That sounds like bullshit but I believe it, if anyone would be paranoid enough to have one it would be these guys. I wonder if this guy hates his fellow Syndicate that much. Presumably as an assassin he really doesn't talk with his targets that much. Or he got tired of torturing people. But even if we told him something we believe is true, that doesn't make it true.

So many choices. Something very specific or something vague enough he could be generous if he wants, or something that might dig into his personal motivations. The theme of redemption is quite prevalent in the Alterac story. This guy obviously has a fair bit of leeway in his actions, if he could be flipped that would rock. Or at least to reconsider any future hostility.

I think I'll go something specific, then vague, then personal to dig into him a bit.


1. What is the Syndicate doing that it needs to have gnolls kidnap people and take them east

2. Give me something that would help me guard Alric's Alterac.

3. Sometimes when I'm down here it all feels a bit hasty. Once the Syndicate has destroyed every Kingdom in its way, repeated the tragedy of Alterac as many times as it takes, do you think your current master's Alterac will be what you wanted?
Then some other ideas I was playing around with

Do you distrust your fellow Syndicate so much to have that lantern
What would it take for you and yours to give up on the Syndicate

What are Falconcrest's plans/ What are your leader's plans
Who is your next target?

How is the Syndicate going to interfere with the Stormwind Meeting?
Did the Syndicate agree to the Warlock plans to give Fel to the Gnolls
Do you know where Kel'Thuzad is?

Give me some big dirt on the Barov family. (Sadly not a very Malevus friendly question)

I think on it later

>>6271975
>>No, Alterac does not negotiate with terrorists.

>>6271975
>Yes, one to one question each. Truth for a truth.
Assuming Malevus is asked first, she has the ability to walk away from the next round of questions, like 1st round, 2nd round or 3rd round.

My nomination of questions if agreeable:
-Why's a good looking man like him doing in the Syndicate killing people?
-Why target Durnholde Keep this time and last time?
Support -Sometimes when I'm down here it all feels a bit hasty. Once the Syndicate has destroyed every Kingdom in its way, repeated the tragedy of Alterac as many times as it takes, do you think your current master's Alterac will be what you wanted?

That supported question is butt blasting

>>6271975
>Yes, three questions each. Truth for a truth.
Funny guy
The only questions i want to know is.
1 Who does he work for. Beve or others.
2 Is he here to just spy on durnholde or kill.

I will let this vote to go till tomorrow evening, I could have time and energy to write today, but I giving it a bit more time doesn't hurt. Other anons get to throw their opinions in.

>>6271975
>Yes, three questions each. Truth for a truth.
1 What was the purpose of investing so much in the gnolls ?
2 What is the final objective in the Hillsbrad Region ? So many Syndicate operations here, there must be a goal.
3 Sometimes when I'm down here it all feels a bit hasty. Once the Syndicate has destroyed every Kingdom in its way, repeated the tragedy of Alterac as many times as it takes, do you think your current master's Alterac will be what you wanted?

Other questions i had in mind

- Why interfer in Durnholde so much ?
- How many more will be sent against Prince Alric ? You must have heard their failure or them joining Dawnholme after the Prince showed them a better way.
- The Ogres and their Kobolds servants have pressed you, harshly. Do you feel like the Syndicate can take them out ?
- What of the orcs north ? Are you making a deal with them ?
- The criminal endavours of the Syndicate will be his fall. You are becoming worse than a boogeyman. Few will hold any love for you, even in the Alteracis ranks.
This might be too much we can chew i feel. We have some sensitive secrets....like magic. And the secret Durnholde claim. Would they know who is the real father of Taretha kid ? Would they know about Alric relation with Jandice? Or Malevus ? Syndicate does a big amount of spying and criminal activities. Even with us setting up our own spies slowly, there is probably still plenty of Syndicate cloaks and daggers all around the Hillsbrad region

I am tempted to ask their main bases, settlements, keeps etc..though probably they dont have a "capital" and cycle around the ones they have. Still having an idea of their locations....

>>6272649
If I can give my opinion

>What was the purpose of investing so much in the gnolls ?

I think the Warlock seemed to have a good idea here >>6268347
Though thats if we take what he said as being true, but I'm inclined to believe him. Then since we had Stonedon they wanted to point the gnolls at us, or at Durnholde.

Hillsbrad does seem to be mostly about money, resources, and a bit of intrigue. Maybe a good place to expand with Southshore's port.

I am kinda curious as to where Aliden is basing out of, unless he does move around a lot. But that might be a dangerous question, if we wanted to send a message thats one thing but if we want to know where he is maybe thats because we want to hit him. Though this guy is quite the eccentric, who knows what he might say or do.

>>6272064
>Sometimes when I'm down here it all feels a bit hasty. Once the Syndicate has destroyed every Kingdom in its way, repeated the tragedy of Alterac as many times as it takes, do you think your current master's Alterac will be what you wanted?
Kinda fucked up on no sleep so I can'y write a lot or very well but this just sounds so bad to me. The first sentence doesn't even make any sense. The second is emotive, which makes sense for Malevus, but it's just... childish? Like
>Do you even care for Alterac?
Is so much more incisive AND it gets past the assumption in your question that this guy cares about the big picture at all. Maybe Im tripping and everyone else sees something Im missing but it doesn't feel like it,

>>6272826
Well down here as in Alterac away from Quel'Thalas. Elf among humans and all that, and her perception of time, but I didn't want her to say shes an elf and all these mayflys make such a mess of things or some such. I trust Medivh to clean it up if I'm too meh.

Then Malevus, does she not have something of a maiden inside? At this point she suffers with Alric from the consequences of their plots, their plans will surely bring about a lot of suffering for everyone involved. Its her spotlight encounter with a real unrepentant Syndicate agent who wants to talk, plus shes had a bit to drink and smoke.

Malevus dreams of being the mighty Paladin Guardian of Dawnholme of her vision, of Alric's vision. I don't think its that strange for her to assume someone else, even if they are a dirty assassin, cares about the big picture. He probably has better standing in the Syndicate than Pai did as Creedy's top assassin, or at least Alric can't catch him. Is it just cause hes that good or because he does have some real vision. If its not and its just as personally soap opera dramatic as it can be with a dead wife and child, fair enough.

If theres some difference between what this guy wants and what his leader wants I just wanna poke at it. Giving us three questions for his three questions, I gotta wonder. Though I'm kinda guessing he serves Aliden, and am hoping theres some loyalist angle we could dig into. Unless he serves Beve, who technically serves Aliden. So I am maybe trying to cheat a little and get him to answer both who he serves, and what he actually feels.


That said, yeah I think you make fair points. Sometimes I'm just gonna go with really different tones to see if anything different might stick for a character, and I feel like I lose some sight of whats good or bad. Plus my personal bad habit to say too much lol.

You stood still and gave The Assassin a quick small nod. Three for three, the information that could be acquired was worth the questions you might be asked back.

"You are smart to agree Lady Malevus Silverthread." The Assassin said and replied with a polite nod.

The dagger was still held between you and him just in case, you wouldn't put it away. Now though the first question was, what would you prioritise? Information you personally might find interesting, information on The Assassin or something Alric would find useful? Would you find short term benefits or longer term? You cursed in your mind, you weren't good at this at all!


Choose three:
>Does he believe in the Holy Light?
>When is Alric going to be in danger again as in assassination attempts or attacks?
>If he killed Alric, what would he gain from it?
>Does he distrust his fellow Syndicate members so much to carry that lantern?
>What would it require for you to turn your back on the Syndicate?
>Why does a skilled man like him work for the Syndicate in the first place?
>Does Syndicate approve the usage of warlocks?
>What is his name, who is behind the mask of his?
>What are the plans of Falconcrest here in Durnholde?
>What is the final purpose of all the operations here in Hillsbrad? So many operations here, there must be a goal.
>Who is your next target?
>Has he infiltrated Durnholde Keep like the last time amongst the guests?
>What was the goal of trying to ally with the gnolls that required so many arms and armour sent to them?
>Why does Syndicate need the gnolls or the ones in Strahnbrad Hills to kidnap people and move them east?
>Does he even care for Alterac? When he and his leaders are done with their murders and attacks, will they be happy with what they recognise as Alterac?
>Other, write in

>>6273032
The problem is that we should ask questions that are both useful and that he'd likely answer honestly. Those requirements and my aforementioned lack of sleep have me indecisive.

>>6273132
My guess is he serves Aliden or Beve so he wouldn't give us their goals and their base. Then again maybe he works for Falconcrest and someone can argue that. Except the whole syndicate loyalty situation is fucked because they are competing with each other or out for themselves when it comes down to it. Is he working for Falconcrest, but his true loyalty is to Beve as a double agent? Who the fuck knows.

Someone smarter than me figure out the best questions! I don't want to waste them.

i can't help but feel also somewhat unsure, in finding the best questions combination, considering the likely great skill in intrigue and subterfuge of the mysterious syndicate 4th assassin. They could be all great questions, but maybe he downplays them while saying the truth ?

Maybe we should ask at least one question where we already know the answer. That way we can test his honesty and potentially his knowledge about our operations.

You got three questions you gotta be smart about them. I am not a smart man. Do we know hes working for falconrest one of the suggested question seems to imply that. As for more general questions we should try to ask specific ones he would know. Theres no assurances he would know why syndicate was dealing with gnolls or capturing people.

I come from work and decide to check the thread if I could start to write already, but looks like Malevus is going to spill her spaghetti and not know what to ask from him. Awkward!

I will give you guys till tomorrow evening to discuss and vote, so one more day for you.

>>6273334

Thread 19:

""Supposedly there is a fourth agent here. What do you know about it?" You asked and crossed your arms. Pai's eyes told you the story well enough, she was very terrified.

"We got the order to come here as most likely you would be here as well… Lord Creedy gave us the order and he told me that Durnholde is territory allocated to Lord Falconcrest." Pai told you and continued. "There could be an agent of Lord Falconcrest in here.""

Very much implied that The Assassin works for Falconcrest. Malevus would have heard this from Alric.

>>6273351
>Malevus is going to spill her spaghetti
She's going to end up asking him what his favorite color is

>>6273356

"Orange"

>>6273358
"I knew it!"

Anyway, I guess I'll just get this ball rolling.
>>6273032
>What would it require for you to turn your back on the Syndicate?
>Does he believe in the Holy Light?
>What is his name, who is behind the mask of his?
Given it's Malevus, I'm inclined to just approach it like a paladin and ask personal questions. Not sure we're cut out for intrigue, and I question whether he'd answer that stuff truthfully anyway.

And by asking for his name, Malevus can also tell him she will pray for him.
Pray the Light guides him onto the right path, that is.

>>6273032
Heres my suggestions then
>What is hes purpose in durnhole.
Kinda important to know just incase hes actually here to kill anyone or to simply spy.
>Why did he approach alric and now us.
Im pretty sure he has never had a need to reveal himself or stick around for a conversation.
>Does he believe syndicate can restore alterac. does he even care.
kinda goes with my second question. Why does he interact with alric and now malevus.

>>6273032
>>6272401
Changing my earlier suggestions to line up with
>>6273391
>Why did he approach alric and now us.
>>6273390
>What would it require for you to turn your back on the Syndicate?

Just occurred to me:
>Who supplied and manufactured the magic tools for Mirror Image and the Truth Telling Lantern?

>>6273665
Inb4 he tells us a name and we have no idea who it is or where they are, it would make me laugh

What if we asked him who are the Syndicate contacts in ___
Durnholde, Dalaran if they had any there, Capital City, Stromgarde, etc.
Though if he would actually give up fellow Falconcrest agents here that would be surprising.

>>6273666
We could always run the supplied name by the Captain of the guard in Dalaran Underbelly. Surely magical artifact suppliers would be known to that guy.

>>6273671
Yeah that could work, if this guy is willing to give up his own supplier. If his supplier knows anything about him would he give him up.

If he visited Dalaran under his current cover it might be written down in the gatehouse logs of visitors, if he didn't use a different false identity or sent another agent in his place.

Someone who was in Dalaran when it was commissioned and when he came to pick it up. Two dates to check against the entire staff, the soldiers, knights.

Though if Annabel hasn't found him I wager hes not part of the Durnholde's staff but among the petty nobles, the servants of the petty nobles. Unless hes really THAT GOOD.

Then we either let the Kirin Tor grab him, try to do it ourselves, or if they allow it we work together? Could be cool if they let us see the interrogation. Or is it scarier to just imagine it lol.